Amador County - Caltrans reported Friday that the painting of a crosswalk at Church Street in the Highway 88 Pine Grove Corridor is still a go, despite a letter from the agency’s safety department. Duper Tong, Chief of Caltrans Traffic Safety for District 10, in a letter last month said “a safety improvement is not recommended at this time,” but clarified that Wednesday in an e-mail to John Carlson of the quasi-political group, Pine Grove Community Council. Carlson sought comment on the previously approved crosswalk. Carlson in an e-mail to Tong said “you have indicated that the (crosswalks) in Pine Grove at the Town Hall will be installed this summer,” but he cited a report in TSPN of Tong saying the opposite. Tong wrote Friday that “after review (of) the status, this project is advertising for bid. When the contract is awarded, the construction is anticipated to start this summer.” Caltrans publicist Lisa Balcom said Friday that the rejected safety work was part of a state-wide competitive funding awarding system. Pine Grove did not qualify for the funding, but did qualify for the crosswalk project. Balcom said District 10 “doesn’t have a pot of money here,” but instead, the regional projects compete for funding. She was not sure of the estimated cost of the crosswalk painting, but she said it is usually contracted. She said “it would be great to let folks know that this crosswalk is going in.” She said Tong’s letter referred to another project, part of a detailed safety investigation by a team of engineers. Tong said the study was of Highway 88, between Mile Post 22.7 and Mile Post 24.14. The study found that the accident rate “was lower than the average for similar facilities.” At nighttime during rain, they observed “the visibility of signing and striping” and found that “there is no apparent roadway deficiency.” Tong said “a safety improvement is not recommended at this time,” but Caltrans will consider installing recessed pavement markers in future rehabilitation projects. Balcom said Tong’s comments to her meant that the other studied project would not be recommended. Balcom said that the crosswalk painting at Church Street, across Highway 88, would be started this summer. Church Street is just east of Irishtown Road. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County - The Amador Water Agency will begin work today on the water main upgrade project in Sutter Creek. The project work will take place on Broad Street, beginning at Eureka Street and continuing north across Gopher Flat Road to Mill Street. The Agency is coordinating with the City to increase water flows in and through Sutter Creek. The water main upgrade is designed to alleviate a “bottleneck” in the Amador Water System in downtown Sutter Creek. The upgrade will assure that Sutter Creek residents north of town and customers in Amador City, Drytown and Plymouth will have adequate water pressure and supply. Amador Water Agency construction crews will begin locating utilities starting May 26th. Excavation will begin June 8 and the project will be complete before school starts on August 19th. (VIDEO) Once excavation and pipe placement is underway, it will be necessary to close portions of Broad Street, Eureka Street, Gopher Flat Road, Mill Street, and Randolph Street to through traffic during the day only. Scheduled water outages will be necessary as well. The City and the Water Agency will notify affected residents and businesses in advance when that work is scheduled and will try to keep this inconvenience to a minimum. Barry Birge, AWA Construction Superintendent is the Agency contact for any questions regarding the project. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – The Ione City Council and Planning Commission made several land use designations last week to plan for the city’s future. The joint panel worked on the General Plan Update and designated 3 properties in the land use map as “Future Growth Areas.” That included about 100 acres of the Silva property, west of 5 Mile Drive. Another was a smaller portion of the Rancho Arroyo Seco, located north of Mule Creek State Prison. The third “Future Growth Area” designation was placed on the “Mule Town” area. All 3 properties lie outside of the city limits and also outside of the city “Sphere of Influence,” but are within the “Planning Area” used by city staff to create the land use map. City Planner Christopher Jordan said that the Future Growth Area designations would help plan for 20 years in the future. Planning staffer Daniel Hamilton said the Future Growth Area will “give guidance for the next general plan update.” Several residents spoke against some of the FGA designations, including Lynn Winter, who said 5 Mile Road historically has been designated by LAFCO as the “boundary between city and agriculture.” Jordan said “this is going to be one of the last times to make some substantive changes to the meat of the General Plan,” before the Environmental Impact Report is released, in early June. After that, the Planning Commission will review and make recommendations to the council on both the General Plan Update and its EIR. The council and commission also designated Q Ranch as a Special Planning Area. One man spoke against the designation, and said agriculture across the road from Q Ranch typically sends dust clouds all across the ranch. Jordan said making the SPA designations is “not approving any project,” but the council is “designing a yard stick to measure these projects.” Jordan said property owners were involved in selecting designations for their properties. Several spoke, including Bill Bunce of Rancho Arroyo Seco and Amador Ranch Associates, who said: “I concur with all staff recommendations as they relate to our lands.” Virginia Silva said “Bob and I requested Special Planning” or Future Growth Area designation west of 5 Mile Drive. They plan to develop part of the property in about 10 years. Tim Smith of Howard Properties urged the panel to keep in mind “the potential for phasing infrastructure” and “phased development” as the city shifts to larger uses. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County - Jackson’s True Value Hardware became one of 13 stores recently selected by its parent company as winners of the second annual “Best Hardware Store in Town” nationwide recognition. Owners Chris Fragapane and Dan Sneed were honored to be among stores selected from each of the company’s retail regions to be recognized at True Value’s 2009 Spring Market held in New Orleans in March. “It’s no surprise Jackson True Value has been recognized with such a great distinction. Ever since its establishment in 1993, the store has been renowned for providing Jackson and surrounding communities with top-notch customer service,” said True Value Representative Britt Svendsen. In 2008, the local newspaper named Jackson True Value as offering the best customer service in town. “A lot of shoppers start their journey at big-box stores, and then realize that the products they want are actually here,” Fragapane said. Fragapane and Sneed remodeled the store in 2005, resulting in additional shelf space and more relevant departments. Fragapane says that customers appreciate the True Value Rewards program, which allows them to earn points for their purchases, translating into coupons and cash discounts. Sponsored by the independent hardware cooperative, the ‘Best Hardware Store in Town’ program is designed to recognize True Value stores that exemplify successful retailing. Jackson’s True Value Hardware Store is located at 520 Sutter Street, Highway 49 in Jackson. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County - Amador County officials are preparing for state raids on local government coffers after five of the state’s six budget-related propositions failed to pass in Tuesday’s Special Election. The projected state budget deficit now stands at $24 billion, while Amador County projects a $2.6 million budget deficit for the local county budget. In light of these results, Amador County continues to work on a 2009-2010 balanced budget. “With the results in, only one thing is clear: the state will have to find other ways to balance its budget,” said County Administrative Officer Terri Daly. County administrators continue to slash operating costs, including working with employees to find a 10 percent cut to overall personnel costs to close the gap. According to Charles Anderson, Regional Public Affairs Manager with the League of California Cities, the governor’s “May Budget Revise” would take funding from the cities’ property taxes to the tune of $2 billion dollars. Anderson said the state has taken about $600 million dollars a year – about $8 billion dollars total – from city property tax revenue, beginning in the 1990s. Anderson said the city of Jackson could lose $107,000 dollars if the governor’s proposal goes through. Amador County officials anticipate that the state may borrow as much as $1.5 million of the county’s property tax receipts. “For Amador County, there is no question that borrowing from our County will significantly affect our ability to provide the services our residents rely upon,” explained County Administrative Officer Terri Daly, adding: “Cuts and disruptions of local services will only become more severe.” Daly said that “in addition to the States borrowing of County property tax money, County officials also anticipate deferral of payments to the county from the state and drastic reduction in programs, including social services, public health and behavioral health.” Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – The Amador County Board of Supervisors announced Thursday the approval of a new Prescription Discount Card Program available to Amador County residents. Details of the program will formally be presented during a conference to take place at the Board chambers on May 26 at 10 am. Supervisors approved the distribution of a free prescription discount card through the county’s private partner, Coast2Coast Rx. Getting this program approved has been a priority for District 1 Supervisor John Plasse. “This is an effort to save families money in these current economic times and to take the bite out of purchasing medications as well as helping others have the ability to purchase medications they may not be able to afford otherwise,” Plasse said. Many county pharmacies, including Wal-Mart, Raley’s, Safeway and Long’s have already agreed to provide discounts through the program. The card is accepted at nearly 58,000 pharmacies nationwide. The programs could save Amador County families up to 38 percent off prescriptions and is available to all Amador County residents regardless of incomes, age or sex. A free discount card may be picked up at the Human Resources Department, Board of Supervisors Office, the Senior Center located at 229 New York Ranch Road, or the Wellness Center located on Conductor Blvd. People can also download and print their own card from the link on the County website www.co.amador.ca.us and look for other card distribution locations. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – A 3-2 vote opening Q Ranch land use designation by 350 more housing units will not be an immediate impact, Ione officials noted Tuesday. Ione city council raised the limit of 500 units to 830 units, maximum. Q Ranch representative Kevin Walker said “when the application comes forward, you are all going to get another bite of the apple.” Councilman Jim Ulm voted no, concerned “very much” that Ione would lose agriculture land. Councilwoman Andrea Bonham was uncomfortable, wanted more discussion with the developer or owner, and also voted no. Councilman David Plank said he’d like more time in the future to absorb such a proposal, but joined Vice Mayor Skip Schaufel and Mayor Lee Ard to vote yes in the approval. The council also voted 4-1 to do an environmental study of a possible land swap between Q Ranch and Amador Ranch Associates. It would swap 16 acres north of Irish Hill Road with 44 acres south of Irish Hill Road, owned by Amador Ranch. Ulm said “some people live around there and do not know about it.” Jordan said approval “gives the opportunity to consider it in the future,” not approval, and allows the council to see the conceptual land use. City Attorney Kristen Castanos said “it relates to the scope of the Environmental Impact Report being prepared” and does not affect the General Plan. The council also approved staff changing the General Plan map to match the one proposed by Walker, with changes in “text for concurrency.” Bonham suggested and the council approved language preserving the viewshed on Highway 104, “so that when you drive into town, you would see agriculture, not houses.” City Manager Kim Kerr said “you are not giving any entitlements here,” and full public hearings would come with any applications. Castanos said the “text gives you parameters that the council is authorizing for that map:” If they draw specific lines, that fixes the zoning; but if parameters are simply defined, “you can move the lines without having to do a General Plan amendment.” Planning Commissioner David Jenkins said it “doesn’t circumvent CEQA” requirements. Ard said even with the designation, it was not a lock to get the property, and if Q Ranch doesn’t annex, “a lot of it is in the county so the city would have no say anyway.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – Pacific Gas & Electric Company advised people to use caution around waterways over the Memorial Day weekend, due to snowmelt runoff, expected to surge this weekend with Sierra rain. PG&E publicist Nicole Liebelt advised area residents to exercise caution around rivers and waterways this 3-day weekend and throughout the month of May due to elevated snowmelt runoff conditions. Liebelt said: “Weather forecasts predict significant precipitation in the Sierras this weekend into early next week.” PG&E anticipated that the rainfall would “rapidly pass through the snowpack and quickly enter contributing channels as it drains out.” She said “because the snowpack and soil are already saturated, the water runoff efficiency is expected to be high; thereby causing a rapid elevation in the hydrograph and river levels.” Local reservoirs are expected to fill up over the next several days, and it may be necessary to initiate spills from these reservoirs as maximum storage levels are reached. Rafters, kayakers, and canoeists should be aware of fast river flows and should exercise extreme caution by checking local conditions before undertaking their trip. She said people should “know the water,” its characteristics and possible impacts of the cold snow runoff water flows. Cold water can cause hyperventilation contributing to fatigue. When combined with swift water, even the strongest swimmers are easily overwhelmed. Cold water can stimulate the gasp reflex, causing an involuntary inhalation of air or water. The gag reflex, a result of cold water immersion, prevents air or water from passing in to the lungs causing asphyxiation. Sudden cold water immersion can trigger cardiac arrest. Cold water entering the ear canal can cause vertigo and disorientation. This may confuse the swimmer causing the victim to swim deeper into the water. Cold water reduces body heat 25-30 times faster than air does at the same temperature. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – A Sutter Creek community farming group got its season under way this week in starting its second annual summer garden. Participants of the Arc of Amador in Sutter Hill weeded 2 garden spots at a private residence on Tucker Hill Road this week and planted several varieties of edible plants. Community Specialist Josephine Anaya led a group of 4 gardeners, her wards in the community participation group, Arc of Amador, which serves people with developmental disabilities in Amador and Calaveras Counties. Anaya said they planted tomatoes, green and yellow zucchinis, basil, cilantro, 2 kinds of jalapenos and lime cucumbers. She said the objective is to get their produce growing so that they can compete in the 2009 Amador County Fair at the end of July and beginning of August. Anaya said the Arc Garden won three blue ribbons in the 2008 fair, with their zucchinis, jalapenos and tomatoes. They also will make salsa this year, and fresh pesto. The garden was the idea of the property’s owner, Kevin Clark, advertising salesman for TSPN TV. Clark called and offered the space to Arc Executive Director Mike Sweeney, then the garden went on to win some ribbons for the participants at Arc. Anaya said they “come in every day and bring a different group and water the plants. It’s really good exercise for them. Everybody likes to participate.” On Thursday, the participants were Chris Eperson, Bret Pendleton, Corky Shull and Jeremy Carlton. The Amador County Fair is July 30th to August 2nd in Plymouth. For information, call 245-6941, or go to www.AmadorCountyFair.com. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County - Because of concerns about the H1N1 virus, also known as Swine Flu, the Amador County Fair is suspending the swine pre-weigh requirement for the 2009 Fair. Swine exhibitors or their representatives are required to go to the pre-weigh at the fairground on May 31, 2009 between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to pick up the ear tag for their pig. Please do not bring your hog to the fairground on May 31. Pigs will still be shown at the Fair and the Junior Livestock Auction will take place as in previous years. Any questions, please call the Fair at 209-245-6921. Staff Report www.tspntv.com This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.