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Main Street Farmers Market uprooted by council

Many may have bought a peach in the shade of Placerville’s Bell Tower for the last time without even knowing it, as the Main Street Farmers Market will no longer set up next to the Placerville landmark.

Following years of discussion, Placerville’s City Council decided in a 4-1 vote Tuesday to change the contract between

the city and the El Dorado County Farm Trails operated market, requiring them to relocate for the 2023 season onward. Councilmember David Yarbrough was the sole dissenting vote, voicing a preference to wait to move the market until 2024, in consideration of the longstanding contract between the city and EDC Farm Trails. The action item regarding the market as it appeared on the council agenda specified

edH fire captain part of mid-air miraCle

n See InflIght rescue, page A5

that it would be moved next year to the Fox Lot. By the end of Tuesday night, both those details had changed. The council moved to change the details of the contract with EDC Farm Trails, relocating it this year to the Mooney Lot (located next to Hangtown Cantina and across from the Ivy Lot) or, if that was not a viable location, to the as-yetunconstructed parking lot next

n See farmers market page A3

Marshall nonprofit has new leader

Odin Rasco

Staff writer

The Marshall Foundation for Community Health has announced new leadership as part of recent changes to its organizational structure. Mindy Danovaro will act as the executive director for the nonprofit, according to a Feb. 16 press release. Danovaro has extensive experience as a philanthropy executive, most recently serving as executive director of Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital for 11 years and as the Dean of Advancement at McGeorge School of Law for six-and a-half years.

A highlight of Danovaro’s philanthropic career so far is her securing a gift of $25 million for McGeorge — the largest single gift in the university’s history. Danovaro wrote in an email to the Mountain Democrat that she plans to use her skillset to help “ensure that Marshall Medical Center is able to provide the highest

n See Danovaro, page A3

Courtesy photo Mindy Danovaro is the new executive director of the Marshall Foundation for Community Health.

Courtesy photo

EDH Fire Capt. Dan Nelson, Roseville anesthesiologist Dr. Brandon Winchester, lucky patient Karen Allen and Kaiser Permanente Dr. Aaron Baker, left to right, as well as Barton RN Daryl Braga via Zoom, celebrate Allen’s recovery from her in-flight heart attack.

OBITUARIES

Nancy Jean Morgan

May 15, 1934 - Dec. 9, 2022

Nancy Jean Morgan of Placerville passed away on December 9, at Western Slope Health Center from complications following a fall, a second broken hip, and a second round of Covid19. Nancy was born in Akron, Ohio, on May 15, 1934, the oldest child and only daughter of Dr. Lawrence Brooks Mehl and Marjorie Yocum Mehl. She was predeceased by the older of her two brothers, Richard Carleton Mehl. She is survived by her younger brother, Carter David Mehl; her sisters-in-law Paula Allred (Richard’s wife) and Anitra Balzer (Carter’s wife); her nieces, Amanda Mehl, Ursula Mehl, and Sophia Mehl; and her grandnephews Solas Mehl Coates and Caulder Mehl Coates. She was cremated at El Dorado Funeral & Cremation Services, which contains a more extensive obituary. Her ashes will be scattered at a private ceremony.

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.

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.

Doris Berryman

Stinson Keeler

April 24, 1919 - Jan. 10, 2023

Doris Berryman Stinson Keeler passed away on Jan. 10, at her home in Cameron Park, where she had lived for more than 40 years. Born in Grass Valley on April 24, 1919, she was 103 years old. She leaves behind a son, Stuart Stinson, of Shingle Springs; a daughter, Noel Stinson Kolak, of Santa Fe, New Mexico; a sister, Brita Berryman Rozynski, of Nevada City; a first cousin, Edwin Nettell, of Moab, Utah; and numerous nieces and nephews. Greatly missed by family, friends, and former colleagues at Ponderosa High School in Shingle Springs, she will be remembered always for her kindness, her storytelling skills, and her beautiful, handwritten letters. A celebration of her life will take place in the spring. Memorial donations may be made to Snowline Hospice of El Dorado County.

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 was held Saturday March 4, at 11:00 a.m., at 3431 Hacienda Rd, Cameron Park, Calif.

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.

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New York man dies in ‘serious incident’ at Heavenly

Ashleigh Goodwin

Tahoe Daily Tribune

A New York man died Wednesday, March 1, at Heavenly Mountain Resort.

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office identified the deceased as 46-year-old Wesley Whalen.

Heavenly Communications Manager Cole Zimmerman confirmed a serious

levels

to the Mosquito Road bus depot.

The last-second changes to the plans previously considered by the city council and City Manager Cleve Morris came as an unwelcome surprise to Seana Hartsell, who has managed the market since its inception.

“I feel slapped in the face because this is not what I was expecting,”

Hartsell said. “I spoke with the city manager and looked at the Fox and Ivy lots and at the Mosquito Road area, to do my research. I haven’t even looked at this lot; I didn’t even know it was there and it was never mentioned as an option. I now only have three months to prepare, to figure out what the council wants, to change permits, to change our address with payment processors. And now we’re going to lose a lot a business because we’re moving with little chance to advertise that.”

Hartsell indicated that of the two options presented, she felt that the Mooney Lot was preferable as the Wednesday night summer market has Main Street in the name, so relocating to Mosquito Road wouldn’t make much sense.

The long-term viability of the market may now be in question, with Hartsell referring to a study she claims indicates that moving a market is akin to having to start a new one entirely. The word of mouth that developed for the past 14 years will direct people to a market that no longer exists in the space it once did, which may lead many to assume it has closed rather than just moved down the road. Prior markets on or near Main Street have been moved in the past, one from the Fox Lot to the post office and another from the Ivy Lot to the bike trail behind the lot, and managers of both claimed a significant loss in visitor traffic as a result. Both have since ceased operations on Main Street entirely.

That questionable future viability is a concern for Hartsell but it also worries farmers like Greg Rockney, who rely on the market for income.

incident took place and said ski patrol responded to an expert trail near Roundabout on the California side of the resort where they discovered Whalen. After further emergency care and evaluation, the man was pronounced deceased at the California Lodge base area and transferred to the El Dorado County coroner.

Sgt. Alexander Sorey said his office

“Honestly, (the choice to move the market) basically takes the

clothes off my kids’ back,” said Rockney, owner of Rockney Farms in Camino. “I’m a farmer, so I can always feed my family, but when I started farming here seven years ago people were trying to get me to do the markets in (Sacramento) to make more money. But I wanted to maintain a local focus and do this market and get these goods to my community. I finally felt I was making a living doing this and now I feel like I’ve been rejected by the city. Not the community I was trying to serve, exactly, but the city in which the community lives. I’m just hurt.”

The contract between the city and the market was a murky subject for the council to consider due to unclear wording. Though the market has been operating in the same location since 2008, the first formal contract was put into place in 2014. Since then the contract has been renewed automatically every year with little to no change. Language in the contract stipulates a deadline of 120 days prior to the anticipated first day of the market to cancel the contract; what is unclear is whether that extends to amendments. Mona Ebrahimi, attorney for the city, indicated the contract did not specify conditions for alterations, though Mike Owen, board president of EDC Farm Trails, has previously indicated that he thought such changes might be perceived as a breach.

“So it’s as clear as mud,” Placerville Mayor Michael Saragosa joked during the council meeting.

Saragosa and other members of the council chose to press on with the changes, saying they thought multiple discussions expressing an intent to move the market constituted fair advance warning.

“We talked about moving this two years ago, then let them stay last year,” Vice Mayor Jackie Neau said. “The fact they haven’t done anything to prepare to move knowing that this has been part of the conversation, I’m less sympathetic towards. This feels like another stall tactic.”

Reasons for the move are multifaceted, with safety concerns,

received a call at 2:49 p.m. for a report of a deceased person. A coroner detective arrived and completed an investigation. Next of kin was notified.

“Heavenly Mountain Resort, Heavenly Ski Patrol and the entire Vail Resorts family extend our deepest sympathy and support to our guest’s family and friends,” said Tom Fortune, VP and COO of Heavenly and the

Danovaro Continued from A1

quality patient-centered care to the residents of our community.”

Danovaro’s return to healthcare also marks her return to the Sierra Nevada foothills; she raised her family in Auburn while she was at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital prior to moving for her time at McGeorge, and she moved to Camino last year.

“I am so glad to be back in the Foothills,” Danovaro wrote. “El Dorado County is a great place to live and work. The people are dedicated to maintaining a healthy quality of life and committed to the wellbeing of the community. Residents of El Dorado County are some of the most generous individuals I have had the honor and pleasure to meet.”

Danovaro leads a new iteration of the Marshall Foundation, as the board of trustees also announced its integration with Marshall Medical Center.

The integration with the hospital is an administrative change that gives hospital leadership more involvement with the operation of the foundation, according to Lourdes Edralin, the

financial considerations, parking and complaints from brick-andmortar businesses all contributing to the council’s choice.

Safety concerns stem from the market operating on Main Street without shutting off traffic down the main thoroughfare. The city spends an estimated $300 per market filling and placing water barriers around the market to protect merchants and customers, a cost incurred by the city that is not paid for by the market. Yarbrough spoke up on this matter, sharing his opinion that it was unfair to place this negative as a fault of the market when it was city officials who made the decision to place the barriers. Neau responded that the precaution had been foisted upon the city by insurance considerations.

Parking space availability was considered a potential issue no matter where the market was moved, with Saragosa commenting “it’s almost a kind of whack-a-mole game,” with any location of the market potentially drawing frustration from one business or another due to a loss of spaces.

Complaints from Main Street business owners varied in a survey regarding the market that had been distributed prior to the Feb. 14 council meeting by Morris and Terry Zeller, director of community services. Concerns included impeded traffic to stores directly behind the market, frequent uses of Placerville Hardware’s bathroom facilities by people who were only customers to the market and parking issues that created difficulty for some customers trying to pick up prescriptions at Robinson’s Pharmacy. Dennis Thomas, owner of the pharmacy, explained he was not opposed to the market as a concept but was only concerned with serving patients.

“A lot of comments were made that people hated the farmers market and that’s simply not true,” Thomas said. “I’m advocating for my patients, for people that really need quality health care. As the market has grown, it has come into conflict with our ability to service our

patients. For me it’s just about the availability of parking and access to the pharmacy.” Survey responses were made public, a surprise to some downtown merchants. Those who shared concerns regarding the market have reportedly seen negative blowback on social media, with some calling for a boycott.

“None of us knew those surveys were going to be made public,” said Angie Anderson, owner of Pop Art Gallery. “I love the market and spent $50 a week there every week. Now I feel threatened by people calling for boycotts. I’m

Tahoe Region.

Heavenly, according to the company’s website, had received 86 inches, or more than 7 feet, of snow in the past week, with much coming from a blizzard on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, the day began with lingering snow showers before turning into a sunny, bluebird day.

executive director of marketing and community relations for Marshall Medical Center. Edralin also said that the integration would bring about benefits such as increased administrative support that will lower the foundation’s financial overhead, allowing donor dollars to go further.

Danovaro will be replacing Jamie Johnson, who served as executive director for the foundation from 2018 to January of this year. Foundation officials declined to say why Johnson left the position, though the change in organizational structure was identified as a potential factor.

Marshall Medical has long been intertwined with community philanthropy, the original hospital was built thanks to efforts of the county community in the late 1950s that identified a need for better medical care in the area. The Marshall Foundation maintains that spirit, raising funds that go toward the hospital and allow it to continue to operate as one of the last independent acute care hospitals in the state.

honestly very hurt.”

Councilmember John Clerici responded to the social media backlash, emphasizing the move of the market was not motivated by vitriol and the situation was nuanced.

“However this gets voted, the city doesn’t dislike farmers markets. They don’t dislike people having fun in public spaces. I don’t have a problem with that,” Clerici said. “These things just work out the way that they do. People calling to boycott businesses against the farmers market; folks may not like it and may not like us but there is

a background on all of this. We can’t ignore all the people that come up and talk to us about the issues they’ve been facing.”

The market originally started in the summer of 2008 following a 2007 discussion between city officials, the Placerville Downtown Association and EDC Farm Trails, according to Zeller. Hartsell recalled that the PDA and the city had initiated contact with Farm Trails in the hopes it would start an evening market that would serve as a community hub and bring individuals to the downtown area.

Farmers market Continued from A1

Latest threats to direct democracy in California

Since 1911 Californians have possessed powerful tools to control indolent or corrupt politicians.

The rights of direct democracy — initiative, referendum and recall — are enshrined in the California Constitution for reasons that are just as compelling in 2023 as they were more than a century ago.

But make no mistake, politicians hate direct democracy and view it as a threat to their political power or, at a minimum, as an intrusion on their legislative responsibilities. It is no surprise, then, when legislators introduce proposals to weaken direct democracy and this legislative session is no different.

Last month progressive legislators introduced Senate Constitutional Amendment 1 to gut the recall power. Under current law, voters can recall a state officer by majority vote and, in the same election, elect a successor with a plurality of the vote. In addition, the state Constitution prohibits a public official who is the subject of a recall election from being a candidate for successor.

In a fundamental change to the Constitution, SCA 1 would leave an office vacant in the event of a successful recall until a replacement is elected in a special election or if there is insufficient time to hold a special election, the office would remain vacant for the remainder of the term. This deprives voters of knowing who might replace the officer they are recalling and creates a new concern that a public office could remain unfilled with no one to perform the duties of that office.

In addition, under SCA 1 the rules would be different for a gubernatorial recall. If a governor is removed from office in a recall election, the lieutenant governor becomes governor for the remainder of the unexpired term. In a one-party state like California, this renders a recall for governor nearly pointless.

If SCA 1 sounds familiar, it is nearly identical to SCA 3, which was introduced in the last legislative session but, fortunately, did not progress very far. Perhaps the reason the proposal stalled last year is the realization that, as a proposed constitutional amendment, it would have to be approved by a majority of the statewide electorate. Public polling reveals that Californians support direct democracy, including the right to bounce bad politicians.

Another threat to direct democracy is an effort by the municipal bond industry to obscure the true cost of tax hikes and bond measures.

Senate Bill 532, introduced by Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, seeks to weaken two existing transparency bills, Assembly Bills 809

The Balancing Act

Letters to the Editor

Age requirement

EDITOR:

There is a minimum age requirement to run for president. Why isn’t there a maximum age limit?

PETER J. MEYER Somerset

That’s who you voted for

EDITOR:

It was a horrific situation when a train filled with toxic chemicals derailed in the middle of the small community of East Palestine, Ohio, with approximately 5,000 residents. Those in charge, both train ownership and government, decided it would be easier and more expedient to light the chemical spill on fire without evacuating the citizens, forcing them to escape the mayhem with their lives.

For the longest time only the local news and Fox News reported on the situation. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg oddly blamed Trump, while seemingly not taking the catastrophe seriously. Then “The View” host Joy Behar blamed the residents of East Palestine for causing this situation because they voted for Trump.

This scenario of choosing winners and losers of government support based on political affiliation keeps repeating itself. I would hope the community leaders of Grizzly Flat and East Palestine reach out because of their common bond of being ignored and lied to by the government, and become sister communities.

They both are suffering through calamities caused by the government and are ignored and chastised by the rest of the country based only because of their political affiliation.

KEN STEERS Cameron Park

True journalism

EDITOR:

The Mountain Democrat appears to have chosen to copy the recently uncovered marketing strategy of Fox Media by abandoning truth in order to appeal to the political preferences of its primary readership. Since it’s being done using the “Letters” section, not an editorial, the paper retains plausible deniability.

The case in point is another letter from Curtiss Weidmer, M.D., decrying the alleged barbarity introduced by the 2023 California abortion law. Weidmer casts aside whatever credibility he might have had as a certified medical professional and assumes the cloak of “big lie” conspiracy theorists by fracturing reality to suit his political premise. Back in December 2022, Dr. Weidmer went 2,454 years into the past to make the spurious claim that California’s abortion law allows the practice of infanticide, as practiced in ancient Sparta. Recently, he assumed the pretense of masquerading as a “baby” in a birth canal pleading for its life. He would have us believe that because of the California Reproductive Privacy Act, a self-aware human fetus is now in dire danger of homicide by the anonymous “they.”

It is common and unremarkable for the Mountain Democrat to publish the opinions of its right-wing readership with their conspiratorial embellishments; but when the opiner identifies as an M.D. with proprietary knowledge, they must be held to a higher standard. Instead of using the legitimacy of his medical training to justify his moral objection to legal abortion, Weidmer uses it to misdirect, creating a false equivalence that conjures a murderous society that terminates the lives of the unborn for absolutely no reason. His gruesome description of surgical instruments drilling into the brains of “helpless babies” is purposely taken out of context to evoke a scene of immoral brutality that exists only in a criminally warped mind. Although California’s new law doesn’t change the limits of pregnancy termination, in place since 1969, Weidmer uses his membership in the medical community to falsely claim that it is now legal to terminate viable fetuses in the process of natural birth.

By publishing false and misleading information under the guise of an opinion by a recognized medical expert, the Mountain Democrat not only plays fast and loose with the First Amendment, it severely damages it reputation as a trusted disseminator of the truth. A newspaper that allows facts to be mutilated and sacrificed on the altar of economic and political expediency, even in the op/ed section, does not deserve to be included under the mantle of journalism. Perhaps you would be more comfortable under the “poncho of propaganda.”

JOHN

When it comes to paying taxes, what’s a ‘fair’ share?

President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address almost, if not always, proves the adage, “You know a politician is lying if his lips are moving.”

For Biden, it was one lie after another. His claim gas prices are down $1.50 a gallon was amazing. What he didn’t say — gas prices were about $1.25 per gallon less when he took office than they are now. In other words, under Biden gas has increased in price by nearly 50%. And the only reason prices are down is because Biden drained half the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for purely political reasons.

But it’s time to bury the idea as stated by Biden several times that the rich don’t pay their “fair” share of taxes. What is “fair?” Is it fair that I make more money than someone else because I have greater skills or work harder? Is it fair that someone who invents a cure for cancer gets

rich because of his invention? Is it fair that when I played baseball I didn’t get paid a dime and yet some guys like Aaron Judge of the Yankees makes $40 million a year for nine years, guaranteed, even if he broke both legs and couldn’t play again?

If rich people are charged more for taxes, then maybe the price of goods should have graduated prices.

If you make $1 million a year, you pay $500,000 for a Tesla, but if you make $50,000 a year you only pay $10,000 for the same car. Of course, Tesla would be out of business or refuse to sell cars to lower-income people. In a socialist society, that could happen as government controls everything, including the means of production. That is why socialism always fails. It defies human nature. Capitalism is human nature.

But let’s look at the latest tax data (2020) from the IRS as to who really pays all the income tax. The top 1%

if rich people are charged more for taxes, then maybe the price of goods should have graduated prices. if you make $1 million a year, you pay $500,000 for a Tesla, but if you make $50,000 a year you only pay $10,000 for the same car.

of income earners — more than 1.5 million filers (about 157 million tax returns are filed annually) — pay 42.3% of all the income tax paid to the U.S. Treasury. Their average tax bill is almost $500,000 on an average income of $1,765,000.

Let’s look at the taxes paid by the top 10% of tax filers, which is a bit over 15 million returns. The taxable income averages about $400,000 and the average tax paid is about $80,000, which adds up to paying about 74% of all income taxes paid annually.

Looking at the top 25% of all taxpayers you find the average income is about $225,000, paying an average income tax of $38,500 — nearly 90% of all income tax.

What do the bottom half of taxpayers pay in income tax? They pay just 2% of all income taxes, about $39

billion.

What isn’t in this data is the lowest 20% or so of taxpayers (about 31 million in 2021) get refunds from the people who actually pay tax because many of that lowest 20% get Earned Income Tax Credits or refunds averaging over $2,000 while not paying a penny in tax. EITCs average more than $60 billion annually.

And the rich don’t pay their “fair” share? Your right if you agree. The reality is the “rich” pay way too much taxes in comparison to the middle class, paying taxes at a rate of 10 to 50 times of what the bottom 50% pay.

The bottom 50% of this country’s income earners pay effectively nothing in tax, the top 50% of income earners pay effectively all the income tax in

n See Weitzman page A5

PATRICK O’SHEA Pollock Pines

LArry WEiTzmAn

n See COupal, page A5

me a flight attendant was rushing forward. I told her I was a paramedic and asked if I could help. She said, ‘I need you now.’’’

Allen collapsed near the bathrooms at about the middle of the plane. As Nelson approached he introduced himself to vascular surgeon Dr. Aaron Baker crouched down beside the victim. Joining them were Daryl Braga, an Emergency Department RN at Barton Health in South Lake Tahoe and Roseville anesthesiologist Dr. Brandon Winchester.

“(Baker) wasn’t sure if he could feel a pulse. I opened her airway because she was only breathing about six times per minute. I also felt for a pulse and couldn’t detect one,” Nelson recalled.

“Dr. Baker began CPR and I asked the flight attendant for a defibrillator. She handed me an AED and I attached it to the patient,” he continued. “After stopping CPR I pushed the analyze button. To the surprise of all of us, the AED said ‘shock advised.’ I told everyone to clear the patient and delivered the shock. Within seconds she started breathing regularly and had a strong pulse.”

Nelson, a paramedic for more than 20 years, said he was concerned for Allen’s continued wellbeing as they were still hours away from a hospital. “Often, a patient will go back into the dysrhythmia and require defibrillation or cardioversion again,” he explained. “A patient

with this type of emergency needs definitive care at a hospital as soon as possible. The pilot increased the speed of the aircraft and made a downwind landing in the other direction to save as much time as possible.”

Allen and her heroes reunited last month at Kaiser Permanente in Roseville where Nelson said the first thing he did was ask for a hug. “I … told her how glad I was to see her. It was just weeks after the event and I couldn’t believe how well she was doing,” he marveled. “It is obvious she is a fighter and has a strong spirit.”

Allen was incredibly grateful to her in-flight dream team. “It was phenomenal that I had everyone there that I needed; it was meant to be,” she said during their meeting. “You all were just so wonderful.”

Nelson, a Hawaii super-commuter who lives on Maui about 50% of the time, said this is the first time he has encountered an in-flight emergency. Although, in an ironic twist, he said a friend had recently inquired about the exact situation. “It is not uncommon for something like this to happen at work but that’s my job,” Nelson said. “At work I am surrounded by my coworkers, have medical equipment that I am intimately familiar with and hospitals that are minutes away instead of hours.”

He commended all the healthcare professionals who assisted in the life-saving e ort. “We worked together seamlessly and had the best possible outcome.”

Coupal Continued from A4

and 195 (by then-Assemblyman Jay Obernolte, 2015-2016), sponsored by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. Taken together these bills state that for all local tax and bond measures, the rate of the tax, its duration and the total amount of money to be raised are disclosed right on the ballot label. While SB 532 continues to include most of this information, for local bonds and tiered special taxes it relegates it o the ballot label and buries it in the separately mailed voter information guide. When confronting special taxes that will be on tax rolls for decades, it is imperative that voters have as much information as possible.

SB 532 is another example of déjà vu all over again as it is nearly identical to Senate Bill 268 from 2019. That bill actually passed through both houses of the California Legislature but, in response to a letter from HJTA, Gov. Newsom vetoed it. Municipalities need to be held accountable, and voters are entitled to have before them the information necessary to make an informed decision on proposed ballot measures that directly a ect their pocketbooks. Our hope is that Gov. Newsom’s veto of a nearly identical bill signals to the Legislature that, when it comes to transparency at the ballot box, he stands with HJTA.

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

Weitzman Continued from A4 this country and of that the top 1% pay nearly half of the income tax collected by the Treasury. Let’s put the number in dollars. The total income tax received by the Treasury is $1.7 trillion. Of that amount the top 25% pay in $1.5 trillion, the next 25% e ectively pay the rest and the bottom 50% receive $24 billion (factoring in EITC).

Margaret Thatcher once said, “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money.” That’s why it always fails. After you take away all the money from people who earn it, then those people will no longer earn it as it will just get confiscated. So why work at all? Eventually no one works and the populace become slaves of the state.

Larry Weitzman is a resident of Placerville.

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. Have

Retail Stores

Snowline Hospice Thrift Store, a Cameron Park Tradition

Jon Bate Jewelry Studio, expert repairs and precious

creations Willow and Oak, gifts for the entire family custom signs too Picket Fence, a surprisingly cool Antique/gift mall

Services

Nina’s Nails, expert pedicures and manicures

Artsy Culture, masterpiece Tattoo Studio

Lucky’s Barber, traditional haircutting, and shave

Studio A, Salon for women

The Stage, live professional theater and performance

Theory Salon, a full-service salon

Geneva Financial – Home Mortgages

Shaiden Carr medals in state championship

Sel Richard Staff writer

Oak Ridge High School wrestler Shaiden Carr nabbed eighth place in the 160-pound class at the CIF State Championships this year, rounding out his senior year with a stellar accomplishment.

“It felt really great to achieve what I have been working toward the past four years of my high school career,” Carr told the Mountain Democrat. “Taking that podium spot and earning it was a feeling I will always remember.”

Carr has been training since third grade and enjoys the challenge. “I love wrestling because of the competition and hard mindset you create,” he said. “You learn how to be tougher than that average person; making sacrifices and putting in hard work. No other high school sport is more mind boggling than wrestling.”

Oak Ridge wrestling coach Andy Wagner noted the road to winning was paved with hard work. “He’s a good athlete with a lot of natural gifts,” he said. “This year he really focused on his weak areas and turned them into his strengths.”

It is the first time an Oak Ridge wrestler has medaled since Brandon Claiborne in 2015.

Carr plans to wrestle in college and beyond, saying he would like to continue in the sport as long as possible.

Restaurants Great Family Dining

3 Calaveras, delicious Mexican food terri c drinks

Slingshots, neighborhood bar, food and pool

Kobe Sushi, Japanese and Korean fusion

Thai Rice, authentic fresh inspired Thai food

Crazy Gringo, World Famous Salsa and Tamale factory

Craft House Culture, ne beer and wine pour house

Rey Mimosa, Champaign Breakfast and hearty lunch

Snooty Frog, Fine Dining and craft cocktails

Photos courtesy of Billie West

Oak Ridge senior Shaiden Carr, pictured victorious on the mat at the CIF State Championships in Bakersfield Feb. 23-25, placed in the top 10 in his weight class.

Shaiden Carr and coach Andy Wagner celebrate.

In the KNOW

Stellar student

Congratulations to Chase Neeley of El Dorado Hills, who was named to the fall 2022 Abilene Christian University Dean’s Honor Roll.

March 7

The purpose of the Widowed Persons Club is to provide a support group for widowed men and women of all ages and provide a wide range of social activities through which they have an opportunity to make new friends and find a new direction in their lives.

General meeting lunches are held at Cold Springs Country Club in Placerville for members and guests on the fourth Friday of each month at 11:30 a.m.

A social time precedes each meeting. The cost is $18 and reservations are required. Regular breakfasts are held every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at Denny’s in Placerville. For those interested in joining or reservations don’t hesitate to get in touch with Glenda at (530) 2958374 or Nancy at (530) 919-8276.

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

UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County and Master Food Preservers host All About Berries, 9 a.m. to noon at the Cameron Park Community Center, 2502 Country Club Drive in Cameron Park. Master Gardeners and Master Food Preservers combine their knowledge in this class on berries. Master Gardeners discuss how to grow and care for the various berry plants and the most common diseases and pests in our area. Then Master Food Preservers show you how to preserve your garden bounty in fun and creative ways; from basic jams and jellies, to flavored vinegars, pie fillings and many more.

The Sons in Retirement – Gold Country branch meets the second Wednesday of the month at the Cameron Park Country Club. Check out the club and be a guest for a complimentary lunch. Contact Branch 95’s membership chairman at SIRBranch95@gmail.com for more details.

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) 258-4825 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.

The Lakehills Fire Safe Council presents the Homeowner’s Insurance & Legislative Forum at 6:30 p.m. at El Dorado Hills Fire Station 85, 1050 Wilson Blvd. in EDH. With rising wildfire risk has come new legislation along with insurance policy

True leaders

Hands4Hope youth get leadership refresher

Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference

recently hosted two mid-year leadership retreats for middle school and high school leaders who lead on-campus and afterschool Hands4Hope service-learning clubs and committees.

Hands4Hope staff and the Youth Board Executive Committee, composed of eight high school leaders, planned and facilitated the two retreats at Vintage Grace Church in El Dorado Hills; 23 middle school and 32 high school leaders attended from 13 local schools — Camerado Springs, Folsom, Herbert Green, Marina Village, Markham, Rolling Hills and Sutter middle schools as well as El Dorado, Folsom, Oak Ridge, Ponderosa, Union Mine and Vista del Lago high schools.

The theme of the retreat — Brand it!

Be True to You — focused on how to use branding in marketing for youth-led servicelearning projects. Youth leaders also practiced making a servicelearning demonstration project to showcase the skills used during project development and implementation with the community. Additionally, professionalism was covered in the form of etiquette and professional communication. Youth learned how to appropriately dress for a business meeting or presentation, how to compose themselves at a business luncheon and how to author emails

and leave voicemails when working with businesses and community leaders.

Another important element of the retreats was the time the leaders spent reviewing their personal leadership goals and checking-in with their peer leadership teams. Finally, there were many fun games and activities throughout the retreats that allowed youth leaders from different local schools to get to know each other better, have fun and learn new activities to create a safe space and engage their peers during club and committee meetings.

“I really enjoyed meeting people from

other schools … and can’t wait to use the techniques [we learned] to engage our club,” a high school participant noted.

To make the retreats successful and relevant, the Hands4Hope Education Program staff worked closely with the Youth Board Executive Committee to plan the retreats. The team of adult mentors and youth leaders worked in four committees collaboratively for weeks to design the content and plan the presentations and activities. At each retreat the high school leaders facilitated the workshop in teams of two, to both their peers and the younger middle

school leaders.

“One of my favorite parts of facilitating leadership training is seeing people get really excited to share an idea when we’re in a group discussion,” said Simone Caruthers, Ponderosa High School, Hands4Hope Youth Board president. “I love seeing this enthusiasm and I love when it feels like I don’t have to lead a conversation anymore because everyone has so many great ideas to share.”

Hands4Hope extends a thank you to Vintage Grace Church for the use of its facility, as well as Paco’s Mexican Cuisine for a delicious lunch. Additionally, a huge thank you to adult volunteers Dolly Wager,

Robyn and Chris Parker, Lynn Fedoryk and Andrea Howard for coordinating and serving lunch.

Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference is a nonprofit, youthdriven organization with the mission to inspire and empower youth in leadership and service. The nonprofit offers hands-on education and community engagement opportunities to youth from kindergarten through 12th grades through schoolbased and afterschool programs in Sacramento and El Dorado counties. For more information visit hands4hopeyouth.org or call (916) 294-7426.

“One of my favorite parts of facilitating leadership training is seeing people get really excited to share an idea when we’re in a group discussion. I love seeing this enthusiasm ...”

Courtesy photos

Hands4Hope Youth Board Executive Committee and Brand It! Be True To You retreat facilitators are Tarika Kahlon, Simone Caruthers, Jennifer Cole, Eadora Hormozi, Chloe Deiss, Jayce Kaldunski, Mishti Shah and Ian Hunt.

Murcielago Del Dotto, Marina Middle School Hands4Hope Club president, left, and Lucas Kavert, Camerado Springs Middle School Hands4Hope Club president, have fun during the paper airplane icebreaker.

—Simone Caruthers, Ponderosa High School, Hands4Hope Youth Board president

Interfaith collaboration helps with Caldor Fire recovery

affected by fire.

But survivors need more.

and families affected by the fire remain in great need. Few have filed with El Dorado County to rebuild their homes. The obstacle? The huge gap between any insurance proceeds they have received and what it takes to rebuild.

The Caldor Fire Long-Term Recovery Group has provided $695,000 in assistance to the survivors in the form of money, supplies, and services as it is very expensive to be in a state of limbo after a fire. The Salvation Army has provided nearly $250,000 in assistance in a variety of ways to survivors — job placement, rent, sewer, power and water improvements to property

That was part of the vital information recently shared when the Foothill Interfaith Collaboration, a group in western El Dorado County focused on helping the needy, preparing people for future emergencies, promoting religious freedom and supporting youth and children in our area, met in a quarterly meeting to discuss the Caldor Fire long-term recovery effort. Hosted by Reverend Dr. Laura Barnes at the Federated Church in Placerville, and attended by some 50 people composed of pastors, community members, ministers and nonprofit organizations, leaders agreed that with continued help and coordination between nonprofit organizations, government and faith groups they could make a difference, but it would take their

best efforts.

A new program to start rebuilding homes on a major scale with the help of volunteers and loans from CalHome will start in spring 2024. But as wildfire survivors have learned, recovery takes time. It’s been said that for every one day of a big fire or disaster, it takes 30 days to recover.

To help with the Caldor Fire recovery effort contact West Slope Foundation Executive Director Scot Telferat (916) 952-2673 or visit westslopefoundation.org. To get an update on this and other community service opportunities, attend the next Foothill Interfaith Collaboration meeting on Tuesday, May 2, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3431 Hacienda Road, Cameron Park. Contact Amy Hulbert at foothillinterfaith@gmail.com for more information.

change the narrative for a happier life

Jana Rossi Staff writer

Who doesn’t need a different perspective, a shift from the negative dialogue subconsciously played in the mind?

El Dorado Hills author Lynn Lok-Payne’s new book, “Speak This Not That Positive Affirmations to Have a Better Day,” shares different ways of phrasing negative thoughts that sometimes plague the subconscious.

The affirmation author acknowledged, having gone through her own period of tragic losses, not every day can be rosy. “Everyone has challenges but with positive self-talk, they can make it out the other side.” Lok-Payne explained. She’s proof of that theory.

Through a series of events, the world she once knew was quickly lost. Her husband of 23 years unexpectedly died and only three weeks later she lost her home in a fire. But she still found hope to pass along. “You go through challenges and come out stronger.”

Journaling her feelings became a way to deal with

the mounting grief. “I found writing to be healing,” Lok-Payne shared, adding with a background in sales, she said she never saw herself as a writer. As she continued to pen her feelings and experiences, the tone became more inspirational and she knew she wanted to share her story. “We are so connected,” she said. “Sharing my journey helps to relate and connect with others.”

“Speak This Not That Positive Affirmations to Have a Better Day” is set up with various examples of negative phrases that people sabotage themselves with. Following each negative statement are three positive affirmations that offer the reader a different perspective to which the situation can be looked at.

Replacing “I’m not good enough” with “I surrender the need to be perfect and choose to stop comparing myself to others” or “I love myself just

n See Better days, page B5

Photo by Anita Terry

The Executive Committee of the Caldor Fire Long Term Recovery Group is determined to help residents get back on their feet.

From left to right: Tammy Cornelison, Kathi Guerro, Rev. Dr. Laura Barnes, Amy Mefford, Scot Telfer, Kelly Jordan and Jennifer

Invasive species contest seeks eco-influencers

News release

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announces the 10th annual California Invasive Species Youth Art and Video Contest. This year’s theme, “Think Ahead; Stop the Spread,” encourages students to research ways to prevent the spread and impacts of invasive species and promote actions to protect the environment.

“The big news for this year’s contest is that we’re accepting video entries,” said Elizabeth Brusati, an environmental scientist with CDFW’s Invasive Species Program. “This year’s theme is an opportunity for students to combine science with artistic expression while learning about an important environmental issue.”

Invasive species affect all regions of California and can be spread in many ways, often by humans. CDFW promotes the contest as a way of encouraging students to think about actions to help stop the spread of invasive species such as cleaning recreational gear, planting non-invasive plants and learning about negative impacts of releasing unwanted pets into the wild.

The contest is offered by CDFW’s Invasive Species Program in conjunction with California Invasive Species Action Week, June 3-11.

The art contest has three age divisions for youth in grades 2-4, 5-8 and 9-12. All types of art are welcome and

Courtesy photo

Entries are now being accepted for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s 10th annual California Invasive Species Youth Art and Video Contest.

encouraged, including (but not limited to): drawings, paintings and comic strips. Entries must reflect the 2023 theme: “Think Ahead; Stop the Spread.” The top three winners in each division will have entries announced on CDFW’s social media. All entrants will receive a certificate of participation. The new video portion, open to grades 5-12, allows students to submit a 60-second video on the theme. Winning videos will be posted on CDFW’s YouTube channel. The deadline for contest entries is May 1. All entries must be submitted electronically. Submission instructions can be found on CDFW’s Invasive Species Program

Know Continued from B1

cancellations and price increases, leading to homeowner stress, confusion and frustration. The council has pulled together local industry experts to provide valuable information to help ensure homes and property are safely insured.

The Blues & Bourbon weekly series at The Starlet Room above Harlow’s in Sacramento has begun. Check out the following acts: 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 9

website.

The goal of California Invasive Species Action Week is to increase public awareness of invasive species issues and encourage public participation in the fight against California’s invasive species and their impacts on the state’s natural resources and biodiversity.

The mission of CDFW’s Invasive Species Program is to reduce the impacts of invasive species on the wildlands and waterways of California. The program is involved in efforts to prevent the introduction of these species into the state, detect and respond to introductions when they occur, and prevent the spread of those species that have established.

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.

Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom presents National Geographic Live! Keith Ladzinski – Force of Nature at 7:30 p.m. Ladzinski, adventure photographer and filmmaker, is renowned for his ability to get the shot in some of the world’s most inaccessible and inhospitable environments. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

20-May 20). You’re not afraid to take action, but you’re mindful of the other players. You’ll follow protocol to be sure you don’t disrespect anyone. The task is not worth doing if it hurts feelings along the way. You make a point to lift others.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Are there winners and losers? Maybe. Or maybe it’s all how you frame it. These games will rely entirely on perspective. You’ll feel at liberty to look at things in a number of ways and find the perspective that most empowers you.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The more you value yourself, the more others will value you. You’ll spend money on making yourself feel better. Investing in yourself will be a way of paying respect and showing gratitude for the physical vehicle of your body and mind.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You have been blocking a chaotic element out of your life. Through the years, you learned to do this so automatically you no longer realize it’s a choice, but something will happen today to help you appreciate how you’ve learned to manage life’s realities.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The stressors in your life will come to bear on your ability to resist temptation. The best way to stick to your plans for yourself is to reduce your stress through exercise or meditation. Tonight, you’ll express yourself and you will be copied, which is a high form of flattery.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Replenish your energy with time in the sun. Fresh air and the warm light on your skin will be crucial to your well-being. Tonight, you’ll be as effective as you are organized. Make a list and check it twice so nothing falls through the cracks.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You look forward to spending time with a certain someone. These small interactions are part of an important pattern. You sense correctly that there’s a mutual value gleaned in the exchange.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Things cannot improve while staying the same. The status quo will be disrupted, and this is part of the process. You will drop your resistance to life’s flow. You’ll move fluidly, adjusting to new people and environments.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You can still accomplish your most serious work while in a playful state. You’ll be around people who bring out a fun side of you and make you feel sharper and more alive. This kind of energetic match doesn’t come around every day, so enjoy!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your feelings are valid. Maybe you are not having the emotion you would prefer, but it’s not like you get to choose. The feelings come up and then they dissipate. Good or bad, they are fleeting. There is nothing to be afraid of.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). There is too much to know in this world for one person to have it all figured out. You’re eager to learn and up for challenge. The old saying applies:

“If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.”

n SHOE by Jeff

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

E njoy Better-for-You Foods Focused on Flavor

Family Features

From salads and snacks to breakfast, lunch and dinner, rounding out a full menu of healthy meals shouldn’t be a chore. in fact, you can still enjoy your favorite flavors and tickle your taste buds with nutritious recipes that capitalize on powerful ingredients you actually want to eat. a fruit-forward breakfast is a nutritious way to start your morning, and a fresh twist on pasta salad can make lunches or your evening side an enjoyable way to stay on track.

Bowls filled with grains, veggies and a favorite protein are all the rage, and this seafood-fueled version is no exception when you’re craving a combination of your personal favorites. take your better-for-you eating plan from bland and boring to delightfully delicious by visiting Culinary.net for more recipe inspiration.

Eat Smart with

Seafood

No matter if you’re searching for a healthy family dinner, a quick lunch at home or an easy idea to meal prep for the week ahead, these Orange shrimp

Quinoa Bowls are perfect for seafood lovers who also enjoy a hint of spice.

Fresh, healthy and full of deliciously prepared shrimp, these bowls are also loaded with mushrooms, peppers and cucumbers. the homemade sauce is light with a sweet yet spicy vibe. resting over a cup of steamy quinoa for a filling base of healthy grains, it’s a quick and easy recipe you can customize with favorite toppings like sesame seeds and cilantro.

Find more wholesome, healthforward recipes at Culinary.net.

Orange Shrimp Quinoa

Bowls

servings: 2

1 cup quinoa

1 cup orange juice

1 tablespoon hot sauce

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon soy sauce

4 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 tablespoon white miso

1 1/2 pounds shrimp, peeled, deveined and tails

removed

1/4 cup butter

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cucumber, sliced into half

moons

Savory Pesto Pasta Salad

starting the new year with fresh intentions, whether you’re trying to reset for 2023 or simply add more greens to your meals, begins with delicious, nutritious and easy recipes.

With more than 100 varieties of fresh, healthy and convenient ready-to-eat salads, Fresh express provides plenty of inspiration, information and incentives to help you achieve your goals. For example, this Pesto Pasta salad features red lentil rotini and twisted Pesto Caesar Chopped salad Kits loaded with a fresh blend of crisp iceberg and green leaf lettuces, crunchy garlic brioche croutons, Parmesan cheese and creamy pesto dressing. add fresh grape tomatoes and toasted walnuts for a simple side or easy lunch that can be made ahead of time. Discover more fresh recipe ideas at Freshexpress.com.

Pesto Pasta Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

servings: 6

1 quart cooked red lentil rotini

2 packages (9 1/2 ounces each)

Fresh Express Twisted Pesto Caesar Chopped Salad Kits

1/2 teaspoon salt

5 green onions, sliced

1 avocado, sliced

1 teaspoon sesame seeds

2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped Cook quinoa according to package instructions. set aside.

in medium bowl, whisk orange juice, hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, vegetable oil, lime juice and miso until combined. Pour 1/4 of liquid into separate bowl. set aside. add shrimp to remaining mixture and marinate 15 minutes.

Heat large skillet over medium heat with butter. add shrimp, salt and pepper. Cook 2 minutes on each side until pink. add mushrooms and cook until tender.

in two serving bowls, divide quinoa, bell pepper, cucumber, onions, avocado and shrimp. sprinkle sesame seeds and cilantro over both bowls.

Drizzle with reserved dressing.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup walnuts, toasted

Prepare red lentil rotini according to package directions; cool 15 minutes. in bowl, mix rotini and one dressing packet from salad kits. sprinkle with salt and pepper; mix well. refrigerate, covered, 30 minutes, or until rotini is cold. in large bowl, mix lettuce from both salad kits with remaining salad dressing package. add rotini and tomatoes; toss to combine. sprinkle with garlic brioche croutons and shredded Parmesan cheese from salad kits and walnuts.

Substitution: traditional rotini can be used for red lentil rotini.

A Fruity Twist on Breakfast

Whether it’s a weekend celebration or a simple morning bite on the go, it’s often said breakfast is the most important meal. starting off your day with some fruity nutrition is a sweet way to add vitamin C to your diet without skimping on flavor. With a tasty granola crust and yogurt filling, this Brunch Fruit tart is an easy way to impress guests or fuel your morning at the office. Balanced and easy to make, the crunchy crust and smooth center make it an enjoyable addition to at-home menus. this version calls for strawberries, blueberries and kiwi, but you can get creative with your own favorite fruits for a different flavor each time you make it. Visit Culinary.net to find more nutritious breakfast ideas.

Brunch Fruit Tart

recipe adapted from homemadeinterest.com

Crust:

1/2 cup butter, softened

4 cups granola mixture

4 1/2 tablespoons honey nonstick cooking spray

Filling:

2 1/4 cups vanilla Greek yogurt

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 package gelatin

Toppings:

strawberries, sliced blueberries kiwis, sliced to make crust: Preheat oven to 350 F. in large bowl, combine granola, butter and honey. Grease 11-inch tart pan with nonstick cooking spray. line bottom of tart pan with parchment paper.

Press granola mixture into tart pan. Place tart pan on baking sheet and bake 10 minutes. Cool completely.

To make filling: Using mixer, combine yogurt, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract and gelatin until whipped completely.

Pour yogurt mixture into tart crust. refrigerate at least 1 hour. top with strawberries, blueberries and kiwis.

Pesto Pasta Salad

Orange Shrimp Quinoa Bowls