Redding
I Have a Name… Saffron
“OMNIPOTENT” was the word Saffron wanted to accompany the photo she staged by removing a brisk morning jersey to flaunt her tan lines.
Saffron back when she was a Fern, Nov-2013
I saw the splendor of Saffron returning to the Redding Transit Center with a warm cup of coffee. At first she didn’t recognize me and gave me the classic street wise lady to man look when I asked, “How are you doing?”
Slowly a smile came to her face as she said, “I remember you — you have put on some weight.” We hugged.
I gave Saffron $2 and said, “I wish I could give you more.” She replied, “I have given out $100 bills before.”
She proceeded to tell this story…
“I am a survivor of the Zodiak Crimes, 1964. In 2000 the industry raided my home and took the indoor goods and put them in storage and left my vehicles outside. So I had to sell them. I had very nice vehicles, a 1992 Volvo, and a 1992 full-size Bronco. I thought I could store them for the two weeks I was going to be outside — it ends up 20-years later now. I sold the Bronco for $1,200 to a used car salesman in Eureka, Roy’s Auto, be sure to plug Roy’s Auto. He wrote me a check and I kept $200 of it and passed out a $1,000 in $100 bills to the Arcata homeless people standing on the Corner.”
I interject, “That’s where I’m going! Tomorrow they are doing a 1-year-anniversary for the Humboldt Edge a Street Newspaper they publish up there. So that’s a beautiful story.”
Saffron continues, “Listen, will you make a special mention to the ruderbager plant, because of its Bay Shore history?” We laugh.
“It’s World Homeless Action Day today Sappron. What could we do to action and help people that are out here?”
“I would feed them all ruderbager pie.”
Towards the end of the interview she said, “Please don’t use my court name use… Saffron. I’m studying Saffron right now and they won’t be able to decode that.” Indeed they won’t, Saffron, indeed they won’t.
Learn more about The I Have a Name Project
A Woman’s Life on the Street: Rape, Murder and Indignity
“We need to get Tammy and every single solitary woman sleeping in danger, in filth, in fear — SAFELY HOUSED. God bless you Tammy and your struggle for dignity, hope, love and a place to call your own.” — Without a Roof
Support a California Homeless Bill of Rights
Without a Roof friend of the week – The Lunch Bunch of Redding, Ca.
“I wish every community had a lunch bunch group of street angels.” – Without a Roof
Mission: To bring a little happiness to the world. Put a smile on someone’s face. To help feed a hungry child.
Click here to learn more about the Lunch Bunch on Facebook and perhaps make a donation
We are two women who run this group called the Lunch Bunch. We are dedicated to help feed the homeless and people in need. We go out the last TWO Wednesdays of each month at 3:30 pm at Park View Park, South City Park and Martin Luther King Park in Redding. We hand out bag lunches,water,V-8, personal hygiene products,clothes, socks,shoes,blankets,gloves,hats,scarfs, jackets, kids clothes,toys and books.
Meet the Lunch Bunch ladies at the 52-second mark of the Without a Roof production “Jesus is a friend of mine” filmed in Redding California Thanksgiving week 2013.
Without a Roof 