Amador County - Lake Amador Manager Bruce Lockhart is among four concessionaires who will stock their lakes with trout, despite threats of a lawsuit from environmental groups. Three concessionaires serving San Pablo and Lafayette Reservoirs in the east bay and Collins Lake in the foothills east of the Sacramento Valley will also continue to stock. All this comes in the wake of a lawsuit from the Center for Biological Diversity that forced the Department of Fish and Game to suspend trout stocking at 175 locations until a comprehensive study on its stocking program is completed in 2010. The action is intended to protect over 25 rare native fish and frog species. Local popular trout fisheries impacted by the settlement include the Truckee River and the Kern River. Lake Kaweah and Lake Isabella will still be stocked. Fish and Game officials quietly came to an agreement last week after hours of backroom talks with environmental group representatives. Fish and Game officials said that while necessary and overdue, the ban could be unwarranted in certain waters. Communities dependent on fishermen for their business voiced objections as soon as the decision was made public. Story by Alex Lane (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Members of the Amador County Regional Planning Committee met earlier this month and received updates from some of its membership. Ione City Manager Kim Kerr told of progress in Ione, including the opening of Clark’s Corner, owned by Ione Mayor and committee member, Andrea Bonham. Kerr said the city was also applying for 4 Community Development Block Grants, to look at police station work, revamping Evalynn Bishop Hall, and attracting commercial, retail and industrial newcomers to Ione. Kerr said one approach was “data mining,” which uses company credit card information for purchases in specific zip codes to attract businesses to areas. Instead of focusing on getting customers, the study brings particular businesses to areas based on real needs and buying trends. She said the company produces a list of industries, then produces data to help recruit them. She said they take the radius of the client and figure the businesses. Kerr said the research could be something done in conjunction with the other cities and the county in Amador, to share costs and benefits. Jackson Councilwoman Connie Gonsalves, a committee member, said Jackson had formed an Economic Development Committee, with subcommittees, and was formed in partnership with Shannon Lowery and the Amador Community Foundation. Gonsalves said the work led to the formation of the Jackson Revitalization Committee, which recently added a 12th member, District 1 Supervisor Elect John Plasse, who will allow the JRC to have direct contact with the county. She said the aim was to promote Main Street, which is done with a newsletter to merchants, that keeps them informed and gives positive messages. Sean Rabe, Assistant City Manager of Sutter Creek talked about economic development there, where Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort was in the middle of testing its EIR against the Sutter Creek General Plan. Rabe said the Allen Ranch Road area was going to be a Highway 49 Bypass access road, and it was the area preferred for a possible community college. Story By Jim Reece.

By Alex Lane -

The Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance to amend salaries and benefits for some elected officials at their meeting on Tuesday. In a proposal presented to the Board by County Administrative Officer Terri Daly, she outlined the stipulations of a salary amendment to Section 1, Chapter 2.68 of the Amador County Code. “I think that even in hard times it’s fair for the elected to get the same increase,” said Daly. The Board agreed, approving the ordinance unanimously. In an exclusive TSPN interview the day before, Supervisor Richard Forster explained the Board’s reasoning behind an increase during such tough economic times. “We’ve seen an increase…but not many (county employees) are going to see that increase because we’re all taking furlough days to ease the budget situation within the county,” he said. Forster added that this will effectively be the same increase as other employees in the county receive. This year saw an approximate 4.5 to 4.6 percent increase in pay for county employees with newly negotiated contracts. The ordinance presented Tuesday amended the wages of six county officials. The Sheriff, Treasurer-Tax Collector, Auditor, Clerk-Recorder, Assessor, and District Attorney will see amendments of 7000 to approximately 10,000 dollars to their usual pay.

By Holly Boitano -

The Gold Rush Ranch and Golf Resort’s environmental review process has encountered an obstruction which will push back the City’s goal of project approval by the end of the year. California state law says that in order for a project to be approved, it must be consistent with a city’s general plan – the document which serves as the proto-blueprint for city development. According to the Sutter Creek Planning Commission, Gold Rush’s Draft Environmental Impact Report contains numerous disparities with the Sutter Creek plan. This issue was first articulated by Planning Commission Chairman Robin Peters at the September 18th meeting, where Peters called for a formal evaluation of how the DEIR’s content coheres with the General Plan tenets. Peters also expressed concern that the project DEIR substitutes General Plan amendments for impact mitigation in several circumstances. At Monday’s meeting, the commission spent nearly three-and-a-half hours examining the first 17 pages of the 70-page Consistency Evaluation, prepared by the City’s planning consultant Hauge Brueck and Associates. Controversy reared its head with only the second posture of the Land Use Element, Goal 2.2, which states “topographically sensitive features shall be protected by requiring the use of creative land development designs that transfer density and construction to less sensitive areas.” Planning Commissioners were not convinced that the project’s overall grading, which will require 3 million yards of dirt to be moved, is consistent with that goal. “I am of the mind that the developer needs to take a harder look at this goal, and apply it to the grading approach,” Peters said. Commissioners also took issue with the following Policy 2.1, which states, “Growth management is necessary in order to preserve Sutter Creek’s existing quality of life.” Commissioner Mike Kirkley said “Historically, this community has grown at a rate of about 2 percent per year. This project will take us into the 6 percent category, which will make us one of the fastest growing communities in Northern California. I don’t think we can assume the demand for housing.” The Planning Commission will continue this discussion at its next meeting, 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 1st.

By Jennifer Wilson -

We’ve all heard the rumor: “Amador County is going to run out of water by 2030.” According the Amador Water Agency staff, it’s more than just a rumor and the agency is taking it seriously. In an effort to address these shortfalls now, the AWA has been looking at how they can maximize recycled water. At its September 11th meeting, the AWA Board of Directors listened to a presentation by the agency’s Manager of Engineering and Planning, Gene Mancebo, who posed the question, “How can we maximize water reclamation?” Over the last several months, the agency has been researching that question. The end result is a Proposed Regional Reclaimed Water Distribution System that will call for the agency to partner with local cities in a joint water reclamation effort.

During his presentation, Mancebo said “there is not enough water today (to support future growth),” and noted upcoming projects like Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort. Currently, many areas of the county use treated, or drinking water for landscaping and agricultural uses. Mancebo noted that most of the county’s schools are using solely treated water to irrigate their ball fields. Additionally, agency staff pointed out that individual cities have, or are planning to build, individual wastewater treatment plants. AWA General Manager Jim Abercrombie cited the fact that, including a proposed wastewater treatment plant in Martell, there may end up being three water treatment plants within a 4-mile stretch, which he feels doesn’t make sense. The agency’s proposed plan focuses on maximizing the use of reclaimed, or recycled wastewater for landscaping, agricultural and industrial uses. They would do so by altering the county’s current water system in various areas, and proposing that the cities work together, instead of on separate projects. Board member Paul Scott said he liked “what you guys are bringing back to us. Building new treatment plants is costly…it is just overburdening to the ratepayers.” Board Chairman John Swift commended Mancebo and his staff and said he applauded the effort. The rest of the board was in general agreement, and unanimously directed staff to continue research and meet with individual cities on the proposed reclamation project.

A resident of Pine Grove awoke to a commotion early Sunday morning to find a 400-pound black bear on her back porch. Carrie Harmon, who lives near Gayla Drive, says the bear was “sitting on its hind legs, with its forearms wrapped around her trash can” and was devouring her leftovers. Harmon attempted to scare the animal away by screaming and making noise, but the bear was unfazed. Later that same day, the bear was spotted in Gayla Manor, near the development’s private park, where neighborhood children were picking blackberries. Another local resident, Helen Foraker, who was at the park around that same time, was distressed to learn of the bear sighting. “I was just there with my kids! I’m not going to let them go by themselves for a while.”

Other residents also reported that their trash was knocked over and strewn about. Josh Bush, a Wildlife Biologist with the State Department of Fish and Game, says that in these situations, the department will first evaluate whether the bear is scared of people, and determine if there are attractants in the area, such as trash and pet food. If all trash is put away at night, or kept in a bear-proof trash container, and no other attractants are present, the department can issue a depredation permit, which allows for a trapper to catch and kill the animal.

Of course, this option is used as a last resort. Fish and Game prefers that residents follow some simple rules to reduce the nuisance of bears, such as putting your trash inside at night, and only putting out your cans the morning of trash pickup. Also, bring in pet food and other items with a scent. You can also install outdoor automatic lights, which may help to keep those pesky bears at bay. And, strangely enough, bears can also be attracted to your BBQ, so cleaning the grill will not only keep the bears away, but will also save you the job the next time you break out the steaks. Bush recommends using ammonia or bleach to clean outside, and says “basically, reduce all scents.” Fish and Game promotes its program, “Keep Me Wild,” which provides information and instructions on coexisting with wild animals. You can find more information on the department’s website at www.dfg.ca.gov\keepmewild. And of course, if you encounter a bear, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to appear as large as possible.

Amador County – The Fiddletown Preservation Society made a request before the Board of Supervisors Tuesday for a loan of $100,000 to assist in paying outstanding bills associated with the restoration of historic buildings in Fiddletown. The restorations referred to are for the Chinese Gambling Hall and Chinese General Store, both over 150 years old. The buildings came very close to imploding as the walls bulged and the cracks widened and were only months away from becoming ruins when the restoration crew completed restorations last December. Repairs have been going on over the course of seven years as funding comes in. Society member Carl McDanel recapped the long history the Society has had with the county, both in applying for grants and as caretakers for the historic Chinese buildings. He said the Society is facing a “Catch-22.” The California Cultural and Historical Endowment and Prop 12 require a holdback amount of their grants until all invoices are paid, but the Society can’t pay off the invoices until the grant funding is released. In addition, the Prop 12 resolution to release the funds expires on June 30th of 2009. “Your support so far…has made it all possible, but we need more help,” said McDanel. The Supervisors sympathized with McDanel as he outlined the complex requirements of obtaining funding through the state. “It seems like they hold all the strings and pull them the way they want to,” said Supervisor Louis Boitano. Supervisor Brian Oneto asked County Counsel whether the county would become liable for not helping the Society with its debts. “If we don’t help them, it becomes our problem.,” he said, adding: “We’ll be happy to do what it takes to help the Society.” The Supervisors approved 4-0 a motion for County Counsel to draft an agreement for a bridge loan to the Society in the amount of $100,000. Supervisor Richard Forster was absent from the meeting. McDanel said the money will be paid back “the day we get our checks.” Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – The Amador County Recreation Agency this week announced that it has won a grant of $2,500 dollars that will be used to hold a free flag football tournament at Howard Park in Ione. CRA Recreation Specialist Matt Nestor said the grant is from the National Recreation and Parks Association for a flag football program, and it will help ACRA bring a Youth Flag Football Tournament to Howard Park on Memorial Day weekend, May 23rd and 24th, starting at 10 a.m. each day. Nestor said the double-elimination tournament was made possible by the grant from NRPA and USA Football. ACRA’s application was one of more than 450 agencies from parks and recreation departments, schools and independent youth associations seeking a NRPA/USA Football Youth Football Grant. Each applicant submitted details on “the state of youth football in their community” in order to qualify for funding through this competitive process. Both tackle and flag football programs were considered for support across the country. Of the 450 applicants, 126 received funding totaling $300,000, the NRPA said, “to enhance programs and create stability for the future of youth football at the grassroots level.” ACRA Executive Director Tracey Towner-Yep said the $2,500 dollar award “will allow us to offer local youths age 8 to 16 a chance to participate in a team sport opportunity free of charge.” She said ACRA is “looking forward to a weekend of fun, teambuilding, and good competition. This can only serve to have a positive effect on the youths of our community.” USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said “millions of American youngsters, like those in Amador County, weave flag football into the fabric of our cities and towns. The game brings us together and instills team-first values for the kids who love to play it. USA Football and NPRA grant “financial help for equipment, uniforms and other needs to keep America’s favorite sport and its character-building qualities thriving.” For more information about the youth flag football tournament, visit ACRA’s new Web site, www.goacra.org, or call (209) 223-6349. E-mail Nestor at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Staff Report This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – A $185,000-dollar slice of the federal pie prompted the Amador County Transportation Commission to draft a “modest thank-you letter” to Congressman Dan Lungren, who added the earmark to a recent federal spending bill. The ACTC board considered the letter, which Executive Director Charles Field said should also be directing thanks to the work of the Amador County Board of Supervisors and its staff. Field said actually getting the funds is still difficult, but project coordinator Neil Peacock and ACTC are already “beginning to work with stakeholders in Pine Grove.” Peacock has attended meeting of the Upcountry Community Council and the Pine Grove Community Council. The supplemental appropriation will ensure that the study work and public meetings will go through, Field said earlier this week. At Wednesday’s meeting, he told the ACTC board that “we are just waiting for the final red tape to get cleared.” Peacock also requested a late addition of the agenda: a resolution of support for a grant application that is due to be sent April 1st. The “Community-based Transportation Planning Grant Application” is being applied for by ACTC on behalf of the cities of Jackson and Ione, for work on Highways 49, 88, 104 and 124. Peacock said ACTC’s “Overal Work Program” list “anticipates submitting a grant request for $300,000, with a required local match of $75,000.” Peacock said the “project will use land use and traffic demand forecasts to analyze transportation improvements required to maintain acceptable levels of service based on the cities’ existing guidelines. Then, a prioritized funding strategy will be created to implement the identified improvements over a long-range planning horizon.” He said the “final product is expected to be a dynamic implementation program that can be used by the cities to plan, prioritize and fund transportation improvement projects that support the cities’ visions as outlined in their General Plans.” He said a ACTC has a “goal of fostering a consistent, county-wide approach” and “has previously undertaken a similar effort in Martell and is currently beginning a similar project in Plymouth.” The ACTC board approved the resolution unanimously. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – Several hours into its first board meeting, the new faces of the Amador Water Agency Board of Directors picked its oldest face to remain president, Thursday morning at the agency office. The board kept District 5’s Terence Moore as president and selected a newly elected member, District 1 Board Member Bill Condrashoff as Vice President. Both were selected on 5-0 votes. Debbie Dunn (District 4) in discussion said she thought all 4 new members would make capable presidents. District 3’s Don Cooper nominated Moore as president, Condrashoff as vice president and then suggested the new rotation put Dunn third in line to be president in three years, followed by District 2’s Gary Thomas and then Cooper himself. Thomas seconded the nomination then suggested just the two nominees be voted on, with the rotation order to be addressed later. Dunn said that they were looking at five people that have never worked together before, and after a year, she did not want to make the next appointment automatic for someone who might not work well with the others. Condrashoff asked if the president had power over other board members, and asked if placing items on the agenda was such a power. General Manager Jim Abercrombie said the board can set agenda items only by vote. AWA attorney Steve Kronick said that under the Brown Act, the president had the power to call a special meeting, something the board cannot change. Regarding policy, the board can determine public speaking time limits (currently 5 minutes) or other policy. Kronick suggested the board look through board policy and come forward with suggestions. Condrashoff said he “would like to be vice president” and he would “like to be president in a year,” but he wanted to learn the job and did not think he would have the “band width to be able to lead” until after a year on the board. Moore said he would like to have the new members lead the discussion and sound off on issues – something not as easily done from the president’s chair, because the president runs the meeting and comments only at the end of the discussion. The board next meets January 8th. Story by Jim Reece (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).