Mountain Democrat, Monday, March 13, 2023

Storm brings Tahoe trouble

Bill Rozak Tahoe Daily Tribune

The winter storm pounding the Lake Tahoe Basin with rain and snow closed ski resorts and brought down another structure due to the heavy snow load.

Heavenly and Kirkwood mountain resorts, Palisades Tahoe, Sierra-at-Tahoe and Northstar California announced they would be closed Friday.

“Both the city of South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County have declared a state of emergency and we want to do our part and support our community during this emergency situation,” Heavenly officials state in a social media post. “We expect major challenges as a result of inbound precipitation, both at our resort and across the Tahoe region, so

State prepares for flooding

Odin Rasco

writer

Staff

With a series of atmospheric river storms hitting the region, California’s Department of Water Resources began preparing for flooding last week.

Climatologists have raised concerns that warmer rain may fall onto the state’s snowpack, melting it away and causing significant flood conditions as a result.

“DWR’s flood operations center is activated, and we are monitoring forecasts and runoff conditions closely,” DWR Director Karla Nemeth said in a press briefing Thursday. “All efforts are being made to manage water supply and flood control during these storms.”

Projections show that 11 waterways were expected to exceed flood levels, with an additional 23 anticipated to reach the flood monitoring stage, according to Jeremy Arrich, manager of DWR’s Division of Flood Management.

In anticipation of significant runoff heading into the valley, an emergency order was issued from California State Parks Wednesday night closing Lake Natoma until further notice.

Folsom Lake had already been inundated with rain Wednesday, leading to an increase in the amount of water released from its dam. The dam’s outflow on Thursday rose to 8,352 cubic feet per second, about double what the daily outflow average has been for the past month, according to DWR data. Water managers said dam releases could increase even more if needed.

Michael Anderson, climatologist for the state, indicated that there could be a total of four storms due to the atmospheric river. Despite significant rainfall and a snowpack nearing historic highs, reservoirs are struggling to reach storage highs, with many anticipated to lose water over the next week in order to avoid exacerbating flood conditions.

we are making this decision proactively out of an abundance of caution for our employees and guests.”

Heavenly officials add that resort management would be assessing conditions day-to-day and expect recovery from the storm to “take a bit of time.”

Conditions reported from Heavenly included rain up to 8,500 feet and ridgeline winds that hit 139 mph.

Home and business owners scrambled Thursday to remove as much snow from roofs as possible before the multi-day atmospheric river arrived.

With roofs collapsing across the county due to heavy snow load, South Lake Tahoe saw another

Snow angel

neighborly in pollock pines

Mountain Democrat staff

Pollock Pines resident Alena Sumner was trying to remove snow berms blocking her driveway Thursday when she was visited by a man she is calling “my angel.”

Her neighbor Chet Moore arrived riding his bright red tractor and offered to help, clearing the way for Sumner who has had to deal with all the snow removal herself this winter since her husband is recovering after breaking five ribs. Sumner noted

the Good Samaritan, who she had never met before, refused to take any money to fuel up his Mahindra backhoe.

The Sly Park Road resident said, “I am so happy that we live in a neighborhood with great people.”

Courtesy photo

Alena Sumner met her Pollock Pines neighbor Chet Moore for the first time last week when he came riding down Sly Park Road in his tractor to help her clear snow from her driveway.

n See storms page A6

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.

Patsy Sue (Wood) DiGiurco

March 29, 1938 – Feb. 22, 2023

Longtime Placerville resident

Patsy Sue DiGiurco passed away

February 22 at the age of 84.

She was preceded in death by her husband Frank DiGiurco in 2009 and son Doug DiGiurco in 2022. She was born in 1938 to Elmer and Elsie Wood in a Depression-era Hooverville in Glendale, Arizona as the family migrated to California in search of Work.

Patsy lived the quintessential American dream, having been born in Depression-era poverty but ultimately building a comfortable life in Placerville with her husband Frank. In 1990, the couple completed their custom-built dream home on 10 acres, which was so grand that the design was featured in the pages of the Mountain Democrat. They lived there for nearly three decades, until health issues necessitated purchasing a smaller, easier-to-maintain property.

Patsy worked at the Mountain Democrat for more than 30 years, beginning in 1973. Over the decades, she worked as a typesetter, graphic designer, occasional sta writer and regular columnist for “Animal Acts,” where she documented the eccentricities of the animals she dearly loved. Most often the focus was on her favorite creatures – her pet cats. She had a passion for “antiquing” with her family and curated an amazing collection of Depression glass, magnificently-carved furniture and other antiques. She was also a voracious reader whose favorite genre was mysteries. She would regularly visit the Placerville branch of the El Dorado County Library and return home with stacks of books as tall as her co ee table.

Not only was Patsy known for her love of reading, she was also known for her witty, vivid stories about her family’s many adventures through the years. Her humor, warmth, passion and unconditional acceptance of her family was a constant influence and beacon of light for everyone who knew her. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter Tarra DiGiurco; daughter-in-law Dani Henter; grandchildren Tom DiGiurco, Elsie Lopin, Amy Paone and Ian Jay, and great grandchildren Logan, Jordan and Madison Paone, Michael and Marley Lopin, and Elspeth DiGiurco.

A memorial will be held at 11 a.m. March 17 at Chapel of the Pines in Placerville, Calif.

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.

Glen “Buzz” Helwig

Feb.

13, 1956 – Dec. 24, 2022

We are sad to announce the passing of Glen “Buzz” Helwig on December 24, 2022 at his home in Placerville. He is preceded in death by his brother Leland, his mother Barbara, his father Vern and his grandson Sterling. He is survived by his daughters: Mary Hansen, Barbra Foltz (Nathan), Edith Goldie (Kyle), his sister: Pauline Helwig, grandchildren: Alexis, Cameron, Natalie, Madeline, Savayah, Samantha, Andrew, Layla, Levi, Willa, Jordyn, Chloe, and great-grandchildren: Charlotte and Sebastian.

To honor his memory, we are holding a celebration of his life (and his brother Lee’s) at the American Legion Hall at 4561 Greenstone Rd, Placerville, CA 95667 on March 18, from 12 p.m.- 3 p.m. We invite anyone who knew him to attend and remember his life.

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.

Ann Thedosia Rossi

Briarton

June 25, 1925 - Feb. 19, 2023

On Feb 19, 2023 Ann Thedosia

Rossi Briarton passed peacefully. Ann was born June 25, 1925 to Will and Geneva Lawyer Rossi.

At 97 years young, Ann was 4th generation in El Dorado Co. Her great-grandparents settled here in the 1850’s.

She graduated El Dorado High School in 1943. She was a Native Daughter of the Golden West. She doted on her nieces and made many identical dresses for them through the years. She married Air Force pilot Dusty Briarton in 1955 and gave birth to their son Rusty in 1959. For 40 years her world was that of an Air Force wife. They loved the AF and retired in Colorado Springs. She was a talented florist and owned Rusty Ann’s Flowers.

Ann was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her son, her brother Drew Rossi and sister Ronda LaPorte. She’s survived by granddaughter Alex, great-grandson Mason, nieces Linda Parham, Dru Moeding, Kristy Lindstrom, Cindy Magee and Renee LaPorte, nephews Bob and Ron LaPorte and many great nieces and nephews. She also leaves her lifelong friend, Frances Feist. Their mothers gave birth to them 12 days apart, and they have lived down the hall from each other for the past two years in the same care center. They talked daily about their childhood on Myrtle Avenue. Ann was known for her spunk, tenacity and caring for all those she loved. She will be interned in Colorado Springs.

Ray Carl Snider

July 29, 1920 – Feb. 12, 2023

Ray Carl Snider, born in Glenns Ferry, Idaho July 29, 1920 and died on February 12, 2023 in Placerville, Calif. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Marie, and his beloved daughter, Susanne. He is survived by his nieces Jane Machnik of Los Angeles and Ann Jolly and her children of Milton Freewater, Oregon and Southern California. He is also survived by Marie’s surviving family which he became very close to over the years. Following High School in Idaho, Ray worked a few years in California before entering the military in 1942. He served in Europe during WWII. Ray and Marie were married on January 14, 1947 in El Centro, Calif., living there until 1950. They moved to Los Angeles where Ray attended college and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from UCLA. He worked in the Aerospace Industry in the Los Angeles and Silicon Valley areas. The Sniders moved to El Dorado County in 1975. He tried his luck in real estate for a few years until he returned to the engineering field at McClellan Air Force Base in 1982. Following retirement the Sniders purchased an RV and traveled the country both alone and as members of El Dorado Sams, a local travel group. Ray was a member of Saint Patrick Church in Placerville and belonged to three social groups, Chapter 70 of Sirs Inc., El Dorado Sams and the Widowed Persons Group.

A celebration of life for Ray will be held Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. at Chapel of the Pines, Placerville, Calif.

Ray will be laid to rest in Saint Patrick Catholic Cemetery, Placerville, Calif.

Safety concern at Safeway

Odin Rasco

Staff writer

The Safeway in Pollock

Pines was temporarily closed Friday morning due to a buildup of snow on the roof.

“Unfortunately due to possible roof damage and integrity, our Pollock Pines Safeway will be temporarily closed,” read a social media post made around 7 a.m.

The grocery store was reopened by 1 p.m., but visitors could see a crew outside preparing shovels and snowblowers to tackle the mass of snow that had accumulated on the roof from the recent storms.

Safeway policy precludes employees or contractors from speaking to the press, so no details regarding the extent of possible damage were made available. A lone ceiling

panel near the deli was missing in the store, with a bucket sitting on the floor below to collect dripping water.

Members of the snowclearing crew told the Mountain Democrat the

snow on the roof was too deep to tell if the roof was damaged, with the piles of powder ranging between 5 and 8 feet in height. One joked that when he is on the roof, he would disappear

obituaries

Howard Perry Tillotson (Jack)

Jan. 14, 1925 – Nov. 18, 2022

Born Jan. 14,1925 to Mary Furlow & Bruce A. Tillotson. Passed peacefully in his home on Nov. 18, 2022.

He lifeguarded as a young man in San Diego until he joined the navy at 18. He served on the USS Tomahawk in the Pacific during WWII.

He met & married June in 1949. Their love endured for 72 years.

A graduate of Cal Poly, he earned a Bachelor & Masters Degree in Health & Education. In 1952, his need to help disadvantaged youth led him to San Diego Boys Ranch as a teacher & vice principal.

unless he held his hand straight up.

Roofs across the county have had a rough go during this winter’s onslaught of strong storms, with several collapsing completely.

Pro-pains for Camino man

Eric Jaramishian

Staff writer

Weather conditions in El Dorado County are making it difficult for some residents to get propane service.

In one instance, Camino resident Ben Patrick ran out of propane March 4. He needs propane to heat his house and cook and is an automatic delivery customer with Amerigas. Patrick said he made an order for gas Feb. 16 that had an estimated delivery time of one day but was told by Amerigas staff that extensive snow in his driveway delayed propane truck drivers.

After making multiple calls to the company, he took it upon himself to drive down to the Amerigas office on Davidson Road in Placerville Friday morning to block its driveway with his vehicle until a service man got him the assistance he said he needed.

“I felt like I needed to be in the way and create a situation where I had to be a problem,” Patrick said. “I consider the help I got from the service guy a success, but why did it have to come to this?”

The issue is not exclusive to Amerigas as other local residents who use different companies report problems getting their tanks filled due to snow on driveways and roads.

Following the

significant snowfall of December 2021/January 2022, some residents of upcountry El Dorado County went without electricity for more than 10 days and they also could not get propane tanks filled in a timely manner, the Mountain Democrat reported. Amerigas officials said deliveries have been halted due to weather conditions.

NEUROPATHY

Incidences beyond their control include waiting for routes to be snowplowed and waiting for flooding to subside.

Amerigas officials recommended that customers prepare for weather conditions and call for service when their tank reaches about 40% capacity and to make sure the tank is properly accessible.

The family moved to Sacramento in 1958. He continued his work as principal of Sacramento Juvenile Hall, establishing the academic program. He was a Board member at Southgate Park & Recreation for over 20 yrs. As an avid cyclist, he helped pave the way for bike pathways in Sacramento, earning him a park being named after him. His teaching career spanned over 50 years. It truly was his passion & greatest gift.

He settled in Cameron Park & established a small vineyard on the property & enjoyed the fruits of their labor.

He is survived by his wife, June, sons Jack (Tracy) & Bruce. Grandkids Nick & Carly. Many nieces & nephews, two half brothers, James Paulson (Pat) & Robert Paulson.

Our love for him will never diminish. He was one of a kind and we were blessed to have been able to call him ‘ours’

Continue to cycle through the beauty of heaven. You’re free …

Joyce McCartney Brooks

Dec. 13, 1943 – Jan. 25, 2023

Joyce McCartney Brooks of El Dorado was born Dec. 13, 1943 in Morgan Hill, Calif. and died in Roseville on Jan. 25, 2023. Joyce grew up in Morgan Hill, and graduated from Live Oak High School in 1962 with many of the same children she grew up with. She worked many jobs in Morgan Hill, including J.L. Clark Manufacturing, and spent many years with her mother, Sara, at the Orange Freeze hamburger stand. That is where she met her future husband, Don Brooks. Don and Joyce moved to El Dorado, Calif. in 2000. There she kept busy with a part-time job, her love of animals and her gardening. She volunteered at the Placerville Senior Center, and joined the W.P.A.C. and various other organizations. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don Brooks, and her parents, Merle and Sara McCartney. She is survived by her brother, Ken McCartney; her sister, Ann Alumbaugh; her son, Troy Lyman; stepchildren Debra Kuest, Dennis Brooks and Susan Penley; many nieces, nephews and grandchildren; and many good friends.

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

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

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

What is the underlying cause? 1

How much nerve damage has been sustained? 2

How much treatment will your condition require? 3

Our advanced treatment method has 3 main goals

Increase Blow ow 1

Stimulate small ber nerves

rst few steps. I have had 11 treatments and no longer feel sharp or shooting pains and most of the tingling is gone. I now have full balance and can walk without pain. As Dr. Mooney explained the treatment is not painful, nothing uncomfortable, and is actually very relaxing.” – Neuropathy Pain Patient

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian Camino resident Ben Patrick converses with a propane truck driver outside of the Amerigas offices on Davidson Road in Placerville March 10. Patrick said he didn’t get a scheduled propane delivery and ran out Saturday so he resorted to blocking propane trucks from leaving Amerigas’ Placerville location with his vehicle.

Ben Patrick stands next his empty propane tank Mar. 9.

Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco Cones are placed at Safeway as snowblowers and a snow-clearing crew arrive to relieve the grocery store’s roof of a hefty snow load Friday morning.

Political reform for some but not for all

Over the years, this column has exposed the myriad ways that the California Legislature enacts laws not for the public benefit, but to cement progressive political power with one-party rule. A lawsuit recently filed in the Sacramento Superior Court illuminates yet another example.

A coalition of business groups is challenging Senate Bill 1439 (Glazer), signed into law last year. The legislation, which took effect on Jan. 1, requires city and county elected officials to recuse themselves from certain decisions that would financially benefit any entity or person that donated more than $250 to that official’s campaign in the past year.

Specifically, SB 1439 amends the Political Reform Act of 1974, which prohibits an officer of an agency from accepting, soliciting or directing a contribution of more than $250 from any party while a proceeding involving a license, permit or other entitlement for use is pending before the agency. The new law is targeted mostly toward developers and other real estate interests which, rightly or wrongly, are perceived to make use of “pay to play” tactics, especially at the local level.

But prior to the enactment of SB 1439, the term “agency” was defined to exclude those entities whose members are directly elected by the voters. The thinking is that members of local legislative bodies, particularly city councils and county boards of supervisors, are directly accountable to voters, and citizens can either recall or reject for reelection politicians perceived to be unduly influenced by special interests.

SB 1439 removed the exception for local government agencies, thereby subjecting elected officials to the same prohibition as other officials. But despite what may have been good intentions, SB 1439 is flawed and may end up being invalidated.

The legislation’s legal problem is that it may be an impermissible attempt to amend the Political Reform Act without a vote of the people. PRA was an initiative and, as such, may only be amended by a popular vote or by legislation to further the

n See Coupal page A5

Belltower

letters to the editor foundation change

EDITOR:

Marshall Foundation for Community Health began as Marshall Hospital Foundation in 1974. The primary purpose of the Foundation was to “support financial aid toward the operation, maintenance, and expansion of facilities at Marshall Hospital.” For nearly 50 years the foundation operated as a separate entity from Marshall Medical Center, supporting both the hospital and community health programs.

As Marshall Medical Center’s long-standing fundraising agent, the MFCH board recently explored with the Marshall board opportunities to streamline and strengthen its philanthropic efforts. As a result, to best support Marshall Medical Center’s mission now and in the future, the MFCH board voted to integrate with Marshall’s organizational structure. With the new alignment, the MFCH will retain its board and not-for-profit status with the support of Marshall for operational and financial functions. Mindy Danovaro has been appointed the new executive director of the foundation.

These changes are administrative in nature and do not affect donors, community partners or any funds and bequests with the foundation.

The new direction will poise Marshall Foundation for Community Health to raise more funds to continue to build on the great work that its founders intended. With a greater alignment with Marshall Medical Center, the foundation will be able to improve its support for medical services in El Dorado County and continue to be a catalyst for a healthy community.

CHRISTA CAMPBELL MFCH board chair

u.S. postal Service problems

EDITOR:

Iwas shocked to find out the reason given for no mail delivery to my house one block from the post office this past week was due to extreme understaffing. According to one carrier, with the working conditions, the long hours and now seven days a week just trying to keep up with the parcel post not many seem to stay on.

Having worked for the USPS for 28 years I am certain the problem can be solved by reorganizing staffing and bid job availability. The service has

been mismanaged by every appointed postmaster general for decades. Too many managers and not enough workers. This is the theme now as well as then.

Moving into an era where letter mail volume dropped off and parcel post growth increased, changes needed to be made — more manpower, not less, was required. Sadly, instead of paying all postal workers a living wage and providing reasonable time to complete their tasks, it is the same old song — pay a manager to hit the desired numbers all the while losing sight of the service they are paid to provide.

I cherish my time and all the wonderful people I met while working for the USPS, especially the daily interaction with my assigned customers. They are family and it saddens me that it has come to this. Good news: Job openings at USPS ... only the strong apply.

MATHEW SNEERINGER Placerville

how green was my tree

EDITOR:

When I came to California, I marveled at the oak trees that dropped their leaves in winter, just when rain was readily available. Then I noticed the truly evergreen oaks, such as the Gold Cup oak and read that it was believed to have evolved in a tropical environment. Its lobeless or dentate leaves are another indicator of a dry, hot origin like our own summers.

Oaks go back 146 million years (not a typo), during which time they did a lot of hybridizing with other species, which we mistakenly believe to be a bad thing. The transfer of genetic information from one oak species to another or from an individual tree with its own species and repeated backcrossing has resulted in estimated an 435 to 600 species of oaks. For our information, the fossil record goes back only 100 million years, but now scientists are able to find a complete set of genes in a cell or organism to go further.

Trees do not hybridize with just anyone. That Gold Cup is in a group of only five. You will probably have to go south along the coast or visit the islands down there to see the other four. (The Interior Live oak is a different matter, being in the big red/black oak group.)

But here the Gold Cup do just fine with their

n See letters page A5

American Legion hosts officer of the year awards

The first Wednesday in March was Officers of the Year Awards Night at the American Legion. The menu is always corned beef and cabbage with tiny potatoes and carrots. All the tables are decorated with green centerpieces.

District Attorney Investigator of the Year is Rhiannon Grotke, who had a hand in helping solve a cold case from 1979.

Investigators from El Dorado County developed probable cause to arrest (Harold W.) Carpenter for murder and traveled to Spokane, Wash. to assist police in the arrest.

The identity of the victim was made when a forensic pathologist from California State University, Chico, exhumed the body of the unidentified woman in 2015 and detectives placed photos of her jewelry in a newspaper, which family members identified.

DNA from the victim matched family members and she was identified as Patricia Carnahan.

DNA from the rape kit on the victim, found beaten and strangled in Tahoma in 1979, matched that of Harold Carpenter, who Washington authorities found to be a match for a 1994 rape.

Carpenter is being held without bond in Spokane and extradition proceedings are under way.

District Attorney Vern Pierson praised Grotke for her ability to interview children — either as victims or witnesses — without re-traumatizing them.

While the sheriff was away at a meeting of the state association of sheriffs, Capt. Mathew Foxworthy did a good job standing in for him, praising deputy Colby Earl as having “a fantastic reputation at the Sheriff’s Office and overwhelmingly

supervisors praise deputy Earl.”

Earl is also a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Earl thanked the American Legion. “This award reflects all of us,” he said.

Cmdr. Rick Hatfield of the Placerville California Highway Patrol office presented the Officer of the Year award to CHP Officer Jarvis

Opp. Hatfield thanked the American Legion and noted that his office covers the area from El Dorado Hills to Strawberry and to the Amador County line. “A lot of people don’t want to do this job. I consider myself fortunate to be here.”

Hatfield said Opp previously served in Santa Cruz and the Central Valley.

“Everybody wants to be here. We have lost three cars in the snow.” He noted that Jarvis got hit by a car in the snow over near Georgetown. Opp, who has as been in the Placerville office more than five years, said he was honored to receive this award. “We really feel the love here.” He also thanked his wife of 17 years, Jody, and his five “beautiful

kids.”

Phillip Wassner was selected as Police Officer of the Year. Unfortunately, neither he nor the police chief were in attendance.

I have contacted the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Police Department to be included next year in our awards dinner. Tribal police have a large department.

I’d like to thank all the Legion Post 119 members who showed up to support our officers of the year. And thanks to the sheriff’s Explorer Scouts who served and bussed dinners and then put away tables and chairs. Also thank you to Delores Wadsworth for taking tickets and offering such a thoughtful prayer. The Scouts also trooped the colors for our Pledge of Allegiance. What a great bunch of youth.

This year the plaques included each agency’s insignia as well as the Legion logo.

Michael Raffety is a retired editor of the Mountain Democrat and commander of American Legion Post 119.

the legislation’s legal problem is that it may be an impermissible attempt to amend the political Reform act without a vote of the people.

Coupal Continued from A4 purposes of the act. Defenders of SB 1439 will argue that the removal of the exemption for agencies whose members are elected by voters is indeed consistent with the overall purposes of the act.

But how can it be “consistent” with the original Political Reform Act when that law specifically exempted elected officials from this provision?

Moreover, courts are skeptical of arguments that legislative amendments to the PRA “further its purposes.” The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association won such a lawsuit in 2019. That dispute began in 2016 when the Legislature passed, and the governor signed, Senate Bill 1107, which purported to amend a part of the PRA that expressly prohibited public funding of political campaigns.

SB 1107 attempted to reverse the ban by permitting public funding of political campaigns under certain circumstances. Because SB 1107 was so clearly contrary to the letter and spirit of the Act, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association challenged the 2016 law as an improper legislative amendment of a voter initiative. Taxpayers prevailed in both the trial court and the Court of Appeals.

In addition to the questionable legality of SB 1439, taxpayers have reason to be concerned that the law tilts the playing field by allowing some power players to continue to engage in “pay to play.”

SB 1439 is limited to situations “involving a license, permit or other entitlement for use,” applying to “business, professional, trade and land use” as well as “all contracts” and “all franchises.” By

far the biggest “pay to play” problem in California involves public sector labor unions shoveling boatloads of cash to their preferred candidates.

Leaving no doubt labor organizations have special protection from this law, SB 1439 defines “license, permit or other entitlement for use” to include “all contracts,” but then specifically excludes union contracts with the phrase, “other than competitively bid, labor, or personal employment contracts.”

Finally, adding insult to injury, lawmakers made sure to exempt themselves from the provisions of SB 1439, defining “agency” to “not include the courts or any agency in the judicial branch of government, the Legislature, the Board of Equalization, or constitutional officers.”

Examples of California politicians protecting those who protect them are too many to list. Regrettably SB 1439 is just the latest example.

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

Letters

Continued from A4

acorns. Look on the ground where a tree nicknamed “Canyon Live oak” might live — on Forni Road between Main Street and Excalibar Road, its feet dug into the bank on the uphill side or where Route 193 leaves Route 49 opposite the Cottonwood Apartments for the only close-by parking.

crime log

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

feb. 26

12:42 a.m. Battery was reported on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville.

1:20 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 37-year-old man who had a felony warrant on Coach Lane in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $20,000 bail.

10 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 55-year-old man suspected of a felony parole violation on Highway 50 at Red hawk Parkway in Placerville. He was listed in custody.

10:51 a.m. Battery was reported at an apartment complex on Market Court in Shingle Springs.

5:05 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 29-year-old man suspected of a felony probation violation on La Paz Road in Placerville. He was listed in custody.

5:40 p.m. Assault with a deadly weapon was reported on Debbie Lane in Placerville. feb. 27

12:46 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 48-year-old woman suspected of driving on a suspended license due to a DUI on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville. She was listed in custody in lieu

of $25,000 bail.

12:39 p.m. Battery was reported on Highland Hills Drive in El Dorado Hills.

12:46 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 42-year-old man suspected of felony probation violation on Faith Lane in Placerville. He was listed in custody. 1:41 p.m. Vandalism was reported on

Announcements

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

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

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

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

Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000

Ready for real change?

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

Struggling with life? ceLeBrAte recOvery is for any Hurt, Habit

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)621-6304 to leave a message and get started.

tAxPAyers AssOciAtiON Of eL DOrADO cOUNty

Our mission is to educate the public on tax issues that affect them. Our meetings are held every Monday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at Denny’s Restaurant, Fair Lane Drive, Placerville. Meetings are open to the public except the first Monday of each month. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a nonpartisan organization

ELIZABETH CAFFREY Placerville

County included in state of emergency

Mountain Democrat staff

With a series of storms forecasted to continue through mid-March, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday proclaimed a state of emergency to support storm response and relief efforts in El Dorado County, as well as 20 other counties, according to a news release from the Governor’s Office.

The governor last week proclaimed a state of emergency in 13 counties due to storms and activated the California Guard and State Operations Center to bring state support to

county-led emergency response efforts and coordinate mutual aid from neighboring jurisdictions.

“The state is working around the clock with local partners to deploy lifesaving equipment and first responders to communities across California,” states Newsom in the news release.

State officials report staffing and equipment resources from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Caltrans, California Highway Patrol, Cal Fire and the California National Guard are on the ground in impacted areas.

EID cost of service analysis bid put off

Michael Raffety

Mountain Democrat correspondent

With Director George Osborne absent, the four directors present Feb. 27 locked up on two 2-2 votes, only agreeing to postpone action on the costof-service study bid until the March 13 El Dorado Irrigation District meeting.

Three requests for proposals were received to analyze the costs of services for EID. The low bid was $83,777 from Raftelis Financial Consultants. That consultant’s proposal was favored by Directors Lori Anzini and Alan Day. Staff recommended the second-highest bid of $115,750 from NBS Consulting because it included 40% more hours of face-to-face staff time and public engagement. That bid was favored by Directors Pat Dwyer and Brian Veerkamp.

The highest bid was from Carollo Engineers for $159,532.

NBS was familiar with EID’s complex system, having done previous analysis.

Day moved to accept the Raftelis bid and add $20,00 for more in-person meetings and public meetings. That would total $103,777. Raftellis would otherwise work through Zoom meetings and conduct one public meeting.

Two separate motions produced 2-2 votes with Day and Anzini favoring

Raftelis and Dwyer and Veerkamp favoring NBS.

Postponing the vote until all five directors were there brought a unanimous vote.

The cost-of-service analysis will produce rate proposals for the next five years following a Proposition 218 notice to rate payers. The last five-year rate structure produced 5% annual water rate increases and zero wastewater increases for the first three years.

A second unanimous vote later in the Feb. 27 meeting approved ordering two replacement filters for the El Dorado Hills Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The El Dorado Hills plant has six tertiary filters. Four area half-pipe filters installed in the 1990s are working fine, though some corrosion will need to be treated.

The two filters failing were plastic multiblock underdrains installed in 2007. These two will be replaced with the half-pipe underdrain system. It takes seven months to obtain the new parts after putting in the order at a cost of $955,986.

The replacement filters and installation are estimated to cost $1.9 million and will be entirely funded by sewer hookup fee funds, according to the writeup by engineer Tracey EdenBishop.

come down at a business Thursday evening.

The roof over the gas station pumps at Swiss Mart gas station on Emerald Bay Road gave way to the snow and caused a gas pump to catch fire but South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue personnel quickly doused the blaze. No injuries were reported and the entire lot is, “red-tagged, meaning no entrance is allowed onto this site,” state SLTFR officials in a social media post. Many south Tahoe residents were loading up sandbags Thursday at the Tahoe Valley SLTFR station but

for those who weren’t feeling safe at home, some Stateline casinos were offering deals on hotel rooms. Harrah’s and Harveys Lake Tahoe discounted room rates to $59 a night with no resort fees.

Caltrans crews reported they had to close Highway 50 temporarily Thursday morning between Twin Bridges and Meyers due to avalanche control on Echo Summit. The roadway reopened before 10 a.m. State Route 89 was closed in both directions at Emerald Bay Road due to avalanche danger.

Tahoe Daily Tribune photo by Bill Rozak

Dozens of people fill up sandbags Thursday while firefighters clear the roof at a South Lake Tahoe fire station.

Photo courtesy of SLTFR

A structure over the gas pumps at Swiss Mart in South Lake Tahoe collapsed Thursday.

Storms Continued from A1

In the KNOW

Now

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

The Master Gardener public office is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to noon at 311 Fair Lane, Placerville. Have a gardening question or problem? Come in and chat. Bring a cutting or insect in a Ziploc baggie or a picture. Can’t come in person? Call (530) 6215512 and leave a voicemail or go online to the “Ask A Master Gardener” tool mgeldorado@ucanr.edu.

The purpose of the Widowed Persons Club is to provide a support group for widowed men and women of all ages and provide a wide range of social activities through which they have an opportunity to make new friends and find a new direction in their lives. General meeting lunches are held at Cold Springs Country Club in Placerville for members and guests on the fourth Friday of each month at 11:30 a.m. A social time precedes each meeting. The cost is $18 and reservations are required. Regular breakfasts are held every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at Denny’s in Placerville. For those interested in joining or reservations don’t hesitate to get in touch with Glenda at (530) 2958374 or Nancy at (530) 919-8276.

March 14

FamilySearch Center, 3275 Cedar Ravine Road in Placerville, presents an overview of The Family History Research Wiki, which provides handbook reference information and educational articles to help genealogists find and interpret records of their ancestors. It is a free-access, free-content, online encyclopedia on a wiki, hosted as part of the FamilySearch site. Sessions will be held at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

March 15

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

Kerry Irish Productions presents St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland at 7 p.m. March 15 & 16 at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 6086888 or visit harriscenter. net.

The Blues & Bourbon weekly series at The Starlet Room above Harlow’s in Sacramento has begun. Check out the following acts: Chrissie O’Dell & The Real Deal (March 15), Vanessa Collier (March 19) and Mitch Woods Rocket 88s (March 29). For more information visit harlows.com.

March 16

The Camino FireSafe Council hosts the presentation Home Hardening — Critical Twin to Defensible Space at Camino Community Church upstairs, 4205 Carson Road. The meeting beings at 6:30 p.m. and the

Fine art featured at The Green Room

Special to the Mountain Democrat

Stop by The Green Room Social Club in Placerville and check out an exciting collision of art and music spheres.

Artist Sheri Hoeger’s work will be on display at the downtown club, 251 Main St., March 15-28. A reception is planned 4-6 p.m. Saturday, March 18, with music by Deb Smith, to coincide with Placerville’s Third Saturday Art Walk.

Hoeger is an artist living in the woods of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Armed with a high school education, a supportive husband and a childlike sense of wonder, she launched her decorative arts business in 1988.

She went on to become a force in the decorative art world, creating works for hundreds of interiors, appearing on television, opening a teaching studio, creating a highly successful line of stencils and being featured in numerous books and magazines. Hoeger’s public art can be seen in locations throughout the Western Slope, including murals at the Marshall Cancer Center in Cameron Park.

Since transitioning to fine art, Hoeger

has been featured at galleries in California, Oregon, Arizona and Maine as well as inclusion in national juried online shows. Her work still conveys that childlike sense of wonder, along with a deeper

appreciation for nature and human connection that comes with a lifetime of learning and living creatively. For more information about the artist visit sherihoeger.com.

Arts, freedom of speech & promoting the Common Good

We live in interesting times. To listen or not to listen? To ponder or not to ponder? To agree or to agree “not to agree?”

These are the questions.

Our nation’s founding fathers took up these questions in 1787 at the Constitutional Convention, less than three years after laying down the arms they took up against a sea of troubles from across The Pond.

How could a diverse, flawed — human — group of people yet to be born peaceably resolve the issues that would inevitably arise as society grew and evolved?

Freedom to speak out

Their answer was the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. Prime

among these is the First Amendment. It states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

In a nutshell, this means that Americans have the right to

freedom of speech. If we can’t speak freely about matters important to us, then we are under the worst form of tyranny. That includes selfcensorship.

You have the right to speak your mind, whether others agree with you or not. They have that same right. Everyone has the right

to speak their ideas in the public square.

Remember what our teachers told us in kindergarten? “Use your words, not your fists.”

It’s that simple.

Art as speech

Art is a form of that freedom of expression. It can provoke,

stimulate thought and serve as a forum to discuss controversial ideas or actions.

For example, Star Trek’s Capt. Kirk and Lt. Uhura had the first television interracial kiss in 1968. It shocked audiences and sparked a national discussion. Yet

Owl on gold leaf by Sheri Hoeger

“Up to 11” by Sheri Hoeger

SHErI HOEGEr

Courtesy image

LUNAFEST Film “Pete” explores gender identity, Little League Baseball, the people who inspire change by being themselves and the superheroes who champion that change.

Susan Laird The Arts

Solutions

LARIES (March 21-April 19).

ARIES (March 21-April 19).

It will save you time, money and energy to rigorously check your facts. An opinion you took for fact might be nothing more than an unsubstantiated feeling, and to act on it would be a waste at best.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The way things are now is how they have always been and not how they will always be. Slow change is change. Keep the faith and keep going, even if it’s a tiny step, or even just a lean in your desired direction.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Completion gives you energy because it reduces the amount of open loops running at the back of your mind. When you finish something today, it will be the push that helps you gain a whole new momentum.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). If the things that concern you are unpredictable and out of your control, worrying is pointless. Today, your favorite distraction is not so much an indulgence as a tool to get you thinking along a more positive track.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Stick around too long in one place today and you’ll get advice, directions and maybe more bossing around than you’d prefer. Get busy on your own thing so the know-it-alls can’t catch you. The best directions to follow are the ones you give yourself.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). “I have been a cloud, a river, and the air,” says Thich Nhat Hanh. You have also taken many forms in this lifetime and will benefit from reflecting on a few of them today. Give yourself credit for how far you’ve come.

Collaborative to support monarchs,

pollinators

Ken Paglia CDFW

State and federal agencies in California are joining forces to address the decline of monarch butterflies and other pollinator species in the state. The Multi-Agency Monarch and Pollinator Collaborative aims to facilitate long-term conservation of the western population of the migratory monarch butterfly and its habitats, as well as other pollinator species in the state.

“Monarchs and other pollinators are critical to maintaining ecosystem resilience and preserving California’s biodiversity,” said California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Charlton H. Bonham. “It will take a collective effort between agencies to make significant headway toward the state’s conservation goals

and recover pollinator populations.”

Recent surveys reveal a positive turn for the monarchs. The 2023 count of overwintering monarchs along the California coast showed a robust population of more than 330,000 butterflies. This represents more than a thousandfold increase over the alltime low count of less than 2,000 individuals in 2020.

“We are encouraged by the promising recent reports of overwintering western monarchs in California and remain committed to working with others to implement conservation actions that benefit all pollinators,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Southwest Regional Director Paul Souza.

Despite the recent increase, scientists estimate that western n See collaborative page B4

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Self-discovery is different from other quests. It’s not like you set sail to see what’s out there in the big world. Rather, you set sail assuming you’re in a boat and are surprised to find out this vehicle can actually fly.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Giving back is the theme, though it should be noted that if you can’t return help, favors or goodwill to the same ones who gave it to you, giving forward is the best way to give back.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). When you’re around people who don’t understand what you do, you have to do more inner work to stay confident. Remind yourself every so often that your skill set is valuable and your contribution is significant.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Though fantasy versions of your goals may feel inspiring, ultimately, you’re most motivated by what’s doable. It’s the step just above you that has you feeling willing to take a small risk or make a reasonable effort. Those will add up to your next win.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You know a subject very well and are able to see meaning in even the small things about it. The opposite is also true. Things you don’t know well will bore you -- an invitation to either dive deeper or keep moving.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You strive to stay current and endeavor to keep freshening up your knowledge. Don’t forget to include knowledge of yourself. Like the ocean, you are deep and ever-changing, and there is much to be discovered.

Photo

n SHoe by Jeff MacNelly

n tUNDra by chad carpenter

n rUbeS by leigh rubin

n SPeeD bUMP by Dave coverly

coMicS

Musical legend Richman coming to NorCal

News release

NEVADA CITY

— Influential singer/songwriter Jonathan Richman will perform a rare show at the Nevada Theatre Wednesday, March 15, as part of Paul Emery’s Nevada City LIVE! Concert series.

Richman has been playing music, recording and touring for most of his life. Richman and his drummer Tommy Larkins win fans wherever they play. In the early 1970s, Richman formed the noted band The Modern Lovers. Larkins was in the groups Naked Prey, Giant Sand and other popular bands in Tucson, Ariz.

“The music we’re doing now works well in quiet places like theaters and performing art centers. We still don’t use a program or a set list so we don’t know what we’ll do until we do it,” Richman said.

“Please do not expect old songs. Many singers my age do a retrospective; this show

is not like that,” he continued. “It’s mostly stuff made up in the last three and four years. Some of the songs presented might be in different languages; this is not to be esoteric or clever, it’s because the different languages help me express different feelings sometimes. One

last thing, my idea of a good show has nothing to do with applause. It’s about if all the songs I sang that night were ones that I felt.”

A singer and songwriter who has stubbornly (and joyfully) followed his muse in a career that began in the early ’70s,

Richman started out as a primitive protopunk bandleader under the influence of the Velvet Underground who would eventually mature into an acoustic balladeer and who sang his spare, passionate tunes in Spanish as

Photo by Dreily S.

See Jonathan Richman and his drummer Tommy Larkins live in Nevada City this Wednesday.

n See richman page B4

Richman Continued from

B3

often as in English. In the middle, Richman was known for his purposefully naïve music that reveled in a childlike love of the world around him.

Artists as diverse as the Sex Pistols and Joan Jett have covered his song “Roadrunner.” Boston skapunk band Big D and the Kids Table have covered “New England” live and on their Gypsy Hill EP. A version of “Pablo Picasso” performed by Burning Sensations was included in the 1984 cult film “Repo Man.” David Bowie covered “Pablo Picasso” on his album “Reality.” Velvet Underground founding member John Cale has a version of the song on his 1975 album, “Helen of Troy,” and continues to include the song in his live shows. Iggy Pop has performed “Pablo Picasso” live and wrote an extra verse for it. Echo and the Bunnymen covered “She

monarchs have declined by approximately 80% since the 1980s due to loss of breeding habitat and coastal overwintering habitat, climate change and the e ects of pesticides. Western monarchs still have a long way to go to recover and the collaborative hopes to make a di erence. The group will identify, adopt, promote and implement

Cracked” in concert in 1984 and 1985 and Siouxsie and the Banshees have a version of the song on “Downside Up.”

Richman’s music has set the tone for many alternative rock bands, such as Violent Femmes, Galaxie 500, They Might Be Giants (“Roadrunner” reportedly inspired John Flansburgh to become a musician), Weezer, Tullycraft, Jens Lekman, singer Frank Black (who composed the tribute song “The Man Who Was Too Loud”), Brandon Flowers, Art Brut, Craig Finn of the Hold Steady & Lifter Puller, Mac DeMarco and Nerf Herder, who composed a song about him, titled “Jonathan”, which appeared on the band’s second album, “How To Meet Girls.” British country rock band the Rockingbirds released the single “Jonathan, Jonathan” in tribute

the western migratory population of the monarch butterfly and other pollinators in California.

“I had a chance to witness monarch migration this winter on the Monterey Peninsula, and it moved me deeply,” said California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “Butterflies, bees and other pollinators are not only beautiful, but also essential to our environment and food production.

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Want to Sell or Consign your Firearm Collection, Contact Billy @ (530)885-9200

n sudoku solutions

Solution to Puzzle 1

Solution to Puzzle 2

to Richman in 1992. The Silos also covered the Modern Lovers’ “I’m Straight.”

As a producer himself, Richman and drummer Larkins produced Vic Chesnutt’s final album, “Skitter on Take-O ,” in 2009 which appeared on Vapor Records. Chesnutt opened for Richman at concerts many times during his later years.

partnership represents so much promise to provide the support that pollinators need to thrive.”

The member agencies are CDFW, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Coastal Commission, California Department of Food and Agriculture, California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, California Department of Transportation, Wildlife Conservation Board, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Geological Survey, National Park Service and California Natural Resources Agency.

The collaborative is basing its priorities on two initiatives: (1) the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ 50-year Monarch Conservation Plan, and (2) the June 2022 Western Monarch Summit, initiated by Senator Je Merkley (D-OR), which laid out a set of shortterm priorities aimed at improving monarch outcomes in the west.

Combined, the member agencies manage much of the state and federal land in California. These public lands comprise nearly 50% of California’s total land area. Due to its broad participation, the group is wellpositioned to maximize its impact on California’s monarch and pollinator habitats.

The collaborative’s work will also be applicable to private landowners and the general public who want to voluntarily engage in this framework.

“Many participating agencies, including the California Department of Food and Agriculture, work closely with private landowners to increase opportunities for pollinator conservation across various land uses,” said Secretary for Agriculture Karen Ross. “Public-private partnerships are

today, interracial couples are a part of the normal landscape of society.

Today there are cultural issues and mores to discuss aplenty and a need for open forums. One of these public squares is the annual LUNAFEST, locally hosted by the Soroptimists International of Cameron Park/El Dorado Hills.

LUNAFEST features short films all by, for and about women. The film festival believes that sharing diverse perspectives can spark conversation, connection and change. In a span of 90 minutes, these films tackle universal themes of friendship, bravery and community. The hope is to break down barriers and celebrate the importance of finding joy. The films are screened across the country by a variety of service organizations.

The films contain mature subject matter. Age 16 and up is advised. Some topics are controversial. But that is the purpose of this art: to start conversations within society. To view the list of 2023 films visit lunafest. org/filmmakers.

Doing good

Local funds raised through LUNAFEST by the Soroptimists support needs in the community by providing programs and monetary support for women and children in need. Programs include Live Your Dream educational grants, high school and Folsom Lake College scholarships and Tech Trek camps for girls. The Soroptimists also support local agencies working to stop human tra cking in Sacramento and El Dorado counties. This fundraiser provides their most important

a key ingredient to e ective pollinator conservation.”

Agricultural regions of the state have been identified as critical to monarch recovery by the planning documents the collaborative is adopting.

“The Natural Resources Conservation Service proudly assists California’s farmers and ranchers in voluntary implementation of conservation practices, including the planting of many miles of hedgerows over the last decade. Actions like these can support monarchs on California’s agricultural lands,” said NRCS California State Conservationist Carlos Suarez. “NRCS is thrilled to continue work like this in collaboration with the Multi-Agency Pollinator Collaborative.”

To increase the likelihood that conservation e orts will succeed the collaborative is also working to share the most up-to-date scientific and management information.

“We proudly support the collaborative with the best available science to enhance management decisions that target pollinator conservation,” said U.S. Geological Survey Southwest Regional Director Eric Reichard. “Our goal is to proactively share impartial information and methodologies to facilitate our partner’s conservation objectives.”

Ultimately, the goal of the collaborative is to help catalyze monarch and pollinator conservation in California by building on the recent increase of monarch butterflies.

Armando Quintero, director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation, added, “This collaborative will provide a venue for us to share knowledge and work together across California to help migratory monarchs and other native pollinators, by focusing our conservation e orts where they are needed most.”

community impact.

Two ways to participate

This year’s film festival has virtual and in-person options. Virtually the films will be available for a full 48 hours, from 11 a.m. March 30 to 11 a.m. April 1.

The in-person event is March 30 at 7 p.m. at the Cameron Park Community Center, 2502 Country Club Drive in Cameron Park. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Complimentary desserts are provided and small plates and beverages will be available for sale. The event has a spring theme which will be reflected in ra e and auction items, just in time for Easter.

Tickets for either venue are $25 each. Visit tinyurl.com/lunafest23 to learn more.

The kids will be ‘alright’

Thomas Je erson was a selfproclaimed arts enthusiast. Looking at America’s future, he was an optimist.

“When I contemplate the immense advances in science and discoveries in the arts which have been made within the period of my life, I look forward with confidence to equal advances by the present generation, and have no doubt they will consequently be as much wiser than we have been as we than our fathers were, and they than the burners of witches,” he said.

The Great American Experiment continues, right here in El Dorado County. God bless America!

Send your event for consideration in Susan’s column to slaird@ handywriting.com.

Laird Continued from B1

Make Your St. Patrick’s Day Spread Green with Envy

Culinary.net

Freshen up your St. Patrick’s Day menu with easy, light sandwiches inspired by the traditional color of the festivities. these open-faced noshes can be perfect for lunch, snack time or even as an appetizer for get-togethers with friends and family.

layered with a smooth cream cheese and mozzarella mixture then topped with crisp cucumber and a stem of green bell pepper, these St. Patrick’s Day Sandwiches are easy and cute, which makes them a fan favorite at nearly any green gathering. they’re also sprinkled with lemon juice to add a little acidity and create a nice, light bite.

Plus, this recipe is quick to make. When you’re in a rush to get everything on the table for the party, it’s easy to throw together and get on the platter in next to no time.

the sandwiches pop off the plate with their bright, seasonal garnishes. While sure to attract attention and have your loved ones asking “Where did you get this idea?” they’re also an easy way to sneak a few vegetables into your kids’ diets.

For more festive recipes and ideas at Culinary.net.

Cucumber Cream Cheese Sandwiches

yield: 8 sandwiches

8 ounces plain cream cheese spread, softened

1 cup finely shredded mozzarella cheese

salt

4 English muffins

in bowl, mix cream cheese spread, mozzarella cheese and salt well. Split English muffins in half. Cut each muffin half into shamrock shape.

Spread cheese mixture over each muffin half.

24 slices cucumber

8 thin slices green pepper fresh cilantro leaves lemon juice lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

Place three cucumbers on each “shamrock,” one on each “leaf.” use green pepper slice as stem. Place cilantro leaf on top of each sandwich. Sprinkle sandwiches with lemon juice and add lemon slices, for garnish, if desired.

A St. Patrick’s Day Sandwich

in honor of the day when everyone is irish, welcome family and friends to a traditional St. Patrick’s Day lunch with this reuben Sandwich recipe.

Find more seasonal recipes at Culinary.net.

Reuben Sandwich

Servings: 2

2 tablespoons butter, softened

4 slices rye and pumpernickel swirl bread

4 slices swiss cheese

6 ounces corned beef

2 tablespoons, plus 2 teaspoons, Thousand Island

Dressing, divided

4 tablespoons sauerkraut

Heat nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Spread 1 tablespoon butter on one side of two bread

slices. Place buttered side down in heated skillet. add two slices cheese to each bread slice. Spread 2 tablespoons dressing over cheese slices. add 3 ounces corned beef to each bread slice.

Spread 2 teaspoons dressing over corned beef. Spread 2 tablespoons sauerkraut over corned beef.

Spread remaining butter on one side of remaining bread

slices. Place buttered side up on top of sauerkraut.

Cook 4-7 minutes each side, flipping once, until golden brown and cheese is melted.

A Sweet Seasonal Shake

St. Patrick’s Day may call to mind hearty meals and pots o’ gold, but that doesn’t mean sweets can’t be part of the equation, too. add dessert to your celebration with this green Minty Shake, a cold, refreshing way to honor the colorful tradition.

Find more seasonal dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

Minty Shake

1

Serves:

1cup whipping cream

1/2teaspoon peppermint extract

2teaspoons powdered sugar

1/2cup milk

1 3/4ounces Baileys Irish Cream liqueur

3scoops mint chocolate chip ice cream chocolate syrup chopped sugar cookies, for garnish (optional) pistachios, for garnish (optional) mint chocolate candy, for garnish (optional) using mixer, whisk whipping cream until soft peaks form. add peppermint extract and powdered sugar; mix until well blended. Set aside. in blender, blend milk, liqueur and ice cream until smooth. Drizzle chocolate syrup inside soda glass. Pour ice cream mixture into glass. top with whipped cream and garnish with cookies, pistachios and mint chocolate candy, if desired.