The majority of the residents who live in the foothills are seniors ages 50+. 

The foothill communities around Brownsville, Dobbins, and Oregon House may be rural, but there is still a strong sense of community activity, outdoor recreation, local culture, and small-town events. Here are some specific activities and events happening in and around these areas:

In and Around Brownsville

• The annual Brownsville Farmers’ Market brings together local produce, handmade goods, and community interaction. (Resilient Together)
• Local live music and regional entertainment events are regularly promoted through nearby community venues and Eventbrite listings serving Brownsville residents. (Eventbrite)
• Brownsville residents often participate in nearby foothill festivals, craft fairs, and seasonal gatherings throughout Yuba County.

In and Around Dobbins

• Lake Francis is a major recreation destination offering:
  • fishing
  • kayaking
  • camping
  • boating
  • RV getaways
  • family picnics
• Nearby outdoor destinations include hiking trails, vineyards, scenic drives, and horseback riding areas. (Tripadvisor)
• The rural lifestyle in Dobbins centers heavily around:
  • gardening
  • homesteading
  • church activities
  • Grange Hall gatherings
  • community potlucks
  • volunteer events

In and Around Oregon House

• Oregon House residents regularly attend nature-based and self-sufficiency events in the Nevada County/Yuba foothills region. (Eventbrite)
• The area is known for:
  • small farm culture
  • local artisan gatherings
  • wellness and holistic living events
  • sustainable living workshops
  • outdoor recreation
• Popular nearby activities include:
  • hiking
  • bird watching
  • gardening
  • local music events
  • farmers markets
  • lake recreation

Regional Events Popular With Foothill Residents
People living in these foothill communities often travel to nearby festivals and regional gatherings including:

• bluegrass festivals
• craft fairs
• wine tasting events
• outdoor concerts
• seasonal harvest celebrations
• antique fairs
• rodeos
• community fundraising dinners

One well-known Northern California event popular with foothill residents is the Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival, a multi-day family-friendly music gathering featuring camping and live performances. (Northern California Bluegrass Society)

What makes these communities unique is that the “activity” is often less commercial and more community-centered. Many residents choose these areas specifically because they enjoy:

• slower living
• outdoor recreation
• meaningful relationships
• faith-based gatherings
• gardening and homesteading
• quiet retirement lifestyles
• local volunteerism
• nature-focused living

​That lifestyle is a major reason why adults over 50 continue relocating to the foothill communities surrounding Brownsville, Dobbins, and Oregon House.

I am proud to represent the seller of a 5-Acre property for sale in Dobbins CA. Please visit this listing's featured page for more information. 10141 Clark Ranch Way, Dobbins, CA 95935.

Hello Neighbors, recently I attended a "Lunch and Learn" at the Sutter-Yuba Association of REALTORS® where attendees had an opportunity to hear the latest news about what is happening in our community.  I discovered that there is a generous amount of growth in the planning, including new housing developments in the south of Linda areas.

After the meeting I spoke with Rachel Downs, the Business and Community Engagement Manager of Yuba County Enterprise Solutions. Downs spoke about the many developments happening in Yuba County. I asked if there was anything in the plans to develop the Dobbins/Oregon House area and she answered that they are not planning to develop the foothills as the foothills is not highly populated, and they want to preserve the agricultural, farm-like communities in their natural state. Downs gave an example of someone moving to the foothills for the ambiance of peaceful living and then upon seeing new construction happening in their neighborhood they might get upset. I can see that rational way of thinking. I would not want new construction in my neighborhood either.
​
I also asked about the big blue building being constructed on Marysville Road in Oregon House. She was happy to answer my questions, and my mind is at ease that the building is not going to be a processing plant, as many in the community have been speculating. It is also not going to be a building where people will be discussing placing meters on our wells and figuring out ways to charge us for water usage. Basically, the big blue building is the office building where administrators and engineers who work for Bullard’s Bar Reservoir will work. As we know, aside from recreation, Bullard’s Bar Reservoir’s main purpose is to control flooding and provide water for our usage.
​
The video below is a brief explanation of what’s happening with the big blue building.

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of California lies a hidden gem waiting to be explored - Dobbins. While it may not boast the glitz and glamour of big cities, this quaint town holds its own unique allure that captivates residents and visitors alike. From its rich history to its vibrant community spirit, there are countless reasons why living in Dobbins is an experience unlike any other.

A Sanctuary of Natural Beauty
One of the greatest perks of living in Dobbins is its proximity to the breathtaking natural wonders that abound in the region. Surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and shimmering lakes, Dobbins offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to indulge in their passion for adventure. Whether it's hiking along scenic trails, fishing in pristine waters, or simply basking in the tranquility of nature, residents of Dobbins are spoiled for choice when it comes to embracing the great outdoors.

A Haven for Culture and Creativity
Dobbins is just a short drive away from nearby arts and cultural scenes. From art galleries showcasing the works of talented artists to intimate theaters hosting captivating performances, there is always something new and exciting to discover in surrounding cities near Dobbins. Residents have ample opportunities to express their creativity and immerse themselves in the rich culture that defines this charming town.

Close-Knit Community Bonds
In Dobbins, neighbors aren't just neighbors - they're family. The tight-knit community spirit that permeates the town is truly heartwarming, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among residents. Whether coming together for lively festivals, volunteering for local causes, or simply sharing a friendly chat at the corner cafe, the people of Dobbins embody the true essence of community, making it a place where everyone feels welcome and valued.
 
Abundance of Local Delights
Foodies rejoice—Dobbins is located within minutes of culinary establishments, providing a paradise of delicious dishes just waiting to be explored. From cozy cafes serving delicious homemade treats to family-owned restaurants dishing out mouthwatering comfort food, there's no shortage of gastronomic delights to tantalize your taste buds. And let's not forget the bustling farmers' markets brimming with fresh, locally sourced produce that captures the essence of California's vibrant culinary scene.

Gateway to Adventure
Living in Dobbins means being within easy reach of some of California's most iconic destinations. Whether it's a leisurely day trip to the charming towns of Grass Valley and Nevada City or an adrenaline-fueled adventure exploring the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, residents of Dobbins have endless opportunities to embark on unforgettable journeys and create lasting memories.

Dobbins
In a world where the hustle and bustle of city life often overshadows the simple joys of community, culture, and connection, Dobbins stands as a beacon of hope and possibility. With its idyllic surroundings, vibrant cultural scene, and a strong sense of community, it's no wonder that more and more people are choosing to call Dobbins home. So why wait? Come and experience the magic of Dobbins for yourself—you won't be disappointed.

​My husband and I moved to Dobbins, California to retire. Now, he is fully retired, and I am semi-retired.

I own a real estate company (Bertrand Realty), and I have independent contractor agents on staff who are active in the business. They keep Bertrand Realty running. My role in the company is that of a mentor to help them become successful, which allows me to stay engaged in an industry that I have been involved in and loved since 1989, yet have the freedom to enjoy the serene setting that Dobbins offers.
​
When my husband and I moved to Dobbins, we found it to exude a Tahoe-like ambiance, providing the quiet lifestyle we were searching for when we moved from the fast-paced San Francisco East Bay Area of San Ramon, California.

​I enjoy hanging out at Lake Francis, just a few minutes away. There is much to do here in Dobbins, California, including camping, boating, fishing, hiking, exercise classes, and much more. I have yet to explore everything Dobbins has to offer.

As a  67 year old senior, currently, there are two activities that I enjoy regularly. One is yoga twice a week.

Our instructor is Lucille Rovnak, and she is a fabulous instructor who teaches Gentle Yoga so seniors like me can participate and walk away feeling alive and refreshed.

The yoga class I attend is offered every Tuesday and Friday at 10:00 A.M. It is held at Foothills Christian Center located at 10386 Old Dobbins Rd, Dobbins, CA  95935 (Across from the Dobbins Post Office).
​
​The price to attend class is a suggested donation of $10.00 for each class. There is no sign-up or obligation. Just join us when you can.

​And now, let me tell you about a new activity in Dobbins, CA. It is called Seniors on the Go!

Seniors on the Go presents a fabulous luncheon event offered to seniors.  This is a monthly event and I look forward to attending every month.

Before I continue, please let me share a little background about Seniors on the Go. The organization was started on July 23, 2022. The first luncheon was held on August 3, 2022. And finally, Seniors on the Go was adopted by the Yuba Foothills Agriculture Communities Association (YFACA) on September 12, 2022. YFACA is a 501c8 non-profit organization located in Dobbins, CA.

Margaret Fowler heads the Seniors on the Go organization, with many volunteers, as the Seniors Activities Coordinator. On the first Wednesday of each month, seniors can look forward to a delicious and exquisitely served lunch of salad or soup and an assortment of delicious desserts. The suggested donation is $3.00 per person.

Along with lunch, seniors can look forward to the following:

• Guest speaker presentations
• Networking for senior needs
• Fun activities
• Demonstrations and classes

The senior luncheons are held monthly from 11:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church: 10034 Marysville Rd, Dobbins, CA 95935.

I have met the most fabulous people at the senior luncheons. We are all like-minded people who share our interests with one another. Lifelong friendships and senior support are made at the Senior Luncheon. It is a fun event, and I know I will be a regular attendee for as long as it is in existence and forever as I live.

Additional activities, demonstrations, and classes are announced on the Dobbins/Oregon House Facebook page and at the event.

If you want more information or want to volunteer at the Seniors on the Go event (you do not have to be a senior to volunteer), please DM Margaret Fowler via Facebook Messenger.
​
I hope to see you at the next Seniors on the Go event. In the meantime, have a great weekend!

Copyright Marlene Bertrand 2022

• Houseboats. You can rent houseboats that board anywhere from 12 to 22 people depending on your needs. Some models sleep up to 18 people.
• Ski and Wakeboard Boats. Rent one of the new 2021 MB Tomcats or the MB Sports Ski Boat. These boats come equipped with a built-in Sound System so you can vibe to all your favorite tunes while out on the lake.
• Performance Pontoon Boats. These boats board 12 people. With this boat, you get two free water sports rentals. This boat pulls tubes, skiers, and wakeboarders.
• Activities. Enjoy water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, personal watercraft, and swimming. There are also floating restrooms for your convenience.
• Emerald Cove General Store. This store is stocked to include everything you need for your watersport and boating needs. Why pack a lunch when you can pick up an assortment of food and beverages at the general store? The store also carries other items such as clothing, hats, tote bags, sunblock, postcards, over-the-counter medication, first aid supplies, and much more.
• Fishing. You can go fishing all year long at Bullards Bar Reservoir. Find Kokanee Salmon, Trout, Bass, Crappie, and Bluegill. You can also purchase fishing tackle and bait at the general store. Visit the Step Outside website, where you will find information about how to buy a fishing license.
• Hiking. There are five trails ranging from .7 miles to up to 14 miles. Also found at Bullards Bar is Dark Day Picnic Area, where you can spend up to 14 days for day-use picnic sites.

Did you know you could lease a slip at Bullards Bar? Yes, you can dock your boat and gas up at Emerald Cove while you are there. Emerald Cove offers boat slips for short-term and long-term docking for boats up to 33 feet. Call the marina office for terms, pricing, and availability.

Call or check the Bullards Bar Calendar for rental opportunity dates. 

Have Fun!
I hope you have a chance to visit Emerald Cove at Bullards Bar. It is one of Dobbins’ most famous and fabulous attractions.

​Emerald Cove at Bullards Bar Contact Information:
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 480, Dobbins, CA 95935
Email: info@bullardsbar.com
Office: 877-692-3201
Camping: 530-362-8259
Marina: 530-692-3201
Website: ​https://bullardsbar.com/

One of the things I love about the Dobbins community is that people come together quickly to help one another.

When I needed a recommendation for companies who might be willing to offer fire insurance to homeowners who live in Dobbins, people quickly came to the rescue. They shared tips and offered advice.

Thank you everyone who opened up and shared such helpful information. You are life enhancers and greatly appreciated.

From the information you gave, I created a list of references for someone needing homeowner’s insurance in the future. The following list is based on the recommendations shared on this page. Several of the names on the list are extracted directly from Mike Hatherly's List. Be sure to check out his list for other helpful services.

​The suggestions for home insurance companies are in alphabetical order, and I have supplied as much information as was provided in the Oregon House/Dobbins Facebook forum. Further investigation through Google may provide more contact information.

As people continue to share, I will continue to add to the list.
​

1. California Fair Plan – “The California FAIR Plan Association was established to meet the needs of California homeowners unable to find insurance in the traditional marketplace.” Find the California FAIR Plan online: https://www.cfpnet.com/
2. Assurant (for manufactured homes only)
3. Butte Ins. Agency - 530-695-2191
4. Farmers Insurance/Daniel Gaines - 530-671-1923
5. Farmers Insurance/Jillian Justice, Yuba City - 530-755-0180
6. Farmers Insurance/Suzie Pierroz, Lincoln - 916-645-9400
7. Foremost
8. Fugate in Oroville: https://www.fugateinsurance.com
9. Geico
10. Hebard Insurance Solutions
11. Lemonade: www.Lemonade.com
12. Maggie Capitano - 530-743-1510
13. Maven/Jena Davis - 530-272-1000 ext 114
14. Maria Britton Farmer’s Agency in Folsom
15. Nevin & Witt/Julia Hughes - 800-247-9889 ext 229
16. Oakview Insurance Services in Yuba City, ask for Rhea Avalos
17. PFC Insurance Center/Zanaida Akins - 530-749-2388
18. Rhio Nelson Ins - 530-592-3911
19. Ryan Henshaw in Yuba City
20. Safeco
21. State Farm/Don Holiday - 916-652-4476
22. State Farm/Ryan Henshaw - 530-673-2095
23. ABC Insurance Services - Helen at abcinsuranceus@gmail.com

One year while camping at Thousand Trails in Oregon House, CA, my husband and I were awakened by a loud, incessant knocking on our RV door. It was in the pre-dawn hours. We were sleeping, and one of our camping neighbors was knocking rapidly and very hard to get our attention, for an excellent reason. There was an ominous fire blazing over the horizon. The neighbors were hearing word that we might have to evacuate, and they wanted to ensure my husband and I were aware of the imminent danger and possible evacuation order! We were new to the area and not yet connected to fire notification services.

The Decision to Purchase in a High Fire Zone
When my husband and I purchased our property in Dobbins, CA, we knew we were buying property in a high fire zone. On our first visit to view the property, we fell in love with the location and the ambiance of the Dobbins area. I had always dreamed of living in a resort area; this location was like a dream come true. But, there was this issue about the property being located in a high fire zone. We knew we had to weigh the pros and cons of living in such a place.

We did not want to put our safety at risk for the sake of living in our dream home. So before we purchased the property, we did extensive research. We talked to fire hazard professionals and people who live in the neighborhood. We saw that none of them were worried about fire danger. We learned that the last major fire was over several decades ago. We learned that since that fire, the county had put protective measures in place. These measures assure that if and when a fire happens in this area, the fire will be dealt with swiftly.

Dobbins has regular Fire Safe Council meetings dedicated to educating residents about how to protect their property from becoming a victim of fire damage. My husband and I attended one of these meetings. We learned a lot about establishing a defensive surrounding for our property and how to prepare for evacuation for both ourselves and our farm animals.

We signed up for neighborhood alerts so that we would be notified through a phone call, text message, and email notification if there is a possible danger. These notifications have been extremely helpful in keeping us abreast of potential fire danger. But the foremost and most prominent thing we learned was to be aware of our surroundings and be conscientious of the announcements and alerts about fire danger.

The Oregon Peak Yuba Fire Lookout Tower is located up high on a hill and is about 5.6 miles from our home (as the crow flies). This tower is staffed by volunteers positioned to watch and observe the valley and report any indication of fire.

Practice Makes Perfect
The good thing about living in an area designated as a high fire zone is that we have highly trained professionals who are called into action regularly. Because they constantly work to arrest fires, they build up an instinctual reaction to fires and know without hesitation what to do to stop the blaze. I have not heard of any fire getting out of hand here. Fires are quickly maintained and controlled.

I believe that if I were to live in an area where fires happened occasionally, the firefighters, while competent, are not constantly fighting fires, so when a fire occurs, they now need to calculate and figure out what to do versus the firefighter who is continuously called to work on fires. The more fires they fight, the more instinct they have toward maintaining a fire.

No More Fear of Fire
All of the above observations made my husband and me confident that we would live in a safe place if we moved to Dobbins.

• The fire station is located just down the road, and as we turn into our community, there is a fire sub-station. So, we are covered quite well in case of a fire.
• There are numerous opportunities to learn more about preparing for and staying safe during a fire.
• Fire officials have a dynamic alert system that keeps us in the loop by phone calls, text messages, and emails.
• And last but not least, the neighbors around here look out for each other, checking in with each other, making sure we are all safe, and if any of us need help, some neighbors can be counted on to make sure everyone and their animals are kept out of danger.

Resources:
The following resources provide information that may help thwart any fear you may have about living in a high fire zone.

• YubaNet: Keep up to date on fire news in Nevada and Yuba Counties.
  https://yubanet.com/
• Inciweb: Updated regularly as fire news from fire services comes in. This website has options on how you can view the fire perimeters. Use the Table View or the Map View to view fires. Also, get information about evacuations and announcements.
  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/accessible-view/
• The CalFire Incident Page: This page has information about any fire managed by CalFire.
  https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/
• CalFire Twitter Feeds: Here are links for Yuba/Nevada and our other neighbor Butte County.
  https://twitter.com/CALFIRENEU and
  https://twitter.com/CalFire_ButteCo
• Fire Cameras: There are many cameras located around the region. We are in the Greater Tahoe area. The following link is where you might be able to see a fire in the Dobbins area.
  https://www.alertwildfire.org
• Yuba Fire Safe Council: You will find a plethora of information about fire safety, information, resources, and services.
  https://yubafiresafe.org/

Disclaimer
I do not advocate for or suggest that people move to a high fire zone. In this article, I intended to share my experience living in an area designated as a high fire zone.

When my husband and I moved to Dobbins, CA, it was for survival. Initially, we lived in the eastern parts of the San Francisco Bay Area. We lived a prosperous lifestyle with little concern for what would happen if it all was suddenly taken away from us. As luck would have it, we were one of many people affected by the economic crash that began in 2008. One day we were on top of the world, and the next day we lost everything. We gave our house back to the bank instead of foreclosure. We did all that we did to preserve our good credit. But, good credit means nothing if you don't have secure shelter.
​
Read a complete account of our dilemma in my book, "From Riches to Rags to Right-Sized Living."

Everyone knows that the number one survival strategy is to have shelter. At a minimum, people need protection from the harsh elements of weather. Having been homeless and close to living on the streets, we did not ever want to be without shelter again, so we decided to purchase land using cash that we could extract from liquidating possessions.

We figured that if worse comes to worst, we could always pitch a tent and live off the land. This way of thinking began setting up our minds to the mindset of what people call preppers.

Eventually, we built a house on the property and began setting up small-scale strategies for future survival.

​To explain a prepper, let's go to a common source, Dictionary.com. Here's what the dictionary says about preppers.

​And here's what the dictionary says about survivalists.

I hope these descriptions help readers understand the mindset of preppers and survivalists.

Dobbins is located a little over 33 miles from a major city. Living out here in Dobbins has steered my husband and me into a lifestyle that can be considered small-scale preppers. With current gas prices on average about $6.50 per gallon, in a gas-guzzling 4X4 truck that gets 14 miles to the gallon, we now spend at least $30.62 minimum every time we go into town. Because of this cost, we try to save gas expenses by going into town no more than once a month. When we go into town, we stock up on supplies so that we still survive if something comes up and we can't make it into town.

I have learned that most people living in Dobbins conduct minimal preparatory measures as a precaution. And, then, others are what I feel are true preppers. These are people who are bona fide survivalists. They have food supplies that will last for years. They have medical supplies to account for every injury that could occur. They are knowledgeable about natural remedies. They grow their own food and are ready to be able to live off the land with no outside help. And, you had best believe they have the necessary weapons to protect their land if need be. I view them as people who are wise and conscientious about the world we live in.

​The world (to me) appears to be changing into a place where we can no longer depend on our government to provide and protect us. Providing for ourselves seems to be a wise maneuver.

​A prepper never advertises their position. To do so makes them vulnerable to predators (people) who failed to prepare (prep). In disastrous situations, an unprepared person will quickly come looking for a prepper for the goods they need for survival.
​
Living in a remote location such as Dobbins has opened my eyes to the possibility of Dobbins being a fabulous location for preppers. Being remote, Dobbins is a survivor's best strategy. Living on a property, isolated from others is a prepper's ideal location. And for preppers who want to live off the grid, Dobbins' elevation makes it as much possible as can be desired.

​There is more to Dobbins than the opportunity to survive as a prepper. Dobbins offers a rich lifestyle filled with ongoing activities.

• The Farmer's Market is loaded with fresh produce, a food stand, a play area for children, live music, and more every Saturday.
• The Farmers Market also hosts Taco Thursday in the afternoon.
• For wine enthusiasts, there is wine tasting at Lucero Vineyards & Winery, showcasing award-winning wines.
• And last but not least, stop by Lake Francis for many outdoor activities.

Dobbins is considered a destination city for its many amenities for tourists, campers, fishers, hunters, hikers, historians, explorers, and the like.
​
Come to Dobbins and explore a lifestyle worth living.

​For information about a property available in Dobbins, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Marlene Bertrand, Broker, GRI, SFO, ePRO, NHCB
800-264-6439 Office
925-708-6027 Cell
Dept. of Real Estate License #01056418 (since 1989)