COMMUNITY SEND-OFF – More than 200 attended the memorial service for Ann Davies-Nesbitt, wife of Auburn Vice Mayor Keith Nesbitt, on Saturday at Lassila Funeral Chapel. It was a fine farewell for a brave lady. As Michael Fox, who officiated at the service, pointed out, it seemed as though most of the community had come out to say goodbye. Some of those attending were Police Chief Valerie Harris, City Finance Director Andy Heath, City Council member Bridget Powers, Casey Conway, Caryl Barnes, Jim Fallbeck, Jack Arns, Michelle Talbott, Sarah and Marcello Nolivo, Gary Moffat, Placer County District 3 Supervisor Jim Holmes, City Councilman Mike Holmes, City Councilman Kevin Hanley, E. Ken Tokutomi, Kathy King, Diane Felt, Eric Hill, Nancie Radakovitz, Enid Baldock, Carl and Jeanette Bullock and many others. She will be missed. For more on the service, read Gary Moffat's column this week.

CAT-NABBING CRIME SPREE? – First, there was the report of a cat statue heist in Dutch Flat (Police Beat, Sentinel, Nov. 2, 2007 edition) and now Jim Bril, owner of the Monkey Cat Restaurant in Downtown, is looking for the bandits who recently ran off with his restaurant’s mascot. Some local punks grabbed the precious statue on a warm evening as it was being used as a doorstop. The Monkey Cat mascot is 3 to 4 feet tall, with piercing green eyes (like the restaurant’s logo) and standing upright. Jim, who chased the thieves before losing them, said he would like to see the statue returned since it is a one-of-a-kind piece that was made specifically for the Brils. “I’m even willing to offer a reward for the successful prosecution of the thieves and return of the statue,” he said. “Customers are asking where the monkey cat is. It’s become a fixture here.” If you spot the missing statue, contact the Auburn Police Department or Jim at the Monkey Cat Restaurant.

FUNKBOX DERBY UPDATE – Jimmy Wall has been trying to rekindle interest in the Funkbox Derby for years and there have been some nibbles of interest from local service clubs. Jimmy is also seeking others who are interested in forming a soapbox building party so folks can get together, work on their cars and swap stories. Not a bad idea, if you ask me. If you’re interested, drop me a line here at the Sentinel via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Jimmy also came to the Downtown Business Association meeting last Thursday to push the derby to anyone who would listen.

AROUND TOWN – The Loomisopoly board game, produced as a fundraiser for Soroptimist International of Rocklin/Loomis, is available for $27. The game may be purchased at local businesses such as Foothill Feed, Blue Goose Produce, Nelthorpe & Sons, JC Bookkeeping, Hebard Insurance and the Loomis Chamber of Commerce office. For more information, call Rose & Rose at 916-652-9254. ... The Downtown Business Association general meeting’s light agenda last Thursday didn’t keep nearly two dozen business folk from attending. Brenda Roper, who headed up Downtown’s Safe and Happy Trick or Treat with Erin Lee (Rachel Chaddock organized the Old Town event), reported attendance in the district at 833. More than 70 businesses officially signed up, but Brenda reported that many more were passing out treats (Old Town had 15 official sign ups, according to Rachel). The meeting also touched on the Wine Festival. Ann Rivero reported ticket sales exceeded 500 for the wine tasting event on Oct. 13 that included Old Town and Downtown. Final numbers are still coming in, but she believes it was a successful event because of the strong group of volunteers behind it. I hear that Teri Gibson and Rebecca Toedter will head up the event next year. ... The Leadership Auburn Class of 2007 gathered for one last work day at the ore-cart corner at High Street and Auburn Folsom Road on Saturday. For a photo of the group, see page B2.

HOLIDAY CHEER – The Festival of Lights parade and festivities will return to Auburn at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 1 (rain date is the following day). Once again, the parade will go from the Gold Country Fairgrounds parking lot on Auburn Folsom Road, turn onto High Street and then turn again at the Clock Tower to proceed up Lincoln Way, ending at the Arts Building. Both business districts are planning special events and open houses before the parade. I also hear the old Window Decorating Contest may be revived. We’ll keep you posted. There will also be vendors, wandering musicians and more. To be a vendor, contact Teri Gibson at the Christmas Village at 530-885-9644.

BUSINESS BEAT – Joe Caribé’s Caribbean to Go, located at 160 Harrison next to the Liquor Outlet in Auburn, is a great addition to the dining scene. Rachel and I stopped by for lunch recently and we were pleasantly surprised. The restaurant’s interior looks fantastic and the food was great as well. Rachel ordered the Pork Mojo tacos cooked with garlic, lime and allspice ($4.95) while I tried the Cuban style braised beef burrito with roasted bell peppers and onions ($6.50). We both give the new eatery two thumbs up. They are open every day except Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Give them a call at 530-823-5333 for more information. ... Also this week, another new eatery is opening next to the Arts Building on Lincoln Way. Once known as The Sweet Spot, the new owners have come in and converted it into a sandwich shop – and changed the name to the Full Belly Deli. Last I checked, they were scheduled to open this week.

Don Chaddock is the executive editor of the Sentinel. His column, “Biscuits and Gravy,” publishes every Friday. He may be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling 530-823-2463.

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