Hundreds Take to Auburn’s Streets and New Eateries Open in Colfax

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Written by Don Chaddock

Friday, 06 July 2007

Biscuits and Gravy by Don Chaddock Hundreds Take to Auburn’s Streets and New Eateries Open in Colfax PICTURE THIS (& COLFAX CORNER) – The annual Colfax Independence Day Celebration brought hundreds to this historic town on Sunday, July 1. The parade was well attended and it was nice to see WWII veteran Charlie Gray (shown in this week’s column) honored as the grand marshal. While walking around after the parade, I spotted John Potter, Jack Knight (of Knight Electric), and Dion and Carol Isaacson (owners of Depoe Bay Coffee Company). Naked Rooster Restaurant has opened up in Madonna’s former location on Main Street and right next door the shuttered Camp 20 Coffeehouse appears to be getting new tenants with the soon-to-open Bella Sera Italian Restaurant. Bob’s Dogs, located in what used to be Little Red Hen, is also now open and appears to be doing bustling business. AROUND TOWN – If you’re wondering who all those out-of-towners were walking around the streets of Auburn last Friday, they are members of a walking club called Volkssport. The group holds gathering all over the globe and this year they met in Sacramento, planning their own walking tours in nearby towns. Auburn’s rich history and hilly business districts were a nice draw for the club. As I went into Depoe Bay (passing Kopp’s Coffee Klatch — comprising Bud Pisarek, Vance Sauter and Jerry Kopp — along the way), I noticed the lack of “open” signs in the retail businesses. More than 100 walkers were on the streets of Old Town and Downtown Auburn, with very few retail shops open at 9:10 a.m. They could stop and eat or buy a cup o’ joe, but if they saw something in a display window they liked, they were out of luck. These walkers represent more of the kinds of activities that Auburn should be trying to attract. If even half of them spent $20 in Auburn, that’s another $1,000 injected into the local economy in only a couple of hours. Old Town Auburn rallied to hold their annual Fourth of July festivities in the square, despite the Shanghai’s absence. In the past, Richard Yue would don patriotic gear, set up a greased pole, organize egg tosses, three-legged races and hold a watermelon-eating contest. With Yue’s departure from the Old Town scene (he resides in Colfax), others stepped up. Newly elected Old Town Business Association President Ty Rowe, along with Linda Robinson and others, decided to host the family friendly event anyway. My hat’s off to ’em. Recent Leadership Auburn graduate (and regular attendee of the Tuesday morning Meddlers) Karen Hancock and her hubby recently returned from a lengthy vacation to northern Europe. She is a retired attorney. The Gold Country Rotary Club held their demotion party last Thursday for outgoing president Karen Campbell at the beautiful home of Joanne Barragan and her husband Patrick (who worked the grill like a pro). Some of those in attendance included Bud and Laurie Richardson, Rudy and Ann Rivero, Michael Fox, Linda Fazo, Scott Bentley, Walt Schmidt, Ross Kochenderfer, Jack Arns, Terry and Melanie Barton, Duncan Patty, Ted Moore, Bill and Nancie Radakovitz, Fred Vitas, Jim Fallbeck and many more that I don’t have room to list. By the way, Kathy King is incoming president. Just where was Auburn’s vice mayor, Keith Nesbitt, during the last City Council meeting? He was on a motorcycle trip, logging well over 1,000 miles through winding mountain roads. The Leadership Auburn Class of 2007 officially graduated with an outdoor ceremony at the Headquarter House last Friday. For a full recap, see our special section in this week’s Sentinel. The group also got together on Saturday for their own graduation party at the Meadow Vista home of Scott and Alia Shuttleworth, organized by class spokesperson Peggy Seitzinger. Her hubby Tom expertly handled the grill while children of the classmates frolicked in the swimming pool. Most of the graduating class, including a very pregnant Roberta Lopez Hoskins with her husband Doug, turned out for the festivities. It was great to see Bill and Cindy Wharton, both retired teachers, and Ralph and Trina Laird. Bill and Ralph did a lot of work on the class project. Alexa Dal Pino couldn’t be there and she was certainly missed. The lovely young lady from Dal Pino Pools took the lead role in completing the project at the corner of Auburn-Folsom Road and High Street. In fact, she sent out a plea for help the day of the graduation to repair a busted irrigation line and get the timers working for the watering system. Ninety minutes later, at 2:30 p.m., the project was complete, making this year’s Leadership Auburn class the first to finish a class project. If you missed your coffee dose at the last Farmers’ Market in Old Town Auburn, never fear. Fred Relyea, of Pine Mountain Coffee, has been at a family reunion in Mendocino. WATERING HOLE MUS-INGS – It isn’t often that I get out on a Friday night unless there is a community function. Well, last Friday found us out on the town at Pistol Pete’s Brew and Cue in Downtown Auburn. One of my favorite watering holes was jumping with the band Gada performing for a packed house. We managed to grab a couple of stools and had a nice time. Thanks to Pete Aroz, senior and junior, for taking such swell care of us throughout the evening. Pistol Pete’s has some great entertainment lined up in coming weeks, so be sure to check in with them for an entertainment schedule. WISHING WELL – Congrats to Denise Steele, who tied the knot June 20 with old friend Lee Lydston in Crater Lake, Oregon. I hear Denise, publisher of the Gold Country Grapevine, will be using her new married name and the couple will reside in the Auburn area. Thanks to Dorothy Wahl for letting me know that Marian Carmen, retired E.V. Cain teacher, is turning 100 years old “soon.” Also,wish a happy birthday to Jeanette Bullock (July 7) former Auburn Mayor Hank Gonzales and Master Technicians owner Jimmy Mullenix (July 12), Club Car owner Sarah Sanders-Nolivo (July 14), Linda Fazo (July 17), and Tim Lemmons (July 25). Happy anniversary to Linda Sanders and Dave Consbruck (July 7). Don Chaddock is the executive editor of the Sentinel. He may be reached at 530-823-2463 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . 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