12042010

2010 Christmas Guide Located Inside!

FreE

See page 7 for details!

December 4, 2010

b Volume 3 • Issue 25 a

next edition • December 18

Coming Events

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December 9

Williams Community Christmas Choir Concert

December 10

Stagehands Christmas Performance

December 11 Festival of Lights

Williams Firemans Ball Williams Cooperative VBS Pancake & Waffle Breakfast

December 12

Arbuckle Community Christmas Choir Concert

December 13

Grimes Community Christmas Choir Concert

January 29

Knights of Columbus Cioppino Dinner The Williams Pioneer Review and Lloyd’s Print & Copy Center will be Closed.

December 22-27th. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, December 28, 2010.

More Information on Page 7

colusa county harvests first olive crop olives mature and are ready to be harvested sooner than almonds. The return comes in about five to six years, n 2007 Jeff and Debbie Charter planted 175 acres of says Charter.

Arbequina olives just outside of Arbuckle on Cortina Mrs. Charter met me at the front of the field and School Road. It may seem strange to native Colusa dropped me off where the giant yellow harvester was County Citizens of an olive crop growing among finishing up a row. Manufactured by the Oxbo Company, the olive harvester is almond trees, rice, gigantic. It drives over tomatoes, and seed the dense rows of olive crops. Three years trees, where the trees after the trees were are beaten by bows to planted, they were obtain the olives. Mr. ready to be harvested Charter invited me up for the first time. The into the cabin of the olives are intended to harvester, and I gladly become extra virgin clambered up the oil—a growing product ladder. I felt like I was and industry in the climbing up into an state of California. exclusive clubhouse.

Mr. Charter The brand new decided to plant harvester is one of a Arbequina olives after handful of “prototype” rigorously researching olive harvesters. “They the olive oil industry. are backing us 100%,” The pros of growing said Charter, speaking olives, it turns out, outweigh the cons. Submitted Photo. Debbie Charter watches on as her husband Jeff Charter unloads of the Oxbo Company, “The engineers The trees require half a batch of harvested olives. just left. They were as much water and crawling all over this fertilizer as an almond thing.”

Mr. Charter and the accompanying field hand orchard does. Also, the demand for extra virgin olive oil is high, and California extra virgin olive oil is set to grow. check the harvester for stuck branches before revving These pluses, however, can easily be overshadowed by up for another row of harvesting. the up-front costs of putting the orchards in. “I had to The harvester collects 90%-95% of the olives when go through the school of hard knocks,” says Charter. the trees are beaten, which seems to be an awesome It costs approximately $5,500 and acre to set up the amount. But it isn’t as easy as the numbers make it out irrigation system, and buy, plant, and prune the trees. to be.

Continued on Page 2 When compared to an almond orchard, though, the

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By: Lauren Miller

steelhead lodge bar & grill By: Katherine Craigo

Butte Creek Farms CEO Ed Hulbert is pictured with Colusa County Supervisors Chair Kim Dolbow Vann who visited the business during a November preview. (Photo by: Kathy Criago)

Earlier in November, Colusa County Supervisors and staff, and Colusa Building and Planning Department staff were given a preview of the menu and the newly renovated and renamed Steelhead Lodge Bar & Grill (formerly Bert’s Steelhead Marina) at Colusa Landing.

The property is owned and operated by Butte Creek Farms.

Butte Creek Farms CEO Ed Hulbert said recently that this project continues the legacy of the Otterson family in development of projects in Colusa County.

Hulbert added that the renovation is phase one of the 88 acre resort project included in the resort commercial rezone included in the Colusa County General Plan update.

During the preview visit to the business, Colusa County Board of Supervisors Chair Kim Dolbow Vann commented that the focus remains on economic growth in Colusa County and that the county is fortunate to have Ed Hulbert in its business community.

Continued Page 6

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Williams pioneer review

December 4, 2010 - December 18, 2010

‘peak’ energy pricing looms for business As Submitted to the WPR

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acific Gas & Electric Co. is rolling out a new rate plan called “Peak Day Pricing” in response to a statewide initiative led by the California Public Utilities Commission aimed at reducing energy use during periods of extremely high demand.

Large manufacturing customers are likely to see big jumps in peak pricing as early as February. But in response to requests by PG&E and agriculture representatives, the pricing program implementation has been delayed for some users.

During those peak use days — from nine to 15 per year — participating customers who shift their usage to off-peak hours in the mornings and evenings when energy demand is lowest will pay lower rates. Customers who use energy during peak periods on those days when the grid approaches capacity will pay a higher rate.

“Peak day pricing gives customers an opportunity to pay a lower rate when they reduce their energy use

during peak periods,” said Christine Cordner, spokeswoman for PG&E. However, due to concern from PG&E about the implementation of the support systems it will need to have in place and issues raised by ag users, the CPUC is allowing PG&E to delay rolling out the program for small and medium agricultural users and residential customers.

Brian Cherry, the PG&E vice president of regulatory relations, wrote to Paul Clanon, the executive director of the California Public Utilities Commission, saying, “PG&E makes this request because the customer service online tools required before these initiatives are implemented have not been completed in time for a February 2011 launch.”

Mr. Clanon granted PG&E an extension to Nov. 1, 2011, for residential customers.

Meanwhile, the CPUC also received a letter from the California Farm Bureau Federation requesting that the implementation date for the mandatory rates for small and medium agricultural customers be

extended to Feb. 1, 2012. Mr. Clanon also agreed to that date.

One of the concerns raised by the farm bureau is that November marks the end of harvest and an implementation date of Nov. 1 may create barriers to agricultural customers’ analysis of impacts from the change.

The peak day pricing could have a major impact on businesses, particularly manufacturing companies, said Robert Boller, vice president of sustainability for Jackson Family Wines. Mr. Boller’s concern is that the pricing could go up astronomically.

Because the power customers will find out the day before the peak day, Mr. Boller said it is true some can cancel production or do split-shifts so machines are not in use during the peak hours, but the possible cost of the increase could be significant.

Ultimately, said Ms. Cordner, eligible commercial and agriculture customers will be automatically switched to the peak pricing unless they opt out or choose an alternative program.

Olives (Continued) “Olives are really tough to harvest,” Charter adds. The olive trees are trellised in, like a grape vine orchard is, so if the great harvester derails off its path too far, the mammoth can easily pop several trees out of the ground very quickly. With this in mind, Mr. Charter keeps acute focus on the speed and direction of the harvester during the interview.

The ride itself is quite comfy.

The cabin of the harvester is climate controlled, and way up on top of the trees, the view of the countryside is incredible. Mr. Charter points out the monitoring screen. Today, the harvester was running at 1.25 mph, with 450 beats per tree. I feel like I am inside of a big video game machine: Objective; harvest as many olives as possible.

In the next row over, a tractor pulling a trailer runs alongside to catch the freshly harvested olives spouting out of the harvester.

Immediately following the harvester is a rig spraying copper onto the trees. The copper covers the trees’ fresh wounds, preventing Olive Knot, which can deform the tree and curb its olive production. Having the spray immediately follow the harvester is imperative. “We are taking a big risk today,” says Charter, as he peers up at the dark cloudy sky. The rain would wash off the critical copper spray. “But once you start a trailer, you’re kind of committed.”

Once the olives are harvested, they must be shipped to the processing plant within twenty-four hours if it is to be certified extra virgin oil. The Charter Olives are

rushed by night to Cullen Creek Processing, in Sangor California.

Considering the time and money, it is worth the risk to harvest until the truck trailers are completely full before the long haul to Sangor. With the threat of rain and the delivery time limit, the stakes to this game are heightened significantly.

The Olive Oil industry in California and the rest of the United States is small but growing.

Californians are wising up the health benefits and many uses of olive oil, and this knowledge is spreading nationwide. More interestingly, the California Olive Oil Council pushed for new olive oil standards by the USDA, and was rewarded them. UC Davis in collaborated with Australian Oils Research Laboratory to test extra virgin oils sold in California.

Using the standards issued by the USDA, many imported oils did not pass. They are being blended with refined olive oil, or simply were not of extra virgin oil grade, but being labeled as such.

The new standards do not inflict a penalty on oil manufacturers that do not pass, but according to the news release in the Olive Oil Times, the oil producers who seek the USDA certification will have a leg up as American consumers’ become savvy to their oil products. “(The California Oil Council is) about to put some teeth in this thing,” says Charter. If the new standards are someday enforced, U.S. Olive Oil stands a big chance for healthy growth. When asked whether he will expand, Charter said he will

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have to wait and see how he holds up to his current acreage, and how the market develops. “We’ll see as we approach it,” Charter adds.

Williams Pioneer Review PUBLICATION 570 6th Street • PO Box 665 Williams, CA 95987

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December 4, 2010 - December 18, 2010

a THE NEWS BACK THEN b

Headlines from our Past 1873 SNOW 12 INCHES DEEPDEEPEST EVER KNOWN IN THE VALLEY 1877 DEDICATION OF ODDFELLOWS HALL, WILLIAMS 1878 BARGE GRAND ISLAND, IN TOW OF SAN JOAQUIN, LOADED WITH WHEAT FOR JACK HART SUNK IN SAN PABLO BAY 1886 LAST BRIDGE ON THE SITES RAILROAD HAS BEEN COMPLETED. Williams Farmer 12/15/1906 VINES NOTES. J. O. Banks has a small vineyard on his place southeast of Williams.

Consisting of less than two acres, from which he sold $190 worth of grapes and raisins the past season besides supplying his own household. Mr. Banks contemplates planting out several acres to raisin grapes the coming season.

The Cortina Vineyard Association has been organized and will buy and plant the Weinstock and Lubin lands southwest of Williams to wine grapes. The option was secured by Morris Jones, who promoted the new corporation which will be duly organized in a few days. Those who have signed the articles are Charles L. Schaad, Pat Hough, John a Ryan, W. H. Ash, F. E. Kidd and Morris Jones.

The StovallWilcoxson Company has a small vineyard on their extensive ranch, known as the Pulsifer Vineyard, planted years ago by the late Joe Pulsifer.

This vineyard has had very little attention, and in fact, some seasons it has been almost wholly neglected. The crop was harvested the past year, however, and brought a handsome return. The officers of the company are considering the practicability of planting a large acreage to vines the coming season.

August Schaad has decided to plant 120 acres to vines on his home place east of Williams. He now has a small vineyard near his home which produces large crops of luscious grapes annually and this fact demonstrates to him that the land is better adapted to the cultivation of grapes than grain.

He will plant wine grapes and when the vines come into bearing he will be one who can be counted upon to go into a company for the erection of a winery in Williams.

Judge J. P. Ashby has the vine fever. He has figured the matter all out to his own satisfaction and the judgment rendered is that he stands ready to join three other men in a sentence to purchase plant and cultivate forty acres to vines. He has also decided that the Thompson Seedless are the proper thing to put out, as they make an excellent raisin grapes and are fine for table use and have the necessary qualities for wine. The names of the parties forming this company and the details of its organization will appear in these columns in due

time.

H. M. Goodfellow was one of the very first to decide to diversify his crops. He tried it the past season, by planting a small acreage to alfalfa and realized over $50 an acre from the venture. He has laid out seventy acres, which he proposes to plant to Seedless Sultana vines, beginning this season by planting out one half of the acreage. Thus Mr. Goodfellow will not only increase the value of a packing house, and this will benefit many.

followed by a coaching position at San Juan High School.

Mr. Barbieri was an Army private just eight months when he received a rank and was transferred to the Army School at Washington and Lee University in Virginia.

Following his “hitch” in the Army, Mr. Barbieri returned to teaching, filling a position of physical education instructor at the Preston School of Industry.

Previous to Williams Farmer accepting the 12/20/1918 principal ship TRANSPORT NARROWLY of Williams AVERTS FLOATING Elementary School MINE in the fall of Mr. R. R. Allen has 1949, he served received a letter from as principal of his son, Gilbert S., PAT ASH the Cacheville stating that the Williams Contributor Elementary School Sacramento Valley Museum transport upon which were near Woodland.

6,000 soldiers, including Mr. Barbieri proved himself, picked up a floating mine a capable administrator of the local with its sweepers. The troops were grammar school and when the high on their way from New York to school district and the grammar Camp Lee, Va., where they are to school district unified in 1953, be demobilized. Without the mine- he became Superintendant of the sweeper protection there would Williams Unified School District. probably have a post-war tragedy During Mr. Barbieri’s time at to record of this shipload of our the local schools, enrollment has boys. shown great increase. The 207 students housed in the grammar Williams Farmer school increased to 349, spilling 11/23/1956 over into the new high school and FIREMEN SECURE BEAUTIFUL the old shop building. The high CHRISTMAS TREE school, grades 9 thru 12 have A party of 25 members of the more than doubled in the number Williams Fire Dept. secured the of pupils since 1953. In ’53 sixty Williams Christmas tree last students were enrolled at last Sunday. The trip to Goat Mountain week’s count, the high school rolls was made earlier this year to listed 148 named. enable the men to go “deeper into Mr. Barbieri has proved the woods” to get the tree. The tree most effective in handling the was cut about 3/8 of a mile of the problems arising from the soaring road and the tractor was used to enrollments. haul it to the waiting truck.

In addition to his school They left early Sunday morning activities, he is past President of after a heartily breakfast, cooked

by Bill Boyes, Ellis Rogers and Matt Jauregui.

Hal Stober and Ned Steele, who were to deliver the department’s dinner were two hours late.

Reported by a reliable witness, (one of the hungry fireman) states that Stober and Steele got lost on the one-way road and would still be lost had not Grover Wallace and Clyde Gregory guided them to the tree site.

The beautiful 35 foot Spruce is being held at Brainard’s Auto Repair until a permit is obtained to erect it on SR 20 the first of December.

Williams Farmer 12/7/1956 MEET THE TEACHERS Scholar and athlete are a rare combination, but that’s Nicholaus Barbieri, Superintendant of the Williams Unified School District.

Mr. Barbieri entered Sacramento School System in the fourth grade and continued his studies there through his junior college days.

He entered Humboldt State College at Arcata on a football scholarship.

In his final year at the college he was student body president and lettered in the four major sports, football, baseball, basketball and track, in addition to keeping his grades above a B average.

His first teaching job was in a Carmichael elementary school

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the Williams Kiwanis Club, active in the Boy Scouts, member of the Schools Masters and California Superintendant’ Association.

Mr. Barbieri feels that teachers in the local school are “lucky” because we have the finest kids to teach and are faced with only minor discipline problems; unlike many teachers in larger cities. School is becoming more complex, according to the Superintendant. It requires more than the teachers to educate today’s youth, it takes the parents, too. That’s why Mr. Barbieri and all his teaching staff urges parents to visit school and attend school sponsored activities. Mr. Barbieri like his chosen profession—in fact he plans to remain in the education field at least another thirty years.

Williams Farmer 11/16/1961 LAST RITES FOR GROVER WALLACE The Williams Methodist Church was filled to overflowing on Tuesday when funeral services were conducted for Grover Wallace, 72, life-long resident of Williams who passed away Saturday in the Colusa Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Wallace was born on June 2, 1889 in Williams and was a well-known and highly respected member of the Williams Volunteer Fire Dept., seldom failing in responding to the alarms.

The activities of the department were his pride and joy and in all the years that the department has secured the community Christmas tree, Grover never missed making the rugged trip into the back country.

He was also a member of the Williams Methodist Church and the American Legion.

He was exceptionally fond of animals and was always accompanied by his black dog.

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Williams pioneer review

December 4, 2010 - December 18, 2010

a Heart of the Home b Marie’s Kitchen

off the tailgate of my dad’s pickup. These days Marie kindly donates pies and homemade goods recently had the pleasure of a slice of apple pie to various fundraisers for organizations including and a warm cup of coffee in Marie Spooner’s the firemen, water alliance, the Catholic school kitchen. What a treat! Marie’s and Elks. Marie enjoys entering pie reminded me of the pie baked goods and canned items in my great grandmother Eva used the fair each year. I asked Marie to make, just delicious! I admire what her favorite things to bake for women who are skilled in the area the holidays are and she said fruit of domestic arts, especially those cake and bourbon cake are among that involve the true heart of the her favorites. Her favorite kitchen home, the kitchen. These women tool is her Cuisinart processor. are an inspiration to me and Marie Marie keeps summer and winter is one of those women. Marie grew gardens and has a pantry brimming up with four sisters and one baby with canned jams, jellies, pickled brother and told me they all helped vegetables and colorful fruit. I came to cook in the family home. Marie home from my visit to Marie’s house got her start making apple pies from with a jar of tasty pepper jam and a the apple trees at her old home in smile on my face that could only Maxwell. Marie sold the apples on come from spending time with such the corner in Maxwell and began a sweet, humble, inspirational lady. making pies with the extra apples.

If you know Marie I am sure you will Her story of selling apples out of her truck reminded agree she is sugar and spice and everything nice! me of the summers I spent selling my dad’s peaches

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By: Kim Giffin

6 alternate uses for your freezer Picture this: Water spills on a batch of photographs, causing them to stick together. If you pull them apart, your pictures will be ruined. Don't be so hasty. Stick them in the freezer for about 20 minutes. Then use a butter knife to gingerly separate the photos. If Remove wax from candlethey don't come free, place them sticks Grandma's heirloom silver can- back in the freezer. This works dlesticks will get a new life if you for envelopes and stamps too. place them in the freezer and Clean a pot then pick off the accumulated wax drippings. But don't do this if Your favorite pot has been left on your candlesticks are made from the stove too long, and now you've more than one type of metal. The got a burned-on mess to clean metals can expand and contract up. Place the pot in the freezer at different rates and damage the for a couple of hours. When the burned food becomes frozen, it candlesticks. will be easier to remove.

Extend candle life Remove odors Place candles in the freezer for at least two hours before burning. Got a musty-smelling book or They will last longer. a plastic container with a fish odor? Place them in the freezer overnight. By morning they'll Unstick photos Eliminate unpopped popcorn Don't you just hate the kernels of popcorn that are left at the bottom of the bowl? Eliminate the popcorn duds by keeping your unpopped supply in the freezer.

be fresh again. This works with almost any other small item that has a bad smell you want to get rid of.

FRee VoCatIonaL edUCatIon CLasses Get prepared for office-related employment by improving or learning skills through the following classes:

Accounting Principles & Practices Monday – Friday •

• •

Learn the basic accounting cycle (debits/ credits, T accounts, chart of accounts); learn how to use journals, ledgers, post various types of transactions (banking, petty cash, payroll, sales) Use a 10-key calculator to build speed/ accuracy and complete business math exercises.

Learn how to build company files and post transactions using computerized accounting software (Quickbooks).

Office Education Laboratory Monday – Friday • • • •

Become familiar with keyboard and build typing speed using typing program.

Learn how to create various documents using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Learn beginning computer usage and how to navigate through the Internet and create e-mail.

Learn how to use other office equipment.

All training is done in a hands-on environment. Two sessions are available: 9:00 to 12:15 and 1:00 to 4:15. Students can attend any session that works with their schedule, and if seating is available. Classes are open entry/open exit. no Fees – CLasses aRe FRee. Call 530.458.0330, ext. 10331 and ask for Cassandra for class availability and information.

Classes are offered through the Tri-County Regional Occupational Program Colusa County Office of Education – 345 5th Street, Colusa

www.williamspioneerreview.com

December 4, 2010 - December 18, 2010

a HOME & GARDEN b

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planting flower bulbs now means years of flowers ahead by curtis pyle

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all is the time to plant bulbs. So, take advantage of the season’s cooler weather, and begin a low maintenance addition to your garden. You really do get a lot of bang for your buck with flower bulbs. Compare the price you may spend on annuals, that don’t grow back. You can find bulbs at nurseries and garden shops alike.

Garden catalogs offer the largest selections of bulbs. Mail order and internet companies abound, as do the many types of flowers around.

Here’s a detail of tried and true favorites for Colusa County.

Daffodils Top favorite.

Daffodils love our weather and our soil, multiply like mad, and require no care at all. Daffodils look great planted in masses.

Plant in clumps if mixed in your flowerbeds. Daffodils like full sun and well drained soil. Let the foliage die down naturally in the summer for best results. Colors aren’t just yellow anymore: pinks, oranges, bi-colored, white and even doubles and dwarfs are in today’s mixes.

grow about 2 feet tall. Awesome colors with tissue paper-like petals. Keep spent blooms cut off for continued blooming.

Do It Yourself Pruning Program

Proper tree care is actually as Oriental Lilies – Exotic colors, important as brushing your mostly tall. A florist’s favorite. teeth. Pruning is more important Very fragrant, and may need when the tree is young to form staking. Oriental Lilies grow best its structure and shape. Many out of the wind, so plant against a people wait too long and cut too hard unnecessarily. fence if possible.

Narcissus - Commonly known as paperwhites, and are related to daffodils. Narcissus are multi- Dutch Iris – Tall blue, yellow, flowered and highly scented, white and purple, make incredible and can be potted and brought cut flowers and are easy to grow. indoors.

Anenomes – short and colorful Hyacinth – Unbelievable groundcover type plants. Bulbs fragrance and intense colors: look like dirt clods. Bright red, white, pink, red, purple, blue, white and blue combination lavender and more. Hyacinths blooms. stay below 12 inches tall.

Crocus – short, like miniature Ranunculus – An all time favorite tulips, grow between rocks and of mine! Easy to grow, Ranunculus in clumps. Grass like foliage spreads nicely between stepping stones and as a ground cover.

Grape Hyacinth – miniature muscari, ideal for borders and rock gardens. Mix with other bulbs. Stays short with attractive foliage after blooming. Many unusual combinations of blues, purples, and white.

Too many types of bulbs exist to list here, so try a few for years of enjoyment and carefree color.

Tulips are not on the list. As beautiful as any bulb, they just don’t make the rating here in our harsh gardening environment.

Tulips tend to rod out after the first year. Gophers love them and they don’t usually come back the next year.

Locally, bulbs are available at Griff’s Feed & Seed. For mail order and online try Van Bourgondien 1-800-552-9996 or Colorblends 1-888-847-863

The basic rules to follow are: •Remove dead wood •Remove broken branches •Don’t let branches rub one another •Make space for each branch •Take out suckers (Long slender growth that doesn’t match the regular branches. Most suckers on citrus trees have extra large thorns.)

•Allow for air flow through your tree. Clean out little limbs in the center of the tree. This keeps it from breaking up in a wind storm.

•Walk around your tree removing limbs that hanging downward and any that poke you on the way by. Make room for traffic around your tree and raise the level of the branches accordingly.

•Stand back from time to time and look at your pruning job.

Keep it balanced and compensate for the fact that most trees grow more reaching southwest for the afternoon sun.

•Remember to tip prune to encourage branching. Do not cut the top out of the tree as that usually is the worst thing you can do to a tree.

•Last, but not least, the International Society of Arborculture states that crown rot is killing off perfectly good trees at an epidemic rate. This is when people add soil and change the soil level under the tree. This eventually rots the trunk, killing the tree.

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Williams pioneer review

December 4, 2010 - December 18, 2010

steelhead bar & grill continued Now being promoted at Steelhead Lodge Bar & Grill the establishment dates back to the unconfirmed history of an ‘old timer’ named Buckshot.

Buckshot envisioned hunting and fishing camp on the Sacramento River. It is told that it was sometime around the turn of the century when Buckshot built the first cabin on the site, but it wasn’t known if the property owner ever knew Buckshot was on the property.

The property had a succession of owners, all with the same basic vision.

The goals were to build a hunting and fishing lodge along with a restaurant, bar and motel. Although a motel was never built on site, there has been a restaurant and bar there for some time.

In the 1960’s it was owned by Ralph and Linda Moffett who named it Ralph’s Steelhead Lodge.

In 1966 Butte Creek Farms was owned by Roger C. Wilber and Lee A Otterson. In the 1980’s the business was purchased by Albert and Lorene

Wheeler and the name was changed to Bert’s Steelhead Marina.

The Wheelers’ operated the business as an RV/trailer rentals and boat docks businesses until 2005 when Harry (Bud) Robison and a partner of Reno, NV purchased it.

Robison signed a lease with Butte Creek Farms and the name of the business changed again. This time it became Colusa Landing.

In 2008 partners Curt and Linda Johnson joined Robison. The Johnsons who had fished on the Sacramento River for years had visions of improving the property and building up the business, but the closure of salmon season on the Sacramento River is 2007 and tough economic times in 2008 set them back.

In 2009 Butte Creek Farms entered into an agreement to purchase the business from Robison.

Today, Steelhead Lodge Bar & Grill is filled with guests enjoying leisurely lunches while enjoying the beautiful view of the Sacramento

River.

Diners have a clear view of the River from the glass enclosed dining room or at tables on the outdoors deck overlooking the river.

For now, the dining room is open only for lunch from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., with the bar open until 9 p.m.

Hulbert said he hopes to open for dinner in the future.

The menu offers a variety of items; many locally grown.

Director of Food and Beverages Peter Jukusky, comes to the business with 15 years restaurant management experience with Marriot Corporation.

He said that they are providing the highest quality food at a reasonable price. “Many of our items are grown locally,” he added.

Some of the menu choices include a portabella burger made from locally grown Premier Mushrooms, the vegetables and the beans are locally grown when possible, the beef for the steak sandwich is hand cut, and the soups, salads and chili are all homemade.

Jukusky and Hulbert commented that they are fortunate to have a quality staff as well. Karen Barton is the bar supervisors, Bruce Bowman is the restaurant supervisor and Sara Barron is the cook.

In addition to the restaurant and bar the business offers RV parking and truck and boat trailer parking across the road.

“As we move forward in the permitting process we will add restrooms and showers on the RV and trailer parking site,” said Hulbert.

Again, depending on the permitting and the rezoning process, Hulbert said the goal is to complete a boat ramp in 2011.

There is currently dock space rental available and they anticipate offering fuel service by April or May 2011.

The restaurant and bar at 3249 Butte Slough Road along the Sacramento River at Colusa is now open. For more information call (530) 458-4888 or visit the website at www.colusalanding.com

Invasive weeds: getting to the root of the problem

By Mary Fahey Colusa County Resource Conservation District

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ccording to the California Invasive Plant Council, invasive weeds cost California $82 Million each year just for control efforts, monitoring and outreach.

Estimates of actual impacts of invasive weeds reach into the billions of dollars. Invasive weeds are defined as non-native plants that are able to grow unassisted in our natural areas and have a negative impact on these places by causing economic harm, environmental harm or harm to human health. In California, invasive weeds interfere with ranching, farming, recreation, and habitat conservation. The effects on our

natural resources include: increased wildfire potential, reduced water resources, accelerated erosion and flooding, threats to wildlife habitat and degraded range and crop land.

There are several ways that invasive weeds are introduced and spread. Seed from invasive weeds can travel via wind, water, vehicle tires, clothing, and animal activity.

Plants and seeds can travel across states and countries on automobiles, planes, trains and ships. Sometimes, invasive species are introduced purposefully and then they spread accidentally. An example would be a homeowner who unknowingly plants an invasive weed in their landscape. From that one plant, an invasion can begin through seed dispersion and/or underground

shoots. Invasive weeds are able to thrive because they usually have no natural predators, they are very adaptable to new environments, and they grow and spread aggressively, outcompeting native species.

In the Colusa Basin Watershed, which spans the counties of Colusa, Glenn and Yolo, several invasive species have taken root. Of particular concern are the following: Giant Reed (Arundo donax), Salt Cedar (Tamarisk ramosissima), Perennial Pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), Yellow Starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis), Barbed Goat Grass (Aegilops triuncialis), Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and Purple Starthistle (Centaurea calcitrapa). The first and best line of defense is to learn to identify these

invaders so you can monitor for them and remove them immediately.

Other strategies to control the spread of invasive weeds include being wary of what you plant in your landscape (never plant an invasive plant), working to restore native species populations, and sharing your knowledge of invasive weeds with family, friends, neighbors and local schools.

For more information on invasive weeds and their impact on our natural resources, visit the Colusa County Resource Conservation District website at www.colusarcd. org and click on our “projects” page, or the California Invasive Plant Council website at www.cal-ipc.org.

www.williamspioneerreview.com

December 4, 2010 - December 18, 2010

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a COMMUNITY BRIEFS b CAtholiC ChurCh of the Annunciation 627 8th Street Williams “Meet & Greet Coffee Club” Every Third Sunday of the Month after 9:30 a.m.

Mass Join us for refreshments and conversation • WilliAMS CoMMunitY Center ASSoCiAtion ACtiVitieS Veteran’s Hall. 9th & ‘C’ Street.

Williams, CA. MONDAY NIGHT BINGO: Everyone Welcome!Early Bird Games Starting Time at 6:00 P.M. Regular Games Begin at 6:30 P.M. WE WILL NOT BE PLAYING ON 5TH MONDAYS THIS YEAR0. Refreshments Available at Reasonable Prices, Home Made Desserts. There will be no BINGO in the Month of December! See you all next year! Game Day: No Game day in the month of December!

See you January 19, 2011! Movie Day: No Movie day in the months of November or December! See you January 26, 2011! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! • CeleBrAte reCoVerY Meets every Friday night at 6:30 P.M. at the First Presbyterian Church (north annex building) at 4th & Jay Streets in Colusa. CELEBRATE RECOVERY is a free program that addresses issues of alcoholism, codependency, drug addiction, and other hurts, habits and hang ups.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY is open to anyone who is experiencing pain, brokenness, or just wants support and encouragement. We are an anonymous program. For further information, please call 458-2802.

• MAke A differenCe in Your CoMMunitY The citizens for a better Williams hold meetings the 4th Thursday of every month beginning at 6:00pm. meetings are held at the Williams City Hall, everyone is welcome!!

• PACifiC flYWAY QuilterS The county’s quilt guild. monthly meetings will be held the 3rd Wednesday of every month. Meeting starts at 7:00pm located at the Colusa Masonic Hall 311- 5th street.

• Calling all women of agriculture Are you a woman dedicated to the survival of Agriculture? Unite as “California Women for Agriculture” (CWA) promote, and educate the importance of Agriculture. Meetings are held the 4th Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM. For more Information, contact Melodie Johnson at (530) 458-5130.

• arbuckle revitalization committee Become involved in your community.

The month ARC Meetings are held the 1st Tuesday of every month at the ARC /APRD office 309 5th Street, Arbuckle.

• Master Gardener

Applications are Available The Colusa County Master Gardener program is now accepting applications for the 2011 class starting in January.

Master Gardeners are volunteers that provide public education in home gardening and basic horticulture. While the intent of the program is to provide service at little or no cost to the public, there is a fee of $150 for training new volunteers. For more information, pick up an application at the UCCE office (100 Sunrise Blvd., Ste E, Colusa) or the Farm Bureau office (530 Market St., Colusa) or any Master Gardener event. Applications are also available on-line at http://cecolusa.ucdavis.edu • Christmas community choir concert The annual Christmas Concert presented by the Community Choir will be performed three times this year. The first performance will be on Thursday, December 9, at 7:30 p.m. at the Parkside United Methodist Church located at 936 G St. in Williams. The Arbuckle United Methodist Church located at 9th and Pendleton in Arbuckle will host the second performance at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 12.

The final concert will be presented in Grimes at 7 p.m. at the Grimes Community Church located on Main Street on Monday, December 13.

The Community Choir is composed of individuals from many different parts of Colusa County and is directed by Jody Bowker of Arbuckle. The choir accompanist on piano is Jean Malcom of Grimes and instrumentalists are Ken Bertinoia, guitarist from Winters, Katie Airhart, flutiest and Curtis Pyle, percussionist from Arbuckle and Ron Simmons from Williams on trumpet.

The public is invited to any of the free performances. It is a wonderful way to celebrate the Christmas season by listening to beautiful music which is presented by singers and musicians who give of their time and talent to make your holiday season more enjoyable.

• williams adult basketball City of Williams is starting an adult basketball program starting Sunday, January 2nd. Cost is $20, for Williams residents and $30 for out of City residents. Cost includes jersey. Williams has 4 teams and is looking for 2 more teams limited to 12 players. Deadline is Dec 15th. Contact M. Cruz at Williams City Hall for team rosters. Her e-mail is mcruz@cityofwilliams.org. Games will be held at Williams High School Gym at 4,5, 6 and 7pm every Sunday night.

• williams COOPERATIVE vbs Williams Cooperative VBS Pancake & Waffle Breakfast Saturday December 11, 2010 7 am - 12 noon. at the Williams Community Church. 315 Ninth Street. Williams, CA. Adults $4, Children (age 4 -10) $2 • Children’s story time Storytime for children has resumed for the year at the Colusa branch of the Colusa County Library, 738

Market St. Storytime occurs every Thursday evening, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Participants will hear stories, make crafts and more. For more information, call Nancy at 458-0373.

• Colusa grief support offered McNary-Moore Funeral Service of Colusa sponsors a free grief support group at 7 p.m. the first Monday of each month at Trinity United Methodist Church, 511 Oak St., Colusa. For information, 458-2111.

• Knights of columbus council #14112 4th Annual cioppino dinner The Knight of Columbus (Maxwell, Williams, Arbuckle Council #14112) presents its fourth annual fundraiser Cioppino Dinner on Saturday, January 29, 2011 the the Arbuckle Fire Hall from 3pm to 6pm (BBQ Tri-Tip is offered as an alternative.

The dinner includes dessert, beverages, and all the trimmings. There will be a door prize, fun and the music will be provided by Jerry Choate.

The cost is $20 for adults, $5 for children 6-10, and children 5 and under are FREE. All proceeds go back to the community. For tickets or more information contact Frank Nobriga (530) 476-2872, Jack Pesola (530) 4763397, or Jim Miranda (530) 458-7889.

88th annual firemans ball

The Citizens for a Better Williams is co-sponsoring this year and it is amazing! The Dance will follow the light parade on December 11th and will go until 1am! Must be 21 to attend. Tickets can be purchased from a Williams Fire Fighter, Shear Class or any CBW Board Member. Cost is $10 per person.

• 3rd Annual Williams Festival of Lights December 11, 2010. Registration begins at Redinger Park, 9th and ‘F’ Streets at 6:00pm. Carolers & Tree Lighting begin at 6:30pm. Parade starts at 7:00pm.

Cash prizes awarded for winning entries. Entry forms available online at www.citizensforabetterwilliams. com. Don’t forget the Williams Home & Business Decorating Contest for a chance to win a cash prize!

Submit your event to: publisher@ williamspioneerreview.com or fax to: (530) 473-2524

8

Williams pioneer review

December 4, 2010 - December 18, 2010

artist to sketch in at Arts Council office Noted Colusa artist Mary Ann Nation will sketch from 11:30-2:30 in the Colusa County Arts Council office on Thursday, December 9. The office at 430 Market Street, Suite C, is currently showing some of Nation’s oils ranging from Mendocino area seascapes to scenes in the Sutter Buttes and the Colusa County hills.

Nation is willing to answer questions and to discuss her art as she draws in front of her audience.

A plein-air artist who enjoys capturing the nuances of the scene before her as she paints on her

outdoor easel, she frequently shows in Colusa as well as in Mendocino where she paints and shows with a plein-air group. Her seminal training was with Bob Burridge at the Mendocino Arts Center. Burridge is a renowned artist exhibiting in galleries across the country and featured in national art magazines.

All of the work currently on display in the CCAC office is for sale and she will consider special commissions. For more information contact CCAC at 458-2222.

officers recognized at rotary

Maxwell Library

T

receives new books

he Maxwell Library, a branch of the Colusa County Free Library, is pleased to announce the acquisition of 77 new hardcover children’s books through a generous grant from the Libri Foundation, and a matching grant from the Colusa County Friends of the Library. The Libri Foundation was established in 1989 for the sole purpose of helping rural libraries acquire new, quality, hardcover children's books they could not otherwise afford to buy.

Since October 1990, the Foundation has donated over $4,600,000 worth of new children's books to more than 3,000 libraries in 49 states. Sharron Johnson, Maxwell librarian, is thrilled to have received the new books.

She said, “The children’s books in

the library have not been updated in over ten years. These beautiful new books are a welcome addition to our children’s collection.”

There are books for all ages, from babies to teenagers. Some of the books are bilingual EnglishSpanish, and there are also several Spanish language books available.

Both fiction and non-fiction titles are included in the collection.

Some of the new non-fiction titles include: Cool Stuff and How it Works, George Washington’s Teeth, Dinosaurs: The Most Complete Upto-Date Encyclopedia for Dinosaur Lovers of All Ages, Computer Animation, Redwoods, and Fire Engines Up Close.

The Colusa Rotary Club recognized four of the Counties finest police officers. Colusa Officer Juan Perez, C.H.P Officer Paul Gullick, Colusa County Sheriff Deputy Steve Mullens, and Williams Officer David Soares - Not Pictured. Please read the story in our December 18th Issue of the WPR. (Photo by: Luis Barrera)

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