Jackson Police helped make a very happy Chinese New Years Day for a young Chinese exchange student on Thursday. About a week ago, Wang Hong, 15, one of 11 foreign exchange students staying in Calaveras County with host families – had all of her trip money stolen when she left her purse in a restroom while shopping in Martell.

Superintendent Mike Carey was pleased to present recognition awards to students, alumni and local businesses at last Thursday’s school board meeting. Students Brandi Baker and Patrick Lindecker received the Community Block Letter Award, which recognizes their participation in community service. Cole Smith, who wasn’t at the meeting, received the High Five Award for most improved grades. Alumni John Plasse was also honored for his ongoing contributions to vocational training. Workability Appreciation Awards, which recognize contributions for work training programs, were awarded to Mountain Mike’s Store Owner Renee Ziegler and Managers Andy Henningsen and Michelle Van Slochteren.

Volunteer Firefighters are needed in the communities of Plymouth, Fiddletown, Pine Grove and Pioneer. All local fire Departments in Amador County are volunteer and experiencing shortages. This is an opportunity to develop career skills, meet new friends and most importantly, help the local community. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and willing to commit time to training for firefighting, rescue and medical aid skills. For more information on how to volunteer, call 223-6391 for a referral to the fire department closest to you.

The first in a series of community workshops presented by the county Board of Supervisors took place last night at Evelyn Bishop Hall in Ione. The workshops are being held to get public input regarding the proposed Buena Vista Rancheria casino. The Board has reached a crossroads on the issue, and is actively seeking comments from the public as to whether the board should approve the tribe’s proposed agreement, or continue to litigate.Fielding public inquiry were variousAmador County agency representatives and officers, as well as the county’s legal counsel. Mediating the workshop were former Supervisor Richard Vinson and County Administrative Officer Terry Daly.

The Amador County School Board quickly and unanimously rejected the Buena Vista Rancheria Casino proposal at its February 6 meeting, urging the CountyBoard of Supervisors to continue arbitration. Trustees noted that the casino’s commitments to Amador Country were minimal at best. Board member David Dutra says the offer to schools was a “slap in the face”, arguing that it consisted of the minimal amount owed through the current commercial developer fees. The board acknowledged that the battle to prevent the casino is a difficult one and the cost of doing so falls on the Amador County Administration and Supervisors. It was suggested by School Superintendent Mike Carey that a county-wide referendum could offset the county’s expenses. However, such a vote of the people might not be timely enough, as the casino decision could go to a state-appointed arbitrator shortly. In such a case, the arbitrator’s decision would be final.

 

Yesterday was the first day of the Chinese Year of the Rat. According to Chinese astrologists, it will be a year of great intellectual development and introspection, while sharing the bounties of the harvest with loved ones. Accordingly, Fiddletown Preservation Society is already reaping the bounty of a major grant from the California State Library. The California Cultural and Historical Endowment awarded the Fiddletown group more than $200,000 in grant monies to help restore the town’s Gold Rush era Chinese general store and gambling hall. Competition for the state grant money was stiff, but the Fiddletown site is unique, says Elaine Zorbas, Fiddletown Preservation Society historian. Chinese settlers were instrumental in building California, yet very little remains of their first settlements in the Sierra foothills.

With the defeat of Proposition 93, Assemblyman Alan Nakanishi will not be running for re-election when his term ends this at the end of this year. Had Proposition 93 passed, the three-term assemblyman could have served another six years. The Tenth District includes Amador City, Ione, Jackson, Lodi, Plymouth, Sacramento, Stockton, Sutter Creek, Rancho Cordova, Elk Grove. Nakanishi said he has some options about what he plans to do when his third and final term ends.

The City of Sutter Creek is getting closer to its long time-dream of purchasing the Historical Knight Foundry. At Monday night’s Sutter Creek City Council meeting, the council voted to approve Staff recommendations to amend their purchase contract and agreement with the Knight Foundry Corporation to reflect the California Culture and Historical Endowment (CCHE) requirement that the City own the foundry in order to receive grant funds.

The Ione City Council met Tuesday evening to review a full agenda including a presentation by CAO Terri Daly concerning the Buena Vista Casino Workshops. Jackson Police Chief Scott Morrison, members of the Jackson Police Department and Sheriff Martin Ryan were also on hand to show support for newly appointed Police Chief Johnson, stating that he is an excellent choice for the position. Also on the agenda were Amador Fire Protection District issues, including allocation of funds, consolidation, and whether or not to propose a sales tax or property tax to pay for fire services. Councilman and Vice Mayor Lee Ard stated that he is concerned as it currently seems the only jurisdiction within the Fire Protection District moving forward is the City of Ione, and he feels it is very important that the City stay in control of the Ione Fire Dept. Council discussion concluded that a property tax was not supported and the city would only back a special tax if a plan for appropriation of funds was drafted. Ione City Councils next scheduled meeting on Feruary 19 will include the Mid-Year Budget Review. The County reminded citizens of Ione that questions and comments on city issues could be directed to a newly set-up voicemail hotline 257.5099