News Archive (6192)
Amador County – The man known as “Cross Carrier Chuck,” made his way through downtown Jackson yesterday carrying a 15-foot wooden cross on his shoulder. Chuck Johnson, 46, is a native of Anaheim, California, and has been dragging his wheeled cross throughout the lower 48 states and parts of Mexico for over ten years. A man of few words, Johnson told TSPN his mission is simple: “I’m here to remind people to take Jesus into their life and that’s it.” He said his passage through our area around the date of Easter is purely coincidental. Johnson said this is the fourth cross he has shouldered. Any search on the web will produce pages of stories on Chuck’s personal history. He said he has loved Jesus since the age of 3 but wasn’t “saved” until 1987.
He has since seen many signs of the divinity on his journey and they serve as a constant reminder of his mission. “The lord is everywhere,” he said. Johnson says he has no real destination and moves from place to place based on the weather and the kindness of strangers. He said he usually prefers to walk and mostly sleeps outside, although he’ll pay for a hotel if he can afford it. When he asked (TSPN Reporter Alex Lane) to sign his cross, he was helpless to oblige. Johnson is currently on his 12th journey across America. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Wednesday, 31 March 2010 18:00
Schwarzenegger Signs New Jobs Bills, Extends Home-Buyers Credit
Written by Tom
Amador County – Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger this week signed into law two bills which aim to spur job creation in California’s struggling economy. Both bills passed through the legislature with strong bipartisan support. The first, AB 183 extends home-buyer tax-credits through the end of this year. The legislation provides up to $10,000 to Californians who purchase a new home. California’s Franchise Tax Board will provide a total of $200 million to home buyers - $100 million for those who buy new homes and another $100 million for first time homebuyers purchasing existing homes. This credit is equal to the lesser of 5 percent of the purchase price or $10,000, taken in equal installments over three consecutive years. The Tax Board estimates nearly 32,000 homeowners statewide might get the tax breaks. Buyers must close escrow or reserve a credit after May 1 and before or on December 31 to qualify. “I have been up and down the state pushing this important housing bill that will get people off the fence and into homes while creating jobs and stimulating our economy – and today I am proud to take action and put it into law,” said Governor Schwarzenegger, speaking last Friday before the La Ventana Homes project in Fresno. “Creating jobs is my number one priority and I am glad that I have been able to sign two job-creating bills in two days. I applaud the legislature for their great work and encourage them to keep it up and pass the remaining job-creating elements of my California Jobs Initiative,” he said. The other “job-creating bill” he referred to is SB 71, which will increase manufacturer jobs statewide by allowing for sales tax exemptions on green technology manufacturing equipment. Assemblymember Alyson Huber, whose 10th District includes Amador County, lauded the approval of both bills as important steps in order for the state to recover from the recession. “These bills are about jobs, jobs and jobs. By reinvigorating home sales we create jobs and by encouraging businesses to expand in California with green technology we create jobs,” said Huber. She said AB 183 will create increased demand for new housing construction and work for contractors to renovate existing homes, while SB 71 “will increase revenue by expanding the number of clean technology manufacturing companies with sites in California and create good paying jobs.” Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Wednesday, 31 March 2010 18:00
2nd Installment Payment for Annual Secured Property Taxes Due April 12
Written by Tom
Amador County - Amador County Treasurer-Tax Collector Michael E. Ryan is reminding property owners that they have until Monday, April 12, 2010, at 5 p.m., to make the second installment payment of their annual secured property taxes for the 2009-10 fiscal year. This deadline should not be confused with the Income Tax deadline which is three days later. The second installment of secured property taxes was due and payable on February 1, 2010, and will become delinquent if not paid by 5 p.m. on April 12, 2010; thereafter a 10 percent delinquent penalty and $20 cost charge will be added. Taxes remaining unpaid after June 30, 2010 accrue additional statutory penalties at the rate of 1-1/2 percent per month, as well as additional fees. Ryan noted that payments may be made by mail sent to the Amador County Tax Collector, 810 Court Street, Jackson, CA 95642, and must be postmarked by April 12, 2010 in order to avoid late penalties. Payments may also be made in person at the Amador County Tax Collector's Office, which is located on the second floor of the County Administration Center, 810 Court Street in Jackson, between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm, Monday through Thursday, holidays excepted. For the convenience of taxpayers, a payment drop box is located on the outside wall of the alcove to the immediate left of the main entrance to the Administration Center. Additionally, payments may be made with a credit card in the Tax Collector’s Office, or over the telephone by calling 1-800-609-4599. Credit card and e-check payments may also be made over the Internet by visiting the web-sites shown on your tax bill. Taxpayers should refer to the back of their tax bill for further payment and tax information. Amador County property tax information is available on-line. To view your tax information, or print a copy of your tax bill, visit www.co.amador.ca.us, select “Government”, then “Treasurer/Tax Collector”, and then “Public Tax Information”. For additional information, please contact the Tax Collector’s Office. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Wednesday, 31 March 2010 18:00
Public Comment Sought at Hwy.88 Corridor Project Meeting
Written by Tom
Amador County - An upcoming public scoping meeting will give upcountry residents another opportunity to comment on the proposed Pine Grove Highway 88 Corridor Improvement project. After years of cost analysis and gathering public input, the Amador County Transportation Commission “proposes to modify State Route 88 through Pine Grove in order to reduce congestion, improve operations, and enhance safety between the intersections at Climax Road and Mount Zion Road,” according to a release from the agency. The project originally included three options that proposed two bypasses or a widening of Highway 88 in order to adapt to increased traffic flow through the tiny community. Initial staff estimates for the widening project estimate it will cost $2.27 million. Last summer, Congressman Dan Lungren earmarked an additional $356,000 to be used for project planning. Last week, ACTC Planner and Program Manager Neil Peacock reported that agency subcontractors were taking a new traffic count, as requested by the California Department of Transportation. Peacock also reported that Dokken Engineering reviewed Caltrans cost estimates in the “Project Study Report” for the Pine Grove Corridor Improvement project, and “have determined that entirely new cost estimates need to be provided as further alternative-specific details emerge in order to have accurate, uniform, and comparable cost estimates” with each “alignment alternative” under consideration. The Public scoping meeting will take place Wednesday, April 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the Pine Grove Town Hall. An open-house at 5:30 p.m. will include maps, exhibits, graphics, and one-on-one discussions.” A presentation is set for 6 p.m. in which representatives from Caltrans and ACTC will “discuss previous studies conducted, next steps for the project, and answer questions.” 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 – With the help of a regional nonprofit organization, TSPN TV this week brought back its popular Teen Zone Live program, with the first show airing live at 6 p.m. Monday (March 29th). Lori Halvorson, of Amador Tuolumne-Community Action Agency’s Mentoring Works Program, teamed with Sue Slivick, vice president and cofounder of TSPN TV Incorporated to bring back the all-teen program. Teen Zone Live (also known as TZL) began in the year 2000, and ran for 5 seasons. The new TZL stays with the same popular format, and features high school students in a variety show atmosphere, hosting segments, interviewing students and adult guests, and running the production behind the cameras. Sue Slivick said the teen-hosted and teen-produced TZL helps young adults gain confidence while learning television production, having fun and working in a positive team environment. They can “share what’s important to them and create something good,” while getting hands-on experience in the real world. Lori Halvorson said positions on TZL are open to both High School and Junior High students. The junior high students will be mentored by the high school students as a part of Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency’s Mentoring Works program. The first adult guest of the new TZL was Amador County District Attorney Todd Riebe, who talked with Willie Britton and Malory Hayes about gang activity in the county. Other segments included introductions by Seth Hoyt and Rebekah London, who later interviewed 3 students about a tolerance seminar, “Breaking Down the Walls,” which was held at both Argonaut and Amador High Schools. There were also segments on cooking, “Athlete of the Week,” and “Improv & Drama.” The major sponsor of Teen Zone Live is the Jackson Rancheria, and TZL invites interested students from other county high schools and junior high schools to participate. Roundtable Pizza is also a sponsor, supplying the cast and crew with pizzas for Monday’s successful first live program, and rehearsals the weeks before. Slivick said TZL seeks other sponsors too. The 1-hour Teen Zone Live airs live at 6 p.m. Mondays, and repeats in that time slot Wednesdays and Fridays. TZL replays 16 times through the week, including at 5 a.m. Monday through Friday; then 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday through Sunday; and again at 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. TZL airs on Comcast channel 7, Volcano channel 5, and streaming online at www.tspntv.com. For sponsorship opportunities, advertising and information about joining the Teen Zone Live cast and crew, contact Sue Slivick at (209) 223-4877 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Wednesday, 31 March 2010 01:26
BLM seeks nominations for Central California Resource Advisory Council
Written by Tom
Amador County – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public nominations for 5 open positions on its Central California Resource Advisory Council, which advises the BLM on public land issues. BLM announced the openings Tuesday, saying positions open are in 3 different categories. Category 1 (with 3 open positions) includes public land ranchers and representatives of organizations associated with energy and mineral development, the timber industry, transportation or rights-of-way, off-highway vehicle use, and commercial recreation. Category 2 (with 1 open position) includes representatives of nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations, archaeological and historical organizations, dispersed recreation activities, and wild horse and burro organizations. Category 3 (with one open position) includes representatives of state, county, or local elected office; representatives and employees of a state agency responsible for the management of natural resources; representatives of Indian tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the RAC is organized; representatives and employees of academic institutions who are involved in natural sciences; and the public-at-large. BLM Central California Public Affairs officer David Christy said BLM “Resource Advisory Councils are composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues.” The councils assist bureau stewardship of 253 million acres of public lands. The bureau manages more land than any other federal agency, Christy said. It has 24 advisory councils across the western states, where most BLM-managed land is located. He said: “The diverse membership of each RAC is aimed at achieving a balanced outlook that the BLM needs for its mission, which is to manage the public lands for multiple uses.” The Central California RAC advises BLM on issues in the Mother Lode, Hollister, Bakersfield and Bishop field offices. Secretary Ken Salazar said he values the “advice given to the BLM by these ‘citizen-based Resource Advisory Committees.’” BLM Director Bob Abbey said he knows the Interior Department shares his view of their importance, and the “people who live, work, and recreate near or on BLM-managed lands deserve a formal voice on public land issues.” Abbey said their input will enhance BLM’s “ability to manage the public lands for multiple uses while conserving resources.” Individuals may nominate themselves or others to an advisory council. Nominees must be residents of the state, and will be judged on the basis of their training, education, and knowledge of the council’s geographical area. Nominations must be made no later than May 10th. For information call (916) 941-3146 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Nomination forms are available on the BLM’s website. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Wednesday, 31 March 2010 01:30
AWA’s Gravity Supply Line Ignites Fire Flow Discussion
Written by Tom
Amador County – The Upcountry Gravity Supply Line drew criticism and support last week, with foes saying it would not help fight wildfires, while supporters stressed that it would still help protect homes. Supervisor Ted Novelli said Upcountry needs water to fight fires, and if the GSL was approved, the next step for Upcountry should be to get a big, central storage tank, at 1 million or 2 million gallons. He also pledged to help AWA staff try to find money for the project. AWA Director Don Cooper (District 3) said he thought AWA “got the message,” and put fire flow studies and improvements on its capital improvement project list. AWA board President Bill Condrashoff said the GSL “will not increase fire flow,” and the Central Amador Water Project system “will have twice as many homes depending on the same amount of water.” Condrashoff and Vice President Debbie Dunn voted against the GSL. Former firefighter Earl Curtis said “more water is part of the ultimate solution” for firefighting. He said it was also would earn more AB 32 “carbon credits in the long run, and as a “green project” it would encourage energy reduction. Curtis said it was “an unreasonable thing to say that more water in the Buckhorn area would increase the number of homes.” Curtis said: “There’s gobs of empty lots in this CAWP area, which have not been built on.” Dunn said a majority of lots rely on water for the ability to subdivide. Curtis said there were “enough lots now to double the population” in CAWP. Interim General Manger Gene Mancebo said new development “will be required by the agency to have storage for new homes, and bigger infrastructure for the system as a whole.” Developer Ciro Toma confirmed that, saying AWA is asking one of his clients to run more than 2,000 feet of 10-inch pipeline for fire flow. Linda Stroh said 3 of the last 10 Upcountry house fires have been in Sierra Highlands, where she is a board member. Stroh recalled that District 4 Director Dunn did not want to use treated water for firefighting. Stroh said: “I don’t care if it’s raw water and I don’t care if it’s sewer water. We need water.” Ray Perry, of the Amador County Business Council, and a CAWP customer at Mace Meadow, said he personally and the council as a group supported the GSL. He said AWA’s “white paper” convinced him that at $13 million, with a $5 million grant, the GSL would be a better deal that a $4 million fix on the pumps, then another $4 million to replace the old pipeline. He said “for the same cost we can get a more reliable system.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Wednesday, 31 March 2010 01:28
Sierra Nevada Conservancy Considers Forest Management Plan
Written by Tom
Amador County – The Sierra Nevada Conservancy, a state agency designed to oversee and improve the well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, announced Tuesday it seeks public comment on a proposal for the sustainable management of forest lands in the Sierra Nevada. “Many of our public forests are dangerously overgrown and in very poor health, increasing the risk of catastrophic fire, which has an extremely harmful impact on public health, our environment, our water and our economy,” said SNC Executive Officer Jim Branham in a release from the agency. Noting that forest management issues have historically been highly contentious, Branham added, “Our goal is to bring a wide variety of interests together, and focus on what we all agree on to take action on the ground. We recognize it won’t be easy, but the alternative of the status quo is unacceptable.” The release said the proposal, known as the Sustainable Sierra Nevada Initiative, has two main objectives. These are to create “ecologically healthy forests and watersheds, thereby protecting and enhancing habitat and water quality while reducing the risk of catastrophic fire;” and “creating sustainable local economic activity in the Region through increasing the sustainable production of renewable biomass energy and a variety of wood products.” The release said the Initiative states that “sustainable forest management will result in a reliable supply of biomass that can be converted to renewable energy, as well as a variety of wood products, creating an opportunity for locally based sustainable economic activity.” It also identifies “key benefits” resulting from habitat protection, fire reduction, forest restoration and carbon sequestration. The agency’s governing board will consider whether to adopt the resolution at its board meeting on June 4th. Branham stressed that public comment is “critical to ensure that the effort encompasses a wide range of interests throughout the Sierra Nevada.” The Sustainable Sierra Nevada Initiative can be viewed online at www.sierranevada.ca.gov and is open for comment until May 1, 2010. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Wednesday, 31 March 2010 01:32
Ione Police, Sheriff Find Ione Burglary Victims After Car Stop
Written by Tom
Amador County – An Amador County Sheriff’s deputy have arrested an Ione man, and with the help of the Ione Police Department, the investigation was able to find a link between the man and at least 2 burglaries in the city. Ione Police Department announced the ongoing investigation in a release Tuesday. IPD Sergeant Rocky Harpham said the investigation began last Wednesday, when an Amador County Sheriff Office deputy made a traffic stop of an Ione resident, who reportedly has “been involved in criminal activity within the county.” Harpham said a “search of the suspect’s vehicle produced jewelry, coins, and other precious metals.” The deputy’s “knowledge of recent burglaries in the Ione area facilitated further investigation,” and Ione Police Department responded to a request from the deputy to assist in the investigation. Harpham said the “Ione officer contacted one of the victims from a burglary that occurred within the city limits,” and the “victim positively identified some of the property as items stolen in the residential burglary.” Ione Police said a suspect, Michael Leonard Bloom, 46, of Ione, was arrested at the scene for possession of stolen property and booked into the Amador County Jail. Bloom was arrested at Highways 104 and 88, and charged with a felony count of receiving known stolen property valued at more than $400. His bail was set at $10,000. Harpham said IPD has since worked with Amador sheriff’s detectives and the Amador County Combined Narcotics Enforcement Team to develop further information and leads. By Tuesday, 1 other Ione burglary victim was able to identify stolen property from the items seized by the sheriff’s deputy during last week’s traffic stop. Ione police have “conducted probation searches and executed search warrants in furtherance of the on-going investigation.” Additional property, paraphernalia, and suspected controlled substances have been seized as results of those efforts. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information about thefts or stolen property is urged to contact IPD at 209-274-2456. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Wednesday, 31 March 2010 01:24
7th Annual Elementary Spelling Bear Winners Head to Championship
Written by Tom
Amador County - Amador County Public Schools held their 7th Annual Elementary Spelling Bear on March 1, 2010 at the City of Jackson Civic Center. Twenty-four 4th, 5th and 6th Grade School Site Champions from Ione Elementary, Ione Junior High School, Jackson Elementary, Jackson Junior High School, Pine Grove Elementary, Pioneer Elementary, Plymouth Elementary, Sutter Creek Elementary and North Star Independent Study participated in the event. The first place winner was Mikayla Haefele, 6th grader from Jackson Elementary School, and the second place winner was Kyla Webb, 4th grader from Ione Elementary School. Mikayla and Kyla will attend the California State Elementary Spelling Bee Championship on May 15th at Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park. The school district expressed congratulations to the Elementary Spelling Bear Champions and all School Site Champions. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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