Have questions about insurance?

We are experiencing daily calls from clients and residents concerning the cancelation of insurance policies on their homes and cabins.  This is mostly due to the recent fire history in California.  While the insurance industry shifts their policy underwriting, know that there are options for your consideration.  From our resources we have compiled a list of insurance agencies writing new policies in Calaveras county.  

Whether it’s advice on the fire insurance situation, local vendors or market conditions, Better Altitude Properties is the community leader for resources and Real Estate guidance.  If you are considering selling or if you would simply like to know the value of your home, call us for a Comparative Market Analysis.

With Strong Roots where we Work, Live and Play.

209-795-8234

Jim Bailey  

City Underwriting Agency

465 South Main Street, 

Angels Camp, CA 95222

(209) 813-7141 Office

(209) 743-9176 Cell 

jbailey@cuagency.com

Caldwell Insurance

14566 Mono Way, 

Sonora, CA  95370  

(209) 532-5102 

info@caldwell-insurance.com 

Dewaine Jackson

Black Bear Insurance

90 Copper Cove Dr., #E, 

Copperopolis, CA 95228

(209) 785-1800

Ddj4ins@caltel.com

Terry Briggs 

Lighthouse Risk and Insurance 

(707) 246-5026

Terry.briggs@lighthouserisk.com

Steve Valencia

Athena Insurance & Financial Services

205 Court Street, Jackson, CA  95642   

(209) 223-1870

steve@athenainsurance.com 

Javier Ortiz

Beach & O’Neill

7520 Greenback Lane, 

Citrus Heights, CA 95610   

(916) 676-0844 Office

(916) 317-1533 Cell

Tamelyn Job

Cutler Segerstrom

1030 Greenly Road, Sonora, CA  95370   

(209) 533-1913

Tamelyn-job@levitt.com 

Ken Martin

Blake Elliott Insurance Agency, Inc.

Blue Lake Springs, Arnold, CA  95223   

(209) 324-7053

kmartin@beins1.com 

Tom Pratt

New Front Insurance

(209) 206-3390

William Yates

Next Step Insurance Solutions

PO Box 641723, San Francisco, CA 94164

(925) 818-4500

wyates@nextstep-ins.com

We have just learned that our office has been voted 'Best Real Estate Office' for the Lodestar 2018 Best of the Motherlode!! This is our second year in a row and we want to express our sincere gratitude for each of your votes!  

As if Calaveras County and the Highway Four Corridor weren't wonderful enough, we are so grateful to be apart of this beautiful community.  It is such a blessing to watch our neighborhoods grow and see the delight on each client's face as they become a part of it. This area is truly so special.  From Frog Jump to Murphys Open House, Calaveras County is such a rich gem in the Sierra Foothills.  We are blessed with so many diverse businesses and recreational activities.  

We enjoy participating in local parades and sponsoring events, such as the Brice Station Vineyard's Shakespeare on the Vine and Hermitfest Music Festival.  2018 is sure to be full of many more exciting adventures, and we hope you will join us for the ride.  

From all of us here at Better Altitude Properties, thank you again.  

Holiday Season in Calaveras County 

Baby, it's cold outside!  The holidays are upon us, with Thanksgiving just a few weeks away and Christmas / New Year to follow shortly. 

What to do... What to do...?   

Well, on the evening of Friday the 24th of November come on down to Blagen Road in Arnold to catch us at the annual Christmas in White Pines Parade! 

*2016 White Pines Parade Float 

We're working hard on our float, and we can't wait for you to see it! The parade begins at 7 pm, bring a jacket and a chair! 

Busy on the Friday after turkey day? NO WORRIES! Catch us the following Friday, December 1st at the Murphys Open House Parade in downtown Murphys. This parade begins at 5:30, starting at the Murphys Hotel and going along toward Alchemy Cafe. Both of these parades are free to the public, so don your Santa hat and warmest coat and come wave us along!  

Other holiday events in the area include the Dorrington tree lighting on Saturday, November 25th at 7 pm at the Dorrington Hotel.  Saturday, December 2nd will be the annual Breakfast with Santa buffet brunch at Ironstone Vineyards.  Call now to reserve your seat! 209-728-1251

Start your holiday shopping by making a stop at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds in Angels Camp on Saturday, November 18th from 10 am - 4 pm to check out the Crafty Chicks Road Show and support some local vendors this season. 

The holidays are truly a magical time of year, and we hope to spend them with you in good cheer.  Come by our office at 1771 Highway 4 in Arnold for a warm cup of coffee, tea or cider.  The more the merrier!  

Autumn has arrived in all of its colorful glory, which means it is time to batten down the hatches at your mountain home.  

Consider blowing your roof and clearing gutters of debris in preparation for the rain and snow.  If your mountain home is your second home, consider also shutting off the water and draining the pipes. To do this you need to open all faucets and spigots, flush all toilets and turn off the main water.  Add a cup of antifreeze to the sinks and toilets to prevent pipes bursting.  Be sure that your pipes are wrapped and well insulated, burst pipes can lead to a mess of extra expenses.  Also, if you know you won't be back for a while, turn off the power to your electric water heater or put propane water heater in the PILOT position. 

Stock your cabin with snowmelt and if you are a 'will call' propane customer, reach out to your provider to fill up the tank. Stock your firewood pile and make sure the wood stays as dry as possible, be it under a tarp or carport or in the garage. 

If you vacation in the area semi-regularly during the winter months, there are several snow removal companies that you can arrange a contract with, or simply give your provider a heads-up when you need a "one-shot" removal before your arrival.  Please feel free to give our office a call for a list of local vendors who offer snow removal for your area.  209-795-8234. 

Autumn Events in Calaveras County 

Not to worry, just because Labor Day has come and gone does not mean that the fun is over in Calaveras County! 

Though Memorial Day through Labor Day is considered a busy season in the upper highway four corridor, there is still plenty to do and enjoy in the greater Arnold area. 

September: 

Friday 9/15: 

Jill and the Giants @ Bistro Espresso in Arnold 7pm-10pm

Certified Farmer's Market @ Utica Park, Angels Camp 5pm - Dusk 

Saturday 9/16: 

Bill Welles and the Distractions @ Brice Station Vineyards 5:30-10pm

Stargazing with the Arnold Rim Trail Assn. Meet 1 1/2 mile down Avery Sheep Ranch Road @8:30pm

Guided Hikes in Big Trees State Park @ 1pm

Friday 9/22: 

Dyemusica Rock/ Funk / Reggae Concert @ Bistro Espresso in Arnold 7pm - 10pm

Saturday 9/23:

Concours D'Elegance Classic Car Show @ Ironstone Vineyards - All Day Event - $20.00 admission at the gate. For more information contact: (209) 269 6950

Bear Valley Ski Club Ski Sale @ Meadowmont Shopping Center in Arnold 9am - 4pm

Sunday 9/24: 

Angels Camp Gold Run 5 / 10K Run 8am - 2pm. For more information and tickets please email: angelscampgoldrun@gmail.com 

Drum Circle in Utica Park, Angels Camp 4:30 - 6pm

Saturday 9/30: 

Moon Bash Demolition Derby @ Calaveras County Fairgrounds 3:30- 9pm. Tickets $12.00 

National Public Lands Day -FREE Entry to Yosemite Nat'l Park 

October: 

Sunday 10/1: 

Color Me Green 5K Run @ Calaveras County Fairgrounds 12pm-3pm. Tickets $25.00 available at: EventBrite

Saturday 10/7: 

        Grape Stomp & Street Faire in Downtown Murphys  

Friday 10/13: 

Janktones Live @ Bistro Espresso in Arnold 7pm-10pm

Saturday 10/14: 

Shery and the Psychodelics Live @ The Lucky Penny in Murphys 9pm - Midnight 

There it is, folks. We hope you enjoy!! For more events please visit https://www.gocalaveras.com/calaveras-events-calendar/

Come celebrate this Fourth of July weekend near Arnold homes at the Annual Sierra Nevada Arts & Crafts Festival. Join neighbors and friends and let freedom ring on July 1st and 2nd. Over 40 vendors set up booths beneath the majestic trees. A varied arrangement of arts and crafts and other unique goods are on display. Eye catching pieces of art, pottery, handmade clothes, and jewelry are part of a variety of items showcased. Potters, sculptors, painters and woodworkers eagerly share the magic of their craft with passersby. Samples of gourmet treats are great for snackers. Children living on Calaveras County property are delighted by face and henna painters. 

Enjoy Live Music on Public Calaveras County Property

Those strolling the grounds tap to the beat as musicians take to the stage. Sweet bluegrass sounds come from Murphy’s own The Magnolia Rhythm Trio. Afterwards the audience will gasp in awe at the unbelievable feats accomplished by Lynx the Magician & Sword Swallower.

The traditional Ebbett’s Pass Independence Day Parade starts off at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Before grabbing a seat on the parade route hungry tummies can take advantage of a delicious breakfast served by the Ebbett’s Pass Lion’s Club. The all you can eat pancake breakfast energizes one and all for a fun filled day.

Located in the heart of downtown Arnold, this year marks the festival’s 45th Anniversary. Easily found on the “park-like” landscape of the Bristols Ranch House Cafe, families create treasured memories each and every year. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Whether you’re in the area shopping for Murphys real estate or Calaveras County homes, or you’re a long-time resident, you owe it to yourself to stop in at Brice Station Vineyards. The wines are absolutely unforgettable. Long, lazy summer days and cool, invigorating evenings give the grapes notes that might remind you of Napa or Bordeaux wines. The careful hand-tending gives the grapes the chance to fully develop their flavor potential. Put it al together for a truly impressive flavor profile. The Brice Station tasting room is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Plan a day out with friends or a special date to try a flight and chat with the friendly growers at Brice Station. Ramble through the vineyards and soak up the sunshine and the beauty of the ripening vines.

Everyone from Calaveras County Homes is Invited to the Summer Concerts

Brice Station is also a great destination for concerts and special events. Concerts are held throughout the summer. The next one will be on June 21st. It’s a free event, with Juni Fisher playing from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Plan to come back on June 24th to hear the Bob Eisenmann Jazz Trio & Now You Hazz Jazz, with Weaver Copeland. Tickets are $15. The concerts have a festival feel, with people spread out on picnic blankets or curled up in low-backed chairs. You’re welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks. Or you can order a farm-to-table dinner, rounded out with cocktails or a glass of wine.

This unique Murphys real estate location is also a beautiful destination wedding spot. Visit Brice Vineyards to find out about all this magical place has to offer. 

Music is free flowing and folks living in Arnold are up for a good time. When summer rolls around so does the Greater Arnold Business Association’s Summer Concert Series. This annual event brings together the Calaveras County real estate community. Friends and neighbors gather round for free concerts held at Cedar Center. 

The series opens on Saturday, June 17th when Ted Z And The Wranglers take the stage. Showcasing their first label release, Ghost Train, music performed represents their style of “outlaw country-charged rock”. This up and coming band is crowd pleasing, playing large and small venues alike nationwide.

All Calaveras County Real Estate Owners are Invited to the Cedar Center

A variety of upcoming events on the calendar each Saturday include concerts with Dyemusica, Random Strangers, Mike Hammer and the Nails, Swing Gitane, Chains Required and Jill and the Giants. Residents proudly flaunt their red white and blue for the patriotic celebration on Saturday, July 1st. Don’t miss the holiday parade and presentation from the fire department. Other happenings include the favored car show and food and wine festivities.

Families living in Arnold can find the Cedar Center at 1225 Oak Circle Drive. Concerts start at 6:30 p.m. The Greater Arnold Business Associaion works hard to keep community spirit high. Come by and be a part of the joyful camaraderie shared during this complimentary summer series.

Bring fresh produce back to your Angels Camp real estate from the Angels Camp Farmers Market. Come on out to Utica Park every Friday evening, June through September, from 5 p.m. until dusk. Support local farmers and artisans by purchasing produce, food, and crafts. Stop to listen to the live music each week as well. Try a new wine every week at the featured winery and also purchase beer. The schedule is full of special themes such as Veteran’s Appreciation Night, Watermelon Festival, Salsa Night, and Senior Citizen’s Night. Also find the musicians who will be performing and the winery that will be featured in advance on the schedule.

Angels Camp Home Owners Can Become Vendors, too!

Come to shop or consider becoming a vendor yourself. Contact Candy Myers, the Farmers Market Market Manager at angelscampfarmersmarket@gmail.com or call 209-559-5195 if you would like more information. What a great way for Angels Camp real estate owners to be active in the community and sell their wares. Let the kids run around at the park and return to your Angels Camp home tuckered out and ready for bed. Make it easy on yourself and take some delicious BBQ home for dinner as well. Find the schedule and more information about the Angels Camp Farmers Market. 

Arnold property owners take time to enjoy the nature that surrounds them. During the All Day Nature Blitz adventure seekers can spend a few hours “Walking in awe among giants”. Taking place on June 3rd from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. this full day event delves deep into the world of Mother Nature. 

Everyone from Calaveras County Homes Will Learn About Their Environment

Participants will learn all about their local environment from expert Nancy E. Muleady-Mecham, Ph.D. The workshop features geology, plants of the High Sierras, and animal adaptations. Periodic walks break up lecture topics and allow for natural exploration. Treks are mild and perfect for all athletic levels. The longest excursion is a bit over a mile on easy terrain journeying around North Grove.

Residents from Calaveras County homes should plan to bring a lunch, water, and snacks for the day. Binoculars are recommended for bird watching. Dress in comfortable, layered clothing and appropriate shoes. Night time activities include the Moon Night Talk taking place at the Overlook.

Held at the Calaveras Big Tree State Park, participants meet in the Ralston Classroom in the Education Center at 9 a.m. for an introduction to birds. This program is free and those who are 13 and older living in or around Arnold property are welcome to participate. Reservations can be made by calling (209) 795-1196.