Thursday, April 18, 2019
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!!
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!!
Foothill Communities May Lose Fire Station and Paramedics
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)
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