Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Caldor Fire

Smiths’ pretrial date set

David Scott Smith of Somerset and his son Travis Shane Smith, a Folsom resident — the two men accused of igniting the Caldor Fire in 2021 — are set to make an appearance at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 22 & 23 in El Dorado County Superior Court Department 1. Lawyers estimate the preliminary hearing will take two days to complete. The hearing will be a review of the charges and available evidence, and will ultimately determine whether the case moves on to trial. A pre-pretrial date of Aug. 11 will confirm the preliminary hearing date.

n See SmitHS page A3

Supes update VHR ordinance

n

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors last week passed a motion to amend four elements within the vacation home rental ordinance and also approved the creation of an advisory committee to explore more potential adjustments.

The board held a two-hour discussion that included, among other things, complaints, the current cap on the amount of rentals, clustering in neighborhoods, occupancy limits and enforcement.

“We know that within our communities (VHRs) are disruptive,” said District 5 Supervisor Brooke Laine. “The public is anxious to be a part of this to build a better program.”

State Parks recreation sites will also have to push back opening dates with 3-6 feet of snow still on the ground.

Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park at Lake Tahoe

Forest Service expecting delayed openings at Tahoe

Lisa Herron USDA Forest Service

Spring conditions in the Lake Tahoe Basin have finally arrived but the epic winter will likely delay the official opening of many National Forest recreation sites including beaches, campgrounds, forest roads and trailheads.

“The Forest Service is aware of the public’s desire to access National Forest recreation sites as early as possible,” said Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit deputy forest supervisor Vicki Lankford. “We make every effort to open sites as soon as they are deemed safe for the public, we have adequate staffing on board and can ensure precious natural

resources will be protected.”

Before recreation sites can be fully opened to the public the Forest Service must complete seasonal hiring of crews and staff to manage sites, clean up from winter, remove safety hazards such as damaged trees and wait for the danger of a freeze to pass before turning on water systems for restrooms.

In a typical year, campgrounds, beaches, forest roads and trailheads start becoming accessible in mid-May. This year Forest Service officials note delays are unavoidable particularly in shaded areas such as Emerald Bay, north and west shores and

n See delayed page A6

The county has 827 permitted VHRs in the unincorporated areas of the Tahoe Basin, from Tahoma on the West Shore (109), to Meeks Bay to South Shore (718). The number of VHRs dropped below the cap of 900 in October 2021. There are 122 active permits on the West Slope, from the top of Echo Summit west through the county.

Brendan Ferry, the county’s deputy director of Tahoe planning and stormwater, gave the board a presentation on the state of the ordinance and possible amendments.

Possible amendments included compliance with the defensible space ordinance, reducing the VHR cap of 900 in the Tahoe Basin, increasing fine amounts for health and safety violations, modifying hosted rental requirements, including additional permit suspension options, enhancing enforcement and clarifying transient occupancy tax payment responsibility.

Of the suggested amendments, the board felt comfortable approving four items and felt others needed to be discussed before moving forward.

The approved items include compliance with the vegetation management ordinance, increasing fine amounts for health and safety violations, including additional permit suspension options and allowing the local contact to be decertified.

n See VHr ordinanCe, page A7

Odin Rasco

Staff writer

Photo by Brian Baer

Pictured is

in El Dorado County in April.

TrAviS ShAnE SmiTh DAviD SCoTT SmiTh

OBITUARIES

Obituaries on this page are written and paid for by the families or funeral homes. They are edited minimally by the Mountain Democrat. To submit an obituary, call (530) 622-1255, e-mail obits@mtdemocrat.net, fax (530) 344-5092, or visit mtdemocrat.com under “Submission Forms” at the bottom of the website. Include contact information with all submissions.

Peter Brown Wilkinson

Dec. 31, 1955 – Nov. 27, 2022

Peter “Pete” Brown Wilkinson, 66, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 27, 2022, from an enlarged heart. We find comfort in the fact that although he was taken from us too soon, he passed quickly.

Pete was born on December 31, 1955, in San Diego, California; he loved having a New Year’s Eve birthday; he always said, “There’s always a party that night!” He spent his childhood years in the San Diego area. While San Diego was a special place to grow up, he fell in love with Eugene, Oregon, when he moved to go to college and play baseball. The years spent in Eugene were some of his favorites. To know Pete was to know his love for the Oregon Ducks. After college, he moved to the Northern California area and began working for his brother’s pizza restaurants. It was there he met his wife and the mother of his children, Cindy. They were married in August 1980 and had 4 children; Meredith, Zach, Taylor, and Thaddeus. Pete was a very hands-on dad, happy to coach all their teams, cheer them on and share his life experiences. Pete’s enthusiasm for life was unmatched. Regardless of the situation, he was just happy to be in the presence of his family, friends, and even strangers. He will be missed by Cindy, Meredith (Nate), Zach, Taylor, Thaddeus, Granddaughters (Mabel, Hadley, and Eloise), Sister Susan Hall, Brother Steve (Cathy) Wilkinson, many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, and his ever faithful four-legged friend, Ruger. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Anne Wilkinson, and brother-in-law Joe Hall. A Celebration of Life will be held in El Dorado Hills, Calif. on June 10, 2023. If you would like celebration details, please email PeteWilkinsonService@gmail.com.

Phillip Dean Caldwell

March 29, 1950 – April 23, 2023

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Phillip Dean Caldwell of Placerville, California on April 23, 2023, at the age of 73 years.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend of 25 years, Kristina; his son Phillip Derek (Lesly); and daughter-in-law Sarah; grandchildren: Erica (Justin), Alayna, and Ryan; great-grandchildren: Scott and Madison; brother: Ralph Caldwell; sisters: Teresa Levi (Steve) and Vicky Pitt; as well as numerous other relatives and multitudes of friends.

He was predeceased by his son Gregory; brother Floyd Michael; and his parents Floyd and Ruth.

Phillip “Dean” was born into a loving family in Pikeville, Kentucky. Later he moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan, which would become his home for over forty years. There he became a master auto mechanic and was known as the “Dean of Mechanics.” He then became a heroic firefighter, rising to the rank of Captain of Ypsilanti Township Fire Department’s Shift 2. For twenty-five years he served the people of Ypsilanti and especially the young people who needed his help and guidance. He taught thousands of children about fire safety and burn prevention at the National Institute for Burn Medicine. He was also a pioneer in the juvenile firesetter program. He worked with many children and trained personnel across the United States. After his retirement, he and his wife moved to California, where he lived the rest of his days. He accompanied his wife to Abu Dhabi where they lived for two years. They traveled the world from there and made many lasting memories together. Dean had many friends due to his easy-going spirit and infectious sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by many.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in the name of Phillip Dean Caldwell to the Firefighters Burn Institute, 3131 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95820, or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD, 21741.

The family would like to send a special thank you to the sta at Marshall Hospital for their care and compassion.

Vernon E. Thiessen

Oct. 23, 1928 – May 1, 2023

Vernon E. Thiessen went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, May 1st, at the age of 94. He died from complications of pulmonary fibrosis. He was lovingly cared for in his last months by his daughter, Claudia Lewis, and her husband Mark.

Vernon was born in Fresno, CA on October 23, 1928 to Arthur and Grace (Ontjes) Thiessen. At the age of 21, he married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Gardner. They were blessed with 4 children, Mark, Craig, Claudia and Cindy. Vern & Barbara had 60 wonderful years together until Barbara passed away in 2010.

Vernon served in the Army on active duty from 1950-1952. He was then in the Army Reserve until 1956. Vern worked for Pacific Bell until his retirement. Vern could build or fix almost anything and also seemed to remember everything. His family often said that he remembered being in the womb and, if you ever asked him what time it was, he would likely tell you how the watch worked.

Vernon was predeceased by his wife, Barbara, in 2010 and by two of his siblings, James Thiessen in 2006 and Lotus Stoops in 2022. Vernon is survived by two siblings, Wynn Lancaster and Artie DesJardin, his four children and their spouses, Mark (Stacia) Thiessen, Craig (Andrea) Thiessen, Claudia (Mark) Lewis and Cindy (Guy) McRoskey, 12 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Phil. 1:21

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.

McClintock staff holding office hours in

Placerville

Congressman Tom McClintock’s sta has scheduled district o ce hours in Placerville

Wednesday, May 10.

The congressman’s field representatives will be available to discuss issues and concerns at the district or national level, as well as di culties constituents may be experiencing with a federal agency. District o ce hours will be held from 2-3 p.m. at the El Dorado County Government Center, in Conference Room A, 330 Fair Lane in Placerville.

CRIME LOG

The following is taken from Placerville Police Department logs:

April 27

6 p.m. Officers arrested a 44-year-old man who had an outstanding warrant on Fair Lane.

7:45 p.m. Officers arrested a 33-year-old man on suspicion of trespassing on Cold Springs Road.

8:59 p.m. Officers arrested a 20-year-old man on suspicion of assault on Highway 50.

April 28

12:30 a.m. Officers responded to a Schnell School Road residence after receiving a complaint that a resident was continuously slamming the front door.

2:53 a.m. Officers followed a vehicle driven erratically to a Bedford Avenue residence and determined the 75-year-old resident was confused. They issued a driver re-evaluation notice.

9:13 a.m. Officers arrested a 25-year-old man on suspicion of driving on a suspended license on Broadway.

2:58 p.m. Officers booked into jail a 39-year-old man suspected of a felony parole violation on Main Street.

7:48 p.m. Officers cited a 38-year-old man on suspicion of possession of illegal drug

weather

paraphernalia on Placerville Drive.

11:09 p.m. Officers arrested a 53-year-old man who had an outstanding warrant on Broadway.

April 29

5:24 p.m. Officers arrested a 45-year-old woman suspected of biting a police officer and striking a firefighter on Locust Avenue.

April 30

9:41 a.m. Residential burglary was reported on Debbie Lane.

10:20 a.m. Officers arrested a 54-year-old man on suspicion of public intoxication on Broadway. He was released to Marshall Hospital for care.

7:07 p.m. Officers arrested a 34-year-old man allegedly under the influence of alcohol and marijuana on Broadway for an out-of-county warrant.

May 1

12:04 a.m. Officers booked into jail a 21-year-old man suspected of DUI on Placerville Drive.

May 2 2:36 p.m. Officer confiscated a paintball gun from a person on Fair Lane.

May 3

5:07 p.m. Theft was reported at a store on Placerville Drive.

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. Of

Mountain Democrat

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Mayberry sworn in as superior court judge

Tahoe Daily Tribune

South Lake Tahoe’s Leanne K. Mayberry is the newest El Dorado County Superior Court judge.

Mayberry was appointed to the position March 30 by Gov. Gavin Newsom and was sworn in Friday, May 5. She will fill the vacancy left by the retirement of the Honorable Suzanne N. Kingsbury.

The appointment came after having served as a court research attorney with the El Dorado County Superior Court in South Lake Tahoe since 2012. In this role Mayberry also served as a temporary judge handling traffic and small claims matters. She previously served as a deputy county

counsel in Nevada County from 2004 to 2011, handling matters involving juvenile dependency, juvenile dependency appeals and writs, LPS conservatorships, public guardian, adult protective services, behavioral health, auditor-controller, and the civil grand jury, amongst other assignments.

From 2002 to 2004 Mayberry served as a law clerk to the Honorable James K. Singleton, Jr., for the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska and in 2002 as a law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.

Mayberry earned her juris doctor degree from Northeastern University School of Law in 2001 and her

bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College in 1996, where she was a member of the Wellesley College Shakespeare Society.

Mayberry grew up as the youngest of five children in Anchorage, Alaska, where her father was stationed with the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and her maternal grandmother as well as great aunts and uncles attended boarding school at the Chilocco Indian Agricultural School in Oklahoma. She has been active in the community as a volunteer with Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care.

Presiding Judge Vicki Ashworth has assigned Mayberry to Department 4 in South Lake Tahoe, where she will hear a variety of

matters including civil, probate, family law, juvenile dependency and delinquency and unlawful detainers. For more information visit the court’s website at eldorado.courts. ca.gov.

Alvarado-Gil announces $29M in forest health funds

News release

Sen. Alvarado-Gil has helped to secure $29 million through Cal Fire for several wildfirerelated projects throughout Senate District 4, according to a news release. These investments aim to help regions devastated by wildfires in the past and support various initiatives toward wildfire prevention.

The projects include e orts to help with recovery and reforestation growth in areas impacted by the Rim, Caldor and Mosquito fires. The treated areas will be resilient to natural disturbances, fostering long-term carbon sequestration, timber products, healthy watersheds and a forest-dependent wildlife habitat.

Additionally, funds were awarded to the American River Conservancy and Upper Mokelumne River Watershed Authority to help reduce fuel and implement ecological forestry management.

“We must continue to support wildfire recovery in areas that recent fires have impacted and take the lessons learned to bolster investments in prevention e orts through proper forestry management,” states Alvarado-Gil.

Upper Mokelumne River Watershed Authority Executive Director Richard Sykes expressed his gratitude. “We are extremely grateful to Sen. Alvarado-Gil for her support and dedication in ensuring we receive the much-needed funding to reduce excess surface fuels in our watershed.”

In El Dorado County almost $7 million will go toward forest projects in the Upper Mokelumne, just over $3 million toward American River Conservancy’s South Fork of the American River restoration project, more than $4 million for California Forestry Association Caldor Fire recovery and almost $2 million to recover research and demonstration capacity following wildfires at University of California research forests.

Roadside hazards targeted in Eldorado National Forest

USDA Forest Service

The Eldorado National Forest is beginning implementation of its Roadside Hazard Tree Mitigation Project. This project is designed to reduce safety hazards along the 2,461 miles of National Forest System roads, including 116 miles of state, local and private roads in Alpine, Amador, El Dorado and Placer counties.

The project aims to ensure the integrity of NFS roads and improve safety for the public, Forest Service sta , firefighters, emergency response personnel, law enforcement, private landowners, contractors, special use permit holders and others.

More than 1,200 miles of the roadways to be attended to are designated for high-clearance vehicles.

Trees that have been killed or damaged by a fire, as well as those a ected by insects, disease, drought or other stressors may become unstable and more likely to fall, particularly in high winds or other adverse weather conditions. This project’s goal to identify and remove those hazardous trees within striking distance of roads is a proactive approach to reducing the risk of accidents, injuries and damage to roads.

The project’s scope is to identify, fell and remove hazardous trees that are at risk of striking a road within a bu er area of 200 feet from the edges of NFS maintenance level 1 through level 5 roads, as

Smiths Continued from A1

The May 5 pre-pretrial was not without some jockeying between the defense and prosecution. An order to compel that had been issued to the defense, requiring them to provide the names, references and summaries of anticipated testimony of any expert witnesses, was given a deadline of mid-April, which the defense did not meet. The defense argued, as the preliminary hearing date that had initially been set for May had been vacated, the timing requirement was not binding.

Judge Vicki Ashworth noted the request was unusual for a preliminary hearing, as it was not an actual trial, but emphasized the need to adhere

Dr.

RECOMMENDED MOUTHWASHES

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efficacy. The best way to zero in on a mouthwash is probably through trial and error. Considering the abundance of products on the market today, we’ll be happy to make recommendations so that you can make an informed decision. Since patient education is an important part of our practice, we’re always ready to answer your questions about dental care. Please call us if you are concerned about any aspect of your dental health or if you would like to make an appointment.

P.S. Some toothpastes contain ingredients like calcium chloride that bond with fluoride ions, making mouthwash less effective. In these cases, you can rinse with mouthwash before brushing or with water after brushing, just before using mouthwash.

well as identified state, county, local and private roads through NFS lands.

Not all roads within the project area will be treated and roads within designated wilderness areas are not included in the project scope.

“The Eldorado National Forest’s Roadside Hazard Tree Mitigation Project was designed to increase the resilience of the forest to a range of environmental threats, not just wildfires. By removing hazardous trees that could pose a risk to public safety and infrastructure, the project aims to reduce the impact of future wildfires and other natural disasters,” said Forest Supervisor Joseph Stout.

Treatment of lower maintenance level roads will be based on various factors, including administrative needs, permittee needs, access needs for utilities and other uses. The project will use a variety of methods to remove the hazardous trees within the designated bu er area. These methods may include mechanical removal and piling, hand removal and hand piling, mastication, towed or in-wood chipping and pile burning.

The project is conducted in phases and the first phase will focus on 231 miles of roads within the Caldor Fire footprint.

This phase of the project is expected to last two to three years, indicating that it is a significant undertaking. Information on each phase of the project will be shared with the public prior to work being started.

to the limits set, placing a deadline of Aug. 8 for the defense to provide the requested information.

“I don’t want any kind of gamesmanship here; this is a very serious case,” Ashworth emphasized.

The Smiths were identified as the potential fire-starters by the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office in 2021. David and Travis have both been charged with recklessly setting the fire that would go on to burn 221,835 acres, causing structures, forest land and personal property to be consumed by flames and also causing great bodily injury to multiple people. The charges are subject to an enhancement

due to the extent of structure damage and injuries caused.

The pair additionally received a felony charge for possession of a suppressor for firearms between Aug. 11 and Sept. 23, 2021. Travis also faces a felony charge for reportedly intentionally and illegally converting a firearm to a machine gun or manufacturing a machine gun some time between Aug. 9 and Aug. 14, 2021.

Both men entered not guilty pleas to all counts at their arraignment in December 2021. The father and son are currently out on bond; their initial bails had been set at $1 million each but were lowered to $25,000 for David and $50,000 for Travis in late December 2021.

Courtesy photo

Presiding Judge Vicki Ashworth swears in new El Dorado County Superior Court Department 4 Judge Leanne Mayberry May 5.

California Matters

When California laws go too far, the courts intervene

Early explorers believed California to be an island and while its physical attachment to the rest of North America eventually became evident, it nevertheless has sought to forge an island-like cultural and political identity — a “nation-state” in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s description.

There are, however, limits. Legally, California is still just one of 50 states and thus is subject to federal law, including the U.S. Constitution.

California politicians sometimes ignore that basic fact of civic life in their zeal to lead the parade. But when they cross the legal line, as defined in federal law, they get their comeuppance.

Letters to the Editor

This one’s for you, Daddy EDITOR:

Ican’t believe there is a whole class (did I say class?) of men devoted to the elimination of abortion, even birth control, who have nothing to do with the medical profession.

SUMMARY

For instance, the federal appeals court that oversees California recently overturned an ordinance passed by city leaders in Berkeley, one of the state’s more adventuresome jurisdictions, to ban natural gas service in newly constructed buildings.

I can’t believe these sheep in suits are discussing women’s bodies unselfconsciously in public when they can spare time from insider trading. I suppose they have been involved somehow in a conception, theirs or someone else’s — involved but not involved. They don’t impress me as lovers of children particularly.

of flooding in these homes and neighborhoods devastated this year. Mr. Barry has said they have done some planning regarding flooding of the pond, but TTLC has not presented any plans or information to the community to address our serious flooding concerns. They will need to prove that to the families whose lives were disrupted by flooding this winter.

Roads near the proposed development in Cameron Park. including Cameron Park Drive and Meder Road, already experience lots of gridlock, tra c accidents and congestion. The construction of 161 houses nearby will only exacerbate this problem. I would like to see TTLC explain to the community how it plans to deal with this issue.

U.S.

The 2020 ordinance, cheered by environmentalists as a gesture to reduce greenhouse gases, was challenged by the California Restaurant Association for violating federal authority to set energy e ciency standards.

A federal trial judge upheld the ordinance but the 9th District Court of Appeals declared that federal law did, indeed, preempt the issue so Berkeley could not strike it out on its own.

California’s governors and legislators are also prone to enacting new laws that run afoul of the U.S. Constitution, federal law or, in some cases, the state’s own constitution.

Chris Micheli, a lobbyist who is also a student of legislative procedure and teaches at the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law, has assembled a lengthy list of legislative decrees that later fared poorly in the courts.

They include such recent laws as those mandating female and members of “unrepresented communities” on corporate boards and prohibiting doctors from making politically incorrect statements about COVID-19.

One entire class of California laws, those imposing sometimes unique restrictions on private gun ownership, has fallen prey to constitutional challenges in recent months thanks to the U.S. Supreme Court’s expansive

■ See WALTERS, page A5

And, by the way, I wish the schools would publish the supposedly o ensive material they are using in biology class so we could all be horrified. Also, the great literature that made me, me — that must now be squelched.

My father was a trial lawyer (negligence) in the New York Supreme Court. The judges were appointed and he had a lot of trouble with their integrity. Once he invited the judge he was appearing before to step out into the alley with him. My mother said Daddy tried cases with his hands in his suit pockets, his hands in fists. He lived to take care of her and us children. I am glad he is dead. He would have been out of his element now. My father was a man.

ELIZABETH CAFFREY Placerville

Developer falling short on information

EDITOR:

Thank you for your thoughtful and wellbalanced article about the proposed development in the area near and around Rasmussen Pond and the Pine Hill Preserve in Cameron Park.

As a Cameron Park resident, the proposed development has left me and members of our community with some major concerns. The developer, TTLC and Aidan Barry have left a lot of unanswered questions they need to address.

This winter many houses and neighborhoods in Cameron Park experienced significant damage from flooding that originated from overflows in the drainage system in and near the vicinity of the Rasmussen Pond area. The construction of 161 houses is likely to massively increase the likelihood

The Pine Hill Preserve adjacent to Rasmussen Pond is home to rare and endangered plant species. Community members have long used the Rasmussen Pond area for recreation and have documented — producing photographic evidence — that these species also live on the parcel TTLC is planning on developing. TTLC has not addressed these specific concerns raised by the community nor have they conclusively proven development will not destroy this precious habitat or kill protected plant species. TTLC owes it to the community to explain how it plans to protect our precious wildlife and recreation areas.

El Dorado County desperately needs more a ordable housing, but the houses TTLC plans to build won’t provide us with that. Instead, more of our county’s natural treasures and rural character will be destroyed by Bay Area developers. This new development promises to bring in more Bay Area refugees and contribute to the housing a ordability crisis and continued displacement of low- and middle-income families who call Cameron Park home.

The burden of proof is on TTLC to show the community that their development will not create more flooding, contribute to our housing crises, lead to tra c disasters or destroy our precious wildlife. Nothing that Mr. Barry or TTLC has presented in the Mountain Democrat article has proven any of these points.

There is plenty of land in Folsom for Bay Area and LA developers to build more generic, beige subdivisions of una ordable houses. Cameron Park is a special place to live and we must do everything we can to keep it that way.

Message from EID Customer investment makes EID’s system resilient, secure

As we head through spring toward summer, El Dorado Irrigation District’s water situation has strengthened as we have experienced record-breaking snowfall in the Sierra Nevada. The Sierra snowpack is our largest “reservoir” and this year’s snowpack is impressive. So much so that Gov. Newsom ended some water restrictions in late March. At its April 24 meeting the EID Board of Directors approved ending the district’s Stage 1 Water Alert, which had previously requested 15% voluntary conservation from customers.

I would like to thank our customers and community for their positive e orts and the overall excellent response to the call for voluntary reduction in water use during the water alert.

In previous columns I have focused

some attention on large capital improvement program projects like the replacement of the Silver Lake Dam and the need to keep up with recoating or rehabilitating some three dozen drinking water tanks throughout the district’s service area.

For this column I would like to turn to flume replacement. Flumes, aboveground water conveyances, are a part of EID’s 22-mile-long canal and flume system. Approximately onethird of EID’s water supply flows through them. Each year we invest several million dollars to strengthen and make more resilient these vital arteries.

The Caldor Fire showed how vulnerable wood-constructed flumes can be — a common building material employed across California’s gold country for over a century and still in use today. Four flumes were destroyed during that intense fire in 2021 and,

as a result, the district has redoubled its e orts to replace this important infrastructure with more resilient concrete flumes.

EID implements a robust CIP that includes various projects and initiatives aimed at upgrading and maintaining infrastructure, increasing operational e ciency and meeting regulatory requirements. The CIP is a long-term plan that outlines projects and initiatives over a five-year period, with annual updates and revisions to ensure the district’s needs are met.

One such project on our horizon is the replacement of 3,339 feet of EID’s Flume 46. This wooden flume is located in hard-to-access terrain east of Placerville perched above Highway 50. In terrain like this, with few access roads, helicopters are the only means of bringing in materials so we are looking for more economic alternatives. But even those are

expensive. Flume 46 is anticipated to cost $30 million.

While the CIP is an essential component in ensuring reliable service, it requires significant funding to implement. EID funds its CIP through a combination of sources, including grants, loans and rates. Rates are necessary to provide su cient revenue to fund capital projects, operations and maintenance costs. Rates are based on the actual cost of providing service and EID’s board approves them after a thorough review of the district’s finances and operational needs.

As many across our service area know, inflation has had a significant impact on a wide variety of materials and services and has begun to impact our ability to pay for needed projects without adjusting rates.

■ See ABERCROMBIE, page A5

RYAN SKAGGS Cameron Park

California politicians are fond of enacting groundbreaking laws, but sometimes they go too far and violate federal laws, including the

Constitution.

The district and its employees know the impact of rate adjustments; the vast majority of us live and work in the communities we serve.

DAN WALTERS

JIM ABERCROMBIE

EID, like other public utilities, funds most of its operations through direct rates or charges for services provided. The rate, or fee, is established by the agency and, under state law, must be reasonable and directly reflect the cost of providing that service. With costs rising, we must again have a close look at how current rates must change to reflect our ongoing service needs. In light of that, the district has initiated a cost of service study to evaluate its rates.

The study, which is led by outside experts with direction from EID directors and staff, will help us refine proposed rate adjustments that will be outlined in the Proposition 218 process later this year. We will continue to provide information to our customers about why these rate changes are needed and where we will invest the funds. In the Proposition 218 notice, which will be mailed to all customers, we will also detail how each customer rate class will be affected.

The district and its employees know the impact of rate adjustments; the vast majority of us live and work in the communities we serve. We also see, every day, the need to repair and replace the facilities we all rely on around the clock.

We are committed to using our customers’ investments carefully and transparently. The facilities that bring water from high in the Sierra, as well as the pipelines that connect our vast infrastructure and the plants and other facilities that allow us to deliver safe and reliable service, will benefit from our customers’ investment.

Using an average asset life of about 50 years, EID

needs to plan to replace/rebuild approximately 2% of its assets annually. Oftentimes sewer line and emergency water pipe repairs must take priority when they occur. However, with careful planning and vigilance in preparing a reasonable and efficient capital improvement program, the district can ensure the community’s water, sewer and recycled water system are in safe working order.

When we invest in the (mostly) unseen infrastructure that provides safe and reliable drinking water, collects and treats wastewater from homes and businesses and treats and distributes recycled water, the district is helping to strengthen this community infrastructure to last for our grandchildren’s grandchildren and beyond.

What can we do to pay for these needed projects?

Utilities like EID can increase rates sufficiently to pay cash up-front for projects as they are needed and we do this to a degree already but, as you can imagine, rates would go up exponentially if EID chose to pay for everything this way. Instead we obtain bonds (loans) similar to how a home mortgage is secured and carefully and methodically pay off the costs over time.

It is not equitable for current ratepayers to bear the full cost of facilities and infrastructure that will benefit multiple generations. Using bonds allows future customers to pay their portion, along with accumulated interest, once they connect to the system.

Some customers may ask if we can delay construction projects. While it would lower the debt

burden, it would also lower the service reliability — something no one wants. We know many years of delayed reinvestment in the system can (and has) affected the community negatively in terms of unreliable service and decaying infrastructure.

No one wants to find our community facing public health and safety challenges like inadequate fire protection and drinking water quality or unreliable service. My commitment and conviction is to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Public safety — safe and reliable drinking water and protecting public health and the environment through effective wastewater collection and treatment — is EID’s top concern at all times and we simply cannot compromise.

Jim Abercrombie is EID’s general manager.

Walters Continued from A4 interpretations of the constitutional right to bear arms.

While gun organizations have been challenging California’s array of gun control laws for years, the Supreme Court’s landmark Bruen decision last year, invalidating New York’s almost total ban on the carrying of personal weapons, opened the door. One by one, California’s laws are being invalidated.

Just last month, for instance, a federal judge in Southern California overturned the state’s law prohibiting the sale of handguns that don’t meet stringent — and technically unworkable — safety requirements, declaring that it runs afoul of the Bruen decision.

Even before the Bruen decision, a San Diego federal judge, Roger Benitez, had tossed out California’s ban on magazines holding more than 10 rounds, the state’s ban on assault rifles and a law requiring background checks for ammunition purchases.

Another law that fell recently was one dreamed up by Newsom and the Legislature as a symbolic stunt — authorizing lawsuits against some gun manufacturers with conditions that made defense almost impossible. It was patterned after a Texas law making it easier to sue those who performed abortions and Attorney General Rob Bonta didn’t even try to defend it when the inevitable lawsuit challenged it.

Undeterred by the serial invalidation of California gun laws, Newsom and legislators are working on another measure that, they say, would fit within the constraints of the Bruen decision. Senate Bill 2 would create new standards for the issuance of concealed weapons permits and list a number of new places where carrying weapons would be prohibited, even by those having permits.

Whatever emerges from this year’s session would face new legal challenges, and given the state’s recent record, would also likely be shot down in court.

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

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)621-6304 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

Forest Forum to visit Cal Fire reforestation center

Amador-El Dorado Forest Forum

With the heavy snowfall this winter, Amador-El Dorado Forest Forum organizers decided to take the annual spring

field tour in a different direction. Forest Forum President Robert Little arranged for the group to take a May 20 of tour Cal Fire’s L.A. Moran Reforestation Center in

Davis.

The tour will visit the facility’s greenhouses, cold storage and seed processing areas. Attendees will hear about the staff and their various

2nd Annual Forebay Golf Classic First Place Team – $500 Second Place Team – $250

Date: Saturday, June 3rd

Location: Apple Mountain Golf Resort

Registration: 8 AM ~ Tee Time: 9 AM

Cost: $125 including green fees, BBQ lunch, golf cart, warm up balls, scorekeeping

A Hole in One on the DESIGNATED HOLE = A BRAND NEW CAR

generously sponsored by

REGISTRATION FORM for Golf Tournament – June 3, 2023

16" x20" sponsor sign displayed at a tee with your Logo – $250.00 per sign

24" x 36"sponsor sign displayed in lunch area – you provide banner –$500.00 per sign

Name(s):

Phone number:

Email address:

15' - 20' sponsor banner at event entrance – you provide banner –$1000.00 per banner

I would like to volunteer at this event and possibly future events

I would like to donate a raf e/door prize

Please mail Donations and Forms to: Pollock Pines Playground Fund

c/o: Community Economic Development Association Of Pollock Pines

Attn: Laura Hutchinson P.O. Box 424, Pollock Pines,CA. 95726 (707) 349-2171

CEDAPP is a non-pro t 501(c) (3) organization working hard for the community of Pollock Pines since 2007

Your Donations are Tax Deductible!

jobs, the cycle of work through a typical year, production numbers, species grown and various programs or partners served by the nursery. The tour will wrap up with the one to three-year outlook and goals for the nursery.

The Forest Forum will meet in Shingle Springs Saturday, May 20, at 8:30 a.m. at the Park and Ride Ponderosa West, Highway 50 and Ponderosa Road, across from the Subaru dealership. The address is 4184 Wild Chaparral Drive. Carpools will be formed to depart at 8:45 and caravan to Davis with a 9:30 arrival time.

Anyone coming from Amador County who wants to find a more convenient place to meet up with others from Amador, should let Amador-El Dorado Forest Forum organizers know. Those interested in meeting up at the reforestation center are asked to be there by 9:30 a.m. The address is 5800 Chiles Road in Davis.

Interested participants in the spring tour should reply, text or call to RSVP

While Cal Fire’s Reforestation Services Program was able to support requests for 225,000 seedlings in 2023, Cal Fire expects to expand facilities in the years to come to provide upwards of 1 million seedlings annually.

by 5 p.m. Thursday, May 11. Let Amador-El Dorado Forest Forum

Diane Dealey Neill know if able to drive others or if preference is to ride with someone.

Those who can’t make the May 20 tour have another opportunity to go

Delayed Continued from A1

higher elevations. Snow in these areas will take longer to melt and there is always the possibility they may receive additional snow. Sunny areas such as the east and south shores usually melt out earlier, but some delays are still possible. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center and Tallac Historic Site are scheduled to open around Memorial Day.

Backcountry and wilderness access will also be a challenge this year. Visitors to these areas are urged to plan ahead for limited parking, snow and ice on trails and always

Thank You For Voting Us Best Breakfast!

behind the scenes of the L.A. Moran Reforestation Center as it is holding an open house Wednesday, May 17, 9 a.m. to noon. Invited guests and speakers include executive leadership from

n See Cal Fire page A7

be prepared with proper knowledge, equipment, clothing and footwear. Until sites officially open, there is no parking, trash removal or restroom facilities available. Forest visitors are asked to do their part and pack out all trash and where pets are allowed clean up after them. Where gates are still closed visitors should park vehicles completely off the roadway, avoid parking on vegetation and not block the gates. View estimated LTBMU recreation site opening dates at bit.ly/ LTBMUopenings.

“Come for the food, stay for the mimosas!”

, how could you not have a great time at the Dedier family restaurant, The Mimosa House? If you think choosing from more than 100 different varieties of mimosas is hard, try deciding which delicious item to order from the vast menu! Try a delicious breakfast or lunch starter of Toasties (French donuts covered in powdered sugar) before indulging in another decadent treat, the Island Crepe, filled with flambéed bananas, shredded coconut,

macadamia nuts and caramel.

The breakfast menu also includes more than 20 omelets, 9 eggs Benedict options, plus tasty south-of-the-border food. For a more traditional lunch, check out the updated menu featuring an array of burgers, go to handhelds like their Club Sandwich and the Taco

Truck section with a good variety of tacos, including tons of meat options. family.

We invite you to come on down, get lost in our endless options, treat yourself to THE Mimosa House Experience, and let us celebrate you becoming a part of our

2022

Courtesy photos Cal Fire staff at the reforestation facility in Davis grow California’s native conifers from seed.

NOw iN BUSiNESS Clean & Complete Cleaning

Owner: Patricia Bist

Opening date: April 12

Services offered:

Patricia Bist has launched Clean & Complete Cleaning, a new small business for house and office cleanings. Whether a one-time deep clean or regular cleaning service, Bist would “love to have the opportunity to help make it that much easier on you.” Clean & Complete Cleaning also offers janitorial services. The business is based in Placerville, serving El Dorado County and surrounding areas.

Contact: (530) 919-5344

Cleanandcompletecleaning@gmail.com

Cal Fire Continued from A6

Cal Fire, collaborators from partnering organizations, industry leaders, research specialists and more.

The open house will recognize the 100-plus year history of the L.A. Moran Reforestation Center while looking ahead with presentations and posters

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

Patricia Bist

expected to highlight notable projects in the works, production statistics and insights into the 2023 statewide assessment of seed needs and cone season outlook. RSVP for the open house at bit.ly/ LAMORANopenhouse.

VHR Ordinance Continued from

Other items will be discussed through an advisory committee that will be established by Laine, who will be the single decision maker. The committee will include staff and stakeholders.

One item Laine will be sure to bring up is enforcement. She mentioned during the meeting that VHRs may be the biggest problem in the Tahoe Basin right now and suggested the transient occupancy tax, which voters in November approved raising from 10% to 14%, might be an option to cover code enforcement. She said there is one code enforcement officer for the Tahoe Basin who doesn’t work weekends, when most complaints are received.

In 2022 there were 212 reported complaints, which supervisors

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

A1

felt may be under reported, and 97 code cases cited, including 15 administrative, 42 for noise, two for occupancy, seven for signs and 31 for being unpermitted.

Fines collected for 71 cases in 2022 totaled $36,250. The other cases were not settled in 2022 and those numbers will go toward this year’s totals.

The county may do away with the cap restriction as the 500-foot buffer around rentals has thinned out rentals and eliminated clustering in neighborhoods. There is a big waitlist, including 166 from Meeks Bay to South Shore, 34 in Tahoma and 13 on the West Slope.

The board and county staff also feel that hosted rental requirements need to be “tightened up,” said Ferry. Currently there are 95 in the county.

Rattlesnake Avoidance For Dogs

Each dog is individually trained with live rattlesnakes and is personally trained by staff from HIGH ON KENNELS. Sponsored By Hangtown Kennel Club Of Placerville, CA, Inc. with assistance from Dalmatian Club of No. CA

June 24–25, 2023

You’ll be at the clinic site approximately 40 minutes

Cost $90 Per Dog

CONTACT: CATHY KEELER — 530-622-6909 www.highonkennels.com

Proceedssupportsenior

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Relationships knit together with shared experiences, not a shared point of view. Each has a different version of the story, and it will be fun to listen, compare and contrast them all.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’re in charge of your own agenda. Don’t drive yourself too hard. You’ll be more productive when you make a loose plan and give yourself the flexibility that comes from a long list of options.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The reason you get to be in your current position is because you’ve earned it. So, while you feel lucky, don’t forget the hard work that was essential to your journey. There’s more of that ahead.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). If you can’t think of what to say, don’t worry. Silence is golden, especially when it’s infused with the simple intention to honor the other person. Timing, intuition and kismet are working in your favor.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You will become more powerful, but not through sources outside yourself. For this reason, it makes no sense to seek power, only to grow it. Let go of unnecessary baggage, plug energy drains and committing to training.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Check in with yourself about the dynamics of a relationship. Is there balance?

Is anyone on a pedestal? Bring it all back down to earth.

Healthy relationships are like art -- you have to draw the line someplace.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’ll deal in gray areas.

Instead of thinking in terms of wrong and right, consider what ideas are helpful or not. Mentally untie yourself from ideas that aren’t useful. What you thought was inevitable is actually just one possibility.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Love is knowing specifically what makes a person special. You take the time to know precisely what makes a person unique. To recognize those qualities when it matters is among the greatest gifts you could give.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You will feel inspired to toss out a regret. Pretend it’s a smooth, flat stone you can skip across the still waters of reason. Watch it sink and let the ripples circle out to reassure you that your load is lighter.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). It’s beautiful how you appreciate other people’s accomplishments. Can you apply the same enthusiasm to self-appreciation? You’ll get where you want to go by being able to encourage yourself when it matters.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Battling your fear takes too much energy. Befriend it instead. Thank your fear for keeping you safe, heightening your perception and helping you correct your course when necessary. Once acknowledged, fear typically calms down.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’re in the mood to be more social. Activities you typically take on solo will be made sweeter with the right company. Doings like reading, entertainment and exercise will take on new dimensions with the added insight of interesting people.

KNOW

family-oriented 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

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. There will be something for everyone. Come early and bring your really big shopping bag. For more information call (530) 677-1134 or visit placervilleshakespeare.com.

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association hosts a guide panel discussion on How to Complete the TRT at Stio Mountain Studio in South Lake Tahoe. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. This is a free event and open to the public. Reserve your spot in advance through tahoerimtrail.org/event/ how-to-complete-the-trta-guide-panel-discussionstio. Bring your camp chairs.

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 +

n See Know page B6

Rebecca Murphy Mountain Democrat correspondent

will soothe music lovers’ souls

and music events. Things came to fruition after I attended a music/camping festival and I started promoting music festivals.”

With a boatload of experience producing and promoting music festivals, Ryan Kronenberg, Adam Northway and recent partner Justin Boyd introduce The Golden Road Gathering to Placerville. Scheduled May 12-14, this three-day music event will feature 30 bands on three stages.

“This is a new event for the El Dorado County Fair and Event Center,” Kronenberg said. “Placerville deserves music and the name itself fits the area.”

Northway and Kronenberg are the original producers of the Hangtown Halloween Ball (later renamed the Hangtown Music Festival), which moved to Grass Valley last year after being purchased by High Sierra Music.

Focusing on the music is Kronenberg’s avocation and vocation. He owns Bluebird Tahoe LLC and Soultime Sound, where he is the audio engineer. Free concerts throughout the summer, for which Kronenberg provides the sound expertise, are produced by Soultime Sound featuring Live at Lakeview in South Lake Tahoe and Concerts at Commons Beach on the north shore.

Kronenberg has worked with Scotty Stoughton promoting and producing WinterWonderGrass and is a founder and partner of BackCountry Festival and Bluegrass and Beyond. Before WinterWonderGrass he started his own festival, Mountain of Strings with Yonder Mountain String Band and the Del McCoury Band. It lasted just one year.

“I’m a big-time winter sports advocate,” said the four-time national snowboard competitor for the region. “It’s through the USASA” (United States of America Snowboard Association). I got into the music thing while working for a snowboard company promoting snowboarding

Kronenberg said he truly enjoys the community and “facilitating family, friends and music that puts us in the moment.” Hooking up with Boyd, the former owner of Marco’s Café in Lotus, Kronenberg said it was important to have a local representative for the event.

“Ryan and myself had been talking since last summer about the huge void in the area of live music in a festival setting since Hangtown moved up north,” said Boyd. “We threw out a few names and Ryan suggested The Golden Road Gathering. It really seemed to perfectly fit what we were aiming for — a gathering of people in the heart of gold country right along the golden chain highway.

TheCalifornia Honeydrops

“What better thing to gather over than great music, friends and family and what better time than in the springtime when the hills come alive with color and people are ready to get out and enjoy some fun after the long winter?” Boyd continued. “We hit the ground running a little late and didn’t even get going on the project until November.”

Regardless of the “late start,” the event has picked up a great deal of steam and interest. “Ryan had the connection and opportunity to book Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew (both of whom played with The Talking Heads),” he added. “With that we wanted to keep it funky and soulful and we reached out to The California Honeydrops, as I feel they represent that funloving California soul that all ages and fans can appreciate.”

JerryHarrison& AdrianBelew

“Keeping it funky,” Boyd said, noting they added, “Floozies, Orgone, then threw in something different like Dirtwire, a handful of some amazing local bands and the list goes on.”

Headlining the Golden Road Gathering event are The

Make Studio 81’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ part of your world

Odin Rasco Staff writer

After 24 years at the helm of Studio 81, director and drama teacher Paul Tomei is traversing uncharted waters by putting on the first Disney musical of his career, bringing “The Little Mermaid” to El Dorado High School’s Carl Borelli Amphitheater.

The narrative will be familiar for many in the audience, being based on the immensely popular animated film that follows the undersea princess Ariel who longs to know what life above the waves is like. With only her collection of thingamabobs and doodads to inform her knowledge of how life is like where the people are, Ariel makes a deal with the devious sea witch Ursula that gives her legs in exchange for her voice. The trade gives Ariel the chance to meet the noble Prince Eric, whom she had seen from afar, but she may have given up more than she bargained for Concerned with a young woman exploring the bounds of her world and learning to choose her own identity and path, “The Little Mermaid” is a poignant tale that mirrors the experience of many high schoolers on their way off to college — though maybe with more talking sea creatures than the average teen will encounter. The play’s themes of self-discovery

and transformation, paired with the everpresent aquatic scenery, make it an unexpected but perfect partner to Studio 81’s previous play, “Metamorphoses.”

“‘Metamorphoses’ really paved this path to a water-themed season this year with themes of discovery and the symbolism of the water representing things like transformation,” Tomei explained. “I was looking for a musical that could tie into the community that would allow for a really big ensemble and all fingers were kind of pointing toward ‘The Little Mermaid’.”

The play is one of Tomei’s most ambitious in terms of scale, with more than 100 people involved in the show. The cast and crew are joined by a live band and local 6- to 12-yearold performers in the “Kelp Choir,” who received vocal direction from Crocker House Creative Arts Center instructor Caitlyn Miller.

The multitudinous individuals involved in the show reflect Tomei’s focus on reestablishing the community connections that Studio 81 had built for decades before COVID-19 hit the metaphorical reset button.

“After COVID, it’s basically been like starting all over,” Tomei said. “We’ve been lucky that people have been coming back to our shows, but to really get people back I wanted to do something big.”

Going big is something Tomei has proven more than willing to do in his career, taking on ambitious productions like “Les Miserables,” “Sweeney Todd” and multiple renditions of Shakespeare over the years, and delivering quality hardly ever seen at the high school level. This spring’s musical is poised to enter the annals as another high-water mark of his

Church takes blessings on the road

News release

The Episcopal Church of Our Saviour has been a mainstay of the Placerville community since it was founded in 1861. For more than a century and a half the church has worked to support the region’s spiritual, social and material needs. The church leadership and parishioners always seek ways to strengthen its relationship with the community.

Sunday, May 14, the Rev. Debra Sabino and members of the congregation will celebrate the church’s long and beneficial connection with a Rogation Procession. Rogation is an ancient church springtime festival that seeks blessings for the community and its sustenance.

The Church of Our Saviour’s Rogation Procession will begin at the 500 block of Main Street at 9 a.m., will travel west on Main Street to the

pedestrian overpass by the parking garage and will end at the church, 2979 Coloma St. Along the way the procession will ask for blessings on the various businesses and offices on Main Street.

The regular worship service will be conducted at the church at 10:30 a.m. All members of the community are welcome to join the procession and/ or the worship service, irrespective of faith tradition.

In addition, owners and employees of downtown businesses are invited to request a specific blessing for their workplace. Requests and inquiries can be directed to Rev. Sabino at revdebra. oursaviour@gmail.com.

The Rogation celebration will continue beyond Sunday as the church visits local farms, ranches and vineyards to seek God’s blessing on an abundant harvest.

For more information visit oursaviourplacerville.org.

Mountain Democrat photos by Odin Rasco

Ariel (Nieva Parsons) has a fascination with the world above the waves that grows deeper after first seeing Prince Eric (Liam Shorrock) for the first time.

From left: Flotsam (Calen Romig), Ursula (Natalie Mae) and Jetsam (Myra Pittman) make up the sinister trio who cause mid-sea mischief in “The Little Mermaid.” Ursula’s deceptive deals always prove more than what was bargained for.

n See mermaid page B5

Grow for it!

Botanical gardens across the country and close to home

Visiting botanical gardens is a great way to experience various natural environments when traveling around our country. Many communities nurture plants in botanical gardens or arboretums, which showcase the beauty of both native and imported plants.

The U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C. is known as a living plant museum. The conservatory features all types of plants, including tropical forest natives, desert cacti and orchids. The Bartholdi Fountain and Outdoor Gardens are a great place to lunch, with delightful walkways around a variety of domestic plants. In addition to three floors of portraits, the National Portrait Gallery seasonally showcases orchids and other plants in the Kogard Courtyard. These free venues are part of the Smithsonian museums and the collections create an incredible experience with the diversity of plants exhibited.

In Boston, along Commonwealth Avenue and the Public Gardens, you can follow the path past seasonal flowers along a mile of elm trees interspersed with statues, ending at Boston Commons, which claims to be our country’s oldest public park. The tulips are amazing in spring and the statue of the duckling parade is a family favorite. The park is central to the city and visiting it is a great way to experience Boston’s character.

In New York’s Central Park the Conservatory Garden displays traditionally designed gardens with spectacular flowers. Situated in the northeast corner of the park, you can step out of the busy tourist traffic to enjoy a stroll along paths lined with peaceful gardens and fountains.

Phoenix, Ariz., is home to the Desert Botanical Gardens with more than 140 acres of desert plants, including cacti, succulents and desert wildflowers. They showcase diverse local habitats and host an annual spring Butterfly Exhibit.

California boasts several impressive

botanical gardens besides the incredible San Francisco Botanical Garden. The Sonoma Botanical Garden, formerly called Quarryhill, contains one of the world’s most impressive collections of flowering Asian plants and recently added a concentration on native California flora. In north San Diego County the San Diego Botanical Gardens displays both desert and rainforest plants, with America’s largest bamboo collection.

In our local area don’t miss the Sacramento Rose Garden in Capitol Park, the UC Davis Arboretum along Putah Creek or the Amador Heritage Rose Garden with its rare and pioneer-era roses. Here in Placerville, the Master Gardeners maintain the Sherwood Demonstration Garden, featuring 16 areas of specialty plantings, from orchards and vegetables to succulents and ornamental grasses. It is open to the public for free, 9 a.m. to noon Fridays and Saturdays through October and highlights pollinators and water conservation as well as plants that grow well in our area.

We live in an area that supports an incredible diversity of plants. Enjoy the flowers around you this spring, and look for chances to explore the world of plants as you travel around the state, or across the country.

Join Master Gardeners for a free public education class on Saturday, May 13, Making Worms Work for You, at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden, 6699 Campus Drive in Placerville.

Master Gardener classes are offered monthly throughout the county. Find the class schedule at mgeldorado. ucanr.edu/Public_Education_

Classes/?calendar=yes&g=56698 and recorded classes on many gardening topics at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/ Public_Education/Classes.

Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are working hard to answer your questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website, mgeldorado.ucanr.edu, or leave a message on the office telephone at (530) 621-5512. To sign up for notices and newsletters visit ucanr. edu/master_gardener_e-news. Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Depolarizing workshop seeks to bridge the divide

News release

Tired of the toxic divides tearing families and communities apart? If so, you could be a part of what some are calling America’s “exhausted majority.” And like so many other Americans, you might be looking for a way out.

To that end, Bridging Divides-El Dorado, a new initiative sponsored by the El Dorado Community Foundation, hosts a free community workshop, “Depolarizing Within,” in partnership with Braver Angels. The event will take place 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 20 at the Cameron Park Community Center in Cameron Park, 2502 Country Club Drive. Refreshments will be served and a box lunch will be available at the event’s conclusion.

This workshop is designed to foster skills that help lessen the effects of polarization when people encounter others whose political perspectives differ from their own. The goal is to help participants:

• Become aware of their own “inner polarizer.”

• Learn how to be critical without demonizing, dismissing or stereotyping large groups of the population.

• Develop strategies for intervening constructively in social conversations with like-minded peers when these conversations veer into contempt and ridicule for people who hold other political views.

Prior attendees rated the workshop as “very valuable” and shared the following comments after the event:

“I appreciated hearing that others in my community were open to having healthy discussions on a variety of controversial topics.”

“I learned a lot about how our language (my language) can be polarizing.”

For more information and to register for this workshop visit tinyurl. com/Depolarizewithin or contact Kristina Vasquez at kristina@ bridgingdivides-eldorado.org.

Kitty Stewart

UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County

Photo by Bernard Gagnon

The San Diego Balboa Park Botanical Building’s plantings include more than 2,100 permanent plants, featuring fascinating collections of cycads, ferns, orchids, other tropical plants and palms.

Ducks Unlimited hosts dinner

News release

The Placerville Chapter of Ducks Unlimited celebrates its 45th anniversary Wednesday, May 17, with its annual dinner, raffle and silent and live auctions. Doors open at 6 p.m. at the Forni Building on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. Entry to the event gets you Ducks Unlimited membership for a year, dinner, a hat and a hosted bar. This event has been a sellout for years so make plans to attend early.

Ducks Unlimited International was formed in 1937 and since that time, 15.5 million acres have been conserved

for waterfowl and all types of wildlife. Nearly 6 million of those acres are in the United States. In 2021, 2,435 acres were restored or enhanced in California alone. The cumulative total of enhanced and restored wetlands in California totals 719,000 acres. Since DU is a volunteer driven organization, 88% of revenue goes to waterfowl and wetlands conservation and education. This yields a tremendous return for an individual’s hard earned dollars.

For the last 10 years the Placerville Chapter has hosted one of the President’s Top Elite banquets in the n See Dinner, page B6

‘The Tempest’ special performances coming to area winery

News release

new viticulture program.

“OBrave new world, that has such people in it!”

For one weekend only, May 11-14, Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” will be performed outdoors, under the stars at David Girard Vineyards in Placerville. Produced by Folsom Lake College’s Falcon’s Eye Theatre, the company is extending its reach beyond the Harris Center at Folsom’s main campus, offering a second spring production through the El Dorado Center. By staging “The Tempest” at a local vineyard and winery, the production celebrates and highlights the college’s

tenure, with music and magic for everyone in the audience.

The focus on the community aspect is not reserved for the big-picture scale; virtually every actor in the play who spoke to the Mountain Democrat emphasized the sense of belonging and camaraderie that Studio 81 provides them.

“This is definitely a different experience, with such a huge cast — probably the biggest most of us have ever worked with,” said Sophie McKnight, who plays Ariel’s plucky pal Flounder. “ But it’s just one big family. The play has such a community aspect to it and it’s great that it’s not just geared toward high schoolers, but people of all ages.”

Golden Road

California Honeydrops, Jerry Harrison & Adrian Belew plus Melvin Seals & JGB. Other local favorites include the Island of Black and White, Achilles Wheel, Scott Pemberton and Red Dirt Ruckus.

“I would say

The Golden Road Gathering is definitely a replacement for Hangtown, but with a fresh spring twist and less bluegrass,” said Boyd. “I have talked to so many people in this area who felt abandoned by Hangtown leaving and Dry Diggins — that there was this space that needed to be filled.

“The people of El Dorado County are not in competition with Nevada City, yet we lost all our festivals to them,” he continued.

“So what better way to fix that problem than to start something new and build it off what Ryan and Adam have learned over the years of running Hangtown?”

Music begins at noon both Friday and Saturday, with an 11

Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” is a romantic tragi-comedy. Prospera, a sorceress of the island, has conjured a storm with the help of Ariel, a powerful spirit, to crash a ship carrying her brother and the corrupt royal passengers who banished her to the island in the first place. This event enacts a revenge plot in the course of a day, with an attempt to regain her power and vilify the people who destroyed her life. In the meantime, Prospera’s daughter Miranda falls in love with Ferdinand, the prince who was aboard the ship. The “creature of the island” Caliban plots his own revenge against

Prospera with two willing fools from the shipwreck. In a high fantasy setting this story examines the unexpected consequences in the need for power, control and revenge. It reveals the nature of love and familial bonds that can heal all wounds.

Jamie Van Camp has been involved with the Folsom Lake College Theater Department for more than 10 years as a director, a movement coach and as a professor. “This collaboration with David Girard Winery is a dream come true,” the Placervillebased director said. “To be able to stage Shakespeare outdoors, locally, is something I have always been interested in doing.”

— Actress Sophie McKnight

The production is enhanced with live music by Jillian Secor and Alex Stephens (MerryGold). This will be MerryGold’s second collaboration with Van Camp and Falcon’s Eye Theatre. Their first being the score to “As You Like It,” which was wellreceived by audiences. This time they bring the magic and nautical elements in dreamlike soundscapes and hypnotic vocals. Reserve picnic box dinners from local French bistro Allez! at the time of ticket purchase and enjoy David Girard Vineyard wines by the glass on site. For more information and to reserve tickets visit the website: FalconsEyeTheatre.com.

and Gavin Sellers, both EDHS 2011 grads, have come back to aid with behind-the-scenes production.

The allure of Studio 81’s friendly atmosphere has even drawn in seniors who had not gotten involved in theater previously; Liam Shorrock plays Eric in the musical, his first time on stage during his time at El Dorado.

“I’d mostly just done sports in high school and I kind of realized that I hadn’t done any art,” Shorrock said. “My friends and parents encouraged me to give this a try and it’s been so enjoyable. It’s a very different sort

Continued from B1

a.m. start Sunday. Sunday’s finale will feature MarchFourth, an American musical and performance group based in Portland, Ore., that performs mostly instrumental music combined with a visual performance by stiltwalkers, acrobatics and hooping. Local favorite Achilles Wheel also plays Sunday, 2:153:30 p.m.

Additional activities for the weekend, particularly for

those camping, are the Golden Road to Wellness: Mornings in the Organ Room with yoga, breath work and sound healing. The entire event promises to restore music and the soul for attendees and the entire Placerville and surrounding area. Individual day tickets are available as well as three-day festival and camping passes. Go to goldenroadgathering. com for tickets and additional information.

RepoRteR wanted

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.

of attitude and vibe here than what you get anywhere else in high school. There’s a lot of ways that things at school can start to drag you down, but you don’t feel that drag here.”

The dragging down, in a sense, is transformed into a pull inward. That pull can last for many well past their own time in high school, bringing them back to contribute to keep the Studio 81 spirit alive. Ben Schilling

“Why do I come back? It’s that man right there,” Schilling stated, gesturing to Tomei. “I’ve never met anyone like him. He gives everyone a shot to become who they’re meant to be.”

Studio 81’s “The Little Mermaid” is poised to make a splash for audiences May 11-13 and May 18-20 in the Carl Borelli Amphitheater at 561 Canal St. in Placerville. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for seating and picnics and the show will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at studio81arts.com/ tickets. Audiences are encouraged to bring blankets and low-backed chairs.

The Public Square

El Dorado Irrigation District is seeking:

Limited Term Meter Technician I

Salary: $25.85 per hour

FFD: Open until filled.

First review of applications on May 8, 2023

The Human Resources Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Limited Term Meter Technician I for an eligibility list to fill current and future positions in Customer Service Division of Finance. This is a limited term position; incumbent is employed for a period up to twelve months from date of appointment.

Under supervision performs field service activities related to reading, collecting, and recording water meter consumption data; interacts with customers and responds to customer concerns in the field; and tests, repairs, and upgrades/replaces water meters.

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

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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

If

outdoors and working with children, we currently have an amazing opportunity as a Cafeteria Assistant at our Sly Park Conservation and Environmental Education Center near Pollock Pines.

Click here to apply today: http://www.edjo.in/1762537

Maintenance Custodian

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

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Solution to Puzzle 1

Solution to Puzzle 2

Mermaid Continued from B2

“The play has such a community aspect to it and it’s great that it’s not just geared toward high schoolers, but people of all ages.”