A deadly viral outbreak is spreading among dogs in the Sacramento area. The virus, known as “distemper”, causes respiratory and  neurologic problems, fevere, and thickened footpads. The virus is extremely contagious. It is most commonly associated with domestic animals such as dogs, although ferrets are also vaccinated for it. Doctors in Marysville Veterinary Hospital are seeing the most cases – eighty percent of the dogs brought in do not survive. Reports of infected dogs in adjacent counties are now being reported. There are no reports so far for Amador County. Although there in cure, symptoms can be treated. Owners are advised to bring animals in immediately if they suspect they are infected. The virus does not affect people or cats. A vaccine has been available since the 1960’s, but authorities believe owners are either unaware or lazy in acquiring vaccinations for their dogs.

The Sacramento Chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility has announced its 2008 High School Scholarship Essay Contest, open to high school seniors in Sacramento and surrounding counties. More than $10,000 in total scholarship money will be awarded to the top 10 winners in the contest. To enter the contest, students must submit an essay of 500 words or fewer describing their thoughts on the quotation from US Marine Corps Medal of Honor winner Major General Smedley Butler, “War is a racket…in which the profits are measured in dollars and the losses in lives.” The deadline for submission of entries is Wednesday, March 5, 2008. For more details, go to the PSR/Sacramento website, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 916-955-6333. Essays may be submitted online via the PSR/Sacramento website.

The Jackson Police have arrested two suspects in a string of theft and burglary cases across Northern California. On February 8, Officers Courtney and Collins responded to a suspicious vehicle in the 900 block of North Main Street in Jackson. Upon arrival, the officers observed the vehicle had no license plates. The female occupant told the officers she did not have identification but identified herself as Heather Ketcher.

 

The City Of Jackson has taken action against the string of parked “For Sale” vehicles along Highway 49 downtown. The City Council voted to install signs prohibiting parking from midnight to 6am. According to City Manager Mike Daly, “abandoned” vehicles have become a “general nuisance” and a “blight” on the scenery of downtown Jackson. Daly also said the vehicles for sale were occupying parking space needed for residents and businesses in downtown Jackson. The decision is pending until the Council gets approval for the signs from Caltrans.

Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez on Thursday said he was responsible for the failure of Proposition 93. The failure of  the term limits initiative has forced politicians to step down. Proposition 93 would have allowed members of the California State Legislature to remain in their current office up to 12 years-longer than they are currently allowed under California's existing term limits. However, the proposed amendment would reduce their overall allowable time in office by 2 years. Amador residents were overwhelmingly against Prop 93, with 61 percent voting “No” over the 38 percent who voted “Yes”. 

Managing growth was the hot topic of the evening at the Sutter Creek Planning Commission Monday night. The meeting saw detailed discussion over several of the city’s current projects related to housing, including updates to the housing element of the city’s general plan, and architectural guidelines that the city is looking to implement for its historical residential combining zone. City staff presented the commission with a revised updated housing element, which included several changes to the wording of the document that the commission requested at a previous meeting.

Also at the Sutter Creek Planning Commission meeting, the commission approved a motion verifying that they had reviewed the grading plan for the Powder House Estates Subdivision, which will be comprised of 79 single family homes located adjacent to Sutter Crest Estates on Shakeridge Road. Grading will begin in the spring, and should not be visible from the downtown area.

Jackson’s Main Street is undergoing a mini-face lift. Yesterday, PG & E crews could be seen working hard on repainting and repairing the light poles. The poles are owned and maintained by PG & E. The crew consisted of 6 men with an additional two floaters as needed. When TSPN caught up with them, the crew was applying a second coat of paint to poles and light fixtures. According to Foreman Jim Bowen, the service was proceeding as planned, and could have been done faster if he had a more experienced crew. When they finish up with Jackson they’ll be moving on to the next stop – Sutter Hill.

In a press conference held yesterday afternoon, Jackson Detective Chris Mynderup asked for the public’s help in identifying victims of voyeurism at a Jackson Dry Cleaner. Alex Ko, owner of Holiday Cleaners in Jackson, is facing two misdemeanor counts of videotaping women without their consent.

Student Jacob Schmidt was the first to be the “Mayor’s Honored Guest” at Monday’s Jackson City Council meeting. The program, implemented by the city last month, provides an opportunity for junior high and high school students to visit a City Council meeting, sit with the Council, open the meeting by leading the flag salute, and learn more about city how government works. Students interested in being the Mayor’s Honored Guest must submit an essay or letter by the 25th to the city council as to why they would like to be the Mayor’s honored guest. Students are selected by a committee made up of the Mayor, a Councilmember, the City Manager and a member of the public or a teacher. “Honored Student Guest” nights are held at the first Jackson City Council meeting of the month, which is held on second Monday of the month starting at 7PM. For more information, call City Manager Mike Daly at 223-1646. of each month