C a l i f o r n i a ’ s O l d e s t N e w s pa p e r – E s t. 18 51
Volume 169 • Issue 27 | 75¢
mtdemocrat.com
Friday, April 3, 2020
Schools close for remainder of year n Food service still
available at most campuses
Dylan Svoboda Staff writer All 15 of the county’s school district superintendents signed a joint letter Wednesday that confirms schools will operate through distance learning as administrators do their part to attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19. The move follows statements this week from Gov. Gavin Newsom and state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond declaring they expected schools wouldn’t reopen for in-person classes before summer. The El Dorado County Office of
No new COVID19 cases in county reported Wednesday
Education followed those forecasts with a definitive closure of all its schools in an effort to maintain social-distancing protocols and avoid large gatherings. “While we recognize this extension of school facility closures poses challenges and hardship to many families in El Dorado County, the most effective way to slow and disrupt the transmission of this pandemic is by continuing to implement social distancing practice,” a press release from the El Dorado County Office of Education states. “We are grateful to community members throughout El Dorado County for their tremendous prevention efforts during this unique and challenging time.” Students will continue the school n
See schools closed, page A9
Democrat photo by Kevin Christensen
Desks in Adam Beasley’s classroom are void of students at El Dorado High School Tuesday as campuses remained closed and will continue to be shut down through the end of the school year due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Bartender! Drinks to-go please!
n Shelter-in-place
directive extended through end of April Dylan Svoboda Staff writer While statewide COVID-19 cases rose by nearly 1,000 Wednesday, El Dorado County reported no new cases of the virus. Total positive cases remained at 18 as of Wednesday evening with no reported deaths. The county’s case count increased by three on both Monday and Tuesday. The virus has been found on both the Western Slope and in South Lake Tahoe, though specific neighborhoods, ages and conditions of the victims, among other details, have not been released to the public. Testing appears to have ramped up in recent days. The number of El Dorado County residents who received a coronavirus test jumped from a reported 565 on Monday to 764 by Wednesday evening. About 150 test results are pending. County officials extended their shelter-in-place directive through April as local public health officials aim to curb the spread of COVID19. Residents are to continue practicing “social distancing” and traveling only for essential activities and business. The original order issued March 19 by county Public Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams was set through April 16. The statewide order handed down by Gov. Gavin Newsom has no set end date. n
See Covid-19 cases, page A9
Democrat photo by Kevin Christensen
Jeff Thoma, owner of The Independent Restaurant and Bar on Main Street in Placerville, adds lids on a takeout cocktail order last week. California’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control eased regulations on eateries to allow them to serve to-go mixed drinks, beer and wine.
Restaurants mixing it up — cocktails now allowed with takeout Kevin Christensen Staff writer In an effort to ease the financial burden restaurants have endured due to COVID-19, a temporary state law eases restrictions on serving alcoholic beverages to patrons on takeout and delivery orders. California’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, the governing entity that oversees
licensing of alcohol for bars statewide, announced a measure March 19 to assist eateries trying to remain viable through the economic downturn. ABC relaxed regulations around alcohol delivery, making it easier for restaurants to sell pre-mixed cocktails, beer and wine for pick-up or delivery throughout California. After being one of the first restaurants in Placerville to close
all services due to the COVID-19 threat, the Independent Restaurant and Bar, located on Main Street, is one local eatery that has decided to reopen and serve to-go alcoholic beverages (along with food). “It’s been tough because business is down 85% since this all started,” said Jeff Thoma, owner of The Independent. “We had to put 29 n
See Cocktails to-go, page A8
Serrano residents take board members to task Sel Richard Staff writer The Serrano El Dorado Owners’ Association Board of Directors faces a recall by its homeowners, the aftermath of a letter to county agencies regarding Parker Development’s Central El Dorado Hills Specific Plan, which could be voted on by the El Dorado County Planning Commission as early as this spring. A portion of the CEDHSP hinges on an El Dorado County General Plan amendment to redesignate the old executive golf course from open space/recreational to residential zoning. Sent on behalf of the Serrano board and signed by Serrano Board President Donald Sacco, the letter was written “submitting its position on
the CEDHSP application before the Planning Commission and to eventually come before the Board of Supervisors.” It outlines the desire for lower density and the approval of the open space designation within Village D1, but refers to the current undeveloped condition of the property as unattractive. The letter further states, “The association believes the applicant has a unique opportunity to ensure continuity with architectural design consistent with neighboring communities.” Serrano homeowners said they were not consulted regarding this communication, many posting their ire on social media over the misrepresentation of their views. Serrano resident Donn Neher, one in a group of
If you care, we care!
CWLS*, CFLS**
* Child Welfare Specialist Certified by National Association of Council for Children Accredited by California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization **Certified Family Law Specialist Certified by California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization
homeowners who spearheaded the recall petition efforts, said the letter served as a catalyst to bring to light a systematic lack of representation the Serrano board has shown for the community it serves. “This was the frosting on the cake,” he said, pointing out that the letter was submitted on the day before the final public hearing without notice to homeowners. Resident and recall petitioner Jeff Baker also takes umbrage with the board’s lack of objection to a transfer of lots belonging to the HOA to the CEDHSP. “This matter was under legal review by association counsel for compliance with CC&Rs,” he said. n
See Serrano, page A7
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