Friday, May 9, 2008

Amador ranked seventh for AB 900 funds

Coming in seventh out of ten on the list, Amador County Sheriff Martin Ryan called the Corrections and Standards Authority decision on awarding AB 900 money a great disappointment. Ryan stated that although this initial recommendation is very disappointing, the final chapter has yet to be written. CDCR Secretary James Tilton made it clear that the final decision has been postponed until the full CSA board meeting set for Sept. 18 in Sacramento. Visit the htradio.net PodCast page to hear Sheriff Ryan talk about the disappointing news.

Air ambulance service could come to Westover Field

The request for a use permit to allow a helicopter air ambulance program at Westover Field will now head to the planning commission after the Amador County Technical Advisory Committee voted unanimously to send it through at Wednesday’s meeting. If the project is approved, CALSTAR would staff the base 24/7 with a pilot and two flight nurses. The planning commission will hear the request June 10.

CAL FIRE begins summer preparedness levels for fire season

Local CAL FIRE officials announced today that starting Monday, May 12 at 8 a.m. the CAL FIRE Units of Amador / El Dorado and Tuolumne / Calaveras will transition into its summer preparedness levels for fire season. The declaration allows CAL FIRE to begin staffing fire stations and equipment on a 24-hour basis and hire seasonal firefighters to help protect California’s wildlands.

Ione Police cracks down on seatbelt tickets

If you are driving through Ione any time soon, make sure you are wearing your seatbelt. The Ione Police Department announced today that it will be aggressively enforcing the state’s occupant protection laws as part of California’s 2008 Click It or Ticket mobilization, May 12 through June 1. Tickets for first seat belt violations range from $80 to $91 for adults and $330 to $401 for children under age 16, depending on the county.

Increase in adoption fees goes to microchip animals

Adoption fees will go up next month in Calaveras County, but it’s all for a good cause. The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 Tuesday to approve revising the county’s animal ordinance to require microchips be inserted into all adopted dogs and cats to ensure they are identified and returned, rather than euthanized, should they stray into the shelter again. In June, the new rules will increase the basic adoption fee at the shelter to $17 for cats and $27 for dogs.

Letter Carriers canned food drive helps to “Stamp Out Hunger”

You can do your part tomorrow to help “Stamp Out Hunger” by participating in the largest one-day food collection in the nation without even leaving your home.    Letter carriers in our area will be collecting canned food that you can leave in your mailbox Saturday for pick up. You can also drop off items at the post office.    All the food that is collected locally will benefit the Interfaith Food Bank and A-TCAA’s food programs.

132^nd Ione Homecoming this weekend in Howard Park

Head out to Howard Park this weekend for some “Mardi Gras Magic” at the 132^nd Ione Homecoming. To kick off the fun, enjoy fireworks at Howard Park tonight. A pancake breakfast will be held tomorrow at Evalynn Bishop Hall followed by the carnival, craft and food vendors, mutton busting, live music and much more. Homecoming wraps up Sunday with a parade down Main Street at 10 a.m.

Rio Linda man falls asleep at the wheel, receives minor injuries

A Rio Linda man was lucky to escape with only minor injuries after he feel asleep at the wheel on Highway 16 Thursday afternoon. According to the CHP, Earl Fore was driving west on Highway 16 east of the Sacramento County line around 3:40 p.m. when he fell asleep and drove off the road. His 2004 GMC hit a panel marker on the north side of the roadway, which woke him up, causing him to veer back to the south where he lost control of his vehicle. The GMC ended up off the road overturned at the bottom of the decline.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

It looks like Amador and Calaveras counties might have to find another way to fund new jails

The Corrections Standards Authority Board announced their top three recommendations today for the AB 900 funds for local jail construction, with Calaveras County coming in fourth place for the counties with a population under 200,000. The recommended that the three counties that finished in front of Calaveras County would each receive $30 million and Calaveras would receive the remaining $10 million. The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office says that during this time they will continue planning construction of a new jail. Amador County Sheriff Martin Ryan will release a statement tomorrow.

Calaveras County could be sued by the Gold Strike Heights Homeowners Association

Calaveras County could be facing a lawsuit if it doesn’t take action on a claim filed May 2 by the Gold Strike Heights Homeowners Association. During Tuesday’s Calaveras County Board of Supervisors meeting, association secretary Don Lee addressed the board clamming that it’s the county’s fault that Westwind Development, the developer of Gold Strike Heights in San Andreas, has yet to build the community a club house and give control of the roads and sidewalks over to the association. He also demanded that the county’s Community Development Director Stephanie Moreno should be fired for returning a surety bond, which would have guaranteed the developer would meet its commitments to the development. The county has until June 16 to respond.

Slowing in construction zone causes three-vehicle accident

Slowing in a construction zone in Calaveras County Wednesday around noon caused a three-vehicle accident with minor injuries. According to the CHP, the three vehicles were traveling west on Highway 12 east of Highway 26 when a flagman controlling the eastbound traffic stopped the westbound traffic to remove a piece of construction equipment that entered the road. As traffic came to a stop, a 2005 Chevy tapped the rear of another Chevy then was hit hard from behind by a Ford driven by a San Andreas man.

Two-vehicle collision slows traffic at Ridge Road, New York Ranch Road intersection

A two-vehicle collision Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of Ridge Road and New York Ranch Road reported no injuries, but caused some congestion. According to the CHP, Elise Hoover of Pioneer was driving west on Ridge Road preparing to turn onto New York Ranch Road. Upon beginning her turn she failed to see Duane Thurston also of Pioneer driving toward her in the eastbound lane of Ridge Road. Thurston could not stop in time and collided with Hoover in the middle of the intersection.

Tobacco Reduction of Amador County offers presentation about research on kids and tobacco use

Tobacco Reduction of Amador County is offering community members an insight in to research done by tobacco companies on kids. On May 15, Tobacco Reduction will explain more about research being conducted on children, why the public knows little about it and how it can be used to get more kids addicted to tobacco. The presentation will begin at 1 p.m. in conference room B at the new Health & Human Services Building off of Ridge Road in Sutter Creek. Interested persons are asked to R.S.V.P. to Gina Cook at 223-6669 by May 9.

ACUSD discusses drug testing again Wednesday night

Student drug testing was on the agenda once again for Wednesday night’s Amador County Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting.    Superintendent Mike Carey gave a report on the issue as to what going on with the information requested during the last meeting. The board will re-visit the issue for possible action at its next meeting on May 21.

May is known as motorcycle safety awareness month in California according to the CHP

In 2007, five of the 13 fatal collisions in the San Andreas’ jurisdiction involved motorcyclists, with another this year. In Amador County, motorcycle related traffic fatalities were two out of 11 fatal accidents last year and account for two of the total fatalities this year. Because need to be aware of the added danger they're in every day, the CHP has posted an informational video titled “Motorcycle Safety -- Thrill? Or buzz kill?” on its Web site at and information about the California Motorcyclists Safety Program.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Amador Supervisors oppose reservation shopping at Tuesday’s meeting

The Amador County Board of Supervisors took a stand Tuesday to oppose another Indian casino, even though it is not located in Amador County. The North Fork Rancheria in Madera County is proposing to locate a casino 40 miles away from their reservation to the Highway 99 corridor, something that Board Chair and District 2 Supervisor Richard Forster says isn’t right and is the purest form of reservation shopping. The board voted 4-1 to send a letter to the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs to oppose the efforts of the North Fork Rancheria and its reservation shopping.

Don’t drink the water in Angels Camp next week

City officials report that the City of Angels Camp is replacing approximate 1,700 feet of water main next week. On Monday, May 12 at 9 p.m. the city will be shutting down the old main line and connect the new line water distribution system, which could take up to nine hours. During this time period no water will be available for community use from the city’s surface water treatment plant.    Low water pressure or outages may occur and could potentially cause temporary bacterial contamination. Because of this city officials are telling residents of the city not use the tap water for drinking and cooking until further notice and to discontinue any non-essential water usage.

ACCNET arrests three for involvement in manufacturing of methamphetamine

On April 25, the Amador County Combined Narcotics Enforcement Team with help from Amador and El Dorado County Sheriff’s deputies, the Calaveras Narcotics Enforcement Unit and the probation department, served search and arrest warrants at a home on Jackson Valley Road in Ione arresting three and citing one. While executing the search warrant, documents supporting involvement in a conspiracy to purchase chemicals for the manufacturing of methamphetamine, chemicals and equipment used to make meth, prescription drugs for sale and several guns were located. Three are being held in Amador County Jail on $550,000 bail each and one was released after being evaluated as having pneumonia and was only cited to appear in court.

A close call between a bicycle and a Kia yesterday afternoon resulted in only minor injuries

According to the CHP, a 13-year-old Valley Springs resident was coasting down his sloped driveway on Baldwin Street, using his toe to slow him down as he had no brakes, around 4:30 p.m. When he approached the road, he observed a 17-year-old San Andreas resident driving toward him. The 17-year-old attempted to avoid the bike by braking and turning to the left, but the young man was unable to fully stop his bike in time and hit the rear of the vehicle.

A Copperopolis man was taken to the hospital with major injuries Tuesday evening after being hit by a truck on his motorcycle

According to the CHP, David Stephens was riding his KTM motorcycle on Surrey Lane at approximately 10 mph intending to make a left turn onto Stagecoach Road. Matthew Smith of Angels Camp was driving his 1999 Dodge north on Stagecoach Road at a speed in excess of 30 mph intending to proceed straight.    Stephens entered the blind intersection, failing to yield to the right-of-way of the dodge, which collided into the left side of Stephens.

Amador County holds two public hearings May 20

The Amador County Planning Commission will hold two public hearings May 20 related to zoning amendments to Title 19 of the Amador County Code regarding sea-land storage containers and design guidelines for new county building. Copies of both proposals are available on the Planning Department’s Web site at www.co.amador.ca.us/depts/planning or by calling 223-6380. The hearings will be held 7 p.m. in the Supervisors Chambers.

Amador County will begin looking into ways to save some money while helping the environment

Jerry Scott with Local Governments for Sustainability addressed the Amador County Board of Supervisors at Tuesday’s meeting to discuss how only $600 could help the county save much more. The program will bring trained people into analyze county programs and more to find ways the county can make substantial gains and meet compliance standards for Assembly Bills 1492 and 1493 and AB 32. The board voted 4-1 in favor of the program, with District 5 Supervisor Brian Oneto voting no.

Lawmakers take a break for some frog jumping at the state capital

In an effort to recognize the upcoming Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee, lawmakers took a break during the noon hour yesterday to square off in the 34^th annual Capital Frog Jump. In the Legislative and Public category, Assemblyman Jim Beall of San Jose took first prize and in the Constitutional Officers category, Secretary of State Debra Bowen was awarded first. The Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee is set for Wednesday, May 14 through Sunday, May 18.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Amador Supervisors look to stimulate the local economy by reducing impact fees

Looking for a way to stimulate the local economy, the Amador County Board of Supervisors looked at reducing county imposed impact fees for local contractors at Tuesday’s meeting. Board Chair and District 2 Supervisor Richard Forster says some of the ideas included dropping the impact fees to zero for the first six months and then to 50 percent for the following six months; looking at a reduction in foreclosure fees; and allowing commercial developers to pay their fees after their buildings are occupied. Forster says that dropping fees could create jobs, move up the county tax base, and provide income for families and sales to local retailers. The board did not want to wait on this issue, as the building season will soon be starting, however a committee was created to devise a plan and present it to the supervisors at their next meeting where they will make a final decision.

Diesel spill on Argonaut Lane calls in several agencies for clean up

A CAL FIRE vehicle with a ruptured fuel tank left a line of diesel down Argonaut Lane earlier Tuesday morning. Jackson Fire Chief Mark Morton says that the truck was driving on Argonaut Lane when a leaf spring in the road punctured a hole in the bottom of the fuel tank leaving about a 100-yard streak from West View to the entrance of the Argonaut High School parking lot. Morton says that it took a collaborative effort by CAL FIRE, Jackson Fire, Amador County Environmental Health and the Jackson Public Works department to sweep the street and clean up the area to meet environmental standards.

An early morning trailer fire in San Andreas sent a man to the hospital

According to the San Andreas Fire Department, a call came in around 3 a.m. that a fifth wheel was on fire at the Gold Strike Mobile Home Park. Officials say the tenant of the trailer was taken to Mark Twain St. Joseph’s Hospital for treatment of possible second-degree burns. The fifth wheel has been determined at total loss with damages estimated around $15,000. The exact cause of the fire has yet to be determined and is still under investigation.

A Galt man was lucky to be wearing his seatbelt when a deer jumped in front of his Chevy Blazer late Monday night

According to the CHP, 18-year-old Cameron Conner was driving east on South Camanche Parkway west of Burson Road at 60 mph when a deer jumped into the road. Conner turned left to avoid the deer and then back to the right. The unsafe motion caused him to lose control of the vehicle that then left the road and overturned, coming to a rest on the roof. Officer Butzler says that Conner sustained only moderate injuries because he was wearing his seatbelt.

Kennedy Mine Foundation $6,000 closer to its goal after Cinco de Mayo dinner

The Kennedy Mine Foundation was able to come $6,000 closer to its goal to raise matching funds for an Archive Building at the mine. Kennedy Mine Foundation Director Kathy Allen said that several people showed up to Monday night’s Cinco de Mayo dinner to make it a success. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.kennedygoldmine.com.

Sacramento couple life-flighted after Saturday night accident

A Sacramento couple was life-flighted to Sutter Roseville Hospital Saturday night after being involved in a single vehicle accident. According to the CHP, Maximo and Elinda De Guzman were driving west on Highway 16 just east of the Sacramento County line at an undetermined speed when for reasons not determined at this time the driver veered off the roadway and down an embankment where he struck a large tree. When officers arrived on scene, the driver was unconscious and the passenger was unsure of what had happened.

San Andreas CHP collects more than 160 books for local children

More than 160 books were recently collected by the San Andreas CHP for the seventh annual César E. Chávez children’s book drive, a multi department effort aimed at providing children with educational materials. The book drive ran from Monday, March 31, Chávez’s birthday, to May 5. Officer Jamie Castillo said that the books will benefit a variety of organizations including the San Andreas Teen Center and the Human Resources Council of Calaveras County.

Chaw’se Association looks for young Native American artists to participate in new exhibit

In memory of David Snooks, a youth artist wall will premier at this year’s Chaw'se annual invitational art show. To fill the wall, the Chaw'se Association is looking for young Native American artists to participate in the new exhibit to display their creative talent and compete for awards for cash, art lessons or supplies. Native American artists 21-years-old and younger are encouraged to submit their original artwork that reflects California Indian culture, traditional or contemporary. Contact the association at 296-7488 for applications or additional information.

Monday, May 5, 2008

New county courthouse, Jackson street signs tagged over the weekend

According to the Jackson Police Department, there were a couple of vandalism calls over the weekend, all involving spray paint. JPD says that possible gang related graffiti was found on the courthouse and on some street signs around town. Full reports have not yet been completed and the incidents are being looking into further.

Jackson will offer online bill pay for water, sewer customers beginning Wednesday

The city of Jackson is stepping into the 21^st century to offer online bill pay for its water and sewer customers. Beginning this Wednesday, customers will have the ability to pay their water and sewer bills through the city’s Web site, under the online water / sewer bill payments link and you will be directed to the payment center area. For more information or to ask questions about this new service, contact City Hall at 223-1646.

Supervisors consider Amador Economic Stimulus Package at Tuesday’s meeting

The Amador County Board of Supervisors will look at creating its own Amador Economic Stimulus Package for local contractors at Tuesday’s meeting. County Administrative Officer Terri Daly has been working with local contractor Paul Bramell on a proposal that would cut construction fees charged by the county and in turn stimulate building in the county. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. in the Supervisors Chambers.    

Troublesome weekend for local firefighters even with burn permits now required and burning hours restricted

Early Sunday morning, crews were called to a quarter acre escaped control burn on Narcissus Road off of Clinton Road. CAL FIRE investigators believe that the fire may have started from a control burn the day before that had crossed property lines. And reports of several lighting strikes from Blue Mountain lookout around 5 p.m. called all available resources to the three fires the strikes started in the Arnold area.

CAL FIRE suspends all burning in the Tuolumne-Calaveras unit as of Tuesday

Effective tomorrow at 8 a.m., CAL FIRE will suspend all burning within the Tuolumne-Calaveras unit. The Amador-El Dorado unit is expected to make the same announcement later this week. This move rescinds all previously approved burn permits and large-scale project burn permits.

California’s Wildfire Awareness Week May 4 through 10    

"Why 100 feet? . . . Because defensible space is your responsibility" is the theme for California’s Wildfire Awareness Week, May 4 through 10. The theme highlights the homeowner’s role in helping themselves and their property survive a wildfire while giving firefighters a safe area to protect their home. If homeowners create defensible space and encourage others in their community to take the same steps, they can help prevent losses when a wildfire strikes and give firefighters a margin of safety.

Tonight’s Sutter Creek City Council meeting canceled

The regularly scheduled Sutter Creek City Council meeting for tonight has been canceled. City officials say that the cancellation is due to there being no time sensitive agenda items and some absences that they wanted to wait on until the next meeting, which will be held May 19.

Caltrans continues work on Double Springs Road project

Caltrans officials say that work will continue today on the Double Springs Road project and it will affect travelers on Highway 12. Crews will be working between 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Hautp Creek to just east of Double Springs Road. Drivers can expect delays of up to 15 minutes through Friday.

Wilseyville man arrested for DUI Friday morning after hitting a deer

A 36-year-old Wilseyville man was arrested for DUI after striking a deer and then running into an embankment early Friday morning. According to the CHP, Ronald Bessette was traveling on Highway 26, just east of Deardorff Road, around 4 a.m. when a deer jumped in front of his Chevy truck. He was arrested on scene and taken to county jail.

Supervisor Candidates Forum next Monday hosted by Amador Citizens for Responsible Government

Amador Citizens for Responsible Government together with the Amador County Association of Realtors are hosting an Amador County Supervisor Candidates Forum next Monday, May 12. All of the candidates for Amador County Supervisorial Districts 1 and 4 have confirmed they will attend except Ken Berry, who has yet to respond. The forum will begin at 6 p.m. in the Supervisors Chambers at the County Administrative Building in Jackson.

AAA offers “Tipsy Tow” for local drivers on Cinco de Mayo

AAA of Northern California wants to make sure you don’t end your Cinco de Mayo festivities with a tragic mistake or a trip to jail. So to help keep drunk drivers off the road, triple-a will once again be offering its Tipsy Tow program 6 p.m. on May 5 until 6 a.m. May 6. Drivers, potential passengers, party hosts, bartenders and restaurant managers can call (800) AAA-help (800-222-4357) for a free tow home of up to five miles. Reservations are not allowed and you do not have to be a triple-a member to take advantage of the service.

Miss Ione crowned Saturday night

The results are in and the winner of the miss Ione title for 2008 is Samantha Chronis. The Argonaut High School senior will receive a $1000 scholarship to be applied to college expenses. Chronis was also awarded the title of Miss Congeniality. Second place and $500 went to Argonaut junior Rebecca King and rounding out the court was Marissa Foreman and Lena Johnson who will both receive $250.

Listen to HomeTown Radio via PodCast

To report Breaking News, Road up dates or Weather conditions, Dial #943 on your Golden State Cellular Phone.