Crash into tree leads to lengthy rescue effort

Odin Rasco

Staff writer

Firefighters spent close to two hours extracting occupants of a truck that struck a tree on Bucks Bar Road Sunday evening.

The driver and passenger sustained severe injuries and were transported to area trauma centers, according to information from the California Highway Patrol.

Grizzly Flat resident Jade Jolson, 24, was reportedly driving a 2012 Chevrolet shortly before 6:20 p.m. when she slammed into the tree. Impact on the driver’s side wrapped the vehicle around the large oak, trapping Jolson and a male passenger, according to a CHP report. CHP officers arrived at the scene of the

Visitors tour the co-ed living space of the newly opened El Dorado Navigation Center in Placerville Feb. 6. The homeless shelter is operating at the site of the old juvenile hall on Fair lane to serve the local unhoused population while El Dorado County leaders work to establish a permanent navigation center.

Mountain Democrat photos by Eric Jaramishian crash and called for assistance from firefighters to help free the two truck occupants.

Crews from El Dorado County Fire Protection District and the Diamond Springs-El Dorado Fire Department utilized multiple rescue tools, including six Jaws-of-Life cutters in the extrication, according to an EDCFPD social media post. The male passenger, whose identity was not released by CHP as of press time, was freed in 20 minutes and transported for treatment by ground ambulance. Officials with county fire note it was a significantly more difficult process to free Jolson from the wreck, requiring the truck to n See Crash page A8

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Clients can eat inside the dining room, left photo. Food is prepared at and provided by Upper Room Dining Hall in Placerville. The navigation center’s common room has a library and television, right photo. In the men’s and women’s quarters two people can be placed per unit and are provided storage bins for their belongings.

Shelter Continued from A1 participants to engage with a case manager in a housing stabilization plan to meet a goal of long-term, sustainable housing. No weapons, alcohol, drugs or paraphernalia are allowed and such items will be confiscated during a “take in” process when clients are first introduced to the program. During that process, fresh clothes are provided.

Men and women will have their own spaces for sleeping quarters; a co-ed option is available as well. Participants are expected to dress, feed, maintain and bathe themselves.

Volunteers of America President and CEO Christie Holderegger is hopeful individuals will want to participate in the program.

“We want this to be as warm and inviting as possible and do not want people to feel scared,” Holderegger said. “We want them to know that we are here to support them because when they do not have the resources or don’t have a fall back, they can find themselves helpless.”

The El Dorado County Board of

Supervisors voted in September 2022 to approve the temporary shelter at the former site of the juvenile detention facility. VOA staff removed barbed wire from the facility’s perimeter and gave the inside a fresh coat of paint to make it more welcoming.

The county plans to build a permanent shelter at the old El Dorado County sheriff’s headquarters.

“I am proud that El Dorado County has come together with our community and the city of Placerville to meet the needs of our unhoused neighbors, our residents and our business community,” said Wendy Thomas, District 3 supervisor. “While this navigation center will not solve homelessness in El Dorado County on its own, it will be a significant tool to ensure that our unhoused residents have the ability to move from places not meant for human habitation, have the wraparound services they need to navigate out of homelessness and into productive lives.”

Some locals experiencing homelessness have expressed interest in utilizing the navigation center.

Homeless in the county for more than two years, 62-year-old Walter Anderson told the Mountain Democrat he plans to use the navigation center’s services since the opportunity has opened up.

“This seems like it will be beneficial,” Anderson said. “I am hoping others will use this center as well.”

Patricia Wassil is a 50-year-old woman who has been homeless for seven years.

“If they can advocate for the homeless, that would be great,” Wassil said. “Even though I have a job, saving money can be hard. A place like this gives people hope and hope is good. Giving up is not the answer.”

Wassil, who said she works as an in-home caregiver for a greater Sacramento home healthcare business, hopes the county’s unhoused take advantage of the navigation center.

“A lot of people are opposed to going but I’m hoping people will have an open mind,” she said.

CORRECTION!

The 2023 El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce Business and Relocation Guide contained an ad for David A. Williamson, MBA, CLTC, LUTCF, with Foothills Regional Insurance & Financial Solutions.

The published disclosures stated:

“Investment Advisor Representative. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Registered Representative. Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member of FINRA/SIPC. Cambridge and Foothills Regional Insurance & Financial Solutions are not affiliated. Cambridge does not offer tax advice.”

Instead, the disclosure should have stated: “Equity Advisors is a registered investment adviser. The information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk, and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.”

The Mountain Democrat and David Williamson with Foothill Regional Insurance & Financial Solutions regret any inconvenience to its readers and readers of the 2023 El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce Business and Relocation Guide for this error.