Don Chaddock is the executive editor and general manager of the Sentinel newspaper. He comes to the
Sentinel with 18 years of experience in the newspaper industry. He's worked in many different departments of various newspapers including editorial, graphic design and advertising. He's worked for the Reno Gazette-Journal, Nevada Appeal and the Merced Sun-Star. Married with three children, he also serves on the board of directors for the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and the Salvation Army of Auburn.
AROUND TOWN – Friday night was a busy one for this newspaper guy. It started with Cruise Nite at 5:30 p.m. on Lincoln Way. Thin on cars and spectators (which usually happens every July), the evening was still a nice one. A break in the weather had some of the regulars coming out. At the KAHI van was Dave Rosenthal (shown in this week’s snapshot) with a Black and White Ball sponsor bunny. I also ran into Rosie Mietzel, chief organizer of this year’s Ball, and Bob and Eileen Ferber, who are in charge of organizing the restaurants who participate. Vance Sauter was checking out of the classic cars while chatting with Auburn Recreation District board member Curt Smith. Pete Aroz and his crew, including son Troy, were busy keeping the crowds well watered. The family owns the Liquor Outlet and Pistol Pete’s Brew & Cue. Soon they’ll be branching out into restaurants by opening Pistol Pete’s Pizza, slated to go in next door to the bar. ... At about 8, I wandered down Lincoln Way to the State Theater Illumination Party happening on the street in front of the theater. Spearheaded by Bill Kirby, the shindig was well attended. The Auburn Chamber of Commerce ran the bar with the Sentinel’s Deborah Mangione slinging drinks beside Chamber CEO Bruce Cosgrove and Kevin Capps of The Capps Group. Glenda Gonzales sang a few tunes and brought in the rest of the performers.
These two smiling gents, Fred Waters andChip Perley, helped keep the Auburn Family Fourth of July parade going as it reached the Gold Country Fairgrounds. For more on the event, see below.
COLFAX SEWAGE – Colfax is facing the same problem that many small foothills towns face – mandates placed on their waste water quality by the state and federal government. While Auburn is still seeking a solution, and Lake of the Pines continues to pump money into its own facility, many of the residents of Colfax appear to be unaware of the government imposed water quality standards. At a public hearing held last week, the meeting got out of hand as protesters presented signed letters of opposition to a sewer rate hike (meant to help pay for the town’s new waste water treatment plant and subsequent upgrades) and urged the city to dis-incorporate. At one point, one of Placer County’s finest had to step in to keep the peace. City Manager Joanne Phillipe said there was still the option of bankruptcy, but the city hoped to avoid that course of action. Jeff Williams, a vocal critic of the City Council, led the charge at the meeting, often asking residents to stand up and be counted if they wanted to take their city back. About 60 folks in the audience stood at his prompting. “We hear all this talk about Auburn, Lake of the Pines and Grass Valley. We’re Colfax,” he proclaimed. “If we dis-incorporate, the county will take us in.” As an example, he brought up Hornitos, a small town in the foothills of Central California that dis-incorporated in the 1970s.
TRAIL MOVE –Starting this week, you’ll see “Notes from the Trail” has grown into its own column and will no longer be a topic within “Biscuits & Gravy.” Eric Peach, of Protect American River Canyons, tells me he’s enjoyed reading the exploits of the Chaddock clan as we explore the trails in our town’s collective backyard. The trail maps produced by PARC are available at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce office and at the Placer County California Welcome Center on upper Lincoln Way.
AROUND TOWN – The Leadership Auburn Class of 2008 celebrated in fine style at the Headquarter House at Raspberry Hill last Friday. While I couldn’t attend (hey, I was busy consoling myself with cold beer after the cancellation of the Western States Run), my wife Rachel attended with the lovely Peggy Seitzinger. Rachel went through the program in 2006 while Peggy and I were classmates the following year. District Attorney Brad R. Fenocchio presented the graduation honors for Scott Owens, who works in the D.A.’s office. Other grads included Leslie Maita and Curt Smith (shown in this week’s photo courtesy of Rachel), Bill Kirby, Linda Maeding, Stevie Rea, Beth O’Brien, Greg Hegwer, Garry Hopping, Michael Garlock, Tad Berkebile, Larry Au, Dave Horsey, William Johnston, Cedric Lee, Carolyn Metzker, Michael Otten, Susan Teixeira, Darrin Van Dyke, Cindy Wharton, Laura Whitton and Sue Yassu. ... Linda Lareau, of Courthouse Coffee, is planning a Fourth of July bash on the lawn of the historic courthouse in Old Town Auburn. Expect grilled hot dogs and the like. She advises people show up at 6 p.m. and bring lawn chairs and blankets. Courthouse Coffee will also serve beer, wine and sodas. For more info, call 530-889-1373.
NOTES FROM THE TRAIL – In honor of the Western States 100-Mile Run happening this weekend, we’re going to examine a short portion of the trail from the staging area at Overlook Park to near the 3-mile marker (shown in this week’s snapshot getting some heavy use during our hike). It was Father’s Day weekend and I had warned my kids the night before that we were going to be up and at ‘em early. That plan didn’t go over so well with my two oldest, so my youngest and I hit the trail at 7:30 a.m., leaving the other two in bed. Lathered in sunscreen and insect repellant, we made the standard hike from the Overlook to beyond the “Hambone” memorial bench (which I’ve covered many times before in this space). The hike was quick (we’ve been getting a lot of practice, I suppose) and we stopped at the bench for our usual snack of trail mix and a granola bar, washing it all down with a swig of nice cold water. Hikers, even those in the early morning, need to bring a lot of water. I pack three liters per person plus another liter in a canteen that I carry slung over my shoulder. Hikers should also take into consideration the heat, time of day and length of the hike while packing supplies. Runners and equestrians passed by while we watched the hawks from the bench. Starting off again, we passed the 1-mile marker and continued on our path. There is a steep drop off along parts of the trail in this area, so make sure your steps are well planted and watch out for small obstacles (roots, rocks and loose dirt). The trail comes to a fork at a well-graded access road. If you turn right and head downhill, it will eventually take you to the Tamaroo Bar Trail (which I covered in last week’s column). While arguing with my daughter that I did indeed know the correct direction to go, we turned left, heading uphill. Though not well marked at the junction, there is another marker farther along. The trail follows the canyon, making a “u” shape along a well-shaded patch. As you begin to come out, there is another fork in the road. At this junction, turn right and follow the canyon (don’t go uphill). As the Western States Trail continues, if you look down in the canyon to your right, you can catch a glimpse of the wide flat area I wrote about last week (again, that’s the Tamaroo Bar Trail). We moved out of the way for runners and a few hikers as we proceeded onward. The trail here is wide with some great views of the canyon and American River. In the distance, you can see the Foresthill Bridge. Eventually, the foliage turns to ferns and brush while the trail joins with the American Discovery Trail and the two-mile marker. The choices are to follow that trail uphill or down, or another smaller trail dug into the ground with a lone brown marker that reads “trail.” For those of us unfamiliar with the trail system, and trying to learn as we go, the lack of markers is frustrating. Parker chose the smaller trail, which luckily turned out to be the Western States. This is where the trail becomes steep and narrow, sometimes making it difficult to move to the side so horses can pass. It is mostly downhill at this stage, with a series of switchbacks that empty out onto a relatively flat stretch. We followed this, with the goal of reaching the 3-mile marker. As the sun beat down and the minutes ticked by, we continued to look for those elusive markers, but found none. Defeated, we turned back, walking for quite some time before we noticed the 2.5-mile marker hidden among foliage. The trip back to Overlook Park is mostly uphill but Parker was determined to continue exploring side trails on our return trip, proclaiming that we were like Lewis and Clarke. I do not advise taking small side trails as they are overgrown, narrow and riddled with obstacles such as downed trees and limbs. With our side excursions, we easily hiked six miles (or more) on the Western States Trail. Total hiking time was around three and a half hours, with breaks ratcheting the time commitment up to an even four, but it sure was worth it. Next week, we’ll take a look at a short stretch of trail usually used by cyclists off Maidu Drive.
NOTES FROM THE TRAIL – As a regular guy who is soft around the middle, my goal with this segment of the column is to provide info regarding local trails that are accessible to families and those just beginning to hike. With that in mind, my wife and I set out from the staging area at Overlook Park on an early morning before work and chose to hike the Pioneer Express Trail, which branches off to the right of the Western States Trail head. It’s a gentle trail that curves around the overlook area and takes hikers through some gorgeous wooded patches (as in the photo in this week’s column). Passing a few large boulders, the trail goes through two chain link fences (just below the Overlook) and proceeds down the side of the hill at a gentle grade. Open grassy spaces finally give way to pavement that is slowly being reclaimed by nature. We passed by an area with concrete foundations, the structures (if there ever were any, are long gone), and continued down through yellowed grass and weeds. A Pacific Gas & Electric power substation can be seen from the trail, as can the old dam construction site. Eventually the trail leads to a road that turns uphill to the right, back toward the park. Once I realized where we were headed, and that we were no longer on the Pioneer Express, we turned around to find it. A keen eye can spot the trail continuing across the road, slightly overgrown and not well marked. From here, it’s a short distance to another paved roadway. To the right is the train overpass and Pacific Avenue, but directly across the road is another path, with a trail marker, that leads uphill for a short distance parallel to the paved road below. Passing through blackberry brambles, shrubs and weeds, the trail manages to end up back on the paved road. If we were more adventurous souls, and had more time before work, we’d have followed the road down to the newly opened Birdsall Takeout along the North Fork of the American River. Rather than trudge through that last patch of the weeds again (since I was stopping every 10 or 15 minutes to pull foxtails out of my socks), we opted to take the paved roadway back uphill. It was a nice gradual climb with great views of the trees, river and birds. Overall, the hike was about 2 miles roundtrip. Next week, in honor of the 100-Mile Western States Endurance Run, we’ll go farther than we ever have on the trail – six miles roundtrip.
AROUND TOWN – Randy Peters Catering, which Randy Peters owns with his wife Lisa, has been tapped to be the official caterers for the Sacramento Capitals pro tennis team. The business is based in Rocklin and they used to own Venita Rhea’s Restaurant. ... Jack Amick has been named sales manager for Windermere Placer County Properties, overseeing their Auburn and Meadow Vista offices. Amick is a former president of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and was with Prudential California Realty for nine years. ... It was great to see so many turn out for Cruise Nite in Auburn last Friday. God bless the bartenders – Troy Aroz and Tomi Kiddo – for the great job they do keeping our collective thirst quenched. The usual suspects – Vance Sauter, Jerry Kopp and Curt Smith – could be found at the Auburn Promenade while Monique “Mo” Krafft, and Karla and Marty Tilley kept Dave Rosenthal company at the KAHI van. I spotted quite a few friends at the event including Marsha MacAnulty, D.J. and Kristina Hodge with baby Sydney, Daniel Eggen and Ora Zelle-Richards.
NOTES FROM THE TRAIL – A warm Saturday morning found the family on the Western States Trail, embarking on our trek from the staging area near Overlook Park on Pacific Avenue. Just three of us were undertaking the hike this time and my backpack was loaded with plenty of water, trail mix, granola bars and a small bag of vanilla wafers. The kids had one goal – to go beyond the “Hambone” memorial bench. While Rachel and I have ventured beyond that spot, the kids haven’t been with us on those hikes. Making our way into the canyon, we moved aside for equestrians, hikers, endurance runners and dog walkers. Cian, my 10-year-old son, carried his binoculars, pretending we were a group of soldiers separated from our unit. About three-quarters of a mile into our hike, we stopped at the bench and ate some snacks. During our rest, two ladies on horseback passed by, as did about eight runners. This stretch offers some great views of the dam construction site, the river and hawks gliding on the air currents overhead. Resuming the hike, the trail continues downhill, over some roots and rocks, and opens onto an access road. Watch out for cyclists on this stretch. There is a fork here and we chose to go right, continuing downhill. The roadway turns into a series of switchbacks and comes to another fork. I didn’t recall seeing any trail markers and the newest fork had a marker lying flat on the ground, obviously pulled from the dirt. It didn’t indicate a trail name and we chose to go left, continuing downhill. We hiked on, eventually reaching a series of barrels attached to a steel cable suspended overhead across the trail. Beyond that, we reached a broad flat open area. There was a clearly marked access road, rocks cleared to the side. (Eric Peach told me later that he believes this area was part of the dam construction and just across the river was supposed to be the boat launch.) We stopped at a boulder and looked out over the river. The clock was ticking and the temperature was rising, but Parker, my 8-year-old fearless daughter, could not be deterred. She wanted to follow this new trail and continue exploring. We hiked on, the trail still winding downward. Staying on the main trail and avoiding the smaller side paths, we came to a field of “clingy” plants that were about waist high. For the kids, they were much higher. Pushing through, a small trail branched off and led to the river. “Can we go swimming?” Cian asked. It was about 10:40 a.m. at this point (we’d been hiking for an hour and a half) and I knew the way back was all uphill. Since we didn’t bring swimsuits, I let them splash around in their t-shirts and undies, allowing them to only go in hip deep. A small rapid area is located nearby, just upstream. Evidence of a few campfires can be seen along the beach, as can deer tracks. After 20 minutes, I forced the kids out of the river. We walked the beach, picking up trash and stuffing it in the backpack. A small lizard, sunning itself on a rock, scurried away as we approached. After dunking my shirt and hat in the river (to help keep cool), we set about the return hike. It wasn’t as bad as I expected. The broad flat areas gave us a chance to catch our breath and walk at a slow and steady pace. Mr. Peach informed me later that we ended up on the Tamaroo Bar Trail. The new map published by Protect American River Canyons (and unveiled at the Confluence Festival on Sunday) doesn’t show the connector switchbacks between that trail and the Western States Trail, but now I know and so do you. In all, I estimate the hike was about 4 miles roundtrip, maybe a little longer. It’s not too difficult but the air in the canyon can be still and hot, so try to take this hike early in the morning. The photo in this week’s column shows the beach at Tamaroo Bar.
The fictional animated children’s TV show character “Bob the Builder” would proud of all the hammer and nail activity in Placer County. His optimistic slogan, repeated over and over to children every morning across the country, is, “Can we build it? Yes we can!” But, so much activity has left some residents confused and the rumor mill is in full churn. Auburn resident Jacque Erdrich wrote, “You would be doing a lot of us ‘nosey neighbors’ a favor if you would print [the] latest news about the various commercial construction projects around town. You have probably mentioned them all at one time or another [but] sometimes we have ‘senior moments’ when there is a long delay between announcements and actual construction. [Also,] what about the biggest rumor of all? Is Costco really going to build on property across from the theater (on Nevada Street)?” She had plenty of other questions that I don’t have room to reprint, so let me see if I can’t track some those answers down for our readers.
COSTCO – As reported previously by Jim Ruffalo in his AJ column, Jim Conkey is now negotiating with Costco to build in unincorporated Auburn (that’s county territory, by the way). Years ago, this same patch of land was going to house Wal-Mart until local residents blocked that deal. When I spoke to District 3 Placer County Supervisor Jim Holmes, he said the land between Highway 49, Canal Street and Luther Road had originally been approved for Wal-Mart, and after that project was killed it was then approved for a 118-unit housing development. The land in question was once the thriving Cal-Ida Lumber Company, but now sits vacant. According to the City of Auburn, no plans for Costco were submitted for the property across from the theater on Nevada Street. A new Environmental Impact Report needs to be submitted to the county for the newly proposed Costco site.
GOP RACE – Having met and listened to all the candidates for the GOP race for the 4th Congressional District seat being vacated by John T. Doolittle, Doug Ose is the one who will be getting my vote on June 3. Ose is simply the best choice for our district. He has six years of experience in Congress, has fought to close the border and understands the needs of Placer County. He’s also no carpet bagger as he hails from Northern California. The Mountain Democrat recently endorsed Ose, citing Tom McClintock’s lack of familiarity with the district as one of the many reasons they were throwing their support behind his opponent. I agree. I attended both announcements and can report that Ose’s was well attended, with so many local leaders supporting him, there wasn’t enough room on the courthouse steps in Old Town Auburn to get everyone behind him for a group photo. In contrast, McClintock had fewer than a dozen local leaders by his side. Many of those supporting Ose are men and women I know and respect. Sheriff Ed Bonner, the entire Placer County Board of Supervisors, Auburn City Councilmembers Mike Holmes and Bob Snyder, and former Auburn Mayor Cheryl Maki are just a few of the 100 local leaders supporting Ose. I believe Ose will listen to the residents, which will be a welcome change. He has attended mixers, breakfasts and gatherings large and small across the district. I believe it’s something he will keep up even after he’s elected. For what it’s worth, Doug Ose has my vote.
GOOD DEEDS – I am amazed by the number of young people doing good works in the community. Last week I had the pleasure of meeting eight teens involved in the Placer County 4-H program. The students were competing for two $2,500 scholarships (one for the gals and one for the guys). Sharing judging duties with me were District 3 Placer County Supervisor Jim Holmes, KAHI’s Dave Rosenthal, Roper’s Jewelers’ Brenda Roper and the Auburn Chamber of Commerce’s Jo Gennuso. We were hard-pressed to find any student who wasn’t worthy of the scholarship. They were volunteering with CIMBL (Citizens Involved Means Better Living), gathering food for the Children’s Receiving Home, putting on plays to teach kids about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and so many other projects, that I couldn’t possibly list them all in this one column. The next day, while coming out of a ribbon cutting for BottomLine Lawyers in the State Theater Building, I stumbled upon the Rotary-sponsored Placer High Interact Club. John Schmidt, club president, was there handing over a check for five grand to retired Police Chief Nick Willick to help cover costs for the May 31 Project Auburn work party. There were easily 20 teens crowded around Nick for a group photo (see page B2). A few weeks ago, a group of children, trash bags in hand, walked the sidewalks of the residential area of Downtown Auburn picking up trash. Their parents followed, picking up whatever the children missed. I’m certainly proud of the young people in Placer County and all that they do for their communitities.
THE EYES HAVE IT – There’s a new private eye in Placer County. Susan Horstmeyer, who retired after 15 years with the Menlo Park Police Department as a detective and motorcycle cop, is now with the Gumshoe Detective Agency. She’s earned her private investigator’s license and that means there are now three agents with such a distinction on staff at the Auburn-based agency. According to owner Don Treco, a retired lawman himself, the agency also has three unlicensed investigative assistants.
WHAT A DUMP! – The annual Dinner at the Dump, held last Thursday at the Auburn Placer Disposal Transfer Station in Auburn, featured live music, drinks and good grub. I spied many of Placer County’s movers and shakers in the crowd. From Loomis, Mayor Russ Kelley and Town Councilman Tom Millward arrived together. They’ve been in the Auburn area a lot lately, as the duo was spotted only the day before at The Ridge for Granite Community Bank’s Quarterly Forum (see photo on A1). County CEO Tom Miller reached into his pocket to buy raffle tickets from two young lads trying to raise money for EV Cain Middle School. He was one of many, I’m sure. “Dapper Dan” Sokol, a vocal critic of Auburn’s Streetscape redevelopment plans, and George Williams, the city’s treasurer, exchanged pleasantries before moving on to mingle in the crowd. Rocklin Mayor Brett Storey chatted with friends, most of them county employees. Brett’s day job, as a Senior Management Analyst, is also with the county. The Auburn Recreation District was well represented with three board members accounted for – Curt Smith, Gordon Ainsleigh and Scott Holbrook. Even ARD Administrator Kahl Muscott was enjoying himself (despite having so many bosses in close proximity). Auburn City Manager Bob Richardson, along with his lovely wife Jennifer and daughter Hannah, visited with friends while waiting to be served. Speaking of Auburn, Mayor Keith Nesbitt and city council members Bridget Powers and Mike Holmes were also in attendance. The lovely Rebecca Toedter of All About Design, Newcastle volunteer fireman Bob Roth, Rob Huckins of Auburn Moving Co., banking belle Kelly Fulfer and a few others served up drinks to the parched gathering. District 5 County Supervisor Bruce Kranz worked the crowd. He’s running for reelection against challengers Jennifer Montgomery and Bob Houston. Others in attendance included Mary Dietrich, Barbara Jicha, Brad Weston, Monique Krafft, Jack Amick, county Museums Director Melanie Barton, Richard Hall of BottomLine Lawyers, Steve Conklin, CalStar’s Sonja Vargas, retired schools chief Vince Anaclerio and the lovely Susan Teixeira.
