Mountain Democrat, Monday, April 15, 2024

Grand jury report finds EDHCSD lacks oversight, transparency

Noel Stack Managing editor

“The grand jury is proposing a broad range of recommendations that include greater oversight to CSD decisions that ensure transparency and public involvement,” the recommendation’s summary reads. “There is a need for ongoing Brown Act and ethics

The El Dorado County Civil Grand Jury released a report detailing its investigation into the El Dorado Hills Community Services District April 5, sharply criticizing current and former CSD board members and staff for the way they addressed multiple controversies and issues over the last few years.

Team Rubicon to assist Grizzly Flat residents

Mountain Democrat staff

Team Rubicon, a veteranled humanitarian organization, has chosen to assist the community of Grizzly Flat in its postfire recovery. The Caldor

Community Recovery Project objective is to remove remaining hazardous trees in Grizzly Flat, according to a news release from the El Dorado Resource Conservation District.

Although many organizations have been involved in the Caldor

Fire recovery effort, there are still a lot of trees that pose a threat to property and life.

On April 18 a group of 80 volunteers from Team Rubicon will start to arrive at their

training for the Board of Directors and staff. CSD needs to improve transparency around the intended use of the large accumulations of cash reserves ... and be more responsive to public concerns about assessment amounts and how they are certified.” n

Although a lawsuit filed by the California Department of Public Health against the city and El Dorado County in response to bans on needle exchanges passed by the two government entities is still pending in court, Placerville’s City Council voted Tuesday to extend its temporary ban on such services.

Both city and county officials repeatedly expressed concerns and complaints over the greater part of the past year regarding Sierra Harm Reduction Coalition, claiming the organization’s operations cause more harm than good for the community. Law enforcement officials, including El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf and Placerville Police Chief Joseph Wren described a glut of discarded needles in public areas and SHRCprovided paraphernalia at the scene of at least two overdose deaths, and argued the organization was antithetical to the county’s chosen approach to homelessness.

Both county and city leadership sent letters to the CDPH last summer requesting the SHRC’s license to operate in the region not be renewed; despite these letters, the license was renewed but eventually limited the coalition’s service area to Placerville. After the license was first renewed, the El Dorado

Courtesy photo

Team Rubicon volunteers are pictured working on a project in Nevada City.

Patricia Sutton

May 7, 1951 – March 28, 2024

Dain Loring Olsen

March 29, 1975 – April 1, 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.

Sharon (Arnett) Barber

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, 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 were 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.

Katelyn Welsh Tahoe Daily Tribune

Newly passed ordinance amendments in South Lake Tahoe allow cannabis opportunities to reach a new high.

Cannabis beverages, edibles and an April 20 projected opening date for one local dispensary comprise a sampling of plans one Tahoe dispensary is making as it gears up offerings for a marijuana consumption lounge.

Tahoe Wellness Center management is planning a soft opening debuting the first phase of its on-site consumption lounge on the unofficial cannabis holiday, April 20. Owner Cody Bass explained the first phase encompasses marijuana consumption with a few cannabis beverages available. Eventually the lounge will offer small bites of food with phase two in the form of tapas for the hungry patrons.

As of now the dispensary Tahoe Green does not have plans for a consumption lounge, but does plan on providing curbside delivery in the future, something amendments to South Lake Tahoe cannabis law also allow for. Curbside delivery was temporarily provided during the pandemic. Tahoe Wellness Center started offering curbside service earlier this month.

The Tahoe Daily Tribune reached out to dispensaries Cannablue and

Embarc about what changes they might implement in light of cannabis ordinance amendments but had not received a response as of press time.

The South Lake Tahoe City Council made the final decision at its Jan. 23 meeting, amending the city’s Cannabis Ordinance, Public Safety License Ordinance and Clean Indoor Air Act Ordinance. This allowed the on-site consumption of marijuana with certain restrictions.

Patrons must be 21 years or older.

Lounge operations cannot go past 2 a.m. with cannabis sales ending at 10 p.m. The sale or consumption of alcohol and tobacco is prohibited in the lounges. Employees must be in the consumption area at all times, cut-off service to impaired customers, assist customers to avoid over-consumption of edibles, as well as provide options for a safe ride home.

The ordinance became effective Feb. 22, 30 days after it was voted in following much discussion. In order to operate a lounge, businesses must apply for an amended public safety license. If the addition of the consumption lounge increases floor area used for retail, businesses must also apply for an amended cannabis use permit and get the space approved through the South Lake Tahoe Planning Commission.

Before the police chief can approve an amendment to the public safety

ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH

ABC’s minor decoys target underage drinking

In observance of Alcohol Awareness Month the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is highlighting its ongoing commitment to combating underage drinking through use of minor decoys.

Established in the 1980s, the Minor Decoy Program allows ABC and local law enforcement agencies to utilize volunteers younger than 20 years of age as decoys to identify and combat illegal alcohol sales to minors at ABClicensed premises.

“The use of minor decoys is a proven strategy in our ongoing efforts to protect our youth from the dangers of underage drinking and to ensure that alcohol is sold responsibly,” said ABC Director Joseph McCullough.

The overall violation rate for illegal sales of alcohol to minors at licensed premises declined from 23% in 202021 to 16% in 2022-23. Businesses found selling alcohol to minors face potential administrative penalties, including fines, license suspension or possible revocation.

CRIME LOG

In March 2023 two sales clerks in Placerville were cited for selling alcohol to minors and in November 2023 four clerks were cited in South Lake Tahoe; if convicted, clerks who sold alcohol to a minor would face a minimum fine of $250 and 24-32 hours of community service for a first violation. The Mi Pueblo Market in South Lake Tahoe where the November 2023 minor decoy operation took place had its ABC license suspended earlier this year. Funding for minor decoy operations is provided by a grant from the ABC’s Alcohol Policing Partnership Program and the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

license for on-site consumption, businesses must show a site plan that meets certain criteria. Some of these requirements include lounge placement in a separate space away from the retail area. The lounge must have a separate secure entrance and must have adequate ventilation to prevent smoke to other areas of the business or neighboring businesses. Additionally, the lounge cannot be visible from a public space.

California Commentary

ULA numbers expose economic ignorance

California would be a far better state if politicians and progressive activists were required to take a course in basic economic principles. If they did, they might not blindly pursue economic policies that not only damage people’s lives generally, but also fail to accomplish their intended goals.

Examples of this are numerous. In fact, here are a few from recent media reports.

First on the list of policy choices exposing the lack of critical thinking by those on the left is the story out of Los Angeles regarding the ULA tax.

As noted by Susan Shelley, this month is the one-year anniversary of Measure ULA, a punishing real estate transfer tax on the sale of all properties valued over $5 million. Deceptively called a “mansion tax,” proponents didn’t limit it to just mansions. Virtually all income-producing properties, including new a ordable housing projects, are swept into its reach.

When Measure ULA passed — based on the welldocumented deception — the proponents were giddy with anticipation for a flood of new revenue for their favorite projects. This includes an infusion of money to sustain L.A.’s Homeless Industrial Complex. According to the city’s projections, ULA would raise $600 million to $1.1 billion annually. However, the tax take has fallen way short of the projections, bringing in just $173.6 million in its first year.

Second, California’s fast-food $20 minimum wage just kicked in and, according to most rational economists, will result in reduced employment. This is especially bad timing given that California has the highest unemployment rate in the nation. While promising to lift families out of poverty, the $20 minimum wage will fall short of that goal according to economist David Neumarkat the University of California, Irvine. And to add insult to injury, the price increases on fast food will hit low-income families the hardest.

When it comes to minimum wage laws, progressives forget that the real minimum wage is zero. If your employer lays you o to reduce overall costs associated with the new law, your paycheck disappears.

Why do progressive politicians think that businesses and taxpayers won’t change their behavior in response to higher taxes or heavy

The Balancing Act

Letters to the Editor

The rest of the story

EDITOR:

Rthe Mountain Democrat story

policy proposed for vets monument” published March 29: “We took the policy, which was previously called criteria, and revised and edited it into a policy that reflected the way the Veterans Monument was being managed and fair to veterans and set standards for review and objections if they occur,” Poimiroo said.

Basically, what Capt. Poimiroo said here is that the alliance has been breaking the rules and that they are now updating the criteria to retroactively justify what they have been doing.

They didn’t just put multiple plaques on the honor wall that don’t meet the criteria, but they also opened things up for non-resident veterans if they know someone here, and allowed placement of more expensive granite blocks (which their website advertises for rank E7 or higher, something opposed by every veteran I’ve spoken to).

Did you know that the alliance’s website is already advertising these changes in criteria, and has been for quite a while? Definition of Chutzpah — advertising your policy changes months before they were even approved. They still aren’t final, by the way.

They claim they didn’t know what or where the policies were, but the criteria and the ordinance were always public record. As the board of the organization that is responsible for the monument, it was their responsibility to know. They also claim they weren’t the only group that put plaques on the honor wall that didn’t meet the criteria, but every one of those other plaques was approved prior to the existing policy being ratified.

Why should a group that has been unilaterally violating the criteria for years be allowed to continue doing so, much less be allowed to rewrite the rules to match what they have been doing? This shows a complete disrespect for the hard and time-consuming work that was put into writing the criteria and getting them approved in the first place.

If and when this new policy goes to the Board of Supervisor for a vote, I encourage all people, veterans or not, who care about our monument

to speak against the policy change and in favor of enforcement of the existing rules.

DAWN E. WOFSON Cameron Park

Need to educate EDITOR: A

pparently Mr. Mosack needs to be educated on the di erence between what most would consider fraud and the Kangaroo Court conviction of Trump on a law so strange that there is no other like it in the country, and so obscure and ridiculous that it hasn’t been used in 75 years.

Fraud, in most people’s minds, conjures an image of someone or a company defrauded out of something of value — be it property or monetary. In this case no one or no business was defrauded out of a single penny.

So what’s the fraud? They say he over-valued his properties when seeking loans. Now, in all fairness, maybe Mr. Mosack has been a renter all his life. But any of us who have ever gotten a mortgage loan or any loan on real property knows that the bank or institution making the loan does not take your word for it as to the value of the collateral. The bank will determine what your collateral is worth and make the loan based on that. It doesn’t matter what Trump or any of us say as to the value of our collateral, the bank will base the loan on what they think it is.

Let me put this in a way that Mr. Mosack can understand. I say my house is worth $400,000 and seek a loan. The bank says it’s worth $350,000 and makes the loan based on its appraiser.

In New York my estimate would be considered a fraud crime even though the bank determined value and the loan was paid back in full and on time. This crazy law was just used as a political weapon. That fact was so obvious that the governor of New York felt she had to go on TV to try and assure large investors that this would not be used to target them as some billionaires had announced plans to leave New York.

Learn a little more, Mr. Mosack, before you toss the word conviction around like a party favor.

GEORGE ALGER Placerville

I am sick of the lies and the acceptance of terrorism

That’s right. I am sick of the lies being told about Israel in its war to eliminate the murderous, heinous, brutal thugs who call themselves Hamas. Anyone who would brutally rape, kidnap and then murder women and children, burn and decapitate babies and others, intentionally shoot unarmed civilians regardless of their age and sex while targeting Jews and create unholy terror among totally innocent men, women and children does not belong on this earth, certainly not in any civil society. But that accurately describes the selfish terrorist organization and its members — Hamas to the letter “T.”

On Oct. 7, 2023, the atrocities above are exactly what Hamas did. And they did it during a peace music festival in Southern Israel.

Hamas was duly elected to govern Gaza by about 2,000,000 Palestinians some 18 years ago and continues to hold power, mostly by force. By and large, some calculate Hamas is at least

75% supported by the Palestinians who live there.

Their schools and radical Madrassas teach their children to hate Israel and Jews. I have seen the educational system materials; similar materials are used by most Arabic schools. Most of the Palestinians hold the same political views. They hate Israel as Jews are the devil. An interview with most any Palestinian would tell you they hate Israel. Of course, according to the many interpretations of the Islamic religion, anyone who does not accept the tenets of Islam is an infidel. Most likely the Oct. 7 attack was supported by most Palestinians as they also support Hamas’ continued rocket attacks on Israel, which have gone on for decades. Palestinians and their leaders will never accept a two-state solution. Why? Because they have been indoctrinated by their leaders.

Israel made the decision after this attack that Hamas must be destroyed. Its leaders have told the rest of the

Israel made the decision after this attack that Hamas must be destroyed. Its leaders have told the rest of the world: if you attack Israel, that will be your fate as well.

world: if you attack Israel, that will be your fate as well. Israel in 76 years has built one of the most thriving, free democracies in the world. More than 20% of its population is Arab. Israel has become a world center of high technology, sometimes known as a second Silicon Valley, and one of the leading centers of advanced medicine and pharmacology. Its aircraft industry is second to none, with Gulfstream Aerospace buying IAI’s G280 and G150 advanced bizjet aircraft designs over 20 years ago. The Gulfstream G280 is still made in Israel.

Yes, Israel decided to end Hamas after their dastardly, murderous attack on Israel’s civilian population violating just about every tenant of the Geneva Convention. And they kidnapped about 250 hostages and still hold at least 50 (many have died in their captivity).

Israel is systematically destroying Hamas, which uses hospitals, schools, women and children as shields. And

the Palestinians are su ering. Too bad. They are reaping what they have sowed. They are a big part of the reason Hamas exists. Some danced in the streets after the Oct. 7 attack. Hamas claims tens of thousands “innocent” Palestinians have died because of Israel. What a lie. First, they are not “innocent” and none would have died but for their government’s attack on Israel.

Now they want and beg for a cease fire? For “humanitarian” reasons?

No, it’s so Hamas can rearm, escape, lick their wounds and recruit more terrorists. It’s time to build more booby traps, tunnels and IEDs. It’s to steal all the humanitarian aid supposedly destined to the “innocent” Palestinians. Hamas refuses to release hostages or even submit a list of those hostages still surviving. I doubt any are still alive and that’s likely why Hamas won’t share the list as without hostages, Israel will end the war ■

■

LARRY WEITZMAN

Coupal Continued from A4 regulations? One would think that repeatedly seeing pie-in-thesky revenue projections from big tax hikes that fall way short of reality would be a wake-up call.

In trying to project the impact of any government policy that restricts market forces, the failure to account for predictable changes in behavior is called “static scoring.” Static scoring is different from “dynamic scoring.” Dynamic scoring simply means taking into account predictable changes in behavior that result from tax increases or business mandates to accurately project the amount of money that will be raised.

Applying this to the two examples above, if the ULA tax was not 4% but 100%, how much money would that raise? Not much. There is no reason to sell a property if there will be no financial benefit from the sale.

And if a $20 minimum wage is good for workers, why not $100

per hour? Obviously because raising the minimum wage to $100 per hour does not create the revenue to pay a wage of $100 per hour and that will mean the end of the job, if not the entire enterprise.

Conservative economists, including the late Milton Friedman, have always stated that if you want more of

Weitzman

something, tax it less, and if you want less of something, tax it more. It is doubtful that any government entity sets out to reduce economic growth, but that is precisely what they get if they increase taxes on those who generate economic growth.

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

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very quickly and it will be the dishonorable death of Hamas.

And who supports the cease fire? President Joe Biden. He supports the terrorists, just like he aids Iran. And indoctrinated students in America and Western civilization also support Hamas.

Here is the truth: the supporters of Hamas hate America and what it stands for — democracy, freedom and our Constitution, which after its creation has been little used around the world. Does any country in the Middle East have a similar constitution with freedom of expression and religion? I am sick of the lies and anyone who supports Hamas in any way should forever be disbelieved. They have no credibility.

Larry Weitzman is a former El Dorado County resident.

Announcements

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

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

EDH Bowmen to host 3D archery competition

with CDA at the trailer with Lt. Warden Robert Pera and large mammal biologist Shelly Blair, along with CDA volunteers.

Hot lunch, coffee, snacks and beverages will be available at the clubhouse and snack shack along the course. Prize drawings will also be available. There will be adult, family, youth and pee wee divisions; participants are encouraged to keep an eye out for the flying pig target.

Come on out Saturday, April 20, for the big annual El Dorado Hills Bowmen North American Animal 3D Archery Competition. The event is open to the public with registration from 7-8:30am and a 9 a.m. start time. Online registration is available at eldoradohillsbowmen. com. There will be 28 3D targets, marked yardage with awards through third place for National Field Archery Association/California Bowmen Hunters Class. The California Deer Association will be bringing out its youth education trailer to teach kids about conservation. California Department of Fish and Wildlife will be partnering

Needle exchange ban

County Board of Supervisors voted in December 2023 to enact a ban barring programs such as SHRC from operating in unincorporated areas of the county. The Placerville council later followed suit, passing a temporary ban during its Feb. 27 meeting. The CDPH lawsuit filed in March claims the city and county lacked the authority to ban harm reduction services in the area and requests from the court the bans be lifted.

The initial ban passed by the city was for a 45-day term that stopped the operation of needle exchange programs within city limits other than the ones offered by Marshall Hospital and the county Public Health Services Department. Set to expire April 12, the council extended the ban for an additional 10 months and 15 days with a 4-1 vote during its April 9 meeting; Councilmember Nicole Gotberg was the sole ‘no’ vote.

Discussion on the item was limited and made no mention of the ongoing litigation. While the temporary ban is in effect, city staff has been directed to collect more information and potentially draft a permanent ban. Gotberg explained her stance on the issue, saying “I don’t support a moratorium, I didn’t previously. My position on that hasn’t changed I just wanted to state that. I also don’t think we’re going to learn a lot about the operation of syringe exchange

Signups to join this fall’s CDA/ EDHB youth archery team will be available, free thanks to sponsorship by CDA/EDHB; the season runs Nov. 10 through Feb. 15, 2025. Accredited and background-approved instructors teach the recurve barebow and compound bow teams for teens 12-17 years old every Sunday from 1-3 p.m.

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programs by collecting data when they are not operating. I think if we wanted to evaluate that, we need to allow them to operate while we are collecting data, that’s all.”

Prior to extending the moratorium, the council was required by law to vote on actions to be undertaken by city staff to mitigate potential impacts created by harm reduction services operating in the area. In late March, the council unanimously approved four actions to pursue:

• Training and requiring employees (primarily police, public works, code enforcement and parks employees) to document observations of illegally discarded syringes

• Providing a city liaison to Marshall Hospital’s harm reduction program to increase education on illegal drug use

• Working with county staff to use the city’s portion of opioid settlement funds to investigate and review programs/resources to discourage the use of syringes for illegal drug use

• Reviewing potential syringe program regulations the city could adopt, if it is determined that such a program should be allowed to operate in the area

The CDPH lawsuit is scheduled to begin in Department 9 of the El Dorado County Superior Court before Judge Gary Slossberg Friday, April 19, at 8:30 a.m. with a reading of the writ of mandate filed by the state. Responses from the named parties will be filed at such time.

Courtesy photo

Archers are invited to participate in the upcoming El Dorado Hills Bowmen North American Animal 3D Archery Competition that will see all sorts of 3D targets set up at the EDH course, including a flying pig.

El Dorado Hills Bowmen News release

Grand jury report

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The grand jury began its investigation into EDHCSD activities last year, starting with then-general manager Kevin Loewen’s outside working relationship with CSD consultant DTA. The investigation quickly expanded “into a broader investigation into how CSD determines park assessments, collects developer impact fees and CSD’s overall financial position,” reads the report summary.

The entire report can be found online at edcgov.us/Government/ GrandJury/2023-2024-grand-jury.

At Thursday night’s EDHCSD Board of Directors meeting, where there were few empty seats, residents shared their reactions to the report, which ranged from embarrassed to appalled.

“I have no confidence in senior board members of the CSD,” said Robin Valicenti, who advocated for term limits and more transparency.

Sharing more and accurate information with the public was a common theme during public comment.

“Just be honest, be transparent,” Chuck King told directors.

“This is your moment to reset,” added Steve Gutierrez, who encouraged directors to explain to the public their decision-making process.

Director Steve Ferry said he agreed with the residents’ comments. “We need to be better.”

That sentiment was echoed by Director Heidi Hannaman, who also noted that both she and Ferry were not on the board when many of the issues addressed in the report began.

All board members agreed to be available to staff members and counsel, who have 90 days from the report’s release date to respond.

“Staff is prepared to start that response,” Hornstra said, explaining the first part of the process is to gather background information on each issue. The response will come back for public review and comment before it is submitted to the county.

Loewen side job

The grand jury concluded that Loewen’s contract work for DTA, which at the same time had an agreement with the district to determine park fee assessments, “represented a potential serious conflict of interest as well as potential statutory and ethics violations.”

“Despite the public concerns, the CSD Board of Directors did not adequately address the issue, even appearing to support the GM without inquiry or serious investigation until he voluntarily separated from CSD in mid-December 2023,” the report

Vacancy tax

notes.

The El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office collaborated with the grand jury on this investigation due to potential criminal violations. It was noted in the report current and prior board members appeared to have committed Brown Act violations when supporting Loewen’s request to start a consultancy business in 2020 and at one time Loewen publicly denied working for DTA despite evidence to the contrary. No charges have been filed.

The grand jury recommends in the report, “By Dec. 31, 2024, the county District Attorney’s Office should complete the investigation of any potential ethics or conflicts of interest violations, including required FPPC Form 700 disclosures, raised by the former GM’s consulting arrangement with DTA.”

Money in the bank

The grand jury’s investigation the EDHCSD finances ranges from looking at landscaping and lighting district assessments (several have been left off the last two years’ tax rolls during an ongoing dispute between the district and Auditor-Controller Joe Harn’s office) to cash reserves (the district nets $2 million to $5 million in revenue each year with cash on hand and other liquid investments sitting at around $50 million, a “truly shocking” amount, the report states). Recommendations made include:

• CSD should establish and document clearer guidelines for the CSD Board of Directors or GM certification of the assessment levy to the county auditor-controller and publish that procedure in the CSD policies and procedures documents.

• CSD should document the projected use for all treasury fund assets, clarify which fund accounts are earmarked for what purposes and open the spending plan for public comment and approval.

• By Sept. 30 CSD should review, revise and publicize its master plan from 2021 with realistic timelines for all new park development, as well as accurate and realistic cost estimates that can be funded and executed within a 10-year planning period.

• CSD should get public input on its latest 10-year development plan, including any updates to the master plan from 2021 and how they plan to use park impact fee funds over an extended period. This development needs to include a contingency plan for new park development in a reasonable time frame if additional funds do not become available that are required for the current master plan.

Continued from A1

days to circulate the petition, but in order to meet publishing deadlines for the November 2024 election, this soft deadline was set.

“We have an incredible team of smart, passionate and thoughtful volunteers and we’re confident that we can get the remaining signatures needed by April 22,” said Amelia Richmond vacancy tax petition organizer and co-founder of Locals for Affordable Housing.

On the vacancy tax opposition front, the Keep Community First coalition recently formed, launching a website that offers resources and opinion letters opposing the vacancy tax, a minimum wage increase and other measures. Additionally, the group had been active at City Council meetings, speaking against these topics.

Organizations behind the coalition consist of the Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association, South Tahoe chambers of commerce, South Tahoe Restaurant Association, South Tahoe Association of Realtors and South Lake Tahoe Lodging Association.

A graphic on the website shows a Tahoe backdrop with a banner that reads, “Stop dividing South Tahoe.”

The subject of divisiveness is on both proponents’ and opponents’ minds. Richmond spoke on the subject at City Council March 26.

“I’d like to speak tonight on the topic of division,” Richmond began, stating some community members claim the initiative is divisive when she sees it as a constitutionally allowed democratic process.

Richmond went on to describe situations where she and other volunteers have been harassed while collecting petition signatures, being called a Nazi outside Grocery Outlet in one instance.

She read online posts from a Facebook group page called South Lake Tahoe Community Patriots. Certain comments deny a housing problem, saying there is instead an entitled lazy population with drug addictions.

Duane Wallace with Keep

COMICS

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

Community First and the South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce said he has witnessed the name calling and divisive actions cut both ways.

“I don’t think it’s a red-blue issue,” the 51-year resident explained. “I think this is a local issue but there’s extremists in both political parties and there’s extremists in the community and when an issue is so hotly debated as this, it raises tempers on both sides.”

Coalition organizers say they instructed members who want to dissuade people from signing the vacancy tax petition to conduct themselves in a respectful manner when providing information and to stand a decent distance away so no one feels threatened.

They plan on keeping vacancy tax proponents honest by appearing at tabling locations and encouraging people to read the full petition, even providing copies. “It’s always good to read anything before signing it,” Wallace said, adding that he believes what proponents are saying while gathering signatures is much different than what the petition says.

“They’re just saying, ‘Hey, if you’re for affordable housing, sign this,’” Wallace said. “But people don’t know that it is a $6,000 tax.” If passed, property owners with residential units deemed vacant would incur a $3,000 tax their first year and a $6,000 tax consecutive years.

In defense of those gathering signatures, Richmond explained that every page where individuals sign has the title and summary written by the city attorney, which summarizes the measure and lists the fee structure in bold.

“Everyone who is signing the petition can clearly see this information on the same page where they are signing and volunteers are answering all questions, including speaking to the tax amounts,” she added. The full text of the measure text has been on the Locals for Affordable Housing website since January.

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You have a broad understanding -- you don’t have to know everything. The overview will be enough for you to figure out what you can bring to the scene. Which part interests you enough to warrant a deeper look?

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Greatness behaves greatly. Smallness plays in petty sandboxes, poking holes in other people’s castles. You’ll keep the broad perspective, and the behavior that flows from your position can’t help but embody a spiritual largeness.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your intriguing pursuits invite inquiry. Does the curiosity of others make you uncomfortable? Reveal only what you wish to. You’ll find ways to steer attention to where it feels best.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Sure, you’ve honed your skills. And it does seem like you deserve reciprocity and the joy of working with people who can keep up with the kind of results you get. But you’ll also learn from those at lower and higher levels of experience, so stay open.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The appreciation you’re getting from the world today may focus on surface allure, but make no mistake -- your depth is your true value. Those who delve deeper will know the gifts of your golden soul.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The results of a process will be as good as the strength of the team. The talent of an individual superstar won’t win the game unless that person also inspires the team to rise together. What’s working? What needs a new approach?

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Belief offers a shape to the world.

When you’re not sure what to believe, your world is like a cloud, continually evolving from one shape to another. Neither way is inherently better, but it’s empowering to know which mode you are in.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Thoughts can develop a mind of their own. Those runaway rascals could be reined in, though there’s no harm in letting them play like children until they exhaust themselves and return for lunch, calm and collected. SAGITTARIUS (Nov.

through potentially April 26.

The operation is weather dependent and delays are possible. This is a continuation of the Tobacco Gulch Understory RX project on Darling Ridge Road and Grey Eagle Road. Future plans are along Mace Mill and Balderston Roads. Forest officials have a goal of treating 400 acres; day(s) of ignitions and the size of operations will be based upon weather, environmental conditions and resource availability, and are subject to change.

Smoke may be visible. Smoke from prescribed fire operations is normal and may continue for several days after an ignition depending on the project size and environmental conditions. Smoke typically settles into valleys in the evening and lifts in the morning. Forest officials coordinate with state and local county air pollution control districts and monitor weather conditions closely prior to prescribed fire ignition. Crews also conduct test burns before igniting a larger area, to verify how effectively fuels are consumed and how smoke will travel.

Contact Jecobie Waters at (530) 414-3470 or jecobie.waters@usda.gov for more information regarding smoke.

Comment period reopened on western pond turtle protections

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reopening the public comment period seeking input on a proposal to list the northwestern pond turtle, which inhabits Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and northern and central California, and southwestern pond turtle, which occurs from Monterey County south to Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego counties into northern Baja California, Mexico, as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The public comment period will be open through May 5.

Reopening the public comment period gives all interested parties additional time to provide comments.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials are also seeking comments on a 4(d) rule that allows activities that support conservation of both species, including wildfire suppression and management, maintenance of existing livestock ponds, habitat restoration, and nonnative species removal. The 4(d) rule would allow land managers and others to carry out these activities without the risk of violating the Endangered Species Act on their properties because they are expected to have beneficial or negligible impacts to pond turtles and their habitat.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife reviewed the best available science to evaluate the status of both species by preparing a species status assessment, including information provided by species experts, to inform the proposed listing rule.

The assessment found that although the southwestern pond turtle and northwestern pond turtle are likely to sustain populations in the wild in the near term, both species have increasing risks of extinction due to population losses, decreased genetic diversity, and a reduced ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions in the next half century, thus warranting listing as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Ongoing threats to both species include worsening drought conditions, habitat loss and fragmentation, and predation by invasive species such as nonnative bullfrogs.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials encourage interested parties to provide input and substantive comments during the reopened public comment period. Find information about how to submit comments at bit.ly/ Pondturtlecomments.

Photo courtesy of USFWS Pacific Southwest Region

NEWS, IN THE KNOW

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 all taxpayers and the status of legislative attempts against Prop. 13.

April 16

A series of free classes covering The Reality of our Mortality will be held 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, April 16 & 23, at the Cameron Park Community Services District. Donations benefit Snowline Hospice. Learn more at yourgracefulexit.com.

Dylan Punturi will perform at 7 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Smith Flat House in Placerville hosts live music in the courtyard with James Drips. For more information call (530) 621-1003.

Broadway Sacramento presents “Annie,” April 16-21 at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center in Sacramento. For tickets and more information visit broadwaysacramento.com.

April 17

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts a grand opening park party at Saratoga Park, 5-7 p.m. Free dinner and games will be provided; bring a picnic blanket.

UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts Preparing for Wildfire: Creating Defensible Space, 6-8 p.m. at the Pilot Hill Grange in Cool. Guests will learn the key concepts for hardening your home and other structures and how to create defensible space around them.

Nervous about the upcoming fire season? Have questions about home hardening and creating defensible space? Do you know what to do if wildfire is headed your way? Join the Camino Fire Safe Council meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the Cal Fire Amador/ El Dorado Unit headquarters, 2840 Mt Danaher Road in Camino.

B Street Theatre presents “Wipeout,” April 17 through May 26 at The Sofia in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

April 18

The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce hosts a business luncheon featuring county District Attorney Vern Pierson, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Koto Buffet inside Red Hawk Casino. For more information call (530) 621-5885. The El Dorado County Fair & Events Center hosts How to Enter the Fair in the fair boardroom, 100 Placerville Drive in Placerville. Sessions will be held 5-6 p.m. Thursday, April 18, and noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 21. For more information call (530) 621-5860. El Dorado State hosts its monthly planning meeting, 5-8 p.m. at The Breakroom, 4131 South Shingle Road in Shingle Springs. Pick up new road signs, flyers and T-shirts. Discussion will be about building the new state constitution and you’ll want

Essay writers tackle presidential politics

T he Democratic Party of El Dorado County recently celebrated the winners of the 18th annual Fred Winn Essay Contest. The contest is open to juniors and seniors of the public high schools in El Dorado County.

First prize award of $1,500 went to Mahee Haswani, a senior at Oak Ridge High School.

Second prize of $750 was won by Payton Runkle, a senior at Ponderosa High School, and the third prize of $500 was won by Katelyn Harnden, also a senior at PHS.

Question: Discuss the most important issue[s] to you in the upcoming presidential [or general] election. Explain how this issue or these issues impact your life. These exceptional students were honored at an awards luncheon on April 6, at the El Dorado County Office of Education in Placerville. Special guest speaker was Sean Frame, founder of the El

the

UPHOLDING DEMOCRACY: THE CRUCIAL TEST OF THE 2024 ELECTION

Mahee Haswani, first place winner

Is this going to be on the test? I have heard this question interrupt a teacher’s lecture far too many times — and I am even guilty of asking it myself. In the last couple of weeks, I’ve been hearing this query echoed in my AP United States Government and Politics class since our exam is rapidly approaching for our first unit: Constitutional Underpinnings and Fundamental Principles of Democracy. As we delve into the Bill of Rights, checks and balances, and federalism, a different question keeps popping up in my head, but I don’t think it is one that my teacher has an answer to. In the wake of a disregard for our Constitution and low voter turnout, is democracy going to be on the ballot in 2024?

On January 7, 2021, I attended my weekly Youth and Government meeting. I had never seen my advisors so solemn. They didn’t even know how to begin to address the events that had unfolded at the U.S. Capitol the day before. After all, how could they? The attempt to undermine the certification of a free and fair election represented a direct assault on the democratic process, the very concept they had been teaching us about. It was a shocking reminder of the fragility of our democratic institutions. And yet, just earlier this month, former President Donald Trump referred to convicted Capitol rioters in prison as “hostages” (Washington Post 2024). With it becoming clearer every day that he is likely to be the Republican nominee for president, it worries me that he has promised to pardon a “large portion” of the people who participated in the January 6th riot (CNN 2023). However, this is just one part of his potentially destructive views on America’s foundational principles. Trump has gone so far as to declare that “A massive fraud of this type and magnitude allows for the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution,” referring to his denial of the results of the 2020 election (New

CALIFORNIA RAMBLING

Barbara Steinberg Special to the Mountain Democrat

Springtime can be missed in a blink; however, those with open eyes won’t miss the orchestra of colors that carpet California hillsides, meadows and landscapes with wildflowers. With thousands of varieties and numerous habitats, climates and terrain, the blooms are as varied and unique as California itself. With most of the state experiencing an unusually wet winter, these “uncultivated flowering plants” should be bountiful in coming months.

Early spring (February–April) is the opportune time to view desert blooms. Red Rock Canyon State Park is a juxtaposition of rock formations with vivid blossoms amidst beaver tail cactus and white blooming Joshua trees and yuccas. Early spring trekkers will be treated to desert candles, lilies and asters, wooly sunflowers and Indian paintbrush. The Coachella Valley Nature Preserve, AnzaBorrego Desert State Park and Death Valley National Park also showcase their share of seasonal color and are already flourishing.

To be immersed in true California color, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve near Lancaster in Los Angeles County consists of 7

York Times 2022). This rhetoric eerily echoes the statement made by Assistant Secretary of War John McCloy in 1942: “If it is a question of the safety of the country (and) the constitution ... why, the Constitution is just a scrap of paper to me.” McCloy used this to justify President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066, which resulted in the placement of over one hundred twenty thousand Japanese-Americans to internment camps. Ignoring the Constitution has never boded well for our nation. Looking toward the upcoming presidential election, a key issue of importance for me is whether or not our leaders will faithfully uphold their oath to our supreme law of the land. I fear the idea of another freshman having to attend a Youth and Government meeting in the same seat I did, after a similarly terrifying attack on our democracy.

When asked what keeps her up at night in a recent interview with Jay Shetty, Michelle Obama’s reply included, “Are people going to vote, and why aren’t people voting?” (CNN 2024). Every policy matter surrounding the election in 2024 depends on who shows up to the polls. In the 2020 presidential election, voter turnout was 62.8%. This was the highest voter turnout in at least four decades, and still, 80 million eligible voters did not cast a ballot.

New roadblocks have been emerging everyday to make voting more difficult. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, in 2023, at least 14 states enacted 17 restrictive voting laws, all making it more difficult for eligible Americans to register, stay on the voter rolls, or vote. For example, North Carolina passed a law which not only shortens the period for returning mail ballots and eliminates ballot drop boxes, but also makes it more likely that voters using same-day registration do not have their ballots counted. Moreover, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is facing “a series of dire threats” that could significantly harm this landmark legislation (The Guardian 2023). This includes a case from Arkansas, which is aiming to block the ability of private parties, such as voters and civil rights groups, from suing under the Voting Rights Act — making it n See CRUCIAL TEST, page B5

miles of trails through 1,745 acres of golden petals. Wildflowers generally peak March through early June; however, an abundant snow pack will extend the Sierra Nevada wildflower season into the summer months. For late spring through summer viewing, head to higher elevations. Fish Slough and Lake Sabrina in Bishop are popular viewing areas in the Eastern Sierra.

When you think of wildflower viewing, do you ever imagine lying on your belly to see those colorful blooms? At Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve adjacent to Big Bear Lake come prepared to get horizontal. Often called belly plants, these unique

wildflowers are so small you may need to put your nose to the ground to see them.

San Mateo’s Edgewood County Park and Natural Preserve in the San Francisco Bay Area flourishes with blue larkspurs and lupines, pink shooting stars, white fairy lanterns and red paintbrush. Marin’s Chimney Rock at Point Reyes National Seashore showcases yellow goldfields, blue irises, poppies and Point Reyes chocolate lilies. Other popular locations in the Bay Area include the Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve near Novato and Napa’s Missimer Snell Valley Wildflower Preserve, where onlookers can appreciate the vibrant hues from the road.

North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve in Butte County transforms into an endless sea of color and is one of the region’s premier viewing areas. The paths that lead you there (Highway 70, Cherokee Road), are equally spectacular. Many are convinced that the biggest wildflower show in Butte County is found north of Table Mountain at Chico’s Bidwell Park.

Also in Butte County, Oroville’s North Thermalito Forebay is easily reached. The paved path wrapping around Rattlesnake Hill is also wheelchair accessible allowing visitors to enjoy spring wildflowers with ease. This 1.2-mile loop may be short but it includes one of the most photogenic spots in Butte County — the Sutter Buttes rising behind the North Forebay’s footbridge. What do you do when it starts to heat up in the Sacramento Valley but you still want more wildflowers? Head to the foothill region. Paradise Lake keeps the bloom going into May and June with forest favorites like lupine, bleeding heart and flowering dogwood trees. Pack a picnic and bring chairs to enjoy a respite at lake’s edge.

Discover greater wildflower adventures at California State Parks and Jepson Prairie Preserve in Solano County.

Photo courtesy of Paradise Recreation & Park District Paradise Lake keeps the bloom going into May and June with forest favorites like lupine.

Dorado Progressives and executive board member of

California State Democratic Party Central Committee. For more information about El Dorado County Democrats visit edcdems.org.

Courtesy photo

Essay contest winners Katelyn Harnden, Payton Runkle and Mahee Haswani are all smiles after receiving their awards from the Democratic Party of El Dorado County.

Marshall documentary profiles stories of resilience

arshall, El Dorado County’s largest healthcare provider, has unveiled “Resilient: The Marshall Medical Story,” a featurelength documentary showcasing complex and inspiring stories of care. Filmed entirely on location at Marshall’s hospital and clinics, the documentary profiles providers and patients as they navigate life’s most difficult ... and joyous moments.

Working within Marshall’s clinics and departments and spanning Emergency, Oncology, Pediatrics, Birth Center, Surgery and Cardiology, filmmakers with Dulcinea Productions captured profoundly personal and revealing moments. Patient safety and privacy were always at the forefront throughout the production process, but the film manages to provide a unique glimpse into the various aspects of health care not often seen by nonprofessionals.

“When you film live within the care environment absolutely anything can happen,” said Siri Nelson, Marshall’s president and CEO. “What the documentary team captured however, in real time, confirms what we already know about Marshall. Our ‘every person, every time’ commitment is

evident throughout our staff and throughout our departments and is absolutely elevating the care our community receives.”

“One thing you ‘see’ in the film, but which may not be immediately obvious is the critical role of philanthropy in Marshall’s success,” added Mindy Danovaro, executive director of the Marshall Foundation for Community Health. “Marshall was founded by, and for, this community and our foundation donors provide support for each of the areas shown in the film. Rural, independent hospitals and health care have

unique needs which our community helps to support.”

The documentary was recently unveiled at red-carpet screenings at the Regal Cinema in El Dorado Hills and at the Placerville Cinema where community leaders, donors to the Marshall Foundation for Community Health and hospital representatives sat alongside the providers, patients and family members featured in the film.

Before these events, the documentary was screened for every member of Marshall’s staff, providing an opportunity for celebration and

reflection. “The documentary’s title, ‘Resilient,’ honors the indomitable spirit of not only the healthcare providers who have just experienced some of the most challenging and emotionally taxing years of their careers,” noted the film’s director Will Agee. “It celebrates the courageous spirit of the patients who step through Marshall’s

doors on some of their hardest days. The extraordinary results of the meeting of the two is what drives the film.”

Resilient is now available for public screening on Marshall’s YouTube channel and can be viewed by visiting marshall-resilient.org.

The film’s release coincides with a strategic rebranding campaign at Marshall,

designed to highlight its best-in-practice providers and the nationally recognized services available in the heart of our foothills community.

Billboards, bus shelters and advertisements are helping to spread the message that patients will receive an extraordinary standard of care at Marshall; the same or better than they would find in any large city.

About Marshall

Marshall is an independent, nonprofit community healthcare provider located in the the Sierra Foothills. Marshall includes Marshall Hospital, a fully accredited acute care facility with 111 beds in Placerville; several outpatient facilities in Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills, Placerville, and Georgetown; and many community health and education programs. Marshall has over 220 licensed practitioners and over 1,400 employees providing quality healthcare services to more than 180,000 residents of El Dorado County. Learn more at marshallmedical.org.

Tahoe-area Doc of the Year

noted for his surgery skills

Thea Hardy Barton Health

he worked on Afghani civilians, soldiers and police officers — in addition to U.S. military personnel.

exceptional care for his patients and this community.”

“You can always count on [Swanson] to give a warm smile passing in the hallway; he is never too busy to say ‘Hi’ and acknowledge your presence.”

“He’s simply the best! His commitment to deliver exceptional care to all his patients is admirable! Thanks for all you do!”

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — Barton Health staff members and physicians have voted Dr. Kyle Swanson, MD, FAAOS, as Barton’s Physician of the Year. The annual award is a way to recognize physicians for their extraordinary work and dedication in fulfilling Barton’s mission of delivering safe, high-quality care. Dr. Swanson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and joint replacement surgeries, including the use of the minimally-invasive Mako SmartRobotics system for total knee, total hip and partial knee joint replacement procedures. Swanson provides orthopedic care to patients at Barton Health, Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness and Tahoe Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. He was formerly a U.S. Ski Team Physician. With a medical doctorate from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Swanson attended his orthopedic residency training with the St. Mary’s Medical Center in San Francisco. He spent three years in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, providing orthopedic care to active duty troops in Ft. Stewart, Ga., home of the 3rd Infantry Division. During his time with the U.S. Army Medical Corps he was deployed to the 249th Combat Support Hospital at Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan, about 30 miles north of Kabul. His training and ability were needed as

Swanson is a partner with the Tahoe Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, a dynamic group of physicians that provide cutting-edge orthopedic treatment for patients, and a faculty member of the Lake Tahoe Sports Medicine Fellowship, mentoring and guiding the next wave of orthopedic surgeons. He specializes in complex knee and shoulder injuries, shoulder replacements, among other surgical procedures.

Nominations for Dr. Swanson highlighted his surgical skill, professionalism and kindness to both patients and staff: “We are lucky to have a surgeon like Dr. Swanson who provides

The Physician of the Year is decided by an anonymous survey open to all employees and practitioners of Barton Health. Awarded physicians are featured near the main lobby of Barton Memorial Hospital for the award year.

Film screenshot

Dr. Rubeal Mann, center, talks with another medical professional in a scene from “Resilient: The Marshall Medical Story,” a featurelength documentary now available online.

Courtesy photo Barton Health Physician of the Year Dr. Kyle Swanson proudly holds up his award.

The checkout line stretches into the neighboring aisles as people rush to finish their last-minute holiday shopping. Carts are full of colorful boxes filled with goodies that will be shared with loved ones. Each individual is focused on making sure they check off everything on their list and how much time they have left in the day. At the front of the line, a petite woman with an overflowing cart looks back at those behind her. She notices a man who has been waiting patiently for quite some time with only a couple of products in his hand and begins to allow him to go in front of her. He thanks her and proceeds to pay for his groceries. As he exits the store, the woman now begins to pay for her goods. As she is about to insert her card, she notices that the price has decreased by $10. In a state of confusion, she turns to the cashier and asks if he is sure he got everything as the price has just dropped. The cashier reassures the woman and states that the man in front of her had contributed $10 to her groceries as a form of a thank you for her kindness. As I watched the interaction transpire, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of hope for humanity. The woman did not have to give up her place in line to help a person whom she did not know, but she did anyway. The man did not have to contribute to the payment of the woman’s groceries, but he still decided to do so. Over the last few years, our country has endured many hardships that have caused so much division, but in the aisles of that supermarket, it became evident to me that human kindness is still present.

With the election approaching, I hope to keep this in mind as I begin the voting process for the very first time. Social media has exposed us all to the extreme cruelties that are ever present in the world. As we share our lives with others in a way we have never done before, we witness the impacts that come with hate, discrimination, violence, and so much more. None of this is new.

Many of the kids in my classes now, I have known since we were small five-year-olds with gaps in our smiles from missing teeth. When we had first met, presented with a world marketed as a welcoming place, we were all filled with a sense of authenticity that I can only hope to have now. We sang whatever song we wanted at the top of our lungs and celebrated each other’s achievements of climbing to the top of the playground. Our heads were held high and our shoulders back as we entered our kindergarten class to learn how to read. As time went on, and we grew up, our voices became much quieter — for many silent — and our accomplishments were less likely to be celebrated by others. Our heads were buried into our chests to avoid facing the disappointment, anger, and fear that had become present in our lives. Our shoulders became our armor as they curved to form a protective shield. We n See AMERICAN HEART, page B5

LGBTQ+ RIGHTS FROM A LOCAL TO A GLOBAL SCALE

Katelyn Harnden, third place winner

The upcoming presidential election will indisputably be one for the history textbooks. Following recent landmark events like the storming of the Capitol Building, Donald Trump’s second impeachment, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Mahsa “Zhina” Amini’s death in Iran, the ongoing attacks against rights to genderaffirming care, and the devastating Israel-Hamas War, there is no shortage of issues for voters to be passionate about (“2022 in politics” and “2023 in politics”/wikipedia.org). As a seventeen-year-old high school student, my experience with the turbulent world of politics and current issues is fairly young. However, I have a voice and an opinion, and I will not stay silent. The most important issue in the upcoming presidential election for me is centered around LGBTQ+ rights. Firstly, this issue impacts my life on a personal scale because I identify as LGBTQ+ and have many friends who do as well. Secondly, the LGBTQ+ community across the country faces unyielding harassment and the psychological damage that results from it. Finally, discrimination of LGBTQ+ people — and discrimination as a whole — is unethical, and yet it continues to happen; our rights are being attacked on a global scale. To begin with, the issue of LGBTQ+ rights impacts me very personally. I attended a private, Catholic school in El Dorado Hills, California from kindergarten to eighth grade. I do not regret my years there nor would I change my decision to go if I could go back. However, growing up in this environment, I was only ever taught one side, one perspective, one opinion. Upon entering a public high school, I encountered a world of new sides, new perspectives, new opinions. I learned that people from other backgrounds and ways of life could be truly inspiring and amazing people; I discovered things about the world and about myself that shaped who I am today. I now identify as bisexual and use she/they pronouns. I have countless friends who are also in the community. A very close friend of mine reported receiving death threats merely because of their existence as an LGBTQ+ person. Many of my friends have admitted that they have been called slurs while walking around campus. While I have cultivated loving and accepting relationships at school and in my community, I cannot ignore the hostility toward the LGBTQ+ community that I see locally during my daily life. Pursuing this further, my passion for protecting people in the LGBTQ+ population does not stop at the borders of my school district. The LGBTQ+ community in the United States receives discrimination in daily doses. Hate and its subsequent toll on mental health is an obvious trend in our country. According to a 2017 poll by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, over half (57%) of LGBTQ+ Americans reported having personally been called a homophobic or transphobic slur. The n See LGBTQ+ RIGHTS, page B5

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same poll also found that 51% of LGBTQ+ Americans have either experienced homophobic or transphobic violence themselves, or have an LGBTQ+ relative or friend who was a victim of this violence. These statistics are important because they show the concerning number of American citizens experiencing harassment and mistreatment simply because of their gender or sexual orientation. The statistics prove that the ght for acceptance is never over; hate still runs rampant. Additionally, victims of this mistreatment know the deep psychological e ects of the hate they experience. The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health found that 45% of LGBTQ+ youth “seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year”. The survey also found that a supporting family, school, and community lowered LGBTQ+ youth suicide attempt and suicidal ideation rates signi cantly. These ndings are relevant and signi cant because they show the lasting e ects of hate or acceptance on LGBTQ+ youth nationwide. Suicide is not a joking matter. The likelihood of a young person who identi es as LGBTQ+ contemplating, attempting, or committing suicide can be greatly reduced by welcoming acceptance and support. I do not personally know every LGBTQ+ person in America, but I do know that the e ects of hate on the community stretch beyond my immediate knowledge and experience. Many states are also implementing restrictions or bans on gender-a rming care for transgender youth. Gendera rming care is healthcare, and it should be considered a human right. The president could help the situation. They could in uence Congress, sign bills protecting our rights into law, possibly appoint judges to the Supreme Court who would defend our rights, and publicly stand with the LGBTQ+ community in an e ort to persuade the public to support us. That is why this issue, speci cally in regards to the 2024 presidential election, is so important to me.

Lastly, beyond harassment and cruel treatment, access to civil rights for the LGBTQ+ community is relentlessly threatened. We are a global community, and the attack on our rights is a global issue. Throughout history, marginalized groups have been the targets for hate. Recently, laws passed in Uganda labeled membership in the LGBTQ+ community as a criminal o ense, sometimes deserving of the death penalty (“Uganda’s President Signs Repressive Anti-LGBT Law”/ Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz). Russia just enacted a law designating the ght for LGBTQ+ rights as “extremist” (“Police raid Moscow gay bars after a Supreme Court ruling labeled LGBTQ+ movement “extremist’/AP News). Countries around the globe continue to prosecute the community simply for existing. These facts are important because they show how the ght for equality and acceptance is widespread. While the president cannot directly handle every situation regarding the community across the globe, their position as Chief Diplomat does give them the ability to negotiate or in uence foreign a airs. A president who supports the LGBTQ+ community could passionately set a precedent of acceptance that other world leaders could follow.

To conclude, the issue most signi cant to me in the 2024 presidential election is the protection and advancement of the LGBTQ+ community and its rights. Discrimination and hate is still prevalent locally, nationally, and globally. The president could in uence the law to federally protect our rights, and the public to support and accept our community. From violence and harassment, to mental health struggles, to global prosecution, the LGBTQ+ community faces countless challenges that demand attention and reform. This issue impacts my own life because I am a member of the community and have personally seen the hate and discrimination it faces. I am passionate about this issue; I am eager to use my voice and my vote to encourage positive change in my community, country, and world.

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to put forth your ideas of how our state will be governed.

Ponderosa Stage Productions at Ponderosa High School in Shingle Springs presents “Shrek: The Musical,” April 18-20. For tickets and more information visit pondodrama.com/shrek.

The Sacramento Zoo presents Happy Hour with Cover Me Badd, a 21 and older event with live music, drinks and food. For tickets and more information visit saczoo.org/happy-hour.

The Gallery at 48 Natoma presents Things with Wings, artwork with birds, bugs and butter ies, April 26 through June 20. In the adjacent Community Art Gallery, art from the El Dorado Hills Arts Association is on display April 18 through June 6. For more information call call (916) 461-6601 or visit folsom.ca.us.

April 19

Theatre at The Mine at Union Mine High School presents “Peter Pan” April 19 & 20. For tickets and more information visit onthestage.tickets/unionmine-high-school.

Born & Raised will perform at 5 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.

The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce and merchants at Creekside Plaza in Placerville host a ribbon cutting, 5:30-7 p.m. at 451 Main St.

The Shingle Springs Community Center hosts its quarterly Bunko Fundraiser at 5:30 p.m. Dinner features a delicious taco bar and dessert. Margaritas, beer and wine for purchase. Purchase tickets in advance at shinglespringscommunitycenter.org.

Sam Chase & The Untraditional plus Jessica Malone will perform at 7 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Imagination Theater presents “Winnie the Pooh,” April 19 through May 12 at the theater on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. For tickets and more information visit itplacerville.org/winniethe-pooh.

The East Wind Band will perform at the Mills Station Arts & Culture Center in Rancho Cordova. For more information visit rcmacc.org.

Bring your friends and family to Celebrate City at Sacramento City College and experience what it means to be a Panther, 4-7 p.m. at 3835 Freeport Blvd. in Sacramento.

A Motown Celebration with Chester Gregory takes place at The So a in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

Now Marshall Hospital Auxiliary is looking for volunteers. Help people and make new friends. Interviews are held monthly. For more information call Norma at (530) 676-1844 or email grizzyq98@ gmail.com.

Aspiring El Dorado Rose applications are available. Candidate quali cations: is 60 years or older; has been a resident of El Dorado County for a minimum of 10 years; and has contributed volunteer services throughout her life. A candidate must be sponsored by a business, club, organization or an individual. The sponsor submits the application and pays an entry fee. Both are due April 20 and need to be submitted to El Dorado Rose c/o El Dorado Rose Corporation, P.O. Box 282, Placerville, CA 95667. The entry fee covers admission to the Rose Ball for the candidate. For more information call Diane Lehr at (530) 845-2513.

Registration is now open for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra Golf for Kids Sake tournament and fundraiser at the Serrano Country Club on May 20. To register call (530) 626-1222, ext. 104, or visit bbbsns.org/events/golf-event.

Registration is now open for the Bist Sandigo Golf Tournament at the Cameron Park Country Club June 10. For more information and to register call (916) 798-4746 or visit purelyhope.org.

Registration is now open for the 41st annual Bob West Drive for Marshall golf tournament scheduled for June 21 and hosted once again at Cold Springs Golf & Country Club in Placerville. To register visit marshallfound.org/golf-registration/?blm_ aid=30898.

The Gallery at 48 Natoma presents Abstract Ideas, featuring art by Linda Nunes and Matt Rhoades, through April 18. For more information

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nearly impossible to enforce the law. Such preparations for voter suppression are in full swing on the road to the upcoming presidential election. On top of these systematic e orts to stop Americans from voting, I am equally concerned by the Census Bureau’s report that registered nonvoters were most likely to cite not being interested in the election as their reason for not voting in the 2020 presidential election. With the rise in political polarization in the last few years, many Americans are distancing themselves from civic engagement altogether. I see it in my peers, who truly feel that their voices don’t matter. As someone who will be voting for the rst time in the 2024 presidential election, if the negativity surrounding politics continues to grow, I am not sure how many of my classmates will be doing the same. This is not to say that my peers are not concerned about their or America’s future. In fact, our generation cares deeply about the economy, reproductive rights, income inequality, education, immigration, access to healthcare, arti cial intelligence, and so many other issues that will be relevant to the upcoming presidential election. However, we are currently not seeing “Constitutional Underpinnings and Fundamental Principles of Democracy” being upheld outside of our textbooks. The most pressing need for our upcoming presidential election is for it to demonstrate these principles — by following our Constitutional process and being truly free and fair for all. This election will be the test of our republic, and democracy will be on it. It is up to us, We the People of the United States, to ensure that we pass.

American heart

With the rise in political polarization in the last few years, many Americans are distancing themselves from civic engagement altogether. I see it in my peers, who truly feel that their voices don’t matter.

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no longer felt a sense of excitement at the thought of growing up and became desperate to grasp onto any form of joy or nostalgia that we could nd, even if it wasn’t right. We have gotten a taste of how harsh and unforgiving life can be and are afraid of what more it is capable of. Many of us struggle with how others perceive us and have developed some form of mental illness as a result. Some have gotten the help they need while many don’t have any idea what that means. In the last few years, mental well-being and mental health have become more of a focus within the media due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but many still do not have proper access.

As a country, we have spent so much time focusing on xing things and our control over them without even thinking about the people behind them. We are so quick to jump on some sort of hateful train to blame someone for what has happened, but the only people we can blame are ourselves. We have let down every single person in this country due to our lack of accessibility to mental health resources. According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the CDC, suicide was the second leading cause of death among people between the ages of 10 and 14 in 2020. They are children. They are our future. We are failing them. There is nothing wrong with having a mental illness. However, what is wrong is how we as a nation have handled it. A stigma has been created around going to therapy, getting guidance, or simply reaching out to someone. We have created this narrative that to have a mental illness, you must be crazy or have issues. If you do reach out, it is made out to seem as though you are just trying to get attention. However, that is far from the case. Each person struggles with something in their life and wishes to feel seen in some way. Whether it is struggling with your courses or feeling like a burden in your relationships, we all have something that a ects us negatively each day. With more compassion, we can help each other overcome our hardships.

In the 2024 election, I hope that we, as Americans, acknowledge our faults and work towards caring for one another and voting for leaders who emphasize this. I hope that we create a world that is empathetic and supportive of us all, one that is unbiased towards di erences in race, sexuality, gender identity, and ideas. We all can learn from what makes us our own, unique person and celebrate others as well as ourselves. Americans are empathetic and benevolent. We need a leader who re ects that.

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Station Arts & Culture Center in Rancho Cordova presents the fth annual Rancho Cordova Student Art Show through April 27. For more information visit rcmacc.org.

Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento presents: AI Am I?, arti cial intelligence art created by Alexander Reben, through April 28; Drawn to Beauty, a collection of European drawings, through April 28; Black Artists in America through May 19; and Joyce

J. Scott: Messages through June 23; Denying Gravity

view through May 6.

Sutter Street Theatre presents “Anything Goes” through May 12. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

Arts & Culture El Dorado celebrates the symbiosis of art and agriculture with Arts Vinifera, an exhibition that showcases original artworks that grace the labels of El Dorado County’s world-class wines at Switchboard Gallery, 525 Main St. in downtown Placerville, through May 19.

– Woods Davy and the Assembly of Stones through Aug 11; and Penetrating Expressions – Kifwebe Masks

The Master Gardener public o ce is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to noon at 311 Fair Lane, Placerville. Have a gardening question or problem? Come in and chat. Bring a cutting or insect in a baggie or a picture. Can’t come in person? Call (530) 621-5512 and leave a voicemail or email mgeldorado@ucanr.edu.

Friday

Friday

April 26, 2024

April 1, 2022

El Dorado County Fair & 5:00 – 9:00 pm

El Dorado County Fair & Event Center 100 Placerville Dr., Placerville

The 8th Annual Stand Up For MORE Comedy Night will be in partnership with the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce to o er wonderful entertainment along with a delicious meal catered by John Sanders. Shake o the stress of the week with this hilarious, fundraising showcase. Our Headliner, the hilarious Dennis Blair, who has been described as a Renaissance man. He is an accomplished screenwriter, award-winning songwriter, and comedic actor. Yet he is probably best known for the caustic observations and musical satires of his live comedy performances. Also featured is the amazingly talented Derrick Leonard, whose laser-sharp humor will have you in stitches!

Admission: $60 per person; $100 per couple

Tickets available at: MORE, 399 Placerville Drive

Online at: www.morerehab.org