Saturday, June 30, 2012

Lake Tulloch Boat Parade TONIGHT!!! 6-30-12

Decorate your boat with lights of red, white and blue and join the July 4th parade on Lake Tulloch!
Since July 4th lands on a Wednesday this year, Copperopolis will have their annual boat parade a bit early. The lighted boat parade will be held Saturday June 30, 2012, starting at the south shore as soon as the sun goes down and winding throughout Lake Tulloch. There will be no judging of boats. No registration, just show up, get in line and have lots of fun. The parade route will travel the whole lake, so anyone can join in at anytime. The parade will take approximately 2 1/2 hours from start to finish. (An additional lighted boat parade will also be held Wednesday July 4, 2012.)


Gov Brown sends Nat'l Guard to fight fire in Colorado

6-30-12
Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. directed the California National Guard to provide specialized firefighting aircraft to help the State of Colorado combat its devastating wildfires.

Two C-130J airplanes from California Air National Guard’s 146th Airlift Wing in Port Hueneme are scheduled to depart Channel Islands Air National Guard Station on Saturday morning. The C-130J aircraft are equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System II (MAFFS II). Approximately 30 crewmembers will accompany the planes.

CHP press release re: safe roads July 4th

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On this Fourth of July, Californians will observe the occasion with
parties, picnics, and outdoor activities. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reminds motorists
to be mindful of the speed limit, designate a non-drinking driver and always buckle up.
Independence Day is a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) for the CHP. Officers will monitor
motorists who are a potential threat to themselves and others. The MEP begins on Tuesday,
July 3, at 6 p.m. and runs through Wednesday, July 4, at 11:59 p.m.

The Bill Albee Community Garden has Come to Fruition by, Richard DeBusman


Bill Albee Memorial Community Garden
YaHooo! Finally and at long last the idea of a community garden in Copperopolis has come to fruition.  It took several years and lots of enthusiastic, energized community members but it is happening now.

Some 4 years ago 6 people gathered together around the idea of developing a community garden here in the hard clay, rocky ground that presents such a challenge for raising your own veggies. The first challenge was to find a location that was centrally located and had water. Russ Thomas was the first to suggest the lot along O’Byrnes Ferry Road just across from the Lake Tulloch Center. Others were suggested and investigated but we lacked a leader to carry this search and project forward. Then one lucky day Jack Jimenez stepped up to the plate and has been the anchor through ever step from ripping the rocky ground to tilling in the first load of Diestel Compost. 



Jacquie Ingram joined the LORD on June 23, 2012

Jacquie Ingram, 83, joined the LORD on June 23rd. Her motto was "to be fully available to God right where she was", a lifestyle that blessed her as she blessed family, friends, foster children, and the community.  A Cherokee Indian born in Ione, Jacquie lived in Stockton most of her life, retiring from San Joaquin County in 1985 to relocate to Murphys to care for her parents, Lee and Lillie Spiva. Jacquie was a published author, talented artist, and animal healer and lover. 


CAL FIRE press release re:safe and sane July 4th

Have a Safe and Sane 4th of July

San AndreasEach year illegal and misused fireworks cause serious injuries and damaging wildfires. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is taking a zero tolerance stand against anyone possessing, transporting or using illegal fireworks. The penalties for possessing, transporting or using illegal fireworks ranges from a misdemeanor up to felony charges plus the cost incurred for fire suppression.

Friday, June 29, 2012

California voters show abysmal turnout in June

While the turnout in Calaveras County for the June elections ranging in the low 40% area according to political analyst Scott Lay the turnout for the state was much lower, abysmally so. Why talk about June elections? Because Counties have until next week to finalize their election reports.

Copper Fire invites you to a 4th of July celebration!

The Copperopolis Fire Protection District invites the community of Copperopolis to bring their safe and sane fireworks to the CFPD Station #1 on Main Street by dusk on July 4th 2012 for a community firework display.

Bring your fireworks, chairs, friends and family. Come enjoy the sparkling evening with ice cream pops for the kids, donated by Umpqua Bank.

The firefighters will set up and set off all fireworks at a safe distance and in accordance with regulations.


Copper School PTC Fireworks Booth Open!!!

6-29-12
Each year the Copperopolis Elementary School PTC (Parent Teacher Club) sets up a 4th of July Fireworks booth with proceeds benefiting our local Copper School kids.
The funds raised from the fireworks booth are used for teacher grants for classroom necessities, classroom supplies, field trips and extra busing fees...to name a few.
The fireworks booth located in the Lake Tulloch Shopping Center (IGA, Umpqua and True Value parking lot) will be open:
Friday~12-7
Saturday~10-7
Sunday~12-7
Monday 9-7
Tuesday 9-7
Wed 9-7



 All safe and sane fireworks can be brought to the Copperopolis Fire Department by dusk on July 4th to be set off in a safe setting, with firefighters on hand. Please bring your own seating, blanket or folding chairs to watch the show. Umpqua Bank has generously donated Popsicles for your enjoyment.

Counterfeit $20 dollar bills circulating in Copper

According the Calaveras County Sheriff Department a small collection of counterfeit $20 dollar bills have been received by multiple businesses in Copperopolis. A report has been taken, the money has been collected and subsequently turned over to investigations.

At this time there has not been a press release issued regarding what businesses should be looking for to identify the counterfeit money. However, one business that received the money stated that the watermark of President Jackson located on the front of the bill near the upper right hand corner seemed to be missing.

The Copper Gazette will update as new information is received.

Grand Jury Final Report 2011/2012

Grand Jury Report Table of Contents

 1. MARK TWAIN HEALTHCARE DISTRICT INTERIM REPORT 11
2. CALAVERAS COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER 17
3. CALAVERAS COUNTY ASSESSOR 19
4. CALAVERAS COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 21
5. CALAVERAS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 25
6 CALAVERAS COUNTY HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT 27
7. CALAVERAS COUNTY JAIL 29
8. JENNY LIND VETERANS MEMORIAL DISTRICT 31
9. REPORT ON THE CALAVERAS COUNTY MANAGEMENT REPORT
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2011
33
10. CALAVERAS COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 37
C. RESPONSES TO 2010-2011 GRAND JURY REPORT 39
R1.3 RESPONSE REGARDING JENNY LIND FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT 41
R2. RESPONSE REGARDING THE CALAVERAS COUNTY JAIL 43
R3. RESPONSE REGARDING CALAVERAS COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER 45
R4. RESPONSE REGARDING ANGELS CAMP POLICE DEPARTMENT 47
R5. RESPONSE REGARDING THE CALAVERAS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF
PUBLIC WORKS
49
R6. RESPONSE REGARDING COPPER COVE ROCKY ROAD COMMUNITY
SERVICES DISTRICT
51
R7. RESPONSE REGARDING CALAVERAS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS’
SUPERINTENDENTS OFFICES
53
R8. RESPONSE REGARDING THE CALAVERAS COUNTY BOARD OF
EDUCATION ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS
57
To read the 2011/2012 Calaveras County Grand Jury Report CLICK HERE.

Source thepinetree

Weekend weather - national weather service

6-29-12
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 89. Northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.

Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 54. Northwest wind between 6 and 10 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 87. Northwest wind between 6 and 10 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 87.

Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 56

Natural History Discovery Program at Big Trees

Studies and Exploration at Calaveras Big Trees State Park  2012.  Here is your chance to immerse yourself in the Natural History of the Sierra Nevada at Calaveras Big Trees State Park.
Hikes of two miles, demonstrations, talks, and audio-visual programs will include the topics of astronomy; animal adaptations; Sierra geology and weather; the mixed conifer forest, wildflowers; birds; Giant Sequoias and fire ecology; people through time; and the history of the National Park Service and one Ranger’s story. A special field trip to the largest sugar pine in the world will be included.

VA Rural Medical Van Visits Copper

On June 28, 2012 the VA Rural Medical Outreach Clinic visited Copperopolis offering medical examinations, consultations, referrals and prescription refills.


This is the second visit from the rural medical outreach clinic. In 2011, the forming VFW Post (now proudly Post 12118) located and invited the van to visit Copper. Due to the high number of aid to vets at that time, the van has placed Copper on a six to eight month visiting schedule.

This particular visit was able to reach out to a number of veterans that had not been "in the system." Which meant they had not received benefits deserving of their status as a veteran.




Summer tips for your pet from Chloe and Zoeys Pet Boutique

Is your dog itching, has hot spots, has dandruff, or is shedding a lot this Summer? This could be caused by many different things.

1. The first thing we would address is the diet. We carry many grain free diets. And, all of our food does not have any corn, wheat, or soy! Also gluten free. Our best seller last month was Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Salmon. Salmon has great omega 3,6,&9 oils that are great skin/coat conditioners. And, help reduce excessive shedding. 



Line Dancing Workshop in Copper

Have you ever wanted to learn to line dance? Or are you already a line dancing fool? Maybe your steps are a little rusty?

Well come to the line dancing workshop on Saturday June 30, 2012 at the Armory from 10-3 and kick up your heels!

This event is open to the public and all dance levels. The fee is $5.00 per person. Sodas will be available for purchase. Please bring your own snacks for energy throughout the event.

Copperopolis Community Plan Advisory Committee 7-2-12 meeting agenda


Thursday, June 28, 2012

Stockton BOS votes to file for Bankruptcy - largest city in US history to file bankruptcy

After desperately trying everything from huge budget cuts to secret negotiations with creditors, the Stockton City Council finally ran out of options Tuesday night and voted to file for bankruptcy.
The 6-1 vote was to authorize a day-to-day operating budget, called a pendency plan, that will go into effect when city officials file for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection in federal court in Sacramento. That filing is expected Wednesday.

Stockton, a river port with 292,000 residents, will become the biggest city in U.S. history to vote itself into bankruptcy. The previous largest bankrupt city was Vallejo, which filed in 2008 and resumed solvency last year.

To read the remainder of the SF Gate.com article CLICK HERE

Dan Lungren statement on health care decision by Supreme Court

While the U.S. Supreme Court today found the individual mandate of the President’s health care plan unconstitutional under the commerce clause and the necessary and proper clause, the court has upheld the individual mandate and the rest of the health care law under Congress’ taxing power.
This is very disappointing.  Ironically, Congressional Democrats told the American people that the individual mandate was not a tax.  In September 2009, when George Stephanopoulos asked President Obama himself on ABC News whether the President rejects the notion that the individual mandate is a tax increase, the President responded: “I absolutely reject that notion.” 

11th Annual Vietnam Veterans Golf Tournament


Drifters Marina announces 4th of July Party Week

4th of July
 

Party All Week

 
at
Drifters Marina



Looking for a reason to party down?  Wait no longer.  

The last time 4th of July fell on a Wednesday was 2007.

We have to wait until 2018 for the next one.

(after that, 2029 and then 2035)

Yes, 4th of July on a Wednesday is a rare event.

So celebrate the event all week long at Drifters Grill.


Drifters Marina is excited to announce

4th of July Week at Drifters Grill



Drifters Grill will be open Tuesday & Wednesday
(July 3rd and 4th) this week.

That means Drifters Grill will be open all week long,


from June 28th thru July 9th.

We will be open every day at 11:00 AM.

So come on down and join the fun.




 

Poll results

Poll results for question:
Do you have 100 feet of defensible space around your home?
18 votes cast

15 Yes
2  No
1  Do not know what that means
0   Need more information

'Boom' sounds still a mystery in Copper

Many residents of Copper from Kiva to Circle XX have been contacting the Copper Gazette regarding the sonic boom and/or explosion sounds they hear and feel almost daily between 12-1 in the afternoon.

After contacting Tuolumne County regarding possible explosive permits and active mining operations, it was stated that there are currently no active mining operations in Tuolumne County. George Reed does hold a permit for blasting at their Tabletop location, yet a spokesperson for George Reed stated that no afternoon explosions were run at that facility, furthermore any explosions at the facility occurred at two to three weeks intervals and between 9 and 10 am.

CDCR reaches second court benchmark to reduce prison crowding

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) today announced that it has met an important benchmark to reduce the state’s prison population.
A Three-Judge Court order, affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court, requires CDCR to cut its prison population to 124,000 by June 27, 2012 and ultimately reduce overcrowding by 34,000 inmates. On June 20, the most recent count, California’s prison inmate population was 121,129. This achievement is the result of Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.’s public safety Realignment policy, which ensures that many lower-level offenders are punished and managed at the local level.

Sheriff Dept press release re:juvenile arrested for burglary

Juvenile arrested for Hemptation Burglary

Calaveras County Sheriff's Office Investigators arrested a 16 year old juvenile male from San Andreas for burglary and possession of stolen property.

Mobile Veteran Health Van at Copper Fire TODAY!!! 6-28-12


Wednesday, June 27, 2012

State Board of Equalization George Runner issues statement on CA budget

George Runner issued the following statement today in response the Legislature’s completion of the budget process:

“If the Governor had the courage, he would send this budget back and demand the Legislature send him a fully vetted plan that is truly balanced, contains real reform and spurs job creation in our state.

Prime Rib at the Old Corner


Board of Supervisors 6-26-12 meeting video

6-26-12 video part 1

Video of Calaveras Planning Commission meetings and Calaveras Board of Supervisor’s meetings graciously supplied by Calaveras Public Access TV

Karaoke at Griff's 6-30-12


Assemblymember Olsen issues statement on CA budget

Assemblymember Kristin Olsen, R-Modesto, today issued the following statement on the California budget:

“The Democrats are calling this an austere budget, but it actually increases spending by 7% - over $5 Billion higher than last year.  Why would Californians vote to increase taxes, when the “austere” budget increases spending?  People in other states – and in our own communities - are utterly dismayed by the decisions made in California and by the majority party’s upside-down priorities.  To become the envy of the nation again, we need leadership, we need long-term planning, and we need responsible state budgets that Californians deserve. Today’s budget provides none of that.  

Sheriff Dept press release re: West Point Vehicle Stop Leads to 3 Arrests

Three arrested near West Point from a vehicle stop after a gun was found
On 6-26-12 at about 7:10pm, a Calaveras County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to catch up with a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed on Rail Road Flat Road to conduct an enforcement stop. The vehicle stopped near the 4500 block of Rail Road Flat Road and all occupants fled into the brush.

Sheriff Dept Press release re: weekend arrests

6-27-12
Weekend Arrests
The Sheriff’s Office received several calls from press outlets regarding this weekend’s events and arrest statistics. From Friday June 22nd through Sunday June 24th there were twenty-eight (28) bookings into the Calaveras County Jail. Extra Deputies were assigned to work a special detail covering the Bump V event at the Lake Tulloch Resort in Copperopolis. Fourteen (14) of the overall weekend’s arrests were made in the area of Lake Tulloch. The majority of those arrests were for public intoxication charges. Three (3) other bookings this weekend were for court commitments and eleven (11) other various misdemeanor and felony arrests were made throughout Calaveras County during the weekend.

PTC fireworks booth opening Friday 6-29-12

Each year the Copperopolis Elementary School PTC (Parent Teacher Club) sets up a 4th of July Fireworks booth with proceeds benefiting our local Copper School kids.
The funds raised from the fireworks booth are used for teacher grants for classroom necessities, classroom supplies, field trips and extra busing fees...to name a few.
The fireworks booth located in the Lake Tulloch Shopping Center (IGA, Umpqua and True Value parking lot) will be open:
Friday~12-7
Saturday~10-7
Sunday~12-7
Monday 9-7
Tuesday 9-7
Wed 9-7 

 All safe and sane fireworks can be brought to the Copperopolis Fire Department between 8:30 and 9 pm on July 4th to be set off in a safe setting, with firefighters on hand. Please bring your own seating, blanket or folding chairs to watch the show.






Sierra Repertory presents 'Carousel'


                                                   
Sierra Rep presents musical treasure with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel
Glorious songs, a moving story of love and redemption and a robust, seaside setting have kept Carousel among the most beloved American musicals ever created.
Don’t miss the chance to discover this treasure when Sierra Repertory Theatre presents its first-ever production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic this summer. It plays June 29 through August 19 at SRT’s historic Fallon House Theatre in Columbia. Sierra Rep Artistic Director Scott Viets directs the show with stellar performers who promise to deliver a thrilling production.


Angels Camp PD Press release re:phone scam

Within the last two weeks the police department has been informed of several mail and telephone scams that are occurring in the Angels Camp area. 

The mail scam is fairly obvious; the potential victim receives a letter indicating that a friend recently passed away in a foreign country, and that a large sum of money is being “willed” to the person receiving the letter. Included in the letter are contact information and a request to keep the matter confidential. These scams typically originate in foreign countries. 

Combat Veteran Motocycle Association thunders into Copper

The Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association (CVMA) Ca-33-2,a non-profit Association of Combat Veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces thundered into Copperopolis on Sunday afternoon (6-24-12) to visit the Sports Pub and show their support for the newly formed Copperopolis VFW Post 12118. 
Dining on spaghetti and meatballs served by the Post 12118 Ladies Auxiliary, the veterans joked, laughed and shared a strong camaraderie almost instantly with the combat veterans of the Copper VFW Post. The CVMA riders mirrored the Copperopolis Post members, with combat veterans representing WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. 








Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Lake Tulloch Bible Church presents - JP Thomas in concert


Welcome to the Country ....THE BOOK! Now available

If you have been enjoying the 'Welcome to the Country' humor columns... you will love the book!

'Welcome to the Country' is a humorous look at life in the country, from cow pie bingo to rocky mountain oysters, to the random collection of tractors in our yards that we proudly refer to as yard art. Luckily for us, those  rusty old tractors, discarded comodes bursting with wildflowers, and windmills squeaking in the breeze, have put us country folk on the cutting edge of 'eco art'. Who would have guessed?
 
The book includes collections of Welcome the the Country humor columns from '09 thru '12.
 
                                                           

An Update from the Copper Curmudgeon - About onlne bill pay


About Online Bill Pay . . .
By the Copper Curmudgeon

I'm fascinated with our new technology and maybe a little terrified that we have the opportunity to conduct our personal business online. Yesterday my young daughter in the bay area sent me a text message while I'm on the road . . . she tells me she needs gas money so I open the IPhone app for my bank and in seconds transfer money from my account to hers so that her ATM card now has funds to purchase gas for the car ninety miles away.

Somehow . . . this has left the child with the idea that she does not need to plan ahead because dad is only a text message away from taking care of her problems. Hopefully life at college this next year will help her plan for these situations . . . who am I kidding right?

Community Garden Meeting

Community Garden meeting is this Wednesday 6-27-12 at 5:30 at the Copperopolis Branch Library.
Come learn more about The Bill Albee Community Garden and/or how you can help .


Chamber Wine Event


Art & Jazz on the Square photos







For more pictures CLICK HERE

Fourth of July Boat Parade on Lake Tulloch

Decorate your boat with lights of red, white and blue and join the July 4th parade on Lake Tulloch!
Since July 4th lands on a Wednesday this year, Copperopolis will have their annual boat parade a bit early. The lighted boat parade will be held Saturday June 30, 2012, starting at the south shore as soon as the sun goes down and winding throughout Lake Tulloch. There will be no judging of boats. No registration, just show up, get in line and have lots of fun. The parade route will travel the whole lake, so anyone can join in at anytime. The parade will take approximately 2 1/2 hours from start to finish. (An additional lighted boat parade will also be held Wednesday July 4, 2012.)


Monday, June 25, 2012

County Budget still questioned regarding funding for Sheriff Dept

One of the items discussed most heatedly at the recent BOS meeting was the lack of funding for the Sheriff Department. Cuts to the budget over the years has reduced the Dept budget from 16 million per year to 8 million per year. The AB 109 funds that showed a glimmer of hope for additional funding for the Dept were dashed when the 'lions share' was distributed to the probation dept in anticipation of treatment and rehabilitation expenses. One part of the probation plan includes the use of house arrest ankle bracelets, though Kuntz pointed out that they only work where there is cell service. This creates a problem for large areas of Calaveras where cell service is not available.

Currently there are 25 parolees released to Calaveras County through AB 109 realignment with more returning to the county in the coming months.

Supervisor Spellman stated at the last BOS meeting the Board“doesn’t have much of a choice” when it comes to paying for public safety. This is in reference to the  California Constitution which states that local officials have an obligation to give priority to the provision of adequate public safety services. 

New Melones Fishing Report 6-25-12 from Glory Hole Sports

New Melones Lake Fishing Report

Water Conditions:  New Melones Lake is currently holding 1,758,779 acre-feet of water. The lake level has dropped three feet this week and is currently at 1029 ft. above sea level and 59 ft. from full.  Water temperature is in the mid-70's, and climbing.  Lake is slightly stained, with mud lines forming around the shore on windy days.

Trout: Trolling anglers are catching quality fish- usually mixed kokanee/trout limits.   Trolling spoons and spinners seem to be producing quality fish. Tie on a Needlefish, or a Rocky Mountain Serpent Spoon trolled behind flashers, or a Mack's Wedding Ring tipped with a crawler.  We have a tie for The Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week Contest.  
1
 James Quick of Sonora brought in a nice 3-pound, 3-ounce rainbow, caught on a nightcrawler trolled 55' deep. 

Yes, you can hold your next function at the Historic Armory

Through the efforts of the Copperopolis Community Center (CCC), two publicly owned buildings in Copperopolis have been preserved; the Armory and the brick Congregational Church, and both buildings have the honor of being recognized on the National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historical Resources.

The Armory has been used for wine tastings, weddings, spaghetti feeds, melodramas, and more. If you have an event that you would like to host at the Historic Armory please contact the CCC about rental and use.


For more information visit  http://copperopoliscommunitycenter.blogspot.com/


Board of Supervisors preliminary meeting agenda for 6-26-12


June 26, 2012

PRELIMINARY AGENDA

CALAVERAS COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES PUBLIC AUTHORITY
CALAVERAS COUNTY AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT

THIS MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CHAMBERS
891 Mountain Ranch Rd, San Andreas, California

Warm week ahead - National Weather Service

6-25-12
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. Northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Northwest wind between 7 and 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 82. North northwest wind between 7 and 11 mph.

Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 52. Northwest wind between 7 and 11 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 88. North northeast wind at 7 mph becoming west.

Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 54.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 89.

Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 56.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 89.

Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 56.

Walk Across California - Creative Education

On Wednesday June 20, 2012 11 students from SCU campus set up camp in Copperopolis Town Square as a rest stop on their journey walking from the SF coast to Yosemite in a Walk Across California event. The Walk Across California event is the finale to a 10 week course taken at the University under theater and dance professor David Popalisky. “The class is designed to cultivate each student’s sense of wonder,” explained Popalisky. “We’ll focus on sustainability, environmental justice and social activism, as we prepare to walk among California’s diverse populations and through its natural landscapes.”



 


 By the time the group hit Copperopolis they had completed 6 days of their journey. This days journey included bicycling highway 4 from Stockton.


 After a quick swim at Saddle Creek and a dinner, the students were able to relax to the soft sounds of Danny Burton on his acoustic guitar. 

CalFire press release re:live fire training burn

SAN ANDREAS - The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) will be conducting live fire training.  This training is designed to instruct fireline supervisors from around the State in proper techniques to plan and conduct complex firing operations during wildland fire suppression operations.

New additions to the herd


It was suggested that the Copper Gazette get a coupl shots of the newest additions to the herd on Reeds Turnpike....here they are.
Really cute foals.



Sunday, June 24, 2012

Defensible Space defined

In January 2005 a new state law became effective that extended the defensible space clearance around homes and structures from 30 feet to 100 feet. Proper clearance to 100 feet dramatically increases the chance of your house surviving a wildfire. This defensible space also provides for firefighter safety when protecting homes during a wildland fire.
To view the CAL Fire defensible space flyer CLICK HERE.


Letter to the Editor re:county code enforcement. From, Betsy Duncan

Dear Editor:

For the record, I have no issue with Bump Parties.  Certainly I support the rights of a business owner to find new and inventive ways to generate income during this economic crisis.  Bump parties are for grown ups.  Alcohol is served, people behave badly.  Don't go there expecting My Little Pony World.

That being said, I want to take the opportunity to point to the real culprit....Calaveras County.  Once again they have proven to be inconsistent with the rules.  Code compliance is arbitrary and capricious with enforcement, and they have been for years.



Road Delays Hwy 4 and Hunt Rd

CalTrans will be working on Hwy from from Hunt Rd to Poole Station June 25 through June 29th from 7 am to 4 pm. One way traffic will be in effect. Expect up to 15 minute delays.

BUMP V 2012 kept the music poundin' and the emergency personnel busy

Cars lined O'Byrnes Ferry Road from the Tuolumne side of the bridge to the entrance of Calypso Bay for the BUMP V party at Lake Tulloch Resort Saturday June 23, 2012. Traffic was slowed as pedestrians blocked the roadway walking in large groups. Homeowners in the gated community along O'Byrnes complained that pedestrians were urinating in their yards or leaving bottles full of urine alongside the roadway. One call at 12:39 am was made to the Sheriff Dept reporting a trespasser on Poker Flat Rd had assaulted the resident and a bottle was thrown at him.

The event that began at noon had warranted no less than 6 medical calls by 10:00 pm. Sheriff logs report 13 contacts resulting in six arrests.






Crews responding to Horseshoe

6-24-12 10:13 am
Fire crews are revisiting the location of the 6-21-12 Horseshoe vegetation fire. Checking on potential hotspots.

Horseshoe and Hwy 4 was the location of a 100 acre vegetation fire on 6-21-12.


Below are pictures from the 6-21-12 Horseshoe vegetation fire.



Honor the Fallen 6-11-12 to 6-20-12


Spc. Trevor A. Pinnick

Died June 12, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


Army Spc. Trevor A. Pinnick, 20, of Lawrenceville, Ill., died June 12 in Panjway, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Barett W. McNabb

Died June 12, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


33, of Chino Valley, Ariz.; assigned to 562nd Engineer Company, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.; died June 12 in Khakrez, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by an enemy improvised explosive device. 

Marine Cpl. Taylor J. Baune

Died June 13, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


21, of Andover, Minn.; assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.; died June 13 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations.

Sgt. Joseph M. Lilly

Died June 14, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


Army Sgt. Joseph M. Lilly, 25, of Flint, Mich., died June 14 in Panjway, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

 

Sgt. Nicholas C. Fredsti

Died June 15, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


Army Sgt. Nicholas C. Fredsti, 30, of San Diego, Calif., died June 15 in Spedar, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit with small-arms fire. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. 
 

Army Pfc. Jarrod A. Lallier

Died June 18, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


20, of Spokane, Wash.; assigned to 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died June 18 in Zharay, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when individuals in Afghan police uniforms turned their weapons against his unit.

 

Army Spc. John D. Meador II

Died June 20, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


36, of Columbia, S.C.; assigned to 133rd Military Police Company, 51st Military Police Battalion, Florence, S.C.; died June 20 in Khowst province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by small-arms fire and an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Army 1st Lt. Ryan D. Rawl and Army Sgt. 1st Class Matthew B. Thomas.
 

Army Sgt. 1st Class Matthew B. Thomas

Died June 20, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


30, of Travelers Rest, S.C.; assigned to 133rd Military Police Company, 51st Military Police Battalion, Florence, S.C.; died June 20 in Khowst province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by small-arms fire and an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Army Spc. John D. Meador II and Army 1st Lt. Ryan D. Rawl.


Army 1st Lt. Ryan D. Rawl

Died June 20, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


30, of Lexington, S.C.; assigned to 133rd Military Police Company, 51st Military Police Battalion, Florence, S.C.; died June 20 in Khowst province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by small-arms fire and an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Army Spc. John D. Meador II and Army Sgt. 1st Class Matthew B. Thomas.