News Archive (6192)
Amador County – The 2009 Amador County Fair kicks off Thursday, and the popular Miss Amador Scholarship Competition will be returning. The Miss Amador contest is 7 p.m. opening night, Thursday on the Central House Bandstand. Miss Amador and her court will represent Amador County throughout the year. Not only do the contestants have an opportunity to win an educational scholarship, the competition offers the opportunity to reach and grow as a young person of accomplishment and achievement. Fair officials said: Participating in a pageant is an exciting and rewarding experience for young women who use the process to sharpen their talents, expand their leadership skills, and broaden their community service experience. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County – The Plymouth City Council last week authorized City Manager Dixon Flynn to advertise a “Request For Proposals” for planning and community development services, in an effort to get a new planning contract. Flynn said contractor Development Impact, whose term expired May 31st, had its contract extended on a month-to-month basis until the city could seek proposals for service. Councilman Michael O’Meara asked if there are “performance issues with the current lineup.” Flynn said Development Impact has worked for the city since 2006, and has “done a good job and had a lot to do.” But he said they were “taking a high hand” and seemed to push concepts, rather than serve the council’s wishes. Flynn said: “I think they need to be more sympathetic with to public.” He said “they have a very good understanding of our issues,” but it may be good for the city for “contractors to sharpen their pencils.” Flynn said: “Who knows, maybe you will learn something from a different firm.” O’Meara asked when a new contract would take effect, and said he was “a little concerned about changing horses mid-stream.” Flynn said a new contract might take effect by October or November. He expected Development Impact to submit a proposal for a new contract. Other reasons he prepared the RFP, he said, are that the council is concerned with the cost of planning. Also, there was concern with a “long lead time in preparing a draft general plan; the methods for billing developers for specific planning services; and the current state of the city’s finances.” Flynn said the city has spent approximately $230,000 dollars to prepare a draft general plan and is in the final stages of hearings to adopt it. He said that cost was more that 1/4th of the city’s annual budget. He said “local developers owe the city more than $60,000 dollars for service provided to them,” and “some developers have complained about the cost of service for work on projects.” Flynn said that “may be a legitimate complaint since planning service is charged on a time and material basis, not flat rates.” He said the city can get a better look at costs when it evaluates proposals from other planners. The council voted 3-1 to have Flynn advertise a Request for Proposals, with O’Meara voting no. Flynn said the city council “can give some points for how familiar” firms are with the current city general plan, development in the city and other issues. He assumed “Development Impact will earn some points there.” The due date for proposals will be September 4th. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County – The Jackson Rancheria and Hotel recently donated $2,100 in proceeds from the Divine Affairs Wine Tasting event to the American Legion Post 108. “We’re not usually the recipient of a donation. In fact, we’re usually on the giving side of things,” said Al Lennox, President and Chief Executive of post 108, located in Martell. Lennox said the Rancheria contacted his group and asked if they had any special services they could provide utilizing a donation. “The funds are earmarked for veterans and families in need in our area,” said Lennox, adding: “Basically, “if veterans express that they need help, whether it be a $200 donation or $1000 donation, we’ll be there.” The award was presented to Lennox in late May by Jackson Rancheria Special Events Director Ron Olivero. The 1,400 member Sutter Creek Post supports both local and national veterans as well as being very active in the community. They provide ambulance service to both Amador and Calaveras counties, and support a Scout Troop, two baseball teams, and numerous other youth programs. Olivero and the Jackson Rancheria said they are proud to support American Legion Post 108. 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 – The Jackson Rancheria last week announced it has launched its effort to encourage its visitors to shop in Jackson during their visit to Amador County. The “Shop Jackson” campaign was announced Friday by the Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel and the tribally operated casino is encouraging their 600,000 “Dreamcatchers Club” members to shop locally beginning August 1st, with a coordinated push by almost 70 local businesses offering discounts and special offers to Dreamcatchers Club carholders. The program was created in concert with the Jackson Revitalization Committee. Jackson Rancheria Marketing Department Content Developer Carol Cook last week announced a new web listing for the program. She said in order to participate in the program, businesses must have a city of Jackson business license and be located within the city limits. Dreamcatcher's Club members simply show their card at any participating business to take advantage of the special offers. Participating businesses and their offers are listed on the casino website at JacksonCasino.com. Participating businesses include not only retail stores, restaurants, and real estate firms, but also financial institutions, home improvement services, online services, and other businesses. The offers include a percentage off on retail sales and services, credits off closing costs from real estate firms, buy one get one free offers and entries in drawings. Cook said: “There should be something there to interest almost anyone.” Jackson Rancheria CEO Rich Hoffman said: “Encouraging our players to visit local businesses and attractions has always been important to us, and in these economic times it's even more critical that we all work together to support our business community and promote Amador county." Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel is located at 12222 New York Ranch Road in Jackson. For more information, call 800-822-WINN or visit JacksonCasino.com. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County – The Amador Regional Planning Committee agenda next week includes “future agenda items.” The regional planning committee meets 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 5th at the Sutter Creek civic building on Church Street, and will get a report from Sutter Creek on its wastewater plant and operations. The agenda includes discussion and possible action on all items listed. The only item listed under the agenda was a presentation by the city of Sutter Creek on the Amador Regional Sanitation Authority Master Plan. Three issues were listed under future agenda items. They include: Recirculation of an updated MOU; presentations on General Plan updates and “current and proposed wastewater treatment and recycled water distribution facilities and programs.” They will also see a “draft of a program document supporting the sharing of revenues from major new and relocated commercial developments, and establishing a system to share personnel and material resources between jurisdictions.” Dates for those agenda items were not yet listed. Regional Planning Committee members are Sutter Creek Mayor Pro Tempore Tim Murphy, Jackson Mayor Connie Gonsalves, Amador County Supervisor Chairman Ted Novelli (District 1), Amador Supervisor Brian Oneto (District 5), Ione Councilwoman Andrea Bonham, Plymouth Councilwoman Pat Fordyce, and public member at large Renee Chapman. The meetings are open to the public. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County – The Amador Regional Transit System’s new manager, James A. Means, took over as Transit Manager July 1st, and Amador County received a new leader with extensive experience. ARTS last week said increased service, more attention to each segment of the ridership, and a regional approach are key to Means’ management plans for building ARTS. He said they “have already added another bus and I’m planning for more.” He would “also like to start limited Saturday service,” because “not having Saturday service doesn’t make sense.” He wants to be a strong motivator to get people out of their cars to enjoy the benefits of public transportation. Means’ background includes service in the U.S. Air Force. He holds the rank of captain and served many years in Europe, including two years as a NATO aircraft accident investigative officer. After his service, he stayed in Europe and was CEO of European Import Motors for 8 years, and is fluent in German. Over the years, he has administered operation budgets in excess of $20 million. He supervised 650 military personnel as assistant commander of aircraft maintenance, and managed transportation systems from his immediate past posting in Reno, Nevada, to a public transit system in South Carolina with more than 1,800 vehicles. Means holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration from Chapman University, in Orange, California. He graduated from the Air Force Officer Academy at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. He also has an advanced hazardous waste management certification. Means is also a Federal Emergency Management Administration incident commander. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County – The Amador County Planning Department will host a public scoping session in 2 weeks to take staff reports and public comment on the county’s General Plan Update and 8 of its 9 elements. County Planner Susan Grijalva in a release Wednesday announced a Notice of Preparation and Notice of Public Scoping Meeting August 13th. The public Scoping Meeting will be held at a joint meeting of the Amador County Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission to identify the scope of the Program Environmental Impact Report to be prepared for the adoption and implementation of the County’s General Plan Update. Grijalva said the Draft General Plan will consist of 9 elements, or chapters, that together meet state requirements for a general plan. The elements are: land use, circulation, economic development, conservation, open space, noise, governance, safety, and housing. The Draft General Plan will also include an introduction chapter and a glossary. Grijalva said “the Housing Element will not be considered in this EIR as it is proceeding on a separate timeline from the balance of the Draft General Plan Update.” Therefore, the “county will complete a separate environmental review process for the Housing Element Update.” The Draft General Plan represents the county’s policy for determining the appropriate physical development and character of Amador county, and establishes an overall future development capacity. Grijalva said the “environmental impact analysis in the Program EIR will be based on the change between existing conditions and those associated with likely development in accordance with the Draft General Plan by 2030, as well as at theoretical build out.” The Scoping Meeting is scheduled for 2 sessions, Thursday, August 13th. The 2 p.m. session begins with comments from public agencies, followed by public comment. “The 6 p.m. session will be a continuation of public comment though any agency may appear at that time as well.” Grijalva said “It is not necessary to attend both sessions.” Written comments may be submitted through the close of the “Notice of Preparation” period, ending 5 p.m. Monday, August 31st. Information pertinent to the meeting can be found at the planning department’s web pages at www.co.amador.ca.us, including Preliminary Goals and Policies, and a Draft Land Use Map. Copies of the Notice of Preparation are also available for viewing at the Amador County Library in Jackson and at the Planning Department office. The meeting will be held in supervisors’ chambers, 810 Court Street, in Jackson. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County – The Amador Regional Transit System announced last week that it has a new manager. James A. Means took over as ARTS manager July 1st. Means has nearly 40 years’ experience in the field, including top administration assignments at some of the largest public and school transportation systems in the country. Means in a news release Friday said he “wants to make ARTS live up to its name.” He said: “In my vision, we will make this system a truly regional transportation source committed to serving all the citizens in the county.” Means comes to Amador County following 2 years as director of the Washoe County School District transportation department, where he was in charge of 400 employees and 700 vehicles, including 400 buses. He said he “decided to take this position because of the area – it’s really a great place to live – and I’m basically a turn-around kind of guy.” He said his: “professional heritage is centered around rebuilding stagnant entities.” His goal is to develop ARTS to be equal to or better than any system in the area – even at large cities. He said he’ll “be happy when ARTS riders use a transit system in any one of the cities in Northern California and say to themselves”: “You know, our Amador County public transportation system is better than this.” Means said providing safe, clean and comfortable local transportation to everyone – including seniors, veterans, students and commuters – is basic. He also wants to
establish a park-and-ride system that will make it more feasible for commuters to ride the bus for work, shopping and pleasure in Sacramento. He said: “When a park-and-ride system is working right, public transportation becomes your primary source of transportation. The average cost reduction is the reason why you should take the bus.” Gasoline and oil costs go down, parking is no longer a problem or a cost, and for commuters, many auto insurance companies will cut rates if yearly car miles are reduced. And then there is the health factor. ARTS is one of the safest public transit systems in the nation and riding the bus reduces the stress of fighting traffic. ARTS riders arrive at their destination refreshed and relaxed. “When you put all that together, it benefits you to take public transportation,”
Means said. His ARTS staff will include Assistant Transit Manager Joyce Jones, Administrative Assistant Patricia Amarant. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Sutter Creek - An upcoming fundraiser at the American Legion Hall will benefit Khylee Monson, a 4-year-old from Pioneer who was recently diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Khylee began to feel sick last fall and was diagnosed in June with pontine glioma, a rare form of brain tumor. Since then, she has undergone intense medical procedures, including six weeks of radiation and chemotherapy. Khylee’s mother, Jackie Harrison, ended her job at Volcano Communications so she can look after Khylee and drive her down to Sacramento for weekly hospital visits. The fundraising committee “For Khylee’s Sake,” created by Jennifer Wilson, is the organizing party behind this latest fundraiser, which includes a raffle and silent auction. Wilson is a close friend of Jackie and has a 4-year-old daughter who is friends with Khylee. “It’s important that people come to this dinner event to support Khylee and her family during this devastating time,” said Wilson. She said Saturday is also an opportunity to raise awareness. During the last 30 years, there has been little to no progress in fighting this and similar types of brain cancer, where other cancers have seen big increases in survival rates. “The goal for Saturday is to raise $15,000,” said Wilson. So far, her committee has raised over $10,000 through various fundraising efforts and private donations. In addition, the entire staff at Volcano Communications has donated portions of their paychecks towards helping Khylee, so far totaling over $16,000. Wilson said the money will cover a variety of expenses, from procedures not covered by insurance to general living expenses now that Jackie is out of work. “In a couple more moths she has to switch over to COBRA insurance, which will cost her at least $1000 out of pocket each month,” said Wilson. “Jackie has been overwhelmed and amazed by the show of support. She told me she is really grateful.” The fundraiser and auction to benefit Khylee Monson at the American Legion Hall in Martell takes place this Saturday, August 22. Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner starts at 6 p.m. There will be tri-tip sandwiches, salad and desserts. Tickets for the dinner cost $15 for adults and $7 for those ages 7 to 12. Children 6 and under are free. Some of the many raffle and silent auction items include a 30-minute helicopter ride over Amador County, $3000 worth of daycare at Pioneer Montessori, photography sessions, overnight stays in Tahoe, a huge vacation home in Santa Cruz for 3 nights, a cord of pine wood, web design services, artwork, jewelry, free babysitting, wine, karate classes, a Black & Decker cordless set of tools, and much more. Tickets for the event are available at Hein & Company Books in Jackson, Well Read Books in Martell, State Farm Insurance in Jackson, Pets n’ Stuff in Ione, Munnerlyn’s Ice Creamery in Pine Grove, and Pine Cone Drug in Pine Grove, as well as online at www.just-one-dollar.com. For more information, call Wilson at 419-3995. by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County – The Jackson City Council on Monday heard a request from homeowners in Rollingwood Estates mobile Home Park to extend or delete the existing rent control ordinance. According to a letter submitted by park residents Shirley Dajnowski and Dennis Hern, “homeowners in Rollingwood were being subjected to exorbitant rent increases and realized if this continued without some form of control we would lose our homes.” For the past decade, the rent control ordinance has been based on the latest Consumer Price Index using the San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose All Urban Consumer index. The City of Jackson would then review the rent adjustment calculations for accuracy and send an approval letter to the park manager. Tenants on leases negotiate their agreements independently. Highlands Mobile Home Park in Jackson falls under the same regulations. One question that arose is whether these rent control laws apply to 60 units added to the park during the past seven years. City Manager Mike Daly said the City of Jackson is bound by the California Mobilehome Residency Law in the California Civil Code that exempts rent control from being applied to any new construction after January 1, 1990. Dajnowski and Hern said “mobile homes have always been considered ‘affordable’ housing. Without rent control, ‘affordable’ is a meaningless word.” They referred to the current park owner as “fair and just”, but “ should he be unable to continue as the park owner either by choice or circumstance, we could wind up paying whatever the new owner would charge, if we do not have rent control protection.” The original ordinance had a “repealer” section extending rent control to July 12, 2010. Rollingwood homeowners presented the city council with a petition to either delete the repealer section or extend the ordinance for an additional ten years. Daly said park owners would have the opportunity to comment should the City Council direct staff to bring forth an ordinance to amend the “repealer” section. The City Council decided upon a public hearing to be held August 24th at 7 pm to allow residents to comment. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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