Friday afternoon a fatal collision occurred on Hwy 16 near Old Sacramento Rd.  The car was apparently traveling east bound on Hwy 16 when for an unknown reason the driver left the roadway rolling over multiple times. The car then caught fire and started a wildland fire that was contained quickly due to the efforts of a local rancher and his water truck. Fire Crews from the Amador Fire Protection District Battalion 20 and CalFire arrived on scene to complete the containment and mop up the scene. The name of the victim has not yet been released by the California Highway Patrol.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Amador/El Dorado Unit would like to remind you the sale or discharge of all fireworks including Safe and Sane are prohibited in all portions of El Dorado County and in most areas of Amador County. In Amador County the incorporated areas of Jackson, Sutter Creek, and Ione allow Safe and Sane fireworks in controlled conditions away from any flammable vegetation. Safe and Sane fire works must have the State Fire Marshal’s Seal of Registration on each device. Party Poppers and Snap Caps with the State Fire Marshal’s Seal of Registration are the only two items legal for use in Amador and El Dorado Counties. Temperatures are rising, the abundant grass crop is drying out, the summer weather pattern has began, and the chance of a wildland fire starting from legal or illegal fireworks is extreme. If you are in the above mentioned incorporated areas of Amador County and plan to discharge Safe and Sane fireworks make sure you have a shovel and a bucket of water or garden hose available. You can be held liable for the cost of fighting any fires that you or your children start in the state.    Please be careful, be responsible and enjoy your Independence Day!

Last Thursday the AWA Board of Directors adopted the proposed Amador Water System Financial plan and proposed water rate increases. The Directors and Agency staff were asked hard hitting questions on Thursday after a presentation by the producer of the financial plan and cost analysis Bob Reed. The main concern among residents appeared to be that existing rate payers are paying for new development. General Manger Jim Abercrombie explained, “The Board has been very aggressive in continually analyzing what new development’s cost should be to minimize any impact on the existing rate payers.”

Amador County saw its fair share of big rig problems yesterday. Around 9:30 am this double hauler moved too close to the edge of Climax Rd approaching Highway 88 and its rear trailer, literally, fell off of the roadway. Yesterday afternoon a hay hauler also lost its rear trailer causing about a 35 minute closure of one lane of Hwy 88. The mess was cleaned up and the truck, with an expired registration out of Nevada, was impounded. A drama of another sort also played itself out on Hwy 88 yesterday when law enforcement received calls about a vehicle passing in an unsafe manner near Cook’s Station, with the driver flashing a badge and a gun at other drivers.

The Amador County Grand Jury report was presented this week to the Board of Supervisors. This year’s grand Jury investigated everything from the Overcrowding of Mule Creek State Prison and its impact on the local environment to school district maintenance to a specific Ione Police Department case. On the matter of Mule Creek State Prison the grand jury was concerned over overcrowding at the facility that was originally built for 1700 inmates, but currently is holding approximately 4000. The Grand Jury found that Mule Creek is at 230 percent of capacity and is using gymnasiums with 3 tier bunks as housing, which is creating an unsafe situation for inmates and correctional officers. The Grand Jury recommends that the prison population be reduced to 1700 inmates.

The Amador County Transportation Commission conducted a special workshop this week with the Amador County Planning Commission. The workshop was held to analyze traffic issues associated with the proposed Wicklow Way Subdivision. The subdivision is located between the Argonaut High School campus and Wal-Mart and is located in the unincorporated area of the county. ACTC Executive Director Charles Field stated in a memo to the Commission, said, “ACTC staff is concerned that the mitigation measures proposed by the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed Wicklow subdivision are not adequate to address the traffic impacts that will be generated.”

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Commissioner Mike Brown has issued a challenge to the state’s motorists this Independence Day holiday; one entire day with no traffic fatalities throughout the state. Since 1968, when record keeping began, there have been only three days when death took a holiday from California roadways.  The most recent fatal free day was September 12, 2000.  The other two were May 1, 1991 and March 11, 1968.

The CHP has released the report on the accident that occurred on Tuesday morning involving an impaired driver. According to Officer Frank Peixoto’s report Michael Craig 49 and of Happy Valley was traveling eastbound on Hwy. 88 approaching the intersection of Lower Ridge Road. While, George Ruiz, 44 and of Fontana was traveling westbound on Hwy. 88, stopped at the intersection of Lower Ridge Road for a red traffic light.

The 2006-2007 Grand Jury report was made officially available to the public yesterday. This years Grand Jury consisted of a core group of dedicated citizens who devoted time and effort to their duties for an entire year. Robert Davis, this years Foreman of the Grand Jury addressed the members of the Grand Jury in the report and said, “It is gratifying to see you rise to the challenge and produce and excellent, thoughtful document…The Court and all Amador County citizens appreciate the insight and expertise shown in your report. Your participating and willingness to serve in our justice system strengthens it and makes it better.” 

Approximately $616,800 in grants was awarded to Amador County agencies from the Amador County Local Indian Gaming Benefit Committee to enhance fire and safety in Amador County. The funds come from the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund established by the State of California and based on an assessment of tribal gaming machines that were in place prior to 1999 at Jackson Rancheria.  Grant recipients include Amador County, the City of Sutter Creek and the City of Jackson.  “The Jackson Rancheria has is committed to being a responsible community partner and is proud to announce these grants,” said Margaret Dalton, Jackson Rancheria Tribal Chair. “The Tribe worked closely with representatives of Amador County, City of Sutter Creek and the City of Jackson to allocate funds we think will help the community with essential safety services.”