Mountain Democrat, Monday, January 30, 2023

Sierra snowpack climbing to peak levels

Following the series of storms that slammed into the Sierra this month, the Lake Tahoe Basin may be poised to break snowfall records for the winter.

Though exact snowfall numbers will vary across the basin depending on storm patterns, a Jan. 19 social media post from the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab states that 175 inches of snow has fallen since the start of the month. The CSSL, located at Donner Pass, also reports that 356.5 inches of snow has fallen since Oct. 1, only .5 inches short of the average snowfall for the season. With the snowfall season only 39% of the

Snow is big business for Lake Tahoe

Miranda Jacobson

Tahoe Daily Tribune

Lift lines are long and businesses are reaping the benefits of abundant snowfall at Lake Tahoe. With plenty of snow in the basin resorts are seeing tons of skiers and riders while dealing head-on with difficulties. Palisades Tahoe is reporting great business and is trying to push people to come up midweek in order to avoid long lines and delayed wait times.

“Now that the storms have kind of calmed down, people are able to get up here,” said Palisades PR Manager Patrick Lacey. “We really want to push people to be skiing midweek. Take a sick day here and there, because obviously, parking can be an issue here… or, if they do come on the weekend, come early and stay late. Stay in the Village, come early,

PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE

grab breakfast here, you know, you’re going to have a much more enjoyable day if you do that.”

Heavenly Mountain Resort Director of Communications Sara Roston reported that Vail Resorts staff is working tirelessly to bring a great experience to every guest on the mountain, while they faced challenges throughout the heavy snowfall periods.

“The Heavenly team has been working day and night to recover from the challenges caused by the weather,” said Roston. “In particular, we experienced a power outage on the Nevada side of the mountain, which created some unusual operational difficulties this holiday period.”

The outage took out three lifts, leaving California Main Lodge as the only access point throughout the holiday weekend and led to massive traffic and parking issues, the Tahoe Daily Tribune previously reported. Fortunately power was restored and services continued on the mountain.

The number of people visiting the basin comes in waves and depends on the weather and advisories from agencies around the Tahoe Basin.

“When a storm is coming most travelers have heeded the advice of Caltrans, (Nevada Department

way through, the snowfall numbers for this year are impressive but not near what you’ll see at the end of particularly snowy seasons. Jeff Anderson, a hydrologist who monitors precipitation data for the USDA, is impressed by the amount of snow that has already fallen.

“We’re at record territory for this time of the winter, not compared to the end of the biggest winters, but we’re definitely on the trajectory if the storms continue to register one of the biggest winters ever,” Anderson said.

When measuring snowpack levels, water content within the snow is the main measurement used. Rain that falls onto the

headquarters to be named for d’agostini

Sheriff John D’Agostini and his 28 years of law enforcement service.

District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo brought the discussion of naming the facility the Sheriff John D’Agostini Public

Safety Facility to the Board of Supervisors meeting Jan. 24, which proved to be split in reception among county leaders. The vote to rename the $68

n See edSo headquarterS, page A3

Elections office to move

Stack

editor

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of an office building in Shingle Springs as part of the county’s Facilities Capital Workplan.

The supervisors unanimously approved a $6 million transfer from the Capital Designation Fund to the Accumulative Capital Outlay Fund as part of the Jan. 24 consent calendar. The funds cover the building’s purchase and tentative improvements needed.

The Carlton Building at 3883 Ponderosa Road currently houses Child Support Services and, once a remodel is complete, will be the Elections Department’s new home, thereby freeing up space in the El Dorado County Government Center’s Building C basement in Placerville (where Elections currently resides) for a new juvenile court facility. Juvenile court is being moved out of its current

space at 299 Fair Lane in Placerville to make room for the county’s temporary homeless navigation center, which is now expected to open some time next month.

Obituaries on this page are written and paid for by the families or funeral homes. They are edited minimally by the Mountain Democrat. To submit an obituary, call (530) 622-1255, e-mail obits@mtdemocrat.net, fax (530) 344-5092, or visit mtdemocrat.com under “Submission Forms” at the bottom of the website. Include contact information with all submissions.

Gloria Edwina GrayMarshall

Jan. 26, 1941 – Jan. 18, 2023

Our mom, grandma, greatgrandma, sister, aunt, friend and dog momma passed peacefully, Jan 18, to her heavenly home surrounded by family. She was born in Tonganoxi, Kan. on Jan 26, 1941 to Edwin and Georgia Gray.

During the war her family relocated to Rodeo, CA and later during her early high school years they moved again to Hercules, Calif. Gloria graduated in 1958 from De Anza High School. She married in 1960 and had three children during the course of her marriage. After her divorce she moved her family to the Fresno area where she went to work for L’Eggs as a delivery driver. She later went to work for UPS as the first female driver in Fresno and made many friends along her routes. This is where she learned to back any size of truck with exact precision a talent she possessed until the end. This career ended due to an injury and Gloria later went on to work for PG&E where she retired in 2003.

In 1992 Gloria moved to her beloved mountain home in Pollock Pines. Life in the Sierra’s isn’t for the faint of heart but she thrived. In her retirement she enjoyed bowling with her Knotty Pines Bowling League friends whom she considered family. She also fancied herself as an animal rescue and left behind 5 dogs and 2 cats. She is survived by 3 children, sons Kelly (Deborah) and Corey, daughter Stacy, eight grandchildren, and four great-grand babies with one on the way, her sister Glenda, brother Jerry, several nephews and nieces, friends, and her ‘Big Yellow’ lifted Chevy truck.

The family wishes to thank Snowline Hospice and her wonderful caregiver Shelsea. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in mom’s name to the American Cancer Society or Snowline Hospice. A memorial service will take place March 23 at 1 p.m. at Green Valley Community Church. Come celebrate with us and bring your best Gloria story.

Nila Jo Long (Mrs. Long)

June 26, 1939 – Nov. 15, 2022

On November 15 , Nila Jo Long, a beloved mother and grandmother, passed away. She was eighty-three years old. Born in Jonesboro, Ark. and grew up in Truman, Ark. Nila moved to central California with her loving husband, Rodney Dale Long, and two children, in the spring of 1975 they moved to Grizzly Flats, Calif.

She is survived by her son, Randy Long; her grandchildren, Jessica Munoz and Rodney Long; and her many great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Rodney Dale Long and by her daughter Sandra Jean Long. Nila loved to travel with her husband. They loved to camp, shot in archery tournaments, and display their handmade wood carvings in art shows together.

Nila worked as a teachers aid at Pioneer Elementary School. She loved her career, and she was dedicated to helping students in need. If any student was in need of anything, such as a winter coat, she made sure they had one. One of her main roles was helping students with special needs. She worked for Pioneer school for many years, as well as volunteering for multiple years after her retirement.

She spent all her free time with her family. Nila went above and beyond to make sure her family was happy and comfortable. Her door was always open for anyone who needed care. Nila was a devoted Baptist Christian and taught her family the love of Jesus Christ.

She spread warmth and comfort to those around her with her kindness and infectious smile, so please join us for a celebration of life, where we will remember Nila Long for her patients, kindness, and generosity. The service will be held on February 16 at Green Valley Community Church, Placerville at 1 p.m.

In remembrance of Nila’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Barbara L. Cook

Barbara L. Cook of Cameron Park, in El Dorado County

California, died peacefully

Tuesday

January 3, at the age of 91. She is survived by her two children Ken Cook and Denise Cook, sister Shirley Pillow, grandchild Ryan Nutting with great grandchild Henry. She lives on in the hearts of her many family members and friends.

Barbara moved to El Dorado County in 1950 and had many accomplishments throughout her busy career that included working at Inter County Title Co, El Dorado High School, and Clerk to the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors. She was a Real Estate Broker working with the Developer of Cameron Park Dorado Estates, and later with the formation of Cook & Cook Realtors. She was involved in many activities with the El Dorado Association of Realtors holding the record for most consecutive years of membership in their Top Achievers Club. Barbara loved Cameron Park, and was very active with Cameron Park Country Club. She will be missed.

Michael Neal Atwell

Jun 21, 1942 - Dec. 23, 2022

Michael Neal Atwell died after a short illness in Folsom, Calif., December 23. He was surrounded by his family. Mike was born in Chicago, Illinois to Olin and Janice Atwell and moved to Los Angeles, Calif. when he was 6 years old. The family later moved to Burlingame, Calif. where Mike graduated from Burlingame High. He attended San Jose State and the College of San Mateo before graduating from San Francisco State. The College of San Mateo was where he met the love of his life, his wife Barbara. He attended Hastings School of Law and after graduation and passing the bar, he joined the Merced County District Attorney’s O ce. He was then hired by the San Francisco Public Defenders O ce. Life long fans of the Lake Tahoe area, Mike and Barbara decided to move their family to the South Shore in the early 70s where Mike went into private practice. In his long and successful career that he loved so much, Mike would be a county conflict attorney, assistant DA and assistant public defender for El Dorado County. He was active with the law library, Sunrise Kiwanis and the local theater and arts community including being a founding member of the Tallac Association. Mike had recently retired from his dream job as the District Attorney of Alpine County, Calif.

Mike is survived by his wife of over 55 years, Barbara, his two daughters, Lara and Sara, and his son, Duncan, daughter in law Charity and his grandchildren, Emma and William in addition to an extended group of family and friends. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Valhalla Arts Association.

Samuel Lee Norris

Mar. 2, 1992 – Jan. 8, 2023

Samuel Lee Norris, 30, born on Mar 2, 1992, in Carmichael, Calif., passed away on Jan 8, at his home in Diamond Springs, Calif. Samuel was a unique man who sought for peace and happiness. Samuel embraced a true relationship with Jesus Christ his savior and friend who knew his heart. He was a talented and credentialed Merchant Mariner. Samuel’s gentle soul and joyful spirit will be dearly missed. He is survived by his fiance, Amanda Hammond, Mother, Toni Scheu, Father, Daniel Norris, Step-father, Robert Scheu, Sisters, Sarah Norris and Rebekah Scheu, and aunts, uncles, cousins, step-family, and numerous friends.

Mary C. Howe

Oct. 7, 1920 – Jan 13, 2023

Mary Catherine Burke Howe journeyed to her heavenly home on Friday January 13, at the age of 102. She was born in Inishdooras, Connenara County, Galway, Ireland on October 7, 1920.

In 1942 she graduated from nursing school and served as a nurse at a hospital near London, England until 1945 when she moved to the United States and settled in Camino, Calif. After the death of her husband in July of 1999 and her son in October of 2001 she moved to Millerstown, Pa to be closer to her daughter and then to Newport, Pa in 2015.

She was preceded in death by both her parents Patrick Burke and Mary Sarsfield Burke, two sisters, Anne, Teresa, three brothers Michael Kevin, Patrick and Joseph. Her husband Williard Howe, son James Howe and grandson Anthony Sharar.

Mary is survived by two daughters Anne Allen and Patricia Sharar (husband James Sharar), seven grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and eight great great grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday January 18 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in New Bloomfield, Pa. She will be buried at a later date at El Dorado Cemetery, Diamond Springs, Calif. beside her husband.

In lieu of flowers donate to Newport Ambulance League, 50 South 3rd Street, Newport, Pa. 17074

Arrangements by the David Myers Funeral Home, Newport.

The following was taken from Placerville Police Department logs:

Jan. 12

7:51 p.m. Officers cited a 37-yearold man allegedly driving on a revoked license on Highway 50.

12:35 p.m. An assault was reported on Placerville Drive.

5:26 p.m. Officers arrested a 52-year-old man who had an outstanding felony warrant on Fair Lane.

7:29 p.m. Drug paraphernalia was reportedly found in a Clay Street apartment. A suspect has been identified.

Jan. 13

10:06 a.m. Officers arrested a 54-year-old parolee at large on Main Street.

8 p.m. An assault was reported on Broadway. A suspect has been identified.

8:28 p.m. Officers arrested a 50-year-old man who allegedly failed to register as a sex offender on Main Street. The suspect also reportedly resisted arrest.

Jan. 14

12:02 a.m. Officers arrested a 41-year-old man who allegedly tried to vandalize and steal items outside a Main Street building.

Jan. 15 9:59 a.m. Officers cited a 45-year-

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

Jan. 18

8:40 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 39-year-old woman suspected of giving false identification to an officer on Mt. Aukum Road in South County. She was later released on $3,000 bail.

Jan. 19 9:41 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Deep Haven Road in Pollock Pines.

1:13 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Hotchkiss Hill Road in Georgetown.

1:26 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 34-year-old woman suspected of felony probation violations on Mother Lode Drive in Placerville. She was listed in custody in lieu of $200,000 bail.

4:14 p.m. Burglary was reported on Banbury Cross Road in Shingle Springs.

8 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 64-yearold man suspected of DUI on

old man on suspicion of public intoxication on Placerville Drive.

9:59 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Broadway.

11:01 a.m. Officers arrested a 35-year-old man on suspicion of public intoxication and shoplifting on Placerville Drive.

5:16 p.m. Officers arrested a 58-year-old man who had an outstanding warrant on Broadway.

6:28 p.m. Officers arrested a 47-year-old man on suspicion of assault on Center Street.

11 p.m. Officers arrested a 45-year-old man who had an outstanding warrant on Fair Lane.

Jan. 16

12:51 p.m. Officers arrested a 35-year-old man on suspicion of attempted robbery on Forni Road.

Jan. 17

9:15 a.m. An assault with the unknown suspect using pepper spray on the victim was reported on Main Street.

Jan. 18

9:47 a.m. Officers arrested a 26-year-old man, who was on parole, on suspicion of possession of illegal drug paraphernalia on Forni Road.

2:25 p.m. Officers arrested a 41-year-old man who had an outstanding warrant on Placerville Drive.

Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park. He was later released.

10:01 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 59-year-old man suspected of felony battery causing serious bodily injury on Meander Lane in Kelsey. He was released on $50,000 bail.

10:55 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 51-year-old woman suspected of felony accessory to a crime on Meander Lane in Kelsey. She was released on $10,000 bail.

Jan. 20

12:13 p.m. Grand theft was reported at a business on Merchant Circle in Placerville.

2:09 p.m. Burglary was reported at Graceland Place in Pilot Hill.

4 p.m. Battery was reported on Red Hawk Parkway in Shingle Springs.

6:59 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 36-year-old man suspected of multiple drug-related crimes as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He was listed in custody in lieu of $643,000 bail.

5-DAY

A private family memorial service was held at the Green Valley Mortuary with Reverend Larry George.

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Newtown Road between Big Barn and Mining Brook roads will be closed in both directions Jan. 30 to Feb. 2 for emergency replacement of a failed drainage culvert.

The El Dorado County Department of Transportation Road Maintenance Division made the announcement Thursday, adding that residents living east of the closure should use

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Pleasant Valley Road to Cedar Ravine Road as an alternate route. The road is expected to open at 7 p.m. that Thursday.

The culvert replacement will be completed by Doug Veerkamp General Engineering, according to DOT Administrative Analyst Ashley Johnson.

Anyone with questions or concerns should contact DOT at (530)-6424909 or road.maintenance@edcgov. us.

Meadows Reservoir as of Jan. 25 Water storage 21,257 acre-feet Percent full 101% Inflow 62 cfs Outflow 5.63 cfs Folsom Reservoir as of Jan. 27 Water storage 505,992 acre-feet Percent full 52% Inflow 4,685 cfs Outflow 6,808 cfs Union Valley as of Jan. 27 Water storage 199,644 acre-feet Percent full 75% Inflow 0 cfs Outflow 0 cfs Loon Lake as of Jan. 27 Water storage 48,181 acre-feet Percent full 70% Inflow 0 cfs Outflow 0 cfs Ice House as of Jan. 27 Water storage 27,199 acre-feet Percent full 63% Inflow 40 cfs Outflow 0 cfs Caples Lake as of Jan. 26 Water storage 15,920 acre-feet Percent full 71% Inflow 6.55 cfs Outflow 9.30 cfs Silver Lake as of Jan. 26 Water storage 4,069 acre-feet Percent full 46% Inflow 34.33 cfs Outflow 14.90 cfs Sly Park as of Jan. 26 Water storage 41,078 acre-feet Percent Full 100% Inflow 0.00 cfs Outflow 15.32 cfs American River as of Jan. 26 Flow 461.20 cfs

EDSO Courtesy photo Newtown Road between Big Barn and Mining Brook roads was washed out in January storms.

headquarters Continued

million complex that opened in 2019 went 3-2 in favor. District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin and District 5 Supervisor Brooke Laine cast “no,” both of whom said they were concerned about renaming county buildings without proper policy on the process.

Parlin recommended putting off the discussion for a later date and instead placing a commemorative plaque for D’Agostini in front of the safety facility.

“I’m not saying he doesn’t deserve recognition … but we don’t have a policy,” Parlin said. “If we had a policy, we wouldn’t need to have this discussion.”

District 1 Supervisor John Hidahl agreed a policy should be made regarding naming public buildings, but was willing to make an exception, recognizing the majority of those in board chambers supported the action presented.

“I’m not adversed to moving forward today with the understanding that we would go back and create a policy and put things in order,” Hidahl said. “This would be the first step to establishing a more formal way of doing these things … I would like to see us make the effort after this.”

District 3 Supervisor Wendy Thomas shared the same sentiments as Hidahl and supported the facility’s renaming.

“Sheriff’s D’Agostini’s leadership has been exceptional … the voters have voted for him time and time again, and (he) has led our county through our darkest hours and has shown up in exceptional ways,” Thomas said.

Laine agreed with Parlin on not setting precedent of renaming a facility without a policy.

“I think the idea of commemorating him in a significant way at the entrance of the building is a really good idea,” Laine said. “I’m thinking

we are going to let the horses out of the barn if we go ahead and do this without having guidelines around it.”

During public comment former District 3 Supervisor Brian Veerkamp, along with many in attendance, supported renaming the facility. He said D’Agostini gave his “heart and soul” to opening the facility and recalled going through a number of meetings and processes to get it constructed during his own time as supervisor.

“What it all came down to, whenever there was a tough decision to be made, it was John’s heart, people and ability to get the people behind him as well,” Veerkamp commented.

“Having been voted in numerous times, I believe he was very well supported … this would carry on the legacy of the D’Agostini name and he is very deserving of this honor.”

Camino resident Herve Leconte said he respected the former sheriff’s punctuality and ability to get things done and supported his name placement onto EDSO headquarters.

John’s Wife Janine D’Agostini said while the facility construction took a team effort and many years to complete, it took someone with a “driving force” to see it through.

“You all know that person — John D’Agositini was the person who could make it happen,” Janine said, adding that the facility was completed on time and under budget.

Others remained reticent to rename the facility for D’Agostini.

“We don’t appear to have a policy for naming public buildings and until we do, I’m not in favor of naming any building for anybody regardless of how laudable their service is,” Diamond Springs resident Joseph Connolly said.

“If you are going to do something in terms of the county, it should be done in accordance with policy.”

Cameron Park resident Dawn Wolfson suggested naming the facility in honor of a fallen sheriff’s deputy.

Representative for Rep. Kevin Kiley and representative for Congressman Tom McClintock Kimberly Pruett showed support for the facility’s renaming on behalf of their politicians.

In addition to voting “yes” on renaming the facility, supes OK’d adding a commemorative plaque in front of the building to recognize the vision of those involved with its construction and to establish an ad hoc committee on creating a policy on renaming public buildings. from A1

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Gov. Newsom’s phony budget

If it’s January it must be budget time in California, or so it would seem. Gov. Gavin Newsom held a press briefing to unveil his proposed budget and it certainly looked official. Mainstream media have variously reported that the governor’s budget proposal is “austere,” “fiscally responsible” and even “conservative” as the state tries to close a projected $22.5 billion deficit. But there are things taxpayers should know before breaking out the champagne to celebrate the governor’s handling of what he has called a “modest shortfall.”

A spending problem, not a revenue problem

The governor’s proposed $297 billion budget is only about 3.6% smaller than last year’s recordsetting budget of $308 billion. The state has long spent beyond its means, but it has kicked it into overdrive in recent years. In just the last three years alone, spending has increased by almost $100 billion despite warnings from economists, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and many others that the state was spending beyond sustainable revenue levels.

This is not the real budget

They may call this a budget, but it is just a wish list. It is a way for the governor to signal his priorities to the Legislature as budget negotiations begin and legislators from the governor’s own party have already been critical of the cuts he is proposing.

We also do not know what the actual dollar amount will be yet. In November the budget shortfall was estimated to be around $24 billion. The governor now says it is $22.5 billion. We will have a better idea of where the state stands financially when the governor does his May Revise of the budget.

That is not the real budget either

The May Revise is also not the budget, it is just another step in the negotiation process. It gives us a better idea of what the actual numbers are and the governor will adjust his wish list accordingly, but it is the Legislature that passes the budget and members have until June 15 to do it.

That is not really the budget either

While the Legislature will pass a “budget” by June 15, it also is not really the budget. That is because Proposition 25, entitled the On-Time Budget Act of 2010, states legislators forfeit their pay if they do not pass the budget “on time.” The problem with that is, the courts have ruled it is the Legislature itself that defines what is and is not the budget.

What we will get then is not a true annual spending plan for the state but a 1,000-page sham, drafted largely in secret and full of blanks to be filled in later through hundreds of “budget trailer bills” after substantial provisions of the budget are negotiated behind closed doors among just three

n See Coupal, page A5

Belltower

letters to the editor

The gun violence problem

EDITOR:

We have had a horrific start to 2023 here in California, with two mass murders in two days. And as sure as day follows night, the politicians stepped up to tell you that California has the most gun control laws of any state and that they are working.

One wonders by what measure they can claim that they are working, given recent events. Perhaps it is because on a per capita basis, Sacramento’s gun homicide rate is only 80% of that of Chicago. They go on to say we just need more gun laws to end the “gun violence problem.”

First up is universal background checks. They don’t mention that in virtually every case, the shooter passed a background test or obtained the gun illegally. Which brings up the one massive loophole in California’s universal background checks — and I challenge our politicians to pass and enforce a law to close it. Require all criminals to pass background checks before stealing guns or buying them from each other.

Next up is banning “assault rifles,” despite the fact that of the more than 10,000 gun homicides annually, only about 300 are with long guns of any

sort. Smoke screen.

But do we really have a “gun violence problem” or is it a “people violence problem?” In my 40-plus career as a professional engineer, I found that the first step toward solving a problem is to accurately identify the problem. Otherwise any solution is doomed to failure.

Australia had a horrible mass murder in the 1990s and set out to solve their “gun violence problem,” even though that incident was a total aberration. There hadn’t been a case of more than five people killed in over 100 years other than massacres of or by Aboriginals. They confiscated a vast number of firearms from their law-abiding citizens, a model that Hilary Clinton said in 2016 she would consider.

What was the result? I looked at the data and found that in a comparable time period before and after the incident, the number of mass murders with guns (five or more killed) had been reduced by twothirds. But what about the total number of all mass murders? Virtually unchanged. Of the two-thirds reduction, one-third was replaced by killings with knives and the other one-third with arson. In the latter case, the body count went up and with it the total body count.

n See letters, page A5

Odds & ends about WWII, Vietnam and white horses

World War II’s Battle of the Bulge began Dec. 16, 1944, and ended Jan. 25, 1945. Also, on Jan. 12, 1945, the Soviet Union launched a new offensive, taking Warsaw and Krakow and liberating the Auschwitz Concentration Camp.

I’ve written previously about the Battle of the Bulge and Gen. Patton’s relief of Bastogne, which had been under siege by the Germans.

• •

•

Jan. 27, 1973, the Paris Peace accords were signed, ending the Vietnam War.

The Vietnam War saw 58,000 Americans killed in action. Twice that number die every year in America from fentanyl poisoning.

On a more upbeat note, my

daughter gave birth to her second boy in five years Jan. 23, the first one already is in kindergarten.

My daughter and son-in-law named both starting with the letter L — Leo, 5, and Lorenzo, 1 week. The new baby was 9 pounds and 20 inches long. He may be a tall one like his uncle Wolfgang, who was a 10 pounder and 22 inches.

They have been taking Leo to youth basketball games for 5-year-olds. He is second tallest in his kindergarten class.

• • •

In the English countryside, specifically Uffington and Wiltshire, there are seven white horses carved into hills. The Uffington horse is the oldest, carved on the side of an ancient earthwork called Uffington

The Vietnam War saw 58,000 Americans killed in action. Twice that number die every year in America from fentanyl poisoning.

Castle. A white horse has been documented for the past 900 years.

Traditional stories have it beginning with Hengeist, the Saxon leader who had a white horse on his standard, according to a brochure, or it might have been a memorial to King Alfred’s victory over the Danes at Ashdon in 871. However, more recent research indicates it may be older than those two references, with the horse appearing on Iron Age coins.

Other white horses are more contemporary. One was made in 1785 but redesigned in 1937 for the coronation of King George VI in 1937. Another was made in 1812 at the expense of Mr. Robert Pile of Manor Farm.

The oldest horse in Wiltshire was

again traditionally attributed to King Alfred’s victory over the Danes, this time at Ethandun in 878. The original horse was regarded by Lord Abingdon as a bad imitation, so he destroyed the original and had his steward, Mr. Gee, cut a new one in 1778. It was given a facelift in 1873.

Another horse in Wiltshire is not in any way ancient but was made in 1780. An additional new horse was made in 1837 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Victoria. The final white horse in Wiltshire was carved by schoolboys in 1804. That sounds like a fun bunch of schoolboys.

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

of Transportation) and Highway Patrol about road conditions to monitor and delay travel until safe,” said Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority President and CEO Carol Chaplin. “When the roads have been cleared and it’s safe and easier to get here, winter enthusiasts have been enjoying the powder-filled conditions.”

Although the visitor authority does not have formal statistics compiled for South Lake Tahoe, they’ve communicated with the lodging, dining and attractions in the area and understand that while peak periods were temporarily impacted, there has been a surge during the post-holidays due to snow creating ideal conditions on the mountains.

“There was a temporary hit while the storm was here,” said President and Chief Strategist of SMG Consulting Carl Ribaudo. “Typically (tourism is) impacted while we’re getting pounded by snow and digging out and all that. But I think it helps over the long run of the winter. People know we have terrific outdoor recreation conditions, so it’s a short-term hit. But you hope that you can make it up over the course of the winter season.”

The upsides of heavier winter snowfall are longer winter seasons for outdoor recreation.

“It’s a balance,” said Ribaudo. “We don’t really have a choice.”

There are many looking forward to a longer ski season this winter.

“We believe the outlook is so positive for a longer ski season, we’re placing our bets on it,” said Director of Sustainable Tourism for Visit Truckee-Tahoe Siobhan Kenney. “Antidotally, we know from past big winters that when ski areas stay open longer, it has a positive revenue impact on Truckee’s local shops, retailers and restaurants.”

The tourism group announced a “midweek spring skiing lodging offer” last week.

Heavenly, Kirkwood and Northstar are all reporting that staffing isn’t a problem currently at their resorts, but Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau President and CEO Andy Chapman said that some places are still trying to find their footing with their teams.

“There’s definitely still issues with labor and getting workforce,” said Chapman. “But I think businesses are very adaptable. They are looking at different ways of how they are scheduling and doing common days off where the business might have historically been open seven days a week, and now maybe they’re only open six or five days a week … The storms help drive that economic engine here in the wintertime for Tahoe.”

Tourism in the Tahoe Basin is always a topic of conversation and was especially after Lake Tahoe was added to Fodor’s “No List” for 2023 travel, due to an overcrowding problem. While the list gives the impression tourists shouldn’t visit the area, Chapman reinforced that rather than telling visitors to stay away, it’s important to teach people how to visit responsibly.

“We are always making sure we’re pushing out realtime, accurate information about what’s going on up here,” said Chapman. “We post on our social channels and our websites about any kind of storm warnings that are coming and links to road reports, because it’s critical that our guests both coming from a drive … as well as our fly market guests are aware of what’s happening.”

Along with providing accurate information for tourists, Chapman and other travel agencies in the Tahoe Basin urge travelers to use the free, public transportation options, including TART and TART

Connect on the north shore, Lake Link in the South Shore and Mountaineer in Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows.

Being a steward also means leaving Lake Tahoe better than it was found by properly disposing of trash, choosing reusable products over single-use plastic and being mindful and respectful of the environment. For more information about traveling to Lake Tahoe visit visitlaketahoe. com/destinationupdate or gotahoenorth.com/sustainable-travelpledge.

Coupal Continued from A4

people: the two Democratic legislative leaders and Gov. Newsom.

On Jan. 18, 121 of these budget-related bills were introduced in the state Legislature, completely blank except for a line of placeholder text expressing the “intent” to fill them in later. They are numbered SB 100 through SB 220. You can “read” them for yourself at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.

Eventually, those budget-related bills will spring to life with new language replacing the placeholder text. Then they sail through the process without hearings or amendments or debate.

A balanced budget in name only

The state Constitution requires a balanced budget. And it is … if you don’t the count the trillions the state owes to pensioners, financiers, the federal government and others. What the law requires and what the government delivers are two different things.

So much for fiscal responsibility.

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

Letters Continued from A4

No gun control laws can stop violent people from committing violent crimes. They will find a way. So maybe it is time, rather than fighting endlessly over gun control, that we focus all our energies in solving our “people violence problem.” COLTON MEYER Somerset

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

Since 1984!

Balfour appointed county court commissioner post

Mountain Democrat staff

The El Dorado County Superior Court has appointed Hana Balfour as court commissioner. After an extensive search and vetting by the entire bench, Balfour was appointed by Presiding Judge Vicki Ashworth. Balfour will be based in Placerville but will serve in all the courts in El Dorado County, according to a news release from court officials. She will specialize in cases involving juvenile dependency and delinquency, guardianships, child support, domestic violence and civil harassment and Traffic, as well as overflow matters as assigned by the presiding judge.

Balfour was most recently employed as the managing attorney with the Parent Advocates of Sacramento, where she represented parents and children in all aspects of dependency proceedings for more than 20 years, states the news release. Balfour served on many committees contributing to court improvement, most significantly, participating in the establishment of the Sacramento Family Treatment Court and serving on its steering committee.

Sacramento’s Family Treatment Court is a model drug treatment court in the nation and Balfour was a speaker at multiple presentations for courts from around the country toward their efforts to establish a treatment court, continues the release.

Balfour has organized and presented numerous continuing legal education programs for dependency practitioners. She has also testified before the legislature regarding dependencyrelated legislation.

Court officials note that in addition to her court-appointed work, Balfour’s legal practice included probate guardianships, adoptions, family law and appellate work via appointment by the Central California Appellate Project. Prior to this employment, Balfour served in the Public Defender’s Office for Sacramento County.

Balfour received her juris doctorate from McGeorge School of Law and is a member of the Traynor Society having graduated with honors. She received her bachelor of arts in political science from the University of California, Davis, where she was also an All-American gymnast.

Snowpack Continued from A1

snow is absorbed into the snowpack rather than into the ground, which increases the snowpack. As of Jan. 19, the snowpack is at 195% of the average for this time of year, according to information from the CSSL.

The last big snow year was 2017, which saw an average of 54.7 inches of water collected in the basin’s snowpack; the record set in 1983 is 60.9 inches, according to Anderson.

“If we look at the average of (SNOTEL sites around the basin) there’s 32 inches of water content in the snowpack,” Anderson said. “The thing that’s really impressive to me is that we are about 8.5 inches of snowwater ahead of where we were on this date in 2017.”

Even though the skies are expected to stay clear for a few weeks, the cold temperatures mean the snow that has already fallen is expected to stick around. With the basin already more than halfway to breaking the 1983 snowfall record, storm patterns just

have to continue as they have for this to be one of the snowiest years on record for Tahoe.

La Niña seasons are typically “bookend” seasons, according to Anderson, meaning that big storms come in at the beginning and end of the snow season. Anderson noted that snowpack levels may fall to below average for February, but he expects more large storms on the horizon. Even if this isn’t a record year, there’s still good news for Californians worrying about water in the state during the years-long drought.

“The other data point that’s pretty cool is that right now if it wasn’t to snow another flake or rain another drop for the rest of the winter, we’re already 111% of the median peak that happens in the spring, so we already have an above-normal winter,” Anderson said.

Tahoe Daily Tribune reporter Laney Griffo contributed to this report.

In the KNOW

Stellar students

Congratulation to Kevin

Zhang of El Dorado Hills, who was named to the fall 2022 Miami University

Dean’s List. Zhan is earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

Congratulations to the following local students who made the Fall 2022

Oregon State University

Honor Roll: Cameron Park

— Nicole G. Brown, Julie

D. Caplan and Hailey M. Harris; Coloma — Cassidy

G. Rubin; Diamond Springs

— Anthony L. Barkley; El Dorado — Courtney

M. Wagnon; El Dorado Hills — Roxlynn Beecher, Erik Billquist, Lily L. Chan, Griffin R. Gould, Julia M. Hewitt, Tyler J. Honnold, Ava K. Loge, Briella

M. Miesner, Gabriel J.

Rivera, Jacquelyn A.

Sansone, Samantha G.

Short, Enrique M. Soto and Alexander C. Uribe;

Lotus — Bailey M. Greco; Placerville — Joel Gilger and Lindsay E. Scales; Pollock Pines — Kenji

Mowrey and Joshua J.

Sweeney; Rescue — Erin

B. Whelihan

Now

The El Dorado Roses are searching for candidates to run for the 2023 El Dorado Rose. Candidates must be at least 60 years old, have lived in the county for 10 years and have many hours of volunteer service to her community. The El Dorado Rose dresses in period clothing from 18491910 and then becomes the official hostess of El Dorado County for one year. For more information call Carole Burnley at (530) 626-4949.

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.

Imagination Theater on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville presents “Inherit the Wind” through Feb. 19. For tickets and more information visit itplacerville.org.

Capital Stage presents

“The Chinese Lady” through Feb. 26 at the theater, 2215 J St. , Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 995-5464 or visit capstage.org.

Jan. 31

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts Summer Job Fair, 6-8 p.m. at the EDHCSD gym. The CSD seeks mature, responsible, positive role models who enjoy working with children and teens to fill a variety of positions. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.

Feb. 1

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business Builder Buffet, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hills Church in El Dorado Hills. The luncheon’s speaker will be Phillip Chan from the Law Offices of Buchalter, discussing the new 2023 labor laws. RSVP at eldoradohillschamber. org.

Join El Dorado County Poet Laureate Lara Gularte for a poetry reading, open mic and workshop at the El Dorado Hills Library for the latest stop on the Laureate Trail, 5:30-8 p.m. at the El Dorado Hills Library, 7455 Silva Valley Parkway.

Kiwanis honors Golden sierra super student

Dina

Gentry News release

Kiwanis Club of Placerville recently bestowed the January Student Service Leader of the Month Award to Tessa Hill, a Golden Sierra Junior Senior High School seventh-grade student and Builders Club secretary. Kiwanis Builders Clubs provide middle school students opportunities to contribute through community service and grow as young leaders.

“I’m proud of the person I have become in service and leadership,” Tessa said following the award presentation that several members of her family attended.

During the presentation Bill Sammons,

GSJSHS Key and Builders Club faculty advisor, remarked, “I am so grateful that you have chosen to honor Tessa Hill this evening. Tessa is new to our area. She is a high-achieving student and has really been open to getting involved in every aspect of the school that a seventh-grader can be involved in. She is involved in athletics, Junior High Leadership and, of course, Builders Club. When I was considering who I could nominate for this honor. Tessa stood out in my mind for her willingness to get involved and for her dependability.”

He continued, “When I was trying to encourage students to run for office in Builders Club, I asked Tessa if she was interested in being our secretary and

she jumped at the chance. Tessa never forgets a meeting, she has recruited new members, she participates in as many of our activities as she possibly can and I can honestly say Tessa is keeping our Builders Club together. Please join me in thanking Tessa for her commitment and service to Golden Sierra’s Builders Club.”

Bob Verzello, Placerville Kiwanis president, concluded the award presentation by noting, “Our service clubs provide so much to our communities in various ways. We are thankful for our students’ commitment to service. Congratulations, Tessa!”

For more information regarding Placerville Kiwanis visit the website at placervillekiwanis.org.

Grant will support CCP students, families

News release

El Dorado County Office of Education Charter College and Career Prep have been selected as a grant recipient for the 2022 El Dorado Hills Area Foundation Grant program.

El Dorado Hills Area Foundation’s mission is to inspire generosity by raising awareness of the needs in our community, to integrate and strengthen the community by bringing together nonprofits and those who need help and lastly to invigorate local nonprofits with local funding.

The $5,000 grant awarded to CCP will be implemented through a community impact project. The purpose of the project will be to aid students and their families throughout El Dorado County to be successful, allowing for growth and resiliency development in the face of large-scale issues of food, financial, mental and physical health and life insecurities. CCP aims to partner school, student and community through resource delivery and resource management for each family to allow for effective support, addressing of needs and ensure delivery of a higher multi-faceted quality of education.

Through the opportunity provided by El Dorado Hills Area Foundation, CCP has been given an opportunity to lead by example within educational innovation for El Dorado County. Even through the challenges and obstacles of the past couple years the commitment, drive and passion remain steadfast for students, highquality education and making a difference.

For more information about CCP visit ccp.edcoe. org. For more information about El Dorado Hills Area Foundation visit edhaf.org.

Food bank hosts charities throughout the county

News release

More than 25 emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, youth and senior outreach organizations gathered Jan. 19 at the Food Bank of El Dorado County’s distribution center in Cameron Park to discuss the county’s emergency food assistance network and a plan for assisting the county’s at-risk residents.

Food Bank founder Mike Sproull addressed the group, providing support and encouragement for the upcoming year. This was a time for the network members

to mingle as well as share experiences, ongoing needs and plans for 2023.

“This dedicated network of charities we work with, most have been with the Food Bank for over 20 years, has been El Dorado County’s safety net for our neighbors that struggle to make ends meet,” Sproull said.

In an average year, this charity collaboration provides $3 million of food assistance to El Dorado County’s at-risk neighbors. On top of that, hundreds of volunteers from the community come together for this unique countywide partnership that provides emergency food

assistance on a daily basis.

Jammie Hall, who oversees the food bank’s Elder Outreach program that provides regional food assistance to lowincome seniors, spoke about the program and goals of growing it larger, including growing the No Vet Goes Hungry program, a monthly home delivery service to veterans in the community.

“As we wrapped up, it was evident that this collaboration of loyal partners is dedicated to assisting our struggling neighbors put a little extra food on their tables,” Sproull concluded.

Courtesy photo

GSJSHS Key and Builders Club Faculty Advisor Bill Sammons, Tessa Hill, GSJSHS Principal Ron Morris and Placerville Kiwanis President Bob Verzello, left to right, celebrate Tessa’s award.

Courtesy photo Jessica Trumble-Pitel, EDCOE Community Outreach Coordinator, accepts the El Dorado Hills Area Foundation grant.

COMiCS

‘Margaret crocker’ visits DAr’s el Dorado chapter

Carol Bly Special to the Mountain Democrat

Monthly meetings of the El Dorado Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution always include discussions such as an update regarding chapter projects, new opportunities in the community and a special speaker whose subject might be related to a wide range of topics such as societal needs and historical or current events.

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n

SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

The speakers come from a variety of sources, including community and regional agencies, authors, state chapters and, in a recent case, a member of El Dorado Chaper DAR. A timely change to this month’s meeting was making it available to chapter members through the use of Zoom, via a video conferencing camera on a computer. Given the weather, health and other conflicts, having the meeting online afforded the opportunity for more members to be present.

January’s speaker was Dr. Sandra Hand, who provided a first-person perspective of Margaret Crocker, wife of EB Crocker whose beautiful home and art gallery are in Sacramento.

Hand’s presentation of “Sacramento’s Lady Bountiful,” or as she liked to be called “Mother Crocker,” was filled with fascinating stories and perspectives of a woman who rose from modest beginnings to being regaled as a philanthropist, community leader and champion of those most

in need.

The Crocker Art Gallery, still the oldest art museum in the Western United States, was always intended to house a collection of art to be made available to the public. The original building included a bowling alley, skating

n See DAR page B3

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your comfort level with sharing emotion will change according to where you are, who you are with and the situation at hand. You never know until you’re in it. It’s interesting and even surprising what today highlights in you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Once you wondered what was possible; now an ambitious churning takes hold. No more acting out of need. This has turned into something more akin to desire, determination and purpose.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). When you feel like you’re in a box or walking a line, remind yourself of the circular nature of this existence. There are no isolated points. Everything connects. You may not see the connection, but you can trust it’s there.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’ll work better in small groups. Energy is diffused in a crowd. Can you break out into a group of five or less? More will be accomplished where accountability is easily tracked between a few people.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Though you are the sign known for lionheartedness, that’s not to say you don’t experience moments in which your heart, placed precariously in the hands of another, feels see-through and papery as vellum.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Strong feelings are apt to distort your point of view, especially if they are uncomfortably trapped inside you. Don’t try to fix anything from that place. Do something else for a while. Come back after feelings have dissipated.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Everyone wants something today. You stick to your own priorities so that your life reflects the person you want to be. That might mean doing what they want because your role in the group is a cornerstone of your character.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The practical advice you get will serve you well, even though in the end, you’ll do what you care to do. Only you know what you’re willing to commit to. Only you know the risks that seem worth it to you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You didn’t set out to try to play the rebel, but you can’t help but notice what needs to change. It only takes one person to start the ball rolling. You’ll be the one to see things differently and to speak up.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). People who feel exposed or are worried about being judged are not likely to show their true selves. It’s one of the reasons you go out of your way to build trust and comfort. It brings you closer to the truth.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The same story can be used as a weapon, a vehicle, a seduction or an identity. It’s your story to play around with. Repeat until you find the way to tell it that feels good and plays up the aspects that communicate best.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You respect your problems as teachers. A shoulder tap or clap on the back is a common gesture of acknowledgement delivered just before parting. You’ll do the equivalent with an issue you are now ready to move on from.

Courtesy photo

Margaret Crocker (Dr. Sandra Hand) shares her life story at the El Dorado Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution meeting earlier this month.

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

HOROSCOPE by Holiday Mathis

Know Continued from B1

Feb. 2

The Placerville Church of the Nazarene Health Ministry offers the Caring for Your Heart four-week series. Students can choose from the Thursday series beginning Feb. 2 or the Saturday series beginning Feb. 4. Contact Ruth O’Shea at reoshea@outlook.com or (530) 305-5402 to sign up or to get additional information. Registration deadline is Jan. 31.

The Mills Station Arts & Culture Center in Rancho Cordova, in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, presents Righting a Wrong: Japanese Americans and World War II, Feb. 2 through March 25, For more information visit rcmacc.org.

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.

DAR Continued from B2

rink and billiards room on the ground floor; a natural history museum and a library on the first floor; and gallery space featuring works of art on the second floor. In her later years, Margaret devoted many years assisting her husband who was in poor health. Upon the death of Judge Crocker, Margaret emerged as a civic and social leader and philanthropist.

Hand’s outstanding presentation was followed by a lively question and answer period, with even more details about the life of Margaret and she shared the costume worn was designed by her and sewn by her husband.

Hand is a long time member of the Old Sacramento Living History group. She and her husband have presented Judge EB and Margaret Crocker for almost 20 years at various events around Sacramento, including appearing by invitation at the Crocker Art Museum at the 2010 opening of the new addition. Hand graduated from University of California, Davis medical school

Feb. 4

UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts Can We Plant? Master Gardener Darla Mills will introduce and demonstrate two useful websites and databases to aid in choosing the appropriate plant. Class runs 9 a.m to noon at 311 Fair Lane in Placerville. Seating is limited. Register online at ucanr.edu/can-we-plant.

Sierra Wildlife Rescue hosts a New Volunteer Fair, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Shingle Springs Community Center, 4440 South Shingle Road. Learn about Sierra Wildlife Rescue and how local wildlife gets rescued, rehabilitated and released.

The Rescue Community Center hosts its second annual crab feed fundraiser, 5-9 p.m. Must be 21 or older to attend. Tickets sold online only through Jan. 30 at rescuecommunitycenter.com.

in 1979 and moved back from the Bay Area to El Dorado Hills in 1995 to work as a medical director for the state and then with the Sacramento County Public Health Department until 2012.

Hand joined the El Dorado DAR in 2019 and continues to pursue both her public health and her living history interests in regularly presenting on women’s health issues and events such as the El Dorado DAR Chapter’s August 1890s Tea that raised funds for Equine Assisted Therapy for Women Veterans with PTSD at Hearts Landing Ranch.

The members of El Dorado Chapter of DAR take pleasure and pride in working together in alignment with national DAR objectives and in harmony with local needs. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR visit DAR.org and for more information about the El Dorado Chapter, or if you wish to learn about your Revolutionary War ancestors, contact chapter regent Sally Johns at ElDoradoCountyRegent@yahoo.com.

The Buck Stop Gun Show takes place Feb. 4 & 5 at the Mark D. Forni Building at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. For more information contact Sam at (530) 306-6011.

The ASCA Dog Show takes place Feb. 4 & 5 in Vicini Pavilions A & B at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. For more information visit asca.org.

See the engaging biopic “The Most Reluctant Convert: The Untold Story of C.S. Lewis” at 4 p.m. and enjoy a delicious ham dinner immediately following at Church of Our Saviour, 2979 Coloma St. in Placerville. All are welcome to this free event.

Feb. 5

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.

Feb. 14

Valentine’s Day carriage rides will be offered 4-8 p.m. in El Dorado Hills Town Center. Couples and families will load in front of South Fork Grille near the Steven Young Amphitheater. Ladies will receive a special Valentine’s Day rose. Rides are powered by and benefitting Young Life, a youth-based local nonprofit. For more information and to book a ride visit edhtowncenter.com. Link for booking rides will be active Jan. 31.

Exceptional Barton Health nurse gets special award

personalized care for her patients embodied that community spirit that Barton hospital provides to its patients,” said McPhatter. “This was one of many examples of her professionalism and mastery of the artful side of nursing.”

ICU nurses, or critical care nurses, are emergency healthcare providers who care for patients facing severe illnesses or conditions who need close supervision. Not only are they highly skilled

and knowledgeable, they keep calm under pressure often managing multiple critical functions simultaneously.

“Maggie’s focus on providing compassionate and

Nurses may be nominated by patients and their families along with other staff and physicians and the award recipient is chosen anonymously by a committee at Barton Health. As a winner of The DAISY Award, Vieira received a certificate, a DAISY Award pin and a sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, handcarved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. Awards are presented quarterly at celebrations often attended by the honoree’s colleagues, patients and visitors.

To learn more and nominate a nurse for The DAISY Award visit BartonHealth.org/Daisy.

Barton Foundation supports the community

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

— Continuing its mission of advancing local health care through philanthropy, the Barton Health Foundation has reported a total of $811,000 in grants awarded throughout 2022. These grants, made possible through generous donations, directly support the health of the Lake Tahoe community.

“As we reflect on this year, we are incredibly grateful to our many generous donors whose contributions allow us to support advancements that make a difference,” said Melanie Turner, chair of the Barton Health Foundation Board of Trustees.

“Most people have experienced the need to seek health care at one time or another, and the assurance of top-notch care with state-of-the-art technology — especially in a rural community

— is a true gift.”

Of the total, $711,000 was applied toward medical equipment upgrades to support patient services across Barton’s Health network. Highlights include advancements to Barton’s 3D Breast Screening program improving breast cancer diagnosis and treatment; hightech infusion chairs promoting safety and offer additional comfort for patients undergoing a variety of medical procedures; a new electrocardiogram machine to improve heart care for Barton Cardiology; life-saving medical equipment for the Emergency Department; new pulmonary function testing equipment important for respiratory illness treatment; new beds for Barton’s Skilled Nursing Facility; and a bladder scanner for the Barton Community Health Center. In addition, $100,000 was distributed through the Barton

Health Foundation Community Grants program for support to nonprofit organizations making a difference in the community through healthcare related initiatives, such as food insecurity, substance use and mental health support.

For more than 30 years the Barton Health Foundation has been committed to improving the health of the residents and visitors of the Lake Tahoe region and to ensuring Barton Health has the tools and technology to provide the best health care possible. Since its inception in 1990, the Barton Health Foundation has raised more than $26 million to ensure state-ofthe-art medical care is available right here in our community. For additional details on the Barton Health Foundation, including upcoming events and ways to give, visit BartonHealthFoundation.org.

Courtesy photo

Barton RN Maggie Viera helped make a patient’s birthday special and impressed her colleagues with her creativity and

Savor the Season with Delicious, Decorative Cheese Boards

FaMILy FeaTuReS

Acheese board, plate or course can be a delightful way to savor the season with family and friends, bringing together a medley of tastes and textures.

This year, try serving up a board with real, quality cheeses that also set a celebratory tone with these tips from the experts at Real California Milk, representing California’s dairy farm families.

Mix it up. When selecting cheeses, create a range of flavors and textures from soft to hard and mild to sharp, and even pungent varieties. Consider these examples:

A bloomy rind cheese such as Brie, Camembert or Formagella

A soft or washed-rind cheese like Teleme or Crescenza

A semi-firm cheese such as Gouda, St. George or toma

A very hard cheese such as dry jack, aged Gouda or aged white cheddar

A highly flavorful or pungent cheese such as blue or flavored jack

Add contrast. Flavorful breads thinly sliced or broken into smaller pieces can enhance contrast in both flavor and texture. For a simple solution, try serving breadsticks as part of this California Continental Cheese Board alongside Brie, toma and pepper jack cheeses.

Be patient (but not too patient). Aged cheeses should be allowed time to come to room temperature. Larger pieces typically take 1-2 hours for the full flavor to develop. However, fresh cheeses should be treated like milk, so don’t allow them to sit out for more than a short time.

Use simple additions. Enhance your cheese plates with olives, nuts or fruit to add flavor and texture. For example, pears go well with blue cheese, Gouda and toma; olives accompany white cheddar and pepper jack; walnuts fit with Gouda and dry jack; and dried cranberries pair nicely with cheddar, blue cheese and mushroom jack in this Red, White and Blue Cheese Board.

Consider portions. Estimate 1-1 1/2 ounces of each cheese per person. If you plan to serve three or more cheeses, consider decreasing the amount to 1 ounce (or less) of each cheese per person.

To find a variety of Real California cheeses at a store near you, visit the product locator at realcaliforniamilk.com.

California Continental Cheese Board

Recipe courtesy of Real California Milk

1-2 ounces California Brie cheese per person

1-2 ounces California toma cheese per person

1-2 ounces California pepper jack cheese per person

walnuts

breadsticks

fresh herbs

On cheese plate, arrange cheeses, almonds, crackers and cherry tomatoes.

Red, White and Blue Cheese Board

Recipe courtesy of Real California Milk

1-2 ounces California cheddar cheese per person

1-2 ounces California blue cheese per person

1-2 ounces California mushroom jack cheese per person

walnuts

dried cranberries

fresh apple slices

On cheese plate, arrange cheeses, walnuts, cranberries, crackers and apple slices.

Lavender Honey Flavored Milk

FaMILy FeaTuReS

The trend of farm-to-table foods is becoming increasingly popular, leading many to ask: Where is my food really coming from? With so many available options in the grocery store, it is important to serve your family nutritious, high-quality foods to ensure healthy eating habits.

Milk is one of the original local, farm-to-table foods. It’s a product from farm families who care about their cows. In fact, 97 percent of dairy farms are still family owned and operatedpassed down from generation to generation.

For dairy farmers, “farm to table” is more than just a buzzword - it’s a part of their livelihood. They value the trust consumers have in them

Recipe courtesy of Emily Caruso of Jelly Toast

Servings: 1

Lavender Honey Milk:

8 ounces fat free milk

1 ounce Lavender Honey Syrup

(Recipe below)

to produce a high-quality product that is farm fresh and locally sourced. In fact, most milk is produced from cows within 300 miles of where it’s sold.

Not only is milk farm fresh, it’s naturally nutrient-rich. The ingredient list is short: milk and vitamins A and D. These simple ingredients, plus minimal processing for safety, make milk and milk products a wholesome part of a nutritious, balanced diet. Add milk at mealtime to ensure your family is getting high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, including 8 grams of protein per every 8-ounce serving.

For a trendy twist on the original farm-to-table food, and a tasty way to start your morning right, try this Lavender Honey Flavored Milk recipe.

Lavender Honey Syrup:

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons culinary lavender blossoms, dried

To make syrup: In small sauce pan, combine honey, water and lavender. Set saucepan over medium-low heat and stir

It’s a delicious way to serve wholesome and natural flavors with milk. For more recipe ideas and milk facts, visit milklife.com.

constantly until mixture is hot, but not boiling, and honey is melted. Remove from heat and allow syrup to cool completely. Strain syrup through fine mesh sieve and discard lavender. Refrigerate syrup in lidded jar until ready to use. Note: Makes about 6 ounces of syrup. Pour 8 ounces milk into glass. Stir in 1

ounce Lavender Honey Syrup until well combined.

Variation: Stir in 1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder into Lavender Honey

Milk for added flavor and color.

Nutritional information per serving: 170 calories; 5 mg cholesterol; 8 g protein; 35 g carbohydrates; 105 mg sodium; 302 mg calcium (30% of daily value).