Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, January 4, 2023

skies

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

fall

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office could have its helicopter as soon as fall 2023, according to former Sheriff John D’Agostini.

On Dec. 20 he requested the county Board of Supervisors approve purchasing an AS350 B3 Airbus chopper for $3.3 million. The aircraft is currently in use in Seminole County, Florida.

Although it is used machinery, D’Agostini said it is “in perfect shape.”

“It meets all of our mission requirements,” D’Agostini told the board. “It already comes with a hoist, a Bambi Bucket, clear radio … everything. It is ready to go.”

A Bambi Bucket is a specialized helicopter bucket used to deliver water for firefighting. D’Agostini previously noted a helicopter with those features would help aid in fire suppression efforts and could have helped firefighters in containing the 2021 Caldor Fire that burned more than 220,000 acres and 1,000 structures in El Dorado County.

The Sheriff’s Office recognized its need to have a helicopter in early 2022. D’Agostini said the aircraft would be beneficial to the department and, by extension the county, for conducting search and rescues, pursuing high-speed chases and other law enforcement operations, in addition to firefighting.

During a Board of Supervisor’s meeting April 25, direction to allocate $400,000 from excess Transient Occupancy Tax funds was approved to cover half of the yearly cost for the first year of the helicopter’s operation. The Sheriff’s Office is fronting the money for the purchase of the chopper.

County staff told the board while the purchase agreement is exempt from Florida state taxes, it is not exempt from sales and use taxes in California.

The chopper will go back to aviation company Airbus for a refit, which includes installing a new engine before being delivered to the county.

Purchase of the aircraft will include a $150,000 deposit due prior to Dec. 31 and an additional $850,000 pre-payment due May 31, 2023, to secure a cheaper cost to replace the engine, which has a warranty of 500 hours or 12 months, among other warranty provisions coming with

Heavy rain pummels county; more to come

Odin Rasco Staff writer

The first of a salvo of storms set to hit Northern California over the course of a week created chaos across El Dorado County Saturday.

The storm, fed by an atmospheric river passing above the state, led to flooded businesses and roads, evacuations, rockslides, sinkholes, uprooted trees and still-to-becalculated property damage. The greater Sacramento region, including El Dorado County, was under a flood warning from the National Weather Service until Sunday evening.

Placerville’s Main Street saw multiple instances of flooding, including near Motherlode Board Supply Company

El Dorado County Fire Protection District News release

The El Dorado County Fire Protection District has committed to staffing an additional ambulance that will restore a gap in services that occurred when staffing shortages shut down Diamond Springs Medic 49. The medic unit is expected to be back in service early spring, according to a news release from county fire officials.

“The loss of the second-busiest ambulance in our system has been tough on our crews,” states EDCFPD Chief Tim Cordero. “The 300-plus emergencies per month that were handled by this closed ambulance have been shifted to our other units.”

This will be the fifth medic unit the El Dorado County Fire Protection District operates and the eighth medic unit in the West Slope emergency medical services system. The additional medic unit will operate out of

Diamond Springs-El Dorado Fire Protection District’s Station 49 in historical Diamond Springs.

“It will be a joint effort with county fire personnel working side by side with Diamond Springs fire crews in their firehouse,” notes Cordero.

The former Medic 49 went offline July, 1 2022.

“The loss of this unit has really stretched our crews to the limits,” Cordero continues.

Since August other

Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco

Vehicles drive through a flooded roadway as Hangtown Creek overflows onto lower Main Street in Placerville Saturday.

Photo by Wendy Chadwick

A hay bale serves as high ground for Appleseed Horticulture owner Scott Martin on a flooded Placerville Drive.

Courtesy photo

The Medic 49 ambulance is pictured at Diamond Springs-El Dorado Fire Station 49. After Medic 49 services were halted in July, other ambulance services in the area were forced to pick up the slack.

ambulance

Marjorie L. Comer

Dec. 1930 – Dec. 2021

The day after celebrating Christmas with her family, Marjorie Comer passed peacefully away in her sleep. She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Marj graduated as Valedictorian at El Dorado High School and named the Yearbook, “The Ri e,” a mining term which describes the fine flakes of gold which emerge from sluicing; a poignant metaphor which illustrates the high regard she had for her fellow students and the high school itself. She graduated summa cum laude from University of the Pacific in Education.

Marj was a celebrated teacher, teaching elementary students in Menlo Park, at Buckeye School, and for Louisiana “Petey” Schnell at Sierra School. She maintained adult friendships with many students she taught in the sixth grade. Marj went back to school, completing her Master’s Degree at CSU San Jose. She taught Library Sciences at CSU Sacramento and retired from El Dorado High School as their Librarian in 1991.

Besides being an avid reader, Marj loved to participate in play readings, sing with friends, cook, travel and learn about other cultures, and cherished her time with friends and family. Marj was a “Giver,” regularly “adopting” an older friend and providing them with meals, transportation and company. Even at age 91, Marj loved her ability to give back to the Community by helping others through the El Dorado County Senior Peer Counseling program.

As Marj, a ectionately called “Nani” by her children and grandchildren, would say, “You’ll never know how much I love you.” And yet, those who loved her do understand, for we loved her and continue to love her with this same devotion.

As an avid supporter of the Arts, remembrances may be made to the Sugarloaf Station Foundation, 6767 Green Valley Road, Placerville, CA 95667. A memorial service will be held 2:00 pm, Sunday, January 22, 2023, at the Federated Church. Friends are invited to bring a favorite story to share.

Denise Hayes

Aug. 19, 1956 – Dec. 23, 2022

Denise Hayes passed away on December 23rd, 2022, at the age of 66. She is survived by her husband Kenneth Hayes, her daughters Jennifer Dermer and Kelly Dermer, and her three grandchildren, Avery Rose, Adeline Rose, and Ameila Rose.

Denise lived her life in the town of Placerville California where she worked as a dental assistant on Main Street until her retirement.

As a teenager, Denise drove cars in the demolition derbies in her hometown of Red Blu . Denise enjoyed fishing and camping and has visited the Emergency Room to have a fishhook removed from her ear. Her greatest joy was spending time with her Grandchildren. Denise was a bright soul, with a smile and laugh that will never be forgotten

Donald Bailey Thorne

Donald Bailey Thorne passed away unexpectedly, Dec. 7. Don was born in Fresno, Calif., and was raised in Merced. He has been a resident of Placerville since 1964.

He served two years in the Marine Corps where he spent his time in Japan. He worked 33 years for SMUD at Fresh Pond. Restoring old cars was his passion as well as working out on his property tending to his fruit trees and garden.

He is survived by his loving wife Mona Thorne of 61 years, sons Je rey (Sherri), Rick (Julian), grandchildren Aaron Thorne, Courtney Larrick (Rob), Brandon Thorne (Ti any), 7 great grandchildren and many friends.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He will be missed by many, but our memories of him continue on.

There will be a Celebration of Life Feb. 3, 2023 at 11:00 A.M., at the Federated Church in Price Hall, 1031 Thompson Way, Placerville, Calif.

In lieu of flowers please send a donation to El Dorado Boys and Girls Club, Attn: Juan Nunez, 2840 Mallard Lane, Placerville, Calif. 95667, (530) 719-3120 a scholarship fund for a sponsored youth in El Dorado County.

NaDee Harrison Davidson

July 27, 1934 – Dec 23, 2022

NaDee Harrison Davidson, 88, a 26-year resident of Placerville passed away on Friday, Dec. 23.

Before retiring to El Dorado County, she and her husband of 64 years, Jack, lived in Hawaii, where she raised six children and managed a travel agency. She personified the spirit of Aloha, always making everyone around her feel valued and appreciated. Up until the day she died, NaDee displayed a supernatural ability to provide perfectly timed, unexpected acts of love and service that aligned exactly with the needs of the recipients.

Garden Valley house burned

Jaramishian Staff writer

Fire crews put out a house fire on Kelley Place in Garden Valley the morning of Dec. 28.

Garden Valley Fire Protection District personnel told the Mountain Democrat the single-story home sustained significant damage. No injuries related to the fire were reported.

Firefighters responded to the fire at about 8 a.m. with the Georgetown Fire Department, El Dorado County Fire Protection District and Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit assisting Garden Valley crews in the firefight.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

WEDNESDAY PAPER 01.04.23

NaDee will be forever honored by her children and their spouses, Jacque and Trace Kirk, Richard and Jacki Davidson, Eileen and Je Tuttle, DeAnn and Sid Walch, Daniel and BaBette Davidson, and Je rey and Shain Davidson, her twentynine grandchildren, and her fifty-eight greatgrandchildren, as well as numerous friends and relatives throughout the world. NaDee’s life and legacy was commemorated on Saturday, December 31, 2022. Please refer to www.greenvalleymortuary. com for details.

The following was taken from El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office logs: Dec. 19

12:04 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 58-year-old man suspected of DUI on Highway 193 south of Texas Canyon. He was later released.

9:18 a.m. Grand theft was reported at a business on Pleasant Valley Road in Diamond Springs.

12:24 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Calypso Circle in El Dorado Hills.

12:25 p.m. Grand theft was reported at an apartment complex on Valley View Parkway in El Dorado Hills.

12:32 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Sourdough Flat in Georgetown.

12:32 p.m. Burglary was reported on Greeley Court in Cameron Park.

2:29 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Highway 193 in Greenwood.

2:41 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 56-year-old man suspected of trespassing on South Shingle Road in Shingle Springs. He was later released.

3:10 p.m. Battery was reported on Sliger Mine Road in Greenwood.

4:54 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Bayne Road in Garden Valley

6:54 p.m. Battery was reported on Sanders Drive in Pollock Pines.

7:16 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 35-year-old man suspected of trespassing on Pleasant Valley Road in Placerville. He was later released.

9:14 p.m. Burglary was reported at a business on Sunset Lane in Shingle Springs.

9:23 p.m. Battery was reported on Platt Circle in El Dorado Hills.

10:24 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 24-year-old woman suspected of DUI on Highway 50 at Sly Park Road. She was released on $5,000 bail.

10:55 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 53-year-old man suspected of assault with a deadly weapon on Timberino Loop in Camino. He was listed in custody in lieu of $60,000 bail as of press time.

Dec. 20

8:55 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 32-year-old man suspected of battery. Arrest location not disclosed. He was later released on $5,000 bail.

10:40 a.m. Burglary was reported on Ficus Circle in El Dorado Hills.

10:40 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Wood Duck Way in Somerset.

10:43 a.m. Burglary was reported on Marshall Road in Lotus.

10:45 a.m. Burglary was reported on Green Valley Road in El Dorado Hills.

1:41 p.m. Vandalism was reported at a business on Coach Lane in Cameron Park.

2:25 p.m. Burglary was reported on Gregory Lane in Placerville.

2:37 p.m. Burglary was reported on Cameron Road in Shingle Springs.

2:37 p.m. Grand theft was reported at a store on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.

3:37 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 65-year-old man suspected of DUI on Forni Road in Placerville. He was later released.

5:58 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 32-year-old man suspected of disorderly conduct on Post Street in El Dorado Hills. He was later released.

9:30 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 24-year-old man suspected of disorderly conduct on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. He was later released.

10:16 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 26-year-old woman suspected of disorderly conduct on Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park. She was later released.

Dec. 21

9:27 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Bayne Road in Garden Valley.

10:55 a.m. Burglary was reported on Deerwood Drive in Shingle Springs.

12:49 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 35-year-old man suspected of grand theft, receiving stolen property and a probation violation on Gregory Lane in Placerville.

3:38 p.m. Burglary was reported on Hub Street in Pollock Pines. 5:51 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 32-year-old woman suspected of possession of a controlled substance on Lariat Drive in Cameron Park. She was released on $5,500 bail.

8:26 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 50-year-old man suspected of DUI on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines. He was later released.

Dec. 22

2:21 a.m. Grand theft was reported at the casino on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville.

7:23 a.m. Battery was reported at a mobile home park on China Garden Road in Placerville.

8:11 a.m. Grand theft was reported at a business on Business Drive in Shingle Springs.

8:23 a.m. Burglary was reported on Eight Mile Road in Camino.

12:02 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 21-year-old woman suspected of burglary and conspiracy to commit a crime on Polaris Street in Pollock Pines. She was listed in custody in lieu of $20,000 bail as of press time.

2;57 p.m. Vehicle burglary was reported on Saratoga Way in El Dorado Hills.

4:15 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 26-year-old man suspected of being under the influence of a controlled substance on South Shingle Road in Shingle Springs. He was later released.

Eric

EID customers should reduce water usage

News release

The El Dorado Irrigation District is asking all of its customers, including residents of the city of Placerville, to discontinue non-essential water usage immediately while district sta works to treat highly turbid (cloudy) waters from the recent extreme weather event.

EID’s water remains safe to use but because of extreme inflows to treatment plants, sta are having di culties keeping up with water demands due to additional processes required to treat highly turbid water, states a press release from the water agency.

Customers are advised to continue to conserve until further notice.

Conservation includes not running dishwashers and clothes washers and ceasing outdoor irrigation and car washing. EID o cials explain that minimizing usage will reduce the potential for the water system to lose pressure or completely run out of water.

Water coming into water treatment plants due to intense rains is highly turbid due to mud and ash from the Caldor Fire burn scar area. Such high turbidity levels make it challenging to treat water and keep up with customer demands. This reduces the amount of water EID is able to send into its distribution system.

EID will update customers when its request for conservation has been lifted.

Crews battle house fire in pouring rain

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

A house in Grizzly Flat collapsed to its foundation after catching fire and burning down the evening of Dec. 30.

El Dorado County Fire Protection District Capt. Jason Snyder said fire crews responding to the 9 p.m. call on Cody Trail near Bluebonnet Lane were challenged by heavy rain and deep mud.

No injuries were reported but the owner of the residence who was not home at the time told firefighters his two cats that did not have access to the outdoors likely died in the fire.

Firefighters were reportedly able to help two dogs trapped by the heat of the flames in a fenced area next to the home. They cooled the surrounding area and the canines, keeping them inside the fence in case they might run o .

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Dr. Little’s Dental News

DENTAL ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS

Sheriff investigates ranger station burglary

Odin Rasco Staff writer

Investigators with the El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce are hoping someone might have information that could help determine the identity of a person of interest thought to be connected to a burglary reported at a U.S. Forest Service ranger station in Camino.

In a post to social media, sheri ’s o cials state the break-in took place at the ranger station on 8 Mile Road.

EDSO Det. Parker Driscoll is asking for the community’s help in identifying the individual. Anyone who knows anything regarding the person’s identity or the burglary is asked to contact Driscoll at driscollp@edso.org or (530) 6424709.

Food giveaway planned, volunteers sought to help

Volunteers are needed to help with the Pollock Pines Community Center’s next El Dorado Free Farmer’s Market, which is set to take place Jan. 11.

The Free Farmers Market is a drive-through food distribution that happens once a month on the second Wednesday of the month.

Judi Coupar, o ce manager at the community center, said that the distribution typically needs 15-20 people to help set up and pass out the food during the event.

The food giveaway is open to anyone, Coupar explained, and the most recent event Dec. 14 provided nourishment for more than 250 families. Set-up for the event typically begins between 9 and 9:30 a.m., and

medic units have shouldered demands with one medic unit being temporarily moved, as a stop-gap measure, to a fire station near Missouri Flat Road and El Dorado Road.

“I am proud of all our crews for their hard work, long shifts and commitment to providing a high level of service to our communities and citizens,” adds Cordero.

El Dorado County Emergency Services Authority (West Slope JPA) oversees the eight West Slope JPA ambulances operated daily by local fire service agencies. These ambulances directly serve approximately 150,000 county residents. To restore response and transport capacity to the emergency medical service system, the West Slope JPA opened a request for proposal process that closed last month. During the Dec. 21 meeting of the JPA Board of Directors, El Dorado County Fire Protection District was selected to operate the new Diamond Springs medic unit.

The Diamond Springs-based

the drive-through food line opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 1 p.m. The Pollock Pines Community Center is located at 2675 Sanders Drive in Pollock Pines.

The distribution is done in partnership with the Pollock Pines Community Center and Feed El Dorado, a nonprofit that aims to provide food assistance around El Dorado County, according to its website. Feeding El Dorado holds similar food distributions around the county every month. The food is available at no cost to anyone who comes to the Free Farmers Market, with no need to register ahead of time.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer to help with setup and distribution is encouraged to call Judi Coupar at (530) 417-3235.

ambulance will be sta ed primarily with non-fire suppression paramedics. This will be the second medic unit sta ed using the non-fire suppression personnel model. Due to ongoing state and national paramedic and firefighter shortages it has become necessary to be creative and flexible in meeting local emergency response needs.

Three of the district’s medic units will remain sta ed full-time with EMS responders also trained as firefighters. All medic units will provide advanced life support capabilities including a licensed paramedic. All medic units participate in a boundaryless system and will respond to emergencies throughout El Dorado County.

The El Dorado County Fire Protection District provides fire, rescue and emergency medical services in the communities of Placerville, Shingle Springs, Pollock Pines, Camino, Pleasant Valley, Cool, Coloma, Lotus, Pilot Hill, Oak Hill, Strawberry and Kyburz.

El Dorado County Fire personnel were assisted by Cal Fire and the Diamond Springs-El Dorado and Pioneer Fire protection districts.

Our mouths are full of bacteria, and sometimes a dental procedure will allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream where it can travel elsewhere in the body and cause infection. Antibiotic prophylaxis for dental work means taking antibiotics preventatively before a procedure to avoid the risk of infection. For most patients and dental treatments, antibiotic prophylaxis is not necessary, but it is recommended for high-risk patients. For dental procedures, a high-risk patient is usually someone with a heart condition or other condition that increases the risk of infection elsewhere in the body. Heart patients who are at high risk of endocarditis (inflammation or infection of the heart valve) should always take pro-

phylactic antibiotics prior to any dental procedure.

Prevent and protect – two key words crucial for success in our quest to achieving the healthiest bodies possible. For compassionate dental care, including preventive care, complete restorations, cosmetic dentistry, and regular cleanings, our primary goal is to treat our patients with the best, most up-to-date, gentle dentistry possible. Office hours are by appointment; please call soon to schedule yours.

P.S. Heart patients at high-risk for endocarditis include those who have had a prosthetic heart valve replacement, a heart transplant with abnormal valve function, and some congenital heart conditions.

Dr. Little provides quality family and cosmetic dentistry. His office is located at 344 Placerville Dr., Suite 19, Placerville. (530) 626-9127 Visit us at: www.jefflittledds.com

Presented by Jeffery Little, D.D.S.

Odin Rasco Staff writer

Sheri ’s logs show an 8 Mile Road burglary reported at 8:23 a.m. Dec. 22. A surveillance camera on the property captured imagery of an individual who detectives suspect to be a person of interest in the case.

Sheriff’s detectives are looking for information regarding a person of interest possibly connected to a recent burglary. The individual is seen in this photo captured by a surveillance camera on the 8 Mile Road U.S. Forest Service property.

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

Two dogs keep a safe distance from their Cody Trail home in Grizzly Flat as it burns Dec. 30.

Hello to the New AD01

Greetings‚

I am thrilled to represent the new 1st Assembly District of California for the next two years! Welcome to our new constituents from Alpine‚ Amador‚ and El Dorado counties. My team and I look forward to getting to know you and serving you... and we’ve already started.

For our new constituents, here’s what you can expect: important updates on legislation‚ resources to help you and your family thrive‚ and - one of my personal favorite topics - celebrating what is unique and wonderful about the people of AD01. In addition to our weekly newsletter‚ this year my team and I will be launching social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram to better connect with you. My website is also a valuable resource for connecting with my team‚ sharing your thoughts on legislation‚ and more. You can sign up for my weekly newsletter there as well.

In my o ce‚ we like the saying “small but mighty.” With a team of six‚ I represent the largest Assembly District in California‚ which is approximately the size of West Virginia‚ but the 6+ hour drive from the top of our district to the bottom doesn’t stop us from getting out into our district and connecting with you as much as we can. If you need assistance‚ please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

While only a portion of El Dorado County is represented by the 1st Assembly District‚ we enjoyed our trip to Placerville and our time with local leaders. We especially enjoyed discussing the agriculture industry‚

which brings in approximately $80 million annually for El Dorado County‚ mainly in the form of grapes.

Our meeting with county leaders was incredibly enlightening. My team and I appreciated the collaborative spirit behind the community initiatives. We look forward to joining in on the collaboration‚ and following up on the great conversations we had about El Dorado County’s communities.

This is the first of many opportunities you will have to connect with my team and I out in the district. Stay tuned for more, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to my o ce at https://ad01.asmrc.org/ in the meantime.

Happy Holidays from Team Dahle! ~ Assemblywoman Megan Dahle

Best Sellers to Help You Do Business

2023 California and Federal Employment Poster You must post a compliant Employment Poster in a conspicuous place in the workplace where all employees and applicants can see it. The poster also must include information about your workers’ compensation bene ts, payday schedule and emergency contacts. You may need to order several to ensure that your business, branches and satellite of ces are displaying the poster according to the law. Failure to comply can result in severe penalties and nes by the state of California. If any of your company’s workers are Spanish-speaking, you will need to order the Spanish version

California Wage Order Posters

Employers of non-exempt employees are required to post industryspeci c Wage Order(s) in each workplace. There are 17 different Wage Orders offered laminated in English & Spanish. 2023 HR Quick Guide for California Employers (HR Handbook) Includes color-coded easy reference sections. Required and recommended forms for California businesses available to download using a special URL provided in the book.

Required Pamphlets Kit Contains 20 copies of each of six pamphlets that employers must distribute to employees.

California Labor Law Digest 2022 Edition

This comprehensive, California-speci c Digest puts answers to labor law questions right at your ngertips, updated with new case law and regulations. These products are produced by the California Chamber of Commerce, a publisher of top-quality human resource products and services with more than 125 years of experience helping California business do business.

Chamber Champions:

UCAN 2022 Year End Report

For the United Chamber Advocacy Network, 2022 was active and, in many ways, successful during the second year of a two-year legislative session.

The year began with the approval and distribution of UCAN’s annual State Policy Agenda, generated by the responses from a survey distributed by UCAN chambers to their members.

2022 UCAN Policy Agenda

As has been the case since the UCAN coalition began in 2018, the issues of taxes and regulations topped the list of chamber members’ concerns in 2022. In addition, concerns about COVID Regulations and Recovery, Housing Availability, and Public Safety/Retail Theft/ Homelessness were troubling to UCAN chamber members.

UCAN chamber leaders brought forth some additional priorities for the network to address in 2022 beyond legislative concerns. It was also agreed to engage with candidates for local legislative races that opened up due to redistricting and retirements.

Leaders recommended continued expansion of UCAN UCAN Legislative Forum

Four legislators –

Assemblymembers Ken Cooley, James Gallagher, Kevin Kiley, and State Senator Jim Nielsen joined UCAN chamber leaders in February at the UCAN Legislative Forum.

Members received and commented on the 2022 UCAN State Policy Agenda.

Assemblymember Cooley noted that it is essential to have the voice of small business and local chambers of commerce present in the legislative process to counter the strong presence of labor unions, environmental groups, and others. Assemblyman Kiley remarked the UCAN network has been very helpful to his of ce in amplifying his legislative proposals with real-world examples and how valuable a consistent presence of UCAN is in

the legislature.

Rachel Michelin, CEO of the California Retailers Association, was a featured speaker at the forum. Ms. Michelin addressed criminal retail theft, a signi cant concern for residents and business owners throughout California. Due to increases in crime and shoplifting, many law enforcement leaders attribute reductions in penalties to the passage of Proposition 47 (2014). Michelin, a leading voice on behalf of large and small retailers, thanked the UCAN chambers for their partnership in supporting legislation in 2022 that sought to reform Prop 47 and reduce retail theft.

Criminal Retail Theft

UCAN supported several bills that sought to address retail theft, only one of which was approved by the legislature:

•UCAN Advocate Dave Butler and Roseville Chamber CEO Rana Ghabdan, testi ed in support of AB 1599, authored by Assemblyman Kiley, which would have repealed Prop 47. AB1599 failed in Assembly PublicSafety, 2-5 on a party-line vote.

•UCAN also testified in support of SB1108, authored by Senator Patricia Bates of Orange County. Similarly, SB1108 would have repealed much of Prop 47 but failed in Senate Public Safety, 1-4, also in a party-line vote.

•Butler and Rancho Cordova Chamber leader Doug Brewer joined Ms. Michelin and the California Retailers Association at a press conference at the Capitol in support of AB2390 authored by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi of the South Bay area of Los Angeles. AB2390 combined minor reforms to Prop 47 and a diversion program for rsttime offenders. This softer, hybrid approach failed to gain a single vote in Assembly Public Safety, 0-5.

•The only bill addressing retail theft approved by the legislature and signed into

law by Governor Newsom was SB301 by Senator Nancy Skinner, which created additional penalties for the sale of stolen merchandise online

In response to the legislature’s failure to address the concerns of retailers, small business, and residents regarding increased criminal retail theft, the UCAN chambers will host a forum on Thursday, March 2, 2023, in partnership with the California Retailers Association and local law enforcement of cials, calling attention to the need to reform Prop 47.

COVID Restrictions

In the 2022 UCAN member survey, 70% of respondents opposed a mandated employer vaccine requirement for employees. When Assemblymember Buffy Wicks of Oakland introduced AB1993, which would require employers to require proof of vaccination from their employees, it was clear UCAN should oppose the bill. Before the bill’s rst hearing, UCAN chamber leaders joined a Zoom call with Assemblymember Wicks’ staff expressing our grave concerns. Coincidentally, before the call concluded, her staff member informed the group Wicks had decided to pull the bill from committee!

AB257 - Fast Food Regulations and Wages Late in the session, UCAN worked diligently to oppose AB257, authored by Assemblymember Nate Holden of Los Angeles. The bill established the California Fast Food Council, creating new workplace requirements, HR regulations, and wage levels (up to $23 per hour) for fast food restaurants with 100 or more franchisees nationwide. The bill was sponsored by the Service Employees International Union and the California Labor Federation which have long sought to unionize the fast-food industry. UCAN organized a video

call with Senator Richard Pan’s of ce (Elk Grove), urging him to oppose the bill on the oor. Joined by restaurant owners from the Lincoln Chamber, the Elk Grove Chamber, and the California Asian Chamber, UCAN and the California Restaurant Association noted the additional regulations were duplicative and unnecessary, seriously harming the franchisor-franchisee relationship. Arti cially high wages would damage franchise and independent restaurants and reduce teen employment opportunities. Unfortunately, AB257 was approved in the Senate - by only one vote - and signed into law with great fanfare on Labor Day by Governor Newsom.

Successful Veto Request: AB1717 – Prevailing Wages on Forest Management Contracts

Forest fuels reduction to prevent catastrophic wild re is critically important to northern California communities, including El Dorado, Placer, Yuba, and Sutter counties. UCAN was invited by lobbyists for north state water districts to request a veto of AB1717 from the Governor. Authored by Assemblymember Cecelia Aguilar-Curry, the bill would have required local forest management and fuels reduction contracts to pay prevailing wages, typically only a requirement for large-scale public transportation projects. UCAN argued that applying prevailing wage to forest thinning projects would result in fewer acres being treated with limited funds and present an additional barrier for local contractors to compete for work. Thankfully, Governor Newsom vetoed AB1717, whose message stated, “I am concerned that adding these projects to the denition of “public works” would introduce delays to critical re mitigation projects necessary to protect vulnerable communities in

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January 14th New Year Cleanse

Hike

The intent of this hike is to welcome positive energy in 2023 and say goodbye to negative experiences in 2022. Ami Stroud will lead this 2.5 mile hike to the South Fork of the American River where you will collect acorns and leaves as symbols of the negative experiences/energy you want to let go of in the New Year. Meeting location Pilot Hill area. FREE. A detailed email will be sent once you register online.

https://app.donorview.com/oGxDo

January 14th Art & Wine with Something MORE

“The Roaring 20’s” invites all to dress up and support a cause we all care so much about! Local wineries, breweries, distilleries, restaurants and caterers.  Raf e, live and silent auctions, and original art. MORE’s artists are adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, with art sale proceeds going directly to the artists themselves.  6 p.m. – 9 p.m., El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive. $50.00 per person or $90.00 for two tickets. www.morerehab.org/artandwine

January 15th Sogetsu Ikebana Classes

Instructor Yasmin Spiegel is a “Sensei“ (teacher) in the Sogetsu School of Ikebana: Japanese ower arranging. Ages 8+w/adult supervision. Meeting location Gold Hill/Placerville area. 10:00am-1:00pm, Cost: Individual classes $35/members, $40/non-members. A detailed email will be sent once you register online. https://app.donorview.com/WGk89

January 21st Gold Discovery Day 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Celebrate James Marshall’s gold discovery on January 24, 1848. This discovery and the subsequent in ux of gold seekers helped propel California into statehood in 1850. Learn more about the life of James Marshall at 11 a.m. during a special lecture. At 1 p.m. you’ll hear about notable women of El Dorado County who made their mark during the gold rush. Both lectures will be presented by Ed Allen in the theater in the museum.

the state.”

UCAN Expansion

In 2022, the UCAN network added two chambers of commerce - the Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce and the Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce. Lincoln Chamber CEO Tom Linderi and Rocklin Chamber CEO Robin Trimble will “share a seat” on the UCAN Leadership Council with the Roseville Area Chamber of Commerce to serve south Placer County businesses.

UCAN Meetings with Legislative Candidates

UCAN advocate Dave Butler met with nearly all the candidates for contested/open legislative races in the UCAN service areas. The purpose was to educate the candidates about the existence of UCAN, brief them on UCAN chamber members’ priority policy issues and invite them to work with UCAN to advance our priorities in the event they are elected to the state legislature.

A look ahead to 2023

UCAN leaders will gather to assess UCAN’s performance and consider program adjustments. Initial priorities may include seeking reform of Proposition 47 to address criminal retail theft and considering legislation providing a minimum wage to address adverse effects of youth employment resulting from the enactment of AB257. Keep in mind the current measure allows an increase of the minimum wage in franchise restaurants to as much as $23 per hour.

A UCAN member survey distributed in December will identify priorities and establish the 2023 UCAN State Policy Agenda. The nal policy plan will be presented to chamber members and the 20232024 UCAN legislative delegation in early March 2023.

a high school science class, contrary to a Tennessee state law. www.itplacerville.org

January 28th Mushrooms in El Dorado, An Intro to I.D and Discovery

Join ARC volunteer Elizabeth Standeven for a meandering hike while you learn the basics of mushroom identi cation. The hike will begin with a brief talk about the basics of mushroom identi cation with handouts and then we will apply your knowledge as you assess mushrooms in the eld. Local botany will also be discussed as it relates to mushrooms. Responsible 12-year-olds+ welcome.

Meeting location Gold Hill/Placerville area. Suggested Donation: $5/members, $10/non-members. A detailed email will be sent once you register online( this event is weather & bloom 10:00 a.m.1:00 p.m. dependent).  https://app.donorview.com/EWL55

January 28th El Dorado County Search and Rescue

36th Annual Crab Feed

We have unlimited crab to eat, awesome local wines for purchase, no host bar served up by our local Deputies. Auction of fantastic things donated by our local community & Dancing. Contact Christi at 530-626-7111 for tickets. We do have the ability to take credit cards, PayPal and Venmo for payment. www.edsar.org/esarc-crabfeed.

The tour will kick off on January 3rd, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.; 399 Placerville Dr, Placerville, with a special Community visit and blessing of the new building at MORE, morerehab.org - a fully inclusive community organization that empowers people with disabilities to enhance their quality of life. The sand mandala creation culminates with a closing mandala dissolution ceremony on Saturday, January 14th @ 4:00 p.m.Full schedule of events: www.placervillefriendsoftibet.org/schedule-detail,

January 7th

Acorn Creek and Family Photo Hike Marcus Christian, ARC Board Member and photography-lover, wants to share his interests. Join him solo or bring friends and family to get an introduction to hiking, and tips on taking nature photos. All ages welcome. Well-behaved dog on-leash OK. Meeting location (Pilot Hill area). Suggested donation on ARC properties:

Experience what life was like at the time of the gold discovery as you tour our living history encampment. Meet James Marshall and take a peek at a gold nugget. Learn what it was like to be a miner in Coloma and what tools were used to nd gold. Then try your hand at mining at our gold panning troughs. Visit with a gold rush merchant, help our cooper put a barrel together, then stop by the boarding house to see what’s cooking. Stop by the millworkers’ cabin to learn more about the gold discovery, visit the ladies at the miner’s cabin, and don’t forget to stop by Bekeart’s gun shop. Visit the blacksmith shop and learn about how important the blacksmith was during the gold rush. Learn more about how you can become a part of the volunteer program at Marshall Gold Discovery SHP during our Meet and Greet at 2 p.m. in the museum theater. Volunteer opportunities range from living history to instructing school groups, park maintenance projects, greeting visitors, giving tours, and so much more. Bring your questions and your enthusiasm. $10 per vehicle day use fee collected. For more information, call (530) 622-3470.

January 28th Swap Meet 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Free admission and parking. Swap meet will be held in plaza at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. (In case of Inclement weather Pavilion A, B, D) https://eldoradocountyfair.org/ swap.html

January 29th Murder Mystery Luncheon

The Placerville Shakespeare Club presents “An Engagement of Murder”, a Murder Mystery Luncheon performed by Kathy Drew and her Interactive Entertainment Murder Mystery Players. At 11 a.m. the doors will open for socializing, merriment and a tempting Silent Auction. The Shakespeare Clubhouse is located at 2940 Bedford Ave. Tickets $35/person and reservations must be made at 916-337-5045. Renaissance era costumes are encouraged. 12 –2:00 p.m. www.placerville-shakespeare.com

For more information on these and other events, visit www.visiteldorado.com Event date, time, cost or locations are subject to change. Prior to attending an event please con rm the information.

creation of positive potentials. Placerville Friends of Tibet will be honoring 20 years of support from the Placerville and Sierra Foothills community, organizers, partners, and the Gaden Shartse Monastery.

January 27th– February 19th Imagination Theater

Presents: INHERIT THE WIND Tennessee schoolteacher Bertram Cates is on trial for violating the Butler Act, a state law prohibiting public school teachers from teaching evolution instead of creationism. Drawing intense national attention in the media with writer E. K. Hornbeck reporting, two of the nation’s leading lawyers go head-to-head: Matthew Harrison Brady for the prosecution and Henry Drummond for the defense. The dramatized account of the 1925 Scopes “Monkey” Trial which resulted in John T. Scopes’ conviction for teaching Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution to

Judge blocks Gov. Newsom’s foolish gun law

Politicians, being egocentric by nature, sometimes do foolish, even childish, things in their insatiable hunger for attention.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom did a foolish thing last summer when he persuaded the Legislature to pass Senate Bill 1327, which would have subjected makers of guns prohibited by state law to civil lawsuits. It essentially stripped them of their right to defend themselves by making them liable for court fees.

It was patterned on a 2021 Texas law (Senate Bill 8) that made anyone who “who aids or abets” an abortion after six weeks of pregnancy subject to private lawsuits with similar restrictions on mounting a defense.

Newsom more or less admitted that SB 1327 was a stunt aimed at marshaling opposition to the Texas law. The bill even has language that repeals itself if and when the Texas law is overturned in court.

Litigation on the Texas law is under way. Last month the U.S. Supreme Court declared that a lawsuit challenging the law can proceed.

Meanwhile, however, California gun rights groups mounted a legal challenge to SB 1327, and U.S. District Court Judge Roger Benitez, who has issued other pro-gun rights decisions in recent years, blocked the law’s enforcement.

His recent order came with some sharp criticism for making it virtually impossible for targets of lawsuits to defend themselves.

SUMMARY

“This court concludes that the purpose and e ect of (SB 1327) is to trench on a citizen’s right of access to the courts and to discourage the peaceful vindication of an enumerated constitutional right,” he wrote. “Because the state fee-shifting statute undermines a citizen’s constitutional rights, it is this court’s role to declare its invalidity and enjoin its threat.”

Newsom had once described Benitez as a “whollyowned subsidiary of the gun lobby and the National Rifle Association” after one of the judge’s previous gun control rulings, but after this decision, he e usively praised Benitez.

“I want to thank Judge Benitez,” Newsom said in a statement. “We have been saying all along that Texas’ anti-abortion law is outrageous. Judge Benitez just confirmed it is also unconstitutional. The provision in California’s law that he struck down is a replica of what Texas did and his

Letters to the Editor

Proposing a CRT workshop

EDITOR:

On Dec. 6 I posted a letter to describe my observations of Critical Race Theory including Diversity, Inclusion, then Equity to create only one thing. That one thing is to encourage the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors to implement a workshop on this issue and let people have a say in the implementation of CRT/DIE in our county. I did not post it to have a discussion in the paper.

I would be happy to moderate the opposition to CRT/DIE and maybe Scott Taylor would take on the responsibility of moderating the propositional side of CRT/DIE.

Hopefully our Board of Supervisors will want to host this event at the county board chambers on the first Tuesday of February. Thank you in advance for doing so.

Swinging her club

EDITOR:

STEPHEN FERRY El Dorado Hills

Wendy Thomas made some comments about my Nov. 25 letter (that) need some clarification.

First, I am not part of the Diamond Springs-El Dorado Coalition. It was to me very apparent county sta did most of the talking. These meetings were supposed to be you, Wendy, and concerned residents of your district.

Next, you said my calling card is “name calling” and “criticisms that confuse opinion with fact.” Everyone is entitled to an opinion just like you wrote in your letter. So let us review your facts or opinions. You stated there is a lot of misinformation swirling about this project. This should be your job to correct what, in your opinion, is misinformation. In my opinion, it is not job of county sta to clear up misinformation. That job should be yours. I thank the sta for being there on their own time at your request.

Next, is your opinion that the meeting with the advisory committee present was to hear concerns of residents and comments on the draft environmental impact report. I agree with that

part; however, in my opinion, because it was a formal meeting most people will feel intimidated about standing up, walking to a podium and speaking in front of people. I am proud of the 20-some people who did get up and speak about their concerns and opinions.

Next, in your opinion, you accused me of stating an “outlandish conspiracy” with reference to road improvements in Diamond Springs by Department of Transportation sta that just happen to be adjacent or near the proposed Dorado Oaks and mentioned in the DEIR. I did not ever use the words “outlandish conspiracy.” These are your words.

You yourself stated that they have been on the capital improvement plans for years. So why now, with all the roads in desperate need of repair in this county, were these roads chosen over roads with far more tra c and safety issues in this county? It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see and ask questions.

Then you believe that my opinions challenged the integrity of county employees with your remark about “dishonest and unethical.” Then you accused me of “fear mongering,” which is your opinion. This comment is totally out of the context of my letter.

I have all the respect in the world for all county employees from the janitor to management and o er my gratitude as well. They do all the heavy lifting and deal daily with all the pressure put upon them by the public. They must use policies made sometimes lacking in care, compassion and common sense by people above them.

However, I do not have respect for sta and management who use the system to add to their bottom line at the public’s expense. They sit behind a desk, go to meetings and take up space, instead of venturing out to see what their district needs or what their employees are doing.

BRIAN DeBERRY Placerville

A brief look back at 2022 and some optimism for 2023

Not sure what to say about 2022.

Cherie and I had many wonderful days with our grandson Leo. I pick him up from kindergarten twice a week. Once he comes back here, Cherie and Leo often bake something together.

On the second day of the week I take him to gymnastics, which he enjoys, and during which I get some reading done.

I have also enjoyed covering the El Dorado Irrigation District news for the Mountain Democrat.

I’ve enjoyed being American Legion post commander but after two years I’m hoping to pass the baton in 2023. I’ve been fortunate to have a great bulletin editor for the Legion. Thank you, Stephanie Carlson. Also, thanks to adjutant and membership chairman Joe Rendon; that’s a really big job. Finance chairman Mike Schiavone does more than write checks and keep the budget. He has

lined up contracts with the El Dorado County Fair and the Jeepers Jamboree. The Legion will have a crab feed Friday, Feb. 18. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased at the bar during Friday night happy hours.

Coming up with di erent menus twice a month as cook for the Lions Club has been a challenge. I hope to pass that back to our club President Chris Didlot when her term ends in the summer. I also hope I don’t have to take over as club president until 2024, but 2023 looks like a possible scenario. That will be my third time serving as club president. Chris has done an outstanding job as club president. I hope I can as well.

Some club members do double duty. Our president is also hall rental chair and a very successful one at that. I hope I can pass on some of her savvy to the Legion rental person. I’m also club bulletin editor and will likely continue that even as president.

The Mountain Democrat welcomes letters up to 300 words. Letters may be edited. We reserve the right to edit submissions. Include your name, address and phone number for verification purposes.

Email: editor@ mtdemocrat.net

I enjoyed being Halloween chair for the club. I volunteered for that to get it out of the parking lot and back in the hall. We had a good turnout, but it didn’t seem as big a crowd as in the past. We figured that out from the number of hot dogs we gave away and the number we had left over. Hopefully we’ll get more people next year. I couldn’t have done it without Jerry Didlot, who purchased the candy prizes for the games. Jerry started the Halloween carnival something like 26 years ago. I’m just the figure head but came early to help set up.

The new year portends a lot for our family. My daughter is due to deliver a new baby boy later this month. I look forward to learning his name. So far that has been a tightly held secret and may not even be totally decided. That will make Leo a big brother. He moves on to first grade in the fall. We ended the year by getting our parking area driveway paved. It was

Mail: Letters to the Editor P. O. Box 1088, Placerville 95667

a big area. No more dust from the gravel parking lot in the summer or dust clouds when blowing leaves o . Next fall will be the 43rd anniversary for Cherie and me. I first met her at a Big Brothers and Big Sisters event. Later, after interviewing her when she was running for the junior college board, I asked to meet her socially for co ee. I also met her deadline, asking her to marry me within six months or less. “Yes” was awesome, so was our wedding in the Episcopal Church we now attend and the reception and bar at the Shakespeare Club. We hired pianist John Trenalone, who played at the Carriage Room on Broadway at the time.

I’m hoping to travel in Europe this coming year.

I’m also hoping all my readers have a good year in 2023.

Michael Ra ety is a retired editor of the Mountain Democrat and a resident of the Placerville area.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature passed a gun control law that was aimed at shaming a Texas law on abortion. A federal judge has now brought and end to the political posturing.

DAN WALTERS

the chopper.

District 1 Supervisor John Hidahl said he was pleased with the conditions of the warranty.

“It looks like it is a good package,” Hidahl said. “We should get a lot of durability and reliability at least within the first full year and if we take the proper maintenance steps, we should go much further than that.”

The aircraft for now would operate for 10 hours out of the week, equating to 500 hours in a year.

District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo touted the importance of the Sheriff’s Office having a helicopter.

“You cannot put a price on public safety,” Turnboo said. “It is a big issue especially with the Caldor Fire … if we could have gotten on that fire right away, we probably would have been a lot more successful and not have lost Grizzly Flat.”

Walters Continued from A6 explanation of why this part of SB 1327 unfairly blocks access to the courts applies equally to Texas’ SB 8. There is no longer any doubt that Texas’ cruel anti-abortion law should also be struck down.” It should be struck down for the same reasons — that it unconstitutionally limits the right to defend oneself against a lawsuit.

But whether it will be is not certain.

There are a few differences in the two laws and one big difference in the underlying issues of abortion rights and gun rights. The Supreme Court, in overturning Roe v. Wade, explicitly declared that there is no constitutional right to abortion while the “right to bear arms” is

specifically mentioned in the Bill of Rights.

Given that difference, and the Supreme Court’s obvious distaste for severely restrictive gun laws, it’s entirely possible that California’s law will be permanently blocked while the Texas law survives, at least in some form.

Whatever the outcome,

however, the SB 1327 saga is an exercise in political oneupsmanship that makes a mockery of the legislative process. Passing a law in California with the declared intent of shaming a law in Texas while putting Californians in legal jeopardy is political malpractice.

Newsom and the legislators who voted for SB 1327 should

be ashamed of themselves. They should be spending their time on California’s many serious problems, not trying to tell Texas what it should be doing.

Dan Walters is a journalist and author who writes for CALmatters.org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.

Announcements

AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 334-2970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot. comt

AmEriCAN ASSOC OF UNivErSity WOmEN Foothills of EDC Branch. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science and Math Camp Scholarships, programs & interest groups. Leave voicemail for Laurel (530) 417-7737 or Sara (530) 417-7138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net

El DOrADO COUNty AmAtEUr rADiO CLUB Dedicated to all aspects of ham radio. Meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at the El Dorado Sheriff’s office, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net

LEArN & PLAy CriBBAGE Cribbage is a fun, fast paced game that will surely keep you on your toes! **All skill levels

**Learn to play by ACC Rules (American Cribbage Congress) **Beginner instruction available **Compete in weekly Cribbage tournaments. Call 916-768-4452 for more information. Gold Country Cribbers play Wednesday afternoon 4:30 pm at the Moni Gilmore Sr Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762

Ready for real change?

CELEBrAtE rECOvEry meets Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm at Bayside Church of Placerville, 4602 Missouri Flat Road, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. We are a Christ centered recovery program to find healing and recovery from our hurts, habits, and hangups. Email elebratercovery@ baysideplacerville. com. Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/ CRBaysidePlacerville.

Struggling with life? CELEBrAtE rECOvEry is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues

and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@ greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/

DEmOCrAtS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Call (530)391-6414 or see edcdems. org for more information.

GOLD rUSH CHOrUS now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing fourpart harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or Kent (530) 651-3575

Hangtown Women’s tENNiS Club. Join fun-loving women Wednesdays 9am-11am at El Dorado High School. Lessons, social events, only $35/year. Call Cindy 805-540-8654.

SENiOr PEEr COUNSELiNG of El Dorado County is seeking volunteer counselors. Do you possess such qualities as warmth, empathy and nonjudgement, as well as having varied life experiences, and being over the age of 55? If you do and would like to help and listen to fellow seniors who are dealing with age related issues such as loneliness, isolation, health and grief, we would love to talk to you. Counselors receive training and are supervised by a professional in the field. SPC Clinical Supervisor Jayann Askin, MFT, shares “We are looking for volunteers who are interested in psychology, counseling, and mental health and would like to be a part of a supportive group of ongoing learners in this field.” For more information on this greatly rewarding volunteer opportunity, please call 530-621-6304

Similar

B3 Airbus El Dorado County is acquiring, a Seminole County Sheriff’s Office helicopter lands at a middle school in Florida.

Courtesy photo

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Differences are not the cause of stress, disagreement is. You choose the peaceable route, acknowledging that the world is a diverse place without taking issue with everything that is different.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Take time to work out a deal, but don’t dwell in the semantics because they are the least important aspect in play. The negotiation is about coming into a state of harmony with the other party and learning what you can agree on.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’re focused on finding your next opportunity, which will lead you into interesting scenarios that seem made for you. Because you believe you’ll be lucky, you’ll find good fortune everywhere.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Until you’re the one inside the real-life experience, you just don’t know. For this reason, even though you find it difficult to relate to someone’s choices, you assume they have their reasons and leave it at that.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Whether the deal is better for you or the other person is beside the point. You seek to create interactions that increase the quality of your bonds. This principle will carry you through many beneficial exchanges.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Pretend you can psychically read the other person. What information do you imagine you’re getting? Grant yourself permission to guess and suddenly you’ll find yourself with strong intuitive guidance.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). When you speak your truth, people will consider you brave. What they don’t understand is that you’re too passionate not to say what’s on your mind. It would be much harder to stay silent.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Emotionally, you are like a sea creature. You’ve no fear of the open water, but the shallows can be dangerous. You’ll avoid getting beached by seeking to understand the depths of those who have depths to understand.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your dreams are like a net you toss out to the ether and bring back periodically to find out what they caught. New people, places and things will populate your life because of the effort and strategy you put into today’s throw.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Pleasure is not the absence of pain. Similarly, doing just enough is not nearly enough for the kind of mood you’re in. You’ll go for the wow factor, or keep moving until you find something that’s worthy of your superstar effort.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Someone wants you to conform to their wishes, which you may find annoying, but in another way you see their conviction as admirable. It inspires you to figure out what you want, too. There’s a chance of overlapping interests.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You can see the end goal in your mind’s eye, and this helps you be tenacious. You would have lost heart long ago without this clarity of vision. Paint the picture for one who is having trouble seeing as well as you do.

Storm Continued from A1

where Hangtown Creek’s waters spilled out onto the road. Social media abounded with footage of the storm’s onslaught, including a hot tub floating away from the clearly flooded Ferguson Plumbing Supply on Cold Springs Road.

Drainage issues resulted in the Veterans Memorial Building parking lot transforming into a miniature lake; a water line visible on the side of the building shows flooding grew to deeper than 1 foot. Sean Conley-Widing, volunteer manager of the memorial building, said the standing water entered the first floor and has likely caused notable damage. He added that all activities at the building will have to be canceled for at least a month.

Residents of Thunder Head Lane in Placerville found themselves stuck as a result of Saturday’s storm. Indian Creek passes underneath a stretch of Thunder Head Lane and as it swelled from the deluge it swept away the roadbed and road surface above. Resident Ray Keele reported his neighbors in nine houses past the sizable hole in the road were stuck and had to pass through a neighbor’s back fence to gain access to a road. A temporary fix was expected to be completed Tuesday afternoon but the road will need substantial repairs once Indian Creek dries up enough to allow for them, Keele said.

Residents in some parts of Cameron Park, White Hall and south of Sand Ridge Road and Highway 49 were placed under evacuation orders Saturday afternoon as the rain created hazardous flooding conditions; those evacuation orders have since been lifted, according to the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.

Storm damage and flooding conditions led Caltrans to announce the closure of multiple roads, including Highway 49 at Sand Ridge Road and Highway 139 at Chili Bar. Caltrans workers also had to clear Highway 50 near Kyburz of large boulders that had fallen onto the road late Saturday night as a result of the storm. Mosquito Fire Protection District officials reported mudslides led to the closure of Mosquito Road, which was reopened Sunday afternoon.

South Lake Tahoe and other mountainous areas of Nevada, Alpine, El Dorado and Placer counties were under an avalanche warning until Sunday morning.

According to rainfall data available from ElDoradoWeather.com, 5.32 inches of rain fell in Placerville Dec. 31, which accounts for more than 24% of the city’s rainfall for last year. The National Weather Service predicts more rain to come with between 1 and 2 inches possible through Wednesday night and heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast for Thursday. Precipitation Wednesday is also expected to be joined by wind gusts that may reach up to 49 miles per hour. With soils already saturated from

Saturday’s storm, the additional rain and wind coming in the next few days are expected to lead to more uprooted trees and flash flooding and debris flows coming off the Caldor and Mosquito fires’ burn scars.

With more storms on the way, EDSO has shared the following list of actions that can help residents prepare for more possible flooding and other hazards:

• Gassing up vehicles

• Charging devices

• Having sufficient medication

• Putting together a “go bag” filled with essentials

• Heeding evacuation orders

• Having sufficient food, water and pet food

• Checking drainages

• Checking on neighbors

Authorities also urge motorists to use caution while on the road with most flood deaths occurring in vehicles, according to the El Dorado County Fire Protection District. Drivers should not attempt to drive through flooded roads.

Placerville Police Department officials noted as little as 1 foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away and 6 inches can knock a person down. Placerville residents can report flooded roads to dispatchers at (530) 642-5280. To report concerns in unincorporated El Dorado County call the Department of Transportation at (530) 642-4909.

As of press time the following roads remained closed due to failed culverts and washed-out roadways:

• Mount Murphy Road dirt section (no affected residents)

• Green Valley Road between Mallard Road and El Dorado Road (repairs were expected to allow the roadway to reopen Tuesday)

• Mining Brook Road at Newtown Road (no affected residents)

• Sweeney Road near Happy Valley Road

Recommending that residents bring their own shovels, the El Dorado County Office of Emergency Services and city of Placerville have set up the following sandbag-filling locations in the county: West Slope

Express Trail, Pollock Pines Mosquito Road Park and Ride

Placerville

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

n TODAy

HOROSCOPE by Holiday Mathis

SUDOkU

The Veterans Memorial Building on Placerville Drive, top photo, saw about 1 foot of flooding, with water entering its ground floor. As a result of Indian Creek overflowing during Saturday’s storm, middle photo, a segment of Thunder Head Lane in Placerville dissolved into a sinkhole. Courtesy photos

Welsh corgi Pippin regrets his decision to follow owner Sandra McGinnis while checking for flood damage in the Oak Hill area Saturday morning.

In the

KNOW

Now

Homebrew and microbrew masters are invited to enter upcoming El Dorado County Fair competitions, Jan. 3-23. For rules, deadlines and more information visit eldoradocountyfair.org/ brew-competition.html.

Jan. 4

Broadway Sacramento presents “Frozen,” Jan. 4-15 at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center, 1301 L St. in Sacramento. For tickets and more information visit broadwaysacramento.com.

Jan. 5

The Shingle SpringsCameron Park Chamber of Commerce hosts a mixer at 5:30 p.m. at Tres Calaveras, 3300 Coach Lane, Suite A5, Cameron Park. For more information visit sscpchamber.org.

Uncommon Ground performs a free show 7-10 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets, tables and livestream access visit tickets. clubgreenroom.com.

The Placerville Area Chess Club meets every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Denny’s in Cameron Park, 3446 Coach Lane. For more information call Neville Arroues at (530) 642-9043.

Jan. 6

The Neon Moon Band performs 7-10 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets, tables and livestream access visit tickets.clubgreenroom.com.

Jan. 7

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts a one day only Christmas tree recycling event, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at EDH Community Park’s north parking lot. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.

Sherwood Demonstration Garden, 6699 Campus Drive in Placerville, is open for a free public tour on the first Saturday of each month, starting at 9 a.m. While some of the garden has entered its winter’s rest, there are cold/hearty plants that bloom and offer interest. After the approximate one-hour tour, wander around the 16 individual gardens at your own pace or ask docents for help and more information. Garden may be closed for inclement weather or poor air quality. Check before visiting at ucanr.edu/sites/ EDC_Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden.

Boys & Girls Club of El Dorado County Western Slope hosts Heroes Night at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. Enjoy dinner and dessert, silent and live auctions and more. For tickets and more information visit bgce.org/ heroes.

Jan. 8

Painting & Vino classes are at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville, 1-4 p.m., featuring succulents (Jan. 8) and birch trees (Jan. 22). For more information visit tickets.clubgreenroom. com.

The VITA Academy presents Great Composers Chamber Music Series featuring Rising Stars of Chamber Music at 2 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and

If the shoe doesn’t fit ... donate it!

Hands4Hope –Youth Making A Difference, in partnership with ASPIREKids, will host a shoe drive for unprivileged children in the community Jan. 5 at the Placerville Youth Center, 905 Spring St. The committee will accept donations of new and gently used everyday shoes in all sizes. Donations can be dropped off 2-6 p.m.

Youth members of the ASPIRE Outfitters Committee, a joint program between Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference and ASPIREKids, have planned this shoe collection in order to ensure students have shoes that fit well and are appropriate for the season and for everyday wear. Most needed are athletic/everyday wear shoes in boys and girls sizes 1-6 for elementary school age students as well as men’s sizes 8-12 and women’s sizes 7-9 for teens. The shoes will be distributed by the committee through emergency bags that are requested through schools and partner agencies of ASPIREKids and Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference.

All donations are appreciated. Those who want to donate but cannot do so Jan. 5 are asked to email Melissa Placek, melissap@ hand4hopeyouth.org, or

Jodi Mottashed, jodi@ aspirekidssac.org, to schedule a drop off. Monetary donations are also accepted to purchase needed shoes. Donations may be mailed to: Hands4Hope,

3941 Park Drive, Suite 20264, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762, or made online at hands4hopeyouth.org/donate

Meal program keeps students, families well fed

Jessica Trumble-Pitel EDCOE Community Outreach Coordinator

“Cooking is all about people. Food is maybe the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together. No matter what the culture, everywhere around the world, people eat together.” —

Guy Fieri

El Dorado County Office of Education Charter College and Career Prep recently launched a new prepared meal pilot program partnership with Upper Room Dining Hall. The food program is the representation of how to create effective social change within the community — allowing students and families to have a prepared meal that is well balanced, prepared with care and easily accessible through the CCP campus.

“We are so grateful to be a part of this important program.” said Upper Room

Courtesy photos

Empty shoe racks wait for donations in the ASPIRE Outfitters clothing closet at the Hands4Hope Placerville Youth Center. Most needed are athletic /everyday

wear shoes in boys and girls sizes 1-6 for elementary school age students, as well as men’s sizes 8-12 and women’s sizes 7-9 for teens.

Courtesy photos El Dorado County Office of Education Charter College and Career Prep and the Upper Room Dining Hall have teamed up to make sure students and their families have access to healthy meals.

Jennypher Doan Hands4Hope communications

Clothing items are available for local youth in-need at the ASPIRE Outfitters clothing closet at the Hands4Hope Placerville Youth Center.

prospecting

Apps for maintaining calm and control in 2023

New York via Chicago. After takeoff, I reclined my seat five degrees or violence.

Apps for patience

Aware that there is a greater need for mental health in our ever-moreisolated, tech-driven culture developers have come up with apps to help. We can feel better about our lives and be empowered to be a force for good. Most apps are free, with in-app purchases if you decide you like them.

Here are a few: Good Deed. This five-star rated app says, “Only you choose who to be.” The app doubles as a “good deed tracker” and as a source of ideas on how you can make a positive difference in the world through daily acts of kindness. Free.

KARMiC – A Deed Four stars. Another kindness idea generator, the app allows you to track your efforts and gives you positive feedback, plus the opportunity to log how you felt about your

iEttiquette. 3.6 stars. This is the most complete application available about good manners and “bon ton.” A handy reference if you are uncertain about how to handle any social situation appropriately.

Free. Calm. 4.8 stars. This is the No. 1 app for sleep, relaxation and meditation. Numerous and easy features allow you to learn to practice mindfulness and to maintain your selfcontrol. There is a free side and a premium (paid) side. Both are good. Bonus: if you are a Kaiser member, you can access the premium side for free. More information is available at kp.org.

Headspace: Mindful Meditation. 4.8 stars.

Stress less, sleep soundly and get happier. What’s not to like? This app’s rich, accessible lessons gently explore how to improve mindfulness and put you in control of your life. Free.

Rain Rain Sleep Sounds. 4.8 stars. This app helps you to tune out distractions and relax. Choose from more than 100 recordings, mix and match to find your perfect relaxing situation. Free.

If you are a person of faith, there are prayer and meditation apps available, too. These include Hallow, Pray and others. There are apps for every major faith tradition.

Be the light in this world

On my last business trip for ’22, I was also among the thousands of stranded Southwest passengers in Denver, trying to reach New York. Fortunately for me, a crew of off-duty Southwest employees stepped forward and volunteered to take the almost-cancelled flight to La Guardia.

One small team couldn’t solve everyone’s challenges, but they could help 175 individuals. It was something they could do to help that day. That takes heart.

Sometimes, the only way to get out of a challenging situation is to work right through it. Take a deep breath. Say a prayer or calming mantra. And step forward into the light of the new day.

Whatever challenges lie ahead of us, we will make it through 2023.

As the Brits say: Keep calm and carry on.

Happy New Year! Send your event for consideration in Susan’s column to slaird@ handywriting.com.

“Kindness is a gift everyone can afford to give.” — Author

Photo by David Endsley

Life has its stressful moments. Software developers have created apps for smartphones and tablets that can help you to maintain calm and control — no matter what life throws at you.

Courtesy photo

Placerville Masonic Lodge

installed new officers Dec. 18 at the Placerville Masonic Center with the help of a special guest — Grand Master Randall Brill, the highest Masonic officer in the state. Above, front row left to right, are Treasurer Mark McCusker, Master Vern Lepper, Most Worshipful Brill and Jr. Steward Richard Nesler. In the second row left to right are Marshall Dan Musick, Senior Warden Scott Bertram, Secretary Jim Whiteley and Jr. Deacon Phill Leatherman. In the third row left

right are Senior Steward John Dockter, Jr. Warden Brian Ludwig and Organist Bert Bertram.

at facebook.com/placervillemasons.

Grow for it!

Bareroot plants and why you should plant them now

If you have plans to add to your landscape in the spring when the weather warms up, or you’ve wanted to launch a rose garden for a long time, now is the time buy and plant — yes, in January — bareroot plants. Many gardeners get bored in the winter when their gardens are dormant. But winter is the time to find and plant some wonderful plants. Then you can sit back and enjoy them in the spring.

Many plants can be purchased in bareroot form. They are almost always less expensive (no shipping of pots with soil

barco UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County

in them). By definition, these plants have been dug up when dormant and the soil is brushed off the roots. Bareroot plants most familiar to people are fruit trees and roses; however, there are many more. The only limitations are your planting environment and finding what you want at a nursery or online.

If you are interested in

adding unusual plants to your yard, it pays to call around to the nurseries in your area and speak to the buyer. They can tell you what is on order, what is in stock and when they will be arriving.

When you bring a bareroot plant home it is good to get it into the ground quickly. If you can’t plant it on the same day, leave it in a bucket of water overnight.

To put a plant into the ground, dig a hole that is the same depth as the root ball and at least twice as wide. Leave a small mound of soil in the middle. Very gently loosen the plant’s roots and spread them out; then set the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is at the same

n See Gardener page B5

Dr. Ivan is a licensed veterinarian in Mexico, graduating from the University Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla. He is working on his veterinary medical license here in the United States, and currently works as a registered technician while managing the practice. He specializes in animal training, coordinating speci c animal training to improve the medical procedures needed to simplify the handling of animals in their enclosures. He leads in educational showings and seminars. As a trainer of African elephants, he worked with the Animal Welfare Department and in courses and workshops of universities and VIP groups.

In the veterinary eld for over 30 years, Leah manages two veterinary hospitals. She brings her experience and education to the team.

SUPPORT STAFF

Our staff at Shingle Springs Veterinary Clinic has the same values and goals as the management team and bring their individual skills and experience to the clinic. Our RVT’s and assistants are skilled and trained in attending to the patients’ medical needs. Our customer service representatives at the front desk are always there to take your call, making sure your pet has the best experience possible. Our janitorial staff take pride in keeping the hospital clean and disinfected for our clients’ pet’s protection.

Our entire team enjoys the ability to help with all of your animal’s needs, from when they are young and need preventative care to when they grow older and need specialized care. The services offered are dental, chiropractic, surgical, reproductive, holistic, and many more.

affordable price

Now you can have the best of both worlds–there isn’t a better, more aff ordable walk-in tub!

DR. IVAN CERVANTES Practice Manager

LEAH HAMILTON Administrative Assistant

Dr. Maggie is a graduate from UNAM-FMVZ 2016, plus a graduate from an additional 2-year program in zoo and exotic animals. She has been practicing ever since, specializing in exotics! Got a lizard? Give us a call! She sees all pets, from puppies and kittens to bunnies and turtles, as well as avian and pocket pets!

We are a Wellness Hospital that offers Emergency Services and large animal services, as well. Our team of trained professionals are here to support you and your pets in an emergency situation at night, or for a puppy vaccine during the day

DR. MAGGIE SUAREZ DVM

Kathleen

Generous holiday spirit shines at Jingle! Mingle! fundraiser

More than 300 ticket holders enjoyed the Christmas décor, festive music, delicious small bites and wine tastings provided by local restaurants and wineries at Jingle! Mingle! — a fundraiser hosted by the Assistance League Sierra Foothills at Cameron Park Community Center Dec. 4.

Guests bid on fully decorated Christmas trees and holiday specialty items in a silent auction, entered their chance to win themed ra e baskets and shopped local artisan wares from designer chocolates to hand-crafted jewelry and original artwork. Proceeds support the Assistance League

Sierra Foothills’ six philanthropic programs in El Dorado County.

Operation School Bell provides school clothes for local students, while volunteers for Books

and Beyond supply reading opportunities and books to elementary students. Other programs furnish recreation league sports scholarships for needy

children, du e bags for displaced children, secondary education scholarships, and social/ creative opportunities for seniors living in facilities.

Looking ahead to 2023, Assistance League Sierra Foothills’ most popular annual fundraiser — Gardens of the Hills —will be held June 3-4. Members are

also making plans to bring back the Homes for the Holidays tour in December 2023. For more information visit assistanceleague.org/ sierra-foothills.

Meals

Dining Hall

Continued from B1

“Food insecurity is an issue for many students in our community and this partnership allows us the opportunity to help bridge that gap and o er a healthy, easily accessible meal.”

Food access and the ability to prepare a meal can be a challenge for students and families, especially with the drastic fluctuations in the economy that have occurred the last couple years. Societal issues have a direct impact on how a student can perform in school. Thus, such a program is critical in the further support and development of students at CCP. A reassurance of basic needs is continually being met allows students the ability to focus on completing their high school career.

The partnership with Upper Room Dining Hall demonstrates the need for community organizations to be involved in the network of education. This also demonstrates that supporting student’s success comes not only from support inside the classroom, but also outside.

For more information about CCP visit ccp.edcoe. org.

Donations

(add “shoe donation” to the memo).

About the nonprofits

Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Di erence is a nonprofit, youth-driven organization with the mission to inspire and empower youth in leadership and service. The organization o ers hands-on education and community engagement opportunities to youth from kindergarten through 12th grades through school-based and after-school programs in Sacramento and El Dorado counties. For more information about Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Di erence visit hands4hopeyouth.org or call the o ce at (916) 294-7426.

ASPIREKids is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help build resilience to trauma for at-risk and low income youth by providing access to normalcy. This is done through a variety of programs but primarily a scholarship program, STRIVE Scholarships, which allows youth to participate in normalcy and extracurricular activities and a clothing closet, ASPIRE Outfitters, which provides clothing, shoes and coats to the community’s most vulnerable. Learn more at aspirekidssac.org.

Operations Director Karen Stinson.

Courtesy photos

Jingle! Mingle guests shop at the December event that raised money for the Assistance League Sierra Foothills’ community-based programs.

Taxpayers interact with IRScertified volunteers in one or two short, in-person meetings to exchange documents. The American Association of Retired Persons, in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service and the California Franchise Tax Board, provide this service free to all ages middle- and low-income taxpayers with special attention to seniors.

Electronic filing is available at all locations. Those desiring to use the service of the Tax-Aide program should make an appointment to

secure a date, time and location convenient for them. Appointments are available Monday through Saturday, depending on the site.

For appointments in El Dorado County visit eldoradotaxes.org or call one of the following phone numbers: Placerville Senior Center (accepting calls on or after Jan. 16) (530) 9038151; VITA at Placerville Senior Center (VITA is limited to income of $66,000 or lower), (530) 9038151; Gold Country Retirement in Placerville, (530) 303-8115; Cameron Park Community Center, (530) 3953101; Garden Valley Fire Department, (530) 235-6332; Pollock Pines, (530) 497-0368.

For more information about AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, including what service is available where and which documents you need to file your taxes, visit eldoradotaxes.org or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669).

grade as the surrounding soil. Fill in with the soil you dug up without adding amendments. Use the remaining soil to create a water basin the same diameter as the root ball; over time enlarge it to encourage the roots to grow out. Then, water the plant in. Add organic mulch up to 3 inches deep to control weeds but keep it 6 inches away from the trunk to ward off insects and mold. Give the new plant frequent, light watering so the root ball does not dry out.

As always, it is crucial when purchasing plants to ensure a particular plant will do well where you plant it — check elevation, hours of sun needed, drainage needed, etc. Here are some plants that can be purchased in bareroot form:

• Food trees: fruit — apple, apricot, cherry, plum, pomegranate. Nuts — almond, pecan, walnut.

• Decorative trees: willows, privet, evergreen, dogwood.

• Decorative shrubs and vines: almost every kind of rose, peonies, wisteria, honeysuckle

• Food shrubs and vines: grape, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries

For detailed instructions on planting a bareroot plant visit the UC California

Garden Web at ucanr.edu/sites/ gardenweb.

Free public education classes will be held Jan. 21 (fruit tree pruning demonstration) and Jan. 28 (a course on growing and preserving cole crops). Find the class schedule at mgeldorado. ucanr.edu/Public_Education_ Classes/?calendar=yes&g=56698, and recorded classes on many gardening topics atmgeldorado.ucanr.edu/Public_ Education/Classes.

The Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open through February on the first Saturday of the month. Master Gardeners offer tours, answer questions or visitors can just enjoy the garden. Check the website for further information about the Sherwood Demonstration Garden at ucanr. edu/sites/EDC_Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden.

Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are working hard to answer your questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on mgeldorado. ucanr.edu or leave a message on the office telephone at (530) 621-5512. To sign up for notices and newsletters visit ucanr.edu/master gardener e-news. Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Folsom Lake College welcomes new leader

News release

FOLSOM — Dr. Art Pimentel has been appointed the fourth president of Folsom Lake College by the Los Rios Community College District Board of Trustees at the Dec. 14 meeting. He will begin his tenure at Folsom Lake College Jan. 9.

With more than 17 years of higher education experience, Pimentel’s extensive background includes leadership of student and instructional services, fiscal management, marketing, community outreach, enrollment management, facilities management, government relations and institutional and strategic planning. This also marks a return to Los Rios where he previously worked for five years within the district including serving as the dean for Sacramento City College’s West Sacramento Center and as the district’s interim director of Educational Services and Student Success.

Pimentel most recently served as president of Woodland Community College. Under his leadership, Woodland Community

College increased its student retention rates by more than 5% since 2019, increased enrollment by 9% postpandemic, began construction on the college’s $42 million performing arts and culinary services building, expanded behavioral health services through a partnership with Yolo County and developed strong partnerships with all K-12 districts in the college’s service area to expand dual enrollment and career exploration opportunities.

“We couldn’t be happier to welcome Dr. Pimentel back

to Los Rios and to Folsom Lake College,” said Brian King, chancellor of the Los Rios Community College District. “Dr. Pimentel brings a wealth of skill and expertise to the presidency and a deep commitment to the students of our region. I can’t wait to see the great things that FLC will accomplish under Art’s leadership.”

Pimentel earned his bachelor’s degree in social sciences from California State University, Sacramento; his master’s degree in educational leadership from California

State University, Sacramento; and his doctorate in education from the University of California, Davis.

In addition to his career in higher education, Pimentel has been active within the community. He was elected to the Woodland City Council and served 2004-08, elected mayor of Woodland in 2008 and served from 2008-12 and served on the Woodland Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees in 2014. He also served as the chairman for the Yolo County Transportation District, Yolo-Solano Air Quality District and the Cleaner Air Partnership of Sacramento.

“I look forward to joining the Folsom Lake College family and working with college staff and faculty to continue the important work of increasing access to higher education by focusing on closing equity gaps and improving student achievement,” shared Pimentel.

Pimentel will succeed Dr. Whitney Yamamura who departed Folsom Lake College in August 2022 to serve as chancellor of the Coast Community

College District in Costa Mesa. Retired Folsom Lake College President Dr. Rachel Rosenthal has been serving as interim president since Yamamura’s departure while the college and district conducted the comprehensive nationwide search process. The community will have the opportunity to welcome Pimentel at events this spring.

About Folsom Lake College

Since 2004 Folsom Lake College has provided exceptional educational opportunities to the communities of eastern Sacramento and western El Dorado counties. The college serves approximately 9,000 students at the main Folsom campus, the El Dorado Center in Placerville, the Rancho Cordova Center and online. FLC offers educational opportunities and support for students to transfer to four-year institutions, improve foundational skills, achieve career goals and earn associate degrees or certificates. For more information go to flc.losrios. edu.

Courtesy photo

Dr. Art Pimentel joins the Folsom Lake College leadership team.

Sierra Peaks Properties Inc, PO Box 8408, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96158

This business is conducted by a Corporation, State of Incorporation:

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 12/05/22

Signature of Registrant: /s/ Jeff Roden JEFF RODEN, PRESIDENT I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.

(A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).)

This statement filed with the county clerk of El Dorado County on 12/06/2022.

NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code) 12/14, 12/21, 12/28/22, 1/4/23 11195

of a misdemeanor

by a fine not to exceed

thousand dollars

statement filed with the county clerk of El Dorado County on 12/07/2022. NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (see section 14411

the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association.

NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. !AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 dias, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin eschuchar su version. Lea la informacion a continuacion.

Tiene 30 DIAS DE CALENDARIO después de que Ie entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una lIamada telefonica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y mas informacion en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www. sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que Ie quede mas cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentacion, pida al secretario de la corte que Ie de un formulario de exencion de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte Ie podra quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin mas advertencia.

Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que lIame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede lIamar a un servicio de remision a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniendose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las coutas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperacion de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un case de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pudea desechar el caso.

The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y dirección de la corte es):

NOTICE OF HEARING: JANUARY 6, 2023, 8:30 A.M.

9 AT SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF EL DORADO, 3321 Cameron Park Drive, Cameron Park, CA 95682.

the following newspaper of general

SelfHelp Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF EL DORADO 3321 Cameron Park Drive Cameron Park, CA 95682

The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): BRENDA AGUILAR-GUERRERO (SBN: 151257) Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP 1999 Harrison Street, Suite 1650 Oakland, California 94612 Tel: (510) 273-8780 Fax: (510) 839-9104 DATE (Fecha): Jun 15, 2021

suggest the Manzanita Trail to Stagecoach Trail. Sure

First, you can park for free at the Auburn State Recreation Area headquarters. Toilets, picnic tables and information about trails are located here, making it a great start and end point.

The Manzanita Trail is aptly named. During or right after a rain, the bark of the manzanita is bright red. The hearty bush thrives along the trail and in a couple areas it is shaped into an arched trellis over the path. After connecting to Stagecoach Trail the path opens providing views of the Foresthill Bridge, the tallest bridge in California at 731 feet. The Confluence Bridge, Old Foresthill Bridge and the Highway 49 bridge are all within view. If you look to the far right you can see the Mountain Quarries Railroad Bridge.

A small bench provides a good midway point. The turkey vultures often perch here. I have enjoyed watching them spread their wings and sun themselves on the highest limbs of the tallest trees here.

You can continue on

West

Stagecoach or head uphill to the top of the Foresthill Bridge or down hill to the confluence area. There are several trails to take advantage of from this point. On Stagecoach I was surprised to see the Heart Rock Tree had been cut down.

Speaking to Auburn State Recreation Area officials, it was necessary. A significant landslide took place near the tree making it unstable. I placed my share of heart shaped rocks in the nooks of the bark of the large pine. Now I only have pictures.

To get there from Auburn take Interstate 80 to the Elm Avenue exit. Turn left onto Highway 49. Follow Highway 49 into the canyon and into the Auburn State Recreation Area.

The ranger’s station entrance will be on your left about halfway down the canyon. Park in front of the office. The trail will be up the hill to your right around the maintenance shop. Black bears, snakes and other wildlife are in the area so be cautious.

Take ample water and wear sturdy shoes. Exposed areas may

require a hat, sunglasses and even sunscreen on sunny and hot days.

Mary West is author of the book series Day Hiker – Gold Country Trail Guide I, II and III (second edition available on Amazon). The books are a collection of the Day Hiker columns where West shares her longtime love of the outdoors, favorite hikes in Northern California’s Gold Country and beyond. West was the recipient of the 2017 and 2019 Craft Award for Best Outdoor Column and the 2020 Craft Award for her second book in the Day Hiker series by the Outdoor Writers of California. You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

ScoutS help feeD the hungry

Mary

Outdoor columnist

Photos by Mary West

A well-placed bench along the Manzanita Trail, above, offers a spectacular view of Foresthill Bridge. Below, The north and middle forks of the American River join at the El Dorado County/Placer County line.

Courtesy photo

Local Scouts, Scout leaders and El Dorado County District 1 Supervisor John Hidahl stopped