Thursday, January 31, 2013

Cows out on Little John

Cows are out on Little John Road just past Town Square. Use caution if in the area.

Update on possible robbery suspect vehicle

The robbery suspect who robbed Firefall Jewelers with what he said was a grenade earlier today has a vehicle that has been identified as a Teal green step side pick up. If you see any vehicle matching this description do not attempt to make contact, please call the Sheriff Dept at 754-6500 or 911.

"I did what he wanted" said Firefall clerk of Armed Robber

The clerk at Firefall Jewelers was quietly celebrating her 50th birthday when a man came in with what he said was a grenade. Believing what he held in his hand to be a grenade, "I did what he wanted and gave him what he wanted." She said.

In the aftermath of the robbery the Sheriff, Highway Patrol and Angels Camp PD are piecing together the pieces of the puzzle. One Deputy on scene still advised people that were wanting a look that the Town Square was still under evacuation orders as a suspicious package was still in question.

The Sheriff Dept respectfully requests that you avoid the area while they continue their investigation.




By,
Charity Maness

Sheriff Dept press release re: Armed Robbery of Copperopolis Jewelry Store

Armed Robbery of Copperopolis Jewelry Store
(Copperopolis, CA) On 01/31/13 at approx. 2:30 pm Calaveras County Sheriff’s Dispatch Center received a cellular 911 call regarding an armed robbery at Firefall Jewelry located in the Copper Town Square in Copperopolis. According to the caller a Caucasian adult male with a bruised eye, described as: 5-10 in height, brown hair, medium build, approx. 30 years of age, and wearing a red hat and black sweat jacket, walked into the store, displayed what the caller described as a round object, and demanded the jewelry from the store display cases. The suspect told the clerk that the round object was a hand grenade. The suspect stole an unknown amount of jewelry and walked away from the store.

Armed Robbery at Firefall Jewelers in Town Square

3:15 1-31-13
A suspect entered Firefall Jewelers with what the clerk thought was a Grenade and demanded all the jewelry, the Sheriff Dept is not sure the amount stolen at this time the search is still fluid.
Please avoid Town Square if at all possible to allow officers to continue their investigation.

3:28 pm
K-9's at scene.

5:28 pm update
Sources say helicopters are en route.

Precipitation last quarter

Rainfall amounts from National Weather Service - Calaveras Big Trees
October 2.39 inches.
November 9.83 inches
December 16.28 inches.
Calaveras County has received 51% of its yearly average for its water year. A water year starts on October 1 and ends September 30.

John Kerry new Secretary of State

On January 29, 2013 John Kerry, five term Massachusetts Senator, was confirmed as the new U.S. secretary of state.

The Senate voted 94-3, with Kerry voting present.

Bark N Bubbles - have your dog 'competition' ready

With the upcoming Dog Day Afternoon in Town Square on 2-9-13, Bark N Bubbles would like to help you help your dog look its best!

Stop by for  a fresh groom or bath!
785-BARK



Scout History Story by Richard Kotowski

Let me tell you of a story of the some land down south & a scout & now to the east

   Back in 53  (I was being conceived) when Disneyland was just an orange grove & Hoover dam was completed for the rising of Vegas; there was a place called Irvine ranch in Orange County, California. The Boy Scouts would hold their only West coast California National Jamboree there in the summer.  Railroad companies built a spur (rail line) to/near the site so that all the "boys" from back east would come by train.  Several (about a dozen) young scouts from the Sacramento area were able to attend.  They went a couple of weeks early for set-up & stayed a couple for the tear-down.  Needless to say they had a great time!
Time passes...

 photo from the Kotowski collection
some scout memorabilia donated by local Adrian Nestor of Greenhorn Creek

Good morning Copper!

Shot at the end of Little John Rd.

Chairs Partners Say Thank You



Chairs for Charity 2013 was held Saturday, January 26, 2013 at the San Andreas Town Hall.  Attendees were treated to a delicious buffet dinner served by the Pickle Patch and had the opportunity to purchase artistic creations via Live and Silent Auctions.  A no-host bar was available as well as several high-value raffle basket items. 

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Proclamation by Governor


PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA


When Fred T. Korematsu received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998, President Clinton said that “in the long history of our country's constant search for justice, some names of ordinary citizens stand for millions of souls — Plessy, Brown, Parks. To that distinguished list today we add the name of Fred Korematsu.”

CHP press release re: NO ONE WINS WHEN IT COMES TO DUI


SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Super Bowl is one of America’s most-anticipated and watched
sporting events of the year, an opportunity for family, friends, and fans to gather together and
root for their team. However, the celebration can quickly turn to tragedy when partygoers
exercise poor judgment and fail to designate a non-drinking driver.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) joins with the U.S. Department of Transportation,
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the National Football League and TEAM
(Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management) to spread an important safety message to the
public about designating a sober driver on Super Bowl Sunday – Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive
Drunk.

Copper Run Final Results

There are three result pictures please click read more to see all results.

Norma Jean Manners has passed away

Norma Jean Manners, age 83, was born Feb. 23, 1929 in Clarkston Heights, WA, and passed away Jan. 24, 2013 at her home in Angels Camp, CA. Norma was a retired Licensed Vocational Nurse, lifelong antiquer, and member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She is survived by her loving husband Stuart Manners of Angels Camp, children; Catherine (John) Braudrick of Dobbins, CA, Carolyn Crockett of Stockton, CA, and David (Kristen) Manners of Port Townsend, WA; brother; Ray Sackett of Boise, ID; sisters; Donna Scallin of Pleasant Hill, CA and Susan Henley of Napa, CA. Services will be held at a later date.

Lake Tulloch Lions annual CRAB FEED


Linda Kemper - designer of the 27th Annual Comminuty Center Wine Glass Art

Linda Kemper's artists rendition of the old Telephone Building adorned each complimentary wine glass held by wine tasters who attended the 27th annual Copperopolis Community Center Wine Tasting event held January 12, 2013 at the Copperopolis Armory.




Linda has been interested in most all forms of art since childhood, dabbling in sketching, watercolor, oils, stained glass, woodworking and acrylics, finally finding her true love of all things textile. Linda first picked up sewing at the young age of nine and has been sewing and quilting since while keeping her other art avenues open for new experiences and dabbling "anything to keep me out of housework." In fact, as a member of the Lake Tulloch Quilters Guild, she helped create the quilt depicting the history of Copperopolis that adorns a wall in the historic Armory.


'Orient Express' run in Chinese Camp

Orient Express
February 2, 2013
Hours: 1 mile 9AM - 4 mile 10AM
Location: Chinese Camp School Chinese Camp, CA 95309
Contact: Robin Phillips Cathie Peacock

Great spring warm-up footrace through the hills of Chinese Camp. Sonora Sunrise Rotary's Orient Express directly benefits Tuolumne County Special Olympic Athletes. 1 mile and 4 mile courses, great for the family. Registration forms on-line beginning Friday Dec 7, 2012 at sonorasunrise rotary.org.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Angels Camp PD press release re: domestic violence arrest, stabbing

updated 1-30-13 3:23 pm
On 01/27/13, at approximately 9:55 P.M., officers from the Angels Camp Police Department responded to a call in the 700 block Tuolumne Avenue, on a report of a disturbance involving a person armed with a knife. When officers arrived on scene they encountered a male subject with an approximate 6 inch laceration to his left arm. Further investigation revealed that a domestic dispute occurred between two people, and that the male was stabbed as a result of that dispute.
Victor Martinez, a 43-year-old Angels Camp resident, was arrested and transported to Mark Twain Medical Center for treatment. Once he was evaluated by staff there, it was determined that he needed additional treatment, and he was transported via ambulance to UC Davis Medical Center. Officers from the Angels Camp Police Department accompanied Mr. Martinez to the hospital, and will be transporting him back to Calaveras County for booking when he is discharged from the hospital.
The other person involved in this dispute was also arrested and booked into the Calaveras County Jail. Their identity is protected under state law and will not be released.
Mr. Martinez is facing charges related to domestic violence and battery causing serious injury. The other party involved is facing charges related to assault with a deadly weapon.

booking photo for Victor Martinez.

Sonora PD Press release re:deceased person

28 January 2013, at approx. 3:17 pm, the Sonora Police Department, Sonora Fire Department and Tuolumne County Ambulance responded to the Crossroads Shopping Center regarding a welfare check on a subject who lives in a vehicle in the parking lot, but had not been seen for four (4) days.
An employee from a business in the shopping center had gone out to the subject’s vehicle and attempted to contact them, but found the occupant to be unresponsive and called the police department.
A subject was located in the bed of a pickup, which had a camper shell on it. Upon checking on the subjects status, it was determined they were deceased. There were no signs of foul play. The subject was turned over to the Tuolumne County Coroner. An autopsy will be conducted at a later date. The name of the deceased is not being released until the next of kin can be located and notified.

Update 1-30-13
Date and Time of Release: 30 January 2013
Date and Time of Incident: 28 January 2013, at approx. 3:17 pm
Subject: Death Investigation Update
________________________________________________________________________
The person found deceased in the Crossroads Shopping Center on 28 January 2013, has been identified as Bill Scott Peterson, 57. An autopsy was performed and the cause of death was determined to be a heart attack.

Angels Camp PD press release re: PD offers vacation home checks

The Angels Camp Police Department would like to remind residents and business owners of some of the services that are available that we provide. The police department has had a “Vacation House Check” program in place for some time, where residents that are on vacation can fill out a “Security Check” request form, for increased patrols of their residences while they are gone. We have recently increased our volunteer staff, and as a result we have the ability to provide more frequent checks of those residences, for the owners that request the security checks. 

Bass Tournament at Salt Spring Valley Reservoir 2-2-13


Salt Spring Valley Reservoir and Campground OPEN for business!


Silent Movie Night at Ironstone 2-1-13

Silent Movie Night
02/01/2013
Hours: 6:00 p.m.-9:00p.m.
Location: Ironstone Vineyards
Contact: Kerry

Enjoy an evening of Comedy Shorts staring Laurel and Hardy, Harold Lloyd and Charlie Chaplin. Start your weekend off with a few good laughs. Admission is $20 (plus tax & gratuity) includes dinner, movie, and popcorn. Limited seating is available so make sure to make your reservations early. (209) 728-1251 ext 11.

Laughter on Tap at the Sports Pub's comedy night

On Friday night January 25, 2013 the Sports Pub hosted another trio of comedians from as near as Copper to as far as Sacramento. When the lights dimmed the crowd hushed and local comedian Julia Fretwell hit the stage the laughter began and didn't stop until the last comic hung up the mic.


'Fences' opens on Stage 3, February 8, 2013

Fences By August Wilson

February 8 - March 17, 2013
“GORGEOUS. THRILLING. UNMISSABLE.” - New Yorker
“A blockbuster and a major American play." - New York Daily News
“I wasn't just moved. I was transfixed." - The New York Post
Pulitzer and Tony Awards
Powerful, poetic and Pulitzer winning, August Wilson’s “Fences” is a masterpiece portrait of an African-American family hanging on to their souls and their dreams in a world that has tried to crush both. By 1957, Troy Maxson was washed up. Once a great star in the Negro baseball leagues, his career was strangled by racism. Now a garbage collector in Pittsburgh, he has scraped together a life, a family and a place for which he can be proud. But, at the dawn of the Civil Rights era, forces are at work that threaten to rip apart everything he’s struggled to build. Filled with humor, compassion and sheer joy – not to mention some of the most majestic writing you’ll ever see - “Fences” opens the Stage 3 season with a thunderclap.

 For show times and ticket information visit http://www.stage3.org/show.aspx?id=123

Monday, January 28, 2013

Barrel of Monkeez - come monkey around

 
HOURS FOR THE WEEK OF JAN. 28TH: NO PRIVATE EVENTS ALL WEEK...REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS REMAIN

MONDAY 28TH AND TUESDAY 29TH: CLOSED

WED. 30TH: 12-7 LAST ADMITTANCE AT 6PM

THURS. 30TH: 11-5 LAST ADMITTANCE AT 4PM

FRIDAY-SUNDAY FEB. 1ST- FEB. 3RD
11-7 LAST ADMITTANCE AT 6PM
 
For more information visit  https://www.facebook.com/BarrelOfMonkeez

Dog Day Afternoon 2-9-13

Bring your Dogs to Town for some PUPPY LOVE on Feb 9, 2013 - Stop in to Chloe & Zoey's Pet Boutique to buy some Raffle Tickets for the HUGE RAFFLE anytime before the event.

CCPAC 2-4-13 meeting agenda


A Letter from Copperopolis Olive Oil Company

Copperopolis Olive Oil Company,
We have something to say, 

We want to thank all of our Customers for your Patronage this last year, without "You" there will be no "US".
We want to thank our CUSTOMERS that took a chance on us to mill their Olives, more milling is more experience and every body wins.
We want to thank our customers who have us Ship their Oils to all parts of the United States.
We want to thank our repeat customers for supporting us and dealing with the woes of a Mom and Pop Shop.
Our goal is to produce a sustainable product - Using all LOCAL sources that are Healthy, Fresh and reasonably priced.
If there is anything that Josie or Myself can do for you , don't hesitate to call or e-mail.

John/Josie
Copperopolis Olive Oil Company 621 McCarty St. Copperopolis, California 95228 209 785 6868

New Melones Fishing Report from Glory Hole Sports

Water Conditions:  New Melones Lake is currently holding 1,633,191 acre-feet of water. The lake level rose one foot this week, and is currently at 1017 ft. above sea level and 72 ft. from full.  Water temperature has cooled and is 48-52 degrees.  The lake is clear, to slightly stained with some debris floating on the surface. The lake has turned over.

Trout: Fair. Department of Fish and Game is now planting rainbow trout weekly at New Melones.  The lake has turned over.  The trout are still scatter throughout the lake from 0-30' deep. Trolling anglers should target major coves and creek arms, with baits trolled near the surface. While top-lining 150-200' behind the boat, try using plugs that dive to different depths to locate the fish. A Rapala Shad Rap and a Rapala Jointed Minnow are to great bait to use. The Shad Rap has a larger bill and will dive deeper than the Jointed Minnow. The fish are feeding on large shad.  This would be a good time to try rolling frozen shad for brown trout and large rainbows. Another technique that has been producing limits is a crawler fished behind a teardrop shaped flasher.  Bank fishing and still-fishing from a boat has produced the most fish. Walking the bank as you cast will help you find the fish. A 1/4-3/8 ounce Kastmaster seem to be the most productive "chuck and wind" lure. The key to fishing a casting spoon is mixing up the speed and presentation. Sometimes the fish will take a slow, steady retrieve, and other times they prefer a faster, more erratic presentation. For bait fishing, try using garlic scented Power Bait (rainbow or chartreuse), or put on a Gulp Egg or a marshmallow/nightcrawler. Or, use Pro Cure garlic scent on colors of Power Bait that don't come pre-scented. If you fish an area for an hour or so without having any luck, pick up and move down the bank. Sometimes you might be just a few yards away from a quality limit, or a productive feeding route.  
  1
Johnny Roberts and Cliff Larrew of Rippon caught 9 rainbow trout from shore, weighing 22-pounds (total weight). They caught their fish on the Glory Hole side of the lake using night crawlers and moving location frequently throughout the day.  

One lane traffic O'Byrnes

1-28-13
Due to road work there is one lane traffic today on O'Byrnes Ferry road Calaveras side of the bridge. Please use caution if in the area.

Clear week ahead

  • 1-28-13
  • Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. Light and variable wind becoming northwest 9 to 14 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
  • Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.
  • Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 56. Light and variable wind becoming south southeast around 6 mph.
  • Tuesday Night Clear, with a low around 34. North northwest wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.
  • Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 61. East wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable in the morning.
  • Wednesday Night Clear, with a low around 35.
  • Thursday Sunny, with a high near 62.
  • Thursday Night Clear, with a low around 37.
  • Friday Sunny, with a high near 61.

Super Bowl Party at the Old Corner


Copper Run 2013 Photos

Copper Run 2013 photos!
Official results to follow later this week.













For more photos CLICK HERE

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Honor the Fallen 1-10-13 to 1-20-13



Army Sgt. Aaron X. Wittman

Died January 10, 2013 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


28, of Chester, Va.; assigned to 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.; died Jan. 10 in Khogyani district, Afghanistan, from injuries caused by small-arms fire. 
 
 

Army Sgt. David J. Chambers

Died January 16, 2013 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


25, of Hampton, Va., assigned to 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, under control of the 7th Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.; died Jan. 16, in Panjwaydistrict, Afghanistan, of wounds�caused by an improvised explosive device. 
 
 

Army Sgt. Mark H. Schoonhoven

Died January 20, 2013 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom


38, of Plainwell, Mich.; assigned to 32nd Transportation Company, 43rd Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Jan. 20, at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, from wounds caused by an improvised explosive device on Dec. 15 in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Full Moon Photo 1-26-13

Full moon tonight.
1-26-13
A 20 percent chance of showers tonight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. West wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable in the evening. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
  • Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. North northeast wind 5 to 11 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.
  • Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. North wind 5 to 10 mph. 

Dense Fog Advisory

1-26-13
...DENSE FOG ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST THIS MORNING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A DENSE FOG
ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST THIS MORNING FOR THE
SACRAMENTO VALLEY...SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY AND SIERRA FOOTHILLS BELOW
2000 FEET.

SNAC supporting Calavaeras Youth Mentoring Program

SNAC supports the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program by joining their Mentor Rewards Program. Connect in nature by bringing your Mentee up to Arnold for 2-for-1 Snowshoe Rentals this season. Happy National Mentoring Month! Great work, Mentors!

Recipes by Nate

Marinated Ranch Broiled Chicken

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  •   1 (1 ounce) package dry Ranch-style dressing mix 
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  •   1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
 Combine the dressing mix, oil and vinegar in a large, resealable plastic bag and mix together. Add chicken to bag, seal and shake to coat; work mixture into the meat.
  1. Refrigerate to marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible.
  2. Preheat oven to Broil/Grill.
  3. Remove chicken from bag, discarding any remaining marinade, and broil for 10 to 15 minutes or until cooked through and no longer pink inside. 
Nate Bruce

Friday, January 25, 2013

Copper Run tomorrow! 1-26-13

To register for the 21st annual Copper Run January 26, 2013 please click the following link for a PDF registration form.
http://www.mtwain.k12.ca.us/cms/lib01/CA01001346/Centricity/Domain/74/2013%20Copper%20Run%20Registration.pdf

Lost puppies

Lost. Puppies in copper on feather drive please call Bob 785-3443 if there yours please they need to go home.

Time to Get Your Destruction Derby Cars Ready

Are you building your car yet? Get the official rules for the Calaveras County Fair Destruction Derby, May 19. They can be picked up at O'Reillys in Sonora, Angels Camp and Jackson, Napa in San Andreas and A1 Sharpening. They are also available at Frogtown.org.
 
 

Saddle Creek offers winning deal on Super Bowl Sunday


Why is playing golf before the Super Bowl a super idea? Well, you get to be outside with friends and get some fun exercise before you sit for five hours watching the game, commercials, and halftime; and eating and drinking stuff your doctor has told you is not good for you. You get to work off some nervous energy as you await the 49ers sixth Championship.

And, you'll pay just $49 for golf, cart, range balls, and a hot dog lunch with chips and a soft drink.
That's our lowest weekend rate...EVER!

Tuolumne County's Most Wanted


Ainslie, Melanie Ann
 
DOB   07/11/77   5'9" 160 lbs. Brown/Brown
 
Has 3 Felony Warrants for Robbery
 
 

Board of Supervisors 1-22-13 meeting video

To view the 1-22-13 Board of Supervisors meeting video CLICK HERE

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

Rollover on Pool Station

6:38 am 1-25-13
Please use caution this morning on Pool Station Road as emergency personnel are attending to a rollover near 3692 Pool Station Road. A Jeep Patriot has rolled down the embankment and is resting on its roof. There are no more details at this time.


































Assemblyman Bigelow Responds to Governor Brown's 2013 State of the State Address

SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman Frank Bigelow, R-O’Neals, today responded to Governor Jerry Brown’s 2013 State of the State Address. Bigelow indicated that he looks forward to working across party lines to make job creation a top priority in Sacramento in addition to making higher education more affordable.
 
“I stand ready to work with Governor Brown and the majority party to ensure Sacramento focuses its efforts on private sector job creation. Those efforts will result in more Californians earning a living and in turn less demand for social services,” Bigelow said. “With more Californians being put back to work Sacramento will be able to focus on core government services like education and public safety. I’m committed to making sure we put Californians back to work.”
 

Gov Brown issues proclamation re: affordable health care

WHEREAS, an extraordinary circumstance has arisen and now exists requiring that the Legislature of the State of California be convened in extraordinary session;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, in accordance with Section 3(b) of Article IV of the Constitution of the State of California, hereby convene the Legislature of the State of California to meet in extraordinary session in Sacramento, California, on the 28th day of January, 2013, at a time to be determined, for the following purpose:

To consider and act upon legislation necessary to implement the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148), as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-152), in the following areas: ‪

Patchy fog throughout the morning

1-25-13
  • Today A 20 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. Light and variable wind. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
  • Tonight A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Calm wind becoming east northeast around 5 mph after midnight. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. 

Chili Cook-Off Official Results

 Stacy Pierson of Copperopolis won both People's Choice and Judges Choice Chili... and then was awarded People's Choice for Best Name for "STACY'S SLAP YOU SILLY CHILI" too!
 
Leslie Watkins of Fancy Pans - Most Unique Chili

Chef Elizabeth Castillo of Copper Grill - Most Creative Topping

Ali Stewart & Family from Oakland - Best Team Spirit

Danny Burton of Copper Holding Company - Most Savory Chili

Ann Ortiz of IGA Market in Copperopolis - Spiciest Chili

John & Dana Campanella of PHE Beautique - Best Costume
Other Chili Cookers:

Iris Larsen of Umpqua Bank

Tim Brusseau

Dave McElhinnie

Robert Locke

Chef Ben Castillo of Panini's

Copperopolis Volunteer Fire Fighters

Bruce Reid & Dena McAfee

Diana Phish of Copper Star Trail & Pack Station

Kelly Black & Dolly Malek of the Old Corner Saloon

THANK YOU TO ALL COOKERS!!!

Bret Harte facing possible layoffs

According to Bret Harte Superintendent Michael Chimente, due to the continued decline in property taxes which is "90% of our funding" there is a need to "reduce staff to reduce the budget."

"We have been spending down our reserve hoping for the economy to recover...its not trending that way." The district is to hold a 4% reserve, in order to maintain that reserve layoffs may have to be made "across the board." Administrative and certificated staff must receive a preliminary notification by no later than March 15 with a final by May 15. Whereas classified staff may receive less notice time.

By June 2013 the County Treasurer/Tax Collector will have a firmer dollar amount of possible revenue. "We will know for sure" when those numbers are released, said Chimente.

By, Charity Maness

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Copper Gazette Highlighting our Community and its Great People

Each Wednesday the Copper Gazette will try to run an interview with someone in our community. This person could be an artist, a community leader, an entrepreneur, a sports person, among many other things.

What we are looking for is your input. Do you know someone that you feel is interesting? That the community should know about? If so drop me a line at coppergazette@gmail.com and tell me a little about the person and how I may contact them.

Last week was Charles Robinson a local lawyer up for possible nomination to the Calaveras Superior Court and this week was Ileana Grycel, photographer, mother, vintner and community group organizer. On tap is Linda Kemper designer of the 2013 CCC commemorative wine tasting glass and Stacy Pierson the chili cook-off sweeper.

Thank you for supporting the Copper Gazette and I look forward to hearing from you.

Charity Maness

Sheriff Dept Press release re: Wilseyville Man Arrested after Bringing a Large Knife onto School Property



(West Point, CA) On January 18, 2013 at approximately 11:50 am, Calaveras Sheriff’s deputies responded to West Point Elementary School regarding a verbal dispute. According to school officials, John Cargile (27) of Wilseyville was upset over not being able to have a knife at the school. The deputies spoke with a teacher who stated that on 01/16/13 at approx. 2:00 pm Arrestee Cargile arrived at the school with a large knife in a sheath on his leg. The knife was described as being 14 inches long. School officials attempted to explain to Arrestee Cargile that he could not have a knife that large on the school campus, which lead to an argument between school staff and Arrestee Cargile. Cargile soon left the campus. On 01/18/13 at approx. 11:00 am, Arrestee Cargile again arrived at the school with the same knife on his hip. He was again told that the knife was not allowed on the school campus. He took the knife to his vehicle, but another argument ensued. After yelling at the school officials he left the school property.

Olsen On Governor Brown’s State Of the State Address

SACRAMENTO ––Assemblymember Kristin Olsen, R-Modesto, issued the following statement today in response to Governor Jerry Brown’s State of the State Address:

“Governor Brown’s tunnels plan is not the answer to our water crisis. We need to pursue less expensive alternatives that supply southern communities with quality water without devastating Delta farmers and families. Also, while our economy is showing some signs of recovery and there are stories to celebrate, California still has the third highest unemployment rate in the nation and Central Valley families suffer even more.  I wish the Governor gave a more detailed plan for spurring job creation, but I’m pleased that he at least wants to reform CEQA and provide more certainty to businesses.

Congressman McClintock delivers speech to House Speaker not in support of HR325

Debt Limit HR 325: Carte Blanche Credit
Congressman today delivered the following remarks on the House floor:

Debt Limit HR 325: Carte Blanche Credit
Mr. Speaker:
The House is poised to pass HR 325.  I respect the sincerity of its supporters, but I must firmly dissent.
This bill accommodates spending at ruinous levels far beyond the limits set by the House budget.  It sets a terrible precedent by abolishing the debt limit for nearly four months, giving an unlimited credit card to this administration. 

Gov Brown's State of the State Address

Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today delivered the 2013 State of the State Address. Below is the text as prepared for delivery:


Edmund G. Brown Jr.
State of the State Address
Remarks as Prepared
January 24, 2013


The message this year is clear: California has once again confounded our critics. We have wrought in just two years a solid and enduring budget. And, by God, we will persevere and keep it that way for years to come.

VFW State Teacher of the Year Jennifer Truman receives honors at Awards Banquet in Sacramento

Bret Harte's very own Jennifer Truman received the highest form of recognition for a teacher by the VFW of California as the chosen recipient of the 2013 VFW State Teacher of the Year at a banquet held in her honor in Sacramento on January 18, 2013.

Truman has taught at Bret Harte High School since 1996 and has woven into her curriculum tapestry a style of teaching that brings history alive for her students. With 170 days to teach 200 years of history Truman has found many ways to engage her students on different levels and help them experience history as it happened.

Photo courtesy Fred Romero Photography - Sacramento

The following is the 350 word nomination letter submitted by the James D Piper VFW Post 12118 of Copperopolis: