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Wednesday, 21 July 2010 06:04
Preliminary Stakeholders Meeting Held For Pine Grove 88 Corridor Project
Amador County – At their first official meeting on June 23rd, the Stakeholders Working Group for the developing Pine Grove/Highway 88 Corridor Project met to introduce themselves and discuss concerns related to the project. At least six community groups, three businesses and four agencies are represented in the group. Neil Peacock, Program Manager for the Amador County Transportation Commission (ACTC), said the project proposal includes 12 different alternatives for route modifications at a price tag “not to exceed $40 million,” and the stakeholder group will “provide feedback to the technical experts in our consultant team.” ACTC and Caltrans are seeking to guide the project along through the concept of “Context Sensitive Solutions,” which, according to Caltrans, are defined in part as a way “to provide for the needs of all highway users in balance with the needs of the local community and the context of the project.” Gary Reinoehl, a stakeholder representing the Upcountry Community Council (UCC), told TSPN that this process will help ensure “a greater chance of a project that everyone can agree on.” Reinoehl will be acting as a conduit for the concerns of the UCC, who met separately this month to create a list of “transportation issues.” These include sidewalk and pedestrian access, public transit, parking, and traffic concerns. He said perhaps the greatest concern is “safety in general.” He said he is “cautiously optimistic” about being able to address the many concerns upcountry residents have as the project moves forward. Another stakeholder, John Carlson, who was there on behalf of the Pine Grove Community Council, said he thinks the project heads “are making their best effort” to reach out to the community. He said his biggest concern is maintaining public involvement. “The stakeholders committee will work towards finding the preferred alternatives, but the community still needs to be there to provide input on the important decisions,” says Carlson, adding: “Ultimately, this is going to be something they will have to live with.” The next Stakeholders Working Group meeting is July 28th at the Pine Grove Town Hall. ACTC is the “implementing agency” for project management while Caltrans retains “lead agency” status and project oversight. The project must abide by the rules and regulations of the California Environmental Quality Act and the National Environmental Protection Act. Project construction is not estimated to take place until 2024. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Wednesday, 21 July 2010 05:45
Amador County Fair's Opening Day to Feature Kid's Day Parade
Amador County – The Amador County Fair once again plans a Kids Parade to mark the start of the fair on Opening Day, Thursday, July 29th. Sign-ups for the parade are 8:15 to 9 a.m. at Plymouth City Hall. Costume judging is 9:15 a.m. and the parade starts at 9:30 a.m. This year’s Kid’s Parade will have a Safari theme, to match the Fair’s slogan of “It’s a Jungle Out There.” Admission to the Fair for kids 12 and under is free until 6 p.m, only on Kids Day. Every day is “Dress Like a Pirate Day” at the Amador County Fair & anyone dressed like a pirate will be admitted free until 6 p.m. (Captain Jack Sparrow will be “recruiting his crew” throughout the fair). Every child who participates in the parade will be given free carnival tickets courtesy of Ken Johnston, Carnival of Fun. There are plenty of gentler rides for smaller children as well as the bigger rides for older kids. Kids Day will once again be “tobacco free,” with no smoking or tobacco use allowed on the fairgrounds. Kids are also encouraged to bring their Grandparents on Friday, Seniors Day. For information, see www.amadorcountyfair.com or call (209) 245-6921. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Wednesday, 21 July 2010 03:02
AM Live - 7-21-10: Wine, Dine and Good Times with Gale
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Wednesday, 30 June 2010 18:00
2010 Amador County Fair: It's a Jungle Out There
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Wednesday, 30 June 2010 18:00
2010 Amador County Fair: It's a Jungle Out There
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Tuesday, 20 July 2010 06:44
State Worker Pay Threatened by Governor
Sacramento - Thousands of state workers are fuming as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger stands behind his attempt to reduce their pay to the federal minimum wage until California’s budget is passed. Demonstrations in front of the capitol and heckles from fairgoers during the governor’s tour of the State Fair this week only highlighted the frustration felt by over 200,000 state employees who would end up making $7.25 an hour should he have his way. While unveiling his budget in January, Schwarzenegger said he appreciates all state workers do but “the public sector also has to take a haircut” because of “the economic crisis worldwide.” He has called it a matter of law. Without a budget, he says, the state should pay its workers minimum wage based on a 2003 court ruling. Schwarzenegger’s order, should it take effect, would impact hundreds of foothill residents – including many here in Amador County – who are state employees. Last Friday, Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Patrick Marlette denied Schwarzenegger’s request for an injunction compelling Controller John Chiang to lower state salaries while there is no budget. Chiang has very public stated his opposition to Schwarzenegger’s plan, arguing that he can’t recalculate the wages because of technical obstacles and calling the state’s antiquated computer system an “unsolvable puzzle.” Chiang appealed the court’s approval of Schwarzenegger’s order earlier this month. Judge Patrick has ordered the two sides back to court next month to argue the feasibility of reprogramming the computers. Until then, at least, state workers will continue to receive their normal pay and benefits. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Tuesday, 20 July 2010 06:31
Congressman Lungren Announces August Town Hall Meetings
Amador County – Amador County representative and 3rd District Congressman Dan Lungren announced last week a series of August town hall meetings in which he’ll address current issues and resident’s concerns. Congressman Dan Lungren serves as Ranking Member on the House Administration Committee in addition to serving on the Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees. He represents California's 3rd Congressional District which includes parts of Sacramento and Solano County as well as all of Alpine, Amador, and Calaveras Counties. The three announced upcoming meetings take place August 11 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the La Sierra Community Center in Carmichael, August 14 at 10:30 a.m. at the Jackson Civic Center in Jackson, and August 19 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Wackford Community and Apartment Complex in Elk Grove. The public is encouraged to attend a town hall meeting in their area. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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