Tom
Tuesday, 20 July 2010 06:35
Sutter Creek Promotions Ok's Bus, Goolge Ad Campaigns
Amador County – The Sutter Creek Promotion Committee last month discussed its new Sacramento-bound bus advertising campaign and opened a new account with Google, but declined a suggestion to get televised coverage for the city’s Organ Rally. Committee Chairwoman Sandy Anderson reported on the contract for large billboard bus signage that the committee recently contracted for with the Amador Regional Transit System bus. The $260-a-month contract will place a billboard on the ARTS commuter bus that travels to Sacramento 5 days a week. The sign will be at eye-level, just below the back window. The contract is for one year with a 10 percent discount. The committee will buy the sign from Merzlak Signs. A brief discussion took place regarding the need to continue to prioritize the website for attracting tourism to Sutter Creek and Amador County. After discussion, it was unanimously approved to amend the 2010 budget to spend $300 per month on internet marketing with “Google Paper Clicks.” Committee member and Councilman Pat Crosby reportedly asked if the upcoming October Organ Rally would be covered by TSPN like the Ragtime Festival was recently. Anderson said that any sponsorship of the event would need to be considered by the committee as it was not in the budget for this year. A financial report at the meeting said the committee had a projected a balance of $16,362, including $325 committed to the Monte Verde Store Paint Project. The committee anticipated revenue from the city of $2,669 for the remainder of the fiscal year. The sum included revenue from the Visitor Center of $497. Robert Gordon showed the home page of the committee’s new website and the committee commented favorably on the design. It was strongly suggested by the committee that there be a separate category for wine and wineries as this is probably the largest tourist attraction in the county. Gordon said he would make the change. Anderson said she had a “draft” website policy which will be reviewed when the new site opens. The promotion committee received $600 from a cancelled “Music Academy” summer program by “Friends Of Music.” Organizer Ron Brickman said the project did not materialize primarily because it had targeted the wrong musicians and participants and the event likely would not return next year. Maureen Funk of the Amador Council of Tourism suggested in the future to target the Student Young Travel Association (which includes travel agents) and already plans to visit Preston Castle and the Kennedy Mine. The Promotions Committee meets 9:30 a.m. Wednesday (July 21st) at Backroads Coffee Shop. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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News Archive
Tuesday, 20 July 2010 06:37
Kitten Populations Grow, Adoptions Urged
Amador County - In a recent conversation with TSPN, Amador County Animal Control Director John Vail highlighted the need for locals to provide homes for the large number of adoptable animals here in Amador County. “It’s a mutual benefit for both the animal and the loving person or family who chooses to make that animal their own,” said Vail. APAL Human Society of Amador County, which promotes the adoption of animals who come exclusively from Animal Control, announced Monday that its animal shelter is full. Rebecca, a foster for the APAL kitten program, called it “awful” and said “there are cages and cages, each one full of crying kittens.” Depending on capacity needs, kittens may soon be euthanized to make space for more kittens on the way. The discrepancy between the number of dog and cat adoptions in Amador County is significant. In the last two years, the adoption rate (also known as the live release rate) through Animal Control and the APAL program was approximately 85 percent for dogs, but closer to 75 percent for cats. Vail says a lot of factors come into play when determining adoption rates between the two species, the main factor being that fewer cats are spayed or neutered and his department takes in more cats than dogs as a result. “I don’t believe the value people place on cats and dogs is any different, but there are some people who own and spay or neuter their dogs but don’t with cats,” said Vail. He says part of this may be due to the independent nature of the feline. He says cats may also reproduce at higher rates. Vail said he believes “the pet culture in our country is changing” and noted that in some urban areas, the rates of cat adoptions now exceed rates for dogs. Animal Control and the APAL program have a number of programs in place to encourage more adoptions. Over the last year they have held two open houses with lowered adoption rates, specifically for cats. Another open house is being planned for September. The Adopt a Kitten program has proven successful in promoting adoptions as well. APAL also has a free spay and neuter program for feral cats and for dogs and cats whose owners qualify for Medical. Kitten adoptions are now $25 at APAL, which includes spaying and vaccinations. While the overall adoption rates in Amador County are comparatively high Vail said there is always more that can be done. “I’ve been talking with Supervisors and spreading the word about the importance of increasing the number of animal adoptions,” he said. “It’s of benefit to all of us.” 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 06:39
Ione Eyes Prop. 84 Grants to Fund Ione Business Park Plan
Amador County – The Ione City Council this week will consider applications to the California Sustainable Communities Grant Program, including one that would create the “specific plan” for the Ione Business Park. The Ione council today could consider an application for a grant established by Proposition 84, the “Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006.” Ione City Planner Christopher Jordan in a report this week said: “Over the past several months, staff has been looking for ways to move the Industrial Park project forward and encourage near-term development.” Jordan said “detailed land, circulation, and utility planning for the property have been put on hold for a variety of reasons,” but the city “would be wise to complete the planning and environmental clearance for the project now.” In doing so, the city would be positioned to apply for state and federal “public works economic development grants.” He said the sustainable community planning would qualify because the industrial park would allow more people to live and work in Ione, cutting down vehicle trips and improving air quality. He said “the project would also bring more people to shop in the downtown.” Jordan said Prop 84 funds could be used for study of land use and phasing; a fiscal plan; and infrastructure planning for water, sewer and drainage. It could also study and provide impact analysis or drainage, air quality, noise and biological assessment. “Not included in the project are any related (California Environmental Quality Act) review steps,” Jordan said, which “means that the city would not be able to adopt the plan upon completion until the CEQA review was financed.” Ione staff sent a letter to Ione Business Park owner Howard Properties identifying this and requesting their participation. “Any funds spent by the city or property owner on the analysis or CEQA,” Jordan said, “could be counted as ‘additional resources’ that could be leveraged against the grant and help increase the city’s chances of being funding.” The application cost was estimated at $5,000, Jordan said, while the city as lead agency could apply from $100,000 up to $1 million (or in some cases $2 million). The Ione council today and Plymouth City Council on Thursday could a joint application for Prop 84 funding, with Amador County, Amador City, Jackson and Sutter Creek. With each putting in $1,000, they would seek a grant for “Amador countywide greenhouse gas inventory and reduction plans.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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News Archive
Tuesday, 20 July 2010 06:49
Mark Luster - SPI Sawmill Reopening 7-20-10
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News Interview Videos
Tuesday, 20 July 2010 06:55
Amador County News TSPN TV with Alex Lane 7-20-10
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News Broadcast Videos
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 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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State
Tuesday, 20 July 2010 06:39
Ione Eyes Prop. 84 Grants to Fund Ione Business Park Plan
Amador County – The Ione City Council this week will consider applications to the California Sustainable Communities Grant Program, including one that would create the “specific plan” for the Ione Business Park. The Ione council today could consider an application for a grant established by Proposition 84, the “Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006.” Ione City Planner Christopher Jordan in a report this week said: “Over the past several months, staff has been looking for ways to move the Industrial Park project forward and encourage near-term development.” Jordan said “detailed land, circulation, and utility planning for the property have been put on hold for a variety of reasons,” but the city “would be wise to complete the planning and environmental clearance for the project now.” In doing so, the city would be positioned to apply for state and federal “public works economic development grants.” He said the sustainable community planning would qualify because the industrial park would allow more people to live and work in Ione, cutting down vehicle trips and improving air quality. He said “the project would also bring more people to shop in the downtown.” Jordan said Prop 84 funds could be used for study of land use and phasing; a fiscal plan; and infrastructure planning for water, sewer and drainage. It could also study and provide impact analysis or drainage, air quality, noise and biological assessment. “Not included in the project are any related (California Environmental Quality Act) review steps,” Jordan said, which “means that the city would not be able to adopt the plan upon completion until the CEQA review was financed.” Ione staff sent a letter to Ione Business Park owner Howard Properties identifying this and requesting their participation. “Any funds spent by the city or property owner on the analysis or CEQA,” Jordan said, “could be counted as ‘additional resources’ that could be leveraged against the grant and help increase the city’s chances of being funding.” The application cost was estimated at $5,000, Jordan said, while the city as lead agency could apply from $100,000 up to $1 million (or in some cases $2 million). The Ione council today and Plymouth City Council on Thursday could a joint application for Prop 84 funding, with Amador County, Amador City, Jackson and Sutter Creek. With each putting in $1,000, they would seek a grant for “Amador countywide greenhouse gas inventory and reduction plans.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Local
Tuesday, 20 July 2010 06:37
Kitten Populations Gorw, Adoptions Urged
Amador County - In a recent conversation with TSPN, Amador County Animal Control Director John Vail highlighted the need for locals to provide homes for the large number of adoptable animals here in Amador County. “It’s a mutual benefit for both the animal and the loving person or family who chooses to make that animal their own,” said Vail. APAL Human Society of Amador County, which promotes the adoption of animals who come exclusively from Animal Control, announced Monday that its animal shelter is full. Rebecca, a foster for the APAL kitten program, called it “awful,” and said “there are cages and cages, each one full of crying kittens.” Depending on capacity needs, kittens may soon be euthanized to make space for more kittens on the way. The discrepancy between the number of dog and cat adoptions in Amador County is significant. In the last two years, the adoption rate (also known as the live release rate) through Animal Control and the APAL program was approximately 85 percent for dogs, but closer to 75 percent for cats. Vail says a lot of factors come into play when determining adoption rates between the two species, the main factor being that fewer cats are spayed or neutered and his department takes in more cats than dogs as a result. “I don’t believe the value people place on cats and dogs is any different, but there are some people who own and spay or neuter their dogs but don’t with cats,” said Vail. He says part of this may be due to the independent nature of the feline. He says cats may also reproduce at higher rates. Vail said he believes “the pet culture in our country is changing,” and noted that in some urban areas, the rates of cat adoptions now exceed rates for dogs. Animal Control and the APAL program have a number of programs in place to encourage more adoptions. Over the last year they have held two open houses with lowered adoption rates, specifically for cats. Another open house is being planned for September. The Adopt a Kitten program has proven successful in promoting adoptions as well. APAL also has a free spay and neuter program for feral cats and for dogs and cats whose owners qualify for Medical. Kitten adoptions are now $25 at APAL, which includes spaying and vaccinations. While the overall adoption rates in Amador County are comparatively high, Vail said there is always more that can be done. “I’ve been talking with Supervisors and spreading the word about the importance of increasing the number of animal adoptions,” he said. “It’s of benefit to all of us.” Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Local
