More improper spending found at State level

As California Marks Anniversary of Parks Scandal, New Examples of Improper State Spending Emerge

April marks one year since the public was first made aware of the improper vacation buybacks for staff at the Department of Parks and Recreation.  As the California Budget Fact Check has previously found, this revelation ultimately led to the disclosure that the Department had hid $54 million in taxpayer dollars from the Department of Finance and the Legislature.

 

Facing increased scrutiny from the Legislature, the news media and citizens groups, one would expect that state government departments would act with greater accountability in the glare of the public eye.

Twisted Oak Summer Concert line-up

Twisted Oak winery, in Vallecito, California, announces its 2013 Twisted Folk Summer Concert Series.  

Looking for something that pairs perfectly with a 2009 Tempranillo, and is more fun than a barrel of rubber chickens? May we suggest a stunning vista overlooking Calaveras County vineyards, a hearty dinner, and a concert under the stars?  The venue at Twisted Oak Winery in Vallecito offers a combination of idyllic setting, award-winning wines, and plenty of space to spread out your blanket to enjoy an evening of folk/bluegrass/Americana music, with the iconic Twisted Oak Tree serving as the stage backdrop.

Season passes are now available, as well as tickets for each individual show. Visit www.twistedoak.com/concerts for information and prices.

Kicking off the 2013 Twisted Folk Summer Concert Series is Grammy Award-winning bluegrass legend, Peter Rowan. Peter was eager to return to Twisted Oak this summer, and wanted to bring along his bluegrass band (Keith Little, banjo; Mike Witcher dobro; Paul Knight, bass). Their May 4th performance will come just a few days after the release of their brand new CD, "Old School" (Compass Records).

The complete schedule:

May 4 – Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band

June 8 – David Lindley, with special guest, Joe Craven

June 29 – Mumbo Gumbo

July 5 – Uncle Bonsai

July 13 – Dan Hicks and The Hot Licks

July 27 – Jeffery Broussard and The Creole Cowboys

Aug 2 – The Deadly Gentlemen

Aug 16 – Mollie O’Brien & Rich Moore

All concerts begin at 7:30pm, gates open at 6:30pm. Hot food and Twisted Oak wines will be available for purchase. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket and/or low-back chair for seating. All shows will be held rain or shine. No outside alcoholic beverages permitted.

For questions about featured musicians, contact:  Maria Camillo, mcbooking@gmail.com

For questions about Twisted Oak Winery, contact: Jeff Stai, jds@twistedoak.com

Burn Permits required May 1, 2013

Burn Permits Required May 1^st

San Andreas – Wednesday, May 1, 2013, 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.

Structure / Vegettion Fire Burson

The Sheriff Dept received multiple 911 calls today at 1335 regarding a possible structure fire in an area South of Burson Road and Dana Road. Multiple crews responded and road closures were made due to smoke and fire personnel working the scene. A two story structure was fully engulfed upon arrival and surrounding vegetation was being consumed. According to another news source by 2:54 the vegetation fire was under control and crews had a "good handle" on the structure fire.

Photo submitted by Darren Spellman.

Fire Fee 2.0: Six Times Worse? by George Runner

Better late than never, California lawmakers seem to be waking up to the reality that the illegal “Fire Prevention Fee” they enacted nearly two years ago is a complete fiasco. Even so, they are refusing to repeal it. Instead they are scheming up ways to replace the tax with yet another tax that’s even bigger than the first.

Where else but Sacramento would someone think the answer to a bad tax is to replace it with one even worse?

Assemblyman Wes Chesbro, who represents many rural taxpayers on California’s North Coast, is leading the charge to reinvent and expand the fire fee. His proposal (AB 468) would replace the fire fee with a 4.8 percent “surcharge” on all insured homeowners and businesses in the State of California, regardless of location.

High 80's projected for this weekend

• Sat

  Apr 27

  Mostly sunny and very warm 85°Lo 49°

• Sun

  Apr 28

  Mostly sunny 87°Lo 51°

• Mon

  Apr 29

  Bright sunshine 86°Lo 50°

Sonora PD press release re: Bear sightings in Sonora

22 April 13, at approx. 9:00 pm, a black bear was sighted in the area of Sonora Ave., inside the City of Sonora. The bear was last seen running off into a wooded area east of Southgate Road.
With this recent sighting, the Sonora Police Department would like to take a moment to remind you of a few tips when it comes to bears, with the help of MountainNature.com
Keeping Bears Wild is Everyone’s Responsibility!

Bears can be attracted into yards by a variety of items. It is our responsibility to reduce the likelihood of bears being drawn to our neighborhoods by taking an active role in reducing a variety of natural and human related enticements.

Sonora PD presse release re: Sonora officer receives recognition from California Chapter of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving)

23 April 2013, The California Chapter of Mothers Again Drug Driving (MADD) and California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), held their annual DUI Recognition and DUI Training Seminar and award ceremony in Ripon.

The mission of MADD is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. The Mission of the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) strives to eliminate traffic deaths and injuries. It does this by making available grants to local and State public agencies for programs that help enforce traffic laws, educate the public in traffic safety, and provide varied and effective means of reducing fatalities, injuries and economic losses from collisions.

Mind Matters walk/run for autism

Board of Supervisors 5-7-13 special meeting preliminary agenda

May 7, 2013

SPECIAL MEETING PRELIMINARY AGENDA

On the website, items with supporting documentation may be linked for viewing.

CALAVERAS COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES PUBLIC AUTHORITY
CALAVERAS COUNTY AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT

THIS MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CHAMBERS
891 Mountain Ranch Rd, San Andreas, California

Supervisor Callaway may participate via telephone from 1163 Sandalwood, Murphys, California

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors at 209/754-6370 at least 48 hours prior to the start of the meeting.  Notification in advance will allow reasonable arrangements to be made to ensure accessibility to this meeting.  Government Code §54954.2(a).

Payless IGA weekly ad for 4-24-13 thru 4-30-13

To view the Payless IGA ad for week 4-24-13 thru 4-30-13 CLICK HERE

Calaveras County Fire Chiefs Association Is Awarded a $1.88 Million Grant To Recruit New Volunteer Firefighters

CALAVERAS COUNTY, California – Throughout Calaveras County, citizens are at risk because of the lack of volunteer firefighters to adequately protect people and property from fire and fire–related hazards. As call volume increases, more departments depend on volunteer firefighters. Calaveras County’s 11 departments serve a rural area of 45,578 people and provide fire protection and rescue service to 1,020 square miles of rural area. Our 11 volunteer agencies respond to structure fires, wild land fires, medical emergencies, water rescue, technical rope rescue, hazardous materials spills, public service assistance calls and other emergencies. The Calaveras County Fire Agencies protects an area that is 66% rural wild land, 21% residential and 3% commercial.

Bark n Bubbles shot clinic - an affordable solution to your pets shot needs

On April 20, 2013 Bark N Bubbles, located net to IGA, held a shot clinic for your four legged friends. Many people and their friends showed for the great discount prices and vet visit.
If you missed this event Bark N Bubbles will be hosting another shot clinic on MAY 18

^{1PM – 3PM}

DHPP $20

Rattlesnake $20

FDRC $20

Feline Rabies $8

Microchip $20

Would owners PLEASE have dogs on leashes & cats in carriers

785-9274

Tuesday night hot rods in Copper

If you have a hot rod and would like to meet up with other classic car/hot rod enthusiasts, then swing on by Primo's Pizzeria the first Tuesday of each month at 5 pm.

Copperopolis Pride Clean up day by Dena McAfee

Copperopolis Parks & Recreation honors Earth Day by hosting a community-wide, road side clean-up each April. Although only 15 volunteers turned out this year, they made a huge improvement picking up trash on O’Byrnes Ferry Road, Copper Cove Drive, and out on the lake.

Sheriff Dept Press release re: Husband and Wife Arrested for Assault with a Firearm

(Vallecito, CA) On April 20, 2013 at approx. 12:23 am, Calaveras Sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence on the 10 block of Rufe Lane in Vallecito for a report of a verbal altercation. Calaveras Sheriff’s Dispatch Center also received several 911 calls reporting gun shots from the same area. Upon arrival the deputies contacted the victims who stated that the alleged suspects, Steven Scharf (25) and Jana Scharf (24), both from Douglas Flat, had left the scene in a vehicle. Sheriff’s deputies and officers from the Angels Camp Police Department searched the immediate area but were unable locate the Arrestees.

Angels Capm PD logs 4-12-13 thru 4-18-13

To view Angels Camp PD logs 4-12-13 through 4-18-13 CLICK HERE

Murphys Creek Theater presents 'Rough Crossing'

New Melones Fishing Report from Glory Hole Sports

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Barrel of Monkeez 'mommy and me' day

Quatro de Mayo Celebration at the Sports Pub

Start your Cinco de Mayo celebration early at the Sports Pub on Quatro de Mayo 5-4-13!
Celebrate with Karaoke, dancing and prize for best sombrero. Margarita drink specials will be featured and you can win a chance to play the pinata game!
The fun begins at 9 pm!
785-4646

Handmade Quilt Raffle

James D. Piper VFW Post 12118 Ladies Auxiliary Quilt Raffle

 

This lovely handmade quilt fits beautifully over a double bed or on top of a queen.

The Copperopolis VFW Post 12118 Ladies Auxiliary is selling raffle tickets for this quilt @ 3 for $1.00, 7 for $2.00, or 20 for $5.00.

The drawing will be held on Memorial Day at the community pot luck at Blackcreek Park after the Memorial Service held at the Copperopolis Cemetery.  Need not be present to win. To purchase tickets call Shirley Burk 852-2676, Diana Fisher 785-3441 or Judy Horn-Taylor 925-876-3864 or visit Micki and Larry’s Sports Pub.

Quilt on display at Umpqua Bank Copperopolis.

Tuolumne County Sheriff Community Service Unit fund raiser

The Tuolumne County Sheriff

    Community Service Unit

The Community Service Unit is a none profit organization, staffed by volunteers, that assists the Sheriff’s Office with various duties and activities through out Tuolumne County. 

In an effort to continue established services and to purchase necessary equipment, the CSU is hosting a Breakfast and Lunch fund raiser. The fund raiser will be held:

   

      Saturday April 27, 2013 at the Sonora Moose Lodge

            20921 Longeway Rd, Mono Vista

The Copper Gazette - YOUR news site

The Copper Gazette knows that Copperopolis is brimming with talent and events, yet our limited staff (who thankfully write for the love of writing) are not able to make it to all the events this town has to offer. This is where you, the viewer, comes in. The Copper Gazette welcomes your photos, stories, and/or news submissions to the site. Lets make this a news site for all!
To send your story, news, event coverage, or pictures, please email to coppergazette@gmail.com and attach pictures in jpg. Its important that you add your name to the submission.
Thank you for your continued support of the Copper Gazette.

Local Entrepreneur Launches Jewelry Business With A Unique Twist

A little shopping available for Mom while the kids "Monkee" Around at Barrel of Monkeez!



Jennifer Iannarelli of Copperopolis,CA is proud to announce the launch of her new business as an Independent Designer with Origami Owl Custom Jewelry, a fun and fashionable direct sales company with a unique twist. As an Independent Designer with Origami Owl, (Iannarelli) holds interactive events as well as online and catalog parties where she helps guests create one-of-a-kind personalized jewelry that best reflects their style.

Copperopolis Town Hall Meeting with Supervisor Debbie Ponte

Saddle Creek Garden Tour

To view more pictures from the 2012 garden tour CLICK HERE

Calaveras Saddle Club Horsemanship round-up

Drop the Drugs day 4-27-13

(San Andreas, CA) Calaveras Community members can prevent prescription and other drug misuse and abuse by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted drugs on April 27th, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at three locations in the county. A “Drop the Drugs” event is being presented by Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office and Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention. The service is free and anonymous; no questions asked.

Home for rent with a shop in Vallecito

Board of Supervisors 4-23-13 preliminary agenda

April 23, 2013

REGULAR MEETING PRELIMINARY AGENDA

On the website, items with supporting documentation may be linked for viewing.

CALAVERAS COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES PUBLIC AUTHORITY
CALAVERAS COUNTY AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT

THIS MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CHAMBERS
891 Mountain Ranch Rd, San Andreas, California

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors at 209/754-6370 at least 48 hours prior to the start of the meeting.  Notification in advance will allow reasonable arrangements to be made to ensure accessibility to this meeting.  Government Code §54954.2(a).

The agenda packet and supporting documentation are available for public review in the Clerk-Recorder’s Office, during regular business hours.

8:00 AM:   Call to Order

CLOSED SESSION AGENDA

1.      CLOSED  SESSION - Conference  with  legal counsel; anticipated litigation, significant exposure to litigation (one  case); based on Claim No. 12-16  - Calaveras Public Utility District filed August 23, 2012, pursuant to Government Code Section  54956.9(d)(2); County Counsel – Board action:

2.      CLOSED  SESSION; Public Employee Appointment or Employment ( County  Administrative Officer) pursuant to Government  Code Section 54957(b)(1).

9:00 AM:   Pledge of Allegiance

      Announcements

VFW Yard Sale 4-27-13

Stop by the VFW Post 12118 Yard sale in the Sports Pub parking lot on April 27, 2013. Find some hidden treasures!!

VFW Spaghetti feed and silent auction

Tickets are available at Micki and Larrys Sports Pub or email Commander Gilbert at coppervfw@gmail.com

Prime Rib at the Old Corner

Honor the Fallen 4-6-13 thru 4-9-13

Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jarett M. Yoder

Died April 9, 2013 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

---

26, of Mohnton, Pa.; assigned to 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 104th Aviation Regiment, 28th Combat Aviation Brigade, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard, Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa.; died April 9, in Pachir Wa Agam district, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when his AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed. Also killed was Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Matthew P. Ruffner, 34, of Tafford, Pa. 

 

Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Matthew P. Ruffner

Died April 9, 2013 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

---

34, of Tafford, Pa.; assigned to 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 104th Aviation Regiment, 28th Combat Aviation Brigade, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard, Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa.; died April 9 in Pachir Wa Agam district, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when his AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed. Also killed was Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jarett M. Yoder, 26, of Mohnton, Pa.

 

Copper Fire BINGO tonight! 4-20-13

Copper Clean up day TODAY!!! 4-20-13

Calling all amateur chefs!

Alchemy presents "Amateur Chef Sunday Night"

Are you an avid home cook and have ever wanted to cook one of your favorite, best, or traditional family recipes in a restaurant, with the help of a professional Chef, and then sell your dish as "Tonight's Special" to a restaurant full of people? If so, Alchemy's " Amateur Chef Sunday Night" is for you.

Submit your recipes, along with photos and the recipe's story (if you have them) directly to Alchemy's Chef Jason Wright via email at jmwrightmegg@yahoo.com.

37th Annual Columbia Wine Tasting

Karaoke at the Old Corner 4-20-13

Bark N Bubbles Shot Clinic

BARK N BUBBLES

(next to IGA in Copperopolis)

SHOT CLINIC

APRIL 20TH & MAY 18^TH

^{1PM – 3PM}

DHPP $20

Rattlesnake $20

FDRC $20

Feline Rabies $8

Microchip $20

Would owners PLEASE have dogs on leashes & cats in carriers

785-9274