Calling bird lovers
C a l i f o r n i a ’ s O l d e s t N e w s pa p e r – E s t. 18 51
Baby bird season is in full swing at SWR nursery. wednesday, May 27, 2020
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Volume 169 • Issue 61 | 75¢
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What’s up with graduation? Students, administrators get creative to celebrate class of 2020 Democrat staff Faced with social distancing and sheltering in place amid the coronavirus pandemic, local high school seniors are not able to mark their achievements with traditional graduation ceremonies this year. High schools in El Dorado County are each approaching the challenge a little differently so here’s the scoop as schools ready to launch students toward their next big step in life.
El Dorado class of 2020 cruisin’ to Bell Tower Democrat photo by Krysten Kellum
Highway 50 through downtown Placerville is lined with signs recognizing the class of 2020’s achievements with all local schools’ mascots depicted. The signs went up thanks to a team effort between the El Dorado High School class of 2000 reunion committee, the El Dorado County Chamber Leadership Class 14 and Spot on Signs and Graphics.
High Hill Ranch to host private grad ceremony; county says no way
El Dorado High School is holding a special graduation for its class of 2020 in downtown Placerville. Taking precautions amid the COVID-19 health crisis, there will be a parade-like ceremony Thursday, May 28. “El Dorado High School, the city of Placerville and the Placerville Police Department needed to ensure the class of 2020 was honored,” said Tara Grudin, vice principal at EDHS. “The class of 2020 faced more adversity n
See Graduation, page A8
Never forget
Dylan Svoboda Staff writer The coronavirus pandemic has thrown a wrench in graduation celebrations across the world. With traditional ceremonies canceled left and right, some folks from one Folsom high school have apparently planned a ceremony of their own despite public health pleas. With health and safety in mind, El Dorado County officials have stepped in to stop it. The private ceremony, hosted by parents from Vista del Lago High School, is set for Saturday, May 30, at High Hill Ranch in Apple Hill. More than 200 Vista seniors and their families are expected. After getting wind of the upcoming event through Facebook, county leaders sent High Hill Ranch owner Jerry Visman a letter Thursday insisting he scrap the planned ceremony. n
See High Hill, page A6
Photos by John Poimiroo
Despite the coronavirus pandemic the El Dorado County Veterans Alliance wasn’t going to let Memorial Day at the El Dorado County Veterans Monument in Placerville go without traditional ceremonies Monday. Local leaders and a gathering of a limited number of the county’s veterans gave speeches, brought out the colors, laid a wreath and played taps with a camera crew filming as no attendees were invited due to social-distancing health and safety recommendations. The pre-recorded ceremony was broadcast Memorial Day on cable Channel 2 (Sierra Community Access Television) and can be viewed online at youtu.be/4h5Gqh7cNfI.
Apple Hill Growers denounces planned graduation event Dylan Svoboda Staff writer
The Apple Hill Growers Association has denounced a planned graduation celebration set for next weekend at High Hill Ranch. “The Apple Hill Growers (AHG) endorses and fully supports both the state and El Dorado County guidelines for safely reopening our farms and wineries,” a written statement from the group reads. “The health and safety of our employees and guests are paramount. “… AHG does not support any member activities that do not comply with the state and county reopening guidelines, including the recent plan involving High Hill Ranch’s event organized with Vista del Lago High School.” Lori Wolfrey, one of the event organizers, told the Mountain Democrat Friday that the event will be “no different from what’s going on at Folsom Lake.” Some similar congregations, she added, are already permitted under Stage 2 guidelines. High Hill Ranch is a member of the Apple Hill Growers Association. Visman could not be reached for comment Friday.
Placerville Mayor Michael Saragosa and El Dorado County Supervisor Brian Veerkamp, left photo, place a commemorative wreath during Memorial Day ceremonies. Veterans from each branch of the military line up, right photo, as the camera crew captures Veterans Alliance President Gary Campbell’s opening remarks.
El Dorado household has coronavirus outbreak Tahoe Daily Tribune El Dorado County health officials announced seven coronavirus cases Friday found in the same household, including six kids younger than 18 years old. The household is located in the Diamond Springs/ El Dorado area and all patients were tracked to an earlier positive result in the home. The six kids are the first cases in the 17-andyounger age group. The
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other case was in the 18-49 age group. “While it may be alarming to see such an increase in confirmed cases, they are all from household contacts with an earlier positive case,” said county spokesperson Carla Haas. “If you think about how influenza or a cold or other virus moves through a household, where people are in very close contact with each other and touching common surfaces, this number should not be
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El Dorado County on Monday reported four n
See coronavirus, page A9
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