Tom
Friday, 23 July 2010 06:15
Pioneer Man Arrested for Assualting Brother with Knife
Amador County – A Pioneer man has been arrested for assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly trying to stab his brother with a knife, according to a statement from the Amador County Sheriff’s Office. The family dispute occurred between Nickolas Milton Schumann, 48, and his brother at 24084 Gold Circle Drive in Pioneer. On July 18th at approximately 10:05 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 9-1-1 call about a family dispute. The subject reported that he and his brother, Nick Schumann, had been in a physical altercation over family issues wherein punches were exchanged. Schumann reportedly left the room and returned with a knife. “The victim told deputies that Nick attempted to stab him in the abdomen with the knife. The victim said he was able to disarm Nick as he was attempting to stab him, however he was cut with the knife during the encounter,” said Undersheriff Jim Wegner. Schumann’s brother showed “a deep incision on a finger on his right hand” as evidence of the attack. The brother was transported to Sutter Amador Hospital via American Legion Ambulance. When contacted by deputies, Schumann also showed evidence of a physical altercation. He appeared to have a swollen lip and a bloody nose. “Additionally, Nick displayed some objective indicators that he was under the influence of alcohol,” said Wegner. He admitted to being involved in a fight with his brother regarding financial issues and family matters. Wegner said, “A search of the scene resulted in the recovery of the 10 ¾” fixed knife allegedly used in the assault, of which Nickolas admitted ownership.” There appeared to be a small amount of blood on the knife. Schumann was subsequently arrested and, after being medically cleared for incarceration, was booked into the Amador County Jail for assault with a deadly weapon. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Law Enforcement
Friday, 23 July 2010 06:13
AWA Budget Talk Includes Public Ire, Employee Presence
Amador County – The Amador Water Agency board of directors discussed Thursday its budget for the coming fiscal year, which included angry public input and a heavy presence of its field employees. Agency General Manager Gene Mancebo recommended a 4 percent rate increase in the Amador Water System, along with about $200,000 in cuts to employees, and that the agency meet its AWS “debt service coverage through an updated financial plan.” He also recommended looking at “all other system financial plans to achieve financial solvency.” Mancebo said new rate increases in smaller systems would help, and the budget depended on a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the Gravity Supply Line project in the Upcountry. President Bill Condrashoff said the rate increase in AWS would not generate the $169,000 necessary, as believed by staff. He said as past rate hikes occurred the usage of water dropped, and he expected that. He also said the budget makes too many assumptions, including the USDA grant. Vice President Debbie Dunn agreed, saying that if the grant is not awarded, the agency would be stuck with repaying a $900,000 loan from the county Water Development Fund. Director Terence Moore said that budget assumptions are typical, including the GSL grant. Moore said if there is no GSL, there is going to have to be an immediate rate increase in the Central Amador Water Project, and they would also have to go back and discuss the development loan. A successful Proposition 218 protest was announced Wednesday as having stopped a rate increase in the Central Amador Water system. Martell resident Ken Berry, who helped lead the protest, delivered a profanity-laced criticism to the board, wondering how the Prop 218 protest did not also kill the Gravity Supply Line project. Berry asked the board: “Can any of you explain why the GSL isn’t dead and buried right now?” Condrashoff asked Mancebo if he thought the rate increase would fix the budget. Mancebo said “we need a rate increase. I understand how unpopular that is.” He said if the GSL grant is delayed, they would have to go to the county and renegotiate the development loan. He said he has been meeting with employee representatives and management, and “all staff is willing to shoulder some cuts, if the board is willing to support rate increases,” and “educating the people about what we are up against,” in trying to bring the agency back into financial well being. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
Water
Friday, 23 July 2010 06:10
AWA Budget Talks Include Internal, External Comments
Amador County – Facing a shortage of cash and a nearly $2 million budget hole, the Amador Water Agency board of directors on Thursday discussed some solutions and heard some comments from staff. The agency head from an attorney for its field employees’ union, Mark Johnson, who said they see the AWA as a family. He said they are concerned and are “willing to come to the table to discuss what needs to happen” and “to discuss all of the issues.” He said they “probably should have started” the talks “a while ago.” The AWA Employee Association President, who identified himself as Damon, said he had been in concession bargaining discussions with General Manager Gene Mancebo and employee representative Karen Gish. Damon said he took offense to a remark someone said earlier that they “haven’t seen any blood from employees.” He said this year and last year, the field maintenance employees are down by 11 employees. He said they must maintain the same infrastructure with fewer people. He said the agency is down 20 people total, including temps, “so we’ve picked up the burden of all that extra work.” Now they must talk about salary and benefit cuts. President Bill Condrashoff said hundreds of “conditional will-serves” worth $10,000 apiece have been put out to developers around the county at no charge, and claiming those fees could bring in millions of dollars. Information Technology Manager Mitch Netto said computer system upgrades are just like other neglected agency operations and maintenance, and could run higher in years to come, without small-piece replacements, it could lead to a need for a “full refresh.” Netto suggested they consolidate under a new company, dissolve the Amador Water System, and open a new company, the Amador Water Service. He said all customers across the agency would have “one combined service, and pay one rate.” Once closed, they could “reinstitute” all “conditional will-serve,” and make the will-serve holders meet new requirements and conditions, including the new up-front fee payments. Netto said it “stabilizes everybody down the line.” He said AWS is $2 million in the hole, and “most companies would close their doors at that point.” President Bill Condrashoff said it was an interesting idea which they should run by their attorney. Martell Resident Ken Berry said: “I’m going to fight that tooth and nail,” because the Gravity Supply Line “is your problem.” The board went into closed session at 1 p.m. Thursday to discuss a lawsuit by Berry against the agency. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
Water
Friday, 23 July 2010 06:08
Senator Dave Cox Memorial Announced
Sacramento - The memorial service for Senator Dave Cox will be held on Thursday, August 5, 2010 at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. The Cathedral is located at 1017 11th Street in Sacramento. The service will begin promptly at 10 a.m. On Tuesday, July 13, Cox passed away after a 13-year battle with prostate cancer. Respected for his public service, Cox was a fierce fighter for a more transparent
and responsive government. A complete biography and photo are available on his website. A devoted family man, Cox is survived by his wife Maggie of 44 years; daughters
Cathleen, Margo and Sarah; six grandchildren and his beloved dog Rudy. In lieu of flowers, the Cox family asks that donations be made to the Dave and Maggie
Cox Scholarship Fund with the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, located at 740 University Avenue, Suite 110, Sacramento, CA 95825. Members of the public are welcome to attend the memorial service. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
Region
Friday, 23 July 2010 06:06
Amador RAC Solicits Project Proposals
Amador County - The Amador County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) announced Monday that it is soliciting project proposals for financial support under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, reauthorized in 2008. Currently, as authorized by the legislation, Amador County has approximately $90,000 to fund natural resource related projects within Amador County. Additional funds will be available in January 2011. Projects nominated must be located in Amador County and have broad based support in the following areas: road, trail, and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration; soil productivity improvements; watershed restoration and maintenance; improvements in forest ecosystem health; wildlife and fish habitat improvements; control of noxious and exotic weeds; reintroduction of native species, and hazardous fuels reduction. RAC members are particularly interested in projects that provide cultural awareness, human health and interface, community to government relationship building, public outreach and education, forest health, local job creation, trail maintenance, funding partnerships and projects that fill the gaps between other forest projects.
Projects can be on national forest or private land within Amador County. Projects on private lands must have clear benefit to the Eldorado National Forest. To nominate a project to the Amador County RAC, please visit the Eldorado National Forest website at www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado. Project proponents should contact the Amador District Ranger before finalizing a project proposal. The deadline for submitting project proposals for consideration during this round of funding is August 13, 2010. Applicants who have had their projects reviewed by the Forest Service are welcome to provide an overview of their proposal to Amador County RAC members on August 30 and September 13 when the RAC convenes at 10877 Conductor Blvd in Sutter Creek. The meetings will begin at 6 pm. Please contact Deb Sweeten at (209) 295-5903 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to make a presentation or if you need further information. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
Local
Thursday, 22 July 2010 07:08
Catholic Church Aims to Buy Former Prospect Motors Property
Amador County - Father Tom Seabridge, Pastor of the Amador Catholic Community, confirmed rumors Wednesday that the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento has made an offer to purchase the former home of Prospect Motors in Martell, but stressed that the final sale is pending approval from General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC). During service last month, Seabridge announced the Church’s intention to purchase the property primarily for a youth center and community facility to be utilized by the catholic community. There have been few prospects for the mammoth property ever since the 33-year-old dealership suddenly closed its doors in December of 2008. Located in the heart of the Martell Shopping Center, the now vacant buildings serve as a constant reminder of the effects of the economic recession. Seabridge told TSPN the price tag is “at least $3 million,” but he cannot elaborate because of a confidentiality agreement. Rumors have been spreading about the possible uses for the property and whether or not the Church will provide space for struggling local organizations. “Since the Church is tax-exempt, there should be serious consideration given to utilizing that financial advantage to give back to our community,” said Joyce Bonner, a volcano resident. Caryl Callsen, an upcountry resident, said she hopes “this purchase will not result in division, but rather a way to reach out to all members of the community.” Callsen is a member of Call to Action, a progressive Catholic action organization, and said she has had first-hand experience with the diocese discriminating against certain groups in the past. Others see this as a positive move. “This is certainly a win-win for the community, with a lot of potential applications that would be great for the building,” said Lynda Cook, a Sutter Creek resident and member of the Church. Prospect Motors was well-known as a generous contributor within the community, and had generated a large portion of the city and county tax bases. “As far as the Church not paying taxes, that would be the same no matter where it decides to purchase property,” said Seabridge. He said they will be investigating what space they can provide for the community based on the Church’s tax exempt status. He plans on holding a joint meeting with members of the press once he receives the official papers indicating the deal has been closed. “This will likely be of great future benefit to our community and others,” he said. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
News Archive
Thursday, 22 July 2010 07:08
Catholic Church Aims to Buy Former Prospect Motors Property
Amador County - Father Tom Seabridge, Pastor of the Amador Catholic Community, confirmed rumors Wednesday that the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento has made an offer to purchase the former home of Prospect Motors in Martell, but stressed that the final sale is pending approval from General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC). During service last month, Seabridge announced the Church’s intention to purchase the property primarily for a youth center and community facility to be utilized by the catholic community. There have been few prospects for the mammoth property ever since the 33-year-old dealership suddenly closed its doors in December of 2008. Located in the heart of the Martell Shopping Center, the now vacant buildings serve as a constant reminder of the effects of the economic recession. Seabridge told TSPN the price tag is “at least $3 million,” but he cannot elaborate because of a confidentiality agreement. Rumors have been spreading about the possible uses for the property and whether or not the Church will provide space for struggling local organizations. “Since the Church is tax-exempt, there should be serious consideration given to utilizing that financial advantage to give back to our community,” said Joyce Bonner, a volcano resident. Caryl Callsen, an upcountry resident, said she hopes “this purchase will not result in division, but rather a way to reach out to all members of the community.” Callsen is a member of Call to Action, a progressive Catholic action organization, and said she has had first-hand experience with the diocese discriminating against certain groups in the past. Others see this as a positive move. “This is certainly a win-win for the community, with a lot of potential applications that would be great for the building,” said Lynda Cook, a Sutter Creek resident and member of the Church. Prospect Motors was well-known as a generous contributor within the community, and had generated a large portion of the city and county tax bases. “As far as the Church not paying taxes, that would be the same no matter where it decides to purchase property,” said Seabridge. He said they will be investigating what space they can provide for the community based on the Church’s tax exempt status. He plans on holding a joint meeting with members of the press once he receives the official papers indicating the deal has been closed. “This will likely be of great future benefit to our community and others,” he said. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
Local
Thursday, 22 July 2010 06:15
Ione Promotes Three Fire Captains
Amador County – Ione Fire Chief Ken Mackey pinned bugles on three men Tuesday in a promotion ceremony, making each a fire captain in the Ione Fire Department. The ceremony began with a stream of male and female firefighters and cadets walking into the Ione City Council meeting and standing along one wall. Mackey read the names of the firemen, who were pinned with their fire captain hardware by family members. Mackey promoted Jim Bennett, Mike Florez and Phil Hererra to be fire captains saying all three trained and studied, took an extensive written test and underwent an “intense on-scene scenario” as part of their certification. Mackey said all three passed with excellent scores. Mackey said the three positions recently opened and the men were able to pass certification for the promotions. He said all three come from fire fighting families. Bennett came to Ione from Upcountry’s Battalion 10 in the Amador Fire Protection District. Also Tuesday, the council approved 2 applications for separate grants for sustainable planning, through the state Proposition 84. One application, at a cost of $5,000, would seek a grant to complete the Ione Business Park’s “Specific Plan.” City Planner Christopher Jordan said one of the park’s four owners, Howard Properties, had been notified of the planning grant application, and asked to share the costs. The city had not yet heard from the Howard family. Jordan said the city would put the specific plan together and the developers “would have to draft the plan and submit it to the city for approval.” City Manager Kim Kerr said the work “would not be done in a vacuum” and the city would meet and work with property owners. Kerr said instead of having the owners try to build a consensus on the plan, city staff “would build a consensus with property owners.” Councilwoman Andrea Bonham asked about a solar farm for the business park. Jordan said they don’t want to “box us in,” but if the council “wants to explore that then that would be part of the analysis.” Bonham wanted to make it clear in approving the application that property owners will be involved in the specific plan work. Jordan said there will be “significant stakeholder outreach with property owners.” The council approved it 4-1 with Councilman Jim Ulm against, and also voted 5-0 to contribute $1,000 toward a county application for the same sustainability planning funds in Prop 84. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
News Archive
Thursday, 22 July 2010 06:18
AWA Verifies CAWP Rate Protest Successful, Staff Says System is Antiquated
Amador County – The Amador Water Agency on Wednesday verified that a Proposition 218 protest of a rate increase in the Central Amador Water Project service area was successful. AWA Board Clerk Cris Thompson said she had “finished the verification of signatures for the CAWP rate protest and have determined that this was in fact a successful protest with 1,396 verified signatures.” The signatures were presented in a July 1st meeting. At least one staff member answered with a call for an immediate request for another rate increase in CAWP. In an e-mail Wednesday AWA construction, distribution, canal, and fleet manager Barry Birge said he planned to “immediately request another rate increase on the CAWP system” and finalize rate increases in Lamel and Camanche systems as soon as possible. Birge sent the email to the AWA board of directors and department heads with photographs of multiple ruptures discovered last week in a CAWP water storage tank. With it was a photo from more than a year ago showing the worst of many corrosion-damaged areas on the tank. Birge at the time “requested replacement of this tank,” but it never happened “due to major budget reductions to prevent future rate increases.” Last Thursday (July 15th) the same spot on the tank had water jetting from several rusted holes. Wood, washers, and bolts plugged the holes and Birge said CAWP has “no budget for proper repairs and/or replacements.” The agency has “had a strategic plan in place for years,” he said, but “always struggled to have a budget to support distribution system improvements recommended by staff.” Birge said AWA “passed a death sentence to the CAWP distribution system by not raising the rates.” The AWA board July 1st approved a budget without a rate increase in CAWP, expecting the Prop. 218 protest to succeed. Birge said, “While times are tough right now there has been and always will be an excuse or reason not to raise rates” saying it is “usually political.” He called CAWP an “antiquated, undersized, piecemealed distribution system.” Birge said in his 30-year professional opinion, “we are not doing our job as water purveyors to address the needs and demands of our water systems.” He said in today’s meeting (Thursday, July 22nd) he would urge the board to implement the original, already adopted, 4 percent rate increase for Amador Water System. He said the rate increase would “help ensure that we don’t hand out another death sentence on the most antiquated system that is under the agency’s control.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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News Archive
