You’d think a place famous for a jumping frog story written by Mark Twain back in the 1800s would be a sleepy little corner of the world. Honestly, though, Calaveras County is currently moving at a pace that feels more like a frantic gold rush than a quiet mountain retreat. If you haven't been checking calaveras county ca news lately, you're basically missing out on a massive shift in how this region is balancing its rugged history with some pretty modern growing pains.
Between the historic high school sports titles, major leadership shakeups in San Andreas, and a surprising financial turnaround for the schools, there is a lot to dig into. It's not just about the trees and the caves anymore. It's about a community trying to keep its soul while the world around it changes.
The State Championship Nobody Expected
Let’s talk about the Redhawks for a second. If you walked into a coffee shop in San Andreas or Valley Springs this month, you probably heard someone bragging about the Calaveras High School football team. They didn't just have a "good season." On December 13, 2025, they went out and dominated Bishop Union with a 42-21 victory to take the 5A state title.
It was the first state football championship in the school's entire history.
On January 13, 2026, Supervisors Autumn Andahl and Gary Tofanelli officially read a proclamation celebrating the team. Seeing those kids and Coach Manny Mossa standing there in the board chambers was a big deal for a county that often feels overlooked by the big coastal cities. It’s that "Calaveras Strong" vibe people keep talking about. It isn't just a hashtag; for the folks who live here, it’s a genuine sense of pride that they can compete on a massive stage and win.
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Shakeups in San Andreas and Angels Camp
While the kids were winning on the field, the adults were busy shuffling chairs in the government offices. The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors kicked off 2026 by reorganizing their leadership. In a unanimous vote during their first meeting of the year, they tapped Amanda Folendorf to serve as vice chair. It was a procedural move, sure, but in local politics, who holds the gavel matters when you're dealing with the county's upcoming safety action plans and budget fights.
Down the road in Angels Camp, the City Council was doing its own version of musical chairs. Caroline Schirato was named the new mayor, taking over for Michael Chimante, who stepped into the vice mayor role.
Why the New Leadership Matters
You might wonder why a change in mayor or board chair is worth your time. Well, the county is currently staring down some massive infrastructure projects. Here’s a quick look at what’s on the table:
- The Moke Hill Gas Station: Mokelumne Hill is finally getting its second gas station at the intersection of Highways 26 and 49. For years, "Fast & Easy" was the only game in town. Now, the owners of Moke Hill Market are opening a new spot, which is a huge deal for commuters who hate waiting in line behind three boat trailers.
- Water Power Transitions: Erik Holt, who used to head the county’s Office of Emergency Services, just took over as General Manager for Utica Water and Power. He’s now responsible for the water delivery for thousands of people from Avery down to Angels Camp.
- Broadband and Safety: The county is still pushing its Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP) to stop people from dying on these winding mountain roads. Plus, there’s a massive focus on the Broadband Information Portal to finally get decent internet to the remote ridges where "high speed" currently means a slightly faster carrier pigeon.
The Financial Miracle at CUSD
If you follow calaveras county ca news, you know the Calaveras Unified School District (CUSD) has been in the "financial doghouse" for a while. For years, they struggled with budgets that looked more like Swiss cheese than a solid plan.
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Well, the "Positive Certification" just came in.
On January 6, 2026, the County Office of Education basically gave CUSD a clean bill of health. They confirmed the district is finally on track to meet its financial obligations for the current and subsequent two fiscal years. It sounds like boring accounting, but for parents, it means less fear of school closures or massive program cuts. It’s a rare win for a district that has been through the wringer.
Culture, Caves, and Community Spirit
It’s not all board meetings and budgets. Today, January 18, 2026, the Bret Harte Theater is hosting "Broadway and Beyond." It’s a sold-out show featuring Michael Roark and Michelle Moughton. The fact that a theater in Angels Camp can sell out a Broadway revue in the middle of January says a lot about the local appetite for more than just outdoor recreation.
Speaking of outdoors, California Cavern in Mountain Ranch is gearing up for a massive reopening this spring. It’s the state’s longest cave system, and if you haven't been down there since you were a kid on a field trip, it’s worth noting they’ve got a "spelunking" special running through January 31. You use the code exploremc26 to get a deal on a tour. Honestly, crawling through a cave is one way to forget about the rainy winter weather we've been having.
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Helping the Neighbors
One thing you’ve gotta love about Calaveras is how they take care of their own. The Crisis Center recently laid out its goals for 2026, focusing on expanding free, confidential counseling for survivors of domestic violence. Robin Carter and Sarah Graham are leading the charge there, reminding everyone that while the scenery is beautiful, the community still faces some real, heavy issues behind closed doors.
Even the little things are getting done. In Murphys, Theodore Bunge managed a community-funded project to renovate the public restrooms at Murphys Community Park. If you’ve ever been a tourist in Murphys on a busy Saturday, you know those are the only public toilets in town. Replacing the old partitions and fixtures might not make national news, but for the thousands of people who visit for wine tasting, it’s a godsend.
What You Should Actually Do Now
If you live in the area or you're planning a move to the foothills, don't just sit on the sidelines.
- Check Your Zone: With the winter storms hitting and fire season always a looming threat, go to the county’s "Know Your Zone" portal. It’s the fastest way to see if you’re about to be evacuated or if your power is likely to stay off.
- Apply for Housing Help: The county currently has two programs—Down Payment Assistance (DPA) and Home Accessible Modification (HAM)—running on a first-come, first-served basis. If you need up to $30,000 for a down payment or need a ramp installed for a disability, call the HHSA Housing Division at 209-754-6325.
- Support Local Arts: Keep an eye on the Fourth Wall Entertainment Troupe. They just held their "Wally Awards" at the Metropolitan, and they’re basically the heartbeat of the local theater scene right now.
- Stay Informed on Roads: The next time there's a public meeting about the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, go. Your input on which potholes or blind curves are the deadliest actually goes into the state-funded reports that trigger repairs.
Calaveras County is in a weird, exciting middle ground right now. It’s trying to stay "country" while managing state-mandated minimum wage hikes (which hit $16+ this month) and a push for more housing. Whether you're here for the state-champion football or the quiet caves, staying on top of the local shift is the only way to not get left behind.