Placer County Online

Truckee-Tahoe Pet Lodge offers friendly stay for your pet during summer visits to Lake Tahoe

2013-05-20T09:33:00.003-07:00

For people visiting the Lake Tahoe region this summer from Placer County or the greater Sacramento region, often times the quandary is whether to bring your pet or not.

While there are Lake Tahoe lodging facilities that welcome pet stays, there are also plenty of places that force one to leave your beloved dog or cat at home.

For people looking for a location to board their pet for a day, several days, or an entire week when visiting North Lake Tahoe, the Truckee-Tahoe Pet Lodge has become a favored location.

Downtown Truckee location

Situated in the heart of downtown Truckee at 10960 West River Street, just one mile from Interstate 80, the Pet Lodge is a short drive from Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows and Northstar California ski resorts.

The Truckee-Tahoe Pet Lodge is a reliable place to board dogs or cats overnight, and includes some “luxury” accommodations, according to owner Laura Vanderpool.

“Our mission is to provide a safe, healthy and loving environment for dogs and cats that live in or visit the beautiful Truckee-Tahoe community,” Vanderpool said. “Our guests will be treated to an environment as close to homelike as possible with fresh air, great food and warm friendship.”

That’s right, friendship, which is a little different concept than most pet boarding facilities provide.

Outdoor play time in safe environment

At the Truckee-Tahoe Pet Lodge, one of the perks is daily group playtimes in their safe, monitored outdoor play yards, which are a great way to help your pet get acclimated and enjoy this temporary home away from home.

Private play times with staff members are also available for pets that are not suited for group play.

The Pet Lodge will simplify your packing, providing everything from beds to toys to bowls. They can even call your veterinarian to confirm vaccination records, leaving you with one less thing to worry about.

Grooming, bathing available

The Truckee-Tahoe Pet Lodge offers full-service dog and cat grooming for all sizes, breeds, and coat types. The Pet Lodge offers a selection of grooming and bathing services through its grooming salon. If a pet is staying at the lodge, a scheduled appointment can be arranged prior to departure.

For people not interested in boarding, grooming services are available. An appointment for a quick bath and dry before taking your dog home on the road can be arranged.
The Pet Lodge has a variety of suites available to suit any size pet. Some activity packages do include suite upgrades because some dogs or cats require more privacy. A reservation specialist can discuss the suite options.

Upgraded Suite includes

Flat screen TV with round-the-clock doggie videos
Individual climate control
Furniture just like home

Dog lodging is as low as $22.95 per night, while Cat lodging is $22 per night.
For more information, visit www.truckeetahoepetlodge.com or call 530 582-7268.

Feed My Starving Children MobilePack Returns to Sacramento Area To Pack 500,000 Meals For Malnourished Children

2013-05-13T17:08:00.003-07:00

Through a gift of only 22 cents, Sacramento area residents can fund a nutritious meal for a starving child—and pack that meal with their own two hands.

In partnership with local community members and organizations, Feed My Starving Children is returning to the Sacramento region for a 4th annual MobilePack™. The event goal is 2,500 volunteers packing 500,000 meals for distribution to malnourished children around the world.

Over the last three years, area residents have packed and funded more than 1.3 million meals with the help of over 5,000 donor-volunteers in the Sacramento region.

This year’s three-day MobilePack will run from Thursday, October 24 through Saturday, October 26 at William Jessup University in Rocklin. The MobilePack relies on community volunteers to pack by hand each of these nutritious, dehydrated meals, as well as to financially support the cost of ingredients and packaging for each meal.

“We have had a tremendous response of volunteers in the community seeking to help at the MobilePack, but need additional financial support for this year’s event.” said Mike Gebhardt, one of the organizers of the MobilePack. “Very simply, the more financial support we can raise, the more meals we can pack. Business and organization sponsors have found volunteering to be a rewarding community service and team-building opportunity.”

The MobilePack needs 2,500 volunteers to participate in the assembly and packing of meals. Volunteer shifts are only two hours and are a great way to spend quality time with family, friends, or even people from your organization.

While the cost of each meal is only 22 cents, the event goal of 500,000 meals adds up to a commitment of $110,000.

The Sacramento FMSC MobilePack is seeking community partners to help underwrite the cost of these meals.

Feed My Starving Children is a Christian non-profit that distributes culturally-neutral, nutritious meals to nearly 70 countries through more than 90 missions and humanitarian agencies. In most cases, the free food is used to operate orphanages, schools, clinics, and community feeding programs that contribute to long-term community development. Ninety-two percent of donations to FMSC go directly to the food program.

Corporations, civic groups and churches that are interested in partnering with this year’s Sacramento area MobilePack™ may call Bill Halldin at 916-781-0650. For more information, please visit our website, www.sacfmscmobilepack.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Steve Budiono Joins Community 1st Bank as Senior Vice President/Senior Relationship Manager

2013-05-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

Steve Budiono

Community 1^st Bank has named Steve Budiono, who has nearly a decade of managerial experience in the banking industry, as Senior Vice President/Senior Relationship Manager.

Budiono will help bolster the bank’s commercial lending services, working with business owners throughout Northern California.

“I’m excited about joining Community 1^st Bank and being part of such a close-knit team,” Budiono said. “Community 1^st has a great industry reputation and I really look forward to the close relationships with customers that take place at a community-focused bank.”

Budiono began his banking career with Bank of America in Palo Alto, where he served as Vice President/Business Banker from 2005 to 2008.

He relocated to the Sacramento region and began working for Westamerica Bank as a Vice President/Commercial Banker in October 2008. Budiono spent the past four years at JPMorgan Chase Bank, Sacramento as a Vice President/Relationship Manager.

“We’re extremely pleased to have someone with the skills, knowledge, dedication, and background that Steve Budiono possesses, join our team at Community 1^st Bank,” said Robert Haydon, President & CEO of Community 1^st Bank. “Steve is a wonderful new asset who will serve our existing clients well and help us attract new business.”

Budiono was born in Indonesia, raised in Singapore, and came to the

United States

as a teenager. He graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) with an International Studies degree.

Budiono lives in Rancho Cordova and in his spare time is an avid tennis player.

For more information on Community 1^st Bank, visit www.Community1Bank.com or call the bank’s Auburn office at 530-863-4800 or in Roseville at 916-724-2424.

Matt Redding Memorial Golf Tournament set for June 17 at Whitney Oaks

2013-05-09T16:30:00.002-07:00

The eighth annual Matt Redding Memorial Golf Tournament will take place Monday June 17, at Whitney Oaks Golf Club in Rocklin.

Cost is $145 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.

Registration begins at 10 a.m., and lunch is served from 10:30-11:45 a.m. The shotgun start begins at noon. The sit-down dinner features steak and fish, au gratin potatoes, vegetable and cheesecake. The meal will be prepared by Chef Marten, who formerly worked at Carver's Restaurant in Roseville.

Matt Redding

A popular Rocklin Police Officer, Matt Redding tragically died while on duty in October 2005 when he was struck and killed by a vehicle that was driven by an intoxicated driver.

All proceeds go to the nonprofit Matt Redding Foundation, which supports education in Protective Services and provides financial support each year to graduating seniors at seven local high schools – Del Oro, Whitney, Rocklin, Victory Christian, Roseville, Oakmont and Woodcreek. It also provides scholarships to Sierra College and William Jessup University each year.

For additional information or to download registration forms, go to mattreddingfoundation.org. Please return player (s) names and payment to ensure entry.

If you have any questions or would like to check on availability, please call 916 624-0789.

May is Water Safety Month

2013-05-07T17:17:00.002-07:00

KidsFirst and Sea Otter Swim Lessons Team-Up For Kids

Free Event May 13: Pool Safety Course

May is Water Safety Month and to protect our kids, a new community partnership is reaching out to provide a free pool safety course to children and their families on May 13^th from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm at Sea Otter Swim Lessons, 6151 Brace Road, Loomis, CA. The first eleven children already registered with KidsFirst will have the opportunity to learn from the experts some key water safety rules.

This type of training is essential because according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fatal drowning for children ages 1-14 remains the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths behind motor vehicle crashes. And for those 4 years and under, drowning is responsible for more deaths (1 in 4) than any other cause except birth defects. Tragedies like these can be prevented.

On May 13, Sea Otter Swim in Loomis will be providing a free water safety presentation so that children can learn the basics of pool safety. In addition to the presentation, the children will participate in several in-water activities to reinforce the pool safety tips they just learned. To complete the program at the end of class each child will recite a safety pledge and receive a certificate for completing the course. Lastly, as a special surprise, a representative from the Loomis fire department will arrive in a fire truck to congratulate the children.

With warmer weather around the corner, many families will be dusting off their pool covers and community pools throughout the community will be opening up to the public. Help KidsFirst keep kids safe. To sign-up for this free pool safety course, please contact Monica McDonald, Kidsfirst Kinship Navigator at 916-774-6802 x2015. Space is limited, so please be sure to call to reserve your space today.

SOUTH PLACER ROTARY HOSTS FIFTH ANNUAL ‘BREWFEST’ ON JUNE 8

2013-05-06T15:58:00.000-07:00

One of South Placer's leading events is coming soon to Rocklin

On June 8, the South Placer Rotary Club will hold its 5^th annual Brewfest, an entertaining event where attendees get to taste craft beers made by 25 area breweries.

“Brewfest is our biggest annual fundraiser and helps us raise the money to fund grants to local non-profit organizations and scholarships for graduating high school seniors,” said Doug Schumacher, president of the South Placer Rotary and owner of Minuteman Press. “This event has grown over the years and we are looking forward to an even better event this year.”

Tickets for the event, which runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Johnson-Springview Park on 5^th Street in Rocklin, are $25 per person and $5 for designated drivers.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the South Placer Rotary’s charitable efforts, which include raising funds for college scholarships, investing in community improvement projects and supporting international efforts to aid children in need.

To purchase tickets, please visit www.SouthPlacerRotary.org or call 916-781-0650.

Participating breweries include: Tahoe Mountain Brewing Company; Lagunitas Brewing Company; Sierra Nevada Brewing Company; Mad River Brewing; Shipyard Brewing Company; High Water Brewing; Roseville Brewing; and Loomis Basin Brewery.

This year’s event chair is Paul Ruhkala of Ruhkala Granite & Marble Company.

“We are excited to build on the past success of this event,” Ruhkala said. “We have great support from breweries and our community. The funds generated from this event will make a difference in the lives of people right here in Rocklin and around the world.”

The South Placer Rotary expects about 600 people to attend the afternoon event, which will also feature live music by Garrett Wilkins and the Parrotheads. Sponsors for the event include Minuteman Press, Strikes of Rocklin and Halldin Public Relations Inc.

“We have great opportunities for businesses to sponsor this event,” Schumacher said. “Businesses are welcome to showcase their products and services during this great day under the trees at Johnson-Springview Park.”

For more information, please visit www.SouthPlacerRotary.org

Community 1st Bank Welcomes Lapkass as New Senior Vice President/Senior Relationship Manager

2013-04-29T17:24:00.001-07:00

Ulrike Lapkass

Community 1st Bank has named Ulrike Lapkass, who has more than 25 years' experience in the banking industry, as a new Senior Vice President/Senior Relationship manager for the bank.

An Auburn resident, Lapkass joins the Community 1^st team to bolster the bank's commercial lending services. She will work with business owners and investors throughout Northern California, primarily focusing on their financing needs.

“Our economy has made some positive strides in the past year, so this is a great time for any business owner to be looking for financing,” Lapkass said. “I am excited to join the dynamic team at Community 1^st Bank.”

Lapkass began her banking career with Wells Fargo, where she was a Premier Client Manager for many years. She was also a Vice President/Business Client Manager and Business Development Officer for six years with Bank of America in Auburn and Grass Valley, and held a similar position with California Bank & Trust in Roseville from 2005 to 2010. Lapkass spend the last three years in a relationship manager position with JPMorgan Chase Bank in Sacramento.

"Ulrike Lapkass brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Community 1st Bank," said Robert Haydon, President& CEO of Community 1st Bank. "She is very skilled at helping companies and individuals with the financing, deposit, and cash management needs."

Lapkass has a passion for animals and serves as a volunteer for Scooters Pals, which is a local animal rescue organization.

A native of Heidelberg, Germany, Lapkass has resided in the Lake of the Pines area for many years. She is married to Paul Lapkass and has three children, Matthew, Kevin and Logan.

For more information on Community 1^st Bank, visit www.community1bank.com or call its Auburn branch at 530-863-4800 or its Roseville location at 916-724-2424.

Haggin Oaks Golf Expo on April 26-28

2013-04-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

Haggin Oaks driving range

This is one cool golf expo. This year it offers a chance to meet one of the stars of “Caddyshack” and also listen to some live country music.

The 38^th annual Haggin Oaks Golf Expo is a free event April 26-28 (Friday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) that includes more than 165 manufacturers and offers PGA Tour van fitting opportunities. Haggin Oaks will also feature the Major Championship Pavilion, ESPN 1320 Game Improvement Stage, plus an appearance by National Long Drive Champion Ryan Winther and the SGC Putting Championship.

America’s Largest Demo Day is a chance to test the hottest equipment and accessories; experience the latest launch monitors and Tour Tech vans; trade in old clubs; and shop in the 15,000 square foot Haggin Oaks Golf Super Shop. Nowhere else in the country will there be a larger collection of golf vendors available to the general public.

Meet A Star Of The Movie Caddyshack

For golfers, the holy grail of golf movies is none other than the 1980 comedy film directed by Harold Ramis and written by Brian Doyle-Murray, Ramis and Douglas Kenney. It stared Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight, Michael O’Keefe and Bill Murray - as well as great star Cindy Morgan who played Lacey Underall.

The Golf Expo is bringing Morgan in for an exclusive Q&A session as well as an opportunity to get autographs and photos taken with.

Morgan made film history with TRON, the first computer-generated film where she played two characters: Lora, a computer programmer in the "real" world, and Yori, her alter-ego in the film's computer generated flights of imagination. Cindy Morgan's television credits to date include "Falconcrest,” “Matlock,” "The Larry Sanders Show," "Amazing Stories" and "Bring 'Em Back Alive.” She's now finishing her first book, a story about how a nice Catholic girl became Lacey Underall in Caddyshack.

Haggin Oaks Golf Expo Nashville Country Concert Series

Many of Nashville’s brightest singers and songwriters will be providing free concerts at the Haggin Oaks Golf Expo this year.

CMA and ACM award nominees Julie Roberts and Jimmy Wayne headline five different artist appearances over the three days. Roberts is best known from her two Gold albums on Mercury Records and hit “Break Down Here” while Wayne has had a dozen singles in his country music career including the #1 smash, “Do You Believe Me Now.”

In addition, we’ll have actress/singer/songwriter Emily West whose 2012 EP I Hate You, I Love You was a critical darling, the incredible vocals of Warner-Chappel Nashville’s Summerlin Road, and Renegade Radio Nashville’s very own Lindsay Lawler, who headlined the famed Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge for two years!

Learn the Secrets of LDA National Long Drive Champion Ryan Winther

Learn from the longest hitter in the world - National Long Drive Champion and Sacramento native Ryan Winther.

During the 2012 ReMax World Long Drive Championships, Ryan set the new finals record with a drive of 469 yards, including the next 4 longest drives ever recorded at the World Championships.

Ryan’s life altering moment came in the quarterfinals where he hit his 6th ball in the grid after hitting the first 5 balls out of play, dramatically propelling him into the semifinals. Winther went on to capture his first ReMax World Long Drive Championship in 2012.

The Game Truck Featuring EA Sports’ Tiger Woods 2013 Video Game

This year’s Golf Expo will have the ultimate golf gaming experience as well. The mobile gaming theater is equipped with HDTVs and sixteen gaming stations to play the newest EA Sports golf game on the market today.

Expert Game Coaches will be on hand to manage and teach how to use this unique experience.

The Major Championship Pavilion

Few golfers get an opportunity to step onto one of golf’s hallowed courses to watch one of golf’s biggest championships - including the British Open, US Open, PGA Championship or Ryder Cup.

Haggin Oaks is doing it’s best to bring a little taste of those events home to Sacramento. In its second year, the Major Championship Pavilion will have logo goods from some of those events on hand including headwear, polo shirts and other memorabilia.

We’re even working on an opportunity to take a photo with one of the great trophies from one of these illustrious events.

The Major Championship Menu and BBQ

Doing all that shopping inside the Major Championship Pavilion is sure to make one hungry. And if you’re going to dress like a tour pro, you might as well eat like one.

The catering team has created a special Major Championship Menu just for this weekend to give you a genuine taste of those special events. Take a bite of our straight-from-Augusta famed Pimento Cheese or Egg-Salad Sandwiches. They’ll be wrapped in green wax paper, just like they are each April along those beautiful azaleas.

And if Burgers are more your thing, take advantage of our special Olympic-sized burger similar to what was served at last year’s US Open. It’s a slice of specially seasoned hamburger meat served lengthwise in a hot dog bun.

MacKenzie Shop Club Garage Sale & Value Center

One of the best-kept secrets of the Haggin Oaks Golf Expo is up by the MacKenzie Pro Shop. Those in the know realize that the Haggin Oaks Golf Super Shop puts out tens of thousands of dollars of nearly new golf products at values up to 80% off their original retail. Now it’s your secret to keep!

ESPN 1320 Golf-To- Go Haggin Oaks Game Improvement Stage

The Haggin Oaks Golf Expo is continuing their great new initiative in 2013 called The ESPN 1320 Golf-To-Go Game Improvement Stage!

A huge stage on wheels will create a mini-amphitheater right on the range where every hour on the hour, free educational opportunities will be presented on topics such as golf ball fitting, putting clinics, golf shaft education, golf fitness instruction, guest instructors and more!

SGC Putting Championship

After a wildly successful 2011 event, the 50+ year old Sacramento Golf Council Putting Championship (formerly won by multi-time PGA Tour winner Bill Glasson) will be held over the weekend of Golf Expo again.

There will be three different divisions, including Mens, Womens and Juniors - and each of the overall winners will receive a very special prize.

100 Beers From Around The World

For the very first time at Haggin Oaks, we’re bringing together an unprecedented collection of longnecks for you to try.

The beer specialist team has been working all spring long to bring an array of 100 different beers that we’ll have on sale during the Expo. Choose from international classic lagers to more obscure local ales- and everything in between.

Guests can sip their favorite beer pulled right from our ice-cold coolers right on the driving range.

PGA Tour Van Fitting Opportunities!

The Haggin Oaks Golf Expo is also home to Vendor Tour Fitting Vans normally only reserved by PGA Tour events.

These mobile fitting vans on wheels come complete with the latest in fitting equipment technology and many build clubs for the consumer right there on the spot. With vendors like Nike, Titleist, Cobra, Cleveland, Mizuno, UST, TaylorMade, Callaway and Ping already committed, this is just one more reason that makes this event unique.

This is by appointment only, so make your call today to 916.808.2531.

Make Your Own Sale

It’s hard to resist the incredible offers being held all weekend long when nearly every single item in our 2.5 million dollar inventory is on promotion!

The more you spend that weekend, the more you get back. With the exception of just a vendor or two, any time you spend over $100 that weekend, you’ll receive vouchers back that can be spent on anything on our golf facility beginning in May - even on sale and already-discounted merchandise. The discounts get deeper the more you spend! See the shop for details.

Titleist Golf Ball Fitting Van

The Titleist Mobile Golf Ball Fitting Van is headed to the Golf Expo for all three days and will be fitting over 1700 customers that weekend.

This is a great opportunity for you to meet with a Titleist Golf Ball Fitting expert, learn more about Titleist's green-to-tee methodology and begin the fitting process. This will be done by appointment, so call 916.808.2531 to sign up today or come straight to the booth the first part of each day to sign up for this exciting opportunity.

Trade-In Trade-Up Month

In conjunction with The PGA of America’s national “Free Fitting & Trade Up Month”, the Haggin Oaks Golf Expo also offers free club fitting and equipment trade-in opportunities.

Several PGA Tour manufacturer-fitting vans are on hand- making available more than 200 pre-scheduled fittings on these technological marvels and manufacturing plants on wheels. Golfers can even cash in their “retired” golf gear. Haggin Oaks has trade-in specialists on hand, offering maximum dollar for thousands of clubs, staff bags, pull carts and old training aids. Gift certificates are issued on the spot for use in the Haggin Oaks Golf Super Shop.

“So few places take them now, and there’s not much that we won’t take in,” says Ken Morton Jr. “Everybody has used equipment in their garages; they can clean it out and buy some new stuff utilizing their old stuff.”

Oakley Rolling “O” Eyewear Lab

Get educated across the globe. Listen up and learn the stories and facts behind Oakley’s groundbreaking technology.

Experience a self-contained 40-foot motor coach with front row seats at major sporting venues. Discover the truth about today’s eyewear marketplace of ideas at the Oakley HDO® Demo Tour. Not all sunglasses are created equal —they’re taking science to the streets to show you why.

NIKEiD Custom “While You Wait” Golf Balls

NIKEiD is bringing FREE Personalization with the Purchase of ANY 2 Dozen Nike Golf Balls. Have your golf balls personalized while you wait at the Golf Expo this year.

The entire process only takes about 10-15 minutes from start to finish - and it is incredibly interesting to watch. Tired of only a few color options for your personalized golf balls? The NIKEiD golf ball imprinter has an endless assortment of color options and you can choose from numerous fonts as well. What are you waiting for? The new Nike 20XI golf balls arrived and are in stock too!

For a list of participating vendors, a schedule of the education seminars and a vendor map, visit www.hagginoaksgolfexpo.com.

Managed by Morton Golf, the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex is located between Interstate 80 and Business 80 in Sacramento, 3645 Fulton Ave. The driving range has 100 stalls under lights and can be reached at 916-481-GOLF or www.hagginoaksgolfexpo.com for additional information.

Distracted driving: Multi-tasking behind wheel a dangerous practice

2013-04-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

By Marcella Gonsalves

I think by now just about every Sacramento area resident has heard at least one radio ad discouraging them from texting while driving.

Bravo to the public health community and partners for recognizing and swiftly addressing this major concern in our very car-dependent state.

However, while there is a persistent no-text message, it seems like we have absolved talking on the phone (AKA distracted driving).

Drexel University’s psychology department recently did a study that suggests texting while driving is a psychological distraction with measurable effects, even under the simplest (simulated) road conditions.

As the Executive MPH program at Drexel University Sacramento, I would like to bring a public health perspective on this issue regarding cell phone calling and other sorts of distractions while driving.

There are laws that permit talking with your hands-free device and highway signs that say “phone in one hand, ticket in the other.” I interpret this message as: “Talk as much as you want while you’re driving, but just don’t have a phone in your hand.”

I think our state laws and most folks are grossly ignoring that talking on a cell phone and any distraction whatsoever hinders our ability to navigate our 1,500-pound hunks of metal down the highway. Not to mention, multi-tasking in the car adds more stress to our already demanding lives.

If we want to protect ourselves while we are on the move, we need to simplify.

Perhaps we need to make our calls while parked at our office desks or in front of a cup of our favorite tea, not while we are flying down the freeway. After all, we can’t truly have an eloquent and thoughtful conversation when we’re trying to ignore the mullet-clad truck driver in the next lane, count out exact change for the tollbooth, and navigate through road construction.

How about we eat our meals with our families and friends at kitchen tables, not while we inch forward in bumper-to-bumper traffic. We just can’t truly enjoy the way that food nourishes our body and people nourish our souls while we’re buckled in and inhaling tiny particle matters (PM2.5).

We need to recognize the fact that multi-tasking actually makes us more stressed, less productive, and more prone to injury. We should abolish the idea that constant multi-tasking is the best medicine for an overloaded plate.

Marcella Gonsalves

Marcella Gonsalves is the Director of the Sacramento Executive Masters in Public Health Program at Drexel University Sacramento.

photo credit: mrJasonWeaver via photopin cc
Image courtesy of chainat http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Free Medication Take-back Day

2013-04-16T17:39:00.000-07:00

Keeping our kids and water drug-free

FREE Anonymous drop-off of unused and expired medication

Saturday April 27, 2013

10 am - 2 pm

Acceptable medications:

prescription
non-prescription (over the counter)
controlled substances
veterinary medications

Unacceptable:

no sharps or lancets
no medical waste
no illicit drugs
no aerosols or hydrogen peroxide

Empty pills from bottle into plastic bag & seal. Keep liquids in original bottle.

10 Western Placer County locations:

Oakmont High School, 1710 Cirby Way, Roseville
Roseville High School, 1 Tiger Way, Roseville
Woodcreek High School, 2551 Woodcreek Oaks Blvd., Roseville
Antelope High School, 7801 Titan Way, Roseville
Sierra College, dirt lot South/East corner of El Don & Rocklin Road, Rocklin
Whitney High School, 701 Wildcat Blvd., Rocklin
Auburn City Hall, 1225 Lincoln Way, Auburn
Del Oro High School, 3301 Taylor Road, Loomis
Granite Bay High School, 1 Grizzly Way, Granite Bay
Lincoln Police Department, 770 7th Street, Lincoln

2 Tahoe Area Location

Gateway Shopping Center (parking lot in front of Safeway) 10879 Donner Pass Road, Truckee
North Tahoe Fire Protection District, Fire Station #5, 222 Fairway Drive, Tahoe City

For more information, contact 530-889-7238

Protect

... our environment. Medications disposed of down the toilet or in the trash end up in our water supplies

and damage our environment.

... our teens from an epidemic of Rx abuse. 7 of the 10 most commonly abused drugs by teenagers are

prescription medications. Teens get dangerous drugs

... our young children from a leading cause of accidental poisoning.

… our seniors from misuse and mistakes.

… your home. Addicts are looking in as many medicine cabinets as possible—maybe even yours

In Western Placer County, medication take back day is a collaborative effort of Auburn, Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville and Placer County law enforcement, water quality, and public health entities as well as local schools, the Coalition for Placer Youth, the Placer Youth Commission and the DEA.

CoalitionforPlacerYouth.org

LiveSewerSmart.com

In Tahoe-Area, medication take back day is A collaborative effort of TT-FWDD (Tahoe Truckee Future without Drug Dependence), Placer County Sheriff, Placer and Nevada County Health and Human Services, Tahoe Forest HospitalDistrict, Truckee Police Department, Safeway Stores, water quality, waste management, Town of Truckee, and the DEA.

No Drugs Down The Drain

Pinwheels for Prevention

2013-04-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is Child Abuse Prevention month and last week hundreds of metallic blue and silver pinwheels were planted at the KidsFirst 15th Annual Luncheon "A Blue Tie Affair" held at the Sunset Center in Rocklin on April 4, 2013. The blue and silver pinwheel is a nationally recognized symbol of support for the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Honorees at the event included: Leslie DeDora, Executive Director A Touch of Understanding, Diana Ruslin, Mayor of Rocklin, Dave Horsey, Superintendent Placer Union High School, Beverly Gable, Youth Services Therapist, Roseville Police Department, and Fiona Tuttle, Child Interviewer, Placer County Multi-Disciplinary Center.

KidsFirst invites the community to display pinwheels around town, plant a pinwheel garden or display in their office. KidsFirst wishes to thank Blue Line Gallery for creating over 200 pinwheels for staging decorations and for our volunteers at Grainger and National University who pounded pinwheels in the rain for our event.

Special thank you to KidsFirst’s event sponsors: Blue Ribbon Partners: Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital & Sutter Roseville Medical Center, Wells Fargo, and PG&E. Champion Sponsors: Hewlett-Packard, River City Bank, and Placer County Office of Education (PCOE). Leader Sponsors: Thunder Valley Casino & Resort, PRIDE Industries, Emulex, Placer Vineyards, Westpark Associates, Westfield Galleria, Mother Lode Foundation, Folsom Lake Bank and the Sacramento Kings Foundation. Friend Sponsors: Rotary Club of Roseville Foundation, Gurnee & Daniels LLP, Warner & Pank, LLC, All-Cal Insurance Agency, Damsel in Defense, State Farm - Scott Yuill Agency, Recology, Community 1st Bank, GFBB Benefits, JMC Homes, Placer County Deputy Sheriffs’ Assoc., TOTLCOM, Maki Heating & A/C, Inc. Roseville Automall, Silvers HR, Denio’s and Placer County Sheriffs’ Department.

KidsFirst is a private, non-profit organization established in 1989 dedicated to the prevention and healing of child abuse. KidsFirst provides an array of programs and victim services that prevent and treat abuse including child and family counseling, parent education, youth groups, after-school programs, information and referrals to low/no-cost resources throughout the Sierra-Sacramento region. KidsFirst family resource centers are located in Roseville, Auburn and Citrus Heights.

Whiffenpoofs to perform in Sacramento

2013-03-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

Whiffenpoofs of Yale University

Join the Whiffenpoofs of Yale University in Sacramento for an afternoon of song and revelry at First United Methodist Church in mid-town Sacramento on Sunday, April 21st at 3 p.m. Founded in 1909 in New Haven, Connecticut, the Whiffs are the world's oldest and best-known collegiate a cappella group. In recent years, the group has performed on NBC's The Sing Off, The West Wing, Gilmore Girls, Jeopardy!, and The Today Show and has been featured in GQ and The New York Times. Check out our website, watch us on youtube, and head to http://whiffenpoofs.ticketbud.com/sacramento to purchase your tickets today!

Rethinking Our Approach to College Education

2013-03-11T10:24:00.001-07:00

By Sandra Kirschenmann and John Jackson

It’s easy to name what we believe is wrong with American higher education today – a bachelor’s degree costs too much, takes too long to complete, encourages students to take on too much debt and doesn't guarantee a job on completion.

John Jackson is president
of William Jessup
University in Rocklin

Concerns about cost, time to completion, debt, and usefulness are pretty powerful objections to a college education.

However, most of our society recognizes the virtually unassailable truth that a college education is the premier portal to career success and personal prosperity. Michael Greenstone and Adam Looney of the Brookings Institution estimate that “the return on a bachelor’s degree is equivalent to an investment that returns 15.2 percent per year – more than double the average return to stock market investments since 1950, and more than five times the returns to corporate bonds, gold, long-term government bonds, or home ownership. Over a lifetime, the average college graduate earns roughly $570,000 more than the average person with a high school diploma only.”

Sandra Kirschenmann
is associate vice provost
of Drexel University Sacramento

The return on this investment is clear. But the choice of how and where to invest in a college education is less clear.

Maybe it’s time for us to look at a college degree differently. Maybe it’s time to realize that as with all products and services, there is not a single version in the American marketplace that makes sense for all people.

What do we want from a college degree?

Without a doubt, Americans want college degrees linked to good jobs because good jobs lead to prosperity and self-sufficiency. According to a 2010 survey by Hart Research Associates, successful performance in good jobs requires the very things students should learn in bachelor’s degree programs: good thinking skills, the ability to write and speak clearly, to read critically and with comprehension, and to synthesize and analyze data from a variety of inputs.

Roseville Celebrity Chili Cook-Off To Be March 15

2013-03-04T14:46:00.000-08:00

Proceeds to Benefit Two Organizations Helping Teens; Local Elected Officials Among Competitors

Twenty local community leaders will put on their chefs’ aprons and go head-to-head in a special chili cook-off to benefit two organizations that serve Placer County youth.

The 2013 Roseville Celebrity Chili Cook-Off will be held on Friday, March 15, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Maidu Community Center. Tickets are $20 if purchased in advance; $25 at the door if available. Children 8 and under are free.

Last year's People's Choice winner Celebrity Chef Paul Robbins

This is the second year for the chili cook-off, with last year’s event raising about $20,000 for anti-bullying programs and to support Campus Life and the Coalition for Placer Youth. Fox 40 Morning Host Paul Robins, Roseville Mayor Susan Rohan and Sierra College President Willy Duncan will be among this year’s chefs.

Community 1st Bank Appoints Peter Raffetto to Board of Directors

2013-03-01T13:20:00.001-08:00

Peter Raffetto

Community 1^st Bank has announced the addition of longtime banking executive Peter Raffetto to the Bank’s Board of Directors.

Raffetto grew up in Auburn, graduated from Placer High School, and earned a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in finance at University of California, Berkeley.

He enjoyed an extensive and prestigious banking career in the Sacramento region that spanned more than 35 years.

“We are honored to welcome someone of Peter Raffetto’s stature to Community 1^st Bank. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise regarding the banking industry to our Board,” said Robert Haydon, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Rocklin High Schools Job Fair

2013-02-26T11:55:00.000-08:00

ATTENTION:

Companies interested in hiring student employees!

If you have 1 or 20 job openings

we have graduating seniors and
current students looking for
full-time, part-time, summer jobs,
and paid/unpaid internships.
The job fair will allow you to inform
the students what job opportunities
you have available and
how they can apply with your company.

There is no cost for a business to have a booth at the Job Fair!

Kinship Fun Pack Drive

2013-02-25T09:30:00.001-08:00

A KidsFirst Annual Event to Raise Awareness

Kinship families exist in Placer County. The challenge is finding them and letting them know about free programs that can help support them and make their journey easier and more enjoyable. This Spring, KidsFirst is holding its first annual event to raise awareness of this growing problem in our community.

According to national experts, more than six million children in the US live in households headed by relatives other than the parents who provide full-time care, nurturing and protection to these vulnerable children. Raising these children successfully is even more difficult as statistics show that these families are more likely to live in poverty, to be uninsured, and have limited access and knowledge of local community-based resources that can help them.

KidsFirst has a support program specifically designed to help Kinship Families. From navigating the legal system to handling academic and social issues, KidsFirst helps Kinship families create strong unified bonds that help children succeed. But in order to locate these families, the entire community needs to be engaged.

Calling All Medial Inventors

2013-02-22T12:21:00.000-08:00

Over $25,000 in awards are being offered to inspire the next generation of medical innovators. The 2013 National mecroMedic contest is an opportunity to show the country what citizens can do with new technology - encouraging technical innovation with significant use of microcontrollers and sensors in the medical industry. This contest is a perfect practical application for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) students around the nation.

Parallax Propeller Board of Education

Inventors and students are encouraged to participate by creating medical applications and prototypes for possible use in the healthcare industry, medical simulation training, and the battlefield. These technologies have the potential to benefit service members, wounded warriors and patients in general. STEM teachers are encouraged to get their classes involved. Over 100 free contest kits will be given away by Rocklin-based Parallax on a first come first serve basis to qualified applicants. Use your favorite microcontroller or apply to receive a free kit that includes either the Parallax multi-core Propeller chip or a shield for use with the Arduino microcontroller. The kit also contains various sensors, LED displays, infrared emitters, a blood pressure cuff, heart rate monitor and many other components to spark your imagination. Use of the official contest kit is not required to win.

Kings’ Announcer Scott Moak to Emcee KidsFirst’s 15th Annual Putting Children 1st Awards Luncheon A Blue Tie Affair

2013-02-11T09:54:00.000-08:00

On April 4, 2013, King’s Announcer Scott Moak will be honoring individuals and organizations whose words and actions have made an extraordinary difference in the lives of children in Placer County. To bring awareness about child abuse and prevention, Kids First has been hosting this community event and awards luncheon for 15 years every April during National Child Abuse and Prevention Month.

The luncheon will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2013, at Rocklin Event Center, 2650 Sunset Boulevard, Rocklin from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. KidsFirst, formerly known as The Child Abuse Prevention Council of Placer County, holds this event to promote awareness about child abuse and its prevention. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and is designated by a blue ribbon. All attendees this year are encouraged to wear their favorite blue in honor of child abuse prevention month.

Tenth Annual Run Rocklin Will Once Again Benefit Matt Redding Foundation

2013-02-07T13:17:00.000-08:00

Early registration suggested since event will cap at 3,000 runners

The 10th annual “Run Rocklin” will be held Sunday, April 7 at Johnson-Springview Park in Rocklin.

The starting line of Run Rocklin

Since 2004, Run Rocklin has provided a top-notch running event for Rocklin and the surrounding communities. The event has benefited the Matt Redding Foundation and Rocklin’s local schools since 2007.

Run Rocklin includes:

Kids Fun Run: 7:45 a.m.
12K Run: 8 a.m.
5K Run/Walk: 8:20 a.m.
Kids 1-mile Run: 9:30 a.m.

Adults can pre-register for $34 prior to race day and the cost increases to $39 on the day of the run. Ages 18-under can pre-register for $20; cost is $25 on race day. Both the Kids Fun Run and the Kids 1-mile Run are free.

The Kids 1-mile Run

Run Rocklin has become a significant community event that last year attracted teams of runners from throughout the Sacramento region and had 2,546 total participants.

The race helps raise money for local schools and for the locally-run, nonprofit Matt Redding Scholarship Foundation. Run Rocklin raised $16,000 last year and has now given a five-year total of $64,000 in memory of Matt Redding, the fallen Rocklin Police Officer.

Space is limited to the 3,000-runner plateau, which is the maximum amount of participants. The race starts and ends at Johnson Springview Park, 5480 5th St.

“We had another tremendous turnout last year, so I’m urging runners to reserve a spot, and register early to ensure that they will be part of Run Rocklin this year,” Race Director Larry Osborne said. “Run Rocklin is a fun, competitive community event that runners of all abilities are able to participate in and enjoy. We also encourage people to walk and be a part of our festive atmosphere.”

Run Rocklin is still actively seeking sponsors. There are multiple sponsorship levels, and event supporters will benefit from their name on the Run Rocklin T-shirt and also through various event advertising, including social media and mobile phone technology.

The event will once again feature music by JD Productions Quality DJ Entertainment, complimentary food from Randy Peters Catering, and other goodies from local vendors.

Awards will be given to the top three finishers in each age group for the 5K and 12K events. Awards and prize money will also be given to the top three male and female overall finishers in the 5K and 12K events.

All registered/paid participants will receive a colorful, commemorative 10^th annual Run Rocklin T-shirt and a finisher’s ribbon. Bragging rights will be awarded to all of the Team participants and prize money will be awarded to the top three largest school teams.

The presentation of the check to the Matt Redding Foundation

A popular Rocklin Police Officer, Matt Redding tragically died while on duty October 2005 when he was struck and killed by a vehicle that was driven by an intoxicated driver.

"Matt loved this community and would be so honored that people are running year after year in a race that supports a scholarship foundation in his name,” said John Redding, Matt’s father. “Our family is extremely pleased that so many people continue to support Run Rocklin. It’s a tremendous community event and we’re happy the Redding family can be associated with it.”

Osborne has a son who is a Rocklin Police Officer and has a personal connection with the Redding family, even though he didn’t know Matt personally.

“The people of Rocklin and other nearby communities have embraced our event for several years and have really made Run Rocklin something special,” said Osborne, a police officer for the City of Berkeley in the early 1970s. “We’ve been fortunate to have tremendous community involvement that has enabled us to grow the event and be able to make a generous contribution each year in Matt Redding’s memory. Everyone connected with Run Rocklin is thrilled to have created something that has become a lasting tradition.”

Teams of six or more people are welcome and all team participants will receive a special team T-shirt. Teams must register by March 15 to be eligible for the special team T-shirt.

To register, visit www.RunRocklin.com. For more information about the race or to become a sponsor or volunteer, e-mail Larry Osborne at elephant@eaward.com or call 916 415-9991.

Love, Hug, and Pamper KidsFirst Children

2013-02-01T11:37:00.000-08:00

KidsFirst Feb 14-28 No Baby Left Behind Diaper Drive

This February, to celebrate Valentine’s Day, KidsFirst is asking businesses and individuals throughout our community to help raise 1,000 diapers to distribute to families in need. This Diaper Drive is critical because there is a direct connection between wet diapers, crying and child abuse, which KidsFirst is committed to preventing and ending in Placer County.

Research shows that today diapers and wipes cost a family approximately $100/month per child. Further, as “hygiene items” they are not directly funded under any federal support program. This means some families are reusing diapers or leaving their babies in wet diapers longer than they should. This not only leads to diaper rash, infections and other health problems, but also leads to babies crying more. This additional, unnecessary crying coupled with the stress of living in poverty raises the chances of child abuse.

KidsFirst wants to ensure that no baby is left “behind” without a clean diaper. February 14-28, 2013 KidsFirst will be holding a Diaper Drive at their Roseville, Auburn and Citrus Heights family resource centers with the goal of raising 1,000 diapers. Instead of candy and sweets, KidsFirst asks community members and organizations to help kids have sweet dreams in clean diapers. So this Valentine’s Day hug our kids with Huggies®, love our kids with Luvs® and pamper our kids with Pampers® by donating online at www.kidsfirstnow.org and selecting “diaper drive” as the reason for gift or by dropping off diapers and wipes at the following participating locations:

KidsFirst Roseville – 124 Main Street, Roseville, CA
KidsFirst Auburn – 11990 Heritage Oak Place, Ste. 1B, Auburn, CA
KidsFirst Citrus Heights – 6939 Sunrise Blvd., Ste. 227, Citrus Heights, CA
The Dailey Method (Folsom) – 2766 East Bidwell, Folsom, CA (916) 351- 8361
Fairway Chiropractic – 1805 Cirby Way #9, Roseville, CA (916) 781-7700

In addition to collecting the diapers at our three Family Resource Centers, several local businesses have also signed up as sponsors and collection sites. “We are so delighted to connect with businesses like The Dailey Method and Fairway Chiropractic who have reached out to KidsFirst and volunteered to host a diaper drive this February. By helping our most vulnerable children, we help build a better community.” says Lisa Velarde, KidsFirst Chief Executive Officer. For more information on how you can support or host a diaper drive for KidsFirst please contact Dina Navarra at dnavarra@kidsfirstnow.org or 916-774-6802 x2828.

Our vision: All children will live in a safe, healthy and nurturing home.

Kings Beach Snowfest Parade set for Saturday, March 9th

2013-01-28T09:27:00.000-08:00

The Annual Kings Beach Snowfest Parade is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 9, 11:30 am. – 12:30 p.m. on Highway 28 in downtown Kings Beach between Secline Street and Chipmunk Street. The event is produced by the North Tahoe Business Association.

The Kings Beach Snowfest Parade has been gaining momentum since last year’s enormous turnout. We are already receiving registration forms from many participants from the past as well as plenty of new entries and surprises. Due to time constraints, the number of parade entries is limited to the first 40 paid participants accepted, so don’t hesitate to mail or fax in your entry form!

Support your community and NTBA by becoming a Parade Sponsor. Sponsorship includes complimentary entry fee, mention/recognition from parade announcing stands (minimum of three), NTBA’s website, up to three NTBA E-newsletters, press releases, and logo on “sponsor thank you” banner carried in the parade.

Volunteers are also needed to act as road and driveway blockers, and you can even bring a friend. Volunteers will have a great view of the parade and feel rewarded to have taken part in this fun filled community event.

Plan to spend the full day and/or evening in Kings Beach before and after the parade as there are lots of events sure to bring a smile to your face. For more information on the Kings Beach Snowfest Parade or other Snowfest events planned in Kings Beach, please contact the North Tahoe Business Association at 530.546.9000 or info@northtahoebusiness.org.

Sierra College Natural History Museum Open House Jan. 26

2013-01-24T13:30:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 26

10 am to 2 pm

Sierra College Natural History Museum Open House

FREE event!

This is your day to check out all we have to offer!

Event Details

Have you ever had a chance to visit the Sierra College Natural History Museum? Have you ever attended one of our lectures before? This is your day to check out all we have to offer. We are conducting tours of both our Museum and Nature Preserve (weather permitting). You will even have an opportunity to view our fossil preparation room. Two family friendly lectures will be given during the open house. There will even be activities specially designed for kids! We can't wait to show you our wonderful collection that has been built up from donations, students and our faculty. During the event we will be signing up new Museum members and renewing existing ones. If you like what you see, sign up to become part of our family. Members who sign up during the open house will receive a special gift. Information will be posted on our website at www.sierracollege.edu/museum or you can call 916-660-7923 or email kcarroll@sierracollege.edu for more information.

Event Program

Tours will be conducted every hour on the hour:

Take a guided tour of our Museum facilities with one of our Museum Docents. They will show you our collection, teach you a bit about the ecology of our area and even entertain you with stories of the plants and animals of our region. To take a tour of the Museum, meet your Docent under the Grey Whale in Sewell Hall.

Would you rather explore the outdoors? Meet your Docent at the Cactus Garden in front of Sewell Hall to take a tour of our outdoor facilities. These tours may take you out to explore our Rock Walk, the Arboretum or you can take a short hike on our Nature Trail. These tours will be weather dependent, heavy rain will cancel outdoor tours.

Attend one of our family friendly lectures:

To give you an idea of the types of lecture programs we offer, two lectures will be offered during this event.

The first of these lectures is scheduled for 11:00am and will be given by Professor Richard Hilton, author of Dinosaurs and Other Mesozoic Reptiles of California. He will discuss the dinosaurs of California and the habitats that they lived in.

The second lecture will be at 1:00pm and be given by Emeritus Professor of Biology and Editor-in-Chief of the Sierra College Press, Joe Medeiros. This lecture will be an illustrated program of Earth’s incredible variety of life with a special focus on how important these life forms are to our very existence on this beautiful blue and green planet.

Both lectures are free to all!

Participate in activities for the younger explorers:

All day long we will have activities for children occurring throughout the Museum. From touch tables to art activities, children will find much to discover in the Museum!

Sierra College Natural History Museum

Rocklin Campus (Sewell Hall)

5000 Sierra College Blvd., Rocklin, CA 95677

Five Workshops Scheduled for Seniors, Caregivers, Others

2013-01-14T09:54:00.001-08:00

Seniors First is sponsoring five workshops of possible interest to seniors, caregivers, and others between January and May. The workshops are free; those interested in attending should RSVP to Kathy Vieira Hall at Seniors First (530) 889-9500 ext 219. Workshops are funded through a grant from the Placer Community Foundation.

The following is a list of dates, times, topics and locations for the workshops:

Jan 24, 5:30-7:30 PM, Stages of Dementia, Assembly Hall,Senior Center;

Feb 21, 5:30-7:30 PM, Communication & Dementia, Assembly Hall - Senior Center;

March 21, 5:30-7:30 PM, Stages of Grief, Assembly Hall, Senior Center;

April 18, 5:30-7:30 PM, Dealing w/Grief during special occasions, Assembly Hall - Senior Center; and

May 18, 10:00-12:00 PM, LGBT Awareness, Burback Hall - Senior Center.

Both the Assembly Hall and Burback Hall are located at the DeWitt Senior Center, 11577 E Ave., Auburn, CA 95603.

Big Trucks, Big Wheels To Roll into Sacramento

2013-01-08T14:04:00.000-08:00

Universal Technical Institute Hosts Monster Jam Open House on Jan. 17.

Monster truck fans can get an early and up close look at the big trucks coming to Sacramento for this month’s Monster Jam – and get a sneak peak at a possible career.

Grave Digger in a classroom at the UTI -Sacramento Campus

Universal Technical Institute (UTI), the official technical institute of Monster Jam, is holding an open house featuring two monster trucks, Grave Digger® and Scooby-Doo™, their drivers and crews.

The open house will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 17 at UTI’s campus at 4100 Duckhorn Dr. in Sacramento. Attendees will have the opportunity to take photos, get autographs from the drivers and tour UTI’s 245,000 square foot campus.

UTI is the leading provider of post-secondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians.

“This is a great opportunity to get a look at these monster trucks and to get to meet the people behind them,” said Mark Harston, national marketing manager for Universal Technical Institute. “For students interested in careers as auto technicians, this is a fun day to enjoy these unique vehicles and to learn more about our exceptional educational opportunities.”

Scooby-Doo will be at UTI-Sacramento on Jan. 17

To encourage students interested in careers in the automotive technician training industry, Monster Jam champion Dennis Anderson and Universal Technical Institute have partnered to give a deserving individual a $10,000 scholarship. For more information please visit http://www.uti.edu/events/sponsorships/monster-jam.

For more information please on UTI’s Monster Jam open house please click on the following link http://www.uti.edu/campus-locations/sacramento/event/eventid/2046/returntab/1894

The trucks are in Sacramento as part of the Monster Jam event at Sleep Train Arena from Jan 18 to 20.