Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Remembering Mike Raffety

Former colleagues, friends say goodbye to a true renaissance man

Eric Jaramishian Sta writer

The Mountain Democrat mourns one of its own as longtime editor and El Dorado County resident Michael Ra ety died April 28. Ra ety, 77, was a man respected both professionally and personally, who wore many hats at the Mountain Democrat and within the community. A military man, a journalist and a family man, Ra ety was considered by those who knew him a renaissance man who held many interests, including gardening, community service and a love for art — both admiring and creating it. Ra ety was born in Berlin, Germany on Oct. 23, 1946, and later adopted by Charles and Lois Ra ety when his real mom determined she could not care for him after World War II. Ra ety would become a naturalized citizen when he was 8. He served in the Navy as a radar and radio aviation electronics technician, stationed on an aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean and did tours in Antartica and New Zealand.

Courtesy photo by Shelly Thorene

Cherie and Michael Raffety were married for nearly 44 years.

Michael Raffety became a U.S. citizen at 8 years old.

Courtesy photos

Longtime Mountain Democrat Editor Michael Raffety died last month. He was hired at the Placerville newspaper by Ursula Smith in 1978.

ESSENTIALS

Michael Edward Raffety

Oct. 23, 1946 - April 28, 2024

Michael Edward Ra ety, (the retired long-term editor of The Mountain Democrat), passed away April 28, 2024 at UC Davis Hospital in Sacramento. Michael was 77 years old. His is survived by his wife of 43 years, Cherie Ra ety, and daughter Natasha Santos of Plymouth, son Wolfgang Ra ety, son-in-law Peter Santos, and daughter-in-law Rortveaktey Ra ety, and five grandsons: Alex, Evan, Leonidas, Michael and Lorenzo.

Michael, better known as Mike, was born Oct. 23, 1946 in Berlin, Germany. After World War II, Mike’s birth mother had di culty finding food for her son, so she put him up for adoption. (Think of the U.S. e orts to bring food to the Germans in the aftermath of WW II. It was a massive operation called “The Berlin Airlift.”) Lucky for Michael, Charles A. and Lois F. Ra ety arranged to adopt Mike and flew him to the United States of America where his new mother nursed him back to health. While in the eighth grade Mike became a naturalized citizen of the USA.

After graduating high school, Mike joined the Navy. The Navy sent him to electronics training on the East Coast of the United States. Then the Navy sent him on tour in the Mediterranean. Mike had a terrific time “basking in the sun.” Next, he was sent on a tour in the South Pole. That too was just another great adventure for Mike. He loved it.

After his military service obligations were completed, he took some photography jobs and settled in California to continue his education. He studied art, art history and photography. He received several degrees including a master’s degree from California State University after his children were born.

Mike met his future wife Cheri when he was a reporter for The Mountain Democrat and Cheri Albusche was a candidate for the Los Rios Community College Board of Trustees. He interviewed her and they started dating. Within a year they were married on Oct. 18, 1980. Yes, Cheri won the election and Mike became a devoted family man.

Over the years, Mike attended almost all of his children’s sports games: whatever it was ... soccer, baseball, volleyball, or basketball. He also took the the two children to 4-H meetings and taught them on vacations how to swim. He always enjoyed their company. He found time for family despite the fact that he often had two jobs, one full-time at The Mountain Democrat and another teaching art, or art history or photography or journalism for the Los Rios Community Collage.

Mike’s caring stretched beyond his immediate family. He cared about the community, his church and those less fortunate. He served as an American Legion Commander more than once and encouraged others to “honor those who served the cause of freedom.” Mike also served as President of the Mother Lode Lions three times. He supported their projects for kids and eyesight. He worked to get playground equipment at Indian Creek School. He supported the mobile eyesight van which was set up to give eye exams. Local optometrists volunteer to help the homeless (and others) with eyesight check-ups, glasses and referrals, if needed.

The work he did with the service clubs was a labor of love, he also liked the camaraderie.

Mike liked to travel and his wife did too. They saw, for instance, plays in New York City, Impressionist art in Paris, France, and the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg, Russia. They took a walking tour of the gardens of Japan and let the kids pick where they’d like to go in England, Spain and Portugal. But no matter where the Ra etys traveled, Mike was happy to come home to the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills and his friends and neighbors.

The Celebration of Life for Michael Ra ety will be on Saturday, May 25, at 11 a.m. at the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour, 2979 Coloma St., Placerville. Parking is limited so it’s suggested that people park on Spring Street where parking spots are abundant.

All friends and family are also invited to the noon reception on May 25 which will be at the Mother Lode Lions Hall at 4701 Missouri Flat Road in Diamond Springs.

Jerry & Louise Culver

June 13, 1931 – April 3, 2024

July 18, 1931 – Aug. 17, 2022

Jerry Culver, loved by many, passed away in Newport, Oregon on April 3, 2024. Jerry joined his wife of 75 year, Louise Culver, who passed away on August 17 of 2022. They raised 3 boys, Mark, David and Jon. Jerry and Louise loved life and found the joy in experiencing it together. They loved to travel and collect treasures. Jerry was always active in the community and volunteered in El Dorado County for many years. The Jeepers Jamboree was always one of Pop’s favorite experiences and then fishing in Alaska with his twin brother Jim Culver. Mom loved planning for her family gatherings and every year seeing the Fall colors on their adventures while traveling in the Sierras.

Jerry was born in Los Angeles, California in 1931. He met Louise at Grossmont High School and they were married in 1948. Jerry had a variety of jobs in his younger days but working in the Forest Service and driving a log truck were his favorite. In the late 60s Jerry and Louise moved to Placerville. Pop continued to drive a log truck until there was an accident on the landing and he lost a leg. Not being able to drive a truck any longer he commuted to Sacramento 5 nights a week for 8 years and earned his law degree. He practiced law in Placerville for a number of years. Jerry and Louise moved to Santa Rosa for a few years and then they really wanted to be back in Placerville and so they found a home in El Dorado and lived there until Louise passed and then Jerry moved to Oregon to live with his son Mark and his wife.

Jerry and Louise were the kind of people that made friends wherever they went and they always knew someone every place they went. We will always remember them for their gracious hearts and caring spirits and will miss them every day. We will always be grateful for our time together and will carry you in our hearts until we meet again. Rest in peace Mom and Pop.

David “Lem” Fusano

Dec . 25, 1957– May 1, 2024

In loving memory of David “Lem” Fusano.

David James Fusano, of El Dorado, California, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2024, at the age of 66 surrounded by family and loved ones.

David, fondly known as Lem then later on, Lempa to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, was born to John and Anita Fusano, on December 25,1957, in San Fernando, California. Lem attended Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills, California graduating in 1976. Lem lived in Sylmar, California where he owned and operated Kwik Market & Deli from 1977 to 2001. Later on in 2001, he moved to Northern California to the town of El Dorado, where he owned and operated Ji y Mart in Diamond Springs until his passing.

Hard working, dedicated to his family, Lem was first and foremost a good father. Embracing the roll of both parents, he skillfully juggled work, school activities and sports. If he wasn’t on the field, a court or baseline coaching one of his kid’s teams he was in the stands cheering them on, never missing a game. He raised his children with endless love and continuous support.

He taught by exemplifying his values, kindness and humility. Known for his incredible sense of humor and quick wit, he was loved by all who knew him.

Lem was an easy-goer. A one of a kind, a classic. He will be missed but never be forgotten.

Lem is survived by his children; Trina (Jason), Angie (Danny), Paul (Lauri) and Marcia (Shauna), 5 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, his brother Joe; 3 sisters Rose Anne, Annie and Marlene. Lem was preceded in death by his parents, John “Umpa” and Anita “GiGi”, and 3 brothers; Chris “Crue”, John “Beany” and Paul “Vanda”.

A Celebration of Lem’s Life will be held on May 17, 2024 at Fausel Farm Ranch, 4881 Hanks Exchange Rd., Placerville, California 95667. The Reception honoring his life will begin at 4:00 pm.

“Sorry you’re not here Lem!”

CONTACT US

Suspected sexual predator arrested again

Odin Rasco Sta writer

A 47-year-old Placerville man previously arrested in a 2022 inappropriate contact with minors sting operation was re-apprehended by Placerville Police Department o cers Thursday morning.

Joshua John Bowen was spotted driving by PPD o cers near Mosquito Road and Dimity Lane Thursday. O cers recognized Bowen, who had a felony warrant out for his arrest, and stopped him on Bedford Avenue before taking him into custody without incident, according to a PPD press release.

Bowen had previously been arrested by PPD o cers at a sting operation conducted at a motel Dec. 8, 2022; Bowen had been told he would be meeting juveniles at the motel for “sexual activities,” according to police o cials.

The sting was the result of an investigation into Bowen’s conduct following reports alleging he had contacted two teenage boys from Placerville, ages 13 and 16, on social media to share pornographic photographs and engage in “inappropriate” conversation. Following the sting, Bowen was charged with counts of sending harmful materials to seduce a minor and contacting a minor for sexual purposes. He posted a $135,000 bail and was released from jail in December 2022.

In the time following the sting operation, an investigation conducted by the PPD Crime Reduction Team uncovered new information alleging further illicit conduct by Bowen. After his arrest Thursday, detectives conducted a search of Bowen’s home and recovered multiple items, including electronics, to be examined later. Bowen faces more than 30 counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor and is currently in custody at the El Dorado County Jail with a bail set at $500,000, according to a PPD press release.

“The Placerville Police Department would like to remind parents and guardians that social media is the most common medium used by sexual predators for these types of activities,” the press release states.

The investigation into allegations against Bowen is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call PPD Crime Reduction Team detectives at (530) 642-5210.

The following information comes from EDSO reports:

May 1

8:08 a.m. Burglary was reported on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines.

8:54 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Delphina Court in Cameron Park.

9:19 a.m. Burglary was reported at a storage facility on Green Valley Road in El Dorado Hills.

12:28 p.m. Battery was reported on Aberdeen Lane in El Dorado Hills.

1:23 p.m. Battery was reported on Knollwood Court in Cameron Park.

5:56 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 60-year-old man suspected of obstruction on Pleasant Valley Road in El Dorado. He was released on $3,000 bail.

9:13 p.m. Deputies booked into jail

a 40-year-old man suspected of a probation violation on Canterbury Circle in El Dorado Hills. He was released on $10,000 bail.

11:57 p.m. California Highway Patrol o cers booked into jail a 39-year-old man suspected of DUI on Highway 50 at Greenstone Road in Placerville. He was later released.

May 2

1:56 p.m. Battery was reported at a school on Forni Road in Placerville.

3:59 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 58-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia, carrying a concealed knife and a probation violation on Highway 50 (town not speci ed). He was listed in custody.

9:31 p.m.

TheGold Mine

Richard B. Esposito Publisher (530) 344-5055 / resposito@mtdemocrat.net

Noel Stack Managing Editor

530-344-5073 / nstack@villagelife.net

Mimi Escabar Special Sections Editor 530-344-5070 / mescabar@mtdemocrat.net

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer 530-344-5063 / eric@mtdemocrat.com

Odin Rasco Staff writer 530-344-5062 / odin@mtdemocrat.com

Malachi Parker Staff writer Malachi@mtdemocrat.com

GRAPHICS

“Staff

mtdemocrat.com

Letty Bejarano-Carvajal Graphics Manager (530) 344-5049 / lettyb@mtdemocrat.net MOUNTAIN

VACATION

4:11 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 34-year-old man suspected of possession of illegal drug paraphernalia and a probation violation on Highway 50 in Cameron Park. He was listed in custody.

2:04 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 40-year-old man suspected of disorderly conduct on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. He was later released.

5:53 p.m. Battery was reported at a school on Koki Lane in El Dorado.

6:37 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Fiedman Lane in Rescue.

8:09 p.m. California Highway Patrol o cers booked into jail a 50-year-old man suspected of DUI on El Dorado Hills Boulevard in El Dorado Hills. He was later released.

8:41 p.m. California Highway Patrol

o cers booked into jail a 63-year-old woman suspected of DUI on Highway 50 (town not speci ed). She was later released.

CRIME LOG

and most reservoirs are expected to fill this spring.

Lake Tahoe expected fill for first time since 2019

Katelyn Welsh Tahoe Daily Tribune

LAKE TAHOE — For the first time in nearly five years, Lake Tahoe is expected to fill this spring. Although the water year continues through September, the Natural Resources Conservation Service is already confident about this year’s positive outlook.

“It is a already a safe bet to pencil in a win on this year’s report card, especially for northern Nevada,” the agency’s report states.

This is good news since, once full, Lake Tahoe can typically provide enough water to meet demand for three years, even if consecutive snowpacks are below normal, according to NRCS officials. The service expects most key reservoirs in northern Nevada and eastern Sierra will fill this spring.

“In summary, water year 2024 is well on its way to receiving an A on its final report card,” the report states.

“The difference between an A- and an A+ might come down to how much spring precipitation the region receives and how those amounts impact observed streamflow volumes.”

The service noted the early May storm added a good dose of precipitation, but more is needed after a dry April and basins still need additional precipitation to reach normal water year totals. However, there’s still plenty of time as the water year ends Sept. 30.

A number of factors have contributed to this A status. This winter’s snowpack peaked above normal for the second winter in a row.

As of May 1 snowpacks still continue to be above normal despite the dry April and areas of record snowmelt. It was last year’s late melting snow and mid-summer deluge from Hurricane Hilary, as well as April’s snowmelt, that raised soil moisture high enough to help with efficient runoff this year.

2023 water year delivers big

California Department of Water Resources News release

SACRAMENTO — California Department of Water Resources has released the latest SemiAnnual Groundwater Conditions report and the data show California achieved 4.1 million acre-feet of managed groundwater recharge during Water Year 2023, which is nearly the water storage capacity of Shasta Lake. The report also details an increase in groundwater storage of 8.7 million acre-feet.

FRONT TOOTH CROWNS REPORT

Water Year 2023 is the first year since 2019 that there has been a reported increase in groundwater storage. A significant reduction in groundwater pumping in 2023 also led to favorable groundwater conditions, including a decrease in land subsidence (sinking of the land). Some areas that had previously experienced subsidence actually saw a rebound (uplift) in ground surface elevation from reduced pumping in the deeper aquifers and refilling of groundwater storage.

The groundwater report recently released includes, for the first time, groundwater sustainability plan annual report data reported by local groundwater sustainability agencies across 99 groundwater basins, which make up more than 90% of the groundwater use in the state. Nearly 85% of Californians depend on groundwater for some portion of their water supply and in dry years, when surface water

supplies are lacking, communities turn to groundwater to fulfill the needs of households, agriculture and businesses. California’s rich and abundant ecosystems also rely on groundwater to sustain natural plant and animal communities.

While the last two rainy seasons have been good news for California’s groundwater basins, there is still a lot of work to do. Longterm groundwater storage remains in a deficit of nearly 40 million acre-feet over the past two decades, due in part to years of pumping out more water than has been replenished. It would take nearly five consecutive above average, not just average, water years like 2023 to fill that gap.

California needs to replenish what nature provides by expanding groundwater recharge projects, upgrading water infrastructure, and modernizing our water distribution system through projects like the Delta Conveyance Project, to be able to move water during high flows to maximize storage, DWR officials note.

“California is invested in preparing for weather extremes by maximizing the wet years to store as much water as possible in preparation for the dry years,” said Paul Gosselin, DWR deputy director of Sustainable Water Management.

“The impressive recharge numbers in 2023 are the result of hard work by the local

Onlays only cover a fraction of the tooth. We will be glad to discuss crowns, onlays, and other options available to keep your smile a beautiful, happy one. We believe in an informed patient, and we promise to provide you with information regarding all aspects of your dental care. You can always count on our experienced, honest recommendation for the treatment best suited to your dental needs. Our goals are the same as yours—a healthy mouth and a brilliant smile. Call soon for an appointment.

used when teeth have less damage. Full crowns cover the entire tooth and require the tooth to be filed down before placing the crown.

P.S. Front tooth damage can often be repaired with a dental bond, but when the damage is more significant a crown is needed.

Mike Peron / Tahoe Daily Tribune

Tahoe

Seniors displaced after apartments flooded

Odin Rasco Staff writer

More than 70 Placerville seniors were temporarily displaced this weekend when a 2 1/2-inch pipe burst in the ceiling of Cottonwood Senior Apartments’ second floor, flooding multiple rooms.

El Dorado County Fire Protection District crews arrived at the apartment building at the top of Clay Street shortly after 7 p.m. Saturday, responding to a fire alarm. Instead of fire, however, firefighters found themselves fighting a flood as water gushed from a broken fire sprinkler system. The water leak rapidly spread across the second floor and then down to the first floor, according to EDCFPD Capt. Jacob Poganski.

Around 25 residents of the 81-unit apartment building were evacuated with help of the Placerville Police Department, according to officials. Some were taken to shelter at the Placerville Town Hall, according to reports; while others were taken in by family members. Red Cross also responded to the needs of evacuated residents, Poganski noted.

After shutting off water to the building, firefighters stayed behind to help with preliminary water removal efforts while

employees helped clear rooms and save what they could of residents’ personal items.

Remaining residents were bused away from Cottonwood Sunday after Placerville Police Chief Joseph Wren determined the building was unsafe to occupy.

Residents were booked into local hotel rooms while AWI Management Corporation, the company that operates Cottonwood, worked to have the building cleaned and repaired.

“It certainly was a busy weekend for us over at the Cottonwood apartments,” AWI Senior Vice President Michael Burke said. “It was a great collaborative effort with firefighters and first responders, but we were able to get everyone out safely with no injuries. It was a long day for us yesterday, getting vendors to come out and make repairs on a Sunday, let alone Mother’s Day, but they came through.”

The damaged fire sprinkler pipe and nozzle were replaced and many of the impacted one- and two-bedroom units were cleaned and dried out by Sunday evening, according to Burke. Local officials determined a majority of residents would be able to return to their homes, though 16 of the most heavily inundated units still required attention before

occupants could come back.

By Monday morning, a fleet of Servpro vehicles were parked outside of the building as cleanup efforts continued and residents began to trickle back into their homes. The number of impacted rooms is expected to drop to 10 within the next few days, Burke explained, with the remaining rooms receiving extra attention so impacted residents will be able to return as soon as possible.

Smoldering fire damages residence in Georgetown

News release

On May 7 the Georgetown Fire Department, the Garden Valley Fire Department and Cal Fire responded to an early morning structure fire on the 3000 block of Raintree Court in Georgetown. The Rescue Fire Department was also called, but the call was canceled prior to crew’s arrival.

Crews arrived to find a large singlestory log home with a basement area where a fire had started from

a wood burning stove. The fire had smoldered overnight and eventually burned through the floor down to the basement. There was an active fire on the first floor and in the basement. Crews quickly extinguished the fire and checked for extensions. The lone resident was not hurt and was provided Red Cross access for a hotel if needed.

“The assistance from our neighboring agencies was greatly appreciated,” said Georgetown Fire Chief Glenn Brown.

News release

The El Dorado County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing in the Building C Hearing Room, 2850 Fairlane Court in Placerville, at 8:30 a.m. May 23 to consider a conditional use permit for the construction and ongoing operation of an unmanned, 97-foottall faux pine tree (monopine) wireless telecommunications facility and accessory items within a 179-squarefoot lease area.

The property is located on the west side of Hillsdale Circle, approximately 925 feet to the southwest of Robert J. Mathews Parkway in El Dorado Hills.

The telecommunications facility is proposed to include one 97-foot-tall monopine tower, nine antennas (with three future antennas proposed), six remote radio units (with three future remote radio units proposed), four surge suppressors, a step-down transformer, a transformer disconnect and three equipment cabinets. No water or sewer service would be required for the proposed project as it is an unmanned facility.

Agenda and staff reports will be available at eldorado.legistar.com/ Calendar.aspx. Project information is available online at edc-trk.aspgov.

com/etrakit.

All persons interested are invited to attend and be heard or to write their comments to the Planning Commission. For the current remote options, including whether in-person attendance is allowed, check the meeting agenda no less than 72 hours before the meeting, which will be posted at eldorado.legistar.com/ Calendar.aspx.

Those who challenge the application in court may be limited to raising only those items or items someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the commission at, or prior to, the public hearing. Any written correspondence should be directed to El Dorado County Planning and Building Department, 2850 Fairlane Court, Placerville, CA 95667 or via email: planning@edcgov.us.

To ensure delivery to the commission prior to the hearing, written information from the public is encouraged to be submitted by Thursday the week prior to the meeting. Planning Services cannot guarantee that any fax or mail received the day of the commission meeting will be delivered to the commission prior to any action.

Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco

Property restoration company trucks and vans sit parked outside the Cottonwood Senior Apartments in Placerville, bringing in high-powered fans and other equipment to mitigate and repair the water damage caused by a burst pipe Saturday evening. The flood of water was stopped by firefighters Saturday night, but all residents were relocated temporarily while the building was inspected for safety.

SPORTS

Forsberg surges to 70th career sprint car win at Placerville Speedway

Gary Thomas Placerville Speedway

Fans were treated to a tremendous night of racing during Mother’s Day Madness at Placerville Speedway on Saturday. When all was said and done it was nine-time track champion Andy Forsberg in victory lane, after pocketing his 70th career Sprint Car win at the track.

All four divisions displayed entertaining racing at the event, with fellow winners on the night including a first-time victor in Rod Oliver with the Mountain Democrat Ltd. Late Models, Nick Baldwin with the Red Hawk Casino Pure Stocks and Mike Miller with the Mountain Democrat Mini Trucks.

The 25-lap Thompson’s Family of Dealerships Winged 360 Sprint Car feature was all about Forsberg, who turned back the clock and rode the cushion to perfection. The Auburn driver dominated things, much like he has over so many years at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds.

The action behind him was marvelous, however, with several drivers going at it and positions

changing lap after lap. Jake Morgan of Fair Oaks looked impressive in the main event and moved into second on lap 11, making the pass of Jodie Robinson, who also looked solid in her Placerville return. As the race wound down 16-year-old Braden Chiaramonte climbed into second, while Placerville’s own Shane Hopkins battled his way into third. Forsberg took the checkered flag over Chiaramonte,

Athletes unite for special event

Rescue Union School

Rescue Union School District and Pleasant Grove Middle School proudly hosted the 2024 El Dorado County Unified Track Meet on May 3. This inclusive event brought together general education and special education students from seven middle schools across the county to celebrate diversity in education and sportsmanship.

The event held at Pleasant Grove aimed to highlight the abilities and talents of all students, fostering an environment of equality, respect and camaraderie. It’s a testament to the community’s dedication to embracing differences and encouraging every student to achieve their full potential on and off the field.

The track meet featured five field events, with general education and special education students partnered together to create a supportive and competitive atmosphere that emphasized participation over winning.

“This track meet is more than just

The unified track

featured five events with general education and special education students partnered together for each activity.

competitive field events; it’s a celebration of unity, showcasing how our differences make us stronger,” said Vera Morris, principal of Pleasant Grove. “We were thrilled to host an event that highlights the talents and capabilities of all students, fostering a sense of belonging and achievement. Events like this don’t just happen and our physical education teachers and leadership teacher and students did an amazing job organizing and hosting this event.”

Hopkins, Morgan and Robinson in the top five. Chiaramonte capped a strong weekend after finishing on the podium at Chico the previous night. Hopkins should also be commended for an excellent drive in the feature to earn a podium spot. Rounding out the top 10 were Bubba Decaires, Corbin Rueschenberg, Michael Faccinto, DJ Freitas and Tony Gomes. A total of 32 sprint cars competed at Mother’s Day Madness.

Isaiah Vasquez began the evening by earning the ADCO Driveline & Custom Exhaust Fast Time Award with a lap of 10.781.

First-time winners are always a fun part of the program and that came to fruition last night, as Yuba City’s Rod Oliver accepted his initial Placerville Speedway checkered flag. The longtime Ltd. Late Model driver led all 20-laps, but it didn’t come easy as Lincoln’s Dan Brown Jr. hounded him every step

of the way.

Previous event winner Anthony Slaney also made moves running the high-scary side of the bullring to close in on the lead duo. In the end it was a nonstop affair with Oliver claiming victory over Brown, Slaney, Tyler Lightfoot and Jay Norton.

The Red Hawk Casino Pure Stocks gave the crowd on hand their money’s worth with an absolute barn burner in the main event.

Orangevale’s Tommy Sturgeon has been impressive during the early campaign and led laps once again on Saturday. Side by Side racing was prevalent all throughout the field in what was a non-stop 20-lapper.

Around the halfway point Tribute to Al Hinds winner Kevin Jinkerson blasted into the lead and held command until Nick Baldwin went upstairs, taking over the top spot. Exceptionally close competition was seen right down to the wire.

The five-time Placerville champ Baldwin brought home the triumph over Jinkerson, a very fast Tyler Lightfoot, Dan Jinkerson and Sturgeon in the top five.

The Mountain Democrat Mini Trucks also provided a wild main event that almost went non-stop. Multiple different leaders were seen with Mike Miller, Howard Miller, Austin Struthers and Thomas Jensen all fighting for thelead. H. Miller found himself out front following the midway point, but an exciting exchange occurred on lap 16 that saw M. Miller come out ahead. Mike Miller grabbed the checkered flag ahead of Howard Miller, Jensen, Luke Costa and Paige Miller.

Placerville Speedway will take a couple weeks off before coming back with one of the biggest events all season. The two-night Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial weekend occurs on Friday and Saturday, May 31 & June 1.

Opening night is headlined by the Elk Grove Ford Sprint Car Challenge Tour, while the NARC 410 Sprint Cars invade the track for the only time in 2024 during the finale. Both nights also showcase the Nor-Cal Dwarf Car Association. Seating is reserved each show and be purchased at placervillespeedway. com .

Oak Ridge girls lacrosse captures title

Malachi Parker Staff writer

The Oak Ridge High School varsity girls lacrosse team secured a Sac-Joaquin Division I section title Saturday, May 4, after a display of dominance throughout the season.

The Trojans went 20-2 overall and unblemished in league play on their way to being the top-seeded team going into the playoffs. A high-powered offense led the way as the team averaged 15 goals per game in the postseason.

Oak Ridge defeated Woodcreek, 22-1, and Del Oro, 15-3, in the first two rounds of the playoffs and then defeated second-seeded St. Francis in the section championship game, 8-6.

The point differential between the Trojans and their opponents over the season was +221, as they scored 342 goals and allowed only 121. Their offense was spearheaded by senior attacker and Alabama commit Ella Rutherford.

“We have players who can score and a dedicated group from top to bottom,” head coach Chris Gehrke said. “Our defense played a significant role because we shut down some highpowered offenses this year.”

Gehrke said he thinks a team’s defense may be often overlooked because coaches and players can’t look at a stat book and fully see the impact that strong defense can have on a game.

Lacrosse, in the community and elementary/middle schools,

is introduced to younger athletes in spaces such as P.E. classes and that is how a good portion of Oak Ridge’s team members started playing the sport, Gehrke explained. This led to them playing together for years before they got to high school.

Years of chemistry, talent and a coach the team is very familiar with are just some of the keys to success. This was Gehrke’s first season as the varsity head coach after years as the JV head coach and one year at Folsom High School as its varsity head coach.

The ORHS squad will see six seniors graduate this month, but those returning to the field next season hope to make a repeat run as champs a possibility.

Photo courtesy of D&P Photos Nick Baldwin races under the checkered flag, securing a win in the Red Hawk Casino Pure Stocks race at Placerville Speedway Saturday night.

Courtesy photo

meet

The Oak Ridge girls lacrosse team stands with their section championship banner after an 8-6 win over St. Francis on May 4.

Photo courtesy of Chris Gehrke

OPINION

California Matters

Gov. Newsom finally aligns with gloomier state budget outlook

When Gov. Gavin Newsom

proposed

a 2024-25 state budget in January, he declared that the state faced a $38 billion deficit and chided journalists for citing wider projections in the gap between income and outgo from the Legislature’s budget analyst.

Nevertheless, state legislative analyst Gabe Petek stuck by his guns and a month later increased his deficit estimate during a three-year “budget window” to $73 billion, citing a $24 billion shortfall in revenue estimates over the period.

Last Friday Newsom unveiled his revised budget, covering the current fiscal year, the 2024-25 year and 2025-26, and tabbed the deficit at $44.9 billion through 2024-25. He estimated an additional $28.4 billion in 2025-26, totaling $73.3 billion.

Newsom, indirectly agreeing with Petek’s gloomy revenue picture, blamed “massive volatility” in the state’s revenue system, particularly di culty in projecting income taxes on capital gains, for the wide fluctuations in revenue estimates and reality. Over four years, he noted, revenues have fallen $165 billion short of estimates.

It’s not a new phenomenon. Over several decades, the state has become overwhelmingly dependent on personal income taxes to finance its budget, particularly taxes on high-income taxpayers and their investment earnings.

As that dependency increased, the state would experience massive windfalls during some years and deep revenue declines in others. When the state treasury was flush, governors and legislators would increase spending, and when revenues declined, they would face multibillion-dollar deficits.

The peaks have increased. Just two years ago Newsom boasted of a $97.5 billion budget surplus. “No other state in American history has ever experienced a surplus as large as this,” he said as he unveiled a $300-plus billion budget that the Legislature eagerly adopted with a few tweaks. Likewise, the valleys have deepened, with this year’s massive deficit a prime example — and the revenue cycles bear only passing relationship to the overall economy.

Newsom, like his predecessors, says that volatility

Letters to the Editor

The

protests

EDITOR:

I’ve never seen anything like this before in my country. Yes, there were Vietnam war protests back in the ‘60s and ‘70s; there have been terrible BLM crimes and protests since, but never anything like this.

If these people were protesting against Blacks or gays they would be immediately silenced. However, it’s OK to hate Jews? What makes it OK? What have they done other than try to exist? Would these protesters like to revisit Nazi Germany in the 1930s?

We have laws in this country, not to mention a code of conduct, which is these days being flagrantly ignored. These same people have called Trump “Hitler,” but it’s OK for them to do exactly what he did? What will they do next? Burn down synagogues while wearing a swastika? Whatever happened to our Judeo-Christian ideals and morals? How far should we let this go?

On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas atrociously attacked Israel, killing well over a thousand men, women and children. Now they are held to blame and hated for only fighting back. They have a right to protect themselves, as I would if that were to happen here. I have fought for this country before and would surely do so again to protect my family, friends, neighbors and my country.

If you who believe this kind of behavior is alright, you are sadly mistaken, badly misguided and just flat out wrong. These colleges that condone this kind of behavior should be all but shut down, the professors and faculty leaders behind it fired, students expelled and anyone who participates in this antisocial and illegal behavior should be arrested, because it is not right. This is not who we are. Most of us are better than that. It must stop.

Don’t talk to me about free speech; it doesn’t include hatred of this sort. Don’t talk to me about tenure; you have crossed the line and lost that privilege. Colleges: let’s lose the millions of dollars you receive from the taxpayers. What do you think of that idea?

JIM ALLEN Placerville

Calling out

EDITOR:

The conservatives here claim that I “never” call out Democrats here when I disagree with them. Well, here I go. I’m calling them out regarding Vince Fong’s AB 2654, which died in committee.

This bill would have prevented lobbyists from using non-disclosure agreements to negotiate legislation. Seems pretty common sense and non-partisan, right? So why did the Elections Committee let it die? Well, there’s the so-called Panera bread exception to the $20 minimum wage bill for fast food workers. This may have benefitted a friend of Gov. Newsom, but we’ll never know because there was a non-disclosure agreement. So much for transparency.

And why was the California Chamber of Commerce fighting so hard to kill the bill? Inquiring minds really do want to know.

DAWN E. WOFLSON Cameron Park

Biden family sacri ces

EDITOR:

Imust admit that I was ignorant regarding everything President Joe Biden has endured during his lifetime. He never served in the military. Still, he has told us many times how his plane was shot at during a mission in Kosovo. And that’s more than what happened to me during my service.

He’s also a Gold Star father, losing his oldest son in Iraq. He has comforted many other Gold Star family members by letting them know he has experienced the same pain. As well as losing his uncle, who was shot down over Papua New Guinea and summarily eaten by cannibals.

What a millstone the entire Biden family has had to endure in the service of our country.

I want to say to my Democrat friends that I’ll be voting for Old Joe in November, just as soon as the Pentagon validates our president’s reports. But I’m sure it’s just a formality.

KEN STEERS Cameron Park

Problems (and interest) compound in El Dorado County

My last column stated the Superior Court has finally ruled on the Austin v. El Dorado County, El Dorado Hills Community Services District and El Dorado Hills Fire against all defendants which, if not appealed (only causing further delay of the inevitable), requires the refund of about $23.5 million to thousands of property owners within the districts that illegally collected and retained building impact fees.

The additional question raised in that column is the issue of the yet-tobe-determined prejudgment interest. California law provides for the payment of prejudgment interest in many cases, especially in cases when a defendant wrongfully withholds funds from its rightful owner. Case law in this area has established conditions under which prejudgment interest is recovered.

All those conditions exist in the Austin v. El Dorado County, et al, in which the court has recently ruled that the county must refund the

unexpended fees in the respective Mitigation Fee Act accounts because the county/ districts did not comply with the statutory provisions to retain the fees. And as provided in the same statute, they had a mandatory duty to refund that money on the statutory date as clearly set forth in the MFA. In other words, we have an exact amount certain, which was established on a certain date (vesting) or certainly calculable by the El Dorado County auditor-controller by simple arithmetic through addition. It is all remarkably simple.

The law in California is clear via statutory and common law (as decided by the courts); the county is going to get slapped with prejudgment interest as well as it should. It illegally withheld this money from its rightful owners for a period of at least eight-and-a-half years and possibly 10 or more years, starting on the day after the county should have made findings to retain these fees.

The rate of prejudgment interest

Is the board going to continue spending massive amounts on attorneys’ fees and now interest, never mind withholding tens of millions of dollars from residents? Or will county leaders nally admit they were wrong …

is also provided by statute. Based on the law as read, and without going into the complicated calculations that could be required, it could be a statutory rate of 7% annually for the at least eight-and-a-half years involved.

It remains to be seen if the Board of Supervisors will continue to delay the rightful refunds due to the residents of El Dorado County or continue the position of being above the law. Think about that whenever a supervisor candidate asks for your vote or tells how good they are doing and how he or she benefits the residents of El Dorado County as they continue to wrongfully withhold your money.

A second cost is post-judgement interest, which amounts to 10% annually. On the principal amount of approximately $23.5 million, that would run $2.35 million annually ($6,438/day). But wait, it gets worse. The prejudgment interest would likely attach to the judgment. Using

the rate of 7% for this calculation would increase the judgment by approximately $14.5 million. So, the 10% post judgment interest would run $38 million or $3,800,000 annually — almost $10,500 a day. According to the case law, that would run from the date of the ruling on April 15, 2024, which means the county may have already incurred about $300,000 in interest on top of the judgment amount or a total judgment with interest totaling well over $38 million as of today and growing. Is the board going to continue spending massive amounts on attorneys’ fees and now interest, never mind withholding tens of millions of dollars from residents? Or will county leaders finally admit they were wrong and their sta failed them, and bite the bullet from this selfinflicted wound and put this “error in judgment” behind them? Using the

LARRY WEITZMAN

DAN WALTERS

Nomination period closing for basin awards

Cowen

Jeff

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

The nomination deadline to submit projects or programs that display outstanding environmental design and compatibility with Lake Tahoe’s environment for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Best in Basin awards is Friday, May 17. Projects completed in 2022 or 2023 have until 5 p.m. Friday to submit basic information. Additional details can be provided after the deadline.

The online nomination form is at tinyurl.com/ best-in-basin. A print version of the nomination form and more information about the program and past winners is at trpa.gov/how-we-operate/ awards.

Only projects completed between Jan. 1, 2022 and Dec. 31, 2023 are eligible. Winners will be selected by a panel of local professionals in the fields of architecture, landscaping, planning, engineering or resource management.

Continued from A6

could be tamed were the state to overhaul its revenue system and reduce its dependence on taxing the rich. But he, like the others, is obviously unwilling to do the heavy lifting that a tax reform would require.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Legislature appointed a blue-ribbon commission to study revenue volatility and recommend systemic changes. The commission was sharply divided but issued a report proposing fundamental changes, but it was quickly filed away and ignored.

Having acknowledged the much larger deficit, Newsom proposes two changes in the budgetary process to cope with the volatility factor: including future budgets in the annual calculations and not spending erratic revenue sources, such as capital gains, until they are realized.

Newsom said that were the Legislature to adopt his revised budget and the current revenue estimates proved accurate, the state could get its budget balanced by 2026 – which would coincide with the last year of his governorship.

The budget closes the gap with a melange of spending cuts, deferrals, tapping into emergency reserves, some increased taxes and some accounting gimmicks. Over two years, the state would use about $13 billion in emergency reserves, plus another $8 billion for schools from a separate reserve.

The initial version made few true spending

by Joel Fagliano

Thursday, May 16, 2024

reductions. But with a wider deficit, the revised budget contains some real cuts, including the partial closure of some prisons, and shrinkage in some of the appropriations made when it appeared the state had a big surplus.

“I prefer not to make these cuts,” Newsom told reporters, adding, “You’ve got to do it.”

Whether the Legislature can resist pressure from advocates for the programs Newsom would cut remains to be seen.

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

Weitzman

Continued from A6

cliche “only time will tell” certainly fits the situation, but now time is extremely expensive and everybody knows it.

An appeal will be extremely costly. If it takes two years, which is likely, it will be about an additional $8 million with attorney fees. The likelihood of success would ordinarily be 5% based on the reversal history. But based on the clarity of the MFA statute, the history and finality of the prior court decisions that have become the law and the well-reasoned, explicit and precise ruling of the El Dorado Superior Court (100% against the county), the chance of the county winning is probably less than 1%. An appeal would be an extreme and costly disservice to El Dorado County taxpayers. At the minimum, the county needs an immediate, complete and independent legal review and a complete resolution. The hemorrhaging needs to end.

Larry Weitzman is a former El Dorado County resident.

Announcements

AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 3342970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot.com

AMERICAN ASSOC. OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN Foothills of EDC Branch. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science and Math Camp Scholarships, programs & interest groups. Leave voicemail for Laurel (530) 417-7737 or Sara (530) 4177138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net

AMERICAN LEGION POST 119 welcomes Veterans and guests to attend our monthly membership dinner and meeting the rst Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM. Legionpost119.org

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

LEARN & PLAY CRIBBAGE

Cribbage is a fun, fast paced game that will surely keep you on your toes! **All skill levels **Learn to play by ACC Rules (American Cribbage Congress) **Beginner instruction available **Compete in weekly Cribbage tournaments. Call 916-7684452 for more information. Gold Country Cribbers play Wednesday afternoon 4:30 pm at Moni Gilmore Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762 Struggling with life? CELEBRATE RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/ DEMOCRATS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Call (530)391-6414 or see edcdems.org for more information.

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

HANGTOWN WOMEN’S TENNIS CLUB. Come play tennis for fun and friendship. Meet at El Dorado High School, Acacia Street, Placerville, Wed 9 AM – 11 AM. (June - Aug 8 AM –10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Cindy 805-540-8654. MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant on Fair Lane in Placerville at 10:00 am. For more information, call (530) 622-1180. Addiction or Relationship problem? Call 530 231-7728 our free counseling can help you. Positive Realism, 3430 Robin Ln., Cameron Park. Meet rst and third Wednesday of every month, 7pm. Come and have a paid lunch with the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) for CalPERS retirees and spouses. The meetings are held at 11:30AM on May 20, July 15, September 16, November 18,2024 at Denny’s (3446 Coach Lane) Cameron Park. Call 530 919 7515 for programs and information.

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 a ect 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. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a non-partisan organization.

Starting relatively late in life as a journalist, his roots in the newspaper industry trace back to his time as a photographer for Olan Mills in Georgia right after his Navy stint. About a year later he moved to San Francisco and worked repairing vacuums while preparing for college.

Taking classes such as astronomy and nuclear theory, he would eventually be inspired to study classics at San Francisco State. He became proficient in Latin and Greek enough to do readings in classics such as “The Iliad” and Ovid’s “Metamorphosis,” all while working for the school’s two student newspapers, becoming photo editor for both. To broaden his range further he took tap dancing, ballet and fencing classes.

He worked as a security officer while in school and a taxi driver (he took a year off to drive), eventually graduating from college and becoming a photographer for the Woodland Daily Democrat in 1977. After serving as a feature editor for the Amador Progress-News in Ione, he found his way into El Dorado County in 1978 to work at the Mountain Democrat.

Raffety cycled through various titles until he was named editor in 1989, a position he would hold until 2015.

During that time, Raffety obtained a second bachelor’s and a master’s degree in art at California State University, Sacramento, and used his degrees to teach photography,

journalism, art history and other related subjects at two community colleges for 23 years.

His time at the Mountain Democrat made him the longestserving editor for the historical paper, more than 28 years. Raffety wrote 160 columns and nearly 2,600 editorials and accumulated 55 local, state and national awards.

“It’s hard to believe that a force as powerful as Mike Raffety no longer will fill a newsroom,” said former Mountain Democrat managing editor Pat Lakey, who worked with Raffety for more than 35 years. “I remember the first time I heard his explosive laughter, after he read a lighthearted feature I had turned in

for editing. I soon found myself trying to work my stories in ways that I hoped would amuse him.

“That Raffety laugh was reward enough.”

Raffety worked under three different publishers and two general managers, and worked at four out of the seven locations where the Mountain Democrat has been based. Those who worked with him at the paper remember his intelligence and his dedication to his staff.

“Mike was wonderful to work with and he was always so supportive of everyone,” said Mountain Democrat Special Sections Editor Mimi Escabar. “He had many fun stories to share and offered helpful pointers to make

an article better.”

“Mike was a reporter’s editor and really supported the writers, including myself,” said current Mountain Democrat Editor Noel Stack. “He also had great enthusiasm. Even though he had worked in journalism for decades, he still got excited about breaking news or government mischief; that made the job more fun.”

The newspaper is how he would meet his wife, Cherie Albusche. Mike interviewed Cherie, a candidate for the Los Rios Community College Board of Trustees, in 1980.

“He called me after he did the interview and he wanted to take me to lunch. I asked if it was for business or pleasure,” Cherie shared. “He

answered (correctly); It was for pleasure.”

She won the election and he won her heart.

They got married Oct. 18, 1980, eventually having two children, Natasha and Wolfgang.

As a father and husband

Mike was involved in his family’s lives, never missing an event if he could help it and hosting Sunday dinners when his children became adults.

“He was a thoughtful husband, and there was an absence of bickering with him,” Cherie said. “It was easy to get along with him and he adored all of his children. If it was at all possible, he never missed a game and they played a lot of sports.”

His love for his family extended to his five grandchildren, all boys.

“The two of us would take them up to Sunriver, Ore., where Michael’s grandparents lived for a long time. They had swimming, golf, tennis and it was a great place to take the grandkids.” Cherie recalled. “More recently, we also took them to Monterey and other places as well.”

Mike had a love for travel. He and Cherie jetted off to Paris to see the sights, especially the Louvre, and traveled to New York to see comedies. They also made stops in Canada, Japan and Germany, along with various other places.

The former editor didn’t stay idle after leaving the paper. He would eventually be elected to the El Dorado Irrigation District Board of Directors in 2016, an organization Raffety spent many years writing news articles about before and after serving as a board member.

“Michael Raffety was not just a committed member of the EID board; his decades of dedication are deeply rooted in El Dorado County,” said EID General Manager Jim Abercrombie. “His profound affection for and devotion to El Dorado County’s communities has left an indelible mark. His abiding interest in California water as a longtime editor of the Mountain Democrat prepared him well for his tenure on the EID board. His enduring legacy and steadfast commitment to our community will forever

Courtesy photo

Michael Raffety, left, is seen here in the downtown Placerville Mountain Democrat newsroom with sports writer Steve Carp.

Placerville Hardware now occupies the space.

n

An emergency crew prepares to haul away the melted remains of a Chili Bar Slate Mine truck that erupted into flames Monday afternoon on Highway 50 near Spring Street. The driver was able to evacuate the vehicle safely.

Truck fire Continued from A1

cab, sending a pillar of black smoke billowing into the otherwise clear sky.

“We heard a big boom and came out and saw the truck was on fire,” said Debra Miller, who was on Main Street at the time of the incident. “We came back out with a fire extinguisher, but by then the fire was too big.”

Fire crews arrived on the scene swiftly, extinguishing the fire around 10 minutes after the flames first engulfed the engine. Tra c along the highway and Main Street was impacted for more than an hour as

be cherished and remembered.”

Additionally, Ra ety also served as the American Legion Post 119 commander and the president of the Mother Lode Lions Club three separate times, where he enjoyed the camaraderie with other members of the organizations.

“He really got his hands dirty, so to speak, in taking part in the activities,” Cherie recalled. “Whether they were for the kids for Halloween or whatever event ... they had for that year, he was involved.”

Mike was also a known advocate for supporting projects concerning children and eyesight, which includes working to get playground equipment at Indian Creek Elementary and supporting a mobile eyesight van.

American Legion member Cmdr. Edgar “Bud” Brown, who served in the Army National Guard, took one of Mike’s photojournalism classes to learn for his work as a real estate appraiser when it was still common practice to unroll film and thread it through a machine to develop the photographs.

“He was very laid back, very easy to talk to and to get along with,” Brown

Report Continued from A3

agencies combined with dedicated e orts from the state, but we must do more to be prepared to capture and store water when the wet years come.”

During the 2023 Water Year, more than 1.2 million acre-feet of groundwater recharge was permitted by state agencies, more than 400,000 acre-feet of flood water was recharged using the governor’s executive orders and millions more acre-feet of managed and naturally occurring recharge was achieved. Groundwater recharge projects have proved critical during flood response, as we saw in 2023 when thousands of acre-feet of water were diverted o of streams, away from flood-prone areas, and put onto available open lands to recharge groundwater basins. Learn more about water infrastructure projects at build.ca.gov.

Since groundwater is out of sight, state o cials need data and information from the underground aquifers to make informed groundwater management decisions that are backed by the most current science. DWR’s Semi-Annual Groundwater Conditions report provides current data to support the comprehensive California’s Groundwater (Bulletin 118) publication which is updated every five years. This suite of reports provides the latest knowledge and understanding about California’s groundwater system, helping state and local agencies manage groundwater resources for long-term water supply resiliency.

Ten years ago the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act was signed into law to address ongoing

crews redirected cars and prepared to remove the vehicle from the left-turn lane where it had stopped. While a tow truck attached cables to the now-melted front end of the truck, other workers scraped slag that had accumulated underneath the vehicle during the fire.

Though the cause of the fire has not been determined at this time, the driver shared with the Mountain Democrat what he thought started it.

“It was a brake drum fire,” the driver explained. “They happen all the time, unfortunately.”

said. “He would express his opinion, but in such a manner as to not be antagonistic or start a problem.”

He also commended Mike’s leadership.

“The Legion runs like a like a small military unit and the commander is like the leader of the unit and he directs activities. Every commander is a little bit di erent and they have a di erent style, but they all have the same goal and Michael had good ideas and cooperated well with other people who have di erent ideas,” Brown said.

A family man, a respected journalist and a dedicated community member and advocate are how many of those who knew Mike will remember him.

“He did his homework; he studied things (and) he (was) a great member of the community, of the Mother Lode Lions Club and I think he did a really good job as a member of the EID board, because we was a guy that did his homework, listened and learned to find out what he needed to know,” said former county supervisor and longtime friend Jack Sweeney said.

A celebration of life for Mike Ra ety will be held Saturday, May 25, at the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour, at 2979 Coloma St. in Placerville.

impacts of groundwater declines throughout the state. As a result of this important legislation, o cials are collectively learning more than ever before about California’s groundwater basins from data being collected and reported by local GSAs as well as from state investments in new technologies and expanded groundwater monitoring.

The Semi-Annual Groundwater Conditions report includes the latest data and discussion on statewide groundwater levels, groundwater storage, recharge, land subsidence, well infrastructure and the status of California’s groundwater basins. These reports are not just for water managers, they are also important resources for anyone who wants to gain an understanding of their local water supply.

COMICS

know — far less so.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). It feels like you are waiting a long time for what is already supposed to be yours. The sweetest rewards are often the ones that take the longest to be delivered. Tonight, the impossibilities, quite simply, are not.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). An obstacle will be cleared. After that, expect to do a bit more maneuvering. Have patience. You’ve waited graciously for this long; it would be a shame to lose your cool in the nal moments. You’ll take o very soon.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Con dence isn’t a sudden gift; it’s cultivated through understanding and responding well to your surroundings. You’re working on your master’s degree in social nuance. You’ll adjust your behaviors for di erent situations to keen e ect.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The mistakes show you what you need to work on. They give you direction and purpose. So don’t be afraid to make a few today -- without them, life will feel rudderless.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Memories are tricksters today. The bad ones can shape-shift into good or worse. The good ones can take on a taint of bitterness or be dipped in another layer of frosting. The light of today shines context on yesterday.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). As intangible and weightless as an idea is, the world can be overturned by but one. You’ll witness the power of a bright thought today, and whether it came from you or not, you’ll be the one to apply it in a direction of impact.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Even though you love to learn, you have preferences about how. Figuring things out on your own is a fun, interesting and complete experience. Listening to someone serve up what they think you ought to

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). It’s confusing when you seem to want things that you do not wish to want. The desire that was once a motivational tool can morph into a philosophical problem that seems like the root of all su ering. Then again,

Your gut response is golden. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). In the early stages of a long journey, the odds favor no one, and yet every stride toward the nish changes the game. You’ll increase your chance of winning with a running leap today.

AQUARIUS

■ SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

■ TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

■ RUBES by Leigh Rubin

■ SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

SUDOKU

Democrat photo by Odin Rasco

NEWS, IN THE KNOW

May 15

Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts Preparing for Wild re: Hardening Your Home & Creating Defensible Space, 9 a.m. to noon at the Cameron Park Community Center. Learn how to make your home more reresilient to wild re and meet state and county laws and regulations.

The Snowline Living Well with Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets the third Wednesday of every month at Snowline’s administrative o ces or other community locations. This group supports caregivers and family members who are caring for or have a loved one with dementia. Alongside the support group, an Activity Enrichment Group for persons with dementia is o ered at the same time and location. For more information call (530) 621-7820.

Nervous about the upcoming re season? Have questions about home hardening and creating defensible space?

Do you know what to do if wild re is headed your way?

Join the Camino Fire Safe Council meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the Cal Fire Amador/El Dorado Unit headquarters, 2840 Mt. Danaher Road in Camino.

May 16

El Dorado FamilySearch Center, 3275 Cedar Ravine Road in Placerville, hosts Find Your Family in Newspapers at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The stories of their lives — that’s what you’ll discover in newspapers. No need to visit archives and libraries for these articles as they are available from your home computer. For more information call (530) 6211378.

The next El Dorado State planning meeting is scheduled at 5 p.m. at The Breakroom, 4131 South Shingle Road, Shingle Springs, in the private back room. All El Dorado residents are invited to join the discussions and re ections on the year past to mark the group’s one year anniversary. T-shirts and yers can be picked up.

Golden Sierra High School’s Drama Club presents “The Iliad, The Odyssey & All of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less,” May 16-18 at the Garden Valley school. Showtimes are 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday.

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

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

Valhalla Tahoe presents Lindsay & The Cheeks in concert with special guest Robin Orr at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information visit valhallatahoe.com/events.

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

May 17

Ant Bee Band will perform at 5 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/livemusic.

their community and their environment

■ Youth-led toiletries drive collects more than 7,300 items

Evan Suneson

Hands4Hope community engagement ambassador – Folsom

he 14th annual

THands4Hope – Youth Making A Di erence Toiletries Drive focused on supporting those in the community who are struggling to make ends meet, as well as those who lost their homes and remain displaced by the Caldor Fire. Seven elementary schools, one middle school and 10 local businesses collected 7,375 items during the recent drive.

The Hands4Hope –Youth Making A Di erence Community Engagement Youth Ambassadors worked with elementary schools in the Folsom, El Dorado and Placerville areas to collect toiletries. Each school advertised through posters and flyers that included information about the supply drive and which items were most requested such as dental supplies, deodorant, hair products and sunscreen. Local businesses, a soccer club and community members also supported Hands4Hope by hosting a collection barrel. All donations were picked up from the participating schools and businesses by youth ambassadors, who then led multiple counting and sorting events. All the donated items were then packed to be distributed to various agencies in the community that directly

work with those in need, such as Upper Room Dining Hall, Green Valley Community Church, Sister Nora’s Place, Children’s Receiving Home, Loaves and Fishes, City of Refuge, Powerhouse Ministries, Folsom’s Hope and Twin Lakes Food Bank. Donations will also be stocked at the Hands4Hope Placerville Youth Center to be distributed throughout the year through the Emergency Food

■ Schools make room for wildlife habitat

Rescue Union School District

News release

The National Wildlife Federation, America’s largest wildlife conservation and education organization, has announced that both Pleasant Grove and Marina Village middle schools in the Rescue Union School District have successfully created a Certified Wildlife Habitat through its Garden for Wildlife movement. NWF celebrates this e ort to create a garden that supports birds, butterflies, bees, frogs and other local wildlife. Every Certified Wildlife Habitat garden

provides natural sources of food, water, cover and places to raise young and is maintained in a sustainable way that incorporates native plants, conserves water and doesn’t rely on pesticides.

“Anyone, anywhere can restore wildlife habitat right in their own yards and communities,” said Rescue USD Garden Coordinator and Project Green CEO Gina Johnston.

“Whether you garden in a suburban yard, an urban area or a rural plot of land, you can make a di erence for local wildlife. Our students enjoy watching wildlife and they wanted to do their part to help in creating a Certified Wildlife Habitat,” said Pleasant Grove Middle School Garden Coordinator Jacqulyn Estes. “Redesigning parts of our existing school landscaping makes our campus more inviting to wildlife and gives our kids

Tahoe Treetop Adventure Trail

If you have ever dreamed of swinging through the trees like Tarzan, Tahoe Treetop Adventure trail is a hike for you. This is the most expensive trail I have ever hiked at $73. Tahoe Treetop Adventure has three parks in the Tahoe area. I hiked at the Granlibakken Park o Granlibakken Road. A maze of zip lines, cable bridges, even a snowboard plank bridge cover a forested area behind the

Granlibakken resort. Visitors are briefed on many aspects of safety on the course through the trees. A helmet and harness are required, gloves are recommended. The maze gets a bit more challenging as you progress. Looking up, it doesn’t seem so high but from the canopy of pines, the ground does seem very far away. You are given a couple hours plus to run the course. You can stick to the lower, easier runs or make your way to the higher, more challenging parts of the trail. From platform to platform you have a chance to take in the scenery before you zip or traverse a rope bridge while firmly harnessed along the way. Mary West is author of the book series

Hiker – Gold Country Trail Guide I, II and III (second edition

A collection of Day Hiker columns can be seen the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays in the Mountain Democrat

Courtesy photos

Valerie Antkowiak, Sudeep Mazumder, Tarika Kahlon, Reneta Bell, Ozby Bell and Suzie Bell, above from left, count and sort donated toiletries at the Hands4Hope Youth Center in El Dorado Hills. At right, Hands4Hope adult volunteer Gen Walk drops off toiletries donated by the generous residents of the Heritage Community in El Dorado Hills.

Courtesy photo

El Dorado Hills middle school students have helped create school gardens that support birds, butterflies, bees, frogs and other local wildlife, earning special recognition in the process. ■ See HABITAT, page B7

■ See TOILETRIES DRIVE, page B7

columnist

Blues band to rock Sutter Creek with

UTTER CREEK — Award-

Swinning modern blues legends Rick Estrin & The Nightcats — two-time winners of the prestigious Blues Music Award for Band Of The Year — will celebrate the release of their long-awaited new Alligator Records album, “The Hits Keep Coming,” with a live performance at the Sutter Creek Theatre on May 17.

“The Hits Keep Coming,” the band’s first release in almost five years and sixth overall, packs a powerful punch with phenomenal musicianship and streetwise lyrics — both serious and humorous. Vocalist, harmonica master and songwriter Estrin, along with multi-instrumentalist/musical mastermind/producer Christoffer “Kid” Andersen, keyboardist/organ wizard/bass player Lorenzo Farrell and endlessly creative drummer Derrick “D’Mar” Martin, created what Estrin calls, “the best music we’ve ever made together.”

“This band is killer,” said Estrin, who has been performing and recording professionally since the early 1970s. “I’m enjoying this all more than ever. It’s a blessing. There’s so much energy, so much collaboration. The band is just so good right now. And the live show is off the charts.”

Produced by Andersen at his

legendary Greaseland USA studio in San Jose, the album captures the musicians’ chemistry and magic in what is certainly among their strongest and most urgent releases so far. “The Hits Keep Coming” is modern blues at its most potent,

intense and fun in all the right places as Rick Estrin & The Nightcats deliver 12 groove-heavy, hard-hitting songs, including 10 written or co-written by Estrin and two surprising covers (one obscurity from Muddy Waters, one from Leonard Cohen that Estrin

‘Kingfish’

would have liked to have written). From the foot-stomping opener “Somewhere Else,” to the harsh reality of the title track (with backing vocals by The Sons Of The Soul Revivers), to the musically infectious, lyrically harrowing song about addiction, “The Circus Is Still In Town” (The Monkey Song), “The Hits Keep Coming” is a lyrical and musical tour-de-force.

In addition to Estrin’s celebrated songwriting and peerless blues harmonica playing, he and the band are among the most entertaining and colorful showmen around. Estrin’s signature streetwise vocals and hipster-cool look, Andersen’s eye-popping, off-the-cuff guitar pyrotechnics, Farrell’s mighty organ, piano and bass work and D’Mar’s dynamic, acrobatic drumming make every one of their live performances a must-see event.

“People don’t go out to see people who look like themselves,” said Estrin. “They want to see something special. I was schooled in this business to be a showman, and that’s what you get when you come to see us perform. We know how to put on a show. I feel sorry for anyone who has to follow us.”

The concert begins at 8 p.m. Friday, May 17, at Sutter Creek Theatre, 44 Main St. in Sutter Creek. For tickets and more information visit suttercreektheater.com.

sings the blues at The Center for the Arts

Leila Srouji The Center for the Arts

GRASS VALLEY — The Center for the Arts presents Christone “Kingfish” Ingram in the Marisa Funk Theater May 16.

Grammy-winning guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Ingram has quickly become the defining blues voice of his generation. From his hometown of Clarksdale, Miss., to stages around the globe, the young blues star has already headlined multiple U.S. and European tours, and amazed fans in Australia, New Zealand and India. Selected in summer of 2022 to open for The Rolling Stones in London’s Hyde Park, Ingram has also performed and toured with friends including Vampire Weekend, Jason Isbell, Steve Miller and Buddy Guy, a mentor of his, with whom he appeared on Austin City Limits.

Since he burst onto the scene in 2019, Ingram has been nominated for 10 Blues Music Awards and won them all. Rolling Stone declared, “Kingfish is one of the most exciting young guitarists in years, with a sound that encompasses B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix and Prince.”

In September 2023, Ingram released his jaw-dropping third album, “Live In London.” Recorded on June 6, 2023, in front of a sweaty, sold-out, standing-room-only crowd at the famous UK club, The Garage, “Live In London” is the guitar-driven live album Kingfish’s fans around the world have been clamoring for since they first watched him perform as a teenager on YouTube.

Continued from B1

The Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park

hosts Home Grown Comedy with Lourdes Ayon, Drew Schafer and more at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com/ homegrowncomedy.

American Mile will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 8 p.m. to midnight. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.

The Golden Road Gathering takes place May 17-19 at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. For tickets and more information visit goldenroadgathering.com.

Upon its release in 2019, “Kingfish” debuted on the Billboard Blues Chart in the No. 1 position and remained on the chart for an astonishing 91 weeks. In addition to receiving a Grammy nomination, “Kingfish” was named the Best Blues Album of The Year by UK tastemaker magazine MOJO. Ingram’s lead single “Fresh Out” (featuring Buddy Guy) was the most played song on SiriusXM’s highly regarded Bluesville channel. “Kingfish” was also No. 1 on Living Blues magazine’s Top 50 Albums of The Year Radio Chart. The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Guitar World and many other publications shared the joy of their musical discovery with their readers. Ingram was even interviewed by Sir Elton John for his Apple Music Rocketman podcast.

As soon as Ingram’s sophomore release, “662,” dropped in July 2021, fans, critics and radio stations showered the album with praise. Like “Kingfish,” it debuted at No 1 on the Billboard Blues Chart. Ingram appeared on NPR’s World Café and Mountain Stage and the album’s title track became a “Top Tune” for trendsetting radio station KCRW (Los Angeles). MOJO selected 662 as the Best Blues Album of The Year, while NPR Music said Ingram’s playing is “astounding ... it’s almost like he’s singing through the guitar.”

Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 16, at The Center for the Arts, 314 West Main St. in Grass Valley. For tickets and more information visit thecenterforthearts.org or call (530) 274-8384.

Game Commission and the Serrano Homeowners Association, invite kids ages 3 to 15 to test their angling skills at Village Green Park, 8-11:45 a.m. Registration is required. Visit edhcsd.org.

The Pleasant Valley Grange Plant & Garden Art Sale takes place 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 4764 Pleasant Valley Grange Road in Placerville.

Sutter Creek Theatre presents Rick Estrin & the Nightcats at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheatre.com.

Main Street Theatre Works heats things up on the grounds of the Preston Castle in Ione with the Red Plaid Shirts and Red Hot Talent Spring Fundraiser beginning at 5 p.m. The event will include dinner prepared by the amazing local chefs Jim and Yolanda Bennett plus red hot talent from MSTW company members, as well as local talent performing music, song, scenes and monologues. For tickets and more information visit mstw.org.

May 18

Kick

on

your

with

and

Photo by Steve Jennings

Rick Estrin & The Nightcats will perform music from their new album, plus some old favorites, at Sutter Creek Theatre on May 17.

Photo by Colin Hart

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram has wowed crowds all over the world and will do so once again in Grass Valley this Thursday.

Sierra Vista Winery in the Pleasant Valley area hosts Dinner & Piano Night with Kevin Whalen, 5-8:30 p.m. RSVP by May 15 at sierravistawinery.com or call (530) 622-7221.

Simms Band will perform at 8 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Night Owl will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com. Fairytale Town in Sacramento hosts author Terri Dorow, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information visit fairytaletown.org.

Sutter Creek Theatre presents Sons of Champlin at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheatre. com.

May 19

The El Dorado Hills Town Center Farmers Market takes place year round, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday, weather permitting. Wander behind Nibblers and Trek Bicycle to discover a cornucopia of delights, where local area farms showcase an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Explore stalls brimming with homemade treasures including jams and cheeses, as well many handmade creations. 1850 Wine Cellars in Placerville hosts a Winemaker Brunch with Brian Darwazeh at 10:30 a.m. Start your week with a relaxing and educational four-course brunch with the winemaker Brian, prepared by chef Lisa Scott. This month Brian will discuss oak impact in wines. To make a reservation visit 1850winecellars.com/pages/events.

Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts two events: Read to a Dog, 1-2 p.m. Therapy-trained friend Emma the Corgi will be on-hand for a free, fun, one-on-one reading session with kids. Writers’ Coffeehouse, 1-2:30 p.m., allows writers to chat about the latest trends in the industry, about the craft of writing, about marketing, pitching and selling as well as the frustrations and positives of the writing experience. For more information call (916) 941-9401 or visit getyourfaceinabook.com.

Tenor Nick Palance will perform at the Music on the Divide concert, 3

p.m. at the IOFF Hall in Georgetown. For tickets and more information visit musiconthedivide.org.

Listen Hear Band will perform at 3 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.

May 21

The El Dorado County Fair & Events Center hosts How to Enter the Fair in the fair boardroom, 100 Placerville Drive in Placerville. Session will be held noon to 1 p.m. For more information call (530) 621-5860.

Vitalant will host an El Dorado Hills community blood drive, noon to 4 p.m. The Bloodmobile will be in the parking lot near the baseball fields at the El Dorado Hills Community Services District, 1021 Harvard Way. Make an appointment at donors.vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFM019 or call (877) 258-4825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows.

Powell’s Steamer Company and Pub, 425 Main St., presents Eric Hill and Jonny Mojo for Taco Tuesday on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 4-7 p.m. Stop by for some good food and good tunes. For more information call (530) 626-1091.

May 22

Snowline Health hosts Living Well with Dementia: Routines, Purpose & Getting a Good Night’s Sleep, 1:30-3 p.m. For people with cognitive impairment/early dementia and their care partners/ caregivers. This training discusses the importance of creating a healthy weekly routine and finding purpose and resilience. It also addresses sleep disturbances and their impact on those with dementia and their caregivers. For more information call (530) 621-7820.

The Strawberry Music Festival, a multi-day, family-friendly music and campout featuring activities and entertainment for all ages on the Nevada County fairgrounds, May 22-27. For more information and a complete lineup of acts visit strawberrymusic.com.

Now

Marshall Hospital Auxiliary is looking for volunteers. Help people and make new friends. Interviews are held monthly. For more

information call Norma at (530) 676-1844 or email grizzyq98@gmail. com.

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

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

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

Arts & Culture El Dorado celebrates the symbiosis of art and agriculture with Arts Vinifera, an exhibition that showcases original artworks that grace the labels of El Dorado County’s world-class wines at Switchboard Gallery, 525 Main St. in Placerville, through May 19. Sutter Street Theatre presents “The Sleeping Beauty” through May 19. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

The Sacramento Theatre Company presents Disney’s “Camp Rock: The Musical” through May 19. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-6722 or visit sactheatre.org.

Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento presents: Black Artists in America through May 19; and Joyce J. Scott: Messages through June 23; Denying Gravity – Woods Davy and the Assembly of Stones through Aug 11; and Penetrating Expressions – Kifwebe Masks of the Songye and Luba People through Aug. 11. For tickets and more information visit crockerart.org.

Big Idea Theatre in Sacramento presents “TempOdyssey” through May 20. For tickets and more information visit bigideatheatre.org.

Olde Coloma Theatre presents “She’s in His Line of Fire” or “The Biggest Shot in Coloma” through June 9. For tickets and more information visit oldecolomatheatre.com.

GROW FOR IT!

Seeking a blue ribbon at El Dorado County Fair?

We have only a month before everyone’s favorite annual event, the El Dorado County Fair, returns June 13-16. The fair is just not all corndogs and carnival rides. There is lots of time, effort and expense put into all the different fair entries that you see throughout the buildings. Within the buildings you will find everything from cakes, cookies, quilts, canned goods, minerals, photography, fruits, vegetables and flowers. All these items must be made, baked or grown by the entrant, which requires planning and staging of anything entered.

Have you ever thought about entering something into the fair?

Have you entered before and wondered how to get that first-place prize? Let’s review a few things that might help

you in your quest!

Potted plants and cut flowers

Make sure your specimen is entered into the correct division/ class. You may think it is a geranium, but it may be a creeping Charlie. Make sure your plant and cut flowers are at the peak of their perfection. Once you decide what you are going to enter, tend to it often. Trim off any dead leaves and stems so that new ones can grow. Ensure all the blooms are at their ideal stage and not in the bud stage. Make sure your fruits and vegetables

are at the table-ready stage unless the category states otherwise. Ensure your potted plant is well hydrated. Make sure your specimen is free from insects and that there is no disease damage present. Ensure there are no tears or rips to leaves or petals. Make sure there is no damage from the weather; sunburnt leaves don’t bring home blue ribbons.

Clean the leaves of any water spots. Clean the dirt around the plant, remove dead leaves, pine needles or anything else that may be lurking under your beautiful plant. Make sure to clean the pot and the drainage saucer, this is one small detail that is often missed.

For your cut flowers, does the flower have good conformation? Does the flower stand at attention? Make sure the container is proportional to the specimen size. Clean any leaves that may be present, most or all leaves should be removed in a cut flower entry.

The Public Square

Floral arrangements

Choose a design that matches the class you have entered. Use a vase that complements the design. Does your arrangement have balance? Is it symmetrical, top to bottom, side to side? Once you finish your arrangement, look at it from all angles. Do the flowers and colors complement each

other? Colors should not be competing, but you need just enough contrast to keep it interesting. There should not be several components fighting for attention. There should be one, maybe two focal flowers, with all the greenery and other flowers complementing those. Make sure the design fills the allotted space without exceeding or appearing too small or big for the vase.

Mostly have fun, and hopefully we will see you in the winner’s circle. The Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open 9 a.m. to noon Fridays and Saturdays. Check the website for further information at ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_ Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden. Master Gardener classes are offered monthly throughout the county. Find the class schedule at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/ Public_Education_Cla

Photos by Mary West

Tahoe Treetop Adventures offers more than your average hike. The course is a blend of heartstopping fun and natural beauty.

Photo by Audrey Brandt

Unique floral arrangements that catch the eyes of judges could win a blue ribbon at next month’s

El Dorado County Fair. Are your blooms ready?

Daycare and Presch l Where Learning and Love go Hand in Hand! Celebrating service to the community since 1999! We offer education and care for babies, Preschoolers, Pre-K, private Kindergarten. Teachers are educated in Child Development, CPR and First Aid certi ed, and make it a priority to continue their education.