DA press release re:Jury finds Robert Swiggart guilty of four felonies in three strikes case - updated

CALAVERAS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Barbara Yook

891 Mountain Ranch Road

San Andreas, CA 95249

(209) 754-6330

FAX (209) 754-6645

July 9, 2014 Press Release

 

JURY FINDS MAN GUILTY IN THREE STRIKES CASE

People v. Robert Swiggart, 14F6178

            On Tuesday a Calaveras County jury convicted a Stockton man, Robert Swiggart, of four felonies with two strike priors, four prison priors and one misdemeanor.  The felonies include criminal threats, inflicting injury on Jane Doe a co-habitant, attempting to extort $5,000, and stalking of Jane Doe after a restraining order was issued against him.

            Deputy District Attorney Dana Pfeil was pleased with the outcome.  She said “the victim (Jane Doe) showed real courage after testifying for an entire day.  Domestic violence cases can be difficult because there is a stigma attached to the crime.”  In the middle of the trial the Defendant decided to represent himself, as is his Constitutional right, so the Public Defender’s Office was relieved.  Three Deputy Sheriff’s testified in the case in addition to three lay witnesses.  Dana Pfeil said “Justice was served and a career criminal will be out of our community.”

The two “strike” prior convictions were for two separate burglaries of an inhabited dwelling in 1994.  The Defendant could receive twenty-five years to life in prison due to the two strike priors and possibly more time for the remaining felonies.  A sentencing hearing is set for August 5^th.  The Probation Department is expected to file a report and recommend a sentence.

The victim wished to be listed as a Jane Doe in court documents.

updated 7-9-14 3:50 pm.

Vigil to be held for Tyler Tafjen

There will be a vigil held tonight, 7-9-14, at 6:30 at Bret Harte in the Multi Purpose room, for Tyler Tafjen, a young Copperopolis man who so sadly lost his life yesterday, 7-8-14.

There will be grief counselors available as well as Hospice Grief busters from Live-On.

"This is an opportunity to create an environment for students to gather, to be together during this hard time, with access to counselors." Said Superintendent Michael Chimente.

Courtesy photos.

The Sound of Music comes to the Fallon House

The foothills will come alive with The Sound of Music when the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical returns July 11 through August 31 at Sierra Repertory Theatre’s historic Fallon House Theatre in Columbia.

The delightful musical – based on the true story of the von Trapp family in Austria – has been captivating audiences for more than half a century, drawing huge crowds when it first hit Broadway and appearing again six years later as a much-beloved film.

After 55 years, the show’s appeal is still universal, Sierra Rep’s Artistic Director Scott Viets said.

“There’s something special about The Sound of Music,” said Scott Viets, Sierra Rep’s artistic director, who directs the show. “Seven children singing and dancing, a love story, nuns, villains, an exotic setting – Austria in the 1930s – and that incredible musical score.”

Press conference re: Delta College

I will be holding a press conference on Friday July 11th regarding Delta College.  The meeting will be held at the San Andreas Library beginning at 1:30pm. Kathy Hart, President of Delta College, Stephen Castellanos, Delta College Board Representative, Sherri Reusch, John Garamendi Jr., and myself will be available for questions regarding our relationship with Delta College.

Cliff Edson
Calaveras County
Supervisor District 1

'Bones' - Physical Therapy Clinic Welcomed to Medical Center Family

July 3, 2014 (Sonora, CA) — Sonora Regional Medical Center welcomes Bones Physical Therapy
which, effective August 1, 2014, will become a part of the Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
department at the Medical Center. Bones Physical Therapy opened 12 years ago and has assembled
a well-respected team of physical therapists. The Medical Center looks forward to continuing their
legacy of exceptional care.

Bones Physical Therapy is conveniently located next to Sonora Sports and Fitness Center at 13808
Mono Way in Sonora. For more information, please call Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at
209-536-5040.

Calaveras County Sheriff Volunteers celebrate 25 years

The Calaveras County Sheriff Volunteer Unit celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Unit in 2014.  In July, a group photo of the Unit was taken in front of the new Sheriff's Office in San Andreas.  There are many new faces in the Unit; however, their mission remains the same - to volunteer for the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office to provide a law and order community for the safety of the County residents.

The Calaveras Sheriff's Volunteer Unit is in need of serious-minded retired or semi-retired persons to perform various duties such as Sheriff Substation operation, resident, business and school patrol in marked patrol vehicles and other non-law enforcement duties.  Training is provided and background checks are made on all applications,  Senior citizens welcome.

Contact the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office for an application and/or more information at 209-754-6500 or visit any of the Sheriff Substations. 

Young Copper Life lost - update

Update: 7-9-14 10:15 am
Angels Memorial has just released the name of the young man in Copperopolis who lost his life yesterday, Tyler Tafjen.

As some of you may have heard, a Bret Harte student and Copper resident lost their life yesterday.
The name has not been released.
Out of respect for the family, the name will not be released without proper authority.
Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Grief counselors will be available through Live On.

A message from Live On:
Tonight as with many we are filled with a heavy heart finding out about the passing of a BH student. We would like to first offer our condolences to the family & friends. Then second offer our grief support to anyone who needs it. We are working on a location & time to offer a Teen Peer Support Group asap. We will announce the place and times as soon as details are finalized. Until then please reach out and talk!! Please do not keep grief bottled inside.You are not alone! ANYONE can call the crisis # 1-800-499-3030 they are trained counselors ready to listen.

CAC Music in the Parks presents - Locals Don Barker and JoAnn Ebbett are Super & Secret and are Suprescret in Valley Springs

Sit back; enjoy an evening of music with Suprecret’s long list of classic rock, blues, jazz, reggae and county music.  Calaveras Arts Council’s Free Music in the Park 2014 series will fill the air in Valley Spring at the Ball Field on July 9.  Music begins at 6:30pm and ends at 8:00pm.  Bring your low back chairs, picnic dinner and beverages of choice.

Suprecret has a newer history as a performing duo but each musician has a lifelong involvement and performance experience in music.  Don Barker on vocals and guitar with JoAnn Ebbett on piano and vocals bring their intimate ballads, rock and roll, blues, reggae and country sound on stage for the audience to enjoy.  However, don’t just sit there, get up and dance.

4th of July Celebration in Angels Camp a wonderful tribute to veterans, families and freedom!

The Angels Camp Business Association 4th of July Celebration held in Utica Park had the all the makings of a fabulous community celebration.

The Det. 1 40th Infantry Division Band "The Governor's Own" played patriotic music of all eras brilliantly and to the delight of all.

The crowd stood with respect as the ceremony began with the James D Piper VFW Post 12118 Honor Guard performing the call to colors with skill and palpable pride.

The National Anthem, sung by Leah Callahan, was sung beautifully,

followed by a blessing and the reading of the Declaration of Independence. A must read for all citizens.

When it came time to honor veterans, Master of Ceremonies Captain James Dodge, USN Ret, was pleasantly surprised with the more than 10 pages of veterans submitted. Over 100 names were read, with their dates of service and medals earned.

Flags representing each branch of the military were held by members of VFW Post 12118, when one flag was stepped forward, veterans in the crowd who served in that branch would stand and be honored while the anthem for that branch was played by the band.

Veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Aleutian Island campaign, Panama, Granada, Iraq, and Afghanistan were represented.

For more pictures CLICK HERE

New Tax Payer Alert videos

uest Sheriff Gary Kuntz discusses the new jail, a need for new radio communications towers, AB 109, Veterans Court, crime reporting issues and developing a burglary response unit. The Veterans Court proposal was promoted by Charity Maness who was a previous guest on this program. She also has the Copper Gazette and writes for the Calaveras Enterprise. Gary has just been reelected to serve our county for another four years. In July we will be taping an interview with Candice Keesey, Executive Director, Friends of the Sheriff's Office which raised $50,000 for a new canine unit.    Click for link

Guest Joel Barnett talks about the new Bear Valley Mountain Cooperative, including who is currently involved, what are the goals and objectives and how Bear Valley affects our economy in Calaveras County. Also provided is information about the benefits of becoming a member and how to become one. Joel is also owner of Bear Valley Real Estate Brokerage. Click for link

 

 

Community Garden clean up

Remembering Rick Nelson's song, "Garden Party", we'll get together tomorrow night to 'have at' the Morning Glory and try to figure out what's happening to the irrigation on Chaitan's Oak Tubs.

Oak Tubs - the central tub has standing water when the drip irrigation is on, so clearly it is 'stealing' water from the other two tubs.

Morning Glory - yes, it is bad and we need to "get physical" in order to give the tomatoes a chance to set their flowers.   We also should give them some calcium, to stave off blossom end rot - I do believe we have what is needed in the shed.

Beans - need to be picked, so bring a basket to take some home.  And the Morning Glory is no less aggressive on that end (north) of the garden.

I do appreciate all who've spoken with me to let me know they will attend.   Thank you for your support.

Richard, Carla and George

 

 

Sonora PD press release re: Stolen Property Arrest

7 July 2014, at approx. 10:22 am, Officers responded to a reported suspicious person and vehicle parked in the area of 940 Sylva Lane. A male subject had been observed exiting a Chevrolet Blazer, which was parked behind some brush, towards the rear of a medical office.
When officers arrived, they contacted Klinton Gregson, 35 of Sonora. A check on the vehicle revealed it was stolen out of Tuolumne County. During the officer’s contact with Gregson, Gregson admitted to stealing the vehicle.
Gregson was taken into custody without incident and booked at the Tuolumne County jail for felony possession of stolen property.

Resource Connection 2104 Produce Days

65th ANNUAL MURPHYS HOMECOMING SATURDAY, JULY 19

            Everyone is invited to the 65th annual Murphys Homecoming to be held Saturday, July 19, in the cool confines of the town’s historic park.

            "Homecoming is more than a Murphys celebration,” says Suzanne Friedman, president of the Murphys Community Club.  “It is a chance to recognize the historical significance of our whole area.  We have secured the participation of the Angels Camp museums. They will set up a booth and display of local history.  Several members of our Community Club board will be dressed in period costumes to add authentic ambiance."

Dive Bar Poets LIVE at the Old Corner

Murphys Creek Theter presents - Shakespeares the Twelfth Night

Director Tara Kayton is setting this summer’s production of Twelfth Night, one of Shakespeare’s finest comedies, in the1930 American Dust Bowl. Using a vagabond troupe of actors, steamer trunks, and an old truck the group will create a world in and around the audience that will be both interactive and intimate. We will engage Shakespeare’s tale of love and loss with live instruments, witty banter, and laughter. Audiences are welcome to carouse with food and wine on Brice Station Vineyards beautiful grassy hill surrounded by breathtaking views and evening stars. MCT is excited to have the return of: Ross Aldrich, Misty Amber Day, Sheila Doyle, Graham Scott Green, Mat Hepgood, Sean Lewis, Sid Marsh, Jason “Clocky” McDowell, Robert Zellars, and introduce: Emily Graham, and Taylor Hunt to the company.

 

4th of July Boat parade a lighted treat

The annual 4th of July Lake Tulloch boat parade was, once again, a spectacular lighted show for all spectators.
Residents and visitors alike lined the shoreline from Kiva to Poker on the eve of July 4th all eager to watch the lighted display.

Thank you McHale family for the photos!

If you have photos to share of events in Copper or the surrounding areas, please email them to coppergazette@gmail.com

New Melones Fishing Report from Glory Hole Sports

7-7-14 Fishing Report

Water Conditions:  New Melones Lake is currently holding

694,364 acre-feet of water.  The lake level dropped four feet this week and is currently at 895 ft. above sea level and 190 ft. from full.  The water is stained in most areas of the lake, and fairly clear in others.  There are mud lines forming near the shore throughout the day, especially on windy days. The average water temperature is 74-80 degrees and rising daily.  Tuttletown launch is closed. Glory Hole Point boat launch is open, and there are no plans to close it. There will be some transition periods between launches where launching will be limited to one or two lanes.

Trout: Fair.  The trout are roaming the main lake near deeper/cooler water looking for balls of shad.  Anglers should try fishing close to the surface in the early morning and evening and dropping to 40-60' during the day.  Night fishing anglers are catching limits of fat healthy trout under a submersible light.   Try anchoring the boat in 25-50' of water, and dropping the light 15-25' feet down.  Be patient, it may take awhile for the light to attract plankton, baitfish, and trout.  To catch them, try using live minnows, mini jigs, Power Bait, and crawlers. Trolling anglers should target trout in the main lake, near deep water.  The trout are feed on 2-4" shad.  Try using baits that match the size, profile and color of the baitfish.  Rapala Shad Raps, Scatter Raps, Rattle traps, and Jointed Shad Raps are a very close match to the natural forage.  Another way to get a few more bites is to add scent to your lures.  Pro Cure gel in shad scent, or threadfin shad scent will do the trick.  Don't forget to bring some crawlers.  A single crawler threaded on the hook fished behind a single gold or silver blade is a great way to pick up a few fish.  Bank anglers should try using a bubble and a fly rig in the mornings and evenings.  Or soak some night crawlers and Power Bait midday.  Also, try fishing some other local lakes and streams.  Fly Fisherman, head to rivers, streams, and creeks.  Try using nymphs and buggers midday.  Switch a dry fly for some evening surface activity.   We do encourage catch and release for the brown trout as The Department of Fish and Game will no longer be planting them.  Carefully measure, weigh and photograph trophy fish and send us pictures and information. 

Ron Lubin and Jim Fox enjoyed a day of kokanee fishing and brought in two limits.

Saddle Creek Resort - July Firecracker Special and Open House

Calaveras County Grand Jury report released

To view the Calaveras County Grand Jury report CLICK HERE

Bark and Bubbles asks you not to leave your dog in a hot car

PLEASE DON’T  LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR!

BARK N BUBBLES (NEXT TO IGA) WILL BABY SIT FOR FREE WHILE YOU SHOP IN OUR PLAZA

“Often people leave their dogs in the car while they shop or run errands, but doing so when the weather is warm can literally be a death sentence for your pet,” said UAN President and CEO Nicole Forsyth.Forsyth offered five reasons why leaving a dog in a hot car can be deadly:
1. Dogs are especially vulnerable to heat-related illness because they can only cool off by panting and through the pads in their feet.
2. Even on seemingly mild days, an enclosed car can be deadly. In a Stanford University study, when it was 72 degrees outside, a car’s internal temperature climbed to 116 degrees within one hour.
3. Enclosed cars heat up quickly. In a study by San Francisco State University, when it was 80 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car rose to 99 degrees in 10 minutes and 109 degrees in 20 minutes.
4. A dog’s normal body temperature is between 101 to 102.5 degrees; a dog can only withstand a high body temperature for a short time before suffering nerve damage, heart problems, liver damage, brain damage or even death.
5. Studies show that cracking the windows has little effect on a car’s internal temperature.

Copper Valley Realty to Merge with Saddle Creek Sales

 

(COPPEROPOLIS, Calif.) – Copper Valley Realty will be merging with Saddle Creek Sales to consolidate both in one office.

The Saddle Creek Sales office is located on the Saddle Creek Resort premises. Bringing the two together under one roof will enhance the focus on new and resale homes within the resort.  

The merger will officially take place on July 1, 2014. The Saddle Creek Resort real estate office is located at 999 Saddle Creek Dr., Copperopolis, Calif. 95228.

About Saddle Creek Resort

Nestled against the backdrop of the rolling foothills of the Central Sierra region just two hours from the Bay Area and 1.5 hours from Sacramento, Saddle Creek Resort is a majestic 900-acre gated golf course resort community. With an exciting collection of new homes and a 4 ½ star 18-hole championship golf course, Saddle Creek Resort offers the ideal community oriented lifestyle.

Mandatory Stage III Water Conservation

More hot weather on tap for this week

• 7-7-14
• Monday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 104. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon.
• Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. North northwest wind 3 to 7 mph.
• Tuesday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 102. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon.
• Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 57.
• Wednesday Sunny and hot, with a high near 99.
• Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 56.
• Thursday Sunny and hot, with a high near 96.
• Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 56.
• Friday Sunny, with a high near 95.

CHP opens 4 day application window

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will accept applications in July
from individuals interested in a career as a CHP officer. The CHP is looking to hire cadets from
a pool of applicants to fill vacant officer positions throughout the state.

“We are looking for members of our communities to join one of the most well-known law
enforcement agencies in the world,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “The CHP is looking
for men and women who represent the diverse communities that we serve to provide the highest
level of Safety, Service, and Security to the people of California.”

Applications will only be accepted online during a four-day period beginning at 8 a.m. on
Monday, July 7, and ending at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2014. This brief application period
marks the first time this year the CHP has accepted applications. Those interested in applying, or
seeking additional information, should visit www.chpcareers.com.

Copper Fire 4th of July a wonderful community event

Approximately 300 people enjoyed the annual community fireworks display held at Copper Fire on July 4th, 2014.

The event was hosted by the Copper Volunteer Fire Association. Music provided by Jimmy Valencia. Fireworks provided by the volunteer association and community donations.

For more pictures CLICK HERE

Smoke filling Copper skies from Lake Berryessa/Monticello

Name:	Monticello Fire
County:	Yolo County
Location:	Hwy 128 at Monticello Dam, southeast shore of Lake Berryessa
Administrative Unit:	CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit
Acres Burned - Containment	7,000 acres - 30% contained
Date Started:	July 4, 2014 9:32 pm
Last update:	July 6, 2014 12:00 pm

Honor the Fallen 6-21-14 thru 6-25-14

The Copper Gazette is very happy to report, according to the US Central Command there has been no loss of military lives overseas between 6-21-14 thru 6-25-14.

Please keep the families and loved ones of the 6794 Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn casualties as confirmed by U.S. Central Command in your hearts and prayers.

VFW Ladies Auxiliary Honor Bears find more loving homes

The James D Piper VFW Post 12118 Ladies Auxiliary have now delivered over 200 Honor Bears to to wounded veterans and those in veteran homes and hospitals.

The following three veterans are currently patients at Operation Mend, a joint UCLA and Brown Medical Center group specifically created to treat the wounds of war.

 "Toby"

 "Sal"

For more information about the ladies auxiliary email coppervfw@gmail.com. For more information about Operation Mend visit  http://operationmend.ucla.edu/