Bob Messer and Mike Colman talk to Kam and Monique about Lake Amador Resort's Free Event on Thursday Night Oct. 2 at 7pm with Special Guest Speaker ANDY ‘Cooch’ CUCCIA.

 
Published in AML

Kam Merzlak and Monique Graziadei open Amador Live with lining up their guest for this episode. 

Published in AML
Thursday, 25 September 2014 07:16

AM Live Roam on TSPN TV Sept 24, 2014

Kam Merzlak and Monique Graziadei recap about the events happening in Amador County.

Published in AML
Wednesday, 24 September 2014 19:09

KING FIRE UPDATE

Basic Information

Current as of 9/24/2014 6:43:40 AM
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Arson
Date of Origin Saturday September 13th, 2014 approx. 06:37 PM
Location Forebay Road, Pollock Pines, CA
Incident Commander Unified Command CIIMT-5, CALFIRE IMT-5

Current Situation

Total Personnel 7,621
Size 92,960 Acres
Percent of Perimeter Contained 38%
Fuels Involved

Heavy timber, steep terrain

Significant Events

The fire remained relatively active throughout the night due to the poor relative humidity recovery and wind.

Zone 1: The fire line around the large spot fire east of French Meadow Reservoir was tested today and held, however the lines will be tested again tomorrow by the Red Flag event. Significant direct and indirect line was completed throughout the fire area.

Zone 2: Line construction continues in the west area to tie into Slab Creek Reservoir. Roll out and under slung line continues to be a challenge in the Rubicon drainage. The contingency line is still intact. Mop up and patrol continues. Firing operations continued to be hampered due to elevated fuel moistures. Existing control lines continue to be wind tested. Complete ion containment lines continue to be coordinated between Zones 1 and 2.

Zone 1 and 2 Interface: The most active area was on the west side of the fire, directly north and south of the Rubicon River in the canyon. The fire did spot across the river. Resources working in the area quickly attacked the spot fire. Air resources and the Infrared-equipped helicopter will access the area at first light if conditions allow.

Outlook

Planned Actions

Zone 1:

Widen and improve existing roads to fortify them for direct, indirect, and contingency lines. Hold and improve direct and indirect line between French Meadow and Hell's Hole Reservoirs to block the fires advance towards the northeast. Continue to hold and build direct and indirect lines on the east and west flanks of the fire to contain lateral spread of the fire. Utilize air resources to slow the rate of spread, influence the direction of spread, and assist in structure protection. Identify additional communities and values at risk and develop plans to minimize impacts. Provide protection for structures, infrastructure, habitat, and other values at risk. Identify and construct indirect and direct control lines as needed, providing for firefighter and public safety first.

Zone 2:

In the west, southwest area, mop up, hold, and improve control lines. Attempt to go direct in the Rubicon drainage. In the south area, mop up and patrol. In the west, southwest area, continue direct line construction. Mop up, hold, and improve existing control lines.

Projected Incident Activity

With the southwest winds there is a potential for extreme fire behavior if the winds, fuels, and topography come into alignment. There is the possibility for single and group tree torching, upslope crown runs, and spotting up to 1/2 mile. The highest probability is on the northwest portion of the fire.

Current Weather

Weather Concerns

**Red Flag Warning remains in effect through early Wednesday morning**

Tuesday night: South west winds at ridge tops subsided between 2000-2200 and became south to southeasterly at 12 mph, with gusts to 20 mph. Down canyon winds were across the lower slopes ranging between 5-10 mph. Maximum relative humidity ranged between 40-55% overnight.

Wednesday: Southwest winds will increase today and align with the lower canyons and valleys. Expect ridge top winds of 20-35 mph Wednesday afternoon. Minimum relative humidity will range between 20-30% during the afternoon. A pacific system will push into the King Fire Thursday and linger into the weekend. Expect a partly to mostly cloudy sky, cooler temperatures, higher humidity, along with a chance for showers and thunderstorms.

Published in Local
Wednesday, 24 September 2014 19:07

Eldorado National Forest Updated King Fire Closure

Placerville, CA – The King Fire area closure was effect in the Eldorado National Forest beginning September 17.  Beginning September 23, this Forest Order replaces Forest Order 03-14-109, removing the statement, “Owners of lessees of land in the area are exempt of this prohibition to the extent necessary to gain access to their land,” from the previous order. 

 

Pursuant to 16 USC 551 and 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Georgetown, Placerville and Pacific Ranger Districts of the Eldorado National Forest.  This Order is effective from September 23, 2014 until the King Fire is declared out or by termination of the Order.

 

1.       Going into or being upon any National Forest System land within the King Fire Closure.  The King Fire Closure boundary begins at the intersection of Federal Highway 50 and Wrights Lake Road, then continues north along Wrights Lake Road to its intersection with the Pacific Ranger District boundary, then continues east along the Pacific Ranger District boundary to the Eldorado National Forest boundary, then continues northwest, west and south along the Eldorado National Forest boundary to its intersection with Meadowbrook Road, then continues southwest along Meadowbrook Road to its intersection with California State Highway 193, then continues south along California State Highway 193 to its intersection with Rock Creek Road, then continues east along Rock Creek Road to its intersection with Mosquito Road, then continues south along Mosquito Road to its intersection with Union Ridge Road, then continues southeast along Union Ridge Road to its intersection with Carson Road, then continues east 2.2 miles along Carson Road to its intersection with Federal Highway 50, then continues east along Federal Highway 50 back to the starting point.  36 CFR 261.53(e). 

 

2.       Being on any National Forest System road within the King Fire Closure Area, as shown on the attached map.  36 CFR 261.54(e). 

 

3.       Being on any National Forest System trail within the King Fire Closure Area, as shown on the attached map.  36 CFR 261.55(a). 

 

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1.        Persons with a permit from the Forest Service specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.

2.       Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

 

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR 261, Subpart A.

A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both.  16 USC 551 and 18 USC 3559, 3571 and 3581.

 

The following popular recreation sites are within the closure area:

The west side of Desolation Wilderness on the Eldorado National Forest, the Crystal Basin area, including areas accessed by Icehouse Road, the Wrights Lake area, the Hell Hole area, Stumpy Meadows and Dru Barner campground. 

 

Recreation sites on the Amador Ranger District are not affected by the closure.   Visitors are asked to remember that fire restrictions are still in effect.  Open fires or stoves are prohibited unless in developed campgrounds.  Forest Service staff will be patrolling to ensure compliance.

 

The closure order and map are posted on the Eldorado National Forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/eldorado.

 

Additional Information about the King Fire can be found at:

https://www.facebook.com/KINGFIREPIO

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4108

 

Published in Local

Jackson, California, September 29, 2014 – Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a fire. That’s the message behind this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month!”

Along with firefighters and safety advocates nationwide, the Jackson Fire Department is joining forces with the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) during Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11, to remind local residents about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home and testing them monthly.

According to the latest NFPA research, working smoke alarms cut the chance of dying in a fire in half. Meanwhile, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

“In a fire, seconds count,” said Cody Martinsen, Captain. “Roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported at night between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep. Home smoke alarms can alert people to a fire before it spreads, giving everyone enough time to get out.”

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign includes the following smoke alarm messages:

·       Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.

·       Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. This way, when one sounds, they all do.

·       Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.

·       Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or sooner if they don’t respond properly.

·       Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke alarm and understands what to do when they hear it.

 

The Jackson Fire Department will be hosting activities at the local schools and senior center during Fire Prevention Week to promote “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives!” Through these educational, family-oriented activities, residents can learn more about the importance of working smoke alarms and testing them monthly.

To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Jackson, please contact the Jackson Fire Department at (209) 223-9039. To learn more about smoke alarms and “Working Smoke Alarms Saves Lives”, visit NFPA’s Web site at www.firepreventionweek.org.

Published in Local

15-20 Covered Wagons are coming to Sutter Creek and Amador County September 25-28th! Come and join the excitement as we celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of the California Legislature creating Amador County in 1854 and the beginning of the Gold Rush Days!

Step back in time and witness over 15 actual covered wagons, accompanied by mounted horseback riders, as they make their way down the historic Highway 49, the original 49’r Gold Rush Trail. The wonderfully preserved historic Gold Rush towns of Amador County will make for a perfect backdrop for this Wagon Train. Lots of fun is planned along the way during this 4 day event, so come on up and spend the whole weekend! Experience what it might have been like to be a settler in a covered wagon adventuring west.

 “The Days of ‘49” celebration will be held September 25 through 28, 2014. It will include a four-day wagon train traveling from the Shenandoah Valley to Jackson, Ca. The plan for the wagon train is to depict an authentic look back in time at the first arrival of settlers and miners to the Amador County region. Don’t miss this wonderful event.

 

Schedule:

Day 1 of the wagon train will begin at Cooper Vineyards, with the first night spent at the Amador County Fairgrounds, in Plymouth. Everyone is invited to come to the Fairgrounds to get a free close up look at the wagons and possibly enjoy some “Grub” with the pioneers.

Day 2 the wagon train will travel through Dry Town and Amador City to reach Sutter Creek and stop for lunch on Main Street for a few hours of entertainment there. The second night’s encampment will be at the Oneto brothers’ Slaughter House Ranch, on Ridge Road. The public is invited to come and view the wagons there too.

Day 3 the wagon train will travel from the Oneto Ranch to Jackson Gate Road and on to the city of Jackson, where they will encamp at the back side of the Kennedy Mine at the Amphitheater. The public is invited to come to the encampment for a free viewing of the wagons and entertainment by the Mountain Men in the Kennedy Mine Amphitheatre.

Day 4 in the morning attend “Cowboy Church” in the historic and tiny chapel at the Kennedy Mine Amphitheater. Then the wagon train will participate as the lead entry in “The Days of ‘49” parade, in Jackson. It is anticipated that nearly 20 covered wagons and approximately 150 men and women on horseback will participate. In addition to the parade, Main Street will be closed on Sunday to accommodate food concessions and several interpretive historic displays, such as gold panning, melodrama acts, collection of horse-drawn wagons, a costume contest and, possibly, a fast-draw competition.

 

Organizers:
John Queirolo, Ron Scofield and the Kit Carson Mountain Men Club are organizing the event. The thinking was that most of the towns of Amador were first settled by miners in 1849, leading to the title, “The Days of ‘49.”

“Days of 49” Wagon Train Chairman is John Queirolo who, in the past,  has coordinated such events as Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Sutter’s Fort in 1982 and horse drawn wagons and living history groups for the 1999 2nd Great Gold Rush in Old Sacramento.  As chairman of the 1981 Highway 50 Wagon Train John rebuilt the caravan from 6 wagons in 1979 to 34 wagons in 1981. 

Ron Scofield is the Wagon Master for the event.  In 1976 he took his family on a 6 month journey (in a covered wagon) across the United States in the Bicentennial Wagon Train from Southern California to Valley Forge and is a resident of Fiddletown.  Ron owns The Red Mule Ranch which hosts the “Scofield’s Cowboy Campfire” on Saturday evenings, amidst a complete gold rush town that he built on his property in the Sierra Foothills, where he builds authentic stage coaches and wagons.

 

History: 
The discovery of gold nuggets in the Sacramento Valley in early 1848 sparked the Gold Rush, one of the most significant events to shape American history during the first half of the 19th century. As news spread of the discovery, thousands of prospective gold miners traveled by sea or over land to San Francisco and the surrounding area; by the end of 1849, the non-native population of the California territory was some 100,000 (compared with the pre-1848 figure of less than 1,000). A total of $2 billion worth of precious metal was extracted from the area during the Gold Rush, which peaked in 1852.

 

Join the celebration of Amador County’s 160th anniversary, also known as the Centennial Diamond Jubilee, September 25th -28th. Get a glimpse of what it was like to cross America in a covered wagon in search of riches in the Gold Rush of California. Be a part of history.

All inquiries regarding the Wagon Train should be addressed to John Queirolo who can be reached at (916) 965-1136. You can also contact the Sutter Creek Visitor Center for additional information: 209-267-1344.

 
Published in Local

Plymouth, CA; September 17, 2014 – With a county-wide wellspring of “barn raising” style generosity, Amador County winegrowers, winemakers, hotel owners, and caterers have come together to provide a base of nearly $85,000 in cash and in-kind sponsorships for Amador Four Fires Festival, Co-Producers Deirdre Mueller and Craig Palmer announced today. Amador Four Fires Festival is a new concept wine and food festival set for Saturday, May 2, 2015 in the historic Amador County Fairgrounds.

“All proceeds from Amador Four Fires benefit the Amador County Fair Foundation,” said Palmer. “These sponsorships make the difference in what we are able to generate in net proceeds for the benefit of the county and those who visit here,” he said. “These founding sponsors also make possible a marketing campaign that not only carries the news of Amador Four Fires from the Sierra to the Bay, but launches Amador Four Fires Online, comprehensive proactive digital media program that engages A4F Online subscribers with the best of the Amador county experience all the way up to the event itself.” The outreach for sponsors continues through the fall, Palmer added. “We know there are others who also want to join the Amador bandwagon, and we look forward to welcoming them.”

 
Published in Local

Ted Novelli talks to Tom Slivick about the Supervisors Pre-Agenda Report.

Published in Local
Monday, 22 September 2014 21:12

KING FIRE UPDATE

The King Fire is burning in steep terrain in the South Fork of the American River Canyon, Silver Creek Canyon, and the Rubicon Canyon, north of the community of Pollock Pines. The fire has crossed into Placer County and burned onto the Tahoe National Forest north of the Eldorado National Forest.

Facebook Page for King Fire: https://www.facebook.com/KINGFIREPIO

Special Announcements:
On Monday, September 22, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. there will be two community meetings. One will be located at Golden Sierra High School, 5101 Garden Valley Road in Garden Valley. The second location will be at the Camino Seventh-Day Adventist Church at 3520 Carson Road in Camino. 

Evacuations: (2,819 people) Go to the El Dorado County Sheriff’s blog (pio.edso.org) and web page at http://www.edcgov.us/Government/El_Dorado_County_King_Fire_Information.aspx. The Sheriff’s office manages all evacuation activities for the county and is updating information as changes occur. To assist in this effort, the Chief Administrative Office of El Dorado County has set up a hotline and webpage. The hotline phone number is (530) 642-­‐7263. The hotline will be available from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday – Friday and 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. Saturday -­‐ Sunday. Voicemail is available outside of the hotline hours. Information will also be updated via the County's Twitter @CountyElDorado and Facebook. Law Enforcement from several agencies continue to patrol the evacuated areas.

Shelter Locations: The Camino Seventh-day Adventist Church at 3520 Carson Road, Camino, CA 95709.

Road Closures: The King Fire Area is closed to provide for public safety. Granite Springs, Ice House Road (east side), Pickett Pen Road, Rubicon Trail, Windmiller Trail, Wrights Lake Road, including all Forest Service roads, trails, and access roads in the Crystal Basin recreation area between Ice House Road and Desolation Wilderness, north of the Highway 50 corridor, Ice House Reservoir, Loon Lake, Rockbound Lake, Rubicon Reservoir. White Meadows at Ice House Road, Rock Creek at 193, Mosquito Road at Union Ridge Road, Highway 50 (Sly Park to Union Ridge), Forebay at Deep Haven and Forebay at Blair is open to residents only, Canyon Edge at Randolph Canyon (hard closure by CHP), Ice House Road from Highway 50 to Wentworth Springs Road and Wentworth Springs Road from Quintette to Ice House Road and Wentworth Springs Road at Chiquita Bypass.

 

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