Kathie Burby Tuolumne County Real Estate Guide

Californians You Can Help Save Our Parks

Do you live near a state park? Do you visit state parks? Which state parks are your favorite?

I am fortunate to live in a county with two state parks, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park and Columbia State Historic Park. I enjoy both of these parks, sometimes just to eat my lunch on a picnic table. When my family comes to visit they can't leave without a walk through the streets of Columbia. Each year, thousands of school children arrive by the busloads to learn about California's history. They get to experience a steam train ride in Jamestown and a stagecoach ride in Columbia. Where else can they do that?

There are tourists that come from every corner of our nation as well as other parts of the world to experience a part of the American West. The economies of communities that surround state parks depend on the tourists. It is their livelihood. I don't believe the governor understands the devastating effect closing state parks will have on local economies.

Arnold Schwarznegger insists his plan to close 220 of California's state parks is necessary. The governor claims it would save $70 million in the next fiscal year and more than double that the following year. What his plan doesn't address is the possible takeover by the National Park Service of six of these parks if they are closed. California would be violating the terms of the deed if it closes those parks. NPS Pacific West Regional Director Jon Jarvis also warned Governor Schwarznegger that California could also lose millions of dollars in federal grants if it closes other state parks.

The California State Parks Foundation has published facts on their website that show the shortsidedness of the governor's plan. Most disturbing to me is the governor has no plan to reopen the parks. Our park system has been in existence over 150 years. It is a part of our history and California's legacy. I urge you to visit the website and sign the petition to keep the parks open.

Kathie Burby

Your Guide to Tuolumne County Real Estate

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC

19520 Hillsdale Dr

Sonora CA 95370

Office:(209)533-4242 Cell: (209)728-5554

www.sugarpinerealty.com/kburby

photo copyright 2009 Kathie Burby

Glorious 4^th of July Celebration

Columbia California is one of California's living history state parks. It is more than just a state park - it is a community. Merchants and locals make it a joy to visit any time. Holidays are always special in Columbia. Each 4^th of July, the Columbia Chamber of Commerce throws a big bash - Gold Rush style. This year is no exeception, despite the threat of closure from the state government.

Today there will be a parade with participants dressed in period. Prizes will be awarded to the best dressed. Music in the streets will be by The Fiddle Gang and a concert in the afternoon by The Great Mother Lode Brass & Reed Band. Old fashioned contests such as needle in the haystack, cake walk, egg relay, egg toss and a tug -o-war are all part of the fun. At the end of the day there will be a tri tip bar b que. Come out and have fun.

The Hunt is On.... Easter Eggs That Is!

Easter is coming to Tuolumne County this weekend. There will be egg hunts, a parade, steam train rides and more taking place throughout the county Saturday and Sunday. So don your Easter bonnets, bring baskets for the children and join the egg hunts. Here is a schedule of some of the events:

            Christian Heights Assembly of God will host its free "Giant Easter Egg Hunt" from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Tuolumne Memorial Park in Tuolumne. There will be golden eggs, prizes, a bounce house, face painting, puppet shows and free rides on a miniature train. Registration is required so call Tuolumne Park and Recreation District at 209-928-1214.

            Dodge Ridge Ski Area will host an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday. Three hunts will be held, separated by age groups: 1 p.m. for 3-4 yr olds, 1:30 p.m. for 5-7 yr olds and 2 p.m. for 8-11 yr olds. The child that finds the golden egg will receive a Dodge Ridge 2009-10 season pass. There will also be a chance to get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny.

            The Easter Bunny will arrive at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown at 11.30 a.m. Saturday. Egg hunts will start at noon on the roundhouse lawn. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic or order lunch at the Carriage Room snack bar. The steam train, featured in many movies, will run both Saturday and Sunday on the hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy a 40 minute roundtrip ride through California's scenic Gold Country for $8 adults, $3 for ages 6-17, and free for ages 5 and under.

            The Twain Harte Rotary Club will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt at 1 p.m. Sunday at Eproson Park in Twain Harte. Games will follow.

            The Victorian Easter Celebration will be Sunday in Columbia State Historic Park. This is one of the largest Easter events in the foothills. Egg hunts will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. The Victorian Easter Parade will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Main Street. Parade registration begins at 11 a.m. in front of the Fallon Hotel. Prizes will be awarded for the fanciest Victorian hat, best dressed Victorian couple, best dressed little girl, and best dressed little boy. Don your best 1800s era apparel and march in the parade or just come and watch.

First Quarter 2009 Market Statistics for Tuolumne County, California

There are currently 169 active single family homes in Tuolumne County ranging in price from $78,500 to $985,000. There are affordable homes located in all areas of the county.

We are experiencing an increase in buyer activity with three times as many homes sold in March 2009 compared with January 2009.

This information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Information compiled from TCAR MLS data.

Tuolumne County is so close to the Bay Area and other population centers yet so remote. Everything is here to transport you out of the every day. Nestled in the mountains between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe, it is one of California's most spectacular regions. Even though the primary seasons of winter and summer attract the most travelers, spring and fall are exceptional.

In the spring, the light green leaves of aspen and cottonwood, and the bloom of wildflowers signal a mountain rebirth. The days are balmy and nights are cool. Through April, there may be an occasional snowy surprise so be prepared for the unexpected.

Nature abounds in Tuolumne County with rivers, streams and lakes. Year-round recreational activities include golf, tennis, swimming, fishing, hiking, hunting, skiing (water and snow),boating, gold panning, live theater, a stream train, and so much more.

Stay at one of the unique inns located in Twain Harte or Strawberry and truly experience the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Gables Cedar Creek Inn www.gccinn.com

Gables Cedar Creek Inn is located in the resort village of Twain Harte, California. There are cabins and a vacation home with accommodations nestled amidst the tall pines and cedars of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It offers both rustic beauty and a quiet atmosphere with affordable elegance.

Lazy Z Resort www.lazyz.com

The Lazy Z Resort is located in its own private valley and minutes from the town of Twain Harte. A true mountain retreat, the Lazy Z Resort offers exceptional recreational opportunities and first-class accommodations in a serene setting.

Strawberry Inn www.strawberryinns.com

High in California's Sierras, by the edge of the Stanislaus River, among aspen, tall pines, and firs, the Strawberry Inn greets you for a unique get-away. The Strawberry Inn was established in 1939 as an outpost for adventuresome travelers of the era. The inn has something for everyone any time of the year.

McCaffery House www.mccaffreyhouse.com

McCaffery House Bed and Breakfast Inn is a delightfully warm and enchanting mountain lodge. It offers beautifully decorated spacious gathering areas and warmly romantic guestrooms. All rooms have exquisite views of the forest that envelops the Inn.

www.sugarpinerealty.com/kburby