The City of Jackson is looking into allowing local businesses to erect temporary signs. Currently, a city ordinance exists for permanent business signs and temporary “for sale” signs, but does not address temporary signage that is specifically for advertising. The issue came to the Planning Commission’s attention by way of City code enforcement officials. When asked to take down temporary banners, many local business owners complained and some were “flat out not removing them,” says City Planner Susan Peters. Due to number of complaints, city staff brought the issue to the Planning Commission, which heard the matter at their meeting Monday night. Many local business owners were in attendance to support the cause.

Staff provided the commission with a list of questions regarding amending the current sign ordinance. First, should temporary signs be allowed? If so, what size should they be, and what duration would be allowed? Also, should a permit fee apply as it does for permanent signs? And finally, what type of penalty should be imposed for violating the ordinance? Peters suggested that the Design Committee come up with a proposal, as they are already working on design aspects as part of the Economic Development Committee, a group charged with the revitalization of Jackson. Kam Merzlak of Merzlak Signs, who is on the Design Committee along with Shelly Scott, Cathy Yocheim, and Planning Commissioner Dave Butow, is excited about the task and says, “They are making a step in the right direction by having a professional in the (signage) field (help draft the proposal).” The Design Committee will bring a draft proposal to the next Economic Development meeting on August 14th. From there, that committee will bring the proposal to the Planning Commission at their August 18th meeting. Once the amendment language has been agreed upon, the Jackson City Council will need to vote on the amendment.

A new Mission Statement for Amador County and a set of three-year goals are the results of Tuesday morning’s Strategic Planning Workshop, which included 21 of the County’s top administrators and department heads. AmadorCounty’s new mission statement sought to answer the question, “Why does Amador County government exist, and for whom?“ The statement formulated at the workshop is as follows: “The County of Amador provides essential services that are responsive to the needs of the community and create a safe and secure environment.” In addition, the group came up with a four goals, which they will attempt to accomplish within three years. The goals are: Improve communication and cooperation internally and externally, Improve quality of services, Maintain and improve financial stability, and Improve organizational effectiveness and efficiency. A follow-up monitoring process, which included a set of roles, tasks and deadlines was also established to ensure the completion of these goals. The structure of the workshop centered on brainstorming and discussion about internal and external issues facing the county today. Local leaders identified hard working, efficient county employees, geographical diversity, public safety, and a relatively stable budget as some of Amador County’s internal strengths. Conversely, the complexity of policies, a lack of general direction in all departments, a lack of evaluation of past practices, and communication challenges were all identified as internal weaknesses. Increasing tourism, the potential passage of a ½ cent sales tax for fire services, the possibility of federal funding, and the new Regional Planning Committee were all cited as possible opportunities for the county, and Indian Casinos, aging employees, the state budget crisis, and water shortages were all perceived as threats. “This workshop was very productive for all participants,” said County Administrative Officer Terry Daly at the end of yesterday’s meeting.

After 19 years of business, Jackson’s popular restaurant Bonanza closed its doors last week. Bonanza was well known for its great steaks, hearty drinks, and raucous company. Owner Larry VanAnda, who is 69 years of age, told TSPN, “after only two vacations in 19 years, I am beat. It is just time to retire.” He also said that there were a couple of parties interested in purchasing the place, and that there is talk of continuing the restaurant and also making Bonanza into a cowboy nightclub venue. “I would like to thank all of my patrons, I had a great time and have lots of fond memories,” VanAnda said.

According to many wine experts, Amador County’s microclimate, or terrior , has proven to be exceptional for the production of high quality wines. The word ‘terrior’ is French for soil, but in wine terms it encompass much more, including microclimate, temperatures, drainage and a host of other factors that effect grape production. According to a recent editorial by wine expert Jeff Farance with News Journal online, Amador County is a prime example of all the elements of terrior working together. He went on to explain that any wine-grape-growing area will designate specific locales, from several-county areas to a particular hillside or even a single vineyard as being sufficiently different types of terrior.

Amador County, as it turns out, is prime territory for growing and producing Zinfandel. Wedged between the Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada mountains, our unique local climate is where Zinfandel grapes thrive. Many local vintners have become famous for their contributions to the worldwide Zinfandel market, including Sutter Home Family Vineyards, Montevina Winery, Story Winery and Renwood. Although relatively small compared to the juggernaut that is Napa Valley, Amador County’s recognition as a competitive force in the worldwide wine industry continues to grow- and our terrior, deserves the most thanks.