CABA Planning Meeting

Do you and your business have a desire to play a part in planning the growth of the Copperopolis Area Business Association in the coming year? If so, please join us on Wednesday, December 29, from 1:00 - 2:30 pm, at the Union Mine
Country Store & Chevron Gas located at 522 Main Street in Copperopolis, where we
will gather to consider three particular upcoming events for 2011:
The Run (Chris Smith, Jay Shotwell, and Larry Aderman),
The Charity Golf Tournament (Dave Gidding, Michael Gaudi and Danna Goatley)
and
The "Welcome Luncheon" in February (Jan Hovey and Kyran Enzi).
More events are planned during the year and will be listed or discussed if
time allows. Your input is very welcome.  We are looking forward to having
you join us on December 29.  You may reply by return email, or call Kyran at
785-8063 if you have questions.
Your CABA Board,
Kyran Enzi, President
Chris Smith, Vice President
Danna Goatley, Secretary
Don Hamari, Director
Jay Shotwell, Director

NOAA Flood Advisory

FLOOD ADVISORY
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SACRAMENTO CA
154 PM PST FRI DEC 17 2010

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED AN

* URBAN AND SMALL STREAM FLOOD ADVISORY FOR...
  ELEVATIONS BELOW 3000 FEET IN...
  SHASTA LAKE AREA / NORTHERN SHASTA COUNTY-
  NORTHERN SACRAMENTO VALLEY-
  CENTRAL SACRAMENTO VALLEY-
  SOUTHERN SACRAMENTO VALLEY-
  CARQUINEZ STRAIT AND DELTA-
  NORTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY-
  CLEAR LAKE/SOUTHERN LAKE COUNTY-
  NORTHEAST FOOTHILLS/SACRAMENTO VALLEY-
  MOTHERLODE-

* UNTIL 145 PM PST SATURDAY.  THE HEAVIEST RAIN IS EXPECTED AFTER
  600 PM PST THIS EVENING.

* RAINFALL RATES COULD EXCEED AN INCH AN HOUR AS A COLD FRONT MOVES
  THROUGH THE REGION THIS EVENING AND TONIGHT. FALLEN LEAVES WILL
  LIKELY CLOG DRAINS AND LEAD TO NUISANCE TYPE FLOODING OF
  UNDERPASSES AND OTHER LOW LYING AREAS TONIGHT INTO TOMORROW
  MORNING.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE INTO AREAS WHERE THE WATER COVERS THE
ROADWAY. THE WATER DEPTH MAY BE TOO GREAT TO ALLOW YOUR CAR TO CROSS
SAFELY.

The Bill Albee Memorial Copperopolis Community Garden

According to the National Gardening Association, the average family can grow $600 worth of vegetables with just a $70 investment.* With this in mind, Copperopolis Parks & Recreation (a non-profit volunteer organization), has leased land on O'Byrnes Ferry Road as the site of a community garden.

The (approximately 9,000 sqare foot) community garden will allow participants to grow vegetables for their familes, or for our local food pantry. The garden will be modeled on the community garden in Paloma, where anyone in the community is welcome to pick any of the fresh organic produce for their families.

The "Bill Albee Memorial Copperopolis Community Garden" also commemorates Bill Albee who passed away last year and was an active volunteer in many local organizations.

Volunteers are currently working on preparing the garden with the goal of having the garden operational this fall. Donations and volunteers are needed - - contact Copperopolis Parks & Recreation at 785-PARK for additional information or visit them on facebook at Copperopolis Community Garden

Darren Spellman Sworn in as District 5 Supervisor, latest blog post

12/14/2010     San Andreas
Tuesday at 3 p.m. the swearing in ceremony took place in the Board of Supervisor’s chambers of the government center at San Andreas.
I was honored to pledge my allegiance to the Constitution of the United States of America and to swear in on the Holy Bible as has been a tradition in our nation for over 100 years, though it is becoming more uncommon unfortunately.With many family and friends in attendance I felt supported and appreciated.

Local Business Paisleys and Polka Dots Bowtique perfect for that Special Little Girl in your life

Last minute shopping for that special little girl in your life? Check out Paisleys and polka dots bowtique
Each bow, tutu, bow holder, hair clip, and hair pretty are custom designed and handmade by local artisan Nicole Lusk.
Great gift idea or present topper.

Santa and Mrs. Claus Coming to Umpqua Bank Today

December 17 2010 from 2:00 to 5:00 Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting children of all ages at Umpqua Bank in Copperopolis, located at 3505 Spangler lane Suite 300.
Bring your camera, your smiles and your Christmas wishes.

Sheriff Press Release- Storm Preparedness

‘Brown Out’ for CFPD Station #2

The definition of a ‘brown out’ for a CFPD station is the coverage of a station by volunteer staff only. It is not manned 24/7/365 by paid staff.

At the last Board of Directors meeting on December 6 2010 at 6:30 during public comment Chief Cantrell was asked by Mike Shevlin about the apparent ‘brown out’ of station 2. The Chief assured Mr. Shevlin that the station is covered by volunteers. Mr. Shevlin clarified his question asking if volunteers actually stayed at the station. Chief Cantrell verified that volunteers did not stay at the station but were able to respond to calls coming from their personal homes and utilizing the equipment at the station to respond to a call. This answer prompted the question from Mr. Shevlin asking if there was a clear response time requirement for CFPD and what that time window was, mentioning that he thought it was seven minutes. The Chief replied that he was not aware of a required response time for CFPD yet clarified this response in an interview on December 17, 2010 stating, “The District has not established a minimum response time level of service for the community but endeavors to keep response times as short as possible.”

Currently the CFPD is facing a multitude of personnel problems including administrative leave, personnel without on proper licensing and firefighters possessing outdated certification, leaving the department shorthanded while those personnel become compliant with the guidelines for employment. Until those issues pertaining to licensing and certification are resolved those personnel are on modified duty schedule.

The Chief stressed that CFPD is a “combination fire department” where all paid staff and volunteer fire fighters carry pagers and are equipped and trained to respond to all incidents.

Caroling in Copper

Join us on Sunday Night, December 19th,  at the Church of the Ascension at 5 pm. The church of the Ascension is located at 16 Cosmic Court. We will be caroling to people in Copper who need a little bit of Jesus Cheer! After caroling we will be coming back to the church of Ascension for cookies and hot chocolate and time of fellowship. Song sheets will be provided, this event is for all ages! For more information call, CCBC 785-9295 or Ascension 785-0225. (Weather Permitting)

MTUESD Bus Accident This am

As informed by Kathy Northington Superintendent of MTUESD at 7:52 am this morning bus #2 stopped at a cross walk in front of Bret Harte High School to let a pedestrian cross, at which time a truck rear ended the bus. There were 32 students on the bus, 13 of which were transported to local hospitals for neck and back evalutations. All parents of students have been informed.

Special Weather Statement from NOAA

...STORMY WEATHER HEADED FOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA THIS WEEKEND AND INTO NEXT WEEK... A LARGE WEATHER SYSTEM DROPPING OUT OF THE GULF OF ALASKA WILL BRING RAIN...WIND AND LARGE AMOUNTS OF MOUNTAIN SNOW TO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BEGINNING FRIDAY...AND LASTING THROUGH THE WEEKEND AND INTO NEXT WEEK. PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN AND MOUNTAIN SNOW SHOULD BEGIN FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY. NEARLY CONTINUOUS RAIN AND SNOW IS EXPECTED THROUGH THE WEEKEND...WITH MORE PERIODS OF HEAVY PRECIPITATION EXPECTED EARLY NEXT WEEK. THE CENTRAL VALLEY COULD SEE 2 TO 5 INCHES OF RAINFALL FROM FRIDAY INTO EARLY NEXT WEEK...WITH RAINFALL AMOUNTS EXCEEDING 6 INCHES IN THE FOOTHILLS. AT THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS...NEW SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF SEVERAL FEET ARE POSSIBLE. SNOW LEVELS ARE EXPECTED TO BE FAIRLY TYPICAL FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR VARYING BETWEEN 4000 AND 6000 FEET. THIS PUTS SNOW LEVELS BELOW THE MAJOR PASS LEVELS AND TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY BECOME A FACTOR AS HEAVY SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OCCUR. GUSTY WINDS WILL BRING BLOWING SNOW AND REDUCED VISIBILITIES AS WELL. AT THE LOWER ELEVATIONS...LEAF FALL AND CLOGGED STORM DRAINS STILL REMAIN A PROBLEM THIS SEASON AND WILL LIKELY CAUSE LOCALIZED STREET FLOODING DURING PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN. THE WET PATTERN MAY CONTINUE THROUGH MUCH OF NEXT WEEK. NORTHERN CALIFORNIANS SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF VERY WET WEATHER BEGINNING THIS FRIDAY. IF TRAVELING...ESPECIALLY THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS...BE SURE AND CHECK THE LATEST WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS BEFORE DEPARTURE AND CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS DEVELOPING STORM SYSTEM.

Help Save a Horse This Christmas

All they want for Christmas… is a chance!

You can give the greatest gift of all this holiday season…

The gift of “Hope” for a rescue horse or horse in need.

Unfortunately, this is not “The most wonderful time of the year” for many horses in our community. We have 33 horses here at the rescue with a donkey and another horse on the way. The horses at the rescue eat 7 bales of hay and 150 lbs of grain per day. Our waiting list is growing daily and we are struggling to keep up. We have several horses outside of the rescue we are providing feed for until we can find safe homes for them. We have only been able to save so many of these wonderful horses because of generous support we have received from people like you. The rescue horses are so thankful.

We have many amazing horses available for adoption. If you are considering purchasing a horse, please consider adopting a rescue horse from ReHorse. If you are not able to adopt, all of the horses here are in need of sponsors. You can choose a monthly, annual or one time donation sponsorship for any amount. Every dollar makes a difference. Here are some examples of what a difference your donations make:

$5        - ½ a bale of hay or 1 wormer

$10      - 1 bale of hay or 2 tetanus vaccines

$20      - 1 West Nile Vaccine

$25      - 1 bag senior feed grain and 1 bag of rice bran

$50      - 1 pipe panel or joint supplements

$100    - 1 waterproof winter blanket

$150    - feeds all of the rescue horses for 1 day

$300    - 1 emergency vet call or euthanasia

$500    - 1 month feed and care for a rehab horse

$1000- 100 bales of hay, a shelter, or 10 winter blankets

This holiday, you can sponsor or donate as a gift for the animal lover or   person on your list, who, has everything. We will send the recipient of your gift an email on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to notify them of the wonderful gift given. Just provide us with a name and an email address.

Donations and sponsorships can be mailed to ReHorse Rescue Ranch P.O. Box 494, Jamestown, Ca 95327 or via PayPal at www.rehorserescue.org. The ReHorse Rescue Ranch is a 501( c)3 and all donations are tax deductible as permitted by law.

Historical Ride Thru The North Grove, Big Trees State Park

18 December, 2010
A magical journey, by horse drawn wagon, in a winter wonderland amongst the Giant Sequoias!
Docents will be dressed in 1850’s attire. Hot beverages and cookies at the end of your ride. Bring your camera for pictures with Santa. 12-3 pm. Advance tickets $8, kids under 12 $6. Ticket includes park entry. Call or buy online at bigtrees.eventbrite.com.
209-795-3840

Nutcracker Ballet

The full-length ballet will be performed by Studio 4 Dance Theater of Murphys at the Bret Harte Theatre in Angels Camp. A beautiful top-quality local production directed by Tammy Lee. December 16 & 17 at 6pm. December 18 (2 shows) 1 & 6 pm. Call for more information. 754-1774

John Brophy, Calaveras Superintendent Retires

In the thirteen years that John Brophy has been County Superintendent, he has seen massive growth, governing changes, and budget woes, all the while muscling through with skill and perserverance. This year marks the final year for John as Superintendent. He will be retiring this month.

Stepping into his shoes is Kathy Northington, Superintendent of Mark Twain Union Elementary School District for the past two years. Kathy's last day on the job for Mark Twain is officially the 17th of December but she plans on being around to help incoming MT Superintendent Julia Tidball with her transition to the position.

Kathy officially takes over the duties of County Superintendent January 1, 2011.

Christmas Services Planned for Local Churches

Church of the Ascension will be holding a Christmas eve Mass at 9 pm on the 24th and a Christmas morning service at 10:00 am. 785-0225

Copper Canyon Baptist Church and The Church of the Ascension will be having a joint Christmas Eve Service begining at 6 pm on December 24th at the Copper Elementary Gym.
Copper Canyon Baptist Church Sunday services are at 10 am. Services are held at Copper Elementary Gym. 785-9295 or visit Copper Canyon Church

Bret Harte Basketball Rocks

Out of the 2^nd quarter Bret Harte was 34 to 18 against Riverbank, by the end of the third quarter Bret Harte was leading 48 to 28 with Brendan Kelly rocking the house with his fast moves, fancy footwork, and awesome skills. What a team. The communication and teamwork on the floor was exciting to watch.

Half time entertainment was provided by the Bret Harte cheer squad.

Mark Twain Wins First Game out of the chute

Mark Twain 8^th grade basketball vs Avery with a win for Mark Twain, 52 to 46

#11 Bennett seemed to be the backshot and layup ringer for the evening while #21 Kahale was the king of swish. #20 Alex had multiple attempts and almost as many successes at free throwing.

Passing was a strong suit and team playing was evident.

Coached by Mr. Barnett, this years team is shaping up to be a strong team.

Local boy Jake Toberer to Compete in Jamestown PacWest Extreme Calf Riding

When Jake Toberer was only three years old, following in his father Michael and older brother Zack’s footsteps, he began to ride horses. By four years old he was packing into the back country with his family’s mule packing business Copper Valley Trail Company. By five years old he was bitten with the calf riding bug and this is where the real story begins.

There was only one thing holding Jake back from his calf riding dream…his age. At five years old he was too young to compete. What his father saw in his young son’s eyes when he asked to ride was determination, drive, and passion to become a bull rider. How could a father not help his son try to achieve his dream? Enter friend and fellow bull rider Ryan McClure. Under Ryan’s careful tutelage and watchful eye little Jake learned the ins and outs of calf riding surrounded by pros. With safety being the biggest issue, Jake always wears a helmet and his impact vest, there were always many ‘hands’ available at each ‘training’ to catch Jake if he fell. Though his dad pointed out, “he had to fall a few times” alluding to the fact that calf riding is inherently dangerous and therefore should command respect from every rider no matter the age and that knowledge and training is the key to the ‘game.’

After two years of ‘training’ Jake was finally old enough to compete. Closely following Jake’s 7^th birthday he competed at the 2010 Calaveras County Fair receiving a buckle his first time out. Within weeks Jake competed again, placing again. The story goes on. To date Jake, known as Jet on the rodeo circuit (short for Jacob Ernst Toberer), has entered seven rodeos and has come out on top, as Champion, in five of them. His division is 10 and under. With 3 more years in the same division one would think that winning would get tiresome, but Jet already has his eye on roping this coming year and steer riding at 10 years old.

While it sounds as if Jake’s whole little life is all about horses, it is not. He attends Copperopolis Elementary as a second grader, enjoys soccer, wrestling, baseball, fishing, playing with his brother and sisters, and is involved in 4-H. However, horses do run in his blood and he hopes to enter roping training soon at the Camarillo Ranch in Oakdale, home to the Camarillo Brothers holders of multiple National and World Roping Titles.

Jake might have a good shot at the world finals in Texas next year if he keeps on this track.

Jake has sponsorship through his roping team PACwest Extreme but is always looking for more sponsors to help offset traveling, feeding, and lodging costs. Interested in sponsoring ‘Jet’ contact Michael Toberer at info@coppervalleytrail.com.

By, Charity Maness

photos from Copper Valley Trail website, coppervalleytrail.com



Chaplaincy…more than just ‘a calling’ for Father Jim

In 1997 Sheriff Downum of the Calaveras County Sheriff Department saw a need for chaplain services within the county. Reaching out to Father Jim Stout of the Church of the Ascension in Copperopolis, he found the man for the job. On June 4 1997, Father Jim and his wife Pam moved to Copperopolis. On June 14 1997, Copperopolis had it yearly Homecoming celebration. It was there that Sheriff Downum approached him and told him of the community’s need. 

Relatively familiar with chaplain work through friends and colleagues that worked closely with police departments Father Jim took on his mission with great joy and hope. His first stop was to visit the successful Tuolomne County Chaplain program and get some helpful hints. “They were very helpful in the whole process,” Said Jim reiterating the abundant information they passed on to him and then chaplain supervisor Lt. Ron McFall. From there he received help from Father Rhodes, a resident of San Andreas, and his brother-in-law Paul Kemper, a volunteer with the SO.

Father Jim’s goal was to have “two chaplains for each beat….(to give them) the opportunity to get acquainted with (not only) the beat officers, but the community.” Though that goal has yet to be reached the current Sheriff Chaplains, Father Jim of the Church of the Ascension in Copperopolis, Tim Johnson of the Community Church in San Andreas, and Keith Ancar of Mt Ranch Community Church, have committed themselves to the service of our communities offering: response to crisis situations, assisting Sheriff personnel with death notifications and search and rescue operations, human support, spiritual guidance for staff and community through a field service ministry. While this is a partial list posted upon the SO website, the job entails more, much more. Recently it was updated to include response to a variety of situations including serious accidents, suicides, homicides or suspicious deaths, sudden infant deaths, and missing persons. Jim pointed out that the SO has been consistent and thorough with the training they provide their Chaplains, from critical incident training to police chaplain conferences, he feels well equipped and prepared for whatever emergency requires his service.

While the majority of the time it is left to the discretion of the deputy on scene as to whether a chaplain should be called out, chaplains sometimes listen to their own scanners and respond to disasters, sometimes responding over an hour away from home. “I’ll go anywhere in the county they need me.” Jim states.

If you know Father Jim, you will know that he couldn’t stop there.

He felt the need to reach out to even more of the community, those in need; in pain. In 1997 he also became a Chaplain for the Mark Twain St Joseph’s Hospital in San Andreas, beginning as one of the founders of the chaplaincy at MTSJ he is still currently serving in the same capacity. For this position he drew upon his previous experience serving as a Chaplain at a San Jose hospital for six years prior to moving to Calaveras County. Not one to sit back on his laurels, in 1998 Jim became the first, and so far the only Chaplain for the Copperopolis Fire Protection District.

While I sat stunned by the amount of love this man shows for his fellow man, he sat back in his chair hands gently clasped, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth, a sparkle in his eye and said, “I like chaplaincy work.”

For further information regarding Chaplaincy work for the SO please contact the current Chaplain program supervisor Sgt. Whiting at 754-6500. (SO Chaplains are ‘religiously neutral’ and are in no way intended to, nor do they replace an individual’s clergy person.)

By, Charity Maness

Copper Kids Camp Counselor Quilter’s

A group of Copper Kid’s Camp Counselors put their heads together and with the help of idea guru Jane Everett came up with a plan to help raise funds for the yearly Copperopolis Parks and Recs kids camp…design, create, and sew a handmade quilt and raffle it.

Incorporating the whole process into their senior project, Bret Harte seniors Elysa Schulte and Sam Baxter are embracing the process and following it through from beginning to end. The 7 quilting counselors have a combined 27 years of counseling experience, their love of children evident in their commitment to the camp and the kids. Sam Baxter has four years under her belt, Katie Reed 4, Ashley Walton 5, Brittany Schulte 3, Elysa Schulte 6, Micki Garcia 5 and Sarah Baxter is a newbie joining the ranks of these seasoned counselors.

Some are piecing their quilts others are designing an artistic landscape with fabric paints or creating a still life with fabric markers. All the squares for the quilt are 12 ½ inches by 12 ½ inches. The anticipated size of the quilt will be a generous twin. If all goes as planned “we will be raffling the quilt at our dinner and dance fundraiser for the Copper Parks & Rec” said Elysa with a confidant smile. This is where the complete idea for Sam and Elysa’s senior project comes into play; planning, coordinating and hosting a dinner dance fund raiser to benefit Parks and Rec.

As the first meeting wound down Micki said excitedly, “I think I can finish (my quilt squares) tonight.” Micki says she enjoys sewing and is looking forward to completing this project.

By, Charity Maness

Local Crooner Josh Pfeiffer Performing at Black Oak

Josh, who unveiled his latest CD ‘American Crooner: Act 1’ at a concert in Copperopolis Town Square on September 11, 2010 will be performing at Black Oak Casino on January 8, 2011 from 9:00 pm to 11:30 pm.

The CD, 'American Crooner: Act 1' has 5 original pieces and some you may recognize. Harking back to the days of Sinatra, Josh’s lyrics stir the soul while the music lifts the heart. Each piece resonates with emotion and passion, the 5 piece band creating a sound so rich you feel submerged in a rhythm of the big bands of days gone by. Gentle picking, smooth trumpet, penetrating bass and talented tickling of the 88 keys pulled together with the tender yet powerful crooning of Josh’s rich deep voice make for an evening you will not soon forget.

Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year-Top Quality Insulation

Top Quality Insulation and Fireplaces, owned by Bob DeMarco won the Chamber’s Top Business of the Year for 2010 at last week’s Annual Installation Dinner. Nominees were chosen from all Chamber Businesses and nominated from Chamber Members and the winner was then selected by the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Nominees were 1) Top Quality Insulation & Fireplaces, 2) Blastronix, 3) Calaveras Laundry & Dry Cleaning, 4) Treat’s 5) 39th DAA, 6) Gateway Press, 7) The Resource Connection, and 8) DRI. Criteria for voting include: Chamber Involvement, Charitable Contribution, Community Involvement and the overall business story. Top Quality Insulation has been in business for more than 20 years. They have employed as few as 6 employees and more than 20. Bob has worked to keep the business going in spite of the recession and has diversified to meet the needs of customers. The beautiful showroom has fireplaces, garage doors and solar tubes. Top Quality employs a professional and friendly staff that is anxious to help you. They are located in Valley Springs on Main Street. Their phone number is 772-2501. Congratulations to Top Quality for winning the 2010 Business of the Year

(Source-www.calaveras.org)

Copper Art Club

The Copper Art Club meets at Galerie Copper every Wednesday morning to paint from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Currently, we are set up as follows:
First Wednesday, watercolor lesson with Selma Sattin, Cost is $10.
• Second Wednesday, watercolor lesson with Susie Hoffman. Cost is $10.
• Third Wednesday, fix and finish lesson with Selma, $5.
• Fourth, Fifth Wednesdays, open painting.
Yearly cost of membership is $20, due Jan. 1.
This membership gives you
• a friendly group to meet and paint with each week in beautiful surroundings,
• a 10% discount on art supplies,
• discounted lessons at club meetings,
• and use of club paints and supplies.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Copper Art Club, please drop off or send a check for $20, payable to Town Hall Arts, to Larry at Town Hall Arts, 145 Stone St., Copperopolis, CA, 95228. Larry will have your membership card ready for pick-up at the desk.

Santa Arrives by Fire Engine for Copper Kids

Blog Update from Supervisor Spellman

Calaveras “pooch paradise” with Palm Springs amenities?

Posted on December 8, 2010 by Spellman

12/07/2010
San Andreas
In Tuesday’s  meeting of the Board of Supervisors there were many items on the agenda for the day, many of which were discussed passionately by voters from around the county, but the one item that stuck out for me was the discussion about the proposed new Animal Services facility to replace what virtually everyone agrees is an desperately inadequate facility.
Three different locations with, site specific, estimated cost analysis plans were presented by Brian Moss, Calaveras County Environmental Health Director for the members of the board to consider in preparation for a new facility.
The actual construction costs of a building were negated in the conversation since regardless of preferred site location, the planned structure would be the same architecturally, or that is the plan. So that leaves only a comparison of cost associated to specific sites for review.
If the new facility were to be built on the current Government Center site, not far from the existing site, just a little farther east, on approximately 3 acres, the cost would be significantly lower due to already existing infrastructure such as water, sewer, electricity and other factors.
Government Center site………………………$53,715.00
HWY 4 and Vallecito Road………………………..$198,149.00
HWY 49 and Angels Road………………………………..$597,891.00
While many issues were discussed including future capacity, animal noise and potential odor from the animals, the architectural firm representative that will be handling the plans gave testimony that with these updated facilities that are completely enclosed, with the exception of a open play/exercise area, there are absolutely no sounds or odors outside of the building. This was a relief to most and seemed to be reason to accept the government center site without hesitation if for nothing else, proximity to the Sheriff’s office which is responsible for running the facility and seconded by most members of the Calaveras Humane Society that spoke during public comment.
When the discussion went back to the board District 3 Supervisor Merita Callaway had questions regarding the HWY 49 site, in specific about the ability to construct not just an indoor facility with an exercise run , but an expansive “Indoor-Outdoor” facility with the possibility of walking trails.
The architectural representative said, sure “We are working on an indoor-outdoor facility right now in Palm Springs and it’s a fabulous facility”.

There is no doubt that we need an updated facility and the majority of testimony given was in favor of the cost effective government site, both from the Sheriff’s office and the Humane Society.
Yet, when the supervisors voiced their opinions on what will eventually come to a vote at some later date, Supervisor Callaway was adamant that the most expensive HWY 49 indoor-outdoor “Palm Springs” style facility was what she intended to vote for. The Calaveras Humane Society did not even favor this site.

Tryon…………favors Government Center
Wilensky…….favors Government Center
Tofanelli…….Does not believe government center is best option
Callaway…….HWY 49 “Pooch Paradise”
Spellman …..favors Government Center (when it comes to the board in 2011)
Please contact your supervisor and let them know how you feel about their position on this issue and encourage them to either continue to favor, or move towards choosing the option that not only helps our animal friends with a badly needed updated facility, but one that is more affordable and logical in location, which is at the government center.
We can’t afford a Palm Springs style “Pooch Paradise” in Calaveras County!
As always, in your service…………….Supervisor Spellman

Snaps hosts Twisted Oak Winery

Twisted Oak Winery will be pouring at Snap's on Friday, December 17 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Twisted oak Owner Jeff Stai will be presenting 5 of his favorite varieties and they will be offered as a flight of five tastings for $7.00 and your choice by the glass for $7.00. Drifter's Marina and Panini's will both offer hors d'oeuvres and Dan Burton will be on guitar.

Christmas Spirit on Horseback

On Saturday December 11 2010, Copper Valley Trail Company in Copperopolis Town Square hosted a Spirit of Christmas trail ride Toy and food Drive bringing in over 50 horse enthusiasts from as far away as the bay area and as close as Copper, toting bags and bags of unwrapped gifts and non perishable foods for needy local children. Many took advantage of the early check in to meet and greet other riders and bond with like minds. On enthusiast from Valley Springs got her BLM Mustang into the Christmas spirit by placing a big red bow on its tail and sporting a pair of jingle bell antlers.

Mark Twain School Board, growing, changing, moving forward

As Mark Twain Elementary School District’s Superintendent Kathy Northington prepares to step into the shoes of County Office of Education Superintendent, recently appointed Copperopolis Elementary School Principal Julia Tidball is getting up to speed to fill Kathy’s shoes on January 1, 2011.

While two seats on the MTUESD  board were up for November elections there were no challengers to incumbents Gary McGeorge and Timothy Randall. Each were sworn in at the December 11, 2010, meeting held at 6:30 at Copperopolis Elementary School, to another four year term.

Maggie Rollings was appointed President of the Board, Timothy Randall Vice President, and Jenny Eltringham Clerk. Diane Bateman continues as the appointed committee member to SELPA.

K-3 class size reduction will remain in place for the upcoming school year and developer fees were approved for the purchase of Smart Boards in added classrooms. Smart boards, or white boards, are an interactive learning tool in use in many schools incorporating the use of a computer on a full size screen allowing for ‘dynamic and engaging lessons’ for the whole class.

Karen Vail has been appointed to Lead teacher at Copperopolis Elementary. In Julia’s absence, when attending to Superintendent duties Karen will fill the position of Principal at Copperopolis Elementary School.

Stockton Thunder Victory over Utah Grizzlies

On December 11 2010 at the Stockton Arena, Stockton Thunder Hockey proved their muster to a crowd of 8330 fans with a 3-2 victory over the Utah Grizzlies, breaking the Grizzlies winning streak on the road. The game was the final at home game for the Thunder before the Holiday break.

While hockey is mostly a game of skill and endurance it also is well known for its more violent side. This evening’s game was no exception to the rule with penalties ranging from fighting (a fist fight included) to roughing and misconduct, creating a grand total of 120 minutes in penalty times combined for both teams.

Stockton Thunder began in 2005 quickly becoming a gemstone in the Central Valley Sports arena proudly boasting affiliations with Worcester, San Jose and NHL Edmonton Oilers. From 2007 to 2010 Thunder has appeared in four consecutive Kelly Cup Playoffs.

Seven of Stockton Thunder’s players have moved on to debut in the NHL in the last four years.  Devan Dubnyk (G) Edmonton, Colin McDonald (RW) Edmonton, Ryan O’Marra (C) Edmonton, Troy Bodie (RW) Anaheim, Liam Reddox (LW) Edmonton, Tim Sestito (C), Bryan Young (defenseman) Anaheim

The Stockton Thunder is in a first place tie in the Western Conference with Utah and Las Vegas.

http://www.charitymaness.com/

Media Release Sheriff Dept

Stabbing suspect arrested

Media Release Sheriff Dept

Lewd Acts Arrest

A Cowboy Spirit of Christmas Ride ~ By, Charity Maness

We have all heard of toy and food drives by motorcycle clubs, community organizations and fire departments, but have you ever heard of a cowboy toy drive? Well Copper Valley Trail Company, in the true spirit of Christmas, is hosting a two and half hour trail ride toy and canned food drive on December 11, 2010, with the collected toys and food being donated to local charities.

How does such an event work you ask? First, this event is especially designed for those of you that have your own trail horse. Load up your horse, pack up an unwrapped gift and a few cans of food and head to Town Square in Copperopolis on December 11 2010 at 10:30 am to join in the trail riding fun. As soon as you drop off your toys and food and pay a nominal fee of $10.00 you can mingle with the other equine enthusiast as you saddle up your horse. At 11:30 the Cowboy Spirit of Christmas Ride in all its glory will commence. As the group heads out amid the singing of Christmas carols they will be treated to the raw beauty of thousands of acres of rolling foothills, traversed with many seasonal streams, a year round stocked pond, and abundant wildlife. As an added surprise you will enjoy caroling by a campfire while sipping hot cocoa and dining on cowboy soup.

 You must bring your own trail horse and children should be at least 7 years of age.

Owning a trail riding company had long been a dream of husband and wife team Michael and Michelle Toberer. When Michelle met Michael 20+ years ago Michael was mule packing pack trips into the far reaches of the Immigrant Wilderness and Mokelumne Wilderness, eventually turning it into a business with consistent repeat customers and new customers via word of mouth. As they watched their mule packing business flourish and with their love and combined extensive knowledge of horses and horsemanship the next logical step was trail horses. In the early 2000’s they added trail horses to their ever growing equine family and began giving trail rides and lessons in their own town of Copperopolis allowing Michelle time to stay home with their two children Zack and Jake. Finally, in 2004 Copper Valley Trail Company became a dream come true for these two horse lovers and another Toberer was added, little Grace. As they opened their doors to their new storefront in 2010 in Copperopolis Town Square and expanded their variety of rides they added one more gift from God to the happy family, Faith.

Sons Zack and Jake, 13 and 8 compete at State levels in many different equine venues. The family tradition continues.

For more information visit http://www.coppervalleytrail.com/ and click on the Riding on your own Trail Horse icon or call 209-785-9801. RSVP’s are encouraged so that there is enough soup and hot cocoa for all.