The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the findings of a grand jury report that criticized hiring and management within the Building and Planning Departments. The majority of the report centered on the controversy surrounding Stephanie Moreno, a former Amador County Supervisor hired in 2006 to oversee the two Departments as head of the newly formed Community Development Agency. Moreno’s actions became the centerpiece of recent Supervisors meetings and raised questions about both the Board’s hiring procedures and her credibility. Supervisors voted to pay Moreno 89,300 dollars after her attorney claimed he could prove sexual discrimination accusations she had made against certain Supervisors. Moreno was criticized in the report for “confrontational behavior”, “lacking the technical skills and sufficient related experience to successfully perform her job”, and mismanaging county funds, among a number of other accusations. In total, the jury made 17 findings that target either Moreno or the Board of Supervisors. By 2007, several employees working under Moreno began to publicly object to her authority, including firing several employees and her lack of experience with anything related to planning or building. Consultants hired by Moreno herself discovered missing records and evidence that officials sometimes signed off on substandard construction. Moreno also reported directly to the board, bypassing the normal chain of command through the county's chief administrative officer. Among the accusations made against the Supervisors were a failure to conduct a background check, and a failure to “clearly define the reporting relationship of the position.” The grand jury that created the report is comprised of citizens appointed by Superior Court Judge John Martin to oversee government operations. A majority of the Board members defended their actions and backed Moreno. Supervisor Tom Tyron, who agreed to the support the Grand Jury findings, also filed the original complaint against Moreno and was one of her biggest critics. Story by Alex Lane.

A 450 acre controlled burn in the El Dorado National Forest Thursday morning left a murky haze over Northern Amador County, alarming some residents. According to Kristi Schroeder, Assistant Public Affairs Officer with the El Dorado Forest, the Cat-Anderson Prescribed Burn took place north of Highway 88 on the northern border of Amador County and, weather permitting, will continue throughout the coming week. Forest Service and staff were on scene to ensure the burn stayed under control and within its containment lines. “We have the project fully staffed and the burn is progressing well,” said Schroeder. Plymouth City Treasurer Suzon Hatley was one of many residents affected by smoke blowing southeast from the blaze. “The wind shifted and it became real smoky down here. You could smell it in the houses,” she said. Hatley said she received about a dozen calls from concerned citizens wondering if there was a fire close by. Most of the smoke was caused by a strong southeast ridgetop wind combined with active backing of the fire down slope. The wind pushed the smoke further down into the foothill communities than was expected. Schroeder was quick to dispel rumors amongst Plymouth residents that the burn was 9000 acres. “We would never consider burning that much of an area at one time,” she said, adding: “There’s a whole set of variables that we look at before each burn, including fuel moistures, humidity and temperatures.” Friday’s rains were also considered when planning for the latest round of burns, said Schroeder. Story by Alex Lane.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort last week announced the tentative schedule for its annual backcountry tours and programs. Daniel Pistoresi of Kirkwood Mountain Resort said in an e-mail last week that Kirkwood offers California’s only resort-based backcountry program, which is “designed to expand the boundaries of mountain exploration.” The offerings include a daily guide service, camps, clinics, backcountry programs and “PowderCat” tours. Classes include beacon training, avalanche awareness courses and the snowcat tours. Pistoris said “Kirkwood’s legendary terrain and reliable snowfall provide the perfect training grounds for skiers and snowboarders looking to take their riding to the next level.” He said visitors can stop by Expedition: Kirkwood Headquarters for daily backcountry forecasts and enlist one of Kirkwood’s knowledgeable guides to show the “secret stashes” of the resort. Few lucky individuals will experience the powder reserves of Red Cliffs and Martin Point as part of Expedition: Kirkwood’s Snowcat Tours, as permitted by conditions. Jon Copeland, Director of Expedition: Kirkwood, said “The industry has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people enjoying backcountry skiing and snowboarding over the last decade. Our programs are designed to educate participants while at the same time exposing them to the lesser known powder stashes at Kirkwood.” New for the 2008-09 season, Expedition: Kirkwood will be offering complimentary avalanche beacon demonstrations on select Sundays along with daily guide service available through the Expedition: Kirkwood Headquarters located in the Mountain Village Plaza. Other highlights for the 2008-09 season include the 2nd Annual Telemark Festival to be held March 13th and 14th and the return of the Women’s Specific Three Day Camp scheduled for March 6th though the 8th. For more information on all of Expedition: Kirkwood products, see www.kirkwood.com or call (209) 258-7360. Story by Jim Reece.

By Jim Reece -

In a meeting Tuesday, the Amador Water Agency and the city of Jackson agreed that the city should be involved with revisions in the water Participation Fee updates and also how and when to add additional Water Treatment Plant Capacity. The AWA board talked about the history of its rate relationship with the city of Jackson and the AWA board determined to keep the lines of communication open with the city. AWA General Manager Jim Abercrombie rehashed a history of some misconceptions about the agency and Jackson’s water rates, to dispel rumors. Jackson’s lead negotiator, Bill Condrashoff, on Tuesday also agreed to support the Jackson rate increase and agreed that the “cost to serve” study was accurate. Abercrombie said he was able to make headway in talks, saying, “when you remove some of the conflicts, you are dealing with facts.” Abercrombie dispelled one item of misinformation, saying that Jackson residents are not paying for the Plymouth Pipeline. He said contrary to misinformation, the agency will not spend 40 Million Dollars on Ione and Tanner water treatment projects, of which existing customers will not pay 30 percent. Abercrombie said that wholesale fees in the Plymouth Pipeline agreement of 2,500 dollars were based on 2004 rates, when negotiations between Plymouth and the AWA began. The agreement for the Plymouth Pipeline was signed in 2006 and the wholesale fee increases were 2,480 dollars in April 2004. It was raised to 5,010 dollars in December 2005 and then raised again to 7,020 dollars on October 11, 2007. In Summary, Abercrombie said that Jackson’s water rates were based on a water rate study and a “cost to serve” study, by Bob Reed. He said the main reason for the rate increase was due to litigation caused by Protect Historic Amador Waterways members, with 9 million dollars in capital costs, or 3 dollars per customer for 30 years. Condrashoff said he didn’t “like the Agency to pass the buck on this 9 Million-dollar litigation fee,” and he said PHAW won the lawsuit. District 5 board member Terence Moore said, “you want to know who won the lawsuit? Go out and look at the water pumping in from the valley.”

By Alex Lane -

The President of the Sutter Creek Business and Professional Association has resigned after two years of service during a tumultuous time in the County. “It was with much deliberation and thought that I tendered my resignation as your President,” said President Lisa Klosowski in a news release Thursday. “I know that this organization is respected and admired in many surrounding communities, if not all,” she said. During her time as President, the council has dealt with some of the biggest challenges yet faced, including the Sutter Creek bypass, high gas prices, and hard economic times. “I truly believe that the fact that our doors are still open for business is something to be very proud of,” Klosowski said. “With the onset of the Christmas Holidays, during this most crucial year and time of business, I felt it necessary to step back and pay more attention to my own business and also my family,” she said. "I believe 100% in the Sutter Creek Business & Professional Association. I also want to ask that you all BUY locally. Support your fellow Sutter Creek Business Association Members and shop with them first,” she added. The Business Council will hold its final meeting of the year and Christmas party on Thursday, November 13 at Bellotti's Restaurant in Sutter Creek.

By Alex Lane -

And now, our continuing report on the Propositions you’ll be deciding on in the November ballot. Today we’ll discuss Proposition 10, which would authorize 5 billion in bonds to help consumers and other purchase certain vehicles, including those powered by alternative energies. Proponents say Prop 10 will “provide urgently needed funding” to “reduce California’s dependence on foreign oil; reduce air pollution that causes asthma and cancer; and create green technology jobs to strengthen our state’s economy – without raising taxes.” These supporters say that Prop 10 “has strict accountability standards to make sure that funds are being used properly” and will not raise taxes, fees, or utility rates.” Proponents, who include the American Cancer Society and the Clean and Renewable Energy Association, believe Prop 10 will “reduce our dependence on foreign oil, develop new clean energy industries in California and create thousands of new jobs.” But opponents, who include the California Tax Reform Association and the California Federation of Teachers, see Prop 10 as a flimsy attempt to push the agenda of billionaire Texas oilman T. Boone Pickens, or the “deep pockets” behind the program, who they say will get “the lion’s share of the taxpayer dollars.” Opponents believe that “in the middle of a budget crisis, it takes taxpayer dollars away from education, healthcare, public safety, and universities in order to provide fleet operators, including very large and profitable corporations, a subsidy for buying or leasing natural gas trucks.” On November 4th, you’ll have the opportunity to help decide.

By Alex Lane -

Artistically inclined prisoners at Mule Creek State Prison near Ione are readying for an annual art show that showcases their talents and gives back to the community. Hosted by the Amador County Arts Council, the “Inside/Out” art show and sale is a 20 year tradition drawing art collectors from far and wide with a special interest in works done behind bars. “The art and woodwork are of exceptional quality and sell quickly on the first day,” said Jean Walker, Community Partnership Manager for Mule Creek State Prison. “This is one of the ways that the inmates’ give back to neighboring communities in the county of Amador. They participate with the knowledge that their artwork will be sold with the proceeds going to Operation Care which helps victims,” she said. Last year’s show profited more than 13,000 dollars, with 9,000 donated directly to Operation Care. The balance was used to cover the cost of putting the show on this year. According to Walker, there may be only 10 to 15 artists participating, but the show will feature over several hundred pieces, with the majority being ceramic items. “Due to quick sales on the first day, we are planning to balance the inventory evenly between both days of the show and sale,” she said. But this isn’t the only way Mule Creek is giving back to the community. Approximately 3,800 inmates housed there are involved in a variety of activities such as automotive repair, digital mapping and educational opportunities, as well as work with the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Forestry. Walker believes this is just one more way to partner with the community, saying, “the show is one of the many programs we provide to help our inmates work on the rehabilitation process.” The art show takes place Friday and Saturday, November 7th and 8th, beginning at 9am. For more information call Jean Walker at Mule Creek at 274-5019 or Lynn Shield at Operation Care at 223-2897.

By Jim Reece -

The Amador County Recreation Agency and a group of volunteers are helping set up a flying disc golf course at the Kennedy Mine in Jackson, with a 2-day, second annual tournament in November. The ACRA Kennedy Mine Disc Golf Fall Classic is to be held November 15th and 16th at the mine, off Highway 49 in Jackson. The latest tournament will help raise funds to build a permanent disc golf course in Amador County. ACRA program directors Jaime Dickerson and Matt Nestor are co-chairing a committee for the tournament, with help from local and regional disc golfers, including 9th place finisher at the World Championships this August, Ray Birch of Ione. Brandon Wedge, co-owner of Play It Again Sports in Jackson is also on the committee, as is TSPN TV news writer Jim Reece. A long-time El Dorado County disc golfer, Charlie Callahan, is also helping with the tournament and the four designed the original course for the Kennedy Mine’s Father’s Day Classic last July. The course will be fairly close to the same layout as the original. ACRA staff 16 professional-grade Disc Catcher baskets from Kirkwood Mountain Resort that are used as holes in the game of disc golf. The game is scored with one point for each throw, as the game of golf, with the lowest score being the best. To “hole-out” a hole, the disc must come to rest in the basket of the Disc Catcher, or basket. The Jackson Lodge, 850 Highway 49 in Jackson is offering discounted rooms for the Kennedy Mine Fall Classic. For information on the tournament or sponsorship information, call Matt Nestor at 223-6349. To book a room or cabin at the Jackson Lodge, call 223-0486 or online see www.TheJacksonLodge.com. Also online, see www.KennedyGoldMine.com.

By Jim Reece -

Some of the 40 properties requested for Land Use changes were subject of appeal statements by their owners Wednesday in the second day of the Amador County General Plan update meeting. Eddie Oneto spoke for the Oneto Group’s power plant on Coal Mine Road, near Ione, which the group plans to operate as a biomass incineration power plant. He said the area was designated mining production, despite having been depleted of minerals. Among reasons given, he said, were that the area was not served by water or sewer, which he said was not a problem. Also, the plant might be offensive to casino patrons. Oneto said: “Who do you support, us or the casinos?” Edward Quinn, attorney for Howard Properties, which was denied a land use request, said “We’re not really sure why this has to be done so hastily?” He said the 17,000-acre development received less than a page of analysis. Quinn said it was not very encouraging getting a 24-hour notice to respond to a one-page response saying no to Howard Properties. Quinn said he thought it was too short a time for supervisors to “make a 30-year decision on a day’s notice.” Bill Bunce of Amador Ranch Associates said his company’s 16,000-acre property also received a negative response to a use change, at Rancho Arroyo Seco. Bunce’s company requested a Special Planning Area designation, but he said the response was inappropriate for the non-descriptive initial letter of the request. Amador County Transportation Commission Executive Director Charles Field said computer model “Blueprints” were used to develop the Land Use element for Amador County. He said as supervisors take input and appeals from parcel owners, as they exceed the time limit – 5 minutes each – or when questions become too technical, ACTC is willing to have a public workshop on the Blueprint modeling system. Field said the Blueprint term is a misnomer in that it is not telling people what to do, but rather, it shows which uses best fit each area.

By Jennifer Wilson -

Upcountry residents are doing their part to aid in the Amador County General Plan update. At the Upcountry Communities Council, or UCC, meeting Thursday evening, member Bob Currall had attendees break up into groups according to Upcountry region. About 25 residents attended and broke up into three groups, one each for Amador Pines, Buckhorn, and Pine Grove/Lower Pioneer. Currall asked each group to discuss what they wanted for their area in terms of land use designations and other attributes. The main concern echoed throughout the groups was keeping things the same and keeping densities low. Currall, who lives in Amador Pines, says, “We like it the way it is.” Amador Pines mainly wanted their area to be only Agricultural-Transition, which represents 5-acre minimum lots. Currently, some of Amador Pines has that designation, but not all. Others had questions about the proposed Local Service Center, or LSC, designation, which will allocate “town center” areas for local townships such as Pine Grove and Buckhorn. That proposed designation has a density of 18 units/acre, and some residents’ properties in the Buckhorn area were shown as LSC on Alternative Map D. Currall reminded the crowd that the alternative maps were only suggestions and that the end result will be a little bit from each map, including resident’s suggestions. Another change pointed out at the meeting was that on the proposed maps, Gayla Manor would have the designation, “Special Planning Area.” Currall asked each group to record their questions and suggestions so that he could pass those on to Susan Grijalva, the county’s Planning Director. At the UCC’s next meeting, Currall will bring back some of those answers, and hopes to complete what he calls an “Upcountry Land Use Profile” by the end of November to hand in to the county Planning Department. While it is not guaranteed that all suggestions will be included in the new General Plan, Currall reported that he was informed that they would “weigh heavily” in its formation. UCC meetings are held the third Thursday of each month, usually in the Veteran’s Hall at Pioneer Park. For more information, contact Bob Currall at 295-7630.