History of Independence Day....Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Congress approved the wording of the Declaration on July 4 and then sent it to the printer. Whether John Hancock, as the elected President of the Second Continental Congress, or anyone else signed the document that day is....
Current Yosemite National Park Fire Activity Update
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 07/03/2009 11:27 PM
Yosemite National Park, CA.....Yosemite Fire Update #17, July 3, 2009....Trail closures have been implemented on the Harden Fire for public safety. The closures are the Smith Meadow to White Wolf and Aspen Valley to White Wolf. There is an alternate route to Pate Valley from White Wolf, which bypasses the Harden Lake area. The Grouse Fire (1500 acres) is about three miles southwest of Yosemite Valley and north of Glacier Point Road. The Harden Fire (931 acres) is on the north side of the park, west of Harden Lake and northwest of White Wolf.....
Crews Responding to Woodward Reservoir Vegetation Fire in Eastern Stanislaus County
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 07/03/2009 10:28 PM
Oakdale, CA...Multiple units are responding to a vegetation fire near Woodward reservoir in Eastern Stanislaus County. In that portion of Stanislaus County vegetation fires are still dispatched out of San Andreas. Updates will be provided if needed. UPDATE, Units have been recalled which is great news.
FIRE NEWS.....Crews Responding to a Structure Fire on Kirby Street in Angels Camp
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 07/03/2009 07:29 PM
Angels Camp, CA...Fire Crews responding to a structure fire on Kirby Street in Angels Camp. When we arrived on scene emergency crews had the fire knocked down. They were able to save most of the residence. The fire damage was on the south side of the house which appeared to be an enclosed sun room of some sort. The cause of the fire is under investigation. We are also unsure of the extent of smoke and water damage to the interior and contents of the home...
TRAFFIC NEWS....Emergency Crews Responding to Traffic Collision at Copper Cove at Cheyenne Road
Posted by: thepinetree on 07/03/2009 06:05 PM
Copperopolis, CA....Emergency Crews are responding to a traffic collision at Copper Cove Drive and Cheyenne Road. Please use caution if traveling in the area. Updates to come if needed.
Hwy 26 Vehicle Fire...Crews Responding Now
Posted by: thepinetree on 07/03/2009 04:56 PM
Valley Springs, CA...Crews from multiple agencies and aircraft from Columbia are responding to a vehicle fire at Hwy 26 and Silver Rapids. More to follow...(Update #1 at 5:05pm. Just spoke with Chris at TCU Command Center...Citizens on scene were able to confine the fire to the pickup and material in the bed and prevent the spread of the fire to the surrounding vegetation. All aircraft out of Columbia and inbound units not on scene have been released...
Murphys, CA...Local Youth Sports Boosters Extraordinaire need your help with parking at tomorrow nights Ironstone 4th of July Celebration. This is a great fundraiser for the organization and you can help by helping them park cars cars before and after the event at Ironstone. Those wishing to help..
Multiple Ceremonies Being Planned for Bypass Opening...Will the Governor Join The Party?
Posted by: thepinetree on 07/03/2009 02:39 PM
Angels Camp, CA...It is shaping up to be an opening worth of not just one but two parties. On July 21st, from 4:30pm to 7:30pm the local business community is throwing a party to commemorate the opening. There will be a Fun Run/Walk, Food, Music, Prizes and much more. Bear Valley, OARS, Ironstone, Mark Twain St. Joseph's Hospital and many more are stepping up to support the celebration. On the morning of July 22nd will be the Official Caltrans led Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Local and State dignitaries including the Governator himself have been invited...
Click Above to "Bring Arnold to Angels Camp"
TRAFFIC NEWS..... Crews Responding to a Non-Injury Vehicle Collision at Hwy 108 and Tuolumne Road
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 07/03/2009 01:43 PM
CHP is reporting a non-injury traffic collision at Hwy 108 at Tuolumne Road. Please use caution if traveling in the area
FIRE NEWS.....Vegetation Fire Being Reported at Hwy 88 and Previtali Road in Jackson Area
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 07/03/2009 01:41 PM
CAL Fire is responding to a vegetation fire at Hwy 88 and Previtali Road in the Jackson area. Updates to follow if needed. UPDATE #1, Dalton Road Traffic is being diverted to westbound, not eastbound. Fire is contained at less than one acre. Assets are being released now.
TRAFFIC NEWS.....One Lane Controlled Traffic at Hwy 49 and Hwy 4
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 07/03/2009 12:45 PM
CHP is reporting One Lane Controlled Traffic at Hwy 49 at Hwy 4 due to heavy holiday traffic. Please use caution if traveling in the area. UPDATED 1:30pm, we just spoke with Jaime Castillo of CHP, there is still heavy holiday traffic but no longer controlled.
It's Here! The Annual Ironstone 4th of July Celebration for the Entire Family!
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 07/03/2009 12:33 PM
Click Above to Visit Ironstone Vineyards!
Murphys, CA....It is time for our spectacular annual Independence Day Celebration, on Saturday, July 4th. Gates Open at 4:30pm. This is a do not miss for our area! This event is fun for the whole family with great food to purchase, bounce houses, climbing walls and games throughout the whole grounds.....
Road Work Scheduled for Next Week on Hwy 49 from Hwy 12 Junction in Calaveras County to Hwy 88 Junction and Peel Street in Amador County
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 07/03/2009 12:27 PM
Calaveras and Amador County - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will be performing one-way traffic control on State Route 49 (SR-49) from the SR-12 Junction to the SR-88 Junction/Peek Street. Work will begin on Tuesday, July 7, 2009, through Friday, July 10, 2009, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Crews will be paving the roadway. Motorists can expect 20 minute delays. Alternate routes should be taken whenever possible.....
"In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men the great difficulty lies in this: You must first enable the government to control the governed, and in the next place, oblige it to control itself."
Pirate theme highlights next Columbia College buffet
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 07/03/2009 12:20 PM
Columbia College’s Summer Culinary Arts Institute will feature a pirate theme for its buffet on Thursday, July 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The public is invited to the luncheon, which will be in the Cellar Restaurant located on the first floor of the Manzanita Building on the college campus. Students enrolled in the college culinary arts program have planned, will prepare and will serve the special meal while wearing pirates’ attire. The menu will consist of a....
Tomorrows Arnold Independence Day Parade Will Be the Biggest Ever ~by John Hamilton
Posted by: thepinetree on 07/03/2009 11:48 AM
Arnold, CA...The parade theme this year, “Small Town America - Stepping into the Future", celebrates the Ebbetts Pass area as the perfect small town getaway spot and retirement area that is not being left behind in this techno-age. Grand Marshals of the parade are John and Kim Hamilton and family, owners and operators of ThePineTree.net
Last night at the end of the GABA parade planning meeting. We found out that tomorrow's Arnold parade will be the biggest ever. They will have more entries than ever before. Hwy 4 closes at 9:30am sharp to prepare for the Parade to kick off at 10am. Who will win the battle between the HOA floats? Will the grudge match between the daycare center floats be settled with cookies and milk? Can Jenny Cantrell's national anthem top last years? Who will Grand Marshall Kim Hamilton bring as her date? These and many more burning questions will be answered tomorrow.....
The EPSB Hotties Stroll By. Click Below for Additional Photos
CAL Fire States Electrical Was the Cause of Structure Fire in Sonora on Thursday Evening
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 07/03/2009 11:11 AM
Sonora, CA...A residence burned at 14800 Algerine Wards Ferry Road in Sonora on Thursday evening. It was a total loss. CAl Fire is stating the cause was electrical. There were no injuries. However, two adults and two children were displaced. Estimated damages is $75,000 to structure and $40,000 to contents. CAL Fire report is enclosed.....
Fireworks Causes 1/4 Acre Grass Fire in Jenny Lind on Thursday
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 07/03/2009 11:07 AM
Jenny Lind, CA.....CAL Fire states fireworks were the cause of a 1/4 acre grass vegetation fire at 2888 Berkesey Lane in Jenny Lind on Thursday afternoon. There were no injuries and no dollar damage reported. Full CAL Fire report enclosed....
San Andreas, CA...The last few days Fireworks booths have sprung up at the lower elevations of the county. These stands represent a huge source of revenue for many local sports programs and other groups. When we stopped by the Treat's parking lot personnel from our local CHP office were staffing their Squad Club booth. Proceeds from their sales go to fund scholarships given to the local schools. We also stopped by two booths in Angels Camp where proceeds from those booths went to support various sports programs at Bret Harte...
Murphys, CA...Last weekend's Passport event for our local wine industry was a sellout. Calaveras Winegrape Alliance Executive Director Anna Davies said that all 500 of the Passports were sold. The festivities started off at Murphys Community Park on Friday night and then many of the Wineries had special events planned throughout the weekend. When we spoke with Anna one of the things she mentioned that over 400 of the passport holders stayed for the entire weekend. The economic benefit from this is significant in that...
Angels Camp, CA...We would like to wish our special friend and Grandma to our boys, Jenny Baxter of Jenny's Kitchen and teacher at Michelson School, a WARM get well wish. Jenny had double knee replacement surgery 2 and 1/2 weeks ago. She is only taking Tylenol and Ibuprofen for pain. I was with her much of today and she is still in alot of pain. As most of you know she is not a sit still type of lady....a more on the go type! So we went down to Modesto today as she needed to stock up.... well boy did she and she shopped til she almost dropped! This recovery time is very difficult for her. Jenny we love you very much and are excitedly awaiting your recovery so we can take the boys swimming, hang out and play this summer...so you had better be a good girl and rest!
Calaveras Swim Team hosted the Murphys Dolphins on Wednesday!
Posted by: thepinetree on 07/02/2009 11:33 AM
The Calaveras County Swim Team Calaveras Pride swam against the Murphys Dolphins Wednesday. Calaveras did very well with over 60 percent of our swimmers placing in the top three. Some of our first place winners were; Freestyle Bowie Wood, Devon Ghio, Lucas Youngblood. Joie Rawlins & Wayne Batchelor 1st place Breaststroke. Vanessa Ray 1st place Freestyle & Breaststroke. Our multiple event winners are; Dana Jump 1st place Freestyle & Backstroke. Jessica Conley 1st place Freestyle, Fly and IM. Calaveras also....
Click on Photo for Slides how~Photos Courtesy of Jeff Rasmussen
SHOP LOCAL.....Angels Camp "Fresh Fridays" Farmers Market Every Friday Night All Summer Long...Produce, Food, Music, Booths and More. By John Hamilton
Posted by: thepinetree on 06/24/2009 07:10 PM
Angels Camp, CA....Every Friday Night until Fall , Utica Park in Angels Camp is filled with the largest Farmers Market, known as "Fresh Fridays, in the area offering a large assortment of fresh fruits, veggies, baked goods, nuts, flowers, jewelry and much much more! Not only is this a great place to shop LOCAL, it is also a great time for all! Stop by listen to some live music, have dinner under the gazebo, meet your friends and neighbors and much more. We had the chance to talk with Market Manager, Theresa Douglas last Friday night about the market...
Click Above for More Photos or Read More for Video
Mokelumne Hill’s 4th of July Celebration – Bringing Big Fun to a Little Town!!! Over an hour of last year's parade video enclosed
Posted by: thepinetree on 06/23/2009 07:04 PM
Mokelumne Hill’s Annual 4th of July Celebration will kick off with a pancake breakfast by the Veterans in the Town Hall starting at 7am with the parade starting at 11am. The day will include vendor booths with a wide variety of parade/carnival goods, kids’ games in the park and the famous Lions Club bratwursts. Mokelumne Hill Volunteer Fire Firefighters’ Association will also be selling their annually designed fire t-shirts; as well as nachos and BBQ’d pulled pork sandwiches from the old fire house on Main St!.... The Hotel Leger Saloon Girls Make Their Way Down Main St. Click Below for more photos from last years parade.
Dan Kryntzyk Swing Band Kicks Off First Friday in The Parks Series Friday July 3rd!
Posted by: thepinetree on 06/22/2009 12:33 PM
Murphys, CA....The Dan Kryntzky Swing Band will provide the musical entertainment when the Murphys Community Club initiates this year’s First Fridays in the Park Series, Friday, July 3, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Last month’s event was cancelled due in inclement weather. Playing in the gazebo of Murphys Community Park, the group’s repertoire will includes danceable music from the heyday of the big bands. There is no admission charge. The Murphys Community Club will be selling food and beverages with the proceeds going to maintain and improve the park. This month’s menu, ......
Photo's of Last Year's Opening Night with James Faifua and the Jukes! Video Below
Mark your calendar now for our 6th Birthday BBQ Bash on Friday, July 3rd, 2009 at 6:32pm. You'll get real pit BBQ (locally produced meats cooked in our, um, real BBQ pit) - check out the menu below! All of our currently available (and quite delicious) Twisted Oak wines will be available for purchase to enjoy with your meal. We're also opening up the cellar and sampling wines from our library - all the way back to 2002. The price per person is only $25 for Twisted Few members and their guests, $35 for everyone else. Call the winery at 209-736-9080 to reserve your tickets.....
County Residents Invited to Discuss Fire Protection Strategy
Posted by: thepinetree on 07/02/2009 11:25 PM
Sonora, CA…Fire Safe Council President Jerry Tannhauser today announced that on Thursday, July 9, the Highway 108 FireSafe Council is inviting Tuolumne County residents to meet and discuss fire protection, emergency preparedness, and fire prevention measures needed to protect life, property, and resources from wildland fires....
They're Back! The Arnold Lions Popular Pancake Breakfast Once Again This Holiday Weekend!
Posted by: thepinetree on 07/02/2009 11:23 PM
Arnold, CA....They're Back!! The Arnold Lions are holding the popular Pancake Breakfast once again this holiday weekend. They will be at the Ebbett's Pass Gas parking lot from 7:30 to 11:30 on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. The best pancake breakfast around -- with ham and eggs, juice and coffee!! All proceeds support local schools, scholarships, hearing and sight charities, and other local activities.
Highway 4 To Remain Open to Business and Locals During Construction ~By Bob Boswell, Public Affairs Officer, District 10 Caltrans
Posted by: thepinetree on 07/02/2009 09:11 PM
Angels Camp, CA...Highway 4 east of Rolleri Bypass Road will close to traffic traveling west from Murphys as construction on the final link from Highway 4 to the new Bypass is completed. As part of the original construction plans, and to insure the safety to motorists...
San Andreas, CA..Crews have been busy the last hour or so. We just spoke with Mary Jo at the San Andreas Command Center and there was a 1/2 acre grass fire in the Jenny Lind area and a Structure Fire off of Wards Ferry in Tuolumne County. Both have been contained. We will pass along the fire reports when they come in...(Update...according to CAL-FIRE San Andreas the structure was fully engulfed when they arrived. We will post information on how the community can help the family when that information becomes available...
PAWS is Celebrating 25 Years of Advocacy for Circus Elephants
Posted by: thepinetree on 07/02/2009 01:06 PM
"Behind the glitter lies the grim reality of animals trapped in a life which they did not choose; suffering to provide entertainment for audiences and profit for the circus and their trainers. Circus life for the animals is grim. They travel 50 weeks a year living in tiny cages-freezing in the winter and sweltering in the summer......
BREAKING NEWS....Budget Crisis Even Affecting CAL-FIRE! Fire Fighters Told Not To Buy Groceries, Fuel...Etc ~By John Hamilton
Posted by: thepinetree on 07/02/2009 12:24 PM
Sacramento, CA...We just heard from a very well placed source that California's Budget Crisis is now our affecting core, vital life and safety personnel. Some CAL-FIRE stations were told this morning not to buy Groceries, Fuel, Make Repairs or spend any money that was not directly tied to an active incident....
TRAFFIC NEWS....Vehicle vs. Two Motorcycles at Hwy 120 West of Groveland
Posted by: thepinetree on 07/02/2009 12:14 PM
Emergency crews are responding to a vehicle vs. two Motorcycle's collision at Hwy 120 near the Claim Jumper west of Groveland. Please use caution if traveling in the area. We are unsure of injuries at this time. Updates to come if needed. UPDATE #1 1:10PM, this was apparently a hit and run involving injuries.
"Fit Facts"~ With Amy Renn of Terra Firma Fitness and Massage
Posted by: thepinetree on 07/02/2009 11:24 AM
With the summer festivities officially beginning, the collaboration of family, friends, parties and vacations can deter you from your routine and your healthy living practice. Even with the intention to be fun, the holidays often have a stressful element. You may find it tricky to get in your regular workout, or stick to your healthy organic meals. So, what to do to stay fit, healthy and stress free during this summer holiday time? To begin with set your intentions for the day, if you know that you have an event in the....
If you are smelling smoke there is no need to worry. We spoke with Lisa William's CAL Fire this morning, the smoke we are smelling up in the Mother Lode this morning is coming from the Prescribed Burn at Jordan Creek in Tuolumne County and there are also two several hundred acre fires burning in Yosemite National Park.
Did You Know...that Mark Twain St. Joseph's Hospital Can Throw a Great Mixer?
Posted by: thepinetree on 07/02/2009 10:43 AM
San Andreas, CA...In addition to being a great hospital, MTSJ also knows how to throw a great Chamber mixer! Last week the monthly "Mingle Til' You Tingle" event visited the hospital. The Hospital's Larry Cornish led the contingent of MTSJ staff who were on hand to welcome the local business community for their visit. The Hospital's culinary staff also provided a bountiful buffet for the attendees...
Click Above for additional photos. Video is enclosed...
Bureau of Labor Statistics Releases June Unemployment Numbers
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 07/02/2009 07:12 AM
Washington, DC...Nonfarm payroll employment continued to decline in June (-467,000), and the unemployment rate was little changed at 9.5 percent, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. Job losses were widespread across the major industry sectors, with large declines occurring in manufacturing, professional and business services, and construction...
Arnold, CA...Big Trees Market in Arnold has everything you need to make this 4th of July your best ever. Invite friends and family over that fire up the grill to celebrate your independence from high prices. Big Trees Market is the largest independent market in the area with a huge full service meat & deli dept, fresh produce, organics, a bountiful selection of local wines and much more. Stop by Big Trees and fill a cart or two today!!
Have a Safe and Sane 4th of July
Posted by: thepinetree on 06/25/2009 11:03 PM
San Andreas, CA....Each year illegal and misused fireworks cause serious injuries and damaging wildfires. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is taking a zero tolerance stand against anyone possessing, transporting or using illegal fireworks. The penalties for possessing, transporting or using illegal fire works ranges from a misdemeanor up to felony charges plus the cost incurred for fire suppression which can exceed $5 million......
Arnold Ace Home Center Has Great July 4th Weekend Specials
Posted by: thepinetree on 07/01/2009 10:59 PM
Arnold, CA...Arnold Ace Home Center has everything you need to celebrate your shopping independence. Just click on the ad below for shopping bliss...
Taxpayers Host 2nd “Tea Party” July 4th from 5-7pm at Utica Park
Posted by: thepinetree on 07/01/2009 06:07 PM
Angels Camp, CA...The Calaveras County Taxpayers Association (CCTA), according to its President, Al Segalla, is hosting a second “Tea Party” to honor our founding fathers and to protest the hurtful increases in spending and taxation at the state and federal levels. The event is open to the public and there is no admission charge....
Click Above or Read More To View Video of Board Members Talking About The Tea Party
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 3 years and our customers are getting great results!
Created on 02/22/2006 11:32 PM by thepinetree
Updated on 03/12/2009 06:56 AM 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.
