Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Staff writer

The Placerville Fire Safe Council’s expanded public wildfire preparedness event will bring together local fire and law enforcement agencies, elected officials and municipal senior staff, nonprofit organizations and private businesses to share the latest information with the community.

The Get Prepared for Wildfire Season event will be held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 18 in the Midtown Mall a.k.a. Wilkinson-Hupcey Building at 681 Main St. in Placerville.

Providing information on everything from defensible space to vegetation management, home hardening to evacuation plans and Firewise USA communities to insurance concerns, organizers

Heavy snow load worries continue

Tahoe Daily Tribune

Three grocery stores in the south Tahoe area closed due to unsafe conditions from continuous stormy weather.

Both Raley’s grocery stores in South Lake Tahoe remained closed Tuesday, one after the roof collapsed and the other to avoid injury from a possible collapse.

Raley’s at the South Y Center closed Sunday as a precaution after the location at the Crescent V center near Heavenly Village was closed Saturday when the roof caved in due to a heavy snow load, officials said.

South Lake Tahoe Fire

PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE

Rescue Fire Marshal Kim George said she was told the closure of the “Y” location was purely precautionary in case “the worst happened with the weight of people on the roof” working to remove snow.

Raley’s Executive Director of Community Impact and Public Affairs Chelsea Minor said, “At the direction of the fire marshal, we closed our store at Stateline. For the Emerald Bay Road location, due to the increased snowpack we closed the store. Our team is actively working to assess the situation and reopen.”

have a single focus in mind — to protect lives, property and natural resources from the ever-ubiquitous wildfire threat that continues to daunt residents of Placerville and other El Dorado County communities.

Since the tragic Butte County Camp Fire in 2018, many foothills residents have had fire protection on their minds. The devastating Caldor Fire in 2021 further cemented

Community involvement will ultimately be how the community defends against wildfire threat. — Mark Acuna, Placerville Fire Safe Council board member

terms like “defensible space,” “home hardening,” “fire wise” and “vegetation management” in everyday conversation, say organizers of the event.

However, people tend to become complacent, said Placerville Fire Safe Council

Board Chair David Zelinsky. “You don’t think about it when the sky is blue,” he said, adding that the objective of the annual event is to keep fire awareness in the front of the

n See get prepared page A3

Everything fire wise in Placerville all at once students stand up

Oak Ridge High School’s Amnesty International Club, above, leads a march down Main Street in Placerville Sunday to demonstrate against the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors’ disbanding of the county Human Rights Commission. Supervisors voted 3-2 to dissolve the commission at this week’s BOS meeting, with final passage of the amended ordinance to come March 21. Youth leader for the Amnesty International Club Aiden Chemmannure, at right in top photo, organized the protest. “It’s about human rights. It’s just something that has to stay,” he said. “If it isn’t working as they hoped, fix it; don’t get rid of it.” The protest began at 1:30 p.m. and demonstrators walked up and down the street three times, the rain unable to dampen their spirits. Read the full story about the board’s action in Friday’s Mountain Democrat. Mountain Democrat photos by Odin Rasco

Andrew Vonderschmitt

Tahoe Daily Tribune photo by Ashleigh Goodwin

The Raley’s on Emerald Bay Road at the “Y” closed Sunday for snow removal in an “abundance of caution.”

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.

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.

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.

Diane Marie Zaun

Diane passed away on Feb. 20 at the age of 69. She was born in Santa Maria, Calif. She moved to Sacramento in 1961, and to Placerville in 1971. She worked for Inter County Title and Chicago Title for many years.

Diane is preceded in death by her father, Dennis Alberty; mother,Viola Alberty; sister, Denise Alberty. She is survived by her husband Mike, brother, Dennis Alberty; sister, Darlene Phillis; brother, Robbie Gault and Aunt, Charlene Stone. She is also survived by her two sons David and Bradley Zaun and grandchildren Bentley and Madison Zaun, many nieces, nephews and cousins. She will be missed by all.

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.

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. 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 …

5-dAy

CONTACT

LeeAnne Mila chosen to lead ag commission

Noel Stack Managing editor

Acting El Dorado County Agriculture

Commissioner LeeAnne Mila will keep the top job.

Tuesday the county Board of Supervisors unanimously approved naming Mila the permanent agriculture commissioner and sealer of weights and measures effective March 11.

“She certainly brings a deep level of dedication and a depth of background and history to this job,” District 3 Supervisor Wendy Thomas said. “(We’re) looking forward to having her officially in this position.

“And I know LeeAnne has the staunch support of our ag community, which I think is so

crime log

The following was taken from El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office logs: Feb. 28

10:29 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Suncast Lane in El Dorado Hills.

11:47 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 51-year-old man suspected of assault with a deadly weapon on Debbie Lane in Placerville. He was released on $315,000 bail.

2:10 p.m. Battery was reported on Kruk Trail in Placerville.

LeeAnne MiLA

important in this role,” Thomas added. Mila took the interim job following Charlene Carveth’s retirement last year. The county initiated the recruitment process to permanently fill the role shortly thereafter and narrowed down the field of candidates to two earlier this year.

“LeeAnne Mila, our

6:14 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail an 18-yearold man suspected of DUI on Business Drive in Cameron Park. He was later released.

8:08 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 27-year-old man suspected of felony child abuse on Market Court in Shingle Springs. He was released on $50,000 bail.

March 1

9:02 a.m. Burglary was reported at an apartment complex on Greenwood Lane in Cameron Park.

StarkeS SurpriSe

internal candidate, rose to the top,” EDC Human Resources Director Joseph Carruesco told supervisors.

Mila will start at step 2 of the salary range with an approximate annual salary of $139,152.

As agricultural commissioner, Mila oversees staff that assists county residents through various programs and services, including pesticide registration and regulation, nursery inspections and compliance, organic production, pest detection, weed abatement, crop statistics, wildlife services and land use information, as well as consumer and business protection through the weights and measures program.

12:33 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Aberdeen Lane in El Dorado Hills.

2:17 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Olson Lane in El Dorado Hills.

3:51 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Aberdeen Lane in El Dorado Hills.

11:25 p.m. Battery was reported on Patterson Drive in Diamond Springs.

March 2

7:57 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Charito Lane in Cameron Park.

10:41 a.m. Grand theft was reported at a store on Town Center

The owner of this Toyota Tacoma parked off Starkes Grade Road in Pollock Pines found an unpleasant surprise last week after a large oak tree uprooted and came crashing down onto the vehicle. High winds and wet soil can cause trees to topple. The truck remained pinned at the scene Tuesday morning.

Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

11:02 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Jennifer Lane in Placerville.

7:56 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Embarcadero Drive in El Dorado Hills.

March 3

12:02 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 38-year-old woman suspected of possession of a controlled substance, identity theft, giving false ID to law enforcement and having a felony warrant at a gas station in El Dorado County

(location not specified). She was listed in custody in lieu of $54,000 bail.

8:34 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 60-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance on Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park. He was later released.

8:59 a.m. Burglary was reported on Meadow Croft Lane in Pilot Hill.

9:28 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 51-year-old woman suspected of possession of a controlled substance and unlawful drug paraphernalia and identity theft on Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park. She was listed in custody in lieu of $155,000 bail.

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Presented by Jeffery Little, D.D.S.

INDIRECT DENTAL FILLINGS

Get prepared

Continued from A1 community’s mind.

The all-day event represents an alliance between the Placerville Fire Safe Council and the city of Placerville to help the community remain vigilant regarding wildfire preparedness. With the modest success of the inaugural year, attendees will see more organizations with more demonstrations and rotating presentations.

“Our hope is that with publicity and the support of all the other fire safe councils, we’re going to approach several hundred attendees,” said Mark Acuna, Placerville Fire Safe Council board member.

The inaugural event was held at Placerville Town Hall with presentations in the meeting room and informational tables inside the building and in the parking lot. With the scope of this year’s event, it was clear more space would be needed.

Acuna reached out to El Dorado County Fire Protection District and Placerville Police Department Chiefs Tim Cordero and Joe Wren to start the process for this year’s event.

“Instantly they got back to me, ‘Absolutely but we need to talk to you about a bigger spot,’” recalled Acuna.

The event will kick off at 9 a.m. and include an opening ceremony at 9:15 a.m. with Placerville Mayor Michael Saragosa and District 3 Supervisor Wendy Thomas.

“The threat of wildfire is a concern to us all,” said Thomas. “If each of us does our part to provide defensible space around our homes and properties, we can better protect our community against this continued threat.”

California 4th District Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil will be in attendance early in the day.

“Placerville Fire Safe Council’s Get Prepared event gives us a great opportunity to learn about the many challenges we face when it comes to fire preparedness,” said Alvarado-Gil.

Information tables and demonstrations will be posted inside the mall’s main hall.

Agencies, organizations and service providers attending:

• Cal Fire

• California Department of Insurance

• Captain Cal, CalFire Spokesperson

• City of Placerville

• Diamond Springs Fire Protection District

• Diamond Springs Fire Safe Council

• El Dorado County Fire Safe Council

• El Dorado County Animal Services

• El Dorado County Fire Protection District

• El Dorado County Transportation Commission

• El Dorado Irrigation District

• Future Fire Academy

• Home Radio Rescue

• Katie Thorne — pet rescue

• Mountain F. Enterprises

• Placerville Fire Safe Council

• Placerville Police Department

• Placerville Rotary

• Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Tribal Fire

• Smokey Bear, U.S. Forest Service Spokesperson

• U.S. Forest Service

Live presentations will be offered throughout the day from El Dorado County Animal Services, El Dorado County Transportation Commission, Home Radio Rescue, Placerville Fire Safe Council, El Dorado County Fire Protection District and Cal Fire. El Dorado County Fire, Diamond Springs Fire, Mountain F. Enterprises and Shingle Springs Tribal Fire will host equipment and engine demonstrations in the parking lot while El Dorado County Fire’s Engine 25 and Diamond Springs Fire’s Engine 49 will

dispatch from the location all day.

Home Radio Rescue will demonstrate the benefits of radio ownership in rural emergency situations.

The Future Firefighter Academy will share information about its training programs and fuel reduction efforts, and provide resources for those considering a career in the fire service.

“Our fuels reduction division has a vital role in the training we provide to our cadets as well as for the community needing defensible space,” said Anthony Pedro, founder and CEO of the Future Firefighter Academy.

The Placerville Rotary Club will be on hand with food, drinks and other refreshments. Businesses located inside the mall — Sweet Pairings Bakery as well as Growing Through Games, the “kids and teens” tabletop gaming store, will remain open throughout the event.

One goal of the Placerville Fire Safe Council is to get as many neighborhoods in the Placerville area to be Firewise USA certified. There are currently three certified communities in the Placerville region, according to Zelinsky.

A Firewise USA certification is granted by the National Fire Protection Association.

Ongoing home hardening work and education make for clear motivation to earn and maintain a Firewise USA Community certification, said Zelinsky, noting the certification must be renewed every three years.

“Not only are you individually responsible but the community is responsible to each other,” he explained.

Each Firewafe neighborhood is accountable for vegetation management and home hardening within its borders in order to renew its certification. The city of Placerville’s recent vegetation management work could be credited to the community’s overall Firewise plan.

Owners of property inside Firewise USA neighborhoods could also be eligible for insurance discounts.

“The program wraps insurance into the standards that everyone is trying to meet for home hardening,” Zelinsky said, adding that a representative from the state Insurance Commssioner’s Office will be on site.

The representative from Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara’s office will talk about Firewise USA Communities, answer questions and provide information on the California Department of Insurance.

To Zelinsky the motivation to be Firewise is simple.

“Make your community truly Firewise and fire safe so you don’t die,” he said. “Our mantra is ‘all we want to do is save 10,000 lives.’”

Wildfire behavior simulations will be presented for residents to witness possible scenarios play out in the Placerville region.

“Chief Maurice Johnson of the El Dorado Hills Fire Department has graciously lent us the wildfire demonstration table,” said Acuna.

The 3D sand table can simulate conditions of wildfire behavior. By entering topography, weather conditions, ignition sources and other factors the rendering software animates scenarios of how a fire might play out.

“Building on what we learned last year, we intend to focus on more engagement,” said Acuna, adding that community involvement will ultimately be how the community defends against wildfire threat.

With Captain Cal and Smokey Bear patrolling event grounds, multiple equipment demonstrations and rotating presentations, Placerville Fire Safe Council is promising a full day of family-friendly, education, information exchange and community building.

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Mountain Democrat photo by Susie Graunstadt

Social Security reform about principles, not accounting

Per CNN and other media outlets, when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ran his first campaign for Congress in 2012 he expressed support for “privatizing” Social Security.

They predict, with little surprise, that this should provide red meat for attacks from former President Donald Trump and from Democrats, should DeSantis announce a presidential run.

If indeed this is the case, it adds credence to Nikki Haley’s slogan for her new campaign that we need a new generation of leaders.

The president who brought us Social Security, Franklin D Roosevelt, told the nation in his first inauguration in 1933, in the dark days of the Depression, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Roosevelt gets high marks for courage and leadership. The problem was not that he was bold. The problem was what he did.

Today, again, the nation badly needs bold leadership. And what needs to be done is undo the damage that Roosevelt did back then. Most of the profound fiscal and social problems that we face today trace back to Roosevelt’s actions in the 1930s, most specifically his signing Social Security into law in 1935.

The constitutionality of Social Security was challenged in 1937 in Helvering v. Davis. The argument was that Social Security violated the Constitution’s 10th Amendment, which prohibits action by the federal government not specifically enumerated in the Constitution.

The Supreme Court found Social Security constitutional by offering a new, sweeping understanding of the constitution’s “general welfare” clause in Article 1, Section 8: “The Congress shall have Power To Lay and collect Taxes ... (to) provide for the common Defence and general welfare.”

General welfare had always been understood to be about implementation of explicit authorities enumerated in the Constitution. Now general welfare could be just about anything the congress wanted to do.

Helvering v. Davis and Social Security opened the door to today’s modern welfare state.

Social Security was the nation’s first “transfer payment” program, in which one set of taxpayers

n See Parker, page A5

Guest Column

Letters to the Editor

Plows

EDITOR:

As a Michigan transplant living through roads and driveways covered with snow, I wonder why Californians haven’t heard of snowplows?

MAE HARMS Garden Valley

House of cards

EDITOR:

To the Board of Supervisors of El Dorado County in reference to agenda item 23-0417: Resolution 038-2023.

The Taxpayers Association of El Dorado County believes in transparency of our government’s decision-making processes. I am addressing the board in regard to agenda item 24 on Feb. 21.

This item has not met our transparency level for the general public, neither by timing or the ability for the general public to view agenda item 24 without digging deeper into what this item truly means to the taxpayers.

The Taxpayers Association has diligently reviewed El Dorado County Charter over the last few months and we see attempted connection of 504 to other salaries and benefit package in Resolution 038-2023.

Charter 504 directly states the employee “comparable class of position” shall mean a group of positions substantially similar with respect to qualities or duties or responsibilities stated in the charter. Resolution 038-2023 does not meet that definition.

Our question to you is: Why are you continuing to tie other employee and elected classifications to Charter 504 and law enforcement”

By inserting the sheriff/coroner/public administrator, you are tying your hands to negotiate salaries for these other positions. You are beginning to set a policy, as you did on Jan. 3, by giving county counsel 1% above the sheriff’s salary. I hope you have also considered the 2% pay increase into perpetuity for all county employees for inflation in August 2022.

On Jan. 30 CAO Don Ashton spoke before the Taxpayers Association and the general public on Zoom. In that presentation the CAO admitted, on questioning, that you the BOS are building a “house of cards” by tying other employee

classifications and electeds to 504 in the county charter.

The state Supreme Court has ruled that if any city or county goes bankrupt, it will not be exempt from their CalPERS obligations. This means the taxpayer must pay regardless of your decision to approve this agenda item 23-0417, but this approval will only put a higher burden on the taxpayer.

As more and more money is committed to CalPERS in higher salaries there will be less and less services to our communities. You will be forced to raise fees, fines, penalties, reassessments and permit fees to fill the cash void; this could also mean laying off county employees.

The taxpayers association is asking you to stop using Charter item 504 to boost salaries and pensions and losing control of your negotiating ability; you are clouding the intent of 504. This is an abuse of power against the residents of El Dorado County.

CAROL LOUIS President, Taxpayers Association of EDC Return

EDITOR:

Here is a quote from I Kings 8:35-36:

“When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because your people have sinned against you, and when they pray toward this place and confess your name and turn from their sin because you have afflicted them, then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your servants, your people Israel. Teach them the right way to live, and send rain on the land you gave your people for an inheritance.”

Are we God’s people? Was America formed as one nation under God? Was our founding purpose to provide a place where we could worship God freely? II Corinthians 3:17 says, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

Look around. Is our freedom restricted everywhere we look? Little by little our freedom is being taken away. Even our right to worship God’s Holy Spirit is being interfered with by the government.

Let us take the experience of Asbury, Ken., as our example. Those young people are hungry for the

n See letters, page A5

China’s quest to replace the U.S. as leader in science

Chinese President Xi Jinping is putting his money where his mouth is.

“We must regard science and technology as our primary productive force,” he recently said. He’s already raised his country’s research and development spending to unprecedented levels. Now he’s filling the highest reaches of government with experts in such areas as artificial intelligence, biotech and semiconductors.

The United States needs to take this challenge seriously. Many in Washington, D.C., appear to. The Chips and Science Act, passed in August, directs $200 billion over the next few years into basic research in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence and robotics. But bankrolling basic research alone won’t lead to more innovation down the line. We also need robust

… we can be sure companies would stop funding product development if the government could simply nullify patent rights based on political

then.

In other words, Americans used to get more for less.

intellectual property protections, without which new inventions wither away after the initial discovery for lack of further investment.

The last several decades have taught us that money isn’t everything. For example, the United States now spends about 3% of gross domestic product on R&D annually — a higher proportion than it spent at the height of the Space Race in the early 1960s. And yet, total factor productivity — the best measure of how much value innovation adds to the economy — has shrunk to an annual growth rate of just 0.5%, compared to 1% back

This recent lackluster performance is a byproduct of ongoing assaults on IP law, which send a discouraging message to the companies and funds that invest in technology. Consider, for example, a proposal at the World Trade Organization to waive international patent protections on COVID therapeutics and diagnostic tools — most of which have applications far beyond one disease. This would amount to a hand-out of historical proportions to our biggest economic competitors.

The waiver is unnecessary on its own terms in a world where COVID tests and treatments are already in abundant supply. Plus, it would deal a devastating economic blow to the United States, undermine the development of new medicines and

set a precedent that invites even more attacks on IP rights. Other countries could insist on a “right” to U.S. patented technology in areas ranging from renewable energy to agriculture and beyond.

Another case in point: Dozens of members of Congress are urging the administration to twist the law so that the federal government can seize patents whenever it has contributed so much as a cent to R&D.

It takes an enormous investment to move research from the laboratory to the marketplace and we can be sure companies would stop funding product development if the government could simply nullify patent rights based on political whim. Kill patents and you kill private investment in innovation.

How can the United States keep its

n See leader, page A5

david kaPPos

whim.

andREi ianCu

staR PaRkER

We need to restore american principles of ownership and freedom. this would be a great boon.

Particularly to lowincome americans that social welfare programs are supposedly helping.

Parker Continued from A4 could be taxed and that revenue used to transfer to others for purposes that congress deemed in the “general welfare.”

Per economist/blogger Scott Grannis, transfer payments now tally up to about $4 trillion annually, almost two-thirds of the federal budget. They now constitute over 20% of Americans’ disposable income, compared to 5% in the 1950s.

In case some still think Social Security is an investment retirement program, please think again.

It is a welfare state transfer program, in which taxes those working now pay are used to make payments to those currently retired.

Shortly after Social Security became law, there were more than 40 working and paying taxes for every retiree. Today, because of increasing life spans and decreasing birth rates, there are three. The Congressional Budget Office says that Social Security revenues will fall short by 23% of obligations by 2034.

The welfare state idea does not even have an American pedigree. It has its roots in 19th-century European socialism.

Our fiscal problems today are not about accounting but about principles. We need to restore American principles of ownership and freedom.

This would be a great boon. Particularly to lowincome Americans that social welfare programs are supposedly helping.

Per the Committee to Unleash Prosperity, if a single person earning 45% of national median income could invest 10% of their income in a

diversified stock/bond portfolio over a 40-year working life, rather than paying Social Security taxes, they could purchase an annuity at retirement worth $37,784, compared to $11,923 that they would get from Social Security.

With all the cries about the wealth gap in the country, per the Federal Reserve, only 34% of Black households, and 24% of Hispanic house, own stocks, compared to 61% of white households.

By restoring American principles of ownership and freedom, we can fix our fiscal problems and make every American healthier and wealthier.

Star Parker is president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education and host of the weekly television show “Cure America with Star Parker.”

Leader Continued from A4

place as the world leader in scientific innovation?

For a start, by resisting calls to tamper with patent rights. There is no surer way to cede technological leadership to China.

Andrei Iancu served as the undersecretary of commerce for intellectual property and director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, 2018-21, under former President Donald Trump. David Kappos served as the undersecretary of commerce for intellectual property and director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, 2009-13, under former President Barack Obama. Both serve as board co-chairs of the Council for Innovation Promotion.

Sales tax report posted

Mountain Democrat staff

Auditor-Controller Joe Harn has posted the El Dorado County Sales Tax Report update to the county’s website. The report was for the quarter ending September 2022.

The report indicates the county’s sales tax revenues increased by 12% compared to the comparable time period in 2021.

“This increase in sales tax revenue is largely due to gasoline sales. Revenues generated by service stations increased 25% because of the drastic inflation in petroleum products,” Harn said. “This report is good news for the county’s revenue picture, but it is the result of considerable suffering on the part of county residents as they feel the adverse effects of price increases in food and all types of energy.”

Revenues from online sales continued to grow despite the fact that one of the world’s leading online retailers changed the method it uses to apportion tax revenues to California local governments, the auditor added. Prior to Oct. 1, 2020, the retailer apportioned tax revenues to the county that goods were delivered to. This online seller submitted an amended sales tax return for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2020, shifting the tax revenue to the jurisdiction where the shipping warehouse is located.

The California Department of Tax and Fee Accounting is still in the process of reviewing this amended return, Harn said. After CDFTA completes its review of this amended return and the revised tax apportionment method, he predicts significant changes to the county’s sale tax revenue stream are probable.

The report can be found at bit.ly/Q3eldorado.

Letters Continued from A4

Spirit of God. They have consecrated themselves to return to Him and God’s Spirit has broken out there in revival.

Do we want revival across our land? Matthew 5:6 says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Now is the time to cry out to God, yearning for His Spirit to fill our land. For God says in Zechariah 1:3, “Return to Me, declares the Lord Almighty, and I will return to you.”

Announcements

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

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

el DOrADO cOUNty AMAteUr rADiO cLUB Dedicated to all aspects of ham radio. Meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at the El Dorado Sheriff’s office, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net

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

Ready for real change?

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

Struggling with life? ceLeBrAte recOvery is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based

recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@ greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/

DeMOcrAts – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Call (530)391-6414 or see edcdems. org for more information.

GOLD rUsH cHOrUs now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing fourpart harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or Kent (530) 651-3575

Hangtown Women’s teNNis club. Join fun-loving women Wednesdays 9am-11am at El Dorado High School. Lessons, social events, only $50/year. Call Cindy 805-540-8654.

seNiOr Peer cOUNseLiNG

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

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

COMiCS

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

Collapse Continued from A1

“Due to weather and in an abundance of caution we have temporarily closed our store,” wrote Raley’s management in a post to Facebook. “We will post updates as they become available.”

Sean Valine and his snow removal team arrived at the “Y” location just after 2 p.m. Sunday. Valine said he was sitting on his couch at home when he got a call to immediately come help.

Valine said it did not appear there was a threat of collapse.

After a brief survey of the situation the snow removal team gathered shovels and went to work.

The Raley’s at Stateline property owner was on site Sunday morning, according to George, who added the roof continued to collapse into the afternoon.

Raley’s workers covered windows and cordoned off the area with caution tape “for safety concerns,” according to the security guard on site.

Curtzwiler said he’s been in contact with several officials and there are no plans to close the store at this time.

Other grocery stores remain open to serve area residents, including a Whole Foods, Holiday Market, Grocery Outlet, Smart and Final and a couple natural foods stores.

A heavy snow load collapsed the eaves of a housing complex Friday night in the Al Tahoe neighborhood of South Lake Tahoe.

Residents of the seven-unit complex on San Francisco Avenue were displaced as the rain and snow load took its toll on the eaves over the entrance/side exit, officials told the Tribune.

“Since their exit was blocked, they had to be evacuated via ladder from the other side,” said George. “While on scene more of the eaves section on the same side collapsed.

Complete

n TODAy

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Beware of wanting so intensely that you actually push the object of your desire further away from you. Also, wanting predisposes you to see what you wish instead of what is. Turn the heat down and you’ll get some clarity.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Flakiness is one of your least favorite qualities in a person, which is why you make every effort to follow through on your word. The size of the commitment doesn’t matter today. Fortune favors you as you deliver on big and small agreements alike.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Everything you do and touch has your energy in it. Some believe even what you think about or extend your heart to gets your energetic touch. As you tend to and lift yourself, you lift the world.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You prefer not to ask favors, though sometimes it’s politically better to do this. People like most the people they help. You can ingratiate yourself by asking for something extremely easy for the other person to deliver.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). People around you may behave unpredictably, change their minds or try to go back on their word. While you can’t control the decisions of others, you can influence them with your steadfast example and calm handling of business.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). These days you choose your friends carefully. A friend isn’t merely a person with whom you share your time with. Each relationship is a world and every world an influence on those who enter.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). With the exception of legal

documents, the actual words used are often the least revealing part of communication. Body language, tone, timing, inflection, context and more are what give the fullest meaning today.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’re agreeable, congenial, doting even! Yet certain people can’t be pleased; they don’t want to be. Their favorite mode is finicky. This allows them to feel superior and thus in control.

Don’t take it personally.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’re seeing the scene differently from others, so who is right? Consider what everyone is looking through. Objects in a spoon are upside down, and in the mirror they are backward and possibly larger than they appear.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). “I know you from when you were a tree. From those times,” says author Cristina Rivera Garza. You’ll feel the presence of one you know so deeply it’s as though you are woven together with the threads of infinity.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’ll play with opposites today to fantastic effect. Take a cultured approach to the low-brow subject or be unbridled inside a highbrow one. Whisper when they expect a shout or sing without a sound.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). While you may not yet know what sort of personality you’re dealing with in a person, you’ll be so good at reading and responding to what the situation needs that nearly everyone will feel safe, calm and logical around you.

Both stores are closed until further notice, according to Minor.

The Safeway on Elks Point Road in Zephyr Cove, Nev., closed Monday after being marked unsafe for occupancy by the Community Development Building Division of Douglas County.

An employee of Safeway greeted customers Monday as they approached the store to inform them of the closure.

There has not been a collapse, according to the employee, but it has been closed out of an abundance of caution.

The Safeway on Johnson Lane in South Lake Tahoe remains open, according to Kenny Curtzwiler, whose company K&K Services was removing snow from its roof.

“Thankfully no one was injured and all occupants either had a place to go or went to a hotel,” George noted.

The building has been red-tagged, which means no entrance is allowed.

In Camino Marlene Ruth, owner of Ruth’s Dolls and Memories Museum on Pony Express Trail, saw the business’ roof give way last week. The museum displayed thousands of dolls the 87-year-old woman has been collecting since she was a child. She created a GoFundMe fundraiser over the weekend to help rebuild after learning her FAIR Plan insurance does not cover damage due to snow on roofs, according to details posted to the GoFundMe site at gofund. me/6d6f29e3.

No injuries have been reported in the incidents of roof collapse.

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

HOROSCOPE by Holiday Mathis

Photo courtesy of South Lake Tire Fire Rescue

Residents are evacuated by ladder after partial roof collapse at a South Lake Tahoe housing complex.

Courtesy photo

The roof over Ruth’s Dolls and Memories Museum on Pony Express Trail in Camino came down March 8 and now owner Marlene Ruth has launched a community fundraiser to help her rebuild.

Tahoe Daily Tribune photo by Ashleigh Goodwin Damage inside Raley’s at the Crescent V shopping center is seen through a window.

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.

In the KNOW

March 15

El Dorado County is hosting a Parks and Trails public workshops, 6-7 p.m. at Pioneer Park. 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 continues with Chrissie O’Dell & The Real Deal. For more information visit harlows.com.

March 16

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. May be closed for inclement weather or poor air quality. Check the website before visiting: ucanr.edu/sites/ EDC_Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden. The Writing Our Words: Writing Workshop led by El Dorado County Poet Laureate Lara Gularte takes place 5:30-6:45 p.m. at the Cameron Park Library, 2500 Country Club Drive. Go on a personal writing journey to discover and hone your unique voice and expression and to develop

Was it Professor Plum with the candlestick in the library?

Sel Richard Staff writer

When six guests at a peculiar dinner party discover their host has turned up dead, foul play and blackmail spiral into a hilarious farce meets murder mystery based on a 1985 Paramount movie, inspired by a classic Hasbro board game. At the Oak Ridge High School Theater production of “Clue,” get ready to laugh at a comedy whodunit as you figure out … who did it, where and with what.

“It’s fun. There’s a lot of different elements to it,” said Visual and Performing Arts Director Kate Rolls.

“And this is the biggest set I’ve built here at Oak Ridge.”

Elevated about 10 inches above the original stage and almost double its size, Rolls’ tech crew has constructed a 46-foot long platform that moves from side to side, allowing faster transitions between the six “rooms” in the play.

It is Rolls’ fifth year at Oak Ridge and she said she’s is thrilled with the growth of both the program’s quality and popularity. Though she initially planned on a single cast, more than

30 students auditioned prompting Rolls to fill out two separate troupes. “To come from a department that was losing kids by the dozen every year to now is awesome,” she said.

Senior Lelah Duxler plays Miss Scarlett in the Hasbro cast

and has relished creating a backstory for her character as a clever and successful businesswoman.

“She’s very strong and independent,” said Duxler. “I relate to her on that level.” On the other hand, Duxler also describes Miss

Scarlett as flirty and full of innuendoes. “In my day-to-day life I’m not like that at all,” she admitted. “It’s been fun trying to create her voice and personality and channel it through myself.”

crew but this is her first time on stage and a long way from her freshman drama class. “I was a shy kid. I came into theater expecting it to be miserable, honestly,” she revealed, crediting theater for her rise in

n See Clue, page B5 n See Know, page

Duxler has worked previously on the tech

Photo by Ryan VanOvereem Get immersed in a murder mystery when ORHS actors take the stage in “Clue,” opening March 16. Hasbro cast members: Back row — Anders Dieter, Kennedy Yanda, David Gleichenhaus, A.J. Ammons, Will Reed, Laxmi Das; front row — Eva Ringger, Ryan Caparros, Tae Brackett, Lelah Duxler, Morgan Nalley and Elijah Rios.

UMHs actors ‘chill’ in new production

Odin Rasco Staff writer

At its core, “Be More Chill” is a story of the trials and travails almost universal to teenage life: finding a way to fit in, impressing peers, getting someone to date you and occasionally dealing with the hyper-intelligent supercomputer that you swallowed. You know, normal teen drama stuff.

Theatre at the Mine’s upcoming production centers on Jeremy Heere, played by Nicolas East, a high school kid with less than positive prospects; no girls are interested in him and bullying is a daily occurrence. That begins to change when his best friend, Michael, portrayed by Micah Williams, tells him about the hightech aid that can help people self-improve (or cheat at the SATs). This artificial intelligence (in easy-to-use pill form!) is known as the SQUIP (performed by James Doyle) and once Jeremy begins taking his advice, he sees his social standing take a precipitous rise. But in pursuit of cool status — the perennial goal for many a teen — and the affection of the girl he fancies, Christine, played by Emma Backham, Jeremy begins to leave behind the family and friends who once truly mattered.

The play, a treatise on the importance of true friendship and being true to oneself, proves a poignant echo to the Theatre at the Mine community that has rebuilt itself in the past two years. The drama program and the many students who had felt drawn to it were shook by the discovery that former theater teacher Ryan Pullen had been surreptitiously recording dressing rooms and was in possession of pornographic footage of underage students. By the time the new drama teacher Heather Freer stepped in, the advanced drama class had dwindled down to

just 18 students. This semester, that number has grown to more than 50.

“When I took over last year the program was so small after COVID and the other things that had happened,” Freer said. “It impacted people here. But we’ve really rebuilt. The connection is friendship; that pulls people into theater. It makes this place really strong. It even brought back students who had previously given up on drama because their friends were in the class. This show is a celebration of the strength of those kinds of friendships.”

The show may have had a very different cast list if it weren’t for friendship pulling students back to the theater. Two of the lead actors, East and Doyle, can attest to the power of those connections, as both shared they had quit the drama program entirely but came back after they had heard from friends how much had changed.

“I wouldn’t have come back if it weren’t for Freer,” Doyle said.

The production has a lot of talent at the helm; Freer has a lengthy résumé for acting on both stage and screen that spans all the way back to when she was 4 years old. The fight scenes and bullying, as well as more intimate moments, have been choreographed by Rick Silver who has extensive experience in staged combat across times and styles (medieval combat being a specialty).

Union Mine’s dance teacher Caitlin Rubini brings her experience as well, choreographing the show’s dance numbers.

“Caitlin is one of the best choreographers I’ve worked with in all my years, in school or professional theater,” Freer lauded.

The content of the play has proven contentious, with some taking umbrage with some of the more controversial topics broached during the performance. Williams insists those topics are necessary and reflect the reality of modern teenage life (excluding digestible AI).

“’Be More Chill’ is a real high school story,” Williams said. “Some parents don’t even know what kinds of things their kids have to really face day to day. This show shows those things. We’ve faced a lot of attempts at censorship regarding this show and I would just ask that they see the play and understand the message. It’s all about the importance of friendship and being true to yourself.”

The entire audience is sure to have a good time and longtime Theatre at the Mine fans will be at the edge of their seats to see if Doyle finally plays a character that lives through the entire plot.

Performances for “Be More Chill” are scheduled at 7 p.m. March 16-18 and 24 & 25, with 2 p.m. matinée shows on Saturdays. Tickets can be bought online at our.show/ theatreumhs.

“We’ve faced a lot of attempts at censorship regarding this show and I would just ask that they see the play and understand the message. It’s all about the importance of friendship and being true to yourself.”

From left: The SQUIP (James Doyle) gives Jeremy (Nicolas East) instruction on how to ‘be more chill’ while talking to girls like Brooke (Sierra Grant).

Chloe (Sage Akers) pounces on Jeremy (Nicolas East) for a kiss, leaving the SQUIP (James Doyle) too embarrassed to observe the scene as usual.

— Drama teacher Heather Freer

Day hiker

Knickerbocker Creek

The fire bellied newts mate in Knickerbocker Creek. I’m sure there is a more scientific name but that is the name Eric Peach gave them so it is good enough for me.

Dozens of mating balls are just under the surface — each with anywhere from two or three up to eight to 10 entangled lizard-like creatures in the spring mating frenzy.

Mary West Outdoor columnist

After you cross the creek, hike up the other side a ways. The hill climbs and turns toward the left after you level out some but still see more hill ahead of you. Keep your eyes on the left side of the trail. You will see an unmarked narrow trail. Daniel Berlant is going to kill me for telling you about this spot. Follow the narrow trail for a quarter mile or so. You are going to walk around a small hill and you will see metal debris left from the old homestead that used to be here. Keep walking to the second pile of debris and turn up the hill toward the giant oak tree. If you are very lucky you will see an ocean of daffodils blooming. A chorus of angels will begin to sing as your eyes turn first left and then right and take in all the amazing beauty of thousands of daffodils in bloom. You’re welcome. There is only a window of two, maybe three weeks to catch the blooms.

The wide open spaces of Cool can be a refreshing change from the more forested areas, dense with trees and brush. The U.S. Forest Service and Cal

Fire have warned the public regarding the now 129 million dead and dying trees in the state. With thick vegetation of grasses, brush and trees, along with prolonged drought, bark beetle infestation and blue fungus, the threat of falling trees is real. Speaking with a retired fire chief, he told me “Dead trees used to be able to stand in the woods for five years or more. Now we are seeing large trees go from green to the ground in as little as 11 months.”

This is not going to keep us hikers from the trails we love. But we should be aware of our

Photo

Blues guitar pyrotechnics come to Sutter Creek

Albert Cummings

8 p.m. Friday, March 17, at the Sutter Creek Theatre. In the trajectory of watching great musicians develop, there is no set timetable. Some appear full-blown right from the start and others can take a whole career to get to that elevated place. Cummings arrived strong right at the beginning and has kept growing over a course of endless tours and nine previous albums, right up to today with the release of the album “Ten.”

It’s the kind of recording that shows exactly why all the accolades and excitement have been deserved. Now, it’s an irrevocable truth that the musician has made his full-on breakthrough. And it comes at exactly

the perfect time, when the world is looking into what might be in store past the challenging experience of the pandemic for the last two years. Music, being one of the world’s tried and true joys of life, has always had a way of bringing healing and inspiration to listeners and at no time in recent decades has it been needed more than now.

This is a singer and guitarist who has played with many of the greatest players of the modern era and received the kind of awards and recognition that few others do. Raised in Massachusetts and self-taught on the banjo, it was a 1987 concert by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble that opened Cummings to a new world of modern blues and inspired him to take up the guitar. It didn’t take long from

■ See CUMMINGS, page B5

“The blues is best served up live, with an enthusiastic audience and a killin’ band, and that’s exactly what guitarist Albert Cummings does.”

— Guitar Edge Magazine

Unique improv show mixes jokes and hypnotism

News release

GRASS VALLEY — The Center for the Arts presents Colin Mochrie and Asad Mecci’s hit live show, “HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis” in the Marisa Funk Theater Thursday, March 16.

Straight from a 70-show O -Broadway run in New York City, this international success story, “HYPROV” (pronounced hip-rawv) has performed 200-plus shows and has been seen by a staggering 100,000 people throughout North America and Europe. The live show, which has been called a “celebration of the human imagination” by The Times of London, combines hypnosis and improv for a one-of-a-kind comedy experience.

“HYPROV” was co-created in 2016 by Mochrie and Mecci along with Mochrie’s longtime manager, Je Andrews at Toronto’s Second City. After

Know Continued from B1

your individuality as a poet or writer. From handouts, you will read notable poetry and prose for inspiration and there will be writing and sharing.

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 presentations begins at 7 p.m. All are welcome.

The Limelight Variety show takes place 7-9 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club, 251 Main St. in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Capital Stage presents “Heroes of the Fourth Turning,” March 15 through April 16 at Capital Stage Theatre, 2215 J St.

Cummings

Continued from B4

there for him to find his way to the front of the pack. In fact, Albert Cummings’ very first album, “From the Heart” (2003) was produced by Double Trouble’s Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon and included the group’s Reese Wynans on keyboards. That had not happened before Cummings’ release.

“A barrage of guitar pyrotechnics that calls to mind a grand mix of the styles of past masters like Albert King, Freddie King, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimi Hendrix.” —

Bluesprint Magazine

“Though Albert always walks a fine line between rock and blues, he demonstrates e ortlessly that the blues makes everybody feel great.” — Bostonblues.com

Doors open at 7:30 and the show begins at 8 p.m. at Sutter Creek Theatre, 44 Main St. in Sutter Creek. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. The historical venue is an intimate, 215-seat former silent film theater with superb sound. For tickets and more information visit suttercreektheater.com.

Day Hiker

Continued from B3

surroundings and look up, look down and look around. Listen for breaking and falling branches and limbs especially on windy days.

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

working it out on stage, they took the show on the road to Just for Laughs London, Just for Laughs Montreal and the Edinburgh Fringe, where it was received with rave reviews in 2016 and 2017. The duo set out on a 60-city tour from 2019-22, which continues across Canada and the U.S. in 2023-24.

The 90-minute show combines hypnosis and improv — two art forms that have mystified and entertained fans, skeptics and everyone in between worldwide — for a totally unique comedy experience. The evening begins with Mecci welcoming 20 volunteers on stage to be hypnotized. The most receptive to hypnosis then join Mochrie to improvise the rest of the show, while hypnotized. In the hands of two experts — and solely crafted from the volunteers’ uninhibited, unconscious minds — each show is an entirely original and completely unforgettable theatrical experience. The show also

in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 9955464 or visit capstage.org.

March 17

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts a free St. Patrick’s Day party for seniors, 1-2 p.m. at the Gilmore Senior Center. Sign up at the site. Space is limited.

The Sierra Renaissance Society presents Ken Pimlott from Cal Fire to talk about Creating A Fire Adapted and Resilient El Dorado County, 1-3 p.m. at the Mother Lode Lions Hall, 4701 Missouri Flat Road in Diamond Springs. Admission free for members; public invited to attend two meetings a year for free. The Sierra Renaissance Society of El Dorado County is dedicated to lifelong learning and hosts presentations and workshops throughout the

Clue

Continued from B1

confidence and ability to interact with others. Duxler also works at her mother’s Cameron Park bookshop, the Book House, and plans to double major in pre-med psychology and theater arts.

In the role of Wadsworth the butler in the Hasbro cast, senior A.J. Ammons revels in playing someone he sees as a hidden man with an edge. “He’s definitely comedic,” he said. “I love being able to play this character who is uptight and by the book, but then occasionally you see flashes of fun pop through.”

As for mastering Wadsworth’s British accent, Ammons draws on a quirky habit he has with his father. “I do accents a lot with my dad,” he said. “Every time we have a phone call, we’ll just start one out of nowhere.” Wadsworth is Ammons’ first lead role and comes with the most lines in the play, making memorization arduous. Regardless, he insisted theater is one of the best things in his life, citing rehearsal bloopers as some of his favorite moments.

Ammons plans to study criminal justice and enter law enforcement.

Playing Wadsworth in the Cluedo cast

has improvised music throughout.

HYPROV received rave reviews for its New York run at the Daryl Roth Theatre. Says The New York Times, “The audience erupted in laughter. It killed!”

“Starring in HYPROV alongside the legendary Colin Mochrie has been an incredible adventure,” said Mecci. “We’re excited to continue the tour across North America following such a critically acclaimed O -Broadway run.”

“I’m still shocked that Asad is able to hypnotize people night after night. I still get nervous wondering what is going to happen, but each night I’m blown away. I have to keep myself from laughing,” said Mochrie.

“HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis” begins at 8 p.m. at The Center for the Arts, 314 West Main St. in Grass Valley. For tickets and more information call (530) 274-8384 or visit thecenterforthearts.org.

year. For more information visit srsedc.org.

Lady of the Lake and O’Connell Street Band perform at the St. Patty’s Day Party, 5-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club, 251 Main St. in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Gold Trail Grange in Coloma hosts a St Patrick’s Day dance with Red Dirt Ruckus. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with music 7-10 p.m. Red Dirt Ruckus is well known for their lively tunes of foothill jamgrass. Proceeds benefit community programs at Gold Trail Grange. For more information go to goldtrailgrange.com.

Live music at Red Hawk Resort + Casino continues every weekend in March at the Stage Bar. see Kirk Matthew and the Los Vaqueros (country rock), 8 p.m. to midnight.

is junior Dylan Woodley, who found the accent was a bit more challenging and studied voice tutorials regularly on YouTube. Woodley said he finds Wadsworth entertaining but rather secretive. “You’re not quite sure he’s letting the guests in on everything,” shared Woodley, confessing that he doesn’t relate to that part of the role. “I’m terrible at keeping secrets to be completely honest.”

Although this is his first lead role, Woodley is no stranger to the spotlight, having performed stand-up comedy in his middle school talent show. “It’s been a fun experience, especially when you can bounce o the other cast members,” he said. When he’s not on stage, you’ll probably find Woodley in the water, swimming freestyle for the Oak Ridge swim team.

Stage manager Abby Soroka told the Mountain Democrat keeping track of two casts has presented unique problems, especially when calling cues. “Even though it’s the same show, the two casts will always have their di erences in the

way they interpret things,” said the senior. Though Soroka built sets for previous productions, this is her first foray into set design. “It was a cool learning experience,” she said. Soroka plans to attend college and major in stage management, as well as continue ice dancing. As a 2019 U.S. Figure Skating gold medalist, Soroka has competed since she was 8 years old and continues to practice at least three times a week in Vacaville and Roseville.

With the growing enthusiasm for Oak Ridge productions, Rolls said she hopes for an expansion of the high school’s performing arts center soon. “For 2,500 kids to have a theater that only fits 270 people in the audience is ridiculous,” she maintained. “I hope that building a program, a thriving program, shows that we need a bigger space.”

See “Clue” at the Oak Ridge High School Theater, 1120 Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills, with performances at 7 p.m. March 16-18 and March 23-25 with matinées at 2 p.m. on March 18 & 25. Tickets for $10 are available at gofan.co/ app/school/CA22583_2.

The Public Square

n sudoku solutions

Solution to Puzzle 1

Solution to Puzzle 2

never overwater it during our dry season. Too much water will reduce flowering the following spring. A moderate amount of water is best for both the health of the plant and for next year’s flowers. Daphne doesn’t need much pruning. Just remove any damaged or dead branches. Does doing all this mean you will have a happy and healthy plant? Sadly, no. Daphne has a reputation for dying even with meticulous care, but also for sometimes thriving with minimal work. But with the many positive attributes of daphne, such as deer resistance, minimal pruning, attractiveness as a shrub even when not in bloom and intoxicatingly scented flowers, why not try planting one? Next year you may enjoy that

heavenly fragrance in your garden. 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.

Photo by Summer Brasuel

Daphne odora is a beautiful plant to add to the garden — even if it does require a little extra care. The plant is deer-resistant and the flowers smell divine.

Gardener Continued from B6

Daphne has a reputation for dying even with meticulous care, but also for sometimes thriving with minimal work.