Mountain Democrat, Friday, February 23, 2024

McClintock pushes to thin forest project review

Eric Jaramishian

Sta writer

In a visit to the Mountain Democrat o ce Congressman Tom McClintock shared the latest on initiatives he is pursuing in Washington, D.C., he thinks will impact, indirectly or directly, El Dorado County.

Of these is a bill he is looking to pass in the House of Representatives that would cut down the environmental review process for forest thinning projects nationwide.

McClintock is looking to address overgrowth in national forests to prevent catastrophic wildfires like those that have plagued California and other West Coast states in recent years.

McClintock is the main author of House Resolution 188, dubbed the Proven Forest Management Act, that would minimize the time and resources it takes to review and approve forest treatment projects throughout the U.S.

The bill would direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture to coordinate with impacted parties to “increase e ciency and maximize the compatibility of management practices across such land.”

HR 188, which passed through the House Natural Resources Committee in June 2023, is inspired and derived from a function of the 2016 Winn Act that allows certain exclusions from the National

■ See MCCLINTOCK, page A6

City Council discusses sponsored banners

Odin Rasco

Sta writer

The Placerville City Council discussed a proposal that would bring banners to Placerville Drive and Broadway, similar to the ones found along Main Street, at no cost to the city.

Rather than fundraisers or an additional budget burden for the local government, the banners would be designed by Community Showcase Banners LLC and funded by local businesses in exchange for space on the banners where the business could place its logo. The banners would be about 12 inches larger than the ones currently on Main Street, according to City Manager Cleve Morris, and the lower third of the banners would be reserved for logo space. The banners on Main Street would remain unchanged and a separate program from the ones o ered by Community Showcase Banners.

Morris explained to the council Community Showcase Banners is a part of a larger business, CGI, that established a positive working relationship with the city on previous projects, such as promotional videos for the city and local government. The company would discuss themes and other visual elements with the city and then come back with a set of proposed images; if approved, businesses would be able to sponsor a banner for a year for $795/banner or $300 for three months, with the option for discounted rates

■ See BANNERS, page A8

Marshall

crafted an exquisite chili that won the hearts of chili tasters who made their way through rainy weather to pack the Mark D. Forni Building. The team’s chili won People’s Choice and was also the judging panel’s runner-up pick. Placerville’s California Highway Patrol Office, right photo, was a hit with judges, taking second place behind the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department, which took first for the second year in a row. Though the competition was heated — almost as hot as the chilis on offer — all the participants walked away winners, knowing the event was raising funds for local nonprofit Snowline Hospice.

OBITUARIES

Nancy Kay Stephens

May 24, 1937 – Jan. 27, 2024

Nancy Kay Stephens born May 24, 1937 passed away peacefully at her home with her husband, daughter and granddaughter by her side in Placerville, California on January 27, 2024, at the age of 86.

Nancy was the only child of Gilbert (Gil) and Yvonne (Toots) Ludtke of Cody, Wyoming.

Growing up in Cody, Nancy enjoyed going to the Cody, Rodeo which was a half-mile walk up the hillside trail. The rodeos were held in the spring, summer and fall and that became her passion as a young lady.

Her parents created and owned the Cody Bus Line, owned the Heart Mountain Hotel and during the years after World War II, owned the Cody Jeep dealership. Wyoming’s Buffalo Bill stayed in the hotel years before the Ludtke’s ownership. Additionally, Nancy’s mother managed the businesses and in the summer months drove guests to Yellowstone Park for a day’s visit.

In the early 1950s, Nancy’s parents sold the bus line to Continental Trailways, sold the hotel and the Jeep dealership and moved to Billings, Montana where the Continental Trailways headquarters was located. Nancy then attended Billings High School for the last two years of high school.

Upon graduation, she went to Montana State College in Bozeman, Montana majoring in education. It was at the college’s freshman social that Nancy met her future husband Harold Stephens who was also a Montana State freshman as they danced together. While attending college, Nancy was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority.

After graduating in three years, Nancy taught school in Helena, Montana for a year. Upon Hal’s graduation from college, Nancy and Hal married in the Catholic Cathedral in Helena, Montana on August 8, 1959. After they departed on their honeymoon trip, in their 1958 Volkswagon Bug, to the west coast they visited Seattle, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe and Salt Lake City. They then returned to Montana to visit family and start their new teaching careers in Baker, Montana.

After visiting the west coast on their honeymoon, they chose to become teachers in California. Nancy taught third grade, in Ceres, California for eleven years. Hal taught industrial arts, radio and electronics, at Ceres High School for many years until he was offered a position with the California Teachers Association in the San Francisco Bay Area.

During Hal’s first two years with CTA, Hal commuted to the Bay Area during the week and Nancy taught while raising their two children Denise and Mark. In 1973, they all moved to San Jose. Nancy then worked as a substitute teacher until she accepted a staff position at Blossom Ridge Teachers Professional Center where she worked alongside Hal who was serving as Executive Director. Nancy loved this role as she enjoyed working with teachers from many school districts.

In 1996 after retiring, Nancy and Hal moved to Placerville, California to enjoy the mountains which Nancy loved and to have a personal owned aircraft hanger as they were both airplane pilots and both love spending time around aviation, the airport, and flying.

Nancy became a part of many Placerville philanthropic organizations including the Placerville Elks Emblem Club where she served as president during her more than a decade-long involvement and the Placerville Shakespeare Club. Nancy enjoyed participating in these organizations, socializing with the many members and meeting new friends.

She was also part of the Placerville EAA, Experimental Aircraft Association, organization as she was a licensed private pilot. Many weekends and vacations as a family were spent flying to various destinations around the country including many aviation flyins. A memorable trip that Nancy took with her family was in 1976, where in honor of the America’s bicentennial, they spent a month flying in their plane throughout the United States seeing many historical sites. Nancy enjoyed traveling extensively, the list of her travels included but was not limited to England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico and all of the fifty states. Her favorite locations that she loved going to consistently were the Hawaiian Islands to enjoy the beauty and culture, Lake Tahoe for the mountains and lake, Pismo Beach to ride sand buggies and play in the sand and San Jose to spend time with her daughter, son and two granddaughters.

Nancy is survived by her husband of 65 years Harold (Hal) Stephens, her daughter Denise Holm (Mark Holm) and son Mark Stephens. She also leaves behind two granddaughters whom she adored, Juliette and Vanessa Holm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nancy’s memory to the organizations that she was passionate about. A celebration of life is in the planning for March.

Casey Ryan Conlee

Sept. 19, 1979 – Feb. 11, 2024

Casey Ryan Conlee. Born 9-1979 passed away 2-11-24, due to congestive heart failure and blood clots in his lungs. He had a great personality and was a fun loving guy. He had a heart of gold to help people. Even at a young age of 4 he was helping strangers. He is survived by his mother Vicki Conlee of Diamond Springs, Brother Chris Conlee and his wife Julie of Las Vegas, NV; 2 daughters, O’ryann of Placerville and Willow Conlee of Sacramento.

Roger Germain

March 13, 1942 – Jan. 1, 2024

Roger Germain of Carson City aka “Shorty” passed away January 13th from pneumonia as a consequence of Covid 19, he was 82. Roger was born and raised in Derry New Hampshire. He is proceeded in death by wife Jimmie, her son Danny, parents Henry and Marie, siblings Rita, Norm and Jerry. He is survived by fiance Donna, step family: daughters Joanne, Peggy and her husband Vince, Danny’s wife Bunny, grandkids Cindy, Kacie, Kelly and Hannah, many great grandkids, nieces and nephews. In his younger days he won many awards for roller skate dancing. He and Donna would still go out dancing! He was in the Navy aboard the USS Kearsage when they retrieved the 1st space capsule with Commander Shirra. He recently went on the “Honor Flight” to Washington D.C. He and Jimmie owned The Rescue Tavern. He organized pool, shuffleboard and horseshoe tournaments, he was even in a barstool race! They had bakeries in Apple Hill, he was baking for friends and family. He was president of “The Toastmasters Club” for 2 consecutive years and he won 1st place for best humorous speech! He was in 10 plays with The Gold Hill Theater Troop. He and Donna danced and did skits for The Senior Follies to raise money for “Meals on Wheels”. He had worked at The Knot Hole, Harvey’s and Sierra Pacific Hospital, he was still working at Lifeskills Unlimited and had just won an award for 16 years outstanding service! A celebration of life will be decided at a later date. In lieu of flowers you make a donation to the charity of your choice.

Aurelina Lobsinger

Oct. 30, 1944 – Feb. 5, 2024

On February 5, Aurelina Lobsinger, our beloved mother, passed away at home in Placerville, CA, and was reunited with the angels in heaven. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, Grandma, and Great Grandma.

Aurelina came to the United States from Guatemala back in 1962 to study nursing. While studying in San Francisco she met our father, Phillip who had just left the army. Two years later they were married and expecting their first child. Three more would follow over the next 5 years. They later moved to Concord and bought their first house. Her children kept her busy driving them to school and sporting events. She fed an army of kids that came in and out of the house throughout her children’s youth. While juggling the duties of motherhood she worked at a convalescent home for 25 years taking care of the elderly. In her retirement, she took care of her mother, father-inlaw, and 11 grandchildren. Always helping others kept Mom happy.

Mom fought hard and suffered through so much pain to give her husband of 60 years, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren extra time with her. When the time came to let go, we played her favorite song- Elvis Presley’s “Unchained Melody”. She used to listen to it with her sister who had passed away many years ago and with her children when they were young. As the song played, we felt peace settle across the room. All four of her children and husband were there as she wished. As the song concluded, on the very last note, Mom left us. I cannot think of a purer soul than our mother, good to everyone and brought happiness everywhere she went. We know you are in a better place, but we are so devasted. Mom, we Love you and miss you so very much.

Aurelina is survived by her loving and caring husband, Phillip, whom she was married to for 60 devoted years, her children Raymond (Suzanne), Phillip (Kirsten), Betty (Mike), and Ricky (Anna), her 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Kathi Petersen

Aug. 31,1948 – Feb. 14, 2024

Kathi Petersen, aged 75, of Placerville California, passed away on February 14, 2024. She was born on August 31, 1948 in Salinas, California. Kathi is survived by her husband, Ray Petersen, her sons Morgan and Jacob Petersen, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Kathi was known for her love of crafts, particularly creating scarecrows which she enjoyed selling in Apple Hill. Her creativity and passion for crafting brought joy to many. In addition to her crafting talents, Kathi found solace in swimming in rivers, caring for animals, tending to her garden, and indulging in a good book. She cherished spending time with her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, finding immense happiness in their presence.

Kathi Petersen’s warm spirit, dedication to her family, and artistic flair will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Alyshia Comedy Drake (Aly)

Jan. 19, 1974 – Fe. 5, 2024

Alyshia Comedy Drake (Aly) was born on January 19, 1974, in Placerville, California and passed away in Roseville, California on February 5th, 2024.

Aly grew up in the towns of Camino and San Ramon, California. In her late teens and 20’s she lived and worked in Germany where she self-taught herself the language. After a brief time in Thailand, Aly returned home and settled in Sutter Creek, California, where she started a fitness business and later married Ryan Drake. Several years later Aly and Ryan had their son, Roman and Aly opened a daycare ‘Grow from the Stem’ so she could be close to Roman and the children she loved.

Aly had a goofy but delightful sense of humor, a hearty laugh and a genuinely kind spirit. She is survived by her son Roman Drake and his father, Ryan Drake, her mother and step-father, Nancy and Peter LaTorre, her father and step-mother James and Linda Davies, her sister Jessica Butts, her brother Spencer Davies, her grandmother Amelia Carleton and her fiancé Tommy Feltenberger.

A celebration of life will be held at the “Spur Emporium” within the Amador County Fairgrounds at 18621 Sherwood Street, Plymouth, California, 95669 on Saturday February 24, 2024 from 1pm to 5pm. Family, friends, and those whose lives were touched by Alyshia are invited to come to laugh, cry, and share stories of the ‘Racy Blonde’ marathon runner, Mrs. Drake’s ‘Grow from the Stem’ daycare operator, caring friend and devoted mother, Alyshia Comedy Drake.

Mark Gernandt

Nov. 20, 1958 – Feb. 7, 2024

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we are sharing the passing of our beloved husband, father, brother, son, grandfather and friend Mark Steven Gernandt on February 7, 2024. He was surrounded by loved ones and passed in peace.

Born on November 20, 1958 in San Francisco, California to Patricia and Ronald Gernandt. He was raised in the City of San Francisco and South San Franciso. He was a Police Cadet as a teenager and graduated from El Camino High School class of 1976. He started his 30 year Law Enforcement career in 1979 at the age of 20 with the San Mateo Police Department. In 1988 he bought property in Placerville, California and transferred to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department. This is where he would start his dream of being a cowboy and raising his kids in the country. During his career he worked in the Jail, as a Patrol Officer and Motorcycle-cop, Detective, Sergeant and Lieutenant where he retired in 2009. He was also part of the Mounted Unit where he fulfilled his dream of being a cowboy. His hobbies included golfing, attending Giants games and spending time with his grandkids and attending their events. He was always the life of the party and up for any adventure. He was a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West Parlor #9 and belonged to the Cold Springs Country Club. Mark leaves behind his wife Tracee Gernandt, son Shane Gernandt, sister Denise Gernandt, Uncle Rich Gernandt, Uncle Garry Gernandt, grandkids Kyla, Camden, Aundrea, Leo, Mia, Noah and the extended family in San Francisco the McCarthy’s. Rest easy Dad you now get to be with Ricky and Kinsley. A Celebration of life will be held with the date TBD. Please visit Greenvalleymortuary.com tribute page for more details to follow.

Tahoe man gets 35 to life for child sex crimes

arraigned Dec. 20, 2021.

charges when

As the investigation into the allegations against Douglas continued, other victims came forward. The final tally of charges against Douglas added up to 22 alleged felonies plus enhancements. After years of court dates, continuances and a re-filed criminal complaint, Douglas entered into a plea bargain offered by the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office, pleading guilty Dec. 22, 2023, to four charges —

two counts of sodomy with a child and two counts of lewd acts with a child.

As part of the sentencing hearing, victims of Douglas’ actions delivered statements to the court, explaining the lasting damage he had caused. Douglas’ ex-wife, Jane Doe 1, delivered the first of the impact statements, expressing despair at how hard it had been to discover the truth.

“Today is not a celebration,” she said. “Time will only tell how

(the victims) will deal with their trauma. I spent 48 months in therapy to get here. To hear him plead guilty to what he was accused of with his own words in person shook me to my core. I never doubted what (the victims) had said but I didn’t want to believe it. The pieces I must hold together are hard to bear at times.”

Doe 1 went on to describe how Douglas had coerced his victims to keep quiet, threatening that his getting in trouble would spell financial ruin

and other difficulties for the children and their families. Two victims made a secret pact to not say anything until they had graduated high school to lessen the burden on their family, Doe 1 later learned.

“What Mike did was reprehensible,” Doe 1 told the court. “He convinced them they would lose everything they hold dear, effectively silencing them. He perpetrated unspeakable horrors on (these children]; he told (one victim) he loved her

n See DOUGLAS, page A7

C-130 military aircraft secured for fighting wildfires

Calforests

News release

SACRAMENTO

— Congress passed a critical issue of importance for California into law: authorizing the expedited transfer of seven C-130 aircraft from the U.S. Coast Guard to Cal Fire for wildfire suppression, search and rescue and emergency operations related to wildfires.

In a showing of bipartisan support led by U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA), Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) and Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41), the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2024 includes an effort that builds on the foundation laid by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein in 2018. This initiative also benefited from the consistent and critical partnership of California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Cal Fire Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler, who have been

instrumental in moving the effort over the finish line.

From a retardant delivery perspective, a single C-130 delivers over three times more than the S-2T airtankers currently in use by Cal Fire. In service for more than 60 years, the C-130 is a workhorse of military aircraft, used for troop transportation, medical evacuation, search and rescue, weather reconnaissance and many other functions. Similar C-130s are already in use and have demonstrated their superior capability to drop 3,000 gallons (weighing 28,000 pounds) in less than five seconds.

“This transfer of critical aircraft to the state of California will surely save lives, improve air quality, protect forestlands, and reduce carbon emissions,” said Matt Dias, president and CEO of Calforests.

“Adding seven C-130s to California’s aerial firefighting force is a truly remarkable

advancement. We must continue to prioritize forest management and wildfire prevention but vigorous and efficient suppression forces are needed in trying times as well. The force multiplier offered by the addition of these airframes to fire suppression forces is critical. Today is a huge step in that direction.”

“The addition of the C-130s will undoubtedly enhance the state’s aerial firefighting capabilities,” said Tyler.

“These critical assets will aid in reducing the loss of life and property while protecting our natural resources and private timberlands. I look forward to these aircraft joining Cal Fire’s world-renowned aerial firefighting force.”

“Between earthquakes, wildfires and other natural disasters, California is one of

the most costly and challenging states for property insurers and owners. While we may not be able to prevent earthquakes, we do have the tools to combat the most destructive wildfires. Transferring these C-130s from the Coast Guard to Cal Fire is a huge step forward in the state’s ever-vigilant battle against these

fires,” said Rex Frazier, president of Personal Insurance Federation of California.

Once President Joe Biden signs the bill into law, the planes will be transferred, and the state and contractor will enter into a contract for the work. The first of the seven planes will likely be ready in time for the 2024 fire year.

About Calforests

Calforests is the preeminent trade association that advocates for California’s forest products sector. Collectively, Calforests members — private forestland owners — manage nearly 3.5 million acres of forest land throughout the state and operate nearly the entirety of the state’s forest products infrastructure, including sawmills, veneer mills and biomass power plants.

In order to effectively treat your neuropathy 3 factors must be determined. Our advanced treatment method has 3 main goals

What is the underlying cause? 1 How much nerve damage has been sustained? 2 How much treatment will your

take the rst few steps. I have had 11 treatments and no longer feel sharp or shooting pains and most of the tingling is gone. I now have full balance and can walk without pain. As Dr. Mooney explained the treatment is not painful, nothing uncomfortable, and is actually very relaxing.” – Neuropathy Pain Patient

Charles Michael Douglas

Photo courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard C-130s have demonstrated their capability to drop 3,000 gallons (weighing 28,000 pounds) in less than five seconds.

California Commentary

Colorado’s lesson to our state about tax reform

Can meaningful tax reform advance, or even survive, in progressive blue states? In California, this is not just an academic question.

Proposition 13 has been under constant assault since its passage in 1978. But the core of Proposition 13 — the 1% tax rate cap on real property and the 2% limit on annual increases in taxable value — remains unscathed.

Prop 13’s popularity over four decades has remained constant even as the California of Ronald Reagan and Pete Wilson has morphed into one of America’s most liberal states. Now, two-thirds of both houses of the California Legislature are held by Democrats, as well as all statewide elected o ces. And yet polling suggests that if Prop 13 were on the ballot today, it would still pass by more than 60% just as it did in 1978. (Prop 13 even survived an e ort to strip its protections from “evil” corporations when voters rejected the “split roll” initiative in 2020).

In assessing Prop 13’s continued survival in 2024, it is helpful to consider what has happened to established tax reform measures in other states that have drifted from red to blue. In Colorado, the Taxpayers Bill of Rights (TABOR) limits state government revenue growth and it requires taxpayer refunds of any surplus. In 2022 the TABOR surplus refund was $750 per taxpayer. Like Prop 13, TABOR has achieved iconic status with Centennial State voters.

This past November, Colorado’s political leadership thought they had a shot at weakening TABOR because Democrats (and their union allies) were dominant. Politically, Colorado bears a striking resemblance to California, with Democrats holding all constitutional o ces and a supermajority of legislative seats (69%). Another similarity is that the political elites in Colorado hate TABOR just as much as the political elites in California hate Prop 13.

That dislike of TABOR drove the governor and the state’s legislative leader to put Measure HH on last November’s ballot, which would have raised the caps on what the statehouse can tax and spend. Gov. Jared Polis and Democratic legislators were salivating over the additional $42 billion that HH would generate by 2040.

Letters to the Editor

Growing government

EDITOR:

The teleprompter writer for president Joe Biden touts that the Biden administration created 2,700,000 new jobs in 2023. That is true but 25%, 684,000, of all the new jobs were in the government sector. The U.S. gross domestic product was roughly $26 trillion for 2023, meaning the government spent roughly 25%, $6.1 trillion, last year while only taking in $4.4 trillion. The 684,000 new government employees comes out to be roughly $72 billion more in government deficit spending.

Per Brandon, this deficit government spending is the cornerstone of Bidonomics. Is there anyone who believes that increased government spending is economically stimulative? If you do, then your view is diametrically opposed to those of a fiscal conservative or someone who took basic math.

KEN STEERS Cameron Park

Road work

EDITOR:

Clay Street realignment plans have been bouncing around the city for years. Initially the city wanted a roundabout at the intersection of Clay Street, Main Street and Cedar Ravine Road. That idea had to be abandoned when the people got a referendum together and voted to tell the city what they could do with that roundabout.

You could widen the underpass and leave Clay Street as it is. Anyone who lives here knows that tra c flows smoothly through that intersection. So where does all the tra c come from that requires the planned road relocation and fourway intersection? From the moneyed developers that have land up there and need the realignment to handle the tra c from the houses they have wanted to build on their land for years. Given the fact that the development will go ahead, that four-way intersection is probably the least o ensive of the alternatives. Certainly better than a roundabout in a historical city.

GEORGE ALGER Placerville

Bipartisan e orts

EDITOR:

So let me get this straight, we need an e ective border protection policy. The country, regardless of political a liation, wants an e ective border protection policy and we managed, in these times, to present a bipartisan bill on border patrol and because Donald Trump won’t look good if the bill moves forward, it is killed on delivery? Does anyone see a problem with this?

At this point in the election process, we should be hearing about the plans for the country from each candidate. Has anyone heard the previous president speak about his plans for the country? He believes himself too good to participate in candidate debates and it seems all we hear from his camp is his incessant whining about how picked on he is. The only conversation from the previous president is what we need to do to protect him from the barrage of legal problems he is having.

Hundreds of his followers have been jailed for his insurrection agenda but he thinks he should not be held accountable? How can you keep following someone who asks you to sacrifice your freedom for him but is unwilling to do so for you? Americans hope for many traits in their future president. Someone who confronts reality head on and tells the truth to the American people. Someone who practices and provides accountability — “the buck stops here as commander in chief” — and someone who is empathetic with the ability to listen to other points of view and talks straight to the American people. Are these any traits you recognize in the previous president?

Isn’t it time we Americans move on from Trump’s vision for his country and bring back the vision for our country? It’s OK to change your mind. We grow when we gather further information and make a more informed decision. I am not willing to sacrifice democracy for a dictatorship, Bipartisanship is not a four letter word; it’s the premise our country was founded on and, frankly, that is the country I want to live in.

TAMARA JANIES Pollock Pines

Five solutions to some of California’s biggest woes

California’s biggest problem is up for debate. Sadly, there are many contenders vying for that dubious distinction. But instead of focusing on the problems, we need to be focused on solutions. Without rank, here are five, chronic California problems where state leadership has completely failed and one simple idea for each to help improve governance and boost our quality of life.

Budget: This budget year, California faces a nearly $40 billion deficit. To avoid such massive shortfalls, California should adhere to the state’s Gann Limit, a law passed by the voters in 1979 that limits annual budget growth to a combination of population growth and inflation. The Gann Limit is ignored or avoided by legislative trickery but it provides a simple structure that would avoid the massive budget growth that contributes to massive deficits whenever state revenues drop. Gann addresses California’s spending problem.

Housing: One of many reasons housing is so expensive is excessive government fees, which can run as high as $135,000 for building a single-family residence. Right now, an El Dorado County man is battling these fees in his Sheetz v. County of El Dorado, California case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court. I hope he wins, but the state doesn’t need to be forced into fairness by a court decision. Developer fees serve a specific purpose but have morphed into a revenue source for governments. They should all be reviewed to ensure they are meeting their purpose only and not as a backdoor funding source for general government operations. This could help lower housing costs.

Crime: California’s empowered criminals do not fear punishment and retailers are paying the price. Gov. Gavin Newsom just recently witnessed this himself at a Target store. Thieves can a ord to be cavalier and casually stroll out of stores with arms full of merchandise because we’ve essentially eliminated punishment for shoplifting

California holds all the promise it ever did and it can again be a national leader in all that is right and good. It has been in decline, but this can all be turned around …

anything under $950 in value. I’m encouraging Californians to sign the petition to repeal Prop. 47 that has wreaked havoc on our state and give prosecutors the ability to charge smaller retail thefts as felonies once again.

Insurance: The only thing leaving the state faster than its residents might be its insurers, who are pulling out of all or some of California’s markets seemingly by the day. California must repeal Prop. 103 and make it easier for insurance companies to adjust rates and o erings. While this may lead to some price increases in the short term, providing a framework for more insurers to write policies here will lead to more competition, more choice and more options for consumers.

Homelessness: This problem may be most emblematic of the California way, where taxpayers pay the most but get the least. Cities in some of the state’s most beautiful and valuable areas have been overrun by a permanent cadre of homeless, many

of whom are obviously mentally ill and who, by their own admission, are addicts. The state must dramatically expand the concept of forced care in Gov. Newsom’s Care Court proposal to promote the health and safety of the homeless, and also to reclaim our streets, parks and sidewalks for their intended purposes.

President Ronald Reagan once said there are no easy answers, but there are simple answers. And it won’t get better overnight. California holds all the promise it ever did and it can again be a national leader in all that is right and good. It has been in decline, but this can all be turned around by showing the political will to implement simple ideas that would reverse some of the state’s chronic problems. With the right choices, our future is bright.

Sen. Ted Gaines (Ret.) represents the Board of Equalization’s District 1, serving nearly 10 million constituents in 34 counties of northern, eastern and southern California. For more information visit boe.ca.gov/Gaines.

TED GAINES

Guest

JON COUPAL

Coupal Continued from A4

But Colorado voters would have none of this and crushed Measure HH by more than 60%. This despite a misleading ballot label (sound familiar?) that Democrats slapped on it in an attempt to fool voters that HH was something that it was not.

What does the Colorado experience with Measure HH portend for California? If anything, it shows that citizens even in deep blue states remain distrustful that politicians will voluntarily control how much they tax and spend. This has direct relevance to California voters who will have an opportunity to advance taxpayer rights with the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act (TPA) slated for this coming November’s election.

TPA will restore key provisions of a series of voterapproved ballot measures, including Prop 13, that gave taxpayers, not politicians, more say over when and how new tax revenue is raised. Over the past decade, the California courts have created loopholes in long-established tax law and policy. TPA closes those loopholes and provides new safeguards to increase accountability and transparency over how politicians spend our tax dollars.

The reaction to TPA by California’s progressive leadership has been nothing short of unrestrained hysteria. First, their allies in the municipal associations, especially the League of California

Cities, began a coordinated campaign of disinformation claiming that the measure somehow restricts the right to vote on tax measures when the opposite was true.

Next, the California Legislature jammed through Assembly Constitutional Amendment 13, a cynical attempt to derail TPA by changing the rules for passing certain kinds of constitutional amendments — specifically, initiatives that protect taxpayers by requiring a two-thirds vote to raise taxes.

Finally, in full realization of both public and private polling revealing that TPA will likely be approved by the voters, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature filed a lawsuit to knock TPA o the ballot before voters have a chance to weigh in. (So much for Democrats “protecting democracy.”) Serious legal scholars have noted the abject lack of legal merit to this extraordinary ploy but, this being California, nothing can be taken for granted.

Assuming, as we must, that the legal challenge to TPA will fail, California taxpayers will have a golden opportunity to put California back on track toward fiscal sanity next November. And just like the voters of Colorado, they will be unlikely to fall for the tactics and dissembling of the tax-and-spend forces controlling Sacramento.

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

PLACERVILLE 5-DAY FORECAST

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RADIO CLUB Dedicated to all aspects of ham radio. Meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at the El Dorado Sheri ’s o ce, 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 916-7684452 for more information. Gold Country Cribbers play Wednesday afternoon 4:30 pm at Moni Gilmore Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762

Struggle with a hurt, hang up, or habit? CELEBRATE RECOVERY meets at Radiant Church on Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm, 4602 Missouri

Flat Road, Placerville. We are a Christ centered recovery program to nd healing from our hurts, hang ups, and habits. Email CR@radiantedc. church. Find us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ CRradiantchurch.

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 four-part 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. Come play tennis for fun and friendship. Meet at El Dorado High School, Acacia Street, Placerville, Wed 9 AM – 11 AM. (June - Aug 8 AM –10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Cindy 805-540-8654.

MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant on Fair Lane in Placerville at 10:00 am. For more information, call (530) 622-1180.

Addiction or Relationship problem? Call 530 231-7728 our free counseling can help you. Positive Realism, 3430 Robin Ln., Cameron Park. Meet rst and third Wednesday of every month, 7pm.

SENIOR PEER COUNSELING

Seniors 55 and over who are grieving, depressed or having issues related to aging can meet one-on-one with a caring senior, professionally supervised and trained to listen and encourage. Call (530)621-6304 to leave a message and get started.

TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION OF EL DORADO COUNTY

Our mission is to educate the public on tax issues that a ect them. Our meetings are held every Monday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at Denny’s Restaurant, Fair Lane Drive, Placerville. Meetings are open to the public. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a non-partisan organization.

9 qualify for state wrestling meet

Christian Pebley, Ponderosa, 157 lbs

Second place

Kaden Martinez, Ponderosa, 150 lbs

Third place

Alex Mallot, Ponderosa, 106 lbs

Fifth place

Brock Buak, Union Mine, 138 lbs

Bryce Meggers, Oak Ridge, 285 lbs

Sixth place

Colton Stanbridge, Ponderosa, 113 lbs

Alexandra Keirsey, El Dorado, 155 lbs

Kai Ford, Ponderosa, 165 lbs

Seventh place

Julian Sanchez, Ponderosa, 120 lbs

Charles Sadek, Union Mine, 126 lbs

Masters results

First place

Jordan DeLeon, Oak Ridge, 120 lbs

Gavin Coit, El Dorado, 132 lbs

Eighth place

Brock Birkett, Oak Ridge, 150 lbs

McClintock

Continued from A1

Environmental Policy Act for forest thinning projects in the Tahoe Basin. The Winn Act essentially allows an expedited process in reviewing forest thinning projects up to 10,000 acres under certain conditions in the Tahoe area.

The goal is to apply the processes approved for the Tahoe Basin throughout the entire nation. It has yet to be heard on the House floor, according to McClintock.

“I originally proposed this streamlining for the entire U.S. Forest Service,” McClintock said. “We were able to get it into the 2016 Winn Act but only if we narrowed it down to just the Tahoe Basin Management Unit.”

Environmental reports on a thinning project, which typically exceed 800 pages, would be reduced to a few dozen with categorical exclusions (categories of actions determined to not have significant effect on the quality of the human environment).

Through the Winn Act, the amount of timber harvested out of the Tahoe Basin (increased) from 1 million board feet a year to 9 million board feet a year, according to McClintock.

“In the seven, going on eight years, that it has been in place, it has worked magnificently,” McClintock said. “The average review time for a forest-thinning project is four-anda-half years. Under this bill, it would take less than four months.”

Being able to reduce fire fuels in forests in timely fashion is important for the health of the environment and forests, according to McClintock. He argues that fire crews were able to stop the 2021 Caldor Fire from reaching further into Tahoe due to forest thinning in the area. He added that if the Trestle Forest Health Project had been completed on time, the community of Grizzly Flat would have been spared from devastation.

The Forest Service was committed to finishing the Trestle Project that aimed to complete a 15,000acre forest management and fire mitigation plan in the Grizzly Flat area by 2020. Pushback from environmental groups, regulatory delays and resource shortages extended the completion date to 2032, a CapRadio investigation found in 2022. Information showed only 14% of the project had been completed by the time the Caldor Fire hit El Dorado County.

“We knew the Trestle Project was a major danger to that town and we had been trying for many years to get it treated,” McClintock said. “The project was still being held up by environmental litigation arising from these environmental laws, and when the fire hit that tract, it exploded and took up the entire town of Grizzly

Flat.”

The congressman also referred to logging as a way to “produce resilient forests and thriving local economies. “Things like logging, grazing created a healthy economy and also created a very healthy forest because we kept the the tree density down to a level that the land could support. Environmental laws in the 1970s brought that to an end and we’ve now seen the forest become morbidly overgrown,” McClintock said. “If you’re going to suppress fires, you need to carry out that timber. The problem is not fire suppression. The problem is we stopped carrying out the excess timber and now nature was returned to burnout again, and there’s nothing new about that.”

Additionally, McClintock is working to get two immigrationrelated bills passed in the House

that would subject immigrants to deportable offenses if they are found to have committed Social Security and identification fraud or found to have an affiliation with Hamas, a militant anti-Israeli group currently at war with Israel. Both the House Resolutions Consequences for Social Security Fraud and No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists acts were passed in the House floor in late January, both of which McClintock authored.

As chair of the Immigration Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee, McClintock fears Chuck Schumer, majority leader of the U.S. Senate, is not interested in taking up the bills despite “staggering” numbers of unauthorized immigrants who have come across the country’s borders since President Joe Biden took office.

McClintock suggested around 3.3 million unauthorized immigrants were admitted into the country. He also said 1.7 million “gotaways” have come into the country.

“Gotaways” is a commonly used term for illegal immigrants who have been spotted crossing the border by agents or on camera but were not caught or processed by officials.

“These are people that we either watched cross the border or tracked crossing the border but couldn’t stop because the border patrol has been completely overwhelmed with processing illegals who are making phony asylum claims,” McClintock said. “That’s an additional illegal population the size of West Virginia.

“The question is, what are their plans?” McClintock asked. “I am very concerned that we are going to see a coordinated terrorist attack from elements that have come into the southern border, or we’re going to see the kind of cartel gunfights

in our cities that are now commonplace in Mexico.”

Mountain Democrat photo by Krysten Kellum Congressman Tom McClintock talks about legislation he authored to Mountain Democrat reporter Eric

Courtesy photo

Ponderosa senior Christian Pebley is called the winner in the first-place bout with Carson Howell of Vacaville in the CIF Sac-Joaquin Masters Tournament at Stockton Arena Feb. 16-17. Pebley is

Oak Ridge wrestler Jordan DeLeon is the Sac Joaquin Section 120-lb girls champion.

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

In the 150-lb Masters final round, Ponderosa junior Kaden Martinez faces off with Anthony Berg of Whitney.

Courtesy photo

As a team, Ponderosa placed sixth in the Masters Tournament.

Photo by Jenni Curtis/Firecracker Fotography Union Mine junior Brock Buak controls Sierra’s Samuel Perez.

dribbles past Natomas defenders in Tuesday night’s home court semifinal. Gines had 21 points and converted on almost every free throw he attempted.

D’backs section title hopes slither away

The Union Mine boys basketball team tasted defeat for only the third time this season, losing their semifinal game to Natomas 86-69 Tuesday night.

The Diamondbacks came into the matchup winners of 12 straight and looking to continue their run. With

Douglas Continued from A3

so much, he ‘wanted to be her first.’”

Three of Douglas’ victims spoke before the court, describing the traumatic impact he made in their lives.

“I met him when I was 5 years old,” John Doe said. “The abuse started to happen (soon after). It’s clear now I was targeted for his predilections and criminal acts. The abuse went on until I was around 12 years old; it caused many problems for me in my child and adult life. It made me lack true emotion and I spent a lot of time abusing alcohol and drugs. The pain from this pedophile will never leave me.”

Jane Doe 2 was the first to speak out about the acts Douglas had committed — “Without her, none of us would be here,” Doe 1 remarked.

“My earliest memories of him are of him assaulting me in my childhood home,” Doe 2 read from her prepared statement. “He had done this too many times to count. He is only being charged for one count for what he did to me, but every single time I was alone with him, I was at risk of being raped. He took away my innocence before I even knew what it was. The only way I can talk about this is by turning my feelings off; one day I hope I can truly face my feelings about what he did to me.”

A relative of Douglas’, Jane Doe 3, brought her own perspective before the court.

“He does not understand the true impact of his actions; he simply cannot empathize with us,” Doe 3 said. “There

wins over Encina Prep and Riverbank, the Diamondbacks were in a familiar spot. The semifinals are where the team has fallen the past couple seasons.

The Diamondbacks were in a track meet in this game and were sped up, resulting in costly mistakes down the n See D’BACKS, page A8

is more to (Douglas) than his darker side. I miss his guidance and support. I recognize the injustices he has done but he is not a completely evil being.”

After the impact statements were read, including one from a family member indicating Douglas also engaged in sexual acts with her decades ago, when she was very young, he provided his own statement to both the court and individuals seated in the gallery.

“My now-ex-wife gave me a copy of the New King James Bible when I was arrested,” Douglas said, crying as he finished his statement. “I have now read it five times. Though I have been forgiven by my lord Jesus Christ, I still struggle with why all this happened. The ones I hurt were those I loved the most. I don’t know why. I know most people in here don’t care and society certainly doesn’t. But if someone could have spotted that one bad ingredient that ruined the whole recipe, maybe this could have never happened. This is a catastrophic destruction of not just my life, but my family’s. I am so sorry and I love my family very much. And that’s all I have to say.”

Douglas’ sentence is set at an indeterminate term of 25 years to life, to be followed by an additional 10 years. After release from jail, Douglas would remain on parole for life. Additionally, Douglas will be registered as a sex offender and is barred from any contact with his victims or their families for 10 years.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). There is no skill more useful now than your ability to match your message to its recipient. Your inclination toward good-natured, harmless shenanigans will be fun for relationships. It works because you’re a master of tone and boundaries.

20). A gradual and natural progression is underway. Your priorities, wants and needs will soon change to suit this fresh mission. Noting the imminent change of season, you’ll have a fond appreciation for this exact, perfect moment.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You have a sense for the motivations of others, which allows you to align yourself with those with similar interests. It also means you are not so easily manipulated. When you sense a person is using some kind of persuasive technique, it makes you wonder why.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Because you have grown accustomed to doing what scares you, you take discomfort as a good sign that you’re growing. Out of your element, and forced to rise to the occasion... that’s your zone of success today.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Maybe others want something a little different from you than what you’re currently giving. Ultimately the one to determine how you’ll change is you. You’ll improve quickly, but only in the ways you wish to improve.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The world gets you. It’s listening. There’s a rhythm to the day as you click with people. You’re a key part of everything coming together. You open your heart and the world takes this as a cue to come forward and fill it.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Write down your impressions to preserve the details because you will remember things differently than the other people around you. Tonight will bring one of those certain instances when pulling back and not helping can be the biggest help.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). A carefree mood sets in. Your mind is cleared of worry, your time free of chore. Sure, you have responsibilities, but they don’t seem burdensome. You feel light, which is the same as actually being light.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Things happen that look more impactful than they really are. You’ll worry that the Shakespearean “dye has been cast,” but don’t. What you’re dealing with here is a temporary stain, which will be washed away with minimal effort.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The spotlight is taking its sweet time getting around to you, though this might be considered a gift. You can never be too ready. Use the extra moments to prep yourself for your star moment.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). It doesn’t feel like you’re making decisions because answers come so automatically to you that you hardly feel you are choosing, but of course you are. Anything that nudges you into the awareness that life is beautiful.

Senior guard Ethan Gines

Mountain Democrat photo by Malachi Parker

Banners Continued from A1

if sponsoring multiple banners. The program would provide a minimum of 25 banners, even if less than 25 were sponsored by businesses, and could provide as many as 50 a year.

Aesthetic concerns were an early and recurring point of consideration during the council’s discussion, with some council members questioning how the final products might look with the included logos.

“If there’s 50 poles with banners, I don’t want it to look cluttered with a bunch of different logos and pictures,” Councilmember Michael Saragosa said. “With that and a logo, it could be very busy and you don’t want it to look too busy.”

“Someone is going to be buying these, so I think it’s up to them to decide if it’s too busy or not,” Vice Mayor John Clerici responded. “To me it’s just a bit of capitalism.”

One hiccup in the plan identified by Morris was the need to gain permission to hang the banners. While the poles where the iconic Banners on Main are hung are owned by the city, the poles along Placerville Drive and Broadway are owned by PG&E. Morris mentioned he had been in contact with another city that entered into the banner program and successfully gained permission to display them on the utility’s poles.

The council voted against signing an agreement with Community Showcase Banners at this time, with multiple council members explaining they felt it would be better to take more time to consider the proposal and explore other avenues to meet

D’Backs Continued from A7

stretch of the second half. Turnovers led to the Nighthawks getting easy buckets on the other end.

“All the film that we watched, we saw (Natomas was) a very athletic team and they press,” Union Mine head coach Ryan Williams said. “Ultimately that’s what came back to bite us.”

The Diamondbacks have a talented starting five but as the minutes wore on fans could see the fatigue set in. Shots came up short, loose balls did not bounce their way and mental mistakes uncharacteristic of the team happened time and again.

The Diamondbacks were led by the

the same goal. Though the proposal from that company may not stay open, the council did express interest in pursuing a similar approach in the future, potentially working with a local business.

“I’ve gotten calls about this item, people wanting to be involved in the design. If the community wants that input, I think they should have that opportunity,” Mayor Jackie Neau said. “I think we want banners but if someone else comes up to us wanting

duo that has led them all season long as senior guard Nate Sweet went for 22 points on the night and senior guard Ethan Gines followed that up with 21 points of his own.

The loss does not end the Diamondbacks season as they will continue to practice and wait for the announcement Sunday, Feb. 25 to find out their matchup in the state playoffs.

“The silver lining to losing this game is we get better at prepping for the state tournament,” Williams said. “No matter what happened tonight, we were going to have practice on Wednesday.”

Mountain Democrat photo by Krysten Kellum Banners promoting local businesses may go up on light poles along Placerville Drive and Broadway if the Placerville City Council decides to take on such a project.

Ed

OLSOM — As part of its West Coast premiere, Harris Center for the Arts is excited to present six performances of “Mystic Pizza,” Feb. 28 through March 3.

Based on the beloved 1988 MGM romcom that launched the career of Julia Roberts, “Mystic Pizza” is a new musical about three working-class girls who navigate the complexities of life, love and family in a small-town pizza joint, serving everyone from the townies to the privileged country club set. And what’s in that secret sauce, you ask? The hits of the ’80s and ’90s, The hit songs range from “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” to “Hold On” to “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.” This production is directed by Casy Hushion with music direction by Kristin Stowel and choreography by Connor Gallagher.

The cast of Mystic Pizza: Gianna Yanelli as “Josephina (JoJo) Barboza,” Kyra Kennedy as “Katherine (Kat) Arujo,” Krystina Alabado as “Daisy Arujo,” Rayanne Gonzales as “Leona Silvia,” Jordan Friend as “Bill Montijo,” Michael Thomas Grant as “Charles Gordon Windsor, Jr.,” and Chris Cardozo as “Tim Travers.” The ensemble features Domo D’dante, Michael James, April Josephine, Louis Pardo, Monika Peña, Alyssa M. Simmons, Jeff Skowron, Jake Swain and Rachel Wirtz. Swings are Chachi Delgado and Tayler Mettra.

In partnership with Lively McCabe Entertainment, McCoy Rigby Entertainment, Riverside Theatricals and La Mirada Theatre for The Performing Arts, “Mystic Pizza” will perform Wednesday, Feb. 28, through Saturday, March 3, at 7:30 pm, with additional matinée performances on Saturday, March 2, and Sunday, March 3, at 2 p.m. at the Harris Center for the Arts at Folsom Lake College, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit HarrisCenter.net.

Photos

Krystina Alabado, Gianna Yanelli and Kyra Kennedy, above left to right, dish out more than pizza in this fun musical. In addition to laughs, the show features great hits from the 1980s and ’90s.

audience swooning

Ed Sengstack

Harris Center for the Arts

FOLSOM — Harris Center for the Arts celebrates female superstars with Trailblazing Women of Country: A Tribute to Patsy, Loretta, and Dolly March 8.

Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton revolutionized country music and blazed a trail for future generations of female artists. With their chart-topping hits and record-breaking sales, these talented women wove threads of contemporary womanhood throughout

the tapestry of country music, resulting in unprecedented commercial success and earning each a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Trailblazing Women of Country, which is almost sold out, will entertain and inspire audiences during this pivotal moment in the nation’s history, featuring soloists Miko Marks, CMT’s 2022 Next Woman of Country, and Nashville based singer Kristina Train, supported by a

five-member all-female band.

Cline, Lynn and Parton harnessed country music’s rich storytelling tradition to o er their uniquely empowered — and unmistakably female — perspective on issues faced by women of their day. Their shared legacy of musical excellence, earthy glamor and unapologetic authenticity continues to resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds in the 21st century.

She ed her cage and landed on the city street, Amazed by the towering buildings and bustling feet.

Cline’s assured contralto a rms that a woman can be heartbroken and sure of herself at the same time (“Crazy,” “Walkin’ After Midnight”); Lynn’s songs exalt autonomy attained through contraception (“The Pill”) and self-respect (“Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ with Lovin’ On Your Mind”); and Parton demonstrates that a woman can ascend the career ladder (“9-to-5”) while never losing sight of her roots (“Coat of Many Colors”). Through their singular voices and artistry, Cline, Lynn and Parton defied restrictive gender norms, proving that women can be at once beautiful and strong, vulnerable, and powerful.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 8, at the Harris Center for the Arts at Folsom Lake College, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit HarrisCenter.net.

THE OLD WORLD WARBLER

Why are they so hellbent on movement for the sake of movement?

Don’t they know each breath ought to be savored, each sight imbibed?

She looked around in wonder and tried to sing, But the noise of tra c made it hard to hear-a-thing. People passed in droves without paying her any mind, Their eyes glued to their screens, deaf to the bird’s kind.

The Warbler cocked her head and wondered why No one else marveled at what is and what will be.

Wanting to play along, she apped her wings, And tried to follow the mad race, but she could not keep up

Having left the cage behind, the warbler concluded: Bars and locks are not the only signposts that one is con ned.

Look at the cow who chews its cud all the way to the butchers But I am just a bird, best to leave philosophy to the pen-pushers.

And with that, she takes ight

H.J. Sandigo hails from Placerville. He is a human, fond of telling stories and exploring the wilderness. He writes about pilgrimage, road trips and the prayer of the heart in a world of distraction. H.J. Sandigo is immensely grateful for the experiences, wisdom, and humor that people have shared with him throughout his travels.

Photo by Amanda Lopez

Singer Miko Marks will pay tribute to country legends at the Trailblazing Women of Country performance

Photo by Fairlight Hubbard

Singer Kristina Train will perform memorable country hits at the March 8 show.

Blues legend celebrates another successful album

News release

SUTTER CREEK — Awardwinning, internationally renowned blues-rock guitarist, singer and songwriter Coco Montoya will celebrate the release of his sixth Alligator Records album (and first release in four years), “Writing On The Wall,” with a live performance at the Sutter Creek Theatre on March 2. Mentored by the “Master of the Telecaster,” Albert Collins, and schooled by a decade on the road with John Mayall, Montoya has a hardedged sound and style all his own. Since his debut album in 1995 (which won him the Blues Music Award for Best New Artist), Montoya’s endlessly inventive guitar work and passionate, hard-hitting vocals have kept him at the top of the blues world.

With “Writing On The Wall,” Montoya delivers what he is already calling one of the best records he’s ever made. For the very first time on Alligator, he decided to bring his road-tested band — noted keyboardist and songwriter Je Paris (Keb’ Mo’, Bill Withers), bassist Nathan Brown and drummer Rena Beavers — into the studio with him. Between the camaraderie of the long-time bandmates and the sheer talent of all involved, the results have left Coco, in his words, “over the moon.”

Upon its Sept. 1, 2023 release, “Writing On The Wall” debuted at No.

1 on the Billboard Blues Chart.

Produced by Grammy award-winner Tony Braunagel (Bonnie Raitt, Taj

Mahal) and co-produced by Je Paris, “Writing On The Wall” is a tour-deforce of memorable, hook-filled songs,

sung with passion and fueled by Montoya’s fiery guitar and the band’s spot-on musicianship. The 13 tracks include five written or co-written by Montoya.

The self-taught, left-handed Montoya mastered his craft under blues master Collins’ tutelage and friendship. Initially hired to be Collins’ drummer, Montoya, at Collins’ urging, became the band’s second guitarist. A few years later, UK legend Mayall chose Montoya to be his lead guitarist in the famous Blues Breakers. Montoya traveled the world, soaking up both musical and life lessons.

Montoya’s recorded debut as a bandleader came with 1995’s “Gotta Mind To Travel” (originally on Silvertone Records in England and later issued in the USA on Blind Pig Records). The album became an instant fan favorite and made it clear that Montoya ranked among the best players on the contemporary blues scene. Two more Blind Pig albums followed and Montoya, with his endlessly inventive guitar work and passionate, hard-hitting vocals, became one of the top draws on the blues circuit.

In 2000 Montoya’s Alligator debut, “Suspicion,” quickly became the bestselling album of his career, earning regular radio airplay on more than

■ See MONTOYA, page B5

OPHELIA (A157132)

GRAYSON (A157028)

KNIGHT (A157423)

PUPPY

Photo by Victoria Smith Blues musician Coco Montoya’s latest album, “Writing On The Wall,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Chart.

Foundry on Feb. 24.

“Our set is pretty lively and we tend to enjoy it when the audience is up for dancing and singing along. It fits the bill for us,” said Alec Dalglish, one of the founding members, guitarist and songwriter for the group.

Ticket-holders have the option to upgrade their experience by adding the pre-concert whiskey tasting hosted by members of Skerryvore. The tasting includes four types of whiskey with an intimate acoustic performance from each region by band members.

“We bring in four different bottles of whiskey from different regions of Scotland. We’ll give a talk about whiskey and play samplings of music from different regions to set you off on your way,” Dalglish said.

The live touring band is no stranger to Nevada County. Skerryvore has played several times at both Miners Foundry and KVMR’s annual Celtic Festival. A crowdpleaser every time, the sets are a vibrant mix of fiddle, accordions, pipes and whistles, guitar and

vocals, underpinned by driving bass, drums and keys.

“Our show is pretty eclectic. The music doesn’t very easily fit into traditional genre brackets. We have our traditional roots but with perhaps more of a contemporary twist to it,” Dalglish explained. “We like to get people involved. We try to make it as much like a party as we can.”

Skerryvore, an eight-piece band, will perform hits from the latest album release, “Tempus” (April 2023). The album went to No. 1 one in both the Official Scottish Album and UK Folk Albums charts.

All seven of Skerryvore’s studio albums demonstrate a wide range of influences — a unique fusion of folk, traditional, rock, Americana and even

Blow out the candles at celebration for the Man in Black

Leila Srouji

The Center for the Arts

GRASS VALLEY — The Center for the Arts presents the Johnny Cash Birthday Bash featuring James Garner at the Marisa Funk Theater on Feb. 24.

James Garner’s Tribute to Johnny Cash celebrates the life and music of the legendary Man in Black with strong conviction, stunning accuracy and a commanding stage presence that elicits goosebumps from his arresting portrayal. Garner and his band have performed more than 500 professional shows and faithfully recreate Cash’s biggest hits with present historical accounts and personal anecdotes about America’s most beloved singing storyteller in this not-to-be-missed musical event.

Since 2008, Garner and his band have toured across the country, honoring Johnny Cash and his musical legacy.

A special show at Folsom State Prison in 2008 commemorated the 40th anniversary of Cash’s infamous live album recorded behind prison walls. The band returned to Folsom in January 2018 on the 50th anniversary of the prison concert, performing

fan base exploded. After two more highly successful and massively popular Alligator releases — 2002’s “Can’t Look Back” and 2007’s “Dirty Deal” — Montoya signed with Ruf Records, cutting both a live and a studio album. Returning to Alligator with 2017’s “Hard Truth” and 2019’s

The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Sutter Creek Theatre presents Cripple Creek with Sticky Stones at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 4250077 or visit suttercreektheatre. com.

Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera presents “Die Fledermaus,” 7:30 p.m. at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center in Sacramento. For tickets and more information visit sacphilopera.org.

Gotcha Covered will perform at Red Hawk Casino’s Stage Bar 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino. com.

two sold-out shows at the Harris Center for the Arts with guest artists Tara Cash (Johnny Cash’s youngest daughter), along with reporter Gene Beley and photographer Dan Poush, who had been at the prison to cover the original concert. The shows

included songs from the Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison album and stories by Tara Cash about her legendary father. For a commemoration of a different nature, Garner and the band performed at the U.S. Post Office in

Claremont at the official unveiling of the Johnny Cash stamp in June 2013. For Garner, the love of Johnny Cash’s music started at an early age. “I started listening to Johnny Cash music when I was about 12 years old,” said Garner. “The first song I heard by him was ‘Don’t Take Your Guns to Town’ and I was hooked. A few years later, I saw the Man in Black in concert and got to meet him backstage following the show. Shaking hands with Johnny Cash is still the coolest experience I’ve ever had.”

The musicians have recorded three CDs: “James Garner: A Musical Tribute to Johnny Cash” (2009), “Shades of Black” (2012) and “James Garner’s Tribute to Johnny Cash: LIVE!” (2015). PBS affiliate KVIE filmed the band’s concert performance for a special, “Live in Concert – James Garner’s Tribute to Johnny Cash,” featuring selections from the concert, which aired on Northern California broadcast stations in December 2016.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at The Center for the Arts, 314 West Main St. in Grass Valley. For tickets and more information visit thecenterforthearts.org or call (530) 274-8384.

“Coming In Hot,” the guitar master continued to blaze his trail.

“Montoya unleashes one careertopping performance after another,” declared the UK’s Blues Matters.

Now, with the dynamic “Writing On The Wall” and a tour calendar busting at the seams, Montoya said he’s as excited as he’s ever been to perform

Center hosts Snipping Tool–Saving the Discoveries, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. You’ve found a great document or story online and want to save or print this. We’ll show you how to capture these finds and how to save them — a great tool for genealogy or other personal finds. For more information call (530) 621-1378.

Vitalant will host an El Dorado Hills community blood drive noon to 4 p.m. The Bloodmobile will be in the parking lot at the El Dorado Hills Community Services District near the baseball fields, 1021 Harvard Way. Make an appointment at donors.vitalant. org and use blood drive code SMFM019 or call (877) 258-4825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows.

Resilience hosts a workshop on the Hazardous Vegetation and Defensible Space Ordinance update 6-8 p.m. at the Cameron Park Community Center, 2505 Country Club Drive. There will be a virtual option for those who cannot attend in person. For more information call (530) 6215569 or email wildfireready@ edcgov.us.

March 1

Shadow Ranch Vineyard in Fair Play hosts Girls Scout Cookie wine pairing March 1-3. For reservations visit shadowranch. com/Events.

the new songs live with his burninghot band. His well-earned reputation as an eye-popping live performer precedes him. Vintage Guitar states, “Coco keeps getting better and better. He plays with fire and passion rarely seen in this day and age.”

Billboard declares, “In a world

Sacramento City College’s City Theatre is producing Lynn Nottage’s 2017 Pulitzer Prizewinning play “Sweat,” March 1-17. For tickets and more information visit CityTheatre.net.

Now

The Mills Station Arts & Culture Center in Rancho Cordova presents Out of the Shadows, a solo show by Elizabeth Hall, and Sorting Out Race, featuring items with racial imagery, through Feb. 24. For more information visit rcmacc. org.

The Sacramento Fine Arts Center in Carmichael hosts Magnum Opus 2024, an annual juried art show featuring local and international artists, through Feb. 24. For more information visit sacfinearts.org.

The Sacramento Fine Arts Center in Carmichael hosts Celebrating the Figure, Feb. 27 through March 16. For more information visit sacfinearts.org.

Tiffany Shiro & Hugh Hoger will perform at 4:20 p.m. followed by Band Beyond Description – Grateful Dead recreation at 8 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom. com.

of blues guitar pretenders, Coco Montoya is the real McCoy. He exudes power and authenticity. Be prepared to get scorched by the real thing.”

The show begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at Sutter Creek Theatre, 44 Main St. in Sutter Creek. For tickets and more information call (916) 4250077 or visit suttercreektheater.com.

tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

Sutter Street Theatre presents “Twelve Dancing Princesses” through Feb. 25. For tickets and more information call (916) 3531001 or visit sutterstreettheatre. com.

Capital Stage in Sacramento presents “American Fast” through Feb. 25. For tickets and more information call (916) 9955464 or visit capstage.org.

Sacramento Theatre Company presents “Heathers: The Musical” through Feb. 25. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-6722 or visit sactheatre.org.

Nevada City, through Feb. 29.

UC Davis Department of Theatre and Dance presents “The Laramie Project” through March 2. For tickets and more information visit ucdavisaggies. evenue.net/events/TANDD.

B Street Theatre presents “The Prince of Lightning: The Story of Young Nikola Tesla, Boy Genius” through March 3. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

California Stage in Sacramento presents “King Lear” through March 3. For tickets and more information call (916) 451-5822 or visit calstage.org.

Folkyeah! presents An Evening with Robert Fripp and David Singleton: Englishment Abroad at The Sofia in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

Feb. 25

The second annual Travis Scott Memorial 5k takes place at 9 a.m. on the El Dorado Trail in Camino. Proceeds benefit Shatterproof, an organization that helps people suffering from addiction. For more information contact Lisa Scott at lscott@ goldlinebrands.com.

The El Dorado Hills Town Center Farmers Market takes place year round, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday. Wander behind Nibblers and Trek Bicycle to discover a cornucopia of delights, where local area farms showcase an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Explore stalls brimming with homemade treasures, jams and cheeses.

Miraflores Winery hosts Soup Sundays through March 31. Enjoy a complimentary cup of soup while wine tasting at the Placerville tasting room.

Music in the Mountains presents soprano Courtney Daniels and pianist Narmina Sultanova at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Cultural Center, 410 S. Church St. in Grass Valley. For tickets and more information visit musicinthemountains.org.

Deb Smith will perform at 3 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/livemusic.

Feb. 27

Placerville FamilySearch

Feb. 28

“Mystic Pizza” comes to Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom, Feb. 28 through March 3. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

B Street Theatre presents “Cosmo St. Charles is Dead and Someone in This Room Killed Him,” Feb. 28 through April 7 at The Sofia in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

Feb. 29

The El Dorado Office of Wildfire Preparedness and

Papa Day Blues Band will perform at 5 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery. com/live-music.

Lantz Lazwell will perform at the Placerville Public House in downtown Placerville, 8-11 p.m. For more information visit placervillepublichouse.com.

Sacramento Theatre Company presents Music in the Mirror, Celebrating Broadway’s Best Dance, March 1-10. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-6722 or visit sactheatre.org.

Sutter Street Theatre presents “Cotton Patch Gospel,” March 1-30. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

El Dorado Musical Theatre presents Disney’s “High School Musical” through Feb. 25 at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For

El Dorado County resident and Tahoe Art League member Lisa Parsons has two images from her “Water Desert” series in the art exhibition as part of the Wild & Scenic Film Festival. See her work at Szabos Winery and Tasting Room, 316 Broad St. in

Imagination Theater on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville presents “Rapunzel” through March 3. For tickets and more information visit itplacerville.org.

The Sacramento Zoo presents

Montoya Continued from B3 n See KNOW, page B6

Courtesy photo

James Garner and his band tour across the country, honoring Johnny Cash and his musical legacy.

Mystic Pizza

Based on the beloved 1988 MGM romcom, Mystic Pizza is a new musical about three working-class girls who navigate the complexities of life, love, and family in a small-town pizza joint. The infectious score features megahits of the ‘80s and ‘90s, from “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” to “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.”

Trailblazing Women of Country: A Tribute to Patsy, Loretta, and Dolly

MARCH 8, 2024

Patsy, Loretta, and Dolly revolutionized country music and blazed a trail for future generations of female artists. Featuring soloists, Miko Marks, CMT’s 2022 “Next Woman of Country,” and Nashville based singer, Kristina Train, supported by a 5-member all-female band.

Throughout its history, New Orleans has been the point at which sounds and cultures from around the world converge, mingle, and resurface. PHJB has held the torch of New Orleans music aloft for more than 60 years.

APRIL 24, 2024

Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Punjab.

MARCH 14, 2024

Singer, composer, actor, and multiGrammy-Award winner, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. The Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel, and blues.

MAY 9-12, 2024

35 smash hits, six decades of stardom, two rock-star husbands, a Grammy, an Oscar, an Emmy… The Cher Show is the Tony Award-winning musical of her story, and it’s packed with so much Cher that it takes three women to play her.

Indiana man wins CDFW stamp art competition

A painting of wild turkeys has been chosen by a panel of judges as the winning entry in the 2023-24 California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art Contest. The painting was created by Je rey Klinefelter of Etna Green, Ind.

This is Klinefelter’s third win in a row, and seventh win overall, in the California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art contest. He also placed first in the 2020-21 California Duck Stamp Art Contest.

Sponsored by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the annual contest determined the o cial design for this year’s California Upland Game Bird Stamp. Contest entries were judged by a panel of experts selected for their knowledge in the fields of ornithology, conservation, art and printing. Designs were judged on originality, artistic composition, anatomical accuracy and suitability for reproduction as a stamp and print.

The judges noted the “flawless” turkeys in Klinefelter’s painting, pointing to the anatomical accuracy in the proportions and posture as well as the realism in the face and eyes. They also commented on the amount of detail in the feathers, in both definition and color, and appreciated

how the crispness and vibrancy made the turkeys “pop” while remaining realistic. The showier male contrasted well with the duller females and the more muted background habitat brought all three turkeys into focus while still being detailed enough to create a sense of place representative of California.

Sense of place was a conscious e ort on Klinefelter’s part, and one that he found very challenging as someone who doesn’t live in California.

“I wanted to create a more open background,” he said, “something wide open, but I found that kind of California landscape di cult to replicate.”

He also found the turkeys themselves a challenge.

“I have a lot of experience with eastern turkeys here in Indiana,” he said, “but no experience with the Rio Grande subspecies, the most common subspecies in California and the one I decided to paint.”

He focused his attention on the di erences between the two, especially in the tail feathers, and overcame the challenge admirably, as the judges can attest.

Carolyn Jenkins of Deltona, Fla., placed second in this year’s competition. Diane Ford of Bethesda, Md., received third. Jill Binger of Burney, Calif., received honorable mention.

Special archives exhibit celebrates Black doctors

News release

SACRAMENTO — As part of Black History Month, the California State Archives launched Stories of Service: California’s Black Physicians. The exhibit explores historical photographs showcasing some of California’s Black physicians from the early 20th century.

Records at the California State Archives created by the Department of Consumer A airs’ Board of Medical Examiners include many fascinating physicians’ biographies. Known as deceased physician files, these records include numerous photographs and newspaper clippings dating back to

Skerryvore Continued from B4

some jazz. Now in its 19th year, the band is riding the momentum of “Tempus’” success and already working on the next album, with some surprises.

“We seem to be having a bit of a high at the moment and we have a lot of gigs coming up. I’m excited about all the shows and new material. We have potentially exciting collaborations that we’ll work on with the new album,” Dalglish shared.

First started on the small island of Tiree in 2004, the band was formed by brothers Daniel and Martin Gillespie. Tiree, known for its rich distilling history, is the most westerly island in the inner Hebrides,

the 1900s. These files open a window into the lives of Black medical doctors, both men and women, who served their communities and continue to inspire people today.

“These incredible doctors helped so many people during their time,” said Natalia Visante, acting state archivist. “It is an honor to recognize their work in this exhibit. We are proud to share it with the public.”

The California State Archives invites everyone to view the ongoing virtual exhibit at exhibits.sos.ca.gov/s/blackphysicians/page/black-physicians.

The State Archives is a division of the California State Secretary of State’s o ce.

an archipelago o the west coast of mainland Scotland, with a population of about 650.

“Music is a big part of the culture,” Dalglish said. “Bagpipes and fiddles are o ered to kids at a young age.”

The band is named after the Skerryvore lighthouse, Scotland’s tallest, which lies 12 miles o the coast of Tiree. Members currently resides in Glasgow.

Whiskey tasting starts at 6 p.m.; general admission bar opens at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. This show is mixed seating with room to dance at Miners Foundry, 325 Spring St, in Nevada City. For tickets and more details visit minersfoundry.org.

Photo by David J. Grenier

Tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain is proud to present TISRA (three) with two of India’s finest young musicians, Sabir Khan and Debopriya Chatterjee, showcasing the rich folk and classical traditions of the Indian states of

Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group

The Cher Show –A New Musical

Preservation Hall Jazz Band

TISRA: Zakir Hussain, Sabir Khan, and Debopriya Chatterjee