Mountain Democrat, Monday, February 27, 2023

Civil rights suit claims racism at El Dorado

Odin Rasco

Staff writer

A Placerville parent has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the El Dorado Union High School District on behalf of her daughter.

According to court documents, Ashley Lewis alleges her daughter, a 16-year-old identified as “S.L.” in the suit, experienced repeated attacks, beatings, harassment and bullying at El Dorado High School because of her sexual orientation and African American race.

The suit claims “S.L. su ers from vision

loss, headaches, light sensitivity and loss of concentration” and required emergency medical attention following a beating that took place on campus during school hours. The lawsuit specifies attacks that happened Nov. 19, 2021, and March 11, Aug. 16 and Nov. 18, 2022.

EDUHSD Superintendent Ron Carruth and Assistant Superintendent Tony DeVille, as well as EDHS Principal Elizabeth Sisson and Vice Principal Justin Gatling were

■ See LAWSUIT, page A3

Supes remove bias training

Eric Jaramishian

Staff writer

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors has removed the implicit bias training requirement for boardappointed members of committees and commissions.

In discussion at last week’s board meeting, supervisors claimed the training caused issues with their appointees. District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin said the board has seen “unintended consequences” from the training, including resignation of commission members, added di culty in recruitment and inconsistent training. Parlin shared that

the clerk of the board’s o ce reported a 67% compliance rate for the training.

“How much time do we want sta to spend on this chasing down people that aren’t going to take it and what are the consequences?” Parlin asked. “We set ourselves up for inconsistencies in requiring this training.

“If the clerk’s o ce determines someone isn’t doing the training, there is this notion out there that we could just say we are down to an honor system and we can tell people ‘Just say you did it,’” she continued. “What is the point in that?”

The training would

■ See TRAINING, page A3

Don Ashton reflects on his

cao years

Noel Stack Managing editor Skis or sunscreen? Retiring El Dorado County Chief Administrative O cer Don Ashton plans to choose both after he turns in his keycard and closes the door on an approximately 30-year career in public service. Ashton, 52, came to El Dorado County in 2011 from Los Angeles County, calling it “the best move of my life, both personally and professionally.”

He began his career here as the El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce’s chief fiscal o cer. After a year-and-a-half he moved to the Chief Administrative O ce, serving as a principal analyst. About six months later he shifted to the Health and Human Services Agency, first working as the department’s administration and finance assistant director and later as the HHSA director, a title he held for nearly three years. Then came the call Ashton said he never wanted.

“I hope people see the county in better shape now than it was seven years ago.”

— Don Ashton, El Dorado County chief administrative officer

“I never had ambition to be CAO,” he told the Mountain Democrat. “There was so much chaos at that time.”

The CAO position, among other leadership roles at the county, had experienced turmoil in the years prior to Ashton taking the job. The board hired interim CAO Larry Combs in June 2015. He replaced acting CAO Pamela Knorr, who served from November 2014 until June 2015. Knorr took the temporary appointment after the resignation of CAO Terri Daly in November 2014 after four years on the job.

In a unifying e ort to promote from within, many El Dorado County department heads and El Dorado County Superior Court judges sent letters of support for

Ashton during the spring 2016 CAO recruitment process. His permanent appointment to the top job came in May 2016 with the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors’ unanimous vote. Ashton credits his wife Anne for pushing him, gently, into the leadership role with an ultimatum: take the job or stop complaining. With his last day March 3, he will leave the CAO role two months shy of seven years — the longest Ashton said he’s ever stayed in one position. “I got bored easily,” he said of his frequent job shifts. “I never got bored being CAO.”

Time will tell how the county fared under his leadership, Ashton

■ See ASHTON page A6

Yusuf allegedly tried to destroy evidence

Odin

Rasco Stafff writer

The prosecution in a second-degree murder case alleges it has proof suspect Kamaal Yusuf attempted to destroy evidence while in custody.

Yusuf faces charges for the 2022 death of a Shingle Springs woman who died of a fentanyl overdose. The 22-year-old man allegedly sold the drugs that caused her death. Yusuf pleaded not guilty to the charges at his arraignment in late January.

Miles Perry, an attorney with the El Dorado County District Attorney’s O ce, shared during a pretrial hearing Tuesday afternoon in El Dorado County Superior Court Department 7 that recordings of

calls made by Yusuf from jail reportedly reveal he tried to have evidence deleted from his cell phone. Yusuf called both his mother and brother and allegedly asked them to destroy the possible evidence.

Perry also claimed Yusuf repeatedly made calls from jail to an individual who has a no-contact restraining order against him. The restraining order appears to stem from a domestic violence incident involving Yusuf, but no o cial charges were filed, according to Patrick Hanly, Yusuf’s attorney.

Hanly said the autopsy report on the victim shows her death to be caused by a combination of alcohol and fentanyl rather than just fentanyl as the charges against

his client allege. Perry disagreed with his assertion, saying he will have two expert witnesses appear during the trial who will attest that the cause of death was from a fentanyl overdose.

In court this week Hanly again attempted to have a bail set for his client after Superior Court Judge Michael McLaughlin ruled he would be held without bail at the arraignment. Judge Jamie Pesce chose to uphold McLaughlin’s ruling and have Yusuf kept without bail. Yusuf will next appear in court for his preliminary hearing at 1 p.m. March 28 in Superior Court Dept. 7.

The identity of the victim has not been released to the public.

Mountain Democrat photo by Noel Stack

El Dorado County Chief Administrative Officer Don Ashton is getting ready for his retirement. His last day will be March 3.

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.

WEATHER

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.

PLACERVILLE 5-DAY FORECAST

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.

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 di erent 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 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.

CONTACT US

Of ce Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m

530-622-1255

Sting nabs sexual predator suspect

Odin Rasco

Staff writer

El Dorado County sheriff’s detectives arrested a man they allege attempted to meet a minor with sexual intent, according to a social media post.

Miguel Alcudia Mendoza, 39, is suspected of contacting a minor with sexual intent, arranging to meet a minor and sending sexually explicit material to a minor, according to inmate records at the county jail. Mendoza was arrested Tuesday afternoon in El Dorado Hills near

Driver ejected after hitting power pole

Mountain Democrat staff

the Regal movie theater by high tech crimes detectives from the Sheriff’s Office, arrest documentation shows.

The detectives were running a sting operation and were reportedly solicited by Mendoza, who thought he was speaking to a 13-year-old girl, according to sheriff’s officials. Mendoza allegedly arranged to meet the juvenile in public and was arrested by undercover units staged in the area in anticipation of his arrival.

Mendoza is currently in jail custody with no bail.

A Fernley, Nev., man was seriously injured early Wednesday morning when his vehicle struck a power pole on Pony Express Trail in Camino, according to California Highway Patrol officials.

Driver Zechariah Johnson, 31, was ejected and found near the crash by CHP officers, who responded to the scene just after 5 a.m., states CHP Public Information Officer Andrew Brown in an email to the Mountain Democrat.

Johnson, the sole occupant of the

1998 Isuzu Amigo, was transported to Sutter Roseville Medical Center for treatment. Thursday afternoon hospital officials reported he was in fair condition.

The Isuzu’s impact broke the Mt. Danaher Road-area power pole at the base, causing a blackout for area residents who were otherwise preparing for a possible outage due to the incoming snowstorm.

The cause of the collision is under investigation. Brown notes DUI is not suspected and weather conditions at the time were clear and dry.

California’s oldest newspaper hits 172nd birthday

Mountain Democrat staff

In its 172nd year of publication, the Mountain Democrat is the lone survivor of the Gold Rush era that once had 19 other publications available before 1858. The newspaper is also the oldest business in El Dorado County.

Thomas Springer launched the El Dorado News in Coloma in 1851 and then renamed the publication the El Dorado Republican later that same year, moving it to Placerville.

Training

Continued from A1

still be available for viewing online.

In February 2021

former District

5 Supervisor Sue

Novasel and District

2 Supervisor Geroge Turnboo recommended requiring all appointees to complete implicit bias training that teaches how decisions can be made based on unintentional judgements and behaviors.

Chief Administrative Officer Don Ashton noted that concerns of a former appointee drove the implicit bias training requirement, which did not garner full board support at the time.

District 3 Supervisor

Wendy Thomas said she would feel uncomfortable burdening staff to reach out to those who have not completed the implicit bias training when the board is not aligned in how to respond.

“Some of us felt more strongly that they would ask someone to step down but others said they would not kick a volunteer off a committee if they haven’t fulfilled this requirement and that creates a consistency and confusion problem,” Thomas explained.

District 1 Supervisor

John Hidhal said certain commissions should have key understandings of implicit bias, using

Lawsuit

the El Dorado County Planning Commission as an example, a commission authorized to make decisions on the board’s behalf.

“I think there are a few select commissions and committees that I think should continue to require it but not across the board. I think we strongly encourage it,” Hidahl said. “There’s value in understanding we all have built-in biases and we don’t necessarily know what they are until you go through some detailed screenings on what your feelings are relative to things and they start to surface. So I think it’s helpful overall to anyone who is in government service to be exposed to that but not to the extent that we mandate it to every commission or committee.”

Clerk of the Board Kim Dawson said while many appointees embraced the training, two or three appointees resigned from their positions when the training became a requirement.

That is to be expected, noted District 5 Supervisor Brooke Laine.

“Sixty-seven percent is good compliance. That would pass a tax measure by the voters and that’s a high bar to get to,” Laine said. “I don’t think that is a failure, I think that is a success.”

Continued from A1

specifically named in the suit and have been served summons; they have until March 7 to respond.

“The situation has caused significant emotional damage to this girl, and the school administrators were aware of the derogatory statements, beatings and bullying and they failed to do anything about it,” Alex Galindo, Lewis’ attorney said. The Mountain Democrat reached out to EDUHSD officials, who shared the following statement:

“The El Dorado Union High School District is

Springer sold the subscription list and press of the

Laine added that the training should still be a requirement.

“It demonstrates that we are putting important investments into our volunteers, commissioners and committee members that represent the whole community and I think it’s important when you decide to make the decision to help this county move forward and agree to serve on a body, even if it is only advisory, it’s important that you are aware of your biases,” Laine continued.

County Counsel David Livingston said the training is always beneficial to mitigate legal risk.

“If we were ever faced with a claim based upon some illegal conduct of a particular comissioner and it was based on some racial criteria or other impermissible activity, having training like this could be used in the county’s defense,” Livingston commented.

District 2 Planning Commissioner Kris Payne, who took the training, said the training felt like it was “indoctrinating” those who participated.

“I thought when I was taking it ... ‘This isn’t me and not the way I act,’” Payne shared. “Every time someone said something to the effect of ‘No, you are this way.’ I just got upset because I am not that way. You

get enough of these case studies ... by the end, I’m implicitly biased, if I believed what people had said as they were trying to train me into not being that way.”

Placerville resident Kirk Smith told supervisors he was shocked by the board’s reasonings to remove implicit bias training.

“If you had employees

that sale the El Dorado Republican became the Mountain Democrat

with the first edition under the new title printed Feb. 25, 1854.

that had a lousy driving record, would you let them continue to be employed using dangerous vehicles?” Smith asked. “All of us have biases. The object is to become aware and knowledgable of them.”

Laine recommended all appointees complete the training within six months of their appointment or risk

NEUROPATHY

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and may also lead to serious balance problems. This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood ow to the nerves in the hands and feet. If not properly treated this lack of blood ow may cause the nerves to degenerate.

forfeiting their seat. Livingston recommended to the board require the training for commissions that require statements of economic interests. Thomas made a motion based on his recommendation that went to a 4-1 board vote with Parlin casting a “no” vote.

Healthy Nerve

Healthy Blood Vessels

Diseased Blood Vessels

Nerves Shrivel when Blood Vessels Weak and Disappear Figure 1

As you can see in Figure 1, as the blood vessels surrounding the nerves become diseased they shrink and shrivel. This process hastens the ow of vital nutrients to the nerves required to remain healthy. When these nerves begin to “die” it could lead to balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling and burning symptoms in the hands and feet.

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

What is the underlying cause? 1

aware of the allegations contained in a recent court filing. These documents allege that the district and the referenced employees engaged in negligence and deliberate indifference. These allegations are untrue.

“The district disputes the factual allegations upon which claims are based but is declining to comment further as litigation has commenced,” continues the statement. “To be clear, the El Dorado Union High School District is committed to providing equal opportunities for

all individuals in district programs and activities and prohibits discrimination.”

This is not the first time in recent years that an El Dorado County School faced legal challenges stemming from claims of bullying due to racism. Gold Trail Union School District was sued in 2020 by a minor identified as “J.K.” who attended Gold Trail School during the 201819 and 2019-20 school years. J.K., identified in the suit as a “Black student with Haitian roots,” claims they were bullied for their race and perceived sexuality.

Placerville, CA – Currently the most common method most doctor’s recommend to treat neuropathy is with the use of prescription drugs. Although these drugs may temporarily reduce your symptoms they may cause a feeling of discomfort and in some cases lead to a variety of terrible unwanted side effects. We have a different method!

Our advanced treatment method has 3 main goals

How much treatment will your condition require? 3 Increase

How much nerve damage has been sustained? 2

The treatment to increase blood ow utilizes a specialized low-level light therapy (not to be confused with laser therapy) using light emitting diode technology. This technology was originally developed by NASA to assist in increasing blow ow.

The low level light therapy is like watering a tree. The light therapy will allow the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients to heal and repair. It’s like adding water to a tree and seeing the roots grow deeper and deeper. The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation.

“My feet hurt so bad after sitting I could barely 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

El Dorado

Republican to Dan W. Gelwicks and William January in 1854. With

Mountain Democrat file photo

The Mountain Democrat’s masthead used in the 1940s through the 1960s.

The latest threats to Prop. 13 in Sacramento

Nineteenth century lawyer and newspaper publisher, Gideon J. Tucker, once said that “no man’s life, liberty or property are safe while the Legislature is in session.” Well, the California Legislature is back in session and no truer words have ever been spoken. And, while we’re still waiting on a thousand or so more bills to appear in print, there are already several major concerns to taxpayers and even a few direct threats to Proposition 13.

Here are just two: ACA 1 and ACA 3.

Assembly Constitutional Amendment 1 is a perennial attack on Proposition 13. Year after year it is re-introduced and each time California taxpayers rise up and defeat it. Still, it’s a recurring threat that shouldn’t be taken lightly and taxpayers need to remain vigilant. Bad bills pass all the time and we never know when some deal may be struck that sees ACA 1 sail through. That is especially true in this new legislative session, with a new crop of progressive representatives.

All Californians should be deeply concerned about ACA 1 because it would make it easier to raise taxes by lowering the voter approval requirement for local bonds and tax increases from the current two-thirds down to 55% if the money would be used for “public infrastructure” and certain types of public housing projects.

Proposition 13 mandates a two-thirds voter approval for all special taxes, but ACA 1 would wipe out that protection for nearly all local taxes because the category of “infrastructure” is so vague that it covers almost anything.

In 2000 voters lowered the threshold needed to approve school bonds from two-thirds to 55% based on the promise that all California’s problems with education would be cured. How did that work out? California’s test scores are still at the bottom even as per-pupil spending skyrockets.

These are below-the-line exactions that are added to property tax bills above and beyond Prop. 13’s 1% cap. That’s why Prop. 13’s two-thirds vote requirements for all special taxes is so important. It protects all property owners and deserves our vigilant protection.

Assembly Constitutional Amendment 3 would gut Proposition 13. It would allow the Legislature to raise taxes statewide with a simple majority vote of each house instead of the constitutionally

n See Coupal page A5

California Matters

letters to the editor article on dead trees

EDITOR:

One of the reasons given for the large number of dead trees was overstocked forest conditions. Translation: Lack of proper timber management plans and harvesting. And with the new forest supervisor of the Eldorado National Forest being a sociology major I wouldn’t hold my breath for an improvement in timber harvesting, a lack of which will exacerbate the effects of the other factors. One can only hope that the new supervisor will listen to real foresters in planning actions to be taken.

GEORGE ALGER Placerville

sometimes the news isn't worthy

EDITOR:

I'm a morning watcher of the news, Channel 3 for whatever reason. And about half of the news session involves shootings and mayhem that seem to be happening everywhere and they are horrendous. Sometimes I sip on my morning coffee and say to myself, “This country is going to hell in a hand basket.”

I’m also addicted to the crime logs (lifetime member of the Sheriff’s Posse) to see what ills avail our county. Quite honestly the reports seem rather benign, domestic abuse, shoplifters, loiterers, with a sprinkling of DUIs to spice things up.

So I went to the sheriff’s 2021 report and thought it odd that the report listed only one homicide in El Dorado County for the entire year. It doesn’t list what type of homicide, so I have no clue. But let’s just say that homicide involves a gun. That means the gun related murder rate places our county in comparison to countries like the Netherlands at .053 for every 100,000 people. If the homicide wasn’t gun related, that places us in line with Tonga at zero.

Everyone in El Dorado County has the same

2nd Amendment rights as every other U.S. citizen yet we aren’t shooting each other up. Why is that when cities near us like Stockton, Sacramento and Oakland have gun-related homicide rates that would make a migrating El Salvadoran nervous? Another good reason to shop local.

I credit our entire law enforcement and legal system, mostly conservative, for enabling us all to live our lives without fear here in El Dorado County.

KEN STEERS Cameron Park

Inflation relief refund, really?

EDITOR:

Taken from Congressman Kevin Kiley blog, Feb. 11: “Facing public outrage over his opposition to my bill, last summer Newsom came up with a ‘tax refund’ scheme that he billed as ‘inflation relief.’ Conveniently, the branded debit cards landed in mailboxes at the same time as ballots.”

Congressman Kiley’s recent remarks above prompted me to add my additional thoughts.

To add fuel to the fire on the “Inflation Relief refund” Newsom didn’t send out checks, instead he hired a New York bank to send out Visa debit cards that charge $1.25 per transaction with a maximum amount of $600 per day. This assured the NY bank a $2.50 minimum, with the minimum two transactions on the minimum $700 “inflation relief.”

Let’s do the simple math … 11,502,870 two income households in California. Let’s say 80% of them (9,202,296) received the minimum $700 “refund” and 100% of them put it in their bank. That means two transactions per “inflation relief” or $2.50 X 9,202,296 = $23-plus million goes to the New York bank. Nice score NY bank.

I’m sure that El Dorado Savings or some other California-based bank would have been happy n See letters page A5

Newsom’s intriguing proposal to close a tax loophole

The 2023-24

budget that Gov. Gavin Newsom put forward last month contains an intriguing one-paragraph proposal to close a loophole that allows wealthy Californians to set up trusts in other states and avoid state income taxes on their profits.

Dan Walters

The proposal pertains to “incomplete non-grantor trusts,” or INGs. Under current law, profits earned on ING investments are taxable in the states in which they are formed but if the state has no income tax — such as Nevada — it means only the federal government taxes their proceeds.

It’s intriguing because the Franchise Tax Board, California’s income tax agency, first proposed to make out-ofstate INGs subject to state taxation in 2021, after New York closed a similar loophole. But nothing was done until this year.

It’s also intriguing because it affects only a few hundred Californians and would raise perhaps $20 million, just a droplet in a $297 billion budget.

Finally, it’s intriguing because 13 days after Newsom unveiled his budget, New Yorker

magazine published a lengthy article suggesting that the family of San Francisco billionaire Gordon Getty had set up trusts in Nevada for Getty’s daughters specifically to avoid California taxes.

Getty was something of a surrogate father to Newsom after his parents divorced and Getty’s personal trust, managed by Newsom’s late father, provided the seed money for Newsom’s PlumpJack wine and restaurant business.

Newsom’s father, William, was an appellate court judge, appointed by old family friend Jerry Brown, before leaving the bench to manage the trust. It was created in the 1980s after the Gettys persuaded the Legislature to change California trust law and thus allow Gordon to claim his share of J. Paul Getty’s immense fortune.

The New Yorker article delved into how wealthy people escape taxation and used the Getty trusts as an example, drawing on a lawsuit that a former manager for one trust, Marlena Sonn, has filed. She alleges she was fired and denied promised compensation after objecting to the tax avoidance strategy of trusts

Gov. Gavin n ewsom wants to close a loophole that allows wealthy Californians to escape state income taxes. It has intriguing aspects, including its potential to affect some of his closest allies.

headquartered in a Reno strip mall and says it deprived California of as much as $300 million in taxes.

The article by Evan Osnos entitled “The Getty Family’s Trust Issues,” includes interviews with Sonn and members of the Getty family about what happened after she was recruited in 2013 to help manage affairs for two of Gordon Getty’s daughters, Kendalle and Sarah.

“Sonn assisted Kendalle and Sarah as they navigated the complications of their new wealth,” Osnos wrote. “To oversee the Pleiades Trust, Gordon’s family office had helped establish a corporate entity for each of the sisters, named for their initials: ASG Investments and KPG Investments. The sisters were the presidents, and Sonn became vice president.”

Sonn, in interviews with Osnos and one with this writer before the article was published, said the daughters wanted to remove the taint of oil money from their money and she helped them invest in environmentally and socially

progressive organizations.

“Sonn said that she was also enlisted in ‘maintaining the appearance’ that Kendalle and Sarah neither resided nor transacted trust business in California, in order to minimize their exposure to state income tax, which ranges up to 13%” Osnos wrote. “Across the family fortune, she said, ‘that’s a lot of tax on billions of dollars.’ While their grandfather (J. Paul Getty) had sought to duck taxes by claiming California residency, Sonn was helping the granddaughters attempt that maneuver in reverse.”

Given the Franchise Tax Board’s apparent zeal to close loopholes in taxing trusts, one would expect the New Yorker article and Sonn’s lawsuit would generate an investigation of Getty family activities. We’ll see if it does.

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

required two-thirds vote established by Prop. 13. It would also allow the Legislature to define “wealth” to include unrealized capital gains in real estate, meaning the government would be empowered, by a simple majority vote, to create a new annual tax on the current market value of a home or other property.

While the “whereas” clauses in the preamble of ACA 3 recite talking points about rich people escaping taxation and that a new tax on “extreme wealth” will restore fairness to the state’s tax system, nothing in the measure, a proposed amendment of Article XIII, Section 2 of the California Constitution, limits the Legislature to taxing only rich people or “above-average” wealth.

Currently, Section 2 constitutionally limits its taxing authorization

to “personal property” that is “tangible.” ACA 3 would remove both of those limits and would authorize “the taxation of all forms of … wealth, whether tangible or intangible.”

That means the Legislature could define “wealth” to include equity in real property that is not fully taxed through property taxes due to Proposition 13. The Legislature could also define “wealth” to include equity in investment securities, based on their current market value, which today would not be taxed until a capital gain is realized upon sale. Anyone who owns a home or has a retirement account is threatened by ACA 3.

ACA 3 also removes another important taxpayer protection known as the Gann Limit. This voter-approved

limit on the growth of spending by state and local governments would be defined out of existence. The Gann Limit generally requires government entities to restrain their spending to conform to the growth of inflation and population. It was intended to prevent runaway government spending.

Don’t be fooled.

Although proponents say ACA 3 is part of a new “wealth tax” on the superrich, and its companion legislation, Assembly Bill 259, affects only the ultrawealthy, ACA 3 contains no such limitation. The Legislature could easily move those brackets down to hit average California homeowners at any time — and if they can do it, sooner or later, they will.

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

to have received that guaranteed business and support. Why would a New York bank be used? That’s like California hiring a D.C. lawyer (Eric Holder) to be a consultant here. We remember that little trick of Jerry Brown’s that Congressman (then state assemblyman) Kiley caught and corrected.

Shame on Newsom first for taking California taxpayer money and then trying to be the hero for giving some of it back and paying a New York bank millions of dollars. What favor did the NY bank give to gain that piece of business? Gov. Newsom, what a goat, not a hero. Stop the gas tax now.

LYNDA THOMAS Placerville

crime log

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

Feb. 14

12:28 p.m. Burglary was reported on Cerro Vista Drive in El Dorado Hills.

1:19 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 37-year-old man suspected of a felony parole violation on Goferbroke Road in Georgetown. He was listed in custody.

4:31 p.m. Battery was reported on Idlewood Court in El Dorado Hills.

8:17 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a

77-year-old man suspected of DUI on Highway 50 at Randall Tract. He was later released.

Feb. 15

5:35 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 31-year-old woman suspected of trespassing on Goferbroke Road in Georgetown. She was later released.

7:45 a.m. Grand theft was reported at a business on Truck Street in Placerville.

8:48 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 31-year-old man suspected of trespassing, theft and possession of a controlled substance and unlawful drug paraphernalia on Steins Way in El Dorado. He was later released.

11:08 a.m. Vandalism was reported at a storage facility on Cambridge Road in Cameron Park.

1:12 p.m. Burglary was reported on Black Oak Mine Road in Garden Valley.

1:55 p.m. Burglary was reported at a storage facility on Durock Road in Shingle Springs.

2:13 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 22-year-old woman suspected of receiving stolen property on Zeller Court in Diamond Springs. She was listed in custody in lieu of $10,000 bail.

3:13 p.m. Burglary was reported

on Torrazzo Way in El Dorado Hills.

4:45 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Cascade Trail in Cool.

8:24 p.m. Burglary was reported on Cartina Way in El Dorado Hills.

Feb. 16

12:47 a.m. Residential burglary was reported on Grizzly Flat Road in Somerset.

2:59 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 53-year-old man suspected of disorderly conduct on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville. He was later released.

10:25 a.m. Burglary was reported on D’oro Court in Rescue.

10:57 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Ironwood Drive in El Dorado Hills.

11:45 a.m. Battery was reported on Ponderosa Road in Shingle Springs.

3:13 p.m. Battery was reported on Kentucky Flat Road in Georgetown.

3:42 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 27-year-old man suspected of felony violation of a court order on Highway 50 (specific location not reported). He was listed in custody in lieu of $100,000 bail.

correction

In “Championship slips away for UM, Pondo,” published in the Feb. 24 edition of the Mountain Democrat on page A1, Union Mine and Ponderosa high schools’ boys basketball seasons have not ended; they are headed to CIF State Basketball Championships, which begin Tuesday. The bracket for the state championships will be posted by the CIF Sunday.

Announcements

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

AmericAN AssOc. OF UNiversity WOmeN Foothills of EDC Branch. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science and Math Camp Scholarships, programs & interest groups. Leave voicemail for Laurel (530) 417-7737 or Sara (530) 417-7138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net

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

Nonprofits in county can get disaster assistance

News release

Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to certain private nonprofits in several California counties, including El Dorado County.

Following the amendment to President Joe Biden’s Jan. 26 major disaster declaration, certain nonprofits can apply for public assistance to help recover from the damage caused by severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred between Dec. 27, 2022 and Jan. 31.

Isabella Casillas Guzman with the U.S. Small Business Administration on Feb. 17 announced the availability of the loans, which private nonprofits that provide essential services of a governmental nature are eligible for.

“Private nonprofit organizations should contact the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Recovery Section by emailing disasterrecovery@ caloes.ca.gov to obtain information about applicant briefings,” said Tanya Garfield, director of SBA’s disaster field operations center-west. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will determine if the private nonprofit provides an essential governmental service and is a critical facility, as defined by law. If so, FEMA may provide the private nonprofit with a public assistance grant for their eligible costs. If not, FEMA may refer the private nonprofit to SBA for disaster

Forest seeks input on OHV grant applications

News release

loan assistance. SBA may lend private nonprofits up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.

For certain private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA also offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the private nonprofit suffered property damage. The interest rate is 2.375% with terms up to 30 years. The deadline to apply for property damage is March 27. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Oct. 26.

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at disaster loanassistance. sba.gov. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomer service@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

reflected. “I hope people see the county in better shape now than it was seven years ago.”

And what an eventful seven years it has been. The county endured several department head shakeups, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Caldor Fire and the Mosquito Fire. Ashton said he’s proud of the partnerships he helped establish during the rough times, handling it all with what he called “steady, stable leadership.”

He noted many positive achievements during his tenure, including financing and construction of the new sheriff’s headquarters, park improvements (the Old Depot Bike Park on Missouri Flat will open soon) and facilities acquisitions on the West Slope and in South Lake Tahoe that will help county departments better operate and serve the public.

“I wish we had the Costco,” he said with a sigh. The El Dorado Hills project continues to slowly move through the development process.

His primary regret, Ashton shared, “I was unable

The Eldorado National Forest is requesting public input for the California 2023 Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program application cycle.

The grants program is an annual program that provides for off-highway vehicle recreation in the state by providing financial assistance to eligible agencies and organizations that develop, maintain, operate, expand, support or contribute to well-managed, high-quality OHV recreation areas, roads and trails. Also as important, the grants program seeks to responsibly maintain the wildlife, soils and habitat of project areas in a manner that will sustain long-term OHV recreation.

The forest will host a virtual open house Thursday, March 2, from 4-6 p.m. using Microsoft Teams. The public may join the meeting using the information listed below. Current application proposals need to reflect current needs and will be informed by prior year monitoring and accomplishments, upcoming projects being planned, and disaster relief efforts following the Caldor and Mosquito fires. Members of the public are encouraged to come with suggestions to assist the ENF’s project development for the upcoming grant application cycle as public input is

to facilitate and be a part of restructuring the fire (protection) system in El Dorado County so that it would be fiscally sustainable while continuing to provide a high level of service to our residents.”

The outgoing CAO also noted he developed some thick skin. “Being in the role, I’ve lost who I thought were friends because the job had to come first,” he confessed. “But far more positive relationships were built.”

And strong relationships are what Ashton said the next CAO must maintain and grow to keep El Dorado County moving in the right direction.

“I don’t see this job as being the boss,” he explained. “Building positive relationships and collaborating are the two most important things in this job. That’s how you get things done in El Dorado County.”

The Board of Supervisors has initiated another recruitment effort to fill Ashton’s shoes after two failed attempts last year. An interim CAO was named at the Feb. 21 board meeting — Assistant Chief

important for developing proposals.

The ENF has been successful in being awarded grants from the OHMVR Division in previous grant cycles. The grants have helped address trail repair and clearing of downed trees on more than 300 miles of OHV routes and law enforcement patrol on an additional 900 miles of native surface roads on the forest, provided for the printing of free motor vehicle use maps, OHV campground and trailhead maintenance, as well as other planning, development and restoration activities.

Once completed, the preliminary grant applications will be available on the OHMVR website on March 7 through May 1 for review and comment. To review the grant applications submitted go to bit.ly/ OHVgrantapps.

The public may provide electronic comments to the Eldorado National Forest by e-mailing both Kristi Schroeder at kristi.schroeder@usda. gov and carbon copying (cc) the OHMVR Division at OHV.Grants@ parks.ca.gov.

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join the meeting at bit.ly/ OHVgrantopenhouse.

Meeting ID: 292 216 641 769

Passcode: of8Yrf

Or call in (audio only) +1 323-886-7051

Phone conference ID: 679 441 386#

Administrative Officer Tiffany Schmid.

Ashton acknowledged the board faces challenges with recruitment and said it would be in the county’s best interest to start cultivating its leaders from within. “We have to do better growing our own people,” he insisted.

Whoever next moves into the CAO’s Fair Lane office will find a message from Ashton. The note’s content remains secret.

Though he came from Southern California, Ashton said he no longer feels like an outsider thanks to the community’s support and the friendships he has made. He loves El Dorado County so much he moved his parents here. “It’s a place I truly call home.”

Sticking close to that home, Ashton and his wife will visit their family and friends on the West Slope often and plan to move to Incline Village after his retirement. When the snow gets too deep for snowshoeing, the couple will head to their other retirement escape in Costa Rica.

In the KNOW

Stellar student

Congratulations to Noah Manoucheri of El Dorado Hills, who was named to the fall 2022 Rochester Institute of Technology Dean’s List.

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) 258-4825 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).

Vitalant will host a Placerville Cinema blood drive, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The Bloodmobile will be located in the parking lot at 337 Placerville Drive. Make an appointment at donors.vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFM553 or call (877) 258-4825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows.

The Creative Corps Capital Region hosts an information session at 6 p.m. at the Georgetown Library, 6680 Orleans St. in Georgetown. Learn more about the Creative Corps Capital Region program where artists and creative practitioners partner with local governments, tribes, and nonprofits to engage their local communities. For more information visit artsandcultureeldorado. org.

March 1

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business Builder luncheon at Hills Church, 800 White Rock Road in El Dorado Hills. The speaker will be FBI Supervisory Special Agent Jimmy Hassani of the White Collar 1, Sacramento Division. To register call (916) 933-1335 or visit eldoradohillschamber.org.

El Dorado County is hosting Parks and Trails public workshops, 6-7 p.m. with the following events scheduled: March 1 at Buckeye Elementary School, March 15 at Pioneer Park and March 22 via Zoom. Registration is not required. For more information email parksupdate@edcgov.us.

Musician Ed Wilson will perform at 36 Handles in El Dorado Hills, 6-9 p.m.

Charter College and Career Prep grad finds Sweet Success

Jessica Trumble-Pitel EDCOE Community Outreach Coordinator

El Dorado County Office of Education

Charter College and Career Prep celebrates all recent and upcoming graduates, and one of its sweetest stories comes from Abigail Montgomery — a student who set high goals for her life and education. The 17-year-old from Diamond Springs is a high school graduate, an independent business owner and soon-to-be a four-year university scholar in pursuit of several areas of studies — political science, Spanish and sign language.

Abigail said she has always enjoyed cooking. When the pandemic shut down many aspects of life, at age 16 she decided to start her own bakery business using social media. Abby Lane Cake Co. offers mouth-watering cakes, n See SucceSS, page B4

Library supporters turn the page to membership drive

Special to the Mountain Democrat

Pollock Pines Library is looking for a few good friends. The annual Friends of the Library membership drive raises funds to support the purchase of books, equipment, materials and activities throughout the year for the Pollock Pines branch of the El Dorado County Library.

Memberships are critical to keeping the library up to date with new books as well as sponsoring a series of popular activities for both children and adults, according to FOL Treasurer Patricia Schoggins. “The generous membership donations make it possible for us to offer more to our community,” she said, “and also to keep our little, muchloved library supplied with materials and opportunities.”

Annual memberships are very affordable at $10 for individuals, $20 for a family and business memberships for $30. A donation of $250 ensures a lifetime

membership. The Pollock Pines Library got its start in the 1950s inside a local coffee shop where the owner kept a collection of books for community

Courtesy photo

lending. The current library was built in 1960 and echoes small-town charm — a cozy cabinlike home for an everexpanding collection of books and activities.

The tax-deductible donations fund popular activities such as summer programs like Wild Things, Weird Science, magic shows and more. Librarian Kris Spielberg conducts storytime every Wednesday, offers craft activities for kids and adults and provides STEAM projects that can be taken home. Special events, such as talks by local authors throughout the year, also allow the library to contribute to the quality of life in Pollock Pines. Friends of the Library contributes richly to the resources of the treasured library. In 2022 the volunteer group donated $3,000 toward the purchase of new books and plans to do the same with membership donations in 2023. This year FOL will also help with the major purchase of a new mobile reception and

The Pollock Pines Library is home to many fun activities like storytime for the little ones. Friends of the Library has begun its annual membership drive to continue offering great library programs and fill the shelves with books.

Courtesy photos

Abby Lane Cake Co. offers made-from-scratch cakes, macarons and cupcakes for any occasion made by baker extraordinaire Abigal Montgomery.

Abigail Montgomery stands with sweet treats she made for a local real estate company. Below are other creations almost too pretty to eat … almost.

New film explores Lake Tahoe housing crisis

Miranda Jacobson Tahoe Daily Tribune

INCLINE VILLAGE,

When she returned in late 2021 for the winter season housing prices

Cameron to create a short documentary about the housing

Photo courtesy of Dave Wilderotter The documentary “Room and Board” will be shown at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 4, at the Mammoth Film Festival.

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“I think sometimes it’s easy to get lost in the data of housing prices and looking at these macro trends, but the beauty of the medium is that you can dig into some personal stories and get that slice of life perspective on the issue.”

yet, it doesn’t solve the longer ability for people to live in a community and really put down roots.”

The film will show locally at Alibi Ale Works, with the first showing at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 9, at the Truckee Public House, and the second at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at the Incline Public House. The Truckee showing will also feature a raffle for a Hardway

into a family home, before finding out he’d need to move in 2019. After eight months of searching for a place he and his roommates could afford, they were fortunate enough to find a condo.

love to call home ... degraded by the lack of suitable employees for businesses,” said Gately. “And firefighters and policeman, if any of those people can’t live here, we’re going to have a tough time trying to deal with the amount of the people that want to visit here.

“When I first fell in love with Tahoe, I was just a visitor,” he added. “I want to have that same ability for other people too — for them to come live in Tahoe. And if we don’t have housing ... it’s definitely going to be a tough, tough time.”

Cameron and Gately along with the rest of the team for the movie found the biggest challenge in filming the documentary was on the research side of things.

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interviews were with those who had only been in the area a few months, to people who have been there for decades.

“I hope that it conveys that today’s early 20s ski instructor or whomever is going to grow up to become a community leader and to show that these things aren’t static,” said Cameron. “If you just have employee housing — where that solves the immediate issue for people that don’t have families

Currently, there is a GoFund Me to help raise funds to compensate the Tahoe-based editor and cinematographers who helped make the movie, along with post production costs, infographics to visualize key data and other film festival submission costs.

Cinematographer, editor of the film and North Shore local Cedar Gately was one of the first people to reach out to Cameron when she began searching for team members for the project. Part of the reason Gately was such a key player in the production of the film was because he already had endless hours of snowboarding footage and people he thought should be interviewed for the documentary.

Gately moved to Lake Tahoe with friends

“We struggled to find an adequate spot,” said Gately. “Even coming from Santa Barbara, where the rent prices were already high, when I moved up here, it was cheap for me at first … and then as soon as we needed to find a place to live, even with savings, it was detrimental and really surprising to see the lack of adequate housing for people our age in this town.”

Gately is referencing the early 20- to late 30-year-olds in the area who come to Lake Tahoe for various reasons, including for higher education, more opportunities for work and the ability to easily get out on the mountains.

When Gately found out the film would be focused on people just like him, he knew he had to jump on the opportunity.

“I don’t want the local workforce and everyone that makes Tahoe such a good place by contributing their love for the community and their love for nature and progressing this wonderful place we

Cameron mentioned it was difficult to find data even with the help of the Tahoe Prosperity Center, Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation and the Mountain Housing Council due to the multiple counties and states Lake Tahoe resides in.

Rather than attempting to find the answers officials themselves are still looking for, Cameron and the team decided it might be better to acknowledge that just like the multiple counties looking to find the a solution, they don’t have one either.

“So that was kind of a pivot where we decided we can just say this is part of what makes it difficult,” said Cameron.

Photo

Cameron The

a

Marshall thanks board member Jim Abercrombie

Marshall Medical Center

News release

After a decade of volunteering on the Marshall Medical Center Board of Directors, Jim Abercrombie is stepping down.

“Marshall owes a debt of gratitude to Jim,” said Siri Nelson, Marshall’s president and CEO. “He served as board chair in 2020-21, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a tumultuous time and especially in the healthcare industry. Jim encouraged the board to ‘improvise, adapt and overcome,’ which was sage and relevant advice. I appreciated Jim’s calm and reassuring leadership, his insight, and his sense of humor. We will miss his presence on the board and we are grateful to him for lending us his time, his expertise and his wisdom.”

The Marshall Medical Center Board of Directors is made of volunteer community members who provides their time and experience to set policies, maintain Marshall’s financial stability and make decisions that affect the future of the organization.

Members of the board are usually local business, government or private sector leaders. Abercrombie has more than 40 years of utility management experience and currently serves as the general manager of the El Dorado Irrigation District.

“With Jim, what you see is what you get. He’s strong, direct, pleasant and fair. He clearly perceives and pursues what’s important, right and best in any situation,” said Tom Cumpston, a fellow board member. “He doesn’t pick fights, but he’ll fight ably when necessary. Jim leads with a smile and his personality is easy and natural. He’s leaving big shoes to fill.”

Gigi Marchini, a past board member and current Director of Curriculum, Instruction, & Accountability at the El Dorado County Office of Education, added, “Every board benefits from the unique talents and experiences of their members. Jim brought a wealth of experience that involved government regulations, public safety and the need to constantly prioritize customer service in light of these other demands. Jim values the input of the various voices at all times — patients, medical professionals, hospital leadership, the community; the hospital and our community have both benefited from his skills that kept conversations moving forward with the focus needed to provide timely and critical support to the many patients that Marshall serves.”

“Jim always focuses on the common good for our community, its health and wellbeing,” shared Jennifer Sullivan. “There is no clearer embodiment of Jim’s personal passion for this community than the many years of steadfast leadership he has shown on Marshall’s board.”

After his retirement from the board, Abercrombie is looking forward to visiting all the national parks, a major bucket list item of his, as well as spending more time with his greatest treasures — his children

and grandchildren.

Abercrombie’s three children — Mary (a middle school principal in El Dorado County), JJ (master mechanic), and Megan (LVN & supervisor of four medical clinics) — reflect on their father’s influence and guidance:

“As kids, we weren’t raised by the words of our parents, but instead by the words of Vince Lombardi, the former and legendary Green Bay Packers coach. One of his most famous quotes (and yes, we can still recite it from memory) states, ‘Individual commitment to a group effort — that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” This has been used as a family motto, a way to work, live, and to love,” the children noted.

“Broken down part by part, it is clear our dad embodies this in all he does. He, as an individual, has been and remains committed to the group effort of making El Dorado County the best place, not only for his family, but for all who choose to reside here,” they continued, “serving on committees, participating in organizations, attending events and embodying the spirit of giving back to the community that gave to his family.”

Perhaps Abercrombie’s greatest accomplishment can be seen in his three kids, who are committed to keeping his mission alive through his teaching that reminds everyone that service to the community creates a genuine purpose in life.

“As students in local schools to adults with careers focused on giving back, we continue to follow in his footsteps providing service to the place that gave to us,” they shared.

“We are dedicated to the community that continues to give so much to us and now to our own children.

We will continue our service through volunteer efforts, charity contributions and a dedication to helping El Dorado County remain as wonderful as it is. Through these efforts and these words, we encourage others to do the same because as we have been taught: ‘The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor’ and our endeavor and commitment is to service and to give back.”

ARIES (March 21-April 19). The best way to figure out someone’s motive is to put yourself in their shoes.

As a detective working a case might, you’ll conduct a recreation of sorts to tease your mind into coming up with answers.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’ll become directly involved in the sort of scenario you once dreamed about. Things are different in this hands-on position. There are stressors you hadn’t considered, and many benefits that surprise you as well.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You have a unique contribution to bring to the world, but it’s not something that’s fixed or a treasure hidden in you that you must discover.

It’s more like a meal that you make as you go with the ingredients available.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The absurdity of life is not lost on you. You’ll take the weird parts and weave them into your plan, and then sit back and be amused at the interesting way it all plays out.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Most things you can fall into (including luck, love, a rhythm, a rut, a mood, debt) require some sort of surrender. You’ve come to a slippery slope. Keep a tight grip as you assess the nature of what you could potentially be getting into.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Dramatic change due to large-scale efforts is rare compared to the change that comes of small daily moves in a particular direction. Results may be undetectable over the course of the week but radical given months and years.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). If you give someone a little extra pause after they are finished speaking an idea, they will often go further. You’ll get more information by waiting for it than you will by asking for it.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). What used to give you a charge now has very little emotional energy to it. Outgrowing certain influences is a natural progression of life. This might have to do with a teacher. Seek teachers that challenge and inspire you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The gatekeeper isn’t necessarily an enemy or a friend, but merely the one who provides criteria for entry. You will learn about the expectation at hand and use it to strengthen your resolve and sharpen your skill.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Writing and transportation are two themes of the day. Through writing you can transport yourself and others to a different headspace. And through physical transportation you get the inspiration to write.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Like looking everywhere for the glasses that are sitting atop your head, sometimes thinking something is missing inspires futile searching. Check yourself. Chances are, what you’re looking for is already inside you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The next step is logical, and don’t wait until you have the confidence to do it either. Don’t worry, the courage might kick in or it might not, but you don’t need to believe you can do it to accomplish it. You just need to move.

JIM ABERCROMBIE

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

circulation desk.

Along with membership donations, FOL also raises funds through two annual used book sales — this year scheduled for May 26 and another for Sept. 1 in the breezeway of the local Safeway grocery store. Affordable, gently read books are also for sale in the foyer of the library year round. People can renew memberships or become a Friend of the Pollock Pines Library through the FOL website at pollockpineslibrary.org. The library is open noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Maggie’s House Cleaning

916-370-0651

Know Continued from B1

Now

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.

Success Continued from B1

Library Continued from B1 macarons and cupcakes for any occasion. Abigail does all her own prep, cooking and deliveries as well as all photography for her business Facebook, Instagram and website.

“Starting my own business allowed me to pursue my passion, but to continue to develop my skills in communication, working with the community, reaching people and money management,” she shared. “In my future endeavors I want to reach as many people as possible and help serve. I feel running my own business has allowed me to continue to build myself for my future and community.”

CCP students experience personal success in an

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

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

Send In The Know items to nstack@mtdemocrat.net.

environment that values their individuality and prioritizes compassion, empathy and integrity in order for them to act on their beliefs with understanding and courage so they may enrich the communities in which they live. Abigail was able to have the flexibility, support and competency to succeed at CCP and is a great example of the wonderful next generation of young people in El Dorado County.

For more information about Abby Lane Cake Co. and see some delicious dessert pictures visit facebook.com/abbylanecakes.

For more information about Charter College and Career Prep visit ccp.edcoe.org.

United Way STARS program wins chamber grant

Traci Rockefeller Cusak

News release

SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Metro Chamber Foundation has named United Way California Capital Region’s STARS program as the grant recipient for its 12th annual Inspire Giving program. The local nonprofit will receive a $10,000 grant from the Metro Chamber Foundation’s Inspire Giving endowment fund, as well as in-kind services to create a four-week intensive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) focused summer school in South Sacramento.

Each year Inspire Giving provides a $10,000 grant to help fund a specific project for a local nonprofit. Through the Inspire Giving leadership team, donors and partners, the grant recipient receives in-kind services, donations and support for an entire calendar year in order to fulfill its project needs. In 2022 the Sacramento Metro Chamber celebrates 12 years of the Inspire Giving grant. Over the course of the past 12 years, Inspire Giving has supported 12 nonprofits that have collectively received $120,000 in grants and more than $1,000,000 in in-kind support and services.

A program of United Way California Capital Region, serving Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties with the mission to build stronger, healthier and more compassionate communities, the STARS program pairs volunteers with students in multiple school districts and community sites. STARS helps to serve underrepresented communities that often do not have the same access to education as the greater regional population and partners with Title I schools as well as Affordable Housing Communities. Operating from the guiding principles that reading is critical to success and that education is a ladder out of poverty, the program is designed to uplift students who are not reading at grade level. The tutor and student work through literacy curriculum and build vocabulary, fluency and comprehension skills through games, books and lessons.

As voted on by Inspire Giving donors, the 2022 Inspire Giving grant focuses on education and educational attainment along with a demonstrable commitment to address diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging within the organization. This year’s request for proposals received more than 30 applications.

“The ability to read at or above grade level is

a basic building block to achieve educational excellence and we need to do everything possible to boost literary performance, especially in underrepresented communities,” said Kyla Bryant, executive director of the Sacramento Metro Chamber Foundation. “Early education and equitable access to key resources are fundamental first steps to paving the path for future success and we’re committed to help make it happen.”

With the 2022 Inspire Giving grant, United Way’s STARS program looks forward to improved literacy skills. Utilizing the patented BookNook online learning program, STARS staff will collect and analyze data every time students log on, allowing staff to understand in real time their strengths and areas for improvement. UWCCR will also measure both where a student begins relative to grade level and then the progress they are making throughout the year. Student attendance and lesson completion will also be tracked via afterschool program records and the BookNook platform. Through Inspire Giving’s financial and volunteer support, UWCCR’s STARS program will be able to recruit and match more volunteers with students in need at the partner sites and ensure that the volunteers are equipped and prepared with the ability of laptops to support their tutoring efforts on site. Additionally, the support of school supplies, ongoing incentives for reaching milestones, end of year rewards and books for each student, will greatly assist students to reach their goals in the

STARS program. Attendance and participation, as well as progress achievements will be able to be rewarded and acknowledged.

“We are honored that the Metro Chamber and Inspire Giving donors have selected our project to help kids reach for the stars through our STEAMfocused summer school program,” said Dr. Dawnté Early, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “As we celebrate 100 years working to end poverty in our region, we are grateful to this community for recognizing the critical role education plays in helping families climb out of poverty. Together we can ensure that all children have access to educational opportunities so they can succeed in school and career.”

During the four-week intensive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) focused summer school in South Sacramento, United Way’s STARS students will have the opportunity to attend daily classes in supplementary STEAM-related topics and participate in experiential enrichment activities. Students will also have an opportunity to visit college campuses and participate in community building activities.

For more information about United Way’s STARS program visit yourlocalunitedway.org/our-work/ help-kids-succeed/stars. For more information about Inspire Giving visit MetroChamber.org/ Foundation.

The Public Square

Public Notices 

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF GLEN DAVID HELWIG CASE NO. 23PR0020

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of GLEN DAVID HELWIG

A PETITION for Probate has been filed by EDITH THELMA GOLDIE in the Superior Court of California, County of El Dorado.

THE PETITION for probate requests that EDITH THELMA GOLDIE be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: May 15, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. in Dept. 9 at 3321 Cameron Park Dr., Cameron Park, CA 95682

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may

Superior

& ARNETTA CHAMPLAIN

ARNOLD OSCAR PLANT

California,

THE PETITION for probate requests that ARNOLD OSCAR PLANT III & ARNETTA CHAMPLAIN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: March 1, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. in Dept. 9 at 3321 Cameron Park Drive, Cameron Park, CA 95682

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority

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

• Be sure to include your name and phone number

A PETITION for Probate has been filed by ARNOLD OSCAR PLANT, III in the Superior Court of California, County of El Dorado.

THE PETITION for probate requests that ARNOLD PLANT III be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: March 1, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. in Dept. 9 at 3321 Cameron Park Drive, Cameron Park, CA 95682

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section

Ordinance and would add or amend various definitions in the Winery Ordinance and the Ranch Marketing Ordinance various key terms and identify relevant actors to address ambiguous language and ensure consistency between both Ordinances. The proposed Ordinance would amend the Ranch Marketing Ordinance and the Winery Ordinance to state that a special event is defined to be any event between 1-250 persons in attendance, limited in duration to 24 hours, would require the operator of the ranch marketing area or winery owner to notify the Agriculture Commissioner no later than 14 calendar days in advance of each event, and to add additional enforcement for potential violations relating to special events. The proposed Ordinance would clarify when a conditional use permit is required for concerts held under the Ranch Marketing Ordinance and Winery Ordinance and update terminology consistent with Chapter 5.32 and Chapter 12.39. The proposed Ordinance would also clarify the scope of the Agricultural Commissioner’s review authority, and add procedures to appeal decisions, under the Ranch Marketing Ordinance and the Winery Ordinance. The proposed Ordinance would also make other clarifying and conforming changes. The proposed Ordinance would be effective 30 days after final adoption by the County Board of Supervisors.

The Planning Commission will also consider and vote on whether to recommend approval of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Addendum to the Targeted General Plan Amendment/Zoning Ordinance Update (TGPA/ZOU) Environmental Impact Report (EIR) consistent with Sections 15162 and 15164 of the CEQA Guidelines.

A full and complete copy of the full text of the proposed Ordinance is available for viewing in the office of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors at 330 Fair Lane, Placerville, California or online at https:// www.edcgov.us/Government/ag/Pages/Ranch-Marketing-WineryOrdinance-Updates.aspx.

All persons interested are invited to write their comments to the Planning Commission in advance of the hearing. For the current remote options, including whether in-person attendance is allowed, please check the meeting Agenda no less than 72 hours before the meeting, which will be posted at https://eldorado.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. If you challenge the application in court, you may be limited to raising only those items you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or before, the public hearing. Any written correspondence should be directed to the Planning Commission at 2850 Fairlane Court, Placerville, CA 95667 or via e-mail: planning@edcgov.us.

To ensure delivery to the Commission prior to the hearing, written information from the public is encouraged to be submitted by Thursday the week prior to the meeting. Planning Services cannot guarantee that any FAX or mail received the day of the Commission meeting will be delivered to the Commission prior to any action.

OF EL DORADO PLANNING COMMISSION

Family Features

Settling in for an afternoon of gridiron action calls for football food from dips and appetizers to full-blown feasts. Whether you’re a diehard fan, casual observer or just there for the game time grub, a full day of “homegating” requires flavorful eats to refuel the crowd.

One of the easiest ways to take your menu from benchwarmer to superstar status is to add foods from one of the country’s top authentic Mexican food brands, Cacique, to your playbook. For example, flavor-packed, heaping Cheesy Chorizo Nachos can score a touchdown at your gathering, even among the pickiest of fans. When the game is on the line, call on this dish to keep your team satisfied from kickoff to the final whistle.

Made with crumbly, creamy, pleasantly milky queso fresco; authentic real cheese queso dip that’s ready in minutes; robust, spicy pork chorizo; fresh-tasting Crema Mexicana; and small-batch homestyle salsa, this shareable dish can feed a houseful of hungry fans. Ready in less than an hour, it’s a perfect solution for pregame baking so it’s ready just before the coin toss.

To find more game day recipes, visit CaciqueInc.com.

Cheesy Chorizo Nachos

1 package Cacique Pork Chorizo

1 package Cacique Queso Blanco Queso Dip

1 can (15 ounces) refried beans

2 tablespoons water, plus additional, if necessary

1 bag (12 ounces) tortilla chips

1 package Cacique Ranchero Queso Fresco

1/2 cup Cacique Crema Mexicana

1 large jalapeno, sliced thin

2 radishes, sliced thin fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish guacamole, for serving Cacique Mild Homestyle Salsa, for serving

Family Features

TIn large nonstick skillet or well-seasoned cast-iron pan over medium-low heat, cook pork chorizo, using spoon to break it up. Stir regularly until completely warmed through and deep brown, scraping crispy bits from bottom of pan.

Microwave queso dip 2-3 minutes until heated through.

In medium bowl, thin refried beans with water. Beans should be thick but nearly pourable; add additional water 1 tablespoon at a time, if necessary.

Heat oven to 350 F.

To assemble nachos, add half the tortilla chips to 13-by-9-inch

Powering up for a successful game day starts with a pregame spread, and no tailgate or homegate is complete without a spicy dip that brings the heat.

This Game Day Buffalo Chicken Dip is a perfect solution for firing up

rectangular baking dish. Use spoon to drizzle half the queso dip and half the refried beans evenly over chips, distributing as evenly as possible. Sprinkle with half the crumbled queso fresco. Repeat with remaining chips, queso dip, beans and crumbled queso fresco. Bake 5-8 minutes until crumbled queso fresco softens and queso dip is creamy. Remove from oven then drizzle with crema Mexicana and scatter pork chorizo over top. Garnish with sliced jalapenos, radishes and fresh cilantro. Serve with guacamole and salsa.

Source: Cacique

your crowd as it requires little preparation so you save precious time before kickoff. Whether you bake shortly before the game begins or make it ahead of time for a parking lot party, simply keep it warm and serve with chips or veggie sticks for a quick, shareable appetizer.

Find more ways to turn up the heat on game day at Culinary.net.

Game Day Buffalo Chicken Dip

Servings: 3-4

2 cups shredded chicken

8 ounces cream cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, plus additional for topping, divided

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 heavy pinch dried dill

1/2 cup hot sauce

2 green onions, chopped blue cheese crumbles chips vegetable sticks

Heat oven to 400 F.

In bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese, onion powder, garlic powder and dried dill until combined. Add hot sauce; mix until combined.

Transfer mixture from bowl to oven-safe dish. Top with additional shredded cheese, to taste.

Bake until cheese is melted, approximately 15 minutes.

Top with blue cheese crumbles and chopped green onion.

Serve warm with chips and vegetable sticks.

Source: Culinary.net

Family Features

GGathering for the big game is a source of annual excitement for fans across the country, but the moment is as much about connecting with family and friends as it is the action on the field. The superstar of the celebrations is often the food, from snacks and appetizers to full-blown meals and tasty sweets.

For a better-for-you way to grub out at gametime, this Healthy 7-Layer Taco Dip from Milk Means More features essential nutrients provided by yogurt so you can enjoy a football favorite that nourishes both the body and soul.

Find more game day recipes at MilkMeansMore.org.

Healthy 7-Layer Taco Dip

Recipe courtesy of Liz Della Croce of “The Lemon Bowl” on behalf of Milk Means More

Prep time: 15 minutes

Servings: 12

1 an (15 ounces) fat-free, refried beans

1 cup salsa

2 cups plain Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon cumin

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt, divided

1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)

2 avocados

1/2 cup cilantro, minced, divided

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 lime, juice only

1/2 cup scallions, minced

2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced

1/4 cup black olives, sliced

tortilla chips

In small bowl, mix refried beans and salsa. Spread mixture in thin layer on bottom of large platter.

In separate small bowl, whisk yogurt, cumin, smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt and cayenne, if desired. Spread mixture on top of bean layer.

In third bowl, mash avocados with 1/4 cup cilantro, garlic powder, lime juice and remaining salt. Spread guacamole on top of yogurt layer.

Sprinkle dip with minced scallions, diced tomatoes, black olives and remaining cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips.

Source: United Dairy Industry of Michigan