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 4, which would change the constitution to require doctors to notify a parent or guardian 48 hours before performing an abortion for a girl under the age of 18. Supporters say this law would “reduce teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases without danger or harm to minors.” Supporters criticize organizations that perform abortions, like Planned Parenthood, of “secrecy” that “enables abuse to continue.” But opponents say “mandatory notification laws may sound good, but…a scared, pregnant teen who can’t go to her parents may…turn to illegal, back alley abortions” and “not all teens live in homes where communication is possible.” Opponents believe “no law can mandate family communication” and that the “state should not be forcing that conversation.” California voters defeated similar propositions in 2005 and 2006. Also known as “Sarah’s Law”, the contentious issue has been frequently debated amongst special interest groups, much like the subject of abortion itself. On November 4th, you’ll have the opportunity to help decide.

By Jennifer Wilson -

It looks like John Plasse will have the opportunity to serve on the Jackson Revitalization Committee after all. At the Jackson City Council meeting on Monday night, City Manager Mike Daly presented a recommendation from the committee to amend their guidelines to add a County Liaison position and appoint Supervisor-Elect John Plasse to the position. The amendment is the result of the committee’s first meeting, which was held on October 1, where many committee members spoke of Plasse’s commitment and hard work on the Jackson Economic Development committee. Council member Wayne Garibaldi, who is also a member of the committee, said that he experienced “100 percent support” for adding Plasse to the committee. At the city council’s September 22nd meeting, the council had decided not to appoint Plasse, due to the “appearance of a conflict of interest,” even though no such conflict legally existed. Instead the council appointed Shelley Scott, who also has been actively involved on the Economic Development Committee and was elected Vice Chair of the new committee on October 1. Monday night, council members briefly entertained opening up the County Liaison position to the public and inviting applications, but in the end, the seemingly overwhelming call for Plasse to be in that new position won out and the three present council members approved the amendment to the guidelines and added Plasse to the committee as the “County Liaison.” In addition to Plasse’s and Scott’s positions, Rich Hoffman was elected as the committee’s chair, and meetings will be held the second Thursday of each month at 6 pm at 33 Broadway in Jackson.

By Jim Reece -

Amador County got the OK for 20 new homes in Lake Camanche Village last week when the state lifted a moratorium on new homes there. The Amador Water Agency announced the lifting of the moratorium. AWA received notice from the California Department of Public Health on October 7th that said, “with the additional source capacity and reliability provided by the (newly installed) Well 14, state regulators will allow up to 20 new service connections in the system in the next year.” The health department halted all new connections in Lake Camanche Village in November of 2006, until the AWA could improve the system’s ability to provide a sustained water supply. Well 14 was completed in August of 2007 and gives an additional 40 percent capacity gain to the Lake Camanche system. AWA General Manager Jim Abercrombie said it was “critical to Lake Camanche property owners that they know whether they will be able to develop their property in the future.” He said the “state has recognized that we have made substantial improvements” to the system, and that AWA “is committed to continuing to develop a reliable, sustainable water supply for out Lake Camanche customers.” The health Department noted concern over diminishing groundwater resources in the Foothills in the current drought and outlined conditions for the 20 new hook-ups. AWA must monitor groundwater conditions and well production rates for evaluation before future hook-ups will be allowed. AWA must continue efforts to fund and complete a groundwater sustainability study in the Camanche area. If water shortages occur, the AWA will implement mandatory conservation practices for residents of Lake Camanche Village as needed to prevent water shortages.

By Jim Reece -

The Amador County Planning Department hosts a series of joint meetings of the planning commission and Board of Supervisors this week, with writing the new General Plan as the final objective. Planners are looking for Supervisors’ direction in the use of a “Habitat Conservation Plan,” or HCP, which is an “implementation measure” by which planners can tailor an overall plan to protect wildlife and habitats in a certain area. Planner Heather Anderson said it is a means of addressing requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act and U.S. Fish and Game. Anderson said it is a way of determining if land uses impact something that is federally protected. But one local activist group, the “Amador Citizens for Responsible Government” is encouraging citizens to attend in protest of the HCP. “Spending 2 to 3 million on a Habitat Conservation Plan…would reduce local control of the County’s General Plan and potentially give significant power to Federal and State agencies,” they said in a release. The series of meetings start Tuesday and run Wednesday and Thursday, and will look at land uses all around the county. Standing room only crowds are expected. Day 1 of the serial meeting will be for staff presentations of the meeting’s purpose and background. Day 2 will be for public input and comment. Day 3 will be for planning commission and supervisor deliberation and direction to staff. The meeting, over three days, will be held 1 to 5 p.m. in the Supervisors Chambers, 800 Court Street. The meeting should include planners giving recommendations to supervisors as the meeting progresses.

By Alex Lane -

One Lockwood area resident is voicing her opposition to Measure M, the ½ cent Sales tax proposal supporting local firefighters that is set for the November ballot. “While Jackson, Sutter Creek, District Supervisor Ted Novelli and others are painting a rosy picture of having paid firefighters, it…leaves Lockwood Fire Protection District out in the cold,” said resident Jackie Vaughn, who also made it clear that she is “merely a private citizen who happens to be a former (AFPA) Board Director.” Lockwood, with a population of 1,100 and a fire incident percentage of 3.231, is a 22-square mile area considered by CALFIRE and other firefighting representatives as a “high fire density zone.” Vaughn is objecting to what she sees as an unfair disbursement of funds and representation under the Measure M guidelines. “Lockwood is the only true volunteer fire department,” she said. According to the disbursement formula, Lockwood would receive just over 3 percent of the funds based upon incidents and population. But Vaughn argues that this disbursement in disproportionate, and that the Measure does not consider that Lockwood has no revenue stream. While “other volunteers receive a ‘pay-per-call’ stipend…Lockwood volunteers receive nothing,” she said. Sutter Creek Fire Chief Butch Martin, a strong supporter of Measure M, says “I know the economy’s not good right now, but we wouldn’t be asking for it if we didn’t need it.” Last year, fire department calls went from 525 to 630, more than a 100-call increase, adding, “I hope it doesn’t do it again this year.” 85 percent of those were medical calls. Five years ago, with a staff of 35 firefighters, Martin was “on top of the world” and never thought about consolidation. Now, they are down to 17 volunteers and he believes consolidation under this Measure is the answer. Measure M is back on the ballot after failing to get the support needed the last time it was up for public vote. At that time, the vote in favor was 63 or 64 percent, just shy of the 66.66 percent-plus-one vote needed to pass. Vaughn believes that no matter the benefits, disbursement needs a reevaluation. In her words: “The AFPA needs to go back to the drawing board and make it equitable to all.”

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 2, sponsored by the Humane Society, which would outlaw caging practices that prevent farm animals from lying down, standing up, turning around or extending their limbs. Proponents describe this as a “moderate measure that stops cruel and inhumane treatment of animals.” They site what they see as an increasing number of factory farms that “cut corners and drive family farmers out of business when they put profits ahead of animal welfare and our health.” Proponents also note the numerous supporters of this Proposition, including Democratic and Republican leaders, the American Public Health Association, and the National Catholic Rural Life Conference. The Sacramento Bee, one of the opponents to the measure, says that, “California doesn’t have much of a pork or veal industry, so this measure would mainly affect caging of egg-laying chickens.” Opponents see Prop 2 as “unnecessary, risky and extreme.” They say that by eliminating the modern housing systems that incorporate these practices, you are increasing the chances of salmonella contamination and the spread of Avian flu. Opponents say California’s eggs will be more expensive and thousands of jobs will be lost. They also fear that Prop 2 could prompt many egg producers to relocate to outside states and Mexico. While Proposition 2 could have a significant economic impact, the Humane Society is appealing to voters to vote yes on moral grounds. On November 4th, you’ll be the one to help decide.

By Jim Reece -

Plymouth residents last Thursday heard the pros and cons of the Plymouth Water Pipeline Project and potential effects of having it or not. The 2-hour presentation was by the Amador Water Agency, City Consultant Bob Reed, city developer Bob Reeder, project consultant Richard Prima and City Manger Dixon Flynn. Prima said he recommended the Pipeline as the most feasible approach to restoring city water. He noted that wells were unreliable and that returning to the reservoir project could be much more costly. He also touched on the Arroyo Ditch pre-1914 water rights, which he said may or may not withstand the test of courts. The city council members and also registered candidates for the upcoming election were part of the audience, as were consultants for the Ione Band of Miwok Indians and one of its tribal council members. Nearly 50 people attended. Flynn wrapped up the meeting, saying that Plymouth parcel holders have the right to protest and stop a water and wastewater rate increase. He said the notice of the proposed increase allowed the AWA to go out for bids on the pipeline by setting in place a financial plan that would finance a loan for the project. Flynn said there is “no long-term cheaper solutions.” He said developers are not in the business of charity and are not giving away money. Flynn said, “as Richard (Prima) pointed out: Hope is not a strategy.” He said citizens are in the position of acting on the rates and the pipeline and to be in charge of their own future. He said the estimated 12 million dollar project would have a known price when bids arrive October 23rd, and the rate structure could then be released. He said people need to know the rate structure to make their decision, saying it’s “your money, your town, your future.”

By Jennifer Wilson  -

Parents of Amador High School soccer players are experiencing problems finding a parking space for evening games. According to one mother, the upper parking lot has been closed and locked this year, drastically reducing the number of spots available, which has ultimately taken a toll on game attendance. The concerned mom spoke at Wednesday’s Unified School District Board Meeting on behalf of about 25 Amador High School parents and area residents who signed a petition requesting that the lot be made accessible during soccer games, as that lot is open during football games. “Is soccer a second class sport?” she asked, and says that “people are struggling to get from the lower parking lot, carrying chairs, and coolers…and then having to carry things back down in the dark – not a very safe endeavor at all.” Also, a number of game-goers have received 50-dollar tickets for parking in the gym parking lot. According to the mom, Kevin Neville, the Athletics Director of Amador High, says that allowing students to take money is a safety issue. In light of this, numerous parents have offered to volunteer monitoring the gate and taking parking fees during the game. When contacted, Neville confirmed that he thought students should not be collecting money at the upper lot as its “isolated up there.” He also announced plans to have the upper lot available for the last four games of the season. “We’re going to try it and see how it goes,” says Neville. Board Member Terry Porray brought up the issue at last week’s School Board meeting, and stated that she would like the matter looked into, and asked why the lot is closed. TSPN will bring you more information on this matter as details develop.

By Jim Reece -

Amador Water Agency Board Member Terence Moore ripped into Ken Berry and Bill Condrashoff Thursday on the lawsuit Berry filed to stop the Amador Pipeline. Moore said Condrashoff was practicing engineering without a license, providing a conclusion Berry used as the basis for his lawsuit. Moore said the AWA settlement agreement with Protect Historic Amador Waterways included the stipulation that no member of PHAW would sue to stop the pipeline project, including the small diameter pipe that would supply water to customers on the canal. Moore said that as an engineer of 40 years, he knew licensing made an engineer and that practicing engineering without a license was a misdemeanor, which could be charged if someone filed a complaint. Moore said the early cost estimate of the Amador Pipeline was $13 Million, then the PHAW suit delayed the pipeline, with its final cost being $22 Million, so the PHAW suit cost the AWA $9 Million. Berry said the suit was based on rain gauge readings and Condrashoff signed an affidavit that he was not a party in the suit. Berry said the suit was not about getting water into Jackson Creek, but rather the issue of whether the board even considered that Jackson Creek would dry up as a result of the canal dewatering. Berry offered to settle the suit in the open meeting if the “water agency agrees in principal to do the appropriate environmental studies” of the creek. Condrashoff said, “Terry (Moore), you tried to take me down there.” Moore answered, “I certainly did.” Condrashoff said he has a chemical engineering degree but not a license and that the past board did not listen to PHAW and fought the lawsuit. Condrashoff said he merely compiled some charts and data and made an engineering decision, but Moore said the conclusion – that the creek dries up with the canal’s drying up – was practicing engineering. Berry said Condrashoff’s analysis of the charts showed that the flow in the creek matched the flow in the canal, asking, “is it against the law to use common sense?” He said “If I have wasted staff’s time on bad data, then I’m perfectly willing to talk to the board.” The board then went into closed session and discussed the suit with Berry, but no settlement was reached.

By Alex Lane -

Today will be the first in our series on statewide propositions set for the November ballot. Every day throughout the coming week’s newscasts, we’ll bring you the details of Propositions 1A through 12 and how they could affect you. Today we’ll focus on Proposition 1A, which would provide nearly 10 billion in bonds for a high-speed rail network that would initially link the Bay Area, the Central Valley and Southern California. The measure authorizes the State to sell 9.95 billion in general obligation bonds to fund construction activities and passenger rail system improvements. These bonds will not raise taxes. Proponents of the measure see this as a “safe, convenient, affordable and reliable alternative” that “will bring California electric-powered High-speed Trains running up to 220 miles an hour on modern tracks safely separated from other traffic.” They highlight that the proposed train could remove “12 billion pounds of CO2” and create “nearly 160,000 construction jobs and 450,000 jobs in related industries” in addition to providing a match for at least 9 billion dollars in federal funding and private investment. But opponents see this as “a boondoggle that will cost taxpayers nearly 20 billion dollars in principal and interest.” In their opinion, “the State already has over 100 billion in voter approved bonds and our bond rating is already among the worst in the nation.” Finally, they point out that the money will be controlled by “politicians and bureaucrats” with “no reporting requirements so the public can see how the money is spent.” Popular opinion dictates that the State needs clean alternatives to air and freeway travel, and that the Central Valley needs economic development. But opponents say this proposition would pull up to 647 million from the General Fund without oversight. On November 4th, you’ll have the opportunity to decide.