Mountain Democrat, Monday, February 6, 2023

Solar companies brace for BIG CHANGES

Odin Rasco Staff writer

El Dorado County solar companies are preparing for harder times on the horizon as a result of changes made to solar energy rules by the California Public Utilities Commission Dec.

15.

The Net Energy Monitoring solar tari will see its third significant revision, NEM 3.0, go into e ect April 15. A press release from the CPUC states that the NEM 3.0 changes “promote grid reliability, incentivizes solar and battery storage and controls electricity costs for all Californians.”

NEM 3.0 will see a shift in

■ See SOLAR, page A6

Ash answers call of duty

Jana Rossi

Staff writer

When Shelley Martell’s husband

Bruce, a paramedic with the Contra Costa Fire Department lost his faithful companion, she saw firsthand the impact the loss of his best friend had. It also got her thinking about the importance animals play in the lives of everyday heroes and, more importantly the benefits they provide.

Martell’s vision, The Paw Platoon Placement Program, launched soon after.

The program is a first of its kind and is meant to give first responders a break from the stresses their jobs create. These trained therapy dogs are there to serve alongside their fellow firefighters, by o ering comfort and love during the most stressful times. While the pooches currently remain at the firehouse while on duty, Martell said she hopes one day the furry companions will head out on emergency calls and be there during crucial times.

The first graduate from the program was a labradoodle named Blitz who reports for duty in the Folsom Fire Department. Since March of 2022, Martell

Human Rights Commission on chopping block

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors is considering disbanding the county’s Human Rights Commission.

What was supposed to be a conversation regarding the purpose, membership and direction of the commission became a discussion between supervisors on its fate Jan. 24.

District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin, who has served on the commission, said the commission is struggling due to not having clear direction on how it should operate. She also noted challenges commissioners face such as rotating members appointed each year and a lack of resources provided by the county.

The commission was formed in 2018 with the purpose of promoting tolerance and respect among the county’s di erent races, religions and other characteristics in its residents.

“It seems like when I was on there for a couple of years I felt like the wheel was constantly being reinvented of what the commission was to do, how it was to do it (and) there was a lot of frustration,” Parlin said. “I don’t see the board at this time allocating what I see is the enormous amount of resources that are really needed to make this successful.”

Parlin recommended having a nonprofit take on the humanitarian mission and appointing a supervisor as a county liaison to the El Dorado chapter of the nonprofit Bridging Divide. Bridging Divide is a national e ort to address growing social and political disparities in communities.

“To me that seems like a good place for this e ort … and it seems like (Bridging Divide) has the tools and has more flexibility than government for outreach, communication and bringing more sectors together,” Parlin said.

has placed five others, with a goal to have a service dog in every fire department.

Ash is the latest active-duty doodle, who resides with the Rescue Fire Department. Capt. Brett Jones is Ash’s handler and described her in just one word, “Awesome.” As the handler, Jones takes Ash home with him when he’s not at the station and where, he said, she easily became part of his human and dog family. Ash has two dog siblings she romps around with while o duty.

Ash’s greatest strength, according to Jones, is

listening. “She is there for me to talk to instead of talking to myself.”

Selected dogs go through rigorous training and are chosen based on a skills assessment and their temperament. Martell said Ash has all the qualities she looks for in a recruit: a chill personality, sweet, a people dog, calm demeanor and some playfulness.

For now, Ash is there for the men and women to “come home” to and listen to them, to be showered with pets

■ See ASH page A5

Parlin stated she could not properly articulate the accomplishments of the county’s Human Rights Commission, noting administrative sta has been frustrated with the commission, including in reworking its agendas before public notice. Parlin recalled that the commission at one time created “havoc in the community” and violated the Brown Act in an email exchange while she was on the commission, a situation Parlin, the county’s chief administrative o cer and county counsel had to step in and stop.

“I really struggle to allow the commission that has no guidance and no boundaries on such important topics (to represent) us if we don’t know what they are doing and actually have a say,” Parlin commented.

Parlin further questioned the commission’s 2023 work plan and what action was actually in its jurisdiction. Citing an example, Parlin pointed out the work plan consists of a 2023 speaker series that involves the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, with whom the county has an appointed liaison with.

“That is a very delicate relationship between a sovereign nation to a county, and it is on their work plan,” Parlin said. “As far as I know, they think they are going to do this. This board didn’t say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ (and) county counsel didn’t have the opportunity to say ‘By the way, we have a liaison.

■ See HUMAN RIGHTS page A3

“I don’t see the board at this time allocating what I see is the enormous amount of resources that are really needed to make this successful.”

— Lori Parlin, District 4 supervisor

Mountain Democrat photo by Jana Rossi Ash has joined the Rescue Fire Department as a therapy dog, offering comfort and companionship to those on duty.

Evelyn Mae Morris

Sept. 10, 1932 – Jan. 21, 2023

To those of you that were blessed to know and love Evelyn Mae Morris — She passed to a heavenly place on Jan 21, after 90 years beautifully spent loving on her 3 Children, 10 Grandchildren, 16 Great Grandchildren and 9 Great-Great Grandchildren.

We are abiding by her wishes to not have a funeral. Her world was Stew and their love for one another was a living testimony of a beautiful marriage; “SOUL MATES” they often said lovingly. She found joy in holding many babies close to her chest, often closing her eyes and savoring those precious moments.

Her hugs and unconditional love have been passed down 5 generations!!

That love is passed on each time we hug our children and their children and their children…

We, her family, never knew a day without love.

“Knowing that it’s only for a while that we will be apart, and then together again when we are also… Welcomed Home”

Alexander (Al) E. Herron, Jr.

1955 – Jan. 13, 2023

Alexander (Al) E. Herron, Jr. passed away of complications due to cancer at Marshall hospital on the afternoon of Jan. 13, 2023. His family and friends were in attendance. Al was born in Whittier, Calif. in 1955. Al grew up in Rialto, Calif., racing motorcycles with his brother, Patrick (Pat). He met wife, Gail, in 1983 while still living in Southern California. They married in 1987 and moved to Placerville in 1995. He was employed for 21 years by Gencorp/Aerojet of Rancho Cordova. A lifelong lover of flying, Al purchased his first plane in 1988. He sold it after the move to Placerville to invest in a homebuilt plane kit which he assembled in their garage. An active member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Al completed the plane (RV-7A) in 2008. He and Gail spent many hours flying to visit family and attend air shows.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander Herron Sr., and Jeanette (Hodges) Herron, and half-brother, Larry Schildberg. Al is survived by wife, Gail, brother Pat and many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. A celebration of life will be held at the EAA hangar at the Placerville airport on April 29, 2023.

Linda Wagner Azevedo

Apr. 24, 1950 - Jan. 15, 2023

Linda passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family. She was born to Fred and Olga (Hove) Wagner in Kalispell, Montana. Her favorite early memories were gathering and working cattle on horseback at her family ranches and contributing to the homesteading life. Linda was a natural leader during her school years in Tacoma and Olympia, Washington and continued to be highly engaged in social, academic, and extra-curricular settings throughout high school in Battleground. Any extra time was spent riding and training her saddlebred for dressage and hunter competition.

Linda’s equestrian achievements didn’t go unnoticed and she became the professional trainer at a saddlebred barn in Montana, then moved to the California Bay Area to work as a trainer at a renowned Morgan horse stable. Linda was an inquisitive spirit and always wanted to learn. She was encouraged by her optometric technician colleagues to apply to optometry school. At UC Berkeley she met her husband Loren, and after graduating they started a life together on California’s North Coast.

As an industrious, resourceful, fun-loving woman, she became involved with the community while growing a family and building a successful business. Linda enriched her children’s lives with a sense of adventure and wonder of nature. She adored her children and provided a grounding and loving home.

Linda was an enlightening influence on anyone she met. Just a short conversation would leave one with a sense of clarity, confidence, and direction. She was a brilliant asset to organizations where she volunteered. She did not require recognition and never shied away from di cult decisions. Linda listened to what was important to others, valuing their ideas, and creating a space of inclusion. She radiated warmth, support, and inner strength with friends and strangers alike.

After retiring from their optometric business (first Azevedo and Azevedo, and now A to Z Eyecare), Linda and Loren moved their ranching passions to the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills in 2016. Linda brought her favorite horses, cattle, cow dog, and pioneering spirit along with her.

Linda is survived by her husband Loren Azevedo; son John Azevedo; son Thomas Azevedo; daughter Katie Cole and her husband Michael Cole; and her cherished granddaughter Bryn Cole. Momo: We will always love you and we hope to carry your internal light of kindness, dignity, and wisdom forward with us as inspiration to ourselves and others.

For those of you who knew Linda, you are invited to do the same by keeping her wonderful qualities in your hearts and minds. If you would like to make a donation on her behalf, they will be accepted at a nonprofit organization founded by Linda: Oak Hill Area Fire Safe Council, PO Box 75, Diamond Springs, CA 95619.

James Edward “Chappy” Chapman

Apr. 20, 1942 – Nov. 27, 2022

Jim was born in Placerville, Calif. He was proud to be a lifelong resident. He was a graduate of El Dorado High School and a veteran of the United States Navy. When he returned from his service he had many di erent jobs. He worked for El Dorado Limestone Company and El Dorado County Road Department. He was co-owner of John S. Hocking Company, driving his lowbed and operating his crane, hauling immense loads for SMUD, Bigge Drayage Company and others. He also worked for Ed Akin Trucking and Doug Veerkamp General Eng. Inc. In 1996 he began teaching heavy equipment maintenance & repair for Sacramento County O ce of Education. Upon retirement from teaching, he returned to Doug Veerkamp General Eng. Inc., where he restored antique Caterpillar tractors and various makes of antique trucks for Doug & Matt’s impressive collection. Jim said it was like working at Disneyland. A job he enjoyed immensely.

Jim had countless hobbies. The thing that he loved the most was operating his Caterpillar bulldozer, Snorty. There were numerous friendships created by doing earth moving all around El Dorado County and beyond. He enjoyed wood work and metal work and made many beautiful pieces. In later years he took an interest in machining and was quite talented at it. The restoration of his 1956 Ford pickup was an amazing accomplishment and he was able to take it to several car shows, winning a first place trophy at Sacramento Autorama. He had a life well lived.

Jim was proceeded in death by his father Maurice Chapman, mother Nona Sweeney Chapman, sister Sharon Redding, daughter Stephanie Chapman Pope and son Timothy Chapman. He is survived by his loving wife Bonnie Chapman, grandchildren Mercedes Chapman, Wyatt Pope, Isaac Chapman, Owen Pope and Eric Chapman. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Margie Carrick (Mike), and his former wife Marilyn Chapman. He had very close and loving relationships with his nephews and nieces and is survived by Adam Cole (Elly), Jim Cole (Tina), Laura Mosher, Tom Redding (Shelbi), Ti any Baxter (Brett), Annique Jeske (Ben) and several other great-nephews and great-nieces who adored him.

His friends were abundant and he will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will take place July 1, 2023. Details to follow at a later date.

Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Snowline Hospice of Placerville, 6520 Pleasant Valley Road, Diamond Springs, Calif. 95619

The following was taken from Placerville Police Department logs:

Jan 19 8:20 a.m. Officers arrested a 43-year-old man who had an outstanding warrant on Forni Road.

10:51 p.m. Officers arrested a 53-year-old woman suspected of being drunk in public on Main Street.

Jan. 21

1:16 p.m. Officers cited a 34-yearold woman who was allegedly driving on a suspended license and had expired registration on Placerville Drive.

Jan. 22

9:24 p.m. Officers arrested a 38-year-old man on suspicion of petty theft, drunk in public and obstruction on Orchard Lane.

9:40 p.m. Officers arrested a 33-year-old woman suspected of misconduct on Washington Street.

10:58 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Broadway.

Jan. 23

4:44 p.m. Battery was reported on Coloma Court.

Jan. 24

1:15 a.m. Officers arrested a 38-year-old man on suspicion of possession of a concealed knife on Main Street.

6:21 a.m. Officers received a report that four vehicles had their tires slashed on Reservoir Street.

Jan. 25

10:42 p.m. Officers cited a 38-year-old man who was allegedly driving on a suspended license and had expired registration on Broadway.

10:50 a.m. Officers arrested a 51-year-old woman on suspicion of trespassing on Forni Road.

7:14 p.m. Vehicle vandalism was reported on Cedar Ravine Road.

Jan. 26

CRIME LOG MISSED

7:40 a.m. Officers arrested a 51-year-old woman on suspicion of vandalism and obstruction after she reportedly there a substance

VACATION HOLDS

at a. Vehicle on Placerville Drive.

3:06 pm. Grand theft was reported on Placerville Drive.

5:13 p.m. Battery was reported on Moulton Drive.

6:01 p.m. Officers cited a 65-yearold man suspected of illegal camping on Mosquito Road.

Jan. 27

1:40 a.m. Vandalism was reported at a Main Street business.

9:47 a.m. Officers arrested a 39-year-old woman on suspicion of public intoxication on Marshall Way.

9:33 p.m. A license plate was reported stolen.lost on Schnell School Road.

Jan. 28

4:36 a.m. Officers cited a 65-yearold man suspected of illegal camping on Mosquito Road.

8:05 p.m. Officers on Fair Lane contacted two transients, ages 33 and 32, who both reportedly had misdemeanor warrants out for their arrests. Both were issued new court dates.

8:49 p.m. Officers arrested a 26-year-old transient who had a felony warrant on Fair Lane.

8:59 p.m. Officers arrested a 32-year-old man who had a warrant on Broadway.

Jan. 29

12:04 a.m. Officers arrested a 32-year-old man who had a warrant on Green Valley Road.

12:44 a.m. Officers arrested a 49-year-old man who had a warrant following a traffic stop on Missouri Flat Road.

Jan. 30

7:51 a.m. Tires and rims were reported stolen from a vehicle on Sean Drive.

1:18 p.m. A stolen vehicle was recovered on Green Street.

Jan. 31

1:32 a.m. Officers arrested a 38-year-old man who had a warrant on Broadway.

1:25 p.m. Officers arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion offing under the influence of a controlled substance on Broadway. Mountain

PLACERVILLE 5-DAY FORECAST

Assault, carjacking suspect found in SF

Odin Rasco

Staff writer

A suspect in a Diamond Springs carjacking and assault was arrested by San Francisco police officers Wednesday, according to the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.

Amanda Scarbrough, 28, was taken into the custody of the San Francisco Police Department shortly after her white 1995 Isuzu Trooper was reportedly found unoccupied in the city. A warrant had been issued for Scarbrough’s arrest following a Dec. 31, 2022, alleged assault with a deadly weapon and carjacking at a gas station at 639 Pleasant Valley Road that sent one victim to a local hospital with knife wounds, sheriff’s officials reported.

Information made available by the Sheriff’s Office indicates Scarbrough and the victim knew each other.

South lake tahoe VhrS

Judge seeks more info in Measure T appeal

Ashleigh Goodwin Tahoe Daily Tribune

A Sacramento judge is asking for additional information to make a final decision on the appeal of Measure T, which would restrict vacation home rentals in South Lake Tahoe.

The citizen-led Measure T prohibits VHRs outside the city’s tourist core and commercially zoned areas. It narrowly passed in 2018, leading to multiple appeals.

City of South Lake Tahoe Attorney

Heather Stroud received the request from the Court of Appeal Thursday asking for the appellant and respondent to address three questions regarding the Commerce Clause prior to issuing its decision.

crime log

He was listed in custody in lieu of $75,000 bail.

9:21 p.m. Vehicle burglary was reported on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

Jan. 24

7:37 a.m. Vandalism was reported on La Canada Drive in Cameron Park.

10:18 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Scenic Drive in El Dorado Hills.

3:33 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Sliger Mine Road in Greenwood.

4:37 p.m. Battery was reported at a mobile home park on Pleasant Valley Road in Diamond Springs.

4:43 p.m. Burglary was reported at a business on Francisco Drive in El Dorado Hills.

8:25 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 53-year-old man suspected of disorderly conduct on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville. He was later released.

Jan. 25

5:49 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 26-year-old woman suspected of identity theft, vehicle theft, receiving stolen property and impersonation on White Rock Road in El Dorado Hills. She was released on $90,000 bail.

11:55 p.m. Vandalism was reported at a business on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines.

12:16 p.m. Illegal entry was reported on Sundown Court in Placerville.

2:12 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Gravel Road in Placerville.

2:14 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Windlestraw Road in Placerville. 2:16 p.m. Vehicle burglary was reported on Crestline Circle in El Dorado Hills. 2:18 p.m. Vehicle burglary was reported on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines.

p.m. Grand theft was reported

The Commerce Clause is an enumerated power that gives Congress authority to regulate interstate commerce and restricts states from impairing interstate commerce.

The appellants must submit supplemental briefs to the court by Feb. 21.

Stroud, who attended proceedings Dec. 22 in Sacramento regarding the appeal of the trial court’s previous decision, must then submit supplemental information within 20 days of that filing.

A final reply from appellants is due 10 days from that filing.

After all briefs are submitted, the judge will have an additional 90 days to review and possibly make a final decision.

on Pleasant Valley Road in Placerville.

8:08 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Cordero Drive in El Dorado Hills.

Jan. 26

7:02 a.m. Burglary was reported on Snows Road in Camino.

7:40 a.m. Battery was reported on Patterson Drive in Diamond Springs.

9:31 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Wentworth Springs Road in Georgetown.

10:40 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Dean Road in Somerset.

3:21 p.m. Grand theft was reported at an apartment complex on Valley View Parkway in El Dorado Hills.

9:03 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 41-year-old man suspected of vandalism on Marshall Road in Garden Valley. He was later released on $35,000 bail.

11:37 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 60-year-old woman suspected of grand theft on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville. She was released on $20,000 bail.

Jan. 27

3:42 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 20-year-old man suspected of DUI and driving with a suspended license on Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park. He was listed in custody in lieu of $40,000 bail.

9:36 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Holly Hills Lane in Cameron Park.

11:34 a.m. Vandalism was reported at a lodge in Wentworth Springs Road in Georgetown.

12:32 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 28-year-old man suspected of elder/dependent adult abuse and vandalism on Highway 49 in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $75,000 bail.

1:27 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Rolph Way in El Dorado Hills.

2:35 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 36-year-old man suspected of DUI, elder/dependent adult abuse and attempting to evade officers on Highway 50 at Cambridge Road in Cameron Park. He was listed in custody in lieu of $85,500 bail.

3:15 p.m. Grand theft was reported at a store on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

3:22

This probably isn’t appropriate.’

“This kind of stuff has been going on with the commission for as long as I can remember,” Parlin added.

District 1 Supervisor John Hidahl, who has also served on the Human Rights Commission, said while he thinks there is lack of direction to the board from the commission on how it can effect change in the county, he was in disagreement with disbanding the commission altogether.

“I look at this process similar to a team formation process and it starts out with ‘forming’ and then you go through ‘storming,’” Hidahl said. “‘Then you go through ‘norming,’ then you go through high performing.”

“I think we have gone through the ‘storming’ phase and we are getting to the phase where we can start to ‘norm’ and we can look forward to expectations of seeing more activities that will help people become more informed and educated relative to what human rights are all about,” he continued.

Hidahl noted Bridging Divides focuses more on social and political disparities due to COVID-19 mandates, among other divisions in communities, and he would want to talk with the nonprofit’s leadership to determine its scope of educating on human rights.

District 5 Supervisor Brooke Laine said a county commission regarding human rights would be beneficial and demonstrate the Board of Supervisor’s desire to have a space where human rights discussions can occur.

District 3 Supervisor Wendy Thomas pointed out the commission may not be allowed to explore topics not under the Board of Supervisor’s jurisdiction, creating “inherent conflict.”

“In no way are any of us saying that we don’t support the objectives of supporting mutual respect and tolerance and fostering peaceful relationships in our community,” she said. “We are tasked with understanding where is the best place for those kinds of activities. By having it as a county committee those efforts are in a silo.”

Human Rights Commission Chair Susan Simpkin in a letter to the board wrote that commission members had worked to make human rights topics relevant to the county and questioned what factors deemed the commission a failure.

“How can our commission help the board in its mission to promote

democracy? What information can our commission add to the discussion that will assist in developing and carrying out policy that directly helps the lives of county citizens?” Simpkin asks. “It is my request that the board continue to support this young commission. Let us fix what we can, understand what we value in common and continue to move forward, empowered with the vision that each person in El Dorado County feels safe enough to stay.”

During public comment El Dorado County Planning Commissioner Andy Nevis compared the commission to more of an activist group.

“I think everyone is going to be better served if this is under a nonprofit structure,” Nevis stated. “The commission is going to have more freedom to do what they wish to do, to make the impact they want to have and the county is not going to have to worry about having liability if something goes sideways or they step into a controversial issue that your board doesn’t want to step into.”

Cameron Park resident Dawn Wolfson praised the Human Rights Commission’s homeless forum held at the El Dorado County Office of Education in 2022 and commented that the commission could be more of an educational organization with guidelines if they step out of line.

“As an educational outreach organization, I think they are excellent,” Wolfson told the board. “If you are speaking to activism, then maybe we need to have a separate nonprofit, but I don’t see any reason to do away with this particular commission. I’d rather see you fine-tune it and get it back in line with its original goals.”

El Dorado Hills resident Kelley Nalewaja criticized how the commission handled a hearing that followed a March 2022 racial incident at an Oak Ridge High School girls soccer game. She said the commission demanded an explanation, calling it a “gas-lighting incident.”

She also argued the commission is “unapproachable” if community members have differing opinions from its stance.

Parlin, Thomas and Supervisor George Turnboo voted “yes” to have staff bring an item forth to disband the Human Rights Commission 60 days after Jan. 24. Hidahl and Laine cast “no” votes.

Pollock Pines. He was released on $3,000 bail.

9:23 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 43-yearold man suspected of DUI on La Canada Drive in Cameron Park. He was released on $35,000 bail.

Jan. 28

1:04 p.m. Battery was reported on Marshall Way in Placerville.

2:20 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 29-year-old woman suspected of possession of a controlled substance on Pleasant Valley Road in El Dorado. She was released on $1,000 bail.

2:34 p.m. Grand theft was reported on North Canyon Road in Camino.

3:18 p.m. Battery was reported on Racquet Way in Diamond Springs.

3:40 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 47-year-old man suspected of elder/dependent adult abuse and assault with a deadly weapon on La Canada Court in Cameron Park. He was listed in custody in lieu of $100,000 bail.

7:13 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 35-year-old woman suspected of DUI on Highway 49 in Placerville. She was later released.

10:38 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 51-year-old woman suspected of disorderly conduct on Cedar Ravine Road in Placerville. She was later released.

Jan. 29

2:46 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Courtside Drive in Diamond Springs.

3:56 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 20-year-old man suspected of carrying a loaded firearm and giving false information to law enforcement. He was released on $3,000 bail.

10:08 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 43-year-old man suspected of DUI on Aquamarine Court in Cameron Park. He was released on $35,000 bail.

2:07 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 47-year-old woman suspected of grand theft and conspiracy to commit a crime in Cameron Park (street not specified). She was released on $20,000 bail.

10:56 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 62-year-old man suspected of DUI on Pleasant Valley Road (town not specified). He was later released.

Jeffrey

Tracey

Scarbrough was transferred to the custody of EDSO on Thursday and is held on $260,500 bail, according to inmate records.

AMANDA SCARBROUGH

What if there is no next big thing for California?

From its founding, California has been a special place, especially its ability to grow and foster new companies and industries that lead the world in their respective fields.

Much of this has been driven by the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation that found a unique home here.

Of course, the first “Big Thing” for California was the Gold Rush of 1849, attracting risk takers willing to cross 2,000 miles of hostile territory with no guarantee of survival, let along success. Following closely behind the prospectors were the blacksmiths, shop keepers, farmers and cattlemen to serve the exploding population.

Once fully industrialized, California maintained its reputation as the place where innovation could fully flourish. But companies and industries have a predictable life cycle and are never static. They start small and then grow exponentially, after which they mature and stabilize. The growth period, of course, is the most dynamic. That’s when the innovators themselves and ultimately their stockholders make substantial profits and employees grow in number and income.

For the last 60 years California has always had an industry or two in that growth cycle. First it was the oil companies and the Hollywood studios. Aerospace came next and then the first round of technology companies like Hewlett Packard, Intel and Cisco. As they matured around 20 years ago, along came the current wave of tech companies like Google and Apple to surge past them.

In serial order, one new industry after another grew up in California just as the prior wave had crested and was settling into maturity. This trend has not just benefitted the economy and employment. These industries have powered the revenue to the state for decades. The rapidly growing companies have provided a lot of people with very high incomes from stock, stock options and incentive-based employment. Because California’s revenue is so dependent on highincome earners, the recent budget surpluses have largely been driven by these enormous tech incomes.

But now, the current wave of tech companies is maturing. Layoffs at Facebook and Twitter and Salesforce are ongoing. The median income at Facebook is reportedly $394,000, which has meant lots of tax revenue for the state. Some political leaders suggest that we shouldn’t worry about the California economy and assume there will be another big industry to grow up here to fill that hole in the budget.

n See COupal page A5

The Balancing Act

Letters to the Editor

Over-classified

EDITOR:

The original intention: :U.S. Governments documents should be classified if the information therein concerns national security AND could harm U.S. national interests if it fell in the hands of (potential) enemies.”

Simple, but the devil’s in the details. Who defines national security and U.S. national interests — and how? Like the four blind men describing an elephant, answers vary. In certain agencies, any civilian or military above X rank can classify a document. While working with documents from State, DoD, CIA, NSA, etc., it was often evident that the classifier wanted to hide information, not from the Russians, but from democracy’s real enemy: the press.

All CIA, NSA, DIA documents are classified

SECRET +. In 1966, in West Africa, the embassy received a SECRET cable announcing the arrival (by USAF C-141, no less) of 40-plus dishwashers for exclusive distribution to CIA employees (o/a $6,000 per dishwasher in today’s dollars).

Other examples of SECRET messages I saw: “Reserve suite for secretary (of State). Reserve connecting room for Ms. XXX, secretary’s personal assistant”. Ms XXX was an attractive woman, half the secretary’s age who, according to accompanying Secret Service agents, was performing a vital service.”

“Dedicated hotel hospitality room to be staffed 24/7 by English-speaking embassy staff. Air Force steward will provide hospitality items (alcohol, soft drinks, snacks). Embassy to insure supply of potable ice.”

n See letters, page A5

Here’s some more bad news for electric vehicles

General Motors is releasing for sale the new 2023 Hummer EV. If this is the world to come, with all the government electric vehicle mandates, new road taxes will be required for EVs like this. The new $100,000-plus Hummer has a curb weight of more than 9,600 pounds (Car and Driver). Maybe it will get the new government classification of “Road Tank.” With just four tires on the road and that kind of curb weight, it ought to do some real “asphalt ripping” damage to our roads.

With the battery alone weighing about 3,000 pounds, not counting the cooling system required, it must have some real capacity, which it does at about 212 kWh usable (or more than double of a 100-kWh battery in a Tesla). And for that you get a real-world range of about 290 miles at a constant 75 mph. That equates to less than 1.5 miles/kWh or less than half of average EV performance.

Towing performance while rated at a max of 7,500 pounds will get you less than half that distance, just 140 miles while towing a 6,100pound trailer at 70 mph. Forget the “Road Tank” nomenclature; let’s call it “Road Pig.”

Want more good news? It was recently reported by a lucky new customer that it took five 24-hour days to recharge on a 110 V home system even though the onboard charger is listed at 11.5 KW. Even with a Level 2, 220V/50-amp charger it will take at least 10 hours for a half charge. Even at a supercharger Level 3, 800 volt-350 kW charger it will take about 15 minutes just to get 100 miles of real range. But at what cost?

Most superchargers with a capacity of 350 kW charge 40 cents or more per kWh, meaning it will cost $25 to $30 just to go 100 miles. Even at $5/gallon, current diesel pickups cost about the same or slightly less for energy on a per mile basis. And I don’t see anything in the Hummer EV literature about free

most superchargers with a capacity of 350 kW charge 40 cents or more per kWh, meaning it will cost $25 to $30 just to go 100 miles. Even at $5/gallon, current diesel pickups cost about the same or slightly less for energy on a per mile basis.

charging provided by GM.

With 1,000 hp, the Hummer EV is quick — 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds — but do that four or five times (why would you?) and your range drops by perhaps 25 miles. You might even get a battery overheat warning and the Hummer won’t let you do it again.

The electric Rivian looks like a much better performer. While straight line performance is about the same, a large battery model (135 kWh) will get you an average of 260 miles on the highway depending on tires. But towing performance range drops to 110 miles with a 6,100-pound trailer. And helping that improved performance is a curb weight of just 7,200 pounds. And you only have to plunk down $80,000 for the privilege of ownership. Buying them like a good steak (on a per pound basis), they cost

about the same.

A loaded F-150/Dodge Ram/GMC/ Chevy Silverado 1500 costs about $60,000, does everything and more and costs a lot less for energy on a per mile basis. Even better, after about 400 miles of non-stop driving you can recharge (refuel) it in about 5 minutes. Yeah, they won’t go 0-60 mph in 3 or 4 seconds (maybe 6-7 seconds is the norm), but they are plenty quick and I have yet to hear any pickup driver complain of poor performance and they tow much better and farther than the EV pickup.

Now think about an electric semitruck that weighs 80,000 pounds with cargo? The 9,600-pound Hummer with its 3,000-pound battery equates to a semi with a 25,000-pound battery

n See Weitzman, page A5

LArry WEiTzmAn

Coupal Continued from A4

But what if that doesn’t happen this time?

What if there is no next wave to replace the maturing Google and Apple? The promising industries of ride sharing and food delivery are struggling, as is autonomous driving. Maybe something like ChatGPT is coming, but there are no assurances there either.

While there will almost certainly be some “next big thing,” we can no longer be certain that “thing” will be California-based. Despite high taxes, high cost of everything and onerous regulations, the educated and tech savvy workforce has kept many companies here. However, now those people can be hired remotely by a business in Arizona. Or, whereas once a Californian didn’t want to move out of state, now moving the family to Florida may not look so bad. That spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation that was such a part of California’s culture is eroding at the same time other places are finding their footing with creative growth.

The good news is that this future is avoidable. That culture of entrepreneurship still exists. Innovation and enterprise can still be found and grow here. It may be trite to say, but it only needs a government that will get out of its way rather than suppress its dreams. Yes, it means less regulation and lower taxes. But it also means a government focused on empowering those who produce in order to ensure that there is revenue for public services as well as providing a reasonable safety net for

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD

those in need. It may also mean more emphasis on the present local economic climate than the global climate changes estimated in the future. Remember when we had the best schools and police forces in the country? We do. It wasn’t that long ago.

What made California special is still here. It just needs a government that gives it room to grow again.

And it needs it fast.

Jon Coupal is the president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. John Campbell is a former member of Congress from Orange County.

Letters Continued from A4

“Embassy to schedule daily 6-7 a.m. tennis game for secretary with local English-speaking pro or with excellent embassy tennis player.”

One congressional delegation CODEL (six Dems, six GOP, plus wives and more than 30 staffers) had an unusual request: “... Embassy to defer to Mr. X in arranging visitors’ schedule.” (Translation: visit is a golfing trip.) Mr. X was a lobbyist who arranged congressional golf outings at prestigious golf courses. I have many more examples in my classified memory bank.

JOHN GARON Placerville

Announcements

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

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

el DOrADO cOUNty AmAteUr

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

LeArN & PLAy criBBAGe Cribbage is a fun, fast paced game that will surely keep you on your toes! **All skill levels **Learn to play by ACC Rules (American Cribbage Congress) **Beginner instruction available **Compete in weekly Cribbage tournaments. Call 916-768-4452 for more information. Gold Country Cribbers play Wednesday afternoon 4:30 pm at the Moni Gilmore Sr Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762

Ready for real change?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21 Innocent sorts “in the woods”

24 Playwright Chekhov

25 Makes watertight, say

26 Wear away

28 Attack, as a bee might

29 Muppet who loves his rubber duckie

44

47 Hotel chain whose name rhymes with “quiet”

48 Scintillas

49 Because of

51 Many N.Y.C. dwellings: Abbr.

52 “Oh, nerts!”

53 Kind of bar with island-themed

Weitzman Continued from A4 plus the drive train. You add that to a 15,000-pound chassis and a 10,000- to 12,000-pound 53-foot trailer (empty) and that leaves a useful load of less than 30,000 pounds. Most conventional trucks carry between 47,000 and 50,000 pounds of useful loads. The load capacity of an EV Semi is about 60% of a conventional truck. That is hugely limiting.

And considering the recharge time of the Hummer, how are you going to recharge an EV semi? Not to mention the cost to fill up a 1,500-kWh battery will require the trucker to carry gold bars as, at 40 cents a kWh, a fill up will be at least $600 for maybe a 250mile range and that’s at least a five-hour charging time. As over-the-road freight haulers, truckers will stick to conventional diesel equipment.

EVs will only succeed by the government’s ban of conventional vehicles. Isn’t life going backward fun? It’s a regular time machine. Soon there will be no gas for energy, heating and cooking and lighting at night by government decree. Welcome to the new dark (stone) age.

Larry Weitzman is a resident of Placerville.

Ash Continued from A1

and to give her unconditional love to the entire department.

Rescue Fire Chief Bryan Ransdell told the Mountain Democrat he thinks the program is awesome and beneficial. “We are always looking to alleviate the stress of our jobs.”

And Ash is doing just that … one tail wag at a time.

Solar Continued from A1 compensation for electricity sold back to the grid by solar users, particularly in the midday hours when the grid already has a surplus of available energy. Estimates show that the value of energy sent back to the grid (energy produced by solar systems in excess of what the home’s energy

needs are) would drop by 75% per kilowatt hour; what once would have been 30 cents per KWH would see closer to 7 or 8 cents an hour under NEM 3.0.

The CPUC finds this decision will incentivize battery storage solutions becoming a more consistent choice for homeowners looking to

install solar panels. Representatives from solar companies in El Dorado County and across the state feel less than optimistic, however, with many saying that the CPUC’s decision is a major step backward for green energy in California.

“It’s going to destroy solar in California,”

Matthew Ericson of Ericson Solar said. “The environmental gains we were starting to make progress on are going to be circumvented. It’s unbelievable.”

Ericson Solar was one of the very first businesses to offer photovoltaic solar panel installations in El Dorado County, and

Ericson, its founder, has been in business for more than 20 years now. He described NEM 3.0 as the biggest shake-up to the solar industry California has ever seen.

David Janas, president of Apex Solar in El Dorado Hills, agreed the changes are poised to create difficulties across the sector.

“It’s gonna be drastic,” Janas said. “The industry has not seen this kind of change before and I believe there is going to be a significant residential and commercial drop-off in new solar installations. This is a Chicken Little ‘the sky is falling’ scenario for this industry.”

Homes with solar systems already installed will be grandfathered in at NEM 2.0 pricing for another 20 years; for those who have been considering adding panels to their home, there’s a window of opportunity left, according to Darrell Hinz from Cal Sun Construction.

“All those people who have been thinking about going solar in the next two or three years, now is the time to pull the trigger,” Hinz said. “The deadline is April 13; if you have your contracts in and without error turned in by then, you’re grandfathered in.”

If someone does want to start the process to get a contract in on time, the sooner, the better, as solar companies in the area anticipate one final big rush from customers before NEM 3.0 rolls out for everyone. Hinz noted a few solar companies he’s in contact with are already getting booked out for the next few months, and Janas said much the same.

“There is, and will be, a mad rush for people to get in before that deadline,” Janas predicted. “They’re going to basically submit ‘hail Mary’ applications to get anything contracted to get grandfathered in.”

The final rush of NEM 2.0 customers is certainly a welcome sight for solar companies but once the April 13 deadline hits, things begin to look a bit murkier. Businesses already equipped to offer a diverse range of services, including battery storage, anticipate leaner but survivable times ahead but the real question is the viability of companies that exclusively focus on panel installation.

“We’re fortunate because we are a small company and have been for 16 years,” Janas said. “We saw this coming and prepared. In 12 months, many companies will be out of business.”

California’s changes to solar energy policies come while other states are moving to incentivize solar installation; as a result, the state may see an exodus of solar companies seeking brighter futures elsewhere.

“I do see a lot of the industry leaving California,” Hinz said. “Cal Sun is moving to expand outside of the state, though we will still stay headquartered here. A lot of other states are just taking the opposite approach you’re seeing here. Washington, for instance, 70-80% of your solar infrastructure can be covered through incentives. Texas may outsell California next year because there’s not enough grid in place for all the people (also from California) who are moving there.”

In the KNOW

Stellar student

Congratulations to Dylan Souza of Placerville, who was named to the fall 2022 University of WisconsinGreen Bay Honor Roll.

Feb. 6

The Music in the Mountains Chorus will host auditions, 5-6:30 p.m. The chorus performs several times a year. To schedule an audition email kevin@ musicinthemountains.org.

Feb. 7

Placerville FamilySearch Center, 3275 Cedar Ravine Road, hosts Basic German Research classes at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Where can you look to find German records? What resources are there that will help you get started and move forward in finding more about your German ancestry? Class will discuss the basics and share ideas. For more information call (530) 6211378.

Powell’s Steamer Company and Pub, 425 Main St., presents Eric Hill and Jonny Mojo for Taco Tuesday, 4-7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Stop by for some good food and good tunes. For more information call (530) 6261091.

Broadway on Tour presents

“Jesus Christ Superstar,” Feb. 7-12 at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center, 1301 L St. in Sacramento. For tickets and more information visit broadwaysacramento.com or call (916) 557-1999.

Feb. 8

UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County host

Gardening in Small Spaces.

Join Master Gardener Mike Pavlik in a discussion that will cover site location, design, raised bed options, container gardening and other methods that will allow anyone to have a vegetable garden in a small backyard setting. Class runs 9 a.m to noon at the Cameron Park Community Center, 2502 Country Club Drive.

The Sons in Retirement – Gold Country branch meets the second Wednesday of the month at the Cameron Park Country Club. Check out the club and be a guest for a complimentary lunch. Contact Branch 95’s membership chairman at SIRBranch95@gmail.com for more details.

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce hosts a business blender and ribbon cutting at Pete’s Restaurant & Brewhouse in El Dorado Hills, 5:30-7:30 p.m. For more information visit eldoradohillschamber. org.

The Blues & Bourbon weekly series at The Starlet Room above Harlow’s in Sacramento has begun.

Check out the following acts “Pinkie Rideau (Feb. 8). Daryl Rowland Blues

All-Stars (Feb. 15), QuiQue Gomez & Friends (Feb. 22), Sonny Landreth & Cindy Cashdollar DUI (March 1), REd’s Blues with Robert Sidewell & Sid Morris (March 8), Chrissie O’Dell & The Real Deal (March 15), Vanessa Collier (March 19) and Mitch Woods Rocket 88s (March 29). For more information visit harlows. com.

Feb. 10

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts the Senior

Nature for all courtesy of the Tahoe Institute of Natural Science

News release

Did you know there’s a scientific research team in Lake Tahoe conducting conservation-based wildlife research, and that work is helping land managers make better decisions on how to preserve and protect Tahoe’s wildlife?

Did you know that there’s a nonprofit organization providing place-based science education curriculum and hands-on enrichment programs to students across the Tahoe region? These programs awaken students’ curiosity of the natural world and promote responsible environmental citizenship, equipping them with the tools they need to make informed decisions about Tahoe’s natural resource issues.

Did you know there’s a funloving group of natural history experts hosting guided hikes, snowshoe tours and friendly bird and wildflower counting competitions? These free programs allow people of all ages to connect with nature and wildlife.

Here’s the best part — all three groups are one and the same. The Tahoe Institute of Natural Science is a member-supported nonprofit that aims to make the natural wonders of Lake Tahoe accessible to all people. Here’s a snapshot of just a few of the many events TINS offers throughout the year:

TINS Summer Camps: Each summer TINS offers a wide variety of experiences for children ages 4-17, all across the Lake Tahoe region. Young campers can search the outdoors for hidden insects in the Bug Camp, while older campers can join backpacking trips.

Chickadee Ridge Snowshoe Tours: A short and scenic hike through the forests of Tahoe Meadows that includes a discussion of winter ecology concepts and the survival strategies employed by animals in the Sierra Nevada. TINS regularly schedules a few for the public each winter, along with school field trips and

private guided outings.

Sierra Valley Raptor Outing: Driving tours of Carson and Sierra valleys, which are fantastic places to view raptors of all kinds in winter. Rough-legged hawks that come down from the high arctic, Ferruginous hawks from northern grasslands and tons of red-tailed hawks take advantage of open fields full of rodents and many eagles move into the area for calving season in January and February.

Village Green Bird Walks:

A guided, leisurely stroll around the Village Green and the surrounding woods in Incline Village, Nev. hosted every Thursday morning starting May through midJune. Guides will identify the songs, calls, and field marks of birds that return or migrate through Tahoe in the spring. No registration required and TINS can provide binoculars with advanced notice.

Lake Tahoe Bird Festival: Every June TINS hosts this event (which is paired with the Tahoe Native Species Day comprising Wild Tahoe Weekend) at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center. The bird festival offers many opportunities to connect with, watch and enjoy birds. The Lake Tahoe Bird Festival includes hourly guided bird walks along the Rainbow Trail, visits with live birds of prey, information and presentations on migratory birds, bird crafts and games and more.

Sagehen Bio-blitz: A bio-blitz is a detailed study of biodiversity in a specific location over a specific period of time, bringing volunteers and experts together to document the diversity of life with a snapshot record, usually over a single day or weekend. The annual Sagehen Bio-blitz tackles this challenge for one day each summer from the University of California, Berkeley Sagehen Creek Field Station, just north of Truckee. Participants can bring their smartphone or camera — and enthusiasm, as the team looks for birds, mammals, insects,

n See Nature page B4

Courtesy photos

Each summer The Tahoe Institute of Natural Sciences offers a wide variety of experiences for children ages 4-17, all across the Lake Tahoe region.

in the TINS Bug Camp. TINS offers free

Tahoe is an incredible place for butterflies and each year people come from all over to participate in the annual butterfly count.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Nothing is a chore to you today, especially the sort of work that might normally be classified as such. Sweeping, cleaning, dusting is all an exercise in appreciation for all the bounty you have the privilege to maintain.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You have goals. Who is interested? It may be a source of stress. Many would like to be on Team You, though you have to make a bigger effort to connect with them. Make it your mission to find your supporters.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You get the feeling you’re drifting off track. This happens when the current is stronger than your intention. Either remind yourself of where you want to go and why, or ride the force. You can still change tracts if you want to.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The problem, believe it or not, will work itself out. Sit tight. Have faith. You’ve made your play, now be watchful and still. Do nothing to interrupt the show about to unfold before you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Make things. You are the sun. Your involvement elevates projects, relationships, endeavors. This golden day holds shimmering potential, particularly in the morning.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). If the fit isn’t happening, you’re better off making a quick change. Don’t finagle to try to figure it out. Save your time and everyone else’s by moving on to a more natural melding of interests.

Students earn American history essay awards

Two students from schools in El Dorado Hills and Folsom were awarded bronze medals for their winning American history essays about the Second Continental Congress, which met in May 1775 and was instrumental in shaping what was to become the United States of America. The essay contest was sponsored locally by the Charlotte Parkhurst Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in Folsom.

Winning essays were submitted by Pratheek Guru Prasanna, a fifth-grade student at Gold Ridge Elementary School in Folsom, and Hayden Chua, an eighth-grade student at Marina Village Middle School in El Dorado Hills. One essay from each of the two

grade levels was presented as the chapter winner in a ceremony held Jan. 23 at Folsom Veterans Hall. In a surprise announcement, both students were then notified that their essays also won at the district level and would be forwarded to the California state American history chair for statelevel competition.

Students participating in the essay contest were asked to imagine they were a delegate during the 177576 Congress. They had to select a colony they wished to represent and discuss what was important to accomplish for that colony. The essay title was “Delegate to the Second Continental Congress: How will the essential actions of a good citizen (dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism) help meet the n See Essays, page B3

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). What separates the amateurs from the pros? Follow-through. Neither is better than the other. It’s wonderful to be unserious in a pursuit. It’s the purest enjoyment. But seriousness depends on follow-through.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Maybe you are the type of person who will do anything to facilitate a loved one’s enjoyment. You’ll consider yourself lucky today to see the opportunity and act on it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). It will be tempting to spend the bulk of your time on a problem, but that’s not advised. While you spend the best of your time with the people who feed your soul, problems will work themselves out.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Pay attention. Keep your head on a swivel. The stall in the action is your lucky break. This is

Courtesy photo

Hayden Chua, a Marina Village Middle School eighth-grader, left, and Pratheek Guru Prasanna, a Gold Ridge Elementary School fifth-grader, impressed judges reading their Second Continental Congress-focused essays.

Charlotte Parkhurst Chapter – DAR

News release

n sHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRa by Chad Carpenter

n RUBEs by Leigh Rubin

n sPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

Scholarship open for women educators

News release

Do you have a bachelor’s degree and are currently working on an initial or additional educational credential or degree in education? The 2023 Edna Miller Continuing Education Scholarship, offered by the local Epsilon Chi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society, is $1,200 per recipient and applications must be postmarked by April 7. For further details follow the link on edcoe.org, scroll down to the Spotlight section, then scroll down to the application.

Essays Continued from B2

challenges that America faces in this decade?”

Students in fifth through eighth grade in public, private, parochial or those who are homeschooled were eligible to enter the contest. More than 20 students participated. To learn more about the Charlotte Parkhurst Chapter of DAR and honoring and preserving the legacy of potential revolutionary ancestors in your family, promoting historical preservation, education and patriotic endeavors, email charlotteparkhurstdar@gmail.com or visit folsom.californiadar.org.

Valentine’s Luncheon at the EDHCSD gym. Register online at in the Pleasant Valley Area hosts a Valentine Lunch & Wine Pairing Feb. 10 & 11. Make a reservation performs at the Placerville Public House in downtown will perform at Moonraker Brewing David Wilcox with special guest at The Sofia, 2700 Capitol Ave. in Sacramento. For tickets and more information visit bstreettheatre.org.

spiders, plants, fungi, wildflowers and anything else Odonates, or simply “odes” for short, are members of the insect order Odonata, comprising dragonflies and damselflies. Each year, typically in the second half of the summer, TINS sponsors an Odes Mini-blitz and the goals are threefold: (1) document the odonate fauna of the Tahoe region, (2) identify locations with high odonate diversity or hosting unique or rare species, and (3) have fun. It’s one of TINS’ more esoteric events, but with an emphasis on learning and Tahoe is an incredible place for butterflies, with a mix of Pacific Slope, Great Basin and Boreal/Montane faunas. As a result, folks regularly come from all over the state to participate in the annual count held on the third Sunday of July. Of course, children and eager

Now

The purpose of the Widowed Persons Club is to provide a support group for widowed men and women of all ages and provide a wide range of social activities through which they have an opportunity to make new friends and find a new direction in their lives. General meeting lunches are held at Cold Springs Country Club in Placerville for members and guests on the fourth Friday of each month at 11:30 a.m. A social time precedes each meeting. The cost is $18 and reservations are required. Regular breakfasts are held every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at Denny’s in Placerville. For those interested in joining or reservations contact Glenda at (530) 295-8374 or Nancy at (530) 919-8276. Send In The Know event information to nstack@ mtdemocrat.net.

beginners are always welcome too.

Wildflower Walks: Perhaps the easiest and simplest entry into TINS’ natural world are these regularly hosted wildflower walks. These walks are offered all season long, including dozens during the Wildflower Big Year event held every three years. These often kick off with a walk in late May or early June to see the Small Camas display along Sagehen Creek, but the most spectacular shows happen at higher elevations, usually peaking in late July or early August.

South Lake Tahoe Christmas Bird Count: Held in mid-December every year, this event is part of the largest and longest-running citizen science project on the planet. Volunteers gather along the Upper Truckee River to count birds and have fun. participants can even do it on skis or snowshoes — an opportunity not found in many places.

For more information visit tinsweb.org.

The Public Square

The City of Placerville is currently accepting applications for the position of full-time Assistant Finance Director. Annual salary range: $84,216.– $102,360. Please visit the City’s website at: www.cityofplacerville.org for a detailed job description and to apply online. Applications may also be picked up at City Hall, 3101 Center Street, Placerville, CA 95667. Final Filing Deadline: Friday, February 17, 2023 at 5:00 P.M. AA/EOE

BE WARY OF OUT OF AREA COMPANIES. CHECK WITH THE LOCAL BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU BEFORE YOU SEND ANY MONEY FOR FEES OR SERVICES. READ & UNDERSTAND ANY CONTRACTS BEFORE YOU SIGN.

telephone information or on the internet website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE

interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. It is possible that at the time of sale the opening bid may be less than the total indebtedness due. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call, (800) 280-2832 for information regarding the trustee’s sale or visit this internet website, www.auction. com, for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case, T.S.# 22-03522CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the

TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (800) 280-2832, or visit this internet website www.auction.com, using the file number assigned to this case 22-03522CA to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. File

If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful

who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or

persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: March 20, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. in Dept. 9 at 295 Fair Lane, Placerville, CA 95667

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or