A supplement to the

2 • July 19, 2009 BEST OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal

Best Grocery Store

Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 3

Best Bank.
4 • July 19, 2009 BEST OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal

What is Best of the Best? TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Auto Mechanic
Best of the Best is an annual readers’ Bryan McGinnis, Autovantage Service Center
choice awards contest run by the Auburn Page 8
Journal. Winners are celebrated with this Best Interior Designer
publication, a guide to the businesses, Amanda McReynolds • Page 16
services, restaurants and activities that
make the greater Auburn area an awe- Best Company to Work For
some place to live, work and play. Total Fitness • Page 24
BEST SUSHI
Best Makeup Artist Find out why locals keep coming
How are winners chosen? Nichole Bertucci, Vibrance Medical Spa
Page 32
back to Hapa Sushi & Grill.
Page 12
You choose the winners by voting for
your favorite businesses in 149 different Best Investment Company
Edward Jones • Page 34
categories. This year we had our highest
voter turnout ever — close to 1,000 votes! Best Teacher
Readers filled out ballots printed in the Julie Paul, Weimar Hills School
Journal or voted online at Auburn Page 36
journal.com.
Best Alternative Medicine
Bukovina Naturopathic Doctors
How accurate is it? Page 40

Only one online or paper entry is Best Sandwich/Best Sign Dancer

allowed per person, so “ballot stuffing” is Mr. Pickles • Page 44 BEST SILK SCREEN/T-
curtailed. Best Place to Picnic
SHIRT SHOP
ARD Recreation Park • Page 46 There’s a pretty good chance

What’s in this special section? Best Car Wash

you’ve worn a tee from Dancing
Dog Productions.
Cruiser’s Car Wash • Page 50 Page 18
You’ll find advertisements from many
of the winning businesses you voted for.
You’ll also find feature stories and photo-
graphs of some of the winners from Jour-
nal reporters and photographers. ALSO IN THIS ISSUE ...

So did your favorite business make the Best Nursery Page 10

cut? If not make sure to vote in next Best Skate/Snowboard Shop Page 14
year’s Best of the Best. Is there a catego- BEST
Best Winery Page 20
ry you’d like to see in Best of the Best? WAITPERSON
Contact Beth O’Brien at betho@gold Best Server Page 22 Chris Consolla
countrymedia.com. orders up a Best
Best Deli Page 26
Congratulations to all the winning of the Best win.
businesses and thank you to all those Best Event Page 28 Page 22
who participated by voting!
Best Photographer Page
30
Best Bike Shop Page
38
Best Tattoo Parlor Page 42
ON THE COVER Best Yoga Page 48

Danielle Owen gets makeup applied by Best Colorful

Character Page 52
this year’s Best Makeup Artist Nichole
Bertucci at Vibrance Medical Spa.

PHOTO BY BEN FURTADO • AUBURN JOURNAL

Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 5

Best Auto Mechanic

FULL SERVICE MAINTENANCE & AUTO REPAIR

Back Row L to
R:
is
Bryan McGinnechanic Front Row L Jonah Lewis, Bryan McGin
to R: Kelli Sa
2009 Best Auto M unders, Becki nis, Jason King
McGinnis
Your Dealership Alternative!
Thank you to our customers for all of your support! Our first year
has been terrific. Without you we would not be where we are today.
It is a privilege to serve you and your families. We will continue to
provide the highest caliber of service and stand behind our work.
FOR ALL OF YOUR AUTOMOTIVE NEEDS ~ YOU DESERVE THE BEST!
• We work on all Foreign/Domestic vehicles (oil changes to engine work)
• We specialize in Nissan, Infiniti, Honda, Acura, Toyota & Lexus.
• Factory Trained Technicians on duty
• ASE Certified Master Technician on duty
• We can perform your scheduled maintenance & still maintain your factory warranty!
12295 Locksley Lane, Auburn
Call to schedule your appointment today at 530-823-3456
www.autovantageservice.com Open Monday - Friday 8am-5pm
6 • July 19, 2009 BEST OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal

2008 Best of the Best winners party

Each year, the Journal hosts
a party for the Best of the Best
winners. Last year, it was held
at the Gold Country Fair-
grounds. Winners pick up
their plaques designating
them as that year’s winner
and mingle with other busi-
nessowners.

FILE • AUBURN JOURNAL

Last year’s Best Salon winner Visions celebrated with staffers: (front row) Lour- FILE • AUBURN JOURNAL

des Hinshaw, Crystal Witz, Nancy Medeiros, Vanessa Hitchcock and Rene Per- Connie Watson of Echo Valley Ranch,
due; (back row) Kindra Anderson, Debi McReynolds-Cook, Joanne Pugh and 2008 Best Tack & Feed winner, picks up
Tracey SoRelle, and from the Auburn Journal: Yavonne Pratt, Linda Shuman- her award from Auburn Journal advertis-
Prins and Debbie Lawrence. ing representative Jim Wesley.

Best Insurance Agent Best Hardware Store

VITAS INSURANCE AGENCY

Thank you for voting us the Best again this year! It’s been Thanks Auburn Readers for Voting Us #1
our pleasure to serve you for the past 32 years.

530-823-3733
200 Auburn Folsom Road 355 Nevada St. • Auburn
Suite 300 • Auburn
530-889-8258
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 7

Best Tire Store

• TIRES
• CUSTOM
WHEELS
• BATTERIES of AUBURN
Largest Locally Owned & Operated Tire
• BRAKES We beat every
r’s
Center in Placer County Since 1979
competito Tom LoPiccolo, Owner/Manager
price on
• SHOCKS
• STRUTS
Every tire!
Every size!
Thank You
Without customers customer service means nothing.
Every time!
• ALIGNMENTS
• LIFT KITS
• LOWER KITS
• ATV TIRES
• COMMERCIAL
TRUCK TIRES
• FARM TIRE
SERVICE
“Our Job is Earning Your Trust”
• LOWEST PRICES 2547 Grass Valley Hwy - Auburn
ON ALL MAJOR
BRAND TIRES
530-823-7082
www.LesSchwab.com
8 • July 19, 2009
Driven to succeed
BY ANDREW DILUCCIA
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
Opportunities present
themselves in many ways.
In Bryan McGinnis’ case it
came in the form of a job
loss.
After working for
Auburn Nissan for three
years, the dealership
closed its doors and
McGinnis was out of job.
While he was quickly
offered his old job at
Future Nissan in
Roseville, McGinnis
decided to open his own
business.
And it paid off.
Open for just one year
and a month, McGinnis’
Autovantage Service Cen-
ter earned Best of the Best
Best Pool & Spa Supply
Thank you Auburn Journal readers for voting us Best of the Best!
Auto Mechanic.
“It makes me feel really
good,” McGinnis said. “I
attribute a lot to our staff
here and our customers.”
McGinnis gives a lot of
credit to his wife, Becki,
who encouraged him to
open his own business.
“I’ve been married to
him for 12 years, and I
always heard him say, ‘If I
had my own shop I’d do
this,’” Becki said. “I said
OK, if this is what you
want to do, then let’s do it.
I support you.”
The father of three then
went to work setting up
shop. Currently Autovan-
tage employs five people,
including three techni-
cians, one of which is
Bryan.
License#913198 Visit our website www.AllSeasonspools-spas.com
BEST OF THE
BEST AUTO MECHANIC
Winner: Bryan McGinnis,
Autovantage Service Center
Location: 12295 Locksley Ln
Contact: (530) 823-3456,
autovantageservice.com
All of his techs are
Automotive Service
Excellence certified and
Bryan is both an ASE-cer-
tified and Nissan-certi-
fied master technician.
He also has a tech that
specializes in Saturn and
one that focuses on Hon-
da and Toyota.
“We take all makes and
models,” Bryan said.
“We’ll even work on a
tractor. I keep saying that
but nobody has taken me
up on it.”
SALES • SERVICE • SUPPLIES
BEST
Bryan McGinnis decided to go out on his own after losing his job at Auburn
Nissan when the dealership closed down.
Autovantage does all
types of repairs, from sim-
ple oil changes to major
engine repairs.
While Bryan and his
Supplement to the Auburn Journal
BEN FURTADO • AUBURN JOURNAL
staff have the proper skill said. “Our customers just
sets, the key to the shop’s keep coming back to us
success is the customers. and referring us to their
“This year has been family and friends — and
incredible for us,” Becki that’s an honor as well.”
Come in and
se e our
sp e ctacular
showro om!
AUBURN STORE
13130 Lincoln Way
(Lincoln Way & Russell Rd.)
530-888-9889
GRASS VALLEY STORE
135A W. McKnight Way
(Kmart Shopping Center)
530-477-2220
ROCKLIN STORE
6848 Five Star Blvd. #1
(Stanford Ranch exit off 65)
916-771-4488
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 9

Best Bartender

Best Liquor Store

10 • July 19, 2009 BEST OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal

Flower
power
For 75 years Eisley Nursery has been helping
Auburn’s green thumbs create lush and colorful out-
door spaces. This year, Eisley picks up Best
Nursery/Garden supply.
The family-owned business on Nevada Street is also
a great source for knowledge on local plants.
Giving back to the community is another hallmark of
the Eisleys, who donate to local beautification projects.
“If it wasn’t for our customers, we wouldn’t be here,”
Earlene Eisley-Freeman said upon the nursery’s
anniversary in September. “That’s what has made us
BEN FURTADO • AUBURN JOURNAL survive for 75 years.”
Like a waiter serving meals from a tray, Ricardo Contreras Cepeta sorts flats of flowers in one of 20 green
houses he is responsible for at Eisley's Nursery in May. ~ Michelle Miller-Carl

Best New Car Dealer

Auburn Honda
Thank you Celebrates their
for voting 30 Year Anniversary!
Locally Owned & Operated

us #1 again
by Jay Cooper & Family
Since 1979. Providing
Friendly Experience in Sales,
Parts and Service.

1801 Grass Valley Hwy, Auburn

www.AuburnHonda.com The Right Click!
530-823-7234
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 11

Best Gutter/Leaf Protection Best Car Stereo Store

We install all styles AUBURN CAR TUNES .com
of Seamless Gutters We Build
Custom
Check Out Our
Boxes! We Do Awesome
Boats! Customer
Service!

Thank You Auburn!

Best of the Best
9 Years in a Row! Your Affordable
Wyatt, Michele, Bob & Morgan Marine and Car Audio
20 05
Thank You Placer County 20 06
20 07
Video Store
20 08
for Voting Us #1 for the Past 5 Years!
3910 Grass Valley Hwy., Auburn
530-885-9900 @ Dry Creek Rd. & Hwy. 49
530-885-5132
www.all-about-gutters.com Lic.# 744833

Best Auto Store Best Gift Store

Thanks to all our customers and

the Auburn Journal readers
for voting us
BEST AUTO PARTS STORE L. to R.: Sharon, Mary, Adele, Kris, Jane, Catherine, Mikki
Check out our internet specials at www.riebes.com

We wouldn’t be voted the Best of the Best if we didn’t have

the VERY BEST CUSTOMERS.
YOUR LOCAL AREA LOCATIONS Thank you so much for voting for us again!
200 Palm Avenue • Auburn • 885-5134 938 Lincoln Way, Auburn • 530-823-8220
2345 Grass Valley Hwy • Auburn • 885-2496 M.-F. 10-6 • Sat. 10-5:30 • Sun. 10-4
12 • July 19, 2009 BEST OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal

Sushi restaurant on a roll, takes first-time award

BY STEPHANIE BREITBART
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
As a first-time category in
Auburn Journal’s Best of the Best,
Hapa Sushi & Grill took the honor
as this year’s Best Sushi restaurant
in Auburn.
The artistic and beautifully creat-
ed rolls are made to order with
quality ingredients. With a large
variety to choose from there is
something on the menu to tempt
any appetite.
“I think what makes us different
is our homemade recipes. Nothing
is shipped to us that is done for us,”
said Rich Fiedler, who owns the
establishment with wife Vanessa.
“We take the time to cook it from
scratch.”
Daily specials, including half-off
sushi rolls from 2 to 4 p.m., friend-
ly staff and the fun atmosphere are
BEN FURTADO • AUBURN JOURNAL what keep customers coming back
Dustin Brown slices and dices a spicy tuna roll at Hapa Sushi. for more.
BEST SUSHI
Winner: Hapa Sushi & Grill
Location: 2985 Bell Rd.
Phone: (530) 823-9800
“I think what makes
us different is our
homemade recipes.
Nothing is shipped to
us that is done for us”
Rich Fiedler, owner Hapa Sushi & Grill,
winner, Best Sushi Restaurant
“Our return rate is awesome,”
Fiedler said. “Ninety-five percent of
our customers (come back again).”
Conveniently located off Bell
road across from Best Buy, this
popular spot has plenty of parking.
Hapa Sushi is open Monday
through Saturday from 11:30 a.m.
to 9 p.m.

Best Appliance Store

Come in and meet
Our hometown staff.

Thank You for keeping us Best

12 Years in a row.

AUBURN • 885-7531
415 Grass Valley Hwy.
(Next to Staples) Don Monahan, Jim O’Leary,
Mon.-Fri. 9-7, Sat. 9-6, Sun. 11-4 Owner Ron Gaynor, and Marcia O’Leary
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 13

Best Sushi Best Print Shop

Our customers ARE THE BEST!

Sp eci al 2 -4pm
T h an k Yo u O ff e r : M o n - F r i b e t w e e n
ALL ROLLS 1/2 OFF! Limit 3 per customer. Not valid
with any other discounts or offers.

Hapa Sushi & Grill M-F 11:30-9

2985 Bell Road • Auburn (in Best Buy Center)
Sat 11:30-8:30
530-823-9800

Best Butcher
Customer Service The Longhorn Meat Company crew would like
Custom Butchering to thank the community for all
We offer a of your support.
Custom Cutting
wide
variety of We will continue to process meat
the old fashioned way.
marinated
and exotic Voted Best Butcher 9 years in a row!
meats

13131 Lincoln Way, Auburn

Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6
530-823-0275
L to R: Cole Richie, Bill Betts, Chris Swanson, Ashley Coughran, Phil Kattenhorn EBT
14 • July 19, 2009 BEST OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal

BEST SKATE/
SNOWBOARD SHOP:
BOARDS N MOTION
Going overboard
“We’re very
pleased to have our
second year in a
row, being voted
Best of the Best. We
appreciate all our Asa Martinez
competes in a
customers and the rail jam outside
fact that they’re of Boards N
not driving down Motion on Lin-
coln Way in
the hill. We know this file photo.
they have many The skate/snow
shop usually
choices, but we trucks in snow
hope they will stay each winter for
a contest.
loyal to us.”
Wendy Woodward, owner, Boards N
FILE PHOTO • AUBURN
Motion
JOURNAL

Best Satellite Dish Dealer

Satellites
(530) 613-9141
MRDISHMAN.COM
Thank You Auburn Journal Readers
for voting us Best of the Best
5 years in a row!

Voted Best of the Best Come Visit Our Showroom at

by Auburn 4035 Grass Valley Highway in the
Journal Readers Bel Air Shopping Center!
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 15

Best Local Event Best Television Store

At the Chamber of Commerce... Thank you to our terrific customers
we thank you Auburn! for choosing us Best of the Best 2009!
Auburn’s
Black &
White Ball
Summer Nights...It’s
America, Anywhere USA!
Saturday, August 29th –
Gold Country
Fairgrounds

Fun like this

happens once in a Ken, Barbara & Larry Harper
lifetime...that’s
why we do this
Black & White Ball Steering Team 2009. every year! Ken Harper,
Front Row: Britney Milbury, Rosie Joe Benton owner
Back Row: Bruce Cosgrove, Sherry Gilbert, Ron Solomon,
Rosie Meitzel, Dave Rosenthal, Paul Gilbert www.partyauburn.com 944 Lincoln Way, Auburn • 885-6256

Best Funeral Home

Thank You Auburn
We are proud to have
served you for the last
103 years. Hopefully in
the future we can help
you in your time of
need.

Chapel of The Hills

1331 Lincoln Way, Auburn
A family you can trust. (530) 885-3773
16 • July 19, 2009 BEST OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal

‘Best’ designer wants to make homes comfortable

BY JENIFER GEE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
Life is stressful enough
and Amanda McReynolds
wants to make sure your
home is a place where
you can relax.
McReynolds was voted
Best Interior Designer for
2009’s Best of the Best.
“What I like most is cre-
ating spaces for my
clients that they can real-
ly enjoy,” McReynolds
said. “With life being so
crazy it’s nice to have a
place for someone to feel
really comfortable.”
McReynolds has
designed just about every
type of room in a home,
from the kitchen to the
bathroom to general liv-
ing spaces.
“I design rooms that
BEST INTERIOR
DESIGNER
Winner: Amanda
McReynolds
Interesting facts: Her hob-
bies include gardening,
exercising, sewing and
designing rooms in her
home
can be lived in, not taped
off,” McReynolds said.
“Functionality is really
important. A room is not
designed well if it doesn’t
function.”
The designer said she’s
also called in to help
“refresh” spaces, pick
window treatments or
select paint colors.
She said she works with
clients with a variety of
budgets to make sure
“I’m a total believer
that you don’t have
to spend a lot of
money to get a good
look.”
Amanda McReynolds
look,” McReynolds said. “I
definitely understand the
need for design that
needs to be done inex-
pensively.”
McReynolds said she is
honored to be voted Best
Interior Designer this
BEN FURTADO • AUBURN JOURNAL year.
Interior designer Amanda McReynolds, standing in her own kitchen that she “It makes me want to
designed, said she is a firm believer in great design at a low cost. get out there even more
and work hard for my
their space reflects their hand the pressure of “I’m a total believer that clients,” McReynolds said.
style. McReynolds said keeping a budget as she you don’t have to spend a “I’m very much apprecia-
she understands first- decorates her own home. lot of money to get a good tive of being chosen.”

Best Window/Glass Store

o u !
Y We owe it to our
n k
T h a customers for the Best of the
Best award for the 4th year in a row!

Thanks to our patrons for giving Moule’s

the opportunity to provide
exceptional service for the last
32 years in business.
We look forward to the next 32 Moule’s 32 years
in business
years! FOOTHILL GLASS
530-885-4180
1029 GRASS VALLEY HWY., AUBURN
OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY 8-5 CA Lic#482054
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 17

Best Beauty Salon

Helen Elizabeth Lindsey

Manicurist Salon Coordinator
Manicurist

Julie Amanda
Anne
Manicurist
Manicurist Kindra Nancy
Events/Manager
Receptionist
Jenni
Receptionist
list
Owner/Sty

Hair • Nails • Skin Care • Makeup • Massage Therapy • Airbrush Tanning

A Full Service Salon

Alicia Becki Jackie Nicole B.

Stylist Receptionist Receptionist
Stylist

144 Reamer Street, Auburn • visionssalon.net

info@visionssalon.net
530 823-0455
Christie A Heartfelt thank you for your wonderful support! Barbara
Brooke Stylist/Makeup Aesthetician
Rochelle
Stylist Massage Therapist

Debi Donovan Jackie Joanne Kathy

Crystal Dina Stylist/Airbrush Tanner
Stylist/Makeup Stylist/Makeup Stylist
Stylist
Kelli Lourdes
Stylist Stylist
Stylist/Makeup Stylist

Rene’ Sandee Susan Tracey

Merry Michael Nicole Stylist Stylist Stylist
Stylist/Makeup Tyffiny Virginia
Stylist Stylist Stylist/Makeup Stylist/Makeup Stylist
18 • July 19, 2009 BEST OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal

Putting your message out front, one pull at a time

BY GLORIA YOUNG
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
If you’re walking
around Auburn and run
into someone wearing a
T-shirt with a local logo,
chances are that shirt was
silk-screened at Down-
town’s Dancing Dog.
Alan Campbell and
Lora LaPorte have been
doing design transfers for
20 years and have owned
the store for 13 years. This
year, Journal readers
named Dancing Dog the
Best Silk Screen/T-shirt
Shop.
Dancing Dog actually
offers three types of
design applications.
In silk screening, which
is used for large orders,
the ink is applied directly
to the item.
BEST SILKSCREEN/
T-SHIRT SHOP
Winner: Dancing Dog Pro-
ductions
Location: 1101 High St.
Phone: (530) 885-3692
“There are actually
automatic machines,”
LaPorte said. “But we
don’t have one. We’re old
school – doing it the same
way we’ve been doing it
for 20 years.”
For small orders, there’s
photo tranfer.
“We take a photo and
put it on a T-shirt,”
LaPorte said. “That’s
often a one-of-a-kind
(job).”
Then there’s vinyl cut-
ting – a heat-transfer
process.
and even some off-color
choices.
“We make no judg-
ments on what people
bring in,” LaPorte said.
And, so far, she hasn’t
found it necessary to turn
down anyone’s request.
To handle the volume –
often orders are for 100
items or more – the staff
at Dancing Dog also
includes production
manager Lindsay Duck,
who does a lot of design
work.
The store offers many
choices of colors, styles
BEN FURTADO • AUBURN JOURNAL and sizes.
While pressing ink through a screen press, Lindsay Duck can make multiple T- “We can do (sizes from)
shirts within minutes at Dancing Dog Productions. newborn up to 6XL,”
LaPorte said. “We also do
Often, customers will other times they need the mundane to the aprons and baseball caps,
bring in their own picture something created. unusual, the breadth of tote bags – anything that’s
or logo to be printed, but Requests range from the political spectrum material and printable.”

Best Place to Enjoy Lunch Best Vision Center

Daniel Belajic, OD David Norcott, OD Robert Belajic, OD

Auburn Eye Care Associates has provided top quality eye care to the Auburn area
for over thirty years. We have been privileged to care for several generations of family
We want to say Thanks to our loyal
members, and enjoy the opportunity to establish long-term relationships with our patients.
customers and Auburn Readers for your We strive to create an office atmosphere of trust, caring and a knowledgeable staff.
continued support and voting us #1. Thank you Auburn for voting us Best of the Best!
Robert Belajic, O.D. voted Best Optometrist.

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER

Old Town Auburn 530-888-9857 530-885-6241
160 Sacramento St. www.awfulannies.com 3211 Fortune Court • Auburn, CA
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 19

Best Lighting Store Best Interior Design

Thank you, voters, for choosing Amanda
We are honored McReynolds, Auburn’s Best Interior Designer
to be voted Best 2 Years in a Row!
Interior Design Services Including...
of the Best • Professional Consultation Services
• New Construction & Remodel Specification
Lighting Store. • Window Treatments • Furniture
• Lighting & Flooring • Color Consultation
Thank You to • Floral & Event Design • Accessories & Art
• Outdoor Spaces • Staging
all our As a thank you to all Auburn Journal Readers,
Debbie Johnson and
Linda Ledesma wonderful I’m offering a complimentary design
consultation and custom window treatment
clients. discounts, call to schedule your appointment.

927 Lincoln Way

Downtown Auburn (916) 257-1732
Serving you since 1997 (530) 889-1485 Macdesign4412@sbcglobal.net

Best Landscaping Service Best Pet Grooming

Thanks
for Voting
us #1 for
2009!
The Grooming Room
Personalized Styling For Your Pets
823-0163 • Open Mon. - Sat.
457 Grass Valley Hwy., Ste.#6, Auburn
20 • July 19, 2009 BEST OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal

Vintage family
business
BEST WINERY: MT. VERNON WINERY
“I don’t think we could
have done it without our
wine club members. I’d
like to thank them for all
their loyal support these
last few years.”
Ryan Taylor, Mt. Vernon Winery

Ryan Taylor of Mt. Vernon Winery holds up

a bottle of 2007 white port. The winery
was chosen best in Auburn.

BEN FURTADO • AUBURN JOURNAL

Best Skate/Snowboard Shop Best Law Enforcement Official

Over the 35 years of your law
enforcement career there have been many
changes. But, there is one thing that has
remained the same - your dedication to
the citizens of Placer
County. You lead the
Sheriff’s Office with
honor and with
humor, inspiring your
staff to be the best
Thank You for Your Continued Support! Ed Bonner, that they can be.
Congratulations on
Placer County Sheriff
Celebrating 21Years, Since 1988 another year as Best
of the Best. You truly
are.

t ul a tio n s !
Offer not valid with any other discounts. One coupon per customer. Expires August 31, 2009
Congra~Your Admin Staff
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 21

Best Yoga Studio Best Propane Supplier

Bringing the Joy of Yoga to the Community Thank You for Voting Us Best of the Best!
Thank You OLD
IN OUR
TENTH YEAR Auburn STUDENTS
OF BRINGING TREASURED.
YOGA TO
AUBURN NEW
STUDENTS
WELCOME!

FIRST CLASS
FREE!
The hard-working men and women of Colfax, CA
rated #1 by the readers of The Auburn Journal

538 Auburn Ravine Road, Auburn

To contact us call: 530-885-6407 • www.canyonspirityoga.com

Best Catering
Thank you Auburn for voting us the Best of the Best.
Our professional, friendly staff
can help you plan and prepare
all the details for a large group
or a small sit down dinner.
Our goal is simple: We want
you to feel like a guest at your
own event.

530-888-7417
Fax: 530-823-5258
www.penguinscatering.com
penguinscatering@yahoo.com
22 • July 19, 2009 BEST OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal

Service with style

and a smile
BEST WAITPERSON: CHRIS CONSOLA,
STRINGS ITALIAN CAFÉ

"Getting Best of the Best

waitperson is pretty exciting
and surprising. What I like
about working here is
socializing with customers
and the atmosphere."
Chris Consola, Strings Italian Café

BEN FURTADO • AUBURN JOURNAL

Chris Consola, server at Strings Itailian Cafe, was voted Auburn’s Best Waitperson.

Best Doctor Best Carpet Cleaning

We serve Placer, El Dorado & Nevada Counties
or wherever they use American money

Since
1955
*Ask us about the difference between Steam & chemical Dry Cleaning”
Who needs more chemicals in their life?
QUICK DRYING TIME • WE MOVE ALL FURNITURE
• Truck Mounted Units • Sanitize & Deodorize • Special Turbo Dryers & Dehumidifiers
• Pet Odors • Insurance Flood Work • High Volume Water Evacuation
• Soil Retardants • Water Damage Equipment
• Odor Control • Raw Sewage Clean Up

Thank you to all our customers!

Tile, Grout, Stone Cleaning, Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
FREE ESTIMATES • EMERGENCY SERVICE
(916) 643-4652 (530) 885-9081
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 23

Best Veterinarian Best Fast Food

Thank Thank You For Voting Us Best
you for 12 Years In A Row!
voting
me the
Best of
the Best!
Dr. An LaBarre, D.V.M.
Dr. An LaBarre would like to recognize her
staff which makes her the best she can be.

Give us a call at
4029 Grass Valley Hwy. • 889-8206
530-885-3251
105 Auburn
10850 Mt. Folsom
Vernon Rd.Rd., Auburn
• Auburn • 530.823.1111

Best Alternative Medicine

We are so
honored that
our patients
and the
community
voted us Best
of the Best!
We thank you!

Dr. Cari Thachuk, Breckken, Dr. Heidi Hook and Dawn

180 Oakwood Dr. • 823-0969

We Appreciate Our
Taco Tree Employees,
750 Lincoln Way, Ste. 100 • Auburn
10850 Mt. Vernon Rd. • Auburn • 530.823.1111
They Are The Best!
530-885-5908 • www.mybukovina.com
24 • July 19, 2009 BEST OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal

A fit place to work, and workout

BY ERIC J. GOURLEY
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
Katie Therien used to
own a café, but the
atmosphere didn’t com-
pare to that of Total Fit-
ness, Inc.
“Everyone’s in a good
mood,” Therien said.
“Everyone’s in here get-
ting healthy. The mem-
bers are great.”
Total Fitness was voted
Auburn’s Best Company
to Work for by Journal
readers in the 2009 Best of
the Best contest.
The gym’s 18 employ-
ees, who oversee an
8,000-square-foot facility
brimming with weight
machines, exercise bikes
and elliptical equipment,
BEST PLACE TO
WORK
Winner: Total Fitness
Location: 210 Palm Ave.
Interesting facts: Employ-
ees and their families re-
ceive free membership and
full access to all machines
and tanning booths
families receive free
membership and full
access to all machines
and tanning booths.
“That’s great,” said The-
rien, who has worked at
Total Fitness for five
months. “There are tons
of classes and every
machine you can think of
for weights.”
Linda Dixon bought the
gym in 2002 when it was
earlier this year, where the
facility expanded to
include more rooms for
spinning and other class-
es.
Its membership has
grown to more than 1,000.
“It’s a very family-
friendly atmosphere,”
said Wendy Beress, an
employee since October
2005. “I like working for a
privately-, locally-owned
company. It’s small. It’s a
fun place to be. It’s always
very pleasant.”
Beress, a personal train-
er, is one of the many
employees who have
been with Dixon’s gym for
years.
“They love it,” Dixon
said. “All my instructors
“All my instructors
have been with me
since the very begin-
ning. They make it a
part of their life. They
work here. They hang
out here.”
Linda Dixon, owner Total Fitness
in Auburn, winner, Best Place to
Work
instructors I had seven or
eight years ago. They
make it a part of their life.
They work here. They
hang out here.”
For employees like The-
rien, the patrons make
Total Fitness Auburn’s
best place to work. BEN FURTADO • AUBURN JOURNAL

don’t take the perks for located on Atwood Road. have been with me since “It’s all about the mem- Physical trainer Wendy Beress works with one of
granted. Dixon moved to the larger the very beginning. I have bers, the people,” she her clients Cathy Okamoto at Total Fitness, where
Employees and their location on Palm Avenue the same spinning said. the gym was voted the best place to work.

Best Heating & Air Conditioning Best Shoe Store

Thank you for voting us best
shoe store every year!
We carry a wide variety of comfort
shoes including: Acorn, Ameribag,
Birkenstock, Chaco, Clarks
Un.structured, Dansko, Earth,
ecco, El Naturalista, Finn
Comfort, Fitflop, Halfinger, Keen,
MBT, Mephisto, Merrell, Naot,
New Balance, PG Lite, Rieker,
Thank You . . . SAS, Taos, Teva, UGG & Wolky.
Take the short drive to
. . . for voting us the Best of the Best again! Downtown Auburn for the best
We are the best because we have “The Best” PRICE • SERVICE • SELECTION
We’re here solely for
customers and employees! your comfort.
530.885.2091
916-782-9242 825 Lincoln Way
Downtown Auburn
530-885-3449 CL#631612
Sin
ce 1982
M-F 9-5:30 • Sat 9-5 • Sun 11-4
www.footpathshoes.com
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 25

Best Daycare Best Coffee Shop

Thank You, Auburn Journal
Readers for Voting Us
Thanks for All
BEST OF THE BEST!
Your Local
Support and For
Voting Us The
Best!
BELL’S
PRESCHOOL
• Preschool, Separate Toddler Program, Potty Training
• Full Day and Before/After School Care Stop by for a
• Transportation to and from Auburn Elementary and Rock Creek School
• Also Accommodating “Mid Day Kindergarten”
893 High St. cup of Joe &
• Vacation and Summer Programs for School Age Children Downtown Auburn visit with your
530-823-9860 • 10810 Atwood Rd. • Auburn 530-889-1021 friends!

Best Company to Work For

We’re like family, enjoy working together, love our job and our
wonderful clients. Fun atmosphere, truly the Best Place to Work!
“Fitness Designed Just For You!”
• Child Care • Massage • Tanning • Senior Classes • Personal Training
• New Classes: Zumba, Cardio Kick Boxing, Yoga, Spinning & Much More!

• One Hour Massage

$
40 (one time only) 210 Palm Ave. Auburn
$ (next to Riebes & Abby Carpet) Hours:
• 15 Minutes with Personal Trainer 15 (unlimited visits) M-F 4am-9pm
• Prepay for 2 years & GET 3 Months FREE!
Offers end 8-19-09
530-888-0835
www.totalfitness.cc
Sat 7am-7pm
Sun 8am-5pm
26 • July 19, 2009 BEST OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal

Any way you

slice it
BEST DELI:
TSUDA’S OLD TOWN EATERY

“This is tremendous. We’ve

achieved everything we set out to
do, which is give really great
quality to a great community at a
great price. We’re so thrilled to
make it all work.”
Alexandra Carnahan, owner

BEN FURTADO • AUBURN JOURNAL

Owner of Tsuda’s Old Town Eatery in Old Town Auburn, Alexandra Carnahan, shows the very pop-
ular New York Pastrami sandwich with a side of homemade potato chips.

Best Travel Agency Best Hamburger Place

l.-r.: Shonne, owner, and Milee, her assistant.

Thanks to our loyal

clients and friends
in the Auburn area
for voting us . . .
#
1!
530-367-6595
Serving Auburn & the foothills. 10850 Mt. Vernon Rd. • Auburn • 530.823.1111
CST# 2011131-10
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 27

Best Tailoring & Alterations Best Day Spa

Thank You Auburn!
Our sincere thanks to
everyone for voting us
the BEST Tailoring
& Alterations shop in
Auburn for the last
12 years!

Alterations by Melodey
Expert Alterations for Women & Men • Tuxedo Rentals Front L - R: Kelly Carducci/Massage, Joyce Rask/Hair Stylist, Maureen Tillack/Hair
Stylist, Nicole Kuper, Donna Kuper/Owner/Skincare, Cari Kilgore/Skincare,
Specializing in weddings
Courtney Milton/Hair Stylist, Back L-R: Diane Justensen/Hair Stylist, Bonnie Jose/
609 High Street • Corner of Elm & High Street Hair Stylist, Marlene Mazzi/Manicurist, Debi How/Hair Stylist, Bunny Smith/Hair
530-888-8935 Stylist, Michele McCreery/Massage, Cindi McKeown/Massage, Emma Seal/
Reception, Katrena Thomas/Hair Stylist, Julie Thomas/Manicurist, Vicky Do/
Manicurist, DeAnna Brown/Hair Stylist, Lauren Milton/Skincare Unfortunately not
pictured: Robin Gibson/Hair Stylist, Amee Correia/Hair Stylist, Rosalie Yeager/
Massage, Holly McLaughlin, Carrie Brewster/Hair Stylist.

Best Pharmacist All Of us at The Robie House would like to

Thank you to all Thank Our Wonderful Clients
of our wonderful For voting us The Best Day Spa again!
customers. It’s We appreciate your loyal support!
Complete Hair & Nail Services
been a pleasure Expert Skin Care • Massage Therapy
serving you all
Charley Fink these years. Gift Cards
Registered Pharmacist for 57 Years! & Spa Packages
Available
Auburn Drug Co.
Downtown Since 1896 1125 High Street, Downtown Auburn
(530) 823-2794
TRULY A STEP BACK IN TIME . . . Visit our website:
M-F 9-6 • Sat 9-5 • Closed Sun
815 Lincoln Way • Auburn • 885-6524 robiehousedayspa.com
28 • July 19, 2009 BEST OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal

BEST EVENT:
AUBURN’S BLACK & WHITE BALL
A night to remember
“We’re very pleased and honored
to have that recognition. To be
honored Best of the Best Event by
the Auburn community this year is
a tribute to everyone who makes
the Black & White Ball what it is
the sponsors, the volunteers and
the thousands of people in the
greater Auburn community who
buy tickets and come to the ball
that evening.”
Bruce Cosgrove, CEO of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce
(Auburn’s Black & White Ball is the chamber fundraiser)

FILE • AUBURN JOURNAL

Rocklin residents Justine and Matt Hillis rock out to David Martin's House Party Band at last year’s Black &
White Ball.

Best Jewelers
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 29

Best Veterinary Hospital Best Dentist

Thanks to all our loyal clients. Dr. Mark E. Abel, Dentist

Your Pet’s
Health is
our #1
Priority.

We’ve remodeled and expanded

24 Hour Thank you Auburn for voting us Best of the Best. We have enjoyed
Doctor on Call over 30 years of serving you and look forward to many more years of
Animal Medical Center to make it a
“Keeping You Smiling.” Thanks for your support.
BETTER Hospital for you and your pets!

Animal Medical Center Member of American &

California Dental
1525 Grass Valley Highway • Auburn Associations

(530) 823-5166 13620 Lincoln Way #190 • Auburn • 530-823-1284

Best Pizza S ave R o o mBest Dessert

Birthday Good Stu for the
Happy Thanks ff
to Our Loyal
Customers
and • Espress

S P E C IALS Lincoln
Auburn • Brewed
o
C
JULY Specialty Piz)za is • Bakery offee
• Ice Cre
Items
Auburn • $10 ges weekly
5! am
is
(chan readsticks
• $5 B f Dessert Piz
za Readers for • Gourm
and Can
et Choco
lates
lice o • Popcor dy
10! • Free s to customers
Voting Us n
Lincoln202
Auburn to St.
.#
436 G St -7677 530-885-556
amen 916-645 167 Sacr 2
150 Sacr 88-7600
530-8
OP E N D AI LY 11t
OTPizz
a.ne
am
#1 Mon-Fri amento St. • O
8am-9pm ld Town
otdesser • Sat Sun 9am-9pm
tcafe.co
m
30 • July 19, 2009 BEST OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal

Image is
everything
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER:
SHIRLEY BORBA, IMAGES
“I’m very excited. It makes me
feel great. I have great, great
clients.”
Shirley Borba, Images, Winner, Best Photographer

BEN FURTADO • AUBURN JOURNAL

Shirley Borba of Images was voted Best Photographer in Auburn.

Best Accounting/Payroll Services Best Beauty Supply

Thank you to our clients and the Auburn Business Community for
voting us the Best of the Best for the past four years! We appreciate
the continued support as we couldn’t do this without you! Thank
You
PERSONAL
RELIABLE
Auburn!
We are very honored
to have been selected.
AFFORDABLE We strive to provide quality
service at the best price,
Knowledgeable Product
Recommendations, and
OVER ALL VALUE
to our GREAT customers!

530-823-7000
Belle Beauty
3257 Professional Drive #F, Auburn
Supply & Salon
Hwy 49 & Bell Rd (Best Buy Center) 364 Elm Ave (in the Save Mart Center)
www.calpay.biz 823-9341 888-9784
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 31

Best Salad Best Medical Office

T he lad S h o p
Big Sa
fo r V oting Us
Thanks he Best!
Best Of T your
iate
We apprepcport.
su
L to R: Sierra, Ashley, Danielle, Kayla, Devon

Downtown Auburn PATIO

799 Lincoln Way DINING
530-823-6422
Open Mon.-Sat.

Best Mattress/Furniture Store

Our Store Can Truly Help You
“Sleep Better Tonight!”

Adam, Coy & Seth Miller

PRESSURE RELIEVING
SWEDISH MATTRESSES AND PILLOWS

Family owned and operated since 1994

495 Hwy 49 • Auburn 615 5th Street • Lincoln
(Corner of Hwy 49 & Palm Ave.) (NEW LOCATION! Next to Beerman’s)
530-888-0899 916-645-7009
32 • July 19, 2009
Makeup artist makes natural features beautiful
BY JENIFER GEE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
A little can make a big
difference in the way
someone feels about their
look, Nichole Bertucci
says.
And after 12 years and
counting as a makeup
artist, Bertucci has seen
how enhancing a person’s
natural beauty boosts
their confidence.
“I think people being
happy with themselves
initially is a good thing,”
Bertucci said. “When you
can help them enhance
their natural beauty, that’s
very gratifying.”
Bertucci was voted the
2009 Best Makeup Artist
in the reader-voted Best
of the Best competition.
Bertucci, who attended
We’re here to help you live longer, look and feel better and to enhance your quality of life. Feel free to call upon us at any time!
BEST MAKEUP
ARTIST
Winner: Nichole Bertucci,
Location: Vibrance Med-
ical Spa in Auburn
Interesting facts: Her hob-
bies include wakeboarding
and traveling
cosmetology school at the
age of 19, has worked at
Vibrance Medical Spa in
Auburn for four years. She
said the spa carries phar-
maceutical cosmetics that
have healing properties
for patients who’ve
recently had surgery.
“Once they undergo
facial surgery, they can
come see me to camou-
flage any bruising or find
a way to make the surgery
effects less conspicuous,”
Thank you, members of the Auburn community, for voting us Best Gym in Auburn!
Auburn Racquet
& 1255 Racquet Club Drive, Auburn (off Luther Rd.)
Fitness Club
BEST OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal
“Makeup is really just
a tool to help you
enhance your natural
beauty. What I usually
tell patients is less is
more.”
Nichole Bertucci, on her beauty
philosophy
ors to update their look.
“They learn how to
enhance their positive
features and camouflage
what they don’t like,”
Bertucci said.
Bertucci said she was
surprised when she heard
BEN FURTADO • AUBURN JOURNAL she was voted best make-
Makeup artist Nichole Bertucci, right, at work at Vibrance Medical Spa. up artist. “I feel very flat-
tered and very excited
Bertucci said. makeup work for a variety help people learn how to that I made a difference,
Bertucci said she’s also of weddings. She also use makeup or help cos- that people voted in for
busy on weekends doing offers makeup sessions to metic users find new col- me,” Bertucci said.
Best Gym
GRAND OPENING
POOL RT
PA R T Y ! MUSIC T&AS!
SUNDAY , JULY 26, 1-5PM MARGARI
J OIN BETWEEN NOW & J ULY 26
TO QUALIFY FOR A DRAWING TO
W I N $ 500 G A S R E B AT E !
Must be present at party to win. Ends 7-26-09.
$0 Joining Fee*
Or Up To 10 Free
*Sale Ends July 26, 2009
(530) 885-1602 • www.ar-fc.com
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 33

Best Towing Company Best Deli

Thank You, Auburn Journal Readers
T n T
Aubur !
H Voted eli H
D
A Best A
N N
For Voting Us Best of the Best!
From Left: Jeremy Julienne (Flat Bed), Mike Sanders (Wrecker),
K K
Troy Addington (Service), Jason Gruhlke (Manager)
Not pictured: Alex Scheuter (Flat Bed), Miguel Quinonez (Flat
Bed), J. P. Deshon (Wrecker), Chris Murty (Night Driver), Dave
Johnson (Service Driver), Larry Kloth (Foresthill Driver)
Owners: Jerry and Debbie Millsaps Y Y
Dispatchers: Theanne Gruhlke, Jodi Nielsen, Sue Cole
O O
FORESTHILL TOWING
14300 Musso Rd.
Auburn
23810 Carpenters Way
Foresthill
U U
1-866-557-4997 Toll Free 530-367-6600

T T
Best Cellular Store H H
A A
Thank You! For Voting Us
The BEST of the BEST! N N
Your One Stop Shop For All Your Wireless Needs K K

Y Y
O O
U U
Your Local Verizon Wireless We could not have made it without the
Premium Retailer support of this amazing community!!
2180 Grass Valley Hwy. • Auburn, CA 95603
(In the Bel Air Shopping Center)
103 Sacramento Street • Old Town Auburn
530-888-6138
530-823-2233 • www.tsudas.com
www.4Gwireless.com
34 • July 19, 2009 BEST OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal

Investing in relationships
BY MICHELLE MILLER-CARL
JOURNAL NEWS EDITOR

Even in a year of financial

strife, Edward Jones came out
on top as Best Investment Financial
Company. adviser Mark
When clients lose their nest Mishler
eggs, some financial advisers reviews the
tend to hide, said Brian Mishler, Sue Anderson Todd DeKellis portfolio of
financial adviser with Edward client Diana
Jones. Dzioba.
“We don’t do that. We reach BEN FURTADO •

out even more to stay in contact AUBURN JOURNAL

with clients and help them

make adjustments,” he said.
“People don’t like losing money,
but what they don’t like more
than that is being ignored,
especially in times of concern.”
Mishler is one of five Edward
Jones advisers operating in their
own offices in Auburn, along
with Mark Mishler (his brother),
Todd DeKellis, Sue Anderson
and Bill Kenney. The set-up
Bill Kenney Brian Mishler
ensures advisers have a close
relationship with investors.
“We feel like the Edward
Jones model is designed for
personal attention,” Mishler
said. “When you pick up the
phone, we recognize our
clients.”
Edward Jones offers invest-
ments in stocks, bonds and
mutual funds, retirement plan-
ning and life insurance, but
specializes in individualized
portfolios.
“We strive to identify (clients’)
wants and wishes and goals and
develop a plant to achieve that,”
he said.
Edward Jones has consistent-
ly been ranked first in investor
satisfaction among full-service
brokerages by J.D. Power and
Associates.
So in Mishler’s eyes, it’s only
natural to pick up a ninth Best
of the Best nod.
“I think it’s because we’re very
involved in the community.
We’re all members of service
clubs and we serve a lot of
clients in the area,” he said.
“(The J.D. Power) recognition
adds to the understanding of
why we’re Auburn’s Best of the
Best – we’re also Best of the Best
in the United States.”

Best Barber Shop Best Chinese Food

We enjoy what we Thank you to
our loyal
do. Thank you all customers
who voted for us. for voting
We look forward and
giving us
to you visiting us your
soon! business for
the 11th
Rico Puccioni & John Heape year.
Opened for business in 1964
No MSG
Rico’s Barber Styling
Twin
Traditional Food Preparation
High Quality
897 High St, Auburn, CA Open 7 days a week
530-885-2333 Dragon 520 Auburn Ravine Rd. • Auburn
Open Mon.-Fri. 9-5:30, Sat. 9-5 530-888-6190
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 35

Best Nursery & Garden Supply Best Martial Arts

(formerly known as
Auburn Family Taekwondo)

Our loyal customers make us #1. Thank You

Thank you for shopping locally! Auburn! Pictured, L-R: Steve Lorenzo, Dan & Debbie
Lovas (Owners) and Dave Marinoble
Eisley’s Nursery “STRONG BODIES & CLEAR MINDS”
530-887-0215
380 Nevada St. • Auburn
150 Harrison Ave • Auburn
(530) 885-5163 www.auburnmartialartscenter.com

Best Plumbing Supply Best Oil & Lube

Thanks Auburn for expressing confidence in our service.
Serving –SpeeDee crew
the community
since 1958

ou for vot
ky
Than

ing

#1
us

3y
1

ears o
in a R

Oil Changes, Diagnostics, Tune Ups,

A Full Service Supply Company Smog Checks, Tires & More.
with a little bit of everything!
823-0102
825 NEVADA ST., AUBURN 885-8475 Hwy 49 & Summer Ridge Dr.
Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Auburn
36 • July 19, 2009
Weimar Hills teacher is the apple of students’ eyes
BY LORYLL NICOLAISEN
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
Julie Paul is head of the
class.
Paul, starting her 14th
year teaching this fall at
Weimar Hills School, has
been voted Best Teacher.
“I was really honored,”
she said. “It makes me feel
that I have such a connec-
tion with the families I
work with. I feel honored
that they think I’m doing
a good job, and I’m proud
of my school, because I
feel like they created me.”
Paul has spent her
entire teaching career at
Weimar Hills, where she
currently teaches sixth-
grade history. She grew
up in the foothills, attend-
ed Weimar Hills and grad-
uated from Colfax High
Steve Lavoie
BEST
Julie Paul, who teaches sixth-grade history at Weimar Hills School, is the 2009
Best of the Best Teacher. Paul attended Weimar Hills School as a youth and
knew she wanted to come back as an educator.
School. back hoping to teach.”
“Weimar Hills is my old Paul earned her bache-
school,” she said. “I came lor’s degree at California
Best Hearing Service
Helping the world hear better
OF THE BEST
BEN FURTADO • AUBURN JOURNAL
State University, Sacra-
mento, and her teaching
credential through Chap-
BELTONE HEARING AID CENTER
1275 High Street, Downtown Auburn
530-885-8350
Supplement to the Auburn Journal
BEST TEACHER “I feel honored that
Winner: Julie Paul they think I’m doing a
School: Weimar Hills
Interesting facts: Paul good job, and I’m
attended Weimar Hills as a
child proud of my school,
because I feel like
man University. When it
they created me.”
came time to get into the
Julie Paul, Winner, Best Teacher
classroom, Paul came
back to Weimar Hills, stu-
dent teaching with one of sixth-grade history using
her former teachers, John a History Alive program,
Green. in which project-based
“I had a great time at exploration is a big part of
Weimar Hills,” she said. “It the curriculum.
was a great school. It still “My philosophy on
is. The people are so working with kids is on
amazing. Everybody the whole child, not just
knows everybody, and the curriculum I’m sup-
that’s a great feeling. My posed to teach,” she said.
classmates, their kids are “If I can get them having
coming through my class fun and enjoying them-
now.” selves, then I can fit a lot
Paul enjoys teaching more curriculum in.”
It is an honor to be
voted Best of the Best
by our community, as
your hearing
professional.
Thank You,
Auburn!
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 37

Best Silk Screen/T-shirt Shop Best CarWash

Thank you for 24 years of your loyal
support & patronage.

Auburn voted Cruiser’s Detail Packages

the Best of the Starting at $49.99
Best...Why? We have T.L.C. Tuesday for
Maybe because we have state Seniors, 10-2 we’ll vacuum.
of the art equipment with 4
different wash packsges We have a friendly staff
A Bounce House for the kids, A fleet program
Thurs-Sun
We help the community with
Alan Campbell & Lora LaPorte, James Bond (the cat) Monthly unlimited fundraising
wash packages
DANCING DOG PRODUCTIONS
Call today: 530 887-8522
1101 High St., Downtown Auburn • Tues.-Fri. 10-5 • Sat. 12-3
885-3692 Hwy 49 • AUBURN • 2 blocks South of Bell Rd.
Hours: Mon-Sat 8-7 • Sun 8-6 • cruiserscarwash.com

Best Wait Person/Best Italian Restaurant

Enjoy Our New

Patio Dining • Wednesday-All You Can Eat Spaghetti
• Monday-Kids Eat Free*
Brittany Monica Chris Jillian
• Catering
Chris Consola, 2nd from right, is all smiles with • Specialty Wine Dinners
his co-workers and Monica, one of the owners.

We would like to THANK YOU for 2501 Bell Road, Auburn

Best Buy Center
your continued patronage and truly
appreciate your business.
530-886-8703
Open daily: 11-9/Sat til 10
38 • July 19, 2009 BEST OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal

Shifting gears
BEST BIKE SHOP:
VICTORY VELO BIKE SHOP

“We try to
provide great
customer
service and to
get the
feedback that
we’re doing
that means the
world to us.”
Dan Tebbs, owner

BEN FURTADO • AUBURN JOURNAL

Dan Tebbs of Victory Velo Bike Shop carries bikes for all levels of riders, including the high-end Felt bicy-
cles, which were used in last year’s Olympic Games in Beijing.

Best Consignment Store Best Pool Builder

“Some companies build pools. . .
Thank You We build dreams”
Auburn for
Voting Us #1!!
In loving memory of
Frankie the Cat

Re-Newable Fashions on Consighnment

920 Lincoln Way • Auburn
916-663-3336
530-823-1029 1880 Auburn Folsom Road
For more information on consigning or for sales & specials, Auburn, CA
please visit our website @ cherylsclothescloset.com A Reputation To Build
On Since 1980
www.dalpino.com
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 39

Best Florist Best Restaurant

Restaurant • Bistro • Art Gallery • Full Bar

Natural Beef, Fresh Seafood, Vegetarian,
Organic & Local Products

Thank you Auburn for voting us

best restaurant!

Best Makeup Artist

At Latitudes we offer a creative, changing menu influenced by

cuisine from around the world. We keep your health and happiness
in mind with nutritionally balanced meals and healthy ingredients.

OPEN Wed. - Sunday

Lunch 11:30 - 3
Dinner 5 - 9, Fri. & Sat. ‘til 10
Brunch Sat. & Sun. 10 - 3
Bistro opens at 4

130 Maple Street, Auburn, CA • 530.885.9535

www.latitudesrestaurant.com
40 • July 19, 2009 BEST OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal

Owners feel healthy community best alternative

BY GUS THOMSON
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
Best of the Best honors
for the first-time category
Alternative Medicine go
to Bukovina Naturopath-
ic.
Cari Thachuk described
the award as an honor for
the naturopathic clinic at
750 Lincoln Way. Business
partner Heidi Hook
established Bukovina 12
years ago and Thachuk
came onboard two years
ago.
Thachuk attributes the
honor to an approach
and philosophy that is “so
old that it’s new.”
“We really look at get-
ting to the cause of a
problem and helping
ing they can do, that they
BEST have to live with it, that it’s
ALTERNATIVE all in the head,” Thachuk
MEDICINE said. “We truly try to fig-
Winner: Bukovina ure out why they’re hav-
Naturopathic ing symptoms. We fix the
Location: 750 Lincoln Way ‘why’ and all the symp-
Phone: (530) 885-5908
Interesting fact: toms go away.”
Bukovina is the name of a The same goes for
tree weight loss and depres-
sion.
The clinic’s name
they’re looking for and comes from the Bukov-
when they get better, they ina, a type of tree that
tell other people.” Thachuk said grows and
As well as Auburn, spreads its roots outward
Bukovina has patients vis- to support the growth of
iting from the Bay Area other plants around it.
and Reno, as well as cor- The clinic does the
responding from Texas same thing in the com-
and Southern California. munity, with the help it
“We have a lot of people provides people spread-
who come in who have ing out into Auburn to BEN FURTADO • AUBURN JOURNAL

people help themselves,” chronic fatigue syndrome make it stronger and Owners of Bukovina, Cari A. Thachuk, left and Heidi Hook received the Best of
she said. “It’s an approach – they’re told there’s noth- healthier, she said. the Best award for alternative medicine.

Best Nail Salon Best Office Supply Store

Thank You Auburn
for voting us the
Best of the Best
again in 2009!
Locally Owned
& Operated
Anne Elizabeth Helen Julie for 50 Years
in Auburn!
We are so honored
#
that our clients and the community Don’t forget we also do Office Furniture, Janitorial/Breakroom, Ink & Toner,
voted us # 1. We thank you for all your support Promotional Products, Copy & Print. FREE Delivery, no minimum on all
and continued business. office supplies. Low Prices combined with Great Service keep us competitive!

Pink & White Acrylics • Gel Nails • Pedicures • Manicures local (530) 823-8737 toll free (888-727-8737 fax (530) 823-6406
144 Reamer Street Auburn • 530 823-0455 Thank you for making a local company the best!
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 41

Best Photographer Best Night Spot

photo by Ben Furtado

10850 Mt. Vernon Rd. • Auburn • 530.823.1111

Best Mortgage Company

530.888.6000 • 1.888.888.4834
Thank you for voting us the Best
Mortgage Company in Auburn!
All Real Estate Loans Available
FHA, VA, 100% Purchase

REVERSE
MORTGAGES
42 • July 19, 2009 BEST OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal

No pain, no gain
BEST TATTOO PARLOR: SYNDICATE TATTOO
“Here at Syndicate we are
extremely proud to represent our
community in our industry. We
work hard at making sure that our
clients get the best tattoos and
service available in the area.
Being recognized for that is all we
could ever ask for.”
Jesse Fuller, co-owner of Syndicate Tattoo, Winner, Best Tattoo Parlor

Jesse Fuller, right, co-owner of Syndicate Tattoo,

admires his handiwork on the back of client Mike
Whaley. “Ghost Rider,” which won an award at
the All American Tattoo Festival this year, took
Fuller more than 25 hours over the span of a year
and a half to create.

BEN FURTADO • AUBURN JOURNAL

Best Roofing Company Best Used Car Dealer

Thank You Auburn Journal Readers
for voting us “Best of the Best” for 11 Years!
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You
You Really DO Like Us!
Serving the Foothills for
over 27 years
Now Open our Full Service Dept.
M-F 7:30-5:00 • Sat by Appt.

Roofing &
Supply, Inc.
35 Years in Business
Retail Sales • New Roofs • Reroofing Call: 887-8011
144 Team Track Rd. • Auburn 340 Grass Valley Hwy.,
Auburn, CA 95603
530-823-3812 LIC# 697425 www.paceautosales.net
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 43

Best Hair Stylist Best Transmission Repair

Thank You Thank You Auburn, for voting
to all us Best of the Best again! You
of my clients ARE the Best Customers!
for your
Alicia continued
Sheeders support!
Redken certified colorist

144 Reamer Street Auburn • 530 823-0455

Gale & Ned
Trust the Professionals at...
Best Place To Picnic
ARD thanks the Auburn
JR’s
community for voting us
PLACE
Transmissions
#
1 TO
PICNIC!
• Local hometown family owned
since 1980
• Staff with over 75 years
experience
• Standard/Automatic
ARD Regional Park
• Repair & Rebuild
Have a eat • Large inventory of parts
gr
picnic! & supplies
• FREE estimate/Road test
ARD Recreation Park • Differentials & Clutches
AUBURN RECREATION DISTRICT
123 Recreation Drive 530-885-5458
885-8461 2125 Grass Valley Hwy., Auburn • M-F 8-5
www.auburnrec.com
44 • July 19, 2009
Hungry? Keep an eye out for the dancing pickle
BY GUS THOMSON
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
Mr. Pickles is a double
winner in the Best of the
Best competition, with
wins for both Best Sign
Dancer and Best Sand-
wich.
Bob Cope, manager of
the eatery tucked into a
nondescript strip mall at
Fulweiler Avenue and
Highway 49, said he
believes quality makes his
store’s sandwiches stand
out.
“I believe it’s the quality
of the products,” Cope
said. “The bread, the
meat, everything is sliced
fresh each morning and
our produce is delivered
every single morning.”
Attitude counts too, he
said.
“We do it with an
extremely friendly atti-
tude,” Cope added. “Cus-
tomers are greeted when
they arrive and thanked
when they leave. We train
our employees to go
above and beyond. There
are a lot of repeat cus-
tomers because of the
quality of service.”
Quickness is also an
asset, Cope said.
“Our customers don’t
have to sit for half an hour
watching lunch being
made,” he said.
As for Charles Ross
Hart, 19, the employee
inside the Mr. Pickles cos-
tume for the past seven
months at the busy High-
way 49 intersection, it’s
“kind of exciting” to be
honored.
“I enjoy it and if every-
one else does, that’s awe-
BEST
BEST SIGN
DANCER/ BEST
SANDWICH SHOP
Winner: Mr. Pickles
Location: 455 Grass Valley
Highway
Phone: (530) 823-3359
Interesting facts: The
man inside the pickle cos-
tume, Charles Ross Hart,
often listens to reggae, hip-
hop and techno.
some,” Hart said.
In case you’re wonder-
ing, Hart is usually listen-
ing to reggae and folk in
the morning, switches to
hip-hop at midday and
then finishes up with
some beat-heavy techno.
OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal
WHAT MAKES YOU
BEST OF THE BEST?
“I believe it’s the
quality of the
products. The bread,
the meat, everything
is sliced fresh each
morning and our
produce is delivered
every single
morning.”
Bob Cope Winner, Best
Sandwich Shop
Above, Ronny Daniel
enters Mr. Pickles Sand-
wich Shop as Mr. Pickle
before the ribbon cut-
ting ceremony for the
establishment last year.
At left, staff members
turn out sandwiches
quickly for the lunch
crowd.
BEN FURTADO • AUBURN JOURNAL
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 45

Best Bike Shop Best Paint Store

We enjoy
what we do. Thank You for Keeping Us #1 Year After Year!
Thank you
to all our
customers &
friends who
voted us #1.
WN
NTO
DOWCATION
LO

Bicycles for
kids & adults
VICTORY VELO
BIKE SHOP AUBURN, CA AUBURN
835 Lincoln Way • Auburn • www.victoryvelo.com 200 Palm Ave.
530-885-3986 530-885-7914

Best Auto Body Shop Best Auto Repair Dealership

MAGNUSSENS Thanks to our loyal MAGNUSSENS
customers and the A U B U R N T O Y O TA S E R V I C E
AUBURN COLLISION CENTER
Auburn community
for voting us

MAGNUSSEN’S
AUBURN TOYOTA Hours: Mon. - Sat. 7am - 6pm
Call Today 885-1160 800 NEVADA ST., AUBURN Call For Appointment 885-8484
560 Nevada St., Auburn 885-8484 Nevada St. @ Hwy. 49, Auburn
46 • July 19, 2009
Plop down for a picnic at Recreation Park
LUKE RAMSETH BEST PLACE TO
PICNIC
SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL
Winner: Recreation Park
Recreation Park is the Location: 123 Recreation
best spot around to roll Drive
out a blanket and relax, Phone: (530) 885-8461
say Auburn Journal read- ext. 0
ers.
Even on a recent week-
day afternoon, the lawn Auburn. The park offers a
area is abuzz with kids pool open seven days a
running and young fami- week, a well-groomed
lies lounging under the baseball field that local
oak trees. Little League teams call
“It’s open, there is a lot home, indoor and out-
of green, and it’s very door basketball courts,
clean,” says park manager and two covered picnic
Manouch Shirvanioun. areas for parties.
“People respect that.” “I think the gazebos are
But with Recreation gorgeous,” said Jessica
Park, it’s certainly not just Joyner of the Auburn
the picnicking that Recreation District. “We
attracts locals and out-of- have even had weddings
towners coming through here.”
Best
Best Title Company
Thank You Auburn!
We know you have a choice.
Thanks for choosing us Again!!!
Auburn Branch
193 Fulweiler Avenue
Auburn, CA 95603
530.885.7722
BEST OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal
“It’s open, there is a
lot of green, and it’s
very clean. People
respect that.”
Manouch Shirvanioun,
Recreation Park manager
the park’s popularity to its
central location. It doesn’t
hurt that the park offers
something for everyone,
whether you want to
BEN FURTADO • AUBURN JOURNAL FILE work up a sweat or sit
Audrey Metteer, 4, whips up a batch of sand in a bucket as her mother Amy under a tree and eat
watches from a distance. lunch.
For questions or reser-
The picnic areas can be from birthday parties to Joyner. vations for picnic areas,
reserved for anything family reunions, said Shirvanioun attributes call (530) 885-8461, ext. 0.
Best Elected Official
Thank you for your continued
trust. I want to thank all local
elected officials for their service
and hard work during these
challenging economic times.
Jim Holmes
Placer County
Supervisor
District 3
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 47

Best Attorney Best Sign Shop

“A Special Thanks To Our Staff For We would like to
thank all our
Making Us Best Of The Best!” wonderful customers
who have been
faithful through the
years. We hope to
continue serving you
in the future. Thank
you for voting us Best
of the Best!

Aaron, Sandi,
Rachel, Jerry
and Bruce

12210 Herdal Dr. • Auburn

888-9220 • 1031 High St. Auburn
530-823-9858 www.uptownsigns.com

Best Sandwich Shop/Best Sign Dancer

Cool Down for Now Serving!
Summer! L – PICK-U P – EAT
Great Breakfast Sandwiches
CAL
Famous Merlino’s Plus Fresh Brewed Coffee from
Freezes!
455 Grass Valley Hwy) • Auburn
(Staples Shopping Center)

530-823-3359
M - S 8am - 5pm • Sun. 8am - 4pm
Hurry in with your FREE coupons!
CLIP & SAVE CLIP & SAVE
FREE FREE FREE FREE
Buy Any
Let
L e t Us
U s Thank
Thank
All New Breakfast
Sandwich Yo u for
You f o r Voting
Vo t i n g Sandwich!
and receive FREE bag of Lay’s chips
and 12 oz drink U s #1
Us #1 Buy Any Breakfast Sandwich and
receive FREE a Famous Fresh Brewed
Also: Our free Chocolate Chip Cookie.
Come Try Us Out With These Vaneli’s Coffee
Expires 8-31-09. One coupon per person, one Expires 8-31-09. One coupon per person, one
coupon per day. Must present coupon Special Coupons, Just For You! coupon per day. Must present coupon
48 • July 19, 2009 BEST OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal

Stretching the limits

BEST YOGA STUDIO:
CANYON SPIRIT YOGA CENTER
“I’m so grateful to my students and the
community for supporting us for 10
years. I think people like to have a
sanctuary, a safe place to go, and we
provide that — a place where they can
not only get good exercise but rest their
minds and hearts. And I think our
students are the best of the best, too.”
Susan Whitaker, owner of Canyon Spirit Yoga center

BEN FURTADO • AUBURN JOURNAL

Amy Crelley does a warrior II stance with instructor Cathy Mikles at Canyon Spirit Yoga
Center.

Best Auto Repair-Independent Best Breakfast

We know you have options and we thank you for trusting us to treat you right. Being Best Of
The Best four times has been our honor. Thanks to our loyal customers and amazing staff, we
have been providing quality service for 16 years and still going. Thank You Auburn!

We appreciate all our loyal customers keeping us

The Master
Technicians, Inc.
TOYOTAS & HONDAS
#
1
In business since 1979

889-9682 or 889-YOTA
KATRINA’S CAFE
12209 Locksley Lane #15 • Auburn
456 Grass Valley Hwy. • 888-1166
www.mastertechnicians.net Mon.-Tue. closed • Wed.-Sat. 7-2:30 • Sun 7-1:30
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 49

What makes ASKED IN DOWNTOWN AUBURN BY MEGAN SANDERS

Auburn the
Best of the
Best? BUD BAUTISTA TONY JACKSON ROBIN BECHTEL THERESE CROSBY JERRY KOPP
RETIRED, AUBURN COMPUTER DESIGN, AUDIO EDITIONS, REAL ESTATE UPTOWN SIGNS,
AUBURN AUBURN BROKER, AUBURN AUBURN

‘It’s a friendly ‘It’s more ‘It has a very ‘It’s kind of a no ‘Auburn is
town, 10 minutes wholesome here; small town brainer, look America 1975. The
away from the the schools are feeling.’ around you. The way America used
wilderness, lots to better. It was a people.’ to be.’
do and good culture shock
people.’ when I moved
here.’

Best Tattoo Salon Best Whitewater Rafting Service

Thank You
for Voting us
Best of the
Best!

Thank you Auburn so much for voting us Best of the Best!

We here at Syndicate Tattoo & Clothing Co. are proud to provide the
excellent quality and service that you expect for your hard earned
money. We work hard to make your tattoo experience the best it can be. Rafting Tours • Kayaking • Sales • Repair
Thanks - Brady, John & Jesse Rentals • Instruction • Demos
Call today & go rafting tomorrow!
For reservations call: 530-368-9027
sierrawhitewater.com
12007 Dry Creek Road
Northwest corner Dry Creek & 49 SIERRA OUTDOOR CENTER
440 Lincoln Way • Auburn
530-885-1844
50 • July 19, 2009
Attention to detail helps Cruiser’s sparkle
Cruiser’s Carwash own-
er Steve Herron likens a
clean car to the feeling
you get when you put on
a shiny pair of shoes or
get your nails done.
“We all enjoy putting
our best foot forward and
making a positive state-
ment. That’s what driving
a clean, shiny car does for
a person,” he said. “When
all the parts of the pack-
age are in order, one tends
to perform better, too.”
That feel good, clean
feeling must be why read-
ers voted Cruiser’s Car
Wash Best Car Wash for
the second straight year.
Since 2007, Cruisers has
been offering touchless
car washes in one of
Northern California’s
Best Investment Company
WE LOVE our CLIENTS!
Brian Mishler
MAKING SENSE OF INVESTING
BEST OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal
BEST CAR WASH experience to Cruisers.
Winner: Cruiser’s Carwash He studied the signs
Location: 2435 Drive-In buildings and costumes
Way at Disneyland and Disney
Phone: (530) 887-8522 World to come up with
cruiserscarwash.com his own 1940’s theming
Interesting facts: Owner
Steve Herron patterned the
for Cruisers.
1940s theme of Cruisers Alongside Herron is his
after studying Disney wife, Jeanne, who is
theme parks Cruiser’s full-time man-
ager. As a mother of three
teens, Jeanne Herron says
longest car wash bay at she can relate to the
150 feet. The car wash moms she sees at Cruis-
also offers free tokens for ers.
vacuuming and a full “We bought a bounce
detail shop. house that we set up on
Creating an enjoyable weekends so kids can
experience is something BEN FURTADO • AUBURN JOURNAL burn off excess energy
Herron knows a lot about Marvin Cave sprays down the wheels before a car enters Cruiser’s Car Wash — while moms can tend to
— he once worked as a one of the longest carwashing bays in Northern California. the Cheerios under the
submarine captain at seats,” she said.
Disneyland and went the “We were trained that tomers. They are our way,” he said.
Disneyland University. customers were not cus- guests; treat them that Herron translated that ~ Michelle Miller-Carl
Thank you for your vote of
trust and confidence!
Bill Kenney Sue Anderson Mark Mishler Todd DeKellis
www.edwardjones.com 9 TIME
Member SIPC
WINNERS
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 51

Best Chiropractor Best Credit Union

Our thanks to all our patients for voting us
Best of the Best 4 years running!

Kusel Chiropractic
(530) 885-4447
389 Nevada Street • Auburn
across from Eisley’s Nursery

Best Tack & Feed Store

We Appreciate Your Business!
Thanks for Keeping Us #1.
Come in and check out our complete line of pet supplies
and cat & dog foods.
• Nutro • Diamond • Natural Balance
HORSE and LIVESTOCK SUPPLIES
Feed • Tack • Fencing • Tools
also Chickens & Supplies

open
7 days
Echo Valley Ranch www.
echoranch.com
205 Nevada St., Auburn
530-823-1482
Your Downtown Feedstore and a Whole Lot More! echoranch.com
52 • July 19, 2009 BEST OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal

BEST COLORFUL
Man about town
CHARACTER:
GILBERT ORTEGA
“I didn’t think I
was that
popular ... it
makes me feel
good. It’s too
bad I got hurt.”
Gilbert Ortega (Gilbert has been
Gilbert Ortega is a con-
recuperating at home since an stant figure around
injury he sustained after falling Auburn, riding his bicycle
from his bike)
festooned with pinwheels
and streamers and his
hats decked out in pins
and coon tails. He was
voted Most Colorful Char-
acter by readers in this
first-time category.

BEN FURTADO • AUBURN JOURNAL

Best Hearth & Stove Store Best Property Management

Celebrating
35
Years

~ Thank You ~
For your continued vote
of confidence!
We would like to say Thank You Auburn Since 1974... providing top quality management services
to Placer, Nevada and El Dorado Counties.
for keeping us the Best for 5 Years.
1163 Grass Valley Hwy
Auburn, Ca.
In Victorian Village
off Hwy. 49 Auburn Lincoln
(530) 823-3396 1222 High Street 1st Street
Professional Sales • Service • Installation 530-885-7252 916-645-8443
Since 1979 530-885-RENT hpmrentals.com 916-645-RENT
(24-hour rental hotline) (24-hour rental hotline)
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE BEST July 19, 2009 • 53

Best Winery Best Gas Station

Thank you Auburn for voting us Best! All of us at Dry Creek 76 appreciate
Thank you Auburn for
voting us best! The Taylor
your patronage. Thank You Auburn!
Family’s business, Mt.
Vernon Winery, charmed
the palates of the SF
Chronicle judges and the
NY Finger Lakes wine
judges. We took home
11 medals for our efforts.
It’s been a great year for
our winery. We are now
serving 15 wines at no
charge.

Thanks for voting Tasting Room Open

us 6 years in a row! Thurs - Sun 11-5

Mt. Vernon Winery 3960 Grass Valley Hwy. • Auburn, CA

10850 Mt. Vernon Rd. • Auburn • 530.823.1111
(530) 885-5013

Best Website

READ. FIND. SHARE. CONNECT.

Thanks to our readers and viewers, AuburnJournal.com remains the region’s online
leader in news and information. Log on and join the growing audience of citizen
journalists, photographers and bloggers who have made AuburnJournal.com No. 1.
54 • July 19, 2009 BEST
Best of Best Winners 2009
Accounting/Payroll Services........................California Payroll Concepts
Alternative Medicine................................Bukovina Naturopathic Doctors
Antique Store.........................................................Whistle Stop Junk Shop
Appliance Store.....................................................................................Sears
Architect.............................................Michael Kent Murphy Architect, Inc.
Art Gallery............................................................Auburn Old Town Gallery
Asian Restaurant.......................................................................Twin Dragon
Attorney...........................................................................Ross Kochenderfer
Auburn Event..................................................Auburn’s Black & White Ball
Auto Body Shop...................................................Auburn Collision Center
Auto Mechanic............Bryan McGinnis of Autovantage Service Center
Auto Parts Store.............................................................Riebe’s Auto Parts
Auto Repair - Independent...........................The Master Technicians, Inc.
Auto Repair - Dealership..............................Magnussen’s Auburn Toyota
Bank..............................................................................................Wells Fargo
Barber Shop...............................................................Rico’s Barber Styling
Bartender............................................................Pete Aroz of Pistol Pete’s
Beauty Salon............................................................................Visions Salon
Beauty Supply...............................................Belle Beauty Supply & Salon
Bed & Breakfast..........................................................Power’s Mansion Inn
Bicycle Shop...........................................................Victory Velo Bike Shop
Book Store.................................................................Winston Smith Books
Breakfast..................................................................................Katrina’s Café
Building Supplies......................................................................Home Depot
Butcher...........................................................................Longhorn Meat Co.
Car Stereo Store.............................................................Auburn Car Tunes
Car Wash.........................................................................Cruiser’s Carwash
Carpet & Flooring....................................................................Abbey Carpet
Carpet Cleaning..............................................................Sunshine Services
Catering...........................................................................Penguin’s Catering
Cellular Store..............................................................4G Verizon Wireless
Chiropractor..................................................................Thomas Kusel, D.C.
Clothing Store...........................................Ross Dress for Less
Coffee Depot........................................Depoe Bay Coffee Co.
Company to work for.... .Total Fitness Health & Nutrition Gym
Computer & Software..................................................Best Buy
Consignment Store............................Cheryl’s Clothes Closet
OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal
Contractor................................................................................Steve Holmes
Craft/Hobby...................................................................Downtown Hobbies
Credit Union....................................................The Golden 1 Credit Union
Day Care..........................................Bell’s Preschool & Childcare Center
Day Spa.....................................................................Robie House Day Spa
Day Trip...................................................................................................Tahoe
Deli.........................................................................Tsuda’s Old Town Eatery
Dentist...............................................................................Mark Abel, D.D.S.
Dermatologist..................................................Allison L. McCormick, M.D.
Dessert....................................................................Old Town Dessert Cafe
Doctor.....................................................Dr. Mark Knoble of Sutter Health
Drug Store....................................................Longs Drugs CVS/Pharmacy
Dry Cleaner......................................................................Elm Dry Cleaners
Elected Official.........Jim Holmes, Placer County Supervisor District 3
Fast Food.........................................................................................Taco Tree
Firefighter.........................Billy Brock Jones of Auburn Fire Department
Fireplace & Stove Store.............................................Icon Hearth & Home
Florist....................................................................................Petals & Sweets
Funeral Home.................................................................Chapel of the Hills
Furniture/Mattress Store....................................................The Sleep Shop
Gas Station..............................................................................Dry Creek 76
Gift Store........................................................................................Wildflower
Golf Course....................................................................................The Ridge
Grocery Store...................................................................................Safeway
Gutter/Leaf Protection.....................................................All About Gutters
Gym...........................................................Auburn Racquet & Fitness Club
Hair Stylist...........................................................Alicia Sheeders of Visions
Hamburger Place................................................................In-n-Out Burger
Hardware Store............................................Auburn True Value Hardware
Health Office..............................................................Sutter Medical Group
Hearing Service.............................................Beltone Hearing Aid Center
Heating & Air...................................Maki Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
Ice Cream/Yogurt................................................................Baskin Robbins
Insurance Agent......................................................Vitas Insurance Agency
Interior Designer........................................................Amanda McReynolds
Investment Co.........................................................................Edward Jones
Italian Restaurant...........................................................Strings Italian Café
Supplement to the Auburn Journal BEST OF THE
Best of Best Winners 2009
Jewelry Store.....................................................................Roper’s Jewelers
Landscaping Service..............................................Yamasaki Nursery, Inc.
Law Enforcement Official................Ed Bonner, Placer Country Sherriff
Lighting Store....................................................Foothills Lighting & Design
Liquor.........................................................................................Liquor Outlet
Local Web-site...............................................................AuburnJournal.com
Make-up Artist.......................Nichole Bertucci of Vibrance Medical Spa
Martial Arts.......................................................Auburn Martial Arts Center
Massage Therapist......................................Kris Cady of Hill Chiropractic
Mexican Restaurant...............................................................Café Delicious
Mortgage Company.............................................................MLS Mortgage
Most Colorful Character..............................................Gilbert and his bike
Motorcycle Shop.......................................Auburn Harley Davidson/Buell
Nail Salon..................................................................................Visions Salon
New Car Dealer.....................................................................Auburn Honda
Night Spot.................................................The Club Car Bar & Restaurant
Nursery/Garden Supply.............................................Eisley’s Nursery, Inc.
Office Supplies.....................................................Walker’s Office Supplies
Oil & Lube...............................................SpeeDee Oil Change & Tune-Up
Optometrist..................................................................Robert Belajic, O.D.
Paint Store..........................................................................Warehouse Paint
Pest Control....................................................................Clark Pest Control
Pet Grooming.............................................................The Grooming Room
Pharmacist.............................................Charley Fink of Auburn Drug Co.
Photographer.......................................................Images by Shirley Borba
Pizza.......................................................................................Old Town Pizza
Place to enjoy lunch................................................................Awful Annie’s
Place to picnic...........................................................ARD Recreation Park
Plumbing Supply............................................Anderson’s Sierra Pipe Co.
Pool & Spa Supply....................................All Seasons Pools & Spas, Inc.
Pool Builder...........................................................................Dal Pino Pools
Print Shop.............................................................................Auburn Printers
Produce.................................................................Foothill Farmers’ Market
Propane Supplier...........................................................................AmeriGas
Property Management Company.............Huber Property Management
Real Estate Agent....................................Nikki Holmes of Keller Williams
Real Estate Company.......................................................Lyon Real Estate
BEST July 19, 2009 • 55
Restaurant.........................................................................................Latitudes
Roofing Company..........................................Rose Roofing & Supply, Inc.
Salad..............................................................................The Big Salad Shop
Sandwich.........................................................Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop
Satellite Dish Dealer...........................................................ASAP Satellites
School Teacher.....................................Julie Paul of Weimar Hills School
Shoe Store............................................................................... .The Footpath
Sign Dancer....................................................................................Mr. Pickle
Sign Shop...................................................Uptown Signs & Graphics, Inc.
Silk Screen/T-Shirt Shop.................................Dancing Dog Productions
Skate/Snowboard Shop...................................................Boards N Motion
Sporting Goods Store.............................................Big 5 Sporting Goods
Stereo Store.....................................................................................Best Buy
Storage Facility....................................................Rock Creek Self Storage
Sushi.................................................................................Hapa Sushi & Grill
Tack & Feed.....................................................................Echo Valley Ranch
Tailoring/Alterations........................................Alterations by Melodey, Inc.
Tanning Salon..........................................................................California Tan
Tattoo Salon.........................................................................Syndicate Tattoo
Tax Service................................................................................... .H&R Block
Television Store.............................................................Fowlers TV & Video
Thrift Store......................................Assistance League of Greater Placer
Tire Store............................................Les Schwab Tire Center of Auburn
Title Company...........................................................Placer Title Company
Towing Service...................................................................Foresthill Towing
Transmission Repair...................................JR’s Automatic Transmissions
Travel Agency.......................................................................Havalark Travel
Used Car Dealer...........................................................................Pace Auto
Veterinarian....................................................................An LaBarre, D.V.M.
Veterinary Hospital.................................................Animal Medical Center
Vision Center.................................................Auburn Eye Care Associates
Wait Person.....................................Chris Consola at Strings Italian Café
Wedding Location......................................................Power’s Mansion Inn
White Water Rafting...............................Sierra White Water
Window/Glass Store.................Moule’s Foothill Glass, Inc.
Wine Store.............................................................Carpe Vino
Winery........................................................Mt. Vernon Winery
Yoga Studio........................................................Canyon Spirit
56 • July 19, 2009 BEST OF THE BEST Supplement to the Auburn Journal

Best Wedding Location

Your All Inclusive
Wedding Venue
This Historic Victorian Mansion was built in 1884. Several
years ago it emerged as “The Place” to get married in
Placer County. Owners Alfred & Peggy Lee continue to
maintain and improve the Mansion to include old world
charm with the comfort and conveniences of today. With
its 15 themed bedrooms and 17 private bathrooms, this
historic mansion offers the preserved splendor of an era
gone by.

Come for the event, stay at the foothills

Best Bed & Breakfast
The Power’s Mansion Inn is a beautifully restored romantic Bed &
Breakfast in the heart of Gold Country. So, if you’re looking for the
perfect weekend getaway, a place to relax and enjoy little shops
and great restaurants, a romantic place to rejuvenate and be filled
with a century of gold country history, the Power’s Mansion is your
next vacation destination.

And because of your wonderful support

we have been able to expand our venue to include
The Power Club an Irish Pub
Have your reception, rehearsal dinner or your next event at an authentic Irish Pub.
Fine music every week as well as lunch and dinner served everyday. Come see one of
our favorite bands perform.
The Sierra has once again struck gold with three local musicians who joined forces in April 2008
to form California’s hottest new original power trio, Tennis Shoe
Cowboy. Harvey Baser, on guitar and vocals, Troy Peterson on drums
and Mark Mills on bass and vocals. Hear their journey musicianship
demonstrated on a wide
variety of originals and classic
rock songs. This is music for
everyone! The 4th of July
audience said, “Awesome
original with meaningful
lyrics,” “your covers are so
well done, you sound like a
tribute band.” and “You are 195 Harrison Ave., Auburn 95603
the people’s band”. 530-305-5052
www.powersmansion.com