Mountain Democrat, Monday, February 13, 2023

Trees forest

for the

Tree mortality consisted primarily of true fir which comprised more than 77% of the total number of dead trees counted last year and was the largest tally ever recorded in the U.S. Forest Service’s Pacific Southwest Region, according to the Forest Service’s report. Mortality was particularly severe and widespread in the central Sierra Nevada Range. Pictured are mostly fir trees in the Crystal Basin Recreation Area of the Eldorado National Forest.

n Aerial survey estimates 36M trees died in 2022

Areport from the U.S. Forest Service reveals about 36.3 million trees across 2.6 million acres of federal, state and private land died in California in 2022.

Tree mortality was found on 91,000 acres in the Eldorado National Forest, where 1.3

million dead trees were tallied. Countywide in El Dorado County an estimated 78,000 acres show tree mortality with 1.4 million dead trees counted.

This year, the central Sierra Nevada Range and areas further north showed the highest mortality rates with true firs being the most impacted, according to the report. The

Fire captain’s experience gives insight

Mountain Democrat staff

Forest Service and partners throughout the state are working together to remove dead trees and increase forest health. This marks an increased level of mortality compared to 2021 due to the cumulative impacts of extended drought, overstocked forest conditions, insect outbreaks

n See treeS page A6

The Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit captain who was burned when a crew transport truck he was working on caught fire was released from the burn unit at UC Davis Medical Center after more than a month of treatment. Now Capt. Austin Palmiere says the experience changed the way he looks at burn patients he encounters in the line of duty.

n See Palmiere, page A5

Pollock Pines Station 17 expansion under way

Mountain Democrat staff

A fire station construction project is under way at Pollock Pines Fire Station 17. The project will expand and improve living, working and apparatus storage spaces of the facility. El Dorado County Fire Protection District officials say they are hopeful the project will be completed well ahead of the coming fire season.

Fire district leadership

knew the station needed more than one shower due to an industry push for firefighters to remove contaminants and carcinogens from their bodies as soon as possible after responding to a fire. In early 2020 local fundraising efforts began to add a bathroom and shower for the then four on-duty firefighters. Camino resident and long-distance runner Hervé Leconte’s running challenge and efforts by the Community Economic Development

Association of Pollock Pines and other groups and individuals brought in roughly $23,000.

When firefighters looked a little further into the project they realized its scope was much larger than they had thought. Major plumbing and electrical challenges were identified that carried over into an adjacent kitchen.

Once construction plans were approved the fire district was well into

n See Station 17 page A6

Improvements at El Dorado County Fire Protection District’s Station 17 in Pollock Pines include the addition of bathrooms and showers to help firefighters decontaminate after fighting fire.

Photo by Jerry Moorman/Getty Images

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit Capt. Austin Palmiere and his wife Lainey hold their son Colt Davis Palmiere, who was born days after Austin was released from U.C. Davis Medical Center where he was treated for burn injuries.

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.

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.

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.

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 were held on Friday, Feb. 10 at 11 A.M. at the Green Valley Mortuary and Cemetery in Rescue.

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.

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!

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

High-speed chase rolls into town

Odin Rasco Staff writer

A motorist led El Dorado County sheri ’s deputies on a highspeed chase that ended in a rollover early Thursday.

Barry Thurman, 39, of Stockton was allegedly driving at a speed of more than 90 miles per hour along Highway 50 at around 3:20 a.m. when an o cer attempted to pull him over, according to the El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce. Thurman reportedly continued to drive at a high rate of speed, evading law enforcement until his vehicle rolled over near the intersection of Canal Street and Highway 50 in Placerville.

What appears to be

CRIME LOG

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

Feb. 5

6:19 p.m. Battery was reported on Product Drive in Shingle Springs.

6:25 p.m. Deputies arrested a suspect after responding to a reported battery on Estepa Drive in Cameron Park.

11:58 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 43-year-old man suspected of child abuse on Haskell Way in El Dorado Hills. The suspect was listed in custody in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Feb. 6

1:14 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 47-year-old woman suspected of DUI, hit and run causing property damage, driving without a license and battery on a peace officer on Powers Drive in El Dorado Hills. She was released on $7,500 bail.

2:48 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 30-year-old man suspected of DUI on Highway 49 in Pilot Hill. He was released on $25,000 bail.

3:42 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 63-year-old man who had a felony warrant out for his arrest. He was arrested on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville and listed as in custody.

1:25 p.m. Vehicle burglary was reported on Country Club Drive in Cameron Park.

3:42 p.m. Deputies made an arrest after repond ing to a trespassing report at a Vine Street restaurant in El Dorado Hills.

10:25 p.m. Assault with a deadly weapon was reported on Marshall Road in Garden Valley.

Feb. 7

5:27 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 38-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville. He was released on $7,500 bail.

9:03 a.m. Vehicle burglary was reported on Melodye Court in Rescue.

12:09 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Arches Avenue in El Dorado Hills.

12:18 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Platt Circle in El Dorado Hills.

a white sedan came to a rest near the city of Placerville’s welcome sign, as seen in a photo shared by firefighters from the Diamond Springs-El Dorado Fire Protection District, who

responded to the crash.

Thurman was taken to the hospital for treatment; the extent of his injuries unknown, sheri ’s o cials said.

Thurman has since been booked into

the county jail and inmate records show he is being held with a bail set at $75,000 for charges of evading law enforcement and reckless driving.

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Courtesy photo

A high-speed chase early Thursday came to an end near the Placerville welcome sign when the suspect's vehicle rolled over.

Ignore the naysayers; Prop. 13 is still working

In most of America, one of the worst impacts of high inflation is a sharp rise in property taxes. But that’s not the case in California.

True, housing prices are some of the highest in the nation, due mostly to government policies restricting supply. But existing homeowners are protected by Proposition 13’s cap on annual increases in assessed value of 2%.

According to the California Taxpayers Association, Californians would have seen their property taxes increase more than 7% this year without Prop. 13.

It is understandable why the political left — which wants all your money — has it in for Proposition 13, but we were surprised when the normally credible Tax Foundation, based in Washington, D.C., fell for some of the same falsehoods advanced by the “taxand-spend” crowd. The foundation is advising other states not to adopt Prop. 13-style reforms. We disagree and believe all states currently struggling with out-ofcontrol property taxes should take a good, long look at California’s system based on acquisition value. It is vastly superior to one based on market value.

While the Tax Foundation admits, “Proposition 13 and other property tax assessment limits have done their job, keeping incumbent property owners’ taxes in check,” it asserts that those systems result in “hidden costs.”

One clearly false claim is that assessment limits “discourage homeowners from renovating or adding onto their homes, for fear of incurring a dramatic tax increase.” In general, remodeling and repairs that are part of normal maintenance or cosmetic are not considered assessable. New additions that increase the square footage of a home or add new improvements that didn’t exist before are assessable — but that’s true everywhere. The difference is, in California, the reassessment is limited to the value added by the addition, with the rest of the assessment unchanged. So what you would pay under Prop. 13 is still less than what you would have paid in a market-based property tax system.

Next, the Tax Foundation claims property tax assessment limits “make it less attractive for growing families to move past their starter homes or for empty nesters to downsize.” This isn’t true in California.

Homeowners age 55 and older can move and take their Prop. 13 base-year value with them to a new home. For younger homeowners, moving to a larger and more expensive home means higher property taxes — but again, that’s true everywhere. Before Prop. 13, the statewide average tax rate was 2.67%, applied annually to the current market value. That means a

n See Coupal, page A5

Belltower

letters to the editor

Corruption

EDITOR:

During the summer of 2020 we acquired a local property that included a newly built, beautiful and spacious barn that wasn’t completely finished. For two years I worked along with the help of some local tradesmen, adding the finishing touches and going down the path of updating the building’s permit (a whole other story). I recently received my final approval from the Building Department. One of my initial motivators was to add a solar power system to the building, which required the permitting.

Now, the Public Utilities Commission has torpedoed the retrofitting of existing structures with solar systems by cutting the amount PG&E refunds the system’s owners by a whopping 75% for the electricity they generate. There is no way after mid-April for someone to recoup their multiple-thousand-dollar investment within their lifetime. Once again the PUC has demonstrated why it is on top of the list of corrupt organizations in California.

For a state that is forcing a switch to electric vehicles, requiring solar systems on all new housing and eliminating gasoline powered small engines, why would this happen? I’ll bet the PUC members received their annual Christmas card, with a little bit extra from PG&E. All while Gov. Newsom does nothing to stop this thievery.

JIM SIMONE El Dorado

a little concern

EDITOR:

Afriend and I had an appointment with the El Dorado County Planning Department as suggested by Supervisor Wendy Thomas after a Board of Supervisors meeting regarding the over-development of Diamond Springs.

I drove down the hill, got the appointment and gave the information to the receptionist that we wanted to discuss and see the environmental impact report for Dorado Oaks. They said it should be a one-hour meeting at 1 p.m. the very next Friday. The sweet lady assigned to us was 25

minutes late. She came out with the EIR, dropped it on the table and asked if we had questions. Huh?

Just about every question we asked received an “I don’t know” or “I’ll go ask Evan, who is in charge of this subdivision but is in a meeting now.” We asked if we could have a big copy of the most up-to-date map ... no, the most up to date EIR ... no can’t do that; go to the library or on the internet (it’s 502 pages).

The Very High Fire Hazard Zone (new in November 2022) was brought up by us and there was no concise answer as to whether it would affect the existing EIR since it was a “fire safe community” and therefore all needs would be met by the developer.

Has anyone in the county hierarchy ridden down Fowler Lane to see the canyon to the east? Where is the room for expansion? Who is going to remove the fuel on the canyon walls and then maintain the erosion? And what about the increased traffic in an emergency off Antares and Argonaut? The emergency roads from the subdivision — locked except in emergencies — are only 12 feet wide. This precludes simultaneous ingress of emergency vehicles and personnel and egress of residents. Who will respond, analyze the situation, have the gate opened and then direct the traffic either from or to the scene of the emergency?

Has anyone actually walked the property?

The EIR doesn’t mention underground water flows or air vents from gold mining activity and it calls the parallel rows of rocks a mining dredge tailing (even though we have info that states otherwise). Yikes. I wonder how much the developer paid for that EIR.

Now, the only time to make additional comments (public comment on the EIR has closed) are during public meetings after the final EIR, indicating no mitigation after the first mitigation, whatever that means. I will attempt to see Wendy Thomas with anyone who wants to come along and discuss what the actual process on these projects are. It must be written somewhere for those of us not well versed in the procedure.

LINDA COLOMBO El Dorado

Rain records, balloon hoo-ha and phony studies

Last month was a weather humdinger.

Total rainfall was 17.5 inches. What really made this January memorable was the rain beat-down that happened New Year’s Eve. It clogged culverts, toppled trees, created landslides and caused some local flooding and flooded out some communities along Highway 99.

It wasn’t the biggest monthly rain total. There were 17.57 inches of rain in January 1969, with 17.85 inches in January 1895 and 17.94 inches in January 2017.

After those totals, it only gets bigger — 18.4 inches in January 1916 and 18.5 inches in January 1914.

Even more impressive was the huge flood year of January 1997 when that month saw 19.22 inches. The South Fork of the American River was a raging torrent below the Mosquito Bridge. Near Chili Bar it took away a house and a propane tank, both floating down the river. Pat Lakey of the Mountain Democrat drove with Ray Nutting to Riverton, where standing on the road, they could feel pavement

shake as boulders rolled down the South Fork.

The two real record setters were January 1909 with 24.35 inches of rain and January 1911 with 28.76 inches of rain.

Currently, more than 370 square miles of Sacramento County is within the 100-year flood plain.

With all the rain in January it was colder during the day than the 23-year average daytime temperature and warmer at night on account of the cloud cover.

The average high this January was 55.3 degrees compared to the 23-year average of 57.3 degrees. The overnight low was 40.8 degrees compared to the 23-year average of 37.2 degrees.

•

• • The Chinese balloon has been something of a scandal, wandering all over the Strategic Air Command near Great Falls, Mont., and its associated missile silos. Ditto for Minot, N.D.

One has to wonder if the Biden administration wanted to keep mum about the high-altitude surveillance balloon. That ended when civilians spotted it from Billings, Mont., and told the local paper, which transmitted the

even more impressive was the huge flood year of January 1997 .... the South fork of the a merican River was a raging torrent below the Mosquito Bridge.

information to the Associated Press.

The Feb. 7 edition of the Wall Street Journal quoted Gen. Glen VanHerck, commander of Northern Command of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, saying, “I will tell you we did not detect those threats (four earlier balloon incursions of shorter duration) and that’s a domain awareness gap that we have to figure out.”

The Chinese claimed it was a weather balloon gone off course. That’s what the U.S. said in 1960 when the Soviets shot down a U-2 spy plane flown by Francis Gary Powers. I remember that incident from my youth. It took Wall Street Journal columnist Gerard Baker to say what I didn’t remember about the incident — that the U.S. claimed it was on a mission to monitor weather conditions. The USSR kept pilot Powers in a labor camp for a year.

• • •

We have a gas range cooktop with an exhaust hood that vents to the outside. I wouldn’t use anything else. My mother always had electric stovetops and I hated them. They were slow to

boil and harder still to achieve a lower temperature without having something boil over.

Wall Street Journal columnist Kimberley Strassel Jan. 27 exposed how phony the studies were that led Richard Trumpka Jr. of the Consumer Products Safety Commission to suggest banning gas stoves.

The whole effort to ban gas stoves and range tops is traced back to climate groups seeking to ban all “combustion appliances” in the home.

Strassel wrote, “The stated goal of all these groups is killing gas stoves to ‘save’ the planet …. So, several years ago this cabal hit upon the idea of contradicting decades of science and ginning up hokey studies claiming gas stoves present a ‘health risk.’”

One study by the Rocky Mountain Institute was written by two of its staffers, neither of whom has a science degree. Another study by the New York University’s Institute for Policy Integrity claims gas stoves cause “dangerous

n See Raffety, page A5

young family’s property tax bill would be more than double in the first year of homeownership without Prop. 13. All homeowners benefit from Proposition 13, which capped the tax rate at 1%.

Next, the foundation states assessment limits “interfere with efforts to change a property’s use.”

That’s a polite way of saying the land upon which your home rests is being “underutilized,” so perhaps you should be taxed out of it so it can be sold to someone who can build something deemed a better use, like a sales-tax-revenue-producing used car lot. No thanks.

Another myth is that acquisition value systems gradually “shift costs to newer, younger homeowners — the rising generation that [state] lawmakers want to keep in-state.” But under Prop. 13, all property taxes are based on the value at the time of purchase. All homeowners are taxed according to what they voluntarily pay for their property. Then they’re protected from unpredictable tax increases for as long as they own their home.

The worst thing that could happen to a young family is to be taxed out of a home they just purchased because their tax bill is based on the vagaries of the real estate market. Prop. 13 gives new homeowners the predictability of knowing what their tax bill will be years into the future as well as a reasonable 1% rate cap. And the real surprise of Proposition 13 is how it helps local government. Because Prop. 13 allows increases in assessed value of 2% per year and requires reassessment of property when it changes hands, it provides a stable, predictable and growing

source of tax revenue to local governments. Property tax revenue has grown virtually every year since 1978 in percentages that exceed both inflation and population growth. Moreover, Prop. 13 provides a “shock absorber” effect during recessions when market values fall precipitously but assessed values — in the aggregate — fall slightly or not at all.

The good folks at the Tax Foundation should recall the words of Adam Smith who reminded us all, “The tax which each individual is bound to pay ought to be certain, and not arbitrary.” And that is a perfect description of Prop. 13.

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

Announcements

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

AmEriCAN AssOC Of UNivErsity WOmEN Foothills of EDC Branch. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science and Math Camp Scholarships, programs & interest groups.

Leave voicemail for Laurel (530) 417-7737 or Sara (530) 417-7138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net

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/

Raffety

Continued from A4 levels of indoor air pollution.” That study was written by two lawyers and cited the Rocky Mountain Institute study.

A paid study in Consumer Reports claimed “alarming concern” with levels of nitrogen dioxide from gas stoves. This report was funded by a $375,000 donation from the Climate Imperative Foundation to Consumer Reports “specifically for research on gas stoves.”

Strassel ended her column by saying, “The left won’t stop until it has dictated what you drive, where you live and how you cook.”

Michael Raffety is a retired editor of the Mountain Democrat and a resident of the Placerville area.

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

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

“I’ll better understand and help that individual because I know what goes on after we drop them off,” the Golden Sierra High School grad and Cool resident states in a U.C. Davis Health news release. And Palmiere recovered just in time to be released from the hospital to see his wife give birth to their baby boy.

Palmiere sustained second-and third-degree burns on his face, hands and upper body, according to U.C. Davis Health.

“At the time I didn’t feel a ton of pain because of the shock and adrenaline. I didn’t think I was even burned that bad,” recalls Palmiere. “It was surreal arriving at the U.C. Davis ER because I’ve dropped off patients in that room.”

Palmiere and another firefighter were conducting engine maintenance last fall in Placerville, where his crew had been stationed seasonally at the old juvenile hall on Fair Lane while the Mosquito Fire burned in north county.

The vehicle’s engine compartment ignited and Palmiere and his crew member attempted to put out the fire when an explosion occurred. The two suffered burns and were transported to U.C. Davis Medical Center for treatment.

His wife Lainey was 35 weeks pregnant and their son one month away from being delivered.

“Chaotic” is how Lainey describes the circumstances. “It was nuts but I just focused on staying calm and making sure everyone was healthy.”

Support from Austin’s family, friends and fellow firefighters and the burn center team at UC Davis Health kept the 32-year-old Cal Fire captain motivated during his recovery, which spanned weeks and two surgeries, the release states.

“The biggest challenge is different for each person,” states Tina Palmieri, chief burn surgeon. “Support is essential to recovery after burn injury. Burn survivor long-term physical and mental outcomes are linked to the amount and quality of support that they receive.”

Palmiere began walking independently three weeks after his injury and left the burn intensive care unit in less than 35 days after he was admitted. Days were left to spare to see the birth of his son — Colt Davis Palmiere. His given middle name in honor of the hospital that treated him.

“I took my time getting here but I’m changing diapers now,” Austin adds.

PUZZLE BY ANDREA CARLA MICHAELS AND KEVIN CHRISTIAN

Palmiere Continued from A1

Trees Continued from A1

and disease, note Forest Service officials. Data shows that since 2020, California has experienced the driest and warmest years on record.

Trees killed by fire, herbicides or bears are not included in the mortality estimates, according to U.S. Forest Service Aerial Survey Program Manager Jeffrey Moore.

Without enough water, trees are susceptible to bark beetle attacks and disease. Their susceptibility rises when trees are crowded and temperatures are abnormally high. Even with the recent storms from atmospheric rivers, Forest Service staff say they expect increased tree mortality in forests until precipitation returns to normal or above normal for a few years.

“Forest health is a top priority for the Forest Service,” said Jennifer Eberlien, regional forester for the Pacific Southwest Region. “The agency’s 10-year strategy to address the wildfire crisis includes removal of dead and dying trees in the places where it poses the most immediate threats to communities. Working together, we can mitigate the risks of tree mortality and high-intensity wildfire by reducing the overabundance of living trees on the landscape.”

Forest Service leadership says they anticipate Californians directly benefiting from their 10-year wildfire crisis strategy with five new national priority landscapes selected in January to receive funding, joining two other

landscapes selected last year.

Selected landscapes:

• Tahoe National Forest (313,000 acres)

• Stanislaus National Forest (245,000 acres)

• Plumas National Forest (285,000 acres)

• Trinity County (910,000 acres)

• Klamath River Basin (10 million acres)

• Sierra and Elko Fronts in California/ Nevada (3.4 million acres)

• Southern California national forests (4 million acres)

Most of these landscapes are in areas where severe to very severe tree mortality was detected this year. The Forest Service aims to collaborate with state, tribal and other partners to reduce wildfire exposure to communities and infrastructure within these zones.

Tree mortality is also being addressed by the California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force, co-led by Eberlien and California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot. Task force partners, including Cal Fire, continue to distribute state and federal funds to increase the pace and scale of forest health treatments.

“As we tackle California’s wildfire and forestry challenges, tree mortality remains a major concern for the state,” said Joe Tyler, Cal Fire director and chief. “And we’re seeing real results. In

Station 17 Continued from A1

COVID-19 response. Starting work on the project was uncertain but addition of a fifth on-duty firefighter made it even more necessary.

In spring of 2022, Ron Wood of American River Construction Consulting won the bid on the project and was selected project manager. A second bid process awarded the construction contract to Treehenge Construction Inc. Work on the expansion project officially began early January.

Improvements include upgrading and expanding all bathrooms and kitchen and reconfiguring the dorms, office spaces, storage and gym. Water, sewer and electrical utilities will be upgraded as needed.

food

the past several years the partnerships underway have accelerated the rate of projects completed, and in 2022 alone we saw examples of where our combined forest resilience efforts made a difference in protecting lives, communities and our state’s natural resources.”

California legislators have proposed $1.2 billion as part of a $2.7 billion multi-year package to accelerate

The fire station will also see a front lobby expansion and handicap accessible parking area to better serve local residents.

Apparatus bay floors will be re-sloped with floor drains added and a water/oil separator. Fire officials note the fire station gets a lot of standing water in the apparatus bays during the winter due to snow melting off vehicles and water being tracked into the garage area.

“Although the project idea started small, there were challenges that resulted in a much more thorough process and will hopefully result in a better facility to support the Pollock Pines firefighters in their work,”

wildfire resilience and forest health. The Forest Service estimates more than $500 million total in funding for wildfire-related projects in California through 2026. Current and future actions include thinning dense forests in strategic areas, spraying insecticide on barks of high-value trees, removing trees hazardous to public safety and ongoing monitoring of landscape conditions.

states a press release from El Dorado County Fire.

Fire officials note Station 17 was last remodeled more than 30 years ago and has not had any significant upgrades since.

A sign hung out front of Station 17 notes that fire personnel have been temporarily relocated. Throughout construction a fire engine and medic unit will remain staffed in the area to respond to local emergencies, according to the press release.

Station 17 provides fire, rescue and EMS services to the communities of Pollock Pines, Camino, Sierra Springs, Strawberry and Kyburz with service into the Eldorado National Forest.

Valentine’s Day Dessert

Family Features

Changing daily habits, like what you eat, can enhance your overall wellness. However, it doesn’t have to mean forgoing favorite flavors or skipping out on delicious snacks.

Treating yourself in health-conscious ways is an important tactic to keep your health goals on track. In fact, healthy eating isn’t about restricting yourself; good nutrition simply starts with a balanced plate. By incorporating nutrient-rich options like milk and dairy foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, you can establish an eating pattern that supports wellness and an overall healthy lifestyle.

This Chocolate and Strawberry Greek Yogurt Bark offers a sweet snack that curbs cravings without ditching your daily commitment to a balanced diet. With 1/4 cup of plain nonfat Greek yogurt per serving, you’re making a responsible decision at snack time because, when it comes to good nutrition, dairy is an irreplaceable source of essential nutrients.

Dairy foods provide nutrients that people need to grow and maintain stronger bodies and minds. While Americans consume about two dairy servings per day on average, adding just one more serving can help fill dairy and nutrient gaps.

Add more dairy to your diet with this easyto-make snack and find more better-for-you recipes at MilkMeansMore.org.

Chocolate and Strawberry Greek Yogurt Bark

Recipe courtesy of Jenn Fillenworth, MS, RDN, of “Jenny

With the Good Eats” on behalf of Milk Means More

Prep time: 5 minutes

Servings: 12

3 cups plain non-fat Greek yogurt

1/3 cup honey, plus additional for drizzling, divided (optional)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 cup melted dark chocolate

1/2 cup strawberries

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie

Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, on behalf of Milk Means More

Prep time: 5 minutes

Servings: 12

1 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries

1 container (5.3 ounces) strawberry Greek yogurt

1/2 cup lactose-free milk (skim, 2% or whole)

2 tablespoons chocolate syrup

1/4 teaspoon vanilla fresh strawberries (optional)

In blender, blend frozen strawberries, yogurt, lactose-free milk, chocolate syrup and vanilla until nearly smooth.

Pour into 16-18-ounce glass. Garnish with fresh strawberries, if desired.

Source: United Dairy Industry of Michigan

In medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, honey and vanilla. On parchment-lined baking sheet, spread Greek yogurt mixture to 1/4-inch thickness. Drop spoonfuls of melted chocolate onto yogurt and use toothpick to drag in circles. Press strawberries and chocolate chips into yogurt. Freeze at least 3 hours.

Remove from freezer and break into pieces.

Nutritional information per serving: 140 calories; 18 g carbohydrates; 6 g protein; 6 g total fat; 3 g saturated fat; 0 g trans fat; 20 mg sodium; 8% calcium.

Source: United Dairy Industry of Michigan

~ Charles Schultz

All you need is love, But a little Chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.

Map courtesy of U.S. Forest Service

Severities of tree mortality in national forests in 2022 detected by aerial monitoring.

Good Living in el dorado county

Kim Medici and Andy Tannehill sat down for a conversation about Table Nectar and Nectar Events Inc., their farm-to-table catering and event companies, which are born from a passion for preparing food that is good for the guests and good for the earth.

For Medici and Tannehill, art and food have always been deeply intertwined. The couple, who married in 2007, met at Burning Man, where Tannehill was catering. After creating Table Nectar together in 2007, they went on to cater other music festivals, including Coachella.

“We were fueling the creative fire, feeding the artists who made the magic,” Medici recalled.

Originally based in the Bay Area, Table Nectar represents a synthesis of Medici and Tannehill’s unique passions and skills: Her passion for “nourishing, healing, organic food” met his expertise in event

n See Table NecTar, page B6

At Table Nectar, food and art make a perfect pair

“We know where these ingredients are coming from; we know who made them, who touched them, what their story is. We have relationships with the people who create our ingredients.”

— Andy Tannehill

Photo by Jordan Hyatt-Miller

Using organic, healthy foods, Tannenhill and Medici turn their food into art almost too pretty to eat … almost.

Photo by Jordan Hyatt-Miller Andy Tannehill and Kim Medici work in their Table Nectar kitchen with a little help from daughters Talulah and Mylah.

JordAN HyATT-Miller Creative Currents

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Everyone is good at different things. There will be some things you learn quickly and other things you struggle with. Accept struggle as feedback to help you find the method of working that fits you best.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You didn’t know what you were getting into. The work is not as advertised. Still, if you wind up investing more than you ever thought you would, you’ll not regret a single moment of what you did for love.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). It will not satisfy you to go from task to task without achieving anything substantial. You don’t want to be busy; you want to be productive. With good planning you will build your day like a pyramid, aiming toward a single point.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Anything that helps you clarify what you really want is a blessing, even if it comes in the form of someone showing you what you don’t want at all. You’ll soon be making new rules for yourself, and what happens will inform them.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Romantic pursuits and other labors of love do not have to live “happily ever after” to be successful. “Happily ever after for now is considered a win. It’s glorious to enjoy a moment without expectation of the next one.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The Greek philosopher

Heraclitus said a man’s character is his fate. Though you’ll consider yourself lucky for the good fortune you enjoy today, it is also a function of living right.

Chili lovers invited to select the best at Battle of the Badges

Laurie Heyman Snowline Hospice

Don’t miss the biggest chili cook-off fundraiser and community assembly of the year — the fourth annual Battle of the Badges – 911 Chili Cook-off at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds’ Forni Building, 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18.

This impressive event hosted by Snowline Hospice will include the county’s first responder agencies, military, veterans and government agencies. Firefighters, police and probation officers, veterans, district attorney staff and many others will battle it out for the best chili in El Dorado County.

More than 2,575 guests are expected taste-test and choose the lucky winners of the People’s Choice Award and Best Booth Award. Guests will also enjoy delicious beer

and local wines, vendor booths, live entertainment, kids’ activities and one of the best DJs in town, A&A Event Production. The event is hosted by KCRA’s Ty Steele with a special celebrity visit from Dinger, mascot for the Sacramento RiverCats. This year’s celebrity judges are El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf, Aji Japanese Bistor owner/chef Russell Okubo, retired El Dorado Hills Fire

Chief Dave Roberts, EDC Probation

Chief Brian Richart, El Dorado County Fire Board Director Paul Gilcrest, El Dorado Hills Chamber CEO Debbie Manning, KCRA newscaster Andrea Flores, Dave Hipskind (ICS judge) and Dudeoir model, “Breaking Beauty” host and bail bondsman Joshua Varozza. Roberts will choose n See Battle page B4

Healthy Blood Vessels

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

Healthy Nerve

Diseased Blood Vessels

Nerves Shrivel when Blood Vessels Weak and Disappear

Figure 1

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

What is the underlying cause? 1

How much nerve damage has been sustained? 2

How much treatment will your condition require? 3

Our advanced treatment method has 3 main goals

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You like people and you welcome them into your life, but you also require solitude now. You’re working on emotions and ideas that require space, quiet and an uninterrupted stretch of time to yourself.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). There’s an event on your mind. It has just now occurred to you that you have the option not to go. If you really must go, or really want to go, this is the time to decide how you want to show up and do the work to make it happen.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The final moments of the race, finishing touches of the meal, countdown to the opening curtain — this is when the stakes feel high. The response of the world is beyond your control. Let go and let the work speak for itself.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). “Is this really that big of a deal?” you may ask yourself. By paying no mind to matters of little relevance you will have the mental energy to take on matters of considerable relevance.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your cosmic lineup is sending you an exclusive invitation to forget the world and their opinions. What would you do if the most important thing to accomplish today was simply being more attractive to yourself?

PISCES

Increase Blow ow 1

Stimulate small ber nerves 2

Decrease brain based pain 3

Pain Patient

n SHOe by Jeff MacNelly

n tUNDRa by Chad Carpenter

n RUBeS by leigh Rubin

n SPeeD BUMP by Dave Coverly

HOROSCOPe by Holiday Mathis

The yummiest time of year is here

News release

SACRAMENTO — Girl Scouts Heart of Central California have kicked o the 2023 Girl Scout Cookie season, as Girl Scouts and their troops rally the community to support the world’s largest entrepreneurial program for girls. New to the 2023 cookie season, the highly anticipated online exclusive Raspberry Rally cookie joins the iconic lineup, alongside classic family favorites like Thin Mints, Caramel deLites, Peanut Butter Patties and more.

Every cookie purchase supports each Girl Scout’s ability to learn, grow and thrive through all of life’s adventures. Plus, all proceeds stay local to help fund life-changing, youth-led programs, experiences and learning all year long in the region.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the world’s

largest entrepreneurial program for girls. Girl Scouts’ newly updated Financial Literacy badges o er entrepreneurial playbooks for every age level. From the Cookie Goal Setter badge earned as a Daisy to the Entrepreneur Accelerator for girls in high school, the Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches girls financial literacy, planning, budgeting, teamwork, innovative thinking and confident decision making. New this year, Raspberry Rally is exclusively o ered through digital channels for direct shipment only, enhancing girls’ e-commerce sales and entrepreneurial skills. This latest approach will help to guide the evolution of the cookie program for the digital future.

Girl Scouts Heart of Central California’s Cookie Season runs through March 19.

■ See COOKIES page B4

Make personalized chocolate cupcakes for your sweetie

teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon instant espresso powder

Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F.

In an electric mixer cream butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar for 4 to 5 minutes. Add vanilla, then add one egg at a time.

Chocolate cupcakes

1 ½ sticks butter (unsalted) – room temperature

2/3 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed. 2/3 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk ½ cup sour cream

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1

¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking soda ¼

In a separate small bowl whisk together buttermilk and sour cream.

In a separate medium bowl whisk together cocoa, flour, espresso powder, baking powder and salt.

On low speed, slowly add sour cream mixture and flour mixture (alternately) to the bowl of electric mixer. Do not overmix (you can finish mixing by hand with a rubber

Avian Health Services

spatula).

Fill lined cupcake pans half full with batter and bake 18-22 minutes (middle rack of oven) until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes in the pan then remove cupcakes from the pans & place on a baker’s cooling rack.

Note: You can use a boxed cake mix for the cupcakes if time is an issue.

Chocolate ganache glaze

4 ounces dark chocolate (finely chopped)

1 tablespoon light corn syrup

2/3 cup heavy cream

White chocolate lettering: 2-3 ounces white chocolate (finely chopped)

Directions: Place chopped chocolate and corn syrup in small bowl.

Gently heat cream on stove (medium-low heat), pour cream over chocolate mixture. Let sit for 4 to 5 minutes, then stir until very smooth.

When ganache cools 10 to 15 minutes and thickens a bit, dip the tops of each cupcake in the ganache, letting excess drip off (ganache should be thick enough to not drip down sides of the cupcakes).

Glaze after cupcakes have completely cooled. Allow ganache to set on cupcakes for 30 minutes.

For white chocolate lettering, place chopped white chocolate in a small bowl and microwave 20 to 30 seconds at a time until mostly melted. Stir until very smooth. Fit a pastry bag (or Ziploc bag) with the smallest round tip. Fill the bag with melted white chocolate and then use it to write on the cupcakes (do this fairly quickly before the white chocolate hardens in the bag).

Baker’s notes: Butter, eggs, sour cream and buttermilk should be room temperature. Buttermilk should be shaken in the carton before pouring. Fill cupcake cups using an ice cream scoop with a spring-loaded handle (if you have one).

El

• If you know a registered Girl Scout, reach out to her to find out how she’s selling cookies.

• Feb. 17 through March 19 you will be able to find Direct Ship links. This means you can buy cookies online and have them shipped

The Public Square

to you directly. Be sure to stock up, cookies freeze well. Visit the Girl Scout Cookie Finder at girlscoutcookies.org and enter your ZIP code to find a booth near you, to purchase cookies from a local Girl Scout troop for delivery or to donate cookies to local causes.

• Feb. 24 through March 19, you will be able to find local booths on the Cookie Finder.

Visit a local business during the listed dates and times to buy cookies in-person from a local Girl Scout troop. Girls are living through a transformative time.

For them, Girl Scouts’ mission remains the same: building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. Since 1912 Girl Scouts have risen in the

face of adversity and worked to build a better tomorrow for everyone.

Girl Scouts develop the competencies, positive values and strong sense of self to do big things, as well as the grit and strength that are essential to solving both every day and once-acentury challenges.

Headquartered in Sacramento, Girl Scouts Heart of Central California serves more than 16,000 girl and adult members across 18 counties: Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Mariposa, Merced, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tuolumne, Yuba and Yolo.

To join, volunteer, reconnect or donate visit girlscoutshcc.org.

Battle Continued from B2

the winners of the cook-off and award the Best Culinarian in El Dorado County trophy.

All proceeds from the Battle of the Badges go to Snowline Hospice, ensuring that all families, including children and teens, get the bereavement support services needed when they experience the loss of a loved one. Funds also support the nonprofit’s veterans services, palliative care, a nursing residency and programs that help those unhoused in the community.

For tickets or information on becoming a sponsor or vendor or donating an auction item go to 911chili.org or email lheyman@snowlinehospice. org. Tickets will also be available at the door. Kids 12 and younger get in free.

Where Seniors Are Family.

coordination, kitchen building and catering.

“We have always said that Andy is the Table and I’m the Nectar,” Medici said.

Tannehill put it more bluntly: “We are basically a glorified moving company that cooks.”

Their “glorified moving company,” with tastefully presented gourmet o erings, has enchanted thousands of customers and enlivened countless events, was relocated from the Bay Area to the Sierra Nevada foothills, where Medici was born and raised, when the couple decided to start a family. Their newfound proximity to a bounty of organic food from local farms was a welcome bonus.

“I like to say that the flavors tell the story,” Tannehill said. “I think that’s what is so remarkable about our business and what sets us apart from others: We know where these ingredients are coming from; we know who made them, who touched them, what their story is. We have relationships with the people who create our ingredients.”

Table Nectar is, in more ways than one, a family business. Medici and Tannehill, who often bring their kids to work, have expanded their notion of a “family” to include their sta , whose quality of life they prioritize over profit.

“People don’t like being managed,” Tannehill explained. “They like being included. That’s an important part of our ethos … We pay people more than probably any food service in the county. But that’s what it takes to live.”

Their sense of family extends to the community. Medici has allowed their facilities to be used as a

cooperative work space for other small businesses and she has leveraged their connections with local farms to give families in the community access to high-quality, healthy food. The couple also places a major emphasis on the environment, demonstrating a sense of responsibility to the global community and to the planet itself.

“You have to make your business sustainable financially, socially and environmentally,” Tannehill said.

Table Nectar, which has been primarily known for its catered food, is now nested inside Nectar Events Inc., a shift that reflects the broadening scope of their vision. They have long viewed Table Nectar as an artistic enterprise, but are now focusing more explicitly on the artistic dimensions of their work.

“The food is art,” Medici said. “I love working with local wineries to make food and wine pairings. If it’s creative, it’s fun for me. Going forward, I want to focus mostly on art-inspired events where people are appreciating food artistry and ambience.”

With Nectar Events Inc., they see an opportunity to create “art-forward experiences” that incorporate food, music, visual art and more.

“People know us for the food and it informs everything that we do,” Tannehill said, “but it’s our sincere desire and goal to do more with the events … Given the right opportunity, in a healthy, nourishing environment, people are going to put their best foot forward. Taking care of the food and the structures and the lighting and all the basics allows people to move on to the greater things: connection, creativity, expression.”

To learn more call (530) 919-2865.

Table Nectar

Continued from B1

Photo by Jordan Hyatt-Miller Andy Tannehill and Kim Medici hope to create “art forward” experiences that combine foor, art and the community.