Latest news with #GraniteBay
Yahoo
07-08-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
California homeowners rejected a property tax. Now, fire districts struggle
Multimillion dollar homes around Folsom Lake in Granite Bay offer exclusive views. The tree-lined neighborhoods in the suburb — containing the Sacramento region's highest median household income — is at a very high fire risk, according to Cal Fire. Yet, 53.1% of residents in this wealthy enclave rejected Proposition 218, a fee on properties, in 2022 to raise money for the South Placer Fire District, the local station serving Granite Bay, Loomis and southern portions of Penryn and Newcastle. Two stations out of six shut down in September 2022 as funding streams failed to keep apace with expenditures. Firefighters for years have raised the alarm about fire protection districts pinching pennies as scant dollars cannot cover soaring costs of fire trucks and equipment. Industry standards recommend replacing each after a certain amount of years to protect first responder. A fire truck can cost $1 million, which at times, can be impossible to buy for small, rural fire protection districts, such as those scattered across Yolo County. But agencies in well-populated areas — such as Granite Bay and Truckee — also contend with financial shortages. The problems, five fire district chiefs across Yolo and Placer counties say, stem from referendums about taxes and legislative decisions made in the last century which whittled away money. Prop. 13 limited property tax gathering; Prop. 172 created a public safety sales tax for first responders, but none went to Placer County fire protection districts; and the Legislature also earmarked a certain portion of property taxes must flow to schools. 'How do we keep going in the face of what seems to be a daunting task of the increasing cost?' said South Placer Fire District Chief Mark Duerr, who serves about 38,000 people. On Tuesday, this struggle reemerged at the Placer County Board of Supervisors. Wayne Nader, a former board member for the North Auburn and Ophir Fire Safe Council, raised concerns during public comment about the difficulties of buying a ladder truck which he said could cost $3 million and take years for it to be delivered. Fire protection districts are categorized as special districts and only serve a county's unincorporated areas. They are independent from a county's budget and reliant upon funds raised by its communities. Placer County does not directly give money to fire districts out of its $1.4 billion budget, but has offered support to firefighters by waiving the cost of special elections and offering dispatch services for free, said county spokesperson Chris Gray-Garcia. Unless changes are made, fire chiefs said, fire protection districts could face increasing challenges to provide services. 'I cannot fathom a world that exists in the next three to five years where small one to two stations can afford to operate,' Duerr said. How Prop. 13 cut away funding There have been three cost measures the Placer Hills Protection Fire District — which serves the communities of Applegate, Meadow Vista, Weimar, Clipper Gap and Eden Valley — embarked on in recent years to meet costs. Residents in the 34 square miles approved Measure A in 2019 to levy a special property tax. The district, containing about 12,500 residents, also approved raises in 2020 and in 2024 to raise fire impact fees. But those increases do not come close to offsetting capital costs, said Placer Hills Fire Protection District Mark D'Ambrogi in an interview. Residents have been supportive, willing to fork over $300 to $400 per year for medical services and fire protection measures, said Alex Harvey, a Placer Hills Protection Fire District board member. 'There comes a point, though, when you can't keep taking money,' Harvey said. The main concern for fire chiefs boils down to how exactly Prop. 13 is allocated. California voters approved Prop. 13 in 1978, a watershed decision, limiting property taxes collected by local government. Before Prop. 13 was approved, municipalities could determine it's own property tax rate based on the land's market value, or the monetary value it would be sold for, according to the California Legislative Analyst's Office. But the new referendum capped property taxes while only assessing properties based on its value at the time of purchase. 'As a result, under Proposition 13 the taxable value of most properties is less than their market value,' according to the Legislative Analyst's Office. In the South Placer Fire District, only 5 cents from every $1 collected of property tax goes to special districts and distributed to all special districts across Placer County, Duerr said. There's also a disparity across the fire districts who receive funding. The Placer Hills Fire Protection District gets about 6 cents, while the Newcastle Fire Protection District gets about 3 cents, D'Ambrogi said. This division in property tax has led to lawsuit between one fire district and Placer County. The Truckee Fire Protection District — which serves Truckee and other unincorporated areas of Placer and Nevada counties — filed a lawsuit earlier this year alleging Placer County is 'withholding at least $200,000 per year of property taxes from Truckee Fire needed to fund its essential fire safety and medical services.' The lawsuit alleges county officials withheld property taxes from Martis Valley and areas called 'Zone 7,' required to be allocated under Prop. 13 and Assembly Bill 8, the legislation which codified the tax referendum. 'After years of failed efforts to persuade Placer County to honor the law, Truckee Fire now seeks judicial assistance in righting this historic wrong — before it is too late to protect its communities from wildfire,' according to the lawsuit filed in February. Placer County denied the allegations, and said enough time has passed that some allegations listed in the lawsuit fail to 'constitute a cause of action,' according to the county's court documents. In addition, none of the funding allocated for public safety agencies under Prop. 172 in Placer County. The referendum, approved in 1993, created a half-cent sales tax to law enforcement. The Placer County Sheriff's Office receives the largest amount, with about $46 million, according to the county. Truckee Fire Chief Kevin McKechnie serves a large district which grows around peak travel times as tourists flock to beautiful California resort. In the summer and winter, the population triples to about 60,000 people, he said. He commended his community for passing Measure T in 2021, which placed a $179 tax per parcel, and will sunset in eight years. Money raised under this measure can only be spent on fuel reduction and wildfire prevention projects. But the voter-approved initiative does not allow him to buy fire trucks, pay firefighters or fix stations. 'It's one of the best tools I have right now,' McKechnie said. 'But it is limited.' Dual worries weigh on McKechnie. To sufficiently provide services to his community, the same personnel must operate different types of equipment, which require different skillset. He also seeks to buy new fire trucks, some of which he's had for 30 years. But funds are scarce. 'I gotta be honest with you,' he said, 'I don't have a plan for that.' Solve the daily Crossword
Buzz Feed
05-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
15 Best Outdoor Coffee Tables
A two-tier wicker coffee table so your patio has storage and a little flair. Wicker is popular for outdoor furniture because it's durable, low-maintenance, and super stylish (it's got that airy, breezy aesthetic going on). With a tempered glass top, woven all-weather wicker, and a bonus lower shelf for your citronella candles or TBR pile, this rectangular table will bring order to your outdoor space. It even comes with a furniture cover!Promising review: "Love this table! Goes together easily and is sturdy. Love the shelf underneath and the glass top makes it very special." —TaniaGet it from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in black or brown). A Moroccan-inspired round coffee table if you want something that looks like it was selected by an interior designer. The hammered metal table adds texture and shine, while the brushed metal legs give it that just-wandered-out-of-a-Marrakech-market look. It's so pretty, you just might want to haul it indoors. Promising review: "This table is awesome — just the right amount of function, texture, and color for my sunroom. Love that it is lightweight and had only four small screws to assemble. Can be used in different ways — will have this table forever." —Pasadena SunshineGet it from Amazon for $114.48+ (available in four colors). A chunky wicker coffee table so you have somewhere to stash the outdoor chaos. This one's built tough, with a rust-resistant frame, durable HDPE wicker, and a lift-up lid that hides all the outdoor toys, rogue flip-fops, and mystery cords. Think of it as the outdoor equivalent of shoving everything into a closet before company comes over. A cover is review: "This is such an elegant product for storage of my outdoor cushions. Of course, it's a table as well. You can also use it as a foot stool :-) I would highly recommend it. It looks terrific and is very well-made." —Granite Bay customerGet it from Amazon for $94.99+ (available in four colors). Or a round acacia coffee table that'll double as a sneaky spot to store your stuff. Acacia wood is a popular material for outdoor furniture because of its density (aka it's strong) and weather resistance. This table even has an umbrella hole and shows up fully assembled. Promising review: "Gorgeous table! Made well and perfect height for outdoor seating! Love the extra storage underneath too!" —Zachary Get it from Wayfair for $266 (originally $297; available in two colors). A round steel coffee table for anyone who's officially bored of wood, wicker, and black metal. This one comes in colors like sunny yellow and peacock blue, adding a splash of personality without costing more than dinner out. It's super compact, too, so if you're dealing with very limited space, this is a solid option. Promising review: "This is my second time buying this little table. It's so cute, and I love the color. Holds up well, even in the Florida sun" —Marion Get it from Wayfair for $54.99+ (originally $67.99+; available in five colors). A two-tone wooden coffee table that'll bring just the right amount of edge to your seating area. The acacia wood top will add texture and warmth, while the metal base will keep things grounded and a little industrial. It's sturdy and spacious, and not trying too hard. Promising review: "Love love love!!! This is one of the nicest tables I have ever bought! And for the price, OMG incredible! Super well made, very easy to put together, and I've gotten so many compliments!" —Sarah Anne Get it from Amazon for $100.79+ available in three colors). A two-tier teak oil–finished coffee table if you're trying to keep things neat without spending a ton of money. Made from meranti wood (a popular choice for outdoor furniture because it's affordable *and* durable) and treated to withstand the elements, this compact table has just enough storage to hide the clutter while still leaving room for your iced coffee and unread magazines. Promising review: "Wow, this is really nice! The quality is beyond my expectations, especially for the price! Arrived very nicely packed, super clear instructions, went together easily. I am thrilled!" —K. PiotrowskiGet it from Amazon for $68.99. A rectangular acacia coffee table that'll look like it was picked up at some high-end downtown showroom. If your seating area is feeling a little dull, this is the main character moment it needs. Promising review: "The coffee table is really cute and stylish, and the price point is amazing for what you get. We were wondering why we didn't buy something like this earlier. We can put our feet up on it and also eat off of it. The height was a good match with our loveseat. We have it on our covered porch." —Helen Get it from Wayfair for $146.99. A small black metal coffee table if you need something that gets the job done without making a scene. Its woodgrain-look metal top will wipe clean with a damp cloth (aka ideal for post-s'mores stickiness), and the powder-coated frame can handle anything. It's simple and plays well with pretty much any patio setup. Promising review: "Having been in the metal working industry for the better part of 30 years, I was very pleasantly surprised at the quality of materials and fabrication in this table. All of the cuts are straight and true. The welds are neat and clean with no gaps or slag overage. This is a great little table for the money." —thehwyman Get it from Amazon for $74.99. An open-weave wicker coffee table that'll make your patio look inviting yet chic. With its rounded shape and airy faux rattan design, this handwoven table will bring a boho look in the best possible way. No assembly required, so it's basically cute *and* considerate. Promising review: "This looks exactly like the picture. It's very attractive and looks great. The only downside is that the design doesn't leave much of a tabletop, so I'm thinking of adding a glass top for more space. I would definitely recommend!" —NAGet it from Target for $106.99. A solid teak round coffee table will be perfect if you want something simple but still statement-making. Its smooth curves, rich wood grain, and premium-grade teak give it that quiet, confident feel that doesn't scream "look at me," but will still totally get the compliments. Promising review: "This is our second summer with this table on our covered porch. I applied more teak oil at the beginning of the summer to make sure it was well protected. We are really happy with the table for its use, looks, size, and quality. It still looks new. No issues with it. I would buy this exact table again." —ShibaGet it from Amazon for $305.77. A rectangular aluminum coffee table so your patio can feel intentional and not just thrown together. The light colored top gives it a warm, natural vibe, while the all-aluminum frame keeps things sturdy and weather-ready. It's substantial enough to anchor your seating area, but light enough to scoot around when the snacks inevitably end up in the sun. Promising review: "That is so beautiful, stylish, and very sturdy. I love it; I think it's my best purchase so far." —AndreaGet it from Target for $140.99 (originally $289.99). A slated eucalyptus wood coffee table for a patio that wants to act a little more grown-up. With clean lines, a teak-like finish, and sophisticated resort energy, this timeless table will make everything around it look more expensive. Bonus: it's weather-protected, so it'll stay looking good long after the rosé runs out. Promising review: "It's pricier than other patio tables, but the quality is great and the legs line up perfectly, so you do get what you pay for." —A Get it from Amazon for $229.05. A rectangular teak coffee table if you like the idea of mixing wood and metal. The slatted top is made from teak, and is paired with a powder-coated aluminum frame that feels crisp and contemporary. Bonus: the wood is FSC-certified, so it's responsibly sourced. FSC-certified wood comes from responsibly managed forests that meet strict environmental and ethical review: "This table looks to be of good quality. I appreciate that it is lightweight but strong. The color of the aluminum is a warm light gray, which coordinates well with the warm teak. Overall, this is a great piece of patio furniture for the price that incorporates a mixed material design." —KirstenGet it from Wayfair for $219.99+ (originally $325; available in two colors). And an indoor/outdoor round coffee table that'll feel like a work of art. It's made with materials that mimic the patina of weathered stone, which will offer you the look but without the weight. Get it from West Elm for $599+ (available in two sizes and colors).
CBS News
12-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Construction underway for Granite Bay's new Nugget Market grocery store
A brand-new grocery store is coming to Granite Bay. Nugget Market is getting ready to open its 17th location, this one located on the southeast corner of Sierra College and Douglas boulevards. The original building has been completely gutted and rebuilt from the studs up. "This has been years in the making," said Cody Moody, the store's director. The new store will feature a floral shop and a raised mezzanine where shoppers can enjoy some of the food they've purchased. With their opening just weeks away in July, the company is also preparing to hire dozens of new team members. "We're looking for great people who love to give excellent service and be a part of our community," said Taylor Wohler, Nugget Market's manager in charge. Nugget Market has consistently been rated as one of the best employers in the U.S., even being ranked at #99 in the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list for 2024. At least 50 jobs are being hired for at the new Granite Bay store. Positions available include food service, stock positions and more.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Six stunning estates set the new standard for Sacramento luxury homes
Stories by Sacramento Bee journalists, with AI summarization Sacramento's luxury home market features a blend of modern amenities, history, and record prices. A standout is a Granite Bay estate with a 4,000-square-foot indoor basketball court, gym, and entertainer's kitchen. A historic 1880s Folsom Victorian, meticulously restored to preserve its original details, also hit the market. Granite Bay saw its highest sale in years with a Santa Barbara-style home designed for a sports-car collection, boasting a temperature-controlled garage and resort-style outdoor spaces. Downtown living is represented by a spacious Kimpton Sawyer penthouse, offering panoramic city views and VIP Golden 1 Center access, recently selling at a notable auction price. Are the prices for high-end homes in the Sacramento area creeping up? | Published January 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by David Caraccio The luxury condo was owned by ex-eBay CEO Meg Whitman and her husband, a surgeon. | Published April 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by David Caraccio Granite Bay estate hits the high-end market for $5.25 million. | Published February 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by David Caraccio The hypercars were not included. But you can see how a Ferrari or Lamborghini fits in the garage | Published March 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by David Caraccio Guess what sold Ben McLemore on the property. | Published July 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Caraccio Italianate Victorian sits on oversized lot just steps away from historic Sutter Street and the American River. | Published November 23, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Caraccio The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
New York Times
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
‘Step Brothers' Created the Catalina Wine Mixer. Catalina Island Made It Real.
When Makena Brister and Shawn Arnold arrived on Santa Catalina Island just off the coast of Southern California on Saturday afternoon, they had one thing on their minds: the raunchy 2008 comedy 'Step Brothers.' The 22-year-olds stepped off their ferry in matching blue button-down shirts and argyle sweater vests, dressed to recreate the movie's memorable poster of Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly, who star in the film as two middle-aged men that begrudgingly become family when their parents remarry. The mixer is the emotional finale of the film, where the bickering step brothers finally come together to save the day after a bad Billy Joel cover band nearly ruins the event. 'This has been a dream since watching 'Step Brothers,'' Ms. Brister said. 'It's our favorite movie, we watch it all the time.' The couple traveled from Granite Bay, Calif., to attend the 10th year of the Catalina Wine Mixer, an event that was inspired by its fictional counterpart in the film, and which the Catalina Island Company decided to make real in 2015. The group owns about 11 percent of the island and is behind various efforts to attract visitors. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
