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Placer Community Foundation Celebrates a Year of Local Giving

By Jessica Hubbard
Posted: 2/8/2012

Dirk Ellena, Peer Facilitator for The Soldiers Project speaks about his involvement with the organization and how a grant from the Placer Community Foundation supports their Family Ties Program.

Placer County – The Placer Community Foundation honored its donors and nonprofit partners last Wednesday night, January 18th, at an event held at the Blue Goose Fruit Shed in Loomis. Approximately 115 people attended to hear the many ways people gave back to community through the Community Foundation in 2011.

Jeff Birkholz, Chairman for the Placer Community Foundation warmly announced that 53 charitable funds managed by the Foundation distributed $610,000 in grants last year. “These grants took the form of scholarships to our youth, support to our seniors, our returning soldiers, our poor—care to our animals, protection of our open space, and support of a vibrant arts community,” he stated. Guests then had the opportunity to hear from some of the donors and grant recipients themselves. This was an emotional highlight of the evening that reinforced the notion that giving back is a personally rewarding experience.

Eileen Bellotti spoke eloquently about the impact her and her husband Vincent’s fund has, and will continue to have, on local youth. Their Stephanie Bellotti Teen Fund at the Placer Community Foundation provides scholarships for youth to attend a driving safety and car control clinic.

“The Stephanie Bellotti Teen Fund was named in memory of our daughter who died in an unnecessary accident,” she stated. “We think the efforts we are making may keep other parents from going through what we experienced and that is a gratifying and wonderful feeling for us. We want every young person to survive their teens.”

Other speakers included people who have benefitted by grants received from the Community Foundation. One such person is Dirk Ellena. Dirk is a Peer Facilitator for the nonprofit organization, The Soldiers Project. The Placer Community Foundation, in partnership with the County of Placer, awarded a grant to The Soldiers Project through its Community Wellness program.

Dirk humbly revealed to the audience his experience as a veteran returning from service in Iraq. He explained the personal hardships and emotional turmoil he struggled with upon coming home and how The Soldiers Project helped him to communicate his feelings in a safe setting.

“Coming back to civilian life was tremendously difficult for me,” he said. “I had to learn a whole new language and set of rules. I was alone and, through word of mouth, heard about The Soldiers Project. I was able to meet with someone one-on-one and then enter into their Family Ties program, which brings you together with soldiers, their spouses and other family members. I’m now in nursing school and have married a wonderful woman. Life is great and I owe it all to The Soldiers Project.”

Additional speakers included local artist Deanna Marsh, a performance by Brandon Scott from Hip Hop Congress, and Fred Yeager, President of the Board of Directors for Placer Land Trust.

Guests enjoyed locally produced wine served by Carpe Vino and food prepared by Chef Laura Kenny. Chef Laura is the co-author of Placer County Real Food cookbook. The entire evening was sponsored by SAFE Credit Union.

“It was wonderful to hear from a variety of people and causes supported through the Placer Community Foundation,” stated Henry Wirz, President and CEO of SAFE Credit Union. “It gave me a sense of the many nonprofit staff and volunteers who are serving the needs of the community. SAFE Credit Union is proud to sponsor an evening celebrating people giving back.”

To learn more about the Placer Community Foundation and the many ways you can give back to your community, visit www.placercf.org.

Peter Hill to Chair SACOG Board

Posted: 2/8/2012

Rocklin Vice Mayor Peter Hill with Yuba County Supervisor Mary Jane Griego.

SACRAMENTO Region– The Sacramento Area Council of Governments inducted Rocklin Vice Mayor Peter Hill as the 2012 SACOG Board Chair and Yuba County Supervisor Mary Jane Griego as Board Vice Chair at their regularly scheduled board meeting today.

Vice Mayor Hill will be Board Chair for the metropolitan planning organization with 31 board members representing six counties and the 22 cities within them. SACOG provides transportation planning and funding for the greater Sacramento region, and serves as a public forum for innovative and integrated regional planning to preserve a high quality of life for communities in the region. In addition to long-range transportation planning, SACOG explores a range of issues, including land use, air quality, water, and rural sustainability. SACOG leads efforts to ensure the Sacramento region is competitive and receives its fair share of state and federal funding for infrastructure.

Vice Mayor Hill will also lead the board in adopting the Metropolitan Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy for 2035. His first action as chair was to form a board task force on shared services and new initiatives to identify how SACOG can save cities and counties money and improve the quality of services it provides.

In addition to the SACOG Board of Directors, Vice Mayor Hill has served on the Rocklin City Council for 29 years and has been mayor six times. He serves on a number of boards, including the Placer County Air Pollution Control District Board, South Placer Regional Transportation Authority, and the Lincoln and Loomis Borders Committees. He previously served as a Rocklin School Board Trustee and Placer County Planning Commissioner.

Supervisor Griego was elected to the Yuba County Board of Supervisors in 2000, re-elected in 2004 and 2008, and served as Chair for 2005 and 2010. A Yuba County resident since 1963, she has managed her family’s restaurant, Duke’s Diner, for over 20 years. In addition to SACOG, she serves on the First 5 Yuba Commission Board of Directors, Feather River Air Quality Management District Board, Yuba County Local Agency Formation Commission, Three Rivers Levee Improvement Authority, Yuba-Sutter Transit Authority, and Yuba County Water Agency Board of Directors.

The SACOG Board of Directors meets on the third Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at 1415 L Street, Suite 300 in Sacramento, unless otherwise noticed. Board meetings are open to the public. Agendas and minutes may be obtained by visiting the SACOG website at www.sacog.org or by calling (916) 321-9000.

My Corny Valentine?

Posted: 2/8/2012

The “4T9R4” quartet.

Auburn – Is “special treatment” to someone you care for corny- or “old fashioned”? In this day of text messages and e-mail, with little personal contact, it might appear so. But what overwhelming joy it brings when special treatment happens. On this coming Valentine’s day, February 14, there is an outstanding opportunity to let that “special someone” know how much you care, with a very special, unique gift.

Imagine the joy that comes to the recipient of a live singing Valentine! Having a spiffy-dressed Barbershop quartet come to your home or workplace and presenting a rose, then singing two sweet songs in wonderful four-part harmony. One recipient, Sally, said that she’ll remember and treasure the event forever. Another, Ken, felt a bit embarrassed… but extremely proud that his sweetheart cared so much.

This can happen locally, by contacting Roger Perkins, director of the local chapter of barbershop singers, at (530) 823-0339. It is a gift well worth the $35 contribution­—which also helps support local music.

Geoff Miller Joins Community 1st Bank as Senior Vice President

Posted: 2/8/2012

Senior Vice President Geoff Miller

Auburn – Community 1st Bank has named Geoff Miller its Senior Vice President/Commercial Loan Officer. He has nearly 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Miller has held various managerial positions in the banking business and is highly respected in the industry throughout the Sacramento region. Prior to joining Community 1st Bank, he served as the Vice President and Branch Manager for Bank of the West in Carmichael. Community 1st Bank has branches in downtown Auburn at 649 Lincoln Way, and in Roseville at 2250 Douglas Boulevard.

“We’re really excited about Geoff becoming part of our team,” said Robert Haydon, President & CEO of Community 1st Bank. “He demonstrates a high level of knowledge in Commercial and SBA real estate lending. Geoff gives added strength to our management group and was the ideal candidate for this position.” During his banking career, Miller has served in various capacities, including business client management, commercial real estate lending, government guaranteed SBA lending, retail branch management, and other related banking management activities. “I really look forward to working at a community bank where you get to know your customers on a personal level and can help them make the right financial decisions regarding their future,” Miller said.

“I’m anxious to learn about my client’s companies in order to develop a banking relationship that helps them achieve their business and financial goals.” Miller spent more than a decade as a manager with Western Union Financial Services and First Data Corporation, where he held a number of key positions, including Regional Sales Manager for Northern California and Nevada. Miller graduated from the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies, University of Washington, earning a B.A. in International Studies with an emphasis on International business with Pacific Rim countries, most notably Japan. He spent two years in Japan and is conversant in the Japanese language.

Miller, who lives in Roseville, is currently District Chairman for the Iron Horse District-Golden Empire Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He has been married for 27 years to his wife, Brenda, and has a daughter, three sons (who are all Eagle Scouts), and two grandchildren. He is a fly fishing enthusiast and avid backpacker and outdoorsman. For more information on Community 1st Bank, visit www.community1bank.com or call its Auburn branch at (530) 863-4800 or its Roseville location at (916) 724-2424.

Hospice Volunteers Needed

Posted: 2/8/2012

Sutter Auburn Faith Hospice Thrift Store invites interested volunteers to work at the store as cashiers, sales floor assistants, donation processors or pricers. No previous experience is needed; training is provided. Volunteers are asked to commit to a consistent 4 hour shift each week at the 13342 Lincoln Way location.

Volunteer hours and positions are determined with the store coordinator. The thrift store raises funds for Sutter Auburn Faith Hospice which serves patients and families facing a life-limiting illness.

If interested, please contact Kim Chase, (530) 887-0561, or drop by the store during business hours. The store is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday.

Senior Peer Counseling

Posted: 2/8/2012

Placer County Senior Peer Counseling provides volunteer counselors to assist Placer County residents, age 55 and above who are experiencing grief, depression, family conflicts, substance abuse, loss of independence, caregiver stress and physical disability. The counseling is confidential, free and provided in the home. Counselors are available in Auburn area, Rocklin, Roseville, and Lincoln. To make a referral contact: Tom Drake, LCSW (530) 886-3413.

Delta Plan Threatens Local Water Supplies

Posted: 2/8/2012

AUBURN – Officials at the Placer County Water Agency remain very concerned that local water supplies could be highly jeopardized by plans to solve downstream issues involving the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.

Following discussions Thursday (Jan. 19), including a presentation by a former top state water official, Jerry Johns, the PCWA Board of Directors authorized staff to submit comments on a draft environmental impact report (EIR) for the proposed Delta Plan.

Water agency leaders are most concerned that the proposed plan, now in its fifth revision, calls for “a more natural flow regime” in the Delta, which could significantly impact areas upstream of the Delta.  “If more Placer County water is needed to flush the Delta, it could invalidate the Middle Fork Project relicensing agreement recently reached with a broad stakeholder group and seriously affect how local water supplies are stored, used and released,” said the Agency’s Director of Strategic Affairs, Einar Maisch.

“The draft Delta Plan has serious and very negative impacts upon water supplies available to Placer County from both the Yuba and Bear River system, as well as the American River system,” said General Manager David Breninger.  “It will have serious cost implications as well.”

The board’s unanimous vote followed a presentation by Mr. Johns, former deputy director of the California Department of Water Resources, who is studying Delta issues as a consultant to the State and Federal Contractors Water Agency.

Johns said there is wide concern over a finding by the State Water Resources Control Board that 75 percent of unimpaired inflow to the Delta is necessary to restore the Delta ecosystem.  He said implementation of this standard would cause widespread environmental and economic impacts, particularly to areas upstream of the Delta, including Placer County.

He said impacts of proposed solutions to the Delta’s problems would go far beyond what has been studied, and would include surface and groundwater supplies that now serve agriculture, power generation, recreation, and urban users.

“Everything is connected,” he said.  “There would be lots of unintended consequences if the delta inflow plan were to be implemented as currently recommended.”

PCWA has been active on several fronts in bringing attention to the local impacts of Delta planning.  The agency is working within the water industry and has joined a North State Water Alliance, a growing group of water purveyors, cities, counties and others with concerns about upstream impacts of Delta planning.

In other business, PCWA directors:

- approved a two percent cost of living adjustment for employees, effective Jan. 1, 2012 and extended the current terms and conditions with three bargaining units through 2013.  On behalf of the agency’s work force, General Manager David Breninger thanked the board for the adjustment, which is the first since January 2009.  Breninger declined the adjustment for his own position; his salary remains unchanged.
- heard a water supply update related to this year’s unusually dry winter.  Director of Field Services Mike Nichol said that fortunately mountain reservoirs are holding more water than average for this time of year, which is a cushion against continued dry conditions.  Senior Engineer Tony Firenzi reported on contingency planning if the year remains unusually dry.  “Our early assessments show that if we receive close to normal precipitation for the rest of the season we anticipate that we may be able to make normal deliveries this year,” he said.

The next regular meeting of the PCWA Board of Directors will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2, at the PCWA Business Center, 144 Ferguson Road, in Auburn.

Information on PCWA board meetings may be obtained through the Clerk to the Board at (530) 823-4850 or (800) 464-0030.  PCWA information is also posted at www.pcwa.net.

Mackinaw Fishing at Lake Tahoe Presentation by Mickey’s Charters

Posted: 2/8/2012

Auburn – Mickey Daniels, Owner of Mickey’s Big Mack Charters, will be the guest speaker at the Friday, February 17, breakfast meeting at the Auburn Elks Lodge, 195 Pine St., Auburn, CA 95603. The doors at the lodge open at 7:00 AM with a fantastic $12 buffet breakfast served from 8:00 to 9:00 and the presentation by Mickey begins at 9:00 sharp.

Master Guide Mickey Daniels’ sport fishing business, Mickey’s Big Mack Charters, is located in Carnelian Bay and includes 45 years of Lake Tahoe Fishing and boating experience. Mickey takes folks fishing -- deeplining for Mackinaw and toplining for Rainbow and Browns. Some of Mickey’s “record” catches during the past 40 years include Mackinaws over 30 pounds, along with trophy Rainbows over 11 pounds and Browns. His spacious 43’ Big Mack II sportfisher is designed specifically for Lake Tahoe and equipped with the latest in electronics and fishing gear. Mickey has been featured on Fishing the West, Country Sportsman, Fishing Getaways, Angler West, California Angler, Sunset Magazine and Outdoor Life. He will share his experience with Rooster Tail members about his company, Lake Tahoe and provide some insight into Mackinaw fishing.

The 28 year old, 150+-member Rooster Tails Fishing Club of Northern California, Inc. is a non-profit organization that meets the third Friday of each month to educate, entertain, and enhance a fishing experience. Unlike many bass and fly fishing clubs that concentrate on very specific types of fishing, the Rooster Tails Fishing Club provides a balanced mix of fishing techniques presented by fishing experts targeting a variety of fish species on multiple types of waters. Further information can be found at www.roostertailsfishingclub.org.

For more information on attending Rooster Tails Fishing Club of Northern California, Inc. meetings, contact Jim, Club Chairman, (530) 887-0479, or pres@roostertailsfishingclub.org.

PCWA Comments on Delta Draft EIR

Posted: 2/8/2012

AUBURN – In formal comments filed Thursday (Feb. 2) with the Delta Stewardship Council, the Placer County Water Agency is contending that environmental studies for the proposed future operation of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta are inadequate.

PCWA and other Northern California water purveyors and organizations have been actively tracking the Delta planning process.  Local officials remain very concerned that new water flow requirements for the Delta could seriously impact upstream agencies such as PCWA.

PCWA legal adviser Janet Goldsmith briefed the PCWA Board of Directors on Thursday after filing the comments on the draft EIR earlier in the day.

She said the draft EIR does not provide adequate information on the potential impacts to areas upstream of the Delta.  “In a 2000-plus page environmental document, water supply reliability effects merit more than a summary page of discussion,” she wrote.

PCWA’s comments, which will be considered as the Delta Stewardship Council works toward a final environmental study, center around what is described as “a more natural flow regime” into the Delta.

“Implementing a more natural flow regime would almost certainly constitute an unavoidable significant impact to areas upstream of the Delta,” said Goldsmith.

PCWA has been tracking the Delta planning process in collaboration with the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), the State and Federal Contractors Water Agency, Mountain Counties Water Resources Association and the Regional Water Authority.

Appointed by the State Legislature, the Delta Stewardship Council is tasked with the twin objectives of improving and restoring the Delta, which has suffered environmental damage through years of overuse and overdrafting of water by downstream agencies and improving water supply reliability.  The council’s draft Delta Plan is now in its fifth revision.

In other business, PCWA directors:

- heard a water supply update from Director of Field Services, Mike Nichol, who reported through January, Lake Spaulding has received about half its average precipitation. If the average snow and rainfall occurs for the remainder of winter and spring, the watershed would receive about 74 percent of normal precipitation for the year. A more detailed briefing on this year’s water supplies is scheduled for the Feb. 16 meeting of the PCWA board.
- heard a report from Director of Technical Services, Brian Martin, on his department’s accomplishments for 2011 and anticipated issues for 2012.  Martin’s department includes 21 positions in engineering and 30 positions in water quality.  He noted that the agency produced 10.6 billion gallons of treated drinking water in 2011.

The next regular meeting of the PCWA Board of Directors will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16, at the PCWA Business Center, 144 Ferguson Road, in Auburn.

Information on PCWA board meetings may be obtained through the Clerk to the Board at (530) 823-4850 or (800) 464-0030.  PCWA information is also posted at www.pcwa.net.

Saving the Sierra Snowpack

Posted: 1/4/2012

AUBURN – On Friday, January 6th Jim Wilcox, the Senior Project and Program Manager at Plumas Corporation for the Feather River Coordinated Resource Management group will discuss how mountain meadows could help store the sierra snowpack run-off, helping to prevent flooding in the cities. By slowing the heavy spring flows and releasing them gradually over the dry summer months, healthy Sierra meadows can increase the quantity (and quality) of water available downstream. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation estimate that half of the Sierra meadows are not providing the benefits they should. David Rizzardo, Chief of Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting in the Department of Water Resources, adds that the meadows are also extremely important for measuring the water content in the snow.

Rizzardo states that the data collected from Sierra meadows spans 80-100 years and “is one of the longest, most precious climate records we have; shrinking meadows threaten our ability to measure the snow pack accurately. The accuracy of these measurements impacts our ability to forecast potential flood threats from snowmelt runoff or the volume of fresh water runoff available for water supply.”

Aside from supplying people with water, California’s Sierra Nevada ecosystem is home to 570 vertebrate wildlife species. Of these, 180 species (31.5%) are on California’s Special Animals List. Twenty-six are only found in the Sierra Nevada.

Restoring the Sierra meadows will help revitalize the watershed and wildlife, and also helps sustain the downstream farms, ranches, towns, and cities that depend on the alpine water. Wilcox, a former logger, has been working since the mid 1980’s to help restore the meadows within the upper Feather River basin which encompasses 3,200 square miles from the Sierra Crest to Oroville. Today he works with ranchers, timber owners, anglers, and federal and state agency officials — anyone who shares an interest in improving the land and the water that cascades down to the Sacramento Valley and the delta that empties into San Francisco Bay. Wilcox will discuss the restoration process and the hope it holds for our future.

The presentation and following open discussion is held at the State Theater at 985 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603. For more information and tickets please visit www.PlacerNatureCenter.org/lectures support science and environmental literacy programs at Placer Nature Center, a 501c3 nonprofit. Many thanks to Auburn Printers & Integrated Marketing, 49er Printing and Copy Center, Auburn Recreation District, and Auburn Placer Performing Arts.

American River Land Protected

Posted: 1/4/2012

Placer Land Trust Staff and Board visit newly protected American River Property. Courtesy of Placer Land Trust

AUBURN – Placer Land Trust is extremely pleased to announce that we have acquired and protected an additional 40 acres on the North Fork American River above Lake Clementine! The organization closed escrow on the property on December 19th.

This project could not have been completed without the generosity of Emigrant Trails Greenway Trust (ETGT). ETGT facilitated the donation of the property to Placer Land Trust along with a $50,000 stewardship contribution.

“This is a beautiful riverfront property in one of our strategic conservation focus areas [Lake Clementine],” said Placer Land Trust Executive Director Jeff Darlington, “and we were very fortunate to be able to work with ETGT to see that it is protected for future generations.”

The property borders existing public land near Long Point and includes a stretch of river well known and loved by kayakers, fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts. ETGT and Placer Land Trust stepped in to protect this property in large part to keep the river scenic and free from development within the river corridor.

In addition to its value as recreation land, the protection of this property benefits water quality, wildlife habitat, and the scenic beauty of the American River canyon.

The North Fork American River has long been an area of special interest and continues to be a priority for Placer Land Trust. In particular, the Lake Clementine area has special significance for PLT due to its value as recreation land.

Placer Land Trust is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in 1991 and dedicated to working with willing landowners and conservation partners to permanently preserve natural and agricultural lands in Placer County. To date the Trust has preserved 7,171 acres across Placer County for current and future generations. For more information, call (530) 887-9222 or visit www.placerlandtrust.org.

PG&E Rates to Change in 2012

Utility holds costs under rate of inflation
Posted: 1/4/2012

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) said today that with the start of the new year, residential customers will see flat to moderate increases in gas and electric rates, which cover the utility’s costs of buying energy, investing in new plants and equipment, and paying for state mandates such as special programs to help income-qualified customers.

PG&E’s average rates for residential gas customers will dip 0.3 percent compared to January 2011 and increase 1.8 percent over December 2011. Average residential electric rates will increase 2.9 percent over January 1, 2011, or 2.4 percent over December 2011 (see table below for average estimated bill impacts). “We know our customers care more than ever about their energy bills during these difficult economic times, so we continue to focus on keeping rate increases as modest as possible while raising enough revenue to continue to provide safe and reliable service,” said Tom Bottorff, Senior Vice President of Regulatory Relations for PG&E. “These revenues help us serve customers by reducing the frequency of electrical outages, improving the responsiveness of our call centers, providing more convenient services and, above all, continuing to upgrade the safety of our system.”

The rate increases are lower than the trend for all U.S. consumer prices, which increased 3.4 percent over the most recently measured 12-month period (November 2010 to November 2011), according to the U.S. Department of Labor. “Although electric and gas rates fluctuate from year to year, we have managed to keep them below the rate of inflation over the past five years,” Bottorff added. The January electric rate change will provide increased revenues to repair and replace aging infrastructure and invest in clean energy supplies, among other needs. Electric and gas rates have not been affected by PG&E’s costs stemming from the San Bruno tragedy, which have been borne by the utility’s shareholders.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to 15 million people in Northern and Central California. For information, visit www.pge.com.

Placer Graduate Commissioned as Captain in USAF

Posted: 1/4/2012

Captain Ron Morin, US Navy Retired of Auburn administers the military officer oath of office to 2nd Lt Brad McElvain, USAF on December 16. McElvain, a 2007 Placer High School alum, graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona with a Bachelors of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, cum laude, with minors in Mathematics and Defense Studies. Brad has returned to Auburn until he reports for pilot training in February at Columbus AFB in Mississippi.

Before that Long Trip to Granny's

by Ken Westeren, Dog Trainer, Colfax
Posted: 12/22/2011

Sophie Westeren wonders what’s up for Christmas. Photo: Rusty Westeren

If a long trip is on the list of “to do’s” for the holidays it is a good idea to start early in preparing your dog for the journey. Even if your pet is familiar with short trips around town, preparation is necessary when traveling for long periods of time.

Start with local trips that increase in duration over several days or weeks. Have your pet secured in his normal travel crate or seat belt harness for these test runs.

When the big trip comes, feed your pet 2-3 hours before departure, giving his meal plenty of time to digest. This will help with motion sickness and help him feel content.

Around and under the crate or location of the seat belt harness place some piddle pads; these will make clean up easier in the event of a toileting accident or motion sickness.

Frequent stops for potty breaks and a chance to stretch are also recommended. During these stops do not give Fido any treats to eat. Some water will be necessary; however food should be avoided until you reach your destination. If the trip goes into dinner time, feed your dog a light meal and wait at least an hour before heading out again.

A familiar blanket, favorite toy, even a chew toy placed in reach will make her feel more secure and have something to occupy her time.

Once you reach Granny’s, or a dog friendly hotel set your dog up in a quiet place with his familiar toys and blankets. Stick to your normal routine as much as possible with feeding times and potty runs. The more normalcies you can incorporate into the trip will go a long way in relieving any anxiety your dog may experience in his new environment.

Taking a little time to introduce Fido to the new toileting area and his new surroundings is a plus. Use proper introduction techniques with people and pets that are strangers to your dog.

These tips will help keep everyone including your pet happy and calm; a joyous holiday for everyone.

41 Placer Foster Youth Receive Holiday Stocking

Posted: 12/22/2011

Camilla Ryland and foster youth Kimberly of Koinonia Homes for Teens in Loomis help fill stockings for foster youth at United Way’s Women in Philanthropy wrapping party.

SACRAMENTO – United Way’s Women in Philanthropy members and people across the region donated stockings for 41 Placer County foster youth in Koinonia Family Services’ programs through United Way’s Women in Philanthropy. The donation was part of the group’s annual gift and stocking drive that this year raised 133 stockings and 150 gifts for 183 foster youth, and those emancipated, across the region.

Fifty foster youth in Sacramento County’s Gifts From The Heart program received the holiday gifts they requested. United Way’s Women in Philanthropy and community members also filled stockings for 133 current and emancipated foster youth with United Way’s $en$e-Ability project funded partners: Amador-Tuolumne Community Resources, Child Abuse Prevention Council of Sacramento, Koinonia Family Services and New Morning Youth and Family Services.

“Some of these kids are scared, suddenly removed from their homes during what is supposed to be the happiest season of the year,” said Lisa Watts, chair of United Way’s Women in Philanthropy. “Others have experienced years of pain as they bounce from one foster home to another and now prepare to live on their own. United Way’s Women in Philanthropy gives women across the region a tangible way to touch these kids’ hearts during the holidays.”

United Way’s Women in Philanthropy brings women together to foster the future, preparing foster youth for a successful adulthood. A dynamic group of businesswomen, homemakers and community leaders, Women in Philanthropy members raise funds, hold drives and provide trainings focused on helping foster youth rise to their dreams. The group also is a partner in United Way’s $en$e-Ability project, helping foster youth become financially self-sufficient through financial literacy courses and individual development accounts that provide a matched savings program.

For more information, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org/wip.

Sacramento County’s Gifts from the Heart is an annual holiday gift-giving program that operates on donations and benefits children and seniors who are in the Department of Health and Human Services’ system of care.

For more information, call (916) 875-2027.

Mike Lee to Lead PCWA Boar

Posted: 12/22/2011

AUBURN – District 4 Director Mike Lee has been named by his fellow directors to serve as 2012 chairman of the Placer County Water Agency Board of Directors.  The unanimous vote came at Monday’s (Dec. 5) meeting of the PCWA board.

Lee, of Loomis, is a former longtime member of the Placer County Board of Supervisors who has served on the PCWA board since 2000. This will be his third term as board chairman.

He succeeds District 3 Director Lowell Jarvis, of Ophir, who served as 2011 board chairman.

District 5 Director Ben Mavy, of Meadow Vista, was elected as the board’s vice chairman for 2012.

The other two members of the five-member PCWA governing board are District 1 Director Gray Allen of Roseville and District 5 Director Alex Ferreira of Lincoln.

In other business, PCWA directors:

- approved an interim contract with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to renew and extend the supply of Central Valley Project (CVP) water the bureau supplies to PCWA.  Legal adviser Janet Goldsmith said the interim contact was needed because the bureau is presently prohibited from entering into long term water supply contracts.
- heard a report from Resource Planning Administrator Andy Fecko on the agency’s ongoing effort to reduce increases in land use fees it pays to the federal government for the PCWA Middle Fork American River Project. Fecko said PCWA, working with other agencies, is now facing annual fees of $800,000 to $900,000, or less than half of the $2 million originally sought. The fees have increased substantially from the $280,000 the agency paid in 2008.
- heard an update from Field Services Director Mike Nichol on the annual canal maintenance outage being conducted this fall by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Nichol said water supply impacts to PCWA customers have been avoided during PG&E’s work on the Bear River and South canals.
- approved $4000 for the Placer Nature Center’s watershed and water educational programs for young people. Directors said educational outreach is needed to emphasize the importance of the county’s water resources at a time when downstream interests are looking to deprive our area of water for their benefit.

The next regular meeting of the PCWA Board of Directors will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15, at the PCWA Business Center, 144 Ferguson Road, in Auburn.

Information on PCWA board meetings may be obtained through the Clerk to the Board at (530) 823-4850 or (800) 464-0030.  PCWA information is also posted at www.pcwa.net.

Local Animal Welfare and Sheltering Organizations Join Forces

Our Animals Need a Home for the Holidays!
Posted: 12/22/2011

Placer County – During the month of December, animal rescue and sheltering organizations from throughout Placer County will work tirelessly toward finding permanent loving homes for the animals in their care.

Placer SPCA, Placer County Animal Services, Friends of Placer County Animal Shelters, Angels Rescuing Kritters, A New Hope Animal Foundation, Humane Society of the Sierra Foothills, Auburn Area Animal Rescue Foundation, and Field Haven Feline Rescue will offer adoption fee rebates for specially selected adult cats and while funding is available. This is possible thanks in part to a grant from the Placer County Animal Trust Fund.

“We have many wonderful animals available for adoption and our collective wish is they all have a home for the holidays,” states Placer SPCA CEO Leilani Vierra on behalf of these groups. These Placer County organizations know that acquiring the right pet can be an uplifting and magical experience and encourage residents to make a difference in the life of a homeless animal right here in their own community.

Vierra adds, “Certainly, there are some folks who aren’t in a position to adopt but there are other ways to support the efforts of these local groups, consider donating, volunteering or temporarily fostering an animal.”For questions about Rebates for Rescues, please contact (916) 782-7722, ext. 106, (530) 885-7387, ext. 106, or administration@placerspca.org.

A Thousand Paws of Light

Posted: 12/22/2011

Roseville – At the Placer SPCA, staff and volunteers are gearing up to find homes for 300 animals this month, a record for the organization for the month of December.

Roseville – At the Placer SPCA, staff and volunteers are gearing up to find homes for 300 animals this month, a record for the organization for the month of December.

“In December 2010, we adopted 275 animals, meaning 1,100 paws crossed the threshold,” said Placer SPCA CEO Leilani Vierra. “This year we would like to see 1,200 paws walk out of our center on their way to permanent homes in time for the holidays.”In an effort to encourage adopters, the adoption fee is waived for all cats over four months of age.

For dogs, the adoption fee is reduced by $10 for every year of the animal’s age. “We hope this may make someone take a closer look at dogs like Lani, who is eight years old. A lucky adopter will receive $80 off her regular adoption price of $125 and bring home a fabulous companion for the holidays.” All adoptions from the Placer SPCA include spay or neuter surgery, microchip, vaccinations, and a voucher for a free veterinary exam. Special adoption pricing is in effect at the Placer SPCA at 150 Corporation Yard Road in Roseville, and also at the Auburn location, at 1482 Grass Valley Highway, Auburn. For more information, please contact the Placer SPCA, your local companion animal welfare experts, at (916) 782-7722 or (530) 885-7387, visit www.placerspca.org, or email customercare@placerspca.org.

Local Pork Producer Scheduled to Address Industry’s Progress

Posted: 12/22/2011

AUBURN – California pork production takes center stage on Wednesday, December 21, at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Auburn Kiwanis Club. Steve Weaver of Weaver Farms in Elk Grove, Calif., will address the group at 6:30 p.m. at the Sizzler located at 13570 Lincoln Way in Auburn.

Titled “The Pork Industry: More Than Just the Other White Meat,” the speech by Weaver will showcase the industry’s rural economic impact plus on-going programs to enhance the nutritional quality of pork, to protect the environment and to treat livestock humanely. Due to new technologies and management systems, U.S. pork producers have trimmed pork’s fat content 31 percent since 1983.

“Like other industries facing strong competitive pressures,” Weaver remarked, “we’re working to constantly improve our ability to provide tasty, affordable and nutritious pork products in a responsible manner. I’d like to thank the Auburn Kiwanis Club for giving me an opportunity to discuss how pork producers are providing quality pork products, benefiting the local economy and being responsible neighbors.”

Weaver is one of 68,000 U.S. pork producers in the United States. He said the typical size sow operation can generate $27,000 in property taxes, $65,000 in state taxes, 21 jobs, and support another 19 indirect local jobs.

Wells Fargo Bank Donates to SEDCorp

Posted: 12/22/2011

The Sierra Economic Development Corporation (SEDCorp) is pleased to announce the generous donation of $45,000 made by Wells Fargo Bank through SEDCorp’s companion non-profit, Economic Partners In Change (EPIC), on December 7, 2011. Donald Terry, Community Development Officer for the Northern California Region, presented the check to Mike Holmes, SEDCorp’s Chairman, at the December Board of Directors meeting in Auburn.

“Wells Fargo has been a great partner to SEDCorp,” said Mike, “they really fulfill their role in supporting regional economic development.” SEDCorp CEO, Brent Smith, added, “This generous grant from Wells Fargo adds to our financial strength and our ability to support the region’s small businesses by providing more training for business owners and continuing to make direct small business loans.”

Donald Terry shared that “it’s been great to provide a little support to SEDCorp over the last couple of years in their Business Boot Camps and their lending program. We look forward to a continuing partnership.”

SEDCorp is a 501(c)(4) non-profit corporation formed in 1969 as a regional economic development district, serving the counties of El Dorado, Nevada, Placer and Sierra in their economic development endeavors. The multi-county organization is funded from a combination of federal, state and local sources to promote and support job preservation and creation and a stable economy throughout the region. Visit the SEDCorp’s website at www.sedcorp.biz or call (530) 823-4703 to discuss business financing options.

The Christmas Spirit Lives

By Paula Mosqueda
Posted: 12/22/2011

From left to right: Jim Mallery, Dennis Arietta, Dave Brown, Debra Oldziewski, Linda Lee Talso, Santa (Dave Johnson), Marie Lavoie, Norm Kendall, Linda Arnold, Ray Arnold, John Power and Paula Mosqueda.

Auburn – Larry Norris was a member of the Auburn 49er Lions Club. He really enjoyed the Christmas season. He would dress up as Santa Claus and, along with his wife dressed as Mrs. Claus, visit convalescent homes and the Auburn Faith Hospital. He carried with him two bags of candy, one regular and, the other, sugar-free. He would make the rounds with a nurse who would tell him from which bag the patient could sample some goodies.

Today, decades later, the Larry Norris Project continues to be held in his honor. Over time, it has evolved. Again this year, Auburn 49er Lion Kelly Post worked with the Salvation Army to select families who meet the criteria to participate in this event.

The families were notified and asked to provide a Christmas wish list for each child. For each family, a 49er Lion took the list and tried to fill it. The gifts were wrapped. Candy canes were collected.

On Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011, Santa Claus, aka Dave Johnson, riding in a colorfully decorated convertible, made his way to four Auburn family homes to deliver Christmas gifts and other goodies to the children of these households. Santa’s elves, being busy at the North Pole, could not attend. So Santa took with him some Auburn 49er Lions. The gifts were delivered, pictures were taken, and the Lions attempted a rendition of, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” There were many smiles and lots of laughter.

Christmas is the season of sharing. The Auburn 49er Lions are happy to continue the Christmas spirit of the late Larry Norris. One can only hope it will live on in the hearts of us all.

To learn more about the activities of the Auburn 49er Lions club, contact them at auburn49erlions@gmail.com.

Residents Holding Benefit for Homeless Shelters

Posted: 12/82/011

Loomis – Local residents will hold a benefit to generate additional and much needed funding for homeless shelters on Dec. 09, 2011, from 7:00 pm- 11:00 pm (doors open at 6pm) with all proceeds going to The Gathering Inn and Loaves and Fishes; both 501(c) non-profit organizations benefiting the homeless in Placer County and Sacramento, respectively.

After reading an article about the lack of winter shelter funding for the homeless; Loomis residents Steve and Nancy Price decided to hold a benefit and give all the proceeds raised to the shelters. “The thought of people having no where to go on the cold winter nights compelled us to do something to help” says Price. “With Steve being a musician, holding a benefit concert just seemed the natural direction. Our friend Dana Papastathis joined us; and we have a lot of support from our friends; musicians and non-musicians alike who are donating their time, talent, and services. Skip’s Music has donated a guitar for the benefit that Steve is having signed and will be auctioned, which has inspired other local businesses to donate items for the raffle. We want to create an event where people can come and have fun; but also know by attending they are making a difference in the life of another person”.

The event will take place at The Bluegoose located at 3550 Taylor Road, in Loomis, CA. Local entertainers will perform and fabulous items will be raffled during the event; which would make great gifts for the holidays. There will also be a silent auction for a Squire by Fender Guitar with amplifier, case and stand, autographed by numerous respected and noted artists in the music industry, which will be awarded to the highest bidder. Bids submitted at www.bethechange.cc.

The winner will be announced at 10:00 pm the night of the event; and will not need to be present to win.

The public is invited to this event, for a ticket price of $15 per person in advance, $20.00 at the door; with 100 percent of the proceeds from the ticket sales, raffles, silent auction, food, and drinks (soda, water, beer, wine, well drinks) going to the two foundations that will use 100 percent of the donations to provide shelter and hot meals to the homeless during the cold winter nights.

Entertainers scheduled to appear include local bands “Mr. December” with Dana Moret, Jim Papastathis, Ted Stancliff, Steve Dunne (Cold Blood) and Steve Price from Pablo Cruise; and up and coming singer-song writer “Evan Zee”. Many local businesses have generously donated goods and services, and more are committing daily.

Tickets for the event are available for advance purchase at www.bethechange.cc, and at The Bluegoose Produce on 3550 Taylor Road, in Loomis; or at the door the night of the event.

The Gathering Inn- Each evening guests are transported by bus to one of the many hosting churches in south Placer County. These churches commit the use of their facilities on designated evenings to provide a safe and secure place for homeless individuals or families to have dinner, and sleep inside where they are protected and warm.

Loaves and Fishes- Without passing judgment, and in a spirit of love and hospitality, Loaves & Fishes feeds the hungry and shelters the homeless men, women and children. Founded in 1983, and governed by a board of directors selected from Loaves & Fishes and from the community at large; people who have demonstrated compassion and concern about the needs of the homeless and the indigent poor.

Please visit www.bethechange.cc for additional information or to make donations to the proceeds.

High-Speed Rail Concerns Echoed by Analyst

Posted: 12/8/2011

SACRAMENTO – Senator Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement in response to the release by the Legislative Analyst’s Office of a report finding that California’s high speed rail will deepen the state’s budget woes, misleads lawmakers and could violate state law: “The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s report that high speed rail diverts billions from education and public safety should be a wake-up call to the project’s dwindling supporters,” stated Senator LaMalfa. “At a time when the state is struggling to provide core services to Californians, it’s irresponsible to spend money on luxuries we will neither need nor use. “The Authority’s claim that the project is less expensive than maintaining roads has been roundly ridiculed. How can we trust the Authority on road and airport costs when it can’t keep its story straight on rail costs?” asked LaMalfa. “The LAO found the Authority’s plan to be so misleading that it prevents policymakers from making informed decisions, just as a state court found that voters were misled in 2008.” LaMalfa has authored Senate Bill 22 to freeze high speed rail funding and plans to introduce a measure returning the project to voters when the legislature reconvenes.

Senator Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing the fourth Senate District including Shasta, Tehama, Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Siskiyou, Sutter, Del Norte, Placer, Trinity, Yuba and Nevada counties.

Local Animal Welfare and Sheltering Organizations Join Forces

Our Animals Need a Home for the Holidays!
Posted: 12/8/2011

Placer County – During the month of December, animal rescue and sheltering organizations from throughout Placer County will work tirelessly toward finding permanent loving homes for the animals in their care.

Placer SPCA, Placer County Animal Services, Friends of Placer County Animal Shelters, Angels Rescuing Kritters, A New Hope Animal Foundation, Humane Society of the Sierra Foothills, Auburn Area Animal Rescue Foundation, and Field Haven Feline Rescue will offer adoption fee rebates for specially selected adult cats and while funding is available. This is possible thanks in part to a grant from the Placer County Animal Trust Fund.

“We have many wonderful animals available for adoption and our collective wish is they all have a home for the holidays,” states Placer SPCA CEO Leilani Vierra on behalf of these groups. These Placer County organizations know that acquiring the right pet can be an uplifting and magical experience and encourage residents to make a difference in the life of a homeless animal right here in their own community.

Vierra adds, “Certainly, there are some folks who aren’t in a position to adopt but there are other ways to support the efforts of these local groups, consider donating, volunteering or temporarily fostering an animal.”For questions about Rebates for Rescues, please contact (916) 782-7722, ext. 106, (530) 885-7387, ext. 106, or administration@placerspca.org.

Ceremony Recognizes Youth and Community Leaders for Making a Difference

Posted: 12/8/2011

Auburn – The Community Room of the Auburn Library was standing-room-only on November 16th as community leaders young and old came together to give thanks for making a difference in the lives of Auburn youth and their community.

A collaborative event between the Auburn Library and Auburn Hip Hop Congress, the first annual “Give Thanks” ceremony was a chance for like-minded community members to come together to recognize organizations and individuals who work hard to create positive opportunities for young people in the community.

The event was the brainchild of Natalie Pohley, Community & Youth Organizer, and Rocky Zapata, Business Manager, both of Auburn Hip Hop Congress. Said Pohley, “It is important to recognize those doing good in the community and to ‘Give Thanks!’”

Attendees brought food to share as well as their excitement: “It’s not every day that all of us can get together like this,” said Sophie Bruno, Youth Services Librarian. “What an amazing opportunity for all of us here to recognize how important it is to support our young people and allow their voices to be heard.”

Over and over, award recipients and youth performers thanked Pohley and Zapata for the difference the two have made in the lives of Auburn youth, and for putting an event on to celebrate young people in a town that hasn’t always embraced teenagers, much less hip hop culture.

“When I was a kid going to school at E.V. Cain and trying to get involved in hip hop music, I didn’t have this kind of support,” said Jarret Ras, musician and Artist Development Coordinator, now with two children of his own. “It means so much to me to see that these new generations of young people have supportive organizations like Hip Hop Congress available to them.” During his speech, Ras was visibly emotional, and he wasn’t the only one.

Over seventeen young artists performed, and almost all of them shared pieces that spoke from the heart – from loved ones they have lost, to the release their music brings them, to commentary on the world in which they live. Each performance brought plenty of applause and appreciation from the packed room.

In all, 22 awards were given out – including awards for a dozen young people whose work in the community ranged from the Boys & Girls Club, Placer Youth Commission, Maidu, Chana, and Placer High Schools, Key Club, and Auburn Hip Hop Congress. They included: Nelson Hawkins, Joseph Torres, Brandon Lopez, Ashlee Lopez, Samantha Dyer, Derek Ikeda, Brandon Barry, Vanessa Pohley, Brandon Greenhalgh, Blake Pilcher, Kendall Odom, and Adam Powell.

Community leaders honored were Tom Grayson of Sierra Life Skills; Jabari Wimbs of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation (formerly of Auburn Boys & Girls Club); Sophie Bruno of the Auburn Library; Kara Sutter of Placer County Health & Human Services; Jarret Ras, an Auburn Hip Hop Congress musician, teacher, and mentor; and Angela Tahti of PlacerArts.

For their work as caring community organizations, awards were also given to the 49er Lion’s Club, Gold Country Fairgrounds, Friends of Auburn Library, and Academy Snowboard Co.

Event organizers hope to have an even bigger ceremony this spring.

NARFEA Annual Christmas Party

Posted: 12/8/2011

AUBURN – The National Active and Retired Federal Employee Association will have their annual Christmas Party on December 15 beginning at 11:30, at the Sizzler on Lincoln Way in Auburn. There will be no business meeting except for the installation of officers for 2012.

There will be no gift exchange Members are asked to bring a donation for the Salvation Army Food Closet. There will be a raffle and door prizes.

Party starts at 11:30. Come join the fun! Information: (530) 885-7320

Sons in Retirement Golf Club Looking for Members

Posted: 12/8/2011

Auburn – Sons In Retirement Area 33 (Auburn) is inviting new golf members to join Northern California Golf Assn. and also join SIR Golf Club for $43. The golfer may establish a handicap index and participate in weekly 9 hole events at Black Oak GC or monthly tournaments at other local courses. The open enrollment period lasts until Jan. 14 at that price and then will be $53 after that date. So if you haven’t played in a while and would like to resume or if you’ve never played golf but want to try it, this is a great opportunity.

For anyone not interested in golf, but would like to fish, bowl, bocce, putt, or use computers, SIR has all of that, too.

For more information about SIR and all of the activities call Big SIR, Ken Hansen, at (916) 663-4716.

NID Board Pleased With Low Interest Rate

Posted: 12/8/2011

GRASS VALLEY – Directors of the Nevada Irrigation District on Wednesday (Nov. 30) learned that the interest rate for repayment of its pending $27 million revenue bond issue would be less than anticipated.

As recently as two weeks ago, directors had anticipated an all-in cost of about 3.99 percent but bids from seven underwriters submitted on Wednesday went lower. Low bidder Hutchinson, Shockey, Erley & Co. of Chicago quoted the low rate of 3.81 percent. The all-in cost includes an interest rate of 3.697 percent plus fees for the bond sale.

The bond sale is expected to be completed over the coming two weeks, with pre-closing and closing on Dec. 12-13. The district anticipates receiving the bond proceeds by the end of the year.

NID plans to use the money to fund major water system improvement projects – including the current Banner Cascade Pipeline Project – to replenish district reserves, and to refinance existing debt at a lower interest rate.

The district’s good credit ratings contributed to the low interest rate. NID received a AA+ rating from Standard and Poor’s and a AA rating from Fitch. The ratings are based on financial considerations including the fact that NID provides an essential service in a stable economic area, has affordable water rates, an ample water supply, diverse revenue sources, strong debt service coverage and strong liquidity levels, according to a First Southwest report.

NID will repay the debt at $1.34 million per year over a 25-year period.

In other business, directors:

- adopted a final 2012 budget of $61.5 million. The overall spending plan includes a $48.4 million Water Division budget, $10.2 million Hydroelectric Division budget and $1.2 million Recreation Division budget. The district’s work force will remain at reduced levels. The 2012 budget includes 177 employment positions, down 15 positions from the previously authorized level of 193.

The next meeting of the NID Board of Directors will be held at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 30, at the NID Business Center in Grass Valley. NID board meetings are open to the public.

PG&E Says Stay Safe and Save Energy While Stringing Holiday Lights

Posted: 12/8/2011

As customers decorate homes and trees this holiday season, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) encourages them to keep safety and energy efficiency in mind. Holiday lights bring joy to the season, but they can also bring hazards and added costs to your energy bill. PG&E offers the following holiday lighting tips:Holiday Lighting Energy Efficiency:

Purchase energy-efficient LED (light-emitting diode) holiday lights. LED lights can reduce energy consumption by as much as 90% when compared to traditional holiday lights and can shine brightly for up to 20 holiday seasons.

- A string of 300 LED holiday lights can cost less than $0.50 to operate during the holiday season, compared to nearly $70.00 for a string of 300 large incandescent holiday lights
- LED holiday light strings are available at many retailers in Northern and Central California. For more information about LED holiday lighting, visit www.pge.com/myhome/saveenergymoney/savingstips/seasonaltips/winter/led/index.shtml.

Holiday Lighting Safety

- In addition to being shatterproof and shock resistant, LED lights produce almost no heat, making them safe to touch and greatly reducing the risk of fire.
- Look up and live! Before stringing outdoor lights, check for overhead power lines. Never place yourself or any object —like a ladder—in a position where you or it may come in contact with a power line—the result can be fatal. Keep at least 10 feet away from overhead lines.
- Before stringing lights on outdoor trees, make sure tree limbs haven’t grown into or near power lines. Branches, entire trees and even the ground adjacent to a tree can become energized when trees contact power lines.
- Make sure lights used to decorate the outside of the house are approved for outdoor use. Never use indoor lights outdoors
- Follow the manufacturer’s limits for the number of light strings that can be connected together safely.
- Check all light strands for cracked or broken plugs, frayed insulation or bare wires. Worn cords can cause fires, so discard damaged sets of lights.
- Route cords inside your home so they won’t trip anyone. Don’t place them under rugs, furniture or other appliances. If covered, cords can overheat or become frayed, increasing the risk of fire.
- Always turn off decorative lights—indoors and outdoors—when leaving the house and before going to bed.
- Do not place your tree near a heat source such as a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, making it more susceptible to fires caused by heat, flame or sparks.

Volunteers Needed for Free Tax Program

Posted: 11/12/2011

Volunteers are needed for Placer County's largest free tax assistance and preparation program. To join the Tax-Aide team for 2012 call Neal Vandendriesche, (916) 782-9185 for South Placer sites or Eric Hill, (530) 308-2930 for Auburn sites.

Free tax training leading to IRS certification begins soon. Some computer skills are a must and previous tax preparation experience would be helpful. An early start makes it easier to learn the program. Placer County has one of the best e-filing rates in the country.

Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. Extra volunteers are needed because of an enhanced effort to reach low income tax payers. The AARP Foundation-sponsored program is offered in conjunction with the IRS with help from the state Franchise Tax Board and those who provide free sites.

Bark Ave Westeren Seeks to Create Healthy, Balanced Dogs and Responsible Owners

By Linda Frederick Yaffe
Posted: 11/6/2011

Dog trainers – and rescuers – Ken and Paula (“Rusty”) Westeren found Buster, a sweet-faced mixed breed, living in a desperate situation. Confined for sixteen hours a day in a tiny crate – a crate so tiny he could not stand – Buster showed fearful behavior. He cowered and backed away from humans. Boredom, frustration, noise, and lack of essential daily exercise made him chew destructively and scratch himself constantly. Today, Buster is calm and confident. Fully socialized and trained by the Westerens, he enjoys his happy new life with Ken and Rusty…and the rest of their fun-loving pack of four other rescued canines.

Rescued dogs, even those with problems as severe as Buster’s, can become wonderful members of your family. Ken sets dogs’ boundaries early for a feeling of stability, comfort, and routine. He works to rebuild the sense of self-esteem all dogs crave as they are praised for doing the right thing. “Dogs want boundaries, and they look to you as the leader of their pack. You need to step up and be the leader.”

Rusty explains how dogs assess situations and people differently than humans do. “First, they use their nose, then their eyes, and finally their ears to check out your energy and make a decision about you.” Hand signals and body language can signify more to a dog than verbal commands. Ken describes a dog’s confusion (“What’s happening? What’s wrong?”) when commands are shouted over and over. Instead, say “sit” only once, calmly and quietly. Give the animal time to process the word; then gently push his rump down if he does not sit. When he obeys, stroke the dog under the chin and praise him. The Westerens have found that gentle stroking under the chin, lifting the dog’s head while he’s being praised, literally lifts the animal’s self-esteem and gives your pooch pride in a job done correctly. If you are calm, relaxed, and confident, the dog will reflect your behavior. Become more silent; your dog will become calmer.

Rusty, a lifelong Placer County resident, has always felt a special bond with animals. From hamsters to horses (and everything in between with fur), animals are her natural stress-reducers. Her training skills have been honed by reading, watching Ken, and studying all aspects of dog behavior – not just how to train them. Her natural calming influence helps even the most unbalanced dogs respond positively.

Ken’s years of experience and innate talent in training dogs, both personally and professionally, prompted him to develop “The Westeren Way” training program. “The Westeren Way” gives honor and respect to dogs for their individual and breed talents, as well as honoring their eagerness to serve humans. It’s all about solidifying the human-animal relationship.

Passionate about rescued dogs, the Westerens want all adopted dogs to achieve success in their new families. Like Buster, many rescued dogs suffer from poor socialization, shyness, fear, anxiety, lack of training, poor manners, or excessive barking. Ken and Rusty offer a free class – Rescued Dog Meet Up – throughout Placer County. Register on line, or by phone or email. The Westerens also offer individualized training, socialization, sitting and care, daily exercise, and pet parent education through their professional service: Bark Avenue Westeren. Contact them at www.BarkAvenueWesteren.com, 530-852-2345, 530-305-2504, BarkAvenueWesteren@gmail.com. or on www.Facebook.com/BarkAveWest.

Recently voted second “Favorite Pet Trainers” in Style Magazine’s 2011 Reader’s Choice Awards, “Bark Avenue Westeren’s mission is to help pet parents in building a strong and harmonious bond with their dog. Through education and training we strive to empower pet parents in meeting their dog’s needs as a species, breed, and individual; thereby creating a healthy, balanced dog with proper social skills and joyful, responsible pet parents.” Pet parents can also find helpful hints by following their Tweets, @BarkAveWest, or signing up for Barks from the Block, their free monthly email newsletter.

The Westerens also work hard to “give back” by volunteering their time and expertise with rescue organizations such as Greyhound Friends for Life and Chako Pit Bull Rescue. Ken has been working extensively with a young mixed breed pup rescued from a hoarding situation. With calm and patience, Ken has slowly begun fostering the pup’s trust in humans. At first the dog would not let anyone near him. Now he lets Ken put on a collar and leash to go for a walk. Rusty went with Ken to work with the pup one day; within two hours, the little guy had licked her hand, indicating his desire to trust and bond. The dog still has a way to go, but now – as a result of Ken’s interactions with him – he’s a much more likely candidate for adoption.

Want to become a pet parent? The Westerens urge you to adopt a shelter dog. Contact the Placer County SPCA at www.PlacerSPCA.org. Ken and Rusty love mixed breeds: they make wonderful pets. However, if you prefer a specific breed, contact a rescue group that deals with that breed, such as Greyhound Rescue or Labrador Rescue. The couple urges prospective pet parents to consider what kind of dog will best fit their living situation. “If you’re a couch potato, don’t adopt a border collie. Don’t be impulsive; do research before you choose your companion.”

The Westerens believe that dogs keep their owners balanced. Ken says, “Each of our dogs teaches us something. Dogs are a reality check. When I am upset or in pain, my body language shows it. Dogs are so sensitive. Whatever you’re feeling goes right down the leash to the dog. They pick up on your feelings and help you keep yourself in balance.”

Local Advisor Giving Circle Supports Underserved Youth and Young Adults

By Jessica Hubbard
Posted: 11/6/2011

(Shown left to right): Advisor Giving Circle member Randy Wilson presents the grant check to Louise Czopek and Michelle Coleman of PEACE for Families.

AUBURN – Twenty-two local professional advisors including CPAs, estate planning attorneys and financial advisors recently pooled their philanthropy to make grants supporting six programs serving youth in Placer County.

The Advisor Giving Circle at the Placer Community Foundation awarded nearly $29,000 in grants to provide economically disadvantaged youth ages 14-21 with training and support by peer and adult mentors around violence prevention, leadership and communication skills, self-esteem, and relationship building. Nonprofit organizations receiving the grants include: Boys & Girls Club of Auburn, Child Advocates of Placer County, PEACE for Families, ReDirect/Nuevo Camino, Roseville Police Activities League and Sierra Forever Families.

Members of the Giving Circle provided funding for the grants, which was then matched by the Foundation. The members then carefully reviewed all of the applications, met with the applicants directly and presented their funding recommendations to the Foundation’s Board of Directors for approval.

“Many of the nonprofit organizations that applied were worthy of a grant,” states Jason Cardinet, a member of the Advisor Giving Circle from the accounting firm Gallina LLP. “These groups are doing the hands-on work that can positively change the direction of a young person’s life.” It felt good to be part of a process that will support these organizations in reaching kids that currently feel they have no future.”

The Youth Development program at Placer Community Foundation funds organizations that support youth in acquiring the personal and social strengths needed for successful transition into adulthood. It is an approach that helps youth build strong relationships with others, learn new skills and give back to the community. PEACE for Families was funded for their My Strength program, which works with at-risk teenage boys.

“Our adult facilitator works closely with young men who live in a culture steeped in violence and who see no alternative to embracing it,” states Michelle Coleman, Executive Director of PEACE for Families. “The My Strength program helps them build their understanding of their world and their own role in it.  It teaches them healthy ideas about masculinity and empowers them to prevent men’s violence against women.  We are thankful to the Giving Circle and the Foundation for their support.”

“Support of the Youth Development program through the Advisor Giving Circle is a perfect example of how philanthropy can be leveraged to maximize good work in our community,” states Jeff Birkholz, Chairman of the Board for Placer Community Foundation. “Our board and staff feel fortunate to facilitate the bridging together of community-minded advisors with local, committed nonprofits.”

The Placer Community Foundation gratefully acknowledges the following advisors for participating in this year’s Advisor Giving Circle:

- Paul S. Aronowitz, Law Offices of Aronowitz & Skidmore
- Donna Book, Bobst, Book & Associates, C.P.A.’s
- Jason J. Cardinet, C.P.A., Gallina LLP
- Sheila Cardno, LPL Financial Services
- Debbi Christensen, Propp Christensen Caniglia LLP
- Andrew Edwards, Andrew Edwards & Associates, Financial Advisors
- Guy Gibson, Gibson & Gibson, Inc., A Law Corporation
- George Graziano, Scinto Graziano LLP
- Dewey Harpainter, Attorney at Law
- Margaret Heiser Fulton, Robinson, Lyon & Fulton
- Barbara Jicha, C.P.A.
- Jimmy Louis, Certified Public Accountant
- Ellen MacInnes, Senior Vice President, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
- Joe Milam, Legacy Capital Management Inc.
- Steven Phillips, Kuppinger & Phillips CPA’s
- Tim Sands, Attorney
- Don St. Clair, CFP, EA, a Registered Investment Advisor
- Dieter Stenger, Homer, Stenger & Company Inc.
- Kent R. Suemnicht, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans-The Sierra Foothills Group
- Doug Summers, Robertson Woodford & Summers LLP
- Mike Wilson, Wilson Wilson & Taylor CPA’s
- Randy Wilson, Kronick Moskovitz Tiedemann & Girard

The Placer Community Foundation grows local giving to strengthen our community. We do this by connecting donors who care with causes that matter. Known for sound financial management and knowledge of the nonprofit sector, the Community Foundation and its donors have invested nearly $3 million in Placer County, supporting a broad range of issues.

To learn more about grant programs offered by the Placer Community Foundation, including how you can help support them with a gift today or through bequest, visit www.placercf.org or phone 530-885-4920.

Foothills Farmer’s Market Receives Funds to Assist Low-Income Families in Accessing Locally Grown Produce

Posted: 11/6/2011

Shown left to right: Veronica Blake, CEO for the Placer Community Foundation, Mona Dmitrenko from California Foundation for Stronger Communities, Carol Arnold, General Manager for the Foothills Farmer’s Market Association, and Dave Snyder, Director of the Office of Economic Development for Placer County.

Auburn - Through a $25,000 grant made by the California Foundation for Stronger Communities, the Foothills Farmer’s Market Association will launch a pilot program providing assistance to low-income families at their DeWitt Farmer’s Market in North Auburn.

The program, developed and supported by the State of California, will allow for financial subsidies and incentives to low-income families purchasing fresh produce. Qualified families will have access to scrip or tokens in lieu of currency to purchase food from various market vendors. The program also provides for a centralized wireless card swipe machine. The Foothills Farmer’s Market Association will be responsible for accounting and redeeming the scrip or tokens, and then passing the funds back to the local farmers.

“This program is a win-win because it contributes to the success of our local food economy while fostering healthier communities,” states Carol Arnold, General Manager for the Foothills Farmer’s Market Association. “We are grateful to the California Foundation for Stronger Communities for the grant and to our local partners for helping making it happen.”

The grant opportunity was facilitated between the Placer County Office of Economic Development and the Placer Community Foundation.

“We are pleased to be funding this program in Placer County,” states Mona Dmitrenko, from California Foundation for Stronger Communities. “It was a pleasure to work with a collaborative team of public and nonprofit partners who value nutrition programs such as this one.”

“We are fortunate to have a great variety of fresh local produce year-round in Placer County,” states Veronica Blake, CEO for the Placer Community Foundation. “This grant is a start in making it available to all families in our community.”

For more information about the Foothills Farmer’s Market Association visit www.foothillfarmersmarket.com, and for more information about the Placer Community Foundation visit www.placercf.org.

Auburn Union School District Goes Solar, Improves Lighting and Lowers Expected Costs of Electricity

Projects Are Slated to Reduce Expenses for District by $43,000 During the First Year
Posted: 11/6/2011

AUBURN — The Auburn Elementary School District (AUSD) recently approved a solar energy and lighting efficiency project that will help the school district save $43,000 in the first year and more in future years without any upfront costs.

This exciting project will provide AUSD with much needed energy savings as well as improved lighting at each campus by installing solar photovoltaic power and new, more energy efficient lighting systems for Auburn Elementary School, E.V. Cain Charter Middle School, Rock Creek Elementary School, and Skyridge Elementary School.

“The solar panels not only help make our schools more environmentally friendly,” said Daniel Berlant, board president, Auburn Union School District, “but more important, the project will save our District tens of thousands of dollars each year which will go directly back into the classrooms.”

AUSD is not providing any general fund dollars nor taking out any loans for the installations. The projects are funded through a “Power Purchase Agreement” with iecRenewables, LLC, through which the school district pays the commercial owner of the systems for the solar power generated and receives the lighting projects for free. AUSD will save an estimated $43,000 the first year and up to $3.5 million over 25 years without any up-front costs. The commercial owner will receive Federal tax incentives that are not available directly to the school district to help pay for the costs of the project.

As a result of the incentives and to provide further energy savings, Indoor Environmental Services (IES) will be installing all new, highly efficient lighting systems designed to enhance the learning environment of the school classrooms and other areas, also without any district capital.

The solar power systems will create 540 kilowatts of power and are designed to generate 80 percent of the schools’ annual electrical energy needs. The project will install 1932 solar panels on unused embankments and field space at the schools and also include some new parking shade structures at E.V. Cain and Skyridge. Construction is planned to start in the spring and be completed and operational by next summer.

Auburn Union School District serves the foothill community of Auburn, located 40 miles northeast of Sacramento on the western slope of the California High Sierra. AUSD educates 2100 students in grades Kindergarten through eighth at three elementary schools (Auburn Elementary, Rock Creek and Skyridge), one middle school (E.V. Cain STEM Charter) and the Alta Vista Education Center (Preschool). iecRenewables, LLC, develops, owns, and operates renewable energy projects. iecRenewables partners with leading financing, manufacturing, and environmental companies to plan, develop, install, and operate both small- and large-scale solar and wind projects.

The company assists municipalities, school districts, and commercial clients in meeting energy goals, achieving cost reductions, and generating increased revenue. For more information on iecRenawables, LLC visit www.iecrenewables.com.

Indoor Environmental Services is a full service Mechanical and Energy Services Contractor involved in the Design and Construction of HVAC systems, Service and Maintenance, as well as Facility Solutions Projects for various educational, commercial, institutional, industrial, agricultural and health care facilities. For more informatiopn on IEC visit www.ies-hvac.com

Additional information on the project is available at http://www.auburn.k12.ca.us/solar.html.

I Remember Auburn

By Penny Howard
Posted: 11/6/2011

Howard’s father, Martin Rogers, and his band at Forest Hill, circa 1930. Photo courtesy of Penny Howard.

Thomas Wolfe said, “You can’t go home again”. But, what did he know? He was only 38 when he died. Had he lived a bit longer he might have had a different perspective on life.

I always gave great credence to that quotation, until May of 1998. That is when the old Auburn Union Grammar School on Lincoln Way converted one of its class rooms into a museum and named it after Ben Welty, the beloved principle there from 1924 until 1944. I hadn’t been inside the school since December of 1935, when our family moved to San Francisco. Nor had I been in the house we lived in since that date.

By sheer chance, at about the same time of the opening of the school room museum, I had been put in touch with the couple who lived in our old home at 446 Linden Ave. They had seen a picture of the house in an article I had written for a magazine and recognized it. They called the editor of the magazine who then sent me their phone number. So, of course, I called them and we made date for a visit. My sister, Julia, was coming to visit me from Las Vegas, so we would both be traveling down Memory Lane as we visited the school room and then on to our old house.

That trip to the school room and our house opened up a whole plethora of memories for us. First, is Mr. Welty. He was a big man, and someone once dubbed him,”The Gentle Giant”. I can still see him patrolling the playground during lunch or recess with his big green megaphone, shouting,”Get out of that tree before you fall and break a leg”, or “Stop shoving at the drinking fountain”. I even saw him plow through a crowd of kids rooting on two eighth grade boys punching the lights out of each other. He grabbed them both by the scruff of their necks and marched them into his office where they were probably smacked again by the big wooden paddle he kept by his desk. Yes, he used it whenever he thought it was necessary, and no parent ever sued him for abusing their child. Instead they usually heard about it before the child got home, and then he was punished again. In spite of his stern discipline, every child loved him, and he loved all of them.

But, my most vivid memory of him was preparing a group of us students to visit the USS Constitution, nick-named “Old Ironsides”, which was on temporary display at San Francisco. I was in the sixth grade at the time. Mr. Welty had us organized into squads of about eight or ten students with an eighth grade boy in charge of each squad. There were probably four squads in all. For several days after school we practiced. When Mr. Welty blew his whistle we each gathered behind our squad leader. When we were all accounted for the leader signaled Mr. Welty.

The round trip train fare to Oakland was $2.50 plus 10 cents for the Ferry to San Francisco. We had to board the train at 2:30 in the morning. I know my parents couldn’t afford that for my sister and me. I think our great-aunt and uncle and Grandmother provided the means for us to have a memorable experience. Two or three teachers went along as chaperones, but, Mr. Welty was the “General”. What a sight it must have been to see all those wide-eyed country kids marching up Market Street gawking at the tall buildings while Mr. Welty marched ahead of us carrying his large megaphone.

We actually got to go aboard “Old Ironsides” and explore every nook and cranny. After a full day in the city we headed home. We were a bunch of tired, but happy, kids when our parents picked us up in the wee hours of the morning.

Without television or cell phones and all the gadgets today’s kids have, what did we do for entertainment? On warm summer nights we gathered under the street light at the corner of Linden and Boardman streets to play “hide and go seek”, “tap the finger”, “kick the can” and other games. On other evenings we would go roller skating on the sidewalks down town. While there, we would sometimes follow old Mr. Chase, the night watchman, on his rounds as he tested the handles on the doors of the stores to see if they were locked.

During the day we played “Cops and Robbers” or “Cowboys and Indians”, using our homemade rubber guns. These were pieces of wood shaped like a gun, with a spring clothes pin on the back. The ammunition was a rubber band cut from an old inner tube. One end was held in the clothes pin while the other end was stretched over the end of the barrel. When the clothes pin was squeezed the band flew off to hit its target. When you got hit with that after it had been stretched over a long barrel you were ready to say, “I give. You win”.

Across the street from our house was a large vacant lot with several oak trees. The movie, “Tarzan” had just come out, so we wasted no time in tying ropes to the tree branches so we could emulate Tarzan by swinging from one to the other letting loose with that famous Tarzen yell.

We also had a tree house built with “hot” lumber. After playing our games in the evenings under the streetlights, we managed to pick up a few pieces of lumber where a new house was being built in the neighborhood. The tree house was built in stages as we acquired the lumber. It served many purposes. Sometimes it was a fort, as we played cowboys and Indians. It changed possession off and on, depending on which group had the deadliest arsenal of rubber guns. Other times it was a club meeting place or a play house when some of us girls wanted to have a tea party for our dolls.

Another favorite summertime activity was swimming in the American River. The closest place was called “Clark’s Hole”, just beyond where the North Fork joins the Middle Fork near the bridge to Cool. But, the best swimming area was Rattlesnake Bridge, also on the American River. That was before Folsom Dam was built. It now lies under the far reaches of Folsom Lake. It was a great place for families. We always packed a picnic lunch and made a day of it with other families.

My two sisters and I loved to dance, even when we were quite small. Our father had a little 5 piece orchestra, “Marty Rogers and His Band”. He played the Banjo. The band played at several locations in Auburn, and also many out of town spots, such as Cool, Forest Hill, and others. My mother and my sisters and I usually went with the band. Many couples took their children, and we all got out on the dance floor, too. My sisters and I had a lot of help in learning to dance. Our Aunt Bobbie was a “Dime-a-Dance” girl at one of the dance halls in Sacramento. We were just little kids doing the “Charleston” and “The Black Bottom”, which were all the rage then. It was a lot of help as we graduated to “Jitterbugging” in our teens.

I remember when the State Theater opened in the early 1930’s. Everyone was thrilled with its beauty. Before that, we went to the movies at the old Auburn Opera House, owned by Mr. Jacobs. The movies were the old silents. Our mother read the captions for us so we could follow the plot. Then came the talkies. What an improvement. It cost a dime to go, but we certainly got our money’s worth. It started out with a newsreel followed by coming attractions, a cartoon, and a comedy. Then came the main feature. On Saturdays there was a serial that always left the hero or heroine in a drastically perilous situation, to be continued the following Saturday. They knew how to keep us coming back.

We always walked to school, even in inclement weather. However, if it snowed a few inches school was closed. That’s because the school buses couldn’t get out to pick up the many students who lived on farms or ranches out of town.

Walking home from school we passed the building where the Auburn newspaper was printed. There was a large window in front so we could watch a man meticulously putting the letters in the linotype . A few doors beyond that was Waddle’s meat market. Sometimes we would go in and casually look at the wares. If we were lucky, the proprietor would give us a weenie to eat on the way home.

We nearly always took our sack lunch to school, but about once a month our big treat was to eat out. We would go to the Sugar Plum, a soda fountain and restaurant, which was almost across the street from the Auburn Hotel on upper Lincoln Way. There we ordered our favorite repast, a toasted Tuna sandwich with pickles olives and potato chips, and a huge thick chocolate milkshake, all for twenty-five cents.

What is now called Old Town Auburn, with its antique shops and upscale restaurants, we called lower town. That is where the Chinese population of Auburn lived. One of my good friends was Mable Wing. She lived in lower town. I wonder where she is now.

We lived near the railroad tracks, and there was a Hobo camp in a copse of woods next to the tracks. Occasionally one of the hobos would knock on our door and offer to do any chore in exchange for some food. We were poor and had very little for ourselves, but my mother would always make them a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

This was during the depression and many people were out of work. Even my father was out of work often. Although he had his little band, they only had a gig about once a month. But, my mother had a job as a sales clerk at Lee’s Department store. It was on the bottom floor of the Masonic building across the street from Waddle’s Market on the Central Square. My mother had an old winter coat to wear outdoors, but she didn’t own a sweater, and the store was cold during winter months. So, Mr. Lee was kind enough to loan her a sweater off the rack while she was at work.

Although we were poor, my sisters and I had a happy childhood. When my parents couldn’t pay the electric bill our electricity was turned off. So, we used kerosene lamps. My mother cooked on a little propane stove. For our Saturday night baths she would heat a couple of kettles of water on the stove and carry them upstairs to pour into the bathtub. She’d add some cold water and all three of us girls took turns bathing in the same water. We didn’t complain.

Yes, I have many fond memories of growing up in Auburn when it was a small town and you seemed to know just about everyone. I’m grateful for those memories.

In case anyone is still around who remembers the 1920’s and 1930’s, this was my family: My parents were Martin and Aletha Rogers, and I had two sisters, Julia and Patty. I was the middle one and my name was Naomi. I didn’t get the nickname of Penny until after we moved to San Francisco. But, that is another story. Penny Howard now lives in Fair Oaks.

Historical Sites Artwork Now On Display

Posted: 11/6/2011

Lois Owsley submits her painting of an area historical site to the Auburn main library. The oil painting depicts an Indian grinding rock in Rocklin.

Auburn – An art exhibit of historical sites and buildings in Placer County is now on display in the Beecher room of the main Auburn library. The paintings are by six local artists, and depict sites as varied as an Indian grinding rock, the Old Newcastle winery and a familiar Victorian home in Auburn. There are 14 paintings in all.

Displayed along with the artwork are drawings of the Auburn courthouse, by the third grade class of Heather Watkins Koolhof, 2010 at Skyridge school.

The show is on display until Dec.1 during regular library hours: 10-6:00 Mon. and Fri.; 11-7:00 Tues., Wed., and Thur.; and 10-5:00 Sat. The library is located at 350 Nevada St. The exhibit is sponsored by Friends of the Library.

Longhorn Meats Says “Here’s The Beef”

Posted: 11/6/2011

(From L to R:) Joyce Smith, AIFC; Max Kane, AIFC; Ashley Countryman, Longhorn Meats, and Phil Kattenhorn, owner, Longhorn Meats. Photo by Joe Irvin.

Auburn - Longhorn Meats recently donated 150 lbs. of fresh hamburger to the Auburn Interfaith Food Closet, which distributes food each month to thousands of people in the local community. (From L to R:) Joyce Smith, AIFC; Max Kane, AIFC; Ashley Countryman, Longhorn Meats, and Phil Kattenhorn, owner, Longhorn Meats.

The Food Closet relies heavily on donations, as their workforce is entirely volunteer. The Food Closet is running a deficit at this time, due to the significant increase in clients, people who need food, as well as the rising cost of food. They serve over 1,000 families each month now, which is about 3,500 people. Contributions like this from Longhorn are very much appreciated!

U.S. Forest Service Starts Fall Prescribed Burning

Posted: 11/6/2011

Placer County – The American River Ranger District will be starting their fall prescribed burn program. Fall and winter burning will include roadside hand piles, large machine piles, and up to 700 acres of under burning. The exact timing of these burns is difficult to predict due to specific conditions required to reduce the possibility of escape, manage smoke concerns, and have the best possible fuel consumption.

Burning may occur throughout the Foresthill Divide and Mosquito Ridge areas. Visibility may be diminished due to smoke in these areas. Anyone traveling into the forest should stay alert for signs warning of prescribed burning or smoke on the road. If you are traveling through a prescribed burn area please turn on your headlights and be aware that there may be personnel working along the road.

Fire management personnel work with the Redding Fire Weather Center and Placer County Air Pollution Control District to plan prescribed burns so that smoke impacts to communities are minimized. While burning is planned to minimize smoke impacts, some smoke may settle into the valleys during the evenings and mornings until atmospheric conditions allow for smoke dispersal.

For current updates, or if you have any questions concerning the fall burn program, please contact fire management staff at the Foresthill Ranger Station at (530) 367-2224.

LaMalfa Issues Scam Alert

Posted: 11/6/2011

Placer County – Several alert constituents have contacted Senator LaMalfa’s offices to question the validity of a letter they have received from the so-called “California Housing and Safety Association.” It solicits payment of $76 and indicates that upon receipt of payment, a state-certified carbon monoxide detector required by law will be mailed to the homeowner.

Having researched the organization, Senator LaMalfa’s staff found that NO SUCH ASSOCIATION EXISTS, and HOMEOWNERS SHOULD NOT SEND ANY MONEY. “My staff went to the address cited in the letter and found only a post office box,” said Senator LaMalfa. “Luckily, the alert owner of the mail box facility had closed the box and is returning any mail received to the senders due to his suspicions. I am grateful to the owners of Downtown Mail and Shipping in Sacramento for their diligent work in protecting citizens from this scam.” Phone calls made to the fake association are answered by a voice mail system and then promptly disconnected. “I encourage everyone to be skeptical of unsolicited offers and letters appearing to demand money or personal information,” continued LaMalfa. “My office is here to assist constituents if they have questions or problems with government agencies or possible scams.”

Unfortunately, the content of the letter is partially accurate. The letter cites the passage of SB 183, a bill passed last year that requires that every “dwelling intended for human occupancy that has a fossil fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace or an attached garage” have a carbon monoxide detector installed by July 1, 2011. SB 183 was signed into law last year by Governor Schwarzenegger, and the deadline for most homeowners to have a detector installed was, in fact, July 1. The language of the bill indicates that violations for failure to comply are punishable by a maximum fine of $200 for each offense. “I was not serving in the Legislature last year and would have been strongly opposed to this bill,” commented LaMalfa.

Homeowners who would like to purchase a carbon monoxide detector may purchase one at a local retailer for about $20, depending on model.

Senator Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing the fourth Senate District including Shasta, Tehama, Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Siskiyou, Sutter, Del Norte, Placer, Trinity, Yuba and Nevada counties.

49er Lions Plan Annual Celebrity Chef Event

Posted: 11/6/2011

For 25 years, the city of Auburn has enjoyed the culinary talents of its local chefs at the Celebrity Chefs Cooking for Community Service event. On Thursday, March 1, 2012, at the Placer Building of the Auburn Gold Country Fairgrounds, local cooks will once again entice visitors with the delicious aromas and savory flavors of their favorite edible creations.

Each year, the 49er Lions partner with another local non-profit organization to raise funds which will be put back into our community. The 49er Lions are currently in search of such an organization, If you are a member of a group that would like to be considered, please contact LindaLee Talso at Auburn 49er Lions, P. O. Box 5703, Auburn, Ca. 95604, and provide information about your group by Nov. 30, 2011, and be available to speak at a Lions club meeting.

49er Lion LindaLee Talso is heading up this year’s event. She expects an evening of good food and lots of fun.

If you would like to demonstrate your cooking talents and join other celebrity chefs on that evening, or if you have questions, call (530) 863-7503.

The 49er Lions have served the Auburn community for over 40 years. If you would like to learn more about the activities of the Auburn 49er Lions, contact them at auburn49erlions@gmail.com.

Celebration of Success

Posted: 11/5/2011

Roseville, CA - Pat Gayman, President, and the Board of Women’s Success Today are celebrating success by hosting a special gathering and fundraising event. It will be held November 10, 5:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. at 2011 at Bushnell Garden Nursery. For those that pre-register, the cost is $25 to get in and on the day of the event it will be $30.

'Women’s Success Today' warmly invites you to enjoy and experience the benefits of friendly, affordable, convenient and professional social and networking opportunities. Treat yourself to fun, engaging networking while learning more about the powerful benefits of becoming a 'Women's Success Today' Member.

Proceeds go to two highly deserving recipients: Acres of Hope and Lighthouse Family Counseling & Services.

Do not miss this evening to remember with joyful contagious laughter, warm spirits and generous smiles. They will be serving exquisite hors d'oeuvres from Hawks and fabulous wine tasting by local wineries. There will be an abundance of fantastic silent and online auction packages and items along with mandarin luminary displays, an authors table and a variety of brilliant products and services.

You will be among passionate and dedicated women who strive for and enjoy sharing and celebrating SUCCESS on every level…

There are four affordable ways to participate and support the event:

1. Attend for only $25, (2 for $40, price increases at the door)

2. Log onto our Price Busting On-Line Auction Page and browse incredible packages valued at $250 or more, donated by some of our most esteemed professionals and experts in the region. http://www.womenssuccesstoday.com/home_HEYW_XMEI.html

3. Check out the mounting list of donations for the live silent auction (with the gift giving holidays so close it could be your wisest and most cost effective event all year) Visit the WST Celebration of Success web page at www.WomensSuccessToday.com.

For general event information please contact:

Co-Chair & WST President Dr. Pat Gayman
www.CapacityCoach.com
916-409-9227
info@WomensSuccessToday.com

Vendor & Donation information, please contact:

Donna Tanner
www.DonnaTanner.FitBioActive.com
Office 530-586-3003
Cell 775-790-2018
z.donna@live.com

Colla Voce Children’s Chorus Auditions thru October

Colla Voce...Experience. . .Education. . .Adventure. . . Conversation. . .Transformation. . .
Posted: 10/5/2011

Meadow Vista - Music is magical. It can transport us to untraveled worlds. It can tie people together into a family. It can be transformative and life changing. We all share this universal language. Colla Voce Children’s Chorus (CVCC) have begun rehearsals for the fall season, Wednesdays from 4:15--5:15 in Meadow Vista. Auditions are currently open by appointment with conductor, Janine Dexter at director@collavoce.org (530)389-8889). New members will be accepted through the end of October. For more, see http://www.collavoce.org/childrens_chorus.html.

The youth choral program has musicianship at its core, and includes solfege vocal exercises, rhythmic dictation, melodic reading and vocal training. Scholarships are available.

CVCC has been invited to join Athanasia Kyriakidou and her 70--voice youth choir in concert in Thessaloniki, Greece, June of 2014, and will be hosted in the homes of the young Greek singers.

Supporters of this Auburn area youth choir are excited to build a vibrant choral group for young people that will represent the community locally and abroad, as well as enrich and transform the lives of our youth. Don’t Delay Call Today - Space is limited!

Sierra Club Placer Group Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Party, Photo Exhibit

Posted: 10/5/2011

Auburn - Tickets are now on sale for the Sierra Club Placer Group’s 20th anniversary party and nature photo exhibit on Sunday, Oct. 23, 1-4 p.m. at The Arts Building, 808 Lincoln Way, Auburn.

The celebration will include an exhibit of local nature photography that will be available for purchase, piano entertainment, plus wine, beer and hors d'oeuvres.

We will take a look back at the local environment challenges that stimulated the formation of the Sierra Club Placer Group, take the opportunity to recognize our founders. Tickets are $10 at http://www.brownbagtickets.com/ and should be purchased in advance. They can be held at the door, mailed or printed by the purchaser. Each ticket includes one drink token.

The event features the “Our Placer, Our Planet” juried photo exhibit with silent auction showcasing spectacular nature photography of Placer County, with PlacerArts as our exhibit supporter. The judges are esteemed nature photographers Larry Brenden and Truman Holtzclaw.

At 2 p.m. one of the founding members and an early chair of the Sierra Club Placer Group, Terry Davis will guide us through a brief history of the early years and introduce some special people. “Our group was formed in the crucible of the environmental threats targeting Placer County in the early 1990s. The task that we set for ourselves was to fight reckless development,” Terry recalls.

For more information contact organizer Heidi Van Zant at 530.886.0788 or sierra2@jps.net.

ASRACK Monthly Hike

Posted: 10/5/2011

Auburn - The Auburn State Recreation Area Canyon Keepers (ASRACK), aka Canyon Keepers, is a volunteer group that promotes healthy recreation by providing assistance and information for visitors to the Auburn State Park. ASRACK conducts hikes & trail maintenance, provides guided history walks/bridge tours, and assists the professional ranger staff through volunteer work.

The Canyon Keeper’s October hike will be Historic Bridges/Nature Hike on October 8th. Please meet at 9:00 AM, parking near the curved bridge at the American River Confluence. The hike is approximately 2.6 miles round trip and is considered easy. For more information on the hike, please contact Charlene at 530-346-7032.

If you would like to learn more information regarding ASRACK, please visit the website at www.canyonkeepers.org.

Free Family Fun at Barktoberfest

A Festival for Canines and Their Well-Behaved Human Companions
Posted: 10/5/2011

Mulligan and Bubba were crowned Queen and King of Barktoberfest 2010

Placer County - Barktoberfest is a free, dog- and family-friendly event taking place at the beautiful campus of Telefunken Semiconductors at 7501 Foothills Blvd. in Roseville (formerly NEC Electronics America).

The 2nd Annual Barktoberfest will open with the crowning of the canine King and Queen of the Festival at 10:00 am. The King and Queen will then lead a one-mile Doggie Parade. Those who wish to participate in the Doggie Parade are asked to arrive at 9:30 am. The first-ever Barktoberfest, held October 3, 2010, had a turnout of well over 1,500 guests.

Visitors to Barktoberfest will enjoy a Kid’s Zone; doggie games and contests; a food and beverage garden hosted by the Rotary Club of Roseville; music from 96.9 The Eagle; vendors; a raffle, canine demonstrations of agility, flyball, rally, and police K-9 training; and even have the opportunity to visit a pet psychic.

For more information about Barktoberfest, please go to www.placerspca.org/barktoberfest or call (916) 782-7722 extension 102 or (530) 885-7387 extension 102.

PG&E INVITES LOCAL RESIDENTS TO ATTEND ENERGY UPGRADE CALIFORNIA HOMEOWNER WORKSHOPS

Rebates Available on Home Upgrades That Will Save Energy and Money
Posted: 10/4/2011

LOOMIS, Calif. – Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) invites local residents to attend Energy Upgrade California Homeowner Workshops at the Loomis Depot Building, located at 5945 Horseshoe Bar Road, on Thursday, October 6 at 6:30 p.m. to learn how they can upgrade their homes to save both energy and money.

Through the Energy Upgrade California program, single-family homeowners can receive up to $4,000 in rebates from PG&E for comprehensive home improvements. The Basic Upgrade Package includes energy efficiency measures – such as air sealing, attic insulation and duct sealing – that, when completed together, can qualify single-family homeowners for up to $1,000 in rebates. The Advanced Upgrade Package includes the Basic Package measures in addition to items such as wall insulation, energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems and energy-efficient windows and can qualify single-family homeowners for up to $4,000 in rebates. In addition to offering rebates to single-family homeowners, the program aims to create thousands of home upgrade related jobs statewide.

PG&E wants to ensure our customers are aware of this program, including how it will help them make their home more comfortable and more affordable to operate. One way we are doing this is by hosting Energy Upgrade California Homeowner Workshops throughout our territory, so we can answer questions and help homeowners connect with a participating contractor.

In addition to Homeowner Workshops, customers can also access information about Energy Upgrade California by visiting the website: www.EnergyUpgradeCalifornia.org or contacting PG&E’s Smarter Energy Line at 1-800-933-9555.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to 15 million people in Northern and Central California.

Got a Cat? Don’t Want Dozens More? Spay or Neuter!

Placer SPCA Offers FREE Spay & Neuter for Cats in 95678
Posted: 10/4/2011

Roseville, CA – The challenge: spay or neuter 1,000 cats in the 95678 zip code in one year. Grant funding was provided by PetSmart Charities® that will allow Placer SPCA to spay or neuter 1,000 cats in the 95678 zip code between now and September 2012 at no cost to the pet owners. The target area, a large section within the city of Roseville, is the source for 79% of the cats brought to the Placer SPCA each year.

The Placer SPCA will partner with AnimalSave, based in Grass Valley, to bring its mobile spay and neuter clinic to the Placer SPCA at 150 Corporation Yard Road in Roseville on Monday, October 17 to offer free cat spay and neuter surgeries. Appointments must be made in advance with the Placer SPCA by calling (916) 782-7722, ext. 104 or by emailing volunteer@placerspca.org. Only 25 appointments are available.

Throughout the next year, the Placer SPCA and AnimalSave will offer additional mobile clinics, and Placer SPCA is currently issuing vouchers to residents of the 95678 zip code to get cats spayed or neutered for free at many local veterinary clinics. To request a free voucher, call the Placer SPCA Spay Neuter Assistance Program at (916) 782-7722, ext. 201.

“Our goal is to reduce the number of homeless cats in our community,” said Placer SPCA CEO Leilani Vierra. “Over 2,300 cats came to our center from the city of Roseville last year, and 75 percent of them were unaltered. We know there are many more cats out there having kittens that will wind up in animal shelters or not surviving, and we want to put a stop to it.

”Local companion animal welfare experts, the Placer SPCA offers many services for the pets and people of Placer County thanks to the support of grantors like PetSmart Charities and the generosity of individual charitable donations. Learn more at www.placerspca.org.

The Placer County Council of the Navy League's Monthly Meeting

Posted: 10/4/2011

The Placer County Council of the Navy League will hold monthly meeting beginning at 6 PM, on Monday, October 17th, at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 100 East Street, Auburn.

This month’s speaker is Lieutenant D’Marie Ellison, Officer in Charge of the Naval Science Department at the California Maritime Academy. Cost of the dinner is $12.00 payable at the door. Advance reservations are required.

The Navy League membership is open to all those who support the sea services: Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. No prior military service is required.

Please contact Bonnie Potter at 530.823.2820 for further information.

PG&E INVITES LOCAL RESIDENTS TO ATTEND ENERGY UPGRADE CALIFORNIA HOMEOWNER WORKSHOPS

Rebates Available on Home Upgrades That Will Save Energy and Money
Posted: 9/20/2011

LOOMIS AND AUBURN, Calif. – Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) invites local residents to attend Energy Upgrade California Homeowner Workshops at the Loomis Town Hall at 3665 Taylor Road on Tuesday, September 20 at 6:30 p.m. and Auburn City Council Chambers at 1225 Lincoln Way on Wednesday, September 21 at 6:30 p.m. to learn how they can upgrade their homes to save both energy and money.

Through the Energy Upgrade California program, single-family homeowners can receive up to $4,000 in rebates from PG&E for comprehensive home improvements. The Basic Upgrade Package includes energy efficiency measures – such as air sealing, attic insulation and duct sealing – that, when completed together, can qualify single-family homeowners for up to $1,000 in rebates. The Advanced Upgrade Package includes the Basic Package measures in addition to items such as wall insulation, energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems and energy-efficient windows and can qualify single-family homeowners for up to $4,000 in rebates. In addition to offering rebates to single-family homeowners, the program aims to create thousands of home upgrade related jobs statewide.

PG&E wants to ensure our customers are aware of this program, including how it will help them make their home more comfortable and more affordable to operate. One way we are doing this is by hosting Energy Upgrade California Homeowner Workshops throughout our territory, so we can answer questions and help homeowners connect with a participating contractor.

In addition to Homeowner Workshops, customers can also access information about Energy Upgrade California by visiting the website: www.EnergyUpgradeCalifornia.org or contacting PG&E’s Smarter Energy Line at 1-800-933-9555.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to 15 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit http://www.pge.com/about/newsroom/.

Non-Profit Organization Looking for Community Representatives to Join our International Team

Posted: 9/20/2011

ASSE International Student Exchange Programs is seeking volunteers to serve as Area Representatives in your local community. ASSE provides academic year and semester exchange programs in the United States for high school students from around the world. Students are 15 to 18 years of age, have passed a series of academic and character requirements and are awaiting an opportunity to embark on their American Adventure.

Area Representatives recruit and screen prospective host families, interview students to study abroad and supervise the exchange students in their community. Area representatives are compensated based on the number of students they are supervising.

ASSE’s primary goal is to contribute to International understanding by enabling students to learn about other languages and cultures through active participation in family, school and community life. ASSE’s Area Representatives are the cornerstone of the organization, making all of this possible!

For more information about ASSE or becoming an Area Representative, please call our Western Regional Office at 1-800-733-2773 or email us at asseusawest@asse.com. We look forward to welcoming you to the ranks of Area Representatives nationwide – striving towards a world of understanding, one child at a time!

Assemblywoman Gaines Presents Sunset Ranch Elementary with $5,000 Barona Education Grant

Posted: 9/20/2011

ROCKLIN –Assemblywoman Beth Gaines, R-Roseville, today presented Sunset Ranch Elementary School in Rocklin with a $5,000 education grant from the Barona Band of Mission Indians.

Gaines nominated the Rocklin school for the grant, which will be used to purchase science lab equipment and materials, art supplies and library books.

“I am happy to present this much-deserved check to Sunset Ranch Elementary and commend them for their hard work to promote and support science, technology and the arts,” Gaines said. “These library books, science and art materials will be valuable and educational tools.

”Sunset Ranch is a brand new school in a growing section of Placer County. The school was expected to open with 14 or 15 classes, and by August 2010, the student body had reached 19 classes. New students have been added every month since.

Principal Jim Trimble said the grant comes at a much-needed time for the school.“We are very excited about the grant and want to thank Assemblywoman Gaines tremendously,” Trimble said. “The grant will be used in areas that our kids really need to focus on. We are doing things here that no one else has done in the State of California and we are just very excited.”

The Barona Education Grant is awarded to one school in each legislative district. Schools must apply for the grant and have the official endorsement of a state legislator.“Sunset Ranch is actively involved in the neighborhood and community, and works hard to prepare each of its students for a productive life in our changing world,” Gaines said. “I am excited to see the progress they are making as leaders in science, technology, math and arts in California.”

Beth Gaines, R-Roseville, represents the 4th Assembly District, which includes portions of Placer, El Dorado, Sacramento and Alpine counties.

FIRST BANK HIRES NEW BRANCH MANAGER IN ROCKLIN, CALIFORNIA

Jane Daly rejoins First Bank in the Blue Oaks Marketplace office
Posted: 9/14/2011

Jane Daly

Jane Daly has rejoined First Bank as vice president and branch manager in the Rocklin, California office in the Blue Oaks Marketplace, 6851 Lonetree Boulevard.

Daly, who has more than 15 years of banking experience, previously served as new business development officer at First Bank from 2000 to 2007. She is the past president of the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce.

She lives in Citrus Heights, California.

____________

First Bank (firstbanks.com) is one of the largest privately owned banks in the country with $6.82 billion in assets and 149 locations in California, Missouri, Florida, and Illinois.

$5 Million Program for Forest and Watershed Projects to be Considered by Sierra Nevada Conservancy Board

Posted: 8/29/2011

(Auburn) – The Sierra Nevada Conservancy’s (SNC) Governing Board is set to consider proposed guidelines for a $5 million grant program designed to promote “healthy forests” at its Sept. 8 quarterly meeting in Alturas (Modoc Co.).

Funding for the grant program will come from Proposition 84 bond funds and will be made available through a competitive grant process aimed at restoring the Sierra Nevada’s forests to ecological health. The final draft Grant Guidelines, which reflect changes made as a result of public comment, will be considered for approval by the SNC Board at the meeting.

“We are proposing to focus on projects that improve forest health due to the dire need for action,” said SNC Executive Officer Jim Branham. “Many of our forests are overgrown, with the risk of catastrophic fire presenting a real threat to our Sierra communities, wildlife habitat, watersheds, and drinking water throughout the state.”

Eligible projects would include those designed to preserve or improve Sierra Nevada forest health by reducing the risk and impacts of large, damaging fires and/or preserving or restoring ecosystem function in forests and related meadows.

Public agencies, qualifying nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Tribal entities are eligible to apply. The SNC expects to open solicitations for potential grantees Sept. 26, 2011. Potential applicants may obtain more information on how to develop and submit a project at the SNC website at www.SierraNevada.ca.gov after that date.

The board will also consider final approval of the SNC’s strategic plan, which will guide the agency’s activities for the next three years. Approved areas of focus in this plan include the following:

- healthy forests;
- preservation of ranches and agricultural lands;
- watershed protection and restoration;
- promotion of sustainable tourism and recreation; and,
- long-term effectiveness of the SNC.

Members of the board and SNC staff will participate in a field trip Wednesday, Sept. 7, to explore issues and activities relevant to the SNC’s mission in the area. Members of the public are invited to both the board meeting and the field trip. The field trip will begin at 1:30 in the main parking lot of the Best Western Trailside Inn located at 343 N. Main Street, Alturas. Participants need to provide their own transportation and lunch.

About the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, Governing Board

Created in 2004, the Sierra Nevada Conservancy is a state agency whose mission is to improve the environmental, economic, and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region. In its first five years, the SNC, which receives no general fund tax dollars, awarded approximately $40 million in grants for projects including fuels reduction, conservation easements and acquisitions, and watershed and habitat restoration. Funding for these projects comes from Proposition 84 passed by voters in 2006.

The SNC Governing Board meets quarterly around the Sierra Nevada Region, which spans 25 million acres, encompasses all or part of 22 counties and runs from the Oregon border on the north, to southeast of Bakersfield. Six of the 13 voting members are selected by county boards of supervisors in each Subregion.

Slow & Stylish Dance Workshop and DJ Dance

Sunday, September 4 in Roseville
Posted: 8/25/2011

Dance Workshops in Slow and Stylish Dance moves, plus a DJ Dance will be held Sunday, September 4, at the Roseville Veteran’s Hall, 110 Park Dr., next to Royer Park, Roseville. Doors open at 6:00 PM. with dance lessons at 6:15 PM and 7:30 PM taught by Richard Kowaleski, followed by a dance from 8-10 PM, included in the ticket price. DJ Dale of Allstar Entertainment will provide a mix of rock and roll, ballroom, country and Latin dance music. Dress is casual. The workshop is sponsored by Christian Single Network, and both singles and couples are welcome to attend.

Richard shows will teach classes in Slow and Stylish moves in a two-part workshop which starts promptly at 6:15 p.m.- Doors open at 6 PM. The dance follows at 8:00 p.m featuring all types of dance music from country to rock and roll, continuing until 11 PM.

Tickets are $10 pre-sale, $15 at the door, which include light refreshments and bottled water. Presale tickets are available on the CSN website at www.christiansinglesnet.com and at the following locations: Berean Christian Bookstore, Sacramento, Jirah’s Bookstore in Placerville, or by mail through CSN, P.O. Box 909, Meadow Vista, CA 95722.

Northern California’s largest inter-church singles group, CSN also holds dances every 3 to 4 weeks on Saturday nights - these dances are $15 presale and $20 at the door. The next Saturday dance is September 17 at Carmichael Presbyterian Church. CSN also hosts mixers, workshops and concerts and retreats. For information call the office at (530) 878-8606 or the 24 hour information line at (916) 658-0606.

The CSN website, www.christiansinglesnet.com, includes directions to the dance as well as calendar featuring upcoming events sponsored by CSN and other singles groups.

PCWA Meeting Update

Posted: 8/23/2011

PCWA Board Chairman Lowell Jarvis holds the award at Thursday’s (Aug. 18) board meeting.  Also pictured, from left, are consulting engineer Frank Helmick of West Yost Associates, PCWA Director of Technical Services Brian Martin, and PCWA Director of Field Services Mike Nichol.

Auburn – The Sacramento-based Regional Water Authority (RWA) is taking an active role in the policy-making process as state and federal agencies seek a long-term solution for water supply and environmental issues surrounding the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.

This was the message from RWA Executive Director John Woodling, who attended Thursday’s (Aug. 18) meeting of the Placer County Water Agency Board of Directors to provide an update on his organization’s activities.

Founded in 2001 and marking its 10th anniversary, the RWA includes 20 water providers who supply nearly 2 million people in the greater Sacramento region.  PCWA is an original and longtime active member.

Woodling said the RWA is guided by the concept that its member agencies can accomplish much more by working together than separately. He said the RWA has been taking this collective approach to the ongoing Bay-Delta planning process.

Woodling said the current Bay Delta Conservation Plan, which will soon be under environmental review, will impact 90 percent of the people in California and the biggest impacts may be for “those of us in the upstream areas.”

Agency General Manager David Breninger emphasized, “PCWA and RWA area water suppliers are extremely concerned that solutions proposed by the Delta Plan will be done for the benefit of Delta water exporters while sacrificing our region’s water supply and at the expense of our local economy.”

PCWA legal counsel Janet Goldsmith added, “The RWA’s effort has been extremely valuable to the region to bring awareness and advocacy of Sacramento regional water issues to the Delta planning process.”

In other business, PCWA directors:

- congratulated staff for receiving a Project of the Year Award from the Sacramento Section of the American Public Works Association (APWA). The award recognizes PCWA for its rapid response and creative system modifications following the failure earlier this year of the PG&E Bear River Canal this past spring
- heard a presentation from Carol Arnold, general manager of the Foothill Farmers’ Market.  Arnold previewed a new promotional video on the market created by the Placer County Department of Agriculture Ag Marketing Program.
- heard an update from Resource Administrator Andy Fecko on the current federal relicensing program for the Middle Fork American River Project. Fecko said the agency’s application has been accepted and declared complete by the federal government, that environmental analysis is scheduled for 2012, and that the new license is anticipated in 2013.
- approved the sale of the former PCWA Power System headquarters on Harrison Street in Foresthill to the County of Placer for $200,000. The county plans a public use for the 1.8-acre site located between Foresthill Memorial Hall and Memorial Park. Last year, the PCWA Power System moved to a larger corporate yard site on Sunset Drive.

The next regular meeting of the PCWA Board of Directors will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1, at the PCWA Business Center, 144 Ferguson Road, in Auburn.

Information on PCWA board meetings may be obtained through the Clerk to the Board at (530) 823-4850 or (800) 464-0030.  PCWA information is also Posted: at www.pcwa.net.

Sugar Plump Fairies Show their Support at Celebration

Posted: 8/23/2011

Christina Barnes-Elkins, Amanda’s sister, is embraced by her husband Steve Elkins. Along with Amanda’s mother Debbie Ward and Amanda’s father Keith Barnes, they are surrounded by the Sugar Plump Fairies and their endless hugs and kisses. Photo by Paul V. Scholl

Auburn – The Sugar Plump Fairies have been delighting the Greater Auburn area with their philanthropic antics since 1997. Drawing attention to themselves for worthy causes is their calling. Whether ringing bells during the holidays, selling raffle tickets for fund raisers or soliciting donations for disaster relief, they always elicit a smile and an open wallet.

The “Fairies” jumped on board to help with a recent fundraiser to help a local family in need.

The Old Town Auburn’s historic Firehouse #2 re-dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony, on August 15th, was expanded to include a street party, dancing, barbecue and fundraiser for Amanda Barnes, the young Auburn woman paralyzed by a hit-and-run driver in Emeryville, California. Amanda Barnes, a Placer High graduate, has been an inspiration to those caring for her. The Auburn community came together at this event to help raise funds for her support.

The Sugar Plump Fairies and Linda Robinson of Sun River Clothing hosted the fundraiser along with Jackie Weston of Auburn Printers & Integrated Marketing.

The Barnes family and Auburn Mayor Dr. Bill Kirby have established the Amanda Barnes Reward Fund at Community 1st Bank, for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver causing the accident. When the initial goal of $5,000 is reached, any additional donations will be used to aid Barnes’ recovery. There has also been a second “fund” set up with all proceeds from this event going directly to Amanda.

For further information go to www.oldtownauburnca.com.

Bowling for a Cause: Local Fundraiser for Youth Scholarships

Posted: 8/23/2011

Miss Placer County 2011, Shawna Bruce with Brad and Josh Dawson from the Diane Dawson Foundation.

Placer County – Diane Dawson Foundation is pleased to announce another successful fundraising event in support of local scholarships for children who have lost a parent to cancer or other terminal illness. On Saturday, August 13, 2011 the foundation hosted their annual “Bowl-A-Thon” at Strike’s Family Entertainment Center in Rocklin, California. The fundraiser was well attended with the 2011 scholarship recipients, survivors of Diane Dawson, and Miss Placer County 2011, Shawna Bruce.

The event started at 12:00 pm with registration followed by a 1:00 pm presentation including memorable video, introduction of the scholarship recipients, and more. Throughout the event, participants could bid on silent auction items, spin a prize wheel, enjoy the kid’s raffle, and bowl while dining on fresh delicious pizza. Bowlers could support the organization with a small contribution to host a bowler “in memory of” a lost loved one.

The Bowl-A-Thon also appeared on Sunday, August 7 in Denver, Colorado to support local students of the community where Diane Dawson was born and raised. The foundation serves this community of youth in the form of generous scholarships.

Special thanks are extended to the Dawson family for starting the foundation in memory of Diane Dawson who spent a decade in the Roseville and Granite Bay community. Her encouragement touched many during her life while her legacy lives on through her belated husband, Scott Dawson, and two sons, Brad and Josh Dawson, who are actively involved in the organization. Many friends of Diane Dawson serve on the board in a volunteering capacity like the 2011 Bowl-A-Thon Chairperson, Larry McElwain.

To learn more about the Diane Dawson Foundation, visit their website at www.dianedawsonfoundation.com or email dawsonfoundation@surewest.net.

AAUW Meeting Announced

Posted: 8/23/2011

Supervisor Jennifer Montgomery

You are invited! On September 10, Auburn Chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW)will hold their 2011-2012 Kick Off Luncheon at the Regional Park Lakeside Room, 3770 Richardson Drive, Auburn.

The keynote speaker will be Supervisor Jennifer Montgomery speaking about re-districting as well as about women in elected office. Following a catered lunch, the eight junior high girls who the Branch sponsored for Tech Trek Camp this summer will speak briefly about their experiences. The lunch is scheduled to begin at 11am and the per person cost is $18.

AAUW is a national organization that works to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and social change. Registration for the event is due September 1. Please send checks made out to AAUW-Auburn Branch to Barbara Gerletti-Weiss, 15000 Crocket Road, Auburn 95603 or call (530) 888-1273.

Sierra College Foundation Creates $1 Million Fund to Support Student Scholarships

Money will fund 50 $1,000 scholarships in perpetuity

Source: Halldin Public Relations
Posted: 8/23/2011

Placer County – The Sierra College Foundation announced today that donors contributed more than $660,000 for student scholarships. When combined with matching funds from the Osher Foundation, this will provide $1 million to create 50 annual $1,000 scholarships in perpetuity.

The $1 million is the largest scholarship fundraising effort in the Foundation’s nearly 40-year history.

“This endowment will create a permanent fund for 50 scholarships, offering long-term help for students,” said Sonbol Aliabadi, Executive Director of the Foundation. “We are thrilled and grateful to receive such support from our community.”

The 50 scholarships were funded by a variety of individuals and organizations in the community, many of whom wanted to recognize a friend, family member or noted community leader.

The scholarships include those in memory of:

- Rocklin Police Officer Matthew Redding, who was killed on duty in 2006.
- Former Placer County Supervisor and Roseville Mayor Bill Santucci, who died in 2008 after more than 20 years as an elected official.
- Leslie Miller, a former Sierra College student who left most of his more than $1 million estate to the college in 2006.
- James Levoy Sorenson, a Sierra College-educated entrepreneur who went on to establish successful health care businesses.

Other scholarships recognize members of the community, including longtime Sierra College Trustee Barbara Vineyard, who served on the board for 28 years; former Sierra College Athletic Director and Coach George Goto; former Sierra College President Kevin Ramirez and his wife, Vicki; Sierra College alum Wilbur Wallace and his wife, Mary; Will S. Cluff; Donald L. Sall Sr.; and Ben and Nora Ferrari, to name just a few.

Organizations and businesses that funded scholarships include: Wells Fargo; Kaiser Permanente; Nevada County Coordinating Council for Sierra College; Rotary Clubs of Western Nevada County; Sutter Medical Center; the Nevada County Law Enforcement & Fire Protection Council; Sierra College Accounting Advisory Committee; and The 2011 Sierra College Foundation Board of Directors.

“It is so gratifying that so many in this community were willing to support our local students pursuing higher education,” Aliabadi said. “With school about to begin, this is great news for students.”

While the Osher Foundation matching program has ended, Aliabadi said the Foundation continues to establish new scholarships and welcomes the opportunity to work with donors to create new scholarship opportunities for students.

For more information, please visit www.SierraCollege.edu/foundation, or call the Foundation office at 916-660-7020 or email Foundation@SierraCollege.edu

22nd Annual Polish Festival

Posted: 8/20/2011

The public is invited to attend the 22nd Annual Polish Festival on Saturday, September 10, 2011.

The festival will be held from noon to 6 p.m. at the Polish American Club, located at 327 Main Street in Roseville.

Fill up on home-made Polish foods – pierogies, golabki, potato pancakes, bigos and Polish pastries! Enjoy live Polka music, folk dancers, a Polish marketplace and more!

Admission is free. For information and directions, go to http://www.polish-club.org or call (916) 782-7171.

Natural Therapeutic Healing at the Batti Ranch

By Julie Parker
Posted: 8/9/2011

At Warrior’s Soul, Rachel’s therapy involves interacting with a horse.

Placer County – In the healing stillness of the Batti Ranch, in a round, covered corral, a horse patiently watches Rachel who is standing nearby. On the sidelines, two seated women quietly interact with her as she works through some issues. Their voices are the only sounds that infringe upon the ranch’s peaceful serenity. The horse paws the ground, and one of the two therapists jokes, “It’s getting frustrated with you.” Rachel laughs.

The ranch’s natural healing environment provides an ideal background for Warrior’s Soul, Inc.’s counseling and therapeutic services. Rachel is one of their clients.

Two of her children are under the age of five, and because of her own troubled childhood, she was concerned. “I wanted to be the best mom that they needed. I knew I couldn’t do that on my own. I needed outside help; better tools. I had gone to therapy before, but the therapist was from a completely different place than I was. We couldn’t connect. When I saw the brochure for Warrior’s Soul, Inc. it was like a bolt of lightning that struck. I’ve always had a connection with animals, but especially horses.

I’ve been coming here almost two months. I can breathe. I’m remembering things more than I used to be able to from when I grew up. When you come to the ranch, it’s a giant hug. The land itself, since it bowls, holds you up. The horses are here to tell you the truth and the people are here to point out your strengths and help you make your weaknesses into strengths. If you come here with true intent, you’re going to walk away with more than you intended.”

The people are Dawn Batti, Equine Specialist and Mell LaValley, LMFT, who met at Center for Attachment, Therapy, Training and Education (CATTE), of which Batti is co-founder.

“The workshop was my introduction into how horses heal and the power of the horse,” says LaValley. “Dawn has always been very poised, very quiet about it. That really struck me, and the response of her horses to me when I was sick was mind boggling. They knew and were nurturing to me. I brought my horse out here to live and she’s still here. Dawn started teaching me natural horsemanship. About four years ago, I started bringing my clients out here. Dawn and I work really well together. One reason is that Dawn was an adoptive and foster parent. My specialty is working with adopted children.”

They also offer therapeutic riding for special needs children, and created a military program for veterans and their families. It addresses trauma, P.T.S.D., resilience, skillful decision making and other common combat issues.

Caitlyn’s husband is serving in Afghanistan with the Air Force. Without her husband’s presence, coping with her children had become somewhat challenging, especially with her 13-year-old son’s anger management issues. She had seen a brochure about Warrior Soul, Inc., and the base’s chaplain suggested it as well.

“At the time, our two oldest children were seeing some family counselors in Yuba City and I just wasn’t seeing any results. I was afraid that my kids were going to be afraid of the horses, because they’ve never been exposed to horses before. Dawn and Mel had matched up a horse with each of my kids, and the horse’s personality was exactly like the kid that it had been paired up with. It was so amazing to see how the kids responded to the horse. They got a picture of themselves through an animal’s eyes. It seemed like they had an instant connection.

It was harder for my oldest son the first session, because he was paired up with a horse that was like him – very stubborn. During the course of trying to make him understand what he needed to do to get the horse to do what he wanted, questions were being posed – what does the horse’s attitude remind you of – and it clicked in his brain instantly this is how I am with my mom. He realized he needed to respect the horse, and then the horse was going to respect him. The horse cooperated with him and did what he wanted. It was a very cool thing to see. I would not have believed it had I not been standing there watching the whole thing. I told Dawn, ‘In just a few short weeks, you guys have made so much progress with seeing my son’s true colors and what he is like as a true person, both good and bad.’

For me, personally, it’s a very soothing thing to just stand there and be next to the horse and groom it. I know the horse takes me as I am. They’re not going to belittle me like my children. They’re not condescending. They like you regardless, no matter what you feel inside.”

It’s one less thing her husband has to worry about as well. “He feels helpless, because he knows how our oldest son can be with me. ‘I don’t know how I can help you. I don’t know what I can do. I’m so far away.’ I told him about the therapy and how it has helped me and our son. Sometimes, we can actually talk through the anger now instead of just screaming at each other. My husband was very, very happy to hear that.

It has been such a wonderful experience. I have actually referred them out to several of our friends who are looking for the same kind of services.”

Batti and LaValley would like to offer scholarships for children and families who are unable to pay for their services, and build an off-site office and classroom for workshops. On October 8, 2011, they will host a fun fundraiser to accomplish these goals, which include obstacle courses for horseback riders and non-riders, and horseshoe tosses.

In the meantime, donations of riding helmets, boots and hats for children who don’t own them would be appreciated, and volunteers are always welcome.

Warrior’s Soul, Inc. is a non-profit, Tricare provider, located at 7801 Lakeview Lane, Lincoln, For info, call (916) 645-2344 or visit their website at www.warriorssoul.org.

PSSSST? WANNA KNOW A SECRET?

Posted: 8/13/2011

Do you know where to shop to get Chico tops for $8? Coldwater Creek jackets for under $10? How about Ralph Lauren men's shirts for $3? Or women's leather boots for $5? If not, you need to get "The Savvy Shopper's Guide to Thrift & Consignment Stores: Greater Sacramento, Reno/Tahoe".

The first of its kind, it's the bargain hunter's Bible and the ultimate guide for getting more bling for your buck in the greater Sacramento Reno/Tahoe area.

The guide contains 158 stores in 37 cities from Davis to Northern Nevada - and everywhere in between. The Savvy Shopper’s Guide To Thrift & Consignment Stores: Greater Sacramento, Reno/Tahoe is the first-ever guide to all those secret shopping previously known only to savvy shoppers. And here’s the best part…this book of bargains is a bargain itself at only $10!

"My goal with "The Savvy Shopper’s Guide To Thrift And Consignment Stores" is to promote thrifting and bargain shopping as the Great American Pastime," says author Jo Anna Philips. "This is the Day of the Deal where shopping cheap is now shopping chic!"

Philips also believes that shopping is therapeutic, "It’s not just Shopping; it’s Merchandise Acquisition Therapy," she says.

Jo Anna Philips, a local Life Coach with a passion for shopping, is a popular author and speaker. She is a former newspaper columnist and feature writer, TV and radio host. She also designed and manufactured her own successful line of women's sportswear in San Francisco.

Philips will be doing book signings as fund raisers for the American Cancer Discovery Shops at the following locations:

Friday, August 19 American Cancer Discovery Shop, 1813 Douglas Blvd, #B, Roseville 11am - 1pm

Friday, September 9 American Cancer Discovery Shop, 2376 Grass Valley Highway, Auburn 11am - 1pm

Placer SPCA Thrift Store Celebrates One Year Anniversary

Posted: 8/13/2011

Roseville, CA – In August 2010, the Placer SPCA Thrift Store opened its doors to a packed house. One year later, the store has become a favorite for many Placer County bargain hunters.

On Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14, in celebration of the one-year anniversary, shoppers will get fun peel-off discount cards that will reveal savings of 10, 20, or even 30 percent off their entire purchase.

The Thrift Store offers a boutique-like atmosphere with an ever-changing inventory of donated, high-quality new and gently used clothes, books, household items, and furniture.

“We knew we were taking a risk by starting a business in this economy,” said Placer SPCA CEO Leilani Vierra, “but we were seeking a creative way to generate steady income as the need for our services increase. Now it’s already been a year and the store is going strong.

”The Placer SPCA Thrift Store now generates more than $15,000 every month, which directly supports the programs and services of the Placer SPCA.

“Everyone remarks how beautiful the store is, and we have very loyal customers we see every week,” said Placer SPCA Thrift Store volunteer Karen Bettencourt. “Shoppers feel good about supporting the animals of the Placer SPCA while getting great deals on great stuff.

”The Placer SPCA Thrift Store, located at 931 Washington Blvd., Suite 107, in Roseville, is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Tuesday through Sunday. Donations are accepted until 4:00 pm. Learn more at www.placerspca.org/thrift.

Explorers Win July Competition

Posted: 8/9/2011

Placer County ­– Placer County Sheriff’s Explorers came home as big winners from a recent regional competition in Manteca. Explorers are young adults who are exploring law enforcement careers by working with deputies. Explorers are a non-Scouting subsidiary of the Boy Scouts of America.

From July 15 to 17, seven Placer County Explorers competed against other law enforcement Explorers in a variety of scenarios, such as burglaries, hostage negotiations and high-risk traffic stops, to name a few. The young men and women are expected to perform just as deputies would and are scored as such.

Deputy advisors have been working very hard over the past few months to prepare the seven Explorers for this competition, putting in a tremendous amount of their own time and effort. Explorers received first-place medals in vehicle search, traffic stop and burglary-in-progress. They received second-place in the high-risk vehicle stop scenario and a third-place trophy for building search and active-shooter scenarios.

The scenarios were described as very difficult and complex that required a lot of knowledge from the Explorers. One Placer County Explorer even found a meth pipe in some bushes next to one of the cars in the vehicle stop scenario. The pipe took the hosting agency by surprise as it was not part of the scenario.

The Explorers, pictured above left to right are: Kyle Glau, Kevin Ballment, Tanner Foster, Daylin Pancan, Chase Adams, Andrew Cromwell and Kyle Johnson. Deputies who served as advisors are: Richard Gray, leader; Toby Williams, Steve Lawicka, Sasha Glenwinkel, Ken Skogen and Jessica Morrill.

WJU Announces New Professor

Posted: 8/9/2011

Dr. Jo Lynn Britt.

Rocklin – William Jessup University has recently announced JoLynn Britt, Ph.D, will become a full-time professor in the University’s Liberal Studies and Credentialing Department.

Dr. Britt is a longtime educator and researcher, entering the profession in 1995. She started her career as a sixth-grade language arts and reading teacher to most recently teaching quantitative research methods to doctoral students and serving on dissertation committees.

Dr. Britt is already well known on the Rocklin campus, serving as an adjunct professor and Lead Supervisor for Language Arts since 2008.

She is a “popular adjunct professor, serving on a variety of university committees,” said Tim Gillespie, Director of Liberal Studies and Credentialing for William Jessup. “In her new position, Dr. Britt will have an even greater opportunity to significantly impact WJU students and enrich the programs.”

Dr. Britt has also been an adjunct professor and lecturer since 2008 at the College of Education at California State University, Sacramento.

She completed her B.A. in Elementary Education from Bethel College in Mishawaka, Ind., and received her Master’s degree in Teacher Education from Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, Ore. She earned her Doctorate degree in Education and Human Resource Studies with a specialization in Educational Leadership at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo.

Britt has authored more than 10 research papers, most recently Needs of Adult Learners and Issues of the Athletic Department, both for publication in Community College Leadership and Administration: A Case Study Approach to Applying Theory to Practice.

William Jessup’s Liberal Studies and Credentialing Department’s mission is to prepare undergraduate and post-baccalaureate professionals through character development to teach in classrooms worldwide.

About William Jessup University: Founded in 1939 by William Jessup, the University moved to Rocklin, California, in August 2004. WJU is the first and only WASC-accredited private, four-year university to have its main campus located in the greater Sacramento area, offering degrees in many different disciplines, including Business Administration, Family & Children’s Ministry, English, History, Intercultural Studies, Liberal Studies (Teacher Education), Music, Pastoral Ministry, Psychology, Public Policy and Youth Ministry. Anticipated majors include fields in the humanities and science.

WJU also offers a School of Professional Studies (SPS) at its campuses in Rocklin and San Jose. Program concentrations in Rocklin include Business Administration, Counseling Psychology and a Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Credential Program. In San Jose, concentrations are offered in Business Administration, Counseling Psychology, and Christian Leadership. For more information, please visit www.jessup.edu or call (916) 577-2200.

Lions Giant Flea Market Growing

Posted: 8/9/2011

Auburn – The Auburn 49er Lions Club is planning another of its semi-annual giant Flea Market events. Buyers and sellers alike have enjoyed participating in the past two events. The up-coming Giant Flea Market will be held on October 1st, from 7 am to 2 pm, on the upper ball field of the Gold Country Fairgrounds.

Venders may rent a space, about 15’x30’, for $35.00. Also, there are spaces, 20’x40’, available for $50.00. Space choices are on a first-paid basis. Vender set-up begins at 5 am. Plans are in the works to make set-up easy. For space reservations, call Andy at (530) 273-6847.

The 49er Lions Club will be on hand to take care of any hunger pangs. The aroma of cooking pancakes may entice visitors to take a moment and eat a hot breakfast. For lunch, the BBQ will be full of hot dogs and hamburgers.

For those who are feeling lucky, sign up for free prize drawings at the 49er Lions information booth. There will also be a DJ playing music and free balloons for the kids.

“Practice makes perfect”. The 49er Lions Club expects the Giant Flea Market to grow and get bigger and better. Everybody wins. Venders can gain from cleaning out their unwanted items, and buyers may find treasures at as reasonable cast.

If you have questions, call Andy at (530) 273-6847 or contact him at andyson1312@yahoo.com or 49erlions@gamil.com.

Estate Planning is for Everyone

Posted: 8/9/2011

Roseville, CA – You may think “estate planning” is only for the wealthy, and charitable gifts within an estate plan only for the very wealthy. The fact is, however, that anyone can use Charitable Planned Giving to secure their family’s future and make a difference for a favorite cause.

Placer SPCA is offering a free Estate Planning Workshop on Thursday, August 11 to provide simple information about how Charitable Planned Giving can provide immediate tax benefits - in any tax bracket - and also mean a larger gift for your heirs, all while leaving a legacy to a worthy charity.

Attendees will learn about many different kinds of Charitable Planned Giving, presented by Certified Financial Planner Colin S. Grahl. This workshop is for educational purposes only. No one will be solicited to purchase services.

Advance sign-up is requested for this free event that includes a light lunch. Those interested are asked to contact the Placer SPCA at (916) 782-7722, extension 106 or (530) 885-7387, extension 106 or administration@placerspca.org.

Local companion animal welfare experts, the Placer SPCA offers many services for the pets and people of Placer County thanks largely to the generosity of individual charitable donations. Learn more at www.placerspca.org.

AFTER-HOURS CAR CRASH FORCES ROSEVILLE DMV TO CLOSE

Customers Re-Directed to Nearby Offices During Repairs
Posted: 7/26/2011

Construction crews are busy repairing a four by five foot hole in the side wall of the Roseville Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office after a car crashed into the building at 222 Harding Boulevard shortly after 7 p.m. last night.

DMV officials said the vehicle belonged to a driving school and that a student was behind-the-wheel at the time of the crash. No one was hurt.

While the damage is repaired, customers are being re-directed to the following nearby facilities where Roseville employees have been temporarily re-assigned:

- Carmichael, 5209 North Avenue
- Folsom, 323 East Bidwell, Suite A
- Rocklin, 5245 South Grove Street

Important Note: Customers who have made prior arrangements to take drive tests will still be able to conduct business at the Roseville location.

The Roseville DMV office is expected to remain closed through the rest of this week and is anticipated to re-open on Monday, August 1, 2011.

National Night Out

Posted: 7/26/2011

The Placer County Sheriff’s Office is hosting the 28th annual National Night Out on Monday and Tuesday, August 2 and 3. Convoys of emergency vehicles will make their way from neighborhood to neighborhood to celebrate the evening that brings neighbors and their public safety partners together.

In 2009 and 2010, the Sheriff’s Office placed in the top 15 National Night Out events in the country, placing just behind jurisdictions like Los Angeles and Palm Beach, Florida.

Monday, August 1, the Sheriff’s Office holds a special National Night Out event in the Thermalands, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Thermalands Community Center.

Tuesday, August 2, from 6 to 9 p.m., the parade of vehicles will be on the roadways from West Roseville to Auburn. Neighborhood Watch groups are holding barbeques, potlucks and ice cream socials while awaiting the line of lights and sirens.

The Auburn Target store is holding a special National Night Out event in their parking lot that night from 4 to 8 p.m. Members of the Sheriff Office’s Special Enforcement Team, Community Services and dispatchers will be on hand, and specialized equipment will be on display. In addition to hosting the event, Target awarded the Sheriff’s Office a $1,000 grant to assist with National Night Out activities and safety supplies.

Once the convoys arrive at registered neighborhoods, residents and deputies have a chance to visit while kids get to climb inside sheriff patrol cars, Humvees, California Highway Patrol cruisers, AMR ambulances and fire engines from several agencies. Sheriff’s K-9 teams will also come out and join the fun.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness and generate support for, and participation in, Neighborhood Watch. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office has hundreds of active Neighborhood Watch groups that serve as extra “eyes and ears.”

7 Placer County Wineries to Host August “Grape Days of Summer” Winery Tour

Featuring wines, food, music andeducational experiences focusing on wines of the Mediterranean
Posted: 7/26/2011

PLACER COUNTY. Placer County Vintners Association (PCVA) announces Grape Days of Summer on the Placer County Wine Trail, taking place August 6th and 7th in Lincoln, Auburn, & Newcastle. A “Mediterranean Sojourn” theme takes participants to 7 participating wineries along the Placer County Wine Trail where Mediterranean wine, food and culture are the highlights in addition to the standard wine tasting experience.

Each winery will feature a specific Mediterranean varietal and the food, music and wine education that goes with it. In addition to the opportunity to learn about the origin and characteristics of unique varietals like Roussanne and Tempranillo, Grape Days also includes food from some of the region’s premier restaurants like the Chef’s Table, Source Global Tapas, The Rustic Table and Café Zorro. This is something the region has never offered before! The event takes place from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday and tickets are good for both days.

Participants can purchase tickets online at www.placerwine.com for $25.00 in advance or $35.00 at the door. The ticket covers: wine tastes at all participating wineries, food, music and educational activities, plus a special event wine glass. Designated Driver Tickets are also available for $10. PCVA has donated a number of raffle prizes to a local cause and on this weekend will also be selling raffle tickets. The fundraiser is for Amanda Barnes, a Placer High School graduate who was struck by a hit and run motorist recently resulting in injuries requiring extensive surgery. The raffle drawings will take place on August 15th during the Old Town Auburn Street Dance.

Join in on the Grape Days fun, and taste some great award winning, small production wines, while you learn something from the winemakers and owners themselves. Participating wineries are Casque, Dono dal Cielo, Fawnridge, Lone Buffalo, Mt. Vernon, Vina Castellano and Wise Villa.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES - Mediterranean Sojourn:

They say that with wine, it's “all about the grapes”. Placer County's warm, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters mixed with rich decomposed granite soils make for a “Mediterranean-like” terroir where an abundance of wine grape varietals thrive.

Casque Wines & Wise Villa Winery (shared tasting room) - Experience the Rhône Valley of France and learn from Casque about all things Roussanne with a 3 year vertical tasting, while Wise Villa focuses on Syrah, paired with food from Loomis restaurant, Cafe Zorro and live music from Fuse-A-Nova (an eclectic blend of bossa nova and jazz with latin and world rhythms) from 1-4 pm each day.

Dono dal Cielo Vineyards - Be transported to the Greek side of the Mediterranean, one of the origins of Zinfandel, while you learn a thing or two about corks, and enjoy live music. Enjoy food pairings by Celebrity Chef, Dave Hill, from his Rocklin restaurant, The Chef's Table.

Fawnridge Winery - It's all about Italia the classic Italian wine, Barbera, paired with what else but Italian food.

Lone Buffalo Vineyards - Learn to say Rioja ("ree-OH-ha") and enjoy Spain's "noble grape," Tempranillo, with a special sensory tasting experience led by winemaker Phil Maddux and food pairings from Chef Irie of Granite Bay restaurant, Source Global Tapas.

Mt. Vernon Winery - Learn about dessert wines and their region of origin - it's only "Port" if it's produced in Portugal nowadays - paired with what else but delicious desserts from Chef Brian Reed from The Rustic Table. Winemaker Ryan Taylor will host mini-seminars on how port is made and describe the flavors derived from the pairing.

Viña Castellano Vineyards - Will share some of their Spanish heritage highlighting Monastrell (Mourvedre), the 5th most planted varietal in Spain. This wine is paired with Gazpacho and other culinary delights from Chef Spencer Shapton.

For more details: www.placerwine.com

ABOUT PCVAPlacer County Vintner’s Association is a non-profit association formed to provide a forum for Placer County wineries to collaborate on events and programs that support local and regional communities, develop marketing programs to increase awareness of the Placer County Wine Trail, and to share best practices and provide a quality experience for winery visitors.

Volunteers filling in for summer school cuts

Posted: 7/24/2011

The Next Generation

Sight Word Busters is a group of 20 local volunteers who, over the past year, has been tutoring first and second graders at Rock Creek Elementary School in reading. This inter-generational group of volunteers has dedicated hundreds of hours of volunteer time, working in cooperation with the Rock Creek teachers and Principal Suzanne Flint, to give the young learners one-on-one focused attention. We are already seeing marked reading improvement in dozens of struggling students as a result of this program. The tutoring is particularly helpful for the newer students for whom English is a second language.

Next Tuesday, July 26 at 10:00am, we will be celebrating the end of our Sight Word Busters Summer Camp at Rock Creek Elementary. Umpqua Bank, who has been a huge supporter of Sight Word Busters, is sending over their ice cream truck as a special treat for the children and volunteers to celebrate the successful completion of our summer program. It should make for a good photo opportunity.

Our volunteers provided a critical service that had been cut due to a lack of funds.

Beginning soon we will be offering a new week-long prep camp for young four and five year olds. This program will target English language learners and will help them by introducing early literacy concepts.

Several service- minded local high school students have been participating in the Sight Word Busters Program this summer.

Please call if you would like more information-Linda LoBue 887-8335.

CDPH Reports First Human West Nile Virus Case of 2011

Posted: 7/24/2011

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today reported a man in Santa Barbara County is the first confirmed human case of West Nile virus infection in California this year. The man was hospitalized, but is now recovering at home.

"With the first confirmed human illness from West Nile virus this year, we are intensifying our surveillance for the virus with the help of all counties,” said CDPH Chief Deputy Director Kathleen Billingsley. “To protect against West Nile virus, the most important step people can take is avoiding mosquito bites.”

West Nile virus is most commonly transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of a mosquito harboring the virus. The risk of serious illness to most people is low. However, some individuals – less than 1 percent – will develop serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis. People 50 years of age and older have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop serious symptoms. Recent data also indicate that those with diabetes and/or hypertension are at greatest risk for serious illness.

To date in 2011, West Nile virus has been detected in 14 other California counties.CDPH recommends that individuals prevent exposure to mosquito bites and West Nile virus by practicing the “Four Ds”:

- DEET – Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older.

- DRESS – Wear clothing that reduces the risk of skin exposure to mosquito bites.

- DAWN AND DUSK – Mosquitoes bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear repellent at this time. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.

- DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flower pots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls. If you have a pond, use mosquito fish (available from your local mosquito and vector control agency) or commercially available products to eliminate mosquito larvae.

California’s West Nile virus website includes the latest information on West Nile virus activity in the state. Californians are encouraged to report all dead birds and dead tree squirrels on the website or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473). www.cdph.ca.gov

Placer County Fair Association Board of Directors Vacancy

Posted: 7/24/2011

ROSEVILLE – The Placer County Fair Association is accepting letters of interest to fill a vacancy from Placer County residents interested in serving as a member of the Association’s Board of Directors. The Fair Board will make an appointment for service until the annual meeting of the Association in January, when the position will be filled by election.

Letters of Interest will be accepted from community members who are Placer County residents and are at least 18 years of age. Letters must be received in the Fair office by August 5, 2011, 4pm.

Responsibilities of Placer County Fair Association Board Members include, but are not limited to: attendance at monthly meetings and functions of the Board, approval of the annual budget, participation in the planning and development of the Annual Placer County Fair and All American Speedway events./

For additional information about becoming an Association member, annual meeting, or serving as a Board member, please visit www.placercountyfair.org or call the Placer County Fair office at 916.786.2023.

William Jessup University Announces $17 Million Campus Expansion

Private University Will Add New Dining Facility, Classrooms and Gymnasium
Posted: 7/20/2011

ROCKLIN, Calif. - William Jessup University, the Sacramento area’s only residential four-year private university, today announced a $17 million campus expansion to add new dining, athletic and classroom facilities to accommodate the growing number of students.

This is the second major expansion since the university relocated to Rocklin in 2004. In the fall of 2009, William Jessup doubled its on-campus housing capacity by opening a state-of-the-art, 192-bed apartment building complex.

The latest expansion of the Christian university will add a full-feature dining facility, an intercollegiate gymnasium, multiple classrooms, and music practice rooms. The new, 54,000-square-feet facilities are expected to be completed by fall 2012.

“This is an exciting period of growth for William Jessup,” said Dr. Pat Gelsinger, Chairman of the William Jessup University Board of Trustees. “The Board of Trustees is thrilled to be breaking ground on this expansion and adding new facilities to support our growth in enrollment and recognized commitment to excellence.”

The expansion will allow William Jessup University to expand its role as a meeting place for major community events and the Christian community in the Greater Sacramento area. In the last five years, the university has hosted more than 300 community events, including a visit by then-First Lady Laura Bush with a crowd of 1,500 and annual National Prayer Day breakfasts attracting more than 700 people.

“This is an incredible time of momentum for William Jessup University and I am humbled to see this significant step forward for us just a few months into my tenure as President,” said Dr. John Jackson, President of William Jessup University. “These new facilities will serve our growing student enrollment and allow us to provide Christ-center higher education in Northern California for students who will make a real impact in the world.”

The new expansion will include:

- A 19,400 square-foot dining facility with open-style kitchen and specialty eatery areas that focus on providing convenient, fast fresh food

- A 1,018-seat gymnasium for basketball and volleyball that also features athletic offices and a training room

- Six classrooms, totaling 6,291 square feet; two of the classrooms can accommodate seating for up to 100 students

- 11 music practice rooms with studio pianos, including two larger practice rooms with grand pianos

The uniquely designed dining location will be highlighted by an exhibition kitchen where diners receive an interactive experience with the open-style setting as they watch their food being prepared. The area will also include a late-night pizza oven, fresh bakery, and private dining rooms.

The expansive gymnasium will feature four team rooms and showers, five athletic staff offices, a training/therapy room with state-of-the-art hydrotherapy equipment, laundry facility, and cameras located in the upper mezzanine for video playback purposes to aid coaches and players.

Founded in 1939 and located on 128 acres in Rocklin, William Jessup University is the only WASC-accredited private four-year residential university to have its main campus located in the greater Sacramento area.

Jackson views the expansion as the start of 10 more years of building. William Jessup anticipates record enrollment this fall when it welcomes approximately 800 new and returning students to its Rocklin campus.

President Jackson announced the expansion to an audience that included many local government and civic leaders, including State Sen. Doug LaMalfa, Assemblywoman Beth Gaines, Placer County Supervisor Jim Holmes and Rocklin City Councilmembers Scott Yuill and Diana Ruslin. Also attending the groundbreaking ceremony were William Jessup student leaders, numerous elected officials, plus community and business leaders.

“The City of Rocklin is proud to be home to William Jessup University. Working in partnership, together we promote education, service and family values,” said Rocklin City Manager Rick Horst. “We congratulate William Jessup for their positive growth and vision and welcome the expansion of their facilities and their continued commitment to excellence.”

Reeve-Knight Construction Inc. will be the general contractor for the new expansion project and Russell Taylor of Taylor Teter Partnership is the project architect. The two companies also collaborated on the award-winning apartment building complex.

Taylor Teeter’s design of the student apartments earned the company an Award of Honor from the American Institute of Architects San Joaquin Chapter, based on excellence in design. Taylor Teeter is credited with strategically preserving the original conversion of the Herman Miller Furniture factory, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, to the existing look of the William Jessup campus. The university’s re-use of the facility has won accolades for preserving the original design while creating a unique campus atmosphere.

For more information on William Jessup University, please visit www.jessup.edu or call (916) 577-2200.

About William Jessup University Founded in 1939 by William Jessup, the University moved to Rocklin, California, in August 2004. WJU is the first and only WASC accredited private four-year university to have its main campus located in the greater Sacramento area, offering degrees in many different disciplines, including Business Administration, Family & Children’s Ministry, English, History, Intercultural Studies, Liberal Studies (Teacher Education), Music, Pastoral Ministry, Psychology, Public Policy and Youth Ministry. Anticipated majors include fields in the humanities and science. WJU also offers a School of Professional Studies (SPS) at its campuses in Rocklin and San Jose. Program concentrations in Rocklin include Business Administration, Counseling Psychology and a Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Credential Program. In San Jose, concentrations are offered in Business Administration, Counseling Psychology, and Christian Leadership.

The Auburn Funk Box Derby

Posted: 7/20/2011

Auburn – The “Auburn Funk Box Derby” returns to Lincoln Way, Auburn on Sunday, September 18th, 2011. Additionally, there will be two pre-event “Help You Build” sessions on July 28th and August 18th (please see below).

In 1982 Bob Jetter pioneered the event originally called the “Funk Soap Box Derby”. At the time, San Francisco had a similar event not with fast cars but rather of slow rolling, beautifully designed and decorated cars coming down the hills in the “City by the Bay”. They were judged on design, use of materials, use of color and showmanship. But Bob explained ours in Auburn (would be all that) and FUNKY! So off we launched our own Auburn derby.

First of all, what is Funky? It means different things to different people. According to Webster’s dictionary “Funky” means: “an earthy, unsophisticated style”. To us that meant let your imagination, your creativity, PLUS whatever it takes for you to express your meaning of FUNKY. Please keep in mind, my funk may not be your funk. For 10 years until 1992 the Derby rolled on each year and the fans loved it! The streets were filled with families, young and old and the city of Auburn truly had an annual event they could love and embrace. But as time marches on, sometimes energy fades and folks get tired. For 18 years the derby has rested its memories in the minds of those who were there as spectators, as participants and as volunteers.

Not anymore — Now it’s time for the Derby to return for year two after being gone so long. The Auburn Funk Box Derby is back again and you’ll want to be part of the “next chapter” of that event people loved so much. Enjoy, let the simple “magic” of the derby fill your funny bone and may the children around and in you come to life thru a BIG SMILE!

Our desire is to have a fun filled family day, a day to remember and, with God’s blessing, we hope to see the event return as it did almost 20 years ago. Thanks for joining our derby day and please let us know your thoughts of this memorable day. Please send “funky” comments to info@funkboxderby.com

This event is also a fun(d) raiser, after all expenses are paid we then distribute to two organizations that support the Derby and support the community;

1. Seniors First, who benefit our senior community with a variety of services and

2. Auburn’s 20-30 Club, who buy Christmas gifts for under privileged children.

We will also be holding two “Help You Build” dates with Al Blanca (designer of last year’s winning derby car). The dates are Thursday July 28th and Thursday August 18th at 6:30 pm at 169 Taylor Road, Newcastle, CA (behind Carol’s Market in Sierra Safety Bldg). Sponsors, wannabee racers and builder alike are all welcome. Please RSVP to Keith Hentschel to secure your spot.

For additional information on “The Auburn Funk Box Derby” please visit our hosted website presence at www.funkboxderby.com or call Keith G. Hentschel at for all the latest updates, partnerships, synergies, images and stories, event entry and a vast array of sponsorship details.

Animal Behavior College Matches Donation to the Placer SPCA

Posted: 7/20/2011

Placer County – Animal Behavior College (ABC) has announced recently that it is matching a donation to the Placer SPCA by the family of devoted supporter Betty Muegge who died peacefully at her home on January 13, 2011. Betty passionately loved dogs and dog training, and she was enrolled in the Certified Dog Training program at ABC at the time of her passing.

Betty was a longtime friend and supporter of the Placer SPCA. Shortly before her death, she also began volunteering as a dog walker at the Placer SPCA’s Companion Animal Care Center in Roseville.

Betty’s family chose to donate the unused portion of her tuition and Animal Behavior College is matching it with a donation of $1000.00 in honor of Betty’s love of dogs, and her support of the Placer SPCA and its mission to treat every companion animal with kindness and respect.

Betty was one of over 5,900 students who have worked with shelters as part of their course of study at Animal Behavior College. “The generosity of Betty and her family is inspiring and speaks volumes about their love for animals,” said Debbie Kendrick, Vice President of Animal Behavior College.

Placer SPCA, located in Roseville, is Placer County’s source for local companion animal welfare expertise. Founded in 1973, the Placer SPCA offers programs and services for the pets and people of Placer County, including low-cost spay and neuter assistance, lost and found, volunteer opportunities, free behavior help, and many other programs.

“We are deeply appreciative of the gift of the Animal Behavior College and the family,” said Placer SPCA CEO Leilani Vierra. “We remember Betty very fondly.” Animal Behavior College (ABC) is a vocational school that specializes in animal-related career training. ABC currently offers three programs – a Certified Dog Obedience Instructor training program, a Certified Veterinary Assistant program and a Certified Grooming Instruction program. ABC has training locations in all 50 states as well as in Canada and is the premier school for animal lovers who wish to pursue animal-related careers.

For more information please visit www.animalbehaviorcollege.com or call (886) 507-9874.

Placer County Farmers on Display at the Domes

Source: Karen Killebrew Nature Media Network
Posted: 7/20/2011

Auburn – A new series of striking images by Wayde Carroll is on display at the Placer County Administrative Center (also known as “The Domes”) in Auburn through August 5.

Former Nevada County resident Wayde Carroll, who has previously photographed a wide variety of local agricultural products and scenes, returned to the area for four days last fall to photograph this new series that focuses on the a number of the farmers who bring their products to the local farmers markets throughout the year.

Carroll, who now resides in Alaska, relished this assignment. “I absolutely love just being out on the farms and ranches, smelling the soils, produce, and yes, even the animals. There is something old world and wholesome about being around the origins of what fills our cupboards and tables every day. The people who run the farms and ranches couldn’t have been more wonderful which makes the experience even richer.”

Organized by the Placer County Agricultural Commissioner’s Agricultural Marketing Program, the exhibit features seven local families. There is a strong focus on hands, offering their lovingly grown products which nurture us.

The Vineyard Family of Lincoln grows rice. Carroll deftly captures the harvest, the grain and the sweeping landscapes, as well as the faces and hands of family members Glenn, Wayne, Bill and Brian Vineyard.

Allison Deyo and Shaun Clark recently assumed management of Blossom Hill Farm in Auburn upon the retirement of JR and Claudia Smith, and now sell melons, vegetable starts, herbs, greens & lettuces and eggs under the name Melon Jolly Organics.

Gary and Shawnie Machado and family are well known for their Apple Barn just off I-80 in north Auburn, where they sell apples, pears, plums, cherries, apricots and berries along with their acclaimed apple juice and pies.

Christmas trees are another sought after local product. Ron and Sharon Hall and their Pine Valley Ranch in Auburn are a popular destination for locally grown Christmas trees.

Lisa Regan Mann is featured during the grape harvest in the vineyard of her Fortezza Winery, just off Mount Vernon Road in Auburn, were she shares a tasting room with three other local wineries.

Dan Macon of Flying Mule Farm in Auburn, is pictured in the pastures with his dogs working one of his flocks of sheep. His grass-fed lamb is sold on the farm and at a number of local farmers markets.

Carroll returned to Ueki Garden Flowers in Auburn to capture new images of Bob Roan and Teri Ueki and a wider variety of their seasonal produce, which are a popular feature at the Auburn Farmers Market.

Additional images along with Wayde Carroll’s account of his experiences are available on his photography blog at http://waydecarrollphotography.blogspot.com/.

The exhibit is on display of the lobby of the Administrative Center, 175 Fulweiler Avenue in Auburn, from Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm through Friday, August 5. For more information on the project and the images, contact Josh Huntsinger at (530) 889-7372 or Cindy Fake at (530) 889-7385.

NID Board Awards Contract to Hansen Brothers Enterprises

Posted: 7/20/2011

Grass Valley - Directors of the Nevada Irrigation District on Wednesday (July 13) awarded a $1.36 million contract to Hansen Bros. Enterprises, Inc. of Grass Valley for a major pipeline project in the North Auburn area.

The Mt. Vernon Road siphon pipeline project will replace a troublesome section of the Combie-Ophir IV Canal that has failed several times, causing flooding and property damage.

NID project engineer Adrian Schneider said the critical canal section runs through steep, wooded terrain, has been running at capacity, and cannot meet current and future water demand. He said completion of the work should allow NID to lift a downstream freeze on service that has been in effect since 2007.

Hansen Brothers submitted the lowest among seven bids received by the district. The bids ranged as high as $1.9 million.

The water project includes nearly 5000 feet of new pipeline and is located west of Highway 49 between Atwood and Mt. Vernon roads. Work is expected to begin in August and be completed in November.

In other business, NID directors:

- authorized a $114,000 contract with RBF Consulting of Sacramento to perform a seismic analysis of the tunnel and penstock that run beneath the dam at Scotts Flat Reservoir to the Scotts Flat Powerhouse. The analysis is being required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to ensure the dam’s ability to withstand an earthquake.

- authorized $448,000 in change orders for contractors on the Banner Cascade Pipeline Project. Project manager Brian Powell said the additional costs are due primarily to unanticipated rock excavation and a partial pipeline realignment that required the purchase of additional pipe.

- nominated NID General Manager Ron Nelson to continue his service on the board of directors of the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA). Nelson, the current chair of ACWA Region 3, has indicated a desire to step back to the vice chairman position.

- welcomed new employee David Beem, who joined the NID Hydroelectric Division June 27 as a hydroelectrical machinist. The Auburn resident comes to NID from the Northern California Power Agency in Roseville where he spent 28 years and worked as a power plant technician.

- the next regular meeting of the NID Board of Directors will be held at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 27, at the NID Business Center in Grass Valley. NID board meetings are open to the public.

New Administrative Services Director for PCWA

Posted: 7/5/2011

Michael Willihnganz

Auburn – The appointment of Michael Willihnganz as Placer County Water Agency Director of Administrative Services was announced Monday (June 27) by PCWA General Manager David A. Breninger.

“Michael’s career spans 30 years in public sector personnel and human resources management,” Breninger said.  “He brings extensive management experience to PCWA.”

Willihnganz, a Rocklin resident, comes to the agency from the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), where he served as chief of human resources and managed a division of 137 employees.

He said the opportunity to work with PCWA was too good to pass up.  “It’s a smaller organization with a terrific mission and one product,” he said.  “For me, it’s an opportunity to work within a much broader scope of activities.  Plus I’m a PCWA customer and I look forward to working close to home.”

In his new position, Willihnganz will direct an eight-person department and oversee human resources, safety, risk management and a range of administrative services and other activities.  He joined the agency on Monday (June 27).

Before CalPERS, Willihnganz served as assistant director of human resources for Napa County and earlier spent 13 years with the Sacramento Metropolitan Utility District (SMUD).  At SMUD, he was responsible for human resources activities including staffing, policy administration and providing support for labor negotiations and the meet and confer process.

He began his career in 1981 with the Monterey County Human Resources Department after earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin.  He earned a second master’s in industrial/organizational psychology from California State University, Sacramento.

Willihnganz is active in several professional organizations including the International Personnel Management Association (IPMA), the International Personnel Assessment Council and the Personnel Testing Council.  In 2006, he was recognized for outstanding achievement in human resources management with the IPMA Stephen E. Bemis Memorial Award of Excellence.

He fills the Administrative Services Director position that was previously held by Valerie Lord, a longtime member of the PCWA management team, who passed unexpectedly in March.

A Triple Play of Sierra Foothill Delights

By Peter Stafford
Posted: 6/28/2011

Sampling the local Sierra foothills wine at Casque Wines.

In a single day’s outing, local residents and visitors alike can sample some of the Foresthill Divide and Auburn area foothill attractions by exploring the American River confluence, lunching at a historic Old Town Auburn eatery, and enjoying a leisurely sampling of fine wines at a Lincoln area winery.

A HIKE FROM THE CONFLUENCE TO LAKE CLEMENTINE

Just minutes from Auburn, the confluence of the North and Middle forks of the American River rewards visitors with abundant recreational opportunities. Many trails meet here—all easily accessible from several nearby roadside parking areas.

The Lake Clementine trail begins at the southeastern corner of the Old Foresthill Road bridge over the North Fork. After traversing a small, tree-shaded spring adjacent to the abutment of an earlier bridge, the trail dwindles to a narrow footpath as it crosses beneath the towering piers of the Foresthill Road Bridge.

A few more turns pass a noted swimming hole and two other bridge abutments dating from the late 1800s. Here and there fragments of asphalt dot the trail, harking to when sixty or more years ago this trail served as the main road between Auburn and the Foresthill Divide. The trail begins a gradual ascent to the Lower Clementine Road. Views of the river become infrequent, though its tumbling cataracts are clearly audible.

A short descent down the paved Lower Clementine Road brings one to the Lake Clementine Dam and spillway—a small side trail leads to the edge of the concrete apron surrounding the dam and a great view of the torrents pouring over the spillway and crashing onto the rocks below. This is a good spot for a rest and a snack before beginning the return hike—about 4.5 to 5.0 miles round-trip.

LUNCH AT TSUDA’S

Tsuda’s Old Town Eatery had its genesis almost three years ago when former New Yorker Alexandra Carnahan noticed a “For Lease” sign going up on the premises of what had been Tsuda’s grocery. Carnahan, who spent her childhood in a small town north of New York City, remembered the homespun delights of that town’s local deli and saw an opportunity to recreate that in Auburn.

“The minute I saw that ‘For Lease’ sign go up, I knew this was the place,” Carnahan said. “When I told my husband, he said, ‘Go do it!’”

Since opening its doors two and a half years ago, under Carnahan’s management and the efforts of head chef Jinny Richardson, Tsuda’s has blossomed into a keystone business of historic Old Town Auburn. Carnahan explains, “There is so much history in this site; there is a pure, peaceful feeling that makes this location special.”

The site of an 1881 Buddhist temple, Tsuda’s takes its name from a famous grocery store founded in 1918 by Frank Tsuda. Today, customers can enjoy indoor seating, sipping one of the many varieties of barista-brewed Temple coffees and munching a “Knuckle Sandwich” or “New York Pastrami,” or they can relax in outdoor seating adjacent to the restaurant sampling one of the eatery’s organic Acme breads and Boar’s Head meats. Patrons can select gluten-free and vegan cuisine too. Much of the produce used at Tsuda’s comes from a farm partly owned by Carnahan. Tsuda’s also features a number of delectable brownies, muffins, and other confections for dessert.

Carnahan also supports local artists, displaying their works, and Tsuda’s is a venue for Auburn’s Art Walks. As for the future, on July 1st Carnahan will be opening “Tsuda’s Too” at the Flower Farm in Loomis. “It’s all an adventure!” Carnahan says with a twinkle in her eye. Given this energetic entrepreneur’s efforts to date, there’s probably no stopping her now.

CASQUE WINES

Atop a knoll overlooking the greater Lincoln area, the Wise Villa Winery features wines of Wise Villa, Casque, and Cante Ao Vinho. Here, the focus is on Casque Wines, the creation of Mark Breunig and winemaker Kevin Stevenson.

Breunig’s interest in wine began when he saw the vineyards of the Rhone Valley, in particular those near the village of Chateauneuf du Pape. “The Chateauneuf area has very similar growing characteristics and climate to the Loomis area,” Breunig explains. “It is famed for its Mourvedre, Syrah, and Grenache grapes.”

After moving to Loomis, Breunig met winemaker Kevin Stevenson. “We formed Casque in 2005 and had our first crush in 2006 and first release in the fall of 2008.”

Casque presently produces four reds and four whites. Three of the whites are varietals: Roussanne, Vermentino, and Viognier; and one, Calotte Blanc, a blend of Viognier, Rousssanne, Vermentino, and Marsanne. Casque’s reds consist of two varietals, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, and two blends: Calotte (a mix of Grenache and Syrah) and Adrian—the flagship red of Casque wines—which contains Mourvedre, Syrah, and Grenache.

Breunig emphasizes, “We want the public to taste the best wines, the best varietals the Sierra Foothills can produce.” Casque has won a significant number of awards, including Double Gold for its 2009 Vermentino and has been cited “California’s Best Micro Winery” at the 2010 California State Fair.

With a smile, Breunig gets ready to serve the last visitors for the day in the tasting room. Believing Casque Wines will head the list of fine Sierra Foothills wines, Breunig has good reason to smile.

14 Home-based Support Programs

Seniors need to know – home-based support programs
By Monica Sandgathe
Posted: 6/28/2011

Placer County – Home-based support plays an integral role in providing independence to older adults. Demand for resources and support for caregivers remains high and will likely increase as older adults strive to remain at home for as long as possible. An estimated 85% of older adults (persons 65 years and older as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau) are aging in their own homes.

Resources such as The Senior Connection, an Eskaton-sponsored public service program, has reached out to more than 4,300 individuals this past year with workshops on fall prevention, dementia diagnosis, driving skills, advice on better sleep and nutrition. “Ask the Care Manager” was introduced this year as another public service program offering older adults and caregivers free monthly, one-on-one consultations with a certified geriatric care manager. The TLC Telephone Reassurance Program makes over 110,000 calls and 700 visits a year to isolated older adults throughout Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, and El Dorado Counties.

A Caregiver Resource Guide has been developed to provide caregivers and consumers a needed source of referral information. The free Guide maintains an extensive directory of senior resources in the greater Sacramento area and includes definitions of commonly-used terms, information on levels of care and guidance in determining associated costs. The directory is available at no cost on line or CD-ROM format.

For more information on these and other community services provided by The Senior Connection visit them online at www.eskaton.org/home-based-support.html or call them at (916) 334-1072.

The Older Adult Advisory Committee is responsible for advising the Department of Health and Human Services and the Board of Supervisors on the needs of Placer County’s older adults. Meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday, at 1:00 PM.

More information may be found online www.placer.ca.gov/ Departmentshhs/adult/OlderAdult Advisory Commission.aspxat: or by calling the Public Authority at (530) 886-3680.

Sutter Auburn Faith Receives Top Honors from MIDAS+ Platinum Quality Award Program

Posted: 6/28/2011

Auburn — Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. recognized Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital as one of the top performing hospitals for excellence in clinical outcomes in the 2010 ACS MIDAS+ Platinum Quality Award Program. The award is based upon Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital’s achievements in the areas of quality outcomes, care efficiency and consistent delivery of evidence-based best practices in nursing and medicine. Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital is among the top five percent of the 600 hospitals that participate in the ACS MIDAS+ Quality Award Program.

This is the second year in a row that Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital garnered this award and in addition, this year Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital is the only hospital in California to be recognized as a top performing hospital.

“This recognition is due to the dedication of our physicians and staff who work to enhance the quality of care for our patients,” said Mitch Hanna, CEO, Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital. “We are always striving to provide the best in medical treatment and care at our hospital.”

The 2010 ACS MIDAS+ Platinum Quality Award is the second outstanding quality award the hospital has received in the past couple months. Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital was also recognized earlier this Spring by Sutter Health with the System’s highest Quality Award for 2011.

In addition to the outstanding Quality Awards, earlier this year Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital also received a three-year accreditation for its cancer program from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer program and also received certification as a Primary Stroke Center from the Joint Commission.

“I’m very proud of our staff and their contributions to quality healthcare for our patients,” said Hanna. “We are committed to excellence and these awards reflect our dedicated efforts.”

Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital is an affiliate of Sutter Health, one of the nation’s leading not-for-profit networks of community-based health care providers, delivering high-quality care in more than 100 Northern California communities. For more information on Sutter Auburn Faith, visit the web site at www.sutterauburnfaith.org

ACS MIDAS+ is an operating unit of the ACS Healthcare Provider & Applications Solutions Group within Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. (ACS), a Xerox Corporation company. MIDAS+ provides a suite of clinical and operational care management software and data analytic tools for more than 1,300 hospitals nationwide. Xerox Corporation is a $22 billion leading global enterprise for business process and document management. Through its broad portfolio of technology and services, Xerox provides the essential back-office support that clears the way for clients to focus on what they to best: their real business.

Rock Removal Needed on Boardman Canal Relocation Project at Pacific Avenue

Posted: 6/28/2011

Auburn – An underground rock formation is causing delays and additional work on a Placer County Water Agency pipeline installation project along Pacific Avenue near Railhead Park in Auburn.

Brent Smith, Deputy Director of Technical Services at PCWA, said the rock was discovered as project contractor, Marques Pipeline, Inc., was digging a 17-foot-deep trench along Pacific Avenue midway between Meadowlark Court and Sacramento Street.

Smith said the rock formation is 150-200 feet long and will be drilled and jackhammered over the coming four weeks.  He said the work will cause noise, possible ground vibration and traffic controls in the area.

The work is necessary to complete installation of a 54-inch diameter pipeline which is buried under the roadway to depths of eight to 17 feet.

The deep pipeline is part of a project to relocate a section of PCWA’s Boardman Canal that runs through an old pipe beneath the adjacent Pacific Heights Apartment complex.  The Boardman Canal is a key PCWA conveyance facility, carrying water to and through wide areas of central and western Placer County.

The old pipe was installed many years ago by a developer who wanted to make full use of the property.  It does not lie directly beneath any of the apartment buildings but runs through the complex and is failing and inaccessible for maintenance purposes, Smith said.

“Once the new pipeline has been put into operation, the old portion of the canal under the Pacific Heights Apartments will be filled with concrete to prevent collapse in the future,” he said.

Work began last year and resumed this spring as drier conditions appeared.  Completion is anticipated this summer.  “We apologize for this temporary inconvenience and we will work quickly to minimize the impact to our customers,” Smith said.

Meanwhile, detours are in effect in the project area Mondays through Fridays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and neighbors should be prepared for noisy working conditions during these hours.

Questions about the work should be directed to the PCWA Customer Services Center at (530) 823-4850, weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.   After-hours emergency calls should be directed to the same number where an answering service is on duty.

The water agency will be posting weekly project updates every Friday on its website at www.pcwa.net.

Denio's and peace. love. swap. Know School is OUT For the Summer!

Posted: 6/14/2011

ROSEVILLE, California -- Roseville landmark Denio's Farmers Market and peace. love. swap. know that OUT with the old and in with the "new" is what people will be wanting to do as the summer months are upon us. With all the extra time that school and homework usually takes up, people will be looking for ways to entertain themselves as well as clear out some of their clothing and gear that they will not be using. After a successful run of Swap-a-Palooza! where people got together to exchange more than just baby/kid/maternity items (they brought their kitchen, home decor, and other treasures and cool finds from home), Denio's has decided to be a host/sponsor of the regular peace. love. swap. events that take place in Placer County and there is talks of having a 2nd annual Swap-a-Palooza! in April 2012.

peace. love. swap. CFO/Placer County Organizer Elle Beyer comments, "We hope that having Denio's be a regular host of our ongoing swaps will help keep the public familiar with the Placer County swaps and help build up momentum for the 2nd Annual Swap-a-Palooza! that is tentatively scheduled to take place in April of '12. We feel our collaboration with Denio's is a nice mix because we're both believer's in recycling, being "Green", and growing small businesses.

peace. love. swap regularly produces baby/kid/maternity clothing and gear swaps, where large amounts of people get together at a kid friendly venue, bring some of their gently used items that they are no longer using and swap them out for things that they need. For a small admission fee, people are able to take as much as they need, no other money is exchanged, and unadopted items are given to charity or families in need. On Friday June 24th, 2011 the public is invited to attend the swap. They will need to bring $5 and some gently used baby/kid/maternity/teen items to swap, or the admission fee is waived if they volunteer.

The idea of swapping it, rather than consigning it, has been a hit in over 15 California cities, and has expanded into outreaching states, such as Colorado, Virginia, Oregon, Florida, Texas, and Washington DC.

peace. love. swap. was started in Grass Valley in 2009. Meg Franz came up with the idea after coming home from the consignment store where she brought a large quantity of gently used baby and kid clothing. As usual they took about 2 or 3 items. As they went through the bag, Meg shopped and found about $30 worth of stuff to buy, her store credit was around $10 or so - so she left $20 in the hole. Afterwards she headed over to Salvation Army to drop the rest of her stuff off. She noticed another bag of kid's stuff, and thought how nice it would be to be able to meet with other mom's and dad's who needed to get rid of stuff, and exchange their items for things they could use. Shortly after this experience, Meg organized a local swap in Grass Valley, where it grew to be a hit. At any given swap there are about 50 - 100 parents who bring their gently used items, donate the items to the "group" where they are sorted and hung in a pop up boutique style "store." While the items are sorted and organized, parents can participate in "free play" offered up by the venues who host the swaps. Most venues are kid friendly businesses like gymnastics gyms, play parks, or theme parks. It ends up being a win-win for everyone involved - the businesses get new business and a great deal of exposure, the swappers get rid of items they are not using and receive as many items that they need, local small businesses can offer up their services/products by sponsoring and vendoring the events, and the swap organizer gets to make some extra cash.

Denio’s Roseville Farmers Market was founded in 1947 by Jim and Marilee Denio. It began small, with a single individual selling produce near the Southern Pacific Railroad Yard. Before long, the Saturday “Auction” by Mr. Denio became the main highlight at Denio’s. Soon, other vendors began to rent space from Mr. Denio and sell their products. In time, the Farmer’s Market developed into a local Saturday event. As word spread throughout the valley and foothills, other sellers of all types of commodities became a part of the Farmer’s Market.

By the early 1960’s, Denio’s was known as the largest, cleanest and most efficiently run Farmer’s Market, Auction, and Bazaar in California.

The 1970’s and 1980’s saw an influx of weekend vendors selling all types of merchandise. To accommodate these people, a portion of the sales lot was reserved for them to set up and sell directly from their vehicles on a daily basis. Built around the idea that an open air market provides the opportunity for a seller to operate a retail business in a high traffic area with the lowest possible overhead costs, and in turn, to pass those savings on to the customers.

Today, Jim and Marilee’s son, Ken, carries on the family business by maintaining the same values and traditions started by his parents over 62 years ago. With three generations on hand to serve and the fourth generation not far behind, Denio’s will continue to be here to offer fresh produce and bargain merchandise for years to come.

Roseville Theatre Arts Academy, Masonic Lodge, Pay Off Magic Circle Debt

Posted: 6/14/2011

The Roseville Theatre Arts Academy (RTAA) has agreed to settle over $300,000 worth of debts of the now-defunct Magic Circle Theatre in order to protect the assets in the historic Roseville Theatre.

RTAA formed and began operations in the Roseville Theater on Vernon Street shortly after the sudden closure of Civic Theatre West -- formerly known as Magic Circle Theatre -- in November 2010. That organization ran one of the largest children’s theater workshops in the Atate of California and also put on a number of main stage musical and dramatic productions. Civic Theatre West closed hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt, including the large loan from First Bank that was used to renovate the siconic, 550-seat theatre in the early 2000s.

After successfully launching operations in January, RTAA discovered that First Bank held a lien not only on the personal property in the theatre – including lighting and sound equipment – but also on fixtures such as the carpets and seats, according to RTAA Board Member and Attorney Renee Nash.

The settlement requires both and the Masonic Lodge, owners of the Roseville Theatre, to pay a portion of the money owed to First Bank. Exact terms of the settlement were not released, but the amount paid is a fraction of the total owed by Magic Circle. The Masonic Lodge also agreed to reduce the rent paid by RTAA to further help the new organization move forward.

RTAA raised the bulk of the funds needed to settle the debt at its May “Roseville Idol” fundraiser. That event raised $23,000 through ticket sales and a live and silent auction, said RTAA President Michelle Raskey. The remainder of the money used to pay First Bank was in the form of a no-interest loan from a supporter of the theatre. RTAA hopes to pay off the remainder of that debt within the next 18 months through additional donations, grants and fundraisers. Fundraising should be easier, Raskey predicted, once they receive their tax exempt status from the IRS. Formal approval is expected by the end of June.

“We could not be luckier to have such amazing support in the community,” Raskey said. “I can now focus on programming, working with our amazing kids and planning for the future of this great organization.”

“We could not be happier to have this issue resolved and greatly appreciate the support of the Masonic Lodge and First Bank,” Raskey added. “The bank accepted much less money than they were owed and we are grateful for that. We are also grateful that the Masons, who were also owed money by Magic Circle, agreed to chip in to settle the debt and allow us to move forward in their amazing building.”

Had RTAA not settled the debt, First Bank had the right to remove both the personal property and the fixtures and sell them at auction, Nash said. “We could have risked buying the property at auction but it would have required us to stop operations for awhile and there was no guarantee we would have received a deal this good.”

“Some people are confused over what transpired,” said RTAA Attorney Nash. “RTAA is a separate legal organization with no formal connection to Magic Circle. We had no legal obligation whatsoever to settle Magic Circle’s debt. At the same time, the situation gave us an opportunity to purchase assets that are important to our operations at a very low cost. This was a good deal all around.”

RTAA serves children and young adults ages 4 to 20. The group will host an annual summer camp program and ongoing workshops for children 4 to 16 as well as various other programs for people of all ages. Master’s workshops are geared for children 10 to 20 years old. The academy employs two full-time staff members and relies on the help of dozens of volunteers, including many parents of young actors. The academy is incorporated under California law and has filed for nonprofit status and expects it to be approved soon.

RTAA also makes the theatre available to rent by other performing arts groups. “We want to see the theatre being used by a wide range of performing artists from throughout the region,” Raskey said. “Our passion is live theatre and we want to see as much of it as possible in this amazing building.”

For more information about Roseville Theatre Arts Academy, or to make a donation, call (916) 772-2777 or visit www.rosevilletheatreartsacademy.com.

State Officials Urge Californians to Prepare for Summer Heat

Posted: 6/10/2011

MATHER - Even though the official start of summer is almost two weeks away, State officials today urged Californians to prepare now for the prospect of prolonged periods of hot weather later this summer and fall.

"Summer isn't here yet, but it's not too early for Californians to prepare for the possibility of several days of extremely high temperatures, particularly in areas where temperatures don't reach into the 90s and 100s very often," said California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) Acting Secretary Mike Dayton.

The Acting Cal EMA Secretary urged Californians who haven't already done so to review their emergency plans, replenish their emergency supplies, learn first aid and CPR and create a cooler, more comfortable environment in their homes.

"As we saw in 2006, prolonged periods of extremely high temperatures can cause a significant number of deaths and heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke," said California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Interim Director Dr. Howard Backer.

According to information provided by California's county coroners and medical examiners, 136 Californians died due to heat-related illnesses caused by a 13-day heat wave that struck the state in 2006.

"Infants, young children and seniors, as well as persons who have chronic health conditions, are particularly vulnerable when temperatures rise," noted Backer. "Caretakers must be sure to provide adequate fluids to persons who cannot ask for them or get fluids for themselves. Never leave a child or pet in a closed vehicle for any length of time. Plan outdoor work and exercise during the early morning hours or evening hours. During periods of severe heat, communities will set up cooling centers for daytime use."

Workers in all outdoor worksites such as agriculture, construction, landscaping and other industries, are at risk of serious heat illness and even death when temperatures rise across California. According to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), employers are required to take four basic steps to prevent heat illness at all outdoor worksites. These include training all employees on heat illness, providing adequate water, rest and shade and having an emergency response plan in place.

"I am pleased to see a greater level of compliance and a reduction in occupational heat- related illnesses and fatalities in recent years, but we must remain vigilant during times of high summer heat," said Cal/OSHA Chief Ellen Widess. "Heat related illness and death are preventable with simple steps that employers take to ensure workers have adequate water and shade and training on the symptoms of heat stress. Having a good program in place not only protects workers' health, but ensures greater productivity."

State officials urged Californians to incorporate energy conservation measures as part of their heat emergency plans.

"Californians can save money and reduce the risk of power outages by setting their thermostats to 78 to 80 degrees when they're home and to 85 degrees or the 'off' position when they're away from home," said Dayton. "They also can reduce strain on the power grid by using their primary refrigerators and freezers for perishable foods and beverages and disconnecting secondary refrigerators and freezers."

Other conservation measures Californians can employ include turning off lights, fans and appliances that aren't in use and using dish washers, driers, washing machines and other appliances after the peak hours of 4 to 6 p.m.

Summer heat resources are available at www.calema.ca.gov and www.cdph.ca.gov.

CALIFORNIA CAPITAL REGION EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE TO EXCHANGE FRESH IDEAS ON INCREASING GRADUATION RATES AT KICK-OFF EVENT

Posted: 6/10/2011

SACRAMENTO—An alarming number of the region’s youth are not graduating from high school. A group of public and private agencies, corporations, small businesses, education institutions and concerned citizens have come together to form the California Capital Region Education Collaborative in order to focus attention on this issue.

Jack O’Connell, former state superintendent of public instruction and Patricia Rucker of the California State Board of Education and legislative advocate for the California State Teachers Association will join the collaborative at a kick-off event on June 17 where the group will share its vision and goals and showcase programs that are successfully helping to improve graduation rates. Teachers, administrators, nonprofits, community organizations, parents and concerned citizens from Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties are encouraged to attend.

“The dropout issue is no longer just a moral issue; today it is an economic issue,” O’Connell said. According to a report by Alliance for Excellent Education, in the Sacramento metropolitan area, an estimated 7,100 students dropped out from the class of 2008. The report goes on to state that 24 percent of high school students in the region do not graduate on time with a regular diploma, which ultimately affects the local economy.

The kick-off event will take place 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Friday, June 17, at the AT&T Auditorium, 2700 Watt Avenue in Sacramento. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about successful programs, hear from community leaders and work in facilitated groups to create community action plans to support schools.

The California Capital Region Education Collaborative is working to ensure young people graduate from high school and move on to higher education and/or successful careers. The collaborative’s purpose is to bring together students, leaders, advocates, parents, community members, educators, experts and all concerned parties to identify and disseminate promising practices and models, while serving as a clearinghouse for education, youth development efforts and attaining resource opportunities for the region. The collaborative will serve as an advocacy and liaison body, assisting in the facilitation of increasing graduation rates in Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. For more information on the collaborative and the kick-off event, visit https://sites.google.com/site/unitedwayrec/home.

"Lost Boy of Sudan" Shares Story of Survival Walking Through Desert, Jungle, Life in Refugee Camps During Sudan Civil War

Posted: 6/8/2011

ROSEVILLE, Calif. (MMD Newswire) - At the young age of five after his village was attacked by soldiers, Deng Ajak Jongkuch became one of over 30,000 Lost Boys of Sudan. Less than three decades later, Jongkuch is an American citizen, having recently graduated from California State University-San Jose. In "A Story of Hope: The Journey of a Lost Boy of Sudan" (ISBN 145656885X), Jongkuch and Lisa Frankel Wade share his poignant story of survival with young readers.

Jongkuch explains what it was like to be separated from his family and village at such a young age. He describes how he and thousands of other Lost Boys journeyed over a thousand miles in savannah, desert and jungle through Sudan, Ethiopia and Kenya, searching for food and shelter. With his detailed descriptions, Deng takes readers right to the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya where he stayed for over 10 years.

The young boy grew into a young man through all of the hardships he was able to overcome. Despite his struggles, Jongkuch never gave up hope for the future. After 18 years as a Lost Boy of Sudan, he and 3,800 other boys were selected to live in the United States for a chance at a better life and to escape the harsh civil war. Life in America was completely different for the author, but he shows readers how he persevered and relied on his education to carry him through.

"Deng shares his amazing true story with a younger audience to show them how powerful courage and hope can be even in the harshest conditions," says Wade. "The words and illustrations capture the essence of Deng's feelings and experiences during his journey."

With "A Story of Hope" and the non-profit, ImpactAVillage, Jongkuch and Wade hope to raise awareness of the suffering and hardships the people of Sudan faced during this horrific civil war. Proceeds from the sale of this book go to the non-profit ImpactAVillage to help improve conditions in villages in Southern Sudan. The grown-up Lost Boy wants to share his story with young children so that they too grow up aware of how courage and hope can carry them through the hard parts of life.

"A Story of Hope: The Journey of a Lost Boy of Sudan" is available for sale online at Amazon.com and other channels.

About the Author:

Born in the rural village of Gwalla, Southern Sudan, Deng Ajak Jongkuch was five years old when he was separated from his family as government soldiers attacked his village. He joined over 30,000 other Lost Boys of Sudan, and walked for over a thousand miles to find food and shelter in refugee camps in Ethiopia and in Kenya. He was selected, along with 3,800 other Lost Boys, to go to the United States, where he completed his college education and received U.S. citizenship. He became passionately committed to raising awareness and helping re-build his and other villages in Southern Sudan, and started the non-profit, ImpactAVillage.

As ImpactAVillage's board president, Lisa Frankel Wade has worked closely with Jongkuch to build awareness and raise funds for education in Southern Sudan. She has given many talks in the San Francisco Bay area and Sacramento areas at schools and places of worship with Jongkuch about his journey as a Lost Boy of Sudan and the work done by ImpactAVillage. After hearing his powerful story, she knew it must be captured in words and illustrations for many others to learn from, and helped him write "A Story of Hope." With her bachelor's and master's in mechanical engineering, she has served as the vice president of sales and marketing at Galil Motion Control, a high-tech company located in Rocklin, Calif.

Foresthill Road Bridge Construction Update

Posted: 6/7/2011

Photo: Michael Kahn.

Placer County - As part of the Foresthill Bridge Seismic Retrofit and Paint Project, construction crews will begin evening work in addition to current daytime activities. Traffic controls will be in place.

Beginning Sunday, June 5th through Friday, September 30th, motorists can expect one-way traffic control each evening Sunday through Thursday, from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am. During the night shift, construction crews will be erecting steel stringer beams and demolishing the existing concrete barrier for the purposes of widening the center deck.

The current day time lane closure hours will remain in effect from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (Monday through Thursdays) and 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on Fridays through the Labor Day holiday.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your cooperation and patience as Placer County continues work on the new Foresthill Bridge Renewal Project.

For updates, questions or concerns, please contact the project hotline at (530) 889-5873 or visit the project website at www.foresthillbridgerenewal.comand sign up to receive traffic alerts and progress updates.

Visit www.foresthillbridgerenewal.com for more information.

Cemetery Vandals Plead Guilty

Posted: 6/7/2011

Next of kin urged to contact the district attorney’s office regarding restitution.

Placer County – Three young men accused of seriously vandalizing the Manzanita Cemetery in Lincoln have all pled no contest to a felony charge of vandalism.

In November of 2010, the defendants– Cody Piland,19, Robert McCutcheon, 20 and Steven Warn, 20 engaged in a “JUST FOR FUN” vandalism spree that the cemetery estimates total damages to run close to $1.5 million. Approximately 60 grave stones and markers, some 100 plus years old, were damaged or destroyed when they were knocked over and pulled from the ground. Several of the burial plots had decorations or mementos that were thrown about or broken with no regard for family and friends of the deceased.

The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday, June 30, 2011, at 1:30 pm at the Placer County Superior Court House, Department 13, located at 2775 Richardson Drive in Auburn, California. The defendants face a maximum of 16 months in prison. Additionally, the District Attorney’s Office will seek a restitution order requiring the defendants to compensate those families for the damages caused. Any next of kin are urged to contact the District Attorney’s Office so that they may be awarded the appropriate amount.

Please contact the Placer County District Attorney’s Office at (916) 543-8000 for more information.

Water Emergency Continues in Placer

PCWA Customers Asked to Reduce Usage by at least 25 Percent
Posted: 6/7/2011

Auburn – The PCWA water shortage emergency in western Placer County is expected to continue until mid-June, it was reported at Thursday’s (May 19) meeting of the Placer County Water Agency Board of Directors.

The water agency has been proactively managing the water shortage emergency in wake of the Apr. 19 sudden failure of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Bear River Canal. A landslide took out a section of the canal (which is located above the Bear River canyon about a mile south of Rollins Reservoir and a mile west of Colfax.)

When this occurred, water supplies ceased flowing to PCWA. The Agency and its customers are heavily dependent upon this supply as are approximately 150,000 people. PCWA had to immediately devise and implement numerous alternatives for securing temporary water supplies and enact bold water conservation reduction actions.

PG&E spokesman Brian Jensen said, at the board meeting, the company is making very good progress in repairing the canal and expects to have normal deliveries restored by mid-June to PCWA.

Meanwhile, he said, the company has begun pumping a small amount of water from the Bear River into the PG&E canal (downstream from the break) for PCWA’s use.

The company also has plans, he said, for a second temporary water supply that may be flowing by the first of June to PCWA.

In the meantime PG&E has also been trucking water to PCWA’s Lake Arthur and to other locations to supplement agency supplies. (PG&E has initiated a livestock watering program coordinated with Placer County Resource Conservation District.) The trucks have delivered more than 3.1 million gallons of water to date, Jensen said.

The agency is also relying on many other alternate sources of water from neighboring water entities. PCWA is also pumping water from the American River to supplement supplies for the duration of the emergency.

PCWA has instituted a wide range of water shortage emergency management actions since April 19. Staff also enacted an aggressive customer outreach program since the day of the emergency. These include direct mail to all customers, telephone and e-mail communications, news media coverage, advertising campaigns and presentations at governmental, civic and community meetings.

Rocklin Fire Chief Bill Mikesell attended the agency board meeting and said PCWA has done an “outstanding job” in communicating with his department and keeping water available for fire protection purposes.

PCWA General Manager David Breninger said, “With public understanding, a ‘patch quilt’ pattern of many temporary water supplies that have been pieced together like dominos and aggressive water conservation reduction actions by our customers, I’m hopeful that adequate flows of water can be sustained to serve our customers throughout our vast distribution system until this emergency ends.”

PCWA directors will continue to review the status of the situation at each meeting. The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled at 2 p.m. on June 2 at the PCWA Business Center, 144 Ferguson Road, in Auburn. Information about PCWA board meetings is available from the Clerk to the Board at (530) 823-4850 or (800) 464-0030.

The PCWA website is updated daily on the water emergency and actions to be taken to reduce water usage. Customers can stay up to date at www.pcwa.net. The PCWA Customer Services Center may be reached by e-mail at customerservices@pcwa.net or by calling (530) 823-4850 or toll-free (800) 464-0030.

LOCAL GROUP RAISES $23,000 TO SAVE THEATER

Posted: 5/26/2011

ROSEVILLE, CA — The Roseville Theatre Arts Academy (RTAA) held an event on Sunday, May 22, 2011 to raise funds to benefit the Roseville Theatre. Between ticket sales, silent auction pledges and cash donations, the event raised $23,000.

The event, a local play on American Idol, was initially intended to be a small, fun performance to showcase some of Roseville’s considerable local talent. That changed, however, when RTAA learned the assets of the Roseville Theatre, which serves as RTAA’s headquarters, were being seized.

“The previous tenant had used the theater’s assets as collateral in a loan from First Bank,” said Michelle Raskey, president of the new RTAA. “That tenant defaulted on the loan, so the bank wanted to tear out the seats, pull down the stage curtains, even remove the light fixtures—anything they could sell at auction to recoup their losses.”

RTAA had another idea. Working with a dedicated group of individuals, RTAA was able to turn a small community event into a major undertaking.

“Our group is so blessed to have such amazing volunteers,” commented Jennifer Vaughn, RTAA’s music director. “I would never have believed we could raise this much money, but it just goes to show how important this [Roseville Theatre] is to the people in our community.”

The Roseville Theatre originally opened in the 1920s as a vaudeville theatre. It subsequently served as a movie house and for 20 years was home to the Magic Circle Theatre (also known as Civic Theatre West). The Roseville Theatre has been ‘home’ to thousands of young performers through the years, a tradition within the community that RTAA plans to uphold.

“We have children growing up on this stage, realizing their potential as exceptionally talented adults,” Raskey continued. “Ten years from now, today’s ‘little ones’ will be coming back to mentor a new crop of students—and they’ll be able to do it right here on this same stage.”

The group settled with First Bank for an agreed-upon $60,000, one-third of which is being generously donated by the Masons (who own the building). If you’d like to help RTAA with the remaining $17,000, please contact Michelle Raskey at michelleraskey@gmail.com or by calling the theater at 916-772-2777.

The Roseville Theatre Arts Academy is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to fostering theater arts within the Roseville community. Programs include children’s workshops each season, a “masters’ series” for more experienced actors, a community choir, and one-day seminars such as media and audition training. RTAA incorporated in January 2011.

For more information visit www.rosevilletheatreartsacademy.com or call 916-772-2777.

International Coin Collectors Association

Posted: 5/24/2011

Have you ever wondered what those old silver coins in your coffee can were worth? When was the last time you even pulled them from your closet or attic? Well now is the time to begin your hunt because the International Coin Collectors Association is coming to your town in search of the rarest coins in the world!

The ICCA has recently uncovered some rare coins that could be hiding in a closet or attic near you. 1894S Barber dime sold for a whopping 1.9 million dollars! Gold coin collection uncovered in a small town in North Carolina for $120,000! A penny was even recently sold for over $300 at a show in Georgia!

What kind of collectible coins will be revealed during our trip? Let’s find out together. You or your next door neighbor just might be the next to find a jackpot in the attic. Start digging now and be ready to have some fun and make some money.

Roseville is the next stop for the ICCA’s world tour. During this event at the Heritage Inn Express our collectors are hoping to see items such as coins and paper currency issued prior to 1965, gold items included class rings, mismatched earrings, broken necklaces, gold coins and bullion. These items are highly sought after by collectors from around the world!

These collectors are very serious about their hobby; so serious that they will pay a lot of money for the items they are looking for. Nearly all coins, vintage jewelry, bullion, Kruggerands, paper currency from the early 1900’s and 1800’s . The ICCA is a place where anyone in your community can connect with collectors from around the globe. Our experts make offers based on what our collectors are willing to pay. Then when someone decides to sell, they get paid on the spot and our experts send the item to the collector at their expense.

Keep in open mind when going through your attics and closets. You could come across the next big find! Whether you have an old Morgan silver dollar, blanket bill, pocket watch, or just a class ring from when you were in high school, bring it down to the show and find out what it’s worth and possibly even get paid for it right on the spot. Don’t have a Morgan dollar, or Kruggerand? No problem, the ICCA even purchases gold items! If you have mismatched ear rings, a broken necklace, or even costume jewelry, we have the resources to pay top dollar for your gold and silver items.

May 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

Heritage Inn Express
204 Harding Blvd.
Roseville, CA 95678

Tuesday-Friday (9am – 6pm)
Saturday (9am – 4pm)

For further information call 217-241-3170

SPCA’s Susan Willson Honored as “40 Under 40”

Posted: 5/18/2011

Susan Willson

Placer County – Placer SPCA Development Director Susan Willson was among the honorees for the Sacramento Business Journal’s prestigious “40 Under 40.” 100 finalists were chosen from more than 250 nominations received, and the final 40 recipients were named at a reception on Tuesday, April 27. The “40 Under 40”designation identifies Willson as one of the top local business and community leaders under 40 years of age.

According to the Sacramento Business Journal, honorees are selected based on leadership, entrepreneurship or creativity, accomplishments, and community involvement.

As a young professional, Willson is active in the Roseville and Rocklin Chambers of Commerce, serves on the Leadership Rocklin Steering Committee, and is currently the Board President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals California Capital Chapter.

Willson has worked at Placer SPCA in the Development Department for six years. “We are very proud of Susan’s well-deserved recognition by the Sacramento Business Journal,” said Placer SPCA CEO Leilani Vierra. “Her skill and diligence have contributed greatly to the Placer SPCA receiving four stars from Charity Navigator for five consecutive years for demonstrating fiscal responsibility.”

Willson is the proud mother of two children, ages 5 & 2. Her husband, Peter Willson, also works in the nonprofit field, currently serving as the Director of Development for the Powerhouse Science Center in Sacramento.

“I take my career and civic responsibilities very seriously,” said Willson, “but I also work hard to create a balance in my life with family and other interests. It’s not always easy.”

Broadcaster Eric Hogue to Join William Jessup

Posted: 5/18/2011

Broadcaster Eric Hogue

Eric Hogue, a longtime Sacramento area talk show host and radio commentator, will join the William Jessup University as its Vice President of Advancement. Hogue will begin his new role effective June 1.

“We look forward to Eric joining our executive administration team,” said Dr. John Jackson, William Jessup University’s president. “He will be instrumental as he continues to build our marketing and communications programs as well as foster existing and new relationships in the community that are vital to the continued growth of our institution.”

Hogue, who has worked for Salem Communications radio stations in the Sacramento region since 2000, was KTKZ-AM’s first Program Director and morning talk host.

“Those that have listened to me over the past 11 years know that, as a marketplace Christian, I am committed to excellence in life, civic leadership and quality, higher education – for that end, there is none better than William Jessup University,” Hogue explained. “I am honored and excited as I begin this new and enriching chapter in my life.”

Hogue will oversee the University’s Advancement program; administering and managing all development and fundraising, alumni affairs, and donor, media, church and community relations.

While he will be leaving his morning show on KTKZ, Hogue will continue to host his popular one-hour daily program – “The Capitol Hour” – that airs weekdays at noon.

“I am motivated by achievement….and relevant, creative growth; I also love building for the future. To stay on the air with 1380 KTKZ while joining WJU is a once in a life time opportunity,” said Hogue.

Sierra College Honors Former President Dr. Kevin Ramirez

Naming of the Kevin M. Ramirez Math & Technology Center and Art Sculpture Dedication
Posted: 5/18/2011

Dr. Ramirez addresses crowd at ceremony. Photo by Randy Snook.

Rocklin – On May 6, at a gathering of faculty, staff, students, community members, and trustees, Sierra College honored the contribution and commitment of Dr. Kevin M. Ramirez, Superintendent/ President Emeritus by naming the V Building on the Rocklin Campus the Kevin M Ramirez Math & Technology Center. At the conclusion of the ceremony the Sierra College Patrons of the Arts also dedicated their latest public art donation installed near the Center’s entrance, a steel sculpture by artist Mike Conlen “Aspect Rising,” to Dr. Ramirez.

Among his many accomplishments Dr. Ramirez, who served as Superintendent/ President of the Sierra College District from 1993 until 2005, was instrumental in obtaining state funding for and building of the state-of-the-art center. Today the Center is home to some of the hottest new fields of career and technical training such as Photovoltaic design and installation, Mechatronics, Computer Programming, and Engineering.

“Kevin represents the heart and soul of Sierra College,” stated current President Dr. Leo E. Chavez in his address to the attendees at the ceremony. “Sierra is a special place and much of that has to do with his great leadership,” Chavez added. The proclamation, which was unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees, was presented to Dr. Ramirez by Dr. Chavez and Board representatives Dave Ferrari and Barbara Vineyard.

Since retiring from Sierra College, Dr. Ramirez works as a Higher Education and Search Consultant for Community Colleges and Universities throughout California and Oregon. He is a highly regarded leader for his work within the California Community College System and for his service to community organizations. He has served on the Board of Directors for PEACE for Families, the Community College League of California (past President), and the Chief Executive Officers of the California Community Colleges (past President). He currently serves on the Board of Regents for Sacred Heart-Cathedral High School in San Francisco.

The “Aspect Rising” sculpture, commissioned by the Sierra College Patrons of the Arts, is the work of long-time resident of Grass Valley, Mike Conlen who earned a BA in Furniture Design and an MA in Sculpture from San Diego State University. He has been an instructor at the Sierra College Grass Valley Campus for the past 13 years as well as designing furniture and accessories for Home and Garden markets. He is noted for his sculpture and art furniture, primarily made of metal. For more information please contact the Sierra College website at www.sierracollege.edu/patrons.

Auburn's Memorial Day Ceremonies

From Bonnie Potter
Posted: 5/18/2011

Auburn - With the names Betty Wood (killed in 1943) and Harley Dean Andrews (killed in 2006) added to the War Memorial, Auburn area veterans will observe Memorial Day on Monday, May 30th beginning at 9 AM at the New Auburn Cemetery. Members of the Auburn Area Honor Guard, American Legion Post No. 84 and the American Legion Auxiliary, American Legion Riders Chapter 84, Veterans of Foreign Wars Placer Foothills Post 904, Fleet Reserve Association Mother Lode #296 and the Ladies Auxiliary of the FRA, Marine Corps League Placer Bulldog Detachment 1247, Disabled American Veterans Post 80, Knights of Columbus Mother Lode Assembly 2778 and the Placer County Council of the Navy League of the United States are combining to commemorate Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is sacred to American veterans who take the opportunity to honor members of our Armed Forces who have given their lives in defense of our freedoms, and to recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by their family members. The American Legion Post 84, assisted by area Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and other volunteers, will place flags at veterans graves in the Auburn cemeteries on Thursday, May 26th starting at 3:30 PM (New Auburn Cemetery) and on Friday, May 27th at 9:00 AM (Old Auburn Cemetery). VFW Post 904 will place an Aisle of Flags.

Ceremonies will be conducted at the War Memorial at the New Auburn Cemetery beginning at 9:00 AM on Monday, May 30th, and will include remarks by Congressman Tom McClintock, Placer County Supervisor Jim Holmes, Auburn Mayor Dr. Bill Kirby, and City Councilman Mike Holmes, a fly-over of local aircraft, white dove release, wreath-laying, and the rendering of honors (rifle salute and the playing of taps) for departed comrades.

Brief ceremonies with a wreath laying and the rendering of honors will follow at the Old Auburn Cemetery at 10:00 AM, the Newcastle Cemetery at 11:00 and the Maidu Indian Cemetery at 12:00. Please note that the Blocker Drive entrance to the New Auburn Cemetery is closed; please enter through the gate on Collins St. For additional information, please contact Bonnie Potter at 530-823-2820.

NID Board Declares Placer Water Shortage Emergency

Posted: 5/12/2011

GRASS VALLEY - Meeting in special session, directors of the Nevada Irrigation District on Wednesday (May 11) declared a water shortage emergency in NID’s Placer County service areas that are supplied through the PG&E Bear River Canal.

The major canal failed on Apr. 19, cutting deliveries to NID irrigation water users in a wide area between Auburn and Lincoln. The board’s action follows by one day a similar emergency declaration by the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA), which supplies many more customers in the county.

PG&E spokesman Kevin Goishi told the NID board his company is making good progress on repairs and is now projecting that full water deliveries will resume about mid-June and that a smaller, temporary bypass could be in place by late this month or early June.

At this time of year, the Bear River Canal would normally be carrying about 420 cubic feet of water per second (cfs), of which 120 cfs flows to NID and 244 cfs flows to PCWA.

NID General Manager Ron Nelson said it remains very unlikely that any of NID’s 3000 treated water customers in the North Auburn area will be affected by the emergency, although he asked those customers to conserve so more water can flow to affected irrigation water customers. No NID customers in Nevada County are affected.

Operations Supervisor Sue Sindt said 996 Placer County irrigation water customers have been notified of rotating canal outages of three days on, three days off, and another 500 may see rotations in the weeks to come. She said customers have been very supportive and cooperative through the first few weeks of the shortage.

NID plans to send letters this week to all treated water customers in the North Auburn area, asking for their voluntary conservation until the emergency is over. District officials remain wary of higher water use as the weather heats up.

Mike Nichol, PCWA’s Director of Field Services, attended the meeting and described the cooperative efforts of NID and his agency to support each other during the water shortage.

NID is helping to supply areas of Auburn through its North Auburn Water Treatment Plant and an intertie with PCWA, and is also pumping 9 cfs of raw water to Rock Creek Reservoir, where it is available to PCWA canals, Nichol reported.

PCWA is pumping 90 cfs of water from the American River to its Ophir Pump Station and making 20 cfs of that available to NID to help supply customers on NID’s Auburn Ravine system, he noted.

Goishi said that PG&E has offered up to $1.6 million to PCWA and NID to help with extraordinary energy pumping costs they have faced in the emergency.

Nelson said that regional cooperation among the affected agencies has served the area well and has so far reduced the impacts among customers in the shortage areas.

NID Division IV Director Jim Bachman lives near Lincoln and receives irrigation water through the NID Auburn Ravine system. He said he is prepared and geared up for the rotating canal outages but has not yet faced a shortage.

NID is posting regular updates on the outage on its website at www.nidwater.com. Customers may also call the district at (530) 273-6185 or (800) 222-4102.

SIERRA GOLD CHORUS SCORES!

Posted: 5/11/2011

Sierra Gold Chorus

Sierra Gold Chorus, the Auburn Chapter of Sweet Adelines, competed with other Sweet Adeline Choruses from Northern and Central California, Nevada and Hawaii at the Regional Contest in Reno, NV on Saturday, April 30, 2011. Thirty-five local women, under the direction of Barb Tincher, delighted the audience and judges with "A Bundle of Old Love Letters" and "There'll Be Some Changes Made - Who's Sorry Now". The chorus was thrilled to have improved their overall scores over previous years, and achieved their highest score in 16 years of competing!

Women are invited to join Sierra Gold Chorus at rehearsals each Monday evening at 7 PM, Burback Hall, De Witt Center, 11577 E Avenue, Auburn. For more information about the chorus call Carolie at (530) 478-0130, Bev (916) 663-2105, or Barbara (530) 885-4202. To schedule a performance, call Marion at (530) 889-2842.

The Sierra Gold Chorus was formed in 1993 by a group of women who loved to sing and wanted to perform in the community. The chorus affiliated with Sweet Adelines International in 1995. The chorus sings a cappella in four-part harmony, barbershop style.

North Auburn Art Studios Tour

Mother's Day Weekend
Posted: 5/4/2011

Auburn - Twelve well known top award winning local artists will be participating together in The North Auburn Art Studios Tour on Mother’s Day weekend, Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8, 2011 from 10 am to 5 p.m. Artists in the tour are: Cathy Cline - fine jewelry, Reif Erickson - pastel, Jim Farley - wood, Sonja Hamilton - watercolor and silk scarves, Jennifer Johnson - metal, Anita Posey-Lowe - clay, Patty Pieropan Dong - painting, block printing, Diane J Wood - kiln formed glass, Ty Connors - watercolor and charcoal media. Dirk Dusharme - Photography, Don Crawford - Wood and Linda Farley - Multi Media art. The tour is free and all artists participating in our annual North Auburn Art Studios Tour are within a few miles of each other. For the map to the studios and more information about the artists call 530-889-2002 or visit our web site at www.northauburnartists.com

This year the North Auburn Art Studio Tour artists are offering each visitor the opportunity to collect the Artist Cards. By visiting the studios all guests (over the age of 18) may collect a card from each Artist. When guests have all the cards (one card from each Artist) at the last studio they visit, they may submit their name and contact information to go on a list for the free drawing and the opportunity to win a work of art of one of the artists.

Anita Posey Lowe is well known for her beautiful and reasonably priced ceramic bowls, cups, plates and individual casserole dishes that are microwave, dishwasher and oven safe. She notes that her glazes are lead-free and safe for food and drink. The colors she works with are earth tones; tan, blue and green when overlapped they create beautiful blends. All her pots are hand thrown, trimmed and signed. Aside from her functional pottery Anita’s sculptural art is a mixture of wheel thrown, hand built or a combination of both, she uses several methods of firing -- raku, reduction or pit-- to get results. She plays with the forms to perfect concepts that reflect her personality. She says, “each ceramic piece is one-of-a-kind”. A graduate of San Francisco State University with a BA in art, emphasis in ceramics, Ms Lowe has been developing her technique for more than 38 years. "No matter how much effort I put into a clay piece, the fire, glaze, wind, air and timing all play a role and control of the final outcome of the pottery is left to Karma," says Anita Posey Lowe. "That's the beauty of pottery and why I enjoy working with it." Visit her website at www.aposeylowepottery.com.

Cathy Cline a well known jewelry artist and artist-in-residence at the Arts Building in Auburn, continues to explore the creative challenge of designing gold, silver and vitreous enamel one-of-a-kind jewelry. She is also currently using her watercolor and acrylic landscape painting background to create new “paintings” and functional works in vitreous enamel. “I am fascinated by the interplay of reflections, color, movement, texture and transparencies in nature. I enjoy interpreting nature’s beauty in my work.” Cathy has a Master’s Degree in Jewelry Design, studied jewelry in London, England and Guadalajara, Mexico. Also she completed The Revere Academy’s program and achieved Graduate Jeweler’s status. In the area of enameling, she has taken numerous seminars and workshops from nationally and internationally known enamellists. She has taught jewelry design for over 30 years in college and high school. Cathy will be sharing studio space with ceramic artist Anita Posey Lowe during the Mother’s Day Weekend Studio Tour. Visit her website at www.cathyclinedesigns.com.

Self taught artist Ty Conners enjoys the charcoal medium and strives for a realistic look to his drawings. He works mainly from photographs of a variety of subjects. Even though he's a full-time Deputy Sheriff, he finds time to complete commissioned and new art pieces and murals for various businesses. The commissioned work is his greatest joy and he likes working with his clients to preserve a memory in time or create a new one by combining pictures to come up with a new idea.

Award-winning designer and photographer Dirk Dusharme uses photography as a springboard into examining architecture and the intersection of people and their man-made landscape. Sometimes stark, often wildly bright, and always from his own peculiar perspective, Dusharme’s architectural pieces make you look at your built environment in ways you never imagined. Visit his website at www.dirkdusharme.com.

Diane J Wood works both in metal, glass casting, Pate de Verre ,and kiln form glass. Her work most often arrives in the form of faces, study of nature and spiral movement within the glass work. With her background in ceramics, she makes all her owns glass forms for her sculptural wall work. The glass work is an expression of movement, textures, and the use of transparency of the glass. Diane has studied under Dan Fenton for glass casting, and Pate de Verre glass work. She has a fine art jewelry glass line, and glass sculptural work that is shown in galleries in the United States, private residences and internationally. She teaches metal and glass art to El Dorado, Sacramento and Placer County Charter Schools, as well as, being an instructor in fuse glass at Sierra Community College, Rocklin, Ca.

Jennifer Johnson is an Auburn, Ca. artist who creates exciting and distinctive sculptures created from found and discarded steel. The sculptures form a powerful and, at times, controversial, expression of personal experience and social stereotypes. Currently showing throughout California and in Washington, she is an award-winning international artist who focuses her work on the human form and horses. Her sculptures range in size from 15 inches to 15 feet. Jennifer Johnson's studio is open year-round by appointment, inviting the visitors to roam through the garden of sculptures and watch creativity in progress in the studio. Purchases can be made directly through the studio or at any one of her galleries. Jennifer invites corporate and private commissions and has a mailing list for show information. View her work at www.jjohnsonstudio.com.

San Francisco born artist, teacher, and calligrapher, Sonja Hamilton, SWA, is noted for her fluid, concise watercolors - whether landscapes, seascapes or flowers. She graduated from San Jose State University with a BA Degree and holds a Lifetime Special Teaching Credential in Art, has exhibited widely, and has paintings in private collections in the USA, Australia, Canada, Mexico, England, France, Japan and China. Sonja has taught in adult education since 1967, has conducted several workshops in Hawaii, California, Arizona, Nevada, and was an instructor on a tour of Italy and Greece, the Canadian Rockies, France and Belgium. In 2011, she will be teaching a watercolor workshop in Switzerland. Amongst her numerous awards are Teacher of the Year 2010, several Best of Show, First Awards, and the Grumbacher Gold Medallion. "Although I draw and paint in many media, I find watercolor the most exciting, spontaneous, and challenging. When I paint, my cares leave and I become totally immersed in what I am doing. Watercolor is exhilarating, yet most relaxing for me - a great joy. It's who I am."

Jim Farley is a wood artist who shapes local and exotic woods to form sculpted clock bases, boxes, candle-holders, fantasy-figure and dinosaur puzzles and words. Jim was raised in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, and has studied the character, qualities and uses of various species of wood his entire life. Since leaving the practice of law nine years ago, Jim has focused on acquiring and working chunks of many local woods and several exotic woods. Jim prefers working with wood, rather than clients, because shaped wood is generally more attractive than clients, less likely to require as much attention, usually content to be exactly what it is and the process of learning and shaping wood is endlessly satisfying. Jim's shop-studio will also be open for viewing during the tour.

Linda H. Farley - Painter, Fused Glass & Bead Designed Jewelry. Many painters have an idea of the painting they will create before they put brush to canvas. Most times, Linda does not. Linda enjoys painting in a style she describes as “Spirit Painting”. She started painting in her early 20’s and it has been evolving over the last 40 years. She taps into what Carl Jung would call the collective unconscious. She has taken many classes in 40 years, but never received a formal art degree. She received her B.A. in Speech and Drama and her Masters in Counseling. She is a licensed Marriage, Family Therapist and is presently working in private practice two days a week. She uses Art Therapy to help clients increase their awareness of self. Linda paints in many medias, including oil, acrylic and tempera. Then a friend introduced her to fused glass work and Linda became enamored with the flow of liquid glass. She cuts and designs the glass and then places it in the kiln to fuse. She turns this glass into unique pieces of jewelry. From the fused glass, she turned to bead work to increase the beauty of her fused glass pieces and now she mixes the two, or not, as she creates her designs. Linda is an active member of the Placer County Community, lending her support to the Placer County Arts and Sierra College Patrons Club.

Auburn artist Patty Pieropan Dong enjoys working in a variety of media: oils, watercolors, and block printing. Her subjects include California landscapes, plein air work from Europe and the Caribbean as well as still life and portraiture. A graduate of Boston University with a BFA in painting, she also did post-graduate work at Boston State College and Suffolk University. In addition to teaching art and painting, Patty is a member of the Old Town Gallery of Art and active in the Placer Arts Council as an Art Walk committee member, Autumn Art Studios Tour steering committee member and Placer Artist's League board member. Visit her website at www.pepdart.com.

Award-winning pastellist Reif Erickson has been pursuing his art career for the last 29 years and contributes much of his success to his continuing practice of painting with pastels “on location” in what he calls FRESH AIR® painting. Through careful observation and technical expertise, Reif achieves masterful landscapes of his travels in California, Hawaii, the Southwest, China and France. Reif's works appear in public, corporate, and private collections throughout the Pacific Coast. Visit his website at www.reifart.com

Auburn resident Don Crawford has spent the last 40 years in furniture and cabinet making. Heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, his cabinetry and furniture reflect the design elements of Greene & Greene, Frank Lloyd Wright, and other early 20th century designers. Recently Don has turned his attention to wood sculpture. These organically inspired abstract pieces are also influenced by the late 19th, early 20th century designer, Rennie Macintosh. Don hopes his sculptures give you as much pleasure to look at as he enjoyed making them.

Take the free Mother’s Day North Auburn Art Studios Tour Saturday and Sunday, May 7 and 8, 2011 from 10am to 5pm. and collect all the artists’ cards. Visit www.northauburnartists.com. for the map to our studios and a list of the artists. All twelve Artists participating in our annual North Auburn Art Studios Tour are within a few miles of each other.

Patrons of the Arts Invite You to a Flea Affaire

Posted: 5/4/2011

Rocklin – The Sierra College Patrons of the Arts will hold the 10th annual Flea Affaire Saturday, May 14, from 9am to 3pm at 5130 Moss Lane in Granite Bay. Stroll through the private gardens of a Granite Bay estate while searching for treasures from purveyors of fine antiques, furniture, collectibles, artwork, garden accents and more!

Plan to have lunch in the beautiful garden setting. Delightful pastries, fresh and light lunches, snacks and beverages will be available for purchase starting at 11:00 am. There are places throughout the property to sit and enjoy your chicken or albacore croissant sandwich. If you are coming in a group call Julie at 916-652-4840 for a table reservation.

Miracle Glass Repair will again be with us. If you have a special piece of glassware that has a chip, bring it along and they can make it useable again. Up to two dozen dealers will bring new and old garden items, transfer ware, vintage clothing, linens, and jewelry. Returning with us will be Nancy Okey with country primitives, Doris Bell who is well known for her broken plate mosaic or pique Assiette, and the Richters with their wonderful French influence antiques.

This stunning event is a fundraiser for arts and humanities support at Sierra College, and a $1 donation in exchange for a raffle ticket is requested at the gate.

The Sierra College Patrons, a branch of the Sierra College Foundation, are dedicated to promoting the Arts and Humanities at the college and to provide cultural enrichment to the community. Proceeds from all Patron-sponsored events are used to benefit these programs in the form of grants and scholarships awarded to Sierra College Students. The Patrons were founded in 1984 and continue to actively support art in all forms.

Directions to the event: From Douglas Blvd. in Granite Bay go approx. 3.2 miles on Auburn-Folsom Road north to Moss Lane on your left. Follow the signs on Moss Lane. The gate opens at 9 am. Parking will be available on the property at our direction. For more information about this event and other events sponsored by the Patrons, visit our website at www.sierracollege.edu/patrons, email us at sierracollegepatrons@gmail.com, or find us on Facebook.

Casino Night to Benefit Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Navigator Program

Posted: 5/4/2011

Auburn – Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital Foundation is holding Casino Night on Friday, May 13, beginning at 7 p.m., at Auburn Valley Golf Club, 8800 Auburn Valley Road, Auburn.

Tickets are $40 (21 and older, please). All proceeds will support the hospital’s cancer program with a Cancer Navigator Program to offer individualized assistance to cancer patients, as well as their families and caregivers.

Casino Night will feature casino games of Blackjack, Poker, Roulette, and a Texas Hold ‘em Tourney. There will be live music for dancing and an astronomer from Stellarview will provide telescopes for star gazing. Hors d’oeuvres will be served with a no-host bar.

For information, tickets or sponsorships, please call the Foundation office at 530-888-4557.

Wild & Scenic Film Festival Announces Call for Entries

Posted: 5/4/2011

Nevada City - The Wild & Scenic Film Festival announces their annual Call for Entries, open now through the submission deadline of September 30, 2011. The tenth annual festival takes place January 13-15, 2012, in downtown Nevada City.

The largest festival of its kind in the United States, Wild & Scenic seeks unique environmental and adventure films that aim to inspire and educate. In 2010, the festival received over 350 entries for a final official selection of approximately 115 films. The Wild & Scenic then travels to over 115 locations in the United States and internationally. The “on tour” program gives filmmakers a wonderful opportunity for worldwide exposure of their film.<./

Filmmakers of all abilities and backgrounds are invited to submit their films. All films must be formally submitted through the online service, www.withoutabox.com. Details for submitting are also included on the festival’s website, www.wildandscenicfilmfestival.org.

Says Wild & Scenic Film Festival Producer, Leslie Jacobson, "SYRCL's Wild & Scenic Film Festival showcases a wide range of environmental and adventure films. We look for films that are entertaining, educational, and above all inspirational.”

Founded in 2003, the Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival is a produced by the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL). The festival brings together films, speakers, filmmakers, environmental activists, and celebrities from around the world to celebrate environmental filmmaking. The three-day weekend event held annually each winter in Nevada City, CA, features films, workshops, wine tastings, receptions, awards ceremony, and more. Past special guests include Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard, poet Gary Snyder, actors Patrick Stewart, Daryl Hannah, and Peter Coyote, and activists Julia Butterfly, Winona LaDuke, Tim DeChristopher, Randy Hayes and Colin Beavan.

Since 1983, SYRCL has been committed to the protection, preservation and restoration of the greater Yuba Watershed. The organization works to fulfill its mission by aggressively seeking environmental solutions through the tools of education, organization, collaboration, litigation and legislation. SYRCL’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival serves as a way to further expand their message and raise support for its campaigns.

Tickets, plus the official selection of films and events for the 2012 festival will be available beginning in December. For more information visit: www.wildandscenicfilmfestival.org.

McLaughlin Theatre Company Presents “Mulan Jr.”

From Nancie McLaughlin
Posted: 5/4/2011

Loomis - McLaughlin Theatre Company Presents "Disney's Mulan Jr." May 13–May 15 2011

Our top performing cast of 6–13 year old students will take you on a journey and travel back to the legendary, story-telling days of ancient China with this action-packed stage adaptation of Disney’s Mulan. The Huns have invaded, and it is up to the misfit Mulan and her mischievous sidekick Mushu to save the Emperor! Mulan JR. is a heartwarming celebration of culture, honor and a fighting spirit. The score includes favorites like “Reflection,” “Honor to Us All” and “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” as well as new songs that will get your audience up on its feet!

Show times are May 13 & 14 at 7:00 p.m. and May 15 at 3:00 p.m. at McLaughlin Studio Theatre, 3415 Swetzer Road, Loomis.

Tickets are $10 general and $6 student, and can be purchased at www.mtctheatre.org, McLaughlin Studios by email or phone mtctheatre@att.net or (916) 652-6377, or at the door which opens 30 minutes prior to show time.

Eric Taylor to play the Marshall Grange

Posted: 5/4/2011

Garden Valley - The great Texas singer/songwriter Eric Taylor will bring his anecdotal songs and stories to the Marshall Grange Hall at 7 P.M. on Saturday May 7. He will be joined by the local ladies of Girly Creek who will open the show with bluegrass inspired tunes and harmonies. Tickets are $12 in advance, $14 at the door, $10 for Grange Members and can be purchased at Cherry Records in Auburn, Main Street Music in Placerville, Rucka-Chucky Pasty Hut in Georgetown, Rose’s Garden Café in Garden Valley, or by phoning 530-642-8671.

Eric Taylor is a sage musician, a lyrical genius and a master of the guitar. If you're not familiar with him by name, you've probably heard his songs performed by people such as Nanci Griffith ("Deadwood", "Storms", "Dollar Matinee") and Lyle Lovett ("Memphis Midnight/Memphis Morning", "Fat Babies").

After leaving his hometown of Atlanta he ended up in Houston where he learned intricate blues guitar stylings from music legends Lightnin' Hopkins, Mance Lipscomb and Mississippi Fred McDowell and perfected them playing with Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Robert Earl Keen, Lyle Lovett, Steve Earle, and Nanci Griffith, his contemporaries from the early Houston days, A mesmerizing performer, Taylor has been a featured artist at all the major venues and festivals around the world. He has headlined the prestigious Newport Folk Festival, played National Public Radio's "Mountain Stage" and has appeared on "Late Night With David Letterman" with Nanci Griffith and "Austin City Limits" as the featured artist as well as with Lyle Lovett, Guy Clark, and Robert Earl Keen.

This is a once in a lifetime chance to hear someone of Taylor’s caliber in Garden Valley. Like Steve Earle says, “Eric is the real thing”. The Grange Hall is located at 4940 Marshall Road, in Garden Valley. Driving directions may be found at www.marshallgrange.org. For further information call 530-642-8671.

NID Water Project Aids Fish Migration

From Dave Carter
Posted: 5/4/2011

Grass Valley - A fish passage project that will allow fall run Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Trout to migrate farther upstream on Auburn Ravine Creek was approved Wednesday (Apr. 27) by the Nevada Irrigation District Board of Directors.

The project, planned for late summer, will be located below NID’s Auburn Ravine water measurement station, west of Highway 65 in the City of Lincoln. NID uses the station to measure flows to Lincoln, the Placer County Water Agency and South Sutter Water District.

NID Maintenance Manager John Kirk said the work will restore a 200-foot stretch of Auburn Ravine that is eroded and overgrown. The creek banks will be tapered back and transitional pools will be built into the creek bed. Gentle one- and two-foot steps will ease the upstream transition to the station’s existing eight-foot barrier.

Carrie Monohan, Ph.D., NID’s consulting scientist on the project, said the project will open more than a mile of suitable upstream habitat to migrating fish.

Believed to be the first of its kind in the area, the project is a collaborative effort of Placer County, CALFED, the Bella Vista Foundation, Granite Bay Flycasters and NID. NID is the lead agency and will contribute up to $250,000 to the project.

“Watershed protection is an important part of the district’s mission and we want to do our part to make sure we have clean and healthy watersheds,” said NID General Manager Ron Nelson. The work will be funded through the district’s designated watershed improvement fund, he noted.

The district is already looking into a second project that would modify its upstream Hemphill Diversion Dam to allow fish passage through an additional seven-mile stretch of Auburn Ravine.

As part of their consideration, NID Directors approved environmental studies and a mitigation and monitoring program for the fish passage project, which is located in a City of Lincoln greenway near a residential area.

Directors expressed enthusiasm for the project and wondered how successful it might turn out to be. A committee review was scheduled for this time next year to see how the fish passage is working.

A Son is a Son Till He Gets a Wife

How Toxic Daughters-in-Law Destroy Families
BY Anne Killinger
Posted: 4/28/2011

Most women fear the Monster-in-Law.

The TV stereotype is always the mother-in-law, for whom no woman will ever be as good to him as she is. Doris Roberts on Everybody Loves Raymond embodied that image for 8 years on TV – the grasping, sweet-to-your-face, rude-behind-your-back mother-in-law who only wants her son to be happy, as long as she’s the one behind it.

But what if things were the other way around? What happens when it’s the wife, and not the mother-in-law, that tries to drive a wedge between a man and his mother? That’s what happened to Anne Killinger, author of A Son is a Son Till He Gets a Wife: How Toxic Daughters-in-Law Destroy Families (www.parsonsporchbooks.com).

“In a world where mothers-in-law are frequently made the butt of bad jokes, many people assume that they are the ones that make life unbearable for their daughters-in-law,” Killinger said. “I contend that it is often the other way around, that many daughters-in-law today are selfish, possessive, and narcissistic, and will not rest until they have divorced their husbands from the parents who raised them. It’s a deceptively gradual process, and half the time, you don’t even realize it has happened until it’s too late. It starts with her taking phone calls for the family, or the canceling of trips to visit family. Soon, phone calls go unreturned, and finally you realize that your son is no longer your son. He’s just some other woman’s husband.”

From the emails Killinger receives from her readers and the discussions she has had with others about the topic, she believes the problem is more widespread than the stereotype would lead people to believe.

“I estimate that at least one in ten families in the U.S. today has experienced this problem, to some degree or another,” she said. “It’s difficult to assign blame for it, however, because everyone’s relationship is different. Part of me is torn, because I have been a lifelong feminist, yet I cannot escape the feeling that the rampant feminism that women absorb through their education, societal attitude shifts and the popular culture is at least a partial cause for these women believing that it’s perfectly fine to emotionally separate a son from his parents.”

That’s not the only cultural shift that could be leading to this issue, according to Killinger.

“Children in today’s society grow up without a strong sense of respect for their parents and what their parents have done for them,” she added. “With the realities of the two-income family, and most kids being ‘latch-key kids’ throughout most of their upbringing, children are more independent. They tend to seek their own paths earlier in life, and disobey their parents without much hesitation. This part of our culture makes it a lot easier for children to abandon their parents once they are grown. It’s a dark, slippery slope.”

Unfortunately, through her experience, she has discovered that there is little that can be done to salvage the child-parent relationship.

“Once a son becomes capable of completely breaking off his contact with his parents, it is a difficult decision to dial back,” Killinger said. “In our case, the break took three years, from March 2002 to March 2005, to take place completely. That’s a long time to get used to not having his parents around. In many cases, the son may simply stay in the thrall of his wife. On the other hand, even if he realizes he has made a bad choice to let go of his parents, he may be too embarrassed or humiliated to try to repair the relationship. He may feel that things have gone too far for him to ever be worthy of forgiveness, which is tragic.

There is no greater loss for a parent than that of losing a child. If a son should ever seek to turn back that clock, he should know that parents will always accept him back into their lives, no matter what. While 50 percent of all new marriages end in divorce, a son can never truly divorce his parents, because they will always take him back.”

About Anne Killinger

Anne Kathryn Killinger, author of "A Son is a Son Till He Gets a Wife" was born in Somerset, Kentucky, the youngest of seven children. At 17, she married her childhood sweetheart, John Killinger, who is a retired pastor with PhDs in literature and theology. Anne’s book is the story of her and John’s grief when one of their sons married a woman who demanded his abandonment of his original family to form a closer attachment to hers.

Short ride on old wooden elevator is one highlight of touring historic Gladding, McBean during Feats of Clay XXIV

Posted: 4/26/2011

Factory 1918

A month-long series of tours of the historic Gladding, McBean terra cotta factory in Lincoln offers many memorable moments, but it is the short ride on a wooden freight elevator that most thrills many tour-takers. Introduced in 1891, just 16 years after the factory opened—and 38 years after Elisha Otis invented the modern elevator—the oversized lift takes occupants slowly from the first floor to the third, the oldest part of the factory. The volunteer operator asures riders of the safety of the equipment while everyone gasps, oohs and ahs at the wonderment of the creaky rise upward.

Claudia Renati, executive director of Lincoln Arts, says, “Most people are in awe of the elevator. They are fascinated to learn that this is the only remaining hydraulic elevator west of the Mississippi.” As to the lift’s slowness, Renati says, “The more people we put on it, the slower it is. It’s large enough to load a full-sized forklift. And it can carry up to 4,000 pounds.”

Gladding, McBean opens its 136-year-old fabled grounds and beehive-shaped kilns to visitors during “Feats of Clay XXIV” starting May 4, ending on May 30. Trained docents from Lincoln Arts Foundation will lead the tours through the facility from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays with new groups departing every 30 minutes.

Reservations are required for the $12 tours, and can be made by calling the Lincoln Arts, organizers of the event, at (916) 645-9713. Visitors must be aged eight or older. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are a must as the 90-minute tours require much walking. Some 6,000 visitors come from near and far for the annual tours. Local restaurant business thrives during the running of the tours. In addition to viewing the ceramics pieces, visitors will see an exhibit of molds, examples of architectural work done at the plant, and large photo murals of plant activities made from original glass and film negatives.

A massive beehive kiln houses works of art from the Feats of Clay competition

Sightseers will see an exhibit of some 80 sculptures that have been selected from the 1,500-plus entries in an annual competition of artists from the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Winners of this year’s competition will be shown in creative displays, half of them in a massive obsolete 35-foot-wide “beehive” kiln, one of 18 remaining at the facility. The competition, one of the world’s most prestigious, was introduced in 1987 when the Feats of Clay celebration began.

Gladding, McBean’s major manufacturing today is clay sewer pipes. But they also do special restoration projects for worn-out or damaged artifacts of terra cotta pieces that were originally created for buildings throughout the world. In its heyday, Gladding, McBean and Co. became a leader in producing architectural facades for important buildings. Even the distinguished-looking red roof tiles at Stanford University were a Gladding, McBean product. Major creations adorn buildings, theaters and schools all over the globe.

Jean Cross, one of many volunteer docents, leads a tour at entry to factory

Lincolnites are proud of the continuing history of their plant. Mayor Paul Joiner is among them. “I’ve always thought of Feats of Clay as this wonderfully unique blend of history and pop culture,” says he. “Just stepping into the buildings of Gladding, McBean transports you back to the 19th century. The sights, the sounds, the smells all carry back to the days when everything was done by hand. The days of the artisan. All about you are examples of the work of generations. Statues and fountains, gargoyles and cornices, columns and medallions from every corner of our nation.”

Proceeds from tours benefit the Lincoln Arts and Culture Foundation, supporting local art, including a summer concert series, after-school art classes, and school arts programs.

The opening of this year’s May tours was introduced with a Mardi-Gras themed, fund-raising reception for VIPs on April 30. The gala event was held amidst some of the gigantic aging kilns, and featured music, food catered by the Car Club of Auburn, a no-host wine and beer bar, and a first look at the ceramic exhibition.

Lincoln is a few miles north of Sacramento, off California highway 65. Factory tours start at the Lincoln Arts building, 580 Sixth Street in Lincoln. During Feats of Clay, many local artisans will have their works available for purchase in the gift shop.

Visit the Lincoln Arts website: Lincolnarts.org

Miss Placer Pageant Seeks Entries

Posted: 4/20/2011

2010 Miss Placer County Rachel Hunt. Photo courtesy of KE Spencer & Co.

Placer County - Scholarships totaling $2450 are being offered to the title-holders of the popular Miss Placer County pageants to be held during the Placer County Fair in June. Categories include Miss Placer County, Miss Teen Placer County, Jr. Miss and Jr. Teen Placer County, and Wee and Little Miss Placer County Fair.

The deadline for applications is April 22, to allow for training and rehearsals prior to the pageant competition during the annual Placer County Fair, June 23-27. The 2011 Fair theme is "Going Hollywood" which will be reflected in the entertainment portions of the competition. Depending on the age category, contestants will be interviewed and participate in simple choreographed dance routines.

An orientation for participants and their parents interested in learning more about the pageants and contests will be held April 21, in the Garden Room of the Placer County Fair at 6:00 p.m. Not only do the contestants have an opportunity to win an educational scholarship, it offers the opportunity to reach and grow as a young person of accomplishment and achievement. "Participating in a pageant is an exciting and rewarding experience for our youth who use the process to sharpen their talents, expand their leadership skills, and broaden their community service," explains long time pageant director, Patty Kennedy.

The competition includes opportunities for ages three to twenty-seven with scholarship awards from $25 to $1,000. Applications are on-line at www.placercountyfair.org or at the Fair office 800 All America City Blvd.

Placer Food Bank “Poker Run”

Posted: 4/20/2011

Placer County - The Placer Food Bank Poker Run is a charitable motorcycle ride organized by Granite Bay High School senior, Jake Coplen and sponsored by Roseville Yamaha to benefit Placer Food Bank. The ride will follow a 71 mile route, which begins in Roseville and weaves throughout the foothills, and will include five "poker" stops where participants will collect their poker hand.

The event is open to riders of all levels, and all makes and models of motorcycles. Interested riders are encouraged to pre- register online at http://www.roseville-yamaha.com. Registrations will also be accepted on-site on race day. The registration fee is $30 per rider and includes a complimentary continental breakfast in the morning as well as post-ride barbecue and live music by PushBack. All proceeds from the ride will go to benefit Placer Food Bank programs.

The event takes place on Saturday, May 14, 2011. The ride will start–10 a.m. Registration and continental breakfast–9 a.m. The event will begin at Roseville Yamaha, 2014 Taylor Road in Roseville.

Recruitment for Justicecorps Program Announced

Posted: 4/20/2011

Placer County – JusticeCorps is a unique AmeriCorps program that recruits and trains local university students to provide legal information and assistance to self-represented litigants. The California courts first launched JusticeCorps as a pilot program in Los Angeles County in 2004 and since then the program expanded to the San Francisco Bay area in Fall 2007. Known locally as the Capitol Region Program, the program is a collaboration between: the California Administrative Office of the Courts; The Superior Courts of California in Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties; the University of California at Davis; and California State University, Sacramento. Sacramento Superior Court coordinates the program.

For the region’s inaugural year, 30 student members were recruited from UC Davis and Sacramento State University. 15 members are serving court customers at the Self Help Center in the Sacramento County Family Relations Courthouse; 9 members are at the Legal Help Center at the Santucci Justice Center in Placer County; and 6 members are in Yolo County, serving at the Self Help Center in the Woodland courthouse and the UC Davis Family Protection Clinic.

Members serve 300 hours providing self help services to the public during the 2010-2011 school year and will earn a $1,000 educational award from AmeriCorps—a federally funded program.

The program was launched in October 2010 with a swearing in ceremony at the Sacramento County Courthouse.

In Placer County, JusticeCorps members have been helping court customers complete legal paperwork both individually and in workshops and have been working in the courthouse lobby, greeting court customers and helping them find courtrooms and file their papers. In their blue uniform shirts, they can be easily identified by members of the public who need help.

“As we approach six months in the program, I could not be more impressed with the professionalism of the students serving in JusticeCorps,” said Placer County Superior Court Presiding Judge Alan V. Pineschi. “We are very pleased to be part of the program and are thankful for their time and their service to those involved in court proceedings.”

Recruitment and interviews are currently taking place for the 2011-2012 school year. Students at Sacramento State University and University of California Davis can contact their school’s Career Center for information on how to apply for the program.

Casino Night to Benefit Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Navigator Program

Posted: 4/20/2011

Auburn – Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital Foundation is holding Casino Night on Friday, May 13, beginning at 7 p.m., at Auburn Valley Golf Club, 8800 Auburn Valley Road, Auburn.

Tickets are $40 (21 and older, please). All proceeds will support the hospital’s cancer program with a Cancer Navigator Program to offer individualized assistance to cancer patients, as well as their families and caregivers.

Casino Night will feature casino games of Blackjack, Poker, Roulette, and a Texas Hold ‘em Tourney. There will be live music for dancing and an astronomer from Stellarview will provide telescopes for star gazing. Hors d’oeuvres will be served with a no-host bar.

For information, tickets or sponsorships, please call the Foundation office at 530-888-4557.

Auburn Republican Women Hosts Luncheon

Posted: 4/20/2011

Auburn - The Auburn Area Republican Women Federated will host their May luncheon on Friday the 13th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Sizzler located at 13570 Lincoln Way in Auburn.

Guest speakers are Jim McCauley who heads the Placer County Elections Office and AARWF member Sherry Chesny. Mr. McCauley will explain the voting process along with discussion on State and Nation wide Voter Fraud. Mrs. Chesny will be discussing the role of California’s Grand Jurys.

Lunch is $15 at the door. The public is invited. Check-in-time is 11:15 a.m. For reservations call Paula at 530-885-1428.

Placer County Hosts "Take-Back Day"

12 Prescription Drug Take-Back Locations
Posted: 4/20/2011

Placer County – On Saturday, April 30, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be a county-wide prescription drug “take-back” event, part of a national effort to prevent increased pill abuse and theft by collecting expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

Participants are asked to remove labels from the bottles, or to make any personal information (i.e. name, address, phone number, birth date) unreadable for privacy reasons. (Needles, lancets and aerosol medications will cannot be accepted at the drop-off locations.)

Sponsoring this event are a collaborative effort of Placer County and local law enforcement agencies, water quality, and public health entities as well as local schools; the Coalition for Placer Youth, Placer County HHS and Youth Commission; and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.

For a list of locations and additional information: visit www.coalitionforplaceryouth.org.

AB 192 Puts Law Enforcement First

Commentary by Assemblyman Dan Logue
Posted: 4/20/2011

When times are hard, it becomes more important than ever that government prioritize its spending, and shift the funds to where they are needed most. One of California’s biggest problems has been our state government’s inability to cut wasteful spending and protect our highest budget priorities. In my opinion, and many of yours, there can be no higher priority than our public safety – protecting the public is the main reason government exists.

Taxpayers already pay enough for these services, and we should not have to raise taxes to keep the public safe. Law enforcement should be one of the first things funded in the state budget. But law enforcement officials have spent the last few years being forced to do more with less, and it’s getting hard to keep up. Life gets more dangerous for them as their funding declines. It gets more dangerous for our families as well. What has become clear over the last few years and should be of serious concern to all of us is that law enforcement is not considered a priority by the majority of our State Legislature.

Public safety is often paid for after everything else. Education, MediCal, even welfare and other public assistance comes first. Our own Governor Jerry Brown wants to extend keeping law enforcement funded through Vehicle License Fees for five more years. That means less money when VLF revenues go down – a concern expressed by law enforcement agencies across the state.

That’s not right, and it’s time for a change.

I have authored a bill, AB 192, that would make law enforcement funding a top priority without raising taxes. AB 192 is co-authored by 22 other legislators, and would shift $500 million from the General Fund to the Local Safety and Protection Account. This account helps fund local law enforcement in their fight against illegal drugs, gang activities, sexual assaults, and technology theft. It helps county sheriffs, juvenile justice, and probation programs as well. It is crucial spending for our rural communities that should be a top priority.

Police officers shouldn’t have to beg for funding. They also shouldn’t be pitted against the taxpayers with “either/or” scenarios like heavy VLF fees. The taxpayers deserve to have their lives and property protected out of the taxes they already pay. Our officers deserve to have their basic duties paid for off the top, not the bottom, of the state budget.

Let’s at least put law enforcement funding ahead of welfare, and show our officers that we truly honor and appreciate their service.

AB 192 is a start in the right direction towards better funding priorities in our state government. Please join me in this fight. Pick up your phone and call your legislator today. Tell them you support law enforcement, and tell them to vote yes on AB 192.

Assemblyman Dan Logue, R-Linda, represents the 3rd Assembly District in the California Legislature. He is vice-chair of the Assembly Committee on Health, and Chairman of the Assembly Republican Task Force on Jobs and the Economy.

"Art and Chocolate” Studios Tour

Posted: 4/20/2011

April 30th and May 1st marks the 5th Anniversary of ART STUDIO TREK! Enjoy the combined efforts of 19 artists at 13 studio locations in the Roseville, Rocklin, and Granite Bay area.

Celebrate this free weekend event and share in the artists’ personal creative endeavors. There will be a vast array of talent, art and even an opportunity for you, the guest! Visitors will be eligible for door prizes and original art. It will be a time of creative celebration in this artist community as artists demonstrate art techniques and offer their artwork for sale. Saturday, April 30 & Sunday, May 1, 2011 from 10am-5pm free maps at www.ArtStudioTrek.com

One Man’s Junk is Another Kid’s Playground

Posted: 4/20/2011

Ron Chiaratti and Bob Achilles discussing how the Jeep will be moved to the playground of Boys and Girls Club of Auburn. Photo courtesy of Pat Thomas.

Auburn - What is junk to one person is a treasure to another. Mark Duncan, the owner of J & W Auto Wrecker's donated a Jeep body to Bob Achilles, owner of Del & Joes in Auburn.

Bob & Carrie Achilles members of Auburn Kiwanis had a vision. Why not fix it up and donate to the children's playground at the Boys and Girls Club of Auburn. The Kiwanis Club of Auburn have agreed to sponsor the Jeep.

Del & Joe's did some light body work, painted it and included the Kiwanis Logo on the hood. The Jeep was checked, welded and anything that might injure a child taken care of.

Ron Chiapatti of Norris Electric agreed to move the Jeep onto the playground, where it is now being enjoyed by many children. Great teamwork in our commu-nity and the children should have fun playing in it.

Meadow Vista MAC Community Seeks Nominations

Posted: 4/20/2011

Meadow Vista - The Meadow Vista Community is blessed with many selfless, generous, and kind individuals who through their personal efforts, make life better for us all. Each year, Meadow Vista recognizes one of these individuals with The Community Service Award. Nominations are now being accepted for the 15th annual award. Nomination forms are available at Meadow Vista merchants and on the Meadow Vista web site at www.meadowvista.com. All nomination forms must be received no later than Monday, April 25, 2011.

Completed forms should be mailed to: Gil Jaramillo, P. O. Box 507, Meadow Vista, CA 95722.

Guidelines for selection of the recipient include the following: Service to the community has been diversified; Service has been outside of and beyond the nominee's employment or business activities; Service has been over a number of years; Nominee has shown a deep concern for the well-being of others; Nominee has been an inspiration to others.

This year's award will be presented to the recipient during the MAC meeting on June 1st . The honoree will be invited to ride in the Annual Pioneer Day parade on June 5th and a tree will be planted in the Meadow Vista Park in honor of the recipient.

Saving California is Worth the Journey

Commentary by Assemblyman Dan Logue
Posted: 4/12/2011

You may have read in recent news that I am leading a bipartisan delegation of California Legislators to Texas in just a few days. I am doing it because our state is in economic crisis and it is time to pull our heads out of the sand. California is a beautiful state. My father was a developer who helped build it. I grew up here and made a life as a realtor. I helped families find homes here for thirty years. It’s a state I love and would give my life for.

But now the dream of California is falling apart. We have some of the highest unemployment in the nation. We also have the highest taxes. We’re ranked 49th on sales tax, 50th on capital gains, 50th on gasoline and school parcel taxes, and 50th on overall taxes. We even beat New York on how much we take from taxpayers.

When you couple our taxes with the strictest regulatory climate in the nation, it’s a lose/lose situation for businesses, especially with today’s economy. Businesses are leaving California in droves now. Joe Vranich, the Business Relocation Coach, has seen four times more businesses looking to leave California this year than last, and many of them are going to Texas.

Texas was ranked by Chief Executive Magazine as the best state in the nation for business and job growth. California ranked worst. Forbes Magazine ranked Texas the 7th best state to do business while ranking California 39th. Texas ranked No. 3 in the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council’s 2010 “Small Business Survival Index.” California ranked as the 4th toughest state. You get the picture.M

Rankings aren’t the only numbers to be concerned with. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas added 165,386 jobs between January 2008 and December 2010. California lost 1,145,037 jobs in that same time frame. Those are jobs that provide incomes to real people. They also provide tax revenues to our state. Without jobs in the private sector there is no one to pay for jobs in the government; it takes roughly 20 private sector jobs to fund one government job. So as private jobs decline here, so too will jobs for teachers and public safety workers.

I can’t sit idly and watch this happen. Our children, and grandchildren, deserve the same opportunities we’ve enjoyed for so many years. So I’ve invited California Legislators, our Lt. Governor, even representatives from the California Teachers Association, to join me on an educational journey to Texas. We’re going to meet with both public officials, and actual business leaders who left our state for theirs.

I know Texas isn’t perfect. I don’t expect us to manage our state exactly like theirs. But right now they are attracting businesses and jobs while ours are slipping away. In this one area they’re doing something right, and California has it terribly wrong. The nation is watching us and they want to know if California can save its economy, or remain a dead weight holding back the rest of the country. For our sake, I hope that those watching will open their hearts and minds, and help us turn our state around.

Celebrity Chefs were Cookin’

By Paula Mosqueda
Posted: 3/16/2011

The Sugar Plump Fairies helped raise funds through the event raffle. Photograph courtesy of Paula Mosqueda.

Auburn–The 25th Annual Celebrity Chef Cooking for Community Service event took place on Thursday evening, March 3, 2011, at the Placer Building of the Auburn Gold Country Fairgrounds. Nearly 100 local chefs gathered to present their special culinary creations to the hungry crowd. These chefs offered proof that everyday folks can also be experts in the art of cooking. Accountants, lawyers, jewelers, hospital workers, retirees, and, yes, restaurant owners, were all united in this silver anniversary event.

This event is sponsored by the Auburn 49er Lions Club to benefit local non-profit organizations. This year, the Sutter Auburn Faith Hospice was selected.

Along with the tasty food, the musical talents of Doc Bach’s Jazz Band were appreciated by the crowd. The Sugar Plump Fairies arrived with an assortment of raffle prizes. At the end of the evening, everyone was a winner.

Norm Kendall, chairman of the event, offers his thanks to all the cooks who gave of their time and talent to make the evening especially delicious. To those who came and partook of the savory offerings, the 49er Lions and the Sutter Auburn Faith hospice thank you and hope you enjoyed the evening.

To learn more about the activities of the Auburn 49er Lions Club, contact them at auburn49erlions@gmail.com.

Placer Food Bank Seeks Donations of Hand-Crafted Bowls for Empty Bowls Fundraiser

Posted: 3/16/2011

Placer County – Placer Food Bank is currently seeking donations of hand-crafted ceramic bowls for their Empty Bowls fundraiser set for May 3 and 4, 2011. The event is the first of its kind for the non-profit, which is modeling the fundraiser after the nationwide movement to raise hunger awareness and funds by hosting a simple meal. The empty bowls symbolize those who do not have enough to eat.

"We have seen a tremendous increase in the number of individuals who rely on local food pantries and feeding programs for supplemental or emergency food," noted Dave Martinez, Executive Director of Placer Food Bank. "Over the past three years the number of individuals we serve has grown 168 percent. Currently the need has outpaced our ability to fund it," he added.

The Food Bank expects to serve approximately 400 individuals at the event, and is relying on the generosity of ceramic artists, art students and hobbyists to provide the hand-crafted bowls. "The bowls are the highlight of an Empty Bowls event and guests will be able to select from the bowls on display." Martinez commented. "I understand that some long-time Empty Bowl participants have built up quite a collection of bowls."

Individuals interested in donating one or more bowls for the event can email the food bank at info@placerfoodbank.org, or contact Mary at 916-521-4456.