News Archive (6192)
Amador County – While still as popular as ever, initial figures indicate the Amador County Fair saw a slight decline overall in the number of visitors to this year’s fair. The total amount of attending customers reported as paying at the gates was 16,048. Amador County Fair CEO Troy Bowers said that overall, the fair saw a decrease of about 2 percent in gate customers. He stressed that this “is not quite 50 percent of the story” because gate figures do not include presales or sponsors and media representatives the fair provides with free passes. But, said Bowers, the overall figures “indicate a slight decline” in the number of attendees. “What our numbers are showing is that families are still struggling out there in this economy,” he said. Adult and child attendance was down 5 percent, while senior attendance was up 7 percent. Bowers said the slight dip in attendance was anticipated considering the economic climate and the numbers from last year. The 2009 Amador County Fair saw paid attendance drop by a 7/100ths of a percent decrease, and gate attendance that year was also down 466 tickets, or 2.8 percent compared to 2008. “People are coming to the fair, but these are still hard times,” said Bowers. In related news, the results are in from one of the fair’s biggest money makers: the Junior Livestock Auction. Every year, young farmhands, agriculturalists and 4H members proudly display an animal they have helped raise at an auction designed to raise money for the kids as a reward for all their hard work. Bowers said that although fewer animals were offered this year, the money made was still very high. $275,223 was grossed from the event. Bowers said that money will all go to the kids. When asked what his favorite part of this year’s fair was, Bowers said he really enjoyed the Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival. “They are really doing something special with that,” he said. “It’s a great fit for the community and I hope to see it grow.” Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
News Archive
Thursday, 05 August 2010 06:24
Sutter Creek Ends Knight Foundry Property Negotiations
Written by Tom
Amador County - The Sutter Creek City Council has announced an end to the ongoing negotiations for property acquisition of the historic Knight Foundry in Sutter Creek. Irreconcilable differences during negotiations with the property owner and the City have caused the City Council to halt any potential purchase at this time. “Several untenable demands made by the property owner and a difficult economy have created a situation where the City Council cannot continue with the purchase of the Foundry,” Sutter Creek Mayor Pro Tempore Tim Murphy said. “While it saddens me that the purchase of the Foundry cannot happen at this time, the City Council felt the City had no choice in this matter. The structure of the purchase simply put the City at too great a risk.” The City had been negotiating with the Foundry’s property owner for more than eight years and recently was awarded several state and federal grants that were to be used for the purchase of the Foundry. The California Cultural Historical Endowment (CCHE) granted the City $870,000 in May 2008 for a partial purchase of the Foundry. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) also granted the City $600,000 in environmental clean-up grants to clean the site. The City successfully negotiated a quit-claim deed to take ownership of the property last year and has been in ongoing negotiations over the terms of the purchase since that time. The City Council felt it could not place the City in a potentially risky situation regarding indemnification for ongoing environmental contamination. The Council also felt it could not create the financial obligation that the property owner was seeking given this economic climate. “Although the City cannot consummate the purchase of the Foundry at this time, the City looks forward to continuing to work with the property owner to preserve this important piece of Sutter Creek’s history,” City Manager Sean Rabé said. “The format of that preservation is still undetermined.” The Knight Foundry is a historic, water-powered, cast iron foundry and machine shop that was established by Samuel Knight in 1872 in Sutter Creek. In uninterrupted operation until it last poured iron in 1996, it is the last American workplace where traditional cast iron foundry production processes and skills have been handed down almost unchanged. Please contact City Manager Sean Rabé with any questions at 209-267-5647. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
News Archive
Wednesday, 04 August 2010 06:24
Sierra Nevada Conservancy Updates Current Funding Opportunities
Written by Tom
Amador County - The Sierra Nevada Conservancy has updated its Current Funding Opportunites page on their website. The list, which is updated monthly, includes funding opportunities, workshops, and resources specific to the Sierra region. The updated list includes ten new funding sources, webinars on USDA Rural Development renewable energy and business and cooperative programs; free classes for small business employers; an updated schedule for funding webinars and workshops; information on IRS requirements for nonprofit organizations; and registering interest in land donations from the Stewardship Council. Also on the site are 24 previously-listed opportunities that are still current, as well as information and other resources for potential grant applicants. The newly-listed funding sources include the following topic areas: support for artistic creativity and innovativeness and to encourage making the arts more widely available in underserved communities; funding for bicycle parks, paths, trails, BMX facilities and large scale advocacy initiatives; funding for public water system facilities which include sources, treatment, distribution, and storage in both the preconstruction and construction phases; land acquisition that conserves important habitat for fish, wildlife, and plants; the Sierra Nevada meadow restoration; National, Regional, State, and local energy efficiency programming through market-based approaches in delivery and design to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in homes and businesses; small business innovation research on agricultural problems including rural development, marketing and trade, air, water, and soil; animal production and protection; plant production and protection; food science and nutrition; biofuel and biobased products; the preservation of art, historical documents, and artifacts held in small to mid-size museums, libraries, and archives. Topics also include threats to biodiversity such as global climate change, loss of species and habitat destruction, toxins in the environment, waste generation, air pollution, and funding for recreational trails and trail-related projects for both motorized and non-motorized opportunities. New information, opportunities, and revisions are expected to be updated in late August. The Sierra Nevada Conservancy initiates, encourages, and supports efforts that improve the environmental, economic, and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, its communities, and the citizens of California. Via Press Release This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
News Archive
Wednesday, 04 August 2010 06:28
Amador-based Fire Crews Assist in Fighting Palmdale Blaze
Written by Tom
Amador County – Amador County-based fire crews have joined other firefighters in the region to assist in fighting fires in the Palmdale area of southern California. Last Thursday, 50 firefighters and 10 engines from the Sacramento region were sent south, according to Cal Fire. Officials said five engines from Cal Fire's Nevada-Yuba-Placer unit met with five companies from the Amador-El Dorado region in Auburn as the convoy readied to leave. Cal Fire said yesterday that most of those crews have now returned home safely. The wildfire that started five days ago has now consumed 13,918 acres in a blazing inferno. More than seven square miles were scorched, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate their homes in the hills of northern Los Angeles County. As of Monday night, fire officials estimated that the fire was 97 percent contained. The cause of the blaze, which started around 2 a.m. last Thursday, remains under investigation. Authorities suspect the flames may have been ignited by someone working on their car in the Agua Dulce area. Final damage estimates have yet to be tallied. The cost of fighting the fire so far has not been determined. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
News Archive
Amador County - The results are in for the popular 2010 Miss Amador County and Mutton Bustin’ contests that took place at this year’s Amador County Fair. In the Miss Amador contest, the top honor went to Rachel Jenkins. First Runner Up was Arielah Dreksler, Second Runner Up was Morgan Hirschel, Third Runner Up was Savannah Gray and Fourth Runner Up was Angela Faryan. The 1st place “mutton buster” was Elise Lenz, followed by Luke Vasquez in 2nd place and Luke Hermanson in 3rd place. Congratulations to both the winners and competitors in these fun and popular events! Story by Alex This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
News Archive
Wednesday, 04 August 2010 06:32
Amador County Fair Destruction Derby, Survivor Winners Announced
Written by Tom
Amador County – The Amador County Fair wrapped up Sunday with winners in the Destruction Derby and the Amador Survivor Competition. Amador Survivor contestants faced their final challenge of their competition at the Destruction Derby opening festivities Sunday night. Contestants did their own version of the traditional Miss Amador court mud puddle dive, winning points for public acclaim of their style and effort. Amelio Petretti, representing Common Ground Senior Services, pulled ahead of Christian Mullen of the Amador Catholic Youth Group in the final event to win Amador Survivor. Petretti won $500 for his charity and $500 for himself. Other survivor contestants were James Tari representing A-Pal, and Jeremy Arellano representing the Amador Pregnancy Help Center. In Destruction Derby action, Chris Gascon returned to win 1st place, Ryan Duke took 2nd place with honors, and Bryon Belany came in 3rd. Via Press Release This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
News Archive
Amador County - The new Mission Boulevard extension in Jackson officially opened on Tuesday afternoon. The recently completed project extends the Mission Boulevard cul-de-sac near Sutter Amador Hospital to intersect with Broadway for the cost of roughly $1 million. Completion of the project fulfills a commitment made to the Federal Highway Administration and Caltrans by the City of Jackson that this roadway segment would be constructed by 2014.
“This project will improve local and regional traffic circulation, reducing congestion at the busiest intersection in the County at Highway 49 and 88 adjacent to the Jackson Civic Center,” said Jackson City Manager Mike Daly at a groundbreaking ceremony last month. The ceremony was attended by the Jackson City Council and various other dignitaries. Sutter Amador Hospital CEO Anne Platt said extending the road was a “tremendous opportunity to serve the community.” District 1 Supervisor John Plasse, representing the Amador County Transportation Commission (ACTC), said the commission “is proud of this project.” The project is partly financed by a state grant and Regional Traffic Mitigation Fees. In addition, ACTC obtained a Proposition 1B State and Local Partnership Program grant to fund half the construction costs. This is a competitive statewide grant program in which the Mission Boulevard project ranked No. 1 in the state. City of Jackson and ACTC staff led the effort, including design, applying for funding and acquiring rights of way. The original construction estimate was $1.6 million. Daly said they were in “a favorable bidding climate” that lowered construction costs. ACTC said in a release that “this project exemplifies the benefit agency and community cooperation can provide when construction activity is so scarce.” In an announcement Tuesday, Daly said the remaining punch list items were recently completed and the road officially opened at approximately 4 p.m. that day. “We're holding off on any official ribbon-cutting until Labor Day weekend, when officials from St. Sava Mission and the Western Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church will be in town for their annual gathering,” said Daly. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
News Archive
Amador County - Every year it is estimated that thousands of patients with Lyme disease may go either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The new documentary “Under Our Skin”, a 2010 Academy Award Semifinalist, aims to expose our medical systems failure in addressing one of the most serious epidemics of our times. A dramatic tale of microbes, medicine, and money, this eye-opening film investigates the untold story of Lyme disease and the emerging epidemic. Lyme disease was first discovered in the 1970’s around the town of Lyme, Connecticut and has since become known as one of the most misunderstood and potentially misdiagnosed illnesses of our time. Lyme disease is a vector borne illness transmitted from the bite of an infected deer tick, in California the only known tick to transmit Lyme disease is the Western Black-legged tick. According to the Centers for Disease Control, early indicators of the disease typically include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, and fatigue. Other symptoms may include: swollen lymph nodes, joint and muscle pain, and a circular “bulls-eye like” rash. While many of the symptoms of Lyme disease may clear up without treatment, the disease does require antibiotics. If left untreated Lyme disease may lay dormant for days, weeks, months, or even years before potentially affecting any of the bodies’ organs, muscles, and nervous system. The CDC admits that perhaps more than 400,000 people may acquire Lyme disease every year, a number greater than that of AIDS, West Nile Virus, and Avian Flu combined. “Under Our Skin” follows the stories of patients and physicians as they battle for both their lives and livelihoods; the film brings into focus the haunting picture of our current health care system and the inability to cope with the silent terror hidden under our skin. The film, which had been shown earlier this summer in San Andreas, drew a small crowd and was followed by the presentation “Prevention: Reduce Your Chances of a Tick Bite & Lyme Disease,” by Steve Diers, a Ranger/Naturalist with the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). “Under Our Skin” will be shown again on August 14th at the New Life Christian Center in Pine Grove off of Highway 88 at 4 p.m. The film will be immediately followed by a question and answer session. Story by Judee Schmidt This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
News Archive
Amador County - On the heels of a third successful rate increase protest, this one on the CAWP Retail System, the Amador Water Agency Board of Directors has scheduled a meeting with all Water Agency employees to brainstorm ideas for both cost reductions and revenue increases at AWA. The meeting is an opportunity for the Board and Agency staff to discuss possible concepts that may ultimately improve the financial health of the Agency. The meeting will be held Tuesday, August 3 from 8:00-11:00 am in the Agency Board Room. Just like other local government entities, the Water Agency has been challenged by recent years of economic downturn. AWA General Manager Gene Mancebo says closed businesses, vacant homes, reduced water usage, and virtually non-existent development have all contributed to a dramatic decrease in income to the Agency.
Rate increase protests in La Mel Heights, Lake Camanche and CAWP systems have prevented scheduled rate increases and reduced Agency revenues further. Most recently in the upcountry CAWP Retail system, 1,396 signatures opposing a proposed three-year water rate increase were verified, successfully halting the rate hike. Under the state’s Prop. 218 rate protest procedure, opponents of the rate increase needed over 50 percent of the system’s 2,625 water users to formally protest the rate increase to succeed. In the meantime, the Agency must continue to provide service to all of Amador County’s water and wastewater customers and fulfill its commitment to public health and safety. “Many of the Agency’s costs are out of our control,” says Mancebo. “The cost of fuel for vehicles, electricity for pumps and treatment plants, water treatment chemicals, state reporting fees – we can’t make cuts in these kinds of operating costs.” The Agency has reduced staffing costs by approximately 25 percent over the past two years. In 2008 there were 62 regular full-time equivalent positions and four temporary positions at AWA; currently there are 46 regular full-time equivalent positions and no temporary positions. Four full-time workers were laid off as of July 23. Over $1.23 million in total salaries and benefits have been cut since the 2008-2009 budget year. At their last Board meeting, Directors approved implementing the 4 percent balance of a previously approved 12 percent rate increase for the Amador Water System, which was only partially implemented at the beginning of last fiscal year. This rate increase allows the 2010-2011 budget to balance but requires already depleted cash reserves to be reduced by at least another $300,000 to meet expenses. Mancebo says the pattern of reducing reserves is not sustainable and the Water Agency can’t absorb another year of reserve reductions without severe financial consequences. “Everyone at the Amador Water Agency recognizes that these are also difficult economic times for ratepayers and many others in the county,” said Mancebo. “We have very talented and committed employees here at the Water Agency and we hope the meeting Tuesday will result in some creative ideas that will help us meet our current economic challenges.” Via Press Release This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
News Archive
Amador County – Another successful Amador County Fair has come and gone, leaving behind lasting memories for all those who were in attendance. While the final numbers have yet to be tallied, the strong turnouts for most of the Fair’s popular events was an indication that this was a year to rival any other. Traditional fair events, including the CCPRA rodeo, destruction derby and tractor pull all had sell out or close to sell out crowds. The fair is always a great place to catch a wide variety of talented musical and stage acts, and this year was no exception. Local and regional performers included Mario Manzini performing like Houdini, Chrystal Image, Hero’s Last Mission, Erin McKinney & HoTT LeDD, Whiskey Dawn, the Dave Russell Band and James Garner with a standout tribute to the late Johnny Cash. “Bringing people together is really what the Amador County Fair is all about,” said fair CEO Troy Bowers shortly before the opening of the fair last Thursday. “I so look forward to this every year.” This year’s theme, “County Fair Safari – It’s a Jungle Out There!” was also a hit. Visitors seemed to get a big kick out of the jungle decorations and fair employees wearing safari caps. The theme was made all the more authentic by a special jungle animal exhibit that included boa constrictors, scorpions, porcupines and geckos. “This is all so entertaining,” said Donna Priestley, a resident of Lodi and first time fair attendee. “I can guarantee that if it is always this fun in Amador County I will bring my family back to the fair every year.” TSPN will relay the results of various fair events throughout the week, including the destruction derby and the Miss Amador Contest. Stay tuned to TSPN for more information on your 2010 Amador County Fair! This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
News Archive
