Tom
Friday, 29 January 2010 00:51
General Plan Update Panel to Work on Housing Element Feb. 24
Amador County – The Amador County General Plan update panel will reconvene in February and take a look at draft changes to the county’s “Housing Element.” The joint meeting of the Amador County Board of Supervisors and the county Planning Commission was called by the Amador County Planning Department for 1 p.m. February 24th in Supervisors’ chambers. The meeting, announced by the Planning Department, will “review and comment on the proposed update to the County General Plan Housing Element.” Cara Augostin of the Planning Department said the draft changes to the county Housing Element “will be available fairly soon, probably in the second week in February.” She said the planning department no has an administrative draft that they are working on, but the public draft of the document will be available in about 2 weeks. District 5 Supervisor Brian Oneto, new chairman of the supervisor board will preside over the meeting, in which supervisor votes have final say over decisions. Augostin said the draft changes take and combine some programs, rewrite some areas of the Housing Element and suggest altogether removal of some areas. She said some of the changes are required by the California Department of Housing and Community Development, which will comment on the Housing Element. Draft changes must be approved by the supervisors, and the HCD will comment on the housing element, in light of its requirements in various areas, such as housing for the handicapped. The county planning website lists a summary of achievements since 2005 in the Housing Element, and notes that the county “seeks to streamline its housing programs” in the updated version. The county has been “unable to take action on many programs,” and “no new income restricted housing has been constructed in Amador County since 2005.” The summary said the “county has an effective and successful first-time homebuyer program, but other challenges, including infrastructure challenges, impede housing production.” It said the “county plans to incorporate a higher-density General Plan designation into the updated General Plan.” And it noted that a “key barrier” to “appropriate sites for affordable housing in Amador County is the lack of water and sewer infrastructure, not lack of appropriately-designated land.” The summary noted a need to increase the availability of water and sewer service as a means of encouraging affordable housing. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Friday, 29 January 2010 00:54
Dredging Ban Opposition Questions Environmental Laws
Amador County - Overwhelming opposition to a gold dredging ban during a meeting of the Amador County Board of Supervisors last Tuesday raised many opinions on the effectiveness of environmental regulations, both local and national. A packed chamber of upset dredging enthusiasts made clear their opposition to Senate Bill 670, which calls for a statewide moratorium on suction dredge mining until an environmental review determines what harm the practice may have on salmon populations. District 5 Supervisor and Board Chairman Brian Oneto criticized the government and compared U.S. environmental regulations to communist oppression in Eastern Europe. He said “gold is real wealth, it’s not printed which is what the government loves doing, which is why we’re in the shape we’re in.” District 1 Supervisor John Plasse compared the ban to recent forest service road closures, calling it an example of a statewide ban without doing research on whether it is necessary in particular areas. Plasse said that he thought Calaveras Supervisor Steve Wilensky, who Plasse views as a supporter of restrictions that lead to environmental preservation, “would be a good proponent for something like this.” In response, Wilensky told TSPN that this is a moment for “science, facts and negotiation.” “The goal of leadership should be to reconcile these differences in a way that is responsive to economic, environmental and social concerns, in that balance. Anyone who tries to do one thing at the expense of others is missing the point,” said Wilensky. Plasse extended a personal invitation to the Foothill Conservancy, a local organization dedicated to the preservation of the Mokelumne River, to support the county in its opposition to the dredging ban. “If they are genuinely concerned about the economic impact of governmental restrictions (for the Mokelumne River), they would be here as well. In this case, their silence is deafening,” said Plasse. The Supervisors unanimously approved to draft a letter voicing their opposition to the dredging ban to be sent to state officials. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Friday, 29 January 2010 00:57
Supes Approve Letter Oppossing Dredging Ban
Amador County – Before a packed chamber Tuesday, the Amador County Board of Supervisors voiced their unanimous disapproval of legislation that indefinitely bans suction gold dredge mining in California until an environmental review determines how much harm the practice has on salmon runs. Senate Bill 670 is seen as a victory for many Indian tribes, California salmon fishermen and environmental groups who pressed the bill authored by Senator Patricia Wiggins. During public comment, a steady line of dredging supporters urged the Supervisors to oppose SB 670, which they say will ruin the full or part-time livelihood of an undetermined number of Gold Country residents. Amador County resident Jim Taylor said mining is not a privilege but rather a right granted under 1872 mining laws. “If this moratorium is not lifted, I fully intend to continue mining and conduct a little civil disobedience,” he said to cheers and applause. Neil Dixon, a 30-year employee of the historic Roaring Camp Mining Company, a local tourist draw, said dredging is no longer an issue on the Mokelumne River because salmon don’t spawn there anymore. The Supervisors echoed the sentiments of the crowd in attendance. “Mother nature does a million times more in one day than a dredge does, so (this ban) doesn’t make much sense to me,” said District 4 Supervisor Louis Boitano. District 5 Supervisor and Board Chairman Brian Oneto made an analogy comparing U.S. environmental regulations to communist oppression in Eastern Europe. District 2 Supervisor Richard Forster urged the Board seek support against the ban from Amador County representatives Alyson Huber in the Assembly and Dave Cox in the Senate. “As far as I’m concerned…there are no deleterious impacts on the environment or the fish,” he said. Forster moved to authorize a letter to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger asking him to repeal Senate Bill 670. He added that he would also like copies sent to the Regional Council of Rural Counties asking them for action on the item. Boitano said they should also send copies of their letter to all the counties in the Motherlode. The motion was approved unanimously. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Friday, 29 January 2010 05:08
Karl Knobelauch - ACUSD Board President 1-29-10
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Friday, 29 January 2010 02:53
Amador County News TSPN TV with Alan Sprenkel 1-29-10
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Friday, 29 January 2010 02:53
Amador County News TSPN TV with Alan Sprenkel 1-29-10
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Friday, 29 January 2010 00:57
Supes Approve Letter Oppossing Dredging Ban
Amador County – Before a packed chamber Tuesday, the Amador County Board of Supervisors voiced their unanimous disapproval of legislation that indefinitely bans suction gold dredge mining in California until an environmental review determines how much harm the practice has on salmon runs. Senate Bill 670 is seen as a victory for many Indian tribes, California salmon fishermen and environmental groups who pressed the bill authored by Senator Patricia Wiggins. During public comment, a steady line of dredging supporters urged the Supervisors to oppose SB 670, which they say will ruin the full or part-time livelihood of an undetermined number of Gold Country residents. Amador County resident Jim Taylor said mining is not a privilege but rather a right granted under 1872 mining laws. “If this moratorium is not lifted, I fully intend to continue mining and conduct a little civil disobedience,” he said to cheers and applause. Neil Dixon, a 30-year employee of the historic Roaring Camp Mining Company, a local tourist draw, said dredging is no longer an issue on the Mokelumne River because salmon don’t spawn there anymore. The Supervisors echoed the sentiments of the crowd in attendance. “Mother nature does a million times more in one day than a dredge does, so (this ban) doesn’t make much sense to me,” said District 4 Supervisor Louis Boitano. District 5 Supervisor and Board Chairman Brian Oneto made an analogy comparing U.S. environmental regulations to communist oppression in Eastern Europe. District 2 Supervisor Richard Forster urged the Board seek support against the ban from Amador County representatives Alyson Huber in the Assembly and Dave Cox in the Senate. “As far as I’m concerned…there are no deleterious impacts on the environment or the fish,” he said. Forster moved to authorize a letter to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger asking him to repeal Senate Bill 670. He added that he would also like copies sent to the Regional Council of Rural Counties asking them for action on the item. Boitano said they should also send copies of their letter to all the counties in the Motherlode. The motion was approved unanimously. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Friday, 29 January 2010 00:54
Dredging Ban Opposition Questions Environmental Laws
Amador County - Overwhelming opposition to a gold dredging ban during a meeting of the Amador County Board of Supervisors last Tuesday raised many opinions on the effectiveness of environmental regulations, both local and national. A packed chamber of upset dredging enthusiasts made clear their opposition to Senate Bill 670, which calls for a statewide moratorium on suction dredge mining until an environmental review determines what harm the practice may have on salmon populations. District 5 Supervisor and Board Chairman Brian Oneto criticized the government and compared U.S. environmental regulations to communist oppression in Eastern Europe. He said “gold is real wealth, it’s not printed which is what the government loves doing, which is why we’re in the shape we’re in.” District 1 Supervisor John Plasse compared the ban to recent forest service road closures, calling it an example of a statewide ban without doing research on whether it is necessary in particular areas. Plasse said that he thought Calaveras Supervisor Steve Wilensky, who Plasse views as a supporter of restrictions that lead to environmental preservation, “would be a good proponent for something like this.” In response, Wilensky told TSPN that this is a moment for “science, facts and negotiation.” “The goal of leadership should be to reconcile these differences in a way that is responsive to economic, environmental and social concerns, in that balance. Anyone who tries to do one thing at the expense of others is missing the point,” said Wilensky. Plasse extended a personal invitation to the Foothill Conservancy, a local organization dedicated to the preservation of the Mokelumne River, to support the county in its opposition to the dredging ban. “If they are genuinely concerned about the economic impact of governmental restrictions (for the Mokelumne River), they would be here as well. In this case, their silence is deafening,” said Plasse. The Supervisors unanimously approved to draft a letter voicing their opposition to the dredging ban to be sent to state officials. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Friday, 29 January 2010 00:53
Jackson, Pioneer Men Face Charges of Spousal Violence
Amador County – The Amador County Sheriff’s Office reported 2 arrests earlier this month on separate incidents of spousal battery or injury, while an Ione woman faces DUI charges, and a felony count of “assault with a deadly weapon.” Christopher Bryce Hayden, 20, of Jackson was arrested 3:39 p.m. Sunday (January 17th) by the Jackson Police Department on a felony count of inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant. Hayden was being held without bail, and faces 5 other charges, all misdemeanor counts, including exhibiting a firearm; forcible entry and property damage; entering a dwelling; battery; and violation of probation. Felix Segura Balderas, 29, of Pioneer, was arrested 1:58 p.m. Wednesday (January 27th) on misdemeanor charges of spousal battery, and also for a misdemeanor count of violation of probation. Balderas was arrested by the sheriff’s office. Sheriff’s deputies also served a warrant at 11:09 a.m. Tuesday on Donald Edward Keyes, 59, of Jackson, who was arrested for felony probation violation. Keyes was held on $5,000 bail. And Ione resident Milo Rechael Gutierrez is facing a pair of felony charges stemming from her arrest January 15th on charges of Driving Under the Influence of alcohol. Sheriff’s deputies arrested Gutierrez at 10 a.m. at the sheriff’s office lobby, and she was charged with a felony assault with a deadly weapon. The charge includes assault on a person “with a deadly weapon or instrument other than a firearm or by any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury.” Gutierrez also faces a misdemeanor DUI charge, and felony and misdemeanor violations of probation. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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