While the smoke from the recent fires remains sharp in our minds, and while we continue to assess the damage done to our forests and watersheds, not all is bad news in the County. We are in the middle of our wine harvest and expect a great vintage for the year!  Our Certified Farmers Markets continue throughout the County, providing healthy, delicious and local produce, meats, flowers and other goodies in support of local agriculture.  The fantastic Gold Country Fair just took place at the Fairgrounds in Auburn and was an opportunity for great family fun and good times with friends and neighbors.  We still have a strong ranching, farming and agricultural heritage that shines through at "our" local County fair!

In the past month I've had the opportunity to share a meal with a great group of friends, prepared by the visionary Joanne Neft (see photo below), attended the Tahoe Summit which discussed our region in terms of forest health, watershed protection and social, economic and environmental goals, toured the Blodgett Forest Research Station  with the Placer County Air Pollution Control District in an effort to better understand our needs for forest management and opportunities for green, renewable energy generation from our forest waste, and attended a number of great musical events at Squaw Valley, Kings Beach and Tahoe City.

Among the other events that I either have already celebrated, or look forward to celebrating is Tahoe City's 150th Anniversary, Symphony in the Park with the Auburn Symphony, The Gold Star Peak Dedication Ceremony in South Lake Tahoe, the Duck Derby and Adventure Auburn at the American River Confluence in Auburn, The Great American River Cleanup Day throughout our region, the various 5th District coffees, Municipal Advisory Council meetings and Board of Supervisors meetings, and last but not least, my own 30th College Reunion at Mills College at the end of this month! 

As always, if Jocelyn, Steve or I can be of help, please let us know.

All My Best - Jennifer Montgomery