A group formed by parents and community members, Amador’s Heart of Gold, asked the Amador County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 13 to press state and local agencies to investigate a cluster of childhood cancer diagnoses that civic volunteers say has affected five children in the past two years.

Patricia Anjija, treasurer of the newly formed nonprofit, said three children who were diagnosed in 2024 live within about a mile of one another in Ione and that cases range in diagnosis dates from December 2023 to November 2025 and ages from about 10 to 13. The group asked the board to urge Amador County Public Health, Amador Water Agency, Amador Air Agency, Mule Creek State Prison, regional wastewater facilities and the regional water quality control board to conduct environmental testing and follow up on any findings.

"We just want it investigated," Anjija said, arguing that families need answers and that the community has limited local resources to support affected households. She also offered the nonprofit’s assistance and outreach to impacted families.

During the later Public Health presentation, staff said the county health officer had escalated inquiries about reported cancer cases to the state; county presenters said state review found no corroborating evidence but that investigations related to Mule Creek State Prison and other concerns remain active. Public Health staff offered to look into whether the county can provide additional local tracking or data and encouraged residents to contact the senator’s office and state agencies for assistance.

The board did not take formal action at the meeting but heard public comment and asked staff to ensure communications with state agencies and with residents who want to report concerns.

Next steps: Public Health said it would follow up on requests for local tracking details and the county will pass on constituent issues to state agency contacts when appropriate.