San Andreas, CA....Calaveras County Sheriff Gary Kuntz and Sheriff Captain Jim Macedo have promoted Betty Miner to the position of volunteer captain and Ed Anderson to volunteer lieutenant. Also promoted to the rank of sergeant were Bob Fienberg and Ralph Carlascio. Under the new structure, Captain Miner will administer the overall volunteer program and oversee coordination with the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department. In addition, she will monitor the Board of Directors, conduct background checks on potential volunteers, over-see the volunteer unit’s secretary, treasurer and information officer...
Pictured with Calaveras County Sheriff Captain Jim Macedo, who conducted the swearing-in ceremony during the December volunteer meeting, are Sergeant Bob Fienberg, Lieutenant Ed Anderson Sergeant Ralph Carlascio and Captain Betty Miner.
A Chill In The Air But Warm Hearts and Communty For Murphys Open House
Posted by: thepinetree on 12/10/2013 02:29 PM
Murphys, CA....On Friday evening Murphys held their annual open house and Christmas Parade. It was a festive and merry night for all ages. The cold temps prevented a few floats from making an appearance but there were still plenty of entrants including several Santa's (I really wish I could multi-task as well as St. Nick.). The Murphys Business Association organized another great event with the streets closed and outdoor fireplaces all along Main Street and several thousand people out and about raised the holiday cheer level. Most of the businesses were open and had specials and events offered for their visitors...
Donate Coats for Local Kids at The Pickle Patch and They Will Give You A FREE LUNCH
Posted by: John_Hamilton on 12/10/2013 01:23 PM
San Andreas, CA....The Pickle Patch Coat Drive to benefit the children of San Andreas, Rail Road, West Point and Moke Hill Elementary Schools is on now! Just bring a childs size New Jacket to the Pickle Patch and they will trade you for a free lunch. Thank you to all...
Traffic Update...Roads Still Skating Rinks in Many Areas
Posted by: John_Hamilton on 12/10/2013 01:18 PM
San Andreas, CA...It's still slick out there with numerous calls for increased sanding. At the risk of being redundant, shaded areas will still most likely be icy. There are a couple of non-injury accidents including a vehicle into a tree in Tuolumne County. In Valley Springs something a bit unique a big rig with a flat bed trailer lost a large beam on Hwy 26/Quail Oaks Road. He might figure out it is missing at some point....
Fiscal Projections for California Welcomed by Counties with Past Due Monies Owed
Posted by: John_Hamilton on 12/10/2013 12:41 PM
Sacramento, CA...The recent projections by the Legislative Analyst Office (LAO) showing a $5.6 billion reserve at the end of 2014-15 was welcome news to the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC). RCRC has urged the State to include past due Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) payments in the 2014-15 Budget, and this report provides increased optimism that the State will honor its overdue obligations to California counties...
“Basic Economic Development Issues for High Tech Startups in Calaveras County” John MacWillie To Address CCEDC Meeting December 11
Posted by: John_Hamilton on 12/10/2013 12:23 PM
San Andreas, CA....The CCEDC has a guest speaker at the Wednesday, December 11, 2013, 2:00pm meeting of the Calaveras County Economic Development Company, (CCEDC). The meeting will be in the classrooms of Mark Twain Medical Center. The speaker is John MacWillie. He lived in Calaveras County during his youth, graduating from Calaveras High School. He has recently moved back to the county. He has been an executive in the software industry for thirty years and is leading a web-based technology startup currently out raising venture capital funding. The company is looking at placing many of its operations to Calaveras County. The title of Johns talk is: “Basic Economic Development Issues for High Tech Startups in Calaveras County” ...
Bear Valley To Open This Weekend 2013-14 season kicks off first Saturday and Sunday with special $39 daily price
Posted by: John_Hamilton on 12/10/2013 12:06 PM
Bear Valley, Calif., (December 10, 2013) – Recent winter storms and excellent snow making conditions have provided the necessary coverage to allow Bear Valley Mountain to open this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, December 14 and 15. The inaugural weekend kicks off with special pricing of $39 for adult and teen lift tickets the first two days. Full day and single lesson packages will be offered and can be booked online at www.bearvalley.com. This weekend, Bear Valley is planning to open Kuma and Cub chair lifts providing access to beginner and intermediate terrain. Day Lodge services will open at 8:30 a.m. with lifts turning from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The mountain will close Monday, December 16 through Thursday, December 19 and reopen Friday, December 20 for daily operations.. New this year, Bear Valley is offering a $99 college season pass for qualified students, on sale through December 20...
Angels Camp, CA...THE COUNTRY CLOTH IS MOVING! After 33 years in the same location, we will close our current shop on December 31 & re-open on January 10 at 330 N Main St in Angels Camp, in the Mark Twain Shopping Center across the driveway from Umpqua Bank. We are looking forward to the new location & a fresh start of the new year! Our hours will remain the same, only the location will change. END OF THE YEAR SALE. DECEMBER 31. 3 HOURS ONLY. 10AM TO 1PM. 40% OFF ALL FABRIC IN STOCK
South Africa...This is the official national memorial service for former president Nelson Mandela, who died on Thursday December 5, 2013, at the age of 95. An estimated 90 world leaders and additional members of royal families and international celebrities, along with thousands of members of the general public are attending the event. The memorial service is at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg....see more at www.sabc.co.za/mandela
Dorrington, CA...We would like to thank Sandi Pearce from Sierra Sentry for the videos below. The show what a difference a day can make. In this instance...three days.
The 21st Annual Dorrington Christmas Tree Lighting With Pictures and Video
Posted by: thepinetree on 12/10/2013 08:38 AM
Dorrington, CA...The 21st Annual Dorrington Christmas Tree Lighting filled the Dorrington Hotel parking lot with people, music, Santa, cookies, hot chocolate, carriage rides and good cheer.
Middleton's Brand Source 2013 Year End Furniture & Mattress Sale!!
Posted by: thepinetree on 11/21/2013 03:16 PM
Angels Camp, CA....Middleton's Brand Source 2013 Year-End Furniture and Mattress Sale. Saveing up to 30% off Regular Priced In-Stock Furniture and Mattresses. Sale Ends December 31st. Excludes Tempurpedic, Sale Items, and Prior Sales, Special Orders. Special Financing Available or ask about our New Lease To Own Program. Special Pricing on Appliances and HDTC Too!!!
Coulterville, CA....Crews are working an overturned vehicle accident on Sr49 / Marshes Flat Rd. Details are a bit unclear but it may be a pickup vs a utility truck accident. Lets be careful out there...
Take the Worry Out of Your Home Remodel by Following These Simple Steps
Posted by: thepinetree on 12/09/2013 04:59 PM
Calaveras County, CA...When we are out meeting with potential customers to talk about their vision for their home, we are often faced with a situation where the potential customer has no idea what they are getting themselves into! A home improvement project can be a daunting task, but it should also be enjoyable. A lot of the time homeowners are unsure about the length of time it may take to complete their home remodel. Unexpected problems, if any, that may occur. And, most importantly, the cost of it all...
Ebbetts Pass, Sonora Pass & Monitor Pass Closed for the Winter
Posted by: thepinetree on 12/09/2013 03:55 PM
Alpine County, Tuolumne County – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has closed State Route 4 (SR-4) over Ebbetts Pass and SR-89 over Monitor Pass, in Alpine County, and SR-108 over Sonora Pass, in Tuolumne County, as of Monday, December 9, 2013. The recent storms, and accumulation of snow, make the seasonal closure necessary for the safety of motorists and Caltrans crews. The weather conditions on the passes and subsequent road conditions are among the determining factors in the decision to make the seasonal closure. Once the passes are closed for the winter, they will not be reopened until conditions warrant it. Each year, Caltrans crews work diligently to clear debris, remove snow and make highway repairs in order for the highways to reopen by Memorial Day Weekend.
Bear Valley Opening This Saturday & Mattly's Weather update for Dec 9th 2013
Posted by: thepinetree on 12/09/2013 03:41 PM
Bear Valley, CA...Bear Valley Mountain will open this Saturday & Sunday December 14 & 15th. At this time they are planning on being dark next Monday -Thursday and then the wheels will be turning daily starting December 20th for the 2013/2014 season. As we head towards opening day in a few days we are featuring weather updates from Mattly Trent. He is a local weather guru, ski patroller and the voice of Bear Valley Mountain. He combines not only the love of skiing and outdoors but as a ski patroller he wants you to be safe while you play.
Traffic Update...Vehicle 100ft off Roadway on Parrotts Ferry
Posted by: thepinetree on 12/09/2013 03:07 PM
Vallecito, CA...Crews are working a non injury accident on Parrotts Ferry and Moaning Cavern Road where a vehicle has gone about 100ft off the roadway. As a cautionary note Parrotts Ferry is notorious for black ice especially on the shaded Tuolumne County side from the bridge up to Columbia. Ice doesn't care if you have ABS, 4WD or are in a big suv or a small sedan....lets be careful out there....
How Were Federal Taxes Distributed in 2010? ~CBO Report
Posted by: thepinetree on 12/09/2013 02:15 PM
Washington, DC...The average federal tax rate for all households in 2010—that is, tax liabilities divided by income (including government transfer payments) before taxes—was 18.1 percent. To examine the effect of taxes on households with different amounts of income, CBO divided the nation’s households into five groups of equal size, arrayed by before-tax income. In 2010, the federal tax rate for the bottom quintile of the income distribution was 1.5 percent and that for the top quintile was 24.0 percent (see the figure below). The top 1 percent of all households in the United States had an average federal tax rate of 29.4 percent in 2010...
San Andreas, CA...On Monday, December 9, 2013, at 8:00 AM, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) moved into open burning. Burning will be permitted 24 hours a day on “Permissive Burn Days” as established by the Air Pollution Control District (APCD) in each county. CAL FIRE burn permits will not be required until May 1, 2014 (or earlier if conditions require). Landowners may be held liable if their fire escapes their control. Remain in attendance of your fire, keep a water supply close to the burning site and do not burn when windy, or when high winds are predicted. In Calaveras County, burning on property five acres or more in size requires a permit from the Calaveras APCD. In Tuolumne County clearing two acres or more of vegetation requires a permit from the Tuolumne APCD....
Amador, Calaveras & Tuolumne, CA...The icy roads are taking their toll at this time. Starting in Amador there is a 3 vehicle non-injury accident on Hwy 88 near the Pioneer post office. In Calaveas there is a vehicle off the roadway and partially blocking a lane on Michel Road. The major injury accident on Hwy 12 is now in the clearing stages. In Tuolumne a Sysco Truck has slid off the roadway on Big Hill road and now two vehicles have now slid into the truck. A county sand truck is on the way to add a bit of traction in the area.....
Fire Update....Reported Structure Fire on Dogwood in Murphys
Posted by: thepinetree on 12/09/2013 11:59 AM
Murphys, CA...Crews are responding to a reported structure fire on Dogwood Lane in Murphys. The reporting party is reporting a fire and fire engines and crews from area departments are enroute and arriving on scene now... Update as of 12:12am...When crews arrived on scene there was heavy smoke coming from attic area. All residents are out of the house and crews from multiple agencies are working the fire....
Sonora, CA...Crews are at Skyline Place on Sylva Lane. For reports of a fire. When they arrived there was some smoke showing and some residents had been move out of their rooms. More to follow.... Update as of 11:50am...We just spoke with TCU Command's Lisa Williams and it sounds as if they are getting this one taken care of and crews on scene are accessing damages right now....
"In the United States, the majority undertakes to supply a multitude of ready-made opinions for the use of individuals, who are thus relieved from the necessity of forming opinions of their own" Alexis de Tocqueville 1840
Traffic Update...Major Injury Head on Collison Sr12 / Southworth Rd
Posted by: thepinetree on 12/09/2013 11:01 AM
Valley Springs, CA...Crews are working and Hwy 12 is shut down to extract victims of a major injury accident. There are two trapped parties in separate vehicles...Update...As of 11:45am the roadway is now open in both directions again
Frogtown, CA...The second Annual Santa’s Express Dinner Dance raised approximately $26,000 for Santa’s Express this year thanks to the efforts of Gina Galloway and Rayleane Dias-Gentry. Each year they have picked two seniors from Bret Harte High School who want use this event as their senior project and work with them on the event. The two that worked with Gina and Rayleane this year are Lacey Loomis and Paxton Fassbender. “These girls worked so hard, they helped in the planning process, they sold tickets, got auction items and helped decorate for the event,” said Gina Galloway, “they were amazing.” Over 550 tickets were sold, the dinner was catered by Up County Catering, the auctioneer was Ryan Sullivan, who kept the auction so lively and wonderful music from the band, Plan B, who played through the night...
Pictured: Mrs. Claus, Paxton Fassbender, Santa Claus and Jacey Loomis.
Bear Valley, CA....Very low overnight temps continue but NWS Sacramento is forecasting for us to gain a couple of degrees every day as the week progresses. Overnight temps at higher elevations remain below freezing so Bear Valley should be able to keep the snow guns working. Today: Sunny. Not as cold. Highs 24 to 38 higher elevations... 33 to 43 lower elevations. Prevailing east winds up to 15 mph with gusts to around 30 mph. Tonight: Clear. Lows 9 to 24 higher elevations...17 to 27 lower elevations. Prevailing east winds up to 10 mph. Tuesday: Sunny. Not as cool. Highs 32 to 47 higher elevations... 41 to 49 lower elevations. Prevailing northeast winds up to 10 mph in the morning becoming light...
Traffic Update...Diabetic Incident Causes Accident near Ferretti Rd / Mueller Dr
Posted by: thepinetree on 12/09/2013 09:07 AM
Groveland, CA...Crews are working an accident near Ferretti Rd / Mueller Dr where a diabetic briefly lost consciousness and lost control of a vehicle. Please use caution in the area....
Angels Camp, CA...Its gonna snow low SUPER SALE at 49er Motors!! Dont let these deals snow by you!!
2006 Buick Lucerne CXS 4 Door Sedan, One Owner, Clean Car fax, Remote Start, Leather, Moonroof. This is a beautiful and strong running car! Extremely quiet and comfortable ride, powerful V8 engine, supportive seats, easy-to-operate controls, and it is equipped with about every option you can get on this year Buick! ON SALE $5949 Vin # 1G4HE57Y86U122597
2003 Dodge Durango R/T, 4x4, leather, auto, power windows, prem sound, mp3, 3rd row seat, tow package, dual power heated seats, 17" chrome wheels, abs, side airbags, sooo much more!!!! A solid sport-ute, ready to work and will out-muscle the competition! Super fast 5.9L V8 motor, tons of power! Extra clean! ON SALE $7949 Vin# 1D8HS78ZX3F547594
2006 Ford F250 6.0l Diesel 4x4. ONE OWNER, Lariat., Leather Moon roof, Running boards... and the list goes on and on. Oh and did we say Brand New Tires? If your looking for a big strong pickup, this one is for you. A truck this nice wont last long around here!! Come on down for a test drive today!! ON SALE $21,949 Vin- 1FTSW21P86EA80612
2003 Hummer H2 4x4, Really Nice and in clean conditions, This has loads of options, DVD,(Look at all the stuff under the rear seats) Power, Moon, Heated seats, WAAAAYYY too much to list. Come on up for a test drive and you wont be disappointed $16949 Vin- 5grgn23u33h103038
2007 Toyota Camry LE., One Owner with pride of ownership. Super Clean, Leather, Moon roof, Navigation, Power seats windows and locks plus more.. and did we mention that its a Toyota? Come in for a test drive today!! Legendary build quality and reliability history!! ON SALE $12,949 VIN- 4T1BK46K17U506082
Angels Camp, CA...In this episode of Elémentaire TV, Jenny makes a cranberry cosmopolitan and David makes some festive roasted nuts. Elémentaire is the creation of two professional cooks dedicated to helping take the mystery out of making delicious meals from scratch. Our goal is to educate through the use of culinary terms and techniques and also inspire, through the use of the freshest seasonal ingredients, all who watch to make their own meals to enjoy at home. Every Sunday Night at 8pm we will premier another, great, new episode of Elémentaire with Jenny & Dave.
Traffic Update...20-30 Vehicles Stuck on Phoenix Lake Road
Posted by: thepinetree on 12/08/2013 02:42 PM
Sonora, CA....The sand trucks are on the way to increase the traction on Phoenix Lake Rd / Paseo De Los Portales Rd. CHP is reporting 20-30 vehicles trying to chain up and stuck in the area...
Thank You To PG&E, CalTrans & Municipal Workers ~ By Molly Day
Posted by: thepinetree on 12/08/2013 10:04 AM
THANK YOU PG&E, CalTrans, all City & County workers for always getting out in the most miserable of conditions to keep my convenient life chugging along. Long hours, crap conditions, not to mention an absolute risk to yourselves while your loved ones wait at home worried. It's not much different than what we do except I have never seen signs all over town telling you THANK YOU!! Sorry I didn't make you a sign today, but please know you were on my mind & we appreciate what you do for us! MD - USFS Firefighter
Dec 7 2013 Snowshoe Springs Snow ~With Sandi Pearce from Sierra Sentry
Posted by: thepinetree on 12/08/2013 09:46 AM
Dorrington, CA...We would like to thank Sandi Pearce from Sierra Sentry for another great video and photo. These are from the Snowshoe Springs area in Dorrington.
Arnold, CA...Locally owned Arnold Ace Home Center has another ad packed with savings. Keep those dollars circulating here locally and Shop Local today. Click below for full resolution pdf. Open it on your phone or tablet and take your shopping list with you!
Arnold Ace Home Center's Free Wreath and Tabletop Décor Workshop
Posted by: thepinetree on 12/05/2013 02:00 PM
Arnold, CA....Arnold Ace Home Center's Free Wreath and Tabletop Décor Workshop. Sunday, December 8th at 2:00 pm Spruce up an old wreath, make a new one or design a holiday centerpiece. Learn the techniques floral experts use to make spectacular decorations for your home. After a step by step demonstration, Ace’s floral expert will help you complete your own project. We will provide free greenery and ribbon and give you 20% off any supplies you need. Complimentary refreshments and good cheer will be served. Arnold Ace Home Center 795-1331
TCL Chocolates in Angels Camp...Make Your Holidays Sweet
Posted by: thepinetree on 11/25/2013 01:51 PM
Angels Camp, CA....TCL Chocolates located in historic downtown Angels Camp offers hand-crafted fine American chocolates, gourmet desserts, gift baskets, wine gifts, gift certificates and free gift wrapping on all purchases. At TCL Chocolates we start with the very best real ingredients, not “flavoring”. We then make everything in small batches, all by hand insuring only the best finished product. We don’t over produce either. Your purchases are made after you order, assuring the freshest product. We enjoy making chocolate treats and hope that you’ll enjoy our chocolates to the very last bite...
Sac-a-Main in Murphys Has Infinite Choices and Even Infinity Scarves
Posted by: thepinetree on 11/23/2013 02:28 PM
Murphys, CA...For a huge selection of gifts Sac a Main has it in the Bag. Sac a Main is your fashion leader for women’s handbags and accessories in the Mother Lode. The Baglady travels coast to coast to offer you the latest of what’s in style including leather and vegan handbags, accessories and wallets, jewelry, hats, scarves, gloves, sunglasses and travel bags. The largest selection of “baggallini” bags in Northern California is proudly offered as well as Laurel Burch, Big Buddha and so much more. There’s always something new and different at Sac a Main....
Studio 4 Dance Theater Presents “The Nutcracker,” A Magical Holiday Tradition, December 19-21, 2013
Posted by: thepinetree on 11/18/2013 05:42 PM
Angels Camp, CA – Sugar plums and snowflakes come magically to life in Studio 4 Dance Theater’s upcoming production of “The Nutcracker,” December 19-21 at the Bret Harte Theater in Angels Camp. Tickets go on sale at 10am, November 14 and are only $7 for children and $15 for adults. Tickets are available on the internet at www.studio4dancetheater.com or at 1-800-595-4849...
Traffic Update....Non-Injury Accident on Murphys Grade
Posted by: thepinetree on 12/07/2013 10:48 PM
Murphys, CA....Crews are working a non-injury accident on Murphys Grade Road and French Gulch. A white Honda has gone into a tree. The driver is out of the vehicle and a tow truck has been called...
Bear Valley, CA...And so it begins. As we head towards opening day in a few days we are going to start featuring weather updates from Mattly Trent. He is a local weather guru, ski patroller and the voice of Bear Valley Mountain. He combines not only the love of skiing and outdoors but as a ski patroller he wants you to be safe while you play. With the latest storm and cold overnight temps the countdown has begun.
Breaking News!! Featured Athlete Attending Movie Premier- Tonight!
Posted by: thepinetree on 12/07/2013 02:33 PM
Angels Camp- Update....Sierra Quitiquit, neice of local luminary Tina Quitiquit is attending the Central Sierra Premier of the Warren Miller ski movie, Ticket to Ride in Angels Camp. The Angels Murphys Arnold Boosters Club Snowsports program presents Warren Miller's Ticket to Ride- the screening of a ski movie that supports local kids’ participation in winter sports teams and school snow experience programs. Warren Miller Athlete Sierra Quitiquit to attend movie premier and sign autographs. Get ready to celebrate winter with Warren Miller’s Ticket to Ride. The newest chapter in the legendary film series, Ticket to Ride will take filmgoers on an action-packed journey with the world’s best skiers and snowboarders. This year’s movie features Sierra Quitiquit, the neice of local luminarie Tina Quitiquit who grew up skiing at Bear Valley...
Dorrington, CA...The 5000 elevation in Big Trees Village & Camp Connell has received 10-12 inches of fresh powder as of 11:00 am today. It’s only 24 degrees. Roads a slick with ice and snow...
Angels Camp, CA...Here are some beautiful pictures from Big Horn Mobile Home Park in Angels! I took one last night when it first started! Courtesy of the Whetstone Family...
Additional Photos Enclosed
Traffic Update....CHP Needs a Tow in Camp Connell and More
Posted by: thepinetree on 12/07/2013 01:45 PM
Camp Connell, CA....CHP is reporting that a CHP vehicle needs a tow near Meko in Camp Connell. Hmm...don't know if there will be any water cooler chat in the office about this one. The vehicle is not blocking any lanes. In other news...two vehicles are blocking lanes near Sheep Ranch Rd / Railroad Flat Rd. There are multiple vehicles spun our including a Mercedes and a BMW blocking lanes near Sr26 / Rich Gulch Rd. In Sonora the traffic signals are out near SR49 / Parrotts Ferry Rd. Lets be careful out there. So far it looks like most of the incidents have been non or minor injury. Lets be careful out there...
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!
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for ThePineTree.net give us a jingle or email us at news@thepinetree.net, we are the most cost effective way of advertising in the area. We have been here providing you with News, Video commercials, Banner Ads, Town Sponsors, etc for 5 years and our customers are getting PROVEN results!
Created on 02/22/2006 11:32 PM by thepinetree
Updated on 11/15/2012 04:26 AM by thepinetree
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.
