“Just days ago on Feb.16 the California almond industry celebrated National Almond Day with a big campaign to get the entire nation eating one of California’s top crops.
“Don’t limit yourself to just one nut, however. California Assembly Bill 1067 approved by the governor on July 10, 2017 made the almond, pistachio, pecan and walnut all the State Nut....[Read More]
California may be known for its gold discovery, but the real deal are in the nooks and crannies in and around Main Street USA. Placerville, in the foothills of the Sierra, is one such town where “Destination” speaks loud and clear. In this little town of approximately 8,000 people treasures are real for art and history buffs, farm and quilt trail visitors, fishing/hiking spots, family fun,...[Read More]
Agriculture in El Dorado County grew after the gold rush. There were about 16 ranchers, mostly pear orchards. In 1958, a pear blight struck, taking with it 52,000 tons of fruit which diminished to 8,435 tons by 1965. Clearly something had to be done. The Apple Hill™ Growers united in 1964. They were Gene Bolster, local grower; Dick Bethell, El Dorado County’s pomology specialist and farm...[Read More]
The Placerville Fairgrounds was a-buzz with visitors, competitors, vendors, and golf carts darting to and fro on missions of every description to keep everyone happy. Most of the day was a waiting game: for the spectators and competitors alike, until their turn came to pan....[Read More]
El Dorado Gold 2016 in Placerville, CA Sept. 11-18 opened with a bang! They appeared in costumes, with banners, flags, horse teams and carriages. Nations from A to Z by the hundreds came in for the panning competition (tomorrow’s blog)....[Read More]
The Fausel Ranch is listed in California’s Agricultural Heritage Club and received special recognition in 2010 with a plaque in their honor. The ranch’s first year of operation is listed as 1877, but the Fausels were busy long before then....[Read More]
In addition to the Kitchens in the Vineyard Tour, we could not go to Napa and miss other favorite haunts. OAKVILLE GROCERY – founded in 1881. On Hwy. 29 traversing Napa, Yountville, St. Helena sites and stops, this oldest continually operating grocery store in California is a destination for locals and visitors alike. Open every day, there is a sister store in Healdsburg. The restoration has...[Read More]
19th Annual Home and Garden Tour – April 30, 2016
I waited all year for this event to come ‘round again. Napa calls my soul out to play every year around this time with its rolling green velvet hills and vineyards, so reminiscent of Umbria and Tuscany. My only regret is that “no photography” was allowed inside the homes. But being the shutterbug I am, I found plenty of beauty to click on....[Read More]
Asparagus is planted in the ground three years before it can be harvested for the full season; the plant grows for 15 to 20 years. Short growing season February – June Watch it grow! Can grow 7″ in a day when the temperatures reach 90 degrees. #66 California farm commodity...[Read More]
Channel 10 visited Placerville Hardware early Friday, April 8 while Walt Gray was at Sweetie Pies interviewing an El Dorado County favorite. It’s the April 15-18, 2016 Gold Prospecting and Mining Summit that is highlighting Placerville’s history prior to the September 2016 World Gold Panning Championship event at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds....[Read More]
Betty is a California-based writer whose work explores local history, travel, food, and the people who shape community life. Her storytelling is rooted in curiosity, culture, and real-world experience.
Stories of place, people, and culture - told with curiosity and heart - telling stories that bring places and people to life.
Betty is a Gold Country-based writer covering regional history, travel, food, and human-interest stories, with a focus on the people and traditions that define a place.