Tom
Monday, 08 February 2010 00:21
Rearrest Draws Criticism from CA Reduction Plan Opposition
Amador County – An inmate released last Monday through California’s controversial prison population reduction plan has been rearrested on charges of attempted rape, stoking criticism from the plan’s opposition. 22-year-old Kevin Eugene Peterson was one of 190 inmates released this week on good behavior after serving 2 months on a 4-month probation violation. He was being housed in the Sacramento County Jail. He was arrested just hours later on suspicion of attempted rape of a female counselor, sexual battery, false imprisonment and violating the terms of his probation. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) said before the release that only inmates with non-violent records would be considered for early release. Peterson had been arrested previously for assault against a family member, but was released because the injuries weren’t considered life-threatening. Upon hearing the news, Jim Cooper, a candidate for Sacramento Sheriff in the upcoming election, released a statement saying he is “appalled” by the news. “The decimation of law enforcement resources due to budget cuts means that our worst fears are becoming reality. Response times to 911 calls have increased, sheriff’s deputies have been laid off and now the state piles this on top of us. This is unacceptable and it must stop,” he said. 10th District Assemblymember and Amador County representative Alyson Huber responded strongly to the news. “I was very troubled to hear about the rearrest of an inmate released early today. I voted against the early release proposal because of this very kind of risk and the challenges our local law enforcement will now be shouldered with,” she said. Huber referred to AB 1678, a proposed bill she crafted along with fellow Assemblymember Ted Lieu that would “mandate common-sense public safety protections.” Input on the bill was collected during a meeting last week with law officials, including Amador County Sheriff Martin Ryan. It would allow local law enforcement agencies to formally object to the release of certain convicted felons; require CDCR to notify local law enforcement with critical information about recently released inmates; and increase transparency by making public a list of crimes committed by prisoners being released without parole supervision. Lieu sent a letter to CDCR Director Matthew Cate in late January accusing officials of trying to deceive the public by defending the plan. "In my over 15 years of public service, including serving on active duty to defend our country, I have never before seen this scale of deception and misleading statements being made by a California governmental agency to the media," said Lieu. Cate stands behind the plan. The CDCR has called it a “landmark achievement” because it provides incentives for the completion of educational courses and substance abuse programs with the long-term intent of reducing recidivism. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
News Archive
Monday, 08 February 2010 00:23
Kathleen Harmon, Floyd Martin Win 2010 Golden Nugget Awards
Amador County – The Jackson Rancheria has selected its 7th Annual Margaret Dalton Golden Nugget Award recipients for 2010, the Amador County Chamber of Commerce announced in its February newsletter. The awards will “honor and celebrate the selfless contributions” of Kathleen Harmon of the Interfaith Food Bank and Floyd Martin of the American Legion. The Amador Chamber newsletter said the “prestigious award is given to Amador County’s unsung heroes, an inspiration of the late Margaret Dalton, Jackson Rancheria's Tribal Chairperson for over 25 years.” The Jackson Rancheria Casino, Hotel & Conference Center will give the awards during a dinner Friday, March 12th at Thomi’s in Jackson. Kathleen Harmon is Executive Director of Amador County Interfaith Food Bank, which oversees fundraising and procurement of goods to operate daily food distribution, recruitment and management of the 100 percent volunteer staff. The Food Bank needs at least 60 volunteers each week to operate. The Chamber newsletter said Harmon is “a great human being who gives her time and efforts unselfishly to others.” Floyd Martin is a 24-year, “Paid up for Life” member of the American Legion. His history with American Legion includes service through Post, District and Department Chairs. Floyd is a Vietnam-era veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1960-1964. Since his discharge he has continually contributed to his community, Amador County. He coached and umpired youth baseball for many years and is an Honorary Member of the Amador County Little League Association. He supported the Sober Graduation Program; served on the local volunteer fire department board of directors; and was 1 of 4 founders of Pioneer Community Park. Martin now serves veterans as Amador County Veterans Service Officer. He has held the position 10 years. The Chamber said “these are just a few of the highlights and accomplishments for which we are honoring Floyd.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
News Archive
Monday, 08 February 2010 00:25
Jackson Realtor Davenport Wins $5K Through Shop Jackson Program
Amador County – The highly successful “Shop Jackson” promotion through the Jackson Rancheria paid back one of Jackson’s loyal customers Wednesday evening in $5000 cash. Kellee Davenport, a Real Estate Agent and Jackson resident, was surprised when she was awarded the prize after two names were drawn to people not in attendance. Jackson Mayor Connie Gonsalvez joined Jackson Rancheria CEO Rich Hoffman on the Casino’s Dalton Town Hall stage to pick the lucky winner. Davenport’s boyfriend, Kam Merzlak, owner of Merzlak Signs, was on hand to film the drawing. When asked what she would do with the money, Davenport’s reply had nothing to do with Disneyland. She said she would be using the money to pay bills. Davenport entered the drawing during one of her visits to Jose’s Mexican Restaurant. Jose’s owner Martha Perez told the Rancheria that “this program is so successful that my customers just come in and show their card.” She said she is “amazed at the number of Dreamcatcher’s Club members who eat at our restaurant. This is truly a win-win program.” The “Shop Jackson” promotion began last summer as a partnership between the Jackson Rancheria and the Jackson Revitalization Committee. Since then, over 70 businesses have signed on to offer special promotions and discounts to Rancheria Dreamcatcher’s Club members who shop in Jackson. Members who participated in this program between November 1st, 2009 and January 31st 2010, were entered in a drawing to win $5000 at the Jackson Rancheria. The Jackson Revitalization Committee will be holding another raffle and the kick off meeting is on February 11th at the Jackson Civic Center. The public is welcome to attend and find out more about the JRC and its efforts to revitalize the local community and economy. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
News Archive
Monday, 08 February 2010 04:51
Board of Supervisors Pre-Agenda Report with Richard Forster 2-8-10
Published in
News Interview Videos
Monday, 08 February 2010 00:33
Amador County News TSPN TV with Alan Sprenkel 2-8-10
Published in
News Broadcast Videos
Monday, 08 February 2010 04:51
Board of Supervisors Pre-Agenda Report with Richard Forster 2-8-10
Published in
Amador County Board of Supervisors Reports
Monday, 08 February 2010 00:33
Amador County News TSPN TV with Alan Sprenkel 2-8-10
Published in
Video
Monday, 08 February 2010 00:25
Jackson Realtor Davenport Wins $5K Through Shop Jackson Program
Amador County – The highly successful “Shop Jackson” promotion through the Jackson Rancheria paid back one of Jackson’s loyal customers Wednesday evening in $5000 cash. Kellee Davenport, a Real Estate Agent and Jackson resident, was surprised when she was awarded the prize after two names were drawn to people not in attendance. Jackson Mayor Connie Gonsalvez joined Jackson Rancheria CEO Rich Hoffman on the Casino’s Dalton Town Hall stage to pick the lucky winner. Davenport’s boyfriend, Kam Merzlak, owner of Merzlak Signs, was on hand to film the drawing. When asked what she would do with the money, Davenport’s reply had nothing to do with Disneyland. She said she would be using the money to pay bills. Davenport entered the drawing during one of her visits to Jose’s Mexican Restaurant. Jose’s owner Martha Perez told the Rancheria that “this program is so successful that my customers just come in and show their card.” She said she is “amazed at the number of Dreamcatcher’s Club members who eat at our restaurant. This is truly a win-win program.” The “Shop Jackson” promotion began last summer as a partnership between the Jackson Rancheria and the Jackson Revitalization Committee. Since then, over 70 businesses have signed on to offer special promotions and discounts to Rancheria Dreamcatcher’s Club members who shop in Jackson. Members who participated in this program between November 1st, 2009 and January 31st 2010, were entered in a drawing to win $5000 at the Jackson Rancheria. The Jackson Revitalization Committee will be holding another raffle and the kick off meeting is on February 11th at the Jackson Civic Center. The public is welcome to attend and find out more about the JRC and its efforts to revitalize the local community and economy. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
Local
Monday, 08 February 2010 00:23
Kathleen Harmon, Floyd Martin Win 2010 Golden Nugget Awards
Amador County – The Jackson Rancheria has selected its 7th Annual Margaret Dalton Golden Nugget Award recipients for 2010, the Amador County Chamber of Commerce announced in its February newsletter. The awards will “honor and celebrate the selfless contributions” of Kathleen Harmon of the Interfaith Food Bank and Floyd Martin of the American Legion. The Amador Chamber newsletter said the “prestigious award is given to Amador County’s unsung heroes, an inspiration of the late Margaret Dalton, Jackson Rancheria's Tribal Chairperson for over 25 years.” The Jackson Rancheria Casino, Hotel & Conference Center will give the awards during a dinner Friday, March 12th at Thomi’s in Jackson. Kathleen Harmon is Executive Director of Amador County Interfaith Food Bank, which oversees fundraising and procurement of goods to operate daily food distribution, recruitment and management of the 100 percent volunteer staff. The Food Bank needs at least 60 volunteers each week to operate. The Chamber newsletter said Harmon is “a great human being who gives her time and efforts unselfishly to others.” Floyd Martin is a 24-year, “Paid up for Life” member of the American Legion. His history with American Legion includes service through Post, District and Department Chairs. Floyd is a Vietnam-era veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1960-1964. Since his discharge he has continually contributed to his community, Amador County. He coached and umpired youth baseball for many years and is an Honorary Member of the Amador County Little League Association. He supported the Sober Graduation Program; served on the local volunteer fire department board of directors; and was 1 of 4 founders of Pioneer Community Park. Martin now serves veterans as Amador County Veterans Service Officer. He has held the position 10 years. The Chamber said “these are just a few of the highlights and accomplishments for which we are honoring Floyd.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
Local
Monday, 08 February 2010 00:21
Rearrest Draws Criticism from CA Reduction Plan Opposition
Amador County – An inmate released last Monday through California’s controversial prison population reduction plan has been rearrested on charges of attempted rape, stoking criticism from the plan’s opposition. 22-year-old Kevin Eugene Peterson was one of 190 inmates released this week on good behavior after serving 2 months on a 4-month probation violation. He was being housed in the Sacramento County Jail. He was arrested just hours later on suspicion of attempted rape of a female counselor, sexual battery, false imprisonment and violating the terms of his probation. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) said before the release that only inmates with non-violent records would be considered for early release. Peterson had been arrested previously for assault against a family member, but was released because the injuries weren’t considered life-threatening. Upon hearing the news, Jim Cooper, a candidate for Sacramento Sheriff in the upcoming election, released a statement saying he is “appalled” by the news. “The decimation of law enforcement resources due to budget cuts means that our worst fears are becoming reality. Response times to 911 calls have increased, sheriff’s deputies have been laid off and now the state piles this on top of us. This is unacceptable and it must stop,” he said. 10th District Assemblymember and Amador County representative Alyson Huber responded strongly to the news. “I was very troubled to hear about the rearrest of an inmate released early today. I voted against the early release proposal because of this very kind of risk and the challenges our local law enforcement will now be shouldered with,” she said. Huber referred to AB 1678, a proposed bill she crafted along with fellow Assemblymember Ted Lieu that would “mandate common-sense public safety protections.” Input on the bill was collected during a meeting last week with law officials, including Amador County Sheriff Martin Ryan. It would allow local law enforcement agencies to formally object to the release of certain convicted felons; require CDCR to notify local law enforcement with critical information about recently released inmates; and increase transparency by making public a list of crimes committed by prisoners being released without parole supervision. Lieu sent a letter to CDCR Director Matthew Cate in late January accusing officials of trying to deceive the public by defending the plan. "In my over 15 years of public service, including serving on active duty to defend our country, I have never before seen this scale of deception and misleading statements being made by a California governmental agency to the media," said Lieu. Cate stands behind the plan. The CDCR has called it a “landmark achievement” because it provides incentives for the completion of educational courses and substance abuse programs with the long-term intent of reducing recidivism. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
Law Enforcement
