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SPOTLIGHT Business

For nearly 35 years Pleasant Valley Pet Clinic has provided quality care to El Dorado County’s cats and dogs with the goal of keeping pets as healthy as long as possible.

“We’re here for the animals,” said owner Amy Nichols, RVT.

With experienced veterinarians and an exceptional team of medical and support staff who care about everyone they serve, Pleasant Valley Pet Clinic is well staffed to treat anything Fluffy or Fido might come down with. Services available are exams and consultations, dentistry, nutrition counseling, surgical procedures, vaccinations, microchipping, preventive medicine and laser therapy, The clinic also has in-house diagnostics and a pharmacy.

“We work really hard to make sure pets are taken care of,” Nichols said.

Nichols’ career in veterinary medicine started in 1987 with most of her time spent at Pleasant Valley Pet Clinic. She bought the practice in 2021 and said she absolutely loves living and working in El Dorado County, her home since she was 10.

“I think I’m one of the luckiest people,” she shared, expressing joy about her job while commending her “phenomenal’ staff.

Being a non-corporate veterinary clinic comes with a lot of challenges; however, Nichols assured, the team is committed. “I take a lot of pride in being here in El Dorado County. It is so important for us to be here for the community.”

Clients and potential clients take note of exciting news regarding Pleasant Valley Pet Clinic’s services. Nichols said she’s looking into offering veterinary services for some exotic pets and within the next month or so wants to establish a lowcost spay and neuter program.

Mountain Democrat photo by Noel Stack Jamie, Amy, and Jessica, left to right, are happy team members at Pleasant Valley Pet Clinic, where dogs and cats receive exceptional care.

To Do

Switchboard Gallery, 525 Main St. in downtown Placerville, hosts Atelier on Main: A Placerville Arts Association member show through Feb. 23. For more information visit artsandcultureeldorado.org/gallery.

Imagination Theater at the El Dorado Fairgrounds presents “Stuart Little, The Musical” by Joseph Robinette and Ronna Frank through March 2. Enjoy the story of an extraordinary mouse from an ordinary human family in New York City. For tickets and more information visit itplacerville.org.

Atrium Gallery EDH in El Dorado Hills Town Center presents Hidden Kiss, a solo artist exhibit featuring Lin Fei Fei, through March 22. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.

Gallery at 48 Natoma in Folsom presents Art Movement in Fiber — a juried exhibition of quilts by the members of SAQA Northern California and Northern Nevada Region — through March 27. For more information call (916) 461-6601 or visit folsom.ca.us.

Feb. 22

The El Dorado County Historical Society and Save the Graves presents An Evening with 19th Century Placerville’s C.C. Peirce, 2 and 5 p.m., a benefit for the restoration of the historical M.E. Church. For tickets and more information visit edchs.org/fountain-tallman-museum-1.

Join the Shingle Springs Community Center for a Wild West Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament fundraiser at 5 p.m. Bring your best poker face and help Shingle Springs Community Center raise funds for a much needed bathroom renovation and new ADA ramp. Admission includes dinner, dessert and initial buy in. For more information visit shinglespringscommunitycenter.org.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra Crackin’ Crab for Kids’ Sake takes place 6-10 p.m. at the Forni Building on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. For tickets and more information visit bbbsns.org/events.

Gold Trail Grange announces the Women’s Adventure Film Tour 2025. The films present powerful extreme sports and boundary pushing storytelling adventures from across the globe. These six films represent the courage, adventure and the perseverance of women. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $10. For tickets and more information visit goldtrailgrange.com.

Feb. 23

The Vita Academy presents TriMusica and Friends at 2 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts at Folsom Lake College in Folsom. For more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

Music on the Divide presents Misner & Smith — one of the most acclaimed acts in the Americana world blending elements of rock and roll, traditional folk ballads, and more pop-leaning ideas — at 3 p.m. at the Georgetown IOOF Hall. For tickets and more information go to musiconthedivide.org.

Feb 28

The Stage at Burke Junction presents “Lobby Hero” Feb 28 through March 30. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.

March 1

Snowline Health presents its Jazz & Juleps Brunch, a lively celebration featuring live jazz, delicious cuisine, auction items and signature mint juleps, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Serrano Country Club in El Dorado Hills. For tickets visit JAZZJuleps.givesmart.com.

ABBY (A163017)

She is ready to patiently listen to all your concerns and provide loving support. F fawn Central Asian Shepherd 3 yr.

POTATO (A163414)

A nice couch near a sunny window might be perfect for this handsome brown tabby DSH. Age unk.

Precious Pawprints

Adopt Today! Second-Chance Animals Make First-Class Pets!

To Ask about these pets at the El Dorado County Animal Shelter (530) 621-7631 • 6435 Capitol Avenue, Diamond Springs

DENA (A124986)

This F brown tabby DSH is currently hanging out in the main display enclosure at the shelter. Stop in to meet her. 6yr.

(A141161)

This class act could bring you happiness and luck when you adopt her. B&W Pit Bull Terrier 3yr.

(A163025)

She would like to retire in a nice home, but might like to design paw-print clothes. F brown Anatolian Shepherd age unk.

(A163319)

He is probably not into the water escape thing, but he might disappear into a cardboard box for you. Lynx Point, DSH, age unk.

FELICIA

MARY-KATE

HOUDINI

The El Dorado High School Foundation will host the Blue and White Gala, an evening of dinner, drinks and music with live and silent auctions. The event starts at 5 p.m. at the Cold Springs Country Club. For more information visit bit.ly/ EDHS2025gala.

Folsom Lake Symphony presents the Star-Crossed Lovers concert at 7:30 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts at Folsom Lake College in Folsom. For more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

March 4

Broadway Sacramento presents “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical” March 4-8 at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center in downtown Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 5571999 or visit broadwaysacramento.com.

Best Reins for Trail Riding

The type of reins you use for trail riding really need to fit you, your horse and your style of riding. Will you be dismounting frequently? Will you need to tie up? All of these things should be taken into consideration.

LOOP REINS - There’s nothing to drop or fall to the ground with a loop rein. This is great if you need to grab something from your saddle bag or tie your jacket to your saddle. Also, your horse can’t get their leg stuck because the rein won’t drop. A con is they’re not as easy to use with a bosal.

MECATE REINS - A traditional mecate rein looks like a rope rein but has extra rope coming off the left side. That’s designed to get down off your horse and lead him easily. Mecate reins can attach to a snaffle or a bosal. Not recommended for use with a curb bit.

SPLIT REINS - Most commonly used in the western style of riding, but can be good for english trail riders, too. They can be criss-crossed over the horse’s neck, or some riders knot them. Split reins come in colors and different lengths. Shop quality! When using leather, you want to make sure it’s supple enough to lay nicely. They can attach to a snaffle or curb bit, and can be used for leading.

Try out a few different types before making up your mind. Remember that you should always choose quality over design.

a competitor’s

ACROSS-----------�

1) Window ledge

5) Haul, slangily

10) _ Major ("The Great Bear" constellation)

14) Black-and-white snack

15) "No" vote from a horse?

16) They're generally caught at night

17) Mismatched battlers

20) Cold-weather coat

21) Broad sash

22) Fork it over

23) Onlooker

25)Lousy eggs?

27) Dusting cloth

30) Boat maneuverer

32)Level charges at

36) Many Monopoly props.

38) Beginning of a plan

40) Ran quickly

41) Nagging pettily

MEET ME IN THE MIDDLE

44) "_ Care of Business" (rock classic)

45) Abnormal breathing

46) Window part

47) Makes pig noises

49) Place to get balmed

50) Currently possesses

5 l) After-bath powder

53) Boyfriend

56)Loudly weep

59) Three, on a sundial

60) Rain cloud

64) Famous couple of 1981

68) Open to the breeze

69) Cliff-base rock pile

70) Got off the bus, e.g.

71) Bishop's garb

72) Packed, as pistols

73) Windblown box

Tim Burr

DOWN

1) Carbonated beverage

2) Iraq neighbor

3) TheL ofL-dopa

4) Orleans's river

5) Bogus cure-all

6) Farm biddy

7) Tupperware part

8) Strongly encourage

9) Cause for inaction, sometimes

10) Action film gun

11) Acquire through labor

12) Words before "precedent"

13) Needing a tan, apparently

18) Calendar page

19) Cantonese fruit (Var.)

24) Speed detector

26) Brat

27) Speeches that lose listeners

28) For the birds?

29) Wall-climbing lizard

31) Kidney-related

33) Heep of fiction

34) Medicinal plant

35) Singed parts, sometimes

37) Duck, as an issue

39) Make up one's lines

42) Consist of, as a plan

43) Relied (upon)

48) Tops in cunning

52) TV Western "Kid"

54) Give assistance to

55) Boat used in Alaska

56) Evidence of an old injury

57) Youngstown's state

58) Fishhook feature

61) "Road to_" (Hope-Crosby film)

62) Army bunch

63) Gorge to the max

65) Bread or liquor

66) Lichtenstein's forte

67) Born, in France

Answers to puzzle on page 21

El

a hike

Dorado Ranch hike

The American River Conservancy hosts a hike at El Dorado Ranch, where participants will learn about the area’s history and plants, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. tentatively on Saturday, March 1, weather permitting.

The tour and short walks will be led by local historian Dee Owens and botanist Annie Walker. Walking any distance will be optional, as most sites are accessible by vehicle. High-clearance vehicles are necessary.

Participants will drive to Fanny Creek, an area of early Gold Rush activity and mercury mining as well as the scant remains of Cinnabar City, a small town during the 1870s. They will end the day at the Miller Ranch, an example of later 19th century cattle and Angora goat ranching.

ARC has worked steadfast since 2012 to acquire and permanently protect this 7,178-acre property, ancestral homelands of the Miwok people, during five phases. When the entire ranch is protected, it will become the first State Wildlife Area in El Dorado County for the benefit of all.

Responsible children 12 and older welcome as well as adults. The suggested donation is $10/members, $15/ non-members. Hikes are also sceduled in April and May. For more information and to register visit arconservancy.org/events.

Take a rest from stress 5 strategies to combat stressful triggers

Family Features

Stress, the physical or mental response to external causes like overwhelming work assignments or difficult life moments, can add unnecessary pressure to your day to day. While everyone feels stress from time to time, when left untreated or unrecognized, it can begin to wreak havoc in the form of anxiety.

In honor of National Stress Awareness Month, consider these strategies to combat stress from the National Institutes of Mental Health.

Learn your triggers: Different events and situations cause stress for different people. Knowing what triggers your stress to kick in - mounds of office paperwork, important financial decisions or hectic mornings, for example - can help you plan and prepare for stress-inducing moments.

Exercise and eat right: Maintaining physical health can be beneficial for mental health, too. Find time to do exercises you enjoy like walking, jogging, yoga or playing a sport. Identifying activities that bring you joy can make it easier to fit 30-60-minute workouts into your schedule without adding even more stress. Complement your workout routine with nutritional meals that help you stay on track with your

fitness goals.

Practice relaxation: Whether you find inner peace through journaling, breathing exercises, reading or some other form of slowing down, find what works for you and prioritize fitting it into your daily schedule. Relaxing activities help you slow down the pace of life, providing a chance to reset by doing something you enjoy.

Get enough sleep: A lack of quality sleep can add to stress. Creating a bedtime routine can increase your sleep habits and help you achieve the expert-recommended 7-9 hours per night. Put away electronics, which can interfere with your ability to calm your mind, and find an activity that puts you at ease like reading a book or listening to relaxing music. Ensure your bedroom is optimized for comfort by making it cool, dark and quiet.

Create a network of support: Everyone experiences stress. Reach out to family members and close friends you can lean on in stressful and frustrating moments. Share your feelings and encourage others to do the same, which can increase trust and help everyone in your circle cope in a positive way.

Find more ways to combat stress and care for your mental health at eLivingtoday.com.

Save time with THE SKILLET

Family Features

Awarm, cozy meal may seem like a burden to make after busy winter days, but Skillet Lasagna lets you skip the craziness of home cooking with an easy, one-pot solution. Discover more comforting recipes that let you reclaim evenings with loved ones by visiting Culinary.net.

Skillet Lasagna

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

Servings: 4-6

1 pound ground beef

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon garlic powder salt, to taste pepper, to taste

44 ounces marinara sauce

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup ricotta

1 1/2 cups frozen spinach

9 lasagna noodles

1 cup mozzarella cheese bread, for serving Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)

Directions: In large skillet or Dutch oven, brown ground beef with onion power, garlic powder and salt and pepper, to taste. Drain excess grease.

Mix in marinara sauce, heavy whipping cream, ricotta and spinach.

Break up lasagna noodles and add to skillet. Cover and let set over medium heat 10 minutes. Stir and top with mozzarella cheese. Cover and let set 10 minutes.

Serve with bread and top with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Cook up a cranberry treat

Family Features

Apple and pumpkin are a couple of fruity favorites, but cranberry is another common ingredient that can be used to make a big statement. Mixed with walnuts, white chocolate chips and cake mix, these Cranberry Bars will leave family and friends begging for more. Because they’re so easy to make, you can easily fulfill the requests. Visit Culinary.net for more dessert ideas.

Cranberry Bars

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

1 box white or yellow cake mix

2 eggs

1 stick melted butter

1 1/2 cups dried cranberries

1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts

2 cups chopped white chocolate

chips, divided

Directions: Heat oven to 350 F.

Mix cake mix, eggs, butter, cranberries, walnuts and 1 cup white chocolate chips. Spread into 7-by11-inch baking dish and bake 35-40 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Don’t let a romance scammer steal your heart and savings

FBI Sacramento Field Office News release

SACRAMENTO — February is the month of love; unfortunately, not everyone who seems to be looking for love has good intentions. The Federal Bureau of Investigation Sacramento Field Office is issuing an urgent warning: perpetrators are posing as perfect partners to ensnare heart and wallets. Their schemes are very sophisticated and have harvesting and personal information and savings.

The warning about these scams has never been more urgent. Confidence fraud and romance scams result in some of the most significant financial losses when compared to other internet-facilitated crimes. In 2023 alone, 17,832 victims reported more than $650 million in losses. Sadly, this number is conservative. Many victims suffer in silence, too ashamed or afraid to come forward.

While finding love on dating sites or with remote partners with whom you’ve connected with through social networks or affinity groups online isn’t impossible, heartless perpetrators lurk within online communities and platforms, seeking hearts and finances to ensnare. If you think you won’t be targeted, think again; people of all ages and backgrounds can fall victim to a romance scam.

The person showers you with attention and appears to have an unusually high number of common interests and similar background.

Images are exchanged and video chats are conducted using images and content that are synthetic or gleaned from online sources.

The FBI urges the public to beware of some common red flags:

• You have yet to physically meet your beloved and have been met with excuses when trying to arrange an inperson connection.

• You have been asked to provide money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

• You have been given directions for investing money on specific online platforms.

• You have been asked to receive and send money on their behalf.

• You have been asked to share images that you would not want posted publicly.

If any of the red flags apply to you:

• Immediately report any transfer of funds to your financial institution.

• File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.

Romance and confidence scams start with seemingly innocent contact online and builds into a carefully orchestrated scheme. While the elements may vary to best ensnare the intended victim, thee scams often include the following elements:

The person harvests information about you from your online presence to establish a quick and seemingly significant bond.

• Contact the FBI Sacramento Field Office at (916) 7467000 or your local law enforcement agency.

If you plan to travel to meet your long-distance love, proceed with caution, especially if those plans involve travel to a foreign country. Some victims who have agreed to meet in person with an online love interest have been reported missing or have been injured, and at least one was reported dead. Always review the State Department’s Travel Advisories at travel.state.gov/ before travelling.

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and may also lead to serious balance problems.

This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood ow to the nerves in the hands and feet. If not properly treated this lack of blood ow may cause the nerves to degenerate. As you can see in Figure 1, as the blood vessels surrounding the nerves become diseased they shrink and shrivel. This process hastens the ow of vital nutrients to the nerves required to remain healthy. When these nerves begin to “die” it could lead to balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling and burning symptoms in the hands and feet.

In order to effectively treat your neuropathy 3 factors must be determined.

Placerville, CA – Currently the most common method most doctor’s recommend to treat neuropathy is with the use of prescription drugs. Although these drugs may temporarily reduce your symptoms they may cause a feeling of discomfort and in some cases lead to a variety of terrible unwanted side effects. We have a different method!

advanced treatment method has 3 main goals

The treatment to increase blood ow utilizes a specialized low-level light therapy (not to be confused with laser therapy) using light emitting diode technology. This technology was originally developed by NASA to assist in increasing blow ow.

The low level light therapy is like watering a tree. The light therapy will allow the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients to heal and repair. It’s like adding water to a tree and seeing the roots grow deeper and deeper.

The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation.

“My feet hurt so bad after sitting I could barely take the rst few steps. I have had 11 treatments and no longer feel sharp or shooting pains and most of the 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

STARS AT SCHOOL

William “Etch” Etchison

Rite of Passage Charter High School

For William “Etch” Etchison, supporting students at Rite of Passage Charter High School is more than a job; it’s a calling. Growing up near the Q-House facility in Minden, Nev., his career began with the U.S. Air Force and spanned 25 years in corrections. After witnessing the paths many incarcerated individuals followed, he was inspired to make a difference for youth before they reached that point.\

Now a special education resource specialist with the El Dorado County Office of Education, Etch bridges the gap between ROP programs and EDCOE’s educational services, ensuring students receive both academic and life skills support. His role extends beyond the classroom — mentoring students, advocating for their success and creating opportunities in clubs, sports and vocational training.

“Helping students achieve what they once thought impossible is my greatest reward,” he shared.

Principal Russell DeWalt emphasizes Etch’s impact. “He is a fierce advocate for our students, constantly finding innovative ways to support them both in and out of the classroom,” DeWalt shared. “His dedication to strengthening the EDCOE-ROP partnership ensures our students receive the best environment to thrive.”

Whether convincing a struggling student to stay and earn her diploma or helping others achieve academic success, Etch’s unwavering commitment transforms lives. With aspirations to become a vocational teacher, he remains dedicated to empowering youth through education, guidance and unwavering support.

He is beefy with cute little buns. No drive through, so come on inside and meet him.

8 wks.

Adopt Today! Second-Chance Animals Make First-Class Pets!

Ask about these pets at the El Dorado County Animal Shelter (530) 621-7631 • 6435 Capitol Avenue, Diamond Springs

A cat’s purr is medicine for the soul. Adopt your own personal dispenser. F, Siamese, seal point, 25 mo.

black Hound mix,

BIG MAC (A163323) CLARA (A163320)

Suitable for a barn or garden setting, she is a gray DSH with beautiful eyes. 2 yr.

TNR KITTY (A163487)

COCOA (A163549)

Go green with home cleaners

If you’re among those looking for ways to clean your home while also going green, it may be easier than you think.

Consider these easy and affordable solutions to help you live more environmentally friendly. You may be surprised to find you already have many of these household products on hand.

Baking soda: A natural, safe, effective and gentle solution, baking soda can serve multiple home cleaning needs. Make a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water. Rub onto silver with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry for shining serving or decor pieces. Additionally, you can sprinkle baking soda on upholstery and carpet to get rid of odors.

Vinegar: With the acidity to help get rid of dirt and grime around the home, vinegar can be used to clean cloudy glassware. Simply soak paper towels or a cloth in full-strength white distilled vinegar and wrap around both the inside and outside of the glass. Let sit before rinsing clean. To remove lime deposits on your tea kettle, add 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar to the water and let it sit overnight. In the morning, boil the vinegar for a few minutes then rinse with water.

Lemons: With a fresh, natural smell, lemons have the acidity to remove soap scum, clean and shine brass and remove hard water deposits. Just spray some lemon juice on tile surfaces to remove soap scum or hard water deposits. Squeeze lemon juice on a cloth and use to polish brass around the home.

Houseplants: Plants serve as natural air purifiers. African violets and ferns are beautiful ways to help clear the air.

Other easy, green ideas for keeping your home clean include opening windows and doors while you clean to improve air quality and taking off your shoes when you come inside, which can help avoid tracking dust, dirt, pollen and more throughout the house.

Visit eLivingtoday.com for more eco-friendly advice.

Dorado County

4 core factors to avoid a heart health syndrome

Family Features

In the U.S., 1 in 3 adults is at risk for a newly recognized syndrome that comes from a combination of heart disease, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes and excess body weight. This cluster of conditions, called cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, is an example of how problems in one part of your body can affect other parts.

To avoid CKM syndrome, health experts suggest paying close attention to four of the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 - blood pressure, lipids, body weight and blood sugar level - which are core health factors that impact your metabolic health.

Good metabolic health means your body uses energy well and keeps these factors in a normal range. However, when numbers are off in one area, it can affect others, raising your risk for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes. Consider these tips from the American Heart Association to help keep your core health factors under control.

Blood pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, happens when the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels is too high. High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

Because high blood pressure doesn't have symptoms, the only way to know you have it is to get your blood pressure checked. Healthy blood pressure is below 120/80. If your blood pressure is 130/80 or higher, talk to your doctor about checking your other core health factors.

Lifestyle changes can help reduce high blood pressure. One example is a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension eating pattern that's low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. Losing 10 pounds and reducing alcohol consumption can also reduce blood pressure.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance your liver makes then circulates in the blood where your body uses it to build cells and make vitamins and hormones. You may also get cholesterol from eating animal products. If there's too much cholesterol circulating, your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke may increase.

For optimal CKM health, your LDL cholesterol should be below 100 and triglycerides below 150. Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. If your triglyceride level is 135 or higher, talk to your doctor about decreasing your risk.

Losing body weight and increasing physical activity decrease triglyceride levels. In addition, DASH and Mediterranean

(plant-based, high-fiber, lowfat) eating patterns support healthy LDL and triglyceride levels.

Body weight

Healthy weight may be determined by body mass index (BMI), a number that represents your weight in relation to your height. Extra body fat can mean a higher risk for many health problems, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. CKM syndrome starts when BMI is 25 or higher and waist circumference is 88 centimeters or higher for women and 102 centimeters or higher for men. Aim for a BMI between 18.525.

ACROSS

1) Window ledge

5) Haul, slangily

10) _ Major ("The Great Bear" constellation)

14) Black-and-white snack

15) "No" vote from a horse?

16) They're generally caught at night

17) Mismatched battlers

20) Cold-weather coat

21) Broad sash

22) Fork it over

23) Onlooker

25)Lousy eggs?

27) Dusting cloth

30) Boat maneuverer

32)Level charges at

36) Many Monopoly props.

38) Beginning of a plan

44) "_ Care of Business" (rock classic)

45) Abnormal breathing

46) Window part

47) Makes pig noises

49) Place to get balmed

50) Currently possesses

5 l) After-bath powder

53) Boyfriend

56)Loudly weep

59) Three, on a sundial

60) Rain cloud

64) Famous couple of 1981

68) Open to the breeze

69) Cliff-base rock pile

70) Got off the bus, e.g.

71) Bishop's garb

72) Packed, as pistols

73) Windblown box

To lose weight and keep it off, start by setting realistic goals. Understand how much and why you eat, manage portion sizes, make smart snack substitutions and be physically active.

Sudoku Puzzle

40) Ran quickly

41) Nagging pettily

Answers to crossword puzzle on page 9

THE EL DORADO COUNTY AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT OFFERS INCENTIVE PROGRAMS TO RESIDENTS OF EL DORADO COUNTY TO IMPROVE LOCAL AIR QUALITY.

The Chimney Smoke RIP offers $599 to $2,000 * to replace a non-EPA certified woodstove with a new efficient, cleaner burning, eligible EPA certified device.

*$2,000 incentive available to low -income residents or residents of designated low -income communities

The expanded Clean Lawn equipment Incentive Pr ogr am (CLIP) offers $100 to $2,000 to replace a piece of gas powered lawn equipment with a zero -emission cordless electric version. Now includes mowers, leaf blowers, weedeaters and more!

The new CHar ge At your Residence and Go Electric (CHARGE) incentive program offers plug -in car owners and lessees a $300 incentive to purchase and install a home EV charger.

The Drive Clean! incentive program offers El Dorado County residents a $599 incentive towards the purchase or lease of an eligible electric, plug-in hybrid, or hydrogen vehicle.

Sudoku Solution

Find the 7 words to match the 7 clues. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in each solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to complete the puzzle.