Tom

Wednesday, 28 April 2010 02:57

Sheriff Reports Include Prophylactic Theft, Ice Cream Rage

Amador County – Amador County Sheriff’s Office’s call-log the last month included a variety of incidents, ranging from an apparent ice cream-induced vandalism, to the reported theft of a single prophylactic. Last week a vandalism was reported at Munnerlyn’s Ice Creamery on Highway 88 in Pine Grove. The caller said that the “ice cream shop did not carry a child’s favorite flavor so he got mad and kicked the counter and left a big hole.” The incident occurred March 29th. On April 15th, a caller reported that he had been advised that his stolen saw mill was seen being towed by a vehicle east-bound on Highway 88 in Pine Grove. The saw mill was a “Timber King 1600” on a 16-foot black metal frame. Also April 15th, a disturbing the peace complaint was received about an incident involving 2 sisters. The caller said her sister was driving a 4-door green Chevy Tahoe and rammed her vehicle twice on Lake Canyon Road, and then left the scene. The incident reportedly occurred after a physical disturbance between the 2 sisters. The woman did not need medical attention. Disturbing the peace was reported April 18th on Aqueduct Grove Road at Sky High Boulevard in Pine Grove. A man reported that he was driving along Aqueduct Grove Road, when some dogs jumped onto his vehicle. The man said he yelled at the dogs to get down, and the dogs’ owner then yelled at the reporting party. The incident was verbal only. Monday (April 19th), a woman reported that her ex-boyfriend, who has a restraining order against her, put all of her belongings on the street, with a “free” sign. A friend of the woman reportedly saw the items on the street, and some of the property was damaged. The day before, a female “restrained party” requested a “citizen assist” when her ex-boyfriend told her that “she needs to come get her things now or she will take it all out and put it on the highway with a ‘free’ sign on it.” The restraining order restricted her from going to the residence. Tuesday (April 20th), a caller reported seeing a male standing on top of the head frame at the Kennedy Mine. The caller saw the subject from the road. The male was wearing a white T-shirt. Raley’s grocery store on Highway 49 in Jackson reported a petty theft by a male juvenile on Wednesday, April 21st. The male allegedly “took one condom from the box,” and left the store. The subject was described as wearing a black hoodie, blue jeans and white shoes; and he left the area in a 2007 to 2009 silver Mustang hatchback with a spoiler. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published in Law Enforcement

Wednesday, 28 April 2010 02:55

Caltrans Workers Clean 73 Bags Of Trash From Highway 88 Roadsides

Amador County – The California Department of Transportation held a highway litter pickup day last week and reported picking up 73 bags of trash from Highway 88 roadsides in Amador County. The statewide Litter Removal Day, in coordination with Keep California Beautiful, and California Highway Patrol, was held on the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, last Thursday, April 22nd. Stockton-based District 10 publicist Chantel Miller said Caltrans maintenance crews in Amador County picked up litter and debris for the entire day along Highway 88 from the San Joaquin/Amador County border to just west of Wicklow Way. They filled more than 73 bags with litter. The cleanup day was an educational activity designed to enhance public awareness of costs associated with removing litter, and the volume of roadside waste the state encounters. Caltrans spent approximately $60 million in 2008-2009 to pick up litter and debris from state highways and roadways. Caltrans forces, combined with Adopt-A-Highway Program participants, special programs personnel such as probationers, inmates and the California Conservation Corps, and contractors for litter removal, removed 160,000 cubic yards of litter from highways last year, which would fill roughly 10,000 Caltrans garbage trucks. Miller said Caltrans encourages people to carry litter bags in automobiles, and to always cover and properly secure loads of trucks and pick-ups. Besides economic costs, litter creates a range of serious threats to the environment and human health. Wildlife can suffer from plastic in the environment, and roadside vegetation can be damaged by large debris. Improperly discarded cigarettes can start fires that can threaten human health, and harmful chemicals and biohazards can cause a serious threat to human health. Also, litter can clog roadway drainage systems and lead to highway flooding, congestion, and accidents. Miller said litter can also aid in the spread of disease. She said the “best anti-litter campaign is to ensure trash never makes it onto the highways in the first place.” For more information on the District 10 Adopt-A-Highway Program, call (209) 948-7462. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published in Local

Wednesday, 28 April 2010 02:53

CSMA Discusses Protection of Local Mining Industries

Amador County - The Central Sierra Mining Association (CSMA) conducted its first dinner meeting of 2010 on Friday the 16th of April in Sutter Creek. CSMA Director Tim Smith said the meeting was very well attended with 60 on hand for dinner and informational discussions. The discussions covered issues dealing with The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA), General Planning for both Calaveras and Amador Counties and how the Association could best be involved for the protection of the local mining industry. Presentations were given by Steve Testa, Chairman of the State Mining and Geology Board, Susan Grijalva, Amador County Planning Director, Nathan Lishman, Amador County Planner, Mike Del Orto, Association Director, Calaveras County and Tim Smith, Association Director, Amador County. Smith said a lively discussion with questions and answers was directed at the differences of interpretation of SMARA requirements and implementation between the Association and the Mines and Geology Board. Smith said the Association and the County of Amador seemed to have similar understandings and concerns. Amador County Supervisors Louis Boitano and John Plasse were in attendance and provided questions and comments to Testa and the members. CSMA pledged to put together a committee from the Association, Amador and Calaveras Counties and the Department of Conservation to work to bring the Counties, the State DOC and the mining community together on their understanding of what works within SMARA and changes that need to made to the current regulations. The Association’s Mike Del Orto was to testify at a joint Planning and Supervisors hearing on the Calaveras County General Plan on April 19th in Angels Camp. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published in Local

Tuesday, 27 April 2010 06:04

AWA Approves $2.3M In Internal Loans

Amador County – The board Thursday also approved internal loans of $2.3 million, including $1.6 million from the Amador Water System and another $700,000 from the Martell wastewater account. The loans go to 4 other water or wastewater systems operated by the AWA, and interest on the loans will be base on new financial plans approved for the systems, based on one approved for the Central Amador Water Project system. The loan interest will be reassessed on past loan amounts, and be based on the LAIF index, but cannot fall under 2 percent. LAIF is currently below 1 percent. Different amounts, both retroactively and in the future, will be based on several indexes over the last several years, as compiled by Finance Manger Mike Lee. The internal loans from the Amador Water System include $800,000 to Lake Camanche Water District Number 7; another loan of $600,000 to Wastewater District 1; and $200,000 to La Mel Heights Water System. The board also approved a loan of $700,000 to Lake Camanche Wastewater District 11, with a loan and transfer of funds from the “Martell Wastewater Replacement Reserve Account.” Resolutions memorializing the loans said that the agency intends the loans to be repaid through “rates, charges, assessments, and/or standby assessments or charges imposed on customers and lands” within each district’s service area. Unpaid balances will re charged variable interest based on the plan devised for CAWP. Mancebo said the board Thursday also pushed back by a year a groundwater study at Lake Camanche. He said if it begins to become a risk to receipt of a grant for that study, it would be brought back before the board. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published in News Archive

Tuesday, 27 April 2010 06:05

AWA Starts Notice Process For Proposed CAWP Rate Increase

Amador County – The Amador Water Agency last week voted 4-1 to prepare notices for rate increases in the Central Amador Water Project system. The board also approved a financial plan for the water system, and directed staff to begin preparing a notice to send out to CAWP’s 2,600 customers. The notice will tell of a rate hearing to be set, and there will be a 45-day period to review the documents and make public comment. AWA General Manager Gene Mancebo said Friday that the board went through the latest draft of CAWP’s financial plan and a rate study, then agreed on the plan and the notice. The notification includes information about the rate changes as required by Proposition 218. Mancebo said the public “can vote in a Proposition 218 process if they so choose to do so.” He said the agency must “notify them that they have that ability and can do so if they are so inclined.” A simple majority vote would stop the rate increase. The rates increases are about 7 percent each year in the 3-year plan, Mancebo said. He said rates would go up 7 ½ percent the first year, and 7 percent each of the second and third years. In the 4-1 vote, Director Terence Moore dissented. The board voted separately on approving the CAWP rate increase, and then voted to send out rate notices. Mancebo said it will take staff about a week or so to put those together,” then they will be sent out in 1 or 2 weeks. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published in News Archive

Tuesday, 27 April 2010 05:59

RAC to Discuss Forest Service Projects

Amador County - The first meeting of the Amador County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will be held on May 5, 2010, at the Amador County Supervisors Office, 801 Court Street, Jackson, CA at 6 pm. This initial meeting is intended to allow new RAC members to meet each other, learn more about their duties as RAC members, and to develop committee operating guidelines. The public is invited to attend. The members of the RAC were recently appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture to represent a specific interest in the National Forest. The purpose of this RAC is to recommend funding for projects that benefit National Forest System lands in Amador County. For the 2008 and 2009 funding cycle, this RAC will recommend projects to allocate approximately $90,000 that benefit the National Forest. The Eldorado National Forest Supervisor will select the projects on behalf of the Secretary of Agriculture. The RAC has been chartered for fiscal years 2008-2011. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published in News Archive

Tuesday, 27 April 2010 06:00

Rancheria to Host Dreamcatcher's Frog Jump Competition

Amador County - The Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee is coming soon in Angels Camp and Jackson Rancheria is getting in the spirit by hosting a special Frog Jump competition just for Dreamcatcher’s Club members. The Jackson Rancheria Frog Jump will be held on Sunday, May 2, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. outside the lobby entrance. There is no charge, but you must show your Dreamcatcher’s Club card to participate. No frog jumping experience necessary. You don’t even have to bring your own frog, everything will be supplied. Just show up ready to have fun. There will also be a Prize Wheel set up so you can spin for a variety of prizes. The winner will get a Frog Jumping trophy and qualify for the Grand Finals at the Calaveras County Fair on Sunday, May 16, at 2 p.m. with a chance to win up to $5,000 if your frog sets a new world record. This year’s Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee is Thursday through Sunday, May 13-16, at the fairgrounds outside Angels Camp. Jackson Rancheria is proud to be a major sponsor. The Fair theme is “Celebrating the Wit & Wisdom of Mark Twain” so you can expect many events and exhibits about the author of “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” For more information on the Fair, visit frogtown.org or call 209-736-2561. Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel is located at 12222 New York Ranch Road, Jackson, CA 95642. For more information, call 800-822-WINN or visit JacksonCasino.com. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published in News Archive

Tuesday, 27 April 2010 06:02

Ione Returns $500K State Grant For Pool Project

Amador County – The Ione City Council voted 3-1 last week to return a $500,000 state grant that would have helped build a new swimming pool, citing a lack of funding and a 2012 deadline. The city won the 2005 California Department of Recreation’s “Urban Open Space and Recreation Grant” to build a 6-lane, Olympic sized pool. City Manager Kim Kerr said the project cost was estimated at $1.7 million, and the city had no funding source for the remaining $1.2 million above the grant. She said a big issue was operation and maintenance, which would cost $30,000 annually. The city already runs the Ione Junior High pool, costing $27,000 a year, while the city recoups only $6,000, Kerr said, but the city keeps the pool open for the children. The existing pool is also Olympic-sized, and the city spent $70,000 to repair it in 2007. Kerr said the grant was not transferable. The only change they could make from the winning project description would be its location. It would have to be built by March 2012, including all environmental work. Construction alone would cost $631,000, Kerr said last week. If the project will not be built, state Parks & Recreation wants the competitive grant funds back, to award to another project. Kerr said: “They call us monthly and ask us what we are going to do with this.” The city has discussed the project with Superintendent Dick Glock. Kerr said the school district is at a “very crucial time” in its budget. Councilman Lee Ard said the city will not get any parks & rec impact fees from home sales at Castle Oaks until they sell 100 homes, which could take 2 years. Councilwoman Andrea Bonham said: “People in hell want ice water, but it doesn’t mean they’re going to get it.” She said the good deed of giving back the funds might come back to the city. Councilman Jim Ulm said the council “should not rush to give this money back, because times do change,” and “it seems like there’s no problem with keeping it for a while.” Vice Mayor David Plank suggested giving the school district 1 more attempt at an agreement, but Ard said he thought they should give back the funds. Ard, Bonham and Plank then voted to return the funds, with Ulm against. Kerr said she must notify the state by letter of the decision. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published in News Archive

Tuesday, 27 April 2010 06:06

23rd Sutter Creek Duck Race Winners Announced

Amador County - Another successful Sutter Creek Duck Race floated down the town’s namesake last Saturday. The 23rd annual event was the latest installment of a tradition that gathers money for 13 local charities through the sale of little rubber ducks which “race” in heats to the cheers of those in attendance. This year’s race was especially interesting because of the fast water flows brought on by recent late season storms. Volunteers at the event spent many hours in the ice cold water attempting to guide the rubber chicks downstream where the winners are determined once they pass through a unique pipe “finish tube.” Attendees from miles around gathered at Minnie Provis Park to visit many booths hosted by local merchants and featuring food, music and prizes. The winners were announced throughout the day on Saturday and the final results were issued Monday morning. The Final Race Grand Prize of $2,500 went to Suzon Hatley of Plymouth. 2nd Place and $1,500 went to Carla Cunningham of Corralitos. In Third Place with a prize of $1,000 was Graciela Lamora of Jackson. There were three heats leading up to the final race, as well as three specialty races. Other winners included County Supervisor Richard Forster of Ione, who won 3rd place in the Second Heat Race. Perko’s Café won 1st Place in the Merchant Sponsor Race, in which merchants are allowed to decorate the ducks they sponsor. 1st Place in the Duckling Race went to Samantha Frank of Pleasanton. Logan Harper and Ryan Garcia, both of Sutter Creek, tied for 1st Place in the Ugly Duckling Race. This year’s race was organized by the Amador County Recreation Agency. During the event, ACRA Executive Director Tracey Towner-Yep told TSPN that she was happy to see so many happy families out in the sunshine enjoying the festivities. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published in News Archive

Tuesday, 27 April 2010 06:10