Jan Hovey

Calaveras Lumber voted Best Hardware Store in California

By Jan Hovey

  Calaveras Lumber was voted the Best Hardware Store in the entire state of California by Stihl’s 2025 Hardware All Stars, and Jodie Brixey, general manager of Calaveras and Sonora Lumber, is celebrating with her staff.    “It’s a huge recognition as we were up against some of the best and biggest hardware stores,” Jodie expressed. “It’s our employees who deserve […]

Murphys Homecoming and Duck Races Saturday in Murphys Park

By Jan Hovey

Murphys Homecoming and Duck Races Saturday in Murphys Park    There will be something entertaining for every member of the family when the 79th annual Murphys Homecoming kicks off on Saturday, July 19 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Murphys Community Park.    “This is completely a family event – very affordable and enjoyable,” said an enthusiastic representative from the Murphys […]

Death Ride traverses three passes July 12

By Jan Hovey

  The full course of the 44th annual Death Ride on Saturday, July 12, encompasses 103 miles with a 14,000-foot elevation gain over Ebbetts, Carson and Monitor passes. This event is not for the faint-of-heart cyclist!    “It’s not a race – it’s a tour,” said a representative from the Alpine County Chamber of Commerce, the event’s host. “There are six rated […]

Takeaways from the Wildfire Film Fest

By Jan Hovey

   If you were unable to attend the Fire and Forest Film Festival held May 31 at Bret Harte Theater, I’ve summarized panel discussions from wildfire and forest experts. Those that did attend were treated to a full day of education on how we can collectively make a difference, as well as a number of films with eye-opening content.    “For me, […]

Keeping your cool in triple digits

By Jan Hovey

 Triple-digit temperatures will arrive soon, and rather than dread the weather (of which you have no control), why not learn more about how heat affects the body and ways in which you can stay cooler, more comfortable and above all, safe.    Did you know that heat waves kill more people than all other weather conditions? As we age, our tolerance […]

West Point wildfire safety meeting Saturday

By Jan Hovey

  Summer is only a few days away, and wildfire safety is more important now than ever. For me, high temperatures bring a sort of mental grey cloud because, having been evacuated from four wildfires in the time I’ve lived in Calaveras, there is a natural uneasiness that can occur.    So, what is the best option for easing the grey cloud? – […]

Concerts to fill our heart and soul this summer

By Jan Hovey

If music tames the savage soul, just think what it can do for the average person! It has been scientifically proven that music, often called the universal language, significantly benefits every dimension of wellbeing. It increases happiness, decreases stress, strengthens learning and memory and raises the IQ, all while being surrounded by close friends and community in a beautiful setting. […]

Arts of Bear Valley show returns to Murphys

By Jan Hovey

Arts of Bear Valley is excited to share the return of their 10-Day Summer Exhibition in downtown Murphys, a free community celebration featuring 17 local artists, hands-on activities and live outdoor demos. The event runs from June 13 to 22 in the historic Native Daughters of the Golden West Ruby Parlor No. 46 on Main Street. The show is open from 11 […]


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