Monday, January 9, 2012

MTUESD Board meeting agenda

Mark Twain Union Elementary School District will be holding a regular school district board meeting:
January 12, 2012 For agenda click HERE
Open Session 5:30 P.M.
Closed Session 5:35 P.M.
Open Session 6:30 P.M.
981 Tuolumne Avenue, Angels Camp, CA 95222

Proclomation by Governor

I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, pursuant to section 12000 of the Elections Code, proclaim that a Presidential Primary Election will be held throughout this State on Tuesday, the 5th day of June, 2012, at which candidates to the following offices will be presented to the voters:

President of the United States;

One United States Senator;

Representatives to the Congress of the United States from each of the 53 congressional districts of the State;

State Senators from odd-numbered districts of the 40 senatorial districts of the State;

Members of the Assembly from each of the 80 assembly districts of the State; and

All such other state, county, judicial, or other officers as are provided by law to be filled at such election.

I further proclaim that at such election there will also be submitted to the voters such proposed constitutional amendments, questions, and propositions as are required to be so submitted by the Constitution and laws of this State.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 5th day of January 2012.



______________________________________
EDMUND G. BROWN JR.
Governor of California

The Possible Negative Affect of ‘Fire Tax’ on Special Fire Districts

The proposed fire assessment bill  AB29 will cost property owners in SRA (State Responsibility Areas) $150 per year. Governor Brown stated in a letter to the Members of the California State Assembly on July 7, 2011 that “The purpose of the bill is to make the necessary statutory changes to realize $50 million in General Fund savings.” The monies received from this bill are not designed to increase fire service, response, or coverage.
This assessment is expected to raise approximately $50 million in its first year with the funds collected placed in the CAL FIRE budget. In turn, approximately $50 million will be removed from the CAL FIRE budget and placed in the general fund. There is no guarantee of increased fire service or coverage from the assessment. In addition, though the SRA areas will be funding this assessment, there is no guarantee that the engines assigned to the area will remain in the area; ie, the CAL FIRE engine assigned to Copperopolis can and will be moved or removed at will.

Saddle Creek Resort Announces ‘Two-for-One Stay and Play Package’ for January, February


Saddle Creek Resort – the Castle & Cooke golf community in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Calaveras County -- today announces a “Two-for-One Stay and Play Package,” starting at $223 per person, through Feb. 29.
Located two hours from the Bay Area and 1.5 hours from Sacramento, Saddle Creek Resort is home to 18 holes of championship golf with several tee boxes offering vistas of nearby Yosemite National Park.
The package includes two nights accommodations (double occupancy); two rounds of world-class golf; complimentary breakfast and cart fees; unlimited range balls; and access to the resort’s Sports Club, which houses a junior Olympic-size lap pool, workout equipment, tennis and bocce ball courts and a horse shoe pit.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

CCWD regular Board Meeting

 Calaveras County Water District
Regular Meeting Date:
Wednesday, January 11,  9:00 a.m. 2012
423 E. St. Charles Street (PO Box 846)San Andreas, California 95249

For agenda click HERE

Copper Cougars Boys Basketball re-cap

This week Copperopolis Elementary School's boys basketball played two games.  On Tuesday the Cougars faced off at home against Linden.  Our boys battled hard but it wasn't enough to stop Linden from pulling ahead in the last two minutes.  Final score was Copper 16-Linden 21.  Top scorers for Copper were Joseph Miramontes scoring 7, followed by Chase Collins with 4. 
On Thursday the boys traveled to Pioneer.  The boys played a very good game and beat Pioneer with a final score of 30-16.  Top scorers for Copper were Duncan Welch with 10 points and Johnny Miramontes & Max Meyer, both with 6 points.  Great job boys! 

Sheriff Dept Press Release re:pursuit

On 1/7/12 at about 2406hrs Calaveras Deputies, including Deputies from the Calaveras Sheriffs Department Special
Enforcement Team (SET) conducted a vehicle stop on Gold Strike Road in San Andreas near the mobile home park.
Deputies contacted the driver who was identified as Jeremy Jones 39 out of Stockton. Jones had an active
felony parole violation warrant for his arrest. In addition there was an unidentified female in the passenger
seat. While speaking with Jones he became uncooperative and fled in his vehicle. Deputies pursued the
vehicle into San Andreas and then from San Andreas into Valley Springs at speeds of approximately 80 miles
per hour. The California Highway Patrol deployed a spike strip in Valley Springs in an attempt to end the
pursuit.

Live Concert to benefit Mind Matters

Dog training by Karen Boucher

Honor the Fallen 12-15-11 to 1-2-12

Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Chad R. Regelin

Died January 2, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


24, of Cottonwood, Calif.; assigned to Marine Special Operations Company Bravo and was stationed at Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3, San Diego; died Jan. 2 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations.
 

Army Spc. Pernell J. Herrera

Died December 31, 2011 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


33, of Espanola, N.M.; assigned to 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment, New Mexico National Guard, Santa Fe, N.M.; died Dec. 31 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, after suffering a heart attack during PT.

Army Pfc. Justin M. Whitmire

Died December 27, 2011 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


20, of Easley, S.C.; assigned to 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas; died Dec. 27 in Paktya, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Army Sgt. Noah M. Korte and Army Spc. Kurt W. Kern.

Army Spc. Pernell J. Herrera

Died December 31, 2011 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


33, of Espanola, N.M.; assigned to 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment, New Mexico National Guard, Santa Fe, N.M.; died Dec. 31 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, after suffering a heart attack during PT.

Army Spc. Kurt W. Kern

Died December 27, 2011 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


24, of McAllen, Texas; assigned to 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas; died Dec. 27 in Paktya, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Army Sgt. Noah M. Korte and Army Pfc. Justin M. Whitmire.

Army Sgt. Noah M. Korte

Died December 27, 2011 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


29, of Lake Elsinore, Calif.; assigned to 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas; died Dec. 27 in Paktya, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Army Spc. Kurt W. Kern and Army Pfc. Justin M. Whitmire.

Army Staff Sgt. Joseph J. Altmann

Died December 25, 2011 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


27, of Marshfield, Wis.; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; died Dec. 25 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire.

Army Spc. Mikayla A. Bragg

Died December 21, 2011 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


21, of Longview, Wash., assigned to the 201st Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Knox, Ky.; died Dec. 21 in Khowst province, Afghanistan, of a gunshot wound.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Sports Pub Fundraiser Benefit

Texas Rich Karaoke at Micki and Larrys Sports Pub TONIGHT!!! 1-7-12

Micki and Larrys Sports Pub will be presenting new Karaoke from Texas Rich tonight beginning at 8:30 pm to 12:30. Texas Rich has an extensive and eclectic collection of songs...something to suit everyones music style.
Come enjoy the fun!
209-785-4646


Calaveras Little League sign-ups TODAY!!! 1-7-12

Angels Camp, CA 95222
2012 Registration time is here!
Registration will be held 1/7/12
from 10 AM to 12 PM
at the Copperopolis Elementary Gym
& Mark Twain Multipurpose Room
Please bring Birth Certificate, Proof of Residency, Medical & Insurance Information
Registration forms are available for download at www.calaverasamericanlittleleague.com and can be brought to one of these registration dates or mailed to:
P.O. Box 464
Registrations received by December 31, 2011 receive a $10 discount off of registration dues.
2012 Fees: T-Ball (ages 4-6) $50
Machine Pitch (ages 7-8) $50
Minors/Majors (ages 9-12) $65
Juniors/Seniors (ages 13-15) $65
Contact Steve Loweree – 785-6117 or Rich Bakke – 481-8691 for more information.

Stage 3 Theater Company 2012 Season

Hamlet, Red, Brighton Beach Memoirs, and more....
STAGE 3 THEATER COMPANY 2012 SEASON

Stage 3 Theater Company is conveniently located in downtown Sonora with a variety of play times.

Sierra Repertory 2012 Season Line-up

Gypsy, Johnny Cash, Alfred Hitchcock, Carousel, and more.....
SIERRA REPERTORY 2012

CONGRATULATIONS VFW!!

Congratulations to all Veteran of Foreign Wars Copperopolis ....
The new post name and number are:

JAMES D. PIPER   VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS   POST 12118

If you would like more information on meetings, how to join, how you can help, please contact Interim Commander Al Gilbert at coppervfw@gmail.com.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Sonora PD Press release re:child endangerment arrest

4 January 2012, at approx. 1:54 pm, Officers from the Sonora Police Department and a worker from Tuolumne County Department of Child Welfare Services went to a residence on the 300 block of Hospital Rd. to conduct a welfare check on some children, which child Welfare Services had an open case on. The reason for the visit was to confirm the children were in a safe environment.
Officers quickly located a mirror which had a large amount of a white crystal substance on it. The substance tested positive as being methamphetamine. Packaged methamphetamine was also located within reach of the children in the residence, along with open containers of alcoholic beverages. The father of the children, Juan Herrera, 29 of Sonora, admitted the methamphetamine belonged to him.

The Nooner by, Scott Lay

Around the Capitol - The nooner. California political news, opinion, laws and legislation.
THE NOONER 1-6-12

'First Fridays' concert at Snaps TONIGHT!!! 1-6-12

Sons of the San Joaguin coming to Bret Harte Theater

January 8, 2012 at 3:00 pm at The Bret Harte Theater in Angels Camp.
A melodious tribute to all aspects of Western life and history, from simple cowboy songs, to the Spanish songs of the Vaquero. Tickets available at calaverasarts.org or by calling 209-754-1774.


For more information on the Sons visit http://www.thesons.com/

Copper Run just around the corner...

The 20th annual Ed Friel Memorial Copper Run will be held Saturday, January 28, 2012, rain or shine.
2 mile run 9:00 am 
1/2 mile run 9:45 am
10K run 10:15 am

Registration fees:
$20 (postmarked by 1-20-12) 2 mile and 10K
$15 1/2 mile registration ANYTIME
$25 RUN DAY REGISTRATION

Student designed shirt included in registration fees - additional t-shirts $20.00 each.

Update: 1-7-12
785-2393 CFPD
785-2236 Copper School

Copperopolis VFW becomes a reality

According to interim Commander Al Gilbert the formation to form a Copperopolis VFW has reached fruition.

Gilbert drove to Sacramento on Thursday 1-5-12 to meet with the State VFW administration. With all membership forms and proper paperwork in hand Gilbert entered the meeting. An hour and a half later, after each form had carefully been checked and re-checked Gilbert was told that Copperopolis would have a VFW Post number assigned within the next two days!

Many, many months of work and effort from local veterans have made this a reality.

Congratulations Veterans of Foreign Wars Copperopolis.

The Copper Gazette will post information as soon as it is received at to the date of the official ceremony.

If you would like more information on how you can join or support the Copperopolis VFW email Al Gilbert at coppervfw@gmail.com.

Weekend Weather - National Weather Service

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 58.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 60.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 32.

CFPD Board meeting agenda 1-12-12

COPPEROPOLIS  FIRE  PROTECTION  DISTRICT
370   MAIN  STREET,  COPPEROPOLIS,  CA 95228
MEETING  AGENDA                JANUARY 12,  2012   
             PUBLIC  SESSION   6:30  P M 

1.  Open Public Meeting
2.  Roll Call of Directors
3.  Election of Officers of the Board
4.  Approval of Agenda   This is the time for any Director to ask that an item be considered in a different order than listed below.  New items cannot be added to this agenda for deliberation or action, but may be added to the agenda of a future meeting pursuant to Item # 11 below        ( Identification of Items for Future Meetings).   
5.  Approval of Minutes   Minutes of the Public Meeting December 8, 2011, and, Closed Session December 8, 2011.                                                                                                                  
 6.   Correspondence

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Statement by Assemblymember Olsen on the Release of Governor Brown’s 2012-13 Budget Plan

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Kristin Olsen, R-Modesto, today issued the following statement in response to the release of Governor Jerry Brown’s 2012-13 budget proposal: “I am pleased to see the Governor’s budget continues to reduce state spending, and includes measures to make government more efficient. I look forward to working with him to achieve these goals before March. The Governor’s budget misses the mark by assuming that Californians will vote to increase taxes in November, and by failing to include a plan to grow jobs in the state. The best way to make progress on eliminating our wall of debt is to grow revenues by putting Californians back to work.”  For more details on Governor Brown’s budget proposal visit: http://www.ebudget.ca.gov/pdf/BudgetSummary/FullBudgetSummary.pdf

Happy Anniversary Copper Gazette

As of January 5, 2012 the Copper Gazette has been your online news source for Copperopolis news and events.
To date the Copper Gazette has received in excess of 220,000 veiws!
Thank you Copperopolis for your continued support! You are amazing!

The Nooner - by Scott Lay

Around the Capitol - the nooner. California political news, opinion, laws and legislation.
THE NOONER 1-5-12

Early Start Preschool Social Group

Glory Hole Sports - fishin' with kids is fun

We love to complain about young people spending their time playing violent video games, staring at their computers, and watching too much TV. 

You can teach them something else to do with their time, if you take the time to share your passion for fishing with a kid.  Grap your child, your grandchild, or a kid your neighbor's kid, and teach them how much fun it is to get outside and go fishing.  Give them the gift of your knowledge. 

The skills you teach them will help keep them out of trouble.  And you can have some amazing conversations when all the electronic distractions are gone!  Their smile will be your reward. 

Check out the smiles on these lucky kids this week:

franklin
Porter Franklin (with Duncan Franklin) caught a 2-pound, 6-ounce rainbow on white Poer Eggs while bank fishing in Angels Cove.

Copper Holdings performing in Copper in January

The Copper Holdings Company, our local classic rock band, will be performing January 21, 2012 at the Town Square annual Chili cookoff and again at the Dave Head Benefit at Micki and Larry's Sports Pub on January 28, 2012.

Formed in 2005 the groups eclectic musical background creates an amazing sound when performing Blues, Classic Rock, Southern Rock and some great originals.

The Band:
Dan Burton; Guitar, Vocals, Wayne Newnam; Piano, Hammond, Synth, Vocals, Ed Pendergrass; Drums, Vocals, Norm Walton; Bass Guitar, Vocals.

Their motto:
"We bring the fun with us...wherever we play."

Panel Discusses California's Economic Crisis - Update from Senator Ted Gaines

On December 7, I convened a panel of California government and economic experts to hold an informative and insightful community discussion at the State Capitol to explore the myriad challenges dragging down our state and opportunities for an economic renaissance.
In light of the recent Legislative Analyst’s Office report on California’s grim fiscal outlook, I felt it was critical to examine every opportunity to turn around our state’s economy. The diverse panel of experts spoke from different perspectives on what ails California, but one overarching theme is that our state needs to make it easier for businesses to succeed.


Wednesday, January 4, 2012

The Nooner by Scott Lay

Around the Capitol - The Nooner. California politiacl news, opinion, laws and legislation.
THE NOONER 1-4-12

New Years Eve Party Photos from the Sports Pub



To veiw lots more pictures in a Kodak picture gallery submitted by the Sports Pub click HERE

Board of Supervisors preliminary agenda 1-10-12 meeting

CALAVERAS COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Gary TOFANELLI - VICE-CHAIR
DISTRICT  1
STEVE WILENSKY
DISTRICT 2
MERITA CALLAWAY
DISTRICT 3
THOMAS TRYON - CHAIR
DISTRICT 4
DARREN SPELLMAN
DISTRICT 5
JEANNE BOYCECounty Administrative officer
Janis Elliott
County Counsel
MADALINE KRSKACounty Clerk / board clerk

891 Mountain Ranch Rd
San Andreas, CA 95249
Tel: (209) 754-6370

January 10, 2012

PRELIMINARY AGENDA

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

IF YOU WISH TO ADDRESS THE BOARD ON AN AGENDA ITEM, PLEASE COME TO THE ROSTRUM AND GIVE YOUR NAME AND YOUR COMMENTS.  PLEASE LIMIT YOUR COMMENTS TO THE SPECIFIC SUBJECT UNDER DISCUSSION.  TIME LIMITS SHALL BE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIR.
9:00  AM:  Call to Order
      Pledge of Allegiance
      Announcements
      Selection of Chair and Vice-Chair

CONSENT AGENDA

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS ARE EXPECTED TO BE ROUTINE AND NON-CONTROVERSIAL.  THEY WILL BE ACTED UPON BY THE BOARD AT ONE TIME WITHOUT DISCUSSION.  ANY BOARD MEMBER, STAFF MEMBER OR INTERESTED PARTY MAY REQUEST REMOVAL OF AN ITEM FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR LATER DISCUSSION.
1.            MINUTES of meeting held on December 13, 2011 – Board action:
2.            CORRESPONDENCE:    December 2 – 29, 2011 (see attached) – Board action:
3.          Minute Order authorizing the Chair of the Board of Supervisors to sign Standard Agreement Number 11-10560 with the California Department of Public Health in the amount of $50,000 for Immunization Assistance Project services during the two year period of July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2013; Public Health – Board action:
4.          Minute Order authorizing the Chair of the Board of Supervisors to sign the Agreement and Certifications with the California Department of Public Health, Emergency Preparedness Office for Public Health Emergency Preparedness funds in the amount of $61,561 for the period July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012; Public Health - Board
 

Copperopolis Community Center Meeting

The Copperopolis Community Center would like to invite the public to their annual Community Center meeting on January 5, 2012 at 6:30 pm at the Historic Armory in downtown/old town Copperopolis.
The CCC (Copperopolis Community Center was officially established January 19,1940 as a non-profit corporation to promote activities that benefited the community by a group of volunteers comprised of founding families and residents of Copperopolis. Through the efforts of the CCC two publicly owned buildings in Copperopolis have been preserved; the Armory and the brick Congregational Church, and both buildings have the honor of being recognized on the National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historical Resources. In addition, the CCC strives to preserve historical archives, artifacts, and has developed a Copperopolis history program for the local Copperopolis Elementary School.


The CCC is comprised of community volunteers, including a seven-member Board of Directors and individual, family and business sponsors.
For more information on the CCC visist http://copperopoliscommunitycenter.blogspot.com/

Bird lovers - can you identify this bird?

 Each morning this lovely creature can be found in the fields throughout Copperopolis...does anyone know what this bird is?


2011 End of Year letter from George Runner

As your elected member of the California State Board of Equalization, I am fighting to ensure your voice is heard in Sacramento. As always, I welcome your ideas about how we can work together to solve the pressing problems facing our state.

2011: A Good Year for Taxpayers

How about some good news to close out this year?

If you’re a Californian, your taxes are lower today than they were a year ago. That’s a good thing for you, your community and our state economy.

You may recall that earlier this year many politicians claimed catastrophe would strike if legislators rejected a five year extension of a multi-billion dollar hike in income taxes, sales taxes and car taxes.



New Laws of 2012 - update from Senator Ted Gaines

January 1st marks the New Year and also the day that hundreds of new California laws go into effect whether we like them or not. In addition to my two bills (Senate Bill 593 & 751) that I detailed in the special edition of the Gaines Gazette, I wanted to give you a glimpse of what’s in store for the state. Some are practical and logical while others are ridiculous. Here are just a few of the new bills that became law on January 1:
Senate Bill 48 (Leno-D): Public schools must now include positive lessons on the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) community and their contributions, as well as Native Americans, Asian Pacific Islanders and people with disabilities.

Assembly Bill 130 (Cedillo-D): The first half of the California DREAM Act goes into effect, qualifying undocumented students attending California’s public institutions of higher education for privately funded financial aid.


Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Small Business Health Care Tax Credit

The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, is now available to California small business and tax-exempt employers that provide health care coverage to their employees.
For the 2011 filing season, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is allowing an unprecedented tax credit equaling up to 35 percent of the health insurance premium costs that a small business incurred for insuring its employees, and it will increase to 50 percent by 2014.

CHP New Years Weekend Stats

January 3, 2012                                                                                                                      



CHP New Years Weekend Statistics


SAN ANDREASStatewide, the CHP arrested 1270 drivers on suspicion of driving under the influence compared to 961 for the same period last year.  25 people died in automobile accidents in the state this year, compared to 24 people for last year.

In Calaveras County, 1 person was arrested by the CHP between Friday and Sunday.  Last year the CHP arrested 0 people.  Our officers handled 5 accident compared to a total of 3 accidents last year.  And for the second year in a row we had 0 fatalities for the county.

The San Andreas CHP Officers were working hard at slowing motorists down.  During the holiday weekend they wrote 44 citations.  Most were for speeding including several mechanical violations and 5 citations were for people failing to wear their seatbelt.

This year we saw a reduction in accidents for the county.  The San Andreas Area handled 502 collisions compared to 551 in 2010.  Out of those collisions we had 8 fatalities and in 2010 we unfortunately had 14 people die in this county.  The number of DUI arrests for this year 223 compared to 244 last year.

The Nooner - By Scott Lay

Around the Capitol - The Nooner. California political news, opinion, laws and legislation.
THE NOONER 1-3-12

Comment reminder

Comments are welcomed at the Copper Gazette with the caviat that your name must appear in the body of your comment. No anonymous comments will be posted.

If you have difficulty accessing the comment section or navigating it, comments are also accepted at coppergazette@gmail.com.

Rules that apply are basic, no slander, no religious, sexual, or racial slurs.

Russ Thomas to seek District 4 Supervisor Seat

Former Calaveras County Supervisor Russ Thomas will seek to regain a board seat in the 2012 election for District 4, he said Friday. The primary election is June 5 and candidates could begin taking out campaign papers as of today.
Thomas was a first-term supervisor who lost his re-election bid in November 2010 in what was then District 5, a west county district that sprawled from Rancho Cala-veras to Copperopolis.
Redistricting has since divided the district, creating a new District 5 that includes Rancho Calaveras, Jenny Lind, Wallace and Burson, and a new District 4 that includes Copperopolis, Angels Camp and Vallecito.
The man who beat Thomas last November, Darren Spell-man, survived a recall attempt in November and has three years left in his term in the new District 5. His opponents failed to gather enough signatures to put the recall on the ballot.

New Melones Fishing report from Glory Hole Sports

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

Initiative before Legislature to limit or eliminate benefits for part-time local officials

The initiative intended to ensure benefits are properly funded and do not drain funds needed for essential government services such as public safety and education, was penned and submitted by Daniel Pellisier on November 15, 2011 to be passed by a 2/3 vote of the Legislature. The 'Government Pension Reform Act of 2012' covers end-of-year 'spiking' to earn larger retirement: requests that a pensions be based on an three year average wage; removes benefits paid to a government retiree that has committed a felony: redefines 'Government Agency' to include state, counties, cities, school districts, special districts, boards, and commisions: Government employee and employer shall equally share costs of defined benefits: and more.
To read full initiative click HERE

Copper Chili Cookoff 2012

Monday, January 2, 2012

The New Year rings in new Traffic Laws - CHP News Release

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – As we count down to the new year, California motorists should be
aware of some of the new laws going into effect January 1, 2012. These new traffic laws were
passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor earlier this year, and the California
Highway Patrol (CHP) is asking the motoring public to familiarize themselves with the changes
before they take effect.
“Our hope is by educating the public of these new traffic safety laws in advance, more lives will
be saved in the new year,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.
The following are highlights of a few of the significant changes for the upcoming year:
· A change to California’s Child Passenger Safety Seat law will now require children to
ride in either a car seat or booster seat until the age of eight, or until they reach a height
of 4 feet 9 inches. This law also requires children who do not meet the age or height
requirement to ride in the rear seat of a vehicle unless the vehicle has no back seats, the
restraint system cannot be properly installed or the rear seats are already occupied by
children under age eight. However, the law still maintains that a child may not ride in the
front seat of a vehicle with an active passenger airbag if they are under one year of age,
less than 20 pounds, or riding in a rear-facing child safety seat. (SB 929, Evans)

McCarty's closes its doors

Hazardous Weather Outlook - National Weather Service

PATCHY DENSE VALLEY FOG IS POSSIBLE TUESDAY MORNING...OTHERWISE
NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

Sonora PD Recognizes employees/volunteers of the year for 2011

The Police Department’s Awards Committee has recommended that the following individuals be recognized as employees/volunteers of 2011. Each individual will have their name added to the perpetual plaques which are displayed in the lobby of the Police Department. They will also be recognized at a City Council meeting in February 2012.
Officer of the Year: Sgt. Glenn Roberts
Civilian Employee of the Year: Naomi Kneip
Reserve Officer of the Year: Dennis Townsend
PACT member of the Year: Ricky Roberts
Explorer of the Year: Kayla Gladysz

26th Annual Wine Tasting 1-14-12

'The Moonshine Bandits' - good samaritans

After playing a New Years Eve concert at the Lake Tulloch Resort, The Moonshine Bandits packed up and headed out of town mid morning on 1-1-12. As they crested the hill on O'Byrnes Ferry road near the entrance to the Sierra Conservation Center they witnessed the aftermath of a vehicle rollover that had occurred seconds before.
All members of the band and their entourage jumped to the aid of the victims trapped in the overturned vehicle managing to extract one person from the back of the inverted vehicle. While the extraction took place, multiple members held the car for support so it would not roll on those attempting a rescue or further hurt those inside as they awaited emergency personnel to arrive.
This picture was submitted by a citizen showing the band and it members assisting.


Assemblymember Olsen Responds to Supreme Court Ruling on Redevelopment Agencies Sacramento

Assemblymember Kristin Olsen, R-Modesto, issued the following statement regarding the ruling by the California Supreme Court on Redevelopment Agencies: "I am extremely disappointed by the Court's decision to allow the state to raid local dollars in order to pay its bills. It is a clear violation of the spirit of Proposition 22, which passed overwhelmingly by California voters just one year ago." "Redevelopment agencies are one of California's only economic development tools," Olsen continued.  "It is shortsighted and foolish to eliminate these agencies that help create jobs and remove blight, especially during a recession." Olsen concluded, "It is unlikely that $1.7 billion will even materialize, as most of the money is already allocated to pay existing redevelopment agency bond debt.  We should be cutting state bureaucracy and programs to close our budget deficit, not using local funds as a bailout."

Angels Camp PD press release re:arrests

On December 30, 2011, Angels Camp Police Officers arrested James Matthew Whorton, 27 years of age, of Stockton, for being a convicted felon in possession of a loaded firearm and driving under the influence of a controlled substance.  Whorton was contacted during a traffic enforcement stop on SR 4 just west of SR 49.  During the contact Whorton was displaying signs of being under the influence of a controlled substance.  After conducting roadside sobriety tests Whorton was arrested and admitted to being in possession of a sawed-off rifle.  During a search of his vehicle officer’s located a sawed-off rifle, ammunition and narcotics.  Whorton was book at the Calaveras County Jail.


On December 31, 2011, Angels Camp Police Officer Chris Adams arrested Luis Oscar Sanchez, 23 years of age, of Lindsay, CA for auto theft, possession of a stolen vehicle and parole violation.  Officer Adams observed a vehicle traveling at an unsafe speed on SR 49 and made an enforcement stop just south of the Angels Camp city limits.  During the enforcement stop Officer Adams learned that the vehicle, a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu, was reported stolen out of Lindsay, CA on December 30, 2011.  Sanchez, who was driving the stolen vehicle, initially lied about his identity. A fingerprint check at the jail revealed his true identity and confirmed that he was on active California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations Parole.  Sanchez was booked at the Calaveras County Jail.
On January 1, 2012, Angels Camp Police were called for a burglary report at Mike’s Pizza on S. Main St.  During the course of the investigation officers learned that a high pressure washer was stolen from a locked storage area.  Officers were provided with video surveillance from Mike’s Pizza and surrounding businesses which showed two males making entry into the storage area and removing the high pressure washer around 0300 hours.  The investigation is ongoing.  The Angels Camp Police Department is asking anyone with information regarding this burglary to please contact the Angels Camp Police Department, at 209-736-2576, or by email at chrisadams@angelscamp.gov.

Governor Brown announces appointments

James Adler, 75, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the California Law Revision Commission. Adler has been an arbitrator and mediator since 2005. Adler was a partner at Irell and Manella LLP from 1982 to 2005 and a partner at Munger Tolles and Olson LLP from 1965 to 1982. He served as a law clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren and Justice Charles Whittaker from 1961 to 1962. Adler received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $50 per diem. Adler is a Democrat.

Governor Brown releases '2011: Milestones and Accomplishments'

The Office of Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today released “2011: Milestones and Accomplishments,” a year-in-review report on the Governor’s actions since taking office.

The report covers the actions Governor Brown took in 2011 to:

• Balance the budget honestly and cut our deficit in half
• Enact historic public safety realignment
• Drive job creation and economic development
• Cut waste and curb spending
• Make government more efficient
• Champion renewable energy and environmental sustainability
• Pursue bold, fair pension reform
• Promote equality and justice

The interactive report also covers other highlights, including the State of the State Address, the Royal visit, Sutter Brown’s appointment as First Dog, the California Hall of Fame and more.

“2011: Milestones and Accomplishments” can be viewed and downloaded as a PDF here . Click on any tab or button to access a page.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

'First Fridays' concert January 6 at Snaps Coffee House and Wine Bar

Roll Over on O'Byrnes

At approximately 11:00 am 1-1-12 a car was involved in a rollover on O'Byrnes Ferry road just outside the Sierra Conservation entrance. The roll-over trapped three persons in the overturned vehicle. The car was headed to Copperopolis to attend Church of the Harvest services.
Multiple citizens stopped to assist the injured and trapped managing to extract one passenger from the rear of the vehicle. Both the driver and the front passenger were trapped.
Agencies from the Conservation Center, Highway Patrol and local fire agencies responded. All three within the vehicle were transported via ambulance to nearby hospitals. The driver of another vehicle that was involved, investigation still pending, was also treated by Paramedics.



Single car roll over obyrnes at conservation.center intersection

New Years morning on Lake Tulloch