Jackson – As reported last Friday, about 20 “non-professional” nurses, pharmacists and family members picketed in front of Sutter Amador Hospital on November 6th to draw attention to union contract negotiations under way later that day. Theresa Talbert, a critical care registered nurse at the hospital, said the 100-plus employees considered “non-professional” by their parent union, the Service Employees International Union, are members of its subgroup, the United Healthcare Workers West union. Talbert said they are not on strike but rather holding an informational picket, to tell people that they have not had a contract in almost 2 years. She said UHW workers and family stood on the picket starting at 7 a.m. and were wrapping up the demonstration at 10 a.m. UHW includes registered nurses or workers from physical therapy, medical surgery, critical care and pharmacy. Talbert said they are “just trying to get a completed contract” and they think the hospital is “stalling.” She was going to negotiations later that day at the Holiday Inn Express, with UHW members from Sutter Amador Hospital, RN Debbie Cheney, pharmacist Todd Berg and union representative Beth Haddorf. They would be negotiating with the corporate representative. She said they have had a lot good contract language added, but differ in raises. Talbert said workers are seeking a 4 percent raise, while Sutter Amador Hospital is offering a 1.25 percent increase, a 2.25 percent increase for RNs, and a 20-cent raise for physical therapists, which she said is “quite insulting.” She said the Jackson workers’ wages are 14-18 percent below much of Northern California counterparts at other hospitals. She said Mark Twain Hospital’s similar workers earn only 6-9 percent more that the Jackson workers. Talbert said: “Even if we get what we’re asking for, which is 4 percent, we’re still not ahead of anybody.” She said it is hard to keep people at the Jackson hospital, and using substitutes “puts patients at risk.” Sutter Amador Hospital CEO Ann Platt said she was disappointed that the union members did not give the hospital 10 days’ notice that they were going to picket, as required, so the hospital can notify the authorities, employees and patients. Platt said they have been in negotiations since June, and have had 7 sessions since then. They also meet twice more this month. Platt said raise offers are “not quite so significant this year,” due to the economic climate. She said the hospital is very committed to working with the SEIU’s UHW workers. Platt said: “We certainly value our employees and want to make sure that we meet their needs.” 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 will continue discussion on a number of hot topics next week. During a special workshop next Tuesday from 1:30 – 3:30 pm, supervisors will discuss the proposed Mokelumne River National Wild and Scenic River Designation. An informal study will be presented followed by brief informational presentations and a question and answer period with specialists. The designation, supported by many in the foothills, would preserve and protect the river from development that would substantially change its wild and scenic nature. The informational panel will consist of Doug Barber and Sue Rodman of the U.S. Forest Service, Jim Eicher of the Bureau of Land Management, Gene Mancebo of the Amador Water Agency, Pete Bell of the Foothill Conservancy and John Hoffman, natural resources consultant for Amador County. At next Tuesday’s board meeting, Dr. Bob Hartmann and Health Director Angel LeSage will update the board on the current status of H1N1 in Amador County including information on educational campaigns, clinics, vaccine availability, and the number of vaccines administered so far. The District Attorney’s office will follow up for approval to fill an open position for a Deputy District Attorney. Also on the agenda will be discussion and possible action relative to approval of a First Amendment of Contract for Conveyance of the Arroyo Ditch. Another item will be discussion relative to the selection of a 2010 representative for the California State Association of Counties Board of Directors. At Monday’s Administrative Meeting, Supervisors Novelli and Oneto will review and possibly recommend clarification of specific points and terms in the revenue sharing agreement for Gold Rush Ranch and the Noble Ranch Annexation. The General Services Administration will seek recommendations relative to library behavior guidelines and a request by the Amador County Historical Society to re-open the Mine Model exhibit. Another notable item will be the consideration of two applications received requesting financial assistance as part of the Safe Drinking Water Program, which can provide assistance to low income property owners for the repair of failed on-site sewage systems. All meetings will take place at the County Administration Building, 810 Court Street in Jackson. The Wild and Scenic workshop and the Supervisors meeting will be in the Supervisors Chambers and the Administrative Committee meeting will be in Conference Room C. The public is welcome to attend. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jackson - The Friends of the Amador County Library (FACL) pulled in profits and new members during their fall used book sale to benefit Amador County libraries. In total, approximately $1,784.10 was raised and the group recruited 26 new members. All proceeds, together with funds collected previously, will go towards the purchase of books and computer-related items on the 2009 “library wish list.” These include two early-literacy computer stations with software through children in kindergarten through fourth grade, a new computer for the children’s section, additional shelving for the adult non-fiction area and an $850 World Book Encyclopedia collection. The biggest challenge will be a new children’s section, describes as a “multi-year challenge.” The event took place at the American Legion Hall, who donated their space, along with assistance from the Pine Grove Youth Conservatory Camp and Altera Realty, who provided a truck. “We are very grateful to all our supporters for making this event possible,” said FACL President Susan Staggs in a monthly bulletin. One big supporter was Umpqua Bank, who donated and prepared hotdogs for FACL members at the event. Fall has so far been a big season for FACL. The group was designated by the Mother Lode Newcomers Club as one of two recipients for their annual philanthropy award. “It is quite an honor given the large number of worthy non-profits in Amador County,” said Staggs. The award includes an as yet unspecified donation, to be awarded in May 2010. It will further assist in purchasing items on the wish list. Another book sale is scheduled for May 14-16, 2010. Another upcoming event will be the “Tellabration” at the Main Library in Jackson on November 21 from 11 am until 2 pm. It is described as “a worldwide storytelling event.” For large donations of books, call Susan Staggs at 296-0940 or Helen Bierce at 267-0855. Visit www.co.amador.ca.us/depts/library for more information on library services and the Friends of Amador County Library group. A TSPN TV Staff Report This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jackson - The Friends of the Amador County Library (FACL) pulled in profits and new members during their fall used book sale to benefit Amador County libraries. In total, approximately $1,784.10 was raised and the group recruited 26 new members. All proceeds, together with funds collected previously, will go towards the purchase of books and computer-related items on the 2009 “library wish list.” These include two early-literacy computer stations with software through children in kindergarten through fourth grade, a new computer for the children’s section, additional shelving for the adult non-fiction area and an $850 World Book Encyclopedia collection. The biggest challenge will be a new children’s section, describes as a “multi-year challenge.” The event took place at the American Legion Hall, who donated their space, along with assistance from the Pine Grove Youth Conservatory Camp and Altera Realty, who provided a truck. “We are very grateful to all our supporters for making this event possible,” said FACL President Susan Staggs in a monthly bulletin. One big supporter was Umpqua Bank, who donated and prepared hotdogs for FACL members at the event. Fall has so far been a big season for FACL. The group was designated by the Mother Lode Newcomers Club as one of two recipients for their annual philanthropy award. “It is quite an honor given the large number of worthy non-profits in Amador County,” said Staggs. The award includes an as yet unspecified donation, to be awarded in May 2010. It will further assist in purchasing items on the wish list. Another book sale is scheduled for May 14-16, 2010. Another upcoming event will be the “Tellabration” at the Main Library in Jackson on November 21 from 11 am until 2 pm. It is described as “a worldwide storytelling event.” For large donations of books, call Susan Staggs at 296-0940 or Helen Bierce at 267-0855. Visit www.co.amador.ca.us/depts/library for more information on library services and the Friends of Amador County Library group. A TSPN TV Staff Report This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Martell – The American Legion Post 108 of Amador County will host a free community barbecue to honor United States armed forces veterans, set for Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11th. Chaplain Dave Smith said the Legion selected the middle of the week and the actual day of Veterans Day for the barbecue for this year’s celebration. Past American Legion Post 108 Commander Tony Zelinski said that Congressman Dan Lungren will be in attendance, and they expect members of the Amador County Board of Supervisors and local city and county government to attend. The barbecue is free, and there will be a donation jar. The bar will be open and the barbecue starts at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 11th. Incahoots Restaurant of Plymouth will be catering, with ribs and chicken and fixings. Zelinski said despite Amador being the smallest county in the state, Amador County American Legion Post 108 boasts the third largest American Legion organization in California. He said it has 1,300 members, a high percentage of whom are also dual members of the Ione-based Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8254. Zelinski said the very active membership shows in its fundraisers, such as a breakfast hosted by Smith, which raised $1,200 for veterans and needy families. But Zelinski said the Veterans Day Barbecue is just a community meal to honor veterans, and while Memorial Day remembers the fallen soldiers, Veterans Day gives honor to those veterans who are living. A Veterans Day parade will also take place in Jackson on Main Street on November 11 at 10 am. It will include marching bands, flag ceremonies and the American Legion Riders, among other guests. Veterans Day was originally known as Armistice Day, in commemoration of those who fought during World War I. The holiday was first established on November 11, 1919 through a proclamation signed by President Woodrow Wilson. In 1953, an Emporia, Kansas shop owner began a campaign to turn Armistice Day into a day to celebrate all veterans of all wars. With help from his congressman, a bill was passed through Congress and signed by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1954 signifying this change. Later that year, a second bill was passed officially changing the name of the holiday to Veterans Day. This year, the holiday falls on a Wednesday. There are an estimated 24.9 million veterans currently living in the United States. American Legion Hall is at 12134 Airport Road in Martell, off Highway 49 at the Airport Road intersection. Story by Jim Reece and Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sutter Creek – The Sutter Creek City Council finance committee will see an update Monday on the estimated fiscal impacts of the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort. The committee of Councilwomen Sandy Anderson and Linda Rianda, and Planning Commissioner Frank Cunha, will hear from consultants Chris Curry and Susan Goodwin on an updated fiscal analysis. The committee met in early October, took public input, and gave direction to consultants. Goodwin said the object was to determine “impacts from Gold Rush and what would be needed to respond to that growth.” She said their October 6th data was a year old, because it was based on last year’s budget. The City Council on Monday approved the 2009-2010 city budget. Anderson said the October analysis put Gold Rush’s impact on the city General Fund at $1.9 million. Some input included Tracy Towner-Yep of the Amador County Recreation Agency, saying it takes “2 people per acre to maintain passive parks,” but the project did not have park details. She said some, such as “garden parks” take much more maintenance. Curry said “if detailed information like that is available, we’d like to use it.” Asked about expanding City Hall, Goodwin said “state impact fee laws” allow fees set “at a certain level,” and if they want to accelerate City Hall build-out, the city must borrow elsewhere. City Manager Rob Duke said a common practice is to build bigger facilities at cheaper costs, and build with movable walls to expand when needed. Ed Arata said the October study had a “booger in it” – that is, the city has a Fire District, not a fire department. Calfire’s Dominic Moreno said old fees had to be removed and new fees enacted by the City Council. Duke said the current fee is $670, and Arata said it should be $2,000 to $2,500. Cunha said roads listed in the analysis as private would be public road, and need maintenance of more than the analysis’ ½-time equivalent listed. Curry said that was based on the city General Fund, and “road maintenance was backed out of it.” Planning Commissioner Mike Kirkley said most jurisdiction find gas tax revenue is not enough to cover road maintenance, and he asked if a Community Facilities District could fund roads. Commission Chairman Robin Peters said a CFD is in place for roads in Calaveras County. Cunha urged having a better standard for roads than the one in place. The finance committee meets 1 p.m. Monday at the civic building on Church Street, and the meeting is open to the public. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sutter Creek – Officials from Sutter Creek on Monday will delve one of 2 major areas yet to be decided for the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort. A City Council committee will look at expected fiscal impacts of the project, which the council should return to during a future discussion of the number of housing units they wish to approve in the project’s specific plan. The council had a 3-2 majority favoring allowing Gold Rush to have 1,334 housing units in its project. Councilwoman Sandy Anderson, Councilwoman Linda Rianda and Mayor Gary Wooten agreed to the developer’s number on Monday and all 3 agreed that the council did not need to assign a committee to discuss the number of units with the developers. Councilman Pat Crosby and Mayor Pro Tem Tim Murphy were in favor of discussing having a smaller number of units. Developer Bill Bunce told the council that in creating Gold Rush, he and development partner John Telischack “chose the less typical approach” and the “size of the project is not arbitrary.” They set out designing a feasible project from the start, with the exact number of units they wanted, so they would not need to negotiate down to a smaller number of units. He said they were taking a “significant risk,” and “will see if it was worth it.” Bunce said “one thing (Gold Rush) is not – and never will be – is a typical Sacramento subdivision. I think it is an unnecessary sidetrack to compare it to those, and I think we all know that.” Wooten tabled the discussion of Gold Rush’s number of housing units, pending results of the fiscal impact analysis and committee meeting Monday. The city council at the same meeting last week gave staff direction on grading standards and changes to the specific plan for Gold Rush. City Attorney Dennis Crabb noted 3 areas of legal concern over obligations and duties that would be handled by the future Gold Rush Home Owners Association. Crabb said the city was concerned with “maintenance of swales and drainage ways” and “wildfire management” on private lands within Gold Rush. There was also concern about “design review for residential and commercial buildings and sites,” which he recommended could be addressed using “architectural and landscape design standards,” in an attachment to the city agreements with Gold Rush. The finance committee discusses the fiscal impacts of Gold Rush 1 p.m. Monday in the Church Street civic building. The meeting is open to the public. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sutter Creek – Officials from Sutter Creek on Monday will delve one of 2 major areas yet to be decided for the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort. A City Council committee will look at expected fiscal impacts of the project, which the council should return to during a future discussion of the number of housing units they wish to approve in the project’s specific plan. The council had a 3-2 majority favoring allowing Gold Rush to have 1,334 housing units in its project. Councilwoman Sandy Anderson, Councilwoman Linda Rianda and Mayor Gary Wooten agreed to the developer’s number on Monday and all 3 agreed that the council did not need to assign a committee to discuss the number of units with the developers. Councilman Pat Crosby and Mayor Pro Tem Tim Murphy were in favor of discussing having a smaller number of units. Developer Bill Bunce told the council that in creating Gold Rush, he and development partner John Telischack “chose the less typical approach” and the “size of the project is not arbitrary.” They set out designing a feasible project from the start, with the exact number of units they wanted, so they would not need to negotiate down to a smaller number of units. He said they were taking a “significant risk,” and “will see if it was worth it.” Bunce said “one thing (Gold Rush) is not – and never will be – is a typical Sacramento subdivision. I think it is an unnecessary sidetrack to compare it to those, and I think we all know that.” Wooten tabled the discussion of Gold Rush’s number of housing units, pending results of the fiscal impact analysis and committee meeting Monday. The city council at the same meeting last week gave staff direction on grading standards and changes to the specific plan for Gold Rush. City Attorney Dennis Crabb noted 3 areas of legal concern over obligations and duties that would be handled by the future Gold Rush Home Owners Association. Crabb said the city was concerned with “maintenance of swales and drainage ways” and “wildfire management” on private lands within Gold Rush. There was also concern about “design review for residential and commercial buildings and sites,” which he recommended could be addressed using “architectural and landscape design standards,” in an attachment to the city agreements with Gold Rush. The finance committee discusses the fiscal impacts of Gold Rush 1 p.m. Monday in the Church Street civic building. The meeting is open to the public. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sutter Creek – The Sutter Creek City Council finance committee will see an update Monday on the estimated fiscal impacts of the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort. The committee of Councilwomen Sandy Anderson and Linda Rianda, and Planning Commissioner Frank Cunha, will hear from consultants Chris Curry and Susan Goodwin on an updated fiscal analysis. The committee met in early October, took public input, and gave direction to consultants. Goodwin said the object was to determine “impacts from Gold Rush and what would be needed to respond to that growth.” She said their October 6th data was a year old, because it was based on last year’s budget. The City Council on Monday approved the 2009-2010 city budget. Anderson said the October analysis put Gold Rush’s impact on the city General Fund at $1.9 million. Some input included Tracy Towner-Yep of the Amador County Recreation Agency, saying it takes “2 people per acre to maintain passive parks,” but the project did not have park details. She said some, such as “garden parks” take much more maintenance. Curry said “if detailed information like that is available, we’d like to use it.” Asked about expanding City Hall, Goodwin said “state impact fee laws” allow fees set “at a certain level,” and if they want to accelerate City Hall build-out, the city must borrow elsewhere. City Manager Rob Duke said a common practice is to build bigger facilities at cheaper costs, and build with movable walls to expand when needed. Ed Arata said the October study had a “booger in it” – that is, the city has a Fire District, not a fire department. Calfire’s Dominic Moreno said old fees had to be removed and new fees enacted by the City Council. Duke said the current fee is $670, and Arata said it should be $2,000 to $2,500. Cunha said roads listed in the analysis as private would be public road, and need maintenance of more than the analysis’ ½-time equivalent listed. Curry said that was based on the city General Fund, and “road maintenance was backed out of it.” Planning Commissioner Mike Kirkley said most jurisdiction find gas tax revenue is not enough to cover road maintenance, and he asked if a Community Facilities District could fund roads. Commission Chairman Robin Peters said a CFD is in place for roads in Calaveras County. Cunha urged having a better standard for roads than the one in place. The finance committee meets 1 p.m. Monday at the civic building on Church Street, and the meeting is open to the public. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Martell – The American Legion Post 108 of Amador County will host a free community barbecue to honor United States armed forces veterans, set for Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11th. Chaplain Dave Smith said the Legion selected the middle of the week and the actual day of Veterans Day for the barbecue for this year’s celebration. Past American Legion Post 108 Commander Tony Zelinski said that Congressman Dan Lungren will be in attendance, and they expect members of the Amador County Board of Supervisors and local city and county government to attend. The barbecue is free, and there will be a donation jar. The bar will be open and the barbecue starts at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 11th. Incahoots Restaurant of Plymouth will be catering, with ribs and chicken and fixings. Zelinski said despite Amador being the smallest county in the state, Amador County American Legion Post 108 boasts the third largest American Legion organization in California. He said it has 1,300 members, a high percentage of whom are also dual members of the Ione-based Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8254. Zelinski said the very active membership shows in its fundraisers, such as a breakfast hosted by Smith, which raised $1,200 for veterans and needy families. But Zelinski said the Veterans Day Barbecue is just a community meal to honor veterans, and while Memorial Day remembers the fallen soldiers, Veterans Day gives honor to those veterans who are living. A Veterans Day parade will also take place in Jackson on Main Street on November 11 at 10 am. It will include marching bands, flag ceremonies and the American Legion Riders, among other guests. Veterans Day was originally known as Armistice Day, in commemoration of those who fought during World War I. The holiday was first established on November 11, 1919 through a proclamation signed by President Woodrow Wilson. In 1953, an Emporia, Kansas shop owner began a campaign to turn Armistice Day into a day to celebrate all veterans of all wars. With help from his congressman, a bill was passed through Congress and signed by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1954 signifying this change. Later that year, a second bill was passed officially changing the name of the holiday to Veterans Day. This year, the holiday falls on a Wednesday. There are an estimated 24.9 million veterans currently living in the United States. American Legion Hall is at 12134 Airport Road in Martell, off Highway 49 at the Airport Road intersection. Story by Jim Reece and Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.