Sacramento - 1st District Senator and Amador County representative Dave Cox addressed the concerns of constituents last Friday on the proposed closure of many state parks in order to help solve California’s budget crisis. “California’s state parks are an integral part of many local economies. Thousands of small businesses partner with the state to provide recreational services to vacationing families. Keeping the state parks open means keeping more Californians employed,” said Cox. In the latest news release from Sacramento, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger assured that about 100 of California’s 267 parks would be spared full closure under a plan to achieve $14.2 million in savings during the fiscal year. Schwarzenegger called this “fantastic news for all Californians.” Cox, whose district is home to 19 state parks including those near Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes and the Chaw’se Grinding Rock State Park, called the Governor’s latest announcement great news for families and school children. “With students back in school, many will now be able to take field trips to visit state parks to learn about the history of California,” he said. While the announcement comes as relief to many, it does not emphasize that just as many parks will be open only partially or seasonally under restricted hours. The plan is a cooperative effort between the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Finance and many actions outlined in the plan were already being considered. The California State Parks Foundation responded suspiciously to the Governor’s statement, saying: “While the Governor has found a clever way to get political cover on this issue, it’s not clear that this plan won’t actually leave Californians with just as limited access to their state parks as if they had been fully closed.” Still, Cox sees this latest action as an important step in the right direction. Cox said: “The Governor and his Administration…should be applauded for their dedication and creative thinking that will result in keeping our state parks open.” Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jackson – Amador Council of Tourism (ACT) Director Maureen Funk announced on Sunday her organization’s activities after receiving $25,000 in funding from the Amador County Board of Supervisors last Tuesday. During a lengthy and somewhat contentious debate, ACT was awarded the lions share of the $28,109 initially alotted for funding and county promotion in the current fiscal year budget, $20,000 of which was strictly relative to ACT and its competitor, the Amador County Visitor’s Bureau (ACVB). ACT was awarded the full amount, including an additional $5000 from the contingency fund. Another $10,000 was given to ACVB. Amador County, which depends on tourism for much of its revenue stream, has traditionally invested liberally in methods of promotion. In past years, the two organizations had split a funding budget of up to $47,000, but the economic depression combined with the closure of major business sponsors like Prospect Motors has strained funding limits. At that Board meeting, ACVB Executive Director Jacqueline Lucido said “over 86 percent of business in this county is affected one way or another by tourism.” Funk said over 60 percent of her organization’s budget is used to promote tourism. In a release Sunday, Funk thanked the supervisors and supporters, saying “the funding will go a long way toward promoting Amador as a destination.” She outlined presentations she saw at the latest ACT meeting, including a discussion about the possible closure of Chaw’se Grinding Rock State Park as a way to help alleviate the state budget crisis. Funk told TSPN the “funding given to us is vital to ACT and our effectiveness when promoting the benefits of Amador County.” She quoted a letter from Steve Hammond, CEO of Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau, regarding the economic situation and a course of action for tourism promoting agencies. Hammond said “while there is no 'silver bullet' solution to the drastic decline in the American and global economies, we can pull together and act collectively to communicate the priority and value of travel and meetings in Sacramento and its benefit to associations, businesses and individuals.” ACT holds multiple meetings each month. Their next meeting is October 8th at 5:30 pm at the Holiday Inn Express in Sutter Creek. Call 245-4503 for more information. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jackson - Pioneer resident Eric Olson, 37, was found guilty of three misdemeanor counts of assault Thursday- including death and racial threats against two black children -and was sentenced to 28 years to life in state prison. District Attorney Todd Riebe said in a release Monday that the charges stem from an incident on February 9, 2007 in Pioneer. He said “a 16 year old male was walking with his 13 year old sister, who are both black, and a 13 year old female friend on their way to the Amador station bus stop.” Riebe said Olson passed them in his pick up truck, flipped the group off, then returned in his truck “and skidded to a stop immediately behind the group, nearly striking them and causing them to jump out of the way to avoid injury.” Olson approached the male and issued racial epitaphs before removing a box cutter and threatening to kill the male. Riebe quoted Olson as saying, “I’ll cut your throat. I know where you live. I could kill you and your family.” Olson repeated his threats on March 1, 2007 while the boy and his sister were again enroute to the bus stop. This time, Olson was alleged to have pointed two fingers at his eyes, then pointed the same two fingers at the minors, stating “I know where you live.” The boy was later at his residence when he noticed Olson’s vehicle pull up in his driveway. He called his mother and reported the incident to the Sheriff’s Office. When interviewed about the crimes by Sheriff’s Deputy Marchant, Olson reportedly denied any wrongdoing and again used a racial epitaph. Since Olson had previously been convicted for a burglary and a robbery and suffered two strikes under California’s Three Strikes Law, Amador County Judge David Richmond sentenced him to 25 years to life in prison for conviction of criminal threats and 3 years consecutive for having served three prior separate prison terms. Multiple motions filed by Olson to overturn the conviction were denied. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ione – Developers of the Ione-area Rancho Arroyo Seco have pledged to match the money gathered in a computer lab fund drive that aims to gather $20,000 for a new computer lab at Ione Elementary School. The city of Ione reported that Rancho Arroyo Seco will match dollar-for-dollar the funds raised in the Ione Elementary School’s “Bulldog Byte Bash” set for October 23rd. Organizers said: “The goal is to raise $20,000 to build a state-of-the art computer lab that will accommodate up to 32 stations.” The city newsletter announced the Bash, and said to meet the “goal will require businesses, organizations and the community to support the effort.” The city newsletter said: “Rancho Arroyo Seco will once again match all donations dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000.” Rancho Arroyo Seco is owned by Amador Ranch Associates, a partnership led by John Telischak of Corte Madera and Bill Bunce of El Dorado Hills. Sharon Long said the Rancho for the last 2 years has matched funds in a fundraiser for the Ione Fire Department, raising $20,000 each year. 2 years ago, she said the IFD was able to replace all of their wildland gear. And last year, Ione Fire was able to leverage the $20,000 into $40,000, through a grant, and replace all of the department’s structure equipment, used in fighting structural fires. Long said the all-volunteer Ione Fire Department, with close to 40 personnel, was able to replace “very, very worn equipment.” This year, they will stage the fundraiser, with Rancho Arroyo Seco’s match, to benefit Ione Elementary. Rancho Arryo Seco will also sponsor the “Bulldog Byte Bash” from 5:30 until about 9:30 p.m. Friday, October 23 in the Big Red Barn at the Ranch on Highway 104. The family Bash “will feature many activities for kids including a ‘spook alley,’ bounce house, cotton candy, games, s’mores and more.” Tickets are on sale at Ione elementary, Clark’s Corner and City Hall. The Bash includes a spaghetti dinner, silent auction and raffle with a Grand Prize Drawing of a $1,000 trip to Disneyland, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ione. Those not attending the Bulldog Byte Bash can send donations to “Computers for Kids,” Rancho Arroyo Seco, P.O. 1730, Ione, CA 95640. All funds donated will be dedicated to this project. For more information, contact Sharon Long at (209) 304-5118. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Martell - A battle is brewing over the future of the historic Amador railway in the Martell area after property owner Sierra Pacific Industries hired a salvage company to begin removing track last week. A representative of Iron Horse Preservation Society, the Nevada-based company hired for track removal, told TSPN that tracks are being cleared on SPI property from the Ridge Road/Highway 88 intersection through Martell in order to prepare for the eventual construction of a new business park. This includes the future demolition of the old depot building approximately 100 yards east of the railroad crossing on Highway 49 near Meek’s Hardware. According to Mike Preston, Corporate Administrator and lead negotiator for the Amador County Historic Railroad Foundation, his group has made clear to SPI that they have a strong interest in acquiring the line, rebuilding it and opening it for free to be used for various county purposes. He said this idea is supported by a number of businesses adjacent to the track, including Meek’s, Lowe’s and Safeway. He said that despite previous discussions with SPI and community support, “they’ve gone ahead and ripped the track up anyway.” Larry Bowler, President and Co-founder of the Recreational Railroad Coalition, Inc., said his group is also interested in the future of the rail line. They currently lease the railway between the Ridge Road junction and Ione from SPI for $1 a year in order to operate hand cranked rail carts known as speeders. “We would have liked to preserve the entire railroad, but we can’t complain about SPI. The mile and a half in question is their private property,” said Bowler. Nevertheless, Preston feels it is in the best interest of all parties to work together. “I have offered to negotiate a tax break with SPI, but that and other options are still on the table,” he said. The historical value of the old railway is officially recognized by the State of California and the Office of Historic Preservation. It is the only mountain railroad line in the United States that is all contained within one county. It stretches 11 miles from Martell to Ione and includes 25 bridges. The Amador County Historic Railroad Foundation is a non-profit with approximately 150 members. Its goal is the long-term preservation of Amador railways. The Recreational Railroad Coalition, Inc. is a Mutual Benefit Corporation organized to preserve America’s historic railroad corridors. Sierra Pacific Industries did not return comment by the time this story was published. No timeframe has been released as to when the rail removal will be completed or the business park will be constructed. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County - The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a Sutter Creek woman believed to have committed suicide by jumping off a cruise ship off the coast of Canada last Friday. Edelgard Carney, 67, was captured on video surveillance jumping from the Princess Cruise ship Sapphire Princess while on a cruise along the coast of Alaska. Bella Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Nelson Salter told a reporter Friday that Carney was suffering from undisclosed medical conditions and had wrapped up personal affairs at home before going on the cruise. Her initial disappearance prompted an extensive search conducted by the Canadian and U.S. coast guards from Vancouver to Alaska. That search was suspended over the weekend and official reports say Carney was presumed to have drowned. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jackson - Pioneer resident Eric Olson, 37, was found guilty of three misdemeanor counts of assault Thursday- including death and racial threats against two black children -and was sentenced to 28 years to life in state prison. District Attorney Todd Riebe said in a release Monday that the charges stem from an incident on February 9, 2007 in Pioneer. He said “a 16 year old male was walking with his 13 year old sister, who are both black, and a 13 year old female friend on their way to the Amador station bus stop.” Riebe said Olson passed them in his pick up truck, flipped the group off, then returned in his truck “and skidded to a stop immediately behind the group, nearly striking them and causing them to jump out of the way to avoid injury.” Olson approached the male and issued racial epitaphs before removing a box cutter and threatening to kill the male. Riebe quoted Olson as saying, “I’ll cut your throat. I know where you live. I could kill you and your family.” Olson repeated his threats on March 1, 2007 while the boy and his sister were again enroute to the bus stop. This time, Olson was alleged to have pointed two fingers at his eyes, then pointed the same two fingers at the minors, stating “I know where you live.” The boy was later at his residence when he noticed Olson’s vehicle pull up in his driveway. He called his mother and reported the incident to the Sheriff’s Office. When interviewed about the crimes by Sheriff’s Deputy Marchant, Olson reportedly denied any wrongdoing and again used a racial epitaph. Since Olson had previously been convicted for a burglary and a robbery and suffered two strikes under California’s Three Strikes Law, Amador County Judge David Richmond sentenced him to 25 years to life in prison for conviction of criminal threats and 3 years consecutive for having served three prior separate prison terms. Multiple motions filed by Olson to overturn the conviction were denied. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County - The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a Sutter Creek woman believed to have committed suicide by jumping off a cruise ship off the coast of Canada last Friday. Edelgard Carney, 67, was captured on video surveillance jumping from the Princess Cruise ship Sapphire Princess while on a cruise along the coast of Alaska. Bella Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Nelson Salter told a reporter Friday that Carney was suffering from undisclosed medical conditions and had wrapped up personal affairs at home before going on the cruise. Her initial disappearance prompted an extensive search conducted by the Canadian and U.S. coast guards from Vancouver to Alaska. That search was suspended over the weekend and official reports say Carney was presumed to have drowned. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.