News Archive (6192)
Friday, 30 July 2010 06:15
Calaveras County Experiences 2 Fatal Accidents In 24 Hours
Written by Tom
Calaveras County – Calaveras County experienced two separate fatal vehicle collisions in less than 24 hours, as confirmed Thursday by the San Andreas California Highway Patrol (CHP). The first collision took place at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday evening on Gold Strike Road just south of Leonard Road near San Andreas. Matt Thien, 21, was operating a 1993 Dodge occupied by Michael G. Thien, 50, and Karen Lundy, 54. Thien, who later admitted to driving while intoxicated, said he observed another vehicle turning onto Gold Strike Road from Leonard Road in front of him. The CHP report said that “due to (Thien’s) intoxication and unsafe speed, he applied (the vehicle’s) brakes and turned into the northbound lane from the southbound lane. Leah Montoya, 30, who was driving a 1999 Mercedes occupied by her 10-year-old daughter Felicia, observed Thien’s vehicle cross the double yellow lane divider headed straight toward her. She applied the brakes and swerved to the right, but the front end of her vehicle struck the front end of Thien’s. Both Michael J. Thien and Karen Lundy died as a result of the accident. Thien was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. A second vehicle collision was reported by the CHP to have occurred Thursday at 6:50 a.m. A driver whose identity has yet to be released was driving a 2005 Pontiac Sedan eastbound on Highway 4 near Brice Station when he crossed over the center divider for unknown reasons and collided with a 2007 Kenworth truck towing a trailer loaded with logs. The unidentified driver “collided with the fourth axle of the driver side of the logging trailer” and suffered fatal injuries as a result. The driver of the truck was uninjured. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County - Seven Amador County residents required treatment at Sutter Amador Hospital for rattlesnake bites this year. “Six of those victims were admitted to the hospital and required anti-venom,” according to Eduardo Morin, Pharmacy Director at Sutter Amador Hospital. Dr. Bob Hartmann, Amador County Public Health Officer, notes that the emergency department usually sees three to four bite victims per year. “No one keeps official statistics, but the most we can remember in any year is seven. We’re already there and the season’s only half over.” A recent bay area news paper article suggested that there are more rattlesnakes this year because of the late, wet spring and more small rodents which are their main source of food. More bites occur in the hand, when the person is attempting to pick up the snake or working in brush or wood piles. Alcohol consumption is involved in over 50 percent of bites. Symptoms are usually pain and stinging at the site, swelling, oozing of blood from bite and bruising. Sometimes a person will have a metallic or mint taste in the mouth or muscle twitching. There about 8,000 venomous snake bites per year in the United States. Only about five to six people die from rattlesnake bites per year. If bitten, the best thing you can do is get to the emergency room right away. Fortunately Sutter Amador Hospital keeps an adequate supply of anti-venom on hand. “The anti-venom is very effective and most victims require six to ten vials given intravenously,” says Morin. “The hospital stay is one to two days and most people recover without long lasting effects.” Morin notes that the cost of the anti-venom is close to $2,000 per vial. Hartmann adds that, “The only rattle snake native to this area is the Northern
Pacific Rattlesnake. Therefore, it’s not important to catch the snake. Actually it is more dangerous to attempt that. Every year someone brings a rattlesnake to the emergency room and it stirs up a little commotion.” Prevention is the best medicine. In order to avoid bites, never handle dead or living snakes, know the habitat where the snakes live (wood piles, brush), know snake habits (out more at dusk and dawn), keep rattlesnake enemies around (including dogs, cats, guinea hens, and pigs), wear boots and long pants, and
trim bushes and shrubs so you can clearly see underneath. Via Press Release This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County – The Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians released a statement Thursday regarding the Amador County Board of Supervisors decision to continue appealing a lawsuit in federal courts aimed at stopping the tribe’s efforts to construct a $150 million casino on land south of Ione. The County’s lawsuit argues that the land is ineligible for gaming under federal law and challenges approval by the Secretary of the Interior of an amendment to the gaming compact between the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians and the State of California. Rhonda Morningstar Pope, Chairwoman of the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians, said “it’s discouraging that County leaders are trying to keep the lawsuit alive, and it’s truly shocking that they’re using taxpayers’ money to pursue baseless claims to appease the political agenda of a few dissenters in Amador County.” She singled out “Friends of Amador County,” an anti-casino activist group, as one example. “We hope the people of Amador County recognize these disgruntled individuals for what they are: obstructionists,” said Pope. She said the Buena Vista Tribe has always maintained that the Supervisors’ lawsuit is without merit. “The Supervisors’ efforts thus far to delay our project have already cost the County potentially millions of public services dollars and hundreds of good paying jobs,” she said. “We hope the County will now focus its efforts on working with the Tribe to implement off-reservation mitigation measures and invest millions of dollars set to be paid to the County by the Tribe.” In a release issued by the board last week, County Counsel Martha Shaver explained the County’s decision to appeal. “The court’s ruling dismissing the case was on procedural grounds,” she said. “The court stated that the Secretary’s ‘approval by inaction’ of the compact amendment was not reviewable by a court. We believe this decision is wrong, and welcome the chance to submit our case to the Court of Appeals.” In addition to appealing the federal ruling on the gaming compact, both Amador County and “Friends of Amador County” are appealing a recent decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authorizing the tribe to discharge treated wastewater into an unnamed tributary of Jackson Creek. “It’s time for County leaders to start acting in good-faith with respect to the contractual relationship created by their Intergovernmental Services Agreement with the Tribe,” said Pope. “It’s time for them to stop the divisive politics and start reciprocating our efforts to be good neighbors, working together for the betterment of the County as a whole.” Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County - Close to 30 people attended a first-of-its-kind open house Thursday afternoon at Job Connection Amador’s One Stop Career Center in Jackson.
Among those in attendance were representatives of 3rd District Congressional candidate Dr. Ami Bera and Assemblymember Alyson Huber, as well as members of the Amador County Board of Supervisors, Mother Lode Job Training (MLJT) and the California Department of Corrections. Pamela Hill, Career Counselor for the career center, said the “goal of this open house is to expand and diversify our elected officials’ understanding of their local Workforce Investment Board and to increase the positive image of California’s workforce investment system.” She explained that the event was less a formal tour of the tiny Jackson office and more a “one on one, casual meet and greet.” Lisa Hines, Business Service Coordinator for Mother Lode Job Training, was in attendance along with two members of her board. The MLJT board oversees the dollars distributed to this and other job centers throughout the region for supportive services. That money begins at the U.S. Department of Labor before being funneled through the state and then local system. Hines said the California Workforce Investment Board encouraged the open house. She said she was “really satisfied and impressed” with the turnout. Supervisors Louis Boitano, Brian Oneto and John Plasse echoed Hines’ sentiment. “It’s great to see so many in our community taking an interest in what this center has to offer,” said Plasse. This reporter later discovered Oneto and Plasse testing out the center’s impressive computer systems. In the past year Job Connection Amador has served an average of over 30 job seekers each day. Last summer they placed 47 young people with 26 employers as part of their Summer Youth Employment Training Program. Among its many services, the center provides office space for local employer interviews and orientation meetings and assists in job applications. “Today we’ve demonstrated to community leaders the efforts we are making to help build up and support a skilled workforce here in our area,” said Hill. “It looks like a success.” For more information on Job Connection Amador, call 209-223-3341 or visit www.motherlodejobconnection.org. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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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.
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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.
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Amador County - Fares on Amador Transit’s in-county bus routes have been slashed and routes adjusted in an effort to provide low-cost, reliable transportation to as many Amador County residents as possible. Riders can buy a daily pass for $3.00 and use it for unlimited rides on all in-county routes - from the bus stop closest to their home or business, to anywhere in the county the system travels, and back. Fares on the Jackson-Sutter Creek Express Shuttle are now 50 cents per stop. The new rates do not apply to the transit system’s Sacramento routes. A rate cut review was ordered by the Amador Regional Transit District’s board of directors during a special meeting on May 19; the new rates and route adjustments were set by Amador Transit staff and are in effect now. Before the board’s direction was established, every time a rider got on a bus, the cost was $2 for general fare passengers. “It’s time to make riding an Amador Transit bus as inexpensive as possible,” said board chairman Greg Baldwin. “We know public transportation is very important now. We’ve had financial difficulties like so many others and the Amador Transit board understands that a reduction in cost will help riders use the bus system.” At a cost of $3 a day to ride anywhere the buses run in Amador County, the Amador Transit system is undercutting the price of putting gas in most private vehicles. “There are so many benefits to using the bus now,” said Assistant Transit Manager Joyce Jones. “For example, if someone uses their private vehicle to travel from Pioneer to Jackson, and then to Ione and back to Pioneer, by the end of the day, they will very likely spend more than $3 in gasoline.” She added that simply running chores around Jackson and Sutter Creek could cost more than $3 a day in gas for a private car. Using public transportation spares wear and tear on private cars, and with regular use, can save on auto insurance rates. Jones said the cost of riding the Jackson-Sutter Creek Express Shuttle has also been cut to 50 cents each time a rider boards the bus. “But if you expect to travel between Jackson and Sutter Creek frequently during the day, you can buy a daily pass for $3 instead.” There have been several changes to the bus schedule as part of a board direction to reduce cost while providing the best service. For a complete list, go to www.amadortransit.com or call 209-267-9395. Via Press Release This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County - Sierra HOPE will host their 14th Sierra AIDS Walk on Saturday, September 18, 2010. The walk begins anytime between 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. The Walk is a major fundraising event for Sierra HOPE, a nonprofit organization providing a variety of educational and support services for HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis in Amador, Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties. Sierra HOPE, celebrating its 20th year of service in the foothills, continues to be a leader in the fight against these diseases. Most of their funding services come from government contracts and grants, but an increasing amount must be raised locally, through fundraising and individual donations. Last year’s AIDS Walk sponsors and participants helped raise over $11,000. They are hoping that people will be drawn to the beautiful surroundings at Calaveras Big Trees State Park and support this very important community event. Participants will be able to choose from three popular trails to complete the walk. The trails in the park, dominated by giant sequoias, have something to offer walkers of different skill and stamina levels. Via Press Release This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County – For the fourth year, Camanche Lake and Upcountry Community Centers and the Generation Life Church are sponsoring the Back-Pack 2 School Project, and for the first year, they are incorporating it with the “Stuff The Bus” program. The county-wide project is run in tandem by the Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency Upcountry and Camanche Lake Community Centers and the Generation Life Church. Back-Pack 2 School provides backpacks filled with grade appropriate school supplies for children whose families are financially stressed living in Amador County. Ruthella Turner, site coordinator and community educator for Upcountry Community Center, said that “without the generosity of local individuals, businesses, and community organizations, many families would struggle to provide these much needed supplies.” She said 311 children received a backpack and school supplies for the 2009-2010 school year. “This year,” Turner said, the group’s “goal is to reach all of the families in our county who would like this assistance.” Turner said “every year a number of students start the school year without the necessary supplies to be successful.” In response to this, the Back-pack 2 School project started in 2007. Its goal is to provide back-packs filled with necessary school supplies to K-12 students whose families are financially stressed. Turner said people can “empower” their community by bringing new school supplies to help “Stuff the Bus.” Turner said with the help of the public, children in the community “will be ready for school this year and on their way towards academic success.” The Stuff The Bus project will be held noon to 7 p.m. Monday, August 2nd in the Save-Mart parking lot. Turner said “volunteers will be on hand to accept the supplies and ensure that every backpack has the necessary school supplies.” To qualify, families must reside in Amador County, qualify for the free or reduced lunch program, and students must be going into grades kindergarten through 12th grade. People who would like to sponsor a student can see a list of supplies at upcountycommunity.blogspot.com, or they can call 296-2785. Also, follow the project on Facebook at Amador County Stuff the Bus. Donation sites available before August 2nd include the Jackson Rancheria, Amador County Chamber of Commerce, Ione City Hall, Kmart, Staples, Sue’s Gold Country Coffee, Umpqua Bank and Pokerville Market. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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