I was a little irked at the report in USA Today and elsewhere - the Gallup-Healthways survey - that ranked Redding 187th out of 189 U.S. cities with regard to "well being."   We're one notch below Spartanburg, South Carolina, and just below us, at the bottom of the list, are a couple West Virginia communities. Sigh.
 
For me, the best antidote for irked-ness is songwriting. Turning lemons into lemonade with this new tune, wherein we answer the negative press with a laundry list of Redding's virtues.  Download it for free, share it. 
Spread the word that Redding -- and the people who call this place home -- have much to be proud of.
Cheers!
 Erin
 

photo by Jon Lewis

We're Number 1 (87)!

words and music by Erin Friedman

Numbers crunched and calculated
US cities ranked and rated
Enumerated proof we can’t ignore
In Anchorage they exercise
In Lafayette they’re satisfied
In Redding we are mystified
By our abysmal score
 
We’re Number 187
We score no points for rivers, bridges and sunshine
We’re Number 187
But watch out Spartanburg
Redding’s ready to climb
 
We cast flies on the Sacramento
Our theater’s restored art-deco
We love Shasta’s glow when the sun is setting
Provo’s tops in USA Today
But I can buy a local Chardonnay
Even on the Sabbath Day
At Safeway in Redding
 
We’re Number 187
We score no points for rivers, bridges and sunshine
We’re number 187
But watch out Spartanburg
Redding’s ready to climb
 
Our Sundial Bridge is world-renowned
Hike the falls at Whiskeytown
Our 80 miles of trails are right for rambling
See salmon rise on 44
Smile, Redding, head outdoors
Our collective self-esteem will soar
Like an eagle on the wing
 
We’re Number 187
Looking down on almost heaven, West VIrginia
We’re Number 187
Redding will rise
And Gallup, we’ll forgive ya
And because ONE song about Redding is not enough:

The Redding Song 
music and lyrics by Erin Friedman
 
R is for the river and the trails that run beside her
E is for the eagles raising hope and flying higher
D is for downtown dining:
         Art and music, beer and wine-ing
 
         Another
 D is for diversions
         Recreational excursions
         Golfing, skiing, fishing, hiking
         Gardening, boating, swimming, cycling
         Fly kites, tie flies,
         Sun shines
         Most days of the year
         Anything you like to do outside                          
         (That’s legal)
         You can do it here
 
I is for infernal heat that keeps the wimps away
N is for night lights on the Bridge at Turtle Bay
G is for the Gem of Northern California
        
Redding, Shasta County, USA