Monday, December 31, 2012

New Melones Fishing Report from Glory Hole Sports


12-31-12
Water Conditions:  New Melones Lake is currently holding 1,591,907 acre-feet of water. The lake level rose a couple feet this week, and is currently at 1013 ft. above sea level and 75 ft. from full.  Water temperature has cooled and is 52-55 degrees.  The lake is clear, to slightly stained. There is debris floating on the surface, which is a good sign the lake has turned over. Good news, the middle ramp on Glory Hole Point is open, which makes for an easy walk.
1Spencer Morin hauled in a hefty rainbow on a Kastmaster. 

Tuolumne Sheriff Dept press release re: Columbia Fire suspect arrested



       Yesterday at around 6:30 p.m. Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the City Hotel in Columbia regarding a man causing a disturbance and lighting something on fire. As they arrived in the area, they saw fire fighters attempting to put out a fire at the Columbia House Restaurant on Main St. Witnesses pointed out 21 year old Daenon Vincent Brewer of Tuolumne City and identified him as the suspect. When Deputies contacted Brewer he appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and controlled substances. After an investigation it was determined that Brewer had forced entry to the front door of the restaurant and lit a Christmas tree on fire. The extent of the damage is unknown at this time. Brewer was arrested and charged with Arson, Burglary, Violating Probation, Drunk in Public, and Possession of Marijuana.  


Let Cruisers Warm you from the inside out

Thats right, Cruisers Ice Cream parlor offers yummy, warming, comfort foods that tempt the taste buds and warm you up from the inside out. 

Stop on by! Fri - Sun 11-7 and Mon - Thurs 12 - 5.
 

Fund Raiser for IPADS for Copperopolis Elementary First Graders - press release

TEACHING LITERACY ALONGSIDE TECHNOLOGY

School leaders say it’s not just a cool toy, but rather a powerful, versatile tool that is virtually changing the face of education.  With thousands of  “educational apps” available through Apple’s app store, teachers and students alike are having no trouble finding content and material for all areas of learning. 

From kindergarten through college, IPads offer educators more diverse methods for delivering instruction and engaging students for learning in the 21st century. 

Countless schools have already incorporated the use of IPADS in their practice and have shown improved behavioral and literacy scores.  (Please see some You tube videos talking about IPads with first graders.)

Copperopolis Elementary agreed to pilot the use of IPADS in the first grade classrooms.  So, parents of the first grade classes are teaming up to raise funds to purchase IPADS for each of the first grade classrooms.

A Chill is in the Air - national weather service weather

  • 12-31-12
  • Today Mostly cloudy early, then becoming sunny, with a high near 45. Light and variable wind.
  • Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 27. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.
  • New Year's Day Sunny, with a high near 48. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
  • Tuesday Night Clear, with a low around 26. Light and variable wind.

New Years Eve parties all about town!



Copper Hills 4-H Giving Back to their Community


On Saturday, December 15th,2012, the Copper Hills 4-H club made the trek up to the 
Wal-Mart in Sonora to buy gifts for a needy family of eight. At the November club 
meeting, the club voted unanimously to spend up to $500 of the money that was made 
from doing fundraising events. Everyone had a lot of fun shopping for the 
family. It was a great experience and we are glad to have helped out so 
immensely. 
 
 
 By,
Megan Borzone 
 

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Honor the Fallen 12-15-12 to 12-22-12



Navy Cmdr. Job W. Price

Died December 22, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


42, of Pottstown, Pa.; assigned to an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit in Virginia Beach, Va.; died Dec. 22 in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan, of a non-combat injury while supporting stability operations.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Celebration of Life for Dale Laughlin

 A celebration of life for friend and father Dale Laughlin will be held January 20, 2013 at 1:00 pm at the Sports Pub in Copperopolis.

Please bring pictures, a side dish if possible and of course your fond memories of Dale to share.
For more information please call 785-4646.

Bear Valley to Host California Senior Games

Registration coming Jan. 2013! In partnership with the California Senior Games Association (CSGA), Bear Valley will host the fourth annual California Senior Winter Games, March 23rd and 24th, 2013. Male and Female sports enthusiasts 50 years old and up will have an opportunity to compete in this Olympic-style event that offers competition in downhill and cross-country skiing, boarding, snowshoeing and more.



AB 109 Affecting Number of Trained Personnel at CDCR Fire Camps

Currently CDCR operates 39 adult and juvenile Fire Camps with the California Dept of Forestry and Fire Protection with one of the main fire camp training facilities being Sierra Conservation Center in Jamestown. The minimum custody inmates, with no history of violent behavior, are trained in fire suppression and other emergencies such as floods and earthquakes. In addition, fire crews work on conservation projects on public lands and provide labor on local community services projects. The CDCR/CALFIRE annual operating budget is approximately $2.35 million per camp with an annual savings to Californians of $80 million.

Historically 4,000 offenders participate yearly in the Conservation Camp Program, which has approximately 200 fire crews, however, according to CalFire Director Ken Pilmott due to attrition and  AB 109 realignment the camps numbers have been reduced by 1500.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Full Moon 12-27-12

 
Full moon is Friday * 28th Dec 2012 * 02:21:12 am (PST)

CHP Press release re:Designate a Sober Driver

BEST NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION: DESIGNATE A SOBER DRIVER
Impaired driving can quickly turn a holiday celebration into a tragedy
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The safest resolution a person can make this year is to always plan ahead
and designate a non-drinking driver before the celebration begins. To help ensure the state’s
motorists keep this lifesaving commitment, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is preparing to ring
in the New Year with an increased enforcement presence throughout the state.
Over last New Year’s holiday, 25 people were killed in collisions throughout California; the majority
of those who died within CHP jurisdiction were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
Additionally, CHP officers made more than 1,200 arrests for driving under the influence (DUI).
“Safety is the California Highway Patrol’s priority year round,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.
“Hopefully with the presence of additional officers on the roadway during the holiday season,
everyone will arrive safely at their destination.”

Copper Hills 4-H Spreads Christmas Cheer


On December 21, 2012, members of the Copper Hills 4-H Club helped spread Christmas 
cheer by strolling throughout Copperopolis singing Christmas carols. 
People were delighted when the youth showed up at their doorstep. 
 
 By,
Kim Borzone 

Calaveras Little League sign-ups

Calaveras American little league information Registration for 2013 will be held on January 5, 2013 from 10 AM to 12 PM. It will be held at Copperopolis School Gym and Mark Twain Multipurpose Room. Please bring 1) Birth Certificate, 2) 3 proofs of residency, 3) Medical and Insurance Information. Fees are $50 for T-Ball and Machine Pitch, and $65 for Minors, Majors, and Juniors. There is a $10 discount on all registrations received thru December 31. You may download the forms from www.calaverasamericanlittleleague.com to fill out ahead of time and bring with you, or mail in if you can't make registration. Players assessments for ages 9-12 will be held at 10 AM at Frog Town on January 19 and January 26. Thank you and we look forward to another great year.

New Years Eve Party at the Old Corner


Winter Wonderland at Big Trees

Calaveras Big Trees Association

invites you and your family
to the Third Annual
WINTER WONDERLAND
in
CALAVERAS BIG TREES STATE PARK

Friday December 28, 2012
11 am - 3 pm  (regardless of weather) 

Events include a scenic wagon ride,
crafts for kids, music for all and much more

Fresh Powder Day at Dodge Ridge

Thurs, Dec 27 // 5am - This past week has definitely been a great one for snowfall with 22" of pristine powder falling on Dodge Ridge in the past 48 hours bringing us to an incredible 65" total from the past 5 1/2 days, and these conditions are going to stay light, powdery and perfect with crystal clear bluebird skies and low low temperatures for today in the low 20's and upper teens. Dodge Ridge is 100% open including the recently opened Granite Bowl and we'll have 46 groomed runs for miles and miles of groomers. Deep snow conditions exist, remember to always Ski + Ride with a buddy and keep your buddy in view.
For more Dodge Ridge Ski info visit http://www.dodgeridge.com/site/


CalFire press release re: Candle with Care

December is Peak of Home Candle Fires
Sacramento – Candles may be pretty to look at, but they become a fire hazard when left unattended. CAL FIRE and fire departments across the State are asking everyone to “Candle with Care” and practice basic steps to prevent injuries and costly property damage from candles.
December is the peak time of year for home fires caused by candles, as they are a common holiday decoration. More than half of these fires occur when candles are placed too close to combustible materials. Roughly one-third of home candle fires start in the bedroom.

Dense freezing fog this am - National weather service

12-27-12 
NOW...
AREAS OF FOG HAVE FORMED OVERNIGHT THROUGHOUT THE CENTRAL VALLEY
AND FOOTHILLS. IN LOCALIZED AREAS THIS FOG HAS BECOME BRIEFLY
DENSE WITH VISIBILITIES LESS THAN ONE QUARTER MILE. USE CAUTION IF
DRIVING THROUGH THESE AREAS OF DENSER FOG AS VISIBILITY WILL DROP
QUICKLY. TEMPERATURES THIS MORNING IN MANY FOOTHILL LOCATIONS HAVE
DROPPED TO NEAR FREEZING AND THIS MAY CAUSE THE ADDITIONAL HAZARD
OF FOG FREEZING ON ROADWAYS. BE ALERT TO THE POSSIBILITY OF ICY
ROADS THIS MORNING ESPECIALLY IN THE FOOTHILLS AND ON BRIDGES AND
OVERPASSES.

Spirit Distillers Seeking 'level playing field' in liquor laws

Many spirit distilleries across the state of California are uniting to push a bill titled 'Taste California.' The bill would allow spirit distilleries the same access to the public as wineries and breweries with tasting rooms and tasting events. The assembly bill AB 2229 was scheduled for  hearing in April but was tabled by the author.

In January of 2011 AD 605 was signed into law known as California Instructional Tastings bill which allowed all liquor stores and supermarkets that already serve distilled spirits the ability to conduct tastings of distilled spirits on their premises. Soon-there-after AB1040 was singed in August 2011 removing the requirement that breweries must operate a restaurant in order to operate a tasting/sales room on their facility.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Winter Weather Advisory - National Weather Service

12-26-12 
...WINTRY WEATHER IN THE FOOTHILLS AND MOUNTAINS OF NORTHERN
CALIFORNIA CONTINUING TODAY...

.THE WINTER STORM THAT MOVED THROUGH NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ON
TUESDAY IS NOW MOVING EAST OF THE REGION. SNOW SHOWERS WILL
CONTINUE HOWEVER AT THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS. CHAIN CONTROLS ALREADY
IN PLACE ARE LIKELY TO CONTINUE THROUGH AT LEAST THE MORNING HOURS
AND LIKELY THROUGH THE DAY OVER THE SIERRA.

Donation to Calaveras Community Foundation - press release





Calaveras Community Foundation (CCF) recently received a $750 donation from Umpqua Bank.

Diana Scaparro-Cammisa, Umpqua Bank San Andreas Store Manager, states: “Community is at the heart of all we do at Umpqua Bank and we are proud to make a contribution of $750.00 to CCF.  We know this will promote wellness and stability in our Calaveras County communities, specifically in regards to youth development, education and the arts.”  Umpqua has additional branches in Angels Camp, Copperopolis, and Valley Springs.

CCF distributes funds, like this donation, during its annual grant-giving period just completed for 2012. Nearly $48,000 was distributed during this year’s grant period.  Community groups focusing on youth, fire safety, theatre, music, special needs children, history, art, food pantries and much more were recipients of 2012’s grants. Incorporated in 2000, the Foundation has provided more than $650,000 in competitive grants, scholarships and assistance during that period. 

 Courtesy photo

Photo Caption –Chyrl Hillis, CCF Publicity Chair accepts a check from Michelle Campbell, Angels Camp Store Manager.   From left to right Umpqua store managers: Diana Scaparro-Cammisa, San Andreas; Chyrl Hillis, Michelle Campbell, Angels Camp; Danielle Shapiro-Palm, Valley Springs.



Kwanzaa - December 26, 2012 to January 1, 2013 - History.com

Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, created Kwanzaa in 1966. After the Watts riots in Los Angeles, Dr. Karenga searched for ways to bring African-Americans together as a community. He founded US, a cultural organization, and started to research African "first fruit" (harvest) celebrations. Karenga combined aspects of several different harvest celebrations, such as those of the Ashanti and those of the Zulu, to form the basis of Kwanzaa.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Storm Warning from National Weather Service

12-25-12
THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR INTERIOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.

.DAY ONE...TODAY

ANOTHER WINTER STORM WILL MOVE THROUGH NORTHERN CALIFORNIA INTO
EARLY WEDNESDAY BRINGING MORE VALLEY RAIN...MOUNTAIN SNOW AND GUSTY
WINDS TO THE REGION.

Merry Christmas


Monday, December 24, 2012

National Weather Service Storm Totals

...24 HOUR STORM TOTALS THROUGHOUT INTERIOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA...


...24 HOUR SNOWFALL TOTALS FROM AS OF 8 AM...

SODA SPRINGS (SKIC1)........35 INCHES
BOREAL (BOEC1)..............35 INCHES
SIERRA (SIKC1)..............16 INCHES
HEAVENLY (HVKC1)............18 INCHES
SUGAR BOWL (SGWC1)..........30 INCHES
SURAR BOWL PEAK (SGZC1).....41 INCHES
KIRKWOOD (KKBC1)............18 INCHES
KIRKWOOD PEAK (KKPC1).......38 INCHES
KINGVALLE (NV36)............20 INCHES


...PEAK WIND GUSTS THROUGHOUT THE SACRAMENTO AND NORTHERN SAN
JOAQUIN VALLEY THIS AFTERNOON...

Governor Pardons 79 - press release

On the eve of Christmas, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced that he has granted 79 pardons.

The individuals granted pardons all completed their sentences and have been released from custody for more than a decade without further criminal activity.

Individuals who have been convicted of a crime in California may apply to the Governor for a pardon. A gubernatorial pardon may be granted to people who have demonstrated exemplary behavior following their conviction. A pardon will not be granted unless it has been earned. Obtaining a pardon is a distinct achievement based upon proof of a productive and law-abiding life following conviction.

When a pardon is granted, the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are notified so that they may update their records on the applicant. The pardon is filed with the Secretary of State and Legislature, and is a public record.

For complete list of pardons CLICK HERE

New Melones Fishing report from Glory Hole Sports


12-24-12
Water Conditions:  New Melones Lake is currently holding 1,573,275 acre-feet of water. The lake level rose a couple feet this week, and is currently at 1011 ft. above sea level and 77 ft. from full.  Water temperature has cooled a bit and is 53-55 degrees.  The lake is clear, to slightly stained. There is debris floating on the surface, which is a good sign the lake has turned over. Good news- the middle ramp on Glory Hole Point is open, which makes for an easy walk.

Happy Holidays from SNAC


Christmas Eve Services


Bear Valley Cross Country & Adventure company says 40 inches of snow received

We received 40 inches of new snow from the storms and we are opening Aspen Forest, Bjornloppet, Scenic Vista, Quick Connect and Stanislaus Lookout today! Come out and enjoy our fantastic conditions and beautiful trails. Merry Christmas from Bear Valley Cross Country!

Sun today with 60% chance of rain for Christmas

  • 12-24-12
  • Today Patchy fog before 11am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Calm wind becoming west northwest 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.
  • Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. North northwest wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.
  • Christmas Day Rain likely, mainly after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 50. East southeast wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
  • Tuesday Night Rain. Low around 38. South southeast wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

New California Tax Targets Lumber Purchasers - press release from BOE Rep George Runner

You’ve likely heard that in November California voters approved higher sales and income taxes. But there’s another tax hike taking effect January 1 that may catch many Californians by surprise.
Late this summer—even before the recent election—twothirds of the Legislature approved and the Governor signed legislation imposing a new “Lumber Products Assessment”
on certain retail sales.

That might sound straightforward enough, but it’s not.

Although some products containing wood will be taxed, others will not. Going forward, an elected bureaucrat at the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection will have the authority to unilaterally add or remove products from the list of taxable items annually. This power to declare items taxable is likely to create a constantly changing answer to the critical question, “What’s a taxable lumber product?”
Items subject to the tax must contain at least 10% primary wood content. Examples include, but are not limited to, lumber, plywood particle board, poles, posts, structural panels, decking, railings, fencing (poles, solid board), roofing (shakes and wooden shingles), siding and sub‐flooring.
Items clearly not within the scope of the tax are “secondary wood products” where additional labor has added significant value to the product, including furniture, firewood, paper products, windows and doors.

Mark Twain St. Joseph's Hospital opens Cancer Center - press release

Mark Twain St. Joseph’s Hospital President Craig Marks announced the January opening of its first new Cancer Center serving the residents of Calaveras County.
Medical Oncologist, Dr. Robert D’Acquisto, has joined the medical staff at the hospital and will work at the new Cancer Center, located on the hospital campus at 700 Mountain Ranch Road Suite B. Treatments include medical oncology, hematology, PET Scanner, chemotherapy, and infusion therapy. Patients who need radiation services can be effectively co-managed by Dr. D’Acquisto and other Dignity Health radiation oncologists within Dignity Health’s Greater Sacramento – San Joaquin service area.

Christmas Facts - History.com

Each year, 30-35 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States alone. There are 21,000 Christmas tree growers in the United States, and trees usually grow for about 15 years before they are sold.
Today, in the Greek and Russian orthodox churches, Christmas is celebrated 13 days after the 25th, which is also referred to as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. This is the day it is believed that the three wise men finally found Jesus in the manger.
In the Middle Ages, Christmas celebrations were rowdy and raucous—a lot like today's Mardi Gras parties.
From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was outlawed in Boston, and law-breakers were fined five shillings.

The History of Christmas - History.com

Christmas is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. December 25–Christmas Day–has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870.

Controller's Review Finds Problems with Payroll Process at Department of Parks and Recreation - press release

State Controller John Chiang today said a review  of the California Department of Parks and Recreation's (DPR) payroll process revealed managers and employees violated state policies and keyed in payroll without proper documentation or authority, creating the risk of abuse, fraud and overpayments.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Power outages affect 69 homes in Mountain Ranch

12-23-12
CALAVERAS:
2 outage(s) affecting 69 customer(s)
Cause: PG&E will be assessing the cause of your outage.
Status: Awaiting assessment
Start Time of Outage: 12/23/2012 03:15:48 PM
Est. Time of Restoration: Not Available
Last Updated: 12/23/2012 04:03:11 PM

National Weather service has issued a wind advisory until 4 pm 12-23-12

12-23-12
UPDATE: 4:19 pm 12-23-12
...WIND ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM PST THIS EVENING...

THE WIND ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM PST THIS EVENING.
 
...WINDY CONDITIONS TODAY IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY AND SIERRA FOOTHILLS...

.CONDITIONS WILL BECOME WINDY ONCE AGAIN TODAY AS THE NEXT PACIFIC FRONTAL
SYSTEM MOVES INTO THE REGION. EXPECT STRONG WINDS FROM THE
SOUTHEAST TO INCREASE THIS MORNING AS THIS NEXT SYSTEM MOVES
INLAND. THE WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO BE THE STRONGEST DURING THE MID
TO LATE MORNING HOURS THROUGH THE EARLY TO MID AFTERNOON HOURS.
THE WINDS SHOULD TAPER OFF LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING.
A WIND ADVISORY MEANS THAT SUSTAINED WINDS OF AT LEAST 25 MPH ARE
EXPECTED WITH GUSTS AT LEAST 40 MPH OR GREATER.  USE EXTRA
CAUTION TODAY ESPECIALLY WHILE DRIVING. 

Honor the Fallen 12-11-12 to 12-14-12


Army Sgt. 1st Class Kevin E. Lipari


Died December 14, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


39, of Baldwin, N.Y.; assigned to HHC 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Bamberg, Germany; died Dec. 14 in Logar province, Afghanistan, in an incident that is under investigation.

 

Army Staff Sgt. Nicholas J. Reid

Died December 13, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


26, of Rochester, N.Y.; assigned to the 53rd Ordnance Company (EOD), 3rd Ordnance Battalion (EOD), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.;died Dec. 13 in Landstuhl, Germany from wounds suffered on Dec. 9, in Sperwan Village, Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.
 

Army Staff Sgt. Nelson D. Trent

Died December 13, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


37, of Austin, Texas; assigned to the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 36th Infantry Division, Fort Worth, Texas;died Dec. 13 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. 
 
 

Marine Sgt. Michael J. Guillory

Died December 14, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


28, of Pearl River, La.; assigned to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, Camp Pendleton, Calif.;died Dec. 14 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
 

Saturday, December 22, 2012

CCC Wine Tasting 1-12-13


Table Top Waterfalls

12-22-12




Congratulations Community Center History Art and Essay Contest Winners

The Copperopolis Community Center
Would like to announce the following winners for the Art
and Essay contest that is held annually.

Bauer
1st place Constance Gibson
2nd place Kayla Auten
3rd place Morgan Simmons
Hon Mention Braxton Berryman

Pino
1st place Zen Barclay
2nd place Briar Gibson
3rd place Abigail Smither

Aardal
1st place Tyler Halstead
2nd place Dustin Miller
3rd place Kaily Hulbert

Hon. Mention Julie Smith

Thank you to all the students who participated, great job!

Prop 30 requires Local Agencies to adhere to Brown Act agenda posting laws

In the Prop 30 summary analysis prepared by the California State Attorney General it was stated that Prop 30 "Ends State Reimbursement of Open Meeting Act Costs. The Ralph M. Brown Act requires that all meetings of local legislative bodies be open and public. In the past, the state has reimbursed local governments for costs resulting from certain provisions of the Brown Act (such as the requirement to prepare and post agendas for public meetings). This measure specifies that the state would not be responsible for paying local agencies for the costs of following the open meeting procedures in the Brown Act."

This does not allow local legislative bodies to refrain from 'open and public' meetings with 'publicly posted agendas.' Prop 30 relieved the State of it financial responsibility to local agencies for reimbursement of costs associated with the Brown act ex: preparing and posting of agendas. Currently the state owes local agencies $97 million in reimbursements. Typically reimbursements have been deferred during tough economic times, yet Prop 30 will no longer allow for reimbursement. However, according to California Special Districts Association the State will be financially responsible for claims submitted through the 11/12 fiscal year.

Short term weather advisory - national weather service

12-22-12 
.NOW...
A BROAD AREA OF RAIN IS CURRENTLY MOVING THROUGH THE SACRAMENTO
RIVER DELTA...THE LOWER SACRAMENTO AND NORTHERN SAN JOAQUIN
VALLEY...AND INTO THE ADJACENT FOOTHILLS TO THE EAST. AN
ESPECIALLY VIGOROUS BAND EMBEDDED IN THIS AREA STRETCHES FROM
DAVIS...NORTH AND EAST THROUGH SACRAMENTO NICOLAUS...THROUGH
LOMA RICA AND INTO THE FOOTHILLS OF YUBA COUNTY. THE OCCASIONALLY
HEAVY SHOWERS MAY CAUSE SOME LOCALIZED NUISANCE FLOODING. PEOPLE
TRAVELING THROUGH THE REGION THIS SHOULD BE PREPARED TO ENCOUNTER
AREAS OF MODERATE TO HEAVY RAINS AND OCCASIONALLY GUSTY SOUTHERLY
WINDS THIS MORNING. THERE IS ALSO A POSSIBILITY OF ISOLATED
THUNDERSTORMS DEVELOPING TODAY.
 
additional hazardous statement:
 
A LARGE LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM OFF THE COAST WILL PIVOT SEVERAL
DISTURBANCES THROUGH NORTHERN CALIFORNIA TODAY AND TONIGHT BRINGING
PERIODS OF BRIEF HEAVY RAIN, GUSTY WINDS, ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS AND
MOUNTAIN SNOW.

Christmas Party at the Old Corner


Friday, December 21, 2012

Hours for the Copper Grille in Saddle Creek Christmas Week


Monday 12/24           Open for FULL Breakfast 8 – 11:00 am
(Christmas Eve)         Open for Lunch 11:00 – 1:30 (last seating) Grille Closes at 2 pm

Tuesday 12/25            Closed
(Christmas Day)

Wednesday 12/26      Open for FULL Breakfast 8 – 11:00 am
                                    Lunch 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Thursday 12/27          Open for FULL Breakfast 8 – 11:00 am
                                    Lunch 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Friday - Sunday        Regular Hours & Menus

 

Winter Storm warning - National Weather Service

12-21-12 
A MAJOR WINTER STORM IMPACTS INTERIOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA UP TO 2
FOOT OF SNOW ABOVE 2500 FEET IN THE SHASTA COUNTY MOUNTAINS WITH
NEAR A FOOT OVER INTERSTATE 5. THE NORTHERN SIERRA NEVADA COULD SEE
UP TO 2 FEET OF SNOW ABOVE 3500 TO 4000 FEET. BREEZY TO STRONG WINDS
WILL CONTINUE TODAY.

CHP press release re: secure yourself everytime

CHP: SECURE YOURSELF EVERY TRIP, EVERY TIME
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Even though California’s seat belt requirement was put into law more
than a quarter-of-a-century ago, there are some drivers and passengers who still resist the few
seconds it takes to safely buckle up, or they may not properly secure a child in a car seat. The
simple act of not buckling up can have life-changing consequences, such as injuries or death.
“An overwhelming majority of Californians are buckling up, yet there is still work to be done,”
said California Highway Patrol (CHP) Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Our goal is to save lives, and
one way to help achieve that is to have every single person traveling in a motor vehicle wear a
seat belt or safely secured in an appropriate child passenger safety seat.”

New Years Eve Party at the Old Corner


12-21-12 Dawn in Copper



Yule - December 21 - History.com

An Ancient Holiday

The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.

In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year.

More Mayan Prophecy from 'the official' 212012 website



Most of us are not archaeologists or astronomers, anthropologists or astrologers. Yet the majority of what is written about one of the most exciting and relevant subjects of our day - the approaching Winter Solstice 2012 end-date of the Mayan Calendar - appears in words aimed at specialists and couched in language that can be hard to read. This article is written for the Everyday Earthling who may be hearing a lot about the Mayans, their calendars, hieroglyphs and mysterious temples scattered throughout the jungles of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize and Honduras. 

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Copper Chili Cook-Off


Planning Dept press release re: preliminary general plan update

As part of the Calaveras County General Plan Update Process an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be prepared. The first part of that document – the setting section - is now released as a preliminary draft. The setting section contains the background information related to the required topics that must be addressed in the General Plan EIR. Those topics include:

To view the Calaveras County General Plan update please CLICK HERE

Sonora PD press release re:felony drunk driving arrest

19 December 2012, at approx. 5:58 pm, the Sonora Police Department received a call of a vehicle vs. pedestrian accident at the intersection of S. Washington Street and East Jackson Street.
During the investigation it was learned that George Sapp, 55 of Sonora, had pulled along the east side of S. Washington Street to parallel park in a red zone at the intersection of East Jackson Street.
Two females were standing on the south/east corner of S. Washington Street and East Jackson Street, waiting to cross S. Washington Street from the east to the west.

A Thank You from a Reader

Dear Copper Gazette,
I wanted to take the time to thank you for the story of the Benson Bench & also to work horse John Howsden for writing the story. John also does a lot of volunteer work in the community so its no surprise he is some how involved in this. With all the gloom and doom in the news theses days it was refreshing to see a story of a young man and his family working hard to improve the community and at the same time achieve a goal (Eagle Scout). Pres. Kennedy's quote "ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country" is well known but examples of Kennedy's quote are sometimes hard to find. Just think if everyone in the community did something so basic to help improve it. Thank you to past and present volunteers of the community your service does not go un-noticed thank you for making the place we live in a better community.
Grant West

Christmas Tree Recycling


CalPers Rules In Effect at Sheriff Dept

Update: 11:42
Currently the Calaveras County Sheriff Department employs six 'extra hire' deputies that have retired from other agencies. At the Board of Supervisors meeting 12-18-12 the Board approved replacing the 'extra help' positions with permanent temporary positions. According to Supervisor Spellman changing the term from extra help to permanent temporary employee makes the employee "eligible for incremental pay increases for years of service." The change in verbiage will cost the county approximately $3800.00 this fiscal year.

According to Sgt Hewitt the "extra hire deputies do not contribute to CalPers for their part time positions." Yet points out that the hours they currently work may need to be adjusted to fit with the cap of 960 hours per fiscal year and their part time employment may effect a pension they may be drawing.  Adjusting for the 960 hour cap could affect the Sheriff Dept's "court staffing since we use extra hires as bailiffs in the courts." However Sgt Hewitt states that the Sheriff Dept has already adjusted their staffing for this cap.

According to reports from other county agencies the use of qualified retirees throughout the country is common practice as many agencies see the potential for saving money due to the lack of need for training (ex:sending recruits to a police academy or firefighters to a fire academy) as well as many retirees prefer part-time employment allowing for more lenient scheduling. Recently CalPers placed many restrictions on the ability of a person retired from a CalPers agency to accept employment from another CalPers employer.

Candlelight Memorial Service for Fallen Firefighters


Food Pantry Distribution TODAY! 12-20-12

Copperopolis Community Food Pantry distribution for December will be 12-20-12 from 1-4 pm at the Church of the Ascension 90 Rock Creek Road.
For more information call David or Lorraine Crawford at 785-5367


Ski Free at Bear Valley Today 12-20-12


We are opening one day earlier than planned and will offer a FREE lift ticket on opening day! Bear Valley originally announced plans to open December 21st, 2012. The resort has now opted to push the date up to Thursday December 20th, 2012, just in case the mystical doomsday prophecy for December 21st, 2012 comes true. We thought this would be a great way to show our appreciation for our loyal guests.  We know what we’d rather be doing…hope you will join us.
Free tickets will be issued at the resort on December 20th only, beginning at 9am.  All guests will receive a valid free lift ticket upon arrival (no coupons, vouchers or season pass required).  Guests will find Friendly Bear Valley Staffers with tickets in hand at various locations throughout the resort – so get yours before heading out to the lift.    We plan to have Kuma, Koala, Polar and Cub chair ready for operation and guest enjoyment – updates are happening daily, so be sure to check the snowreport!

http://www.bearvalley.com/bear-blog/free-day-thursday-dec-20th/

Chloe and Zoeys Pet Boutique offers dog washing

Chloe and Zoeys pet boutique in Town Square offers a dog wash as well as grooming.
Call in advance to check availability. 
209-785-PETZ(7389)

Gov appoints new CDCR Secretary - press release

Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced that Dr. Jeffrey Beard has been appointed Secretary of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).

Beard, 65, of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, served as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections from 2001 until his retirement in 2010, overseeing more than 51,000 inmates and 16,000 employees. He was appointed by both Republican Governor Tom Ridge and Democratic Governor Edward Rendell.

Board of Supervisors 12-18-12 meeting video

To view the BOS 12-18-12 meeting video CLICK HERE

Video of Calaveras Planning Commission meetings and Calaveras Board of Supervisor’s meetings graciously supplied by Calaveras Public Access TV and accessed through the Community Action Project.

Possible rain today

  • 12-20-12
  • Today A 10 percent chance of rain after 4pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 51. South southeast wind 7 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
  • Tonight A 40 percent chance of rain, mainly after 10pm. Cloudy, with a low around 36. Southeast wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Rock-In the New Year with the Copper Holdings Company Live at the Sports Pub


The Eagle has Landed, By John Howsden



                                                    
For the last four years Danny Benson, along with his classmates, has had to stand in the mud at Cheyenne St. and Copper Cove while waiting to catch the bus for Bret Harte High School. Thanks to Danny and several other people who donated time, money and materials, students now have a bench to sit on and a cement platform to stand on.  
                                                                                                                              
It started out as a Boy Scout Eagle project for Danny Benson. Although putting in a bench sounds like a simple project, nothing is done in a vacuum. First, Danny had to pitch his idea to the Eagle Scout Board in Lodi. Once he got their blessing, he had to contact the property owner, the Homeowner’s Association and the fire department for their approval and permission. Having passed those bureaucratic hurdles, he then started raising money.  

 Danny Benson (in black hat) with friends Chris and Matt Nelson and completed project.

And the levels continue to drop

12-20-12
The Lake Tulloch levels should almost be to its final low zone within the next two weeks.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Bird 'murmurations' at Dusk in Copper

Just as the sun was setting over the ridge massive numbers of birds flocked over the small watering hole at Rock Creek Rd and Hwy 4. There numbers so massive that when they flew overhead they created a wind and a song all their own, which is termed a murmuration.

Why birds do this is not clear, yet scientists have theorized that it is a pre-roosting event, with larger numbers seen in the winter months to offset the cold. Greater numbers flocking = more heat. Yet, how they complete the spectacular dance, rising and falling, swooping and swaying through the air is unknown.




Copper Fire accepting applications for Engineer

Under general supervision, Engineers
operate and maintain fire apparatus,
conduct safety checks of apparatus, and
ensure fire, rescue, and medical equipment
is response ready.

Welcome New Advertiser - Barrel of Monkeez

Barrel of Monkeez is the only indoor family amusement and play center in Calaveras County. Owners, Jennifer and Matt Iannerelli are excited to bring this family friendly fun to Calaveras. "We wanted to engage children, get them out with their parents to have fun."


Barrel of Monkeez offers:
Large party room for specialized and themed parties.
Huge bouncer with climbing wall, obstacle course, slide and basketball hoops.
Toddler interactive bouncer with ball pit, tunnel and toddler play area.
Human hamster bubble bowling.
9-hole indoor mini-golf course.
Blacklight lazer tag arena.
Monkey Magic Gaming: multi player sensory interactive gaming system.
Child powered indoor racetrack.
Karaoke, dance and music studio.
Basketball, multi-gaming table and spiro hop.
Pre-packaged snacks and beverages available for purchase.





For more information visit http://www.barrelofmonkeez.net/index2.php

For recent article on Barrel of Monkeez CLICK HERE