A heartfelt THANKS to Sandi S. who gave a generous donation to the scholarship fund in memory of her husband, Rich, who passed away in June.

Jack E., his dragster and crew took first place in the Nostalgia Drags at Sacramento Raceway on July 10th. Way to Zoom Jack! More photos in the Sac Raceway album.

At the Fortuna Redwood AutoXpo. The winners are: Terry J. - best convertible for her 62 Buick Electra, of course Dusty tried to take credit, but didn't get away with it. Justin S. won 1st in class with his 56 Chevy, Claude H. - 2nd in his class for the 64 El Camino, Bill R. - 2nd in his class for 39-40 Coupes, Dale L. won second in Class with his Cadillac for 84 to present stock, Herb P. - Best Truck for his GMC pickup, and Ed & Nancy J. - 2nd for 55-57 T-Birds. See the Fortuna pictures.

Sylvia C. won the poker run by the luck of the draw in Donnieville on Saturday, August 1. It was such an exciting and unusual ending. The organizers said they have never had such an exciting conclusion. Sylvia, of course, was very happy.

Photos from the Downieville Poker Run will be in next month's newsletter.

As we head into our local version of Hot August Nights, it's time to check out cooling systems, carry extra antifreeze and avoid idling in heavy traffic, if possible. Hot cars often have problems in hot weather. Still, it's better for cruising than snow and rain, so we shouldn't complain. But I can tell you first hand that cars, especially black ones, turn into ovens when parked in the sun. So don't leave your wife, husband or 'significant other' locked inside with the windows up while you run into the parts store. The consequences could be tragic. Make sure the windows are open a crack and you leave plenty of clean water. This has been a public service announcement.

Okay, now down to more serious stuff. If you were at the Friday breakfast on July 24th or at the last General Meeting, you heard Vic present what is happening in the area of smog control. To say that we are again under attack is an understatement. To say that there are those who have been given unwarranted power who are out to totally destroy our hobby is more like it. They will distort facts to the point of outright lies to get laws passed to make our cars illegal as 'gross polluters.' They have even stated that their goal is to bring ALL motor vehicles under the smog laws, no matter how much they are driven. The current law protects 1976 and older vehicles from smog inspections. They are now proposing to change that for commercial-plate vehicles back to 1968. If you don't have a truck, no big deal, huh? That's the idea. Chip away, piece by piece, until there is nothing left. Maybe next it will be just cars back to 1968 and those who own ones older will say, no big deal. It's a little like the story of boiling a frog. If you drop him into boiling water, he will hop out. Put him in a pot of cold water and gradually heat it up and he will complacently stay put as he boils to death. While it is not scientifically true, it does illustrate the philosophy of these foes of our cars: increase the heat on our hobby slowly and we will not react. Then there will come a time that those with stock Model A's will have to crush them because they will not meet smog standards for the great state of Kalifornia. Then it will be too late. If I might mix my metaphors, your goose will already be cooked.

Did I scare you enough? I hope so, because this is no fantasy. But there is hope: the Association of California Car Clubs. They are an unpaid group who fight the fight for us in Sacramento. We, as a club, are members and we also contribute to them. But that is not enough. The ACCC needs individuals to join as well, so that they can go to legislators and say, 'We represent these people who are your constituents. They vote for you and they will know how you voted on these issues.' They can also use more membership dues, because our enemies are very well funded. So I ask you if your cars are worth $25 a year to you. That's less than the price of a tank of gas. And if you don't support the ACCC, before long you just might not be needing a tank of gas for your rod or classic.

Think about it.

'Nuff said, I'm outta here.

Minutes from the General Meeting
July 26, 2009 • 6pm • Salvation Army, Grass Valley

The meeting was called to order at 6:15 p.m. following the members' open forum. Board Members Dave Brown and Dave Garber absent.

Minutes from the last general meeting, tonight's agenda-approved (Edie H./Ron O)
Sheila A. gave a brief treasurer's report. Motion to approve ( Edie H./Ron N.)

Other Board Member Reports

Edie Heller-no report

Ron N. - help is needed selling tickets at Arco Arena for the Reno Swap Meet August 2. Wednesday the trailer goes to Reno. Need help there as well. Signups at breakfast.

Terry E. reported that the Mystery tour has 29 cars signed up and is on track as well as the Korbel trip That has 27 cars. They will be eating lunch at Johnny GarlicÕs in Windsor. Roamin Angels on the Sea Cruise has 19 cabins sold.

Car show raffle prizes are pretty much on track. The tool box donated by Riebie's is valued @$1,000 plus around $500 in various tools to be added. There will be different type/color tickets for this prize.

Registrations so far for the car show were reported at 260 and 21 Roamin Angels. Down about 100 from this time last year.

Vic R. reported on the smog check program where commercial vehicles 67 and newer would be smogged annually. The legislature is planning to implement annual testing and each district would have their own air sensor.

Vic introduced new member Greg Marks, a Field Representative for assemblyman Dan Logue, reported on what would best be read under the 'President's message' (above).

Ron C. read correspondence from Sandi S. thanking the club for their support during this very sad time. A donation was made to the Scholarship fund in her husband Richard's name.

Old Business
Property committee -nothing to report
Court case- Judge seems to be receptive for rehabilitation August 14 is next appearance. Still pleading not guilty. We don't need to be there on the 14th but be ready on sentencing day.

Club Radios- Dave G is doing a test on club radio vs. CB will advise.

Toy Drive- Lynne F. Trying to get entire parking lot at Brunswick, She is also meeting with Salvation army to get any new ideas , also working with Marines toy drive . Planning meeting in Sept. Appears the parade idea may not pan out.

Membership services directory- re-visited by the board and proposal has been dropped.

Incorporating new members- Planning on quarterly mixer with board members and new members. First one will be at Ron C.'s house. Also looking into starting a Guardian Angel program where an existing member would be a Guardian Angel for a period of time to a new member.

Pictoral Directory- Must have pictures in by November 1 small pictures please. Cell phone and picture optional.

New Business
Autorama.- Dave Garber will get us signed up and on track. Someone needs to head up the committee for the actual display.

Food Bank- sponsorship of a 5&10K run was put to membership. No motion was made. Dropped

Larry E.- Proposed that we raise the dues to $65.00 making $25.00 a mandatory membership to ACCC. This will be discussed further and would not be implemented till 2010.

Larry E.- Next month newsletter will have products sales in it. New shirts etc. at cost for members. Get your shopping list ready.

Drawing for pictures, meeting adjourned.

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