Since You Asked: 99-Cent Only not opening this year

Q: Is there any word on when the 99-cent Only Store will open?

A: That would be the former McMahan's furniture store on Colusa Avenue in Yuba City.

Company officials have repeatedly failed to return calls about the opening date, according to the Appeal-Democrat's intrepid Yuba City reporter, Ashley Gebb. Even Aaron Busch, the city's community development director, said he hasn't received word.

What did you expect for 99 cents?

Luckily, a quick visit last week to the 99-Cent Only Stores Web site revealed an estimated opening date of March 25. Not to mention an artsy photo of the inside of a 99-Cent Only store in Hollywood. The photo has been displayed in the New York Museum of Modern Art and recently sold for $3,346,456, according to the company.

The stores are advertised as an exciting destination for price-conscious consumers "and a fun treasure-hunt shopping experience."

A little hope to keep us all going during the winter months.

Q: There is a new speed limit sign on Highway 20 at Marysville Road visible as one travels west. Below the posted speed limit is another sign marked "Your Speed," but it hasn't yet been activated. Can you find out when it may be so?

A: The radar speed feedback sign, which is designed to reduce speeds by letting drivers know exactly how fast they're going, is all hooked up and should be turned on by the end of this week, said Caltrans spokesman Mark Dinger.

For a Browns Valley resident like you who uses that intersection all the time, that has to be good news.

The machines have been in use for quite some time but are fairly new to this area. Thus Caltrans is waiting for the manufacturer to train Caltrans maintenance people on upkeep, said Dinger.

Radar speed feedback signs have proven their mettle, so to speak, on roads like Interstate 80 west of Donner Summit where drivers approach a sharp curve after coming down a steep downgrade at high speed, he said.

"It's been our experience they provide a needed reminder" to drivers of how fast they're going, Dinger said.

Since You Asked is published Mondays. Send questions to reporter Rob Young at the Appeal-Democrat, P.O. Box 431, Marysville CA 95901, e-mail him at ryoung@appealdemocrat.com or call 749-4710.