Murphys Homecoming

   On Saturday July 19, 2014 the 65th Annual Murphys Homecoming will be held in Murphys Community Park.

   Festivities begin at 11:30 AM and include a concert by the Murphys Community Band, Duck Races and lunch.

  

Traffic accident and arrest in Mountain Ranch

   According to CHP an accident in Mountain Ranch occurred on June 29, 2014 at approximately 6:50 PM.

   Per CHP

Pickup vs dirt bank

   CHP reports that on June 29, 2014 at approximately 3:30 PM Jason Caspary of Eureka was driving  his Ford pickup at about 45 MPH westbound on Hwy 26

Arrest at Camanche Trout Pond

  After a deputy saw a suspicious person at the Camanche Trout Pond on Wade Lane in Burson, one person from Stockton was arrested on June 29, 2014 for allegedly carrying a firearm illegally and for concealing a firearm within a vehicle, both felonies.

Gas Prices Lower?

   As of July 1, 2014 Excise tax on gasoline goes down 3.5 cents a gallon. With gasoline over $4 a gallon, though, you may not notice it much. 

Jeep Rolls over driver at Eagle Meadows

    UPDATE:   We just received information that the name of the victim who was fatally injured in the Jeep accident over the weekend was Joseph Austin Estevan of Hughson.

Golden Gate Bridge the "bridge of death'?

   After fighting for years and searching for the funding, the Golden Gate Bridge will get a 20' net on each side of the bridge.

   The Golden Gate is 2nd only to the Yangtse River Bridge in China for suicides. The cost is around $75 million. Supporters say they don't want the Golden Gate to be known as the 'bridge of death' anymore.

  

Arizona Forest burning

   So far over 5000 acres have burned in the Apache-Sitgraves National Forest of Arizona. No structures have yet been lost.

Designing Women star died

   The lovable ex-convict who starred with the three boisterous women in the TV show Designing Women has died.

   Meshak Taylor died of cancer at age 67.

"Transformers" takes in $100 million

   The box office was overwhelmed by "Transformers: Age of Extinction" in their opening weekend.

    The new movie debuted with a take of $100 million.

150 years old tomorrow

Yosemite National Park
is officially 150 years old June 30, 2014

Traffic Hazard in Copperopolis

   UPDATE:  The problem is a dog. CHP is with the owners at this time. The dogs owners are taking care of the situation and the roadway is now clear.

Making the Tea Potty Happy

   It was obvious to most average Americans that John Boehners threat to sue President Obama is to pacify his Tea Potty friends

ATV driver injured

   According to CHP John Patrick Kelly (36) of Manteca, was the sole occupant on an ATV on June 27,  2014 around 2:30 PM,

Gorgeous

Glacier Lake National Park in Montana

Thank you from Dustin Prater family

   Our family would like to express our sincere appreciation to the thoughtful communities of Valley Springs, Linden and Stockton, to Glory Bound Fellowship, Jenny Lind School, Calaveras

Bids to Overlay Amador Sheriff's Parking

   Amador County is seeking bids to overlay the Sheriff's Parking lot. Class A and/or a "C12" Earthwork and Paving license is required.

  Sealed bids should be submitted per information at  www.publicpurchase.com/amadorco.ca.

Hwy 26 work in Calaveras and Amador counties

  From Paloma Road all the way to Hwy 88 Caltrans will be repaving Hwy 26 and traffic will have  one-way controls June 30, 2014 through July 2, 2014.

     They ask that you allow for extra time all week, and Slow for the Cone Zone!

Hwy 4 closed in Arnold

   Cal Trans is notifying the public that Hwy 4 in Arnold from Country Club Drive to Upper Moran Road will be fully closed for the Independence Day Parade on Saturday, June 5, 2014 from 9 AM until 12 PM.

  

Arrest in Mi-wuk campground

   According to CHP, on June 26, 2014 around 2:30 PM officers in Mi-Wuk Village responded to a report of a woman having allegedly been hit by a car

Michaels Craft Stores issues IPO

   Michaels, the popular crafts store, went public, raising $472.6 million in its Initial Public Offering.

   The stock sold for $17 a share at the open, the lower end of its expected range.

President: "GOP slams me and calls me names..."

   In a statement commenting on John Boehner's threat to sue the White House for over-reaching its authority, he told Americans "I'm doing my job and they are not. All the GOP does is slam me and call me names."

Tea Party leader shot himself?

   A well-known Mississippi attorney and Tea Party Vice-President was found dead of a gunshot wound in his garage in Mississippi this morning.

   He was being investigated for taking photos of Senator Cochran's bedridden wife, while campaigning for the Tea Party challenger.

If you visit Hearst Castle, you'll have to hold it....

   The water conservation measures are affecting the bathrooms at Hearst Castle this summer. The visitors center will over no facilities during the drought. Oh, dear!

Illegal trapper pleads guilty

Hard to look at, he often left the bobcats
in traps for days without food or water.

   A Sacramento County man, Tracy Lee Schultz, plead guilty in court yesterday to illegally  trapping bobcats

Oklahoma has more quakes than California

   Surprisingly, statistics show that in the area of Oklahoma where a lot of oil drilling and fracking are ongoing, there are more earthquakes than in all of California.

     While California has 88 quakes of 3.0 or more intensity in the last year, Oklahoma had 174.  They had 5 yesterday alone, according to news accounts.

U.S. has 10 million landmines

  The Ottawa Treaty was not signed by the US 10 years ago, leaving us in the category with North Korea and with a stockpile of 10 million landmines.

   President Obama has decided that the US will adhere to that treaty and begin eliminating the mines and end the manufacture of even more, which is what the treaty entails.

A little electricity in the air....

Andrew Geraci took this photo of lightning
at the National Mall in Washington, DC.

BLM meeting in El Dorado Hills

   The Bureau of Land Management Advisory Council is planning to meet on July 17 and 18, 2014 at the Mother Lode Field Office 5152 Hillsdale circle in el Dorado Hills.

   On July 17, 2014 the will meet from 12 Noon to 6 PM and on July 18, 2014 from 8 to 11 AM. Public Comment is from 9 AM to 10 AM on July 18. Call David Christy for more info at 916-941-3146.

Will and Kate remodel--$6 million

   When the Royals remodel, they don't fool around. Will and Kate have decided their Kensington Palace home needs a retrofit.

   When the remodel is complete, they will have the address of 1A Kensington Palace in London. The money comes from the palace accounts, namely grandma, or the Queen.

Kidnapping leads to battery on an Officer

  According to Angels Camp Police, on June 25, 2014 at approximately 12:25 PM an officer from the Angels Camp Police Department was dispatched to the 1400 block of S. Main Street

Wood Storks brought back

  

Wood storks in a rookery in the Harris Neck
National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia. They have been
brought back from near extinction.

Water outage in Hathaway Pines

   UPDATE:  At 12 Noon we were notified that the break has been repaired.

Study Shows 2 children a week die from guns

   In a study that differs from the US Government reports, it is shown that at least 2 children per week are unintentionally killed by gunshots in the US.

   The government statistics had many of them listed as homicides, even though they were not shown to be intentional.

Mt. Rushmore National Park

Everyone should visit Mt. Rushmore at
least once.

Supreme court says "warrants" required

   The Supreme Court ruled yesterday that police cannot search your cell phone without a warrant. Authorities had argued it was for the good of the community.

   Cell phones often have information your computer would have and they are now protected against unlawful seizure by police.

Partisan Divide in US bigger than ever--Sarah Palin

   A recent Pew Research Poll shows that twice as many people are either consistently liberal or conservative than they were in 1994.

   Not only are people divided by political party, but last night on FOX Sarah Palin stated that she wants to start a third party, assumedly made up of Tea Party members.  That could turn out to be a positive thing for the GOP.

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan to re-unite?

   This morning we heard that Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are in talks to possibly re-unite in a film called "Ithaca".

    This would make many of the fans who loved them from "You've Got Mail" happy.

Politically motivated fear in Angels Camp

  A caller on South Main Street in Angels Camp called to report someone driving down from Camp Connell may want to harm her.

   Feels it is politically motivated and that her phone may be bugged. A report was taken at around 11:40 PM on June 24, 2014. This is not so unusual these days. Believe us, we know.

Windshields broken in Valley Springs

   Vandalism was reported to cars in Valley Springs on June 24, 2014 on Laurie Court at 8:33 AM, on Huckleberry at 8:45 AM, and on Baldwin at 1:44 PM. Front and or rear windshields were broken by rocks.

   Reports were taken by the Calaveras Sheriff's Office.

Calaveras Arts Council Cajun Fete'

   The annual Calaveras County Arts Council's Cajun Fete' will again be held at the historic sheep Ranch Hotel in Sheep Ranch on August 2, 2014 at 5 PM.

   Reservations only, no tickets available at the door, they are $75 each for non-members. There will be live music and great food. Call 754-1774 for tickets.

Snow Geese may lose wetlands

These beautiful Snow Geese may lose their
habitat in the San Joaquin Valley due to the drought and
the giant pipeline, which drains the wetlands.

Cause is Children Playing with Fire/ Watch your children

  June 25, 2014 at 9:30 AM:  Cal Fire has just reported that the Stage Fire on Mountain Ranch Rd. is now 100% contained. It was determined to have been caused by children playing with fire.

   This fire burned only 3.1 acres due to quick response from Calaveras Central Fire and Cal Fire. If you are so foolish as to buy fireworks for your children to play with, remember this fire. It can happen anywhere.

Don't give up if your dog gets lost

   An El Dorado Hills family went camping in the Tahoe National Forest over a year and a half ago. Their dog got lost and they had to come home without him.

   They had practically given up ever seeing him again when Murphys was found and they reunited on Fathers Day.  How he survived that long on his own may never be known.

Yearly Pass for California State Parks

   Beginning in 2015 yearly passes will be made available to the public for many California State Parks and Recreation Areas.

   The cost will be $ 75 a year and may be purchased at parks offices in California.

Freedom of Information Act improvement

  On June 24, 2014 the Senate Judiciary Committee put forth a proposal to reform the Federal Freedom of Information Act, which has been allowing government agencies to withhold information from the public.

   Called the Freedom of Information Improvement Act, it would force government agencies to make public things they have made private through weaknesses in the original FOIA.

Eli Wallach died

   Eli Wallach, who was a well-known face in many western movies, such as in the photo shown, has died. He was 98 years old.

Dog on Hwy 99

  June 25, 2014 at 7:50 AM:  A medium sized brown dog has been reported on Hwy 99 near Hammer Lane in Stockton. CHP has been dispatched to the scene.

  Use caution if driving in that area.

Adopt beautiful Anastasia

Go to Calaveras Animal Services in San Andreas
to visit her. She's gorgeous!

Fire in Mountain Ranch

  June 24, 2014 at 5:45 PM: A fire on Stagecoach Hill Road  in Mountain Ranch that was reported at 4:40 PM today, is now around 5 acres in size. It is being called the Stagecoach Fire.

   Cal Fire and Central Calaveras Fire are handling this fire with 67 firefighters, two air tankers and a helicopter on this fire and forward progress has been stopped, although containment is 0%. The cause is under investigation..

Letter to the Editor....Michael Oliveira worst possible choice for Supervisor?

     Dear Sierra Sentinel Editor:

    After reviewing all of the facts during this primary season, it seemed NOT to be clear to me who would be the BEST

Suspicious person NOT Cliff Edsel?

   A suspicious person reported to the Calaveras Sheriff;s Office on June 23, 2014 was NOT Cliff Edsel, as some apparently believed. 

Watch for Counterfeit bills!

  Apparently the Subway in Valley Springs reported that last Saturday they were given a counterfeit $50 bill.

   All businesses need to be on the lookout for counterfeits. Usually its $20's. The Calaveras Sheriff's office took a report, but it isn't known if they caught anyone.

Questions about Arnold Robbery?

  In a press release the Sheriff sent out regarding our previously reported arrest of Jimmy Blake Terry (27) of Arnold, it indicates three people allegedly were already at the residence

Mormons ex-communicate woman and gay man

      Apostasy (which means speaking in opposition to the Mormon Church's teachings) is the charge and reason given for ex-communicating a Mormon woman who formed a womens' group attempting to get rights for women, and next for a gay man who tried to get the church to change its stance on gays.

Mama Possum at rush hour

  This mama possum is obviously taking her family on a summer jaunt in the Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge in Tennessee.

Fireworks NOT banned in Calaveras County

  In a deliberate move that we have not previously seen, the Calaveras County Administrative Office has sent out a press release on fireworks

Lucia Maria Child of White Pines

  On June 17, 2014 Lucia Maria Child passed from this world after a long and difficult illness.

   Born and christened Lucia Castilllo

CCWD still opposed SB 1199

  Unlike their religion only counterparts at the Calaveras Board of Supervisors, the Calaveras County Water District voted to continue its opposition to the SB1199 (Mokelumne River Wild and Scenic designation)

Disabled vehicle hit in Railroad Flat

  According to CHP on June 21, 2014 around 7:30 PM Neal Goddard (58) of Railroad Flat was blocking Ridge Road near Railroad Flat due to his disabled 1958 Ford Flatbed truck.

Time to run...

Caribou react quickly to seeing a grizzly come close at
Denali National Park in Alaska.

Motorcycle accident in Moke Hill

   On June 21, 2014 CHP reports that Erik Anaya (34) of Tulare was riding his 2013 Harley Davidson motorcycle on Hwy 49 near Mokelumne Hill

Murphys man arrested for robbery

   According to the Calaveras Sheriff's Office, Jimmy Blake Terry (28) of Murphys, was arrested on June 21, 2014 for alleged First Degree Robbery of a Taxi cab driver, Kidnapping, False Imprisonment with Violence, and Battery, all felonies.

   Terry was booked into the Calaveras County Jail.

Travel Trailer fishtails, causing accident

  CHP reports that on June 20, 2014 around 7:35 AM Debra Parnell (58) of Modesto, was driving a 1998 Mercury in the eastbound lane of Hwy 4 near Bonanza Mine Rd in Angels Camp 

Poole Station Road Fire now 75% contained

   UPDATE June 23, 2014:  Evacuations have been lifted and the Oak Fire is now listed as 75% contained and the acreage has been reduced to 80 acres burned. There has been one minor injury reported. Four Airtankers and 3 helicopters were used to contain this fire.

Stardust Cowboys come to Murphys

   On the First Friday in July, the Stardust Cowboys will provide music at the Murphys Community Park.

   July 4, 2014 starting at 5:30 PM they will begin entertaining the crowd, compliments of the Murphys Community Club.  Dinner is available for $10 beginning at 5 PM.

Fire on Poole Station Road

 UPDATE at 6:14 PM:  Per Joseph Kelly, the wind has changed and the smoke is blowing southeast  and out of the valley. He lives just across Poole Station Rd from the fire.

   He says that it appears pilots have it under control. A lot of hot spots, white smoke rising. The helicopter pilots

Katie Couric gets married

   Katie Couric married her fiancé John Molner yesterday in her back yard in New York.

Better late than never...

Rhododendruns are beautiful in Ebbetts Pass
even if they bloom late.

Mark Twain Medical Clinic back to drawing board

   After a lengthy public comment period, it was decided by Angels Camp Mayor Elaine Morris, and Councilmembers Lynch and Kelly, to send the Dogtown Road medical center project back to the Planning Department drawing boards.

Sheriff gets 60% plus of 2014 County taxes

   It was perfectly clear to everyone that the Calaveras Sheriff had inflated the numbers (something like 12.5 million dollars) in requesting its share of the Calaveras taxpayers money. As it is, the Sheriff gets over 60% of the taxpayers money, yet cannot solve or stop burglaries.

   They had listed this amount, but it did not mesh with what the Auditor/Controller had estimated. If they requested much more than actually needed, then it would seem like they had cut more than they really had. We still cannot get a real time amount, although we have requested it from the CAO.

Smoke caused by control burn--Fire training for Angels Camp Fire Department

     UPDATE on June 21, 2014:  Don't panic!  Why the Fire Department is allowed to burn is unclear, but they reported yesterday that there would be a lot of smoke.

Rollover Accident in Twain Harte

 Per CHP on June 18, 2014 at around 12:30 PM, they responded to an accident reported on Tuolumne Rd North,  south of Knox Rd in Twain Harte.

Happy 1st Day of Summer from....

Lake Clark National Park in Alaska

Large grass fire in San Andreas

 UPDATE at 7:50 AM June 21, 2014:  According to CalFire the total acreage burned so far is 109, less than the 120 estimated last night. Containment is still at 75%.

CCWD meets in San Andreas

   On June 25, 2014 Calaveras County Water District will meet at 9 AM on Toma Rd for a regular board meeting.

   On the agenda is a request for water from Blue Lake Springs in Arnold and a discussion on what to do with the old buildings on St. Charles in San Andreas.

Thank you letter from Michael Jarnagin

   To our community:

   Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made "A Day For Trey" an overwhelming success!

More women shot at home than soldiers in wars

   A new study shows that more women have been shot and killed by their domestic partners right here at home, than have died in both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

   Gabby Giffords said today that women need to take the lead on gun reform laws or it will not happen. Even after watching the father of the boy killed in Santa Barbara beg, nothing has happened to prevent the next one and the next one and the one after that.

Major Injuries in crash on Hwy 120

  According to CHP, on June 19, 2014 around 11;45 AM a 2008 Hyundai, driven by as yet an unknown driver, was traveling westbound on Hwy 120 east of Tulloch Dam Road at a speed

Fire at Ft. Hunter-Liggett

  A fire that started on June 19, 2014, quickly spread to 5000 acres on the base range at Ft. Hunter-Liggett Army base in Monterey County. It is now fully contained.

    Some roads are still closed. No evacuations were required.   Called the Stoney Fire, the cause is under investigation.

Rand Paul doesn't blame President Obama for everything? Uh oh!

   In an interview with David Gregory, Republican Rand Paul said that he doesn't blame President Obama for the turmoil in Iraq.  In fact, he said there may be no real solution.

   This could be a problem for Paul, since the rhetoric from all Republican leaders; BLAME OBAMA, not BUSH!!! Of course, we could blame Mr. Cheney. That would be closer to the truth.

Bob Dylan song goes to auction

  Sotheby's is auctioning off a handwritten copy of Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" at their next sale, called "A Rock and Roll History: From Presley to Punk".

   Dylans lyrics are expected to bring around $2 million.

How to get the most from your iPhotos App

   The Sierra MacIntosh Users Group (SMUG) is meeting at the Ebbetts Pass Fire Station on Tuesday July 8, 2014 at 7 PM.

   The topic for this meeting is getting the most from the  iPhoto App.  Everyone is welcome to attend. There is no charge. For more information call 795-3798.

Poor Igor Birman returns to $150,000 year job

   Sadly for him, Igor Birman was not even close in the primary election against Ami Bera for Congress. Birman's Facebook page describes him as a "Public Figure". Interesting!

   Now he is forced to return to the lousy $150,000 a year that Congressman McClintock pays him for being Tea Party staff. Neither of them like our district; therefore neither lives here.

Burglary in Wallace

   On June 18, 2014 a resident on Quartz Drive in Wallace reported that while he was in the process of moving, someone came and broke the doors down in while he was gone from the house.
'
   The Calaveras Sheriff's Office took a report.

 

Ever been to the Grand Canyon?

One of the many trails through the Grand Canyon

Traffic Accident at Hwy 4 in Copperopolis

   June 20, 2014:  At 7:30 AM a traffic accident occurred on Hwy 4 just west of Hunt Rd in Copperopolis.

   Two vehicles were involved. An ambulance was dispatched due to injuries. Use extra caution in that area. One vehicle was pulling a travel trailer. A tow truck has been sent to the scene.

Evening in Polynesia at Ironstone

   On August 9, 2014 at 6 PM Ironstone Vineyards will hold An Evening in Polynesia in the Garden Breezeway and Wine Caves celebrating everything Polynesian, including live authentic dancers and fire dancers.

     You can even get hula lessons and enjoy a buffet dinner featuring authentic cuisine from the South
Pacific.  $60 per person (plus tax and gratuity) $50 for Wine Club Members (plus tax and gratuity)  Please call for reservations as space is limited.

   For more information or to make a reservation call: 209-728-1251.

Malibu hits bridge in Valley Springs

   June 20, 2014 at 6 AM:  A white Chevy Malibu reportedly hit the bridge at Warren Rd and Evergreen Rd in Valley Springs.

   No injuries occurred. CHP is en route to the scene. This was a single vehicle accident.

20 ft of fence taken out

  June 20, 2014 at 6 AM: CHP are at the intersection of Hwy 99 and Foppiano Lane in Stockton CHP report that around 20' of fence has been damaged.

  A Harley Davidson Motorcycle was one of the vehicles involved. They are investigating this collision at this time.

One fatality in Mountain Ranch fire

  UPDATE:  June 19,  2014:  The Sheriff's Office has released only that the deceased person was a male.
*******
   According to CalFire, on June 18, 2014 at 7:46 AM, they were called to respond to a fire at a residential structure on Cave City Road in Mountain Ranch.

Hit and Run at Government Center

   June 19, 2014 at 2:53 PM:  A court bailiff just called in a hit and run at the government center. No injuries were reported.

What happened to the Halloween Church???

   Oh my gosh!  We hear that once Bigfoot (little d***), his pudgy mean woman, and her boyfriend joined the Halloween Church, that it fell apart.

   We even hear that one truly mental member had to move to another county out of the embarrassment. So sad, but true!  Will it start up again?  We'll keep an eye out!

Baby Orangutan

   This one-month old baby Orangutan is being doted on by his mother and all the other Orangutans in the group.

   Orangutans are on the endangered species list.

McClintock says he MIGHT support Yosemite's expansion - ONLY IF

   Mr. Tom McClintock was very upset at articles written in various publications criticizing his blocking the expansion of Yosemite National Park.

Taking a stroll in Alaska

Just walking along....

Wines, Tigers and Beers for PAWS

   This coming Saturday, June 21, 2014 from 11 AM til 2:30 PM. PAWS will be open for a special fundraiser being called Wines, Tigers and Beers.

   It is being hosted by Anchor Steam Beer and will be held at the ARK 2000 Wildlife Sanctuary in San Andreas. Tickets are $65 per person and are available by calling their office at 209-745-2606.

Grand Theft in Arnold and Lake Tulloch

   A Grand Theft was reported at the Quik Serv in Arnold on June 18, 2014. The theft was from a vehicle.

   Grand Thefts were reported as wallets which were stolen from several vehicles at Lake Tulloch over the weekend.The Calaveras Sheriff took a report. It is not known if there are any suspects.

Hillary Clinton on the NRA

   In case anyone thinks Hillary Clinton is too soft on guns, she said in an interview yesterday, that "The minority (NRA members) should never be allowed to terrorize the majority in our country."

   She is SO right!  These loudmouth terrorists who threaten people who try to limit gun violence are the ones who should be banned from having any weapons!

Amador County Supervisors meet about Mokelumne River giveaway

   On June 20, 2014 at 4 PM the Amador County Supervisors will be in a Special Meeting to discuss the Mokelumne River Wild and Scenic Designation passed by Calaveras County and now passed by the State Senate as SB 1199.

   Attending the Calaveras Supervisors meeting, each Supervisor expressed their dismay that the Calaveras Board gave away Amadors water rights to the Mokelumne without even discussing it with them.

Music in the Parks comes to Camp's Restaurant

  On June 25, 2014 from 6:30 to 8 PM Men of Worth will perform at Camp's Restaurant at Greenhorn Creek in Angels Camp.

   James Keigher and Donnie McDonald sing folk songs and tell stories.

Padre Island National Seashore

Ninety-eight baby turtles hurried to the sea after
hatching at Padre Island National Seashore this week.

Patent Office cancels "Redskins" trademark

   Saying that the nickname "Redskins" is disparaging of Native Americans, the US Patent office has eliminated trade name protection for the term.

   Over the past weekend, one Native American leader stated that using the term "redskins" is like using the term N***** is to African Americans.

Tea Potty McClintock Hates Yosemite

Come on McClintock. Get your a**
off the potty.

   Our current Tea Potty Congressman, who does not live in the district, has shown time and again how much he hates Yosemite National Park.

Cal Fire BANS all burning

   The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has issued an order to suspend open burning across 31 million acres of State Responsibility Area in the state.

   This is an attempt to mitigate the increased threat of wildfire due to the state's drought emergency, including forest management burning. It's about time!!

Calaveras County Water District holds Special Meeting-Mokelumne River rights!!

   On Thursday June l9, 2014 the Calaveras County Water District (CCWD) holds a Special Meeting at its new headquarters on Toma Road in San Andreas.

   The meeting is scheduled to begin at 5 PM. The only item on the agenda is SB 1199, the terrible Mokelumne River Wild and Scenic Designation, which was passed by Steve Wilensky's pal Chris Wright which takes the rights of all other water users away from them.

Sierra Nevada Arts and Crafts Festival

   The 42 Annual "Sierra Nevada Arts and Crafts Festival will be held over the Independence Day Weekend, July  5 & 6, 2014 in downtown Arnold on Hwy 4. 

CandyRock Gun Range, Bar, and Garbage Dump needs to be Closed

   For the good of the community, the residents next to it and for the reputation of the US Forest Service, the CandyRock Gun Range, Bar and Garbage Dump, which is totally NOT NRA legal, should be CLOSED.

Wyoming mountains

If you are traveling through Wyoming this summer, be sure and
stop by the Grand Tetons National Park

Art Moore at West Point

   Art Moore, Republican candidate for Congress in November, was an Eagle Scout, is a grad of West Point, served in Afghanistan and is now wanting to serve his country in Congress.

  It seems like Art's entire life has led him to this point; to serve the people in the District where he lives and was raised. He faces non-veteran Tea Party Tom McClintock in November.
 

Angels Camp City Council at 6 PM at Bret Harte Theater

    June 17, 2014:   Pitting the old time residents against the older families yet again, the Angels Camp City Council is set to meet at the Bret Harte Theater tonite at 6 PM to pass Dave Hanhams'  Dogtown Road clinic development.

   It could get heated, as many folks we've spoken with feel they've had enough of this City Council, and the City in general. Hanham is infamous for his placing of the McDonalds in the most dangerous intersection of the City.

Polar Bears are drowning

   In this warming world, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has been forced to move both the American River and Nimbus Fish Hatcheries.

Merle Spiller of Angels Camp

   On June 13, 2014 Merle Johnnie Bell Spiller entered the gates of heaven,

Fatal Accident in Mountain Ranch

   On June 16, 2014 at approximately 3:50 PM, Claudine Fowler (67) of Mountain Ranch was driving her 2010 Dodge eastbound on Mountain Ranch Road.

Playful Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are amazing!!

Evacuations lifted in Shirley Fire

   June 17, 2014:  The Shirley Fire in the Sequoia National Forest is at 50% containment and all evacuations have been lifted as a result.


  Total acreage is now 2676 and the cost is over $7 million so far. The cause has not yet been determined.

Who are those 'ol guy' Calaveras bailiffs?

  If you walk into the Calaveras County Superior Court building today, you will immediately notice a bunch of "ol guy' bailiffs mostly standing around, or sitting in courtrooms or scanning ladies purses.

   Who are those "ol guys" anyway, we've been asked?  Why they are personal friends of the Sheriff's, in this case Kuntz, who supported him in the election, are part of his "gang" of pals because he hand picks them.

Reggae Concert brings arrests

  Several people were arrested at or near the Reggae Concert at Frogtown over the weekend.  Everything from DUI to stolen vehicles to outstanding warrants.

   Some were from out of the area, and some were local residents.

Helicopter pad for Shirley Fire

photo courtesy usfs

   This is one of the places the helicopters fighting the Shirley Fire in the Sequoia National Park are stationed. You can see the fire in the background.

Sheriff Kuntz Hit-List!!

  UPDATE:  My, my, my!!  Someone is trying to get us to not publish this information. Very interesting!  An election does not change a bad Sheriff into a good one, apparently!

Jack Williams of San Andreas

   Jack Williams (80) was born in Spencer, Iowa on April 7, 1934. He moved to Calaveras County

"With the Calaveras Sheriff, it's a matter of Trust!!"

  The other Supervisor waited for Cliff Edsel to return to the meeting before making comments on the Calaveras Sheriff Office's budget.

Amador County Supervisors Special meeting

   The Amador County Supervisors meet tomorrow June 17, 2014 for a Special Meeting at 5 PM. There seems to be for one purpose.     The meeting will be held in the Board Chambers on Court Street in Jackson. At least they have some brains!!  The only item on the agenda is Senate Bill 1199, of which they want to discuss amendments.

     In Calaveras, our less than intelligent Pastors (Ponte, Edsel and Spellman), along with Callaway and led by Wright and his buddies, took it upon themselves to disenfranchise Amador County's use of the Mokelumne River by officially designating it as ONLY FOR East Bay Municipal Utility District. 

Isabel Neilsen of San Andreas

     Isabel Neilsen, a fourth generation Calaveras resident was born January 2, 1913 and died in her home in San Andreas

Fire in Sequoia National Park grows

   June 16, 2014 at 9 AM:   The USFS reports that the Shirley Fire, which is burning in Sequoia National Park near Lake Isabella, is not 2200 acres.

   It is only 10% contained at this time. Two structures have been destroyed. 500 homes are still  evacuated

Baseball Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn dies

Gwynn played for the Padres
for 20 years.

   Tony Gwynn got 97% of the vote in his first year of eligibility to be inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame after retiring from the San Diego Padres.

   Suffering from cancer of the mouth, which he attributed to years of chewing tobacco, Gwynn was only 54.

Clint Eastwood directs "Jersey Boys"

   Frankie Valle and the Four Seasons are brought to life on the big screen by Director Clint Eastwood, who says he can relate to the "Jersey Boys" road to success.

   From Broadway winning play to the big screen musical, "Jersey Boys" shows the great parts and the bad parts of becoming famous.

Calaveras Sheriff Kuntz wants to run a Dynasty

  There is a reason why Sheriff Kuntz was willing to pull out all the stops, including pressuring unions and Democrats, to re-elect  him. $500,000 for this; another $200,000 for that. And with an already overwhelming $8 million debt!

   Why? Well, to run the new Calaveras County Jail, that's why. The new jail, which must be occupied by his prisoners by June 26, 2014, is costing us, the taxpayers a small fortune. Many feel that perhaps Mr. Wilensky and his union buddies, who pulled this election out of the hat for Kuntz, should be the ones to pony up the money.

Fire in Sequoia National Forest

   June 15, 2014:  Named the Shirley Fire,  at 810 acres and 5% containment has caused the evacuations of Wofford Heights, a community that can see the flames from their homes.

   Smoke is also an issue in the area, and the Kern County Sheriff's department recommends others in the area around the fire also evacuate.

Have a great day, Dads....

Horses shot on Poole Station Road

   On June 13, 2014 it was reported to the Calaveras Sheriff that two horses on Poole Station Rd had been shot and their legs were broken on Wednesday.

    TAKE THEM TO THE VET OR CALL ONE OUT!! What are you waiting for???

Angels Camp City Council meets at Bret Harte Theater--POLICE presence!!

   On Tuesday, June 17, 2014 the Angels Camp City Council will meet in the Bret Harte Theater for a controversial

Have you seen Sasquatch wearing Short-Shorts?

Oh, you mean Bigfoot (Little D***)?
That must have been a crack-up!!

Animal "murderers" again paid by Calaveras Superviosrs

  Every year at this time the so-called Wildlife department comes to the Calaveras Supervisors looking for money, around $65,000 or so,  with a very vague agenda title. There is also NO packet for the public for this one.

  However, we are probably correct in assuming they are trying to hide the fact that these self-appointed PASTORS, who claim to be so religious, agree to pay an animal "murderer" to kill our forest creatures. Oh, and they so enjoy it. Ask them just after a kill. We have!

Calaveras Supervisors finally add Civil Rights to Codes

   Only a few years late, the Calaveras Supervisors have agendized adding the 1964 Civil Rights legislation to their County Codes at the June 17, 2014 meeting, after prayers led by Pastor Ponte, Assistant Pastor Edsel and Altar boy Spellman.

   Now if they only honored the Constitution providing for equal rights of ALL religions and SEPARATION of CHURCH and STATE.  But of course, they won't. They have already established THEIR religion as the only one recognized by Calaveras County.

Hundreds of Golden Eagles.....

   Yes, hundreds of these beautiful California Golden Eagles have been documented as maimed, injured or killed by the turbines used to generate wind energy in the last 10 years.