Ione - On Saturday, September 26th crews of Amador Disposal Services and staff of Amador County Environmental Health Department participated in the cleanup of illegally dumped household trash along Brickyard Road in Ione, taking away approximately 3,000 pounds of solid waste and 20 waste tires. “The Amador County Environmental Health Department would like to extend its appreciation to Amador/Calaveras Disposal Services for their assistance in performing this important public service,” said Michael Israel, Director of Environmental Health. Amador County’s Solid Waste Ordinance prohibits roadside dumping and provides for fines of up to $500.00 per violation. Citizens in the western part of the County are encouraged to take trash to the Western Amador Recycling Facility (WARF), a solid waste transfer station serving the western county area at 6500 Buena Vista Road, Ione. The WARF is open seven days a week from 9:00AM to 5:00PM and closed on major holidays. (end) am This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sutter Creek – The Sutter Creek City Council settled a dispute with its police officers’ union Monday by reverting to its “last best offer” in labor negotiations. The move, combined with other labor cuts, will reduce the city budget by $370,000. The council in a special meeting Monday resolved an impasse in labor negotiations with the Sutter Creek Police Officer’s Association by approving implementation of the city’s “last best offer” for terms and conditions of employment. The action settles an impasse declared by the Sutter Creek Police Officer’s Association, after negotiations broke down. Assistant City Manager Sean Rabe said the council approved the POA’s request for an impasse declaration on September 21st and at the same time, the council directed staff to prepare for a “consideration of unilateral implementation of wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.” The council on Monday approved that implementation. Rabe said the POA and city council were unable to agree on a new contract, and POA representatives declared an impasse, which the city council accepted. The city council declined a POA request for mediation and reverted to the same “last best offer” the city had made to the POA before negotiations hit a stalemate. Rabe said it takes 2 parties to enter into a contract, but under city procedures, the council has the ability to enforce the city council’s “last best offer.” The city council Finance Committee, made up of Mayor Pro Tem Tim Murphy and Councilwoman Linda Rianda, worked with Rabe and City Manager Rob Duke, on negotiations in August, when the council was facing a $200,000 budget deficit. Rabe in a staff report said the implemented offer “cannot be called a contract,” because there has been no agreement reached with the POA. “Instead it should simply be considered as policies for wages, working conditions and benefits.” He said changes to the policies from the previous agreement included an 8 percent furlough; dental and vision insurance to be included under a medical cap; a vacation accrual cap of 240 hours; and suspension of “Cost of Living Adjustment” and vacation buyback. Rabe said the cuts create a General Fund savings of about $370,000, when combined with those previously made to city Service Employee International Union pay and benefits. Provisions require new hires to pay their own retirement. The offer, as implemented policy, gives the city an option for “additional concessions” and “furlough reduction,” depending on losses or gains in revenue. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

San Joaquin County - Roger Reece Kibbe, dubbed by the press as the “I-5 Strangler,” plead guilty in San Joaquin County Tuesday for raping and murdering six women, including one whose body was found near Highway 124 in 1986. As part of his plea deal, the 70-year-old will not face the death penalty, but will be sentenced to consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole. A release from the San Joaquin District Attorney’s Office said the decision not to seek the death penalty was made based on several factors, including “Mr. Kibbe’s advanced age.” However, Kibbe will talk to a psychologist, take a polygraph test and possibly lead investigators to old crime scenes. Kibbe will be sentenced for the six murders on November 5. His victims ranged in age from 19 to 29 and disappeared between 1977 and 1986. Police believe the women came in contact with Kibbe when their vehicles broke down along the highway and Kibbe stopped to help them. Kibbe then raped and strangled them before leaving their bodies in Amador, Sacramento, San Joaquin and Contra Costa counties. Kibbe has long been a key suspect in a number of gruesome murders. On Tuesday, he plead guilty to killing Lou Ellen Burleigh in 1977 and Lora Heedrick, Barbara Ann Scott, Stephanie Brown, Charmaine Sabrah and Katherine Kelly Quinones, all in 1986. Sabrah, 26, a Sacramento native and mother of three, encountered Kibbe after her car broke down at Peltier Road and I-5 on August 17, 1986. Sabrah left her mother with the vehicle and was seen leaving the scene in a sports car with a man who offered his help. Her strangled body was found November 9 of that same year off Highway 124 between Drytown and Ione. Kibbe was linked to the death of Sabrah and two other women through fibers, hair and other microscopic evidence produced by the state Department of Justice. Kibbe was finally nabbed and convicted in 1991 for the first-degree murder of 17-year-old Darcie Frackenpohl, a teen prostitute. Her body was found in El Dorado County. Kibbe has been in prison since his conviction. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County - A statewide sweep enforcing California’s heat illness prevention regulations resulted in 119 violations last week, including serious violations in Amador County. It was the largest heat enforcement sweep to date. Under state law, employers must provide and encourage workers to drink fresh water, provide access to shaded areas, and offer training on heat illness, including how to recognize symptoms and call the proper authorities in case of an emergency. Many of the regulations enforced last week have been in place for at least 20 years, according to Erica Monterroza, CAL/OSHA Spokeswoman. She said Governor Schwarzenegger made enforcement of these regulations a priority in 2005 after a string of farmworker fatalities. “There may even have been other violations observed, but for the purpose of this operation our focus in on heat-related violations,” she said. Statewide, 43 inspection teams visited over 91 outdoor work sites. Serious violations occurred in Amador, Contra Costa, Fresno, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Twelve inspectors from the Department of Industrial Relations' Division of Occupational Safety and Health conducted surprise sweeps of 23 agriculture and construction related businesses in Amador county. Nine sites were found to have heat-related violations. Two companies- M & R Packing Company in Martell and Jackson Valley Vineyards in Ione- were classified as having serious code violations. Both of these inspections were conducted on September 22 and 23, respectively. M & R Packing violations included a lack of proper shade available at all times, a lack of fresh, clean drinking water, and a written program outlining emergency procedures. Jackson Valley Vineyards did not provide adequate shade or a heat illness prevention program. Both cases are still open, but the businesses could see fines between $5000 and $17,000. Monterroza said investigations typically take 3-4 months, though they have up to six under state guidelines. Before last week's sweep, Cal/OSHA had conducted 2,485 inspections of outdoor workplaces. “We continue to look at ways to partner with different companies and individuals to let them know protections are available,” said Monterroza. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Washington, D.C. – Amador County Congressman Dan Lungren (R-District 3) inspected the engraving of the national motto, “In God We Trust,” at the new Capitol Visitor’s Center in Washington, D.C., and called it a “superb job” and a “reminder of the importance our Founders placed on the guidance of Providence.” Lungren released a statement saying the capitol architect on Tuesday had finished engraving the motto, In God We Trust, at the Visitor’s Center. Lungren said the Visitor’s Center “is a wonderful addition to the capitol complex and it welcomes everyone who comes to share in our nation’s history.” He said the Visitor’s Center “itself contains a variety of statues including among others Sakajawea, King Kamehananea of Hawaii, Janet Rankin, (the first female member of Congress) and even Filo T. Farnsworth of Utah (the father of television).” Lungren said “In the midst of these wonderful symbols identifying us as a nation, I felt that an additional element of our nation’s history would add to this representation of our common patrimony and would be a reminder of the importance our Founders placed on the guidance of Providence in the birth, development and future of our Nation.” The motto, In God We Trust, was supported to be engraved on the Visitor’s Center by a House of Representatives resolution, passed on a vote of 410-8. But it was also subject of a lawsuit filed by an atheist group seeking to block the engraving of the motto, on grounds of a separation of church and state. The same group, Freedom From Religion Foundation rallied Wednesday at the Lodi City Council meeting to protest convocations to open City Council meetings there. But the plan backfired and the council voted Wednesday to keep an “uncensored convocation” as part of city council practices. Capitol Public Radio, KXJZ reported Thursday that: “Lodi’s City Council will continue to open meetings with a prayer. Council members voted Wednesday night to allow non-denominational invocations.” Freedom From Religion reportedly is also fighting such prayer practices in other small towns across California. The group’s federal lawsuit was filed July 14th to block “In God We Trust” from being engraved on the Visitor’s Center wall. The motto adorns numerous Washington D.C. buildings, but is part of the basis of the suit alleging a violation of the U.S. Constitution. The suit alleges the motto would violate the First Amendment. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ione - On Saturday, September 26th crews of Amador Disposal Services and staff of Amador County Environmental Health Department participated in the cleanup of illegally dumped household trash along Brickyard Road in Ione, taking away approximately 3,000 pounds of solid waste and 20 waste tires. “The Amador County Environmental Health Department would like to extend its appreciation to Amador/Calaveras Disposal Services for their assistance in performing this important public service,” said Michael Israel, Director of Environmental Health. Amador County’s Solid Waste Ordinance prohibits roadside dumping and provides for fines of up to $500.00 per violation. Citizens in the western part of the County are encouraged to take trash to the Western Amador Recycling Facility (WARF), a solid waste transfer station serving the western county area at 6500 Buena Vista Road, Ione. The WARF is open seven days a week from 9:00AM to 5:00PM and closed on major holidays. (end) am This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sutter Creek – The Amador Water Agency Board of Directors last week directed staff to compile data for a water rate study of the Amador Water System. Staff was directed to complete a scope of work for consultants, the Reed Group, in preparation for water rate studies needed to update the financial plan for the Amador Water System. The study will include a look at actions that may affect Amador Water System rates, including the addition of the Plymouth Pipeline and the proposed addition of La Mel Heights customers. The AWS includes the bulk of Amador Water Agency’s potable water customers. Other possible impacts include use of treated water for agricultural use by former canal customers, and consideration of tiered pricing to encourage water conservation. Mancebo said public workshops on the financial plan for the Amador Water System are expected to be held in early 2010. 2 weeks ago, the AWA board approved sending a letter opposing a California Senate bill that would lower the amount of money public agencies can retain in lieu of construction projects. The AWA letter, approved in a September 18th special meeting, opposed Senate Bill 802, which seeks to lower the percentage of funds that a public agency can retain until a construction contract is completed and accepted as finished. SB 802, “requires that contract retention proceeds not to exceed 5 percent of the payment of all contracts entered into after January 1st, 2010, between a public entity and an original contractor.” That would be down from 10 percent now allowed. Mike Dillon, a lobbyist for the California Association of Sanitation Agencies, in a letter to members, including AWA, said: “Our only option at this point is to request a Governor’s veto.” But he noted that the bill was amended to have a “sunset date,” or termination, in 2014. AWA General Manager Gene Mancebo said because public agencies must accept the lowest responsible bidder on projects, opponents of the bill argue that there are often situations where a contractor fails to complete work on a project and the 10 percent retention funds are used to complete the work. Dillon said the “10 percent retention level provides a source of funds to enable completion of the project.” The bill is currently on its way to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for his signature or veto. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jackson – The Amador County Board of Supervisors reinforced their position on the East Bay Municipal Utility District’s 2040 Water Plan and its impact on the Mokelumne River. Tuesday’s agenda item was relative to the approval of Chairman Ted Novelli’s signature on a letter to EBMUD reiterating the Board’s opposition to the proposed plan. The item was added based on a past request by Novelli to have a letter to present in person at the EBMUD Board meeting this coming Friday. The letter states “that EBMUD should be able to meet the expected demands of consumers even during consecutive drought years through rationing, conservation, recycling, and the Bayside groundwater Phase 2.” One of the proposed 2040 plan options would expand the Pardee Reservoir and flood portions of the Mokelumne River in order to provide more water to customers in the East Bay. The vast majority of local individuals, groups and government entities have publicly objected to the plan, citing potential damage to the river’s ecosystem, the destruction of historic sites like the Middle Bar Bridge and irreversible damage to a river considered important to Native Americans. During public comment, Katherine Evatt of the Foothill Conservancy said “I’ve never seen so many people agree about one issue as they do about this issue,” referring in part to the parade of vehement protestors who lined up to voice their objections at EBMUD workshops earlier this year. Supervisor Louis Boitano called EBMUD’s outreach to the county a “dog and pony show” and said “they need to show us something more.” Michael Weir, a fly fishing guide, commented on environmental concerns, calling the area in question “the last stretch of riparian habitat on the river.” Supervisor Brian Oneto questioned objecting to the project and instead suggested negotiating for infrastructure like paving “a two-lane county road” leading to boat ramps along the river. “This is pretty strong language…it’s like a period,” he said. He was skeptical about the preservation of historical sites and asked “what is a historical site?” Evatt replied that most of the sites in question were Native American, and “they might consider them a sacred site just as you consider your church a sacred site.” Oneto worried aloud about traffic generated “once people get used to rafting there.” Evatt replied that boaters are typically taken down to the river by van. Supervisor Richard Forster recommended an addendum that opposed any other new reservoir with additional impacts to the river. The Supervisors also agreed to include recorded comments from EBMUD Director John Coleman stressing the corporation’s desire for cooperation with stakeholders before any plan is approved. “Sometimes the best action is to hoist somebody with their own petard,” said Supervisor John Plasse. “We should reiterate what they said in their own letter.” A motion was made by Boitano and all addendums and the letter were approved 5-0. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sutter Creek – About 15 people attended the ad hoc committee meeting Tuesday on Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort’s traffic impacts on Sutter Creek. Assistant City Manager Sean Rabe told the committee and public that the committee was to discuss and determine recommendations to the Sutter Creek City Council, for Conditions of Approval and the Development Agreement, which the council must negotiate with Gold Rush. One topic was direct intersection improvements, and Amador County Transportation Commission director Charles Field said his commission “had no formal decision” on such conditions recommended by the Sutter Creek Planning Commission, meaning ACTC supports them as written. Field said as far as impact fees were concerned, if Sutter Creek used the developer’s “fair share,” as determined by a consultant, the “fees would be so low, we would not have a project.” Councilman Pat Crosby asked if Gold Rush build a road opposite Ampine at the existing intersection, would it be adequate mitigation. Field said that was a good question. ACTC Attorney Dave Richardson said: “not at the same time.” And Field said developers “would argue that they are only required to pay part of that cost.” Mayor Pro Tem Tim Murphy said Gold Rush requested $520,000 credit for installing traffic signals there, and for a reduction of “trip ends,” shown in a study. Field said “signals are already warranted” at the Ampine entrance; the property “has been approved for other development;” and Amador County Supervisors sent a letter to Caltrans promising they will get signals installed. Field said they were “leaning on the CMX,” ACTC’s Community Mapping Exercise tool, which will not be operational in time. Crosby said he thought the “greater portion” of traffic would go to the south side of the intersection, and Gold Rush should “be reimbursed in some agreed upon standards.” Gold Rush’s Greg Bardini said a study showed 48 percent of traffic would go to Gold Rush and 52 percent would go to the Martell business park. He thought the percentage of benefits to each showed fair shares of cost. Foothill Conservancy’s Tom Infusino said “without the CMX, they are underfunding this project.” He said: “We call it fair share, but it’s nowhere close to the fair share.” Field said rather than give a $520,000 credit for signal and improvements, they should recommend that the “cost of improving the intersection, including signals, can be reimbursed if it creates excess capacity” for traffic flow. The committee agreed. These and other recommendations will be taken to the city council October 19th. Story by Jim Reece

Conductor Boulevard – Amador County Public Health hosted its first of 3 public seasonal flu shot clinics Tuesday at the health office on Conductor Boulevard. The clinic featured flu vaccinations by mist and by injection. Angel LeSage, RN, Public Health Director said the clinic gave 240 seasonal flu shots, to mostly adults. LeSage said Public Health has “been doing school seasonal flu vaccinations,” but “they don’t give injections at the school sites to children,” so the children must get them from doctors or the clinics. The clinic gave a lot of mist vaccinations, which people can get if they are older than 2 or under age 50. Besides the 240 seasonal flu vaccinations, the clinic gave tetanus shots and boosters, and the new combination vaccine that includes, diphtheria and whooping cough prevention treatments. LeSage said Public Health was “finding that people are passing (whooping cough) to their small children,” whose illnesses can be severe. Adults pass it through the community because they are not vaccinated for it. The one-time whooping cough vaccination was licensed in 2005, after a national outbreak in 2004, affecting more than 8,000 adolescents and 7,000 adults. 5 volunteers helped at the clinic. School clinics have been volunteer-staffed as well, undertaken by retired nurse, Barbara Barenfeld, “who is a very experienced vaccinator.” Public Health plans a lot more seasonal flu clinics. LeSage said: “We’re also doing some clinics for Amador County employees only,” paid for by county administration. They will also go to 4 long-term care facilities in Amador County, and hold night clinics for emergency responders, including police and fire fighters, in Sutter Creek, Plymouth, Ione and Lockwood FPD. Public Health also provided ambulance services with vaccines, “and they are vaccinating their own folks.” 2 more seasonal flu shot clinics include one in partnership with Sutter Amador Hospital, at its Health Festival, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. October 16th. Another public clinic is 4 to 5:30 p.m. October 7th at the Health Department. LeSage said vaccination for this year’s other flu, the special strain H1N1 virus, is not yet available. She said officials are “anticipating maybe by the end of October” to release H1N1 vaccines. LeSage is in weekly conference calls for updates on both disease activity and vaccines. She said the H1N1 flu “is here in our county.” But she said “guidelines for testing aren’t as rigorous as they were last spring.” Now they are testing for H1N1 only in very ill or hospitalized patients. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.