Letter to the Editor - Why I am voting for Judge Hugh Swift from Caroline Schirato

During a recent conversation with Judge Swift, he learned that I had served in the US Navy for four years towards the end of the first Gulf War. He was excited to tell me about the new initiative to create a Veterans Treatment Court in Calaveras County. I had not heard of this program before, so he explained to me how it would work and who it would serve.
 
A Veterans Treatment Court provides an alternative to the traditional sentencing choices of standard probation or incarceration.  When a veteran is charged with a crime which stems from a disorder related to their service in the military - mental health issues, substance abuse, traumatic brain injury and PTSD, the veteran may be offered to participate in a program consisting of therapeutic treatment, social services, and judicial oversight. The court seeks to give veterans a chance to get their lives back on track by addressing the problems underlying their criminal behavior. I believe this is a vital program needed in not just our county, but nation-wide. This is another positive and much needed step in helping our veterans once they are discharged and home.

Judge Swift, along with many county agencies, is working towards creating this program for veterans in Calaveras County. Thank you for seeing the importance in this issue. Thank you for supporting another positive program for those who served our country. I am voting for Judge Swift because he is passionate about the Veterans Treatment Court and how those who qualify for it will benefit will benefit from it. I urge my fellow veterans to vote for Judge Swift. We need more elected officials who care about supporting veteran programs!

Caroline Schirato

Board of Supervisors 10-28-14 meeting video

To view the Board of Supervisors 10-28-14 meeting video CLICK HERE

Video of Calaveras Planning Commission, Calaveras County Water District, and Calaveras Board of Supervisor’s meetings graciously supplied by Calaveras Public Access TV and accessed through the Community Action Project.

Hazardous weather outlook - possible snow to 5000'

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SACRAMENTO CA
700 AM PDT FRI OCT 31 2014

CAZ013>019-063-064-066>069-011400-
SHASTA LAKE AREA/NORTHERN SHASTA COUNTY-
BURNEY BASIN/EASTERN SHASTA COUNTY-NORTHERN SACRAMENTO VALLEY-
CENTRAL SACRAMENTO VALLEY-SOUTHERN SACRAMENTO VALLEY-
CARQUINEZ STRAIT AND DELTA-NORTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY-
MOUNTAINS SOUTHWESTERN SHASTA TO NORTHERN LAKE COUNTIES-
CLEAR LAKE/SOUTHERN LAKE COUNTY-MOTHERLODE-
EAST FOOTHILLS/NORTH SACRAMENTO VALLEY-
WESTERN PLUMAS COUNTY/LASSEN PARK-WEST SLOPE NORTHERN SIERRA NEVADA-
700 AM PDT FRI OCT 31 2014

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR INTERIOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.

.DAY ONE...TODAY

A PACIFIC FRONTAL SYSTEM MOVING THROUGH NORTHERN CALIFORNIA WILL
BRING RAIN AND MOUNTAIN SNOW TODAY AND TONIGHT. TRANS-SIERRA TRAVEL
WILL LIKELY BE IMPACTED.

* WINTER STORM WARNING.......SEE WWUS46 KSTO - WSWSTO FOR DETAILS *

* WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY....SEE WWUS46 KSTO - WSWSTO FOR DETAILS *

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN... SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY

SHOWERS WILL CONTINUE ON SATURDAY OVER THE SIERRA RANGE WITH SNOW
LEVELS DROPPING TO 5000 FEET IN THE MORNING HOURS.

CAL FIRE Offers Halloween Safety Tips

Make Halloween a fun and safe night for trick-or-treaters

Costumes, jack-‘o-lanterns, haunted house and scary ghost stories mark this time of year as all kids of all ages enjoy the spirit of Halloween.

But if precautions aren’t taken, scary things can happen.

Decorations that ignited are the reported cause in 900 home fires nationwide each year.

Two of every five of those were started by a candle.

To make this day a fun and festive event,just follow these few simple steps to ensure everyone stays safe:

Trick-or-treating

•Children should always go trick-or-treating with a responsible adult

•Provide children with flashlights or glow sticks to carry for lighting and visibility

•Review how to cross a street with your child.Look left, right and left again to be sure no cars are approaching before crossing the street

•If driving, be sure to watch for trick-or-treaters who are too busy to watch for you

•Remind children to stay together as a group when walking from house to house

Costumes:

•Purchase costumes made of flame resistant or flame retardant.Fire resistant does not mean fireproof!

•Apply reflective tape to Halloween costumes

•Masks can obstruct vision –consider using make-up instead

•Avoid loose, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts

•Keep hemlines short enough to prevent tripping

Decorations:

•Keep decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters

•Light jack-‘o-lanterns with battery powered light –never use candles!

•Keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes

•Remove objects from the yard that could present a tripping hazard (garden tools, hoses, etc.)

Remember to closely inspect all candy before allowing children to eat it,discarding any unwrapped treats from a stranger.

If in doubt, throw it out!

CAL FIRE wishes all Californians a safe and enjoyable Halloween! For more Halloween fire safety ideas and tips, please visit the CAL FIRE website at

www.fire.ca.gov

Halloween History from History.com

Evolving from the ancient Celtic holiday of Samhain, modern Halloween has become less about literal ghosts and ghouls and more about costumes and candy. The Celts used the day to mark the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, and also believed that this transition between the seasons was a bridge to the world of the dead.  Over the millennia the holiday transitioned from a somber pagan ritual to a day of merriment, costumes, parades and sweet treats for children and adults.

Trick or Treat Street in Town Square - RAIN OR SHINE

Judge Hugh Swift for Superior Court Judge Dept 2

Judge Hugh Swift’s 29 year legal career includes a diverse background uniquely qualifying him for the position he currently holds – Calaveras County Superior Court Judge.  As recently noted by retired Judge Douglas Mewhinney, “Judge Swift’s breadth of experience is indispensable in a two-judge court.”

For the first 13 years of his career, Judge Swift practiced civil litigation in Southern California.  In 1999 he moved to Calaveras County and began his career with the California courts working as a research attorney for the Amador Superior Court, soon thereafter promoting to the position of Court Executive Officer.  In 2006 Judge Swift was appointed to serve as a Superior Court Commissioner. As a commissioner, Judge Swift presided over Child Support and Small Claims cases on a weekly basis. The decisions he made in those cases had the same legal force and effect as the decisions he currently makes as a judge. In December 2013, Judge Swift was appointed to the Calaveras Superior Court after a lengthy and thorough vetting process by the California State Bar’s Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation (JNE).  A process only judges who are appointed by the Governor are required to go through; which is designed to determine an applicant’s qualifications, character and judicial demeanor

Currently, Judge Swift hears criminal, civil, traffic, family law, probate, domestic violence and civil harassment cases.   Since taking the bench, Judge Swift has presided over felony and misdemeanor jury trials, in addition to civil, family law and probate court trials.

Judge Swift hears all Drug Court cases and is working with the Court’s justice partners and veteran’s advocates to establish a Veterans Treatment Court.  More than 20 Superior Court Judges, including Judge John Martin and retired Judge Mewhinney of the Calaveras Superior Court endorse Judge Swift.  In addition, he enjoys the support of educators, health care professionals, small business owners and members of the community.

Judge Hugh Swift has lived in Calaveras County for 15 years, where he is raising his children and is active in his community. Judge Swift was a partner in Newsome Harlow Wine and a member of the board of directors of Mind Matters Clinic in Murphys.  He enjoys spending time hiking, hunting, riding horses and watching his daughters dance and play soccer.

Judge Swift has not sought the endorsement of any political party for this non partisan position.

http://hughswift.com/

Rainy weekend predicted -

• 10-31-14
• Friday A chance of rain, then rain likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 11am. Cloudy, with a high near 68. Light east southeast wind becoming south 6 to 11 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Friday Night Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 46. West northwest wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Saturday A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. South southeast wind 5 to 11 mph.
• Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 43.
• Sunday Sunny, with a high near 64.
• Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 42.

Old Corner Halloween Party TONIGHT!!!! 10-31-14

Winning Ways Advice Column by Marge Powers

Stop Settling for Less and Upgrade Your Life!

Welcome to the next ‘New thought of the Week and Upgrade Your Life’ Series.  This 12 week series will give you valuable ‘New Thought’ Information and Advice that will help you learn how to enjoy the Holidays that are fast approaching.  We hope our advice will open you up to a new way of celebrating them.

Ah yes, the Holidays, they’re supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, and as you know they can have a way of turning into a very stressful time.  The holiday season can often bring unwelcome guests, an overwhelming array of demands, parties, shopping, baking, cleaning, socializing and entertaining to name just a few. Or perhaps you may be spending the Holidays alone and are feeling a little lonely or depressed.  But whatever the source of your angst, family dynamics, financing, lack of self-confidence, or painful memories, etc…you are certainly not alone and there ARE solutions.

Copper Grill special entrees 10-31-14 and 1-1-14

Entrées                                                                                             

Grilled Angus Flat Iron Steak Frites

Brandy Poivre Pan Sauce, Roasted Garlic Fries, Arugula, Parmesan Frico, Broccoli      18 

Pan Seared Halibut

Fingerling Potatoes, Chorizo, Fennel, Orange Beurre Blanc, Winter Citrus Salad    24.5

Chicken Francesca

Creamy Parmesan Risotto, Shaved Garlic, Lemon, Artichokes, Basil, Chardonnay, Sautéed Squash Medley    16.5

Pork Tenderloin Medallions

Butternut Squash Puree, Maple-Pomegranate Jus Lie, Autumn Fruit Salsa, Sautéed Broccoli Rabe     16.5

Oven Roasted Salmon              

Pan Fried Jerusalem Artichokes and Brussels Sprouts, Applewood Bacon and Oyster Mushroom, Onion Soubise, Cauliflower-Sunchoke Veloute     18      

Pasta of the Moment

Capellini, Creole Spiced Prawns, Smoked Sausage, Red Pepper Cream, Summer Squash, Baby Tomatoes      17.5

Braised Lamb Shanks

Served with Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Sautéed Broccoli Rabe, Herb Gremolata    18

Certified Angus Prime Rib

Seasonal Vegetables and choice of Baked Potato, Yukon Gold

Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes          

Petite     19    Regular   23    Large 32 

VFW Ladies Auxiliary collecting donations for Support the Troops care packages at Umpqua Bank

You may notice a very colorful and patriotic bucket placed just inside the door at Umpqua Bank.
This bucket was placed there by the VFW Post 12118 ladies auxiliary to collect donations for our Support the Troops care packages that we send out twice yearly.

Pleas stop by and check out the list of needs. We would appreciate your support.

Tuolumne County Sheriff press release re: Body found in Lake Tulloch identified

Deceased: Jaspar,William,Ray

Date of Death:  10/28/14

Location: Lake Tulloch

                   Tuolumne County

Information:

  A forensic autopsy was conducted on the deceased, William Jaspar,  The pathologist concluded the cause of death was drowning with a contributing factor of a massive stroke.  It appears Mr. Jaspar suffered a massive stroke which caused him to fall into the water.   The pathologist also concluded had Mr. Jaspar not drowned the stroke would have been fatal within several minutes.

Scott Johnson

PIO

Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office

An Evening with Dave Rainwater at Stage 3

Changing the world one fiddle at a time, Western Fiddler, Minstrel and Storyteller Dave Rainwater will be in concert for one show only, Saturday, November 1 at Stage 3 Theatre Company, located at 208 S. Green St. in Sonora. Doors open at 6pm and the show begins at 7pm.  The beer will be cold and the people are friendly, come down and have a good time, hear some tall tales, good fiddle playing and enjoy an evening in historic downtown Sonora.

Voted “Best Musician in the Mother Lode” in 2009, Dave’s forty plus years of fiddle playing has taken him through nearly every venue in the foothills and across the country. With Dave’s performance it’s a guarantee you’ll enjoy championship fiddling and be entertained by someone who loves the rich tradition of America’s heritage and folklore as well as our country's musical roots.

Tickets for this night of music, fun and friends with Dave Rainwater, are only $15.00. For reservations or more information please call (209) 536-1778. 

Halloween Carnival TONIGHT!!! 10-30-14

October 30 Halloween Carnival 5-7 pm in the gym- all proceeds benefit 6th grade science camp!

Poll results

Do you feel the ebola epidemic will reach California?

29 votes cast

12 yes

3 no

9 maybe

0 need more information

5 its just a mater of time 

 

Kendall Morlan for MTUESD School Board

My name is Kendall Morlan and I am running for a board position for Mark Twain Union Elementary School District.  Both my children are products of MTUESD.  My daughter is now a sophomore at Davidson College in North Carolina, and my son is a 7th grader at Mark Twain Elementary.  I have been closely involved in their educational experience.  I served on the Copperopolis Elementary School Site Council for 4 years, and I volunteer in the after-school Homework Club.  I am the community leader for Copper Hills 4-H Club and have been involved with 4-H for 10 years.  

I believe that I am uniquely qualified to serve on the board of Mark Twain Union Elementary School District.    My parents are retired educators.  My mother was a top-level district administrator and my father was a high school teacher and coach. Their views were often in conflict, and I learned how to appreciate both sides of an issue.  Additionally, my sister was a special needs student, and my daughter was a GATE student.  I believe this diverse experience will help me to bring people together to accomplish the goal of preparing our children to be successful in a challenging world.

 "Striving for Excellence"

Clocks fall back November 2, 2014

Daylight savings time comes to an end this Sunday, November 2, 2014.
Don't forget to set your clocks back and enjoy one more hour of sleep!

Clock changes in San Francisco, California, U.S.A.

◢

End DST: Sunday, November 2, 2014
 1 hour backward

Mind Matters Clinic to Benefit from Wine Barrel Open Golf Tournament

MIND MATTERS CLINIC TO BENEFIT FROM

WINE BARREL OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT

            Mind Matters, the Murphys based clinic that treats autism and related disorders, will be one of the beneficiaries when the Wine Barrel Open Golf Tournament is held in Greenhorn Creek on Thursday, November 6.

            Ninety-two golfers from throughout northern California have signed up for this second annual event.  A barrel full of 36 bottles of Calaveras wines will be the grand prize for the winner.  There will be a number of runner-up prizes.  The presentations will be made during an awards banquet featuring a gourmet meal prepared by Camps Restaurant.

Community Band's Fall Concert - A Cornucopia of good Music

             There will be something to please a variety of musical tastes when the Calaveras Community Band presents its annual fall concert under the direction of conductor Mic Harper on Sunday, November 2, 3 p.m. in the Dr. Elliot A. Smart Performing Arts Center at Bret Harte High School in Angels Camp.

            For jazz aficionados there will be Five to Go a quintet for saxophones and band. Latin music lovers will be excited by Fuego del Alma featuring Larry Mangili on trumpet.  The urge to dance will accompany Johann Strauss's polka schnell Thunder and Lightening.

            Other works to be performed include The Walking Frog, a circus two-step by Karl King, the lively Zampa Overture by Louis Heold, and Leroy Anderson's Irish themed The Last Rose of Summer.  Several other numbers from the band’s extensive repertoire will complete the program.    

Grant Barrett for Superior Court Judge Dept 1

http://www.barrett4judge.com/

Judge Hugh Swift for Superior Court Judge Dept Two

Lake Tulloch Lions support our Scouts

The Lake Tulloch Lions, known for their generosity to our community, just recently 'adopted' the three scout troops in Copperopolis. Cub Scout Pack 347, Girl Scout Troop 2026, and Girl Scout Troop 1777.


Ken Gutman, President of the Lake Tulloch Lions felt that "since the community trusts us to administer the monies collected from the community we wanted to adopt, among our many other community outreach programs, the scouts to give back to the kids." He pointed out that the Lions wanted to adopt the Boy Scout Troop but there were not enough boys for a troop this year, yet are committed to supporting them when they form.

The scouts hope to use the funds for flags, banners, books, starter kits and more. "We hope this helps them function as a group...with pride." Said Gutman.

"We are very grateful and excited. We are able to help some of the boys put together uniforms now and we are ordering a banner. Hopefully it will be done before the Veterans Day Parade. It will say sponsored by the Lake Tulloch Lions." Said  Heather Oliver the committee chairman of cub scout pack 347. Heather's husband, Doug, is the cub master.

 L to R:
Heather Oliver Pack 347, Ken Gutman Lions Club, Rebecca Johnson Pack 347 and troop 2026, Crystal Molina troop 1777, and Nikki Lusk troop 1777.

Welcome New Advertiser Family Fitness 4

Our mission is to help our members of the Calaveras County community achieve a healthy lifestyle in a non-intimidating clean, friendly environment. We pride ourselves on our family like atmosphere
“Where friends and family work out together”

Please call us at 736-0039 (Vallecito) or 754-4044 (San Andreas) with any questions, we are here to help you accomplish your Health and Fitness  Goals!

With two locations to serve you and affordable plans for every budget?

Are you a veteran? Come talk with Kenny and see how he can help you achieve your fitness goals and reduce the stress on your pocketbook.

 

Payless IGA weekly ad for 10-29-14 thru 11-4-14

To view the Payless IGA weekly ad for 10-29-14 thru 11-4-14 CLICK HERE

Sonora PD press release re Halloween trick or treat tips

The activities associated with Halloween can be fun for the whole family, but it also requires specific safety precautions. Consider these safety tips for trick or treating to help ensure a safe and fun Halloween for you and your children.
• Never allow children under the age of 12 to trick or treat alone. Older children should plan their route ahead of time so parents know where they are.
• Always carry a flashlight and send one with older children.
• With rainy weather in the forecast, it’s very important that children and parents wear some type of reflective clothing, which will allow them to be seen by motorists.
• Remind children to use sidewalks and to look both ways before crossing the street.
• Instruct children to only visit well lit houses and never enter a home to receive candy or a treat.
• Remind children to never approach a car, or accept treats from a person in a car.
• Inspect your children’s candy before they eat it. Wrapped and sealed treats are the safest. Discard unwrapped or homemade treats, fresh fruit or anything that looks remotely suspicious.
• Carry a cell phone and report suspicious houses and activities to your local law enforcement agency immediately.
For more information contact the Sonora Police Department, (209) 532-8141, or your local law enforcement agency.

New Melones Fishing Report from Glory Hole Sports

10-28-14 Fishing Report

Water Conditions:  New Melones Lake is currently holding

516,856 acre-feet of water.  The lake level dropped close to a foot this week and is currently at 861 ft. above sea level and 215 ft. from full.  The water is starting to clear up due to stable and rising water. The water temperature continues to cool with the average being 68-72 degrees.  Tuttletown launch is closed. Glory Hole Point boat launch is the road leading off the end of the point.  It is a dirt launch without courtesy docks and 4wd is recommended.

Trout: Slow.  The nights are cooling off and the surface temperature continues to drop, which will encourage the trout to move toward the surface.  It would not be a bad idea to use leadcore line or try top-lining. The large rainbows will feed heavily on shad.  There is an abundance of smaller one to two inch shad that the fish are spitting up.  Trolling anglers try using small spoons trolled in tandem.  It is a good time to use ball trolls to resemble a school of shad.  Umbrella rigs work great attached to the downrigger ball.  To target the large browns try rolling shad or using a large billed plug.  The water is clearing up a little each day.  Natural patterned baits work best in clear water and light line will get bit more than heavy line.  Bank fishing anglers are starting to catch a few fish but it has been pretty slow.  Best bet for shore anglers is to head to the high country lakes.  Fly fishing anglers the bite has been pretty good fishing local streams and rivers.  Try using dry fly patterns in the mornings and evenings and fishing nymphs and buggers mid day.  We do encourage catch and release for the brown trout as The Department of Fish and Game will no longer be planting them.  Carefully measure, weigh and photograph trophy fish and send us pictures and information. 

Kokanee: Done. The fish have entered spawn mode and will soon start dying off. We have not seen or heard of any in shallow water.

Bass: Good.  The lake level has been fairly stable for a couple weeks, which has made the bass more predictable and a bit more comfortable. The bass are closer to a fall pattern and feeding heavily on shad.  The shad are moving from deep water toward shallow cuts and pockets, the bass are hunting them in wolf packs.  There are a lot of fish that are suspended in 35-55' of water.  Try using a spoon to vertically jig through the middle of these schools.  Mack's Sonic Baitfish is a great spoon that can be rigged multiple ways to give the fish a different presentation.  Also, it is a good idea to have a drop shot rig set up for when they quit eating the spoon. There has been a pretty good reaction bite with a handful of fish biting crank baits, jerk baits and small swimbaits.  The jig bite continues to be productive.  Try dragging crawdad patterns with a matching twin tail grub or swimming a shad patterned jig with a single tail grub or small swim bait. Try fishing bluffs and points near major creek channels and the main river channel. 

 

Xperience Fishing Guide John Liechty caught a nice 6-pound largemouth while fishing a rock wall near the main river.

Please practice catch and release. Take photos and carefully release the fish back into to the lake to maintain a healthy fish population for generations to come.

Food Pantry needs

Copperopolis Community Food Pantry

This is the time of year when many individuals and community groups start planning donations and  food drives for the food pantry. We thought it might be helpful to make a list of commonly needed items to help answer the question, “What do you need?”

We need supplies of non-perishable foods in their original unopened packaging, i.e. canned or boxed items. As always we ask that no expired items be donated as we are not allowed to distribute them to families.

Soup, especially cream of mushroom                          Sugar

Pumpkin                                                                                  Salt

Beans (canned or dry)                                                             Pepper

Rice                                                                                         Soy sauce

Boxed potato mixes (mashed, au gratin)                                Mayonnaise

Spaghetti or tomato sauce                                                       Olives

Pasta                                                                                        Mushrooms

Mac and Cheese

Peanut butter

Fruit

Cake mixes

Frosting

Cranberry sauce

Green Beans

Corn

Cereal

Oatmeal

Cooking oil

Syrup

Ketchup

Mustard

Salad dressing

Items may be dropped off at Lake Tulloch Bible Church on the third Thursday of the month during our regular distribution. Otherwise please call David or Lorraine Crawford at 785-5367. To learn more about the pantry please visit our website at www.copperpantry.org

Thank You!