Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Infant killer faces 15 years

incoming weather may rain on snow’s parade

Odin Rasco

Staff writer

With water resources being a constant consideration in drought-prone California, the Department of Water Resources shared good news after conducting its third snow survey of the season Friday; however, uncertainty still hangs in the atmosphere as a new storm

looms.

The manual survey at Phillips Station near Echo Summit recorded 116.5 inches of snow depth with a snow water equivalent of 41.5 inches, 177% of the average measurement for the location this time of year. Snow water equivalent measures the amount of water stored in the snowpack, a key piece of information for DWR’s water

supply forecasts for the coming year. Friday’s survey results are a significant jump from March of last year, when only 35 inches of snow and 16 inches SWE were measured.

DWR collects readings from 130 snow sensors placed throughout the state to determine statewide snowpack levels; at this time, the state has a SWE of

Tahoe Daily Tribune

An El Dorado County man is expected to receive a prison sentence of 15 years to life after being convicted last month for the 2008 murder of his 3-weekold son.

n Man who murdered own son pleads no contest in 2008 cold case DAviD PAul DeMARTilE, SR.

David Paul DeMartile, Sr., pleaded no contest to second-degree murder before Judge Michael J. McLaughlin Feb. 24, following an investigation revitalized by the El Dorado County Cold Case Homicide Task Force and South Lake Tahoe

Dorado County District Attorney’s Office. David Paul DeMartile, Jr., on Nov. 14, 2008,

Pickleball players say more courts are needed

Pickleball is exploding across the nation, El Dorado Hills being no exception. At last month’s El Dorado Hills Community Services District Board of Directors meeting, pickleball enthusiasts pled for the district to make the sport a priority in both short- and long-term planning for the community.

According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, in the last two years pickleball has become the fastest growing sport with 2022 participation rates rising 39.3%. Invented by three dads from Bainbridge Island, Wash., in 1965 it combines elements of

tennis, badminton and ping pong and is played with a plastic wiffle-like ball on a court only a quarter of the size of a tennis court.

“There’s a need for more pickleball courts to be built in our community,” insisted Lesley Connell, a 30-year denizen of El Dorado Hills. “I represent many residents that are here tonight who are frustrated with the lack of pickleball courts.”

El Dorado Hills currently has four indoor wooden courts only available for two mornings a week at a nominal fee. Two outdoor courts were recently opened at the new Heritage Park, which Connell reports are consistently

See Pickleball, page A8

Sel Richard Staff writer

California Department of Water Resources photo by Andrew Innerarity

The snowpack holds on in the South Fork of the American River canyon east of Fresh Pond March 1. At Echo Summit 116.5 inches of snow depth was measured in the Department of Water Resources’ March survey.

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.

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.

Patricia Lynn Koszalka

Oct. 15, 1949 - Feb. 19, 2023

Patricia Lynn “Trish” Koszalka, age 73 of Placerville, died peacefully at home of natural causes on February 19, 2023. Her final hours were spent in the company of her loved ones.

Trish was born in Sacramento, California to Emanuel and Violet Koszalka on October 15, 1949. Having grown up first in Carmichael, and then in Pollock Pines, she was a 1967 graduate of El Dorado High School and lived her entire adult life in Placerville. She worked for El Dorado County in the Tax Collector’s o ce and in the Mental Health department before leaving to open and operate a board and care home for seniors for nearly 20 years.

Trish lived by the maxim that when you take care of others, you take care of yourself. After her second retirement from her board and care home, she remained active in the community. Trish was a member of Placerville Kiwanis and participated in their e orts to serve others locally. She was also an active volunteer with Snowline Hospice, the El Dorado County Food Bank, and Meals on Wheels. She saw retirement as her opportunity to give back to the community that had been so important to her throughout her life.

Trish is survived by her husband, Mace Bannon; her son, Paul McHenry of Cupertino; her daughter, Marijane Boyd, of Bend, Oregon; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

At Trish’s request there will be no services. A celebration of life will be held at Henningsen Lotus Park on June 16, 2023. Details will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor her legacy to volunteer in the community, contribute to the Kiwanis Family House at UC Davis Medical Center, or to contribute to a charity of their choice.

WEATHER

Dr. Vernon Donald “Don” Helms

Dec. 9, 1938 - Feb. 7, 2023

Dr. Vernon Donald “Don” Helms, a retired school superintendent, administrator, and teacher, passed away at home on February 7, 2023, at the age of 84.

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Don was born in Concord, California on December 9, 1938. As a child Don’s parents relocated to San Bernardino, California where he grew up playing with friends in the open fields and spaces California had at that time. He especially enjoyed talking about the hours he spent looking through the fence at the old Norton Army Airbase in San Bernardino watching the WWII aircraft takeo and land. The time looking through that fence fostered a deep love of aircraft and especially WWII aircraft.

After graduating from Pacific High School, Don completed his teaching credential and became a teacher. By this time Don also had started a family resulting in a son and daughter, Tim and Jill.

Don continued his education, obtaining his Master’s Degree and Administrative Credential toward the goal of moving into education administration. By 1968, he was recruited for and accepted the position of Superintendent of the American School in Karachi, Pakistan.

Upon leaving Pakistan, Don pursued and completed his doctoral degree at the University of Toledo. From there, Don and the family still desired to see the world, so he accepted the position of Principal of the American School in Athens, Greece.

After two years in Greece, Don next accepted the position of the Principal of Taft High School in Hamilton, Ohio. Don was promoted to Assistant Superintendent in Hamilton during his five years in Ohio.

Don’s next challenge was to accept the Deputy Superintendent of Schools position in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It was during this time that Don met the love of his life, Molly McDonough. Molly was also a Ph.D. in Education and has held several Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent positions over the time of her career. They were married and lived in Louisiana until he accepted the position of Superintendent of the Corona-Norco Unified School District in Corona, California in the early 1980’s.

It was during his time in Corona that Don was able to pursue his lifelong love of flying. He obtained his pilot’s license in the late 1980’s and was co-founder of the Commemorative Air Force’s Inland Empire Wing in Corona. The CAF Corona Wing was responsible for sponsoring and refurbishing several WWII era aircraft to flying status now on tour with the Commemorative Air Force shows.

Don’s final assignment before retirement was as the Superintendent of the Placerville School District in Placerville, California. Don retired in 2002, although he continued to be engaged in various types of educational consulting until his late 70’s. Don and Molly finally made their last move in 2018 to Prescott, Arizona to be close to family in the final years of their retirement.

Don is survived by his wife Molly of 41 years, his children, Tim & Susan Helms, Jill Anderson-Wold & Nick Wold, and Melanie Newkome. Don is also survived by his grandchildren: Stephen & Holly Helms and great-granddaughter Aubrey; Sydney Helms; Nick & Rachel Brown; Peter & Becky Brown and great-grandsons Bennett and Hayden; Brennan & Emily Jones and great-grandson Osce; Mariel, Molly and Emery Jones. Don will be forever missed by those who knew and loved him.

The family will be having a private remembrance gathering.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the ALS Foundation.

Nancy Jean Morgan

May 15, 1934 - Dec. 9, 2022

5-DAY FORECAST

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.

CRIME LOG

The following was taken from Placerville Police Department logs:

Feb. 23

1:02 p.m. A catalytic converter was reported stolen on Francis Avenue.

Feb. 24

8:02 p.m. Officers arrested a 48-year-old woman on suspicion of misconduct on Marshall Way.

Feb. 25

2:10 p.m. An assault was reported on Green Wing Lane.

Feb. 26

8:36 a.m. A vehicle was reported stolen on Placerville Drive.

11:18 p.m. Officers arrested a 38-year-old man on suspicion of illegal camping on Broadway.

Cold case

Feb. 27

4:45 p.m. Officers arrested a 59-year-old woman who allegedly assaulted a hospital worker on Marshall Way.

4:49 p.m. A vehicle was reported stolen from a Placerville Drive business.

5:37 p.m. A residential burglary was reported on Canal Street.

11:23 p.m. Officers arrested a 38-year-old man on suspicion of illegal camping on Broadway.

Feb. 28

8:37 a.m. Officers arrested a 56-year-old man on suspicion of a parole violation on Placerville Drive.

6:11 p.m. Officers arrested a 58-year-old woman on suspicion of reckless driving on Broadway.

11:30 p.m. Officers arrested a 65-year-old man on suspicion of illegal camping on Center Street.

was only 22 days old when he was found in his crib not breathing. Paramedics attempted to resuscitate him to no avail and he was pronounced dead at Barton Memorial Hospital.

An autopsy revealed the infant died as a result of blunt force trauma to the inside of his brain consistent with being abused, according to the news release.

Autopsy results launched an o cial criminal investigation into the death.

At some point the investigation was labeled a cold case, meaning that obvious leads had dried up.

In 2017 SLTPD detectives, along with the Cold Case Homicide Task Force, reopened the case. Through continued work, investigators reached a point they felt they could prove beyond a reasonable doubt that DeMartile was guilty. There was no single piece of evidence that led investigators to that point, deputy district attorney Joe Alexander told the Tahoe Daily Tribune at the time. Rather it was the totality of the investigation over nearly 10 years.

Alexander did not comment on the status of the baby’s mother, who was at the residence when DeMartile called 911.

“She is not charged but beyond that I don’t have any comment as to the mom’s status,” he said.

DeMartile was serving a 14-year prison sentence related to a 2017 burglary charge in El Dorado County when the cold case indictment came, the Tribune reported.

DeMartile’s criminal record includes eight di erent criminal cases in El Dorado County Superior Court, according to court records.

In December 2008 DeMartile was charged with assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, battery with serious bodily injury and two additional counts of battery, court documents show.

DeMartile also was charged in 2016 with injuring a spouse, cohabitant, fiance, boyfriend, girlfriend or child’s parent and false imprisonment by violence. The “dating partner” identified in court documents was not the baby’s mother.

In accordance with the plea agreement DeMartile is expected to be sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison, notes the DA’s news release. He was 51 years old when he was taken into custody in June 2018. Sentencing is scheduled for April 17.

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Sheriff declares emergency due to storms

Mountain Democrat staff

El Dorado County Sheri Je Leikauf on March 3 proclaimed a local emergency as a result of major winter storms in February and March.

The sheri is director of the county’s O ce of Emergency Services and is authorized to proclaim a local emergency, which is subject to ratification from the Board of Supervisors within seven days and rea rmed every 60 days until the emergency has concluded, according to the proclamation.

A local emergency proclamation asserts continuing risk to life and property and that the response is beyond the capabilities of local resources.

This proclamation allows for the mobilization of resources and the implementation of emergency measures to protect the public and property.

Sheri ’s deputies have been making welfare checks amid the storms with

many folks without power or phone service and unable to get out of their homes due to all the snow. Anyone with an emergency should call 911. Those who know of loved ones, neighbors or anyone who might need a welfare check can call EDSO’s non-emergency dispatch at (530) 621-6600.

El Dorado County was not included in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s March 1 declaration of an emergency in 13 counties.

Sheri ’s o cials reported at this time El Dorado does not meet the criteria to be included in the state’s emergency proclamation but OES continues to receive damage assessments and evaluate the county’s ability to be included.

Damage criteria is based on impacts to government and non-government infrastructure, sheri ’s o cials note. If the county is able to be included in the state of emergency, government and nongovernment entities could potentially get reimbursement for damage.

Snow hides hydrant as fire crews respond to explosion

Ashleigh Goodwin

Tahoe Daily Tribune

A home explosion Thursday rattled a Meyers neighborhood. Lake Valley Fire Protection District officials said they received multiple calls at approximately 4 p.m. with witnesses reporting a fire on the second floor of a newly built home off Piute Street. The source of the explosion is being investigated by the department along with Southwest Gas, according to Lake Valley Fire Capt. Martin Goldberg. Goldberg said the response time was quick but

Snow survey

Continued from A1

44.7 inches, 190% of the average for the first week of March. The state’s snowpack is currently just behind the record snow year of 1982-83 but the snowpack has notable variances from region to region. The southern Sierra region has a snowpack at 209% of the April 1 average, and central Sierra is at 175%. The northern Sierra, however, is 136% of the April 1 average.

“Thankfully the recent storms combined with the January atmospheric rivers have contributed to an above-average snowpack that will help fill some of the state’s reservoirs and maximize groundwater recharge e orts,” DWR Director Karla Nemeth commented following Friday’s survey. “But the benefits vary by region and the Northern Sierra, home to the state’s largest reservoir Lake Shasta, is lagging behind the rest of the Sierra. It will also take more than one good year to begin recovery of the state’s groundwater basins.”

In the northern Sierra, being home to many of the largest surface water reservoirs in the state, higher snowpack is critical to help the state begin to replenish groundwater levels that have been hit hard by three consecutive years of drought conditions, noted DWR o cials.

The high snowpack may have a limited shelf life, however, as another atmospheric river is poised to pass over California later this week. There is potential for the next wave of storms to be much warmer, according to Andrew J. Schwartz, lead scientist and manager at the U.C. Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Laboratory.

“A warmer atmospheric river could be problematic; there is a potential for a lot of this snow melting and actually seeing a lot of flooding,” Schwartz said. “That is a concern going forward but it’s too soon to make a call if that’s what’s going to happen. We’re mostly just happy to have the moisture up here.”

If warmer storms should come to pass, catastrophic flooding caused by the sizable snowpack melting away quickly and overwhelming waterways is possible. Similar patterns of high snowpack followed by warm rain preceded the 2017 flooding that caused considerable damage to the Oroville Dam and and led to mud and rockslide closures along Highway 50 east of Pollock Pines.

In 1997 a warm storm melted away the snowpack, causing catastrophic flooding that rocked the county, with a state of disaster declared as Coloma sank beneath the waves of the South Fork of the

American River. The river at Slab Creek Reservoir set historic highs with a flow of 62,800 cubic feet of water per second, equivalent to nearly 30 million gallons of water rushing by per minute. That year, Tahoe became an island, surrounded by riverlike roadways and crumbling mountains cutting them o from everywhere.

Though the storms this winter have been a boon for snowpack and reservoirs, groundwater basins are much slower to replenish, according to information from DWR. Many areas are still struggling with water supply shortages, particularly communities that rely on groundwater supplies that have been tapped close to dry due to the prolonged drought.

“This big thing to consider is that we are often so focused on being pessimistic about water supply, but this is a chance to be happy with what we have right now,” Schwartz said. “It’s not going to solve all our problems right away but I think this is a time where we can be optimistic, especially compared to other recent years.” One month remains in the wet season and the DWR is updating runo forecasts to water managers across the state to ensure the best benefits to the water supply while mitigating flood risks.

DENTAL PROBLEMS AND CLEFT LIP OR PALATE

Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects affecting approximately one in every 1,600 babies. Cleft lip occurs when the tissues between the mouth and nose don’t come together properly in utero, leaving a gap or cleft. Cleft palate happens when this improper tissue growth occurs on the roof of the mouth or palate. The two conditions can occur together or on their own. In either case, the conditions cause several problems for developing babies, including issues with teeth, breathing, feeding, and talking. Children born with this condition often have missing teeth along the line of the cleft. They may also have extra teeth, misshapen or rotated teeth, and severe crowding. These problems often warrant additional dental and orthodontic

care.

We know it is important to you that the people who take care of your oral health needs be well-informed, knowledgeable, highly skilled, and caring and compassionate. Our promise to you, then, is that our office will provide you with dental care of the highest quality, based on sound medical modalities, using the most appropriate procedures, and utilizing extremely qualified staff members. Keep on top of your dental health by calling our office for comfortable, comprehensive dental care for you and your family.

P.S. Cleft lip and cleft palate are often corrected through surgery during a child’s first twelve to eighteen months

Courtesy photo

An El Dorado County sheriff’s deputy makes a house call at a residence surrounded by deep snow.

A South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue ladder truck allows firefighters to attack a Meyers house fire from above after an explosion was reported Thursday.

Photo courtesy of LVF

Board President Message

By Leonard Grado

As president of the Chamber for 2023, my theme will be “Success through Service”.

We are at our best when we are engaged with our fellow businesses and residents in meaningful service. I would encourage our businesses to not only focus on being successful, but to be signi cant as well. To be signi cant is to go beyond just bottom-line success. Signi cance seeks having an impact through our businesses on the overall health and wellbeing of the community we reside in, as well as those we employ.

It requires the investment of our most valuable commodity, the investment of our time. Our after-work time. My challenge this year to our community of businesses, will be to

increase the intrinsic value of your business here in our El Dorado County through service. I would encourage every business owner to involve yourself and your team in a community outreach project this 2023 calendar year. In doing so, reach out and pull in those on the sidelines that they might experience with you the true joy of giving back, and making their business signi cant too. We all can become change agents, and through our efforts we will insure a bright future here in El Dorado County.

I can assure you, our chamber is committed to the health and welfare of

March Business Luncheon

Our speaker — Jody Franklin, Executive Director of Tourism, El Dorado County Visitors Authority

With 15 years of success in the tourism industry as well as 20 years as an entrepreneur, Jody has a proven track record in the dynamic landscape of destination marketing and leadership skills. Under her leadership, El Dorado County Visitors Authority has seen huge growth in both its marketing programs and community support. She has developed and implemented several collaborative programs, created & organized events designed to increase off season room nights, and cultivated and maintained positive relationships with community leaders, industry partners, city and county officials. Jody has also expanded strategic alliances and assumed leadership role on the rural marketing committee of Visit California and the Gold Country Visitors Association.

Wednesday, March 15, 2023 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Hosted by the Cameron Park Country Club 3201 Royal Drive RSVP Required $30.00

SBA Disaster Loans

If you are located in a declared disaster area, you may be eligible for nancial assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Incident: Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides & Mudslides occuring December 27, 2022 through January 31, 2023.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-pro t organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary nancial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.

Filing Deadline/Economic Injury: October 16, 2023.

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

all of our members interests as you work daily to manage your business concerns. We know our Small businesses are the life blood of our community. You are the cogs that make the economic wheels turn here in El Dorado County. Thank you for your hard work. The Chamber is your voice and advocate that speaks much louder than any one individual’s business. We are here for you. In these changing and challenging times, we at the chamber will continue to support meaningful legislation that assists our business colleagues, and we will work diligently to oppose regu-

lations and red tape that make doing business more dif cult. We don’t have a need for more headwind in our businesses. As we move through 2023, we will need to support one another’s businesses purposefully through predicted uncertain economic times. More than ever, we will need to come alongside our fellow proprietors. I am committed to assisting in any way I can in this endeavor. With this in mind, I would ask that you join together with your Chamber and the businesses it represents to make this a great year in El Dorado County.

Agencies Grant More Time to Review

Fire Hazard Zones

CalChamber-Led Request Prompts Extension

By Adam Regele, February 3, 2023

At the urging of a California Chamber of Commerce-led coalition, state agencies have extended the time they will take comments on a recently released map of re hazard zones in the state.

The updated re hazard severity zone designations affect approximately 31 million acres of California and determine, among other things, planning decisions, building code applications and the availability and cost of residential home insurance for millions of Californians.

Request Granted

Last week, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the Of ce of the State Fire Marshal granted the CalChamber coalition’s request for an additional 60 days to provide comment on the recently released draft Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) map for the State Responsibility Areas (SRA).

Although CAL FIRE spent the better half of a decade internally developing a new model to update the 2007 FHSZ map, the public was given notice on December 14, 2022 of a 45-day comment period.

The CalChamber-led coalition of more than 50 organizations included local governments and submitted a letter requesting an additional 60 days of public comment.

More Thorough Review

The coalition noted that the additional time provided to stakeholders would allow for a more thorough review and comments to better inform the regulatory outcome that CAL FIRE and the public hopes to achieve. Recognizing the breadth of affected stakeholders seeking additional time, CAL FIRE granted the 60-day extension request.

The comment period is now extended from February 3, 2023 to April 4, 2023.

Cal Fire Updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map

Ways

As part of the adoption process of the map, Cal Fire invites public comment on the proposed map. The public may submit written comment at the address below of through email at FHSZcomments@ re.ca.gov. Information on public comment hearings can be found on Cal Fire’s website at osfm. re. ca.gov/FHSZ.

Written comments may be submitted by U.S. mail to the following address:

Of ce of the State Fire Marshal

C/O: FHSZ Comments

Calif. Dept. of Forestry & Fire Protection

P O Box 944246

Sacramento, CA 94244-2460

To determine the FHSZ of a property, the public can easily search an address using a new FHSZ Viewer at sofm. re.ca.gov/FHSZ.

In order to help California residents better understand the FHSZ map and answer questions, Cal Fire has created a public toolkit on its website to include new and easy to follow sections, including maps, frequently asked questions, and an automated “hotline” to contact for speci c information. The new website also includes date, time and locations of FHSZ public hearings that will be held in the 56 counties that have FHSZ’s within the SRA (State Responsibility Area).

2023

Chamber Champions:

Welcome New Members

From L to R: Rob Nichols, Gold Leaf Botanicals, Offering Kratom, holistic plant based therapy Herbs, botanicals and information. 415 Placerville Dr., Ste. G, Placerville. (530) 5030744, goldleafbotanicals.net

Terry Thomas, Pizza Factory of Pollock Pines, 6536 Pony Express Trail. (530) 647-1944, pizzafactory.com/pollockpines

Kim Havercroft, Esthetic Dentistry and Implants, Dr. Jeff Lee – All aspects of general dentistry with a gentle touch. 2916 Tunnel Street, Placerville. (530) 344-8000, estheticdentistryandimplants.com

Andy Nevis, EDC Planning Commissioner, https://www.facebook.com/calfan/ , https://twitter.com/avnevis

Paige Gillin, Privy Farms, Christmas Tree Farm, Pollock Pines. (916) 834-9534, paigegillin@me.com

Christy Jorgensen, EDC Emergency Services Authority, Coordinating the daily operational management of the re based pre-hospital emergency medical ambulance and dispatch services for the Western Slope of the County. http://www.edcjpa.org , (530) 391-4405

Leonard Grado, EDC Chamber President 2023

Miners on Main Scavenger Hunt

M ARCH C ALENDAR OF E VENTS

There are ten “Miners” hidden throughout Main Street Placerville from Sacramento Street to Clay Street. These Miners all had an impact on Placerville and El Dorado County during the Gold Rush period. Each miner has a QR code on the medallion that will take you to a webpage about the miners when scanned with your phone camera. So grab your phone and begin your hunt. visit-eldorado.com/miners-on-main/

The Green Room Social Club

Live music from local and national touring acts. Thurs: 11:30 a.m.

– 9 p.m., Fri / Sat 11:30 a.m. -11 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Mon: 11 – 9. Online reservations – clubgreenroom.com or call 530-344-7490. 251 Main St., Placerville.

Red Hawk Resort & Casino

Casino, Entertainment, Dining. Red Hawk Resort + Casino is excited that soon we will be offering 18-lane ultramodern bowling, Virtual Reality Arcade, Golf Simulator, Multi-Level Karting Track, Sports Bar, Apex Grill and more! Check back soon for details. www.redhawkcasino.com

Mar 4 Grow & Show Workshop for Kids!

Children will take the day to learn basics about parts and needs of plants, children will plant a succulent cutting in a small pot, bean sports or other available seedlings. They will receive a short booklet with the basics of plants and how to care for them, children will be encouraged to take their learnings to care for their plants. Following participation they can enter their plant in the El Dorado County Fair. Children may decorate the pot or make it look like a fairy garden. Their plant will be on display during the Fair for everyone to see and entered for a chance at a ribbon! 9:30 a.m. Registration Link: https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey. cfm?surveynumber=39672

Mar 4 El Dorado Ranch Hike

A drive to Fanny Creek will start the hike off at 10 a.m. Starting in 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+ welcome. Steady rain cancels. Suggested Donation: $10/members, $15/non-members. A detailed email will be sent once you register online. Registration Link: https://app.donorview.com/9Ve79

Mar 4 Pizza Wine and Live Music

Patrick Walsh LIVE in the Event Room from 4 – 6:30 p.m. Singer songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist brings a fresh sound from the world of no genres. Born and raised in the gold rush towns of Northern California he often incorporates local history and experiences into his songs. Flatbread Pizza’s will be available for purchase $15 a piece with toppings! Sierra Vista Winery, 4560 Cabernet Way, Placerville. Registrations Link: https://www.sierravistawinery.com/event/music-patrickwalsh/

Mar 4 Ponderosa Bands Music and Marinara

Please join us for this thrilling annual event that will feature the swinging sounds of the Ponderosa High School Band and Jazz Band Ensembles. This fundraiser will also offer a delicious pasta dinner catered by Skipolini's, dessert, and raf e basket drawings!

6 p.m. 2502 Country Club Dr, Cameron Park. Registration Link: https://ticketstripe.com/Music-Marinara2023

Mar 11 Living History Day

Marshall Discovery Park, Coloma. Come explore what life would have been like in Coloma during 1850. Docents will have demonstrations set up to show the park visitors different hands-on demonstrations and crafts that people did during the California Gold Rush. 11 a.m.

Mar 11 Zen Meditation and Qigong

Wakamatsu Farm, Goldhill/Placerville Area. 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. 1:00 p.m. Responsible/ quiet 12-year-olds+ welcome. $5/members, $10/non-members. A detailed email will be sent once you register online. Registration Link: https://app.donorview.com/09nYn

Mar 12 Brunch in the Vines

Enhance your Sunday Fun with Brunch In the Vines. Estate Chef Brian Overhauser will delight you with his culinary creativity, perfectly pairing our estate wines with his brunch creations. You will not be disappointed with this gastronomical experience. 10 a.m. 7350 Fairplay Road, Somerset. www.element79vineyards.com/ Events/Brunch-in-the-Vines

Mar 12 Capturing Wakamatsu

Wakamatsu Farm, Goldhill/Placerville Area. El Dorado County’s rst Poet Laureate, and award-winning Sacramento-area poet will lead an exploration of farmhouse, barn, and surroundings, then ask participants to write a poem inspired by what they’ve experienced. 12 p.m. Children 8+ welcome with adult supervision. $5/members, $10/non-members. A detailed email will be sent once you register online. https://app.donorview.com/JDMAK

Mar 12 Poppy Walk

With glowing orange elds 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. 2 p.m. Hiking to the owers takes about 15-20 minutes. Meeting location Coloma/Lotus area. Cost: $30 per person. A detailed email will be sent once you register online. Donations aid the Bill Center Memorial Fund. This hike is weather and bloom dependent. Registration Link: https://app.donorview.com/1WVJL

Mar 12 Fishing on the Farm

3rd Wednesday of each month March-May, 5pm – Dark. A return of monthly shing night at historic Wakamatsu Farm. Participants over 16 must have a valid CA shing license. All ages welcome. Minors must be supervised by an adult. Steady rain or lightning storm cancels. $10/members, $15/non-members. A detailed email will be sent once you register online. Registration Link: https:// app.donorview.com/y9JeY

Mar 15 Chamber Business Luncheon

Guest Speaker, Jody Franklin, EDC Executive Director of Tourism. Cameron Park Country Club. 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. $30.00 for Members/$35 Non Members RSVP.

Mar 16 – 25 Oakridge High-Clue on Stage!

Join the iconic oddballs: Scarlet, White, Plum, Green, Peacock and Mustard as they race to nd the murderer in Boddy Manor before the body count stacks up. Based on the cult classic lm and the popular board game. Clue: On Stage is a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the nal twist. 7 p.m. 1120 Harvard Way, El Dorado Hills. Registration Link: https://www. ortab.org/

Mar 17 Fire Council Presentation

Ken Pimlot from the Fire Council Panel will talk about re in our area, how to prepare for it, how to insure against it. Location: 4701 Missouri Flat Road, Diamond Springs. Admission free for members; public invited to attend 2 meetings/year free. 1 p.m.

Registration Link: srsedc.org

Mar 17 – Feb 4 Imagination Theater Presents:

Frozen Jr.

Based on the Disney lm. Frozen JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart! www. itplacerville.org/frozen-jr/

Mar 17 Dine in the Vines:

Limited to 16 people, an evening of delicious food, scrumptious wine and unforgettable moments. Combine this with an experience of perfectly paired food by our estate culinary team with our estate wines. 6:30 p.m. 7350 Fairplay Road ,Somerset. www. element79vineyards.com/Events/Dine-in-the-Vines

Mar 18 Hike. Spot. Capture

This will be a 2-3 mile slow-paced hike in search of that perfect shot on ARC’s newly acquired Elliott Pond property. 8:30 a.m. Rain cancels. Responsible photographers 12+ welcome. Suggested Donation: $5/members, $10/non-members. A detailed email will be sent once you register online. Registration Link: https://app.donorview.com/kV03R

Mar 18 Swap Meet

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Free admission and parking. Swap meet will be held in plaza at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. (In case of Inclement weather Pavilion A, B, D) https://eldoradocountyfair. org/swap.html

Mar 18 Placerville Speedway

Season Opener. Points Race #1. Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Ltd.

Late Models, Pure Stocks and Wingless Sprints. www.placervillespeedway.com/

Mar 25 -26 Ride the Line Bike Show and Moto

Love Story

El Dorado County Fair & Event Center. https://41live.com/

Mar 25 Placerville Speedway

Spring Fever Frenzy. Sprint Car Challenge Tour, BCRA Lightning Sprints. www.placervillespeedway.com/

Mar 25 Snowshoe Hike

9 a.m. Snowshoe hike (5-6 miles) on the El Dorado NF begins at the end of the plowed pavement on Wentworth Springs Rd 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. 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+. Whiteout conditions or no snow postpones/cancels trip. Wellbehaved dog on leash OK. Suggested Donation: $10/members, $15/non-members. Registration Link: https://app.donorview.com/ y9Vgn

Mar 25 Element Vineyards Divining Experience:

Discover the culinary magic of expertly paired food with expertly crafted wine. This is another installment of your investment in pleasure. Reserve a place at the table today! 11:30 a.m. 7350 Fairplay Road , Somerset. www.element79vineyards.com/Events/

Element-79-Divining

Mar 26 Sogetsu Ikebana Classes

Join us in the Sogetsu School of Ikebana, Japanese ower arranging. Variation Slanting Style for Nageire Arrangements will be discussed. Ages 8+w/adult supervision. Cost: Individual classes $35/members, $45/non-members. 10 a.m. Registration Link: https://app.donorview.com/VjqYz

Mar 29 Lets Make a Deal

The community is invited to a day of Brilliant Bridge – Fabulous

Food - Delightful Door Prizes at the Placerville Shakespeare Club

Annual Bridge Party. Men and women bridge players are welcome. 9:30 a.m. $50 a pair includes a morning snack, lunch, cash prizes as well as door prizes. Partners will play together the entire day. 2940 Bedford Ave, Placerville. www.placerville-shakespeare.com/bridge2022.pdf

For more information on these and other events, visit www. visiteldorado.com Event date, time, cost or locations are subject to change. Prior to attending an event please con rm the information

Photo by Robert Henderson

OPINION

Gov. Newsom’s crackdown on oil industry faces bipartisan skepticism

Members of a state Senate committee recently spent more than four hours delving into the complexities of the supply chain that pumps more than 13 billion gallons of gasoline into Californians’ cars each year.

Immediately after the “informational hearing” ended, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared that it made the case for the taxlike “penalties” he wants to impose on refiners for exceeding still-to-be-determined profit margins, once again accusing them of price gouging.

“Today’s hearing provided even more evidence that we need to crack down on Big Oil’s price gouging at the pump,” Newsom said. “Experts detailed how gas price hikes led to record profits and why we need greater transparency. Big Oil’s lobbyists again used scare tactics and refused to provide answers or solutions to last year’s price spikes. We’re taking action to hold them accountable with a price gouging penalty and longoverdue transparency measures.”

Newsom’s statement bore little resemblance to what actually transpired during the hearing. Experts, including the state’s foremost authority on energy pricing, told legislators that the sharp, albeit temporary, spike in pump prices last year had little to do with refinery actions, but rather inexplicable hikes by retailers.

And even Democratic legislators were openly skeptical of Newsom’s claims.

“There is clearly a belief out there among many people that oil companies were profiting o the backs of Californians,” said Sen. Dave Min, an Irvine Democrat who will seek a congressional seat next year. “At the same time we don’t really have a smoking gun, as far as I can see, that shows intentional collusion.”

The Senate energy committee’s chairman, Steve Bradford, was equally unconvinced. Bradford, a San Pedro Democrat, asked, “What are we trying to solve for? … We have passed legislation here

Guest Column

Letters to the Editor

The deficit

EDITOR:

Scott Taylor says the GOP doesn’t cut spending either in his letter on the deficit. They have tried in the past, but every time they do the Democrats fill the airwaves with ads saying the GOP is throwing grandmother in the street. So the GOP caves in order to keep more than two Republican politicians in the whole country.

This works because Nancy Pelosi was right when she said that many districts in California would vote for a glass of water with a (D) after it. Unfortunately, that holds true for the country at large.

To many, our deficit is an abstract concept so let me simplify it to the personal level to make it more understandable. Other than the fact that the government can print money and has no limit on its credit card, it’s basically a large version of a family so I will provide an analogy based on that.

Your bills exceed your income so you make up the di erence with your credit card. As you do this the minimum payment you must come up with each month increases, taking a larger portion of your income and forcing you to borrow more. Eventually the minimum payment exceeds your income. This is where a government resorts to printing money. But this devalues the money and eventually you can’t print it fast enough. Then you have a monetary collapse. The last two of those that occurred in an industrialized country resulted in Napoleon in France and Adolf Hitler in Germany.

Now will this happen tomorrow? No. Me and Mr. Taylor will get by. Those of you in middle age may avoid this collapse. But, unfortunately, on our present course you young people haven’t got a prayer. So think about that the next time you think the government should finance everything but the kitchen sink.

GEORGE ALGER Placerville

Still unanswered

EDITOR:

Weeks ago, I challenged the Board of Supervisors to go to Diamond Springs, namely Deb’s Frosty, on any weeknight,

3:30-530 p.m. (except a holiday) to see what the impact of poor planning and failure of past supervisors have done to this little, historical town the residents love.

To date there has been no response.

Maybe if they view what has happened and talk to local residents who have to work to support their families and cannot attend meetings in a controlled environment for three minutes to voice their concerns, they will understand why largescale development is out of the question. Let them see in person what residents, business owners, commuters and first responders see on a daily basis.

Here is the tra c count on Pleasant Valley Road according to county tra c studies completed on May 21, 2021 — 15,646 eastbound from El Dorado and 14,229 westbound of El Dorado. The study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic when people stayed home.

El Dorado Hills Boulevard has a count as high as 28,391. However, EDH Boulevard is predominately four lanes whereas Pleasant Valley Road and Highway 49 are worn-out, two-lane roads with minimal maintenance for years. This excludes the half mile of Highway 49 that has been transformed into a four-lane road as part of a vision of a “Road Going Nowhere Fast” aka the Diamond Springs bypass, which is poorly named because it does not bypass Diamond Springs at all.

It bypasses the historical part of Diamond Springs and does nothing to help tra c to south county get through a heavily used commercial area with a bad intersection at Pleasant Valley Road and Racquet Way. With the ever-increasing tra c load at this intersection, a fatal accident is a strong possibility.

However you disguise these developments in Diamond Springs, the fact remains, at this time, after 19 years nothing has been done to change the problems that confronted this proposed subdivision. The county leaders just took the “flamingo approach” and buried their collective mindset in the dirt.

When will common sense, care and compassion rise within the “Gang of Five?” You should only build and develop a project if there is infrastructure to accommodate it.

However, in El Dorado County, “Money talks

Insurance commissioner must act to prevent crisis

We’ve run a family owned, independent insurance agency for more than 50 years. Those of us in the insurance business know that when customers come to us for insurance what they’re looking to buy is security. In the California market today, providing that security has become increasingly di cult — and is poised to get much worse without action by our elected insurance commissioner.

Independent insurance agents serve consumers by learning their needs and then searching out policies that ensure those needs are met.

In a healthy, competitive market consumers are well served. Today in California, such a market does not exist. Consumers are left with fewer options and thousands of small businesses like my family’s are finding it increasingly di cult to serve them.

The California Department of Insurance had a moratorium for more than two years and did not review rating plans submitted by

insurers grappling with rising inflation and claims costs. In December 2022 the department began reviewing rating plans and has now approved 11 plans. This is good news and helps keep California’s insurance market functioning, but more than 80 rating plans remain in the department awaiting action. While they wait, insurance companies are operating under prepandemic, pre-inflation rate plans, paying out more in claims than the income they are taking in from premiums. Not surprisingly, insurance providers are pulling back from the California market.

As a result, California is on the brink of a coverage crisis that will severely limit consumers’ options or even prevent them from obtaining the security they seek.

Allstate paused new auto policy sales through independent insurance agents in California and dropped monthly payment options, requiring consumers to pay at least half their policy premiums up front.

Geico closed 38 local o ces and stopped selling new auto policies through call centers. Progressive Insurance pulled back its advertising to limit new policies. Several carriers removed their companies from the software independent agents use to get new policy quotes.

The situation in the homeowners’ insurance market is much the same. Allstate recently told agents to pause o ering new policies in California and others will likely follow suit.

This is a clear call to action for newly re-elected Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. He has the opportunity to act on the backlog of rate plans so more companies will o er more policies in our state. Ultimately, it’s this competition among providers that will lead to varied options and better pricing for consumers.

Make no mistake: This is a California-only problem. Other states have approved new rating plans accounting for today’s reality

of inflation, supply-chain delays and a spike in tra c fatalities and the severity of auto accidents. If this reality persists, insurance carriers will simply stop doing business in the only state in which they lose money on every product they sell.

The insurance commissioner has a constitutional responsibility to ensure that California has a healthy, robust and functioning insurance market by reviewing and approving rate plans that adequately reflect the cost of covering claims.

If that duty isn’t carried out, there are consequences. We’re already starting to experience them and a fullblown market meltdown is looming. Insurance agencies — many of which are small, family owned businesses — are feeling it now, as it takes longer and much more work to find new coverage for clients, if they can find it at all.

Inaction will lead to cascading economic e ects; auto sales will

TED GAINES

SUMMARY

California Gov. Gavin Newsom accuses the oil industry of price gouging on gasoline prices and wants to impose penalties on excess profits. But he didn’t fare well in the first hearing for the proposal. ■

California is on the brink of a coverage crisis that will severely limit consumers’ options or even prevent them from obtaining the security they seek.

Richard B. Esposito Publisher

Krysten Kellum Editor

Noel Stack Managing Editor

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

feb. 23

7:09 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 49-year-old man suspected of DUI on Highway 50 (location not specified). He was released on $25,000 bail.

feb. 24

12:43 a.m. Battery was reported on Glee Lane in Placerville.

2:38 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 31-year-old man suspected of smuggling drugs into the jail, a felony probation violation and resisting arrest on Bedford Avenue in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $53,000 bail.

4:47 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 33-year-old woman suspected of unlawful possession of tear gas, giving false ID to officers, resisting arrest and a felony probation violation on Bedford Avenue in Placerville. She was in custody in lieu of $108,000 bail.

11:12 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Meadow Croft Lane in Pilot Hill.

11:19 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 56-year-old man suspected of disorderly conduct on South Shingle Road in Shingle Springs. He was later released.

4:25 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 27-year-old woman suspected of vandalism on El Dorado Road in Placerville. She was later released.

4:49 p.m. Battery was reported at a store on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

11:52 p.m. Deputies cited a suspect after responding to a battery at an apartment complex on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

feb. 25

1:17 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 62-year-old man suspected of disorderly conduct on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. He was later released.

1:52 a.m. Burglary was reported at a drug store on Plaza Goldorado Circle in Cameron Park.

7:20 a.m. Burglary was reported at an eatery on Palmer Drive in Cameron park.

8:22 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 66-year-old man suspected of failing to register as a sex offender on Greenstone Road in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $50,000 bail.

3:18 p.m. Burglary was reported on Meadow Croft Lane in Pilot Hill.

7:34 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 62-year-old man suspected of disorderly conduct on Wentworth Springs Road in Georgetown. He was later released.

8:34 p.m. Battery was reported at a store on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

10:38 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 38-yearold man suspected of burglary on Broadway in Placerville. He was later released.

feb. 26

12:32 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 40-yearold man suspected of possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia and a probation violation on Main Street in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $5,000 bail.

Walters Continued from A6 in California that has encouraged leaving oil in the ground …Have we created a scenario that has helped create this problem?”

And so it went. Democrats and Republicans alike, while expressing sympathy for motorists who saw transportation expenses jump sharply, offered almost no support, even conceptually, for imposing penalties that the petroleum industry says would merely increase prices even more.

“As outraged as we are (about high prices) … what the hell are the unintended consequences?” Sen. Bill Dodd, a Napa Democrat, mused.

California’s gas prices have historically been higher than those in other states, thanks mainly to its high

taxes, both direct and indirect, and its distinct formulations to fight smog, which make it almost impossible to import fuel from elsewhere.

The state has adopted a policy of phasing out California’s oil industry along with gasolinepowered vehicles. As consumption declines, the state’s refining capacity has diminished.

The question before the committee last month was why the differential between California and other states suddenly widened to several dollars a gallon.

Severin Borenstein of UC Berkeley’s Energy Institute, as the state’s leading independent analyst of gasoline price trends, acknowledged those factors and others while telling the committee that last year’s price hikes occurred as gasoline was being moved from wholesalers to the retail level.

He, like several other witnesses, told the

committee the state needs more information about how pump prices are set before determining whether the state should intervene in some manner.

“The fact is, shooting first and then finding out if it is the right solution is likely to be just as detrimental as helpful,” Borenstein said.

Newsom obviously doesn’t want to wait for a more measured approach. He’s invested a lot of political capital into his anti-oil industry crusade and wants some action to trumpet. But this recent hearing indicated that getting something “hairy and audacious,” to use one of Newsom’s favorite phrases, will be tough slogging.

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

Letters Continued from A6

and B.S. walks.” The county needs the tax revenue to help balance the budget. It needs to pay the high salaries of a few and their retirement packages. The old con job “of to get the best and keep them we must pay a king’s ransom” is not true. There are enough people with the knowledge and experience looking for work and a career. If they want to leave for a better job that is their choice.

Lastly, the county is failing to create jobs to support its budget with revenues. Yet the claim now is that this is workforce housing. Where is the work? Answer: Sacramento, so keep the bedroom community closer to Sacramento to save the commute time, the gas and the wear and tear on our failing roads.

BRIAN DeBERRY

Gaines Continued from A6

plunge when buyers can’t find car insurance, lenders won’t issue mortgages to homebuyers who can’t insure their property and business loans will dry up. Consumers will be left frustrated and insecure.

We are on the cusp of a crisis. On behalf of consumers and independent insurance agents, I urge the insurance commissioner to approve the rate plans needed for new policies.

Sen. Ted Gaines (ret.) was elected to represent the Board of Equalization’s First District, representing nearly 10 million constituents in 34 counties of northern, eastern and southern California. Gaines has also owned Gaines Insurance, an independent insurance agency, for more than 30 years.

baysideplacerville. com. Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/ CRBaysidePlacerville.

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@

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.

COMiCS

n

El Dorado at top in South 1 Division

Mountain Democrat staff

The fastest skiers and snowboarders of the CaliforniaNevada Interscholastic Ski and Snowboard Federation’s South 1 Division were named Thursday as friends, family, coaches and school administrators packed the Ponderosa High School gym for a special awards night.

2023 South 1 Division top racers

Women’s ski

1. Greta Aronowitz (Oak Ridge)

2. Carlie Chandler (El Dorado)

3. Andie Chandler (El Dorado)

4. Kathleen Holtrichter (El Dorado)

5. Teagan Cates (Oak Ridge)

n

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

El Dorado’s ski and snowboard teams, including both men’s and women’s results, combined to take the 2023 South 1 Championship. El Dorado accumulated 9,256 points over the season to Oak Ridge’s 9,095 and Ponderosa’s 8,136.

El Dorado’s speed was clear across the field short of the Oak Ridge men’s varsity snowboard team that slipped ahead of the Cougars by 25 points for first place; the Trojans also won in snowboard in 2022. Union Mine boarders were not far behind, carving their way down the slopes to third place.

The CNISSF’s State Championships are under way March 6-9 at Northstar California, where record snow levels await the winter athletes. In last year’s state finals both the El Dorado and Oak Ridge teams took first and second, respectively, with several individual top-10 podium finishes.

6. Marley Garner (Amador)

7. Kate Christeson (Amador)

8. Mareika Delmolino (El Dorado)

9. Avery Lowder (Oak Ridge)

10. Samantha Jacobi (Oak Ridge)

Women’s board

1. Olivia Holtrichter (El Dorado)

2. Haylee Ribolin (El Dorado)

3. Ashlynn Hayman (El Dorado)

4. Faith Spitzer (El Dorado)

5. Izzy Railey (Oak Ridge)

6. Kali Stewart (Oak Ridge)

7. Sophia Coldsnow (Ponderosa)

8. Vanessa Johnston (Oak Ridge)

9. Mary Loso (Oak Ridge)

10. Shayla Dalton (Ponderosa)

Men’s ski

1. Markus Hirsbrunner-Reist (El Dorado)

2. Charlie Beckerley (Oak Ridge)

3. Carter Sornborger (El Dorado)

Complete

SUDOkU Solutions

n TODAy

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Because you’re so daring, you’ll feel most like yourself when you’re on the verge of the unknown. Of all the different varieties of risk, social risk will take the most courage.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Adding a small, consistent habit to your life is favored now. Stolen moments add up. With a short period of daily practice, you could learn something remarkable, like a language or a musical instrument.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Are people working just to make you happy, or is it that your needs just happen to line up with precisely what they most want to deliver? Either way, it’s a win for you. You’re especially lucky in your dealings with other air signs.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). For better or worse, first impressions are extremely difficult to erase. It’s one more reason to put time and thought into your presentation. You never know when someone new will be in the mix. Let the fresh power of a first impression work for you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’ve done what you set out to do and yet you still want to sail on to find out what else is out there. You’ve a belief that things can always get better, and it will lead you to interesting places today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Sometimes the answers are out there waiting to be discovered, but not this time. This time, the answer is inside you, just waiting to be invented by you, and furthermore, you’re the only one who gets to say what it means.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Entertainment is a worthy expense as the fun and inspiration you gain will contribute to you living your best life. Tell people what you want and hope for. You’ll be a beacon for others. Let people into your world and share your thought process.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Someone steered you wrong, but you’ll take back the wheel and get on track. A burst of energy has you handling a list of random tasks. It will feel wonderful to get small things accomplished en masse.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Perhaps you’re responsible for your own fun, but you also take responsibility for the fun of another. You’re so excellent at lifting the energy and injecting levity wherever possible.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). It is possible to assign meaning to things without even realizing you’re doing it or knowing where the associations are coming from. You’ll understand yourself a little better as you delve into an analysis of the meanings you assign.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You want the best for loved ones, but you do not assume to know what that is. You do get the sense that you might know what it’s not. When things don’t feel right to you, you’ll speak up. You’ll help the people around you make healthy choices.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ll get a stronger feeling of connection to the world around you as well as a more profound sense of purpose. The outdoors and green spaces will be a panacea. You’ll be revived by the vitality of sunshine.

Pickleball Continued from A1

full of players with others waiting to play. Also very popular are the 12 courts at Lembi Park in Folsom and the eight courts available at the Cameron Park Lake tennis courts.

Pickleball courts are proposed in plans for new parks in Pollock Pines and Diamond Springs but it could be years before those projects break ground.

Connell offered three solutions to the board. The first was to open

Rolling Hills Middle School’s 14 existing courts to the public on evenings and weekends via a lease rental agreement with the Buckeye Union School District. She also encouraged converting a portion of Stephen Harris Park’s tennis courts to pickleball courts or painting lines to allow either sport. Finally, Connell suggested building new courts on available land already owned by the CSD.

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

RUBES by Leigh Rubin

HOROSCOPE by Holiday Mathis

Courtesy photos

CNISSF’s South 1 champion ski and snow board teams from El Dorado show off their 2023 season banners.

A blue banner goes to the El Dorado women’s snowboard team.

The Oak Ridge men’s snowboard team, is taking another banner down to El Dorado Hills.

n See CHAMPS, page A10

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) unanimously voted to approve Net Energy Metering 3.0 (NEM), slashing payments for excess solar production sent to the grid by 75%.

CPUC voted to cut the average export rate in California from $0.30 per kWh to $0.08 per kWh, making the cuts effective on April 15, 2023. Customers who have new systems installed and approved for grid interconnection before the effective date in April will be grandfathered in to NEM 2.0 rates. During the vote, the Commission said the balancing of costs and bene ts continue to be “quite generous” under the decision. Currently, average net metering rates range from $0.23 per kWh to $0.35 per kWh, and the new proposed decision cuts those rates to an average of $0.05 per kWh to $0.08 per kWh. This is set to be the largest cut of export rates in U.S. history, in a market that represents roughly 50% of the nation’s residential solar market.

Key takeaways

• The California Public Utility Commission made their fi nal decision on the new NEM 3.0 policy in December 2022.

• The changes to California’s net metering policy will cut the value of solar energy credits by about 75 percent for PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E customers.

• This is a big one: existing solar customers – and people who go solar before NEM 3.0 goes into effect (through April 14) –will be grandfathered into their original net metering policy.

• Solar shoppers who submit interconnection applications after April 14, 2023 will be under NEM 3.0 and could miss out on 60 percent of solar savings, unless you add battery storage to your solar installation.

• Californians considering solar should go solar as soon as possible (and defi nitely by April 14) to lock in more favorable net metering credits.

Explosion Continued from A3

the fire hydrant was buried and took 20 minutes to access, costing the firefighters precious time while the second story was fully engulfed. Community members and LVF personnel upon arrival worked together to uncover the hydrant, Goldberg noted.

“It was a team effort,” he said. No injuries were reported and officials added that the house was

Champs Continued from A8

4. Cory Coker (Ponderosa)

5. Dylan McLeod (El Dorado)

6. Henry Soetaert (El Dorado)

7. Nick Wolff (Oak Ridge)

8. Frank Stonebarger (Oak Ridge)

9. Caden Lowder (Oak Ridge)

10. Aedan Burge (El Dorado)

Men’s board

1. Myles Stowe (El Dorado)

unoccupied.

There are 4,097 fire hydrants in the Tahoe Basin, according to Take Care Tahoe and fire districts are asking residents to help remove snow and clear a 3-foot space around them to help avoid possible delays in attacking a fire.

Cal Tahoe JPA and South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue also responded to the scene.

2. Ethan Bain (Oak Ridge)

3. Tate Hall (Oak Ridge)

4. Andrew Hansen (Oak Ridge)

5. Blake Stowe (El Dorado)

6. Mason Beverly (El Dorado)

7.Wyatt Ribolin (El Dorado)

8. Josh Byer (Union Mine)

9. Archie Wheeler (Oak Ridge)

10. Trevor Varain (Oak Ridge)

Photo courtesy of LVF

A firefighter digs out a fire hydrant in order to battle a Piute Street house fire.

IN THE KNOW

Stellar students

Congratulations to Madison Arno of El Dorado Hills, who was named to the fall 2022 Coastal Carolina University Dean’s List.

Congratulations to Daria Sciutto of El Dorado Hills, who was named to the fall 2022 University of Mississippi Dean’s List.

Congratulations to Camdyn Johns of El Dorado Hills who was named to the fall 2022 University of Mississippi Honor Roll.

Congratulations to Charles Emde Jr., Ethan Haase, Morgan Hartman and Siena Stacy of El Dorado Hills and Kaitlyn Gregg of Cameron Park, who were named to the fall 2022 Biola University Dean’s List.

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 the same code. 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 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

Peter Wolfe creates joy for the audience and community

“As highfalutin as it sounds, when you’re doing a well-done play you’re making the world a better place, for a couple hours, for everybody involved.”

— Peter Wolfe

paper, but I never introduced myself that way.”

Peter Wolfe sits down for a conversation about Imagination Theater, Placerville’s beloved nonprofit community theater, which he co-founded in 2000. He is currently serving as its artistic director.

Wolfe co-founded Imagination Theater with his good friend, the late Lanny Langston. At the time they had a simple vision: “Meet people’s needs and be nice about it.”

Soon after, they had a mission statement: Tell good stories well, in an atmosphere of trust, respect, personal growth and challenge.

“It’s now 23 years and 67 productions later,” Wolfe said. “Thousands have been on our stage and thousands have attended — and it’s all because of that goal that we had in the beginning.”

As Wolfe and Langston shaped the culture of

Imagination Theater, they played what Wolfe calls “Respect Whack-a-Mole,” assiduously cultivating an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere.

“If something didn’t look like it was respectful — BAM, we made it go away,” Wolfe laughed. “For example, for the first 15 years, nobody had any titles. I was the ‘president’ on

The duo’s commitment to culture has paid dividends, making Imagination Theater a beloved institution in the community. In turn, that same community inspires and motivates Wolfe.

“That’s what delights me about doing theater — helping to create joy for the audience and for the community,” he said.

“On a Saturday afternoon on the hottest day in July, people come into our not-so-well airconditioned theater, but the dad who was dragged along by his kid is awake and he’s listening and he’s enjoying it. For those two hours, people aren’t worried about daily life. They’re not thinking about their mortgage. As highfalutin as it sounds, when you’re doing a well-done play you’re making

■ See WOLFE, page B6

Looking for a great lunch? CASA delivers

News release

Child Advocates of El Dorado County’s 27th annual Box Lunch Fundraiser takes place April 20. This long-standing community event helps support the continuation of CASA advocacy services, as well as shares information about the mission and scope of the nonprofit’s work.

CASA and community volunteers will make and deliver about 3,000 lunches to schools, businesses and individuals throughout El Dorado County. Lunch orders must be submitted before March 31. Visit casaeldorado.org/events/boxlunch to place an order. Each $12 lunch box includes a sandwich, chips, cookie and delicious Barsotti apple juice. This year’s sandwich options are: 1. Roasted turkey, cheddar cheese, bacon with ranch dressing on sourdough bread; 2. Ham and Swiss cheese with home mustard on sourdough bread; 3. Veggie wrap with lettuce, feta cheese, olives, cucumber, red onions and Italian dressing; 4. Peanut butter and jelly.

In addition to purchasing a lunch for themselves, the website allows community members to

■ See LUNCH, page B6

Photos by Jordan Hyatt-Miller

Peter Wolfe, right, directs the cast of “Inherit the Wind,” an Imagination Theater production that took the stage earlier this year.

Courtesy photo

Firefighters with El Dorado County Fire’s Station 25 in Placerville hold up their tasty CASA box lunches received at a previous fundraising event. Those purchasing lunches can choose to donate a lunch to a local first responder.

JORDAN HYATT-MILLER Creative Currents

Imagination Theater’s surviving founder Peter Wolfe has big plans for the little theater that has entertained thousands.

How does this garden grow? Beautifully!

News release

The Placerville Garden Club adopted the unsightly, neglected easement area in front of the Veterans Memorial Building in Placerville and volunteers from the club as well as Placerville VFW Post 10165 and five soldiers from the local Army recruiting center leapt into action — weeding, mulching and adding more than 200 daffodils and tulips along with a redbud tree.

Local Eagle Scout Eli Hooper and others from Troop 460 joined the

effort. Hooper created a sign for the garden as part of his Eagle Scout requirements. The group received a $1,000 grant plus donations of soil, bulbs, seeds and hoses courtesy of Placerville Home Depot.

“It turned out beautifully and we are so proud,” said Veronica Salter, liaison vice president of the Placerville Garden Club and senior vice commander of Placerville VFW Post 10165. “We are extremely grateful to our community for all of their support especially after the damaging floods destroyed much of our efforts.”

university student with local roots tackles public health issue

Kyle Spurr UM News Service

MISSOULA, Mont.

— Four public health master’s students at the University of Montana, including former Shingle Springs resident Ali Manuel, are working on projects that tackle some of the largest health issues facing the state and region.

The students in UM’s Masters in Public Health with Community Health and Prevention Sciences Concentration recently earned the national Student Leader’s in Public Health Award from the Rocky Mountain Public Health Training Center in the Colorado School of Public Health. The award provides $3,500 to each project.

In past years UM’s public health school saw one to two students receive the national award. Having four earn the award this year is unprecedented and a testament to the caliber of the students, said Rachel Peterson, an assistant professor in UM’s School of Public and Community Health Sciences.

The students have immersed themselves in projects that affect all corners of Montana. Their projects look at a connection between health and access to food in Indigenous communities, how to mitigate mosquitoes in Fort Benton, an analysis of public health worker salaries and the effect of wildfire smoke on residents in western Montana.

The students’ projects also are a requirement for them to graduate and necessary to maintain the public health school’s accreditation.

“We currently offer the only accredited public health degrees in Montana and provide one of the few accredited public health programs in the region,” Peterson said.

Manuel, a secondyear master’s student, is working with residents in Fort Benton to build habitats and community support to control the mosquito population, which is a major nuisance in central Montana.

The Fort Benton community currently uses insecticides to remove the mosquitos.

Insecticides are safe for humans but can have a negative impact on the ecosystem, Manuel said. To reduce the use of insecticides, she found another way to decrease the mosquito population: bats.

Manuel, who has a bachelor’s degree in biology with a concentration in zoology from San Francisco

State University, plans to teach Fort Benton residents about bats and encourage them to increase bat habitat since the flying mammals are known to feast on mosquitos. Manuel is familiar with bats from working as an animal research technician at the University of California, Berkeley. “I have some experience working with bats from my time at UC Berkeley,” she said. “They are an important part of getting rid of insects and an important part of the ecosystem.”

Later this year Manuel will host an event to build bat boxes with local families and educate them about other ways to reduce mosquitoes such as removing standing water and cleaning out rain gutters.

Manuel partnered

Courtesy photo

Beauty blooms in front of the Veterans Memorial Building in Placerville thanks to a determined group of volunteers.

Photo by Kelly Engen

Ali Manuel is working to control the mosquito population in central Montana.

Grow for it!

Whooo wants to learn about owls?

Everyone loves owls. These inspirational creatures are tough, wise, spooky, frightening, predatory, stealthy, majestic and, of course, with those big eyes and fluffy heads, really cute!

The Northern California foothills offers diverse habitat, which attracts many species of owls. If you spend time hiking, camping or just evenings in your backyard, you are bound to encounter an owl or likely hear one.

Nocturnal foragers, owls move on silent wingbeats, hunting completely by sound in total darkness. With specially adapted soundless flight feathers, they can effectively surprise their nighttime prey. The asymmetrical placement of ear openings allows for accurately sound tracking the ground positions of voles, snakes, mice and rats. Interestingly, all owls can’t move their eyes but they can turn their heads almost completely upside down.

Since an owl’s diet mainly consists of small mammals, a gardener may try installing welcoming owl boxes. Attracting a beneficial family of owls — the natural predators of gophers, voles and mice — could be a very smart move.

Whoo whooo! Whoo-whoo-whoo!

That’s the call of the fearless great horned owl, Bubo virginianus. As the most common of foothills owls, it’s 22-25 inches tall with a huge wingspan, yellow eyes and powerful talons. The horns are actually tufts of feathers that resemble ears. The feathers can be raised or lowered according to the owl’s mood. These head feathers act as camouflage, breaking the outline of the owl’s head from preys’ view.

The western screech owl, Megascops kennicottii, is a small owl at 7-11 inches tall and is the most vocal in Northern California between March and June. They are usually quite secretive, but their mellow courting whistle echoes through natural and suburban habitats at that time of year. Unlike their name, they do not screech. Their sweet bouncingball calls can be easily imitated to coax the owl into flashlight range. Then you may catch a nighttime glimpse of the elusive owl.

The barn owl, Tyto alba, reaches 16 inches tall and has an elegant

haunting look with its dark eyes and white heart-shaped face. A single pair, feeding their baby owlets, can catch up to 70 pounds of rodents during the breeding season. Farmers and ranchers appreciate the help managing varmints.

The tiny flammulated owl, Psiloscops flammeolus, 6-7 inches tall, is an interesting character. Our vast expanses of pine and oak forests provide the tree cavities and open forest floors that this owl prefers. Mainly an insect eater, the “flammie” cleans insects from the ground while hovering and swoops from its tree perch to grab moths and beetles in flight. With dark eyes and brown and rusty colored feathers, this sparky little owl looks like reddish flames.

The spotted owl, Strix occidentalis, is 16-19 inches tall, dark-eyed with white spots on its round head, back and underparts. They tolerate close human approach, but females will attack if you’re close to her nest. Its unique call includes dog-like barks. Flying squirrels are a favorite prey of spotted owls.

Getting hooked on owls? Visit Audubon.org for more owl info and recordings of all Northern California owl screeches and hoots. Happy owl watching and listening!

Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open every Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. Master Gardeners will offer tours, answer questions or guests can just enjoy the garden during weekly open garden days on Fridays and Saturdays. Check the website for further information about the Sherwood Demonstration Garden at ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_Master_

Gardeners/Demonstration_Garden.

Master Gardener classes are offered monthly throughout the county. Find the class schedule at mgeldorado. ucanr.edu/Public_Education_ Classes/?calendar=yes&g=56698 and recorded classes on many gardening topics at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/ Public_Education/Classes.

Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are working hard to answer your questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website, mgeldorado.ucanr.edu, or leave a message on the office telephone at (530) 621-5512. To sign up for notices and newsletters visit ucanr. edu/master gardener e-news. Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Register for nonprofit series

News release

Last year the El Dorado Community Foundation brought the Building a Better Nonprofit Beginner series to local nonprofits with the goal of helping elevate them to the next level of excellence through educational classes on topics critical to nonprofit success. This year the foundation takes things a step further with the Building a Better Nonprofit Master Series, bringing in outside experts to teach advanced level classes for

nonprofit governance, nonprofit marketing and nonprofit finance.

Registration has opened for the first class in the master series, focusing on nonprofit governance. This in-person class will be held twice: April 5 on the West Slope of El Dorado County and April 6 in South Lake Tahoe. Because these classes will be held in-person space will be limited; register early to secure a spot. To register visit eldoradocf.org/building-a-betternonprofit. For more information email chris@eldoradocf.org.

Pauline Atkins

UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County

Photos by Judy Hobbs

El Dorado County is home to many types of owls. These skilled hunters help control the pest and insect population.

Museum Membership Month comes with many benefits

Traci Rockefeller Cusack News release

SACRAMENTO — Sacramento

area museums present a variety of special membership opportunities during Museum Membership Month happening in March. The benefits of museum membership often extend well beyond a financial savings and include exclusive experiences only available to members. Plus, there’s something for everyone — fine art, science, history and culture — as the local museum community offers memberships at virtually every museum and/or destination.

To help kick-off Museum Membership Month, the collaboration of museums presented a Free Museum Weekend March 3-4 that had limited capacity, required advance registration and all free tickets were secured very quickly due to overwhelming community response.

To highlight Museum Membership Month that continues through March, many of the local museums offer special incentives and discounts for enthusiasts who choose to become members of their favorite museums and destinations. A few of the limitedtime offers include:

• Aerospace Museum of California

— A proud Smithsonian Affiliate, the Aerospace Museum offers special Family Flex Memberships for $150 a year (for two adults and up to four children, ages 17 and younger) that

includs free annual admission, 10% discount in the gift shop, invitation to members-only events and additional membership to 1,100 other museums worldwide (in partnership with the North American Reciprocal Museum Association). For more information visit aerospaceca.org/membership.

• California State Railroad Museum Foundation — A proud Smithsonian Affiliate, the California State Railroad Museum offers a variety of membership levels that

include free annual admission to the museum, free coach tickets on the excursion train ride during the regular season, 10% discount in the museum store, invitation to members-only events and additional membership to 1,100 other museums worldwide (in partnership with NARM; available for Engineer level and above memberships). Plus, during the month of March, all current, new and renewing members will receive a one-time 20% off coupon to use

on any one item in the museum store. For more information visit californiarailroad.museum/getinvolved.

• Crocker Art Museum — New members during the month of March will receive an additional three free months with purchase of an annual membership, an extra 5% discount on museum store merchandise and be invited to a new member orientation on March 30. Member benefits include free and discounted programs, lectures, concerts and classes; free general admission; members-only events and exhibition previews; ArtLetter magazine; plus discounts at the museum store. For more information visit CrockerArt.org/ membership.

• Sacramento Children’s Museum

— During Museum Membership

Month interested community members will receive a two-month extension on all new or renewed memberships which equates to 14 months of exploration for the price of 12. This deal is only available when purchased in person at the museum. For more information information visit sackids.org.

• Sacramento History Museum

— New members who join during the month of March will receive an extra two months of membership that include free admission to the Sacramento History Museum,

n See MuseuMs, page B6

Courtesy photo

The Crocker Art Museum is one of many museums in the Sacramento area that offer special promotions during Museum Membership Month.

Photographer takes on forces of nature

News release

FOLSOM — Harris Center for the Arts presents National Geographic Live! Keith Ladzinski – Force of Nature, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 9.

From the towering mountains of the Himalaya to the slot canyons and stone arches of the desert, Earth is shaped by the raw power of Mother Nature. Capturing this might and majesty takes a special skill set — and a willingness to sign up for the seemingly impossible. 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. His unique combination of skills makes him a natural choice for assignments that require the talents of both a top athlete and a master of photography.

Ladzinski’s subjects are as varied as the dozens of countries he’s visited. He has swum with alligators in the Florida Everglades, chased tornadoes across the American Midwest, hung from massive natural arches in China and explored the effects of climate change in Antarctica. His fearless spirit leads him to the furthest reaches of all seven continents and his hope is that the stunning images he captures inspire new

understanding of and respect for our planet.

Ladzinski is an Emmy-nominated director and director of photography and has made films, advertising and television content for National Geographic TV, Disney, Apple, Discovery, Oprah, Nikon, Dell, Adidas, ABC, Honda, The Weather Channel and Red Bull TV.

Born in New York, raised in Colorado, Ladzinski’s love of

photography started after buying a beat-up camera from a pawn shop. His early subjects mirrored his polarized passions, skateboarding in the city and exploring the quiet mountains of Colorado. One, built around an immersed subculture, skating from concrete place to place with friends, trespassing, shooting photos in the dead of night with rushed

n See nature, page B7

Photo by Doug Ladzinski

Adventure photographer Keith Ladzinski will share stories about his experiences all over the world getting those perfect shots during a stop at the Harris Center March 9.

Groove to psychedelic soul

News release

GRASS VALLEY — The Center for the Arts presents the psychedelic soul band Monophonics in the Marisa Funk Theater on March 9. Since 2012, Bay-area based Monophonics has steadily built a reputation as a consistent band with a unique, cinematic sound and well-crafted songs and records that are matched by an energetic performance. A heavenly signature style of pure, timeless heavy soul and warm textures of psychedelic rock surround this band that revels in the past, taking listeners back to the sounds of the late ’60s and early ’70s, while always keeping its feet positioned in the present, yet looking ahead to the future.

Frontman, producer and multiinstrumentalist Kelly Finnigan always leads with power, similar in vocal stylings to Marvin Gaye, and the renowned rhythm section features drummer and band founder Austin Bohlman along with Max Ramey on bass and Aquilles Magaña on guitar. A dynamic horn section is led by Ryan Scott on trumpet with Jason Cressey playing trombone, always elevating the show and sound. This core group drips in cosmic fashion, as heard on the group’s fifth studio album,

from NPR Music, KCRW, BBC and Shindig.

“Sage Motel” is a concept album and a real place in Oakland, where folks experience the highs and lows of human existence. What started as a quaint motor lodge and a common pitstop for travelers and truckers in the 1940s, morphed into a bohemian’s hang by the 1960s and 1970s, attracting artists, musicians and vagabonds of all types at a crossroads in life. Telling the story of these washed-out yet hopeful characters begins with “Warpaint,” the leading single, reveals the vices of each resident and confronts the struggles of substance abuse and addiction. Cloaked in heavy riffs and robust vocals, “Warpaint” gives listeners the first look through the doors of the Sage Motel.

Monophonics’ previous album, “It’s Only Us,” sold more than 10,000 physical units and garnered 20 million-plus streams, solidifying the group’s reputation over the past decade as one of the most impactful bands in the country. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and Monophonics’ performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at The Center for the Arts, 314 West Main St. in Grass Valley. For tickets and more information visit

Lunch Continued from B1

purchase lunch for a local first responder.

Volunteers will deliver lunch orders of five or more to the purchaser’s location. Individuals may pick up their orders at the El Dorado County

Manuel Continued from B2

on the project with Kelly Engen, an education master’s student from Western Governors University in Utah, who grew up in Fort Benton and alerted Manuel to the mosquito problem.

Along with the bat boxes, Manuel and Engen have asked local business

The Public Square

owners for permission to install “bat mansions,” which are larger versions of the bat boxes. They hope to install one near the water treatment plant.

“The town itself is so engaged in this problem and is interested in a solution,” Manuel said. “That is really helpful.”

Museums Continued from B4

discounts in the museum store, tours and special events. Plus, because the museum participates with the Time Travelers reciprocal program, basic memberships receive free admission or discount benefits at more than 300 museums across the country. Those who become Premium members also enjoy NARM benefits at more than 1,100 museums nationwide, including free admission. For more information visit sachistorymuseum.org/getinvolved/become-a-member.

• SMUD Museum of Science & Curiosity — All Curiosity level memberships are 10% off when members sign up during the month of March using promo code MARCH23. MOSAC memberships provide unlimited admission to the museum for a year, discounts and free access to special events and programs, discounts in the museum store and reciprocal benefits at over 300 museums nationwide through the Association of Science and Technology Centers’ Passport Program. For more information visit visitmosac.org/ support/membership.

Know Continued from B1

Collier (March 19) and Mitch Woods Rocket 88s (March 29). For more information visit harlows. com.

March 9

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 Creative Corps Capital Region program where artists and creative practitioners partner with local governments, tribes, and nonprofits to engage their local communities. For more information visit artsandcultureeldorado.org.

March 10

Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open again every Friday and Saturday for open garden days, 9 a.m. to noon. Take a leisurely stroll through all 16 themed gardens. Docents are on-site to assist with any questions regarding Sherwood Demonstration Garden or your personal garden. May be closed for inclement weather or poor air quality. Check the website before visiting: ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_ Master_Gardeners/Demonstration_Garden.

Musician Ed Wilson will perform at The Vine in El Dorado Hills, 6-8 p.m.

Live music at Red Hawk Resort + Casino continues every weekend in March at the Stage Bar. Bands will perform every Friday, 8 p.m. to midnight, and Saturday, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. — March 10: We are the 60s (’60s variety), March

Wolfe Continued from B1

the world a better place, for a couple hours, for everybody involved,” he mused.

As Wolfe reflects on his career — which followed a winding path through the Coast Guard and a career as an architect before arriving at Imagination Theater — he identifies a few lessons that he has learned along the way; his kids know them as Dad’s Rules.

“There are no grown-ups in the world. My kids call that Dad’s Rule No. 1,” Wolfe explained. “The other rules are: Everybody’s faking it; never let them see you sweat; and never mess with the grapevine — which is a metaphor for preparedness.”

Having founded Imagination Theater as a relative neophyte, picking up skills and credibility as he went along, Wolfe has one particular piece of advice for his younger self: “I guess I would tell myself, ‘Keep faking it. They’re not going to catch you … As long as you fake it well enough.’”

Before he retires — in his own words, “before I turn 80” — Wolfe wants to create a “permanent, appropriate performing arts venue in El Dorado County.” As the co-architect of Imagination Theater, it is only fitting that Wolfe be the architect of Imagination Theater’s theater, a dedicated space for community theater with a greater capacity than the El Dorado County Fairgrounds

In addition to these special incentives offered during March, membership has special privileges (which vary by museum) and can include benefits such as the following: free museum entrance all year long, special invitations to member-only events and receptions, preview and/ or “behind-the-scenes” opportunities for new exhibits and offerings, free guest admission passes (to share with friends and family), discounts at museum stores and/or advance purchase opportunities on special programs and events, reciprocal admission at museums across the nation, and more.

For more information about upcoming activities offered by Sacramento area museums, “like” them on Facebook at Facebook. com/SacMuseums, follow them on Instagram and Twitter @ SacMuseums or visit the user-friendly website at SacMuseums.org. Those interested can also sign up for emails to learn more about your Sacramento Area Museums via the website at sacmuseums.org.

11: Moonshine Crazy (country), March 17: Kirk Matthew and the Los Vaqueros (country rock), March 18: Clean Slate (dance/Top 40), March 24: Hill Street Band (Top 40/classic rock), March 25: American Mile (country rock) and March 31: Ariel Jean (country). Visit redhawkcasino.com for more details.

Mike Marshall and Choro Famoso perform at the University of California, Davis Ann E. Pitzer Center recital hall, 7-8 p.m. For more information visit arts.ucdavis.edu.

March 11

Explore what life would have been like in Coloma during 1850 at Living History Day, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Docents will have demonstrations set up to show the park visitors different hands-on demonstrations and crafts that people did during the California Gold Rush. Folsom Lake Symphony presents It’s About Time, a family concert featuring an instrument petting zoo at 11 a.m. at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

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

Crystal Basin Cellars in Camino hosts OysterFest, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For tickets and more information visit crystalbasin.com.

auditorium in which it has operated for decades.

“If anybody is perfectly positioned to help spearhead that effort, I think it’s me,” Wolfe said. “I’m going to design a theater as if we have a perfect 4-acre site, irrespective of what the actual site ends up being, and I’m going to talk to every consultant possible, so that eventually I can hold up the plan with great conviction and say, ‘This costs this much. Give us the check and we’ll get it built.’ In 2024, I’ll start to focus on that full time.”

In the meantime, Wolfe continues to serve as Imagination Theater’s artistic director, developing engaging, highquality theatrical productions that are by and for the El Dorado County community. Sadly, Langston passed away in 2019; Arts and Culture El Dorado created the Lanny Langston Young Artist Award in Theater in his memory.

For Wolfe, the work is its own reward. “At least once a month, someone tells me that they didn’t know there was a theater in Placerville. I want people to know that it’s here,” he shared. “I love the way that it touches the community; I feel like if there’s a need here, then I can help. And if I create enough joy for others, I get some in return.”

For more information about Imagination Theater and upcoming shows visit itplacerville.org.