Tom
Friday, 12 March 2010 01:18
AWA Approves Engineering Study of Solar Power Project
Amador County – The Amador Water Agency board of directors voted 4-0 Thursday to study a solar power system in the agency. The board heard a presentation from a solar power system installer from San Jose, and debated how much time and money they wanted to put into the study. They eventually OK’d no more than 60 hours of engineering work, with AWA staff pursuing “low-cost, no-cost interfacing” with PG&E and the company SunnyCal Solar. Steve Dollens, manager of SunnyCal, which has a local branch in Valley Springs, gave a presentation on approximate system parameters based on information given from board members. Dollens toured agency facilities at Tiger Creek, Tanner and the district office; and reviewed PG&E expenses and history; before working on a “preliminary assessment of possibilities.” He said based on $250,000 a year in PG&E bills, and 1.25 million watts a year usage, the company recommended a 5- to 7-acre area of solar panels, at a gross cost of $9 million, which would reduce the PG&E bill to $2,000 a year. Interim General Manager Gene Mancebo asked if the study was based strictly on electricity used in the pump stations of the Central Amador Water Project, at Tiger Creek and Silver Lake. The 2 pumps use the most electricity of any system in AWA’s operation, or $270,000 last year, but did not make up the entire agency’s budget. Director Don Cooper said he supported the idea, but the timing was wrong, because the agency is facing an upcoming “borrowing mode,” to make a payment on the Amador Transmission Pipeline. He said he would to see it in their capital outlays list. Director Gary Thomas said he would like to look at ways to save money for customers, and some areas like Camanche would be ideal locations for solar panels, while “Tiger and Silver” areas are not. Vice President Debbie Dunn said the $250,000 number was just a ballpark amount, and the company should not be criticized for the work, because it was done in 2 days. Dunn also supported the study because it would save the agency $200,000. She supported quick action because she did not know “how long the money stays around.” Dollens said federal money set aside “to reduce fossil fuel use by water agencies” equaled $900 million for California, under the “Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.” But he said those projects must be under contract within 12 months. Dollens recommended a “Power Purchase Agreement,” with “little up-front cost.” He said it gives “predictably lower cost electricity, less ownership burden,” and the “owner can benefit from free-market incentives.” AWA supplies the property for the solar installation, and keeps ownership of the property, he said, and the agency could also sell excess power. Mancebo said he was unsure of legal parameters. Attorney Steve Kronick said the “Agency Act,” under which AWA was formed, allowed and referred to only hydroelectric power generation and sales. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Friday, 12 March 2010 01:22
D.A. Seeks Robbery Charges After Theft, Fight at Lowe's
Amador County – A San Andreas man suspected of stealing a Bosch multi-tool and several saw blades from Lowe’s in Martell will face robbery charges after fighting with a loss prevention officer once leaving the store. Scott Woden, 20, was arrested on January 7 following a scuffle with a Lowe’s loss-prevention officer, according to an article in the Calaveras Enterprise. The officer, who had been following Woden around the store, claimed that the suspect slipped the Bosch tool inside his pocket and then used a box cutter to open several packets of saw blades and remove the contents. When the officer confronted Woden in the parking lot, a fight ensued. The security officer, who no longer works for Lowe’s, claimed that Woden brandished the box cutter in a threatening manner, but he was able to throw it under a nearby car. This testimony was later contradicted by a deputy sheriff during a February 24 preliminary hearing in Amador County Superior Court. Woden sustained lacerations and bruises to his face during the scuffle. During the hearing, the Amador County District Attorney’s Office argued that Woden used force to take property from Lowe’s, making the offense a robbery. Woden’s defense attorney described the crime as “a straight-up shoplift.” She said her client was an electrician and carried a box cutter to work with him every day. Superior Court Judge Thomas Smith agreed with the prosecutor, according to the report in the Calaveras Enterprise. “This was just not one spur-of-the-moment decision to shoplift,” Smith said. “This seemed to be a well-planned out enterprise by the defendant, armed with a box cutter to remove items and take them out. In order to escape with the loot, he used aggression.” The judge also recommended that the district attorney file a commercial burglary charge against Woden. His bail was set at $75,000. A TSPN TV Report This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Friday, 12 March 2010 01:26
ACUSD Reviews School Cell Phone Policy
Amador County – The Amador County Unified School District board reviewed cell phone policies for students during their meeting Wednesday night, resulting in an agreement to revisit the existing policy for further review.
The issue was raised by school board member Dr. David Dutra, who proposed a policy that would remove mobile phones from the classroom completely because he believes they negatively impact student productivity. He also expressed concerns over “sexting” and cyber-bullying. “Sexting” refers to the act of sending sexually explicit material electronically, usually via cell phone. The growing ability for minors to harass one another or easily access obscene or inappropriate material through their phones has prompted legislation in several states across the country. Dutra said his biggest concern was for students at the high school level. He recalled stories he has heard about students with Iphones downloading answers to test materials while claiming they are only listening to music. “Of course, all this could be stopped if we were to turn our teachers into patrol officers…but their job is to teach,” he said. In attendance were a number of teachers and administrators from different schools who reported on what impacts the growing cell phone culture has made on student learning and productivity. In general, they said the culture has increased dramatically but has not reached a point where a new policy is needed. One teacher said “it’s to the point where it seems every student I see has a phone these days.” ACUSD Assistant Superintendent Elizabeth Chapin-Pinotti said the phone culture is something to embrace, because the rapid expansion of technology means that “in 5 to ten years, that will be their backpack.” She suggested using technology to the school’s advantage and giving some tests electronically by using a special password to access information. One principal said the best way to combat the sexting and bullying phenomena is by continuing programs that highlight there negative impacts. Dutra asked for a “happy medium” by requiring no cell phones during tests. The principals in attendance will take the information back to teachers at their respective schools then return to the board with their recommendations. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Friday, 12 March 2010 01:15
Animal Control, Public Health Seek Info About Dog That Bit Child in Pioneer
Amador County - Amador County Animal Control and Public Health Departments are seeking information about a dog that bit a child in Pioneer at about 2:00 p. m. on Sunday, March 7, 2010. The child was riding a bicycle on Buckhorn Ridge Road near Pioneer Park and was chased and bitten by a dog described by the child as a brown Pit Bull or similar type dog with black and white markings. The dog was with its owners, a woman with red hair, and a man. The owners immediately put the dog in a blue Ford SUV and left the
area. The owners are believed to live in the Pioneer area. Animal Control would like to speak to the owner of the dog to confirm the dog is alive and well so the child who was
bitten does not have to receive a series of rabies injections. Animal Control is asking anyone with information to please contact them at (209) 223-6378. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Friday, 12 March 2010 01:24
Sutter Creek Discusses Potential Results of Gold Rush vote
Amador County – The Sutter Creek City Council this week discussed its support statement for the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort. The council voted 3-2 to approve the statement Monday, with opinions exchanged on what a losing vote might mean for the 945 acres involved. Mayor Pro Tempore Tim Murphy said the documents indicate “the whole 1,000 acres would be developed without mitigating its impacts. It’s not true.” Councilwoman Sandy Anderson disagreed, saying “I think it is true.” Planning Commission Chairman Robin Peters said the city has no power to change the General Plan designation of land outside of city limits, and has a limited ability to limit the development of existing industrially zoned properties. 612 acres of the project’s property are in the city, and 333 acres are in unincorporated Amador County. Its General Plan designation is all industrial or high-density residential. Commissioner Frank Cunha said the commission learned from City Planner Bruce Baracco that “there would be no mitigations because the project is already permitted,” based on 1994 documentation. He said 16 parcels on 112 acres was zoned for industrial use, and the owners could “size it down,” but they should be “prepared to pay.” Commissioner Mike Kirkley said “there’s a whole lot bigger area up there than 1,000 acres.” And he said it was unfair to emphasize that zoning “because it’s been zoned that way for a long time.” City Treasurer Cathy Castillo asked about the budget difference, and formation of a Community Facilities District, and she said there is no market for the bonds. Mayor Gary Wooten pointed out that Community Facilities Districts are proposed by the developer, including one in the development agreement that would pay for the impact that Gold Rush has on City Hall. Castillo said there are no underwriters that would carry the bonds for those districts. Councilwoman Anderson said the issues and applicable decisions had already been made. Cunha agreed, saying the market climate was discussed with developers at the Planning Commission level. Cunha said “if there is no market, the project doesn’t get built.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Friday, 12 March 2010 01:04
Amador County News TSPN TV with Alan Sprenkel 3-12-10
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News Broadcast Videos
Friday, 12 March 2010 01:26
ACUSD Reviews School Cell Phone Policy
Amador County – The Amador County Unified School District board reviewed cell phone policies for students during their meeting Wednesday night, resulting in an agreement to revisit the existing policy for further review.
The issue was raised by school board member Dr. David Dutra, who proposed a policy that would remove mobile phones from the classroom completely because he believes they negatively impact student productivity. He also expressed concerns over “sexting” and cyber-bullying. “Sexting” refers to the act of sending sexually explicit material electronically, usually via cell phone. The growing ability for minors to harass one another or easily access obscene or inappropriate material through their phones has prompted legislation in several states across the country. Dutra said his biggest concern was for students at the high school level. He recalled stories he has heard about students with Iphones downloading answers to test materials while claiming they are only listening to music. “Of course, all this could be stopped if we were to turn our teachers into patrol officers…but their job is to teach,” he said. In attendance were a number of teachers and administrators from different schools who reported on what impacts the growing cell phone culture has made on student learning and productivity. In general, they said the culture has increased dramatically but has not reached a point where a new policy is needed. One teacher said “it’s to the point where it seems every student I see has a phone these days.” ACUSD Assistant Superintendent Elizabeth Chapin-Pinotti said the phone culture is something to embrace, because the rapid expansion of technology means that “in 5 to ten years, that will be their backpack.” She suggested using technology to the school’s advantage and giving some tests electronically by using a special password to access information. One principal said the best way to combat the sexting and bullying phenomena is by continuing programs that highlight there negative impacts. Dutra asked for a “happy medium” by requiring no cell phones during tests. The principals in attendance will take the information back to teachers at their respective schools then return to the board with their recommendations. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Education
Friday, 12 March 2010 01:24
Sutter Creek Discusses Potential Results of Gold Rush vote
Amador County – The Sutter Creek City Council this week discussed its support statement for the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort. The council voted 3-2 to approve the statement Monday, with opinions exchanged on what a losing vote might mean for the 945 acres involved. Mayor Pro Tempore Tim Murphy said the documents indicate “the whole 1,000 acres would be developed without mitigating its impacts. It’s not true.” Councilwoman Sandy Anderson disagreed, saying “I think it is true.” Planning Commission Chairman Robin Peters said the city has no power to change the General Plan designation of land outside of city limits, and has a limited ability to limit the development of existing industrially zoned properties. 612 acres of the project’s property are in the city, and 333 acres are in unincorporated Amador County. Its General Plan designation is all industrial or high-density residential. Commissioner Frank Cunha said the commission learned from City Planner Bruce Baracco that “there would be no mitigations because the project is already permitted,” based on 1994 documentation. He said 16 parcels on 112 acres was zoned for industrial use, and the owners could “size it down,” but they should be “prepared to pay.” Commissioner Mike Kirkley said “there’s a whole lot bigger area up there than 1,000 acres.” And he said it was unfair to emphasize that zoning “because it’s been zoned that way for a long time.” City Treasurer Cathy Castillo asked about the budget difference, and formation of a Community Facilities District, and she said there is no market for the bonds. Mayor Gary Wooten pointed out that Community Facilities Districts are proposed by the developer, including one in the development agreement that would pay for the impact that Gold Rush has on City Hall. Castillo said there are no underwriters that would carry the bonds for those districts. Councilwoman Anderson said the issues and applicable decisions had already been made. Cunha agreed, saying the market climate was discussed with developers at the Planning Commission level. Cunha said “if there is no market, the project doesn’t get built.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Local
Friday, 12 March 2010 01:22
D.A. Seeks Robbery Charges After Theft, Fight at Lowe's
Amador County – A San Andreas man suspected of stealing a Bosch multi-tool and several saw blades from Lowe’s in Martell will face robbery charges after fighting with a loss prevention officer once leaving the store. Scott Woden, 20, was arrested on January 7 following a scuffle with a Lowe’s loss-prevention officer, according to an article in the Calaveras Enterprise. The officer, who had been following Woden around the store, claimed that the suspect slipped the Bosch tool inside his pocket and then used a box cutter to open several packets of saw blades and remove the contents. When the officer confronted Woden in the parking lot, a fight ensued. The security officer, who no longer works for Lowe’s, claimed that Woden brandished the box cutter in a threatening manner, but he was able to throw it under a nearby car. This testimony was later contradicted by a deputy sheriff during a February 24 preliminary hearing in Amador County Superior Court. Woden sustained lacerations and bruises to his face during the scuffle. During the hearing, the Amador County District Attorney’s Office argued that Woden used force to take property from Lowe’s, making the offense a robbery. Woden’s defense attorney described the crime as “a straight-up shoplift.” She said her client was an electrician and carried a box cutter to work with him every day. Superior Court Judge Thomas Smith agreed with the prosecutor, according to the report in the Calaveras Enterprise. “This was just not one spur-of-the-moment decision to shoplift,” Smith said. “This seemed to be a well-planned out enterprise by the defendant, armed with a box cutter to remove items and take them out. In order to escape with the loot, he used aggression.” The judge also recommended that the district attorney file a commercial burglary charge against Woden. His bail was set at $75,000. A TSPN TV Report This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Law Enforcement
Friday, 12 March 2010 01:18
AWA Approves Engineering Study of Solar Power Project
Amador County – The Amador Water Agency board of directors voted 4-0 Thursday to study a solar power system in the agency. The board heard a presentation from a solar power system installer from San Jose, and debated how much time and money they wanted to put into the study. They eventually OK’d no more than 60 hours of engineering work, with AWA staff pursuing “low-cost, no-cost interfacing” with PG&E and the company SunnyCal Solar. Steve Dollens, manager of SunnyCal, which has a local branch in Valley Springs, gave a presentation on approximate system parameters based on information given from board members. Dollens toured agency facilities at Tiger Creek, Tanner and the district office; and reviewed PG&E expenses and history; before working on a “preliminary assessment of possibilities.” He said based on $250,000 a year in PG&E bills, and 1.25 million watts a year usage, the company recommended a 5- to 7-acre area of solar panels, at a gross cost of $9 million, which would reduce the PG&E bill to $2,000 a year. Interim General Manager Gene Mancebo asked if the study was based strictly on electricity used in the pump stations of the Central Amador Water Project, at Tiger Creek and Silver Lake. The 2 pumps use the most electricity of any system in AWA’s operation, or $270,000 last year, but did not make up the entire agency’s budget. Director Don Cooper said he supported the idea, but the timing was wrong, because the agency is facing an upcoming “borrowing mode,” to make a payment on the Amador Transmission Pipeline. He said he would to see it in their capital outlays list. Director Gary Thomas said he would like to look at ways to save money for customers, and some areas like Camanche would be ideal locations for solar panels, while “Tiger and Silver” areas are not. Vice President Debbie Dunn said the $250,000 number was just a ballpark amount, and the company should not be criticized for the work, because it was done in 2 days. Dunn also supported the study because it would save the agency $200,000. She supported quick action because she did not know “how long the money stays around.” Dollens said federal money set aside “to reduce fossil fuel use by water agencies” equaled $900 million for California, under the “Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.” But he said those projects must be under contract within 12 months. Dollens recommended a “Power Purchase Agreement,” with “little up-front cost.” He said it gives “predictably lower cost electricity, less ownership burden,” and the “owner can benefit from free-market incentives.” AWA supplies the property for the solar installation, and keeps ownership of the property, he said, and the agency could also sell excess power. Mancebo said he was unsure of legal parameters. Attorney Steve Kronick said the “Agency Act,” under which AWA was formed, allowed and referred to only hydroelectric power generation and sales. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Water
