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2025

Downtown parking lot to become EV charging hub
A Tesla "Supercharger" station is coming soon to Valley Springs. Construction is under way in the parking lot at 10 Nove Way to eventually provide 12 24-hour public charging ports at the site, according to chargehub.com. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, August 1, 2025

Case dismissed challenging board's General Plan approval
A nearly 6-year-old lawsuit against the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors was dismissed last week…the case brought by the Calaveras Planning Coalition on Dec. 9, 2019, challenging the Board of Supervisors' approval of the county's General Plan update back on Nov. 12, 2019. This case was not decided on the merits of the coalition's allegations, but rather on the coalition's perceived failure to meet a deadline. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, July 18, 2025

Board keeps parcel fees for businesses at current levels
Substantial increases to the parcel fee commercial property owners are charged to help operate the Calaveras County-owned landfill have been averted, a least for a year… Back in May, a public hearing to increase the fees for commercial properties was scheduled for the June 24 board meeting. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, July 4, 2025

Supes may look at TOT allocations to plug budget gaps
Calaveras County fire districts have been put on notice that their share of what is called the Transient Occupancy Tax, or TOT for short, could be in jeopardy. TOT is a 12 percent levied on rooms in hotels, motels, or other lodging occupied for 30 days or less in unincorporated areas of the county. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, July 4, 2025

Measure A money at work
The Calaveras Consolidated Fire Protection District Board of Directors earlier this week used Measure A money to hire six full-time firefighters. Measure A was a sales tax hike approved by voters in March of 2024. The 1 cent increase in the sales tax goes to the county's nine fire districts, which includes Calaveras Consolidated. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, June 27, 2025

Grand jury continues to take a look at CCWD procedures
The Calaveras County Water District once again came under the microscope of Calaveras County's civil grand jury. The 2023-24 grand jury received more than 170 written complaints related to the five-year water and wastewater rate increases imposed by the district and found the price hikes were flawed with residential customers "paying more than their fair share." Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, June 20, 2025

CCWD board adds Garamendi
The Calaveras County Water District once again has a full Board of Directors.The board at a special meeting on May 30 appointed former Calaveras County Supervisor John "Jack" Garamendi to its ranks representing Division 2. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, June 6, 2025

Oversight of mining under jury microscope
Calaveras County's civil grand jury in its first report of 2025 is critical of the county planning department's oversight of mining operations…Released on Monday, the report titled "Calaveras County Planning Department- Are We Running Out of Rock?" outlines 10 findings and 16 recommendations from the jury's investigation. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, My 23, 2025

Calaveras Grand Jury Investigates Rock Mining Concerns
The Calaveras County Grand Jury released a new report, entitled "Are we running out of rock?" Among the Civil Grand Jury's findings: Calaveras County's Planning Department does not regularly report surface mine inspection results to the Board of Supervisors…The Planning Department charges surface mining operators a flat fee…The County has not conducted a thorough review of its existing permitted supply…The County does not maintain a current map of abandoned mines within its jurisdiction, despite hundreds of these potentially hazardous sites located throughout Calaveras. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, May 19, 2025

Another opening on CCWD board
The Calaveras County Water District for the second time in less than three months is seeking a new Board of Directors member. Division 2 Director Cindy Secada has submitted a letter of resignation effective May 22. Her division includes the communities of Glencoe, Mountain Ranch, Rail Road Flat, Sheep Ranch, West Point and Wilseyville. Anyone interested in consideration must submit a letter of interest and an optional resume by May 27. The CCWD Board of Directors will conduct interviews at a special board meeting at 1 p.m. May 30. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, May 16, 2025

Commercial property owners face hike in landfill parcel fee
A majority of the board at a May 6 special meeting gave the green light for the mailing of what is called a "Proposition 218 Notice of Public Hearing" to all affected commercial property owners. The hearing is scheduled for June 24. If between now and then a majority of those property owners do not file written protests against the fee increase, it could be adopted by the Board of Supervisors. The proposed increase would raise nearly $1.9 million a year for operation of the landfill and the annual fee for commercial parcels ranges depending on the land-use category from $1,656.50 for general commercial to $2,827.05 for industrial. The annual fee for store/retail commercial would be $2,727.07. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, May 16, 2025

Proposition 218 Notice of Public Hearing on Solid Waste Parcel Fee [Commercial]
The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing June 24, 2025 to consider adoption of a proposed increase to the parcel fee for solid waste services for commercial properties. Commercial properties are classified based on their land use code. Any property owner of record subject to the proposed charges may submit a written protest against the proposed fees. Absent a majority protest, the commercial parcel fees may be adopted and implemented at the public hearing June 24. Click here for Prop 218 Notice of Public Hearing on Solid Waste Fee, May 1, 2025

Behavioral Health wing opens at Valley Springs Health and Wellness Center
Dr. Randall Smart and his team at the Valley Springs Health and Wellness Center have addressed one of the most underserved areas in our county's health care – behavioral health. On April 18 a ribbon cutting ceremony was held with a new 1,600 square-foot Behavioral Health wing, sporting10 offices that house administration offices, private therapy rooms, a group meeting room and a children's therapy room. Click here for article--Calaveras Enterprise, May 1, 2025

Supervisors receive general plan progress report
The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors, on April 22, received an annual progress report on the county's general plan. Regarding accomplishments of the planning department and its long-range plans, Sampson highlighted the Copperopolis community plan... the county's new parks, facilities and recreation master plan…an ordinance to protect historic buildings and structures in the county… three long-range planning projects close to being completed…the greenhouse gas reduction plan, the oak woodland ordinance, and the short-term vacation rental ordinance…the open-space plan update, which is due by January 2026, and the housing element update…a special events ordinance… Click here for article--Calaveras Enterprise, May 1, 2025

Expansion of services at health center
Mark Twain Health Care District marked the expansion of its new wing dedicated to behavioral health care services at the Valley Springs Health and Wellness Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week… The behavioral health team provides counseling, therapy, diagnoses, treatment, psychiatry and overall patient assessments…In addition to behavioral health care, services at the health and wellness center include family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine and general medicine. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, April 25, 2025

Board imposes hiring freeze as budget concerns surface
"We are beginning to see revenue trends coming in lower than we had originally projected," Hitchcock told the board as work begins to prepare the county's Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget. "We've also been in a very inflationary period over the last two years so costs are coming in higher," Stopper was the only member of the board to comment on the agenda item…it is only the beginning of budget concerns, citing possible declines in revenue along with future federal funding being uncertain. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, April 25, 2025

Supervisors OK master plan for county park & recreation
County Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Judy Allen at the April 8 board meeting said this step should open up more grant opportunities to pursue additional parks and recreation program…District 1 Supervisor Gary Tofanelli and District 5 Supervisor Benjamin Stopper praised Allen for her years of perseverance and efforts to enhance the county's recreational offerings. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, April 18, 2025

County's first parks master plan completed
The parks master plan includes specific goals and achievable tasks to advance parks and recreation facilities within the county… Key points included the need to continue to meet the standard minimum of 3 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, mapping county and non-county parks, and a financial action plan… Community feedback revealed a high demand for soccer fields, basketball courts, baseball and softball fields, skate parks, dog parks, playgrounds, hiking trails, outdoor stages, and gathering spaces…Supervisor Autumn Andahl made requests for the Rail Road Flat ballpark, West Point Elementary School and the park area at New Hogan Lake to be added to the master plan. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, March 20, 2025

Ranch Family Protects Critical Wildlife Habitat
The [Rana] Ranch, located in Valley Springs, is a working landscape continuum of approximately 660 acres, primarily owned by Roland and the late Franziska Schabram. The Schabrams, who initially purchased the property in 2002, have worked to create a sanctuary for their livestock and wildlife, including the Calaveras County-famous California red-legged frog… The new conservation easement guarantees that the ranch's rich ecological and agricultural resources are permanently protected from development, while the neighboring Nakagawa Ranch is also permanently safeguarded through the Rangeland Trust. Trust officials noted that this contiguous stretch of conserved land provides a vibrant wildlife habitat and maintains the integrity of the working landscape, ensuring its significant contributions to ecosystems continue to thrive. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, March 13, 2025

Calaveras, Stockton water districts focus on Calaveras River plan
The Calaveras County Water District and Stockton East Water District are partnering in the development of the first-ever Watershed Resiliency Plan for the Calaveras River watershed. The Calaveras River watershed includes portions of the counties of San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Calaveras counties. The Calaveras River Watershed Resiliency Plan will help build regional resilience through multi-benefit projects, integrated resource management and nature-based solutions with a focus on equity. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, February 28, 2025

Board backs pursuit of fed grant for flood control
Calaveras County's Board of Supervisors unanimously backed the initial step Tuesday to achieve a long-term solution to flooding along Cosgrove Creek. On a 5-0 vote, the board gave the green light to apply for a $900,000 federal grant to begin planning to develop a solution to flooding along the creek that has occurred repeatedly over the last 25 years and as recent as January of 2023…Any award or agreement for the grant would come at the end of 2026…In all, it could take five to eight years before a flood relief project would be completed. The initial thought for a permanent solution to the flooding has been building a water retention basin on Calaveras County Water District property at State Route 26 and Hogan Dam Road. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, February 28, 2025

Even in wet years, why are California's wells still dry?
After abundant rain and moderate snowfall this year in the northern half of the state, California's largest reservoirs are holding more than 120% of their historical average. But underground, the state's supply of water for drinking and irrigating crops remains depleted. So why hasn't the recent bounty of rain and snow replenished the state's underground supplies? Recharge itself can be a painfully slow process — often just inches per day. "Long-term groundwater storage remains in a deficit from years of pumping more than what has been replenished…" Click here for article—CalMatters.org, February 27, 2025

Long-awaited Copper plan approved
Efforts toward a community plan for Copperopolis have spanned many years. This latest effort, like others, had multiple starts and stops. Determined community members, supported by the Calaveras Planning Coalition, stuck with the process and brought the plan to fruition. Twenty-five-year resident Janet Sterling heralded the success, "Everybody had input. I'm super happy we're here." Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, February 21, 2025

Supervisors approve Copperopolis community plan
The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors, on Feb. 11, unanimously voted to adopt a general plan amendment for the establishment of the Copperopolis community plan… The development of plan policies for Copperopolis predates the 2019 general plan, going back to the 1990s through many community meetings and workshops… Supervisor Amanda Folendorf… recognized the longtime efforts of Copperopolis residents…"Thank you to the community…Really, they navigated this really well in helping also bring this to fruition and finally get across the finish line." Click here for article--Calaveras Enterprise, February 1, 2025

Copperopolis community plan proposal receives support from Planning Commission
The planning area is 12 miles south of Angels Camp, along Highway 4, separated by Bear Mountain, Copperopolis Mountain, Lightner Peak, and many ridges with elevations ranging from 1,100 feet to 1,800 feet… The vision, goals and policies of the proposed community plan would try to provide more cohesion and interconnection between the physically separated areas of Copperopolis. "We're here to make Copperopolis the gateway to Calaveras County, to be partners with Valley Springs, who has a very detailed, very good community plan…And we don't want to see this overdeveloped." Click here for article--Calaveras Enterprise, February 1, 2025

Board gets update on tourism; ponders short-term rental code
The board received an update Jan. 28 from the Calaveras Visitors Bureau on its tourism promotion activities and began preliminary discussions on coming up with a short-term vacation rental ordinance… Can the county handle the proposed permit process in a timely manner considering that there are more than 700 STVRs registered with the tax collector for the collection of TOT? The local tourism industry…is reliant on vacationers who support local businesses. Would regulation of STVRs reduce or limit their availability?.. staff is going back to refine the proposed ordinance before it goes to the County Planning Commission for consideration and the Board of Supervisors for approval. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, February 7, 2025

Update finds animal shelter costs less than expected
It appears the cost for a new Calaveras County animal shelter could be less than the original estimate discussed last year. In May of 2024, the cost for the new shelter was pegged at $13 million… But in a presentation Tuesday to the board, Eric Wohle of LDA Partners submitted a budget that came in at $11,247,248 for total project costs… The [grand] jury's 2023 report entitled "Teaching An Old Dog New Tricks" said, "the shelter is understaffed, unsanitary, underfunded, overcrowded, as well as unappealing and in need of replacement." Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, January 31, 2025

Citizens express frustrations with ongoing Cosgrove Creek flooding issue; county seeks solution
While efforts to decrease flooding along Cosgrove Creek have been made, this decades long problem remains one of the biggest issues for this area's residents who are demanding that more robust measures be made to address this problem. Further elevating the urgency to find a solution to this issue was the 2022-23 flooding along the creek…nearly 50 Valley Springs homes were flooded less than two weeks earlier on New Year's Eve. Click here for article--Calaveras Enterprise, January 25, 2025

County hires new public works director
Calaveras County will have a new public works director beginning on Monday. Micah Martin has been hired to fill the role…Martin replaces interim Director Craig Pedro who came onboard in the middle of last year to replace Robert Pachinger who stepped down from that office to assume the post of deputy public works director. Martin comes to the county with a bachelor's degree in public works administration and more than 25 years of relevant private and public sector experience. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, January 24, 2025

Supervisors adopt ordinance to protect historic buildings
Sal Manna, founder of the Society for the Preservation of West Calaveras History, expressed his support for the ordinance, and he thanked the county's Planning Commission, planning department, building department and the Board of Supervisors for "getting us to this point." "It's been a long time coming," he said. Click here for article--Calaveras Enterprise, January 23, 2025

Supervisors adopt code to protect historical buildings
The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors last week passed an ordinance to county code that oversees the preservation of historical buildings…Any demolition permit or building permit for an alteration to or relocation of a structure would be reviewed by the planning department during the course of the usual permit review process to determine if the structure was 75 years old or older. A determination would then be made if the structure is historically significant. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, January 22, 2025

County looking at major project for Cosgrove Creek
Calaveras County is taking the beginning steps to secure federal funding for a multi-million dollar project to protect residents and businesses from flooding along Cosgrove Creek.…Holt outlined recent work to mitigate potential flooding with the county spending $140,000 this fall to remove vegetation along a two-mile section of the creek… Removing sediment or widening the creek are not permitted under the permit…One solution being looked at is creating a "bathtub" or retention basin upstream on Calaveras County Water District property located off Hogan Dam Road near State Route 26…that solution could take a decade to accomplish and cost anywhere from $20 to $50 million. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, January 17, 2025

2024

County's historic preservation code moves closer to adoption
The movement of the historical preservation ordinance began earlier this year in January when there was a permit pulled to demolish the former Valley Springs train station located on the southwest corner of State Routes 12 and 26. The yellow structure dates back to the late 1880s and was the genesis of commercial and residential development in what we know as present day Valley Springs. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, December 20, 2024

Supervisors back plan to build hotel-restaurant in San Andreas
A proposal for construction of a 79-room hotel and restaurant in San Andreas cleared its final step in the planning process last week when the Calaveras County Board unanimously gave its approval on a pair of items. The board on Dec. 10 approved a zoning amendment and modified height variance for the project at 236 and 300 E. St. Charles St., adjacent to El Dorado Savings Bank. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, December 18, 2024

More premature deaths in Calaveras compared to state norms
Calaveras County has a higher rate of premature deaths due to motor vehicle crashes, drug overdoses and cancer when compared to state and national averages…However, the county's rates of cerebrovascular disease (stroke) and female breast cancer are lower in comparison to state averages… What can the public do? Preventing early deaths starts with each of us making healthy choices…Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, December 18, 2024

More funds OK'd to prepare Cosgrove for rainfall season
The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted 5-0 to add another $40,000 to the $105,000 contract it approved Oct. 8 to Nate's Tree Service for the work. The additional money will be used to expand the scope of the project to include complete vegetation removal throughout the stream bed…"This is our best option on a normal (rainfall) year," Holt told the board, while stressing the need for a long-term solution. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, December 13, 2024

Record Chinook salmon run on the Mokelumne River
The 2024-25 fall run of Chinook salmon under way on the Mokelumne River has set a new record for the second year in a row, according to East Bay Municipal Utility District officials…This is the largest salmon return on the Mokelumne since record keeping began in 1940, surpassing the record-setting 2023-24 total count of 28,698 Chinook with several weeks still left to go in this spawning season. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, November 22, 2024

New hotel in San Andreas clears a hurdle
A proposal for a 79-room hotel and restaurant in San Andreas moved a step closer to reality last week… Plans call for the 45,220-square-foot hotel and separate 2,527-square-foot restaurant to be constructed on the combined 4.14-acre site. The planning commissioner's vote to adopt the resolutions was unanimous…the hotel will be a Fairfield by Marriott. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, November 20, 2024

Proposal to save county's historic buildings hits a delay
The proposed "Cultural Resources Management Ordinance" would replace an interim ordinance passed Feb. 13 to block demolition of any historic building in unincorporated Calaveras County… The urgency ordinance came about after a downtown Valley Springs landmark was on the brink of demolition. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, November 1, 2024

County supervisors vote to allocate $620K for workforce housing
"It's hard to find a place to rent or to buy, so (these) funds can be utilized for the acquisition, predevelopment, development of rental and homeownership opportunities," she said. "This really focuses down on an area that I feel very strongly is important in our county and our communities, and meets the needs of our workforce that are earning between 80% and 120% of area median income." Click here for article--Calaveras Enterprise / October 30, 2024

Supervisors postpone vote on countywide evacuation plan
That delay was due to concerns shared by some of the board members regarding the evacuation plan's priorities, particularly for the Mountain Ranch area. Amendments to the priorities list…will be made and presented to the supervisors at their next regular meeting, on Nov. 12, at which time they expect to approve the plan… Neilon noted that approval of the draft plan was being sought, so that funding can be pursued for projects identified in the plan. Click here for article--Calaveras Enterprise / October 30, 2024

Building department introduces pre-approved dwelling plans
The Calaveras County Building Department has announced the launch of its new pre-approved dwelling plans, designed to streamline the building permit process for residents and developers… There are a range of pre-approved designs to cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you are looking to build a single-family home, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), ranging from 407 to 1,200 square feet, there are plenty of options. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, October 25, 2024

Work ready to begin on major Rancho Calaveras water project
The Calaveras County Water District will be closing segments of Hartvickson Lane this month and into 2025 for construction of the Jenny Lind Water System Tank A-B Transmission Pipeline Project. Closures will be from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays..The $10 million project is expected to take more than a year to complete. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, October 23, 2024

$105K contract for Cosgrove Creek vegetation management approved by supervisors
The vegetation management work as being planned to extend from the area of the confluence at Silver Rapids with the Calaveras River to Gold Creek, where extensive flooding occurred. "This is a problem that's existed, as Gary said, going back 20-30 years," he said. "Nobody there is surprised when their house gets flooded." Click here for article--Calaveras Enterprise / October 16, 2024

Work resumes to clear Cosgrove Creek before rainfall season
Work to remove vegetation from the channel of flood-prone Cosgrove Creek was scheduled to begin this week after the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 8 approved a $105,000 contract for the project with Nate's Tree Service. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, October 18, 2024

County's ag industry sees double-digit value jump
The 2023 Calaveras County Crop Report was submitted last week to the Board of Supervisors and indicated gross crop value was up 18 percent in comparison to 2022…The county's gross crop value for 2023 was tabulated at $25,014,627. That compares to $21,121,038 in 2022. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, October 18, 2024

Supes balk at approving nearly $2 mil more for SR4 work
Requests for additional funds to continue work on the State Route 4 "Wagon Trail" Realignment Project hit a roadblock at Tuesday's meeting of the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors. Cost overruns have plagued the 3.2-mile project that was expected to cost $24 million, but now has a price tag in the neighborhood of $53 million. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, September 27, 2024

Celebration marks start of $5 mil project
Habitat Calaveras earlier this year was awarded a $10 million grant from the state's Department of Housing and Community Development CalHome program – the largest grant award ever for a Calaveras County non-profit… The Eureka Oaks project is instrumental in furthering Habitat Calaveras' vision of building family stability, healthy neighborhoods and creating a community of givers. Learn more at HabitatCalaveras.org Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, September 25, 2024

Supervisors pour millions more into Wagon Trail project
Calaveras County's version of "The Money Pit," known as the State Route 4 "Wagon Trail" Realignment Project, continues to pile up millions of dollars in cost overruns… Phase 1 of the Wagon Trail project that goes 3.2 miles from Bonanza Mine Way to Appaloosa Road west of Angels Camp was expected to cost $24 million. As of the end of last month, the cost was projected to be $53 million.Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, September 13, 2024

State Route 4 realignment project price tag goes up $3 mil
Change orders, cost overruns and construction delays continue to plague the State Route 4 "Wagon Trail" Realignment Project…the contractor, Sukut Construction, was asking for the board to approve a $2.1 million change. Up to now, state funding has been used to cover the project, Pedro told the board. When those funds are exceeded, the county will have to use its own Road Impact Mitigation fees. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, August 30, 2024

Whiting sworn in as Calaveras County sheriff, becoming first woman to serve in the role
Whiting is a fifth-generation resident of Calaveras County, she has 24 years of experience with the Sheriff's Office… "I'm committed to ensuring the level of professional and trust people have come to expect from sheriffs in both counties," Whiting told The Union Democrat. "I believe in upholding the constitutional rights of our citizens." Click here for article—The Union Democrat, August 29, 2024

New vision for Valley Springs park outlined
An effort to rejuvenate the parkland surrounding the Jenny Lind Veterans Memorial Hall in Valley Springs is picking up steam. Valley Springs resident Michael Faatz made a presentation at Wednesday's meeting of the Jenny Lind Veterans Memorial District Board of Directors to clean, repair and upgrade many of the amenities at the parkland that has deteriorated over the years. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, August 16, 2024

24 facilities added to county's parks master plan
…Many requests were made for more parks and other facilities to be included...A complete list of those parks and school facilities is accompanied with this article…She added that it is the goal for the master plan to provide a minimum of 3 acres of parks per 1,000 residents, in accordance with the county's general plan. "We have a need of another 96 acres to meet the 2030 level-of-service goals," Folsom said. Click here for article—The Calaveras Enterprise, August 21, 2024

Bids sought for Cosgrove Creek work
Calaveras County is soliciting proposals from qualified service providers for grazing services to conduct vegetation management of flood-prone Cosgrove Creek in Valley Springs…The service provider will supply, utilize and care for a goat herd of adequate size to achieve the seasonal goal to reduce vegetation to an approximate height of four inches, including shrubbery and brush, as feasible. The project begins north of Gold Creek Estates, terminates at Silver Rapids Road, and is divided in three sections... Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, August 7, 2024

Safety project coming to fruition
The first phase of a construction project to improve pedestrian and vehicular safety to and from Valley Springs Elementary School will begin shortly after the school year starts July 24... Phase one of the two phase project includes road improvements along Pine Street between Daphne Street and Sequoia Avenue and along Sequoia between Pine and Laurel streets. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, August 7, 2024

Cosgrove Creek work under way
Work began this week on the annual vegetation removal project along flood-prone Cosgrove Creek near Valley Springs… Calaveras County is working with CalFire to conduct the work this season. Entering the creek on-foot and using hand-tools such as weed-eaters and chainsaws, crews will clear vegetative material and debris in the riparian corridor along an approximate two-mile section of Cosgrove Creek… Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, June 12, 2024

Plans for San Andreas hotel, restaurant moving forward
A proposal to construct a restaurant and 79-room hotel in San Andreas is working its way through the Calaveras County Planning Department…at 236 and 300 E. St. Charles St., adjacent to El Dorado Savings Bank. The applicant is now requesting approval of a zoning amendment on a vacant 2.96-acre parcel from Multiple-Family Residential to General Commercial… merge that parcel with an adjacent one already zoned General Commercial to construct the proposed 45,220-square-foot hotel and separate 2,527-square-foot restaurant on the combined 4.14-acre site. The applicant is also requesting a height variance to allow the hotel to encroach 8 feet, 1 inch into a 45-foot height limitation… A 30-day public review period for the Mitigated Negative Declaration began today and will continue until Sept. 16. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, August 16, 2024

Fire districts outline how they will spend new sales tax
Funding from a sales tax increase approved in March by Calaveras County voters will contribute to the hiring of more than two dozen new firefighters... Beginning in October, the sales tax in Calaveras County will increase by 1 cent for every dollar in taxable sales. Funds for this tax increase will go to the county's nine fire districts and the Angels Camp Fire Department… The Calaveras County [sic; should read "Consolidated"] Fire Protection District, which covers roughly a 163-square-mile area in the western portion of Calaveras County serving the communities of Valley Springs, Burson, Wallace, Campo Seco, Milton, Rancho Calaveras, La Contenta and Jenny Lind, plans to increase its paid firefighter roster from a staff of 12 to 18 in fiscal year 2024-25. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, August 7, 2024

How to prepare before a wildfire forces evacuation
There were almost 60,000 wildfires last year in the United States that torched more than 2 million acres… Wildfires can occur anywhere conditions are ripe for them to ignite and spread… Populous California has the most homes at risk from wildfire… How can I prepare? You should always, no matter where you live and what dangers you face… Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, July 31, 2024

Documents to bring with you in the event of an emergency
Emergency officials almost always advise people to make sure to bring your important documents with you. But what do they mean by that? Keep reading to learn what you need to bring with you during an emergency. Identification documents For everyone in your home, including children and pets Financial and legal documents… Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, July 31, 2024

Supervisors adopt comprehensive zoning ordinance update
The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday adopted the first comprehensive update of the county's zoning ordinance since 1986. The 270-page zoning ordinance identifies which land uses can occur in which zones without a county permit, which land uses require a county permit, and which standards apply to each land use. In addition, more than 2,000 parcels were rezoned… Click here for Press Release—The Valley Springs News, July 19, 2024

Kings County judge rules state overstepped by requiring farmers to meter, report groundwater extractions
The requirements were made after the subbasin was put into probationary status by the Water Board April 16 for failing to come up with a coordinated groundwater management plan. It's unclear what effect Judge Ciuffini's ruling could have on five other San Joaquin Valley subbasins set to come before the Water Board for probation hearings in the coming months. Click here for article—SJVWater.org, July 16, 2024

Sign project reaches work stage
Construction is expected to begin Monday, July 8, of new welcome signs in several Calaveras County communities…Work on the officially named Clean California Gateway Monument and Wayfinding Project is expected to span 70 working days… the project aims to install gateway monuments on…and State Routes 12 and 26 in Valley Springs. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, July 5, 2024

Delta puts $598 million bond issue on ballot
A tax increase is on the horizon for property owners in portions of Calaveras County... San Joaquin Delta College trustees on Tuesday voted unanimously to place a bond measure on the November ballot calling for more than a half-billion dollars to upgrade campus facilities…The measure if it passes would cost property owners approximately $16 per $100,000 of assessed (not market) value, with the typical property owner paying about $49 per year. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, June 21, 2024

County close to forming parks dept.
Funding a parks and recreation department took center stage last week as the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors began working on the budget for the next fiscal year…Judy Allen, chair of the Calaveras County Parks and Recreation Committee, submitted a letter from the committee recommending another $279,000 be devoted toward parks and recreation to begin hiring staff… In the end, the board decided to allocate $250,000 to parks and rec and the remaining $47,816 to the chamber. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, June 19, 2024

Release of Final Planning Commission Recommended Zoning Code June 2024
The Planning Department is pleased to announce the release of the Final Planning Commission Recommended Zoning Code dated June 2024. The final draft is scheduled to be heard at the Board of Supervisor's Meeting of July 16, 2024. Questions: Please contact Gina Kathan by phone (209) 754-2853 or email gkathan@co.calaveras.ca.us. Click here to review PC Recommended Zoning Code, Calaveras Planning Department, June 13, 2024

Planning panel completes work on zoning ordinance update
Updates to various sections of the code would better protect the community from the risk of wildfire, one of the biggest threats to Calaveras County… While promoting economic development, the code also seeks to respect the rural quality of life… A new illumination ordinance would set clear standards for the types of exterior lighting…updates include development setbacks from streamsides, wetlands, and agricultural lands… The Board of Supervisors can choose to adopt the ZOU... Click here for article—The Valley Springs News (Calaveras Planning Coalition News Release), June 12, 2024

Vegetation removal underway in Valley Springs
Crews are working on ridding the Cosgrove Creek area of weeds in the Valley Springs area of Calaveras County. Calaveras County Public Works has begun the Cosgrove Creek Vegetation Management 2024 and is working with CAL Fire on the project through the summer. Crews on foot… Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, June 11, 2024

In South Lake Tahoe, California, residents battle over empty second homes
A ballot initiative to tax empty homes has divided the mountain resort town of South Lake Tahoe in recent weeks as both "for" and "against" campaigns shift into gear. The measure would create a tax of up to $6,000 on homes left vacant for more than six months a year, which supporters argue is necessary to shore up the rapidly dwindling rental housing stock for local workers in tourism-related jobs. Click here for article—Politico, June 3, 2024

"Road to Hell" receives $6 mil
Another $6 million has been approved to complete the State Route 4 "Wagon Trail" Realignment Project. Plagued by cost overruns, the entire price tag for the project…has nearly doubled to $49.9 million for Phase 1 that goes 3.2 miles from Bonanza Mine Way to Appaloosa Road west of Angels Camp. "The road to hell is paved with good intentions,"…Garamendi said he didn't have confidence the project would be completed anywhere close to the latest figures. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, May 24, 2024

California regulators reject AT&T request to stop offering landline telephone services
AT&T's request to withdraw as a carrier of last resort and to stop offering landline telephone services in California has been rejected by the state Public Utilities Commission…a move applauded by many leaders in Tuolumne County and other Golden State rural counties…In Calaveras County, locations include Angels Camp, Arnold, Avery, Dorrington, Forest Meadows, Mokelumne Hill, Mountain Ranch, Murphys, Rail Road Flat, Rancho Calaveras, San Andreas, Vallecito, Valley Springs, and Wallace. Click here for article—The Union Democrat, May 14, 2024

Supervisors agree to give new animal shelter another look
It appears construction of a new animal shelter in Calaveras County could be back on track… Estimates are it will cost $7 million for just the dog shelter and $11 million for the entire project. The county has $4 million earmarked for a new shelter…District 3 Supervisor Martin Huberty voiced skepticism about getting additional money to cover construction costs…"It's hard to believe we can't make the lives of dogs better for $4 million," Huberty said… "Until we can bring this down to something we can actually afford to do, I don't think this is a good idea," Garamendi added. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, May 17, 2024

Calaveras Sheriff DiBasilio Planning To Retire
Rick DiBasilio, the sheriff of Calaveras County, will be retiring from office sometime in the summer…DiBasilio still has years left on his term, so once it takes effect, the board of supervisors will have the task of picking his replacement to fill the remaining period. When reached, DiBasilio confirmed that the rumor of his upcoming retirement is true, but declined to comment further at this time since the board of supervisors has not been formally noticed during a public hearing. Click here for article—Union Democrat, May 17, 2024

Family celebrates conservation easement of their 500-acre Wallace ranch
The Yates family, who own a 500-acre ranch in Wallace on the western edge of Calaveras County, recently celebrated their partnership with the Sacramento-based California Rangeland Trust (CRT). Through CRT, the family's ranch is protected through a conservation easement that ensures that this property will maintain its existence as a fully operational ranch, and is thus safeguarded against any future development. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, May 16, 2024

County taking legal means to keep highway work on track
The State Route 4 "Wagon Trail" Realignment Project, plagued by construction delays and cost overruns, is forcing an adjacent property owner to extend a pair of temporary construction easements. The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 last week to use the power of eminent domain to compel Tiscornia Ranches to extend leases on their properties for another two years as the first phase of the highway realignment project between Angels Camp and Copperopolis is completed. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, May 1, 2024

Lack of Rancho road improvements comes under scrutiny
Frustration with upcoming plans to resurface and pave roads in the Rancho Calaveras subdivision were expressed Tuesday by District 5 Supervisor Benjamin Stopper… dissatisfaction with the latest road improvement list provided by Public Works Director Robert Pachinger. Property owners within the subdivision pay a special assessment for road improvements. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, April 26, 2024

Alarming Farm And Ranch Losses In State Push Conservation Efforts
Noting that California is losing farms and ranches at an alarming rate, the California Rangeland Trust is celebrating the conservation of the 500-acre Yates Ranch in Calaveras County…in 2022, the Yates family partnered with the trust to place a conservation easement on the property, safeguarding its integrity against future development. The ranch on Highway 12 in Wallace is the hub for the Yates family's cattle enterprise and supports a thriving habitat for diverse wildlife species. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, April 18, 2024

Cost overruns, delays persist on Wagon Trail project
Cost overruns continue to plague the State Route 4 "Wagon Trail" Realignment Project. The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 Tuesday to increase a professional services contract with Dokken Engineering Inc. by $530,904 to a total amount not to exceed $7,242,306…Tuesday's vote was the second time in the past 90 days contracts for the $14 million project have been amended with substantial cost increases. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, April 12, 2024

Amid explosive demand, America is running out of power
Vast swaths of the United States are at risk of running short of power as electricity-hungry data centers and clean-technology factories proliferate around the country, leaving utilities and regulators grasping for credible plans to expand the nation's creaking power grid…Planners are increasingly concerned that the grid won't be green enough or powerful enough to meet these demands. Click here for article—The Washington Post, March 7, 2024

Supervisors reject funding proposal for animal shelter construction documents
With the county having only $4 million of guaranteed funding for the new animal shelter project, which was estimated by the Stockton-based LDA Partners to cost nearly $11 million, the supervisors were unable to agree to have nearly $800,000 spent on plans for a project that is far from being fully funded… "We've always talked about building it in stages, moving forward, and taking care of the most dire needs first with what we have. And if we can find a little bit of extra, that would help us." Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, April 4, 2024

County has 1 year to come up with historic building code
The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 last week to extend an urgency ordinance prohibiting demolition of historical buildings, such as the Valley Springs train station, for one year while staff prepares an historical preservation ordinance. Calaveras County is one of just a few counties in the state without a preservation ordinance and such a code is called for in the county's recently adopted general plan… Manna said the scope of the final ordinance should not be limited to demolition, but also consider rehabilitation of historic buildings. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, April 4, 2024

Calaveras County Meeting For Input On Parks Direction
Calaveras County has announced an open house event to gather community input on the future direction of local parks and recreation facilities. Additional meetings will be held throughout April, and the full schedule of those meetings can be found here. "Do YOU have concerns or ideas about Parks in our community? Have you heard about things that you still want to happen?" Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, April 3, 2024

Measure A Tax Collection To Begin Next Fall
The Calaveras County CEO reports that collections of Measure A will begin next fall for the City of Angels and the county's sales tax rate. Measure A, a one percent sales tax was approved by voters in this month's primary election with just over 55 percent of the vote… County officials outlined that its passage funds local fire districts…for staffing, training, equipment, and other costs. They added that it will generate "approximately $5M annually, without expiration. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, March 27, 2024

Cell tower installation in Rancho neighborhood on thin ice
Consideration of whether to install a telecommunications tower in Rancho Calaveras once again has been continued. The Calaveras County Planning Commission spent 4 ½ hours Thursday on the subject and nearly voted to approve a neighbor's appeal to deny the project… Planning Commissioner Don Parker had strong words for Vertical Bridge, saying the firm had not been totally honest with the planning commission and calling for a thorough analysis of all the alternative sites. "I'm not convinced you did the research you needed to based on how little information you provided us," "It's like you thought you were going to come in here and slam dunk this thing. We're a rural community and we live here for a reason. We don't allow stuff like this to ruin our peace and serenity without a fight." Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, March 20, 2024

Caltrans, Angels Camp step up outreach on roundabouts project
More people seem to be coming around, so to speak, over two traffic roundabouts in the works for the intersection of Highway 4 and Highway 49, and Highway 49 and Francis St. in Angels Camp… While roundabouts often require more space in the immediate vicinity of an intersection than comparable traditional intersections, they cost much less to construct and require less overall space on the approaching roads than building out an intersection controlled by stop signs or traffic signals. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, March 20, 2024

County seeks public's thoughts on park master plan
Parks master planning will engage residents throughout the county through several community meetings and an online survey. The goal of the community meetings and online survey is to analyze the current programs and facilities and to consider the community needs and aspirations. The community meetings will begin at 5:30 p.m. on the following dates… If unable to attend any of the community meetings, an online survey will be available from March 29 to April 25. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, March 15, 2024

Measure A approved by county voters
Measure A, a ballot measure to provide additional funding for local fire districts and the Angels Camp Fire Department, gained sufficient votes to pass… Measure A will impose an additional 1% tax on gross receipts of retail sales transacted in Calaveras County. Jenny Lind resident Kyle Harvey, coordinator of the Calaveras Consolidated Fire Protection District's Measure A outreach efforts, referred to this ballot initiative as having an "overwhelming" result. "I…elections are usually not 10 (percentage) points apart like that," he said. "So, we were pretty pleased that we had so much support and we appreciate everyone that took part in getting it passed." Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, March 13, 2024

Calaveras Sales Tax Passes, Supervisor Races Heading To Runoffs
It is clear that two board of supervisor races are headed to a November runoff as no candidate received over the 50% threshold. In District One, the top two vote-getters advancing are incumbent Gary Tofanelli (47%) and challenger Tim Grant (33%). In District Two, the candidates will be Autumn Andahl (34%) and Trevor Wittke (32%). Measure A, a one-cent sales tax measure for fire services, passed with 55% in favor and 44% opposed. A similar measure narrowly failed two years ago. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, March 11, 2024

Valley Springs Wellness Center plans behavioral health expansion
Calaveras County was among 21 California counties to receive funding from a new behavioral health grant from the California Department of Healthcare Services. The Valley Springs Health & Wellness Center was awarded $3.5 million for an infrastructure expansion to include treatment for mental health services, including urgent care. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, February 21, 2024

Board of Supervisors adopt interim ordinance for historic building demolitions
Under the urgency ordinance, the chief building official cannot issue a demolition permit for a listed historical building or structure unless it has been approved by the Calaveras County Planning Commission… "The historic sites are a legacy passed down by your ancestors, and they aren't just important to us; they are important to the history of the founding of this state." Supervisor Amanda Folendorf mentioned that most of the Mother Lode already has historic preservation ordinances, making Calaveras County "kind of an abnormal county in this respect." Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, February 21, 2024

Supes pass ordinance to save station
An interim urgency ordinance temporarily blocking demolition of any historic building in unincorporated Calaveras County was adopted by the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors…The ordinance, which was amended during the meeting, went into effect immediately and is good for 45 days…The primary reason behind consideration of the urgency was the pending demolition of the former Valley Springs train depot... Click here for article--The Valley Springs News, February 16, 2024

Neighbors oppose placement of cell tower in Rancho
Cancer, wildfire and plummeting property value concerns were raised during discussion at Thursday's meeting before the Calaveras County Planning Commission about placing a tele-communications tower in Rancho Calaveras. Vertical Bridge…wants to erect a 90-foot tower at 5992 Clements Place…A neighbor next to the proposed tower location filed an appeal… The planning commission's decision and public hearing on the matter was continued to a March 14 meeting. Click here for article--The Valley Springs News, February 14, 2024

California receives $63.7 million for EV charging infrastructure--More charging stations needed in Calaveras
While there are currently no alternative fuel corridors within Calaveras County, there are some EV charging stations, with more on the way. Unfortunately for drivers of electric vehicles in Calaveras County, the charging stations are often separated by dozens of miles, which can make long commutes and traveling difficult. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, February 14, 2024

Supervisors will consider urgency ordinance to save historic buildings—Train station on brink of tear down
A downtown Valley Springs landmark on the verge of being demolished might get a reprieve Tuesday from the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors. Several weeks ago a permit was pulled to tear down the former Valley Springs train depot located on the southwest corner of State Routes 12 and 26…The California Office of Historical Preservation and California Department of Transportation consider the old train station historical…However, Calaveras County has nothing in code to preserve its historical sites. Click here for article--The Valley Springs News / February 9, 2024

Measure A discussed at town hall meeting in Valley Springs
While the meeting was presented by the Calaveras Local Fire Protection Committee for Measure A, the program also included a question-and-answer session that was open to anyone…If approved by a majority of the voters in the March 5 election, Measure A will impose an additional 1% tax on gross receipts of retail sales transacted in Calaveras County…An impartial analysis by the county counsel notes that the 1% sales tax would generate an estimated $5 million annually. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, February 7, 2024

Grant opportunities for ranchers, farmers; state seeks to define regenerative agriculture
Two new grant opportunities, the Value-Added Producer Grant and the Healthy Soils Program Grant, are available to California agricultural workers, including ranchers, farmers and producers. The Value-Added Producer Grant places emphasis on projects that increase climate change resilience through economic equity in rural communities, and the Healthy Soils Program Grant is focused on supporting California growers and ranchers to implement conservation management practices that sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gases, and improve soil health. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, January 31, 2024

Cost for animal shelter hits $10 million
Efforts to build a new animal shelter in Calaveras County took another step forward Tuesday but there are concerns there will not be enough money to fund construction… the county is looking at a price tag of $10 million or more for full build out of a 10,000-square-foot shelter…The problem is the county has only $4 million set aside for a new animal shelter… The existing animal shelter has been under grand jury scrutiny for nearly two decades…"the shelter is understaffed, unsanitary, underfunded, overcrowded, as well as unappealing and in need of replacement." Click here for article--The Valley Springs News, January 26, 2024

The Farmers Had What the Billionaires Wanted
Rio Vista, part of Solano County, is technically within the San Francisco Bay Area, but its bait shops and tractor suppliers and Main Street lined with American flags can feel a state away. Sramek's plan was billed as a salve for San Francisco's urban housing problems. But paving over ranches to build a city of 400,000 wasn't the sort of idea you'd expect a group of farmers to be enthused about. Click here for article—The New York Times, January 21, 2024

US Supreme Court hears oral arguments in California case challenging building permit fees
The outcome of the case could have widespread consequences on how states conduct permitting and other land use management. It may potentially remove barriers to development or eliminating a reliable source of funds for basic government infrastructure. A ruling is not expected until the end of the term. Click here for article—Jurist.com, January 10, 2024

Supreme Court case about impact fees could have huge consequences for housing in California
If the high court does ultimately decide that a more rigorous, project-by-project analysis is required, the implications could be dramatic — and not in the way that plaintiffs either imagine or hope…What it would almost certainly do is "really slow down and make more expensive the process of pulling permits and doing other kinds of development projects," she said. "We're just concerned, particularly in the middle of a housing crisis." Click here for article—CalMatters.org, January 9, 2024

Angels Camp to enact new ordinance on vacant buildings
As proposed, the ordinance calls for owners of unoccupied commercial buildings to be subject to a monthly vacant building monitoring fee to be set by the city (currently at $450) to cover the city's costs of regularly checking on the properties…Council Member Michael Chimente reiterated that the ordinance, as amended by the city attorney, allows for a pre-waiver of building vacancy fees for owners who come forward and work with the city. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, January 4, 2024

Conservation easement secured for Valley Springs ranch
The Nakagawa family has a more than 80-year agricultural tradition in Northern California. And in an effort to protect their ranch in Valley Springs from suburban sprawl, the family recently partnered with the California Rangeland Trust (CRT)… while the California Rangeland Trust acquired the development rights on the ranch, the Nakagawas maintained ownership of the property. "They could pass it on to the next generation; they could sell it if they chose to," he said. "What they sold to us was the right to subdivide it. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, January 3, 2024

CCWD wraps 2023, elects officers for 2024
In separate but related news, an effort to recall the entire five-member board due to the district's recent rate hike is still underway. As earlier reported, it was organized by Valley Springs resident Steve Blackwood, who in recent weeks confirmed his interest in seeking Ratterman's seat. Ratterman and Davidson's terms both end at the end of 2024, and the others will end in 2026. The group was able to get through the initial hoops and is currently circulating petitions in each district. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, January 3, 2024

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