Amador County News, TSPN TV News Video, 6-6-11 - TSPN's Tom Slivick sits down with Amador County Planner Susan Grijalva.

OAKLAND – The East Bay Municipal Utility District Board of Directors voted unanimously to not appeal a ruling against its 2040 water management plan, but it will focus on concerns raised by court.

East Bay MUD public information officer Charles C. Hardy announced the decision in a release May 24, saying the board voted “to comply with the court’s order to set aside” its Water Supply Management Program 2040 and related program approvals and conduct further analysis.

The board voted unanimously in closed session “not to appeal the decision in the litigation that set aside its” 2040 Plan but instead voted “to follow the court’s recommendations for supplementing the environmental analysis in the District’s 30-year water plan.”

In a ruling April 11, Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Timothy M. Frawley directed Eat Bay MUD “to study several areas in greater detail, including potential impacts on the Middle Bar segment of the Mokelumne River to the Miwok ancestral gathering places and the potential for involvement in neighboring Contra Costa Water District’s Los Vaqueros Reservoir expansion,” Hardy said.

East Bay MUD staff has been directed by its Board to supplement its existing environmental analysis for the 2040 Plan “to include the detailed analysis recommended by Judge Frawley,” Hardy said.

John A. Coleman, president of the East Bay utility’s Board of Directors, said: “We’re going to listen really closely to the judge’s criticism and correct the areas he thought we could have done better in. The process will be open and involve all interested parties.”

Hardy said the “District will begin the process in June, holding meetings in local and Upcountry areas near Mokelumne River in July with the goal of publishing a new draft document for review in October.” He said the “issuance of the draft would be followed by more public meetings locally and Upcountry, a lengthy comment period before the Board would consider certification of a final Program EIR and approval of the program in February 2012.”

East Bay MUD serves drinking water for 1.3 million customers in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, and wastewater treatment for 650,000.

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Amador County – In early May, Dick Cooper of Cooper Vineyards sought a permit for a Barbera Festival in the Shenandoah Valley. On Thursday, promoters said festival tickets are now sold out.

Organizers said: “If you haven’t purchased tickets for the first-ever Barbera Festival, scheduled for June 11 in Plymouth, you’ll have to wait until 2012 to taste from the 80-plus participating wineries as the event is completely sold out.”

Brian Miller, organizer of the Barbera Festival, said: “We anticipated selling about 1,200 tickets our first year, but ended up selling out yesterday at 1,500 tickets. It’s a testament to wine lovers’ interest in the barbera varietal. We appreciate the continued support from those that are eager to be there, but we must adhere to our attendee limit.”

Miller said it is intended to be an annual event with net proceeds benefiting the Amador Community Foundation. The festival will be held on the west side of Shenandoah School Road, about a mile south of the intersection of Shenandoah Road.

According to Miller, there are no tickets available online or at the door. He recommended people become Facebook fans and submit their email address at the event website to receive alerts about the 2012 event and take advantage of early bird ticket discounts.

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Amador County – Foothill Conservancy President Katherine Evatt announced in late May that the East Bay Municipal Utility District board of directors decided not appeal a court decision against East Bay Municipal’s 2040 water plan. Instead, it will get under way on redoing parts of the plan.

Evatt said the Conservancy is “glad to hear they’ll be holding more hearings in Amador and Calaveras this time around.” She said in 2009, “we had to beg them to hold foothill meetings, and when they did, the response was overwhelming in opposition to the proposed expansion of Pardee Reservoir.”

Plaintiffs in the suit included Foothill Conservancy, California Sportfishing Protection Alliance and Friends of the River. Evatt said they had “never seen such a diverse group” of “people, organizations, and governments so unified on a conservation issue.”

She said “we’re not just looking for (East Bay Municipal) to do a better (Environmental Impact Report). But this time, they’ll have to do a better analysis of alternatives to the Pardee expansion and not gloss over the serious damage a larger reservoir would cause to the Mokelumne River’s recreational, public safety and cultural resources.” She said “now they know that people who love the Mokelumne are serious about protecting our river and we will fight for it.”

The suit said East Bay MUD’s proposed expansion of Pardee would submerge nearly two miles of the Mokelumne River, including a section known as the Middle Bar Run. Evatt said the “historic Middle Bar Bridge that crosses the affected section of river is also a critical link for emergency response and evacuation.”

She hoped a “fresh look” at impacts and alternatives will lead East Bay MUD to “drop the Pardee expansion in favor of their other water options and work with us to protect the Mokelumne with National Wild and Scenic River designation instead.”

Amador County Supervisor Chairman John Plasse said the ruling means East Bay MUD must return for more study, at more cost to the utility. He said a letter to Supervisors from the Foothill Conservancy alluded to the 2040 Plan ruling, as the Conservancy sought changes to the Amador County General Plan Update.

The Foothill Conservancy submitted 54 pages commenting on the preliminary General Plan and related documents. Plasse said it was part of the cause to increase a consultant contract to address such detailed comments. The consultant’s contract with Amador County on the General Plan update increased $180,000.

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Amador County – An El Dorado County man was convicted of cockfighting last week and ordered to serve 45 days in jail, and pay $4,900 in fines, fees and restitution.

El Dorado County announced the sentencing Thursday, saying Saul Cuevas Ayala of Garden Valley, pled no contest to the misdemeanor crime for possession of game cocks for fighting purposes. Another man arrested with Ayala in February, Rogelio Reyes-Higareda, was not charged, but was deported.

As part of the plea, Ayala cannot possess fowl in the future or implements that could be used for cockfighting, and he must reimburse Animal Services for costs of response and investigation. That includes $4,200 in restitution. After serving jail time, Ayala will be on searchable probation for 3 years.

Chief of El Dorado County Animal Services Henry Brzezinski said cockfighting operations are a growing problem and he wanted the “message to get out into the community that these operations are going on.”

Brzezinski said: “Cockfighting is not just a concern because it involves cruelty to animals. Typically, large amounts of money, drugs and weapons are involved in cockfighting matches. There are also often other crimes and violence involved.” He said people “who see suspicious activity that could be associated with cockfighting should report it.”

Ayala and Reyes-Higareda were arrested Feb. 13 when injured game birds and cockfighting instruments were found in their vehicle. A search warrant and raid found more than 250 game fowl on Ayala’s Garden Valley property, with fighting implements and other evidence of cockfighting. All of the birds found were either in bad shape physically or too aggressive to be rehabilitated, and had to be humanely euthanized, Brzezinski said.

Cockfighting birds are bred to be aggressive and injected with powerful chemicals, stimulants and hormones. Prior to fighting, a knife, called a slasher, is attached to one leg of each rooster and the birds are taunted into fighting until one usually dies from its injuries.

Cockfighting is illegal in the United States. In California, where it is a misdemeanor, penalties can include jail time and fines up to $5,000 for a first offense and $25,000 for a second offense. States surrounding California consider cockfighting a felony, Brzezinski said and “this may be one of the reasons why we are seeing more cockfighting operations here.”

Since 2008, there have been more than 110 law enforcement incidences involving cockfighting in 35 of California’s 58 counties. More than 21,000 birds have been found dead or alive in connection with the bloodsport in that time. The U.S. Humane Society offers rewards up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in illegal animal fighting.

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Amador County – For the fifth year, Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency’s Camanche Lake and Upcountry Community Centers and Generation Life Church, with the Jackson Rancheria, are sponsoring the Back-Pack 2 School Project.

Ruthella Turner, A-TCAA Site Coordinator & Community Educator of the A-TCAA Upcountry Community Center at 19386 Highway 88 in Pine Grove, announced the fifth annual Back-Pack 2 School date, set for July 23.

Turner said: “This is a county-wide project which provides backpacks filled with grade appropriate school supplies for children whose families are financially stressed living in Amador County. Without the generosity of local individuals, businesses, and community organizations, many families would struggle to provide these much needed supplies.”

She said all together, 511 children received a backpack and school supplies for the 2010-2011 school year, and “this year our goal is to reach all of the families in our county who would like this assistance.”

Those who would like assistance with school supplies for the 2011-2012 school year can find applications at the A-TCAA Upcountry Community Center, the Jackson A-TCAA office, Generation Life Church or the Interfaith Food Bank.

To qualify, families must reside in Amador County, qualify for the free or reduced lunch program, and students must be entering grades K-12.

People who would like to sponsor a student can find a list of supplies online or by calling (209) 296-2785. The Stuff The Bus Program is set for noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 23 in the Save Mart parking lot in Jackson.

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Amador County – The new California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection chief for the region that includes Amador County was inducted in April, with a badge pinning ceremony at the region’s Camino headquarters.

Teri Mizuhara, Fire Prevention Specialist 2 with the Unit Headquarters announced the badge pinning plans in April. The new Unit Chief for the Amador-El Dorado-Sacramento-Alpine Unit of Cal Fire was pinned April 18th at the Camino Headquarters Administrative office. Northern Unit Chief Bill Holmes performed the badge pinning ceremony on new Unit Chief Kelly Keenan.

Before the ceremony, Holmes in a release said “Chief Keenan’s varied experiences give him the tools to lead (the Amador-El Dorado-Sacramento Unit) and serve the citizens of the state. I’m sure he will build on the successes of his predecessors as I did and I’m proud to have someone of Kelly’s caliber to replace me.”

Mizuhara said Chief Keenan began his career in Cal Fire in 1986 as a Forestry Assistant II on the Jackson Demonstration State Forest. In 1988, he was promoted to Forester I in the Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit and in 1998, was promoted to Forester II. While at Nevada-Yuba-Placer, he held positions as Area Forester, Vegetation Management Program Coordinator, Unit Forester and Interim Unit Administrative Officer.

In 2004, Keenan accepted an Assistant Chief position in the Amador-El Dorado Unit as North Division Operations Chief, which included responsibility for Growlersburg Conservation Camp. During his 25-year career with Cal Fire, he has been involved with a variety of assignments, working groups and cadres in both the Resource Management and Fire Protection programs and worked cooperatively with numerous state, federal and local government agencies.

Since 2003, Keenan has served on Cal Fire Incident Command Teams in a variety of positions including Planning Section Chief and Deputy Incident Commander. He is currently the Incident Commander of ICT Number 1.

While Deputy Incident Commander on ICT Number 10, Keenan was directly involved with some of California’s most challenging wildfires and disasters. Keenan holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Cal Poly State University, is a Peace Officer and a Registered Professional Forester.

He lives in Cool with his wife Chris and his son Conor and his daughter Alanna attends graduate school at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas.

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Amador County – The California Department of Transportation announced that it plans to close State Route 12 for three days next week for construction. The SR-12 will be closed between Interstate 5 and State Route 160, and Caltrans District 10 is recommending a detour along SR-160 for non-truck traffic.

District 10 Public Information Officer Chantel Miller said there will be a full closure of Highway 12 during business hours on June 7, 8 and 9, closed to through-traffic in San Joaquin and Sacramento Counties. Miller said “Caltrans will conduct maintenance and pavement repair operations requiring the daytime closure of State Route 12 from Interstate 5 in San Joaquin County to SR-160 in Sacramento County.”

The closure will be in place from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. “Detours will be posted,” Miller said, and “motorists should consider I-80 and I-5 as alternate routes and should allow additional travel time due to the detour.” Signs will show the detour for east-bound SR-12 traffic to be taken on SR-160 north to Walnut Grove Road then to I-5, consisting of about a 30-mile, and 45-minute detour. SR-12 west-bound traffic will be detoured via I-5 north to Walnut Grove Road then to SR-160 south.

Current truck restrictions apply. California-legal trucks with “kingpin to rear axle less than 30 feet” are OK on SR-160. Miller said: “Trucks are discouraged from using this detour route. Trucks are encouraged to use I-5 and I-80 as alternate routes.”

Access to local residents, businesses and emergency services will be allowed. The complete road closure will allow maintenance crews to expedite repairs to SR-12. All work will be completed in three days time with the total closure as compared to 15 days with 90-minute delays using one-way traffic control.

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Amador County – Hospice of Amador and Calaveras counties hosts its 14th annual Art on the Lawn dinner party, auction, concert and fundraiser June 17th in Murphys.

Hospice Executive Director Dan Riordan sent out personal invitations this week to the upcoming “Art on the Lawn” fundraiser, saying: “This is a great evening of champagne, great food catered by the Murphys Hotel, live music, local art, and local wine.” He said this is the “first venture into Calaveras with our most important fundraiser of the year.”

He said “Hospice of Amador & Calaveras provides end-of-life care to anyone who needs it, regardless of their ability to pay for those services,” and “this fundraiser is a big way we are able to continue meeting that mission.”

He said he hoped people would come join the cause and “we really need your support this year and hope you will call for your tickets today,” and “if any of you have any other thoughts about what we might be able to do to encourage support for this event with 2 weeks to go, please let me know.”

Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door, and visitors begin the evening by viewing art from Local Artists, sipping champagne and enjoying tasty appetizers along with the music of Herb Boxhorn and Klaudia Promessi. Later, a light Dinner Buffet will be offered along with a variety of Local wines catering and a no-host bar provided by The Murphys Hotel.

The night of Art in the Park starts at 6 p.m. Friday June 17 at the Murphys Community Park, at 505 Algiers Street in Murphys.

The 14th annual Art on the Lawn includes local artists, a light dinner, and a live auction. All proceeds benefit Hospice of Amador & Calaveras, which provides quality end-of-life care.

The live auction begins promptly at 7 p.m., and attendees can mingle with artists and guests, and view amazing art. The event includes raffle prizes provided by local merchants, and people can make a bid in the silent auction.

Limited tickets are available. (Call (209) 223-5500.

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Amador County – Jackson Mayor Connie Gonsalves on behalf of the city in mid-May invited the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to visit the Mother Lode and the city of Jackson.

Gonsalves sent a “key to the city” to the new Royal couple, Prince William and wife Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Gonsalves said “hopefully they will consider driving through our city during their California visit.”

The Prince of Wales’ official website said William and Kate are planning to visit California July 8-10, following their tour of Canada in July this year, and a detailed itinerary will be released later.

The Prince’s website said: “The Duke of Cambridge has never before visited the United States of America in an official capacity. His Royal Highness has visited the United States of America privately. The Duchess of Cambridge has never before visited the United States of America officially or privately.”

Gonsalves in the letter to the royals sent to Buckingham Palace in London, dated May 19, said the “city of Jackson, Calif., would like to invite Your most honored presence to visit our city and experience God’s Gold Country during your planned visit to California. Enclosed, please find a key to our city which we hope will open your wonderful experience with us.”

The letter gives some history of Jackson, and Amador County, saying the city was founded in 1848, and became the county seat when Amador County was created in 1854, and “named after native Californian, Jose Maria Amador.” The letter said the city was rebuilt after an 1862 fire, and has “as many as 42 U.S. Civil War-era buildings still standing today on and around Jackson’s Historic Main Street.”

Gonsalves in the letter said “from early 1850 until World War II, Jackson’s three main mines, the Eureka, Kennedy and Argonaut, produced 4.6 million ounces of gold, more than half the county’s entire gold production of 7.8 million ounces.”

The Mayor said “our county also is well known for growing several varieties of wine. Here you will discover the distinctive flavors of our foothill-grown wines.”

Gonsalves said: “We hope that Your Highness will be able to grace our city and we await with anticipation Your response.”

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