Tom
Wednesday, 31 March 2010 01:32
Ione Police, Sheriff Find Ione Burglary Victims After Car Stop
Amador County – An Amador County Sheriff’s deputy have arrested an Ione man, and with the help of the Ione Police Department, the investigation was able to find a link between the man and at least 2 burglaries in the city. Ione Police Department announced the ongoing investigation in a release Tuesday. IPD Sergeant Rocky Harpham said the investigation began last Wednesday, when an Amador County Sheriff Office deputy made a traffic stop of an Ione resident, who reportedly has “been involved in criminal activity within the county.” Harpham said a “search of the suspect’s vehicle produced jewelry, coins, and other precious metals.” The deputy’s “knowledge of recent burglaries in the Ione area facilitated further investigation,” and Ione Police Department responded to a request from the deputy to assist in the investigation. Harpham said the “Ione officer contacted one of the victims from a burglary that occurred within the city limits,” and the “victim positively identified some of the property as items stolen in the residential burglary.” Ione Police said a suspect, Michael Leonard Bloom, 46, of Ione, was arrested at the scene for possession of stolen property and booked into the Amador County Jail. Bloom was arrested at Highways 104 and 88, and charged with a felony count of receiving known stolen property valued at more than $400. His bail was set at $10,000. Harpham said IPD has since worked with Amador sheriff’s detectives and the Amador County Combined Narcotics Enforcement Team to develop further information and leads. By Tuesday, 1 other Ione burglary victim was able to identify stolen property from the items seized by the sheriff’s deputy during last week’s traffic stop. Ione police have “conducted probation searches and executed search warrants in furtherance of the on-going investigation.” Additional property, paraphernalia, and suspected controlled substances have been seized as results of those efforts. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information about thefts or stolen property is urged to contact IPD at 209-274-2456. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
Law Enforcement
Wednesday, 31 March 2010 01:30
AWA’s Gravity Supply Line Ignites Fire Flow Discussion
Amador County – The Upcountry Gravity Supply Line drew criticism and support last week, with foes saying it would not help fight wildfires, while supporters stressed that it would still help protect homes. Supervisor Ted Novelli said Upcountry needs water to fight fires, and if the GSL was approved, the next step for Upcountry should be to get a big, central storage tank, at 1 million or 2 million gallons. He also pledged to help AWA staff try to find money for the project. AWA Director Don Cooper (District 3) said he thought AWA “got the message,” and put fire flow studies and improvements on its capital improvement project list. AWA board President Bill Condrashoff said the GSL “will not increase fire flow,” and the Central Amador Water Project system “will have twice as many homes depending on the same amount of water.” Condrashoff and Vice President Debbie Dunn voted against the GSL. Former firefighter Earl Curtis said “more water is part of the ultimate solution” for firefighting. He said it was also would earn more AB 32 “carbon credits in the long run, and as a “green project” it would encourage energy reduction. Curtis said it was “an unreasonable thing to say that more water in the Buckhorn area would increase the number of homes.” Curtis said: “There’s gobs of empty lots in this CAWP area, which have not been built on.” Dunn said a majority of lots rely on water for the ability to subdivide. Curtis said there were “enough lots now to double the population” in CAWP. Interim General Manger Gene Mancebo said new development “will be required by the agency to have storage for new homes, and bigger infrastructure for the system as a whole.” Developer Ciro Toma confirmed that, saying AWA is asking one of his clients to run more than 2,000 feet of 10-inch pipeline for fire flow. Linda Stroh said 3 of the last 10 Upcountry house fires have been in Sierra Highlands, where she is a board member. Stroh recalled that District 4 Director Dunn did not want to use treated water for firefighting. Stroh said: “I don’t care if it’s raw water and I don’t care if it’s sewer water. We need water.” Ray Perry, of the Amador County Business Council, and a CAWP customer at Mace Meadow, said he personally and the council as a group supported the GSL. He said AWA’s “white paper” convinced him that at $13 million, with a $5 million grant, the GSL would be a better deal that a $4 million fix on the pumps, then another $4 million to replace the old pipeline. He said “for the same cost we can get a more reliable system.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
Water
Wednesday, 31 March 2010 01:28
Sierra Nevada Conservancy Considers Forest Management Plan
Amador County – The Sierra Nevada Conservancy, a state agency designed to oversee and improve the well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, announced Tuesday it seeks public comment on a proposal for the sustainable management of forest lands in the Sierra Nevada. “Many of our public forests are dangerously overgrown and in very poor health, increasing the risk of catastrophic fire, which has an extremely harmful impact on public health, our environment, our water and our economy,” said SNC Executive Officer Jim Branham in a release from the agency. Noting that forest management issues have historically been highly contentious, Branham added, “Our goal is to bring a wide variety of interests together, and focus on what we all agree on to take action on the ground. We recognize it won’t be easy, but the alternative of the status quo is unacceptable.” The release said the proposal, known as the Sustainable Sierra Nevada Initiative, has two main objectives. These are to create “ecologically healthy forests and watersheds, thereby protecting and enhancing habitat and water quality while reducing the risk of catastrophic fire;” and “creating sustainable local economic activity in the Region through increasing the sustainable production of renewable biomass energy and a variety of wood products.” The release said the Initiative states that “sustainable forest management will result in a reliable supply of biomass that can be converted to renewable energy, as well as a variety of wood products, creating an opportunity for locally based sustainable economic activity.” It also identifies “key benefits” resulting from habitat protection, fire reduction, forest restoration and carbon sequestration. The agency’s governing board will consider whether to adopt the resolution at its board meeting on June 4th. Branham stressed that public comment is “critical to ensure that the effort encompasses a wide range of interests throughout the Sierra Nevada.” The Sustainable Sierra Nevada Initiative can be viewed online at www.sierranevada.ca.gov and is open for comment until May 1, 2010. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
State
Wednesday, 31 March 2010 01:26
BLM seeks nominations for Central California Resource Advisory Council
Amador County – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public nominations for 5 open positions on its Central California Resource Advisory Council, which advises the BLM on public land issues. BLM announced the openings Tuesday, saying positions open are in 3 different categories. Category 1 (with 3 open positions) includes public land ranchers and representatives of organizations associated with energy and mineral development, the timber industry, transportation or rights-of-way, off-highway vehicle use, and commercial recreation. Category 2 (with 1 open position) includes representatives of nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations, archaeological and historical organizations, dispersed recreation activities, and wild horse and burro organizations. Category 3 (with one open position) includes representatives of state, county, or local elected office; representatives and employees of a state agency responsible for the management of natural resources; representatives of Indian tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the RAC is organized; representatives and employees of academic institutions who are involved in natural sciences; and the public-at-large. BLM Central California Public Affairs officer David Christy said BLM “Resource Advisory Councils are composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues.” The councils assist bureau stewardship of 253 million acres of public lands. The bureau manages more land than any other federal agency, Christy said. It has 24 advisory councils across the western states, where most BLM-managed land is located. He said: “The diverse membership of each RAC is aimed at achieving a balanced outlook that the BLM needs for its mission, which is to manage the public lands for multiple uses.” The Central California RAC advises BLM on issues in the Mother Lode, Hollister, Bakersfield and Bishop field offices. Secretary Ken Salazar said he values the “advice given to the BLM by these ‘citizen-based Resource Advisory Committees.’” BLM Director Bob Abbey said he knows the Interior Department shares his view of their importance, and the “people who live, work, and recreate near or on BLM-managed lands deserve a formal voice on public land issues.” Abbey said their input will enhance BLM’s “ability to manage the public lands for multiple uses while conserving resources.” Individuals may nominate themselves or others to an advisory council. Nominees must be residents of the state, and will be judged on the basis of their training, education, and knowledge of the council’s geographical area. Nominations must be made no later than May 10th. For information call (916) 941-3146 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Nomination forms are available on the BLM’s website. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
Region
Wednesday, 31 March 2010 01:24
7th Annual Elementary Spelling Bear Winners Head to Championship
Amador County - Amador County Public Schools held their 7th Annual Elementary Spelling Bear on March 1, 2010 at the City of Jackson Civic Center. Twenty-four 4th, 5th and 6th Grade School Site Champions from Ione Elementary, Ione Junior High School, Jackson Elementary, Jackson Junior High School, Pine Grove Elementary, Pioneer Elementary, Plymouth Elementary, Sutter Creek Elementary and North Star Independent Study participated in the event. The first place winner was Mikayla Haefele, 6th grader from Jackson Elementary School, and the second place winner was Kyla Webb, 4th grader from Ione Elementary School. Mikayla and Kyla will attend the California State Elementary Spelling Bee Championship on May 15th at Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park. The school district expressed congratulations to the Elementary Spelling Bear Champions and all School Site Champions. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
Local
Wednesday, 31 March 2010 01:15
Amador County News TSPN TV with Christian Toma 3-31-10
Published in
Video
Monday, 29 March 2010 18:00
Motor Vehicle Trails to Open on Eldorado Forest Land
Amador County - Forest Supervisor Ramiro Villalvazo announced this week that trails authorized for motor vehicles on Eldorado Forest grounds will reopen for use on April 1. The routes are typically closed during seasonal wet weather to protect water quality, prevent erosion and reduce damage to trails. “I’m allowing the seasonal closure to come to an end on March 31st,” said Villalvazo in his announcement. “I am sure there are many people who are anxious for the opportunity to get out into our beautiful great outdoors. However, I want to remind all potential Forest visitors that with the freedom to visit the Forest on motorized vehicles, comes the responsibility to ensure that your activities do not cause resource damage,” he added. Forest visitors should contact the ranger station closest to where they want to visit for the latest road and trail information. Routes open to motorized travel are identified on free-of-charge motorized vehicle travel maps, now available at all Eldorado National Forest offices. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
News Archive
Monday, 29 March 2010 18:00
AWA Discussion of GSL Asks Why Do GSL
Amador County – The Amador County Water Agency board heard 2 different staff reports last week on the estimated $13 million Gravity Supply Line for Upcountry water customers. One report attempted to answer the question: Why do this at all? Interim Engineering Manager Erik Christeson said 2 independent engineering studies and 1 internal study found the GSL was the best plan to create greater water reliability and quality. The project would build a gravity-flow pipeline to feed the Buckhorn Water Treatment Plant. AWA President Bill Condrashoff worried about the reliability of source water, the Tiger Creek regulator bay. Interim General Manger Gene Mancebo said the reservoir has not been seen “dry” in 20 years, and they could “pressure the tunnel” to force GSL flow, if needed. In public comment, David Evitt said the AWA should instead be considering solar power at the existing pump stations. Christeson said 3 solar contractors agreed with a staff recommendation to “not proceed” with a Central Amador Water Project site to “offset pump station energy requirements.” The consultant also agreed with staff recommendation to place solar power panels at the Tanner plant site. An extensive solar panel project at Tanner was shelved by the board last year, along with a project to expand the Amador Water System. Christeson said the Gravity Supply Line “conserves more fossil fuels, reduces more environmental pollutants, eliminates more carbon emissions and is more environmentally friendly than any proposed solar project.” He said staff found a possible USDA grant of 25 percent, with a 75 percent loan to fund pump station upgrades, but it would “not correct health or sanitary issues.” Condrashoff worried about failure of the existing system when it becomes backup to the GSL, and the plan included no money to keep up the pump system. Christeson said the pumps would cost $20,000 for electricity annually as backups. Director Don Cooper said the “wonderful thing” is having lots of options, including replacing electricity for the pumps with diesel engines. Mancebo said the “pump station is the contingency plan,” and “won’t be used as it is now.” The pump system now has no backup, besides trucking in generators to the 2 pumps. Director Gary Thomas said the pump pipeline has about 1,500 days of life left, and AWA can “select when to use them.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
News Archive
Monday, 29 March 2010 18:00
Ione Police Assist with 5 Drug-Related Arrests
Amador County – The Ione Police Department reported 6 drug-related arrests in the last week, including one at a traffic stop and 4 in a sting at the Preston youth prison in Ione. Ione Police Sergeant Rocky Harpham in a release Monday said the latest sting operation at Preston was a success Sunday, when a multi-agency force ran a “visitor compliance detail” at the California Youth Authority facility at Preston. Harpham said the sting was a “continuing effort to curtail the illegal transportation of narcotics into Preston,” and into the city of Ione. Ione Police Department participated in the multi-agency “visitor compliance detail” at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation facility at Preston on Sunday (March 28th). The operation was a “cooperative effort by local law enforcement to control illegal activity associated with visitation on state property.” The detail of law enforcement agencies included personnel from the tactical team at Preston, the Amador County Combined Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the Ione Police Department, along with the IPD narcotics detection K-9 unit’s dog, “Hawke.” Harpham said “4 visitors were arrested and booked into Amador County Jail on drug related charges.” The Amador enforcement team “seized a large amount of cash from one of the arrestees.” Harpham said 5 additional visitors were issued citations for misdemeanor violations of California vehicle code, and a total of 6 vehicles were towed and impounded. Last week, Ione Police made another drug-related arrest, after an Ione Police Officer Jason Peppas made a traffic stop last Thursday (March 25th). Peppas conducted a traffic stop and “noticed the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.” Further investigation by Peppas led to the recovery of large amounts of marijuana and methamphetamine. The case was eventually turned over to the Amador County Combine Narcotics Enforcement Team for further investigation. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
News Archive
