The 4th Stage of the 2012 Amgen Tour is Underway Photos By ~ Jeff Rasmussen (Fixed Slideshow Link)
Posted by: John_Hamilton on 05/16/2012 12:17 PM
Sonora, CA...We would like to thank Jeff Rasmussen for sending us some great photos at the start of the fourth stage of the 2012 Amgen Tour. We will have a full story, video and more photos on the way...
Over 50 Photos from Jeff Rasmussen above. Above are the Peleton as it heads off to Clovis and Sonora's Mayor talking about Amgen's Visit
California satisfying court obligations for basic dental care in prisons
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 05/16/2012 04:01 PM
The level of dental care in California prisons has risen to the point that 30 of 33 adult institutions have passed an official audit by outside experts. Audits of the remaining three institutions are expected by the end of next month. CDCR is achieving obligations set forth by the federal court to bring dental care up to basic standards, as a settlement of the Perez v. Cate lawsuit. Dental care at CDCR institutions is being evaluated by court-appointed experts. The audits involve the examination of the dental records of randomly chosen inmates and other processes.....
Sonora Amgen Stage Start Best 2012 Start So Far. ~By John Hamilton
Posted by: John_Hamilton on 05/16/2012 03:10 PM
Sonora, CA...The local race organizing should be justifiably proud as we heard over and over again that this morning's race start drew the largest crowds so far for the 2012 Amgen Tour of California. Now in it's 8th year the tour continues to gain momentum in the cycling community and the public. We also overheard several times officials say that they will be back. That is the goal for events like this. It would be a huge boon for the area if we could promote Rope, Ride and Ribbitt every May. Today's Amgen Stage should be finishing any minute now in Clovis. The visit by the cyclists and their teams was brief but we hope it has a lasting impact on the local economy.
There are 195 Candid Shots from this morning. We also took quite a few video clips that are going up now. Some are enclosed already. Below is a short clip of the Peleton heading down Washington Street
Amgen Coverage Sponsored by The Mountain Pedaler in Angels Camp. They are Your Headquarters for Mountain & Road Cycling in the Area!!
Calaveras Arts Council Kicks Off Music in the Parks with Coyote Hill
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 05/16/2012 02:06 PM
Copperoplis, CA>.Calaveras Arts Council’s Free Music in the Park Series kicks off this year in Copperopolis at the Town Square on June 13. Remember to bring your picnic baskets, favorite beverage and low back chairs. Music begins at 6:00 pm. Music in the Parks opens up with foothill favorites, Coyote Hill. The band has performed all over the northern California and beyond for private parties, community agencies and groups. They’ve played for Music in the Parks in the past, and are returning with new additions both in performers and repertoire....
CCWD Selected to Receive $2.1 Million in State & Federal Funds Much Needed Funding to Improve Safety & Reliability for Calaveras Communities
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 05/16/2012 01:15 PM
San Andreas, CA...The Calaveras County Water District (CCWD) staff’s hard work paid off again as news of funding from state and federal agencies rolled in this week. Following the recent news of the $1.4 Million grant received from Prop 84 funds for the West Point community, the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved a $1 Million grant to fund the installation of water mains, hydrants and pump station to improve system reliability. CCWD’s local monetary match requirement will be $149,000 and additional in-kind contributions....
Tuolumne County Economic Development Authority At-Large Board Member Vacancy
Posted by: John_Hamilton on 05/16/2012 01:02 PM
Sonora, CA..... The Tuolumne County Economic Development Authority (TCEDA) announced today that, as of this official notice, applications are being accepted from the private business sector for an At-Large Board Member....
Angels Camp, CA..."The Country Cloth Shop will have a booth at the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee & we would like to invite you to stop by! The fair starts on Thursday, May 17 & runs through Sunday, May 20. We will have special pricing on selected Bernina sewing machines, store samples for sale & sewing & embroidery demonstrations daily.
See you at the fair!
Ginger & Kathy"
TRAFFIC NEWS...Semi Truck Blocking Roadway at Rawhide and Part of Hwy 49
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 05/16/2012 09:08 AM
Jamestown, CA...Please travel with caution at Rawhide Road and Hwy 49 in Jamestown, as CHP is reporting a Semi truck that is blocking the roadway.
Today is Ride Day for Rope, Ride & Ribbitt
Posted by: John_Hamilton on 05/16/2012 08:42 AM
Sonora, CA...Downtown is filling up and everything is ready for the Amgen Tour of California. The hospitality booths are up and the area has the welcome mat spread and ready. The festivities start in earnest in about 15 minutes...
Even last night downtown was hopping with two bands playing and many of the businesses open and welcoming the Amgen driving business...
Hathaway Pines Man Fails to Register As Current Sex Offender
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 05/16/2012 07:26 AM
Hathaway Pines, CA... On May 14,2012 Detectives from the Calaveras County Sheriff s Office contacted Mark Fields (42) of Hathaway Pines at a residence located in the 5600 block of Silver Saddle Drive in Hathaway Pines. Fields was subsequently arrested after it was determined that he had failed to register his current address as a sex...
"Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest."~by
Mark Twain
Peter Sagan of Liquigas-Cannondale remains in Yellow Leader Jersey after winning Stage 3 of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California
Posted by: John_Hamilton on 05/15/2012 09:17 PM
Livermore, CA....Peter Sagan (SVK) of Liquigas-Cannondale made Amgen Tour of California history today by winning the Stage 3 of the 2012 race, marking his third consecutive stage win in as many days. The 22-year-old rider, once again, outsprinted Garmin-Barracuda's Heinrich Haussler (AUS), and Tom Boonen (BEL) of Omega Pharma-QuickStep crossed the line in third place. Sagan also retained the Visit California Sprint Jersey and Rabobank Best Young Rider Jersey...
Columbia College Multimedia Students Artwork on Display....Students Designed Posters for Amgen!
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 05/15/2012 08:32 PM
Columbia, CA...Columbia College students in the spring advanced illustration class designed a series of posters to announce the Amgen Tour of California. The posters are currently on display in the Diamondback restaurant in downtown Sonora, and will continue to be on display until May 22. All of the posters have been uniquely designed and rendered digitally by Columbia College students studying digital media. The following students participated in the Amgen poster designs...
Andrew Jensen, Bill Pollock, Fred Westmoreland, Pat Jennings, Emelie Fransson, Duane Papais, Travis Jones
Murphys, CA...The Calaveras Community Band, that traces its history to California’s gold rush days, will present a special Memorial Day concert under the direction of Bandmaster Mic Harper in the Murphys Community Park on Monday, May 28, at 6:30 p.m. There is no admission charge for the program that will honor the men and women who have served in the armed forces in the past and those currently stationed around the world. The band’s repertoire will stretch from patriotic marches to Latin tunes ....
Calaveras Chamber & Economic Development Company to Merge
Posted by: John_Hamilton on 05/15/2012 06:58 PM
San Andreas, CA...The Calaveras County Chamber of Commerce and the Calaveras County Economic Development Company are pleased to announce a change in the Economic Development Company. Effective May 16, 2012, the Chamber of Commerce will take over the company and the Chamber’s Board of Directors will assume the role of the Board. The Calaveras Economic Development Company was originally started in 1981 and was active in the County through 2003. In 2009, local private business owners, led by Dave Haley of Castle Cooke Calaveras, re-engergized the EDC and produced the Calaveras Profile....
The Calaveras County Economic Development Company is Here to Help You Grow, Expand or Bring Your Business to Calaveras County
Frogtown, CA....The Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee is more than 80 years old and steeped in the traditions of the Gold Rush and the Ol’ West, but this year they are proving that you can teach an old cowboy new tricks or status updates. For the first time, the Calaveras County Fair will have a special booth, called a social media hub, where fairgoers can log onto their favorite social media site and update their pages on the spot...
AMGEN 2012 Street Closures and Parking Restrictions
Posted by: John_Hamilton on 05/15/2012 05:44 PM
Sonora, CA...The Sonora Police Department has provided the following information on Parking around downtown Sonora for Tomorrow Mornings Stage Four Amgen Start. The following streets will be closed on Tuesday, 15 May 2012, at 3:00 pm through Wednesday, 16 May 2012, at 2:00 pm for scheduled AMGEN events....
Even Tricycles Got Into the Amgen Lead Up Fun ~By John Hamilton
Posted by: John_Hamilton on 05/15/2012 05:18 PM
Sonora, CA..A couple of weeks ago the Amgen Tour of California preview events kicked into high gear with the Gran Fondo Ride. After that in the afternoon was a Bike Rodeo and Tricycle ride that place at Sonora Elementary School. The bike rodeo was a safety event designed to teach kids bike safety and better riding habits. Just before 3:00 PM came the crazy part of the afternoon with the tricycle races which where open to all ages!
San Andreas, CA...On 8AM, Monday, May 21, 2012, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit (TCU) announces the opening of the 2012 fire season within the state responsibility areas of Calaveras County, Tuolumne County, Eastern Stanislaus County and Eastern San Joaquin County....
In memory of Corey Shannon O'Boyle October 8, 1972 - May 16, 2007~by Dan O'Boyle
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 05/15/2012 04:39 PM
"Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 4...To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven, A time to be born and a time to die. a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted. A time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. Corey, five years have passed since you took your final journey. You are missed. Not a day goes by that you are not in the thoughts of all who knew and loved you. Some day we will meet again.
Full Closure of State Route 12 From State Route 160 to Interstate 5 for Maintenance Operations
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 05/15/2012 04:36 PM
Full road closure for road maintenance will take place on Tuesday, June 5, 2012, through Thursday, June 7, 2012, from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at State Route 12 (SR-12) from Interstate 5 (I-5) in San Joaquin County to SR-160 in Sacramento County. Detours will be posted. Motorists should consider I-80 and I-5 as alternate routes and should allow additional travel time due to the detour. The signed detour for the area will be SR-160 north to Walnut Grove Road, then to I-5 (a 30-mile/45-minute detour)....
San Joaquin County, CA...The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), along with partners from San Joaquin County, the San Joaquin Council of Governments and the City of Lodi, today announced the beginning of a series of enhancements scheduled for State Route 12 (SR-12)....
On May 7, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) asked a federal judge to return medical care to state control. For more than six years, CDCR has worked with a federal Receiver to rebuild the state’s prison health-care system and bring it into compliance with constitutional requirements. In a court filing, CDCR said the state prison system has the “will, capacity, and leadership to maintain a sustainable ...
Bret Harte Athletic Physicals Coming up on Thursday, May 24th
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 05/15/2012 03:58 PM
Bret Harte athletic physicals will be held on Thursday, May 24th in the Bret Harte lower gym. The boys physicals begin at 3:30 and the girls begin at 4:30 (girls wear swimsuits). The cost is $25.00. All students planning to participate in athletics during the 2012-2013 school year should plan to attend. No physicals will be offered in August. Athletic Clearance Forms are available at the Bret Harte High School web page or in the high school office. Athletes should bring completed Athletic Clearance Forms on May 24th to be turned in at the completion of the physical. Please contact Mrs. Brooksher at 736-8348 for more information.
Olsen Discusses Amgen Tour of CA May 13th - 20th
Posted by: John_Hamilton on 05/15/2012 03:21 PM
Sonora, CA..Assemblymember Olsen discusses the Amgen Tour of CA. Stage 4 of the Tour begins in Sonora on May 16th
Early Morning Burglary Up in Smoke in Valley Springs
Posted by: John_Hamilton on 05/15/2012 03:10 PM
Valley Springs, CA...Early this morning Calaveras County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a business burglary alarm at the Smoke Shack on the 200 block of Hwy 12. When they arrived what is suspected of being a lookout vehicle left the scene. On inspection of the premises 20 year old Steven Russell Carson was located in the Post Office next door after he had broken through the wall....
Murphys, CA...Stacy Lynn Apley so sadly died at home Saturday morning, May 12. Her valiant struggle against cancer is completed. She was 48 years old. Stacy was born in Portola, Ca. November 20,1963. She spent her childhood in the small town of Greenville, Ca. within an active, well-known family. Stacy graduated from Chico State University with majors in Psychology and Child Development. For more than 20 ....
FAA Initiates Unmanned Aircraft or Drone Authorization Program in US
Posted by: John_Hamilton on 05/15/2012 01:11 PM
Washington, DC...For more than five decades, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has compiled a proven track record of introducing new technology and aircraft safely into the National Airspace System (NAS). Most recently, the agency has been working to ensure the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the NAS. The FAA's sole mission and authority as it focuses on the integration of unmanned aircraft systems is safety....
Respirit – Week 17 “If One Falls Down, A Friend Can Help Him Up” By Catherine Lewallen
Posted by: John_Hamilton on 05/15/2012 09:42 AM
Murphys, CA..Early on in my battle against cancer, friends in my community urged me to reach out to another local cancer survivor. I didn’t. It felt silly, and perhaps a little rude. I mean, who wants to call someone just because they have cancer too? But I was wrong. When Stacy instead reached out to me, I gained enormous comfort and a bond that will remain unmatched and unbroken though I remain here on earth, feeling a little alone, and she has gained her ultimate healing in heaven....
Murphys, CA...Second graders in Suzanne Mattson's class made a magnificant discovery last week on the campus of Michelson Elementary in Murphys. As part of their ongoing Social Studies and Reading unit on fossils, they went on an archeological "dig" in the school site sandbox where the students dug up some amazing artifacts. The excavators then took their .....
Pictured are Matteo Arce and Noah Adams together; and then Steven Shetzline with teacher, Suzanne Mattson.~by Debbie Rocco
Electronics Waste Recycling Event Coming Up on June 2nd!
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 05/15/2012 09:30 AM
Calaveras County, CA...The CHS Earth Club would like to invite you to get rid of your old, broken electronics to be recycled! This event will take place on Saturday June 2 from 9am -1pm in the lower parking lot of Calaveras High school. E-Waste contains a variety of toxins which leech into the environment when thrown into landfills and not properly disposed of. Please bring the items to CHS to be recycled. This event offers you an .....
Should I get a Mac or a PC?” I get asked this a lot~by Blair Wiley of Wiley Computer Works
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 05/15/2012 09:07 AM
Let’s examine this from a few different angles, but I think the most important factor is, what do most of the people you collaborate with use? In communication, in collaboration and in mutual support, different isn’t better. “Different” would be like this... You’re on a committee of people who all speak English, but one of the members has such a thick Scottish accent that no one can understand him very easily. Soon the person who is different becomes less and less a part of the work group and ends up .....
"A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way."~by Mark Twain
Calaveras County Sheriffs Association and Angels Camp Police Officer Association Endorse Barbara Yook
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 05/15/2012 07:17 AM
Calaveras County, CA...The Angels Camp Police Officer Association and the Calaveras County Deputy Sheriff’s Association have endorsed Barbara Yook for Calaveras County District Attorney. Both law enforcement groups point to her overwhelming experience in comparison to her opponent. Ms. Yook is the most qualified candidate for this position. She has spent the last 14 years working in the District Attorney’s Office and her intelligence, aggressiveness, expertise and professionalism stand out above those of her opponent. Ms. Yook is a strong prosecutor who has gained the trust and confidence of those who work in the capacity of ....
Peter Sagan repeats sprint to finish to take Stage 2 of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California
Posted by: John_Hamilton on 05/15/2012 06:30 PM
Aptos, CA....Young Slovakian cycling sensation and overall 2012 Amgen Tour of California race leader Peter Sagan (SVK) of Liquigas-Cannondale crashed and punctured a tire on a wicked descent, but recovered to win Stage 2 of the race in Santa Cruz, Calif., his second consecutive stage in as many days. Ironically, the punctured tire was also the second flat of the race in as many days for the 22-year-old Sagan who maintained his overall lead over Australia's Heinrich Haussler of the Garmin-Barracuda team after the second stage of America's greatest professional cycling race. Leigh Howard (AUS) of Orica-GreenEDGE, who placed third during Stage 2, remained in third place overall....
Bethanni Riedel attended the State Spelling Bee in San Rafael this
Saturday after placing first at the Calaveras County Spelling Bee on
April 19th. Bethanni lasted until the 12th round and made it through 139 words in 3 hours. She placed 6th overall. 54 students from 27 counties participated...
New Melones Fishing Report for May 14th~by Glory Hole Sports
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 05/14/2012 04:50 PM
Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 1,906,220 acre-feet of water. The lake level is dropped 3 feet this week and is currently at 1044 ft. above sea level and 44 ft. from full. Water temperature is in the low 60s and rising. Lake is slightly stained, with mud lines forming around the shore on windy days....
Winner of the Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week Contest goes to Richard Kowski of Angels Camp. He caught a 3-pound 9-ounce rainbow while trolling a crawler on the main lake.
TRAFFIC NEWS....Solo Vehicle Off Roadway at Hwy 49 at Hwy 12
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 05/14/2012 02:55 PM
San Andreas, CA...Emergency crews are responding to a solo vehicle off roadway at Hwy 49 and Hwy 12 in San Andreas. Please travel with caution in the area. Updates to follow as needed...
Seana Hogan Broke 4 World Records on May 4th
Posted by: John_Hamilton on 05/14/2012 01:26 PM
Valley Springs, CA...Seana Hogan at the tender age of 52 broke four women's cycling world records on May 4th. At 7:30am on Friday she started lapping the Hellyer Velodrome in San Jose. On the way to her Womans Overall 24 hour Velodrome World Record of 445.78 miles she also set the 100 mile record, the 200 Mile Record and also the 12 hour record...
The full story, additional photos and more on SeanaHogan.com
Statement by Assemblymember Olsen on the Release of Governor Brown’s Revised Budget Plan
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 05/14/2012 01:09 PM
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Kristin Olsen, R-Modesto, today issued the following statement in response to the release of Governor Jerry Brown’s revised budget plan: “It’s past time to implement a real economic plan that will raise revenue through job creation. Unfortunately, the Governor has failed to propose any action to create jobs as part of his budget plan....
Senator Gaines Issues Statement on Governor's Budget Revise
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 05/14/2012 01:02 PM
SACRAMENTO – Senator Ted Gaines (R-Rocklin) issued the following statement regarding Governor Brown’s revised budget proposal: “Today, the Governor announced the budget deficit is now at a staggering $16 billion – $7 billion more than his initial budget in January. As shocking as that number may be, it should come as no surprise....
Rope, Ride & Ribbitt is Underway and Rope for 2012 is in the Books!
Posted by: John_Hamilton on 05/14/2012 12:41 PM
Sonora, CA...The big 2012 Rope, Ride & Ribbitt week is upon us and underway. This last weekend the Mother Lode Roundup was held with the Parade as one of the focal points. This old fashioned family parade had just under 200 entrants and easily maintained it position as one of the largest in California. We have over 600 photos below with video on the way. Wednesday the Amgen Tour will start stage four in Downtown Sonora and on Thursday the Calaveras County Fair and Frog Jumping Jubilee will hop into action...
SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. released a revised state budget today that protects funding for education and public safety while slashing $8.3 billion from government to close a $15.7 billion deficit and get California back on track. “This budget reflects the fact that the nation’s economic recovery is proceeding more slowly than anticipated,” said Governor Brown. “Lower tax revenues, coupled with federal government obstructions that blocked billions in necessary cuts, have created a deeper budget hole. More painful reductions will be necessary as a result, but education and public safety must be protected.”....
Calaveras Families Have a “Grand” Time at Ice Cream Social
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 05/14/2012 11:23 AM
Angels Camp, CA..Calaveras County’s Grandparent Project wrapped up another successful year with an afternoon in Utica Park in Angels Camp on Sunday, May 6. More than sixty children, youth and grandparents enjoyed an afternoon of sun, fun and ice cream together. The 2011-12 Grandparent Project welcomed grandparents, and other non-parent relatives raising children, to regular meetings in Jenny Lind, Angels Camp and Arnold. The program is funded by Calaveras County Behavioral Health Services and the Calaveras County Office of Education. For more information, contact Bonnie Danielson at 754-3023.
Photo courtesy of Ben Danielson
Supervisor Gary Tofanelli Interview
Posted by: John_Hamilton on 05/14/2012 10:41 AM
San Andreas, CA...We would like to thank Supervisor Gary Tofanelli for spending a few minutes with us discussing his first four years in office and the challenges he faces as he seeks reelection...
New Yosemite Falls Webcam Provides a Spectacular View of North America’s Highest Waterfall
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 05/14/2012 10:33 AM
Yosemite National Park, CA...Yosemite Conservancy Provides New Ways to Connect People to Yosemite National Park Through Webcams, Podcasts and Yosemite Nature Notes Online Video Series. Yosemite National Park, May 14, 2012 – The majesty of Yosemite Falls, North America’s highest waterfall, can now be viewed on Yosemite Conservancy's website thanks to a new webcam. The nonprofit organization is connecting people to Yosemite National Park using webcams and a variety of technologies. ...
Yosemite Conservancy’s new webcam of Yosemite Falls shows a live image of the world’s fifth highest waterfall. Credit: Yosemite Conservancy.
Kaylee Huey of Angels Camp, was honored by Woodbury University of Burbank, California upon completion of her second year of study majoring in Graphic Design. Kaylee recieved recognition as the Outstanding Second Year Design Student and was recognized as an Emerging Leader for the student body. Five pieces of Kaylee's work were featured in the annual year end Gallery showing of the top design studio work for the year. One of her .....
Quick Sad Note..Stacy Apley Loses Battle with Cancer
Posted by: John_Hamilton on 05/14/2012 10:19 AM
Murphys, CA...We thought we should pass along some very sad news. Local mom and longtime fighter against cancer as passed away. We will pass along the obituary and service details as soon as they come in. From all of us at ThePineTree.net our thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family....
If you see anything newsworthy, give us a call or send it along!
Our goal is to report Current, Up-To-Date, Accurate news 24/7! We are also here to promote one of the best places on the planet...Calaveras and Western Alpine Counties. We cover news and events along the Ebbetts Pass Corridor, Angels Camp, Arnold, Bear Valley, Copperopolis, Mountain Ranch, San Andreas, Valley Springs and more. If you see or know of something newsworthy, just drop us a note to news@thepinetree.net or give us a call on our news line at (209)768.3929 or #TREE FROM YOUR GOLDEN STATE CELLULAR PHONE. We would also love to post your local video and pictures. If you have clips or photos that you think our viewers would like to see... just let us know!
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Created on 02/22/2006 11:32 PM by thepinetree
Updated on 01/15/2011 11:04 PM by Kim_Hamilton
Mark Phillips the GM of The Bear Valley Lodge narrates a wonderful video that was created for the Ebbetts Pass Historical Association. The Video runs about 50 minutes and gives a fascinating & entertaining view of the history of the Bear Valley Area.
