Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Local teens identified as victims of fatal fire

Odin Rasco Senior sta writer

Two victims of a fatal fire in Somerset on New Years’ Day have been identified as a 15-year-old male and a 14-year-old female, both county residents, according to o cials with the El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce. Firefighters with the Pioneer Fire Protection District received a report of a blaze which had engulfed a double-wide mobile home in Somerset at 3:50 a.m. Jan. 1. Though crews arrived swiftly to Candlelight

In the

NEWS

Village, where the residence was located, the fire was already fully involved. A cause has not been revealed.

“When we got there, it was already completely engulfed,” PFPD Chief David Whitt explained.

Four occupants escaped from the flames; two were transported to Marshall Hospital for minor injuries, and two others were uninjured. Tragically, the two teens died before the fire could be extinguished.

Though EDSO o cials declined to give the names of the two victims,

2024 in

Court cases and crimes make headlines

Odin

Senior sta writer

The dockets at the El Dorado County Courthouse in Placerville were full to bursting throughout much of 2024, with some big cases reaching conclusions while others continue to progress through a series of pretrial meetings and motion hearings.

Justin Bales

49-year-old Justin Bales was convicted to 15 years in prison on Jan. 22, 2024, for multiple felony charges of sexual assault involving a minor. Originally charged with 10 felony charges, Bales ultimately pleaded guilty to three charges — a charge of sexual penetration involving a child under the age of 10, and two charges for lewd acts with a child younger than 14 — as part of a plea deal o ered by the El Dorado County District Attorney’s O ce in late December 2023.

■ See CASES, page A8

Mosquito Bridge replacement project making headway

Odin Rasco

Senior sta writer

Travelers along Mosquito Road would be hard-pressed to not take notice of the significant strides made by the Mosquito Bridge Replacement Project in 2024. With much of the less-apparent groundwork completed by the middle of the

PLACE ADDRESS

LABEL HERE

year, the two support pillars began to climb into the skies, with the project making it past the 70% mark before construction e orts slowed down for the winter months. Although the project has been pushed back by more than 100 days due to heat, rain and fire concerns, work continues at a steady pace. The two support pier columns reached completion by the end of 2024 and crews set up winter erosion countermeasures to keep the project safe and ready for more progress once the worst of the winter weather starts to taper o .

The $93 million project (fully funded through the federal Highway Bridge Program) is the most expensive capital project ever constructed in county

■ See BRIDGE, page A8

the 15-year-old has been identified by family members as Noah Chesterman, a Union Mine High School freshman. “Noah was such a light to his family,” reads a GoFundMe fundraiser set up to help the Chesterman family with funeral expenses. “He always had a smile and would light up a room when he entered. He had the biggest heart and would love and help anyone and everyone. He loved to hang out with his sister and friends, ride his dirt bike, and wrestle with friends.”

As of press time, community members have donated more than

$16,600 to the fundraiser. A message sent to El Dorado Union High School District parents identified the the other victim as an El Dorado High School student, but no other details have been made public.

“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we confirm the loss of two of our precious students from El Dorado and Union Mine high schools this past week in a tragic fire,” the EDUHSD message states. “Words fail us — we cannot imagine the immense grief and heartbreak that their families must be enduring.”

Blessings to creatures great and small

Photos by Shelly Thorene

The Sacred Arts of Tibet Tour of Gaden Shartse Norling Monastery hosted by Placerville Friends of Tibet at Federated Church has returned to the foothills. During their time here the Tibetan Buddhist monks will compete a Wheel of Life sand mandala at the church and host community events like the traditional pet blessing ceremony held Sunday. Above Geshe Phuntsho, left, performs a blessing for Roz Smythe, 81, of Sacramento, right, and her 1-year-old mixed breed dog, Max. At right, Lindsey Edwards of Cameron Park, right, smiles as her 6-yearold parakeet, Bogart, receives a blessing from Phuntsho. The tour continues in Placerville through Jan. 12 and then moves to Folsom. Check out the full schedule of events at placervillefriendsof tibet.org.

The Mountain Democrat wraps up its look at some of the top headlines of the past year.

Rasco

ESSENTIALS

Janet Dawn Hodson

1947 – Dec. 2024

Janet Dawn Hodson died in December of 2024. She was born to Henrietta and James Hodson in Nebraska in 1947. She grew up in southern California and later graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a B.A. degree. She loved classical music and opera. She traveled across America and gave lectures on best business practices as well as writing for various publications. In later years she worked as a substitute teacher in Placerville and volunteered at the local bird sanctuary patiently feeding baby birds. She will be missed by her family and friends.

James Edward Zeek

July 29, 1934 – Dec. 22, 2024

Though born in Medford, Oregon, Jim grew up in Placerville, California, hunting and fishing with his father and playing tennis and baseball at El Dorado High School before entering Oregon State University, where he studied forestry before earning a degree in business, then entered San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo, California, during which time he married and started a family. Jim’s equal aptitude for both physical and intellectual pursuits, his love of nature and reverence for all of creation, and his dedication to serving others is reflected in his varied work history, many interests, philanthropy and community service. Jim’s optimism, abundant energy, loyalty, integrity and genuine interest in people won him many enduring friendships over the years. Jim was a life-long learner and natural mentor, who enthusiastically shared his knowledge and passions. Jim was widely read in theology, science, ecology and history, and loved jazz music. With special interests in the history of the lumber industry and model railroading, he was a popular clinician at model railroading conventions. Jim’s professional life began with his ordination as a USA Presbyterian pastor in the early 1960s.While serving as itinerant pastor for three churches in North Dakota, he was able to complete the building of a new facility to replace the old, hazardous one. Jim moved on to a position as admission counselor for a college a liate with the Presbyterian Church. In this capacity, the college moved him to New Jersey to recruit students. He bought a house there for the family, however, the draft law for Vietnam changed everything and he found himself without a job. A fellow member of the Presbyterian Church Jim attended, who was head of Human Relations for the Piedmont Region YMCA, found Jim a position in the Perth Amboy, New Jersey YMCA. Jim’s profound impact on that organization is recognized in a book on its history written by its long-term CEO, stating that Jim had changed the YMCA to fully integrate all entities in the community. The same parishioner later became the head of Human Relations for the YMCA of Greater New York and brought Jim on board, as Youth Director then in other capacities serving 15,000 people annually for eight years. He served as Branch Manager in Brooklyn until leaving to become a carpenter with his own business. Jim continued as a carpenter when he moved back to California to be available to help his widowed mother until her death from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. He became an active member of El Dorado County Federated Church (teaching Bible classes, singing in the choir, counseling and preaching occasionally and helping maintain the magnificent pipe organ), where as a teenager he had attended the youth group and directed the youth choir. In his 50s, Jim was employed in Camino as a sawmill laborer, working his way up to Quality Control Supervisor. During this time, he married again and began to developed his certified organic farm in Apple Hill while serving as a volunteer compliance o cer for California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) for the Gold Rush counties before becoming Chairman of the Standards Committee and a member of the CCOF Board of Directors. Jim served as Treasurer for both of these for six years and of the CCOF Foundation for twelve years until the age of 80. Jim also served as a member of the Board of Directors of EDCHC, a federally qualified primary care facility in Placerville, California. He was a member of its Treasurer’s Standing Committee for the past seven years. Jim is survived by his wife of thirtysix years Michal Lawrence, his sister Ann Appel, his children Michael and Juliana Zeek, daughterin-law Pauline Wesley, son-in-law Daniel Kish, stepsons Andy and Daniel Galloway, grandchildren Cristen Senter, James Przybylowski, Dominica Zeek and Rae Lynn Galloway, great-grandchildren, Ian Senter, and Joseph Przybylowski, nieces and nephews Christine Esparsa, and Tim, Amanda and Aimee Appel. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 26 at the El Dorado County Federated Church in Placerville. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the El Dorado Community Health Center (EDCHC).

Fordyce “Ford” Lee Osborn

May 14, 1937 – Dec. 5, 2024

Fordyce Lee Osborn was born on May 14, 1937, in Santa Rosa, CA to Maxine Ione Tolley Osborn and Fordyce Cicero Osborn. He attended schools in Santa Rosa and Oakland, CA. Ford served in the Naval Air Reserve as a radioman on board the P2V aircraft. He received his Batchelor of Science degree from San Jose State. He was a part of the start-up of Silicon Valley, working for a number of the early companies. For many years he worked as a Senior Research Engineer for SRI (formerly Stanford Research) in Menlo Park, CA, followed by Lockheed Martin. He and his wife, Ellen, lived in Los Altos, CA. Ford had many hobbies, including: riding his Harley motorcycle, SCUBA diving, folk dancing, and above all, HAM radio. He was licensed by the FCC Amateur Radio League for 70 years. He held an Extra Class License, but kept his original call sign: K6ONE. He loved chess. At one point in his life, he was a nationally ranked player. He was a Master Mason of the Blue Lodge of California, serving as Master of Los Altos Lodge #712 in 1990. After moving to Pollock Pines upon retirement, he a liated with local lodges. He and his wife volunteered for the Eldorado National Forest and the Oregon California Trails Association to research the location of the emigrant trails, enjoying many days in the forest with fellow researchers. Ford was recognized for giving over 1000 hours of volunteer service to the Forest Service. He also volunteered with Eldorado National Forest Interpretive Association, where he put in over 500 hours of work. In retirement, Ford took up new interests and developed new skills and talents, such as oil painting, furniture making and welding. He leaves us many precious examples of his skill. Ford is survived by his wife, Ellen Osborn, of Pollock Pines, and children Nancy Berman of Saratoga, Florida, Michael Osborn of Turlock, California, and Ann Taylor of Patterson, California, and four grandchildren. Services are pending.

Lori Renee Lewin

Mar 21, 1959 – Dec 12, 2024

Lori Renee Lewin, born on March 21, 1959, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2024, at the age of 65. Lori was the beloved daughter of Dana Dean Lewin and Diane Joyce Ichord, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also predeceased by her brother, Johnny Dana Lewin. Lori is survived by her sister, Dani Ann Lewin, and her two children, Dana Zion Whitmore and Jerryme Pettegrew. Art was Lori’s true passion. Her creativity and dedication to her craft brought beauty and inspiration to those who knew her. She will be remembered for the joy she found in expressing herself through art and for the light she shared with others. May Lori’s memory bring comfort to all who loved her.

Melvin Eugene McLaury

Aug. 17, 1936 – Dec. 20, 2024

On Friday, December 20th, Melvin Eugene McLaury, Mel to most, died peacefully in his sleep at 88 years old. Mel is survived by his children, Susan Marshall and Dave McLaury, his grandchildren, David Marshall, Daniel Marshall, Angela Marshall, Tori McGuffin and Mason McLaury, and 5 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Maria and his youngest son, Mark. After graduating from Syracusedepartment of forestry with a bachelor’s degree in science in 1958, Mel enrolled in the United States Army where he served from 1959 until 1965. During his service, he was stationed in Italy where he met and married his beloved Maria in 1961. They moved back to the United States in 1963 where Mel began his 30 year career with the US Forest Service, settling in Placerville in 1969. The house on Lost Ln would begin a lifelong friendship with all the neighbors, Mel often the center of attention with his quirky jokes and infectious smile. On Friday, January 3rd, 2025 at 2:00pm, Graveside services were held for Mel at Westwood Hills Memorial Park, his celebration of life followed at 4:00pm at Cold Springs Golf and Country Club.

Robert (Bob) Henley

Sept. 8, 1926 – Dec. 23, 2024

Robert Henley passed away on December 23rd in Modesto, California, at the age of 98. Bob was born in Cherokee, OK. Following graduation from Cherokee High School, Bob joined the Navy and served as a radioman in WWII. He graduated from Colorado State University in 1950, with a degree in Forestry. Bob worked for the US Forest Service, until he retired in 1992. In 1953, Bob married Betty Jean Smith in Oakland, California; they lived in Placerville, California for the majority of their 59 year marriage. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, his brother James Henley and his sister Mary Haworth. He is survived by his daughter Mary Wolgamot, two grandsons Alan and Eric Wolgamot and six greatgrandchildren. A viewing will be held at Chapel of the Pines on January 6th, at 2:30. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

Dr. Harriet Lynn Drummer, DO Dec. 29, 1942 – Dec. 27, 2024

Dr. Harriet Lynn Drummer, DO, a beloved physician and cherished family member, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2024, just two days shy of her 82nd birthday in La Jolla, California. Born on December 29, 1942, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Lynn dedicated over three decades of her life to the practice of medicine with an unwavering commitment to her patients and community.

A graduate of osteopathic medicine who specialized in Family Medicine, Dr. Drummer was known for her compassionate approach and gentle demeanor. Her career flourished in Placerville, California where she touched countless lives through her dedication to health care. Patients often remarked that they felt seen and heard under her care—a testament to the kindness that defined both her professional and personal life.

Lynn’s legacy extends beyond the walls of her practice; she was a devoted mother to Richard Wright; Shanon Kunkle; James Wright; as well as a loving grandmother whose warmth enveloped all those around her. She is also survived by many dear friends who were fortunate enough to experience firsthand the generosity of spirit that characterized every interaction with Lynn.

Her husband John Drummer predeceased her but remains forever etched in their family’s memories, together they shared a love story filled with laughter and adventure that inspired everyone around them.

In addition to being an exceptional healthcare provider and nurturing mother figure within her family circle, Lynn had an infectious zest for life that drew people toward her like moths to a flame. Whether it was sharing stories over tea or lending support during di cult times, her presence brought comfort wherever she went.

As we mourn this profound loss together as family members—and indeed as part of a larger community—we remember not only what has been lost but also celebrate how much joy she brought into our lives while here among us.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date when loved ones can gather together—to honor Dr. Harriet Lynn Drummer’s remarkable journey through this world marked by compassion for others until its very end—and reflect upon how deeply missed she will be by all who knew and loved such an extraordinary woman, friend and Mom.

Chris Wright: (406) 350-2663 / the406cafe@ gmail.com

Vanessa Marie Gradall

Apr. 21, 1982 – Nov. 20, 2024

Vanessa Marie Gradall passed away on November 20, 2024, after a valiant 4.5 year battle with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Her will and determination helped her live longer than expected. She was compassionate, very thoughtful, and a courageous fighter to the end. Vanessa’s friends were many, diverse and very important in her life. She easily made and maintained friendships. She met her best friend, Sarah Strom at pre-school. Sarah passed in December 2023. Vanessa found solace and love from her church and church friends. She told them that cancer had made her grow much stronger in her beliefs and other ways. More than anything she cherished her 6 nieces and 2 nephews. Always a kid at heart, she became the favorite Aunt. She had a t-shirt that said “AUNT — Like a Mom only COOLER!” She loved her Sisters. Vanessa got such pleasure seeking treasures at antique and thrift shops. Vanessa was a devoted cat lover and mother to her various kitties. She was a firm believer that cats are smarter than dogs. Vanessa had a tremendous knowledge of family genealogy. She traced the line of her mother and dad. She was particularly proud that she traced her mothers side to Oliver Wolcott, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Vanessa had her own sense of fashion. “Bring on the Bling” Her trademark was sparkly. Vanessa loved reading and most times she was absorbed with her reading. She always kept a book in her purse. Vanessa is survived by parents, Doug and Sally Gradall, sisters Jennifer Allen and Sarah Hansard, and her 6 nieces and 2 nephews. Vanessa’s Celebration of Life will be held at Live 58 Church on January 25th at 11:00 A.M. The address is 1165 Investment Blvd., Suite 150, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762. Vanessa’s favorite color is Purple.

Community celebrates monks’ return

Shrubs can help or hinder a forest’s recovery after wildfire

Emily C. Dooley University of California, Davis

Timing of tree replanting is key to its success

Research from the University of California, Davis, is shedding light on when and where to plant tree seedlings to help restore forests after high-severity wildfires, and it has a lot to do with shrubs.

In hotter, drier areas where natural regeneration is weaker, well-timed tree planting can boost recovery by up to 200%, but the outcome also depends on competition with shrubs, a paper in the journal Forest Ecology and Management concludes.

“Generally, where there are more shrubs, the climate and soil are more hospitable for plant growth,” lead author and assistant professional researcher Derek Young said. “But what that also means is there’s more competition for trees.”

In areas where a lot of shrubs are present, it’s best to plant seedlings within a year of a wildfire to avoid competition from these woody plants. In areas with fewer shrubs, planting three years after a fire is more effective because some of these woody plants would have grown back, but not so many to consume available nutrients and water.

“Some vegetation in those really harsh sites might actually facilitate tree establishment by providing shade,” Young said.

Data-based findings

Understanding how to foster recovery is

critical to restoration efforts as climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of forest fires. Land managers also must use data to help direct limited resources, said Andrew Latimer, senior author on the paper and a professor in the Department of Plant Sciences.

“We’re aiming to help optimize tree planting by targeting it to where it’s really

needed,” Latimer said. “Doing this matters because we’re facing a reforestation backlog — limited capacity to replant and a lot of severely burned area.”

Look at past events

Researchers surveyed areas in the Sierra Nevada that were representative of a mix of climates and management strategies in California and had

been replanted with conifer tree seedlings one to three years after intense wildfires. In each of the five 400-square-meter circular plots, which included replanted and non-planted areas, the team counted seedlings, shrub cover and other environmental details.

This allowed researchers to gauge how replanting affects the composition of forests and map out the best strategies across wide swaths

of land that would be challenging to survey on foot.

“I think the real benefit is being able to make those predictions across a huge landscape,” Young said. “Now we have quantified the effects of certain environmental variables that allow us to make those maps.”

Latimer is experimenting to see how removing shrubs two years after a fire affects tree regeneration.

Young will soon use aerial imagery and drones at wildfire sites to determine how management actions affected forests in the 40 years since the trees burned. Quinn Sorenson, who was in the Department of Plant Sciences at the time of the analysis also contributed to the research, which was funded by the Joint Fire Science Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Hatch Project.

was considered safe, the digital alternatives used today emit 80 to 90% less radiation. Radiation exposure from a full set of dental X-rays is similar to levels emitted from a smart phone, TV, or computer. Ceramic floor tiles, granite countertops, and even the earth, sun, and stars all emit simi-

lar levels of radiation. The many treatment tools available in today’s dentistry are the result of years of research by professionals dedicated to making dental care as effective, efficient, and long-lasting as possible. For compassionate dental care, including 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. Hours are by appointment at our office, a very pleasant place to discover your new smile. P.S. Although you can refuse dental X-rays, many dentists won’t provide care without them. Talk to your dentist if you’re pregnant or otherwise concerned with limiting your exposure to radiation.

Mountain Democrat photos by Odin Rasco

Gaden Shartse Norling Monastery Tibetan monks, above left, will be touring across the country for two years. They started their visit to Placerville on Jan. 2 by blessing the space as they prepare

to create a mandala depicting the Wheel of Life at Federated Church on Thompson Way. Above right, local member of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Pedro Olvera sang the Eagle Song during the The Sacred Arts of Tibet Tour opening ceremony.

Photo by Andrew Latimer, UC Davis

A pine tree grows among shrubs in the Sierra Nevada.

El Dorado County Tourism Summit A Day to Shape the Future of Regional Tourism

On January 31, 2025, Visit El Dorado will host the El Dorado County Tourism Summit, an all-day event bringing together industry leaders, local business owners, and tourism stakeholders to explore the latest trends, opportunities, and strategies for elevating the region’s tourism industry at the Holiday Inn Express in El Dorado Hills.

With an agenda packed with expert presentations, data-driven insights, and actionable strategies, the summit promises to be an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the tourism sector. Attendees will also enjoy a catered lunch and wine reception, providing opportunities for networking and informal discussions.

Event Highlights and Presentations

1. Boosting Gold Country: How Visit California is Driving National and International Tourism

Discover how Visit California is positioning Gold Country as a must-visit destination. This session will explore innovative campaigns like the family-focused

initiative and the “Road Trip Republic,” designed to inspire travelers to explore the state’s diverse landscapes. Data-driven insights will reveal trends in international visitors and how local businesses can tap into Visit California’s global reach.

2. Understanding Our Visitors: Insights and Opportunities for El Dorado County

Gain a deeper understanding of visitor demographics and motivations in El Dorado County. This presentation will highlight top international markets, targeted marketing strategies, and cost-effective ways businesses can partner with Visit El Dorado to attract more visitors.

3. Generational Travel Trends: Engaging Gen Z to Boomers

Learn how travel preferences and marketing trends vary across generations. Future Partners will provide insights into how Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers perceive and engage with travel, offering practical tips for connecting with each group effectively.

4. Behind the Lens: How Media and Creators Experience and Share Destinations

Moderator Jennifer

Sweeney leads a panel featuring Maddy Edmonds, a Sacramento-based content creator with over 160,000 followers, and Erika Mailman, a seasoned travel writer for top publications. They’ll share what media and creators value in partnerships, how they experience destinations, and how to leave lasting impressions.

5. Tourism Exchange: Visit California’s GameChanging Program for Small Businesses

Learn about Visit California’s innovative Tourism Exchange program, which provides free access to major booking platforms like Expedia and Tripadvisor for small businesses. This session will showcase how the program can boost visibility, sales, and pro tability, bene ting businesses like B&Bs, wineries, and outdoor adventure operators.

6. Forging Connections: Transforming Visitor Experiences into Lifelong Memories Tourism strategist and author Carl Ribaudo will close the summit with an inspiring presentation on how creating meaningful connections between visitors and El Dorado County’s unique offerings can transform sim-

ple trips into unforgettable experiences.

Why Attend?

The El Dorado County Tourism Summit is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the region’s tourism industry. The summit provides a front-row seat to groundbreaking opportunities for growth. The presentations, networking opportunities, and access to industry experts will leave attendees equipped to drive success in 2025 and beyond.

Event Details

• Date: January 31, 2025

• Time: All day

• Location: Holiday Inn Express, El Dorado Hills

• Features: Catered lunch and wine reception

Reserve Your Spot

Today

Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of El Dorado County’s tourism industry. Register now and join a community of leaders working to make El Dorado County a top destination for travelers from around the world. https://visit-eldorado. com/event/2025-el-dorado-county-tourism-summit/ or call 530-621-5885

January 18, 2025 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM 100 Placerville Dr, Placerville, CA 95667 https://www.morerehab.org/

HAPPY NEW YEAR

from the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce!

As we mark the end of another wonderful year, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support. Your dedication to our community makes El Dorado County a special place to live, work and visit.

Warm wishes for a Happy New Year filled with success and prosperity!

With Appreciation, The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce Team

We hope that the holiday season brought you joy, peace and time spent with friends and loved ones. We look forward to an exciting year ahead and the opportunity to continue supporting your business and the El Dorado County Community.

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OPINION

California Commentary

DOGE presents a chance to finally pull the plug on high-speed rail project

California politicians have been blind to the fact that the state’s high-speed rail project is an utter failure.

However, the creation of the Department of Government E ciency by the Trump administration might finally force HSR advocates to open their eyes to the reality that the project will never be completed as promised 26 years ago.

Throughout the early 2000s a high-speed rail project from San Francisco to Los Angles was the dream of rail advocates and politicians who were too disengaged from reality to consider whether the project even made sense. Once the California Legislature approved placing a nearly $10 billion bond measure on the ballot, few in government were asking the most important question: Is this massive project even viable?

For that reason, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association took it upon itself to finance a study to determine just what the state would be getting in to. In conjunction with transportation experts at the Reason Foundation, we released a High-Speed Rail Due Diligence Report prior to the November 2008 election when the bond would appear on the ballot.

Voters were told that private investors would pick up a share of the cost, but there were no private investors interested in sinking their money into the bullet train.

The conclusion of the study confirmed our worst fears: “The CHSRA plans as currently proposed are likely to have very little relationship to what would eventually be built due to questionable ridership projections and cost assumptions, overly optimistic projections of ridership diversion from other modes of transport, insu cient attention to potential speed restrictions and safety issues and discounting of potential community or political opposition. Further, the system’s environmental benefits have been grossly exaggerated, especially with respect to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions that have been associated with climate change.”

Unfortunately, from the start, we had an uphill battle convincing voters how ill-conceived

■ See COUPAL, page A7

Letters to the Editor

Meat free in 2025

EDITOR:

New Year’s resolution anyone? How about one with multiple benefits for our health, our planet and the animals? Eating more veggies, fruits, legumes, grains and nuts helps us stay healthier, reduce global warming and stop animal su ering. It requires no exertion or deprivation. And it saves money too.

The abundant nutrients and vitamins in plant foods keep us in top health, while their fiber keeps us regular. Plant foods don’t do drugs, antibiotics, hormones, cholesterol or saturated fats. Concerned about ultra-processed foods? Then you certainly don’t want your food processed through an animal’s digestive tract.

Best of all, plant-based eating is supported by your local supermarket, which o ers a rich variety of plant meats, cheeses and ice creams in the frozen food section, as well as a wide selection of nut and grain milks. Same goes for your favorite family restaurant and nearly every fast-food franchise.

PERCY MAILLOT Placerville

Trump is not a leader

EDITOR:

n New Year’s Eve, a man intentionally plowed a rented truck into a crowd celebrating on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. He killed at least 14 and injured 35 others. Before an investigation was even under way to determine the circumstances, President-elect Trump posted the following statement on social media: “When I said that criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the Fake News Media, but it turned out to be true. The crime rate in our country is at a level that nobody has seen before.”

Within hours of Trump’s post, the FBI and Louisiana authorities confirmed the perpetrator of the attack was a U.S. Army veteran named ShamsudDin Jabbar and that he was born in Beaumont, Texas. The announcement of Jabbar’s citizenship did not cause Trump to correct his statement to conform with the facts. Instead, he doubled down and blamed President Biden for lax immigration policies that

The Balancing Act

We’re not running out of oil;

About a week ago I received a thoughtful email from a reader, Richard, who was worried about the world running out of energy, mainly petroleum. Richard remarked of traveling all over the U.S. by car and airplane and with all the tens of thousands of airline (and military)

flights daily using tanker trucks loads of fuel, how long can we sustain this usage. And Richard is correct as even a late-model Boeing 737 carries about 7,000 gallons, more than a single tanker truck.

All major airports have a fuel farm containing millions of gallons of fuel in mostly above ground tanks and distributed throughout the airport via an underground system and trucks. Jet fuel use amounts to about 66 million gallons a day or about 8% of

our daily consumption of petroleum products.

Automobiles consume nearly 43% of our petroleum production or about 370 million gallons a day.

Diesel trucks (along with some allocation for heating oil and power plants) burn about 20% of our petroleum production or about 166 million gallons every day.

Next on the list is hydrocarbon gas liquids (propane, butane, etc.), which account for another 18% of our consumption. The rest (about 19%) is spread out for industrial and other small uses, including aviation gas used in light planes (0.012%), which amounts to less than a million gallons a day, a literal drop in the bucket of petroleum use. The United States uses about 20% of the world’s oil daily at about 20 million barrels. At

we’re floating on the stuff

Before 1950, the world was consuming about 10% of what we use today. In the scheme of things, very little.

42 gallons a barrel, you can convert all these numbers to gallons. The U.S. uses 840,000,000 gallons a day. Seems like a considerable number, but total world consumption is about 4,000,000,000 gallons a day. And we have been doing this for decades, more than a trillion gallons a year. Where does it all come from and when does it all run out? The short answer is not for several hundred of years.

Let’s talk about proven reserves, which are listed at about 1.7 trillion barrels or almost a 50-year supply at current rates of consumption which have remained level for the last 15 years. Experts, geologists and oil engineers believe it could be more than five times that amount. We are floating on the stu and we are not running out for centuries.

There is now credible evidence that oil is not just from dinosaurs and rotten plants. Both the late Cornell professor Thomas Gold, an astrophysicist, and the Russians have a di erent theory of oil as Cornell described it in his book “The Deep, Hot B iosphere, the Myth of Fossil Fuels.” Oil comes essentially from bacteria and gases from within the Earth.

We should understand how little oil we have used since about 1950, a total of about 1.5 trillion barrels. Before 1950, the world was consuming about 10% of what we use today. In the scheme of things, very little.

Let me draw you a picture of how little oil we have used. Most, if not all, of my readers have seen Lake Tahoe.

JON COUPAL

LARRY WEITZMAN

Coupal Continued from A6

the project was. The California Legislature had already stacked the deck by providing such a biased title and summary that HJTA successfully initiated litigation. But the ruling in our favor was issued after the election when the damage was already done. This, in addition to the campaign contributions from those who would profit from the project, was enough to ensure victory at the polls — albeit by a very small margin.

By now, transportation experts and most in the media realize that all the predictions from the study came true. After voters approved the project, the cost estimate was revised upward to $95 billion. Voters were told that private investors would pick up a

Letters Continued from A6

share of the cost, but there were no private investors interested in sinking their money into the bullet train. Another promise made by backers of the project in 2008 was that, in addition to private investment, the federal government would provide up to a third of the needed revenue. And it is true that under both the bipartisan infrastructure bill, as well as Biden’s most absurdly named law in American history, the Inflation Reduction Act, the feds provided over $3 billion. But the Biden regime has been ousted and the Trump administration has made clear its hostility to California’s legendary boondoggle.

While DOGE is not (yet) an official

allowed criminals to cross our borders and commit such atrocities.

The president-elect’s duplicitous response to a horrible tragedy brings up several questions. The primary question I have is: Did the American people vote for a leader who repeatedly demonstrates that scoring political points takes precedence over not only comforting victims of a disaster but also simply telling the basic truth about that disaster? We saw it

government agency, the two leaders of this advisory commission are businessmen Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.

A posting on X from DOGE reviews the sad history of HSR:

“Originally projected (in 2008) to cost $33 billion; now projected to cost between $88.5 and $127.9 billion;

- Estimated completion date was 2020; as of 2024, zero passengers have been transported and the majority has not even been fully designed;

- Received $6.8 billion in federal funds;

- Requesting $8 billion in additional federal funds.”

In addition to the Executive Branch

in Springfield, Ill., when Trump and his vice-president were proven to have lied about Haitian immigrants eating pets, all for the purpose of bolstering his claims of rampant illegal immigration. Over and over, when Trump is confronted by the truth, he ignores it and continues to push disinformation that supports his agenda.

Most people who voted for Trump said they did it because they believed him when he said he would

long knives out for the project, Congress is paying attention as well. California’s own Congressman Kevin Kiley has announced his intentions to submit a bill that would limit all federal funding. The legislation and other federal intervention will have broad support in California notwithstanding the unpopularity of President Trump by the state’s political elites.

If the measure were on the ballot today, it would fail.

Now is the perfect time to finally pull the plug on California’s embarrassing boondoggle. Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

lower the price of groceries. Others voted for him because they thought his deportation of criminal illegal immigrants would eliminate the border crisis. Why should we believe him about bringing prices down or fixing the border? He persists in lying about the origin of the New Orleans terrorist and he’s backpedaling about lowering costs. His border czar hedges when asked if only undocumented criminals will be deported. If Trump doesn’t differentiate between criminal illegal aliens and criminal naturally born citizens, his political appointee certainly will not.

Traditionally, Americans look to leaders who inspire confidence during a crisis and devote full attention to making things better. From all indications during this pre-inaugural period, the leader they have chosen will continue using catastrophic events as vehicles for propaganda, providing a political smokescreen to obscure his real agenda of making billionaires richer. I will not be among those looking to Trump as a leader; he showed me who he was decades before he became a politician. My sympathy goes to those who will learn the sad truth that what they voted for on Nov. 5 will not be coming on Jan. 20 … or perhaps ever.

Announcements

AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 3342970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot.com

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) 4177138 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

CAMERON PARK NEWCOMERS

CLUB meets the first Wednesday of each month at 10:30 at the Light of the Hills Lutheran Church, 3100 Rodeo Rd., CP, 95682. New and current local community members are welcome for fun and games throughout the month. For further information contact Jill Butler at 530-295-7448.

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

PLAY CRIBBAGE

Join the Gold Country Cribbers 916-212-2465 or 916-768-4452.

We Play - We Teach - We Have Fun. Wednesdays 4:00 PM. Gilmore Senior Center 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA

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 four-part 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. 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. Come and have a paid lunch with the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) for CalPERS retirees and spouses. The meetings are held at 11:30AM on May 20, July 15, September 16, November 18,2024 at Denny’s (3446 Coach Lane) Cameron Park. Call 530 919 7515 for programs and information.

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)621-6304 to leave a message and get started.

TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION OF EL DORADO COUNTY Our mission is to educate the

JOHN O’SHEA Pollock Pines

Bales is now registered as a sex criminal for life. Bales’ sentence will begin with a 10-year term that will run concurrently with an additional sentence of 15 years to life in prison. If released from prison, Bales will be on parole for a term of 10 years. Additionally, the court ordered that Bales cease any and all contact with the victim or their family for 10 years, the maximum time a criminal protective order can be set for.

The mother of one of Bales’ victims spoke before the court during his sentencing, sharing the hurt she and her daughter had gone through as a result of his actions.

“The man you see before you is a monster who groomed and lied to this entire family, who whispered in his granddaughter’s ear and said, ‘No one will believe you.’”

Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson, 43, was sentenced to 16 years in prison — 15 years for the seconddegree murder of Placerville woman

Tina Humlick and an additional year for use of deadly weapon — in early March as part of a plea deal.

On Oct. 5, 2023, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office deputies responding to a call discovered Humlick, having sustained multiple stab wounds, at a home on Prado Vista Court in Placerville. Sweeping the area, deputies later found Thompson at a neighboring home, having sustained

severe wounds; he was transported to a local hospital, where he was later arrested.

Friends and family of Humlick expressed their frustration at the short term of the plea deal while attending the sentencing hearing, a sentiment shared by Judge Mark Ralphs. “The court will follow the terms of the plea agreement,” Ralphs said. “If I could, I would give the defendant more time, but I cannot.”

Tarik Manasrah

A preliminary hearing of facts and evidence brought against former El Dorado County Office of Education driver Tarik Manasrah held in August 2024 ended with Judge Ralphs ruling the DA’s case could be taken to court. Manasrah, a driver who transported students with disabilities, stands accused of sexually abusing multiple developmentally disabled passengers. The charges include eight felony sex charges and one misdemeanor charge, including oral copulation, penetration, sodomy and sexual battery by force with a person incapable of giving consent. Manasrah was first apprehended in August 2023 after a mandated reporter spoke to one of Manasrah’s alleged victims. He is scheduled to return to court in Department 2 Feb. 10 for a readiness conference. If the conference does not lead to further delays, Manasrah’s jury trial is scheduled to begin March 4.

Scott Michael Boyles

A California Highway Patrol officer patrolling along Highway 50 spotted a pickup truck parked at the side of the road east of Snows Road in Camino shortly after 6:30 a.m. Sept. 7, 2024, according to a statement of facts submitted to court by the DA’s Office. The officer stopped alongside the vehicle and noted a bullet hole in the driver side window; as he attempted to reposition his vehicle, a man later identified as 38-year-old Sacramento resident Boyles exited from the driver’s side of the vehicle, covered in blood. In the vehicle were the remains of a woman identified in court filings as J. Doe.

Boyles first told first responders the woman, who he identified as his girlfriend, had been shot during a road rage incident. His story later changed after officers read him his Miranda Rights. He claimed he had been attempting to commit suicide, but his girlfriend had tried to take the gun from him. During the struggle, the gun went off, missing him and then went off a second time, hitting her. The statement of facts submitted to the court indicates Boyles has stippling on his face consistent with his claim that the gun had gone off close to his head.

Boyles has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and is next scheduled to appear in court for a pre-prelim hearing on Jan. 24 in Department 1.

Joshua John Bowen

Previously arrested in

a 2022 inappropriate contact with minors sting operation, Joshua John Bowen was arrested June 21, 2024, on suspicion of multiple alleged felonies, including possession of child porn and other sex crimes involving minors.

A more than yearlong investigation identified individuals believed to be victims of Bowen’s during their childhood, with investigators discovering Bowen may have been sexually abusing minors for “at least two decades.”

Bowen has entered not guilty pleas to the charges against him. He is scheduled to return to Department 1 Jan. 10 for a pre-preliminary hearing.

Kevin Van Streefkerk 38-year-old Cameron Park resident Kevin Van Streefkerk was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in July 2024 after pleading guilty to the torture and murder of his infant daughter.

The crimes, described as “especially heinous, atrocious and cruel” by Judge Ralphs, took place over multiple days, leading to the baby sustaining three skull fractures, at least eight blunt impact traumas to her face and multiple brain bleeds, according to medical information shared at trial. Van Streefkerk admitted “beat the living daylights out of her” until she was unconscious and blood was flowing out of her ears. The child would ultimately die at just 40 days old.

The mother of the child, whose name

will not be shared out of respect for her privacy, spoke at Van Streefkerk’s sentencing hearing, expressing the emotional anguish she had experienced.

“When [my child] entered my life, she gave me joy and a purpose; she gave me the gift only a child could give, showing me what unconditional love meant. The day you took her life is a day I will remember forever. I don’t understand how someone can hurt an innocent child of God.

The person I see now is a monster.”

Christopher Slager

The case against a former Camino Union Elementary School janitor accused of sex acts involving children was determined to have sufficient evidence to be taken to trial in January 2024.

Slager, 62, faces accusations from two individuals, one now an adult, who claims he engaged in sexual acts with them when they were younger than 10 years old. EDSO deputies arrested Slager in May 2023 shortly after receiving reports from adults acquainted with the younger of the two alleged victims. Sheriff’s officials note neither of the two potential victims were students at Camino School.

Slager reaffirmed his not guilty pleas after the preliminary hearing. His jury trial is scheduled to begin Jan. 14 in Department 2.

Boyd Holler

The former principal of Pioneer Elementary

School was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison and ordered to register as a sexual offender in late January 2024. Boyd Holler, 38, was arrested by EDSO deputies in October 2023 as the result of a joint cybercrime investigation conducted by the FBI Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force and the county DA’s Office. A month prior to his arrest, Holler began communicating with a person he believed to be a 12-year-old girl on the chat app called Kik, according to a DA press release. Holler was told by the girl, referred to as J. Doe by court documents, that she was 12 years old and in the seventh grade. Doe also sent pictures of herself that showed she “was clearly and unequivocally a prepubescent minor.” The press release states Holler was not deterred by this information, replying he was interested in Doe and wanted to meet and have sex with her. Holler remained in contact with Doe for weeks, messaging her from multiple locations, including his office at the school, a grocery store and his Pollock Pines home. Holler entered into an agreement offered by the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office and pleaded guilty in November 2023 to charges of showing pornography to a minor and contact with a minor for sexual offense; six other charges filed against him were dropped as part of the agreement.

history,

sits near the bottom of a gorge, requiring drivers to navigate a series of switchbacks to get to where they are going. The new bridge is set to span 1,180 feet over the top of the gorge at a height of 400 feet above the river.

through the next year, with intermittent traffic control and flagging. The tables which will sit atop the two piers are expected to be completed by March 2025, with the superstructure of the bridge coming fully together in November 2025. Bridge barriers and a poly overlay on the bridge deck are expected to come shortly after the superstructure is complete, with a completion window set for December 2025. The final touches — drainage systems and completion of the realigned roadways — are set to come together in spring 2026. Bridge Continued from A1

the intended benefit of providing a reliable second means of egress in case of fires and another route for first responders to get to the region, as the current Mosquito Bridge is prone to closures. The current onelane suspension bridge has been in operation since 1939 and requires frequent maintenance to keep in operation; additionally, the bridge

After schools close in May 2025, Mosquito Road will be closed at the gates for 10 weeks (until early August) to allow for uninterrupted construction flow and maintenance on the existing historical bridge. Large loads of rebar and construction materials, as well as daily concrete truck deliveries, are expected to continue daily

Mountain Democrat file photo by Odin Rasco

The Mosquito Bridge project hit 70% completion last fall. The road will close for a few months this summer to finish the major work needed.

Surge in text-based toll scam activity prompts warning

California Attorney General’s Office News release

Be aware of any text or website that looks “official”— it may not be

OAKLAND —

California Attorney General Rob Bonta recently warned drivers of a significant increase in text-based toll scam activity. The texts in question claim consumers owe FasTrak express lane or charges, link to a website and ask for online payment. This scam is designed to deceive drivers into entering banking or credit card information into a website, fraudulently claiming to represent tolling agencies. Bonta urges Californians to not click on links in texts appearing to alert consumers to overdue toll charges.

“Scammers have become skilled at imitating legitimate companies, sometimes even linking to legitimate websites. Text-based toll charge scams are prevalent right now and knowing what to look for can keep consumers safe against these tactics,” said Bonta. “I urge Californians to take practical steps to guard against being victimized by scammers, including visiting o cial websites only and talking to friends and family who may be unaware of these dangers.”

Most of these scams claim to be from FasTrak and link to a fraudulent website claiming to be run by The Toll Roads. The Toll Roads and other California tolling agencies do not send text messages to nonaccountholders.

FasTrak is the

electronic toll collection system used on tolled bridges, lanes and roads in California. It allows drivers to pay tolls electronically without having to stop at toll booths. FasTrak does not request payment by text with a link to a website. The Transportation Corridor Agencies, operator of The Toll Roads in Orange County, advises accountholders to verify a valid text notification by logging into their account at thetollroads. com or through The Toll Roads app. For all other toll agencies, use o cial webpages only. If you receive a possible toll scam text:

• Do not click on the link.

• File a complaint. File a complaint with the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General’s O ce. Be sure to include the phone number from where the text originated and the

website listed within the text.

• Delete any scam texts received.

• Check your account using the toll service’s legitimate website.

- The Toll Roads: thetollroads.com

- Bay Area FasTrak: bayareafastrak.org

- Metro ExpressLanes: metroexpresslanes.net

- 91 Express Lanes: 91expresslanes.com

- 405 Express Lanes: 405expresslanes.com

- Riverside Express: riversideexpress.com

- SANDAG: sandag. org/fastrak

• Secure your personal information and financial accounts. If you clicked any link or provided your information, take e orts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.

To report a text-based scam visit oag.ca.gov/ contact/general-contactform.

McClintock’s staff ready to

News release

Congressman Ton McClintock invites residents to join his sta at upcoming district o ce hours in El Dorado County to discuss important issues facing the nation and the district, along with any di culties they may be experiencing with a federal agency. Field representatives will be

Weitzman Continued from A6

Lake Tahoe is a mere speck in relation to the Earth, covering almost exactly just one/one millionth of the surface of the Earth (196 million square miles). Its average depth is almost exactly 1,000 feet. If Lake Tahoe were filled to the rim with oil (not brim) it would hold one trillion barrels of oil. That is an amount that’s about two-thirds of the entire proven oil reserves, just in the speck known as Lake Tahoe.

Alaska has oil-producing areas amounting to tens of thousands square miles going as much as 20,000 feet deep. The Bakken oilproducing area around North Dakota encompasses over 200,000 square miles. The Permian Basin located around Texas and New Mexico has about 100,000 square miles, and I

COMICS

chat

available to assist 2-3

p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, at the El Dorado County Government Center (Conference Room A), 330 Fair Lane in Placerville.

Sta are also available to assist at both district o ce locations, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and have a recorded line 24 hours a day for any concerns constituents may have.

haven’t even mentioned Pennsylvania, Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, Lake Maracaibo and Russia.

We are not running out of energy, not even scratching the surface. But with the advent of the pebble bed modular nuclear reactor, which I discussed in this column 15 or so years ago, nearly all stationary power should be nuclear and petroleum should be used only for transportation because of its amazing energy density. That would even further extend the life of petroleum stocks out another century or two. The only risk to the scarcity of petroleum is government regulation by do-gooders and climate wackos.

Larry Weitzman is a former El Dorado County resident.

■

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Are they wondering what you’re going to say and do next? Then you’re in a good position. You have their attention, and that’s enough to leverage into the next thing you need. You’re on your way!

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Many have meditated on world peace, though none did achieve it. Even so, do not doubt that harmonizing your being, in whatever way feels best to you, will make a di erence. If you feel more at ease, so will others around you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’ve the dedication to do what it takes, but often the instructions aren’t clearly stated. The importance of an observational process cannot be underestimated, and this takes patience and time to watch and learn. You have both, so relax into it.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’ll strike a lovely balance with your communication today, with directness and speci city. Some of this is instinctual. Even if you haven’t thought things through, you sense that the situation needs a con dent approach and you rise to the occasion.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Seeing others further along in their journey may leave you wishing you’d started sooner. You’re here now, and that’s what matters. However it looks, these are the ideal circumstances. Move forward and love and support will surround you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’re e ective on multiple levels today, practical, nancial, emotional, and then there’s something else -- a realm of uncanny power or coincidence, however you want to see it. You’ll think of someone, and then they show up in your world.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your choices may seem impractical, and this is because they absolutely are. Who said everything has to be practical? As you stave o the dullness of the world with capriciousness and whimsy, your approach favors more than just you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). There are many excellent aspects to pretending. But there are dangers, too. You never know when someone’s going to believe the pretense, or worse prefer it. Whatever you pretend, today will require you to keep pretending in the future.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). When a solution comes easily,

solution.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You love to slip into a state of ow and join with an experience so that thought and action are one continuous wave. You’ll be once more immersed in such a state, living the moment of your own peak performance.

■ SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

■ TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

■ RUBES by Leigh Rubin

SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

TOM MCCLINTOCK

Courtesy image

An El Dorado County resident shared this apparent scam text with the Mountain Democrat. The obvious problem? He didn’t use a FasTrak toll road on Jan. 1.

NEWS, IN THE KNOW

Now

Switchboard Gallery hosts Scattered Water Droplets: Yatapk’oyihнm Mom, an exhibit demonstrating the intimate relationship between native artists and their tribal waters, through Jan. 12. Switchboard Gallery is located at 525 Main St. in Placerville. For more information visit artsandcultureeldorado.org/ scattered-water-droplets.

The Sacred Arts of Tibet Tour of Gaden Shartse Norling Monastery returns to Placerville and Folsom, through Jan. 18. The tour begins in Placerville with Wheel of Life Mandala through Jan. 12 at the historical Federated Church, 1031 Thompson Way in Placerville. The tour moves to Folsom with Medicine Buddha Mandala, supported by Mercy Folsom and Dignity Health, Jan. 14-18 at 1580 Creekside Drive, Community Education Room 1, Folsom. Check out the full schedule of events at placervillefriendsoftibet.org.

The California Museum presents Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues through Jan. 19. For more information visit californiamuseum.org.

Marshall Hospital Auxiliary is looking for volunteers. Help people and make new friends. Interviews are held monthly. For more information call Norma at (530) 676-1844 or email grizzyq98@gmail.com.

The Murer House Foundation continues its Italian language classes at the Murer House Learning Center in old Folsom. Students can learn Italian in small and supportive classes designed to maximize contact with the teacher. For more information and to enroll visit murerhousefoundation.org/ language-classes.

The UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County public o ce is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon at 311 Fair Lane, Placerville. Have a gardening question or problem? Come in and chat. Bring a cutting or insect in a baggie or a picture. Can’t come in person? Call (530) 621-5512 and leave a voicemail or email mgeldorado@ucanr.edu.

Jan. 8

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.

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce and The Vine Wine & Tapas Bar hosts a mixer and ribbon cutting, 5-7 p.m. at 3907 Park Drive, Suite 110, El Dorado Hills. For more information call (916) 933-1335.

Jan. 9

Do you love to sew (or not sew) and support veterans?

Sew4Vets is a fun group that meets twice a month ( rst Tuesday and second Thursday) 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building in Placerville. Members sew walker bags, wheelchair bags, pillows and quilts for a number of California veterans hospitals, as well as veterans in local assisted-living homes. Nonsewers help with stringing drawstring bags, stu ng

Beauty through his lens

■ Photographer inspired by the world and his backyard

For Kenneth E. Mahar, an award-winning photographer and active member of several local arts associations, photography is as much a lifestyle as it is an artistic practice. The backyard of his home in El Dorado Hills is a kind of open-air photography studio: sculptures, topiary and even a bench and handrail transplanted from Golden Gate Park form a series of photogenic scenes. The French doors opening to the backyard frame a vista of rolling hills; next to the framed prints

hanging throughout his house, the picturesque view seems to hang on the wall like one more photograph.

As we talk, he often interrupts himself to show me pictures, communicating through a thousand words’ worth of images.

“When I look at something, I’m always composing an image,” he explained. “How would I

capture this if I had my camera? That’s always in the back of my mind.”

Although he sees the world as if through the lens of a camera, he didn’t pick up photography until later in life. Born in San Francisco, Ken made his living for 40 years as a painter — the commercial kind, although there was plenty of artistry

in his restorations of architecturally beautiful buildings like churches, which he now loves to photograph.

In 2008, while he was living in San Mateo, he joined a ski club in El Dorado County, where he met his wife, Jessica, in 2010. In 2014 they moved into their home in El Dorado Hills. Ken has fully embraced his new community: he has

served as the president of the El Dorado Hills Arts Association, where he is now a board member, and is active in the chamber of commerce, the Folsom Arts Association, the Placerville Arts Association and several other charitable organizations in the area.

Classic jazz in four hands comes to Union Mine

Jeannette Maynard

El Dorado County Community Concert Association

El Dorado County Community Concert Association’s third concert of its 2024-25 season will feature Stephanie Trick & Paolo Alderighi at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10. Pioneers in the use of four-hands piano in jazz, Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi have earned widespread success with their arrangements of classics from the stride piano, ragtime and boogie woogie traditions, as well as from the Swing Era. In recent projects, they have focused on the repertoire of the Golden Age of Broadway and Hollywood as the songs written for the musicals of the stage and screen represent a high point of creative ferment in American popular music.

Blending impeccable technique with mature musicality, the piano duo has performed in a variety of venues across the United States, Europe and Asia (including the Gilmore Keyboard Festival, Jazz at Filoli, the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, the Kobe Jazz Street Festival in Japan, the London Jazz Festival, the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, the Ascona Jazz Festival in Switzerland, the Silkeborg Riverboat Jazz Festival in Denmark, the Bohém Ragtime & Jazz Festival in Hungary, the Milan Conservatory, Teatro Dal Verme Milano, Jazzland in Vienna and the Jazz Bistro in Toronto), winning the acclaim of critics and fans alike.

Two of a kind

Trick, from St. Louis, a leading exponent of stride piano, and Alderighi, one of Italy’s foremost jazz pianists, met at a piano festival in Switzerland in 2008. Soon after, they started to collaborate on a four-hands piano project and have recorded six

Courtesy photos

Ken Maher always has photography on his mind, whether he’s traveling around the world or relaxing in his backyard in El Dorado Hills.

JORDAN HYATT-MILLER Program coordinator, Arts and Culture El Dorado

Courtesy photo

Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi return to El Dorado County for another concert filled with jazzy tunes.

Set goals, learn a language with language apps in 2025

Happy New Year, gentle reader!

I hope 2025 is off to a hopeful, sparkling start for you. There is optimism in the air. Challenges ahead, too. No doubt. And before we know it, we will be looking back and wondering, “Where did all the time go? What have I accomplished?”

That’s why goal setting is so important. If you haven’t already done so, take some time today to jot down what you’d like to do this year and break those objectives down into small, achievable tasks.

One of the dreams I hear many people voice is the desire to learn a little bit more Spanish/ Italian/German/ Portuguese, etc.

There’s an app for that. Why not make this your year? Here are a few of the top language apps.

Duolingo

This app has a free side and a paid side. Through fun games, the user learns speaking, reading, vocabulary, grammar and social

situations one is likely to encounter when traveling. In quick, bitesized lessons, the user gets feedback even on pronunciation. Duolingo uses AI and scientific research to pace the lessons at the level that is right for you. Over 40 languages are offered, including Klingon for the sci-fi lovers out there.

Duolingo is dedicated to preserving endangered languages, also. So if you want to learn Navaho or Hawaiian, this is a place to start. Duolingo is free, but offers video interaction and more one-on-one feedback on the paid side. Cost: free to less than $200

annually. Available in the Apple app store and on Google Play.

Babbel

This app focuses on getting you to real-life conversations faster. Thirteen languages are offered. Like Duolingo,

Babbel offers course material that is tailored to the user’s proficiency level and time commitment. However, in addition to the app, Babbel offers live online classes with master teachers.

In addition, Babbel offers podcasts, online

videos and a magazine offering tips and an in-depth look into different cultures.

Cost: The basic price is $108 for six months of learning or $600 for lifetime learning. Babbel offers frequent sales, so check the app store of your choice.

The granddaddy of language

is

works by mirroring the way you first acquired language as a child, a method called

Video contest brings scholarship opportunity to high schoolers

The National Special Districts Association is promoting its annual scholarship contest for high school students designed to encourage young people to engage with local government to enhance their civics education. The scholarships are designed as awards for a student video contest operated through the coalition’s public awareness campaign: Districts Make The Difference.

High school students, grades 9-12, are asked to submit a short video (60 seconds or less) that

FOOD

provides a glimpse into the essential services provided by special districts in the United States. There are more than 30,000 special districts in the U.S., and they include a wide variety of services specific to their community’s needs. Examples include some fire districts, water districts, mosquito abatement districts, recreation and park districts, cemetery districts and more.

At the end of May, Districts Make The Difference will award:

• $2,000 for the first-place winner

• $1,000 for the second-place winner

• $500 for the third-place winner

In addition, $500 will be awarded to the student’s chosen teacher for each winning video.

“This scholarship fosters an awareness of local government at a young age to encourage students to gain an understanding of the essential services special districts provide in their communities,” said NSDA Board President Ann Terry.

Watch past years’ video submissions and learn more about the guidelines for this year’s contest at districtsmakethedifference.org/video-contest. The video submission period runs through March 31.

Cozy, Comforting Recipes to Take On the Cold

FAMILY FEATURES

If blustery conditions are giving you the blues, come inside from the cold for a winter warmup in the comfort of your own kitchen. Cold-weather favorites that are baked, roasted or slow cooked are usually equal parts easy, delicious and filling, making them perfect solutions for chilly, snowy days. Add a bit of comfort to your weeknight menu with this Loaded Chicken Bake that’s ready in about half an hour. A short list of ingredients and allowing your oven to do most of the work for you mean it’s ideal for saving time (and money at the grocery store) while still satisfying winter appetites.

Serving as the hearty base is READ German Potato Salad, made with thinly sliced potatoes and bacon in a traditional sweet-piquant dressing. While it’s delicious when served chilled, heated or at room temperature on its own, it can also be the star of the show in family meals.

For another true cent saver, try Oven-Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Beets. This savory side dish highlights the flavors of the season in a recipe that’s as easy to assemble as it is to enjoy with loved ones.

Picked and packed at peak ripeness, antioxidantrich Aunt Nellie’s beets are pickled with a delicate balance of sweetness and vinegar for a homemade flavor that’s perfect in this roasted side that can accompany winter meals of all sorts. Versatile jarred whole pickled beets are always in season, meaning you can enjoy them chilled, warmed or worked into recipes. Find more favorite wintertime recipes by visiting READSalads.com and AuntNellies.com.

Loaded Chicken Bake

Recipe courtesy of Hungry In LA

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes

Servings: 8

Nonstick

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Spread German potato salad evenly in dish. Top evenly with chicken. In small bowl, stir heavy cream, salt

Rosetta Stone

learning

Rosetta Stone. It

“Dynamic

Susan Laird The Arts Getty Images

Learning a new language can be challenging yet fun with the right app at your fingertips.

CALIFORNIA RAMBLING

Barbara Steinberg

Special to the Mountain Democrat

Davis, with its “friendliest town” moniker and acclaimed University of California, Davis, has been enticing visitors for more than 100 years. Glean what you can through handheld devices and laptops, but take time walk, bike, eat and see your way around Davis. You will quickly succumb to Davis’ smalltown charm and eclectic lifestyle and living the Davis life!

Factoid: Founded in 1868, originally known as Davisville, the post office shortened the name to Davis in 1907. Unwind at the farmers market or explore every nook around Davis by way of public art installations from mosaics and murals to Robert Arneson’s world-famous Eggheads. Whether it’s your rise and shine or day’s end, dining options are plentiful. Well-known regionally, Village Bakery is revered for its artisanal pizza. Davis Creamery’s mind-bending, handcrafted ice cream flavors include avocado coconut, Thai tea and honey lavender, as well as the usual suspects chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. For more than 40 years, The Hotdogger has walked numerous diners down the frankfurter path. Beef, sausage, hot link, veggie and their new wieners of the world all served on locallymade Village Bakery buns. With endless sunshine and cool evenings, alfresco dining choices are pleasant diversions. California casual and stylish, restaurants serve everything from classic Italian and two-fisted burgers to seafood and gastropub.

Factoid: Davis topped the Washington Post’s list of “collegiest” college town in California because of its high percentage of students. Lodging choices are available on and off campus. Consider where you need to be, parking and best options for getting around campus and downtown. Living the Davis life is about walking, Unitrans and biking — especially biking. The Aggie Inn provides complimentary bikes for guests, but bikes are also available to rent at bike shops in town. In 1967, Davis created the first official bike lane in America. There are now more than 100 miles of designated bike lanes (roads and bike paths) throughout the city and campus. Long known as the Bicycle Capital of the U.S., there are more than 40,000 bikes in Davis. The definitive bicycle-friendly city, the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame moved to Davis in 2009. Strolling or pedaling,

put this in your must-do file. Located downtown in Central Park, the Hall of Fame has one of the most extensive bicycle collections in America.

Factoid: In 2017, Unitrans celebrated its 50th anniversary. Take a ride around town on a classic British double-decker bus.

The iconic Davis Farmers Market, one of the first in California, is by all accounts a must on every student’s and visitor’s bucket list. The every Saturday, year-round, rain or shine Davis Farmers Market is where dozens of local farmers, artists, restaurants and musicians nourish and delight residents and guests. Every Wednesday, 4-8 p.m., Picnic in the Park begins and ends with daylight savings. Enjoy shopping the market, family friendly children’s activities, dining at the food faire and great local entertainment.

Factoid: Davis Enterprise readers have voted Davis Farmers Market/ Picnic in the Park as the “best place in Yolo County to take an out-of-towner.”

Picnic Day, the university’s annual open house, is free to everyone. Events start early so many people arrive Friday and stay the weekend. A campus ritual since 1909, Picnic Day features more than 200 events throughout campus. Start your Saturday fortified with a complimentary breakfast at your hotel or an all-you-can-eat breakfast hosted by the Davis Odd Fellows Lodge in downtown Davis. You’ll quickly burn those calories walking or biking your way around town.

Factoid: The Odd Fellows’ Picnic Day breakfast tradition dates back more than 50 years.

TAHOE CITY — The key to restoring Tahoe’s forests and preventing catastrophic wildfire is a robust and talented workforce. That’s why the Tahoe Fund is raising $50,000 to provide scholarships for more than 50 students in Lake Tahoe Community College’s Forestry Education & Job Placement program.

LTCC’s Forestry Education & Job Placement Program teaches students how to assist with forest management, planning and implementation work. For three years running, the Tahoe Fund has provided scholarships for students in the program and recently awarded a grant to support the program administrator to ensure student success.

“We can’t fix our forests without foresters and a robust forest health workforce, and that workforce is critically understaffed,” explained Amy Berry, CEO of the Tahoe Fund. “We are hoping our community can see

what we see — that these students are our future and any support we can provide may make all the difference in their success and ours.”

Over the next five years, forestry management occupations are projected to have more than 200 annual job openings in the greater Sacramento region alone. Approximately 76% of these jobs will be for middle- and high-skilled occupations. California community colleges like LTCC are a big part of the plan to prepare this crucial workforce of the future.

LTCC Forestry program graduates will be prepared for careers with Tahoe-based employers, including Cal Fire, the USDA Forest Service, the California Tahoe Conservancy, the Tahoe Resource Conservation District, private forestry contractors and other agencies that are part of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team. Spencer Benlien, a former n See FUND, page B7

Most restaurants and retail superstars are Davis-centric. If you’re looking for a quick bite, bedtime snacks or tchotchkes, the Davis Co-op specializes in local and regional produce and sustainable goods.

Skateboards, snowboards and cool attire at The Vault Board Shop are über cool. For wonderful gifts and a little spiritual uplift, check out Tibet Nepal. Artist owned and operated, The Artery artist cooperative has been a cultural magnet since 1974. Tour the

Gorman Museum of Native American Art, Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science, and the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art the first contemporary arts museum for the university and the city of Davis.

Factoid: In 2015, Davis was among the top 10 most hipster cities in the U.S.

Located in the Central Valley, Davis and the campus are less than 20 miles from downtown Sacramento and 75 miles from San Francisco. Extended stays should include wine and olive oil tastings in Clarksburg and the Capay Valley. On the outskirts of Winters, down pastoral country roads, Berryessa Gap Winery and Berryessa Brewing Company are popular cyclist destinations. Drawing weekend crowds, the large covered patio hosts live music and food trucks.

In Historic Woodland, stroll Main Street to Dead Cat Alley and Blue Note Brewing Company. In the heart of downtown Davis, it’s an easy walk to Three Mile Brewing Co. Craft brews change seasonally and often rely on locally sourced ingredients; with 12 taps you won’t leave thirsty. Bring a picnic or order-in from nearby restaurants. The popular industrial community space is family, kid and dog friendly.

Factoid: Daycation or overnight, this is how you live the Davis life.

“Bookhead Egghead” by Robert Arneson

Hail to a spicy, sweet jam

Summer may be months away but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a good grilled burger or portobello mushroom on our plates for dinner. How about kicking up the flavor of that grilled meal by topping it with something special? The title of this recipe below from Ball says “jam” but its surprising addition of white pepper tells us it’s so much more.

Black pepper is harvested just before the berries have ripened. They are then sun-dried which turns them dark and wrinkled. White pepper is harvested when the berries are completely ripe. The outer red skin is removed and the green inner part of the seed is sun-dried, lightening them in color. Same berry, but the different harvest times create two distinct flavor profiles. Black pepper has a robust, earthy richness. White pepper is sharp, with a hotter,

spicier punch.

This recipe comes from “The All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving,” published in 2023. If you like this recipe, think about saving two jars to enter into the El Dorado County Fair.

Balsamic Onion Jam

Makes about 5 half-pint jars

2 pounds onions, diced

½ cup balsamic vinegar

½ cup maple syrup

1 ½ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoon ground white pepper

1 bay leaf

2 cups apple juice

3 tablespoons low or no-sugar pectin

½ cup sugar

1. Prepare boiling-water canner or atmospheric steam canner. Heat jars in canner until ready to use, do not boil. Wash lids in warm soapy water and set aside with bands.

2. Combine first six ingredients in a 6-quart stainless steel or enameled Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat 15 minutes or until onions are translucent, stirring occasionally.

3. Stir in apple juice and pectin. Bring mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down, over high heat, stirring constantly.

4. Add sugar, stirring to dissolve. Return mixture to a full rolling boil. Boil hard 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Remove and discard

bay leaf. Skim foam, if necessary.

5. Ladle hot jam into a hot jar, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles, Wipe jar rim. Center lid on jar. Apply band and adjust to fingertip-tight. Place jar in canner with simmering water (180 degrees F). Repeat until all jars are filled.

6. Water must cover jars by 1 inch in boiling water canner or come to the base of the rack in a steam canner. Adjust heat to medium-high, cover canner, and bring water to a rolling boil in a boiling-water canner or until there’s a steady stream of steam coming from the steam canner. Start timing and process pint jars: 15 minutes at 0–1,000 feet elevation, 20 minutes at 1,001–3,000 feet, 25 minutes at 3,011–6,000 feet and 30 minutes at 6,001–8,000 feet.

7. Turn off heat. For boiling water canner, remove lid and let jars stand 5 minutes. For atmospheric steam canner, let canner sit undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes, then remove lid. Remove jars and cool 12-24 hours. Check seals (they should not flex when center is pressed). Label, date and store in a cool dark place.

The UC Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County are a great resource for answers to your food safety and preserving questions. Leave a message at (530) 621-5506 or email edmfp@ucanr. edu. For more information about program, events and recipes, visit ucanr.edu/sites/mfp_of_cs. Find the group on Facebook, too (UCCE Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County).

Nick Murphy - LIVE COMEDY @ 9:30pm / $29 Jan 10th - Jan 11th Nick was selected to perform in the 2024 Moontower & Net�ix Is A Joke Comedy Festivals. Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge, 1207 Front Street, Sacra‐mento. laughsunlimited@ gmail.com, 916-446-8128

Brenda Mallory: In the Absence of Instruction @ 12pm In the solo exhibition, Brenda Mal‐lory includes prints, multi-media and installation artworks to con‐sider the complex relationships and structures of power and iden‐tity. Gorman Museum of Native American Art, 181 Old Davis Road, Davis. cngorman@ucdavis.edu, 530-752-6567

Crossing Over with Psychic Medium

John Edward @ 4pm / $100 Crossing Over With John Edward live in Sacra‐mento, CA – January 11, 2025! See Psychic Medium John Edward live on tour! This is your chance to be part of a live group audience to watch John Edward conn Hilton Sacramento Arden West, 2200 Harvard Street, Sacramento. events@jemedia.com

1st @ 6:30pm Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason St, San Francisco

2ND @ 6:30pm Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason St, San Francisco

Tribute Saturdays Live @ Music City San Francisco @ 7pm / $29 Discover new bands and unforget‐table experiences at The Music City Underground! 1355 Bush St, 1355 Bush Street, San Francisco. aprill@ musiccitysf.org

Vintage Jukebox

Orchestra: Croonin' & Swingin' Night At The Top Of The Mark @ 8pm Top of the Mark, 999 California St, San Francisco

DJ Eddie Edul: Mix Downtown Saturday On The Rooftop @ 9pm Mix Downtown, 1525 L St, Sacra‐mento

Party Girl - A Night Of Party Girl Anthems @ 9pm Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell Street, San Francisco

Funklectic Music Televi‐sion with DJ Maculate @ 9:30pm / Free-$6.15 Neck of the Woods, San Francisco

2025 Hot Chocolate Run San Francisco @ 8am / $39-$59 The Hot Chocolate Run series is back in San Francisco on January 12, 2025! Join the chocolate move‐ment that's taking over the country. 78 MUSIC CONCOURSE DR, San Francisco. info@hotchoco late15k.com

Peter Lindman (Solo) at the Clement Street Farmers Market @ 10am Clement St. Farmers Market, Clement St, San Francisco

Brenda Mallory: In the Absence of Instruction @ 12pm In the solo exhibition, Brenda Mal‐lory includes prints, multi-media and installation artworks to con‐sider the complex relationships and structures of power and iden‐tity. Gorman Museum of Native American Art, 181 Old Davis Road, Davis. cngorman@ucdavis.edu, 530-752-6567

Tantra Speed Date®Reno! (Meet Singles Speed Dating) @ 2pm / $45-$140 Join the speed dating revolution with a 94% connection rate! Meet singles & ignite connections through fun, chemistry-building games! The Studio, 1085 S Virginia St, Reno. help@tantrany.com

Qigong Infused Yoga Online Training @ 3pm / $599 Jan 12th - Mar 16th Stand out with Qigong Infused Yoga™! Learn a healing practice in 2025 that's helpful for anxiety and chronic pain, sets you apart, en‐hances your offerings, and sup‐ports your healing and self-care. San Francisco. lynnenicole@ qigonginfusedyoga.com, 413-5757468

LaRussell Residency | Live At The Empress Theatre | 1.12.25 | Vallejo, CA @ 2pm Empress Theatre, 330 Vir‐ginia St, Vallejo

Cartoon Hearts @ 7:30pm Brick & Mortar Music Hall, 1710 Mission St, San Francisco

Sophia James @ 8pm The Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd, San Francisco

Lakeside Laughs @ 9:30pm / $27.06

Harveys Cabaret at Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline

Rotary Club of Davis Weekly Lunch & Program @ 12pm See website for details. ro‐taryclubofdavis.com Davis Com‐munity Church, 421 D Street, Davis. teainsworth@gmail.com

Egemen Sanli: Yoga with Live Music (Janet Stone) @ 6pm HAUM - Yoga Studio, 2973 16th St 5th Floor, San Francisco

Ingrata @ 6:30pm Cafe Colo‐nial, 3520 Stockton Blvd, Sacra‐mento

Invictus

@ 6:30pm Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento

Exposure Therapy @ 6:30pm Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento

So�a Wolfson

@ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco

Life Be Li�n'

@ 8pm The Regency Ballroom, 1300 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco

BIT @ 9:30pm DNA Lounge, 375 11th St, San Francisco

Healing Arts One-Time Workshop @ 2pm / $10 Register now for an upcoming onetime Healing Arts workshop! Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis. pence socialmedia@gmail.com, 530-7583370

2025 Bruce Mahoney Basketball Doubleheader Parking (Sacred Heart Pioneers vs St Ignatius...

@ 5:01pm Chase Center, 500 Terry A Francois Boulevard, San Francisco

Jeffrey James @ 6pm Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason St, San Francisco

Dixon Community Theater Announces Auditions for “Hamlet" @ 6pm Dixon Community Theater (DCT) is excited to announce open audi‐tions for its season premiere, Hamlet: Paranormal Activity. Dixon Senior Multi Use Center, 201 South 5th Street, Dixon. dixoncommuni tytheater@gmail.com, 707-9038387

Hamilton (Touring) @ 7:30pm / $55.50-$327 SAFE Credit Union Perform‐ing Arts Center, Sacramento

Halal Hilarity (18+ Event)

@ 7:30pm Cobb's Comedy Club, 915 Colum‐bus Avenue, San Francisco

Friday Jan 17th

Hattie Craven and Friends @ 7pm / $20 Winters Opera House, 13 Main Street, Winters. winter soperahouse@gmail.com Hattie Craven and Friends perform at the historic Winters Opera House. Hattie effectively reimagines traditional folk, bluegrass, country, jazz and pop…creating new music that is truly her own.

Halal Hilarity @ 7:30pm / $25.25-$33.25 Cobb's Comedy Club, San Fran‐cisco

Karaoke Tuesday @ 8pm / Free Neck of the Woods, San Francisco

Living Trust SeminarNapa, CA - January 15, 2025 @ 10am This is a FREE Living Trust Seminar Napa Elks Lodge #832, 2840 Soscol Avenue, Napa. info@Learn LivingTrust.com, 800-350-6376

Living Trust SeminarVacaville, CA - January 15, 2025

@ 1pm This is a FREE Living Trust Seminar Round Table Pizza, 888 Alamo Drive, Vacaville. info@LearnLiv ingTrust.com, 800-350-6376

Some Like it Hot

@ 1pm

Orpheum Theatre-San Francisco, San Francisco

music :) @ 6pm

Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason St, San Francisco

An intimate evening with Mitch Woods @ 6:30pm Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason St, San Francisco

Trissie Night Comedy Showcase @ 7pm / $18

Trissie Night Comedy Showcase Starring Tristan Johnson Celebrate with Laughter on Dr Martin Luther King Jr's Real Birthday!! Laughs Unlim‐ited Comedy Club and Lounge, 1207 Front Street, Sacramento. laughsunlim ited@gmail.com, 916-4468128

Rock and Country Wednesdays @ Music City San Francisco @ 7pm / $29

Rock and Country at Music City SF, where electrifying riffs and heartfelt twang make for an unforgettable night! 1355 Bush St, 1355 Bush Street, San Francisco. aprill@mus iccitysf.org

Alex Ramon "Magic" @ 7pm / $48.25 Harveys Cabaret at Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline

Justin Timberlake Parking @ 7:31pm Golden 1 Center, 500 David J Stern Walk, Sacramento host family @ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco

Living Trust SeminarWalnut Creek, CAJanuary 16, 2025 @ 10am This is a FREE Living Trust Seminar Walnut

530-752-6567

Eclectic Fridays @ Music City San Francisco, Live Bands & DJ Sets @ 7pm / $29 Rock,Pop,Jazz,Funk & More 1355 Bush St, 1355 Bush Street, San Francisco

Carte Blanche

Passport celebrates 34 years of fine wine this April

n 2025 event will feature more than 20 El Dorado County wineries

The El Dorado Winery Association’s Passport Weekend returns for its 34th year on April 26-27. The popular annual event allows guests to experience more than 20 family-owned wineries throughout El Dorado County on a single ticket, with each winery offering signature food and wine tastings, reserve wines and other surprises. Early bird tickets, now available through Jan. 31, offer a $10 savings, up to 20% off tickets.

“We’re excited to celebrate our wineries again this year,” said El Dorado Winery Association President Teena Hildebrand. “The annual Passport festival offers guests the opportunity to experience our wineries’ unique mountain-grown grape varietals, beautiful tasting rooms and generous hospitality.”

Like last year, everyone is a VIP at Passport. Guests can choose from three ticket types: one-day, two-day, and designated driver.

“Our goal is to streamline the experience for guests, from first encounter to the event itself,” noted Hildebrand. “We want to create an exceptional experience on every level, from offering the amazing value of accessing 20-plus wineries on a single ticket via an easy reservation system to the ease of visiting wineries where most do not require advance reservations.”

This year’s wineries boast a wide range of awardwinning wines, unique varietals and tasting experiences in the greater El Dorado, Carson Road, Pleasant Valley and Fair Play regions of El Dorado Wine Country. Wineries featured include Boeger Winery, Bumgarner Winery (both locations), Busby Cellars, Château d’ Estienne, Chateau Davell Boutique Winery, Crystal Basin Cellars, Fenton Herriott Vineyards, Findleton Estate & Winery, Golden Leaves Vineyard & Winery, Holly’s Hill Vineyard & Brewery, Lava Cap Winery, Madroña Vineyards, Medeiros Family Wines, Mellowood Vineyard, Narrow Gate Vineyards, Nello Olivo Winery (both locations), Sentivo Vineyards & Winery, Shadow Ranch Vineyards, Skinner Vineyards, Toogood Cellars, Toogood Estate Winery, Vista Del Mirador Winery and Windwalker Vineyard.

Information on tickets and participating wineries can be found at eldoradowines.org/passport.

El Dorado Winery Association member wineries are a select group of small, independent wineries that meet the association’s strict criteria and embody the region’s spirit. They are independent producers who are invested in the county’s agriculture and source and produce locally. They exclusively feature wines from their legal AVAs: El Dorado, Fair Play, and Sierra Foothills. El Dorado wineries embrace uniqueness, diversity and excellence in wine types and styles. Visit the website at eldoradowines.org to learn more.

Snowshoe cocktail races will hit the Lake Tahoe beach

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — Camp Richardson Resort’s friendly, laugh-out-loud winter snowshoe competition returns to the beach in front of The Grove restaurant Jan. 18 and Feb. 22.

Racers are invited to try their luck and skill at racing with cocktail trays in hand through obstacles. The winner is the fastest and cleanest, with trays and drinks intact. No experience is required, but a hefty sense of balance is helpful. Registration is free and there are multiple race categories, including men/women’s sprint, obstacle and team. Competitors can win prizes that range from tickets for four to a Tahoe Knight Monsters home game to dining certificates, stays and

Know Continued from B1 pillows and other “hands on” projects. All supplies furnished. Don’t have a sewing machine you can bring to the meetings? There are a few to share. Check us out at Sew4vets.org.

The Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento presents ArtMix: Rebellion. Revel in all things counterculture inspired by the irreverent, politically charged works on view in David Černý: Rebellion, 6-9 p.m., for audiences 18 and older. For tickets and more information visit crockerart.org.

Jan. 10

Sherwood Demonstration Garden on the Folsom Lake College – El Dorado Center campus in Placerville is open 9 a.m. every Friday and Saturday for open garden days. Take a leisurely stroll through all 16 themed gardens. Docents are on site to answer questions. Garden may be closed for inclement weather or poor air quality. Check before visiting: ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden. Parking permits required; purchase a $2 permit at any kiosk.

Musician Ed Wilson will perform 6-8 p.m. at The Vine in El Dorado Hills.

El Dorado County Community Concert Association’s third concert of its 2024-25 season will feature Stephanie Trick & Paolo Alderighi at 7 p.m. at Union Mine High School in El Dorado. For tickets and more information visit ElDoradoCommunityConcerts.com.

SPMA Rock Orchestra presents live renditions of the hit soundtracks from “Guardians of the Galaxy Vols. 1 & 2” on Jan. 10 & 11 at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

Connect with professionals from the Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Rancho Cordova and El Dorado County Chambers of Commerce at this month’s Highway 50 Corridor Power Lunch hosted by Folsom at Curry Pizza House in Folsom. For more information visit eldoradohillschamber.org.

Join the Cameron Park Community Services District for a Bully-Proof Workshop. Learn the various ways that children may encounter bullying and strategies for adults and children to respond to this behavior. The workshop starts at 7 p.m. and registration is $40. For more information or to register visit cameronpark.org.

Rockify will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.

Sourdough Slim & Robert Armstrong – Last of the Vaudeville Cowboys will perform at Sutter Creek Theatre in Sutter Creek. Hold on to your seat and get ready for a rollicking evening of outrageous humor and song. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheater.com.

merchandise. Competitors will run, knees up, kicking snow with their snowshoes while balancing a tray full of mock drinks, hoping to be the fastest without spilling. Snowshoes provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own.

Camp Richardson offers all-inclusive snow play activities in South Lake Tahoe, with a slate of family activities, including snowshoeing and crosscountry groomed trails, sledding, snowball fun, building snowmen or just relaxing by the outdoor fire pit. A 128-acre complex on the shores of Lake Tahoe, the resort consists of a historical hotel, cabins, campgrounds, a general store, ice cream parlor and The Grove, a lakefront restaurant. Visit camprichardsonresort.com for more details.

Jan. 11

Check out Placerville Cars and Coffee every Saturday, 7-9 a.m. at Lions Park. Hang out with other car enthusiasts.

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.

Mystery author James L’Etoile returns to Face in a Book at El Dorado Hills Town Center 3-5 p.m. for a launch party for his new thriller, “River of Lies.” It’s the second in the Detective Emily Hunter series, which takes place in Sacramento.

Steppin Out will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.

The Sofia in Sacramento presents multi instrumentalist John McCutcheon. Doors open at 6 p.m. show starts at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

Jan. 12

ALT NEON PROM featuring Love and Honey will perform from 5-7 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

The Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento presents a Classical Concert: Sacramento Baroque Soloists – violin, violin, cello, harpsichord. Show starts at 3 p.m. For tickets and more information visit crockerart.org.

The Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom presents the Folsom Concert Association’s presentation of the Highland Divas. Enjoy a musical journey that spans the folk music of Ireland, Scotland and New Zealand, culminating in the soaring heights of Rock Opera. Show starts at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 6086888.

The Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom presents the Folsom Lake Symphony’s Young Artist Recital at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

Jan. 14

The purpose of the Widowed Persons Club is to provide a support group for widowed men and women of all ages and provide a wide range of social activities through which they have an opportunity to make new friends and find a new direction in their lives. Regular breakfasts are held every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at Denny’s in Placerville. For those interested in joining or reservations don’t hesitate to get in touch with Glenda at (530) 2958374 or Nancy at (530) 919-8276.

News release

File photo

Snowshoe cocktail races test competitors’ balance, speed and sense of humor.

Immersion.” This provides maximum exposure to your new language through audio spoken by native speakers, written words and real-world images. Rosetta Stone offers 25 languages. Lessons are bite-sized and leading speech recognition technology helps you to learn how to correctly pronounce words. The app has 4.8 stars and is available for Apple and Google Play devices. Cost is regularly $16 a month for three months, $11/ month for a year or a one-time payment of $179 for lifetime access to all 25 language programs, which is actually a good deal.

Fund Continued from B3

scholarship recipient in the program, is now attending the Rausser College of Natural Resources at the University of California, Berkeley, where he is studying ecosystem management and forestry. He shared his experience in the program during LTCC’s Scholarship Awards Banquet last year.

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the

“Being involved in the community is really important to me,” Ken shared.

Ken discovered both his love and his knack for photography during a trip to Kenya in 2009, where he received encouragement from an unlikely source: Barack Obama’s grandmother, “Mama” Sarah Onyango Obama. In the course of the day he spent in her village, Ken showed Mama Sarah some of the pictures he had taken. She told him he should show them to the world. Ken, returning home a dedicated photographer, had 26 of those pictures enlarged, framed and exhibited.

As a photographer, Ken’s favored subjects are nature, wildlife, architecture and geology.

“I just love formations,” he said. “All the different variables in nature, the structures and sequences — you always see something a little different.”

His frequent trips to far-flung locales like Africa, Europe,

New Zealand and even Antarctica make for spectacular pictures, but he doesn’t need to travel the world to find and photograph whole worlds of complexity.

“I do macrophotography right here in my backyard,” he said. Ken finds inspiration everywhere — even in unnerving encounters with the animals he loves to photograph. In Grand Teton National Park, a moose came so close to him that his telephoto lens could no longer focus on it. Backed up against a body of water, looking it

Scope it out

Hop online and do an internet search for your new language. There are many resources out there. YouTube offers videos, tutorials and more. Amazon Prime has movies and children’s videos in many languages. The TuneIn Radio app will even let you listen to live radio stations around the world for free. Online tutors are available for hire, too.

The benefits of learning a new language are many. It’s never been easier to get started. Whether your 2025 goal is to connect better with family, to make new friends, expand your career opportunities,

scholarship committee for believing in my potential and providing this opportunity for me,” said Benlien. “It is an honor I cherish, a validation of my endeavors and a motivation to continue striving for my dreams.”

To make a donation to the scholarship program visit tahoefund.org/forestryscholarships.

square in its eyes, Ken could do nothing but wait for it to leave.

“What was I to do? I can’t jump in the water; he’s better in the water than I am,” he said with a laugh. “I love animals too much to fear them, although I probably should.”

Photography enhances Ken’s experience of everything he loves, from travel and the outdoors to his daily life in El Dorado Hills. “Photography teaches you to be patient and observant,” Ken explained. “It slows me down and lets me

appreciate things.

“Even driving with my wife, I’m always saying, ‘Stop! I need to take a picture of that,’” he continued. Through his work in the community, whether he’s hosting artists at his home for EDHAA studio tours or serving as a volunteer judge in a competition for aspiring photographers, Ken loves giving others the chance to have their own lives enhanced by art, declaring, “I think having art in the community is so important. It brings our community together.”

have a new hobby or simply stimulate your mind, you can do this — at any learning level. Set your expectations on getting better, a little every day, and you will emerge as a winner. And remember to have fun.

We will all, God willing, be 12 months older in 2026. Let’s set our goals for good and make this a better place in 2025. Carpe diem!

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

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EARTH: Home Sweet Home

Woodword is back on Earth this week, refueling before heading deeper into our solar system. Replace the missing words in his message.

Dear Kid Scoop Readers –

I’m so happy to be back on Earth! It’s very different from the other planets in our ___________ system. And that is a good thing!

Earth is sometimes known as a __________ planet, because 70% of our planet’s surface is covered in liquid water. It’s the only planet with an __________________ that is 21% oxygen. These things make it possible for ________ to ___________ here. And as far as we know, no other planet in our solar system supports life.

Do the Math: Our Planet

Crust:

Amaze your family and friends with these quick facts about Earth!

AMAZING EARTH FACTS CHART

PERCENTAGE OF ATMOSPHERE THAT IS OXYGEN PERCENTAGE OF PLANET SURFACE THAT IS WATER

PERCENTAGE OF ATMOSPHERE THAT IS NITROGEN

PERCENTAGE OF ATMOSPHERE THAT IS CARBON DIOXIDE DISTANCE FROM THE SUN (IN MILES)

Watery Earth

Oceans cover most of the Earth’s surface, but did you know that we’ve only explored 10% of these watery worlds? To date we’ve found thousands of species, but experts think that there could be at least 25 million more that are just waiting there in that 90% of the oceans that we haven’t yet discovered.

Find the sh that’s di erent.

How Earth Got Its Name

With just the right combination of location, oxygen and water, Earth is unique among the planets.

Big Breaks

About 300 million years ago, Earth wasn’t divided into seven continents like it is today. It had one massive continent surrounded by a single ocean. Use the code to discover the name of the continent and the name of the ocean.

How Many Fish?

Where’s the water?

97% of the world’s water is in the oceans and the remaining 3% is fresh water. That 3% of fresh water divides into 77% contained in icecaps and glaciers, 22% in groundwater aquifers (the source of our drinking water). And this leaves only 1% which make up the waters in rivers, lakes and streams.

Earth Adjectives

Look through the newspaper to find five adjectives that describe

atmosphere consists of different layers. It’s about 250 miles (400 kilometers) from the Earth’s surface to the exosphere, where Earth ends and space begins.

Earth is the only planet not named after a Roman or Greek god or goddess. How did it get its name? No one is quite sure. Earth is an English/German word that simply means the ground.

What is the name of Earth in other languages? Do the math to nd out!

GERMAN = 19 + 5

SWAHILI = 18 + 4

FRENCH = 21 + 4

FINNISH = 21 - 6

SPANISH = 17 +3

ATMOSPHERE EXPLORED SURFACE EXPERTS MASSIVE OXYGEN LIQUID EARTH WATER OCEAN SPACE EXIST DATE DUST LIFE

© 2017 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 33, No. 30

Photo courtesy NASA