Hamilton City celebration has a serious objective
Chico Enterprise Record - 6/18/02
By Heather Hacking, staff writer

HAMILTON CITY - Twice a year the residents of Hamilton City "celebrate" their precarious position along the dynamic Sacramento River. The town of 1,900throws a huge bash, but it's more than just a social get-together.

The overall theme is self-preservation.

The Hamilton City Levee Festival began five years ago as a way for the residents to raise money to literally save their town.

The nearly 100-year old levee that holds back Sacramento River floodwaters is rapidly failing. A long-term solution is needed to prevent disasters like those in the late '90s, when floods made much of the area look like a lake.

The event takes place from 1-6 p.m. Sunday at Hamilton City Park, 200 Broadway.

Madrean Benton, of the Community Services Agency, said there are two of the fund-raisers held each year. Hamilton City families whip up their favorite recipes and set up booths to "sell" their fare. The Lion's Club sells tickets for $1 each and people at the festival go around trading the tickets for food.

The food is outstanding, Benton said. "You have to get there early if you want the sopas and tamales." Organizers set up games for kids such as the "Jump for Joy House." And what would a festival be like without a clown?

This year the Glenn County Sheriff's Department is setting up a dunk tank. The Highway Patrol will also show kids what it's like to drive drunk by lending the kids their special "drunk glasses."

The High School MEChA (Movimento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan) group from the high school will send dancers, Benton said.

Matt Hogan, a Hamilton High School graduate, plays music with the Incredible Diamonds every year. Thomas Hernandez also pitches in as a DJ.

Usually the festival attracts between 1,000-2,000 people, which is practically everyone in town. "I would bet someone from every family is involved somewhere, somehow," Benton said.

All the money raised goes toward a fund to pay for a feasibility study for a permanent levee. Engineers from the Corps of Engineers and the Department of Water Resources don't know yet where that should go in. So far the town has raised more than $70,000 and are hoping the study can begin soon.

Construction will likely be a long process and cost millions.

Erosion of the levee is an ongoing concern. More than 1,000 feet of the embankment near the Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District canal off County Road 203 is now gone.

The levee was built in 1904 by Holly Sugar Co., but also ended up protecting the town of Hamilton City. An emergency levee plan has been put into place for a temporary fix if a flooding emergency occurs. As part of the emergency flood preparation plan, Glenn County has a contractor ready and the rock in place if the high waters come.

With the plan in place, it's hoped the project could be completed within 48 hours if certain river conditions exist.
But even if the emergency levee repairs happen, a long-term plan is still what is necessary to protect the homes and stores.

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