The latest from the county is that if we can get the engineer reports to include egress, occupancy information and ADA information they can schedule us for the Sept planning commission meeting.

It has been a long road to reach where we are now.

History

The North Central California Presbytery first approached the chamber regarding their wish to divest the property to a community-based organization in 2022. It was determined that since the chamber was a 501(c)6 organization it would be a problem transferring the property to them. Work was started on setting up a non-profit that would be able to accept the property. Burney Friends and Neighbors was set up for that purpose.

Burney Friends and Neighbors (BFN) was incorporated in 2024 and we have been working on all of the permits and changes needed to make the property available for use. It took a couple of years for the Presbytery to clear up the tile to the property in order to transfer the title to BFN. BFN received to title to the property in 2026.

Current Status

We have applied for a use permit and are working with the county, JJ newton engineering and the fire district to bring the buildings up to code and available for us to use. The plan is to get the use permit for the sanctuary building while we work on the classroom building. The items needed for the sanctuary are mainly exit signs, smoke/CO detectors and updating the doors to meet current codes. The classroom building will require more extensive work (ie a ramp and updated restrooms along with signs and smoke/CO detectors. JJNewton has provided the floor plans requested by the fire district and the plans have been forwarded to the fire district. Once the plans are approved by the fire district we can begin the upgrades. In addition to the building upgrades, we will be working on fixing the parking lot, repairing the sprinkler system, removing the tree in the central entry and repairing the sidewalk in the central entry.

Ongoing activities and How you can help.

Burney Friends and Neighbors would like to thank the many community members who have donated and contributed to this ongoing effort. We would like to encourage anyone to join us at our business meeting on the third Wednesday of every month. The meeting are held in the gathering room or in the office at 6:00 pm.  We will also need volunteers to help with the various projects we are working on.

Updating and repairing the sprinkler system. One of the zones does not turn off, drip zones need to reviewed and updated, Control housings need repaired and insulated.

Replacing the exit door in the sanctuary with an outward swinging door, turning the entrance door to open outwards, replacing door handles with lever/push hardware

Replacing drywall and flooring in restroom behind the pulpit.

Repairing the wood ramps at the main entrance and the entrance to the sanctuary.

We have a volunteer to install the exit signs but may need help with the smoke/CO detectors and lighting upgrades.

If you are able to help or know of a good contractor contact Bill at 530-238-0176 or send an e-mail to burneyfn@gmail.com