NEWS & REPORTS (Archived)
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2019 Archive
Stringent laws drive Mother Lode gun vendors out of state
Under the new law, citizens can no longer purchase ammunition without first completing a California Department of Justice background check. These requirements have caused headaches for gun vendors and owners statewide, with the Sacramento Bee reporting that one-in-five ammunition purchases have been rejected by the Department of Justice since implementation…Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods in Arnold stopped selling guns and ammunition in response to increasing liability and paperwork for firearms vendors.
Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, December 27, 2019
Habitat for Humanity Calaveras seeks applicants for homes and home repairs - Households of one to four making up to $60K a year can qualify
"You have to have a job, two years on the job. So it's for a lot of the people who work in the community – grocery store clerks – it's for people that make up to $30 an hour," he said. "It's not just low-income. In fact, the closer you make it to the $60,000, the better chance you have of qualifying for a house." "We're trying to do something unprecedented, not only in Calaveras County, but in California…" Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, December 21, 2019
"Green Rush" returns Monday to Calaveras County
The Calaveras County Division of Cannabis Control will begin accepting pre-application permits starting at 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 23. The application process has been divided into two steps…No cultivation may begin until the county approves the cannabis cultivation permit, a state license is issued, all provisions of the cannabis cultivation ordinance have been met, and the cannabis cultivation permit is validated by the County Division of Cannabis Control. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, December 20, 2019
Applying for a cannabis cultivation permit
The county will begin accepting pre-applications for cannabis cultivation permits starting at 8 a.m. on Dec. 23, 2019, the Calaveras County Division of Cannabis Control announced… The application process has been divided into two steps: a pre-application for initial screening of adequate parcel size, proper zoning, minimum separation from sensitive uses, and qualifying applicant based on prior registration and licensure from the state and a formal application once pre-screening has been completed. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, December 19, 2019
Commercial cannabis program moves forward without a budget
Implementation of Calaveras County's new commercial cannabis cultivation ordinance and the cannabis background clearance badge ordinance will go forward without a budget in place…Last week's budget vote does not kill or slow down implementation of the commercial cannabis program…Those who spoke in public pointed fingers at both sides of the issue causing the dilemma. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, December 18, 2019
Avalanche of lawsuits greets interim counsel
DeKay inherits a quickly expanding caseload against the county. The board at Tuesday's meeting voted to retain the legal counsel of Remy, Moose and Manley to defend the county in two recently filed cases…The firm will represent the county against Calaveras Residents Against Commercial Marijuana and the Calaveras Planning Coalition… The Calaveras Planning Coalition claims the recently approved Calaveras County General Plan Update is incomplete and violates state planning laws. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, December 18, 2019
Starry outlook ahead: 'Dark Sky' law gets OK
The Amador County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a new "Dark Sky" ordinance. Click here for article—Ledger-Dispatch, December 14, 2019 (account required)
Cloudy Conditions Prevail Over Calaveras Cannabis Enforcement Budget
As the legal commercial cannabis industry reboots in Calaveras County, albeit, under much stricter regulatory controls, county officials find themselves in a budgetary quagmire… "What we really wanted to do was to use the money from the cannabis growers to regulate the cannabis industry in an organized manner, and what we will have to do now is make do with the people that we have got." Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, December 13, 2019
Proposed Settlement Reached In Tuolumne County General Plan Lawsuit
A new General Plan was approved by the supervisors on January 3rd and the lawsuit was filed four weeks later on January 31. As part of the settlement, which CSERC has agreed to, the county will make amendments related to areas including the Climate Action Plan, Wildland Fire, Agricultural Resources, Special Commercial and Biological Resources (Oaks)… Tuolumne County will also pay CSERC's attorney fees ($70,000). Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, December 13, 2019
PG&E's future is in doubt after Newsom rejects bankruptcy plan
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday rejected Pacific Gas & Electric's proposal to pull itself out of bankruptcy, saying its reorganization plan falls "woefully short" of safety requirements set under state law and demanding the company make major changes if it wants to access billions of dollars in a fund to pay wildfire claims…Newsom's approval was not required under state law, but PG&E asked the governor to weigh in after reaching a $13.5-billion settlement with victims of some of California's worst wildfires on record last week. Click here for article—Los Angeles Times, December 13, 2019
What PG&E's proposed $13.5B settlement means for Butte Fire victims
More than 1,000 claims have yet to be settled for Butte Fire victims, a number that has not changed since the utility filed for bankruptcy and halted all settlement offers… The settlement still has to be approved by the bankruptcy court and subsequently voted on by wildfire victims… Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, December 11, 2019
NO GO ON GROW DOUGH
Board votes down cannabis department budget again
Alt reiterated that if supervisors didn't pass the budget, cannabis regulations would fall on the shoulders of existing staff. The county would still be able to collect the fees, but it would be unable to spend them…Planning Director Peter Maurer said his staff of seven will be "adversely impacted" if they have to process 190 applications without additional staffing… Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, December 11, 2019
Calaveras Planning Coalition Sues County Over General Plan Update
The 145-page petition for a writ of mandate, filed in Calaveras County Superior Court Monday, asserts the GPU is incomplete and in violation of planning law… CPC's filing includes a 20-page, 13-year chronology of the county's general plan update process from 2006 to 2019…CPC's position is that the GPU is not lawfully comprehensive because it rescinded without replacement community plans for Ebbetts Pass, Arnold, Avery/ Hathaway Pines, Murphys/ Douglas Flat, and Valley Springs; also that it lacks specific objectives required for the long-term protection of agricultural lands… Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, December 10, 2019
County sued over marijuana ordinance
A group of Calaveras County residents recently filed a lawsuit against the Board of Supervisors over its new cannabis cultivation ordinance, which was adopted in late October… plaintiffs Calaveras Residents Against Commercial Marijuana (CRACM) are alleging that the county unlawfully approved an Addendum to an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prepared for a "previous unrelated and unadopted ordinance" for the new set of regulations. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, December 9, 2019
County sees low jobless rates, wages
Unemployment rates in Calaveras County saw a slight uptick in October at 3.2%… labor force will most likely work in government, health care, education, retail trade, leisure and hospitality, or natural resources, mining and construction... Census surveys report about 32% of county households earn less than $35,000 annually… Recreation and tourism bring in the most money annually, followed by cattle, timber and wine… Calaveras County's agricultural industry will grow to include cannabis, which may disrupt that hierarchy. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, December 9, 2019
BIG FISH
Salmon numbers high on Moke River
Workman attributes the recent upswing, in part, to various conservation initiatives EBMUD has undertaken to mitigate the impacts of its dam systems blocking Chinook salmon habitat. In addition to financing hatchery operations, the district has for decades worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to lay down over 65,000 cubic yards of spawning gravel in the Mokelumne River to support quality spawning habitat… Additionally, EBMUD manages flows to support salmon runs based on seasonal migrations. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, December 6, 2019
Calaveras Supes Face Advocacy Group Lawsuit
Another Mother Lode county is facing an advocacy group lawsuit over its recently passed General Plan Update (GPU)…"They put off until tomorrow what they should have done today," he said. CPC is maintaining that the intentions of the suit are to protect residents from the harm that would result from the county's approval of an incomplete general plan… Among its criticisms is that the GPU indefinitely defers addressing some issues that in the past were already identified as key and critical.. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, December 4, 2019
New General Plan update faces legal challenge
The Calaveras Planning Coalition has notified the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors the group intends to file a law suit against the recently adopted General Plan Update… As Infusino wrote, "If the county had simply done its job over the 13 years it took to finish a general plan, then the CPC would not have to file suit to protect the safety of our people, the vibrancy of our economy, the value of our resource production lands, and the vitality of our fish and wildlife." Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, December 4, 2019
Spotted owl will not be federally listed as an endangered species
"Looking at the forest strictly from an environmental perspective, the decision not to list the owl by (USFWS) appears to be a sad outcome," Buckley said. "But if SPI and the Forest Service take steps to avoid harm to the owl and other closed canopy, old growth forest-dependent species, this may not end up being a significant blow to the long term survival of California spotted owls in the Sierra Nevada region." Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, December 1, 2019
County to be sued over General Plan update
The goal of the lawsuit is to protect the people of Calaveras County from the economic harm and impact to natural resources that would result from the county's approval of an "incomplete General Plan," according to a letter sent to supervisors from the CPC on Nov. 30. …Buckley said, if a lawsuit "ends up costing the county staff time and dollars, or if the county gets forced to go back and start over again after all these years, it will be because the board chose to rigidly disregard repeated requests to improve measures and correct numerous legal flaws in the plan." Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, December 2, 2019
Calaveras Supes Still At Odds Over Commercial Cannabis Roll Out
Following a failure to pass an ordinance outlining how Calaveras County will budget and spend to regulate commercial cannabis, one of the nay-voters offered a way forward… Alt, who outlined the plans, maintained without the passage of the ordinance, the enforcement plans…could not be executed and that staff time and effort to regulate the cannabis industry would divide staff time and effort among existing and new programs.
Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, November 21, 2019
Board votes down Cannabis Control budget
Regardless of the passage of the budget, the regulatory ordinances become effective on Friday, while the fees associated with them become effective Dec. 23. The total revenue for the first year from fees associated with the ordinances is estimated at $2.3 million. Alt warned that failure to pass the budget would result in cannabis regulation falling on the shoulders of existing staff. While the county would still be able to collect the fees, it would be unable to spend them without an approved budget... Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, November 20, 2019
New Grocery Store Opens In Calaveras County
Valley Springs, CA — Today there was a ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony held for a new Grocery Outlet in Valley Springs. The Grand Opening was held at 8:55am, and a $1,500 donation was presented to the Resource Connection Food Bank to help local families in need. Many were lined up at the store ahead of its opening as it delivered gift cards to the first 200 customers, ranging from $5 to $200. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, November 14, 2019
Board approves new General Plan
Calaveras County has a new General Plan update after a 13-year odyssey… "The General Plan update is not an elixir to all of the county's problems," said District 2 Supervisor and Board Chairman Jack Garamendi prior to the vote… Compromises were reached and he cautioned those who did not get 100 percent of what they wanted and are considering litigation to reconsider, because it will "only benefit the attorneys." Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, November 13, 2019
Supervisors approve General Plan update
…the Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted the Calaveras County General Plan at a board meeting on Tuesday… During a public hearing, Planning Director Peter Maurer spoke on the importance of approving the plan. "This is a momentous day," he said. "It's been a very, very long, involved process to get to the point where we're at today. I can assure you that not everyone is happy … Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, November 12, 2019
Calaveras County Board of Supervisors Vote 5-0 to Adopt New General Plan After 13 Years of Delays
…millions spent on consulting fees, planning fees, community meetings, community plans etc. In addition to the direct costs there have also been the indirect lost opportunity costs…One of the biggest victims of this broken general plan update process has been Copperopolis and what was formerly Copperopolis Town Square… not connected to the sewer system. It is on a holding tank like a giant RV. For 13 years sewage has had to be pumped from holding tanks and trucked to the CCWD treatment facility. Click here for article—ThePineTree.net, November 12, 2019
County's General Plan update approaching the finish line
It took 10 years to complete the Panama Canal. On Tuesday, the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors will consider adopting an update of the county's General Plan… That task has taken Calaveras County 13 years to complete...members of the Calaveras Planning Coalition have suggested numerous changes to the document, which could face a legal challenge. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, November 8, 2019
Supes Close In On General Plan Update Finish Line
The current board of supervisors has made sealing the deal one of its top priorities for the year and the process has taken months of staff, supervisors' and county planners' time. In late-June the Planning Commission recommended that the board certify the EIR and adopt the General Plan after which the supervisors held two public hearings in late July…the board on Tuesday will be attempting to adopt a resolution certifying the draft General Plan update's Environmental Impact Report.. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, November 7, 2019
New De Vinci's in Valley Springs already a hit with locals
Although Trotter feels he may have bitten off more focaccia bread than he can chew at the moment, he said the long-term benefits of owning a store in the prominent downtown of an ever-growing Valley Springs community will be worth the long hours he's putting in. "Even if I fail, this will always lease out as a restaurant, and my kids will always have income from it," Trotter said. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, November 7, 2019
$9 Million 'Wellness Mecca' Open For Business
Health care resources in Calaveras County are exponentially improving with the recent opening of the $9 million Valley Springs Health & Wellness Center… in-house lab services, such as blood tests and has a digital radiology suite that provides images in minutes… A 1,500-square foot pharmacy, still under construction, is scheduled to initiate operations Jan. 1, 2020…more exciting plans to collaborate and partner with Dignity Health-MTMC in the coming months towards bringing further improvements to local health care. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, November 5, 2019
When dogs attack: Recent killings in Calaveras County highlight string of incidents
According to Calaveras County Animal Services Manager Evan Jacobs, local animal control officers respond to at least 1,000 reports per year involving strays, animal abuse, dog bites and aggression… Currently, there is one animal control officer patrolling roughly 1,000 square miles in Calaveras County… Two other officers are out on leave, and the department is in desperate need of two temporary extra hires to help fill in the gaps. "We are a rural community … If we're in Arnold and something happens in Valley Springs, the response time is not going to be there…" Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, October 29, 2019
Valley Springs Community Plan proposal going online
The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors is days away from adopting an update of the Calaveras County General Plan, but it will not include a Community Plan for Valley Springs… Valley Springs has two competing versions of a community plan that were drafted nearly a decade ago. Tofanelli said both versions will be posted on the planning department's website in addition to the rough draft combining elements of both. He asked for the public to post their comments between now and the December holidays. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, October 25, 2019
Valley Springs Community Plan revisited - Public meeting low turnout
Remarking on the low attendance, Tofanelli said the meeting wasn't publicized as well it could've been… Between October and September of 2010, two draft Valley Springs Community Plans were submitted to the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors and the Planning Department, one produced by the Calaveras County Council of Governments in partnership with MyValleySprings.com, and the other by Tofanelli and a small ad hoc committee… A blend of these two plans was produced by MyValleySprings.com in 2016 Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, October 25, 2019
New health care clinic unveiled in Valley Springs
The 10,000-square-foot center on Wellness Way began serving patients on Oct. 16. With primary and walk-in care for individuals of all ages, as well as dental care and an in-house pharmacy soon to come, the "clinic of the future" was designed as a one-stop destination to meet all of the health care needs of its rural community, especially those who are underinsured. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, October 24, 2019
Board OKs new cannabis regulations in 3-2 vote
After holding multiple study sessions and public hearings dating back to April, the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday legalized commercial cannabis cultivation for approximately 190 formerly registered growers (based on staff estimations) that were in good standing with the county's regulatory program under the 2016 Urgency Ordinance. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, October 22, 2019
Valley Springs Health & Wellness Center Grand Opening on October 18th
The Center will provide primary care, pediatric care, internal medicine, vaccinations, dentistry, radiology and laboratory services…Because the center will be a federally designated "Rural Health Clinic" the target patient population is Medi-Cal, Medicare-Medi-Cal, and managed Medi-Cal. That said, anyone with any insurance may receive appointments and care and we expect about 20% of our patients to be Medicare, commercial insurance, or cash pay. Click here for article—ThePineTree.net, October 18, 2019
Vacation rentals on the rise, but regulations may prove hindering
In Calaveras County, there is currently a shortage of affordable housing. According to the 2019-2027 Calaveras County Housing Element, approved by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, 36.6% of the county's housing was unoccupied in 2018. This compares unfavorably with the state's 7.4% vacancy rate, and is largely due to the high numbers of second homes and vacation rentals in the county. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, October 17, 2019
CPC holding annual fundraiser
"These planning processes affect people's daily lives," said CPC Facilitator Tom Infusino. "It affects your home, the traffic on the roads, the conservation of our agricultural lands and forest lands. It affects the ability of our economy to make jobs for people now and in the future." Infusino said the CPC identified three issues with the General Plan update as it's currently written: The community plans for communities along the Highway 4 corridor and Valley Springs were excluded… Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, October 17, 2019
West Point Community Hall gets facelift thanks to Butte Fire settlement
With $100,000 in Butte Fire settlement funds at his disposal, County Facilities and Grounds Manager Patrick Martin oversaw the six-week project…the upgrades are a great support for its use as an emergency shelter… Martin said the next Butte Fire settlement-funded improvement projects will likely be in community halls in Mountain Ranch and Valley Springs. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, October 10, 2019
Board tables controversial housing projects for homeless and mentally ill
103 of the 161 available low-income housing units in the county are in San Andreas, Tofanelli said. Other parts of the county should be sharing the burden, he said… Other supervisors were in agreement that low-income housing developments should be distributed more evenly throughout the county. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, October 8, 2019
Harrah's early issues, future plans discussed
Traffic concerns raised by residents were primarily focused on casino traffic, including bus and truck deliveries, taking side roads in the Buena Vista area rather than the roads that have been improved to bear the increased traffic…The future use of the more than $1 million per year in the county's community fund given to the county each year by the Tribe as part of the mitigation for the casino, remains a contentious issue… at the discretion of the Board of Supervisors. Click here for article—Amador Ledger Dispatch, October 6, 2019
Calaveras County Cannabis Regulatory Program Fee Study
The Board of Supervisors will be considering the adoption of two sets of regulatory fees on October 15, 2019. The first set of fees…for the implementation of an ordinance to repeal and replace Chapter 17.95, the County's commercial cannabis ordinance…will require the imposition of three separate fees: an application fee in the amount of twelve thousand, five-hundred and sixty-one dollars ($12,561), an annual continuation fee in the amount of two thousand, six hundred and six dollars ($2,606), and a fee to be charged for the appeal of staff decisions in the amount of nine-hundred and forty seven dollars ($947). Click here for Press Release article—ThePineTree.net, October 4, 2019
Board moves closer to new cannabis code
A 3-2 majority of the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors pushed forward a plan once again to allow the commercial cultivation of cannabis despite vocal opposition and allegations of corruption during meetings Tuesday and Wednesday… Tofanelli reminded the board they voted 5-0 near the beginning of the year to make the General Plan update, which has been in the works for a dozen years, the county's No. 1 priority. The General Plan update has taken "a back stage and back door" to cannabis, Tofanelli said. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, October 4, 2019
Cannabis regulations bring heated debate
The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors began reviewing two ordinances and a fee study pertaining to commercial cannabis cultivation in special meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday… Later in the day, Planning Director Peter Maurer introduced the cannabis cultivation regulatory ordinance to the board. He listed the following as the biggest changes from the 2016 regulatory program… Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, October 3, 2019
Calaveras elected leaders still have work to do to finalize new pot farming regulations
The next chapter in Calaveras County's ongoing debate over whether to legalize commercial pot farming or keep it banned is expected to come back to the elected Board of Supervisors on Oct. 8 and Oct. 15… A ban on commercial cannabis activities remains in effect. A new regulatory ordinance, if approved, would replace the ban. Click here for article—The Union Democrat, October 3, 2019
Day Two For Calaveras Cannabis Regulatory Proposals
At Tuesday's meeting, after a full day peppered with plenty of public comment from a standing-room-only gallery split between industry supporters and residents in favor of maintaining the ban, the supervisors managed to check the box on one of three objectives. The board, in a split 3-2 vote, moved forward with plans to establish a centralized Division of Cannabis Control... it was decided to continue the meeting into a Wednesday session, which is still underway… Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, October 2, 2019
Calaveras supervisors, county staff keep hashing out new draft pot farming law
Fifty-one pages of pot farming rules kept the elected Board of Supervisors for Calaveras County busy all day Wednesday, the second day of a special meeting focused on a new draft law regulating commercial and non-commercial cannabis cultivation… Before lunch, DiBasilio reiterated to the board and county staff his deputies have done eradications on illegal pot farms only, not on registered grow sites. Click here for article—The Union Democrat, October 2, 2019
Columbia College expands free tuition to Calaveras students
Starting in Fall 2020, the Promise program will make it possible for every qualified local public high school graduate to attend Columbia College fulltime, tuition free, for two full years of consecutive semesters if they enroll immediately after high school graduation… The goal of the Promise program is to remove the tuition barrier that often stops promising young high school graduates from pursuing their education... Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, October 2, 2019
Cannabis in Calaveras: board OKs controversial pot control division on split 3-2 vote
Duties and functions of the new cannabis control division will include centralizing interdepartmental cooperation to implement the cannabis cultivation program and application reviews… "What I want to see is heavy regulation, heavy taxation, and heavy enforcement," Falvey said. "If that takes putting long rifles in the hands of the Sheriff's Office then I'm all for it. Click here for article—The Union Democrat, October 1, 2019
Tale of 2 clinics—Wellness Center close to opening; remodeling for existing facility
Valley Springs will have two clinics with the mid-October completion of the Health & Wellness Center, above, and the existing Family Medical Center… In all, 20 people have been hired so far including nurses, medical assistants and other staff members. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, September 27, 2019
California Easing CEQA Restrictions To Spur More Homeless Shelters
It includes allowing larger cities to bypass some of the California Environmental Quality Act rules in order to build more shelters. In addition, there will be (California Environmental Quality Act) CEQA exemptions for any hotel being turned into housing for low-income residents. Also, homeless facilities being constructed with $2-billion in state bond money will be exempt from many of the environmental rules. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, September 27, 2019
Lawmakers approve statewide rent cap; bill could have minimal impact in Calaveras County
In unincorporated Calaveras County, 21.2% of housing is renter-occupied, which is less than half of the rate of renter-occupied housing in the state as a whole… According to data from 2018 cited in the Housing Element, 88% of housing in the county consists of detached, single-family residences, which are not subject to the provisions of the bill unless they are owned by a real estate trust or a corporation. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, September 26, 2019
Meeting set to discuss updating Valley Springs Community Plan
Calaveras County supervisors Benjamin Stopper and Gary Tofanelli have scheduled a Wednesday, Oct. 16, meeting to address a Community Plan for Valley Springs. The meeting is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Veterans Memorial Hall at 300 Daphne St. The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors recently adopted an update of the Calaveras County General Plan that did not include a Community Plan for Valley Springs and several other communities. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, September 25, 2019
Forest Service sued by conservation groups over logging in Rim Fire footprint
Plaintiffs include the Earth Island Institute, Greenpeace Inc., Sequoia ForestKeeper and Dr. James Hansen, a climate change scientist. One local expert said the lawsuit is based on misleading and false claims, and that it "hurts legitimate environmental causes." "This lawsuit is based on misinformation, intentional use of false rhetoric, and claims that are not based on factual, on-the-ground information," said John Buckley, executive director of the Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center, a Twain Harte-based environmental advocacy group. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, September 25, 2019
Ione OKs regulations for short-term rentals - Ordinance will impact vacation homes, Airbnbs
Council members directed that the new regulations account for noise violations, that such rental units meet a health and safety inspection, and that they pay transit occupancy tax. A draft ordinance will go before the City Planning Commission next for review before returning to the Council for final consideration and approval. Click here for article—Ledger Dispatch, September 23, 2019
Calaveras Planning Commission approves draft commercial cannabis law on split vote
Laddish said he was glad the commission had public comments Wednesday because it's good to air these things out. More line-by-line editing of the new draft law followed… Now the new draft law will go to the five elected county supervisors. A hearing is scheduled Oct. 1. The plan is for the board to discuss the regulatory ordinance, a related background check ordinance, and a fee program, Maurer, the planning director, said Wednesday after the planning commission completed their work on the new draft law. Click here for article—The Union Democrat, September 19, 2019
Supervisors to bring back ordinances establishing cannabis cultivator background checks; new department to be created
Introduced by District 5 Supervisor Ben Stopper, the idea of a centralized cannabis department would…allow the sheriff to focus on illegal grows and let the cannabis unit focus on the legal registered grows. The first reading of the background check ordinance will be on Oct. 1. In that hearing, supervisors will also review the companion ordinance detailing the specifics of commercial growing regulations, as adopted by the Planning Commission on Sept. 18. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, September 18, 2019
Community turns out for answers on fire insurance from Lara
Fire coverage is getting increasingly harder to find and afford in Calaveras County and around the state, due to destructive wildfires in recent years… Insurance companies issued 518 nonrenewals in Calaveras County last year, and that number will likely be higher for 2019… Lara said that the Insurance Department doesn't have the authority currently to place more stringent requirements on insurance companies to ensure that they cover certain areas. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, September 18, 2019
The Homeless Crisis: Calaveras residents voice concern over housing near school
"The homeless people aren't the problem … It's services that are the problem," said Blue Mountain Coalition of Youth and Families President Jim Casey. "I want to make sure we don't demonize the homeless, because that makes it more difficult. Let's talk about the causes." Click here for article—Ledger Dispatch, September 14, 2019
Residents voice concerns over homeless housing project
The most frequent objection expressed by the public was the proposed location of the units, which is directly across the street from San Andreas Elementary School. The county has been pursuing the project with the aid of the state's No Place Like Home (NPLH) program… Stranger spoke about potential residents of the units. "They are our community members," Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, September 14, 2019
Planning commission continues hearing on cannabis regulations
The Calaveras County Planning Commission discussed setback requirements, the use of generators, an environmental impact report (EIR) and more during a Sept. 12 hearing… The first disagreement in the meeting arose over whether a new environmental impact report (EIR) should be drafted prior to establishing regulations… Commissioners heard from Sheriff's Office and Code Compliance staff on how new regulations would impact their departments' workload. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, September 13, 2019
Hashing out how to regulate commercial cannabis cultivation in Calaveras
Asked what kind of hazardous materials he's encountered on grow sites, DiBasilio said, "What you would expect, pesticides, fertilizers, human waste, etc." In response to questions from the commission, DiBasilio said the Sheriff's Office doesn't deal with registered sites, primarily, they pretty much deal with illegal sites. "I can't testify to what happens on the registered sites," DiBasilio said. "We see the bigger problems on the illegal sites." Click here for article—The Union Democrat, September 12, 2019
Trees recommended for removal on Main Street in Murphys
ACRT's assessment covered 93 trees on Main Street, which comprise a total of 16 different species ranging from under 20 to over 100 years old… 22 trees are in need of corrective maintenance, and that 23 trees are in poor health, pose a risk to the public, and should be removed... concluded that 61 trees pose a low risk to the public; 10 pose a moderate risk; 21 pose a high risk; and one poses an extreme risk. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, September 13, 2019
Board passes housing element update; closes final budget hearings
Maurer said the high costs of building in the county due to state energy conservation and safety mandates continue to present challenges for prospective developers…The board also tossed around the idea of adding an "inclusionary zoning" provision that would require a certain amount of low-income housing units in housing development projects. During public comment, Joyce Techel of MyValleySprings.com voiced support for including the provision. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, September 12, 2019
Proposed biomass plant site toured in Wilseyville - Experts talk on pros, cons of biomass facilities
…A wide array of conservation groups, firefighters and foresters agree that some amount of selective thinning..can make a difference in slowing a wildfire and providing a safe staging area for firefighters as they work to keep a blaze down. "It is not reasonable that the Forest Service or Cal Fire should only focus on doing (wildland urban interface) projects directly around homes and communities," said John Buckley, executive director of the Twain Harte-based Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center (CSERC).
Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, September 12, 2019
San Andreas Fire Protection District to discuss proposed tax
SAFPD during fire season typically relies on earnings from sending firefighters and engines to state-managed fires, but they haven't gone out once this year, Nichols said…While it's good news that there aren't as many fires burning up and down the state, "It means we do not have that earning," Nichols said. "That means we drain our reserves, and when (we) run out of money, the (district) isn't able to pay a stipend for the firefighters to pay a 24-hour shift. That's what we're trying to avoid." Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, September 5, 2019
'We need help now!" Hundreds urge regulator, lawmakers to act on fire insurance struggles
Many of the approximately 500 to 600 people who were in attendance and spilling out the hall's front doors have received non-renewals from their homeowners insurance companies due to fire risk, some even after they've invested in measures to protect themselves and their property. Others who have been fortunate enough to keep their coverage have seen their annual premiums increase at a rate they fear will soon become unaffordable. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, August 30, 2019
New Valley Springs clinic on cutting edge of rural health care
The 10,000-square-foot clinic…will open its doors to the public on Oct. 15. The new facility is designated as a Rural Health Clinic (RHC) by both state and federal standards…"Having a clinic and a health care facility is huge for development…If you're in Valley Springs, this is really a new economic hub." Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, August 29, 2019
Calaveras To Host Housing And Homelessness Town Hall
Stranger shares that what the task force has learned from collected data is that the number of homeless persons in Calaveras County is on the rise. "We have a lack of inventory of available housing inventory across the entire spectrum of need from emergency shelter to affordable and workforce housing"…the task force is applying for the next round of NPLH to develop approximately 16 units in Valley Springs that will also serve veterans. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, August 29, 2019
County planning panel mulls cannabis proposal
The planning panel began the public hearing process Thursday, but fell short in completing full consideration of the proposal and passing it on to the Board of Supervisors...The Planning Commission will resume consideration of the proposal at 9 a.m. Sept. 12…District 2 Planning Commissioner Tim Laddish said in his talks with Board Chairman Jack Garamendi it was more important "to get things right than we hurry them." Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, August 28, 2019
Planning Commission reviews cannabis ordinance
Disagreement among commissioners arose over how to mitigate odors from cultivation through establishing setback requirements and establishing which zones to permit outdoor growing in...Maurer said that current staff levels could accommodate approximately 25 applications at a time. Maurer estimated that about 80 to 100 growers would apply, since many of the 190 farmers that would qualify left the county when the ban went into effect. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, August 23, 2019
County has mined more than gold
While Calaveras County is best known for its gold deposits, many other minerals have been mined in the county throughout its history. In fact, at least 26 different minerals have been mined commercially in the county since the Gold Rush. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, August 22, 2019
Board mulls background checks for cannabis growers
During public comment, a spectrum of opinions surfaced among formerly registered and prospective cannabis farmers, pro-ban advocates and other members of the public. That said, there was little resistance toward background checks… The board decided that Mills and District 5 Supervisor Ben Stopper will participate with county staff in determining what changes should be made to the draft ordinance before bringing it back for further review. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, August 22, 2019
Buzzing Calaveras County Economic Development Efforts Prepare To Hone In
Gallino maintained that top business priorities and concerns are having a sufficient workforce and housing. Along with working to improve both, she confided two developers, one in Copperopolis and one in Valley Springs, were considering adding affordable housing elements to proposed projects. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, August 15, 2019
Latest commercial cannabis proposal nears consideration
A proposed ordinance to once again regulate the commercial cultivation of cannabis in Calaveras County is scheduled to be considered by the County Planning Commission as soon as Aug. 22. Regulations allowing the commercial production of cannabis have been a hot topic in the county for the past three years…Final consideration of the proposal rests with the Board of Supervisors. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, August 9, 2019
Variety of agencies, programs working to end homelessness in county
For some time, homelessness has been on the rise across California, which has a larger homeless population than any state in the country. This is partly due to the high cost of housing. While rent in the state is 40% higher than the national average, income is only 18% higher… In Calaveras County, lack of available housing is also a significant problem. Currently, 35% of all homes in the county are unoccupied, 92% of which are unavailable for rent or sale… Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, August 8, 2019
Board approves General Plan update for adoption - Public speaks out against elimination of community plan for Valley Springs, among others
"You told us community plans would be cost prohibitive," Zeller said in the meeting. "Now you tell us community plans will be added later. Forgive me if I don't believe you … You have wasted time and money. Forgive me if I have lost faith in you." Platt echoed Zeller's sentiment in an Aug. 8 email. "With the elimination of the Valley Springs Community Plan, area residents and businesses lose their community voice and their say in local growth and development," she said. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, August 8, 2019
Board of Supervisors Completes General Plan Update Hearing & Prepares to Rescind Community Plans
District One Supervisor Gary Tofanelli struggled for words as he inquired of Planning Director Peter Maurer about the process for yet again updating the Valley Springs Community Plan…In fact, Maurer had recommended adoption of a Valley Springs Community Plan in January of 2017. However, Tofanelli had the item removed from the Planning Commission agenda… While Board members and staff claimed that adopting plans for Valley Springs and Copperopolis would be a "priority," they again refused to provide a timeline for adoption. Click here for article—ThePineTree.Net, August 6, 2019
County's General Plan update enters final stage
Approval of the General Plan update is moving forward without the inclusion of some community plans. The board agreed the inclusion of community plans for Copperopolis and Valley Springs should be the highest priorities. Waiting completion of all the community plans would be a bad idea, Garamendi said, as the update needs to move forward. "Progress trumps perfection in this case," he said. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, August 2, 2019
Public, supervisors weigh in on General Plan update in meeting
District 5 Supervisor Ben Stopper said he was torn between balancing environmental protections and private property rights by changing land use designations without the consent or approval of landholders. District 2 Supervisor Jack Garamendi emphasized that the conversions to resource production are necessary to preserve the agricultural lands and open space that draw visitors and new residents to the county…"There has to be a balance," Garamendi said. "We can't have a house under every tree..." Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, August 1, 2019
Will fuel breaks bring insurance providers back to Calaveras County?
Homeowners insurance has become harder and harder to come by in wildfire-prone regions like Calaveras County in recent years, and state officials are working to pass legislation to address the problem… District 3 Supervisor Merita Callaway said she has been receiving daily calls and emails from residents in the heavily-forested district that have been non-renewed by their insurance providers. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, August 1, 2019
Special Meeting Focuses On Calaveras General Plan Update
The document serves as a long range planning document for land use, and it was first approved in the county in 1967…Planning for the latest revision commenced in 2007.
Related to population, it reflects that the state of California anticipates the county will grow from the 45,578 residents to 55,541 by the year 2035. The county encompasses 662,791 acres. The plan has a stated objective to "promote economic prosperity, protect property rights, and enhance Calaveras County's unique blend of its productive resources and innovative economic pursuits for all to live in, work among, and enjoy." Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, July 30, 2019
Supervisors approve housing for homeless
The Calaveras County Homeless Task Force is spearheading the project, which aims to help community members who lack stable housing by building approximately 10 tiny houses equipped with showers, bathrooms, sinks and small kitchen areas for use as emergency shelters. The program also includes intensive case management for those temporarily placed in the shelters. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, July 25, 2019
Comment period on sustainable groundwater plan closes Aug. 25
For Calaveras County, the plan pertains to about 500 combined residents between Wallace Lake Estates and Valley Springs that rely on groundwater, according to Calaveras County Water District (CCWD) Water Resources Program Manager Peter Martin… Chronic lowering of groundwater levels is the most concerning for not only Calaveras County, but the entire basin, according to Joel Metzger, CCWD's manager of external affairs. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, July 25, 2019
Calaveras Sheriff's Office Shares Midyear Stats On Illegal Cannabis Busts
Just over halfway through this year's illegal marijuana eradication efforts, Calaveras County officials say they have taken at least $36 million in black market pot out of play…Although the MET is ramping up operations ahead of the fall outdoor harvest season, Stark maintains that marijuana growing and busting activities in Calaveras County are constant activities. "From the indoor grows during the wintertime to the outdoor and indoor ones year-round, we are busy year-round." Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, July 23, 2019
General Plan update process reaches board consideration
A 12-year odyssey could come to an end as the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors considers adoption of a new General Plan…the board is scheduled to begin public hearings on the document beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 30... Over the past dozen years, the update process has cost the county taxpayers more than $2 million. Approval of the update could face a rocky road. The Calaveras Planning Coalition has outlined numerous issues it has with the plan. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, July 19, 2019
Sept. 20 Grand Opening Set For $9 Million Health And Wellness Center
Valley Springs, CA – The official opening is coming soon for a 10,000-square foot facility heralded as western Calaveras county's new "one-stop" health care mecca. "We will have internal and family medicine, pediatrics, behavioral health, dental care, radiology, lab, and I think we may even have a pharmacy," he lists. "The vision is that we will be delivering high-quality primary care for the community with one-stop shopping…" Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, July 19, 2019
Mark Twain Medical Center Clinic Projects Make Major Strides
As a multi-million-dollar clinic nears completion, local hospital officials are sharing plans for a move and upgraded services at Copper Valley Town Square…Mark Twain Medical Center's new James Dalton Medical Center still under construction in Angels Camp, Support Services and Development Director Ed Gonzales shares that the tentative completion date is Sept. 4... Valley Springs Health and Wellness Center, set to open Sept. 20. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, July 19, 2019
New cannabis ordinance could be ready in a month
Now that the General Plan update is nearing completion, District 5 Supervisor Benjamin Stopper at Tuesday's board meeting said he personally wanted to see a commercial cannabis cultivation proposal before the Planning Commission in August…County Counsel Megan Stedtfelt indicated county staff was close to having the proposal ready for consideration. She "hoped" it would be ready to go to the Planning Commission in August or the beginning of September. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, July 19, 2019
'Fire-resistant' plants help reduce risk around homes
"Having a list of plants (that are fire-resistant) is very misleading," Vierra-Pennington said. "The secret is to plant plants that won't touch each other at a mature size and are nonwoody." …all plants are combustible, although some are more so than others. Home fire safety "usually means taking away vegetation, rather than adding it," Kocher said. "A more safe landscape would be more sparse…and in some places you shouldn't plant anything at all." Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, July 18, 2019
Groundbreaking kicks off Mill Woods fuel-reduction project
The project is part of an effort to build fuel breaks around communities from Camp Connell to Murphys along the Highway 4 corridor… In addition to helping prevent the next massive wildfire, Padelford said he hopes the uptick in fuel-break projects will draw home insurance companies back to the area. "The Arnold area is a very special place," Padelford said. "We've got to do something to protect this thing as best we can." Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, July 18, 2019
New tree-removal funding found
In order to qualify, private forest landowners must have at least one dead standing conifer (pine, cedar, spruce, etc.) on their property…The program can pay about $800 per large dead tree within a 100-foot defensible space zone. If outside that zone, the funding provided is based on acreage…Long said interested landowners should apply by August or September at the latest. "This is a real opportunity for folks with dead trees on their property that they can't afford to remove," Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, July 18, 2019
Calaveras County's New Chief Exec Delivers Initial Assessment
As far as his goals, he comments, "We have some very distinct objectives that we will bring back regarding facilities, employee engagement, revenue, and stability." Alt shares high praise for the board, which he describes as very well-read and tracking well in dealing with its set priorities, including the General Plan update, how to utilize the PG&E Butte fire settlement funds, and addressing the draft cannabis regulatory ordinance. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, July 17, 2019
Calaveras Water District Conservation Concerns During PG&E Wildfire Shutoffs
Calaveras County Water District (CCWD) warns its nearly 18,000 customers that if the power is turned off by PG&E for wildfire danger in the county it will impact service…water, wastewater, and recycled water systems rely upon uninterrupted electrical power from PG&E. During a power outage, those systems will rely on back-up generators. To help reduce the risk of that equipment possibly failing, customers will be asked to cut down on their water use. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, July 17, 2019
Tuolumne County Leaders Disappointed Following State Insurance Meeting
"He thinks that we have a healthy insurance market (statewide) and there is not any difficulty with securing insurance…" Riggs says there are hundreds, if not thousands, who have been impacted locally. Just in the past couple of months, there have been three people in her office who have had policies canceled. It is having an impact on the local economy, as she has heard about local home sales that have fallen through related to insurance… Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, July 17, 2019
California regulator encourages people having trouble with homeowners insurance to contact his office
…Ricardo Lara, the state's new insurance commissioner who took office on Jan. 7. Riggs said Lara told them he can get anyone insurance if they call his office… Many county residents have reported issues with skyrocketing annual premiums or being dropped from their longtime providers since the 2013 Rim Fire. The San Diego Union-Tribune recently reported that Lara…had received $53,000 in contributions to his 2022 re-election campaign from insurance company executives and their spouses. Click here for article—The Union Democrat, July 16, 2019
Vets hall loan in question
The Jenny Lind Veterans Memorial District Board of Directors violated state law in securing a loan to finance completion of its new hall in Valley Springs, according to the 2018-19 Calaveras County Grand Jury report released last week… The loan, which is secured by two district parcels, is a 10-year note in the amount of $742,798.82… "With an outstanding loan on the property, the JLVMD property is at risk of loan default," the grand jury said in its findings. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, July 5, 2019
Calaveras begins roads assessment
The effort is the first step in determining how to spend the additional money from the increase in the state's gas tax. Over the next 10 years, the county will receive about $2.5 million from the tax… "To ensure that Calaveras County residents get the most cost-effective maintenance plan from these additional revenues, the county and city are working to implement a Pavement Management Plan," Click here for article—The Union Democrat, July 4, 2019
Angels Camp to close purchase of key 12 acres for proposed Angels Creek Trail
The property includes a century-old, man-made diversion dam dating to around 1915 that creates a waterfall. People have been walking down the creek to that old diversion dam to swim and fish for decades… The proposed trail will stretch about five linear miles from Tryon Park to New Melones, if it's approved and completed as designed so far… there's an open house meeting scheduled 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. July 11 at Joe Carley Memorial Firehouse, 1404 Vallecito Road in Angels Camp, where the public is invited to look at proposed trail ideas and share their views. Click here for article—The Union Democrat, July 3, 2019
Visitors Bureau executive director of over seven years leaving post
"Once people experience Calaveras they are motivated to find a way to live here…" For Boulton, tourism is about community, first and foremost. "There's nothing you can do in destination marketing that's going to be successful if you don't involve the community… we're seeing that people like to go into those rural destinations where they can find hidden gems… anything that's really authentic, hand curated, handmade, artisanal or anything about rural local community. That is what's attracting people to rural locations." Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, July 2, 2019
Angels Camp rancher and gun club locked in legal battle
"I'm not mad at the gun club. I'd love for the gun club to continue," Tryon told the Enterprise, though he admitted that being subjected to a "reasonable set of conditions" may, in fact, shut down the club. Tryon also maintains that he has no plans to develop or sell the equally historic ranch he owns with his siblings during his lifetime. "The stakes are very high," Ferrier said. "This is about the survival of a Calaveras County institution that has been there for three-quarters of a century, woven into the community. It's a fight to the death." Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, July 2, 2019
Grand Jury Report sparks controversy surrounding Animal Control
…the 2018-19 Grand Jury made some hefty recommendations, including either the funding for relocation or development of a new facility, or the elimination of Calaveras County ACS and outsourcing to other counties… It was also recommended that the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office take over operations at the ACS shelter within that same time frame. Current director of ACS, Evan Jacobs, says he "respectfully disagrees" with those recommendations. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, July 2, 2019
Board backs CalCo request for higher development fees
Dickinson said the fee increase would apply to all new development after a 60-day period…The money will only go toward new fire facilities, firefighting equipment and apparatus that can be attributed to new residential and nonresidential development, he added, and not personnel. The fee for a new 2,000-square-foot single-family residence would be $1,800. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, June 28, 2019
Calaveras County Grand Jury report highlights college district bond measure, Animal Services inadequacies
The Grand Jury found that Jenny Lind Veterans Memorial District (JLVMD) obtained unauthorized commercial loans to pay for the completion of a new hall that opened in 2018…The district now has an outstanding loan on the property, and is at risk of loan default. The jury's recommendation is for the Board of Supervisors to partner with the JLVMD to pay off the noncompliant loan. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, June 28, 2019
Planning Commission approves General Plan update - Update eliminates community plans for Valley Springs, Arnold, Murphys, Avery/Hathaway Pines
"The resolution has been adopted on a 5-0 vote, and this is now the project of the Board of Supervisors," said Michelle Plotnik, Chair…"We are well aware that it is not anybody's idea of the perfect document, but I'm pleased to have it completed..." The update eliminates existing community plans for Valley Springs, Arnold... The CPC also criticized the update's lack of clear deadlines for projects…in addition to its lack of an explicit monitoring process to ensure objectives are being met. The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors intends to hold two special hearings for final review tentatively on July 30 and 31. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, June 28, 2019
San Andreas receives funding to build five housing units for homeless and mentally ill
The goal is to make three of the units available to individuals and/or couples and two for families with children…"Calaveras County, like the rest of the state and nation, is facing a housing crisis…NPLH funding offers an opportunity to provide housing coupled with supportive services." San Andreas was one of 37 communities selected across the state for the loan. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, June 27, 2019
Calaveras Humane Society opens doors on new doggy (and kitty) digs
After a year of renovations and permitting, the highly-anticipated facility near Angels Camp opened its doors for pet surrenders and adoptions on June 19…"Being able to offer the public a place that they find warm and welcoming is exciting to us," Drake said. "A place that they feel will take good care of their pet if they need to give it up, and a place that really celebrates adoptions…" "We are not able to accept strays. Legally, that is a function of Calaveras County Animal Services," Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, June 26, 2019
Angels Gun Club Can Continue To Operate
The vote was 4-0 to allow the shooting range to continue operations. The board indicated that while there had been things like new lighting and minor amenities added, it was still functioning in the same capacity as the 1940's, and there was not proof it had really expanded, or added any type of offerings. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, June 26, 2019
Calaveras Supervisors To Hear Debate Over Angels Gun Club
The Angels Gun Club operates five trap shooting stations, a pistol range, and a rifle range along 20 acres situated at the outskirts of Angels Camp, along Gun Club Road. Some neighbors have voiced concerns to the county that the range is in violation of county codes. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, June 24, 2019
Calaveras Consolidated revamps fire impact fees on developers
Calaveras County Supervisors adopted an updated set of fire impact mitigation fees for new developers in the Calaveras Consolidated Fire Protection District…rates based on square footage and types of land uses… fees would not be used for staffing, as that would require an assessment and public outreach process, and would ultimately be decided by voters living within the district's boundaries. "We're going to be apparatus-capable but people-poor," he said. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, June 26, 2019
Calaveras Supervisors Approve Development Fees For Fire District
The Board of Supervisors will place new fees on residential and commercial construction within the Calaveras Consolidated Fire District…The district covers roughly 163 square miles in the western portion of the county, including Valley Springs, Burson, Wallace, Campo Seco, Milton, Rancho Calaveras, La Contenta and Jenny Lind. It covers about 18,000 people and sees over 1,500 calls per year. It was emphasized that the fee will only impact new development… Click here for article and fee structure—MyMotherLode.com, June 25, 2019
Calaveras County gaining ground on rural internet; road protection
In an unlikely rural broadband success story, a fiber optic underground cabling project for the community of West Point broke ground June 4…An update to a county roads policy played an essential role by alleviating permitting costs on Volcano's end… Economic Development Director Kathy Gallino said the increased connectivity will be more than just an economic boost for the region…"It's going to appreciate the value of property and it's great for public safety and health." Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, June 21, 2019
California hunters face nation's first lead ammo ban
The nation's first 100% lead ammunition ban for hunters…starts with the rabbit season July 1. As game seasons then open from mid-August through November, hunters will be required to make the change for good. Nearly 60 manufacturers have been certified to sell lead-free ammunition in California, according to the DFW. Click here for article—San Francisco Chronicle, June 16, 2019
USDA proposes major overhaul of forest management practices
"There's a legitimate concern that environmental planning as currently managed does often take longer than is desired…" said John Buckley, director of the Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center… "It's unfortunate that this proposal has thrown in every possible wish list for special interests who would like to weaken the public's ability to help shape management on their lands." "Gutting environmental measures has little to do with getting important work done on federal lands ..." Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, June 20, 2019
Angels Camp cuts fees for affordable housing projects in half
The city eliminated nearly $9,000 in water capacity fees in anticipation of state grant funding and lowered sewer capacity fees to $8,697 – a 7% reduction. Traffic impact mitigation fees for extremely low income, very low income and low income housing units were reduced by 60%, 50% and 40%, respectively. Councilmembers discussed conducting a single rate study for multiple developers to eventually bring fees down for specific projects under a development agreement. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, June 19, 2019
CCWD Reaches Butte Fire Agreement With PG&E
PG&E has accepted a mediator's proposal of $3 million to resolve the Calaveras County Water District's (CCWD) claims that resulted from the 2015 Butte Fire. The district stresses that proposal does not affect the claims of any residents, individuals, or businesses also seeking damages from the utility. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, June 6, 2019
LGBT opposition to conservative pastor's appointment to local government role ignored
A pastor from a nondenominational Christian church in Mokelumne Hill who has criticized homosexuality from his pulpit and alienated members of the LGBT community in social media posts was recently appointed to the Calaveras County planning commission… Fiorino's appointment to the Calaveras County planning commission comes three years after Kelly Wooster, the District 4 commissioner, suggested a plan to combat invasive species could encompass "people from Mexico." Click here for article—Union Democrat, June 14, 2019
Supervisors appoint controversial planning commissioner, 3-2
In what evolved into a heated debate over hate speech and the separation of church and state, community members packed board chambers Tuesday morning to weigh in on the appointment of Valley Springs resident Trent Fiorino, a local pastor, as the new planning commissioner for District 1... Tofanelli said that Fiorino "has assured me that he will not have any bias in his decisions…" Sharon Romano, the alternative applicant, ran against Tofanelli in the supervisorial race for District 1 in 2016…"I find it very hard to nominate somebody that has openly ran against me …" Tofanelli said. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, June 13, 2019
Fiber Optic Comes to West Point
The first phase of the project will be installation of the underground distribution cables within the next 30 days to ensure that construction will be completed prior to a road pavement overlay scheduled by Calaveras County in early July 2019. Volcano Telephone Company will then return later in 2019 to install the fiber optic drops to the homes and businesses in West Point and convert these locations to the new network. Click here for article—Ledger-Dispatch, June 13, 2019
Habitat Calaveras lauded with Nonprofit of Year honor - Agency seeks to build 80-100 homes
Habitat for Humanity was placing efforts into building one house about every other year, but recently decided to put those efforts on hold in favor of a larger project, one that could impact around 100 families. On the north side of Angels Camp, just off Highway 49 on Copello Drive, one generous benefactor has donated 16.92 acres of land worth $1.05 million. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, June 12, 2019
Safety cameras installed to help prevent spread of fires
The first of many wildfire safety cameras to be installed in Calaveras County was secured on a Volcano Telephone Co. communications tower in West Point a few weeks ago… Providing new images every 20 to 30 seconds, the system will "give us a view of what a fire is doing before the units get there…" The photos may also present a tourism opportunity for the county, since they could offer anyone with an internet connection a real-time view of weather conditions in the foothills and Sierra, he added. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, June 12, 2019
County starts first round of budget hearings
The Calaveras County budget "overall is balanced," Chief Administrative Officer Al Alt told the Board of Supervisors Tuesday… Expenditures are up from last year, but so are revenues, thanks to a $20-million Butte Fire settlement. He said the biggest influences on the recommendation were unfunded Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) liability, financial strains of last year's $9.8 million deficit… The county will rely on cash carry (unspent funds from the prior year) and a "substantial Teeter transfer" to balance the budget this year... Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, June 12, 2019
Short-Term Rentals to Be More Regulated in Amador
As discussed, the county would require a new, staff-level permit for smaller rental units that offered a limited number of beds or guests that would be issued over-the-counter. Larger units, or those that hosted events, would be required to apply under the county's existing rules for Bed and Breakfast establishments, which would require a public hearing before the Planning Commission and environmental review… A draft ordinance will now be prepared for review at a future planning commission meeting, with final approval of any new law going before the Amador County Board of Supervisors. Click here for article—Ledger-Dispatch, April 27, 2019
Concerning Blue-Green Algae Found At New Hogan Lake
The Calaveras Environmental Health Department is warning residents to be on the lookout for a certain type of algae when swimming or recreating at New Hogan Lake. While the bloom is subsiding, county officials say it is important for everyone who enjoys the lake to have a basic understanding about potential health effects… Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, June 6, 2019
PG&E customers concerned with power safety shutoffs
The utility suggests customers prepare for outages that could last longer than 48 hours, and aims to give between 48 and 24 hours notice before shutting power off. Merlo encouraged customers to ensure their contact information on file with PG&E is up to date. "Because the energy system relies on power lines working together to provide electricity across cities, counties and regions, your power may be shut off, even if (you) do not live or work in an area experiencing high winds or other extreme weather conditions" Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, June 6, 2019
New Cameras And Weather Stations To Aid In Fire Fight
PG&E has a new high definition camera installed in Calaveras County, and plans to have multiple weather stations across both Calaveras and Tuolumne counties… Calaveras is one of the early areas to receive a camera, and there is an eventual goal of having 600 installed in the state by the year 2022. PG&E is also planning to have 600 weather stations in place by the end of this year. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, June 5, 2019
Calaveras Cement Co. plant helped county through tough times
On May 9, 1926, the company held an open house and barbecue that drew an estimated crowd of 15,000 people – more than one and-a-half times the county's population… The first batch of cement was shipped by rail on June 14, 1926. The first large order, for the construction of the Pardee Dam, was placed later that year. While many businesses closed their doors during the Great Depression, the Kentucky House plant thrived, managing to double its production during the 1930s. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, May 28, 2019
San Andreas Wastewater Treatment Plant to receive major upgrades
The $6.5 million project is funded through grants from the State Revolving Fund and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). At about $68 per month, the district offers some of the lowest sewer rates in the county. "The philosophy from the board of directors is that we actively pursue grants and low-interest loans in order to keep sewer rates as low as we can," Logan said. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, May 28, 2019
[Housing] Legislation could create future fines
The Calaveras County Planning Department presented its annual progress report for the Housing Element of the General Plan...revealing a shortage of new homes – particularly low-income units… RHNA recommendations for Calaveras County may decrease in the next five-year period due to a decline in population growth… "I think the biggest issue really is the cost of construction," Maurer said. "You're paying $300 per square foot for the construction of a new home. That really prices a lot of people out of the market. We really need to look at other ways that we can reduce cost." Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, May 28, 2019
Sierra Snowpack At Near Twice-Average
The North Sierra (Trinity through Feather & Truckee) at 16 inches SWEQ is at 203 percent of normal for the date. The Central Sierra (Yuba & Tahoe through Merced & Walker), at 22 inches SWEQ is also measuring at 203 percent of normal… New Melones, now at 85 percent of its total capacity, is at 134 percent of its historic average for this time of year. Don Pedro, at 90 percent of its cap is at 119 percent of its average. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, May 28, 2019
County unveils app for real-time evacuation information
"For the citizens, we wanted to come up with a tool that they would be able to use themselves to help themselves…A lot of the people I talked to knew one way to get to their house, and they didn't know that a half mile behind their house was another way out, all the way to Nevada if they needed to go." Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, May 28, 2019
Barriers to mitigating tree mortality on private, BLM, Forest Service land
Tree mortality continues to plague Calaveras County at an unprecedented rate, even after three consecutive wet winters and thousands of hazardous tree removals countywide. More than 5,000 dead and dying trees have been removed on private and Forest Service parcels under the Calaveras County Tree Removal Program, which kicked off in late 2017… Between 2010 and 2017, the number of dead and dying trees in Calaveras County jumped from 8,000 to nearly 3.3 million… Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, May 23, 2019
CPUD ratepayers faced with 40% increase; district prioritizing infrastructure upgrades
The proposal is to increase both base and usage rates by approximately 40% in the first year, and by about 70% of the current rate by July of 2023. Ratepayers fund the expenses of operating, maintaining and improving the water system, which provides service to approximately 4,500 customers. The last set of rate increases ended in 2016… Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, May 23, 2019
Fanning The Flames Over Homeowners' Fire Insurance Woes
Increasing difficulties homeowners and would-be buyers are experiencing with fire insurance has Mother Lode realtors, insurers, and government officials abuzz… Tuolumne County officials, who are also working at the state level on the issue, released a local resource contact list of insurance companies. They stipulate that the insurers may be able to provide homeowners with assistance in obtaining and/or maintaining affordable insurance…To view [the list]… Click here for Article—MyMotherLode.com, May 14, 2019
Fire-Safe Landscaping
Fire preparedness and landscape maintenance go hand-in-hand, since fire danger can be reduced through careful plant selections, sound planting strategies and critical horticulture maintenance. These practices must meet state-mandated requirements providing 100 feet of defensible space… broken into two zones. Click here for Article—MyMotherLode.com, May 12, 2019
Calaveras County Sees Hike In Tourism Dollars
The rise in traffic to the county injected new money into the economy, which in turn allowed for growth in communities with 100 new jobs created… Visitor spending also generated $5.4 million in local tax revenue last year, providing a stream of revenue to fund local services. Click here for Article—MyMotherLode.com, May 10, 2019
Unpaid victims: PG&E still owes more than $200M in Butte Fire claims and liabilities
There are about 1,000 out of the almost 3,900 Butte cases that are still outstanding… In the 2015 Butte Fire alone, attorneys representing hundreds of victims and Calaveras County government agencies filed thousands of legal actions against PG&E… The Butte Fire burned 70,868 acres, destroyed 921 structures, including 549 homes, 368 outbuildings and four commercial properties, damaged 44 structures, and resulted in two civilian fatalities. Click here for Article—Union Democrat, May 8, 2019
Calaveras Seeking Public Input To Prioritize Road Repair Projects
Public works officials in Calaveras County are holding the first of several outreach events to hear about the state of residents' community roads…During the session, residents within the CSA 1 boundaries will be asked to provide their feedback on roadway conditions through questionnaires and other input-gathering tools. The results will be used to compile a report…used to help county staff prioritize local road maintenance projects. Click here for Article—MyMotherLode.com, May 8, 2019
Forest-thinning project near Glencoe breaks ground
In March of 2016, Pat McGreevy submitted the first grant request for a potentially landmark forest-thinning project on 912 acres of Bureau of Land Management land east of Glencoe. "Hard work and persistence has finally led to success and I am elated," McGreevy said… Treating the area has been a priority for residents along the Highway 26 corridor in northeast Calaveras County for the past few years, especially with the 2015 Butte Fire burned into homeowners' memories. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, May 2, 2019
Gamblers, curious visitors swamp opening of new Harrah's casino in Ione
The new casino has drawn mixed feelings from the community. By 4 p.m., the parking lot had filled up, and casino staff and California Highway Patrol officers were turning people around. Traffic was at a standstill along Coal Mine Road from the north entrance. From the south side, stretching up the windy Camanche Parkway, cars were tucked off on the side of the roadway in every spot… Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, May 2, 2019
Casino in Buena Vista Opens to Public
With the celebration came a few hiccups. As a larger-than-anticipated crowd headed for the new casino, traffic in the Buena Vista area stalled, with stop-and-go traffic reaching as far as Highway 88 and causing significant delays for casino-goers, as well as local residents. "Amador County Public Works is working with the BV casino representatives to try and mitigate the horrible traffic conditions that developed...at the casino 'soft' opening." Click here for article—Ledger-Dispatch, May 2, 2019
Mother Lode Population Continues Decline As State Edges Up
While California's population increased slightly last year, it was at the lowest rate in the state's recorded history, and the Mother Lode counties continued to lose residents… Tuolumne County lost 131 residents over the past year to bring the number down to 54,590 and Calaveras County lost 30 residents to bring the population to 45,117. Click here for article—MyMotherLode, May 2, 2019
Blackouts During Fire Season
Clarke Broadcasting reached out to PG&E regarding if Tuolumne and Calaveras counties could see periodic outages. Spokesperson Jeff Smith replied, "We are telling all five million of our customers that they have the potential to be impacted, and that they should have a plan should their power need to be turned off because of extreme fire risk."
Click here for article—MyMotherLode, April 30, 2019
How we analyzed California's wildfire evacuation routes
A USA Today-California Network analysis of California communities and evacuation routes shows that some areas in the state are far outside the norm when it comes to the number of lanes of roadway available for the size of the population… ZIP codes the analysis identified as being roughly within the worst 1% in the state when it comes to population-to-evacuation-route ratios: …95666: Pioneer, Barton and Buckhorn in Amador County. Click here for article—Ledger-Dispatch/Palm Springs Desert Sun, April 29, 2019
Coalition questions General Plan Update
"It is absolutely unacceptable and a travesty of justice, that the General Plan update is proposing to abandon both the existing 1974-75 Valley Springs Community Plan, and all the community plan updates submitted to the county in 2010," said coalition representative Colleen Platt. She recommended adding to the General Plan update…the 4.5-page Valley Springs Community Plan, that was vetted by Planning Department staff and completed in 2017. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, April 26, 2019
CA Bill Would Make Building In High Fire Areas More Difficult
Governor Gavin Newsom earlier this month stated that he opposes banning development in high fire areas, noting that living close to forestland is part of the state's "wild and pioneering spirit." However, he has indicated general support for increased regulations. The bill passed in a Senate committee with an 8-3 vote. Click here for article—MyMotherLode, April 23, 2019
Calaveras Supes Becoming More Cordial Over Cannabis
"As proposed by the Board of Supervisors, there will be no cannabis in residential neighborhoods, including none in rural residential, although owners on more than 40 acres can attempt to rezone." The board voted giving staff direction to include in the draft ordinance that commercial grows would be allowable on rural agricultural, agricultural and general forestry properties that are at least 20 acres. Click here for article—MyMotherLode, April 19, 2019
Cannabis cultivation regulations to be completed in coming months
If adopted, registration will be prioritized for a cohort of about 100 previously registered state-licensed farmers that were already in good standing with the county, meaning they had paid their fees and taxes and were in full compliance with county code… The board also voted to establish setback requirements of 75 feet for outdoor cultivation of up to six plants for personal use to mitigate neighbor complaints. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, April 17, 2019
Calaveras supervisors hash out details of potential new cannabis cultivation law
Fencing, security cameras, generator requirements, fingerprints, background checks, setbacks and lighting at legal commercial cannabis farms were among the topics five elected Calaveras County supervisors wrestled with Tuesday…another step in a process that is not yet finished. A draft ordinance will have to go before the planning commission before it can be brought back to the Board of Supervisors for a final vote. Click here for article—The Union Democrat, April 16, 2019
Board extends hemp moratorium - Cannabis ordinance discussion to continue at next meeting
Wright said more than 20 counties in the state have imposed moratoriums pending adoption of new state regulations…Under the board's direction, county staff can prepare permanent regulations at any time before February of 2021, the moratorium's expiration date… On April 16, supervisors will decide what should be included in regulations for commercial cannabis cultivation, District 2 Supervisor Jack Garamendi told the Enterprise Wednesday. "(Marijuana and hemp) are two separate issues…" Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, April 11, 2019
Supervisors vote 4-1 to spend most of $20.25M PG&E Butte Fire settlement in the burn
Final fund designations decided Tuesday included: $2.35 million for a county disaster preparedness fund for 10 local fire districts…$1 million to repair sewer infrastructure and other facilities at Frogtown, the Calaveras County Fairgrounds outside Angels Camp… Immediately following the Board of Supervisors' vote, Joshua Pack, the county director of public works and transportation, summarized a Butte Fire roads restoration plan that included the updated $13.450 million to fix 85 linear miles of county roads impacted by the 2015 Butte Fire. Click here for article—The Union Democrat, April 9, 2019
Board spends $20.2M Butte Fire Settlement on roads, emergency preparedness
…More than $13 million was allocated to Public Works to repave, improve and restore every road within the fire scar over three years. Applause rang through the board chambers after supervisors voted 4-1 to adopt the negotiated allocations. The lone no vote came from District 3 Supervisor Merita Callaway, who opposed funds being cut from road repairs, which was originally discussed to be over $14 million. Emphasizing the need for road repairs in the fire scar, Central Calaveras Fire Chief Jeff Stone unloaded a catalogue of concerns. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, April 9, 2019
Reservoirs release more water in anticipation of snowpack (update)
The release rate at New Hogan Lake on the Calaveras River near Valley Springs is "a little higher than normal," according to Michelle Frobose, the park manager for the lake. New Hogan supplies irrigation and drinking water to the Calaveras County Water District… Frobose said the highest point in the reservoir's watershed is about 5,000 feet, so it's not as affected by the snowpack as other reservoirs in the county. "We're right in that elevation that we need to be at for this time of year regarding predictions of rainstorms," Frobose said. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, Update April 6, 2019
Angels Camp part of cannabis lawsuit
The lawsuit was filed late Thursday night against the California Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC), alleging that agency's Regulation 5416(d) "is invalid because it eliminates the ability of cities and counties to regulate commercial cannabis deliveries within their communities"…"The BCC is fundamentally changing Proposition 64, eroding local control and harming our local cannabis businesses by allowing commercial cannabis deliveries in every jurisdiction in California," said Ryan Coonerty, chair of the Board of Supervisors of Santa Cruz County. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, April 5, 2019
China ban on recyclables to jeopardize local waste management funding
More than 90 percent of the 8.3 billion metric tons of plastics produced over the past 60 years has not been recycled, according to a Science Advances study published in July of 2017…China…announced that it would be implementing strict requirements…the country has not accepted materials with a contamination rate of over half of a percent for the past year. For instance, a plastic bottle with a label on it…That means a local recycling service like California Waste Recovery Systems (Cal-Waste) now has to find new markets for thousands of pounds of plastics and paper that have sunk in value. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, April 4, 2019
Costly Fires Force California To Eye Risk Pools
California officials are struggling to find ways for homeowners in fire-prone areas to afford insurance and for utilities to survive liability from devastating wildfires – a situation threatening to worsen with climate change…One option is to create a new state catastrophe fund in the range of $15 billion to $30 billion…Risk managers warn that California's wildfire threat is so great now that even risk pools or catastrophe bonds aren't attractive to investors. Click here for article—MyMotherLode, April 4, 2019
Cal Fire and defensible space: Wet weather now feeds fuels for the next fires
Cal Fire staff in Tuolumne, Calaveras, Mariposa and other Mother Lode counties have already started warning people it's time to start thinking about defensible space. Seasonal defensible space inspectors started visiting residents in state responsibility areas of Tuolumne and Calaveras counties on March 4… people who live in state responsibility areas under Cal Fire jurisdiction are required to provide and maintain a minimum of 100 feet of defensible space around all structures. Click here for article—The Union Democrat, April 3, 2019
Local officials weigh in on governor's wildfire emergency declaration
Since 2018, the Calaveras-Amador Forestry Team has secured more than $5.5 million in grant funding for forest-thinning projects as well, according to CalAm grant writer Pat McGreevy. While many agree with expediting these efforts, environmental groups around the state continue to claim that home hardening (retrofitting homes with ember-resistant materials) should be more of a focus. Cal Fire State Fire Marshal…"We need to educate on the benefits of home hardening. It's proven to dramatically increase the chance of a home surviving a wildfire." Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, March 29, 2019
California home sales experience an upturn after significant lull - Calaveras sales increase 4.70 percent compared to the previous year
In Calaveras County, the median sold price was $310,000, whereas it was $258,950 for Tuolumne. The average time for a home to remain on the market during that time was 61.5 days for Calaveras County, 65 days in Tuolumne County, 25 days in Sacramento, and 27 days as a whole for the Central Valley. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, March 28, 2019
Road to the future - County making progress on affordable housing amid high building costs
Less than 20 percent of homes destroyed in the 2015 Butte Fire have been rebuilt. "We've got plenty of vacant land – the problem is that no one is building…"The cost of construction (generally) exceeds rent or sales value of what can be made for affordable housing projects." Maurer said that the county is looking at the feasibility of reducing building code standards to lessen costs for new owners, which could mean eliminating the sprinkler requirement for certain-sized homes. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, March 28, 2019
Public Works lays out $14.6M plan for Butte Fire road repairs
The plan recommended the repair and repaving of at least 24 county road segments that are within the Butte Fire burn scar or were damaged by emergency access use. Pack estimated that roughly 70 percent of the work would be contracted out, including the $9 million allotted for construction. He also recommended the hiring of up to eight seasonal employees… Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, March 27, 2019
Board ponders how to spend Butte Fire settlement funds
"The communities most impacted by the Butte Fire (Garamendi's District 2) deserve our focus and resources for recovery and our whole county will benefit from an improved community infrastructure," Garamendi said in his memo. District 1 Supervisor Gary Tofanelli said he wanted the opportunity to "digest" the proposal and add his own suggestions. At the end of what had been a daylong meeting, the board voted 5-0 to bring dispersal of the settlement funds back as an action item. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, March 22, 2019
Reservoirs release more water in anticipation of snowpack
Water storage at New Melones Reservoir in southeastern Calaveras County is currently at 85 percent of its 2.4 million acre-feet capacity – 35 percent higher than its 15-year average for March… The release rate at New Hogan Lake on the Calaveras River near Valley Springs is "a little higher than normal…" As for reservoirs fed by the Mokelumne River, the total system storage for the East Bay Municipal District is currently 82 percent full… Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, March 22, 2019
Disaster preparedness topic of supervisors' meeting
Public Works Director Josh Pack presented to the board on the difficulties in establishing evacuation routes with over 1,800 miles of unregulated private roads throughout the county. "The county does not have jurisdictional authority over private roads, and no way to ensure that these are adequately maintained," Pack said…creating and maintaining new roads or acquiring access rights would be costly, time-consuming and overall difficult to achieve in a rural county where residents are particularly defensive of their property rights. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, March 21, 2019
Butte Fire burn supervisor, survivors, residents say spend $20M PG&E settlement in scar
"We need to rebuild roads in the area," a real estate agent said. "If we can get the roads fixed I can encourage people to move up there." "Catastrophic firestorms, like the Butte Fire, we have to be proactive now in this age of firestorms," said Pat Guttmann of Mokelumne Hill. "I recommend a large part of the Butte Fire settlement should be spent on equipment for our local fire departments…" Click here for article—The Union Democrat, March 19, 2019
Supervisors discuss Butte Fire Settlement spending priorities
District 2 Supervisor Jack Garamendi handed out 50 copies of his proposal to the public and fellow board members detailing how he feels the settlement should be spent. With more than $20.2 million…Garamendi proposed that nearly three-quarters of the settlement be allocated to Public Works for repairs on Butte Fire-damaged roads… "We will come back (in April) and we will negotiate," Garamendi said. "My suggestions were a starting point for a conversation to help guide us forward, and we will use that framework to cut a deal." Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, March 19, 2019
An Exclusive Sneak Peek into the New Harrah's Northern California Casino in Buena Vista
Three hundred of the eventual 950 slot machines were delivered yesterday to the busy Buena Vista construction site… ahead of its original projected opening at the end of April. Hiring and training continues for what is expected to be more than 400 full-time employees… Construction continues on a number of county roads, including State Highway 88 near Buena Vista Road to prepare for the increase in traffic. Click here for article—Ledger Dispatch, March 16, 2019
Calaveras Supervisors To Discuss Disaster Preparedness, Butte Fire Settlement Spending
Plans are for the board and county staff to spend significant time exchanging information and education regarding the county's emergency management structure and activities; also related projects focused on multi-agency coordination and fire preparedness efforts…current structure and function of county emergency management; how agencies coordinate to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies and disasters; also the funding and responsibilities of the Calaveras County Office of Emergency Services (OES). Click here for article—MyMotherlode.com, March 14, 2019
Home in Ashes, They're Forced to Fight for Share of PG&E Money
Neil and Kathinka McKeown's home in Calaveras County, Calif., burned down in a 2015 wildfire that regulators believe started when a power line made contact with a tree. Late last year, they thought they were finally close to rebuilding… But PG&E never sent the money, and because the company filed for bankruptcy protection in January, the couple will have to wait even longer…"It's been devastating," said Mr. McKeown…"It's like the fire happened all over again. We were looking forward to resolving everything." Click here for article—The New York Times, March 14, 2019
Calaveras County new economic development department bears fruit
Calaveras County's economic development department is less than 13 months old and it has a budget of $172,493, said Kathy Gallino, the department's director and sole employee. Wednesday morning she met with 10 local business owners and business advocates in a second-story office at Copperopolis Town Square in Copperopolis. "The old Calaveras, the pain-in-the-butt Calaveras, the hard-to-deal-with Calaveras, is going away," she said. "This is going to be the gateway to everything up here," Fletcher said. Click here for article—The Union Democrat, March 13, 2019
Calaveras Passes Moratorium On Industrial Hemp Cultivation
Supervisor Merita Callaway stated, "I didn't go into this meeting wanting to support it (moratorium), but I think there are some red flags there that we need to deal with. This is not a ban, this is just a moratorium. I'm hoping that we'll have a new cannabis ordinance this year, and I'm hoping that we'll have a hemp (ordinance) this year." Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, March 13, 2019
Calaveras board votes 5-0 on temporary moratorium of hemp cultivation
Some Calaveras County residents in favor of banning commercial cannabis spoke in favor of allowing hemp cultivation. Hemp proponents say industrial hemp produces raw materials that can be used in thousands of products. Seeds and flowers are used in health foods and organic body care products. Fibers and stalks are used in hemp clothing, construction materials, paper, biofuel, plastic composites and other products. Click here for article—The Union Democrat, March 12, 2019
Board adopts countywide moratorium on hemp cultivation
Hemp cultivation "constitutes a public nuisance and violations may be enforced and abated in the same manner as prohibited cannabis cultivation is enforced," under the newly adopted ordinance. Industrial hemp legislation was passed statewide in California in October. "I am not against industrial hemp, I am against a premature program," Wright told the board. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, March 12, 2019
Why eating roadkill makes roads safer for people and animals
Between 1 million and 2 million large animals are hit by vehicles every year in the United States in accidents that kill 200 people and cost nearly $8.4 billion in damages, according to estimates from the Federal Highway Administration. Instead of wasting roadkill or mocking it as hillbilly cuisine, Idaho is tracking the carnage and allowing residents to salvage the carcasses to reduce the number of vehicle-animal collisions and feed hungry people. Click here for article—The Union Democrat, March 11, 2019
Local watershed trails have much to offer
Easy to moderate trails lined with hundreds of years of Native American and Gold Rush Settler history, stunning oak groves full of wildlife and lush wildflowers await you at the Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail and the other trails of the Pardee and Camanche watersheds… 37 miles of EBMUD trails that are open for day hiking and horseback riding, or enjoy a leisurely day of fishing off of the Middle Bar Bridge with the old-timers. A Trail Use Permit is required to access the area… Click here for article—Ledger Dispatch, March 9, 2019
Tentative ruling issued on county cannabis litigation - Case to proceed as class action suit
A tentative court ruling was issued Thursday on a $16.3 million cannabis lawsuit against the county for recovery of commercial cannabis cultivation taxes. Presiding Judge Timothy Healy overruled the county's demurrer and denied its motion to strike… The Board of Supervisors voted to refund formerly registered growers approximately $900,000 in funds leftover from the cannabis regulatory program in a Jan. 22 meeting. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, March 8, 2019
Calaveras Supes Head Towards Hemp Farming Ban
The supes are likely to proceed in the direction of a temporary hemp grow hold. Without one, staff points out that the agricultural commissioner's office would be required to process state registrations for qualifying hemp growers; "research hemp" grows could slip through under state law without vetting; both would be permitted within the county on any parcel allowing commercial agriculture operations without any restrictions on total canopy size, acreage, or buffers between properties. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, March 7, 2019
Valley Springs health care facility slated to open July 2019
Despite the extremely wet winter in Calaveras County, "great" progress is being made on construction of the Valley Springs Health and Wellness Center… The facility will provide general care for the community, as it will be a primary care clinic, a family medical center and will provide internal and pediatric medicine. An X-ray machine will be on-site…In addition, the center will boast medical lab capabilities… Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, March 7, 2019
PG&E to expand wildfire protection program, mark trees for removal
A list of current projects in Calaveras County was not readily available by press time. District 3 Supervisor Merita Callaway…hopes PG&E will be able to reach a compromise with homeowners with concerns about having trees removed in their neighborhoods. Last May, Calaveras Planning Coalition Facilitator Tom Infusino submitted various recommendations to PG&E to incorporate community benefits into the utility's vegetation removal work. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, March 7, 2019
Local film tackles controversy over cattle grazing in Sierra
A new local film, "Cattle in the Sierra," was screened at the Old Schoolhouse in Murphys, Feb. 24…The film consisted largely of two interviews representing opposing views on cattle grazing in the Sierra…According to John Buckley, executive director for CSERC, the Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center, the biggest problem with cattle grazing in the Sierra is lack of management by the ranchers. "Buckley's comment about the ranchers not staying with their cattle is entirely wrong," one woman said. "Cattle in the Sierra" has been posted to YouTube, and is also airing on public access television… Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, March 7, 2019
California wildfires: Report names priority projects for thinning vegetation
Fire season has stretched 75 days longer in the Sierra, and climate change is a "force-multiplier" creating drier summers. Battling wildfires…has also "disrupted natural fire cycles and added to the problem." Over the next year, Cal Fire said, governments should create new, stricter standards for housing in fire-prone areas… Hanson also questioned the state's call for more logging and thinning…Cal Fire's recommendations to fortify homes with fire-repelling building materials and create more defensible space around them, he said, were more effective strategies. Click here for article—San Francisco Chronicle, March 5, 2019
CALFIRE Releases 'Community Wildfire Prevention & Mitigation Report'
Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-05-19 on January 9, 2019. The Executive Order directs the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)…to recommend immediate, medium and long-term actions to help prevent destructive wildfires. CAL FIRE identified 35 priority projects that can be implemented immediately to help reduce public safety risk for over 200 communities. Click here for 45-Day Report—CALFIRE, Released March 5, 2019
Butte Fire Recovery Documentation Could Cost Calaveras Over $1-Million
At this week's supervisors meeting, Auditor-Controller Rebecca Callen stated, "I've said all along that documentation is really our responsibility as a county, and I do know that there were times where proper documentation didn't happen….There will be dis-allowances by the OIG. I would estimate that it is probably going to be a million dollars, if not a little bit more, and that's just the reality." The roughly $1-million in revenue, which the county will likely owe FEMA, is expected to come out of the $24-million Butte Fire settlement that was agreed upon between Calaveras County and PG&E. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, February 28, 2019
Connectivity Plan schedules March meeting
The Valley Springs Town Center Connectivity Plan will be hosting the second public meeting as part of the project's public engagement process. The focus of the second public meeting will be to provide a summary of the survey responses held after the first public meeting, to present plans that show where improvements are needed within the project area, and to gain feedback on proposed alternative treatments to various streets… Public Meeting: Monday, March 11th Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, February 27, 2019
Disaster fallout in Calaveras includes mismanagement of $1M in grant funds
Calaveras County owes the Federal Emergency Management Agency $1 million or more in disaster recovery grant funding for the 2015 Butte Fire due to bad record-keeping, the county auditor-controller told the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday in San Andreas… The million-dollar bombshell Callen dropped came during discussion of a board agenda item that was not scheduled to be discussed: a request to extend a contract with Tetra Tech, Inc. for recovery of homeowners insurance revenue associated with right-of-entry debris removals. Click here for article—The Union Democrat, February 26, 2019
FY 2017-18 Annual Reports for the Road Impact Mitigation, Valley Springs Benefit Basin, Copperopolis Benefit Basin, and Bret Harte Traffic Impact Mitigation Development Fee Programs
The purpose of the fee is to offset the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of new development projects on the regional and local road system in unincorporated Calaveras County. The fee program is based on a list of roadway improvements that were selected for the program by the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors… Click here for Annual Reports—Calaveras County Board of Supervisors Meeting Agenda Item 6, February 26, 2019
Board plows ahead on bringing commercial pot back
A majority of Calaveras County supervisors favor working toward re-establishing commercial cannabis cultivation, but concede such regulations will not be finalized in time for this growing season. The board held a lengthy study session Tuesday receiving input from staff and the public before discussing how to proceed. In the end, the board decided it needed another study session before a proposed regulation ordinance moves forward. Date of the subsequent study session was not determined at Tuesday's meeting. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, February 22, 2019
Supervisors mull commercial cannabis - Supervisors' meeting erupts in controversy over cultivation topic
After hearing from multiple county department heads and fire districts for a recap on the successes and failures of the 2016 Urgency Ordinance (UO), the board instructed Planning Director Peter Maurer to return with a list of refined questions for another study session on how to proceed with drafting a new ordinance…would likely not be completed in time for this year's grow season… At the conclusion of the regulatory program, the county had denied 335 applications, issued 194 registrations and was still reviewing 73 applications, with 60 withdrawn for a variety of reasons. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, February 21, 2019
Coalition presses board to fix General Plan Update
Five representatives of the Calaveras Planning Coalition listed specific changes needed in the Draft General Plan Update to improve the consistency, clarity, and comprehensiveness during the Feb. 12 Board of Supervisors meeting. The General Plan Update has been in the works for more than a dozen years and has cost taxpayers more than $2 million to prepare. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, February 20, 2019
Regulating commercial cannabis: Calaveras Board of Supervisors to reconsider ban
"Ben Stopper won his district, Merita Callaway won her district, Sheriff DiBasilio won his election," Wittke said. "They all defeated pro-ban candidates. Sixty percent of the county voted to support what you are doing today, considering regulation."…Segalla said. "Let the state take care of regulation and we can focus on land use and zoning. Let the state regulate it and be done with it." Barbara Sullivan, the county treasurer-tax collector, estimated she collected $13.3 million in taxes from registered growers while commercial cannabis was allowed from May 2016 to January 2018. Click here for article—Union Democrat, February 19, 2019
Planning Coalition cites issues with General Plan Update
Over the past few meetings, the community-based coalition and "flagship endeavor" of the Community Action Project (CAP) has listed issues with the current General Plan Update with explicit amendment suggestions. This past week's focus was on the plan's Introduction and Land Use Element… Techel suggested that the Public Institution land use designation be split into subcategories so that people purchasing property adjacent to public parcels could determine if they were moving near a future school, government office, sheriff sub-station or solid waste dump. "These public land uses, while all beneficial, are hardly interchangeable…" Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, February 15, 2019
Clean Break?
Community, agencies divided on fuelbreak proposal
SPI owns 74,000 acres of forestland in Calaveras County. With the goal of protecting about 2,000 homes in the Big Trees Village (BTV) subdivision – directly east of Camp Connell – from a potential wildfire moving up the north slope of the North Fork Stanislaus River Canyon, the company's plan proposes to implement a 300-foot wide section of fuelbreak along an approximately 4.5-mile boundary line between residential and SPI property. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, February 13, 2019
COMING UP SHORT
Renting in Mother Lode proves difficult for many
There are less than 10 rental units currently available in Calaveras County... "We have so many inquiries on a daily basis…The phone rings all day long, every day. The majority are looking in the $1,200 range, and we don't have any options for them." "It is kind of crazy, I think, that rooms for rent are becoming much more popular because people can't afford to live by themselves…" "We have absolutely no availability for apartments," Daniels confirmed. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, February 5, 2019
Tuolumne supervisors sued over General Plan environmental impacts
Months away from Calaveras General Plan update
"It is my hope that the makeup of the Calaveras County board is a better balance of decision makers when it comes to long-term planning," Buckley said. Members of the Calaveras Planning Coalition (CPC), the flagship endeavor of the Community Action Project (CAP) have been providing public comments at board meetings urging them to adopt a General Plan that avoids "exactly this kind of litigation," according to Jenny Fuqua, the coalition's outreach coordinator… "If the county decides not to implement meaningful mitigation to the (over 24) significant impacts we identified in the Draft General Plan, they are not adopting a legally defensible General Plan for Calaveras County…" Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, February 5, 2019
Buena Vista Casino Set to Open in Just 90 Days
The casino will be licensed by the Buena Vista Gaming Commission to operate on the Buena Vista tribal grounds. The new Harrah's Northern California will have 950 slot machines and 20 table games including craps and roulette. It will have one full-service restaurant and three fast-casual dining sections. It is estimated that the casino, when operational, will employ some 400 people. The casino has also made several payments to local governments to mitigate impacts from the operation, including $1.5 million for traffic mitigation, the first $1 million dollar annual payment to Amador County… Click here for article—Ledger Dispatch, February 3, 2019
County successful in cannabis lawsuits
Visiting Judge Gary R. Hahn sided with the county in a request to dismiss class action lawsuits filed by Mark Bolger and 90 other defendants including former Calaveras County Supervisor Tom Tryon. The judge said the lawsuits failed to comply with the applicable statutes of limitations… A study session to consider once again allowing commercial cannabis production is tentatively scheduled for the Feb. 19 board meeting. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, February 1, 2019
Ride & Walk4Art Returns for 4th Year
Ride & Walk4Art, a fundraiser for arts education in public schools in Calaveras County will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2019… Participants can choose from two bicycle rides—25-miles or 45-miles—or an easy 4.5-mile walk skirting New Hogan Lake… Registration for this event is online at www.rideandwalk4art.com and the cost is $40 for bicyclists ($50 on day of event), $20 for cyclists age 16 and under ($30 on day of event), and $20 for walkers. Click here for article—Ledger Dispatch, January 31, 2019
Developers lay out plans for Copper
Under the umbrella name of "Copper Valley," the partnership seeks to revamp the Town Square into a destination point and build up to 800 new homes within Saddle Creek… Another project the partnership hopes to complete by year's end is to open up Sawmill Lake…for camping and outdoor recreation. "Everything hinges on that General Plan," District 4 Supervisor Dennis Mills told the Enterprise on Tuesday… Some other concerns expressed by Mills were the ability of resources like fire protection and sewage infrastructure to keep up with increased development in Copperopolis, which has a population of less than 4,000. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, January 31, 2019
Environmental advocacy group announces lawsuit over General Plan update
A recently approved update to the Tuolumne County General Plan is facing a legal challenge... John Buckley, executive director for CSERC, said that aspects of the plan… fail to meet certain requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, as well as state planning and zoning laws. The lawsuit seeks a temporary delay on putting the plan into action and for the court to direct the county and board to overturn its approval and make whatever changes are necessary to comply with CEQA. There's also a request for the county to be ordered to pay the costs of the lawsuit and CSERC's attorney fees… Click here for article—Union Democrat, January 30, 2019
CSERC To Sue Tuolumne County Over General Plan?
Board Chair Karl Rodefer confirms to Clarke Broadcasting that a lawsuit is anticipated. He says, "We did get notified, through a letter, that CSERC does intend to sue about the EIR. We don't have any details. It was just a notification letter..." CSERC is the acronym for the Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, January 31, 2019
Coalition Wins Homeless Housing Grants, Takes On Affordable Housing Issues
A-TCAA Housing Director Denise Cloward explains the new funding sources are coming down through the Central Sierra Continuum of Care (COC), a four-county planning body for service providers and others touching the homeless communities in Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa and Tuolumne… Calaveras County is using its HEAP funding to build nine tiny cabins that will be scattered throughout the county. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, January 31, 2019
Local experts tackle replanting in Butte Fire footprint
"The Ponderosa pines are not returning, and the Butte footprint is converting from a coniferous forest ecotype to flammable brushland," McGreevy said. "Without intervention, we can expect the frequency of wildland fire in central Calaveras County to increase each year as the brush grows." McGreevy noted that mastication as a restoration method would be effective, yet costly, since it requires heavy equipment with skilled operators and loggers. Landowners can apply for financial assistance for property-clearing through two cost-sharing programs… Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, January 24, 2019
Coalition upset with General Plan update
Last week, Planning Director Peter Maurer contended that the General Plan Update would be followed by the "inevitable" litigation... The notion that the County had given up on doing the plan correctly upset Joyce Techel from Valley Springs. She pointed out that she and her friends had worked hard over the last twelve years to get the County to complete a legally valid general plan and EIR. As to Director Maurer's assertion that litigation was inevitable, Ms. Techel concluded..."Go ahead, make my day." Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, Friday, January 25, 2019
New board fast tracks commercial pot study
By a 3-2 margin Tuesday, the board voted to move up a study session from March to February to reconsider allowing commercial cannabis production in the county... A week earlier when the board was setting study session priorities, Callaway said it was important to tackle the commercial cannabis issue before the cannabis growing season begins. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, Friday, January 25, 2019
Supervisors vote to refund cannabis growers
Nearly $900,000 in leftover funds from the cannabis regulatory program will be dispersed among growers that paid registration renewal fees or application fees prior to the board's ban on commercial cultivation. Former growers will have to file a claim for a refund... 26 possible claims for those that paid renewal registration fees, and $130,000 is budgeted for reimbursements. Additionally, there are opportunities for 736 claims for first-time applicants... Refunds for those claims are budgeted at $768,741 in total. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, January 24, 2019
Trouble over Tulloch
Lack of funding prevents reconstruction of "dangerous" bridge
"It's a scary bridge," longtime Copperopolis resident Bonnie Schaefer told the Enterprise... District 4 Supervisor Dennis Mills told the Enterprise that rebuilding the O'Byrnes Ferry Bridge isn't a top priority with the county, though he would like it to be. "It's just a bad situation gone on literally for decades," Mills said on Jan. 17. "Any time you move the location of a bridge, the cost range is from $30 million to $160 million," Pack said. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, January 24, 2019
Home Cannabis Delivery Now Legal Anywhere In California, Even Areas That Ban Sales
Getting legal cannabis delivered in California is now only a phone call away, even if you live in a city or county that banned commercial cannabis businesses after voters approved Prop 64. State lawyers gave final approval Wednesday to a regulation allowing home cannabis deliveries statewide, regardless of local bans on sales. Click here for article—CapRadio News, January 18, 2019
Supervisors prioritize 2019; General Plan, cannabis on list
During public comment, Tom Infusino, with the Calaveras Planning Coalition, warned that the board should be careful not to rubber stamp the plan too quickly, citing cases where other counties underwent several months of litigation and settlement negotiations after ignoring public mitigation proposals. "One important thing to do is adopt and reduce the 25 significant environmental impacts under the plan," Infusino said. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, January 17, 2019
Board to reopen commercial cannabis issue
Callaway pushed for the commercial cannabis study session in March, shortly after the General Plan update process moves its way to the County Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. Callaway argued it would be unfair to commercial cannabis growers to let the matter "drag on." "Let's put a ribbon on this issue," she said... Stopper said whether to hire a cannabis project coordinator should be part of the discussion at the study session. Click here for article—The Valley Springs News, January 14, 2019
Calaveras Board Chair, Interim CAO Weigh In On Issues Ahead
Regarding the long-awaited and oft talked about General Plan update, Garamendi notes, "Certainly, I am sensing universal consensus amongst this board that we want to get this done…it is conceivable it could be done by midyear, depending on what changes the board wants to make, if any, and what input we get from the public comments." When he was last with the county Lopez says the cannabis issue was front and center and kept other important things — like the General Plan update — from getting enough attention. "The ban is now in place but there's a lot of loose ends that need to be followed up with…and it is a new board so that board may choose to do other things," he adds. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, January 14, 2019
Economic forecast details slowing growth, hastening downturn
Jobs in ecommerce continue to pull talent from Calaveras County, surrounding areas
What does the economy of San Joaquin County have to do with Calaveras County? Quite a lot, actually. "Calaveras County is fewer than 10,000 payroll jobs right there. There's a lot of people commuting into Stockton and San Joaquin County for employment on a daily basis, so they're very connected to one another. Job prospects here affect a lot of people in Calaveras County." Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, January 10, 2019
Board picks Garamendi as chair, Callaway as vice chair
"To the board I want to confirm to you that I will do the best I can to manage these meetings," Garamendi said. "I believe that working together this year we are going to accomplish a lot. As we take on our hard issues, I want to make sure that we celebrate the good stuff that's happening in this county, too..." Garamendi also insisted that members of the public address the board directly, and that he will "not tolerate anybody attacking our staff." Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, January 10, 2019
New supervisors, county officials sworn into office
...gathered in the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors chambers to watch as two new supervisors and six other county officials swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States... This is not Callaway's first time as a supervisor, and she's ready to get back to work... Along with Callaway, Ben Stopper will be taking the reins of District 5, having unseated Clyde Clapp. "I feel very good about this group and how we'll work together," said District 2 Supervisor Jack Garamendi. "We have a tremendous amount of work to do, and we're moving in a positive direction." Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, January 4, 2019
FFs Worry About CA Fire Risk Maps
California officials are considering updates to maps showing the state's most fire-prone areas. Marin County firefighters are concerned that the maps create a false sense of security... in California's current climate, some say, those projections aren't as relevant as they once were — the whole state is susceptible to flames. Click here for article—The Marin Independent Journal, January 7, 2019
Agricultural preserve replaces Oak Canyon Ranch Specific Plan in Copperopolis
On Tuesday December 4, the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors approved a general plan amendment, a rezone, and a Williamson Act Contract for the Airola family's 3,171-acre cattle ranch adjacent to Copperopolis... Colleen Platt of MyValleySprings.com wrote that, "A secondary access road is not in the Copperopolis Benefit Basin and is not in the Circulation Element." Antonie Wurster from the Calaveras County Taxpayers Association concurred that, "To put a condition onto the Airola Ranch would be an unconstitutional taking." Click here for article—Foothill Focus Winter 2018
Popularity of cycling spreading in Calaveras County; pros discuss safety concerns
Cycling is a popular sport among retired members of the Valley Springs community. As the town grows, many recreational and competitive riders have banded together with a goal to spread awareness of road safety for both drivers and bikers...While the common misconception about cyclists paints them as impulsive, aggressive, young adults, Williams said that the majority of riders are between the ages 55 and 75 years old. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, January 3, 2019
Tuolumne County supervisors pass 20-year General Plan
Several supervisors took aim at people who have complained about the public hearings to approve the plan being scheduled during the holiday season and four days before two incoming supervisors take their seats... People who spoke in favor of the plan on Thursday included developers, members of the Tuolumne County Business Council, and others who stand to gain from increased development...The final proposed version four-volume document that totals more than 1,000 pages combined was released on Dec. 6. Click here for article—Union Democrat, January 3, 2019
Tuolumne County Approves General Plan Update
Unlike last month's planning commission meeting, an overwhelming majority today were in favor of the plan... A major argument among those in favor was the need to make it easier to create more needed housing in the county...Among those opposed were John Buckley of the Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center and Sharon Marovich of the Tuolumne Heritage Committee. Arguments were made that the plan does little to protect cultural resources. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, January 3, 2019
California Population Increases While Tuolumne And Calaveras Decline
Tuolumne and Calaveras were among the 14 counties in California that saw a population drop over the past year...Calaveras County's population declined by 19 residents during that same span to bring the figure to 44,637. The net migration was only 8. There were 478 deaths and 451 births... Nearby county Amador bucked the local trend and actually had the largest percentage growth in the state... Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, January 3, 2019
Hardening the homefront
Experts share home fireproofing techniques for rural residents
Preventative measures for 2019 are surely on the minds of homeowners living in high-fire-risk areas... Hardening houses refers primarily to building with ember-resistant materials as well as any other precaution taken to mitigate wildfire risks... some of which include covering all vent openings, protecting eaves and soffits with ignition-resistant or noncombustible materials...maintaining defensible space... Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, January 3, 2019
Lopez highlights qualifications of candidates, priorities of county
After the announced departure of Calaveras County Administrative Officer Timothy Lutz, the Board of Supervisors brought on Manuel Lopez to fill the position in the interim... Lopez took the time to answer questions from Calaveras Enterprise staff regarding the qualifications that candidates should possess and what items, including Butte Fire settlement funds, should be priorities. Click here for article—Calaveras Enterprise, January 3, 2019
Tuolumne Supervisors To Take Up General Plan
At a special meeting Thursday afternoon, the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors will review and potentially adopt a General Plan Update... We reported last month that the county's planning commission endorsed its passage with a 7-0 vote. The meeting lasted four hours and 15 minutes and 24 community members came up and spoke. Click here for article—MyMotherLode.com, January 2, 2019
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