Mountain Democrat, Friday, January 31, 2025

FIREFIGHTERS FUEL THE FLAMES for training exercises

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El Dorado Hills and Folsom firefighters jumped into action, ready to save the day ... after setting the scenario themselves.

The event was part of a three-day exercise at the El Dorado Hills Fire Department Training Center where first responders honed their skills in a controlled environment so they will be ready

when a real emergency is broadcast over the radio.

“This allows us to practice in a real, live fire environment,” EDH Fire Training Capt. Mark Ali explained.

“We put all that training together so we can become better.

“(The training) heightens our awareness so we understand what it’s like with the smoke, the fire,” he continued.

“We understand how to use our equipment like

exercise. EDH Fire Capt. Brenton Warren, below, performs CPR on a “victim” pulled from the burning building during last week’s training exercise.

Trip to Green gets the green light

■ Construction phase short on green Andrew Vonderschmitt

The Trip to Green project, ongoing since 2021, has been fully green-lit with an agreement for engineering services with Wood Rogers Inc. beginning with an environmental study and documentation. The Placerville City Council voted to approve the project at the Jan. 14 regular meeting.

This agreement encumbers the city with an immediate cost of $970,399.49 to begin the required California Environmental Quality Act documentation. This phase of the project was budgeted for in the 2024-25 city budget and is fully financed by a mix of state and local funding. However the city will be on the hook, in coming years, for upward of $2.6 million to complete the project.

Melissa McConnell, city engineer, reported to the council on the scope of the project, which includes five phases:

• Project approval and environmental documentation — $970,399.49

Several EID projects get the go-ahead

Jack Carrerow

Mountain Democrat correspondent

The El Dorado Irrigation District’s Jan. 20 meeting was a combination of a tutorial on Roberts Rules by General Counsel Brian Poulsen, an insurance payout to the district relating to the Caldor Fire damage and the passage of action items and awarding of contracts that will make repairs and improvements for what the EID Board of Directors agree is an “aged and deteriorating water system infrastructure.”

The meeting began with a salute by General Manager Jim Abercrombie to the district employees who worked to repair the water outage in Camino on Christmas Day.

“These folks were out there working their tails o , while the rest of us were at home dining on Who pudding and roast beast,” he quipped. “They really should be commended.”

On the topic of fire, Senior Deputy General Counsel Elizabeth Leeper reported to the board on the claim filed with the insurance company as a result of damage caused by 2021’s Caldor Fire. The claim was filed for $34 million, according to Leeper and, to date, the district has received $23 million. Leeper also told the board that the claim on the 2023 insurance claim from storms that resulted in

Mountain Democrat photos by Noel Stack

billows from the EDH Fire Traning Center building, above, as firefighter Ty Dennis calls out plans over the radio during last week’s

ESSENTIALS

Val Frank Siebal

1948 – Jan. 22, 2025

It is with great sadness we announce that Val F. Siebal, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, died peacefully at home in January 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Val was the oldest of six children, born in 1948 to Val and Ruth Siebal. A true Renaissance man with great curiosity and a wide range of interests in travel, arts, music and movement (Tai Chi and dancing), he led a very blessed and beautiful life. Happily married to his first wife, Sharron (Smith) for over 40 years, they have two beautiful daughters, Danielle (Mitch) and Michelle (Nick), and two wonderful grandchildren, Allison and Matthew.

After Sharron’s death, Val was blessed, again, meeting and marrying Chris Reeg, who brought great joy and love to this part of his life. She also brought two beautiful daughters (Regina and Stephanie) and their families to add to the Siebal clan. Their past five years have been a whirlwind of travel adventures, activity and growth and they have been so loving and happy in their short time together.

Val was professionally very successful throughout his extensive career and touched many lives in State and County service. Over the course of 40+ years, he rose through the ranks to retire as a Chief Deputy Director at CalEPA’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and as the Director of Sacramento County’s Environment Management Department, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and hard work.

Val was a devoted family man, community member, and friend and he will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He was a man of great faith and an active member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and community. He also contributed time and energy to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), actively lobbying issues that impacted families dealing with diabetes as a health issue.

He is survived by his beloved wife and his family; his siblings and their families and many cherished longtime friends. He brought love, laughter, and loyalty wherever he went, and his spirit will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of being part of his life.

There will be a celebration of life in Val’s honor at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the ALS Association, JDRF, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, Snowline Health, or a charity of your choice.

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 Officer, 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.

Donna Mae Hardy

Feb. 18, 1940 – Nov. 29, 2024

Donna Mae Hardy, 84, born February 18, 1940, passed away at her home in Kelsey, CA on November 29, 2024. She is survived by her husband James Hardy, her children Jerry Hardy, Tim Hardy, Roy Hardy, Marty Hardy and April Schmidt. Grandchildren, great grandchildren and her sister Cathy Thomas. A Celebration of Life will be held on February 22, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at the House of Prayer Family Fellowship, 7901 CA-193, Garden Valley, CA 95633.

Janet Winters

Oct. 5, 1955 – Dec. 25, 2024

Timothy Harold Teasley

Nov. 17, 1958 – Nov. 17, 2024

Tim Teasley passed away at home in his sleep of natural causes on November 17th, 2024. Tim was the son of Terry and Luella Teasley of Pleasant Valley.

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.

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

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.

Tim is survived by his daughter Jami, Mark & grandson Liam Passi of Hawaii, his daughter Tamara Breitbarth of the Bay area, sister Karen Teasley of Pleasant Valley, brother Gregory Teasley of Shingle Springs and many Aunts & uncles and cousins. There will be a Celebration of Life at the Green Valley Community Church, 3500 Missouri Flat Road, Placerville, CA, on Thursday, March 6th at 1 P.M. Tim is greatly missed by his family and friends.

Gary Lee Torgerson Jr.

Sept. 20, 1956 – Dec. 13, 2024

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.

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

/ nstack@villagelife.net

Traffic problems plague people in proximity of Ponderosa

Odin Rasco Senior staff writer

Nearly every morning — more specifically, every morning when Ponderosa High School is in session — residents living off Mineshaft Lane in Shingle Springs say they have to contend with a parade of cars speeding by and ignoring posted traffic signs on their way to the school.

The issue has been ongoing for more than a decade, when PHS reconfigured its parking lot layout in the early 2010s. The reconfiguration created an access route that was a straight shot across Ponderosa Road onto Mineshaft Lane, a small, residential road. Some drivers quickly shifted their routes, using Mineshaft as an unofficial shortcut to shave a minute or two off their trip to school by avoiding the traffic backup along Ponderosa.

Resident Frank Kopita has been trying to advocate for improved traffic safety along Mineshaft Lane and neighboring Elf Wood Lane since at least 2013, when the Mountain Democrat published a story about traffic woes in the area. Kopita has lived in the area since building a home on Mineshaft Lane — the second one, when the lane was still just a dirt road — in 1984; he later moved a few houses over to Elf Wood Lane in 2002.

“Back in 2013, I went to the school, I went to the county and I went to the California Highway Patrol to try and get something done about kids speeding, or parents just waiting on the lane in their cars for pickup time,” Kopita explained. “Eventually, they did change the entryway to the parking lot, putting up no access signs and changing the flow so drivers don’t cut across from Mineshaft. But, the problem is, people now are just driving through anyway, illegally.”

Kopita made sure he gathered facts to back his claims up and his numbers are less than encouraging. He reported that during multiple days in January, 108-115 cars drove along Elf Wood and Mineshaft lanes to get to Ponderosa Road (multiple times more cars than there are even

EDSO CRIME LOG

The following information was taken from EDSO reports: Jan. 1

12:36 a.m. Battery reported on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines.

2:15 a.m. Battery reported on Newtown Road in Placerville.

2:47 a.m. Trespassing reported on Wedge Hill Road in Placerville.

9:36 a.m. Vandalism reported on Pleasant Valley Road in El Dorado. Trespassing reported at Sierra-At-Tahoe Road at Echo Summit.

1:02 p.m. Vandalism reported at a school on Green Valley Road in Placerville.

1:15 p.m. Battery reported on Oriental Street in El Dorado.

2:25 p.m. Petty theft reported at a store on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.

3:23 p.m. Grand theft reported at the casino on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville.

3:29 p.m. Vandalism reported at the casino on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville.

5:11 p.m. Battery reported on Vista Lane in Placerville.

5:31 p.m. Trespassing reported at a store on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.

5:35 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 34-year-old woman suspected of probation violations on Broadway in Placerville. She was

6:05

8:36

8:48 p.m. Petty theft reported at a store on Missouri Flat Road

residents on the two lanes); of those 100-plus vehicles, around 43 swerved past the plastic bollards intended to block cars from entering the high school’s parking area from Mineshaft Lane. Of special note, Kopita said he spotted one car that swerved past the barrier, then came to a stop while still adjacent to the intersection as the passenger, a student, hopped out and pretended to push the vehicle forward.

“I’ve got to say, that’s a first,” Kopita remarked.

One of the problems Mineshaft and Elf Wood lane residents face is the lack of posted speed limit signs; according to Kopita, a resident put up an unofficial speed limit sign they had personally purchased, but it was later taken down by county officials. Kopita explained he is concerned about safety because multiple residents in the area have young grandchildren who may be walking nearby.

“We cannot install speed limit signs because that stretch of the road doesn’t meet the Caltrans criteria,” explained county spokesperson Carla Hass. “The county is aware of the concerns at this location and has taken steps to reduce students crossing Mineshaft Lane, such as striping and installing some form of barriers.”

The local California Highway Patrol office has been made aware of the issues. Officer Andrew Brown indicated patrols would be briefed, with the goal of increasing a presence in the area during peak traffic times.

If those solutions prove ineffective, however, the last option open to the local residents has a hefty price tag attached.

“I’ve been to the county to see what it would take to have the road vacated; it’ll take $50,000,” Kopita said. “If we could do it at an actually reasonable price, we would, but that’s too much.”

If the lanes were to be vacated (meaning they would no longer be county-maintained) the neighborhood would have to get approval from the Traffic Advisory Committee,

n See TRAFFIC, page A9

1:55

man suspected of obstruction, battery, evading a peace officer and exhibiting a deadly weapon Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park. He was released on $33,000 bail.

3:55 p.m. Trespassing reported at a church on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.

3:57 p.m. Battery reported on Terracina Drive in El Dorado Hills.

4:24 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 35-year-old woman suspected of theft, trespassing, obstruction and disorderly conduct on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. She was listed in custody in lieu of $21,000 bail.

5:13 p.m. Trespassing reported at an apartment complex on Service Drive in Diamond Springs.

7:58 p.m. Deputies issued a citation after responding to a trespassing report at a store on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

8:18 p.m. A person allegedly drunk in public was reported at a brewery on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

11:20 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 60-year-old man suspected of disorderly conduct, probation violations and DUI on Golden Center Drive in Placerville. He was released on $27,000 bail.

Jan. 4

4:56 a.m. Trespassing reported on Wedge Hill Road in Placerville.

11:41 a.m. Deputies made an arrest after responding to a verbal disturbance at an apartment complex on Valley View Parkway in El Dorado Hills.

1:02 p.m. Trespassing reported on Camerado Drive in Cameron Park.

1:28 p.m. Trespassing reported on Irish Acres Road in Somerset.

1:53 p.m. Trespassing reported at a school on Bass Lake Road in Rescue.

2:52 p.m. Trespassing reported at clubhouse on Devon Way in El Dorado Hills.

3:59 p.m. Deputies made an arrest after responding to a burglary report on Gold Country Drive in El Dorado.

5:44 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 37-year-old woman suspected of possession of burglary tools, unauthorized entry of a dwelling, petty theft, driving without a license and possession of a controlled substance and illegal paraphernalia on Product Drive in Shingle Springs. She was released on $5,000 bail.

8:10 p.m. Vandalism reported on Castana Drive in Cameron Park.

11:35 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 37-year-old man suspected of elder abuse on Cosumnes Mine Road in Somerset. He was listed in custody in lieu of $350,000 bail.

Jan. 5

12:31 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 44-year-old man suspected of vehicle theft, possession of a stolen vehicle and a probation violation on Silva Valley Road in El Dorado Hills. He was released on $95,000 bail.

10:35 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 41-year-old woman suspected of multiple illegal drug related offenses on Highway 50 (location not specified). She was released on $210,000 bail.

10:37 a.m. Trespassing reported on Dos Lagos Court in n See CRIME LOG, page A9

tingling is gone. I now have full balance and can walk without pain. As Dr. Mooney explained the treatment is not painful, nothing uncomfortable, and is actually very relaxing.” – Neuropathy Pain Patient

Democrat photo by Odin Rasco

Tahoe Basin getting first public safety training complex

Mark Thomsen Lake Tahoe Community College

SOUTH LAKE

TAHOE — Tthe California Community Colleges Board of Governors unanimously approved the creation of a Fire and Forestry Pathways Demonstration Project, allocating $15 million across 19 community colleges to expand workforce training. Of the $15 million allocation, Lake Tahoe Community College was awarded $8.6 million to provide leadership and technical assistance for the colleges in the project and to support the construction of a new Tahoe Basin Public Safety Training Complex.

“This project will expand workforce education in fields that lead to high-wage and in-demand careers,” said CCC Chancellor Sonya Christian. “The board of governors’ action to approve this project represents an important investment in California’s future emergency response capabilities and ensures the state is better equipped to prevent and respond to the increasing threats of climate change and wildfire.”

The flagship LTCC Fire Academy, now in its 19th year, and the Forestry Education Program launched in 2022 are examples of workforce programs that will benefit from the new project and the future TBPSTC. Located on the LTCC campus, the multi-use facility will bolster the training of future public

safety personnel while providing expanded professional training opportunities in forestry, fire, and emergency medical services.

This funding milestone represents years of collaboration, planning and advocacy with the support of the Tahoe community, local fire chiefs and state and regional stakeholders. It fulfills the final promise made under the 2014 local general obligation bond, Measure F, by combining $5.7 million from the bond with recently secured state and federal resources.

“The public safety training complex has been a vision for our community for more than a decade. By building this critical infrastructure, we

can ensure future generations of safety personnel are welltrained. Providing a pipeline of qualified professionals to local and state agencies is critical in this era of living with wildfire. I’m excited that our promise to the community is about to become a reality. I’m also honored that LTCC has been selected to lead the California community college system in enhancing fire and forestry programs as part of this Project,” said Jeff DeFranco, superintendent/ president of LTCC.

Vision born from Measure F

The public safety training complex is the

final major campus project funded by Measure F, passed with strong community support. Measure F was designed to improve LTCC’s campus infrastructure, by enhancing educational program facilities and transforming student learning environments. The bond has funded several key initiatives, including modernizing and upgrading campus classrooms and labs, implementing several important ADA enhancements throughout the campus, establishing an on-site Early Learning Center and constructing the Tahoe Mobility Hub. Through this $55 million bond, LTCC has successfully leveraged approximately $70 million from state and federal funds, the California capital outlay program, community partnerships and private donations. This funding match brings the full investment in LTCC facilities made possible by the passage of Measure F to nearly $125 million.

“When we secured

Measure F, we made a promise to the community: every dollar invested in this bond would be matched by additional funding to maximize its impact,” said DeFranco.

Measure F is rigorously transparent and has received regular and thorough oversight from the Citizens Oversight Committee. Nine consecutive years of clean thirdparty performance and financial audits underscore the college’s commitment to transparency and responsible management of community resources.

First-of-its-kind facility

The Tahoe Basin Public Safety Training Complex will be the first of its kind in the region, featuring state-of-theart training resources such as:

• A 100,000-squarefoot outdoor training tarmac for simulating fire and rescue scenarios.

• An advanced training tower for vertical rescue and fire

suppression exercises.

• A robust water delivery system designed for fire safety exercises.

• 7,000 square feet of secure storage for engines, equipment and gear that supports forestry, firefighting, and other career technical education programs.

• A multi-disciplinary facility serving Fire Science, Wildland Fire, Forestry, Emergency Medical Services, and Wilderness Medicine and Search and Rescue programs.

“This facility will not only serve as a training ground for public safety professionals across the state but as a catalyst for economic growth and resilience in our region. It brings an essential resource to the Tahoe Basin, where we previously had to travel off-campus and outside the area for hands-on training,” said Brad Deeds, dean of Workforce Development and Instruction.

Next steps

The next steps for the TBPSTC include formalizing the CCC contract, finalizing plans with stakeholders and the project architect JKAE and collaborating with local and state agencies such as the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Division of the State Architect and Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board for permitting and plan approvals. Pre-site preparations are scheduled to begin in fall 2025, with construction anticipated to start in May 2026. The goal is to have the facility fully operational in early 2027. The project’s success reflects the shared commitment to building a safer, stronger Tahoe Basin. A groundbreaking ceremony is being planned. Visit ltcc.edu/ pstc for more details and future updates.

New area code is here

The California Public Utilities Commission reminds Californians that the new 837 area code will be added as an overlay to the 530 area code region starting Jan. 31.

In June 2023, the CPUC approved the implementation of an area code overlay, which adds a second area code to the same geographic region served by the existing 530 area code. The 530 area code serves most of northeastern California, covering all or portions of Alpine, Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Humboldt, Lassen, Modoc, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Yolo and Yuba counties. It serves communities such as Chico, Davis, El Dorado Hills, Oroville, Paradise, Placerville, Red Bluff, Redding, South Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Woodland and Yuba City, as well as unincorporated areas.

Starting on Jan. 31 customers in the 530 area code region may be assigned a number in the new 837 area code when they request new service or an additional line. Customers receiving an 837 area code will be required to dial 1 + the area code and phone number for all local calls, just as customers with telephone numbers from the 530 area code do today.

Facts about the 530/837 area code overlay

• Telephone numbers, including the current area code, will not change.

• The overlay does not affect the price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services.

• What is a local call now will

remain a local call.

• Customers in the overlay region will continue to dial 1+10 digits for local calls within and between the overlay area codes, and 1+10 digits for long-distance calls.

• Customers still can dial just three digits to reach 911 and 988, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 or 811 if those are currently available in their community.

How to prepare

Customers should continue to identify their telephone number as a 10-digit number (3-digit area code + 7-digit telephone number) and include the area code when giving the number to friends, family, business associates and others.

Customers should ensure their websites, personal and business stationery, printed checks, advertising materials, contact information and personal or pet ID tags include the area code.

Customers should ensure that all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment recognize the new 837 area code as a valid area code and should continue to store or program telephone numbers as 10-digit numbers. Some examples include but are not limited to: stored telephone numbers in contact lists in wireless or cordless phones, PBXs, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, medical alert devices, safety alarm security systems and gates, ankle monitors and/or other similar equipment.

For more information contact your telephone service provider or visit the CPUC’s website at cpuc.ca.gov.

Courtesy photo

The LTCC Fire Academy will benefit from a new training complex coming to the college campus.

Slager trial has begun

Odin Rasco Senior sta writer

Following threeand-a-half days of a rigorous jury selection process, the trial for the former Camino Union Elementary School janitor accused of sex acts involving two minors in two di erent decades began in earnest Tuesday, Jan. 28, and is expected to run through next week.

El Dorado County sheri ’s deputies arrested Christopher Slager in May 2023 after receiving reports from adults acquainted with a young girl who had claimed Slager had engaged in sex acts with her. Another individual, an adult, later came forward during the investigation and accused Slager of having engaged in sexual acts with her decades prior when she was younger than 10 years old.

Sheri ’s o cials note neither of the two potential victims were students at Camino School.

The preliminary hearing, held in January 2024, concluded with visiting Judge Thomas A. Smith ruling the El Dorado County District Attorney’s O ce had su cient evidence to pursue a jury trial for eight felony charges for sex acts involving children. Slager, a Pollock Pines resident, maintained his not guilty pleas to all charges after the pretrial. Uncertainty surrounding who would represent Slager at trial resulted in multiple delays in scheduling the trial date.

The younger of the two persons claiming to have been molested, identified as J. Doe, was 10 at the time of the initial investigation. She reportedly was hesitant to recount details to investigators, saying she had “pinky promised to not tell.”

Doe had lived in a close-knit community near a Pollock Pines school and had often gone to Slager’s home to be babysat, watch television with her brother or to watch Slager’s son play video games.

Doe recounted two instances of alleged molestation involving oral copulation and anal penetration; one occasion is said to have taken place prior to July 2020, while another took place after July 2020, according to Harris’ testimony. At the time, Doe would have been 7 or 8 years old, Harris said. The July 2020 timing was considered notable by prosecutors; Harris explained in questioning that Slager’s wife died that month.

During the trial, Slager’s attorney asked Doe if she often lied. Doe admitted that she did, before adding, “But not about this.”

Another person who later reached out to investigators, identified as J. Doe 2, was related to Slager. Doe 2, told investigators he had molested her when she was a child in the ‘90s but she had not reported it before as she believed the statute of limitations had passed.

Routine CHP traffic stop leads to drug arrest

Odin Rasco Senior sta writer

A California Highway Patrol

o cer checking a stalled vehicle next to Highway 50 Tuesday, Jan. 28, discovered more than a stranded motorist. The stop yielded the discovery of more than 4 pounds of drugs, according to a CHP press release. Near the vehicle the CHP o cer encountered Ruifeng Lin, 42, who

• Final design (Plans Specifications and Estimate — $2,222,379.83

• Right-of-way engineering — $291,957.63

• Grant support — $73,775.17

• Construction engineering — $63,764.03

The project includes the installation of tra c management devices such as barriers, mechanical stop bars, channelization devices for turn lanes and other intelligent transportation system features and construction of a bicycle and pedestrian overcrossing at Canal Street, according to McConnell’s report.

Sta secured funding for phase one of the project through Local Transportation Climate Adaptation grant funds, which provide support to local agencies to develop and implement infrastructure projects that address climate change e ects and improve transportation and community resiliency. The funding cannot be used for any other phase.

“Currently the construction phase is not funded,” McConnell said. During implementation of Trip to Green, all three tra c signals in Placerville are held in a solid green phase for pre-designated times during high-congestion periods or in the event of emergency evacuations.

Public commenters recalled Trip to Green aiding in the evacuation of residents during the Caldor fire.

“It worked,” city resident Sue Rodman said. “It is part of what we need to do to be prepared for disasters.”

Newly installed councilmember Ryan Carter was not convinced. Quoting a Transportation Commission report he said, on average, eastbound drivers saved eight seconds while westbound drivers saved 55 seconds during Trip to Green tests in the past. He added that the majority of those benefitting are not

o cials said appeared to be under the influence of drugs. Additional investigation uncovered material believed to be methamphetamine and ketamine.

Lin is currently in custody at the El Dorado County Jail with a bail set at $415,000. Lin faces multiple felony charges, including driving under the influence of a controlled substance and the transport and possession of a controlled substance.

residents of Placerville.

“I have an issue spending Placerville tax dollars on such a tiny benefit,” Carter said. “And only 7% of those people are residents.”

Councilmember Jackie Neau contended that the benefit to residents became clear during congested weekends. She remarked that a usual grocery store trip would take her roughly seven minutes, one way, while the same trip during a busy weekend would take significantly longer.

“I timed it once,” Neau said. “It took me 32 minutes to get from Raley’s back to my house, on a heavy weekend.”

The e ect on residents was greater than the statistics show, Neau added, asserting, “There is a big impact on residents.”

Mayor John Clerici was clear that the tra c on the freeway was not the concern.

“If everyone stayed on Highway 50 that was coming through town out of Apple Hill that would be fine,” Clerici said. “But they don’t.”

When it impacts locals, that is when the council should be aware, he added.

“A really important benefit of this project is the pedestrian overcrossing,” McConnell said, adding that the safety of the middle and high school students who cross at Canal Street everyday will make the finished project an ongoing asset to residents.

“When we talk about how expensive this project is going to be, that’s one of the big ticket costs,” she said. “It’s really important to recognize that that’s a huge local safety benefit.”

The council voted 4-1 in favor of approving the project. Carter voted no.

The timeline for the project estimates construction beginning in spring of 2029, assuming funding is secured.

BIA, Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians sign trust agreement

Kim Stoll News release

The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians recently celebrated a land into trust acquisition with a signing ceremony at the Shingle Springs Rancheria on Jan. 15. The placement of land into trust, one of the BIA’s most crucial functions, establishes Tribal jurisdiction and strengthens sovereignty.

The acquired land in Sutter County, commonly known as Verona, was originally one of the Tribe’s ancestral Nisenan villages called Wóllok. The Tribe purchased this piece of its homeland in 2020.

“Our Tribe received its first federal recognition in 1916 following a census of our ancestors living in both Sacramento and Verona,” Cuellar explained.

“By 1920, the U.S. government acquired undeveloped land in El Dorado County intended for our relocation.”

“While our Tribal government has been headquartered in Shingle Springs since 1976, our membership has always been and will always be connected to the land of our ancestors.”

— Regina Cuellar Tribal Chairwoman

“As descendants of the original Nisenan and Miwok peoples of the Sacramento Valley and Sierra Foothills, our roots to these lands run deep,” said Tribal Chairwoman Regina Cuellar.

The Tribe’s history in the region spans generations, surviving significant historical challenges including the epidemics of the early 1800s, the establishment of the Sutter Land Grant and Fort (1839-49), and the Gold Rush beginning in 1848. Following these disruptions, the Tribe’s families re-established themselves in Sacramento and at Wóllok, the land now placed into trust.

Since then, the Tribe has flourished in El Dorado County, developing successful economic ventures including Red Hawk Resort + Casino, the Shingle Springs Health & Wellness Center and Red Hawk Travel Center. These enterprises have enabled the expansion of governmental services, including new Tribal housing, fire and police departments, a Tribal Court, the state’s first joint-jurisdiction court and more.

“While our Tribal government has been headquartered in Shingle Springs since 1976, our membership has always been and will always be connected to the land of our ancestors,” Cuellar said.

“By establishing these physical spaces and returning them to Tribal stewardship, we are creating opportunities for meaningful community engagement while preserving our cultural practices and traditions that will strengthen our Tribe’s foundation for generations to come.”

CHRISTOPHER SLAGER

OPINION

Wildfire resilience and the important role of public water agencies

The recent wildfires that swept through the greater Los Angeles area have left an enduring impact on countless lives. With more than 10,000 homes tragically destroyed, entire communities are now facing profound loss and uncertainty.

As members of the Mountain Counties Water Resources Association, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to everyone a ected by this devastating catastrophe. Having witnessed the far-reaching consequences of megafires in our own Sierra foothills, we understand the gravity of such events and their lasting e ects. In our role as advocates for balanced water resource management, we are committed to learning from these tragedies to improve wildfire preparedness in our region, while acknowledging both the critical purpose and the limitations of public water systems in the face of such challenges.

Letters to the Editor

Divisive cartoons

EDITOR:

My wife and I have been readers of the Mountain Democrat for over 30 years. We have always recognized the pervasive conservative editorial viewpoint presented in the newspaper through the choice of local and syndicated contributors. Unfortunately, I have felt there is an increasing degree of irresponsibility by the editorial sta with the included use of Branco’s and Ramirez’s confrontational, frequently unfounded conspiratorial and sometimes hateful political cartoons.

Preposterous pardons

EDITOR:

Trump’s action to pardon the Jan. 6 prisoners was wrong! It doesn’t matter whether you are Republican, Democrat, Libertarian or Independent, if you say you support our police — local, state and federal — then you need to communicate to the White House that you disapprove of that decision.

Many of those Jan. 6 convicts were imprisoned for violence against the police o cers that you say you support. Prove it by writing to tell the new White House resident that this is completely wrong, Our police are the frontline of law and order. If you support them, prove it.

KATHLEEN SMITH Placerville

Contrary to popular belief, expansive wild res are not extinguished with vast amounts of water alone. Instead, they are controlled by establishing re lines ...

Public water systems are the backbone of our communities, delivering clean and dependable water to homes, businesses and public facilities. While they play a crucial role in daily life and supporting local firefighting e orts, they are not designed to serve as the primary resource for combating large-scale, wind-driven wildfires. These systems are engineered to meet every day needs and assist in emergencies such as small-scale structure fires. However, no drinking water system can independently meet the extraordinary demands of massive wildfires like the Palisades and Eaton fires, which require vast amounts of water, thousands of personnel, extensive equipment and aerial resources.

Recognizing these limitations is essential to community risk planning and emergency preparedness. And key to wildfire preparedness is e ectively managing the wildland-urban interface — the zone where human development meets and intermingles with natural landscapes, creating heightened wildfire risks. Addressing these areas is crucial for minimizing potential damage.

From Northern to Southern California, proactive measures such as vegetation management, maintaining defensible space, enforcing building and fire codes and ensuring clear access for emergency responders can substantially reduce the threat of wildfires in the WUI. During wildfires, public water systems face extraordinary challenges. Firefighters often tap into hydrants at multiple

■ See RATTERMAN, page A7

The Not So Weekly Daley

Our society is already in a state of turmoil and these can only help drive further divisiveness and acrimony in our community. Recognizing through listening with an open mind another’s concerns and fears involving issues we are currently confronting is an initial step toward understanding and perhaps achieving some degree of compromise. Discussion, understanding and compromise, to my mind, are essentials in maintaining a civil society which creates solid ground for keeping a healthy, strong democracy. Surely there are political cartoonists available who can use their opportunity to develop understanding of a controversy with some degree of humor and with a little less sharp poke in the eye delivery.

THOM SEIVERT Placerville

Grateful for care

EDITOR:

Icould have been a gold miner stuck underground in South Africa or be wounded in Gaza. But when I needed help in July and since, Marshall Medical Center and the clinic were there. Three doctors and the sta in the clinic (the receptionists) and the emergency room sta have made me feel that I was no trouble at all. I was just in trouble. Such was their kindness.

Kooky stuff lurks everywhere and plenty more to share

Occasionally, I get so many disparate ideas that I decide to go with several instead of just one or two. Also, I’ve been feeling kind of puny the last couple days, so I’ve watched more TV and read more internet stu than usual. For openers, do you realize that today is the very last day of Bath Safety Month? Saw that on a bathroom remodel company commercial. I know there’s a month for just about everything from chocolate and doughnuts to yams and zebras. But I have to say, Bath Safety Month is a brand new one to me. I’m sure Rubber Band Safety and Sticky

Pad Safety months can’t be far behind. After all, you could put out your eye or get a paper cut if you’re not careful. And speaking of safety, I have checked faithfully on the number and kinds of threats we face by not having a crayon or a bread-wrap tag in our wallets. Suppose you absolutely needed to color something right now. You’re not only totally alone; you’re also without a crayon. Or imagine losing your emergency bookmark behind the stove one day while reading and making tea. Again, all alone, and no bread tag in your wallet! That would be some deep doo-doo.

Two things you really must do

without fail when traveling alone (which evidently is scary enough). You must put a bottle of water on one of your car tires. Or face the consequences of such a foolhardy lapse. From what I’ve learned, it somehow keeps the car cooler. I don’t get the science there, but I o er it as a research project if you’re going to travel alone without a bottle of water in your wallet or on the passenger seat.

When sleeping alone always wrap aluminum foil on your doorknobs. That way you will hear any of those creepy miscreants turning the knob(s) and have time to grab your bread tag and crayon and escape out the window.

On a more somber note, the new administration is really beating the drum about rounding up vicious, alien convicted felons that seem to

be everywhere. But ICE and other law enforcement folks have had a hard time catching them. What I don’t understand is, why aren’t those vicious criminals already locked up or deported or wearing leg bracelets at the very least? If authorities know who they are and where they are, please go get them.

If you are plagued by vampires or just flies, hang a bunch of pennies in a clear plastic bag full of water above the porch and front door. Some experts say it doesn’t work on flies and the jury is still out on vampires. But what else can you really do with pennies these days? Drop some in the wishing well and let me know when you find it. Keep working on those positive resolutions, and I will too. Chris Daley is a biweekly columnist for the Mountain Democrat.

CHRIS DALEY

■ See LETTERS, page A7

SCOTT RATTERMAN

points simultaneously, causing significant drops in water pressure. High demand can rapidly deplete storage tanks and overwhelm pumping capacities, compromising the system’s overall performance. Additionally, power outages — all too common during major wind events and wildfires — can temporarily disable pumps and other critical water infrastructure, further hindering e orts to maintain reliable water delivery.

Contrary to popular belief, expansive wildfires are not extinguished with vast amounts of water alone. Instead, they are controlled by establishing fire lines — physical barriers created by hand crews and heavy equipment, such as bulldozers — to halt the fire’s progress. This underscores the need for a comprehensive, proactive approach to wildfire preparedness and resilience. By implementing the following strategies, we can significantly reduce risks and bolster community safety:

Defensible space and community planning Communities and property-owners must prioritize defensible space by clearing flammable vegetation, using fire-resistant landscaping and building materials and maintaining accessible fire lanes and evacuation routes.

System redundancy and backup power — Water agencies should further invest in backup power generators for pumping stations and enhance system redundancy to ensure water delivery even during power outages.

Strategic water storage — Streamlining regulatory processes and increasing local (raw and

potable) water storage capacity can help maintain reserves for emergencies. Storage tanks in fireprone areas equipped with firefighter connections are essential for rapid response.

Emergency coordination and interconnections — Water agencies and fire departments must collaborate on emergency response plans and establish real-time communication during wildfire events to prioritize water distribution. Interconnections between water systems can move resources where they are needed most.

Public education — Residents must understand the limitations of water systems during wildfires and take personal responsibility for preparedness, including hardening homes and reducing fire risks.

Vegetation management and fuel modification — Partnerships and expedited permitting processes with state and federal agencies to manage fuel loads in forests, chaparral, and the wildland-urban interface are crucial to making rapid progress towards mitigating wildfire risks and severity.

Reviewing local fire codes — Evaluating and updating local fire codes ensures that lessons learned from recent events are incorporated into public water system design and fire protection standards.

Investing in innovation and resilient infrastructure — Water agencies must embrace innovative technologies for real-time monitoring, enhance water storage and delivery capabilities, and secure state and federal investments to strengthen aging infrastructure against climate change and

by Joel Fagliano

wildfire risks.

Policy advocacy — Advocacy for balanced, science-based policies is essential to address wildfire and water management challenges. Collaboration among state, local and federal stakeholders can create more e ective frameworks for managing wildfire risks sustainably.

The passage of Proposition 4 in 2024 provides a transformative opportunity to implement many of these recommendations. This state bond funding supports wildfire resilience and water infrastructure projects, including fortifying raw water conveyance systems and developing reservoirs in high-risk areas. Communities in the Sierra foothills and beyond must actively leverage these funds to enhance preparedness and reduce vulnerabilities.

The devastating losses in greater Los Angeles remind us of the critical need for vigilance and collaboration. Public water systems are a cornerstone of community safety, but they are only part of the solution. By working together — water agencies, firefighters, policymakers and residents — we can build more resilient communities and better protect lives and property.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with the communities of Pacific Palisades and Altadena as they recover from this tragedy. Let us honor their resilience by taking meaningful steps today to ensure a safer, more prepared future for all Californians.

Scott Ratterman is president of the Mountain Counties Water Resources Association.

the people who raise money for Marshall come around.

ELIZABETH CAFFREY

Money wasted

EDITOR:

am writing this letter as I see on the news that Karen Bass, mayor of Los Angeles, cut fire department funding by more than $14 million but gave (money) for a transgender café. How crazy is that?

The fire department should have come first. Where are her priorities?

President Donald Trump points the finger at California Gov. Gavin Newsom, claiming Newsom could have sent millions of gallons of water to Southern California.

The Democrats sure misspend money.

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 rst Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM. Legionpost119.org

CAMERON PARK NEWCOMERS

CLUB meets the rst 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 Sheri ’s o ce, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net

PLAY CRIBBAGE

Join the Gold Country Cribbers 916-212-2465 or 916-768-4452. We Play - We Teach - We Have Fun. Wednesdays 4:00 PM. Gilmore Senior Center 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA Struggling with life? CELEBRATE RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/

DEMOCRATS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the

month. Call (530)391-6414 or see edcdems.org for more information. GOLD RUSH CHORUS now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing four-part harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or Kent (530) 651-3575

HANGTOWN WOMEN’S TENNIS CLUB. Come play tennis for fun and friendship. Meet at El Dorado High School, Acacia Street, Placerville, Wed 9 AM – 11 AM. (June - Aug 8 AM –10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call 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 rst and third Wednesday of every month, 7pm. Come and have a paid lunch with

CONNIE ROSEN Pollock Pines

$2.3 million in damage to the Echo Conduit water pipeline has been paid.

When asked by board president Pat Dwyer if the district can expect an increase in insurance premiums, Leeper responded the rates could rise by 20% in the near future.

Under the consent calendar, Kailee DeLongchamp of the engineering department, asked that the board consider authorizing project funding in the amounts of $25,000 for department’s labor for the Water Facility Generators — Federal Emergency Management Agency Grant Project and $25,000 for capitalized labor for the Wastewater Facility Generators — Federal Emergency Management Agency Grant Project.

The next item, presented by Fleet & Building Maintenance manager Greg Royal and customer service manager Jenny Downey was to ask the board to consider awarding a contract to Aqua Metric Sales Company in the not-to-exceed amount of $600,000 for the inventory purchase of meters and associated parts and authorize project funding in the amounts of $325,000 for an inventory transfer of meters and associated parts and $35,000 for capitalized labor for a total funding request of $360,000 for the Automated Meter Read and Meter Replacement Project. It passed 5-0. Under Operations, Drinking Water Operations Manager Bill Petterson asked the board to consider

the thermal imaging cameras.”

Smoke poured out the front door as firefighters breached the entrance of one of the mock houses built at the site in the EDH Business Park. Teams arrived and followed the direction of Incident Commander Matt Eckhardt, who assigned crews to find the source of the fire and put it out while others searched for the victims.

“We have just minutes and every second counts to find victims inside,” Ali said, explaining that training like this is vital to saving real people in danger. With every minute that passes, the likelihood of finding people alive drastically diminishes.

Firefighters got to see how flames move through a structure and how to navigate smoke-filled rooms and tight spaces. At one point the blaze poured into the stairwell, creating a column of fire that crews had to tackle. Fire hoses did their jobs well in knocking down the flames —

awarding a contract to Blain Stumpf in the notto-exceed amount of $374,502.51 for the purchase and delivery of aggregate baserock, clean crushed rock, sand and cutback to support construction operations for a period of one year and authorize the general manager to extend the contract for up to two additional one-year periods subject to the annual contract amount increasing by no more than 5 percent annually in each of the years two through three. The board concurred unanimously.

Board member Lori Anzini brought up the possibility of having tours or even use videos to educate and inform county residents on how the water system operates. Board member Paul Penn agreed, saying he enjoyed a tour of the system, but was concerned for what he termed “the deterioration of the system infrastructure.”

“That’s why we have to institute a more aggressive program of restoration,” Penn maintained To enhance that subject were informational items that included an overview and history of the Strawberry water system and fire hydrant operation.

Senior Civil Engineer Patrick Wilson reported that the Strawberry Water System has “been a challenge over the years.” He pointed to the fact that the district was still using under-performing 3-inch pipe to supply not only the 21 hydrants in the district, but the residents and Strawberry Lodge.

During a slide presentation, Wilson pointed to the fact that even if the Strawberry district had the 8-inch pipe, “hydrants are designed for structure, not wildfires.” Board director Penn suggested the board tour the area.

During public comment, both Angel and Greg Ball asked the board to continue the spirit of cooperation with the Strawberry Fire Safe Council, the El Dorado County Fire Protection District and EID to help alleviate Strawberry residents’ problems and concerns. “The idea of trying to fight wildfires with the current water system is unrealistic,” said Greg Ball. “I want to continue the dialogue and help educate the public about the current water system.”

After the lesson on Robert’s Rules of Order, a set of rules for conducting meetings that ensure fairness, efficiency, and order, Petterson told the board that the current water system’s leak rate, exceeds the national average. Petterson cited the fact that the half of system uses polyethylene pipe. “We do more repairs than most and replacing the pipe with rolled coated copper lines would really be an improvement,” Petterson told the board. “In 2024, we had about three times the number of unplanned repairs than we had planned.”

Petterson asked the board to consider authorizing project funding in the amounts of $769,165 for capitalized labor, $321,312 for materials and supplies, $37,943 for compaction testing and El Dorado County Department of Transportation inspections, $317,060 for asphalt patch paving services, and $104,520 for concrete remediation services for a total funding request of $1,550,000

not to mention misting the media documenting the exercise from a safe distance.

By the end of the week, all three shifts at EDH Fire had completed the training. After each event, participants, led by Ty Dennis, sat down to discuss what went right, problems encountered and how to get even better next time.

EDH Fire Community Emergency Response Team members assisted firefighters before and after each event, making sure participants had full air tanks and plenty of cold water, among other tasks. After wrapping up a successful scenario with victims rescued and all personnel accounted for, Ali said he was grateful EDH Fire has such a great training facility where they and other fire departments can work together and get better at their jobs.

“We believe this is the best job in the world,” Ali shared. “We’re happiest when we can help others.”

for the Service Line Replacement Project.

The board continued their perfect day by approving the project 5-0.

The next item on the action section of the agenda, involved the repair or replacement survey of sections of Flume 48, which measures about 448 linear feet and is constructed of wood and stacked stones.

Petterson’s presentation asked the board to consider awarding contracts to KGS Group International Inc. in the not-to-exceed amount of $488,946 for design services, R.E.Y. Engineers in the not-to-exceed amount of $82,878 for surveying, and Acorn Environmental in the not-toexceed amount of $98,800 for preparation of an environmental impact report; and authorize project funding of $50,000 for cultural resource studies, $30,000 for geotechnical investigations, $125,000 for capitalized labor, and $43,781 in contingency for a total funding request of $919,405 for the Flume 48 Replacement Project.

While the board agreed that the flume needed replacement, it was pointed out by District 5 Board Director Alan Day that the flume is listed on the National Historic Register and would lose that designation. “Maybe we can figure out how to save a section for people to see,” he suggested.

But, it was pointed out by others that access to the flume is quite severe. The motion to approve contracts passed 5-0.

Lastly, Engineering Manager Liz Carrington asked the board to consider awarding a contract to Calpo Hom & Dong Architects in the not-toexceed amount of $120,860 to prepare a basis of design report and authorize project funding in the amounts of $30,000 for capitalized labor and $15,000 in contingencies for a total funding request of $165,860 for the District Headquarters Corporation Yard Improvements Project.

Carrington pointed out, in a slide presentation to the board, that there are seven district work groups sharing the facility.

“It’s really quite cramped with our number of vehicle service bays needed to do oil changes and other vehicle maintenance,” Carrington told the board.

“These needs date back to 2020,” she added. “I hope this doesn’t end up like Bass Lake. The price kept going up and up,” she said, referring to the 2023 wastewater collection project with a budget of $328 million. Carrington said that while the current storage areas and service garages will be updated, the project also has the future in mind.

“We have even allowed in the budget for electric vehicle charging stations,” she said.

Board president Dwyer added, “You know, these people work under some pretty adverse conditions. I think we owe this to them.”

With that, the board kept their streak alive by voting 5-0 to approve. The next scheduled meeting of the EID Board of Directors is Feb. 10 at 9 a.m.

Training Continued from A1

Mountain Democrat photos by Noel Stack

Firefighters get hoses ready for crews that are headed inside the burning building. The training scenario had fire burning on the home’s lower level

Incident Commander Matt Eckhardt calls out oders over the radio at the start of the training event.

EDH Fire Training Capt. Mark Ali holds one of the infrared cameras firefighters use to locate fires and victims inside smoke-filled buildings and homes.

OUTSIDE WITH CHARLIE

Snow dance

The snow gods seem to be on a coffee break. In the backcountry either it snows or it doesn’t.

For backcountry travelers that’s always a consideration. Outside of checking with other cross-country skiers and snowshoers it’s really not possible to know what the conditions are when you start out.

Right now there isn’t any snow between Pollock Pines and Phillips. You have to head up past 6,500 feet to get to the cold, white, slippery stuff. By the time you read this there hopefully is a great deal of it in Pollock Pines, which means it’s really good higher up. Hopefully.

Reports from Sierra Avalanche Center have mentioned sketchy snow coverage below 7,000 feet all over our region. Hope Valley is just a bit above 7,000 feet and is a spectacular place to cross-country ski or snowshoe, but word from there is the same — very sparse.

One of the reasons you always start out with a full tank of gas is the lurking possibility you may have to explore a bit to find the snow conditions you want. Maybe just up the road at Echo Summit, 7,539 feet, will bring you to some snow, maybe a lot of it by press time.

Heading east on Highway 50 from Pollock Pines, take Johnson Pass Road before you get to the summit. Park at the SnoPark just across from Echo Lakes Road. Remember, you must have a current SnoPark permit with you before you arrive. Parking without one can ruin your day when you return and find a citation on your windshield. Your wallet won’t like it.

The road that leads down to the lake, once you get close to the lake, gets steep, twisty and probably icy till you’re at the lake. If you’re on crosscountry skis you’ll need to decide whether you want to ski down, walk down or just enjoy where you are. That all depends on how skilled you are at turning and stopping. My skill level never reached a point where I’d ever chance that. Snowshoes work just fine. Stay off the lake no matter how frozen it looks. This isn’t polar bear plunge time.

Grass Lake is on Highway 89. Take the turn from the roundabout

Crime log Continued from A3

11:20 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 36-year-old man suspected of multiple illegal drug

offenses on Highway 50 (location not specified). He was listed in custody in lieu of $255,000 bail.

1:27 p.m. Burglary reported on Dorado Canyon Road in Somerset.

1:36 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 30-year-old man suspected of indecent exposure and a parole violation on Pleasant Valley Road in Diamond Springs. He was listed in custody in lieu of $5,000 bail.

1:37 p.m. Trespassing reported on Camerado Drive in Cameron Park.

4:02 p.m. Trespassing reported at an apartment complex on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

Traffic Continued from A3

form a homeowner’s association, receive approval from the Planning Commission and, finally, receive approval from the Board of Supervisors. The estimated timeline for the process would take around a

in Meyers toward Luther Pass. This may be one of the easier places to park and get out on the snow. Grass Lake is flat, with some gentle hills on the south side. It’s at 7,740 feet. It is the closest spot from our area to get out onto a stunning, flat, skiable field of snow, especially now. You’ll find cross-country skiers, snowshoers and on a windy type of day some people kite skiing/ boarding, which is pretty amazing to watch. Even better, when you’re done for the day, there are good places to eat in Meyers.

Over on Highway 88 at the intersection with Highway 89 out of Meyers, the elevation rises as you head to Carson Pass, elevation 8,652 feet There is snow there. The trail leading to the lakes around there have blue diamonds posted high up on trees along the route. It isn’t beginner territory. They designate xc/snowshoe trails. Carson Pass is a SnoPark in winter, permit time again. Heading over Carson Pass from Kirkwood, at 7,690 feet, you’ll find snow at Caples Lake, Woods Lake and Silver Lake. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when there’s enough snow up there is worth the drive. Parking is a challenge at times. Silver Lake is the most convenient spot. Ski on the road that leads to the back of the lake or around the shore of the lake. There are some ups and downs, great views and plenty of places to explore.

If the snow hasn’t piled up by press time, you’ll find that your hiking boots and some warm layers will set you up for a great winter walk in the woods. From the El Dorado Trail to lake level at Tahoe you’ll find plenty of places to wander.

The Rainbow Trail at the Visitors Center in Tahoe is a spectacular place in winter. Consider going through the Tallac Historic Estates as well, along with a stroll along the shore of that big lake. The restrooms are closed, plan accordingly.

As always when heading into the forest, go with someone, take more than enough food, water, chocolate covered peanut M&Ms and enough gear to stay safe and warm.

There’s much more. In the meantime, start snow dancing. Leave no trace. Get outside!

4:17 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 39-year-old man suspected of petty theft, conspiracy to commit a crime and vehicle code violations on Highway 50 at Bass Lake Road in El Dorado Hills. He was later released.

4:25 p.m. Trespassing reported on Faith Lane in Diamond Springs.

6:57 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 57-year-old woman suspected of DUI and possession of illegal paraphernalia on Highway 49 in Pilot Hill. She was later released.

8:27 p.m. Accidental shooting reported on Bevinger Drive in El Dorado Hills.

9:10 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 26-year-old man suspected of DUI on Mother Lode Drive in Placerville. He was later released.

COMICS

year, according to Hass. The associated costs for the vacation include $5,000 for staff time, $300 per year per resident for maintenance of the road and around $45,000 to install new gates to stop motorists.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). As security guards know, a good part of the job is just staying awake. To passively wait around for something to go wrong is to risk being drowsy when it’s time to activate. Do the rounds. Check things out that don’t appear to need it.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You wonder if there’s a better use of your energy and talent to be mined. When a challenge is a good fit for you, you feel it. You just know. Your native capacities will rise to meet the moment.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The perks of being honest about what you want and really going for it are many. There’s a wonderful stability and freedom that comes with following your true path. And today you’ll find support in unexpected places.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You are so conscious of needing to earn your way, you sometimes hold back from going for what you really want. Pretend you don’t need a reason. Pretend that you being you, and wanting what you want, is enough. What then?

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There’s a difference between helping because you want to and feeling like you must because no one else will step up. Service feels like a burden when it’s expected instead of appreciated.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The potential for failure is part of what makes the journey worthwhile, and by allowing yourself to fail or succeed on your terms, you redefine what’s possible and create space for your full expression.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Anyone who tries to make you

believe you don’t have options probably isn’t presenting your best one. The first step in claiming your power is recognizing in what ways you are free and able. The next step is in noting your points of leverage.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Hindsight is always 20/20. You made a choice with the information you had at the time. Don’t let the weight of judgment land solely on your shoulders. You did your best in the moment, and that’s what matters most.

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

Photo courtesy of Sierra Avalanche Center

Elephant’s Hump at Carson Pass is one of the few places that currently has snow suitable for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Pollock Pines.

Taxpayers Association of EDC selects officers

Ken Calhoon TPA director

The Taxpayers Association of El Dorado County has elected Lee Tannebaum as the 2025 president along with a new slate of officers.

The TPA has been a non-partisan voice for county taxpayers since 1958 with the mission to monitor and advocate in the process of governance and taxation.

Tannebaum has been a member of the TPA for three years and has lived in Shingle Springs for the last eight years. He is also a member of the chamber of commerce and the farm bureau. He moved to El Dorado County from the Bay Area where he worked with the management development and sales of AI technology.

“My vision for this organization is rooted in two critical priorities, tackling the hard issues that impact our community and holding leadership accountable,” Tannebaum shared. “For too long, the government of this county has operated with minimal oversight, often excluding taxpayers from decision-making processes and prioritizing their own agenda rather than the will of the people they serve. This cannot continue.

“Our organization is uniquely positioned to bring about muchneeded change,” he continued. “We must shine a light on issues such as inflated employee salaries, poor

road management, questionable fees — some of which may not even be legal — and the blatant disregard for voter initiatives regarding our general plan. These are not just isolated problems; they are symptoms of a broader lack of accountability and we have a responsibility to address them head-on.”

Other elected TPA officers include Vice President Carol Lewis, Secretary Gina Posey, President Lee Tannebaum and Treasurer Mary Chan.

Taxpayer meetings are held every Monday morning at Denny’s in Placerville. For more information visit facebook.com/ taxpayersassociationedc.

Courtesy photo

Taxpayers Association of El Dorado County officers are, left to right, Vice President Carol Lewis, Secretary Gina Posey, President Lee Tannebaum and Treasurer Mary Chan.

PROSPECTING

Section B ■ mtdemocrat.com

IN THE KNOW

Stellar student

Congratulations to Mia Barsotti and Kyla Lilienthal, both of El Dorado Hills, who were named to the University of Alabama Dean’s List.

Feb. 1

The Placerville Friends of the Library hosts an exclusive 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. The event at the Placerville Library is free and ra e tickets will also be given away to children who attend. They could win a copy of the book “Stuart Little” or a pair of tickets to the IT production.

Toogood Winery, 7280 Fair Play Road 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. Ports will be paired with an assortment of cheeses and sweet bites.

Feb. 4

Snowline Health Dementia Connection hosts free Caregiver Support and Activity Enrichment groups at Pioneer Bible Church, 6851 Mount Aukum Road, Somerset, 1-2:30 p.m. For more information call (530) 621-7820 or email dementia@snowlinehealth.

org. Powell’s Steamer Company and Pub, 425 Main St., presents Eric Hill and Jonny Mojo for Taco Tuesday on the rst and third Tuesdays of the month from 4-7 p.m. Stop by for some good food and good tunes. 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, 800 White Rock Road. This is an excellent opportunity to network, collaborate and build meaningful relationships with local business professionals. To register and get more information visit eldoradohillschamber.org.

Feb. 7

Imagination Theater at the El Dorado Fairgrounds presents “Stuart Little, The Musical” by Joseph Robinette and Ronna Frank. Enjoy the story of an extraordinary mouse from an ordinary human family in New York City. For tickets and more information visit itplacerville.org.

Achilles Wheel with special guest Jen Rund (Americana Psychedelic Jam) will perform 7-10 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets

Acclaimed singer-songwriter performing at Marshall Grange

Marshall Grange News release

The Marshall Grange will host Bryan Simpson in concert at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8. Modern American eclectic singer-songwriter Simpson is an artist whose sound unnervingly explores an evocative amalgamation of southern folk,

bluegrass, classic country and indie eclecticism with the playful swagger, relatable storytelling and thoughtful introspection of his heroes, which include John Hartford, Tom T Hall, Je Tweedy and, of course, Bob Dylan. Simpson is an award-winning songwriter and a dynamic live performer. His background includes leading the amazing bluegrass band,

Cadillac Sky. Simpson’s songs have netted praise from all corners: The Hu ngton Post writes, “Bryan’s original undertakings are reminiscent of the whimsical and whip-smart work by David Byrne and Jim James.” While SeattlePi claims Simpson’s music echoes “Bowie and Beck in the

Learn what makes a song a hit at special workshop

The Art of Lyricism, Storytelling, and Song by Bryan Simpson will be held on Feb. 8 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Marshall Grange. This is an exciting opportunity for songwriters and musicians on the Divide. Get a peek inside the process of Billboard charttopping songwriter Simpson, learn how he finds inspiration and listen in as he teaches how to mine song ideas. Throughout the workshop participants will learn how the art of wordplay and lyricism keeps an audience involved with a song as it develops. Also, how cliches and unoriginal phrases can rob a song of charm and make it less e ective. Students will be educated on rhyming and cadence and writing memorable, compelling melodies that will make a chorus unforgettable. Ask questions about song structure or collaboration or Simpson’s favorite snack during writing sessions. And finally get the answer to that elusive mystery that has stumped songwriters near and far for ages: “Does my song need a bridge?” Space is limited. Get tickets at marshallgrange.org/ events.

Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco announce acquisition

News release

The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco are pleased to announce the acquisition of “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” (1984-85), a bronze portrait bust of the legendary Civil Rights leader by trailblazing artist Elizabeth Catlett. The Fine Arts Museums hold the most significant survey collection of American art in the western United States and the portrait bust is now on public view at the de Young museum.

“Elizabeth Catlett is among the most consequential American artists of the 20th century, whose groundbreaking sculptures and prints bear witness to her lifelong advocacy for black Americans and other historically marginalized communities,” said Thomas P. Campbell, Director and CEO of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. “We are immensely proud to make Catlett’s extraordinary portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. accessible to

de Young audiences.

The bust encompasses a fascinating history that will significantly expand our ability to speak to Dr. King’s enduring impact on American life, and the politics involved in how he has been memorialized in public art.”

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” comes from the private collection of Reverend Douglas E. Moore, a classmate of King’s at Boston University in the early 1950s, who organized one of the earliest civil rights sit-ins, and his wife, Dr. Doris Hughes-Moore, the first Black woman to earn a doctorate of veterinary medicine degree from Purdue University. This bronze portrait bust, first created by Catlett for a 1984-85 competition to commemorate the Civil Rights leader in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, will be on view to the public for the first time since its creation. Catlett’s portrait bust joins two other works by the artist in the Fine Arts Museums’ collection:

a commissioned mahogany sculpture, “Stepping Out,” (2000) and the linoleum print, “I’m Sojourner Truth, I Fought for the Rights of Women, as Well as Blacks,” (1947). At the de Young, the sculpture will be prominently displayed near Jack Levine’s painting, “Birmingham ‘63,” (1963), which commemorates the pivotal protests led by Dr. King and other civil rights leaders in Birmingham, Alabama.

“Catlett’s sculptures and prints are notable for their consistent commitment to empowering their subjects – including people of color in general, and women in particular,” added Timothy Anglin Burgard, Distinguished Senior Curator and Ednah Root Curator in Charge of American Art at the Fine Arts Museums. “Forty years after its creation, her majestic and commanding portrait of Dr. King retains its relevance for contemporary discourse regarding the ongoing struggles and sacrifices

for civil rights.” Martin Luther King Jr. had deep San Francisco connections. As a child, he spent summers with extended family in the Western Addition. He also spoke about the Montgomery bus boycott at the national NAACP convention at San Francisco’s Civic Auditorium in 1956; lobbied delegates at the 1964 Republican National Convention at the Cow Palace to support the Civil Rights Act; gave the speech for the consecration of

the completed Grace Cathedral in 1965; and spoke at both Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley, about eradicating poverty and hunger and about the nation’s role in Vietnam in 1967. San Francisco is also home to the “Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and Fountain,” in Yerba Buena Gardens. The acquisition of “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” is a purchase, made possible by the Barbro Osher Sculpture Garden Acquisition Fund.

Courtesy photo

Bryan Simpson will share his mix of southern folk, bluegrass, country and indie eclecticism with Coloma audiences.

Photograph by Randy Dodson, courtesy of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Installation of Elizabeth Catlett’s bust of Martin Luther King Jr., de Young, San Francisco, 2025.

LTCC’s 50th anniversary exhibit features unique alumni art

Eli Ramos Tahoe Daily Tribune

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — Lake Tahoe Community College opened its newest exhibit in Haldan Gallery — a 50th anniversary show displaying the art of different alumni throughout the years. Though there are many local artists featured, some alumni travelled back to the area for the Jan. 23 reception of the exhibit, which will be open until April 18.

The gallery, which was opened 19 years ago as of Jan. 25, features photography, paintings, sculptures, objects and even fabric. “There’s a diversity of artwork that students create, and I’m equally impressed with how they continue in that field,” said Bryan Yerian, art department chair and gallery director.

Yerian talked about how important the gallery was for current students, which was one of the reasons they were interested in showcasing alumni art. “This is a really exciting opportunity for new students to see art of alumni in their professional careers,” he said. He was especially excited for this art show preceding the student art show in spring.

Pat Leonard-Heffner, photography teacher and gallery director, said that narrowing down to just 24 pieces of work was the most challenging

part of the process. She said they were interested in showcasing many different kinds of art. “One of the ideas behind this gallery was to bring in elementary and high schoolers, and just including the community to come and see high quality art,” said Leonard-Heffner. She was particularly excited about joSon’s photography, which he has garnered considerable acclaim for — he’s worked with clients like Time Warner and the United Nations.

But, Yerian said, there were many

For years I’ve been a fan of “Star Trek.” Unlike franchises like “Star Wars” or “Batman” — where I immediately loved the property the moment I laid eyes on those films being

projected onto a movie screen — “Trek” was a slower burn for me to embrace. Considering at this point there are almost 1,000 episodes

of television and 14 films, it took a while for me to find my footing in this vast universe of galaxies, space stations and starships with their gallant crews. Knowing this, I started where any ’80s/’90s kid would: the original feature films. Tied to the stories of the starship Enterprise and the exploits of William Shatner’s Captain Kirk, Leonard Nimoy’s Mr. Spock, DeForest Kelley’s Dr. “Bones” McCoy and the rest of

alumni that they thought of they didn’t have the space for in the gallery — he hopes that in the future, they will continue to showcase alumni art in Haldan Gallery.

One of the artists he directly reached out to was Grace Weber, an alumni who just recently graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a bachelor’s in art. Weber said she created her piece for the gallery, “Commemorative Plates,” modeled after work she was doing while attending LTCC.

the crew, I marveled at the combination of sci-fi mystery and human relationships featured prominently in front of the backdrop of the vastness of space exploration. Reruns were the only speed bumps to my parents’ generation seeing the newest adventures of these Starfleet officers. Unlike fans of the original “Star Trek” (1966-69) or “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (1987-94), I became a fan in a time where DVDs — and soon after streaming — allowed me to burn right through any series or episode in the franchise my heart desired. Many hours were spent with Captain’s Kirk, Picard and Janeway (years later I would have a strong appreciation for the brilliance of Captain Sisko and “Deep Space Nine”).

Prime directive in mind, I was ready to “boldly go” to the newest television film in the series now streaming on Paramount+ that premiered this week — “Star Trek: Section 31.”

“Back in 2017, I was taking a ceramics class here and I was creating these commemorative plates to chronicle some memories I had. I decided to tackle those again because I was interested in exploring and capturing those memories I had when digital cameras weren’t good yet, but film wasn’t attainable for me, because I was moving around a lot,” said Weber. “As a result, there’s a period of six or seven years where I just don’t have any photos. And I wanted to capture that.” Weber’s art explores her experiences with her youth, travelling around the United States, crashing on her friends’ couches and learning about life.

Weber had started with taking classes at LTCC, then became a student art technician and garnered a lot of experience in the field. When she transferred to Berkeley, she said that she became “like a resource” for other students in her classes. “I felt like this place prepared me super well and gave me so much useful experience. For example, getting experience in [Haldan Gallery] is huge — not every school gives you the chance to be in an art gallery every year.”

She also was excited to be featured alongside her fellow alumni, many of whom she still is friends with.

are first introduced to here. The problems stem from this script by “Star Trek: Discovery” writers Craig Sweeny, Bo Yeon Kim and Erika Lippoldt, where they abandon any semblance of uniqueness, originality or common sense for cliché-ridden numbness that feels like a late 1990’s straightto-dvd sci-fi product that happens to have a massive budget behind it and the name “Star Trek” slapped on it.

I watched, fell asleep, awoke, watched, fell asleep and tried to watch some more.

That’s a type of torture only fans of the “Chain of Comand” episode of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (“There … are … four … lights!”) will understand.

Unfortunately, this new entry doesn’t just continue the problems I feel have plagued this franchise since it essentially re-launched its television life on Paramount+ with 2017’s “Star Trek: Discovery,” it blasts them into warp speed. Move aside 1989’s “Star Trek V: The Final Frontier” (which, multiple problems aside, I actually like) and “Star Trek: Nemesis” (2002), you can finally rest easy; “Star Trek: Section 31” is easily the most mind-numbing, zerodepth “Trek” that has ever been released and undeniably the worst in the storied franchise’s almost 60 year history. The problems don’t just stem from the fact that the incomparable Michelle Yeoh’s character, Philippa Georgiou — who was featured prominently in “Star Trek: Discovery” — is a despot who has murdered millions in her universe or the fact that “Section 31” was rarely mentioned in the first 50-plus years of “Star Trek” other than operating deep in the shadows or the fact that there is little time to care about any of these generic characters we

There are so many issues with this story and film that to list them here would be redundant to an already rant-heavy review. When the first action sequence that takes place (after showing the lead character murdering her family at a young age) — probably scripted as “They fight” — leads to five minutes of blurry, digital whipzoom action that makes no geographical or logistical sense, you know you are light years from something “Based upon ‘Star Trek’ created by Gene Roddenberry.”

When this all leads to the accumulation of a super weapon (that old, cliche plot device) you know you are in for a frustrating viewing experience, especially if you like “Star Trek.”

I had to watch this film in three separate settings due to the movie’s uncanny ability to make me transport to dreamland. Over the course of two nights

When I re-engaged the last time to finish the film’s final 45 minutes I had no memory of where the scene was in the story or how the characters got there even though I had already seen it. When I backtracked to catch up, it didn’t really matter anyway. “Star Trek: Section 31” is a good indication of the lack of story invention within this once proud franchise. The growth of this “new Trek” is treading water in a galaxy of AI-type dialog and story tropes backed by some of the fastest cutting and awful editing one could possibly hope for in a series of television and films that, for the last 60 years, prided itself on slowing down when needed to, where focus on story and humanity was required. I’m not so stuck in my ways that I dismiss any new spin or fresh take on an old tale. After more than half a century it tends to be required. Though many longtime “Trekkers” tend to not like the cinematic re-launch of 2009’s

Courtesy photo

Music act weaves harmony and strings

Three generations of women will come together at the historical Nevada Theatre to sing music woven with vocal harmonies, acoustic guitars, piano and fiddle. Anni McCann, Elena Rayo and Cherisha Heart are Nevada County based award-winning songwriters who are longtime favorites on the Northern California music scene.

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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. News release

Multi-instrumentalist and international performing/recording artist, McCann, holding a bachelor of music degree and trained in opera and musical theater performance, is a versatile vocal stylist, pianist and guitarist. Best known for her work with the folk-jazz trio, Backwoods Jazz, and Supertramp’s Roger Hodgson, her decades of professional experience include performing for such notables as the Queen of England. She is a featured vocalist in the 1,000 Kisses Deep, a Leonard Cohen tribute show, highlighting her unique rendition of “Hallelujah.” McCann also performs solo, enjoys composing her own songs, writing vocal harmony arrangements and assisting other artists as a piano accompanist. An experienced studio musician for multiple projects, her own releases include three albums with her group Backwoods Jazz and two solo albums, “This Moment” and “Open Page.” Rayo is a lifelong musician on violin and guitar, a singer and songwriter who has released six albums and performed internationally. Recently Rayo produced and sang a tribute to Joni Mitchell, and is currently recording a new album. She also sings lead and plays electric violin for world music band “Rayo!” and performs with the Dolli Mamas. Her education includes degrees in classical languages from UC-Berkeley, Cambridge University and UCLA. She owns a recording facility, Ancient Wave Studios, in Nevada City. As a medical qigong practitioner and the founder of Ancient Wave Ministries, Rayo’s unique background shines through her music and touches everyone she meets in a very special way.

From picking up her first guitar at age 3 to commanding stages today, singer/songwriter Heart, captivates audiences with her powerful vocals and signature blue Les Paul guitar. Her musical journey began at age 9 learning guitar chords and writing her first song at age 12. Heart’s versatility shines across multiple projects co-fronting country band Outlaws and Angels, guitarist for New Zealandbased retro rock band, Zephyr Love, performing in the Dolli Mamas trio, and leading her selftitled rock band, where her original music takes center stage. Her musical catalog includes debut album “Mountain Maiden,” followed by the single, “Dreams,” the EP, “The Good Life” and the single, “Aniwaniwa.” She is about to release two more singles from her upcoming album “Slow Burn”, so stay tuned.

The show is Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Nevada Theatre in Nevada City. For more information visit paulemerymusic.com.

Simpson Continued from B1 melodies, moods and arrangements. The quest is entertaining and thought-provoking.”

His genre-spanning career has included making records and touring as a singer/songwriter with luminaries as diverse as The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, bluegrass giant Ricky Skaggs and Mumford and Sons.

Since leaving his hometown of Fort Worth, Texas, with only a fiddle, guitar, mandolin and a box fan to his name, Simpson has had many of his original songs recorded by country music stand outs like Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Hailey Whitters, Kenny Chesney, George Strait, Brandy Clark, Old Dominion, Stephen Wilson Jr., with several of them ending up with a No. 1 beside their name on the Billboard and Music Row charts . He has also been awarded NSAI’s prestigious award of 10 Songs I Wish I’d Written. His songs have easily totaled over 500 million streams at this point.

This year Simpson released his first record under his own name. “The Oldest,” released in April, is a concise 11 songs in length, produced by Eddie Spear (Zach Bryan/Brandi Carlisle) and takes Simpson’s shade tree kaleidoscopic storytelling center stage.

The Marshall Grange is located at 4940 Marshall Road, in Garden Valley. For tickets visit marshallgrange.org.

Courtesy photo

The Dolli Mamas weave three generations of vocal harmonies, acoustic guitars, piano and fiddle.

Enter the Homemade Wine Competition

Do you have a homemade wine that deserves to be savored and celebrated?

Enter your masterpiece into the Homemade Wine Competition, presented by the El Dorado Home Wine Makers Club. This is your chance to showcase your winemaking skill and artistry.

Whether you’re a seasoned home winemaker or a passionate hobbyist, we can’t wait to see what you’ve created. Wine entries and forms are due from Feb. 17 - March 17.

El Dorado Home Wine Makers Association is also looking for judges for the Homemade Wine Competition on March 29. If you or someone you know has

experience in judging wine, we’d love to have you join us for this exciting event. Help crown the best homemade wine in the region. Reach out if you’re interested. Call the fair office, (530) 6215860. For more information visit eldoradocountyfair.org/ homemadewine.

Shortz

Youth talent show sent to entertain

Izzi Tooinsky is the internationally loved and locally tolerated vaudevillian entertainer and author who has been performing at fairs, festivals, schools and museums for more than 50 years. Equal parts juggler, clown, comedian, storyteller, and educator, he is the author of two books, creator of seven storytelling CD’s and now the mastermind and producer of Gold Country Youth Talent Show, a variety show featuring young local performers.

This year’s event features a wonderful variety of music and theater performed by some of the most inspired young entertainers living in Gold Country. Many of the performers are already seasoned musicians, dancers and performers while others are bringing their skill to the stage for the first time.

“It is a magical experience to watch a young person step out on stage and show an audience what they love or are passionate about,” said Tooinsky.

The event will be presented on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. at the Nevada Theater in Nevada City. For more information visit www.paulemerymusic.com.

LTCC Continued from B2

“I follow their artistic careers, and I can feel the strings of related content when I was here making art with them — I can pick up those lines in our art.”

Weber is now starting an art collective with her peers in Oakland, where she now lives, but she loves the area and LTCC. “I lived in the Basin for 15 years and it’s a great community. I’d love to stay involved with the scene up here,” she said. She gave special commendation to LTCC for allowing artists to create art that wasn’t just appealing to tourists, but had interesting commentary and significance to the creators.

Yerian, Leonard-Heffner, and Weber all gave major acknowledgements to LTCC’s facilities for art, which help foster that creative spark. LeonardHeffner was especially proud that LTCC still had a darkroom for photography, which many colleges and universities don’t have.

Yerian also said that he felt like the investment into the art department and facility made LTCC comparable to Cal States and other universities in California. “I’m really thankful and gratefully we have some of these things, like metal casting and ceramics, that other facilities have gotten rid of,” said Yerian.

Weber felt her education at LTCC allowed her to be experimental, to try new things and techniques, and to also learn the science behind some of the best practices in both ceramics and photography.

“Our primary mission in all of the arts is to teach technical processes and really encourage creativity,” said Leonard-Heffner.

The gallery wouldn’t have been possible without the LTCC team: Bryan Yerian, Pat Leonard-Heffner, Ali Bissonnette, Nora Anderson, Brianda Ortega, Elizabeth Vargas and Shiloh Flood. It will be open until April 18, Mondays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Feb. 8

A free House of Worship

Security symposium with law enforcement takes place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hills Church, 800 White Rock Road in El Dorado Hills. For more information email Sgt. Steve Schofield at schofies@ edso.org.

Toogood Winery, 7280 Fair Play Road 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. Ports will be paired with an assortment of cheeses and sweet bites.

Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts a story time hour with JaNay BrownWood, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Her new book, “On Our Way! What a Day!” is a joyful tribute to music, creativity and grandmothers. For more information call (916) 941-9401. The Coloma Community Market takes place 1-4 p.m., drizzle or shine, the second and fourth Saturdays at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Find great local products while enjoying live music, food, beverages and more. Parking is free during the market hours. Rescue Community Center hosts its annual crab feed fundraiser. Enjoy all-you-caneat crab with the community in Rescue. Individual tickets are $75 and a table of 10 for $675. For tickets and more information visit rescuecommunitycenter.com. Rootsman Project Marley Fest (Reggae) will perform 8-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets

Know Continued from B1 n See KNOW, page B5

Courtesy photo

Equal parts juggler, clown, comedian, storyteller and educator, Izzi Tooinsky will host the Youth Talent Show.

and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

The Sheriff’s Posse of El Dorado County invites you to an evening of laughs, food, cocktails, games and magical entertainment. The event features Cop Comedian, Vinnie Montez. For tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.com/o/ el-dorado-county-sheriffsposse-66624679843

Feb. 10

Snowline Health Dementia Connection hosts Addressing Dementia Challenging Symptoms of Supporting Mood and Sexuality Complications at Foothills Church, 2380 Merrychase Drive, Cameron Park, 1:30-3 p.m. For more information call (530) 621-7820 or email dementia@snowlinehealth.org.

Feb. 11

Snowline Health Dementia Connection hosts free Caregiver Support and Activity Enrichment groups at Foothills Church, 2380 Merrychase Drive, Cameron Park, 1-2:30 p.m. For more information call (530) 621-7820 or email dementia@ snowlinehealth.org.

The El Dorado Hills Genealogical Society will host a Zoom meeting at 6 p.m. to hear Melinda Kashuba, a wellknown genealogist, present A Strategy For Locating Regional, Neighborhood and Site-Specific Map Resources in searching for family ancestors. Interested amateur or expert genealogists are welcome to join the Zoom discussion. Contact Pat Kriz at patkriz@earthlink.net in advance if you wish to join the presentation.

Feb. 12

Musings with the Maestro — Antonin Dvorak. Join Music in the Mountain’s Artistic Director and Conductor Ryan Murray for a lecture on the music of Antonin Dvorak, including his popular and lesser-known works, and his influence on American classical music. The event starts at 7 p.m. and will be hosted via Zoom. For more information visit musicinthemountains.org

Feb. 14

Shadow Ranch Vineyards, 7050 Fair Play Road in Fair Play, is celebrating Valentine’s Weekend with a Wine and Chocolate Pairing Feb. 14-16, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featuring chocolate from Annabelle’s Chocolate Lounge, these perfectly paired candies are a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend. For reservations call (530) 620-2785.

Gwinllan Estate Vineyard and Winery will host a Valentine’s Day Celebration Chocolate and Wine Pairing. In partnership with Annabelle’s Chocolates participants will enjoy five luscious Annabelle’s chocolates with wine pairings, Feb. 14 & 15, noon to 5 p.m. For reservations or more information visit gwinllanestate.com.

Myka Estates, 3405 Carson Court, Placerville, hosts a Valentine’s Day Luncheon. Call (530) 6443474 for more information and reservations.

Now

This Valentine’s Day, you can win big while supporting a meaningful cause by entering MORE’s Sweetheart Raffle. For $100 per ticket, you’ll be entered for a chance to win cash prizes and 100% of your purchase will benefit adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tickets are limited 400 and are available at: MORE, 399 Placerville Drive, Placerville. For more details call (530) 622-4848. The winner will be selected at 1 p.m. Feb. 14 live at morerehab. org.

Atrium Artists Gallery EDH is accepting submissions for its upcoming March exhibition — Highlighting El Dorado County Artists. This is an open call for professional level works; all works considered. Interested artists should submit their work by Jan 31. For more information or to submit visit edhtowncenter. com/contact-us/submit-yourartwork.

WASH, Watercolor Artists of Sacramento Horizons is accepting submissions for the AWASH with Color 47th annual Members Watercolor Exhibition. The WASH Member Exhibition

is open to current members of WASH and Sacramento Fine Arts. Submissions accepted through Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. For more information visit sacramentowatercolor.org.

Tony- and Grammy-winning Dear Evan Hansen” runs through Feb. 2 at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

B Street Theatre in Sacramento presents “The White Chip” by Sean Daniels at The Sofia in Sacramento through Feb. 9. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit

Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays” by Ken Ludwig through Feb. 16. The danger and hilarity are nonstop in this whodunit. For more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

Registration for the The Travis Scott Memorial 5k Walk/Run for Shatterproof is open through Feb. 23. The run will take place at the El Dorado trailhead in Camino. The event starts at 9 a.m. and registration is available in person. For more information visit shatterproofcyof.donordrive. com.

bstreettheatre.org.

ACCOUNTANT I/II

(Salary Range

Quali

abilities is qualifying. A typical way 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 must submit application materials that include a completed and signed employment application and copies of any required certi cates or license listed under the requirements. A complete job description and Application materials are available online at www.cityofplymouth.org. Completed Application materials can be emailed, mailed or handdelivered to Plymouth City Hall, City Manager’s Of ce, 9426 Main Street; P. O. Box 429, Plymouth, CA 95669; emailed to: vmchenry@cityofplymouth.org. EOE

I

cut the ties? How do I break the bonds?

Keeping me stuck, and afraid to initiate contact

Do I have the courage? To believe hope is my next move

Without justifying the pretty lie that I am not enough

If I were to give advice, it would be Hope is power, when you believe in its presence

Buttered

Continued from B2

“Star Trek” because it focused more on big-budget action and spectacle and characterization took more of a back seat, I quite enjoyed the film for the simple fact that even though those criticisms are fair, the filmmakers clearly still loved the characters and understood the humanity of the franchise, even when trying to appeal to a broader audience. None of that is present here.

“Star Trek: Section 31” is so dour and awful that it’s the “Batman and Robin” of the “Star Trek” franchise. I can only hope — like the Batman franchise after that 1997 misfire — that the reaction to this film will be so bad that’ll cause a course correction

for what this once great franchise has become. After “Batman and Robin” we got “Batman Begins” (2005) and “The Dark Knight” (2008) — two excellent films. Will Paramount/CBS course correct as well or continue to burn hundreds of millions of dollars into a franchise they clearly don’t really like by the way they’ve attempted to significantly change the DNA of it the last several years? Red alert. Joshua B. Porter is an awardwinning filmmaker. He’ll gladly watch the incredibly under-appreciated “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” over this dreck. He can be reached at @ joshuabporter or joshuabporter@ mtdemocrat.net.

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 01/07/2025 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 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) 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31 14084 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. FB2025-0022

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) 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31 14085 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. FB2025-0024 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SANTA CRUZ METAL WORKS, located at 6100 Enterprise Drive, Ste E, Diamond Springs, CA 95619 Registrant’s Name & Mailing Address: Dennis E Beck, 6100 Enterprise Drive, Ste

Concert set for quartet

Sutter Creek Theatre News release

Duo Quartet will play at the Sutter Creek Theatre in Sutter Creek on Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. The truth is, this is a band that wasn’t supposed to happen. It started with four old friends thinking, ‘hey, let’s do a couple of shows as a doublebill’: Nina Gerber & Chris Webster in concert with The Pam & Jeri Show (Pam Delgado and Jeri Jones of Blame Sally). Given that all four women already had stellar reputations in the greater Bay Area, it wasn’t hard to book some high profile venues followed by full houses.

Nina Gerber & Chris Webster haven’t rushed into this album thing — it’s only after 25 years of playing together that they’ve released an album of gorgeous duets, “Apple Blossom Lane,” featuring Webster’s bluesy, jazzy, soulful voice and Gerber’s incomparable guitar accompaniment, always surprising, yet always so exactly right. If you’ve ever heard Nina before, you know she always brings out the best in the musicians around her, and Webster’s best is spectacularly good — her “magic derives from those ine able qualities of vocal grain, emotional nuance, timing, and phrasing possessed by the truly great and

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) 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31 14086

YOU ARE IN DEFAULT

DEED OF TRUST, DATED 9/12/2006. 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 PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER On 2/20/2025 at 2:30 PM, CLEAR RECON CORP, as duly appointed trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust recorded 9/20/2006 as Instrument No. 2006-0063881-00 of Official Records in the office of the County Recorder of El Dorado County, State of CALIFORNIA executed by: ROBERT W. AMERAL, AN UNMARRIED MAN WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK DRAWN ON A STATE OR NATIONAL BANK, A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, OR A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, OR SAVINGS BANK SPECIFIED IN SECTION 5102 OF THE FINANCIAL CODE AND AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN THIS STATE; Outside the Main Street entrance to the County Courthouse

moving singers of any style,” says the Oakland Tribune. This is a pairing well worth the wait.

Pam Delgado and Jeri Jones of Blame Sally fame return to their original duo format, the Pam & Jeri Show, in a performance ranging from mournful ballads to sweet love songs to blazing acoustic soul. Delgado plays percussion and guitar, Jones plays guitar, bass, dobro and mandolin, and their powerful voices blend beautifully to create a distinct and compelling sound. Their music has earned a spot in the rotation on San Francisco’s KFOG and Starbucks XM Café. Whether they’re covering songs by artists like Aretha Franklin and Rickie Lee Jones or playing their own exciting originals, this is a duo that knows how to entertain an audience and put on a satisfying show.

Tina Marie Howell is 24. She has lived in Placerville since age 5 and has been writing since. Tina started writing as a coping mechanism, until it became a passion. Her goal with her poetry is to change the world, one line at a time.

Coutrtesy photo

Nina Gerber, Chris Webster, Pam Delgado and Jeri Jones offer a unique mix.