Mountain Democrat, Friday, February 10, 2023

Owner of old Taco Bell site gets a side of fines

Odin Rasco

writer

Staff

The building that once housed a Taco Bell in Pollock Pines, vacant for years, has accrued thousands of dollars in fines due to its continued neglect and disrepair, according to El Dorado County officials.

A series of fines, including a notice to correct sent Feb. 3, have been piling up since November 2022 and already total $11,000. Additional costs will be added to that bill soon, as county workers boarded up the property Monday to prevent access to the interior, which they say is in an unsafe state of disrepair.

The cost of labor and materials for the boarding-up will be added to the fines; if they are not paid, a lien may be put on the property by the Teasurer-Tax Collector’s Revenue Recovery unit.

The building code violations will continue to accumulate fines until vacant building requirements are put in place. County code cites those requirements as

maintenance and monitoring of the landscaping and exterior of the building, regular trash removal and prevention of criminal activity on the property.

The Taco Bell closed around the start of 2018 and the building has stood vacant since. Ownership of the location has changed hands with the most recent owner being Kilo Watt Investments LLC, a Wyoming-based company that acquired the deed in 2020. County staff has been trying to contact Kilo Watt via mail, email and phone calls since October 2022

to no avail, according to county Director of Communications Carla Hass. As of press time, Kilo Watt had not paid any of the fines.

Wyoming business documentation shows the company has a history of difficulty in keeping on top of its taxes, having gone through two administrative dissolutions for delinquency on taxes owed since 2020.

The Mountain Democrat reached out to Lisa Watt, who is listed as the CEO of Kilo Watt Investments, but did not receive a response as of press time.

Detectives

bust Shingle Springs drug house

A visit to a Shingle Springs home by El Dorado County sheriff’s detectives led to the arrest of three people on drug-related charges Monday. A search warrant was served at a home on North Shingle Road as part of a narcotics investigation. Detectives discovered controlled substances including fentanyl, paraphernalia, stolen property and a large amount of U.S. currency, according to the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s officials did not reveal the total value

Fairgrounds eyes more parking, facility upgrades

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

The El Dorado County Fair Association is chipping away at improvements on the county fairgrounds in Placerville.

Perhaps one of the most important goals is to acquire property for additional parking.

The Fair Association has a bid out to create more parking on land behind Raley’s, property the county owns.

Parking is a challenge for visitors to the fairgrounds, Fair Association CEO Kathy Dunkak told the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors at its Jan. 24 meeting.

former

Courtesy photo El Dorado County sheriff's detectives arrive at a Shingle Springs home Monday as part of a narcotics investigation.

Drugs, paraphernalia and stolen goods were reportedly found during the search and three people were arrested.

Jeanne Henes Jones

Nov. 30, 1930 – Jan. 17, 2023

Jeanne Henes Jones born November 30, 1930 passed away peacefully at her home in Placerville on January 17, 2023. She was 92 years old.

Jeanne was fond of recounting her wonderful childhood growing up in the small town of Menominee. She was a proud Yooper-those who hail from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The shores of Green Bay, Lake Michigan along which Menominee was situated brought her many fond memories. Summers were filled with swimming, sailing, and walking along the beach.

Jeanne met her future husband, David L. Jones, while in the sixth grade. She and David often walked along the shores and looked for fossils washed up on the beach. David was intrigued by this evidence of ancient life. Little did Jeanne know how his passion for all things rock would create a driving force in their lives. They were married in her parents’ home in Menominee on June 18, 1953. They were married for 54 years.

Jeanne and David relocated to California where David finished up his graduate work in geology. Jeanne described California of the 1950s as an absolute paradise, and she fell in love with its beauty. Jeanne shared her love of nature and its rejuvenating powers with her four children. To her, it was a personal requirement to spend time outdoors soaking it all in. Routinely, the family spent a day hiking at one of the Bay Area’s local parks. Summers were spent backpacking in the high Sierras. Jeanne spent subsequent years hiking, birdwatching, backpacking, and reveling in the grandeur of California.

In 1981, Jeanne and David purchased a 65-acre pear farm in Placerville with the goal of starting a family vineyard and winery. Over the next 35 years, Jeanne and David, and their sons built what is now Lava Cap Winery. During those early years, David was teaching Geology at UC Berkeley, and Jeanne was instrumental in creating the structure and foundations for a successful business. David passed away in 2007, but Jeanne and her family carried on the development of Lava Cap Winery. It was of great of joy even in her last days to know that Lava Cap was in good hands and continuing to thrive.

Jeanne’s steady Midwest sensibilities, strong work ethic, and unwavering devotion combined with a delightful sense of humor were an inspiration to all. She is survived by her four children-Becky, Tom, Charlie, and Sue, sixteen grandchildren, and eighteen great-grandchildren.

At her request, a memorial service will be at Lava Cap Winery. It will take place on Saturday, March 4, 2023 from 1-3 P.M.

James Philip Prunty

March 16, 1949 – Feb. 2, 2023

Jim passed away on February 2, 2023 at the age of 73, after a short battle with cancer.

Jim was preceded in death by his father Vincent Prunty, his mother Olive Prunty, Brother Thomas Prunty & Sister Patty Prunty. He is survived by his sister Phyllis Prangley and brother Clement Prunty, and his companion of over 30 years Sylvia Medley plus many niece’s and nephew’s.

Jim was born in Everett, Wash. His family lived in Lake Stevens, Wash., until 1967 when his family moved to Placerville, Calif.

Jim graduated from El Dorado High School in 1968. After graduating Jim moved back to Washington, where he worked for Boeing. Jim missed Placerville and moved back in 1970. He spent the rest of his life here in Placerville, Calif.

When Jim was 27 years old he joined Alcoholics Anonymous and dedicated himself to a clean and sober life. Helping many others to do the same, providing them with his support and driving those who needed transportation to meetings.

Jim lived at the Tunnel Street Apartments in Placerville for over 20 years, where he had many friends. Some who tell stories of how often Jim gave them rides, and o ered his help anytime they asked. Jim was truly the most generous person with the biggest heart that you would ever meet.

Jim was a classic car fanatic and loved going to car shows. He was one of the funniest people and had a talent for making people laugh. He was quick-witted and enjoyed making people think.

Jim loved cat’s and helped in many cat rescue’s and made sure the feral cat’s in the area had food & water. Everyone that knew Jim loved him and he will be missed by so many!

Kristina Eisenhower

Sept 27, 1967 – Jan. 21, 2023

Kristina Lynn Eisenhower was born Sept 27, 1967 in No. Hollywood, Calif., and on January 20, with her family by her side, she passed away peacefully from cancer. She was 55. She is survived by her three loving siblings: sisters, Serena Sterns and Laura Butler, brother, Clint Eisenhower (all three of Placerville), her mother, Margie Eisenhower of Rancho Cordova, six nieces and nephews (Megan Butler-Young, Alyssa Sterns, Chloe Butler, Haley Eisenhower, Sebastian Butler and Jayden Eisenhower).

After graduation from El Dorado High School, Kristina obtained her BA degree at BYU, and moved to Seattle, WA. She was always brave and adventurous – moving to Argentina for a year, where she taught English; and also worked on an Alaskan fishing boat in the Bering Sea for six months. At one time, she owned her own business in Seattle.

She moved back to Placerville in 2020 to be near family. She loved nature and the outdoors. She will be remembered for her loving and giving ways (putting others first), her intelligence, her beauty, her writing ability, and her talent as a wonderful, detailed artist.

A Celebration of Life is pending.

In lieu of flowers, a suggested donation would be to Snowline Hospice.

Hanora Margaret (Darr) Morris

Sept. 30, 1953 – Jan. 3, 2023

5th generation El Dorado County. 69 years old born in Placerville. Preceded in death by parents Ronald and Margaret Darr, infant sister Mary M., brother Ronald Jr. Survived by her husband of 50 plus years, Robert. 2 sons, 2 granddaughters, daughter in-law, 3 brothers, 3 sisters, numerous nephews/nieces and cousins.

In Irish, Hanora means, “Honor of God.”

Daughter, Wife, Mother, Sister, Grandmother, Aunt, Cousin, Friend, Confidant, Mediator, Judge, Coach, Team Mom, Group Leader Cheerleader, Caregiver, Chau eur, Chef, Gardner, Child Development Associate, Family Manager, Bookkeeper, Laundry Supervisor, Teacher, Financial Advisor. This is the legacy we have from you. Hanora lived her life to the fullest. We remember her quoting,”Star Trek Klingon Proverb taken from Native American Cultures: Today is a good day to die.” Meaning We have been given the strength to live without regrets, without the feeling that you should be doing something more, something di erent.

We will smile thinking fondly of you. Celebration of life please contact 530-957-6240 for details.

Roy Donald Stout

Nov. 1, 1928 – Jan. 26, 2023

Roy Donald Stout died at his home in El Dorado, CA on Jan. 26. He was born Nov. 1,1928 in Lynn, Okla. to Jocephus and Iceola Stout. Roy grew up on their family farm with 4 brothers and two sisters. He left home at the age of 12 so he could start working and help the family when his father died. He met his wife of 74 years while delivering bread to a restaurant where she worked as a waitress. They married on Christmas night, Dec. 25, 1948. After marrying, Roy joined the U.S. Air Force and was transferred to Nevada and in 1952 to California. His interests included family, fishing, hunting, traveling, and gardening. He devoted much of his time and energy to his family, home, and his community. He was an Honorary Member and Commander of American Legion Post 132 in Orange, Calif. where he was an avid fundraiser for high school scholarships provided to underprivileged children.

Roy is survived by his wife, Lena, and his 2 daughters, Donna Webb and Debbie Powell. He has 3 grandsons, Daniel and Brandon Webb, and Tyler Powell; 4 great-grandchildren, Corey, Kyle, Madison, and Isaiah Webb; 3 great-grandchildren, Selena, Genovieve and Leeland Webb. Services to be held on Friday, Feb. 10 at 11 A.M. at the Green Valley Mortuary and Cemetery in Rescue.

Teodoro (Ted) Ramirez

April 1, 1948 – Feb. 3, 2023

Ted peacefully passed away on Feb. 3, 2023 in his Citrus Heights home surrounded by his devoted family. He was born in Durango, Mexico, the son of Clemente and Juana Ramirez. He is survived by his loving wife Beatrice Ramirez, two daughters Leonor (Joe) and Margarita (David), son Teodoro Ramirez Jr., eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren, three sisters and one brother. Ted immigrated to the United States in 1967 in pursuit of a better life. He worked at a Lumber Mill in Foresthill from 1968-1978. He was the owner of Durango’s Mexican Restaurant (1978 – 2020) with locations in Sacramento, North Sacramento and Placerville. He had fond memories of the many friends and patrons that he served over his 42 years as the business owner.

Ted’s family was the center of his attention, as he relished his time with them. He was a musician at heart, as he loved singing and playing his guitar along with listening to his favorite music. In addition, Ted loved playing golf, working on his classic cars and trucks and he took incredible pride in the upkeep of his home. It goes without saying, he was a hardworking man that took every opportunity to build a beautiful life.

The services as follows:

2/17/2023

Viewing and Rosary (5:00 pm– 8:00 pm)

Andrews & Greilich Mortuary

3939 Fruitridge Rd., Sacramento, Calif. 95820

2/18/2023

Mass and Service (1:00 pm)

St. Rose Catholic Church

5961 Franklin Blvd., Sacramento, Calif. 95824

Burial Service (2:00 pm – 3:00 pm)

St. Mary’s Cemetery and Funeral Center

6509 Fruitridge Rd., Sacramento, Calif. 95820

Reception (4:00 – 8:00)

Dante Club 2330 Fair Oaks Blvd., Sacramento, Calif. 95825

Douglas Wilson

Feb. 20, 1959 – Jan. 5, 2023

Doug Wilson of Bullhead City, Arizona, loved the Placerville area and the many friends that he made in the area. He managed the original Round Table Pizza on Missouri Flat and designed the trusses for many of the roofs in the area when he worked at El Dorado Truss. He lived a life of adventure from white water rafting to exploring the desert in his Ranger, always sharing his adventure with friends. Some of his favorite memories were riding his motorcycle with the Sierra Riders and taking his 1967 Camaro to car shows. He is survived by his wife Joan, brothers Robert and Fred, sister Bev, nephew Ian and mother Joyce. A celebration of life will be held this summer in Placerville to honor his loving and caring life. May he have a peaceful and pain free new adventure.

WEATHER

Dorado Funeral & Cremation Services

obituaries

Craig Stewart Osmer

May 27, 1947 –Jan. 30, 2023

Craig Stewart Osmer, known to his friends as “Oz”, passed at the age of 75 on January 30, 2023 at home in Grizzly Flats, California, following a long battle with cancer. His wife, Melanie Edman-Osmer was with him at the time of death.

Born May 27th, 1947 in Oakland, Calif., Craig was a fifth-generation Californian, spending much of his childhood in Pleasant Hill and graduating from Pleasant Hill High in 1965.

Directly out of high school, Craig enlisted in the Navy and joined the Sea Bees and was sent to Vietnam where he served two tours. He was very proud of his service and recently had volunteered to help fellow vets travel to and from doctor appointments at Mather and Travis.

In the 70s, Craig had an insurance business in Southern California, but much of his career was spent in auto sales where he would often greet customers with a cheerful “good after-morning!”

Craig absolutely loved karaoke and was well known in local karaoke circles as a real crooner who made friends everywhere he went!

Craig is survived by his brother, Trent Osmer of Carson City, Nevada, and his sisters; Cindy Banks of Michigan and Gayle Baggaley of Rancho Murietta. He has one son, Craig Stewart Osmer, Jr., who along with his wife Carrie Osmer have three daughters. Craig’s granddaughters, Taylor Osmer, Tamara Osmer and Samantha Osmer were the light of his eye!

Craig also helped raise his two step-sons, Connor Edman of Santa Rosa and Tanner Edman of Davis.

He has 15 nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Vivian May Osmer and his father George Stewart Osmer, his first wife, Sandy Osmer, and a daughter who was lost at birth.

Donations can be made in his honor to Snowline Hospice as well as the Kiwanis House at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento.

A celebration of life will be held in late April. Please contact his wife for details.

Dennis Neal Curran

Jan. 31, 1952 – Jan. 26, 2023

Born in Bedford, OH to Raymond Neal Curran and Kathleen Chloe Curran. He was the 2nd of 8 children. At age 3 he and his family moved to Southern CA. He attended St. Frances and St. Dorothy Catholic Schools and Williams School in Glendora. He graduated Glendora High in 1970 and joined the Laborer’s Union of Southern Calif. In 1980 he moved to Sacramento and joined the Northern California Local 185 Hod Carriers. He retired following 30 years of work. After retirement he drove school buses for El Dorado Union School District and Camino School. He worked at Camino School for 7 years, as a custodian and worked up to and retired as maintenance supervisor.

In 1998 he and his wife Linda built a home in Grizzly Flats where they both were volunteer firefighter/EMTs as members of Pioneer Fire Protection District, a position he thoroughly enjoyed and took great joy in serving his community. He always enjoyed motorcycling and over the years belonged to the River City Beamers and Hangtown Riders. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus. In 2001 he and Linda moved to Pollock Pines.

Dennis is survived by his wife Linda Curran with whom he celebrated 24 years of marriage on Jan. 24; his daughter Crystal (Bart) Moran of Spring Hill, Tenn; son Christopher Curran of Perris, Calif; step-daughters Tamara Scott of Placerville, Calif and Tracy Fischbeck of Diamond Springs, Calif; grand children Noah and Jessenia Moran; Cruz, Levi, Alexis and Leila Curran; step-grand children Cheryl Jasper (Ty) Nishikawa, Katie (Alex) Kaderabek, Breeanna Winn, Kyle Scott, Connor Fischbeck and Lucas McRoberts; step-great grand children Madelynn Rapp and Ayden Winn. His 6 surviving siblings include Tim (Mary) Curran of Ramona, Calif; Barbara (Sam) Stevens of Chula Vista, Calif; David Curran of Wildomar, Calif; Becky Curran and John (Clorinda) Curran of La Verne, Calif; Dan (Lee) of Waianae, HI; and sister-in-law Sara (Michael Curran d.) McNerney of Missoula, Mont. He is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and his previous wife Charlene Humphrey of 29 Palms, Calif. Services will be held Feb. 14, 2023 10:30 AM Rosary 11 AM Funeral Mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 3109 Sacramento St., Placerville, Calif.

A reception in the church hall will follow the ceremony. In lieu of flowers please donate to: Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Pt. Dr., Tampa, Fla. 33607 https://donate.lovetotherescue.org

Hundreds in Cameron Park may be victims of mail theft

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

El Dorado County sheriff’s deputies made an arrest Feb. 7 after receiving a series of reports of mail theft in Cameron Park. During the investigation detectives discovered hundreds of residents were potentially victimized, sheriff’s officials said.

Johnathan James Stoltzmoore, 25, was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon on suspicion of mail theft, forgery and receiving stolen property, according to inmate records at the county jail. Stoltzmoore also had an outstanding arrest warrant and was contacted by deputies at a Country Club Drive apartment complex. He remained in the jail’s custody Thursday on $30,000 bail.

Detectives are working to identify all mail theft victims. The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office is requesting any surveillance video or photos that might have captured mail theft activity be emailed to propertycrimes@edso.org, even if not a victim of the crimes. Investigators also ask potential victims to provide their name, address and phone number to the Sheriff’s Office.

Time to get wise to BearWise

Odin Rasco Staff writer

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Nevada Department of Wildlife have joined together in support of BearWise, a new program created to help individuals live more responsibly around bears. BearWise provides scientifically backed information and practical advice on its website, bearwise.org.

The CDFW and NDOW will work closely with the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and California State Parks to incorporate BearWise messaging as part of their united effort in the Lake Tahoe Interagency Bear Team.

As bears don’t pay attention to things like state lines or departmental jurisdiction zones, BearWise aims to help ensure residents and visitors alike across the Tahoe region receive the same information regarding bears regardless of where they are.

“In the Tahoe Basin, growing numbers of both bears and humans are leading to an increase in humanbear encounters and conflicts,” said NDOW Biologist Carl Lackey. “Bears pay no attention to boundaries and have no idea when they cross from public to private lands or from one

n See bearwise page A8

Bust

Continued from A1

of the stolen goods or the money discovered.

Victor Rodriguez, 66, and Leonar Alexander Chavez Manzano, 42, are suspected of renting the home for storage and/or sale of controlled substances, according to inmate records. Rodriguez also faces charges of grand theft and possession of narcotic controlled substances and paraphernalia.

Manzano’s charge carried an enhancement that raised his bail from $35,000 to $75,000.

A third suspect, Rebecca Mae Rudolph, 37, was arrested on misdemeanor charges of possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia, records show.

All three have been released on bail since the arrests.

Courtesy photo

Parcels suspected stolen from Cameron Park residents were found inside the suspect vehicle.

Photo courtesy of CDFW

Come spring and summer mother bears and their cubs will be more active, playing, learning and enjoying nature’s buffet.

Guest

Mike Pompeo versus the Libertarians

Former CIA Director and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will probably run for president.

People call him a “staunch conservative.”

I give him a hard time about that.

“Conservative” once meant promoting limited government.

But lately Republicans push new regulations and drive up America’s debt by spending more Pompeo surprised me by agreeing that, under Donald Trump, Republicans spent too much. He surprised me again by saying that entitlements must be cut and that we don’t need to spend more on our military. That was refreshing.

Then we talked about the border.

“Immigrants made America,” I point out.

“I’m an immigrant,” Pompeo responds. “My ancestors came through a legal process. This is the di erence.”

But today, I point out, the “legal process” for an ambitious person who wants to work is nearly impossible. “You might get in after waiting 12 years!”

“Whatever the rules ... you got to enforce it,” Pompeo responds.

“Shouldn’t we change the rules?” I ask.

“I actually think it’s time to take a break,” says Pompeo.

Today, people apply for asylum and then stay until their request is accepted or denied. When Pompeo was secretary of state, he says he told Mexican o cials, “You’re not going to have these people traveling in caravans through your country. We’re sending them back to you.”

President Joe Biden reversed that policy. “You can now see 4 million illegal immigrants in just 24 months,” says Pompeo. “This will fundamentally change the nature of our country ... drugs came across our borders. There’s not much di erence between a cartel leader and a jihad leader.”

“Why not legalize drugs?” I ask. “Then cartel leaders wouldn’t exist!”

“It’s a terrible idea,” Pompeo responds. “You see the decimation that we have from our drug culture today.”

“That’s because it’s illegal!” I push back.

“It’s not,” responds Pompeo. “There’s too much product available. Family institutions are beginning to fray in ways that are fundamentally dangerous to the United States.”

His answer makes no sense. Families fray and drugs are shipped despite our drug war. The war creates a black market that causes crime. There are no alcohol “cartels,” only because we ended Prohibition.

Guest Column

Letters to the Editor

Classified documents

EDITOR:

In a recent letter, John Garon makes the case that our government frequently overclassifies documents for reasons other than national security. I happen to agree that is often the case. Many times, I have questioned whether or not something really should have been marked “Confidential” or “Secret” since I had recently read or heard about that very subject in print or on TV. However, I believe Mr. Garon ended his letter too quickly. His observation seemed to imply that this was the norm instead of the exception.

In my 30 years of service I reviewed or was briefed on thousands of classified pieces of intelligence. The vast majority concerned information that was legitimately marked at some level of classification. Most assuredly, all that were marked “Top Secret” or “Top SecretSensitive Compartmented Information” were never frivolously labeled.

I’m well aware that the recent revelations of careless handling of classified documents by certain public figures has focused attention on the subject. Su ce it to say, it should be a matter of profound embarrassment for those involved. Whether or not it should be a criminal matter is for the courts to decide.

ROB PURDIE Cameron Park

Commission confusion

EDITOR:

Moscow and Placerville are separated by 6,000 miles, In the last week of January, however, the geographic separation was of no consequence when it came to a philosophical similarity — a coincidence, to be sure, but also a part of a larger global pattern.

On Jan. 24 the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors voted to begin dismantling the county’s Human Rights Commission. Those pushing for the commission’s demise made two conflicting points: First, it was argued that the

Human Rights Commission was too activistoriented. Then it was posited that the same entity was ine ective and unworthy of county administrative support. No one seemed to understand that both arguments could not be true.

The next day — Jan. 25 — a Russian court was not similarly confused when it voted to shut down the Moscow Helsinki Group, which has existed since 1976 with the mission of holding the Kremlin accountable to the Helsinki Human Rights Accord. The court, doing Vladimir Putin’s bidding, ordered the shutdown, as Bloomberg News put it “amid an accelerating crackdown on the remnants of civil society since … the invasion of Ukraine.”

In Moscow the motivation was clear. In the El Dorado County Board chamber, not so much. But the result was the same.

In Russia and in El Dorado County the commitment to human rights — civil rights and civil liberties — is to be eliminated or, at a minimum, short-changed. This phenomenon is occurring in Asia, Western Europe, Latin America and in the former USSR. Sadly, it is, as The Mountain Democrat stated in a headline, on the “chopping block” locally.

Why? Because it makes some leaders and would-be leaders uncomfortable. Supervisors Parlin, Turnboo and Thomas are in no way in league with Putin. They are not part of an international conspiracy. But their move against the county’s Human Rights Commission ought to cause them to ask: Who else is doing “stu ” (I prefer a stronger word) like this? And do I want to be part of a much larger and more dangerous movement? I realize that suggesting such introspection is almost certainly futile, but I just want to “keep hope alive.”

LES FRANCIS Camino

Tired of hearing about China? Stop the cash flow

Do you get tired of hearing about China?

Now we have floating surveillance balloons over our country. We are yet to know for sure what this is about but time will tell. China is probably scouting out the next land or business purchase. They may have come up with an easy way to determine which military bases have available adjacent land. It doesn’t matter if it’s for sale; they can come up with enough money to buy the property. All they have to do is to keep piling up the money from everything they sell to the United States.

Alarms went o in Washington when the Fufeng Group, a Chinese agricultural company, bought 300 acres of land and set up a milling plant last spring in Grand Forks, N.D. The plant is a 20-minute drive from an Air Force base that, according to North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven, hosts a space mission that “will form the backbone of U.S. military communications across the globe.”

Source: WSJ

Ten years ago Smithfield Foods was purchased by China’s leading pork producer, Shuanghui International Holdings Ltd. (now called WH Group Ltd.), for $4.72 billion.

Keep in mind China has 1.5 billion people — a lot of people to feed. China would love to gain as much of our farmland as possible to gain more control of our food production. This is one area where China really needs us. Our agricultural exports to the country increased by more than 27% from 2020-21. The Chinese wouldn’t need us if they could gain control of our farmland. It’s also a plus for them if they can have it close to our military bases. This provides a twofold benefit. In the middle of the cornfield they can watch everything we are doing or even attempt to thwart what we are doing

The U.S. trade summary reveals the depth of our trade with China.

In 2021 U.S. exports to China were $151.1 billion, a 21.4% ($26.6 billion) increase from 2020; U.S. imports from China were $506.4 billion,

a 16.5% ($71.6 billion) increase; and the trade deficit with China was $355.3 billion, a 14.5% ($45.0 billion) increase from $310.3 billion in 2020.

China was the United States’ thirdlargest trade partner in 2021.

In 2021 8.6% of total U.S. exports of $1.8 trillion were exported to China and 17.9% of total U.S. imports of $2.8 trillion were imported from China.

Mechanical appliances, sound recorders and TV sets were the most traded commodity sectors. In the last five years, U.S. exports of those commodities show an upward trend from $25 billion in 2017 to $36.1 billion in 2021. The percentages of imports of those commodities from China out of total imports from the world are impressive with 37.0% in 2017 and 29.3% in 2021.

In 2021 U.S. exports of agricultural products to China continue to show an upward trend at $31.6 billion, an increase of 27.5% ($6.8 billion) from $24.8 billion in 2020.

In 2021 China remained the major source of U.S. imports of textile products. U.S. imports of $50.3 billion of textile products from China constituted 32.6% of the total U.S. imports of those products.

Additionally, in 2021, China remained the major source of U.S. imports of furniture, bedding, lamps, toys, games, sports equipment, paint and other miscellaneous manufactured items. In 2021 the U.S. imports of $68.5 billion of miscellaneous manufactured items from China constituted 53.2% of total U.S. imports of those commodities.

Source: Government data

What can we do about China? Try to buy products not made in China. You have to shop but it’s possible. Shrinking the cash flow to China is crucial to reducing its growing economic and military power. By all means, please do not sell them your land.

Dr. Glenn Mollette is a national columnist and the author of 13 books.

JOHN STOSSEL

GLENN MOLLETTE

The Chinese wouldn’t need us if they could gain control of our farmland. It’s also a plus for them if they can have it close to our military bases.

crime log

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

Feb. 2

12:26 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 25-year-old man suspected of DUI on Francisco Drive in El Dorado Hills. He was later released.

7:46 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Fort Jim Road in Placerville.

8:19 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Nelson Court in Camino.

12:10 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 31-year-old man suspected of burglary, vandalism and possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia on Merchant Circle in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $130,000 bail.

12:50 p.m. Grand theft was reported at a school on Garden Valley Road in Garden Valley.

3:43 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 27-year-old man suspected of possession of marijuana for sale and possession of a controlled substance on Mother Lode Drive in Placerville.

Feb. 3

12:21 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 25-year-old man suspected of disorderly conduct, revisiting arrest and a probation violation on Reservation Road in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $3,000 bail.

12:31 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Tri Lane in Cameron Park.

5:39 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 32-year-old man suspected of DUI on Greenstone Road in Placerville. He was later released.

9:46 a.m. Illegal entry was reported on Sundown Court in Placerville.

1:29 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 43-year-old woman suspected of child abuse at a Coach Lane motel in Cameron Park. She was released on $50,000 bail.

7:44 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 57-year-old man suspected of vandalism and a probation violation on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville. He was later released.

9:12 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 52-year-old man suspected of DUI and driving on a suspended

license on Highway 50 at Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $32,500 bail.

9:41 p.m. Vandalism was reported at a restaurant on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

11:34 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 24-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia on Green Valley Road in Rescue. He was later released.

Feb. 4

12:46 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 24-year-old woman suspected of DUI on Highway 50 at Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park. She was later released.

5:16 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Quad Lane in Cameron Park.

6:55 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 47-year-old man suspected of DUI on Lotus Road in Shingle Springs. He was released on $15,000 bail.

8:04 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail

Announcements

a 19-year-old man suspected of DUI and driving on a suspended license on Latrobe Road (town not specified). He was listed in custody in lieu of $15,000 bail.

Feb. 5

1:32 a.m. Vehicle burglary was reported on Twin Oaks Road in Cameron Park.

1:44 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 64-year-old man suspected of obstruction on Red hawk Parkway in Placerville. She was released on $10,500 bail.

2:03 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 47-year-old woman suspected of obstruction on Red hawk Parkway in Placerville. She was released on $10,500 bail.

6:17 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 58-year-old man suspected of felony grand theft on Grizzly Flat Court in Grizzly Flat. He was listed in custody in lieu of $260,000 bail.

9:57 a.m. Burglary was reported on North Shingle Road in Shingle Springs.

11 a.m. Battery was reported at a hotel on Main Street in Georgetown.

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

But I won’t convince Pompeo. Or you, probably. I ask Pompeo why America needs 54,000 troops in Japan and 36,000 in Germany. “We won those wars! Now those countries should defend themselves.”

Xi Jinping is the “singular greatest threat in the history of our nation,” says Pompeo. If we bring all the troops home, that will “put the American people at enormous risk.”

Pompeo calls Edward Snowden “a traitor” who should be executed. Snowden stole documents from the National Security Agency that showed how our government illegally spied on Americans.

I call Snowden a hero for risking his freedom and career to reveal the truth.

Pompeo says secrets Snowden revealed endangered Americans. But our spies often exaggerate their importance. For instance, the NSA claimed its mass surveillance stopped 54 terrorist attacks. Then the number dropped to seven. Then government reviews concluded that mass surveillance did not stop a single attack.

“You can’t just steal American secrets,” says Pompeo. “If you find something illegal, there is a process to correct it.”

But people who used that process had their homes raided — their careers ended. I understand why Snowden sneaked out of the country.

Another area where Pompeo and I disagree is Trump’s tariffs.

“Tariffs mainly punish the American consumer,” I point out. Tariffs make goods more expensive.

“Tariffs are a very blunt instrument,” acknowledges Pompeo, but they “solve a very real challenge. How is it you prevent an adversarial nation from screwing you in their trade relationships?”

The Chinese do cheat. They steal intellectual property. But tariffs haven’t stopped that. The Chinese also foolishly subsidize some industries. But so do we!

Free trade benefits everyone. That’s one reason I’m a libertarian.

Pompeo does want to cut government. Why isn’t he a libertarian?

“I grew up libertarian,” he says. “The idea of less government power being better for the American people is something that is very near and dear to my heart.”

Every Tuesday at JohnStossel.com, Stossel posts a new video about the battle between government and freedom. He is the author of “Give Me a Break: How I Exposed Hucksters, Cheats, and Scam Artists and Became the Scourge of the Liberal Media.”

Stossel Continued from A4

C.J. Humphreys ranks No. 5 in all-time winged 360 sprint car wins at Placerville Speedway.

Placerville Speedway loses long-time racer

Gary Thomas

Placerville Speedway

Placerville Speedway is mourning the loss of long-time competitor and friend C.J. Humphreys. Affectionately known as the “Happy Camper,” Humphreys ranks No. 5 in all-time winged 360 sprint car wins on the red clay, having earned 25 victories in his career. He also holds the honor of being the original North vs South Civil War Series champion during the 1991 season.

Humphreys was 59 years old.

Humphreys’ family would like to let the racing community know that he suffered a severe heart attack Feb.

COMiCS

n SHOE by Jeff

MacNelly

n TUNDRA by

Chad Carpenter

3 and was not able to recover. On Feb. 8 family members made their final walk down hospital hallways with Humphreys by their side; he was an organ donor just like fellow driver Brian Clauson. Humphreys was also a huge supporter of Rich Santana’s “Live On, Drive On!” Scott Santana Memorial and Scholarship Foundation.

The C.J. Humphreys No. 85 sprint car was as synonymous as any in the Placerville Speedway pit area over the years. Humphreys was known for his competitive spirit and all around good-natured attitude.

Speedway Promoter Scott Russell

n See HUMPHREyS, page A8

El Dorado boarders and skiers succeed at slalom

Odin Rasco

Staff writer

El Dorado High School ski and snowboard teams dominated the second and third races of the season for El Dorado County’s West Slope high schools.

The South 1 Division of the California-Nevada Interscholastic Ski and Snowboard Federation met at Sierra-at-Tahoe

Jan. 30 and Boreal Mountain California

Feb. 3. More than 200 racers from El Dorado, Oak Ridge, Ponderosa and Union Mine high schools, as well as Amador County’s Amador and Argonaut high schools participated in the slalom races, where two timed runs are combined to rank competitors.

The sports broadcasting team from Oak Ridge broadcast the Boreal race on youtube for parents, teachers and fans who were unable to make it up the hill to watch the competition live. The broadcast can be streamed at bit.ly/ AlpineRace.

Jan. 30 results

Women’s varsity ski:

n RUBES by Leigh

Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

Courtesy photos

Ashlynn Hayman, left, and Markus Hirsbrunner-Reist from El Dorado High School’s Alpine Race Team had podium finishes at Sierra-at-Tahoe Jan. 30 and Boreal Feb. 3.

Caden Lowder, a skier from Oak Ridge High School, speeds past a gate on the slalom course at Sierra-at-Tahoe Jan. 30. Lowder took second place with his downhill time.

Ski AND BOARD RACE RESULTS

Dorado (65.37)

Greta Aronowitz, Oak Ridge (1:32.5)

Carlie Chandler, El Dorado (1:39.1)

Andie Chandler, El Dorado (1.46.7)

Women’s varsity ski (team):

El Dorado (tie) — 386

Oak Ridge (tie) — 386

Ponderosa — 351

Men’s varsity ski:

Markus Hirsbrunner-Reist, El Dorado (1:32.4)

Caden Lowder, Oak Ridge (1:34.5)

Cory Coker, Ponderosa (1:35.7)

Men’s varsity ski (team):

El Dorado — 385

Oak Ridge — 380

Ponderosa — 361

Women’s varsity snowboard:

Faith Spitzer, El Dorado (1:38.3)

Ashlynn Hayman, El Dorado

(1:41.3) Haylee Ribolin, El Dorado (1:41.5)

Women’s varsity snowboard (team):

El Dorado — 389

Oak Ridge — 377

Ponderosa — 354

Men’s varsity snowboard:

Myles Stowe, El Dorado (1:17.1)

Ethan Bain, Oak Ridge (1:21.6)

Andrew Hansen, Oak Ridge (1:28.5)

Men’s varsity snowboard (team):

El Dorado — 386

Oak Ridge — 383

Union Mine — 359

Feb. 3 results

Women’s varsity ski:

Greta Aronowitz, Oak Ridge (64.98)

Carlie Chandler, El Dorado (69.25)

Marley Garner, Amador (73.4)

Women’s varsity ski (team):

El Dorado — 384

Oak Ridge — 376

Ponderosa — 347

Men’s varsity ski: Owen Phillips, El Dorado (63.86)

Markus Hirsbrunner-Reist, El

Charlie Beckerley, Oak Ridge (68.43)

Men’s varsity ski (team): El Dorado — 391

Oak Ridge — 375

Ponderosa — 352

Women’s varsity snowboard:

Ashlynn Hayman, El Dorado (90.08)

Faith Spitzer, El Dorado (90.97)

Olivia Hotrichter, El Dorado (91.98)

Women’s varsity snowboard (team): El Dorado — 383 Oak Ridge — 381

Ponderosa — 361

Men’s varsity snowboard: Myles Stowe, El Dorado (78.12) Tate Hall, Oak Ridge (79.15) Ethan Bain, Oak Ridge (82.29)

Men’s varsity snowboard (team): Oak Ridge — 386 El Dorado — 385 Union Mine — 350

ARIES (March 21-April 19). ARIES (March 21-April 19).

There are those who give advice and opinions as though they are essential to the economy. Avoid them. You’ll get more from watching the ones you want to be like. They are living the principle. That’s where the real gold is.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Any chance you get to surrender to the fun offers you the feeling of being more than alive. The things worth owning can’t be owned. The best you can do is sidle up and enjoy them to the fullest extent you can.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Because you’re always changing and growing, it’s very easy to forget who you are. You’ve victories and qualities you wouldn’t advertise, but they are more valuable than money. Remind yourself.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Happiness experts say that the external factors can only bring short-term contentment and that true joy comes from within. Maybe so, but what if there’s more than one way to travel to happiness? You’ll consider new routes.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). It’s a fun mood and there are plenty of new and interesting things to be found because you want to find them. You accept everyone and include people, so no one feels left out. Your popularity rises.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). So what if your mind flits from subject to subject, trying to tie disparate bits of information together? It’s a feature, not a flaw. In the moments of focus you achieve, you will produce brilliant results.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You learn quickly today, so apply it to the subjects you care most about. What do you want to know? To choose an area of study that is likely to fulfill you on multiple levels, you need only to follow your attractions.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You cannot know what it’s like to be another person, but imitation tells you something about how it feels to do what they do. It’s efficient and effective to learn through mimicry, which is existence’s premier educational tool.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’ll harmonize your world. It starts in you. After you cultivate the peaceful feeling in your own mind and heart, little more will need to be done. People around you will feel calm without really knowing why.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You know what you admire about a loved one though you haven’t shared it yet. Make the moment happen. It will fulfill a need people didn’t even realize they had.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’re a gifted communicator. Your version of the story goes down easy and makes people feel hopeful. Because you speak the truth consistently and well, you’ll be asked to speak on behalf of a group.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Life delivers poetic truths, stark contrasts and fascinating contradictions. Don’t worry too much about putting this puzzle together. It’s not one puzzle. Someone put many puzzles into one box. Don’t make sense, make art.

SVC champs

spoke about the loss. “Losing C.J. Humphreys is a tough one for the entire Placerville Speedway community. He was always one of the real good guys in our sport and one of the biggest supporters of our track over the years. I used to race against C.J. during my driving career and after becoming promoter, he was always a guy in our corner. We are going to miss him immensely.”

Former long-time Placerville Speedway Announcer and Director of Communications Bill Sullivan also shared his thoughts on the Happy Camper.

“One of the nicest humans I have ever crossed paths with many, many

years ago,” he stated. “As a driver, C.J. had great respect for others and a fierce, competitive spirit but his generosity and huge heart for his community towered far beyond what he could do in a race car. He was always smiling, always making others laugh and always willing to help anyone in need. He’s going to be so missed by the community he loved as much as they loved him.”

Sullivan added that he could always count on Humphreys to come through for promotional car shows, autograph signings and more. “Not just because he was a friend doing a favor, because he loved the fans and his community so much,” he said.

BearWise Continued from A3

state to another; that’s why a North American program with consistent messaging that can be used by anyone who lives, works, recreates and travels wherever bears also live makes so much sense.”

The BearWise site provides a range of information on black bears, from biology and behavior to how to prevent human-bear conflicts at home or outdoors. There are dozens of articles available and anyone can sign up to receive timely news and information. The BearWise online store offers handouts and activity sheets people can download for free to

learn the basics of bear safety.

Those basics may sometimes go against what is commonly heard; for example, BearWise warns that if a black bear makes contact with a human, it is recommended to not play dead but fight back aggressively.

BearWise was created by state agency bear biologists looking to provide consistent messaging about coexisting with bears. The program is managed by a team of North American bear biologists and communications professionals with the support of state fish and wildlife agencies across the country.

Photo courtesy of Katie Buak

Four Union Mine High School D’back wrestlers placed first in the Sierra Valley Conference League Championships Feb. 4, held at Liberty Ranch. From left are senior Leelend Sadek, who competed in the 132-lb weight class; sophomore Charles Sadek, 113 lbs; sophomore Brock Buak III, 138 lbs; and sophomore Lincoln Garel, 170 lbs. The qualifying wrestlers now head to Hughson High School near Modesto for divisionals Friday and Saturday.

Humphreys Continued from A7

Courtesy photo

The C.J. Humphreys No. 85 sprint car was a Placerville Speedway crowd favorite.

Ashleigh Goodwin

Tahoe Daily Tribune

SOUTH LAKE

TAHOE — For 60 years Raley’s has served the South Lake Tahoe communities with locations at Heavenly Village and in Tahoe Valley on the opposite end of town. In June, the Heavenly Village location is set to close due to an expiring lease.

“We’ve been in negotiations for about a year but have not been able to come to an agreement with the landlord,” said Chelsea Minor, executive director of community impact and public affairs for Raley’s. “We offered a bunch of different solutions, including a rent increase and to continue to invest in the remodel. Unfortunately, the landlord was not in agreement with our proposal.

“We understood

News release

Michael Flaherty has been appointed the Rescue Union School District Board of Trustees to fill a vacancy left by Michelle Bebout’s resignation to assume her elected four-year term.

Flaherty was selected at the board’s Jan. 31 meeting and will serve the duration of Bebout’s two-year term. The seat will be up for election in November 2024.

there was a bit of buzz in the community and we wanted to make sure we got ahead of that and that our team members heard directly from us,” Minor added. “That’s why we shared early without having a concrete plan.”

Minor added that the South Lake Tahoe City Council and city manager were informed in advance as well.

“We didn’t want them to think it was Raley’s pulling out of South Lake Tahoe. We remain committed to our Emerald Bay (Road) location,” Minor said. “I don’t want the team or the customers to think we didn’t want to stay.

It has always been our intent to stay in this location. We hoped for a different outcome.”

South Lake Tahoe city officials stated they would miss Raley’s but the change also opens opportunities for other

businesses.

“Raley’s has been a great partner and will continue to be in the location at the Y,” said assistant city manager Lindsey Baker. “We will certainly miss them being there but also look forward to seeing what may be on the horizon.”

The announcement came months before plans had been solidified for the store closure, which is set for sometime in early June, Minor said, Minor added that while the early announcement is out of the ordinary for the corporation, the usual progression of closing a store is to relocate employees to other Raley’s.

Both the Heavenly Village and Emerald Bay Road stores are unionized. Minor said they will be working to honor those employee contracts. It is unclear how many positions will be filled at the Emerald

Michael Gordon. “It was abundantly clear during the interview that Michael has a servant’s heart and is dedicated to our students and community. We look forward to working with Michael for the benefit of our Rescue USD community.”

MiChAEl FlAhErty

“We are glad to welcome Michael Flaherty to this position,” said Board of Education President

Flaherty and his family live in El Dorado Hills. He will take his oath of office and be sworn in as trustee at the Feb. 21 meeting of the RUSD Board of Trustees.

Bay Road location with those displaced from the Heavenly Village location.

When asked if Raley’s may open any other locations within a 30-mile radius of South Lake Tahoe, Minor said they have been looking into options.

trustee

“It is the greatest honor and privilege to serve on the Rescue USD school board,” stated Flaherty following his appointment.

RUSD Superintendent of Schools Jim Shoemake welcomed Flaherty to district leadership, noting, “Michael has been deeply involved in our community for years and our board is stronger as a result of adding him to our team.”

El Dorado County Fairgrounds

Mountain Democrat photo by Krysten Kellum

Fairgrounds Continued from A1

“We are really grateful for the collaboration we had with El Dorado Transit and the air quality department and we continue to encourage ridership on the shuttle to get as many people through those gates as we can,” Dunkak said.

Dunkak described 2022 as the fair’s “comeback year.” She noted parking sold out several times the weekend of the fair’s return following two years off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

That time around, more than 70,000 flocked to the fair in a matter of four days. Attendance records going back to 2002 show a previous high of 67,000 attendees in 2019, the last time the fair was held.

Fairgrounds facilities are utilized and rented out almost every day of the year, according to Dunkak. Some rentals are as small as a meeting of 10 or as large as a music festival.

Dunkak anticipates other improvements that are part of the fair’s five-year capital improvement plan will be completed by the end of this year, such as remodeling the fair’s board room and improving washing racks in the goat barn.

Strategic goals of the nonprofit Fair Association include revamping building spaces, including the Mark D. Forni Building. The largest indoor facility on the fairgrounds named

in memory of the past fair board member and longtime friend of Placerville Speedway is slated to get ADA compliant restrooms as well as audio and visual equipment upgrades.

The first 17 acres of land on which the fairgrounds sits was purchased from the Forni family in 1939 using state money, according to historical information listed on the Fair Association’s website. Most of the facilities that stand on the fairgrounds today were built between the Great Depression and World War II as part of Works Progress Administration and New Deal programs.

The Board of Supervisors voted to approve the Fair Association’s budget of $1,642,363 for 2023, but not without having a discussion about a need for the fair to have a capital reserve fund.

The fairgrounds are owned by El Dorado County but maintained by the Fair Association.

Funding for capital improvements have historically come from the county’s General Fund.

“I think it is time to consider how do we move beyond that and make the fair operations selfsustaining,” posed John Hidahl, District 1 supervisor.

Dunkak said it is a prospect they struggle with “constantly.”

The Fair Association’s goal is to leave the majority of its profits in a county account to be used for

capital upgrades.

“We’ll pick the most dire project and hammer that one out, then we have unexpected ones that come up that fortunately within our revenues we are still able to cover,” Dunkak said.

Hidahl suggested the Fair Association be a candidate for Transient Occupancy Tax funds “from the standpoint of impacts from tourism,” adding the board could consider the topic in the future.

“There are no guarantees but when we get to the annual budgeting process and look at how can we distribute those funds on the West Slope for these kinds of resources … is that a category that makes sense for the board to start putting some revenue into?” Hidahl asked. “Hopefully as we grow our TOT funds, there will be more funding available and we can consider it in the future.”

American Rescue Plan Act funds in the amount of $800,000 helped the association repair and replace asphalt along with other needed projects last year.

raley’s at heavenly Village in South lake tahoe is expected to close in early June.

Flaherty appointed RUSD

Raley’s to close Heavenly Village location

In the KNOW

Now Broadway on Tour presents

“Jesus Christ Superstar” through Feb. 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.

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

Capital Stage presents

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

B Street Theatre at The Sofia, 2700 Capitol Ave. in Sacramento, presents

“The Last Wide Open” through Feb. 28. For tickets and more information visit bstreettheatre.org.

Watercolor Artists of Sacramento Horizons issues a call to artists to submit works for the 45th annual AWASH with Color juried membership show. All paintings must be entered online at client. smarterentry.com/WASH.

Entry deadline is March 24 and the show runs March 28 through April 15 at the Sacramento Fine Arts Center.

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

Feb. 10

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts the Senior Valentine’s Luncheon at the EDHCSD gym. Register online at eldoradhillscsd. org or call (916) 614-3200. Narrow Gate Vineyards in the Pleasant Valley Area hosts a Valentine Lunch & Wine Pairing Feb. 10 & 11. Make a reservation online at narrowgatevineyards. com.

Andis Wines in Plymouth offers a a special wine and chocolate flight, Feb. 10-12, and the Cousins Maine Lobster Truck will be on site 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 11. For reservations and more information visit andiswines.com.

Live music at Red Hawk Resort + Casino continues every weekend in February at the Stage Bar. Bands will perform every Friday, 8 p.m. to midnight, and Saturday, 10 p.m. to 2

with the following

Mid-life malaise crashes into the Stage at Burke Junction

Andrew Vonderschmitt Staff writer

“Becky’s New Car,” the decidedly theatrical, frenetic comedy about the consequences of mid-life choices, opens at Burke Junction Feb. 11. Becky has been in a mid-life funk and she just doesn’t know how to scratch the itch that ails her. She is in the middle of her life, in a middling marriage and works in, you guessed it, middle management. Suffering a personal loss, she finds herself questioning everything about her seemingly good life and wondering if any of it is enough. While working late one night she meets a quirky yet charming millionaire who offers her a path away from the middle.

“Becky’s New Car” premiered at Seattle’s A Contemporary Theatre in 2008 making writer Steven Deitz a finalist for the coveted Steinberg New Play Award given by the American Theatre Critics Association. Since then the show has enjoyed productions at many regional and community theaters around the country.

Arguably one of the most prolific playwrights working in America in recent times, Deitz has more than 50 plays in his catalog. He was listed by American Theatre Magazine as one of the 20 most-produced American playwrights in 2019 and his plays are produced all over the world.

Director Elisabeth Nunziato is no stranger to Deitz’ work. Taking the driver’s seat of this production, pun fully intended, was a no-brainer having played the titular character at Capital Stage in Sacramento more than a decade ago while the play’s ink dried from its 2008 premiere.

“This is a show that I know is a home run — 100% crowd pleaser,” she said. “Everyone who walks through the door will see themselves on that stage.”

The storytelling style Deitz employs to tell Becky’s harrowing tale is markedly meta, n See Becky’s, page B8

Courtesy photos

Entertaining characters like Steve (Luis Sumpter), Joe Foster (Darryl DeHart) and Ginger (Carmelita Gauthier), left ro right, make “Becky’s New Car” an entertaining ride for the audience. The show opens Saturday at The Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park.

Becky Foster (Lori Nalangan) chats with millionaire Walter Flood (Rick Kleber), who offers some excitement in Becky’s otherwise ho-hum life.

Pianist Jennifer Reason to perform in Georgetown

Lynn Schardt

Music on the Divide

Beloved midday classical host of Capitol Public Radio Jennifer Reason will bring her musical talent to Georgetown’s IOOF Hall stage Feb. 12.

Reason is a vibrant, young performer in consistent demand and the recipient of Sacramento Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 Award for 2016.

The Music on the Divide audience loved her when she accompanied Terry Barber in January 2022, but Reason is a solo artist in her own right. Hailed as a pianist “in the league of Carnegie Hall,” a “rising star” whose playing is “lush, sensual and colorful: like a painting” (Sulzbach-Rosenberger, Germany), who possesses an “extraordinary skill” (D. Frantztreb, SCC), she gave her first solo recital at age 5 and acquired her first sta pianist position at age 12.

Reason has since gone on to appear in solo and ensemble performances across Europe, the United States and Canada.

Musical alum of California State University, Sacramento, Reason is an avid performer in the Sacramento community and host of many artistic events in the area. She serves as artistic director of vocal ensemble RSVP, music director and pianist for the Rogue Music Project and pianist and founding member of Citywater, the modern instrumental sextet

currently ensemble-in-residence at CSUS (citywatermusic.com).

Performing is Reason’s first love and she has performed internationally as pianist, vocalist and director, including nine festival and tour

Roo ng at its Finest

appearances in Europe, two in Carnegie Hall and a blissful one in St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City. She has also shared the stage with such noteworthy artists/personalities as John Rutter, members of Journey, Tower of Power, Santana and Sly and the Family Stone, as well as former Gov. Jerry Brown and Billy Bob Thornton.

Tickets are available online at eventbrite.com or, as space allows, at the door for $20/adults, $5/students and children 5 and younger get in free. Doors to the Georgetown IOOF Hall, 6240 Main St., will open to MOTD members and online ticket holders at 2 p.m. and to the general public at 2:30 p.m. Refreshments will be o ered during intermission.

tub!

Local groups stitch together a very special fundraiser

News release

Sierra Wildlife Rescue and the Placerville Shakespeare Club co-host a one day only Quilt

Silent Auction, Sunday, Feb. 12.

A large selection of quilts of various styles, patterns, sizes and colors will be available for purchase. Several other quilted items will also be a part of the auction. A number of the quilts are from the Alice Henry estate. Henry, an avid quilter, was a beloved and active member of both organizations for a number of years. Each stitch of her quilts was made with love and care. Also available for

silent auction bidding is an all-time quilters’ favorite from the 1950s, a Singer Featherweight 221K sewing machine with attachments and case, in excellent condition.

The sale will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Placerville Shakespeare Clubhouse at 2940 Bedford Ave. All sale items will be on full display. There will also be a “buy it now” price for each auction item. If a buyer chooses the “buy it now” option the item will be withdrawn from the auction and the buyer may take the item at that time.

For more information call (530) 644-4565.

Courtesy photo

Renowned pianist Jennifer Reason brings her talent to the Georgetown IOOF Hall this Sunday.

Courtesy photo

Find beautiful quilts and more at the Sierra Wildlife Rescue and Placerville Shakespeare Club Quilt Silent Auction this Sunday.

Cripple Creek, Sticky Stones to rock Sutter Creek

News release

SUTTER CREEK — Sutter Creek Theatre hosts a twoband show featuring The Cripple Creek Band and The Sticky Stones, Saturday, Feb. 11.

The Cripple Creek Band has a unique sound that tastefully combines country, Americana and southern rock music.

Influenced by artists like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Waylon Jennings, Alabama, Eagles, Hank Williams Jr., John Mellencamp, Travis Tritt, Eric Church, Merle Haggard, Blackberry Smoke, Chris Stapleton, Tom Petty and The Band, the CCB creates its own southern roots style of music that leaves audiences wanting more. Since 2012,

The Cripple Creek Band has performed all over the West Coast, opening and playing with Whiskey Meyers, Jon Pardi, Neal McCoy, Drake White, The Cadillac Three, Eli Young Band, Colt Ford, Dustin Lynch, the Outlaws, Buckcherry, Love & Theft, William Michael Morgan, David Nail, Tyler Farr and many more.

The Sticky Stones, a Rolling Stones tribute, is the latest project from American Mile, a band with sounds ranging from Chris Stapleton and Blackberry

Smoke to Bruce Springsteen and The Eagles. In the past few years, American Mile has been carving its name into the roots of rock music around North America. With influences ranging from Aerosmith and The Black Crowes to Chris Stapleton and Tom Petty, the group’s powerful sound has garnered important bookings in front of thousands at festivals and shows such as Summerfest, the NASCAR Auto Club 400 and a NYE headlining slot at The infamous Idaho Potato Drop in Boise. American Mile is in constant pursuit to showcase the vocal harmonies of country-rock while presenting it in a modern way.

Forming in 2018, American Mile drew attention with its explosive stage presence and southern/blues rock sound coupled with three part harmony and a hint of country. Having earned its stripes at venues around Los Angeles, American Mile began working with Grammy-nominated producer Keith Nelson of the band Buckcherry, as well as Grammy-nominated producer Bruce Witkin. With the release of its debut album, “The Longest

Prefers sunny couches over peanut butter cups; she is a tortoiseshell DLH with 6 years of life experience.

He just wants to be himself. orange tiger, DSH, 7 mo.

Do you need a shortstop for your family softball team? This boy would like to try out. Lab mix, black, 4 yr.

ETHEL (A147492)

REESE (A151158)

DEREK (A136848)

Courtesy photo The Cripple Creek Band heads to Sutter Creek for a special performance with The Sticky Stones, an American Mile Rolling Stones tribute.

■ See SUTTER CREEK page B8

Groundbreaking musicians coming to Nevada Theatre

Paul Emery Music

News release

NEVADA CITY — Jazz harpist

Motoshi Kosako and fretless bass phenom

Michael Manring join forces for an evening of extraordinary music Feb.

11. Opening the show presented by Paul Emery and the Sierra Jazz Society will be fusion guitarist Perry Mills with his all-star band.

Kosako was born in the sister city of Sacramento, Matsuyama City, Japan. Motoshi began his long pursuit of music at age 3 with the piano, then continued with the guitar.

In 1997 Kosako moved to the United States and soon after he gave up the guitar completely and started playing the harp. He began performing as a soloist and as an accompanist for singers, flutists and violinists. In 2002 and 2003 he recorded his first two solo albums, “Celestial Harp I” and “Celestial Harp II.” In 2006 Kosako had the distinguished honor of being named principal harpist of the Stockton Symphony Orchestra, under the very capable baton of Conductor

Peter Ja e.

In early spring of 2006

Kosako began to turn his mind to the possibility of playing jazz on the harp, which brought him to the Salt Lake City International Jazz Harp Competition where he won second place with his groundbreaking style.

Hailed by many as the world’s leading solo bassist, Manring has been pushing back the boundaries of what’s possible on the bass guitar. While his technical skill and innovations always make

an impression, it is his ability to communicate on a profound emotional level that most touches listeners.

Building on the conceptions of his teacher, the late bass legend Jaco Pastorius, Manring has developed an approach to the instrument. He has honed his skills on hundreds of recordings as a session musician and thousands of concerts throughout the world in venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York, Yamaha Hall in Tokyo and Davies

Celebrate Mardi Gras with Roy Rogers, the Delta Rhythm Kings

News release

GRASS VALLEY — The Center for the Arts

welcomes Roy Rogers & the Delta Rhythm Kings to the Marisa Funk Theater for a Mardi Gras Dance Party Feb. 11.

Rogers is considered one of the world’s preeminent master Delta slide guitarists. With more than 20 recordings to his credit, Rogers has garnered eight Grammy nominations for producing as a recording artist and as a songwriter. His collaborations have earned major media accolades globally for producing critically acclaimed Grammy-nominated recordings for John Lee Hooker and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, as well as collaborations with Ray Manzarek (The Doors), Bonnie Raitt, Carlos Santana, Allan Toussaint, Sammy Hagar & Bela Fleck and more. He is known worldwide for his searing performances that have been named a festival favorite at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland, Montreux in Switzerland, Pistoia in Italy as well as many North American festivals in Canada and the United States, having performed worldwide for more than four decades.

Early on, Rogers discovered his love for the blues and slide guitar and for making music that’s “deep and funky.” At age 13 he was already performing in a rock ‘n’ roll band that wore gold lame jackets and playing Little Richard and Chuck Berry tunes. Thus began his love of the blues, slide guitar in particular, which had an immediate e ect on Rogers and through the years he developed a distinctive style of playing slide guitar that is instantly recognizable.

Rogers performed with various groups until 1976, when he and harmonica player David Burgin formed an acoustic duo and recorded an album entitled “Rogers And Burgin: A Foot In The Door” for Waterhouse Records. They also played on the “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” movie soundtrack before the duo ran its course. Rogers then formed his own band in 1980, the Delta Rhythm Kings. A series of solo albums were released such as “Chops Not Chaps,” “Sidewinder” and “Blues On The Range,” garnering critical acclaim and winning fans over. Rogers was asked to join John Lee Hooker’s Coast to Coast Blues Band and for the four years he toured with Hooker as a featured guitarist/ vocalist Rogers established a strong personal and

■ See ROGERS, page B8

Symphony Hall in San Francisco.

Manring has worked with a diverse collection of musicians from new age keyboardist Suzanne Ciani to avant-improv guitar innovator Henry Kaiser to celebrated folk troubadour John Gorka to experimental post-metal rockers Tim Alexander (Primus) and Alex Skolnick (Testament) to electropop pioneer Thomas Dolby. His long-term collaboration and close friendship with the late acoustic guitar genius Michael Hedges led to

a lengthy stint as house bassist for Windham Hill Records. He has garnered three gold records, Grammy and Bammie nominations, a Berklee School of Music Distinguished Alumni Award, three Just Plain Folks Awards and numerous Bass Player Magazine Readers’ Poll awards including 1994 Bassist of the Year. He was also the subject of a PBS TV documentary, “The Artist’s Profile: Michael Manring” and a Youtube video of him playing his iconic solo

piece “Selene” has well over 1.5 million views.

Opening the show will be The Perry Mills Project featuring Perry Mills (Objects in the Mirror) on guitar, Tommy Coster (Dr. Dre, Eminem) on keyboards, Mark McCartney (Achilles Wheel) on drums and Gerry Pineda (Eddie Harris) on bass. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Nevada Theatre, 401 Broad St. in Nevada City. For tickets and more information visit paulemerymusic. com.

Courtesy photos

Jazz harpist Motoshi Kosako, left, and bass phenom Michael Manring headline a Nevada City concert Saturday evening.

Courtesy photo Roy Rogers & the Delta Rhythm Kings perform the blues at The Center for the Arts this Saturday.

A rosy bunch

Courtesy photo

The El Dorado Roses are searching for candidates to run for the 2023 El Dorado Rose. Candidates must be at least 60 years old, have lived in the county for 10 years and have many hours of volunteer service to her community. The El Dorado Rose dresses in period clothing from 1849-1910 and then becomes the official hostess of El Dorado County for one year. For more information call Carole Burnley at (530) 626-4949.

Know Continued from B1

scheduled: Power Play (Top 40), Feb. 10; Maxx Cabello, Jr. (blues rock), Feb. 11; Flat Busted (country), Feb. 17; Hipper Than Hip (classic hits), Feb. 18; Cynthia Renee & Co. (country), Feb; 24; and Gotcha Covered (Top 40/dance), Feb. 25. Visit redhawkcasino.com for more details.

JonEmery performs at the Placerville Public House in downtown Placerville at 8 p.m.

Boot Juice will perform at 8 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit tickets. clubgreenroom.com.

Musician Ed Wilson will perform at Moonraker Brewing Company in Auburn, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

1850 Wine Cellars, 3 Randolph St. in Sutter Creek, has Trivia Night with Krista every Friday, 6-8 p.m. Six rounds of questions with prizes. For more information call (209) 267-8114.

SBL Entertainment presents David Wilcox with special guest Jean Roehe at The Sofia, 2700 Capitol Ave. in Sacramento. For tickets and more information visit bstreettheatre.org.

Feb. 11

The El Dorado Beekeepers host Beginning Beekeeping, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. plus field class April 15. Class will be held at Cameron Park Community center. Sign up at eldoradobeekeepers.org.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino hosts the Elemental Immersion Experience beginning at 9:30 a.m. Throughout the day, attendees can take part in several wellness classes led by industry experts. Sessions range from a cold-water immersion in Lake Tahoe to breathwork and sound healing classes. In addition to the Feb. 11 event, the hotel will host additional Elemental Immersion Experiences March 11 and April 8. For reservations call (775) 886-6745.

El Dorado Nursery & Garden hosts two Japanese maple pruning classes at 10 a.m. and two rose pruning classes at noon, Feb. 11 & 13. Rain will cancel. RSVP by calling (916) 6766555.

Enjoy a sweet pairing experience, noon to 4 p.m. at Crystal Basin Cellars in Camino. The event features home-created confections made by master baker Darcy Button of Sweet Dream Confections. RSVP by emailing rsvp@ crystalbasin.com.

Iron Willow Gallery, 621 Placerville Drive, Suite A, Placerville hosts an opening reception 1-5 p.m. The new gallery features fine art made by local artists and home decor. For more information call (530) 344-7859.

Impulse Dance Academy, 2869 Ray Lawyer Drive in Placerville, hosts a Paint + Sip fundraiser at 6 p.m. All ages welcome. Proceeds will go toward the purchase of a stage for dancers. To reserve your spot call Kayla at (916) 724-9169.

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts the Mommy & Me Valentine’s Dance in the EDHCSD gym. Registration is now open. Visit eldoradhillscsd.org.

The Cameron Park Community Services District hosts the Ties and Tiaras Valentine’s Dance

at the Cameron Park Community Center. To register visit cameronpark.org.

The Neon Moon Band will perform 8-11 p.m. at Roosters Bar & Grill in Mt. Aukum. For more information visit neonmoon.band.

Lantz Lazwell and the Vibe Tribe will perform at 8 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit tickets.clubgreenroom.com.

Shadow Ranch Vineyard in Fair Play hosts a Valentine’s Day chocolate and wine paring Feb. 11 & 12. For reservations and more information visit shadowranch.com.

Gwinllan Estate Winey Fair Play hosts a Valentine’s Day celebration with a special chocolate and wine pairing, noon to 4 p.m. Feb, 11 & 12. For more information call (530) 723 2879.

Mediterranean Vineyards and Frank Vilt’s Cakes have teamed up for a delicious Valentine’s Day weekend pairing, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 11 & 12. To make. Reservation visit medivineyards.com/Events.

Dobra Zemlja Winery in Plymouth hosts Sweets for Your Sweet events, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 11 & 12 celebrating the release of the 2021 Mali Ruz and featuring specials on select wines, chocolate pairings with port-style wines and mali “little” bites. For more information visit dobraz.com.

Musician Ed Wilson will perform at Vino Noceto Winery in Plymouth, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Knight Foundry in Sutter Creek invites everyone to visit during the Second Saturday Tour Day, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They’re firing up the antique blacksmithing forge, pouring and crafting hot metal and demonstrating the magnificent and still-intact machinery. Visitors can tour at their own pace, meeting and talking with expert docents throughout the complex. The gift shop is celebrating Valentine’s Day with special decorations — and chocolate. For more information visit knightfoundry.com or call (209) 560-6160.

Folsom Lake Symphony presents Tales of Romance with violinist Amaryn Olmeda at 7:30 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 6086888 or visit harriscenter.net.

B Street Theatre at The Sofia, 2700 Capitol Ave. in Sacramento, presents “The Flying Machine: The Story of the Wright Brothers,” Feb. 11 through March 4. For tickets and more information visit bstreettheatre.org.

Feb. 12

Golden Leaves Vineyard & Winery in Somerset celebrates Valentine’s Day all week, Feb. 12-18, with chocolate cake bites, chocolate puff pastries and chocolates made from scratch in the kitchen carefully paired with three wines. No reservations required.

Miraflores Winery in Placerville hosts Soup Sundays. Stop by for wine tasting, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and enjoy a complimentary cup of soup prepared by Chef Tara Martinez every Sunday n See Know, page B7

Know Continued from B6 through March 26.

The Folsom Concert Association presents One Night in Memphis at 2 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. The show recreates that magical night of Dec. 4, 1956, when Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash found themselves jamming at Sam Phillip’s Sun Studios in Memphis, Tenn. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

The UC Davis Music Department’s Empyrean Ensemble concert will range widely with a groundbreaking work from 50 years ago and new works by faculty and alumni.

Feb. 14

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

Cecilia Alemani, chief curator of the High Line art program in New York City, will give a talk on the UC Davis college campus as part of The California Studio: Manetti Shrem Artist Residencies. She was also artistic director of the 2022 Venice Biennial and Art Basel/Cities: Buenos Aires and curator of the Italian Pavilion of the 2017 Venice Biennial.

Feb. 15

The Blues & Bourbon weekly series at The Starlet Room above Harlow’s in Sacramento has begun. Check out the following acts: 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. 16

The Divide Women’s Club hosts a Meet and Greet luncheon, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Georgetown Community Center, 6329 Lower Main St, Georgetown. This luncheon is for anyone interested in learning more about the Divide Women’s Club. RSVP to Sue Drumright by calling (530) 941-6929. Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom presents “Grease,” Feb. 16-19. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

SBL Entertainment presents Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra at The Sofia, 2700 Capitol Ave. in Sacramento. For tickets and more information visit bstreettheatre.org.

The Wild and Scenic Film Festival is scheduled Feb. 16-20 in Nevada City and Grass Valley. WSFF has more than just films

to offer. Other programs during the event include workshops and panels at the Earthjustice Activist Center, excursions, talks, and other supplemental programming. For tickets and more information visit wildandscenicfilmfestival.org.

Feb. 17

The Sierra Renaissance Society presents Honey Bees and Flowers to Feed Them presented by John Havicon and Janna Buwalda, 1-3 p.m. at the Mother Lode Lions Hall, 4701 Missouri Flat Road. Admission free for members; public invited to attend two meetings each year free. The Sierra Renaissance Society of El Dorado County is dedicated to lifelong learning and hosts presentations and workshops throughout the year. For more information visit srsedc.org.

See Quattlebaum vs Tyto Alba at 8 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit tickets.clubgreenroom.com.

Musician Ed Wilson will perform at Placerville Public House, 8-11 p.m.

Feb. 18

First responder agencies compete for the Best Chili at the Battle of the Badges 911 Chili Cook-off, 4-8 p.m. at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. Funds raised will support Snowline Hospice. For tickets and information visit 911chili.org.

Becky’s Continued from B1

making the audience as important to the story as the onstage talent.

Becky’s challenge is a common human dilemma, according to Nunziato. Living in a part of her life that younger audiences will recognize as something they are preparing themselves for while older audiences will have been through a similar, if not as intense a dilemma, Nunziato said audiences will relate in one way or another.

“She’s us as a protagonist, a perfectly nice normal person. She loves her husband; she loves her kid,” said Nunziato. “And then all of a sudden she’s just making these incredibly wild and ultimately dangerous choices.”

Lori Nalangan plays the eponymous Becky for this production and Nunziato said she is the perfect person for the job.

“She just had a really great feel for it and was incredibly funny and charming and sympathetic — and people just love

her the moment she hits the stage,” the director said, noting that if Becky was unlikable the story would be hard to swallow considering the questionable choices she makes throughout her odyssey.

Nunziato knew she had the right cast for the job and maintains the show is truly an ensemble piece with each character bringing something important to the journey.

“They’re very much an ensemble; they’re very cohesive,” she shared. “They’re very supportive of each other and they’re the hardest workers you’ll ever meet.”

“Becky’s New Car” allows the audience to hitch a ride on this humorous, sometimes absurd and oddly touching journey of choices and the consequences that come from them. It runs Feb. 11 through March 5 at the Stage at Burke Junction. Tickets and more information can be found at stageatburke.com.

Rogers Continued from B5

professional relationship with the venerated blues legend.

“I just can’t say enough good things about Roy,” Hooker said. “He plays so good. Some of the best slide I’ve heard, best blues I’ve heard. He gets real deep and funky and he masters whatever he plays.”

The past few decades have been very productive for Rogers, from a Grammy-nominated track “Song for Jessica” that featured harmonica virtuoso and vocalist Norton Buffalo off the highly acclaimed release “R

& B,” to the 2015 release of “Into the Wild Blue.” StringShot, Rogers’ additional band, formed in 2015, features renowned Brazilian guitarist Badi Assad and harpist/violinist extraordinaire Carlos Reyes.

Roy Rogers & the Delta Rhythm Kings perform at The Center for the Arts Marisa Funk Theater, 314 West Main St. in Grass Valley. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information visit thecenterforthearts. org or call (530) 274-8384.

Sutter Creek Continued from B4

Road,” in 2020 and signing to booking agency TEI North in 2021, American Mile is fully focused on becoming a strong force on the musicians’ own terms.

This concert runs 7-10 p.m. Doors

open at 6 p.m. at Sutter Creek Theatre, 44 Main St. in Sutter Creek. Open seating, beer and wine are available at the former silent theater. For tickets call (916) 4250077 or visit suttercreektheater.com.

Public Notices 

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

• E-mail your public notice to legals@mtdemocrat.net

• Be sure to include your name and phone number

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

Voctave

Photo