350 Placer to Welcome Renown Climate Activist Ken Ward for Live Movie Discussion Exploring Important Issues and Questions

By Lizzie Moore

(April 22, 2019 – Auburn, CA) On Friday, May 17th from 6:30 - 8:30pm, the group “350 Placer” will be showing the film “The Reluctant Radical” at the Auburn Public Library. Following the movie, renown climate activist Ken Ward will be joining the group via Skype to facilitate a discussion about the film. There is no charge for this event.

350 Placer is a group of residents who joined together to promote clean, sustainable living in Placer County. The group is inspired by the international group 350.org, a grassroots organization dedicated to reducing carbon levels to no more than 350 parts per million. The number 350 is the level of carbon believed to be safe and sustainable for life on our planet – we are currently at 414. The good news is, it is not too late to reverse our course, if we act now and together as a community. We only have a short window.

Both the international and local “350” groups are driven by the scientific findings from 97% of the world’s climate scientists that human-caused climate change is creating a dire future for our region and our world. Frequent and extreme weather events are already being seen, as well as increasing related public health issues. It is predicted that there will be drastic negative economic effects on our economy, that millions of people will be displaced and that there will be significant food and clean water shortage in our lifetime.

As written on thereluctantradicalmovie.com, “The Reluctant Radical is a climate change film like no other. It is an intimate character portrait of Ken Ward, an intense man who puts everything on the line in his fight to stave off climate change. Using cinema verite storytelling, the film explores the moral question: if a crime is committed in order to prevent a greater crime, is it forgivable? Is it, in fact, necessary? The film reveals both the personal costs and also the fulfillment that comes from following one’s moral callingeven if that means breaking the law. Ken Ward has no regrets, and his certainty leaves the audience to consider if he is out of touch with reality, or if it is the rest of society that is delusional for not acting when faced with the unsettling evidence that we are
collectively destroying our world…”.

350 Placer’s primary aim is to educate the community about climate change and to encourage collective action to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Its leaders believe that coming to "The Reluctant Radical” showing and discussion is a great way to learn more about this important issue and to explore one’s own involvement. The group is also available for presentations to community groups.

350 Placer can be found on Facebook and can be emailed at 350Placer@gmail.com.
Additional questions can be directed to David or Shandon at 530-878-2611.

Recipe - Peanut Butter Eggs

MV Lions Club Update - April 2019

By Etta Gross, Meadow Vista Lions Club

Thank you to all those that supported our annual crab feed on February 2.  You made the following events possible through your support!
We are looking forward to seeing all our community youths on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at the soccer field (Placer Hills Campus play-yard).  This community Easter Egg Hunt starts at 10 a.m.  Ages 0 to 10 years are welcome to join in on the fun.  We ask that you come early since this event is over by 10:10 a.m.  Remember to bring your Easter Basket to collect eggs in.  Thank you for the assistance to the Colfax LEOs and Meadow Vista Scouts Pak and Troop 6.  The Easter Bunny said he would make a guest appearance at this event.  So bring your cameras!
On Sunday May 12, 2019 will be the Meadow Vista Lions Mother’s Day Breakfast.  Moms are FREE, family and friends are very reasonable priced.  Bring your Mom to breakfast and mingle with the community.  This event is held in the cafeteria at Sierra Hills School.  Starting time is 8 a.m.
We look forward to seeing everyone at Meadow Vista Park for Pioneer Day on June 2, 2019.
Any questions please visit our website at www.meadowvistalions.com or email us at meadowvistalionsclub@gmail.com.  Or please speak with any Meadow Vista Lions member. 

Coming Home

By Kari Losko, Placer Hills United Methodist Church

Sixty years ago my family moved from Washington State to Auburn, California.  My sister and I were babies.  My mother was searching for a church to baptize us.  She ventured out to Meadow Vista and found the Placer Hills United Methodist Church, which was the Brethren Church at that time.
As life went on, my family attended St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Auburn as it was closer to our home.  After my dad retired, my parents moved to Idaho.  Recently when they came for a visit, we were driving to the a Holiday Market and my mother pointed to the Methodist Church and said:  "that's where you and your sister were baptized".  What a surprise to find out that this cute little white church nestled in the trees was our Baptismal Church.
My husband and I as a resident of Meadow Vista had been looking to join a church.  One beautiful Sunday morning, we attended the Methodist Church, and as soon as we walked in we were greeted with kindness and a warm feeling from the people.  It was like walking back in time, sort of a "Praire Home Companion" feeling for me.  I felt like I was home.  My sister was so glad that we reconnected with the church that she and her husband drive all the way up from Lincoln every Sunday.  It's a great feeling to have this history with my church.

Ace Hardware - Red Hot Buys

The Potential of Seeds

Written by Jamie Hunyor at Foothill Roots Farm

When you pour a handful of seed out of its paper packet, you hold the potential for the coming harvest - seemingly endless leaves of chard, a summer’s worth of tomatoes, too many eggplants to count. Turning the seed over in your fingers, it’s hard to imagine the bounty something so small will bring. The seed is infinitesimal, yet it holds the code of growth for itself, and nourishment for those who eat of its fruit, its vegetation. The right soil conditions, the proper amount of sun and water, shelter from the late snaps of cold are all the seed needs to activate itself, pushing a sprout through its coating to reach upward through the earth toward the light.
We are all capable of this care - it doesn’t take special training, although a green thumb might help make your plants a bit more productive. Life wants to grow, and it is already more than capable of doing so without our help, and even in spite of the disruption we cause to our environment. Tending to the growth of plants is our birthright, and when we look out at the landscape in our community we see that very fertility surrounding us.
The seed is a tiny book containing all the information necessary on how to grow into one specific plant. A collection of seeds is a library, each seed useful and instructive in its own way. The spring reminds each of us on the farm or in the garden of the power of smallness, something we must care for and keep from generation to generation if we are to continue feeding ourselves.
Now is the time to start seeds of your own indoors and keep them well-watered on a sunny, warm windowsill until we have seen the last of the cold nights. For any questions related to starting seeds, preparing garden beds, transplanting seedlings, or anything between, email info@foothillrootsfarm.com to ask a farmer. We’ll share our tips and tricks to maximize your garden in the next issue of The View.

Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors Update - April 2019

By Judith Whitman, Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors

The Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors Club installed our 2019 officers at the beginning of the year during a lovely ceremony at the Winchester Country Club.  Our officers are:  President, Margo Lambert; Vice President, Etta Gross; Recording Secretary, Rhoda Martin; Corresponding Secretary, Diane Meran; and Treasurer, Sharon Bradford.  We are grateful to these ladies for their service and wish them well as they guide our club this year.
The Friendly Neighbors held our annual Easter See's Candy Sale earlier in April.  This is an important fundraiser for our club and we are very grateful to our wonderful community for the support we have received. We are grateful to Holiday Market and its manager, Joel, for allowing us to “set up shop” in front of the market!
The Friendly Neighbors will be participating in Pioneer Day again this year.  This is a wonderful community event and a great way for us to let our community know how much we appreciate it.  We'll march in the parade and hold a free raffle for gas at our booth in the park.  So, stop by our booth to say “Hello” and enter this fun, free raffle.
  We are excited to be able to again offer free swim days at the Community Pool this Summer.  The exact dates will be announced shortly.  These free swim days are open to everyone so please come and enjoy the pool during one of the swim days – it's our treat!
The Friendly Neighbors meet at the Faith Lutheran Church on Combie Road in Meadow Vista on the fourth Wednesday of each month (with a few exceptions).  Social time begins at 11:30 AM with a complementary lunch served at Noon.  Our meeting follows lunch.  Community members interested in our work are invited and encouraged to attend and join us in our efforts to serve our wonderful community. If you would like more information, you can visit our website www.meadowvistafriendlyneighbors.com or send a message and someone will get back to you quickly. 

Celebration Church Easter Services 2019

Faith Lutheran Easter Services 2019

The Dangers of Overpricing Your Home to Sell

By Christine Schlittenhart, Vista Realty Group

When the average seller sits down to interview real estate agents, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement over choosing a sales price. More money means more financial opportunities for the homeowner. Perhaps it means the seller can afford to buy a more expensive home, help pay for her child's college education or take that greatly overdue vacation. Unfortunately, uninformed sellers often choose the listing agent who suggests the highest list price, which is the worst mistake a seller can make.
  The truth is it doesn't really matter how much money you think your home is worth. The person whose opinion matters is the buyer who makes an offer. Pricing homes is part art and part science. It involves comparing similar properties, making adjustments for the differences among them, tracking market movements and taking stock of present inventory, all in an attempt to come up with a range of value, an educated opinion. This method is the same way an appraiser evaluates a home. And no two appraisals are ever exactly the same; however, they are generally close to each other. In other words, there is no hard and fast price tag to slap on your home. It's only an educated guess and the market will dictate the price.
Homes sell at a price a buyer is willing to pay and a seller is willing to accept. If a home is priced too low, priced under the competition, the seller should receive multiple offers to drive up the price to market value. So, there is little danger in pricing a home too low. The danger lies in pricing it too high and selecting an agent solely on opinion of value. 
Remember to take the emotion out of the equation, and look at selling your home as a business opportunity.  The right time to sell your home is when you need it sold!!

Meadow Vista Community Center Update April 2019

Foothill Communities May Lose Fire Station and Paramedics

By Wes Moody, Meadow Vista

The foothills communities of Meadow Vista, Weimar, Applegate, Heather Glen, Clipper Gap, Eden Valley and Sleepy Hollow are in grave danger of losing one of their two staffed fire stations and associated paramedic services. Support for a mail-in ballot in the May 7 special election, MEASURE A, is essential to maintaining the emergency support services that our communities need.

These communities now receive fire protection and advanced life support services from the Placer Hills Fire Protection District, which is the first responder agency for fire protection and emergency medical and rescue response for 12,500 residents in a 35-square mile area. They respond to 1200 emergency calls each year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from two stations: one in Meadow Vista and one in Weimar. Response time is 5 to 7 minutes.

The fire district has operated at a deficit for the past 5 to 6 years, using reserves intended for capital assets and equipment to make up the shortfall from what the district receives from our property taxes and two voter-approved special taxes. These reserves will be depleted in 1 to 2 years. The fire district's share of our property taxes was set at 1970's levels following Proposition 13, before our stations were built and when we had a volunteer fire department. The two voter-approved special taxes amount to $134 per parcel per year. The State provides NO funding for our fire district. The fire prevention fee imposed by the State Legislature -- the State Responsibility Fee of $152.33 or $117.33, depending on where you live --  went entirely to the State. It has now been suspended. The County has said fire districts must turn to their communities for support through special taxes, do not look to the County for assistance. Our fire district has taken many steps to reduce costs or share costs with other districts. This, alone, is not enough.

Although the five-member Board of Directors for the fire district will decide if one of our two stations will close, the retired Fire Chief, the current Fire Chief and a number of citizens who have studied the issue, including the author, have concluded that without additional funding, one of our two staffed fire stations will close and we will lose our paramedics.

Closure of either of our two stations will adversely affect response times. Even if the station closest to your residence stays open, firefighters or paramedics may be on a call in the area nearest the closed station when you call for help. Our fire district estimates that response times will increase to 12 minutes or more. When response times increase, the ability to save lives is diminished. For each minute a heart attack victim goes without life support, the chance of survival drops by 10%. A response of 12 minutes compared to the current 5 to 7 minutes means the chance of survival goes down by 50 to 70%.

In this era of catastrophic wildfires, insurance companies are increasingly reluctant to continue to insure homes and businesses in wildland urban interface areas like ours. If one of our fire stations is closed, the rating system used by insurance companies will reflect this reduction in fire protection, resulting in premium increases at the least and policy cancellations at the worst.

Cal Fire does not represent a solution. Cal Fire's primary responsibility is forested and vegetative areas controlled by the State, not structure fires in nearby communities.. A majority of firefighters battling catastrophic fires in California are from local agencies like the Placer Hills Fire Protection District. Cal Fire does not serve the residents of the Placer Hills communities with advanced life support paramedic services, only EMTs.


A ballot measure, MEASURE A, will be on a mail-in only ballot that residents of Meadow Vista, Weimar, Applegate, Heather Glen, Clipper Gap, Eden Valley and Sleepy Hollow will receive in the first week of April. Ballots must be returned by May 7, 2019. If approved, MEASURE A imposes an annual tax of $185 per parcel “to maintain current fire station staffing, to ensure firefighters are available to respond to all emergencies, to keep property insurance rates manageable, and to adequately train and equip firefighters.” These are the words of Placer County Counsel's Impartial Analysis included with the ballot measure.

Funds raised by this special tax CANNOT be diverted to the State or County. Strict accountability provisions ensure all funds will be used locally, only for fire protection and paramedic services.

I expect that an increase in my property tax of $185 per year (or viewed another way, $68 more than I was paying for the State-imposed fire prevention fee which has now been suspended) is but a fraction of what my homeowner's insurance cost will go up when my insurance company accounts for the loss of our local fire station. I also believe it is a vital investment in having a prompt response to a 911 call.

I urge you to get informed, talk to your friends and neighbors about this issue, make sure you are registered to vote (deadline is April 22, 2019) and please join me in voting YES ON MEASURE A.

(Wes Moody is a Registered Professional Engineer and retired President and CEO of a subsidiary of Edison International. He has served as a Board Member and President of several non profit organizations, including one that has raised several million dollars for public schools in Southern California. He and his wife are residents of Meadow Vista)

Recipe: Fresh Strawberry Upside Down Cake

From Christine Schlittenhart’s Kitchen

INGREDIENTS:
2 ½ cups crushed FRESH strawberries
1 (6 oz) strawberry flavored Jello gelatin
3 cups miniature marshmallows
1 (18 oz) package yellow cake mix
    (batter prepared as directed on cake mix)

DIRECTIONS:
1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Spread crushed strawberries on the bottom of a 9x13 pan.
3. Evenly sprinkle dry Jello gelatin onto strawberries.
4. Evenly top with mini marshmallows.
5. Prepare cake mix as directed on package.
6. Pour cake mix evenly over marshmallows
7. Bake for about 40-50 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool in pan for 15 minutes. Run a knife around the sides to loosen, turn upside down onto serving plate.
Store cake in refrigerator.  Serves 12.

3 Common Estate Planning Mistakes

By Allison Harvey, Attorney, A. L. Harvey Law, Professional Law Corporation

1. Assessing and Documenting Your Plan. Everyone has an estate plan, whether you have created it or not.  If you don't create your own estate plan the state will do it for you.  If you haven't documented your wishes property passes at death based on intestacy.  You may not be happy with the plan the state has for you or the cost to have your assets transferred (see #2 below).  A common misconception is that if you are married all of your property will automatically pass to your spouse.  This is not so.  In California if you have any separate property (in most cases property acquired prior to marriage, by gift or inheritance) that separate property will not go 100% to your spouse.  In a married couple separate property is split between your spouse and your children or other heirs.  The division is based on the number of children, or other heirs, you have.  For example if you have one child the property is split 50/50 but if you have 2 or more children it is split to your spouse and the remaining 1/3 to your spose and to your children.

2.  Not figuring out the most advantageous plan. If property passes based on intestacy or a will the process that the property passes through is called probate. Probate has three main disadvantages. It is costly, it is time consuming and it is public.  In California if your property is valued at $150,000 or more, if you don't have a trust, and instead have a will or nothing, your family must open probate with the county court before property can be distributed.  Most probate cases take approximately 8 months to a year to distribute property, although it can take even longer.  The process is public and anyone can pull the court paperwork. Additionally probate is costly.  The cost of probate under California statutory code is based on the gross value of the property in the estate (not the net) which means outstanding balances on your largest assets aren't taken into consideration.  In contrast, a revocable trust can alleviate probate process. There is no public record of who receives what in a trust and the process can be streamlined.  In most probate situations that we see the estate spends tens of thousands more in the probate process versus creating and maintaining a revocable trust.

3. Improperly documenting your wishes. Do it yourself wills and trusts set individuals and families up for disaster.  Whenever I see a hand drafted will, or a do it yourself (google search/fill in the blank) document I know that almost invariably there are quite a few issues and sorting those issues out will cost a great deal of money.  Whether it is a question of the true intent of the deceased's wishes (many wills seem like they make sense to the drafter but when the family, attorney or court go to interpret there are conflicting provisions and ambiguity), gifting large sums of money to minor children or failing to consider tax savings I have yet to see a hand drafted will that didn't have major issues.  When there are questions those questions are resolved in a courtroom which costs the estate a great sum of money.
Everyone has an estate plan but it is up to you to make it what you want and have it done in manner that allows your family to follow your wishes.
This article should not be construed as legal advice. If you have questions about which is best for you contact an attorney that can assist you to make that decision.

Monks of Gaden Shartse Monastery Visit Meadow Vista

Upcoming Event - Friday, February 15th @ 7pm

The Monks of Gaden Shartse Monastery are visiting Meadow Vista with an evening, community talk entitled: "Practicing Off the Cushion—How to carry your meditation (spiritual) practice into everyday life".

Where: Ayama Yoga and Movement Arts, 17020 Placer Hills Rd, Meadow Vista, Suite 2B. For more info or to RSVP email info@ayamamovement.com, or call: 530-559-7554. Suggested donation : $20. All donations go to directly support the monastery and the monks educational tour. Elevator service is available and there will be a fluent interpreter.

Meadow Vista Hardware Ace Red Hot Buys

Welcome New MVMA Members!

62 or older? More Info About Reverse Mortgages

By Toni Ryan, Synergy One Lending

A reverse mortgage is an increasingly popular loan for senior homeowners age 62 and over. It allows senior homeowners to tap into their current home equity or purchase a home without using all their cash. There is no monthly mortgage payment but homeowners are still responsible for paying property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. The repayment of the loan is deferred until the homeowner dies, sells or moves out of the home.
To qualify for a reverse mortgage loan you must own a home, be at least 62 years old and have enough home equity. The loan works in two ways. First, payments are made to the borrower based upon a percentage of the equity that has been built up in the home. Second, any current mortgage is paid off thus eliminating the monthly mortgage payment. The loan is repaid when the borrower sells the home, moves out of the home or dies. The factors that impact the amount you are eligible for include your age, the value of your home, interest rate and loan limits.
As with any large decision, it's important to understand the pros and cons.

Pros:

•  You continue to live in your home and retain title to your home, as long as you continue to pay your property taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

•  You generally receive the proceeds of the loan as tax-free cash in which you can use the money as you see fit. It is recommended though to speak with your financial advisor to verify your specific situation.

•  You no longer make monthly mortgage payments, during the course of the loan. You do have to follow the constructs of the loan guidelines and are responsible for paying your property taxes, insurance and maintenance.

•  A reverse mortgage is a non-recourse loan. Neither you nor your heirs are liable for any amount of the mortgage that transcends the value of your home.

•  There are several ways in which you can receive the proceeds of the loan.

•  Many lenders offer a free reverse mortgage loan calculator which allows you to get an estimate as to how much you may qualify for.

Cons:

•  Fees associated with the loan are generally higher than with other financial products. You should ask your lender about options available.

•  The balance of the loan increases over time as does the interest on the loan and the fees associated.
Contact a mortgage professional to learn how you can use this valuable tool to enjoy your retirement.

Sing to Your Baby

By Ashlei Jackson, Ever After Baby

Do you sing to your baby? If you do, it’s likely that you are among a smaller and smaller number of parents who sing lullabies to their little ones. There have been several studies over the past few years in both Europe and the U.S. that show that the younger a parent is, the less likely they are to sing to their child. One study of 2,000 households revealed that only 38 % of parents sing to their kids who are 5 years old and younger and mothers are twice as likely to sing to kids over fathers. (source: The Bump Magazine)
While it is difficult to pinpoint exactly why the decline in singing has occurred, there is a consensus between hospitals and parenting groups in regards to the benefits of singing to babies and young children. Not only do studies site emotional well-being and better sleep patterns as benefits but one study even found that infants born with respiratory distress did physically better when listening to their parents sing a lullaby.

• Pick a Song You Like. Want to incorporate singing into your baby’s routine? You don’t have to be Beyonce or Josh Groban to get started. Pick a song that you know. Can it be a classic like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” or “Rock-a-Bye Baby?” - sure but don’t feel like you have to use the standard “lullaby” from generations before. You are more likely to sing, and sing often, if you enjoy the song and know it well.  Think Frank Sinatra, Bruno Mars or Carrie Underwood.

• Don’t Try to Sing a Whole Song. There are no rules and you’re baby will pass no judgement if you only sing the chorus of a song on repeat or make up words for sections you forget. The point is to sing! Your baby will like to hear the same tune over and over anyway because it establishes a predictable rhythm which lowers stress levels. It doesn’t matter if you can hit the high notes either.

• Turn Down the Lights. Most of us have a small amount of stage fright so to make it easier, sing in a darkened room with just you and baby - this is why nap & bed time is perfect! Feel free to use your body to establish a rhythm (a slight rock from side to side or front to back) and start with a light humming.
We all want to give our children the best “ingredients” for success in life - consider adding singing to your ongoing parenting “recipe.”

Free Instrumental Band Program in Meadow Vista

By Janine Dexter, Faith Lutheran Church

Would you like to help the children in your life thrive? Children that thrive are supported in every area of their lives. What if there was a way to incorporate all four of these areas into one activity? Music is often dismissed as unnecessary or an “extra” activity that is fun but not really missed if it doesn’t make the cut of after-school activities. The reality is that music participation is one of the ways that a child is positively impacted in every one of these four crucial areas: physical,  emotional, intellectual, and spiritual.
• Intellectual:  Music impacts language development, increases spatial-temporal skills, and is known to raise IQ points. It is the only activity that lights up every area of the brain simultaneously.
• Emotional:  Music provides an outlet for a wide-range of emotions. Children can learn to be aware of and express how they feel through the language of sound. 
• Spiritual:  Music impacts every journey in life including one’s chosen spiritual path.
• Physical:  Music helps children develop both small and large motor skills through movement, singing, and instrumental practice.

In Meadow Vista there is a unique opportunity  for children to begin a journey in music that will enhance their brain development and help them thrive throughout their lives. Faith Lutheran Church hosts a free music program for children ages TK-8th grade. Preschool through third grade youth are invited to join an Exploring Music class—levels I, II and III—that incorporates rhythm instruments, music reading, Orff, singing and ukulele. Grades 4-8 have an opportunity to be in a band program that meets each week after school; families are asked to provide an instrument and purchase a lesson book. Classes are taught in a friendly and safe atmosphere by professional musicians and are funded by the Lutheran Development Society of Sacramento, the Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors and by community donations. New classes begin in January and children can join classes at anytime through the end of February. Contact Ms Janine Dexter for more information: 530-389-8889, musicforall.mv@gmail.com.

3 Repairs That Add Home Value When Selling

Submitted by Katherine Katches, Sierra Pacific Real Estate

Considering selling in 2019? Here are 3 repairs you can start making now to help enhance the sale of your home! With a combinations of these 3 repairs, good staging, a top-notch Realtor and appropriate pricing your home is sure to sell quickly!

1. Fix flooring flaws. “Scratched-up wood flooring, ratty, outdated carpeting, and tired linoleum make your home feel sad,” the HouseLogic article notes. “Buyers might take one step inside and scratch the property from their list.” Most buyers don’t want the hassle of replacing carpet and may not accept a credit to cover the cost after the sale, Haynie says. When refinishing hardwood floors, for example, homeowners can expect to spend an average of $3,000 but recoup 100 percent of that cost at resale, according to NAR’s 2017 Remodeling Impact Report.

2. Repair water stains. The home’s plumbing issues may have long been resolved, but leftover water stains will mislead buyers into thinking the problems still exist. First, double-check that the problem truly is fixed, and then make any needed repairs to the walls or floors. Water-stained ceilings can cost about $670, on average, to fix. Drywall costs about $1.50 per square foot to repair.

3. Touch up the grout. Yellow or cracked grout can be a turnoff to buyers. New grout can make old floors look revived. “The best return-on-investment projects before selling a home involve making a home look like new,” Shelton Wilder, a sales associate at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in Los Angeles, told HouseLogic. Bathroom re-grouting costs an average of $1 to $2 per square foot, increasing to $10 for more complex jobs. A cheaper alternative is to have them professional steamed clean.

Sourced from: https://magazine.realtor/daily-news/2019/01/07/3-home-repairs-that-can-save-a-sale

Meadow Vista Community Center Update February 2019