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Headline News 610 Jobs Lost with Closure of Sierra Pacific Industries Opened in 1900, the Sierra Pacific Industries’ sawmill in Camino will close its doors today. Over 610 jobs – 160 mill workers and 450 workers whose jobs depend on the mill’s operation - will be gone. “Today (June 11th) is a sad day for El Dorado County. The closing of Sierra Pacific’s mill is a great loss to the entire community,” said Senator Dave Cox who represents El Dorado County in the Legislature. [More] 27-Years-To-Life DUI Conviction Upheld for Lincoln Man A state appellate court has upheld a 27-years-to-life state prison sentence for a Lincoln man who was convicted by a Placer County jury in 2008 of driving under the influence. Jeffrey Charles Wren, 38, had appealed the sentence, contending that one of two previous strikes in his criminal record should be stricken and that the lengthy prison sentence was unconstitutional because it represented cruel and unusual punishment for a drunken driving offense. [More] WJU Potential Elimination of Cal Grants Hits Close to Home ROCKLIN – It’s an exciting time of year, summer is almost here, school is out and graduates are celebrating. Or are they? Many graduates are excited about graduation but uneasy about their future plans, especially those that involve attending college. With the Governor’s May revision proposal to modify the 2009-10 State budget and eliminate funds for new Cal Grant applicants, first time college bound students are preparing for detours along the road to higher education. [More] Loomis Local Business Owner highlighted on National Magazine Cover. Loomis, California, June 12, 2009 - The garden center dining trend is blooming in Downtown Loomis. High Hand Nursery & Conservatory will be featured on the cover of Lawn and Garden Retailer July Issue covering this very topic. The simple joy of dining at High Hand Nursery & Conservatory is at it's best. Surrounded with beautiful flowers and containers it is perfect for cultivating good times. A fresh lunch in the garden, enjoying homegrown produce and herbs from High Hand's own garden is a flavorful reward to share with family and friends. To be frank, an edible & visual paradise. [More] Assembly Bill 1066 to help California Timber Industry SACRAMENTO –Assembly Bill 1066, co-authored by Assemblyman Ted Gaines, R-Roseville, passed the Assembly today, (June 4) helping reduce timber industry regulations and save jobs in El Dorado County and statewide. Assembly Bill 1066, authored by Tony Mendoza, D-Artesia, extends harvesting permits from three years to ten years, allowing landowners more flexibility to take advantage of stronger markets when they occur. [More] “Voters Send a Strong and Clear Message” SACRAMENTO: Senator Sam Aanestad (R-Grass Valley) is not surprised by the defeat of five budget-related propositions at the polls, and predicted as much last February when the State Legislature voted to put the measures on the ballot to begin with. The North State leader says the results clearly show that voters are angry and they are sick and tired of a State Legislature that spends more than it has. “I think the message is pretty clear,” said Senator Aanestad. “Voters are basically telling the Legislature to do the job that they were elected to do in the first place. I’m hoping the Majority Party gets this message as well, because I’m just as fed up and angry as California voters are.” [More] Rocklin Area Chamber is Seeking People to Shape the City’s Future The Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for individuals ready to become the next leaders of the community. The Chamber is now accepting application for its 2009-2010 Leadership Rocklin class. Since its establishment in 2003, Leadership Rocklin has produced many graduates who have emerged as leaders in the community. Through the program, they have been given the skills to give back to the community by holding leadership positions. [More] IRS Offers Tax Credit Guidance to Business Hiring Unemployed Veterans and Certain Youth Sacramento – Businesses planning to claim the newly-expanded work opportunity tax credit (WOTC) for eligible unemployed veterans and unskilled younger workers hired during the first part of 2009 have until Aug. 17 to request the certification required for these workers, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Newly-revised Form 8850, now available on IRS.gov, is used by employers to request certification from their state workforce agency. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, enacted in February, added unemployed veterans returning to civilian life and “disconnected youth” to the list of groups covered by the credit. Though eligible unemployed veterans and disconnected youth who begin work anytime during 2009 or 2010 may qualify a business for the credit, certification by the state workforce agency is required. [More] Sierra College Wolverine Athletic Association is looking for Athletic Hall of Fame Nominations for the Class of 2010 ROCKLIN - The Sierra College Wolverine Athletic Association (WAA) is accepting nominations for its Class of 2010 Hall of Fame to honor its former and current athletes, coaches, and community members. How’s your memory? Over Sierra’s long history there have been many who have contributed to its tradition of athletic success. The WAA is continuing to gather history from Sierra College alumni and community members. That is where you come in. Is there a Sierra College athlete you’d like to nominate for the Hall of Fame? Or perhaps a team or a coach you feel deserves special recognition? Do you have a great story to tell about a Sierra College athlete? The WWA needs your memories, your resources, but most of all, your enthusiasm. [More] Sutter Roseville Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary of Prostate Seed Program Roseville - When the prostate seed program launched at Sutter Roseville Medical Center in April 1999, the goal was to provide prostate cancer patients who met the criteria with an alternative to radical prostatectomy or external beam radiation therapy – two of the more traditional treatment methods at the time. Fast forward 10 years later and the program has developed into one of the most robust programs in the area. “We are quite proud of how this program has grown to complement the other prostate cancer services offered at Sutter Roseville,” said Seth Rosenthal, M.D., FACR, radiation oncologist who co-directs the prostate seed program with urologist Abdo Faddoul, M.D. “This is just another example of how we are able to provide our patients with several different treatment options.” [More] Rocklin / Roseville to Host Annual Multiple Sclerosis Walk Roseville, CA- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Northern California Chapter will hold its annual Walk MS fundraiser in on Saturday, April 25th at Adventure Christian Church in Roseville . Walk MS has $1.75 million fundraising goal across 11 Northern California sites to support the fight against multiple sclerosis – an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Walk MS participants will enjoy a 5K walk through the lovely neighborhood streets around Adventure Christian Church. Walkers will be greeted at the finish line with a free lunch and festive entertainment. Funds raised will go towards critical research and programs for the 20,000 Northern Californians living with MS. [More] Roseville Electric’s Rate Adjustment Effective July 1 To quickly respond to hydroelectric conditions, Roseville Electric customers may see a new variable rate on their bills beginning July 1. The Roseville City Council unanimously voted on March 18 to: 1) Implement the hydroelectric charge, 2) Lower the minimum balance of the Rate Stabilization Fund , 3) Change the Climate Change Mitigation Fee to one that is consumption based, 4) Exempt Green Roseville customers from the Climate Change Mitigation Fee.The hydroelectric adjustment is necessary to fund the purchase of electricity that was not provided from our hydroelectric resources because there is not enough water. [More] Scholarship Program To Aid Laid-Off Workers Launched By Drexel University’s Sacramento Graduate Center SACRAMENTO – With unemployment continuing to rise in the Greater Sacramento area, the Drexel University Center for Graduate Studies in Sacramento announced today it will cut tuition in half for students starting their graduate programs in September who have been laid off and unable to find a new job. Drexel’s program, called “Bridge to the Future,” is intended to help the region’s talent prepare for the economic rebound, as they will be receiving their degrees approximately at the same time as economic forecasts are projecting the surge to return. [More] William Jessup University Offers $2,000 Grants to Community College Students ROCKLIN, Calif. – Community college students looking to transfer to a four-year college will receive a generous head start on tuition payments by attending William Jessup University. The only private, four-year university whose campus is in the Greater Sacramento area, William Jessup is offering a $2,000 grant ($1,000 per semester) to any community college student coming directly to Jessup with 24 or more transferable credits. [More] Sierra College Wins $500,000 Grant to Attract Students to Technical Careers In today’s economic downturn, skilled workers are fundamental to economic recovery. Sierra College received a $500,000 grant from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office that will support the region’s long-term economic viability through career technical education (CTE). From middle school to college, students must be equipped with technical skills to meet the future needs of emerging industries. The grant aligns education with business to develop relevant hands-on learning models, merge academics with technical education and fill the pipeline of future workers with those who are qualified to fill highly-paid, in-demand technical positions. [More] Governor Schwarzenegger Launches Website to Increase Government Transparency Continuing his commitment to making government more transparent to the people of California, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today launched www.reportingtransparency.ca.gov. This Web site makes publicly available the Statement of Economic Interests, Form 700, and the Travel Expense claims for the Governor's Office Senior Staff and Deputies, Agency Secretaries, Agency Undersecretaries and Department Directors. [More] Career Options Abound at Sacramento Expo SACRAMENTO – Sacramento’s Career Expo offers a variety of enticing options to explore for anyone looking for a new career direction. It features employers actively hiring, business and franchise opportunities, and educational and job training programs. The Career Expo is coming to the Sacramento Convention Center on Tuesday, April 21st, from noon-4pm. [More] Senator Dave Cox Issues Statement Regarding Recent Job Losses at Sierra Pacific Industries Senator Dave Cox whose district covers the Northeastern part of the state issued the following statement after Sierra Pacific Industries announced the closures of sawmills in Camino, Sonora and Quincy: “The closure of these sawmills is devastating to the workers and the families who depend on these jobs,” said Senator Dave Cox. “It is especially disheartening to know that these closures account for almost half of the jobs in each of the local communities.” [More] Go “Back to the Future” with the Centennial Time Capsule Roseville’s Centennial Celebration in 2009 brings with it a number of community events. And don’t miss your chance to go back to the future as we unearth our 75th Anniversary time capsule, and see what’s inside, at the City’s 100th birthday party. We will also bury a Centennial Time Capsule at the event. [More] William Jessup University Announces Decrease in Tuition For 2009-2010 Academic Year ROCKLIN, Calif. – William Jessup University today announced it will decrease tuition by 2.5 percent for full-time undergraduate students for the 2009-2010 academic year and will expand scholarship programs for low-income students. The drop in tuition is believed to be the first in the university’s 70-year history. [More] Sacramento Hospice Consortium Seeks Volunteers to Care for Terminally Ill Patients SACRAMENTO: Life prepares few of us for death. That is why hospice volunteers as members of a Team of trained professionals play an important role in providing care, companionship and support to terminally ill patients and their families. The Sacramento Hospice Consortium is offering training classes beginning March 6 and April 3 in Sacramento for people interested in becoming hospice volunteers. [More] Big Budget Cuts Ahead for Placer County? Declining national and state economies with a related drop in local revenues have forced the Placer County Board of Supervisors to weigh additional cost-cutting measures for this fiscal year as well as set the groundwork for the 2009-10 fiscal year. The county’s 2008-09 fiscal year .budget, which was balanced when approved on September 9, now faces approximately an $8 million shortfall. This has occurred because of a sharp decline in actual and projected revenues, particularly property and sales taxes. Additionally, the Governor’s proposed budget includes further reducing local criminal justice funding of yet another $1 million. [More] Aanestad Wins Appointment to Coveted Senate Committee SACRAMENTO: Senator Sam Aanestad (R-Grass Valley) has been elected to serve as Vice-Chairman of the influential Senate Rules Committee, the most powerful policy and fiscal committee in the State Senate. The Rules Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving or rejecting the hundreds of key gubernatorial appointments before the appointments are voted on by the full Senate. The Committee also has jurisdiction over proposed amendments and rules that govern the State Senate body and all other matters relating to the business of the State Legislature. [More] Sacramento International Airport Ready for Holiday Travelers SACRAMENTO, November 21, 2008 - Sacramento International Airport is ready for the busiest travel week of the year: Thanksgiving week. The latest projections show that Wednesday will be the busiest day of the week, with approximately 34,000 passengers expected. "The Thanksgiving holiday historically brings all Americans together," said Hardy Acree, Sacramento County Airport System Director of Airports, "As we all travel to our destinations together, it is important to keep things such as allowing ample time to navigate lines." [More] William Jessup University Opens its Doors to Prospective Students During Preview Day CUTLINE: Steven Roelofs of William Jessup University leads a group of prospective students on a tour of the campus last week during Preview Day. There were a record number of students taking a look at the Rocklin campus, which houses the only four-year private residential university in the Greater Sacramento area. [More] Placer County to Seek Bids on Highway 65-Sunset Boulevard Interchange AUBURN, CA - The Placer County Board of Supervisors paved the way Tuesday, Sept. 9 for construction to begin as early as this fall on a partial cloverleaf interchange at Highway 65 and Sunset Boulevard. Board members voted to approve plans and specifications and authorize the county Public Works Department to go out to bid on the project. [More] Kings Beach Traffic Calming Plan Released The Placer County Department of Public Works (DPW) today released its Draft Kings Beach Neighborhood Traffic Calming Plan. The plan is an element of the Kings Beach Commercial Core Improvement Project which is meant to minimize traffic related impacts on the residential community in Kings Beach. The Kings Beach Commercial Core Project will enhance the overall appearance of a 1.1-mile stretch of State Route (SR) 28 through Kings Beach. The preferred hybrid alternative of the Project will transform SR 28 into a three-lane roadway with roundabouts at the intersections of the state highway and Bear and Coon streets. With this alternative, there will be periods in the future when traffic volumes exceed the capacity of SR 28. When this happens, traffic will slow on SR 28 through the Kings Beach commercial corridor and some motorists may try to avoid the delays by diverting off SR 28, into the residential "grid". [More] West Nile Virus Infects Two Two people in Placer County have tested positive for the West Nile virus (WNV) marking the first reported human cases in the county in 2008. The county residents are from Loomis and Roseville. Both had West Nile fever and are recovering well. In 2008, WNV was first detected in Placer County in mid-July when dead birds tested positive for the virus. Detection of WNV in mosquitoes, which transmit the virus, occurred shortly thereafter. Statewide, 39 of 58 counties have detected the presence of WNV this year. WNV arrived in the United States in 1999 on the East Coast and then spread west, arriving in Northern California in 2004. [More] Reduce Fire Risk Now You don’t need a reminder these days about the threat of wildfires. The smoke-filled air and the bone-dry tinder in and around our communities is a constant sign that we are at risk for wildfires in Placer County. Unfortunately, the natural beauty that attracts people to our county can also be a tremendous threat if we don’t manage it properly. In our county, substantial residential and commercial growth has occurred in and around historic wildlands. In the greater Sierra, nearly 80 percent of housing units in the wildland-urban interface, the point where natural areas and homes and business meet, are at significant risk from wildfire. [More] Smith and Hawken® Continues to Flourish in California With Roseville Store Opening ROSEVILLE, CA—August 27, 2008— Smith & Hawken, the premier authority in outdoor garden living, will open a 14,608 square foot store at the new Fountains at Roseville mall in Roseville, CA on Tues, October 7th. The Novato-based retailer offers best of class outdoor furniture, garden essentials, home décor and gifts. The Roseville location is the debut of the latest store design by Smith & Hawken, which features 32 foot high ceilings, rustic garden-inspired textures, plants and flowers, and organic elements, all illuminated by an abundance of natural light. “We’re thrilled about this new store, as the large footprint allows us to offer the ultimate shopping experience for both indoor and outdoor garden living,” states Felix Carbullido, GM of Smith & Hawken. The store will also feature a lush 2200 square foot outdoor garden, one-of-a-kind vintage accents for the home and garden, and one of the largest selections of outdoor furniture of all Smith & Hawken stores. [More] Along With Advanced Care, Placer County’s First NICU Puts Families First ROSEVILLE – Alicia Gambone, a registered nurse in the Family Birth Center at Sutter Roseville Medical Center, knows what it’s like to have a newborn baby in a neonatal intensive care unit. In 2005, Gambone’s son, Giancarlo, was born at Sutter Roseville and was transported to Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento’s acclaimed NICU, where he stayed for seven days due to Respiratory Distress Syndrome. He’s now a happy, healthy 3-year-old. [More] TOOmuchFiction's New Album - "Twelve Thirty Four" Has Just Hit the Shelves A CD release Party will be held at Main Street Brewery at 101 Main Street in Old Roseville on Saturday August 30th. Show starts at 9pm with a $5.00 cover. This will be your chance to see Sacramento’s own and get a copy of the new CD fresh off the presses... [More] Magic Circle Theatre Presents - "Ragtime" Roseville, CA August 22, 2008. Magic Circle Theatre opens their 21st Season with the magnificent musical Ragtime The Musical in their Roseville Theatre location on Sept. 5, 2008. They arrived looking for a better life and found fortunes beyond their wildest dreams. Or found poverty and discrimination deeper than what they tried to escape. Or they simply continued the day-to-day struggle that is life, career and family. The United States is a country of immigrants, and Ragtime The Musical weaves historical characters and references and fantastic music with the stories of three groups: represented by Coalhouse Walker Jr., a Harlem musician; Mother, head of a protestant family in New Rochelle, and Tateh, a Latvian Jewish immigrant. This is one of the biggest efforts ever taken on by Magic Circle Theatre. [More] Best of Broadway Takes Center Stage ROSEVILLE Aug. 25, 2008 – Lights! Camera! Action! Get ready for some top-notch entertainment as Best of Broadway performs a sneak peak of their current production, Night on the Town. Evalimi Photography Solutions’ will host Best of Broadway as the highlight of their Grand Opening Celebration Friday and Saturday, Sept. 19 and 20, in Roseville. [More] State Fair Exhibit Wins Awards Placer County's exhibit at the California State Fair was honored for the best use of technology and best craftsmanship during an awards ceremony Aug. 15. Each year, many of the state's counties create exhibits for display in the California Building at the State Fair. Placer County uses its annual exhibits to promote Placer County to outsiders, and to remind residents of the county's many attractions. The 2008 exhibit highlights the county's recreational, arts, agricultural and historical attractions. [More] PetPAC defeats AB 1634 in California SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 22, 2008--Today the California State Senate overwhelmingly defeated AB 1634, authored by Assemblymember Lloyd Levine. The original bill called for mandatory sterilization of all pets in California. AB 1634 became the most controversial bill in the Legislature in 2007 and 2008. PetPAC Chairman Bill Hemby who lobbied against the bill said, "The defeat of AB 1634 is a great victory for pet owners in California and across the country. Our grassroots internet campaign brought together tens of thousands of dedicated dog and cat lovers organized to protect helpless dogs and cats from being sent to shelters and killed at taxpayer's expense." [More] Sacramento International Airport Continues Ascent SACRAMENTO, CA - Airports Council International, North America has ranked Sacramento International Airport as the 40th busiest airport in North America in 2007. The ranking is an improvement over Sacramento International Airport's 2006 ranking as 42nd busiest airport in North America. By surpassing Minetta San Jose International Airport's passenger numbers by over 90,000 passengers and charting a 3.7% increase in passengers from the previous year, Sacramento International Airport has demonstrated its ability to become an airport of choice for Northern California. [More] Thousands of Homeowners and Renters Eligible for Statewide Assistance Program SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 1, 2008--The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) today announced it is mailing forms to more than 600,000 Californians who may be eligible to receive payments from California's Homeowner and Renter Assistance Program./p> "Last year we sent $181 million directly to blind, disabled, or elderly Californians through this program," said State Controller and FTB Chair John Chiang. [More] Why Does Everyone Need to Spare The Air? The 2008 Spare The Air season is well underway and the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District would like residents to understand the importance of improving air quality in the Sacramento region. Many residents comply with the AQMD’s requests to “Spare The Air,” but don’t necessarily understand the reasoning behind the program. The AQMD would like to clarify some common misconceptions about the Spare The Air program so residents can better understand why it’s important for everyone to do their part to help improve air quality. Misconception #1: “Why does the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District ask us to Spare The Air in our homes and personal lives instead of regulating large vehicles, diesel trucks, etc.?”[More]   |
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