Mountain Democrat, Monday, May 8, 2023

Latrobe widening drives back into county’s plans

n See LATROBE page A7

Rubicon Trail closure concerns bring clarity

Tahoe Daily Tribune Communication, communication, communication.

That was a lesson learned after user groups were confused and pushed back as to why El Dorado County closed the Rubicon Trail during the historic winter.

The county enacted a closure without a lot of warning Dec. 30, 2022, ahead of forecasted atmospheric river storms that prompted users to question why and if the county had that right.

Department of Transportation Director

Rafael Martinez told the Tahoe Daily Tribune

Law enforcement Explorers PUT TO THE TEST

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

the county has been authorized by the Sierra Club and State Water Quality Board to act as stewards of the trail to make sure environmental aspects are maintained.

And that’s what led to the closure.

Martinez said that if the level of water that runs over the trail becomes too high, it can capture grease and oil and that will eventually make its way into Lake Tahoe.

“If we know that there is an atmospheric river storm that will produce that kind of flow, we restrict use,” Martinez said. “And it was closed in advance and that’s

n See RUBICON pageA6

Arrests, traffic stops, vehicle searches, active shooter incidents, hostage rescues and building searches — these are just some law enforcement skills necessary for any peace officer and those exploring the field got a taste of what it takes April 29.

“Let me see your hands.” “Stop resisting.” “Face down, on the ground.” “Active shooter in the backroom.”

These phrases could be heard at the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office public safety facility during the seventh annual Explorer Post 457 Regional Training Day. Explorers from law enforcement agencies throughout Northern

California found themselves testing their abilities in what could be real scenarios.

“This is all about learning and seeing where they are at skillwise if they already have these skills,” said

El Dorado County sheriff’s Sgt. Leslie Schlag, a lead advisor for the Explorer program. Participants could be seen firing off fake weaponry, conducting mock arrests and

simulating other reallife law enforcement scenarios and that morning. About 300 individuals, including students, advisors,

n See EXPLORERS page A8

Stockton Unified School District Explorers Anthony Tacardon and Heidi Toledo draw their mock weapons in a traffic-stop drill while El Dorado County sheriff’s deputy Shepherd Steven observes their technique.

OBITUARIES

Alice Mae Morabito

Feb. 14, 1940 – April 29, 2023

Our dear Mother Alice Mae Morabito sadly passed away on April 29, 2023, at the age of 83. She was a wonderful mother who was always there when we needed her. She also had many friends and was a well-loved member of the community in Hidden Springs Villa, Placerville, California.

Alice was born on February 14, 1940 in Kentucky. She retired from the Washington Unified School District after 21 years as an elementary school kitchen manager, where she was delighted by the children every day. After retirement, she worked several years at Honey Bear Ranch in Apple Hill. Her smiling face was always present. She loved to bake cookies and annually brought a tray of holiday cookies (yes, the big one!) for the local Placerville Fire and Police Departments as well as other local businesses.

She enjoyed coordinating community events at Hidden Springs Villa. She was also a regular at the local bingo parlor. For many years, gold panning was a passion that she regularly enjoyed.

She was predeceased by her mother, Ioline Bayer, her husband, Philip Morabito, and her eldest daughter, Teresa King. Alice is survived by her brother, Bobby Bryant (Emma Lou), sister, Joyce Davis, daughters, Deborah Simpson, Cheryl Sweeney (David), grandson, David Sweeney (Brianna), and three great-grandchildren, Ronan Sweeney, Elliot Sweeney and Violet Sweeney. She will be missed by all whose lives she has touched.

Barbara L. Jackson

June 11, 1930 – April 18, 2023

Barbara passed away at Marshall Hospital in comfort care on April 18, after a brief illness, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cli Jackson (2012). Barbara has three children, Debra Massaro (Loren), Lynne Elhardt (Bryan) and Doug Jackson (Amber), and was blessed with 6 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

Barbara’s career in finance included employment at Mother Lode Bank, Security Pacific Bank and finally retirement from River City Bank. After retiring she was a wonderful (Gigi) to her many grandchildren. She will be missed by all.

A celebration of life will be held at Cold Springs Golf and Country Club on June 11, 11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Douglas Patrick Rued

March 17, 1955 – April 14, 2023

It is with sorrow that we announce that on April 14, Doug passed away at the age of 68.

Doug was born in Evanston, Illinois and was the youngest son of Jack and Dolores Rued. Doug is survived by his wife Rebecca, five children, Ryan, Jenine, Melissa, Mandy, and Abby, nine adoring grandchildren and sister, Debra.

Doug will be remembered for his kindness, his sharp wit, and his fierce love for his family. His unwavering commitment to telling a complicated and increasingly detailed joke was one of unique form. He basked in his enjoyment when he could build upon a fabulous joke year after year until it became a “trilogy”, with a backstory for each character and a clear, albeit meandering, plot line. Doug was also a history bu and an avid reader, writer and entrepreneur.

Over the last several years Doug has battled heart related complications leading to a heart transplant in 2020. He approached this battle with unwavering optimism, tenacity and humor, the way he approached much of his life.

While this news has broken our hearts, we find peace picturing him in the midst of his two older brothers Bruce and Jack, his parents, his beloved nephew Michael and friends who will be with him in this next chapter. Service information to follow.

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Forest roads in disrepair

Odin Rasco Staff writer

Multiple roads and trails across the Eldorado National Forest are still closed following extensive damages from winter storms.

O cials with the U.S. Forest Service have put out a damaged roads advisory this week as crews continue to conduct an assessment of the impacts to roads and trails across the forest from winter’s historic storms. Obstructions and hazards including debris, washouts, downed trees and landslides have been reported in multiple areas and visitors are advised to exercise extra caution while traveling in the forest. Work is ongoing to assess damage and prioritize repairs. Some known obstructions include a large rockfall on Alder Creek Road that is blocking the road and a part of Camp Creek Road that has been entirely washed out following the failure of a culvert. Rock Creek Road in the Georgetown District is still closed due to a failed culvert that was previously reported. Some additional damages will not be known until the snow that has accumulated over the season has melted, according to a Forest Service social media post.

CRIME

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

May 1

12:28 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 31-year-old woman suspected of DUI on Country Club Drive in Cameron Park. She was later released.

5:27 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 37-year-old man suspected of DUI on Highway 50 near Cameron Park Drive. He was later released.

8:03 a.m. Burglary was reported at a pharmacy on Latrobe Road in El Dorado Hills.

9:36 a.m. Vandalism was reported at a resort on Highway 49 in Lotus.

9:58 a.m. Battery was reported at

Camp Creek Road has been washed out due to a failed culvert and is impassible 2.7 miles north of the intersection with Sciaroni Road.

a business on Golden Center Drive in Placerville.

10:22 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Monte Verde Drive in El Dorado Hills.

11:11 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Ridgeway Drive in Pollock Pines.

11:43 a.m. A possible prowler was reported on Hillbrook Court in El Dorado.

2:12 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Swansboro Road in Swansboro.

8:39 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 61-year-old man suspected of disorderly conduct on Main Street in Georgetown. He was later released. 10:19 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 48-year-old man suspected of battery on Barnett Loop Road in Shingle Springs. He was later released on $5,000 bail.

11:05 p.m. Deputies booked into

jail a 31-year-old man suspected of possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia and obstruction on Green Leaf Drive in Placerville. He was listed in custody.

May 2

12:27 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 33-year-old woman suspected of possession of illegal drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest (location not clear). She was listed in custody in lieu of $60,000 bail.

10:12 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 31-year-old man suspected of being a fugitive from justice on Skyline Drive in Placerville. He was listed in custody.

10:15 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 35-year-old man suspected of illegally carrying a loaded firearm on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. He was later released.

12:46 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Forni Road in Diamond Springs.

4:19 p.m. Battery was reported at a store on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.

4:21 p.m. Battery was reported on Silvery Springs Parkway in El Dorado Hills.

4:31 p.m. Burglary was reported on Pine Tree Drive in Pollock Pines.

11:09 p.m. Deputies booked into

LAKE LEVELS

jail a 26-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills. He was released on $250 bail.

May 3

8:37 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Pleasant Valley Road in Placerville.

9:20 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Hickok Road in El Dorado Hills.

9:39 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Forni Road in Diamond Springs.

11:55 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Mercedes Lane in El Dorado Hills.

12:49 p.m. Battery was reported at a school on Garden Valley Road in Garden Valley.

2:48 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 65-year-old man suspected of DUI on Hanks Exchange in Placerville. He was later released.

3:47 p.m. Vehicle burglary was reported at a gas station on Green Valley Road in El Dorado Hills.

7:54 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 30-year-old man suspected of DUI on Bucks Bar Road in the Placerville area. He was listed in custody in lieu of $5,000 bail.

Richard B. Esposito Publisher Krysten Kellum

California Commentary

Stop tormenting taxpayers with these toxic transit systems

What is it with California that it just doesn’t know how to run a railroad?

This column has, on several occasions, covered the abysmal history of the nation’s largest boondoggle — high-speed rail. With every passing day it becomes increasingly obvious that it will never be completed and all that will remain is a series of concrete pylons in the Central Valley that will become California’s version of Stonehenge.

Two recent news items highlighted another rail disaster unfolding in California. First was the report that a police sergeant with LAPD had his finger bitten off by a homeless man in East Hollywood. The second news item was a request from transit advocates for a $5 billion bailout of California’s failing transit systems. The proposal is being pushed by Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat from San Francisco, who said that without the state cash BART and other big-city transit systems will have to make drastic service cuts.

Sen. Weiner is correct about California transit systems being on the verge of bankruptcy, but he is wrong to suggest that the problem will be fixed with a bailout from taxpayers already paying billions for the self-inflicted wounds of poor planning and bad management.

It is indisputable that California’s major transit systems are in trouble, but among the several reasons for that trouble, only the pandemic was beyond the control of politicians. No one disputes the impact that COVID-19 had as millions of Californians were told to stay at home. But even here one must wonder whether California’s chosen pandemic response contributed to the severe economic blow. The economic damage from the pandemic was less severe in other states which remained more open.

In any event, that ship has sailed and COVID is no longer the concern that it was three years ago. But the second big problem for California is the shift toward more at-home work, which has prevented the largest transit agencies from reaching their pre-pandemic ridership levels. Without riders, fare revenue falls. And while virtually all of California’s more than 200 transit agencies receive government subsidies, the big ones in Los Angeles and the Bay Area have been more reliant on paying customers for a significant percentage of their operating expenses.

Many, if not most, of the problems facing transit systems have nothing to do with pandemics or changing work habits but are matters which can be

n See Coupal, page A5

Belltower

Free

hams, an

Somebody at the Legion gave me a copy of his hometown paper. It is called the Morrow County Sentinel (and Morrow County Independent).

The 14-page paper is published in Gilead, Ohio, with the newspaper office on Main Street.

The Nov. 2, 2022, front page featured photos headlined, “Morrow County gets in the Halloween spirit.” Other stories were “Hospital’s 70 birthday bash draws crowd,” “Local, county and state candidates on Nov. 8 ballot” and “MG School District plans State of Schools’ program.”

Whoever gave me this paper added a note on the back page that Morrow County is in north central Ohio and is the least populated county in Ohio. Some national candidates

letters to the editor

Debt ceiling

EDITOR:

Citing the need for “fiscal responsibility,” House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Republican members passed legislation to raise the country’s debt ceiling.

The legislation (Limit, Save, Grow Act) would cap increases to federal spending to 1% per year, significantly slower than the rate of inflation, and substantially reducing discretionary funding.

The bill would rescind additional funding for the IRS aimed at increasing the number of agents; unwind President Biden’s student loan forgiveness program — for which 40 million Americans are eligible — and repeal provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act reducing funding for health care and combating climate change.

Leader McCarthy and his fellow members have a memory problem when it comes to “fiscal responsibility.”

They fail to recall the massive tax break for the wealthy implemented by Ronald Reagan shortly after his inauguration, which exploded the budget; George W. Bush’s similar tax break and his two disastrous, treasury-draining wars; and Donald Trump’s giveaway to his rich cronies.

The bill doesn’t include cuts to Social Security or Medicare, powder kegs the Republicans fear to set off.

But what about defense, for which the U.S. spent $877 billion in 2022, ten times more than the next 10 countries combined, including Russia and China?

Kevin McCarthy and his cohorts want to show “fiscal responsibility.” Instead of pushing a bill that would leave more people hungry, homeless, and without health care; make it easier for the wealthy to cheat on their taxes; and reduce funding to address climate change, the Republicans should consider cutting the obscenely bloated defense budget.

GEORGE LLOYD Placerville

helping kids around the world get needed dental care

EDITOR:

Did you know that in 2022 it was estimated that oral diseases impacted about 3.5 billion people globally and three out of every four people were affected residing in middleincome countries? Ask yourself this question: do

you consider your teeth to be a high priority?

To start, consider for a moment not going to the dentist once a year. Now consider not being able to see the dentist at all. Finally, consider not knowing how to properly care for your own teeth. That is difficult for some people to comprehend but, sadly, that’s the case for many children and adults. Third world countries face this severe issue. Without dental care, people suffer from oral diseases. Poor oral hygiene, for example, is the biggest cause of school absenteeism in Africa. Children feeling dental pain are missing school and performing badly academically.

Unfortunately in so many countries, the combination of COVID-19, a lack of access to technology and high costs mean many of these children have been denied dental care for the majority, if not all, of their lives.

I’m researching this issue in pursuit of bringing this subject to people’s attention. It’s an issue that is commonly put aside in people’s minds. This issue is not close to being solved or, in some places, even addressed. So the purpose of this letter is to help contribute by getting people to share in the fight. These people in need are facing tough living and financial conditions. Families and orphanages cannot afford to get their children dental care. So I have found a nonprofit organization (globaldentalrelief.org) that is sending doctors, assistants and hygienists, along with the tools needed, to these remote places to get these children dental care free of charge.

We must take a stand; these problems will not fix themselves. If you wish to help in the fight please visit the website above and consider making a donation.

BRITTYN CHALOUPKA Placerville

i’ve had enough doggone it

EDITOR:

We must take a close look at ourselves and ask why is it legal to own a dog? Every year more than 4.7 million Americans are attacked by a vicious dog and 800,000 people are hospitalized with serious injuries. Why do we put up with these evil, hateful creatures?

Now, I’m not saying that we should make the species extinct but dogs should be kept in a place where people are “safe” from their harm. With the devastating impact of an obviously vicious

n See letters, page A5

early 100th birthday, crashing in Antarctica

have worked to visit every county in Ohio. I’ll be impressed if any national or even statewide candidates visit Morrow County.

What really impressed me, though, was the back page dedicated to the Morrow County Veterans Service Office. Among notices there were Camp Lejeune veterans, Agent Orange conditions, Gulf War burn pits, honor flights to the military memorials in Washington, D.C., .and trips to VA health centers.

The best deal on the whole page was vouchers for a free petite ham from Hoffman Meat Processing of Cardington (limited to the first 400 veterans).

The VFW had free lunch for veterans on Nov. 11 at the American Legion Post 710 in Marengo and American Legion Post 97 in

Cardington had free dinners on Nov. 11 for veterans.

* * *

I received a notice May 1 from Roseville Commons that Dominic Canale will be 100 on Nov. 21. That is six months from now, but as Legion Post 119 commander I’ll send him a letter congratulating on reaching age 99 and wish him the best for celebrating his 100th in November.

They also sent his DD 214. He made Chief Petty Officer. His rating was ADR, which stands for Aircraft Machinist (Reciprocating Engines). He began service in 1941 right after high school in Iron, Mich., retiring in 1961. He served in the Asia Pacific campaign and the European theater. He later was sent to school to study jet engines.

* * *

There are only a few propellerdriven aircraft in military service, all of which are turbo props.

The Northrup Grumman E-2 Hawkeye went into service in 1964.

With two turbo props, it stays aloft with a large radar dome. Aircraft carriers will have four, sometimes five Hawkeyes, to cover when some are in for maintenance. With two or three available to launch the carrier can keep one in the air 24/7 giving advance warning or serving as a flight director.

The other turbo prop that began service 60 years ago is the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, though there have been numerous updates since then. In Antarctica sleds are attached to the C-130. Working on the engines is cold. There is no hangar. A C-47 was developed for Antarctica, but with the C-130 and a helicopter, all the Douglas C47s were waiting for a cargo ship to take them to a warmer climate or a boneyard. One with a red carpet was assigned to Christchurch, New Zealand, for use by the admiral. The Air Force’s special forces used C-47s until 2012.

n See raffety, page A5

… perhaps the biggest deterrent to increased ridership in our major metropolitan areas is safety. let’s face it. Riding the Mta in los angeles or BaRt in the Bay area is putting your life at risk.

Coupal Continued from A4 addressed with better management. For example, riders need assurance that if they come to rely on transit they are not subject to the threat of work stoppages or strikes. President Biden had to bend over backward to avoid a rail strike in 2022. But labor issues can bring a transit system to a halt, as happened to BART in 2013.

Finally, perhaps the biggest deterrent to increased ridership in our major metropolitan areas is safety. Let’s face it. Riding the MTA in Los Angeles or BART in the Bay Area is putting your life at risk.

On MTA, incidences of rape, assault, robbery and murder went up 24% in the last two years and more than 20 people have died riding the L.A. Metro already in 2023. The increase in crime became so acute that Metro started a program to hire “Transit Ambassadors” to ride on the trains, provide minimal security, help riders and direct homeless people to social services.

Raffety Continued from A4

There are also smaller turbo prop aircraft.

The U.S Air Force took over Antarctic Service after the Lockheed C-121 Constellation landed in bad weather in 1974 and got a wheel clipped o in a snowbank. Lockheed C-141 Star Lifters replaced the tri-tailed prop engine Super Connie. Later the Air Force replaced the C-141 with Boeing C-17 Globemaster.

The C-121 is what transported me from Christchurch, New Zealand, to Antarctica. I was

But even with enhanced security, there are other concerns with large urban transit districts. According to a recent article in Center Square, “Riders described an overwhelming stench, encounters with mentally unstable individuals, avoidance of human waste, trash, open drug and alcohol use, aggressive behavior towards passengers and indecent exposure.” Few, if any, passengers on BART or MTA would describe their rides as pleasant.

In short, until California’s major transit districts start acting like businesses focused on customer satisfaction to bring back ridership, their problems will only grow worse. And they need to show that they’re serious about these improvements before asking for billions more from California’s beleaguered taxpayers.

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

glad to have taken a charter flight from Rhode Island to New Zealand rather the C-121, which I heard developed engine trouble on the flight from California to Hawaii. It was good it had four engines. Both jets have enough fuel to return to New Zealand if weather conditions at Williams Field in Antarctica are poor. Michael Ra ety is retired editor of the Mountain Democrat and a resident of the Placerville area.

Letters Continued from A4

creature, one should be mandated to take a training class to own one. Maybe let people own the docile breeds, like labs and springer spaniels; I own those. But surely we can all agree to get rid of all assault weapons, I mean dogs, like the Belgian Malinois, German shepherd, pit bulls and the vicious chihuahua.

Millions are su ering and because of the selfish dog lobby and the politicians being corrupted by the dog cartel, our society is imploding. We need to take a stand and tell D.C. no more! It’s time we all become cat people. Now who’s with me?

KEN STEERS Cameron Park

Spring in Texas

EDITOR:

Chris Daley spent dozens of column inches trying to run down Texas and hopefully stem the tide of Californians escaping to that state. Nice try, Chris, but I can destroy your entire argument in just a few sentences.

Awhile back the liberal Sacramento paper ran an article stating that 8,000 badly needed teachers had abandoned California for Texas despite there being no financial advantage to the move. They just wanted to escape California and head for Texas. Neither our teachers or the Sacramento paper are known for being bastions of conservatism so this exodus of badly needed education professionals should alarm anyone whose reasoning powers have not totally atrophied and call into question the direction of this state.

GEORGE ALGER Placerville

Announcements

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

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

El DORADO COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB Dedicated to all aspects of ham radio. Meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at the El Dorado Sheriff’s office, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net

LEARN & PLAY CRIBBAGE

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

Ready for real change?

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

Struggling with life? CELEBRATE

RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at

6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@ greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/

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

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

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

MARSHALL HOSPITAL

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

SENIOR PEER COUNSELING

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

TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION OF EL DORADO COUNTY

Our mission is to educate the public on tax issues that affect them. Our meetings are held every Monday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at Denny’s Restaurant, Fair Lane Drive, Placerville. Meetings are open to the public except the first Monday of each month. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a nonpartisan organization

Cal Fire to pilot ‘ultra-early’ wildfire sensors

Mountain Democrat staff

MEDOCINO COUNTY — Cal

Fire will be testing use of German environmental start-up Dryad Networks’ “ultra-early” wildfire detection technology to improve fire detection speeds.

A pilot program will trial 400 of Dryad’s sensors in the largest of Cal Fire’s 10 demonstration forests — Jackson Demonstration State Forest in Mendocino County, according to a news release from Dryad Networks.

The pilot, expected to begin this month, aims to show how sensor technology can support firefighters by detecting wildfires much faster.

The model being tested, the Dryad Silvanet Wildfire Sensor, is hung from trees at a recommended height of just under 10 feet with about a 328-foot radius between sensors. The Silvanet Sensor data sheet states that within this radius a sensor is capable of detecting fire, even if its just smoldering, within 60 minutes.

The sensor detects hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and other gases at the parts per million level with built-in artificial intelligence in order to reliably detect a fire and avoid false positives. The sensor uses wireless data transmission to communicate its findings.

The sensors are solar powered and roughly 3.5 by 7.5 inches.

Wildfire detection methods in most forested areas rely on human sightings, camera or satellite technology, which can only detect a fire when it’s visible above the canopy. The adoption of “ultra-early” detection technology can reduce wildfire detection times from several hours to a matter of minutes, making it possible for firefighters to get to a fire when it is still easy to put out.

The United States Department

of Agriculture specifically included sensor technology for the first time in its recently published request for information for wildfire and land management. The RFI highlights the challenges associated with keeping communities safe and demonstrates the need to develop innovative approaches to wildfire detection.

The sensor technology also provides a fire’s precise location and utilizes trained artificial intelligence “noses” to distinguish between the different fuels that ignite. With growing interest in its sensor and network technology, Dryad information shows the company is ramping up the manufacturing of its wireless sensors, moving from 10,000 units sold in 2022 to producing 230,000 by the end of the year, to be ready to deploy sensors worldwide and at scale.

Dryad officials shared that customers already include 30 resellers across Europe, the Americas and Asia, including working partnerships with Bosch, STIHL and Vodafone Global.

“When it comes to wildfires, the message we’re getting over and over again is that timing is everything,” notes Dryad Networks CEO Carsten Brinkschulte in a statement. “The market is in desperate need of rapidly deployable, low-cost, low-power wireless sensors that can detect wildfires in minutes. To meet this need, we’re investing in scaling up the production of our sensors so that we’re ready to fulfill orders.”

Brinkschulte adds that Dryad Network’s goal by 2030 is to deploy 120 million sensors around the world, which could save approximately 9.6 million acres of forest and prevent 1.7 billion tons of CO2 emissions. “Only with the wide-scale rollout of sensor technology can we really get a handle on wildfires,” according to Brinkschulte.

It’s time to Spare The Air

Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District

The Sacramento region Spare The Air season began May 1. The region’s Spare The Air program runs each year from May 1 through Oct. 31, and a Spare The Air alert is issued when the Air Quality Index for ground-level ozone pollution is forecast to meet or exceed 126, when air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Residents of Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, Solano and El Dorado counties are encouraged to consider teleworking, taking transit, driving a low or zero-emission vehicle or using other active transportation options such as walking, biking or riding a scooter, on Spare The Air Days, and whenever possible to help reduce air pollution.

Follow these tips to continue to improve the region’s air quality:

• Drive less to help reduce vehicle

why stakeholders were confused. We’d hate for the water board and Sierra Club to shut us down.”

Martinez said county staff measured the flow after the storms and said the closure was correct, that the water flowing over the trail was above the limit.

Following a series of atmospheric river storms, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors declared a state of emergency Jan. 10 and further authorized closure of the iconic trail, a 22-mile route and part 4×4 trail that also travels into Placer County in the Eldorado National Forest, with popular access from Lake Tahoe’s west shore. Supervisors at that time asked county staff to return to the board with a new resolution.

With confusion among stakeholders, Martinez reached out to create an updated resolution that includes more avenues of communication and clarifies the reasons the trail would be closed, among other things.

“We just needed to refresh our policy and make one resolution that is clear and concise with added communication,” Martinez said and added that the new resolution is for roads and trails.

County personnel, including District 5 Supervisor Brooke Laine, and user groups met Feb. 13, to discuss a resolution and on March 6 sent a draft to the stakeholders and encouraged comments by March 13.

Six comments were received and included, any closure should be communicated better and should be at the direction of the DOT director, limiting closure only for interest of public safety, declaring a state of emergency, conditions and taking off any sunset clause to revisit the resolution in five years.

“We felt it was well worth the effort to gain more understanding,” Martinez

emissions, especially on a Spare The Air day

• Telework at least once per week, if possible

• Use active transportation, such as riding a bike, walking or taking a scooter for errands or commuting to work

• Take public transit or carpool to reduce the number of single-passenger vehicles on the road

• Use a low or zero-emission vehicle

Download the free Sacramento Region Air Quality app to view daily air quality forecasts and real-time air pollution readings for Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, Solano and El Dorado counties. For more information on Spare The Air visit SpareTheAir.com. Spare The Air is a program of the Sac Metro Air District, Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District, Placer County Air Pollution Control District and El Dorado County Air Quality Management District.

said about meeting with stakeholders. Martinez said news and updates about the trail will be posted on the Parks and Trails Division webpage, the DOT webpage and Facebook page and emailed through GovDelivery.

“El Dorado County supports and values the Rubicon Trail and the community of users,” said Martinez in his presentation to the board. “We recognize that the trail is a social and economic benefit to the county and we do everything we can to keep it open all year long.”

During public comment, members of the Rubicon Trail Foundation spoke to the board, including President Ken Hower, and expressed support for the new resolution, although they preferred two separate resolutions, one strictly for the Rubicon. The single resolution covers both trails and roads.

“This resolution does not address everything we’d like to see but RTF is willing to endorse as written,” said one of the members and added that they appreciated the engagement with county officials, including Laine who they said jumped in and was eager to learn about the issues. “The trail should only be closed for three specific instances, conditions, health and safety and emergency declarations. We’re concerned that those three will increase. I don’t want this to sound like a threat but we will be watching, making sure one of those three conditions are met.”

Bob Sweeney, president of Jeepers Jamboree, thanked county officials for their effort.

“We bring in thousands to the community,” Sweeney said. “The Rubicon is our crown jewel.”

Jeepers Jamboree is hosting its 71st event in July, “the granddaddy of all 4-wheel events,” as noted on its website.

The board unanimously approved the new resolution.

Photo courtesy of Dryad Networks

Dryad Silvanet Wildfire Sensors are mounted on trees at a recommended height of about 10 feet and are solar powered.

Rubicon Continued from A1

7 Tahoe transportation projects awarded $11.1M

Tahoe Daily Tribune

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency has awarded $11.1 million to seven critical transportation projects across the Tahoe Region, the agency announced Wednesday.

The projects aim to reduce congestion, expand regional trails, provide free transit and support equitable recreation access, according to a TRPA press release.

As Lake Tahoe’s federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization, TRPA is responsible for managing federal and state transportation funds through the Linking Tahoe Regional Grant Program. Those federal and state programs help fund and implement transportation projects and the Lake Tahoe Regional Transportation Plan that connect people and places in ways that reduce reliance on the private automobile.

“These funds will improve safety and the climate resilience of the Tahoe region by promoting walkable, bikeable town centers that better serve residents and visitors,” TRPA Executive Director Julie Regan said. “We are grateful to our federal delegation and state partners for making these funds available and to the many agencies in California and Nevada getting transportation improvements on the ground.”

The 2023 Regional Grant Program is funding the following projects across the Tahoe Region:

• Kings Beach western approach

($1.5 million): Roundabout and pedestrian improvements at the intersection of Highway 267 and state Route 28

• Apache Avenue pedestrian safety and connectivity ($1.7 million): Extending the sidewalks on Apache Avenue in Meyers

• Pioneer Trail/Highway 50 intersection safety improvement

($3.6 million): Construction of a roundabout and pedestrian crossings at Highway 50 and Pioneer Trail

Tree Continued from A3

its own potential risks and advantages, with the potential eyesore of a battered tree for some time to come.

The information currently available does not go into detail regarding potential plans for how/if the tree will be used in a future tree lighting ceremony, as part of the long-running Placerville Festival of Lights tradition that takes place the day after Thanksgiving.

Although the historical record is not quite clear, the tree was planted almost 100 years ago.

Latrobe

Continued from A1 the department felt it appropriate to remove the project.

“It wasn’t the proper timeline and out of over conservative concern for the public that was wanting to have more clarity as to how the process works … we felt it was conservative for us to remove it, wait for the appropriate timing for us to include that widening back into that program when it was more appropriate,” Martinez said.

The El Dorado Hills Area Planning Advisory Committee sent a letter to the county Planning Commission stating the only significant growth in the business park justifying traffic improvements was the John Adams Acadamy private school expansion.

“The school has been a success welcomed by EDH residents and has generated a significant traffic impact in the area, however without a traffic analysis it is uncertain if that one development has triggered the need for the expansion of Latrobe Road,” reads a press release from the committee. “John Adams Academy opened in El Dorado Hills in 2017, so some of its traffic impacts should have been known in 2020 when CIP Project 72LATROBE was removed from the CIP list.”

The Planning Commission approved updating the CIP April 13 before the Board of Supervisors had the chance to weigh in on the Latrobe widening project.

“At one point El Dorado Hills was growing tremendously with Serrano and other developments and when

Photo courtesy of Luxuri Media Regional Grant Program funds are helping connect Tahoe communities via multi-use trails, transit and traffic-reducing projects throughout the Tahoe Basin. These cyclists are pictured on the Dollar Creek Trail.

• Pioneer Trail Pedestrian Improvement Project Phase II ($1.2 million): Extending sidewalks and bike paths along Pioneer Trail

• Microtransit EV charging base station ($269,956): Electrifying Lake Link in South Shore

• North Tahoe shared-use trail ($1.8 million): Bike path connecting Dollar Hill to North Tahoe Regional Park

• Free-to-the-User Transit Program ($1 million): Free-to-the-user transit in South Lake Tahoe Projects funded through the Linking Tahoe Regional Grant Program advance implementation of the 2012 Lake Tahoe Regional Plan and 2020 Lake Tahoe Regional Transportation Plan. The Lake Tahoe partnership that advocates for the Environmental Improvement Program helped secure the federal funds that have supported the Regional Grant Program, delivering $42.6 million in additional transportation improvements at Lake Tahoe over the last seven years.

The Placerville City Council will consider action regarding the community Christmas tree that took damage in severe storms over the winter. Mountain Democrat file photo by Krysten Kellum

you have high-growth rates, you need to provide infrastructure based on the added traffic,” said District 1 Supervisor John Hidahl. “We’re now at a very low growth rate, so it’s like a throttling process … you forecast where you are based on where growth is and then you find growth has dropped off because of the economy or interest rates, etc., … so you have to back off of that a little bit. However, it’s always been my belief that it is better to leave things in the CIP once they get there and change the timing or phasing but do not put them in an unfunded category.”

The Latrobe Road widening project was not included in the annual update to the Traffic Impact Fee Program fee schedule.

Another Latrobe Road widening project exists in the CIP that will add lanes from Golden Foothill Parkway to White Rock Road.

An annual adjustment for traffic impact fee program for inflation occurs no later than the end of the third quarter of each fiscal year in accordance with the percentage change published in Engineering News-Record magazine’s Construction Cost Index.

For projects in a 10-20 year development cycle that have project cost estimates, a 4.9% inflationary cost increase was applied to account for the increase in the Construction Cost Index from January 2022 to January 2023.

The board voted unanimously to approve the changes to the CIP.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). IARIES (March 21-April 19).

When things don’t go according to your plan, it doesn’t mean they will be worse. Life is showing you how to grow.

You’ll keep an open mind and look out for opportunity.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). There have been times you were so concentrated on surviving, it would have been unwise to focus on anything else. Now you have the chance to aim for new goals and work toward your dreams. Ask the muses to help you see the potential in things.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’ll get the sense that fate is neither for nor against you — a liberation, really. Since there is nothing predetermined about today’s plot, everything will spring from your intentions and your actions, which are pure and direct.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The fastest way to expand your horizons is to broaden your network. A diverse group of people in your life can provide you with a variety of perspectives, experiences and opportunities you might not have access to otherwise.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You make sacrifices and support your loved ones through the ups and downs. You deserve the same. Only start new relationships with those who have qualities that make a fulfilling relationship possible, like kindness, empathy and shared values.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The conflict within a relationship or group will heal the way all wounds do — on their own, within circumstances that are conducive to healing. In this case, nothing radical or forced will be necessary.

Eliminate disharmony.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). If you never felt inadequate, you wouldn’t push yourself so hard to succeed. Your internal world isn’t always comfortable, but the discomfort can prompt critical thinking and ultimately set you up for a better life.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Your body is telling you what it needs; the obvious things mostly, like getting enough sleep and stretching, but it’s about something else, too. Tune into the wisdom of physicality and everything gets better.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’ve a sense that something important is happening. Knowing how memory serves each person differently, get things in writing, take pictures and document events in as many ways as you can.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’ll have an opportunity to learn from someone with a different skill set or advanced knowledge in the area you most want to develop. The best part is, it’s free... for now.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’ve made many efforts for others, and while it’s good to be needed, a temporary break from the pressure will benefit you. If the give-and-take is out of balance, the break will help restore a relationship’s equilibrium.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). In many ways, you’re in a strange, new territory. A routine, a sense of order and a handful of predictable outcomes will provide security. You’re in a position to choose what will and won’t be part of your daily grove.

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

Hundreds of law enforcement Explorers from across Northern Californnia participated in a training April 29 at the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.

San Mateo Police Department Explorers Alfred Khayat, Karen Rico, Nicole Alvarez and Yamale Cruz use tactics to save hostages in a “tubular assault” exercise on a El Dorado Transit shuttle.

Explorers Continued from A1

instructors and role players all participated to help the Explorers experience a first-rate training.

“It’s going a lot better than it did last year, because we kind of kicked the rust off from the COVID that downed us for two years,” Schlag said. “Things are running a lot smoother than last year.”

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 457 is a career learning program for ages 15-21 years that provides opportunities for young people to experience the role of a law enforcement officer and to serve their community under the umbrella of a law enforcement agency.

“We try to keep it realistic in the training and we go at their level,” Schlag said. “If they are 14, we will walk them through these processes more and give them a little hands on, and if we have an explorer who is 19 that has been in the program and a little more versed in some of these tactics, then we ramp it up for them. No matter what, they’re going to walk away with an elevated heart rate and a little stress so they understand that these are some of the things that we deal with on a daily basis.”

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation provided advisors for the training and El Dorado Transit lent a shuttle

bus that was used in a “tubular assault” scenario, tubular describing the confined space inside a bus. Volunteers from the community emulated pedestrians and suspects to make the training as real as it can get.

One of the EDC Sheriff’s explorers, 20 year-old Josh Carlson, has been in the program since 2016 and has participated in five of the regional training days. He is looking to go into law enforcement to protect and serve his community.

“It is definitely nice seeing the newer explorers being able to learn much of this stuff that I have gotten to experience,” Carlson said. “It’s also nice to experience these scenarios with feedback from different instructors as they change every year, so it gives us an opportunity to get a different perspective on a similar scenario with fresh feedback.”

Alfred Khayat, a 19-year-old explorer with the San Mateo Police Department, said the training day is an experience he will carry with him for a long time.

“I’ve learned a lot more skills than I have before,” Khayat said. “I definitely got out of my comfort zone today. This was a worthwhile experience, especially the tubular assault. The skills I learned from that were valuable.”

EL DORADO IRRIGATION DISTRICT 2022

Water Quality Repor t

Water testing performed in 2022

AVAILABLE ONLINE

Each year, EID produces an annual water quality/consumer confidence report to let our customers know how EID’s water quality stacks up against established federal and state drinking water standards.

EID maintains three water systems—two small systems that supply the unincorporated communities of Strawberry (approximately 40 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50) and Outingdale (approximately 15 miles southeast of Placerville), and the Main system, which covers the rest of EID’s service area.

We encourage you to review the reports as they provide details about the source and quality of the drinking water delivered to your communities.

reports,

If you would like a paper copy of the report, please contact

or call (530) 642-4000.

Training exercises included an active shooter scenario.

Mountain Democrat photos by Eric Jaramishian

In the KNOW

Stellar students

Congratulations to Kathryn Scheuring of El Dorado Hills (Andrews University) and Aaron Tassin of Cameron Park (San Jose State University), who were recently initiated into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

Now

The Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park presents “Short Cuts” through May 21 with performances on Saturdays and Sundays. For tickets and more information call (916) 947-1010 or visit stageatburke.com.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2680 in El Dorado County invites veterans of World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War as well as those seeing action in Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries during the war on terror plus those serving peace-keeping missions throughout the globe to become VFW members. Member benefits are plenty and there is no fee for the first year. For more information call (530) 499-2950.

Feed El Dorado and the Placer Food Bank host food distribution events throughout the year in Cameron Park, Pollock Pines, Placerville and Georgetown. For a complete schedule visit placerfoodbank.org/ pantrytogo.

The purpose of the Widowed Persons Club is to provide a support group for widowed men and women of all ages and provide a wide range of social activities through which they have an opportunity to make new friends and find a new direction in their lives.

General meeting lunches are held at Cold Springs Country Club in Placerville for members and guests on the fourth Friday of each month at 11:30 a.m.

A social time precedes each meeting. The cost is $18 and reservations are required. Regular breakfasts are held every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at Denny’s in Placerville. For those interested in joining or reservations don’t hesitate to get in touch with Glenda at (530) 2958374 or Nancy at (530) 919-8276.

The Master Gardeners public office 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 Ziploc baggie or a picture. Can’t come in person? Call (530) 6215512 and leave a voicemail or go online to the “Ask A Master Gardener” tool mgeldorado@ucanr.edu.

May 8

Vitalant will host an El Dorado Hills community blood drive, noon to 4:30 p.m. The Bloodmobile will be located in the parking lot near the baseball fields at

Key Club secretary celebrated for service both on and off her school’s campus

Dina Gentry Placerville Kiwanis

Kiwanis Club of Placerville has awarded April’s Student Service Leader of the Month Award to Wrenna Potter, an El Dorado High School junior and secretary of the student Key Club.

After receiving the award at a Kiwanis evening meeting located at the Cold Springs Golf Club, Wrenna noted, “Thank you for this, as it really means a lot to me and my family,” Wrenna noted after receiving the award during a Kiwanis evening meeting at the Cold Springs Golf and Country Club.

Sophie Cabrera is the EDHS Key Club advisor and explained, “Wrenna is a junior and has been a member of the El Dorado High School Key Club for three years, the club secretary for two years and was elected to continue as secretary in the coming year. As secretary, Wrenna is responsible for taking minutes at each meeting and keeping a record of all club activities. She manages the club roster, documents members’

“The responsibilities associated with being a club secretary are time intensive. Wrenna has enthusiastically accepted that responsibility.”

individual service hours and reports those to key club division leadership. The responsibilities associated with being a club secretary are time intensive. Wrenna has enthusiastically accepted that responsibility.

“Wrenna has participated in Kiwanis and key club events, including the Christmas parade, making Christmas ornaments for senior citizens and writing thank you cards to healthcare workers,” Cabrera continued. “She has been instrumental in the club’s Adopt a Family for Christmas event. Wrenna is involved in every aspect, including coordinating fundraisers, shopping for gifts, wrapping gifts and then delivering those gifts to families.

Wrenna’s commitment to service extends beyond helping her school community and she also gives back to her home community of Camino.

— Sophie Cabrera, EDHS Key Club advisor

“Since 2020 Wrenna has co-led the Camino Cares project, which provides clothing, blankets and books for families in Camino during the Christmas season,” Cabrera explained. “During this yearlong effort, Wrenna coordinates collections of donations and then prepares the gifts to be delivered. In 2022 Wrenna’s efforts resulted in Camino Cares serving 33 families and 82 children. In addition to her key club and service activities, Wrenna plays golf for the El Dorado High School golf team. Wrenna’s passion for serving and helping improve her school and home communities are evident. Wrenna brings her cheerful and caring personality to every situation, and she represents the best of our youth.”

Bob Verzello, Placerville Kiwanis

n See AwArd page B6

Rummage for treasures at shakespeare Club

News release

The Placerville Shakespeare Club’s 2023 annual Giant Rummage Sale will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, May 11, and Friday, May 12, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at the clubhouse, 2940 Bedford Ave.

This year’s sale will feature a large selection of jewelry, lots of clothing, housewares, decorative items, a wide variety of garage items, dolls, toys and many other treasures. New items will be put out every day. There will be something for everyone. Come early and bring your really big shopping bag.

The Placerville Shakespeare Club was established in May of 1897 and continues to be a gathering place for women in the community. Goals of the club include providing assistance to local charities and youth, including scholarships to local students pursuing higher education.The club hosts events throughout the year, including the popular Authors Day and an annual plant sale, coming up May 13.

For more information call (530) 677-1134 or visit placerville-shakespeare.com.

Two-day Comic Con coming to Tahoe Event Center

Tahoe Daily Tribune STATELINE, Nev. — The Tahoe Event Center in Stateline will play host to the Lake Tahoe Comic Con Sept. 23 & 24. Tickets are now on sale. Attendees can participate in cosplay contests and guest panels and meet celebrity guests.

The Lake Tahoe Comic Con already has three confirmed celebrity guests planning to attend this year’s event, including Mark Dodson, C. Andrew Nelson and Alan Fernandes, all of which have had involvement in the Star Wars saga.

Dodson is an American actor who voiced Salacious Crumb in Star Wars: Episode VI “Return of the Jedi” and provided various voices for “Ewoks: The Battle for Endor” and Star Wars: Episode

VII “The Force Awakens.” He is best known as the voice of the eponymous creatures in “Gremlins” and “Gremlins 2: The New Batch.”

Nelson is most notable for having played the role of Darth Vader for Lucasfilm since 1994. His appearances as Vader include LucasArts’ “Star Wars: Dark Forces” and “Star Wars: Rebel Assault II: The Hidden Empire” games, the special edition of the original Star Wars trilogy, commercials, print ads, TV shows and magazine covers.

Fernandes portrayed a Tusken Raider in “Star Wars: Episode IV

A New Hope,” according to fan site Planet Dagobah, and assisted the elephant Mardji, who portrayed a bantha.

For more information visit laketahoecon.com.

Courtesy photo

Kiwanis Student Service Leader Award winner Wrenna Potter, Kiwanis President Bob Verzello, El Dorado Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Ron Carruth, El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ed Manansala, and EDHS Key Club Co-President Aubrey Bonham, left to right, celebrate Wrenna’s award.

Mountain Democrat file photo by Pat Dollins

Find new treasures at the Placerville Shakespeare Club’s Giant Spring Rummage Sale, May 11-13.

Local DAR members give back in many ways

Carol Bly El Dorado Chapter – DAR

The members of the El Dorado California Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution remained very active in spite of the long winter and delayed spring. Given the unpredictability of the weather, the flexibility of attending meetings online became more important than ever, ensuring the ongoing work of the chapter while using creative measures to continue to remain involved in community initiatives and partnerships that align with the National DAR goals of promoting historical preservation, education and patriotism. Working students is always an important part of the chapter’s annual activities. Led by the Community Classroom Committee Chair Margi Klein, local teachers continued to appreciate access to the chapter’s Colonial Traveling Trunks containing books, games and other resources that highlight colonial times. Through the work of the committee, the chapter also recently sponsored a bus ride for almost

100 Herbert Green fifthgraders on a trip to the FamilySearch Center, a community resource for genealogical groups and meetings, where the students learned about colonial manners. Costumed representatives from the El Dorado Chapter – DAR and the Mother Lode Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution added a feeling of authenticity to the lesson.

In addition, the El Dorado – DAR Chapter made several donations of clothing for homeless students at local schools, working in coordination with sta from the schools and the county.

Like chapters across the country, the El Dorado Chapter –DAR is committed to supporting our veterans through programs and volunteer assistance. The group’s recent activities have been widespread. In support of the many needs exacerbated by the weather, the chapter’s Service for Veterans Committee, chaired by Ann Chambers, provided coats in all requested sizes for the Mather Homeless Veteran Walk-in Clinic and Snowline Hospice, held a food drive resulting in pounds of

food delivered to the Food Bank of El Dorado County for its No Veteran Goes Hungry program and made direct donations to the Services to Veterans budget to benefit work with the No Veteran Goes Hungry and the Stand Down programs.

Placerville Stand Down, located in the Veterans Memorial Building in Palcerville, was flooded this winter. Continuing storms delayed the repair work and repairs are expected to be complete in late May or early this summer. In the meantime, Stand Down still o ers help for veterans. Clothing is being provided through vouchers issued by Stand Down to be used at Snowline Hospice thrift stores. The weather temporarily cleared for an important event that memorably honored veterans of the Vietnamera; the exhibition of The Wall That Heals, a replica of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C., that was recently on display at Rusch Park in Citrus Heights. The El Dorado Chapter members joined members from other DAR chapters, who worked together to assist the many visitors.

Members were also delighted to support the San Diego branch of the national Honor Flight program by sending birthday cards to veterans enrolled in the program and to those living in a retirement community, as well as sending 125 cards and letters to Honor Flight participants. The cards are opened midflight by the veterans as they are traveling to Washington, D.C., where they are received with a celebration to honor their service

to the country. Each trip includes time for veterans to visit and reflect at the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.

A highlight of each chapter meeting is provided by the American Indian Committee, under the leadership of Colleen Harrison, who regularly makes informative presentations about the history and contemporary issues of the Native American communities across Northern America. In addition, the chapter is committed to ongoing support of opportunities for Native American students. Harrison recently updated members regarding the chapter’s donations to assist students, sent to two schools that are supported

by the National DAR Association: Chemawa Indian School and Bacone College. These donations will be used to help students with program options and scholarships.

Final highlights of recent events included a tour of the U.S. Forest Service Placerville Nursery, where they cultivate and distribute millions of trees for reforestation projects in California. The tour, coordinated by California State DAR Regent Sharon Maas, included members from several chapters who enjoyed the presentation on the Penny Pines Conservation Project, which DAR has been supporting for more than 50 years.

The visit was a natural complement to the recent presentation by

California State Lineage Co-Chair Vicki Klein from the Sacramento Chapter – NSDAR, who made her presentation Finding Sierra Gold through the remarkable work of the Felix Gillet Institute in Nevada City. The institute, building upon the legacy of Felix Gillet, is known for its commitment to the “… preservation and propagation of edible and ornamental heirloom perennials from the Sierra.” Vicki presented the history and importance of this organization and its vision of the public’s understanding the importance of growing plants that have been proven to be successful in this area.

The El Dorado Chapter members

Courtesy photo

Readying warm jackets for distribution to veterans are El Dorado DAR Regent Sally Johns, left, and CA District II DAR Registrar Ann Chambers.

Tahoe college students getting new housing

Jeff Cowan Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

STATELINE Nev. — The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board has unanimously approved the Lake Tahoe Community College Student Housing Project, which will provide up to 100 students on-campus affordable housing.

TRPA and the city of South Lake Tahoe worked with LTCC to ensure the project could move forward this year, similar to the collaborative, allhands planning process that helped the 248-unit Sugar Pine Village affordable housing project break ground in record time in 2022.

“We commend the college for helping provide new affordable housing options to its students, whose educational pursuits are often thwarted by a lack of housing,” TRPA Executive Director Julie Regan said. “Solutions to the housing crisis in the Tahoe Region are coming from every direction and this project is a shining example of the kind of progress we can make when we work together.”

Environmental benefits of the LTCC project include reduction of vehicle trips to and from campus and heated sidewalks that reduce the need for snow removal equipment and de-icing. Very little additional parking was needed for the 100-bed project, largely due to the existing adjacent parking lot, trail and transit connectivity and on-campus services the college features. The college recently added an electric bus mobility hub on campus in partnership with the Tahoe Transportation District and Liberty Utilities and contributed to construction of the Dennis T. Machida Memorial Greenway Trail.

LTCC is one of just 11 California community colleges to receive state funding for housing projects under a new initiative to address housing affordability in communities throughout the state. The expedited permit process helped the college meet tight timelines required by the $39 million grant. The facility is expected to open to low-income students in 2025.

Barton nurse recognized for her exceptional care

Thea Hardy Barton Health

SOUTH LAKE

TAHOE — Diana Meza Cabrera, a registered nurse with Barton’s Surgical Services Department, was selected as a recipient of The DAISY Award for extraordinary nurses. The award is in recognition of the clinical skill and compassionate care nurses provide to create a superior experience for patients and their families.

Meza Cabrera was nominated by Kimberley Real, mother of a patient and colleague of Meza Cabrera, whose experience inspired her nomination:

“My 13-year-old son was brought to the Emergency Department for abdominal pain and was found to have an inflamed gallbladder that required surgery,” Real shared. “As a healthcare professional, I knew what this entailed but as a mom I felt like my mind went blank. Everything that I knew and studied went out the window in the moments he was wheeled to the preoperative area of the operating room.

“My son, who is very strong and hardly winces at pain, was scared and tearful as they were about to take him to the OR. This is where he was met by Diana. She stopped what she was doing, came over and provided him guidance, comfort and compassion as they were about to head to the OR,” he continued.

“Diana assured me she would take care of him as if he was her own.

She gave me a smile and her eyes assured me it

would be OK; I could let him go as I knew she would be there for him. Later that evening, I asked my son how it went and he said that all he could remember was waking up and seeing Diana smiling and still there for him. I am grateful that Diana was there for him when I could not be there and kept her promise of taking care of him as if he were her child.

Thank you, Diana, for being a caring, kind and compassionate nurse; you truly were the angel of my son’s dream.”

OR nurses specialize in peri-operative care for patients prior to, during and immediately after surgical procedures. A critical part of the surgical team, OR nurses have robust technical skills and strong interpersonal skills that inspire confidence and keep

patients calm and comfortable.

Meza Cabrera grew up in South Lake Tahoe and has been a nurse for seven years — a childhood dream of hers. “I’ve always enjoyed helping others. It comes naturally to me; many members of my family are healers as well,” said Meza Cabrera. “I love serving my community and being able to put my patients at ease during a scary and usually pretty vulnerable situation is something I take great pride in.”

Nurses may be nominated by patients and their families along with other staff and physicians and the award recipient is chosen anonymously by a committee at Barton Health. As a winner of The DAISY Award,

Courtesy photo

OR nurse Diana Meza Cabrera holds up her DAISY award after receiving the special recognition.

© 2014 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 30, No. 21

Vicki got a new sweater for Mother’s day. Her son Max chipped in $17.50. Her other son, Jacob, gave $15.00. Which sweater did they buy?

Make a Mother’s Day Coupon Book for Gifts of Time from you!

Circle every other letter for the answer.

You don’t have to spend money to tell mom how much you love her on Mother’s Day. The most precious gift for her is your time.

Create a a special Mother’s Day gift for your mom, aunt, stepmother, grandmother or other special woman you know. Follow the easy instructions below and then work on the activities together.

Cut out each coupon. Paste the coupons on a large piece of construction paper.

Cut out letters from today’s newspaper and use them to write a mystery note to your mother below:

This coupon is good for one hour of yard work.

This coupon is good for me cleaning my room without being asked.

Circle the flower that continues the pattern in each row.

Work together to draw a family portrait here:

Add photographs and/or draw a picture of you and your mom doing something together. Or, write a paragraph about a special memory the two of you share.

Luis wants to buy his mother some flowers. He has $1.00. Use the puzzle to figure out what each of the flowers costs. Then select some flowers that Luis can buy to make his mother a bouquet.

• • 5¢

Look through the newspaper for five or more adjectives that describe your mom (or a special lady in your life). Use these to write a poem or paragraph about her.

Mom, I know a person who thinks they’re an owl!

This coupon good for one breakfast in bed prepared by me. (I’ll clean up the mess in the kitchen, too!)

ANSWER: E (They spent $32.50).

Who? Now I know TWO people!

All About Mom

Write about a special day or a special experience you had with your mom (or another special lady in your life).

DAR Continued from B2 at 8 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit HarrisCenter.net.

May 9

Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts Culinary Herbs — From Garden to Gourmet, 9 a.m. to noon at the Pilot Hill Grange in Cool. Explore the herbs that grow well in the area, how to propagate and grow, when to harvest and how to preserve.

Enjoy solos and duos from the Main Street Collective FT Squid Sings Sad Songs (Jonathan Punturo), 8-10 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club, 251 Main St. in Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

May 10

Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts Controlling Weeds, 9 a.m. to noon at the Cameron Park Community Center. Learn about weeds commonly found in the home landscape, their culture and control strategies.

Pacific Crest Academy hosts Career Day, 10-11:30 a.m. at 6540 Koki Lane in El Dorado. Learn about different career opportunities and listen to presentations. For more information contact Carol Pesce at (530) 344-8790.

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

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts a Lake Forest Park Party, 5-7:30 p.m. Enjoy food, music and familyoriented activities and games at this free event. Be sure to bring your picnic blanket.

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business Builder Blender, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Western Tactical Uniform and Gear, 4505 Golden Foothill Parkway, Suite 4, in El Dorado Hills. Transatlantic Guitar Trio featuring Richard Smith, Joscho Stephan and Rory Hoffman perform 6-9 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club, 251 Main St. in Placerville. For tickets and more

information visit clubgreenroom.com.

May 11

Joe Nipper & Friends perform 8-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club, 251 Main St. in Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

See the National Geographic Live! Show featuring David Doubilet & Jennifer Hayes – Coral Kingdoms and Empires of Ice at 7:30 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit HarrisCenter.net.

May 12

Rosy Nolan and David Newbould perform 7-10 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club, 251 Main St. in Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Red Hawk Casino + Resort hosts live music at the Stage Bar, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Hear American Mile (country/ rock) May 12; Cougar Adams (classic rock) May 13; Powerplay (Top 40/dance) May 19; Get Down Tonight (‘80s dance) May 20; and Audioboxx (rock) May 26 & 27.

Smith Flat House in Placerville hosts a movie in the courtyard, “The Goonies,” at 8:30 p.m. For more information call (530) 6211003.

Martin Media Presents comedian and actor Felipe Esparza at 8 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit HarrisCenter.net.

May 13

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts a Nature Walk at Bass Lake, 9-11 a.m. Meet at the Sellwood Field parking lot, 3240 Bass Lake Road. All ages welcome to this free event. Bring water and comfortable shoes.

Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts Making Worms Work for You, 9 a.m. to noon at the Sherwood Demonstration

n See Know, page B6

were also intrigued by Sue Busenius’ presentation on American Women’s Fashions from 1890-1925. Busenius is a member of the Anne Loucks Chapter – NSDAR of Walnut Creek/ Contra Costa County and serves as a NSDAR museum correspondent docent. Richly embellishing her presentation with historical information and using images from the extensive National DAR collection, it was fascinating to see the dramatic way in which the evolution of styles in clothing coincided with the rapid shifts in the roles of women during the same time period.

The members of El Dorado Chapter of DAR take pleasure and pride in working together in alignment with National DAR objectives and in harmony with local community needs. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR visit DAR. org, and for more information about the El Dorado Chapter, or if you wish to learn about your Revolutionary War ancestors, contact chapter regent Sally Johns at ElDoradoCounty Regent@ yahoo.com.

Nurse Continued from B3

Meza Cabrera received a certificate, a DAISY Award pin and a sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, handcarved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. Awards are presented quarterly at celebrations often attended by the honoree’s colleagues, patients and visitors.

The DAISY Foundation is a nonprofit established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died in 1999 at age 33 from complications of an autoimmune disease (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System). The care Barnes and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses.

To learn more and nominate a nurse for The DAISY Award visit BartonHealth.org/Daisy.

El Dorado Irrigation District is seeking:

Administrative Technician Salary: $29.73 – $36.14 per hour

FFD: Open until filled.

First review of applications on May 15, 2023.

The Human Resources Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Administrative Technician in the Engineering Department.

Under general supervision performs a variety of highly responsible, complex and confidential administrative support functions for an assigned department; provides technical and administrative support in the preparation of correspondence, reports and other documentation; and assists with day-to-day administrative functions.

Know Continued from B5 Garden in Placerville. Join Master Gardeners Cindy Young and Dave Hale for this presentation on how to use hardworking friends of all gardeners, the worms. Learn how worms can rapidly break down kitchen waste to make worm compost, one of the best organic fertilizers possible.

The Mother Lode Lions Club will serve a pre-Mother’s Day Soup and Salad Lunch, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mother Lode Lions Hall, 4701 Missouri Flat Road, Diamond Springs. Admission is $10, with children 10 and younger $6. Tickets are in the Candy Shack. Cash at

the door will be accepted.

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce presents the annual Art, Beer & Wine Festival, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 13 & 14, featuring more than 80 artists and 25-plus wineries and craft breweries pouring for paid tastings both days. Admission is free and tasting kits can be purchased at eldoradohillsartfestival.org.

Cantare Chorale of the Sierra Foothills presents Invisible Stars, 6 p.m. at Foothills United Methodist Church in Rescue. For tickets and more details call (530) 957-4600 or visit cantarechorale.com.

Zach Waters Band performs 8 p.m. to midnight at The Green Room Social Club, 251 Main St. in Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

May 16

RepoRteR wanted

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

2890 Mosquito Road Placerville, CA 95667 Fax: (530) 622-1134

The Mountain Democrat and Village Life seek a general assignment reporter. Assignments will range from news coverage to features. Must have interviewing skills and photography experience and be able to meet deadlines. Knowledge of AP Style and Adobe Photoshop is a plus. Some evening and weekend work is required. Email résumé, writing and photography samples to Krysten Kellum at kkellum@mtdemocrat.net.

El Dorado County Fair and Events Center hosts a Hiring Fair at 10:30 a.m. and again at 5:30 p.m. in the fair’s board room on the fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive in Placerville. The fair is accepting applications in the fair office, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Download an application at eldoradocountyfair. org/employment.html or pick one up in the office. For more information call (530) 621-5860 or email Heather at heather@ eldoradocountyfair.org.

Continued from B1

President, concluded the award presentation by noting, “Our service clubs provide so much to our communities in various ways. We are thankful for our students’ commitment to service.” For more information regarding Placerville Kiwanis visit placervillekiwanis.org.

If you have experience performing custodial and general maintenance services and enjoy the beautiful outdoors, we currently have an amazing opportunity as a Maintenance Custodian at our Sly Park Conservation and Environmental Education Center near Pollock Pines.

Starting Hourly Rate: $20.47

Click here to apply today: http://www.edjo.in/1762538

For more information, contact Sacramento County Office of Education Personnel Dept. 916-228-2332

For a complete job description and the REQUIRED application, please visit our website at www.eid.org or call 530-642-4074. Solution

Solution

A Full, Fresh Menu Fit for a Brunch FeAst

FamIlY FeaTuReS

Birthdays, holidays or just casual Saturdays are all perfect excuses to enjoy brunch with your favorite people. Bringing everyone together with quiches, pastries, appetizers, desserts and more offers an easy way to kick back and relax on a warm weekend morning. These recipes for easy Brunch Quiche, Savory Cheese Balls and lemon Blueberry Trifle provide a full menu to feed your loved ones from start to finish, regardless of the occasion. Find more brunch inspiration by visiting Culinary.net.

A Savory Way to Start the Celebration

Serving up exquisite flavor doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen. You can bring the cheer and favorite tastes with simple appetizers that are equal measures delicious and visually appealing.

These Savory Cheese Balls are easy to make and perfect for get-togethers and brunch celebrations. Texture and color are the name of the game with this recipe, and the result is a beautiful array of red, gold and green, all on one plate.

To find more recipes fit for brunch, visit Culinary.net.

Savory Cheese Balls

Servings: 6-12

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese

2 tablespoons caraway seeds

1 teaspoon poppy seeds

2 cloves garlic, minced, divided

1/4 cup parsley, chopped

2 teaspoons thyme leaves, chopped

1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped

1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped

2 tablespoons pecans, chopped crackers (optional) fruit (optional)

vegetables (optional)

Savory Cheese Balls

Cut each cream cheese block into three squares. Roll each square into ball.

In small bowl, combine caraway seeds, poppy seeds and half the garlic.

In second small bowl, combine parsley, thyme, rosemary and remaining garlic.

In third small bowl, combine cranberries and pecans. Roll two cheese balls in seed mixture, two in herb mixture and two in cranberry mixture. Cut each ball in half and serve with crackers, fruit or vegetables, if desired.

Finish Brunch with a Light, Layered Treat

after enjoying eggs, bacon, French toast and pancakes or any other brunch combination you crave, it’s tough to top a fresh, fruity treat to round out the meal. Dish out a delicious dessert to cap off the morning and send guests out on a sweet note that’s perfectly light and airy.

The zesty zip of lemon curd in this lemon Blueberry Trifle brings out the sweetness of whipped cream made with Domino Golden Sugar, fresh blueberries and cubed pound cake for a vibrant, layered bite.

Plus, it’s a bright, beautiful centerpiece you can feel proud of as soon as guests try their first bite.

Find more dessert recipes fit for brunch and other favorite occasions at DominoSugar.com.

Lemon Blueberry Trifle

Prep time: 45 minutes

Servings: 8-10

Lemon Curd:

1 cup Domino Golden Sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

6 tablespoons water

1/4 teaspoon salt

6 egg yolks

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Say Goodbye to Basic Brunch

Heat oven to 350 F.

The same old brunch menu can become tiresome and dull. adding something new to the table with fresh ingredients and simple instructions can enhance your weekend spread and elevate brunch celebrations.

Try this easy Brunch Quiche that is sure to have your senses swirling with every bite. This quiche is layered with many tastes and a variety of ingredients to give it crave-worthy flavor, from broccoli and bacon to mushrooms, eggs and melty cheese. Visit Culinary.net to find more brunch recipes.

Easy Brunch Quiche

Serves: 12 1 package (10 ounces)

frozen broccoli with cheese

12 slices bacon, chopped

1/2 cup green onions, sliced

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

4 eggs

1 cup milk

1 1/2 cups shredded cheese, divided 2 frozen deep dish pie shells (9 inches each)

In medium bowl, add broccoli and cheese contents from package. microwave 5 minutes, or until cheese is saucy. Set aside.

In skillet, cook chopped bacon

4 minutes. add green onions; cook 2 minutes. add mushrooms; cook 4 minutes, or until bacon is completely cooked and mushrooms are tender. Drain onto paper towel over plate. Set aside.

In medium bowl, whisk eggs and milk until combined. add broccoli and cheese mixture. add 1 cup cheese. Stir to combine. Set aside.

In pie shells, divide drained bacon mixture evenly. Divide broccoli mixture evenly and pour over bacon mixture. Sprinkle remaining cheese over both pies. Bake 40 minutes. Cool at least 12 minutes before serving.

Note: To keep edges of crust from burning, place aluminum foil over pies for first 20 minutes of cook time. Remove after 20 minutes and allow to cook uncovered until completed.

Easy Brunch Quiche

Whipped Cream:

2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold

2 tablespoons Domino Golden Sugar

Trifle:

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 cup blueberry jam

12 ounces fresh blueberries, plus additional for garnish, divided

1 pound cake, cubed lemon slices, for garnish mint, for garnish

To make lemon curd: In medium saucepan, stir sugar and cornstarch. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, water and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and gradually stir in three egg yolks; mix well until combined. Stir in remaining egg yolks. Return to heat and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Stir in butter; mix until incorporated. Cover with plastic wrap, touching surface of lemon curd to prevent curd forming skin. Refrigerate until completely cool.

To make whipped cream: In large bowl, beat cream, sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Do not overbeat.

To make trifle: mix blueberry jam with 12 ounces fresh blueberries. Place one layer cubed pound cake in bottom of trifle dish. Top with layer of blueberries. add dollops of lemon curd and whipped cream. Repeat layering ending with whipped cream. Decorate trifle with lemon slices, fresh blueberries and mint.

Lemon Blueberry Trifle