Your Bio

I picked up my first 35mm camera in Thailand in 1970, and haven't stopped shooting since.

I am a NEWS junkie. If you see a fire truck, police car, or ambulance, watch out, I am right behind them.

I love shooting people. The camera can see much more than the eye. Weddings, portraits and candid shots are my specialty.

If you have questions or comments you can contact me at:
Bill Lavallie Email
Tel: 209-217-8187

Update July 2010:

I now have a Canon 5D Mark II which has HD Video capabilities. I will began to take video clips along with my regular still photos.

As I go along, I will began to build a Video Gallery. I would love to hear you comments about these videos.

Photo Timeline

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Galleries

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Carl

Updated: May 06, 2013 9:11pm PDT

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Natalie Dress

Updated: May 04, 2013 10:59am PDT

ACRA Spring Fashion Show at the ARC :

ACRA Spring Fashion Show at the ARC

Updated: May 04, 2013 10:46am PDT

Jazzin it up in Jackson :

Jazzin it up in Jackson

Updated: May 02, 2013 8:20am PDT

Villa Privata Model Shoot - Cloths Mine : Models: Aviel Bowsher Mary Powers Emily Barnes Kalena Gordier Lexie Quick Hair stylist for Aviel and Lexie is Heike King of Soba Salon Hair Stylist for Mary, Emily, Kalena is Laura Doyle of Hair Razors. Laura also did Lexie's updo. Prom Dress Photoshoot at Villa Privata in Jackson Dresses and jewelry provided by the Clothes Mine Corsages provided by Perfect Scents Makeup provided by Mary Simoni of Skintique Day Spa Location provided by Villa Privata Photoshoot organizer Stephanie Farrell

Villa Privata Model Shoot - Cloths Mine

Models: Aviel Bowsher Mary Powers Emily Barnes Kalena Gordier L ...

Updated: Apr 16, 2013 10:02am PDT

Preston Castle Model Shoot with dress from The Cloths Mine and Model Rebekah London :

Preston Castle Model Shoot with dress from The Cloths Mine and Model Rebekah London

Updated: Apr 08, 2013 10:44pm PDT

2013 Daffodil Hill :

2013 Daffodil Hill

Updated: Mar 26, 2013 9:13am PDT

ACRA Spring Fashion Show :

ACRA Spring Fashion Show

Updated: Mar 24, 2013 11:46am PDT

Ronnie's Birthday 2012 :

Ronnie's Birthday 2012

Updated: Feb 11, 2013 8:43am PDT

Dr. Jolley Retires :

Dr. Jolley Retires

Updated: Jan 24, 2013 9:00am PDT

10112012 Accident on Hwy 16 :

10112012 Accident on Hwy 16

Updated: Jan 20, 2013 9:07am PDT

Operation Care Talent Show Head Shots :

Operation Care Talent Show Head Shots

Updated: Jan 15, 2013 8:40am PDT

Camera Awesome Photos :

Camera Awesome Photos

Updated: Jan 13, 2013 9:59pm PDT

01072013 Judge Hermanson Swearing In :

01072013 Judge Hermanson Swearing In

Updated: Jan 12, 2013 2:16pm PDT

2013 Serbian Christmas Jackson California :

2013 Serbian Christmas Jackson California

Updated: Jan 11, 2013 8:26pm PDT

Mardi Gras Sutter Creek 2012 :

Mardi Gras Sutter Creek 2012

Updated: Dec 31, 2012 11:05am PDT

2012 Business Person's of the Year - The Swift Family :

2012 Business Person's of the Year - The Swift Family

Updated: Dec 27, 2012 4:48am PDT

Sutter Creek Christmas Open House :

Sutter Creek Christmas Open House

Updated: Dec 19, 2012 7:34am PDT

2012 Las Pasadas Sutter Creek California :

2012 Las Pasadas Sutter Creek California

Updated: Dec 17, 2012 7:43am PDT

2012 Parade of Lights Sutter Creek :

2012 Parade of Lights Sutter Creek

Updated: Dec 16, 2012 11:56am PDT

2012 Veterans Day Parade Jackson California :

2012 Veterans Day Parade Jackson California

Updated: Nov 13, 2012 7:05pm PDT

2012 BG's Halloween Party :

2012 BG's Halloween Party

Updated: Oct 30, 2012 6:56am PDT

Gardens to Hospitals : Gardens to hospitals held an event at Stutter Amador Hospital on Tuesday. Gardens to hopspitals (G2H) which states on their web site: "G2H partners school gardens with hospitals to raise awareness for healthy meal programs and install edible gardens at hospitals." The event on Tuesday paired children from First 5 with students from Kelsi Himmel’s science class at Argonaut High School. The event was held next door to the Mission Café at the hospital. The event paried the two groups to celibrate fall by decorating pumpkins. sampling healty foods and closing the garden beds for the winter. More information about G2H can be found here: http://goo.gl/ICAAX or the long URL http://www.lisasorganics.com/category/lisa-likes/gardens2hospitals/

Gardens to Hospitals

Gardens to hospitals held an event at Stutter Amador Hospital on Tuesd ...

Updated: Oct 25, 2012 7:14am PDT

10162012 House Fire - Castle Oaks Ione : A fire at 640 Castle Oaks Drive was reported at around 5:15PM on Tuesday. The caller reported that a barbeque grill had erupted in fire and the fire had spread to the back side of the house. As firefighters responded to the incident, reports of smoke being seen at a distance indicated that this fire was not just limited to the back deck. Upon arrival, firefighters found the fire had begun burning into the house and roof of the home and was quite serious. Ione Fire Chief Ken Macky stated that, “In all, 28 fire fighters and 12 fire units were dispatched to the call.” Firefighters from Ione, Cal Fire, Battalion 20 Amador Fire, Mule Creek, a chief from the Fire Academy, and a unit from Jackson all were on scene. Mackey also stated that the fire was confirmed an accidental fire which started at the BBQ grill and spread from there. Damage is estimated to be around $380,000 both building and contents. About 25 percent of the structure was damaged as a result of the fire. The occupants made it out of the house safely. Emergency personnel also attempted to revive a pet cat that was retrieved from the burnt out portion of the building but it did not survive.

10162012 House Fire - Castle Oaks Ione

A fire at 640 Castle Oaks Drive was reported at around 5:15PM on Tues ...

Updated: Oct 18, 2012 7:50am PDT

2012 Bark in the Park :

2012 Bark in the Park

Updated: Oct 10, 2012 8:56am PDT

09242012 Injury Accident Ione, CA : Bill Lavallie Ledger Dispatch Contributor. Updated September 25 At 8:55 a.m., a call came into the California Highway Patrol that a traffic accident had occurred in Ione, at the intersection of highways 88 and 104. Upon arrival, emergency personnel discovered that one person was trapped in their vehicle and another was complaining of back pain. Per CHP on scene, a red Chrysler sedan had approached the stop sign at 104 and 88, and stopped. However, for some reason, the sedan then pulled out and attempted to make a left turn onto Hwy 88 headed east. A white Dodge pickup was approaching the intersection headed west and had no time to stop to avoid a collision and collided with the left front of the sedan. Firefighters freed the trapped driver in the Chrysler and loaded her onto a helicopter that had landed on scene for transport to Kaiser South trauma center. The second driver was transported to Sutter Amador by ambulance. Bill Lavallie

09242012 Injury Accident Ione, CA

Bill Lavallie Ledger Dispatch Contributor. Updated September 25 ...

Updated: Sep 24, 2012 10:29am PDT

Jamie and Daniel Final Wedding Pics :

Jamie and Daniel Final Wedding Pics

Updated: Sep 10, 2012 8:05am PDT

2012 Paws and Claws :

2012 Paws and Claws

Updated: Aug 24, 2012 7:14am PDT

Amador Italian Picnic Grounds Car Show August 2012 :

Amador Italian Picnic Grounds Car Show August 2012

Updated: Aug 20, 2012 8:28am PDT

2012 Amador Coutny Fair Tractor Pull and Night-life :

2012 Amador Coutny Fair Tractor Pull and Night-life

Updated: Aug 07, 2012 6:15am PDT

2012 Amador County Fair Day 3 :

2012 Amador County Fair Day 3

Updated: Aug 05, 2012 1:19pm PDT

2012 Amador County Fair Day 2 :

2012 Amador County Fair Day 2

Updated: Aug 05, 2012 11:58am PDT

2012 Amador County Fair Day 1 :

2012 Amador County Fair Day 1

Updated: Aug 03, 2012 12:59pm PDT

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Jamie and Daniel Wedding - Rehersal and Getting Ready

Updated: Jul 24, 2012 9:34am PDT

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Jamie and Daniel Wedding

Updated: Jul 23, 2012 1:23pm PDT

Brass Bedbugs :

Brass Bedbugs

Updated: Jul 04, 2012 5:15pm PDT

2012 Jazzin' it up in Jackson :

2012 Jazzin' it up in Jackson

Updated: Jun 28, 2012 8:04am PDT

2012 Spagetti Western Charity Dinner and Auction at Cooper Vinyards :

2012 Spagetti Western Charity Dinner and Auction at Cooper Vinyards

Updated: Jun 18, 2012 10:10am PDT

Sober Grad 2012 :

Sober Grad 2012

Updated: Jun 06, 2012 9:28am PDT

Time Capsule Opened after 30 Years :

Time Capsule Opened after 30 Years

Updated: Jun 06, 2012 8:09am PDT

2012 Sutter Creek Italian Picnic and Parade :

2012 Sutter Creek Italian Picnic and Parade

Updated: Jun 03, 2012 7:17pm PDT

Paloma Fire 2012 :

Paloma Fire 2012

Updated: Jun 01, 2012 8:28am PDT

Every 15 Minutes - Amador County California 2012 :

Every 15 Minutes - Amador County California 2012

Updated: May 27, 2012 1:40pm PDT

Art by the Inch in Amador :

Art by the Inch in Amador

Updated: May 27, 2012 9:11am PDT

2012 Motherlode Cruise Car Show in Jackson California :

2012 Motherlode Cruise Car Show in Jackson California

Updated: May 21, 2012 5:10am PDT

Sarah Lopez :

Sarah Lopez

Updated: May 17, 2012 7:22pm PDT

May 12, 2012 Whiskers & Wine at Thomi's Banquet Room :

May 12, 2012 Whiskers & Wine at Thomi's Banquet Room

Updated: May 13, 2012 12:10pm PDT

090205 Injury Accident Shakeridge Road (Request) : All photographs are copyright Bill Lavallie 2009-2012

090205 Injury Accident Shakeridge Road (Request)

All photographs are copyright Bill Lavallie 2009-2012

Updated: May 02, 2012 11:40am PDT

Veterans Memorial Ione California :

Veterans Memorial Ione California

Updated: May 01, 2012 8:10am PDT

April 30, 2012 Congressman Dan Lungren visits the Sutter Creek Gold Mine :

April 30, 2012 Congressman Dan Lungren visits the Sutter Creek Gold Mine

Updated: May 01, 2012 6:14am PDT

Sutter Gold Mine Rescue Training :

Sutter Gold Mine Rescue Training

Updated: Apr 24, 2012 6:49am PDT

04222012 Fire training house burn Pioneer CA : All Photographs and Video's property of Bill Lavallie. Copyright Bill Lavallie 2012.

04222012 Fire training house burn Pioneer CA

All Photographs and Video's property of Bill Lavallie. Copyright Bill ...

Updated: Apr 23, 2012 12:19pm PDT

Save the Wheel Fund Raiser :

Save the Wheel Fund Raiser

Updated: Apr 17, 2012 5:10pm PDT

Daniel and Jaime Engagement Shoot in Volcano :

Daniel and Jaime Engagement Shoot in Volcano

Updated: Apr 12, 2012 1:11pm PDT

April Flowers near the Moke :

April Flowers near the Moke

Updated: Apr 07, 2012 5:53pm PDT

Clothes Mine Model Shoot March 21, 2012 Sutter Creek :

Clothes Mine Model Shoot March 21, 2012 Sutter Creek

Updated: Mar 26, 2012 8:49pm PDT

Water Street Antiques Retail Store :

Water Street Antiques Retail Store

Updated: Mar 26, 2012 2:56pm PDT

Water Street Antiques Warehouse :

Water Street Antiques Warehouse

Updated: Mar 26, 2012 11:52am PDT

The Mother Lode Bridal Fair at Ironstone Vineyards :

The Mother Lode Bridal Fair at Ironstone Vineyards

Updated: Mar 13, 2012 11:26am PDT

03062012 Jack in the Box fire Martel Ca : Fire was called out on a fire at the Jack in the Box on Industrial Blve in Martel around 5:30AM this moriing. Jackson Fire, CalFire, Sutter Creek Fire, Ione Fire, and Amador Fire Protection all responded to the incident. At times the smoke from the fire made it imposible to see at the intersection of Hwy 49 and Industrial Road. There is also an indication that the smoke may have been the cause of a minor accident in that ares. Local Police and CHP eventually shut down that section of the highway for safety reasons. The Jack in the Box fire raged on for hours as firefighters had a difficult time extinguishing the blaze. At one point firefighters were told to retreat from their roof postitions as fire command was concerned about the integrity of the structure due to the high heat and pockets of fire in the roof area. After a long battle fire wrestled control of the fire around 7:30 am but still had hotspots in the building to contend with. As a footnote, there was also a traffic accident on Ridge Road, not too far from the Jack in the Box and it was determinded that it was the manager for the store trying to get to the incident when he lost control of his car and struck a poll. He suffered injures in the accident but they were not life threatning. Bll Lavallie

03062012 Jack in the Box fire Martel Ca

Fire was called out on a fire at the Jack in the Box on Industrial B ...

Updated: Mar 07, 2012 8:13am PDT

Blue Mountain Event Center : 7250 Mitchell Mill rd., Wilseyville, CA. Tel: 1 916.715.6571 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blue-Mountain-Event-Center/242629575758991?ref=ts

Blue Mountain Event Center

7250 Mitchell Mill rd., Wilseyville, CA. Tel: 1 916.715.6571 Faceboo ...

Updated: Mar 05, 2012 2:38pm PDT

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Constance

Updated: Mar 05, 2012 9:58am PDT

Jim Dickerson's 90th Birthday Party :

Jim Dickerson's 90th Birthday Party

Updated: Mar 01, 2012 11:50am PDT

Test :

Test

Updated: Feb 29, 2012 1:54pm PDT

Scott Anderson at Clarks Corner - Book Signing "Shadow People" :

Scott Anderson at Clarks Corner - Book Signing "Shadow People"

Updated: Feb 26, 2012 9:17am PDT

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Embers

Updated: Feb 24, 2012 8:20am PDT

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Willows Shoot 2

Updated: Feb 24, 2012 7:44am PDT

02082012 Bridal Shoot at Sierra Ridge Winery :

02082012 Bridal Shoot at Sierra Ridge Winery

Updated: Feb 22, 2012 5:52pm PDT

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Cafe De Coco

Updated: Feb 22, 2012 1:11pm PDT

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Hermanson HQ Openinig

Updated: Feb 17, 2012 5:28pm PDT

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Hermanson Courthouse

Updated: Feb 17, 2012 10:40am PDT

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Steve Hermanson Second Studio Shoot

Updated: Feb 17, 2012 10:31am PDT

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Hermanson Court Room Photos 1

Updated: Feb 16, 2012 9:29am PDT

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Hermanson

Updated: Feb 14, 2012 5:45pm PDT

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Rosebud's Sighn

Updated: Feb 10, 2012 6:01pm PDT

Ledger Photo Shoot :

Ledger Photo Shoot

Updated: Feb 09, 2012 12:01pm PDT

Backwoods Belly Dance Showcase at Cooks Corner Ione :

Backwoods Belly Dance Showcase at Cooks Corner Ione

Updated: Jan 31, 2012 11:16am PDT

Fire Training at 208 Court Street in Jackson California :

Fire Training at 208 Court Street in Jackson California

Updated: Jan 30, 2012 8:39am PDT

The Clothes Mine Wedding Model Shoot January :

The Clothes Mine Wedding Model Shoot January

Updated: Jan 28, 2012 8:42am PDT

Hot air Ballooon Over Jackson California :

Hot air Ballooon Over Jackson California

Updated: Jan 17, 2012 10:15am PDT

01122012 Fire claims old home in Drytown :

01122012 Fire claims old home in Drytown

Updated: Jan 16, 2012 2:09pm PDT

BG's Karaoke Finals :

BG's Karaoke Finals

Updated: Dec 31, 2011 7:26pm PDT

Natalie - The Graduate... :

Natalie - The Graduate...

Updated: Dec 30, 2011 7:51am PDT

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Italian Restaurant

Updated: Dec 29, 2011 9:10am PDT

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Clothing Shop and Flower Shop

Updated: Dec 29, 2011 7:39am PDT

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Jake and Lulu's

Updated: Dec 29, 2011 7:22am PDT

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El Jardin

Updated: Dec 29, 2011 7:00am PDT

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Willows

Updated: Dec 29, 2011 6:30am PDT

Chickien Ranch Rancheria :

Chickien Ranch Rancheria

Updated: Dec 23, 2011 11:29am PDT

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Victorian Christmas Feast at The City Hotel

Updated: Dec 22, 2011 10:43am PDT

Richard's Birthday :

Richard's Birthday

Updated: Dec 19, 2011 5:13pm PDT

Las Posadas Sutter Creek California 2011 :

Las Posadas Sutter Creek California 2011

Updated: Dec 06, 2011 9:40am PDT

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Cafe De Coco

Updated: Dec 01, 2011 6:20am PDT

Amador Catholic Center :

Amador Catholic Center

Updated: Nov 30, 2011 10:17pm PDT

Nina Shoot :

Nina Shoot

Updated: Nov 28, 2011 11:29am PDT

2011 Christmas Delights Jackson California :

2011 Christmas Delights Jackson California

Updated: Nov 28, 2011 10:35am PDT

Veterans lDay Parade Jackson California 2011 :

Veterans lDay Parade Jackson California 2011

Updated: Nov 13, 2011 11:24pm PDT

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Dancers for Deb

Updated: Nov 03, 2011 8:51am PDT

Martha Perez - Business Person of the Year 2011 :

Martha Perez - Business Person of the Year 2011

Updated: Oct 24, 2011 4:26pm PDT

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JBCA Delights Photos

Updated: Oct 18, 2011 12:37pm PDT

Christmas Delights Jackson California Nov 28, 2009 :

Christmas Delights Jackson California Nov 28, 2009

Updated: Oct 18, 2011 12:27pm PDT

Hendricks Model Shoot 2 :

Hendricks Model Shoot 2

Updated: Sep 30, 2011 12:50am PDT

Motorcycle Accident Pine Grove :

Motorcycle Accident Pine Grove

Updated: Sep 21, 2011 4:55pm PDT

DAR Bell Ringing Ceremony :

DAR Bell Ringing Ceremony

Updated: Sep 20, 2011 8:21am PDT

Vintage Cars in Sutter Creek, CA :

Vintage Cars in Sutter Creek, CA

Updated: Sep 19, 2011 4:22pm PDT

08312011 Dynamite found in old barn in Jackson, CA :

08312011 Dynamite found in old barn in Jackson, CA

Updated: Sep 02, 2011 10:50am PDT

Jackson Fire Chiefs Presentation at the Jackson Council Meeting : From the Jackson Web site: New Fire Chief Hired. The City has hired Marc Crain to be its first full-time Fire Chief using Measure M funds approved by voters in 2008. As a "working chief", Chief Crain will be responsible for the overall leadership and management of the department, as well as direct involvement in emergency response services. Former volunteer Fire Chief Mark Morton will remain on the department as a volunteer Deputy Fire Chief. __________ Monday August 23rd two fire chiefs were honored during the Jackson City Council Meeting. Chief Marc Crain was sworn in as the new "working" fire chief for Jackson and Chief Mark Morton was honored for his service to the city as the volunteer fire chief for the past years. Chief Morton also presented Chief Crain with his new Jackson Fire Department badge and Chief Morton was presented with a plaque from the fire department members. Bill Lavallie

Jackson Fire Chiefs Presentation at the Jackson Council Meeting

From the Jackson Web site: New Fire Chief Hired. The City has h ...

Updated: Aug 23, 2011 7:17am PDT

07282011 Amador County Fair Diaper Derby :

07282011 Amador County Fair Diaper Derby

Updated: Aug 19, 2011 7:36am PDT

08102011 Middlebar Fire :

08102011 Middlebar Fire

Updated: Aug 13, 2011 10:42am PDT

Fine Art Prints : Country and Home Town USA. - Great wall art for the home and business.

Fine Art Prints

Country and Home Town USA. - Great wall art for the home and busines ...

Updated: Aug 11, 2011 10:51pm PDT

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Luke and Laurin

Updated: Aug 10, 2011 9:48am PDT

2011 Amador County Fair - Random Shots :

2011 Amador County Fair - Random Shots

Updated: Aug 02, 2011 10:23am PDT

Demolition Derby 2011 Amador County Fair :

Demolition Derby 2011 Amador County Fair

Updated: Aug 01, 2011 5:15pm PDT

07302011 Rodeo - 2001 Amador County Fair :

07302011 Rodeo - 2001 Amador County Fair

Updated: Aug 01, 2011 3:45pm PDT

Truck and Tractor Pull - 2011 Amador County Fair :

Truck and Tractor Pull - 2011 Amador County Fair

Updated: Aug 01, 2011 2:30pm PDT

07282011 Ms Amador - Amador County Fair :

07282011 Ms Amador - Amador County Fair

Updated: Aug 01, 2011 12:00pm PDT

07282011 Muttin Bustin' - Amador County Fair :

07282011 Muttin Bustin' - Amador County Fair

Updated: Aug 01, 2011 10:21am PDT

07292011 Truck and Tractor Pull - Amador County Fair :

07292011 Truck and Tractor Pull - Amador County Fair

Updated: Jul 30, 2011 11:05am PDT

07252011 Head-on Crash Hwy 88 near Ione :

07252011 Head-on Crash Hwy 88 near Ione

Updated: Jul 26, 2011 7:18am PDT

07242011 Fatal Accident Hwy 88 at Shugar Loaf Road in Pine Grove :

07242011 Fatal Accident Hwy 88 at Shugar Loaf Road in Pine Grove

Updated: Jul 26, 2011 6:54am PDT

Fire on Middle Bar Road :

Fire on Middle Bar Road

Updated: Jul 25, 2011 8:28pm PDT

EMCO High Voltage Grand Opening Sutter Hill CA :

EMCO High Voltage Grand Opening Sutter Hill CA

Updated: Jul 15, 2011 2:37pm PDT

July 11, 2011 - Roadside fires along Hwy 49 Bypass :

July 11, 2011 - Roadside fires along Hwy 49 Bypass

Updated: Jul 12, 2011 9:48am PDT

River Rescue :

River Rescue

Updated: Jul 10, 2011 10:09pm PDT

Plymouth Parade :

Plymouth Parade

Updated: Jul 04, 2011 4:34pm PDT

Cannonball Run Car Show and Parade : Canon Ball Run and Parade in Volcano, CA. Deborah Arnold shot most of these photos.

Cannonball Run Car Show and Parade

Canon Ball Run and Parade in Volcano, CA. Deborah Arnold shot most of ...

Updated: Jul 04, 2011 3:33pm PDT

Fair Aid - FreeZeout :

Fair Aid - FreeZeout

Updated: Jul 04, 2011 2:21pm PDT

Fireworks Display Jackson CA July 3rd 2011 :

Fireworks Display Jackson CA July 3rd 2011

Updated: Jul 04, 2011 1:40pm PDT

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Lori and Craig

Updated: Jun 28, 2011 9:53pm PDT

06142011 Injury Motorcycle Accident Noll Court Pioneer CA :

06142011 Injury Motorcycle Accident Noll Court Pioneer CA

Updated: Jun 15, 2011 9:14am PDT

June 4, 2011 St. George Wine Bar :

June 4, 2011 St. George Wine Bar

Updated: Jun 15, 2011 12:05am PDT

Judy Holt :

Judy Holt

Updated: Jun 08, 2011 8:42am PDT

2011 Italian Picnic Parade Sutter Creek :

2011 Italian Picnic Parade Sutter Creek

Updated: Jun 07, 2011 6:57am PDT

2011 Mother Lode Cruise, Jackson, Ca. :

2011 Mother Lode Cruise, Jackson, Ca.

Updated: May 22, 2011 9:18pm PDT

Amgen 2011 Tour of California Races through Ione Callifornia : After a rocky start, with race delays and the cancelation of stage 1, and the modification of stage 2, the third day of the Amgen 2001 Tour of California got off to a good start in Auburn on Tuesday. Though rainy and cool, the racers pressed on and came through Ione near the predicted time. The streets were lined by the hearty fans and students from the local school to watch this spectacle of hundreds of riders in a rainbow of colors that stretched the length of Main Street in Ione. Coupled with California Highway Patrol Motorcycles, and patrol cars, photo motorcycle crews, official staff cars and helicopters the procession went by at lightning speed. Removing signs that had been set up to mark the route as they went along, It only took a few minutes before there was hardly no sign that they had been there at all. Only bottles that were passed on to the riders at a feeding point just outside of town lay on the ground, but even those were quickly snapped up by souvenir seekers leaving no trace of the racers. Bill Lavallie

Amgen 2011 Tour of California Races through Ione Callifornia

After a rocky start, with race delays and the cancelation of stage 1, ...

Updated: May 18, 2011 9:10am PDT

Veterans Post 108 Riders Depart for Vietnam Wall : Riders from the American Legion Post 108 of California gathered early Monday morning to began a long 2,300 mile ride to honor thier fallen comerads at the Vietnam Wall in Arlington, West Verginia. Six riders started out this moring for a rondevous in Rancho Coucomunga and they will be joined later by five other riders from the Amador area. In RanchoCoucomunga they will meed up with another 200 or so riders to begin the cross countery trip that will take them through: Arazona New Mexico Missouri West Verginia and onto Arlington Cemetery and Vietnam Wall. By the end of the ride, they expect there will be at least 300 riders in all. Bill Lavallie Riders leaving this morining: Poncho Villa Denver Strauss Ed Medford Brian Dommes Sam Raal Steve Gast Riders Joining Later: Brian Lapworth Jim Mote Kali Mote Barnes Villa Janel Lapworth

Veterans Post 108 Riders Depart for Vietnam Wall

Riders from the American Legion Post 108 of California gathered early ...

Updated: May 16, 2011 10:05pm PDT

Miss Ione Scolarship Pageant May 7, 2011 :

Miss Ione Scolarship Pageant May 7, 2011

Updated: May 08, 2011 9:21pm PDT

Tess and Hip Trash at the Rancheria :

Tess and Hip Trash at the Rancheria

Updated: May 02, 2011 6:31pm PDT

Fire Training - House Fire in Ione : Firefighters from several agencies around Amador gathered at an old farm house on Pane Road in Ione Saturday morning. Many of them were there to be certified on several levels, from fighting a structure fire, to training how to fight a structure fire. Others were there as safety officers to manage the many people at the scene. For some, this was their first time inside a burning building. This type of training is extremely useful to teach firefighters what to do in a burning structure under a very controlled environment making them ready to respond when the real event occurs. More pictures can be found here: http://lavallie.smugmug.com/NEWS/Fires/Fire-Training-House-Fire-in/16868700_Gnd7M6#1273763685_DV2GtgB Bill Lavallie

Fire Training - House Fire in Ione

Firefighters from several agencies around Amador gathered at an old fa ...

Updated: May 02, 2011 12:08am PDT

Jeannie Vodden at Young's Vinyard :

Jeannie Vodden at Young's Vinyard

Updated: May 01, 2011 9:04pm PDT

Music on the Green with FreeZeOut :

Music on the Green with FreeZeOut

Updated: May 01, 2011 12:20pm PDT

04162011 Accident on Shakeridge Road :

04162011 Accident on Shakeridge Road

Updated: Apr 17, 2011 8:51am PDT

Newcomers Fashion Show April 2011 :

Newcomers Fashion Show April 2011

Updated: Apr 15, 2011 12:01pm PDT

Newcomers Fashion Show :

Newcomers Fashion Show

Updated: Apr 13, 2011 8:47am PDT

03052011 Behind The Cellar Door Wine Tasting :

03052011 Behind The Cellar Door Wine Tasting

Updated: Apr 05, 2011 6:15pm PDT

Daffodil Hill April 4, 2011 :

Daffodil Hill April 4, 2011

Updated: Apr 03, 2011 6:59pm PDT

2011 Prom and Graduation Fashion Show held at Mel's in Jackson : 2011 Prom and Graduation Fashion Show held at Mel's in Jackson California

2011 Prom and Graduation Fashion Show held at Mel's in Jackson

2011 Prom and Graduation Fashion Show held at Mel's in Jackson Califor ...

Updated: Apr 02, 2011 10:29pm PDT

Mokelumne Crossing - Music at the St George Wine Room :

Mokelumne Crossing - Music at the St George Wine Room

Updated: Mar 26, 2011 9:44am PDT

03152011 Music at the St George Wine Room :

03152011 Music at the St George Wine Room

Updated: Mar 24, 2011 8:41pm PDT

2011 Woman of the Year - Kathleen Harmon :

2011 Woman of the Year - Kathleen Harmon

Updated: Mar 23, 2011 7:56am PDT

03112011 Accident at Dalton road and Hwy 88 :

03112011 Accident at Dalton road and Hwy 88

Updated: Mar 11, 2011 3:39pm PDT

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Clothes Mine Sutter Creek

Updated: Mar 05, 2011 8:43pm PDT

Debbie Robinson Birthday Party :

Debbie Robinson Birthday Party

Updated: Mar 01, 2011 10:15pm PDT

Car Crashes in Ione - CHP inviestigates possible DUI :

Car Crashes in Ione - CHP inviestigates possible DUI

Updated: Feb 22, 2011 7:55am PDT

Fire training in Pioneer CA. Home donated to fire departments for training. :

Fire training in Pioneer CA. Home donated to fire departments for training.

Updated: Feb 13, 2011 10:54pm PDT

Honyok at BG's :

Honyok at BG's

Updated: Feb 07, 2011 11:48pm PDT

01282011 Rollover Accident Climax Road :

01282011 Rollover Accident Climax Road

Updated: Jan 28, 2011 7:37am PDT

Thomi's Comedy Club and Frank's Birthday :

Thomi's Comedy Club and Frank's Birthday

Updated: Jan 24, 2011 9:34am PDT

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Thomi's Commedy Club and Frank's Birthday

Updated: Jan 24, 2011 9:12am PDT

Frank's Birthday :

Frank's Birthday

Updated: Jan 24, 2011 8:03am PDT

DAR Recognition Awards January 20, 2011 : Daughters of the American Revolution Recipients Presentation in Amador California Here’s a list of the award recipients: Junior American Citizen’s Contest (Theme: Preserving America’s Past): (certificates) First Place, Community Service project- Individual = Daniel Clark (8th Grader) Photo Essay = Andrew Mees (7th Grader) Poem = Alixandra Garcia (8th Grader) Honorable Mention, Photo Essay – Amanda Garcia (4th Grader) American History Essay Contest (certificate + cash award) First Place, Abby Lehman (5th Grade) Christopher Columbus Essay Contest First Place, Emily Lehman, Amador H.S. Junior (certificate + cash award) (her entry also won 1st at the District level and is now at State for judging) Runner Up, Rachel Smart, Homeschool Senior (certificate) Good Citizen’s Essay Contest First Place Dahlton Brown, Argonaut H.S. Senior (certificate + cash award) Runner Up, Richelle Jurasek, Amador H.S. Senior (certificate) Outstanding American History Teacher Award Keith Davis, Argonaut H.S. DAR Medal of Honor Recipient Colonel Fraser West, USMC-Retired (This is only the 8th Medal of Honor awarded in the history of the National organization!)

DAR Recognition Awards January 20, 2011

Daughters of the American Revolution Recipients Presentation in Amador ...

Updated: Jan 21, 2011 9:06am PDT

Dry Town Club Jam January 10, 2011 :

Dry Town Club Jam January 10, 2011

Updated: Jan 13, 2011 9:35am PDT

12292010 Truck looses control on black ice and overturns into flooded gully :

12292010 Truck looses control on black ice and overturns into flooded gully

Updated: Jan 10, 2011 8:48am PDT

January 7, 2011 Serbian Christmas Celebration in Jackson CA :

January 7, 2011 Serbian Christmas Celebration in Jackson CA

Updated: Jan 09, 2011 10:19pm PDT

January 4, 2011 Fatal Motorcycle Accident Hwy 88 Pine Grove, CA :

January 4, 2011 Fatal Motorcycle Accident Hwy 88 Pine Grove, CA

Updated: Jan 09, 2011 2:47pm PDT

Drytown Club Music Jam January 5, 2011 :

Drytown Club Music Jam January 5, 2011

Updated: Jan 07, 2011 8:11am PDT

2010 Ione Christmas Parade :

2010 Ione Christmas Parade

Updated: Dec 13, 2010 8:08am PDT

2010 Parade of Lights in Sutter Creek CA :

2010 Parade of Lights in Sutter Creek CA

Updated: Dec 13, 2010 12:15am PDT

Accident on Shake Ridge Road Saturday. :

Accident on Shake Ridge Road Saturday.

Updated: Dec 06, 2010 6:56am PDT

Calico Christmas and Tree Lighting in Amador City :

Calico Christmas and Tree Lighting in Amador City

Updated: Dec 06, 2010 5:21am PDT

Las Posadas Candlelight Walk through Sutter Creek on Dec 4 :

Las Posadas Candlelight Walk through Sutter Creek on Dec 4

Updated: Dec 05, 2010 11:09pm PDT

2010 Veterans Day Parade Jackson CA :

2010 Veterans Day Parade Jackson CA

Updated: Nov 13, 2010 10:39am PDT

Head on accident at Hwy 88 and Hwy 26 Pioneer : Fire and Medics were dispatched this evening to an accident at Hwy 88 and Hwy 26. The caller indicated there were multiple vehicles and one was on fire, and occupants were screaming for help. When first responders arrived on scene, they had one vehicle, a pickup, overturned and another vehicle with two occupants trapped in the vehicle. Firefighters moved quickly with the jaws of life and hydraulic jacks to remove one victim from the wreck and take her to a waiting helicopter at the Pine Grove Camp. In all there were four victims. Two were taken to a local hospital via ambulance and two were air lifted to area trauma centers. CHP is still investigating the accient. Bill Lavallie

Head on accident at Hwy 88 and Hwy 26 Pioneer

Fire and Medics were dispatched this evening to an accident at Hwy 88 ...

Updated: Oct 28, 2010 11:21pm PDT

High speed chase and crash near Ione : Burglary suspects crash after high speed chase near Ione. Around 4:30 AM, Gault police attempted to stop a car they believed that was involved in a smash and grab robbery. The suspects then began a reckless ride east on Twin Cities Road toward Ione. Police called off the chase due to the recklessness of the driver, however a Gault officer was on Twin Cities Road and was able to put out spike strips. The driver of the suspect vehicle attempted to avoid the spikes and that is when the car careened off the road and rolled several times. The three suspects then fled into the surrounding woods. Police called off the search after attempts to find the suspects with helicopters and police dogs were not successful. Galt police indicated that they know a couple of the suspects. *** UPDATE *** All three suspects were captured later that day. Bill Lavallie

High speed chase and crash near Ione

Burglary suspects crash after high speed chase near Ione. Around 4:30 ...

Updated: Oct 27, 2010 8:26pm PDT

Saturday October 23 in Volcano :

Saturday October 23 in Volcano

Updated: Oct 25, 2010 6:52am PDT

password protected gallery

Joy's Retirement Party

Updated: Oct 18, 2010 8:56am PDT

10172010 Extravaganza at Sierra Ridge Winery :

10172010 Extravaganza at Sierra Ridge Winery

Updated: Oct 17, 2010 11:47pm PDT

10162010 Battle of the Bands Mollie Joyce Park :

10162010 Battle of the Bands Mollie Joyce Park

Updated: Oct 17, 2010 8:30pm PDT

10132010 Boy Scouts of America Presentation : Description to follow once it is filed by the reporter.

10132010 Boy Scouts of America Presentation

Description to follow once it is filed by the reporter.

Updated: Oct 13, 2010 10:02pm PDT

Bark in the Park Sutter Creek :

Bark in the Park Sutter Creek

Updated: Oct 07, 2010 6:45pm PDT

10052010 Accident on Pine Grove Volcano Road : A woman traveling up the hill in the direction of Pine Grove from Volcano, lost control of her vehicle, cross over the oncoming lane and overturned into a tree below. She was pinned in her vehicle for a short time and was extricated by firefighters. She was then taken to a helicopter that was waiting for her at the Pine Grove Camp. CHP is still investigation the accident.

10052010 Accident on Pine Grove Volcano Road

A woman traveling up the hill in the direction of Pine Grove from Volc ...

Updated: Oct 05, 2010 10:33pm PDT

Rocktober Fest at the St. George Hotel in Volcano CA :

Rocktober Fest at the St. George Hotel in Volcano CA

Updated: Oct 05, 2010 10:31am PDT

The Big Crush 2010 :

The Big Crush 2010

Updated: Oct 04, 2010 6:59am PDT

Tess Party at Brews and Blues :

Tess Party at Brews and Blues

Updated: Sep 28, 2010 5:09am PDT

09252010 Sutter Creek Brews and Blues :

09252010 Sutter Creek Brews and Blues

Updated: Sep 27, 2010 11:33pm PDT

09192010 Three car accident near Bear River Resevour : At 3:51PM a call went out to Fire, Medics and CHP that a head on accident had occurred near the Bear River Reservoir. As time went on, it became clear that there were multiple victims and at least three vehicles. Both lanes were shut down for about one hour while ambulances loaded victims. One victim was taken to Sutter-Roseville hospital by helicopter and all others were taken to Sutter Amador via ambulance.

09192010 Three car accident near Bear River Resevour

At 3:51PM a call went out to Fire, Medics and CHP that a head on accid ...

Updated: Sep 20, 2010 5:28am PDT

09162010 Motorcycle vs Car :

09162010 Motorcycle vs Car

Updated: Sep 17, 2010 9:41am PDT

09162010 Parolee at large captured : A search for a parolee at large on Jackson Gate road ended in a takedown in the middle of the intersection of Hwy 49 and Jackson Gate Road. Officers responding to an earlier call learned that the parolee at large had been at that location and had started down Jackson Gate Road towards Jackson. The Sheriff's Deputy contacted CHP and found that a helicopter was in the area and they would assist, After a short search by the helicopter and a canine search of an abandoned house the officers scaled down the operation. A couple of deputies did stay in the area however. A short period of time later, the parolee was spotted walking down Jackson Gate Road. When he approached the intersection at Hwy 49 Deputies surrounded him at gunpoint and he was taken into custody. Bill Lavallie

09162010 Parolee at large captured

A search for a parolee at large on Jackson Gate road ended in a takedo ...

Updated: Sep 17, 2010 9:27am PDT

Chili Cook-off and Car Show Sutter Creek :

Chili Cook-off and Car Show Sutter Creek

Updated: Sep 13, 2010 10:23am PDT

Deer through the windshield on Hwy 49 : A car traveling North on Hwy 49 near Bell Road in Plymouth, struck a deer that bolted into the roadway. The driver of that vehicle said "He just appeared out of nowhere." The deer then flew back into the southbound lane and struck an approaching vehicle at the windshield level. The deer went through the top of the windshield causing injury to all four occupants of the car and wound up in the back seat of the vehicle. Two of the occupants were taken to trauma centers via helicopters and the other two by ambulance to local emergency rooms. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Lavallie

Deer through the windshield on Hwy 49

A car traveling North on Hwy 49 near Bell Road in Plymouth, struck a d ...

Updated: Sep 12, 2010 9:51am PDT

09032010 Mission Boulevard Extension Project Dedication :

09032010 Mission Boulevard Extension Project Dedication

Updated: Sep 04, 2010 12:57pm PDT

08232010 Storage facility fire in Pioneer. : A fire was reported in a storage unit at Big Cedar Mini Storage in Pioneer around 1:30PM Monday afternoon. A commercial structure response was dispatched using firefighters form Amador Fire, CalFire, Jackson Fire and CDF Pine Grove Camp along with CHP, Amador Sheriff and investigators from CDF. As units arrived it became clear that the fire was spreading inside the structure which housed about 50 separate storage lockers. It was difficult for firefighters to open the units because renters are using new stronger locks which cannot be cut open with bolt cutters. Eventually doors had to be cut open using chain saws, which takes more time. It took several hours to extinguish the fire and start to clean up each unit. The inside of the tin structure became a pressure cooker spreading extreme heat throughout the facility, making for a stubborn fire to put out. Estimated damage could rise well over a half million dollars, depending on the contents of all the storage units. Bill Lavallie

08232010 Storage facility fire in Pioneer.

A fire was reported in a storage unit at Big Cedar Mini Storage in Pio ...

Updated: Aug 27, 2010 9:43am PDT

Early Monday morining crash on Hwy 88 near Taves Road in Pine Grove : Early Monday morning crash on Hwy 88 near Taves Road in Pine Grove A woman who just dropped off her children at Pine Grove School had to take evasive action when she came upon a car making a left hand turn in the westbound lane of Hwy 88 near Taves Road. Rather than strike the vehicle she veered to the right and tried to pass the vehicle. Unfortunately she was too close to the edge of a steep embankment and her vehicle topped 30 feet to a creek below. She was trapped briefly in the vehicle and was finally extricated by fire personnel. She exited the vehicle and appeared to have minimal injuries, only a few bumps and scratches. CHP is still investigating the accident. Bill Lavallie

Early Monday morining crash on Hwy 88 near Taves Road in Pine Grove

Early Monday morning crash on Hwy 88 near Taves Road in Pine Grove ...

Updated: Aug 23, 2010 9:21am PDT

08222010 Fire at Rancho Seco Park Sunday :

08222010 Fire at Rancho Seco Park Sunday

Updated: Aug 22, 2010 9:47pm PDT

08192010 Accident at Ridge and New York Ranch Road sends 3 to hospital :

08192010 Accident at Ridge and New York Ranch Road sends 3 to hospital

Updated: Aug 20, 2010 9:03am PDT

08142010 Three car accident in Martel : A driver failed to stop at the stoplight at Industrial Boulevard and plowed into a car turning north on Hwy 49. The vehicle then ricocheted off of the turning car and plowed into a pickup truck waiting to turn into the Martel shopping complex hitting it head on. Two women were taken to Sutter Amador by ambulance to be checked for injuries. Traffic was snarled for about an hour while they untangled the vehicles.

08142010 Three car accident in Martel

A driver failed to stop at the stoplight at Industrial Boulevard and p ...

Updated: Aug 17, 2010 8:18am PDT

08152010 Fatal accident on Hwy 88 near Previtali Road : For unknown reasons, an elderly driver headed West on Hwy 88 near Previtali Road, drifted off the of the right side of the pavement, then over corrected and crossed over the Eastbound lane and went down the embankment striking the base of a tree. The impact caused the car to rotate up on its front end and the force of the impact crushed the roof of the vehicle onto the driver. The driver, suffering from severe head trauma, was taken to Sutter Amador Hospital with CPR in progress.

08152010 Fatal accident on Hwy 88 near Previtali Road

For unknown reasons, an elderly driver headed West on Hwy 88 near Prev ...

Updated: Aug 17, 2010 8:04am PDT

08142010 Crash on Hwy 88 near Dew Drop sends two to hospital via helicopter and one to jail for DUI : A car traveling Eastbound struck a tree on the right hand side of the road West of Dew Drop on Saturday evening around 7PM. A young girl in the front passenger seat was pinned in the wreckage for about an hour while firefighters worked to free her. A woman in the rear passenger seat was also injured. Both the young girl and the woman were flown out by helicopter to local trauma centers. According to CHP, the driver, who is the father of the young girl, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of DUI. Bill Lavallie

08142010 Crash on Hwy 88 near Dew Drop sends two to hospital via helicopter and one to jail for DUI

A car traveling Eastbound struck a tree on the right hand side of the ...

Updated: Aug 17, 2010 7:40am PDT

Mobile Camper Catches fire while parked between houses : Saturday around 1PM a mobile camper caught fire at an address on East Sierra View Drive in Jackson. The camper was parked in the driveway of a home which was in close proximity of the owners home and the neighbor's house. A quick response by Jackson Fire, CalFire and Jackson Police kept everyone save and had the fire under control quickly. The camper was a total and the home sustained damage to its siding. The exact cause of the fire was not available at that time although it was believed that a generator had been running for quite some time prior to the fire. Bill Lavallie

Mobile Camper Catches fire while parked between houses

Saturday around 1PM a mobile camper caught fire at an address on East ...

Updated: Aug 09, 2010 7:59pm PDT

Motorcycle Driver Airlifted after Crash : The driver of a motorcycle heading West on Hwy 88 near Cooks Station lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a tree and then tumbled down the hill. He reportedly was unconscious for some period of time before Fire and Medics arrived. He was flown out by helicopter from the 4,000 foot helipad off of Hwy 88. Bill Lavallie

Motorcycle Driver Airlifted after Crash

The driver of a motorcycle heading West on Hwy 88 near Cooks Station l ...

Updated: Aug 09, 2010 7:43pm PDT

Wild Flowers in the Sierra 2010 : I took a hike on August 8th up toward Lake Winnemucca above Woods Lake.  There were signs of what was to come all along the trail through the forest, lots of wild flowers sprinkled here and there, but as soon as I cleared the tree line, the explosion of wild flowers began.  There were so many flowers it was hard to decide what to shoot.  It is almost impossible to take a picture that shows the intensity of the flowers.  Here are some shots I took.  I never made it all the way to the Lake because a thunder storm rolled in and I had to make a dash down the hill to avoid getting soaked.

Wild Flowers in the Sierra 2010

I took a hike on August 8th up toward Lake Winnemucca above Woods Lake ...

Updated: Aug 08, 2010 10:56pm PDT

Ms Amador Contest July 2010 : Ms Amador Contest. Updated on 8-2-2010 Pageant winners take a romp in the Mud before the Destruction Derby.

Ms Amador Contest July 2010

Ms Amador Contest. Updated on 8-2-2010 Pageant winners take a romp in ...

Updated: Aug 02, 2010 11:03am PDT

Amador County Fair 2010 :

Amador County Fair 2010

Updated: Jul 31, 2010 12:54pm PDT

07292010 Accident on Hwy 88 near Toyon Rd Pine Grove : Around 11:30 Thursday night, a female driver rolled her car on Hwy 88 Near Toyon Road. The vehicle was headed eastbound and for unknown reasons, the driver lost control and rolled the car onto the side of the road. The driver had only minor injuries and no other vehicles were involved. The accident was still under investigation by CHP.

07292010 Accident on Hwy 88 near Toyon Rd Pine Grove

Around 11:30 Thursday night, a female driver rolled her car on Hwy 88 ...

Updated: Jul 30, 2010 7:42am PDT

Teri Sorensen and Family :

Teri Sorensen and Family

Updated: Jul 25, 2010 4:31pm PDT

Leopard lilies: Lilium pardalinum :

Leopard lilies: Lilium pardalinum

Updated: Jul 22, 2010 8:50pm PDT

Accident on Hwy 88 near Jackson - Another Danger of Smoking : Another danger of smoking raised its ugly head today when a driver headed towards Jackson was distracted while reaching for a pack of cigarettes, drifted off the right side of the road, then over corrected and spun and out crashing into an oncoming sedan. The vehicle ricochet off that car and then proceeded down and an embankment and into a ditch about 100 feet below. Fortunately the family in the oncoming vehicle, a husband and wife, two children and dog were uninjured. The vehicle had serious damage to the front end. Jackson Fire, Pine Grove Battalion 10 Fire, CalFire, and an American Legion Ambulance were dispatched to the scene, along with CHP. CHP were still investigating the accident. Bill Lavallie

Accident on Hwy 88 near Jackson - Another Danger of Smoking

Another danger of smoking raised its ugly head today when a driver hea ...

Updated: Jul 20, 2010 9:22pm PDT

07132010 Ione Fire Chief first on scene in Rancho Cordova Fire : Ione Fire Chief Ken Mackey had no idea that he would be a key player in a fire when he headed to the Sacramento area for medical supplies Monday afternoon. While traveling down Grant Line Road in Rancho Cordova he spotted a fire along the road being pushed by a strong breeze. Ken called the fire in to Camino and indicated that there was multiple fires in the area. Ken's job was not quite done however, because when Sac Metro Fire arrived their first question was, "What division do you want?" and he was off to help fight the fire. When I ran into Ken emerging from a smoky burned out field, he was finally headed off to retrieve those supplies he had set out to get for his department. Sac Metro fire was dispatched along with CalFire and units from Pine Grove Camp. Fire officials indicate there were about 4 separate fires that eventually merged into a single 250 acre fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Fortunately no major structures were burned and damage was kept to a minimum. Bill Lavallie

07132010 Ione Fire Chief first on scene in Rancho Cordova Fire

Ione Fire Chief Ken Mackey had no idea that he would be a key player i ...

Updated: Jul 13, 2010 9:09am PDT

07112010 Accident in Ione sends three to local trauma hospitals : A mother and her two children were flown by three separate helicopters to area trauma centers Saturday afternoon. The mother was driving a sedan eastbound on highway 88 just west of Martin Lane when she for some reason lost control, crossed over the west bound lane and careened down a steep embankment coming to rest 100 feet off the road. Ione fire department personnel and CalFire responded along with three American Legion ambulances. CHP, Amador Sheriff and Ione PD were also on scene. The mother and the youngest child were flown out by helicopters that landed at the scene. Another child was flown out from the CDF Academy landing site. CHP was still investigating the accident to try to determine exactly what caused the vehicle to leave the road. Bill Lavallie

07112010 Accident in Ione sends three to local trauma hospitals

A mother and her two children were flown by three separate helicopters ...

Updated: Jul 12, 2010 11:33am PDT

07112010 Fire in the Public Defenders Office in Jackson CA : Firefighters returning from a medical response noticed flames coming from a window of the Public Defender's office at the corner of Court Street and Church Street in Jackson. They called in for an immediate response. Jackson Fire Department and CalFire arrived quickly along with the Jackson Police Department. The fire was knocked down quickly avoiding a more serious situation with fire spreading through the old Victorian home and possibly to others close by. The fire is still under investigation, but firefighters that first arrived put the fire source near or at a PC Computer on a table near the window in the office. Bill Lavallie

07112010 Fire in the Public Defenders Office in Jackson CA

Firefighters returning from a medical response noticed flames coming f ...

Updated: Jul 11, 2010 5:50pm PDT

Handicapped driver that went off Sutter Creek Volcano Road is rescued 12 hours later. : Bicyclists traveling from Sutter Creek to Volcano discovered a vehicle that went off the road, rolled over and landed in Sutter Creek early Monday morning. They then contacted a local resident who called 911. Amador fire from Lockwood and Pine Grove and CalFire responded along with Veterans Ambulance and CHP. Fire fighters quickly set up a rescue to remove the patient from the vehicle and up a steep embankment to a waiting ambulance. The driver indicated that he estimates the time he left the road to be around 9:49PM Sunday evening. He was put in the ambulance just about 12 hours later. No cause was immediately available. CHP is still investigating the accident. Bill Lavallie

Handicapped driver that went off Sutter Creek Volcano Road is rescued 12 hours later.

Bicyclists traveling from Sutter Creek to Volcano discovered a vehicle ...

Updated: Jul 07, 2010 11:42pm PDT

Cru-Zin in the Vinyard Car Show - Terra d'Oro Winery July 4th :

Cru-Zin in the Vinyard Car Show - Terra d'Oro Winery July 4th

Updated: Jul 06, 2010 6:48am PDT

07042010 Ione Fourth of July Street Event : Left to right: Skip Mullens. Pat Keene and Darcel Hunter.

07042010 Ione Fourth of July Street Event

Left to right: Skip Mullens. Pat Keene and Darcel Hunter.

Updated: Jul 05, 2010 12:08pm PDT

07032010 Cannonball Run Car Show and Parade Volcano California :

07032010 Cannonball Run Car Show and Parade Volcano California

Updated: Jul 04, 2010 7:37pm PDT

Tess and Hip Trash at the St. George June 20, 2010 :

Tess and Hip Trash at the St. George June 20, 2010

Updated: Jun 28, 2010 9:53pm PDT

Guitar Mac at the St. George June 20, 2010 : Guitar Mac at the St. George Hotel.

Guitar Mac at the St. George June 20, 2010

Guitar Mac at the St. George Hotel.

Updated: Jun 27, 2010 4:06pm PDT

The Church Street Sinners at the St. George Hotel June 20, 2010 :

The Church Street Sinners at the St. George Hotel June 20, 2010

Updated: Jun 27, 2010 3:35pm PDT

Bruce Dixon at the St George June 20, 2010 :

Bruce Dixon at the St George June 20, 2010

Updated: Jun 27, 2010 2:18pm PDT

Wildflowers :

Wildflowers

Updated: Jun 24, 2010 8:56pm PDT

Wildland Fire Hwy 124 Ione, CA : CDF prevention officers were investigating the cause of this fire. It appeared to have started at the roadside but the exact cause was not known. Bill Lavallie

Wildland Fire Hwy 124 Ione, CA

CDF prevention officers were investigating the cause of this fire. It ...

Updated: Jun 23, 2010 10:04pm PDT

Careless and Wreckless : A vehicle driven by a young man that had just recently crashed another vehicle into a telephone pole, went speeding up Barton Road Sunday afternoon. The vehicle was going fast enough to attract the attention of one resident who yelled out "slow down". The young man's response was to speed up. Seconds later the resident heard skidding and a crash. CHP estimates that the car had lost control and slid almost 300 feet when it struck one tree, spun around and hit another tree imbedding it deep into the rear of the vehicle. The passenger received cuts and abrasions and was nearly impaled by a branch that had come through the window. The impact was strong enough to cause the driver lost consciousness for a short period of time. He was taken by helicopter to an area trauma center. CHP is still investigating the accident. Bill Lavallie

Careless and Wreckless

A vehicle driven by a young man that had just recently crashed another ...

Updated: Jun 13, 2010 7:00pm PDT

Out and About in Amador Spring 2010 :

Out and About in Amador Spring 2010

Updated: Jun 11, 2010 8:14am PDT

Indepencence High Graduation June 2nd 2010 :

Indepencence High Graduation June 2nd 2010

Updated: Jun 03, 2010 8:23am PDT

06012010 Accident at Tabeaud Road, Pine Grove : A lumber truck entered Highway 88 into the path of a Jeep this afternoon around 4:30PM. The crash blocked the West bound lane and part of the East bound lane on Hwy 88. It appeared that injuries were minor if any. The accident occurred at one of the busiest times of the day for traffic causing traffic to back up in both directions. Bill Lavallie

06012010 Accident at Tabeaud Road, Pine Grove

A lumber truck entered Highway 88 into the path of a Jeep this afterno ...

Updated: Jun 01, 2010 9:38pm PDT

Laura and Ryan :

Laura and Ryan

Updated: Jun 01, 2010 11:49am PDT

05242010 Sea to Shining Sea :

05242010 Sea to Shining Sea

Updated: May 26, 2010 8:01am PDT

05242010 Another injury accident near Tabeaud Road Pine Grove : A driver lost control of his vehicle while traveling East on Highway 88 just past Tabeaud Road in Pine Grove last night around 6:30PM. The vehicle crossed over the West bound lane and tumbled down a steep embankment landing 150 feet off the road below. The driver extracted himself from the vehicle and attempted to climb the hill but collapsed half way up. Fire fighters began a rope rescue using ropes and basket to eventually haul the victim up the hill and move him to a waiting amblulance. CHP is still investigating the accident.

05242010 Another injury accident near Tabeaud Road Pine Grove

A driver lost control of his vehicle while traveling East on Highway 8 ...

Updated: May 25, 2010 7:03am PDT

Bikersbell.com - Murphys and Jumping Frog Shoot :

Bikersbell.com - Murphys and Jumping Frog Shoot

Updated: May 23, 2010 7:49pm PDT

Amgen Tour of California - Nevada City to Sacramento :

Amgen Tour of California - Nevada City to Sacramento

Updated: May 23, 2010 1:28pm PDT

Tess and the Band :

Tess and the Band

Updated: May 23, 2010 11:58am PDT

Golden Nuggett Awards MArch 12, 2010 :

Golden Nuggett Awards MArch 12, 2010

Updated: May 18, 2010 6:51pm PDT

05142010 Serious Crash in Ione at Hwy 104 and Hwy 88 :

05142010 Serious Crash in Ione at Hwy 104 and Hwy 88

Updated: May 17, 2010 7:17am PDT

Hummingbirds Feeding at Dusk :

Hummingbirds Feeding at Dusk

Updated: May 11, 2010 7:41am PDT

Motorcycle Crash on Ramshorn Grade Volcano :

Motorcycle Crash on Ramshorn Grade Volcano

Updated: May 09, 2010 10:28pm PDT

Stone house in Ione :

Stone house in Ione

Updated: May 09, 2010 10:13pm PDT

Red-Wing Blackbird in Ione, CA :

Red-Wing Blackbird in Ione, CA

Updated: May 09, 2010 9:38pm PDT

Ione Homecoming Parade :

Ione Homecoming Parade

Updated: May 09, 2010 7:10pm PDT

Youngs Winery Release Party 4/24/2010 :

Youngs Winery Release Party 4/24/2010

Updated: Apr 26, 2010 9:17pm PDT

04252010 Wild Flowers along Electra Road : Not much time left! If you like wildflowers, now is the time to head for Electra Road. They are blooming all along the road, making for great drive.

04252010 Wild Flowers along Electra Road

Not much time left! If you like wildflowers, now is the time to head ...

Updated: Apr 25, 2010 9:32pm PDT

Huge tree cuts power and closes NY Ranch Rd : This tree fell about 10:30AM cutting the power lines and completely blocking NY Ranch Road. Jackson fire was dispatched to handle the lower end of the road, and Battalion 10 was dispatched to the top end. Rancheria employees were set up to divert traffic going towards Jackson across to Dalton Road to Hwy 88 and motorists coming from the Jackson end were diverted to 88 to Dalton Road. CHP and Amador Public works took control of the scene and were waiting for PG&E to de-energize the lines so they could begin cutting up the tree.

Huge tree cuts power and closes NY Ranch Rd

This tree fell about 10:30AM cutting the power lines and completely bl ...

Updated: Apr 19, 2010 12:45pm PDT

Biagi's Believers in Hope at Walk MS :

Biagi's Believers in Hope at Walk MS

Updated: Apr 19, 2010 8:47am PDT

04102010 Accidnet on Taves :

04102010 Accidnet on Taves

Updated: Apr 12, 2010 9:38am PDT

04122010 Accident on Ridge Road near Conductor Blvd :

04122010 Accident on Ridge Road near Conductor Blvd

Updated: Apr 12, 2010 9:35am PDT

Ancient Iron MC's 29th annual original west coast bike blessing at Dudley-Perkins Harley Davidson in South San Francisco :

Ancient Iron MC's 29th annual original west coast bike blessing at Dudley-Perkins Harley Davidson in South San Francisco

Updated: Apr 06, 2010 10:57am PDT

Out and About : Out and about in Amador County.

Out and About

Out and about in Amador County.

Updated: Apr 03, 2010 11:02pm PDT

03162010 Wall Furnace Fire Pioneer :

03162010 Wall Furnace Fire Pioneer

Updated: Mar 30, 2010 9:01am PDT

Another Rollover Accident Tuesday AM on Climax Road :

Another Rollover Accident Tuesday AM on Climax Road

Updated: Mar 30, 2010 8:43am PDT

03292010 Crash on Pine Grove Volcano Road near Grinding Rock : Young Driver Survives Crash into Tree A young driver traveling south on Pine Grove Volcano Road near Grinding Rock Park slammed into a tree causing serious damage to his vehicle. Around 4PM a call came out for firefighters to respond to a vehicle rollover near Grinding Rock Park.  Upon arriving they found a vehicle on its roof, smoking from the engine compartment.  The driver had already extracated himself and was walking around the scene. Damage to the vehicle and the tree that was struck indicated a serious impact had occurred.  The dirver however, refused medical treatment at the scene. Bill Lavallie

03292010 Crash on Pine Grove Volcano Road near Grinding Rock

Young Driver Survives Crash into Tree A young driver trav ...

Updated: Mar 30, 2010 5:05am PDT

Rollover Acccident on Hwy 88 Pioneer : Rollover Accident Sends One To Hospital Monday evening a sedan traveling east on Hwy 88 on the curves in Pioneer veered of the right side of the road, struck a berm, and flipped over coming back into the west bound lane.  The car skidded for over 100 feet on its top and then struck an oncomming car head on. Fortunately by the time the cars collided, the speed of both vehicles was reduced and that part of the colision was not severe. A passenger in the the car that flipped over was removed by a swarm of firefighters from Amador fire and CDF.  She was taken by ambulance to an area hospital.  Alcohol may have been a factor in this accident.

Rollover Acccident on Hwy 88 Pioneer

Rollover Accident Sends One To Hospital Monday evening a sedan tr ...

Updated: Mar 29, 2010 10:48pm PDT

03282010 Locks of Love at Hoot 'n Annie's :

03282010 Locks of Love at Hoot 'n Annie's

Updated: Mar 28, 2010 10:04pm PDT

password protected gallery

Cannon Ball Run Special Access

Updated: Mar 19, 2010 9:18pm PDT

03182010 Car skids off of Clinton Road and crashes into tree trapping two inside : Thursday March 18, 2010 Firefighters from three agencies work frantically to free two young men trapped in a vehicle that crashed into a tree on Clinton Road. Story and photgraphs by Bill Lavallie Around 5:50 PM firefighters were paged out to an accident on Clinton road, with reports of a motor vehicle vs tree.  It soon became clear that both passengers were in serious condition and that an extended time would be necessary to extract them from the vehicle. Three agencies, Jackson Fire, Amador Fire, and CDF took action and began dismantling the vehicle and slowly snipping away at the twisted metal to free the trapped men.  Two ambulances responded to the scene and two helicopters were landed in a field near by to airlift the seriously injured men to area hospitals. CHP officers on scene indicated that based on the damage to the vehicle it appears speed may have been a factor, but they would need some time to collect other data after the victims had been freed. More on this story can be found here: Ledger Dispatch Top News

03182010 Car skids off of Clinton Road and crashes into tree trapping two inside

Thursday March 18, 2010 Firefighters from three agencies work fra ...

Updated: Mar 18, 2010 9:33pm PDT

Belly Daners at Clarks Corner Ione 3/6/2010 : You Had To Be There: A Night of Belly Dance Article submitted by Beth Hartline, an onlooker from Murphys There was standing room only at Clark’s Corner Café in Ione when over 100 people from five neighboring counties showed up to cheer on, whistle and clap for their favorite bellydancer. Twenty-seven barefoot dancers with veils, toe rings, tattoos, and shimmering costumes bewitched the crowd for two hours of flat out fun.  Eleven dance troupes, comprised of wives, mothers, daughters, and granddaughters ranging from six to sixty-six years old, performed with hoops, castanadas, colorful veils and gusto.  Some seasoned, some first-timers, and with bellies of all shapes and sizes, these women and girls created an energetic, enthusiastic and entrancing show.  Onlookers who could not squeeze into the café, pressed their faces against the window to get a peek of this amazing work of dancing art.   Who are these mysterious and exotic dancers?  Where do they all come from, and where do they get those fabulous outfits? By day, these are working and retired school teachers, accountants, an archaeologist, students, caregivers, and a bar maid. They came from Citrus Heights, San Andreas, Sacramento, Folsom, Jackson, Valley Springs, Rescue, Angels Camp, Rocklin and Columbia. Any one of them could be your neighbor or your child’s music teacher.  Three mother-daughter combinations captured the audience illustrating that this traditional dance is generational. A young boy sitting cross-legged in the front row confided that his grandmother was one of the dancers and that she makes her own costumes.   Tribal Twilight Organizer Tracy Carlton teaches bellydancing from her Kundalini Dance studio in Jackson, performs with the Kundalini Belly Dance Tribe, and works for First Five in Amador County.  This is the third bellydancing event held at Clark’s Corner, a community-based café featuring wifi, a book club and a small stage for ongoing art and musical events. Owner Craig Clark leaves the day to day management to Andrea Bonham, who together with event coordinator Megan Taylor, provide a cozy and welcoming “corner of the world,” tasty paninis and salads and a place to gather.   This was the happening place to be on a Saturday night in early March! Look for more events and information on the Clark’s Corner website at www.clarkscornerione.com.   Article submitted by Beth Hartline, an onlooker from Murphys

Belly Daners at Clarks Corner Ione 3/6/2010

You Had To Be There: A Night of Belly Dance Article sub ...

Updated: Mar 14, 2010 11:01pm PDT

Tugs Nod First Edition Making Of :

Tugs Nod First Edition Making Of

Updated: Mar 05, 2010 7:14am PDT

Tugs Nod First Edition General :

Tugs Nod First Edition General

Updated: Mar 04, 2010 10:21pm PDT

Injury accident Hwy 88 Jackson in front of Sutter Hospital Enterance : Around 7:30 PM Tuesday, a woman exiting from the road to Sutter Amador Hospital in a black car, appears to have pulled out directly in front of a blue Jeep traveling east on Hwy 88. The female driver of the car was seriously injured and flown out via helicopter. The driver of the Jeep was take to Sutter Amador ER for treatment. For more on this story go here: http://ledger-dispatch.com/news/newsview.asp?c=266054&topStory=1 Bill Lavallie

Injury accident Hwy 88 Jackson in front of Sutter Hospital Enterance

Around 7:30 PM Tuesday, a woman exiting from the road to Sutter Amador ...

Updated: Feb 17, 2010 6:03am PDT

Studio Work :

Studio Work

Updated: Feb 13, 2010 9:26pm PDT

Amador Chamber Mixer at Thomi’s :

Amador Chamber Mixer at Thomi’s

Updated: Feb 12, 2010 6:08pm PDT

Vehicle goes off Highway 26 and tumbles down the steep embankment. : Saturday morning a vehicle went off the edge of Hwy 26 and tumbled about 300 feet, crashing through bushes and trees. The driver managed to free himself and refused medical treatment at the scene. CHP had not arrived on scene yet so I do not have an official statement regarding the cause.

Vehicle goes off Highway 26 and tumbles down the steep embankment.

Saturday morning a vehicle went off the edge of Hwy 26 and tumbled abo ...

Updated: Feb 07, 2010 2:24pm PDT

Traffic stop turns into manhunt for alleged felon. : Early Saturday morning an Amador County Deputy stopped a vehicle in the parking lot of the Days Inn in Jackson, off of Clinton Road. When running the driver through police records it indicated that there was a felony warrant for this individual. The officer then proceeded to have the driver exit the vehicle at gunpoint. The driver then turned and ran into the mobile home park across the street. Officers from Amador Sheriff, Jackson Police Department, CHP and Sutter Creek Police converged on the area and set up a perimeter. Jackson PD also brought in their canine unit. After about two hours of back and forth phone calls with the suspects wife and police it was determined that the suspect was attempting to draw officers away from the perimeter they had set up by providing them with false information indicating his position. As some officers were responding to an area where he claimed he would be, Rob Duke, Chief of Sutter Creek PD, spotted the suspect in the mobile home park. Once he call that in several officers converged on the suspect and took him into custody at gunpoint. The suspect faces felony charges plus the original felony warrant. See the entire news article here: http://ledger-dispatch.com/news/newsview.asp?c=265722&topStory=1 Bill Lavalllie

Traffic stop turns into manhunt for alleged felon.

Early Saturday morning an Amador County Deputy stopped a vehicle in th ...

Updated: Feb 07, 2010 1:43pm PDT

Photography by Bill Lavallie :

Photography by Bill Lavallie

Updated: Feb 03, 2010 5:17pm PDT

Jackson California, Kennedy Mine : Great day today and the clouds over Amador were fantastic. I got this shot of the Kennedy Mine on the way up the grade from Jackson.

Jackson California, Kennedy Mine

Great day today and the clouds over Amador were fantastic. I got this ...

Updated: Jan 30, 2010 7:25pm PDT

Motorcycle collides with SUV on dangerous curves in Pioneer. : Motorcycle collides with SUV on dangerous curves in Pioneer. A motorcycle headed East on Highway 88 veered into the West bound lane and collided with a Dodge Durango according to the driver of the Durango. The accident occurred East of Mace Meadows in a series of infamous curves that have claimed many motorcycles, automobiles and trucks in the past. The motorcycle driver and his female passenger were both seriously injured and were flown out by helicopter to area trauma centers. There was no clear reason why the motorcycle crossed the center line and CHP were still investigating the accident. Bill Lavallie

Motorcycle collides with SUV on dangerous curves in Pioneer.

Motorcycle collides with SUV on dangerous curves in Pioneer. A moto ...

Updated: Jan 28, 2010 10:02am PDT

Jan 22, 2010 Head on accident in Pine Grove : Just yards from where a multi car accident occurred about a week ago, a head-on crash occurred around 6:45PM this evening leaving one passenger injured and on her way to the hospital. An eye witness indicated that the black pickup crossed the yellow line by about 6 inches and that resulted in a collision with a larger pickup headed in the opposite direction. The roadway was wet and still layered with sand dropped over the past few days of icy weather. Both vehicles were suffered severe left front damage and had to be towed from the scene. See here for more on this story: http://ledger-dispatch.com/news/newsview.asp?c=265192&topStory=1 Bill Lavallie

Jan 22, 2010 Head on accident in Pine Grove

Just yards from where a multi car accident occurred about a week ago, ...

Updated: Jan 25, 2010 9:39pm PDT

January 23, 2010 Katie Rose Benefit Dinner at St. Sava Mission, Jackson, CA. :

January 23, 2010 Katie Rose Benefit Dinner at St. Sava Mission, Jackson, CA.

Updated: Jan 24, 2010 9:50pm PDT

Lilan :

Lilan

Updated: Jan 21, 2010 9:06pm PDT

Jan 20, 2010 Three more Big Rigs toppled on Hurricane Hill near Jackson : A short time after the first tractor trailor overturned, Three others got caught in a serious blast of wind and all thee tobppled in a tangled mess on Hwy 88. This accident and the high winds closed down this section of highway between Hwy 104 in Ione all the way to lower ridge road. For more on this accident check out this article: http://ledger-dispatch.com/news/newsview.asp?c=264964

Jan 20, 2010 Three more Big Rigs toppled on Hurricane Hill near Jackson

A short time after the first tractor trailor overturned, Three others ...

Updated: Jan 20, 2010 1:20pm PDT

Jan 20, 2010 Big Rig toppled by high winds on Hwy 88 Martel : For more on this accident check out this article: http://ledger-dispatch.com/news/newsview.asp?c=264964

Jan 20, 2010 Big Rig toppled by high winds on Hwy 88 Martel

For more on this accident check out this article: http://ledger-dispa ...

Updated: Jan 20, 2010 10:09am PDT

Power lines topple in strong winds : Main power lines leading into Jackson toppled in strong winds this afternoon around 1:30PM. Jackson Fire and CDF and Amador Sheriff's Deputies responded to power lines down and found main lines leading into Jackson toppled and tangled heap onto Highway 88. They immediately contacted CHP and closed Hwy 88 at lower ridge and at Wicklow Way detouring drivers via ridge to Hwy 49. PG&E arrived shortly after the closure and inspected the lines and damage. The road was opened when it was determined that the lines had been de-energized. Bill Lavallie

Power lines topple in strong winds

Main power lines leading into Jackson toppled in strong winds this aft ...

Updated: Jan 17, 2010 10:15pm PDT

January 13, 2010 Tagger Takedown in Jackson : Alleged vandals with possible gang ties were taken into custody today in Jackson, CA. Read the full story here: http://ledger-dispatch.com/news/newsview.asp?c=264745&topStory=1

January 13, 2010 Tagger Takedown in Jackson

Alleged vandals with possible gang ties were taken into custody today ...

Updated: Jan 13, 2010 8:42pm PDT

Jan 12, 2010 Big Rig accident on Hwy 88 : A big rig 40' tractor trailer carrying a load of fence posts lost control on a curve and scatters hundreds of fence posts like a giant game of Pick-up sticks. Fortunately the driver was not injured and no other vehicles were involved. This accident occurred between Dew Drop and Omo Ranch Road on Highway 88 in Amador County, CA. Witnesses indicated that that the tires on either side of the truck were leaving the ground on curves indicating that it may have been traveling too fast for the load it was carrying. The driver of this truck had also been cited earlier in the day for traveling on the east side of the sierras with no chains. Caltrans crews armed with a large loader and the tow company using two of their wreckers, righted the entire truck at one time. Then CDC crews jumped in to clear the posts from the roadway. Bill Lavallie

Jan 12, 2010 Big Rig accident on Hwy 88

A big rig 40' tractor trailer carrying a load of fence posts lost cont ...

Updated: Jan 12, 2010 10:45pm PDT

Head on accident Hwy 88 Pine Grove : Multi vehicle accident sends three to hospital with injuries. Around 4:30PM Sunday a motor vehicle accident was reported just east of Tabeaud Road in Pine Grove. From eye whiteness accounts, an SUV traveling down the hill, east bound, crossed over into the west bound lane, struck one vehicle and ricochet off narrowly missing another vehicle. A pickup truck was struck by the car and then plummeted three hundred feet down an embankment. Another pickup then collided head on with the out of control SUV. The elderly driver of the SUV was seriously injured. The driver of the pickup that hit head on was also injured as was one of the passengers of the pickup that went over the edge. UPDATE: Unfortunately the elderly driver died of her injuries after arriving at the hospital. Altogether eight people were involved in this accident, including two minor children. Bill Lavallie

Head on accident Hwy 88 Pine Grove

Multi vehicle accident sends three to hospital with injuries. Aroun ...

Updated: Jan 03, 2010 6:48pm PDT

Tim Murphy "Burn Me Down" video shoot January 2007 :

Tim Murphy "Burn Me Down" video shoot January 2007

Updated: Dec 25, 2009 10:27am PDT

Injury accident on Hwy 88 in Pioneer :

Injury accident on Hwy 88 in Pioneer

Updated: Dec 22, 2009 10:53pm PDT

Injury accident on Hwy 88 in Pioneer : This car was traveling west on Hwy 88 in Pioneer when the driver may have fallen asleep. The car drifted off the right hand side of the road, and then crossed the east bound lane and crashed. The driver had an injured arm and one of the passengers had to be flown to Mercy San Juan for treatment. A third passenger was not injured

Injury accident on Hwy 88 in Pioneer

This car was traveling west on Hwy 88 in Pioneer when the driver may h ...

Updated: Dec 22, 2009 10:42pm PDT

Rear end collision on Hwy 88 : A US Mail carrier was struck from behind today around 4:30PM at the intersection of Previtali Road and Hwy 88. The carrier was turning left in the west bound lane waiting for east bound traffic when a sedan failed to stop and collided with the left rear of the vehicle.

Rear end collision on Hwy 88

A US Mail carrier was struck from behind today around 4:30PM at the in ...

Updated: Dec 22, 2009 10:22pm PDT

2009 Amador County Sheriff Christmas Toy Drive donates to many needy families. :

2009 Amador County Sheriff Christmas Toy Drive donates to many needy families.

Updated: Dec 20, 2009 7:18pm PDT

Dec 20, 2009 Roll over accident on Hwy 88 : The driver of a pickup truck traveling East on Hwy 88 around 5PM Sunday, lost control, struck the embankment and rolled over onto its roof. The driver was taken by ambulance to the helicopter pad at Sutter Amador Hospital and flown out to Mercy San Juan Hospital for treatment.

Dec 20, 2009 Roll over accident on Hwy 88

The driver of a pickup truck traveling East on Hwy 88 around 5PM Sunda ...

Updated: Dec 20, 2009 5:46pm PDT

12/15/2009 Fatal Accident at Dalton Road : According to an eye witness, an elderly man driving a pickup east on Hwy 88 drifted off the right side of the road at Dalton and collided with a Caltrans switch box. The truck struck the concrete base and then flipped onto its side. When fire and emergency personnel arrived, they pulled the driver out through the windshield. The driver was pronounced diseased at the scene. It is not totally clear exactly what caused the accident although based on the whiteness's statement it appears the driver may have had some medical event. Bill Lavallie

12/15/2009 Fatal Accident at Dalton Road

According to an eye witness, an elderly man driving a pickup east on H ...

Updated: Dec 16, 2009 9:03am PDT

Ione Christmas Parade Dec,12, 2009 :

Ione Christmas Parade Dec,12, 2009

Updated: Dec 13, 2009 6:27pm PDT

Parade of Lights Sutter Creek :

Parade of Lights Sutter Creek

Updated: Dec 13, 2009 4:48pm PDT

Chimney fire severly damages house on Water St in Jackson. : Chimney fire severely damages home on Water Street in Jackson. Wednesday evening Jackson Fire was called out to a reported roof fire on Water Street in Jackson. The fire appears to have started at a break in a seam in the chimney at the roof line. The fire was extinguished but serious damage was done to the upper part of the dwelling.

Chimney fire severly damages house on Water St in Jackson.

Chimney fire severely damages home on Water Street in Jackson. Wednes ...

Updated: Dec 10, 2009 7:48pm PDT

Collision in Pine Grove sends two vehicles tumbling into ditch. : Another skidding accident sends a pickup and sedan crashing into a ditch near Mt. Zion Road in Pine Grove. A pickup heading east slid across the road into the west bound lane and collided with a sedan. Both vehicles tumbled down an embankment. Luckily there was plenty of manpower on scene due to the fact that a Pine Grove Camp crew was headed east at the same time. Ropes were tossed down and camp personnel assisted in pulling the victims out and assisted with the lifting of one injured passenger. Traffic was backed up in both directions while they removed the vehicles from the ditch.

Collision in Pine Grove sends two vehicles tumbling into ditch.

Another skidding accident sends a pickup and sedan crashing into a dit ...

Updated: Dec 08, 2009 10:39pm PDT

Chaos on the hill!! : Chaos was prevalent at the intersection of Ridge Road and Hwy 88 in Pine Grove across from the Pine Grove Market. Vehicles were being towed out of the ditch, the lights were out due to the power loss, traffic was backed up because Hwy 88 and Ridge Road were closed, and ambulances were going one way and fire was going the other!! All made for a full day's work for CHP at that intersection.

Chaos on the hill!!

Chaos was prevalent at the intersection of Ridge Road and Hwy 88 in Pi ...

Updated: Dec 07, 2009 9:08pm PDT

12062009 Accident in Pioneer during snow squall this afternoon : In the middle of the snow squall this afternoon, a car lost control and slid off the road near the old cedar mill. One person was slightly injured and taken to Sutter Amador for treatment.

12062009 Accident in Pioneer during snow squall this afternoon

In the middle of the snow squall this afternoon, a car lost control an ...

Updated: Dec 06, 2009 8:49pm PDT

Mother Lode Scots annual Candlelight Christmas Walk in Plymouth :

Mother Lode Scots annual Candlelight Christmas Walk in Plymouth

Updated: Dec 06, 2009 7:05pm PDT

Calico Christmas in Amador City :

Calico Christmas in Amador City

Updated: Dec 06, 2009 9:58am PDT

Christmas in Sutter Creek, Friday 12/4/2009 :

Christmas in Sutter Creek, Friday 12/4/2009

Updated: Dec 04, 2009 10:14pm PDT

Domestic incident turns into major injury accident and arrest. : According to th Amador County Sherrif's office, an alleged domestic incident turned bad on the back roads of Amador when the parties involved crashed their car with two young children. See more of this story here: http://ledger-dispatch.com/news/newsview.asp?c=263279&topStory=1

Domestic incident turns into major injury accident and arrest.

According to th Amador County Sherrif's office, an alleged domestic i ...

Updated: Dec 01, 2009 9:56pm PDT

Accident on icy roads ends in DIU arrest :

Accident on icy roads ends in DIU arrest

Updated: Nov 24, 2009 8:00am PDT

November Amador Chamber Meeting :

November Amador Chamber Meeting

Updated: Nov 19, 2009 8:43am PDT

Another violent crash near Toyon Road sends two to hospital : A blue pickup traveling west on Hwy 88 lost control and crashed sideways into an oncoming pickup on Hwy 88. The female driver of the blue pickup and the male driver of the brown pickup headed east were both flown out via helicopter to area trauma centers. CHP was still investigating the scene but a witness stated that the woman in the pickup was all over the road, and a BOLO issued by the Amador Sheriff for a truck with a dog in the back weaving on the road through Pine Grove seems to indicate there was a problem with the driver in the blue truck. A young girl in the brown pickup was also examined at the scene for injuries that may have been seatbelt related. Animal control was contacted to pick up the dog, which appeared to have survived the huge impact with no injuries. Bill Lavallie

Another violent crash near Toyon Road sends two to hospital

A blue pickup traveling west on Hwy 88 lost control and crashed sidewa ...

Updated: Nov 13, 2009 7:48am PDT

11112009 Another hay truck bites the dust on Hwy 88 : Yet another hay truck bites the dust!! Another hay truck rolls over on a curve in Amador County. A hay truck traveling west on 88 lost control on the curve at the end of the long stretch that runs from Gala Manor to Aqueduct spilling hay onto the roadway and skidding for about 50 feet on its side into the east bound lane. Fortunately no vehicles were near the accident traveling in the east bound lane and the driver of the truck was not injured. The accident eventually caused a monumental traffic jam by Amador standards. The righting of the truck caused both lanes to be blocked for some time. Traffic was backed up on the west side of the accident all the way to Volcano Telephone's office in Pine Grove! Bill Lavallie

11112009 Another hay truck bites the dust on Hwy 88

Yet another hay truck bites the dust!! Another hay truck rolls over o ...

Updated: Nov 12, 2009 8:41am PDT

Congressman Dan Lungren attends Veterans Day event at Amador Post 108 :

Congressman Dan Lungren attends Veterans Day event at Amador Post 108

Updated: Nov 12, 2009 8:22am PDT

Veterans Day Parade 2009 Jackson :

Veterans Day Parade 2009 Jackson

Updated: Nov 11, 2009 10:54pm PDT

Scot's Walk - Volcano 2008 : PHOTOS BY MIKE SORENSEN.

Scot's Walk - Volcano 2008

PHOTOS BY MIKE SORENSEN.

Updated: Nov 10, 2009 11:07pm PDT

Visit to Nevada City and Grass Valley :

Visit to Nevada City and Grass Valley

Updated: Nov 07, 2009 8:16pm PDT

2009 Business Persons of the Year Bart and Maura Gillman :

2009 Business Persons of the Year Bart and Maura Gillman

Updated: Nov 05, 2009 10:54am PDT

St George Halloween Mature :

St George Halloween Mature

Updated: Nov 02, 2009 9:22pm PDT

Halloween at the George General Version :

Halloween at the George General Version

Updated: Nov 02, 2009 8:03pm PDT

Halloween Trick or Treat Jackson :

Halloween Trick or Treat Jackson

Updated: Nov 02, 2009 8:26am PDT

Wreckless Motorcycle Driver flees accident scene :

Wreckless Motorcycle Driver flees accident scene

Updated: Oct 31, 2009 10:05am PDT

Haunted Dungeon in Sutter Creek :

Haunted Dungeon in Sutter Creek

Updated: Oct 31, 2009 9:23am PDT

Giant 700 Pound Pumpkin at Jackson Rancheria : Jackson Rancheria Executive Chef Ed Wickman carved a 700 pound pumpkin for Halloween on Friday, October 30. He started early in the morining and it took the better part of the day to complete the masterpiece which now stands outside the Casino Lobby door. The pumpkin was grown by Richard Larson of Granite Bay and given to Jackson Rancheria. “It was so pretty I thought it should be displayed somewhere,” said Larson. And Wickman, an experience giant pumpkin carver, was glad to take it on. The pumpkin is part of the decorations for the Casino’s $275,000 Mad Money promotion and Halloween festivities.

Giant 700 Pound Pumpkin at Jackson Rancheria

Jackson Rancheria Executive Chef Ed Wickman carved a 700 pound pumpki ...

Updated: Oct 31, 2009 7:57am PDT

Mel & Fayes Diner Jackson - Business person of the year award. :

Mel & Fayes Diner Jackson - Business person of the year award.

Updated: Oct 30, 2009 9:53pm PDT

10272009 Car crashes into School Bus in Sutter Hill :

10272009 Car crashes into School Bus in Sutter Hill

Updated: Oct 28, 2009 9:05am PDT

Sharon Merzlak Birthday 2009 :

Sharon Merzlak Birthday 2009

Updated: Oct 28, 2009 8:22am PDT

Amador Peace Officers 2009 Citizen of the Year and Officer of the Year :

Amador Peace Officers 2009 Citizen of the Year and Officer of the Year

Updated: Oct 26, 2009 10:08pm PDT

Speakeazy Jazz Orchestra (SJO) at the Elks in Jackson : http://speakeazyjazz.com/ This is REAL music. A great sound and well practiced and played. A must see if you like this type of music. They play at the Elks Club in Jackson every fourth Sunday. The cover is $8 and part of that goes to charity (Purple Pig Charity). Check the web site of the band listed above.

Speakeazy Jazz Orchestra (SJO) at the Elks in Jackson

http://speakeazyjazz.com/ This is REAL music. A great sound and well ...

Updated: Oct 26, 2009 12:11pm PDT

Car skids on wet pavement and comes to rest on its side on New York Ranch Road :

Car skids on wet pavement and comes to rest on its side on New York Ranch Road

Updated: Oct 19, 2009 8:48pm PDT

Heritage Days Jackson Ca 2009 :

Heritage Days Jackson Ca 2009

Updated: Oct 18, 2009 10:18pm PDT

Amador Chamber Mixer at Sutter Amador Hospital :

Amador Chamber Mixer at Sutter Amador Hospital

Updated: Oct 16, 2009 10:46pm PDT

Huge tree branch crashes into home in Pine Grove : Luckily the Rolf’s were not home during the blustery storm on Wednesday when a large tree limb came crashing down onto their home on Pine Grove - Volcano Road. The downed limb destroyed a stone fireplace and chimney and then compromised the interior walls and structure of the home Ginger Rolf stated that it may take months before the repairs are complete and that they will most likely have to live else ware until the they are done. Bill Lavallie

Huge tree branch crashes into home in Pine Grove

Luckily the Rolf’s were not home during the blustery storm on Wednesda ...

Updated: Oct 16, 2009 10:19pm PDT

Rainy Day Mishaps - Tuesday's Big Storm : Trees down, trees down on power lines, and tree down across road and a truck slams into it. The truck slammed into the down tree on Ridge at Climax. The driver refused medical service and emergency responders had a huge job ahead cutting up that tree in the pouring rain. Power outages everywhere.. See the PG&E Outage Map at 9:51PM Tuesday.

Rainy Day Mishaps - Tuesday's Big Storm

Trees down, trees down on power lines, and tree down across road and a ...

Updated: Oct 14, 2009 5:55am PDT

Ledger Dispatch publisher Jack Mitchel gets ROASTED at Castle Oaks :

Ledger Dispatch publisher Jack Mitchel gets ROASTED at Castle Oaks

Updated: Oct 12, 2009 8:15am PDT

Wings and Wheels - Cadet races to assist aircraft down. :

Wings and Wheels - Cadet races to assist aircraft down.

Updated: Oct 06, 2009 8:49am PDT

Amador Flower Farm :

Amador Flower Farm

Updated: Oct 05, 2009 7:34pm PDT

Monday rollover accident on Latrobe Road : A woman traveling north on Latrobe Road lost control of the vehicle on the sharp curve at Lorentz Road. The car went off the right side of the road then rolled over and came to rest on its roof. Fortunately the occupant was not injured.

Monday rollover accident on Latrobe Road

A woman traveling north on Latrobe Road lost control of the vehicle on ...

Updated: Sep 28, 2009 10:24pm PDT

Apartment Fire In Jackson : Friday apartment fire on Raggio Road in Jackson. The corner apartment of this 4-plex apartment building caught fire possibly due to a can of cigarette butts left outside near the wall. Jackson Fire and CDF responded along with a unit from Battalion 10. The fire was held in check to the one apartment. Red Cross was called in to assist the residents.

Apartment Fire In Jackson

Friday apartment fire on Raggio Road in Jackson. The corner apartme ...

Updated: Sep 28, 2009 9:58pm PDT

Sunday Dirt Bike rider suffers serious head injury : Sunday a man injured after a freak accident on his motorbike was flown out on a Calstar Helicopter. The man, a resident Pioneer, was riding a dirt bike when the throttle got stuck and propelled him towards a chain link fence. To avoid crashing into the fence he leaned the bike over and made contact with the ground striking his head. He did not have a helmet on at the time and due to the type of injury medics called for the helicopter.

Sunday Dirt Bike rider suffers serious head injury

Sunday a man injured after a freak accident on his motorbike was flown ...

Updated: Sep 28, 2009 9:30pm PDT

Tuesday September 22, 2009 Car fire on Hwy 88 East of Pine Grove : Car fire on Hwy 88 east of Pine Grove on Sep 22. The car was a total however a wild land fire was averted when the driver, while the car was on fire, steered the vehicle toward the center of the road, and away from the roadside after he lost his breaks.

Tuesday September 22, 2009 Car fire on Hwy 88 East of Pine Grove

Car fire on Hwy 88 east of Pine Grove on Sep 22. The car was a total ...

Updated: Sep 23, 2009 8:46pm PDT

September 19, 2009 Spagetti Western at Cooper Vineyards Benefit for Amador Cancer REsearch Foundation :

September 19, 2009 Spagetti Western at Cooper Vineyards Benefit for Amador Cancer REsearch Foundation

Updated: Sep 23, 2009 7:16pm PDT

Sunday September 9, 2009 Sutter Creek Chili Cookoff and Car Show :

Sunday September 9, 2009 Sutter Creek Chili Cookoff and Car Show

Updated: Sep 20, 2009 10:43pm PDT

09192009 Cars at the Volcano Union Inn :

09192009 Cars at the Volcano Union Inn

Updated: Sep 20, 2009 5:11pm PDT

Thursday September 17, 2009 Power lines down fire on New York Ranch Road in Jackson :

Thursday September 17, 2009 Power lines down fire on New York Ranch Road in Jackson

Updated: Sep 18, 2009 8:51am PDT

49er Sports Grill Car Club Dinner :

49er Sports Grill Car Club Dinner

Updated: Sep 18, 2009 8:13am PDT

Wednesday September 16 Driver rolls car on Hwy 88 in Pioneer : Per CHP web site accident occurred around 9:46PM west of Amador Station. The car skidded and rolled for at least 100 feet. Not a window was left in the car. Somehow the driver got out and then left the scene. Police are still looking for the driver.

Wednesday September 16 Driver rolls car on Hwy 88 in Pioneer

Per CHP web site accident occurred around 9:46PM west of Amador Statio ...

Updated: Sep 17, 2009 7:15am PDT

Wednesday September 16, 2009 Amador Chamber Mixer at Helimax at Westover Airport :

Wednesday September 16, 2009 Amador Chamber Mixer at Helimax at Westover Airport

Updated: Sep 16, 2009 9:45pm PDT

Tuesday September 15, 2009 Car crash at Hwy 49 and Ridge Road in Martel California :

Tuesday September 15, 2009 Car crash at Hwy 49 and Ridge Road in Martel California

Updated: Sep 15, 2009 10:09pm PDT

09122009 Spring Fire :

09122009 Spring Fire

Updated: Sep 14, 2009 9:45pm PDT

Friday September 11, 2009 Under the stars with Exie : Our small group of amateur astronomers mostly do Science and Astronomy Educational Outreach in Amador County. Below is some club info. If you take a minute to go our website and click on "photos of events" and/or "about us", "educational links" (one video from local TV station) you might get a better idea of our mission. Thanks again. Next star party in 2 weeks at Sutter Creek Elementary. Please feel free to come without camera and just enjoy looking at heavenly bodies with us. http://www.amadorastronomy.org/service.aspx AAS community involvement during past years has included: Star party and membership meetings at the observatory and other venues Boy Scout Merit badge support GATE classes taught in El Dorado County Public star parties at Pine Grove Elementary Public star parties at Ione Elementary Public star parties at Sutter Creek Elementary Astronomy GATE club at Carl Sundahl Elementary, Folsom Astronomy classes taught at Kids' College Public school teachers received astronomical resources and in-class assistance in the teaching of astronomy at Ione Elementary, Pine Grove Elementary, Sutter Creek Elementary, Sutter Creek Primary and Jackson Elementary. Development and maintenance of a Web site with teaching materials for local students and amateur astronomers If you would like to participate in our community projects and star parties, please E-Mail Larry Brown, President, Amador Astronomical Society at amadorastronomy@volcano.net

Friday September 11, 2009 Under the stars with Exie

Our small group of amateur astronomers mostly do Science and Astronomy ...

Updated: Sep 12, 2009 9:03am PDT

September 10, 2009 Robbie Kinevel Jumps the busses at Jackson Rancheria :

September 10, 2009 Robbie Kinevel Jumps the busses at Jackson Rancheria

Updated: Sep 11, 2009 2:04pm PDT

Wednesday September 9, 2009 Drytown Man Rescued from Well : A young man in Drytown had an unpleasant surprise Wednesday while he was entering a shed in his back yard. While standing near the doorway, the floorboards gave way and he fell into an old abandoned, hand dug well. He fell about 20 feet and was trapped in the hole until someone realized he was missing. See the full story here: http://ledger-dispatch.com/news/newsview.asp?c=260663&topStory=1

Wednesday September 9, 2009 Drytown Man Rescued from Well

A young man in Drytown had an unpleasant surprise Wednesday while he w ...

Updated: Sep 11, 2009 8:05am PDT

Wednesday Sep 9, 2009 Head on hit and run crash on Hwy 26 : A pickup truck traveling on Hwy 26 towards Amador Hwy 88 was struck head on by an SUB headed in the direction of West Point. One witness stated that the driver of the SUV ran from the scene of the accident, and he followed him for some distance until he jumped over the embankment and headed down steep terrain off of Hwy 26. The driver of the pickup was flown out via helicopter with injuries he suffered in the crash. CHP has put out a BOLO on an Anthony Kesler as the suspected driver. UPDATE - The driver that was struck by Kesler is Neil Frisby of Wilseyville. The CHP reported that Niel was flown to Mercy San Juan Hospital for treatment of his injuries. CHP are still looking for Kesler for questioning about this accident.

Wednesday Sep 9, 2009 Head on hit and run crash on Hwy 26

A pickup truck traveling on Hwy 26 towards Amador Hwy 88 was struck he ...

Updated: Sep 09, 2009 9:19am PDT

Accident Friday September 4, 2009 on Hwy 88 in Pine Grove :

Accident Friday September 4, 2009 on Hwy 88 in Pine Grove

Updated: Sep 08, 2009 7:29am PDT

September 3, 2009 RV vs. Truck on Hwy 88 causes major traffic problem in Amador Thursday Morining : An early morning accident between an RV and Big Rig caused a serious traffic jam on Highway 88 between Jackson and Dalton Road. A camper exiting Ousby Road pulled in front of a 47 foot tractor trailer rig causing the truck to strike the camper mid way completely blocking the roadway for over an hour. The RV driver and his female passenger owere taken to Sutter Amador hospital. The truck driver did not suffer any injuries.

September 3, 2009 RV vs. Truck on Hwy 88 causes major traffic problem in Amador Thursday Morining

An early morning accident between an RV and Big Rig caused a serious t ...

Updated: Sep 03, 2009 9:41am PDT

Tuesday September 1, 2009 Fatal accident on Ridge at Climax in Amador Countey : A sedan traveling eastbound on Ridge came to the intersection of ridge and climax. The driver of the sedan then made a left turn to proceed on to upper ridge but apparently, due to the low sun, could not see any oncoming traffic. A crane truck traveling westbound on Climax had no time to stop his rig and struck the sedan broadside plowing the car to the edge of the roadside and then rolling the truck on its side. An eye witness that was stopped at the Ridge/Climax intersection indicated that he saw the truck and then the car turn in front of it. The force of the impact on the passenger side was substantial and the truck proceeded down the road and rolled on its side. The female passenger was taken to the hospital but efforts to revive her failed and she was declared diseased at Sutter Amador.

Tuesday September 1, 2009 Fatal accident on Ridge at Climax in Amador Countey

A sedan traveling eastbound on Ridge came to the intersection of ridge ...

Updated: Sep 02, 2009 8:10am PDT

Saturday 8/29/2009 - Motorcycle crashes in front of Kmart in Sutter Hill : The driver of this motorcycle appeared to have been over come with heat exhaustion and went off the road. Fortunately no traffic was comming in the other direction and emergency personnel arrived quickly and packaged him up for transport to the hospital.

Saturday 8/29/2009 - Motorcycle crashes in front of Kmart in Sutter Hill

The driver of this motorcycle appeared to have been over come with hea ...

Updated: Sep 01, 2009 7:14pm PDT

Monday August 31, 2009 Bomb Scare at Jackson City Hall : Someone left a backpack in the bushes near City Hall in Jackson this morning and that triggered an all-out bomb squad response. Roadways around City Hall were closed down and Hwy 88 traffic was diverted through downtown Jackson. Responders from Jackson Police, Sutter Creek Police, Calaveras Bomb Squad, CHP and Jackson Fire Department were all called in to coordinate the removal of the backpack. The bag was finally detonated with a small charge and nothing threatening was found inside.

Monday August 31, 2009 Bomb Scare at Jackson City Hall

Someone left a backpack in the bushes near City Hall in Jackson this m ...

Updated: Aug 31, 2009 8:18pm PDT

August 28, 2009 Belly Dancers at Clarks Corner in Ione :

August 28, 2009 Belly Dancers at Clarks Corner in Ione

Updated: Aug 31, 2009 6:47pm PDT

Truck rolls over at Shakeridge and Hale Road - Two brothers flown out to area hospitals. : A flatbed truck hauling a load of logs overturned at Hale Road on Friday. The driver and his passenger were flown out by helicopters for treatment at area trauma centers. CHP have indicated that they later arrested the driver on suspicion of felony DUI.

Truck rolls over at Shakeridge and Hale Road - Two brothers flown out to area hospitals.

A flatbed truck hauling a load of logs overturned at Hale Road on Frid ...

Updated: Aug 31, 2009 10:46am PDT

Divas at the George :

Divas at the George

Updated: Aug 24, 2009 5:05am PDT

Tess :

Tess

Updated: Aug 24, 2009 5:04am PDT

Driver launches Yaris over cliff and sticks landing in a cluster of trees. : Late Friday afternoon a driver traveling on Hwy 26 near Glenco in Calaveras launched his Yaris over a steep sharp curve and miraculously landed in a cluster of trees that prevented him from plunging down the cliff below. The driver was taken to the hospital by ambulance.

Driver launches Yaris over cliff and sticks landing in a cluster of trees.

Late Friday afternoon a driver traveling on Hwy 26 near Glenco in Cala ...

Updated: Aug 23, 2009 9:24pm PDT

Injury accident Friday morning on Hwy 88 in Pine Grove 8/21/09 :

Injury accident Friday morning on Hwy 88 in Pine Grove 8/21/09

Updated: Aug 23, 2009 8:33pm PDT

Fire near Pardee Dam Saturday 8/22/09 : Fire broke out near Pardee Saturday afternoon. The supsected cause is a down power line.

Fire near Pardee Dam Saturday 8/22/09

Fire broke out near Pardee Saturday afternoon. The supsected caus ...

Updated: Aug 23, 2009 8:16pm PDT

Gunshots ring out on Jura Lane Sunday Evening : Shots rang out Sunday evening on Jura Lane in Fiddletown. When it was over, one man was dead and the other in jail charged with suspicion of murder. For the breaking news story, go to the link below. http://ledger-dispatch.com/news/newsview.asp?c=259841&topStory=1

Gunshots ring out on Jura Lane Sunday Evening

Shots rang out Sunday evening on Jura Lane in Fiddletown. When it was ...

Updated: Aug 17, 2009 6:25pm PDT

House Fire in Pioneer on Wagon Wheel Drive :

House Fire in Pioneer on Wagon Wheel Drive

Updated: Aug 16, 2009 6:12pm PDT

08132009 Robery Suspects Felony Stop Jackson California : Around noon time, Thursday, a call came into the Sherrifs office that a home was being burglarized in Jackson Ca. The whitness reported the description of the robbers and their vehicle. Police responded but the suspects had already left the scene. While the police were at the home they spoted the vehicle in the neighborhood and several Jackson Police converged on the area. The vehicle was stopped at the intersection of Pit Street and Highway 88. The officers then conducted a felony stop and took the suspects into custody. There will be more information posted on the charges and items stolen later.

08132009 Robery Suspects Felony Stop Jackson California

Around noon time, Thursday, a call came into the Sherrifs office that ...

Updated: Aug 14, 2009 7:29am PDT

Cement truck topples into ditch in Sutter Creek :

Cement truck topples into ditch in Sutter Creek

Updated: Aug 12, 2009 7:41pm PDT

Amador County Fair - Sights from the fair :

Amador County Fair - Sights from the fair

Updated: Aug 03, 2009 9:42pm PDT

Amador County Fair - 7/30/2009 - Ms Amador Pageant :

Amador County Fair - 7/30/2009 - Ms Amador Pageant

Updated: Aug 03, 2009 8:48pm PDT

Amador County Fair - 08/02/2009 - Demolition Derby :

Amador County Fair - 08/02/2009 - Demolition Derby

Updated: Aug 03, 2009 10:17am PDT

Amador County Fair - 08/01/2009 - Rodeo :

Amador County Fair - 08/01/2009 - Rodeo

Updated: Aug 02, 2009 1:42pm PDT

Amador County Fair 07-31-2009 Tractor and Truck Pull :

Amador County Fair 07-31-2009 Tractor and Truck Pull

Updated: Aug 01, 2009 9:09am PDT

High Wire Hangup Causes Major Power Failure :

High Wire Hangup Causes Major Power Failure

Updated: Jul 29, 2009 10:17pm PDT

Out and about in Jackson California :

Out and about in Jackson California

Updated: Jul 27, 2009 7:57am PDT

Kam's Party :

Kam's Party

Updated: Jul 20, 2009 7:46am PDT

July 4, 2009 Canonball Run Volcano California :

July 4, 2009 Canonball Run Volcano California

Updated: Jul 17, 2009 7:58am PDT

Good Day Sacramento - Mark S Allen Visits Jackson/Amador : Good Day Sacramento visited Jackson/Amador Tuesday after two of our young citizens chastised them for "never coming to Jackson". Several residents showed up at the Martel location where they had set up their communications truck in front of PETCO in the parking lot. Mark has a knack for bringing out the best in everyone and the photos in this album show how things went.

Good Day Sacramento - Mark S Allen Visits Jackson/Amador

Good Day Sacramento visited Jackson/Amador Tuesday after two of our y ...

Updated: Jul 14, 2009 7:51pm PDT

07102009 Headon crash near Jackson California sends on to the hospital via helicopter : Friday Evening July 10, 2009 - Martel California A head on collision on a stretch of Highway 88 called Hurricane Hill sent one man to a local trauma center via helicopter. A white car that witnesses clamed was having trouble maintaining its lane crossed over two lanes and struck a pickup traveling in the westbound direction. A fire then started in the white car, but the driver and his dog were able to get out. The victim in the truck had to be extracted from the vehicle by firefighters from Ione, Jackson and CDF. Calstar landed its helicopter on the road near the accident and the victim was quickly loaded onto the helicopter and taken to the hospital. At the scene the driver of the white vehicle had no injuries and did not appear to be impaired.

07102009 Headon crash near Jackson California sends on to the hospital via helicopter

Friday Evening July 10, 2009 - Martel California A head on collisio ...

Updated: Jul 14, 2009 6:33am PDT

Kamps Propane :

Kamps Propane

Updated: Jul 10, 2009 9:32am PDT

July 2, 2009 House Fire Susan Lane Pioneer California :

July 2, 2009 House Fire Susan Lane Pioneer California

Updated: Jul 03, 2009 9:42am PDT

June 30, 2009 Fire at Mace Meadows Golf Cart Shed :

June 30, 2009 Fire at Mace Meadows Golf Cart Shed

Updated: Jul 01, 2009 10:12am PDT

Singing in the Rain: A Cow, a sprinkler, a hot day : You really need to view these at X3Large size to get the entire effect. To do this hold your mouse at the right margin of the picture and a size selector will pop in.

Singing in the Rain: A Cow, a sprinkler, a hot day

You really need to view these at X3Large size to get the entire effect ...

Updated: Jun 28, 2009 11:08pm PDT

06282009 Wildfire on Hunt Road in Milton CA :

06282009 Wildfire on Hunt Road in Milton CA

Updated: Jun 28, 2009 10:56pm PDT

Black Bart Days Sutter Creek California 2009 :

Black Bart Days Sutter Creek California 2009

Updated: Jun 23, 2009 9:17pm PDT

Black Bart Days Sutter Creek California :

Black Bart Days Sutter Creek California

Updated: Jun 23, 2009 9:11pm PDT

Father's Day BBQ and Blues at the St. George Hotel :

Father's Day BBQ and Blues at the St. George Hotel

Updated: Jun 22, 2009 8:17am PDT

Humminng Birds :

Humminng Birds

Updated: Jun 13, 2009 6:33pm PDT

Sutter Creek Footbridge Gets Lifted Into Place :

Sutter Creek Footbridge Gets Lifted Into Place

Updated: Jun 11, 2009 6:43pm PDT

2009 Italian Picnic and Parade : Michelle Hoover also has photos of the parade. Please go here to see her photographs: http://mic.smugmug.com/gallery/8483886_2nTB6#558062507_aRzFh

2009 Italian Picnic and Parade

Michelle Hoover also has photos of the parade. Please go here to see ...

Updated: Jun 09, 2009 7:26am PDT

CHP Presentation of Resolution to Dr, Hood for saving the life of CHP Officer Joel Merrill : Background on this story quoted from CHP: CHP Officer Joel Merrill was in the ER in the early morning hours of March 26th. He needed to get his hand x-rayed after a fight with a drunk. While he was waiting for the x-ray, he had a life threatening heart attack. The kind you hear of healthy people just dropping dead from. Dr. Drew Hood was there in the Emergency Room and took action. The rest is text from a Resolution from the CHP presented to Dr. Hood on June 7, 2009: Dr. Drew Hood Whereas: On March 25, 2009, California Highway Patrol Officer Joel Merrill was in the Sutter Amador Hospital Emergency Room for treatment of a hand injury, and; Whereas: Officer Merrill, experiencing light-headedness, laid down to ease his discomfort, and; Whereas: Upon encountering Officer Merrill, Dr. Drew Hood immediately diagnosed his condition as a heart attack, and; Whereas: Dr. Drew Hood quickly focused all Emergency Room resources on Officer Merrill, and: Whereas: Dr. Drew Hood immediately administered medication to Officer Merrill, allowing him to be stabilized and expediting his transportation to Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento for treatment of a major artery blockage, and; Whereas: In the opinion of consulting and examining physicians, had Dr. Drew Hood not acted quickly in diagnosing and treating Officer Merrill, his heart attack would have been fatal, and; Whereas: The actions of Dr. Drew Hood in treating Officer Merrill saved his life, and; Whereas: Dr. Drew Hood is a respected member of the Jackson community and medical profession and now therefore be it Resolved: By the men and women of the California Highway Patrol that Dr. Drew Hood is thanked and saluted for his selfless efforts in saving the life of Officer Joel Merrill. He, and the CHP, is in his debt for his actions.

CHP Presentation of Resolution to Dr, Hood for saving the life of CHP Officer Joel Merrill

Background on this story quoted from CHP: CHP Officer Joel Merrill ...

Updated: Jun 08, 2009 10:45am PDT

Sober Grads 2009 : Photos taken on June 5th at Amador Sober Grad. More photos taken by Michelle Hoover are on this page: http://mic.smugmug.com/gallery/8450535_NjBLM#555451876_GFpEK

Sober Grads 2009

Photos taken on June 5th at Amador Sober Grad. More photos taken by ...

Updated: Jun 07, 2009 5:41pm PDT

empty gallery

Sober Grad 2009

Updated: Jun 05, 2009 11:07am PDT

Memorial Day Amador California 2009 :

Memorial Day Amador California 2009

Updated: May 27, 2009 9:55am PDT

6th Annual Placer County Spring Wine Tasting at Latitudes Restaurant in Auburn : I had the pleasure to attend this wine tasting at Latitudes Restaurant in Auburn. With me was an old friend and wine connoisseur Dan Lannutti. Dan has made comments on this site regarding the wines he tasted. Since I was the photographer, and designated driver, I was not able to sample many of the wines. I did have a chance to talk with most of the winemakers, and found that there is a treasure of boutique wineries in this area. We will definitely be visiting these wineries and enjoying more tasting in the future. Bill Lavallie

6th Annual Placer County Spring Wine Tasting at Latitudes Restaurant in Auburn

I had the pleasure to attend this wine tasting at Latitudes Restaurant ...

Updated: May 21, 2009 8:46am PDT

Amador Vintners 2009 Wine and Jazz Jubilee :

Amador Vintners 2009 Wine and Jazz Jubilee

Updated: May 18, 2009 10:33am PDT

Accident on Hwy 88 near Dalton Road :

Accident on Hwy 88 near Dalton Road

Updated: May 14, 2009 8:07am PDT

Ione Homecoming Parade :

Ione Homecoming Parade

Updated: May 12, 2009 8:58am PDT

The Salon :

The Salon

Updated: Apr 28, 2009 8:08pm PDT

Puck :

Puck

Updated: Apr 28, 2009 7:27pm PDT

Tim Murphy Video Shoot - Burn Me Down January 2007 :

Tim Murphy Video Shoot - Burn Me Down January 2007

Updated: Apr 12, 2009 6:28pm PDT

Vera :

Vera

Updated: Apr 12, 2009 9:46am PDT

Amador Chamber Trade Show at the Jackson Rancheria :

Amador Chamber Trade Show at the Jackson Rancheria

Updated: Apr 10, 2009 9:51am PDT

Daffodil Hill April 2009 :

Daffodil Hill April 2009

Updated: Apr 07, 2009 12:02am PDT

Car traveling at high speed loses control and crashes into tree on China Graveyard Road : Wednesday Morning April 1, 2009 – Jackson California Car traveling at high speed loses control and crashes into tree on China Graveyard Road An early morning crash put Jackson fire personnel into high gear with all the tools they have to rescue a passenger trapped in the vehicle. The rescue played out on a dark corner on China Graveyard Road where the red sports car had come to rest with a tree imbedded into the right front of the vehicle crushing the metal around the passengers lower body. Slowly and methodically, using the jaws of life, fire personnel dismantled the vehicle until they could get the victim out. At the scene were Jackson Fire, Jackson Police, CDF, Veterans Ambulance, CHP, and Amador Sheriff, all assisting and working their part of the crash scene. The driver of the vehicle is suspected to have been under the influence and was taken to Sutter Amador Hospital. The passenger was flown to an area hospital trauma center via helicopter. Bill Lavallie

Car traveling at high speed loses control and crashes into tree on China Graveyard Road

Wednesday Morning April 1, 2009 – Jackson California Car traveling at ...

Updated: Apr 01, 2009 9:25pm PDT

March 31, 2009 Hay Truck Accident : Tuesday March 31, 2009 - Pioneer California Another hay truck fails to make it down Highway 88. What has become an all too often occurrence, another hay truck lost control on a curve, tipped over and lost its entire load on the road along Highway 88 near Cooks Station. Eye witnesses indicate that the truck was moving at a fast pace along the tight curves leading up to Cooks station. Apparently something went wrong and the rear trailer began to tip over to the right and soon the rest of the rig followed. The tractor and front trailer soon ricochet off of several trees and the load from both trailers tumbled into the road and down the embankment. Lucky for the driver the cab, came to a stop upside down between the embankment and some trees, leaving it severely damaged but not crushed. The driver was able to crawl out and he later sought medical attention when the ambulance arrived. It took a couple of hours to clean up the mess and right the truck and tractor. Amador fire, Calfire, CalTrans and CHP were all on scene working on various parts of clearing up the road. A large truck size wrecker and a smaller wrecker from ATR were used to remove the vehicle from the side of the hill and right it. The accident was still being investigated when I left the scene. Bill Lavallie

March 31, 2009 Hay Truck Accident

Tuesday March 31, 2009 - Pioneer California Another hay truck fails ...

Updated: Mar 31, 2009 9:07pm PDT

Belly Dancers at Clark's Corner : Saturday March 28, 2009 – Clark’s Corner, Ione California An evening of belly dancers at Clark’s provides a change of pace in entertainment. There was quite a gathering at Clark’s Corner in Ione on Saturday. Clark's is a relatively new Coffee House and Community Center in the middle of Ione across from the Town Hall. Enough of a crowd gathered that some were left on the sidewalk peering in the windows as the acts were going on. Tracy Carlton put together this event with the help of other dancers in the area and came up with a very impressive show for the audience. All ages attended and the youngsters were awestruck watching the dancers with swords on their heads dance around. The dancers are described below: Kundalini Belly Dance Tribe: Tracy Carlton (me), Sonya Castoe (poi spinner - aka fire spinner, short, has long long hair, in green), Jenny Fuller (long dark hair, in green/red/rust), Jenny Upchurch (short dark hair in blue/purple), not there Kimberly Wooten. All from Amador County. Soloist - Cybella, blond hair (Ursula Perry) (did two sets in two diff. costumes, used zills/finger cymbals like crazy). Calaveras County. Duo - Desert Oasis Dancers (Patti Koolhoven-in red, Rochelle Pena-in purple) (the 'n' in Pena has a 'tidle' over it but I couldn't figure out how to type that in). Calaveras County. Soloist - Farina (Leslie Shepherds) (did only one dance-veil dance, in purple, Calaveras County. Bill Lavallie

Belly Dancers at Clark's Corner

Saturday March 28, 2009 – Clark’s Corner, Ione California An evenin ...

Updated: Mar 31, 2009 8:53am PDT

House fire on Curran Road in Ione : March 12, 2009 - Ione California House fire in Ione claims another residence in Amador County In the wake of a house fire on Wednesday that destroyed a house in Pioneer, another fire broke out around 11:15AM off of Curran Road in the Lake Comanche/Ione area. This fire also destroyed most of the home, leaving behind charred remains of memories on the bookshelf. A horse rancher at 4183 Curran Road had gone to a neighbor's house to work out some horses and when he returned he noticed a small amount of smoke coming from the windows and eves of the home. He immediately phoned 911 and fire units from Ione, Mule Creek, CDF and Amador Fire were dispatched. The heat buildup inside the closed building was intense and when fire units arrived the home was fully involved. Firefighters knocked down the blaze quickly, but the damage had already been done. The Red Cross was also called in to aid the victims. The cause of the blaze was unclear. CDF fire prevention was investigating the cause. Bill Lavallie

House fire on Curran Road in Ione

March 12, 2009 - Ione California House fire in ...

Updated: Mar 12, 2009 10:36pm PDT

House Fire in Pioneer California. : March 11, 2009 – Pioneer California House fire in Pioneer causes serious damage. A call came in about 11:15AM from an elderly woman who reported that her home was on fire. The attic and roof area were on fire and she stated that she needed assistance in vacating the premises. Amador Sherriff’s deputies and a US Forestry Enforcement officer sped to the scene. The on duty Sherriff’s Sergeant quickly entered the building, which was in flames, and went to the second floor to aid the woman and get her out of the house. When Amador Fire and CDF arrived they had a difficult time due to the fact that there was a steep, single land driveway, so hose lines had to be set up with one engine at the top of the hill and other engines and water tenders a the bottom of the hill. Fire fighters entered the building, with the top floor fully involved and battled the blaze from inside and the outside. It can only be said that it is amazing how much they did save under the circumstances. There was no total estimate on damage when I left the scene. The cause of the blaze had not been determined as of yet. Bill Lavallie

House Fire in Pioneer California.

March 11, 2009 – Pioneer California House fire in Pioneer causes seri ...

Updated: Mar 11, 2009 9:58pm PDT

Nevada City Calfornia :

Nevada City Calfornia

Updated: Mar 07, 2009 7:50pm PDT

No injuries in railroad crossing crash. : No injuries in railroad crossing crash Thursday, February 26, 2009 By Bill Lavallie - Raheem Hosseini An early morning accident Thursday at a railroad crossing on Highway 88 near Sutter Creek Ranchos Road caused traffic delays, but no injuries. There were no injuries in a spectacular crash on Highway 88 near Sutter Creek Thursday morning, when a school bus traveling eastbound stopped at the railroad crossing and an approaching motorist in a 1995 Dodge pickup truck braked suddenly. Motorists behind the Dodge were not prepared for the sudden stop, leading to a wreck in which one vehicle was flipped onto its side. Another 1995 Dodge pickup truck, rammed into the first Dodge. The driver of a 2006 Chevrolet trailing behind the action, 34-year-old Elizabeth Saravia of Ione, braked but couldn't avoid skidding into the pickup in front of her. The pickup was sandwiched between two vehicles, became airborne and spun around, coming to rest in the roadway on its side. The overturned truck's occupant, Gary Ballard, 46, of Pine Grove, was uninjured. The accident blocked traffic in the eastbound lane, and traffic control was required for about an hour. The California Highway Patrol was still investigating the crash at press time.

No injuries in railroad crossing crash.

No injuries in railroad crossing crash Thursday, February 26, 2009 B ...

Updated: Feb 27, 2009 6:58am PDT

Sutter Creek Mardi Gras :

Sutter Creek Mardi Gras

Updated: Feb 23, 2009 7:01am PDT

Eagles of the Lake : First time for me photographing Eagles. The tour was fantastic! The weather was fantastic also. I never thought about it but once out in the boat I realized this was not going to be easy. Three factors: 1 - The boat is moving. 2 - The Eagles are moving. 3 - The camera is moving. I shot with a 28-300MM lens, but should have had an 800MM lens (which I do not have $$$$). So, out of the many shots I took, here are the pictures that look reasonable. I am glad I went. It is a fantastic sight to see an eagle fly and to catch a fish it is quite a show!! I'm still thinking about how they do that?? Random fish movement, huge bird diving down, seems more like betting on the lotto... Hope you enjoy.. UPDATE - A note from our guide Steve Diers: Bill: Thank you for sharing you pictures of the tour. On the AM (Morning) Eagle Tour Participants observed 13 Eagles total (9 Juvenile B A, 3 Adult B A, 1 Adult G E & 1 unknown Eagle), a Northern Harrier, an Osprey, a Prairie Falcon, 7 Red-tailed Hawks and 4 White Pelicans. In Norton Gulch they observed 6 Bald Eagles at one time. On the afternoon tour Participants observed 10 Eagles (7 Juvenile B A, 2 Adult B A & 1 Adult G E), an Osprey and 8 Red-tailed Hawks. I personally have not seen 6 Bald Eagles at one time on Pardee nor White Pelicans at Pardee since I started doing these tours in 1995.. This is going to be a hard act to follow on 1-31-09 Bald Eagle Tours. Steve

Eagles of the Lake

First time for me photographing Eagles. The tour was fantastic! The ...

Updated: Jan 27, 2009 8:10am PDT

Save Prospect Motors Rally : My pick for the photograph that says it all! This is Picture #61, Grace Ereksen, and she defines the moment. Check out NEWS 10's Article and Video here: http://www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=53121 Go here to see and hear comments on Capital Public Radio's WEB site: http://www.capradio.org/articles/articledetail.aspx?articleid=6059 Another article about the event on The Record: http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090111/A_NEWS/901110328/-1/A_BIZ Bill Lavallie

Save Prospect Motors Rally

My pick for the photograph that says it all! This is Picture #61, Gra ...

Updated: Jan 11, 2009 2:33pm PDT

Yes we can - Make a T-Shirt; Make a Mug; Make a statement. : This picture works for ordering MERCHANDISE!! T-Shirts/Mugs Etc.

Yes we can - Make a T-Shirt; Make a Mug; Make a statement.

This picture works for ordering MERCHANDISE!! T-Shirts/Mugs Etc.

Updated: Jan 11, 2009 2:32pm PDT

Teens lost in Amador high country rescued. : December 28, 2008 – Pioneer California Tense search for missing teens in showy forest ends in a happy reunion. Around 3PM Sunday afternoon a call came into the Amador Sheriff’s office that there was a lost teen in the woods off of Highway 88 two miles east of Ham’s Station. The caller indicated that the youth had been gone for over an hour and the mother could not make contact. CHP and Sheriff’s deputies were immediately dispatched to the scene. CHP also sent H20, one of their helicopters, to the location where the teens entered the woods. Once on scene, law enforcement established that, in fact, three young people were missing. They had drifted down a hill on boards and then dropped quickly down a steep embankment. Once at the bottom of the hill, they became disoriented and tired trying to walk in waist deep snow. Fighting a setting sun, the helicopter flew over the location and quickly spotted the group and talked them towards the hill they had come down. Two Amador deputies headed down the hill to lead them back up. One girl had trouble negotiating through the deep snow and was carried out. All were reunited with Mom at the top of the hill. Cold, wet, and very tired they were examined by medics and sent on their way. Bill Lavallie

Teens lost in Amador high country rescued.

December 28, 2008 – Pioneer California Tense search for missing teens ...

Updated: Dec 28, 2008 10:33pm PDT

Wedding Photography :

Wedding Photography

Updated: Dec 21, 2008 11:01pm PDT

Ice storm freezes traffic in Amador : Monday December 15 - Amador County California Ice storm freezes traffic in Amador Around 2:45PM a strong storm cell approached Amador County from the West, as you can see from the weather radar map and photos I took from the Amador Corp yard off of Airport Road. Shortly after the storm rolled over Jackson and the Ridge Road/New York Ranch Road area and dumped a couple of inches of hail/snow on the roadway. Chaos ensued when several vehicles could not negotiate the slick roadways. Sherriff's deputies converged on the intersection and roadways leading to the intersection, along with CHP and fire who were responding to the several minor accidents caused by the sudden storm. One of the smaller FEDEX trucks slid off of New York Ranch road, and a larger FEDEX vehicle behind completely blocked the lane behind him. Amador Roads was called into action with plows and sanders, but it was extremely difficult to plow because of the already large traffic jam that had occurred. Slowly they were able to clear the traffic, but the impact of the storm had spread up the hill. Traffic was at a crawl through Pine Grove during the 5PM commute up the hill. Later that evening several roads were not negotiable, notably Pine Grove Volcano road was closed until after midnight. For Amador commuters it is important that you pack your car with warm clothes, chains, and a lot of patience during the winter months. Bill Lavallie

Ice storm freezes traffic in Amador

Monday December 15 - Amador County California Ice storm freezes traff ...

Updated: Dec 16, 2008 7:33am PDT

Festival of Lights in Sutter Creek California :

Festival of Lights in Sutter Creek California

Updated: Dec 14, 2008 10:02pm PDT

December 12 - Hay truck load bails on Climax Curves : December 12, 2008 - Pine Grove California Hay truck load bails on Climax Curves A hay truck carrying large 1,200 pound bales of hay lost part of its load in the sharp curves on Climax Road near Highway 88 yesterday around 11:40 AM. The driver was not quite clear on how or why the load shifted but it is clear that it was not as secure as it should be. Luckily there were no vehicles traveling in the opposite direction. The weight of that many bales of hay could have cause serious damage to a vehicle. The driver of the truck was cited by CHP. Fortunately a Caltrans crew that was in the area jumped in quickly to clear the roadway. The truck driver waited for a special lifting tractor to be transported from the Lodi area to put the bales back on the trailer. Bill Lavallie

December 12 - Hay truck load bails on Climax Curves

December 12, 2008 - Pine Grove California Hay truck load bails on C ...

Updated: Dec 13, 2008 10:19am PDT

Bank Robbery Plymouth California : From the Amador County Sheriff's Media Release - The last 5 photos in this series are from the Wells Fargo Security cameras. MEDIA RELEASE ***************************************************************** RELEASE NUMBER: One DATE: December 11, 2008 TYPE OF INCIDENT: Bank Robbery DETAILS: On Friday December 12, 2008 at approximately 1139 hours, the Amador County Sheriff’s Office received a report that a bank robbery had just occurred at the Wells Fargo Bank located at 9454 Main Street, in Plymouth. Amador County Sheriff’s Personnel responded to the call. Detectives made contact at the bank to begin the investigation and search for evidence. Several deputies checked the surrounding area for the suspect who was last seen running west bound on Main Street from the bank. Bank personnel told detectives a white male suspect, approximately 6 feet tall, weighing approximately 175-180 pounds, with reddish brown hair and a beard, wearing dark sunglasses, a white tee shirt, charcoal grey hooded sweatshirt with the word “Clive” on the front and black gloves, entered the bank and approached a teller. Bank personnel reported that the suspect handed the teller a note stating he had a firearm and demanding money. The teller provided the suspect with a small amount of currency which he placed into his pocket. The suspect then fled west bound Main Street on foot. The bank surveillance system captured several images of the suspect, some of which are attached to this media release. Bank personnel reported that the suspect never displayed the firearm but did make a verbal reference to having one. Bank personnel did not observe the suspect associated with any vehicles. While conducting a neighborhood canvas, deputies learned of a white Dodge van with an overheard rack system occupied by a white male subject with a beard that had been observed in the area immediately prior to and immediately after the robbery. Amador County Sheriff’s Detectives are conducting follow up investigation into the suspicious vehicle as well as physical evidence recovered nearby the scene. Anyone with information regarding this or any other crime is urged to contact the Amador County Sheriff’s Office at (209) 223-6500 or the Amador County Secret Witness Program at (209) 223-4900.

Bank Robbery Plymouth California

From the Amador County Sheriff's Media Release - The last 5 photos in ...

Updated: Dec 13, 2008 7:03am PDT

December 10 - Injury Accident Volcano California : Wednesday December 10, 2008 – Volcano California Injury Accident Volcano Two motor vehicles collided on Pine Grove Volcano Road near Masonic Cave Road yesterday around 4:45PM. A woman traveling in a sedan noticed a cow caught in a fence. She then attempted to make a left turn into a driveway when a pickup truck traveling behind her attempted to pass. The vehicles collided and crashed into a fence on the left side of the road. The woman in the sedan was taken to the hospital via ambulance. The CHP was still investigating the accident when I left. Bill Lavallie

December 10 - Injury Accident Volcano California

Wednesday December 10, 2008 – Volcano California Injury Accident Volc ...

Updated: Dec 11, 2008 8:37am PDT

2008 Christmas in Amador County California : 2008 Christmas in Amador County California

2008 Christmas in Amador County California

2008 Christmas in Amador County California

Updated: Dec 09, 2008 9:17am PDT

Truck and Camper Fire Highway 88 May 2007 :

Truck and Camper Fire Highway 88 May 2007

Updated: Dec 06, 2008 4:31pm PDT

2008 Knight's Foundry Dinner at the Jackson Rancheria :

2008 Knight's Foundry Dinner at the Jackson Rancheria

Updated: Dec 06, 2008 3:38pm PDT

My Smug Mug : CHEESE DOGS!!! His name is Oly and he is a black labradore. Once a troublsome dog (I think the owner was the trouble!!) Now a great guy. He is the leader of the pack.

My Smug Mug

CHEESE DOGS!!! His name is Oly and he is a black labradore. Once a t ...

Updated: Nov 30, 2008 10:59pm PDT

November 18, 2008 - Jackson, California. 3 Cars and a Motorcycle pile up in front of Bike shop in Jackson on Hwy 88 around 5:30PM. :

November 18, 2008 - Jackson, California. 3 Cars and a Motorcycle pile up in front of Bike shop in Jackson on Hwy 88 around 5:30PM.

Updated: Nov 19, 2008 8:46am PDT

Fire at the rear of a home on Debbie Lane quickly extinguished by firefighters. : Pine Grove California November 4, 2008 Fire at the rear of a home on Debbie Lane quickly extinguished by firefighters. A fire which could have threatened several structures was quickly extinguished last night around 6:45 PM. When Battalion 10 first arrived on scene, the rear of an adjacent building to the home was heavily involved in fire. Negotiating a narrow driveway on a steep hill fire fighters were able to set up hose lines and quickly knock down the fire before it spread any further to the building and the adjacent home. Fire personnel were still investigating the incident. Bill Lavallie

Fire at the rear of a home on Debbie Lane quickly extinguished by firefighters.

Pine Grove California November 4, 2008 Fire at the rear of a home o ...

Updated: Nov 05, 2008 9:06am PDT

Halloween at the St George Hotel : Halloween Evening at the St. George Hotel in Volcano California. To see a great video of the evening by Nedra Russ take a look at this link: St. George Video

Halloween at the St George Hotel

Halloween Evening at the St. George Hotel in Volcano California. To s ...

Updated: Nov 03, 2008 6:50am PDT

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Nicole and Sean

Nicole and Sean Wedding wedding in Volcano California on October 4, 20 ...

Updated: Oct 28, 2008 7:27am PDT

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Amber & Carlos Wedding

Updated: Oct 21, 2008 6:48am PDT

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Rosalie and John

Updated: Oct 19, 2008 2:26pm PDT

Diesel the Biker Dog - Bad to the Bone : This little guy is a POSER!! He stands still for the camera until you put it down!! Great dog!!

Diesel the Biker Dog - Bad to the Bone

This little guy is a POSER!! He stands still for the camera until you ...

Updated: Oct 14, 2008 9:13pm PDT

Wildland Fire Near Lake Pardee : Thursday October 9, 2998 – Ione California Wildland fire near Lake Pardee A wildland fire whipped by strong winds ran through a section of open fields and pockets of oak trees near Lake Pardee. A swift and strong response by local fire agencies and CDF aircraft quickly halted the fire before it was able to cause any serious damage. The head of the fire was stopped near Stony Creek Road leaving small fires burning in tree trunks and in small pockets of brush. Bill Lavallie

Wildland Fire Near Lake Pardee

Thursday October 9, 2998 – Ione California Wildland fire near Lake ...

Updated: Oct 09, 2008 11:11pm PDT

Four car pile-up on Hwy 88 in Jackson sends four victims to the hospital : October 7, 2008 - Jackson California Four car pile-up on Hwy 88 in Jackson sends four victims to the hospital

Four car pile-up on Hwy 88 in Jackson sends four victims to the hospital

October 7, 2008 - Jackson California Four car pile-up on Hwy 88 in ...

Updated: Oct 08, 2008 12:10am PDT

Pursuit ends when CHP rams suspect and forces him off the road : Monday, September 29, 2008 Pioneer California Pursuit ends when CHP rams suspect and forces him off the road Around 7PM Monday evening a Sheriff’s deputy called in a report that a person suspected of possession of stolen property had almost struck his vehicle on Shake Ridge Road. The Sheriff then put out a BOLO (Be on the lookout) for the white vehicle he was driving. CHP in the area soon spotted the vehicle and when he tried to stop the vehicle on Pine Drive the suspect began to speed away. The pursuit wound through the curvy roads and it was soon clear that the chase was becoming very dangerous due to the speeds of the driver. The car lost control and came to a stop at the roads edge at the intersection of Manzanita Way and Dew Drop Road. The suspect then backed up and tried to run again and that is when the CHP officer chose to end the chase by ramming the vehicle and forcing it off the road into the trees. The suspect then ran into the woods and evaded officers. CHP and Amador Sheriff’s with a canine tried to locate the suspect but as late as 10 PM they had still not located him. Bill Lavallie

Pursuit ends when CHP rams suspect and forces him off the road

Monday, September 29, 2008 Pioneer California Pursuit ends when CH ...

Updated: Sep 30, 2008 5:58am PDT

Belly Dancers :

Belly Dancers

Updated: Sep 25, 2008 9:03am PDT

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Leslie and her Daughter

All Photographs are Copyright MMVIII Bill Lavallie

Updated: Sep 25, 2008 7:33am PDT

Propane Tank Explosion Ridge Road : Propane tank explosion sends one person to the hospital with critical burns Tuesday evening a resident of a home at 1885 Ridge Road called in and said that he was burned and that a propane tank had exploded in his garage at that residence. Upon arrival emergency responders found the victim with burns to his upper body and the building well involved in flame. The victim was immediately taken to a helicopter landing site and fire fighters began extinguishing the flames in the garage. The impact of the explosion had literally pushed the back of the building out and it was leaning against an additional shed at the rear of the building. The garage door at the front was ballooned out showing just how strong the blast was. Firefighters were huddled in a rear corner of the building, hosing down the 100 pound gas tank to cool it down. The tank continued to burn like a roman candle inside the building for close to 30 minutes until the gas finally was depleted from the tank. The cause of the is still under investigation.

Propane Tank Explosion Ridge Road

Propane tank explosion sends one person to the hospital with critical ...

Updated: Sep 24, 2008 8:24am PDT

Other Animals :

Other Animals

Updated: Sep 23, 2008 9:30am PDT

Bodie :

Bodie

Updated: Sep 21, 2008 9:57am PDT

Motorhome Fire Hwy 26 :

Motorhome Fire Hwy 26

Updated: Sep 17, 2008 11:44am PDT

Wings & Wheels - Airport Appreciation Day :

Wings & Wheels - Airport Appreciation Day

Updated: Sep 08, 2008 10:33pm PDT

Diesel, Roxie, Mouse The Cat & Friends :

Diesel, Roxie, Mouse The Cat & Friends

Updated: Sep 07, 2008 5:30pm PDT

Smitty Lane Fire, West Point California Sep 1, 2008 : Smitty Lane Fire in West Point Sunday afternoon a fire started on Smitty Lane in West Point that quickly traveled up the slope towards Valentine Hill Road threatening homes along the way and in its path. CDF called for Heavy Tankers and helicopters along with local and regional fire crews to battle the blaze. Quick work by fire crews clearly saved homes off of Valentine Hill Road as flames licked at the porch of one home. A spot fire also developed off of Valentine and a Bulldozer and crews were kept busy fighting that fire in thick heavy brush. Several families were ordered to evacuate along the path of the fire until its forward progress was stopped. Several ranchers were busy loading up horses to take them to a safer location. Bill Lavallie

Smitty Lane Fire, West Point California Sep 1, 2008

Smitty Lane Fire in West Point Sunday afternoon a fire started on S ...

Updated: Sep 02, 2008 10:29am PDT

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Holly & Eric Wedding

Updated: Sep 02, 2008 8:40am PDT

Electra Fire :

Electra Fire

Updated: Sep 01, 2008 10:02pm PDT

Ocean Rocket Cruises Through Amador : Boat ride anyone? Thursday, motorists heading West on Highway 88 were surprised to find themselves behind a very unusual site on the highway. With an escort of 3 CHP, and two pilot cars, a huge boat called an Ocean Rocket ( http://oceanrockets.com/ ). According to the driver of the truck, the boat is 75 feet long and 20 feet wide and weighs 64,000 pounds! The pilot car driver said that they had left New Jersey over a month ago and traveled across the United States to deliver the boat to the Port of Stockton. Based on the manufacturers web site I would say that Stockton may soon have a one heck of a boat ride for visitors to that city. Bill Lavallie

Ocean Rocket Cruises Through Amador

Boat ride anyone? Thursday, motorists heading West on Highway 88 we ...

Updated: Aug 29, 2008 9:00am PDT

Hay Truck Accident : Hay Truck Accident Downloads As reported in the Amador Ledger Dispatch Ledger Dispatch Hay Truck Accident Article

Hay Truck Accident

Hay Truck Accident Downloads As reported in the Amador Ledger Dispa ...

Updated: Aug 25, 2008 10:35pm PDT

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