Amador County - A man suspected of vehicle theft fled after an Amador County Sheriff’s Deputy approached him during a routine patrol Saturday, January 3 in Plymouth. During a patrol of the Shenandoah Valley area, the deputy approached a suspicious-looking white truck in a remote area off of Bell Road. As the deputy came close to the vehicle door, the driver drove down a rocky, wooded trail, before abandoning the truck after failing to navigate a high dirt barrier in the road. The encounter evolved into a full-fledged, cooperative manhunt between Amador, El Dorado and California Highway Patrol officers. Despite additional help from CHP air support, the suspect had all but vanished into the woods. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the pickup truck had been stolen from the Placerville area earlier that morning. The suspect is still at large and the investigation is ongoing. Story by Alex Lane (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Amador County – With minimal fanfare and about 30 people in attendance, one new and two renewed Amador County Supervisors took their oath of office Monday afternoon in the supervisors’ chambers. Supervisor-elect John Plasse made it official in taking the oath for the office he won in the primary last June 3rd. Plasse joined 2-term supervisor Richard Forster of District 2 and 16-year Supervisor Louis Boitano of District 4 in taking the pledge, led by Amador County Registrar of Voters Sheldon Johnson. All three took oaths for four-year terms on the board. Plasse won his first term last June in taking 54 percent of the vote over John Gonsalves’ 18 percent and 14 percent each for Rosalie Pryor Escamilla and Ken Berry. Plasse won the four-way race to replace Supervisor Rich E. Escamilla, who was retiring after three terms and 12 years on the board of supervisors.

Boitano, who first took office on the board of supervisors in 1993, won re-election in June with 57 percent of the vote, defeating David Pincus. Forster, first elected in 2000, was unopposed in his re-election. Also serving on the board are District 3 Supervisor Ted Novelli and District 5 Supervisor Brian Oneto, both who took office in 2007, who will serve out two more years of their terms. Former Supervisor Escamilla attended the swearing-in of the supervisors. Escamilla will take over as the new president of the non-profit Kennedy Mine Foundation, where he plans several projects at the mine to enhance recreation and the use of the facilities there. Story by Jim Reece (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Amador County – Frozen snow melt caused a one-vehicle crash on Saturday morning on Highway 88 at Dew Drop in Pioneer. A pickup truck carrying 5 skiers headed for the mountains hit a patch of black ice as it ascended the hill at Dew Drop on Highway 88. The truck went out of control and crashed into a snow bank, flipping the vehicle over and coming to rest on its side. Generally, Highway 88 had ice on the road from Pine Grove on up to Kirkwood on Saturday. Caltrans sand trucks were on the road at the time of the wreck but the particular spot involved was troublesome because snow melts during the day and covers the road, then at night it turns to a thin sheet of ice. Cars driving up the hill reportedly were arriving in the area while fully accelerating when the rear wheels hit the ice, then their back end loses traction, causing the vehicles to spin out of control. Injuries were minor and no one was taken to the hospital. Story by Jim Reece (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Amador County – A controversial smoking ban under consideration by the Jackson City Council is being discussed at the same time as many local health officials continue a public campaign warning of the dangers of secondhand smoke. Supporters of the ban feel that smokers may offend visitors and increase health problems on a street already suffering image and economic troubles. Although the ban has only gone as far as open discussion, some smokers are already up in arms. “No matter what restrictions they put in place, they will never be able to keep smokers from doing their business, or just doing it somewhere else,” said one Jackson resident who works downtown. But some health officials believe the risks justify regulation. “The good news is that, unlike some public health hazards, secondhand smoke exposure is easily prevented,” said Diana Evensen of Tobacco Reduction of Amador County. She added, “Smoke-free environments are proven, simple approaches that prevent exposure and harm.”

According to the U.S Surgeon General’s comprehensive scientific report on the effects of secondhand smoke released in 2006 and referenced by the Amador Health Department, nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke inhale many of the same toxins as smokers. Even brief exposure to secondhand smoke has immediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system and increases the risk for heart disease and lung cancer, the report says. “The report is a crucial warning to nonsmokers and smokers alike,” said Dr. Bob Hartmann, Amador County Health officer. But citizens who feel smoking restrictions are a violation of their personal rights are standing up against the possible ordinance. One downtown smoker put it bluntly: “If you don’t want to smell my smoke, just get out of my way, and I will tolerate things I don’t approve of you doing.” Story by Alex Lane (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Amador County – The Ione City Council today will consider starting the environmental work on Ione’s new Land Use Plan and will discuss a city “beautification project.” The meeting starts at 6 pm today and includes a 7 pm public hearing on the Land Use Element. Adoption of the General Plan will require preparation of a full Environmental Impact Report. City Planner Christopher Jordan said staff is preparing to initiate that process, but “before work on the EIR can begin, the council must identify and direct staff to analyze a preferred Land Use Plan.” But “because formal adoption is not being completed at this time … no environmental review is necessary.” City Manager Kim Kerr will give the council a staff report on the Ione Beautification Project, for the city draft Code Enforcement ordinance. A Town Hall meeting will get feedback from Ione residents and “discuss ways to assist in beautifying the city.” Kerr, in a city newsletter, said the “city is looking for ways to assist homeowners, business owners and residents in cleaning up their neighborhoods,” which will include removal of trash and abandoned vehicles and improvement to the overall appearance of Main Street and Ione neighborhoods. Kerr said “community ideas and support are needed to enhance and improve the appearance of the city.” The intent of the Town Hall meeting is to take comments and see how the “City can help clean up or enhance the downtown corridor and neighborhoods.” Staff will discuss the “definition of public nuisance and other concepts in the Code Enforcement ordinance to get feedback from the public.” The Town Hall meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, January 22nd, at Evalynn Bishop Hall. Story by Jim Reece (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Amador County - The Jackson Volunteer Fire Department recently honored its “Firefighter of the Year” and two other special volunteers for their service during 2008. A new award was created this year to recognize Laura Craig, the Volunteer Firefighters Auxiliary member who helped lead a re-emergence of the organization. Laura helped coordinate the department’s famous Tri-Tip Sandwich booth at Dandelion Days, and worked with the auxiliary organization to provide support at other special events, including special training activities hosted by the Jackson Volunteer Fire Department.

Another new award was created by the JVFD to thank the non-officer volunteer who responded to the most calls for service. The award was dedicated to David Gardella who gave his life in the line of duty in June 1984. His wife Cely was on hand to help present the award to Cody Martinsen. Firefighter Martinsen has responded to 390 calls from January through November 2008, and is a reliable and valuable member of the Fire Department, never hesitating to respond at any time of the day or night. The final award was bestowed upon Franck Tremaine by Chief Mark Morton. Franck has been involved in the fire service for over 35 years and is valuable asset to the Jackson Fire Department and the community with his knowledge and expertise acquired during his tenure. A regular member of “strike teams” deployed to other regions of the state, he also was a strong advocate for Measure M and was charged with developing specifications for new fire apparatus equipment. Staff Report (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Amador County – The recent closure of Prospect Motors in Jackson has sparked a community wide campaign designed to resuscitate one of the largest private employers in Amador County. The closure came after Prospect Motors owner Frank Halvorson received a call on Thursday, December 18th from GMAC Financial Services, the corporation that finances his vehicle inventory and the construction of the dealership’s new showrooms. Halverson said GMAC was pulling its inventory because he was “16 days late” in paying loans on the auto center facility. Halverson-owned affiliates Amador Toyota and Amador Chrysler will be closing as well. The announcement came as a shock to Amador County businesses. The 33-year-old dealership is well-known as a generous contributor within the community, and has generated a large portion of the city and county tax bases. The ripple effect of the closure could be significant.

Five days before Christmas, Halverson reluctantly told his 80 employees that he was closing and issued their final paychecks. GMAC has been threatening to declare bankruptcy and negotiating with federal authorities to have itself converted into a bank holding company so it could be eligible for part of the $700 billion in federal bailouts. Now, community members are taking action in the form of a letter-writing campaign that, with enough support, could get the financial giant to reconsider its decision. The campaign has been circulating by email and through public media outlets. Letters can be sent by email to Mark Laneve, Head of GM North American Operations at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and to Barbara Stokel, Head of GMAC at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Jack Mitchell, Publisher of the Amador Ledger Dispatch, is hosting a rally meeting today, Monday January 5th at 5:30 pm in Mel and Faye’s Diner in Jackson. He is encouraging at least one or two representatives from service organizations in the County to attend. Story by Alex Lane (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Amador County - The Amador County Recreation Agency Board of Directors bid farewell to four of its members at its last meeting of 2008. Retiring Supervisor Richard Escamilla said he was proud of how far ACRA had come. He said he will be spending more time at the Kennedy Mine, where he has overseen donated lumber, building of a stage, fixing up of the kitchen and installation of a sound system. Escamilla said “one of my goals for the Kennedy Mine is to get more use out of it” for recreation. Amador City Councilman Richard Lynch, who is also retiring from the city council and the ACRA board, expressed his satisfaction at being part of ACRA. “Unfortunately, it’s been a well-kept secret how well we’ve done,” Lynch said. He hopes ACRA increases communications and he offered himself “as a source of any advice or consultation - free of charge.” Chairwoman Debbie Dunn, who was sworn into office in early December as District 4 board member of the Amador Water Agency, is also leaving the ACRA board, on which she represented the Upcountry Community Council. Dunn thanked Escamilla and Lynch for their work on the board and said she hoped Upcountry parks would remain part of the goal of the ACRA board. Sutter Creek Councilman Bill Hepworth also gave thanks to Escamilla and Lynch and outgoing Jackson Mayor Rosalie Pryor Escamilla on their work in recreation, fund-raisers and meetings. Jackson Councilman Wayne Garibaldi, elected to his first term after being appointed to the council, said he hopes to continue to be a part of the ACRA board. He said he also has a goal of helping Jackson become the economic and entertainment center of Amador County. The ACRA board next meets January 14th. Story by Jim Reece (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Amador County - The Amador County Recreation Agency Board of Directors also heard a pitch for a donation program to help county trails and recreation in their last meeting of 2008. Amanda Bohl, a board member of Mother Lode Land Trust the program titled “A Buck For Open Space and Trails.” Bohl said Mother Lode Land Trust’s “Buck For A Cause” is a voluntary program where local businesses ask customers to donate a dollar. The money would be split 50-50 with ACRA and the Land Trust, or at a ratio agreeable to ACRA’s board. Her work with the Truckee Donner Land Trust found that it benefits businesses because people preferred to frequent places that donate money. Bohl said the Land Trust would do the work, and how the money is split would be clearly spelled out. Bohl said it was simply a can that could be placed near a cashier. ACRA Executive Director Tracey Towner-Yep proposed the idea of putting the first $3,000 toward developing a trails master plan for Amador County.

Amador City’s Richard Lynch said it sounded like a great opportunity to get money for the Land Trust and ACRA, “for the whole world of recreation.” Lynch supported giving most of the money to MLLT and trails and he felt that money should go into trails or property acquisition. Supervisor Richard Escamilla said he would like to see the new board decide on the program, as three new members would replace himself and outgoing members, Chairwoman Debbie Dunn and Lynch. Dunn said Measure L for firefighters died at the polls but Measure M passed because supporters learned that they needed to tell people where the money was going. Jackson Councilman Wayne Garibaldi said he would like to see more of what the agreement would be and the legal parts of the MOU. Towner-Yep said she would outline what is going to happen, with a basic structure and the goals of the program and bring it to the next ACRA board meeting, January 14th. Story by Jim Reece (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).   

Amador County – The Ione City Council discussed a new city provision that could help clean up the town. City Manager Kim Kerr spent a year-and-a-half studying “administrative enforcement provisions,” to make a city staff member a “city director,” who could issue tickets for violation of city code aimed at cleaning up the town. Kerr said an independent “Hearing Officer” could be used to conduct hearings on citations. Kerr said ordinances in place include “garage sale licenses” and other issues such as running a business in a home without a license. City Attorney Kristen Castanos said provisions were needed to enforce laws. Kerr urged the council to host meetings on educating the public on the new codes. City Councilman David Plank agreed, urging first education, then warnings before issuing citations. Kerr said issues such as yard clean-up could be part of the solution. Having the resident clean his or her own yard would be ideal, but if refused, the city could do it then charge the resident. If the bill went unpaid, the city could put a lien on property.

Mayor Andrea Bonham asked about the interpretive nature of ordinances, such as paint jobs being in “good condition.” Bonham said she would rather see the Rotary get involved in issues such as cutting a “little old lady’s 6-foot weeds.” Kerr said the vacant building section is based on state law. If an order is given in a notice to fix the building, and it is not fixed, the city starts the process of enforcement. For “yard sale licenses,” the city would make a list of those residents who did not sign up for a free license. Ione Police Department would then send them a letter telling of the rule, for one-time violators. Tickets would follow in other incidents. Vice Mayor Lee Ard said in running for office, people said if he gets on council, please clean up the town. Ard said “I think this fulfills that … we are finally cleaning up the city of Ione.” Plank said he would like to see the ordinances in a concise, easy-to-read format. Kerr said staff wants brochures and also a town hall meeting to discuss new ordinances. She suggested forming an ad-hoc committee, which she would like to include people who could look at the ordinance and say “whoa, you are going too far.” She said the issue could be brought before the public in early January and again in February. Story by Jim Reece (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).