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Volume 173 • Issue 3 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
Monday, January 8, 2024
Roman Lopez murder
Father gets 15 years prison time Mountain Democrat staff
Roman Lopez
Jordan Piper has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the 2020 murder of his 11-year-old son Roman Lopez. The sentence is the maximum possible, according to the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office, and came in a Placerville courtroom Thursday, Jan. 4. Piper is already in prison, in federal custody, serving a
15-year prison term for charges stemming from sexual exploitation of a child unrelated to Roman’s case. Piper’s prison time for Roman’s murder will run concurrently with his federal sentence. After his sexual exploitation sentence has concluded, he will be transferred to a state prison to serve the remainder of his time. “Justice has been served for Roman,” said El Dorado County
Jordan Piper District Attorney Vern Pierson. “Both his father and stepmother are now being held
accountable for their incomprehensible cruelty, abuse and death of their child and will spend a very long time behind bars.” Last July, Roman’s stepmother Lindsay Piper was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for her role in her son’s death. The sentencing hearing was conducted remotely via WebEx due to Jordan Piper’s
incarceration in Federal Prison. At the sentencing hearing, 10 victim impact statements were presented to the court by family members from around the country, who were also present online. Erin Rice, the best friend of Roman’s mother, Rochelle Lopez, and who served with her in the military, was among those to address Jordan Piper during last n See piper, page A3
2023
County’s growth In in studied ahead the of TIF update The Mountain Democrat looks back on some of the
NEWS
Eric Jaramishian Staff writer
PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE
El Dorado County is planning a major update to its Traffic Impact Fee program, which funds transportation improvements needed to accommodate residential and commercial growth. In preparation for the TIF program overhaul, which is scheduled to happen Jan. 9, the county called on BAE Urban Economics Inc. to conduct a study on updated housing and employment growth projections. The findings, presented to the Board of Supervisors Dec. 5, are expected to assist the county in fine tuning its travel demand models. Matt Kowta, with BAE Urban Economics, showed the board that
9,996 new housing units are estimated to be constructed by 2045 on the West Slope. In that same timeframe, 6,776 new jobs would be created by 2045 on the West Slope. The figures come from averages of estimations from sources that include the California Department of Finance, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, county GIS data and Caltrans, and utilize previous 2018 estimations as a base for the studies. While the starting point for projections will move up from 2018 to 2023, the average annual rates of housing units and employment growth are not expected to change significantly, according to a BAE Urban memorandum. Projections show between 15% and 20% in residential growth from 2018 to 2045, even though a California Department of Finance report shows a decline of 7% in the county’s population. “That, of course, varies by county and subarea within the county depending on certain circumstances, but even for El Dorado County, they are projecting a loss in population,” Kowta said. “That does not necessarily translate directly into a loss of housing units but it is indicative of a trend and n See TIF, page A3
top headlines of the past year.
EDHCSD buys part of golf course to stop development Noel Stack Managing editor After years of negotiations, public meetings and plan revisions, the El Dorado Hills Community Services
District reached a deal with Serrano Associates LLC to acquire 66 acres from the developer for $10 million. The agreement encompasses the purchase of 55 acres of the old Executive Golf
Course and the donation of 11 acres abutting the archery range along El Dorado Hills Boulevard, extending toward Wilson Boulevard. The board will use
Mountain Democrat file photo by Eric Jaramishian
The portion of the old golf course property to be acquired by the El Dorado Hills Community Services District is north of Serrano Parkway.
cash on hand for the initial purchase of land and plans to explore local funding options, including a publicly funded bond measure, for acquisition of “option property.” The remaining golf course property on the south side of Serrano Parkway closest to Highway 50 covers 41.5 acres and comes with a $9.96 million price tag ($240,000 per acre). The approved agreement affords the CSD and community 18 months to obtain funding/financing for that second purchase once escrow has closed n See golf course,
page A3
Principal guilty of child sex crimes Odin Rasco Staff writer
on suspicion of cybercrimes involving minors that had The principal of been investigated Pioneer Elementary by the El Dorado School arrested on County District suspicion of sexual Attorney’s Office. communication of a When arraigned minor pleaded guilty Oct. 19, Holler faced to felony charges in four charges of sendDecember. ing pornography Boyd Holler Boyd Holler, to a minor with a 37-year-old Pollock Pines the intent to seduce and four resident, was arrested Oct. 17 charges of contact with a minor
for sexual offense; he pleaded not guilty to all counts. “Despite (Holler’s) outward appearance as a pillar in the educational community — he has a sexual interest in children that he appears to have kept hidden for some time,” reads a court document submitted by the DA’s Office. In the month prior to his arrest, Holler started speaking n See Holler, page A5
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A2
Monday, January 8, 2024
Mountain Democrat mtdemocrat.com
ESSENTIALS OBITUARIES Obituaries on this page are written and paid for by the families or funeral homes. They are edited minimally by the Mountain Democrat. To submit an obituary, call (530) 622-1255, e-mail obits@mtdemocrat.net, fax (530) 344-5092, or visit mtdemocrat.com under “Submission Forms” at the bottom of the website. Include contact information with all submissions.
Klova Hall
Feb 22, 1938 - Dec. 7, 2023
Klova passed away peacefully at home with her 2 daughters, Jennifer McLoed and Sheri Gragg, by her side. She was a very special person, wife, mother, grandma and great grandma. She is greatly missed. She loved watching wildlife and the cats playing on the hill behind her home. She was married to her first husband William “Tex” Jones and had her 2 daughters. Married 2nd husband Jay Hall until he passed away in 2011. She is survived by her daughters and Jay’s son Larry Hall, 7 grand children,12 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.
Richard Juliano
July 5, 1935 – Oct 25, 2023
Richard “Dick” “Rich” Juliano passed away peacefully at home in Placerville surrounded by family on October 25. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Juliano. They were blessed to be married 66 years! Children Rick, Tim (Raeleen,) Dan (Becky), and Julie, (Brad Arnold). Grand children Elyse (Ron Noonan), Sammy (Emily Meese), Hannah (Bryant Vance), Zane, Noah, Jacob Arnold and Clare Arnold. Nephew Michael Juliano (Jeanine) Niece Christine McNeil Juliano, (Danny). Cousins Julie Pistone Pertz (Paul), Laura Pistone (Dale), Joan Pistone (Gene), Karyn Pistone, John Pistone and Cindy Good. Dick was born to Phillip and Mary Juliano on July 5, 1935 in Weirton, West Virginia. He was the middle child of 3 boys. Older brother Ralph (deceased) and younger brother Phil (deceased). Aunts Julie (Juliano) Pistone (deceased), Josephine (Juliano) Judd (deceased). and Uncle Michael Juliano (deceased). The family moved to Fontana CA where Dick spent most of his childhood. He attended Chaffy Junior College where he played football winning many awards and went on to UC Santa Barbara continuing a successful football career and graduating with a degree in Physical Education. He met his beautiful wife, Beth, while they were both working at Devereux School in Santa Barbara. After graduation they relocated to Santa Ana California. He went on to teach and coach at the high school level while earning a Masters Degree. After completing his masters he took a job at Cerritos College as the Women’s Tennis Coach and Physical Education Instructor and later became the Athletic Director. He was instrumental as one of the first to adopt Title IX ensuring equal rights for women’s sports in which he was a HUGE advocate and one of his proudest accomplishments. He is affectionately called Coach by all! Dick was a devout Catholic and was always involved in his church and community volunteering. Among his favorite activities of volunteerism was playing Santa every Christmas for 50 years for the Speech and Language Development Center in Buena Park. A few years back he passed the torch to his son Dan. Their home was always open to all and many of the kids’ friends lived with them and considered him like their own father having a huge impact and influence on all that were lucky enough to meet Dick. He never turned anyone away and was truly loved by all. When the kids were young, summer adventures were spent hunting, camping, fishing, backpacking, trips to Ensenada and driving cross country to see the East Coast family. After retiring Dick and Beth moved north to Coloma to spend 30 blissful years living on the American River making more wonderful, lifelong friendships. Dick was a devoted family man and never missed any of his kids or grandkids games and events and relished his role as Dad and Papa a true family man. He touched so many lives and will be dearly missed by all his friends and family. A funeral celebration of his life will be held on Friday, January 19th at 10:00am at Holy Family Catholic Church at 566 S Glassell St, Orange CA. If you would like to make donations instead of flowers, please send a donation to the Speech and Language Development Center https://sldc.net/waysto-support/8699 Holder St. Buena Park, CA 90620
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David Price
Cheryle Price
David Price, greatly loved father and grandfather, passed away on December 12th, 2023 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Until the very end, his boundless energy and fighting spirit never waned. He passed peacefully in his home, in bed next to his wife, who passed away after her own battle with cancer a mere 15 minutes after him. They had been married for 48 years and were together until the very end. Dave was a long time resident of Placerville and had worked for decades at Federated Church. He was a loyal friend, hard working employee, and devoted to his family. Eldest daughter Sierra Rose and her husband Chris Rose, grandchildren Emmett and Tallulah Rose, and son Colin Price and his wife Laura Price and granddaughters Julia and Aubrey Price will all miss his energetic presence and guitar playing. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Federated Church on February 17th. Please send any donations to Federated Church in Placerville.
Cheryle Price, treasured and beloved mother and grandmother, passed away on December 12th, 2023 after many years of battling with cancer. Until the very end her positive energy, loving kindness, and calming presence continued to grace us all. She passed peacefully in her home, in bed next to her husband, who had passed away only 15 minutes before her, after his own brief battle with cancer. They had been married for 48 years and were together until the very end. Cheryle was a long time resident of Placerville and had worked for decades at Federated Church Preschool. She loved working with children and considered it her life’s work to help shape future generations. Her passion for fairness, justice, and treating all with love and respect was her mission in life, and all who knew her would agree she embodied all these qualities and more. She loved spending time outdoors, especially in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Eldest daughter Sierra Rose and her husband Chris Rose, grandchildren Emmett and Tallulah Rose, and son Colin Price and his wife Laura Price and granddaughters Julia and Aubrey Price will all miss her warm hugs, her laughter, and a love that radiated so strongly you could feel it. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at Federated Church on February 17th. Please send any donations to Federated Church in Placerville.
Feb 18, 1952 – Dec. 12, 2023
Louise Leitsinger Furden
Dec. 6, 1942 - Dec. 29, 2023
Louise Leitsinger Furden, born 12/6/1942 (Gruetli, TN), died 12/28/2023 at the age of 81. She is survived her special, longtime friend, companion, like a spouse, who she referred to as “Mr. Gail” Seward, her son William “Bill” Furden, Sisters Ruth Phil and Alene Dixon and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Pete and Margie Leitsinger, brothers James “Cecil” (Claire), Ralph Sr. (Mary), David Lee Sr. and sister Helen Leitsinger. If one were to describe Louise it would be difficult not to use some or possibly all of the following adjectives, nice, kind, thoughtful, forgiving, sweet and loving. She enjoyed, playing card/board games, gardening, holiday decorating, placing bird houses in tees, travel, shopping, and family. She also had creative artistic abilities as evident by the many beautiful things she made. She will be greatly missed by Mr. Gail, her family and friends. She was a big fan of St. Jude who gave her first heart valve. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation to St Jude in her remembrance that would be appreciated. Prepared by Ralph Leitsinger.
Feb 21, 1952 - Dec. 12, 2023
Thomas Koker
May 30, 1981 – Dec. 8, 2023
Thomas T. Koker passed away unexpectedly on December 8th. He was a great Arborist who saved numerous trees for people of this community for the last 8 years. He was a son, brother, husband, father and friend. He is preceded in death by his Grandfather and namesake, Thomas B. Koker. He is remembered by his Grandmother Donna Koker, Mother Patricia McCoard, Father Curtis Koker, wife Michelle, children Jorja, Charlotte and Logan, Siblings Melody (Conan), Amy and Shane as well as Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephew. A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, January 13 at 1 PM. Mother Lode Lion’s Club 4701 Missouri Flat Rd, Diamond Springs, CA 95619. In lieu of flowers, plant a tree or donate to saving trees. If you knew Tom he loved growing things.
weather
Bill Ashford
Jan. 30, 1951 – Dec. 17, 2023
December 17 we lost the love of my life, Bill. So sudden and unexpected. My hero, my teacher of love and kindness. My honor to be your wife for 45 years. What a ride we had! Kindest of men, a builder, a contractor. Bill built our home from the ground up. Owner of El Dorado Door and Trim. Built and ran a sawmill, even milled a hot tub. So creative, able to fix and repair anything. Built his 1966 Electra Glide 1st year Shovelhead Harley Davidson stock and custom for which he won many awards. Bill was a lifelong outdoorsman, naturalist, photographer who loved fishing, boating, and RVing with his wife, having visited 22 National Parks. A study of nature, could spend hours stargazing with his telescope. Many long beach walks at his family’s home. What a beautiful life! Stay with me, sit with me, mend my broken heart, my Love. I will feed the birds, check the wildlife cameras, I will watch every sunrise, every sunset as you always loved. I will catch every rainbow you send. You will live in my heart forever. Your huge loving family, seven siblings, many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and Mom of 98 years young. We will forever remember your kind and caring heart. Goodnight my love forever and always, ‘til we meet again.
FUNERAL NOTICE Lucy Rogers
Lucy Rogers, 94, formerly of El Dorado County, passed away on January 1, 2024. Arrangements are under the care of the Potter Funeral Chapel (208) 365-4491.
Georgetown 45/36 Coloma 51/40 Placerville 47/37 El Dorado Hills 50/39 Cameron Park 48/37
Diamond Springs 47/37
Somerset 46/35 Fair Play 45/29
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HigH: 47° Low: 37°
HigH: 46° Low: 37°
HigH: 41° Low: 33°
HigH: 43° Low: 34°
HigH: 43° Low: 31°
Sunny along with a few clouds. High 47F. winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. High 46F. winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.
Cloudy with periods of rain. High 41F. winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
Rain and snow showers in the morning. The rain and snow will change to rain showers in the afternoon. High 43F. winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Cloudy with showers. High 43F. winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
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mtdemocrat.com Mountain Democrat
Monday, January 8, 2024
A3
Cameron Park CSD hires new general manager Malachi Parker Staff writer After a six-month search the Cameron Park Community Services District Board of Directors has named a new general manager. Directors unanimously approved an employment agreement with Alan Gardner at its Dec. 20 meeting. The agreement sets Gardner’s base salary at $150,000 per year, plus benefits. “Mr. Gardner is an experienced professional, with many years serving in leadership positions with other special districts,” notes a letter to the board prepared by interim General Manager Jill Ritzman. “The board of directors interviewed several candidates for the position and selected Mr. Gardner due to his experience working in local government and with elected officials.” Ritzman has been filling in as interim general manager since André Pichley left the post in June 2023. Ritzman previously served as the district’s GM from 2017 to 2021. Among his many professional duties, Gardner will help the board with its goal of becoming a financially stable CSD. This fiscal year directors adopted a budget with a significant deficit, more than $500,000, primarily due to the rising cost of fire service. The district is currently exploring annexation with another fire district to cut costs and has eliminated its ambulance service. The
Piper
Mountain Democrat photo by Malachi Parker
El Dorado Hills Fire Department took over operating the community’s medic unit, which has been moved from Cameron Park Fire Station 89 on Country Club Drive to EDH Fire Station 86 on Bass Lake Road. Other goals include building a stronger sense
of community and making Cameron Park a firewise community. In other board business, the directors passed the board president’s gavel to Monique Scobey. Director Dawn Wofson will serve as vice president.
Continued from A1
week’s sentencing. “I hope when the defendant goes to sleep every night he hears echoes of Roman screaming at the top of his lungs, in fear, in hurt and in terrified wails much like he did the night before his death,” she said. Rochelle passed away in 2021. Rochelle’s parents Rick and Mary Lopez echoed sentiments of other victims. “Now you get to rot in your cell knowing that you killed your only son, Roman Anthony Lopez,” they told Jordan Piper. Deputy district attorney Jay Linden described the sentencing as one of the most emotional sentencing hearings of his 26-year career. The case began Jan. 11, 2020. Following a city-wide search for Roman, the Placerville community was shocked by the discovery of the
Golf course
child’s body in a storage bin in the basement of the family’s home. Earlier in the day, Roman was reported missing by Lindsay Piper. Volunteers searched throughout Placerville for the boy, to no avail. Around midnight, authorities located Roman’s lifeless body. It was determined he was grossly malnourished and dehydrated. According to information from the DA’s Office, the autopsy found the child’s body weighed approximately 42 pounds. Medical records for Roman when he was 9 years old showed he weighed 61 pounds. An exhaustive search by the El Dorado County Sheriff ’s Office coroner determined Roman had not been taken to see a doctor since the age of 9. The investigation revealed years of abuse and mistreatment. The boy was
Continued from A1
on the first. “The purchase also includes … inperpetuity current zoning (and) use of the Old Executive Golf Course property that is not purchased,” EDHCSD documents state. The unanimous decision inspired applause from the audience at the EDHCSD Board of Directors Nov. 20 meeting. “This is a watershed moment for this community,” said EDHCSD Board of Directors President Noelle Mattock. “It wasn’t just this board. It was all of those boards who brought us here today.” Development of the property was part of the Central El Dorado Hills Specific Plan submitted to the county by Parker Development Company (Serrano). The plan proposed to build hundreds of homes on the old golf course along the east side El Dorado Hills Boulevard adjacent to Highway 50 (Serrano Westside) and also on property along the west side of El Dorado Hills Boulevard between Wilson Boulevard and Olson Lane
TIF
Welcome aboard — Newly named Cameron Park Community Services District General Manager Alan Gardner, third from left, poses with the board. From left are Monique Scobey, Tim Israel, Sidney Bazett, Dawn Wolfson and Eric Aiston.
(Pedregal). The long-planned and debated project requires a General Plan amendment for the golf course property to be changed from recreational facilities–high intensity to medium- and high-density residential. The El Dorado County Planning Commission in June 2022 rejected the CEDHSP as proposed and since that time the developer had been working with county staff with the goal of eventually appealing that decision to the Board of Supervisors. Many El Dorado Hills residents and community leaders openly and vehemently opposed the residential project first unveiled more than a decade ago; a 2015 advisory vote against the property’s rezone was overwhelmingly supported. Mattock said she looked at that advisory vote as a call to action for the CSD “to protect that land from being developed.” The former golf course was losing a quarter million dollars annually and needed major infrastructure improvements when Serrano Associates closed it in January 2007.
the public understands that we have fallen way short in terms of creating new jobs in El Dorado County.” District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin gave her preliminary opinion that accessory dwelling units, or granny flats, should be a focus for creating more housing in the future. “I think there is a large appetite out there for multi-generational housing which can be accomplished without (developing) new housing,” Parlin said. “I think it could help with the affordable issues as we do grow older and our families are trying to help,” Parlin added. On the affordability issue, District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo mentioned a proposed California new vehicle tax that would charge based on miles driven, also known as a VMT Fee, which he said would be hard on families if implemented by California lawmakers. The tax would replace gas taxes with the VMT tax. “It seems a lot of laws proposed by the state impacts the way we live here in our county, especially that vehicle tax,” Turnboo said. BAE Urban plans to conduct work that will require looking into the county’s land capacity for both residential and nonresidential purposes to help determine where growth can occur.
Manager Patti Harrington counseled and consoled members of Roman’s family from various parts of the country. The Federal Bureau of Investigation contributed manpower and financial assistance in the testing of physical evidence. FBI agents Scott Schofield and Suzanna Warren were among the agents who assisted in the investigation. Dr. Sarah Avedschmidt was the pathologist who conducted Roman’s autopsy. Dr. Angela Vickers provided expert information on Roman’s abuse and torture. El Dorado County Sheriff ’s Office Coroner Nicholas Cortez provided a detailed report into Roman’s medical history and lack of medical treatment in recent years.
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Continued from A1
sentiment that growth is going to be slowing down.” Kowta said while the DOF is projecting a decrease in population, housing units would still be developed, due to the possibility of the average number of residents per household declining. The DOF growth rate projection was left out of BAE’s growth estimation’s for this reason. Employment projections show anywhere from 12%-25% growth on the West Slope. While no direction was given by the board, each supervisor expressed concerns. “Where I struggle with these numbers is that projects tell us one story, but they don’t tell us what kinds of housing and jobs are we anticipating,” said Board Chair Wendy Thomas. “That tells more of a story of what we need to be concerned about in terms of what we want to facilitate and prioritize on a policy level.” District 1 Supervisor John Hidahl cited the county’s General Plan recommendation of having a jobs-tohousing ratio of 1.5 as being “balanced between jobs and housing,” but figures show, if using the average projected calculations, the county would have a .67 ratio. “That is half of what the General Plan says we should be trying to achieve with jobs versus housing,” Hidahl said. “I just want to make sure
subjected to physical abuse, as well as being restrained by being tied and zip-tied to his bed at night. The investigation, led by the Placerville Police Department, was a collaboration of numerous state and federal law enforcement agencies. The case was investigated by Placerville police Sgt. Luke Gadow and Capt. Kim Nida. Numerous other officers were tasked by Chief Joe Wren in assisting in the investigation. The El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office contributed to the investigation with countless hours of work by investigators Jim Applegate, Ken Barber, Chief Jeff Dreher, Rhia Grotke, Rich Horn, John Robertson and deputy district attorney Jay Linden. The DA’s Victim Witness Program
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A4 Monday, January 8, 2024 Mountain Democrat mtdemocrat.com
OPINION
Richard B. Esposito Publisher
Noel Stack Managing Editor
Krysten Kellum Editor
Guest Column
Looking at the makers versus takers
A
re you a MAKER or a TAKER? Politicians are often takers. They take our money (and freedom) in the name of achieving goals they rarely achieve. Elon Musk and Sen. Elizabeth Warren may John Stossel be the best examples of maker and taker. Warren shouts, “Tax the rich!” She especially wants to tax Musk, the richest man in the world. In her eagerness to grab his money, she spun a scandal in the media, claiming Musk paid no taxes. She went on TV again and again to tell people that in 2018, “He paid zero!” It was true. In 2018, Musk paid no federal income tax. But that was only because his pay was entirely in the form of “stock options” and, that year, they gave him no income. But at the very moment Warren launched her “zero-tax” screed, Musk was paying the U.S. government $12 billion — more tax than anyone has ever paid in history. Warren didn’t mention that. I wish Musk paid much less tax. It would be better for the world if he spent the $12 billion himself— rather than giving it to Warren and her cronies. I say that because Musk, a maker, does so many useful things. That includes things that government is unable to do. NASA has given up building spaceships. Even NASA bureaucrats now understand that they don’t do things very well. In 2008 NASA Administrator Mike Griffin said, “We can’t keep doing the same old things as before” and invited private companies to join the space race. That got results. By 2020 Musk had sent astronauts into orbit, something NASA hadn’t been able to do for nine years. Musk lowered the cost of nearly every component of space flight. NASA spent $1,500 on door latches. Musk’s team built the part for $30 by modifying a latch from bathroom stalls. Musk developed reusable rockets, which drastically cut costs. “Reuse the rocket, say, 1,000 times,” said Musk. “That would make the capital costs of the rocket per launch only about $50,000.” Why didn’t NASA do that? Because in government, people do what they’ve always done. Lowering costs isn’t important. They’re spending other people’s money. Musk also created Starlink. Starlink satellites now provide low-cost internet service to people all over the world. He’s so successful launching satellites n See Stossel, page A5
Letters to the Editor Renewable energy fantasy EDITOR: he Biden administration has committed the country to a renewable energy future by calling for the elimination of fossil fuels in America by 2035. Is this possible? This commitment is made based on very flawed UN climate models that assume that climate change is caused by burning fossil fuels creating CO2 in the atmosphere that warms the planet. This is not true. Our climate is primarily controlled by atmospheric pressure and solar radiation. The CO2 assumption is based on a theory in 1896 that has never been proven. Secondly, according to the EIA, the U.S. consumes 29 billion kilowatt-hours of electricty each year. The average home consumes about 11 thousand kilowatthours per year. Today, renewables are 13% of that energy with solar and wind being about 5% of the total electricity generation. How are we going to go to 100% renewables by 2035, which in today’s technology is wind and solar, when we’ve invested $2.6 trillion from 2010 to 2019, according to a United Nations environmental report and still only have about 5% solar and wind energy production? Thirdly, virtually none of the investment in renewable energy includes backup storage. The system depends on fossil fuels when the renewables can’t deliver energy. California produces about 14,000 megawatts of renewable power at peak solar output midday on a sunny day and demand is about 25,000 megawatts which is met with 11,000 megawatts of gas-fired power generation. From 4 p.m. to 7 a.m. in December, the solar output is nearly zero so most of our power comes from fossil fuels during that time. California’s has about 6,000 megawatt-hours of storage that would run the grid for about 14 minutes. Grid scale storage currently costs about $350/ kilowatt hour today. Utility scale solar plants cost about $80 million for a 100 megawatt plant. A fourhour storage facility would cost about $140 million, which is more than the cost of the power plant. It would cost about $420 million for 12 hours of storage when the sun isn’t shining plus you have to build additional solar generation to recharge the batteries every day. We need to spend about $9 billion on solar to produce 100% of the energy we consume during the day and about $15 billion for four hours of storage
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to cover our energy usage in California from about 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Let’s hope we don’t have a power outage over four hours. This is fantasy because we still have to provide power when the sun doesn’t shine. This model would require storage for the evening hours at a cost of $45 billion. Gov. Gavin Newsom claimed in a May 2023 report that California has 35,000 megawatts of renewable energy online. How can this be when the California Independent System Operator shows that the maximum is about 14,000 megawatts at midday and that goes to zero at about 5 p.m! Folks, we are being lied to on a grand scale by Newsom and the White House. DARWIN THRONE El Dorado Hills
The Christian right EDITOR: have often wondered why conservative Christians have aligned themselves with Mr. Trump, a person who represents to me and many others, the very antithesis of the Christian message, values and virtues. With a Christmas message of “May they rot in hell,” need I say more? In a new book, a series of articles and interviews, Tim Alberta, an Evangelical Christian, has written about and discussed this paradox. Mr. Alberta writes that when Trump was first running for president, what he refers to as white, conservative, Evangelical Christians, were rather lukewarm on Mr. Trump for good reason. However, when Mr. Trump promised to name pro-life conservative judges to the Supreme Court for their vote, the Faustian bargain was done. The leaders of the conservative Evangelical Church began to endorse Mr. Trump and, with that, the majority of conservative Christians voted for him, helping him win The White House. During his presidency, the relationship between Mr. Trump and the conservative church evolved to the point that many have come to see Mr. Trump as an agent of God, who although flawed, will turn the U.S. into what they perceive as a true Christian nation. Mr. Alberta states that, regrettably, it has come to the point that one’s conservative political
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n See letters, page A5
The Balancing Act
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, what it really means
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here, you are supposed EI, which to melt into American identifies English, culture and three of society, not forgetting the most your roots, but America corrupted and misused is your new culture, words in the English again above all else, language, has been otherwise America will misspelled since its become tribal and will unfortunate creation. It be destroyed. The U.S. should be set forth as: Constitution is your Diversity, Inclusion and Equity, or DIE as that’s code. Larry Weitzman its intended purpose — Unfortunately, the the death of America. recent influx of illegal immigration is going to destroy One of the prime principles of America and it should be an affront America’s founding was meritocracy, to every American who arrived legally. not mediocrity as DIE promotes. Under meritocracy, your advancement It’s happening now, it’s intentional and it’s more tribalism. Thank you, is based solely on the quality Democrats. Wait until Democrats/ of your work and person. The socialist/communists allow them to better your product, the more you vote. receive in return. America is about Of course, that was and is the diversity, a diversity of talent and intention of the left and our current ideas, not diversity of skin color or president (or his controllers), destroy where you were born. America is America, its Constitution, its freedoms inclusionary, inclusion of the best, and achieve the eventual command brightest, hardest working based on and control of its subjects. You’ll live performance, not skin color, your where they tell you, eat what they tell human features or where you grew you, go where they tell you. They’ll up. And America is about equity, getting what you deserve for what you tell you what to believe and how not to think. There will be no freedom accomplish, not getting a piece of the of thought and it all started with the pie for just showing up. taking over of the “indoctrination” America was founded on the system, what was the so-called elimination of tribalism, America above all else. However you legally get education system, right under the nose 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
of the parents. Remember, Hillary said, “It takes a village.” That was code for the government taking over your children. Another part of the plan is destroying our history. You can see it everywhere. First is the destruction of statues, tearing down the great people and leaders of our past. Why? They had the same mores and behavior as any other person living at their time. What makes people now so superior and enlightened? Next comes the revision of history and creating a hate for our past so children no longer love their country and what it stands for. In World War I and World War II, we have become the villain. We are bad people because we use fossil fuels. You should believe in history’s revision, with the falsehoods of Critical Race Theory, and we should pay for our past “sins” with reparations. Slavery is a fact of world history. It’s been a fact of history for thousands of years. The Jews were enslaved by the Romans, by the German (Nazis) and over ten times the slaves (compared to the U.S.) were imported to Brazil where slavery prevailed in a much worse fashion until almost 1890. Yet Americans vacation in Brazil and celebrate its culture. We never talk of how one African tribe enslaved and sold off another African tribe. So, who is guilty of slavery and what was its
root cause? Those were the mores of society hundreds of years ago. They didn’t know any better and we have to accept that as the way life was back then. Why aren’t we hating the Incas and Aztecs who sacrificed children and adults. Instead we celebrate their cultures and visit their ruins in awe. Ditto for the Egyptian pyramids (who also employed slaves to build them). And now we see the results of our indoctrination system as young, allegedly educated people march in protests that support Palestinians and Hamas, who are responsible for the largest one-day Holocaust since Hitler, on the savage, brutalizing murder and rape of over 1,200 Israelis. It is obvious these protestors have been indoctrinated with a totally false history of Israel. Israel stole no one’s land. See U.N. Resolution 181. The left will rest at nothing to achieve its goal and DIE is just part of the attack on America. How much evil does it take to destroy a once great country, for nearly 250 years perhaps the freest, fairest, finest and greatest country ever known or will be known? It was destroyed by the word “free” as in socialism and communism where everything is supposed to be “free” except for your life; that they will own. Larry Weitzman is a former resident of El Dorado County.
Snail Mail: Letters to the Editor P. O. Box 1088, Placerville 95667
Main Office: 2889 Ray Lawyer Drive Placerville 95667
mtdemocrat.com Mountain Democrat Monday, January 8, 2024 A5
Holler
Stossel
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seen 10 of his students’ breasts in with someone he believed to be a his office by allowing them to avoid 12-year-old girl using the chat app detention by showing their breasts, called Kik, according to information and that a girl had touched his genisubmitted to the court. The inditals in his office — claims that are vidual, referred to as J. Doe in court still under investigation. documents, quickly told him her age, Investigators also alleged Holler that she was in the seventh grade and contacted a minor in the United lived in Philadelphia. Doe sent Holler Kingdom, though fewer details photos of herself that made it clear regarding this claim were available in she was “unequivocally a prepubescourt documents. cent minor.” While awaiting trial, Holler’s bail Holler responded to Doe by saying eligibility was a point of concern for he was sexually interested in her. prosecutors, who filed a document A joint investigation into Holler’s to the court requesting he be held communications was conducted without bail. by the FBI Violent Crimes Against “The people are concerned that Children Task Force and the DA’s defendant will flee, molest a child Office. The investigation found before being imprisoned or kill himHoller “engaged in abhorrent comself if released,” reads the request for munication with Doe” from multiple bail setting filed Oct. 19. locations, including his office at Holler changed his plea Dec. 11, school, the Pleasant Valley Holiday entering guilty pleas to charges of Market and his home, for weeks. distributing pornography to a minor The communication included Holler and contacting a minor for the pursending pornographic videos, lewd poses of committing a sexual offense. messages and a photo of his genitals. He is scheduled to be sentenced Holler also repeatedly asked the girl for sexually explicit photos of herself. to three years and eight months in state prison Jan. 22 at 1:30 p.m. in Holler attempted to make plans to El Dorado County Superior Court meet Doe over Thanksgiving break, Department 1. He will also be according to investigators. While required to register as a sex offender. speaking with Doe, he described The maximum sentence for Holler’s “in gross detail” the sexual acts he charges has been set by the state legplanned to do after “kidnapping” The New Times Syndication Corporation accordingSales to a press release her. Other conversations Holler hadYork islature, 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 from the DA. included his bragging that he had For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 For Release Monday, January 8, 2024
Continued from A4
that most satellites now orbiting earth are Musk’s. He’s given more poor people access to the internet than any government ever has. Musk develops the world’s most popular electric car, gives poor people internet access, reinvigorates space exploration and creates 110,000 jobs. So, Warren wants to punish him? She sent a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission, demanding the government investigate Tesla for “not properly representing shareholders.” Seems like a bizarre accusation, given that Tesla’s stock has increased in value by $790 billion. Warren didn’t like that Musk became CEO of Twitter. She demanded that “conflict of interest” be investigated. But it’s great that Musk bought Twitter. He told Joe Rogan that he’s lost money on the company,
NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD
Monday, January 8, 2023
Crossword ACROSS 1 Abscond with 6 Cairo cobras 10 Bit of hardware that fits in a nut 14 The fate one deserves 15 Bug on a pug 16 Like 2, 4, 6, 8 … 17 Not quite right 18 Wander 19 1/5 of a nickel 20 Make history at the Olympics, say 23 They can be boosted or inflated 24 Calvin and Hobbes, for one 25 Totally reverse one’s losing position 31 Impersonate 32 Sets (down) 33 Nowhere to be found, for short
35 Palindromic boy 36 Play on the radio 37 Dada’s mama, maybe 38 Summer zodiac sign 39 “Hey, you!” 41 Followers of an “enduring” philosophy 43 Have an impact that can be gauged 46 Historic stretch 47 “Gracious me!” 48 Keep going without faltering one bit 54 Shoulder muscle, informally 55 “Oh, sure it is!” 56 Allow entrance 58 Mineral known as the “imperial gem” 59 Info on a “Hello” tag
Edited by Will Shortz
No. 1204
60 Nintendo enthusiast, e.g. 61 What a toddler in a snowsuit might be pulling 62 Like Death Valley’s climate 63 Child’s bedtime request
DOWN 1 Upbeat precursor to reggae 2 Scottish caps 3 Lake bordering Ohio and New York 4 Radio band for news and talk formats 5 Layered pasta dish 6 From the beginning PUZZLE BY SEAN ZIEBARTH 7 Tortoiselike 8 Kind of tree in 28 La Brea ___ Pits 40 Energy 49 Bygone, in “The Twelve Chaucer’s tales needed to Days of 29 Content of power through Christmas” 50 Letter-shaped a clickable ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE beam envelope icon 41 Sonic the 9 Speedy delivery Hedgehog option 51 Trucker’s ride 30 “Well, ___ you company asked …” 10 “Don’t do that 52 Bullets and such dorky thing you 42 Loose-leaf 31 Experienced 53 Feature of a tall do” alternatives campaigner, for cake 11 Finished short 44 Blew off steam 54 Workers at 12 Give temporarily 34 Little Energizers 45 Prepared one’s dance clubs who 13 Explosive home for a 20-, 25-, 4336 Volcanic cloud Minecraft block newborn and 48-Across component 21 Forget-me-___ 48 Handout 57 “You’ll never 37 Silently greeted (blue flowers) following a know until you shuffle ___!” 39 Cheeky 22 Babes in the The New woods? York Times Syndication Sales Corporation 25 Eighth Clan symbol 620 Avenue, Online New subscriptions: York, N.Y. 10018 Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). 26 “SoInformation are we!” For Call: 1-800-972-3550 For Release Tuesday, January 9, 2024on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay. Read about and comment 27 Top-of-the-line
Tuesday, January 9, 2023
Crossword ACROSS 1 “Stat!” 5 Like most Italian nouns ending in -o: Abbr. 9 Volcanic residue 12 1/26.2 of a marathon 13 SiriusXM medium 14 Cheek swab material 15 *Number of copies requested by a publisher 17 Howard who narrates “Arrested Development” 18 *Barriers that slide in and out of a wall 20 Shriveled 23 Temporary relief 24 Ship’s backbone 25 Roast beef au ___ 27 Texter’s sign-off
28 Actor McKellen who played Gandalf 29 “Mayday!” 30 Org. with a Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list 32 *Stereotypical literary persona
59 Pie-in-the-face sound
39 One side in checkers
61 Heed the coxswain
40 Longoria of “Desperate Housewives”
62 Sharp and shrewd
45 “Right away, boss!” 46 Skin spot 49 Tight undergarment 51 *Designer’s collection 53 Picnic pest
ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE
63 Staircase part DOWN 1 Bit of concert equipment 2 What the Portuguese “senhor” means 3 Actor Mahershala of “Moonlight” 4 Snail-mail correspondent 5 Swindler’s victim 6 Some venomous snakes 7 Dos + cinco 8 Bungee cables, for example 9 Skillful 10 Like high-strung horses 11 Fairy tale brother 13 Mountaineering enthusiast, in slang 16 Boatload 19 Fiber-___ cable
PUZZLE BY NATE CARDIN
22 City mentioned at the start of the Grateful Dead’s “Friend of the Devil” 26 Show people to their seats, informally 29 Genre for the 1990s band Sublime 30 Something you don’t have to pay for, redundantly 31 Rotten
33 Ted Lasso, for one 34 “___ we there yet?” 35 Maintain, as a bar 36 Rotten 37 Give stars, say 41 Common plot point on a soap opera 42 “The Godfather” Oscar winner 43 Present, as a prize
44 Having a light touch 45 Cookie-flavored breakfast cereal 47 Merchant’s booth 48 Jeweler’s lens 50 Helpful connections 52 Student ___ forgiveness 55 Smallest of the Chinese zodiac animals 56 Fill-in-___-blank 57 “How’s it goin’?”
Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). 21 Track meet event Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay. 20 Hits the slopes
Letters
attacks people who create wealth. She pushes a skewed narrative about “greedy” corporations. Of course corporations are greedy! Greed works. It motivates people to try harder. But (outside of government) greedy people can only satisfy their greed by pleasing customers. Unlike politicians, they can’t force anyone to pay. Our world needs fewer Elizabeth Warrens and more Elon Musks. Every Tuesday at JohnStossel.com, Stossel posts a new video about the battle between government and freedom.
Continued from A4
views are as an important litmus test for being a ”true Christian” as articles of faith. Mr. Alberta laments that church attendance in the U.S. is now below 50% and that increasingly, those who do not go to church have a negative view of Christianity. Part of that negative image, he concedes, is the hypocrisy and politicization of the Christian church by conservatives that one sees from the outside looking in. While this politicization is not new, aligning itself with Mr. Trump, certainly has given the church another huge black mark to add to its already negative perception. While I have a better understanding of how the relationship between the White, conservative church and Mr. Trump developed, I am still incredulous that anyone of faith could believe that Mr. Trump could be seen as an agent of God. Gratefully, there are people of faith who, like Mr. Alberta, see past Mr. Trump’s pseudo-religiosity and see him for who he is — the proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing — and are speaking out. To believe that Mr. Trump, if elected, will establish a Christian nation is beyond ludicrous. His promise of a repressive, authoritarian government with retribution, revenge, and large prison camps does not seem like the vision of a Christian country that I would want to live in. SCOTT TAYLOR Placerville
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 American Legion Post 119 welcomes Veterans and guests to attend our monthly membership dinner and meeting the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM. Legionpost119.org 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 916-7684452 for more information. Gold Country Cribbers play Wednesday afternoon 4:30 pm at Moni Gilmore Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762
58 Wedding words
60 Diamond Head’s island
44 “Golly!”
No. 1205
54 Irritable ... or how you might describe all the words in the answers to the starred clues?
38 Hardwood tree
41 “Dancing Queen” group
Edited by Will Shortz
but that taking over Twitter was still worth “everything,” because he’s protecting open debate. I agree. Twitter’s previous owners censored political views that didn’t conform to left-wing bias. They even reduced the number of my Twitter followers. Only when Musk took over did the total climb back above a million again. Now Musk’s company, Neuralink, is trying to help paralyzed people access the internet and operate artificial limbs — just by using their thoughts. Neuralink, Tesla, SpaceX, Starlink. Musk is a maker and a hero! Warren, the taker,
Struggle with a hurt, hang up, or habit? CELEBRATE RECOVERY meets at Radiant Church on Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm, 4602 Missouri Flat Road, Placerville. We are a Christ centered recovery program to find healing from our hurts, hang ups, and habits. Email CR@radiantedc.church. Find us on Facebook at: https://www. facebook.com/CRradiantchurch. 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. Come play tennis for fun and friendship. Meet at El Dorado High School, Acacia Street, Placerville, Wed 9 AM – 11 AM. (June - Aug 8 AM – 10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Cindy 805-540-8654. MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant on Fair Lane in Placerville at 10:00 am. For more information, call (530) 622-1180. Addiction or Relationship problem? Call 530 231-7728 our free counseling can help you. Positive Realism, 3430 Robin Ln., Cameron Park. Meet first and third Wednesday of every month, 7pm. Senior PEER COUNSELING Seniors 55 and over who are grieving, depressed or having issues related to aging can meet one-on-one with a caring senior, professionally supervised and trained to listen and encourage. Call (530)6216304 to leave a message and get started. Taxpayers Association of El Dorado County Our mission is to educate the public on tax issues that affect them. Our meetings are held every Monday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at Denny’s Restaurant, Fair Lane Drive, Placerville. Meetings are open to the public. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a nonpartisan organization.
A6 Monday, January 8, 2024 Mountain Democrat mtdemocrat.com
2024 El Dorado County Tourism Summit January 26, 2024 Holiday Inn Express, El Dorado Hills Get the latest data and strategies from the experts to take your business to the next level. Topics Covered: • Social Media Strategies • AI-Powered Blogging for Small Businesses • How to Work with Media • Insights from Visit California • Free resources to grow your business • EDC Visitor Insights & Spending Habits Registration included refreshments throughout the day, catered lunch, and wine reception.
MORE’s premier event of the year! The RoaRing 20s Dress Up & Support this Worthy Cause!
January 13, 2024 6:00–9:00pm One-of-a-kind Art Delicious Food Wine & Silent Auction The focus of this year’s event will continue to showcase the amazing one-of-a-kind art created by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You won’t want to miss it!
Meal Tickets are $60 each or two for $100
Tickets available at www.morerehab.org
Proceeds will benefit MORE and the adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities we serve.
SCAN TO BUY TICKETS HERE
El Dorado County Visitors Authority Call for more info 530-621-5885
530.622.4848 399 Placerville Drive, Placerville www.morerehab.org
Use A Little Less To Save A Lot More Heating and A/C use a lot of energy. To reduce your bills, consider purchasing a smart thermostat. That way, you can set it to higher temperatures in the summer and lower temperatures in the winter and turn it off when you aren’t at home.
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NEWS,
Section B
Mountain Democrat ■ mtdemocrat.com
Monday, January 8, 2023
IN THE
KNOW Stellar Students Congratulations to Clayton J. Byer, who was named to the Mount Marty University Dean’s List. Congratulations to the following students who were named to the Southern New Hampshire University President’s List: Aaron McMicken, Nicol Langley and Ethan Terrazas of Cameron Park along with Kevin Colfescu and Cassandra Carvin of El Dorado Hills.
Jan. 9 Matt Rainey will perform at 7 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Jan. 10 UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County host Gardening for the Future, 9 a.m. to noon. at the Cameron Park Community Center. Learn about sustainable gardening, permaculture, food forests, rewilding and more. The Sons in Retirement – Gold Country branch meets the second Wednesday of the month at the Cameron Park Country Club. Check out the club and be a guest for a complimentary lunch. Contact Branch 95’s membership chairman at SIRBranch95@gmail.com for more details. Love and Honey will perform at 7 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com. See “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Jan. 10-13 at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888. B Street Theatre presents “Rescue Me,” Jan. 10 through Feb. 18. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.
Jan. 11 Drew Butts will perform at 6 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Jan. 12 UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County host Search for Excellence – Cross Pollination, noon to 1 p.m. Developed by the UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County alongside CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE and Mother Lode Rehabilitation Enterprises, this garden is a nurturing ground for life skills, selfesteem, and community integration. No reservation needed. The program will stream live on facebook. com/UCMasterGardeners and youtube.com/user/ UCMasterGardeners.
Mountain Democrat photo by Isaac Streeter
Billy and Jamie Rose combined their passions into one business, opening Boring Rose Brewing Co., a taproom and plant shop, in El Dorado Hills last year.
biergarten El Dorado Hills brewery a true
Isaac Streeter Staff writer
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horticulturalist and a biologist walk into a taproom ... to prep sandwiches, tap kegs and arrange plants. Husband and wife duo Billy and Jamie Rose (maiden name Boring), along with Billy’s parents, Bill and Paula, are responsible for El Dorado County’s newest brewery. Boring Rose Brewing Co., located in El Dorado Hills Town Center, brings a very literal term to the word “Biergarten” with their plant shop and taproom combination. “We started in the plant world,” Billy said. “I’m a horticulturalist by trade and Jamie is a biologist.” The Ponderosa High School grads got their degrees from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, before diving into the professional scene of living plant walls in the Bay Area. The pandemic gave them the opportunity to move back to their home county. “The goal was always to get back to here where we grew up,” Billy said. The pair set up shop on
family property, constructing a 3,000-square-foot greenhouse along with their home. It was here the self-described “professional learners” began cutting their teeth in the beer
scene, setting up their homebrew rig amongst the swaths of tropical plants. “A lot of the science of (making beer) is actually really similar to plant science,” Jamie
said, “(During the pandemic) we started (home brewing) on a 5-gallon system.” The small set up worked for ■ See BORING ROSE, page B5
CASA El Dorado names new leader News release
Later Days (Mother Hips tribute) will perform at 8 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com. American Mile will perform at Red Hawk Casino’s Stage Bar 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.
Jan. 13 Cars and Coffee invites car people to meet up and hang out the first and second Saturday mornings ■ See KNOW, page B5
Jamie Rose pours a brew from the tap, featuring homemade wooden tap handles, at the Town Center brewery.
NATALIE MOORE
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) El Dorado County dedicates services to support, empower and provide a voice for El Dorado County abused, neglected and at-risk youth. Over the past three months CASA El Dorado’s Executive Committee conducted a rigorous hiring process and has announced the appointment of Natalie Moore as the executive director. Moore joins CASA El Dorado with extensive experience in child welfare advocacy. With a law degree from Pacific Coast University, her background includes serving as courtappointed counsel for youth and families for the past five years. “The board of directors is excited to have Natalie join the team. Her dedication to and passion for our youth is inspiring,” noted CASA El Dorado Board President Steven Schwarzbach. “Her professional experience and clear empathy for the youth we serve make her a great fit for
this leadership role.” Growing up in El Dorado County, Moore completed CASA El Dorado’s Advocate training in 2017. Becoming an advocate ignited her passion for service to foster youth and she is honored to now serve this vulnerable population in her new role as CASA’s executive director. “El Dorado County is a region truly dedicated to the service of its community,” said Moore. “Our county’s CASAs are the light in the darkness our most at-risk youth are navigating through. Advocates represent consistency and trust. Most importantly, they represent hope. The differences advocates make are remembered by our youth long into adulthood. It will be my ongoing privilege to work with CASA and our community as a whole to continue its dedication to the service of our at-risk youth.” CASA’s ongoing goals include ■ See CASA, page B5
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Monday, January 8, 2024
Mountain Democrat mtdemocrat.com
PROSPECTING BETWEEN THE COVERS Writer finds roots in the foothills Isaac Streeter Staff writer
J
ournalist Jessica Karew Craft was sick of working in the Silicon Valley and San Francisco tech scene. She said she felt consumed by the reliance of technology and had a desire to escape her Bay Area life. In the summer 2019 Kraft relocated to a plot of land in El Dorado County to pursue a new kind of life. “I got into this movement called ‘rewilding’,” Craft said. “It’s about realigning our lifestyles with that of our ancient ancestors.” The concept of rewilding is to get back in touch with the hunter-gatherer lifestyle that humans followed for thousands
Mountain Democrat photo by Isaac Streeter
Author Jessica Carew Kraft poses with her new book “Why We Need to Be Wild” cataloging her journey to regain a portion of the ancient human lifestyle. and thousands of years, but with compromises to make it work in the modern, industrial world. These compromises come in the way of Kraft owning a car and the land she lives off ... and having Wi-Fi. “There is a lot of freedom and selfsufficiency we can
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learn from practicing these skills,” Kraft said, “even in our hyperindustrialized society.” Kraft spent roughly six years writing her book, “Why We Need to be Wild: One Woman’s Quest for Ancient Human Answers to 21st Century Problems” published by Source Books.
It wasn’t intended as a personal memoir, but the resulting product is a collection of Kraft’s experiences from leaving her career to her first experience cleaning and preparing roadkill as food, all as a means to get back in touch with the ancient human way of life. “I studied with
artisans, wildlife trackers, botanists and indigenous folks, just trying to learn how I could have a more nature integrated life,” Kraft explained.
Her book was released Aug. 22, 2023, and is available for purchase from most major book retailers such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Bite into Lake Tahoe Chocolate Collection News release
S
OUTH LAKE TAHOE — Cesar Acosta, owner of Champagne & Chocolate, announced the result of a year-long project — the release of the Lake Tahoe Chocolate Collection. This chic and fun collection made its debut just in time for the new year, with an online and in-store release now available. Nestled within Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe, Champagne & Chocolate has become a favorite destination for both locals and visitors seeking a playful twist of champagne and chocolates. “Every ounce of effort poured into this collection reflects my dedication. I’m thrilled to share this truly special collection with everyone,” Acosta said. Champagne & Chocolate creates its exquisite chocolates from the Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory, a Northern Nevada chocolate factory since 1936, renowned for producing the purest and finest chocolate across three generations. In 2021 Cesar joined forces with Eddie Feriance, the owner of the Candy Factory. “Recognizing the need for the very best, I approached Eddie,
Courtesy photo
Champagne & Chocolate has released chocolate treats paying tribute to the shop’s hometown. because I knew the Chocolate Nugget was what I wanted,” said Acosta. “I wouldn’t have settled for anything less. We wanted the absolute best in the region.” As business partners, Acosta and Feriance are elevating the chocolate game by introducing their latest collection nationwide, inviting people across the country to savor the Lake Tahoe Collection. Beyond the premium ingredients, what sets
this collection apart is the thoughtfulness behind its cover art. Meticulously designed sleeves capture the beauty of Lake Tahoe and the bliss that comes from biting into a meticulously crafted chocolate bar. “When visualizing these bars, I wanted to capture everything I hold dear: my hometown of Lake Tahoe, my community, and, of course, my passion — the joy
that chocolate brings,” explained Acosta. Designed by Acosta himself, the new collection features an array of beautiful designs and includes vegan options, dark chocolate, milk chocolate and more. Now available in-store at 1001 Heavenly Village Way, Suite 30B, and online at champagnechocolate. shop, this collection promises to be a truly magnificent experience.
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horoscope by Holiday Mathis n today ARIES (March 21-April 19).The potential benefits associated with confidence can often be achieved without the negative consequences of arrogance. Stay open to feedback. Cultivate humility. Certain aspects of your self-assuredness will be beneficial. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). For optimum health you need exercise, fresh air, excellent sleep and good nutrition. But that is not all by any stretch. Positive relationships contribute much to your well-being, as does a satisfying method of selfexpression. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’ll be preparing for an important event on the horizon. Your visionary powers are strong. Imagine it going right, but also think about what could go wrong so you can build contingencies and safety nets. CANCER (June 22-July 22). You have a message, and it’s one people will care about. It may take some thought, practice and crafting to present this the right way -- the way that gets quickly to the beating heart of the ma ter. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The bonding agent that makes relationships strong is a “glue” applied in tiny drops. Each small, positive interaction connects people in points of solidarity. These brief moments of trust count. They are, in fact, everything. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Good problems are the ones that have you stretching to meet them. You’ll be expanding your creativity, skills network and resources all in the name of fixing the issue. Your surprising solutions will impress many.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’ll be aware that your every move is painting a picture of you. How you are perceived will matter. Be careful not to talk too much about what you’ve already demonstrated. Your confidence will read loud and clear. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Challenge yourself, aim higher and let your standards be the catalyst for continuous self-improvement. You’ll achieve extraordinary results after you unhook yourself from the ordinary standards. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). People doing brave things inspire you to take courage before you even need it. Helping others is one way to ready yourself for the more exciting moments of life. Jump in and provide whatever the situation calls for. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). In this game of hideand-seek, you are not the one counting blindfolded against the tree. You are running free, or ducking into mysterious shelter, or laughing and daring life to seek and find you. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Relationships create their own emotional weather. When it shifts, this is not a cause to panic. This is a natural part of the growth process. How can you outfit yourself to accommodate the change? PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’re the catalyst to change today. Though your tone may be playful and lighthearted, make no mistake — you’re willing to make people a little uncomfortable if that’s what it takes to move and inspire them.
B4 Monday, January 8, 2024 Mountain Democrat mtdemocrat.com
buttered and salty ‘The Boy and the Heron’ HHH 1/2 PG-13 2 hours, 4 minutes Animation, Adventure, Drama Now playing in theaters
U
Joshua B. Porter
Democrat correspondent ntil my wife and I had children I had only seen one Hayao Miyazaki film; the Academy Award winning “Spirited Away” (2001). The now 83-year-old maestro of animation somehow passed me by in my youth. This may have something to do with Miyazaki’s production company, Studio Ghibli, not having consistent home video distribution in the United States until The Walt Disney Company acquired the license in 1996. Regardless, it wasn’t until I bought the BluRay of 1988’s “My Neighbor Totoro” a few years back that I finally understood the brilliance of Miyazaki and his collaborators. In September 2013 Mr. Miyazaki retired from directing due to his age, which at the time was 73 years old. Luckily for us he had a change of heart and in 2016 began work on the story for “Kimi-tachi wa Do Ikiru ka” (“The Boy and the Heron”). Seven years later we are lucky enough to see new work from the animation master on the big screen. “The Boy and the Heron” is about a young boy named Mahito who, after the loss of his mother, ventures into a world shared by the living and the
dead. There, death comes to an end and life finds a new beginning. Like many of Miyazaki’s films, this screenplay is semi-autobiographical. Themes of loss, inner conflicts and the insecurities of youth paint the story. These themes can be found in several of Mr. Miyazaki’s films and are part
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of the reason his stories connect on such a deep level for many viewers. In this story the writer/director takes his time, allowing the characters and moments to breathe. That, along with some heavy dialog moments, might be tough for some small ones to sit through. Other than my 4-year-old getting slightly restless at the one-hour mark both he and his older brother (7) were enchanted by the story and the design of the picture. Speaking of visuals, this animated film is still done the old fashioned way: More than 60 animators worked on the film, still hand-drawing everything. It takes time to design such a unique looking film like this in a more analog fashion, which explains why it took more than seven years to complete. The old ways are still the best for animation like this, in my opinion. I’m glad there’s a studio that is still employing them. Full of endless ingenuity and creativity, the look and design of “The Boy and the Heron” is the stuff of dreams (and nightmares to an extent). It takes its time to develop the characters, but so do all of Hayao Miyazaki’s films. This has more in common with “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Spirited Away,” which is high praise in the filmmaker’s canon. It’s a pleasure to still be able to watch the almost 83-year-old’s work in a theater. I’ve said it before, but when masters of cinema continue to create great works well into their 80s, it’s important to take notice. Luckily, like most of Hayao Miyazaki’s films, this one comes recommended. Joshua B. Porter is a writer/director/producer. He can be reached at @joshuabporter or joshuabporter@mtdemocrat.net.
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Continued from B1
of each month, 7-9:30 a.m., rain or shine, in the right-side parking lot of the Regal movie theater in El Dorado Hills Town Center. Everyone and every type of vehicle is welcome. The motto is “If it rolls, it goes.” Check out Placerville Cars and Coffee, every Saturday, 7-9 a.m. at Lions Park. Hang out with other car enthusiasts. Holly’s Hill Vineyards in the Pleasant Valley area hosts a Patriarche barrel tasting, Jan. 13 & 14. Patriarche is the heart and soul of Holly’s Hill. Find out what goes into this choice blend as winemakers Carrie and Josh, guide you through the 2023 Patriarche components — mourvedre, syrah, grenache and counoise — from the barrel and the 2022 Patriarche that is bottled but not yet released. For more information visit hollyshill. com. Toogood Estate in the Fair Play area hosts its Sips & Soups series Jan. 13 & 14, chicken and wild rice; Jan. 20 & 21, clam chowder; Jan. 27 & 28, beef pot roast with vegetables. Soup served 11 a.m. No reservations required. The Coloma Community Market takes place 1-4 p.m., drizzle or shine, the second and fourth Saturdays at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Find great local products while enjoying live music, food, beverages and more. Parking is free during the market hours. Garcia & Medina will perform at 4 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/livemusic. Art & Wine with Something MORE takes place 6-9 p.m. at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. For tickets and more information visit morerehab.org. Sutter Street Theatre presents Old Time Radio, classic radio programs and music from the ‘40s and ‘50s performed live and in costume. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com. Sutter Creek Theatre presents Tom Rigney and Flambeau at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheatre.com.
place year round, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday. Wander behind Nibblers and Trek Bicycle to discover a cornucopia of delights, where local area farms showcase an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Explore stalls brimming with homemade treasures including jams and cheeses, as well many handmade creations.
AgustaGroove will perform at 3 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/livemusic.
The Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills presents its annual Crab & Tri Tip Dinner, 6-10 p.m. at the EDHCSD gym, 1021 Harvard Way. For tickets and more information visit edhrotary.org/2023-crab-tritip-feed.
The Shingle Springs Community Center hosts a Bunko Dinner fundraiser beginning at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy hearty soups and friendly Bunko competition. Purchase tickets online at shinglespringscommunitycenter.org.
El Dorado County Search and Rescue Crab Feed takes place 6-11 p.m. on the county fairgrounds in Placerville. For tickets contact Christi Dean at (530) 626-7111.
The Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park presents HomeGrown Comedy featuring Anthony K and Alvin Duke at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.
CASA
Jan. 20
Placerville FamilySearch Center hosts Preserving Photos and
Continued from B1 and live music. “Maybe not Karaoke,” Billy said through chuckle. Their beer is also featured in local restaurants like both locations of Steve’s Pizza and Selland’s. They also offer 16-ounce, fourpacks of their core beers, all canned by hand. Learn more at boringrose.com.
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Solution to Puzzle 1
Like writing?
Continued from B1
prioritizing relationships with all justice partners, diversifying support, as well as continuing program expansion to support all children and families in need to have safe and stable homes. Moore’s appointment is a step toward furthering these goals. “CASA El Dorado is incredibly fortunate to have Natalie join the team,” shared outgoing CASA Executive Director Amy Pooley. “I feel grateful to hand off such a strong organization to her leadership and abilities. I look forward to watching her work and have no doubt that she will further advance CASA’s mission.” Pooley recently assumed the executive director position at the El Dorado Community Foundation.
Save the Graves hosts a tour of lesser known, really cool Placerville cemeteries at 10 a.m. Participants will visit six cemeteries: the Methodist Episcopal Federated Church, Placerville Old City, Saint Patrick’s, Uppertown, Pioneer Jewish Cemetery and the Pest House. No cost to attend. Tour is suitable for all ages and the rain back-up date is Jan. 27. RSVP to info@ savethegraveseldorado.org.
The El Dorado Hills Town Center Farmers Market takes
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Have journalism experience? Enjoy photography? Email resume and writing samples to Krysten Kellum at kkellum@mtdemocrat.net.
Public Notices County of El Dorado Cameron Park Design Review Committee Cameron Park Community Sign Standards Public Workshop January 22, 2024, 4:00 PM El Dorado County Public Library Cameron Park Branch 2500 Country Club Drive Cameron Park, CA 95682 The Cameron Park Design Review Committee is hosting a public workshop to receive community feedback on proposed sign standards for the community of Cameron Park. The meeting can be attended either in-person or on-line. Your feedback is valued! Click here to join the meeting via Zoom: https://edcgov-us.zoom. us/j/84566165477 Use Webinar ID: 845 6616 5477 Please assist the County by participating in this workshop and providing input on the draft Cameron Park Sign Standards. The purpose of this public workshop is to give the Cameron Park community as a whole an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed Cameron Park Sign Standards to ensure the standards best represent the desires and design preferences of the Cameron Park community. The Draft Sign Standards are intended to guide planning staff and decisionmakers when approving new signs within the Cameron Park community. Your feedback at this workshop will assist staff with preparing a final
Celebrate the day gold was discovered at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy Gold Rush demonstrations, games and more. For more information visit marshallgold.com.
Jan. 19
Jan. 25
PUBLIC NOTICE
Jan. 27
Welcome to Night Vale with Danny Schmidt will perform at The Sofia in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.
Jan. 14
Nitro cold brew produced by World Traveler Coffee Roasters is also on the horizon. “We consider ourselves a hyper-local company,” Billy said. “We’re trying to support other hyperlocal businesses as well.” Billy and Jamie said as things get rolling they plan to host trivia nights, early afternoon gardening workshops
Kilt & Cork hosts the Burn’s Night Supper at 6 p.m. at the Placerville Shakespeare Club. Enjoy dinner, entertainment, whiskey tasting, poetry and more. For tickets and more information visit kiltandcork.com.
Folsom Lake Symphony’s Young Artists Recital begins at 2 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
Boeger Winery in Placerville hosts Winemaker for a Day: Blending the Great Wines of Italy, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information visit boegerwinery.com.
them to service local events and festivals, but they have since outgrown it. Now the brewing system produces 155 gallons at a time. “It’s still small batch, but it’s the right size for us,” Jamie said. “It fits inside the greenhouse and the scale works for us and the taproom.” The taproom features homemade wooden tables and tap handles as well as wall-to-wall plants, all grown in the greenhouse and most of which in the entry-way plant shop are available for purchase. The tap offerings start with six core beers, featuring locally inspired names such as Clarksville Kolsch and Latrobe Lager. The emphasis on locality doesn’t stop there for Boring Rose. The menu of paninis are all served on bread sourced from Sacramento-based bakery Grateful Bread and their on tap, wine offerings come from Crystal Basin Cellars in Camino.
Join the El Dorado Hills, Shingle Springs/Cameron Park and El Dorado County chambers of commerce for a joint mixer, 5:307:30 p.m. at Ponte Palmero, 3081 Ponte Morino Drive in Cameron Park. RSVP to one of the chambers.
Folsom Concert Association presents Collision of Rhythm at 2 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
Kirk Basquez Band will perform at Red Hawk Casino’s Stage Bar 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.
Boring Rose
Slides, 3 and 5:30 p.m. Learn how to digitize using scanners so you can share with family and friends your precious memories. Bring photos/slides and flash drives for hands-on training. For more information call (530) 621-1378.
draft for review by the Planning Commission and adoption by the Board of Supervisors. 1/8, 1/19 12614 NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF JIMMy R. FOx CASE NO. 23PR0259 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: Jimmy R. Fox A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Teresa Nelson in the Superior Court of California, County of El Dorado. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Teresa Nelson be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act with full authority . (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held on 03/11/2024 at 8:30 AM in Dept. 9 located at 3321 CAMERON PARK DRIVE, CAMERON PARK CA
• E-mail your public notice to legals@mtdemocrat.net • Be sure to include your name and phone number
95682. IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner: Barbara Pretlove SBN 289488 155 E. Main Ave., Ste. 170 Morgan Hill, CA 95037, Telephone: (408) 850-6402 1/5, 1/8, 1/12/24 CNS-3770291# THE MOUNTAIN DEMOCRAT 1/5, 1/8, 1/12 12639
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS #05-2023 FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TO THE EL DORADO RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT PROJECT TITLE: “City of Placerville Community Wildfire Resiliency Strategy” INTRODUCTION The RCD is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced consultants to provide all labor, materials and equipment necessary to carry out the City of Placerville Community Wildfire Resiliency Strategy (Project). The Request for Proposals furnishes proposers’ information to decide whether or not to further investigate the project. All interested and qualified firms are invited to submit a proposal in accordance with the terms and conditions stated in this Request for Proposals which can be accessed at the RCD website (www.eldoradorcd. org). CONTACT: Mark Egbert District Manager El Dorado Resource Conservation District 100 Forni Road, Suite A Placerville, CA 95667 Mark.Egbert@ca.usda.gov (cell) 530-957-3472 1/5, 1/8, 1/10 12641 NOTICE OF LIEN SALE 29th day of January, 2024 at 9:00a.m., online only at http://www. JMAuctionOnline.com. Superior Self Storage 2600 Cambridge Rd. Cameron Park, CA 95682
Emmarie Waller Items to be sold- Clothes, misc. boxes, plastic tubs, stuffed animals, etc. Purchases must be paid for at the time of purchase. All purchased goods are sold as is, where is, and must be removed at the time of sale. Sale is subject to prior cancellation in the event of settlement between owner and tenant. Superior Self Storage (530)676-9100. Auctioneer. J. Michael’s Auction, Inc. Bond #142295787 http://www. JMAuctionOnline.com. 1/8 12642 PUBLIC NOTICE CONSIDERATION BY THE CITY OF PLACERVILLE OF TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP (TPM) 23-02: 2968 COLOMA STREET & 2925 WOOD STREET; ALAN MING & CHRIS KALSBEEK, APPLICANTS The City of Placerville Development Services Department completed a review concerning an application from Alan Ming and Chris Kalsbeek, property owners, to subdivide one 0.34-acre parcel into two singlefamily residential parcels: Parcel 1: 0.19-acre; Parcel 2: 0.14 acres. Location: 2968 Coloma Street and 2925 Wood Street; A.P.N.: 001-161014; located on the west side of Coloma Street north of Highway 50 and east of Spring Street. General Plan Designation: Medium Density Residential (MDR). Zoning: R-1, 6,000 Single-Family Residential/ Historic (R1-6/H). Environmental Information: The project has been determined by the Development Services Department to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines per §15315, in that the project consists of the division of property for single-family
residential use into fewer than four parcels; no variances or exceptions are required, existing single-family residences and access to the proposed parcels to City standards are available, the parcel was not involved in a land division of a larger parcel within the previous two years, the project is in conformance with the General Plan Medium Density Residential land use designation; the project conforms with the following minimum General Regulations of the R1-6 Zone: 6,000 square feet parcel size (0.137-acres); sixty foot parcel width; and, sixty foot of street frontage. The project may be reviewed in the City of Placerville Development Services Department that is located on the 2nd Floor of City Hall. City Hall is located at 3101 Center Street, Placerville, California. The Development Services Department Director will approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove TPM 23-02 on or after Friday, February 2, 2024. Please address all written communications to the office of the Development Services Department, 3101 Center Street, Placerville, CA 95667, or by email to: pv.planning@gmail.com. All verbal and written communications must be received by the Development Services Department no later than February 1, 2024. Within ten (10) calendar days after the decision is made, the applicant (or any interested party) may appeal the Development Services Department’s decision to the Planning Commission. A $400.00 appeal fee must accompany said appeal. Should you have any questions concerning this matter, please contact this office at (530) 642-5252. 1/8 12645
B6 Monday, January 8, 2024 Mountain Democrat mtdemocrat.com
food A delicious Way to
Support Your Immune System
B
Family Features
olstering your immune system during winter, when coughs and colds seem to take control, is a must for the entire family. supporting your wellness can start in a simple place – with the foods you eat and drink. Consider an easy choice for any season like Florida Orange Juice, which can help you and your loved ones get the vitamins and minerals you need all winter long. With 100% of the daily recommended value of vitamin C in every 8-ounce serving along with key nutrients like potassium and magnesium, there’s a reason it’s referred to as the “Original Wellness Drink.” With no added sugar or artificial flavor, it provides the benefits you need without the additives you don’t. it contains natural sugar from the whole fruit for a delicious solution that’s one of nature’s nutrient-rich foods with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Plus, it’s easy to use as a nutritional ingredient in wintertime favorites like this comforting Orange Juice and Coconut Chickpea soup or to start your day strong with a superfruit Breakfast smoothie. Paired with a healthy lifestyle, 8 ounces of 100% orange juice may help support a healthy immune system as an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of vitamin D in fortified juices. Vitamin C is commonly associated with helping maintain and strengthen healthy immune systems by protecting cells and promoting the production and function of immune cells. meanwhile, vitamin D also plays an important role in regulating immune response by helping immune cells fight off bacteria and viruses. “safeguarding your health against the spread of illness is important year-round, especially during colder months when reports of cold and flu increase,” said Dr. rosa Walsh, director of scientific research at the Florida Department of Citrus. “a key step in supporting your immune system is maintaining a wellbalanced diet that is high in essential nutrients. incorporating an 8-ounce glass of 100% orange juice can help you meet the recommended daily value of vitamin C and support your hydration.”
Orange Juice and Coconut Chickpea Soup Servings: 8 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup diced yellow onion 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 1/2 cups diced carrots 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 3 cloves garlic, finely grated 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 quart vegetable broth 1 can (14 ounces) light coconut milk 1 can (14 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1/2 cup Florida Orange juice chopped cilantro (optional)
in medium saucepan over medium high, heat olive oil until it shimmers. add onions, bell pepper, carrots and salt; cook until onions are translucent, 5-7 minutes. add garlic and cardamom; cook 1-2 minutes, or until garlic is fragrant. Do not brown. add vegetable broth, coconut milk and chickpeas; bring to simmer. Decrease heat to low and cook until carrots are tender, about 10 minutes. add orange juice, remove from heat and stir. taste and adjust seasoning as desired. serve garnished with cilantro, if desired.
Beneficial plant compounds, like those in Florida Orange Juice, along with flavonoids and colorful carotenoids work to support the immune system by fighting inflammation and helping cells communicate, which can help strengthen immune responses when encountering infections. additionally, 100% orange juice is a source of phytonutrients like hesperidin, which has been shown in clinical studies to have antioxidantlike properties, heart health benefits and may help reduce inflammation. Hesperidin has also been linked with benefits related to cognitive function, immune system function and bone health. To find more information and immunity-boosting winter recipes, visit FloridaJuice.com.
Superfruit Breakfast Smoothie
Servings: 2 8 ounces Florida Orange Juice 4 ounces dark sweet cherries 2 ounces pomegranate juice in blender, puree orange juice, cherries and pomegranate juice then serve.