News Archive (6192)
Amador County - The Federal Railroad Administration has awarded the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) $171 million to improve service on its highly successful intercity passenger rail service.
"The federal funding for intercity rail provides the impetus to expand and greatly improve passenger rail service statewide," said Caltrans Director Cindy McKim.
The largest component of the grant, $100 million, is targeted for the purchase of 40 new rail cars and six locomotives for the San Joaquin, Pacific Surfliner and Capitol Corridor routes. The Pacific Surfliner route received more than $28 million for track and signal upgrades, bridge work, curve realignments, and other infrastructure enhancements. Additionally, more than $38 million will fund safety improvements through the installation of Positive Train Control technology, which reduces the risk of train-to-train collisions, over-speed derailments, and injuries to railway maintenance workers.
The funding was part of more than $901 million awarded to the state that included $731 million for the California High Speed Rail Authority's projects in the Central Valley and San Francisco. "Amtrak stands ready to offer our expertise to our state partners to help implement these important projects to improve our national intercity passenger rail network," said Amtrak President & CEO Joseph Boardman.
California is home to the second (Pacific Surfliner), third (Capitol Corridor), and fifth (San Joaquin) busiest intercity passenger rail corridors in the nation. With five million annual passengers, California has more than 20 percent of all Amtrak riders. Since 1990, the state has invested more than $1.3 billion in infrastructure and equipment for intercity passenger rail and about $1 billion in operating support.
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CAL FIRE advises drivers to take extra precaution during holiday season
Written by Tom
Amador County - With a major storm system upon California, the chilling winter months bring rain, fog, ice and other hazardous weather conditions that pave the way for a substantial increase in motor vehicle accidents. This winter season, CAL FIRE is advising all drivers to take extra precaution while behind the wheel.
Last year alone, CAL FIRE responded to over 6,000 vehicle accidents in the months of November, December and January. These accidents are often caused by motorists driving at unsafe speeds for the conditions of the road. Officials warn that it’s important to use the surrounding road conditions to gauge safe speeds, rather than relying solely on the posted speed limit.
“The winter season represents a very dangerous time of year to be behind the wheel of a vehicle,” said Battalion Chief Dave Teter, CAL FIRE’s safety officer. “With the increase in road hazards during these cold months, it’s more important than ever to ensure you take the extra precautions necessary to make every drive a safe one.”
“Its imperative that your vehicle is in good working order,” said John Carrier, CAL FIRE’s fleet manager. “A car that's not maintained can be extremely dangerous on a wet and slippery roadway.”
To help steer clear of vehicle accidents this winter, CAL FIRE recommends drivers use weather conditions as a guide to slow down, avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes, and be sure to leave additional distance between your vehicle and the one ahead.
They also advise slowing down and keeping a constant watch for other vehicles, being mindful of icy roads, and if the vehicle begins to slide while driving on ice or snow, avoid using the break. Instead, slowly release the gas pedal and steer the vehicle in the right direction.
For more information on life and fire safety, visit our website at www.fire.ca.gov.
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Hospice kicks off 'Take a Chance on Love' fundraiser raffle
Written by Tom
Amador County – Hospice of Amador & Calaveras released details of its third annual Valentine’s Day Raffle on Monday, including the grand prize, a trip for four people to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Ann Metherd, volunteer coordinator for Hospice of Amador & Calaveras said the non-profit held a kick-off meeting at its office in Jackson Monday to launch its major fundraiser of the year, and now has tickets available for sale for the third annual Valentine’s Day Raffle, “Take a Chance on Love.”
She said the prizes for this year’s event are “terrific,” including the first prize, an all-expense paid trip for four people to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The trip includes four days and three nights, with fishing aboard a private, 48-foot fishing yacht. The first prize trip is valued at more than $10,000.
Second prize in the raffle is a “Love Knot” diamond pendant with a 14-karat white gold chain, valued at $2,000.
Third prize is 16 rounds of golf, complete with golf carts at four local golf courses. Those include Mace Meadow in Pioneer, Castle Oaks in Ione, La Contenta in Valley Springs and Greenhorn Creek in Calaveras County. The 16 rounds of golf are valued at approximately $1,100.
The fourth prize in the raffle is a two-night stay for two people in an ocean-side condominium on the Monterey Bay with a $100 restaurant certificate, with a total value of $900.
The Hospice “Take a Chance on Love” Valentine’s Day Raffle tickets are $10 each. With a purchase of 10 tickets for $100, the buyer receives five more tickets free, along with a free Valentine’s Day chocolate from Andrae’s Bakery.
In Jackson, tickets are available at Bank of Amador on Highway 49, the Hospice office at 1500 South Highway 49, Gold Mine Jewelers at 37 Main Street in Jackson, and Hospice Thrift Store on Argonaut Lane.
Tickets are also available in Angels Camp, at the Hospice Thrift Store and at Greenhorn Creek Golf Course. Tickets can also be bought at Fine Eye Gallery in Sutter Creek, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office in San Andreas, the Sierra Nevada Adventure Company in Murphys, and the La Contenta Golf Course in Valley Springs.
Tickets may also be purchase by calling hospice, at (209) 223-5500.
Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Johnson urges voters to check polling places for Jan. 4 special election
Written by Tom
Amador County – Amador County Registrar of Voters Sheldon Johnson reminded voters Tuesday they should check their sample ballot for the location of their polling places, as polling locations have been consolidated, but only for the January 4th special election, to fill the District 1 position of the late State Senator Dave Cox. Candidates are Republican Ted Gaines and Democrat Ken Cooley. The voting places are Jackson City Hall, Evalyn Bishop Hall, Sutter Creek Auditorium, New Life Christian Center in Pine Grove, Plymouth City Hall, Lockwood Fire House in Volcano, and Mace Meadow Country Club in Pioneer. Johnson noted that “with the election being held in January and the uncertainty about weather conditions, voters might want to consider voting by mail.” Vote-by-mail applications forms are on sample ballots, or a written request may be submitted. The last day to apply by mail is December 28th, but walk-in applications can be made at the registrar’s office until election day. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, January 4th.
Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Amador County elected officials invited to take oath Jan. 3
Written by Tom
Amador County – Ten elected Amador County officials have been invited to take their oath of office at noon Monday, January 3rd in the Board of Supervisors Chambers in the county administration building at 810 Court Street in Jackson.
Amador Registrar of Voters Sheldon D. Johnson in a memo December 20th to the media and the board of supervisors made the invitation to the elected officials.
All 10 have been re-elected to their positions, and only one faced opposition in the election, that being Assessor Jim Rooney. Rooney was elected for his third term, and started his first term in 2003.
The officials who have been invited to take their oath of office all were unopposed in the June primary. Auditor Joe Lowe also starts his third term and first took office in 2003. County Clerk and Recorder Sheldon Johnson is in his 32nd year in office, and his position also includes the position of Registrar of Voters, and the Commissioner of Civil Marriages.
Superintendent of Schools Richard F. Glock will start his third year as superintendent of the Amador County Unified School District. He took over for former Superintendent Mike Carey in July 2008.
District Attorney Todd Riebe will start his fourth elected term, and was first elected in 1998. Sheriff and Coroner Martin Ryan is entering his second term, and was first elected in 2006, and took office in 2007.
Superior Court Judge Susan C. Harlan is starting her fourth elected term in office, and was first appointed in 1991 by Gov. Pete Wilson. She was first elected in 1992.
District 3 Supervisor Theodore F. “Ted” Novelli is starting his second term on the Amador County Board of Supervisors. His first term began in 2007. Current Chairman, Supervisor Brian Oneto of District 5 is also starting his second term, and took office in 2007. Treasurer and Tax Collector Mike Ryan starts his sixth term, and was first elected in 1991.
Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Amador County – Continuous rain throughout California over the weekend drowned previous records, with showers expected to continue for the last days of Christmas shopping. Weather forecasters are now warning that the worst may be yet to come.
The deluge began last Friday and slowed on Sunday night, presenting a brief respite from what is now one of the wettest weekends in the state’s history. Considering the circumstances, flooding and roadwork were minimal in most of Amador County when compared with recent storm systems.
The most rain fell in Southern California, where some locations received up to 12 inches, according to the National Weather Service. More than 9 inches of rain fell in Topanga canyon over a three-day period, and 2.3 inches fell on the USC campus breaking the record of 2.12 inches set in 1921. The downtown, Hollywood and San Fernando areas of Los Angeles all received at least three inches of rain.
In many areas, previous records were shattered by a number of inches. The National Weather Service said 3.45 inches of rain fell in Pasadena on Sunday, far surpassing the old mark of 1.5 inches set in 1987.
There was sporadic flooding of single-family homes in the San Joaquin Valley, but no deaths or injuries had been reported.
A 25-mile stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway running between Malibu and Oxnard was closed to traffic after reports of a mudslide, according to the California Highway Patrol.
In the Sierra Nevada range, as much as 60 inches of snow were reported at the highest elevations. Reports from Kirkwood say at least five feet fell in that area.
Forecasters say more rain and snow will continue to fall throughout the week, with the likelihood of another heavy system coming in on Christmas Day.
Another storm on Tuesday will bring colder weather and snow at lower elevations. Impacts will include moderate to heavy snow in the mountains and locally gusty winds. Moderate to heavy rain showers will take place in the lower elevations with the possibility for continued minor flooding in the Sacramento and foothills regions.
Forecasters say there will also be a chance for isolated thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and small hail.
Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Amador County - The California Highway Patrol cautioned Monday that it will begin its Christmas Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) on Friday, December 24th at 6 pm, to continue through Sunday, December 26th at 11:59 pm. The MEP means CHP officers throughout the state plan for an increased visible presence in order to deter those who may danger others while driving in holiday traffic and possible stormy weather.
“The holiday season is all about having good times with family and friends, and about sharing and giving,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “We want to make sure everyone enjoys their festivities, and therefore, our goal is to ensure you and your loved ones arrive at your destination safely.”
The CHP reminds drivers “to always wear seatbelts, put children in appropriate safety seats, drive at a safe speed for various conditions, and never drink and drive during the holiday season.”
“Officers will be on the road to ensure motorists celebrate the holiday in a safe, responsible manner,” said Farrow. “If your celebration involves alcohol, please designate a non-drinking driver.”
Last year during the CHP’s Christmas holiday enforcement period, 22 people were killed in collisions statewide. Among the vehicle occupants killed within the CHP’s jurisdiction, more than half were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. CHP officers also accounted for 1,104 arrests made statewide for driving under the influence (DUI) during the 2009 Christmas MEP.
The CHP said it will conduct a similar MEP during the New Year’s holiday weekend, which begins Friday, December 31st at 6 pm and continues through 11:59 pm on Sunday, January 2nd, 2011.
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Amador County – The Ione City Council today (December 21st) could consider putting two projects to bid, and will also hear presentations on procedures, duties and law, and could make selections for its mayor and vice mayor for 2011.
Among initial actions, the council could consider putting out to bid an estimated $57,000 remodel of City Hall and the Ione Police Department headquarters.
The project will give police new storage, interviewing areas and security, and will address Americans with Disabilities Act needs in City Hall. City Engineer John Wanger said funds for the project would come from Police Facility Impact Fees, and the city administration impact fees.
The council will also consider placing out for bids a restroom facility project at Ed Hughes Memorial Arena in Howard Park. The proposed budget is $157,000. Wanger said it would be paid for by $99,500 in Park Grant Funds from the Amador County Recreation Agency, and another $82,000 available from “already allocated State Resource Bond Act of 2002 funds.”
Projected cost includes a “fully constructed restroom delivered to the site and placed by a crane onto a site that has been prepared by a contractor with all utilities stubbed into place.”
Purchase and installation was estimated at $81,000 and site work, to potentially be put out to bid by the council, was estimated at $66,000. Wanger said engineering was already authorized for the project at $10,000.
The council will also consider pursuit of a new company to run the city’s website and e-mail services, with first-year costs estimated at $8,670. The current company, ReadyBuilder, notified the city it will cease operations December 31st.
City Manager Kim Kerr recommended in a report today that the council select its new mayor and vice mayor, with terms to take effect January 1st and run through December 2011.
She also recommended council members review and provide input to the new mayor about appointments to various council committees and liaison positions. The mayor annually makes the appointments, and “council members should review and notify the mayor or city manager of their desire to participate in various committees.”
The mayor then can share the appointments at the meeting. She said the city council must approve the mayor’s appointments.
City Attorney Kristen Castanos today is scheduled to give a presentation on the Brown Act and conflicts of interest, and Kerr will give a presentation of Rosenberg’s Rules of Order, which the city council adopted in 2008. Story by
Jim Reece
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Catholic group closes escrow in purchase of former Prospect Motors
Written by Tom
Amador County – St. Patrick’s parish and the Diocese of Sacramento announced the close of escrow on the purchase of the former Prospect Motors building and land in Martell, for the use as a future Amador County Catholic Center.
Jeannine Crew, pastoral assistant to Father Tom Seabridge, said the Diocese of Sacramento and three local parishes announced the close of escrow December 11th, and bringing the “Amador Catholic Center one step closer to reality.
A release said the “Diocese of Sacramento and the three local parishes completed the purchase of the former Prospect Motors site,” which “will be turned into a multi-purpose” facility “to support the social and spiritual needs of all three Amador County parishes.”
Kevin Eckery in the release said Sacred Heart of Ione, St. Patrick’s in Jackson and Immaculate Conception in Sutter Creek churches “will continue to have weekday and Sunday masses, but the three parishes will consolidate some social, educational and other activities at the new Amador Catholic Center, including some masses.”
Sacramento Bishop, the Most Reverend Jaime Soto said in the release that “this is the culmination of 10 years of discussion and planning,” adding, “with a declining number of priests we have to find ways to share resources.”
Soto said: “The Amador Catholic Center helps us to meet this challenge. There is a lot more work to do, but this is a very exciting achievement.”
Father Liam MacCarthy has been appointed by Bishop Soto to manage the project and serve as interim pastor of the three parishes. He takes over for Father Tom Seabridge, who on January 1st begins a six-month sabbatical before his next assignment.
The new Catholic Center has been designed by Comstock-Johnson Architects. It will feature worship space with up to 600 seats, a youth center with gymnasium, offices, classrooms, kitchen and a large social hall for parish community events. The plans also envision other spaces and areas designed to provide family-friendly activities for all ages.
Initial renovations are expected to begin in 2011. MacCarthy is the former pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Sutter Creek.
Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Amador County – Amador Water Agency staff last week said it did not expect to be fined for two spills in the last few weeks, including 15,000 gallons of raw sewage estimated to have leaked in Martell.
AWA General Manager Gene Mancebo said the Office of Emergency Services was informed right away, and other state agencies were notified of both incidents. He said that if regulating agencies felt there was some health risks, they would have ordered action to sanitize the areas.
AWA was required to notify people in the vicinity of the sewage leak in Martell, discovered December 1st, but no sanitizing occurred. He said if rain occurs, the wastewater either becomes very diluted or it is carried a far distance. The agencies believe the water did not escape the swell ditch in which it leaked.
Both leaks were found after the storms before Thanksgiving. The sewer leak was near Wal-Mart, and a raw water spill occurred on Mace Meadow Golf Course, possibly two weeks before its discovery, November 29th.
Mancebo did not know if there would be fines, but the agency submitted reports and took immediate action when the spills were found. He said the state takes into consideration how well you try to avoid leaks before they give fines, and the “AWA has had a pretty good track record of trying to maintain its systems.”
The Mace Meadow spill prompted staff to purchase a used filter to cleanse the backwash from the Buckhorn water treatment plant. Operations Manager Chris McKeage reported the plan to the AWA board of directors December 9th, saying that staff was driving to pick up the 15-year-old filter as the meeting was under way.
McKeage said with the filter, they would be able to put the raw backwash water back into the creek from which it is taken. He said it would “reduce by about 90 percent the raw water we send to the golf course,” where it is stored in the winter, and sprayed in the summer for irrigation.
McKeage said: “This is a half-a-million-dollar project we’re going to try to do in-house for $60,000. We’re trying to pull a rabbit out of a hat.” He said the process would need state approval, and they were trying to get it operational by February, and permanently operational by summer. The agency can have no run-off in winter at the golf course storage ponds.
Mancebo said filtering the backwash likely would lead to a need to alter the discharge permit at the golf course, as the sludge would be more concentrated.
Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
