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Veterans Go from Serving the Nation to Building Energy Conservati​on

Posted: 2/8/2012

Alexandra Warner does wire stripping for installing an exterior light. Photo courtesy of CCC

Placer County – Veterans who served as medics, ammunition specialists and security forces are transitioning to civilian employment as the result of a Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) and California Conservation Corps (CCC) partnership. Nine veterans who are on the CCC crew will be awarded Energy Technology and Lighting Systems Completion Certificates from Sierra College CACT (www.sierracollegetraining.com).

The graduation will be held at the CCC Placer Energy Center at 3710 Christian Valley Road in Auburn at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 20. (The ceremony includes presentations from some of the graduates and they will be available for interviews after the ceremony.) The Energy Technology and Lighting Systems training program developed by Sierra College CACT covers energy systems, electricity, lighting, photovoltaic systems, energy efficiency retrofits and safety.

After graduation, they’ll work on the only CCC Veterans crew in the state focused on energy efficiency. Rod Thornhill, center director, CCC Sacramento & Placer, explained that the CCC has a contract agreement with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). “The graduates will do energy lighting retrofits and maintenance throughout DMV’s many offices in the state,” said Thornhill. Through this work, crew members will gain valuable field experience that is the conduit to highly paid, in-demand local careers.

The Sierra College CACT will also provide coaching in resume development, interview skills and job search techniques. Putting discharged veterans to work is the goal of the program, partially funded by the California State Assembly Speaker’s Office according to David Muraki, CCC director. “The training provided by Sierra College CACT, together with the hands-on experience the veterans will get installing energy conservation measures at DMV offices, will give them skills needed to qualify for a good job after the CCC,” said Muraki.

Alexandra Warner served in the Army for nearly two years, specializing in ammunitions and special explosives, based in Fort Hood, Texas. Her interest in joining the CCC resulted in discovering the Energy Technology and Lighting Systems program at the CCC’s Placer Energy Center. “I didn’t know anything about electricity but I was intrigued by solar energy,” said Warner. “This program is much more than I expected and now I have a passion for learning about energy systems, especially solar, and how people can save money.” Warner also says that as a woman she has no problem keeping up with the men in the class. “This course covers the basics with hands-on practice, so I’d tell others, don’t hesitate about trying it. If you make a mistake while installing electrical wiring and lighting systems in the lab, you learn from it and will be confident doing the work correctly on the job site,” said Warner.

According to Brian Hurd, CACT instructor and president of Hands On Solar Inc., who is co-teaching the class with Aaron Fry of the CCC, the Corps members in this program are gaining skills that prepare them for employment. “Manufacturers, utilities, solar installers, electricians and contractors would benefit from hiring these veterans for entry level electrical repair, maintenance, retrofit and construction positions,” said Hurd.

“Their military experience makes them ideal employees as they know how to work as a team, arrive on time, show respect, take instruction and complete the mission.”

Isaac Hall served three years in security forces, stationed at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, and says that this program is a great opportunity for him. “I’m getting paid to learn and get practical experience through the CCC,” said Hall. “I love what I’m doing and am really glad to be in this program. The teacher is great, the class size is small so you get the attention you need and I like the hands-on lab where you do work like you’d do on the job site. Now I’m looking at the possibility of a career as an electrician.”

For three years, Eric Juhnke was a medic in the Army deployed to Iraq before joining the CCC. He says that he is excited about working in alternative energy. “I have a passion for solar energy and want to help the world move forward in using renewable energy,” said Juhnke. “I’m excited to get into the energy efficiency field just as it is taking off.”

Carol Pepper-Kittredge, director, Sierra College CACT, explained that the partnership with CCC benefits the regional economy. “This program puts veterans to work while they gain electrical skills that are transferable to a variety of careers,” said Pepper-Kittredge. “Businesses become more competitive by employing these skilled Corps members who’ve acquired practical experience through this program. Energy costs are also reduced by retrofitting buildings to make them more efficient.”

The Sierra College CACT is funded through the Economic and Workforce Development program of the California Community College Chancellor’s Office.

Since 1992, the Sierra College CACT has provided training for organizations, manufacturers and technology companies throughout Northern California. Additional information is available at sierracollegetraining.com or contact Carol Pepper-Kittredge at (916) 660-7517 or cpepper-kittredge@sierracollege.edu. Contact the CCC at www.ccc.ca.gov.

Source: Karen Fraser-Middleton, marketingaction.com

App Lets Customers Provide Private Feedback to Local Businesses

Posted: 2/8/2012

SACRAMENTO – Sacramento residents weary of writing public online reviews can provide private, anonymous and immediate feedback to local businesses through the new free Sacramento-based iSuggest app. iSuggest is a Sacramento mobile technology startup company that gives customers a voice while providing tools for businesses to improve customer satisfaction.

“Often people want to provide suggestions to local businesses without risking the company’s reputation by writing a public review,” said Matt Brickley, iSuggest marketing director. “iSuggest gives them the chance to communicate directly with the manager or business owner right away without tracking someone down in person or searching for an online contact form.”

Customers visit iSuggest.com or download iSuggest for free from their app market. When the app is launched, customers see all nearby businesses or can search for businesses in other locations. After a suggestion is written, it is delivered instantly and privately to the manager or owner. Businesses can then respond to customers and offer rewards for helpful feedback. The basic iSuggest service is free for all businesses, but a Pro Plan upgrade will soon be available to businesses looking for additional tools such as customer rewards and analytics.

“This is a win-win,” Brickley said. “Customers have the chance to share their brilliant ideas, and businesses can correct errors or implement new ideas before negative public reviews hit the web. The result benefits the entire community.”

iSuggest can provide feedback to any business, but many local businesses have signed up to promote their desire to receive feedback, including De Vere’s Irish Pub, Hot Italian, Sterling Hotel, Sacramento Comedy Spot and Mike’s Bikes of Sacramento. Businesses receive iSuggest’s green “We Heart Feedback” stickers, bill inserts, table tents and more, and can manage their online suggestions and provide incentives through a control panel. To sign up as an iSuggest partner, visit www.isuggest.com or call (888) 907-2054.

iSuggest was created by Sacramento entrepreneurs Cory Robertson, Mike Machado and Matt Brickley when they noticed physical suggestion boxes were dwindling while at the same time, online review sites were lacking privacy, timeliness and direct communication. iSuggest provides a virtual suggestion box that allows customers to provide anonymous, private and immediate feedback through their mobile devices directly to management. iSuggest gives customers and businesses the chance to communicate privately and make changes that benefit the community as a whole.

For more information, visit www.isuggest.com.

Placer County Sheriff Community Awareness Academy Begins

Posted: 2/8/2012

Placer County – It’s time to sign up for the Placer County Sheriff Office’s popular Community Awareness Academy, which offers an inside look at the law enforcement agency.

Attendees are asked to attend all eight classes, each of which covers a different topic.

Classes are held Monday and Wednesday evenings, beginning March 5 and ending March 28. Participants will hear from members of the department’s special units and take “field trips” to the Placer County Jail and morgue, 911 dispatch center, as well as the air operations hangar.

Classes will be held in the Community Room at the Placer County Sheriff headquarters in the Auburn Justice Center. The center is located at 2929 Richardson. Drive in north Auburn’s Dewitt Center. Classes are scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The academy will kick off with a welcome by top sheriff’s administrators and an overview of how the department works.

On subsequent nights, presentations will be made by air operations, Search and Rescue, the bomb squad, the Special Enforcement Team, the marine unit, investigations, hostage negotiators and the drug task force. There will also be a demonstration by members of the K-9 team.

The academy is intended to provide the citizens of Placer County with an overview of the Sheriff Office’s functions, policies and procedures, as well as getting them involved in their community. The goal of the academy is to provide a greater awareness and understanding of law enforcement’s role in the community. Attendees must be at least 18 years of age.

A reservation is required. To reserve a spot, call Community Services Officer Kim Rivera at (530) 889-6922 or e-mail her at krivera@placer.ca.gov.

New Year, New Motor Laws

Posted: 1/19/2012

Motorists need to know that many new laws came into effect January 1st in California.

As we begin a new year, California motorists should be aware of some of the new laws going into effect this past January 1, 2012. These new traffic laws were passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor earlier in 2011, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is asking the motoring public to familiarize themselves with the changes before they take effect.

“Our hope is by educating the public of these new traffic safety laws in advance, more lives will be saved in the new year,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.

The following are highlights of a few of the significant changes for the upcoming year:

- A change to California’s Child Passenger Safety Seat law will now require children to ride in either a car seat or booster seat until the age of eight, or until they reach a height of 4 feet 9 inches. This law also requires children who do not meet the age or height requirement to ride in the rear seat of a vehicle unless the vehicle has no back seats, the restraint system cannot be properly installed or the rear seats are already occupied by children under age eight. However, the law still maintains that a child may not ride in the front seat of a vehicle with an active passenger airbag if they are under one year of age, less than 20 pounds, or riding in a rear-facing child safety seat. (SB 929, Evans)

- Drivers are required to stop and submit to a sobriety checkpoint. However, peace officers will be prohibited from impounding a vehicle for 30 days out of a sobriety checkpoint if the only offense by the driver is failing to hold a valid driver license. The new law requires that the officer make a reasonable attempt to identify the registered owner in order to release the ehicle. (AB 353, Cedillo)

- Anyone who is convicted of reckless driving under Section 23103.5 of the Vehicle Code can apply for a restricted driver license prior to the completion of their one-year suspension, provided they meet specified conditions, including the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device in their vehicle. (AB 520, Ammiano)

- Vehicles will be prohibited from crossing double parallel solid white lines except where permitted. (AB 1105, Gordon)

- Electric Vehicles (EV) must now be plugged in for refueling when occupying an EVdesignated parking space, otherwise they may be towed. In addition, the law prohibits a person from obstructing, blocking, or otherwise barring access to an EV-designated parking space. (AB 475, Butler)

- Local governments can now regulate advertising signs on any motor vehicle parked or left standing upon a public street, except for signs painted directly upon or permanently affixed to the vehicle for permanent decoration, identification, or display that do not extend beyond the overall length, width, or height of the vehicle. (AB 1298, Blumenfield)

- A law dealing with repeat driving under the influence (DUI) offenders that was passed in 2010 also goes into effect on January 1:

- Section 23579 was added to the Vehicle Code, which authorizes courts to revoke a driver’s license for 10 years if a person is convicted of three or more DUIs. Under this law enacted in 2010, a motorist may be allowed to apply for reinstatement of his or her driver’s license with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) after five years, if the person installs an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in their vehicle. The law allows the DMV to terminate this restricted license if the IID requirements are not met. (AB 1601, Hill)

The points above are only a synopsis of the new laws listed here and only a partial list of California’s new laws adopted for 2012. For complete information on chaptered bills enacted in 2011, please refer to the Legislative Counsel website at www.LegInfo.ca.gov.

Source: CHP

Placer County Vintners Collect Christmas Toys for Local Kids

Posted: 1/4/2012

Owner/Winemaker Phil Maddux pouring some of his best wines for Holidays in the Hills patron in the Lone Buffalo Vineyards tasting room.

Auburn – Just in time for Christmas, Placer County Vintners Association (PCVA) wineries presented twenty-five “Santa-sized” Toys for Tots collection boxes with over 1,000 lbs of brand new toys to the South Placer Chapter of Marine Toys for Tots. The toys were donated by community members during the annual Holidays in the Hills wine tasting and toy drive that took place on the Placer County Wine Trail on December 10 & 11, 2011.

Several hundred wine enthusiasts from the Bay Area to Sacramento and Reno attended the event. In addition to the toy drive, event highlights included holiday decorations, tastings, tours, barrel samples, food and wine pairings and local crafts and food vendors. Wineries waived tasting fees for the weekend for guests who brought a new, unwrapped toy to the event.

This is the second time the Association has hosted this event. Last year, six wineries participated and collected over 400 lbs. of toys. This year, seventeen wineries joined in and the amount of toys collected multiplied exponentially. The toys will be distributed by local military veteran volunteers for Marine Toys for Tots to children and families throughout Placer County.

“It is amazing how generous visitors were with the toy donations,” said Vicky Morris of Secret Ravine Vineyards in Loomis. “Many folks also donated cash too – this is our first year participating and it was really a great way for the wineries and the community to come together this holiday season!”

Participating Wineries: Bonitata Boutique Wines • Casque Wines • Cante Ao Vinho • Ciotti Cellars • Cristaldi Vineyards • Dono dal Cielo Vineyard & Winery • Fawnridge Winery • Fortezza • Green Family Winery • Lone Buffalo Vineyards • Mt. Vernon Winery • PaZa • Popie Wines • Rancho Roble Vineyards • Secret Ravine Vineyard & Winery • Viña Castellano • Wise Villa Winery

The Placer County Vintners Association is a non-profit association formed to provide a forum for Placer County wineries to collaborate on events and programs that support the local communities, develop marketing programs to raise awareness of the Placer County wine region, and to share best practices to encourage all wineries to be the best they can and provide a high quality experience for winery visitors.

For more information and maps, visit www.placerwine.com or call (916) 663-4486.

Placer County Fair Names New GM

Posted: 1/4/2012

New Placer County Fair General Manager John Javidan.

Placer County – John Javidan has accepted the General Manager position at the Placer County Fair Association and will coordinate, promote and manage the Placer County Fair and Events Center. He will also be working with the new Speedway manager Jeff Munro to help promote the All American Speedway.

Javidan will continue to coordinate and promote Roseville’s Downtown Tuesday Nights every Tuesday in May, June and July beginning on May 1, 2012 through Johny 5 Productions.

Javidan will also continue to coordinate BerryFest on Mothers Day Weekend May 12 and 13, 2012, though during his employment at PCF the event will be coordinated through the Placer County Fair and Events Center office in Roseville.

The Placer County Fair will be held from June 21st through the 24, 2012 in Roseville.

Mr. Javidan envisions a traditional Fair with all the agriculture and contests the fair has offered in the past. He plans on lowering the cost to vendors to bring a better shopping experience. The new vision includes booking all local entertainment and acts.

The Fair admission for this year will be $5 General Admission and $3 for children and seniors.

For more information see www.PlacerCountyFair.org.

Gas Prices Start 2012 with Jump

Posted: 1/4/2012

Sacramento Region – Average retail gasoline prices in Sacramento have risen 6.2 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.53/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has increased 2.4 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.25/g, according to gasoline price website www.SactoGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Sacramento during the past week, prices yesterday were 27.7 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 2.5 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 4.1 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 20.9 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

“Average gasoline prices are moving up as we enter the New Year, a trend that has held since 2008,” said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. “The biggest problem with that trend holding true this year is that we’re starting 2012 about 20-cents per gallon higher than 2011, breaking yet another high price record and setting up an ugly year for motorists,” DeHaan said.

Early indications show this year may see the highest ever recorded prices at the pump, with real potentials for some areas to see close to $5/gal gasoline if conflict arises in Iran over several key issues.

GasBuddy.com operates over 250 live gasoline price-tracking websites, including SactoGasPrices.com.

Carpe Vino on OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurant List

Posted: 12/22/2011

Auburn’s Carpe Vino gets a great Christmas gift – being placed on OpenTables top 100 Resturant List.

AUBURN – What do world class restaurants Le Bernardin and Per Se in New York; The French Laundry and The Kitchen in northern California; and Mama’s Fish House in Maui have in common with Auburn’s Carpe Vino? All have been named to OpenTable’s Diner’s Choice list of 2011’s Top 100 Restaurants. A nationwide reservations network for 12,000 fine dining restaurants around the country, OpenTable’s list was based on more than 10 million reviews penned by diners around the country.

“We were absolutely blown away back in October when we were named to OpenTable’s Top 50 Restaurant Wine Lists for 2011,” said Carpe Vino’s co-owner, Gary Moffat. “But to be recognized with so many legendary restaurants around the country is one helluva Christmas present.”

Carpe Vino was one of only four restaurants to be named to both lists. Addison at the Grand Del Mar in San Diego also ranked tops in both food and wine, as did two restaurants in North Carolina.

“Of course it makes no sense for a 32-seat restaurant in a town of 13,000 people on the edge of civilization to be recognized in the same breath with restaurants operated by the likes of Thomas Keller, but the people have spoken,” Moffat said. “In the five years we’ve been open, I’ve heard it hundreds of times from people who appreciate fine food and wine… ‘Carpe Vino is a good as any place we’ve ever dined…anywhere.’ And now I believe them.”

Although Carpe Vino has been in business for nearly 10 years—opening in 2002 as a wine shop and wine bar—the restaurant has been serving since 2006. The same core staff is still in place: Chef Eric Alexander, trained at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY; Drew Moffat, co-owner and general manager; and Ada Campos-Sutcliffe, also CIA-trained and responsible for the front of the house.

“Eric is a remarkably inventive chef who has consistently executed creative menus exploiting the fabulous resources we have in Placer County and beyond,” Moffat said. “He has a sensitivity toward and understanding of everything about running a kitchen that have led to this recognition. He inspires everyone in the building.”

Carpe Vino’s core business is selling wine, and that’s part of the draw for so many people who make the trip to Auburn. “Even though he is only 30, my son, Drew, has an incredible palate,” Moffat said. “In my opinion he’s a superstar, and he’s taken our business to a level that is competitive with any of the big boys.”

While the restaurant has many local fans, it draws foodies up the hill from all around the Sacramento region. “I’ve always said that if we could pick up Carpe Vino and move it to a metro area, we’d have a line around the block every night,” Moffat said. “The double recognition from OpenTable can only help drive more people to Old Town Auburn, and that’s a good thing for everyone.”

Carpe Vino is located at 1568 Lincoln Way in Auburn. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Saturday starting at 5 p.m. Wine can be purchased and dinner reservations made online at www.caprevinoauburn.com, by calling (530) 823-0320 or by visiting www.opentable.com.

Post Office to Change Service

Posted: 12/8/2011

Tough times mean tough changes for the US Postal Service. USPS photo.

The U.S. Postal Service announced December 5th it will move forward with its proposal to change service standards. This action is being taken in response to on-going financial challenges caused by the dramatic and continual decline in First-Class Mail volume and the resulting revenue loss.

“The U.S. Postal Service must reduce its operating costs by $20 billion by 2015 in order to return to profitability,” said David Williams, vice president, Network Operations. “The proposed changes to service standards will allow for significant consolidation of the postal network in terms of facilities, processing equipment, vehicles and employee workforce and will generate projected net annual savings of approximately $2.1 billion.” This is part of the overall savings expected from the network optimization initiative, which is projected to save up to $3 billion by 2015.

The size of the existing Postal Service network is dictated by the current overnight transit time in existing service standards. The Postal Service is 3 day−proposing, through the rulemaking process, to move First-Class Mail to a 2 standard for contiguous U.S. destinations; however, there would be an opportunity for mailers who properly prepare and enter mail at the destinating processing facility prior to the day's critical entry time to have their mail delivered the following delivery day.

On Sep. 15, the Postal Service announced it would begin studying 252 out of 487 mail processing facilities for possible closure. At that time, the Postal Service also announced it would be considering changes to service standards in an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published in the Federal Register. The Advance Notice filing was a formal effort to gather input from the public early in the process to ensure their views can be factored into the service change proposal.

The Postal Service will send to the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) a request for an advisory opinion regarding service standard changes associated with a significant rationalization of its mail processing network. Shortly thereafter, the Postal Service will publish a notice in the Federal Register soliciting public comment on the specific proposed changes.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Source: USPS.com

Donation Drive Collects Winter Coats

Posted: 12/8/2011

Over 3,100 coats were collected last year for One Warm Coat.

SACRAMENTO Region — More than 3,000 people and children in need throughout the Sacramento region can now count on new, warm coats to get through the coming winter, thanks to an all-out effort by Lyon Real Estate agents.

Working with the national nonprofit One Warm Coat, Lyon’s regional team of agents, brokers and support staff threw themselves into a month-long winter coat donation drive during October. Given their busy schedules, many in the company expected to hit the 500 mark. But when you have 17 regional offices full of dedicated, creative professionals, then stand back.

“When we added up coats collected from everyone’s efforts, from offices in the Foothills to agents based throughout the Sacramento region, it came to a whopping 3,110 coats,” said Lyon Real Estate President Pat Shea. “It was an amazing example of how a large group of people can achieve a great amount of good by working together.”

The coat donation drive started out as an idea at Lyon’s annual Fun Realtor Education Day — FRED for short. To supplement the coat drive, Lyon employees partnered with Kohl’s Department stores to obtain 50 new children’s coats for the Kids First organization in Roseville and Auburn and the Sacramento Food Bank’s Mother Baby Program. Those coats, and all the donated coats, had to be either new or lightly used to qualify for donation.

Another truck load of coats were given to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. In all, more than 17 agencies received coats collected by Lyon agents and employees that will be distributed to people in need in Sacramento, Placer, Nevada, Sacramento and El Dorado counties.

Before distributing the coats, employees at the company’s Sacramento headquarters converted their administrative offices into storage space for thousands of winter coats.

“We had mountains of them. It really brought home all the hard work our agent team did in reaching out to the community,” said Lyon Marketing Director Christi McDowell, who helped organize the coat donation drive.

This year, we are on pace to collect and distribute our 3 millionth coat — and Lyon’s 3,110 coats made a fantastic contribution to that effort,” said Sybil Hunt, community outreach director for One Warm Coat.

With real estate agents in 17 regional offices in Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado and Yolo counties, Lyon remains the region’s leading real estate company.

NID Recognized for Auburn Ravine Improvement

Posted: 12/8/2011

SARSAS President Jack Sanchez, left, congratulates NID General Manager Ron Nelson on NID’s successful completion of an in-stream improvement project on Auburn Ravine that will open an additional mile of the stream to migrating salmon and steelhead trout.

GRASS VALLEY – Leaders of Save Auburn Ravine Salmon and Steelhead (SARSAS) traveled to Grass Valley on November 30 to recognize the Nevada Irrigation District for its work in helping improve fish migration on Auburn Ravine Creek.

SARSUS President Jack Sanchez, Lincoln area steering committee representative Stan Nader and Newcastle consultant John Rabe thanked the NID Board of Directors for its support of the district’s fish passage project on Auburn Ravine in Lincoln.

Rabe called the project “a work of art” and said it will allow fish access to spawning beds along an additional mile-long stretch of the creek.

The NID project has been under way for the past month and is nearing completion. It includes a series of rock chutes and step pools that mimic a natural stream channel. The project eliminates a fish migration barrier at NID’s Auburn Ravine water measurement station.

“We thank the board for your commitment to this project,” said Sanchez, who founded the community group a decade ago with a goal of restoring salmon and steelhead migration in Auburn Ravine.

Sanchez praised the efforts of NID General Manager Ron Nelson and the district engineering staff in planning, coordinating and completing the difficult project, which had to be built during specific stream and weather conditions.

“You should be proud of your staff,” Sanchez said. “They are high quality, professional individuals. We’ve been absolutely delighted.”

The fish passage project is located in the Lincoln Crossing Nature Preserve just downstream from Highway 65. Water began flowing through the reconfigured stream bed last week, while work continues along the stream banks and in surrounding areas.

The fish passage project is a collaborative effort. Funding includes $545,000 from NID, $303, 000 from the Cal-Fed Watershed Program, $50,000 from the County of Placer, $52,000 from the Dry Creek Conservancy and $10,000 from the Granite Bay Flycasters.

Tree Planting Day A Success

Community, ARD Plant Trees at Railhead Park
By Kahl Muscott, ARD
Posted: 11/6/2011

Placer High School Interact students John Remington, McKenna Eagan and Katie Tate get a tree into the ground at Railhead Park. Photo courtesy Kahl Muscott

Auburn – The Auburn Area Recreation and Park District (ARD) and several volunteers successfully planted 43 trees at Railhead Park in Auburn on Friday, October 21. The tree planting day, paid for in part by a grant from Cal Fire, drew volunteers from Placer High School’s Interact Club, Placer Tree Partners and the Placer County Resource Conservation District. Arborists with the Placer Tree Partners led an educational session on the proper way to plant a tree and provided volunteers with other useful information on trees in the foothill region.

Pamela Vann, Landscape Architect with ARD, was ecstatic about the results. “We are very happy with the new trees at Railhead Park. These trees will be here for generations, a fact that we heavily impressed upon the students from Placer High. I would really like to thank the volunteers and more importantly the ARD Facilities and Grounds staff who put in countless hours to get the site ready. They were great.”

The trees planted at Railhead Park include seven varieties of shade trees and will make a significant difference in appearance and cooling effect for years to come. As the planting effort was completed at Railhead Park on Friday morning, all the participants were amazed at the change already apparent in the Park’s appearance.

“What an amazing difference these trees have already made in the feel of this park” said Vann. “I’m so excited for the public to come and appreciate what a difference this had made. Our staff has worked so hard on getting the park ready for planting, they were awesome and I really appreciate their efforts.”

The Cal Fire grant is part of a statewide program that provides funding for the planting of trees to enhance and preserve the urban forest. It is a matching grant, which means that ARD must contribute up to 30 percent of the costs either in direct dollars or as indirect support such as labor to install the trees.

As a result of the Cal Fire grant funding, ARD will be planting over 400 trees throughout the District’s various parks. The total grant project cost is $40,434.00 with Cal Fire covering 71 percent. Over 165 trees have already been planted and the District anticipates completing the tree planting effort by year end. The trees include both native oaks and non-native shade trees.

Pancake Lovers Stack Funds for ‘The Soldiers Project’

TSP to Provide Confidential Mental Health Treatment to Soldiers, Families in Sacto Area
By Becci Angell
Posted: 11/6/2011

A color guard from the California National Guard’s 115th Regional Support Group in Roseville prepares to raise the American flag on a new pole that was dedicated prior to the pancake breakfast. The flag was first flown over the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 1. Photos courtesy Becci Angell

Placer County – The humble, unassuming pancake can be a mighty catalyst for change when it becomes part of a fundraiser, as it did Oct. 8 at St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church.

A pancake breakfast spearheaded by volunteers from the Roseville church generated more than $1,100 for The Soldiers Project-Sacramento, which provides free, confidential psychological treatment for active-duty military and veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as their family members and loved ones.

An additional $1,000 came from ConocoPhillips as part of its volunteer grant program, made possible by Mike Dindio, a church member who recently retired from the energy corporation. Dindio acted as volunteer chair for the pancake breakfast.

Carolyn Fink, left, clinical director and outreach coordinator for The Soldiers Project-Sacramento, and Becca Bettis, program coordinator, present Mike Dindio with a certificate of appreciation at the pancake breakfast Oct. 8. Dindio chaired the event which brought in more than $1,100 for TSP.

“We just can’t say enough about Mike and the church’s efforts to help The Soldiers Project,” said Carolyn Fink, clinical director and outreach coordinator for the Sacramento office of TSP. “It was the first time any community organization approached us and offered to put on a benefit event for The Soldiers Project.”

Fink, who presented Dindio with a certificate of appreciation at the breakfast, said the money would go toward publicizing TSP and its need for additional volunteer therapists. “More than 30,000 discharged veterans are coming home to California every year and at least one-third is estimated to be suffering from post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury.

“The need for mental health services among this population is literally exploding,” she said.

In addition to St. Anna’s church, other local organizations that made donations to the pancake breakfast included: Brookfields Restaurant, Carlson Insurance Agency, Costco (Roseville, Folsom and Citrus Heights), Denny’s-Roseville, Home Depot-Roseville, Lowe’s-Roseville, Mikuni Restaurant, Nugget Market-Roseville, Raley’s-Roseville, Safeway-Roseville, Sam’s Club, Starbucks-Roseville and Walmart.

The California National Guard’s 115th Regional Support Group in Roseville sent a color guard to help dedicate the church’s new flagpole and Chaplain James Collins, who serves with the unit, gave the dedication. The Rev. Dr. Christopher Flesoras, who is St. Anna’s pastor and also a chaplain with the California Military Reserve, also spoke during the ceremony.

For more information about The Soldiers Project-Sacramento and its programs, call 877-557-5888 or e-mail Sacramento@TheSoldiersProject.org.

Teen Drivers At High Risk

Posted: 11/6/2011

A new study reveals that gaining experience is one of the single best ways to prepare teens to drive independently.

Parents of teen drivers are reminded to stay involved in their learning process even after the law allows them to drive without a licensed adult driver in the car.

According to a new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, teens are 50% more likely to crash in the first month of driving than they are after a full year of experience driving on their own, and are nearly twice as likely to crash as they are after two full years of experience. Teens have the highest crash rate of any group in the United States.

“We know that young drivers’ crash rates decrease quickly as they gain experience,” says Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson. “What our new study tells us is that gaining experience is one of the single best ways to prepare teens to drive independently.”

Crash data analysis of new drivers in North Carolina revealed that three common mistakes – such as failure to reduce speed, inattention, and failure to yield – accounted for 57 percent of all crashes in which teens were at least partially responsible for during their first month of licensed driving. Researchers looked at specific types of crashes in relation to how long the driver had been licensed. They found that some types of crashes occurred at relatively high rates at first, but declined quickly with experience. The high initial inexperience was followed by rapid learning. Crash types that decline more slowly appear to result not from lack of understanding, but from failure to master certain driving skills.

In a related study by the AAA Foundation, in-vehicle cameras were installed to monitor teens while learning to drive with parents, followed by the first 6 months of licensed driving without their parents in the car. The research found that while teens had their learners’ permits, routine trips on familiar roads under relative easy driving conditions accounted for the bulk of the time spent behind the wheel. The study also showed a few instances of texting behind the wheel, distractions with other passengers, running red lights, and other potentially distracting or dangerous behaviors.

Tips for Parents to Improve Teen Drivers’ Safety as They Start to Drive on Their Own:

- Practice, practice, practice. Once teens have their actual license, continue to ensure that basic skills are mastered and to introduce varied driving conditions such as snow, heavy traffic and rural roads with an experienced driver in the passenger seat.
- Keep passengers out. Teen drivers’ crash risks multiply with teenage passengers in the vehicle. Set limits and enforce them consistently.
- Limit night driving. Reduced visibility makes night driving riskier for drivers of all ages. For inexperienced teens, it’s even harder. Allow new teen drivers to drive at night only if truly necessary and to practice with a parent.
- Keep setting rules. Establish and enforce rules above and beyond state laws. In addition to night and passenger limits, set rules for inclement weather, highways, cities, or other driving conditions in which a teen has not gained enough experience. Find a parent-teen agreement on TeenDriving.aaa.com that can help.

The findings pertaining to the crash rates of newly-licensed drivers are based on analysis of crashes of young drivers licensed in North Carolina between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2008. For more information about teen driving see their website at www.aaa.com/teendriving.

Toast Community Outreach at Gold Country Rotary’s Oktoberfest

Posted: 11/6/2011

Gold Country Rotarian Jeff Moore raises his glass to toast the community members and sponsors who attended last year’s Oktoberfest and helped the club raise money for scholarships and outreach programs.

Auburn – Raise a glass in support of community outreach at Gold Country Rotary’s Oktoberfest fundraiser on October 21, and get a free entry to win two round-trip tickets to anywhere Southwest Airlines flies plus other door prizes.

This authentic Oktoberfest celebration rivals the Bavarian original. There’s an oom-pah band, Bavarian folk dancers, German cuisine, and traditional Oktoberfest beer from Munich’s Spaten brewery. Wine lovers can sample the vino from local wineries Bonitata Boutique, Fawnridge, and Vina Castellano.

For the young and the young at heart, this year’s event also features live entertainment from A-Train, the high-energy rock and roll tribute band that plays music from the 70’s to today.

After a hearty meal of succulent pork chops, Bratwurst sausages, sauerkraut, and German potato salad, check out the silent auction. Up for bid is a wide selection of items donated by local professionals and businesses. Just in time for the holidays are unique items that make great gifts, such as wildlife photography from Van Howd’s studios, a stay at the Donatello luxury hotel in San Francisco, and a family membership to CALSTAR’s helicopter emergency services.

This family-oriented food and brew fest is celebrating its twenty-fourth year, and will be held at Auburn’s Gold Country Fair Grounds. Festivities kick-off at 5pm, dinner is served from 5:30 to 8:30. Music and dancing continue into the evening until 10pm. Tickets are $22 for adults ($25 at the door), and $10 for kids under thirteen.

Proceeds benefit community projects in Auburn and surrounding areas. This event funds scholarships to trade schools and colleges as well as programs for children and seniors. Gold County Rotary works with other organizations such as Interfaith Food Closet, The Gathering Inn, Women of Worth, and the ShelterBox disaster relief charity, to name a few.

Get tickets from any Gold Country Rotarian, or call Rotary President Jimmy Mullenix at Master Technicians, (530) 889-9682. There’s a good chance you’ll be attending two Oktoberfest celebrations next year—the one close to home, and the other in any city where Southwest Airlines flies. Prost!

Placer County Gets Grant to Fight Underage Drinking

Posted: 11/6/2011

Placer County – The Placer County Sheriff’s Office now has more resources in the fight against underage drinking and alcohol sales to minors, thanks to a grant from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. This growing problem was made apparent during a recent Sheriff’s Office decoy operation in the Lake Tahoe area, where 40 percent of the businesses visited by decoys sold alcohol to them.

The $40,000 grant will assist in providing awareness and training in alcohol-related crimes and their impact on schools, parents and students countywide. Anyone who sells or furnishes alcohol to a minor faces a fine of $250 and up to 24 hours of community service. If it is a business, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control can take administrative action on the business’ alcoholic beverage license, impose a fine on the business or both.

During the recent minor decoy operation, underage decoys were sent into 15 businesses to see if any of them would be sold alcohol. As a result, employees at Tahoe City Shell, Tahoe City Chevron, Lake View Wine and Spirits in Tahoe City, Lanza’s Restaurant in Tahoe Vista, Sandy’s Pub in Squaw Valley and The Slot Club in Squaw Valley received citations for selling alcohol to a minor. The Sheriff’s Office will aggressively continue these types of enforcement projects in the future.

The Sheriff’s Office will be offering Licensee Education on Alcohol and Drugs, or LEAD, classes throughout the year for retail licensees, their employees and applicants. The classes are a free, voluntary prevention and education program. Anyone interested in participating in the classes and can call (530) 308-1552 or e-mail lbettenc@placer.ca.gov.

PCWA Moves Forward on Countywide Master Plan

Posted: 11/6/2011

Auburn – The Placer County Water Agency has identified areas in many parts of the county where safe drinking water needs are unserved or underserved, it was reported at Thursday’s (Oct. 6) meeting of the PCWA Board of Directors.

The areas­–mostly in the foothills and Tahoe Basin–have been studied as part of a countywide master planning process authorized last year by the PCWA Board of Directors.

In a progress report, PCWA Deputy Director of Technical Services Brent Smith said the agency has been working closely with the Placer County Dept. of Environmental Health and the Placer County Local Agency Formation Commission in contacting approximately 100 public and private water suppliers that serve various parts of the county.

Placer County Director of Environmental Health Jill Pahl attended the meeting and expressed support for the master planning effort. She said it could lead to opportunities for improved availability of drinking water to many Placer County residents.

The master planning process has included local water utility surveys, identification of unserved and underserved areas, and setting priorities for water system improvements.

Smith said that survey results show that many of the underserved foothill areas are far from existing public water infrastructure and that extending service to many of these areas is very expensive. He said PCWA engineers envision an expanded “backbone” of the water system from which future extensions and water service could become available.

The northern and western shores of Lake Tahoe are presently served by 23 water utilities, some public and some privately-owned, Smith said. He described efforts to link the various systems for better water service and improved fire protection.

The presentation drew a small audience from the Colfax-Meadow Vista area, where residents have sought affordable water system improvements. Three speakers thanked the water agency for its progress on the master plan.

Smith said the water agency is about midway through the two-year planning process. The master plan was authorized in September 2010 by the PCWA board.

Directors at that time indicated that future hydroelectric power revenues from the Middle Fork American River Project would be considered in helping to fund some of the water system improvements.

Employers Show Extreme Caution

Source: Pacific Staffing
Posted: 10/5/2011

Hiring trends in the Sacramento Region continue to be influenced by Wall Street fluctuations and the depressed national economy.

Sacramento Region – While Sacramento’s top employers are hiring, they continue to show extreme caution as events outside the area raise concerns about the economy. Like the up and down bouncing of the children’s toy, extreme fluctuations on Wall Street and in the greater world economy are impacting hiring trends revealed by Pacific Staffing for October, November and December. Polled directly by phone sixty-two percent (62%) of Sacramento’s top companies say they will hire in the Fourth Quarter, but forty-two percent (42%) of planned hiring was motivated only by the need for replacements. These levels mirror a straight line, or flat trend from third quarter numbers continuing to reflect caution in hiring for expansion by employers.

On the flip side, some industries are improving and thirty percent (30%) of hiring was also cited for growth needs, which is a slight improvement from the third quarter when twenty-five percent (25%) of hiring was motivated by planned expansion. Service industry companies were discovered to be most active in hiring during the Fourth Quarter.

Ten percent (10%) of companies say they planned to layoff workers in the next three months. Half those reductions, or 5% are motivated by seasonal change. The remaining reductions caused by acquisitions and slowing business demand according to employers surveyed between 8/29 – 9/23/ 2011.

Employers continue to say benefits costs and management are their biggest struggle. A new challenge was noted, as some companies report finding qualified applicants is becoming an issue. Specific skills in high demand are technical including software design and digital networking, with biology lab science, allied health skills, sales and customer service workers in demand.

When asked if their company had a page on the social network, Facebook, fifty-four percent (54%) of Sacramento’s top companies said, ‘Yes’. Twenty-four percent (24%) admitted to looking at job applicants social network posts in hiring, while twenty-nine percent (29%) say they are spending part of their budget on social networks, through marketing or human resource departments.

Of the top 100 Sacramento Regional Companies 38% are Service, 37% are Manufacturers, 16% are Construction and 9% are Retail.

How does this Quarter compare to last Quarter, or last year? Find out for yourself, for more information & sur-veys go to www.pacificstaffing.com.

Pacific Avenue Pipeline Project Set for October Completion

Posted: 10/5/2011

Auburn -- The difficult Pacific Avenue Pipeline Project is back on track and scheduled for completion by late October, the Placer County Water Agency reported on Monday, September 26th.

The pipeline work was delayed by wet weather last winter and then slowed this summer when underground rock formations proved more difficult than expected. To avoid extensive rock excavation, the pipeline alignment was adjusted, resulting in further delays during the manufacture of additional sections of 54-inch pipeline.

PCWA project engineer Ken Powers said Thursday that project contractor, Marques Pipeline, Inc., of Sacramento is remobilizing at the job site and that pipe installation is expected to commence this week (Sept. 26).

Pipeline installation work is planned to continue through mid-October. Road restoration along Meadowlark Court, Pacific and Sacramento streets will be the last major item of work before the project is complete.

Traffic controls will continue in the project area. Some road closures and detours will be needed and are being Posted: on local neighborhood message boards.

The large pipeline project replaces a section of PCWA’s Boardman Canal that runs through an old pipe beneath the adjacent Pacific Heights Apartment complex. The 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.

“This has been a lengthy and difficult project for the neighborhood, our contractor, and the water agency,” said Powers. “We apologize for the delays and inconvenience and thank everyone for their patience and support.”

Questions about the work should be directed to Ken Powers in the PCWA Engineering Dept. at (530) 823-4950. The water agency will continue to post weekly project updates every Friday on its website at www.pcwa.net.

Commercial Thinning on Foresthill Divide Road

Posted: 10/5/2011

Placer County - The American River Ranger District will conduct thinning and fuels reduction on approximately 700 acres in the Sugar Pine area this fall. In order to ensure public safety, temporary closures or re-routes on some roads and trails may be necessary. Closures and re-routes will only occur in treatment areas that are actively being worked. Regularly updated public notices will be Posted: at the Sugar Pine, Parker Flat, and China Wall Staging Areas if OHV traffic will be affected. Signs will be Posted: at access points of the affected trail sections while work is in progress. Road traffic signs will also be placed where work is actively occurring.

Forest users may be affected by increased logging traffic on Sugar Pine Road (FS 10), Foresthill Divide Road (Placer County 88 road), and spur roads in the area. While traveling or recreating in these areas, please stay alert for signs warning of the activity, turn on headlights, reduce speed, and watch for personnel and logging trucks.

For more information contact the American River Ranger District at (530) 367-2224 or view the Forest website at www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe/. Updates will be Posted: on the ARRD District office recreation recording at the phone number listed above.

Sierra Nevada Conservancy Announces $5 Million Available for “Healthy Forests” Projects

Posted: 10/5/2011

Auburn – The Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) has announced it has opened the solicitation period for its $5 million “Healthy Forests” grant program. Applicants have until October 21, 2011 to submit their pre-application documents. All projects must be designed to benefit Sierra Nevada forests and associated meadows, either by reducing the risk and impacts of large, damaging fires or by preserving or restoring ecosystem function.

All application materials and the grant guidelines, which were recently approved by the SNC governing board, are Posted: on the SNC Web site. Public agencies, eligible non-profit (501(c)(3) organizations whose charitable purposes are consistent with the mission of the Conservancy, and federally recognized tribes are encouraged to review the guidelines and apply. After an initial review period, applicants with viable projects will be issued an invitation to submit a full application.

Funding for these projects is provided through Proposition 84, the Safe Drinking Water Bond Act, passed by voters in 2006. In its first five years, the SNC, which receives no general fund tax dollars, has authorized approximately $40 million in Prop. 84 grants for more than 220 projects throughout the Sierra Nevada region. These projects include fuels reduction, conservation easements and acquisitions, and watershed and habitat restoration.

The SNC governing board is scheduled to take action on this round of grant awards at its regularly scheduled meeting in June, 2012. The SNC has approximately $10 million remaining from its original Prop. 84 allocation. These remaining funds will be evenly allocated over the current and next fiscal years, with a specific focus area assigned for each year.

The focus area for fiscal year 2012-13 funds will be for projects on ranching and agricultural lands. Guidelines and criteria for these project types will be issued in 2012.

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.

The SNC Governing Board meets quarterly around the Sierra Nevada region, which spans 25 million acres, encompasses all or part of 22 counties and stretches from the Oregon border on the north to southeast of Bakersfield.

Fundraising Event for the Meadow Vista Community Center

Posted: 10/5/2011

Meadow Vista - Sierra Pacific Real Estate recently announced the 6th annual Adult Night Out “OKTOBERFEST” to the community on Saturday October 15th from 6-11pm.

In response to the monetary need from the Meadow Vista Community Center, Sierra Pacific Real Estate is sponsoring this event and inviting the community to help raise money for the Center. All event proceeds will be forwarded directly to the Community Center.

The event is planned to help make the Meadow Vista Community Center to a reality. Come and join neighbors in sharing live entertainment by Classic Rock Band “Ma Barker Band”, and classic German Tunes, along with great food (brats, tri tip, hot dogs, nachos and more), drinks, beer from Sierra Nevada and Ale House, wine, cheesecake. Door prizes include a snowboard, hair cuts, massage, wine, fountain, gift cards, movie tickets, nights stay at Powers Mansion Inn.

Donations are welcome from local merchants for raffle prizes and/or items to be used for selling or preparation. Interested in helping? They will find a place for you! Call their office today at 878-5100. The event is free to the public.

Airshow to Thrill and Inspire

Posted: 8/23/2011

Aerobatic champion Patty Wagstaff will be performing at the 2011 California Capital Airshow. Photo courtesy of CCA.

Sacramento Region – The California Capital Airshow, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the importance of aviation for continued economic growth, inspiration and educational opportunities for today’s youth, and enhancing awareness for the service and sacrifice of our military men and women, today announced the current Airshow highlights, which will exhilarate, thrill and inspire fans of all ages. The Airshow, located at Mather Airport, thunders into Sacramento on September 10-11, 2011, and will honor important anniversaries. 2011 marks 100 years of Naval Aviation, an achievement the Airshow will note by featuring a demonstration by the US Navy F-18 Super Hornet.

“Each year we strive to bring new and exciting performers, unique aircraft, and interactive displays to Sacramento, and this year will be an event that you will never forget!” said Darcy Brewer, executive director of the California Capital Airshow. “Tora!Tora!Tora! is making its first trip ever to Northern California and fans will not be disappointed. Tora is a choreographed, living history lesson with pyrotechnics and precision flying all set to music, but the show certainly doesn’t stop there. We will have something for everyone and every age – from exhilarating military jet demonstrations and aerobatics soaring overhead to a Kids Zone with interactive, educational exhibits – it’s going to be an incredible show that will leave you begging for more.”

In addition to the F-18 Super Hornet, Airshow fans will experience the raw power and extreme capabilities of the F-15 Strike Eagle Demonstration Team, the electrifying Patriots Jet Team, aerobatic champion, Patty Wagstaff, and a USAF Heritage Flight. Rounding out the line-up will be the Shockwave Jet Truck, Otto the Helicopter, Dan Buchanan, local air show pilot, Tim Decker, fighter jet demonstrations and some of the largest transport jets on Earth, warbirds, vintage aircraft, and so much more!

Tickets to the 2011 California Capital Airshow are now available online and can be easily purchased at the Airshow web site or at all SAFE Credit Union locations throughout the region.

The California Capital Airshow web site will be updated regularly with news, attraction information and more. Community members and attendees can also follow the Airshow on Facebook and Twitter (#calcapairshow).

Established in 2004, the California Capital Airshow has become one of the largest and highly-respected airshows in the nation. As part of its community relations, the non-profit organization has awarded over 70 scholarships to deserving students from our region with an interest in science, technology, engineering, math, aviation, aerospace, and aeronautics. For more information about the California Capital Airshow, please visit www.californiacapitalairshow.com or join us on Facebook.

Californians Volunteer Over 900 Million Hours in 2010

Posted: 8/23/2011

The value of volunteerism within the State of California for 2010 was estimated at $20.6 billion.

Sacramento Region – During a time of economic recession and high unemployment rates, volunteers continue to provide a powerful economic and social benefit to communities across California. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) released their annual Volunteering in America Report this week, illustrating that citizens in California volunteered nearly 27 million hours more than the previous year.

In 2010, nearly 7 million Californians performed 964.7 million hours of service through or for a nonprofit or community organization. The amount of hours contributed is valued at $20.6 billion, using the Independent Sector’s annual estimate of the average value of a volunteer hour, which was $21.36 in 2010. Additionally, 7.4 percent of California residents volunteered informally (working with neighbors to address or fix a community issue), totaling over 2.1 million individuals.

The volunteer rates increased from 2009 numbers in the San Jose, Riverside and San Francisco Metropolitan Statistical Areas. In addition, over the last four years, the retention rate for volunteers in San Jose and San Francisco has surpassed the national retention rate of 64.5 percent.

Economic Downturn Drives Demand and Opportunities for Volunteers Across California, organizations are serving the state’s most vulnerable using fewer resources. Between 2008 and 2010, citizens volunteered in a range of vital areas to bridge the gaps left by budget cuts and unemployment.

- Nearly half of volunteers devoted their time to working with youth through tutoring and teaching (19.3 percent) or the collection and distribution of food (20.9 percent).
- About one-quarter of volunteers (24.5 percent) participated in fundraising activities or sold items to raise money for an organization.
- Over half of volunteers (approximately 54.6 percent), were born during the Baby Boomer generation.

“The nonprofit sector has experienced a one-two punch – the increase in demand for services and the decrease in donations,” said Secretary of Service and Volunteering, Karen Baker. “The renewed interest in volunteers couldn’t come at a more critical time. With unemployment up during these tough economic times, volunteering can provide individuals the opportunity to hone skills, learn new skills, make contacts and stay engaged. By becoming a volunteer, you can help yourself while helping others.”

Metro areas are ranked yearly on their volunteer rate. These are the rankings in California according to the rates provided by the Volunteering in America Report for 2010. #1 San Francisco at 30.1%, #2 San Jose at 29.8%, #3 San Diego at 23.9%, #4 Sacramento at 22.8%, and #5 Los Angeles at 21.5%.

The Volunteering in America Report is made possible by a partnership between CNCS, the United States Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Data is collected each year through a supplement to the Current Population Survey (CPS) September Volunteer Supplement. The Volunteer Supplement collects data on the volunteering activities of adults aged 16 and older. Volunteers are considered individuals who performed unpaid volunteer activities through or for an organization at any point during the 12-month period, from September 1 of the prior year through the survey week in September of the survey year.

To view the report in its entirety, please visit: www.VolunteeringInAmerica.gov.

CaliforniaVolunteers is the state office that manages programs and initiatives to increase the number of Californians involved with service and volunteering. Through its innovative web site, individuals and families can find more than 50,000 volunteer opportunities throughout the state involving the arts, education, animals, disaster preparedness, the environment and other areas of interest. Karen Baker, the nation’s first state cabinet secretary of service and volunteering leads the organization. For more information, please visit www.CaliforniaVolunteers.org.

Firehouse Renovation Celebration Embraces The Spirit of Amanda Barnes

By Reene Abbott
Posted: 8/9/2011

During her recovery time in the hospital, Amanda Barnes gets a welcome visit from her 5-year-old niece Alexia.

Auburn – Old Town Auburn’s historic Firehouse #2 has been renovated and is being considered for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. August 5th was the date of the meeting of the State Historical Resources Commission to determine the nomination of this oft-photographed building, but the important date to remember is August 15th. The re-dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for that date has been expanded to include a street party, dance, barbecue and fundraiser for Amanda Barnes, the young Auburn woman paralyzed by a hit-and-run driver July 12th in Emeryville, California.

The free festivities in Old Town Auburn will begin at 7pm, and the 49er Lions Club is manning the barbecue, providing hamburgers and hotdogs with all the trimmings, and have generously agreed to give back a portion of their proceeds to the fundraiser. The Sugar Plump Fairies and Linda Robinson of Sun River Clothing will host the fundraiser along with Jackie Weston of Auburn Printers & Integrated Marketing, who has gathered generous donations for a raffle and silent auction from the community.

The extraordinary spirit and determination of Placer High graduate Amanda Barnes has been an inspiration to those caring for her at Highland General Hospital in Oakland. She was quoted in an interview, saying, “I have a ton of cards and flowers. I’m glad they’re in my hospital room and not on my grave. I definitely feel blessed.”

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 about this important event, call organizer and President of the Old Town Business Association, Linda Robinson at 888-1585 or Jackie Weston at 885-9674, or check www.oldtownauburnca.com.

Buried Rock Slows Work on Pipeline Project

Posted: 8/9/2011

Auburn – Rock removal work is continuing along Pacific Avenue, near Sacramento Street, in Auburn where a Placer County Water Agency project to replace a failing section of the Boardman Canal continues.

“A large, extremely hard, monolithic rock formation is hampering our progress,” said PCWA Deputy Director of Technical Services Brent Smith.  “The rock removal has been slow but progress is being made.  We have taken additional steps to minimize the amount of rock to be removed by realigning the 54-inch pipeline and making adjustments to other utilities.”

Smith said rock removal is expected to continue for another three to four weeks.  “After that, the pipeline installation can proceed and we are expecting final completion of the project by early October,” he said.

The new pipeline, at depths of up to 17 feet, 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.

Road closures with Posted: detours are being used Mondays through Fridays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Area roads are open during non-working hours.

The pipeline work began last year and resumed this spring as drier conditions appeared.  PCWA’s contractor on the project is Marques Pipeline, Inc.

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 is posting weekly project updates on its website at www.pcwa.net.

Officials Urge to Prepare for Coming Summer Heat

Source: California Emergency Management Agency
Posted: 7/20/2011

It’s important to limit the length of time the little ones spend in the sun.

Sacramento Region – State officials recently urged Californians to prepare now for the prospect of prolonged periods of hot weather later this summer and fall. “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.

Tanner Receives Distinguished Award

Source: SARSAS
Posted: 7/20/2011

Don Tanner receiving SARSAS King Salmon Award for outstanding achievement in returning anadromous fishes to the Auburn Ravine.

Auburn – The SKSA is given to a person whose collaborative efforts have resulted in a significant and distinguished advancement toward the goal of SARSAS (Save Auburn Ravine Salmon and Steelhead), which is to return salmon and steelhead to the entire length of the Auburn Ravine.

NOAA Special Agent Don Tanner, using gracious and collaborative law enforcement methods, was able to work amiably with the eight dam owners on the Auburn Ravine downstream of the City of Lincoln and with their wholehearted assistance open the it to fish passage from October 15 to April 15 of each year to allow Fall Run Chinook to migrate upstream toward spawning gravels.

For the first time in decades, his efforts resulted in a significant number of salmon reaching Auburn Ravine Park in Lincoln, where their upstream migration was stopped by the NID Lincoln Gauging Station. Seeing Agent Tanner’s success with salmon, Nevada Irrigation District, contributed $250k of their own money toward the $850K cost, and will install a fish ladder on the LGS this Sept./Oct. to allow salmon to reach spawning gravels upstream of Lincoln. NID is currently planning and designing fish passage over their Hemphill Dam, which will allow fish to migrate many miles upstream to the NID Gold Hill Dam, which hopefully will be retrofitted for fish passage in the near future.

Agent Tanner’s achievement is vital to the success of returning salmon and steelhead to the entire length of the Auburn Ravine. He continues to constantly monitor the Ravine and works toward making his agency realize the infinite possibility of the AR as a significant tributary to the Sacramento River for salmon and steelhead spawning, thereby helping to keep the threatened steelhead population robust and the salmon population from extinction.

Agent Tanner’s efforts working with the South Sutter Water District resulted in SSWD securing funds from Family Water Alliance to install a Fish Screen at the opening of the Pleasant Grove Canal “to prevent”, to quote SARSAS Fish Passage Expert Ron Ott, “up to 90 % of anadromous fishes returning to the Pacific Ocean to mature from being entrained and die in agriculture fields”.

Agent Tanner’s achievement is exceptional, unique and distinguished and shows how one person, who accepts his responsibility and works ethically and collaboratively to achieve a goal can succeed to a monumental degree, inspiring another entities and individuals to contribute to the SARSAS goal.

Agent Tanner’s contribution to the SARSAS goal is unparalleled and laudatory in the highest degree. He is the most deserving first recipient of the SARSAS King Salmon Award.

SARSAS Secretary Kathie Harris will present Don Tanner the award for Outstanding Achievement toward Returning Salmon and Steelhead to the Auburn Ravine.

Gold Country Fair is Getting “Ag-Cited”

Posted: 7/20/2011

Auburn - The Gold Country Fair, in Auburn, says “Let’s Get Ag-Cited” as they prepare for the upcoming 20th District Agricultural Fair September 8-11. The Fair which was established in 1936, and was named “The Fair that Wouldn’t Die” by Governor Ronald Regan, is celebrating its agricultural roots this year.

Entering home-grown and hand-crafted exhibits in the annual Fair for the chance of earning a blue ribbon is an American tradition. In the early years, the men brought their animals for boasting and sales, while their wives competed with baking, preserves and sewing skills. Today both men and women enter all categories. Children are encouraged to enter also with classes designed just for them.

Whether you hand-stitch quilts, grow plump produce or use digital photography to capture your world, there will be a category of competition to showcase your talents in the Gold Country Fair, September 8-11. The 2011 Exhibitor handbook is now available on-line at GoldCountryFair.com. A limited number of printouts will be available at the Fair office.

Most entry forms are due by Tuesday, August 9, except garden and floral, classroom projects and industrial arts which are due Tuesday, August 23. No late entries are accepted, so be sure you check the individual specifications in each division. Actual exhibits are due closer to Fair-time, as the early entry date allows building supervisors to display your exhibits. A complete listing of entry, judging, and release dates is included in the Handbook.

Residents of Placer, Nevada and El Dorado County are eligible to enter adult exhibits. Junior divisions are open to Placer County youth. Please see the handbook for rules and details.

For more information on entering your talents in the Gold Country Fair, contact the Entry Department at (530) 823-4533. Office hours are 8 – 12 and 1– 5 weekdays. Visit www.goldcountryfair.com for more information.

Water Rescues on the Rise

From The Department of Boating and Waterways
Posted: 7/5/2011

More boaters have died in swift water river accidents in the first six months of 2011 than any other comparable period on record. Knowing what to do in case of a water immersion, understanding the effects of cold water and wearing a life jacket are critical in improving chances of survival.

Sacramento Region – As predicted by the Department of Boating Waterways (DBW), this summer is shaping up to be a dangerous one for water enthusiasts, particularly for rivers. More boaters have died in swift water river accidents in the first six months of 2011 than any other comparable period on record.

With water temperatures being extremely cold, outdoor enthusiasts can become incapacitated in just 10 minutes, to the point that the muscles in their limbs stop working and they will no longer be able to swim or rescue themselves.

“Outdoor enthusiasts in, on and around the water must use caution and be prepared,” stated DBW’s Acting Director Lucia Becerra. “Many rivers will be running faster and higher this 4th of July weekend than in the past years. Water levels in lakes will also be higher, masking underwater hazards that were exposed in previous years.”

The biggest safety concern now is the use of flotation devices such as lightweight rafts which may be designed for swimming pools or calm waters. These flotation devices are dangerous. They can easily lose air or be punctured by debris or tree branches. Use of these types of devices is strongly discouraged during this period of high, swift and cold water conditions.

Knowing what to do in case of a water immersion, understanding the effects of cold water and wearing a life jacket are critical in improving chances of survival. Below are some tips that water enthusiasts should follow to improve their chances of survival:

Know the law

A life jacket must be carried for each person on board a boat.
Every child under 13 must wear a life jacket when on a boat.
Every person on board a personal watercraft (popularly known as jet skis) and any person being towed behind a vessel must wear a life jacket.
All life jackets must be Coast Guard-approved.
It is against the law to operate a boat or water ski with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or more. You can be arrested even when your BAC is less than 0.08 percent if conditions are deemed to be unsafe.

Plan ahead

Become knowledgeable about local conditions such as currents, rapids, flow levels, weather, and hazards, including low-head dams and unrunnable rapids.
Make sure you have the required equipment on your vessel.
File a float plan. The chances of successfully locating an overdue boat are much greater if rescue agencies have certain facts about the boat trip.
Swift water information and guides for some of California’s rivers are available on DBW’s Web site.

Know the water

The water may look calm on the top, but river currents are usually strong beneath the water’s surface that can carry you away from your safety zone.
Many unseen obstacles can be lurking below the water’s surface. Swift water can make these obstacles even more treacherous. An unknown rapid should never be run without first scouting it thoroughly from shore. If in doubt, carry watercraft or cargo over land to avoid river obstacles or hazards.
Swimming in open water is more difficult than in a swimming pool – people tire more quickly and can get into trouble. Know what to do in case of a water immersion.
Swift water: If you do end up in the river, point your feet downstream. This helps your legs to come in contact with floating debris or rocks first instead of your head. Stay calm and try to make your way to the shore while floating. Be wary of branches in the river. It may be tempting to reach for a branch, but you can become entangled in the branches and drown. Look for a clear place to get to shore.
Calm water: If your boat capsizes and you are in cold water, get as far out of the water as possible by climbing onto any floating object, such a boat’s hull. This may help prevent heat loss from your body, especially if the temperature is warm and the winds are calm. If you cannot get out of the water, keep your head out of the water to limit heat loss. Curl into a ball or huddle with other passengers and restrict movement of arms and legs to further help limit heat loss.
Hypothermia: Hypothermia in the early stages can easily be reversed by vigorously exercising to generate body heat and limiting exposure to further cold. High energy foods and warm liquids also help (no caffeine or alcohol). Except in mild cases, seek medical help as improper rewarming can cause complications or even death.

Parental Supervision

Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them your undivided attention.
Appoint a designated “water watcher”, taking turns with other adults.
Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool. They need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather.

For more information on boating and water safety, please visit www.BoatSmarter.com. The Department of Boating and Waterways enhances public access to California’s waterways and promotes on-the-water safety through programs funded by vessel registration fees, boating fuel tax dollars and boating facility construction loan payments.

The Spirit of Americans

Commentary By Bryan Golden
Posted: 6/28/2011

Celebrating the 4th of July with family and friends is the truest way of honoring our independence. Photo courtesy Susan Maxwell Skinner

It’s the Spirit of Americans that makes us the greatest country with the most freedom and prosperity the world has ever known.

Human history is characterized by domination and subjugation. From virtually the beginning of mankind, tyrants, monarchs, dictators, and oppressors of all types have been the norm. What is different about Americans? What enables Americans to achieve more than any other people in history?

Before our founding, a country built on freedom had never existed. Americans’ spirit of liberty, combined with a can do attitude, has allowed us to attain more in several hundred years than other cultures have accomplished in thousands. The unprecedented success of America has inspired people around the world to fight for and establish their own independence.

The yearning to be free from oppression is our core. We recognize freedom as a fundamental, unalienable right. Even before our founding, people from other countries flocked here to escape the chains of bondage and repression. In America, we are free to succeed or fail. It’s an individual choice, not the dictate of any ruling class. We are free to take personal responsibility for our lives rather than expecting others to take care of us. It is this freedom to succeed and be the masters of our destiny that is the spirit of Americans.

Our Declaration of Independence affirms that we are all created equally and endowed by our creator with certain unalienable rights which include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Our government is designed to be empowered by us rather than to control us.

Americans define pioneer spirit. Just like the pilgrims, Americans risked everything seeking a better life and opportunity. Those families, who packed all of their belongings into wagons and headed into the American west, personified self-reliance. They carved homesteads, towns, and cities out of the wilderness. They built, created, and invented whatever they needed. They took no handouts and didn’t rely on anyone else to take care of them.

Without persistence, perseverance, and determination, America would never have survived. We have a yearning to succeed. We want a better world for ourselves and for others. The things we accomplish are not easy.

Americans persist in spite of fear. We venture into the unknown where the outcome isn’t guaranteed but dependent on courage. Brave Americans fight for and defend freedom around the globe. The entire world counts on the generosity of Americans. Americans are first on the scene helping others in need with their time, money, and supplies. Wherever disaster and misfortune strike, Americans are there to help.

Americans are known for their innovations. We are responsible for more discoveries and inventions than anyone else. Propelled by the freedom to be rewarded for our efforts, we create products and services in all areas of life that generate the highest standard of living in history. Americans are creative. We figure out how to do things that have never been done before. We don’t believe “it can’t be done.” People everywhere are living better lives because of the spirit of Americans.

Americans are driven. In America, anyone can achieve their dreams. We are free to accomplish anything we want. We don’t have to belong to any group or organization. In America, individual talent and effort is rewarded. We put in whatever energy is needed, for as long as it takes, to get where we want to be. American exceptionalism is rooted in an uncompromising work ethic, combined with the highest standards. Because there are no externally imposed limits on how much an individual can attain, Americans can start from anywhere and achieve anything.

Stand up, speak out, and do your part to care for and protect our great country. You are the spirit of America.

Bryan is the author of “Dare to Live Without Limits.” Visit www.DareToLiveWithoutLimits.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a self-development expert, syndicated columnist, and professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com.

Copyright 2011 Bryan Golden.

Old Town Kicks Off the 4th of July

Posted: 6/28/2011

Auburn - Old Town kicks off the 4th of July with a pancake breakfast in the Bootleggers parking lot at 7 a.m. with lots of old fashioned games for kids from 9 to noon. Potato sack races, watermelon eating contest, and egg rolling to name a few. The most exciting activity in the “greased pole”. Kids shimmy up a 30’ pole slathered in Crisco in an attempt to grab the dollars at the top. Many years the prize is a hundred dollars.

Peter VanBeckum organizes the event dressed as a whimsical Uncle Sam and uses an old blender as a megaphone! It’s a sight to see and fun for the whole family. Sponsored in part by the Old Town Business Association and Peter VanBeckum. The event is free and located behind the Old Town firehouse on Washington Street. For more information: www.oldtownauburnca.com or (530) 888-1585.

Wellness Grants Awarded to Placer County Non-Profits

Posted: 6/28/2011

Placer County – Placer Community Foundation presented 23 local nonprofit organizations Community Wellness Mini-Grants totaling nearly $339,000 today. Through a competitive process, grants were awarded to support community-based projects and programs that are helping to promote overall wellness among county residents.

Placer Community Foundation was contracted by the County of Placer to manage and administer the Community Wellness Mini-Grants Program on its behalf along the western slope. A similar community grant making process was completed for residents in the Tahoe, Kings Beach area. Funding comes from the California Department of Mental Health, Mental Health Services Act.

Earlier in the year, the Community Foundation conducted outreach to identify possible applicants to this program. The search was for organizations that facilitate community-based projects in which people come together to address their collective mental wellness needs. It is believed thousands of county residents are getting these needs met through natural networks formed among families, friends, faith-based organizations and community groups. For the County of Placer, the goal was to learn from, and build upon these networks.

“These natural networks of support can offer much in the way of prevention,” stated Richard Knecht, Director of Children’s System of Care, Placer County Health and Human Services. “Because people are coming together around a shared, lived experience they provide each other with a sense of hope and belonging—limiting their need to access deeper-end mental health services.”

The Community Wellness Mini-Grant program was developed by a Steering Committee comprised of mental health service providers, consumers and advocates. Formed by Placer County’s Health and Human Services Department, and with support from Education, Juvenile Probation and nonprofit partners, the committee met over several months. The members determined that a new approach to addressing preventative, mental health needs in a community required a grants program in which people come together on their own around a common issue and, through discussion, activities or exercises, offer each other support, hope and most importantly, the skills necessary to lead competent, self-determined lives. The task then became locating these groups embedded within the community. That was when Placer Community Foundation was contacted.

“The County’s Health and Human Services Department came to us because we have made many different community-based grants over the years,” stated Veronica Blake, CEO for the Placer Community Foundation. “We’ve supported groups of all sizes and types in Placer County and provide support where needed to help make the application process feel less daunting.”

The Placer Community Foundation held two public workshops to inform the community about the grant program earlier in the year. Approximately 66 nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations and community groups attended. Examples of the types of projects represented included: health and fitness, nutrition, parenting, youth development, substance and alcohol abuse, meditation, arts and culture, communal gardening, and job training. In the end Placer Community Foundation received 41 applications from which 23 were funded.

Organizations receiving a Community Wellness Mini-Grant were presented with their check at a luncheon hosted by Placer Community Foundation on June 14th. The following is a list of the organizations and their funded project:

About Placer Community Foundation

The Placer Community Foundation builds community and grows philanthropy. We connect 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 the variety of 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.

Youth Enjoy “Pilot for a Day”

Posted: 6/7/2011

It’s not just about aviation; it’s about the imagination, spark and the look on a child’s face. Photo from California Capital Air Show

Placer County – The California Capital Airshow (CCA) and the Auburn Municipal Airport community opened its hearts, arms, and hangar doors on Saturday, May 24th, in celebration of International Learn to Fly Day. Inspired by Experimental Aircraft Association’s highly successful Young Eagles program, International Learn to Fly Day is an annual event where aviators from all across the globe share their time and passions with as many young people as possible in order to inspire the next generation to seek greatness. Statistics show that exposure to thrilling experiences, such as this event, expands a youth’s imagination and broadens their outlook on life, as well as their view of the world and its endless opportunities and possibilities.

Dozens of experienced pilots explained the basics of aerodynamics, preflight inspections of the aircraft, and identified the parts that control the airplane. Then over 200 young aviators buckled up and took to the skies for a whole new view of the earth and sky — most even got a chance to take the controls! The flight lasted approximately 20 minutes and each of the participants will remember this experience for the rest of their life.

As part of the program, each student pilot received a printed ‘Flight Briefing Package’ and a ‘Certificate of First Flight’ including the date, aircraft flown, airport identifier, and pilot’s signature. The pilots were happy to answer questions, share more about flying, and explain the many careers and educational opportunities available in aviation. In addition, pilots were on hand to discuss and identify the many different types of airplanes that were on the ground and in the air.

Hidden treasures were displayed all around the airport including colorful, unique, vintage, warbird, and experimental aircraft and everyone was welcome to explore. It was a day of family fun with inspirational, educational displays, endless aviation stories, with a BBQ rounding out the day. The event was free, open to the public and organized completely by volunteers.

“This was truly an amazing event sponsored by the CCA and several dedicated community partners. The pilots and coordinators for the event were Airshow team managers, local flight instructors, Airshow performers, and volunteers who offered their own private planes to thrill the kids,” said Darcy Brewer, executive director of the California Capital Airshow. “This was just a small, highly interactive glimpse of the big excitement to come, and the profound dedication of the people involved who organize the California Capital Airshow each September at Mather Airport. It was one of the most rewarding events that we’ve ever been involved in. It’s not just about aviation; it’s about the imagination, spark and look on each child’s face as they experienced something truly magical and beyond their wildest dreams.”

When Good People Gather, Great Things Happen for Our Community

Posted: 5/4/2011

Board members and staff from Lighthouse Counseling and Family Resource Center. Photo courtesy of Veronica Blake, CEO, Placer Community Foundation.

Placer County - Over 200 nonprofit leaders gathered at the Catta Verdera Country Club in Lincoln on Wednesday, April 27th, for a first-ever Nonprofit Leadership Summit. Hosted by the Placer Community Foundation, board members and executives from 32 nonprofit organizations that support health and human services, the environment, animals, education, community development and the arts participated.

Placer Community Foundation (PCF) hired Chuck Loring, a nationally-known consultant to share best practices in nonprofit governance and to provide a framework from which every board member can participate in keeping their organization financially sound.

“The event was clearly a force multiplier for our board,” stated Dan Noell, board member for Sierra College Foundation. “The conference delivered a crisp, clear and concise message on how to maximize the individual board talent, resources and volunteers.”

What makes nonprofit organizations unique is that, unlike businesses, they do not exist to make money for owners or investors. Instead, these groups are dedicated to a specific mission. The nonprofit sector in the United States includes more than 1.6 million organizations. About one million of them are public charities that employ over seven percent of the country's work force, close to 10 million paid workers.

In Placer County nonprofit organizations address a variety of important causes that touch all our lives, but they are struggling. Cuts in public funding are forcing them to end or drastically reduce their vital programs and services. The summit was an opportunity for board members to collectively see how their role in their organization’s long-term sustainability is more important now than ever before.

"As a long-time volunteer serving on boards of nonprofits, I learned more about leadership, nonprofit development and fundraising from PCF's Leadership Summit by speaker Chuck Loring than any other summit I have attended,” stated Jim Haagen Smit, board member for Placer Land Trust.

“This summit was an opportunity for all of us to come together around a shared interest—sustainability,” stated Larry Welch, board member for the Placer Community Foundation. “Our nonprofit sector does the work that helps keep our community healthy, inclusive, compassionate, and culturally and environmentally rich. It is the Foundation’s intent to encourage local philanthropy so they can continue their important work.”

The Placer Community Foundation was able to offer this all-day summit free of charge to all participants through the generosity of the following local sponsors:

C.F.Y. Development, Inc., Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Roseville Medical Center, Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital, Teichert Foundation, AT&T, Azevedo & Associates, Citizens Bank, Community First Bank, First 5 Placer, Five Star Bank, Gilbert & Associates, Propp Christensen Caniglia LLP, Surewest Foundation, Taco Bill, Inc., and the Placer County Employee Giving Fund—a component fund at the Placer Community Foundation.

Local nonprofit organizations that participated include:

Acres of Hope, Animal Spay & Neuter, Auburn Interfaith Food Closet, Auburn Placer Performing Arts Center, Auburn Symphony, Blue Line Gallery (Roseville Arts), Boys & Girls Club of Auburn, Child Advocates of Placer County, Full Circle Treatment Center, Golden Sierra Life Skills, Keaton Raphael Memorial, Kids First, Latino Leadership Council, Lighthouse Counseling and FRC, North Roseville Rec Center, Peace for Families, PlacerArts, Placer County Law Enforcement Chaplaincy, Placer Food Bank, PlacerGrown, Placer Land Trust, Placer Nature Center, Placer SPCA, ReDirect Nuevo Camino, Rocklin Historical Society, Seniors First, Sierra College Foundation, Sierra Foothills AIDS Foundation, Sierra Native Alliance, Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital, The Gathering Inn and Warmline Family Resource Center.

To learn more about supporting our local nonprofit organizations, go to www.placercf.org or call 530-885-4920.

"Sting" Highlights Why it’s Important to Check the License First

Suspect caught during undercover sting trying to use someone else’s license
Melanie Bedwell, CSLB Public Information Officer
Posted: 5/4/2011

Suspected unlicensed contractor arrested during CSLB undercover sting operation on April 26, 2011

Auburn - Jose German Lepe Puentes thought he was just going to give a homeowner a bid for concrete work at a house in North Auburn this week.

Instead, the 35 year-old from Elk Grove wound up with a trip to jail after posing as a licensed contractor during an undercover sting conducted by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Puentes was one of seven arrested during the operation, conducted on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 by CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) in cooperation with the Placer County Sheriff’s Department, and Placer County District Attorney’s Office. The Amador County District Attorney’s Office participated as part of a California Department of Insurance grant to prosecute workers’ compensation insurance violations in Amador, Calaveras and Placer Counties.

During the operation SWIFT investigators posed as property owners, inviting suspected illegal operators to bid on home improvement projects such as concrete, fencing, awning, and tree trimming. Six phony contractors who bid more than $500 for their jobs were arrested and received a “Notice to Appear” in court to answer misdemeanor charges of contracting without a license and using illegal advertisements.

California law requires that all home improvement projects valued at more than $500 for labor and materials be performed by a licensed contractor and that contractor license number be in all ads. Those who are not licensed may perform work valued at less than $500, but their ads must state that they are not a licensed contractor.

Puentes could face a felony charge because he not only contracted without a license, he allegedly tried to pass himself off as a licensed contractor by providing CSLB investigators with a license number issued to his supposed brother-in-law. Puentes’ vehicle was also towed.

“This sting highlights for consumers the importance of making sure they only hire licensed contractors,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. “Just because someone says they’re licensed doesn’t mean they are.” Licensed contractors are required by law to carry a plastic pocket license with them. Consumers should ask to see that, as well as a picture I.D. in order to verify that the names match.

The following suspects who received notices to appear are scheduled for arraignment on June 21, 2011, in Placer County Superior Court in Roseville (Map):

The Contractors State License Board operates under the umbrella of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. More information and publications about hiring contractors are available on the CSLB website or by calling 800-321-CSLB (2752). You can also sign up for CSLB e-mail alerts at www.cslb.ca.gov. CSLB licenses and regulates California's more than 300,000 contractors, and is regarded as one of the leading consumer protection agencies in the United States. In fiscal year 2009-10, CSLB helped recover nearly $42 million in ordered restitution for consumers.

DWR Announces Results of Final Snow Survey of 2010-2011Season

Posted: 5/4/2011

SACRAMENTO – Manual and electronic readings today show that California’s near-record snowpack is slowly melting with warming spring weather.

But snowpack water content is still ­­144 percent of the April 1 full season average.

Today's readings will help hydrologists forecast spring and summer snowmelt runoff into rivers and reservoirs. The melting snow supplies approximately one-third of the water used by Californians.

“All indications are that we’re moving toward summer with a good water supply for our farms and cities,” said DWR Director Mark Cowin. “We must be aware, however, that California can quickly turn from wet to dry, and we can’t afford to forget the lessons of conservation that we learned in the 2007-2009 drought.”

Snowpack water content is measured manually on or near the first of the month from January to May, and in real-time by electronic sensors.

Electronic readings indicate that water content in the northern mountains is ­­­159percent of the April 1 seasonal average. Electronic readings for the central Sierra show 144 percent of the April 1 average. The number for the southern Sierra is 127 percent. The statewide number is 144 percent.

The first of April is normally wnen snowpack water content is at its peak.

California's reservoirs are fed both by rain and snowpack runoff.

A majority of the state's major reservoirs are above normal storage levels for the date. Lake Oroville in Butte County, the State Water Project's principal reservoir, is 112 percent of average for the date (93 percent of its 3.5 million acre-foot capacity) Lake Shasta north of Redding, the federal Central Valley Project's largest reservoir with a capacity of 4.5 million acre-feet, is at 108 percent of average (94 percent of capacity).

DWR estimates it will be able to deliver 80 percent of requested State Water Project (SWP) water this year.

In 2010, the SWP delivered 50 percent of a requested 4,172,126 acre-feet, up from a record-low initial projection of 5 percent due to lingering effects of the 2007-2009 drought. Deliveries were 60 percent of requests in 2007, 35 percent in 2008, and 40 percent in 2009.

The last 100 percent allocation -- difficult to achieve even in wet years due to pumping restrictions to protect threatened and endangered fish -- was in 2006. The SWP delivers water to more than 25 million Californians and nearly one million acres of irrigated farmland.

Statewide snowpack readings from electronic sensors are available on the Internet at http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/snow/DLYSWEQ

Historic readings from snowpack sensors are Posted: at http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/rpts1/DLYSWEQ

Electronic reservoir level readings may be found at http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cdecapp/resapp/getResGraphsMain.action

The Department of Water Resources operates and maintains the State Water Project, provides dam safety and flood control and inspection services, assists local water districts in water management and water conservation planning,and plans for future statewide water needs.

Contact the DWR Public Affairs Office for more information about DWR's water activities.

Congressman Denham Responds To CA Gov. Brown Cancelling Plans to Build New $356 Million Condemned Inmate Housing Facility at San Quentin

Posted: 4/28/2011

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jeff Denham (CA-19), today released the following statement in response to California Governor Jerry Brown’s announcement that he is canceling plans to build a new $365 million housing facility for condemned inmates at San Quentin.

"San Quentin Prison is a prime example of how resources have been mismanaged and millions of taxpayer dollars have been wasted for numerous years. In the State Senate, I pushed to relocate death row inmates and allow for the land where San Quentin State Prison currently resides to be sold. I am glad to see that Governor Brown has made the right choice to save millions of taxpayer dollars instead of wasting money to expand upon the prison.” – Congressman Jeff Denham

As a former State Senator, Congressman Jeff Denham, has seen first-hand the costs that poor management of public buildings has on a budget. The waste is significant. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management, Denham is working to identify unused properties that could be sold to reduce the debt.

Congressman Denham is working on legislation to create a bipartisan civilian BRAC commission to reduce our federal footprint and save taxpayers billions of dollars. The independent process for identifying consolidation, realignment and disposal opportunities for federal agencies would take politics out of the process and identify real savings for taxpayers.

Governor Brown Cancels Plan to Build New $356 Million Condemned Inmate Housing Facility at San Quentin

Posted: 4/28/2011

SACRAMENTO – Acting to save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today canceled plans to build new housing for condemned inmates at San Quentin.

“At a time when children, the disabled and seniors face painful cuts to essential programs, the State of California cannot justify a massive expenditure of public dollars for the worst criminals in our state,” said Brown. “California will have to find another way to address the housing needs of condemned inmates. It would be unconscionable to earmark $356 million for a new and improved death row while making severe cuts to education and programs that serve the most vulnerable among us.”

Planning for a new condemned inmate housing facility at San Quentin was initiated in 2003, during the administration of Governor Gray Davis, and was continued by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s administration. The project was designed to house 1,152 inmates and provide for future growth of California’s condemned population. California currently has fewer than 700 inmates awaiting death sentences.

This project would have added another $356 million to the state’s debt, at an annual cost of $28.5 million in debt service that would have come out of General Fund dollars.

NID Board Updated on PG&E Canal Repair Plans

Posted: 4/28/2011

GRASS VALLEY - Directors of the Nevada Irrigation District on Wednesday (Apr. 27) received an update on the Apr. 19 failure of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Bear River Canal that has limited water flows to NID irrigation water customers in Placer County.

NID General Manager Ron Nelson said the incident is affecting deliveries of raw water to about 800 Placer County customers and that as the weather warms and demand for water increases, customers may see only 30-40 percent of the water they have ordered.

He said the district may employ rotating canal outages to keep some water flowing to customers until a temporary bypass and permanent repairs are made. He said the district will use direct mail to notify affected customers and will post information on its website at www.nidwater.com.

Nelson emphasized that no Nevada County customers would be affected and no impacts are expected for NID’s treated water users in Placer County. He urged all NID water users in Placer County to use water efficiently during the water supply shortage.

Attending the meeting was Bill Williams, PG&E’s regional generation superintendent, who said his company is a water supply partner with NID and the neighboring Placer County Water Agency, which is also impacted, and that PG&E has made the repair a top priority. “We understand the urgency. We’re moving as fast as we can,” Williams said.

The incident occurred at 1:20 a.m. on Apr. 19 when the earthen berm beneath the canal gave way and slid down a steep canyon wall above the Bear River, about a mile below Rollins Reservoir. The canal is a major supply artery for Placer County and was carrying about 400 cubic feet of water per second (cfs) when the break occurred.

Williams told the NID board that crews are still working to stabilize the site and make it safe for repair work. “It’s very unstable at both ends of the slide,” he said.

Site access and survey work are under way and test drilling should begin next week, he said. Studies are under way on a method of temporary bypass that might be used while temporary repairs are made.

Williams said the permanent fix could involve re-routing the canal back into the hillside, which may involve considerable rock excavation. In any case, he said, a permanent repair would probably not be completed until sometime this summer.

“We expect to know our options for a permanent fix by about mid-May,” he said.

Williams said “every option” for the temporary bypass is under study and that he hopes to have a plan in place within the next few weeks.

Nelson told the board that he has been pleased and impressed by PG&E’s response and commitment to a rapid solution. “PG&E has been very sensitive to the needs of the district,” Nelson said.

Entry Fees Waived for Placer County Fair Exhibitors

Posted: 4/28/2011

Whether your talent is hand-stitched quilts, plump produce, or digital photography that captures your world, there is a category for competition in the Placer County Fair. Exhibitor Handbooks are now available on-line at www.PlacerCountyFair.org, where you will also be able to submit your entry forms. There will be no fees for entering the still exhibits competition this year.

Entering your projects in the County Fair for the chance of earning a blue ribbon is an American tradition. In the early years, the men brought their animals for boasting and sales, while their wives competed with baking, preserves and sewing skills. Today both men and women enter all categories. Children are encouraged to enter also with classes designed just for them such as Lego creations, or classroom projects.

The Fair is “Goin’ Hollywood” this year so watch for categories featuring this theme and for the first time artists and photographers will have the option of selling their piece during the Fair.

Entry Forms and fees for most categories must be received by the Entry Office before 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 27, 2011. Exceptions are noted in the handbook. Submitting entry forms in advance allows building superintendents to plan for the exhibit space required. Most actual entries are not due until just prior to the Fair.

A judging and arrival schedule is also included in the handbook for both livestock and still exhibits.

The Placer County Fair is “Goin’ Hollywood” June 23-26 at the fairgrounds in Roseville. Admission is free until 3:00 pm this year. For more information about the Fair or to view the Exhibitor Handbook visit www.PlacerCountyFair.org.

NID Water Project Aids Fish Migration

Posted: 4/28/2011

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.

Placer County Youth Commission Applications Released

Posted: 4/26/2011

Do you feel like adults make decisions without asking your opinion? Do you have something you want to say? Do you want to create positive change? Are you and your friends looking for a fun and exciting way to get involved in the community? If you answered yes, the Placer County Youth Commission is looking for you!

The Youth Commission is an Advisory Board to the Placer County Board of Supervisors. The Commission also works with others in the community to create change and make Placer County the best possible place for youth.

The Commission aims to represent a wide diversity of youth – so we hope you apply!!!

Applications can be found at http://ucanr.org/pcyc/apply. Applications are due May 20, 2011

For more information visit http://ucanr.org/pcyc or contact us at placercoyouthcommission@gmail.com or (530) 889-7386.

Spring Into Safety

By Sheriff Edward N. Bonner
Posted: 4/26/2011

Law enforcement and fire agencies in the Foresthill community are keeping the “public” in public service by hosting “Spring Into Safety” next Thursday, April 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Foresthill Veteran’s Memorial Hall.

Information on “pharm” (pharmaceutical) parties for teens, cell phones and 9-1-1, defensible space, fuelwood season, Foresthill traffic issues, and an explanation of the new Motor Use Vehicle maps will be provided.

Representatives from the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Foresthill and Iowa Hill Fire Protection Districts, California Highway Patrol, US Forest Service, and California Department of Fish and Game will be conducting presentations and providing a variety of safety literature for reference.

Rescue vehicles and special equipment will be on display outside of the Memorial Hall beginning at 6:00 p.m. Child care for kids over the age of five will be available on-site, by prior appointment only. Each family in attendance will receive a prize ticket entering them in a free drawing to win a ride in a sheriff or fire vehicle and to be taken out for dessert with a public safety representative. Light refreshments will also be provided.

For more information, and child care reservations, please call Community Services Officer Amanda Rogers at (530) 889-6922

State Water Project Allocation Increased to 80 Percent

Posted: 4/20/2011

SACRAMENTO -- The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today , April 20th, increased the 2011 State Water Project (SWP) water allocation to 80 percent of contractors’ requests, up 30 percent from last year’s final allocation.

“This is very good news,” said DWR Director Mark Cowin. “Near-record precipitation and water content in our mountain snowpack have given us a good supply year. We should not forget, however, that this state can slip back toward drought conditions any given year and conservation needs to be a lifelong habit.”

This year’s allocation is 3,337,701 acre-feet. In 2010, the State Water Project delivered 2.086,000 acre-feet, 50 percent of a requested 4,172,126 acre-feet, up from a record-low initial projection of 5 percent due to lingering effects of the 2007-2009 drought.

Many local agencies are taking steps to improve their ability to store water during wet periods. This year serves as an example of how enhanced local groundwater and surface water storage could allow for additional deliveries during short term high flow conditions and thereby improve local water supply reliability.

Precipitation to date is over 116 percent of average for the water year (October 1-September 30). Runoff into streams and reservoirs is 165 percent of average.

Statewide, snowpack water content is 167 percent of average for the date and 152 percent of the average, April 1 seasonal total. Most of California’s major reservoirs are above average levels for the date despite making flood control releases to make room for inflow from melting snow this spring and summer.

Lake Oroville in Butte County, the State Water Project's principal reservoir with a capacity of 3.5 million acre-feet, is at 109 percent of normal storage for the date. It currently is holding 3,126,941 acre-feet, 88 percent of its capacity. Lake Shasta north of Redding, the federal Central Valley Project's largest reservoir with a capacity of 4.5 million acre feet, is at 103 percent of normal storage for the date, also at 88 percent of its capacity.

The State Water Project delivers water to more than 25 million Californians and nearly a million acres of farmland.

Projections of SWP deliveries are adjusted through the winter and early spring as hydrologic conditions develop. DWR is conservative in its projections since farmers and others can suffer if expected amounts cannot be delivered.

DWR's first estimate for 2011 was that it would be able to deliver 25 percent of requests.

SWP deliveries were 60 percent of requests in 2007, 35 percent in 2008, and 40 percent in 2009.

The last 100 percent allocation – difficult to achieve even in wet years because of pumping restrictions to protect threatened and endangered fish – was in 2006.

The Department of Water Resources operates and maintains the State Water Project, provides dam safety and flood control and inspection services, assists local water districts in water management and water conservation planning, and plans for future statewide water needs. Contact the DWR Public Affairs Office for more information about DWR's water activities.

Community 1st Bank Names New VP of Business

Posted: 4/20/2011

Gretchen Eischen, the new Vice President/ Business Development Officer for Community 1st Bank.

Auburn – Gretchen Eischen has been named Vice President/ Business Development Officer for Community 1st Bank. She will develop and manage consumer and business relationships.

Eischen has more than three decades of experience as a specialist in business banking and is highly respected in the industry throughout the Sacramento region and Placer County.

Community 1st Bank has branches in downtown Auburn, 649 Lincoln Way, and in Roseville at 2250 Douglas Boulevard.

“I’m extremely excited about joining the team at Community 1st Bank,” Eischen said. “Top to bottom, the Bank has a very high level of experienced people. Our management team is exceptional in all areas – lending, business development, and personal banking. We have a very strong culture and a real commitment to our clients and the communities we serve.”

As a Business Development Officer, Eischen will use her knowledge, experience and business acumen to find the appropriate products and solutions that are the “right fit” for a company’s needs. She says one of her biggest roles is being an “advocate for the client.”

Eischen has considerable experience as a Vice President/ Business Development Officer. She held that same position for the previous five years with North Valley Bank in Roseville and from 2001-2006 at Calnet Business Bank in Sacramento.

“Community 1st Bank takes great pride in developing and managing consumer and business relationships. We’re elated to have Gretchen, with her depth of experience and knowledge, on our team,” said Mark A. Lund, Community 1st Bank’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “She is the ideal person for this position.”

For much of her 31 years in the industry, Eischen has worked at community banks. She enjoys the deep commitment a community bank can provide its customers, the personal level of service that is offered, and being able to share in the success of the businesses she represents.

Eischen also has a deep commitment to community service. She has been a longtime volunteer for the St. John’s Shelter for Women in Sacramento and a member of the Rotary Club of Sacramento. Eischen is also a member of the Roseville Chamber of Commerce and is currently enrolled in the chamber’s Leadership Roseville program.

For more information on Community 1st Bank, visit www.community1bank.com or call its Auburn downtown branch at 530-863-4800 or its Roseville location at 916-724-2424.

County Sheriff Honors Dispatchers

From the Office of Sheriff Edward N. Bonner
Posted: 4/20/2011

Kelley Rogers

Placer County – Two Placer County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers were given top honors by their peers in recognition of National Telecommunicators Week, celebrated this year from April 10 to April 16.

Rachelle Youngman was selected as 2011’s dispatcher of the year for the second year running. Nominations for the honor were solicited department-wide. Rachelle has been a dispatcher with Placer County since 2007.

Kelley Rogers was selected by her peers as shift partner of the year. Kelley, a 5-year veteran, was selected for her “positive attitude, being a team player, being flexible, and an overall joy to work with.”

“We are very proud to have both of these professionals working with us,” said Sheriff Ed Bonner. “Rachelle continuously exceeds expectations in the performance of her duties. Field Operations staff appreciates her calm demeanor, which in turn helps to keep them calm in stressful situations. Kelley is the first to answer a ringing phone; she volunteers to help her coworkers and gets things done without being asked. She can be relied upon to help the team work well together when critical incidents occur.”

Rachelle Youngman

In times of personal crisis and community-wide disasters, the first access point for those seeking emergency services and homeland security information is 9-1-1. The local and county public safety communications centers that receive these calls have emerged as the first and single point of contact for persons seeking immediate relief during an emergency as well as those seeking to report suspicious behaviors, unusual incidents and responding to the now common plea for citizen vigilance and attention in the wake of homeland security concerns nationwide.

Placer County Sheriff’s 9-1-1 dispatch center joins the numerous law enforcement and fire department communication centers in celebrating the second full week of April (April 10-16, 2011) as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. This week, celebrated annually, honors the thousands of men and women who respond to emergency calls, dispatch emergency professionals and equipment, and render life-saving assistance to the citizens of the United States.

Businessman who Terrorized Two People in Placer Gets Five-Year Prison Sentence

From the Office of Placer County District Attorney
Posted: 4/20/2011

Udi Fishman, 60, a Los Gatos businessman, was convicted of first-degree residential burglary and various felony crimes.

A Los Gatos businessman’s elaborate plot to seek revenge over a perceived wrongdoing by a contractor who built a retaining wall for him has landed him in prison for five years.

Udi Fishman, 60, a mechanical engineer and rental property owner, disguised himself as a PG&E worker, drove to the Placer County home of the contractor and used bear spray on the man’s wife and her brother-in-law. He then physically fought with the brother-in-law before being stabbed with a knife by the female victim.

“This was a violent incident,” said Supervising Deputy District Attorney Garen Horst, who prosecuted Fishman. “He invaded a home and attacked people. The crime had a high degree of planning.”

Imposing the five-year prison sentence last Friday was Placer County Superior Court Judge James D. Garbolino, who denied Fishman’s request to be placed on probation rather than be sent to prison.

He noted that more than 30 people attended the sentencing to support Fishman and that the court received more than 60 letters on his behalf.

But in the end, Garbolino concluded that a prison term was merited.

“This was a very serious crime,” he said.

The incident involving Fishman occurred Sept. 16, 2009. Posing as a PG&E worker and driving a borrowed van with magnetic signs on the side to falsely identify it as a PG&E vehicle, Fishman approached the front door of the Auburn-area home belonging to Juan Trejo, who had done construction work for him in the past but who wasn’t home that day.

When Trejo’s wife was at the door, Fishman sprayed her with powerful bear spray, causing her to become disoriented and barely able to see. He forced his way into the home where he encountered the woman’s brother-in-law.

He sprayed the man in the chest with the bear spray and the two men began fighting before Trejo’s wife went to the kitchen for a knife and stabbed him several times, injuring Fishman and ending his attack. The woman then ran outside and drove away in Fishman’s van to seek help.

In the van were items that indicated a sinister scheme, according to prosecutor Horst.

These included rolls of twine, a homemade billy club, a roofing hammer with a sharpened edge, a large sheet of plastic, a blanket, a large flat piece of cardboard, duct tape, a fake mustache, makeup and numerous maps of foothills areas in Placer and other counties.

In Fishman’s tool box in the van were the vehicle’s regular license plates. On the outside of the van, stolen license plates were discovered on the front and back ends.

In addition to the bear spray, on Fishman’s person during the attack were a canister of pepper spray, a pocket knife, a stun gun and more twine. The victims testified that he arrived at the home wearing a dark wig, a hat, dark glasses and a reflective vest. The items were found strewn in the house after the attack.

Fishman was convicted by a trial jury on Feb. 1 of first-degree residential burglary with a finding by the jury that people were present in the home during the commission of the crime.

He was also convicted of attempted false imprisonment, possession of a deadly weapon – the billy club – and two counts of illegal use of tear gas. All are felony crimes.

Fishman was acquitted by the jury of attempted murder and attempted kidnapping.

At sentencing, Fishman’s wife, two stepdaughters and several friends spoke to the judge, telling him about the defendant’s kind and caring nature and saying that a prison term for him would jeopardize his businesses and ability to support the family.

Fishman also spoke, asking for leniency and saying he had no intention of harming anyone when he went to Trejo’s home in the 2009 incident.

“I came to the house uninvited and put them under stress,” he said. “I take full responsibility for my actions.”

Juan Trejo also spoke to the court. He said his family was “devastated” by the incident.

“He was fully armed to carry out a crime against my wife,” he said. “Had my brother-in-law not been home, my wife would probably not be with us.”

He said Fishman needed to be locked up — “not out on the street believing he is above the law.”

Trejo’s wife did not attend the sentencing, but she provided a written statement.

She wrote that she once considered her home a safe haven but that now it is the place where she was “brutally victimized.”

She wrote that she has gone from a confident and independent person to one who is now “anxious, hypervigilant and dependent on people to be at my side.”

“My sense of security has been shattered,” she wrote.

Garbolino said the decision to send the defendant, who had no criminal record, to a state prison was a difficult one because of the impact it would have on his family and his businesses.

But he could not overlook that Fishman had made preparations for the crime, caused bodily harm and carried weapons to the scene.

“Certainly, this is a huge fall for him,” the judge said.

Victory for Small Business

Congress Passes Form 1099 Repeal
From NFIB
Posted: 4/14/2011

Small business owners can smile and relax at the defeat of the unpopular 1099 mandate. It was time to see it go.

In a win for small businesses, the Senate today (April 5th) passed a bill to repeal the onerous IRS Form 1099 reporting requirement. The same bill was passed in the House earlier in March, and the measure now awaits action by President Obama, who has shown support for repeal. The National Federation of Independent Business led the repeal effort on behalf of over 350,000 member businesses.

“Small businesses have been struggling to come up with a way to account for this burdensome tax reporting mandate, and it has been the top priority of NFIB to see it repealed,” said John Kabateck, NFIB/California Executive Direc-tor. “NFIB and its members are glad to finally see this ill-conceived rule removed from the books by Congress.”

The Senate repeal bill mirrors legislation which passed in the House of Representatives on March 3 to repeal the 1099 tax reporting rule, H.R. 4. Congressman Dan Lungren was instrumental in the bill’s passage last month.

“NFIB thanks Congressman Lungren for bringing this repeal first to the House floor for a vote,” added Kabateck. “No other rule or regulation has been as widely unpopular as the 1099 mandate, and it was past time to see it go.”

The 1099 tax reporting rule was included in the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act last year. Almost immediately after it was put into law, it was criticized by lawmaker from both parties in both chambers of Congress and the White House as being an over-burdensome paperwork mandate placed on small businesses.

It would have required small businesses to file Form 1099 for every business-to-business transaction totaling over $600. The requirement, intended to capture lost tax revenue, would have placed the burdensome requirement on small businesses of not only reporting on their own income, but also the income of their vendors.

NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activists sends their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information about NFIB is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom.

Tea Party Patriots Holds Rally April 16th

Posted: 4/14/2011

Last Year's Rally
Photo Credit: David Rowen

Sacramento – Join Tea Party Patriots at Cal Expo Sacramento, on April 16th, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. They will be honoring our veterans and hard-working American people as they come together to celebrate our country’s heritage. They are planning a pre-concert rally with Jeremy Hoop singing the Tea Party Patriot song, Rise Up. This will be followed by a Freedom Riders entrance, a 10-cannon salute, a parachutist falling from the sky with a 30-foot American flag. Many educational and informative displays will be available for the public. There will be a number of special guests speaking on issues concerning our countries future.

Speakers will include; Brent Bozell from Media Research Center and a Fox News Contributor, Congressman Tom McClintock, Brad Dacus of the Pacific Justice Institute, Constitutional Scholar, Bill Norton, Mark Meckler, LastCo-founder Tea Party Patriots, Jon Coupal of the Howard Jarvis Tax Payers Association, Sam Parades of the California Gun Owners Association, Hugh Hewitt, Radio Talk Show Host and Jack Armstrong, Armstrong & Getty Radio Show.

Patriots’ Day – April 19 – To Be Celebrated in Downtown Auburn

Posted: 4/12/2011

AUBURN, CA - It’s a state holiday in Massachusetts and Maine and is widely celebrated in many other states and cities in the eastern United States, but Patriots’ Day goes unnoticed in California. That will change on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 when the local chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will mark Patriots’ Day at Central Square in downtown Auburn.

Patriots’ Day commemorates the first battles of the American Revolution, which took place in Lexington and Concord, MA on April 19, 1775. The “shot heard round the world” on Lexington Green that day, and subsequent battles at Concord Bridge and on “Battle Road” leading back to Boston, took place 15 months prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“Without Lexington and Concord the United States as we know it today might not exist,” said Dave Gilliard, President of the Gold Country Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. “The American patriots who battled the British Army on April 19, 1775 changed the world forever and their heroic actions deserve to be recognized.”

Gold Country SAR members and associates, in historically accurate uniforms and costumes, will display a collection of Revolutionary War flags and answer questions from the public between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM on Tuesday, April 19. The event will be held at the new flag pole in Central Square, corner of Lincoln Way and High Street in Auburn.

The Sons of the American Revolution are lineal descendants of an ancestor who rendered active service in the cause of American Independence, either as an office, soldier, seaman, marine, militiaman or minuteman, in the armed forces of the Continental Congress, of any one of the several Colonies or States, as a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a member of a Committee of Safety or Correspondence, as a member of any Continental, Provincial, or Colonial Congress or Legislature or as a recognized patriot. The Gold Country Chapter of the SAR was founded in 1924 in Auburn, CA. For more information, please visit www.GoldCountrySAR.com.

GAS STILL CLIMBING AS SUMMER APPROACHES

State Average at $4.17 Per Gallon; Up 26 Cents from Last Month, Says AAA
Posted: 4/12/2011

Northern California, April 12, 2011 – Even in the face of eroding demand for gasoline nationwide, all of the metro areas tracked by AAA Northern California have climbed past the $4 per gallon mark for regular, unleaded. California now has the second highest state average gas price among all 50 states.

According to AAA, which tracks gas prices as a service to consumers, every Northern California metro area tracked by the organization saw an increase of at least 24 cents at the pump over the past month. The Golden State’s average for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline is $4.17, up 26 cents since last month’s report on March 8. For perspective, that’s $1.06 higher than California’s average price on this date last year.

Northern California gas prices are now averaging $4.17, up 27 cents from last month. In the San Francisco Bay Area, motorists can expect to pay an average price of $4.22, which is a 26-cent increase. The national average price of $3.79 is up by 27 cents, which is 93 cents more than the national price on this date last year, when it was $2.86.

“Investors continue to be the largest force driving the market price for oil. Instability in the Middle East and North Africa still has them concerned about the world’s supply of crude, which has helped to keep oil prices on the rise,” explained AAA Northern California spokesperson Matt Skryja. “Domestically, weakness in the U.S. dollar has also contributed to rising crude prices. When the dollar weakens, investors, including those holding foreign currencies, are more likely to invest in U.S. commodities, including crude, which pressures the prices upward.”

For the second week in a row, demand for gasoline has dropped across the United States. However, this has not had a huge impact on prices at the pump, given the global nature of the crude oil market. With violence continuing in Libya, as well as concern about unrest in Syria and Yemen, crude oil prices saw sustained upward momentum throughout last week because of investors’ concern over impacts to the world’s supply. Investors are currently betting that oil prices will move higher. This was reflected by a huge jump recently in the amount of money going into crude oil futures. The current rate is about ten times the amount of speculative dollars that were in crude products on exchanges in 2003. This illustrates that speculation is currently one of the primary drivers of crude oil prices.

The least expensive average price in Northern California can be found in Marysville, where regular is $4.09. Of all the metro areas in Northern California where gas prices are tracked by AAA, Eureka’s average price of $4.34 is the highest. It’s also the highest price reported by AAA in the lower 48 states. The least expensive gasoline in the country is found in Casper, Wyoming, where for the second consecutive month the average price of gas is $3.37. Wailuku, Hawaii, holds the dubious crown for the highest average price in the nation, at $4.76 per gallon.

Why Credit Access is Critical to the Economic Recovery

By Steve Caldeira and Chad Moutray
Posted: 4/12/2011

Most Americans understand that small businesses -- not massive corporations -- generate most new U.S. jobs. And when these enterprises hurt, they likewise lose jobs in similar proportions.

As influential financial analyst Meredith Whitney observed last May, "Small businesses created 64 percent of new jobs over the past 15 years, but they have cut five million jobs since the onset of this credit crisis. Large businesses, by comparison, have shed three million jobs in the past two years."

Like Whitney, the National Small Business Association believes the situation is dire. NSBA's 2010 Year-End Economic Report found that "fully one-third (36 percent) -- which translates into more than 10 million -- of the nation's small businesses are not able to get adequate financing." Consequently, the NSBA added, "small-business owners continue to be financially stymied and unable to grow their business, thereby restricting their ability to create jobs."

The Milken Institute's Managing Economist, Kevin Klowden, on March 21 lamented "the bleakest hiring outlook since early 2008."

While the entire small-business sector gasps for credit -- the oxygen of free enterprise -- the situation is both troubling and promising for franchisees. Essentially, these are small businesses that compose much larger companies.

Consider 7-Eleven. Franchisees run some 5,000 of the company's 6,100 U.S. outlets. They, in turn, are part of a worldwide, 36,000-store network that produced $58.9 billion in sales in 2009.

Small business franchises face many of the same headaches as other small companies, but they also potentially could catalyze job creation and the economic recovery when America needs them most.

From 2001 to 2005, before the Great Recession began, franchised small businesses populated one of America's most rapidly growing sectors. Their direct economic output expanded by more than 40 percent versus only 26 percent for other businesses. In those years, the franchising industry created jobs at more than three times the rate of other non-franchised business segments. All told, more than 825,000 franchise small businesses in 300 different industrial sectors yielded $2.1 trillion (with a T) in direct and indirect economic output. Franchisees also created one of every eight non-farm, private-sector jobs in America.

This solid record shows that, with sufficient access to capital and a stable public-policy and regulatory environment, franchised small business can be a job-creating locomotive that pulls the rest of the economy forward.

But, once again, the recurring problem is a lack of coal to shovel into that mighty engine's boiler. In a recent survey, fully 55 percent of the International Franchise Association's members called themselves "moderately" or "significantly" affected by tight credit. This stunts their growth. While 2011's stronger overall economic outlook encourages franchisors and franchisees, a lingering lack of credit sinks their spirits and smothers a broader recovery.

For their part, lenders have their own cows on the tracks. Banks face sharp declines in the value of their borrowers' collateral. A much more rigid regulatory environment has bankers looking over their shoulders like never before. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate has hovered near 10 percent, limiting the income that the jobless otherwise would deposit in banks and lowering their demand for lucrative banking services. Many banks' business customers have watched sales volumes slide, forcing them to live with lower profits, if any.

The Obama Administration, to its credit, recognizes the importance of credit for small firms. Thus, Small Business Administration chief Karen Mills has worked to raise federal guarantees on SBA loans to 90 percent. She has reduced or eliminated fees on such loans and lifted the maximum amount that a business may borrow from $2 million to $5 million. Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury has shown a flash of creativity with a new plan to spur state-level lending to small businesses.

To find even more solutions to these problems, the International Franchise Association, in cooperation with the National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders, the Consumer Bankers Association, the National Restaurant Association, and other leaders from the financial and small business communities recently convened at a Small Business Lending Summit in Washington, D.C.

Participants -- including entrepreneurs, financiers, and regulators -- discussed the establishment of a franchise registry that would streamline loan approvals and provide a pipeline of qualified borrowers, eager to be financed.

All of us - including franchisees, franchisors, lenders, policymakers, and taxpayers - have a stake in igniting the economy by giving entrepreneurs the tools to create jobs and grow. Small business franchising can contribute the missing spark.

Steve Caldeira is the president and CEO of the International Franchise Association (IFA). Chad Moutray, a former chief economist of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy, serves as a senior advisor to the IFA.

A Community Call to Action

Stamping Out Older Adult Hunger
From Seniors First, Inc.
Posted: 3/15/2011

Senior Nurtition receives a Donation from Supervisor Montgomery and City Councilman Holmes.

Placer County - Two local elected officials are issuing a community call to action to help combat hunger among older adults in Placer County.

In an effort to raise awareness and inspire community giving, Placer County Supervisor Jennifer Montgomery recently donated $5,000 from her District 5 Revenue Sharing Fund to the cause, and City Councilman Mike Holmes, a member of the Rotary Club of Auburn, matched a $500 donation from the club.

Other recent donations include a generous gift of $10,000 from the Wells Fargo Foundation and $1,000 raised by the Auburn California Area Council of Beta Sigma Phi at a recent social and silent auction.

In their call for community action, Supervisor Montgomery and Councilman Holmes emphasized that Seniors First and the Senior Nutrition Program currently face sizeable funding challenges, and their future ability to continue services is uncertain without sustained assistance from the community.

Seniors First’s fund-development staff is continually exploring new funding sources while fully utilizing in-place funding in the most fiscally responsible manner possible.

The two elected officials emphasized that, in this current economic climate, it is going to take a long-term cooperative effort by the residents of Placer County to help the Senior Nutrition Program continue feeding seniors who rely on its meals every day.

Nationwide, hunger among older Americans has reached a critical level. Every night, an estimated 51 million people in the United States go to bed hungry. Among them are approximately 6 million older adults who are unable to purchase or prepare nutritious meals.

Locally, some citizens are leading by example.

A good example is three people who came to the aid of a 90-year-old Loomis resident who no longer drives. He had been driving himself to the nearest Senior Café in Auburn for many years to enjoy the social atmosphere and nutritional meals provided by Seniors First. After he gave up driving, participating in the organization’s Home Delivered Meals Program was not an option because it currently is at capacity.

Two members of the Loomis man’s church congregation heard about his situation and volunteered to forfeit their coffee breaks to drive him to the café and give up lunch breaks to take him back home. Unfortunately, they are only available three days a week. Luckily, an 84-year-old Colfax resident who drives himself to the Auburn Café volunteered to pick up and drop off the Loomis resident the other two days.

“While many local seniors are fortunate enough to receive the support of friends, neighbors, and family members, a particularly large portion of our elderly rely on the Senior Nutrition Program for their only daily contact,” said Candace Roeder, Executive Director for Seniors First. “A lot of our Home Delivered Meals participants will meet the volunteer delivery driver at their doors. They just want someone to talk to.”

She emphasized that the latter program also allows Seniors First to check on the well-being of socially isolated, homebound seniors.

Roeder reported that, “without collaborative funding support from community leaders and citizens, Seniors First will be forced to choose between limiting the number of meals delivered each week and drastically cutting back on the number of participants currently benefitting from this vital assistance.”

Approximately 300 people participate in the Seniors First Senior Nutrition Program daily for a total of 75,000 meals served annually.

“A person who donates $100 would be providing 12 meals for a senior,” Roeder said. “And the meals our professional kitchen staff prepares are not just nutritionally balanced, they are delicious.”

The Senior Nutrition Program currently has over 50 seniors on a waiting list. They either have no way to get to one of the Senior Cafés or are unable to prepare meals in their homes.

The Senior Café and Home Delivered Meals Programs provide hot, noon-time meals Mondays through Fridays. A donation of only $3 is suggested to offset some of the costs to prepare, serve and deliver meals.

While numerous counties now deliver five frozen meals once a week, Seniors First is fighting hard to maintain its long-established practice of delivering hot, nutritionally balanced meals daily.

Roeder noted that there are many opportunities for community members to help, such as donating financially or volunteering to give up coffee breaks to make sure seniors can attend one of the organization’s nine Senior Cafés. “What we need at this point is the commitment of sustained funding. That might be a recurring (monthly, quarterly, annual) donation. Another way to support this much needed program would be for service clubs to commit to host an annual fundraiser.”

“The bottom line,” according to Roeder, “is Seniors First can no longer shoulder the financial responsibility of this program alone. We need the assistance of our community if we are to sustain this program. We need to come together as one to feed those individuals who, for a variety of reasons, cannot feed themselves.”

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