BEAR RIVER LITTLE LEAGUE - POWELL'S ARM AND MCGOVERN BAT LEAD YANKEES

Justin Powell struck out 7 in the first 3.2 innings for the Yankees while Peyton McGovern threw 2.1 striking out 4 Grass Valley Angles. But it was McGovern's bases loaded hit that delivered for the walk off 2-1 victory on Tuesday night.

Brandon Sorenson led the Yankees hitter going 2 for 3 but it was Colton Jenkins' who went 1 for 2 that delivered a double for the other RBI for the Yankees in the fourth for the win.

The Yankees have won four consecutive game and will be back on the diamond on Saturday at 4 pm when they take on the Sierra Foothill Angels at Bear River's majors field while the Angels will take on the BR Tigers on Thursday at 6 pm at Bear River. The Tigers have won their past three contests.

BEAR RIVER LITTLE LEAGUE - TIGERS AND BREWERS STAY HOT

The Bear River Tigers scored 19 runs (their most of the season) as they dropped the Grass Valley Giants in a five run contest. Dean Hopper started on the bump for the Tigers striking out six. Mason Giordano struck out five who came in relief as did Caleb Hurst and Connor Tidd in the lopsided win at Condon Park in Grass Valley on Monday. The Tigers pitching staff combined for a three hitter.

Hurst led all hitter going 3 for 4 with with 4 RBI. Braden Fowler and Brekyn Vasquez went 2 for 3 and all 10 players hit safely on the night.

Brewers

The Brewers were led by Josiah Cregar who went 3 for 3 including a home run over the center field wall at the Bear River major's field on Monday night in their 9-3 victory versus the GV Cubs. Anthony Vierra also had a hot bat for the Brew Crew going 2 for 3.

Cole Winter went four inning on the hill giving up two runs and Cregar closed giving up none.

LUCKY #7 FOR THE BEAR RIVER TIGERS

It took seven pitchers and seven inning on Friday night for the Tigers to drop the Sierra Foothill Nationals by a score of 10-9.

CJ Castornia started for the Tigers on the bump and he was followed by Braden Fowler, Caleb Hurst, Connor Tidd, Ryan Bradford, Dean Hopper and Brekyn Vasquaz who earned the win in the seventh inning.

Hopper hit a home run with 2 RBI and scored twice. Porter Elliot also knocked home two as well as scored three times. Mason Giordano and Bradford went 3-4. Bradford also doubled.

Hurst fanned 3 in the second inning. Hopper entered the game in the 5th with bases-loaded with no outs and the Tigers gave up no runs in the inning.

Vasquez also came into the game in the sixth in a jam with a one run lead which squeaked away as the Nationals knotted the game which came off a few Tiger miscues. Vasquez stayed calm throwing the ball over the plate as the Tigers made plays behind him in the seventh frame including the game ending pick off play to Castorina at first base.

The Tigers are back on the field on Monday night when they take on the Grass Valley Giants on Monday night at 7:30 at Condon Park.

NEVADA CITY ART WALK - FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

A Nevada County resident is attempting to organizing a First Friday Art-walk in Nevada City for the summer of 2013 and this person is planning to pitch the NC Chamber at their next scheduled meeting. I have been to the Second Saturday event in Sacramento (which this sounds like) and have really enjoyed the art, music and the spirit of the Arts community.

Nevada City's version is being pitched as an every first Friday of the month gathering with participating Art Galleries, Art Studios, Shops, and other businesses would stay open until 9. The event would also offer live music, refreshments as well as artist receptions.

"I'm presenting this at a Chamber Meeting and want comments, suggestions etc." The organizer stated. "I will keep you all posted as soon as I know more!!!"

BAD LOANS TO FOUR YEAR LOW

From The Wallstreet Journal.

By Nick Timiraos

The number of U.S. mortgages that were behind on their payments or in foreclosure in March fell below the 5 million mark for the first time since 2008, according to a report released Tuesday.

The number of loans in the foreclosure process fell to just below 1.69 million in March, the lowest level in nearly four years, according to Lender Processing Services. That was down by almost 20% from one year ago. Overall, around 3.4% of all U.S. mortgages were in foreclosure at the end of March, down from 4.2% a year ago.

Foreclosures have been falling because fewer borrowers are falling behind on their payments and because banks have been more aggressive about modifying loans or approving short sales, where properties are sold before the bank completes foreclosure.

Another almost 3.31 million loans were behind on their payments in March, with around 1.47 million of those that had missed at least three payments. The level of delinquent loans was down by 3% from a year ago, with around 6.6% of all borrowers in some stage of delinquency, excluding those in foreclosure.

Delinquencies tend to fall in March because homeowners use year-end bonuses and tax refunds to help catch up on their mortgages.

Before the housing crisis, around 5% of borrowers were delinquent on their mortgages and another 1% of loans were in foreclosure. The latest data show that while delinquencies and foreclosures are moving in the right direction, it’s probably going to take a few more years before delinquencies and foreclosures get back to pre-crisis levels.

BEAR RIVER LITTLE LEAGUE - MARLINS STAY PERFECT

On Wednesday evening the Bear River minor Marlins jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top half of the first inning on a walk and a single followed by a triple by Tyler Knox off of starting pitcher for the BR Giants Aiden Daley.

The Giants answered with three runs of their own to take the lead on 3 singles and 2 walks in the bottom of the inning off Adam Malik who started on the bump for the Marlins.

The Marlins struck back in the top of the second as they were walked six times along with one infield hit which resulted in four runs.

The Giants got back in the game in the bottom of the 3rd with lead off a walk and triple by Ryan Olsen followed by a single by Daniel Bamburg and Daley singled to knot the score at 6.

The Marlins took back the lead with a walk and a single which resulted in a score. The Marlins added a few runs in the fifth as their batters were walked five consecutive times to move the score to 10-6. Each team added a late game run as the game ended with the score 11-7.

The Marlins stay perfect.

BRADFORD AND GIORDANO LEAD TIGERS IN WIN

The battery of pitcher Mason Giordano and catcher Ryan Bradford lead Tigers in a 12-2 win on Tuesday night at Bear River while taking on The Nevada City Giants.

Giordano pitched four innings on 61 pitches with 6 strikeouts and two unearned runs. Braden Fowler closed out the fifth and final inning with two strikeouts giving up one hit and no runs. Fowler also scored the final run of the game.

Bradford hit a towering blast to left field for his second home run of the season which scored three runs for the Tigers. Brekyn Vasquez hit a double as did Dean Hopper who drove in two runs for the home team.

Mo Margulies started on the bump for the Giants who pitched strong for the first three innings including striking out the side in the first frame. He also had the teams only RBI in the loss.

The Tigers fell behind 2-0 in the first inning as they committed four errors but they played solid defense from that point on.

The Tigers travel to Colfax on Friday where they take on the Sierra Foothill Nationals, the team who delivered the Bear River Brewers there only loss of the season.


Bear River Yankees 6 - Penn Valley Cubs 5.

CONDON PARK DISK GOLF COURSE DESIGNER - MICHAEL TRAVERS

Many of us have played disk golf at Condon Park in Grass Valley but how many of us know the history of this picturesque course. Recently I met the designer's daughter and below is the story she told. 

Sorry it's taken me so long to respond! I wanted to get a few details about how my dad became involved in the disc golf course and he had been swamped getting ready to run his amateur and professional disc golf tournaments at Condon Park and Western Gateway Park. Those took place the last couple weekends so I finally had a chance to catch up with him. My dad (Michael Travers) has played disc golf as long as I can remember, starting on college campuses with friends. Much of my childhood was spent touring around the US with him on weekends for tournaments, and a few years ago my dad was selected to be a part of the Disc Golf Hall of Fame... yes, it exists. My dad was always passionate about sports in general, playing in local softball and basketball leagues as well, but disc golf was always his #1. He had approached the Grass Valley parks & rec department several times about the possibility of transforming the unused city park land at Condon Park, at the time that area had become primarily used for undesirable activities. It was not until a member of the Rotary visited family in San Diego and was taken to Morley Field disc golf course in Balboa Park and came back to his organization and told them of the great time he had that the project really took off. The Rotary contacted the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) as well as the Disc Golf Association (DGA) for more information on the sport and how to go about installing a course and both organizations directed them to contact my dad as the local professional that would be the best resource. I'd like to say "from there the rest is history..." but I know it was actually years of hard work and to this day is a major commitment for my dad to make sure the park is kept in the best possible condition and presents the best possible representation of the disc golf community to the public. 

Here's a very brief bio on Travers from the Disc Golf Hall of Fame website: 

Course Description

The Squirrel Creek Disc Golf Course in Grass Valley's Condon Park is rated as one of the best courses in California. Designed by Michael Travers (PDGA #1702) as the first disc golf course in the area, Squirrel Creek continues to serve as the hub for disc golf in Western Nevada County. Tight, tree-lined fairways, dense manzanita rough, a year-round creek, multiple pin positions, and mild elevation changes all provide a technical challenge for golfers of all ages. The skip-friendly fairways of red clay and the abundant forest-dwelling gray squirrels make for a unique golfing experience at this course.

BEAR RIVER LITTLE LEAGUE - BREW CREW OVER THE A'S

The table was set on Monday night at the Bear River Little League major's field where the league's top two teams were set to meet. The Brewers jumped out to a 7-0 lead behind there starting pitcher Josiah Cegar but the Athletics did mount a comeback but fell short with a final score of 10-7.

The A's dropped 4 on the Brewers in the top of the 4th inning on solid hitting along with a few errant throws by the Brewers.

It was a classic match up between two outstanding pitchers Van Patten for the Athletics and Cregar for the Brewers. Caleb Edwards was called to the bump in relief of Van Patten while Cole Winter relieved Creagr in the fifth with the score standing at 7-4.

Winter proceeded to strike out the side in the top of the fifth frame. Edwards ran into a little trouble so the A's went to their 12 year old right handed pitcher John Pallanger with one out in 5th with score 10-4 with the bases loaded. Pallenger got the first batter on an infield fly rule call and the final batter with a strikeout looking to end the Yankees rally.

Winter was called to closeout the game for the Yankees. He faced the Athletics lead off hitter who walked. The next two batters singled which raised the hopes of the A's players as well as their fans. Winter proceeded to strikeout the next batter, the second out came by way of a fielders choice and the final out of the game was achieved by an infield ground out.

The Brewers move one game up on the Athletics with the win.

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BEAR RIVER TIGERS FALL INTO DARKNESS - BREWERS KEEP ROLLING

On Wednesday afternoon the Bear River major Tigers traveled to Forrest Hill where the game was called early due to darkness as the visiting team was mounting a comeback. The Tigers scored 2 in the first but failed to hold as the Athletics put the ball in play while batting against the Tiger's starting pitcher Caleb Hurst who threw well in the 7-5 loss.

Bear River had trouble throwing and fielding the ball as they fell behind 7-2 in the third frame behind the Tigers relief pitcher Porter Elliott. Dean Hopper pitched the fourth and fifth innings striking out four and allowing no runs.

Elliott led the Tigers at the plate going 3-for-3 while Hopper went 2-for-3 and CJ Castorina hit safely twice.

The Tigers are back on the field Saturday night at 7 pm when they will take on the Bear River Yankees for what is being billed as Saturday Night Lights.

BREWERS

Cole Winters led the Brewers in a 12-1 victory over the Nevada City Angels on Wednesday by going four innings while allowing no earned runs at Pioneer Park in Nevada City. Dylan Scott delivered a two-run homer as well as a 2 RBI single in the lopsided affair  Noah Gravatt closed the game by getting the Angels hitters out 1-2-3.

The Brewers who have moved their record to 7-0 will travel to Colfax on Saturday when they will take on the Sierra Foothill Nationals.

SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE - NO MOTOR DAY

It will be quite day at Scott's Flat Lake on Sunday, April 28th. The annual "No Motor" day is a great time to grab the paddles, kayaks and canoes which is put on by Gold Country Yacht Club -(Click here). There will be sail boat racing as well as sail boat rentals from 10 am to 4 pm. at the northern picnic area next to the launch ramp. Mountain Rec will offer FREE use of their kayaks and paddle boards. 

The Grass Valley Boy Scout Troop #4 will be selling hamburgers, hot dogs, sodas etc. from 11:30 to 1:30. Please come out and support the the local businesses as well as the boys scouts.

Attendees will be required to pay the appropriate parking and access fees.

BEAR RIVER'S O'BRIEN AND NU'S EDWARDS LEAD PRIDE IN CHAMPIONSHIP AT SAC AREA SPORTS BASKETBALL

Placer County Basketball Association (PCBA) Pride are 14-3, with 4 tournament wins. The Frosh squad won the JV Elite bracket at Sac Area Sports in Sacramento, and leading the way was Bear River's Varsity's current starting point guard, David O'Brien. The Pride won the championship on Saturday at San Juan HS.

Nevada County NU's Mario Edwards, Bo Perkins and Jahn Chen Cee have also seen staring roles in multiple games.

"We are up-tempo, high pressure in both full and half-court and physical as hell." said co-coach Lara Wicks.

BEAR RIVER TIGERS AND BREWERS EARN THE WIN

Ryan Bradford and Mason Giordano lift the Tigers to their first win of the season over the undefeated BR Athletics 6-4 on Saturday afternoon.

Giordano's home run cut into the Athletics lead, Dean Hopper's 2 RBI single knotted the game and Ryan Bradford's two run home run moved the Tigers ahead, a lead which they did not give up.

Hopper started on the bump for the Tigers who was relieved by Brekyn Vasquez and Bradford closed out the win for the Tigers. Reid Zoldan started and pitched well for the Athletics and was followed by Mason Harrison and Mathew Sandstadt. The Tigers came into the contest with a win loss of 0-3 while the A's held a record of 4-0.

"It was a big confidence builder for the us and I look for it to turn our season around," said the Tigers manager after the game.

Brewers

The Bear River Brewers used 86 pitches by Elliot Bouchier and hot bats to jump out to a 7-0 run against the BR Yankee's starter Ethan Warner who threw 85 pitches in early action Saturday night. Warner was relieved by Peyton McGovern and Bouchere was relived by Anthony Vierra as the game ended at 12-7 even though the Brewers held an 11-0 lead in the fourth.

MY NEW FRIEND JOE

I was invited to an event today where I not only met a new friend, I found a real lesson in life. The event itself is not relevant but my new friend is. I will call him Joe for now. He is an older man who has lived a full rich life and most of it was spent in Nevada County. He fought for his country in Germany where he was injured. I did not detect any anger about his set back.

He out lived his first wife by many years and he learned to love again. Joe has children, grandchildren as well as 21 great grandchildren and he speaks with love and admiration while speaking about all of them.

Joe loved to play the piano which he can no longer do. He also loved to read which he can also no longer do. He speaks of the old times as they were yesterday remembering even the smallest of details.

What I learned through my time with my new friend Joe is to live in the moment. If there is something you love then cherish it. If something in your life is difficult which causes a set back, roll with it. In the long run it is not really that important.

The past few years have been tough on Joe but his outlook is as positive as anyone I have ever met. He is working hard to get himself in better condition to play the piano once again and I told him I would be back on his birthday to hear him play in May. He agreed to keep working hard.

Joe you may not remember me when we lock eyes again but I will always remember today. Thank you for your wisdom.

NEVADA COUNTY APRIL 2013 FLOWERS - PHOTOS

Photos by Joe Anderson