Monique Graziadei and Richard Forster talk about what is happening on in Amador County.

Ken Centanni and Joe Bonini talk to Richard Forster about the Up Country Lions' World Famous Omelette Feed on Sunday, March 1, 2015.

Monique and Richard open the show with lining up their guests.

On January 28, 2015 the Amador County Combined Narcotics Enforcement Team (ACCNET) was contacted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  It was reported that US Customs intercepted a package containing a suspicious liquid being shipped from Hong Kong to a residence in Jackson.  The liquid substance tested positive for Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) which is an analog of Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB), which is commonly referred to as “the date rape drug”.

Using this information, ACCNET obtained an anticipatory search warrant for the residence, contingent upon the suspect taking delivery of the package.  

On February 2, 2015 ACCNET, along with an agent from the DHS and the United States Postal Inspectors Office conducted a control delivery of the parcel to the residence.  The suspect accepted the parcel from the Postal Inspector and stated that she was expecting it.

ACCNET personal then executed a search warrant at the residence and recovered the package from Scott Gillam as he attempted to conceal it under a dresser.  Scott and Nila Gillam were both arrested for importation and possession of a controlled substance.

ACCNET's investigation revealed that Scott and Nila conspired with a subject identified as Jeffrey Richard Patane to import the GBL into the United States from China.  Patane was arrested in 2013 by ACCNET for importing GBL into the country.  

ACCNET conducted a probation search of Patane's residence located in Clements.  ACCNET located empty GBL bottles, along with evidence of methamphetamine and prescription pill sales.  Based upon evidence located at  Patane’s residence, ACCNET identified at least one other package sent from  China to the Gillam residence in October 2014, however that package was intercepted by US Customs in transit and never delivered.  

Nila June Gillam, 66, of Jackson was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, importation of a controlled substance, conspiracy and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Scott Randal Gillam, 48, of Jackson was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, importation of a controlled substance, and conspiracy.  Jeffrey Richard Patane, 44, of Clements was arrested and charged with importation of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for sale, and violation of probation.

The investigation is ongoing at this time.

Do you have the desire to experience Spring at its finest? Then a trip to the amazing and lovely Daffodil Hill should be top on your list of things to do. Daffodil Hill will open its gates for its 75th season on Feb 23rd and stay open through early April ~ 2015, weather permitting. Visitors are encouraged to call the recorded phone message at (209) 296-7048 to see if Daffodil Hill is open that day. Daffodil Hill is located at 18310 Rams Horn Grade, Volcano, CA. 95689 and is open Monday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free.  No pets are allowed on the property.

Each spring, Daffodil Hill explodes with thousands of blooms, attracting visitors from around the world. Approximately 6 acres of the 540 acre Daffodil Hill ranch is dedicated to the daffodils. As many as 500,000 annual blooms are there for your pleasure. Visitors are welcome to walk through this beautiful display of nature or just sit on a bench and soak in the wonderful experience of the Daffodils. This is also a perfect setting for photos of all kinds.

Daffodil Hill is in a beautiful alpine setting at an elevation of over 3,000 feet. With pine trees, an old barn, wagon wheels, and rusting mining equipment and farming tools, it appeals to anyone with a love of nature. Flowers are everywhere, with peacocks, chickens, pigeons and miniature donkeys making themselves at home.

Nature sets the schedule for public viewing. Daffodil Hill opens when 25 percent of the flowers are in bloom and closes when only 25 percent remain. The best time to visit Daffodil Hill is the spring, usually from mid-March to mid-April. Daffodil Hill is open only at this time of year, after that it goes back to a working ranch. Bring a picnic lunch or enjoy some of the concessions there. After your visit to Daffodil Hill, come back down to Sutter Creek for unique shopping, wine tasting, dining and more history.

There is no admission charge or parking fee to visit the family ranch, but there are many yellow teakettles and pots around so that anyone, if they desire, may donate to keep this precious, family run, tradition alive.  This is a rare opportunity to experience History and Nature together in one of Amador County’s best treasures.

Directions to Daffodil Hill

Daffodil Hill is approximately 12 miles from Sutter Creek.
Sutter Creek is located on Old Highway 49 in Amador County, accessible from Sacramento via Highway 16 (Jackson Rd.) or from Stockton via Highway 99 (Highway 88 turnoff).

From Sutter Creek, turn East on Gopher Flat Road. Drive for approximately 3 miles and turn left at the third stop sign which is Shake Ridge Road.  Drive about 9 miles on Shake Ridge Road to Rams Horn Grade.  You have arrived!              Sorry, No pets allowed on grounds of Daffodil Hill.

History:

At the time the 36-acre ranch was purchased in 1887, the early days of the Gold Rush, it served as a way-station for teamsters hauling timber from the Sierras down to the Kennedy and Argonaut Mines, and for east bound travelers heading for the Comstock Lode on the Amador-Nevada Wagon Road (Highway 88) and others traveling the road from Kit Carson Pass. The McLaughlin’s continued the way-station operation, renting rooms, and serving meals (breakfast for 25 cents) to the travelers and providing feed and shelter for their animals.  For many years the loft of the ranch barn that still stands today, was used for “Saturday Night” dances for guests and neighbors. The owners Arthur and his wife, Lizzie, began to plant the first daffodil bulbs in their spare time. The bulbs have since been lovingly nurtured.

Paul Sobon talks to Monique Grzaiadei about Behind the Cellar Door and other great events happening at Sobon Wine Co. Part Two.

Paul Sobon talks to Monique Grzaiadei about Behind the Cellar Door and other great events happening at Sobon Wine Co. Part One.

Operation Care holds Color Madness 2015 in support of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

Winners of Hospice's 2015 Take a Chance on Love Raffle are announced.

Austin Gaetano interviews Kam at Sutter Creek Mardi Gras.