LADY BRUINS BASKETBALL RESULTS - COLFAX

In what was billed as the 2013 girls basketball league championship game of the Pioneer Valley League, it did not play out that way as Bear River avenged and earlier in the season loss by dismantling Colfax by a score of 58-23.

The Lady Bruins Bear played with more urgency as they had their backs against the wall in this must win game. Neither team shot the ball particularly well in the opening half but Bear River played very good defense as well as killed the Falcons on the glass which gave the home team many more shots which resulted in a 26~13 lead at the half.

Bear River opened the second half with the same intensity on defense while the Lady Falcons continued to struggle. Colfax's coach called a timeout early in the second half to make an adjustment with the score at 32~13. Coming out of the timeout the Falcons applied a full court press in an attempt to cut into the Bruin's lead. The adjustment worked against Colfax as Bear River executed their press break with ease which resulted in multiple uncontested layups for Bear River.

The old saying speed kills was evident tonight in the third stanza as the Bruins moved the score to 46~19 moving into the final 8 minutes of the game.

PVL Standings

Bear River 7-1

Colfax 6-2

Placer 6-2, if they defeated Lincoln on Thursday.

Bear River will host Placer on Tuesday at 7 p.m. where the Lady Bruins will look to clinch the PVL title out right. If they fall there would possibly be a three way tie. 

GILLIGAN'S GUIDE SERVICE - REEL ANGLERS FLY SHOP - GRASS VALLEY

Matt Koles who is the owner of Gilligan's Guide Service which is located on the banks of the Truckee River in Hershdale California opened his fly box for back to back slide show presentations at Reel Anglers Fly Shop in Grass Valley California on Wednesday night.

Koles not only discussed the the best places to fish but he surprised all of us who were in attendance by including his secret holes and his techniques to hooking as well as landing the big fish that lurk in the waters in his backyard. He shared the best flies to swing including nymphs, streamers as well as dry flies.

He broke down the seasons like no one I have ever heard. This guy knows his stuff. If you are looking to catch big Browns or Rainbows then be sure to contact Matt.

BEAR RIVER FROSH BASKETBALL FALLS - LINCOLN

Bear River's Freshman basketball team fells to Lincoln on Wednesday in Pioneer Valley League action 41 to 31.

The Bruins led most of the way through the first quarter but gave up the lead in the closing seconds to trail 6~5 at the horn. Both teams played a 2~3 zone defense as well as a high low offense. The Fighting Zebras pressured with a 1~2~2 full court press which created many Bear River turnovers.

The Bruins also committed a few fouls which put Lincoln on the foul line which resulted in the Zebras making 7 shots from the charity stripe to extend their lead into the half with the score 21~14.

Bear River's Dallas Penn knocked down a few 3 balls to lift the Bruins in the 3rd.

 The home team stayed with the 2~3 zone while Lincoln switched to man to man which allowed Penn to use his athleticism and go one on one to cut the Zebra's lead to 1 at the close of the third at 28~27.

Bear River looked to be right back in the game until their low post player Ethan Nichol fouled out of the game which resulted in a few second chance shots for the Zebras which they capitalized to take the win.

MAGNOLIA 8TH GRADE HOOPS OVER WEIMAR IN OT

8th grade boys basketball team starts the season 2-0 after an extremely close overtime win over powerhouse Weimar Hills. Jimmy Kelly scored 10 points and 11 rebounds.  Josh Griesel contributed game winning shots as well as free throws down the stretch. Grant Skowronski also ripped 13 rebounds. 

The games final score was 37 - 34 in favor of Magnolia.  

MAGNOLIA 7TH GRADE BASKETBALL FALLS IN FINAL - 7-HILLS

The Magnolia 7th grade boys basketball team made it to the finals of the Union Hill tournament this weekend and they brought back a second place trophy after falling to 7-Hills. 

So far this season, there has been balanced scoring with all players contributing. Standouts in the tournament were Clay Corippo and Alex Quist leading the way with scoring. Zach Rubey is leading the team in rebounding, while Stephen Taylor anchors the defense and leads the team in steals. 

Zach Terra hit two buzzer beater 3 pointers in the tournament last weekend. The Rattlers will host Forest Lake on Thursday at 4 and 5pm.

LEFTY'S OF NEVADA CITY - GRAND OPENING - NEW LOCATION

I was wondering along Broad street today while I was between meetings when Left's Grill was opening its doors for their first seating for lunch at their new location.

I have eaten at this Nevada City staple so I know all about their food. What they have done with the place is the real news.

 I have posted a few photos

Alta Sierra School Hosts Casino Night Feb. 23

GRASS VALLEY, Calif. --Alta Sierra Elementary School’s first casino night takes place Saturday, February 23 at Alta Sierra Country Club. The event, which includes a live and silent auction, evolved from recent years’ wine tasting fundraisers to appeal to larger crowds.

“We really wanted to make this a community gathering, as well as a fundraiser,” Katrina Paz, Alta Sierra Elementary parent teacher committee president, said. “This should be an evening of parents, friends and neighbors coming together for a night of fun while raising important funds for our school.”

Tickets for the event cost $25 per person/$45 per couple and include appetizers, desserts, and $500 in chips. Prizes include tickets to Disneyland, artwork and photography, tickets to Sonoma Raceway, rounds of golf at the Resort at Squaw Creek, private catering, spa services, overnight stays at Atlantis Casino Resort and Truckee’s Cedar House Sport Hotel, the opportunity for a student to be a reporter for a day at The Union, one free year of after-school care, and various gift certificates to local shops and restaurants. The festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. and childcare will be available with advance reservation.

Funds raised that evening will go towards upgrading the computer lab, as well as field trips, assemblies, classroom equipment and supplies, art classes, library services, and music, sports, and recreational programs for more than 330 students.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 530-277-6288 or go to www.pleasantridge.k12.ca.us/altasierra/index.html.

NEVADA COUNTY REAL ESTATE - FIRST TIME BUYERS PRICES

Nevada County first time buyers are seeing prices rise. Many of the homes which had been priced under $200,000 for the past 6 or so years are very difficult to locate today. The median price for a home which sold in the month of December was $285,000 with the lowest price recorded was $99,900. The market is slowly improving with many people calling the bottom in the market in 2012. I have included a chart which shows what is happening in the state as well as particular cities. Nevada County trail these markets by 6 to 8 months and from what I hear the major metropolitan areas are on fire. So it shouldn't be to longer before buyers from the Bay Area as well as Southern California will be back bidding up the prices. Prices are still low and interest rates are low so you may want to get in on the action before we move to a sellers market.

Free free to call me if you would like to discuss the local market at 530-477-2277.

GIRLS PVL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ON THE LINE

The Lady Falcons of Colfax High School are in the drivers seat as we look toward their Thursday night match up at Bear River High School.

Bear River lost to Colfax in their first meeting 50-41 for one of the Lady Bruins two losses on the season. BR's other loss was to Rio Americano who the Falcons also defeated.

Bear River beat Placer at Placer earlier in the season while the Lady Falcons split with the Hillgals.

The Lady Bruins play Foothill on Tuesday and then they take on Colfax followed by Placer. This is must win basketball for all 3 teams if they expect to win the PVL title.

The Bruins are favored in both games by a narrow margin as they are the home team in both cases.
  
Standings
Bear River 5-1
Colfax 5-1
Placer 4-2

If Colfax defeats BR, they have a lock on the 2013 league title. But if the Lady Bruins win and can beat Placer on Tuesday then it is theirs.

But it is possible that there could be a 3-way tie for the top spot if Bear River drops the Falcons and they fall to Placer. This would result in all three teams finishing with two losses in the PVL. The best Placer can do is tie while Colfax and Bear River hold their own destiny.

See you on Thursday!

7 HILLS TOPS - SEVENTH GRADE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

The Seven Hills Middle School Raiders took home the Championship trophy this weekend at the Union Hill Bearcat Invitational as they blew out Lyman Gilmore 48-17 in first round action followed by a 42-32 victory over Weimar. The final hurdle for the eventual winner was the Rattlers of Magnolia which was a rematch from earlier in the week which 7 Hills won on the road. Magnolia hung close early in the tournament's finally but eventually fell 34-21.

MAGNOLIA VS 7-HILLS BOYS BASKETBALL RESULTS

The Rattlers of Magnolia faced what could be their toughest opponent at home to tip-off their 2013 boys basketball season. The Raiders of Seven Hills are a cohesive group of young men who have played Rec ball together for many years under the leadership of Nevada Union JV football and baseball coach Dennis Houlihan.

The game went into the half with the visiting team leading by 3 points. There were many lead changes in the first 16 minutes but the contest could have been more lopsided if 7-Hill could have converted on many break away layups as they closed out the game with the score of 30-19.

The Rattlers made an attempt to make a late game run with shooting three point shots which resulted in long rebounds and fast breaks which the Raiders converted. The final score was wide but the game was close to start the final stanza. The Rattlers pressed the final 8 minutes which 7-Hills had little difficulty with which extended the lead as well as the final score.

SOUTHERN NEVADA COUNTY A BUZZ - DARKHORSE GOLF COURSE

A few months back I reported on the 83 unit home development along Combie Rd. which is being offered for sale by ERA Cornerstone Realty group.

The developers are moving along as planned with improving the sites drainage and infrastructure. The project owners who purchased the land out of foreclosure will begin taking orders on the new homes which will be 1,500 to 2,500 square feet within the next few months.

But the big news along the Combie corridor is Darkhorse Golf Course is about to have a new owner. The deal is scheduled to close within the next couple of weeks. As reported a few months back the course's junior note was purchased on the step of the Nevada County Courthouse for $125,000 then put back on the market for 2.1 million. I later received a call from an out of area owner of a lot within the golf course community who stated the club was in escrow. I was also told the new owner is from China and when he visited the property he traveled with an interpreter.

The future for Darkhorse has never looked brighter. The new owner is said to be well capitalized and has plan to build the clubhouse as it was originally intended. This is a great time to purchase a home or an undeveloped lot within this area as we are still at record low interest rates as well as seeing home sales increase.

The South County has had a few set backs in recent years due to the economic downturn. With two large scale projects underway, things are starting to look and feel a whole lot better. It will take time for this new money to filter into the community but it is the first real sign of improvement.

If you have interest in further information on either project please feel free to contact me and I will gladly enlighten you.

Scott Hopper - Realtor, 530-477-2277

"If you enjoy reading my blog, please keep me in mind when you or a friend needs a real estate professional"

TWO BUSINESSES CLOSE

Recently while driving around Nevada County I noticed a few local businesses who no longer have their doors open.

The first was located in Alta Sierra which offered coffee and yogurt known as Crazy 8 Frozen Yogurt and Coffee Drive Thru. This was a great family owned local hang for Alta Sierra residents.

Another shop which closed is the Quisno's sandwich shop located on Combie Rd. located next to the Chevron and Starbucks in the South County. I did find it odd when a Subway opened less than 30 yards away but now we know that the people who live on the Combie corridor prefer Subway.

Has anyone else seen a business close its doors within the past few months? Please let us know.

YUBA RIVER FLY FISHING JAN 2013 - 2050 CFS

The weather and the water levels of the Yuba have been stable for almost two weeks so on Friday a friend and I grabbed our fly gear and headed to Big 5 to purchase our 2013 fishing licenses and steelhead card. $57 later we headed to the river.

When we arrived at the Parks Bar bridge we had to fight to get a parking spot. Kidding aside there were 17 cars parked at the bridge.

We fished for 3 hours and during that time I had one take on a size 14 tan colored nymph. We spoke to at least 12 other fisherman who did worse than us. It was tough fishing. The Yuba's flow has been stable at 2050 CFS for two weeks so the fishing should have been very good.

I spoke to a man from Grass Valley who had fished the day before and he was skunked then as well.

On Monday morning I got a report from Reel Anglers Fly Shop in Grass Valley and the report was...
I was able to get down on the Lower Yuba on Sunday, the fishing was pretty darn good. We started the day with nymphs under indicators, the hot flies were red sanjuan worms, red copper john's and jimmy legs. We started fishing dries around 11:00 and hooked up fish immediately and continued to catch fish all day. The hot dries were Skwalla's. I have my pattern here at the shop, and some Quigley's PMD's. It was a great day to be out on the river, no one out there, thanks to the Niners game.

Sometimes the fishing turns on do-to unknown factors. The Fly shop's report sounds promising, so I may have to go again soon but before I do I will need to patch the hole in my waders.

THE UNION'S CHOCOLATE INFUSION EVENT - BEST IN SHOW PORT

On Sunday I attended the first ever Chocolate Infusion a chocolate and wine event at the Miner's Foundry which was the brain child of The Union Newspaper's MarryAnn Davis. My wife and I pre-ordered our tickets which were $20 or could have been purchased at the door for $25.

There were many people who enjoyed themselves and the event was exactly as advertised.

Included in the entrance fee was a wine and chocolate tasting which included a best in show port (my opinion) from Solune. The favor was very complimentary to Nevada City Chocolate's dark-dark fudge. Lucchesi Vineyard's port was a close second. Sierra Knolls offered a chocolate infused port which was absolutely fabulous when consumed by itself but when paired with chocolate it did not work. It would be best served by itself. 

 The Union as well as the Miner's Foundry should encouraged to host the second annual event in 2014.

BEAR RIVER LITTLE LEAGUE TRYOUT DAY

On Saturday at 8 am twenty 7 through 12 year old boys from Bear River Little League stood on frozen ground with only white frost as their back drop in hopes of having a great baseball tryout which could result in being drafted to a Major or Minor's team for the spring of the 2013 Little League baseball season.

While it was very cold it did not slow down these boys of summer.

There were two additional groups of boys who had their chance to strut-their-stuff at 9 am and 10 am. For those players who want to play baseball this season there is a make-up tryout scheduled for Monday at the BRLL major field.

This is my first time being involved with a draft so I attempted to take good notes and did my best to rate the children fairly. Each player had the opportunity to field 3 ground balls at short stop and make an accurate throw to first base. Some of the players stood out to me as they used good foot work as well as showed they had a lively arm. Then they put on helmets and took three cuts with the bat as balls were delivered by a pitching machine. There were a few new kids to BRLL so it was important to watch closely. Once each child had their turn the boys then went to center field where they took three fly balls. A few caught all three but many struggled to catch even one. The final event of the day was to run from home to third. There were a few boys who's speed stood out. All-in-all it was a great day for not only the boys who had the opportunity to show if they were ready to move to the next level, it was a great day for me to be involved in a game I love.

As a manager I will strive to win but never at all costs. Whom ever I select to put on a Tiger's uniform with me this season we will always try to have a good time.


The Major's draft is scheduled for Wednesday from 6 to 8 pm. If you or your child do get drafted, congratulations, but if  the call does not come, please take this small set back and turn it into motivation to work hard and improve so when you tryout again the call will surely come.


I will close with a quote from Sparky Anderson, Detriot Tiger's manager who won the World Series with the Reds and Tigers.

“Look at misfortune the same way you look at success:  Don’t panic.  Do your best and forget the consequences”.

BEAR RIVER VOLLEYBALL - SCHELL AND JOHNSON ALL-STATE

I heard from the Bear River High School coaching staff on Saturday that Sara Schell was awarded First team All-state in Division IV team and Kaya Johnson was also received D-IV Second team All-state honors.

Outside-hitter Sara Schell and setter Kaya Johnson led the Lady Bruins to a Sac-Joaquin section title in 2012 in a 3-1 win over Ripon Christian.

The two senior were the scoring for Bear River that finished the season with a 31-13 over-all record.

FLY TYING CLASS - REEL ANGLERS - GRASS VALLEY

On Monday night my son who is 11 and I attended a fly tying class which happens every week at Reel Anglers Fly Shop in Grass Valley California. The owner, Tom Page was not only welcoming he also gave up his chair as there were a few more people who share a passion for tying than he expected.

My son was the youngest student of the night but there were also two high school students as well as some women who could have been grandmothers. The age range was wide but the conversation closed the generation gap. The vocabulary revolved around nymphs and streamers. Page also sat at the vice and wowed us with his Pheasant Tail nymph on a size 12 hook which looked great.

My son is new to the hobby and I have tied a few flies but nothing very complicated or for that matter that looked very good so we sat in looking for help. Help is exactly what we found. The entire group was helpful and shared materials.

If you have wanted to tie then head to Reel Anglers on Monday nights from 6 to 8 p.m.

NEVADA COUNTY DEAL OF THE DAY - ALTA SIERRA

Today's Deal of the Day is on a two bedroom with two bathrooms which is 1,250 square feet on a .96 acre lot in Alta Sierra for $175,000. Currently this is the lowest priced home in the area. Short sales as well as REO properties are drying up so we should see pricing pressure moving high.

The home needs some updating but at this price the updating is priced in. The view is great. The home is vacant so you can see it at a moments notice.

The listing agent describles the home as...
 BofA Cooperative short sale approved "as-is" at this price. Quick Close. Great home in a beautiful neighborhood. 2 bed/ 2 bath plus downstairs which could be used as game room or entertainment area. Also features sun room with outside access as well! Master includes large walk in closet with 2 additional closets for extra storage. Large living room with cozy wood fireplace, slider to upper deck with spectacular views! Downstairs includes slider as well to lower large wrap around deck. Perfect for the entertainer!

If you have interest in seeing this property please feel free to contact me at 530-477-2277

Scott Hopper - Realtor, 530-477-2277

"If you enjoy reading my blog, please keep me in mind when you or a friend needs a real estate professional"

LADY BRUIN BASKETBALL OUTLOOK - PLACER - COLFAX

The Bear River Lady Bruins have their toughest match-ups this week as they will play Colfax and Placer both of which are on the road in very hostile environments.

Earlier in the season Bear River defeated Placer by a score of 58-55 and Placer defeated Colfax that went to overtime by a score of 48-43.

Placer's last loss was to the Lady Bruins and has won 7 consecutive games including their last game to Center by a score of 60-30 while Bear River's only loss this season was to Rio Americano by a score of 44-37. In that Bear River loss the Lady Bruins took twenty two 3-point shots making 4 while taking 39 from the floor as well as a season low of 6 assists.

The Lady Bruins come into this week on a 5-0 run coming but two of Rio's three losses have been to Placer and to Colfax. So this could be the week we look back on later in the season and say this was the most important week for the the winner of the PVL.

Pioneer Valley League Standings

School PVL, overall, streak

Placer        2-0,       17-2,    7 W
Bear River 2-0,       17-1,    5 W
Colfax        1-1,       11-8,    1 W
Center        1-1,         9-9,     1 L
Lincoln       0-2,       11-8,     2 L
Foothill      0-2,          6-9,    2 L


As you can see from the current standings this week's games are going to be tough. 

Placer is a big team that will look to slow the ball down and execute in the half court. They are susceptible to trying to run with their opponent which takes their advantage of size out of the equation. 

Bear River is an athletic team that will look to press and speed the game up. If they struggle from beyond the arch as they did versus Rio then anything can happen.

Colfax is also an athletic team that executes well in the half court but what may hold them back in 2013 is experience.

NEVADA UNION LADY MINERS PREVIEW - ROCKLIN - DEL ORO

How good are the 13-3 Lady Miners who have won 10 consecutive games? Fans will find out this week as they host two of the Sierra Foothill League's top teams. They will first host Rocklin on Wednesday and then Granite Bay on Friday at Nevada Union's Ali Gymnasium. Tip-offs are at 7 p.m.

Rocklin fell in their first league game of the season to Del Oro by a score of 56-43 but have gone 6-1 over there past seven games. They are a high flying fast team which averages over 61 points per game while NU scores 58. The Lady Thunder are a young team as they only have 4 seniors on their roster and their second leading scorer Jordan Purvis who delivers 11 points a game and leads the team in 3-point baskets with 32 is just a freshman. When it is not Pervis who is shooting then it is one of the Summers sisters who are averaging 12 and 10 points a game respectively.

Friday's match up looks to be a real test for coach John McDaniel and his Lady Miner's team. While the Golden Eagles record shows they have dropped seven games they play a very tough pre-season schedule including teams like perennial powers St. Francis and Oak Ridge in which they fell in both contests.

What makes Del Oro so tough is they have a beast of a player, she is Stephanie Geyer. She stands 6-foot-1 and averages 16 points and 8 rebounds a game and she will also be playing in college for Army. The Golden Eagles also have a 6-foot sophomore Lauren Heyn will also make it tough for the NU to score in the paint. Del Oro's guards are as tall as the post players on the NU roster. It is a good thing the Lady Miners do not rely on executing in the half court as they are a run and gun pressing style team. If the Lady Miners are going to be successful on Friday night they will need the game to be a track meet where if it is a slow grind-it-out type of game then it will be tough going.

Sierra Foothill Girls Basketball Standings

School, SFL, overall, streak

Nevada Union 1-0, 13-3, 10 W

Granite Bay     1-0,10-8, 2 W
Del Oro           1-0,  10-7 , 1 L
Rocklin            0-1, 12-6, 1 L
Roseville         0-1, 3-14, 3 L
Woodcreek      0-1, 8-10,  1 L

Touchdown Productions will be broadcasting both games. Please check back for the full replay of the game.

BEAR RIVER BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW - FOOTHILL

The Bear River boys basketball team will have their 2013 Pioneer Valley League home opener on Tuesday where they will take on Foothill with hopes of rebounding off their 53-44 loss to the streaking Fighting Zebras of Lincoln who have won their past 11 contests and sit a top of the PVL.

In order to size up Tuesday's contest I looked at Foothill's week one opponent where they defeated Colfax 58-53 on their home court. If you will recall Bear River fell to the Falcons at the Kendall Arnett tournament in December by a score of 67-53. The Bruins will need a full house filled with hostile fans in order to pull off their first league victory of the season.

The Mustangs have been led by their 5-foot-11 guard Anthony Williams who has delivered 17 points per game including 45 3-point baskets. He historically does not get to the foul line all that often which indicates he will not drive all that often. Williams best scoring game came against Oakmont where he score 28 points while draining six 3-pointers. When Williams gets hot and the defense steps out on him they will look to get the ball into the hands of their 6-foot-3 post player Douglas James who has averaged 14 points per game. Williams plays a physical style of basketball and will look to get the Bruin's big men into foul trouble. William's has made 81 baskets from the floor while making 83 from the foul-line including going 10-for-12 earlier in the season.

Pioneer Valley league Boys Basketball Standings
School , PVL, overall, streak

Lincoln  1-0,     14-4,    11 W

Foothill 1-0,      7-10,     2 W

Placer 1-0,        14-4,     2 W

Bear River 0-1,  13-4,     1 L

Colfax 0-1,          14-4,     1 L

Center 0-1,           5-11,    2 L

This is a big game for the Bruins but the biggest game of the week should be Colfax at Placer also on Tuesday. If Colfax has hopes of winning the PVL they will need to win this very tough road game.

Bear River will travel to Placer on Thursday and I will have a preview of that game on Wednesday.

REC BASKETBALL TIP-OFF - WEEK ONE

Many recreational youth basketball teams have begun their 2013 season on Saturday, half of the teams picked up their first win and the other half took their first loss.

The Bear River Parks and Rec. 6th grade boys team played on the road at Auburn's Regional park versus a 7th and 8th grade team that resulted in a David and Goliath story.

The final score was 39-16 if favor of the smaller quicker team from Bear River. Auburn owned the glass for most of the contest as they could just stand with their arms raised to get the rebound, but when the big boys brought the ball to their waist it resulted in many jump balls or a steal going for a fast breaking in the other direction which resulted in a many made layups.

The visiting team scored first to take a lead 2-0, a lead they never gave up. By halftime Auburn trailed by 12 and midway through the second half Bear River extended their lead to 20. Auburn made a run at the 12 minute mark which cut the lead back to 10 but Bear river answered with 4 quick scores coming off the full court press.

Bear River shot the ball well against their opposition's 2-3 zone where as Auburn had trouble breaking breaking the full-court press as well as shooting over the 2-3 zone.

Next up for the Bear River is an 11 a.m. contest on Saturday against another Bear River team with 6th, 7th and 8th grade boys.

NEVADA CITY'S 3RD ANNUAL SOAPBOX DERBY SIGN UPS - MATTEO'S PUBLIC

Are you or is someone you know excited about building a car and racing it down a half-mile track while being judged for creativity, speed and team spirit on Nimrod Street powered only by gravity?

Then the first thing you need to do is register and then be lucky enough to have your name pulled out of a hat at Matteo's Public in Nevada City on Saturday, January 19th. 

This years event is being sponsored by AJA Video Systems will have 42 entries which will be called to the starting line on June 22nd at Noon. All of the proceeds will benefit Pioneer Park in Nevada City.

 More info at www.ncderby.com or through their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ncderby/info

Even if you don'rt have a desire to race a car, this is a great family fun event and should not be missed.

PLACER FOOTBALL - VANDERDOSE HITS THE ROAD

While High school and College football seasons are officially over for players and coaches alike it is now time for the real game to begin. The game I'm referring to is locking up those final hold out recruits and the one player who is on almost every school in the country's menu is Placer's Eddie Vanderdose.

Click here  to see Vanderdose's most recent highlight reel. He is a beast.

If you did not see any of Army's high school All-star game which was held in Texas then you missed Vanderdose in his final high school contest. He played a great game tallying a handful of tackles a sack and a fumble recovery. The West team did loose but Eddie stood out. He looked quick off the ball, fast while running down-field and determined to show his best.

Word of the street is that he will be traveling to many schools between now and February when signing day arrives.

The Placer High senior's body type (6-foot-3 x 300 lbs) and speed has most college defensive line coaches excited to get his name on their piece of paper. Best of luck Eddie, it has been fun watching you grow up.

BEAR RIVER LITTLE LEAGUE - SPRING 2013 NEWS

If you live within the Bear River Little League boundaries and have interest in your child playing baseball this spring then you only have  two more chances to sign up your little slugger.

IMPORTANT!!! - Time change for sign-ups this Saturday. Spring Little League sign-ups will be Saturday, January 12th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The venue is the same, Round table pizza on Combie Road near Lake of the Pines.

The League's final sign up is scheduled for Thursday January 17th from 6 to 8 p.m. also at Round Table Pizza in LOP.

On January 18 BRLL will be holding their annual tryouts from 8 am to 2 p.m. for both Minor and Major divisions as well as Juniors from 2 to 3 p.m. on their Major's field.

For further information please look at the League's calandar on their website.

ENGLEBRIGHT DAM - SALMON AND STEELHEAD HABITAT

If you have never been upstream from the Highway 20 bridge on the Yuba River there is a good reason. Both sides of the river are privately owned therefore if you have been to the dam by way of foot then you were trespassing.

If you are law abiding citizen like I am then the video below is the only way you will see it via land.

I'm a fisherman and while I would love to chase the ocean going Rainbow trout (steelhead) into these areas I have stayed away. Until I can talk Clay Hash or Tom Page in to take me in their boat I will only dream of the day when I will swing a streamer in the discharge of Lake Englebright. So until then I will enjoy the footage.

Thank you to the conservationists who invest time and money into improving the spawning habitat of the lower Yuba. While it may never be what it once was that does not mean the work they are going is not worth doing.

BEAR RIVER BASKETBALL - PVL TIPOFF

The Lady Bruins start season play on Wednesday traveling to Foothill (6-7) before hosting Lincoln at their regular season home opener. 

The team to beat in the Pioneer Valley League's girls division Bear River who is led by 5-foot-9 junior Kaitlyn Reina who has delivered 14 points per game along with 9 rebounds. Coach Jeff Bickmore's team does not have to rely on their high scorer to carry their team as they also have long range shooter Savannah Welz who leads the team in shot attempts and well as banger Teryn Rath who is always a strong post presence.

On Friday night the Lady Bruins (15-1) host Lincoln (9-6) which is a rematch game from 12/29/12 where Bear River jumped out to an early lead and coasted to a 48-17 victory. Freshman game at 4 p.m. with the JV and Varsity to follow.

Box Score Lincoln        2  11    3   1  17
Bear River 14   5  22   7  48

The Lady Bruins were led by Welz and Reina who scored 13 and 12 respectively.

Bear River Boys

Bear River's boys basketball team will tip-off their 2013 Pioneer Valley League campaign on Thursday night as well at Lincoln. The Bruins bring a 13-3 overall record as they take on the Fighting Zebras who are 13-4, tip off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Bear River is led by 6-foot-6 inch senior Justin Beskeen who leads the team in scoring with a 22 point average and has scored over 30 points four times, including back to back games earlier in the season.

While Lincoln has three players who hold an average of over 10 points per game with junior Marcus Salgado leading the way with over 13 points per game including a 22 point scoring effort in a win over Yuba City High School.

The most impressive win in their 10 game winning streak for the Zebras was on Jan. 2 when the defeated Sierra Foothill powerhouse Del Oro (12-5) 74-69.

This is a very important game for both team as they will want to start league play off on the right foot.

WHO WAS LESTER ALLAN PELTON - MINER'S FOUNDRY - NEVADA CITY

In the late 1870s Pelton modeled, tested and manufactured his first turbine wheel, dubbed the Pelton Runner—later referring to the impulse blades only—at the Miners Foundry in Nevada City, California. In 1878, at the Mayflower Mine in Nevada City, he installed the first operational Pelton wheel. At that time the Knight Foundry wheel was being sold as the industry standard, but in a head-to-head competition staged in 1883 at the Idaho Mine in nearby Grass Valley, Pelton's design proved much more efficient. 

The Pelton design provided 90 percent efficiency (of converting streamflow kinetic energy to horsepower) while the next best competitor achieved less than 77 percent—at a time when most extant water wheels typically rated less than 40 percent. 

The Pelton wheel also provided sustained power during (typical) lowflow conditions in a mountain stream. In 1887 a miner attached Pelton's wheel to a dynamo and produced the first hydroelectric power in the Sierra Nevada. 

In 1895, the largest installation of Pelton's wheel during his lifetime was accomplished at the North Star Mine Powerhouse, Grass Valley, California, by the engineer Arthur De Wint Foote, who designed and installed an over-sized wheel of 30 feet diameter; it performed successfully, greatly increasing the hydropower delivered by the Pelton runners to produce compressed air for mining operations.

 Pelton was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2006. There are memorials and monuments celebrating Pelton and the Pelton Runner mounted in Camptonville, California, in the Miners Foundry in Nevada City, California, and at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C., California Resort at Disney Land, among other sites.

NEVADA COUNTY SWAP SHOP - OPEN FOR BUSINESS - FACEBOOK GROUP

A new group named Nevada County Swap Shop popped up on Facebook in late December of 2012 which will compete with KNCO's radio program of the same name as well as Gold Country Craigslist.org.

I have copied and pasted the mission statement as well as the rules below.

Community Effort to Recyle, Reuse, and Reclaim! Our LOCAL home-town swap shop where you can buy, sell, or barter with local community members!

Description

Nevada County CA Swap Shop is a local online store on Facebook and only for local Nevada County residents. At Nevada County Swap Shop you can buy or sell items. Come to our page frequently and check out what we have and how we can help you sell the items you no longer need (or want). See you soon.

Nevada County Swap Shop is a great online store to buy or sale items. We (will) have everything and will be offering a wide variety of clothes, furniture & home goods, books, holiday decorations, jewelry, kid’s clothes, items & toys, and much, much more. We'd love to help you sell the items you no longer need and find something you've always been looking for, whether it's for yourself or someone else. In our pictures you can find a few of our featured items that we offer. Come by often as merchandise will be changing frequently. We're sure you'll find something you love!
Remember to share us with your friends.

Thank you and happy shopping!
CiCi Stewart and Friends

Ok, so rules... no one likes them and everyone needs them!

PLEASE REVIEW THESE. You will be removed from the group if you do not follow the rules. These rules are here in order to help this group run smoothly, so please comply.

Have you looked around your house and decided that you have things you no longer want or need? Here is a place where we can post things for sale for our friends to take advantage of, or you can even decide to post something for FREE for someone to take! Your trash could be someone else's treasure!

1. Only post items to sell or items you are looking to buy---NOTHING ELSE.
2. Do not post crafts.
3. Do not advertise your personal business.
4. Limit your posts to no more than 5 posts. (This means you only need 5 posts in the newsfeed at all times. If you post 5 things, and sell two things, you can then delete those two sold posts, and post two more, as long as you have only 5 things at a time belonging to you in the rotation.)
5. Do not bump your items to the top of the newsfeed continually.
6. Delete your post after you have sold your item and no longer need the post.
7. To snag an item, be the first to comment that you want it.
8. You make the arrangements for payment and pickup.
9. Treat everyone on here with respect and kindness. (Yes, this is a rule.)
10. Bring exact change! Don't expect everyone else to be your personal bank.
11. Do not post drugs or drug paraphernalia in Nevada County Swap Shop.
12. Do not post weapons in Nevada County Swap Shop.

If you are harassing someone, using poor language, or being unnecessarily negative or rude, you will be automatically banned. This is a zero tolerance issue. We want to keep this group at clean as possible. DO NOT COMMENT ON A POST with your opinion, only comment if you are interested in buying an item. We will delete any unapproved links, opinions, filthy language, and negativity at our discretion. Please just use caution and common sense when meeting people. (Meet in public places, etc.)

*I am not responsible for any transactions made in Swap Shop, other than those I personally post.

Thank you and Happy Swap Shopping!
CiCi Stewart and Friends

NEVADA COUNTY SUSTAINABLE FOOD AND FARM CONFERENCE 2013

Nevada County's 2013 Sustainable Food and Farm Conference will once again bring together an internationally renowned panel of speakers, local and national farming related businesses and organizations, and the public, for a weekend full of informative lectures, lively discussion, a food and farming exposition, plus numerous workshops for all levels of farming and ranching.

January 19 & 20, 2013 at  the Grass Valley Veterans Memorial Hall.

Keynote Speakers include: 

Will Allen Founder and CEO of Growing Power from Milwaukee, WI
Joel Salatin, Polyface Farms, Swoope, VA, 

Temra Costa Author of Farmer Jane - Women Changing The Way We Eat, Oakland, CA
Mark Baker: Farmer and Patriot, Baker's Green Acres, Marion, MI

This year's conference kicks off Saturday morning where you will have the opportunity to sit down with the Salatin Family, Joel, Daniel and Sheri, to learn firsthand how their multi-generational Polyface Farms operates.

Visit the Conference website for more information.

WHO WAS LYMAN GILMORE - GRASS VALLEY - RARE 1931 FOOTAGE

Did you ever wonder why the middle school in Grass Valley is named Lyman Gilmore? He built a steam-powered airplane and claimed that he flew it on May 15, 1902

Gilmore was granted two patents on steam engines, the first of which was granted in 1902. He invented in other areas too, for example a rotary snowplow. On March 15, 1907, Gilmore opened the first commercial airfield, Gilmore Airfield, in Grass Valley. The location of the now middle school was named in his honor on the site of that airfield.

Local legend says Gilmore wore the same long coat for years and was never far from it. It continues to say that when he was involuntarily hospitalized for his last illness the coat and all of his long-worn clothing were burned. While he had never accumulated much money, it was said that all he had was sewn into the lining of that coat and was destroyed with it.

After the fire in his hangar, Gilmore began mining for gold and died a poor man in Nevada City, California. His grave can be found in Pine Grove Cemetery, about a half mile outside of town.

Rare video footage