Thursday 30 September 2010

Edgar Winter will bring "Frankenstein" to Thunder Valley

Just in time for Halloween, musical virtuoso Edgar Winter will bring his "Frankenstein" (a #1 hit for his band in 1973) to Thunder Valley Casino on Oct. 30. Tickets range from $23 to $45. Purchase here. The show begins at 8 p.m.

Winter is also known for his hit "Free Ride," from "They Only Come Out at Night" album which also includes "Frankenstein."

When Winter isn't touring on his own, he tours with Ringo Starr and His All Star Band.

Former Placer County librarian tapped by Obama Administration

Susan H. Hildreth, a former head librarian in Placer County, has been nominated by President Obama to serve as the director for the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

According to a press release issued by the White House today, Hildreth was previously appointed as California’s state librarian by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Prior to her position as California state librarian, Hildreth was at the San Francisco Public Library, where she served as deputy director and then city librarian. Her background also includes five years as deputy library director at the Sacramento Public Library -- all of these roles were served after her stint in Placer County.

Hildreth is active in the American Library Association and served as president of the Public Library Association in 2006. She has a master's degree in library science from State University of New York, a master's degree in business administration from Rutgers University and a bachelor of arts, cum laude, from Syracuse University.

Wednesday 29 September 2010

The Lemondrops at Horseshoe Bar & Grill are liquid candy

Senate Debate is more of a friendly discussion among conservatives

They agreed.

On almost everything.

Except Assemblyman Roger Niello’s budget vote in February 2009 that temporarily raised taxes.


Republican candidates for the California’s First Senate District squared off tonight in a one-hour debate jointly hosted by the Sacramento Lincoln Club and the California Chamber of Commerce at the posh Granite Bay Golf Club. Eric Hogue moderated the debate and it was carried live on KTKZ AM 1380.

The three Senate hopefuls – Niello, Assemblyman Ted Gaines and Board of Equalization member Barbara Alby – took soft swipes at one another (mostly Alby and Gaines took shots at Niello for his budget vote) but for the most part the three respected conservatives agreed on just about everything.


Read more »

Two Rocklin workers taken to hospital after haz-mat spill

KCRA Channel 3 reports:

Two workers at Rocklin's Western Placer Waste Management Authority facility were taken to the hospital today after complaining of of sore throats and sinus irritation after a hazardous material spilled at a Placer County landfill.


Karen England's candidacy for Lt Gov stinks, says conservative pundit

Placer County's Aaron Parks writes an insightful piece on Karen England's candidacy for California's Lt. Governor.


His theory on England's true intent for her candidacy for California's #2 seat -- a position she can't possibly win -- is to feather the nest of her employer, California Resource Institute (a conservative, faith based political group based in Sacramento).

To make matters more interesting, he includes a faux ad of England's campaign which links to Gavin Newsom's web site for Lt. Gov. Nice!

High technology leads to Roseville arrest

Using a modern technological device known as CrimeDex, the Roseville Police Department identified and arrested a convicted felon just four days after he had attempted to rob a major department store. 

The uber technological Crimedex is composed of an online community of fraud, loss prevention and law enforcement professionals dedicated to stopping crime.


Read more »

Senate debate in Roseville tonight


Radio host Eric
Hogue will moderate

The three Republican candidates for California's 1st district Senate seat square off tonight at the Granite Bay Golf Club. Barbara Alby, Ted Gaines and Roger Niello will join moderator Eric Hogue, of Rocklin's KTKZ 1380 AM.

The Placer Farm & Barn Tour set for Oct. 10

From the Placer County Visitors Bureau:

The Placer Farm and Barn Tour is happening on Sunday, Oct. 10 from 10  a.m. to 4 Pp.m.. It features nine farms, ranches and vineyards from Auburn to Loomis, most of which are new to the Tour.

Spend a beautiful fall day exploring the countryside, visiting working farms and ranches, and meeting the farmers who produce our local food. Visit a variety of orchards, a cattle ranch, a Christmas tree and sheep ranch, a vineyard and a winery, an historic vegetable farm, or an aquatic nursery. Learn how various foods are grown, taste locally grown and prepared foods, try your hand at processing olives, take a class on starting a small vineyard, watch sheepdogs at work, or just sit back, sip a glass of wine, and enjoy some of Placer County’s most beautiful views.


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Tuesday 28 September 2010

Tahoe City candidate forum Oct. 12

The Sierra Sun reports its teaming up with the North Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce to host a candidate forum for local Placer county-specific races, prior to the start of early voting.

The Oct. 12 forum will feature three races:

• One seat on the Tahoe City Public Utility District
• One seat on the North Tahoe Public Utility District
• Two seats on the Truckee Tahoe Airport District

Each candidate will have a 2-minute opening statement; after that, a moderator will begin asking questions of various candidates, and their responses will be timed to a 2-minute maximum.

Questions will come from both those submitted beforehand from residents to the Sierra Sun, as well as others crafted from Sierra Sun staff.

Placer County Supes unanimously approve large retail center in Auburn

After three and half hours and much debate, Auburn is one step closer to housing either a Wal Mart or Costco after the Placer County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Bohemia Retail Project today.

The site to be developed by Jim Conkey and located in North Auburn on Highway 49, will include a 155,000 square foot store -- most likely either one of the aforementioned super-sized stores. The project has raised the ire of local citizens who, under the group Alliance for the Protection of the Auburn Community Environment (APACE), appealed the project after it approved by the Placer County Planning Commission in July.


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Party with Placer Arts on Friday

From the Placer Arts organization:

Treat yourself to a Placer County food, wine and arts showcase on Friday beginning at 6:30 pm at the Blue Goose Fruit Shed, 3550 Taylor Road, Loomis. Music by Totally Tapioca, Mick Martin and The Blues Rockers, and Sin City.

A merry evening with the arts celebrating California Arts Day and the good work of 14 local arts organizations. Buy tickets online for $25 in advance (includes 1 wine token); $30 at the door.

The event  benefits Placer Arts 360 organizations, including: The Arts Council of Placer County, Auburn Community Concerts Association, Auburn Placer Performing Arts Center, Auburn Symphony, Chamber Music Alive! Civic Theatre West, Lincoln Arts and Culture Foundation, Placer Theatre Ballet, Placer Theatre Productions, Rocklin Community Theatre, Roseville Arts! Blue Line Gallery, South Placer Heritage Foundation, Take Note Troupe, and Theatre Alive.

CORRECTION: Gaines bill extends Placer County youth service pilot program

We inadvertently made a mistake yesterday when we announced Assemblyman Ted Gaines bill 1766 would reimburse Placer County for the 49 Fire.

Instead, Assembly Bill 1766 -- jointly authored by Assembly members Ted Gaines and Dan Logue -- provides a five-year extension for Placer County’s highly successful blended youth services pilot program.
According to a press release from the authors:

The “Placer Model” streamlines the traditional approach to child welfare, mental health, probation, and education services, providing more for less. Since 2005, this innovative approach has drastically reduced the number of children entering foster care and increased the number of adoptions.


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Rocklin resident's murder-for-hire trial set for November in Placer County

The Auburn Journal reports Ruben Cesar Salgado, Rocklin resident and the former cop charged with multiple drug felonies and murder-for-hire is scheduled to go to trial at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 8 in Placer County.


Placer County to host the 2010 Manufacturers' Forum

The Placer County Economic Development Board will sponsor the 2010 Manufacturer's Forum on October 14.

The forum will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Renesas Electronics America, 7501 Foothills Blvd. in Roseville. The keynote speaker is Jack Stewart, president of the California Manufacturers and Technology Association.


Placer County Democrats host debate party tonight

The Placer County Democrats are hosing a Debate Party Tonight! It will be held at 6pm at the Cattlebaron's Restaurant adjacent to the Democratic Headquarters located at 3119 Penryn Road in Penryn.

Wednesday is Spare the Air day: ride a bus for free

The Spare The Air advisory reports that tomorrow's pollution levels are projected to be high and unhealthy for sensitive groups in the Sacramento region, including South Placer County.

That means bus rides are free on the Following Transit Systems:

Auburn Transit, Lincoln Transit, Placer County Transit and Roseville Transit - http://www.pctpa.org/
or call (530) 823-4030.

Chief of staff earns nearly $200K a year at board of ed

The Auburn Journal reports a chief of staff for the Placer County Office of Education earns nearly $200,000 per year.

“What do you do all day to justify that?” asked Mary Flannigan, who is also a special education teacher for the Placer County Office of Education. “There are a lot of directors and people with these job titles where you are like, ‘What the heck (do they do)?’”

Keith Bray receives an annual base pay of $173,667. In addition, Bray is paid $3,400 for having a professional license, $2,000 in a doctorate stipend, $7,200 for a vehicle allowance, $2,500 for a cabinet stipend and $4,926 in lieu of health benefits. His total annual salary is $193,693, according to the Journal.

Read the story here.

There's an app for that: Rocklin woman's stolen iPhone tracked with GPS

When a Rocklin woman's cell phone went missing Saturday afternoon, she realized it must have been lifted by the magazine salesman who had just visited her house.

Thanks to modern technology, in other words the IPhone GPS app, the woman was able to track down her phone.

CA Secretary of State certifies Senate District 1 candidates

California's Secretary of State Debra Bowen announced the certified list of candidates who will appear on the Special Primary Election ballot to fill the vacancy in the 1st Senate District seat.

The candidates and their official ballot designations are:

Read more »

Monday 27 September 2010

Placer Co. Sheriff Deputy to receive Medal Valor from Schwarzenegger

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Jerry Brown will present 10 California peace officers with the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor at a Capitol ceremony tomorrow morning.

Placer County Sheriff Deputy Ken Skogen will be among the honorees for his brave rescue of an elderly woman from her burning house during the 49 Fire in Auburn last August. 

The other officers receiving the Medal of Valor include:
- Officers Rodney Richards and Jason Smith, California Highway Patrol
- Sheriff Tom Allman, Mendocino County Sheriff's Office
- Detective Eric Bradley, Lodi Police Department
- Captain Kevin Raffaelli and Officers Rick Apecechea, Jeff Dellinges and Roberto Gonzalez, San Mateo Police Department
- Officer Kelley Merritt, Susanville Police Department

The ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. in the State Capitol in the Governor's Council Room.


Rocklin voters: Meet your candidates

The Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce will host a free, public forum for business people and residents to hear directly from over a dozen candidates for local office. The forum will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. in the Whitney High School theater, 701 Wildcat Blvd in Rocklin.

According to the Chamber, the candidates for Rocklin City Council and the Rocklin Unified School District Board of Trustees will attend the fast-paced candidate forum. Each candidate will be provided three minutes to make a statement to the audience, outlining his or her priority objectives, and afterwards will be available to meet with voters individually.


Read more »

Sunday 26 September 2010

Raiders lose - but why?


And the reason you make touchdowns and don’t rely on field goals?

Because if you have to rely on your field goal kicker, you will not win games.

They are great in a pinch. They are great when it has come down to the wire and you have played one hell of a game and it’s all you’ve got to give.

But the Raiders have been relying on field goals for three of their games this season. They have trouble getting into the end zone even when a team like the Cardinals try very hard to help them out.

Including a penalty by the Cardinals that gave the Raiders a 1st and goal at the 1 yard line. Even then, they were kept out of the end zone.

Read more »

Prep football: Placer County High School game results

With their respective 4-1-0 records, Rocklin High School and Lincoln High School are leading teams in the San Joaquin Section Division I-IV.

Rocklin leaders include running back Brian McDonald averaging 111 yards per game and quarterback Jimmy Laughrea averaging 228 passing yards per game.


Read more »

Raiders head to Phoenix


The Raiders head into unfamiliar territory today with their first trip to the U of Phoenix Stadium.

Look out for a premier matchup of off field friends Larry Fitzgerald and Nnamdi Asomugha. They run on the field with mutual respect, but that won’t stop them from trying to best each other.

"Anytime you get a chance to play against a fierce competitor, arguably the best at the position, it's going to perk your interest and make you want to be at your best," said Fitzgerald.

What does Nnamdi say makes Fitzgerald so good.

Read more »

Saturday 25 September 2010

Yuill's cool way to campaign

Scott Yuill, mayor of Rocklin and candidate for re-election, found a cool way to campaign on this Indian Summer day: Give away ice cream in Rocklin neighborhoods.

I heard the ice cream man coming (you know, with that off-key version of ragtime great Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer") and thought I would grab a few treats to have on hand for the grandkids.

It turns out the ice cream man is a lady and I could put my money away; the ice cream is free today -- courtesy of Scott Yuill.

But that's not all; atop the ice cream truck was a huge Yuill for City Council sign.

Great strategy! If you can't win 'em over with your political platform, win 'em over with ice cream.

Friday 24 September 2010

New federal health care went into effect; what you need to know

Portions of the federal health care plan (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ) went into effect yesterday.

The following information, provided by the office of California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, will help consumers wade through the new law.


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Granite Bay teen loses hand in firework explosion

CBS Channel 13 reports a Granite Bay youth lost his hand and severely injured his leg when a firework the size of an M-80 exploded. He was sent to the hospital to undergo emergency surgery.


Congressman McClintock to hold Auburn forum on wasterwater issues

Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Elk Grove), who represents Placer County, is hosting a forum Monday, Sept. 27, with Rep.Wally Herger (R-Redding) to address wastewater treatment issues.

According to a McClintock press release, the forum will focus on the topics of wastewater treatment regulation, fees and facilities.

"It is the responsibility of Congress to resolve these issues, and the first step is to hear from those impacted by the underlying regulatory burdens," McClintock said in the release.

Invitations have been extended to federal and California state regulatory agencies, as well as local community officials (the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, California Environmental Protection Agency and the California Regional Water Quality Control Board have confirmed their attendance).

Here are the details:

* Monday, Sept. 27 at 10 a.m.
* Placer County Board of Supervisors Chamber

175 Fulweiler Avenue, Auburn

Contact McClintock's district director, Rocky Deal, at 916-786-5560.

Thursday 23 September 2010

Roseville city manager one of the top paid in California

The League of Cities released its salary compensation study on city managers and guess what?

Roseville’s W. Craig Robinson made the top 10 list. He ranks #7 to be exact, bringing in a tidy $383,00 per year.

Placer County Judge Joseph W. O’Flaherty is in hot water again

Cal Watchdog reports "The state Commission on Judicial Performance has once again busted him for 'willful misconduct, the most serious form of judicial misconduct.' "

Read more here.

Wednesday 22 September 2010

Roseville's Summer Sanders signs sweet deal with Sue Bee Honey

KTIV-TV, of Nebraska, reports that Summer Sanders, former Roseville resident and winner of two Olympic gold medals in swimming, will promote Sue Bee Honey.

Sanders said:"I love that they're made in the USA. I consider it nature's miracles (honey), and they lead to a healthy lifestyle. You can include it in all of your foods. So, to be a part of a company that wants to send out that message and has those values is just so perfect."

Free Rabies Shots in Placer County

From the Placer County Public Information Office:

Free rabies vaccinations this Saturday at the Placer County Animal Shelter in Auburn, located at 11251 B Avenue, 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Cats should be in carriers, and dogs should be on leashes.

The Sacramento Valley Veterinary Medical Association is sponsoring the event, purchasing the vaccine and immunizing the animals, and hopes to make the Guinness Book of World Records by vaccinating more than 3,300 pets in the region in a single day (the association is offering free vaccines in neighboring El Dorado and Sacramento counties, as well).


Read more »

Tuesday 21 September 2010

William Jessup to host job fair in Rocklin

William Jessup will hold a career and graduate school fair from 9a.m. to noon on September 29th at its facilities in Rocklin. It is open to the public and current students and will include representatives from employers and graduate schools. The state Employment Development Department will also offer several workshops.

For more information visit their website at http://www.jessup.edu/ or call 916-577-2253.

Piatti closes Roseville Ristorante

If you noticed something missing on the the corner of Douglas and E. Roseville Parkway, Piatti Ristorante closed it's doors over the weekend.
It opened in 1998 and although business had picked up compared to a year ago according to Davina Ricci, event coordinator for the Sacramento Piatti location, the Roseville location continued to struggle.
The Sacramento location remains open as does 9 other locations in four states.

Roseville makes PG&E's top 100 "risky pipeline" list

PG&E released a "top 100" list of the transmission pipeline segments that are due for repairs. The list was released in response to public outrage over the deadly San Bruno explosion that occurred nearly two weeks ago.

One of the segments is located in Placer County; specifically a 765-foot segment near Highway 65 in Roseville.

According to the PG&E list, an engineering review of the segment "has been conducted to assess risk for potential third party damage.

"One third party dig-in occurred nearby; however, that portion of the pipeline has since been sleeved. Most of the area has been fully developed and with completion of the Blue Oaks overpass, the risk of third party damage has been reduced and no further action is warranted."

Monday 20 September 2010

Longtime politico Barbara Alby calls herself an "outsider"

Barbara Alby, candidate for California's first Senate district (the race that includes Roger Niello, Ted Gaines and Ken Cooley), recently told a reporter she's a political "outsider," which is like Dan Marino saying he's new to the game of football.
Alby, a former assemblywoman and current acting member on California's Board of Equalization, is about as entrenched in the political system as her opponents. The difference is they own it while she attempts to defy her reality.
Here's a quick look at her "outsider" background per Wikipedia:
"Barbara Alby (born August 9, 1946) is an American politician from California and a member of the Republican Party. She first sought elective office in 1991, running in a special election for the Sacramento-based 5th district in the California State Assembly. She lost that race to fellow Republican B. T. Collins, onetime chief of staff to Democratic former Gov. Jerry Brown, and lost to him again in the 1992 Republican primary. After Collins died, Alby won a 1993 special election to succeed him and occupied the Assembly seat until 1998 when term limits forced her from office. That year, she ran for the U.S. House of Representatives, attempting to succeed veteran Democrat Vic Fazio in the Sacramento-based 3rd district. Alby lost the Republican primary to businessman Doug Ose by 20 points."

Niello rolls down the campaign highway


Roger Niello, candidate for California's first senate district (which includes most of Placer County), hits the road today in a big recreational vehicle to meet voters throughout northern California.

Stops in Placer County include this Wednesday's meet and greet at Roseville Panera Bread at 1850 Douglas Blvd. from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Later in the day, he'll tour Ikeda’s Market in Auburn, and go live on KAHI studios with Dick Rosenthal at 4:15 p.m.

He'll also tour the Roseville Galleria Wednesday afternoon and dine at the Cheesecake Factory at the mall in the evening.

On Thursday, Niello will "mix and mingle" at Rocklin's Starbuck's at 5070 Rocklin Road from 9:50 to 10:30 a.m.

He plans to meet with Placer county newspapers, including the Roseville Press-Telegram, the Colfax Record and the Auburn Journal.

(anti) Banned Book Week event in Auburn

In opposition to banning books, the Placer County Sparks Law Library will hold a program Sept. 30 called "An Obscene Evening in the Library: Obscenity Law and Literature."

In collaboration with the The El Dorado County law library, the program will explore "the origins of obscenity laws in the United States and trace (their) impact on literary expression and libraries," according to a press release.

The event begins at 6 p.m. at the Sparks Law Library of Placer County, 1523 Lincoln Way, Auburn; (530) 621-6423, edlawlibrary@gmail.com.

Dine out Roseville returns in October

Looking for fine food deals at fantastic Roseville restaurants?

If so, you'll be happy to know that "Dine out Roseville" series is back offering pre-fixed, 3-course meals valued at $50 for only $30 at various participating restaurants.

Participating restaurants include:
* Crush 29
* FAT'S Asia Bistro & Dim Sum Bar
* Granitos
* Hawks Restaurant
* IL Fornaio
* La Provence Restaurant & Terrace
* McCormick & Schmick's Fresh Seafood
* Mikuni Japanese Restaurant
* Paul Martin's American Bistro
* Suede Blue
* Tahoe Joe's Famous Steakhouse
... and more!

Larson kicks off his campaign for Roseville City Council

David Larson is kicking off his campaign for the Roseville City Council at the Blue Line Gallery Tuesday the 21st from 5:30-7:00 pm.

Contact information:
Blue Line Gallery
405 Vernon St., Roseville, CA 95678
RSVP to info@larson4roseville.com

The Morning After – Raiders Report

Raiders 16 – Rams 14

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no it’s Bruce Gradkowski.

Like most Raiders fans I watched the first half of the Raiders vs. Rams game, bored and tepid. In the sense of ‘here we go again’.

Enter Gradkowski. An ultra charged spark plug that somehow breathed life into an offensive line, receivers, running backs and the defense. Not to mention the Oakland coliseum and sports bars across Northern California.


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Sunday 19 September 2010

Word to Raiders O-line: Line up and Man up

Today the Raiders will need to shake off their nervous play of last week, firm up the offensive line and knock St. Louis Ram quarterback Sam Bradford down in order to win their home opener. Last week, Bradford, the number-one draft pick threw 55 times for 32 completions, 253 yards and a touchdown.

He also threw three interceptions and the game resulted in a loss to Arizona, but Bradford definitely had some high points in his NFL debut. Raider corners Nnamdi and Stanford Routt should have more then a few chances to make good defensive plays for the Raiders.


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