The backstory of a water scare you knew nothing about

“Millions of Californians nearly had their water shut off late last month because the federal government ran out of water — sort of.  Yes, you read that right.  The federal Bureau of Reclamation ran out of water in the San Luis Reservoir and sent shutoff alerts (giving three days notice) to 26 districts it serves in the northern San Joaquin Valley and Bay Area.  One of those was the Santa Clara Valley Water District, which provides water to... Read More

Parties keep up pressure as Klamath Dam removal proceeds

Both sides in the debate over removing four dams from the Klamath River are keeping the pressure on as the project moves forward.  The Hoopa Valley Tribe is suing federal agencies to improve flows in the lower Klamath River for endangered coho salmon — a goal that proponents say could be achieved if the dams came out.  Tribal chairman Ryan Jackson said disease rates in juvenile salmon in the past two years have soared well beyond limits established... Read More

Farmers’ almanacs make conflicting winter forecasts

By Guy McCarthy / The Union Democrat / @GuyMcCarthy Published Aug 12, 2016 at 10:07PM Two competing almanacs with national followings are supposed to hit newsstands Monday with long-range weather forecasts for what Californians can expect this coming winter. Mother Lode residents, ranchers and farmers who believe in almanac forecasts can expect the coming winter to be “balmy & wet” with “below-normal mountain snows” up and down the Central... Read More

Calaveras County renters suffer from tight market

Butte Fire, rural trends and new residents bring increased demand Rental properties are hard to come by these days in Calaveras County and its surrounding communities. And both government and private industry representatives say that several factors including low incomes and housing lost during the Butte Fire may keep it that way for a while. Read Full Article Here  Read More

Calaveras County board hires Tennessee firm for $9.78 million tree removal job

County won’t have to pay $610,941 as previously thought The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors voted on Tuesday to approve a time-sensitive, $9.78 million contract to hire Phillips Jordan Inc. to remove thousands of dead and dying trees that threaten public roads in the Butte Fire area. The vote was 4-1, with Supervisor Chris Wright opposed. The board held a special meeting to consider the contract after it had died for lack of a second a... Read More

Board of Supervisors balks at Butte Fire tree-removal contract

A time-sensitive, $9.78 million contract to remove more than 8,300 dead or dying trees near Calaveras County roadways in the Butte Fire area died for lack of a second at the board of supervisors meeting on Tuesday. Supervisors were unhappy that a national firm was recommended by Director of Public Work Jeff Crovitz, while three other companies – two from Calaveras County and one from Tuolumne County – were not. They also questioned the choice... Read More

Amador County General Plan Update threatens county’s future, fails local residents

Guest Commentary – Amador Ledger Dispatch 7-15-16 By Susan Manning, Cecily Smith and Terrell Watt Everyone who lives in or visits Amador County loves this place. It’s one of the most scenic counties in the state, with high quality of life, clean air and water, abundant wildlife, rich history, deep Native roots, beautiful rivers, authentic working ranches and true community character. But if the Amador County general plan update proceeds on its... Read More

State Supreme Court won’t hear Delta appeal:

In California water news this weekend, State Supreme Court won’t hear Delta appeal; State Supreme Court sides with Southern California in epic water war over Delta islands; Delta tunnels: War of words erupts over payments; Staying focused on the state’s water needs; Less water in Sierra rivers is ‘new normal’: Three Rivers author; Delta smelt report features Solano County projects;  … Read Here  Read More

Famed river guide George Wendt dies at 74

George Wendt, the one-time math teacher who quit his job so he could move to Angels Camp and build one of the world’s largest outdoor adventure firms, died July 9 at a hospital in Sacramento. He was 74. Read Story Here  Read More

Mark Twain Medical Center deal misses deadline for November ballot

Health Care District board considers independent operation Read Here   Read More