John Bartell

1 week ago | abc10.com | John Bartell

TRUCKEE, Calif. — Tucked in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the little town of Truckee boasts more than 30 miles of paved bike trails, making it one of Nevada County’s top spots for cyclists. But when winter rolls in, those trails disappear beneath a thick layer of snow, posing a challenge for year-round riders. The answer? Fat tire bikes. “They’re perfect for that,” said Rachel Elste, co-owner of Bike Truckee, one of the area's only year-round bike rental shops.

2 weeks ago | abc10.com | John Bartell

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — It’s a crisp, damp morning just outside Mather Airport in Sacramento County, and a busload of eager fifth graders pours out into a seemingly empty, wet grassy field. Despite the plain surroundings, the children’s eyes light up as they spot what looks like a giant puddle, drawing them in like a magnet.

3 weeks ago | abc10.com | John Bartell

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — When you stroll through Old Sacramento, it’s easy to appreciate the charm of wooden sidewalks and historic buildings, but few realize there’s a whole other world hidden beneath the city’s surface. The Sacramento History Museum’s Underground Tours offer a rare glimpse into the city’s fascinating and tumultuous past.

3 weeks ago | abc10.com | John Bartell

WILTON, Calif. — As the sun rises over the Sacramento Valley, the ranch hands at Tsar Nicoulai prepare for an early morning roundup. Unlike traditional livestock ranches, this farm specializes in sturgeon, producing some of the finest caviar in the United States. Tsar Nicoulai is the largest caviar and sturgeon farm in California. The small town of Wilton plays a significant role in the industry, producing about 94% of U.S.-based caviar, according to sturgeon caretaker Austin Gabrielse.

4 weeks ago | abc10.com | John Bartell

LA GRANGE, Calif. — Deep in a muddy pond in Tuolumne County, a massive and unusual piece of mining history quietly decays. What was once a booming gold extraction operation is now a rusting relic, slowly being reclaimed by nature. Between 1933 and 1951, the Tuolumne Gold Dredge in La Grange was impossible to ignore. The sound of screeching metal echoed for miles, a constant presence in the lives of local residents.