Coloma Valley News

Wildflower Walk in Coloma Sunday Afternoon, April 6

Sara SK — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:16:00 +0000

An afternoon of spectacular wildflower viewing in Coloma will be hosted by Bill and Robin Center and led by Sierra Nevada Alliance staff on Sunday, April 6, from 1-4 pm, in Coloma. This is a benefit for the Sierra Nevada Alliance. The blooms should be perfect, so come on out to enjoy each other's company in a beautiful place and raise some money for a great cause.

There will be two walk options. The easier walk will be less than a mile long and will involve about 200 feet of vertical ascent. The harder walk will be about two miles long and will go down to the river and back, which is about 1000 feet of vertical. Both walks are on narrow trails. The views from both walks are spectacular! All you need is hiking boots, walking clothes, sunscreen and a water bottle. Camera, binoculars, etc. are optional. NOTE: The walk will go off rain or shine, so bring your rain gear!

The walk is open to the first 50 people who respond - any and all ages are welcome and encouraged! Feel free to invite friends. However, please leave pets at home for this one.

The suggested donation is $40/person, kids 12 and under free. Directions to the Coloma location will be provided upon RSVP.

Please reply to Kay@sierranevadaalliance.org.

Thanks to Mark Leder-Adams for letting us use his photograph of poppies above Third Threat on the South Fork of the American River.

Cowboy Hay featured on NPR

Donna McMaster — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 23:11:00 +0000

National Public Radio's Morning Edition for Friday, March 7, focused on "virtues classes," where parents of different faiths bring their children together to learn about universal values such as kindness and helpfulness.

We were enjoying the engaging story when a familiar name came up:

"The children have been so patient for more than an hour, waiting for the highlight of the class, Cowboy Hay. Gil Miller Muro's stepfather strides into the room, sporting a long white beard, a hillbilly hat and a banjo. He begins strumming and the kids join in, perhaps not realizing they are crooning a theological message."

Cowboy Hay is well-known in Coloma for his portrayal of living history characters from the Gold Rush era. He is also a member of two reenactment bands, Coloma Celtic and Coyote Hill, which play music of the gold rush and old Celtic Irish music.

You can find the text of the show, along with photos and audio, at NPR.org. For more about Cowboy Hay, please visit CowboyHay.com.

Dance Workshop in Lotus D'Or Studios Sat. March 8

Sara SK — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:08:00 +0000

Great artistic offerings continue at the Lotus D'Or Studios on 7312 Hwy 49 in Lotus. Lotus D'Or Studios promotes dance, yoga, performing arts, music & culture in the Coloma-Lotus Valley.

On Saturday, March 8, from 1-2:30 pm, Cynthia Johnson will offer a beginning/intermediate level West African Dance Workshop - no experience necessary! Participants will be introduced to West African Dance-style movements and song in traditional dances "Fanga" (Nigeria) and "Kpatse" (Ghana). The class will be held in Suite B and costs $15.

Cynthia Johnson has been passionate about African dance for over 30 years, and has taught locally and in Humboldt County since the 1980's. She has been teaching African Dance at American River College for the past 7 years, and at Folsom Lake College for 3 years. In 2005, she spent 4 weeks in Ghana, West Africa, traveling and studying dance. She is returning to Ghana this summer, and bringing some students for a dance/drum tour. Cynthia is in the process of forming a samba parade group to perform at street fairs. For the past 3 years she has taken students to dance in the samba parade at Carnaval San Francisco, and always welcomes eager participants!

For more information about the Lotus D'Or Studios, contact Cintia Bonham at cintia_escobar@msn.com, or at 530-919-3704.

Gold Discovery Day at Marshall State Park January 26

sarah canfield — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:59:00 +0000

The 160th anniversary of James Marshall’s momentous discovery of gold in the tailrace of Sutter’s Mill will be celebrated on January 26, 2008, from 10 am to 4 pm at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, Hiway 49, in Coloma.

In 1847, John Sutter asked James Marshall to build a sawmill along the banks of the American River. Sutter needed lumber for his expanding agricultural enterprises in the Sacramento Valley and Marshall, a carpenter, was looking for a job. Marshall and Sutter chose Coloma as the site for the sawmill because of the rushing river for power and a forest of pines for lumber. As the sawmill neared completion in January 1848, James Marshall contemplated its efficiency and made adjustments. Checking his project on the morning of January 24, 1848, James Marshall reached into shallow water at the side of the tailrace. He scooped up a handful of sand, gravel, mud... and a few flakes of golden metal. "Hey boys," he lifted his voice to workmen around him, "by God, I believe I've found a gold mine." It was a moment that was to change the course of history.

Gold Discovery Day will feature a gold discovery reenactment on the banks of the American River. Other activities include mill carpenter demonstrations, a Miwok Village, free wagon rides to Marshall's Cabin, gold panning, and Gold Rush period music and entertainment. Gold Rush authors introduce their writings and sign publications at the museum store. The public is invited to all these activities, free of charge. There is a $7 per car parking fee at the State Park.

California State Parks and Gold Discovery Park Association — a nonprofit organization dedicated to the interpretation and conservation of Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park — sponsor Gold Discovery Day. Park volunteers and docents in period dress bring the event to life. For more information call 530.622.3470 or click here.

Think Global but Shop Local!

sarah canfield — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:10:00 +0000

Many artists, stores and businesses in the Coloma Lotus Valley are ready to help with your holiday shopping. Shopping locally saves gas, time and money by staying close to home. Many businesses have extended hours to make gift-buying easier. Consider these local choices:

Gold Hill Olive Oil: Just releasing their new 2008 locally grown and crushed olive oils, many varieties available.

The River Store: Christmas trees, wreaths, mistletoe, kayaks, boating gear, and free cookies made by Dan Crandall's mom!

The Golden Gecko Plant Nursery: Gift cards, stocking stuffers, items for the home gardener, Golden Gecko T-shirts, sweat shirts, and aprons.

The American River Nature Center: Nature books for adults and children, or click here to purchase books through Amazon.com and donate to this non-profit organization.

Gold Rush Mercantile: Period clothing, hats, aprons, bonnets, a large selection of books on gold rush history, music, children's toys, and genuine gold nuggets.

Wine: Need wine for holiday parties or hostess gifts? Stop by and taste at Venezio, Gold Hill, or David Girard Wineries, or choose from the bottles available at the Riverside Mini-Mart.

Sierra Rizing Bakery: Gifts from the kitchen; jams, jellies, syrups, delicious dog biscuits, and a wide selection of Gold Hill Olive Oils.

Andie Thrams Art- Andie has just produced her new 2008 calendar with a nature theme.

To find out more about these and other local shopping options, click here. Shop local and save time, money and gas!

Fundraiser for Kelley Kalafatich: $23,000 Success

sarah canfield — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 05:00:00 +0000

In October of this year, Coloma local Kelley Kalafatich was hospitalized and diagnosed with transverse myelitis, a rare virus which paralyzed her from the waist down. Hospitalized since, she is undergoing intensive physical therapy in hopes of recovering some mobility. Kelley is a graduate of El Dorado High School, and became a river guide soon after. Her outdoorswoman and river guide skills have gained her employment in Arizona, Alaska, South America, Central America and Africa. She was the stunt double for Meryl Streep in the film "The River Wild," and co-produced her own film, "Three women, Three Hundred Miles." Her phenomenal worldly accomplishments are surpassed only by her gracious humility, generosity, kindness, and loyalty to friends. After release from the hospital she will reside in Fair Oaks with her boyfriend Kurt, and her furry four-legged friend Wilbur.

There was a fundraiser for Kelley on Sunday, December 9. Event Planners were pleasantly overwhelmed by 225 people who attended a dinner and auction hosted by the Sierra Nevada House. Special thanks go to Howard Penn, who donated the dinner, the staff, and the facility. A longtime friend of Kelley's, Howard made friends of everyone by serving celebratory shots to all the volunteers at the end of the night, a more generous host I've never met. The Event Chairperson, Janice Stanley, did an outstanding job orchestrating over 30 volunteers and 75 product donors in just 3 weeks to make this event successful. Thanks to all the volunteers, sponsors, donors, and attendees who stepped up; the list of supporters is too long to recount here! Kelley has clearly touched many people's lives, I'm certain she feels grateful for each and every act of generosity. Our community is lucky to have her, many people who attended the event who didn't even know Kelley. Yet we all left with a warm sense of security having seen our community take action when the need arises.

To check for updates on Kelley's condition go to www.checkonkk.blogspot.com.

Christmas In Coloma, December 8 & 9

sarah canfield — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 18:42:00 +0000

Step back in time with this annual old-fashioned Christmas. Period crafts, music, strolling musicians, historic trade demonstrations, 19th-century children's games, and wreath making. A visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus is a colorful highlight of the day. Vendors offer hand-made crafts as well as a variety of foods. Snow Mountain guarantees kids will have fun. The Park's historic buildings will be open for visitors' enjoyment. New this year, the event will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, December 8 and 9. Located in Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Cost is $7 per vehicle. For more information, call (530) 295-2162 or go to Marshall Gold Discovery Park Association. Photo courtesy Betty Sederquist, and may not be reprinted without her permission.

Friends of the Bayley House selling bricks

sarah canfield — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 18:29:00 +0000

Located in Pilot Hill and fronting Hiway 49, the decrepit brick Bayley House has fallen into disrepair, although it used to be a beautiful 3 story hotel and winemaking facility. Built in 1862 by Assemblyman, attorney and entrepreneur A.J.Bayley, he built this large hotel hoping to capitalize on overnight railroad travelers. Later he turned it into his private residence when the train was instead routed through Auburn. It hosted such notables as the "Big Four" railroad barons; Leland Stanford, Charles Crocker, Mark Hopkins, and Collis Huntington. Built with 300,000 bricks that were made on location along the John Fremont Trail between Placerville and Auburn (now known as Hwy. 49) the Bayley House encompasses 10,000 square feet and has 22 small rooms. A circular staircase climbs to the the Grand Ballroom, and at the top is the "widow's walk", offering panoramic views of the Sacramento Valley, Sierra foothills, and nearby towns. In 1978 the Old Bayley House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Friends of the Bayley House in Pilot Hill are raising money for the Bayley House Restoration Project by selling old bricks that were made on-site in 1862. They are laser engraved with the words "Bayley House" and all of the proceeds go directly towards meeting their non-profit's goal of raising $100,000. The bricks are very attractive, can be purchased for a minimum donation of $25, and should be available for purchase by November 12. Go to http://www.bayleyhouse.net/ for more details about the restoration, or to purchase bricks.

Coloma Gold Rush Live Draws over 1,000 Visitors!

sarah canfield — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 17:35:00 +0000

On October 13 and 14 COLOMA GOLD RUSH LIVE took place at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. This event drew more than 1,000 visitors each day, according to Gold Discovery Park Association Director Deb Jensen. She said the small group of event organizers, who have been planning the event since last spring, were very pleased with the turnout and received overwhelmingly favorable feedback from attendees. Much credit goes also to the more than 125 volunteers, who did jobs ranging from crosswalk safety and hospitality, to interpretive historical reenactment. Thank you to all the people who worked to make this a fun and educational day for the public!

Thank you to Betty Sederquist for photos.

Coloma Gold Rush Live October 13, 14

sarah canfield — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 17:34:00 +0000

For two days Coloma brims with images, sounds, and hands-on experiences as costumed volunteers living in a tent encampment recreate history. On Sunday at 11 am "the Rev. Freedom Hawkins," accompanied by Joan Cook on the historic Emmanuel Church organ, calls all visitors to an 1850s church service. Merchants hawk their wares, The Coloma Cemetery Players offer a funeral performance, and miners tell tales from the goldfields. All weekend, visitors may rub shoulders with adventurers and historical figures, such as James Marshall, who found the nugget that started the California Gold Rush. Volunteers interpreting history in period dress cook over open fires, show visitors how to pan for gold, make candles and rope, and demonstrate trades such as blacksmithing, spinning, weaving, basket making and more. Children's activities and games from the 19th century entertain, as musicians play period instruments and sing songs of the early immigrants. Experience the Native American culture at the Miwok Village.

Coloma Gold Rush Live! is presented by Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park and the Gold Discovery Park Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the interpretation and conservation of the Park. Parking is $7 per vehicle, and the event is free. For more information call 530.295.2162. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is located in Coloma on Highway 49 between Placerville and Auburn. For more information; click on http://www.marshallgold.org/ . All photos courtesy Betty Sederquist, http://www.sederquist.com/

Change in El Dorado County Parks & Recreation

Donna McMaster — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:58:00 +0000

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors (BOS) is considering a proposal to dismantle the Airports, Parks and Grounds department. This is the group that manages county parks such as Henningsen-Lotus, and whitewater recreation on the South Fork of the American River. We've posted a PDF of the reorganization proposal.

If you would like to hear more about the plans and let your Supervisors know how you would like to see recreational facilities and opportunities managed in the County, come to the public meeting tomorrow, October 2, 2007, in the BOS chambers, 330 Fair Lane, Building B, in Placerville. The item is #25 on the BOS agenda. See the BOS website for details. The meeting starts at 9 a.m., which means that this item will probably be discussed sometime between 10 a.m. and noon, but could be as late as 1 or 2 p.m.

This may be the public's only opportunity to comment on this subject, but if you cannot attend the meeting, you can email your supervisor. See addresses on the BOS website.

American River Music Festival a Success

sarah canfield — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 15:50:00 +0000

A two day musical extravaganza took place on the banks of the South Fork American River, Saturday and Sunday, September 22 and 23rd. The main stage was at Henningsen Lotus Park, with camping at American River Resort, Camp Lotus and Earthtrek. Those who attended said the event was very well organized, the music terrific, the artists fabulous, and the location great. Lori Norris, attending the event with her extended family from Sacramento, commented, "We had the most wonderful weekend." About 100 volunteers came together to create the event, even though they were challenged by rainy weather. For details about next year's event, go to http://www.americanrivermusic.org/.

Mt. Murphy Bridge Delays and Closures

Donna McMaster — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 16:52:00 +0000

The El Dorado County Department of Transportation will be doing emergency repairs on the one-lane bridge over the South Fork of the American River that connects Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park with Mt. Murphy. (The Highway 49 bridge over the South Fork is not affected.)

The repairs, scheduled for Oct. 10 and Oct. 19, 2007, will require closing of the bridge for a minimum of 20 minute delays up to 6 hours at a time on Oct. 10th and 11th, 2007.

20 MINUTE DELAYS EXPECTED
ON OCTOBER 10, 11, 2007

As part of the Mt. Murphy Bridge Emergency Repair Project, Mt. Murphy Bridge will be intermittently closed for bridge deck repairs. The closure is scheduled for 20 minute delays during the hours of 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on October 10, and 11th

BRIDGE MAY BE COMPLETELY CLOSED
FROM 9 a.m. or 10am to about 3 p.m.
ON OCTOBER 10 and 11, 2007

The bridge repairs will cause the closure of the bridge for 6 hours on October 10 and 11, 2007. This closure will be from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. each day, with care taken that school buses arriving to the Coloma Outdoor Discovery School will be able to travel through close to 9am.

All river rafters and kayakers should take caution when going under the Mt. Murphy Bridge while repairs are being completed during this time period. If at all possible, stay to the southwestern side of the river when going under the bridge.

We have posted a printable PDF flyer with the above details. For more information contact Julie Duchscherer, El Dorado County Department of Transportation, at (530) 621-5922.

Movie Producer Todd Stanley Nominated for Emmy

sarah canfield — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 15:59:00 +0000

Todd Stanley, a resident of Lotus, was recently honored with two Emmy nominations for his creation of Discovery Channel's 'Deadliest Catch,' a series about the lives of Alaska's crab fishermen on the dangerous Bering Sea. One nomination was for Todd's camera work, 'Outstanding Cinematography for a Nonfiction Series,' and the second nomination was for 'Producer of an Outstanding Nonfiction Series.

Todd Stanley and his Co-Producer/brother Doug Stanley, were interviewed recently by Capital Public Radio's Insight program. When asked in the interview, "Any (other) particularly scary moments stand out for you?" Todd replied, "You know, I think every time you're out on deck is a scary moment. I had a crab pot, one time, it broke free from the crane that was lifting it and it landed on the deck just a few feet away from me. These things weigh about a hundred pounds empty, this one was loaded with 3-4 thousand pounds of crab. Yah, ya know, everwhere you look, there's danger waiting."

You can learn more about the dangerous job of crab fishing by clicking on The Deadliest Catch. You'll find more about Todd and the work he does at Boil Line Productions.

Todd Stanley will do a Featured Presentation at the Sierra Nevada House on Wednesday, September 19th at 7:30pm, with behind-the-scenes footage and a question and answer opportunity.

Local Woman runs 100 mile Ultra Marathon

sarah canfield — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:52:00 +0000

Dawn Bean runs 100 miles in under 24 hours!
Coloma-Lotus local Dawn Infurna-Bean’s goal for her third year and final year of competing in the Western States Ultramarathon was to finish in a blaze of glory. She certainly succeeded! She finished in 23 hours and 9 minutes; shaving 40 minutes off her previous record.
The Western States Endurance Run is a 100 mile long (161 km) ultramarathon that takes place on trails in California's Sierra Nevada annually on the last weekend of June. The race starts at the base of the Squaw Valley ski resort and finishes at the Placer High School track in Auburn, California. Runners climb a cumulative total of 18,000 feet and descend a total of 23,000 feet on mountain trails before reaching the finish. Because of the length of the race, the race begins at 5:00 A.M. and continues through the day and into the night. Runners finishing before the 30 hour overall time limit receive a bronze belt buckle, while runners finishing in under 24 hours receive a silver belt buckle.
Dawn believes that her strong support crew, an awesome pacer, and her positive attitude all helped her complete the event in record breaking time. “It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” she reported. Congratulations on the silver belt buckle Dawn!

Fire on Mt.Murphy Burns over 80 acres

sarah canfield — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 16:53:00 +0000

Just after 4:00pm on July 1, 2007, a fire began on the flanks of Mt. Murphy. Located in central Coloma, east and adjacent to the South Fork American River, the fire and smoke was seen from miles away. The burned area is owned and managed by the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park. The park acquired the land through the efforts of ARC who recognized the scenic value of Mt Murphy as a backdrop for the historic park. The area burned is classic chaparral grasslands with some brush and oaks. No cause of the fire was known. Several structures were threatened, but there was no loss of buildings thanks to the efforts of CDF, who fought the fire with hand crews, helicopter water drops, and retardant dropped from the air. Although fire officials closed all roads providing access to Mt. Murphy, there were no mandatory evacuations.

Helicopters filled their water buckets to fight the fire from the South Fork American River, above Troublemaker Rapid. River Road residents Jim Baldini, Heather Guttormsen, and Eleena Bradford (who is 5) were in a great position to view the Firefighter’s efforts. Here’s how they described their backyard scene; a helicopter would hover with its landing rails touching the water, then the pilots would honk and wave at the onlookers, then fly off as the suspended water bucket was filled. Heather echoed the sentiments of many residents when she applauded the talent and dedication of all these men and women that protect our little valley.

Thanks to Coloma area resident Brad Penner for the following video, shot from the north-facing canyon wall (river left) upstream from the fire:

Gold Discovery Day a Success

Donna McMaster — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 08:18:00 +0000

An article in the Metro section of the Sunday Sacramento Bee offered an enticing picture of Saturday's Gold Discovery Day at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.

They described the historic recreations and noted the opening of the recently renovated museum:

The campfire's smoke curled up to the gray sky hanging over Coloma. The scent of burning wood cut through the morning chill and enveloped the chattering crowd. Men in buckskin and coonskin caps mingled with women in calico and bonnets. A motorcycle rumbled by, and then a bugle call caught the crowd's attention.

More than 300 people -- some in costume -- gathered Saturday for the unveiling of the renovated museum at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.

A new exhibit, complete with dioramas and mannequins, attempts to capture when James Marshall discovered gold at the site where the park now sits. That momentous day was Jan. 24, 1848.

See the full article here.

Mountain man photograph by Betty Sederquist.

Gold Hill Olive Oil Wins Silver

Donna McMaster — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 19:10:00 +0000

We recently learned that our local Gold Hill Olive Oil Company came home from the prestigious Extra Virgin Olive Oil competition at the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival with a Silver Certificate for their 2006 "Gold Hill Estate" blend. This specialty combines Frantoio, Leccino, Lucca and San Felice varieties—all Italian olives—for a Tuscan-style taste.

Gold Hill crushed their extra virgin olive oils for 2007 in November of 2006. Their fresh and hearty "Achille's Blend," made of five different Italian olives, is a robust extra virgin with a strong pepper finish. If you are looking for a California-grown product, consider their "Tuscan Blend," pressed from olives grown in the foothills near Jackson, California.

Gold Hill Olive Oil Company is located a few miles from Coloma at 5601 Gold Hill Road (between Cold Springs and Lotus Roads). Their historic tasting room offers a wide variety of exceptional extra virgin olive oils, including their award-winning "Gold Hill Estate" blend. They are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

Retro and Romance at Lotus Art Studio, Feb 10

Donna McMaster — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 05:42:00 +0000

Lotus Art Studio presents "Retro and Romance" on Saturday, February 10, 2007, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The gallery will host an artist reception of classic and romantic works by local artists. Choose from an eclectic mix of elegant, romantic, classic, and functional art and gift items for that special someone as you shop to the interludes of retro and romance. Enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres, meet local artists, and sign up for workshops and yoga classes.

Lotus Art Studio is located at 7310 Highway 49 in River Park Village next to Sierra Rizing Bakery. For more details and information visit www.lotusartstudio.com or call (530) 642-0678.

Coloma-Lotus Chamber Membership Drive

Donna McMaster — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 08:21:00 +0000

2007 memberships are open for the Coloma-Lotus Chamber of Commerce. This active organization promotes business and community in the Coloma-Lotus Valley. Membership includes a listing in the printed Coloma-Lotus Guide, distributed throughout the Valley and at key El Dorado County locations. It also includes a listing in either the Coloma Valley Directory or The American River Directory.

Memberships are accepted throughout the year, but your application and payment must be received by February 23, 2007, to be included in the 2007 Coloma-Lotus Guide. There is an early bird discount for all payments received by January 15. See the Chamber Membership page for details.

Display advertising is also available in the Guide. Contact the Chamber for more information about advertisements in the Guide.

If you are interested in advertising on the Coloma Valley or The American River websites, see our Advertising page.

Gold Rush Museum Reopening

Donna McMaster — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 19:30:00 +0000

On Saturday, January 20, 2007, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park will celebrate "Gold Discovery Day," the anniversary of the discovery of gold in the South Fork of the American River on January 24, 1848.

This year's commemoration includes the reopening of the Gold Rush Museum at the Park. Visitors will be able to see the new exhibit of James Marshall in the tail race as he proclaims, "Hey boys, by God, I believe I've found a gold mine."

Gold Discovery Day events always include historic demonstrations, tours, speakers, and Gold Rush music. This year's highlights include "Gold Discovery Before the Rush," beginning at 11 am, with a gold discovery reenactment on the banks of the American River, at the very site where James Marshall found gold in 1848, followed by interpretive presentations at the Mormon Cabin, Sutter's Mill, and the Miner's Cabin. "Gold Discovery Before the Rush" continues at 1 pm.

You will be able to see the site where Marshall discovered gold. At the Mormon Cabin you can watch as mill carpenters make their plans. You will see Sutter and Marshall as they meet at the mill. And at Marshall's cabin you will be able to hear Marshall as he reflects on life after the discovery.

You'll find more information on our Gold Discovery Day page and at the Gold Discovery Park Association website.

Christmas show at the Olde Coloma Theatre opens Friday, Nov 24

Donna McMaster — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 00:06:00 +0000

The Christmas show at the Olde Coloma Theatre will open November 24, and run through December 23, with shows every Friday and Saturday night from 8 to 10 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. Prices are $10 adults, $9 seniors, $5 children. Call 530-626-5282 for reservations and more information. The Olde Coloma Theatre is located at 380 Monument Drive, off Cold Springs Road in Coloma.

This year's play, "Greeting From Christmas Town" or "The Search for the Ultimate Christmas Gift," is written and directed by Jonathan Archie. Two years ago, Christmas was almost destroyed by a villain named Scotty McBagpipes, but the efforts of Rudolf, Santa Claus, and George "The Italian" Snowman managed to save the day.

This year, McBagpipes is back with a whole new bag of tricks to ruin Christmas, but there is a new villain named Benedict O'Greasy who walks in and finds a way to own Christmas Town. McBagpipes along with Rudolf, The Butcher, the Baker, and the Candlestick Maker tried to find the Ultimate Christmas Gift. Whoever holds this gift will be very lucky. Will Santa save Christmas or will McBagpipes take over? See the Mrs. Claus, Private EYE Gum Shoe, Aunt Helga, George the Snowman, Rudolf, Manny Buckman, and the one and only Santa Claus in action. Don't forget to boo the villain and cheer the heroes and heroines!

Sierra Nevada Alliance needs office desks and laptops

Donna McMaster — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 23:58:00 +0000

The Sierra Nevada Alliance, an umbrella organization for over 80 Sierra Nevada conservation groups, is adding staff. They need donations of office desks with keyboard trays, and laptop computers. All donations are tax deductible. Please call Julie Leimbach at 530-622-4350 if you can help.

Yoga Workshop for Skiers & Snowboarders - Sunday, November 19

Donna McMaster — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 06:15:00 +0000

Dancing on the side of a mountain with the natural forces of space and velocity challenges both the body and the mind. The balance, flexibility and strength cultivated through the practice of yoga come directly into play as one flows downhill under the influence of gravity.

This yoga workshop with instructor Dennis Eagan targets specific yoga postures and muscles that relate directly to skiing and boarding. Appropriate for all levels of experience in yoga and snow play. Dennis brings many years of ski guiding and instruction to this yoga workshop. At the Lotus Art Studio, 7310 Highway 49 (next door to Yosum's Pizza). $30 for three hours, from 1-4 p.m. For additional details and registration contact Dennis at (530) 626-6353. website

Thursday is Game Night at Sierra Nevada House

Donna McMaster — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 00:46:00 +0000

Enjoy a chance to meet your neighbors and catch up with your friends over a friendly game of Cranium or cards. The games begin around 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays and continue until they're done. Contact Howard at the Sierra Nevada House for more information. (530) 626-8096.