CalTrans Follows No Rules?

   If you've ever had a bad experience with CalTrans, then you know the frustration with trying to get an apology or any satisfaction out of this "Good 'Ol Boys " club. Will the "SHOVEL LEANERS" ever become honorable?

    Have you ever had a nasty person, who has never liked you because you call them out on their racist ideals go out in front of your house and cut trees and bushes just to try and get even because you won't cater to their "sickness"?

A New Gang in Town

   Calaveras County has become famous for its various gangs, such as "The Gang Who Couldn't Count Straight" during the recall attempt by Russ Thomas supporters, and then the same group became known as "The Gang Who Couldn't File Straight" when the same group failed to even file the next recall properly.

What Went Wrong in Copperopolis?

   The question has been asked by many "What went wrong with the original Copperopolis Community Plan. So we spoke with several residents who had attended meetings over the years. One big question seems to be WHICH COPPER is the center of the town. What do you think? Is it the newly created C &C Town Center or the original town of Copper? We see some controversy there.

Manteca Man Arrested for Burglarizing a Valley Springs Business

   (Valley Springs, CA) On 05/15/12 at approx. 2:52 AM, Calaveras Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to a commercial alarm sounding at the Smoke Shop, a Valley Springs business located at 200 Highway 12. Upon arrival the deputies noticed a shattered front door to a vacant office space next door to The Smoke Shop.

Don't Text & Drive

   The CHP has released the 57,000 tickets were issued in April for distracted driving, either for using a cell phone or texting while driving. Another month of this campaign "It's Not Worth It" will most likely result in additional income for the State, as we have not noticed any less cell phones to the ear.

Horse and Burro Adoptions

   On Saturday, July 11, the Bureau of Land Management will hold a Horse and Burro adoption at Frogtown. Available to adopt will be 31 wild horses and 4 burros. The adoption fee is $125 for those not auctioned at the 9 AM auction.

Letter to Editor - Be A Responsible Pet Owner

Violations Could Cost You $250-$1000

Dear Sierra Sentinel Editor,

   It is my understanding that many local folks here in Calaveras County are not aware of the laws regarding animal ownership.  So I thought as a responsible pet owner I would share some of these issues so that people would be aware and be more caring of their pets and their neighbors.

Music in the Parks

The Calaveras Arts Council is kicking off their 2012 Music in the Parks series in Copperopolis at the Town Square on June 13.  Remember to bring your picnic baskets, favorite beverage and low back chairs. The music begins at 6 PM. The Coyote Hill band will perform, presenting their own style of acoustic guitar, mandolin and harmonica. Admission is FREE!

Candidate Joseph Kelly

   The Sierra Sentinel has received several negative e-mail messages from Supervisoral candidate Joseph Kelly. We realize that the stress of running for office is overwhelming to some candidates. Is this what is happening to Mr. Kelly? His delay in answering our questions, and then prolonged answers, that we deemed to be campaigning, concerned us at first.

Sex Offenders in Calaveras County

   After the recent arrest of a sex offender who failed to register, we thought we would update the public on just how many registered sex offenders we have in Calaveras County.

Disaster Coming?

   We're sure that our readers have heard about the Mayan prediction of the end of the world coming on December 21 of this year. We receive newsletters and links everyday to websites where they will give you survival tip, techniques and lists of items you need to hoard.

Texas Executes 482?

Carlos DeLuna, who was executed by the State of Texas, has been in the news recently, due to a Columbia Law School investigation. They uncovered errors and their discovery that the person most likely guilty of the stabbing death he was convicted of, died while in prison for another crime.

Oprah vs Michelle?

   In the news this week has been the apparent rift between Michelle Obama and the queen of daytime TV, Oprah Winfrey. What was reportedly going on quietly behind the scenes was brought out recently in a New York paper.

New Business in Murphys?

A letter from the ABC to the Board of Supervisors is the usual when a business applies to sell alcohol in their restaurant or bar. This week  there is one for Murphys Brew House, making everyone wonder if they are moving into the restaurant vacated and up for sale on Hwy 4 in recent months.

NBA Takes Over Staples Center

In a massive four-day and six game NBA Playoff stint at Staples Center in Los Angeles, controlled chaos will happen between games, as even the floors will be replaced, depending on which teams are playing. They won't be televising the organized bedlam that will happen in between the games, but if you go to Huff Post, there's a fast speed video of how they do it and how many workers it takes to convert the center.

Raiders Sign Schmitt

   It was reported this morning that the Oakland Raiders have signed free agent Owen Schmitt to a one year contract. Schmitt is a fullback who was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in '08, but played littke his first year and was ultimately released.

   In '10, he was signed by the Eagles to replace an injured Leonard Weaver, whose season was ended with a knee injury.  The Raiders have high hopes that Schmitt will help them, and add to their special teams.