Latest news with #PlacerCounty
CBS News
15 hours ago
- Sport
- CBS News
Youth softball tournament generates big economic boost in Roseville
The fields at Maidu Regional Park are alive with energy this week as nearly 40 elite 10U softball teams from across California compete in the USA Softball Western "B" National Championship. But the excitement stretches far beyond the dugout. It's also being felt in local hotels, restaurants, and shops across Placer County. The tournament is expected to generate more than $1 million in economic impact, according to Placer Valley Tourism, with an estimated 2,500 athletes, coaches, and family members spending the week in the area. "Unfortunately, we don't have Tahoe, we don't have the snow or the lake... we're not San Francisco," said Kim Summers, CEO of Placer Valley Tourism. "So we've had to find a different way to do tourism, and we've really found our niche in sports tourism and youth sports tourism." City partnerships and strong community support are a big part of what makes this event successful, according to organizers. "The partnerships with the city are really what brings it here," said Karla Burket, Junior Olympic Commissioner for USA Softball of Sacramento. "The city staff, the park workers... then the amenities around us, from Top Golf and Sun Splash to the mall and movie theaters, anything they want to do is covered." Among the standout teams competing is the Poway All Stars, based near San Diego. After capturing the USA Softball Southern California State Championship, they arrived in Roseville with an impressive 36-6 record. Players say the experience has been unforgettable. "It feels amazing because we're one of the teams that get to come here and most teams don't," said Danica Avila, who plays third base and shortstop for the Poway All Stars. "I'm just happy to be here with my team," added Kassidee Wallace, the team's catcher. "This is our last week together, and it's just a great feeling being here." That excitement is shared by families and coaches alike. "The best experience so far," said Head Coach Kaylie Wallace. "We got on the field and were ready to go — we didn't have that at State. Everything's really nice around here, so it's been a great experience." As the games continue, local leaders say tournaments like this are becoming a cornerstone of Roseville's tourism strategy, proving youth sports can be a grand slam for the economy. The championship game is scheduled for Sunday at 3 p.m. at Maidu Regional Park.
CBS News
2 days ago
- CBS News
Human remains found along rural Nevada County road, sparking investigation
An investigation is underway after a father and son located human remains in rural Nevada County Monday afternoon, authorities said. Deputies said the two were recreating in the area of Banner Quaker Hill Road, which is a lengthy paved road that turns into a dirt, fire access road. When the father and son duo found the human remains, they called 911. Deputies and detectives responded and confirmed the remains were human. Deputies said due to the level of decomposition, the remains have not been identified, nor has a cause of death been determined. The remains were taken to Placer County Morgue, where a formal autopsy is scheduled for July 29.
CBS News
7 days ago
- Automotive
- CBS News
Major Highway 65 expansion project aims to ease Rocklin traffic
If you've driven along Highway 65 in Rocklin, you know the struggle of bumper-to-bumper traffic, long delays, and daily frustration for commuters. But change is on the way, as local and federal officials push forward with a major highway expansion aimed at relieving congestion and improving safety. The project focuses on a 1.4-mile stretch of southbound Highway 65 between Blue Oaks and Galleria Boulevard, an area that often sees some of the worst backups. Plans call for an additional southbound lane and a new auxiliary lane to help with merging traffic and reduce bottlenecks. "It's a daily headache," said one driver. "The traffic on it is crazy." Another added, "I always see cars backed up trying to get on there." Placer County is one of the fastest-growing regions in California and the traffic has grown with it. "Congestion affects people in a number of ways," said Rick Carter with the Placer County Transportation Planning Agency. "We see increased population every year." The $22.5 million project is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation through its BUILD grant program. Lawmakers say the return on investment could be massive. "Just when it comes to the time savings for trucks, it's estimated to be $70 million," said Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley. "So it pays for the grant many times over." In addition to cutting travel times, the expansion is expected to improve safety. Between 2013 and 2022, the corridor saw 227 accidents and eight traffic fatalities. Officials say the crashes are often caused by stop-and-go congestion and sudden drops in speed. The improvements may also benefit emergency response times. Carter said ambulance crews often avoid the highway altogether due to traffic. "We spoke with the ambulance provider in the area," Carter said. "They talked about how they often don't take 65 when transporting patients to the hospital because it's so congested. They're taking surface streets. With the improvements here, it's going to make a significant difference." Once complete, officials estimate the upgrades could cut travel times by up to 50%. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2027 and is expected to be completed by late 2028.
CBS News
15-07-2025
- Business
- CBS News
$5 bet turns into $578,000 grand prize for Thunder Valley Casino winner
A $5 bet on a penny slot machine turned into a $578,073 grand prize for one lucky winner at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Northern California, a casino spokesperson said Tuesday. The win happened on Monday on a 5 Dragons Grand slot machine. Thunder Valley said this is the third time in just weeks that a guest has won a major jackpot. "We are thrilled to celebrate this signification jackpot win with one of our valued guests," said Dawn Clayton, general manager of Thunder Valley. "Moments like these are what make the energy on Thunder Valley's casino floor so special. On behalf of our entire team, congratulations to our guest. We are honored to see our guests experience these life-changing moments!" Thunder Valley Casino Resort is located just a few miles north of Roseville in Placer County and about 30 miles northeast of downtown Sacramento.
New York Times
15-07-2025
- New York Times
Dan Serafini, Former Baseball Pitcher, Is Convicted of Murder
Dan Serafini, a former pitcher and first-round pick of the Minnesota Twins, was convicted on Monday in the 2021 execution-style shootings of his wealthy in-laws at their home at Lake Tahoe. On the third day of deliberations in the high-profile case, a jury in Placer County, Calif., convicted Mr. Serafini, 51, of first-degree murder in the killing of his father-in-law, Gary Spohr, 70, and attempted murder of his mother-in-law, Wendy Wood, who survived being shot in the head. She died by suicide in 2023 at age 70, according to her family. Mr. Serafini, who has denied being involved in the shootings, was also found guilty of special circumstance allegations of lying in wait and first-degree burglary. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 18. During his six-week trial in Superior Court in Auburn, Calif., prosecutors described Mr. Serafini as having had an acrimonious relationship with his in-laws, who were worth millions, and said that he had once been overheard offering $20,000 to have them killed. The prosecutors presented testimony from Samantha Scott, the family's former nanny, with whom they said that Mr. Serafini was having an affair and who helped commit the crime. Ms. Scott, who was initially charged with murder and attempted murder, pleaded guilty in February to being an accessory to a felony and is awaiting sentencing. Jurors also viewed security camera footage from June 5, 2021, the day of the shootings. The recordings showed a masked and hooded man, who prosecutors said was Mr. Serafini, waiting for his in-laws, who were out boating, to return to their home. Both of the victims were shot in the head at close range, execution style, the authorities said. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
