Displaying items by tag: Gold Country

Wednesday, 30 July 2014 16:29

Sand fire Incident Update July 30, 2014

Incident Start Date: 07-25-2014 Incident Start Time: 4:34 p.m.

Incident Type: Wildland Incident Location: Plymouth

Size / Acres: 4,240 Cause: Vehicle into dry vegetation

Containment: 90% Expected Containment: 08-02-2014

Injuries: 2

Structures Threatened: 0 Structures Destroyed: 66 Structures Damaged: 0

Engines: 78 Water Tenders: 26 Dozers: 7 Hand Crews: 46

Air Tankers: 0 Helicopters: 0 Total Personnel: 1,311

Current Situations: Acreage increased due to precise GPS mapping of the fire. Fire crews continue to strengthen the established containment lines. Patrol and mop-up of the fire will continue for several days. Rugged terrain and hot, dry weather conditions in addition to hazards associated with mines within the fire area continue to be a challenge for firefighters. The fire has destroyed 19 residential structures and 47 outbuildings. Damage assessment is ongoing. Excess resources are continuing to be released and or reassigned to other incidents.

Evacuations: All evacuation orders have been lifted, including Painted Pony Rd.

Evacuation Shelter: The Red Cross evacuation shelter located at the Pondarosa High School has been closed.

Road Closures: All road closures have been lifted.

Animal Evacuations: If you need assistance call Animal Services during normal business hours (530) 621-5795. After hours, call (530) 621-6600 and ask for an Animal Service Officer.

Additional Information: Fire information for the public can be obtained at 530-647-5218. The public is strongly urged to use extra caution and to drive slowly on Highway 49. This is due to the large amount of fire equipment that is traversing highway 49. For information on how to be fire safe at your home visit www.readyforwildfire.org.

Assisting Agencies: CHP, El Dorado Co SO, Amador SO, Cal OES, CDCR, El Dorado Co Animal Control, USFS, BLM, El Dorado Co DOT, CCC, Red Cross, PG&E, Cal Trans

Posted by TSPN TV on Wednesday, July 30, 2014 8:30AM

Published in Local

Tuesday, 29 July 2014 23:08

California State Fair Sets New Attendance Records

Total attendance at the California State Fair grew by eight percent this year representing the highest attendance levels in six years. More than 750,000 guests came to see “The Best” of California on display during the 17-day State Fair (July 11-27). For the first time in more than 10 years, State Fair attendance levels exceeded 70,000 visitors on four separate days, three weekend days (7/19, 7/26 and 7/27) and the second Tuesday of the Fair (7/22) which was Wells Fargo Kids Day drawing 75,957 guests. Additionally, the California State Fair became the most “liked” fair in the Western United States on Facebook with a new fan level of 108,196.

A combination of expanded programming and entertainment that attracted a diverse group of individuals, positive social media messages by Fairgoers who helped spread their excitement virally, a strategic shift in the marketing campaign that focused on the best of California and the iconic blue ribbon, the addition of professional soccer games, and a doubling of advance ticket sales were some of the factors contributing to the overall increase.

State Fair organizers were pleased with these new records, noting that a number of challenges were overcome this year, including impacts of the drought, five days of temperatures in excess of 100 degrees, four wild land fires in the past three weeks on or near Cal Expo’s portion of the American River Parkway, a freeway closure on Wells Fargo Kid’s Day due to the fires, record viewership in California of the World Cup on the State Fair’s first Sunday, and rain on the State Fair’s second Sunday.

“Setting new attendance records during a summer of adverse weather, drought and fires, is a testament to the resiliency of the people of California and to the evolving relevance of the State Fair,” said Rick Pickering, CEO of the California Exposition and State Fair. Pickering stated that, “The 2014 State Fair’s theme of ‘The Best’ was designed to help celebrate, preserve, and inspire California’s most valuable asset – it’s people.”

2014 State Fair by the numbers: In addition to the number of attendees, officials estimate the following:

Guest Services
159,242 cars parked
47 lost phones returned to their owners
6,000 Bandaids given out by guest services
3,864,000 feet of toilet paper used

Social & Web
51,921 new Facebook fans since June 1, 2014 bringing the total to 108,196 -- the most "liked' fair in the western United States
589 social media posts by the State Fair, including 162 Facebook, 361 tweets and retweets and 66 Instagram posts during the Fair
756,459 total visits to the CAStateFair.org website since June 1, 2014
3.3 million page views on the CAStateFair.org website since June 1, 2014

Food & Beverage
75,000+ corn dogs eaten
40,000+ funnel cakes served
7,600 free, personalized Coca-Cola cans given out to guests
2.5 tons of whole wheat flour, 1,000 lbs. of cream cheese and 1 ton of cinnamon sugar used to make the Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls
2,156 State Fair Brewers’ Festival attendees
13,119 wine slushies served in the Save Mart Supermarkets Wine Country
12,191 scoops of gelato served by Colossal Gelato

Animals
38 animals born in the Baby Barn
6,393 livestock animals
2,725 yards of manure removed from the livestock area
214,710 dollars raised by 58 youth in the Tractor Supply Jr. Livestock Auction

Entertainment
2,601 jumps in the Jack in the Box Freestyle Motocross show
62,201 monorail rides
612 guests hypnotized on the PG&E Center Stage
500,000 dollars in horseracing capital improvements

Exhibits
3,696 lbs. of fresh food harvested from The Farm presented by Save Mart Supermarkets and donated to local food banks during fair.
2,500 completed Read to Ride book reports turned in for 5,000 free rides by Butler Amusements
10,700 tree seedlings given out to guests in Forest Center
14,400 kids completed the passport program in The Farm presented by Save Mart Supermarkets
9,000 water efficient nozzles given out to guests by Toro to help save water
29 pieces of art sold from the fine art exhibit

The 2015 California State Fair will be held in July and will include three weekends of exciting horse racing.

For more than 160 years, the California State Fair has showcased the best of the Golden State. During the 2014 State Fair more than 750,000 people experienced the best and made memories that will last a lifetime. Initiated by Governor Pat Brown and opened by Governor Ronald Reagan in 1968 the current Cal Expo facilities were dedicated as a place to celebrate California’s achievement, preserve a slice of Americana, and provide a window into the future.

Published in State

Tuesday, 29 July 2014 06:50

Bank Robbery

On July 28, 2014 at approximately 1308 hours, the Amador County Sheriff’s Office received a silent hold up alarm at the American River Bank, 26395 Buckhorn Ridge Rd., Pioneer

Upon arrival of Amador County Sheriff’s Deputies, it was determined that a white male adult, approximately 30 years old, clean shaven, wearing a tan beanie, sunglasses, tan long sleeve shirt with the letters HAT over the left chest pocket, tan pants and deck shoes entered the bank armed with what appeared to be a black semi-automatic pistol. The suspect stole an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency and was last seen fleeing on foot towards Buckhorn Ridge Road. No one was injured during this robbery.

Amador County Sheriff’s Deputies saturated the Buckhorn scene and conducted a search of the region. A Sheriff’s Service K9 as well as a CHP helicopter was also used to search the area. A Reverse 911 notification was launched advising residents of the crime and asking for their assistance. Sheriff’s Detectives are currently working with bank personnel to acquire surveillance footage.

At this time the suspect is still outstanding. If you have seen the suspect, or have any information related to this crime please call the Amador County Sheriff’s Office at (209)223-6500 or Amador County Secret Witness at (209)223-4900.

Posted by TSPN TV on Monday, July 28, 2014

Published in Local

Tuesday, 29 July 2014 06:47

Amador County Fair Hosts Record-Breaking Jr. Livestock Auction

The Amador County Fair wrapped up its four-day run with a record-breaking Jr. Livestock Auction. Buyers ignored the smoky haze from the Sand Fire and the triple digit heat to spend more than $540,000 in support of Amador County youth. The livestock sale in 2013 brought in just over $330,000.

"We had a phenomenal Fair," said CEO Troy Bowers, "In spite of the challenges faced by the community with the nearby Sand Fire and the heat, we had the opportunity to remind ourselves of the way this County comes together. Our staff, the entertainers and vendors, volunteers and exhibitors all worked together to make this Fair truly reflect our theme of There's No Place Like Home."

While attendance dropped off during the heat of the day, crowds packed the Fairgrounds during the evening hours to enjoy the Muttin Bustin, Truck Pulls, Rodeo and Destruction Derby. A big hit this year was hypnotist Susan Rosen who had some fun with her subjects. The Spazmatics packed the Blue Moon Picnic Lawn once again as did the Rhythm Ryders' tributes to Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline, Strait Country tribute to George Straight saw our largest Sunday night crowds ever.

Even though the Fair was in full operation mode, the Fair did not hesitate to offer to shelter animals that needed to be evacuated from the Fire. "One of the most important roles of California Fairs is to provide our facilities in emergency situations for housing both animals and families when necessary," said marketing director Karen Spencer. "Thanks to ACART (Amador County Animal Response Team) and the Amador County Animal Control crews we were able to shelter 18 horses plus chickens, rabbits, goats, dogs and cats. PETCO of Jackson generously delivered food, bedding, pens and other supplies within hours of hearing of the situation."

Bailey Lubenko was crowned Miss Amador County Fair and Carisa Swason was named Miss Amador Rodeo Queen. Lora Lee Warden won the Peoples Choice Award in the Art Department for fine art and Dorothy Magoffin won for photography.

Tickets purchased at the gates showed an increase on Thursday and Friday, but with the fire and the heat a decline was seen on Saturday and Sunday during the day. Final attendance numbers will not be available until pre-sale purchases are analyzed.

Posted by TSPN TV on Monday, July 28, 2014

Published in Local

Tuesday, 29 July 2014 06:42

State Route 88 Pine Grove Corridor Improvement Project Public Workshop

WHEN AND WHERE?

Date: Time:

Place:

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

5:30 p.m.Open House 6:00 p.m.Presentation & Workshop

Pine Grove Town Hall 19889 Highway 88 Pine Grove, CA 95665

WHAT IS BEING PLANNED?

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), as the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), in cooperation with the Amador County Transportation Commission (ACTC) proposes to modify State Route 88 through the Town of Pine Grove in order to reduce congestion, improve operations and enhance safety between the intersections at Climax Road and Tabeaud Road.

WHY THIS NOTICE?

You are invited to attend a public workshop for the State Route 88 Pine Grove Corridor Improvements Project. Representatives from Caltrans and ACTC will be present to provide a project update, present proposed design details, and provide information for consideration in the environmental process. There will be an open-house beginning at 5:30 p.m. which will include maps, exhibits, graphics, and an opportunity for discussions with project representatives. A presentation and workshop will begin at 6:00 p.m.

WHERE DO YOU COME IN?

This is your opportunity to provide Caltrans and ACTC with feedback on the preferred solution.

CONTACT

To submit comments to be considered in the environmental process, please contact:

Scott Smith, Chief, Caltrans Central Sierra Environmental Analysis Branch

Phone: (559) 445-6172E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. For general project information, please contact:

Neil Peacock, Project Manager Amador County Transportation Commission Phone:(209) 267-2282 E-Mail:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jes Padda, PE, Oversight Project Manager Caltrans Phone:(209) 948-7765 E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For all other highway matters, please contact Caltrans District 10 Public Information Office (209) 948-7977 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS

Individuals who require special accommodation (American Sign Language interpreter, accessible seating, documentation in alternate formats, etc.) please contact the Caltrans District 10 Public Affairs Office at (209) 948-7977 at least ten (10) days prior to the scheduled meeting. Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) users may contact the California Relay Service TDD line at 1-800-735-2922 or 711.

Posted by TSPN TV on Monday, July 28, 2014

Published in Local

Monday, 28 July 2014 22:23

News at Noon July 28, 2014

Richard Forster talks to Tom Slivick about the Board of Supervisors' Pre Agenda Report on TSPN TV.

Published in Local

Monday, 28 July 2014 20:35

Sand Fire Evacuation Status Reduced

Evacuation Order reduced to Evacuation Warning:

Amador County:

• Hwy 49/Bell Rd., Courier Rd. Shenandoah Rd. and Upton Rd.

El Dorado County:

• All of Upton Rd., Jaybird, D’Agnostini, Bertone, Squirrel Hollow, and Rabbit

Ridge.

Evacuation Order cancelled:

El Dorado County:

• Deer Haven/Sand Ridge East to Somerset, Buzzard’s Gulch, Van Pooka, and La

Mesa

• All areas/roads East of E16/Mt. Aukum Dr., between Coyote Junction to Gray’s

Corner

Evacuation Warning cancelled:

El Dorado County:

• San Ridge Road/Morning Canyon to Gorge View to Horseshoe Bend to Gray’s

Corner to E16/Mt., Aukum Rd. to Buck’s Bar/Sand Ridge Rd.

At 10:00 this morning, all evacuations warnings for the area of Outingdale Community have been

rescinded. All homes East of E16 (Mt Aukum Rd.) is open for residents to return.

Traffic Control Point remain at the following locations:

• Sand Ridge Rd. at Deerhaven

• E16 at Lone Barn

• E16 at Brinkwood

• Flat Creek at Bertone

The following areas remain under an Evacuation Order:

• Flat Creek Rd.

• Brinkwood Rd.

• Painted Pony Rd.

• Higgins Rd.

• Twin Rivers Rd. and all connecting roads.

Residents returning to the area may be required to show identification and proof of residency. CAL

FIRE encourages residents returning to the area to drive safely and watch for fire equipment and

firefighter activity within those affected areas.

Posted by TSPN TV on Monday, July 28, 2014 12:45PM

Published in Local

Monday, 28 July 2014 19:01

Sand Fire incident Update

Incident Start Date: 07-25-2014 Incident Start Time: 4:34 p.m.

Incident Type: Wildland Incident Location: Plymouth

Size / Acres: 3,800 Cause: Vehicle into dry vegetation

Containment: 65% Expected Containment: 08-01-2014

Injuries: 1

Structures Threatened: 515 Structures Destroyed: 51 Structures Damaged: 0

Engines: 196 Water Tenders: 50 Dozers: 30 Hand Crews: 51

Air Tankers: 0 Helicopters: 4 Total Personnel: 1,937

Current Situations: Fire crews increased containment overnight and will continue to improve and hold the established control lines throughout the day. The steep, dry terrain continues to be a challenge but the recent gains in containment has moved the projected control date to August 1st. Assessment teams were able to identify 13 residential structures and 38 outbuilding that had been destroyed. Fire damage assessment continues.

Evacuations: Evacuation Orders: Sand Ridge Rd. to Morning Canyon Rd., Vintage Trail to Sand Ridge Rd., Bell Rd., D Agostini Rd., Bertone Rd. All of Buzzards Gulch Rd. and all roads off of Buzzards Gulch Rd., Fairplay Rd and Dorado Caynon Road and all connecting roads and River Pines Estates.

Evacuation Warning: Outingdale Community

Evacuation Shelter: Ponderosa High School, 3661 Ponderosa Rd,. Shingle Springs

Road Closures: Sand Ridge Rd., from Highway 49 to Bucks Bar Rd. Mt Aukum Rd., (E16) to Bucks Bar Rd. Fairplay Rd., to E16. Bell Rd.

Animal Evacuations: Animal Services (530) 621-7515 - Animals except for horses are accepted at Ponderosa High School, Horses are no longer accepted at El Dorado County Fairgrounds

Additional Information: Fire information for the public can be obtained at 530-647-5218.The public is strongly urged to use extra caution and to drive slowly on Highway 49. This is due to the large amount of fire equipment that is traversing highway 49. For information on how to be fire safe at your home visit www.readyforwildfire.org.

Assisting Agencies: CHP, El Dorado Co SO, Amador SO, Cal OES, CDCR, El Dorado Co Animal Control, USFS, BLM, El Dorado Co DOT, CCC, Red Cross, PG&E, Cal Trans

CAL FIRE Incidents

Posted by TSPN TV on Monday, 7-28-14 11AM

Published in Local

Saturday, 26 July 2014 05:20

Authors, Writers, Books, and Beyond on TSPN TV 7-23-14

Kathy Boyd Fellure discusses with her guest Artist and Illustrator - Jessica Lemley, and Authors - Carrie McAlister, and Jo Ann Sarti about the process of creating children's books.

Published in Authors, Writers, Books, and Beyond

Saturday, 26 July 2014 03:32