Rocklin freezes hiring, cuts budget - Sac Bee
Expecting a slow economic recovery, city officials have sliced away at the 2008-09 budget, freezing vacant positions and cutting expenses.

Planning commission getting a new look - The Union of Grass Valley
After tonight's Nevada City Council meeting, at least one new planning commissioner will be seated and two others could be reappointed by different city council members.

Steve Frisch op-ed: Reconsidering Kings Beach's future - Truckee Sierra Sun
The rejection of the three-lane alternative was an ill-conceived decision led by Placer County Supervisor Bruce Kranz and California gubernatorial appointee Tim Leslie. The decision does not respect the will of the people and does not contribute to meeting the future needs of Lake Tahoe and its residents.

Pollution monitors go down in Placer - Sac Bee
Placer County has had some of the worst air in the region - but no one could say exactly how bad the smoke was Tuesday because the local particle pollution samplers were not working.

Bad air closes public pool in Lincoln - Sac Bee
McBean Pool was closed Tuesday, after Placer County officials issued an updated air quality advisory recommending people delay strenuous outdoor exercise.

Placer County fires now nation's No. 1 priority - Roseville Press-Tribune
Forest fires burning Tuesday on both sides of the North Fork American River canyon in Placer County were ranked No. 1 in the nation.

Battle heats up for firefighting crews - Auburn Journal
Lack of sleep, intensely thick smoke, sizzling heat and rugged terrain began to take its toll on fire crews Tuesday.

Three acres burn in Auburn Ravine - Lincoln News Messenger
A blaze broke out in Auburn Ravine for the second time in a month Tuesday afternoon, burning roughly three acres.

New fire chief could oversee agency mergers - The Union of Grass Valley
The appointment of Tony Clarabut Tuesday as Grass Valley's interim fire chief is expected to produce a new organizational alignment for the department with other area fire districts.

The heat is on - The Union of Grass Valley and Auburn Journal
Excessive summer heat and drifting wildfire smoke predicted for today have weather officials urging residents to drink plenty of water and stay inside with air conditioning.

Placer County vintners uncork frustration over bottled-up wine ordinance - Auburn Journal
Legal questions are delaying a Placer County Board of Supervisors decision on a new winery ordinance - and vintners are upset.

Tahoe utility district eyes water company takeover - Truckee Sierra Sun
Plans for Lake Forest water users to fall into the hands of the Tahoe City Public Utility District are moving forward, with cost estimates and preliminary designs to be unveiled today.

Theater project in wings for Antelope High - Roseville Press-Tribune
Roseville Joint Union High School District trustees recently approved going forward with a performing arts center at Antelope High.

Middle school to house its own life lab - Auburn Journal
After months of planning, applying for grants and seeking volunteers and donors, it's time to begin transforming a hill on the Auburn campus of E.V. Cain Middle School into a life lab.

Flag-waving fun - Roseville Press-Tribune
Patriotism was in full swing last week as thousands of Roseville residents showed up to view the city's annual All American Fourth of July parade Friday.

Family plans celebration of Gary Todd's life - Colfax Record
Gary Todd's family is planing a celebration of his life starting at noon on Sunday, July 27 at the Meadow Vista Park.

Sheriffs line up for pancake duty - The Union of Grass Valley
Sheriff Keith Royal will serve up pancake and eggs to help raise money for Hospice of the Foothills.