Many of the Eldorado National Forest’s developed recreation sites were built 30-50 years ago. Since then, visitor preferences and demographics have changed and some sites no longer serve their projected recreation demands. Some facilities are in poor shape and are not meeting visitors’ expectations. Now, in an effort to respond to these conditions, as well as considering the national direction, the forest is implementing the Recreation Site Facility Master Planning (RSFMP) process for developed recreation…

As Amador County Education Officials approve their Local Education Agency Plan to meet the federal government’s No Child Left Behind mandates, California State Officials are preparing to battle the feds over the 2002 Educational Initiative. California State Department of Education Officials are hoping Congress will consider the state’s concerns about the federal law, concerns which center around the basic question of how to effectively evaluate the progress of students.

Yesterday a federal court judge postponed the trial over a lawsuit seeking to block a California law that if cleared for implementation will enforce the world's toughest vehicle-emission standards. U.S. District Judge Anthony Ishii has also ordered the California Air Resources Board to delay enforcing tailpipe-emission standards for greenhouse gases. The case will now to go to trial Jan. 30. In his order, Ishii said it was best to wait until the U.S. Supreme Court…

Last week in the governor’s budget a policy shift was unveiled. A shift that according to a summary provided by Schwarzenegger's office shows that the governor wants to reserve state youth prisons, which now house 2,800 inmates, for violent male offenders only. By mid-2008, the governor would relocate about 1,340 youths — nonviolent parole violators, all female offenders and virtually all those convicted of drug and property crimes — making them the counties' responsibility. The…

The Amador County Unified School District Board of Trustees recently approved their annual Local Education Agency plan. This plan is required by the federal government for all districts accepting funding through the No Child Left Behind Act.  The LEA Plan report must include progress made by the district that is related to the five performance goals and 12 performance indicators as outlined by the district in the LEA Plan including guidance as well as other related programmatic requirements. According to Elizabeth Chapin Pinotti, Asst Supt of Curriculum for ASCUD The LEA Plan serves six main  purposes: It is a Five-year operational plan (July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2008) to be updated annually. The plan is a Guide for federal and state-funded programs, allocations of resources, and reporting requirements.

The frigid temperatures continue to dominate the news with temperatures the lowest they have been in almost a decade throughout northern California. A freeze warning, that began yesterday morning remains in affect through 9am this morning as an arctic air mass lingers over California. According the National Weather Service another cold night was expected last night with 5-10 hours of below freezing temperatures- likely in the teens. This morning, we had low temperatures again ranging…

After almost two weeks Cal Trans has responded to the proposal offered by the Tri-County’s in regards to the outstanding 12.8 million dollar increase for the Angels Camp Bypass. Previously on December 22 a meeting was held by representatives of the Tri-Counties, Alpine, Amador and Calaveras, ACTC Executive Director Charles Field and Cal Tran’s representatives. Field said, “We all agreed to ask Cal Trans…and the California Transportation Commission for money.” He said that requested funds…

John Wadsworth has been ordered to appear for felony sentencing at 10am this Wednesday morning. The ordeal began on September 19th when Amador High School was placed under lock down due to an angry parent who was thought to be armed and dangerous. Apparently 34 year old Wadsworth left his home in Ione when he learned that the Child Protective Services were questioning his children in regards to an Ione Police Department domestic violence case…

Gasoline prices in California are due to fall -- significantly -- as long as yesterday’s refinery fire in the East Bay doesn't interfere. Gas prices, after bottoming out in early November, rose about 20 cents before stabilizing last week, a trend that baffled motorists and experts alike. Any sign of a drop would be welcome news for Californians, who paid an average of $2.62 a gallon Monday for self-serve regular, up 6 cents from a…

Last week the city of Plymouth became the second city in Amador County to adopt the new Amador County Recreation Agency’s nexus study report, the regional recreation Masterplan, and the development recreation impact fees that go with them. The Nexus Study recommends that cities in the county require between 8,670 and 4,300 dollars in recreational impact fees for new development. Some residents of Plymouth stated that the 4,300 dollar fee may even be out of…