Myra Davies To Be Inducted Into Nevada County Fair’s Hall Of Fame

July 24, 2018 jd

The Nevada County Fair’s Board of Directors has announced that Myra Davies will be inducted into the Nevada County Fair’s Hall of Fame. The Board recognized Davies for her longtime service and dedication to the Nevada County Fair and for her commitment to local agriculture.

Davies is a fifth-generation local rancher who lives on her family’s historic Dipper Valley Ranch in Nevada City. Since retiring from her county job, Davies can often be found on her ranch checking her cows and delivering firewood. “The legacy of the history, the land and the soil are in my soul and part of who I am,” she says. “To me, ranching and farming is not a job, it is a chosen way of life.”

That love of ranching and farming can be seen in her commitment to the Nevada County Fair and her involvement in community activities dedicated to supporting agriculture and youth in agriculture. During the Fair, Davies, who has been attending the Fair since she was a child, can be found at the Cattlewomen’s Marian Ghidotti Red Barn and the Nevada County Farm Bureau booths where she works diligently to carry on agricultural traditions.

In addition to her work at the Fair, Davies has served in various capacities in the Kentucky Flat 4-H Club, including Community Club Officer/President and a Horse and Hiking leader. She currently serves as a Nevada County Farm Bureau Director, President of the Placer Nevada Cattlewomen’s (PNCW) Association, and Chair of the PNCW Beef Ambassador Program. She is actively involved in Ag in the Classroom, a member of California Cattlewomen, National Cattlewomen, Nevada County Republican Women Federated, and Nevada County Grown.

“I am deeply honored to be inducted into the Fair’s Hall of Fame,” said Davies. “The Nevada County Fair is a stronghold for our community. There is no other place as beautiful, accommodating, and with such strong community support for youth to showcase their yearlong projects. The Nevada County Fair is a hub, a focal point, to keep these traditions strong and it’s very important that I support organizations that carry on family and agricultural traditions. My life is family, faith, community, clubs, the Dipper Valley Ranch, beef, keeping ag alive through youth, and the Fair. That’s really all I need.”

Davies will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at opening day ceremony on August 8 and will receive a portrait donated by Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley. The 2018 Nevada County Fair is August 8 – 12. For information, visit NevadaCountyFair.com.

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nevada county fair

Nevada County Fairgrounds & Community Organizations Team Up For Community Involvement Day July 30

July 22, 2018 jd

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Participate and receive buy one, get one coupons for admission tickets to the Fair

The Nevada County Fairgrounds is teaming up with local nonprofit organizations – the Food Bank of Nevada County, Foothill Lions, Nevada County 2-1-1, NEO Youth Center, Story Club, Community Beyond Violence, Cinderella Project, The Karing Closet, Nevada County Pets in Need, Gold Country YMCA, Nevada County Diaper Project, and BloodSource – on July 30 for Community Involvement Day. This is a day to donate items to these nonprofit organizations while also receiving coupons for buy one, get one admission tickets to the Fair. Or, donate blood through BloodSource on that day and receive a free admission ticket to the Fair. The organizations will be at the Fairgrounds Gate 1 main parking lot and Main Street Center on Monday, July 30, from 1 – 6 pm, to receive donations of any of the items listed below.

Food Bank of Nevada County: Four cans of food or dry goods (non-expired).

Foothill Lions: Used hearing aids or prescription eye glasses.

Nevada County 2-1-1: New/unopened toiletries, including soap, shampoo, shaving cream, disposable razors, toothpaste/toothbrushes, mouthwash, deodorant, toilet paper, paper towels, sanitary wipes, tampons and pads, Chapstick, sunblock and Band-Aids.

NEO: Paper, paint supplies, glue sticks, paper towels, sharpies, general craft supplies, packaged snacks, scissors, paint brushes, blank canvases, ping pong and foosball supplies, yoga mats, and music equipment.

Story Club: Two new or slightly used children’s books, or chapter books for teens.

Community Beyond Violence: Gift cards for local merchants for groceries, clothing, gas, bus passes, movie passes, fast food, calling cards, shelter supplies and maintenance; kitchen products and cleaning supplies; pre-paid phones; new socks and underwear; toiletries; bedding (twin and full size).

Cinderella Project: Clean and gently used prom dresses and evening gowns, prom-type heels, prom-type jewelry (earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and hair accessories), and small handbags/clutches.

The Karing Closet: Boxes of XL or Jumbo Ziploc bags, packages of index cards, poster board, toothbrushes and toothpaste, packages of new children’s underwear and socks, or one new or gently-used school-ready outfit (from children’s size 5 to Junior’s size 16) in a large Ziploc marked bag. No garbage bags full of clothing, please.

Nevada County Diaper Project: Unopened packages of diaper for any age children (newborn to 6 or pullups)

Nevada County Pets in Need: Four cans of wet cat or dog food.

Gold Country YMCA: Gift cards for supplies and camper clothing needs, movie ticket gift cards, art/craft supplies, sporting goods, current books and yoga mats

BloodSource: For a free admission ticket to the Fair, make a blood donation at the BloodSource bloodmobile located in the Gate 1 parking lot at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. For information and eligibility about blood donation, visit www.bloodsource.org.

Those who donate items to the Food Bank of Nevada County, Foothill Lions, NEO, Story Club, Community Beyond Violence, Nevada County 2-1-1, Cinderella Project, The Karing Closet, Nevada County Pets in Need, Gold Country YMCA, and Nevada County Diaper Project will receive a coupon to buy one advance special $7 admission ticket and receive one free. That’s two for the price of one!

Those who make a blood donation at the BloodSource bloodmobile will receive a free admission ticket to any day of the Fair.

Feel free to donate to any one organization or all of them! To receive your coupons or free tickets, all donations must be brought to Gate 1 at the Fairgrounds on July 30 between 1- 6 pm. Coupons (buy one, get one free) received for donations must be redeemed during pre-sale dates, which take place until August 7. Presale discounted tickets will be available for purchase on Community Involvement Day at Guest Services, Gate 1.

This year’s Fair is August 8 – 12. For information, visit NevadaCountyFair.com or call (530) 273-6217.

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Construction, Entertainment, Environment

Optimizing Your Outdoor Living Environment

July 12, 2018 jd 1 Comment

Photo from Dreamstime

(NewsUSA) – For many homeowners, the backyard is not at the forefront of their home-design plans. But procrastination can be an advantage when it comes to outdoor living. By the time many people consider the backyard, they have developed a strong sense of their own décor personality.

Most consumers’ design styles can be classified as traditionalist, bohemian, modern, eclectic, rustic or industrial, according to Belgard, a company dedicated to outdoor living design and elements for patio spaces and beyond.

Fortunately, there are backyard design plans to suit any taste, as well as any budget. Some design elements that might have particular appeal to different décor personalities include:

*For the traditionalist:

Classic comfort. What is the primary purpose of a patio? A place for sitting and relaxing. Attractive, sturdy pavers in appealing patterns provide easy walking and an artistic base for conversation nooks of tables, chairs, planters, and picnic tables.

*For the bohemian:

Fire pit. Fire pits are an easy way to promote cozy gathering for all ages. And everyone can appreciate freedom from bugs; wood fires can help hold mosquitoes at bay.

*For the modernist:

Multiple levels. Homeowners seeking a modern look can consider a range of options for walkways and pavers that might include steps and slopes to wind through a terraced garden.

*For the eclectic:

Water features. But not just for swimming. Homeowners can show off an eclectic backyard style with a fountain, fish pond, or other water feature that makes a splash.

*For the rustic:

Eating out.

Cooking outdoors can reach a new level, as advanced outdoor kitchen units allow guests to help with meal preparation or just chat with the host/chef while enjoying the outdoor setting.

*For the industrial:

Unique lighting is a way to make a statement and set a mood in an outdoor setting. Some ways to get creative with light include not only hardscape lighting and illuminated planters, but short-term elements such as lighting fixtures that highlight cool metals and metallics for a more urban, industrial vibe.

Belgard, part of Oldcastle Architectural, was established in 1995 and remains a respected source of durable, classic, stylish outdoor-living products and a resource for design ideas to help homeowners take on backyard design with confidence.

Visit www.Belgard.com for more ideas on optimizing your outdoor living environment.

Environment

2.5M Homes to Be Threatened by Tidal Flooding by the Year 2100

June 22, 2018 jd

Photo by Maureen Drennan

Rising sea levels and climate change are putting a significant number of homes at risk of tidal flooding, according to a report released Monday by the Union of Concerned Scientists. The report warns that up to 311,000 coastal homes and about 14,000 commercial properties will be at risk of chronic flooding within the next 30 years. By the end of the century, the UCS says that number will increase to 2.4 million homes—valued at about $912 billion—and 107,000 commercial properties—valued at $152 billion.

The UCS’s study used three sea level rise scenarios to determine how many residential and commercial properties along the entire coastline of the lower 48 are at risk of becoming chronically inundated by high tides (which they defined as flooding an average of 26 times per year or more). The scenarios were in the absence of any major storm.

The state with the most homes at risk by the end of the century was Florida, with about 1 million homes—or more than 10 percent of the state’s current residential properties. New Jersey follows with 250,000 homes at risk, followed by New York with 143,000 homes at risk. These three states were also identified as thse that stand to lose the most in home property values by year 2100: Florida risks $351 billion, New Jersey may lose $108 billion, and New York nearly $100 billion, according to the analysis.

“Not all affected communities will share the same experience,” says Erika Spanger-Siegfried, senior analyst in the Climate and Energy Program at the UCS and a report coauthor. “Some may see sharp adjustments to their housing market in the not-too-distant future; some could see a slow, steady decline in home values; and others could potentially invest in protective measures to keep impacts at bay for a few more decades. In any case, by knowing how much time they have before a significant number of properties will be regularly flooded, communities can start planning and implementing responses now, while they still have a range of options from which to choose.”

Source:

“U.S. Coastal Property at Risk From rising Seas,” Union of Concerned Scientists (June 18, 2018)

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Environment

California Delta Water Diversion Update

June 18, 2018 jd

Picture courtesy of the California Department of Water Resources

Delta–Picture courtesy of the California Department of Water Resources

Water Fraud Update

By Bill Wells

The Santa Clara Valley Water District voted 4-3 to use $650 million of their ratepayer’s money to help fund the Brown / Laird twin tunnel WaterFraud. A joint powers authority, the Delta Conveyance Design and Construction Authority has been created to oversee the final design and of the tunnels. I am sure nothing can go wrong with that. So far Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Kern County Water Authority, and Contra Costa Valley Water District have committed a total of about $12.5 billion of their ratepayer’s money leaving it about $42.5 billion short if you use Arnold Schwarzenegger’s $55 billion estimate of the cost of the project.

Governor Brown is quoted as saying: “the only time you get anything done with water is when a Brown is governor and there are no more Browns coming along so you better get it done. I can tell you if I wasn’t pushing this thing it wouldn’t be going anywhere. If it doesn’t make it this time forget it. You will all be dead before it is even thought of again.” I am confident this mother of all boondoggles can be stopped if enough good people stand up against it. The California Department of Water Resources has proven over and over again that they don’t understand and can not manage a project like this. The state Waterboard hearings are available on YouTube, when you have some spare time listen to the states attorneys’ presentations and draw your own conclusions. You will note too in unintentional irony that the states lead attorney Tripp Mizzel bears a resemblance to the Roman Polanski character in the film Chinatown.

Continue reading California Delta Water Diversion Update →

Real Estate

Three California housing issues to watch in 2018

January 2, 2018 jd

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Source: The Los Angeles Times

Rising rents and home prices forced California’s housing crisis to the front of Gov. Jerry Brown’s and lawmakers’ agenda in 2017.

Legislators passed the most comprehensive package of housing bills in recent memory designed to increase spending on low-income development and encourage more construction in general.

But the bills, according to independent analyses, won’t do much to make housing cheaper in the state.Expect more focus on housing issues at the Capitol and on your statewide ballot in 2018.

Here are three to watch.

1. A rent control battle

2. The future of Proposition 13

3. How lawmakers will follow up on this year’s housing efforts.

Read the full story

John J. ODell Broker
ODell Realty
BRE 00669941

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Real Estate

Homeownership will get more expensive for some Californians under the GOP tax bill

December 22, 2017 jd

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Picture Source:

Story Source: The Los Angeles Times

The Republican tax bill that appears headed for President Trump’s desk reduces the ability of home buyers to deduct mortgage interest, which will be a hit to home shoppers in Southern California and the Bay Area, where housing costs are sky-high.

But the interest provision is far more limited in scope than a previous proposal. Real estate experts and professionals said Tuesday that they don’t expect a big effect on home buying in the region, and that any ramifications will be largely restricted to well-to-do neighborhoods.

Making sense of the story:

Under the new plan, which passed the House on Tuesday and was headed for a late vote in the Senate, buyers can deduct interest on mortgages up to $750,000, for homes bought after Dec. 15. (Homes purchased on that date or before then aren’t affected.) That’s down from the current $1-million limit, but an increase from a $500,000 cap that previously passed the House.
That means a home buyer with a 20 percent down payment can purchase a $930,000 home and still deduct all the interest. Even for a borrower who took out a $1-million loan at 4 percent interest, $30,024 of interest payments are deductible in the first year, leaving $9,656 that isn’t.
The bill also caps property and state income tax deductions at a combined $10,000 — about $8,500 less than the average deduction taken by Californians in 2015, according to the Tax Policy Center. Combined with the new cap on mortgage interest deductions, that could mean some households will have less to spend on housing, leading to price declines in some wealthy areas.
The tax bill doubles the standard deduction, which means fewer households will itemize. That may result in people buying a less expensive house because they couldn’t write off any interest
Some experts predict that by adding an estimated $1.5 trillion to the federal budget deficit over 10 years, the tax bill will put upward pressure on interest rates — including mortgage rates, which have remained under 5 percent for the last six years.

Read the full story

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nevada county fair

Fowler Family to be Recognized Family of the Year at the Nevada County Fair.

July 25, 2017 jd

Alana, Brad, Macey (14), Molly (12), Morgan (10), Wendy (7), and Wyatt (7) Photo credit: Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley — Alana, Brad, Macey (14), Molly (12), Morgan (10), Wendy (7), and Wyatt (7)
Photo credit: Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley

Brad and Alana Fowler have been named the 2017 Family of the Year by the Nevada County Fair’s Board of Directors. The Board chose the Fowler Family for their ongoing commitment, participation and volunteer efforts in the livestock program at the Nevada County Fair.

Brad and Alana, who were both born and raised in Nevada County, have been attending the Fair since they were children. Alana started showing animals in 4-H at nine years old and continued through high school in FFA; and Brad showed throughout high school in FFA. Since that time, they’ve continued to help in the show arenas, volunteer on Treat Street, work in educational booths, assist at the Junior Livestock Auction, set up various displays, and clean barns after the Fair. Today, they spend countless hours in the livestock barns, helping their own children, as well as other youth exhibitors, prepare their animals for the Fair.

The Fowlers, who will celebrate their 20^th wedding anniversary this year, have five daughters – Macey, 14; Molly, 12; Morgan, 10; Wendy, 7; and Wyatt, 7. All their children have been involved with livestock since birth, and have been showing and exhibiting at the Fair since they were young. The older girls started with pygmy goats and rabbits and moved to beef and dairy. Their oldest three daughters raise steers for the Junior Livestock Auction, and their youngest daughters entered Mutton Bustin’ last year. The girls have each started their own herds of various species, so in addition to bringing steers to the Fair this year, the oldest three girls will also bring some of their own breeding animals, both beef and dairy cattle, to show. The youngest girls help their sisters and have their own animals that will be the foundation for the future livestock they exhibit at the Fair. Additionally, Macey works with several horses during the week, trading for lessons; Molly plays volleyball; and Morgan competes in track.

Not surprisingly, when asked about their favorite memories at the Fair, both share fond memories of their time with the livestock community. “My favorite part of the Fair is watching the Junior Livestock Exhibitors show their animals,” says Brad. “Fair is also important to me because I get to see people in the community.” Alana echoes his comments. “Fair is like a family vacation with friends and family,” she says. “I love to see the livestock exhibitors sharing their knowledge of these animals with families that visit.”

When not busy at the Fair, Alana reports that “life outside of Fair is much like Fair.” They are self-employed, and for the past 10 years they have sold pasture-raised hogs, turkeys and chickens, as well as grass fed beef, lamb and goat directly to consumers in Nevada County. They also use goats and sheep for fire prevention grazing throughout Nevada, Placer and Yuba counties. Outside of work, the Fowlers are involved with the Nevada County Farm Bureau, the Nevada County Food and Farm Conference, Nevada County 4-H, Nevada County Food Policy Council, and Nevada County Livestock Producers.

“The Fowler’s involvement in the livestock community, and their countless hours o

nevada county fair

Nevada County Fair Competition Handbook Now Available

June 23, 2017 jd

Book includes all the information you need to enter exhibits in this year’s Fair

The Nevada County Fair’s Competition Handbook, which includes all the information you need to enter exhibits in this year’s Fair, is now available. If you can make it, bake it, grow it or show it, there is a category for you – and it can be found in the Competition Handbook!

Why not showcase a child’s artwork project from school, a cooking skill, or a special collection? Try baking cookies, entering a photo, creating a produce character, making the Ugliest Decorated Cake, writing a poem, entering the Pet Look-A-Like photo contest, or making a bookmark. This year, we have some fun new categories like button art, plastic utensil art, decorated cake pops, beach art, and a decorated reusable grocery bag.

There are also special contests like the Seafaring Squash Mobile Races, Daily Special Food Contests, 4-H Still Exhibits, and an exhibit video contest. With hundreds of categories available for children and adults, the Competition Handbook has something for everyone.

Copies of the free handbook are available at the Fairgrounds’ Office, Chamber of Commerce offices, post offices, county libraries, Raley’s, SPD, Ben Franklin, Foothill Mercantile, and other local businesses, as well as online at NevadaCountyFair.com.

It’s easy to enter! Look through the book, pick your favorite categories, and follow the simple steps for completing the entry forms. You can even enter online at NevadaCountyFair.com. Most categories are free to enter, and you can enter online or at the Fair office. The deadline for submitting entry forms and online entries is July 21 at 4 pm.

The 2017 Nevada County Fair is August 9 – 13, and the Fair them is “Sea You at the Fair!” For more information, visit NevadaCountyFair.com or call (530) 273-6217.

For all your real estate needs
Please contact
John J. O’Dell
ODell Realty
BRE 00669941

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Hiking, History, History of Nevada County, Nevada County Information, Nevada County Parks, Pictures of Nevada County, Recreation, State Parks

Bridgeport Historic Ranch and Famous Covered Bridge, Nevada County, CA

March 9, 2017 jd

Bridge Port Bridge closed until repairs are completed. Photo by John J. ODell

By Judy Pinegar

Feb 26, 2017 –

It was a beautiful sunny/cloudy day in Nevada County. Having a bit of cabin fever due to all the rain, John and I set out for Bridgeport with Hershey, our beautiful, black, half Labrador dog.

Stopping first on the other side of the Yuba River, the sign said the walking trail(s) were closed, although we could see some people and sometimes dogs on the trail(s). But we had to pay the parking fee ($5.00), so we returned across the Yuba River to the main Park Site and Visitor Center. After paying (honor system) we proceeded to get a brochure and wander around the central area. The National and State registered Historic Landmark is the actual Bridgeport Covered Bridge, built in 1862 by David L Wood and the Virginia Turnpike Co. It was closed to walkers, or anyone, but restoration is expected. It is 229 feet long, making it the longest single span covered bridge in the entire United States!

Then on to the “family beach” now mostly covered by water as the river is very high this year! Several old pieces of mining equipment are around. We then visited the old garden spot, the visitors center, the gas station ($0.12 per gallon!), and then the Barn which contained a large collection of various carriages, and farming vehicles. The Visitor Center was quite interesting, containing some preserved wildlife from the area that Hershey did NOT like at all! (Think panicked barking, a wild animal is on the loose!) Also displayed were pictures of how high the river actually has risen in this area, way higher than this year for sure!!

Then we took the easy Visitors Center Trail, past Kneebone Cemetery, Kentucky Creek (that trail was flooded), and back to the main area. There were a few confusing signs about “where” and “where not” you could take your dog, but overall it was a nice day. However it was really getting cold, so we left for home, hoping to come back with more time to walk (lots of trails) an a little better weather!!

All and all, I recommend it as a really fantastic place to visit. See you on the trail! (Just look for Hershey)

For information South River State Park
Call (530) 432-2546