Amador County – It’s the time of year for turkey, all of the trimmings, desserts and celebrating with loved ones and friends. In keeping with its mission of saving lives, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is reminding motorists the Thanksgiving holiday is also a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP).

The CHP’s holiday enforcement effort began Wednesday, November 24th at 6 p.m. and continues through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, November 28th. Throughout the MEP all available officers will be looking for motorists who are a danger to themselves or others on our state’s roadways.

“During the holiday season many people are in a hurry and eager to get to their destination,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “It’s important to remember that safety should never take a back seat; be safe, pay attention to the road, never drink and drive and always buckle up.”

Last year during CHP’s Thanksgiving holiday enforcement effort, 37 people were killed in collisions statewide; this represents a 12 percent increase from the previous year. Among the 19 vehicle occupants who were killed in CHP jurisdiction, 26 percent were not wearing safety belts. The Thanksgiving MEP coincides with the statewide “Click It or Ticket” campaign which runs through November 29th and includes more than 50 law enforcement agencies in California.

“Seat belts save lives, and the majority of motorists in this state are buckling up,” said Commissioner Farrow. “However, there’s a small percentage who aren’t securing themselves or their child passengers inside their vehicle, and they’re putting lives at risk.”

In addition to motorists who fail to buckle up or drive at a safe speed, officers will be seeking to remove impaired drivers from the roadways. Last year during the Thanksgiving MEP, CHP officers made 1,461 arrests for driving under the influence.

“Start the holidays off right; designate a non-drinking driver ahead of time and always wear your seat belt,” added Commissioner Farrow.

With the Christmas and New year’s holiday right around the corner, the CHP is still planning for similar maximum enforcement efforts next month.

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Amador County – Holiday cheer is abundant in community plans around Amador County starting this week.

Amador City plans its “Calico Christmas” celebration 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, December 4th. Merchants in Amador City host an old-fashioned Christmas Open House, with baked goods and holiday music in the shops all day. A candlelight procession starts at 5:30 p.m., and caroling and a Christmas Tree Lighting follow. For information call 267-1985 or 267-9310.

A “Hanukkah Celebration” is planned by the Foothill Jewish Community Congregation Bnai Israel for Sunday, December 5th in Jackson. The congregation invites all residents of Amador County to celebrate its tradition of Hanukkah at a Hanukkah Party 3-5 p.m. Sunday, December 5th at the Jackson Senior Center, 229 New York Ranch Road.

The festivity includes potato latkes, or pancakes from 3-4 p.m. The “lighting of the fifth candle” is at 4 p.m., and there will be music, songs and children’s stories from 4-5 p.m.

The congregation said all are welcome, especially families. Admission is free, donations are appreciated, and RSVPs are required, by calling (209) 296-4754 or (209) 267-5254.

Next week, Plymouth firefighters will help host a Toy Motorcycle Run sponsored at Foothill Motorcycle, set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, December 4th. Amador Fire Protection District Battalion 20 will be cooking hotdogs and hamburgers. Battalion 20 also plans a “Santa Parade” 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, December 9th. They plan to go through town with Santa and collect food and toys from residents. Items collected will be given to needy families in the area. To donate, volunteer or nominate needy families, call Bryan Thornton at (209) 223-0545.

The Ione Business and Community Association plans its annual Christmas Parade and Open House Saturday, December 11th on Main Street. The parade starts at 2 p.m., followed by an Open House.

Santa will be at Pizza Factory for photos, and people can bring their camera. Parade entry forms will be available at City Hall. For information, call Richard Forster at (209) 608-4748.

The Ione Fire Department plans several Santa Parades to different areas of the city in mid-December. Firefighters and their families, and Santa Claus, will visit different neighborhoods with music, candy canes and Christmas wishes.

Ione Fire Department’s Santa Parades will start on December 12 in the area southeast of Main. Dec. 13, it visits the West Marlette area. Dec. 15, it will be on the north side, and Preston Avenue areas. Dec. 16 it visits Edgebrook, and Dec. 17 Castle Oaks, with a make-up rain day Dec. 18.

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Amador County – A downtown Jackson “Christmas Delights” open house is planned for two nights of festivities this weekend, including appearances of Santa Claus, who will light the Firehouse Christmas tree on both Friday and Saturday (November 26th and 27th).

Patti Busch of the Jackson Business and Community Association said: “Our thanks go to Tom Blackman of Caldwell Banker, for talking Santa into clearing his calendar for both nights.”

On Friday Santa will greet children after the lighting at 41 North Main Street. On Saturday, Santa will ride the old fire engine down Main to Wells Fargo Bank where he will visit with children and have pictures taken by Eleanor Caputo and Reece Hunt of Studio 18 Photography.

Linda and Wolf Hein have made arrangements for Mrs. Claus to visit with and read to children Saturday after the lighting, at Hein & Company Bookstore, at 204 North Main.

Busch said: “It is a charming experience and a memory builder for everyone involved.” Wolf said the downtown shops all will be staying open until 9 p.m. both nights for shoppers.

“Gentle giants,” the Pyrenees Rescued Dogs will be at the Firehouse from 4-8 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, Doctor Brizendine’s dentist office crew provides cookies and hot beverages.

Bobbie Hopkins and the Lills will be “walking” the street Friday and Saturday, “bringing a bit of the Gold Rush to life as they go. And the “Old West Law Dawgs, Outlaws & Ladies” will be doing their Gold Rush era Old West shows. Charline Buckley also found a horse and carriage to give complimentary rides up and down Main.

Amador County Recreation Agency plans to bring its giant outdoor movie screen to south Main on Saturday, sponsored by Kam Merzlak, Kellee Davenport, Jackson Tire and The Celtic Knot.

Several storefronts will give warm downtime with entertainment. At 155 North Main several JBCA members from outlying areas will display their wares, and restaurants will be give out samples. Kate Haman and Jack Magee will be there to entertain with their friendly banter and lovely voices. Christmas trees at the location will feature decorations created by all three Jackson Elementary School kindergarten classes. Busch said: “It is precisely what the JBCA had in mind during its inception,” with the “community coming together to improve our city for everyone.”

The Geezers will play ragtime music at 35 Main Street. Argonaut High School Band will play music Friday, and City Manager Mike Daly said city crews will hang street decorations this week.

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Amador County - The Amador County Public Health Department will hold one more comprehensive flu clinic designed in part to prevent rising rates of whooping cough throughout the state.

Whooping cough, known medically as pertussis, is considered incredibly contagious, affecting close to 90 percent of those exposed to it, says the CDC. Close to 70 percent of infants under age 1 are hospitalized.

The clinic will offer the “Tdap” vaccine booster for tetanus and pertussis. Pneumonia vaccine shots are available for people 50 years old and older with chronic lung disease.

The clinic takes place November 30th at the Health and Human Services Building, 10877 Conductor Boulevard in Sutter Creek. Flu vaccines can also be received at regular immunization clinics held every first, third and fourth Tuesdays. Call 223-6407 for more information.

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Amador County – The Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD) has announced a new Virtual Academy for the 2011 spring semester.

Students living in Amador, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Sutter and Yolo counties can apply.

EGUSD describes this accredited online academy as an “innovative learning experience for the 21st century student.” It is open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade, who are supervised at home by an adult “learning coach” who is in turn guided by an EGUSD teacher.

The curriculum is provided through a partnership with K12, a national online program. EGUSD says all courses are aligned to the State of California’s standards and benchmarks. Classes span from core subjects to a wide variety of electives with a strong emphasis on building skills and critical thinking.

For more information about the EGUSD Virtual Academy, including enrollment information, call (916) 686-7747.

Enrollment ends December 10th.

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Amador County – Many feet of fresh snowfall resulting from heavy snow storms has allowed Kirkwood Mountain Resort to open early for the winter ski season, beginning today, Wednesday, November 24th.

The resort reported “upward of 6 feet of fresh snow” over last weekend, allowing for fresh runs along two of the resorts ski lift routes. The latest weather systems have resulted in record snowfalls over the last four days.

“I have been at Kirkwood for over 30 years and this is the most snow and best conditions we have ever had in November,” said Dave Meyers, Vice President of Operation for Kirkwood Mountain Resort. “Skier and riders are in for exceptional powder conditions for opening day and throughout Thanksgiving weekend.”

This marks Kirkwood’s earliest winter opening since the 2004-2005 season. The resort receives an average of 500” of snow every season – more than any other resort in the Tahoe region.

Pre-season pass pricing is still available. Adult midweek season passes start at just $239. Call the Kirkwood Season Pass office at 209.258.PASS (7277) for more information.

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Amador County – October home sales dropped throughout the region in October, but Amador managed to remain the only county not to go negative.

In total, 45 home sales were made during the month in Amador County, while sales in the rest of the Sacramento-area remained at there lowest levels since the mid-1990s. The data was provided by La Jolla-based researcher MDA DataQuick.

In the region’s largest market, Sacramento County, sales fell 23.3 percent compared to one year ago. Excluding Amador County, the remaining four counties in the Sacramento region saw sales decline 22 percent in October, with the median home price falling 4.3 percent to $180,000.

Statewide, existing home sales dropped by 19.6 percent while home prices rose 2.3 percent to $304,220.

The sales decline is being blamed on a weak economy and lack of jobs.

“We’re really seeing two different housing markets - one at the lower-end driven by first-time buyers and investors, which is keeping prices stable, and one with nostalgic sellers who set unrealistic asking prices,” said California Association of Realtors vice president and chief economist Leslie Appleton-Young in a report released Tuesday. “Sellers need to consider current market conditions when pricing their home in order to facilitate a shorter time on the market.”

The Sacramento-area has been one of the most difficult markets in the country. Since October 2009, it has seen the third-largest drop in home prices in the state.

Nationally, the National Association of Realtors reported that the number of homes sold fell 2.2 percent from September to an annual rate of 4.43 million. The rate was down 25.9 percent from 12 months earlier.

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Amador County – Many feet of fresh snowfall resulting from heavy snow storms has allowed Kirkwood Mountain Resort to open early for the winter ski season, beginning today, Wednesday, November 24th.

The resort reported “upward of 6 feet of fresh snow” over last weekend, allowing for fresh runs along two of the resorts ski lift routes. The latest weather systems have resulted in record snowfalls over the last four days.

“I have been at Kirkwood for over 30 years and this is the most snow and best conditions we have ever had in November,” said Dave Meyers, Vice President of Operation for Kirkwood Mountain Resort. “Skier and riders are in for exceptional powder conditions for opening day and throughout Thanksgiving weekend.”

This marks Kirkwood’s earliest winter opening since the 2004-2005 season. The resort receives an average of 500” of snow every season – more than any other resort in the Tahoe region.

Pre-season pass pricing is still available. Adult midweek season passes start at just $239. Call the Kirkwood Season Pass office at 209.258.PASS (7277) for more information.

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Amador County – Ione City Council last week discussed changes it faces to lift a cease and desist order on its wastewater treatment plant.

City Attorney Kristen Castanos said the city received an OK from the Regional Water Quality Control Board in October 2009 for its solution to fill in 200 feet of storage Ponds 5 and 6, moving the ponds 200 feet from Sutter Creek.

Castanos said last October, filling in the ponds was OK’d as a solution to address possible seepage, but “now, the Regional Board has changed their minds.”

Dominic Atlan of Castle Oaks said it is “almost getting ridiculous” and “it costs us money.” A year ago, Castle Oaks Golf Course was OK’d to put linings it its storage ponds, but “now it’s not OK,” he said.

Atlan said “a duck can go in there and urinate and then it can be mistaken for effluent.” People laughed, but Atlan said: “I know it sounds funny, but it isn’t. It’s true.” He said the problem was “not our experts and staff,” but the Regional Board.

Councilman Jim Ulm said: “I think our people are doing their job,” and it was not a Regional Board problem.

Councilwoman Andrea Bonham said: “I think the thing that will save us in the future is tertiary,” and to spend $5,000 to save us $100,000 in a no-brainer.”

A National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit would require “$100,000 just for monitoring.”

Kerr said “staff does not recommend an NPDES permit unless it is the last resort for the city.” She said the Regional Board is “definitely happy we’re going to tertiary,” which will allow the city to treat effluent to a level that might be used commercially, including supplying water to Unimin, which now buys raw water from the Amador Water Agency. She said the question is whether the city can give them the same or better quality of water. She said they could not produce enough water to meet Unimin’s needs for a year. Kerr said the city might also be able to serve the two prisons and CalFire.

The council voted 4-1 (with Ulm dissenting) to approve a $5,000 isotope study of water seeping from a wall on the bank of Sutter Creek. The study could prove conclusively whether or not it is seepage of effluent from the Ione wastewater treatment plant storage pond. A positive result could require the city to get an NPDES permit.

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