Amador County News, TSPN TV News Video, 6-6-12 - Heather Murdock discusses how people who go through horrible things can still love God.

Amador County – The Amador Water Agency Board of Directors at its early May meeting decided to see an outside assessment of the agency’s financial systems.

AWA General Manager Gene Mancebo said the board “agreed to hire an independent accountant to evaluate the efficiency, checks and balances, and transparency of the Water Agency financial systems.”

He said the agency’s current accounting system was set up in the mid-1980s, and the “agency has also had significant turnover of staff recently, including a controller who was with AWA for 26 years and an 11-year financial manager. A lot of changes in accounting requirements that affect water agencies have occurred since that time.” The AWA Board directed staff to bring back proposals from accounting firms for review.

The AWA board also heard results of a Lake Camanche Village customer satisfaction survey. More than 750 surveys were mailed to water customers and 131 completed surveys were returned.

AWA office manager Karen Gish said overall, Lake Camanche customers gave the agency good marks for service and water quality. According to the surveys returned, she said “75 percent of customers who contacted the agency for customer service said they were satisfied or very satisfied with our office and field staff.” She said “66 percent were satisfied or very satisfied with overall water quality and service.”

70 percent of respondents said they were aware that a major well in the Camanche system was shut down for several months last year due to water quality problems, and water reliability ranked third in importance to customers after water quality and cost of water.

The survey also asked for customer comments and the most frequent comment was concern about the price of wastewater service in the Camanche area. Complete results of the survey are available on the agency’s website, or at the AWA office.

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Amador County – The Amador County Board of Supervisors on Monday approved about 25 full time equivalent positions for layoff notices, but held out hope the governor’s budget would be passed and return about $1.1 million in Educational Revenue Augmentation Funds.

The ERAF Funds are not guaranteed, and Supervisors decided to plan on the funds not being restored, and move toward workforce reductions to reflect the budget deficit it expects the next fiscal year.

Supervisor Chairman Louis Boitano said they should wait until the governor signs the budget. Supervisor John Plasse agreed, saying the governor owns the “Blue Line” power to cross out items from the budget late. Plasse said in spite of the difficult decision, the county has always budgeted wisely, and he would “hate to deviate from a historically proven fiscal prudence.”

The ERAF funds could be returned to Amador County if the governor’s budget passes the Legislature as it is now. Supervisor Ted Novelli said he and Supervisor Brian Oneto went to the Capital to talk to local representatives about the Triple-Flip funds.

Oneto talked to Sen. Ted Gaines’ representative last Friday. Oneto said it was not like they were asking for special funds because it is money that was due to go to Amador County.

Plasse said he felt the county’s commitment to its lobbyist on the issue was money well spent. Supervisor Richard Forster said Service Employees International Union, California State Association of Counties, and the Regional Council of Rural Counties all assisted.

Forster said they should confirm all of these layoffs by the end of the month. County Administrative Officer Chuck Iley said he is working on a revised list of employees for layoff notices, if the county gets the ERAF funds restored. ¶ In public comment, Steve Bristow, SEIU business agent suggested the ERAF funds go to restore lost positions. He also encouraged support for law enforcement and 9-1-1 services, which SEIU does not represent.

Katherine Evatt urged Supervisors to protect jobs and suggested staggering employee days off and keeping county offices open five days a week.

Forster said they have had three workshops and people were taken off of this list, and they saw the need to put employees back on the list. He said not all department heads met the budget reductions they called for to meet the deficit.

Novelli said we do not want to lay off anybody, but we need to keep Amador County afloat. He said layoffs would have a ripple effect across the county.

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Amador County – A Placer County Supervisor Jim Holmes testified last week on behalf of the Regional Council of Rural Counties and in opposition to the so-called State Responsibility Area fire fees.

Amador County Supervisor Richard Forster also testified on the topic in San Diego last month, on behalf of the RCRC, on which he holds a board seat.

Jehan Flagg of the RCRC said the State Responsibility Area (SRA) fees are “a burning topic that’s near and dear to most California rural county residents,” and “this issue will not be going away any time soon.” RCRC and its 31 member counties support AB 1506.

Flagg said the SRA fire fee was created by a legislative budget trailer bill, Assembly Bill 29X, which was passed in 2011. The SRA fire fee is being implemented by regulations at the California Board of Forestry, due to the directive from the Legislature in AB 29X.

Flagg said: “That’s why Amador County Supervisor Richard Forster was testifying on our behalf, to try and tell the regulators that SRA fees are a bad idea regardless whether in law or regulation.”

Flagg said AB 1506 does not redirect SRA money from fire prevention to pay salaries and benefits for new state workers. In fact, AB 1506 would completely repeal State Responsibility Area fire fees.

The annual fee would charge $150 per habitable structure on lands that are within State Responsibility Areas, and it could affect an estimated 800,000 property owners and 31 million acres throughout the sate.

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Amador County – Five businesses and organizations and eight colleges will participate in an Education and Career Fair June 9 in Jackson, to help Amador County residents interested in employment, small business development, and higher education.

First 5 Amador Executive Director Nina Machado announced the Education and Career Fair this week, saying it will be hosted by First 5, Amador Child Care Council, and Brandman University. The fair will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 9, in the Margaret Dalton Children’s Center, at 975 Broadway, in Jackson.

More than five companies and agencies from Amador County and more than eight¬ colleges and universities are registered to attend the free event, which will help students and citizens explore higher education options, small business development, and employment opportunities. Brandman University will be providing light refreshments.

Machado said the fair “provides students and citizens the opportunity to network with employers representing Amador County businesses and with representatives from local and regional colleges and universities.” She said “students and residents are encouraged to attend the fair to learn more about current and future employment opportunities as well as regional higher education opportunities.”

Employers scheduled to attend are the Jackson Rancheria, Sutter Amador Hospital, and Mother Lode Job Training. Colleges scheduled to attend are Amador Community College Foundation, North Eastern California Small Business Development Center, Sacramento State University, National University, University of Phoenix, Brandman University, Emery Riddle University, and William Jessup University.

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Amador County – The Amador County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 in a special meeting Monday to approve a resolution that would reduce the county workforce by about 25 full time equivalent positions.

The resolution would affect about 34 positions in 16 departments in the overall county budget, though some of those positions are already vacant, and others would be left empty by retirement and not refilled. The resolution was approved with a footnote to revisit the position changes after a potential restoration of $1.1 million in Education Revenue Augmentation Funds that at present is part of the Governor’s budget. It is part of $1.5 million in “triple flip” money that Amador County and its cities would get back if the budget is approved.

Supervisors passed the resolution with job cuts and layoff notices because the funding is not guaranteed. Supervisor Richard Forster testified before the state Senate and Supervisor John Plasse testified before the Assembly last week to tell of the toll on the county. The workforce reduction would be 29 positions, and about 24.76 full-time equivalent positions.

Forster said both budget subcommittees approved the budget, which now goes to a full vote. County Administrative Officer Chuck Iley said both passed the budget unanimously, and it should not be derailed unless it was politically affected.

Iley said there are certainly good arguments to include the $1.1 million in the budget, and good arguments not to. Supervisors voted to have Iley and county department heads work on a list of positions to restore if funding is restored to the county, but approved the layoff resolution.

Iley said reductions included one sheriff dispatch position that is vacant, one civil engineer position that is vacant, and two maintenance supervisor positions that are retiring and wouldn’t be replaced. The Public Health Director position is also vacant, he said, and the Health Services Director position would change the “chain of command” from administration to services.

A General Services print shop assistant would also retire and not get replaced, as would the University Cooperative Extension 4-H Coordinator.

Supervisor Brian Oneto asked if Iley could put the list together before the end of the month and fiscal year, if ERAF funds are restored. Iley said he has heard the board say what it preferred for cuts.

Oneto said he would favor moving forward as if they were not getting the money then change the budget when they learn if it is certain.

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Amador County – The Sierra Century bicycle tour returns to Amador and El Dorado County roads next weekend, and the tour co-directors announced the schedule to help local drivers be aware of when and where up to 1,500 riders will be riding across the Mother Lode, next Saturday, June 16, starting in Plymouth.

Sierra Century co-director Bud Leland said the Sierra Century Bicycle Event is a “ride” but it is not a “race” and there are no road closures. He released a list that includes only the major roads and approximate times.

The Sierra Century starts Saturday, June 16, at the Amador County Fairgrounds in Plymouth and riders go to Howard Park in Ione. Expect riders between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., along Old Sacramento Road and Irish Hill Road.

From Howard Park, riders go to Sutter Creek, between 7 a.m. and noon on State Roade 104 and Sutter-Ione Road.

The next leg is between Sutter Creek and Fiddletown on Sutter Creek-Volcano Road, Rams Horn Grade, Shake Ridge Road and Fiddletown Road between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

From Fiddletown, there are two routes. Some bicyclists will go to Indian Diggings School, between noon and 3 p.m. via Tyler Road, Bridgeport School Road, Cedar Creek Road, Mt. Aukum Road, Fairplay Road, Perry Creek Road, and Slug Gulch. Another route from Fiddletown will go to back to the Fairgrounds on Fiddletown Road between noon and 3 p.m.

The route splits again. Some riders will go from Indian Diggings School to Highway 88, via Omo Ranch Road, between 2-5 p.m. Other riders will go from Indian Diggings School to the Fairgrounds on Omo Ranch Road and East 16 Highway, between 2-5 p.m.

Other riders will travel from Highway 88 to the Fairgrounds on Shake Ridge Road, Fiddletown Road, and Shenandoah Road between 2-5 p.m. CHP reminds drivers that bicycle riders have the same rights as vehicles on the roads.

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Amador County – Upcountry Community Council is seeking input from Buckhorn area property owners on Amador County’s “Town center” designation for the area.

UCC Chairwoman Lynn Morgan sent a letter to 64 Buckhorn property owners whose addresses were provided by the County, and she thanked Supervisor Ted Novelli. Morgan sent Council members a copy of the final version of the letter (mailed May 31) in case they have questions.

Morgan in the letter said “Upcountry Community Council has started a discussion on how to create a unique identity for the Buckhorn Area. We think that developing a strong mountain-oriented theme could emphasize the area’s identity, making it a more attractive place to shop.”

She said: “This could increase the value of properties and the community as a whole and strengthen its economic viability in the future.” The Amador County Supervisors’ “proposed County General Plan designates Buckhorn as a Town Center in Pioneer, adding focus to the area. Under this new designation, the County will be reviewing zoning and making decisions about future development in the community.”

Morgan said it “opens up the opportunity for us to provide guidance to the County in advance of future decisions in the area. For these reasons it is timely to discuss ideas about the future of the Buckhorn Town Center area.”

Some ideas UCC has mentioned are developing a logo, placing entrance signs at each end of the area, and looking at how to develop and promote a “mountain architectural” theme for properties visible from Highway 88.

The Council is made up of any community members who attend, and make decisions on consensus of those present. Morgan said the Council “would like to communicate the results of our community discussions with the County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.”

In the letter, she asked property owners if they would be willing to join the Council for a pot luck dinner and discussion about the Buckhorn area at the July 9 UCC meeting. Those unable to attend were encouraged to share thoughts about the issue with UCC by phone or e-mail.

Morgan said the “purpose of this potluck will be to host property owners defined in the current, proposed Buckhorn Town Center to begin to gather feedback about our desires for that Town Center area.”

UCC next meets 6-8 p.m. Monday, June 11 at the Veterans Memorial Hall on Buckhorn Ridge Road in Pioneer. Morgan said the meeting will primarily focus on determinants of fire insurance costs Upcountry. One speaker will be Anne Lintz from State Farm Insurance and may have experts from county fire agencies.

The Monday meeting will also “tie up details” of the July 9 potluck meeting.

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Amador County – For the 23rd time in as many years, the Arc of Amador and Calaveras counties welcomed bicycle tour riders from across the county to St. Sava Mission in Jackson as a fundraiser and awareness-raiser for people with developmental disabilities.

Mike Sweeney, executive director of Arc of Amador and Calaveras Counties made the 23rd trip of the PUSH America Journey of Hope his own special fundraiser, and his last project to operate for Arc as he closes a 23-and-a-half year career with Arc with a retirement effective at the end of June.

Sweeney also made it a personal farewell by riding with the PUSH America riders, all college students or graduates, and members of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, which has been holing its PUSH America national fundraiser for 35 years, and its Journey of Hope for 25 years now.

Ricky Rascon of New Mexico, the PUSH America public relations road liaison, said he has been involved since riding the trip in 2009. Now he is a recent graduate and intern for the PUSH America project. He said the ride gives $1,000 back to the host community organizations who host the Friendship Visits, as Arc has done since Sweeney took over as executive director in 1989.

The Journey of Hope is made to enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities by raising money and awareness in a 4,000-mile cycling event across the country, which started Sunday, June 3 when 30 Pi Kappa Phi riders left San Francisco via the Golden Gate Bridge, and plan to end the trip Aug. 5 in Washington, D.C. Sweeney left San Francisco on Sunday with the group, but rode his own route and shorter schedules. He said he missed the rain on Monday and joined the riders Tuesday near Tonzi Road for the ride into Jackson.

PUSH publicist Ricky Rascon had this to say about the fundraiser. The 30 riders stopped to stage their descent into Jackson gathering at Vista Park on Highway 49, where Jackson City Councilmen Wayne Garibaldi and Keith Sweet and City Manager Mike Daly welcomed the group.

The team arrived at St. Sava Mission at about noon, met by participants of Arc of Amador and Calaveras Counties, which provides services to people with disabilities, including assisted living, working and travel. At 5 p.m., PUSH America riders were to be provided dinner by the Jackson Lion’s Club at Mel and Faye’s Diner.

Rascon, the traveling publicist, said three routes will be taken on the trek. A “TransAmerica” route of 30 riders left Seattle on May 31. The 27 north route riders left San Francisco on Sunday and arrived in Jackson on Tuesday, and the South Route riders, a group of 30 riders, will leave Los Angeles on June 11.

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Amador County – On Monday, several dozen local dignitaries attended the celebratory opening of Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort’s signature restaurant, the Lone Wolf Restaurant & Lounge, located at the heart of the casino.

The exclusive reception at the new venue was an invitation to come and see why the Rancheria says the Lone Wolf Restaurant & Lounge is a “casual steakhouse with a flavor for all.”

Two weeks ago, May 22, the Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort announced the reopening of their flagship restaurant the Lone Wolf Restaurant & Lounge. The restaurant is located upstairs in the Casino and features luxury and comfort combined with approachable entrees focused on local quality ingredients and precise execution.

The lounge opens daily at 4 p.m. with fine liqueurs and spirits plus a great variety of California wines. Food service is available seven days a week.

The restaurant opens at 5 p.m. and is closed Monday and Tuesday. It has both indoor and veranda seating. For reservations call 209-223-WOLF (9653) or visit JacksonCasino.com.

Lone Wolf is the third of five new restaurants opening at Jackson Rancheria this year. JoBo’s Junction coffee and pastry bar opened earlier this year offering specialty coffee drinks, fresh pastries, salads, sandwiches and more.

Also in May, the Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort opened the Pacific Grill, a quick service restaurant offering Asian and American cuisine. Its Asian Grill portion opened May 30 offering Southeast Asian wok specialties, Vietnamese style grilled meat and rice bowls, dim sum, pho noodle bowls, and family style dishes like a half chicken fried or poached and whole fish steamed or fried.

The California Grill portion was to open today, that is Wednesday, June 6. The California Grill will be the new home of Uncle Bud’s burgers, garlic fries, Indian tacos and fry bread, sandwiches, salads and pizzas. The Pacific Grill will open daily at 11 a.m.

A fourth restaurant to open later this year at the Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort will be the 24-hour Margaret’s Café & Bakery.

Located in the Sierra foothills town of Jackson, the Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort is owned by the Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians, a federally recognized Indian tribe.

A sovereign government, the Rancheria is dedicated to developing projects that not only enhance the tribe’s ability to remain self-reliant, but also reflect a commitment to be a good neighbor.

Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort is located at 12222 New York Ranch Road in Jackson. For more information visit JacksonCasino.com or call 800-822-WINN (9466).

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