A river that runs through a community seems not only to provide a place for the citizens of that community to play, but music by which the rhythms of the day are set, and serenity as a constant touchstone to the natural world. It also captures the hearts of all those who come to visit. With its amazing climate and proximity to mountains, oceans and cities, the Coloma-Lotus Valley is a wonderful place to live. Great schools and an active community add to the list of why we love it here.

The towns of Coloma and Lotus have seen huge change in the last 25 years, much of it brought on by the rafting companies who run trips on the South Fork of the American. The result is a vibrant, diverse community with a wonderful, laid-back lifestyle seasoned with cultural and social opportunity. According to Scott Armstrong, manager and part of the family who owns All Outdoors Whitewater Rafting, "Compared to 15 or 20 years ago, what rafting has done is attract a large variety of people with a lot of different interests that you usually don't get in a small town, except in a college town. It's brought people who want to live in a smaller community and who have great skills and passions. When I first used to come up here in high school, people just came up to run the river and then left the same day; now it's turned into a full-time community. Our company has people who have moved here permanently: dentists, teachers, nurses. It's a great example of what has happened overall with the community."

Realtor Candy Wall agrees. "I feel that the Coloma Lotus valley offers everything to reinvent yourself. For the 22 years I've lived here, it's given me a new life � it made me who I am."

The newly formed Coloma-Lotus Valley Community Association is fast becoming a powerful force in conveying residents' concerns at the local and county level in areas of politics, government, and services. Even more positive change is underway in the community with trails, sidewalks, and enhanced recreational facilities.

The perfect way to work off the guilt from a second latté or scone at, say, Sierra Rizing bakery, is to exercise on one of our many trails. The state park has its fabulous Monroe Ridge hike with a heart-thumping climb that lifts you high above the river for an expansive view of the valley. The Dave Moore Nature Area provides an easy 1.1 mile loop with some wheelchair accessibility and lovely spots to cool your heels in the river.

Gain an even deeper appreciation for the natural bounty of the area with a visit to one of the local wineries. Or if olive oil is more to your taste, Gold Hill Olive Oil Company is a short trip away. Planning your own garden or landscaping your property? Visit Ceccardi's Feed Store for essentials and be blown away by possibilities at Lotus Valley Nursery or Lotus Bonsai. A game of volleyball, a trip down the slides, or a riverside picnic after the softball game are perfect family activities at Henningson-Lotus Park.

For a relaxed evening, Gold Country Video offers lots of movies on video and DVD, or if you're ready for more action, rub shoulders with locals on the dance floor at the Coloma Club. Take the family to catch the latest melodrama at the Olde Coloma Theatre, or just sit on the porch and listen to the river with friends.

The 2,000 plus residents who call the area home all 12 months of the year are kayakers, rafters, anglers, bikers, runners, skiers, snowboarders, ranchers, gardeners, horseback riders, travelers, business owners, commuters, professional athletes, artists, teachers, builders, retirees, young couples, and people whose families have been here for generations. Whether they use the river for active recreation or simply appreciate it for the beauty it adds to their town, residents will all agree that the South Fork runs straight through the heart of all who live here.