














More than a year after her initial arrest in the case of a November 2022 drunk driving collision alleged to have caused the death of Camino resident Mason Visman, Erica Chambers, 36, appeared in El Dorado County Superior Court for a preliminary hearing Monday where it was determined the matter could move to a jury trial if she did not choose to change her not-guilty plea.
The evening of Nov. 11, 2022, a Toyota Prius entering onto Highway 50 from the tight turn onramp at Mosquito Road in Placerville was reportedly struck from behind by a MercedesBenz SUV driven by Chambers, according to a California Highway Patrol incident report. Chambers was arrested that night on suspicion of driving while under the influence after
reportedly attempting to flee the scene. The next afternoon, Visman’s body, dressed in a tuxedo, was found on the other side of a guard rail adjacent to the where the accident had occurred. Visman, 34, was a Camino resident and son to Brad and Kandi Visman, who own Boa Vista Orchards. Both Chambers and Visman were in fancy dress
■ See DETAILS, page A8
The
with the entire event being run by 60 Hands4Hope — Youth Making a Difference volunteers. Money raised by the event went to fight hunger locally and abroad, with funds going to the Upper Room Dining Hall, Hands4Hope Emergency Food Pantry and a program called Earth Angels in Ghana that aims to create a self-sustaining fish farm to feed locals. The event exceeded the attendance goal with more than 390 guests picking from bowls wrapped in paper, photo above, adding an element of surprise to what keepsake ceramic they would be able to take home at the end of the night. Specially made bowls were donated to the event by local artisans, right photo, a reminder of the empty bowls the fundraisers mean to fill in the effort against hunger. Some of the artisan-made bowls were mixed in with the stacks of bowls given at random to attendees, many which were crafted by local art students.
“This is going to be life changing for (our) people,” said Matt Nunley, a Grizzly Flat resident who built sheds for his fellow neighbors following the disaster. “I’m excited to get going on this and the sawdust is going to be flying.”
The ordinance, inspired by Butte County’s emergency dwelling unit ordinance following its own wildfire disasters, went into a first reading during Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. Another reading, and presumably approval of the emergency ordinance, is set to occur at the April 23 board meeting.
“This
is the most important thing you guys
can
vote on for our community, along with other places that got impacted by the Caldor Fire.”
The conversation to implement the ordinance is rooted back to August 2022, when Supervisor George Turnboo, whose district includes Grizzly Flat, presented the idea of exploring pallet, or “tiny homes,” as an option for underinsured or uninsured residents of the fire-torn community.
That proposal has since manifested into the emergency ordinance that applies rules from California’s Title 25 building code of regulations. Those regulations allow leniency on how the dwelling units are built and can be constructed by owner-produced materials or milled lumber with review and approval from a building o cial. The county will exempt planning checks, inspections and county fees since the dwelling structures would be placed under its Caldor Fire Urgency Ordinance. Building permits would be valid for three years, minimum room dimensions would not be required and generators would be allowed as a sole power source during partial occupancy. Additionally, there would be no specified requirements for heating and temperature maintenance and electrical wiring would not be required.
The ordinance is not intended to assist those with adequate insurance, those looking to construct a larger home or those who purchased property after the fire.
■ See TITLE 25, page A7
Patricia Sutton
May 7, 1951 – March 28, 2024
“Patti” passed away at home on March 28, 2024 at the age of 72. She was born in Tulsa, Oaklahoma to James and Leona Gregoire. She was raised in Fremont, Ca and graduated from Mission high school. She was the oldest of eight. Patti worked at Safeway in Pollock Pines for 27 years. She was known as the friendliest checker and had an infectious laugh heard throughout the store. Her favorite pastime was playing her flute and tambourine in her husband and son’s band (Xstadic).
She is preceded in death by her parents James and Leona Gregoire, sisters Debbie Davidson, Cindy Giocoletto, and brother James Gregoire. She leaves behind her husband and best friend Charles Sutton, daughters Rebecca Gyorgy, Trisha Frost, son Charles Sutton IV, 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at Green Valley Mortuary in Rescue, on April 25 at 1:00pm. A celebration of life will follow at the Elks Lodge, 3821 Quest Court, Shingle Springs, Ca.
Robert “Bob” Riha
April 10, 1944 – June 13, 2023
“Bob” passed away suddenly on June 13, 2023, at his place of residence in Diamond Springs, CA. He was a native of Villa Park, IL and always considered Villa Park and the surrounding suburbs as “home.” Although he didn’t live in IL. in his adult life, he visited every chance he could. He attended local elementary schools, and almost graduated from Villa Park High School.
The U.S. Army called his name, and he enlisted in August, 1962. He served in Korea, then Vietnam, and made the Army a career for 23 years. During that time, he was stationed in various locations, including San Antonio, TX, Fort Indian Town Gap, PA, Fort Lewis, WA, Colorado Springs, CO and Sacramento, CA. He also served 3 tours in West Germany.
In 1983 he married Peggy Ward of Diamond Springs CA and became stepfather to her children Tracy and Cathleen. He considered the girls his daughters almost from day one and was the best dad they could have asked for. He taught them to drive, watched them marry and have children, and then felt old when they had grandchildren of their own. He considered the kids his grandchildren, even if there was no blood relationship.
Bob is survived by his wife, Peggy Riha, his brothers Ronald and Donald, their wives, Debbi and Debbie, his sister-in-law Karen, his nieces Marie, Corbi Jo, Kathy, and Samantha, and nephews Tim, Jim, Brian, Matthew, and MacKenzie. There were also many grand nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by parents, George and Ethel Riha, and older brother George. “Grampy” is survived by children Tracy Walker, Cathleen Walker, grandchildren Courtney SchwartzFossi and Mark Fossi, Bailey and Michael Durand, Darren Finegan and Ashlynn Loggins, and great grandchildren Abigail Durand, Hunter Fossi, and Waylen Durand.
Bob will always be remembered by his family. He was a fun and funny guy, and a good man. Services and internment will be held at Chapel Hill Gardens in Oakbrook Terrace, IL on Saturday April 27, 2024 at 11:00.
March 18, 1943 - March 29, 2024
Sharon (Arnett) Barber was born in March of 1943 and entered into the gates of Heaven in March of 2024. Sharon grew up in the orchards of Ventura County with her parents and siblings, enjoying the simple farm life. She graduated from Ventura High School. She married Dennis Barber and they embarked on a life full of craft shows, square dancing, honey bees and family. They were married for 27 years. When Dennis passed, Sharon moved to El Dorado County to start a new chapter of her life with her sister and family. Sharon, prior to Covid, had been active at New Hope Fellowship of Shingle Springs and Solid Rock Faith Center of Diamond Springs. Sharon loved people and loved being active in crafts, gardening and cooking. She never had any children but dearly loved her cats: Sierra and Champagne. Sharon has been preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings. She is survived by a niece and nephews. The family would like to thank several people. We are so grateful for the care from Dr. Samuel Ceridon MD and Dr. Mark Schwartzmeyer DC. You both went above and beyond for our Aunt. Thank you to the sta of Blissful Gardens Memory Care for the extended family you became to her final months. And with the most heartfelt gratitude we want to thank Snowline Hospice. Lauren, Beau, Renee = we can never express how truly grateful we are for how you came along side us and helped usher her into eternity.Thank you to Green Valley Mortuary for making final arrangements. There will be no services. Internment will be in Ventura County and will be private. We ask that anyone who knew, cared and loved Sharon to donate to her memory to Snowline Hospice and pay kindness forward in an artistic way, or for the love of cats.
Dain Loring Olsen
March 29, 1975 – April 1, 2024
Dain Loring Olsen, age 49, of Sacramento, California passed away unexpectedly on April 1, 2024. Dain was born on March 29, 1975 to Walter “Wally”
Olsen Jr., and Gwendolyn “Gwen” (Fleming) Walter. He is preceded in death by his mother, Gwen, of Camino, CA and maternal grandparents, Edith and Ray Fleming of Sacramento. He is survived by his father, Wally, stepmother, Jean, stepfather, Gary, sister and brother-in-law, Julie and Jason Engelbertson of Dublin, CA and nephews, Nathan and Spencer. His paternal grandmother, Pauline Olsen, resides in Sequim, Washington.
Most of Dain’s existence over the past 25 years, following a stint in the United States Navy, mirrored a personality in torment due to mental illness. He was drawn by his schizophrenia and paranoia and into a daily nightmare of frightening delusions. While his many medications dulled the pricks, his longevity matched prediction for those carrying the same burden. He was supported in his daily challenges, by his case manager, Mike Petris, and many sta at CMY & Associates.
Dain was a beautiful, exceptionally artistic young man believing in his personal magic could carry him across the challenges of his fight on earth. We will miss him profoundly and are thankful for sharing the time we were given.
Individuals wanting to contribute to his memory may donate to the Treatment Advocacy Center, 200 North Glebe Road, Suite 801, Arlington, Virginia 22203.
Dain will be laid to rest at Morgan Oaks Eternal Preserve with family in attendance.
Edna Mae Knutsen
May 26, 1935 – Feb. 24, 2024
Edna Mae Knutsen (nee DuChemin) passed away peacefully at home on February 24, 2024, in Cameron Park, CA, at the age of 88. She was born on May 26, 1935, in Fremont, Michigan to Albert and Esther DuChemin and had three older brothers. She was preceded in death by her husband Neil Knutsen in 2019.
Edna had a successful career in accounting and finance, holding many supervisory positions. She obtained her AA degree from Mission College at the age of 52.
She moved from Michigan to the Bay Area of California in the early 80s to be nearer to her children. That is where she met Neil and they were married in 1988. They moved to Cameron Park in 1997.
Outside of her professional life, Edna was deeply involved in various hobbies and community activities. She dedicated 26 years to the Placerville Shakespeare Club where she was a life member. She served as President from 2002-2004, Treasurer for over 16 years, and House Manager. Additionally, she was a life member of the Placerville Women’s Club where she held the roles of President, Auditor, Parliamentarian, and was on the scholarship committee. She volunteered at Marshall Hospital for 18 years and spent 11 years on the Hospital Foundation Board.
Edna was a member of numerous groups, including Gamekeepers, Bunco, Needlers, Couples Group, and Literary Group 2. She was also in a birthday group for over 20 years that got together once a month to celebrate the birthdays of her friends. She always stressed the importance of having female friends, of which she had many. Edna loved reading, playing cards, shopping, computer games, cats, watching the birds and squirrels in her back yard and collecting. She decorated her house for every holiday because she loved to celebrate each one.
She traveled extensively for work and pleasure, both foreign and domestically. In 1995 she and Neil took a 67 day trip across the country visiting 28 states and 4 provinces.
She is survived by her daughter Pam Barnabei and husband Randy, son Russell Gordon, son Erich Gordon and wife Lisa, stepson Neil Knutsen II and wife Sherri, and brother Al DuChemin and wife Nancy. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and her beloved cat, Ellie.
A ceremony to celebrate Edna’s life will be held at the Placerville Shakespeare Club, 2940 Bedford Ave, Placerville, CA, on April 14th at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Placerville Shakespeare Club, P.O. Box 102, Placerville, CA 95667.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
• The public is invited to review SMUD’s Public Review Draft of its 2024 Update to the WMP and provide comments. In 2023, SMUD adopted its 2023-2025 WMP. The plan was approved by the Board of Directors after a thorough process including extensive public outreach and input, coordination with state and local agencies as well
rights of way. The WMP builds on our commitment to providing safe, reliable, environmentally sustainable and economic power. The plan is reviewed annually with a comprehensive review performed at least every three years, and updated as needed.
• The objectives of SMUD’s WMP are to:
1. Minimize the probability that SMUD’s transmission and distribution (T&D) system may be the origin or contributing source for the ignition of a wild re;
2. Implement a WMP that embraces safety, prevention, mitigation and recovery as a central priority for SMUD; and
3. Create a WMP that is consistent with state law and objectives.
• The public can view the Public Review Draft of SMUD’s 2024 update to the 2023–2025 WMP at smud.org/Wild reSafety
The 2024 WMP Public Review Draft is available for comment through May 13, 2024. Comments may be submitted to wmp@smud.org
In addition, an opportunity for public comments will be available when the WMP update is presented to SMUD’s Board of Directors later this spring. To join the list to receive notice of this Board action please sign up at smud.org/en/Corporate/Landing-Pages/For-review/Board-noti cations
If you have questions or would like to provide comments, please email wmp@smud.org
For more information, visit smud.org/Wild reSafety ©0289-3/24 (6.53x6
Acouple of years ago, California’s left-leaning interest groups — those seeking a more expansive array of social and medical services to benefit workers and the state’s large population of low-income residents — seemed to be making a breakthrough after decades of frustration.
With Gov. Gavin Newsom bragging about a nearly $100 billion state budget surplus, progressive coalitions gained footholds on some long-sought priorities, such as medical coverage for undocumented immigrants, income supports for the working poor and more expansive care and education for preschool children.
That was then and this is now.
The state now faces a monumental budget deficit, in part because the state committed portions of a supposed surplus that never materialized. While Newsom so far has pegged the deficit at $38 billion, state revenues continue to lag behind forecasts and the Legislature’s budget analyst, Gabe Petek, says it could top $70 billion. Moreover, both Newsom’s budget department and Petek are warning that annual deficits in the $30 billion range are likely for several years to come.
Progressive groups in California seemed to be making headway on their agendas in recent years. But now, with the state facing huge budget de cits, those gains are in jeopardy.
The harsh fiscal reality not only may doom expansion of the programmatic gains those on the left championed, but imperil their very existence just as the additional benefits begin kicking in.
In short, it’s crunch time for California’s progressive activists.
The state’s much-changed financial circumstances are reflected in a legislative agenda issued recently by the Building the California Dream Alliance, a coalition of dozens of progressive organizations. Were the state enjoying the huge budget surpluses that Newsom erroneously proclaimed two years ago,
EDITOR:
Scott Taylors letter denouncing Trump’s “God Bless America Bibles,” I submit the following: The Bible has sold billions of copies by thousands of publishers. It has sold more copies than any other book ever published. Contrary to what Mr. Taylor says, the selling of bibles is hardly a huge money-making “scam.” Furthermore, the Bible tells an important and truly relevant story.
Among its authors was the story of one man. A man who was devoted to helping his followers to a better life. They said he was gifted. And he was following his father in a wealth of faith and righteousness. He did not need the life he was pursuing. Nevertheless, he furiously pressed on despite those who hated him for his perseverance and influence.
He was a great orator. Throngs of people gathered around him to hear his words. His haters, fearing that he would overthrow their political power, plotted against him. They spread vicious rumors, concocted false evidence and tormented him relentlessly. They exaggerated innocent acts into criminal wrongdoing while they committed the same acts themselves, remaining unpunished.
They persecuted thousands of his followers, imprisoning the faithful while endeavoring to turn his close confidants against him. They were vindictive, intent on ways to impoverish him. And they said he would be a tyrant. Nothing was further from the truth and his prophecies, once labeled as laughable, gradually began proving true.
He was no ordinary man though; his overwhelming faith and fortitude carried him on. Unfortunately, and ultimately overcome, his enemies trapped him and bid decisively to destroy him.
Despite this he forgave them. And he was resurrected. The world has since celebrated that occasion for years; except for a deceitful floundering man, surrounded by lackeys in creepy bunny suits, flouting what the holy day of Easter was all about.
JAMES LEAHY PlacervilleGovernment is working overtime to end the manufacture of internal combustion engine cars believing this will “save” the planet from catastrophic climate change due to CO2 emissions. Trillions of dollars of spending can be attributed to the “green new deal.” Where is the money going?
1. The $369 billion Inflation Reduction Act — The Department of Energy has issued a paper that lists many “initiatives” in “government speak” that will spend this money to attain a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions six years from now! “DOE’s assessment suggests that the tax incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act, supporting clean electricity, clean transportation, building-envelope and equipment e ciency, clean fuels, carbon capture, manufacturing, and supply chains, will be e ective in driving near- and long-term pollution reductions.” There are no specifics in this gobbledygook statement.
2. The $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Act — The Department of Transportation summary treats us to a word salad of promises. “The investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help foster American manufacturing of green technologies, create good-paying green jobs and build better infrastructure that provides Americans with a ordable, sustainable transportation options.” The law establishes funding for such important initiatives as “restoring the bison population,” etc., and last but not least, $7.2 billion to build charging stations.”
As of today, no new charging stations have been built under the law. The low installed cost of a single charging station is about $100,000. McKinsey & Company has estimated that a nonsubsidized private charging station with four chargers will lose about $50,000 per year. A government subsidized station would make about $30,000 per year on a $400,000 investment.
There are about 56,000 charging stations with about 150,000 charging ports across the country or about three ports per station. The average number of pumps for the 150,000 gas stations is about eight. The average charging time for an EV
“D
ear Chris, You recently visited Our Neighborhood Bank and received change for a $20 bill. Specifically, you requested two $5 bills and 10 $1 bills. We invite you to complete the enclosed survey describing and rating that important experience. Thank you for being one of our valued, Neighborhood Bank customers. Come back soon.”
Sound familiar?
• • • “Dear Loyal Patron of the Food Fetish, Thanks for your recent purchase of our popular breakfast treat, ‘Sugary Frosted Toasted Bite Size Flakes.’ We appreciate your business and ask you to take a moment to fill out the enclosed six-page survey. Sample questions include: ‘Flakes too sugary, not sugary enough, just right? Flakes too bite-sized, not bite-sized enough, other?’
I just wanted to send Easter cards to grandsons Thomas and Charlie with a five and five ones, $10 each for ice cream or a Lego at a shop near them. I didn’t think I was inaugurating a new and special and overly personal relationship with the bank. So I didn’t respond. I didn’t say I would recommend that bank or that bank teller to family and friends. Nor did I say I wouldn’t. May I not live to regret either decision.
Thanks in advance. Your responses are confidential. Note: Your current Username and Password need to be updated. Please contact our Username&Password o ce Mon. thru Fri. 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thanks again.”
•
•
• “Dear Mr. Daley, During your regular six-month checkup, you commented on Dr. Filler’s new lobby decor and magazine options. Please check the relevant boxes on the Dental Marketing Guide
(coming by USPS shortly), and let us know how we’re doing, Decor & Magazine-wise. Now let’s
the coalition would be proposing new or expanded programs.
Instead, all but a couple of the 28 items on its new agenda would not cost the state budget anything, but rather would affect policies in the private economy, in schools, in courts and in medical care.
One example: Senate Bill 1446 would make it more difficult for retailers to reduce their staffs by installing selfcheckout systems.
Meanwhile, another progressive organization, the California Budget and Policy Center, staged a webinar earlier this month to beat the drums for raising taxes to avoid reductions in
social and medical services this year and in following years when additional deficits are anticipated.
The organization says it wants “a California for all where everyone has access to economic opportunity, housing, health care, and other basic needs is possible,” adding, “Policymakers can achieve this vision by advancing fairer taxation to prevent cuts when there’s a budget shortfall like today and build a truly just and equitable California for all.”
However, when it came to specifics, the webinar’s panel dwelled on raising corporate income taxes by eliminating or reducing some loopholes that the
on a fast charger is about 30 minutes. The average time to fill an ICE car is less than 5 minutes.
McKinsey estimates that we need to build 1.2 million ports by 2030 costing $120 billion. That is a low number because of longer charging time.
The electrical infrastructure upgrade to install a charging station costs over $150,000.
Where will the power come from?
California has aggressively deployed renewable energy generation. California estimates 7.5 million EVs on the road in California by 2030. Edmunds estimates that the average EV uses 394 kilowatthours of energy/month. That is about 96,000
Legislature provided in past years, such as the tax credit for research and development. Panel members also revived a corporate tax overhaul that state Senate leadership proposed last year, but failed to gain any traction.
“We want to make sure revenues are part of the conversation,” the organization’s tax analyst, Kayla Kitson, said. “We have options.”
Corporate taxes are just a fifth of the state’s general fund revenues, and even doubling them would fall way short of covering the budget deficit. The big money is to be found in personal income taxes.
Newsom, however, has repeatedly
megawatt-hours of energy/day for 7.5 million EVs. California generates about 96,000 megawatt-hours of renewable energy/day on a good day in February so EVs would consume all the renewable energy generated in California today. We would have to generate another 25,000 megawatts of renewable power to meet the demand for everything else, which is California’s current daytime power demand, according to California ISO.
If all your neighbors plug in their EVs at night, you can expect your lights to go out.
DARWIN THRONE El Dorado Hillsrejected tax increases as a remedy — which is why the Senate corporate tax hike didn’t move last year — and a business-backed measure on the November ballot would make increasing state and local taxes even more difficult.
In the absence of a tax increase of some kind, direct or indirect reductions in the programs that progressives and their legislative allies cherish would seem to be inevitable.
Dan Walters is a journalist and author who writes for CALmatters. org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.
Cabinet (5-foot by 5-foot, 600-pound model). Simply drop at any post office, pay postage and packaging, and we’ll do the rest. Does Amazon make it right or what!”
• • • “Dear Participant,
Our records indicate that you attended Monday’s presentation of the 2024 Solar Eclipse. Please answer a few questions about that experience when convenient. Your GPS location at ‘Totality?’ Eye protection? Unexpected urges, movements, emotions such as stark terror, rapture, yawn/meh, zany thoughts, joy and wonder? Queasy tummy or G.I. tract? Observed or think you observed alien-like beings or entities; please describe any communication with same. Respond by text, email or mental telepathy, & Thx, Earthling.
Fondly, Sol Luna & Associates.”
•
• •
One last request: Please rate this reading experience and send the completed survey to the email address posted below. Thank you as always. Chris Daley is a biweekly columnist at the Mountain Democrat, who is leaving out his contact information so as not to invite more surveys.
AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 3342970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot.com
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) 4177138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net
AMERICAN LEGION POST 119 welcomes Veterans and guests to attend our monthly membership dinner and meeting the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM. Legionpost119.org
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 916-7684452 for more information. Gold Country Cribbers play Wednesday afternoon 4:30 pm at Moni Gilmore Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762
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 four-part 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. Come play tennis for fun and friendship. Meet at El Dorado High School, Acacia Street, Placerville, Wed 9 AM – 11 AM. (June - Aug 8 AM –10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Cindy 805-540-8654.
MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant on Fair Lane in Placerville at 10:00 am. For more information, call (530) 622-1180.
Addiction or Relationship problem? Call 530 231-7728 our free counseling can help you. Positive Realism, 3430 Robin Ln., Cameron Park. Meet first and third Wednesday of every month, 7pm. Come and have a
17. The meeting topic chosen for the evening — The Million Acre Challenge: Rebuilding our Forests.
The meeting will be held at The Breakroom, 4131 South Shingle Road, Suite 7, Shingle Springs.
The presentation will start with a summary of the status of lands affected by high-severity fire on California’s national forests. After gaining an appreciation for the magnitude of the problem, recent history of reforestation accomplishments and limiting factors that must overcome, there will be an explanation of how the REPLANT Act may offer an opportunity to
rebuild forests at a scale never before attempted, states a news release from the Amador-El Dorado Forest Forum. Forum organizers plan for the presentation to conclude with a characterization of the components of what may be needed in order to establish and stabilize forests that can withstand challenges of a warming climate, while still offering a wide range of benefits to our society. Social hour begins at 6 p.m., dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the presentation will start at 7:15 p.m. To reserve a space for dinner contact Diane Dealey Neill at dianedealeyneill@gmail.com or (530) 417-1960 by Monday, April 15, at 5 p.m. A taco bar with beans and rice and soft drinks will be served for a cost of $20 per person. Beer and wine will be available for purchase at n See FOREST FORUM, page A7
Continued from A3
intertie pipeline was designed to mitigate water shortages experienced during the drought years of 1976 and 1977. However, after decades of service, the pipeline developed corrosion issues, leading to its decommissioning in 2013.
The new project seeks to replace the existing pipeline with a modern, bidirectional system capable of conveying treated drinking water between key reservoirs and storage facilities in the district.
The board’s decision follows a comprehensive environmental review process in which an EIR was prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act. The EIR, which underwent public review and comment, concluded that the project’s environmental impacts could be mitigated to less-than-significant levels. As part of the approval, the board adopted the Findings of Fact and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, ensuring the project adheres to environmental standards.
Key objectives of the Sly Park intertie project include improving drinking water supply reliability, facilitating uninterrupted water supply during treatment plant shutdowns, reducing energy use through gravity flows and high-
efficiency pumps and enhancing water quality. The project also aims to reconnect the district’s two largest water sources, Project 184 and Jenkinson Lake, thereby boosting supply reliability across the distribution system.
Subsequent board consideration of a construction contract is scheduled in June with construction beginning as soon as this summer and completion expected by the end of 2025. The project will involve the installation of a new pipeline along the existing intertie alignment, with some minor deviations. It also includes the construction of a new pump station at the district’s Reservoir A water treatment plant facility.
The EID Board of Directors’ approval of the EIR marks a significant milestone in the district’s efforts to modernize its water infrastructure and ensure a reliable water supply for its customers in the years to come.
Total construction cost has been estimated to be between $35 million and $40 million, not including grant funding of $750,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (via El Dorado County) and $10 million from the state Department of Water Resources
Continued from A1
the counter. Raffle tickets to support the Forest Forum may be purchased at the door.
The Amador-El Dorado Forest Forum is a group of forestry professionals, forest educators, and others interested in forestry practices and issues in the two-county area.
Title
Continued from A1
As it stands, the ordinance is geared toward helping Grizzly Flat folk recover, but plans are being made to have the ordinance apply to victims of the 2022 Mosquito Fire, which affected residents in Volcanoville in the Divide area of El Dorado County. The new regulation would have the potential to apply to all rural, unincorporated areas of the county if another wildfire disaster occurs.
Planning and Building Director Karen Garner on Tuesday told the board, which unanimously voted to fine tune the ordinance off calendar, that certain parcels outside of the county’s Grizzly Flat rural center boundary would be excluded, including those on Tyler Ranch and Eagle Hill roads.
Additionally, cabins burned in the fire that sat on federal land will be excluded from the ordinance, Garner said.
As discussed in a previous board meeting, fire sprinklers would not be required for dwelling units 750 square feet or less.
“We realize that would be limiting, but this ordinance is sort of narrowly focused anyway,” Garner said. “We didn’t anticipate that a ton of people would be taking advantage (of this) but what we were targeting were the people who likely did not have insurance, do not have means to build or go elsewhere, or really want to stay in Grizzly Flat because that is there home, that is where they have been.
The forum meets once a month in fall, winter and spring months at various locations in the two-county area. The forum awards scholarships to local college students majoring in forestry and sponsors the Forestry Challenge. For more information visit forestforum.org.
“We looked to this program to help that small group that just really don’t have a lot of other options for rebuilding.”
Turnboo recommended to Garner having staff prepare set plans so residents can simply pick and make construction easier for them.
“We may have to do modifications for snow load and some other unique things (that apply to) Grizzly Flat, but that shouldn’t be too big of a change,” Garner said.
Turnboo also alluded that one unit for a Grizzly Flat family will serve as a model to “represent Title 25 for El Dorado County.”
Grizzly Flat resident Tobe Magidson, a victim of the Caldor Fire and a known Grizzly Flat rebuild advocate, thanked county staff at the board meeting for their efforts to produce an ordinance he said will help the community rebuild.
“(Recovery and rebuilding) is not as fast as any of us thought we could do it, (but) this Title 25 initiative is probably the No. 1 thing that could bring back the community of Grizzly Flat,” Magidson said. “This is the most important thing you guys can vote on for our community, along with other places that got impacted by the Caldor Fire.” Before the board ended discussion of the matter, Board Chair Wendy Thomas assured that the county is working “fast and furious to finalize details.”
20-May 20). For optimum processing speed, your brain requires rest, play and exercise among other things. Sometimes you keep sharp by letting yourself be the opposite. Diffused, random, relaxed silliness can be restorative.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). It’s said that lessons get repeated until they are learned. But no one can learn everything, nor should you try. If you can go a different way and avoid the issue altogether, do it. If that lesson is important, it will pop up again.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). Self-compassion improves interpersonal dynamics because it’s easier to have compassion for others when your soul and psyche experience the peace of self-acceptance.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Today your luck will run on momentum. It will be carried on the breeze of your movement. It will dance with you when you pivot, keep pace with you when you run, loft you when you leap.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You never know who’s falling in love with your smile. Being unaware of the effect you have on others only makes your magnet stronger. All your attention goes into getting to know people better and there’s none left for self-doubt.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Charles R. Swindoll said, “Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.” Though it should be noted he was neither mathematician nor neurologist. “What happens” affects the plot to widely varying degrees.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’ll sort out your mind. The best way is to record all your thoughts: the good, the bad, the ridiculous and logical alike. Look at them in the light of tomorrow and then distill into a few sentences of clarity.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The project that’s worthy of you will sharpen your mind. You will execute each step with purpose. You’ll study the larger context and you’ll get feedback. Careful thought leads to stellar results.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your connection to others dials you into deeper parts of yourself. You’ll add to your social network, either by finding people who belong in it or honing your rules and standards on interactions with people who don’t.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Spin your thinking to your own benefit. When you focus on what you have in
Mountain Democrat staff
Eldorado National Forest managers are recruiting people to staff its three fire lookout towers. It’s a one-of-akind job that tasks qualified individuals with occupying the towers on an on-call basis to keep watch for forest fires during the May to October fire season, according to information from Eldorado National Forest officials.
“Through these services lookouts help protect communities and public lands from catastrophic wildfires, increase public awareness and help preserve our heritage,” states a Forest Service post to social media. Lookout towers in need of staffing are the Big Hill Lookout in the Crystal Basin Recreation Area, the Leek Springs Lookout off Iron Mountain Road and Highway 88 and the Bald Mountain Lookout on the Georgetown Ranger District.
In addition to fire detection, fire lookouts use instrumentation to measure weather conditions that indicate fire potential on the forest. Stairs lead up to the lookout towers that are about 30 feet off the ground. Inside fire lookouts will find a topographical map that helps determine the location of a plume of smoke and a radio transmitter to communicate with fire dispatchers. Anyone interested in training to become a fire lookout should send an email to SM.FS.
ENFFireTrain@usda. gov. A training is planned for May 2-3.
as they were returning from his brother’s wedding, where Chambers is said to have drank heavily. Following the discovery of Mason, the tenor of the investigation into the accident was shifted to include manslaughter. Chambers, also a Camino resident, was arrested in late December after investigators’ findings indicated Mason had been ejected from the vehicle she was driving when the Mercedes struck the guard rail following the collision with the Prius. Supported by evidence presented and the testimony of several witnesses and experts brought before Judge Mark Ralphs in the court’s Department 2 Monday afternoon (and spilling over to Tuesday morning), it was decided Deputy District Attorney Michael Pizzuti’s case against Chambers held enough water to merit moving forward to a jury trial. Details regarding the crash and subsequent investigation that had not been made public came to light, painting a clearer picture of what may have happened the evening of the incident.
Calahan Baker, the driver of the 2008 Prius, explained he and his partner were jostled by the collision as their vehicle “ping-ponged”
from the slow lane into the guard rail, and then rebounded from the rail and hit the side of the Mercedes. Baker recalled that impact to his vehicle carried much force and though he did not receive medical assistance the evening of the accident, both he and his partner had to visit the hospital the following day for pain.
were seen in a new light after the discovery of Mason. A pair of men’s dress shoes had been seen by Rebolcaba on the side of the road “as if they had been placed there.” Mason’s body was found without shoes. Rebolcaba testified a review of dash camera footage from the night also showed a blot of white in the area where the body was found, which he said he believed was Mason’s white undershirt.
Reconstruction and investigation into the incident was conducted days after the event by the CHP’s Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team based out of Sacramento. Data obtained from the Mercedes indicates it had been traveling at a peak of around 77 mph within five seconds of the collision; the posted speed limit on the highway in the area of the crash is 40 mph. Additionally, data indicated the accelerator and brake pedals were being depressed simultaneously seconds prior to the crash. Retrieved data also indicated the driver’s side seatbelt had been in use at the time of impact, but the passenger seatbelt was either not being used or was being used incorrectly.
The two vehicles came to a stop at the side of the highway; both partially obstructed the slow lane due to the narrow shoulder on that portion of the highway. Arriving on scene shortly after the crash, which the CHP collision report shows took place at about 7:43 p.m., CHP officer James Rebolcaba reported witnesses attempted to help Chambers out of the vehicle, but she quickly returned to the driver’s seat. At first the vehicle failed to drive away as it was held back by the guard rail; Chambers is said to have switched the car into reverse, knocking back the witness attempting to help her with the still-open driver’s side door before shifting back into drive and attempting to drive away from the scene. The Mercedes, which was registered to Mason, did not make it far, with one tire heavily damaged. Chambers is said to have fled on foot from the vehicle down an embankment to Locust Avenue, which runs parallel to a portion of Highway 50 near the site of the accident. Placerville Police Department officer Robert Frank and his partner were dispatched to the scene, and using a spotlight on his patrol car, he claims to have seen Chambers in a wooded area behind a fence; Frank noted he spotted her in part due to the sparkly black dress she was wearing reflecting back the spotlight. Frank climbed over the fence and pursue Chambers uphill, with her coming to a stop close to the guard rail. Rebolcaba arrived shortly afterward to arrest and question Chambers, who he said was visibly intoxicated and impaired. Witnesses reported seeing Chambers swaying, showing difficulty standing, slurring much of her speech and often responding to questioning incoherently. Given Chambers’s difficulty staying balanced and the unsafe location near the roadside and hillside, Rebolcaba opted not to conduct a field sobriety test.
Later, when Chambers was taken into custody, she declined a chemical blood alcohol level test, requiring officers to get a warrant to take a blood sample. The results that later came back from testing conducted by a phlebotomist with the California Department of Justice indicated Chambers had a blood alcohol content of .29, and that she had also been under the influence of marijuana. While in custody, Chambers repeatedly asked, “Where is my husband?” Rebolcaba explained her question did not make sense at the time, as she had indicated she was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the crash. Her question, as well as previously unnoticed or disregarded details at the scene of the traffic collision,
An autopsy conducted on Mason uncovered fatal wounds investigators believe were caused by impact into an I-beam support of the guard rail after being ejected from the vehicle at the time of impact.
Mason experienced a brain injury, two large puncture wounds through his back, internal bleeding, a lacerated spleen, a compound fracture in his right leg and excessive blunt force trauma; he was likely unconscious and would have died on impact or within minutes of the incident.
No witnesses recalled seeing anyone being thrown from the Mercedes at the time of the crash, and Chambers’ attorney, Alan Donato, argued the interior of the passenger side door showed no damage that would be consistent with someone being ejected through the window.
Donato conceded the burden of proof in a preliminary hearing was much lower than it will be in trial, but emphasized his belief that there are additional elements to the case that will show in favor of his client.
“Candidly, other than the explanations that have been offered in court, the court cannot see any other explanations as to how Mr. Visman died or ended up where he was other than what was presented by the People,” Ralphs said while ruling Chambers would be held to answer on all charges as well as enhancements. Chambers faces charges related to fleeing a crime scene, driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol content higher than .08, refusing to take a chemical alcohol content test, DUI causing injury and hit and run. She is scheduled to return to court May 3 at 8:30 a.m. for an
April
Jeannette Maynard EDC Community Concert Association
The El Dorado County Community Concert Association presents Cheng2 Duo at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, as its sixth and final concert of the 2023-24 season.
Rooted by a sibling bond that transcends the familial, the Cheng2 Duo (pronounced Cheng Squared Duo) transfixes listeners through its impassioned expressivity and contagious joy. Critics have hailed their performances as “brilliant” (The Sunday Times, UK), “truly exhilarating” (The WholeNote, Canada) and “absolutely captivating … through a tremendous mastery of their instruments” (Pizzicato Magazine, Luxembourg).
Cellist Bryan Cheng, prizewinner of the 2022 Queen Elisabeth Competition and Verbier Festival’s
n See DUO, page B3
If you can imagine it, there’s an art app for it
April 13
Campus Drive in Placerville. Check the inventory preview at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu.
Camino Community Action Committee hosts Camino Clean Up Day, 8 a.m. to
Sylvia Coleman Placerville Arts Association
A pril Showers bring May flowers — or it could be flowers you make inside an iPad. Guests are cordially invited to enjoy the company of other “art lovers and artists” at the Placerville Arts Association monthly member meeting, 2:304:30 p.m. Monday April 15, at the Placerville Senior Center, 937 Spring St. Whether a novice or accomplished artist, discovering and learning how to create art without canvas and brushes could be an app-changing skill. Susan Cooper will share her expertise on how to use Procreate’s creative art app that enables artists to produce beautiful artworks on an iPad. Think it! Create it!
Cooper does not remember a time when making art was not part of her life.
“Whatever its form, the art studio has always been my happy place,” she said.
At university she studied art history and technique. Later Cooper became an elementary art teacher. Here, she found she n See KNOW, page B4
“Bee (importance)” by Susan Cooper n See PAA, page B3
ANCHO CORDOVA —
RThe Rancho Cordova River City Concert Band will take listeners on a “space journey”in two concerts — the first on Sunday, April 14, at Koreana Plaza and the second (a more audience-interactive concert) on Sunday, April 28, at The Cordova Performing Arts Center. Both concerts begin at 3 p.m.
Koreana Plaza is located at 10971 Olson Drive in Rancho Cordova. The Cordova Performing Arts Center is at 2239 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova.
The concert at the Cordova Performing Arts Center will feature the world premiere of composer Rossano Galante’s “Solar Wind,” commissioned through the generosity of the Rancho Cordova community through the use of Community Enhancement Funds.
Galante will be present at the concert and conduct the band on his piece. He has more than 50 published compositions and served as orchestrator for 75-plus studio films including,
“Rambo: Last Blood,” “A Quiet Place,” “A Quiet Place 2,” “The Mummy,” “Ben Hur,” “Fantastic 4,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “The Wolverine,” “3:10 to Yuma,” “The Thing,” “The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning” and “Live Free or Die Hard.” Under the direction of Tom Seaton, the Rancho Cordova River City Concert Band will take listeners on a musical journey through the cosmos
with Gustav Holst’s “Jupiter,” Music From “Apollo 13,” a symphonic suite from “Star Trek,” Julie Giroux’s “Journey
Through Orion,: Brian Balmages’ “To Dance Among The Stars,” John Williams’ “Star Wars – The Marches” and the band’s own Scott Hosner’s composition, “Intergalactic Space Tours.” Fantastic visual
n
showcase offers audiences a glimpse of the amazing musical talent of youth on the Georgetown Divide. Seven inspiring musicians, ages 8 to 21, will display their musicality on violin, fiddle, piano and in voice. Over the years there have been many delightful performances by young people who have gone on to become teachers and professional musicians. The MOTD Young Musician Committee has a rigorous procedure leading up to this prestigious annual event. Announcements go out to local school and private music teachers in the fall. Prospective participants are asked to prepare a suitable piece and memorize their selection. Applications are accepted in March, which include a prepared video of the students’ auditions. The videos are reviewed by the committee and participants are notified of their acceptance. Finally, a dress rehearsal is held in April on the Friday prior to the concert. The Young Musicians Concert is free to the public. In keeping with the mission of MOTD to support the arts, the community is encouraged to come out and support these aspiring young musicians. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and music begins at 3 p.m. for this hour long concert. After photos, the audience will join the musicians for refreshments and congratulations in the back of the hall.
PAA Continued from B1
could integrate art with language instruction, helping students create storyboards to improve reading comprehension.
After leaving teaching, Cooper continued for several years as a professional artist, specializing in pen and ink watercolor wash. When she moved to California, however, a new career and lack of available studio space limited her ability to create. For the first time ever, creating art took a backseat to other demands.
Eventually she happily discovered a simple digital art platform on her iPad and started to create a few digital art images for fun. This was art that did not require the space and materials of more traditional mediums — and a new creative outlet was born. Over the years Cooper has honed her skills as a digital artist and now thinks of her
iPad as her “portable studio.”
To learn more about Cooper visit her website at susanpcooper.com.
Following the presentation refreshments will be served during the time set aside to connect with other artists and enthusiasts.
This is followed by an art challenge: find a piece of “thrift store type art” and embellish the original piece with additional unexpected items or colors. Be sure to take a photo of the original art, prior to repurposing, and send to Lynell at lynellphillips@aol.com.
That way, PAA will have a “before” picture to show along with the “after.” Placerville Arts Association is a nonprofit and loves nothing more than to share fine art and artists with the community. For more information visit placervillearts. com.
Duo Continued from B1
coveted Prix Yves Paternot, and pianist Silvie Cheng, 2022-23 Cecilia Concerts Musician-in-Residence and National Arts Club Artist Fellow, have been making music together for nearly their entire lives.
Since officially forming the Cheng2 Duo at their 2011 Carnegie Weill Recital Hall debut, their artistry has left lasting impressions across the globe, with extensive tours to illustrious concert halls and international festivals throughout North America, Europe, Asia and South Africa.
In the 2023-24 season the duo will appear as guest soloists with the Banatul Philharmonic (Romania), embark on multi-week tours in Canada and South Africa, and present recitals in Switzerland and the U.S. Recent highlights include recitals at the Frauenkirche Dresden, Flagey (Brussels), Munich Künstlerhaus, California Center for the Arts, Dame
Myra Hess Series (Chicago), Chamber Music at the Clark (Los Angeles), Harvard University (Cambridge), Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts (Kingston), Orford Musique, Salle Bourgie (Montréal), Palais Montcalm (Québec), as well as Chamberfest Cheboygan, Ottawa Chamberfest and Toronto Summer Music Festivals.
To gain admission to the April 16 Cheng2 Duo concert, members show their 2023-24 season membership card.
Non-members may attend for $25 at the door ($10 per student). Only cash and checks are accepted at the door (no credit/debit cards). The concert will begin at 7 p.m. at Union Mine High School, Theatre at the Mine, 6530 Koki Lane in El Dorado. The doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Visit ElDoradoCommunityConcerts. com to learn more about the association. The membership drive for the 2024-25 season will kick off in June.
Fair, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The El Dorado County Mineral and Gem Society presents the 37th Rock and Gem Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 13 & 14 at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. For more information visit edcmgs.org. The El Dorado Hills Library hosts its family friendly Spring Carnival, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with carnival games, face painting, an obstacle course and more in the parking lot. Explore what life would have been like in Coloma during 1850 during Living History Day at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The El Dorado Beekeepers’ second annual Bee Buzzaar takes place 2-5 p.m. at Bluestone Meadow in Placerville. Find new and used beekeeping items and local crafts plus food from Wani’s Taco Truck. The event is free.
Toogood Winery in the Fair Play area hosts Burgers & Barbera, April 13-14 and April 20-21. Call (530) 620-1910 for reservations.
Hear traditional bluegrass music with Matt & George and their Pleasant Valley Boys from Dixon, 4 p.m. at Episcopal Church of Our Saviour, 2979 Coloma St. in Placerville. Tickets are $20 for adults. Children 12 and younger get in free. All proceeds go to the church’s Building Fund for maintenance, repair and updating of the facilities. Make a reservation by calling (530) 391-4588.
Simms Band will perform at 4 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/livemusic.
Ryder Thieves and Doug Not
Josh will perform at 8 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Sutter Creek Theatre presents Todd Morgan and The Emblems at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheatre.com.
Ed Wilson will perform noon to 4 p.m. at Helwig Winery in Plymouth, April 13 & 14.
April 14
El Dorado Western Railroad’s excursion rides resume, with train rides on the hour, 10 a.m. through 1 p.m., weather permitting, at the Shingle Springs Station. For more information visit facebook.com/ ElDoradoWesternRailroad.
The Nedley Depression and Anxiety Recovery Programs hosts free introductory presentations at 2 & 7 p.m. at Shingle Springs SDA Church, 3149 N. Shingle Road. For more information visit NedleyHealth. com or text (530) 333-4430.
VITA Academy presents European Serenade at 2 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
The Bare Minimum will perform at 3 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery. com/live-music.
April 15
The Taxpayers’ Association of El Dorado County hosts a special community presentation by Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, 7:30 a.m. at Denny’s in Placerville. Jon will discuss legislation of interest to taxpayers and the status of legislative
Allen Schmeltz Sutter Street Theatre
F— The S.S. American is sailing between New York and England with a comically colorful assemblage of passengers: Reno Sweeney,
APRIL 5-14, 2024
Falcon’s Eye Theatre at Folsom Lake College presents Falcon's Eye Theatre brings the Broadway smash hit, Cabaret, to Stage One! In a Berlin nightclub, as the 1920's draw to a close, a Master of Ceremonies welcomes the audience and assures them they will forget all their troubles at the Cabaret. With the Emcee's bawdy songs as wry commentary, Cabaret explores the dark, heady, and tumultuous life in Berlin as Germany slowly yields to the emerging threat of the Nazis. Winner of the 1967 Tony Awards for best Musical and Composer/Lyricist. Immerse yourself in the action by snagging one of the Cabaret table seats (limited numbers). Cabaret contains adult situations. Recommended for audiences 13 and older.
APRIL 24, 2024
MAY 9-12, 2024
OCTOBER 19, 2024
TISRA: Zakir Hussain, Sabir Khan, and Debopriya Chatterjee Superstars come and go. Cher is forever. For six straight decades, only one unstoppable force has flat-out dominated popular culture – breaking down barriers, pushing boundaries, and letting nothing and no one stand in her way. THE CHER SHOW is the Tony Award®-winning musical of her story. THE CHER SHOW is 35 smash hits, six decades of stardom, two rock-star husbands, a Grammy®, an Oscar®, an Emmy®, and enough Tony Awardwinning Bob Mackie gowns to cause a sequin shortage in New York City, all in one unabashedly fabulous new musical that will have audiences dancing in the aisles! Nick Carter quickly became an international pop superstar as the youngest member of the iconic boy band, Backstreet Boys. Since taking the world by storm in 1995, the band has sold over 130 million records. In 2002,
ventured into a solo career with his
album, Now or Never, marking the beginning of a successful solo journey. Since then, Carter has released two additional solo albums I’m Taking Off in 2012, followed by All American in 2016. His 2023 single “Hurts to Love You” became his most successful track, charting in seven different countries, topping the charts in the United States, and charting number one in Canada. Tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain is proud to present TISRA (three) with two of India’s finest young musicians, Sabir Khan and Debopriya Chatterjee. This unique trio is comprised of tabla, sarangi (a bowed instrument said to possess the sound closest to the human voice), and bansuri (bamboo flute), a combination not often heard on the classical stage. TISRA showcases the rich folk and classical traditions of the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Punjab. This colorful mix combined with Indian classical music and the rich rhythm repertoire of Punjab makes for a compelling offering that TISRA brings to audiences in the United States.
features music and lyrics by Cole Porter. This production is directed by Kenny Brian Gagni with music direction by Connie Mockenhaupt and choreography by Mockenhaupt and Devin LePage. Rated G, "Anything Goes" performances are scheduled 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 4:30 Sundays, April 12 through May 12 at Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter St. in Folsom. For reservations visit SutterStreetTheatre.com or call (916) 353-1001.
Continued from B2
effects will accompany the music at the April 28 concert at the PAC. The band is sponsored by the city of Rancho Cordova and is enthusiastically affiliated with the Sacramento Valley Symphonic Band Association and the Association of Concert Bands. Performing an average ten concerts a year, Rancho Cordova RCCB remains true to the American Community Band tradition; all concerts and performances throughout its yearlong season are free to the public. The Rancho Cordova River City Concert Band is a nonprofit organization made up of approximately 50 volunteer musicians who donate their time and musical talents to present concerts with a broad audience appeal. The band can be followed on Facebook and or visit the website at rcconcertband. org. Videos of live and virtual performances can be viewed on the band’s YouTube channel.