Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, April 12, 2023

weekend that saw dozens of structures in El Dorado County give in to the heavy snow load.

“We previously shared that the lease for the Raley’s store adjacent to Heavenly Village 4000 Lake Tahoe Boulevard

■ See RALEY’S page A6

Scramble

to get higher solar rates hits tech

hiccups

Odin Rasco

The deadline for solar customers to receive a higher rebate for every kilowatt hour they put back into the grid, and the rush to apply on time, appears to be overwhelming PG&E’s submission portal.

The California Public Utilities Commission decided in December to significantly change solar energy tari amounts by around 75% in a program called Net Energy Monitoring 3.0. Local solar company representatives have spoken against the change from NEM 2.0, saying the changes are bad for their business and solar customers in general. Customers looking to secure the higher rate will have to have an accurate application submitted by Friday.

Hannah Cole, a Lotus resident, intends to add an additional solar power system to her home and began to submit her application last week. However, trouble quickly arose as technical issues on the PG&E customer connection portal halted her submission process.

“There’s a required field that is greyed out; I can’t adjust it but it won’t let me submit the application unless I do,” Cole said. “I have a background in app

■ See SOLAR RATES page A3

Georgetown forest roads and trails in rough state after storms

Odin Rasco

Staff writer

Downed trees and other storm damage have rendered multiple roads and trails in the Eldorado National Forest’s Georgetown Ranger District impassable, according to information from the U.S. Forest Service. A culvert failure at Rock Creek Road and Al Brass Creek has eroded away the roadbed and collapsed a notable portion of the roadbed above, rendering the road unusable until repairs are made. Forest Service officials note the Rock Creek Trail System has seen more downed

PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE

trees than average this year, creating hazardous conditions for travelers. In higher elevations, snow has also created conditions that limit accessibility. Riding or walking the trails could lead to “significant and costly damage” at this time, an Eldorado National Forest social media post warns.

Forest rangers urge visitors to protect the area and themselves by postponing Rock Creek Trail System recreation plans. Individuals interested in volunteering to help clear trails are encouraged to contact District Recreation Management Specialist

Kayla Nimmo at Kayla. Nimmo@usda.gov or (530) 333-5550.

Divide biomass, water tank up for federal funding

Mountain Democrat staff

Congressman Kevin Kiley has made his selections for community projects to be considered for federal funding and three of them are in El Dorado County.

A water reliability and fire resiliency project would allocate $1.5 million to the Georgetown Divide Public Utility District to construct a 2-million-gallon fire-resilient water storage tank to aid in fire suppression e orts, according to a news release from Kiley’s o ce.

Also on the Divide, a biomass generator and on-site sawmill are proposed for Golden Sierra High School in Garden Valley. Kiley’s funding request would allocate $2.6 million to Black Oak Mine Unified School District to install a biomass generator system, expand the existing career technical education wood shop mill and class program, establish an on-site sawmill and develop a new forest management service.

In Tahoe, the South Tahoe Public Utility District may see more than $4.5 million to enhancing the resilience of critical water infrastructure. The water agency is looking to replace deteriorating waterlines, improve

■ See FEDERAL FUNDING page A6

a large gift basket at the Placerville Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt at Lions Park in Placerville Saturday. See more photos from the egg hunt on page A7.

Staff writer

Courtesy photo

Heavy storms resulted in culvert failure on Rock Creek Road at Al Brass Creek that damaged the road.

Barbara Ann Mahach

Aug. 5, 1934 - March 29, 2023

Barbara Ann Mahach was born in Mt. Vernon, New York on Aug. 5, 1934 to Robert and Eleanor Whi en. Barbara spent most of her early and teenage years living in White Plains, New York. Following her education in Business Administration she worked in New York City until she heard the call of the west. In her early twenties she and a girlfriend took a bus to San Francisco where she found work at the Union Oil Company.

It was in San Francisco where she met her first husband, Robert Hall. Together they raised three children and lived in various Northern California cities until they settled in San Bernardino, California. With her children now in their teenage years, Barbara began work as an Administrative Assistant with the San Bernardino School District. It was also in San Bernardino where she met and married her second husband, Colonel Tom Mahach in 1982.

Shortly after their marriage Tom was assigned to a three year tour at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. While in the Philippines Barbara was able to visit Japan, Korea, Okinawa, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Hong Kong. Barbara loved travel, documenting the various trips in numerous scrapbooks, gardening, and reading a book under an umbrella on a warm beach. Following Tom’s retirement in 1986 they settled in the Sly Park area of Pollock Pines, California.

Barbara then began a second career working for the El Dorado County School District and eventually the County Health Department retiring in 1997. Her co-workers will remember her smile and her pleasant and positive demeanor. Following her retirement, she and Tom continued their travels to various parts of the world. Barbara was also a long-time member of the Dogwood Garden Club of Pollock Pines.

In 2019 Barbara su ered a partially paralyzing stroke and moved into a board and care facility. In early 2022 she experienced a second stroke and relocated to the Western Slope Health Center in Placerville, California. It was there while receiving excellent care, she passed on March 29, 2023.

Barbara is survived by Colonel Tom Mahach, her loving children, Michael Hall, Suzanne Hall Fassio, Mark Hall, her granddaughter Crystal Hall, her great-grandson Jervon Duncan and her stepchildren Melinda Pfeifer, Thomas Mahach and Marla Mahach. The family will morn in private with no planned services.

Instead of honoring Barbara with flowers or contributions, give something to or do something for someone that will make them smile.

Barbara F. Russo

Sept. 25, 1930 – March 13, 2023

Barbara F. Russo passed away in the late evening of March 13 in Comfort Care at Marshall Hospital after su ering an incapacitating stroke. She was born in London, England on September 25, 1930 to Frances and Arthur Batchelor. She is preceded in death by her younger Brother Robert Batchelor, and is survived by her loving husband Frank P. Russo II of 55 years, four step children, eleven grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

When Barbara was a young girl the German Nazis bombed her family’s home fatally wounding her mother, while her father was a Sergeant Major in the British Army fighting in WWII, he was captured and held for 4 1/2 years in a Japanese Internment Camp. Barbara’s father was instrumental in the construction of the Bridge on the River Kwai and also survived the Bataan Death March of 1942. Barbara attended a British Girls Boarding School where she practiced Ballet, she was a long distance swimmer practicing to swim the English Channel, and became a professional diver and swimmer in a water show, training and performing with Johnny Weissmuller. She earned a Master’s Degree in Archaeology from Cambridge University, as well as becoming a licensed Certified Public Accountant. After graduating she traveled all over Europe and Morocco, then moved to Canada before moving to Santa Barbara, California, where she met the love of her life, they married in 1968, where they lived until moving to Placerville, California in 1978.

Barbara joined Placerville’s Shakespeare Club in 1991, was very active and committed within this organization, in fact she was just honored with the Lifetime Member Award last month after over 30 years of contributing and participating.

There will be a private Celebration of Life held.

Irene Guinevere (Watkins) Ford

Feb. 22, 1927 – March 26, 2023

Irene G. Ford, 96, of El Dorado Hills, died Sunday, March 26, at home. Irene was the daughter of the late Henry C. P. Watkins and the late Irene Robertson Watkins. She was born in Fresno, where she grew up. She obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in zoology from Fresno State College and a Master’s Degree in education from the University of Kansas in Lawrence. There she met her husband of 67 years, Robert Whittier Ford, who preceded her in death in 2017. She taught grade school in Claycomo, MO for several years. She and Robert moved to California where she took a break from teaching to start a family. When the children were older, she went back to teaching. She taught second grade for over twenty years for the Rescue School District, first at Rescue School in Rescue, then at Jackson School in El Dorado Hills, where she was one of the founding teachers. She was a long-time member of Journey Church in Folsom, where she sang alto in the choir for many years. Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Ford, brother, Henry Watkins, half-sister Westra Ingalls and half-brother, Mahlon Watkins. She is survived by her son Keith Ford (Patricia) of Los Gatos, daughter Rebecca Poole (Mark, late) of Ga ney, SC, and daughter Catherine Hack of Diamond Springs, as well as 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 16 at Journey Church, 450 Blue Ravine Rd, Folsom, Calif.

John Patrick Musholt

Aug. 9, 1958 – March 27, 2023

John Musholt was born and raised in Dobbins, Calif., and resided for many years in Pollock Pines, Calif. John worked in various areas of the logging industry for 46 years. He was also the proud owner/operator of JP Musholt Trucking. John was well respected in the community and known for his sense of humor and huge personality. He impacted many lives along the way. He loved nothing more in this world than his grandchildren and the time he spent with them and the memories they made.

He is proceeded in death by his Mother Elizabeth Musholt and his Father Patrick Musholt. His brothers Joseph Musholt, Raymond Landstedt & Edwin Driscoll. His sister Elizabeth Musholt & his nephew Randall Landstedt.

He is survived by his children Patrick Musholt and LaDonna Garrett. His siblings Danny Landstedt, Shirley Driscoll, Polly Bartlett, Peggy Beck & Patty Musholt.

His grandchildren Abigail Garrett, Joseph Troupe, Adeline Musholt, Ian Musholt, Summer Pinkston, Zachary Pinkston, Aaron Pinkston, Eric Hawkins & Kendra Hawkins.

His funeral will be held April 16th at 11 am at the Alcou e Community Center located at 9185 Marysville Rd., Oregon House, Calif.

Stanley Kubat

Stanley Roger Kubat, better known as “Stan the Man”, passed away at 60 years old on March 5, 2023. His celebration of life will be held on Monday June 19, 2023, in South Lake Tahoe. RSVP to stanleyrkubat@gmail.com

Stan was born on June 19, 1962, to Lorraine and Stephen Kubat. He graduated from Mater Dei High in 1980 and went on to own his own construction business, where he created beautiful masonry and lovely homes. He was a good businessman, but not a great businessman. His heart was too big to allow him to be that, always wanting to help his customers out by lowering his prices so much, he hardly made a profit. But that selflessness and giving nature was just one reason why he was so loved by so many. He was also courageous, manly, thoughtful, gentle, one of a kind and overall, hilarious. To spend time with Stan was to have a front row seat at your own comedy show. He was a wonderful brother, spending hours on the phone with his siblings anytime he could. He was also a doting husband to his late wife, Peggy Kubat, whom he adored until his last day. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.danerimortuary.com and signing the guest book.

Christopher Jay Humphreys

March 27, 1963 - Feb. 8, 2023

Christopher Jay “C.J.”

Humphreys passed away February 8, in Sacramento Calif., at the age of 59. To comfort and support him at his bedside, were his mother, daughters, partner and friends. C. J. was an organ donor. Before the family said their final goodbyes, a walk of honor was held in the hospital to recognize this compassionate act. The hall was lined with friends and sta , as his family walked one last time beside him. C. J. was able to save multiple lives with his generous donation.

Christopher was born in Sacramento March 27, 1963. In the early ‘70’s he and his family moved to Rescue, Calif., where he grew up, he attended school and was a volunteer firefighter. His family raised many farm animals and had large gardens. Though he liked the animals and helped with the chores; unless it had wheels and speed, he wasn’t too interested. He graduated from Ponderosa High School, class of ‘81 and went on to receive an AA degree from American River College in Auto Mechanics. He went on to follow that passion by becoming a well known and respected race car driver in Placerville, Calif. Apart from his love of racing, he was an incredibly creative hardworking man. A true jack of all trades and perfectionist. He had a long career with Rawles Engineering, over 20 years, where he ran big machinery and everything he touched was always done with care.

From 1989-2022 C. J. a ectionately known as the “Happy Camper”, in the #85 car, ranks number five in all-time winged 360 sprint car wins at the Placerville Speedway. He also holds the honor of being the original North vs. South Civil War Series Champion in 1991. C. J. was larger than life on and o the race track. He was loved by his fans — his love for them is what drove his desire and passion for the sport.

He was also a doting and gentle father, grandfather, son, friend and animal lover. He enjoyed a good conversation, helping others, and had the warmest smile. Both proud and humble, he will be deeply missed by many.

C. J. is survived by his Mother, Penny; his four daughters — Cassandra; Jacquelin; Anastasia; Peyton and his partner Vallean. A grandfather to five, he also leaves behind Soleil, Sylvie, Emalyn, Braelyn, and Daxton.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 5th at 11:00 a.m. at Green Valley Community Church o Missouri Flat Rd with food and refreshments to follow at Placerville Speedway. On Saturday May 6, there will be a memorial lap in his honor at the Speedway. Memorial shirts will be sold to benefit his daughters.

Collision sends 5 to hospital

Odin Rasco

Staff writer

A two-vehicle collision Sunday afternoon on Highway 50 west of Bridal Veil Falls resulted in a rollover and five people sent to the hospital with one in critical condition.

El Dorado County Fire Protection District and Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit firefighters responded to the crash east of Pollock Pines at approximately 12:15 p.m., according to El Dorado County Fire officials. The two vehicles, a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe and a 2021 Hyundai Palisade, had a total of 12 occupants.

One passenger, a 46-year-old from San Francisco, sustained major injuries and was flown by helicopter to an area trauma center for treatment, according to information from the California Highway Patrol. Four other passengers injured in the crash were in stable condition and transported by ambulance. The remaining seven passengers sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene.

El Dorado County Fire officials report the Hyundai sustained major damage and the Chevrolet

was flipped upside down during the collision; it took close to an hour and a half to clear the roadway. Occupants of both vehicles were visiting the region from the Bay Area, according to CHP

officials.

A CHP collision report was not available as of press time. The collision is being investigated by the CHP’s Placerville office.

State reappoints Owens chief of Systems Integration

News release

SACRAMENTO — Placerville resident Mark Owens has been reappointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom as chief counsel at the Office of Systems Integration, where he has served in the role of chief counsel since 2016.

Owens has held several roles since 2005, including Senior Projects Council attorney and California Department of Social Services (2001-

Diamond Springs park planning studies

up cost

Eric Jaramishian

Staff writer

El Dorado County will increase compensation to environmental consulting company Dudek by more than $142,000 for additional analysis and planning on the Diamond Springs park project.

Dudek will now be paid a total of more than $440,000 to complete its planning process for the 40-acre park. Additional work will include a transportation impact study, soil testing, analysis of the draft environmental impact report and study of traffic and noise impacts.

The firm also has a new deadline to complete all tasks — Jan. 31, 2024.

The community park is planned to be constructed adjacent to Charles F. Brown Elementary School along Oak Dell Road south of Pleasant Valley Road and consist of four ball fields, soccer fields and tennis, pickleball and basketball courts, along with parking stalls, an indoor gym, picnic areas, playgrounds for different age groups and walking trails.

crime log

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

March 27

11:35 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Coyote Ridge Road in Somerset.

3:42 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 42-year-old woman suspected of possession of a controlled substance on Red Hawk Parkway Placerville. She was released on $10,500 bail.

4:22 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 35-year-old woman suspected of possession of a controlled substance and probation violations on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines. She was listed in custody in lieu of $60,000 bail.

8”02 p.m. Battery was reported on California Mine Lane in Placerville.

8:17 p.m. Grand theft was reported at a mobile home park in Panorama Drive in Placerville.

March 28

12:03 p.m. Brandishing was reported on Barnett Loop Road in Shingle Springs.

March 29

2:36 a.m. Deputies cited a suspect accused of trespassing at the casino on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville.

2:50 a.m. Deputies cited a suspect following a traffic stop on Coach Lane in Cameron Park.

8:29 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 37-year-old woman suspected of DUI (location not specified). She was later released.

10:08 a.m. Burglary was reported at a business on Palmer Drive in Cameron Park.

11:13 a.m. Grand theft was

Solar rates Continued from A1

development, so it’s frustrating because I almost know exactly what is going wrong. It’s such a silly little issue but I’ve waited three hours on calls to technical support and have been waiting four days to hear from someone who can fix this.”

Cole’s difficulty appears to be an edge case, according to PG&E representatives, but high traffic volume has been a continuing concern.

“The portal has occasionally experienced temporary performance issues due to high traffic,” states PG&E representative Mike Gazda in an email to the Mountain Democrat.

Gazda explained that traffic volume and technical issues on the portal are being monitored and that the portal is working as intended as of press time. Customers encountering issues while trying to meet the deadline can relax a little, though, as PG&E management has committed to

12) attorney, specialist and staff counsel. He was staff counsel at the California Department of Corporations in 2001. Owens was Business Development Counsel at 3Com Corporation from 2000-01. He was corporate and securities counsel at Gray, Cary, Ware and Freidenrich from 19992000. Owens was an associate at Boutin, Denino, Gibson, DiGiusto and Hodell from 1996-99.

He earned a master of business administration degree from California State University,

Ghilarducci to serve on Cal State Board of Trustees

News release

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced Mark Ghilarducci of El Dorado Hills has been appointed to the California State University Board of Trustees.

Ghilarducci served as director of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services from 2013-23 and as deputy director from 2000-03. He was secretary of the California Emergency Management Agency from 2012-13. Ghilarducci was partner and managing director at Diamante Partners LLC from 2011-12. He was vice president at Witt and Associates from 2003-11. Ghilarducci was federal coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency from 1997-2000. He was deputy fire chief and director of Special Operations Branch for the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services-Fire Rescue from 1988-77.

Ghilarducci earned a bachelor of science degree in physiology from the University of California, Davis. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Ghilarducci is a Democrat.

reported at the casino on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville.

11:36 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Mt. Murphy Road in Garden Valley.

12:57 p.m. Vandalism was reported on North Shingle Road in Shingle Springs.

3:41 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 34-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance and a probation violation on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. He was released on $30,000 bail.

March 30

8:41 a.m. Burglary was reported at a facility on Francisco Drive in El Dorado Hills.

10:35 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Rodwell Canyon Road in Somerset.

1:05 p.m. Petty theft was reported on City Lights Drive in El Dorado

Hills.

1:18 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Meadow Lane in Cameron Park.

3:01 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Landsdale Way in El Dorado Hills.

3:04 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Buffalo Trail in El Dorado Hills.

3:05 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Cimmarron Road in Cameron Park.

7:02 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Valley View Parkway in El Dorado Hills.

March 31

12:42 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Falkirk Way in El Dorado Hills.

4:24 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Coon Hollow Road in Placerville.

honoring NEM 2.0 rates if submissions are held back by technical issues on its end.

“We are supportive of customers who choose to go solar and will not penalize customers who are unable to submit an interconnection application prior to the April 14, 2023, deadline to participate in NEM 2.0 as a result of portal performance issues,” reads a PG&E statement.

A coalition of solar customers, members of the solar industry and other supporters of solar energy in California are in the process of seeking an appeal on CPUC’s NEM 3.0 decision. The Center for Biological Diversity, Environmental Working Group and Protect Our Communities Foundation filed a joint appeal to the CPUC in late January, and appeal proponents have stated they will proceed to legal channels if CPUC does not respond.

Sacramento, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $193,512 a year. Owens is registered without party preference.

lake levels

Dr. Little’s Dental News

Presented by Jeffery Little, D.D.S.

BRUSHING BABIES’ TEETH

As soon as baby’s first tooth appears, usually around six to eight months of age, it’s time to start brushing. You can brush baby’s first teeth using water and a soft wet cloth or child’s toothbrush to clean all surfaces of the teeth. Brush or wipe gently in circles along the gumline. Doing this twice a day will create good habits for your child who will come to expect teeth brushing as part of their morning and bedtime routines. Use only water until eighteen months of age and then switch to a children’s toothpaste. Start with a small amount, about the size of a grain of rice. Around age six you can begin

using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

The importance of baby teeth cannot be overstated, just as conscientious dental care should not be overlooked. Taking care of these little pearls as soon as they appear paves the way to a future healthy dental profile. Let us help promote your children’s healthy mouth and brilliant smile. Taught early enough about the importance of taking care of their teeth, children can learn to make a habit of daily brushing and flossing.

P.S. When young children swallow their fluoride toothpaste, it can lead to a condition called fluorosis that causes permanent pits and staining in teeth.

Courtesy photo

A collision on Highway 50 injured 12 passengers, sending five to the hospital with one in critical condition.

Gov. Newsom denounces ‘authoritarians,’ but what about his record?

California

Gov. Gavin Newsom has anointed himself as the avenging angel who will rain down righteous — or self-righteous — punishment on ideological heretics in red states such as Florida, Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi.

“All across the country rights are being rolled back in real-time by Republicans,” Newsom warned in a fundraising text message earlier this month, just hours after it was revealed that former President Donald Trump was being indicted in New York. “They cry ‘freedom’ but work overtime to dismantle our democracy to protect their power to dictate the choices people are allowed to make.

“I am going to flip that narrative on its head,” Newsom promised.

Letters to the Editor

They’re at it again

EDITOR:

It’s no secret that California is one of the highest tax/fee states in America ... income taxes, sales taxes, fuel taxes, utility taxes, regulatory fees, DMV fees, SMOG fees … on and on. The one benefit we Californians voted on and won years ago, and have so far been able to retain, is limited property taxes. Proposition 13 limits the percentage increase that can be applied each year, beyond the prior year. Millions of California home property owners benefit year over year, solely due to Prop. 13 … and for as long as they own their property.

my experiences are totally opposite from the writer’s claims and I find local residents are more than welcoming of any and all minorities. In my travels I have kept a careful eye out for any Confederate flags and I have found none. Perhaps I am on the wrong planet as the writer surmises.

SUMMARY

California Gov.

Two days later, having created a new political organization to finance assaults on prominent Republicans, he embarked on a tour of four red states to rally Democratic opposition to their GOP governors. Newsom’s message is that those governors and other prominent Republicans, such as House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, are “authoritarian threats,” citing such actions as banning books and subverting abortion access, gay rights and gender-a rming care for transgender youths.

The website of Newsom’s new organization, the Campaign for Democracy, singles out McCarthy, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott as “threats” to democracy. In a video Newsom declares, “What’s happening in those red states, that’s not who we are. It’s un-American; it’s undemocratic. All it takes to fight back is a willingness to stand toe-to-toe and say ‘enough.’”

There are three potential explanations for Newsom’s self-declared crusade: that he’s genuinely worried about an “existential struggle” for democracy; that he’s just expanding his years-long drive to raise his national political profile in hopes of someday campaigning for the presidency; or that he craves attention.

■ See WALTERS, page A5

Kiley’s Corner

There is an e ort occurring (again) to tamper with Prop. 13. It’s called “Split Roll”… which is designed to begin the tampering of Prop. 13’s increase limits. California voters recently voted down a prior attempt to pass “Split Roll.” It was close, but it failed. Now it’s happening again. You all know as well as I, once these changes start and take hold they never stop.

I’m writing to encourage you to join the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. HJTA has been working hard for years to keep Prop. 13 whole. As a member, your yearly dues directly help HJTA keep Prop 13 as it is. I hope you will consider becoming a member.

KEITH BREWSTER Shingle Springs

HRC abolishment

EDITOR:

In a recent letter to the editor a writer complained county supervisors “harbored deep seated animosities toward minorities” due to the abolishment of the Human Rights Commission. The writer goes on to cite numerous examples of a racist nature observed in El Dorado County such as the display of “countless confederate/traitor flags flying from vehicles and houses.” Also described were anecdotal instances of racial epithets directed at a Black family walking on Main Street as well as a confrontation in a parking lot over an Obama/Biden poster on the writer’s car. Finally, he recounted a law enforcement contact with a Black man who was seen walking in the writer’s HOA enclave due to a report by a “racist tipster.” These are serious allegations; however, they don’t jive with my own experiences here as a resident of El Dorado County and the city of Placerville. In fact,

After reviewing the writer’s letter, I realized that two of the incidents he described likely occurred years ago. The parking lot incident regarding the Obama/Biden poster seems to have occurred during the presidential campaigns at least 10 to 14 years ago and the law enforcement encounter 24/25 years ago. In that encounter the writer states the tipster reported “a homeless man looking at our houses.” There is no mention of race. According to the writer the police respond, encounter the man who is a famous sports figure, verify his residency and identity. They apologize for any inconvenience and get autographs from the person and leave. Hardly a hostile or unfriendly encounter. To make this a racially motivated event is to assume facts not in evidence except perhaps in the mind of the writer.

Human rights are protected in many ways by our system of government and law. To lament that the rights of a specific minority will be ignored because of a commissions termination shows a lack of knowledge of the fundamental functions of our system and bias by the writer. Playing the “race card” is becoming very tiring especially when circumstances are exploited and exaggerated to tarnish honorable and just people. That truly is shameful.

JAMES LEAHY Placerville

Let’s face it

EDITOR:

Man has predicted the end of humanity and the destruction of the earth since time immemorial. And all the predictions are based on the belief that man will cause destruction. Every major religion, past and present, professes the world will end some day and man and his actions are the reason why.

We have people today that believe life would be better with fewer people around them. Powerful people like Al Gore and Bill Gates profess a reduction in the human population would be a good thing. China’s draconian one-child policy proved to

■ See LETTERS, page A5

Work has begun to make California more affordable

For generations, California was the state where anyone could achieve their dreams. Yet today, the California Dream is on life support. For more and more of our residents, it has simply become too expensive to live here and maintain a high quality of life.

California has the highest gas prices in the nation, the highest income taxes, the highest energy costs, the second highest home prices. Runaway inflation is stretching family budgets to the breaking point. As a result, people are leaving our state in record numbers — an estimated 900,000 residents in the past three years alone. Everyone has a friend, neighbor or relative who has packed up a U-Haul bound for a more a ordable place to raise a family, buy a home or retire.

I love our state. There is no place like it and I am truly honored to represent a district that reflects the very best of California. As your

representative, I am doing everything in my power to protect the quality of life in our district and reverse the misguided policies that have made life in the Golden State di cult for so many. Since being sworn into Congress three months ago I have focused like a laser on ways to address the a ordability crisis gripping our state and, increasingly, our country.

In my very first vote, I voted to repeal the 87,000 IRS agents funded by last year’s Congress. These agents would have targeted middle-class families and small business owners with audit after audit to fund even more government spending. The legislation I supported is estimated to protect more than 700,000 Americans making less than $75,000 a year from intrusive audits.

In February I secured guidance from the IRS preventing the Middle Class Tax Refund payments, sent to Californians as inflation relief, from

Runaway inflation is stretching family budgets to the breaking point. As a result, people are leaving our state in record numbers …

being taxed as income by the federal government. This guidance overrode previous state instructions and saved taxpayers hundreds of dollars on their taxes this year.

Most recently, I joined colleagues to pass the Lower Energy Costs Act (HR 1). This bipartisan, landmark legislation will lower gas and grocery prices, reduce utility bills and make everyday goods more a ordable. It is the most significant legislation in recent history for making our country more energy independent. The United States is blessed with enormous potential to produce our own energy. HR 1 unlocks that potential by removing the political barriers that stand in the way.

For instance, the bill reforms our broken permitting process. Currently, vital energy infrastructure projects are blocked for months, years or indefinitely through neverending federal reviews and frivolous

litigation. The bill balances robust environmental protections with the need to expand our energy supply by capping the review process at one or two years, more than enough time to thoroughly vet a project.

HR 1 also eliminates $6.4 billion in taxes on natural gas that would result in higher utility bills and skyrocketing prices at the pump. Altogether, these reforms will unleash American energy production, create good-paying jobs and reduce the cost of gas. Every product, whether it be groceries, school supplies or everyday necessities, will be cheaper to transport and the savings passed on to consumers.

These are important steps, but they are only a beginning. To get inflation under control and make life a ordable again, we need to rein in government spending, reduce regulations on small

■ See KILEY page A5

Gavin Newsom is waging a crusade against “authoritarians” in red states, but he should look in the mirror, too.

KEVIN KILEY

DAN WALTERS

Community Action Council extends application deadline

News release

The El Dorado County Community Action Council has several member vacancies, including those within the low-income and community sector membership categories.

The Community Action Council is seeking to fill the member vacancies with individuals who can represent the interests and concerns of people and families with low incomes living in El

Walters Continued from A4

Dorado County, with a special focus on housing, nutrition and low-income program needs.

Priority will be given to individuals or representatives of community organizations who demonstrate a commitment to advancing the purposes and activities of the council.

The deadline to submit a member application for the Community Action Council has been extended to May 1.

Whatever his motives — and it could be a combination of idealistic, crassly political and personal — the most intriguing aspect of Newsom’s campaign is his denunciations of DeSantis, Abbott, et al, as “authoritarian,” meaning they are acting unilaterally, outside the democratic process, to impose their will on the residents of their states.

That’s patently untrue. Those two governors and those of other red states were duly elected and often re-elected by their voters,and wield the powers that accrue to elected governors. One can certainly take issue, on the merits, with the policies they espouse and enact. But one must also assume they are doing what majorities of their constituents want them to do, which is the essence of democracy.

Besides, Newsom has been just as adamant in pursuing his own ideological goals.

The Community Action Council acts in an advisory capacity to the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors and the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency about the needs of the community relating to human services for low-income residents of the county. The council provides for the collaboration of local government, private organizations and citizens serving the most vulnerable

Was Newsom being an authoritarian when he declared an emergency during the COVID-19 pandemic, suspended dozens of laws, closed public schools and ordered much of the state’s economy to be shut down, erasing nearly 3 million jobs overnight and pushing the state into a severe recession?

Newsom would say he was just exercising his executive powers for the greater good.

Was Newsom an authoritarian when he unilaterally stopped executions in 2019, even though the death penalty was and still is state law and won voter support the last time the issue was placed on the ballot?

Meanwhile, he has signed a number of new laws aimed at restricting or eliminating behavior he and his fellow Democrats consider to be wrong, such as owning guns or resisting construction of new housing.

populations.

Representatives of community agencies that serve El Dorado County’s low-income residents are encouraged to apply. These are volunteer, unpaid positions. Meetings are held in Placerville.

To receive a member application for the Community Action Council contact Star Walker at (530) 621-6255 or send an email to star.walker@edcgov.us.

And how about those decrees banning the sale of gasoline-powered cars after 2035?

Newsom’s actions were no less arbitrary than those of the governors he criticizes. When it comes to authoritarianism, he is, to use an old saw, a pot calling the kettle black.

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

Kiley Continued from A4

businesses, lower taxes and make the dream of homeownership attainable for more Californians. I will continue to work with colleagues in both parties to forge constructive policies that deliver concrete results in these areas and I would love to have your input in the process.

You can get in touch with me by calling (916) 7242575 or visiting Kiley.House.gov to provide your thoughts on legislation. In addition, if you need help with a federal agency, scheduling a D.C. tour or simply aren’t sure where to turn, my office is here to assist.

Congressman Kevin Kiley represents California’s 3rd District in the House of Representatives.

Letters Continued from A4

be devastating to its economy and has been changed to save that economy.

Our Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY) residents in El Dorado County don’t want any more people to live in our county because it will ruin their way of life.

The reality is our country and China realize we need more people to maintain our quality of life. Most people’s productivity lasts 40 years. Our lives last 80. Nobody is here who was born before 1900. Humans are a perishable product that needs to repopulate to survive.

Our country is not self-sustaining because we are not having enough children to maintain the population.

I believe those who proselytize the world is going to die have not faced their own mortality.

KEN STEERS Cameron Park

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.

mArsHALL HOsPitAL

AUxiLiAry is looking for volunteers. It is a rewarding opportunity to do something for the community. We will be holding interviews on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. Please contact Linda Grimoldi at 530-6202240 or call the Auxiliary Office at 530-626-2643.

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 TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

Speedway sees Easter thriller in No. 2 point race

Gary Thomas Placerville Speedway

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

The Easter Eggstravaganza provided thrills Saturday night at Placerville Speedway. In the end it was Modesto’s Tony Gomes occupying victory lane after claiming his second career winged sprint car victory.

The second championship point race of the season saw outstanding racing in all four divisions, with wins also picked off by defending track titlist Nick Baldwin in the pure stocks, Wyatt Lakin with the mini trucks and Shawn Whitney with the dwarf cars.

The 25-lap sprint car finale began with Indiana native Brinton Marvel duking it out with Chico’s Michael Ing on the start. Ing ended up leading the opening lap and set the early pace in impressive fashion. Gomes showed his strength right off the bat, jumping into the second spot, before looking to track down the leader. Piloting the familiar No. 7c machine, the 23-year-

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

Complete

n TODAy

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your welcoming energy turns strangers into friends, customers and allies. One key to your friendliness is that you trust yourself to enforce personal boundaries, and until then you’re cool, calm and collected. You’ll call up your defenses as needed, but it’s usually not needed.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Don’t worry about how you are going to get from here to there. Your intention to do a good job is all you need right now. You will succeed because you take on the work and keep at it until it’s finished.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’re making your own way. Though you have guides and sometimes share the path, it’s still a unique journey for each traveler. Each must rely on personal instinct. Yours will be particularly strong today.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). There’s juicy stuff going on beneath the surface. You don’t need to say much about it because everyone gets it through vibes. In fact, explaining things can make them seem less magical and interesting, so let the mystery work for you today instead.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You know that there are power dynamics affecting your role, but you don’t know precisely what they are. You’ll do some light testing to see who has the authority and where the boundaries lie. Stay flexible and aware of how egos get activated.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’re sensitive to your environment and greatly affected by things like lighting, scents and temperature. It’s remarkable how such elements can detract from or enhance your concentration.

Changing things up to smooth your process will lead to a much more productive day.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Each person has unique needs. You can’t address them all, but you can shed a little warmth on the matter. Even though you are very professional in your dealings, you also provide a human touch.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Powerful forces need to be taken in moderation. Just as moments of sunlight make you feel bright and alive but hours of sunlight deplete you, so it goes with intense people and feelings. For maximum health, control your exposure.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). It’s like you’re going from scene to scene, chasing after something. You won’t be able to process everything in real time. Some lessons take years to fully sink in. Seize opportunities to stop and discuss along the way.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Every problem is an opportunity to grow. Some problems are harder to feel optimistic about. Don’t let anything overwhelm you. Focus in tighter. What’s the one small improvement you can make?

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Change doesn’t hurt. What hurts is resistance to change. You can look at what you’re holding on to and consciously decide to let it go, or you can simply decide to let it go without examination. Either way, you’ll be free.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Go where you can look up at the sky instead of the ceiling — it will all restore you.

Your connection to nature helps you feel whole. The time you spend with other creatures and life forms will have benefits deep and far-reaching..

old quickly found his way to the rear of Ing.

With eight laps complete, Gomes drove to his inside, looking to grab the point. Contact ensued between the pair, which ended with Ing sitting parked off turn four to draw the caution. Gomes officially led for the remainder of the race but the action behind him remained hot and heavy. Rio Oso’s Landon Brooks put on a thrilling charge from the 12th starting spot, moving up as high as second at one point. Brooks, Andy Forsberg, Caeden Steele and others raced high and low on the red clay bullring.

Steele overtook Brooks for the runner-up spot with four laps remaining but couldn’t quite catch the fast-moving Gomes, who accepted the checkered flag. Steele, Forsberg, Brooks and Marvel completed the top five. It was an especially strong night for Marvel, who earned his first

n See SPEEDwAy, page A7

‘Get off your apps’ campaign urges distraction-free driving

California Office of Traffic Safety and Caltrans News release

To highlight the importance of distraction-free driving, the California Office of Traffic Safety, California Department of Transportation and California Highway Patrol are making a statewide traffic safety push as part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month to encourage drivers to “get off your apps” and think about what drives them to focus solely on the road.

“Whether you are driving to visit friends or family, or to your dog waiting to greet you at home, we want people to think about what drives them to get to their destination safely,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney states in a news release. “There are lots of distractions in our life but we encourage all drivers to focus on what they can do to make it home safely.”

In 2020, a person was killed in a crash involving distracted driving on California roads about every three days. Nationally, 3,142 people

Federal funding

were killed in vehicle crashes where distraction was a factor, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The numbers are likely underreported because law enforcement officers may not always be able to tell that distraction was a factor in a crash.

“Distracted driving puts everyone at risk,” warns Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “We are doing everything we can to meet our goal of zero lives lost on our roadways and in our work zones but we can’t do it alone. We ask motorists to eliminate distractions and focus on their driving to make roadways safer for everyone.”

The media campaign will run through April 23 and feature a series of English and Spanish safety messages on video, digital billboards, digital platforms such as social media and streaming services and audio messages on the radio.

While CHP officers enforce distracted driving and other violations daily, on April 13 and April 28, they

n See CAMPAigN, page A7

Continued from A1

infrastructure and install new fire hydrants in order to better fight fires.

Although the projects must still be considered by the Appropriations Committee and a federal budget passed in order for funds to be disbursed, official submission by a member of Congress is a necessary and major step forward in the federal funding process, notes the news release.

“Through the federal budget process

Raley’s Continued from A1

expires June 30 and that Raley’s was unable to come to an agreement with the landlord to extend after offering several collaborative solutions,” reads a statement from Raley’s Executive Director of Community Impact and Public Affairs Chelsea Minor.

“Since then, a portion of the roof structure at Raley’s Stateline collapsed due to the weight of the increased snowpack. Our team, along with third-party experts, have been working diligently to assess the conditions of our store. With a continued focus on team member and community safety, we have concluded

I have submitted numerous project funding requests for our community,” reads a statement from Kiley. “The projects I am advocating for would significantly bolster firefighting capabilities across the Tahoe region and Eastern Sierra (and) ensure access to safe drinking water.

“I will never stop fighting to return taxpayer dollars to our community to fund projects vital to our health, safety and welfare.”

that the store condition and damage will prevent us from reopening the store before the lease ends. As a result, the Raley’s on Stateline will not reopen,” the statement continues.

Minor adds that perishable food was not salvageable and the nonperishable items will be reviewed and recovered by insurance.

“We are deeply saddened to end our service to the community abruptly. We remain committed to our store on Emerald Bay Road and look forward to continuing to serve customers at that location,” the statement concludes.

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

HOROSCOPE by Holiday Mathis

Courtesy photo

Modesto driver Tony Gomes takes the Placerville Speedway podium with the Easter Eggstravaganza bunny.

Mad dash

No egg was left behind as children dash from the starting line to fetch eggs at the Placerville Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt at Lions Park in Placerville Saturday morning.

In addition to egg hunting festivities, youngsters competed in wheelbarrow races — a Kiwanis tradition. Atticus Carrillo, 8, of Camino, at left in above photo, gains on Madison Kahm, 7, of Pollock Pines as both sprint for the win. Kiwanis member Paul Zappettini, below, cheers on April Aguilar, 13, of Placerville and Bennett Angelo, 2, of Diamond Springs.

Campaign

Continued from A6 will focus their efforts on citing drivers violating California’s hands-free cell phone law as part of a statewide enforcement campaign.

Last year alone CHP issued nearly 59,000 citations for distracted driving, according to CHP data.

“Reducing the number of people killed and injured on our roadways continues to be our number one priority,” states CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “The CHP remains committed to public education and community engagement as core strategies in making California’s highways safer. Additionally, CHP officers throughout the state will be patrolling our roadways and taking appropriate enforcement action, when necessary, to deter unsafe driving behavior. The CHP will continue to partner with our traffic safety stakeholders and the media to ensure our public awareness programs and enforcement campaigns are effective in educating the public on the dangers of not just distracted driving, but speeding, impaired driving and other unsafe driving behaviors.”

California law prohibits drivers from holding a phone or other electronic device while behind the wheel. This includes talking, texting or using an app. Drivers younger than 18 may not use any mobile communications device at all, whether hands-free or hand-held.

Drivers who need to make an important phone call, text or email, or are in a situation with other distractions, are advised to pull over to a safe parking spot. If it doesn’t involve the act of driving, it can wait, whether that’s eating, grooming, applying make-up, reaching for an object on the floor, using an in-dash touchscreen or putting on or taking off clothing.

To learn about other helpful ways to stay safe on the go visit gosafelyca.org.

Speedway

Continued from A6

career Fast Time Award and captured the opening heat race. Michael Faccinto, Luke Hays, Chance Grasty, Shane Hopkins and Bubba Decaires rounded out the top 10.

In the pure stocks Nick Baldwin raced with Russ Murphy for the top spot on the opening circuit before grabbing the lead, with Kevin Jinkerson coming along for second shortly after. The toptwo drivers in the standings from last year ultimately raced inches apart over the remaining laps. Jinkersond hounded the rear bumper of Baldwin’s No. 17 mount, trying to find a way by the Oakley competitor. While the front duo raced tooth and nail, third-place Murphy once again joined the mix, making it a three-car battle. Baldwin was calm, cool and collected, driving off to record his 21st career Placerville Speedway win by less than a car length over Jinkerson. Murphy,

Mike Lightfoot and Bill O’Neal comprised the top five.

Over the last couple seasons Diamond Springs’ Wyatt Lakin had battled mini truck issues that cost him a shot at several victories. Putting that behind him on Saturday, the always fun-loving driver found some last-lap magic in the main event, en route to his first Placerville Speedway triumph. Lakin led the early stages until Mike Miller started picking trucks off one by one. Miller took over the top spot on lap 10, but Lakin did not let him get away.

With lapped traffic in the mix, Lakin closed in the laps wound down. Lakin blasted to the outside of Miller in the final corners and nipped him at the line for a scintillating victory. Mike Miller, Paizlee Miller, Page Miller and Luke Costa rounded out the top five.

The traveling Nor-Cal

Dwarf Car Association brought a stellar 27-car field to Placerville Speedway.

The 20-lap feature provided some excellent racing all throughout the pack, with Lotus-based Shawn Whitney picking up a big victory. Jace Badecker led the initial two laps before Dylan Shrum got by to hold the point on lap three. Whitney then found his line and charged to the front of the field shortly after.

Once in the lead Whitney had his way with things but behind him drivers diced it up in exciting fashion. Shrum eventually crossed the stripe in second, with Mike Reeder third, Kinser Endicott fourth and Mike “Spanky” Grenert rounding out the top five.

The remainder of the top-10 was filled out by Badecker, Ben Wiesz, Zack Albers, Gage Meyers and Dan Geil. Placerville Speedway returns to action Saturday, April 15, with the 20th Tribute to Al Hinds.

9-month 4.85

Photos by Laurie Edwards

Alejandro Coliaza, 5, of Placerville was successful in the Easter Egg Hunt having gathered a full basket of plastic eggs with goodies inside.

Kids scramble to gather as many eggs as they can find.

Wheelbarrow racers aim for the finish line.

IN THE KNOW

April 12

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

Vitalant will hold Lotus community blood drive, 2-5:30 p.m. at Andrea Dodson Properties, 7308 Highway 49, Suite E. Make an appointment at donors. vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFD800 or call (877) 258-4825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows. Donors will receive one $10 Amazon gift card from Vitalant which can be redeemed through email.

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce hosts a mixer, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Window Screen Solutions and more, 330 Green Valley Road in El Dorado Hills. To RSVP visit eldoradohillschamber.org.

The California Grand Jurors Association – El Dorado County Chapter hosts civil grand jury informational meetings that will cover many topics related to the civil grand jury process. Presentations are scheduled at 6 p.m. April 12 and the Placerville Library; and 1:30 p.m. April 13 at the El Dorado Hills Library. For more information email EDCchapter.CGJA@gmail. com.

The Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera hosts a pop-up concert, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Rancho Cordova Food Locker, 10497 Coloma Road.

April 13

Placerville FamilySearch Center, 3275 Cedar Ravine Road in Placerville, hosts FamilySearch Catalog at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. The FamilySearch Catalog is a guide to many kinds of records that contain genealogical information. Many of these records are searchable online. For more information call (530) 6211378.

Bring the family to the Cameron Park Library’s Spring Fling, 5-6:30 p.m. Activities include face painting, games, live music and more.

The Limelight Variety Show takes the stage 8-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit tickets.clubgreenroom. com.

April 14

Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open again every Friday and Saturday for open garden days, 9 a.m. to noon. Take a leisurely stroll through all 16 themed gardens.

Docents are on-site to assist with any questions regarding Sherwood Demonstration Garden or your personal garden. May be closed for inclement weather or poor air quality. Check the website before visiting: ucanr.edu/sites/ EDC_Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden.

Ponderosa High School Foundation hosts the Green & Gray Gathering, 6-9 p.m. at Saureel Vineyards in Placerville.

This much-loved tradition includes a Chef John Sanders buffet dinner paired with for purchase

HEATHER FREER is living her dream at Union Mine High School

Heather Freer, the recently hired drama teacher at Union Mine High School, sits down to discuss the theater program, her personal journey and the El Dorado County community.

Freer started her educational career as an English teacher.

“It was actually Poetry Out Loud that got me started in teaching — that dual aspect of performance and English,” Freer explained. “I loved working with the high school students, so that was sort of my entrée into teaching.”

JORDAN HYATT-MILLER Creative Currents

As much as she enjoyed teaching English, her true, lifelong passion was drama; the only problem was she never believed she would have a chance to teach it.

“Drama teachers stay forever in their role in this district and I didn’t want to go outside of the district because I have three kids who live here,” Freer said.

When the drama position at Union Mine opened, her dream became a reality.

“Going back into that world was so seamless and easy,” Freer recalled. “It was the most comfortable I’ve felt teaching, because I know it inside and out and I know how to speak the language. That part was easy.”

Her new position didn’t come without adversity, though. She had inherited a program in relative disarray; its former stability battered by a string of di cult developments, including the pandemic.

“They had anticipated that the program would take years to build back up, but I already have bigger classes than they’ve ever had before. We had more students audition for the spring musical than had ever auditioned for a show in the history of the school,” she added.

The lack of a robust, established drama program may have proved to be a blessing in disguise, as it allowed Freer to make the

“The first year it was exhausting and hard, but I smiled through the whole thing. It was just amazing to get to know these kids and for them to find purpose in life in the theater.”

— Heather Freer

program her own and for a new culture, defined by growing enthusiasm and buy-in from students, to emerge organically.

“Because things were so chaotic coming out of COVID, I had the flexibility to rebuild it in the way that I wanted. The first year it was exhausting and hard, but I smiled through the whole thing,” she said. “It was just amazing to get to know these kids and for them to find purpose in life in the theater.”

■ See FREER page B5

Empty bowls made with big hearts

■ Fundraiser to be held Sunday

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

After three years of resorting to a drive-thru process, Empty Bowls Supper is back in person for its 23rd annual mission to spread awareness relating to hunger issues.

The event will be held at at the Placerville Shakespeare Club, 2940 Bedford Ave., Sunday, April 16, featuring handmade bowls crafted by El Dorado High School students.

Art teacher Brigid Bourque and her class were joined by local artist Dean Bullert for a lesson on bowl crafting for more than just a grade.

“The key is to get them to enjoy community service,” Bullert said.

“There is a lot of hungry people out there, so it is good the students do this because the most important thing for me is to get them involved in the community.”

Earlier this year the

students could be seen focused and hard at work, kneading and spinning about 150 bowls for the supper.

“It’s always fun for the students to work with a guest local artist for this community service project and it is a great learning experience for them to give back to the community,” Bourque said. The El Dorado Peace

and Justice Community has hosted this event since 1991 when the organization raised around $500 to donate.

Last year $12,000 was raised for donation, according to Empty Bowls committee members. It is EDPJC’s longest running project, according founder and former board member Carla Turo , who said she got involved to

educate youngsters about international and national hunger.

“I feel strongly about the terrible situation regarding food inequity and I think it is important for people to educate themselves why here in the U.S. people still struggle with hunger,” Turo said. “It is especially important for young people to understand why this is

an important issue and what people su ering from hunger have to deal with.”

Empty Bowls is an international e ort to fight hunger which features hand-made bowls from local artists and schools. The bowls are filled with food and sold at the annual fundraiser with soup and bread on the menu and dessert available for separate purchase. Live music will be performed by Americana folk group Coloma Celtic. This year’s proceeds will go to the Upper Room Dining Hall on Broadway in Placerville, maternalsupport nonprofit group Earth’s Angels and the Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Di erence Emergency Food Pantry. Online tickets are sold out but tickets can still be purchased at the door for $20 and the bowls are souvenirs. Children younger than 10 eat for free. Donations can be made at edpjc.org. The event will run from 3-7 p.m. Call (530) 306-1189 or email empybowlspville@ gmail.com for more details.

Photo by Caitlin Thompson

UMHS teacher Heather Freer works and has fun with her drama students. She has rebuilt the high school’s theater program from the ground up.

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

Local artist Dean Bullert, center, collaborates with El Dorado High School junior Florian Albrecht in crafting a bowl for the 23rd Empty Bowls event.

School board members honored

Dina Gentry

El Dorado County Office of Education

Cold Springs Country Club buzzed with excitement as the El Dorado County School Boards Association recently held its annual awards gala to honor outstanding school board members who have shown exemplary service to their community. Educators, parents and community leaders from across the county attended to celebrate. The night was filled with laughter, heartfelt speeches and music provided by the El Dorado High School jazz band, Modern Blue.

“The awards gala was a resounding success, a testament to the hard work and dedication of the school board members who have given so much to El Dorado County schools,” said El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ed Manansala. “ Thank you for your unwavering service.”

Educational Statesmanship: Glen Sellers, Mother Lode Union School District

service

Leader in Boardsmanship: Jon Yoffie, Buckeye Union School District, and Cathy Wilson, Mother Lode Union School District Outstanding Community Member: Claire Frost, Camino Union School District

Outstanding Community

Organizations: Georgetown Divide Public Utility District, Black Oak Mine Unified School District; El Dorado County Youth Commission, El Dorado County Office of Education; Sierra Child & Family Services, El Dorado Union High School District; Sierra-at-Tahoe, Lake Tahoe Unified School District; Summitview Child & Family Services, Placerville Union School District

Dolores Garcia Memorial Spirit of Boardsmanship: Darcy Knight, Black Oak Mine Unified School District, and Lori Veerkamp, El Dorado Union High School District

Lifetime Achievement: Ronald “Ronnie” Ebitson, Black Oak Mine

n See AwArds page B8

STEM subjects help people to better understand the world around us. And they help us to solve problems we see in the world. STEM workers solve problems such as how to clean up rivers, how to make clean energy, how to fight deadly diseases, how to make computers and how to explore space.

STEM learning is often hands-on and fun. It is experiments, making and testing things, fixing things and more. YOU be the scientist and try this cool experiment!

Sports Page Math

teams on

page. Add up the scores. What do you get?

A flower grows at the end of a stem of a plant. That’s one kind of stem.

Today, businesses are interested in kids knowing about another kind of STEM This STEM is spelled from the first letter in the words:

Only one of the shapes below can be folded into a box with four sides, a top and a bottom and no extra flaps. Work with a family member to take a guess. Then, carefully cut each shape out and see if you guessed correctly!

This th

Circle the things that are made using science, technology, engineering or math.

ANSWER: Did you circle every item? STEM is needed to make all the things we use every day!

Hypothesis:

Investigate:

(What do you think will happen?) Hold the straw by its side and try to quickly stab it through the potato.

Materials:

uncooked potato

2 plastic straws

1.

Repeat stabbing the potato with a new straw. But this time, place your thumb over the top of the straw, covering the opening.

In these magic square puzzles, you fill in the missing numbers so that each row and column and diagonal adds up to the same number. Look at the example, then try the ones below.

Science Fiction Story

Science fiction stories imagine what the future could be like. Look through today’s newspaper for a science-related article about something that might have been considered science fiction 100 years ago.

Observe: What happens?

Observe: What happens?

OBSERVE

The verb observe means to watch or examine something closely.

In the kitchen, I could observe the chef making our dessert.

Try to use the word observe in a sentence today when talking with your friends and family members.

Describe

© 2015 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 31, No. 43

2.

Spring plant sales

Spring is here and it’s time to start planning your warm weather garden. Join the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners of El Dorado County for two plant sales this month to get your garden off to a great start with topquality plants. Edible plants will be the focus of the Saturday, April 15, sale with ornamental plants taking the stage Saturday, April 29. Both events will be held at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden

at 6699 Campus Drive in Placerville, behind the Folsom Lake College El Dorado Center. Take Campus Drive to its end and you will find paths to the garden. Parking in the lot to the left is free. Please

Maggie’s House Cleaning

note that hours for both plant sales have been shortened from previous years, this year both sale days go from 8 a.m. until noon. Gates will open promptly, rain or shine — consider arriving early as plants can go fast.

You will find many herb, fruit and vegetable offerings at the edible sale, all locally grown with care by Master Gardeners. If herbs are on your list, you will find chives, borage, chamomile, cilantro, lemon grass, basil (10 varieties), oregano, parsley, sage, scented geranium and more.

Fruits offerings will include persimmons, figs, strawberries, dragon fruit, mulberry, dwarf pomegranate and black and elder berries. If you are shopping for vegetables, expect to find cardoon, cucumbers, eggplants, green beans, peppers (17 hot and 18 sweet varieties), kale, leeks, rhubarb and more.

Tomatoes will once again be a special

focus with 57 varieties available, including 34 heirloom and 15 hybrid types. There will be 15 tomato varieties new to the sale as well as dwarf tomato plants, which grow approximately 2-4 feet tall. Check the inventory preview at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu before the sale to look

for your favorites or shop for something new.

The ornamental sale on April 29 will feature a wide variety of excellent quality landscape plants, including ground covers and ornamental grasses, native plants, perennials, shrubs, trees and succulents. Payment

can be made by cash, check or credit card at both sales.

The proceeds from the spring plant sales are dedicated to supporting the 16 individually themed gardens of the Sherwood Demonstration

Donna Marshall

UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County

Photo by Summer Brasuel

Find peppers galore and more at the Master Gardeners’ edible plants sale Saturday, April 15.

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Garden, which hosts many events throughout the year. These include Open Garden Days, First Saturday tours and private tours by special arrangement. Many free Master Gardener public education classes are held in the garden throughout the year, including Fruit Tree Pruning, Citrus, All About Roses, Backyard Composting, Back to Basics, Making Worms Work for You, Attracting Birds to Your Garden, Landscape Grasses and more, along with other public events such as the Fall into Gardening autumn celebration. The garden will be open on sale day, as it is every Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon. through the end of November, weather permitting. Take a stroll through if you have time and plan to return after the warm weather has had a chance to work its magic. Public

risks too.

Freer’s educational approach is shaped by a commitment to exploration, experimentation and risk. She endeavors to make the theater “a safe place” where students are free to try and to fail.

“The key to a successful show isn’t necessarily having seasoned actors, but to have a place where students are safe to go as far as they can,” Freer explained. “I tell my students that it’s easy to tell an actor to dial it back from something that is too big or too much, but it’s harder to push and say, ‘Give me more.’ That gives them permission to just go for it and try new things and be as brave and as bold as possible.”

As the leader and tone-setter for the program, she has to take

support for the plant sales and the Master Gardener program is always greatly appreciated.

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.

“I made sure to choose really ambitious shows, shows that were dangerous, kind of, in their content because I wanted to do something that was resonant and relevant for the students. So the students got to see me take a risk and I think that modeled something important for them,” she said.

As Freer continues to build the program, she is grateful that she gets to do it here in El Dorado County, where her work is as rewarding as it is challenging.

“We’ve got a great

diversity of people, not just economically, but ideologically, politically,” she added. “I love the challenge of not having a homogeneous population because it makes them work to understand each other. For all of us, our similarities are so much greater than our differences. To get people to see that and to get people to peel back to that base layer of humanity and find what connects us — that’s a huge part of theater.”

Jordan Hyatt-Miller is program coordinator with Arts and Culture El Dorado.

Freelance Reporters Wanted

The Mountain Democrat, California’s oldest newspaper, and Village Life newspapers are looking for community-minded reporters to take freelance assignments.

Assignments will range from news coverage to features. Freelance reporters must have interviewing skills and photography experience and be able to meet deadlines. Journalism experience preferred.

Interested candidates should email a résumé, writing and photography samples and a brief cover letter to Krysten Kellum at kkellum@mtdemocrat.net.

Public Notices 

Salary:

personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

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EDUHSD robotics wins Sac regional competition

Special to the Mountain Democrat

The El Dorado Union High School District Robotics Team, Circuit Breakers #3189, representing five high schools in El Dorado County, recently won the FIRST Sac Regional Competition.

FIRST is a global robotics community preparing young people for the future and the world’s leading youth-serving nonprofit advancing STEM education. Together, in an alliance with teams from San Jose, The Cheesy Poofs #254 and Davis Citrus Circuits #1678, the teams scored a new world record of 202 points in one semi-final match.

The team, led by head coach James Womack and mentor Devlyn Nelson, who are also previous team members, faced many obstacles during their short “build season,” including an extended period of snowy weather that prevented many team members from reaching the lab. After heartbreaking challenges just two weekends before Sac Regional, the team was faced with entering a bot at the Central Valley Regional in Fresno that wasn’t

Awards Continued from B2

completely built, finishing in last place. But teammates used the week and a half before Sac Regional to work out the kinks and enter the competition with high hopes and enthusiasm. The rookie drive team consisting of Ethan Pham, sophomore at Oak Ridge, and Malia Chew, junior at Union Mine, were efficiently and goal-oriented coached by Alex Battaini, senior at Union Mine High, and supported by technician Kailani Chew, senior at Union Mine, as well as other team members from El Dorado High, Oak Ridge High, Pacific Crest Academy, Ponderosa High and Union Mine high schools. Together they designed, manufactured and built Anura, the scientific name for a frog, named for the 453 “ribbits” (rivets) used.

The team’s season isn’t over. They head to Houston, Texas, for the 2023 FIRST World Competition this month.

The team is solely funded by generous benefactors. Sponsorships and donations are appreciated and recognition is made on the website, T-shirts and bot. The Circuit Breakers can be found on Facebook at 3189. team or reached at info@3189.team.

Know

Unified School District; Gene Wooden, Camino Union School District; Heidi Weiland, El Dorado County Office of Education; Daryl Lander, Gold Trail Union School District; Janet Barbieri, Gold Trail Union School District; Sue Hennike, Gold Trail Union School District; Chuck Wolfe, Mother Lode Union School District; Janet VanderLinden, Mother Lode Union School District

This annual event is also an opportunity to connect with educators and community members.

“It is so important that we build these strong relationships with each other so that we can all focus on things that will benefit our students,” EDCSBA President Jessica Rodgers said.

As the evening ended, the recipients of the awards left the gala feeling honored and appreciated. The community had come together to celebrate their hard work and it was clear that their efforts had not gone unnoticed. Thanks to the commitment and dedication of school board members and community partners, El Dorado County continues to provide students with excellence in education.

wines by Ponderosa alum Scott Harvey, other local vintners and brewers, and a raffle. Ponderosa instrumental and vocal jazz programs will entertain the crowd. For tickets and more information visit pondofoundation.com/events.

Steelin’ Dan performs 8-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit tickets. clubgreenroom.com.

Live music at Red Hawk Resort + Casino continues with live music at the Stage Bar, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. See Violin on Fire (Latin/ rock) April 14; Fast Times (dance) April 15; Flat Busted (dance) April 21; Sons of Rock (rock/classic rock) April 22; Mike Furlong Band (classic rock) April 28; and Maxx Cabello (blues/rock) April 29. Visit redhawkcasino.com for more details.

Falcon’s Eye Theatre at Folsom Lake College presents “Antigone,” April 14-30 at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit HarrisCenter.net.

Sacramento City College, 3835 Freeport Blvd. in Sacramento, hosts a community open house, 4-7 p.m. Enjoy great food vendors, music and entertainment while learning about the college’s classes, programs, clubs, student talent and more. Admission and parking at this family-friendly event will be free.

The Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera hosts a pop-up concert, 5:30-8 p.m. at the Mills Station Arts & Culture Center, 1091 Mills Station Road in Rancho Cordova.

April 15

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts a Nature Walk at Bass Lake, 9-11 a.m. Meet at the Sellwood Field parking lot. The walk is free and all ages welcome. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes.

The El Dorado County Mineral & Gem Society present the Rock & Gem Show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 15 & 16 at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. For more information visit edcmgs.org/ activities-events/rock-gem-show.

Now

The El Dorado Roses are searching for candidates to run for the 2023 El Dorado Rose. Candidates must be at least 60 years old, have lived in the county for 10 years and have many hours of volunteer service to her community. The El Dorado Rose dresses in period clothing from 1849-1910 and then becomes the official hostess of El Dorado County for one year. For more information call Carole Burnley at (530) 626-4949.

The Gilmore Senior Center in El Dorado Hills is seeking volunteer art teachers to teach seniors two-day art lessons. The lesson can be in any art medium and will take place between May 1 and Sept. 30. Duration can be as long as needed: a week, month or quarterly. The center is open all week days and the lesson time slot is 2-4 p.m. For more information or to volunteer contact Chelsie Harrison at (916) 292-193 or charrison@edhcsd.org.

Courtesy photo

Circuit Breakers #3189 celebrate their victory. Pictured are Ayesha Rafiq, Tascheel Chinthagumpala, Camille Ernst, Neel Dharm, Malia Chew, Lorenzo Benitez, Ethan Pham, Adrian Cisneros, Alex Battaini, James Womack, Conner Mayhew, Karl Van Dyk, Antonio Christman, Kailani Chew, Trillian Williams, Kai Nicita, Tami Chew and Devlyn Nelson.

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