Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, June 7, 2023

El Dorado … State? residents explore California break-up

odin rasco

Staff writer

Pray for JuniPEr

Eric Jaramishian

Staff writer

As five children recover from their injuries, including one fighting for her life in the ICU with her family asking for the community’s prayers, community members packed the multipurpose room at Pinewood Elementary School in Pollock Pines Monday evening for a California Highway Patrol-led meeting regarding the May 31 crosswalk incident in which the children were struck by a van.

CHP Commander Lt.

Rick Hatfield shared the latest information on the investigation into why an appliance van traveling down Pony Express Trail near Oak Street struck the preschoolers. Hatfield said the driver of the van, 21-year-old Jacob Glen Rose, was not suspected to be under the influence at the time of the crash. CHP investigators are considering if distracted driving may have played a role.

“Urgency is not on our radar right now,”

Hatfield said. “It is more important for us to conduct a thorough investigation versus speeding through this to get a faster resolution. We do not want to leave things uncovered.”

“To date we don’t have any reason to believe there’s any gross negligence,” he added.

“Outside of that we’ve got some great video surveillance so we are off to a good start. As far as the investigation goes, oftentimes we do not have that luxury. Normally cameras are not in the right angle or there is no Wi-Fi or witnesses, especially in our rural county, so I think those are all good starting points. We are confident about this investigation.”

Hatfield noted Rose has cooperated with investigators.

El Dorado County Department of Transportation Deputy Operations Manager

Brian Mullens was also present at the meeting to answer road-related questions. Many at the meeting called for better signage and reduced speed limits on that stretch of Pony

Express Trail. Mullens noted an upcoming road enhancement project between Sanders Drive and Sly Park Road, which includes where the children were struck. That project has been in the works since 2018 and is expected to go out to bid this July.

“We should know by the end of July who the successful contractors for that project are so we can get started on that soon,” Mullens said, adding the project would likely go into next year’s construction season. Mullens mentioned his staff is looking into moving the crosswalk in question farther east on Pony Express Trail and adding activated

flashing LED lights at all crosswalks on Pony Express Trail.

“As far as speeding and stop signs, we will be internally reviewing all that this summer, just to make sure something hasn’t changed like state regulation,” Mullens said. “It can be considered for a three-way stop sign, but we will look at all the data.”

Mullens said his staff will also examine reducing the speed limit on that stretch of Pony Express Trail.

Every five years DOT staff takes speed radar data and applies the 85th percentile, which means the county can legally reduce the speed

A group of residents from El Dorado County met May 24 at the El Dorado Community Hall to discuss a newly devised plan to split a state off California. Rather than the State of Jefferson or New California State plans that aim to carve off a third or half the state, this new plan aims much smaller — making El Dorado County into El Dorado State.

It is a truth longdocumented that as long as there have been Californians, there have been people who wanted to stop being Californians without the hassle of moving.

“We want control of our government, of our schools and of our way of life. We’re pioneer stock around here and we have that indomitable spirit.”

— Sharon Durst, El Dorado State proponent

California was officially granted statehood Sept. 9, 1850; legislative records show that less than two years later, on April 5, 1852, Assemblyman N.R. Wood introduced legislation that would have separated California into two states. Wood’s legislation ultimately failed to gain traction, setting a pattern that would repeat itself time and again; in California’s 172 years as a state, more than 220 documented attempts to split it up have occurred, according to California State Library archives.

Sharon Durst, a Somerset resident, is well aware of the tradition of state-splitting, having been involved with the most recent State of Jefferson movement. Though signs and flags in support of Jefferson still adorn some lawns and flagpoles along the foothills and in Northern California, false starts at statehood attempts have slowed the movement’s traction significantly. Durst explained she too had moved on from the “dead” movement and thought she was done with any other statehood attempts, but the ideas kept coming along until she had a “eureka moment.”

“I just thought to myself one day, it would make just as much sense to just turn El Dorado County into a state,” Durst said. “And then it clicked; why couldn’t we be a state? We already

The multipurpose room at Pinewood Elementary School is standing room only for a community meeting regarding crosswalk safety on Pony Express Trail.

n See Meeting, page A7

A tribute is laid out in front of 50 Grand Restaurant in Pollock Pines for the five children injured in a crash involving an appliance van May 31.

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

n See Break-up, page 6

ESSENTIALS

OBITUARIES

Sharon Gail Escobar

Nov. 9, 1937 - June 2, 2023

Sharon Escobar passed away peacefully at her home in Placerville on June 2, 2023 at the age of 85. She was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon to Russell & Clara Swenson. At the age of 9 her family relocated to Camino, California where her father began employment with the Michigan California Lumber Company as a lumber grader. After graduating from El Dorado High School in 1955, she planned to return to Oregon but her plans would soon change, while working at the tower fountain on Main Street. While working at the Tower Fountain, a handsome young man by the name of John Escobar who had just returned from the Korean War pulled up to the Bell Tower with water beads still dripping o his freshly washed car. Once she saw his beautiful smile, there was no turning back.

After many months of courting they were married in November 1955, the new couple settled on the Escobar family pear ranch on Cold Springs Road just outside of Placerville where she resided the rest of her life. John and Sharon were blessed with two children, Lori & John “Craig”. Sharon spent many years working on the ranch, including hauling pears on the flatbed truck to the Fruit House when it was located on upper Main Street in Placerville.

Sharon was an avid baseball mom, supporting Craig from Hangtown Little League through Senior Babe Ruth. When Lori & Craig were grown she went to work for River City Bank when the new branch was opened on Main Street Placerville. She was employed by River City Bank for many years and worked her way up to loan o cer but retired as grandkids began arriving. She ended up with 5 grandchildren to pamper & spoil and did so in the best way possible, cooking her famous tacos, hand mixing milkshakes and hosting many pool parties! Sharon will be remembered as a loving wife, mom, grandma, great grandma, sister and aunt. She was loved & admired by all who knew her and whose lives she touched. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Russell & Clara Swenson, her husband John of 43 years, her beloved son Craig, brother Don & her sister Joy who she referred to as her “rock”. Survived by daughter Lori A Veerkamp (Doug), grandchildren Loni Brewster (Justin), Matt Veerkamp (Gretchen), John Escobar (Tara), Je Escobar (Jennifer), Jesse Escobar (Noel) and 12 great grandchildren. Her Christian faith sustained her and after the loss of her son in 2000, she facilitated a grief class for 13 years at Green Valley Church. She used her loss to help countless others in their time of grief. A memorial service will be held at the family property on Thursday June 15, 2023 at 5:00 pm, 2581 Cold Springs Road, Placerville.

Remembrances can be made to Snowline Hospice.

Patricia Lynn Koszalka

Oct. 15, 1949 - Feb. 19, 2023

Patricia Lynn “Trish” Koszalka, age 73 of Placerville, died peacefully at home of natural causes on February 19, 2023. Her final hours were spent in the company of her loved ones.

Trish was born in Sacramento, California to Emanuel and Violet Koszalka on October 15, 1949. Having grown up first in Carmichael, and then in Pollock Pines, she was a 1967 graduate of El Dorado High School and lived her entire adult life in Placerville. She worked for El Dorado County in the Tax Collector’s o ce and in the Mental Health department before leaving to open and operate a board and care home for seniors for nearly 20 years.

Trish lived by the maxim that when you take care of others, you take care of yourself. After her second retirement from her board and care home, she remained active in the community. Trish was a member of Placerville Kiwanis and participated in their e orts to serve others locally. She was also an active volunteer with Snowline Hospice, the El Dorado County Food Bank, and Meals on Wheels. She saw retirement as her opportunity to give back to the community that had been so important to her throughout her life.

Trish is survived by her husband, Mace Bannon; her son, Paul McHenry of Cupertino; her daughter, Marijane Boyd, of Bend, Oregon; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

At Trish’s request there will be no services. A celebration of life will be held at Henningsen Lotus Park on June 16, 2023. Details will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor her legacy to volunteer in the community, contribute to the Kiwanis Family House at UC Davis Medical Center, or to contribute to a charity of their choice.

Matthew Dale Mortensen

April 27, 1978 - May 25, 2023

Matthew died May 25, 2023. He loved to gold pan, ride his motorcycle, and was well known for his funny songs with his own lyrics. He is survived by his mother Kathy Mortensen, his sisters Katrina Bosworth (Je ), Mesja Weinberger, Sarah Spears (Danny), and a whole lot of nieces and nephew. He was a good little brother and uncle. You will be missed lots “Fatty Mattie”. We love you!

Services will be held at the Pilot Hill Cemetery, 4781 Pedro Hill Rd., Pilot Hill, at 10:30 a.m., Saturday June 10, 2023.

Lynnette Rae

Appelbaum

Sept. 7, 1941-May 10, 2023

Lynnette passed away peacefully at home in Latrobe at the age of 81. She was born in Turlock to Robert and Myrle Domecq. In 1948 the family moved to Latrobe. She is survived by her husband of 39 years, George Appelbaum; her sons Jeffery (Sydney) and Craig Mize (Kathy), her sister Michele Souza (Jim), brothers Robert (Beverly) and Charles (Carolyn) Domecq; numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and their descendants; grandson Douglas Mize (Jenni) and the love of her life, greatgranddaughter Taylor Mallory Mize. She was predeceased by her parents and her sister Cheri Benjamin. She graduated from El Dorado HS in 1959 and went on to obtain a BS in psychology from Sacramento State, the first in her family to obtain a degree. While raising her boys as a single mother, she often took in stray and needy people in need of housing. In those years, she supported the family by working as waitress, bartender and planting seedlings at the Institute of Forest Genetics.

Lynnette was a much-loved and respected member of the community. She worked with the Women’s Center in every position from answering telephones to President of the Board. After college graduation, she was hired as the County’s first Patient Rights Advocate for the mental health system.

After marrying George in 1984, she enriched her life by traveling to Europe nine times and also to North Africa, Mexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Hawaii and on cruises to Alaska and through the Panama Canal.

She was a strict vegetarian (provided that bacon can be considered a vegetable). She was a founding member of the WORDIES Book Club, at whose meetings she never refrained from expressing her opinions.

In recent months, she astonished and delighted her friends by dying her hair bright pink (see the color photo in the online obituary). She was an advanced mahjongg player, a devoted yoga practitioner and a skilled maker of pine needle baskets. She loved, and was loved by, her two Siamese cats.

We will all miss her spirit, her commitment to the community, her devotion to her family and her sense of humor. A celebration of her life is planned for October 7 in the Shingle Springs area. All friends of hers will be welcome.

Please consider making a donation in her name to Snowline Hospice, which provided so much love and care in the last weeks of her life.

David L. Combs

Feb. 12, 1946 - April 25, 2023

On Tuesday April 25th, David Combs of Pollock Pines passed away peacefully at Marshall Hospital in Placerville, California, at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife Carol Harrison, his son Skylar Combs and his sister Jana Reid. He was much loved by all his family and friends and he enriched the lives of all who knew him. David was born in Gold Beach, Oregon, and was raised in Santa Cruz. He lived for several years in Iran, Algeria and France and he was fluent in several languages. David was a teacher at Smith Flat Charter School and the University Prep School, where he taught many subjects including drama, Latin and French, and produced and directed numerous student drama productions. He was also a studio teacher of child actors on many movies and TV shows including The Wonder Years, Boy Meets World and Fuller House. David was always a lot of fun to be around with his dry wit and stimulating intelligence. He lived a long and full life and will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Carol Ann Countryman Sadler

Jan. 16, 1964 – April 22, 2023

Carol was born in Panorama City, CA. She was the youngest of 4 siblings born to Kirk and Lois Countryman. The family moved to Placerville during Carol’s high school years. She was a 1982 graduate of El Dorado High School.

Soon after graduation Carol married Ron Marshall and they had two children Leanne and Ron.

In 1989 Carol was introduced to Buddy Sadler at Poor Reds by the bartender and her future fatherin-law Bud Sadler. They married in 1990 and formed a ready-made family of 5 with the addition of Buddy’s son Patrick. They made it complete with the birth of their son Zachary in 1992. Carol and Buddy were married until Buddy’s passing in 2018.

Carol married her current husband Robert Borthwick in May of 2022. Unfortunately their marriage was cut short by Carol’s illness.

Carol worked in the Insurance industry before joining Legacy Chillers Inc. where she worked for 12 years as a bookkeeper and sales representative until 2012. Currently she was a homemaker, entrepreneur and bookkeeper for her and Robert’s business enterprises.

Carol had the heart of an artist. She was known for her love for her family, her unique and whimsical sense of style, delicious cooking, beautiful quilts, her love of orchids and infectious laugh.

Carol is survived by a huge family, including her husband Robert Borthwick, children Leanne Marshall, Ron Marshall, Patrick Sadler, Zachary Sadler, Crystalyn Borthwick and Wesley Borthwick and grandchildren Caitlyn Garrigues, Cassie Garrigues, Cole Garrigues, Hayden Marshall, Willow Sadler, Penny Sadler and Wyatt Borthwick as well as her brother Perry Countryman (Jackie), her sister Patty Salee (Rick), and many nieces, nephews and cousins that will miss her dearly at Thanksmas celebrations and much much more. She was proceeded in death by her parents and her husband Buddy.

We have lost a bright star who made our lives better for knowing her. Her loyalty to her family was a treasure and her kind ways will be missed by all who loved her. She rests now in the loving arms of God and finally knows the peace she has longed for.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Green Valley Church on August 3, 2023 at 1 p.m. Wearing your most colorful hippy fashion is highly recommended.

Peter Brown Wilkinson

Dec. 31, 1955 – Nov. 27, 2022

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

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

Obituaries on this page are written and paid for by

Suspected child predator nabbed in EDH Town Center

Noel Stack

Managing editor

El Dorado County sheri ’s detectives had a date with a suspected child predator Friday, June 2, arresting 41-yearold Joshua Mascitelli in El Dorado Hills.

The Concord man, who was unknowingly chatting with EDSO High Tech Crimes detectives online instead of an intended 13-year-old girl, reportedly arranged to meet the juvenile in a public location with the intentions of then having sex with the girl, according to an EDSO Facebook post.

“The suspect brought condoms with him and had already booked a hotel room for them to stay in,” reads the post. “Instead the suspect got a free stay in the El Dorado County Jail.”

Mascitelli was booked on suspicion of sending harmful and obscene material to a minor with the intent to have sex, contacting a minor with the intent of sex, arranging to meet a minor with the intent of sex (and a prior felony), attempting to commit a lewd act on a child younger than 14 and attempted kidnapping with the intent to molest a child. He was listed in custody at the Placerville jail with bail set at $235,000.

“As a reminder during Internet Safety Month, EDSO detectives are committed to protecting children from predators both online and o ,” EDSO o cials note in the social media post. “Parents should be diligent in monitoring their child’s online activities, as well as speaking to them about the importance of being careful who they speak with online and not being afraid to speak to an adult should something happen to them.”

FIRE DRILL CATCHES ON

Dr. Little’s Dental News

Presented by Jeffery Little, D.D.S.

DENTAL INLAYS AND ONLAYS

Dental inlays and onlays are also called indirect fillings, and both are used to repair a tooth’s chewing surface. An inlay fits into a tooth’s pits and grooves. An onlay is more extensive and is also called a partial crown. It covers one or more of a tooth’s cusps. Your dentist may recommend an inlay or onlay for teeth that are too damaged or decayed for a traditional filling but not advanced enough for a crown. If you have a cavity but not enough tooth structure to support a regular filling, you may receive an inlay or onlay instead. Onlays are routinely used to repair cracked teeth. Inlays and onlays are both

used to fix damage caused by teeth grinding. We will be glad to discuss onlays and inlays 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. P.S. Gold, porcelain, and composite resin are all used to create dental inlays and onlays.

The following was taken from Placerville Police Department logs:

May 19

9:48 a.m. Officers cited a 38-year-old man reportedly found in possession of a controlled substance on Reservoir Street.

6:34 p.m. Officers arrested a 50-year-old man on suspicion of public intoxication on Mosquito Road.

11:35 p.m. A possible burglary was reported on Schnell School Road.

May 20

9:33 a.m. Officers arrested a 34-year-old man on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance on Broadway.

1:10 p.m. Officers cited a 37-yearold woman reportedly under the influence of a controlled substance on Broadway.

May 21

12:59 a.m. Officers arrested a 44-year-old man on suspicion of DUI and another person on suspicion of public intoxication on Placerville Drive.

12:16 p.m. Officers arrested a 47-year-old woman on suspicion of public intoxication on Main Street.

3:38 p.m. Officers arrested a 51-year-old man on suspicion of possession of illegal drug paraphernalia and a parole violation on Center Street.

10:28 p.m. Officers arrested a 49-year-old man on suspicion of public intoxication on Placerville Drive.

May 22

1:26 a.m. Burglary was reported on Main Street.

1:01 p.m. Officers arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of obstruction on Broadway.

10:54 p.m. Officers arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of public intoxication on Bee Street.

May 23

7:02 p.m. Officers arrested a 50-year-old woman on suspicion of being a felon in possession of ammunition on Main Street.

10:45 p.m. Officers arrested a 42-year-old man who had three warrants out for his arrest during

a traffic stop on Main Street.

May 25

1:13 a.m. Officers arrested a 32-year-old man on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop on Forni Road. The suspect also had a warrant.

2:44 a.m. Officers arrested a 24-year-old woman after she allegedly struck an officer with a wooden baton on Coloma Street.

10:06 a.m. Officers arrested a 63-year-old woman on suspicion of public intoxication on Fair Lane.

6 p.m. Officers cited a 51-year-old man suspected of trespassing on Forni Road.

May 26

12:27 a.m. Officers arrested a 25-year-old man who had a warrant on Forni Road.

6:11 a.m. Officers arrested a 37-yearold woman on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance on Mosquito Road.

4:16 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Forni

Photos courtesy of Mosquito Fire Protection District Mosquito Fire Protection District Chief Jack Rosevear, center, holding a rolled-up map, briefs firefighting and law enforcement representatives prior to the start of the Mosquito community’s May 20 fire drill. Rosevear reviewed agency coordination and evacuation plans as officials, including Eldorado National Forest Battalion Chief Mark Johnson, second from left, listen on. The fire drill is one of the practices that has earned the community Fire Wise USA designation.

Mosquito residents participating in the drill made a trip to the Swansboro Country Airport, left photo, the planned staging ground for the early phases of a fire evacuation. El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services Sgt. Greg Almos, left, speaks with Brian Franklin, lead engineer on construction of a new bridge to Mosquito, right photo.

Photo courtesy of EDSO Joshua Mascitelli was arrested on Vine Street in El Dorado Hills, according to sheriff’s records.

How will the state deal with budget deficits that seem here to stay?

Less than two weeks remain before the June 15 constitutional deadline for enacting a 2023-24 state budget.

It’s as certain as anything in politics can be that the Legislature will pass something it calls a budget. If lawmakers missed the deadline, they could lose their paychecks.

Letters to the Editor

Constitutional obligation

EDITOR:

“We the people” — Thus begins the preamble to the United States Constitution, which ascribes to us both rights and responsibilities, freedoms and obligations. One particularly nettlesome duty on our “To Do” list is to “insure domestic tranquility.”

quality of our submissions, inspire thoughtful and meaningful discussions and demonstrate an e ort to promote domestic tranquility. Or, we could not adhere to any guidelines and continue down the path to civil war.

DONNA SKELTON Cameron Park

Climate religion

EDITOR:

It’s equally certain that whatever they enact will not be the final plan for the 202324 fiscal year that begins July 1. Due to declines in revenue, the state faces not only a multi-billiondollar deficit in the forthcoming year but the likelihood of continuing gaps for several years thereafter.

There is, moreover, neither consensus on the scope of the deficit nor agreement on how the governor and legislators respond. Meanwhile, those in the Capitol are besieged by pleas by those with stakes in the budget to protect their projects and programs and demands for even greater allocations.

SUMMARY

California faces a large budget deficit for the forthcoming fiscal year and chronic shortfalls for years thereafter. How to deal with them is going to be a major problem for the state’s politicians.

When Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced his first version of the budget in January, he said the state had a $22.5 billion deficit and then increased the shortfall by another $9 billion in the revised budget proposal last month.

Immediately, however, the Legislature’s budget analyst, Gabe Petek, told his bosses it’s really $34.5 billion and, more ominously, declared the state faces continuing deficits averaging $18 billion for several more years.

It is, in the parlance of fiscal mavens, a

■ See WALTERS page A5

Guest Column

Let’s face it: We are failing at that! Our politicians are often deadlocked in one power struggle after another. Popular media exacerbate the political divide by o ering jaded opinions or misinformation instead of actual facts. The common parlance among our citizens reveals sour suspicions of one another and vulgar stereotypes of this or that group. Violence is getting worse.

Perhaps each of us should ask, “What can I do to help heal this troubled nation?” I suggest that we begin here in these letters to the editor and the comments they evoke. I see ways to continue a lively exchange of ideas without being hateful and divisive.

First: Stick to specific positions on specific issues instead of launching global attacks on the “other” party.

Second: Support our positions with facts that are documented.

Third: Cite our sources so the readers know where our information originates.

Fourth: Avoid name-calling — “redneck,” “Bible thumper,” “libtard” and “fascist.” Even labels such as “left” or “right,” “liberal” or “conservative,” “red” or “blue” are too vague to convey precise meanings, but they have connotations that push hot buttons and sometimes provoke hostile reactions.

Hurling insults is like a food fight in a cafeteria. Such behavior is juvenile. It’s also demoralizing, destructive and counterproductive. Demonizing people locks them into defensive positions and hardens the opposition. We can disagree intelligently by presenting well-reasoned arguments without attacking each other.

Fifth: Let’s not hide behind pseudonyms. A pseudonym provides cover for someone in attack mode — like a sniper behind a bush shooting at his target from a safe distance. Let’s show the courage of our convictions, own our words and sign our real names. That enhances our credibility. Adhering to these guidelines will elevate the

Darwin Throne wrote a good, detailed letter opposing the media’s position on climate where he gave the scientific rationale for his position. Scott Taylor then gave us the usual o cial response from the pulpit. Why do I say pulpit? Because climate has left the realm of science and has become what amounts to a religion.

Any scientist putting out a di erent view from the o cial line is excommunicated like Galileo was by the Pope for suggesting that the Earth was not the center of the universe. If a scientist disagrees with the o cial line on climate he or she is cancelled, excluded from all conferences and finds their careers at an end. So much for scientific debate.

Gore said the ice caps would be gone by 2014. Prof. Peter Waldhams said arctic ice caps would be gone by 2015. The U.S. Navy said it would happen by 2016.

Scott Taylor wanted the Mountain Democrat to not print Throne’s column, which blasphemed the Church of Climate. The Church of Climate will not tolerate dissent and those who blaspheme it must be consigned to the infernal regions.

By the way, several decades ago the Church of Climate predicted we were entering an ice age. And even if you believe the climate priests, even the left wing Sacramento paper printed an editorial by the left wing New York Times that pointed out that with China, Vietnam and India pumping out what they do we are past the tipping point anyway — making our economy damaging e orts pointless even if the Taylors of the world were to be right. But we will continue to dig ourselves into an economic hole because blasphemy against the Church of Climate brings professional death.

GEORGE ALGER Placerville

■ See LETTERS page A5

Cameron Meadows buyer is the right choice

As owners of the property surrounding Rasmussen Pond for four decades, we want to share why we believe we have the right opportunity to bring essential new housing to El Dorado County while preserving the area’s unique natural beauty.

Back in the early1980s, our family joined with three other parties in a land investment, purchasing nearly 170 acres of land in Cameron Park about 3 miles from what is now the Highway 50 interchange at Cameron Park Drive. Over the decades two original investors left the group and two parcels of the original tract were sold — 40 acres on the western edge were sold through the American River Conservancy to the federal government and on the east side of the parcel another 22 acres were sold through the American River Conservancy to El Dorado County.

Today, 104 acres of the original property remains, owned by the Street

and Weiner families, both of whom have deep roots in the community. That history — and our families’ love of El Dorado County and our neighbors — explains why we have chosen to sell this land to The True Life Companies. When it comes to property developers, The True Life Companies ranks among the best in the business. The communities it builds balance the need to construct homes to help solve California’s urgent housing crisis with the need to preserve what makes El Dorado County special — qualities like natural beauty, recreational opportunities, open space, public safety and a thriving economy. Our conversations with The True Life Companies representatives left us reassured that what they propose to build at Cameron Meadows will not negatively impact our community or our neighbors. In fact, we believe it will measurably improve the quality of life here in Cameron Park and the county.

… we were looking for the right buyer, the right outcome and the right caretaker for the future. We see The True Life Companies as the answer to all those needs.

Of course, we understand some of our neighbors stand opposed to any e ort to develop this land. We have done our best over the years to let families enjoy the natural beauty of the property we own, allowing residents to hike and birdwatch whenever they want near Rasmussen Pond. We, too, love the area so we understand why residents who don’t own the land feel a proprietary interest in protecting the pond and its trails. This, too, has played a role in our choosing The True Life Companies as the purchaser and developer: the company has committed to protect the pond and its surroundings with setbacks of at least 100 feet from any building. The True Life Companies also plans to keep nearly 60 of the 104 acres as open space and, most importantly, to grant neighbors access to the area around the pond in perpetuity.

As the owners of the property, we see this as the best possible outcome

for a sale given how it respects both private property rights and the interests of those who live nearby. The 161 new homes proposed for Cameron Meadows will also benefit the community by creating construction jobs and tax revenue and adding to the resources necessary to fund schools and public safety. At a time when the cost of living continues to spike and our region continues to grow — the county is set to pass 200,000 residents by 2025, according to Census estimates — El Dorado County needs more homes for families who want to live here.

Over the past few years we have watched controversy swirl around our property. It’s a valuable asset, one that we have held onto not only because we want to protect our investment, but also because we were looking for the right buyer, the right outcome and the right caretaker for the future.

■ See WEINER, page A5

DAVID WEINER

DAN WALTERS

Walters Continued from A4 “structural deficit,” meaning it’s baked into the state’s finances regardless of underlying economic conditions. All of the competing versions of the state’s fiscal situation also assume California does not experience a recession in the near future.

Were a recession to strike, the deficits could grow by tens of billions of dollars because California’s revenue system is dangerously dependent on taxing the incomes of the state’s wealthiest residents, as Newsom’s budget acknowledges. “California’s progressive tax system, where nearly half of all personal income tax in the state is paid by the top 1% of earners, has contributed to extreme budget volatility over the years,” the May revision states. “Maintaining budget stability requires long-term planning in the face of these revenue fluctuations.”

In light of that statement and Petek’s rather gloomy long-term projections, will Newsom and the Legislature respond responsibly? Or will they take the easy way out, paper over the current deficit with creative bookkeeping and backdoor borrowing, and ignore the structural deficit until it becomes a crisis?

Newsom’s budget is essentially a short-term response, dipping into the usual bag of fiscal tricks to produce a budget that would be balanced on paper — assuming his deficit estimate of $31.5 billion is accurate.

Both Senate and the Assembly leaderships have adopted budget frameworks that purport to protect vital services but differ in approach. The Assembly’s version would reshuffle appropriations while the Senate’s would cover the gap by raising corporate income taxes, arguing that a tax hike would merely recapture money large corporations gained from the Trump-era federal tax overhaul.

Although Newsom immediately rejected a corporate tax increase, if the deficit is as wide and chronic as Petek projects, budget stakeholders will intensify their demands for tax increases of some kind.

In recent elections, California voters have rejected proposed increases in property taxes and personal income taxes on the wealthy. Newsom opposed the income tax increase, is now opposing the Senate’s proposed corporate tax and also has rejected periodic bills to impose a wealth tax.

“A wealth tax is not part of the conversation,” Newsom said of this year’s version. “Wealth taxes are going nowhere in California.”

This year’s budget dance will kick off a political tussle over spending and taxes that will likely continue for the remainder of Newsom’s governorship.

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

Weiner Continued from A4

We see The True Life Companies as the answer to all of those needs. We respectfully request that our neighbors understand our property rights as we would theirs.

Parting with land that has been in our families for generations is by no means an easy decision. But we believe it is the right decision for us and for the community.

David Weiner, a retired attorney, worked on many high-profile cases during his legal career. His family has called El Dorado County home for generations.

Letters Continued from A4

California mandate

EDITOR:

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the trucking industry is to switch to 100% zero-emission trucks. I have questions and concerns such as how will we power these vehicles? Will California build nuclear reactors? What will the range of these vehicle be?

Currently these vehicles’ max range is 250 miles before needing a charge and my trucks average 500 miles a day. Where will we get the minerals to build these batteries? China, six-year-olds in the Congo sound like horrible options.

These draconian mandates by our Democratic Party leaders appear to be as ill-advised as their policies regarding our legal system. Both policies are equally bad.

KEN STEERS Cameron Park

Announcements

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

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

El DORADO COUNTY AMATEUR

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

LEARN & PLAY CRIBBAGE

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

Ready for real change?

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

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

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

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

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

Hangtown Women’s TENNIS Club. Join fun-loving women Wednesdays 8am-10am at El Dorado High School. Lessons, social events, only $50/year. Call Cindy 805-540-8654.

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

SENIOR PEER COUNSELING

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

TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION OF EL DORADO COUNTY

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

have an established government structure. We have a wealth of natural resources. Why couldn’t we be a state?”

The meeting in late May touched on a plethora of points, with Durst starting by explaining why she and many others felt splitting into a smaller state was so important.

“We want control of our government, of our schools and of our way of life. We’re pioneer stock around here and we have that indomitable spirit. We have a republican — not Republican Party, mind you, we aren’t aligned with any political party — form of government but we do not have proper representation,” Durst proclaimed. She explained that legislators in state government, let alone California’s representatives in the federal government, are called on to represent a portion of the population well beyond what the founding fathers had intended.

The plan, according to Durst, is simple; refer to the founding documents and use them as a basis for a split from California. Durst provided annotated copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States (Durst explained to the group that the name was inaccurate, and should be referred to as the Constitution for the United States), which she used as the basis for her rationale.

“Article IV Section 3 holds us hostage, almost,” Durst told the small audience. “But I read it and re-read it,

thinking, ‘the men who wrote the Declaration of Independence wouldn’t have left us out to dry like that.’”

Durst builds her case on two core elements; one, that Article IV Section 4 guarantees “to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion”; and two, the language in the Declaration of Independence which refers to the “Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God” as opposed to the laws of man.

To the first point, Durst contends the portion of citizens represented in state government is not properly republican as it stifles representation, and that undocumented immigration across California’s southern border is tantamount to an invasion. The state constitution is a form of contract with California’s citizens and, as such, the failure of California’s government to uphold the bargain puts the government in breach of that contract, Durst explained.

To the second point, Durst explains the U.S. has not properly hewed to the laws of nature, claiming that it transitioned to corporate law when the government was surreptitiously converted into a corporation in 1871.

In the laws of nature, Durst believes, the resolution to a complaint is to go back to the beginning and undo something; Durst reckons as El Dorado County was extant prior to California’s statehood, the laws of nature would

allow the county to “undo” its incorporation into the state. \Politifact, an American nonprofit fact-checking project operated by the Poynter Institute, has in the past disputed claims similar to Durst’s, finding the assumption the U.S. was changed into a corporation rests on a misinterpretation of the District of Columbia Organic Act of 1871.

Both “backdoors to statehood,” as Durst called them, focus on taking an approach not taken in the hundreds of other state-splitting attempts by going to Congress directly rather than working within California’s own legislative system. Further technical details — taxation, representation models, navigating what happens to state-owned lands and equipment such as police vehicles were all asked about by audience members but were not touched on in detail by Durst as the meeting was primarily to gauge support.

“We don’t want to sink

too much time or money into this until we know if there’s support out there for the idea,” Durst said.

Durst was accompanied by a friend and neighbor who was brought in to speak to the potential viability of a theoretical El Dorado State — former El Dorado County supervisor Ray Nutting.

Nutting represented District 2 for eight years beginning in 1993 and another six years beginning in 2008 prior to his seat being vacated due to legal issues. In 2014 Nutting was found guilty on misdemeanor charges of accepting loans from county employees or contractors.

According to Nutting, El Dorado County’s natural resources, tourism industry, agriculture and history put it in a favorable position to assume statehood.

“Look at this county; we have visitors, historic economic engines like lumber and mining and agriculture like in Apple

Hill,” Nutting remarked. “It’s astounding how we have an abundance of resources, both human and natural.”

Echoing his prior platform when running for supervisor, Nutting shared that California had mismanaged the forests in the county, leading to the rash of wildfires in recent years. Nutting explained as its own state the region would have freedom to more proactively manage the forests and avoid another Caldor Fire-type event, while allowing the lumber industry to prosper again in the area.

Common themes were present in both Nutting’s and Durst’s speeches, reflecting dissatisfaction with California’s “tyrannical” approach to government. Durst made an example of how her contract for event insurance for the meeting was a sizable stack of paper, when times in her career decades earlier she could make contracts with Wells Fargo

officials on a single sheet of paper; she said that the ballooning of contract size both mirrors and is caused by California’s legislature passing hundreds of bills a year.

Nutting concurred with Durst’s point, chiming in, “There are so many laws on the books you basically are breaking the law just going out the door in the morning.”

There are plans to convene again, with the hope that word of mouth will eventually lead to the establishment of regional meetings in the county’s districts with the ultimate goal of a petition signing to establish intent to separate from the state. The granular details of state operations would be worked through as the movement developed, Durst assured the group.

More information about the El Dorado State effort can be found at eldoradostate. substack.com.

Sharon Durst, left, shares her plan for how El Dorado County could split away from California and become its own state. Former supervisor Ray Nutting, right, also spoke at the event, explaining his belief that El Dorado County would be able to operate as a viable state.

Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco

by 5 miles per hour of what 85% of the public is driving.

“It qualifies for a 40-mile-an-hour zone but we reduce that by five to 35,” Mullens said, noting the area did not qualify as a business district in 2009.

“We will be reviewing that again to see if we can qualify that area as a business district, which would be the only way we could set the speed limit to 25 mph,” Mullens added.

Greg Farron, who has lived in Pollock Pines for 10 years and is a former nurse’s aid for Marshall Hospital, said he would often see patients admitted after car crashes on Pony Express Trail.

“I would ask them if it would happen to be Sly Park Road or Pony Express and they would ask ‘How do you know?’” Farron commented. “During the daytime these cars and motorcyclists are going 75 mph, flying down the street.”

He also worked at 50 Grand Restaurant for a spell, which sits along Pony Express in front of where the children were hit. He described walking that crosswalk as “taking life in your hands.”

“This has been very upsetting for all of us and what we are hoping is that something good can come out of this,” Farron added.

He asked about implementing a special speed complaint zone, where ticket fines could be doubled. Hatfield noted courts set such fines.

Jim McCarthy, who owns 50 Grand and helped treat one of the injured children, said reckless driving is an issue in the area.

“It is not everyone but it is enough to make you irritated, especially after an incident like this,” McCarthy said. “Speeding or not paying attention does have effects on everybody. Sometimes it doesn’t happen but when it does it’s tragic.”

McCarthy closed the restaurant for two days to help his staff and himself process the incident. He noted he is putting together a trauma bag in case of another crash. McCarthy said he is also working to have volunteer psychiatrists and counselors come to his restaurant next week to help the community heal from emotional trauma.

“If people want to send me an email or give a call to the restaurant, I’d be happy to get in touch with them about this service,” he shared. His email is jim.mccarthy@grandfamilyinc.com.

CHP did not give updates on the recovery of the children, but new information has been shared on the children’s GoFundMe websites, set up

by family members and friends.

Jacory suffered a broken femur and fractured skull. He has since had surgery to mend his leg and his family reports scrapes to his face are healing quickly and he is “getting more comfortable with the cast every day.”

Jacory was able to return home.

Axel also had a fractured skull as well as surgery for a broken femur, in addition to a bruised liver. Axel is in a wheelchair recovering from his injuries but remains in the hospital while he heals. “We see glimpses of Axel’s silly self coming through in between the pain and we are focusing on the little victories,” reads the most recent update on his GoFundMe.

Juniper suffered “significant head trauma” and was placed on a ventilator. Her intracranial pressure remained low Monday night, Juniper’s aunt Alison Warren reports in an update on the Caring Bridge page created, “Pray for Juniper,” which can be found at caringbridge.org/ visit/prayforjuniper. “We are keeping positive thoughts today that Juniper will continue to make positive progress,” states Warren.

Dillon sustained a fractured leg along with scrapes and bruises, and is expected to fully recover physically. He is going to have another x-ray to check on the status of his leg. Dillon is also receiving psychotherapy to help him through his emotional trauma.

Little is known to the Mountain Democrat about the fifth child’s injuries as of press time but social media posts suggest she is expected to make full recovery.

Carrie Molaug, one of the teachers at the Pine Top Montessori School preschool the children were attending, told reporters after the meeting the incident was the hardest thing she has had to go through in her life.

“The kids that we see everyday are like family and to see something like this happen to not just one child but multiple children and all the other children have to see it has been heartbreaking,” Molaug said. “As long as they all make it out of the hospital, it is going to be a lot better but it is not going to be OK.”

Molaug said while road and traffic improvements recommended by the community were appreciated, she is unsure how it will help.

“Because they say there was no speeding or that there was no drinking involved, I don’t know that flashing lights are going to make a person who couldn’t see a dog and 21 people open their eyes and pay attention.”

Pine Top Montessori Donations

The whole community is devastated by the tragic events near Pine Top Montessori in Pollock Pines yesterday morning. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all those affected. While we don’t yet know the full extent of the tragedy, we do know that there will be monetary needs for those affected. El Dorado Community Foundation has a fund specifically for things like this, called the Community Resource Fund. All donations to this fund, with Pine Top Montessori noted in the description, will go to support the victims of this tragedy and their families.

We know that no amount of money can fix the damage that was done, but we can help to lessen the financial burdens of the families involved. Our community has always stepped forward when needs have arisen, and we know this time will be no different. Our community is strong, resilient, and filled with heart, even when our collective hearts are breaking in the face of tragedy.

Donations can be made to the Community Resource Fund at https://edcf.fcsuite.com/erp/ donate/create/fund?funit_id=1792 with Pine Top Montessori noted in the “Additional Information” section.

Checks can be mailed to:

El Dorado Community Foundation

P. O. Bo x 1388

Placerville, CA 95667

“Pine Top Montessori” should be noted in the memo line

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You have specific skills and strengths in certain areas and, like everyone, you struggle in others. People with complementary talents are coming into your realm. Your open mind will see creative ways to work together.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Having trouble going with the flow? Consider that it might be easier than you’re making it. What if all you have to do is choose not to resist? There’s something to let go of, then you’ll be one with the current.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). As a lifelong learner, you often enjoy most the lessons you didn’t seek. You’ll be surprised by the education you get today, and you’ll be a quick study as usual, making the most of instruction and improving as you go.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The good ideas and bad ideas will come in the same idea. They are like reversible sweaters. If one way clashes, you just have to turn them inside out and wear what’s on the other side.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your willpower will be stronger than usual. Don’t waste it by allowing yourself to be bombarded by distractions. Go where you’re likely to experience peace and quiet and you’ll accomplish something remarkable.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You are wide awake and so you will understand the rules of the game, whether stated or implied, official or unofficial. You’ll also be keenly aware of the option not to follow them.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). When working on selflove is difficult, try loving someone else. When loving someone else is difficult, give love to yourself. However you come at relationships, you’ll improve things with tenderness given in any direction at all.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Sometimes, negotiation is a healthy way to get to the deal that works for everyone, but today this will not be the case. The best deals will be a natural fit, rendering negotiation unnecessary. As for the others, just walk.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You have learned that happiness can be a skittish emotion; you chase it and it runs. Today, you’ll work at something meaningful to you, and happiness will suddenly set up shop within your heart — an unexpected perk.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You know the many shades of silence. Some are bricks. Some are feathers. Silences smile or condemn; they lift, they bury. You can fall in love with a certain kind of silence — and you will.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Aesthetics will matter to the outcomes of the day, especially things like lighting and architecture. You will feel the significance of an arch, a tall ceiling or an enclosed space. You’re searching for a feeling of sacredness.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Whatever you believe to be true, you’ll really see how the opposite could also be true. This proves your sophistication of mind. You’re not being wishy-washy; you’re being fluid.

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

n TODAy

HOROSCOPE by Holiday Mathis

Niles, a pitcher, put together a 15-win season in 23 appearances with a 1.14 ERA and 111 strikeouts. At the plate, she recorded a .432 average. Her 10 home runs led the Bruins as well. She is committed to play

collegiately at Western Michigan. Silva, a Utah State commit, played center field for the Bruins. She led Ponderosa in stolen bases with 21 and hit .458 with 13 extra base hits.

Both games will be held at Capital Christian High School in Sacramento Wednesday, June 7. The Small School’s game will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the Large School’s game beginning at 6:30 p.m. General admission for adults will be $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for students and $3 for children under 12 years old. Children younger than five years old will be admitted for free.

All proceeds for the event will be put toward youth projects and programs in Sacramento and the Greater Sacramento area, according to Pat Vogeli, the Breakfast Optimist Club of Sacramento’s softball coordinator.

“These Optimist All Star games provide the top senior athletes of Sacramento and Greater Sacramento the venue to showcase their skills and prowess,” Vogeli said. “Their selection is to honor them and their schools, and reflects the culmination of their hard work, diligence and excellence in this sport and their school, as well as their coach’s commitment toward their player’s endeavors.”

In the KNOW

Stellar students

Congratulations to Mark Allard of El Dorado Hills, who earned a master's degree in leadership from The Citadel.

Congratulations to Miles Tibon of El Dorado Hills, who was named to the Gonzaga University President's List.

June 7

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce hosts its Business Builder Buffet, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hills Church, 800 White Rock Road. To register call (916) 933-1335 or visit eldoradohillschamber.org.

FamilySearch Center in Placerville hosts a Daughters of the American Revolution class, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Do you have a Revolutionary War Patriot in your lineage? This workshop will demonstrate how to use the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Genealogical Research System Database to find patriots and descendants of patriots. For more information call (530) 621-1378.

Joni Morris sings the songs of Patsy Cline at the Valhalla Tahoe Boathouse Theatre in Lake Tahoe. For tickets and more information visit valhallatahoe.com.

June 8

Northern California Dance Conservatory presents a double feature presentation of “Alice in Wonderland” and “Don Quixote,” June 8 & 9 at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

B Street Theatre at The Sofia in Sacramento presents “3: Black Girl Blues,” June 8-17. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

June 9

Arts and Culture El Dorado’s newest show, FIRE/LAND: The Exhibition, opens on June 8, at Switchboard Gallery in Placerville. The show is a companion to the Myrtle Tree Arts art rock opera for the forest, FIRE/ LAND: Knowing the Territory, which will take place June 10 at Wakamatsu Farm.

FIRE/LAND: The Exhibition is an installation of Myrtle Tree Arts cofounder Ameera Godwin’s digital prints and video, representing the artist’s creative journey into local forest lands in response to wildfire and climate grief, vulnerability and responsibility. Featuring prints and looping video, FIRE/LAND: The Exhibition follows the creative journey that Godwin embarked on following the intensity of the Caldor Fire in 2021.

"From our lawn we watched a towering plume of smoke with an angry yellow core rise just a few miles away," said Godwin about the experience. "Across a wide swath of the county, families were evacuated, losing homes and whole communities. Lives have been painfully disrupted ever since. That experience propelled me to do this work."

Using original and found footage, Godwin creates video that bends time — linking past, present and future — to highlight how a legacy of past wildfire suppression has contributed to the intense wildfires we've experienced in recent years. Layering images of fire-scarred habitats and fire progression maps, she invites viewers to consider alternative approaches to forest management, at once evoking historical facts and today's lived realities.

FIRE/LAND: The Exhibition opens June 8 with a 6 p.m. reception that includes refreshments and poetry readings by poets Lara Gularte and Rina Wakefield. The exhibition will run through Aug. 6.

The Switchboard Gallery is located at

525 Main St. in Placerville. hours are 1-4 p.m. Monday to Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. For more information about the art exhibit

visit artsandcultureeldorado.org/fire-landthe-exhibition. For more information on the rock opera visit myrtletreearts.com/ fireland-2023.

Pony express rides again, will come through eDC this evening

News release

The Pony Express will carry mail from Sacramento to eastern settlements during this year's National Pony Express Association re-ride, June 7-17.

The Pony Express re-riders carry personal and commemorative mail in their mochilas as they travel by horse 1,800 miles from Sacramento to St. Joseph, Mo. Riders travel day and night to make the 10-day trip, which officially begins at 2 p.m. in Old Sacramento, Wednesday, June 7, with the following local stops:

• 6:51 p.m. Folsom Dam Road

• 7:12 p.m. Green Valley Center

• 7:36 p.m. Schoolhouse on Malcolm Dixon Road

• 7:59 p.m. Pleasant Grove House

• 8:34 p.m. Rescue Post Office

The Highway 50 Wagon Train rolls into Pollock Pines for a daylong celebration at the Pollock Pines-Camino Community Center, noon to 9 p.m. Enjoy live music, a delicious barbecue dinner, family entertainment and more. The

• 8:59 p.m. Ambush Pass

• 9:22 p.m. Shingle Springs Corral

• 10:22 p.m. Diamond Springs Post Office

• 11:02 p.m. El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce

• 11:34 p.m. Abel's Acres

• 12:15 a.m. Camino Post Office

• 12:51 a.m. Sportsman's Hall

n See re-ride, page B5

RepoRteR wanted

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

Mountain Democrat file photo by Shelly Thorene

This year’s Pony Express re-ride takes place June 7-17, beginning in Sacramento.

“Historic Fight” by Ameera Godwin

“Caldor Burn Progression” by Ameera Godwin

Rattlesnake Avoidance For Dogs

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

‘it’s all up to the berries’

n second annual blueberry festival set

Alan Riquelmy Mountain Democrat correspondent

Newcomers to Once in a Blue Moon Berries farm might need advice on how to pick the blueberries.

First, be sure to have a chair to sit in by the berries. Then, with a bucket below, roll your fingers under the berries to have them drop. A bucket holds 3 pounds worth.

“There’s going to be plenty for people to pick throughout the season,” said Michaelle Pak, event coordinator for the second annual Once in a Blue Moon Berries Blueberry Festival.

The festival is set for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 10 & 11 at Once in a Blue Moon Berries, 1820 Arroyo Vista Way in El Dorado Hills. Attendees will have their pick of different varieties — legacy near the entrance, then bluecrop and bluegold, followed by duke near the top.

“We’re planning to expand it every year,” said Pak, who also operates The Momma Bear Bakery.

The farm is open periodically during blueberry season. The festival, however, is expected to draw 1,000 people each day of the event.

Tickets can be found online: ticketscandy.com/e/once-in-a-bluemoon-berries-blueberry-festival-1788. One ticket is $6. Four cost $20. Parking is $5. There’s no charge for children 4 and younger. A bucket of berries costs $20. People can bring their own buckets to

pick, though the 1,000-plant farm will use its own to measure the berries.

Thirty-five vendors will set up shop at the festival, as will the North American Blueberry Council.

“It’s all handmade — 35-plus vendors: cups, candles, clothing, soaps, lots of yummy food,” Pak said of the vendors. “My niece does cute little dog collars.”

Food vendors, live country music, a petting zoo and kids’ area will also be on site.

“This community here, there are so many kids who have no idea where blueberries come from,” said Janet Suttles, who, along with husband Mike, owns the farm. “We’re just the little mom-and-pop blueberry shop around the corner.

“We’re excited for the kids to see it here,” she added. “It’s all up to the berries.”

Berry good

Janet sat in mid-May near her acre of blueberries. They were small and green then, but the heat expected over the weeks was sure to ripen them. Cooler weather is best early in the growing season. Once they start to bloom, heat is essential for the berries to grow and turn blue.

“We wanted to give it the extra week of heat,” Pak said of the June 10 & 11 festival time.

The farm has its origins in Alaska,

n See bluEbErriEs, page B5

Recognize abuse of elders and dependent adults

News release

June is National Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month. El Dorado County's Adult Protective Services Program, part of the County's Health and Human Services Agency, is making a special effort to reach out to community members during this month.

“We want everyone to recognize the signs of elder and dependent adult abuse, to take steps to prevent it and to make a report if they have concerns,” said Laura Walny, APS program manager.

El Dorado County has one of the fastest growing segments of older adults in California.

“People aged 65 and older currently represent just over 24% of the county’s population and that number is expected to rise. As our community ages, it’s imperative that we come together as a community in support of health and safety,” said Walny.

APS is a state-mandated program that investigates situations that involve elders (people aged 60 and older) and dependent adults (18 to 59 years old with a physical or mental disability) when those individuals are unable to meet their own needs or are victims of abuse, neglect or exploitation. APS staff assess situations of potential abuse or neglect; provide supportive services and linkage to county and community

resources; and work with individuals, families and the community to provide a safety net for vulnerable older and dependent adults.

El Dorado County APS investigated approximately 1,758 reported cases of elder or dependent adult abuse in 2022, an increase of 37% over the last five years. according to Walny. APS staff is also a resource for people who have questions about possible abuse or neglect.

“If you’re uncertain about making a report, please call us,” said Walny. “We’re happy to discuss situations and help determine if they rise to the level of APS intervention. As always, if someone is in immediate danger where their health or safety is at risk you shouldn’t hesitate to call 911.”

Know the signs

Elder and dependent adult abuse is defined as an intentional act or failure to act that causes or creates a risk of harm to the victim.

The state of California recognizes six types of abuse:

Self-neglect: Refusal or failure to provide himself/herself with adequate food, water, clothing, shelter, personal hygiene or medications (if indicated).

Physical abuse: The use of physical force that may result in bodily injury, physical pain or impairment or any

n See EldEr AbusE, page B3

Photo by Alan Riquelmy

Michaelle Pak says 35 vendors will be at the blueberry festival June 10 & 11 in El Dorado Hills.

Grow for it!

Rosemary —

‘dew of the sea’

Would you like an attractive, easy to grow, low care plant in your garden?

Look no further than

Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis. The genus name means dew of the sea, reflecting the plant’s native habitat on seaside cliffs in the Mediterranean region. It thrives in most areas of California, including western El Dorado County. Rosemary tolerates heat and sun, chilly temperatures down to 20F and requires little water once established. It imparts a delightful smell to your fingers when you touch it and I like planting it next to the sidewalk for that reason. It has pretty, usually blue, flowers during the cooler part of the year that are bee, butterfly and bird magnets. Leaves are widely used for seasoning. What more could you want?

It is a very versatile plant in the garden. Some varieties, such as Prostratus and Huntington Carpet, are ground covers. These are often used on slopes or to cascade down garden walls. Other varieties grow upright. Golden Rain grows to only about 2 to 3 feet tall. Tuscan Blue, on the other hand, grows quite tall, as much as 6 to 7 feet. The upright forms can be grown as hedges, pruned to a specific shape or totally ignore them and they'll still look nice in their natural shape. The upright forms tend to have more aromatic oils so are usually better for culinary use. Just make sure to check the plant label to make sure that you're buying the type and size of rosemary that will work in your garden.

Rosemary is also easy to propagate. You can take cuttings in the early summer from non-flowering branches. You can also bury an

Elder abuse

established branch in a shallow trench, cover the soil with a rock to prevent it from springing up out of the ground and wait. It should form roots within a few months and then you can cut it off from the parent plant and transplant it.

Rosemary does have one drawback. Those aromatic oils not only add flavor to meals but, unfortunately, they also are extremely flammable. So you shouldn't plant rosemary near your house. If possible, plant at least 30 feet away from the house.

Rosemary needs good drainage. Too much water heavy feeding causes rank growth, encouraging woodiness instead of leaf growth. All in all, rosemary is an easy and rewarding plant that thrives in foothill gardens.

Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open every Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. Master Gardeners will offer tours, answer questions or guests can just enjoy the garden. Check the website for further information about the Sherwood Demonstration Garden 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_

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

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

Continued from B2

physical injury to an adult caused by other than accidental means.

Neglect by others: Failure to provide the basic care or services necessary to maintain the health and safety of an adult; this failure can be active or passive.

Sexual abuse: Sexual contact with a non-consenting adult or with an adult considered incapable of consenting to a sexual act.

Financial abuse: The illegal or unethical exploitation and/or use of an elder’s money, property or other assets.

Mental abuse: Verbal or emotional abuse such as threatening significant physical harm or threatening or causing significant emotional harm to an adult through derogatory or inappropriate names, insults, verbal assaults, profanity or ridicule; or harassment, coercion, threats, intimidation, humiliation, mental cruelty or inappropriate sexual comments.

Victims may suffer from several forms of abuse. Signs of abuse or neglect can include:

Bruises, black eyes and broken bones that are unexplained or inconsistent with injury

Torn, stained, bloody clothing or

bedding

Lack of adequate food, water, utilities, medications or medical care

Cluttered, filthy living environment; dirty clothing and changes in personal hygiene

Unexplained or uncharacteristic changes in behavior

Unexplained purchases by the primary caregiver; another person’s name added to the bank account or important documents; new credit cards or increased cash withdrawals

Harassment, coercion, intimidation or humiliation

How to make a report

El Dorado County APS has a 24-hour hotline to report abuse of elder or dependent adults. To report suspected abuse or neglect call (530) 642-4800.

To report suspected abuse of an elder in a nursing home, residential care facility for the elderly or assisted living facility, call the State Crisis Line number at 1-800-231-4024 or the El Dorado County Long Term Care Ombudsman program at (530) 6216271. For more information about APS visit tinyurl.com/23hpm9e7.

Susan Wallace UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County

Photo by Susan Zito

There are many benefits to growing rosemary, including its low water usage, fragrance and ease of care. It should not, however, be planted close to a structure as it is flammable.

DAY HIKER

Stewarts Peak

Idiscovered this 7-mile out-andback trek like I have many in the Truckee/ Donner area, by looking at a peak and deciding I needed to see the view from the top. Near Norden, in the Tahoe National Forest in Nevada County you can park right under Stewarts Peak and its trailhead along Donner Pass Road, or just around the bend at the overlook at McGlashan Point. A nice wide parking area across the road gives you views of both the peak, Donner Lake, Norden Tunnels and Donner Summit Bridge. Give yourself about three hours to climb all the switchbacks to the

7,389-foot peak, take in the view and return to your car. You will share this trail with many hikers and lots of canine companions out for a stroll.

Stewarts Peak is part of the Pacific Crest Trail and has amazing views. Many other trails branch o , so it is easy to get lost. I enjoy taking a closer look at the trees that have managed to grow from the granite and survived the snow loads and high winds common here. Although this is a heavily tra cked moderate trail, it is less congested than lake Tahoe trails. You can hear the Interstate for a half mile or so

■ See DAY HIKER, page B5

Photo by Mary West

The view from Stewarts Peak is worth the time spent hiking the switchbacks to get there.

Mary West Outdoor columnist

blueberries Continued from B2 where Suttles’ children were born.

The family picked blueberries in Alaska. Moving to El Dorado Hills almost 20 years ago, they knew they wanted to grow something. Mike took Janet blueberry picking for her birthdays and the idea grew.

“We just thought, let’s grow blueberries,” she said.

The family spent two years tilling the field and also building deer fencing and installing irrigation, along with the other tasks required to have a successful farm. The farm has seen the couple, their children and three neighborhood girls tend to it over the years.

“Everyone in town calls her the blueberry lady,” Pak said of her mother.

The picking season used to stretch from midMay to July, but warmer weather over the years has reduced it to June.

Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit and changed everything. The farm installed hand-washing stations and used directional arrows to guide people

Day Hiker Continued from B4

on the trail. The sounds fade away the higher you climb.

Take the Soda Springs Exit off Interstate 80 to Donner Pass Road across the street from the peak. You can also park at the rest area and follow trail signs from there.

Mary West is author of the book series Day Hiker – Gold Country Trail Guide I, II and III (second edition available on Amazon). The books are a collection of the Day Hiker columns where West shares her longtime love of the outdoors, favorite hikes in Northern California’s Gold Country and beyond. West was the recipient of the 2017 and 2019 Craft Award for Best Outdoor Column and the 2020 Craft Award for her second book in the Day Hiker series by the Outdoor Writers of California. You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Re-ride Continued from B1

• 1:47 a.m. Fresh Pond and then on farther east ...

The last rider is expected to arrive at the Patee House in St. Joseph at 7 p.m. June 17.

The National Pony Express Association was established in 1978 to honor the memory and endeavors of the Pony Express riders and to identify, preserve and mark the original Pony Express route through the eight states it crossed: Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada and California. The Pony Express was in operation for only 18 months between April 1860 and October 1861. Nevertheless, it has become synonymous with the Old West. In the era before easy mass communication, the Pony Express was the thread that tied east to west. For more details visit nationalponyexpress.org.

through the blueberries.

The farm has no set operating hours. Instead, Pak advises people to visit the farm’s Facebook page. Go to facebook.com and search: “Once in a Blue Moon Berries.” The farm posts upcoming operating hours online.

The family sees many of the same people come through each season. Some send them pictures of their children picking the berries. Janet has many of those photos posted to the outside wall of a building next to the blueberries.

“It’s a lot of people’s family tradition,” Pak said.

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