With mortgage foreclosures soaring, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced Wednesday that he will sign two bills to increase homeowner protections -- but neither will solve the current crisis. According to the Sacramento Bee, Schwarzenegger characterized the two measures as steps toward increasing "transparency and accountability in the lending market that will help homeowners preserve their American dream." But Senate Bills 223 and 385 target policies and procedures for future borrowing, not the subprime loans currently held by many Californians struggling to survive rising costs.

Interested in becoming a chain installer on California State Highways in the Sierra Nevadas? Permits are available for State Highways 4, 88, 89, 108 and 207 in Calaveras, Alpine, Amador and Tuolumne Counties. All new applicants are required to attend an orientation class. The orientation will be held on Tuesday, October 30 at 9:00 a.m. in the Caltrans Maintenance Office in Angels Camp. 

Did you know that you can recycle used oil filters at ATI Parts for free?  There is a Free Filter Exchange scheduled for MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at ATI PARTS, located at Hwy 49 & Ridge Road, Sutter Creek. Bring your used oil filters to ATI Parts and receive a free oil & filter recycling container and $6 off your purchase of a new oil filter.  This offer is limited to the first 50 people. You can recycle your used oil & oil filters at ATI Parts FREE everyday, but the FREE container and filter offer is only valid for Monday, October 15th. 

Wednesday morning, students from Sutter Creek Elementary and Primary Schools in Sutter Creek walked to school along with parents, teachers and community leaders. They joined schools around the world celebrating International Walk to School Day. Sutter Creek City Council members and Mayor, the Chief of Police/City Manager, School District officials and School Board members, and the County Health Officer were among the dignitaries joining the Walk to School Day to celebrate the completion of the Safe Routes to School project along Sutter-Ione Road and Spanish Streets.

Amador County residents can now apply for cheaper car insurance under the state’s Low Cost Automobile Insurance program, now expanded to include 20 additional counties, including Amador. According to the California Department of Insurance, the CLCA program provides eligible low-income, good drivers with state-required liability coverage for under $400 a year. Program policies are issued by California licensed insurers and the program is administered by the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan. This means the program is not subsidized by taxpayers; it is self-sustaining. Rates are set in each county so that premiums are sufficient to cover losses and expenses in that county.

Fire restrictions were lifted in the Eldorado National Forest Tuesday, October 2.  Visitors can once again use wood and charcoal fires as well as stoves and lanterns outside of developed campgrounds as long as they possess a valid California Campfire Permit and follow the permit regulations. Despite cooler temperatures and recent storms, fuel conditions in most of the forest are still dry,” said Bob Patton, fire management officer. “Visitors should make sure they scrape down to mineral soil for at least five feet in all directions around the campfire ring to remove burnable materials. They also need to remember to extinguish their campfire with water and possess a shovel. If the wind is blowing don't build a campfire."  

The Great Sutter Creek Chili Cook-Off and Car Show held last Saturday on Main St in Sutter Creek was a resounding success, according to Lisa Klowsowski, the event chair and Sutter Creek Business and Professional Association president. This first annual event attracted hundreds of chili lovers and car buffs on a beautiful Fall Amador County afternoon. Klowsowski said that the car show was somewhat of an impromptu event, but event organizers were thrilled by the beautiful classic cars that lined Main Street.

Learn to help those you are serving by learning about services throughout Amador County. A coalition of Amador County public resource agencies is holding a Resource Fair for Service Providers, Thursday, October 4th from 3:30—6:00 pm at the Argonaut High School Multi-Purpose Room in Jackson.

Don’t forget A Mother Lode Community blood drive will be held today -- Thursday, October 4 from 11 a.m. –  6 p.m. at the Jackson Civic Center, 33 Broadway, Jackson. To give blood, you must be in generally good health, free from cold symptoms for at least 48 hours; be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent); and weigh at least 110 pounds.  There is no upper age limit for donating blood. Prospective donors must bring a photo ID. All walk-ins are welcome.  Sutter Amador Hospital is sponsoring the blood drive.

Important Road Closure Notice if you’re in Drytown: Church Street in Drytown will be closed from 8 am to 3 pm, today, Thursday Oct 4, from New Chicago Road to Hwy 49. Crews will be replacing a culvert across Church St. School Bus traffic will not be affected as buses will pass through before crews start in the morning and will be able to pass at the end of the day.