rented home nearby while damage is assessed and repairs are made.
“We want to get them back at the station as quickly as possible,” EDH interim Fire Chief Michael Lilienthal said, with the caveat that the mold is remediated and the station is safe for firefighters and the public.
The chief stressed there is no impact to public
Shelly Thorene Sta writer
Visitors to Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park met with volunteers Saturday to commemorate the discovery of gold with living history activities held throughout the venue.
Pedestrian connectivity is coming to Placerville Drive, mostly. The Placerville Drive
Pedestrian Connectivity
Project will construct new sidewalks with curbs and gutters from Fair Lane to Armory Drive and will include improvements at the fairgrounds crosswalk.
“This project is really exciting,” said Melissa McConnell, city engineer. “We have an immediate need to get pedestrian safety in this corridor.”
The sidewalk will start at Fair Lane on the west side of Placerville Drive beyond the fairgrounds entrance to a new crosswalk in front of the gas station meeting up with the new sidewalk in front of the El Dorado County Historical Museum on the east side continuing to Armory Drive.
On one end, visitors could step back in time inside the Coloma Schoolhouse where blackboards featured chalk-written cursive writing lessons with a poem, “Every line, every letter, try to write a little better.” Park docent and retired Montessori teacher Cheryl Trutt of Coloma answered visitors’ questions regarding the structure, which was the second schoolhouse; the first one burned down in 1919. She pointed out skid marks on the floor where a log truck once crashed into the building. Fortunately no students were present at the time. Both the Papini and Monroe houses were open to the public. The Monroe House was built in 1925 by Pearly Monroe, grandson of Peter and Nancy Gooch, who were freed from slavery when California became a state in 1850. An ornately carved
Blacksmiths Dennis “Bisquits” Brehm, 76, and Robert Benson, 63, both of Sacramento, could be seen working on “mild” steel hearts for Valentine’s Day in the blacksmith shop. “Mild steel,” explained Brehm, is the closest thing to iron “tool steel.” The blacksmiths invited children to participate by allowing Andrew
headboard, bed frame and dresser built by James Marshall sits in the bedroom of the home along with other furnishings of the time.
Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park volunteers Ian Lemieux and Clifton McCurley show park visitor Asher Percy, 8, of Cool, left to right, how water diverted from a stream or river into a sluice box made gold mining easier during Gold Discovery Day held Jan. 25 at the park in Coloma. The event marked the anniversary of James Marshall’s life-altering discovery in 1848.
Chase Loris, 4, of Auburn, center, keeps time with a pair of spoons, above, as his father T.J. films the performance with his phone. Park volunteer Wes Murrish, second from right, plays a fretless Boucher banjo while Nancy Murrish, right, demonstrates needle binding, a form of knitting using a single needle and 3-foot yarn ends to create hats, gloves and socks. Blacksmith Dennis “Bisquits” Brehm, below, assists Henry Rocha, 5, using tongs to dip a red-hot “mild” steel heart into a bucket of water to cool it off.
ESSENTIALS
Janet Winters
Oct. 5, 1955 – Dec. 25, 2024
With her loving husband Tom, and her family by her side, Janet made her final journey on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024. Her passing was peaceful and graceful, and she was surrounded by those she loved. She fought valiantly since her diagnosis in 2019 to overcome the cancer that had claimed her, and her years were rewarded with wonderful memories of kids and grandkids, family and friends, and her bucket list coming to fruition with her recent trip to Scotland and Ireland. Janet made every moment count and packed all of her heart into every minute and every encounter with family and friends. Her years as a teacher in El Dorado County and in Granite Bay were some of her favorite and cherished memories, and the teaching teams she worked with became part of Janet’s family. The children were constant reminders of her successful career, and she always enjoyed the chance to connect with her students after they had moved forward in their education. She was a strict and loving influence, and her students and their parents have expressed their gratitude for her steadfast dedication to create the best possible environment for learning! Janet was kind, compassionate, devoted, dedicated, loving and generous! She is survived by her husband Tom Winters, daughters Sierra Pearson and Whitney Womack, brother Alan McGreer, grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces and nephews, and her loving friends! A memorial service is planned for April 12, 2025.
Richard Valton Humphrey
May 20, 1946 – Nov. 29, 2024
Mathew Allen Bollinger
Jan. 11, 1990 – Dec. 29, 2024
Mathew Allen Bollinger (Matt) 34, sadly passed away on December 29th, 2024, from complications of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Matt was born in South Lake Tahoe then moved as a young child to Rescue, CA, where he grew up with so many friends and family supporting him in his journey. He was full of life and thrived on being around people. As an adult Matt had the opportunity to live independently, in Diamond Springs, and he mastered it beautifully. Matt had a full life of travel, pets, lots of friends, family and devoted caregivers always ready to do something fun. He was an advocate for others navigating the DMD life. Matt was an avid 3-D Printer enthusiast, business man and creator of many useful inventions. His love for life was contagious: he was always interested in others and his curiosity for learning never stopped. But, more than anything, Matt was such a grateful and loving son. He is survived by his mom Lori and step-dad Steve Stymeist and his father Dennis Bollinger along with many caring extended family members. Matt’s legacy will live on forever. A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, February 5th, 2025 from 3:006:00 pm at the Elks Lodge, 3821 Quest Ct. Shingle Springs, CA 95682. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Matt’s favorite charity directly helping families with DMD, JETT FOUNDATION.
Thomas A. Matassa
Jan. 12, 1922 – Jan. 19, 2025
Richard, also known as R.V., passed away at home with family by his side. He left us after a long battle with cancer and other illnesses. His early childhood was spent in Winters, CA where he was born, and lived until the age of 10. At that time his family relocated to Vacaville, CA. He graduated from Vacaville High School in 1964. Richard married the love of his life, Joan, in 1975. They lived in Sacramento until 1978 when they moved to Shingle Springs, where they enjoyed living for the next 46 years. For most of his life Richard worked in the construction industry. First building mobile homes, and then making custom doors for 30 years, including owning his own business. He also became a professional horseshoer in 1985, and was a volunteer fireman for the Shingle Springs Volunteer Fire Department for many years. His passions were spending time with his family and friends, collecting, restoring, and showing classic cars, and camping, hiking, and horseback riding in the Sierras. He also loved to travel and he and his wife enjoyed over 30 cruises together. Also traveling to Ireland and the U.K. Richard is survived by his wife of 49 years, Joan, and their beloved daughters Desiree, Deanna and Laura. Also his brother Ron, sister Brenda, nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Richard and Wilma Humphrey and brother Robbie. A Celebration of Life service will be held on January 31, 2025 at the Shingle Springs Community Center at 1:00 pm.
Darryl Brown
March 15, 1966 – Oct. 17, 2024
Darryl Brown was born in 1966 at Marshall Hospital in Placerville and passed from this earth on October 17, 2024 after a four year battle with cancer. He is predeceased by his father, Lawrence A. Brown, Jr., and his sister Eileen Brown. He is survived by his mother, Frances Brown, his sisters Katharine Garrison (Dennis), and Mary Bourriague (Marc). He was also a beloved uncle to Casey, Russell and Melissa Garrison.
A true son of El Dorado County, he graduated from El Dorado High School in 1984, then attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to be an engineer. Each summer he returned to Placerville to work for Gordon Vicini at Joe Vicini, Inc. Upon graduation from Cal Poly, he began work at Yuba City as an agricultural engineer. He left Yuba City to be near family in Placerville when his father became ill. Darryl was devoted to his family at every turn. Once again he worked for Gordon Vicini. Later he went to work as an engineer for Inyo county, but when the opportunity arose to return to El Dorado County, he worked for the county as an engineer. Darryl was a renaissance man; his interests were many and he pursued them all with passion. He was a Harley Davidson enthusiast, having taken many long journeys with friends. He was a musician and played guitar for the Cowboy Neal band; he was an excellent skier, as well as an amateur photographer. He volunteered with the Vicini family for the Boys and Girls Club, and he bought 4-H animals each year at the Junior Livestock Auction. He was devoted to his family, friends and community all his life.
There will be a celebration of Darryl’s life on April 5, 2025 at 2pm at the American Legion Hall, #119 on Greenstone Road in Placerville. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Placerville at 2840 Mallard Lane, Placerville, CA 95667, or the charity of your choice would be a wonderful way to honor Darryl’s life.
Charlene Rae McKinney
Jan. 12,1937 – Jan. 24, 2025
Charlene McKinney passed away unexpectedly with her family by her side. Charlene was raised in Richmond, California. She met her husband of 63 years, Keith, at the hardtop car races in Pacheco, on a blind date. They eloped to Las Vegas in 1957. Keith’s love for the mountains compelled him to design and build a home in the Sierra where the family moved in 1972. Charlene enjoyed camping, waterskiing, snow skiing, playing Yahtzee, going to Giants spring training with her best friend, JoAnn, and motorcycling around the country with Keith, their children, family and friends. Charlene is predeceased by her parents, John and Geraldine Phillips, son John McKinney, sister Myrna Moore, and brother-in-law Ed Moore. She is survived by her daughter Carol McKinney (Sam Van Zandt), son Tom McKinney (Elizabeth Dawson) grandchildren Leslie and Thomas McKinney, her new kitty cats, Missy and Rusty, and many nieces and nephews. A gathering will be held March 15, 2025. For information contact Carol @ charaemck@gmail.com
Gary Lee Torgerson Jr.
Sept. 20, 1956 – Dec. 13, 2024
Thomas A. Matassa, Lt/ Col Ret. USAF, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2025. He leaves behind four children: Kenneth Matassa, Sylvia Matassa, Christine Matassa, and Mark Matassa; four grandchildren: Jesse, Missy, Mikey, and Tommy as well as eight greatgrandchildren and one great-great grandchild. (He was preceded in death by his daughter, Tina Marie (Matassa) (Fenocchio.) Thomas served faithfully in the United States Air Force during Vietnam, Korea, and WWII (where his crew was shot down in Nazi occupied France and escaped with the help of the French Underground.) After his retirement from the Air Force, Tom designed and built his “dream” home in Shingle Springs where he lived for 50 years. During that time, he also went back to college at California State University in Sacramento and earned two Masters degrees in the field of Health Sciences. In his spare time between college classes and building the house, Tom also kept a garden and an orchard of fruit trees. He had a green thumb and could grow anything, including watermelon in his compost pile — a long-standing family joke. We had tomatoes, bell peppers, fresh sweet basil, peaches, apples, pomegranates, grapes, boysenberries and zucchini — oh the zucchini, lots and lots of zucchini. Tom was an amazing man and could do almost anything. He will be sorely missed by those of us who had come to rely on his advice and help. Services will be held at the Sacramento Valley Military Cemetery in Dixon on January 30, 2025 at 10:30 AM.
Gregory Wayne Moseley
Jan. 6, 1984 – Jan. 13, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gregory Wayne Moseley at the age of 41. Greg passed away on January 13, 2025. Born on January 6, 1984, in Placerville, California, Greg was the beloved son of Linda and Gary Moseley. He grew up in Placerville, surrounded by family, including his siblings, cousins, and many close friends who cherished his kindness, humor, and unwavering loyalty. Greg graduated from Union Mine High School in 2002 and selflessly enlisted in the United States Navy, where he dedicated nearly 20 years of service to his country. He rose through the ranks to Equipment Operator Chief Petty O cer, and was known for his exceptional leadership and commitment. During his distinguished career, Greg was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, multiple Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and completed several deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism, including combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was deeply respected by those who served with him, leaving behind a legacy of pride, professionalism, and integrity. Outside of his military service, Greg was a passionate outdoorsman, finding joy in fishing, camping, and the beauty of nature. His love for the outdoors was something he shared with his family, and it was during these moments in nature that his true spirit shined. Greg is survived by his sons, Jameson Moseley and Carter Wissinger; his parents, Linda and Gary Moseley; his siblings, Jason Warden, Katherine McLoed, Marilyn Lewin, and Jessica Moseley; as well as his nieces and nephews: Madison, Savanna, and Dennis Warden; Carson and Kinzlie McLoed; Ellanna Lewin; and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and close friends who will always carry his memory. A Memorial Service to celebrate Greg’s life will be held on February 1, 2025, at Saureel Vineyards, located at 1140 Cold Springs Road, Placerville, CA 95667. The service will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by a luncheon. All are welcome to join in honoring Greg’s life and the impact he made on those around him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Wheelers for the Wounded of California, a cause that was near to Greg’s heart. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 771, Diamond Springs, CA 95619. Greg will be dearly missed by all who knew him, and his memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and fellow service members.
Gary Lee Torgerson, Jr. was born on September 20, 1956 and was raised in Medina, OH. He moved to Southern California in the early 1980’s where he managed an auto parts store and raised his two children, Todd and Brittany, until beginning his Brush Plating Specialist business. After a while, he longed for the mountains and a quiet place to raise his two youngest children, Eric and Jasmyn, so he decided to move to Garden Valley. If you knew him, you understood that he lived life to the fullest, found fun in the mundane and shared it with anyone willing to join him. He enjoyed playing music, riding dirt bikes, golfing, paper airplane races, and a good conversation. His laughter and positivity were infectious to all around him. His most loving trait was his non-judgmental advice, and willingness to help any loved one in need. He passed away on December 13, 2024, and is survived his four children Todd, Brittany, Eric, and Jasmyn, daughter in law Rachel, two grandchildren Charlotte and Josh, brothers Daryl and Dana, sisters Tina and Lisa, parents Gary and Martha, and many more loving family members and friends. There will be a celebration of life for him on September 20th.
Susan Margaret Meyer
July 19, 1943 – Jan. 10, 2025
Susan Margaret Meyer was born on July 19, 1943 in San Mateo, California to parents Dean and Mary Frizzell. At the age of two, Susan and her parents moved to Placerville, California, where she remained until her passing at her ranch surrounded by her family and friends. Susan graduated from El Dorado High School in 1961, where she made life-long friendships. On May 4, 1963, she married Carlan Meyer and together their union lasted 59 years, which included 3 children: Monica Meyer Huston (Scott) and Veronica Meyer Morgan (Jim) and Michael Meyer (Lori). Later, she was blessed with 10 grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren, who all loved her dearly. Susan was employed with the Placerville Union School District for 29 years and during the summer she would work as a clerk at the El Dorado County Fair. Prior to Susan’s passing, she was deeply devoted to her community. As a teenager she volunteered as a Candy Striper at Marshall Hospital, President of Marshall Hospital Auxiliary, Active member of St. Patrick’s Ladies Society, Friends of Hospice, Ladies Volunteer Fireman Auxiliary, Farm Bureau, Member of the Placerville Fruit Growers Association, El Dorado High School Alumni, 4-H Leader, Farm Trails Member and the Livestock Auction Committee. Susan was preceded in death by her husband, Carlan V. Meyer: parents Dean and Mary A. Frizzell and her younger brother, Earl Frizzell. In Susan’s honor, there was a Rosary at 10:30 am followed by Mass at 11 am. Burial was followed at St. Patrick Cemetery on January 23rd.
/ sthorene@mtdemocrat.net
/ lettyb@mtdemocrat.net
County historical museum closed; administrator put on leave
Odin Rasco Senior sta writer
Individuals looking to brush up on local history may be disappointed to discover the El Dorado County Historical Museum has been closed for more than a month with no reopen date in sight.
Visitors to the museum’s website, or checking its hours of operation on the El Dorado County Library site, are met with a message written in bold which reads “Beginning 12/26/2024, the El Dorado County Historical Museum will be closed until further notice.”
Multiple posts have been made on social media in recent weeks questioning the closure, and looking to see when the museum might reopen.
The closure is due to a “sta ng issue,” according to Carla Hass, public information o cer for the county. Museum Administrator Mary Cory appears to have been placed on in administrative leave in December, though no reason for that decision has been given; Hass explained the county cannot comment on the personnel issue.
Cory has served as the museum’s administrator for more than 20 years.
Although the museum will be closed, Hass confirmed necessary maintenance of exhibits and other museum resources will not be impacted. No reopen date has been set as of press time.
Special meeting set to discuss Veterans Monument rules
Carla Hass
EDC Chief Admin O ce
The El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency, Veteran Services O ce is hosting a public meeting on Jan. 30 regarding the criteria and process for placing military honoraria at the El Dorado County Veterans Monument. The
meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Board of Supervisors chambers, 330 Fair Lane, Building A, in Placerville.
“During the meeting, community members and veteran organization stakeholders are invited to provide input on the criteria and proposed updates to the criteria related to placing military honoraria (such as
6:24 a.m. Trespassing reported on Turner
7:19 a.m. O cers
a 39-year-old man suspected of obstruction,
violations, possession of
paraphernalia and being under the
uence of a controlled
on Placerville Drive. He was listed in custody in lieu of $5,000 bail.
11:52 a.m. Petty theft reported at a store on Broadway.
7:23 p.m. Trespassing reported at a store on Placerville Drive.
Jan. 14
1:30 p.m. Animal abuse reported at a store on Broadway.
8:38 p.m. Trespassing reported at a business on Broadway.
Jan. 15
9:40 a.m. O cers made an arrest during a search at a motel on Broadway.
Jan. 16
4:54 p.m. Battery reported at an apartment complex on Woodridge Court.
Jan. 17
4:07 p.m. O cers booked in to jail
a 41-year-old woman suspected of multiple drug-related o enses and identity theft on Main Street. She was listed in custody in lieu of $80,000 bail.
Jan. 18
7:09 a.m. O cers booked in to jail
a 28-year-old man suspected of trespassing and parole violations on Forni Road. He was listed in custody.
8:50 a.m. Trespassing reported on Placerville Drive.
10:15 a.m. Trespassing reported on Degolia Street.
12:05 p.m. Vandalism reported at a gas station on Forni Road.
1:14 p.m. O cers booked in to jail a 36-year-old man suspected of brandishing s rearm replica and obstruction on Broadway. He was released on $10,000 bail.
memorial bricks, stones, benches and plaques) at the Veterans Monument,” said Timalynn Jaynes, assistant director of Human Services.
In addition to the public meeting, members of the public may provide input on the monument’s criteria for military honoraria by completing an online survey at surveymonkey. com/r/2SMGYXZ.
The Veterans Monument was established in 2006 to recognize and honor military veterans for their service. The monument grounds are located at the eastern end of the El Dorado County Government Center at 330 Fair Lane in Placerville.
On Sept. 11, 2007, the Board of Supervisors adopted El Dorado County Veterans Monument Criteria for Military Honoraria and Civilian Recognition and County Ordinance 4743 related to use of the monument.
“We’re fortunate to have such a special monument in our county where we can recognize the service
and significant contributions of military veterans,” said Jaynes.
“While the monument is especially important to our veteran community and their families, anyone in our county who has an opportunity to visit the monument grounds can see the hard work and dedication that has gone into making it what it is today.”
According to Jaynes, the criteria for the placement of military honoraria at the monument site are currently being updated to help clarify eligibility for inclusion, the application and review process and the process for application appeals.
To view a copy of the Veterans Monument criteria, including a copy of the criteria with proposed updated language, visit the Veteran Services website at eldoradocounty.ca.gov/ veteran.
To participate remotely in the public meeting via Zoom visit edcgov-us.zoom.us/j/81803634321.
While
complete restorations, cosmetic dentistry, and regular cleanings, our primary goal is to treat our patients with the best, most up-to-date, gentle dentistry possible. Office hours are by appointment.
P.S. Dentists may extract baby teeth to prevent crowding or over-retained baby teeth (loose teeth that become re-tightened in the gums) or to prepare a child for braces at the request of an orthodontist.
Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
L to
NAMI El Dorado County
is an organization of families, friends and individuals whose lives have been affected by mental illness. Together, we advocate for better lives for those individuals who have a mental illness. (530) 306-4101, https://namieldoradocounty.org/
Cold Springs Community Church
A community of people dedicated to strengthening and restoring the spiritual, personal and family lives of our community. Our conviction is a deeper life with God happens through a deeper life with each other. We place the highest value on personal relationships and doing God’s work together. (530) 622-2171, www.coldspringschurch.net
Placerville Church of the Nazarene
Mission Statement is: ‘’On a Journey, Living God’s Love, Sharing God’s Word.’’ “We believe that the atonement through Jesus Christ is for the whole human race; and that whosoever repents and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ is justi ed and regenerated and saved from the dominion of sin.” (209) 985-6064, https://plaznaz.com/home/
Spotlight on a Gold Member
Nestled in the breathtaking Sierra foothills, Eskaton Village Placerville combines exceptional care with a vibrant lifestyle on a sprawling 64-acre campus. Located within walking distance from historic Placerville, Eskaton Village Placerville offers a range of living options tailored to your needs, including independent living with services, assisted living and memory care.
Eskaton Village Placerville takes pride in providing awardwinning care, recognized as a “Caring Star” by Caring.com for eight consecutive years. Our compassionate team works closely with each resident to deliver personalized, round-the-clock support, fostering independence and joy.
The community features a wealth of amenities that make daily life ful lling and convenient. Residents can savor restaurantstyle dining with chef-prepared meals, enjoy a good book in the library, or relax in the heated indoor pool and spa. For an active lifestyle, the fully equipped tness center, pet-friendly walking trails, and diverse life-enrichment programs offer endless opportunities for engagement.
Living options include a variety of cottages and apartments, each designed with comfort and accessibility in mind. Residences feature kitchenettes, voice-capable smart home systems, and personalized climate control. Weekly housekeeping, scheduled transportation, and maintenance services allow residents to focus on what truly matters—enjoying life to the fullest.
Eskaton Village Placerville is more than just a place to live; it’s a community where every individual is valued, and their unique needs are met with compassion and excellence. Discover why Eskaton has been a trusted name in senior living across Northern California for over 50 years.
Learn more about Eskaton Village Placerville and schedule a personalized tour today at eskaton.org/evp.
February Business Luncheon
Our speaker — Maia Schneider
Executive Director of Business and Strategy Development, Marshall Hospital
Maia will share highlights from a recent report on Marshall’s economic impact on our county and region. This information is especially relevant for business owners and taxpayers, offering a unique look at how healthcare affects our local economy.
As our county’s population grows and evolves, Marshall continually adapts to meet the future needs of our communities. In addition to the main hospital campus in Placerville, they have expanded to the communities of Georgetown and Cameron Park to conveniently serve you. The new El Dorado Hills location will further enhance the services available to this quickly growing region.
Don’t miss this chance to learn more about an important topic that often goes unnoticed!
Location, Date & Time
ursday, February 20, 2025 - 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Red Hawk Casino - Koto Bu et (lower level)
1 Red Hawk Pkwy, Placerville $18 members - $23 Non-members Reservations Required 530-621-5885
BE A CHAMBER LUNCHEON SPONSOR
We have openings for 2025 Luncheon Sponsors. Sponsorship is an easy and a ordable way to promote your business. Sponsorships are $150 or $50,000 Chamber Bucks and the bene ts include:
• Exclusive opportunity to place your marketing materials and/or promotional giveaways at each seat.
• Complimentary lunch and place at the Head Table along with the Chamber CEO, and Board President.
• ree minute presentation about your business to those assembled (approx. 60).
• Your Business included in all advertising for the event via print, email, and social media.
Ready to jump on this opportunity?
Call or email Cathy Zuber, 530-621-5885, members@eldoradocounty.org
For more information, visit: eldoradocounty.org/promote-your-business/
By Gene Marks
A recent survey titled “Small Business Problems and Priorities” from the National Federation of Independent Businesses has revealed that healthcare insurance costs is a top concern for small business owners. Here are 3 tips for employers who are looking to control healthcare costs for their business and employees:
1. O er Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): HSA are a great option that allows employees to save pretax money and spend it on eligible healthcare expenses. HSA’s grow tax free and o er long term benefits, making them a great tool to employees and employers.
2. O er Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs): Another
cost-controlling strategy for your business is setting up HRAs for your employees. HRAs allow employers to contribute tax-free funds for employees to purchase their own health insurance. This allows them to have the freedom of choice and greater control over their healthcare spending. In addition, you get a tax deduction for the money that you contribute to their HRAs.
3. Consider Captive Insurance Programs: When you join a captive program, you are joining along with hundreds, maybe even thousands, of other companies. You’re all sharing the cost and liabilities together, so costs tend to be more controlled. You’re able to combine your experience and your costs with other companies of your industry, size or risk. 3 Tips for Controlling Costs
R: Cathy Zuber, EDC Chamber Membership Services; Yan Bennis, NAMI El Dorado County; David Cooke, Cold Springs Community Church; Dan Hopkins, Placerville Church of the Nazarene; Assemblyman Joe Patterson; Mark Luster, Sierra Pacific Industries and EDC Chamber President.
Chamber Champions:
Mountain Democrat
Best Sellers to Help You Do Business
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2024 HR Quick Guide for California Employers (HR Handbook)
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F EBRUARY C ALENDAR OF E VENTS
Miners on Main Scavenger Hunt
There are ten “Miners” hidden throughout Main Street Placerville from Sacramento Street to Clay Street. These Miners all had an impact on Placerville and El Dorado County during the Gold Rush period. Each miner has a QR code on the medallion that will take you to a webpage about the miners when scanned with your phone camera. So grab your phone and begin your hunt. visit-eldorado.com/miners-on-main/ Mimosa Sundays
We will be offering mimosas every Sunday so folks can come out and enjoy a picnic on our patio. Guests can also contact Ranch Girls Dream to order personal charcuterie platters that will be delivered to the vineyard to enjoy with their mimosas. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 530-620-7474 https://cielosullaterra.com/ Dart Tournament Weekly on Wednesdays. The Prospector in Placerville. 594 Main Street. $15 entry fee. 6:30 – 7.00 p.m. New Business in town offering an all ages Arcade downstairs & (21 & older) Saloon & Music Hall with Darts upstairs.
Open Mic at Marcos Café Thursdays, 6 – 8:30 p.m. A local community favorite event happening weekly at Marcos Cafe in Lotus, at 986 Lotus Road. Open Mic is open to all ages and is a family friendly event for all skill levels and music lovers. Bring your own instrument or grab one of our guitars and play some tunes. Thursday nights from 6pm to 8:30pm, come enjoy wood red pizzas and food specials along with a great selection of local drinks. (530) 863-6870 https://marcoscafelotus. com/
Feb 08 Sheriff’s Posse Comedy Night Fundraiser $65 per person/$120 per couple. An evening of laughs, food, cocktails, games and magical entertainment. El Dorado County Fair and Event Center. Tickets at Eventbrite.
Imagination Theater Presents:
Stuart Little: The Musical
February 7 - March 2. Stuart Little is an extraordinary mouse from an ordinary human family in New York City. His adventures in the big world include a boat race in Central Park, run-ins with the family cat, and a car chase to nd his best friend. This adorable musical is based on the book by E.B. White, features young performers, and has a kid-friendly performance time. Stuart Little is directed by Becca Kaldunski and will be a zany and heartwarming outing for the whole family! www.itplacerville.org/2025-season/stuart-little/
Feb 08 Dinner, Wine & Piano Night at Sierra Vista
Acclaimed Pianist Jennifer Reason will be performing LIVE in the event room on our Baby Grand Piano. She will be performing classic hits like Don’t Stop Believing, Hey Jude, Desperado, Sweet Caroline and more!
We will be serving a 3 Course Dinner. Club Member $40/Non $$50
Seating is limited and reservations are required. To reserve your visit the link below or call the tasting room 530-6227221. www.sierravistawinery.com/shop/ events/jreason/
Feb 14
A Chocolate Affair Reimagined
After a 5-year hiatus, Soroptimist International of Placerville is reimagining our Chocolate Affair fundraiser to a new format. This year’s event will feature a seated 3-course dinner, great music, auctions and more. Treat yourself and those you love to an elegant Valentine’s dinner out while supporting Soroptimist’s goal of helping women and girls in El Dorado County achieve their dreams.
Tickets are $75 pp and available online only at http://www.Chocolate-affair.com/ and not at the door. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Feb 15 Bridal Expo
Planning your wedding? Join us at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds for the rst
annual bridal expo! There will be a fashion show, vendors, live demonstrations, giveaways, a raf e, and lots of wedding inspiration. And you can’t forget about the FOOD!! Come on down to 100 Placerville Drive, Placerville. 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Feb 15 Valentines Celebration with LIVE Music at Sierra Vista. Come celebrate Valentines Day weekend with your Special Someone. We will have Ed Wilson LIVE in the Event Room playing from 3:00 p.m. –. 6:00 p.m. $35 Club/$40 Non per couple (2 people). Tickets include: Charcuterie board for 2, 2 Annabelle’s chocolates, 2 glasses of Sparkling Wine. As always we will have wine by the glass or bottle for purchase. No outside food or alcohol allowed. To make Reservations, please visit the link below or call our tasting room 530-622-7221. www.sierravistawinery.com/shop/events/ edwilson/
Feb 15 American Legion Crab Feed $75 per person, Advanced purchase only. 530-626-3956. Cocktails - 4:30. Dinner 6 p.m Raf e prizes and more. American Legion Post 119, 4561 Greenstone Rd, Placerville Exit 41 off Hwy 50, 1 mile south of Hwy 50
Feb 21 Home Grown Comedy at The Stage at Burke Junction Join The Stage for Stand Up Comedy every every 3rd Friday of the month at 8 p.m.! Brought to you by Home Grown Comedy . Every month, new comedians, endless laughs! Tickets only $25 . $5 Beer and Wine Menu ALL NIGHT . The Stage at Burke Junction, 3300 Coach Ln, Suite E-1, Cameron Park Check out The Stage website and social media to see the upcoming shows and comedian line-up! stageatburke.com Instagram: @stageatburkejunction Facebook & NextDoor: The Stage at Burke Junction
Feb 22 Winter Wine Adventure A fun winter weekend along Carson Road
tasting wine and bites at 8 small wineries with a fun scavenger hunt included. Sip and stroll your way through the beautiful foothills, make new friends and discover bright avors. Tickets are $25 per person. Tickets are available at www.carsonroadwineries. com Feb 22 Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament Fundraiser
You are invited to an exciting night full of fun, food, and poker at the rst annual
community. Proceeds bene t the Shingle Springs Community Center, the Shingle Springs Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce, & the Concerned Citizens of the Tri-Communities. $100 buy-in includes dinner and dessert. Doors open 4:30pm for check-in / registration. Dinner/Dessert 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Tournament Begins at 6:00 p.m. sharp! (run by a professional organization). No host bar provided by the SSCC Chamber the CCTC. Re-buy chips at the table. Final Table of 10 Prizes. *Must be 21 years of age or older to participate. No outside food or beverages. Must be a registered participant to enter. Events@ShingleSpringsCommunityCenter.org For more information on these and other events, visit www.visiteldorado.com Event date, time, cost or locations are subject to change. Prior to attending an event please con rm the information.
Feb 23 Travis Scott Memorial 5K Join us for the third annual Travis Scott Memorial 5K to support Shatterproof. The event will kick off at 9 a.m. at the trailhead of the El Dorado Trail on Verde Robles Drive. $25 registration fee includes breakfast, an opportunity to bid on silent auction items , and the event t-Shirt.
Want to get involved or donate an auction item? Contact us at: ithinkyouregreat5K2@ gmail.com
OPINION
California Matters
L.A. fires add a tricky new wrinkle to the Trump-Newsom political feud
As Donald Trump last week assumed the presidency for the second time, he rekindled his personal and political feud with California and its governor, Gavin Newsom, while also inflating Newsom’s obvious ambition to be resistor-in-chief — and perhaps the 2028 Democratic candidate for the White House.
Had Trump lost to Kamala Harris, it probably would have doomed whatever presidential ambitions Newsom might harbor. She presumably would have run for a second term in 2028. Trump’s win did Newsom a big favor since he can only serve one more term, setting the stage for wide-open scrambles in both parties.
On his first day back on the job, Trump once again singled out California for scorn, thereby burnishing Newsom’s standing within his party.
Trump devoted some of his 30-minute inaugural speech to California, alleging — untruthfully — that the state’s leaders allowed Los Angeles wildfires to burn without “a token of defense.”
“They’re raging through the houses and communities, even a ecting some of the wealthiest and most powerful individuals in our country, some of whom are sitting here right now,” Trump said.
Later, in another speech to supporters, Trump accused California of voter fraud because it sends out ballots to all voters and doesn’t demand verification of eligibility.
Essentially, Newsom must choose between being the governor of California who does whatever is necessary to get the disaster relief his constituents are demanding, and a potential presidential candidate who resists Trump on every point and at any cost.
“There’s only one reason that happens: they want to cheat,” Trump said.
Newsom responded blandly in a post on X, saying the Los Angeles fire disaster “underscores the critical need for partnership, a shared commitment to facts and mutual respect — values that enable civil discourse, e ective governance, and meaningful action.”
Newsom said he looks forward to Trump’s visit to the fire scene and added, “Where our shared principles are aligned, my administration stands ready to work with the Trump-Vance administration to deliver solutions and serve the nearly 40 million
■ See WALTERS, page A9
Letters to the Editor
Fire prevention e orts appreciated
EDITOR:
Every day as I drive along Highway 50, I am struck by the extraordinary e orts underway to make our community safer. The crews from Caltrans, diligently clearing and masticating brush along the roadside, are doing more than just their jobs; they are actively reducing the risk of wildfires that threaten our region.
Alongside them, El Dorado County crews work tirelessly to clear and maintain our local roads, removing overgrown brush and hazardous fuels. This enhances safety and contributes significantly to wildfire prevention. Additionally, the dedicated tree crews trimming branches near electrical lines play a crucial role in addressing potential fire hazards. The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Tribal Fire crews also deserve recognition for their significant contributions to wildfire mitigation and community safety. Together, these teams work under tough conditions to protect both lives and property, and their hard work deserves our recognition and gratitude. In times of disaster, it is natural to focus on the response and recovery e orts. However, it
is just as important to acknowledge those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to prevent such disasters in the first place. These individuals — from Caltrans to county road crews to tree specialists and our Tribal Fire partners — are our allies in community safety. They embody the spirit of preparation and resilience.
As I reflect on the devastation that has occurred in Southern California and the destruction caused by wildfires in our own county, I am reminded of the importance of these preventative e orts. Our community has faced its share of challenges and the scars left by past fires serve as a sobering reminder of what is at stake. The work being done today helps ensure that such tragedies are less likely to occur in the future.
Wildfire prevention and road maintenance may sometimes spark political debate, but the work itself transcends politics. It is about people dedicating themselves to the safety and wellbeing of others. These men and women commit countless hours, often in di cult conditions, to reduce risks and make our community stronger. For that, we owe them our deepest thanks.
As the sheri of El Dorado County, I am
The Rural Life
Attack of the squirrels. Mother Nature in shock-jock mode
It was heartbreaking. I’ve watched the charming antics of squirrels around my home for decades now, so what I saw on the researchers’ video was horrifying. You likely saw it as well, in the news around Christmastime … little ground squirrels attacking, killing and devouring voles, those even smaller rodents that look like adorable, chubby mice.
The squirrels were as vicious as any predator I’ve seen, grabbing a vole by the neck and shaking it aggressively, tearing the tiny head o with sharp incisors and then digging into the torso to feast on the tiny rodent’s meaty insides — with disturbing enthusiasm, I might add. Even the researchers conducting the
squirrel study found the ferocity shocking.
“Here’s this neverbefore-encounteredin-science behavior,” said biologist Jennifer Smith, adding it “sheds light on the fact that there’s so much more to learn about the natural history of the world around us.”
You can say that again.
Smith, an associate professor of biology at the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, has been studying ground squirrels’ genetics, behaviors and stress responses at Briones Regional Park in Contra Costa County for 12 years. She leads the long-term project with Sonja Wild of our own University of California, Davis, who was equally gobsmacked by the violent attacks.
“I could barely believe my eyes,”
And isn’t that just like Mother Nature? Right when you think you know her well, bam! She hits you with something weird out of left eld.
she said, referring to the video her graduate students brought in from the field. Once she and her team started looking for the predatory behavior, however, “We saw it everywhere.”
“Kind of puts a di erent light on all the frantic skittering about and chattering squirrels do,” my daughter commented after I forwarded her the YouTube video.
It does indeed. You want to think of squirrels as happy little creatures, scampering about as they gather nuts, seeds and berries. So why did their diet suddenly change? Were nuts and seeds in short supply in Briones Regional Park?
No. Actually, it was that voles were in over-abundant supply, something
that happens every four to eight years, according to biologists. (I can verify the vole population explosion this year myself by the zillions of vole holes pockmarking our property.)
With so many voles sharing the squirrels’ environment — and sometimes even slipping into their burrows by mistake — the squirrels thought, “Why not?” and began adding voles to the menu.
So, as it turns out, ground squirrels are not just “granivores” but actually omnivores — and highly opportunistic ones, to boot … kind of like us. And isn’t that just like Mother Nature? Right when you think you
DAN WALTERS
JENNIFER FORSBERG MEYER
know her well, bam! She hits you with something weird out of left field. Or, as biologist Smith said, “What animals are doing always surprises us.” True that! For example, I was recently uncomfortably surprised to learn of the — shall we say — unorthodox behavior of a little ground finch that lives on two of the Galapagos Islands.
At about 5 inches long and weighing under an ounce, the sharp-beaked ground finch on Wolf and Darwin islands is a stubby, nondescript little fellow with a short tail. Its most distinctive feature is a sharp, curved beak with a bit of a hooked tip. It’s how it uses that beak that is another of nature’s icky surprises. Though these finches normally feed on seeds and insects, when those are in short supply — as they often are on the two islands — the finches turn to an alternative food source. Specifically, they hop up on the tail end of a seabird — a Nasca booby to be exact — and stab with their sharp, hooked beak into the booby’s flesh, creating a bleeding wound. Then they feed in the manner that has earned
them their common name: vampire finch. Yes, they drink the blood that seeps from the wound. Bizarrely, the boobies do surprisingly little in response to these gruesome attacks. This may be because the finches have historically performed pest control for the funnylooking birds by chowing down on the birds’ parasites. But does this service entitle the finches to go full Dracula? I think not. Still, I console myself with the biologists’ claim that the finches at least do no lasting harm to the boobies.
If you want to see this alarming interaction for yourself, search at YouTube with “David Attenborough vampire finches.” The first hit should be a 3-1/2-minute video in which suspenseful music and Attenborough’s hushed tones make the clip into a mini-Hitchcock thriller.
Prepare to be shocked.
Jennifer Forsberg Meyer is a columnist with the Mountain Democrat and the author of “Friends With Four Legs.” Leave a comment for her online or, for a reply, reach her at jfmfeedback@gmail.com.
Californians we jointly represent.”
Setting aside humanity, humility, charity, generosity, rationality, reality and other distractions, the Los Angeles fires add another element to what was already a fraught relationship between two egocentric political figures. Had the fires not erupted just a few days before Trump took the oath, the two could have entertained political junkies for the next few years. Trump’s assaults on California policies, such as its drive to eliminate gasolinepowered vehicles and the allocation of water, would have been met with lawsuits and political resistance, in a replay of Trump’s first term.
However, California
is now looking to Washington for billions of dollars to defray firefighting costs, rebuild infrastructure lost in the flames and help homeowners recover. Trump can either follow through on predecessor Joe Biden’s pledges to help or refuse the state’s pleas.
Even if Trump agrees to provide relief, he’s likely to demand at least some form of submission from Newsom, as he did during his first term when fire swept through Paradise in 2018.
Figuratively, Newsom had to kiss Trump’s ring to get aid. Congressional Republicans have already been pushing for conditions on recovery funding for California.
During his campaign last year, Trump threatened to withhold fire relief funds unless California provided more water to farmers.
Trump might demand even more tangible tribute, such as not opposing arrests and deportations of undocumented
immigrants, one of his most contentious promises and one that especially affects California.
Politically, Trump doesn’t owe deeply blue California anything. Making California politicians eat crow would probably win applause from his supporters in other states, who see California as a cesspool of loony-left politics, squalor and crime. Essentially, Newsom must choose between being the governor of California who does whatever is necessary to get the disaster relief his constituents are demanding, and a potential presidential candidate who resists Trump on every point and at any cost. It will be very difficult for him to have it both ways.
Dan Walters is a journalist and author who writes for CALmatters.org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.
profoundly grateful to live in a community that comes together to face challenges and stays strong in the face of adversity. We should all be proud to call this county our home and to stand together in our shared commitment to safety and resilience. To everyone involved — Caltrans crews, county teams, tree specialists and the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Tribal Fire — please know your efforts are appreciated. You play an essential role in protecting our community and your hard work does not go unnoticed. Thank you for all you do to keep us safe.
JEFF
LEIKAUF El Dorado County sheriff
SUBMIT YOUR LETTER online at mtdemocrat.com. Select “Forms and 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
lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Monica 530-306-7066.
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 public on tax issues that affect them. Our meetings are held every Monday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at Denny’s Restaurant, Fair Lane Drive, Placerville. Meetings are open to the public. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a non-partisan organization.
Discovery Continued from A1
them to operate the blower which fanned the flames in the forge and assist them in plunging the red hot heart into a bucket of water to cool the item down.
Park historian Edwin Allen, 77, of El Dorado, also known at James Marshall, was on hand at the front desk in the visitors center, handing out polished stones. He later gave a presentation on both James Marshall and John Sutter, whose joint venture led to the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill on Jan. 24, 1848. Allen has volunteered for 21 years in the park, logging more than 18,250 hours.
A wagon barn just a short walk behind the visitors center featured items from days gone by and two park volunteers in long dresses, aprons and bonnets talked about the arduous journey travelers made on foot alongside oxen- or muledriven wagons. According to volunteer Jean Brown of Garden Valley, the 2,000mile journey took up to six months and cost the traveler around $2,000. One in 10 travelers perished along the way, she shared.
In the center of the park, near the
Miner’s Store, volunteers cooked lunch over an open fire while Ian Lemieux of Sacramento, Robert Wilson of Patterson and Clifton McCurley of Pleasanton gave visitors a lesson on sluice box mining. Participants had the change to find actual gold nuggets.
At the far end of the park near Sutter’s Mill were many more activities for adults and children alike, including making corn husk dolls and playing the spoons along with Wes Murrish as he plucked a fretless Boucher banjo with gut strings, an instrument similar to ones played in the 1830s.
Those interested in learning more about gold discovery and local history are welcome at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Daily tours are offered at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (weather permitting) and gold panning lessons where one can find gold flakes, garnets and fools gold are offered daily at a first-come, first-served basis. For more information about park activities call (530) 622-3470 or visit parks. ca.gov/?page_id=484.
Plan Continued from A1
This is one of more than 20 capital improvement projects in the works in Placerville, including the much-debated Clay Street bridge replacement and the multi-level bicycle and pedestrian facilities and bridge replacement project on Placerville Drive.
It’s nice to have a quick and easy project on the books, according to McConnell. “This has probably been our fastest delivery timeframe in a long while.”
The project is funded through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality
Closed Continued from A1
safety or response times.
Improvement Program and it has stayed well within budget.
“Our construction costs fit within the funding,” said McConnell, adding that the quick turn around of the project help keep the project under budget.
Requests for construction bids will be released in the spring. With no foreseeable roadblocks, construction is targeted to begin just after the 2025 El Dorado County Fair concludes, aiming to not interfere with those festivities.
Carlye Buchholz, associate vice president with R.E.Y. Engineers Inc., said the
The 24-year-old fire station has a long history of water leaks, according to a staff report provided to the EDH Fire Board earlier this month. Recent leaks around the building’s roof and windows resulted in visible mold and more was discovered when the vinyl wallpaper was pulled away from the walls, the report states.
Late last year a company was hired to remove mold initially found in November 2024.
“After the remediation by Green Bee Restoration, the mold test company came back on Dec. 27, 2024, for a retest. The mold retest
ultimate goal of the project is pedestrian safety but they focused significantly on being low impact to traffic flow and business frontage.
“It’s a safety project, overall,” she said, adding the challenge was to make it safe while being low impact. “(We’re) trying to protect pedestrians without impacting property owners or impacting turning movements.”
A highlight of the project is the relocation and upgrade of the crosswalk. The crosswalk, currently located in front of the fairgrounds entrance, will be removed, making
report identified additional mold in the station,” the report explains. “On Jan. 8, Green Bee Restoration arrived back at Station 86 and found multiple different locations of mold in the station around the doors, windows, ceiling tiles and in the attic areas. The fire station was deemed unsafe due to the mold with the exception of the apparatus floor areas.”
Fire department officials have developed a three-step plan to solve the problem.
Phase 1: Tear out all wallpaper and remediate any mold located behind wallpaper. Remove all ceiling tiles and remediate all mold. Mitigate any other
way for a new, more visible crosswalk approximately 100 feet north in front of the VP Racing Fuels gas station. This upgrade will improve pedestrian and driver sight distance and include rapid flashing beacons at the crosswalk, yield markings and signs in advance of the crosswalk, advance warning pavement markings and ADA compliant curb ramps.
“The crosswalk improvements are a benefit,” said McConnell. “Moving it over will improve visibility and it’s going to work better for the fairgrounds.”
identified mold in the station.
Phase 2: The station should be free of mold at this point. EDH Fire will then work with contractors to evaluate the roof and windows. The drill tower will also be evaluated for water intrusion, dry rot and possible mold. Repair or replacement determinations can be made with their updated assessment. This will drive the project timeline and a lot of the cost.
Phase 3: Texture and paint all walls, professionally clean the station and relocate Engine and Medic 86 back into the station. After the fire department moves out of the rented home, the property’s driveway will
Katie DeMaio, president and CEO at Aim Consulting, has been on the project since it began in 2023.
“We want to keep community members in the loop every step of the way,” said DeMalo, whose role in the project is public outreach. “That way nothing comes as a surprise.
“We always say part of outreach is education,” she added, explaining that Aim Consulting’s role is as an extension of the city of Placerville, “(making) sure we serve the community members and businesses.”
likely need repairs due to the weight of the fire engine.
“It’s going to be very expensive,” Lilienthal said of the entire project, adding that insurance might cover some of the costs. Thus far, the department has spent nearly $25,000 on mold remediation and rentals.
“The total project timeline is hard to estimate due to the uniqueness of the mold mitigation process,” the staff report notes. “Staff believes that this project has the likely potential to extend multiple months.”
A plan is also in the works to support staff who have been exposed to mold.
Courtesy graphic
Construction on improved pedestrian facilities along Placerville Drive are expected to begin after this year’s fair in June.
Park interpreter specialist Susan O’Key, right, shows a group of girls how to construct a corn husk doll at Gold Discovery Day in Coloma Saturday. Left to right are Aurora Planje of Cameron Park, her sister Eva and their cousin Cali Planje of Camino.
Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene
Another great competition concluded on the slopes
Joe Volek El Dorado High School
High school racers competed in their second alpine race of the year, Giant Slalom. The South 1 Division of the CNISSF had more than 200 racers from Amador & Argonaut, El Dorado, Oak Ridge, Ponderosa and Union Mine participating in the competition Jan. 22 at Sierra-at-Tahoe.
Women’s varsity ski saw El Dorado on the podium’s top spot:
1. EDHS with 384 points
2. ORHS with 381 points
3. PHS with 314 points (tie)
3. UMHS with 314 points (tie)
4. A/A with 175 points
Trojan Greta Aronwitz raced to No.
1 with a combined time of 2:24.73 followed by Marley Garner from A/A with a combined time of 2:30.93 and Cougar Carlie Chandler from with a combined time of 2:33.85.
The Bruins topped the competition in the men’s varsity ski races:
1. PHS with 384
2. EDHS with 380
3. ORHS with 370
4. UMHS with 308
5. A/A with 129
Undefeated Cougar Dylan Mcleod came in first with combined time
of 2:25.95 followed by Trojan AJ Stonebarger with a combined time of 2:31.76 and Bruin Caden Scroggins from PHS with a combined time of 2:32.91.
In the women’s varsity snowboard races the Bruins snagged another top finish:
1. PHS with 387 points
2. EDHS with 377 points
3. ORHS with 360 points
4. UMHS with 322 points Pondo’s Shayla Dalton out-boarded competitors with a combined time of 1:40.63 followed by Oak Ridge’s Molly Raileywith a combined time of 1:41.69 and El Dorado’s Emma Frazer with a combined time of 1:41.88.
In the men’s varsity snowboard races El Dorado crossed the finish line first:
1. ED with 394 points (a perfect score by placing 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th)
2. ORHS with 359 points
3. UM with 344 points
4. PHS with 331 points
5. A/A with 65 points
Cougars Mason Beverly with a combined time of 1:27.90, Matix Spitzer with a combined time of 1:30.46, Blake Stowe with a combined time of 1:31.62 and Eli Boatman with a combined time of 1:33.28 dominated on the course.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The way you organize things tells a story about the items, but in a larger sense about the way you see them, how they fit into the bigger picture and perhaps even the way you see the world at large. That said, no pressure. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You don’t need to be tough. Instead, be proactive. Avoid anxiety and burnout by retreating to a place of stability, rest and recovery. Spend time in a room that doubles as a safe haven and cocoon.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Notice the feelings that people inspire in you. Clashes of behavior, chemistry or values may cause uneasiness. If you find yourself working too hard to earn respect and acknowledgement, heed that red flag.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). Playing it safe can provide the mental and emotional space needed to heal. You’re in a phase where consolidating what you’ve already learned or built is more important than pushing for more.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Pettiness has no place in your life right now. You need the kind of people around you who will pitch in and help without first thinking about who is responsible and what’s fair. Your teamwork will attract other givers and much gets accomplished.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The impact you want to make doesn’t hinge on meeting some imaginary standard. Your originality, authenticity and the depth of your vision are your greatest strengths, and the quirks and imperfections are often the exact things that connect with people.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Relationships blossom through discovery. Tension will spark
n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly
n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter
n RUBES by Leigh Rubin
n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly
Courtesy photo
Cougars Mason Beverly, Blake Stowe and Eli Boatman strike pose with coach Joe Volek at the Giant Slalom race last week.
Comfortable and Compassionate Care
PARK-LIKE GROUNDS
Our 64-acre campus features beautifully landscaped, walkable and pet-friendly paths, along with inviting outdoor spaces for you to enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings.
Experience maintenance-free living with the convenience of restaurant style dining, weekly housekeeping, 24-hour staff on-site and no yard work to worry about.
Our dedicated staff provides attentive, individualized care with around-the-clock staff, transportation and assistance with daily activities.
NEWS, IN THE KNOW
Stellar Students
Congratulations to Brian Voo, Anthony Holland and Tom Fruge, all of El Dorado Hills, who were named to the Southern New Hampshire University Dean’s List.
Congratulations to Ashley Perez of Cameron Park, who was named to the Southern New Hampshire University President’s List.
Congratulations to Madison Grandlund of Cameron Park, who was named to the South Dakota State University Dean’s List.
Congratulations to Dakota Carver of El Dorado Hills, who was named to the Middle Tennessee State University Dean’s List.
Congratulations to David Mahrt of El Dorado Hills, who was named to the Lin eld University Dean’s List.
Congratulations to Cynthia Nelson of Cameron Park, who was named to the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Dean’s List.
Jan. 29
Main Street Menagerie will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Jan. 30
Marcos Café in Lotus will host an Open Mic Night from 6-8:30 p.m.
Feb. 1
The Placerville Friends of the Library hosts an exclusive
■ See KNOW, page B2
Oak Ridge High School triumphs at El Dorado County Academic Decathlon
El Dorado County Office of Education News release
Saturday, Jan. 25, culminated the El Dorado County Academic Decathlon, which showcased the talent of local high school students in various disciplines. Oak Ridge High School emerged as the victor, securing a spot in the upcoming state competition scheduled for March.
The regional competition featured intense showdowns between El Dorado, Ponderosa, Union Mine, and Oak Ridge high schools. Decathlon teams are made up of students from all academic levels—honors, scholastic, and varsity—who, throughout the season, demonstrated their expertise across seven rigorous objective tests, an essay, and speech and interview.
The following organizations
helped to recruit volunteers: the Rotary Club of Placerville, Hands4Hope, El Dorado Union High School District, Board of Trustees, El Dorado County O ce of Education, Ag in the Classroom, Kiwanis Club of Placerville, Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil’s O ce, Thompsons Auto Group, and the California Retired Teachers Association El Dorado Div. 73. Dr. Ed Manansala, El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools, expressed gratitude, stating, “We are privileged to be part of a community dedicated to the well-being and success of our students. Countless individuals have volunteered their time and e ort to make this possible. I sincerely appreciate the EDCOE, EDUHSD team members, coaches, and many volunteers. These students recognize the power of education, and hard work and dedication drive them toward
Academic Decathlon winners
Overall Scores
Individual
Third – Andrew Ni, ORHS
Second – Erin Levinson, EDHS
First – Ethan Pham, ORHS
Team
Super Quiz – Oak Ridge High School
El Dorado County Academic
Decathlon winners:
2nd – Ponderosa High School
1st – Oak Ridge High School
Social Science
Varsity
Bronze – Chase Tobey, PHS
Silver – Charles Henderson, ORHS
Gold – Aubrey Bass, EDHS
Scholastic
Bronze – Natalie Chen, ORHS
Bronze – Emil Jose, ORHS
Bronze – Kaushik Seela, ORHS
Bronze – Stella Crane, PHS
Silver – Peyton Oxford, PHS
Silver – Amit Jai Kumar, ORHS
Silver – Lyssa Hartley, UMHS
Gold – Zachary Gunn, UMHS
Gold – Sage Kerr, EDHS
Honors
Bronze – Graham Brewer, EDHS
Bronze – Erin Levinson, EDHS
Silver – Crystal Chen, ORHS
Gold – Andrew Ni, ORHS
Science
Varsity
Bronze – Christian Szabo, EDHS
Silver – Tyler Buszkiewicz, EDHS
Silver – Chase Tobey, PHS
Gold – Aubrey Bass, EDHS
Scholastic
Bronze – Keith Tacata, ORHS
Silver – Lyssa Hartley, UMHS
Silver – Zachary Gunn, UMHS
Silver – Sage Kerr, EDHS
Gold – Adrian Cisneros, ORHS
Gold – Amit Jaikumar, ORHS
Honors
Bronze – Jacob Wylie, PHS
Silver – Crystal Chen, ORHS
Gold – Erin Levinson, EDHS
Mathematics
Varsity
Bronze – Keira Rutz, ORHS
Bronze – Natalie Stephens-Butler, PHS
Silver – Amirali Hajjarian, ORHS
Gold – Charles Henderson, ORHS
Gold – Ashlynn Gill, ORHS
Gold – Emery Smith, UMHS
Scholastic
Bronze – Cheyenne Hughes, UMHS
Bronze – Reyna Molina, PHS
Bronze – Joaquin Diaz de Rivera, ORHS
Silver – Adrian Cisneros, ORHS
Silver – Zachary Gunn, UMHS
Gold – Keith Tacata, ORHS
Honors
Bronze – Sudeep Mazumder, ORHS
Silver – Ethan Pham, ORHS
Gold – Andrew Ni, ORHS
Music
Varsity
Bronze – Natalie Stephens-Butler, PHS
Bronze – Chase Tobey, PHS
Silver – Christian Szabo, EDHS
Gold – Ashlynn Gill, ORHS
Scholastic
Bronze – Amit Jaikumar, ORHS
Bronze – Natalie Chen, ORHS
Bronze – Lyssa Hartley, UMHS
■ See WINNERS, page B4
their hopes and dreams.” Amid the heated competition, Oak Ridge High School’s team, led by coach Je Hassian, claimed victory in the overall school standings and the Super Quiz Relay. “In the 24 years of coaching the Academic Decathlon, I have never had a team as large and as deep as this one. My two team captains will be incredibly missed. Ethan Pham and Sophia Sumimoto worked so well together and lead the team by example. Our underclassmen have a bright future as they gained valuable insight into the Academic Decathlon process. Lastly, a big shout out to the El Dorado County O ce of Education for recognizing the importance of Academic Decathlon and supporting our students in their academic journey,” shared Hassian, expressing his pride in the team’s accomplishments.
The theme of this year’s
Academic Decathlon, “Our Changing Climate,” has been a focal point of study for decathletes since the summer. Coaches, including David Conrad for El Dorado, Joseph Beatty for Ponderosa, Stephanie Luther for Union Mine, and Je Hassian for Oak Ridge, navigated the challenge of preparing students alongside their regular teaching duties. On competition day, the community came together, with many volunteers, presenters, and school leaders in attendance. This competition is administered annually by the El Dorado County O ce of Education and promotes academic excellence and social-emotional benefits to team members. The Kiwanis Club of Placerville provided a hearty lunch, and all attendees were left impressed by the dedication and knowledge displayed by the decathletes.
Courtesy photo
The Oak Ridge High School Academic Decathlon team celebrates its victory in this year’s competition.
...to our NEWSPAPERS IN EDUCATION sponsors
...And to our generous subscribers who donate their vacation credits to the fund.
HFW Enterprises, LLC
El Dorado Roses have big hearts
Sherry Phillipsen Special to the Mountain Democrat
The El Dorado Rose and her Court are official hostesses for El Dorado County and appear at local functions such as parades, chambers of commerce mixers and ribbon cuttings and many community events. A fun part of being in the El Dorado Rose or in her court is dressing in 1849-1910 period clothing.
One of the criteria to being eligible to run for this prestigious position is contributing volunteer services in the lifetime of the candidates. This volunteer service can be in anywhere in the world, not just El Dorado County. There are no time constraints either. When one donated volunteer time as a teenager to yesterday, the time is counted.
For example, the current and last Roses and their courts have volunteered for Court Appointed Special Advocates, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Marshall Hospital, Sierra Wildlife Rescue and Daughters of the American Revolution, just to name a few.
So, are you a candidate?
GROW FOR IT!
A candidate must have the following qualifications: Is 60 years or older.
Has been a resident of El Dorado County for a minimum of 10 years.
Has contributed volunteer services throughout her life.
Also, a candidate must be sponsored by a business, club, organization or an individual.
The sponsor submits an application and pays an entry fee. Both are due by April 20 and need to be submitted to El Dorado Rose c/o El Dorado Rose Corporation, P.O. Box 282, Placerville, CA 95667. The entry fee covers admission to the Rose Ball for the candidate. For more information about the El Dorado Roses call Diane Lehr at (530) 845-2513.
49’er Bail Bond
Aborn Powers Property Management
Adco Driveline and Custom Exhaust
Adept – Med International, Inc.
ARCO AM/PM
Artistic Beads & Studio CAPTRUST
Conforti Plumbing
Edwards A-1 Appliance
El Dorado Irrigation District
EN2 Resources, Inc.
Frank’s Body Shop, Inc.
Lake Oaks Mobile Home Community
Mountain Roofing Systems
Sierra Valley Enterprises, LLC
The Greenhouse Café
Triangle Well Drilling Western Sign Co., Inc.
T
he Mountain Democrat’s Newspapers in Education program (NIE) was established in 2002 to provide and educational service arm for the newspaper.
NIE’s goal is to assist schools, teachers and parents in developing future readers who can use the newspaper to enrich their own lives and participate responsibly in their community, state and nation.
Not only does the Mountain Democrat provide valuable information on a wide range of topics daily, it also can be used as a resource for teaching numerous skills to various age groups and in many different disciplines. It helps students connect classroom lessons to the real world around them and develop a positive and
relevant lifetime reading habit. A study released by the Newspaper Association of America Foundation shows data indicating students in NIE programs do 10 percent better on standardized tests and that significant increases in student performances occur, especially in middle schools. Donations from our sponsors allow our educators to order the newspaper for their classrooms free of charge. These sponsorships contribute to literacy and allow thousands of teachers and students in El Dorado County to learn from a living textbook, the Mountain Democrat, and develop a life-long reading habit that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Please show these sponsors your support for the program by patronizing their businesses.
Master Gardeners and the Invasive Species Scout Project
The UC Master Gardener program is administrated in each county through the University of California system. Volunteers are trained in our communities to share the love of gardening in an academic manner. In El Dorado County, we create and maintain the Sherwood Demonstration Garden, provide seminars and speakers for public education and answer gardening questions through our office, both in person and online.
Kitty Stewart
UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County
We also are trained for specific other duties, and one of them is to look for invasive species that threaten the welfare of California’s plants, including the native plants, the home garden and the commercial agricultural industry. Master Gardeners have an optional training that prepares us to “scout” for invasive species and report back where they are found, in the hopes of mitigating damage from these pests.
California grows 11% of the nation’s food and, per the California Department of Food and Agriculture, over a third of the nations’ vegetables and over three-quarters of the country’s fruits and nuts. So, an invasive pest like the spotted lanternfly from Asia, but now endemic in Northeastern states, could be devastating to our economy — and also our wineries. The spotted lanternfly feeds on the sap of some
preview event of selected scenes from Imagination Theater’s youth musical production of “Stuart Little – the Musical,” based on the classic E.B. White book, 11 a.m. to noon.
Toogood Winery in Fair Play, hosts Private Port Tastings on Saturdays and Sundays in February with seatings starting at 11:30 a.m. To make a reservation call (530) 620-1910. Taste 12 ports in one visit.
Feb. 4
Snowline Health Dementia Connection hosts free Caregiver Support and Activity Enrichment groups at Pioneer Bible Church, in Somerset, 1-2:30 p.m. For more information call (530) 621-7820 or email
of our most important crops, including grapevines, almonds and walnuts. It is not yet established in California, but when it gets here, if it gets out of control, it could devastate many of our tree and vine crop industries.
The brown marmorated stink bug is established in California, including in Sacramento County and Southern California. It causes severe damage to vegetable crops and in some areas has wiped out entire gardens. It feeds on up to 170 known hosts and adapts to new environments well. Although not yet established in El Dorado County, we need to prevent its invasion as best we can.
Both of the above invasive species have a preferred host tree, Ailanthus altissima, known as the Tree of Heaven. It is also an invasive species and grows quickly in moist areas, killing off native plants and trees with chemicals that it secretes, as well as by overgrowing and muscling out the native species. It produces significant amounts of pollen, aggravating allergy sufferers, and its sap is toxic. It is already growing in many areas in El Dorado County and is difficult to remove once established.
Unfortunately, it is occasionally sold in nurseries as an ornamental tree — bad idea! The tree is actually quite pretty and resembles a Chinese Pistache, Pistacia chinensis, but has a pair of “glandular teeth” at the base of each leaf. There are some great pictures on the website cesonoma. ucanr.edu/Integrated_Pest_
dementia@snowlinehealth.org.
Powell’s Steamer Company and Pub, 425 Main St., presents Eric Hill and Jonny Mojo for Taco Tuesday on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 4-7 p.m. For more information call (530) 626-1091.
Feb. 5
Join the El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce for its Business Connections Luncheon sponsored by El Dorado Hills Area Foundation, 11:30 a.m. at Hills Church. This is an excellent opportunity to network, collaborate and build meaningful relationships with local business professionals. For more information visit eldoradohillschamber.org.
Feb. 7
Imagination Theater presents “Stuart Little, The Musical.” The story of an extraordinary mouse from an ordinary human family in New York City. For more information visit itplacerville.org. Achilles Wheel with special guest Jen Rund will perform 7-10 p.m. at The Green Room Social
Feb. 8 A free House of Worship
Courtesy photo
Jane Fergason, El Dorado Rose 2023, volunteers for the American Legion in the Riders Flag Line for a fellow military veteran’s funeral at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon.
DENTAL Insurance
Fighting snow in the roundhouse
California State Railroad
A massive snow-fighting machine has rumbled into the California State Railroad Museum roundhouse for its annual winter visit. The former Southern Pacific rotary — essentially a snowblower on rails — represents the machines and people who have spent countless hours keeping the
Donner Pass route open for rail traffic every winter since the Central Pacific opened for business in the late 1860s. Union Pacific, which operates the line today, still has several rotaries on hand in Roseville, ready to fight Old Man Winter when needed. The museum is located at 125 I St., Sacramento. For more information about the plow visit new.express.adobe.com/webpage/ G2bq3PNEWeHXh.
SAFE accepting applications for financial literacy grant
Caitlin Estes SAFE Credit Union
AFE Credit Union
Swill grant $20,000 to a Sacramentoregion nonprofit offering financial literacy programs to help people gain the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to build solid financial futures.
“As a financial institution that serves thousands of families, we see firsthand how important it is for people to understand basics like how credit works, saving for emergencies, and budgeting to be sure you can cover all your expenses,” said Vice President of Community Relations and Financial Education, Rebecca Delmundo. “Unfortunately, not everyone learns this from their families or in school. We’re happy to see more nonprofits offering programs that help people learn how to successfully handle their finances, and SAFE is ready to help support their efforts.”
The grant will be awarded to support a program operated by a nonprofit that provides financial education programs to youth and/or underserved communities.
SAFE Credit Union has four grant cycles a year, awarding up to $20,000 each round to nonprofits with programs that support financial wellbeing,
education opportunities, affordable housing and workforce development.
More information on SAFE’s grant program and other philanthropic efforts is available at safecu.org/community/ community-impact.
Grants are just one way SAFE supports financial education in the community. The credit union offers no-cost financial education programs to high school students and young adults through its interactive budgeting simulation, Budget Cents. It also hosts in-person workshops and webinars on general topics such as saving strategies, handling debt, setting up trusts and home buying. Applications are being accepted online through Monday, Feb. 3. For more information or to apply visit safecu.org.
NAMI El Dorado County’s free 8-session class for caregivers of people with Mental Illness starts Wed., 2/12/25. Call 530-306-4101 X6 info@namieldoradocounty.org
The
to obtain the required quali cations would be:
Two years of accounting and nancial work, and a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration or a related eld.
Licensing Requirements:
• Valid Class C California driver’s license may be required for some positions.
Selection Procedure
Candidates
and
and
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What You Need to Know
• Colonoscopy is the Gold Standard for Screening
• Colonoscopy is the most accurate and ONLY screening test that detects and prevents cancer by FINDING and removing cancerous polyps before they become cancerous.
• Delaying Colon Cancer Screening could mean the difference between early detection and a late-stage diagnosis
Colonoscopy: 91-100% accurate detection of advanced precancerous polyps
Cologuard: 42% accurate detection of polyps
Management685/Tree-of-Heaven and suggestions on how to limit the growth of this nasty invader. The Master Gardeners will be on the lookout for these, but your help is appreciated in identifying and removing any of these potential threats to our gardens.
Physician available 24 hours a day, 24/7, 365 days a year
Gastroenterology Medical Clinic, 8105 Saratoga Way, Ste. 210, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 916-983-4444 • www.gastromedclinic.com
Since 1985, Gastroenterology Medical Clinic (GMC) has proudly served Folsom and the Western Slope of El Dorado County, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive and liver diseases. Combining state-of-the-art technology with personalized, compassionate care, GMC delivers leading-edge healthcare in a respectful environment. At GMC, you’ll always see a doctor who prioritizes your well-being. Discover why our motto is: ‘The Best Doctors. The Best Care. On Facebook? Like us! facebook.com/MountainDemocrat
Mountain Democrat is on Facebook, sharing breaking news, local stories and community events.
Public Notices
Master Gardener classes are o ered monthly throughout the county. You can find a schedule at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/Calendar/ and recorded classes on many gardening topics here: mgeldorado. ucanr.edu/Public_Education/Classes.
The Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open, weather permitting, on the first Saturday of the month, through February, 9 a.m. to noon. First Saturday tour starts promptly at 9 a.m. Please check the website for further information about activities at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden at ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden.
Have a gardening question? Use the Ask a Master Gardener option on mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/Ask_a_ Master_Gardener or leave a message at (530) 6215512. For more information on the UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County visit mgeldorado. ucanr.edu.
• E-mail your public notice to legals@mtdemocrat.net
• Be sure to include your name and phone number
in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).) This statement filed with the county clerk of El Dorado County on 01/02/2025 NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT
40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code) 1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29 14074 EL DORADO IRRIGATION DISTRICT REQUEST FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION OF BIDDERS FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT STROLLING
made pursuant to CA Civil Code Section 2923.3(d)(1). The Summary will be provided to Trustor(s) and/or vested owner(s) only, pursuant to CA Civil Code Section 2923.3(d)(2).) YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED January 2, 2002. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On February 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM, at the Main Street entrance to the County Courthouse at 495 Main Street, Placerville, CA 95667, MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps, as the duly Appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust recorded on January 11, 2002 as Instrument No. 2002-0002789-00, of official records in the Office of the Recorder of El Dorado County, California, executed by JOHN P. EDMUNDS, A SINGLE MAN, as Trustor(s), in favor of PCM FINANCIAL SERVICES as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED OF TRUST The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 4585 MARSHALL ROAD, GARDEN VALLEY, CA 95633 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession,
aware that the same Lender may hold more than one mortgage or Deed of Trust on the property. Notice to Property Owner The sale date shown on this Notice of Sale may be postponed one or more times by the Mortgagee, Beneficiary, Trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about Trustee Sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may visit the Internet Website address www.nationwideposting. com or call Nationwide Posting & Publication at 916.939.0772 for information regarding the Trustee’s Sale for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case, CA08000720-22-3. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. Notice to Tenant NOTICE TO TENANT FOR FORECLOSURES AFTER JANUARY 1, 2021 You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,”
Gardeners Continued from B2
Photo by Kitty Stewart
It might look pretty, but this invasive Ailanthus altissima, known as the Tree of Heaven, can push out native species and take over.
e spacious Independent Living apartments at Ponté Palmero mean you can continue your independent lifestyle with room to entertain friends and access to all the life-enriching community services and amenities we o er.
Floor plans up to 1,482 square feet | Private, attached garage | Full kitchen | In-suite laundry
You can continue to cook and entertain in your own home, or enjoy our chef-prepared meals in the community dining room with friends. We take away the worry of housekeeping and home maintenance, and provide social opportunities all month long. You can relax and spend your days with friends and family, and doing the things you enjoy most.
INDEPENDENT LIVING HOMES FEATURES
• Kitchen with full-size appliances and granite counters
• Private patio
• Attached garage
• In-home washer and dryer
• High ceilings
• Housekeeping, laundry, and trash service
• Basic cable and utilities included — stay warm this winter!
• Pets welcome
COMMUNITY SERVICES & AMENITIES
• Restaurant-style dining
• Swimming pool, hot tub, and outdoor grills
• Clubhouse and tness center
• Library and full-service beauty salon
• Activities, clubs, outings, and celebrations
• Transportation services
• 24-hour emergency maintenance
• Gated electronic entrance
We also o er Assisted Living Villas & Memory Care apartments for a full continuum of care.
