The Calaveras Community Foundation (CCF) Announces Competitive Grant Cycle for 2014

In 2013, Calaveras Community Foundation introduced the idea of focusing on initiatives for grant giving. The two initiatives chosen were: Aging in Place for Seniors and Support for Learning of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The results, based on the number of viable applications received were gratifying.  In 2014, those same two initiatives will still be in place with the addition of a third: County Youth – designed to foster youth development in extra-curricular activities for ages K-12.

An additional change in the 2014 grant processing cycle is an earlier submission period for all grants applications. Applications will begin to be accepted on March 1, 2014 and must be submitted to CCF by 5:00 PM on Friday, March 31, 2014.  As in 2013, ALL applications for competitive grants MUST address one of the three initiatives to be considered for funding. Complete details, application guidelines and fillable forms are now available on the website www.calaverascommunityfoundation.org in the “Grants and Scholarships” area.

Public Health Dept press release re: Measles Cases Increasing in CA

SAN ANDREAS - The California Department of Public Health has reported a sharp increase in measles cases in the state.  Fifteen cases of measles have been confirmed so far this year.  Last year at the same time only two cases had been reported.

“No measles cases have been reported at this time in Calaveras County,” stated Dr. Kelaita, County Health Officer.  “Measles is a very contagious viral disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes.”  A measles outbreak is occurring in the Philippines. Many other parts of the world are experiencing cases.  Since 2000, almost all measles cases in the United States have been linked to world travel in areas where measles is present.  Travelers that are not vaccinated can bring it back to our country if they are not vaccinated prior to travel.

The vaccination rate for school children in Calaveras is below that of the state.  “That means that we have a large group of children who are susceptible to measles,” continued Dr. Kelaita.  Infants less than 12 months of age are too young to receive the vaccine.  Infants, pregnant women and immune compromised persons are at more risk of severe complications from measles. Two doses of MMR [Measles, Mumps Rubella] vaccine are needed by children before entering kindergarten.  Unvaccinated children and adults who have not already had the disease increase the risk of spreading the disease in the community.

State Controller's New eClaim Feature for Unclaimed Property Sends $1 Million to Owners

SACRAMENTO - State Controller John Chiang today announced his new online claiming feature for unclaimed property has already resulted in nearly $1.1 million in payments with an average wait time of 10 days.

The new eClaim innovation, launched on January 28, allows unclaimed property owners to claim single-owner accounts worth up to $500 without the "paper and snail-mail" process used since the unclaimed property program was established in 1959.

Board of Supervisors 2-25-14 preliminary agenda

To view the Board of Supervisors 2-25-14 preliminary agenda CLICK HERE

Calaveras County Taxpayers Association - Promoting Constitution

Taxpayers Promoting Constitution

The Calaveras County Taxpayers Association (CCTA) is launching an outreach effort to promote constitutional principles through distribution of a booklet, The US Constitution and Fascinating Facts About It, to public officials and other leaders in Calaveras County. 

The group's President, Al Segalla, said "The first batch of booklets will be presented to county supervisors at the board meeting on Tuesday, February 25.  More copies will be presented to other officials, educators and leaders in the near future.    A Constitution contest with prizes for students is being considered. CCTA previously sponsored a student contest for posters and essays and the proud winners were presented awards from Congressman, Tom McClintock." 

Bob Mulvany, CCTA Project Chair, said "These booklets are unique and have had over two million copies distributed worldwide.  The booklet contains so much more than the founding document, including Fascinating Facts About the Founding Fathers, The Declaration Of Independence, The Articles of Confederation, The Supreme Court and 20 Land Mark Cases In Supreme Court History to name just a few." 

Sheriff Dept press release re: five new members sworn into volunteer unit

Calaveras Sheriff Gary Kuntz swore-in five new members of the Sheriff’s Volunteer Unit during the January meeting.  The swearing-in of the new volunteers confirms their responsibility to work closely with the Sheriff’s Office and the mission of upholding the law in Calaveras County.

            The new volunteers Lyle Brat, Louis Chiu, Kathleen Gonzalez, Gale Slot and Peggy Stout will assist the Calaveras Sheriff’s Office in a wide range of activities including, but not limited to, helping staff the Sheriff substations, patrol residential areas, businesses, schools, parks, and crowd/traffic control at community events.  In addition, the volunteers perform clerical and other assistance to the various departments of the Sheriff’s Office.

Bret Harte Senior picks Copper Library for Senior project

Lucas Cox, a 17 year old Bret Harte senior, chose to help out his community and finish his senior project in one fell swoop, by donating time to the Copper library.

Since late October Lucas has been volunteering at the Copper library every Wednesday to help with whatever was needed. He has hosted two kids movie nights and helped out with shelving of books and movies and used a lot of organizational skills and muscle in the recent big move to a new location.

To date Lucas has volunteered almost 75 hours to the library. "It's rewarding. I really enjoyed movie night; something for the kids in the community to do."

CHP San Andreas offers teen smart start Feb 27

San Andreas, CA – The leading cause of death for Americans 15-20 years old is motor vehicle collisions, (According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and the CHP’s goal is to reduce the death rate among teenagers as the result of these collisions.

In order to address this alarming trend, the CHP developed a program called Start Smart. Start Smart is aimed at helping newly licensed and future licensed teenage drivers understand the critical responsibilities of driving and to understand that accidents do happen, but collisions are 100 percent preventable.

The primary objective of Start Smart is to provide teens and their parent/guardians with an interactive safe driving awareness class which will illustrate how poor choices behind the wheel of a car can affect the lives of numerous people.

Make a mark - by 6th grader Ashlynn Atkins

Can one person or a small group of people make a huge change to society?

This question was asked of them after several lessons/class discussions leading into Black History Month.  

This was Ashlynn's response:
 

                   I remember when I first started learning about discrimination against African Americans in Kindergarten.  What our teachers were really teaching us was that one person or a small group of people can really make big changes.  My teacher said that some of the most important people in American history were one or more African Americans that changed society forever: Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and The Little Rock Nine.  

The Little Rock Nine were six kids who went against all odds. Minnijean Brown, Elizabeth Eckford, Ernest Green, Thelma Mothershed Wair, Melba Pattillo Beals, Carlotta Walls LaNier went to Central High School and faced a lot of physical and verbal bullying just because they were African American. Along with that, most of the townspeople did not think that these kids should go to their school because they thought that African Americans should have separate schools. The Little Rock Nine showed Americans that you should never care what people think of you, especially when it’s negative. 

They changed society so that it would never be the same. 

So when you get to point where you need to make a change, think of the Little Rock Nine. It’s important to make a mark; those kids most definitely did.  

by,

Ashlynn Atkins

Celebrating Black History month - thoughts from Copper 5th and 6th graders

After several lessons/class discussions leading into Black History month the following question was asked of the 5th grade children in Copperopolis Elementary:

Can one person or a small group of people make a huge change to society?

Each day this week the Copper Gazette will highlight a 'thought' from our 5th grade students.

Honor the Fallen 2-11-14 thru 2-15-14

Army Sgt. 1st Class Roberto C. Skelt

Died February 12, 2014 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

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41, of York, Fla.; assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Feb. 12 in Kapisa province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by small-arms fire. Also killed was Spc. John A. Pelham.

 

Army Spc. John A. Pelham

Died February 12, 2014 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

---

22, of Portland, Ore.; assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Feb. 12 in Kapisa province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by small-arms fire. Also killed was Sgt. 1st Class Roberto C. Skelt.

 

Marine Master Sgt. Aaron C. Torian

Died February 15, 2014 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

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36, of Paducah, Ky.; assigned to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special Operations Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Feb. 15 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by enemy action. 

 

 

Copperopolis Olive Oil Company offers email subscribers deals

As if their olive oil isn't fantastic enought, John and Josie - owners of Copperopolis Olive Oil Company - are offering a wonderful little gift to those who subscribe to their email newletter that covers everything olive oil and more.

To subscribe, just visit their store and sign up!

Copperopolis Olive Oil company also offers a valued customer reward card, buy 10 bottles, get one free!

Stop by today!
621 McCarty Street, Town Square, Copperopolis

Open Mon.-Sun  11-5 pm   Sat 11-6 pm

Gov Brown's Executive Report on Parole Review Decisions

To view the complete Parole Review Decisions report in PDF CLICK HERE


To view the complete Executive report on Pardons, Commutations of Sentence and Reprieves in PDF CLICK HERE

Community Garden work day this Sunday 2-23-14

Hello Gardeners,
Let us do another Sunday afternoon work session. Last Sunday was really productive. Please just come if and when you can get away. George and I plan to be there from 1pm to 3pm. Will extract good strawberry starts from old beds and plant 24 new nursery starts to create variety. Also hope to plant a row of beans.
Richard D

Kindness hero essays complete

We hope you enjoyed reading the various kindness hero essays this week from the wonderful children of Copperopolis Elementary.
The impact you make on a young life may seem insignificant to you, but to them, you are their heros!
Keep up the good work kindness heros!

On this day in History George Washington was born - History.com

 George Washington (1732-99) was commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War (1775-83) and served two terms as the first U.S. president, from 1789 to 1797. The son of a prosperous planter, Washington was raised in colonial Virginia. As a young man, he worked as a surveyor then fought in the French and Indian War (1754-63). During the American Revolution, he led the colonial forces to victory over the British and became a national hero. In 1787, he was elected president of the convention that wrote the U.S. Constitution. Two years later, Washington became America's first president. Realizing that the way he handled the job would impact how future presidents approached the position, he handed down a legacy of strength, integrity and national purpose. Less than three years after leaving office, he died at his Virginia plantation, Mount Vernon, at age 67.

 

Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office press release re: car jacking

     On 02-20-14, at 0800 hrs, the Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call in which the Victim said her car had been stolen. Deputies responded to the area of Cabezut and Greenly Road, where they met with the Victim.

     The Victim said the suspect, later identified as Victoria Zelmer, was waving her arms and appeared in of need help. The Victim stopped, got out of the car, and approached Zelmer. Zelmer got into the Victim’s car and drove off.

     Zelmer drove into the city of Sonora where she got out of the car and walked off, leaving the car in the roadway. The Sonora Police Department was sent to the report of the car being parked in the roadway and a female acting strange. Zelmer was located and detained by Sonora PD. Sheriff’s Deputies responded and confirmed Zelmer was the one who took the car from the Victim. Zelmer was arrested for 215 P.C. (carjacking) and booked into the county jail. The car was returned to the Victim.     

Board of Supervisors 2-25-14 preliminary agenda

To view the Board of Supervisors 2-25-14 preliminary agenda CLICK HERE

Karaoke at the Old Corner 2-22-14

Copper Library moves to new home

On Wednesday February 19, 2014, the Copperopolis Branch library moved to its newest location in Lake Tulloch plaza.

No stranger to moving, this is the fourth move during the library's 14 year existence, the move came off without a hitch.

Over 130 boxes of books, 8 compuetrs and desks, as well as library furniture and shelving were moved in record time with the help of members of the Lake Tulloch Lions, VFW Post 12118, as well as Julie Eggert, Belva Bristol, Pam Vaughn, Pam ad Fred Smith, and Kathleen Kunzs.

Sonora PD press release re: Ricky Roberts Candlelight vigil

A candlelight visual has been scheduled for Ricky Roberts, at his shop located on Mono Way, for Sunday, 23 February 2014 at 7:00 pm. Participants are encouraged to car pool as parking will be limited to allow an area for people to participate in the visual.
The Sonora Police Department will be providing crossing services for pedestrians on Mono Way, across from Roberts’ shop, for those who park at the old Behavioral Health building, the Grocery Outlet, or other locations and walk to the shop.
Traffic will be congested in the area, with slow, as well as stop and go traffic. If you are not participating in the event, we are encouraging you to utilize other routes between 6:30 pm and 8:00 pm to help avoid congestion in the area. Vehicles parked creating hazards will be cited and/or towed.

Live comedy TONIGHT!!! at the Sports Pub 2-21-14

500 bicyclists descend on Copper over the weekend

Topsport Cycling, an event planning company and racing team located in Sonora, hosted the Copper Town Circuit Race held in Town Square on February 16, 2014.

This race, a 5.5 mile closed circuit race down Little John extension and back with a loop through Town Square, brought in over 500 bicyclists from as far away as San Luis Obispo.

Sheriff's community patrol and the Sheriff's explorer scouts helped out at the event as well as Deputy Eric Lisk.

Some proceeds of the race benefited the Copperopolis Parks and Rec.

The next Topsport race for Copperopolis is scheduled for April 6, 2014 which will include a run down Rock Creek Road as well as Little John Road.

Photos by Kristina Zimmerman.

For race results CLICK HERE

Weekend Weather

• 2-21-14
• Friday Sunny, with a high near 67. Light and variable wind.
• Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 41. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph becoming north northeast in the evening.
• Saturday Sunny, with a high near 68.
• Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 41.
• Sunday Sunny, with a high near 68.
• Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 42.

Kindness Hero Essay by Samantha Sinclair

I believe that my dear friend Sid Warner is a wonderful kindness hero. He was born in Canada in 1927, and is 86 years old now. He was raised to be smart and tough. He would always entertain himself by helping, because he did not have many toys. He was always helping in hard times, and still kept decent grades. He was becoming a strong young man. Even though he was young, he would still help and care for people.

At a young age he joined the Air Force in Canada. His job was on a fighter jet as a tail gunner. The tail gunner is someone who is in the end of the jet shooting at other planes and things while in war. After serving in the Air Force for a LONG time he retired. He then met his wife Marge. They together moved to Castro Valley, Ca. After a few years they had three kids. They're names were David, Steve and Lynne. Later Marge was diagnosed with cancer. Sadly Marge died only when the kids were about 10 years old. He still raised AMAZING kids and now they are great adults. He was always taking care of his obligations and dedicates his time to help.

Not too long ago he met my grandma. Ten about 10 years later I came along. Hes always helping me when I need help or someone else. Now, still at age 86 is still a workaholic. He had heart surgery to help him out. He is a little sad because he cannot do the things he used to be able to do, but he is still doing awesome.

Sid Warner as a kindness hero each year, because he is an amazing man and will never stop giving help.

by,
Samantha Sinclair

LIVE Reggae at the Sports Pub

Girl scout cookies comin' to town

Our newly formed Brownie Troop #3305 as well as Troop 2026 will be selling their yummy Girl Scout Cookies at IGA Payless on February 22, 2014 and Copper Station on March 1, 2014.  Troops will be taking pre-orders begining January 10th.   

The Brownie troop began in November 2013 and already has six girls in their troop but are always looking for new girls to join. If your child is in 2nd or 3rd grade and is interested in becoming a Brownie please contact Troop #3305 leader Liz Martinez at 785-4025. 

Hospice of the Sierra Launches New Grief Support Program

Hospice of the Sierra has launched a new grief support program, Sierra Grief, as a service to those suffering loss in Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties.  Sierra Grief is open to anyone grieving a loved one, pet, job or any other type of loss.  These groups will meet weekly throughout the year at several locations including: Sonora, Groveland Murphys and Angels Camp. Sierra Grief is open to the public.

Sierra Grief uses a model developed by Reverend Alice Zulli, Chaplain at Glendale Adventist Medical Center, which focuses on group members sharing their loss. Zulli recently traveled to Sonora to work with and train the Hospice of the Sierra staff, volunteers and other community members on this program. Zulli states “to be a facilitator you must work in your heart, not in your head.” The key to Sierra Grief is to have groups share their feelings and find strength. “What you do not feel, you cannot heal.”

Local boy places 5th in US Kids Sacramento WInter Golf Tour

RJ Oatts, age 9, of Copperopolis played in the US Kids Sacramento Winter Tour from November 2013 to February 2014.

The Tour Championship was held February 16, 2014 at Ancil Hoffman Golf Course in Sacramento where RJ shot a 44 in the nine hole event earning fifth place. At this same event, RJ also received the honor of being named as one of the “Top Five” players in the tour.

RJ is in fourth grade at Copperopolis Elementary School and he participates in the Greenhorn Creek Junior Golf Academy. He is a member of Saddle Creek Golf Course in which RJ states “is his very favorite course to play.”

Bark n Bubbles now offering Pet Sitting

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Calaveras Arts Council brings Mandelring Quartet come to Ovations 2014 Series

Renowned German music magazine, Fono Forum writes “Mandelring Quartet is one of the six best string quartets in the world”.  They have performed in some of the  finest music halls in the world and on Saturday, February 22 at 2:00 pm they will perform at the Dr. Elliott Smart Performing Arts Center located at Bret Harte High School, 323 Highway 49, in Angels Camp.  Adult tickets are $25 and Youth 18 years and younger at $10.00.  Go on-line to www.calaverasarts.org (home page), scroll down to order tickets on line or call 754-1774.

The Mandelring Quartet is known to carefully prepare, rehearse, and control their performances as if nothing is left to chance, yet they sound spontaneous and animated.  On Saturday afternoon they will perform Mozart, String Quartet K.421, Mendelssohn, String Quartet OP.80 and Beethoven, String Quartet OP. 132.

Kindness Hero Essay by 4th grader Brandon Reder

There are many people who help others and are hero's but the one person who is my biggest hero is my friends mom, Tira who is a nurse. I have known her for about three years. She is helpful, kind and careful when shes washing a patients leg so it won;t hurt or when shes using a liquid on a cut.

She has helped a lot of people, even me. I cut my hand open with a sharp plant and she put butterfly stitches on it and put a white bandage on it and after three days it healed. She helped her son when he crashed his bike and really hurt his elbow.

Tira helps  other people by working in the hospital. She would help if they had any cuts, a bite form something poisonous like a rattlesnake, scorpion, or other poisonous snake. She has at one time or another helped most of the people in my street. For instance my friend Caleb who was riding his skateboard and he flipped it and got a huge cut on his leg. Tira came to the rescue and bandaged him up. Tira also helped my brother when he crashed into a tree on his bike. I went to go get her and she cleaned up the cuts in his leg.

Tira is a nurse who is helpful to everyone. She helps anyone that is hurt like my brother, Caleb, her son, and me. Tira helps people in the hospital to get better. She is kind to people and she is careful when she helps. Tira is also never in a  bad mood shes always a happy person. This is why I have chosen Tira as my kindness hero.

by,
Brandon Reder

Sonora PD press release re : Ricky Roberts' Car Trailer

There has been a rumor going around and several postings on facebook that Ricky Roberts’ Car Trailer was stolen during his homicide. This is not true! The trailer was loaned to a friend, which we have confirmed.
There is no need to call the police department with the possible location of the trailer or who might be in possession of it. We greatly appreciate all the calls we received on this topic, but unfortunately this is distracting from the investigation as these calls have to be fielded by the investigators working the case.
However, we are still seeking information regarding who may have been around or at Roberts’ shop on Mono Way, between 7:30 and 11:00 am on Sunday, 16 February 2014.
If you have any other information you feel might be important to this investigation, we ask that you call the Sonora Police Department at 532-8141, you may remain anonymous.