Mountain Democrat, Friday, February 24, 2023

Union Mine senior forward Jack Rosen wins the tipoff for Union Mine as the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 4 semifinal game begins against Calaveras Wednesday night.

place in the Judges’ and Peoples’ Choice categories for best chili. They were also a Peoples’ Choice favorite for their decorated booth. Taking top honors was the Sacramento Metro Fire Department, named Best Culinarian in El Dorado County by the chili cook-off’s VIP judges.

Odin Rasco

Eric Jaramishian

Staff writers

No confetti filled the air at the Snake Pit Wednesday night; instead, snow drifted silently downward outside as Union Mine’s boys basketball team saw its season come to a close.

The CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division 4 semifinal showdown against the Calaveras Redhawks was hardfought, with Union Mine holding a slim lead in the first half. Senior Kendrick Burks and junior Nate Sweet both worked to keep the ball in Union Mine’s hands, while senior Mason Mottashed did what he does best, sinking

multiple 3-pointers during the game.

The Union Mine team maintained solid cohesion throughout, prioritizing passing over riskier shots.

The Redhawks rallied in the third quarter, however, securing a 16-point lead. Calaveras’

Jay Clifton led the team in scoring, not taking the pressure off Union Mine for a moment.

The Diamondbacks pressed hard in the final quarter, scoring 25 points in the final eight minutes of the game, but the San Andreas team came out on top with the final score 62-57.

The close game reflects the skill of both teams; both had a 90% win rate in their respective leagues this season.

Union Mine finishes 25-6 overall for their

n See BasketBall, page A7

Eldorado National Forest Fire Prevention Officer Ben Gotts serves up a sample of “El Dorado Gold Chili” for Dexter Tahara of El Dorado Hills, who said, “It’s great.” Twenty-one first responder agencies competed for the title of Best Culinarian in El Dorado County.

Firefighter/EMT Austin Woo, above, of the Rescue Fire Department shows off “Ash’s Firehouse Gluten-Free Chili,” voted the winner in the Peoples’ Choice category for best chili. Placerville police Sgt. Luke Gadow, Det. Addison Randall and Sgt. Eric Taylor, from left, left photo, report their “Donuts not Included Chili” was so popular they ran out. Taylor’s 9-year-old daughter, Kyla, helped by handing out police badge stickers.

Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco

Obituaries on this page are written and paid for by the families or funeral homes. They are edited minimally by the Mountain Democrat. To submit an obituary, call (530) 622-1255, e-mail obits@mtdemocrat.net, fax (530) 344-5092, or visit mtdemocrat.com under “Submission Forms” at the bottom of the website. Include contact information with all submissions.

Theresia “Tessie”

Klausen

Mar. 23, 1937 – Feb. 14, 2023

Theresia “Tessie” Klausen passed February 14, 2023. She is survived by her husband Leif, son Jim and daughters Debbie and Monique. She would have been 85 on March 23.

Tessie was born in Guttstadt, East Prussia in 1938. She was part of the nearly 2 million civilians evacuated from East Prussia between 1944 and 1945 due to the Soviet invasion. She settled in West Germany along with her father and 3 siblings.

Tessie dreamed of emigrating to America because she was deeply touched by the kindness of so many American soldiers she encountered in post WWII Germany. She emigrated to the United States in 1958 and settled in the greater Sacramento area. She and her husband Leif bought 5 acres in Shingle Springs in the mid 70’s, built a home and began a more rural life. They loved and remained in the foothills. Both were part of the Lutheran community.

Tessie was a talented artist skilled at landscapes, still life and portraiture. She taught classes in her Shingle Springs studio for many years. Stray cats and dogs were drawn to her – she gave many a loving home over the years in addition to nursing countless injured and/or abandoned birds, bunnies, squirrels and other animals back to health.

Tessie was a beautiful, intelligent, strong woman with a kind heart, a fierce sense of determination and a dry sense of humor. She was deeply loved.

The ocean was always a favorite destination of hers. Sunrises and sunsets over the horizon are particularly captivating to the eyes of an artist; the salt air, crashing waves and the expansiveness fed her soul. Per her wishes, Tessie’s ashes will be scattered across the Pacific ocean; the date is not yet specified.

Rest in peace kind spirit.

Roger “Michael” (Mooney) Bickel

July 21, 1961 – Jan. 8, 2023

On January 8, 2023, Roger “Michael” (Mooney) Bickel unexpectedly died from an undiagnosed heart condition while he was sleeping. He is survived by his only daughter, Olivia DeGennaro, his parents Suzy Douvres Bickel and John Bickel, sisters Lisa Wyneken and Lupe Medrano, brother Matthew Mooney-Bickel, nephews Mykk Mead, Michael Pielaet-Strayer and Peter Pielaet-Strayer, Juan Medrano, and nieces Sara Wyneken and Isabel Medrano. We will miss his sense of humor, his beautiful smile, and his generosity to his friends and family. A Celebration of Life will follow later this year.

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.

Lucy Ann Barnes

July 20, 1931 – Feb. 6, 2023

Lucy Ann Barnes died early Monday morning, 6 February 2023 of natural causes. She was born on 20 July 1931 to Frances and Ivan Ryerson.

The family lived in Columbus and Urbana, Ohio until 1943, then moved to Santa Monica, CA where Ivan was employed as a salesman for a plastics company during the war years; selling plastic components used in military aircraft etc. Lucy attended junior high and high school at Santa Monica, then completed her AA at college in Stockton. She met her future husband, Robert Barnes at college, and married him after he graduated from the USAF Officer Candidate school in 1951. Bob served seven years in the military as a B-29 and B-47 pilot, then spent 17 years in test engineering and corporate marketing at Raytheon Missile Systems Division. Bob’s career led the family (3 sons and one daughter) to live in beautiful Malibu CA. and not so beautiful New Carlisle, Ohio.

Once the kids graduated from high school they all abandoned Ohio and returned to California. Bob and Lucy followed their kids back to California in 1980, residing in their home on Mortara Circle until 2017. Lucy was a real estate agent in Placerville, CA for over 30 years. She started with Wentz Realty and eventually she and Bob became partners of American Heritage Real Estate with their dear friends Ron and Jan Murphy. She loved her job and all the friends she made working during her career. Lucy is survived by her four children, five grandchildren, two brothers and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 2:00 PM on 24 February at the Federated Church in Placerville, followed by a reception at the Shakespeare Club from 3-5 PM. All her friends are welcome to attend.

Roberta Hart

June 14, 1935 - Nov. 2, 2022

Roberta Eileene Hart (Bobbie) 87, passed away November 2, 2022 at Spring Gardens in Heber City, Utah. She was born in Sacramento, Calif, June 14, 1935 to Robert and Reola Liddil. She was preceded in death by her second husband, Don Hart, brother Samuel Liddil, stepdaughter Vicky Harriman, and son-in-law Je rey Miller. Bobbie is survived by her sister, Nancy Thomas (Gerald), daughters, Lisa Centers, Sarah Nelson (Gary), Paula Miller, stepson’s Verl Hart and Ray Hart (Pam). Granddaughters, Nicole, Andrea, Norey, and Sonya, and step-grandchildren, Garrett, Stacy, Joy, Gene, and Ki n, and twelve great-grandchildren. When Bobbie’s mother passed away just before she turned 10, she went to live with her aunt, uncle, and cousins in Mason, Ohio on a farm. She moved back to Sacramento in High School and graduated from C.K. McClatchy with novelist Joan Didion. Bobbie attended Sacramento City College and became a Nurse (RN) and passed the CA Real Estate Licensing Exam. Bobbie enjoyed golf, tennis, bridge, walking her dog; she was a fantastic cook, loved art history, creating beautiful ceramics, painting, and designing an amazing, detailed rock garden in her yard that she made into her own magical Eden. She was involved with the Cerebral Palsy Guild when they brought the famous astrologer Jeane Dixon to Sacramento. After retiring, she became a Senior Peer Counselor in El Dorado County. Bobbie was always creative, kind, believed in setting a good example, and leaving everything better than she found it. A Celebration of the Life of Bobbie will be held Wednesday, March 15 at Green Valley Community Church, 3500 Missouri Flat Road in Placerville, Calif. 95667 at 1:00PM, with a reception to follow.

Sylvester Alphonse

Ramacher

June 10, 1932 – Jan. 18, 2023

Sylvester Alphonse Ramacher

“Ram”, age 90, passed away at his home in Cameron Park, Calif., on January 18. He was born June 10, 1932, in St Paul, Minnesota, to Alphonse and Genevieve Ramacher.

At age 18, Syl enlisted in the Marines and became a Korean War Veteran serving as an anti-aircraft machine gunner, (1950- 1954). Upon leaving the Marines, he continued serving our Country in the Navy (1956-1960) and Army Reserve (1965-1997).

Syl loved to learn and in 1963 he found his passion when he began studying Martial Arts with Bruce Tegner. He achieved 3rd degree Brown Belt in Jukado. He began studying Kenpo Karate with Steve Fox and would receive his 1st Black Belt in 1974. Ram received his 2nd Black Belt in 1984 and 3rd in 1986, both studying under Ed Parker. 4th Black Belt was achieved in 2004 and 5th in 2007, under Je Speakman. Inducted into the Kenpo Karate Hall of Fame in 1970. He also became proficient in Martial Art Stick Fighting (Escrima) and practiced the art until he was 90 years of age. He received the Presidential Sports Award from President Gerald Ford in 1975. He founded several Karate schools in Northern California. Ram last participated in a Karate tournament in 2003, at age 71.

Also in 1963, he and then wife, Katie would pack up their three kids and move to Folsom, from the Los Angeles area. Ram became a Corrections O cer for Folsom State Prison, (which, at the time, was a maximum-security prison), because it was more interesting to him than being a mail carrier. He worked at New and Old Folsom for most of his 32 years, but would complete his career at Pelican Bay State Prison, in Crescent City.

He was always a student, an avid reader, writer, and sketch artist. He won several county awards for his pen and ink drawings and for his poetry.

He loved watching his beloved Minnesota Vikings with his family. He immensely enjoyed watching boxing with his clan and he was at his complete pleasure perusing Barnes & Nobles with them. It filled his heart to watch his great-grandchildren play at the park. He is a very loved and missed father, grandfather, great-grandfather...

He is survived by his two sisters, Eileen Zentis (husband Roger) and Katie Wick (Leon); two daughters, Maria Nelson (Jerry) and Veronica Higgins (Brad). Nine grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren. 1st wife, Catalina (Katie) Ramacher and many loved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Syl is predeceased by his son, Pino Ramacher and 2nd wife, Phyllis Daniels-Ramacher. Memorial service will be held at Sacramento Valley Veterans Cemetery, 5810 Midway Rd, Dixon, Calif., at 1:00, on Monday, February 27.

ObituAries

Doris Lee (Thomas) Bado

Aug. 3, 1924 – Nov. 21, 2022

Doris Lee (Thomas) Bado passed away Monday, Nov. 21, 2022 at the age of 98. Doris was born Aug. 3, 1924 to Lee and Minna (Fischer) Thomas in Los Angeles, Calif. She joined her 3 year old sister Ruth Elaine. She grew up in Monterey Park, where in grade school met her lifelong girlfriends, the Ya Hava’s. The 7 of them lived into their 90’s.

In 1943 Doris graduated from Mark Kepel High School. After graduating she worked for Laura Scudder’s, which was just down the street. She would go with her work friends to USO dances and through them met the love of her life Navy Machinist mate Robert (Bob) Bado on a blind date. He proposed soon after and was sent to the pacific. They married June 1945. At their 50th anniversary celebration Bob said “marrying her was the smartest thing he ever did!”

They had 3 children, Cherryl, John and Robert while living in Monterey Park, and soon moved to West Covina where they lived for 25 years. Doris loved to cook. She made homemade cookies, great meals and desserts. She loved games. She taught her children to play cards at a young age. She took sewing, cake decorating and yoga classes. They had great family vacations camping and waterskiing.

Bob retired early in 1976 and moved to Placerville. They continued fishing and camping with friends and family. Every year they’d travel to see their children. Doris was there at each of her six grandchildren’s birth even though they were born in five different states.

While in Placerville they ran the Mining Brook Ranch. They sold apples, peaches, pears, vegetables and Chenin Blanc grapes. They had a pie shop where Doris would hand make up to 1000 pies from September to

Edith Caroline Coalson/Berger

Jan. 7, 1929 – Oct. 8, 2022

Long time resident of Placerville died in Fresno with family members in attendance. She was 93.

She was preceded in death by two husbands; Rex Coalson in 2004 and Ed Berger in 2019. She is survived by her three children; Gerald Coalson, Warren Coalson and Alene Ferretta; eleven grandchildren, thirty-three greatgrandchildren and two great-greatgrandchildren.

During her life she traveled

Nancy Virginia

Farrell

Dec. 25, 1934 – Jan. 27, 2023

Nancy Virginia Farrell, age 88, of Placerville, passed away due to natural causes on Jan. 27. She leaves behind a loving family and many friends. Nancy was born to Hollie and Ruth Koch in Cheyenne, Wyo. on Christmas Day in 1934. In 1947, she moved with her parents to the San Francisco Bay Area, where she graduated from Sequoia High School in Redwood City, Calif. in 1952. Nancy then graduated from the Grace Ball Secretarial School in 1953, where she was commended by Grace Ball herself for her “excellent accuracy” in typing and the “attractiveness” of her shorthand. Putting her secretarial skills to work, Nancy was employed as the secretary to the editor of Sunset Magazine in Menlo Park, Calif. Nancy and her husband at the time, Paul Van Erden, moved to Sutter Creek, Calif. in 1957. After Paul and Nancy moved to Placerville in 1969, she began working part time for Sunset Magazine, indexing all of the articles that were published by the magazine. When her children reached middle school age, Nancy began working as a school secretary, first at Herbert C. Green Middle School (Placerville) and then later at Charles F. Brown Elementary School (Diamond Springs). Her proudest life’s work was raising her three children.

Nancy was married three times during her long life. In addition to her first marriage to Paul in 1953, she was the loving wife of Irving “Jim” Farrell from 1982 until his untimely death in 1993. She and Jim lived in Pollock Pines where she made many life-long friends.

After Jim’s passing, Nancy returned to Placerville where she was married to Robert “Bob” Dutton from 1999 until his passing in 2009. With both Jim and

December. They were active in the American Legion and the Auxiliary. Doris joined a Bunco group that lasted until COVID 19 in 2020.

In 2007 they moved to a smaller home in Eskaton Village. Bob passed away in 2012. Doris joined the neighborhood Bunco group and continued to be active, living in her own home for an additional 10 years. She loved her independence, watching the songbirds and the squirrels. She was still driving, running errands, keeping house, baking cookies, playing Mexican Train until a few months before her death. She loved her friends and laughing, but most of all her family. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary. She will be greatly missed.

She is predeceased by her parents, her sister, her husband Bob, her great granddaughter Georgia Durmier and most of her contemporaries. She is survived by her daughter Cherryl Stillwell, son John (Dianne) Bado and son Robert (Molly) Bado. Her grandchildren Gary (Sonja) Drahos, Michelle (Doug) Autin, David B. Stillwell, Stephanie Bedient, John R. Bado (Yvonne) and Chelsea Roberts. Her great grandchildren Ssgt Austin (Kelsey) Smith, Jake Smith, Neveah Carr, Joshia Bedient, Joseph Nadler, Olivia Drahos, James Drahos, Page Bedient, Cherrly Drahos, Jackson Durmier, Connor Roberts and Becky (Sam) Owens. Also, her sister-in-law Aloha (Bado) Engholm and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

No services are planned per her wishes. She and Bob will be inurned at Westwood Cemetery at a later date. Our thanks to the many wonderful caring people at Snowline Hospice. Contributions may be made to Snowline Hospice in her memory.

extensively throughout the U.S., visiting all fifty states. She also traveled through Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama. She was loved by her family and large circle of friends. She will be missed by all of us.

A service will be held Feb. 25 at 2:00 p.m. in Placerville at Our Saviour Episcopal Church, 2979 Coloma St. which she attended for over 40 years. Those who wish to send flowers please consider a donation to her favorite charity instead; Our Savior Episcopal Church of Placerville.

Bob, Nancy was very active in the community and enjoyed traveling widely. With her marriages, Nancy embraced numerous step-children, step-grandchildren, and new in-laws.

Throughout her life, Nancy enjoyed sewing, tole painting, playing pinochle and bunco, entertaining, walking, and traveling. Nancy was an active member of the Federated Church, (including the Federated Church Women), the Widowed Persons Association of California, and the Placerville Shakespeare Club. Her giving personality and kind demeanor meant that a circle of caring friends surrounded her. She has said that the thing she is most proud of is that she was always polite and kind to others.

Three children survive Nancy from her first marriage to Paul: son Lynn Van Erden and daughter-in-law Melodie Van Erden (Anderson) of Pollock Pines, Calif; daughter Jean Eckles (Van Erden) and son-in-law Vince Eckles of Big Bear, Calif; daughter Kristin Hayes (Van Erden) and son-in-law David Hayes of Colorado Springs, Colo. She is also survived by her loving brother, David Koch, and sister-in-law Sheila Koch of San Mateo, Calif; and her sister-inlaw, Nancy Koch (wife of Nancy’s late brother, Richard Koch) of Hillsborough, Calif. Nancy leaves behind six adoring grandsons: Gunner and Erik Van Erden, Bailey and Corbin Eckles, and Travis and Connor Hayes.

A memorial service will be held for Nancy at 10:00 A.M., Friday, March 3. It will take place at Federated Church Placerville (1031 Thompson Way), followed by a reception on premises. She will be interred at Westwood Hills Memorial Park in Placerville during a small family gathering. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation in Nancy’s memory to Snowline Hospice, Placerville.

Earl R. (Trey) Washburn M.D.

June 18, 1947 – Dec. 20, 2022

Earl “Trey” Robert Washburn passed away on December 20, in his home in Placerville, California. He and his brother Steven were raised in Stockton, California, by his parents Earl and JaNette Washburn. He is survived by wife Marian Washburn, sons Daniel (Kristina), Alex (Joanna), brother Steven (Kathy), grandchildren Addison, Jack, Lucy and Samuel, honorary daughter Soledad Martinez Montequin (Mikel) and many dearly loved cousins.

He lived a life of humor, music, learning, family, and service to his community.

Trey graduated from the University of the Pacific, where he met Marian. He attained his MD in Pediatrics from the University of California at Davis and San Francisco. He and his family moved to Placerville in 1976. There, Trey founded El Dorado Pediatric Medical Group and was soon joined by Dr. Jeffrey Rabinovitz.

Trey spent his entire professional career as a Pediatrician in Placerville, while also serving as Chief of Staff at Marshall Hospital, Placerville; Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at UC Davis Medical School; Advisor to P.R.I.D.E. and Joy; member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Dorado County; and Commissioner of First Five California, El Dorado County.

As well as his local affiliations, Trey served with great pride in leadership roles with Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society, Sierra Health

Foundation Board of Directors, California Medical Association House of Delegates and the American Medical Association House of Delegates

As a youngster and an adult, Trey loved hiking and camping. He participated in Outward Bound and organized group camps with his friends and their families. On these occasions, he would pull out the guitar for fireside sing-alongs. He enjoyed sailing as well as hiking with his peers in a group known as the “Old Goats.”

Trey was an avid national and international traveler, coordinating many trips with friends and family over the years to destinations near and far.

Carrying a lifelong love of science and Science Fiction, he was especially fond of aerospace and weather gadgetry. In retirement, he began the pursuit of creative writing and was happiest when writing stories for his four grandchildren. He belonged to multiple writing groups which led him to new and rewarding friendships.

Despite his own lifelong difficult health challenges, Trey devoted his career to the wellbeing of young people with deep caring for those with special needs.

Donations supporting Trey’s values may be made to Snowline Hospice, El Dorado Community Foundation, or Motherlode Rehabilitation Enterprise (M.O.R.E.).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 23rd, 3:00 p.m. at the Federated Church.

James Salomon

Mar. 17, 1935 – Jan. 12, 2023

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of my father, Jim Salomon, who passed away peacefully at age 87. My dad enjoyed woodworking, garage-tinkering, and caring for the people he loved. He leaves behind his wife Judith, daughter Leslie, son David, and grandchildren, Christina and Ryan.

COVID-19 effects on California will linger

Gov. Gavin Newsom

says California’s COVID-19 state of emergency will end Feb. 28, just four days shy of three years since he issued the first of countless orders he said were necessary to cope with the pandemic.

“Throughout the pandemic, we’ve been guided by the science and data — moving quickly and strategically to save lives,” Newsom said in October when announcing the February end date. “The state of emergency was an e ective and necessary tool that we utilized to protect our state and we wouldn’t have gotten to this point without it.”

The e cacy of Newsom’s pandemic orders will be debated for years, particularly the shutdowns of schools and businesses and the billions of dollars in no-bid contracts his administration issued.

What cannot be debated, however, is that their impacts on millions of Californians will linger for years, decades or perhaps even generations.

Letters to the Editor

Commission needs guidance

EDITOR:

SUMMARY

Nearly 3 million Californians lost their jobs due to the shutdown orders. While the state has, on paper, recovered all of the jobs it lost, countless small businesses that shut their doors have not reopened.

With work-at-home the growing norm, restaurants and other businesses dependent on concentrated employment were clobbered. The downtowns of the state’s larger cities — including the state capital, Sacramento — were hollowed out and have not, in the main, recovered.

California’s stark divide between haves and have-nots grew wider. Upper-income Californians could do their jobs from home but lower-income service workers simply lost

■ See WALTERS page A5

The Rural Life

Iwant to thank Les Francis for writing about the “coincidental” similarity between the U.S.S.R. and El Dorado County in their e orts to eliminate an organization that serves to protect human rights. It seems astonishing to me that there are so many in our midst who are willing to remain mute about some very dangerous actions taken by Russia and, in fact, are willing to venture that Putin is perhaps “not such a bad guy.” It boggles my mind. One of the biggest human rights disasters perpetrated by Russia is the obliteration of whole civilian communities in Ukraine. It is not soldiers or defense centers that Russia has been destroying, but communities, apartment complexes, hospitals and schools. The elderly and children are being bloodied and blasted. There is no defensible reason for this. Of course Russia does not want any reminders from the likes of a Human Rights Commission. But what about us? Surely we are not headed in that direction of wholesale slaughter of innocent families? Or dictatorial dominance through use of force (think Jan. 6)? The proliferation of military grade weapons in this country, at times facilitated with Russian money, does make me wonder, though. We need to watch out for this. human rights needs protection, and fledgling organizations such as our own Human Rights Commission warrant being given the time and guidance to help make them stronger, not to destroy them.

MARGIE LOPEZ READ Placerville

Human Rights Commission struggling EDITOR:

Why is it both sad and not surprising to read in the paper the county Human Rights Commission is struggling to find its purpose and role? The answer is not to give up when there needs to be more respect and understanding for those not within our cultural

circles.

It’s human nature to gravitate towards what we know whether it’s good or bad. When I read this article, the first thing I thought of was my friend who took her kids out of high school where one was being harassed and the other not fitting in well. Her kids now live in Oregon and both are thriving in their new environment.

So many readers have never seen discrimination nor experience it, so do not really relate to what is occurring in other people’s lives. The track record on human rights largely remains challenging for those having to navigate themselves outside of the expectations of a conservative county — a county where the Proud Boys are comfortable to wear their apparel, some parents equate protecting gay children from bullying at school as supporting homosexuality or think having a non-white heritage means your not a real American.

What the Board of Supervisors can do is not give up on trying to help this county be more inclusive. How this commission could be more e ective? I wish I knew. The rest of us should not be afraid to speak up when we see bad behavior or hear derogatory language toward others.

HEATHER CAMPBELL Pollock Pines

The blame game

EDITOR:

Thinking, people have always known that presidents, in general, Biden in particular, have nothing to do with gas prices. Prices have come down considerably and the true villains of those high prices have fessed up: the world’s three largest oil companies (EXXON Mobil, Shell and Chevron) declared a net profit of $145 billion for the past 12 months.

And what do they plan on doing with those billions? Poking a finger in our collective eye by distributing generous dividends (nothing wrong with that) and ... buying back shares so as to

■ See LETTERS page A5

The empty pasture is still full of touching memories

It was a shock of recognition.

Though lovely to behold, the lush grass now carpeting our pasture just underscored a sad reality: the absence of grazing animals to nibble it down.

That 5-acre section of our property had been home to a variety of horses and ponies from 1989 on. Starting in 2018, it was inhabited by a trio my husband and I called “the three amigos” — Brego, our daughter’s retired Pony Club pony (a small horse, really), and his two companions, goats Stella and Blanche.

I’ve written of all these animals before. Their outsized personalities have underpinned many of my best rural life tales.

Brego joined our family in 2005. A solid black, unregistered part-Arabian, he had the sort of large, kind eye that catches your attention. When we acquired him, both he and Sophie, our daughter, were 11 years old. She loved riding him the short way down the road once a week to have a jumping lesson with our neighbor, Martin Ridgeway of Falcon Haven Farm.

She rode Brego in various local Pony Club activities too, including that childhood favorite, overnight horse camping. The pony was also her show-ring partner, river-swimming buddy, Halloweencostume wearer and much more.

Her four-legged best friend, actually, until she left for college in 2013.

For several years

Brego shared the pasture with other horses. One was Redford, a big chestnut gelding owned by a friend of mine. Though the two of them clearly enjoyed each other’s company, they always made a ridiculously macho display at feeding time. Lunging at each other, teeth bared, they feigned aggression ... but never actually touched. It was all for show — kabuki theater, as I described in an earlier column.

When Brego became the only horse on our property, Buddy, our first goat, was his companion. Incredibly, Buddy bossed that pony around though he was barely a third Brego’s size. He would stand next to Brego, butting his shoulder over and over in an attempt to get the pony to share his grain.

Stella and Blanche were Brego’s final pasture mates. When we brought them home, Brego had been alone in the pasture for a few months and he watched the goats’ arrival with an interest bordering on obsession.

Still, Brego loved that goat and that was never more apparent than when we had to have the aging Buddy put down in 2016. As the euthanasia drugs took hold, Brego began running back and forth, peering at his friend over the fence and nickering in alarm.

It was heartbreaking.

Stella and Blanche were Brego’s final pasture mates. When we brought them home, Brego had been alone in the pasture for a few months and he watched the goats’ arrival with an interest bordering on obsession. Body tensed, ears starched forward, nostrils flaring, the pony all but exclaimed, “My girls! Here at last!”

And they indeed became his “herd.” He watched over them like a stallion.

The trio moved about the pasture as a unit; if one was in the northwest corner, all three were there. Brego lost his cool if we took one of the goats out of the pasture for even a moment, as when hooves need trimming.

He was their guardian, after all.

In October of last year, Brego

became ill. At first we thought it was chronic Cushing’s disease — common among aging equines — but the vet soon indicated it must be something else. Suddenly, while we were deciding what to do, his condition worsened. He planted himself near the water trough and refused to move, alternately dozing and dipping his muzzle in the water for long draughts.

He was 28 and had lived a good life. It was time to let him go. We called the vet back out and said those impossible goodbyes.

That was just before Halloween. With Brego now gone, the goats seemed especially vulnerable. We’d had goats on our property for 20 years by that point, with never a predator problem other than neighborhood dogs (the subject of my very first Rural Life column in 2004).

Still, we worried.

Then, on Christmas morning, we found Stella’s body in a far corner

■ See FORSBERG MEYER, page A5

JENNIFER FORSBERG MEYER

Gov. Gavin Newsom will soon lift the state of emergency he declared nearly three years ago due to COVID-19, but the negative effects will linger on for many years.

DAN WALTERS

Walters Continued from A4 their jobs. Some qualified for unemployment insurance, but a managerial meltdown at the state Employment Development Department delayed, sometimes for months, benefits for legitimate claimants while EDD handed out billions of dollars to fraudsters.

School shutdowns and the fitful efforts to continue instruction via the internet had a devastating effect on students, especially those from poor families which lacked technology and whose parents could not work from home. The “achievement gap” that has long plagued California’s public school system widened even further, recent research has found.

Several new studies add even more evidence that the steps taken by the state to combat COVID-19 will have long-term negative impacts.

An analysis by The Associated Press, Stanford University’s Big Local News project and Stanford education professor Thomas Dee determined that 234,000 students in 21 states vanished from public school enrollment rolls during the pandemic. More than half of them were in California.

Overall, in those states, enrollment dropped by about 700,000 students, but most of the decline could be explained by enrollments in private schools, movements to other states or shifts to at-home instruction. Of the remaining 234,000

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD

absences for which there was no explanation, researchers said, 152,000 were in California.

The Public Policy Institute of California crunched the numbers and discovered that not only did COVID-19 kill about 100,000 Californians but that the state’s life expectancy, which had been tied for the nation’s highest with Hawaii at 80.9 years, has dropped by two years — the first such decline since World War II.

PPIC found the higher death rate has disproportionately affected non-white Californians, particularly Latino and Black residents. “Between 2019 and 2021, the death rate (deaths per 1,000 residents) increased 51% among Latinos, 31% among Blacks, 26% among Asian-Americans, and 17% among whites,” the PPIC reported.

Finally, a new study UCLA Center for Health Policy Research found that Newsom’s stay-at-home orders, affecting businesses, child care centers and school, created financial hardships that led to psychological distress and a sharp increase in turmoil and conflict, including domestic violence.

Some COVID-19 victims are experiencing long COVID, with lasting debilitative effects. California suffers from lingering effects as well.

Dan Walters is a journalist and author who writes for CALmatters.org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.

Letters Continued from A4

increase share value.

Economists, left and right, agree that buying back shares, instead of investing in the future, is the most irresponsible way to spend a company’s profits. Not a penny of this cornucopia will go into research to mitigate the harm that oil causes to the environment and the health of billions of people.

JOHN GARON Placerville

Forsberg Meyer

Continued from A4

of the pasture. She’d been killed, we assumed, by either a mountain lion or one or more coyotes. We knew then for sure that, without Brego, our pen with run-in shed was not enough to protect our remaining goat. I began frantically seeking a safer home for her, calling and emailing local breeders and searching the internet.

But nature was quicker than I. Four days later, on Dec. 29, whatever had killed Stella came back for Blanche. Around the same time, our homeowners association warned of other losses in our area: a llama and two sheep killed on Dec. 23, then two calves and a Rottweiler dog on the 25th and 26th. Clearly, something was on a slaughtering spree, engaging in what biologists call “surplus killing.” In this pattern, several prey are killed over a short period of time but often not eaten.

Though I understood the dynamics, the whole experience was almost surreal. I’ve always appreciated the fact that my husband and I live in proximity to wild animals and I’ve written enthusiastically about many of them, including mountain lions and bobcats.

This loss of our goats, clearly, is the other side of that coin. And if I didn’t fully comprehend it before, I surely do now: You can’t have the one side without exposing yourself to the other.

It’s all just a fact of living a rural life.

Jennifer Forsberg Meyer is a columnist with the Mountain Democrat and the author of “Friends With Four Legs.” Leave a comment for her online or, for a reply, reach her at jfmfeedback@gmail.com.

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

18 Penny candy morsel since 1907

19 “That could work!”

23 Splashy display

28 Go along for the ride, say 30 Letters that shouldn’t be written big for air rescue (a single V or X is best)

32 Play a mean guitar, slangily

34 Part for a balding man?

35 “Dejection” is a famous one 36 Goes over again 37

AmericAN AssOc. Of UNiversity WOmeN Foothills of EDC Branch. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science and Math Camp Scholarships, programs & interest groups. Leave voicemail for Laurel (530) 417-7737 or Sara (530) 417-7138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net el DOrADO cOUNty AmAteUr rADiO cLUB Dedicated to all aspects of ham radio. Meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at the El Dorado Sheriff’s office, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net

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

Ready for real change?

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

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

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

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

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

Hangtown Women’s teNNis club. Join fun-loving women Wednesdays 9am-11am at El Dorado High School. Lessons, social events, only $50/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

Now

2

Union

Basketball Continued from A1

2022-23 season. The Diamondbacks lost just one game in Sierra Valley Conference league play.

Ponderosa

The road to the Sac-Joaquin Section championship ended for the Ponderosa Bruins with a close match against the Whitney Wildcats.

The Bruins took on the Wildcats at home Wednesday evening in the Division 2 semifinals. Whitney came out ahead 69-61 but not without a fight from Ponderosa.

The Bruins’ lead scorer of the game, senior Ethan Boness, shot a 3-pointer to tie the game 15-15 in the first quarter. Senior Max Manfredi then gave the Bruins the lead with 2- and 3-point field goals.

But the Wildcats pushed back with 10 unanswered points until junior Keegan Patterson scored five of his own. The first half ended at 32-27, the Wildcats in the lead.

The Bruins trailed behind the Wildcats until Patterson and Boness tied up the score 44-44 in the third quarter.

Despite the best efforts of Boness, Manfredi and junior Marco Moorman, Ponderosa did not come back from the lead the Wildcats established early in the fourth.

Top Bruins scorers of the night — Boness with 19 points, Manifredi 17 and Patterson 15.

The Bruins finish 22-9 overall for their 2022-23 season with an undefeated record in the Foothill Valley League.

COMiCS

MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad

Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh

Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

Solutions to puzzles in Classified section

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Maybe you can do it on your own, but ask for help anyway — and then make sure you also take the help. You are a fun person to help. If you don’t believe it, ask anyone who has helped you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The stars suggest that impulsive moves are today’s norm. So, while selfcontrol may not be your strong suit, you can still set yourself up for success by reducing the number of distractions and temptations in your environment.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). It could irritate and bother you, but in the end, you are polite, respectful and tolerant of those who believe differently from you because you know that a person is more than the beliefs they hold.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The physical connects you to the spiritual. You may have moments of feeling lost, but you can totally get back in touch with your higher guidance with attention to what your body is doing and wanting from you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). It’s tempting to lend an attentive ear in anticipation of the moment the spotlight swings back to you. Instead, you’ll listen with an open heart. Good intentions aren’t always enough to make goodness happen, but they increase the likelihood.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Before you venture out to get things done in the world, do your research. Inquiry and investigation will save you time and money. Make sure you have a decent chance of getting just what you need out of the deal.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). It’s not about what you can give right now. It’s about what you can give now and give again tomorrow and again the day after that. Your generosity will need to be sustainable.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’re picky about where you go and with whom. It’s not because you’re a snob, it’s because you want to tend to the ones who need you most. Today the one who needs you most will be you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). There are things you do for money and there are things you do for fun. The best days are like today, in which you get paid for fun and you can hardly believe the money.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The system that works on an average day will not work as well today. Maybe it’s because you’re in expansion mode. The rules will change and so will you. Good thing you’re not afraid of a little mess.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). When you don’t feel like being social, ask yourself why. Maybe you’re not getting your needs fulfilled. Maybe there is an expectation you do not want to meet. Investigate. There’s a realization to be had.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). What you focus on will matter very little. Look at anything. It’s the desire behind your eyes that allows you to communicate with greater truth. Love allows you to break open the barriers keeping you stuck in an unsatisfying dynamic.

n SHOE by Jeff

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco

Ponderosa senior shooting guard Ethan Boness, above, drives up court against the Whitney Wildcats in the Division

Sac-Joaquin semifinal.

Mine senior point guard Mason Mottashed, right, takes a shot, working to close the point gap against Calaveras. See more photos online at mtdemocrat.com.

In the KNOW

Feb. 24

El Dorado Musical Theatre presents Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” Feb. 24 through March 5, at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

Smith Flat House in Placerville hosts Latin dance lessons, 6-9 p.m. the last Friday of the month. For more information call (530) 621-1003 or visit smithflathouse.com.

Arts and Culture El Dorado presents Poetry Out Loud finals will be presented virtually. For more information visit artsandcultureeldorado. org.

Shaky Feelin’ will perform at 7 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit tickets. clubgreenroom.com.

Placerville Public House in downtown Placerville hosts live music Friday & Saturday nights, 8-11 p.m. Visit the pub’s Facebook or Instagram page for more details.

Live music at Red Hawk Resort + Casino continues every Friday, 8 p.m. to midnight, and Saturday, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. with the following acts scheduled: Cynthia Renee & Co. (country), Feb; 24; and Gotcha Covered (Top 40/ dance), Feb. 25. Visit redhawkcasino.com for more details.

Singer, flutist and composer Magela Herrera brings her quartet to the UC Davis college campus for a concert of her music and a concert of new pieces by doctoral music composition students.

Feb. 25

A swap meet at the El Dorado County Fair and Event Center takes place 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is free. Reserve a spot in advance online at eldoradocountyfair.org/ swap.html.

Placerville Family History Center at 3275 Cedar Ravine Road in Placerville hosts an open house for the public, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The facility includes computer stations, scanners, large printers, and a library of books and resources. Consultants will be on site to demonstrate and help visitors. The Center is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday (until 8 p.m. Thursday). For more information call (530) 6211378.

A Camellia Show and Competition will be on display at the seventh annual Camellia Day in

Brusho, gouache hitting the fan

Sylvia Coleman PAA publicity co-chair

Are you an artist? Or maybe a fledgling artist? Or do you just love art? Wherever your artistic heart beats, you are invited to the upcoming Placerville Arts Association public meeting Feb. 27.

The PAA artists and lovers of art gather together each month to get re-energized by rubbing elbows with other wonderfully talented elbows. There is so much to learn from one another and so much wonderful art to experience.

The Feb. 27 meeting won’t disappoint. PAA welcomes two talented artists who will demonstrate (in two parts).

Gloria Vernon will demonstrate the use of a crystalline watercolor medium called Brusho.

Vernon was born and raised in Placerville. She has had a career teaching high school arts (drawing painting, photography and ceramics). She has reached Master Circle status with the International Association of Pastel Societies and Signature status with the Pastel Society of America. Vernon’s favorite art media are pastel, fused glass and

watercolor.

She will be followed by Lucia Rothgeb demonstrating the use of collage and gouache in painting.

Rothgeb was born and raised in Northern California, having lived in South Lake Tahoe, San Jose, 22 years in Cameron Park and now in Folsom. She has been an active member of PAA since the early 2000s. Her favorite media are acrylics, watercolor, ink, collage and gouache. Rothgeb has won multiple awards over the years.

This is going to be an exciting meeting — a great time to refresh old skills and learn new skills. And the bonus treat is meeting and talking to a roomful of multi-talented artists, blooming artists and art-lovers.

The PAA’s monthly artistic gettogether will be held 2:30-4:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, at the Placerville Senior Center, 937 Spring St. Refreshments will give everyone a time to meet old friends and make new friends.

PAA is a nonprofit and loves nothing more than to share fine art and artists with the community. For more information visit placervillearts.com and like the organization on Facebook at facebook.com/PlacervilleArtsAssociation.

exceptional poets to enchant at local winery

News release

Poetry in the Sierra Foothills welcomes poets

Jemi Reis McDonald and Susan Flynn at Chateau Davell in Camino Feb. 26.

Reis McDonald is a California native, lifelong writer, 22-year Soto Zen Buddhist practitioner, decadeslong wife, mother, new grandmother and enduring friend. And despite many human errors along the way,

she counts her continuing endeavor to purify her own heart and her collaboration with unending change as

Courtesy photos Susan Flynn, left, and Jemi Reis McDonald will share their poetry this Sunday at a Camino winery.

her hardest, wisest and most valuable of individual accomplishments. She is the author of “Evening

Light: A Retrospect in Stories and Poems,” which has received well-earned praise.

“Jemi Reis McDonald’s heartopening book doesn’t merely discuss the nature of loss and recovery. With her sensorial writing, she immerses us in the journey, allowing us to see, feel, and deeply notice the earned details of her own richly lived experience. The result of this communion is breath and hope

n See Poets, page B3

Food & Local Eats

Courtesy photo

Meet artist Gloria Vernon at the Placerville Arts Association meeting this Monday. Vernon is seen here working on “Peacock Spring,” a crystallized watercolor and marker pen project with real peacock feathers.

“Wild Flower Song” by Lucia Rothgeb, acrylic collage and ink.

Musicians jammin’ at the center

n Feb. 25: James Garner tunes up for Cash birthday bash

GRASS VALLEY — The Center for the Arts

welcomes back Johnny Cash’s Birthday Bash featuring James Garner. 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 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.

n Feb. 26: Acclaimed guitarists show off skills

GRASS VALLEY —

The Center for the Arts hosts the 23rd International Guitar Night on Feb. 26.

An exciting lineup of talented artists from the world over has been curated by IGN founder Brian Gore. Performers Olli Soikkeli (Finland), Stephanie Jones (Australia), Jesús Guerrero (Spain) and Jocelyn Gould (Canada) will bring their guitars and talents across the U.S. and Canada.

IGN is the world’s premier touring guitar festival, each show bringing together the most interesting and innovative acoustic guitarists to exchange musical ideas in a public concert setting. For each tour, a new cast of guitar luminaries are brought together for special evenings of solos, duets and quartets that highlight the dexterity and diversity within the world of acoustic guitar. The audience can expect to enjoy a mosaic of classical guitar, modern fingerstyle, flamenco, jazz, gypsy jazz stylings and so much more.

Finnish guitarist Soikkeli started playing guitar at age of 12 and after a few years was introduced to the music of the great Django Reinhardt and Gypsy Jazz has been Olli’s main focus since, playing in jazz clubs and festivals all around Finland. Despite his young age, Olli has played at legendary venues such as the Birdland Jazz Club, The Blue Note and The Lincoln Center, alongside many stars such as Bucky Pizzarelli, Stochelo Rosenberg, Tommy Emmanuel and Andreas Öberg.

Jones is an active soloist and chamber musician currently based in Germany. She has recently finished her master’s degree and is currently studying a Konzertexamen in classical guitar performance with Thomas Müller-Pering at the prestigious University of Music Franz Liszt. Jones has participated in many renowned competitions, including winning

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 KBIE filmed the band’s concert performance for a Johnny Cash 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.

This upcoming performance features Cash favorites such as “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk the Line” and “Ring of Fire,” along with other hits the country giant recorded and performed in a career that spanned six decades.

Doors open at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, for Johnny Cash’s Birthday Bash featuring James Garner at The Center for the Arts Marisa Funk Theater, 314 West Main St. in Grass Valley. The show begins at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information visit thecenterforthearts.org or call (530) 274-8384.

first prize in both the Uppsala International Guitar Festival Competition and the Hannabach Guitar Competition, a finalist in both the Deutscher Gitarrenpries and the Salzburg International Guitar Festival and, in 2012, she competed in the prestigious Adelaide International Classical Guitar Competition and subsequently won second prize.

Guerrero is from San Fernando (Cádiz), Spain, and started playing guitar at the age of 11 under the tutelage of master teacher José Luis Balao. Guerrero’s natural virtuosity with the instrument and his musical creativity have led to him to becoming one of the most soughtafter figures of the current flamenco scene, performing with his trio, in duet with his wife Alba Carmona and also collaborating with many great singers, including Lila Downs, Soledad Pastorutti, Nina Pastori and Miguel Poveda.

Gould is originally from Winnipeg, Canada,

and her passion for music began at a very young age, starting with the tradition of jazz guitar. She cites Grant Green, Kenny Burrell, Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass as her primary influences and maintains an active international performance career with shows at numerous jazz festivals at home and abroad. Gould has played alongside many acclaimed musicians, including grammy-nominated vocalist Freddy Cole, DownBeat’s Rising Star trombonist Michael Dease, and the legendary Etienne Charles and in June 2021 her debut record, “Elegant Traveler,” won a Juno Award (Canadian Grammy) for Jazz Album of the Year.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the performance begins at 7:30 p.m. 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.

Courtesy photo

James Garner’s tribute to Johnny Cash is a can’t miss show for fans of the Main in Black.

Learn how to prune roses

News release

Stanley Marciel, owner of Garden Valley Roses and rose expert, will be in the historical rose garden behind Art On the Divide Cooperative Gallery to demonstrate proper rose pruning techniques at 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 26.

Attendees will have the opportunity to practice pruning on some of the historical roses and cuttings will be available at the end of the demonstration to take home for propagation and planting in their own gardens. This event was well-attended last year and participants were very helpful in getting the roses ready for bloom.

No registration is necessary and those wishing to participate are encouraged to bring their own clean, sharpened pruners. Pruning implements should be clean and sharp enough so that the rose bushes are not damaged and the new cuttings are in good shape for propagation

and planting. Join AODC and enjoy the opportunity to add to your knowledge of rose propagation while also enhancing your own garden with some new/old roses. Participants’ help in the Gallery Garden is

Poets Continued from B1

and a visceral re-union with ourselves and the world.” — Deb Norton, author of “Part Wild: A Writer’s Guide to Harnessing the Power of Resistance”

Susan Flynn is a poet, photographer and psychoanalyst living in Sacramento and Georgetown. She has a private clinical practice in Sacramento and is assistant clinical professor at University of California, Davis, where she teaches and supervises psychiatry residents. Her poetry has been published in various journals, including Adirondack Review, Euphony, No

greatly appreciated.

AODC is located at 6295 Main St., Georgetown and the phone number is (530) 333-2787. Gallery hours are Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the website is artonthedivide.com.

Achilles, A War Poetry Anthology, Paragon Press, SLAB, Tule Review and Voices 2020. Flynn is trained as an Amherst Writers and Artist group facilitator and this spring, at local nonprofits, she will facilitate writing groups for trauma survivors. “Seeing Begins in the Dark” is her first poetry collection.

The poetry event begins at 2 p.m. and will include an open mic for anyone who wishes to share their poetic words. Chateau Davell is located at 3020 Vista Tierra Drive in Camino. For more information call (530) 644-2016.

Courtesy photo Stanley Marciel, owner of Garden Valley Roses, demonstrates proper rose pruning techniques. This event is a great way to work in the garden at Art On the Divide Cooperative Gallery.

Beatles at 5 and 8 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit tickets. clubgreenroom.com.

Sacramento Baroque Soloists present The Concerto Resplendent, Feb. 25 & 26, at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 6086888 or visit harriscenter.net.

The Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera presents Italian composer and librettist Ruggero Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci” at 8 p.m. and the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center in downtown Sacramento. For tickets and more information visit sacphilopera.org. Kevin Burke will perform at The Sofia, 2700 Capitol Ave. in Sacramento. For tickets and more information visit bstreettheatre.org.

Feb. 26

Miraflores Winery in Placerville hosts Soup Sundays. Stop by for wine tasting, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and

Know Continued from B4 enjoy a complimentary cup of soup prepared by Chef Tara Martinez every Sunday through March 26.

Feb. 27

Vitalant will host an El Dorado Hills community blood drive, noon to 4 p.m. The Bloodmobile will be located in the parking lot near the baseball fields at the El Dorado Hills Community Services District, 1021 Harvard Way. Make an appointment at donors.vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFM019 or call (877) 2584825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows.

“Return to Chibok,” a film by associate professor Branwen Okpako, will be shown on the UC Davis college campus. The film is an experimental re-enactment of the investigation into the kidnapping of 276 girls in Nigeria in 2014.

Feb. 28

Placerville FamilySearch Center, 3275 Cedar Ravine Road, invites the public to bring in old photos and scan them at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. For

more information call (530) 621-1378.

El Dorado Western Railroad hosts a Dining to Donate event, 11 a.m. to close at Applebee’s Grill & Bar, 3281 Coach Lane in Cameron Park. Let the server know you’re there for the fundraiser and the restaurant will donate 15% of the check to the living history organization (valid for dine-in and pick-up).

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

B Street Theatre at The Sofia, 2700 Capitol Ave. in Sacramento, presents “The Last Wide Open” through Feb. 28. For tickets and more information visit bstreettheatre.org.

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

The Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park presents “Becky’s New Car” through March 5. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.

Watercolor Artists of Sacramento Horizons issues a call to artists to submit works for the 45th annual AWASH with Color juried membership show. All paintings must be entered online at client.smarterentry.com/ WASH. Entry deadline is March 24 and the show runs March 28 through April 15 at the Sacramento Fine Arts Center.

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

The El Dorado Roses are searching for candidates to run for the 2023 El Dorado Rose. Candidates must be at least 60 years old, have lived in the county for 10 years and have many hours of volunteer service. For more information call Carole Burnley at (530) 626-4949.

Roo ng at its Finest

The Public Square

Poem of the Month VESPERS

At dusk I find the grey squirrel stalled on the yellow line of Coon Hollow Road.

I scoop him up, cradle him.

I am his pallbearer through the black oak and cedar woods of our backyard. As a dog might do I dig in the hard pack ground, scratching a swale, filling it with leaf litter, grass, and twigs,

place him there, curling head to tail. He is with friends now. Listen, can you hear the crickets’ coda, the toad on his bassoon?

Little darling, soft one, you need not fear emptiness—the world loves us so—the moon and stars our compass, the universe an ark on which we all are sailing into the coming dark.

Moira Magneson taught English for many years at Sacramento City College. Prior to teaching, she worked as a river guide throughout the West. A member of Red Fox Underground, a local poets collective, her poems have appeared in a variety of journals and anthologies.

selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form.

cause, if any, why the petition for change

file

described above

written objection that

for the objection

least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: MARCH 24, 2023, 8:30 A.M. DEPT. 9 AT SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF EL DORADO, 3321 Cameron Park Drive, Cameron Park, CA 95682.

3. A copy of the ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Mountain Democrat. This order has been filed on JANUARY 30, 2023. /s/ Gary Slossberg GARY SLOSSBERG, Judge of the Superior Court 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24 11362 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 23CV0122 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:

1. Petitioner: Michael Alexander DePaoli filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: MICHAEL ALEXANDER DEPAOLI Proposed name: MIKE LEWIS

2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING: MARCH 10, 2023, 8:30 A.M. DEPT. 9 AT SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF EL DORADO, 3321 Cameron Park Drive, Cameron Park, CA 95682.

3. A copy of the ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Mountain Democrat. This order has been filed on

If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association.

NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. !AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 dias, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin eschuchar su version. Lea la informacion a continuacion.

Tiene 30 DIAS DE CALENDARIO después de que Ie entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una lIamada telefonica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y mas informacion en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www. sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que Ie quede mas cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentacion, pida al secretario de la corte que Ie de un formulario de exencion de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte Ie podra quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin mas advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que lIame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede lIamar a un servicio de remision a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniendose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las coutas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperacion de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un case de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pudea desechar el caso. The name and address of the court

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