Olsen's Legislative Transparency Act Defeated in the Assembly

AB 1730, the Legislative Transparency Act, would have increased transparency in the Legislature by requiring all bills to be in print and available online for at least 72-hours before legislative actions. The Act also requires all members of the Legislature to post their monthly office and committee budgets on their state websites. Finally, AB 1730 requires 24-hour online campaign reporting of funds received over $100 dollars during the week of legislative house of origin, budget and end-of-session deadlines.

CALFIRE requiring burn permits May 1, 2012

CAL FIRE NEWS RELEASE
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Tuolumne - Calaveras

CONTACT:  Nancy Longmore, Fire Prevention Specialist II, 209/754-3831
RELEASE DATE:  April 23, 2012

Burn Permits Required May 1, 2012

San Andreas – Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at 8AM, the Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) will require burning permits within State Responsibility Areas of Tuolumne County, Calaveras County, Eastern Stanislaus County and Eastern San Joaquin County. 

Black Hat Foundation 'Black & White Charity Ball'

For more information visit http://www.blackhatfoundation.org/COMMING-EVENTS.html

SRT performance of Johnny Cash – Ring of Fire - nothing short of excellence.

SRT's 'Cash - Ring of Fire' is an intimate and moving view through the window of Johnny Cash’s life; the events that changed him, the struggles that defined him, and the love that sustained him.

‘Cash – ring of fire’ is an emotional and moving journey through Cash’s life as written in the words of his songs. Lyrics pulled from childhood memories of love and loss, and the love of family and God as the strength that held it all together, create the basis of this performance. Johnny left his story told in song and ‘Cash – ring of fire’ is that story finally told in full.

As the story cleverly unfolded, the scenes and the music flowed seamlessly and time seemed to pass too quickly. 

The Old Corner Book Club

CFPD Special Board Meeting

COPPEROPOLIS  FIRE  PROTECTION  DISTRICT

370   MAIN  STREET,  COPPEROPOLIS,  CA 95228

MEETING  AGENDA                MAY 4,  2012                                                                                      PUBLIC  SESSION   6:00  P M 

Special Meeting

Sheriff Dept Press release re: Update on Father Kelly Investigation

(San Andreas, CA) The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office is currently completing interviews with persons associated with the Father Kelly case. Attempts are being made to locate potential witnesses and victims, however this effort is complicated by the fact that many persons now reside out of the area.

One Detective from the Sheriff’s Office is specifically assigned to the case, and it is the intention of the Sheriff’s Office to submit a report to the District Attorney within the next 30 days.

Father Kelly has been under investigation since September for accusations he abused a former altar boy at a San Andreas Church.

Sheriff Dept Press Release re:Jamestown Woman Arrested for Lake Tulloch Resort Burglary

(Copperopolis, CA) On April 26, 2012, Detectives from the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office conducted a follow up investigation using information provided by the Copperopolis Resident Deputy regarding a burglary which had occurred at the Lake Tulloch Resort in Copperopolis.

This investigation led detectives to Rosalinda’s Gentlemen’s Club located near Jamestown in Tuolumne County where Marlinda Russo was located and arrested for Burglary and Possession of stolen property.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for the Gentlemen’s club which resulted in the discovery of items which had been stolen from the Lake Tulloch resort.

Additional details will not be released as the investigation is ongoing

Arrested:
Marlinda Russo (age 42) of Jamestown, California.

Charges:
459/460(b) P.C. - Burglary (felony)
496(a) P.C. Possession of Stolen Property (felony)

Russo was booked in the Calaveras County Jail where she posted bail and was released.

CCWD Board meeting agenda

AGENDA for May 2, 2012 2 pm regular meeting.

Local Author announces release of new Memoir 'The Tour'

'The Tour' is a synopsis of the varied and sometimes frightening experiences of US Army helicopter crew chief Spc 5 Larry Bain during the Vietnam War '67. Originally written for his children to help them understand the influences that formed him, Larry hopes this book will also reach other Vietnam Veterans and help them with their healing process.

'The Tour' is available at Amazon.com.

Letter from Lungren - Job creation from 'Cap to Cap'

Job creation for our region has been my highest priority since day one.  Keeping in touch with the struggles and progress the entrepreneurs, small business owners and job seekers in the Sacramento area face and make is a crucial aspect of focusing Congress’ attention on encouraging a sustainable economic recovery.
 
I visit with these individuals every chance I get when home in California, but each year I look forward to April when 300 leaders from Sacramento’s business, labor and government sectors come to Washington, D.C. to meet with the capital region delegation about local needs.  This “Cap to Cap” trip gives regional stakeholders a chance to bring our community’s needs directly to Washington where they can see the federal landscape.

Photos of Bret Harte Swim Meet from Tambrina Carlson

Calaveras American Tigers take out the Ebbetts Pass Giants with help from Lee, 11-6

Hayden Lee went 4-4 at the plate, helping the Tigers to an 11-6 victory over the Giants on Saturday at Frogtown.

He singled in the first, second, fourth, and fifth innings.

Cody Roessler got it done on the bump on the way to a win. He tossed two innings of shutout ball. The Tigers pitcher struck out four, walked none and surrendered three hits.

The Tigers never surrendered the lead after the first inning, scoring two runs on an RBI single by Lee and a bases loaded walk by Ryan Mercado. 

Poole Station Road Safety Project underway

Work on Highway 4 caused traffic delays Friday 4-27-12. No notification as to possible traffic delays this week.

Honor the Fallen 4-16-12 to 4-22-12

Army Capt. Michael C. Braden

Died April 18, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

---

31, of Lock Haven, Pa.; assigned to the Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.; died April 18 in Bagram, Afghanistan.

 

Army Sgt. Chris J. Workman

Died April 19, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

---

33, of Boise, Idaho; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii; died April 19 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, when his Black Hawk (UH-60) crashed. Also killed were Chief Warrant Officer Nicholas S. Johnson, Chief Warrant Officer Don C. Viray and Sgt. Dean R. Shaffer. 

Army Sgt. Dean R. Shaffer

Died April 19, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

---

23, of Pekin, Ill.; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii; died April 19 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, when his Black Hawk (UH-60) crashed. Also killed were Chief Warrant Officer Nicholas S. Johnson, Chief Warrant Officer Don C. Viray and Sgt. Chris J. Workman. 

 

Army Chief Warrant Officer Don C. Viray

Died April 19, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

---

25, of Waipahu, Hawaii; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii; died April 19 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, when his Black Hawk (UH-60) crashed. Also killed were Chief Warrant Officer Nicholas S. Johnson, Sgt. Dean R. Shaffer and Sgt. Chris J. Workman. 

Army Chief Warrant Officer Nicholas S. Johnson

Died April 19, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

---

27, of San Diego, Calif.; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii; died April 19 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, when his Black Hawk (UH-60) crashed. Also killed were Chief Warrant Officer Don C. Viray, Sgt. Dean R. Shaffer and Sgt. Chris J. Workman.

Army Pfc. Michael J. Metcalf

Died April 22, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

---

22, of Boynton Beach, Fla.; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 504th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died April 22 in Paktia, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. 

 

Army 1st Lt. Jonathan P. Walsh

Died April 22, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

---

28, of Cobb, Ga.; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 504th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died April 22 in Paktia, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

 

Marine Staff Sgt. Joseph H. Fankhauser

Died April 22, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

---

30, of Mason, Texas; assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; died April 22 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Local Hero Honored with Silver Star

Tech. Sgt. Tavis Delaney, will receive the Silver Star at a May 6, 2012 ceremony at Joint Base Lewis-McChord Tacoma, Washington. He serves with the 116th Air Support Observation Squadron and is the third state Guard member to receive the Silver Star in the post-9/11 era. "TSgt Delaney is deserving of this high honor," said Maj. Gen. Timothy Lowenberg, the adjutant general and commander of the Washington National Guard. 

 AP photo

Currently holding a Bronze Star Delaney doesn't believe himself to be a hero, underplaying his role in the four tours he has completed, three in Afghanistan and one in Iraq. While some may wonder, misguidedly so, at his many tours, he holds true to four rules: patriotism, honor, courage and sacrifice. 

Delaney's actions are credited with saving the lives of more than 60 coalition forces on May 25, 2011 during a 7 hour fire fight in the Hindu Kush mountains near the village of  DoAb  in Nuristan Province , Afghanistan, with a team of 40 US and 20 Afghan soldiers against an estimated 400 to 500 insurgents hiding in the cavernous mountain range “it was like a battleship in the mountain…the hill was crawling with insurgents.”

Welcome to the Country, a humorous look at life in the country ~ By, Charity Maness

So you’ve decided to move to the country where the road less traveled loses its philosophical meaning and leans more towards reality…the reality of whether you can make it to the end of that less traveled road with your car intact.

Wandering down one of our many meandering country lanes, one will undoubtedly have the wonderful opportunity of viewing our local flora and fauna; a hawk here, a deer there, wildflowers here, sprigs of glossy red rash causing poison oak there. Throw in a rusty windmill and forgotten foundations of long forgotten homesteads and the picture everyone has painted in their mind of the proverbial country road is complete. 

The one aspect of the country road that is overlooked and sometimes forgotten is the condition of said road. If one wishes to keep ones teeth unchipped and their muffler still attached to their auto they may wish to consult the locals before venturing too far out the ‘back roads.’ There becomes an even greater danger to those that seek the thrill of the wind in their hair and the open road stretching before them. I’m speaking of motorcyclists. Though our roads call to them…so do the bees and the potholes big enough to bury a Volkswagon bug.

Copperopolis Homecoming 2012

Karaoke at Griff's TONIGHT! 4-28-12

Notice of Public Hearing Re: CCWD, Saddle Creek Golf COurse and Copper Cove Wastewater Reclamation facility

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
AND
TENTATIVE TIME SCHEDULE ORDER
(NPDES PERMIT CA0084620)FOR
CALAVERAS COUNTY WATER DISTRICT AND
SADDLE CREEK GOLF COURSE, L.P.
COPPER COVE WASTEWATER RECLAMATION FACILITY
CALAVERAS COUNTY

TO ALL CONCERNED PERSONS AND AGENCIES:
Enclosed is a tentative Time Schedule Order for the Calaveras County Water District and Saddle Creek Golf Course, L.P. (Discharger) Copper Cove Wastewater Reclamation Facility (Facility). Any comments or recommendations you may have regarding the proposed Time Schedule Order should be submitted to this office no later than 5:00 p.m. on 2 May 2012 in order for us to give them full consideration prior to the meeting of the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (Central Valley Water Board). Written material submitted after 5:00 p.m. on 2 May 2012 will not be accepted and will not be incorporated into the administrative record if doing so would prejudice any party.

Calaveras Countywide Pool Championship Qualifier at the Old Corner

 

For more information call Odie's Old Corner Saloon at 785-3311

CCTA Candidate Forum

If you missed the CCTA and CCC Candidate forum held Monday 23, 2102 at the Historic Copperopolis Armory, please know that there is another candidate forum scheduled for May 3, 2012, 6:30 to 9:30 pm in Valley Springs at the La Contenta Golf Course.

Assemblymember Olsen Elected Chair of Legislative Rural Caucus

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Kristin Olsen, R-Modesto, was elected Chair of the Legislative Rural Caucus.  Assemblymember Michael Allen, D-Santa Rosa, was elected as Vice-chair, and Assemblymember Katcho Achadjian, R-San Luis Obispo, was elected as the caucus Secretary.

“The voice of California’s rural communities too often gets drowned out by the urban areas that tend to dominate budget and policy conversations in Sacramento,” said Assemblymember Olsen. “I’m honored to have been elected by my colleagues to serve in this important position advocating for rural residents across our state.”   

From my Kitchen to Yours...

Procrastinators Unite! Banana Bread with Blueberries

            Ahh, I’ve learned procrastination really only pays off with bananas for making quick breads.  This recipe has versatility to be inventive with ingredients as the sour cream really enhances the moistness and the coffee powder offers a depth of flavor of all the ingredients rather than an actual coffee overtone.  If you want to use frozen instead of fresh blueberries, you need to thaw and drain them, but the “marble” effect they create can be quite a pretty enhancement. 

Now if you prefer a pumpkin bread, applesauce or the shredded friends like zucchini or carrot, these are all possibilities instead of the mashed banana.  One day when I had over ripe bananas and some leftover drained crushed pineapple, I put that together with some toasted coconut and had quite a lovely treat.  Chopped nuts can be added in the 1/2 - 1 cup range also, but I recommend toasting raw nuts before adding to the mix to bring out their flavor.  Some days, a muffin would be better than a loaf, don’t you think?  Check out this website: www.joyofbaking.com/PanSizes.html for conversions of pan types and cooking times.  By the way, if you need over ripe bananas and can’t wait, check with your produce person at the grocery, they often have some in the back.

Candidate Forum Re-cap Calaveras County Supervisor Candidates Districts 1, 2 and 4.

Candidate Forum Re-cap Calaveras County Supervisor Candidates Districts 1, 2 and 4.

Calaveras County Taxpayers Association (CCTA) and the Copperopolis Community Center (CCC) hosted a Candidates Forum at the Historic Armory on April 23, 2012.

District 1 includes Wallace, Burson, the downtown portion of Valley Springs, San Andreas, and a lightly populated area between New Hogan Lake and Angels Camp. Candidates: Gary Tofanelli, Valley Springs, incumbent, Cliff Edson, San Andreas, owner of Country Cliff’s Café, Joe Kelly, Copperopolis, retired rancher

District 2 includes a wide swath of northern and central Calaveras County from Paloma to West Point and south to the towns of Sheep Ranch, Calaveritas and Mountain Ranch. Candidates: Chris Wright, Glencoe, Foothill Conservancy executive director, Bryce Randall, West Point, owner West Point Trading Post, Michael Dell’Orto, Mokelumne Hill, businessman and former supervisor, Tom Swartz, Paloma, businessman

District 4 includes Copperopolis as well as Angels Camp. Candidates:  Tom Tryon, Angels Camp, incumbent, Debbie Ponte, Angels Camp, executive director Foothill Village Senior Living Community, Russell Thomas, Copperopolis, businessman and former supervisor.

 L to R : Tryon, Randall, Dell'Orto, Kelly, Edson, Thomas, Ponte.

Candidates were asked a question from questions submitted by residents in attendance. Questions were vetted by Copperopolis Community Center board members and Calaveras County Taxpayers Association members. Candidates were each given a limited amount of time to answer from two minutes to three minutes. Candidates were rotated for each question. Due to the large turn-out of candidates each question posed was only asked of two candidates, the following question were asked of the next two candidates, and so on. The answers posted here are condensed.

Griff's announces new hours

Griff's announces NEW HOURS!

Now serving breakfast on Saturday and Sunday!

Weds-Friday: 11:30-Whenever ;O)
Sat & Sun: 7:30-10:45 (absolutely the last order in for B-fast by 10:45 the latest)
then open for lunch/dinner again @ 11:30-Whenever

Located in Copperopolis Town Square 785-4745.

Bob is home!

After 46 days in the hospital Bob Fergus is HOME!

Bob's life companion and best friend Cindi Bent was ecstatic at his return home. "He is home! Thanks again to our guys at Copper Fire, Bob made it down the ramp and into the house. It feels so good to have him here where I know he will receive nothing but the best care that he deserves so he can make a full recovery." 

After a near fatal accident on Copper Cove Drive on 3-18-12 and a hour long vehicle extrication Bob Fergus was medi flighted to a hospital where he underwent multiple surgeries. His injuries included: left leg broken in 5 places, right leg broken in 2 places, broken hip, broken left arm and 2 broken wrists and a punctured lung.  Though frightened of what the immediate future may have held, Cindi said, "We can't begin to express our thanks to all the people involved with his rescue. The men and boys out there helped save him." 

 

For photos of the extrication click HERE

Weekend weather - national weather service

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 65. North northwest wind between 5 and 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 45. North northwest wind between 5 and 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 73.

Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 50.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 77.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 51.

Copper Vultures sunning themselves in the rain

According to the Cooper Ornithological Society vultures either spread their wings to adjust their body temperature or to dry their feathers. Apparently the Copper vultures did not get that memo. These pictures were taken during the early rain showers on 4-25-12.

McDillards celebrates Mother's Day with 25% off all Montana SIlversmith jewelry

McDillards Feed and Supply, proud distributors of Montana Silversmith jewelry, is offering a 25% discount on all handcrafted silver jewelry from Montana Silversmith from April 26, 2012 until Mother's Day May 13, 2012.

McDillards Feed & Supply 3566 Spangler Lane, Copperopolis CA

785-8000

 

 

 

The Tigers defeat the Red Sox after late game bases loaded walk, 6-5

After 5 lead changes in Wednesday's game, 4-25-12, at Frogtown, the Tigers finally pulled out a 6-5 win over the Red Sox. 

The Tigers finally managed to grab the lead after a strong sixth inning. 

Cody Roessler was solid at the plate for the Tigers. Roessler went 3-4, drove in one and scored two runs. He singled in the first, fourth, and sixth innings. 

Ryan Mercado got the win for the Tigers. He allowed three runs over four innings. The Tigers pitcher struck out five, walked three and surrendered five hits. 

Welcome New Advertiser - AC Electric

AC Electric brings 25 years of electrical experience and lighting design to the foothills.

AC Electric originally opened its doors in Brentwood California in 1995, but by 2011 realized the foothills, mainly Copper, was where they wanted to call home. “We just love the mountains and the fresh air.” With the move to the foothills complete they opened their new showroom in Jamestown at the end of O’Byrnes Ferry Road March 1, 2012.

AC Electric is a one-stop shop for ALL your electrical needs. They offer home automation systems that control everything from lighting, heating and a/c to audio/video and alarm systems. These systems can be accessed from your droid or smart phone for your added security when away from home. They are an authorized dealer in audio/video equipment and install security cameras, networking cable and generators. 

MIkes Auto - your cars best friend this summer

Summer is coming quick this year...is your car ready?
Hopefully the two days of bright sun and high heat reminded you to add your car's pre-summer maintenance to your ever growing list of things to do.

Its that time of year again, time to check the radiator, the hoses and your a/c system.

All that can be done right here in Copperopolis at Mikes Tire & Auto Repair at 522 Main Street.
Call for appointment time and quotes 209-785-3388.

Calaveras County 'Drop the Drugs' Day 4-28-12

Clean out your medicine cabinet and protect your loved ones at
CALAVERAS COUNTY'S
"DROP THE DRUGS" DAY
10am-2pm, Saturday, April 28, 2012
Did you know that ..
• 70% of prescription drug abusers obtain drugs from a friend or
relative
• Teens abuse prescription drugs more than any other drugs except
marijuana or alcohol
• Teens mistakenly believe that prescription and over-the-counter
medications are safer than illegal drugs
Law enforcement officers will receive and dispose of prescription
medications, over-the-counter medicines, and any illicit drugs with no
questions asked.
Three Convenient Locations:
Feeney Park parking lot
Calaveras County Office of Education
Toyon Middle School
Murphys
Angels Camp
San Andreas
For your safety, a marked Sheriff's Department or Police Department vehicle and
uniformed officers will be clearly visible at these locations at the times indicated.
For more information call Josh Gillespie, Calaveras County Sheriff's Department,
at (209) 754-2891.
Sponsored by:
Calaveras County Sheriff's Department
Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention
Angels Camp Police Department

Gov Brown Executive Order B-18-12

WHEREAS green building practices use energy, water, and materials efficiently throughout the building life cycle, enhance indoor and outdoor air quality, improve the health, productivity, and working lives of state employees, incorporate environmentally preferable products, and substantially reduce the costs and environmental impacts associated with operating State buildings; and

WHEREAS energy and water efficiency improvements in State buildings and operations save the State money and boost California’s economy by investing in green technology companies and green jobs; and

WHEREAS the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 requires the State to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and beyond, and the energy used in buildings accounts for the second largest contribution to California’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Moving Sale

Moving Sale, April 27-28, 9am-4pm.

3030 Cheyenne Road

Candidate Forum Re-cap Calaveras County District Attorney Candidates

Calaveras County Taxpayers Association (CCTA) and the Copperopolis Community Center (CCC) hosted a Candidates Forum at the Historic Armory on April 23, 2012.

Both Calaveras County District Attorney Candidates, incumbent Barbara Yook and David Singer, attended the event.

Each candidate was asked a question from questions submitted by residents in attendance. Questions were vetted by Copperopolis Community Center board members and Calaveras County Taxpayers Association members. Candidates were each given a limited amount of time to answer from two minutes to three minutes. Candidates were rotated for each question. The answers posted here are condensed.

Opening statement:

Yook- with Calaveras County DA office for 14 years…became acting DA in 2010…faced budget cuts of 10% in 2010 and 17.5% in 2011…500 crimes no longer able to convict do to AB109.

Singer- DA is an administrative position sets the direction of the office…revolving door for criminals in our county a catch and release program, I will be more aggressive…put teeth back into the office.

Whiskerino Dinner Dance

Tickets also available at Snaps Coffee House in Town Square.

CDCR responds to video about realignment

Sacramento – A video released Tuesday by the California Republican Party asserts that offenders, including Aaron Suggs, are being released – or are being released early – from prison because of Public Safety Realignment. In fact, Suggs was not released early from prison, nor was his release related to Public Safety Realignment.

He was released after serving his full sentence for being in possession of a controlled substance. There is also no indication that the Sacramento County Probation Department could have done anything more to stop Suggs from choosing to commit another crime.

 

 

Chiang Responds to Legislator Pay Ruling

State Controller John Chiang issued the following statement in response to today’s ruling regarding Proposition 25:

“Today’s ruling guts the no budget-no pay provisions that Californians placed into the Constitution. It gives lawmakers the sole authority to determine if they’ve done their job and deserve their pay. It is an affront to our basic governing principle of checks and balances, and it perpetrates a bait and switch on voters.

“This is not a constitutional powers issue. It is about the people’s will. Unfortunately, under this ruling, lawmakers get their checks, and there is no balance.

“I will review options with the Attorney General to determine the next steps.”

Special weather statment - national weather service

A SPRING STORM WILL MOVE THROUGH THE AREA TONIGHT AND THURSDAY.
THIS SYSTEM WILL BRING RAIN AND SNOW SHOWERS ALONG WITH COLDER
TEMPERATURES AND BREEZY WINDS.

SNOW LEVELS WILL DROP FROM AROUND 9000 FEET TONIGHT TO BELOW 6000
FEET BY MIDDAY THURSDAY. THIS MAY IMPACT TRAVEL OVER THE SIERRA
NEVADA LATE TONIGHT INTO EARLY TOMORROW WHEN SNOW LEVELS FIRST
LOWER BELOW PASS LEVEL...INITIALLY ON HIGHWAY 88 AND THEN BY LATE
MORNING FOR I-80 AND US-50. AROUND SIX INCHES OF SNOW IS POSSIBLE
ABOVE 7000 FEET WITH LESSER AMOUNTS DOWN TO AROUND 5500 FEET.
PRECIPITATION WILL BEGIN TO TAPER OFF AS THE SNOW LEVELS DROP.

RAINFALL AMOUNTS WILL VARY ACROSS THE CENTRAL VALLEY DUE TO THE
CONVECTIVE NATURE OF THE SYSTEM. EXPECT ANYWHERE FROM A TENTH TO
AROUND HALF AN INCH OF RAIN IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY...WHILE THE
SIERRA FOOTHILLS WILL LIKELY MEASURE BETWEEN A QUARTER INCH TO THREE
QUARTERS OF AN INCH OF RAIN.

GUSTY SOUTHWEST WINDS ARE EXPECTED OVER THE SIERRA THURSDAY...WITH
LOCAL GUSTS OVER 50 MPH OVER RIDGES. BREEZY SOUTHWEST WINDS WILL
LIKELY DEVELOP MIDDAY THURSDAY IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY AND DELTA
REGION WITH GUSTS OF 20 TO 30 MPH.

IF TRAVELING INTO THE SIERRA NEVADA BE PREPARED FOR WINTER WEATHER
CONDITIONS. CARRY CHAINS...EXTRA FOOD AND WARM CLOTHING. STAY TUNED
FOR UPDATES FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OR YOUR LOCAL MEDIA
OUTLET.

Olsen’s Measures to Reform Government, Eliminate Non-Essential State Commissions Killed in Committee

SACRAMENTO – Legislators rejected the opportunity to save taxpayers money and prove their commitment to eliminating unnecessary government bureaucracy. Assembly Bills 2328 and 2330 by Assemblymember Kristin Olsen, R-Modesto, to eliminate the Law Revision Commission and the Commission on the Status of Women, were killed during their first committee hearing.

“Cutting non-essential boards and commissions and reallocating those dollars would show taxpayers that we are dedicated to prioritizing our limited resources,” said Olsen. “Unfortunately, by not passing these bills, legislators send a message to Californians that they are not serious about getting the state’s fiscal house in order.” 

SOnora PD Press Release re: Drug Arest

Date and Time of Release: 24 April 2012
Date and Time of Incident: 24 April 2012, at approx. 1:50 am
Subject: Drug Arrest
________________________________________________________________________
24 April 2012, at approx. 1:50 am, an officer stopped a vehicle for speeding on Stewart Street. The vehicle was traveling 40 MPH in a 25 MPH residential zone. The Officer contacted the driver, who was identified as Roger Davis 42 of Coulterville.
While talking with Davis, the Officer noticed the smell of marijuana on Davis’ breath. Davis admitted to smoking medical marijuana and produced a recommendation. Davis was found to be under the influence of marijuana and was placed under arrest for driving under the influence of marijuana.
Davis’ medical marijuana was retrieved from his vehicle, upon his request. When the Officer looked inside the container, which contained the medical marijuana, the Officer located a baggie of methamphetamine. Also inside the same container was some hashish.
Davis was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for felony possession of a controlled substance and for misdemeanor driving under the influence.

Candidate Forum Re-cap State Assembly Candidates

Candidate Forum Re-cap State Assembly District 5 Candidates

CalaverasCounty Taxpayers Association (CCTA) and the Copperopolis Community Center (CCC) hosted a Candidates Forum at the Historic Armory on April 23, 2012.

Rico Oller, Tim Fitzgerald and Marc Boyd attended the CCTA & CCC candidate forum.

 Rico Oller

 

Tim Fitzgerald

Marc Boyd

Five candidates are running for the State Assembly 5^th District.  Republican candidates Frank Bigelow, a Madera County supervisor, and Rico Oller; Democrat candidates Marc Boyd and Tim Fitzgerald; and Independent Mark Beldon.  After redistricting in 2011 by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission, the new district now includes all of Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Madera, Mariposa, Mono, and Tuolumne counties and parts of El Dorado and Placer counties..

Each candidate was asked a question from questions submitted by residents in attendance. Questions were vetted by Copperopolis Community Center board members and Calaveras County Taxpayers Association members. Candidates were each given a limited amount of time to answer from two minutes to three minutes. Candidates were rotated for each question. The answers posted here are condensed.

Opening statements:

Boyd – Endorsed by the California Democratic Party…family in the foothills for 100 years… High school teacher… platform education; economic development, environmental protection and public safety…every job lost is a broken dream…need common economic goals this district has been neglected too long….cuts to education we are turning our backs on the future of California.

Fitzgerald – Holds 5 degrees 2 in history, 2 in Economics and 1 in Philosophy…grass roots organizer in San Jose and Bay Area…globalization overcrowded planet under… reform education system.

Oller – the greatest competition to growing a business is government, the only thing wrong with California is its government, thankfully legislature has no power over the weather or they would screw that up too…government needs to get out of our lives we’ll do just fine on our own thank you.

Copper Pride Day 2012 ~ by Dena McAfee

A good number of friends and neighbors came out on Saturday to show their pride in Copperopolis. Copper Canyon Baptist Church turned out with the largest crowd, while the Clampers (all three of them) probably collected the most trash.

Although it wasn’t the largest turnout in the history of the event, we had lots of returning volunteers and a few new faces as well. The event was started by Russ Thomas back in 2002 as the Lake Tulloch Clean-up Day, and has been managed the last five years by Copper Parks & Rec Chairperson, Bruce Reid.

Crews usually tend to the full length of O’Byrnes Ferry Road, Copper Cove Drive, sections of Little John Road, Black Creek Road, and Feather Drive. The Lions Club pitches in and works their adopted stretch of Highway 4 outside of town, the Poker Flat maintenance crew and volunteer boats troll the lake for the inevitable escaped lawn furniture and semi-submerged boat dock (or at least pieces of dock.) A big thanks goes out to Tri-Dam for providing dumpsters and to the Lake Tulloch and South Shore resorts for providing space to  park the dumpsters.

As the morning grew warmer, clean-up crews started drifting back in about 11 o’clock and were greeted by a smiling Kevin Young, owner of Young’s Payless IGA, with hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and ice cold drinks. It was a special treat to have Kevin cooking for us this year. He said it was a treat for him to be out working with folks rather than paperwork!

All in all, it was another successful day in support of Earth Day and a great way to show our pride in our little town.