Opinion Columns and More

Pages

Thursday, July 31, 2014

N3 Real Estate to Co-Develop Family Dollar Store in Copperopolis, CA

Recently a press release was issued from N3 Real Estate of Southlake, Texas regarding the purchase of land at 3502 Spangler Lane, Copperopolis, to begin construction on a new 8,320 square foot Family Dollar Store, with a completion date expected to be early 2015.

According Calaveras Planning Department  no permit is required from the County for this property as the permitted use is outright, allowable land use in the commercial zoning district. According to the County Building Dept the building permit is still in plan check, it has not been stamped approved and issued to the customer at this time.

Family Dollar is a variety store chain, the second largest retailer of its type. It was purchased by Dollar Tree on July 28, 2014 for 8.5 billion.


Copperopolis Olive Oil Company gets ink in new book

Olives in California's Gold Country (Images of America) Paperback – June 16, 2014
by Salvatore Manna (Author), Terry Beaudoin (Author)



"The history of the olive in the Gold Country of Northern California is a story of the Spanish in the New World, of the Gold Rush, of immigrants from Italy and other Mediterranean countries, of bold pioneers, enterprising farmers and scientists, and of businessmen and businesswomen. Focusing on Calaveras County in the south and Placer County in the north, but also exploring the olive throughout most of Northern California, including olive havens such as Corning and Oroville, that story is told within these pages through rare and fascinating photographs. For those who wish to explore the olive in Northern California, whether its history, industry or technology, this volume provides both an appetizer and a satisfying entrée. As love of the olive grows, for the first time a book tells the tale of the olive tree, the king of trees, in the Mother Lode of California."
 Available at Copperopolis Olive Oil Company, Kindle and Amazon.co.
We got a mention on Page 120, whoot whoot !

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Fire updates 7-30-14 fro El Portal, French, Dark Hole, and Kelley


Fire Information Report for Kelley
Wildland Fire Incident
Report Date: 30-JUL-14

Burnt Area:930 Acres
Location:Merced County, California
Cause:Undetermined
Incident Team Type:IMT Type 3
Containment Status:100% contained
Expected Containment:Unknown

Sand Fire update 7-30-14 5:15 pm 4,240 acres 95% contained

Sand Fire Incident Information:
Last Updated: July 30, 2014 5:15 pm  
Date/Time Started: July 25, 2014 4:34 pm  
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit 
County: Amador County  
Location: East of Highway 49, 5 miles north of Plymouth  
Acres Burned - Containment: 4,240 Acres - 95% Contained  
Estimated - Containment: August 2, 2014  
  Structures Destroyed:

Sonora PD press release re: 2014 Central Valley Police Explorer Challenge

19 July 2014, the Sonora Police Department’s Explorer Post participated in the 2014 Central Valley Police Explorer Challenge, hosted by the Manteca Police Department and held at Ripon High School.
The challenge consisted of 35 Explorer teams from all over California and as far away as Honolulu Hawaii. The Challenge is a skills competition to pit teams of Explorers against each other, to see how much they have learned and retained from their training.
The Explorers performed in IMG_0288
IMG_0286
SANY0654scenarios similar to calls handled by police officers. Some of the scenarios were; hostage negotiations, active shooter, domestic violence, high risk felony vehicle stops, driving under the influence, traffic stops, burglary investigation, bus assault, vehicle search, interacting with people who have mental disorders, and an obstacle course. The Explorers were evaluated on their ability to properly perform the needed actions to address the problem or resolve the situation.

Payless IGA weekly ad 7-30-14 thru 8-5-14

To view the Payless IGA weekly ad for 7-30-14 thru 8-5-14 CLICK HERE


CHP press release re:recruitment seminar



RECRUITMENT SEMINAR
California Highway Patrol
San Andreas Area

Come and join us
August 27, 2014, from 5:30pm - 7:30pm
California Highway Patrol
749 Mountain Ranch Road
San Andreas, CA  95249
209-754-3541

We will be covering topics on
how to become an Officer with the CHP
and an overview about the Department.

Any questions please email 201recruitment@chp.ca.gov
 Like us Facebook  /CHPSanAndreas Follow us Twitter @CHPSanAndreas


Sheriff Dept press release re: Traffic Stop Leads to Large Marijuana Discovery


On 7-26-14 at 1400hrs a Calaveras County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Ford Cargo Van for expired registration. Upon contacting the driver, the Deputy noticed the strong smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The driver identified as Darryl Lasater (54 years) from Keyes, California, initially admitted to having marijuana in the vehicle for his own personal use. Lasater later admitted to transporting the marijuana from Calaveras County to unknown location and did not possess a doctor’s recommendation for the marijuana. During a search of the vehicle, the deputy discovered twenty large Home Depot moving boxes filled with marijuana.
On 07/29/14, the Calaveras Narcotics Unit served a search warrant on the van and contents, discovering over 200lbs of processed and unprocessed marijuana. The estimated street value is over $100,000.


Board of Sups votes 4-1 in favor of Moke Wild and Scenic Designation

The Board of Supervisors, at the 7-30-14 standing room only evening meeting, voted 4-1 in favor of the original resolution of the Moke River Wild and Scenic designation. Cliff Edson was the only dissenting vote requesting amendments to the original resolution with agriculture being the forefront of his request.
Photo by Charity Maness

Public comments consisted of:
Point of order requesting more time for representatives who would be speaking on behalf of a larger group, example, an Amador County Supervisor. (This was denied by County Counsel reiterating the three minute time allotment per speaker, Spellman stated "they can speak as long as they want in Amador County." Ponte stated, "The (board) will keep speakers to three minutes per person." )

Free "Welcome Home Bath" from Bark n Bubbles



"Welcome Home Bath"
Get a FREE self-service bath

With proof of adoption from any shelter

At:

BARK N BUBBLES

3505 Spangler lane #200

Tulloch Plaza

Copperopolis

785-9274

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Medal Of Honor recipient Tuolumne County resident Jon Cavaiani passed away at 0600 7-29-14


Rest in Peace Medal of Honor recipient Jon Cavaiani

Born: August 2, 1948
Royston England

War: Vietnam

Rank: Staff Sergeant, US Army, Vietnam Training Advisory Group

Location of action: Republic of Vietnam

Date of action: June 4 and 5, 1971

Medal received from: President Gerald Ford, December 12, 1974

Governor Brown Signs Energy Agreement with Mexico

7-29-2014

MEXICO CITY - A day after signing a comprehensive climate change pact with the Mexican government, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today signed an agreement with Mexico's Secretary of Energy Pedro JoaquĂ­n Coldwell to foster cross-border renewable energy investments.

"California and Mexico both take the low-carbon imperative with utmost seriousness," said Governor Brown. "By this agreement, we intend to work together to dramatically increase solar, wind and other renewable investments."



Sonora PD press release re: Police Officer Recruitment

The Sonora Police Department is recruiting for the position of Police Officer. The position is open to Police Academy graduates and Lateral Officers. Testing will be conducted periodically, based on the needs of the Department.
The base salary is $4,292-$5,219 a month, with additional pay incentives available for Intermediate & Advanced POST certificates (2.5% each); educational incentive of 2.5% for an Associates, Bachelors and Masters degree; 5.0% incentive for special assignments (FTO, Investigator, Computer Network Manager and Traffic Officer.)
For more information about this career opportunity, log onto www.sonoraca.com and obtain a job flyer and download a job application; or you may stop by the Sonora Police Department (100 S. Green Street) or the City of Sonora (94 N. Washington Street) and pick-up a flyer and application.

Sand Fire update 7-29-14 3,800 acres 80% contained

Sand Fire Incident Information:
Last Updated: July 29, 2014 7:50 am  
Date/Time Started: July 25, 2014 4:34 pm  
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit 
County: Amador County  
Location: East of Highway 49, 5 miles north of Plymouth  
Acres Burned - Containment: 3,800 Acres - 80% Contained  
Estimated - Containment: August 1, 2014  
Structures Threatened: 515  
Structures Destroyed:13 residences and 38 outbuildings  
Evacuations: Evacuation Orders remain in effect for Freshwater Road south of Vintage Trail, Flat Creek Road, Brinkwood Road, Painted Pony Road and Higgins Road. Evacuation Warnings remain in effect for Sand Ridge Road and all roads connecting to Sand Ridge Road. Residents returning to the area may be required to show identification and proof of residency. CAL FIRE encourages residents returning to the area to drive safely and watch for fire equipment and firefighter activity within those affected areas.
 
Road Closures :Freshwater Rd at Vintage Trail, Painted Pony Rd, Dwyer Rd, Lone Barn Rd, Moco Canyon Rd, Bell Ranch Rd and Twin Rivers Rd.  
Injuries: 1 minor injury  
Cause: Vehicle into dry vegetation 
Cooperating Agencies: CHP, El Dorado Co SO, Amador SO, Cal OES, CDCR, El Dorado Co Animal Control, USFS, BLM, El Dorado Co DOT, CCC, Red Cross, PG&E, Cal Trans  
Total Fire Personnel: 1,617  
Total Fire Engines: 116  
Total Fire crews: 54  
Total Helicopters: 1  
Total Dozers: 8  
Total Water Tenders: 33  
Incident Management Team: Incident Management Team 2  
Long/Lat: -120.7819/38.5691  
Conditions: Fire crews continue to strengthen established containment lines and extend mop-up further into the burned area. Rugged terrain and hot, dry weather conditions remain a challenge. Resources will continue to be released throughout the day. Several resources were emergency demobilized during the late evening hours to support new incidents.  
Phone Numbers  (530) 647-5218 (Incident Information) 

Fire reports for French, El Portal and Dark Hole fires


 Fire Information Report for French
Wildland Fire Incident
Report Date: 29-JUL-14

Burnt Area:1,000 Acres
Location:Madera County, California
Cause:Human
Incident Team Type:IMT Type 2
Containment Status:0% contained
Expected Containment:Unknown

Fire Information Report for El Portal

Report Date: 29-JUL-14


Burnt Area:2,600 Acres
Location:Mariposa County, California
Cause:Undetermined
Incident Team Type:IMT Type 1
Expected Containment:Unknown


Fire Information Report for Dark Hole
Wildland Fire Incident
Report Date: 29-JUL-14

Burnt Area:590 Acres
Location:Mariposa County, California
Cause:Natural
Incident Team Type:IMT Type 1
Containment Status:5% contained
Expected Containment:Unknown  

Community Garden work party 7-30-14

I thought about not sending this email, but then realized it just wouldn't be right.

After all, Mom taught me to share - so it wouldn't be fair to keep all the fun to myself!  ;)

We'll gather at the garden on Wednesday evening, July 30, to:
  • rescue the bush beans from the Malevolent Morning Glory, 
  • check on and cheer the t'maters as they seem to be doing well, 
  • mow a bit and then spray with Vinegar and Citric Acid.
For the Future - onions are done, with all the seed heads picked clean (Thanks, Carla!).   

Next we'll take two weeks to pull out the weeds, do a spray of vinegar and Citric Acid, and then lay down the clear plastic to try and burn out the Morning Glory roots.

We can use any starts you may have of squash and root crops (turnip, rutabaga, etc)

Your help is always appreciated!  Your stories are eagerly anticipated!

The Copper Garden Folks:

Richard/Carla/George

Monday, July 28, 2014

New Melones Fishing report from Glory Hole Sports

7-28-14 Fishing Report

Water Conditions:  New Melones Lake is currently holding
636,575 acre-feet of water.  The lake level dropped three feet this week and is currently at 885 ft. above sea level and 200 ft. from full.  The water is stained in most areas of the lake, and fairly clear in others.  There are mud lines forming near the shore throughout the day, especially on windy days and days with a lot of boating traffic. The average water temperature is 76-82 degrees.
Tuttletown launch is closed. Glory Hole Point boat launch is open, and there are no plans to close it. There will be some transition periods between launches where launching will be limited to one or two lanes.

Trout:  Fair.  Night fishing anglers have been doing well.  They are catching limits of fat healthy trout under a submersible light.   Try anchoring the boat in 25-50' of water, and dropping the light 15-25' feet down.  Be patient, it may take awhile for the light to attract plankton, baitfish, and trout.  To catch them, try using live minnows, mini jigs, Power Bait, and crawlers. Trolling anglers are starting to catch a few more on each outing. The trout feed on 2-4" shad.  Try using baits that match the size, profile and color of the baitfish.  Rapala Shad Raps, Scatter Raps, Rattle traps, and Jointed Shad Raps are a very close match to the natural forage.  Another way to get a few more bites is to add scent to your lures.  Pro Cure gel in shad scent, or threadfin shad scent will do the trick.  Don't forget to bring some crawlers.  A single crawler threaded on the hook fished behind a single gold or silver blade is a great way to pick up a few fish.  

 
Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week goes to Brian Basacker of Sonora.  He caught a nice limit while night fishing at the spillway.  His largest fish weighed 1-pound, 13-ounces.  

Congressman Tom McClintock to hold Town Hall meeting in Copperopolis

Congressman Tom McClintock represents the Copperopolis area in Congress, and is inviting all constituents to a town hall meeting. The Congressman will make brief remarks on the state of national and international affairs, and then take questions from the audience.
The meeting will be held Thursday, August 7, 6:00 PM at the Copperopolis armory, 695 Main Street.
Congressman Tom McClintock was elected in November 2008 to represent the 4th Congressional District in the United States Congress. Rep. McClintock is the Chairman of the Water and Power Subcommittee of the House Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the Budget Committee and the Natural Resources Committee.   He is also a member of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands. 

Linda Sue "Susie" Stevens - has sadly passed away

Linda Sue Stevens passed away at her residence in Copperopolis on July 21, 2014, she was 66 years old. Born in Henderson Kentucky, Linda loved her Family, her Dogs and Gardening. She was a hard worker who enjoyed relaxing at the local Casino’s now and then. Linda is survived by her Husband Gary Stevens of Copperopolis, sons Troy Bryan McWhirt of Copperopolis and Sean McWhirt of Douglas Flat, and 7 Grandchildren.



Source thepinetree.net

Board of Supervisors 7-29-14 meeting agenda

To view the Board of Supervisors 7-29-14 special/evening meeting agenda CLICK HERE


Sand Fire update as of 1:04 7-28-14 65% contained

Sand Fire Incident Information:
Last Updated: July 28, 2014 1:05 pm  
Date/Time Started: July 25, 2014 4:34 pm  
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit 
County: Amador County  
Location: East of Highway 49, 5 miles north of Plymouth  
Acres Burned - Containment: 3,800 Acres - 65% Contained  
 

Sonora PD press release re: Fire West of Lowes

The Sonora Police Department’s Fire Investigative Unit has completed their investigation into the fire, which was started west of Lowe’s, on 9 July 2014.
During interviews with witnesses, the responsible party was identified as Aaron Shermer, 27, who was a resident of the homeless camp, located at the origin of the fire. Shermer is currently on probation for causing corporal injury to a cohabitant and has an extensive criminal history.
During the investigation, it was learned Shermer admitted to starting the fire. It was also learned he attempted to put the fire out, until it became too large for him to do so, at which time he fled the area. The fire burned over a quarter acre of grass and oak trees before being contained by ground and air units.
Upon the completion of the investigation, the report was sent to the Tuolumne County District Attorney’s Officer requesting a complaint be filed against Shermer for felony causing a fire. The fire suppression cost was over $4,500, which Shermer could also be held responsible for.

Affiliated Physician Clinics Joint Anthem Blue Cross Network for Covered California Members




July 25, 2014 (Sonora, CA) — Adventist Health and Sonora Regional Medical Center, as well as its affiliated physician clinics, have reached a new multi-year agreement with Anthem Blue Cross to serve Anthem’s individual members who purchased their plans through Covered California.

With the new agreement, all affiliated physician clinics of Sonora Regional Medical Center can accept Anthem Blue Cross Individual Pathway PPO sold via Covered California. This includes the following physician offices:

Board of Sups to discuss 'Wild and Scenic' designation for Moke River

The Board of Supervisors will be discussing the Wild and Scenic Designation for the Mokelumne River at their evening meeting scheduled for  July 29th at 6:00 PM.

Temperatures into the triple digits once again

  • 7-28-14
  • Today Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon.
  • Tonight A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. West northwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming calm after midnight.
  • Tuesday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 101. Light and variable wind becoming west northwest 6 to 11 mph in the afternoon.
  • Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light west after midnight.
  • Wednesday Sunny and hot, with a high near 101. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.
  • Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 64.
  • Thursday Sunny and hot, with a high near 99.
  • Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 61.
  • Friday Sunny and hot, with a high near 98.
  • Friday Night Clear, with a low around 62.

Sand Fire update 7-28-14

Sand Fire Incident Information:
Last Updated: July 28, 2014 8:00 am  
Date/Time Started: July 25, 2014 4:34 pm  
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit 
County: Amador County  
Location: East of Highway 49, 5 miles north of Plymouth  
Acres Burned - Containment: 3,800 Acres - 65% Contained  
Estimated - Containment: 8-1-14  
Structures Threatened: 515  
Structures Destroyed:10 residences and 7 outbuildings  
Evacuations: Sand Ridge Road, Fresh Water, Burlwood, Morales Ranch Road, Vintage Trail, Upton Road, Twin Rivers Road New Evacuations in progress; Vintage Road to Sandridge Road, Buzzards Gulch Road and all of Buzzards Gulch Road. Riverpine Estates. Vintage Road to Morning Canyon Road  
Road Closures :Sand Ridge Road  
Injuries: 1 minor injury  
Cause: Vehicle into dry vegetation 
Cooperating Agencies: CHP, El Dorado Co SO, Amador SO, Cal OES, CDCR, El Dorado Co Animal Control, USFS, BLM, El Dorado Co DOT, CCC, Red Cross, PG&E, Cal Trans  
Total Fire Personnel: 1937  
Total Fire Engines: 196  
Total Fire crews: 51  
Total Helicopters: 4  
Total Dozers: 30  
Total Water Tenders: 52  
Incident Management Team: Incident Management Team 2  
Conditions: Fire crews increased containment overnight and will continue to improve and hold the established control lines throughout the day. The steep, dry terrain continues to be a challenge but the recent gains in containment has moved the projected control date to August 1st.  
Phone Numbers  (530) 647-5218 (Incident Information)