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A note about the setting:
Silver Point, located in Northern California just south of Crescent City, is a fairly modern city to any one who visits in this day and age. The city spans some 600 square miles, with just over half a million residents living in the city limits and surrounding suburbs. The city began as one of the settlements developed in 1854 by the accidental finding of silver in the mountains nearby while prospectors were searching for gold. The town managed to survive the Lode drying up by utilizing the meeting of three ocean currents near their coastal border. With easy access up into Alaska for fur trade routes, down into southern California for lumber shipments and immigrants arriving from the west looking for work, the community rapidly developed into a travel hub bustling with tourism. Exports during the time were shipped out by boat among the many currants, and the railroad expansion project of the era provided many jobs to immigrants coming in. Those factors helped carry the town through the wild west, two world wars, and the great epic depression into the modern day era. | ||||
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The Imperial Theater:
Established in 1902, The grandeur of The Imperial Theatre would leave its visitors breathless. The elegant lobby, majestic staircase and beautiful auditorium complete with murals above the stage and on the ceiling, were components of an amazing building called "the Shining Wonder of the Human Imagination World" when its doors first openned. The Imperial Theatre was the first large, lavish entertainment palace in Western America and followed the prototype for the Chicago Theater. This beautiful movie palace was constructed for $4 million. Now, the building is a former shell of itself. Presently condemned, and facing demolition for the newest urban renewal program, its last hope is a the Silver Point Historical Society. Petitions can be seen all around town, and if you would like to help sign, they won't turn you away.
Arcadian Fleamarket:
Erected on the location of Silver Points only historically known Speakeasy, the Arcadian Fleamarket cordially invites you to visit their 11,000 square foot showroom, filled with 60 of the best dealers to be found anywhere. Our dealers feature older collectibles, ranging in age from the late 1700's to the 1950's. You will find American Victorian furniture, vintage jewelry, exceptional art glass, antique lighting, beautiful porcelain, and pottery just to name a few!
Silver Point Medical Center:
Silver Point Medical Center - a 488-bed, private, not-for-profit hospital is a leader in patient care that's helped the Silver Point community get better and stay well for more than a century. Named the top acute-care community hospital in metro Silver Point in U.S. News and World Report's Best Hospitals list, SPMC consistently ranks in the top five among Oregon hospitals in patient satisfaction scores. SPMC combines a personalized approach with innovative technologies to deliver treatments that set a new standard for excellence in care, including a state-of-the-art cancer center that offers complete therapy, disease management, prevention and wellness. In addition, our team is active in the research and development of advanced treatments and procedures aimed at delivering better patient outcomes. Simply put, there's no hospital in Silver Point with a better approach to comprehensive, compassionate care than SPMC.
Smelting Buryial Grounds:
A sign at the entrance to the Smelting Burial Grounds claims that "Famous, infamous and unknown Silver Pointians are buried here." This small cemetery on Spruce Street, founded in 1860, holds many who served during the Civil War. One of the grandest monuments belongs to the LeBlanc family. One of the more infamous residents is Samuel Jeffries, a magistrate who was responsible for the execution of many who sought emancipation during the war. Almost every headstone is eye-catching in its own right, with elaborate carvings of skeletons sporting scythes, winged skulls, sly-looking cherubs, and other symbols of mourning, as well as poetic epitaphs. The towering Egyptian Revival gate that marks the entryway is a work of art in its own right. Open daily, the Smelting Burying Ground has excellent signage to point out the most famous -- and infamous --graves.
Cimmerian Willows:
A senior living community situated in the town of Shimmering Springs, Cimmerian Willows sits just a short distance north of Silver Point. This means that residents have easy access to the many entertainment, shopping and dining destinations that the city has to offer. In addition to the many on-site services and amenities they offer, the community is within minutes of nationally recognized medical facilities. Cimmerian Willows is managed by Sophia Management, Inc. Founded in 1984, Sophia Management, Inc. has continued to grow due to our people-oriented approach to senior housing and care instilled in us by our founder, Estelle Getty.
Downtown Silver Point:
Downtown Silver Point is anything but historic. After a huge renovation and urban renewal project started by the city council and funded by Le Blanc Enterprises the downtown area of Silver Point is now home to the city's cultural and educational center. Large office buildings, high rise condos and spacious loft apartments intermingle with the more well known buildings in the area. All routes in the city lead to downtown eventually, and the Mayor's Office itself is in the heart of downtown.
Regal Gardens:
For many visitors and first time inhabitants, the Regal Gardens in the center of downtown Silver Point is a breathtaking sight. Spanning 620 acres of land (almost a full square mile) it is a great expanse of redwood, pine, and umbellularia trees as well as several species of berries and wild vegetation. Erected in the center of the park itself is a statue of the city's founder, Leon Le Blanc. Multiple wild animals ranging from foxes, and raven to mutts and the occasional escaped zoo critter also call the park home. At least until animal control or the wayward predator finds them. With an almost endless number of marked paths, guides for hire, and scenic overlook spots of the ocean to the West, most tourists fail to even notice the darker side of this attraction. At night, thsi place is well known by the locals as a place for vagrants, drifters, night workers, and other shady activites.
Le Blanc Co:
Established as Le Blanc Mining Co in the late 1800s the Le Blanc family built their company upon great organizational skills, the ability to see future trends, and just shrewd business practices. Standing in the middle of the town is their fourteen story corporate building, where research and development on their latest technologies and pharmaceuticals takes place. It also houses their marketing and PR departments. As large as the company is, many tourists and travelers seem to only see their products on the north western part of the country, with even southern California having a shortage of any thing branded Le Blanc.
The Leon Le Blanc Memorial Library:
The first thing noticed about the LLBML is the large stone gargoyles and gothic cathedral look to the whole structure. Named after the town's founding father, the LLBML is host to a century's worth of material ranging from the archived historical, political, and financial news to agricultural, scientific, and biographical research materials. The architect who designed the building itself patterned it after a fictional building in a Detective Comics run about a citty named Gotham that unfortuantely never took off.
Sterling Stadium:
Easily found in central Silver Point and owned by the Le Blanc Corporation-Sterling Stadium is home to the local minor league football team-The Miners, and AA league baseball team-The Silver Paladins. The stadium seats 100,00 (including clubhouse seats). It's not uncommon to find jerseys, t-shirts, and book bags carrying the logos of both teams while walking the streets, riding mass transit, or hitting up the local Buy n'Large for much needed commodities. Both teams suffer for lack of a dedicated practice space, with the cloest thing available being SPU's sports complex.
Burnished:
Founded by socialite and debutante Lisa Roberts, world renowned French-Canadian cellist and oil painter, Burnished was erected in downtown Silver Point shortly after the renovations finished. Designed by Frank Gehry, modern day Architectural genius, the building stands some 50 feet tall with a polished granite exterior and an interior that would make the head of Le Blanc Enterprises jealous. With an active Opera and Concert Hall, the more cultured citizens of Silver Point can come to the nightly showings and performances for a price. The scheduling of events can be found on the Silver Point community website and ranges from Opera, to Shakespear to performance art. Those individuals looking for events that are not as "cultured" can find them at Sterling Stadium when the Paladins and the Miners are not hosting a home game.
The Northside of Town:
Those who are not able to afford the luxury of living downtown, but are still not in the dire straits that would land them in the east district call the Northern part of Silver Point home. New housing additions are always cropping up and incentives to bring in new business generally point them to this area to develop. The North part of the city is peaceful, reportedly crime free, and for now has plenty of room to develop.
Silver Point University:
Located in Northern Silver Point, Silver Point University (SPU) is an accredited institution of higher learning where many people from Southern Oregon and Northern California attend college. Boasting over 80 programs of study and more than 20,000 enrolled students at any given time, it is arguably the best choice for people wanting to change their current situation involving pay grade and career choice. Sevveral of the students here are not seeking a degree in teaching though, hoping instead to be noticed for their athletic abilities to be drafted to one of the local minor teams. Go Penguins!
The Chapel of the Second Spirit:
Open at all hours of the day just north of downtown Silver Point, the Chapel of the Second Spirit is a charismatic religious sect that believes that people are immortial spiritual beings who have forgotten their true nature. The belief further goes on to express that not all beings on the planet are able to come to terms with their former journey's of their spirit, but through the followings of the Chapel, one could eventually come to terms of their inner self, and tap into the wealth of the knowledge of times past. Many of the patrons of the local chapter have been reported to attack members of other faiths, stating their death will help strengthen their fatih in their spirit's next life.
Johnson Manor:
Located in the northmost part of Silver Point is the family estate belonging to the eccentric and wealthy Natalie Johnson. Not much is known about the residence, but it's rumored to be haunted by the grandparent's of Natalie, the founders of Johnson Electronics, a failed comapny from the 1990's that had orignalyl shown promise until Le Blanc Co. entered the market in the late 90's and crushed the upstart company. Thankfully the family's sole surviving member caught several lucky breaks in the stock market and has done well for herself.
Utopian Labs:
A startup company that recently has appeared in Silver Point, most of the locals can tell you generally where you could possibly begin heading to almost get there, but no one seems to know exactly for sure of the address. However, they seem to be making some headway in providing the residents of Silver Point with a FREE alternative to many Le Blanc products. With rumors of a new pharmaceutical division circulating in the East District, many people have signed up for paid drug trials and testing.
Silverpoint's Western Coast:
Passed the west boundry of the city itself is the Pacific Ocean. Majestic, beautiful and full of fish just waiting to be caught by local fishermen, the coast houses a beachfront property, buggy courses and a few other attractions to the local inhabitants and to tourists to the city. Spanning north to south to the tune of nine miles the coast is reachable by roadway, railway, and by river. As dusk approaches multiple fires can be seen during the balmier months as party goers and star gazers call the beach their home for at least one night.
Serendipity Marina:
Located on the coast, Serendipity Marina is a normal pier and port system which sees some hundred or so ships per day. The marina is a great place for yacht races, recreational boating and fishing expeditions. The Humboldt Conty Zoo and Aquarium also calls the marina home, sporting many captive animals (some on loan from other zoos, including a few from the Chinese National Zoo). At night, a fair share of under the table jobs, smuggling runs, and body dumps find this to be their ideal location as well, as the security in the marina is very lax and on the take.
Humboldt County Zoo and Aquarium:
Open since 1971, HCV is ranked among the best zoos in the USA. Home to more than 2,000 individual animals of nearly 400 different species, the Zoo is the number one outdoor family attraction in northern California. The latest attractions that have many people talking though are the Sharks exhibit in the aquarium, and the Arctic Foxes that have made their way into the Tundra Exhibit. The large Great White on display is currently being studied by several Marine Biology majors from SPU. It came courtesy of a local fishing company that managed to get tangled with the creature during an expedition for marlin.
Frost Square:
Frost Square is the proverbial Renaissance District of Silver Point located at the northern most section of the coast, just west of Johnson Manor. Boasting some thirty specialty shops, Frost Square houses many craftsmen and artisans who have adhered to a simpler way of life. Called "Silver Point's Historic District" by many who pass through it, the location is anything but historic. The bulk of the businesses and housing in Frost Square were developed within the last three decades. Of some note is an independantly ran church, called "The Old Ways" that has been getting a small following of about 20.
The Pagoda District:
Most of the Asian immigrants settled in the southwestern part of the town during the expansion of the railroad in the late 1800's. The Pagoda district houses a very culturally diverse area as many of the Asian inhabitants range from Korean, to Japanese, to Chinese. The crowning jewel of the district, and the reason for many non-Asian visitors of the area is Li Fei's. A hotel housing a four star restaurant by the renowned sushi chef Yoshikaru Li Fei.
Li Fei's:
Li Fei's is a modest hotel in the Pagoda district. Standing at a meager ten stories with the top story being an open floor plan used for a four star restaurant, the rooms are decorated in a very stereotypical motif and are really nothing impressive. The restaurant though is of the utmost caliber. The menu encompasses everything from classic and neo Japanese cuisine, and with the ocean nearby the fish are always fresh caught and prepared to order. Yoshikaru Li Fei still hand prepares all of the food in the kitchen itself, and even occasionally hand delivers specialized orders to the patrons in the VIP balcony.
Dharma Center of Silver Point:
Taken from their website: Our purpose is to provide a place of meditation and spiritual growth through the study and practice of Buddhist principles. We seek to support each other and our community in the development of awareness, compassion and peace. Our goal is to have a teaching/practice center where we can join with others to discover and celebrate spiritual growth. We endeavor to share our experiences with others to build a bond of integrity and strength within our community. A positive approach to learning that can be taken out into the world. Because we are all connected, we practice responsibility in all aspects of our lives. When you cast a stone into the water, the ripples extend far beyond the original action. So, the effects of our actions often reach further than we realize. Through increased awareness and learning how to live in the moment, we have the chance to gain wisdom and compassion for ourselves and others. The path of Buddhism is inclusive and available to all. Priestess Yamazaki Akishi
Mokume-Gane: Replicas and More:
Mokume-Gane is owned and operated by an authentic Ninja. That's right, you'll never see the owner, and if you do, he'll flip out and kill people... at least, the sign at the front of the store says so. Dealing with real western otaku grade merchandise, Mokume-Gane preys upon those of American descent who cannot get enough of the Japanese, Chinese and Korean cultures. Viewed primarily as a nuisance by many residents of the Pagoda District, they also see the shop as a necessary evil for the traditional based economy in their area of the City.
Crouching Mosher, Hidden Raver:
Crouching Mosher, Hidden Raver is a popular 30,000 square-foot multi-club complex. One price allows you to explore the city block sized dance club. Once inside the entertainment complex, you can make a night of it and "club hop" to any one, or all seven, of the pleasantly diverse venues and formats at no extra charge. From dueling pianos to disco tech’s to ultra lounge’s featuring Silver Point's best d.j.s, the venue appeals and has something to offer for every age clubgoer who is looking for more structure and quality than The Smoking Jacket offers. CMHR, while requiring a more strict dress code and proof of age to get in, is rapidly becoming the better hang out spot in Silver Point, with raves going on at all hours of the day, and hosting some extravagant holiday parties. Located just on the border of the Pagoda District, this location has a very culturally diverse group of people attending and partying any day of the week.
The East District:
Need a gun? Head to the east district. Need a dime bag? Yeah, those are there too. Run down buildings, seedy bars, illegal immigrants, punk thugs, and the occasional drive by can all be found in the East District. This part of town has survived despite multiple urban renewal projects, an increase in police patrols, and a decrease in the number of soup kitchens readily accessible. The sad thing about this part of town is that the single mom with three children, the aspiring artist, and the less fortunate elderly also wind up in this part of town as well.
Shamrocks:
Shamrocks, a local bar in Silver Point, is supposedly owned by a real Scot Gaelic speaking man from Dublin Ireland named Alan Christopherson. At least that's the local lore for it. Located in the East District, this impressive 160 year old bar is as close to an Irish pub as any one is going to find on the west coast. With a staggering 200 varieties of beer on tap, and somewhere near 100 bottled varieties on the menu, this place is usually very rowdy up until the wee hours of the morning. Don't be fooled by the smell of booze on everyone's breath though, most of the patrons here are no where near light weights and wouldn't even thing twice of putting down a fellow patron.
Le Blanc Manufacturing:
Since the late 1970s, LBM has been supporting entrepreneurs, industries, and research centers in California and throughout North America, fostering innovation and promoting economic development. When a unique production or engineering challenge becomes a bottleneck to business growth, LBM is here to help. At least, the legions of employees who are put to work at LBM is there to help, and by help they mean work without benefits at minimum wage while risking their lives in near sweat shop conditions. Anything that Le Blanc Enterprises mass produces is created within this complex. Security is tight, armed, and well trained for your average plastic manufacturing plant, but not surprising with the top grade pharmaceuticals produced within this building.
Patina Station:
A hold over from when the city was a center for rail road expansion, multiple boxcars run through Patina station throughout the day carting livestock, ship parts, automobiles, or any of the raw materials that Le Blanc Enterprises needs currently within their most recent venture. There are several railcars that also offer transportaiton to the coast, and to the inner part of the nation for an affordable fee.
PMC Records:
PMC Records, originally known as Blank Records, is an independent record label that was founded in 1982 by John Lennon after he divorced his then estranged wife Yohko Ono citing infedility. In 1983, Lennon promoted Blank Records as a means to distribute music by his newly formed band, Alterred Perceptions. However, after only one release, the band's first single "Mark David Chapman" (about a man who went through a psychadelic journey of morally ambiguious proportions and eventually ended his own life by carbon monoxide poisoning when he could no longer seperate reality from fantasy) bombed horribly. When asked why such a controversial song was their debut song, Lennon replied that not every song could be as inspiring as Imagine, or as catchy as "Eleanor Rigby". The label went on to pick up newer talent of the Pop variety carrying itself through the 80s, and then moving ontowards dance and electronica in the 90s. These days, the label seems to be focusing on urban inner city groups that are down on their luck.
Outside of Silver Point city limits:
Outside of the city limits, any police presence felt in the city almost falls to the wayside. An occasional local sherriff cruiser can be seen near some of the more famous landmarks. Tourists who read up on Silver Point are told to enjoy everything the city has to offer, but to avoid leaving the city unless moving on to a new locale to visit.
Serendipity Falls:
A travel resort for those who have come up to see the woods in their majestic glory, this tourist trap is very exclusive on who they allow up and is quite busy once ski season starts. With a four star restaurant, many great slopes for snowboarding (including several double black diamonds) and a "naturally" occuring waterfall enclosure erected in 1874, the resort is rumored to be located near the famous Walton's Claim. A waiting list of months is reported to exist, but it's also not unheard of for local radio and television stations to give away free weekend packages to the resort. Shuttle busses also travel from the resort into town for patrons to be able to purchase groceries, and allowing for those staying in town to simply be picked up at the local offices in town after booking a room for any period of time.
Humboldt County National Park:
Located an hour's drive north of the city, HCNP is a standard park that's home to some 3000 acres of protected wildlife and vegetation. Established in 1897 in response to growing vocal concerns, the park began to preserve the area surrounding the mines and lumber camps. It allows hiking, biking, fishing and camping to those willing to pay a modest fee for a daily pass. Though towards the North Western part of the park is an area marked as off limits to visitors due to what apepars to be a natural gas source. Recently, pressure has been placed on the local government to open up the park for development of the gas.
The Smoking Jacket:
Outside of the city limits is a nightclub known for playing new music, serving overpriced drinks, and looking the other way when the subject of age comes up. With a lax dress code and very trendy atmosphere, those of a progressive generation can find a release here, but should be mindful of the bouncers employed to keep those out of the VIP rooms that should not be there.
Le Blanc Mines:
Located in the mountains just east of Silver Point, the mines are nothing but a shell of their former self. Stripped of most of their silver and quartz, the mines are condemned and boarded up. A few brave (or stupid) people used to make their way up the trails to the mines to go spelunking and digging or as just a fun little get away. However, ever since a part of the mine collapsed three years ago, even the most die hard curious locals and tourists avoid the place. Sometimes a few mountain folk will come from around the mine areas and swear up and down that the cave-ins have been caused by evil spirits, but as several stills were found near the area the ranting has declared nothing but a cover up.
Locations throughout the city:
Much like the rest of America, Silver Point has their own share of chain stores, fast food joints, franchises and landmarks that have multiple locations that pepper the city, here is a list of just a few of them.
Serendipity's Blood Creek:
First "created" in 1867, Serendipity's Blood Creek is the result of a shoot out near Walton's Claim east of Silver Point. The legend says that Walton Le Blanc had just made it back to his campsite in the mountains and had his supper fire going, when he was attacked by the Achomawi. During the attack, Walton Le Blanc caught fire, fell into his cart, spooked his horses and was dragged down the hillside into the paltry stockpile of dynamite he was using to blast away debris and partial cave-ins on his claim. The resulting pyrotechnics topside collapsed several hundred acres of poorly structured tunnesl and mine shafts causing a fork in the Trinity River which threatened to wash out part of main street in Silver Point. Fortunately, Leon Le Blanc (a much smarter man than his borhter) helped to organize the town folk to channel and direct the new river from the mountain and down to the ocean. This provided fresh running water for the town, and an easy access point from the mines to the pier.
Buy n'Large:
Buy n'Large is a national chain store providing grocery and convenience items to the average consumer at discount prices. Putting most stores out of business that provide such products, the company is generally held with poor regard by the community, but this doesn't stop many of the residents from shopping in any of their many metro locations.
Tiny's Restaurant and Soup House:
If you're looking for the best cheese fries in all of Silver Point, you'll have to brave the patrons and come to Shamrocks. If you're not willing to brave the patrons at Shamrocks or if you find you're too late for last call, you can easily go to Tiny's. A small established greasy spoon style restaurant chain, you can find locations scattered around Silver Point. Open twenty-four hours a day and seven days a a week, anyone and everyone has been seen to enter one from time to time to get some hot and cheap food. Unfortunately, the quality of food is nothing like that of Li Fei's in the Pagoda district. Most people's stomachs will reject the swill that is served at Tiny's, but for the price, they'll gamble on keeping it down.
Endron:
The Pentex owned monolithic unstoppable super conglomerate petroleum/energy company known as Endron has reached its tentacles as far as Silver Point California. Conveniently located anywhere you may need to fuel your vehicle, it's very hard to find any gas station that isn't Endron, and if you do manage to find one, you can normally be certain it'll be gone within the week, if not the day.
Loch and Kee:
Loch and Kee International, Inc. is an American equipment rental company, based in Seattle, Washington, that has been in operation since 1976. The company was founded by Robert Loch and Ngyun Los Kee in Ridgefield, Washington. The company began in the garage owned by Kee's family, and expanded through franchising with gas stations. There are multiple locations throughout Silver Point, but the largest facility is in the East District. |
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