Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Parking crunch

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

El Dorado County will have to wait a couple more weeks before opening its temporary homeless navigation center/shelter in Placerville.

County leaders now expect the old juvenile hall site at 299 Fair Lane to be ready by the beginning of February once a memorandum of understanding has been finalized between the homelessness solutions nonprofit Volunteers of America and El Dorado County, according to county spokeswoman Carla Hass. It was originally anticipated the facility would open mid-January.

Volunteers of America, contracted by the county Health and Human Services Agency, will provide operation and case management services for homeless individuals at the 60-bed shelter.

County staff will not assist in running the navigation center, but HHSA’s Housing and Homelessness Services staff will collaborate with VOA’s case managers to guide shelter occupants to community resources and support as well as provide outreach services to those not utilizing the shelter, Hass states in an email to the Mountain Democrat.

Additionally HHSA’s Behavioral Health team will provide onsite support one day per week to link occupants to services, Hass added.

VOA is currently conducting orientation to prepare new and existing staff for trauma-informed care and de-escalation and health and safety protocol. VOA will go through additional training on a regular basis in order to help prepare navigation center occupants for long-term housing sustainability, Hass explained.

County staff has completed all building renovations and VOA is currently furnishing the facility and finishing painting the interior to create a “welcoming” environment for the shelter’s occupants.

See

EDH cityhood advocates aim for the ballot

The prospect of El Dorado Hills’ incorporation is once again being promoted as several factors spur cityhood advocates into action, including the prospect of Costco and Parker Development’s plans for the defunct golf course.

At the January El Dorado Hills Community Services District Board of Directors meeting, resident Lewis Hampton, who recently lost a bid for a CSD board seat to incumbent Michael Martinelli, presented a comprehensive plea for the CSD to move forward in what he terms “the road to independence.”

“

Hampton pressed the board to kickstart the process, which he said would give the area a longterm sense of community. He called for the CSD to be the lead agency to allocate the funds to put the cityhood issue on an upcoming ballot.

“Let’s not worry about who at the county level will oppose our stake on independence, or which

A Good Samaritan, above, checks to make sure there are no occupants inside vehicles that were crushed when a tree fell in the W.S. Kirk Lot in downtown Placerville at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The afternoon saw heavy rain, strong winds, thunder and lightning before the tall cypress came crashing down. Recent storms are causing flooding, sinkholes and downed trees across El Dorado County and much of Northern California but the weather is forecast to let up Wednesday into Thursday. Once standing along Hangtown Creek between the Mustard and Ketchup Buildings and The Supply Sergeant, the approximately 60-foot tree landed on top of seven vehicles, right

photo.

Staff writer

Jamie Reyes, the new president of the Camino School Parent Teacher Organization, asked the question aloud at the Jan. 10 Camino Union Elementary School District Board of Trustees meeting. Minutes prior to Reyes’ question two of four trustees present, Bob Van Gilder and Pat Kernan, got up from their seats and left the school’s cafeteria mid-meeting as a California Teachers Association representative attempted to speak.

constitutes

a violation of a number of

Odin Rasco

aren’t allowed to do that; there is no longer a quorum and

Tensions flare as Camino school trustees walk out of meeting

Mountain Democrat photos by Krysten Kellum

Sel Richard Staff writer

… we’re talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars in today’s money to get millions of dollars every year forever.”

— Lewis Hampton, El Dorado Hills resident

center, page

Barton Tecumseh Bawden

June 1, 1925 – Nov. 9, 2022

Betty Joan Knapp

Bawden

Jan. 25, 1930 – Nov. 20, 2022

Barton Tecumseh Bawden, 97, passed away on November 9, 2022, and Betty Joan Knapp Bawden, 92, passed away on November 20, 2022, in their home in El Dorado, Ca.

Bart was born to Dr. Arthur Talbot Bawden and Elizabeth Cooper Bawden in Ottawa, Kansas on June 1, 1925.

Most of his childhood years were spent in Stockton, California, except for a few years when his family lived in China, where his parents were missionaries.

After High School Bart joined the United States Navy. He was set for deployment, however the war ended just prior to his ship’s departure date. After leaving the Navy, Bart moved to Granville, Ohio, to attend Denison University, where he met his beloved wife, Betty Joan Knapp in the late 1940’s. Four generations of both their families had attended Denison, which Bart and Betty were very proud of.

Betty was born in Zanesville, Ohio, to Judge J. Lincoln Knapp and Laura ‘Larry’ Richardson Knapp on January 25, 1930. As a child, Betty was in Girl Scouts where she received several honor pins and awards.

She continued into other various groups and clubs in high school and college, and maintained her honor roll status through her time at Denison.

In 1950, Bart graduated from Denison University as a chemistry major and moved back to Stockton where he got a job as a chemist at the Diamond Lime Company in Diamond Springs. Bart would go to El Dorado’s, now Poor Red’s restaurant, where he would write love letters to Betty.

Bart moved back to Ohio when Betty was starting her senior year at Denison, and they became engaged.

They were wed at the Forest Avenue Presbyterian Church in Zanesville on February 3, 1951, in a beautiful ceremony attended by family and friends. After Betty graduated from Denison in June of 1951, she and Bart lived in several states for four years, while Bart worked for American Cyanamid. They both loved California’s beauty, so Bart took a position with Pittsburgh Coke and Chemical Company and they moved to San Mateo, California. There they expanded their family, welcoming their son, David Talbot Bawden, in 1960, and two years later, their daughter, Joan Elizabeth Bawden. Bart became a pilot and bought an airplane. He loved to fly his family to Cameron Park for weekend getaways.

Around 1975, the Bawdens moved to Pittsburgh and then to Houston, Texas, where they lived for the next 15 years. Betty began to work after her children were grown and took a management position at a toy store. After Bart’s retirement in 1990, they moved back to California, to a beautiful mountain view home in El Dorado, where they shared their last years. They would enjoy entertaining guests on their deck, and Betty was known for her beautiful, decorated dinner tables. Before dinner, it was a commonplace for Bart to enjoy a “Manhattan.”

Bart and Betty were very active in the Federated Church. Bart also collected antique cars and radios.

Betty and Bart were members of the Model T Club and The Lincoln Continental Owners Club where they would tour their antique cars in car shows and parades, often dressed in the era of the vehicles. Bart was most fond of his 1947 Lincoln Continental convertible, which had been previously owned by Dr. Sam Sheppard, a notorious figure in the 1950s.

Betty had a love of the theatre, attending many performances during her lifetime, and kept mementos of such shows as “South Pacific” and “Guys and Dolls.” Both Betty and Bart had a love for genealogy.

They captured most of their memories, homes, and adventures from one of Bart’s cameras. It was not uncommon to see Bart with one of his many cameras around his neck ready to take the next photograph. Betty was very active in women’s work for the church, and was a wonderful seamstress.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren wore dresses lovingly made by their Nana.

Bart and Betty were preceded in death by Bart’s parents, Dr. Arthur Bawden and Elizabeth Bawden, Betty’s parents, Judge J. Lincoln Knapp and Laura R. Knapp, and their son-in-law, Jack McCollister. They are survived by their children, David Bawden (Lori) of Porter, TX, and Joan Bawden McCollister of Angleton, TX, Betty’s brother, Charles L. Knapp (Lex) of San Francisco, CA, grandchildren Kristi Flanigan, Amy (Robert) Gomez of Conroe, TX, Francis (Stephen) of West Columbia, TX, Jacob (Sarah) Noack of Auburn, IN, Rachel (Johnny) Collard, Eric Bawden and Zachary Bawden of Porter, TX, great-grandchildren Christopher (Paige), Hunter, Aubrey, Miguel, Junior, Taylor, Macee, Alyssa, Kaidynne, Bethany and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A memorial service will be held for Bart and Betty on February 11, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Federated Church, Placerville

William Aldridge

May 2, 1953 – Jan. 3, 2023

Bill Aldridge passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 3, 2023 at the age of 69. Bill was a long time resident of El Dorado County and attended El Dorado High School. After High School, Bill served in the Marine Corps for four years and was honorably discharged.

Bill spent most of his life in the Carpenters Union and worked on many commercial projects in and around El Dorado County. He loved hunting and fishing and being outdoors.

Bill and his wife Lori raised two children, Lisa and Jason. Bill was proceeded in death by his parents Joe and Dee, his wife Lori, his brother Bob and sister Jodee. He is survived by his daughter Lisa, son Jason (Megan); and four grandchildren, Hanna, Haley, Madelyn, Josie, and his brother Mark.

Marjorie L. Comer Dec. 1930 – Dec. 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

Glenn Herbert Herzig

Sept. 15, 1935 – Dec. 13, 2022

Glenn passed away at home in Shingle Springs after a short battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family. He will be greatly missed and was loved by all his family and friends.

Glenn is survived by his daughter, Karin Varozza; his son-in-law, Joseph Varozza; and his grandchildren, Molly Varozza & Parker Varozza. He is also survived by his sister, Marcey Curtis and his companion of many years, Barbara Veerkamp.

Glenn was born in Placerville. He started working at a young age on his parent’s pear ranch o of Bassi Road in Lotus. Glenn graduated from El Dorado High School in 1953, went to UC Davis for a couple years then went into the National Guard. He had miscellaneous jobs but finally ended up at El Dorado County Department of Transportation where he worked for 30 years. He operated heavy equipment and drove their lowbed truck. He and his father also had their own equipment business where they did side jobs for people, which consisted of house pads, ponds and other dirt moving.

A celebration of life will be held at his home in Shingle Springs in the Spring of 2023. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Snowline Hospice of Placerville, 6520 Pleasant Valley Road, Diamond Springs, CA 95619

Lester Vernon McKindley

Feb. 2, 1929 – Oct. 10, 2022

Les was born at home in Lockeford Calif., on February 7th 1929 to Ernest & Irma Mae (Tenney) McKindley #9 of 11 children; Mahlon, Erma, Edna, Ruth, Ray, Cecil, John, Robert, Lester, Marilyn & Vince. He Passed away in his sleep on October 9th 2022, at his home in Sly Park, Placerville Calif., after a short illness. He was a graduate from Lodi High Class of ’47. He enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting elk and camping with his family. Les served in the U.S. Army, was a member of the American Legion post 119 in Placerville, and for 66 years a member of the Operating Engineers Local #3. He is survived by his wife Carlyn, Son David and Daughter Trisha, 4 grand children: Sarah, Morgan, Kyle & Katarina, 5 great grandchildren: Seth, Mason, Cole, Addison & Blake, and his 2 cats Fudge & Inky, and numerous nieces & nephews. Following his wishes no services were held.

He is deeply missed by all.

Love you, Your Family.

Douglas Frank DiGiurco

April 7, 1957 – Dec. 16, 2022

On Friday, December 16, Douglas Frank DiGiurco, a devoted and selfless husband and father, passed away. He was sixty-five. Born to Frank and Patsy DiGiurco, he was raised in La Crescenta, Calif., and moved to Placerville, Calif., where he met and married his high-school sweetheart Dani Henter. He worked in construction and maintenance most of his life, but had a passion for fishing, hiking and building intricate model kits. He was incredibly creative, artistic and mechanically inclined and excelled at anything he attempted — from restoring and rebuilding his classic Triumph motorcycle to creating amazingly detailed drawings and building custom model kits. He was known by friends and family for his kindness and for treating absolutely everyone with respect. Doug was extraordinarily selfless, often helping anyone in need.

Doug is survived by his wife Dani Henter, sons Chris and Tom DiGiurco; granddaughter Elspeth DiGiurco; mother Patsy DiGiurco; sister Tarra DiGiurco; and nieces Elsie Lopin and Amy Phillips. Services were held Wednesday, January 11 at 1 p.m. at Chapel of the Pines funeral home in Placerville.

Wanda Irene Stark

Oct. 14, 1937 – Dec. 31, 2022

Wanda Irene Stark, 85, died Saturday, December 31, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Folsom California. Born on October 14, 1937, in San Francisco California to Edward and Irene Presnell. She was the youngest of two children.

Wanda was retired from 19 years of service as the head cook at the Black Oak Mine Unified School District where she worked for 23 years. Although Wanda liked many things her favorite pastime was going to car shows with her family and friends with her fully restored 1965 Marlin Rambler which has won several awards. She also enjoyed spending time outside working in her garden with her greatgrandchildren Maria, Marisa, and Joseph Stark.

She is survived by her daughter Debbie Cowden (Morris); grandchildren Matthew Sielert (Doreen), J.T. Kurtz (Miranda); great-grandchildren Conrad Kurtz, Derek Kurtz and Justin Kurtz; daughter Melodie Stark; grandson Marlin Stark III (Marcy); great-grandchildren Maria Stark (Braedon Howard), Marisa Stark and Joseph Stark; grandson Brandon Stark (Ivey), great-grandchildren Marlie Stark and Owen Stark; grandson Wyatt Stark and wife Shelby Stark.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Irene Presnell, brother Dean Presnell, husband Marlin Stark, son Marlin Stark Jr., and granddaughter Tina Redd. Funeral services will be held at Green Valley Mortuary and Cemetery in Rescue on Saturday, January 14th at 11:00 am followed by interment at Georgetown Pioneer Cemetery.

JENKINSON FLOWETH O’ER

Odin Rasco Staff writer

Jenkinson Lake reached capacity and began to flow into the spillway on Thursday, the first time the reservoir has spilled since February 2019, according to information made available by the El Dorado Irrigation District.

With a bevy of recent storms inundating California with water, monitoring on Jenkinson Lake shows the water rose from 101.13 feet Dec. 30 to a high-water point of 121.76 feet Jan. 14. EID uses a measurement of water called an acrefoot, which is equivalent to 1 acre of water 1 foot deep. The lake has gained an estimated 12,252 acre-feet since the New Year’s Eve storm; to put it another way, 3.99 billion gallons of water have poured into the lake in the past two-and-a-half weeks.

A statement from EID o cials reminds boaters that wood debris is prevalent on the lake at this time and there is a speed limit of 5 mph.

Latrobe Road troubles

Dec. 29

7:28 p.m. Officers arrested a 31-year-old man reportedly found in possession of several credit/ bank cards not in his name on Broadway.

Dec. 30

3:33 p.m. Officers arrested a 25-year-old man who allegedly caused a disturbance and refused to leave a Broadway property.

Dec. 31

7:18 p.m. Officers arrested a 54-year-old man who had an outstanding warrant on Broadway.

Jan. 3

8:10 a.m. Firearms were reported lost on Coloma Court.

9:30 p.m. Officers arrested a 42-year-old woman who had outstanding warrants on Canal Street.

Dec. 29

2:54 p.m. Burglary was reported on Ficus Circle in El Dorado Hills.

5:01 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Grizzly Flat Road in Somerset.

8:05 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 35-year-old man suspected of elder abuse on Bunkhouse Court in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $75,000 bail.

8:15 p.m. Residential burglary was reported Quail Valley Road in Shingle Springs.

11:53 p.m. Officers responded to a report that methamphetamine had been found on a patient on Marshall Way.

Jan. 4

2:06 p.m. Theft was reported from a Coloma Street home.

3:29 p.m. Officers arrested a 40-year-old man who allegedly stole a shopping cart on Mosquito Road.

Jan. 5

10:25 a.m. Officers arrested a 58-year-old man suspected of a probation violation on Placerville Drive.

11:32 a.m. Officers arrested a 40-year-old man who had allegedly stolen a store’s shopping cart and was using it for personal use on Broadway.

Jan. 6

9:34 a.m. Officers cited a 65-yearold man who reportedly had an expired license, expired vehicle registration and two different license plates on the vehicle on Placerville Drive.

10:34 a.m. Grand theft involving multiple suspects was reported on Placerville Drive.

10:49 a.m. Officers arrested a 65-year-old man who had allegedly stolen a store’s shopping cart and was using it for personal use on Mosquito Road.

3:59 p.m. Officers arrested a 40-year-old man on suspicion of robbery on Main Street.

Jan. 7

8:58 a.m. Officers cited a 37-yearold woman reportedly found in possession of methamphetamine and driving on a suspended license on Main Street.

Jan. 8

9:56 p.m. Officers arrested an allegedly intoxicated 30-year-old man who was reportedly trying to start an altercation with bystanders on Main Street.

Jan. 9

7:24 a.m. A bicycle was found on Main Street.

Jan. 10

9:14 a.m. Officers arrested a 49-year-old man on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance on Green Valley Road.

Jan. 11

3:59 p.m. Officers cited a 34-year-old woman suspected of trespassing on Placerville Drive.

5:54 p.m. Officers cited a 43-yearold man suspected of trespassing on Placerville Drive.

Road in Placerville.

Dr. Little’s Dental News

Presented by Jeffery Little, D.D.S.

THE BLOODY TRUTH

Among the most common causes of bleeding gums is gingivitis (gum disease), which results from the buildup of plaque at the gumline and leads to inflammation. If not treated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis (advanced gum disease) and additional problems. Other common causes of bleeding gums are brushing too hard, using a toothbrush that’s not soft enough, improper flossing, and taking certain medications such as blood thinners. Ill-fitting dentures, faulty dental restorations, or an undiagnosed health condition or illness may also result in bleeding gums. If you’ve just started flossing, it’s common for your gums to bleed, but it should clear up within a week or two. Hormonal changes during pregnancy

can also lead to temporary gingivitis and bleeding gums.

Even though plaque is the number one cause of gum disease, other factors can contribute to its taking hold on your teeth. Hormonal changes, medications, certain illnesses, bad habits, and even a family history of dental disease can all play a part. However, diligence in home care and regular professional visits go a long way to lessen the impact gum disease has on your mouth as well as overall health. We offer a full range of services to meet all your oral health care needs. Hours by appointment.

P.S. Chronic bleeding gums while performing routine tasks like brushing your teeth and flossing are a sign of periodontitis.

10:27 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 36-year-old woman suspected of burglary and possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia on Fawn Street in Shingle Springs. She was listed in custody in lieu of $180,000 bail.

Dec. 30

1:10 a.m. Vandalism was reported at an office building on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

9:38 a.m. Battery was reported at

a mobile home park on Panorama Drive in Placerville.

11:34 p.m. Burglary was reported on Cambridge Road in Cameron Park.

12:20 p.m. Battery was reported on Dolly Varden Lane in Pollock Pines.

2:07 p.m. Burglary was reported at a self-storage facility on Latrobe Road in El Dorado Hills.

4 p.m. Burglary was reported at the grange on Pleasant Valley

7:30 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 19-year-old man suspected of stalking on Toyan Drive in Diamond Springs. He was released on $100,000 bail.

8:35 p.m. Burglary was reported at a grocery store on Placerville Drive in Placerville.

Dec. 31

4:39 p.m. Illegal entry was reported on Hazel Street in Pollock Pines.

Mountain Democrat photos by Odin Rasco

Water rushes into the spillway at Jenkinson Lake Friday for the first time since February 2019.

Branches and other wood debris collect around the spillway, pulled in by the flowing water.

Courtesy photos

Workers place k-rails to mitigate flooding along a segment of Latrobe Road in southwestern El Dorado County, left photo. EDC Department of Transportation crews on Saturday evening closed Latrobe Road at Cothrin Road and Sun Ridge Meadows as Latrobe shows potential to collapse with flooding impacts 6-8 feet under the roadway, according to a statement from county officials. While there are other options to travel to the community of Latrobe, county personnel say road closure signage went missing and barricades were initially moved by motorists Sunday morning. Signs and barricades were put back in place on the road DOT deems “unsafe” only to be moved again. For the safety of motorists, a heavy, Class 3 barricade was laid out across Latrobe Road. Work to put in new drainage culverts, right photo, began Monday and is expected to last approximately four days, according to county officials.

DON’T MISS

California’s volatile tax system strikes yet again

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s penchant for braggadocio was in full flower eight months ago when he declared that California had a $97.5 billion budget surplus and boasted, “No other state in American history has ever experienced a surplus as large as this.”

He and the Legislature then wrote a 2022-23 budget with major increases in education, medical care and social services, plus a multi-billion-dollar cash rebate to taxpayers and other one-time expenditures.

Earlier this month a more subdued Newsom acknowledged the projected surplus had morphed into a $22.5 billion shortfall. He proposed a $297 billion 2023-24 budget that throttles back some of the additional spending and indirectly borrows billions of dollars to close the gap.

Moreover, Newsom warned that if the Federal Reserve System’s interest rate increases trigger a recession, the deficit could become much worse.

The situation is another reminder that California’s public finances are at the mercy of an extremely volatile revenue system — one dominated by personal income taxes, especially those paid by high-income Californians on their stocks and other capital investments.

As he began his presentation to reporters, Newsom displayed a chart demonstrating the ups and downs of capital gains as a percentage of personal income – reaching a peak of 9.7% in 2021 and now expected to decline to 5% by 2025.

Newsom said it “sums up California’s tax structure, sums up boom and bust.”

The decline in investment earnings, Newsom said, is the primary reason for a $29 billion reduction in projected income. His estimate of revenue declines and the resulting $22.5 deficit is a bit more optimistic than a November forecast from the Legislature’s budget analyst, Gabe Petek.

The situation rekindles a decades-old debate in political, academic and media circles about the state budget’s volatile dependence on the investment earnings of a relative handful of affluent taxpayers.

Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and legislative leaders created a blue-ribbon commission to recommend tax system changes that would lessen volatility. The badly divided commission proposed to reduce the reliance on the income tax by flattening it to just two brackets, eliminating sales and corporate income taxes and creating a new “net

Letters to the Editor

New City Council

EDITOR:

Iwant to address the comments of former mayor Taylor in her State of the City speech Dec. 13. In this speech she stated, “A small but loud group of folks tried to recall the entire City Council over ‘tyranny.’ Placerville voters shut that down.” This comment and the way that it was delivered perfectly illustrates the frustration of a large number of Placerville residents.

First, the recall was not shut down by Placerville voters; it was shut down by the Caldor Fire. Everyone involved in the recall stopped gathering signatures and started helping their neighbors. That’s what killed the recall.

Second, she asserted that the recall was due to tyranny. It was not. The reasons were specifically listed in the recall documents and all of these issues still exist as of today. I am hopeful that this new council will address these concerns with the seriousness they deserve instead of dismissing them and belittling people who hold differing opinions, as the last council did.

Lastly, the recall did not make the ballot but it was successful. All the council members, save one, who were targeted with recall are gone. I guarantee you the huge group of people who participated in that recall attempt take that as a victory.

I want the new council to remember that the residents of this city do not yet trust you. You must earn our trust. You can earn it through listening and respecting views that you don’t agree with. You can earn it through transparency and communication. You can earn it through selfreflection and being able to admit publicly when you are wrong. And finally you can earn it through acting with integrity and placing the interests of this city ahead of your own.

RYAN CARTER Placerville

Inmates now running the asylum

EDITOR:

The inmates are now running the asylum, formerly known as the U.S. House of Representatives! Nothing good can come out of the GOP march toward chaos and, if history is a guide, inevitable fascist rule.

The GOP debacle over the election of a speaker offers further proof that the party refuses to play the democracy game. The fight is not over domestic or foreign policies; it is about a group

of neo-fascist extremists threatening to blow up democracy if they do not get their way — the same scenario Trump has followed for a year. These are not “conservatives,” but radical bomb throwers whose petty demands are designed only to increase their personal power. They have offered no policies that would further the common good. Moscow and Beijing must have watched the GOP food fight with glee.

Trump and his millions of followers have made clear that they’ll accept election results only if they win. Been there, seen that! Having lived in West Africa most of my working life, the GOP/Trump scenario is similar to that used by strongmen in order to stay in power: throw monkey wrenches in the system and take advantage of the ensuing chaos by offering yourself as the “savior” of democracy. West Africa offers many examples of so-called “saviors of democracy” who are now “presidents for life,” a title Trump once mused publicly would suit him fine.

JOHN GARON Placerville

Fix the roads

EDITOR:

We’re paying increased gas taxes in El Dorado County (for) maintenance. Smith Flat Road at Broadway currently has potholes the size of the Grand Canyon.

In addition, seven-plus trees are leaning at a 45-degree (angle), which create a safety and road hazard. Why do we need a city arborist’s permission to eliminate these road hazards today? The Placerville mayor should reevaluate this.

JERRY MOTAK Placerville

Egg prices not high enough

EDITOR:

Egg prices have tripled in some states in the past year, largely because of the slaughter of nearly 58 million birds sickened by bird flu.

Yet, no price can possibly justify the cruelty inherent in egg production. When chicks are hatched, all “useless” males are ground up alive or suffocated in large plastic bags. The “lucky” females are crammed five to a wire cage the size of a folded newspaper, where they are unable to spread their wings or display other normal

Rainfall records, Bogart movies and classified papers

He who knows not and knows not that he knows not

He is simple – teach him; He who knows and knows not that he knows;

He is asleep – wake him

He who knows and knows he knows, He is wise; follow him

It has certainly been an exciting year already, with this column appearing just 18 days into the new year. As I write this column Jan. 13, getting it just under the wire, the rain totals could be headed for a record, starting with 5.7 inches recorded New Year’s Day after a New Year’s Eve rain beat-down. Our new 18-inch culvert down at the county road became plugged after carrying water easily. Fortunately, the county road crews actually came

along with equipment and unclogged drains along our county road.

As of today, I have recorded 11.05 inches of rain in January, with more to come. The total for the season so far 30.20 inches. That includes 13.85 inches in December.

Fortunately, our driveway did not turn into a couple of gravel rivers because we finally had it paved.

• •

•

I’m reading about the Caine Mutiny for the first time. Now I want to see the movie again. As I recall, Humphrey Bogart played the crazy ship’s captain, Lt. Cmdr. Queeg. The book is narrated through the view of Ensign Willie Keith, played by Robert Francis in the movie. Some other famous actors in the 1954 film included Jose Ferrer and Fred MacMurray.

Bogart also played a bad guy in

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editor@ mtdemocrat.net

High Sierra. A lot of his other roles were also offbeat, including two roles as a fishing boat captain where he winds up shooting bad guys or bad cops or a bad Nazi (Casablanca).

• •

•

Regarding the quote included at the beginning of this column, I included it as a reference to contemporary events, such as the 15 ballots it took to elect Kevin McCarthy Speaker of the House.

Then there are the three locations of secret or top-secret papers President Joe Biden had kept while he was vice president and then out of office until assuming the presidency Jan. 20, 2021. One of those locations is a “think tank” whose primary source

of funding is China. Biden is paid $1 million annually from the think tank at University of Pennsylvania. After weeks of prevarication, the attorney general appointed a special prosecutor to look into these. No FBI inquiries.

This is in contrast to the FBI armed raid on former President Trump’s Florida home and a special prosecutor.

Eventually, somebody’s going to make a movie out of these bizarre events, including the Hunter Biden laptop and “the Big Guy.”

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

ARABIAN PROVERB

Summary as California’s state budget morphs from a $97.5 billion surplus to a multi-billion-dollar deficit, it’s another reminder about the volatility of the state’s revenue system.

DaN waLtERs

then there are the three locations of secret or topsecret papers President Joe Biden had kept while he was vice president and then out of office until assuming the presidency Jan. 20, 2021. One of those locations is a “think tank” whose primary source of funding is China.

business receipts tax.”

When the “Parsky Commission,” so dubbed for its chairman, businessman Gerald Parsky, finally released its report in 2009, it was quickly consigned to oblivion. When Jerry Brown returned to the governorship in 2011, he proposed to deal with volatility by creating a “rainy day” reserve financed by windfall revenues.

That fund and other reserves now total $35.6 billion, which would easily cover the current deficit, but Newsom — agreeing with Patek — is not tapping them, citing the danger of recession.

“We’re not touching these reserves,” he said. “We’re in a very volatile moment.”

As hefty as the reserves appear, it’s questionable whether they would be enough to counter even a moderate recession.

Petek, who pegged the current shortfall at $24 billion without a recession, warned in his November forecast, “Based on historical experience, should a recession occur soon, revenues could be $30 billion to $50 billion below our revenue outlook in the budget window.”

In other words, a recession could have as much as a $74 billion negative impact on the budget, more than twice the state’s reserves. In relative terms, the state has faced deficits of that magnitude in past recessions.

“What’s consistent is the inconsistency of our tax

structure,” Newsom acknowledged.

Ideally, California would alter that structure to make it less dependent on a narrow base of taxable income — but, as the fate of the Parsky Commission’s report indicates, there’s little political appetite for such reform.

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

Letters

Continued from A4

behaviors. The wire floor cuts painfully into their feet as the walls tear out their feathers. When their egg production drops after 18 months they are simply ground up for pet food.

But there is more. Eggs contain saturated fat and cholesterol, key factors in incidence of heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes. They frequently carry food-borne bacteria, including salmonella, campylobacter, listeria and staphylococcus, which account for 1.3 million U.S. illnesses and 500 deaths annually.

Entering “egg-free” in a search engine returns tons of recipes for delicious, compassionate, healthful, eco-friendly egg substitutes and egg-free food products.

ERNEST DUVALLE Placerville

PLaCerVILLe 5-day FOreCaSt

in

Announcements

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

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

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

LEARN & PLAY CRIBBAGE Cribbage is a fun, fast paced game that will surely keep you on your toes! **All skill levels

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

Ready for real change?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Honesty may be the best policy, but it’s not a painless one. The truth can hurt, sometimes unnecessarily so. Before you decide to speak up, consider the chances of the situation improving because of this sharing.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your imagination is ablaze, and you don’t just think of what might be — you find real-world applications. Share your vision. You’ll get plenty of blank stares, but if you find even one person who gets you, it’s worth it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You can’t take back what you say once it slips your lips, but it has a chance of being soon forgotten. The written word, however, can be forever saved. It’s a day to exercise restraint before clicking that send button.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’ve no reason to be defensive, but it’s still nice to know you have advocates. It gives you confidence to know that your support system includes people who will take a stand for you in the unlikely event you would ever need it.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You have advocates. Not that you need defense or are trying to inspire passion in your devotees. Still, it’s nice to know that people are on your side and will be there when and if you ever need them.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Elitist behavior is abhorrent until the “insider” is you. To struggle this way is human. “People seem to enjoy things more when they know a lot of other people have been left out of the pleasure.” — Russell Baker

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Before you explain yourself, consider carefully your audience. Many already know, don’t want to know or aren’t capable of understanding. There’s but a small percentage of people who need and will be receptive to explanations.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Love is the one commodity you can’t get too much of, especially considering how many forms it comes in. Money, however, can be problematic in great quantities and can complicate things in unforeseen ways.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’re in the mood for a makeover. Wherever you direct this energy, whether toward your image, domestic scene, relationships, finance or other, today’s steps will be touched with luck.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You will inspire people, not with what you say but with how you say it. You’re relatable. People see themselves in you, or they see an aspirational version of their future selves.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your key to success is your ability to focus on one thing until it’s finished. By the end of the day, you’ll have something excellent to show for your efforts. Avoid adding nonessentials or going off on tangents.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Your life is moving along. You don’t mind momentarily stopping the action for special reasons or people, but, like a train, you won’t stop for long. Whether they get on board or not, you will keep to your schedule.

Help in high water

News release

Last week Congressman Kevin Kiley toured Northern California storm damage and assisted with food and emergency kit distributions.

At the VFW Post in Georgetown he joined Food Bank of El Dorado County Founder Mike Sproull and community-minded Unsung Heroes Alissa Cimino, Patrick McGinnis and Bridget Gwinnup, who all braved Jan. 13’s pouring rain with more than 80 vehicles lined up to receive essentials.

Kiley said he is working to ensure federal assistance is received without delay and that the federal government is taking all possible action to assist local officials in responding to storm damage. On Jan. 11 Kiley requested that Gov. Gavin Newsom ask for a major disaster declaration from President Joe Biden, which is required for California residents to access a

Center Continued from A1

The county is awaiting vendor invoices but Hass shared it is on target with original budget projections of $301,709 for set-up costs. The county has allocated $1,347,963 from state homelessness funding for the VOA contract for a 12-month period to provide case management and operational services.

The former site of the sheriff’s headquarters, also on Fair Lane, has been eyed for a permanent navigation center/shelter that could potentially go up in as soon as two years.

Due to the delayed opening of the county’s shelter, the Placerville City

variety of federal assistance programs to recover from storm impacts.

“My office is working to ensure the greatest measure of Federal assistance is available to the affected communities. My office is in constant communication with FEMA and I have spoken personally to FEMA Regional Administrator Bob Fenton,” Kiley remarked to the House of Representatives.

“California now finds itself in both a flood emergency and a drought emergency at the same time,” he added. “That absurdity underscores a fundamental failure of governance.

Citizens are told to take shorter showers. Farmers are told to fallow their fields. All the while, they watch water flow abundantly into the ocean.”

Kiley is co-sponsor of Rep. Valadao’s WATER for California Act, which would expand water storage capacity.

Council extended its memorandum of understanding with Housing El Dorado to continue operating a winter warming center in Scout Hall at Benham Park until Feb. 15, according to Housing El Dorado President Maureen Dion-Perry. The cold weather shelter opened Dec. 1 as a temporary solution to aid homeless individuals while the county works to establish its navigation center.

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors is expected to consider a proposal at its Jan. 24 meeting to fund extended warming center operations at Scout Hall through Feb. 15, Dion-Perry added.

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

n TODAy

HOROSCOPE by Holiday Mathis

Solutions to puzzles in Classified section of newspaper.

Pictured at the Jan. 13 Food Bank of El Dorado County distribution at Georgetown’s VFW Post from left are Bridget Gwinnup, Alissa Cimino, Kevin Kiley and Patrick McGinnis.

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

An El Dorado County Department of Transportation plow operator was stopped in their tracks Monday by a tree that had fallen into communication lines and across Snows Road in Camino. Work to clear the tree, which came down just south of Braden Road, took a few hours and motorists were back on the road by 5:40 p.m.

they did not ask to be excused during an active session,” stated one parent in the back of the audience after Van Gilder and Kernan left.

California law requires quorum — a majority of board members in attendance — for a board meeting to start or end, but less than a quorum can continue during a meeting, provided no action is taken. It is unclear whether the agenda progressing while Kernan and Van Gilder were not in attendance constitutes a violation of any statutes.

“If I weren’t president of the board, I would have gotten up and walked out myself,” Judy Morris said during the break, as a surprised and confused collection of Camino School staff and parents spoke amongst themselves.

At this meeting dozens of Camino school parents and staff had come to speak regarding the recent surprise resignation of Superintendent Patricia Horn, as earlier reported in the Mountain Democrat. Most individuals in attendance voiced concerns the board had pressured Horn into a swift departure without consulting staff or parents.

During a bargaining unit report from the Camino Faculty

Association, which included a statement saying teachers and staff felt “blindsided” by the “removal” of Superintendent Horn, CFA co-presidents Dusty Botting and Emily Walker brought CTA rep Karmen Lee Ortloff up to speak.

Ortloff began to explain that Camino teachers had identified “notable discrepancies” in budget reports presented to the school board. Morris interrupted, saying Ortloff’s appearance had not been mentioned to the board and was “not appropriate,” but Walker responded she had followed procedure and informed district coordinator Judy Anderson prior to the meeting.

Morris then stated the board was not involved in bargaining and Ortloff would have to limit her prepared presentation to 3 minutes or the board would “have to decline” Ortloff’s attempt to speak. Ortloff protested and began to say she was not attempting to bargain but inform the board; it was during this back-and-forth between Morris and Ortloff when Van Gilder and Kernan left their seats and moved quickly past the audience to the cafeteria’s exit. Both men insisted they had no comment.

Reyes said that she found the board’s

developers will collude to maintain the status quo they so much enjoy,” Hampton urged. “Let us forget all that for a moment and think bigger and better about the right thing to do to make El Dorado Hills the best it can be.”

Hampton cited the preliminary fiscal analysis completed by the CSD and EDH Chamber of Commerce in October 2021, in which the executive summary states, “The new city’s budget forecast shows adequate positive cash flows and reserves to fund service levels at least equal to or greater than EDHCSD and county service levels.”

“Since EDH provides an estimated 40% of the county’s revenue with about 25% of its population, it is self-evident that the town of EDH would be financially viable and then some,” Hampton insisted, arguing that five locally elected city council members who live in EDH would serve the community more effectively than the five county elected supervisors who place the county’s needs and wants first.

“They use our tax revenues as their piggy bank,” he observed, going on to point out the median population of incorporated cities and towns in California, not including Los Angeles, is approximately 30,000 whereas EDH’s population is pushing 50,000. “EDH is much larger than the majority of existing cities in California and is the only area that is the largest population center in its county that isn’t already incorporated,” he asserted.

Hampton listed a host of reasons to incorporate, including the autonomy to make decisions and longterm strategic plans, improved law enforcement with locally defined priorities, local control of tax income, street maintenance and repair, economic development, affordable housing policies as well as access to funds only available to cities.

Furthermore, control of growth was a major factor he outlined. “Most residents of EDH are adamantly opposed to golf course rezone, but other districts in the county actually benefit from the fees associated with the new homes,” he noted. “The county supervisors from other county districts will likely approve the golf course rezone at higher density with less input from EDH since they get to keep the tax revenue in the rest of the county.”

In light of the EDH Chamber of Commerce’s subsequent reticence toward the cityhood issue, CSD board president Noelle Mattock suggested future CSD actions be brought back to the CSD ad hoc committee, with a survey as the first step.

“Just knowing that there’s an impending decision that’s going to completely change El Dorado Hills if the BOS decides to move forward with the executive golf course development, I would like to move forward versus waiting and moving it back another month,” she said. “I want to hear from the community: Is this where you want us to invest your dollars?”

CSD General Manager Kevin Loewen estimated polling costs at $30,000 to $35,000 for 600 respondents.

“Costco is coming to town and if we’re not on the ballot in 2024, we’re at great risk of losing the retail sales tax that would come through that company,” CSD Director and longtime cityhood proponent Steve Ferry warned.

Hampton urged the CSD to fund a comprehensive fiscal analysis at an estimated cost of $135,000 and allocate funds to take the cityhood process to the ballot. “It’s important to remember that when people say that it’s going to cost half a million dollars today, to remind them that we’re talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars in today’s money to get millions of dollars every year forever,” he said.

behavior to be “wildly inappropriate and immature.” “As a parent, I’m absolutely flabbergasted that two board members walked out,” said parent Jessica Fazio. “It’s unprofessional and childish.”

A formal complaint was sent to the school board from Ortloff on behalf of the CTA via email dated Jan. 11, alleging violations of the Educational Employment Relations Act, Brown Act, First Amendment and California Constitution by refusing her the opportunity to speak at the meeting.

The letter specifically cites the Brown Act that every regular meeting “shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the legislative body on any item of interest to the public...”

The letter also claims the board prohibited Ortloff from speaking in anticipation she would speak against current board policies, which would violate the part of the Brown Act that states, “The legislative body of a local agency shall not prohibit public criticism of the policies, procedures, programs or services of the agency or of the acts or omissions of the legislative body.”

The email concludes by requesting written assurances from the school district that the board will not “continue to enforce this patently unlawful policy of barring any CFA presentation that even touches on matters that the parties are then negotiating” and allow Ortloff time to make her presentation at the next board of trustees meeting currently scheduled

for Jan. 24. The letter requests the assurances be provided no later than close of business Monday, Jan. 16, or the CTA will be left “no option but to take further steps to vindicate legal rights of its representatives and members.” Due to Jan. 16 being Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, legal representative for the board Mike Smith said a response will be forthcoming later in the week.

Ortloff maintains the information in the presentation did not constitute direct bargaining with the board and it was an attempt to address discrepancies in budget reports the board had received.

“The numbers that have been reported are demonstrably false,” Ortloff said. “(The board) approves of who does

the bargaining and if they make those choices based on demonstrably false information, we need a chance to address that. It’s misleading and disingenuous for them to say they aren’t involved in bargaining.”

During the board meeting, Morris had said Ortloff’s attempt to speak at the meeting was “not appropriate.” When asked for comment, Morris replied that due to California’s Brown Act, “The board may not discuss or act on any item raised by the public if that item does not appear on the open session board agenda.”

Kernan and Van Gilder, as well as the other board member in attendance, Bill Snodgrass, declined to comment. Recently elected board member Maggie Bush was not present at the meeting due to prior obligations.

Cityhood Continued from A1

IN

THE

KNOW

Stellar students

Congratulations to Laura Roberts of Shingle Springs (studying musical theater), who was named to the fall 2022 Western Connecticut State University Dean’s List.

Congratulations to the following El Dorado Hills students who were named to the fall 2022 Gonzaga University Dean’s List: Connor Gillespie, Skylar Gray and Miles Tibon

Jan. 18

Poet Jennifer Elise Foerster is author of three collections, including 2022’s “The MaybeBird,” “Bright Raft in the Afterweather” and “Leaving Tulsa,” and will read from her recent works at 4:30 p.m. in Shields Library Room 205 on the UC Davis campus.

B Street Theatre at The Sofia, 2700 Capitol Ave. in Sacramento, presents “The Last Wide Open,” Jan. 18 through Feb. 28. For tickets and more information visit bstreettheatre.org.

Jan. 19

Violinist Kineko Barbini and pianist I-Hui Chen, a UC Davis lecturer in music, will perform “Twelve Variations in C Major” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart,” Violin Sonata No. 7 in C Minor” by Ludwig van Beethoven, and “Zigeunerweisen” by 19th-century violin virtuoso, composer and conductor Pablo de Sarasate) at 12:05 p.m. in the Ann E. Pitzer Center recital hall in Davis. For more information visit arts. ucdavis.edu.

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

Jan. 20

The Stage at Burke Junction, 3300 Coach Lane, Suite E1, Cameron Park, presents Home Grown Comedy with Paul Conyers, Chadd Beals and Colby Lawson. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Get tickets online at stageatburkejunction.com.

Island of Black and White will perform at Mraz Brewing in El Dorado Hills, 6-8 p.m.

Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel featuring love-inspired music, takes the stage at 8 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom.

For tickets and more information call (916) 6086888 or visit harriscenter. net.

The Sofia, 2700 Capitol Ave. in Sacramento, presents Keola Beamer and Henry Kapono at 7 p.m. and Karlee Hormell at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information visit bstreettheatre.org.

Jan. 21

Emery Entertainment presents “Churchill” at 2 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom.

For tickets and more information call (916) 6086888 or visit harriscenter. net.

Head to downtown Placerville 4-8 p.m. for a New Year, New Businesses celebration. Brand new shops in 2022 are Batia Wine Tasting Room, Thrifted vintage clothing/goods, Urban

GOLD DISCOVERY

News release

California State Parks celebrate the 175th anniversary of James Marshall’s discovery of gold at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21. Gold Discovery Day, which was first celebrated in Coloma in 1948 on the centennial of the discovery, will include activities and living history demonstrations throughout the park.

In 1848 Marshall found shining flecks of gold in the tailrace of the sawmill he was building in partnership with John Sutter. The discovery in present day Coloma sparked California’s famous Gold Rush and led to the greatest voluntary mass migration of people in the Western Hemisphere.

Events

10 a.m. – The 175th anniversary celebration kicks o with a special message from California State Parks District Superintendents Barry Smith and Steve Hilton.

10:30 a.m. – Hear first-hand accounts of the gold discovery from the people who witnessed it — James Marshall, John Sutter, Jennie Wimmer, Sam Brannan and Henry Bigler.

11 a.m. – Barney Noel, past grand president of the Native Sons of the Golden West Placerville Parlor, will share the history of the Native Sons and how they have helped preserve California’s historical sites, including the Marshall Monument.

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Watch timber framing demonstrations and learn about the construction methods used to build the original Sutter’s Mill and the reproduction sawmill.; learn about mining techniques and the life of a miner; find out why so many traveled so far to reach the gold fields.; learn how people traveled to the gold fields; enjoy kids’ games and activities for the entire family; and watch blacksmithing demonstrations.

Gold Discovery Day is presented by Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park and the Gold Discovery Park Association. Parking is $10 per vehicle. In case of rain, all activities will be held at the visitor center. For more information call (530) 6223470.

Park volunteers needed

Learn more about the California State Parks’

Volunteers in Parks Program at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, during a meet and greet at the park’s visitor center.

Places where volunteers are especially needed include:

• Leading educational programs for school groups

• Leading tours, talks and gold panning

• Living history demonstrations

• Blacksmithing demonstrations

• Working in the mercantile inside the museum

• Greeting visitors at the visitor center and museum

• Performing park maintenance/landscaping

• Promoting the park and its events

• Interpreting historical buildings

• Performing research in the library

• Aiding in the preservation of the library collections

The park’s comprehensive volunteer training program provides information about the park, its history and its historical buildings, as well as training on park services, interpretive techniques, leading tours and school programs and historical clothing. The park will hold a volunteer training class beginning Jan. 31. This is a three-week, nine-session program presented partially online and partially in-person at the park.

If interested contact Jerrie at (530) 295-2174 or jerrie. beard@parks.ca.gov.

Mountain Democrat file photos

Play games, pan for gold and see living history demonstrations at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park’s Gold Discovery Day celebration Saturday, Jan. 21.

A monument celebrating James Marshall stands tall in Coloma.

enjoy a night of scottish revelry in placerville

News release

Kilt & Cork Dinner

Experiences

host a traditional Scottish dinner — the Burns Night Supper — Wednesday, Jan. 25, at the historical Placerville Shakespeare Club.

“I have always felt the Sierra foothills were the highlands of California, so what better place to celebrate the Scottish bard Robert Burns?” producer Russ Reyes asked.

Burns is the beloved national poet of Scotland, who is responsible for penning the song sung worldwide on New Year’s Eve — “Auld Lang Syne.” His poems have become favorites the world over and, on this night, attendees will celebrate the poet with a seven-course traditional meal paired with El Dorado County wines. Winemakers will be on hand to describe the wine being paired with each course. For the finale, a wee dram of Scotch whisky for good measure will be served. No Burns Night Supper is complete without the star of the show – the haggis! Presented with much fanfare, bagpipes and its own poem — “Address To A Haggis!” — this night’s version of the haggis is being skillfully

HigH flying

crafted by local butcher and chef Casey King of Kings Meats. Chef Dave Maestas of West Coast Events will prepare the rest of the dinner.

Entertainment is provided by O’Connell Street Band, which will perform a collection of lively Celtic tunes. Of course, there must be bagpipes. Piper Liam Irish will welcome all attendees as they arrive to the dinner. Burns Night Supper is an interactive experience and the attendees are encouraged to participate.

“We kindly ask gentlemen to wear kilts, as this will make the

event all the more fun, but it is not mandatory” Reyes said. “Nowadays, kilts can be found on places like Amazon for great prices.”

Attendees are asked to dress nicely for dinner, jeans and T shirts are not allowed. It is better to overdress.

“It is hard to beat a night of great food, amazing wines, whisky, music and good friends in kilts” Reyes added “So come out and enjoy something new. Who knows? This could become your new yearly tradition!”

Tables are sold out but individual tickets are on sale at kiltandcork.com.

Courtesy photo

Paul Koscheka, agency manager with the Federal Aviation Administration, left, presents the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award to El Dorado Hills resident Don Schiltz, right, who was joined by his wife Michelle at the special event held Dec. 17, coincidentally the anniversary of the Wright brothers’ first flight in 1903.

years

piloting

Courtesy photo

O’Connell Street Band will perform at next week’s Burns Night Supper.

Getty Images

Robert Burns (1759-1796), seen here on an engraving from the 1800s, is the national poet of Scotland. A dinner celebration in his honor will be held Jan. 25 in Placerville.

Celebrating decades of commitment from volunteers

Master Gardeners are community members who have been trained under the direction of the University of California. After a rigorous 18-week training course, volunteers provide community education. As science educators, volunteers are the conduit that bring science from the university campuses and translate it into actions community members can take in their home gardens.

Tracy Celio

UCCE Master Gardener program coordinator

classes, facilitating hands-on learning at the demonstration garden and so much more.

Robin continues to be inspired by the approach the organization has taken as it has grown, offering training classes to bring on new volunteers, new ideas and a wide variety of skills. “I have met some of the most wonderful people, some of whom have changed my life forever, and I hope that will continue in the years to come,” she said.

El Dorado County has had an active Master Gardener program for 40 years. Beginning in 1982, volunteer members have increased in number from one to 150-plus today. To kick off 2023 we want to celebrate some volunteer milestones that we reached in 2022.

Forty years ago Robin Stanley, then a young mom, completed training and became the first Master Gardener volunteer in El Dorado County. The program was new and offered things she enjoyed such as gardening, learning and teaching. Robin said the strength of the program is that volunteers share research-based information with the public in ways they can easily understand. The approaches have evolved over the years, growing from staffing the help desk to writing articles, teaching

Last year two incredible volunteers reached the 25-year milestone: Sue McDavid and Jan Keahey. Sue said her favorite project as a Master Gardener is the Sherwood Demonstration Garden and “everything that goes along with it. I have such good memories of all our events and work there.” When asked what advice Sue has for new gardeners, she invites folks to attend the free public education classes and demonstration garden because of the wealth of information available to gardeners.

Among her many contributions, Jan established a working relationship with Cameron Park Community Center where classes are offered on the second Wednesday of the month. Even after 25 years as a volunteer Master Gardener, Jan continues to be inspired because she loves gardening. “It stimulates your mind, keeps you

baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve protects rare wildflowers, plants

barbara Steinberg

Special to the Mountain Democrat

California Watchable Wildlife has designated a new viewing site for Big Bear Lake at Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve. The interpretive trail, managed jointly by the San Bernardino National Forest and the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, focuses on rare plants and wildflower displays. Wetland meadows with waves of iris and rare checkerblooms and margins of rare purple and yellow monkey flowers, separate rounded knolls of clay soil and quartzite cobbles known as pebble plains.

When you think of wildflower viewing, do you ever imagine lying on your belly to see those colorful blooms? Often called “belly plants,” these unique wildflowers are so small you may need to put your nose to the ground to see them.

The surrounding area is the spiritual center of the Serrano people’s ancestral homeland. According to

Serrano lore, the creator Kukitat lived here. When he died, his body was cremated nearby and his ashes created beautiful flowers.

Varieties of belly plants are found in pebble plains ecosystems which exist nowhere else in the world except at Big Bear Lake and nearby Holcomb Valley. A pebble plains’ diversity is comparable to that of coral reefs, with as many as 20 species per square meter. The best time to visit and enjoy the wildflowers is during April and May, but can be weather-dependent if there are late snows or rains in Big Bear Valley. Always call ahead and inquire about interpretive tours.

The 156-acre Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve also supports a large breeding population of Eared Grebe, breeding ducks and flocks of thousands of shorebirds and waterfowl during migration, especially in the fall. The vast grassland surrounding the lake is an important raptor foraging area and traditional wintering area for Bald Eagles.

Courtesy photo

The pebble plains are home to rare wildflowers at the Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve.

Confluence Trail

The underrated Confluence Trail in the Auburn State Recreation Area hosts a stone perch perfect for watching the north and middle forks of the American River collide and continue as one toward Folsom and beyond. A large Native American grinding rock sits just behind this point. I can only imagine people sharing stories and using this location to grind acorns while enjoying the river and the canyon it flows through.

After a good rain, the rapids are raging. The boulders and beaches on the Confluence Trail are a sight to see. Remnants of the first Foresthill Road are still evident in the bits of pavement visible along the trail.

While others are hiking the popular Clementine Trail on the north fork, the Quarry Trail across the middle fork or the Canyon Creek Trail behind gate 150, the Confluence Trail remains lightly trafficked — mostly used by mountain bikers coming down from Mammoth Bar.

A couple volunteer trails early on take you down to the water’s edge with a beach to linger on. Back on the trail a beautiful rock outcropping shaped like a fin jutting out from the hillside is a reminder of my dirt-bag rock climber days when we scaled the tallest wall. A sign is posted now “No Technical Rock Climbing” but we used to scramble down and climb the face toward the river directly across from the permitted climbing area referred to as Little

Yosemite or Cave Valley. I climbed there too.

If you follow the trail out to the road at Mammoth Bar you connect to a few other trails. If you stop at the road for an out-and-back easy to moderate hike you will have enjoyed the view for 1.75 miles, making for a 3.5-mile round trip. From the confluence you are making a gentle climb up and an easy downhill on the return. Erosion has made a couple of areas a little technical so watch your step.

I enjoy this hike in winter for the waterfalls and in early spring for wildflowers. In summer it is hot as much of the trail is exposed. Take plenty of water.

I said this trail is underrated. Just between you and me, I say we keep it that way.

Mary West is author of the book series Day Hiker – Gold Country Trail Guide I, II and III (second

Mary West Outdoor columnist

Photos by Mary West

The rapids roar along the Confluence Trail, above left, where the north and middle forks of the American River collide. Above right, remnants of the first Foresthill Road are still evident in the bits of pavement visible along the trail.

KnowContinued from B1

Magic candle shop, Bad Cat Vintage clothing, The Marketplace and Pachamama Coffee shop. Shops that moved in 2022 to improved locations are Kitchen Goods, Lana Lane Gourmet Goods, Tilted Crown clothing and Full of Chic Boutique. Shops that have new ownership are Amore Mio restaurant, Lighthouse Gifts and Placerville Antiques. Discover these new shops and changes when you come downtown in the third Saturday.

Smith Flat House presents Home Grown Comedy featuring Paul Conyers, Colby Lawson and Chadd Beals. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information call (530) 621-1003 or visit smithflathouse.com.

Oakstone Winery in Fair Play hosts barrel tasting and a futures event Jan. 21-22. For more information visit oakstone-winery. com.

Vino Noceto in Plymouth hosts The Original Grandpère Vineyard Zinfandel Weekend, Jan. 21-22. For tickets and more information call (209) 245-3463.

The Active 20-30 Club of Greater Sacramento hosts its 30th annual crab feed at the Citrus Heights Community Center. Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased a tinyurl.com/ crabfeed2023.

The Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera presents Beethoven’s “Heroic Symphony,” 8 p.m. at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center, 1301 L St. in Sacramento. For tickets and more information visit sacphilopera.org.

Jan. 22

Miraflores Winery in Placerville hosts Soup Sundays. Stop by for wine tasting, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and enjoy a complimentary cup of soup prepared by Chef Tara Martinez every Sunday through March 26.

Painting & Vino classes are now at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville, 1-4 p.m. Paint your finest birch trees at this class. For more information visit tickets.clubgreenroom.com.

Jan. 23

Grandparents Aglow, a group dedicated to grandparents who are raising grandchildren, presents What You Should Know About Guardianship with guest speaker Karen Russell, 6-7:30 p.m. 1101 Investment Blvd., Suite 115, El Dorado Hills. For more information contact Kristi Massey at (209) 230-3698 or Marilyn Halk at (916) 334-2126.

Mondays with the Maestro is back. Music in the Mountains conductor Ryan Murray hosts What Does a Conductor Do? The online program begins at 7 p.m. For more information visit musicinthemountains.org.

Now

Feed El Dorado and the Placer Food Bank host food distribution events throughout the year in Cameron Park, Pollock Pines, Placerville and Georgetown. For a complete schedule visit placerfoodbank.org/pantrytogo.

The Master Gardener public office is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to noon at 311 Fair Lane,

Day Hiker

Continued from B4

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

Volunteers

Continued from B3

fit and brings joy to you and other people,” she explained. Jan is proud of the camaraderie and friendships made within the organization that keep her committed and engaged.

A 20-year anniversary was celebrated by Debbie Hillel. Debbie is both a Master Gardener and Master Food Preserver volunteer. When asked what advice she has for beginning gardeners, Debbie said, “Try something new in your garden. For example, there are over 12 varieties of garlic, there are over 22 culinary varieties of basil, hundreds of di erent tomatoes and many more examples. It’s OK if they don’t grow, just try something di erent the next time.” She also shared that her most memorable project has been seeing kids get excited about worm composting at Farm Day.

Celebrating 25 years are Debbie Hager, Becky Rounds, Deb Turpin and Pat Woolston. Volunteers celebrating 10 years of service are Cheryl Turner, Suzanne Surburg, Deborah Nicolls, Ola Jane Gow, Barbara Finley and Alice Cantelow. Susan Zito, Barbara Bryden and Barbara O’Meara are celebrating five years of volunteer service. We thank and commend all our volunteers who contribute to our home gardening community. Join us Jan. 28, when we will jointly o er a class on growing and preserving cole crops with Master Food Preservers. You can find the class schedule at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu.

Sherwood Demonstration Garden is closed due to flooding. Check the website for further information at ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden. We look forward to hosting the public soon, once repairs are made. Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are working hard to answer your questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on our website or leave a message on our o ce telephone, (530) 621-5512. For more information on the UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County visit mgeldorado.ucanr.edu. To sign up for notices and newsletters visit ucanr.edu/ master gardener e-news. Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Placerville. Have a gardening question or problem? Come in and chat. Bring a cutting or insect in a Ziploc baggie or a picture.

Can’t come in person? Call (530) 621-5512 and leave a voicemail or go online to the “Ask A Master Gardener” tool mgeldorado@ ucanr.edu.

Gold Bug Park & Mine in Placerville is open Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit goldbugpark.org.

Andis Wines in Plymouth offers a Cozy Month of Soups through Jan. 31. All proceeds from soup sales go to Junior Achievement of Sacramento. For more information visit AndisWines.com/Events.

The Wild and Scenic Film Festival, scheduled Feb. 16-20, in Nevada City and Grass Valley, is searching for dozens of volunteer pass checkers, ushers, tech support, advocacy action crew and

more to help during the event. For more information contact the community engagement team at (530) 265-5961, ext. 201, or email maddie@yubariver.org.

The history-based scavenger hunt Miners on Main has begun. The game features 10 prominent historical figures of the El Dorado County Gold Rush for participants to discover as they walk a loop along Main Street, Placerville. There are 10 medallions “hidden” between Sacramento and Clay streets. Each medallion will include a unique QR code that participants can scan with their phones to learn about the individual who had some historical significance during the California Gold Rush. A clue will be provided to find the next Miner on Main. Clue sheets for those who want to play without using a smart device will be available at some shops and the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce office, 542 Main St., Placerville.

The

Horse r escue

Located in Woodland, TB Friends is run by Joe and Cathy Shelton. They are dedicated to the rescue and placement of hundreds of horses originating from neglectful conditions and from race tracks.

Support by vets, farriers,

and transport industry help in the care of these adoptees. When a horse is placed, there is no charge for the care they provided. They only ask for the cost of a horse’s rescue and transportation to the farm.