Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Homeless camp removal begins on upper Broadway

Eric Jaramishian

Staff writer

The homeless encampment cleanup on upper Broadway in Placerville commenced on a cold Monday morning.

Facilitated by the California Department of Transportation, environmental specialist crews from American Integrated Services donning hazmat gear started the project as snow began to create another obstacle for the workers clearing out tents, furniture, human waste and other items left by camp occupants.

The cleanup on Broadway is part of a larger, statewide operation to remove homeless encampments from state-owned properties near highways.

Across the state, Caltrans reported it is

County sees week of snow

Odin Rasco Staff writer

The series of snowstorms that hit El Dorado County over the past six days brought a dusting of snow as low in elevation as Shingle Springs and significant impacts upcountry.

close to cleaning up

1,200 encampments in the current fiscal year. Caltrans o cials say the camps pose safety issues for the unsheltered population and cause damage to infrastructure. More than $100 million was reportedly spent over a six-year period making repairs on state property. The agency also requested additional money,

$20.6 million, to continue to remove encampments and hazardous material over a two-year period

Caltrans District 3

Public Information

O cer Steve Nelson previously told the Mountain Democrat the agency had its eyes on clearing out upper Broadway but waited for the El Dorado County navigation center to open so the

unsheltered population can utilize its resources. Broadway has seen an increase in transient camping since 2019, according to law enforcement, Some former camp occupants who remained in the area could be seen leaving Monday, having to brave the snowy elements and seek

Pollock Pines residents were alerted to the severity of the winter weather by a hazard warning chiming from their cell phones Monday.

The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning in e ect until 4 a.m. Wednesday with conditions so severe

there was “significant threat to life or property” for those in the area.

The warning extended to those in South Lake Tahoe, with the combination of heavy snow and strong winds greatly increasing the potential for downed trees and power outages, and potential whiteout conditions making travel very di cult or potentially impossible. Travel disruptions were consistently present for motorists, with Caltrans instating chain controls as far

Democrat photos by Eric Jaramishian

A worker wearing hazmat gear sorts through items left at the camp.

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

Theresia “Tessie”

Klausen

Mar. 23, 1938 - 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.

William L. Azevedo

Nov. 3, 1933 - Feb 21, 2023

Dear family and friends. Mr. Bill Azevedo passed away Feb. 21 at the age of 89. He grew up on a farm in Gridley, Calif., and eventually set down roots in Diamond Springs. He worked at Safeway and then Lucky’s in Placerville. He is preceded in death by his wife, Jean; daughter, Jeanette; and his sister, Elda Marie Azevedo. He is survived by his son, Tim and his brother Alvaro Azevedo, nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be missed by many. Services will be March 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Chapel of the Pines, and internment after at Westwood Hills Memorial Cemetery. Friends and family are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Shriners Hospital. Reception at his home in Diamond Springs for friends and family.

Joseph Scott Womack

Feb. 11, 1989 - Jan. 25, 2023

Our beloved Joseph Scott Womack leaves behind his wife Carly, parents Paul & Judy, brothers John (Whitney), James, nieces & nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and the rest of the Womack family and friends who all love and miss him.

Joseph graduated from Union Mine High School in 2007, then studied Environmental Sciences with a specialty in Hydrology at California State University, Chico, graduating in 2014.

Joseph lived life to the fullest, enjoying many hobbies from gardening, fishing, cooking, playing and collecting video games, TV shows, amassing a large collection of character figurines and spending as much time with his wife, family and friends as possible. Joseph always helped his friends and family through thick and thin, and loved them all. We shall all thank Joseph through telling our stories and memories about him.

There will be a celebration of life on Saturday April 8 at the American Legion Post 119, 4561 Greenstone Rd. Placerville, Calif. from 3 - 7 p.m.

David William Wolfenden

Aug. 26, 1961 - Feb. 17, 2023

David William Wolfenden died Feb. 17, at age 61, at home with his wife, after a long battle with alcoholism. He is survived by his wife, Karen Wolfenden; his mother Joan Wolfenden; his brother Charles (“Chuck”) Wolfenden and his brother-in-law Michael Budd. He was preceded in death by his father John Wolfenden and his sisterin-law Kathy Budd.

David was born on Aug. 26, 1961 to John and Joan in Yuba City, Calif. He lived in Citrus Heights until age 7, then in El Dorado County (Shingle Springs and Placerville) from age 7 until his death. He attended Latrobe Elementary and Middle School then graduated from Ponderosa High School.

In his youth, David spent much time with his extended family and friends throughout Northern California, including many happy hours outdoors (his favorite place) working on their family farm, camping, hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Ponderosa Equestrians for many years at his family’s arena on South Shingle Road in Shingle Springs. His building talent showed from an early age, to include building a treehouse with electricity before age 10.

As an adult, David was a talented master carpenter for nearly 40 years and a true artist with wood, whose many beautiful projects can be seen throughout Northern California, to include custom homes in El Dorado County, historic remodels in Midtown Sacramento, commercial work in Sacramento and the Bay Area, and intricate staircases in El Dorado and Sacramento Counties and in many fine homes throughout the Bay Area. He earned his California State Contractor’s License in 2010.

David and Karen met in 2001, began dating in 2004 and were married in 2006. They spent many wonderful hours together hiking, backpacking and snowshoeing in Desolation Wilderness, Yosemite and other locations in Northern California as well as enjoying many beautiful trips to Kauai, Minnesota and other places in California and the U.S.

David was also an avid history bu and loved to read and watch shows about WWI, WWII and Viking and ancient history. During his periods of sobriety, David was an active member of the AA and recovery communities in El Dorado County and Sacramento.

A memorial service for David will be on Friday, March 3, 2023 at Green Valley Mortuary and Cemetery, 3004 Alexandrite Drive in Rescue, Calif. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 10:55 with the service beginning at 10:55. This will be followed by a celebration of life get-together at their home in Placerville, with directions to be provided at the service (or reach out directly to Karen if not attending the service).

Thanks to Snowline Hospice and their wonderful sta for assisting in providing David and his family comfort during his final hours. If you wish to donate to Snowline Hospice in Dave’s honor, please see their donations website. https:// snowlinehospice.org/ways-to-give/

Marjorie Ann

McCormick

Marjorie Ann McCormick, 87, went to her heavenly home on Jan. 23, in Placerville surrounded by family. Marjorie was born in Peoria, Illinois and spent her childhood on a dairy farm in Wisconsin. As a teenager, the family moved to California where she graduated from Grant Union High School in Sacramento. She married and raised 4 children. She had a passion for and taught dance for several years. She moved to El Dorado County in 1973 where she had many active roles in the Chamber of Commerce, Golden Chain Counsel, the Arts Counsel, Emblem Club, Optimist club, Toastmasters and Business and Professional Women Club. She worked many years at 49er Credit Union until she retired in 2007. She loved serving others and was very social. Her joy was contagious and she always had a smile to share. We are sure she is dancing in heaven with her first born and only son.

She is survived by her three daughters, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews as well as many friends. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, April 13 at 1:00 p.m. at Green Valley Community Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society or Green Valley Community Church.

Norma Laverne Nelson

McIntyre

Aug. 29, 1925 - Feb. 16, 2023

Norma Laverne Nelson

McIntyre passed in her sleep and was released into the arms of our Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ on Feb. 16. She was the third child and only daughter born to Nels O. Nelson (Oscar) and Hulda Hawkins on Aug. 29, 1925 in Roseville, Calif. She was proceeded in death by her mother when she was 11 years old. She was raised by her aunt Karin who was a blessing in her life and the one who got her started playing the piano, which was her lifelong passion. And for us the grateful recipients of that and many other talents. She attended San Juan High School and played french horn in the band. It was there she met a dashing trumpet player and her future eternal companion, Leslie J. McIntyre. They courted through high school and after graduation Norma attended Sacramento City College where she obtained a 2 year teaching credential. It was during WWII Les had enlisted in the Army Air Corps and shipped out to Italy. She taught 1-8 grades in a 1 room school in Tahoe City, Calif. When Les was discharged from the service, they were married on a cold, rainy Christmas Eve in 1945 in Roseville, Calif. They worked a short time on the turkey ranch with Les’s brothers before they left to work for a dairy farmer in Wolf, Calif. It was there they welcomed their son, Peter (1951), and daughter, Priscilla (1953) into the world. They eventually moved to Ophir, Calif., ran their own dairy and sold milk to Crystal Dairy. Their son, Tim arrived in their home in 1957.

Changes in the market forced them to consider their options and the decision made for Les to go to Dental School. During the dental school years she supported the family doing child care, and secretarial work. After dental school, 1969, they settled in Cameron Park then built Hilltop House (12-sided adobe) in Shingle Springs over-looking the Sierras. Norma managed the dental o ce until their retirement in 1989. Following their retirement, they served two missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints. First to Fiji and then to Zimbabwe, Africa. Always together they were able to travel the world. Norma loved gardening around Hilltop House and especially enjoyed digging up and moving rocks, until her pry bar was taken away by her ever watchful husband.

She is survived by her husband, Les, of 77 years, son Peter (Carol), daughter Priscilla Gibson (Tim), son Timothy-preceded her death in 2000, Emma his wife is still living, 9 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. She is known for her kind and generous heart, sharing what she has learned from her life experience, her quick wit and humor, her laughter, and of course her love of music. She had a heart-felt desire to share and teach the younger generation. She was positive and optimistic because of her faith and belief in God and His plan. She always held her head high but never higher than anyone else’s .

A Celebration of her life will be Saturday March 4, at 11:00 a.m., at 3431 Hacienda Rd, Cameron Park, Calif.

Cat shows the way in waterfall rescue

Odin Rasco

Staff writer

A Pleasant Valley man was rescued by firefighters after falling 30 feet down a waterfall the evening of Feb. 21 thanks in part to a furry friend.

The man, whose identity was not shared by authorities, fell down a seasonal waterfall located on his Leisure Lane property near Clear Creek, according to Capt. Jacob Poganski of the El Dorado County Fire Protection District. His family thought he was missing until their outside cat reportedly led his wife and neighbor to his location, Poganski said.

Firefighters from El Dorado County Fire, the Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit and Pioneer Fire Protection District responded and found the patient

An El

Fire ash can still burn, local firefighters warn

Odin Rasco Staff writer

The El Dorado County Fire Protection District has responded to two house fires caused by fireplace ash in the last week, prompting firefighters to remind everyone that ashes pose a potential fire risk if improperly handled.

at a

is

in only a few inches of water; they carried and hiked him out for transport and provided paramedic care. The south county resident sustained serious

injuries and was flown to Sutter Roseville Medical Center by REACH Air Medical Services, according to an El Dorado County Fire social media post.

A home in Cool took damage from flames that spread from an exterior fire to the attic of a garage Feb. 16, according to an EDCFPD social media post. Firefighters arrived at the home at 10:30 p.m. and assisted the homeowner in extinguishing the fire and assuring it had not spread to other parts of the home.

The fire was determined to have been unintentionally started by fireplace ashes discarded into a trash toter located outside the

Beast of a storm

Krysten Kellum

Editor

The snow wasn’t letting up as landscape artist Cary Friar looked out the window of his home office in Camino. He’s usually working outside, getting creative in a client’s garden, but when Mother Nature’s cold side keeps Friar from his craft, he must find other artistic avenues.

Not necessarily an avenue but in this case Pony Express Trail in the Camino/ Cedar Grove area, where earlier this year local residents first took notice of a larger-than-life snow sculpture — a snow snail.

In this recent winter weather Cary, along with son Andrew Friar, got to work on a massive dragon sculpted of snow, with two eyes made not out of coal but the lids from Costco nut cans. Cary said it took about a day to build the snow dragon, father and son shaping the beast mostly with shovels and hand trowels. The sculpture quickly caught the attention of a social media audience as it was completed Saturday.

“I needed to be creative and do something physical, so out I went,” said Cary.

And Cary’s wife Tessa had been urging him to make another snow sculpture, saying the neighborhood would enjoy it and her friend Karrie Kinsella in El Dorado Hills had a birthday wish for a snow dragon.

As snow continued to fall Monday and Tuesday, the dragon’s intricate details began to fade but Cary’s eye for detail can be appreciated year-round in his work projects around the county, including the carefully planted and landscaped monument garden that lies beneath Placerville’s Christmas tree next to the 1860s bell. He is the creative force behind First Impressions Design and Landscape.

Cary, 65, said he has been in the landscaping business since he was a teen. “The artist in me is why I became a landscaper.”

a controlled substance, obstruction/resisting arrest and a violation of release conditions on Nolan Drive. He was listed in custody in lieu of $53,500 bail.

6:27

Dr. Little’s Dental News

Presented by Jeffery Little, D.D.S.

DENTAL

11:37 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 19-yearold man suspected of shooting at an inhabited dwelling, felony destruction of property and being a fugitive from justice with active warrants on Orangevale Drive in Orangevale. He was listed in custody in lieu of $320,000

Deputies booked into jail a

man suspected of possession of

When does a dental problem become an emergency? Some issues need immediate attention, while others can wait until your next dental checkup. A dental emergency is any problem that requires immediate attention, like severe pain, bleeding that won’t stop, the risk of losing a tooth, or an infection. Other examples are a sudden or severely painful toothache, sudden swelling in the mouth or jaw, exposed nerves, knocked out or fractured teeth, abscesses, and objects lodged in the teeth or gums. Missing fillings and crowns can also be considered dental emergencies, due to the risk of further damage and infection. If you’re not sure if your issue requires an emergency visit, call your dentist to discuss your

symptoms.

It’s so much easier to prevent a dental tragedy than have to treat it when it turns serious. Place your oral health in our capable hands. We’ll work together as a team with you to achieve the long-term benefits that quality dentistry affords. You can trust us to help you keep on top of a healthy dental profile that will serve you well into your future. For routine dental maintenance visits to late-breaking emergencies, please call us for an appointment.

P.S. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, you can request an emergency appointment with a dentist, but it may require a trip to the emergency room if no immediate appointment is available.

Courtesy photo

Dorado County Fire Protection District vehicle is parked

helispot as a patient who fell 30 feet down a waterfall

prepared for transport via helicopter. The man was reportedly located by his wife and a neighbor with the help of a pet cat.

Courtesy photos

Camino resident Andrew Friar puts the finishing touches on a dragon snow sculpture he and his father Cary Friar built Feb. 25 on Pony Express Trail in Camino/Cedar Grove.

Friar’s daughter Lyndsey Thiessen and especially granddaughter Violette got a kick out of the snow snail he built earlier this year at the same spot.

Courtesy photo

Part of a wall and attic area of a home in Cool burned by a fire caused by fireplace ash Feb. 16. Firefighters recommend taking steps to mitigate the fire hazard that fireplace ash may pose if handled incorrectly.

OPINION

California Matters

California’s budget deficit may be even larger than predicted

Eight months ago, energized by projections of a nearly a $100 billion surplus, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature wrote a $307 billion budget that lavished money on new and expanded services and rebated billions of dollars back to taxpayers.

DAN WALTERS

Newsom crowed, “No other state in American history has ever experienced a surplus as large as this.”

Last month Newsom had to eat those words because the immense — on paper — surplus had suddenly morphed into what he said was a $22.5 billion deficit due to sharp declines in tax revenues. He proposed a $297 billion budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year that clawed back some of the money that had not yet been spent.

Predictably, advocates for programs and services that wouldn’t receive the extra spending the previous budget had promised began complaining and demanding restoration.

Environmentalists and leaders of the state’s financially perilous transit systems were among the loudest.

Political fallout from the sudden reversal of fortunes promises to make this year’s version of the annual budget process much more contentious than last year’s euphoria.

SUMMARY

Last year California’s state budget assumed a $97.5 billion surplus, but the state now faces a hefty budget deficit and the Legislature’s budget analyst says it’s likely even larger than predicted.

Legislative allies of the aggrieved stakeholders are being squeezed between their demands and fiscal reality. As di cult as this year’s budget process may be, the situation is likely worse than what Newsom projects in his proposed budget.

Last week the Legislature’s budget analyst Gabe Petek declared revenues will probably be markedly lower than what Newsom assumed and the governor’s budget is “likely una ordable in future years.”

“In particular, using recent revenue collections and economic data, we estimate there is a two-in-three chance that state revenues will be lower than the governor’s budget estimates for 2022-23 and 2023-24,” Petek wrote in a new

■ See WALTERS, page A5

Belltower

Richard B. Esposito Publisher Krysten Kellum Editor Noel Stack Managing Editor

Letters to the Editor Happiness

EDITOR:

As I’ve traversed the last few years of my life, I’ve asked myself how I would be happy. I believed happiness was achieved but in time, I’ve realized that happiness is found all around you. You just have to look. You must have a special pair of eyes that stop the world — look at your loved ones closely. I promise that when you truly look at your loved ones, you’ll know what the true definition of happiness is.

As I sit here, I truly see all the faces of the people who make me happy — everyone who makes me who I am. Beauty isn’t looking into the details. It’s looking into what makes something special, di erent. If you look close enough you will see how special everyone is.

Getting back to happiness. Everyone has read inspirational quotes about happiness but very few have truly understood and applied them. Many people say it’s not that simple but the truth is … it is that simple. Most people just don’t take a second to look around them. Love is around every corner and every interaction.

Happiness is found after you’ve been tested, you’ve been broken down and you have had things ripped from you. Happiness is found in humbleness. You create your happiness when you compliment someone, when you tell someone how much they mean to you and when you have a completely random conversation with a stranger.

In my experience, I’ve found overwhelming happiness in talking with strangers who most would overlook. I’ve had the pleasure to speak with many di erent people from all walks of life. I’ve come to the conclusion that most people miss out on many opportunities to interact with remarkable individuals. It is heartbreaking to know that so many people don’t take the time to sincerely speak with a person, hear their story and take in their true genuineness. Happiness is everywhere. You just have to look closer.

RILEY SMITH El Dorado Hills

Violating the government code

EDITOR:

board in Placerville. Before the meeting took place I informed the general manager that this was not allowed due to provisions in the Brown Act Open Meetings section of the California Government Code. I emailed the general manager and informed him of the restrictions in the Brown Act on special meetings. His response was the CPCSD council said this “special meeting” could be conducted outside of Cameron Park. I emailed the general manager and informed him that the assertion that the board could conduct any CPCSD business outside of the boundaries of the district was a violation of the Brown Act. I also emailed all five members of the CPCSD board this information with the exceptions allowed. This “special meeting” didn’t fall under any exceptions.

I know we have two new members of the board who have no experience in conducting legal meetings under the Brown Act. That means the CPCSD has three members who have been on the board, attended and conducted enough meetings that they should know, understand and abide by the Brown Act when conducting the district’s business. The three “experienced” members should have by now studied the Brown Act and know how to conduct a legal meeting. If they’ve refused to study the Brown Act it is due to their arrogance and incompetence.

I don’t blame the general manager for following council’s advice; although this might cause the GM to seek better advice. Nor do I blame the two new board members; after all, they have yet to find their footing. However, the three “experienced” members of the board have no excuse. They have had time and they have been admonished about the need to learn the rules and laws that govern their actions. I can only speculate the three “experienced” members of the board think they inherently have such a superior command of their actions that the government code does not apply to them. We’ll see if this is the case moving forward.

Oh, and the section of the Brown Act that they violated is 54954(b).

GERALD LILLPOP Cameron Park

On Saturday, Feb. 11, the Cameron Park Community District Board of Directors conducted a “special meeting” of the

Snow on the satellite dish and bulletins galore

While someone else composes the bulletin for the American Legion Post 119, I stamp all the approximately 94 written bulletins. The rest of the 400-500 members receive it by email. There are a number of addressees I recognize, such as Chris Angi in Lotus. He used to cut my hair. He moved on to another business.

Another person I recognized was Bill Gyorgy. When the Mother Lode Lions Club first worked an election center, we were at the El Dorado Transit O ce. I remember Bill Gyorgy because he knew me and chatted me up. He was an engaging personality and an unforgettable name. I was sorry to read his obituary in the Feb. 22 Mountain Democrat. The phone voice mail for the surviving sons were all full, so I’ll have to contact them later. The Legion Post contributes to the charity of choice by the survivor.

I do the bulletin for the Mother Lode Lions Club in addition to being the cook. Because I’m going to be club president next year (July 1) I’ll have to find a cook replacement. I can do the monthly bulletin and still be president. The di erence will be I won’t have to ask someone else to do the president’s message.

I’m already used to doing that for the Legion as post commander.

Then I got asked to do the quarterly bulletin for the German Club, Stammtisch El Dorado. I figured a digital quarterly was doable. The only drawback so far has been attending a monthly board meeting in El Dorado Hills. Fortunately, it’s on a Monday evening when I have no other meetings.

They have two events at the Shingle Springs Community Center and two at the Shakespeare Club. The Shakespeare Club events feature a rousing band with an accordion,

two saxophones and a drummer. My favorite event is Octoberfest. I even bought one of those hats with a feather in the side.

The Shakespeare Club is nostalgic for Cherie and me because that’s where we held our wedding reception after being married in the Episcopal Church on Coloma Street.

We’ve been members of that parish since I retired. I usually worked Sundays at the Mountain Democrat and my wife attended church alone and taught Sunday School. When I retired, I started accompanying her to church.

• • •

My son Wolfgang sent me a photo of snow on the ground where he works as a lineman for the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory Feb. 25.

The same day we had enough snow at our house that I had to take a broom to brush snow o the satellite

dish. The day before we had enough hail that I had to brush o the satellite dish to reestablish reception. It started snowing again in the afternoon, though it’s not sticking to anything. I expect snow photos from Placerville in the Mountain Democrat this week.

• • •

Speaking of Wolfgang, when he was on the Union Mine basketball team, he made three 3-point shots in a row against El Dorado Hills, whittling down their lead. The coach subbed him out because he didn’t like anyone doing 3-point shots. I thought it was a mistake to take out a player who was shooting hot. In reading about the current Union Mine team, they take a lot of 3-point shots. Better coach as far as I’m concerned.

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

analysis. “Our best estimate is that revenues for these two years will be roughly $10 billion lower — implying a larger budget problem by about $7 billion.”

Basically, Petek was saying, as tough as the spending cuts Newsom proposes may be, he and the Legislature need to tighten more to cover an even larger deficit.

There is another option that would ease the political pressure on lawmakers: Dipping into the state’s “rainy day” reserves.

Newsom’s proposal doesn’t tap the reserves, agreeing with Petek that it would be imprudent because no one knows whether the state will experience a serious recession in the near future.

The Federal Reserve has been hiking interest rates in hopes of cooling o the economy and damping inflation without triggering a recession, but economists di er on whether it will succeed.

The shortfalls projected by Newsom and Petek assume the state will avoid recession, but if it strikes the budget deficit could increase by many billions of dollars and the reserves would be needed to maintain basic services.

“Although state revenues are moderating from a historic peak, they are not yet consistent with recessionary levels,” Petek told the Legislature. “Using reserves now to maintain the recent spending peak would mean the state would have less reserves available to pay for its core services if revenues declined further or in the event of a recession.”

The annual budget exercise is still in its early phases. A ected interest groups are making their pitches, privately and publicly, for exemption from the reductions that would be needed to balance the budget. Over the next few months the budget committees of both legislative houses will be reviewing what the governor wants and what Petek is advising.

The crunch will hit in May when Newsom releases a revised budget, one that likely to be starkly di erent from last May’s version that projected the much-vaunted but illusory $97.5 billion surplus.

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

CRIME LOG

The following was taken from Placerville Police department logs:

Feb. 16

12:58 a.m. Officers arrested a 35-year-old woman on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia on Forni Road.

9:16 p.m. Officers arrested a 48-year-old man on suspicion of probation violations, including possession for prohibited weapon, on Main Street.

10:02 p.m. Officers arrested a 57-year-old man who had a warrant on Placerville Drive.

Feb. 17

6:50 a.m. Officers cited a 38-yearold man reportedly found in possession of drug paraphernalia on Main Street.

10:06 p.m. A vehicle was reported stolen on Sacramento Street.

Feb. 18

10:54 p.m. Officers cited a 43-year-old man suspected of

shoplifting on Placerville Drive.

Feb. 19

5:57 p.m. Officers arrested a 27-year-old man who had warrant on Jaquier Road.

Feb. 20

7:27 p.m. Officers cited a 43-yearold man who allegedly had methamphetamine on Forni Road.

11:10 a.m. Officers arrested a 22-year-old woman on suspicion of child abuse on Marshall Way.

Feb. 21

5:45 p.m. Officers arrested a 36-year-old man who had multiple warrants on Cold Springs Road.

10:32 p.m. Officers arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance on Spanish Ravine Road.

Feb. 22

10 a.m. Suspected methamphetamine was turned in to officers for destruction.

Ash Continued from A3

garage wall, according to El Dorado County Fire o cials.

Another fire sparked around 3 a.m. Thursday at a home on Barnett Ranch Road in Shingle Springs. Firefighters from El Dorado County Fire, the El Dorado Hills Fire Department and Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit responded, extinguishing the blaze that caused heavy damage to a wall, floor joists and part of one room, states a Facebook post from fire o cials. The family in the home was alerted to the fire by their pets.

Investigation of the fire determined it was caused by fireplace ashes that had been placed in green waste cans next to the home.

To prevent similar fires from starting firefighters shared this list of safety tips to take note of when handling fireplace ash:

• Place ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep the ash container at least 10 feet away from the home and any other buildings or flammable materials such as wood piles.

•Ashes should never be stored inside a building.

•Never use paper, plastic bags, cardboard or plastic boxes to store ashes.

• Allow ashes to cool before disposing of them.

• Ashes can take four to seven days to cool completely.

• Never empty ashes directly into a trash can.Pour water on the ashes before discarding them.

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

Seniors 55 and over who are grieving, depressed or having issues related to aging can meet one-on-one with a caring senior, professionally supervised and trained to listen and encourage. Call (530)6216304 to leave a message and get started.

and last name and where in El Dorado County you live.

COMiCS

Vines doing fine

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

SUDOkU

ARIES (March 21-April 19). While there are those who resist work, your industriousness exists in you as a basic drive, which today feels equal to the need for food, shelter and companionship. There’s something you must do, and you will.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’ve been the guest, and soon it will be your turn to be the host. The more planning you do in this regard, the better. You have the bright ideas and the organization it takes to execute brilliantly.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You haven’t always been given your due care and respect, but you’re not bitter. You’ll be visited by the ghosts of the past, memories you could interpret numerous ways. You’ll choose the most empowering.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Big plans take time to come together. The enormity of a task makes it seem daunting, but the castle is built brick by brick. Faith is an essential ingredient. Believe, keep working, and much will be achieved.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’re aware of the image you uphold, but you’re also not too proud to do what needs to be done. The work at hand may be tedious and unglamorous, but it is also simple and pays directly, making it well worth the effort.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Make the distinction between compromise and sacrifice or resignation. A compromise will bond the relationship, but giving too much or settling for less than you could have will seed resentment.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The schedule may be predictable, but your mood won’t be, and this changes everything. You may do the same action again, but you’re never the same person twice. You’ll surprise yourself in the best ways.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). What you’ve done so far with a project has not worked the way you wanted it to. Now you’ll go about things very differently. Instead of trying to solve the problem, you’ll solve yourself and the problem disappears.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Address the things that are bothering you, ideally with someone who is not involved. This will help you gain perspective. Once you get objectivity on the matter, you’ll see your way to a considerate strategy.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The goal is still far off, so enjoy where you are now. There’s no reason to delay your happiness. People who are successful may or may not be happy, but people who are happy are always successful.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). As impressive as a person’s accomplishments may be, exemplary characters decide who they want to work and play with based on other criteria. What someone has done is less important than how they treat people.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). It is a rare soul indeed who can love unconditionally, give selflessly and accept the whole of another person. Even if it happens inside a single moment, or a season of life, it’s to be cherished.

Courtesy photo

At the 2,900-foot elevation Madroña Vineyards in Camino, owner/winemaker Paul Bush reports that the vines remain dormant. “We have been seeing more ‘old-normal’ temperatures this winter. And that means the buds on the vines are still tight (asleep). The cold set of storms coming this week will continue to entice the vine to stay dormant. And with the vines still being so dormant (and more cold weather coming), I think we’ll make it to late March/early April before we bud out. Every extra day of dormancy is a blessing at this time of year.” Warm temperatures in early 2022 caused buds early in the season followed by frosty nights that led to Madroña losing about 70% of its crop.

Snow

Continued

down the hill as the city of Placerville Monday afternoon. Highway 50 experienced road closures due to snow, avalanche control and spinouts, and reports of cars losing control and skidding off the road came from across the county.

A sizeable portion of Placerville lost power Monday afternoon, with upward of 5,000 people impacted. Power was restored for many after an hour or two, but some pockets of the city continued to see outages throughout Monday and Tuesday. Pacific Gas and Electric outage maps show Camino and Swansboro residents also experienced power loss Tuesday, with an estimated total of 1,000 people impacted.

School was called off Monday and Tuesday at campuses on the Divide and in the Placerville, Pollock Pines and south county areas.

One silver lining to the clouds that have dumped metric tons of snow onto the county is the positive gains for the snowpack. Data from the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab located at Donner Summit shows that more than

Camp Continued from A1

shelter elsewhere.

109 inches of snow have fallen in the past seven days and the snowpack snow water equivalent is at 170% of average for this time of year.

Meteorologists agree that higher snowpack numbers can be a blessing for the state, which has been in a drought for three years. Matthew Johnson, a meteorologist in Salt Lake City, tweeted Monday morning that the wet weather may continue into mid-March, with more atmospheric rivers passing over California possible. This pattern may be cause for concern in the long term, however, as retired PG&E marine meteorologist John Lindsey raised the possibility that those same rivers may melt the snowpack that has accumulated.

“I am concerned that we could see a repeat of the Christmas flood of 1964 when we had a significant snowpack followed by a subtropical tap (atmospheric river) that created copious amounts of rainfall at higher elevations that melted much of the snowpack and produced floods,” Lindsey tweeted.

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Homeless Outreach Team and Placerville Police Department officers, along with the county Health and Human Services Agency staff, conducted outreach in the area to refer the unsheltered to the navigation center.

California Highway Patrol officers assisted Caltrans in vacating the camp for cleanup operations. CHP officer Andrew Brown said trespassing signs would be posted in the area to prevent future camping in the area.

Broadway was closed between Smith Flat and Aiport roads Monday and Tuesday and will remain closed for the rest of the week from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. while crews complete cleanup work.

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n TODAy

HOROSCOPE by Holiday Mathis

from A1

Photo courtesy of Caltrans Caltrans personnel are posted at the Highway 50 onramp at Sly Park Road Monday afternoon as the highway was shut down between Pollock Pines and Meyers.

Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco Slushy snow slows drivers on Main Street in Placerville Friday.

NAVIGATION NO NO

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office

A Loving Approach to Dementia Care

A FREE public event featuring author and national speaker, Laura Wayman.

Known as the “Dementia Whisperer,” Laura is a dementia care expert who provides families and professional caregivers with practical tips to help them navigate the challenges common when caring for someone with any dementia or memory loss.

Friday, March 31 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. El Dorado County Fairgrounds Marshall Building 100 Placerville Drive Placerville 11 - 11:45 a.m. resource fair and lunch Noon - 1:30 p.m. presentation from Laura Wayman 1:30 - 2 p.m. resource fair

Please register at https://dementiacare.eventbrite.com/ so we can plan accordingly.

In the KNOW

Now

The El Dorado Roses are searching for candidates to run for the 2023 El Dorado Rose. Candidates must be at least 60 years old, have lived in the county for 10 years and have many hours of volunteer service to her community. The El Dorado Rose dresses in period clothing from 18491910 and then becomes the official hostess of El Dorado County for one year. For more information call Carole Burnley at (530) 626-4949.

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

“The Flying Machine: The Story of the Wright Brothers” through March 4. For tickets and more information visit bstreettheatre.org.

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

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) 6086888 or visit harriscenter. net.

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

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

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

Feed El Dorado and the Placer Food Bank host food distribution events throughout the year in Cameron Park, Pollock Pines, Placerville and Georgetown. For a complete schedule visit placerfoodbank.org/ pantrytogo.

March 1

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

The Blues & Bourbon weekly series at The Starlet Room above Harlow’s in Sacramento has begun.

Check out the following acts: Sonny Landreth & Cindy Cashdollar DUI (March 1), Red’s Blues with Robert Sidewell & Sid Morris (March 8), Chrissie O’Dell & The Real Deal (March 15), Vanessa Collier (March 19) and Mitch Woods Rocket 88s (March 29). For more information visit harlows.com.

March 2

The Shingle SpringsCameron Park Chamber of Commerce hosts a mixer, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Crafthouse Culture and Project Blue in the Burke Junction shopping center, 3300 Coach Lane in Cameron Park.

March 3

Smith Flat House Placerville hosts line dance lessons, 6-9 p.m. the first Friday of the month. For more information call (530)

American River Conservancy hikes will put a spring

News release

Join the American River Conservancy for new outdoor adventures exploring the area’s natural beauty.

El Dorado Ranch Hike

Saturday, March 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The tour and short walks will be led by Dee Owens, local historian, and Annie Walker, botanist. Walking any distance will be optional as most sites are accessible by vehicle. High-clearance vehicles are necessary. We will drive to Fanny Creek, an area of early Gold Rush activity and mercury mine as well as the scant remains of Cinnabar City, a small town during the 1870s. We will also visit the site of Milk House Ranch, an early ranch in the area. We will end the day at the Miller Ranch, an example of later 19th century Angora goat and cattle ranching. Responsible children 12 and older welcome. Meeting location in the El Dorado area. Steady rain cancels. Register online at app.donorview. com/9Ve79.

Hike to the Eagles

Sunday, March 5, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

— Join hike leader Erika Espinoza on a journey to Snowberry Creek (a Lake Natoma unit of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area) through a shaded grove of trees and up a large steep rocky hill to the top of the bluffs where the bald eagles’ nest lives. From there you will journey down to Black Minors Bar, have a quick lunch/snack and loop back on the American River bike trail. This intermediate hike is 5 miles total. Rain cancels. Well-behaved dogs on leash OK. Ages 13 and older welcome. Meeting location in the Fair Oaks area. Register online at app.donorview.com/vOmWJ.

Zen Meditation and Qigong in the Wakamatsu Garden

Saturdays, March 11 & April 8, 1-2:30 p.m. — Join local mindfulness instructor Berry Crawford for a peaceful and relaxing event at the beautiful and historical Wakamatsu Farm. This event will include sessions of qigong, mindfulness meditation and walking meditation. Come learn to relax, recharge and let go with these ancient and effective practices. Responsible/ quiet 12-year-olds and older welcome. Meeting location in the Gold Hill/ Placerville area. Register online at app. donorview.com/09nYn.

Snowshoe tour with a forester

Saturday, March 11, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (weather and snow-dependent) — Join Luis Vidal for an easy-moderate introductory snowshoe hike through the woods. This hike will start on a well-used route and may traverse into the surrounding off-trail areas. Hikers will learn about the ecology of forests environments in the winter and basic winter back country awareness. Fit 13-year-olds and older welcome. Meeting location in the Foresthill area. Register online at app.donorview.com/ M7m9N.

Capturing Wakamatsu: A Poetry Walk/Workshop

Sunday, March 12, noon to 2 p.m. — Taylor Graham, El Dorado County’s first poet laureate, and award-winning

in your step

Sacramento-area poet Katy Brown will lead an exploration of farmhouse, barn and surroundings, then ask participants to write a poem inspired by what they’ve experienced. Any who wish to may share their poems with the group and ARC. Children 8 and older welcome with

acquired Elliott Pond property. Rain cancels. Responsible photographers 12 and older welcome. Meeting location in the Pilot Hill area. Register online at app.donorview.com/kV03R.

Snowshoe Hike Gerle Creek Area

Saturday, March 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Snowshoe hike (5-6 miles) on the Eldorado National Forest begins at the end of the plowed pavement on Wentworth Springs Road, 3 miles east of the intersection with Ice House Road. The hike will follow the road to Angel Creek picnic area and follow the trail to Gerle Creek Campground. There’s a stop for lunch and warmth at a nearby cabin before returning to the vehicles following a different route. This is an intermediate hike for snowshoers ages 12 and older. Whiteout conditions or no snow postpones/cancels trip. Well-behaved dog on leash OK. Meeting location in the Placerville area. Register online at app. donorview.com/y9Vgn.

Sogetsu Ikebana classes

adult supervision. Meeting location in the Gold Hill/Placerville area. Register online at app.donorview.com/JDMAK.

Poppy Walk

Sunday, March 12, 2-5 p.m. (weather and bloom dependent with a backup date April 1) — Robin Center, longtime ARC supporter and Coloma riverfront property owner (along with neighbors Barbara & David Thomas, and Naturalist Andie Thrams), will lead this one-of-a-kind Poppy Walk. With glowing orange fields overlooking the crystal water of the South Fork of the American River, the stunning contrasts and vibrant colors are a sight few have the fortune of witnessing. The river trail is very steep in places but has a good flat bed. Hiking to the flowers takes about 15-20 minutes. The river trail also has views of some of the earliest land that ARC protected around Triple Threat Rapid. Healthy snacks and punch will await your return to the house. Meeting location in the Coloma/Lotus area. Register online at app.donorview. com/1WVJL.

Fishing on the Farm

Third Wednesday of each month, March-May, 5 p.m. to dark — ARC is excited to announce the return of a monthly fishing night at historical Wakamatsu Farm. Try your hand at casting techniques, catch a few bass, and enjoy the serenity of the 8-acre lake. Participants older than 16 must have a valid CA fishing license. All ages welcome. Minors must be supervised by an adult. Steady rain or lightning storm cancels. Meeting location in the Gold Hill/Placerville area. Register online at app.donorview.com/y9JeY.

Hike, Spot, Capture (photo hike)

Saturday, March 18, 8:30 a.m. to noon — Local photographer Ken Mahar enjoys getting out in nature whenever possible to capture scenic vistas and wildlife in their own environment. This will be a 2- to 3-mile slow-paced hike in search of that perfect shot on ARC’s newly

Sundays, March 26, April 16, & May 21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Instructor Yasmin Spiegel is a “sensei“ (teacher) in the Sogetsu School of Ikebana, Japanese flower arranging. Ages 8 and older with adult supervision welcome. Meeting location in the Gold Hill/Placerville area. Register online at app.donorview. com/VjqYz.

March 26: Variation Slanting Style for Nageire Arrangements

April 16: Disassembling and Re-assembling Materials

May 21: Arrangements in “Tsubo” Vases

Wakamatsu Open Farm Day

First and third Saturdays, April through June, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Special programming is featured at each Open Farm Day at 941 Cold Springs Road in Placerville. See the registration page for more details. Site of the first Japanese colony in America, your self-guided walking tour of Wakamatsu Farm may include a stroll to Okei-san’s 1871 gravesite and Charles Graner’s original 1850’s farmhouse. Take a trip around the lake on the 1.5-mile wheelchairaccessible trail. Bring a picnic and chair to sit and relax. On-site interpreters can share information and answer questions about Wakamatsu Farm’s human and natural history. Amenities are limited, so plan for rugged outdoor leisure. Steady rain or temperatures warmer than 100 degrees will cancel. Registration at app.donorview.com/ jRNKg.

Acorn Creek Family & Photo Hike

Saturday, April 15, 8-10 a.m. — Marcus Christian, ARC board member and photography-lover wants to share his interests. Join him solo or bring friends and family to get an introduction to hiking and tips on taking nature photos. All ages welcome. Well-behaved dog on-leash OK. Meeting location in the Pilot Hill area. Register online at app. donorview.com/wkLzV.

Understanding Bird Bones and Skeletons with Author David Lukas

Thursday, April 20, 6:30-7:30 p.m. followed by Q&A — This virtual n See ARC, page

Photos courtesy of the American River Conservancy

From snowshoe hikes to wildflower walks, the American River Conservancy offers exceptional outdoor excursions that showcase the beauty of the foothills, river canyons and Sierra Nevada.

‘the Backyard Bear’ tahoe resident spends summer capturing footage

documentary

Laney Griffo Tahoe Daily Tribune

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

— Tahoe residents are all too familiar with the black bears that inhabit the basin. A lot of time and resources are spent educating visitors and new residents about how to live and act around bears and, most importantly, how and why to secure trash.

Riley McClaughry, 21, wanted to help paint a clearer picture of the impacts humans are having on bears so he spent six months following bears for his recently released documentary, “The Backyard Bear.”

McClaughry grew up in Sacramento and visited Lake Tahoe with his family often.

In 2020 he moved to the area. His family lives in Truckee where he’ll spend about half of his time; the other half he lives in a van, traveling around the basin.

“After high school I moved to Tahoe and I dove headfirst into the Tahoe lifestyle of adventure and the outdoors,” McClaughry said.

He started photography and videography when he was 14 and originally focused on adventure sports. He eventually decided to tie those talents in with his love of animals.

“Once I moved to Tahoe in 2020 I saw [the bear] problem first-hand with the trash. Since then, I’ve wanted to make a difference with the bears and all the wildlife I come across in my adventures,” McClaughry said.

The documentary features incredible footage of bears in nature, mother bears teaching their young and sadly, but more importantly for the film, getting into trash.

“I started spending every second, every ounce of energy into tracking bears, finding them out in the woods and learning their behavior throughout the town and their routine of each dumpster they would hit,” McClaughry said. “I think I clocked in about 57 or so full days of filming from June to the end of the fall.”

The first few weeks were spent mostly sitting around and hiking in nature, waiting to find bears.

As the process went on, McClaughry said he got to know certain bears and their habits, allowing him to anticipate when and where they would be.

Footage was taken all over the Tahoe area from a family of bears in Truckee to the salmon run in South Lake Tahoe.

While the documentary features some up-close footage of the bears, McClaughry made sure to keep his distance. The point of the film was to show the bears in their natural habitat and exhibiting their natural behavior.

“Some of the bears that were getting into trash cans … a lot of that stuff was at nighttime so it required me

to use wider angle lenses so I could get more light in. So in some of those situations I was a little closer and also I was in my car, shooting out of a window so I had the safety of the car,” McClaughry said.

While black bears rarely have aggressive interactions with humans, they will protect their food and their young if necessary. The filmmaker said he learned the signs of stress and aggression so he knew when to give them space.

After spending so much time with the bears, he felt like he really got to know them. A family of bears in Truckee featured in the first scene really stood out.

“They spent all of their

time in nature, foraging for food … I probably spent six or seven days with them,” McClaughry shared. “Plus the mom was really skinny; she might have had some health issues going on which made me connect with them even more and love them on a deeper level.”

He hopes to see them this spring looking bigger and healthier.

He also had another moment during the filming process that stuck out. He was at his family’s house in Truckee, disappointed after a day of unsuccessful footage and van issues, when a family walked through his backyard.

“They found me when I was stuck at the house and I couldn’t go anywhere,” McClaughry said. He followed them on his bike to an apartment complex where they found a pond to play in.

“That was a really cool moment that I got to capture. It felt like all the time and effort that I was putting into going and searching for the bears, I was getting rewarded with this encounter because they came to where I was,” McClaughry added.

McClaughry is working on several other non-bear documentaries but said he also hopes to follow-up this film with another one about the impacts of humans on bears. He is hoping his film gets a lot of views and helps spark change.

To view “The Backyard Bear” visit the website: rileymcclaughrymedia.com.

Courtesy photo

Bears raid a dumpster in Tahoe as filmed by Riley McClaughry for his documentary.

Preserve it!

Power outages and freezer safety

Though it’s March, people residing in this area know that heavy storms may still occur. One thing that goes hand in hand with bad weather is power failure. Whether it’s a traffic collision involving a power pole or a tree knocking down a power line due to snow, when the lights go out so do the freezer and refrigerator.

There are several things that can be done in the event of a power failure to reduce food loss. Use backup power, keep the doors closed, try dry ice and cover the freezer to keep it cool. Having a backup generator is very handy in a power failure. This keeps the electricity running to the freezer and refrigerator uninterrupted. Refer to a licensed electrical contractor for proper installation. For some people, this is not an option.

If the power fails, certain precautions can be taken to assure the safety of frozen food. If the freezer can be turned back on within two days, keep the door closed to avoid loss of refrigeration. The freezer can be covered with a heavy blanket. Safety pins can be used to hold the blanket away from the vents in case the electricity is restored.

If power will not be restored within 48 hours, 2½ pounds of dry ice per cubic foot of capacity can be used. Use gloves to place the dry ice on boards or heavy cardboard on top of the food. This can keep the temperature inside the freezer below freezing for two to three days in a half-full freezer, three to four days in a loaded freezer.

Keeping a freezer thermometer in the freezer is the best way to tell if the freezer is cold enough. A method to discover whether your freezer has gotten too warm while you weren’t noticing is to use an empty plastic soda bottle. Fill the bottle half full of water and put it in the freezer, on its side. Once the bottle has frozen solid, turn the bottle upright and place it in the door. The door is the warmest part of the freezer. If the power goes out the water will melt and the water will settle in the bottom of the bottle. If the electricity is restored, the water will freeze in the bottom of the bottle, a visual cue that the power was interrupted for an extended time.

Food safety should be the No. 1 concern. Discard food that has been above 40° F for more than two hours or is contaminated by raw meat juices. Thawed and refrozen ice cream or other dairy products

Day Hiker

Health Services

should be discarded. Some partially thawed food can be refrozen if it has not been warmed above 40° F. If the thawed food still has ice crystals, it’s cold enough to refreeze.

If all else fails and there is a heat source and canning equipment, preserving the food according to proper canning methods may be the best option.

Power outages in the foothills are a way of life.

Questions about safe home food preservation?

Ask a Master Food Preserver. Leave a message at (530) 6215506 and a Master Food Preserver will return the call. The Master Food Preservers are also available free of charge to speak to organizations and clubs about food safety or food preservation topics. Just call the number above to arrange for a speaker for small or large groups. For more information about the public education classes and activities, including the free public classes on food safety and pressure canning, be sure to go to the Master Food Preserver website at ucanr.edu/sites/mfp_ of_cs.

*This article is adapted from one written by Roger Dillon in 2011. Timeless tips!

UCCE Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County

Pixabay image

Snow and ice are a way of life in El Dorado County when winter strikes. Though this challenging weather can cause power outages, there are still ways to protect your frozen foods.

Hikes Continued from B1 presentation is a chance to get excited about what’s hidden under the feathers of birds and the ways that bones shape how birds move and adapt to their environments. David Lukas is a professional naturalist and author of “Sierra Nevada Birds” and “Sierra Nevada Natural History.” Recommended and geared for adults, but all ages welcome. Register online at app. donorview.com/vOmk9.

Salmon Falls Ranch Hike

Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Hike the new and old trails at Salmon Falls Ranch with ARC board member Scott Vail. Explore the proposed and new construction of trails on this intermediatedifficult (Dead Oak trail portion) hike of 6-7 miles. Wildflowers should be abundant. Well-behaved dogs OK. Rain or shine. Ages 12 and older welcome. Meeting location in Pilot Hill. Register online at app.donorview.com/Vjqro.

North County Cemetery Crawl

Saturday, April 29, 9:30 a.m. to noon — Georgetown and Greenwood have some of the most

spectacular pioneer cemeteries in the county. Let’s explore three of them with an optional “stop for a pop” at a classic roadhouse dive bar in Greenwood. We’ll caravan to Spanish Dry Diggins’ Cemetery, an off-the-beaten-path, frozen-in-time gem. Next stop is the historical Greenwood Cemetery, named for the legendary mountain man Caleb Greenwood. The third stop is the magnificent Georgetown Pioneer Cemetery. Then back to Greenwood for an optional lunch and the aforementioned pop, soda or otherwise, with your host, ARC volunteer Mike Roberts. Mike is a retired local journalist and selfproclaimed taphophile. He chairs the El Dorado County Cemetery Advisory Committee and is

president of Save the Graves Inc. All ages welcome. Well behaved dog on-leash OK. Register online at app.donorview.com/7eokA.

Labyrinth Wander

Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m. to noon — Celebrate World Labyrinth Day with ARC. The Abode of Peace Labyrinth in Georgetown is among the most spectacular labyrinths in the world. Join Labyrinth builder David Blonski to learn about the history and uses of this meditative pathway. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy with live music after your wander. Quiet 8-year-olds and older with adult supervision welcome. This is an easy 1-mile walk. Rain date May 13. Register online at app.donorview.com/MMpb0.

Tai Chi-Qigong and Dance

May 13 & 28, 10-11:15 a.m. — Welcome the spring with selected qigong movements from Five-Animal Play and a short sequence of tai chi movements for therapeutic and self-defense purposes. Movements will promote qi circulation to our overall health and are also dedicated to body

Photo by Pat Dollins Learn about local cemeteries and some of the characters under the ground during the North County Cemetery Crawl in late April.

Day hiker

Fuel Break

some time.

from the sun as you continue uphill.

T

reat yourself to the view of the North Fork of the American River from the ridge top behind Brushy Mountain Fuel Break Trail off the Foresthill Divide Loop Trail. The variety of wildflowers will make you return to this trail time and again as new blooms arrive throughout the summer season. The moderately challenging trail requires some sturdy shoes and maybe even walking sticks to climb to the ridge and back down again. Take Interstate 80 east to the Foresthill Road exit. Head over the Foresthill Bridge, the tallest bridge in California at 730 feet. A few miles up the road

Mary West

Outdoor columnist

Foresthill Divide Loop Trail. The mountain bike trail forks and quickly cuts to the left. Stay on the wider trail. The view to your left of green hills and a variety of trees comes and goes as you follow the trail out a mile. Just past the 1-mile point

their own personal blend are invited. To RSVP email info@gwinllanestate.com or call (530) 723-2879.

Photo by Mary West

there is an unmarked trail to the left heading up to the ridge top. If you hear gunshots, know there is a private shooting range in the area. The sounds of the highway and range fade quickly as you climb the trail. A thicket of bushes provides a brief respite

Bees, butterflies and flowers can be found in every direction. At the top you see the blue ribbon that is the North Fork of the American River. Enjoy the view and continue down the trail. The weather has done some damage to the trail so pick your way through the bushes and around the rock formations. As you manage the twist and turns and take in a new view around the next corner, be prepared to be amazed.

At the peak you will see this odd metal stand that used to hold a dish, and below this peak, at just the right time in spring, you will be treated to a poppy bloom like you have never seen. My guess is Eric Peach has been seeding the area for

Poppies are not the only flowers thriving here. A variety of plants, bushes and trees, in a rainbow of colors make this area special.

Mary West is author of the book series Day Hiker – Gold Country Trail Guide I, II and III (second edition available on Amazon). The books are a collection of the Day Hiker columns where West shares her longtime love of the outdoors, favorite hikes in Northern California’s Gold Country and beyond. West was the recipient of the 2017 and 2019 Craft Award for Best Outdoor Column and the 2020 Craft Award for her second book in the Day Hiker series by the Outdoor Writers of California. You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Toogood Estate in Fair Play hosts Bottle Your Own Wine weekends, March 4 & 5, March 11 & 12 and March 18 & 19. No reservations required. For more information call (530) 620-1910.

Gwinllan Estate in Somerset hosts its blending seminars noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 4, and Saturday, March 18, from noon until 4 p.m.

Those interested in learning some blending techniques and having a fun-filled day making

Employment

Sierra Vista Winery in the Pleasant Valley area hosts musician Patrick Walsh, 4-6:30 p.m. Enjoy pizza, wine and live music. For more information email rhone@sierravistawinery.com or call (530) 622-7221.

Musician Ed Wilson will perform at Solid Ground Brewing in Diamond Springs, 4-7 p.m.

The Ponderosa High School Band and Jazz

Band Ensembles hosts Music & Marinara at 6 p.m. Enjoy live music and a delicious pasta dinner catered by Skipolini’s plus dessert and raffle basket drawings. Tickets are presale only. Purchase them online at ticketstripe.com/ Music-Marinara2023.

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association presents How to Complete the TRT: A Guide Panel Discussion, 2 p.m. at the Galena Creek Visitor Center in Reno. This event is free and pre-registration is required. Visit tahoerimtrail.org.

The 15th annual Donut Dash is scheduled at 8:30 a.m. at William Land Park in Sacramento. Funds raised will support the UC Davis Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department. To register, visit the Donut Dash website at donutdash.org.

March 5

March 7

California Stage presents “Messiah Begins with Me!” March 7-12 in the Three-Penny Theater, 1725 25th St. in Sacramento. For tickets and more information visit calstage.org.

March 8

Vitalant will hold an El Dorado Hills Stadium 14 & IMAX Theater blood drive with the Bloodmobile in the parking lot, noon to 4:30 p.m. at the theater, 2101 Vine St. Make an appointment at donors.vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFM486 or call (877) 2584825 and mention blood drive code SMFM486. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows. The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business Builder Blender and ribbon cutting 5:30-7:30 p.m. at MotlMD, 4359 Town Center Blvd., Suite 217, El Dorado Hills. RSVP at eldoradohillschamber.org.

Dorado

Assistant

Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts bestselling author Susan Wels, who will lead a discussion on her book “An Assassin in Utopia,” 1-2:30 p.m. For more information call (916) 941-9410 or visit getyourfaceinabook. com.

622-2640 2890

locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association.

NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case.

!AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 dias, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin eschuchar su version. Lea la informacion a continuacion.

other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can

Miraflores Winery in Placerville hosts Soup Sundays. Stop by for wine tasting, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and enjoy a complimentary cup of soup prepared by Chef Tara Martine.

March 9

El El Dorado County’s Newest RESORT HOTEL is Hiring!! Free Meals & Paid Breaks Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance Paid Time Off 401K w/ Match

The Creative Corps Capital Region hosts an information session at 6 p.m. at the Center Street Gallery, 3182 Center St. in Placerville. Learn more about the program where artists and creative practitioners partner with local governments, tribes and nonprofits. For more information visit artsandcultureeldorado.org.

abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniendose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las coutas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperacion de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un case de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pudea desechar el caso. The name and address of the court is:

nombre y dirección de la corte

of

Know Continued from B1 621-1003 or visit smithflathouse.com.

March 4