Amador County – A 22-year-old Stockton man was arrested on multiple charges including possession of a sawed-off shotgun and auto theft the week before Christmas.

The Amador County Sheriff’s Office released details Dec. 28, saying a deputy discovered a stolen vehicle was being driven on Highway 88. Resulting was a brief pursuit, and the apprehension of John William Rogers, 22, of Stockton.

Rogers’ is in custody at the Amador County Jail with bail set at $100,000. He was charged with auto theft and the possession of stolen property, a short barreled shotgun, and a firearm with a removed serial number. He was also charged with being in possession of a firearm with a previous misdemeanor conviction and a current restraint against another person. Rogers was also charged with the commission of a felony while currently released on a pending felony.

At about 2:41 a.m. Dec. 22, a deputy patrolling the area of Pine Grove conducted a registration check of a white 1995 Saturn sedan traveling east on Highway 88. The vehicle was reported stolen from San Joaquin County.

Amador County Sheriff Martin Ryan said in the release that deputies “attempted to stop the vehicle at Highway 88 and Gayla Drive.” The vehicle turned “onto Gayla Drive, then turned onto Foothill Pines Court, which ended at a dirt embankment, at which time the vehicle yielded to deputies.”

The deputies conducted a “high risk detention of the vehicle,” detaining Rogers, the sole vehicle occupant.

Rogers was found to have shotgun ammunition in his pocket, and in a search of the vehicle, “deputies located a sawed-off shotgun. The stock of the shotgun had been sawed down to a pistol grip and the barrel had been cut down to nine inches in length.”

“The serial numbers on the shotgun had been scratched off,” Ryan said, “and the shotgun was equipped with a make-shift sling which would allow it to be readily concealed under a coat.”

Deputies also located a black Halloween style mask, gloves and a change of clothing in the front passenger compartment, adjacent to the shotgun.

“Rogers refused to be interviewed when asked about the commission of any recent criminal acts,” Ryan said.

“Given the totality of the circumstances,” Amador County sheriff’s detectives sent out messages and fliers “to all regional law enforcement agencies regarding the arrest, in an effort to identify any crimes wherein Rogers, the vehicle and/or weapon were involved.”

By Dec. 28, no additional criminal acts were identified, but it was “determined that Rogers was currently released from custody in San Joaquin County on a pending felony auto theft case.”

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

TSPN TV News 2010 Year in Review, extended version 2010 was a year packed with memorable events, some historic and some tragic. Throughout it all, TSPN TV was there to bring you timely in-depth coverage and interview on issues ranging from government to community to family. For over 20 years, TSPN has been the proud leader in local news.

The Jackson Rancheria Casino laid off 113 employees just before the 2010 new year. CEO Rich Hoffman said the layoffs were the result of the slumping economy, and his was the last casino in the region to downsize personnel.

The Sutter Creek City Council voted 4-1 January 4th to approve the final documents for the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort. Newly re-appointed Mayor Gary Wooten said the Gold Rush “specific plan is well designed” and “in-line with what the city needs,” and “if we don’t grow and stay stagnant as we are, we will go broke.”

The Jackson City Council unanimously voted January 11th to refinance city water bonds to reduce overall debt service. The city’s bond counsel said that “with respect to market conditions…such a refinancing would produce an aggregate savings to the city of approximately $320,000.” City Manager Mike Daly said savings could be as much as $350,000.

On January 13th, the Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel announced the donation of $50,000 to five local organizations. The funds are from the 9th annual Giving Season promotion during which Jackson Rancheria pledged to donate $1 to local charities for every 3,000 points earned by all Dreamcatcher’s Club members in November and December. This year’s recipients are the Amador County Recreation Agency, Amador County Senior Center, Calaveras Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity Calaveras, and Interfaith Food Bank. Each organization received $10,000 in early January, a time when most charities’ funds are seriously low.

Preserve Historic Sutter Creek officially launched a referendum campaign January 11th aimed at stopping the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort. The group wants to overturn Sutter Creek City Council actions the previous week in conjunction with approval of the project. Sutter Creek resident and Gold Rush opponent Bart Weatherly announced the campaign.

The Italian Benevolent Society reopens after a nearly $500,000 remodel, with a self fund-raiser. Italian Benevolent Society board trustee John Kirkpartrick said the newly repainted, rebuilt and refurbish hall would host a sold out shrimp feed to start paying back the Society’s 2-year project to remodel the main dining hall. That includes repaying a $330,000 loan from 11 members. Other members donated $10,000 toward the remodel.

Before a packed chamber January 26th, the Amador County Board of Supervisors voiced their unanimous disapproval of legislation that indefinitely bans suction gold dredge mining in California until an environmental review determines how much harm the practice has on salmon runs. During public comment, a steady line of dredging supporters urged the Supervisors to oppose SB 670, which they say will ruin the full or part-time livelihood of an undetermined number of Gold Country residents.

About 100 people filled Evalyn Bishop Hall January 28th to discuss the Buena Vista Biomass Power plant, with its owners saying the plant’s performance will determine its future. Managing Partner Mark D. Thompson said “if this plant doesn’t operate right, it will be closed within 180 days,” by the Environmental Protection Agency, Amador County Air District and the state.

On February 2nd, Martell resident Ken Berry filed a “notice of intent to sue” the Sutter Creek City Council’s approval of the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort on grounds that the city failed to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act “and planning laws, by improperly performing the required environmental analysis.”

Amador County – The Jackson Rancheria Casino released the first of five 25th anniversary commemorative chips on the casino’s Founder’s Day, February 9th. The first of the five $5 chips features Margaret Dalton, who was the first Tribal Chairperson of the Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians. She served for 30 years until her death in 2009. The Tribe has declared her birthday, February 9th, to be Founder’s Day.

The group Friends of Amador County announced February 11th that they had filed a lawsuit in federal court aimed at stopping further development of the proposed Buena Vista Casino. The suit “disputes the legitimacy of the Buena Vista tribe and the Indian lands granted to them,” alleging creation of the tribe was illegal under the Indian Gaming and Regulatory Act of 1988 and unconstitutional under the California State Constitution.

The California State Sheriff’s Association announced February 16th that they honored State Senator Dave Cox as an Outstanding Legislator for 2009. The nonprofit professional organization of 58 sheriffs from all California counties awarded the title to Cox after an annual review of the lawmakers’ voting record. “It is humbling to be recognized for doing my job,” Cox said. “My commitment to the safety of our citizens and their communities will be unwavering and I appreciate the recognition.” The resolution was presented by Sacramento County Sheriff John McGinness.

The Ione City Council on February 16th spoke in support of the Ione Police Department, as a pair of area residents began to gather signatures to force a vote to eliminate the department. City Attorney Kristen Castanos released a title and summary of a proposed initiative, sought by Jim Scully and Denise Robertson. They filed a “petition for an initiative that proposes to transfer law enforcement services from the city of Ione Police Department to the Amador County Sheriff’s Department.”

On February 24th, the Amador County School District Board of Trustees discussed the inevitable implementation of drastic layoffs and other cost-saving measures because of reductions in funding from the state. Speaking before a large audience, Superintendent Dick Glock said “even the conversation is devastating and very discouraging to have to hold.” The board unanimously approved four resolutions that allowed notices of possible dismissal to be sent to 56 district and 10 special education employees. A final decision was to be made before a state-imposed deadline of March 15th.

On March 3rd, the Argonaut High School varsity girls basketball team moved to 30-0 on the season with a 54-53 overtime win over Colfax in the state playoff tournament in Tokay. The Mustangs and Coach Mel White head advanced to the California Sac-Joaquin Section Division 4 championship at March 4th at ARCO Arena. The Mustangs fell to Modesto Christian, and had to settle for second place in the Section, and a 30-1 record.

The Sutter Creek City Council in a special meeting March 8th approved ballot language for the city-wide referendum on the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort. Staff prepared the support statement for the initiative, which county elections assigned as “Measure N.” The language, approved on a 3-2 vote, begins by saying that the “Sutter Creek City Council urges a yes vote on Measure N to ensure the city receives the significant community benefits of the Gold Rush Ranch project.” Mayor Gary Wooten and councilwomen Linda Rianda and Sandy Anderson voted yes, while Mayor Pro Tempore Tim Murphy and Councilman Pat Crosby voted no.

The Amador County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man for a March 14th shooting of two teenagers in the Jackson Rancheria Casino. Arrested was Gilbert Zaragoza, 19, of Stockton, who has been booked into the Amador County Jail on two counts of attempted murder in a gang-related shooting.

In mid-March, a ribbon was cut for the new $25,000 Ione Elementary School computer lab in Ione. The classroom and computer lab has 32 work stations. Rancho Arroyo Seco put in $10,000 for the project.

On March 15th, the Jackson Planning Commission voted to deny a conditional use permit that would have allowed the Bottle Shop liquor store to move from its current location downtown to the former location of the Biggest Little Kitchen Store. In a 3-1 vote, commissioners found the move unfeasible because the liquor store did not qualify under two of seven findings required for such a move under the law. Commissioner Letitia Sextion was absent and Commissioner Dave Butow reversed his opinion from a previous meeting and voted in support of the move.

On March 25th, the Amador Water Agency Board of Directors voted 3-2 to approve the Gravity Supply Line project and its Mitigated Negative Declaration. President Bill Condrashoff and Vice President Debbie Dunn voted against both decisions, and Dunn later was accused by Director Terence Moore of prolonging the decisions and throwing up obstacles through the nearly 6-hour meeting at Mace Meadow Country Club. Moore, and Directors Gary Thomas and Don Cooper voted yes on both actions. The estimated $13.4 million pipeline could win the largest grant ever authorized by USDA of $5.1 million.

With the help of a regional nonprofit organization, TSPN TV on March 29th brought back its popular Teen Zone Live variety show. Lori Halvorson, of Amador Tuolumne-Community Action Agency’s Mentoring Works Program, teamed with TSPN’s Sue Slivick to bring back the all-teen program. It featured high school students hosting segments, interviewing students and adult guests, and running the production behind the cameras.

The Amador County Planning Department held a scoping session March 31st to determine topics to address in a Subsequent Environmental Impact Report for the former Cogen plant near Ione. A consultant for Buena Vista Biomass Power, led the scoping meeting for creating “informed decision-making with ample public input.”

The Sutter Creek City Council on heard a report from Amador County Sheriff Martin Ryan April 5th that taking over Sutter Creek’s jurisdiction would cost at least $1.4 million to start and $980,000 annually.

The Amador Fire Protection District Board of Directors voted 3-2 April 6th to approve Chief Jim McCart’s Measure M hiring plan, then voted 5-0 to start advertising jobs the next week. Chairman Brian Oneto and Supervisors Louis Boitano and Ted Novelli voted yes to accept McCart’s proposed hiring plan, and accompanying job descriptions to hire firefighters in Batallions 10 and 20. Part of the plan was to hire a battalion chief “to oversee the new firefighters and to coordinate” with battalions.

The Board of Supervisors on April 6th approved a departmental reorganization of county services that may lead to dismissal of up to six management positions and save $500,000 in salary in the coming year. County Administrative Officer Terri Daly, the plan’s author, said: “This is no longer business as usual; things have changed and we have to change with them.”

A little girl that inspired the community with her courage has passed away. Khylee Monson, age 5, of Pioneer, passed away April 14th after a 10-month battle with terminal cancer. Friends of the family held a Celebration of Life in Khylee’s memory May 8th.

On April 22nd, the Amador Water Agency board of directors voted 5-0 to offer Gene Mancebo the agency’s general manager position, an upgrade from the interim G.M. position he had held since Jim Abercrombie left the agency more than seven months prior. The board received 18 letters supporting Mancebo’s handling of the interim post, and one letter from David Evitt opposing his appointment.

On April 26th, the Jackson City Council unanimously directed staff to prepare the formal documents necessary to hire full-time firefighters as part of a city fire plan. The Council also unanimously approved an emergency ordinance prohibiting the establishment and operation of medical marijuana dispensaries in the city.

Emergency personnel extricated a man and a woman from a car after a vehicle they were riding in reportedly rolled over in the 10800 block of Highway 88 outside of Jackson on April 29th.

The Motherlode Taxed Enough Already party announced its formation in a mass e-mail in late April, saying the group was actually formed in March when 34 people met at the Fiddletown Saloon. The local TEA party is co-facilitated by Jack Vining and Austin Ford and now has a storefront on Main Street in Jackson.

In late April, the Amador Water Agency board approved a financial plan and rate study for the Central Amador Water Project retail system to increase in water rates for the system’s 2,630 customers. The increase would have been “about $4.10 more per month for the average,” but it was later blocked by a Prop 218 protest.

Sutter Creek Finance Director Jeff Gardner left the employment of the city May 3rd with a letter criticizing the city council and its management of promulgating “financial improprieties,” despite his warnings. Gardner listed 13 instances where the council, manager or assistant committed questionable actions. Assistant City Manager Sean Rabe on May 4th defended himself and City Manager Rob Duke, saying: “Neither of us have done anything improper.”

The Ione City Council received a report on the Howard Business Park project, which had a stoppage in April after a staff “scope of work and cost estimate” of $440,000 was not received well by Howard Properties resource manager Tim Smith. It included Environmental Impact Reports and “estimated reimbursable costs for public notices.” The Council on May 4th agreed to $21,000 in costs cuts, and will seek more savings on the 107-acre project.

Matthew Franklin, chairman of the Ione Band of Miwok Indians, resigned May 8th amid allegations of corruption and misuse of funds, according to Tribal member Glen Villa. The resignation and surrounding controversy were confirmed by Tribal Council Administrator Pamela Baumgartner. Villa said “the members of the Tribe have been questioning the misuse of Tribal funds for months, with little to no explanations from the Tribal Council.”

On May 11th, the Ione City Council approved an emergency moratorium on the formation of medical marijuana dispensaries while the city prepares an update to its zoning for such establishments.

The “No On Measure N” campaign against the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort was criticized May 13th for giving incorrect information on its website. Sutter Creek Planning Commissioner Frank Cunha said the website referred to the original documents and Specific Plan that Gold Rush wrote.

On May 13th, the Amador Water Agency board approved seeking up to $900,000 in a loan from the Amador County Water Development Fund to pay money spent on the Gravity Supply Line, and free up cash to help the agency make a payment on the Amador Transmission Pipeline debt service. General Manager Gene Mancebo said “staff recommended a longer term, and the board directed a very specific ending date,” of December 31st. That was later extended to 2011 in a contract amendment.

The Sutter Creek City Council reorganized its administrators May 17th , placing Police Chief/City Manager Rob Duke into a full-time chief position, and appointing Assistant City Manager Sean Rabe as interim city manager. Duke recommended the reorganization, saying the council should appoint Rabe a 4-month interim basis, after which they could assess his job performance.

On May 25th, Amador County Chief Administrative Officer Terri Daly resigned after accepting the position of Assistant CAO for El Dorado County. Daly had served as CAO since March 2007 and said it is “with a mixture of sadness and excitement” that she tendered her resignation in order to pursue “other opportunities for me and my family.”

Sutter Gold Mine Company in May opened a public office in downtown Sutter Creek, while at the same time continuing to convert its Sutter Creek-based tourist facility back into a working gold mine.

June 4th, Mayor Connie Gonsalves and the entire Jackson City Council were among dignitaries attending a groundbreaking ceremony for the extension of Mission Boulevard to Broadway, at a cost of about $1 million, paid in part by Regional Traffic Mitigation Fees.

Polls closed June 8th with the “No On Measure N” leading by 8 points, and the race “too close to call right now.” The Measure determines the future of a city agreement on the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort. The Amador County Election Department a week later, on June 15th, counted 119 more ballots, and Gold Rush Ranch won the tally of those ballots by a 71-47 margin. Measure N trailed by just under 1 percent after the election night count, and “Yes On N” came back to take a win by a 1.24 percent margin, 657 votes to 641.

The Amador County Unified School District Board voted unanimously June 9th not to reemploy some certificated employees for the 2010-2011 school year based upon budget reductions and a decline in attendance. The equivalent of 12.83 full-time positions will be discontinued in subjects mainly considered to be extracurricular or oriented to a specific skill-set.

Sutter Creek Police Chief Rob Duke said June 18th he will be taking the same position for the City of Huron, California, effective July 1st. Duke served Sutter Creek in the dual role of police chief and city manager for 11 years and said he is “anxious to get back to my policing roots and serve as a police officer in a full-time capacity,” saying: “I’ve never seen myself as anything else.”

On June 21st, the Ione City Council held a special workshop on its draft 2010-2011 fiscal year budget, which comes with a projected General Fund deficit of $642,000. The Council discussed layoffs and cost cuts of about $250,000, and decided to adopt an interim budget the following week.

Sutter Creek City Council on June 21st appointed long-time Sutter Creek Police Sergeant Brian Klier (Clear) to succeed Rob Duke. The council selected Klier to be Interim Police Chief for 6 months.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced June 22nd that a permit had been signed authorizing the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians to discharge treated wastewater into an unnamed tributary of Jackson Creek. The final National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit is just one of many steps necessary in the tribe’s pursuit of a new $150 million casino to be located near Ione.

The Jackson City Council unanimously adopted its annual budget June 28th with no further cuts will be necessary in the near future. “The bottom line is that the severe cuts made last year mean the General Fund is ‘in the black’ and no further cuts are necessary,” said City Manager Mike Daly. “However, none of the cuts made last year have been restored yet either.”

Sad news came on July 14th when it was announced that popular GOP Senator Dave Cox, 72, who represented the1st District in the California State Senate since 2004, died after a 13-year battle with prostate cancer. Governor Schwarzenegger said Cox “helped shape the way we live and do business in this state.”

Amador County’s narcotics force saw a change in command in July for the highly successful Amador County Combined Narcotics Enforcement Team. ACCNET commander Jackie Long accepted a promotion by the California Department of Justice. Jeff Cameron took over for Long in August. Cameron previously led Placer County’s drug force and brings over a decade of narcotics enforcement experience to ACCNET.

On July 19th, longtime fire service veteran David Bellerive commenced duties as Battalion Chief for the Amador Fire Protection District. The decision to hire a chief began after the Amador Fire Protection District voted earlier in the year to approve a county-wide fire protection plan authored by Fire Chief Jim McCart. Bellerive’s primary function as Battalion Chief are to direct the day to day operations of the District’s paid personnel assigned to various stations under the direction of McCart.

Also in July, the Amador Water Agency released its annual Consumer Confidence Report for the 2009 calendar year, noting 5 violations had occurred through the year. Among the violations was a lead content reading in February in the Jackson Water District, with high levels found at 3 locations among 20 sites sampled. A procedural violation also occurred when staff missed a sampling at the Buckhorn Water Treatment Plant.

Amador County was a gold medal winner in this year’s state fair exhibit competition, and was awarded the “Best Use of Special Effects Award” and the “Best Use of Animation Award.”

Stakeholders representing local interests met to discuss the Pine Grove/Highway 88 project and discuss alternatives for the first time on July 21. The project proposal includes 12 different alternatives for route modifications at a price tag “not to exceed $40 million.

Amador County filed an appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals in July in its long-standing litigation challenging approval by the Secretary of the Interior of an amendment to the gaming compact between the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians and the State of California that allows the construction of a casino in the unincorporated area of Amador County. The County’s original lawsuit argued that the land is ineligible for gaming under Federal law. Of the latest appeal, County Counsel Martha Shaver said, “We believe this decision is wrong and welcome the chance to submit our case to the Court of Appeals.”

The Amador Water Agency verified July 22nd that a Proposition 218 protest of a rate increase in the Central Amador Water Project service area was successful. The AWA board July 1st approved a budget without a rate increase in CAWP, expecting the Prop. 218 protest to succeed.

On July 26th, a group of residents forming a committee of the “Amador Catholic Center” announced their efforts to purchase the former Prospect Motors building in Martell to house a new chapel and banquet hall. The deal was solidified in December for a reported $2.6 million.

In early August, California was at the peak of the largest whooping cough outbreak in 50 years. Six infants under 3 months of age died from the disease this year and 1,500 Californians have been positively diagnosed. Health officials attribute the epidemic to a lack of administered vaccinations, particularly among younger children entering a school environment.

The new Mission Boulevard extension in Jackson officially opened to the public on Tuesday, August 4th. The project extends the Mission Boulevard cul-de-sac near Sutter Amador Hospital to intersect with Broadway for the cost of roughly $1 million. City of Jackson and ACTC staff led the effort.

Gang member Gilbert Zaragoza, who shot two people at the Jackson Rancheria Casino in March, made a plea bargain August 19th in exchange for a 22-year prison sentence. Zaragoza pled guilty to the felony charges of assault with a firearm and child abuse, and admitted that he personally used a firearm and committed the assault for the benefit of a criminal street gang.

The Amador County Chamber of Commerce shuttered its office, laid off its employees and changed its locks on August 15th, as authorities announced that an investigation will continue on the former chamber executive director, Jackie Lucido. Jackson Police said the department had completed its investigation into allegations that 81-year-old Lucido was involved in embezzling the $38,500 of the chamber’s money. The case is now being investigated by the District Attorney’s office. The Chamber later reopened its office with new staff.

Chuck Iley officially became the new County Administrative Officer for Amador County on September 20th. Iley was hired shortly after the resignation of former CAO Terri Daly, who was promoted to the same position in El Dorado County later in the year.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officially announced on October 21st that it will close the Preston Youth Correctional Facility in Ione in response to a declining population, as more youth are remaining at the local county level. The closure would affect roughly 400 staff and as many as 224 juvenile wards, who will be incorporated into other youth facilities. The planned closure will happen on June 30, 2011.

On October 24th, the Amador Central Railroad was sold to the Recreational Railroad Coalition (RRC) Historical Society by Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) for $1, ending months of negotiation over the future of the historic tracks. In all, thirty three parcels across 11.8 miles of land were included in the deal.

An Amador County jury found Fiddletown resident Kenneth John Zimmerman guilty of second degree murder on October 27th. In November, Zimmerman was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for the 2009 shooting death of John Michael O’Sullivan. Zimmerman pleaded self defense in the trial, which began September 23rd. He was found not guilty on three other counts.

Incumbents in four of five races lost bids for reelection in the 2010 Amador County general election on November 2nd, with Sutter Creek City Councilwoman Linda Rianda the only incumbent to keep her seat in a contested race. Newcomers Ron Smylie, Lloyd Oneto and Daniel Epperson won seats in Ione, as did newcomers Paul Molinelli Sr., Robert Manassero and Art Toy in the Amador Water District race. In Plymouth, the top vote-getter was Sean McGinness, who moved out of town before the election. Sandy Kyles was later appointed to the seat.

3rd District Assemblymember Alyson Huber grilled California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials on the reasoning behind their plan to close Preston Youth Correctional Facility during a Joint Legislative Audit Committee in early November. The probe was held at the State Capitol and attended by busloads of concerned Amador County citizens. Despite public complaint and unanswered questions, CDCR officials said they will continue to move forward. A third meeting on the Preston closure was held in December.

Tempers flared at the Amador County Board of Supervisors meeting on November 30th when outgoing members of the Amador Water Agency board of directors raised questions about the process of repaying a loan owed by their agency to the county. The county previously agreed to extend a loan of $900,000 to the AWA to be repaid no later than December 31st, using grant money the agency expected to receive for its Gravity Supply Line project. The AWA has not yet received any funding. The Supervisors voted to extend the loan repayment date until August 31st, 2011.

The deed of ownership for the National Hotel was transferred to a Los Gatos-based corporation in early December. The owner was later confirmed to be in association with Stan Lukowicz, a Jackson real estate investor. Lukowicz reportedly paid between $457,500 and $458,000 for the historic building, which originally went up for sale for a reported $1.9 million in February 2009.

The Amador County Planning Commission approved the Buena Vista Biomass Power plant permit amendment and environmental documents on December 7th after discussion of impacts, including jobs. Its applicant said the plant will employ 19 people by burning woody biomass. The plant could be a $20 million power facility with $2 million in salaries.

From the entire crew here at TSPN, thank you for your support. We’ll be back next year to continue bringing you in-depth news coverage. Take care of yourself, and Happy Holidays.

2010 Year in Review TSPN TV News

Compiled by Alex Lane and Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County - El Dorado Irrigation District is cautioning winter-time visitors to take care if they venture onto the ice at Echo, Silver, and Caples lakes. The district’s winter drawdown schedule at the lakes is in effect, which means that water levels under the ice will fluctuate. This can cause potentially dangerous conditions. “What may look and feel like a solid surface often is not,” said EID director of operations Tom McKinney. “People who choose to walk, skate, and ski on the ice or to cut holes for fishing should be aware that they are taking a risk. The safest thing to do is avoid recreation on these frozen lakes.” The three lakes, along with Lake Aloha in Desolation Wilderness Area, are part of the high-Sierra water supply system that provides drinking water for EID customers and also for energy production at the district’s 21-megawatt powerhouse. All four of the lakes are popular recreation destinations throughout the year.

Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County - The Federal Railroad Administration has awarded the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) $171 million to improve service on its highly successful intercity passenger rail service.

"The federal funding for intercity rail provides the impetus to expand and greatly improve passenger rail service statewide," said Caltrans Director Cindy McKim.

The largest component of the grant, $100 million, is targeted for the purchase of 40 new rail cars and six locomotives for the San Joaquin, Pacific Surfliner and Capitol Corridor routes. The Pacific Surfliner route received more than $28 million for track and signal upgrades, bridge work, curve realignments, and other infrastructure enhancements. Additionally, more than $38 million will fund safety improvements through the installation of Positive Train Control technology, which reduces the risk of train-to-train collisions, over-speed derailments, and injuries to railway maintenance workers.

The funding was part of more than $901 million awarded to the state that included $731 million for the California High Speed Rail Authority's projects in the Central Valley and San Francisco. "Amtrak stands ready to offer our expertise to our state partners to help implement these important projects to improve our national intercity passenger rail network," said Amtrak President & CEO Joseph Boardman.

California is home to the second (Pacific Surfliner), third (Capitol Corridor), and fifth (San Joaquin) busiest intercity passenger rail corridors in the nation. With five million annual passengers, California has more than 20 percent of all Amtrak riders. Since 1990, the state has invested more than $1.3 billion in infrastructure and equipment for intercity passenger rail and about $1 billion in operating support.

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Amador County - With a major storm system upon California, the chilling winter months bring rain, fog, ice and other hazardous weather conditions that pave the way for a substantial increase in motor vehicle accidents. This winter season, CAL FIRE is advising all drivers to take extra precaution while behind the wheel.

Last year alone, CAL FIRE responded to over 6,000 vehicle accidents in the months of November, December and January. These accidents are often caused by motorists driving at unsafe speeds for the conditions of the road. Officials warn that it’s important to use the surrounding road conditions to gauge safe speeds, rather than relying solely on the posted speed limit.

“The winter season represents a very dangerous time of year to be behind the wheel of a vehicle,” said Battalion Chief Dave Teter, CAL FIRE’s safety officer. “With the increase in road hazards during these cold months, it’s more important than ever to ensure you take the extra precautions necessary to make every drive a safe one.”

“Its imperative that your vehicle is in good working order,” said John Carrier, CAL FIRE’s fleet manager. “A car that's not maintained can be extremely dangerous on a wet and slippery roadway.”

To help steer clear of vehicle accidents this winter, CAL FIRE recommends drivers use weather conditions as a guide to slow down, avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes, and be sure to leave additional distance between your vehicle and the one ahead.

They also advise slowing down and keeping a constant watch for other vehicles, being mindful of icy roads, and if the vehicle begins to slide while driving on ice or snow, avoid using the break. Instead, slowly release the gas pedal and steer the vehicle in the right direction.

For more information on life and fire safety, visit our website at www.fire.ca.gov.

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Amador County – Hospice of Amador & Calaveras released details of its third annual Valentine’s Day Raffle on Monday, including the grand prize, a trip for four people to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Ann Metherd, volunteer coordinator for Hospice of Amador & Calaveras said the non-profit held a kick-off meeting at its office in Jackson Monday to launch its major fundraiser of the year, and now has tickets available for sale for the third annual Valentine’s Day Raffle, “Take a Chance on Love.”

She said the prizes for this year’s event are “terrific,” including the first prize, an all-expense paid trip for four people to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The trip includes four days and three nights, with fishing aboard a private, 48-foot fishing yacht. The first prize trip is valued at more than $10,000.

Second prize in the raffle is a “Love Knot” diamond pendant with a 14-karat white gold chain, valued at $2,000.

Third prize is 16 rounds of golf, complete with golf carts at four local golf courses. Those include Mace Meadow in Pioneer, Castle Oaks in Ione, La Contenta in Valley Springs and Greenhorn Creek in Calaveras County. The 16 rounds of golf are valued at approximately $1,100.

The fourth prize in the raffle is a two-night stay for two people in an ocean-side condominium on the Monterey Bay with a $100 restaurant certificate, with a total value of $900.

The Hospice “Take a Chance on Love” Valentine’s Day Raffle tickets are $10 each. With a purchase of 10 tickets for $100, the buyer receives five more tickets free, along with a free Valentine’s Day chocolate from Andrae’s Bakery.

In Jackson, tickets are available at Bank of Amador on Highway 49, the Hospice office at 1500 South Highway 49, Gold Mine Jewelers at 37 Main Street in Jackson, and Hospice Thrift Store on Argonaut Lane.

Tickets are also available in Angels Camp, at the Hospice Thrift Store and at Greenhorn Creek Golf Course. Tickets can also be bought at Fine Eye Gallery in Sutter Creek, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office in San Andreas, the Sierra Nevada Adventure Company in Murphys, and the La Contenta Golf Course in Valley Springs.

Tickets may also be purchase by calling hospice, at (209) 223-5500.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – Amador County Registrar of Voters Sheldon Johnson reminded voters Tuesday they should check their sample ballot for the location of their polling places, as polling locations have been consolidated, but only for the January 4th special election, to fill the District 1 position of the late State Senator Dave Cox. Candidates are Republican Ted Gaines and Democrat Ken Cooley. The voting places are Jackson City Hall, Evalyn Bishop Hall, Sutter Creek Auditorium, New Life Christian Center in Pine Grove, Plymouth City Hall, Lockwood Fire House in Volcano, and Mace Meadow Country Club in Pioneer. Johnson noted that “with the election being held in January and the uncertainty about weather conditions, voters might want to consider voting by mail.” Vote-by-mail applications forms are on sample ballots, or a written request may be submitted. The last day to apply by mail is December 28th, but walk-in applications can be made at the registrar’s office until election day. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, January 4th.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.