What Would Proposition 38 Mean for California?

Form the California Budget Project: A new CBP analysis looks at Proposition 38, which will appear on the November 6 statewide ballot. Proposition 38 would temporarily increase personal income tax rates on most California taxpayers, with the higher rates in effect for 12 years beginning on January 1, 2013. The measure would raise an estimated $10 billion in 2013-14 — the first full fiscal year of implementation -­- and could potentially raise... Read More

Water talks have city on edge

By Alex Breitler Record Staff Writer September 01, 2012 12:00 AM STOCKTON – Upstream water users may privately negotiate how much water flows down the San Joaquin River in the future – to the concern of downstream Delta interests, who would be excluded from that process. The state will have the final say on flows. But any agreement reached by the water users as well as other government agencies and some environmental groups could influence... Read More

Jackson City Council Objects to AWA Rate Study

On August 27, the Jackson City Council voted 5-0 to send a letter to AWA objecting to AWA’s proposed consolidated rate increase. If the council doesn’t receive what they consider a satisfactory response, then they will consider hiring an independent auditor. The City’s main objection is that AWA is charging Jackson $19,196 annually for the cost of the Plymouth Pipeline. The City’s water does not travel through the Plymouth Pipe and AWA... Read More

Sierra MapGuide goes wireless

Travelers and visitors of all ages who are preparing to venture into the Sierra Nevada are invited to enjoy free downloads of a new mobile phone “app” for the National Geographic Sierra MapGuide. Sierra Nevada travel tips, restaurants, tourist information and more are now as close as your smart phone thanks to these new apps available for iPhone and Android devices. The MapGuide features more than 1,500 destinations provided by local residents... Read More

Act now to save CEQA.

Date: Tue, 21 Aug 2012 19:22:25 -0400 As the 2012 California Legislative Session speeds to a close on August 31st, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) has again become the currency of the Capitol’s back room traders. Right now, the integrity of CEQA is seemingly being offered up by Democrats seeking Republican votes needed to pass last-minute bills – bills being drafted without public hearings and outside of committee review.... Read More

Water rights panel speaks at Workgroup Summit

Mountain Democrat On July 17, Mountain Counties Water Resources Association Executive Director John Kingsbury moderated a panel of four legal experts in California water rights at  the Sierra Water Workgroup Summit at King’s Beach, North Lake Tahoe. Kingsbury framed the issues: A lot of people think they have water rights, but do they really? What exactly are water rights: area of origin, senior, junior, pre- and post-1914, riparian? The state... Read More

Ruling hampers Yosemite-area resort plan

Written by Union Democrat staff August 02, 2012  01:23 pm A federal appeals court upheld a ruling on Friday  that a California developer does not have the rights to build a road connecting  his property to Yosemite National Park. Solvang developer Lewis Geyser, head of Hazel  Green Ranch LLC, wanted to construct the road to reduce travel time for visitors  to the upscale 300-building resort he wants to construct on the 83-acre  property.  ... Read More

Property values slip less

Written by Sean Janssen, The Union Democrat  August 02, 2012 01:19 pm http://www.uniondemocrat.com/News/Local-News/Property-values-slip-less The total value of assessed property in Calaveras  County continued to fall this year, though at a slower rate than the year prior. Figures released by County Assessor Leslie Davis  this week placed the gross secured property tax roll at $5.46 billion in 2012, a  4.37 percent drop from 2011. The drop is less... Read More

Speak up for Mokelumne River recreation and protection on Monday and Tuesday

Three different foothill governing bodies will discuss the Mokelumne River at their meetings next week. We hope you can go and speak up for river protection and recreation. Protecting and using the Moke is good for people, fish and wildlife — and for our local economy. And thanks to everyone who came to the BLM hearing on July 31. Monday, August 13, 7 pm The Jackson City Council will consider a letter of support for the BLM’s proposed... Read More

Commercial rafting gets mostly a thumbs up

By Joel Metzger | Posted: Friday, August 3, 2012 10:14 am Few concerns were raised at a public meeting held in Amador County Tuesday regarding a three-year pilot study of commercial recreation on the Mokelumne River. The program would include opportunities for commercial rafting, kayaking lessons and guided fishing excursions. If there are no major public objections to the study, it will likely begin early next year, allowing a limited number... Read More