Sept. 28

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department displays a cache of weapons recovered in a recent investigation that has resulted in three arrests.

Automatic weapons, explosives found in Valley Springs

By Nick Baptista

   Two fully automatic weapons – a Colt M-16 assault rifle and an “Uzi” with a silencer – blasting caps and illegal ammunition were recovered earlier this month in a Valley Springs residence during a court-authorized search.

   The Valley Springs search warrant was one of three obtained and executed in a case involving Ronald LeRoy Applegate, 60, of San Andreas. Applegate and two other San Andreas residents – Jim Bertrand, 26, and his wife Tina Marie Bertrand, 19 - have been arrested in connection with the investigation by Calaveras County sheriff’s narcotics investigators, sheriff’s detectives and agents from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

   The Sept. 12 search was conducted at Thornicroft Drive and Davidson Court. An item believed to have been an improvised explosive was located during the search and Calaveras County bomb technicians responded to the scene and rendered the device safe. The device contained a form of cyanide powder and was built in a manner to have been dispersed by another form of explosive, according to the sheriff’s department.

   A third fully automatic weapon – a Mack 10 with a silencer – was found in Stockton.

   Applegate was suspected of being involved in a burglary that took place in early August. Approximately $30,000 in tools, jewelry, firearms and other items was stolen. The victim was listed as a CalFire employee.

   Most of the property reportedly was recovered when a search warrant was executed at an Angels Camp storage container leased by Applegate. Seven more firearms stolen during the burglary were recovered in Antioch. The sheriff’s department believes all of the property stolen in the burglary has been recovered.

   A search warrant was also obtained for Applegate’s San Andreas home and additional stolen property, methamphetamines and paraphernalia associated with the use of methamphetamines were located.

   Applegate was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for sale, possession of a dangerous weapon and possession of a destructive device. He is in custody in the Calaveras County Jail and bail has been set at $270,000.

   Tina and Jim Bertrand were arrested Tuesday on suspicion of burglary, and possessing methamphetamines and paraphernalia associated with the use of methamphetamines.

   ATF is in the process of filing federal charges against Applegate on illegal firearms and explosives allegations.

   The investigation continues and the sheriff’s department encourages anyone with information on this case to call them at 754-6500.  

Sept. 21

The engine of the Circus Train is being repaired under the guidance of Bob Bucy.

Efforts under way to restore Circus Train

Nick Baptista

   With the help of many, the once-popular Valley Springs Optimist Club Circus Train will proudly roll through town on special occasions such as the annual Christmas Parade.

   The train rehabilitation project began in mid-July. The train and accompanying two cars had fallen into disrepair while in storage. Sam Berry Towing got the ball rolling by hauling the engine and both cars several times. Don Clark also helped in the towing.

   The engine is being rehabilitated at Bob Bucy’s home, while Bill and Marti Crane are renovating the two cars at their place.

   The Valley Springs Home Center is providing supplies at a discount and Meeks Lumber in Martell has provided Trek Deck needed for all new floors and seats.

   Valley Springs Tire repaired one of the hitches on the train and donated a set of four new tires, while Ziffel Manufacturing in Toyon provided rust removal and powder coating. Another four tires were obtained through a $150 donation from the Valley Springs Area Business Association and Zamora Body Shop has supplied needed automotive parts at cost. Ms. Vicky’s Costume Shop provided storage, paint and artistic talents.

   A number of individuals have also been helping Marti Crane, who is the project coordinator. Will Sattler prepared the initial materials list and helped in the hauling and dismantling process. Brant Norried supplied painting materials and Sal Manna has been instrumental in support and guidance.

   Crane is seeking any history on the train, such as where it was originally built? She can be reached at 772-2555.  

Sept. 19

Ellie Watkins sits on the "devil's postpile" in front of her home on Gee Lane. The home, built around 1883 and one of the area's most historic residential properties, is on the market.

Owner hopes history will help sell landmark home

By Sal Manna

   One of the most historic residential properties in West Calaveras, a landmark location in the Valley Springs area since the Gold Rush, is for sale. Co-owner Ellie Watkins hopes publicity about its historic importance will preserve it for the future.

   “I really want this wonderful house to be bought by someone who will appreciate its history,” said Watkins. “It would be great to find a buyer who has the resources to continue the restoration instead of someone who might bulldoze it. This could be one of the great homes of the Mother Lode.”

    Located at 2625 Gee Lane, near Silver Rapids Road and Highway 26, the two-story home was built around 1883. But the lot upon which it stands claims an even greater heritage, being among the longest continuously occupied locales in West Calaveras. Originally called the Calaveras Lunch Ranch, situated on Lunch Hill, entrepreneur John Doak erected a large canvas house/hotel there no later than 1854, according to the Society for the Preservation of West Calaveras History. One of a dozen-plus roadhouses on the Stockton-Mokelumne Hill Road, including North American House one mile south, Lunch Hill could accommodate up to 100 weary and hungry prospectors, teamsters and travelers.

   The building, including doors and windows, was canvas because lumber was not available. Both the structure and its furniture were bought by Doak in Chicago and shipped around the Horn. He then invited his sister Ella’s family - her husband, Allen Willits, and their five children - to move to Lunch Hill from Illinois in 1854. He gave them the house as a gift.

   Doak, who operated a sawmill in Murphys, replaced the canvas with wood circa 1859. Eventually, the house was no longer used as a stage stop. A far more elaborate home, the one that exists today, was constructed largely with redwood around 1883. Neither Ella Jane nor Allen saw the new house. She died in 1878; he in 1881.  Their children sold the property, then with 480 acres, in 1890 for $100.   

   In 1968, stones from a “devil’s postpile,” greenstone naturally shaped into pillars several feet long, were placed at four West Calaveras spots as historic markers. Last December, as noted in a “Something From Nothing” feature in The Valley Springs News, three were rediscovered but not Lunch Hill’s. Soon after, two stones were located in front of the Gee Lane house, marking the site of the Calaveras Lunch Ranch.

   Those interested in purchasing the home may contact Watkins after 5 p.m. at (209) 772-9626.  

Sept. 14

Gail Belmont receives a $600 donation from Fred Galassi, finance officer for Bill Brinlee Post No. 102 of the American Legion in Valley Springs, for the Quilts of Valor Program.

Valley Springs-made quilt to grace the Pentagon

By Nick Baptista

   Earlier this year, President George W. Bush received a Quilt of Valor produced in Valley Springs, and now the Pentagon, one of the sites of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, has a similar quilt.

   Valley Springs area women have been creating the quilts for wounded U.S. service men and women since hostilities began in Afghanistan and Iraq. Quilts of Valor is a nationwide foundation with similar groups across the county working to provide quilts to comfort all combat-wounded service members.

   Gail Belmont of Belmont Family Quilts in Rancho Calaveras said the Pentagon quilt with a lone eagle pattern, the word “Freedom” across the top and a starburst outline, was unveiled at a conference involving the Quilts of Valor at the Pentagon and made an instant impression.

   One wounded Marine, she said, was so touched when he saw the quilt, that he carried a U.S. flag in the room next to the quilt, saluted them and began to cry.

   The Pentagon quilt will briefly leave its new home when it will be on display Oct. 31 to Nov. 4 at a quilt show in Houston. Belmont said the show is the second largest in the county and the quilt will be on display to raise donations for the Quilts of Valor program.

   Locally, Bill Brinlee Post No. 102 of the American Legion in Valley Springs recently donated $600 to the program. The money will be used to buy material, batting, backing and for shipping.

   The average cost to produce and ship a quilt is $300, Belmont said.  

Sept. 12

Sharon Floyd, left, Edith Rowley and Steve Watson discuss recent repair work to Mrs. Rowley's well.

Bank employees, well service come to aid of woman without water

By Nick Baptista

   Thanks to the generosity of employees at Umpqua Bank and Abbey Wells, Edith Rowley of Raindance Road near Burson for the first time in nearly a year has water running from her well.

   Mrs. Rowley, who has lived on Raindance Road since 1973, was unable to pay for repairs when her well pump went out last Christmas and was relying on a neighbor’s faucet for water.

   She said she tried to save what she could on her fixed income, but when that wasn’t enough, she went to the bank. The bank was unable to give her a loan, but Mrs. Rowley’s dilemma caught the attention of Sharon Floyd at Umpqua’s Valley Springs branch.

   Mrs. Rowley and her late husband Hal had been long-time customers and Edith’s situation “tugged on my heart,” Floyd said.

   Floyd said employees at the bank’s area branches started an in-house fund to help Mrs. Rowley. In addition, Floyd contacted Steve Watson of Abbey Wells, who when he heard Rowley had been without water for almost year offered to do the work at cost.

   Watson’s sons Sean and Chris, recent high school graduates, did most of the work, which included installation of a new pump, new meter, new pipe, wire, safety line and a control box under their dad’s supervision.

   They got rid of the well’s old galvanized tank system and installed a bladder tank system.

   “The boys did a great job,” Mrs. Rowley said.

   “I’m very proud of them,” Watson said. “I’m amazed. They kept right at it.”

   Mrs. Rowley was looking forward to once again watering her front lawn, which she said once had the reputation of being one of the finest lawns on Raindance Road.

   “I appreciate this so much,” she told Floyd and Watson. “I’m happy here. This is home.”  

Sept. 7

Artist Janice Carpenter took the ideas of Sheng Chi's Phil and Liz Weaver and captured them on one of the center's walls.

Sheng Chi unveils huge, symbolic wall painting

By Nick Baptista

   Work has been completed on what might be the largest interior wall painting in Valley Springs.

   Phil and Liz Weaver of Sheng Chi Kung Fitness Center commissioned Glencoe artist Janice Carpenter and daughter Stacey Flora to paint a mural to grace the martial arts center’s 60-foot wide by 25-foot tall wall.

   Many members of the community got a sneak preview of the mural as the work was in progress when the Weavers hosted a Valley Springs Area Business Association mixer Aug. 17.

   “It tells a story in itself,” Carpenter said.

   Similar to the frescos inside the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City, Sheng Chi’s mural is spiritual in nature. The mural pays homage to the Weavers’ da’shifu, or martial arts teacher, the late Al Moore Sr. and is filled with symbolism to bless the center with good energy, or “Chi.”

   The mural also has a village, courtyard, gate, mountains, creek, almond tree, bamboo, fire pot, Phoenix and seven animals, all with their own meaning. The animals depicted on the wall – the bear, tiger, mongoose, crane, mantis, cobra and dragon – display Shou Shu or the fighting ways of the animal, while the Phoenix represents the Weavers’ rebirth and when a Phoenix is present, it is a sign that all is good and honest in the kingdom.

   The mural is full of subtle nuisances. Phil explained that the water representation is a meandering creek, not rushing or stagnant water, both of which would be negative energy. The meandering creek represents Sheng Chi or positive energy, because that is the type of water most suitable for a settlement.

  The dragon in the center of the mural is a power dragon. It represents strength and power. The red lettering below the dragon represents battle art, while the gold lettering is a sign of royalty, he added.

   The gate has three levels and they represent the changes of life – learning, doing and teaching.

   “That’s what we’re all about,” said Phil.

   The courtyard is a representation of the studio. The courtyard is where the villagers studies kung fu.

   Carpenter and Flora spent 122 hours on the project. Carpenter said she receives her satisfaction in the knowledge that the Weavers are pleased with the mural.

   “I’m so pleased it tied so well together,” Carpenter said.  

Sept. 5

Dr. Jim Green, far right, directs traffic at the grape crusher.

It's grape harvest, crush time in western Calaveras

By Nick Baptista

   Grape harvests and crushes are under way in Western Calaveras County.

   Drs. Jim Green and Barbara Fox of Valley Springs Dentistry hosted family and friends at their Bear Flag Vineyard in Jenny Lind for their annual harvest and crush, which culminates in a friendly luncheon after the hard work is completed.

   Green described this year’s crop of grapes as “reasonably good.”

   As a home winemaker, Green said he is more concerned with quality over the quantity of grapes and this year’s crop should produce some good wine for his family and friends. He likes to get about two tons of grapes per acre from the two-acre vineyard near the heart of Jenny Lind.

   When the crushing operation is completed, the grapes ferment for about a week before being barreled.

   The harvest at Bear Flag Vineyards is expected to continue this weekend with Barbera grapes being picked and crushed.  

Dave and Melissa Lohsen, the owners of Lohsen Martial Arts Academy, work out in their new studio at 10-C Nove Way in Valley Springs.

Martial arts academy to celebrate re-opening at Valley Springs studio

By Nick Baptista

   Lohsen Martial Arts Academy will celebrate its move to Nove Plaza with a Grand Re-opening from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday.

   The new martial arts studio is located at 10-C Nove Way in Valley Springs. The event will include demos, food and prizes.

   Dave and Melissa Lohsen are the owners of the martial arts academy and the instructors. They have several assistants including their son Christian who helps in the classes for children and juniors.

   Dave has had his own school for five years and has been teaching martial arts for 12. The school formerly was at the Old Burson Firehouse.

   “We decided we wanted to do it more full time and this way we have more toys for the workouts,” said Melissa.

   The academy has added an elaborate bag stand.

   “It is specialized and allows us to work more on technique,” Dave said.

  The academy is open from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and Friday and Sunday by appointment only. The academy offers instruction in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Okinawan Goju Ryu.

   Kid and junior classes those days are from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., while the adult Jiu Jitsu class is from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

   “The Jiu Jitsu instruction sets us apart from anyone in the area,” Dave said.

   Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is about control, leverage and pain compliance maneuvers, he added.

   Brazilian Jiu Jitsu participants can practice at 100 percent full power since it is a submission art and either party can tell the other to stop, Dave said.

   The academy has 20 to 25 active children and junior pupils and 10 adult students.

   The academy does not have its students on contracts, Melissa added.

   In addition, Lohsen Martial Arts Academy hosts its own tournament, with the next one being Jan. 19, 2008, at Valley Springs Elementary School, and also participates in other tournaments.

   “We actively compete,” Dave said. “That is another fundamental difference between us and other academies. We want to give the kids the feel of a big tournament.”

   Five competitors from the academy recently collect two golds, a silver and bronze at the Gracie Open in Walnut Creek.

   In addition to the martial arts, Laura Baxter teaches yoga at the studio. Classes are from 8 to 9 a.m. and 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays, and 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. She can be reached at (209) 772-8924, or email dragonflyyoga@comcast.net.

   For more information about Lohsen Martial Arts Academy, call 603-0152.  

Mail: P.O. Box 1297, Valley Springs, CA 95252 
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