News Archive (6192)
Ione consultants say isotope study indicates sewer plant is not seeping
Written by Tom
Amador County – The Ione City Council today is expected to discuss a report that indicates the city’s wastewater treatment plant is not seeping into nearby creek, or if it is seeping, that the affects are minimal.
The council was expected to discuss a report issued Monday that analyzes a detailed Isotope Study conducted on the City of Ione Wastewater Treatment Plant, by consultants HydroFucus Inc., and Robertson-Bryan Inc.
The Isotope Study made an assessment of the movement of wastewater from the city of Ione’s wastewater treatment plant into Sutter Creek. The treatment plant is located south of Sutter Creek, in a small valley, west of the city of Ione. The study looked at the potential for seepage from the storage ponds of the sewer plant, that the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board identified as seeping into the Sutter Creek.
The report gave a summary and conclusion that, at the time the samples were taken, the “isotopic composition of Sutter Creek water, wastewater treatment facility pond water, area well water, and Amador Transmission Pipeline samples are distinct and can be clearly differentiated from one another.”
The report said: “The results of this analysis indicate that there is not an isotopic difference in Sutter Creek water samples collected upstream and downstream of the wastewater treatment facility pond. The downstream creek sample showed no discernable influence from (the facility) pond water seepage in its isotopic composition.”
The difference in water samples upstream and downstream “indicated significant differences for only four of the 19 water quality parameters evaluated.” Those “showing significantly higher concentrations downstream are sodium, chloride, boron and manganese.” The report said that groundwater on the north side of the creek “is a more likely influence on Sutter Creek water quality.”
It further concluded that “the collective weight-of-evidence from isotopic, water quality and water balance assessments indicate that any wastewater treatment facility pond seepage to Sutter Creek that may occur is negligible, and is not discernably affecting the creek’s isotopic composition or water quality.”
The study was made to answer questions about seepage raised by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, which could make its own determination of the isotope study results.
Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sierra Nevada Conservancy seeks input on a Strategic Plan
Written by Tom
Amador County – The Sierra Nevada Conservancy last week announced a series of workshops to help develop its new “Strategic Plan” and take input on how it will give out grants in the future.
Joan Keegan, Assistant Executive Officer, in a Jan. 19 letter asked “stakeholders” for input, saying the Conservancy is “in the process of developing a new Strategic Plan to guide our work over the next three years.”
“With input from many stakeholders,” she said, the SNC has refined its “future direction into four main areas of focus that cut across existing programs.” The areas of focus for the Sierra Nevada Conservancy’s new Strategic Plan are healthy forests; watershed protection and restoration; agricultural lands; and tourism and recreation.
Keegan said the Conservancy needs stakeholder help to develop the goals and “determine the specific actions we’ll undertake for each area of focus.”
She said it is “extremely important to us that we get as much stakeholder input as possible.” A series of workshops around the region will gather thoughts and ideas, and the Conservancy also will “be sharing ideas we are considering for how to structure our future grant program.”
The meetings will be held Feb. 7 in Auburn, Susanville and Sonora, and Feb. 10 in Oroville, Bishop and Visalia. If people cannot attend the meetings, the Conservancy will be broadcasting the 30-minute workshop introduction over the Internet, during both workshops. She said interested parties will be able to submit suggestions and ideas electronically.
Participants must register for the webcast on the corresponding day. More information will be available closer to the date of the meetings.
Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Water Agency audit shows net asset and revenue increases
Written by Tom
Amador County – The Amador Water Agency Board of Directors received a two-year audit report Thursday that showed total net assets and operating revenues increased, and operating expenses decreased.
The biggest change appeared to be a decrease by $1.2 million in non-operating revenues over non-operating expenses, according to an audit report by the firm Leaf & Cole, whose associate Michael Zizzi fielded questions.
President Don Cooper pointed out what Zizzi called a typo in the report, which compared fiscal years ending in 2010 and 2009. Cooper asked about 2010 “current liabilities” listed as $2.4 million, compared to $4.6 million in 2009 as a “change” of $7,600. Zizzi said the actual change in liabilities was $2.2 million.
The report said the agency’s total net assets increased by $1.03 million, operating revenues increased by $62,600 and operating expenses decreased by $560,000. Zizzi said “we had a net operating loss of $2.7 million,” and the “net change was $745,000.”
Cooper asked the definition of a “source of supply,” which went from $400,000 to $717,000 in the audit. The AWA controller said the category included only salaries and benefits in the construction department, which this year under Manager Barry Birge took over a lot of the operating expenses. As a result, operations and maintenance costs should go down.
Zizzi said the state controller determined what the audit listed in that category, which for AWA was to show the cost of transmission and distribution of water, but not include utilities or acquisition.
Cooper asked about notes payable, and Zizzi said the agency borrowed another $1 million toward a USDA loan for Plymouth’s pipeline, but “made another principal payment.” Plymouth’s pipeline accounted for $2.4 million in agency capital asset additions.
Director Art Toy asked about the capital contributions of $4.5 million, and Zizzi said it was the USDA grant for the Plymouth pipeline, and unlike a “capital exchange,” the federal loan grantor did not gain anything form the grant. He said it fell into the income side of the audit, but did not show as cash.
Toy said it was a “beautiful balance sheet,” and asked what was its subject for credit risk computation. Zizzi said it was on cash investments. He said the agency’s decrease in cash should be a concern.
He said “the $66 million in net assets, or equity if you will,” included “$61 million tied up in your infrastructure,” which would also be subject to depreciation. But he said the agency is actually better off in its “unrestricted net assets,” which were at $5.4 million, up from $4.2 million in 2009.
After the board approved the report, Zizzi said it was an atypical interaction in that the board asked informed questions and seemed to really understand what is going on.
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Assemblywoman Huber announces “Cash for College” workshops
Written by Tom
Amador County – Local state Assemblywoman Alyson Huber announced a Cal Grants program that gives high school students the opportunity to apply for grants, and also another shot at more funds by attending a workshop in February.
Huber in a release last week said that a free “Cash for College Workshop” has been set to assist students with financial aid for school, and she urged students to apply for Cal Grants by its March 2 deadline.
Huber, a past Cal Grant recipient, said in a release that she wants to remind students and parents of the March 2 deadline to apply for Cal Grants, which are a “need-based financial aid program.”
She said Cal Grants “has been a big part of making college affordable for many California families.” To assist students with applying for Cal Grants and other financial aid, Assemblywoman Huber also announced Cash for College workshops, including one being held in February in the Sacramento region.
“Paying for school is tough,” Huber said. “I know because I was the first in my family to graduate from college and financial aid helped make it possible for me to succeed.”
She said: “Today, every low- or moderate-income student who meets the academic standards is guaranteed a Cal Grant award and we must do everything we can to ensure that every eligible student takes advantage of this extraordinary opportunity.”
In the 10th Assembly District, a Cash for College Workshop will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9 at Florin High School. Huber said “high school seniors who attend a Cash for College workshop and apply for a Cal Grant by March 2 could receive an extra $1,000 scholarship.”
Eligible students receive grants for tuition and fees at the California State University or the University of California. Awards are also given to community college students and students entering private California colleges, including technical education programs.
Students must apply for a Cal Grant by submitting a Federal Student Aid Form and a Cal Grant Grade Point Average Verification Form. Changes in the law guarantee that every eligible student will get a Cal Grant award of up to $11,124 a year, depending on the cost of their college or university, their financial need and the type of grant. One of the most important things to note, Cal Grants do not have to be repaid.
For information, contact school counselors, the California Student Aid Commission at 1-888-224-7268. For a list of additional workshops locations and dates, see calgrants.org.
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USDA public forum in Plymouth to take input on federal policy for jobs
Written by Tom
Amador County – A U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development forum in Plymouth will take public input on federal policy for jobs, economic development and, communities in rural California counties in February.
The Central Sierra Resource Conservation and Development Council announced Thursday that it will be co-hosting a federal forum in Plymouth February 15, with the USDA Rural Development division, to take input on needs regarding jobs, economic development and sustainable communities in California rural counties.
The open forum will aim at “strategizing policy needs and program delivery for rural California,” and it will “focus on activities and initiatives that have resulted” from USDA Rural Development’s February 2010 report entitled “Jobs, Economic Development and Sustainable Communities,” based on rural California counties.
The report was compiled with input provided by community leaders, residents, business owners and organizations throughout the state. The USDA conducted 43 input forums across the state, and talked to nearly 900 people, to compile data for the report. USDA Rural Development, Central Sierra Council planned the meeting in Plymouth will “discuss the findings and opportunities identified in the report as well as any new suggestions.”
Central Sierra RCD’s Susan Snoke said the Plymouth forum, set for Feb. 15, will be important for the Foothills counties and for Plymouth. She said they will have in attendance the people who have the ears of Washington, that is, the USDA. Snoke said Central Sierra jumped at the chance to host the forum in Amador County, which will be held in Plymouth City Hall.
The forum has three agenda items, including a “report on accomplishments toward recommendations in the report.” It will also ask if there are issues and/or recommendations that need to be added, changed or prioritized. The forum will also “solicit individuals and/or groups to champion action items in the report.”
The USDA in the report said several common themes emerged as information came in, “despite the diversity of the state’s many regions.” Available online at USDA Rural Development’s website, the report details the topics heard most often in forums and includes specific ideas and recommendations as shared in forums.
The report said “no attempt has been made by California Rural Development to assess the feasibility and/or desirability of any specific recommendation, nor can we endorse specific ideas without further research and discussions.” But the report said USDA looks “forward to working with the relevant interest groups to pursue solutions to these challenges.”
The forum is 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Feb. 15, at Plymouth City Hall, at 9426 Main Street in Plymouth. To see a copy of the report online, see USDA’s website.
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Amador County – A proactive Ione Police Department made an arrest of two people in a high-crime area of Ione Tuesday, which included a weapons charge, and narcotics charges for possession and possession for the purpose of sale.
Ione Police Chief Michael L. Johnson said in a release Wednesday that a “dangerous street encounter” by IPD narcotics officers resulted in two arrests on multiple charges.
Johnson said at about 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 25, “the Ione Police Department contacted three adult males loitering in the area of the 200 block of South Buena Vista Street in Ione. The consensual contact with the males quickly resulted in narcotics arrests of two of the subjects.”
“During the contact, the Ione Police Officer noted suspicious and evasive behavior,” Johnson said. “A failure to comply with the officers instructions resulted in the three individuals being held at gun point” and being ordered to lay prone on the street.
“The officer recovered a gun from the waistband of one of the subjects,” Johnsons said, and “several bindles of heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana were also eventually seized from their persons.”
The two who were arrested were Kaleb Fillmore, 21, and Blaine Yarbrough, 20, both from the Pioneer area. Fillmore and Yarbrough were both booked into Amador County jail on possession narcotics and possession of narcotics for sale.
Johnson said this area of Ione “has become readily identifiable by both law enforcement and the general public” as a place “where identified gang members and associated criminals loiter.” He said in that area, the “Ione Police Department has increased patrols and stepped up their proactive enforcement efforts.”
He said: “This dangerous confrontation is an example of the criminal element that is attempting to move operations in, and about the Ione area.”
Ione Police Department has summoned the assistance of the Amador County Combined Narcotics Enforcement Team and coordinated with the Amador County Gang Task force to further investigate this and other related matters in the city, Johnson said. He said IPD “currently has two officers dedicated to the Gang Task Force efforts and is extremely active in gang intervention enforcement details.”
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Pine Grove Town Hall and the Volcano Armory to be closed for renovation projects
Written by Tom
Amador County – The Pine Grove Civic Improvement Club announced the renovation of the Volcano Armory and Pine Grove Town Hall is starting this week.
The Town Hall project will provide remodeled bathrooms, an upgraded septic system, a reconstructed porch, and an accessibility lift at the front of the Town Hall. The Volcano Armory project will provide new bathrooms, storage areas, a kitchen, and a heating system.
The Pine Grove Civic Improvement people may notice demolition activities at both buildings, which will be closed to the public during the construction phase. The Club expects both buildings to be completed in three to four months.
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Amador Community Foundation bids farewell to Shannon Lowery
Written by Tom
Amador County – The Community Foundation of Amador County will salute its out-going Executive Director Shannon Lowery in a dinner tonight, which will also serve to welcome its new Executive Director Tina Hurley.
Lowery is retiring after eight years directing the Community Foundation, and achieved many milestones, including “expanding the donor base to achieve $1 million in grants awarded to Amador County nonprofit groups.”
Community Foundation Board President Stan Lucowicz said “Shannon has been an extraordinary leader and provided support to many Amador charities during her years at ACF.”
Lucowicz said: “This is a bittersweet time for the Foundation,” which “has achieved so much and is increasingly a vehicle for local people to support local projects, or know their bequests will be used in our own community.”
“We have Shannon to thank for taking us to this point and it’s hard to say goodbye,” he said. “At the same time, we very much appreciate Shannon’s guidance in helping us find Tina Hurley, who has the experience and skills to help us grow the donor base and expand the support we can provide to the local community.”
Hurley started working part-time in November, under Lowery, then full-time in December, and Lowery’s last day was Dec. 31. Lowery left after eight years, and takes much institutional knowledge with her, Hurley said. Working with her was helpful, and she still has contact with Lowery several times a day via e-mail.
Hurley has 20 years’ experience at all levels in the administration of not-for-profit organizations, and specifically worked in a “community foundation,” the San Francisco foundation for Legacy Society. She said community foundations “show through bequests and trusts, that people can really make a difference in their community.”
She said community foundations are hybrids, with the charitable aspect of a foundation, and the ability of a bank to distribute funds and financing to the community.
Hurley said this is Amador Community Foundation’s 10th anniversary year, and a celebration is in the works. The Foundation has received some larger gifts, and the board, with Lukowicz, President, Vice President Pat Crew and Treasurer Wayne Garibalidi, “are all great to work with and very supportive.”
Hurley said: “I think we are set to grow.”
She said Crew was good about getting her out to meet people in the community, and planned to take her to Jackson Rotary next week. She plans to attend Ione and Plymouth Rotary as well.
Hurley lives in Granite Bay with her husband, Jim. They are “empty nesters,” and plan to try to move to the Mother Lode area.
The farewell and welcome dinner is 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27 at Thomi’s Banquet Room in Jackson.
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Mokelumne River Conservation and wildfire protection plan makes short list for federal funding
Written by Tom
Amador County – Amador Fire Safe Council, one of about 25 member entities of the Amador Calaveras Consensus Group received the good news Tuesday that their regional conservation and wildfire plan for the Mokelumne River watershed is going to Washington D.C. for consideration for funding.
Council members Jim Simmons and Cathy Koos-Breazeal said Wednesday that they had just received word that the 100,000-acre planning project was on the short list of two projects from Region 5 (the Pacific Northwest) which would be going to the nation’s capitol, and it would be in contention for $40 million in federal financing.
Simmon said it still had to make it through the budget trimming process, and Koos-Breazeal said “we got our foot in the door.” Simmons said it seems like a lot of money, but as a 10-year plan, it equates to $4 million a year.
Koos-Breazeal said the planning area is the Mokelumne River watershed, from Highway 49 and 88 east to the crest, including El Dorado and Stanislaus national forest land, and parts of the Cosumnes and Stanislaus watersheds.
Amador Fire Safe Council wrote an Amador County-wide Community Conservation and Wildfire Protection Plan, giving it nine regions, and this week released the first localized plan, for the Buckhorn, Volcano and Pioneer area. The council next looks to make a Pine Grove fire plan.
Part of a presentation Koos-Breazeal and Simmons gave on the Pioneer plan said that the Protection Plan is “developed with input from the community and resource protection professionals,” and it “is designed to protect people and property from devastating wildfires while at the same time maintaining and improving the native environment.”
Koos-Breazeal said: “Calaveras County is just getting theirs kicked off, and we are helping with that.” She said: “Our funding is specifically for Amador County, but we are collaborating with them through the Amador Calaveras Consensus Group.”
The Consensus Group is proposing the Mokelumne River Watershed protection plan, known as the “Cornerstone” project, which is on the way to Washington for consideration. Consensus Group members include Amador County Board of Supervisors, the Calaveras Board of Supervisors, and the Buena Vista Biomass Power combustion generation power plant in Amador County, which would be a major player in forestry management solutions, Koos-Breazeal said. The main focus of the Amador Calaveras Consensus Group is “revitalizing of the community and keeping the jobs, while at the same time respecting the forest.” The Group next meets March 16 in Jackson.
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Jackson Rancheria Casino marks its 10th annual “Giving Season”
Written by Tom
Amador County – The Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel again this year has ended its “Giving Season” with a $50,000 contribution to five local non-profit organizations.
Rancheria CEO Rich Hoffman and Marketing Vice President Ron Olivero presented ceremonial checks to the recipients, which this year are the Amador County Recreation Agency, the Amador County Senior Center, Calaveras Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity of Calaveras, and the Interfaith Food Bank.
Marketing director Carol Cook said this year’s recipients each received $10,000 in January, “a time when most charities’ funds are seriously low.”
The funds are from the 10th annual Giving Season fund drive, during which the Jackson Rancheria pledges to donate $1 to local charities for every 3,000 points earned by all Dreamcatchers Club members during the promotion.
Kathleen Harmon, director of the Interfaith Food Bank spoke for all of the beneficiaries, in a statement released by the Rancheria. Harmon said that with the declining economy, the need for the organizations’ services continues to increase while donations decrease. She said they are all very grateful to the Rancheria’s continuing support.
Harmon said: “In this declining economy, Jackson Rancheria continues to make it a priority to give back to the community.”
Jeannie Hayward, director of the Calaveras Food Bank said: “We appreciate so much that the Rancheria continues to understand the needs of the community. These donations do make a difference in what we can do for our community.”
During the 10 years of the Giving Season promotion, the Jackson Rancheria has donated more than $400,000 to local non-profit organizations through this one promotion alone.
The Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel is located at 12222 New York Ranch Road in Jackson.
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