Kids teach wild mustangs to respond to human touch in Placer County

Rose Ellis is one of more than 60 kids across the country participating in the Mustang Heritage Foundation's mustang challenge. They have 120 days to prepare a year-old horse that had scant human contact to perform a series of guidance maneuvers.

Rose Ellis, 14, nuzzles with Nike, a mustang yearling she'll train this summer. The Roseville teen is one of more than 60 kids, ages 8 to 18, in the program.

Rose Ellis uses a hula hoop with Nike to prepare her for the feel of reins on her neck.

Gena Wasley, right, helps Rose Ellis work with Nike to get her used to interacting with and responding to people. Wasley also helped select Nike at auction.

via SacBee -- Roseville/Placer County News http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/30/4524218/mustang-heritage-foundation.html#mi_rss=Roseville/Placer%20County%20News

Shred sensitive papers in confidence at Roseville event

If you're buried in paper, it's time to shred. Do it safely during free community shred day. Bring your unneeded paperwork for safe disposal between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at the Oak Street Municipal parking lot, at the intersection of Oak Street and Washington Blvd.  

The event is sponsored by the Roseville Police Department, in partnership with Roseville Crime Stoppers.

Your first three boxes of papers are free, and $6 per box after that. Half the proceeds from this event will benefit Roseville Crime Stoppers.  

What to shred:

• Bank statements
• Medical forms
• Insurance forms
• Tax forms, after the IRS's recommended retention period
• Receipts
• Any other personal files

Tahoe Keepers Protect Lake Tahoe and other Waterbodies from Invasive Species

A coalition of local and visiting Lake Tahoe paddlers, business owners and Tahoe Basin environmental groups are helping to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species by becoming Tahoe Keepers. 

Tahoe Keepers are paddlers who inspect and decontaminate their boats and gear every time they haul out and move between new waterbodies. Non-native species, such as quagga and zebra mussels, the New Zealand mudsnail and the spiny waterflea, could irreparably damage the Lake Tahoe watershed, and their transport is illegal. 


These invasive species are spread through water and debris that can collect in cockpits and hatches, cling to outer hulls, rudders and paddles, and even hide out on footwear and gear long after paddling.
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Tahoe Fund Names Amy R. Berry CEO

The Tahoe Fund today announced the appointment of Amy R. Berry to the new position of CEO. Originally founded in 2010 and supported by volunteer board members, the naming of a CEO is a major milestone for the organization and its mission to raise private and public funding for environmental projects in Lake Tahoe.

Berry joins the Tahoe Fund from ACCIONA Energy North America, where she was the Director of Marketing and Communications and a member of the Management Committee for the North American arm of one of the world’s largest renewable energy companies. A seasoned business executive with a successful career in building brands, developing corporate strategies, attracting media attention to causes, and fostering community relations, Berry will begin her new role on May 30.

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Gaines, Pan and Logue face 'Do or Die' week at the Capitol

The busy season has officially arrived at the State Capitol. Friday is the deadline for the California Legislature to pass measures out of their house of origin. Oh, and there's that pesky budget bill that is due to be passed -- per the state constitution -- by June 30. 

That means legislators are buried in bills and scrambling to "git 'er done." 

Many bills will hit the end of the line this week, particularly those that spark controversy, the too-expensive ones, or those that failed to gain support from a majority of legislators. 


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Early Placer County voters can leave ballots at libraries starting today

Starting today, Placer County residents who requested vote-by-mail ballots can drop off their completed ballots for the June 5 election at local public libraries.

via SacBee -- Roseville/Placer County News http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/29/4522081/early-placer-county-voters-can.html#mi_rss=Roseville/Placer%20County%20News

TRPA honor fire chiefs, supports wildfire awareness week

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board passed a resolution in support of Lake Tahoe Wildfire Awareness Week and thanked the Tahoe Basin Fire Chiefs for their service during a ceremony at their May 26 Governing Board meeting.

“Next month marks the five-year anniversary of the Angora Wildfire,” said El Dorado Supervisor and TRPA Governing Board Chair, Norma Santiago.  “With the increased risk of wildfire due to current dry conditions, this is an important time to support and encourage participation in Lake Tahoe Wildfire Awareness Week as well as to discuss how far we have come since the tragic events of June 2007.”

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Supervisor Jim Holmes opposes new fire fees, testifies before state board

Placer County’s Third District Supervisor Jim Holmes testified this week at a regulatory hearing before the California Board of Forestry in Redding. The hearing was held to receive public comment on the implementation of a fire fee on structures located in State Responsibility Areas -- locations where the state has firefighting responsibilities.


The annual fee would cost up to $150 per structure for lands within the SRA, and could affect some 800,000 property owners and 31 million acres throughout the state, including rural SRA land in Placer County. The fee originated in a state budget trailer bill for fiscal year 2011-2012 and imposed the fee on all inhabitable structures within the SRA. The fee could raise as much as $85 million annually.
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Roseville Fire Department presents Kids Fire Camp 2012

Kids ages 11-14 are invited to a fire camp that runs June 25-30. Presented by the Roseville Fire Department, the camp teaches water safety, first aid, rescue practices, firefighting, and fitness. 
Students will earn a CPR card as well.


Download the application here. 

Placer County Supes seeks public input on various projects

The Placer County Board of Supervisors announced that, after a 45-day public comment period, it intends to approve seven projects obligating a total of more than $105,000 in Federal funds. However, before it can officially approve the projects, the Board is legally required to solicit input from the general population.


All of the funding was allocated to Placer County under Title III of the Fiscal Year 2000 Public Law, the Secure Rural Schools & Community Self-Determination Act (HR2389), and the remainder was reauthorized under  the Stimulus Act in 2009.
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State Ed Department launches web site to connect students, career info

Earlier this week, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson unveiled the new California Career Center Web portal to help middle school and high school students explore their options and plan their next steps toward productive careers.

Torlakson said:

"Studies show that helping students connect their schoolwork to their future in the workforce helps keep them on track and headed for success.  

"The California Career Center Web portal gives students, parents, and teachers a one-stop shop to help demystify the process of moving from the classroom to careers."

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Be Bear Aware: Stash food and trash while in the back country

May is “Be Bear Aware” Month and the Department of Fish and Game reminds the public to act responsibly when in bear country in this special article:

Spring is the time of year when California’s black bears emerge from their winter dens in search of lush, green vegetation. 

As the grasses die in late spring, bears become attracted to bugs, berries, salmon and nearly anything edible or smelly. Their quest for food takes up nearly every waking hour.
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Vote: It's your right and duty

In an effort to encourage qualified adults to "get out and vote" in the upcoming election, Placer County Registrar of Voters office submitted the following news release:


The June 5, 2012 Presidential Primary Election gives voters an opportunity to have their say in a number of issues. In the June election, voters are nominating 


candidates to appear on the November ballot as well as electing candidates to hold county offices. A variety of measures will also appear on the ballot allowing voters to make decisions about their local communities.
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Youths and local biz win with Workforce job board

The Golden Sierra WIB is soliciting host work sites for the months of June to September 2012.

This is an opportunity for businesses to host a youth worker or workers. The youth, ages 17 through 21, work at your business in jobs established and supervised by you. There is no cost to your business. The youth are employed and paid ($8.00/hr.) by Golden Sierra for a maximum of 40 hours per week. 

Golden Sierra will also cover Workers' Compensation expenses.
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California water leaders tour American River watershed

Placer County’s water resources were at center stage Monday as water industry leaders from across California gathered for a daylong tour of the American River watershed.


Sponsored by the Mountain Counties Water Resources Association and cosponsored by the Placer County Water Agency, the event attracted 49 people, most of whom are directly involved in state water planning.
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Everything you wanted to know about recycling batteries in Rocklin

Well, it's official: Household batteries can no longer be tossed in the trash. 
Do you know where to take dead batteries for recycling? 

There are two easy ways to recycle them in Rocklin: Take them with you when you run errands or send them to school with your kids.
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Placer County 1st responders to participate in region-wide drill

On Thursday, several emergency agencies from throughout the region will participate in a Multi Casualty Incident drill beginning in the morning.

The drill scenario will involve a simulated hazardous material release, which will then drift through multiple jurisdictions. The simulated release will originate in Roseville, cross into unincorporated Placer County and then continue into Rocklin. 
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Tour Rocklin -- Virtually

The City of Rocklin is now offering tours of the city's highlights. A virtual tour that is. They are available now on the home page of of Rocklin’s website.

These Community Showcase video segments are approximately one minute in length and welcome the viewer to Rocklin, as well as highlight the various opportunities and amenities in the community. There are seven video segments with topics including:

• Introduction/Welcome
• Quality of Life
• Real Estate/Relocation
• Parks/Recreation
• Economic Development
• Education
• Business and Industry.  

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Assemblyman Logue hopes to save state parks

Assemblyman Dan Logue (R-Marysville) is holding a press conference today at the state capitol to announce a bill, known as California Park Stewardship Act of 2012, that would help save California’s state parks. 

Logue, who represents North Auburn and Colfax, said in a press release: 

“I am proud to fight to keep state parks like Bidwell Mansion open for the public to enjoy. 

“These parks are a part of California's rich history, and serve to remind us of the beauty of God’s creation and of our state’s great accomplishments. We cannot allow them to be lost.”

Assembly Bill 1589 would require the Parks Department to work on finding an alternative before closing a park, and disclose to the public its reasoning to close down a certain park. 



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Lincoln CIty Council to hear from Garden Bar Reservoir proponents

At Tuesday's meeting, Lincoln City Council members will hear a presentation from proponents of the Garden Bar Reservoir, which is proposed to be built in rural north Placer County bordering Nevada County. 

The project's water consultant Lynne Melton and Brad Arnold, of South Sutter Water District will give the presentation. 
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The Art Docent Program enrich children's education in Placer County

"If you don't learn art now, you will never learn to breathe!”  -- Laurie Halse Anderson.

Here is some useful information about a local art education programs: 

The Art Docent Program has a great history with Placer Schools since the program was created 25 years ago. Thousands of kids in the Auburn, Ophir, Newcastle, Lincoln, Loomis, Rocklin and Roseville schools have enjoyed it, and refrigerators of proud parents throughout the county have been decorated with their brilliant art. 

This year, the Loomis Union District has been beta-testing the digital version of the program.
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Tahoe RCD to Highlight Invasive Species Control and Water Quality at Tahoe Science Conference

From our friends at Tahoe Resource Conservation District: 

The upcoming Tahoe Science Conference in Incline Village, NV will feature presentations from the Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD) and its partners. Will Anderson of Tahoe RCD’s Watershed Resources Program will present on modeling of storm events, and Jim Brockett will display photographs highlighting aquatic invasive species control projects underway in Lake Tahoe by Tahoe RCD and its partners.
Read more »

Foxworthy’s Show, ‘American Bible Challenge’ to hold casting sessions at Jessup Friday

There's nothing redneck about this news item from our friends at William Jessup University: 

William Jessup University is the host site for casting sessions of Game Show Network’s "American Bible Challenge," a new game show hosted by Jeff Foxworthy. 

The casting session will take place on Friday, May 18 from 3–8 pm in the Edrington Conference Room at Jessup’s Rocklin campus located at 333 Sunset Blvd. in Rocklin.

The Game Show Network (GSN) and the creators of “Extreme Makeover Home Edition” are currently traveling across America, looking for teams of three people who have competitive spirits, great personal testimonies, a familiarity with pop culture – and, of course, an awesome knowledge of the Bible according to a news release.

The American Bible Challenge is a studio-based game show in which contestants compete based on their knowledge of the Bible. Questions will be designed to acknowledge and celebrate the Bible’s continuing importance in contemporary life and culture. The contestants will have their compelling back-stories and each team will be playing for a worthy charity.

Kids can ride with pride in Placer Co Sheriff event

From the Placer County Sheriff Dept:


It’s time to sign up for the Placer County Sheriff Office’s annual Ride With Pride, a one-day camp that pairs grade-school children with deputies and their horse partners.
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OPINION: The Partisan Divide: A Call for Moderation

BY JACK UPPAL
  
Picture our nation as being on a raft careening towards a giant waterfall.  Our politicians have the oars, but some are steering our raft towards the right bank and some towards the left bank. 
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Matt Redding Memorial Golf Tournament

The seventh annual Matt Redding Memorial Golf Tournament will take place Monday, June 18 at Whitney Oaks Golf Club in Rocklin.

Cost is $135 per person, which includes green fees, cart, range balls, barbecue lunch, and awards dinner that features a raffle, silent auction and auctioneer. Dinner only is available for $35 per person.
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CHP REMINDS ALL MOTORISTS THE IMPORTANCE OF SHARING THE ROAD

Some handy reminders from the CHP:

When it comes to traffic safety, some actions bear repeating.  May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reminds all motorists to safely share the road and look twice for motorcyclists.

California is home to more than one million licensed motorcycle riders and an environment that lends itself to near perfect riding conditions year round.  For this reason, it is important that every motorist remain vigilant while traveling on the state’s roadways.
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Roseville PD to host Community Safety Day

The Roseville Police Department invites the community to Roseville’s Community Safety Day at Westfield Galleria May 19.

Here's what's happening:

• Watch expert police motorcycle officers ride in the Law Enforcement Motor Challenge.
• Your kids can flex their firefighter muscles in the Fire Kids Combat Challenge! They'll lay fire hose, scramble up an inflatable slide and drag a dummy, all under the expert supervision of Roseville firefighters.
• K9 demonstrations.
• Roseville Police Activities League's Crossfit Kids Circuit
• Hands-on displays of police, fire and emergency medical vehicles
• Get your blood pressure checked.  Visit dozens of community partners in the vendor area.  Sign up for neighborhood watch.
• Kids bicycle skill course (bring own bike & helmet).
• Visit Roseville Park and Rec's Operation Swim booth!  Bring a new swimsuit, towel or cash to donate, and help a kid learn to swim.
• Got little ones?  Visit the free SAFE Credit Union kids fun zone!
• Hungry?  Don't worry--there'll be lots of walking-around food for sale by great local restaurants. 

The event is sponsored by the City of Roseville, Westfield Galleria, SAFE Credit Union and many other generous local businesses and organizations. Proceeds will benefit two local charities, the Roseville Police Activities League and the Keaton Rafael Memorial Fund

For more information, visit the event website.

Tee up for the Mayor’s Cup at Woodcreek Golf Club

Courtesy: Tbmurray

Here's a win-win situation: Play golf and help a raise money for youth scholarships. 


The 16th annual Mayor’s Cup golf tournament will take place Friday, June 1 at Woodcreek Golf Club in Roseville.

Put on by the City of Roseville and Woodcreek Golf Club, this year’s tournament will have an Hawaiian theme and be a day of golfing, networking, and fundraising.

Read more »

Lake Tahoe Roadside Boat Inspection Stations Open for Season

From the Tahoe Resource Conservation District 


Roadside stations for inspections and decontaminations of motorized boats and watercraft are officially open for the 2012 boating season at 5 locations entering the Lake Tahoe Basin.
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Placer County Sheriff ask public to help nab jewelry thieves

The Placer County Sheriff Department reports the following:

Placer County Sheriff detectives are seeking the public’s help in finding two persons of interest in a Tahoe City jewelry store burglary last month. 
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