Tony Orlando brings half-century of showbiz, music experience to Thunder Valley

BY JANA SAASTAD

When people think of Tony Orlando, images of the 1970s icon belting out his popular songs “Tie a Yellow Ribbon,” “Knock Three Times,” and “Candida” immediately come to mind. After all, these songs topped the charts for weeks and sold millions of copies, with “Yellow Ribbon” named #37 on Billboard’s All-time Hot 100 Songs.

But before the hits, Orlando was a successful music executive for nearly a decade. And before that he was a young kid (16 years old, to be exact) writing and performing songs for Don Kirshner’s record label for $50 a week on the 6th floor of the famed Brill Building in Manhattan along with Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Neil Sedaka and a group called Tom & Jerry who would later become known as Simon and Garfunkel.

“We were all teenagers with a dream,” Orlando told Placer County Online in an exclusive interview to promote his Dec. 21 performance at Thunder Valley Casino in Lincoln. 
Read more »

Repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell

BY JANA SAASTAD

Here’s our Christmas wish: We’d like Congress and the U.S. Senate to repeal don’t ask, don’t tell.

This gift doesn’t need to be wrapped in pretty paper and tied with a shiny bow; it just needs to happen.

Here are three reasons:

If our federal elected leaders don’t move on this matter, it will be settled by the court – and that's an action frowned upon by Defense Secretary Robert Gates who says a court ruling will make the integration process frenetic and rushed rather than methodical and organized.

Read more »

Raiders vs. Chiefs = Old School Rivalry

One of the oldest, and most bitter, rivalries in the NFL has some merit today.

The Oakland Raiders at 4 – 4 have a chance to come within one half game of the division leader if they win today.

The Kansas City Chiefs, who just happen to be the division leader, have a chance to set themselves apart from the rest of the AFC West and make it hard for anyone to catch up.

The rivalry goes back to 1960 and hasn’t slowed down for 50 years. The Chiefs lead the regular season series 54–46–2 and the playoff match-ups with a record of 2-1.
Read more »

Blues diva performs tonight at Constable Jack's in Newcastle

Kaye Bohler performs tonight at Constable Jack's in Newcastle. Tickets are $10. The show starts at 9:30.

Learn more about 'Petroglyphs of the Middle Fork of the American River'

Learn more about Petroglyphs of the Middle Fork of the American River tomorrow at the Bernhard Museum Winery. Tahoe National Forest Archaeologist Nolan Smith will show images of petroglyphs recorded by archaeologists working near the American River.


What are petroglyphs? They are the patterns of lines and images carved into stone. Unlike pictographs, which are images drawn or painted onto a rock’s surface, petroglyphs are created by removing part of the rock itself.

The event is free. The Bernhard Museum Winery is located at 291 Auburn Folsom Road in Auburn. Please call 530.889.6500 for more information.

Democrats continue to dump buckets of cash into Pan's campaign

As if nearly $1 million weren't enough, California Democrats poured another $67,000 into 5th Assembly District candidate Richard Pan's campaign coffers yesterday. We reported here earlier this week that Pan was expected to be an underdog in this district, which historically has been held by a Republican, but a generous infusion of cash has made this race a toss up.


Read more »

Is Placer County public transit serving your needs?

Got something to say about public transit in Placer County? You'll have your chance to express your thoughts at one of the many workshops and public hearings hosted next week by the Placer County Transportation Planning Agency.
 
 
AUBURN CITY HALL
Tuesday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m.
1225 Lincoln Way, Room 10
Auburn, CA 95603


LINCOLN CITY HALL
Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2010, 1:30 p.m.
600 Sixth Street
1st Floor Community Mtg. Room
Lincoln, CA 95648


ROSEVILLE CIVIC CENTER
Tuesday, Nov. 2, 4 p.m.
311 Vernon St, Mtg. Rooms 1 & 2
Roseville, CA 95678

LOOMIS TRAIN DEPOT
Wednesday, Nov. 3, 10 a.m.
5775 Horseshoe Bar Road
Loomis, CA 95650


ROCKLIN CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Wednesday, Nov. 3, 1:30 p.m.
3970 Rocklin Road
Rocklin, CA 95677


NORTH LAKE TAHOE CONFERENCE CENTER
Thursday, Nov. 4, 1:30 p.m.
8318 North Lake Blvd.
Kings Beach, CA 96143

Tom McClintock: Election will be referendum on ObamaCare, and other presidential actions

Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Rocklin) gave the following speech to Blue Shield California employees on Oct. 25 in El Dorado Hills:

In a moment of breathtaking condescension during the debate over ObamaCare, Nancy Pelosi said, “We have to pass the bill so you can find out what is in it…”

Well, they passed it. And ever since, the American people have been finding out what’s in it. There’s a reason that not a single Democrat in a competitive race is touting his or her support for ObamaCare.


Read more »

Get your shop on: Roseville Mall re-opens

The City of Roseville announced:

Nordstrom and 35-40 Westfield Galleria retailers to re-open today at 10 a.m.


Over the past six days, the extensive clean-up work has included numerous inspections, testing and re-inspections for air quality, structural safety, and other important criteria; performed in cooperation with officials from the City of Roseville, the Placer County Health Department, and many other agencies to ensure the mall is safe, secure and ready for occupancy.

Some of the stores re-opening include Nordstrom, Apple, Tiffany & Co., H&M, Sephora, Brooks Brothers, Urban Outfitters, Gap, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, Il Fornaio, Pluto's, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, The Cheesecake Factory, and more.

Shopping Commences at the Roseville Galleria

According to a story by the Sacramento Bee, a significant portion of the Westfield Galleria in Roseville could reopen as early as tomorrow.  Roseville's building staff is in the process of giving 70 or so businesses the needed health and safety certifications.

The decision on whether the stores will actually open rests in the hands of the mall operator, Westfield, Inc. They are expected to announce their intentions today.

Read more.

The rent's too high and now electric rates are going up

For the third straight year in a row, Roseville Electric rates will go up 6.2 percent, effective January 2011, reports The Roseville Tribune.

"All utilities in California are experiencing revenue loss ... Roseville Electric has made efforts to cut costs, including laying off employees, eliminating positions, reducing travel and conducting audits to identify inefficiencies," said Roseville Electric Director Michelle Bertolino who gave a presentation to the Roseville City Council last week.

One Roseville City Councilmember opposed the increase.

“I think a one-page staff report on a 6.2 percent rate increase is insufficient,” said Councilmember John Allard.



Read more here.

Flip the Switch: Sutter Auburn goes solar

Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital will generate 33 % of its energy needs from a solar power system that was activated today, making the acute care facility an innovator in its field when it comes to tapping into  alternative energy.

"We are proud to be a model hospital by being the first acute-care facility to provide about a third of our energy by using electricity generated from solar panels," said Sutter Auburn Faith CEO Mitch Hanna in a press release. 

Read more »

Weed control: Rocklin City Council to take up marijuana issue tonight

The Rocklin City Council will vote on a resolution tonight that would require those who legally cultivate marijuana to maintain their cannabis plants in an enclosed space -- like a green house.

Rocklin residents have complained that the pot plants emit a foul odor and that some backyard plants grow beyond the fence line, encroaching in common space and becoming accessible to anyone.

The city attorney is recommending the ordinance change, particularly in light of Proposition 19, which would legalize marijuana use and cultivation for adults 21 and over.

Polls show that Prop 19 is likely to fail, but if it passes backyard growers will be limited to 25 square feet of grow space, and cities and counties will maintain jurisdiction over certain elements of the law, particularly as it relates to environmental and public health issues.

Few Americans favor Government-Regulated Economy Over Free Market

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 75% of Likely U.S. Voters think a free market economy is better than an economy managed by the government. That’s up five points from December 2008 following Barack Obama’s election as president but consistent with findings in surveys since then, according to Rasmussen.


Only 14% think government control of the economy is better. (To see survey question wording, click here).

Pugno's 11th hour TV commercial 'jumps the salmon'

BY JANA SAASTAD

Welcome to the final days of campaigning when candidates and political consultants (no doubt overworked, exhausted and a little anxiety ridden over next week's election) start producing TV and radio spots that either miss the mark or "jump the shark." Or in the case of one Assembly candidate, the commercial jumps the salmon.
Read more »

MLB player to speak at Bayside Church in Roseville

On Thursday, Red Sox Player Dan Nava will stop by Bayside Church to share his story of becoming the second Major League Baseball player to hit a grand slam in the first pitch of his career. For those who keep tabs on baseball statistics, the first player to achieve this feat was Kevin Kouzmanoff, formerly a Cleveland Indian and now an Oakland Athletic.


Read more »

Pugno's 11th hour TV commercial 'jumps the salmon'

Welcome to the final days of campaigning when candidates and political consultants (no doubt overworked, exhausted and a little anxiety ridden over next week's election) start producing TV and radio spots that either miss the mark or "jump the shark." Or in the case of one Assembly candidate, the commercial jumps the salmon.


Andy Pugno, who hopes to succeed Roger Niello in the 5th district, produced a TV commercial that criticizes his opponent Dr. Richard Pan for approving the purchase of a $50,000 salmon statue when he served on the Sacramento First Five Commission.

Sure, we believe First Five dollars could be better spent. But this video screams desperation and probably won't gain traction with independent voters. What do you think?
 

McClintock named a 'Champion of National Security'

Congressman Tom McClintock (R-Rocklin) was named a "Champion of National Security" by the Center For Security Policy, whose members include Edwin Meese, former attorney general in the Reagan Administration.

McClintock earned 100 % on the center's annual scorecard, which was based on eight roll call votes made in the last session on key foreign, defense and intelligence matters of "direct relevance to America's safety, sovereignty and freedoms."

The votes dealt with America's strategy in Afghanistan, our missile defense program and spending tax dollars on transferring Guantanamo Bay prisoners to the United States -- amongst other issues.

Other California representatives who earned perfect scores include Congressmen Dan Lungren (R- Folsom); Wally Herger R- Chico), Kevin McCarthy (R- Bakersfield) and Devin Nunes (R-Tulare).

Only two Democrats made the center's cut as champions of national security, including Congressmen Bill Owens (New York) and Mark Critz (Pennsylvania).

Neither of California's two senators -- Dianne Feinstein or Barbara Boxer -- earned high scores.

Roseville Mall update: Displaced workers have opportunities with nearby retailers, restaurants

Roseville retailers and restaurateurs are offering work to displaced Roseville Mall workers.

Here's a list:

Fountains

Anthropologie
Article
Boudins
California Pizza Kitchen
Counter Burger
Dave and Busters (apply online)
European Wax Center
Jos A. Banks (apply online)
Le Petit Chateau
Madame Butterfly
McCormick & Schmick's
Patrol Plus (apply online)
Rock Hill Lavender
Soma
Sur La Table
Vera Bradley
West Elm
White House/Black Market
Whole Foods
Z-Gallery


The Ridge
Chipotle
David's Bridal
Jareds
Olive Garden

Creekside Town Center
Carters Children's Wear
Casual Male XL
Famous Footwear (apply online)
Men's Wearhouse
Nordstrom Rack (apply online)
Old Navy (50-60 openings)
The Avenue
Barnes and Noble
Buca Di Beppo
On the Border
Red Robin
Michael's
Ulta (apply online)


Roseville Center
Big 5
Raleys (apply online)
Fed Ex
Sprint

Creekside Plaza
Heritage Footwear and Apparel

Highlands Reserve
Beverages and More!
Kohl's

Online college classes called "important" in state agency report

The Legislative Analyst's Office released a report today that calls online college classes (known as distant learning) "an important alternative means of providing instruction that can complement existing formats and expand options for the state’s students and segments."

Placer County's Sierra College offers more than 100 online courses. Subjects include math, political science, art, Spanish, psychology and more. (See a list of Sierra online classes here).

But there's room for improvement, the LAO report indicates.


Read more »

'Now the Recovery Begins' says Roseville Mayor Garbolino

Speaking at a press conference today, Roseville Mayor Gina Garbolino said it's time to "recover, rebuild and re-open."

She emphasized the city's commitment to make the process expedient by opening a satellite office on the mall site where a "runner" will hand deliver permit papers and forms to city officials right away.

Several city departments are involved in helping with the rebuilding process, including landfill, the IT Department, transit, community and public affairs and more.

Gavin Farnam, a senior manager with Westfield, the mall owner said portions of the mall should open in several days, including Nordstroms.

Arraignment delayed for Roseville Mall arsonist, Alexander Piggee

The accused Roseville Mall arsonist, Alexander Piggee, pleaded not guilty today in court, but the judge delayed the arraignment until Thursday.

Several Placer County prep football teams make Bee's Top 20 list

Five Placer County varsity football teams are included on the Sacramento Bee's weekly Top 20 list, including:

Rocklin, 6th ranked (ranked 8th last week)
Roseville, 9th ranked (ranked 11th last week)
Granite Bay, 11th ranked (ranked 5th last week)
Colfax, 18th ranked (not on the list last week)
Placer, 19th ranked (ranked 14th last week)

Here's the complete list.

Colfax fails to file city employees salaries with state controller

California State Controller John Chiang, whose office monitors local government finances, ordered cities and counties to submit detailed data on how much they're paying their employees, including elected officials.

Placer County and all of its cities complied -- except for the City of Colfax.

Read the report here.

Alexander Piggee, roseville mall arsonist, to be arraigned today

Alexander Piggee, suspect in Roseville Galleria mall fire, will be arraigned today at the  Placer County Jail Courtroom (Dept. 13), at the corner of Richardson and Atwood in Auburn.

The Morning After Raider Report - The Raiders could do no wrong

Raiders 59 – Broncos 14
The Midas touch was Silver on Sunday. Everything the Raiders touched – worked.

They ran, threw, hopped and I think even skipped their way into the end zone on Sunday against their arch rivals, the Denver Broncos.

Where did this Darren McFadden come from? He scored 4 touchdowns. And not all of them easy. He fought his way into that end zone with a determination he has not show until now.

And the defense seemed to effortlessly dominate the Broncos offense. The second score of the game came from a Chris Johnson interception ran in for a touchdown on the Broncos first possession of the game. Coming five minutes into the first quarter.


Read more »

McClintock's not the only candidate who takes out-of-district money

Tom McClintock

Critics of Congressman Tom McClintock (R-Rocklin) are trying to make a mountain out of a molehill when it comes to his habit of accepting campaign money from donors outside of his 4th congressional district.

The accusation is true, but it's not necessarily a news story because the practice is typical in politics. So much so, that writing about the practice is akin to writing about politicians kissing babies.

Political candidates take money from donors who aren't necessarily constituents for two reasons: The donors are friends or family members or they're corporate donors headquartered in another area, or state, but with business interests in the district (think McDonald's, VISA or Walmart).

For further proof, here's a look at other local politicians whose campaign war chests have benefited by folks outside of the district -- sometimes WAY out of the district.

Roger Niello

Roger Niello, candidate for California's 1st Senate District, which includes most of Placer County, has raised $692,000 from hundreds of donors. Of that amount, roughly $250,000 was raised outside of the 1st Senate District. Donors outside the district include $15,600 from relatives living in Alamo, a Bay Area community; $2,500 from Liberty Mutual, an insurance company headquartered in Boston but doing business throughout the country; and $3,900 from a Modesto Assemblyman.

Doug LaMalfa

Doug LaMalfa, a Butte County farmer and former Assemblyman, who is running for California's 4th Senate District (which includes Rocklin and Lincoln), has raised $465,980 since January. More than $140,000 came from outside his district including $3,900 from a Senator and former colleague in Orange County; $1,200 from PG & E, headquartered in San Francisco but a major utility provider and employer in the 4th Senate District; and $1,500 from an ag industry colleague from Modesto.

Clint Curtis, McClintock's Democrat challenger has raised nary a dime. It's hardly worth mentioning. But for the record at least half of the $13,460 he raised came from inside the district, including the $1,800 he loaned himself. More than $6,000 of his donations came from political action committees, including a workers union in Sacramento that may not be in the 4th Congressional District.

"Keep Shopping in Roseville" launches Facebook page

A Facebook page has been created to keep local shoppers and businesses (and perhaps even people in the construction industry) abreast of the latest news concerning the Roseville Mall reconstruction. 

The page, called "Keep Shopping in Roseville," is located here.

Roseville Fire update: Placer County offers assistance to displaced workers

Employees displaced by the fire at the Westfield Galleria at Roseville who also reside in Placer County can apply for a variety of assistance programs through Placer County Human Services. (Contact information for employees who reside in neighboring counties is below.) Programs include Food Stamps, Medi-Cal, CalWORKS, Employment Services, Medical Care Services Program (MCSP) and General Relief. Office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday at the following locations:


Sunset Office
1000 Sunset Blvd. Ste. 220
Rocklin, CA 95675
(916) 784-6000

Auburn Office
11552 B Ave.
Auburn, CA 95603
(530) 889-7600

Starting Monday, representatives from the Employment Development Department (EDD) will be on-site at the Sunset Human Services office in Rocklin to provide unemployment application assistance to impacted residents. EDD representatives will be available from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. for one week only, Oct. 25-29.

Any impacted employees who reside in neighboring counties are encouraged to apply for services through the Human Services office in the county in which they reside. The following list provides informational phone numbers for those neighboring counties:

Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance
(916) 875-3601

Nevada County Human Services Agency
(530) 265-1218

El Dorado County Department of Social Services
(530) 642-7300

Yuba County Health and Human Services
(530) 749-6311

Yolo County Department of Employment and Social Services
(530) 661-2750

Sutter County Welfare and Social Services Division
(530) 822-7237

Tell us something we don't know: Sac Bee calls McClintock's race a 'cakewalk'

The Sacramento Bee says Congressman Tom McClintock's bid for re-election is a "cakewalk."

I think most people paying attention to politics already knew this. But the Bee is worth a read. It's an in-depth piece that explains why an unknown political upstart named Clint Curtis ain't no Charlie Brown (the Democrat politician that came close to beating McClintock in 2008, not the cartoon character).

The Bee also points out 2010 is not a good year for Democrats (unless you are Jerry Brown).

Gaines, Niello, Alby, Cooley to debate in Rocklin

Candidates for California's 1st Senate District will debate next Monday at William Jessup University, 6 - 8 p.m. in the University’s Lecture Hall.

The event will feature all four candidates who are vying for former Senator Dave Cox's State Senate seat. Cox died in July from cancer. 

The candidates include Republicans Barbara Alby, of Folsom; Ted Gaines, of Roseville; Roger Niello, of Fair Oaks; and Democrat Ken Cooley, of Rancho Cordova. The three Republicans are all former or current Assembly members and Cooley is the mayor of Rancho Cordova. 

The 1st Senate District encompasses several counties, mostly rural, including most of Placer County and parts of Sacramento.

The event is free and open to the public.

Gaines, Niello and Aanestad earn perfect scores from Howard Jarvis

Ted Gaines

Assemblymen Ted Gaines (R-Roseville) and Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks) and state Senator Sam Aanestad (R-Grass Valley) received 100 % from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers' Association annual legislative scorecard.
The association based its scores on 18 measures,almost all tax and fee related, in the past legislative session.




Roger Niello

A press release issued by the association said:

"For this evaluation to be as fair and non-partisan as possible, we have given half-credit for all vote abstentions on bills that would increase the burden on taxpayers. We understand that it can be difficult for lawmakers to resist pressure from legislative leadership and special interest lobbyists, and have chosen to acknowledge this by giving partial credit. "

Sam Aanestad

Read more here.



Assembly District 5 candidates pocket big money from outside sources

Dr. Richard Pan

According to a spending update released yesterday by the Fair Political Practices Commission, the two leading candidates for Assembly District 5, which includes Granite Bay, have benefited from independent groups (that reside outside of the district) who have donated generously to their respective campaigns.

Andy Pugno

Dr. Richard Pan, Democrat, has received more than $567,000 in independent expenditures, mostly donated by SEIU, a public employee' union, and other unions. National Organization for Marriage, a group that opposes gay marriage, has contributed $112,000 to broadcast television ads for Republican Andy Pugno who authored Proposition 8.

What does this mean? Campaign consultants and TV execs are getting richer.

Fire rages at the Roseville Galleria

The fire at the Roseville Galleria appears to be raging out of control, with flames clearly visible from the roof and huge clouds of black smoke pouring out of it. 

Fire units from throughout the region are being summoned to help battle the blaze, which began after a barricade incident during which the suspect apparently set a fire inside.

If Ted Gaines wins the Senate nomination, who will run for his Assembly seat?

Ted Gaines may not win his bid for California’s 1st Senate seat. But then again, in the unpredictable game of politics, maybe he will thanks mostly to Barbara Alby throwing her hat in the ring thus creating a 3-way race between her, Gaines and Niello, which creates a situation where votes that would have gone to the top contender (Niello, in this case) go to bottom candidate (Alby) and the second candidate (Gaines) floats to the top.



(Side note: Gaines is only considered a 2nd contender because Niello has enormous name ID – an enviable quality in politics. Otherwise, Gaines is a solid candidate with a respectable legislative history).



If Gaines wins the senate bid, that means he’ll resign his State Assembly post creating a special election in spring of 2011 to fill his seat.

Who’s likely to run for his Assembly seat?


Allard:  Yes

On the Democrat side (not that Democrats win in this bastion of Conservatism) Dennis Campanile is a good bet given that he has gone after the seat in 2008 and will again in November. What about former Air Force pilot Charlie Brown, a contestant in the 4th Congressional District race in 2006 and 2008 against John Doolittle and Tom McClintock, respectively? That’s not going to happen; he was tapped by the Obama Administration last year to work with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.


Uhler:  No



On the Republican side, insiders say John Allard, city councilman for Roseville, is in and the other likely candidate, Placer County Supervisor Kirk Uhler, is out. But don’t hold your breath; there’s always a chance that another local Republican leader – like Auburn Councilor Mike Holmes who challenged Doolittle in 2006 – or a political neophyte could give it a go.





But Allard is a solid candidate, with many years of civic and political experience (including serving for more than 10 years as chief of staff to former Assemblyman Tim Leslie), and the owner of a successful small business.



Holmes:  Maybe



The problem is, Allard’s current term on Roseville City Council expires in 2012. So guess what? Yep, another special election will be in order.

And the political beat goes on.

"Fronkenstein" comes alive at Auburn State Theatre tonight, Sunday

It's alive!

Mel Brook's classic 1974 film, "Frankenstein," starring Gene Wilder and Madeline Kahn (not to mention a whole host of other great actors) will be screened at the Auburn State Theatre tonight at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The cost is $8.

Here are some favorite quotes from the movie:

Dr. Frederick Frankenstein: You know, I'm a rather brilliant surgeon. Perhaps I can help you with that hump.

Igor: What hump?

===

Dr. Frederick Frankenstein: HE'S GOT A ROTTEN BRAIN! IT'S ROTTEN, I TELL YA! ROTTEN!

The Monster: RAAAAAAAA!
Igor: Ixnay on the ottenray.

===
Dr. Frederick Frankenstein: Igor, help me with the bags.


Igor: [Imitating Groucho Marx] Soitenly. You take the blonde, I'll take the one in the turban.
Dr. Frederick Frankenstein: I was talking about the luggage.


"Puttin' on the Ritz" from Young Frankenstein:
 

Thunder Valley Casino scares up a spooky Halloween event

If you are looking for a scary, good time this Halloween and a chance to win some money, the "Howl at the Moon Party & Costume Contest" at Lincoln's Thunder Valley Casino may be the thing for you.

The fun begins at 8 p.m. and goes until midnight. Prices: $30 or $20 with a free Thunder Club Card (plus taxes & fees).

Here's the scoop:

Price of Admission includes: Live Entertainment - Dave Martin's House Party Band, Appetizers, Non-alcoholic beverages, party favors and entry into our $10,000 Costume Contest. Cocktails and other beverages will be available for purchase.

Now here's the catch: Participants are asked to wear costumes but for security purposes, the following many rules apply:

• Costume contest participants must be Thunder Club card members.
• Costumes must not cover the face, including masks, veils, etc.
• Make-up is allowed, however face paint that conceals an individual's identity is not permitted.
• No weapons - includes decorative or fake.
• Wigs are allowed provided that it does not conceal the face.
• No wide brimmed hats are to be worn that conceal the face in any way.

Costume judging will take place inside Pano Hall from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. and winners will be announced on stage at 11 p.m.

Prizes will be awarded for the following costume categories:

Best Overall Costume - $5,000 in Free Play
Most Original/Creative - $1,000 in Free Play
Funniest Costume - $1,000 in Free Play
Scariest Costume - $1,000 in Free Play
Best Celebrity Look Alike - $1,000 in Free Play
Best Duo or Group - $1,000 in Free Play

To purchase tickets by phone, caall Ticketmaster at 800.745.3000.

To purchase tickets in person: Visit the ticket booth at the East entrance of the casino, located at 1200 Athens, Lincoln.

Get rid of your hazmat materials this weekend in Placer County

Placer County is offering its citizens and businesses (for a fee) the opportunity to drop off hazardous waste material at the Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

What's considered hazardous waste material?

* Fluorescent tubing and lights
* Old paint cans
* Paint strippers, thinners and varnishes
* Pesticides and herbicides
* Vehicle and household batteries
* Syringes (in sealed bag)

Beer on tap Friday at Auburn event

Need a beer? Want to celebrate Oktoberfest? Here's an event on Friday that's sure to quench your thirst:

The Annual Auburn Gold Country Rotary Oktoberfest, at Gold Country Fair Grounds will serve authentic German Dinner, German Beer and Schnapps, live music and German Dancer.

Tickets are $25.00 at the door, Children under 13, $10.00 at the door. For information or tickets call Nancie at 823-9764.

Lederhosens are optional.

LaMalfa, Logue endorsed by Chico Newspaper

Doug LaMalfa, candidate for California's 4th Senate District, which includes Rocklin and Lincoln, and Dan Logue, who is seeking re-election to the state's 3rd Assembly District, which includes Colfax, are called "clear choices" by Chico Enterprise-Record. Both men are Republicans.

LaMalfa, a former Assemblyman and rice grower from Butte County, is facing challenger Lathe Gill, a union organizer who has never held public office before, according to the Enterprise-Record.

Logue, of Marysville and author of Proposition 23, a 2010 ballot measure to suspend the Global Warming Solutions Act, is facing Democrat Mickey Harrington, and Libertarian Gary Bryant.

Harrington, also a union organizer who has never held public office, is recovering from open heart surgery.

Read more here.

Exhibition: Works of art on display

Get a sneak preview of Placer County’s 17th Annual Autumn Art Studios Tour

The Arts Council of Placer County is holding a preview to show-off the works of artists who are participating in the upcoming 17th annual Autumn Art Studios Tour. The exhibit is free.

The show is to help art fans decide what artists’ studios to visit during the Nov.12-14 tour, which includes 90 artists at 57 locations throughout Placer County. Tickets for the three-day pass costs $10 (free to K-12 students) and are available at the Art Council’s website: PlacerArts.org 

The Arts Building Gallery is located at 808 Lincoln Street in Auburn. Hours of operations are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m.

Grass Valley readers goes green for Ben Emery

A Grass Valley resident makes an argument in The Union for 4th Congressional District (which includes Placer County) Candidate and Green Party member Ben Emery.

Excerpts:

"What makes (Emery) qualified to run for Congress is the fact that he is the only candidate for this position who actually lives in California's 4th district.

How could the incumbent, Tom McClintock, represent us when his son, given a high school assignment to write his congressman, did not write his own father. Because McClintock does not live in our district."

Dave Cox to be honored at Roseville City Council meeting tomorrow

Dave Cox, former California state senator and Assemblyman who died earlier this year from prostrate cancer, will be honored at the Roseville City Council meeting on Wednesday. His family is expected to be present to receive the resolution.

Here are some of the other agenda items scheduled for the meeting:

Obtain City Council’s approval to apply for state and federal transportation grant money to invest into Roseville’s public transportation, particularly the Roseville City Bus;


Read more »

Placer County Supes approve private property owner's right to build

The Placer County Supervisors today approved a request from Tahoe City resident Tony Caldwell to build on his land, which consists of nearly five acres in Alpine Meadows.

The property is zoned Open Space and its land use designation includes "green belt" and "park." Today's board action will re-zone the property to Residential Family.

The board approved the request on the advice of County Planning Department Director Michael Johnson who said Caldwell received the necessary environmental analysis to move forward with building a home and obtained sufficient utility services. 

One proviso, however, is that Caldwell must have a licensed architect or engineer on the site during grading.

The board voted 4-1 with Supervisor Jennifer Montgomery dissenting. 

Placer County positioned to handle shortfalls created by state budget cuts

Placer County Assistant CEO Holly Heinzen today gave the Board of Supervisors an informational testimony on the recently passed California budget, which includes $8.5 billion in cuts, and its impact on the county coffers.

Heinzen said health and human services in the county would take the biggest hit, particularly child welfare, which could see a $1 million shortfall.

“This could lead to delays in responding to reports of abuse or neglected children,” Heinzen told the board. 

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New study shows Americans are too politically correct

Do you think America is overly politically correct? A new study finds that most Americans think we are.

Here are some excerpts:

Some people think that government officials too often override the facts and common sense in the name of political correctness, and 74% regard political correctness as a problem in America today. Thirteen percent (13%) disagree and say it’s not a problem, and 13% more are not sure. 

Sixty-three percent (63%) of voters said last November that political correctness prevented the U.S. military from responding to warning signs that could have prevented Major Nidal Malik Hasan from massacring 13 people and wounding many others at Fort Hood, Texas. 

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All aboard the Auburn commuter rail

The Auburn Journal reports "The Capitol Corridor commuter rail system that runs between Auburn and San Jose is back on track after suffering through some recessionary bumps."

Read more here.

Niello, Gaines, Alby to debate this week

Candidates for California's 1st Senate District will meet up again this Thursday in El Dorado Hills.This time, Democrat candidate and mayor of Rancho Cordova Ken Cooley will participate.

The debate begins at 6:30 p.m. in El Dorado Hills at the Four Seasons Lodge at 3186 Four Seasons Drive. The forum is sponsored by the Four Seasons Civic League.

PREVIEW: Placer Board of Supervisor meeting

The Placer County Supervisors will meet tomorrow in North Lake Tahoe to discuss and make decisions on issues mainly related to the North Tahoe area.

Included on the agenda is a request by the Placer County Redevelopment Agency to hire a private contractor to develop property within the North Lake Tahoe Redevelopment Project area. Specifically, the county plans to develop the Kings Beach Eastern Gateway development, which encompasses 1.3 acres and is zoned for commercial use. Subject to the approval of the supervisors tomorrow, the Placer County Redevelopment Agency will issue a "Request For Proposal" on Oct. 20 for developers to bid on the project. A pre-proposal meeting will be held at the site on Nov. 16. Interested parties may walk the site and ask questions. Proposals will be due on Dec. 6.

The Supervisors will also decide if the county should continue contracting with the North Tahoe Business Association for $65,000 for marketing services to continue promoting the North Tahoe area through outreach, awareness and holding local events and festivals. The money comes from the Tahoe Tax Increment Fund, a source that was created by borrowing against future property tax revenues (a common practice in most municipalities, especially used to improve blight). 

Additionally, the Supervisors will vote on reducing public transportation services to Truckee -- specifically late morning bus runs -- due to decreased funding from the federal government and the inability of Placer County to backfill the decreased funding ($23,000). The supervisor meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the Granlibakken Conference Center & Lodge, 725 Granlibakken Road, Tahoe City, or watch it online here.