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SECRET SANTA VISITS THE ROSEVILLE THEATRE ARTS ACADEMY

Posted: 12/8/2011

ROSEVILLE, CA — The Roseville Theatre Arts Academy (RTAA) received an anonymous donation this holiday season—enough to pay for two new much-needed microphones.

Last year at this time, Civic Theatre West had just closed its doors; ten employees were unexpectedly out of a job; hundreds of children in the Roseville community were suddenly without their extracurricular home. Two of those employees, swept away in a tide of public support, created the Roseville Theatre Arts Academy just two short months later.

Being a new theatre, RTAA is in need of many supplies: everything from toilet paper to a new sound board. One of the more pressing concerns has been the need for new, working microphones—at least 15 in order to being fully functional. This holiday season, RTAA received enough funds in an anonymous donation to purchase two of those microphones.

“I can’t believe the support we’ve had from our theatre’s friends and family. We have an amazing group of volunteers and donors that keep this theatre running,” said Jennifer Vaughn, RTAA vice president and musical director. “My heart overflows.”

Another of those donors includes twelve-year-old Miriam Mars, who chose to raise funds for new microphones as a project for her Bat Mitzvah. Mars is raffling off three grand prizes: two tickets to Wicked in Sacramento; two tickets to Les Miserables in San Francisco; and a $300 photography package. Tickets are $5 each and will be sold in the lobby of the Roseville Theatre during the performances of the new winter musical, “Hannah Sue’s Christmas Carol…or…You’ve Been Scrooged, Salty Sam!” on December 1, 2, 8 & 9. The drawing will be held at the December 9 performance; you do not need to be present to win. To purchase tickets, please contact Mars’ mother, Adrienne Mars, at uglyugly@comcast.netor or visit the theatre for a Hannah Sue performance.

The “Secret Santa” donation and the microphone money raised by Mars comes on top of a grant for four new microphones received by the Roseville Rotarians, an effort driven by long-time Roseville Theatre supporter Kathy Clemens.

RTAA, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, accepts tax-deductible donations all year long. If you’d like to help make the holiday season bright for the theatre and its kids (and get in any last-minute tax write-offs), monetary donations can be made by calling the theatre at 916-772-2777. A wish-list of donation items can be found on the theatre’s website, http://www.rosevilletheatreartsacademy.com/index.php/site/wishlist/, and includes items such as power drills, staple guns and other tools.

The Roseville Theatre Arts Academy is dedicated to fostering theatre arts within the Roseville community. Programs include children’s Workshops each season, a “Masters’ Series” for more experienced actors, a Community Choir, and one-day seminars such as Media and Audition Training. RTAA incorporated in January 2011.

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

Volunteers Needed for Free Tax Program

Posted: 11/12/2011

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

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

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

Celebration of Success

Posted: 11/5/2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For general event information please contact:

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

Vendor & Donation information, please contact:

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

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

Posted: 10/5/2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

ASRACK Monthly Hike

Posted: 10/5/2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted: 10/4/2011

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

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

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

Please contact Bonnie Potter at 530.823.2820 for further information.

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

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

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

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

Posted: 9/20/2011

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

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

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

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

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

Posted: 9/20/2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

________

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

FIRST BANK HIRES NEW BRANCH MANAGER IN ROCKLIN, CALIFORNIA

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

Jane Daly

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

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

She lives in Citrus Heights, California.

____________

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

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

Posted: 8/29/2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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About the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, Governing Board

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

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

Slow & Stylish Dance Workshop and DJ Dance

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

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

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

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

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

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

22nd Annual Polish Festival

Posted: 8/20/2011

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

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

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

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

PSSSST? WANNA KNOW A SECRET?

Posted: 8/13/2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Placer SPCA Thrift Store Celebrates One Year Anniversary

Posted: 8/13/2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Estate Planning is for Everyone

Posted: 8/9/2011

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

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

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

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

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

AFTER-HOURS CAR CRASH FORCES ROSEVILLE DMV TO CLOSE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National Night Out

Posted: 7/26/2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES - Mediterranean Sojourn:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more details: www.placerwine.com

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

Volunteers filling in for summer school cuts

Posted: 7/24/2011

The Next Generation

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

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

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

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

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

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

CDPH Reports First Human West Nile Virus Case of 2011

Posted: 7/24/2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Placer County Fair Association Board of Directors Vacancy

Posted: 7/24/2011

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

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

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

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

William Jessup University Announces $17 Million Campus Expansion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The new expansion will include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Animal Behavior College Matches Donation to the Placer SPCA

Posted: 7/20/2011

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

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

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

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

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

“We are deeply appreciative of the gift of the Animal Behavior College and the family,” said Placer SPCA CEO Leilani Vierra. “We remember Betty very fondly.”

Animal Behavior College (ABC) is a vocational school that specializes in animal-related career training. ABC currently offers three programs – a Certified Dog Obedience Instructor training program, a Certified Veterinary Assistant program and a Certified Grooming Instruction program. ABC has training locations in all 50 states as well as in Canada and is the premier school for animal lovers who wish to pursue animal-related careers.

For more information please visit our website at http://www.animalbehaviorcollege.com/ or call 886-507-9874

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

Posted: 6/14/2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted: 6/14/2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

State Officials Urge Californians to Prepare for Summer Heat

Posted: 6/10/2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted: 6/10/2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted: 6/8/2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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About the Author:

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

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

NID Board Declares Placer Water Shortage Emergency

Posted: 5/12/2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SIERRA GOLD CHORUS SCORES!

Posted: 5/11/2011

Sierra Gold Chorus

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

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

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

A Son is a Son Till He Gets a Wife

How Toxic Daughters-in-Law Destroy Families
BY Anne Killinger
Posted: 4/28/2011

Most women fear the Monster-in-Law.

The TV stereotype is always the mother-in-law, for whom no woman will ever be as good to him as she is. Doris Roberts on Everybody Loves Raymond embodied that image for 8 years on TV – the grasping, sweet-to-your-face, rude-behind-your-back mother-in-law who only wants her son to be happy, as long as she’s the one behind it.

But what if things were the other way around? What happens when it’s the wife, and not the mother-in-law, that tries to drive a wedge between a man and his mother? That’s what happened to Anne Killinger, author of A Son is a Son Till He Gets a Wife: How Toxic Daughters-in-Law Destroy Families (www.parsonsporchbooks.com).

“In a world where mothers-in-law are frequently made the butt of bad jokes, many people assume that they are the ones that make life unbearable for their daughters-in-law,” Killinger said. “I contend that it is often the other way around, that many daughters-in-law today are selfish, possessive, and narcissistic, and will not rest until they have divorced their husbands from the parents who raised them. It’s a deceptively gradual process, and half the time, you don’t even realize it has happened until it’s too late. It starts with her taking phone calls for the family, or the canceling of trips to visit family. Soon, phone calls go unreturned, and finally you realize that your son is no longer your son. He’s just some other woman’s husband.”

From the emails Killinger receives from her readers and the discussions she has had with others about the topic, she believes the problem is more widespread than the stereotype would lead people to believe.

“I estimate that at least one in ten families in the U.S. today has experienced this problem, to some degree or another,” she said. “It’s difficult to assign blame for it, however, because everyone’s relationship is different. Part of me is torn, because I have been a lifelong feminist, yet I cannot escape the feeling that the rampant feminism that women absorb through their education, societal attitude shifts and the popular culture is at least a partial cause for these women believing that it’s perfectly fine to emotionally separate a son from his parents.”

That’s not the only cultural shift that could be leading to this issue, according to Killinger.

“Children in today’s society grow up without a strong sense of respect for their parents and what their parents have done for them,” she added. “With the realities of the two-income family, and most kids being ‘latch-key kids’ throughout most of their upbringing, children are more independent. They tend to seek their own paths earlier in life, and disobey their parents without much hesitation. This part of our culture makes it a lot easier for children to abandon their parents once they are grown. It’s a dark, slippery slope.”

Unfortunately, through her experience, she has discovered that there is little that can be done to salvage the child-parent relationship.

“Once a son becomes capable of completely breaking off his contact with his parents, it is a difficult decision to dial back,” Killinger said. “In our case, the break took three years, from March 2002 to March 2005, to take place completely. That’s a long time to get used to not having his parents around. In many cases, the son may simply stay in the thrall of his wife. On the other hand, even if he realizes he has made a bad choice to let go of his parents, he may be too embarrassed or humiliated to try to repair the relationship. He may feel that things have gone too far for him to ever be worthy of forgiveness, which is tragic.

There is no greater loss for a parent than that of losing a child. If a son should ever seek to turn back that clock, he should know that parents will always accept him back into their lives, no matter what. While 50 percent of all new marriages end in divorce, a son can never truly divorce his parents, because they will always take him back.”

About Anne Killinger

Anne Kathryn Killinger, author of "A Son is a Son Till He Gets a Wife" was born in Somerset, Kentucky, the youngest of seven children. At 17, she married her childhood sweetheart, John Killinger, who is a retired pastor with PhDs in literature and theology. Anne’s book is the story of her and John’s grief when one of their sons married a woman who demanded his abandonment of his original family to form a closer attachment to hers.

Short ride on old wooden elevator is one highlight of touring historic Gladding, McBean during Feats of Clay XXIV

Posted: 4/26/2011

Factory 1918

A month-long series of tours of the historic Gladding, McBean terra cotta factory in Lincoln offers many memorable moments, but it is the short ride on a wooden freight elevator that most thrills many tour-takers. Introduced in 1891, just 16 years after the factory opened—and 38 years after Elisha Otis invented the modern elevator—the oversized lift takes occupants slowly from the first floor to the third, the oldest part of the factory. The volunteer operator asures riders of the safety of the equipment while everyone gasps, oohs and ahs at the wonderment of the creaky rise upward.

Claudia Renati, executive director of Lincoln Arts, says, “Most people are in awe of the elevator. They are fascinated to learn that this is the only remaining hydraulic elevator west of the Mississippi.” As to the lift’s slowness, Renati says, “The more people we put on it, the slower it is. It’s large enough to load a full-sized forklift. And it can carry up to 4,000 pounds.”

Gladding, McBean opens its 136-year-old fabled grounds and beehive-shaped kilns to visitors during “Feats of Clay XXIV” starting May 4, ending on May 30. Trained docents from Lincoln Arts Foundation will lead the tours through the facility from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays with new groups departing every 30 minutes.

Reservations are required for the $12 tours, and can be made by calling the Lincoln Arts, organizers of the event, at (916) 645-9713. Visitors must be aged eight or older. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are a must as the 90-minute tours require much walking. Some 6,000 visitors come from near and far for the annual tours. Local restaurant business thrives during the running of the tours. In addition to viewing the ceramics pieces, visitors will see an exhibit of molds, examples of architectural work done at the plant, and large photo murals of plant activities made from original glass and film negatives.

A massive beehive kiln houses works of art from the Feats of Clay competition.

Sightseers will see an exhibit of some 80 sculptures that have been selected from the 1,500-plus entries in an annual competition of artists from the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Winners of this year’s competition will be shown in creative displays, half of them in a massive obsolete 35-foot-wide “beehive” kiln, one of 18 remaining at the facility. The competition, one of the world’s most prestigious, was introduced in 1987 when the Feats of Clay celebration began.

Gladding, McBean’s major manufacturing today is clay sewer pipes. But they also do special restoration projects for worn-out or damaged artifacts of terra cotta pieces that were originally created for buildings throughout the world. In its heyday, Gladding, McBean and Co. became a leader in producing architectural facades for important buildings. Even the distinguished-looking red roof tiles at Stanford University were a Gladding, McBean product. Major creations adorn buildings, theaters and schools all over the globe.

Jean Cross, one of many volunteer docents, leads a tour at entry to factory

Lincolnites are proud of the continuing history of their plant. Mayor Paul Joiner is among them. “I’ve always thought of Feats of Clay as this wonderfully unique blend of history and pop culture,” says he. “Just stepping into the buildings of Gladding, McBean transports you back to the 19th century. The sights, the sounds, the smells all carry back to the days when everything was done by hand. The days of the artisan. All about you are examples of the work of generations. Statues and fountains, gargoyles and cornices, columns and medallions from every corner of our nation.”

Proceeds from tours benefit the Lincoln Arts and Culture Foundation, supporting local art, including a summer concert series, after-school art classes, and school arts programs.

The opening of this year’s May tours was introduced with a Mardi-Gras themed, fund-raising reception for VIPs on April 30. The gala event was held amidst some of the gigantic aging kilns, and featured music, food catered by the Car Club of Auburn, a no-host wine and beer bar, and a first look at the ceramic exhibition.

Lincoln is a few miles north of Sacramento, off California highway 65. Factory tours start at the Lincoln Arts building, 580 Sixth Street in Lincoln. During Feats of Clay, many local artisans will have their works available for purchase in the gift shop.

Visit the Lincoln Arts website: Lincolnarts.org

Saving California is Worth the Journey

Commentary by Assemblyman Dan Logue
Posted: 4/12/2011

You may have read in recent news that I am leading a bipartisan delegation of California Legislators to Texas in just a few days. I am doing it because our state is in economic crisis and it is time to pull our heads out of the sand. California is a beautiful state. My father was a developer who helped build it. I grew up here and made a life as a realtor. I helped families find homes here for thirty years. It’s a state I love and would give my life for.

But now the dream of California is falling apart. We have some of the highest unemployment in the nation. We also have the highest taxes. We’re ranked 49th on sales tax, 50th on capital gains, 50th on gasoline and school parcel taxes, and 50th on overall taxes. We even beat New York on how much we take from taxpayers.

When you couple our taxes with the strictest regulatory climate in the nation, it’s a lose/lose situation for businesses, especially with today’s economy. Businesses are leaving California in droves now. Joe Vranich, the Business Relocation Coach, has seen four times more businesses looking to leave California this year than last, and many of them are going to Texas.

Texas was ranked by Chief Executive Magazine as the best state in the nation for business and job growth. California ranked worst. Forbes Magazine ranked Texas the 7th best state to do business while ranking California 39th. Texas ranked No. 3 in the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council’s 2010 “Small Business Survival Index.” California ranked as the 4th toughest state. You get the picture.M

Rankings aren’t the only numbers to be concerned with. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas added 165,386 jobs between January 2008 and December 2010. California lost 1,145,037 jobs in that same time frame. Those are jobs that provide incomes to real people. They also provide tax revenues to our state. Without jobs in the private sector there is no one to pay for jobs in the government; it takes roughly 20 private sector jobs to fund one government job. So as private jobs decline here, so too will jobs for teachers and public safety workers.

I can’t sit idly and watch this happen. Our children, and grandchildren, deserve the same opportunities we’ve enjoyed for so many years. So I’ve invited California Legislators, our Lt. Governor, even representatives from the California Teachers Association, to join me on an educational journey to Texas. We’re going to meet with both public officials, and actual business leaders who left our state for theirs.

I know Texas isn’t perfect. I don’t expect us to manage our state exactly like theirs. But right now they are attracting businesses and jobs while ours are slipping away. In this one area they’re doing something right, and California has it terribly wrong. The nation is watching us and they want to know if California can save its economy, or remain a dead weight holding back the rest of the country. For our sake, I hope that those watching will open their hearts and minds, and help us turn our state around.

Vintage Trailer Show Coming to Old Town Auburn

Vitage trailer show coming to Old Town Auburn

Auburn - The very first Old Town Auburn Vintage Trailer Classic is set for September 25 and 26 in the Juror’s Parking lot across from the Placer County Courthouse in Auburn, CA, just off the Maple St. exit on I-80. Sponsored by the Old Town Business Association and Carpe Vino, a wine shop and restaurant, more than 25 vintage trailers will be on display. Visitors will be invited to get an up-close look at trailer interiors.

A highlight of this free event will be an entry from Vince Martinico of Newcastle, the leading expert on vintage trailers in the United States. His coaches have been featured in books, movies and television shows. Trailers on display will range from completely restored examples to those that are in rougher stages.

“California is a hotbed for RVing, and people really seem to have an appreciation and fascination for old trailers that evoke a different time and way of life,” said Gary Moffat, organizer of the event and owner of Carpe Vino in Old Town Auburn. “Vintage trailers from all over northern California will be on display, including a number of entries from enthusiasts who live in the Auburn area.”

Many of the coaches showcased will be classic Airstreams, the all-aluminum clad trailers with unique “bullet” styling, the iconic land yachts that launched a nomadic lifestyle on America’s burgeoning highway system. The brand was the brainchild of Wally Byam in the mid-1930s, and the goal for this event is to include at least one example of an Airstream representing each decade from the 1940s to the present.

“We’re anticipating at least 25 vintage trailers representing a range of makers and sizes,” Moffat said. “We’ll have everything from a 13-foot Airstream Bambi to the giant rigs in excess of 30 feet.” All trailers will be open and available for viewing, giving visitors and glimpse of beautiful wood interiors and period appointments..

Moffat, who owns a brightly polished 1972 Airstream Globe Trotter, said the event is seeking out more trailers, and anyone interested in displaying can contact him for more details at gary@carpevinoauburn.com. Though this will be a “dry camping” event with no hook-up services, participants are encouraged to stay overnight in the parking lot. On Saturday evening, Carpe Vino will host a wine and appetizers event at the restaurant in Old Town for all trailer owners participating.

The Old Town Auburn Vintage Trailer Classic is intended not only to be a fun event, it is also designed to encourage locals and out-of-towners to visit the historic district. “The Old Town Business Association is always searching for new ideas to draw people into our shops and restaurants,” Moffat said. “With the long-time popularity and success of Cruise Nite Downtown, we think there will significant crossover interest that will hopefully translate into good crowds.”

Moffat said the trailer show is just one of many attractions on a typical weekend: “This is a great opportunity for people to take the Saturday morning guided tour of Old Town, visit the Farmers’ Market, explore the shops and have lunch before the trailer show opens at 3 p.m.” For more information and updates, visit www.vintagehighway.com.

Just the Facts:

Event: The Old Town Vintage Trailer Classic

Sponsors: Old Town Business Association, Carpe Vino, VintageHighway.com

Where: The Jurors’ Parking Lot, Auburn Folsom Rd and Lincoln Way, Old Town Auburn, CA

When: Saturday, September 25, 3 to 7 p.m.; Sunday, September 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Trailers Sought: All types, at least 30 years old, though we will be seeking a few newer Airstreams to demonstrate the evolution of the brand. Condition of trailers is not an issue. . .no matter if trailer is in rough stage or totally restored

Set up: Starting as soon as the Farmers’ Market exits on Saturday, by about 1 p.m.

Cost: No cost for exhibitors or attendees

Services: We are hoping to provide electricity; no sewer or water hookups

Exhibit: All trailers must be open for viewing.

Reception: A wine and appetizer event will be held at Carpe Vino in Old Town for all participants (no cost)

Overnight Parking: Participants are welcome to stay overnight in their trailers on Saturday, though no services are available

Promotion: This event will be highly publicized through newspapers, television, radio and direct contact with trailer and RV organizations

Confirmation Information: Name, phone number, email, trailer type, length

More information: gary@carpevinoauburn.com

Organizer: Gary Moffat

For Immediate Release
Old Town Auburn Vintage Trailer Classic
Contact: Gary Moffat
530-308-2698
gary@carpevinoauburn.com

Pastel Society Membership Show on Display at Arts Building Gallery

Auburn – The Arts Building Gallery will host the Pastel Society of the West Coast's Annual Membership Show from August 12 through October 2. The 2010 Membership Show will feature 88 paintings by pastel artists from around the west.

The Opening Reception of the show will take place from 6:00 to 9:00pm on Thursday, August 12 during the Auburn Art Walk.

Renowned pastel artist Jane Hofstetter will be on hand during the Opening Reception to present awards. Her work is celebrated internationally, having won multiple awards including the “Who’s Who in America” in 2008.

To celebrate the art of pastel, a number of special events will be offered on Saturdays during the eight-week exhibit, including demonstrations and introductory classes on pastel. For a full schedule of events, visit the online calendar PlacerArts.org and use keyword PASTEL SOCIETY.

PlacerArts is the Arts Council of Placer County, a non-profit, public benefit agency, and the designated state-local partner of the California Arts Council for the County of Placer.

Pastel Society Membership Show on Display at Arts Building Gallery

From PlacerArts

The Opening Reception of the show will take place from 6:00 to 9:00pm on Thursday, August 12 during the Auburn Art Walk.

PlacerArts is the Arts Council of Placer County, a non-profit, public benefit agency, and the designated state-local partner of the California Arts Council for the County of Placer.

Second Annual Great Sierra River Cleanup Set for Sept. 25

Auburn—Volunteer registration for the Second Annual Great Sierra River Cleanup opens today with the launch of a new website which enables users to easily connect to a watershed cleanup site of their choice. The web site is located at www.sierranevada.ca.gov, where visitors will click on the Great Sierra River Cleanup logo for information about registration, the purpose of the event, and pictures and details from last year’s cleanup.

“The first Great Sierra River Cleanup was a tremendous success last year, and early indications suggest we could double the number of participants this year and cover just about every watershed in the Sierra,” said Sierra Nevada Conservancy Executive Officer Jim Branham. “With 65 percent of California’s water coming from the Sierra, it’s exciting to see so many neighbors and friends joining in to practice good stewardship of this valuable resource.”

The Great Sierra River Cleanup is scheduled for September 25 from 9:00 AM to noon. The event is held in partnership with the California Coastal Cleanup Day (now in its 26th year), making it the largest one-day volunteer effort in California. In the Sierra alone last year, some 3,500 volunteers from over 100 community groups removed more than 130 tons of trash and recyclables from Sierra rivers. The effort spanned 20 counties and more than 500 river miles, netting appliances, cans, tires, furniture, cigarette butts, and plastic waste.

Interested volunteers can use a map on the web site to locate a cleanup in their community and then pre-register with their local cleanup organization using the contact information provided. This event welcomes volunteers of all ages and is a great opportunity for people to connect with their neighbors and their watershed.

The list of participating organizations this year is still growing, and some of the sites are yet to be determined. Individuals and organizations interested in coordinating their own cleanup are encouraged to get in touch with the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. For more information, contact Brittany Juergenson, (530) 823-4670, or log onto the above web site.

The Great Sierra River Cleanup is presented by the Sierra Nevada Conservancy with major support from CalTrans’ “Don’t Trash California” Litter Prevention Campaign and Waste Management Inc. Additional support comes from The Pacific Forest and Watersheds Stewardship Council, Sierra Pacific Foundation, The Houston Group, and the California Ski Industry Association, Crystal Geyser and Nature’s Path.

The Great Sierra River Cleanup 2010 is also supported by the California Coastal Commission and the Ocean Conservancy. This event is made possible by the hard work of hundreds of local non-profits and government agencies throughout the state and thousands of volunteers annually.

Auburn Community Golf Classic to be held on Sept. 17

From Halldin PR

Auburn - The inaugural Auburn Community Golf Classic will be held on Friday, Sept. 17 at the Auburn Valley Country Club.

The Auburn Chamber of Commerce and the Auburn Symphony, who have ties dating back to 1988, have joined together to raise much needed funding for the two local organizations.

Community 1st Bank is the title sponsor for the golf tournament.

The four-person scramble format tournament begins with lunch at noon, followed by a 1 p.m. shotgun start. The cost also includes green fees, range balls, cart, tee prizes, raffle, silent auction, and a dinner that will be highlighted by a special Travel Sweepstakes Raffle with an opportunity to win a week’s vacation in Puerto Vallarta (condo/travel included).

The Early Bird Special cost is $135 if registered before Sept. 1 and rises to $155 after that date.

The Chamber and the Symphony will be reaching out to the community for additional sponsorship participation, golfers, and contributions of silent auction items to raise funds for both organizations.

To register for the Auburn Community Golf Classic or for more information about getting involved and helping to support the Auburn Symphony and Auburn Chamber of Commerce, email Bruce Cosgrove at bruce@auburnchamber.net or call the Chamber office 530 885-5616, ext. 226.

Auburn Man Vacations in Haiti

Michael Carlson, of Auburn, had some vacation time to use. So he packed his suitcase and flew to Haiti. He traveled there with the International Foundation for the Physically Disabled. The OFPD provides prostheses, orthotics and other durable medical devices for various individuals of limited financial means. Carlson has been in this business for nine years and became a Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist five years ago.

Carlson went to Les Cayes, a remote town in southwestern Haiti. He took with him “used parts”, to re-use and recycle. He spent a week there, in noticeably hot weather, creating artificial limbs for victims of the Jan. 12 earthquake.

Upon his return to Auburn, Carlson related the story of his trip, highlighted with photographs, to the Auburn 49er Lions Club and the Gold Country Amputee Support Group. The Support Group, all familiar with the workings of an artificial limb, was impressed with some of the creative ideas used to make a device work when a correct component was unavailable.

Carlson had this to say about his trip, “We made a measureable impact, but the need for professional help continues. The IFPD made our time productive and safe.”

The International Foundation for the Physically Disabled was founded in Folsom, Calif. If you wish to learn more about this organization, log on to information@theifpd.org.

The Gold Country Amputee Support Group meets every other Thursday evening at Denny’s Restaurant in Newcastle. For more information about this group, call 916-783-9099.

New Rec Park Pathway System is a Long Time in Coming

By Scott Holbrook

Auburn - I wanted to share some personal thoughts on a new addition to my favorite public agency!

I am so happy to say that at least one terrific new project will be able to move ahead thanks to locally generated park development fees!

The new pathway system coming to Rec Park is a long time in coming. Any who have been to your ARD maintained Meadow Vista or Regional Park will notice the great amount of folks who utilize the paved pathways. From moms with strollers to Seniors with walkers, these pathways are a favorite spot for people (dogs on leashes too!) to come enjoy a nice stroll through a beautiful park. Auburn proper does not have this type of facility, and as our number one attended park, it truly is about time!

Please keep in mind, this project is about much more than a new place to exercise - the pathway is designed to address several purposes, both now and for hopeful upgrades in the future. This pathway system will provide access to all for the numerous features at the park. Soon there will be a safe way to access the heart of Auburn Little League (& Ms. October) aka Lloyd Beggs Field! From the upper parking lot, visitors will now have a pathway that will access the park, where one can easily get to the Volleyball Court, Picnic Area, Playgrounds and more! This pathway will also be a plus for community events, such as the annual Community Festival, or Soccer Parade & Picnic.

Of course during tough times, one always brings up the question of costs and the spending of taxpayer dollars! Well this project is as close as one can get to a win-win for all concerned. The huge bulk of the funding will be coming from State Grant Funds as well as City and County Park Development Impact Fees. The total cost of this project is just about $300,000 (in good times this would have been much higher) of that amount specific fees will cover about $220,000, which will pay for all of the actual construction costs. The balance which was derived from Design and regulatory processes (CEQA....) will be paid out of the ARD's Capital Improvement budget (grant and mitigation fees can not be used for these process'), please keep in mind that your ARD has been saving for this project for some time. Also a very important note is the fact that this is a long term maintenance "neutral" project, and will not require additional staff time or funds after the project is complete, in many ways it may actually help reduce some expenses as the paved pathway will allow for better vehicle access & less stress on the turf.

I am extremely proud of the work by the ARD staff and our united board on this project. First off getting grants has been a big priority for all on the board, and this will be one of the biggest ARD has received, and hopefully a sign of the future. Another big priority is increasing access and enjoyability (may not be a real word but I like it) of our existing facilities. Fiscal restraints from all directions have created a unique dynamic for the ARD, as the communities wants and needs are quite numerous and diverse & growing, yet funding is far from levels to make everyone happy, let alone to allow for any real increase in staff. This project fits into our goals and again creates the win-win, be it for the community or our budget!

Support your Local Park District - Parks Make Life Better! - visit www.auburnrec.com for more on what your park and rec district has to offer you!

ARD: Voter Created & Represented- Taking good care of your County and City Parks for area residents since 1948!

Keep Smilin'

Scott Holbrook, Member ARD Board of Directors p>

Placer County Fair Exhibit Wins People’s Choice Award

Placer County closed out the 157th State Fair Sunday by winning the People’s Choice Award for its popular County Exhibit.

“We were very excited when we received the Best of Show award, but to also receive the People’s Choice Award is icing on the cake!, and better than we expected !” said Jan Decker CEO of the Placer County Visitors Bureau/California welcome Center, sponsor of the exhibit.

Earlier the exhibit was honored as Best of Show and won the Golden Bear award, gold award and best technology ribbon

During the 19 day state fair run, visitors were asked to select their favorite county exhibit. Unlike the official judging, which is based on a five-part scorecard and evaluated by professional judges, the People’s Choice system simply asks the public to pick their personal favorite. No official direction or guidelines for evaluation of the exhibits are provided. Visitors make their own independent selections by way of the People’s Choice ballots. Once the ballots are in and counted on the last day of the Fair, the selection is made.

“We believe this award is also due to the energetic commitment of the exhibit volunteers who represented the spirit and excitement of Placer County through their enthusiastic interactions with fairgoers,” stated Decker. “Our special thanks for their support."

Protecting State Game Refuges From Closing

By Marilyn Jasper

The vast majority of citizens support wildlife conservation. With intricate webs of connectivity between all life, to have any species become extinct and/or threatened can have devastating consequences, either immediately or decades later. A century ago, in 1910, California’s “Stage Game Refuge” designation was established for certain areas throughout the state with the intention of enhancing and protecting wildlife populations (although the first state game refuge was actually established in Oakland (1869, Lake Merritt, believed to be the first in the country).

When applied to specific lands, these refuges are “no hunting” areas. Additionally, no firearms, pellet guns or archery weapons are even allowed within their boundaries. However, the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is now taking public comment and reportedly conducting studies to decide whether or not to close 19 of the state’s 21 game refuges.

According to the DFG, “... most State Game Refuges (SGR) in California are located on privately owned land or on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and are merely ‘no hunting’ zones rather than refuges. The exceptions are DFG-owned wildlife areas (such as Gray Lodge and the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area) and Federal Refuges, which are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Hunting activities are allowed in both types of areas.”

The value of a refuge cannot be understated. DFG claims that deer populations have declined dramatically in the state since the 1960s and that “there is no risk of hunting having a detrimental effect on deer populations....” DFG thus concludes that the game refuges no longer serve their purpose. However, if animals cannot be hunted, maimed, wounded or killed, it seems logical that the game refuges are indeed serving the purpose for which they were intended: to protect and conserve wildlife.

Because of state game refuge “no firearms” regulations, it became apparent that if/when armed Game Wardens entered a SGR, they were violating the law. To rectify this situation, in 2008, SB 1166 was created. Its first provision permitted law enforcement officers to enter a game refuge in performance of their duties, and had no opposition. However, a second provision was tacked on that stated:

(2) Existing law enumerates 21 specific game refuges, and describes their boundaries, including the California Sea Otter and Farallon Islands refuges.

This bill would require the Department of Fish and Game to undertake prescribed education and outreach efforts, including efforts regarding the potential closure of all state game refuges other than 2 specified refuges. The department would be required to provide an opportunity for public comment. The bill would require the department, on or before January 1, 2011, to prepare and submit to the Legislature a report on those efforts and a summary of any information provided by the public that is relevant to the potential closure of those state game refuges.

Currently, the mandated “public outreach” has garnered little attention. Unless DFG undertakes a substantial public outreach effort, only a very small number of citizens will know they can comment on a decision that will impact wildlife. With a comment deadline of December 1, 2010, even if public noticing was more ambitious, it is debatable that DFG could make a well-researched decision in such a short time.

Studies to support the closing of the SGR’s are not readily available on the DFG’s website, so the public does not have data to make substantive comments. Also, in the analysis of SB 1166, from 2009, it is stated, “According to the author's office wildlife biologists at DFG contend that the game refuge system no longer serves a purpose and should be abolished. However, there are some who believe that the refuges have value. The author indicates that the refuges were established for the purpose of providing a steady supply of game animals for hunting, however, it is unclear from the legislative history that that was the only or specific purpose of the refuges.”

State Game Refuge closures must not be allowed to proceed without full disclosure of all impacts for each refuge, as well as cumulative impacts of closing 19 refuges. In addition to providing information about closures, DFG should study the merits of increasing State Game Refuges, especially in areas where wildlife populations have declined drastically (for instance, the Mendocino area). Besides deer, what other species benefit from the state designated refuges? DFG should be taking comments to increase the SGR designations.

Refuges are still safe havens for wild animals and for people who wish to hike, observe, boat, etc., without the threat of hunting and all its impacts. Closing refuges results in a loss for both animals and the people who use the lands peacefully.

With hunters representing less than 1% of the state’s population, the vast majority of citizens would not approve the closing any State Game Refuge. If a true study and poll were taken, the vast majority would vote for increasing game refuge acreage, rather than eliminating or depleting it.

Additional motives for closing the State Game Refuges may be found in the implementation of the SHARE program (Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement) which pays private landowners handsomely to allow hunting. We hope the DFG’s “review and evaluation” includes the potential financial windfall that will open up for the private landowners as well.

Unfortunately, in spite of the “public outreach” mandate, the public knows very little about this closure proposal, the comment deadline, or the process. For more information, and to comment using email, go to: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/gamerefuges/

Marilyn Jasper has lived in Loomis for over 40 years, is Chair of the Sierra Club Placer Group and President of Clover Valley Foundation, fosters puppies for the Placer County Animal Shelter, and is active in wildlife and animal welfare issues.

Placer County Water Agency Update

From PCWA

AUBURN -- Representatives of the South Sutter Water District (SSWD) on Thursday (Aug. 5) provided a brief overview to the Placer County Water Agency Board of Directors on a study SSWD is conducting for a potential future dam and reservoir on the Bear River.

The Sutter County-based water district, headquartered in Trowbridge, CA, is the lead agency in a reconnaissance study to build a dam to impound water and to generate hydroelectric power on the Bear River at Garden Bar.

The proposed site for the dam and reservoir would be built across the Placer County-Nevada County line below Rollins and Combie reservoirs and just above Camp Far West Reservoir.

Lyndel Melton, a principal with RMC Water and Environment, based in Walnut Creek, offered a presentation on the current study. He was accompanied at the meeting by project manager Steve Brown and SSWD General Manager Brad Arnold. The group made a similar presentation at the July 28 meeting of the Nevada Irrigation District board in Grass Valley.

Melton said the location for a dam and reservoir was first identified as a potential site in the 1950s and has been the subject of numerous studies over the past half-century.

“SSWD began the current study to explore ways to firm up its surface water supplies,” Melton said. Currently SSWD supplies up to 35 percent of its customers’ needs with surface water with the remainder coming from wells. SSWD delivers only irrigation water and serves 64,000-acres in Sutter and Placer counties. Rice accounts for more than 80 percent of the use of the water. Melton said the current study looks at potential facilities, hydrologic conditions, preliminary operations analyses, permitting questions and economic and environmental issues.

Melton said the study is being financed by SSWD with assistance from the City of Napa, Palmdale Water District, Castaic Lake Water Agency and San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District. Melton said those agencies may have an interest in future water supplies.

If SSWD eventually decides to pursue the project, it would be at least 15 years away, he estimated. He said the reconnaissance study should be completed by year’s end and offered to return to update the PCWA Board at that time.

Members of the agency board and staff raised several questions regarding the proposed project, water rights and who is to ultimately benefit from the stored water and generated power. A detailed presentation will be made to the PCWA board on these and other aspects of the proposed project once the SSWD study is finalized.

In other business, PCWA directors:

heard an overview of public-private financial partnerships for the construction of public facilities. Consultant Jim Bemis of Montague DeRose and Associates of Walnut Creek went over considerations, benefits, rates, responsibilities and risks of various public-private partnerships that could be used to construct, operate and maintain projects. Bemis said some public agencies have been successful and saved money through these endeavors but cautioned that they can also be fiscally challenging and litigious. He reviewed several different methods and case studies that have been used under public-private partnership agreements.
Received an overview by agency water attorney Janet Goldsmith on a recent State Water Resources Control Board decision that concludes that significantly more Northern California water from the Sacramento River system is necessary for fishery needs in the Delta. The impact of this is under review by the agency as to its implications and possible limitations upon surface water supplies to Placer County. She also reviewed the current status on a State law mandating that California water users reduce their total daily consumption by 20 percent or more per person by the year 2020. The implementation of this is now under consideration by the State Department of Water Resources. The agency is actively pursuing options and alternatives that strive to reduce the impacts of the law upon agency water customers by taking into consideration the county’s climate, population density and past water use efficiency achievements.
Heard a status report from staff on various local water availability and infrastructure studies. Among these: water supply and fire suppression study for the north and west shore of Lake Tahoe, water rights issues in the Serene Lakes area, treated water infrastructure options for the Midway Heights-Applegate area and General Plan update assistance to the City of Colfax regarding future treated water availability and infrastructure needs. Staff was asked to report back on possible dates for a future Board workshop to review options for treated water infrastructure expansion in the agency’s upper Western Water System as served by its Zone 3 water supply.

The next regular meeting of the PCWA Board of Directors will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 19, at the PCWA Business Center, 144 Ferguson Road, in Auburn. PCWA board meetings are open to the public.

Information on PCWA board meetings may be obtained through the Clerk to the Board at (530) 823-4850 or (800) 464-0030.

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Community

SECRET SANTA VISITS THE ROSEVILLE THEATRE ARTS ACADEMY

Posted: 12/8/2011

Volunteers Needed for Free Tax Program

Posted: 11/12/2011

Celebration of Success

Posted: 11/5/2011

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

Posted: 10/5/2011

ASRACK Monthly Hike

Posted: 10/5/2011

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

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

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

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

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

Posted: 10/4/2011

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

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

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

Posted: 9/20/2011

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

Posted: 9/20/2011

FIRST BANK HIRES NEW BRANCH MANAGER IN ROCKLIN, CALIFORNIA

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

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

Posted: 8/29/2011

Slow & Stylish Dance Workshop and DJ Dance

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

22nd Annual Polish Festival

Posted: 8/20/2011

PSSSST? WANNA KNOW A SECRET?

Posted: 8/13/2011

Placer SPCA Thrift Store Celebrates One Year Anniversary

Posted: 8/13/2011

Estate Planning is for Everyone

Posted: 8/9/2011

AFTER-HOURS CAR CRASH FORCES ROSEVILLE DMV TO CLOSE

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

National Night Out

Posted: 7/26/2011

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

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

Volunteers filling in for summer school cuts

Posted: 7/24/2011

CDPH Reports First Human West Nile Virus Case of 2011

Posted: 7/24/2011

Placer County Fair Association Board of Directors Vacancy

Posted: 7/24/2011

William Jessup University Announces $17 Million Campus Expansion

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

Animal Behavior College Matches Donation to the Placer SPCA

Posted: 7/20/2011

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

Posted: 6/14/2011

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

Posted: 6/14/2011

State Officials Urge Californians to Prepare for Summer Heat

Posted: 6/10/2011

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

Posted: 6/10/2011

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

Posted: 6/8/2011

NID Board Declares Placer Water Shortage Emergency

Posted: 5/12/2011

SIERRA GOLD CHORUS SCORES!

Posted: 5/11/2011

A Son is a Son Till He Gets a Wife

How Toxic Daughters-in-Law Destroy Families BY Anne Killinger Posted: 4/28/2011

Short ride on old wooden elevator is one highlight of touring historic Gladding, McBean during Feats of Clay XXIV

Posted: 4/26/2011

Saving California is Worth the Journey

Commentary by Assemblyman Dan Logue Posted: 4/12/2011

Vintage Trailer Show Coming to Old Town Auburn

Pastel Society Membership Show on Display at Arts Building Gallery

Pastel Society Membership Show on Display at Arts Building Gallery

From PlacerArts

Second Annual Great Sierra River Cleanup Set for Sept. 25

Auburn Community Golf Classic to be held on Sept. 17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Toxic Daughters-in-Law Destroy Families
BY Anne Killinger
Posted: 4/28/2011

Commentary by Assemblyman Dan Logue
Posted: 4/12/2011