SIERRA SUN TIMES

President: Mariposa: McCain 55.2%   State: 37.2%
                   Mariposa: Obama  42.6%  State: 61.0%

Voter Turnout: Mariposa: 76.7% State: 60.6%

Mariposa County voters agreed with the state voters on the following ballot measures:
2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12
Disagreed on 1,3, 4, 9 and 11

1A High Speed Rail: Mariposa: No 57.3%    State: Yes 52.2%

2 Standards for Confining Farm Animals: Mariposa: Yes 51.0%   State: Yes 63.2%

3 Children’s Hospital Bond Act. Grant Program: Mariposa: No 55.3%   State: Yes 54.9%

4 Parent Notif. Before Terminating Minor’s Pregnancy: Mariposa: Yes 50.3% 
   State: No 52.0%

5 Nonviolent Drug Offense. Sentencing, Parole, Rehab: Mariposa: No 63.9%
    State: No 60.0%

6 Police, Law Enforcement Funding. Criminal Laws: Mariposa No 74.2% State: No 69.3%

7 Renewable Energy Generation: Mariposa Yes 72.1%   State: Yes 64.9%

8 Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry: Mariposa Yes 62.3% State: Yes 52.5%

9 Criminal Justice System. Victims’ Rights. Parole: Mariposa No 51.5%  State: Yes 53.5%

10 Altern. Fuel Vehicles and Renewable Energy Bonds: Mariposa No 69.9%
     State: No 59.8%

11 Redistricting: Mariposa No 52.8%   State: Yes 50.6%

12 Veterans’ Bond: Mariposa Yes 64.7%   State: 63.5%

In an Email about how the Sierra Sun Times gave a brief  write-up last Saturday on what took place at the meeting:
(On a 3-2 vote with Skip Skyrud and Norm Ross voting for the kitchen to be approved, the kitchen for Coyote Springs was denied. Theresa Castaldi pleaded for the kitchen to be approved saying that if it was denied that is it, she will not go on and will close the doors.)

we were admonished by one of the Planning Commissioners, Skip Skyrud : Your  article about Coyote Springs item at the planning commission  was misleading.  The item before the commission was an appeal of the planning director’s action to deny a building permit for a kitchen, which would serve day use guests.  I did not vote for a kitchen, I cast my vote to approve the appeal of Theresa Castaldi. 

We will leave it up  to you (The Reader) to decide if we were misleading or not when the issue was all about a building permit for a kitchen and eating area. Without a building permit, no kitchen, with a building permit Theresa could build the kitchen.

By the way the title of the Appeal before the Planning Commission was typed just the way we have it listed for the this article.

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Commissioner Skip Skyrud began the questioning to Mariposa County Planner Sarah Willams about what if he was to come up from Merced for the day and watch cattle being branded and then decided to eat. Was he then considered a day guest?  Sarah said yes as long as he did not come there just to eat. She also said that it could not just be a Restaurant for people to stop at on the way to Yosemite. Mr. Skyrud reiterated that you would have to go into the ranch and participate.
Planning Commissioner Norm Ross wanted to know what the maximum number is for service?
Sarah said that there was not a number but that 184 people was too big a number based on earlier determinations.  Sarah Williams also requested a Business Plan a long time ago to make it easier for everyone involved in the process and that Planning still does not have a Business Plan with the level of detail that they need.
Planning Director Kris Schenk said that the cabins would have to be in the building phase first before the kitchen and that his number is around 15 people not 184, because of the six cabins that have been approved under agri-tourism.
Commissioner Skip Skyrud mentioned that you do not need the cabins t0 serve day guests.
Kris Schenk mentioned that you could use temporary food booths.
Mr. Skyrud then asked that if Coyote Springs had a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) what number of seats would be approved? Mr. Schenk responded that they would need a Business Plan, that they do not have a number. Mr Skyrud wanted then to know if the Planning Department had the authority to ask for a Business Plan. Planner Sarah Williams responded that they wanted a Business Plan for future planning, that this has not been a good process, that not all agree on the size and scale of ag -tourism. Mr. Skyrud then wanted to know, who would approve the Business Plan. Sarah said that the Planner would approve the Plan.
Theresa Castaldi said that a Business Plan was submitted in August of 2007, that the seating area was for 48 people. Theresa also said that she had an Email from Kris Schenk saying that she could serve other guests on the Ranch. She wants everyone to deal with facts to allow her to move forward.
Commissioner Robert Rudzick asked Theresa Castaldi why she has resisted a  CUP? Theresa said that they applied for a CUP in 2003 but that it was delayed and delayed.
Commissioner Gary Francisco asked what the delays were. Theresa responded that it was for many things including window size.
Coyote Springs agent Ken Baker said this was a Building Department issue not a Planning Department issue and that we are arguing about Agri-Tourism, horses and Guest Ranches. He also said that if the cabins were built where would the people eat?
He said you do not build cabins without a place to eat.
Gary Francisco was concerned that without a business plan that this project would grow into a Commercial Resort operation.
Mr.Baker commented that they are a Guest Ranch with Agri-Tourism. Commissioner Skyrud asked if the county had a definition of Guest Ranches. Sarah Williams said they do not have a definition of Guest Ranches.
On reapplying for a CUP, Mr. Baker said that they would need a comfort level before applying for a CUP.
Resident Ken Pulvino mentioned why is the county micromanaging and that the Planners are not going to see his Business Plan. Resident Paul Chapman recommended that Coyote Springs apply for a CUP. Resident Rick Lobaugh said that he supports the Kitchen, that kitchens should be allowed, that he has learned to rope at Coyote Springs. Resident Kathy Pierce said that she was not representing the Farm Bureau and that whichever way Coyote Springs goes the Primary use has to be Ranching.
Before the vote, Skip Skyrud asked Kris Schenk if he had any response and Kris said “You have heard our Staff Report.”
Theresa Castaldi pleaded with the Commissioners saying that if they upheld the denial that Coyote Springs will not go forward, it will close the doors, can’t do it any longer and that she needs you to approve it.
Voting 3-2 Robert Rudzik, Gary Francisco and Paul DeSantis upheld the Planning Department’s recommendation of denying the Appeal. 
Skip Skyrud and Norm Ross voted to approve the Appeal.

In the above photo, Heartland Opportunity Center client Kenny Holden sits at the Mariposa Park, more and more frequently, while waiting for jobs that provide him with spending money.

You have probably seen Heartland workers in Mariposa County. They are the people who deliver most of the fliers that you see in the merchants windows. You might have even employed the workers at your business or at your house, but in the past months the Heartland workers have spent a lot of time sitting at the County Park in Mariposa instead of working.

First some background information on Heartland:
What is Heartland Opportunity Center?
Heartland Opportunity Center provides comprehensive services to adults with developmental disabilities in Madera, Oakhurst and Mariposa Counties.

Heartland’s Mission Statement is as follows:
Our Mission
It is Heartland Opportunity Center’s mission to provide employment, job placement, vocational and life skills training to adults with mental, physical and/or emotional disabilities in order to help them reach their personal and vocational goals.

Heartland was on this path until a new policy was issued during the Spring that changed the way the business owners and residents of Mariposa hired the workers to do jobs for them. Before this new contract went into effect around 200 businesses and individuals hired Heartland workers, now that number has tumbled to 4 or 5. Why? Now a contract has to be signed with different amounts for different jobs, but we have seen one contract for four workers that cost over $70.00 an hour, an increase that went from a few dollars an hour before per worker. Almost everyone has stopped using Heartland for going on a year now as the the old contacts were suspended late last year, months went by with no new contract, that is until the new contract was released in the Spring with drastic wage increases. Also now there is a radius of only going for jobs within ten miles of Mariposa, along with a fuel surcharge.

What takes the place of work? Basically not much besides learning games to occupy their time as the Heartland Supervisors have to find ways to keep the clients busy. In talking to the clients, they want to work, they like to work and they like to make some spending money. They do not like just hanging out at the park. In talking to some of the parents, they mention how proud their children would be when they would come home after a day of work and talk about what they did for the day. Now when some come home and get asked what they did today, they shrug their shoulders and say “Library” or “Park,” meaning they spent hours sitting at the library or park. Re-read the Mission Statement and think about how sitting in the park for hours has anything to do with the mission statement.

What caused this change? A change in top management occurred around 2.5 years ago with the hiring of :
Joseph Coulombe as the CEO of Heartland.
(559) 674-8828  JECoulombe@sti.net 

He is the one responsible for the new contract that has led to almost no one using Heartland workers in Mariposa County. Mr. Coulombe feels that the clients should be treated just like anyone else without a disability, a nice concept, but that does not fly in today’s economic times. The proof being that their are very few people hiring the workers. So why is this new contract program still being implimented? Call Mr. Coulombe and ask him.

There are other matters that are taking place at Heartland. They have a home with 5-6 beds that is up for sale, as Heartland does not want this aspect of the business anymore. The Heartland building on 49 North, that is rented, will be given up as Heartland moves resources to Oakhurst in January 2009. One wonders where the clients will go for a restroom? Where will they cook their meals? Is it right and fair that they will have to use existing businesses or public restrooms? These problems were not part of Heartland Opportunity Center before this gentleman took control. Heartland took in over $3,500,000.00 last year and is listed as a non profit.

From the IRS Form 990 for Non Profits: Statement 3: 6/30/2007
The Purpose of Heartland is to provide personnel, services and facilities for the training of developmentally and mentally handicapped adults…

Where are the facilities for Mariposa going to be? In Oakhurst!

On the Web:
http://www.heartlandopportunity.com/

If you would like to hire a few of the Heartland workers or want to know more about what the workers can do for you contact:

Marina Fisher, Director of Adult Day Programs
209.966.7291
mfisher@heartlandopportunity.com

There is more to the Heartland story. Look for additional articles as we look into the finances and individual client stories.

Also watch Channel 47 Fresno as they follow the Heartland story.

The Mariposa County BOS held a Telegraph Fire Wrap-Up Workshop on September 11, 2008 at the Government Center in Mariposa at 6:30 P.M..
The Center was generally filled to overflowing along with multiple media crews from the Valley as everyone gathered to give opinions on what went right and what went wrong during the Telegraph Fire.
Multiple government and public agency reps were also on hand to listen to comments and and possibly to respond to questions.
Supervisor Dianne Fritz was not in attendance as she was coming home from a meeting in Sacramento, also BOS Chairman Lyle Turpin, left during the meeting, stating he had a prior commitment up in Coulterville/Greeley Hill.
Supervisor Brad Aborn took over the Chair duties. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and also a moment was taken to remember 9/11. Supervisor Janet Bibby thanked everyone who worked on the fire, while Supervisor Aborn thanked everyone for coming tonight. Supervisor Pickard mentioned that this workshop was held due to what they learned during the Stumpfield Mountain Fire in 1996 and that he hoped to learn something tonight.
Lyle Turpin concurred with Supervisor Pickard and then left the meeting.

The public began commenting and the first comments were about P.G.& E. about how they had no flyers available for information, how folks had to call them to find out that they had to buy power poles if the pole was on their property and the mess they left behind from cutting trees. A resident who lost everything including their house agreed with the first commenter about the trees they cut down, how she took it personally, that some of the cut down trees were not even in the way of the power lines. Another resident thought core samples should have been taken before they cut trees down, he also mentioned that it is his right, his property  on when to cut trees down. He called the tree cutting P.G.&E. workers did looked like “Sport Cutting.”
The representative for P.G.&E. said the residents were making accurate statements and he was taking notes, but that the safety of the workers and the property owners is why the trees were cut down. The trees may look healthy now, but they would die and it was better to cut them now than later.

Resident Joe Curtis was concerned with the roads out on Telegraph Hill that now they are good roads and folks are driving out there to look around. He said lots of dangers are out there such as vertical mine shafts. He said the road should only be open to walkers and horses.
Another person was upset about the news crews coming onto private property. She chastised the news crews about sensationalizing someone elses tragedy. She said her parents property was defensible but the house still burned to the ground. CDF spokesperson Bill Hodson responded by saying a decision has to be made to protect firefighters about what houses get defended or not. She also wanted to know who pays for P.G.& E.’s ‘Chop and Drop’ job done to the trees.
Resident Carol Lewis mentioned that no lives were lost and she was impressed by the Reverse 911 System.
Mariposa County Sheriff Brian Muller mentioned that the Reverse 911 System is not perfect and with the political season here with all the prerecorded messages calling your home that wait 2-3 seconds to begin the tape, some residents thought the Reverse calls were just political calls because their system also has a 2-3 second delay. He urged all residents if they know an incident is taking place to wait for the message to begin. But because the system is not perfect is why they go door to door to make face contact with the affected residents.
Chamber of Commerce Vice President Paul Hall, mentioned the Chamber took an active role during and after the fire.
Another resident noted with the above ground phone systems if the fire would have hit those boxes the lines would have melted together, resulting in a loss of phone service.

Ken Gosting representing TIE (Transportation Involves Everyone)  mentioned the unified command team should have a round of applause for what they did, that action plans have come a long way, but tweaking can still be done. He said lots of ‘Looky-Loo’s’ were stopping their cars on the Briceburg Grade and watching the fire, while buses were coming and going on the grade, creating a lot of near misses with the people. Mr. Gosting also said another term needs to be devised instead of the word ‘Pre-evacuation’ as it implies that you will be evacuated. Also the words ‘Hard Closure’ and ‘Soft Closure’ need to be worked on.
A resident wanted to know why it took so long to get equipment to the fire as she listened to the scanner. Bill Hodson said seconds can seem like hours and they knew where the fire was, that the bulldozers were coming in along with the aircraft. He said the issue was getting to the fire and safety of the personnel. He mentioned that on Saturday Morning the smoke was so thick due to an inversion they could not get the planes in.
Angela Phillips for Human Services mentioned that anyone who was affected by the fire to contact them for fellowships and friendships, someone they can talk to.
Another resident mentioned the maps need to be more detailed, that Paddy Hill Road is not on the maps. She thought the crews did a marvelous job.
A member of the Red Cross said to make a list ahead of time and to have three boxes labeled according to how much time you have before you would have to leave your house.
1 would be immediate, 2 would be if I have time and 3 would be if I have room.

Midpines resident Linda Gast said Search and Rescue came to her door in the middle of the night with pre-evacuation orders. Next morning another visit was made and she was shown what things to move away from the house to protect the house, but they were eventually evacuated. Mrs. Gast wanted to know about the brushing on Sherlock Road.
She said before the fire she had been to CalFire and the road department about the brushing. She was told the roads are on a ten year brushing plan. She said if you let your property go ten years you would be in big trouble. She also wanted to know if Sherlock Road had been brushed if the outcome of the fire would have been any different.
Speaking for Calfire, Kevin Smith said with this type of fire it would not have made any difference  because the fire was spotting hundreds of yards ahead of the fire but with smaller fires the brushing could make a difference. Also there just is no funding to decrease the brushing times.
Joe Gast wanted to know since you take a tree out the bush grows back faster if the county could spray a herbicide on it.  
Department of Public Works Supervisor Dana Hertfelder mentioned a homeowner  could probably get a stronger herbicide than the county because of all the regulations. He also mentioned his two man crew is not on a ten year plan, Linda Gast said she was told that by his department. Mr. Hertfelder said brushing the roads is the most controversial thing in the department. He also mentioned Sherlock Road already is a narrow road even if the road was brushed. Linda Gast then asked if people should do the road brushing themselves?  Mr. Hertfelder said people should keep their property brushed. Also Mrs. Gast mentioned that a lot of the property is on BLM land. Mrs. Gast then asked if Sherlock will get brushed this year or if they have to do it themselves. Dana Hertfelder said he did not know if the road would get brushed this year.

A spokesperson for the Resource Conservation District said seed is coming in and trees that normally sell for $50-100 will be available for $20.00. She said if you think some soil will come onto the road with the winter rains to call her and she will come out and look at the property. She also mentioned that she has only been here a short time but that we should be proud of our community for all the help everyone has given.
Another resident praised the Buddhists and the Red Cross for all their help.
Resident Paul Chapman mentioned the Fire team makes their best guess about the fire and they did a good job.
Erik Bruun from Midpines said the Goldrushcam.com and Les Marsden’s website were invaluable for fire information.
Linda Gast mentioned your insurance may pay for new trees.
Without a BLM rep at the meeting, Calfire rep Bill Hodson mentioned that the BLM reseeding is being looked at, everything may not get reseeded due to budget concerns, BLM is still doing fire suppression repair and that BLM is concerned about winter rain run-off.
Debby Peters representing Sierra Telephone mentioned all the phone lines that went in at the command center and also how some of the different cell phones could not work up here.
Mariposa County CAO Rick Benson mentioned that during the rebuilding we are not trying to give anyone the run-around. Among lots of wonderful people who came out to help, Mr. Benson mentioned the Red Cross, Manna House, the Salvation Army, the Buddhist Group and the Southern Baptist Relief Group.
On a question from the public on how many funds for the victims there are in Mariposa County, Mr. Benson mentioned only the Telegraph Fire Fund. Supervisor Brad Aborn mentioned Yosemite Bank has two funds.
Linda Gast said the SPCA has ‘Tons’ of clothes, that they went through two tons of hay but can get more if need be, and the SPCA has cat litter and food available all for free for fire victims.
Supervisor Aborn mentioned about the fine job the men and women inmates did fighting the fire.
On wrapping up the meeting about two hours after it started, Supervisor Janet Bibby said that we are truly blessed and wanted to compliment everyone involved.