Independence Day is a holiday celebrating the adoption of the

Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, by America’s forefathers. Many Californians will

celebrate this occasion with outdoor barbeques, picnics, and social gatherings. The California

Highway Patrol (CHP) encourages you to enjoy the holiday but always designate a sober driver

and buckle up.

The CHP will be out in full force during the holiday weekend in an effort to reduce roadway

deaths and prevent injuries. The Independence Day Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP)

begins on Thursday, July 3, at 6 p.m. and continues through Sunday, July 6, at 11:59 p.m. All

available officers throughout the state will be deployed during the MEP to focus enforcement on

occupant restraints, speed violations, and those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

During the 2013 Independence Day weekend, 56 people were killed in collisions throughout

California. Among those killed within CHP jurisdiction, nearly 70 percent were not wearing a

seat belt at the time of the collision.

“Our goal is to use education and enforcement to get the message out to be responsible this

weekend,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “We want everyone to have a great

Independence Day weekend, but we also want you to do it safely and responsibly.”

With more than 1,500 arrests by CHP for driving under the influence during the 2013

Independence Day weekend, the CHP will be on the lookout for impaired drivers and arresting

those who make the decision to drink and drive.

“The CHP’s mission is to save lives. This MEP is in place to help ensure everyone gets home

safe to their family, friends, and loved ones this Independence Day weekend,” added

Commissioner Farrow.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service,

and Security to the people of California.

Come with Tom Slivick as he explores the Italian Picnic on TSPN TV. 

Sierra Business Council (SBC) is excited to invite the community to nominate individuals, organizations, business, and government agencies for the Sierra Vision Awards which will be held at Peak Innovation, happening October 8th-10th in Tahoe City.  

Nominations are due by July 15th; please help us spread the word about this opportunity to recognize community leaders in the Sierra!

The California Arts Council announced it plans to award $40,000 to AmadorArts as part of its new Creative California Communities program. This award will support AmadorArts’ “River Reflections” project, to showcase the arts to build awareness and appreciation of the Mokelumne River among the 1.4 million people who depend on its water including Amador, Calaveras, and the East Bay Area.

The California Arts Council received 157 applications for this highly competitive grant program, which is supported by one-time funds from the California State Assembly. The 24 projects supported by this grant program will reach nineteen counties across California.

 In this collaborative “River Reflections” project, the Arts Councils of Amador and Calaveras Counties, the Foothill Conservancy, a local environmental non-profit, and the East Bay Municipal Utility District, will work together to highlight - through the arts - the beauty of the river, as well as the environmental and water use issues, and encourage visitors to the region to experience the watershed for themselves.

 Juried works of artists inspired by the river will be showcased in three one-month-long exhibits this coming winter, and at a grand finale event in the spring of 2015.  The “River Reflections” project will give artists of all disciplines from Amador, Calaveras and the East Bay region, the opportunity to draw inspiration from the river at a series of events and then to produce new work to be exhibited in all three regions. The California Arts Council grant funds will be used to compensate artists, create inspirational events and art exhibitions, and pay for project coordination, promotion and documentation.

 When Terra Forgette, Executive Director of AmadorArts heard the news, she said, "I am so excited about this project.  I grew up on the Mokelumne River and look forward to seeing how the many talented artists in Amador and Calaveras and beyond are inspired by it. The next step will be a Call for Artists."

“The Creative California Communities program supports many significant projects in large and small communities across California, demonstrating the power of the arts to transform our state,” said Wylie Aitken, Chair of the California Arts Council.” 

Law Enforcement officials with the Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) have released causes on three fires that occurred over the last week. The Reed Fire in San Andreas, which burned 109 acres and destroyed two structures, was caused by a grinding operation.  The Oak Fire on Pool Station Road near Copperopolis, which burned 88 acres and destroyed one structure, was caused by a grinding operation.  The Rawhide fire on Rawhide Road near Jamestown, which burned one acre, was also caused by a grinding operation.  These metal-on-metal activities produced a large amount of sparks that landed in dry vegetation and started these three fires.

State law requires that any operation of any equipment that can produce a spark in vegetation covered areas requires the following:   (California Public Resources Code 4427)

- A minimum 10 foot clearance of all flammable vegetation around the operation area.

- Maintain a shovel and a backpack pump water-type fire extinguisher in the working areas.

Statewide, California has experienced record-breaking low rainfall, low humidity, and low fuel moisture levels, along with higher than normal temperatures and increased fire activity.  This year, CAL FIRE opened fire season months earlier than normal.  These recent fires indicate native vegetation is much more susceptible to ignition and are burning hotter and faster than normal.

As a reminder to the community, all outdoor operations need to comply with California law.  Projects should preferably be done during the early morning hours.  If the project can be moved inside without the risk of starting a fire, please do so.  If the project can be delayed until conditions are more favorable, that is highly recommended. 

As the Fourth of July approaches, CAL FIRE also cautions residents about the use of fireworks.  Fireworks of all types are illegal in Tuolumne County, Ebbetts Pass Fire District in Calaveras County, and the Stanislaus National Forest.  Safe and Sane labelled fireworks are legal in certain areas of Calaveras County.  Please contact your local CAL FIRE station or Fire District if you have questions regarding the legality of fireworks.  Residents are also encouraged to take advantage of the numerous professional fireworks displays across the Mother Lode. 

Fire Captain Specialist Brenton Brown says, “This year CAL FIRE has responded to an increased number of fires in the Mother Lode area.  Most of these fires could have been prevented.  If you see someone who is performing a hazardous operation in a fire prone area, talk to them about it.  If they continue, call 911 and report it.  We need the public’s help to prevent any more damaging fires.  One less spark means one less fire.”

Visit www.ReadyforWildfire.org or your nearest CAL FIRE facility for more information on how to prepare for and prevent wildfires. 

Each year illegal and misused fireworks cause serious injuries and damaging wildfires. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is taking a zero tolerance stand against anyone possessing, transporting or using illegal fireworks. The penalties for possessing, transporting or using illegal fireworks ranges from a misdemeanor up to felony charges plus the cost incurred for fire suppression.

Illegal fireworksin California are those that explode, leave the ground, or move about uncontrollably. Illegal fireworks include sky rockets, bottle rockets, and roman candles. Use of any fireworks which causes an injury or fire may result in a citation or arrest.

Legal fireworks include a “Safe and Sane” logo from the California State Fire Marshal on the packaging but some illegal fireworks, especially those from out of the country, may have a forged logo on them. If you are not sure if your fireworks are legal, you can contact your nearest CAL FIRE facility or local fire station. 

Use Safe and Sane fireworks responsibly, only where permitted, and never around dead or dying vegetation. Never allow children to use fireworks without adult supervision. Parents are liable for injuries or damages caused by their children’s use of fireworks. Check with your local fire department to see if Safe and Sane fireworks are legal to use in your area.

Possessing or using any type of fireworks is illegal in the following areas:

• Tuolumne County - all areas including the City of Sonora
• Calaveras County – In the Ebbetts Pass Fire District
• All federal lands in Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties, including the Stanislaus National Forest; and along any State highway rights-of-ways.

Fines for violations start at $240.00 per count, per person. Enforcement actions will range from misdemeanor citations to felony custodial arrests.

California is experiencing record dry conditions, with 2014 projected to become the driest year on record.  On January 17, 2014 Governor Brown signed a proclamation declaring Drought State of Emergency for the State of California.  CAL FIRE’s Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit Chief Josh White encourages “Taking into consideration the extremely dry conditions within our region rather than using your own fireworks, plan on attending one or more of the excellent professionally-produced public firework displays in our area.”

For more firework safety tips visit www.fire.ca.gov click on communications, then fact sheets.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dennis T. Agar to the position of Caltrans District 10 Director.

Agar has over 24 years of diverse and valuable Caltrans experience including a wide variety of managerial, supervisory, and technical experience from the district and headquarters.

As District Director, Agar is responsible for overseeing projects and the maintenance and operations of over 3,500 lane miles.  Agar manages over 500 permanent and 85 temporary help employees.  He oversees an annual budget of $75.6 million and over $3 billion worth of highway construction projects and programs.

District 10 is a geographically diverse district lying in the northern San Joaquin Valley encompassing eight counties; three urban counties on the valley floor and five rural counties located in the foothill and mountain region of the Central Sierra. The counties include Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tuolumne.

Prior to his appointment, Agar served as the Caltrans Division Chief of Traffic Operations.  Agar assumed the duties on January 22, 2013, and was responsible for the statewide Traffic Operations Program for Safety and Mobility, with nearly 1,350 employees and a budget of about $200 million.  The Division establishes statewide policies and procedures, identifies and prioritizes the programming of safety and operational improvement projects, and manages the statewide Transportation and Encroachment Permits and Outdoor Advertising programs.

Agar spent four years as District 10's Deputy District Director of Program and Project Management before a short-term assignment as Acting Division Design Chief in Headquarters.  Dennis came back to District 10 on October 19, 2009, to serve as the Caltrans District 10 Deputy District Director for Maintenance and Operations.  He led District 10’s maintenance and operations for almost four years before promoting to Caltrans Division Chief of Traffic Operations.

Agar also served as Project Manager and Branch Chief of Design, in District 3 (Marysville), in addition to numerous engineering, staff and senior level assignments.

Agar graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering.  He is a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) with the State of California and a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute.

Agar replaces Interim District 10 Director Amarjeet Benipal.

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For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Slow For the Cone Zone.

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www.dot.ca.gov

Bailey Burton talks to Kam about Beer Tasting on the Terrace on Thursday, July 17, 2014 at the Jackson Rancheria Casino. 

Patsy Fine and Lynnea Honn talk to Susie about Sophia's Well of Wisdom, Spiritual Center for Wellness or Body and Soul. 

Kam talks to Stuart London, local Handyman, about repairs on upkeeps on homes.