LOOKING BACK From our archives; compiled by Howard Stitt

10 Years Ago Nov. 16, 2012 Two elderly residents died after consuming toxic wild mushrooms prepared in a soup. The accident was the result of amateurs harvesting wild mushrooms. In Northern California, it is the season for wild chanterelle mushrooms, a highly-sought- after variety. However, the amanita mushroom, which includes the "death cap" variety, is similar in appearance to the edible version of a wild mushroom popular in Asia. The Del Oro High School girls' cross-country team grabbed the California Interscholastic Federation's Sac-Joaquin Section III Championship, stunning the heavily-favored Vista del Lago team. The Lady Eagle runners were Megan Gentes, Lizzie Meredith, Maddy Lyons, Amy Heyn, Maddy Montgomery, Libby Runte and Dominique Tristant. Also completing an outstanding day by earning first-place were the JV girls, frosh boys and frosh-soph girls. The No. 15 seed Del Oro football team defeated the No. 2 seeded Yuba City team 45-21 in the California Interscholastic Federation's Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs. Brandon Monroe led the offense with 225 yards rushing and four touchdowns, helped by offensive lineman Emilio Campos and Brandon Johnson. Also scoring touchdowns were Mark Leveron and TeVon Rhyne. Leading the defense were Tanner Woods, Therin Heryford and Cody Otten. To even qualify for the playoffs, Del Oro had to defeat Rocklin the week before and quarterback Logan Webb's passing attack. Skyler Rand kicked a 33-yard field goal to win that game 38-35. Local eighth-grade students earning perfect scores on the STAR state tests are Mason Beseler, Christina Harston, Grayson McKenzie, Josh Redford, Alex Stram, Eric Vollmer and Kailyn Watilo. The Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin is accepting applications for community awards. The Violet Richardson Award recognizes young women who make the community and world a better place through volunteer efforts. The Women's Opportunity Award aids mature women who must enter the job market in order to support their families. Teacher grants help fund teachers' long-term projects. Those who read to local elementary students to improve literacy might qualify for the Sanford J. Weinberg Volunteer Reader Award. 25 Years Ago Nov. 20, 1997 The Loomis Fruit Growers Association building, an historic landmark, was sold to David Rosenaur. Randy Hansen, general manager of the association, hoped the group could continue to operate the business for three more years, which would mark the 100th anniversary of the company. Robert Hansen, president since 1965, was saddened by the news that the sale would be a death knell of the fruit packing industry. The Loomis Fruit Growers Association was incorporated on April 29, 1901 and has been in continuous operation since its inception. The Mountain Mandarin Festival, celebrating agriculture in Placer County, will be held in the historic fruit sheds on Main Street in Newcastle. Sierra College will soon reveal the identity of its 600-pound, headless "what's it?" The giant previously-unknown creature was discovered after parts of its body were found at Honey Lake near Susanville. Exposure and erosion destroyed the head portion but most of it remains intact. It required three overtimes but the Del Oro football team defeated Bear River 37-34 with Brian Mattison kicking a field goal for the final score. The win gave the Golden Eagles the Sierra Foothill League Championship. The Player of the Week was fullback/defensive end Andrew Bonner. The Loomis Ponies and Eureka Blue Thunder soccer teams tied 9-9. Scoring goals for the Ponies were Lauren Cortese, Jeanette Hawkins and Kelly Jencks. The Pony "Defender" was Danielle Fasse and the goalie Kimberly Gade. The Ponies also had matches against the Rocklin Kings (a 3-1 loss) and the Rocklin Bears (a 3-1 win). The Defenders were Marisol Cardella and Carolyn Goodell. November is National Alzheimer's Disease Month. More has been learned about the disease in recent years than at any time since it was first identified in 1906. In the last part of a five-part series reporting a trip to China by Loomis residents Jack and Freda Morris, the city of Shanghai was highlighted. Reminding the couple of New York City, it had a busy waterfront, theaters, restaurants and major hotels. A large area of the city has been set aside for historical purposes as other sections are being cleared for new industry and high-rise buildings. Called the Old City, exteriors of the buildings could not be altered. Jack and Freda recommend people to visit China. 50 Years Ago Nov. 23,1972 Services were held for Wayne D. Jackson, district conservationist for the Soil Conservation Service. He worked to improve the quality of Placer County's environment for 22 years. Jackson worked with farmers to increase their productivity while conserving their vital soil and water resources. Services were held for Mrs. Georgia M. Makabe, 47, an Edna, Oklahoma native and a Loomis resident. She was a cosmetologist at Cilla's Beauty Salon and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary, Aerie No. 1582 of Roseville. Services were held for Henry Richard Bernhard, 60, a fourth- generation Auburnite. His great-grandfather was the founder of the Old Winery on Sacramento Street in Auburn and the name Bernhard is engraved over the door. Bernhard was a retired plantman for Phillips Petroleum Company. A veteran of World War II, he was a member of the Donner Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars of Auburn. Earning a spot on the All-Pioneer League team are football players Jesse Flores - league MVP, Lello Carnesecca, Ray Solander Louie Cardenas, Randy Parks, Richard Parra, Ken Mikaelsen, Armondo Cardenas and Duane Perkins (Lincoln High School). From Del Oro are Stacy Brown, John Bradfute, Dan Kennedy, Brad Thomas, Dave Camp, Jeff Taylor and Vance Thomas. The newly-formed Golden Age Senior Citizens Club held its first meeting in the Loomis Woman's Club House. Committee members are chosen to encourage participation in the Placer County Chamber of Commerce Neighborly Native program. The Rocklin committee consists of Andre Gayaldo, George Conroy, Lil Quincey, Howard Scribner, W.H. Svedsen and Chick Lucas. Coach Steve March's JV football team were Pioneer League Champions led by Tom Hamilton and Wayne Stout. Mike Morrell, Steve Patterson and Tom Poffenberger were elected co-captains of the team. Assistant coaches were Bob and Ed Bonner. A breakthrough in the Paris Peace Talks occurred when one of North Vietnam's senior leaders, Le Duc Tho, agreed that South Vietnam could remain in existence. President Richard Nixon was reelected, defeating Senator George McGovern. 75 Years Ago May 1947 A card of thanks to the community was sent by Grace Mackey during her bereavement after the loss of John Mackey. "Jack's daughter, Catherine, and children join me in thanking you all." Victor Kamp, 56, of Loomis was treated in the county hospital for injuries received when he was struck by a car. Four candidates for two Loomis School District trustee openings are Dorothy Oakes, A.C. Larsen, Harold Fischer and Hazel Brennan. The Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company announced that Penryn will have dial phones. Under the new system, all local calls can be completed by dialing. However, when assistance is needed, an operator will be available. All 4-H Club members in Placer County will exhibit their projects at the annual 4-H Fair. Playing at the State Theater in Auburn is "Twilight on the Rio Grande," starring Gene Autry. The local firemen and their families enjoyed a picnic at Hamberg's place. After counting the signatures on a petition and finding 27 potential students, Loomis School will have a kindergarten class next year. Hamilton 19-jewel pocket watches are on sale to veterans only at 33 Berry Street in Roseville. A $50 value, the veterans get them for $27.68. Consumers can use Sugar Stamp 12 to purchase 10 pounds of sugar. William Bankhead of Tacoma is visiting his sisters, Margaret Caldwell, Agnes Walker and Jessie Wilson. Mr. Bankhead, a retired electrical engineer, is a former Loomis resident. Joyce Marie Barrington, along with Dwanye, Shirley, Sheila and Reana Powell, attended the birthday party for 11-year-old Dorothy Mae Betts. Gene Selarno's band will furnish the music at the Barn Dance sponsored by the Rocklin Mothers Club with the receipts used to purchase buns, wieners and ice cream for the elementary school end-of-the-year picnic. The dance committee members are Mesdames Ruby Goldsberry, Evelyn Ruhkala, Jennie Minkkinen, Hilfrid Keenan, Elsie Ruhkala, Mildred Shelley and Miss Helen Kesti.