Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, June 14, 2023

‘TIF’ over developer fees

Jaramishian

El Dorado County is possibly losing out on collecting millions of dollars from developers — funds that could have been used for much-needed road improvements.

Auditor-Controller Joe Harn made the revelation at the June 6 Board of Supervisors meeting, using the relation between housing developments on Bass Lake Road up Hollow Oak Drive and worsening

n See Developer fees, page A7

Yusuf pretrial set for August

Following a string of court dates a pretrial hearing of the second-degree murder case involving a Shingle Springs woman’s overdoserelated death was set Friday morning in El Dorado County Superior Court’s Department 1. Kamaal Yusuf, 22, stands accused of selling counterfeit pills containing fentanyl that led to the 2022 death of the unidentified victim. Yusuf, who was arrested in January at his parent’s Elk Grove Lakeside community home, is also charged with distributing a controlled substance to minors as there may have been additional victims younger than the age of 18, according to El Dorado County sheriff’s Sgt. Alexander Sorey.

Yusuf has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The pretrial in the People v. Yusuf case has been slated for Tuesday, Aug. 1, at 8:30 a.m., again in Dept. 1. Yusuf’s attorney Patrick Hanly told Judge Vicki Ashworth he estimated the pretrial would take a full court day to get through.

A reason for the previous delays in setting a date, according to Hanly, is the matter of medical records that he had subpoenaed twice; the documents were finally turned over during Friday’s proceedings.

Eric

Staff writer

Odin Rasco Staff writer

Anthony “Tony”

Henry Patti

April 19, 1954 – April, 23, 2023

Anthony “Tony” Patti was born April 19, 1954 to his parents Samuel and Veronica Patti in Baltimore, Maryland. As a child he loved playing soccer and this passion led into his High School years. As a young man he trained horses for the Vanderbuilt family and during this time trained the o spring of the Secretariat, the famous champion racehorse. In the late 1980’s he moved to California to be near his brother. During this time one of his biggest hobbies came from his love for NASCAR and racing. This led him into many years of amateur racing at Sears Point. He was also a member of the American Mustang Club along with his sons. In his later years he began working for EDCOE as a special needs driver. He was dearly loved by his students who loved their Mr. Tony. He is survived by his devoted wife Anita; sons Chris (Kiersten) and Kyle (Rachel), 8 grandchildren, his brother Joe, and numerous brother and sister-in laws. A celebration of Tony’s life will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, June 25 at Indian Rock Tree Farm.

Karin Jane Mai

Oct. 14, 1939 – June 3, 2023

Karin Mai passed away peacefully at her home in El Dorado Hills, CA on June 3, 2023 at the age of 83 after living courageously with cancer for 13 years and spending the last month of her life surrounded by friends and family. Karin was born in Sacramento, CA and was raised primarily in Oakland, CA by her adoptive parents, Amy (Wickland) & Lloyd Welty. After graduating from Oakland High School in January 1957, she attended Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS for two years and graduated from the University of California in San Francisco. In 1960, Karin married Donald Fredric Mai, who she met while at school in Kansas. Together, they have three children, Jody (Devin) Bader, Stephen (Debbie) Mai and Darin (Kristin) Mai, seven grandchildren, Amy (Nick) Bader, Jadin Bader, Jakin (Hannah) Mai, Jordan (Courtney) Mai, Kelsea Mai, Layla Mai and Olivia Mai, and four great grandchildren, Lydia Mai, Ainsley Mai, Piper Mai and Davie Mai. Spending much of their lives in Piedmont, CA, Karin & Don also lived in Claremont, CA and moved to El Dorado Hills, CA in 2017. In addition to working for more than 40 years as a Dental Hygienist, Karin was an active volunteer for every school and activity her children attended (swim team, Camp Fire Girls, band and theater, to name a few). With a heart for social justice, Karin was very involved with her church communities of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran in Oakland, CA, Good Shepherd Lutheran in Claremont, CA and St. Stephen’s Lutheran in El Dorado Hills, CA, in addition to Lutheran Church Women (LCW) and other organizations through the Lutheran Church (ELCA). Karin served as President of the Piedmont Chapter of the League of Women Voters and worked tirelessly with Oakland’s Rebuilding Together and various soup kitchens. She also lovingly kept track of her HS classmates from January 1957 and helped to organize their reunions for many years. After retirement, Don and Karin travelled the world with Global Volunteers, serving wherever there was a need in places like Tanzania, Vietnam, India, China, Russia, Peru, Mexico, Canada and Australia. Karin will be remembered by many friends and family around the world for her big heart, her welcoming smile, her generosity and her unending acts of service. A memorial for Karin was held at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in El Dorado Hills, CA on Tuesday, June 13. A second will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oakland, CA on Saturday, August 19 at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, Karin’s family asks that contributions be directed to one of the following organizations: U.C. Davis Breast Cancer Research (https://give. ucdavis.edu/donate/yourgift/cc48376), The Plaster House (https://www.theplasterhouse. org), or Women’s Cancer Research Center (https:// mageewomens.org/support).

Jon Anthony Rodgers

April 30, 1968 – May 13, 2023

Jon Anthony Rodgers, age 55, of Placerville, CA, passed away on May 13, 2023, at Rock Creek Care Center in Auburn, CA, with his family by his side. Jon was born on April 30, 1968, in Turlock, CA to parents Bill and Clara Rodgers, the second of five children. In 1970, the family moved to Placerville, CA.

Jon was involved in the Hangtown Country Cousins 4-H Club when he was a young boy, and worked at Beno’s Department Store and Zollars Chevron on Broadway in his high school years. He was a 1986 graduate of El Dorado High School, and began a career in construction with Dwight Stoddard Construction. He joined the United States Marine Corps Forces Reserve in 1987, and was later activated and served in Operation Desert Shield/ Storm in Kuwait and Iraq with the 2nd Marine Division from December 1990 to June 1991. Upon returning from the war, he married his wartime penpal, Cathy McIntire. He also began Rodgers Construction, Inc. and had a successful business. In 1992, he welcomed his beautiful daughter Caitlyn to his world. He had the most pride in her growing family, with her husband Cory and his beloved grandchildren, Wyatt and Wynter. They always brought him so much joy. He also enjoyed playing cards with Caitlyn’s grandma, Doris. Jon had many hobbies including rides on his Harley Davidson motorcycle, boating, 4-wheeling in his old Willys Jeep, traveling to Oregon to visit family, and working the holiday seasons at his Aunt Ernie and Uncle Ken’s Christmas tree farm in Georgetown, CA.

Jon will always be remembered for his generosity, loyalty, and love towards his family and friends, his sense of humor, and that hint of fun mischief that always kept us on our toes. We all miss him dearly.

Jon is survived by his daughter Caitlyn, her husband Cory and grandchildren Wyatt and Wynter, parents Bill and Clara, brother Bill (and Katie, Carson, Makena), sister Kristi (and Jakob, Kianna), sister Rachelle (and Tom, Kate, Austin, Trevor), and sister Sara (and Scott, Addison, Alexis) along with aunts, uncles, and cousins. A celebration of life will be held on July 15, 2023, with family and close friends. Please email the Rodgers family at jonrodgersmemorial@gmail.com for time and location of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the El Dorado County Veterans Memorial Scholarship Fund at https:// eldoradocountyveterans.org/. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/ placerville-ca/jon-rodgers-11289327

John Albert Gray

Aug 31, 1937 – May 8, 2023

John Albert Gray passed May 8, 2023 after a brief illness. Born in Rockford, IL to John and Lillian Gray, he is survived by wife Meg, of 62 years; Children Heather, John, Michael and Kristen; grandchildren Emily, Holly, Hannah, John, Corie, Cierra, JonCarlos, Vincent, and Angelina; great grandchildren Mabel, Henry, Amelia and Michael.

As Valedictorian of Kirkland HS 1955, and graduate of U of I Urbana, BS Civil Engineering and MPA at Golden Gate University, John served in the U.S. Army during which time he met and married Meg in 1961.

John served as the Public Works Director and later Transportation Director of Solano County.

John and Meg retired to Camino in 2001 as active members of Federated church in Placerville where John held numerous leadership roles.

John’s life will be celebrated on June 24th, 11AM at Federated Church 1031 Thompson Way, Placerville CA 95667 Lunch to follow. Memorial gifts may be sent to the church in his honor.

Warren Frederick Bryld

October 2, 1931 – May 13, 2023

Warren Frederick Bryld, born October 2, 1931, passed away May 13, 2023 at the age of 91. Warren was the son of Viola and Frederick Bryld and is survived by his beloved wife, Judy, daughters Vicki Hermone and Terri Shelby, grandchildren Brianna Deaner, Jessica Watne and Dustin Shelby as well as great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 24 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 1200 Pinecrest Ct., Placerville. CA. 95667.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to First Lutheran Church, Placerville, California 95667.

Virginia “Elaine” Gilton Daughtry

July 14, 2023 – May 15, 2023

Virginia “Elaine” Gilton Daughtry at 85 years old, went to be with her heavenly Father on May, 15, 2023.

Elaine was born on July 14, 1937 in Oklahoma to William Hurshel Gilton and Lennie Rowe Gilton, she was the oldest of five siblings, sister Charlotte Gilton Gunderman and brother Brad Gilton preceded her in death. Remaining siblings, Neil Gilton and Luella Ashford, will miss her everyday.

Elaine is survived by 5 children, Frankie Golden McDermott (Mark), Melinda Golden (Lorrie), Tanya Moran, Sherry Jorgensen and Candy Colmenero (Joe) along with 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Her greatest joy was to have all of her family together laughing, telling stories and watching the little ones play and run around.

Elaine lived and worked in San Jose, for several tech companies, making many lifelong friends. After she retired she moved to Placerville and made her dream come true by opening a flower shop, The Flower Garden. When she retired from that, she became an avid volunteer for Partners In Care thrift store and Marshall Foundation for Community Health until her 80th birthday. She never knew a stranger, everyone was a friend in the making that she was ready to help in any way she could. She will be remembered for her laugh which was big and her smile that would light up any room.

You can express condolences at this link to our mother’s page: https:// www.dignitymemorial. com/obituaries/placerville-ca/virginiadaughtry-11291588. In lieu of flowers, please send gifts to Marshall Foundation for Community Health, PO Box 1996, Placerville CA 95667, or the charity of your choice in her memory.

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, at 4:00 p.m. Food is served at 5:30 p.m. 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.

Linda Lucille Hill

May 2, 1937 – May 30, 2023

Linda Lucille Hill passed away at her home with family by her side on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. She was 86 years old.

Linda was born in Trinidad, Colorado on May 2, 1937 to George Samuel East and Grace Lucille East. In 1943 during World War II, the family moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico (the secret city) where her dad was an engineer with the Corps of Engineers working on the Manhattan Project. Linda had many stories of her young years during the war and learned to value what little the family had and make the most of it. She adored and loved spending as much time as possible with her Nanu and Nandad (grandparents) and had many stories about her special times with them.

After the war her family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 1952 Linda’s sister, Terrianne, was born. Linda attended Ernie Pyle Junior High School and Albuquerque High School. In 9th grade she met her dear friend, Shirley, and they remained friends throughout all these years.

Linda met her soon-to-be husband, Richard Hill, on a blind date arranged by mutual friends. Linda and Richard were married on February 3, 1956. In 1961 the couple moved with their two young children, Cathy and Michael from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Livermore, California. In 1963 their third child, Steven was born.

Prior to her marriage Linda worked for a credit union. She also worked in the 80’s as a bookkeeper for Resources for Family Development. However, the majority of her adult life she was a stay at home mom devoting her life to her family.

In 1989 Linda and her husband moved to the Placerville/Somerset area where they lived on 5 acres. They enjoyed trips in their motor home to Arizona, New Mexico, New Orleans, Canada and Washington, DC.

Linda was a woman of many talents. She loved sewing and doing arts and crafts. She was a self taught artist. In high school she did beautiful water color and pen and ink drawings. Eventually she learned acrylic oil painting. In later years she took up cross stitch and created beautiful landscapes, still lifes and protraits. She made amazing Christmas decorations and ornaments, clothes and dolls. Linda also loved to bake, making delicious desserts for every holiday and family gathering. She was an amazing cook and could make something delicious out of nothing. Linda loved everything about New Mexico from the food to the Native American people and the beautiful turquoise jewelry.

Linda was preceded in death by: her parents, George and Grace East; granddaughter, Melissa Wood; daughter- in- law, Leslie Hill; grandsons, Ryan Wood and Jay Bingham.

She is survived by: her husband of 67 years, Richard Hill; sister, Terri Tafreshi; three children, Cathy (Richard) Wood, Michael Hill, Steven (Margie) Hill; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Wood, Megan (Matt) Short, Jeremy Hill, Crystal (Joe) Souza, Samantha (Don) Graham, Tom (Renee) Bettencourt and Pat Bettencourt and twenty great-grandchildren, Asher, Silas, Zavius, Sorin, Xander, Kash, Rori, Madi, Ammiah, Nevaeh, Olivia, Steven, Ava, Brooklynn, Davin, Grant, Raelynne, Chrystian, Sofia, and Ellie.

Our mom, Nana, wife and sister was strong and determined. She was happy with the simple life, quiet, loving and compassionate. She always put others before herself. We will miss her gentle spirit and boundless love.

There will be celebration of her life with family and close friends on Saturday June 24th. Please call 530-391-0893 for details.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/ placerville-ca/linda-hill-11311776

Cynthia Geneva Rossi

Magee

June 4, 1954 – May 22, 2023

On May 22, 2023, Cynthia Geneva Rossi Magee passed on to be with her Heavenly Father. Cindy was the fourth daughter born to Drew and Betty Carpender Rossi on June 4, 1954, in Placerville. Cindy was 5th generation to be born in El Dorado County on both sides of her family. She graduated El Dorado High School in 1972, where she was a member of the ski team. In 1973, she graduated from Carmichael Beauty College as a licensed Cosmetologist. Later, she worked as one of the first female firefighters for the US Forest Service. She played soft ball for several years in the Leagues at Lions Park. Her love of the outdoors and horses led her to ride, in many parades, on her beloved horse, Connie, with the group of young women riders called “Girls of the Golden West”.

She married Michael Magee in 1980. In 1986, she gave birth to their son Lucas Michael Magee. Luke was the light of her life. Cindy was predeceased by her parents Drew and Betty Rossi and her grandparents Will and Geneva Lawyer Rossi and Bert and Marion Jacquier Carpender. Cindy is survived by her son Luke and daughter-in-law Amanda, her grandchildren Christian, Haylie and Aden Magee, who were her pride and joy, her husband Mike, her sisters Linda (Gary) Parham, Drucilla (Wes) Moeding, Kristy (Skip) Lindstrom, seventeen cousins, numerous nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and many lifelong friends. Services are pending.

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.

weather

Cal Fire says keep burning

Isaac Streeter Staff writer

Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit Chief Mike Blankenhiem has extended the burn permit and residential debris burning period by an estimated two weeks. Cal Fire o cials cite above-average precipitation and a wet winter as factors in the decision. A Cal Fire Facebook post Tuesday morning notes presence of green vegetation is a sign of moisture still in the ground, making the extension of the burn permit safe.

“Residents are encouraged to continue their wildfire preparedness and defensible space e orts, including removing any dry vegetation around their home and property,” Blankenhiem states. “Preparing and taking preventive measures now are crucial as fire season approaches and the landscape gradually becomes drier.”

Burn permits are required for burning landscape vegetation that originated on the landowners property; burning trash is not permitted. Burns are limited to permissible days as dictated by the Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit. Piles must be limited to 4 feet in diameter and residents should have a 10-foot clearance around the pile to prevent spread of fire.

Cal Fire o cials remind residents burns should never be left unattended or take place on a windy day and a shovel and water source should always be present.

Blankenhiem urges residents with concerns about dry fuels in their area to refrain from debris burning.

Cal Fire maintains the ability to implement burn restrictions at any time based on current or forecasted dry and windy weather conditions.

Sewer plant pump problem gets diffused

Michael Raffety

Staff writer

During peak flows, particularly during rainstorms, pump station No. 1 at the El Dorado Hills Wastewater Treatment Plant is inoperable because “air becomes entrained ahead of the pumps, causing air binding,” wrote engineer Tracey Eden-Bishop in a May 22 memo to the El Dorado Irrigation District Board of Directors.

The solution, devised by Hewitt Engineering for EID, is to add an air di user box to the pump station. That pump station goes to the tertiary treatment filters that allow treated water to eventually be released into Deer Creek. Pump station No. 2 sends excess flow into the reservoir on site. Pump station No. 2 was added in 2007 to manage higher flows and only discharges into the reservoir.

EID o cials reported that in October 2020 and December 2022 the water agency had to spend $60,000 for rental pumps to handle excess flows into pump station No. 1, which required 24-hour monitoring.

May 22 the three board members in attendance unanimously approved awarding the construction contract to the low bidder, Auburn Constructors, for $374,300. The other two bids were more than $500,000.

Absent were Directors George Osborne and Pat Dwyer.

Information from EID shows the total cost of the project, including construction, is $490,848. That includes $19,926 for engineering services during construction, $24,310 for inspection services, $4,912 for testing services, $30,000 for capitalized labor and $37,400 for contingency.

Construction will begin in July and finish in October.

Staff writer

Work projects conducted by El Dorado County’s Department of Transportation will see Mosquito Bridge’s May 30 closure continue through Sunday, Aug. 6, according to a press release.

During the closure county DOT sta will be busy with structure, roadway, drainage and bridge maintenance; the closure was determined necessary to complete the work safely. Work includes drainage system installation, roadway excavation, retaining wall construction, roadway embankment fill and creation of a roadway tie-in at the northern edge of the project. Additionally, the county’s bridge crew will perform annual maintenance work on Mosquito Bridge July 10-28.

The road closure spans .6 miles north and .8 miles south of Mosquito Bridge. Until the closure is complete, motorists are advised to anticipate delays and allow extra travel time along the detour down

Odin Rasco

California Matters

Despite the state’s wealth, millions are in poverty

As if it needed one, California recently received a new reminder that, despite its trappings of sybaritic wealth, it’s home to millions of families that struggle each day to put roofs over their heads and food in their bellies.

United Ways of California issued updated calculations of real world poverty, revealing that 34% of the state’s families lack enough income to meet basic living costs, primarily because those costs — particularly for housing — are extraordinarily high. The estimate is based on 2021 data, but there’s no reason to believe the situation has improved significantly, if at all, since then.

Letters to the Editor

State of El Dorado

EDITOR:

validate their claim.

Whether I agree with the process or not is irrelevant because those people are here legally because they are following a process enacted by our government.

summary

The federal government’s official poverty number is based strictly on income and California’s rate is not particularly high by that methodology. But the U.S. Census Bureau also has an alternative measure that includes the cost of living and it generally places California at or near the top in poverty among the states.

United Ways’ methodology is similar to the Census Bureau’s alternative poverty measure, and also resembles the Public Policy Institute of California’s calculations of poverty and near-poverty. The 34% poverty level also comports with the 15 million Californians who receive health care through the state’s Medi-Cal program.

In a sense, therefore, the United Ways report is just telling us something we already know. However, its interactive feature provides important details about which communities and which demographic subgroups are most likely to experience severe economic stress in a state with the world’s fifth — and perhaps the fourth — largest economy.

It reveals, for instance, that rural counties and the cores of urban areas are most likely to be poverty-stricken and that 51% of Latino families have incomes below the “real cost measure” of what it takes to meet basic living costs, the highest of any ethnic group.

n See Walters page A5

Guest Column

Iread with interest the article on making El Dorado County a state, since I think breaking up California is a really good idea. I really cannot pass judgement on Ms. Durst’s logic, as I am not an academician nor an attorney expert in constitutional law. Had she cited such as sources, it would have given support for her ideas.

However, as an engineer, I do deal in practicality. For example, the scope of government of a state is far greater than for a county. While we have resources, can those be turned into enough cash on an ongoing basis to support a state government?

I am sure there are other issues that would complicate the process, including persuading the majority of Congress and the Supreme Court to go along. But what if we were to succeed? Then what? It would surely become a precedent. Would not every red county in a blue state and every blue county in a red state follow suit? Perhaps first we should count noses.

And if that took place, how long before we would be the 500 United States of America? How long would it take before such a cumbersome government fell apart at its 500 seams? As it is, I fear that at 83 I will live to see the end of our experiment as a republican form of government.

COLTON MEYER Somerset

Backfired

EDITOR:

Illegal immigrants imported by plane to Sacramento and Bonta, Steinberg and Newsom are crying foul! Really? Nothing works better than a taste of your own medicine, gentlemen.

EILEEN DEAN Placerville

Immigration issue

EDITOR:

Illegal aliens are a highly complex issue because of the definition. If someone crosses the border and claims political asylum, our government lets them in with a court date in the future to

Asylum seekers should be looked at separately from those illegal aliens who overstay their visas or cross the border without checking in. The situation has been complicated for political expediency by all sides. And the simplistic ability to classify who is here illegally or not, in my opinion, seems to be a good starting point.

KEN STEERS Cameron Park

Selling out

EDITOR:

Isee Mr. Garon recently wrote the usual leftwing lunacy about the border and immigration. His letter basically covers two things, immigration reform and misinformation about Trump versus Obama on separating families.

The separation of families started under Obama. Now before you say that was just done to those who could not document that the kids were theirs consider this: how many of those you see streaming across unguarded areas of the border and wading across the Rio Grande do you think are carrying such documentation? Point made. Both Obama and Trump did it.

The other point Mr. Garon tries to make is the need for immigration reform. You can’t reform something that doesn’t exist. We have no operational control of our southern border. People cross in unguarded sections of the border, wade across the Rio Grande; the ones who do get caught are just given court dates that they will never appear for and turned loose to scatter all over the country.

Mr. Garon, you have to have control of something before you can regulate it. Anyone with eyes knows we have no control over the border. Just the other day a mother lost a daughter to a MS13 gang member who walked across our border illegally.

As it is, it will take quite a while and vigorous

n See letters page A5

Welfare work requirements make everyone better off

The Congressional Budget Office recently released its latest projection for the next 10 years.

“In the agency’s updated projections, annual deficits nearly double over the next decade, reaching $2.7 trillion in 2033 ... As a result of those deficits, debt held by the public also increases in CBO’s projections, from 98% of GDP at the end of this year to 119% at the end of 2033.”

The picture keeps getting worse.

The difference between Democrats and Republicans on the issue: Republicans say let’s do something; Democrats say let’s do nothing. House Republicans have put forward the Limit, Save, Grow Act as condition for increasing the debt limit, which imposes limits on growth of spending over the next 10 years and achieves reductions in expenditures.

Democrats are beside themselves because Republicans propose to achieve efficiencies in spending in Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food

stamps) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families by imposing more stringent work requirements.

The idea that those getting welfare should have some skin in the game regarding humanitarian assistance they receive from U.S. taxpayers is an idea that is bonkers to our president and his party.

But, for me, Democrats screaming about cruelty and heartlessness regarding work requirements for welfare is nothing new.

I started my public career working on welfare reform passed in 1996.

It was my personal experience with the horrifying and destructive realities of welfare that opened my eyes to how badly reform was needed.

I was in the system as a young woman and collected welfare in the pre-welfare reform world of AFDC, or Aid to Families with Dependent Children. I saw from the inside the destructiveness, inhumanity and cruelty of government support pretending to be assistance and charity.

Welfare funds were available to women who were poor, not working and not married. Those were the conditions that had to be met to get the money.

Instead of being charitable and humanitarian, the government assistance was really a heartless subsidy that encouraged poverty, unemployment and sexual promiscuity out of marriage.

Welfare reform in 1996 showed how a Democratic president, Bill Clinton, could productively work with a Republican House, under the leadership of then-Speaker Newt Gingrich.

Bill Clinton had promised to “end welfare as we know it” and House Republicans stepped up to work with him. When Temporary Assistance for Needy Families was put forward by Republicans, reforming welfare with work requirements and time limits, Democrats started screaming, as they are screaming now.

Poor women would be thrown

into the streets. It is amazing how those who supposedly care about people have such little respect for the humanity, creativity and resiliency of those same people.

When suddenly poor women on welfare were faced with time limits for welfare and work requirements, the world changed for the better, for everyone.

In 2006, 10 years after welfare reform was passed, Ron Haskins, Brookings Institution scholar, testified before Congress summarizing the results.

From 1994 to 2005 welfare caseloads declined 60%. From 1993 to 2000 employment among single mothers increased from 58.9% to 75%. Employment among nevermarried mothers increased from 44% to 66%.

For female-headed households in the bottom 40% of the income distribution, income attributable to

n See Parker page A5

California received another reminder this week that, despite its worldclass economy, the state has millions of families mired in poverty.

Instead of being charitable and humanitarian, the government assistance was really a heartless subsidy that encouraged poverty, unemployment and sexual promiscuity ...

Dan WaLtErS

Richard B. Esposito Publisher Krysten Kellum Editor Noel Stack Managing Editor

Walters Continued from A4

Additionally, 68% of Californians without high school diplomas are in poverty, as are 70% of single mothers and 57% of non-citizen immigrants.

The United Ways report once again implicitly asks what, if anything, can California’s political apparatus do about its high poverty since especially high living costs — housing mostly — rather than especially low incomes, are the major factor.

High housing costs stem from the state’s chronic housing shortage and while there’s been a recent uptick in housing construction, it still falls very short of the 180,000 units a year state officials say are needed to close the gap.

The state has made some noteworthy efforts to jump-start housing construction, mostly by removing local barriers to development, but its major anti-poverty approach has been to increase family incomes through intermittent programs such as increasing welfare grants, raising minimum wages, expanding healthcare and child care services and providing earned income tax credits and direct cash payments.

However those are generally short-term, marginal benefits that rely on the state’s erratic revenue flow, rather than permanent income supports. There are some state-level efforts to create a guaranteed basic income program to lift low-income families out of poverty, but the potential costs are enormous.

The United Ways study says that 3.8 million

families live below its “real cost measure” for a decent way of life and typically would need about $40,000 more in annual income to meet it. Providing that supplemental income would, therefore, cost about $150 billion, or roughly a 50% increase in the $300 billion state budget.

That’s not going to happen.

If California’s politicians want to get serious about poverty, rather than engage in superficial virtuesignaling, they will become more vigorous — even ruthless — about eliminating barriers to housing construction, improving educational shortcomings, and making the state more attractive to job-creating investment rather than chasing employers away.

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

Letters Continued from A4

enforcement of E-Verify to eventually flush illegals back across the border. Then, maybe, less CII Criminal Histories will start out with the heading “Previously Deported Criminal Alien.” Unfortunately, as Biden’s border shows, the left is willing to sell out the country for political power.

GEORGE ALGER Placerville

Announcements

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

AmericAN AssOc. Of UNiversity WOmeN Foothills of EDC Branch. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science and Math Camp Scholarships, programs & interest groups.

Leave voicemail for Laurel (530) 417-7737 or Sara (530) 417-7138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net

el DOrADO cOUNty AmAteUr

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

LeArN & PLAy criBBAGe Cribbage is a fun, fast paced game that will surely keep you on your toes! **All skill levels

**Learn to play by ACC Rules (American Cribbage Congress)

**Beginner instruction available

**Compete in weekly Cribbage tournaments. Call 916-768-4452 for more information. Gold Country Cribbers play Wednesday afternoon 4:30 pm at the Moni Gilmore Sr Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762

Ready for real change?

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

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

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

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

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

Hangtown Women’s teNNis club. Join fun-loving women Wednesdays 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

Parker Continued from A4

earnings increased from 30% to 55% from 1993 to 2000 and income attributed to welfare declined from 60% to 23%.

Theologians and philosophers over the ages have noted that the highest charitable act is to help someone become self-sufficient.

Unfortunately, the many forms of welfare distributed by our government take recipients in the opposite direction.

Kevin McCarthy and House Republicans are doing the nation a great favor with the Limit, Save, Grow Act.

Let’s hope they get somewhere with a president and a Democratic Party whose vision for our future is a nation bloated with spending, debt and dependence.

Star Parker is president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education and host of the weekly television show “Cure America with Star Parker.”

We

letters

county you

name

Dr. Little’s Dental News

Presented

KNOCKED OUT

A knocked out tooth is considered a dental emergency. If you have knocked out an adult tooth, try to put the tooth back in place and get to your dentist immediately. You can bite down on a handkerchief to keep the tooth in place. If you cannot replace the tooth, put it in a container of milk to preserve it. Time is of the essence: a tooth is more likely to reimplant in the gums the sooner it is attended to. A dentist can splint the tooth on both sides to keep it in place for two weeks while it reimplants. If you no longer have the tooth, a dentist can fill the gap with a denture, bridge, or implant.

If one or more of your teeth have been lost to damage or decay, prompt attention with various forms of dentures, implants, crowns and bridges, or other methods of repair will prevent additional, perhaps bigger and more painful problems later on.

Visit your dentist on a regular basis, and practice good home oral hygiene. It will pay off in the long run. If you don’t have a family dentist at this time, we invite you to call us for an appointment.

P.S. A knocked out baby tooth should not be replaced because it can damage the adult tooth coming in behind it.

El Dorado County duo arrested in connection to Foresthill burglary

Odin Rasco Staff writer

A pair of El Dorado County residents allegedly involved in a burglary at the Foresthill Worton’s Market as well as a string of vehicle thefts have been arrested, according to a Placer County Sheriff’s Office social media post.

Placer County officials identified the suspects as James Nichols, 41, and Richard Lenning, 43.

Just before 3 a.m. March 27, Placer County sheriff’s deputies responded to a burglary call at Worton’s in Foresthill. As deputies arrived, they report they saw the front doors of the market had been broken, torn directly from the door frame; video surveillance recordings show two men drove a blue and silver Dodge truck directly into the business and then attempted to remove an ATM. The pair ultimately failed to remove the ATM from the premises and drove from the scene to Colfax, where they

attempted to steal a different Dodge truck, according to the Placer Sheriff’s Office.

The owner of the vehicle in Colfax noticed the two stealing the truck, tracked them down and confronted them as they attempted to refuel the truck, the PCSO post states. The suspects fled at high speed toward Interstate 80; the vehicle was later found in Colfax engulfed in flames.

Investigation by Placer County detectives determined the silver and blue Dodge had been reported stolen out of El Dorado County and that Nichols and Lenning were potential suspects.

Nichols was later arrested by El Dorado County sheriff’s deputies, while Lenning was arrested by Placerville Police Department officers following a car chase. Both await trial for the Worton’s Market burglary, according to the PCSO post.

Both listed as inmates at the Placerville jail, Lenning’s bail is set at $684,500 and Nichols’ $103,000.

mtdemocrat.com Mountain Democrat Wednesday, June 14, 2023 A7

CRiME LOg

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

May 26

3:21 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 19-year-old man suspected of illegal cultivation of marijuana, conspiracy to commit a crime and obstruction/ resisting arrest on Happy Valley Road in Mount Aukum. He was listed in custody in lieu of $98,000 bail.

6:11 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 38-year-old man suspected of DUI on Highway 50 at Ponderosa Road in Shingle Springs. He was released on $5,000 bail.

6:58 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 37-year-old man suspected of making criminal threats on Siesta Lane in Fair Play. He was listed in custody in lieu of $60,000 bail.

11:39 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 26-year-old man suspected of DUI on Highway 50 at Shingle Springs Drive in Shingle Springs. He was released on $5,000 bail.

May 27

5:58 a.m. Burglary was reported on Manchester Drive in El Dorado Hills.

12:37 a.m. Grand theft was reported at a store on Cold Springs Road in Placerville.

4:24 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 22-year-old man suspected of burglary and illegal entry into the United States on Highway 50 (town not specified).

He was listed in custody in lieu of $50,000 bail.

5:30 p.m. Battery was reported at a school on Pine Street in Pollock Pines.

5:55 p.m. Grand theft was reported at a store on Highway 50 in Pollock Pines.

May 28

2:28 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 31-year-old woman suspected of DUI on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville. She was later released.

3:22 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 25-year-old woman suspected of DUI on Highway 50 at Shingle Springs Drive in Shingle Springs. She was later released.

4:52 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 22-year-old man suspected of DUI on Green Valley Road in Rescue. He was later released.

8:17 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Foxmore Lane in Rescue.

9:35 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 38-year-old man suspected of making criminal threats, felony probation violation and possession of a controlled substance on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines. He was listed in custody in lieu of $61,000 bail.

Mosquito Bridge Continued

Rock Creek Road.

In case of an emergency, contractor and bridge crew work will be conducted in a way that will accommodate emergency access at the end of each shift and on weekends. The county will provide emergency service personnel updates in advance if any required work will prevent access. In event of an evacuation the project and maintenance work will shut down to accommodate public traffic.

Developer fees

from A3

During the closure, project work adjacent to Mosquito Road may still intermittently require reversed traffic controls, flagging, construction signs and more. Traffic stops for such operations are expected to be between five to 10 minutes maximum. Questions regarding the construction should be directed to the county’s transportation main line at (530) 621-5900 (select option 3 for engineering).

Continued from A1

traffic as an example of a project that could be funded by traffic impact fees — fees paid by developers — before calling on the board to approve the Capital Improvement Program and put a deceleration lane on Bass Lake Road near Hollow Oak in the Traffic Impact Fee Program.

The CIP is the county’s 20-year plan — updated each year — to identify and plan for needed improvements to transportation infrastructure.

“There are a bunch of west-end projects that should be brought back into the TIF Program,” Harn said.

Other problems with El Dorado County’s 2023 CIP became apparent to the Board of Supervisors during the discussion.

Some supervisors suggested they would not approve the CIP at the meeting but they ultimately unanimously did, with Board Chair Wendy Thomas absent.

Weighing in on previously removed projects, District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin said she has advocated for adding projects back into the CIP that were removed in 2016, including widening Bass Lake and Green Valley roads, where subsequent housing developments were built. Parlin explained that when this happened, calculations for developer fees were lower than they could have been since per unit fees are determined based on the cost estimates road projects in the CIP.

“Since those were removed, we are losing out on collecting fees and the whole point of the General Plan is that we are supposed to be collecting those fees from developers as we go to pay for our future road needs,” Parlin said. “Without those in there, I feel like we are not doing our job.”

District 1 Supervisor John Hidahl also had his issues with the CIP, commenting he was “disappointed” about construction delays for some projects, including a proposed Bass Lake Road and Bridlewood Drive roundabout, which is slated for construction in 2033 at the earliest.

“It doesn’t seem consistent to do all the upfront work then wait 10 years when you know that costs are going to be tenfold,” Hidahl said. “How do we ever catch up with the need to collect TIF monies to be able to fund these projects … what I am reading into it is we took the approach that we don’t think we are going to collect enough money so we have to put off the construction and that is not what the public wants. They want us to collect the adequate TIF fees to be able to fund the projects as the designs are completed at a reasonable time and get right into construction.”

Hidahl also questioned why improvements to Green Valley Road east of Francisco Drive to eastern Silva Valley Parkway, an El Dorado Hills Boulevard overlay project that extends from Saratoga Way to Harvard Way and a proposed crosswalk in front of Oak Ridge High School at Harvard Way and Clermont Way all have seemingly excessive delays.

COMiCS

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

Staffing shortages and lack of funding have delayed the road projects, according to DOT staff, who reiterated projects included in the TIF program are set by the Board of Supervisors.

“When we don’t have money for construction identified or possibly looking at construction money for grant opportunities, those projects get put out in the 10- or 20-year cycle because we don’t want the CIP to say that we are going to build something when we do not know where the construction money is coming from,” said DOT deputy director John Kahling.

The Traffic Impact Fee Program is used to fund projects, including road improvements to accommodate future growth, paid for by developers and individuals building homes.

Bonds and other funding on the state level for such improvements have dwindled, said Kahling, who added grant money has favored active transportation, pedestrian and bicyclist projects, which have become competitive.

“It’s tough to get funding for these projects because the funding is scarce and everyone is after it,” Kahling said. “We apply all the time for grants and we get funded about 15% to 25% of the applications we turn in. Everyone wants a piece of it.”

Kahling added it would be more expensive to outsource help during design phases for the projects, another reason for extended construction dates, which Hidahl brought up as a potential solution.

“Time is money,” Hidahl said. “The longer these things take, it ends up costing more in materials and labor. If you have funding authorized, it seems like we need to emphasize getting the work done and get into construction and identify the funding needed there.”

Department of Transportation staff has been directed to return to the board toward the end of August to hold a workshop regarding the CIP and the Traffic Impact Fee Program. The plan is also to discuss including projects on Green Valley Road, Bass Lake Road and White Rock Road, which were removed from the CIP in 2016.

Staff also have 30 days after the workshop to conduct a preliminary analysis and provide potential action for the board to take.

Kahling also mentioned a major fiveyear CIP update will be completed by the end of 2024.

Latrobe widening unfunded

A CIP project no longer seen as a priority for south El Dorado Hills, the Latrobe Road widening project from Investment Boulevard to Golden Foothill Parkway South/Clubview Drive has been added back to the unfunded list.

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

SUDOkU

Complete

n TODAy

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’ll choose kindness and warmth even in situations where others are competing with might and power plays. You’re like the adult in a room full of unruly children. You set the tone and you will lead by example.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). It is said that gratitude is the most direct line to the angels, and indeed they will respond to the appreciation you radiate now as you find at least 10 things to be happy about before breakfast. This day is so lucky for you.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Don’t confuse rest with laziness. Laziness is a fear-driven decision to underachieve.

Rest is a necessary part of achievement’s cycle, driven by nature’s maintenance system. Feeling tired isn’t weakness; it’s a signal to let nature repair you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Though some suffering may be inevitable, a lot of it might be simply a bad habit. If you focus on what you don’t want, it produces a stressed-out feeling in you. Move your focus to what you do want and work that angle.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You show what you’ve been thinking about and working on. In doing so, you open yourself to comments and the possibility of being misunderstood (or, equally scary, understood). As scary as it is, the benefits of sharing your ideas make it worthwhile.

puzzles in Classified section of newspaper.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’ll let go and see where life takes you. Apply your famous charm and increase your luck. You fall easily into a conversation with a stranger. You’ll run into unique perspectives, some weird, some helpful.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Getting clear about your wants and priorities is like making your bed. It’s not something to do once, but something you have to keep redoing every day. Making the checklist again and again is a powerful ritual that keeps you on track.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’re not just openminded; you’re an adventurer. The open-minded try things once; adventurers endeavor multiple times to make sure nothing was missed or mistaken the first time around.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Don’t let minor knocks affect your stellar attitude. Plans may change or people may fail to deliver as expected. Maybe the money gets funny, too, but in a few days, none of it will matter, so it doesn’t matter now.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’ll receive a new piece of the puzzle — information that connects a few different parts of the picture. It’s a thrill when things click in.

This mystery will take its sweet time to come together, but don’t give up.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You will be inconvenienced — a cosmic boon that works in your favor, actually. You’ll handle this with modesty, compassion and economy — just “doing you.” It’s not so bad, and then down the road will be a sweet karmic payoff.

Bartlett, left photo, shows off his lasso and whip skills at Golden History Day that brought an antique fair, live music, historical reenactors and more to downtown Placerville as part of

photo above.

Democrat photo by Odin Rasco

photo by Odin Rasco Wagons rolling through Placerville are filled with riders traveling as if they were in the days of the Gold Rush.

Democrat photo by Odin Rasco

photo by Isaac Streeter

Stellar students

Congratulations to the following locals who recently graduated from Oregon State University — Cameron Park: Adrien Protzel; El Dorado Hills: Lily Chan, Haley Krueger, Casey Short, Samantha Short, Megan Spearing; Pilot Hill: Elijah Cokeley; Placerville: Christopher Bahro; Pollock Pines: Paige Levi; Shingle Springs: Shelby Hurwitt

Congratulations to Kevin Zhang of El Dorado Hills, who was named to the Miami University Dean’s List.

Congratulations to Jessica Pham of El Dorado Hills, who was named to the University of Wisconsin –Madison Dean’s List.

Congratulations to Daria Sciutto and Camdyn Johns, both of El Dorado Hills, who were named to the University of Mississippi’s Honor Roll.

Congratulations to Beulah Y. Brogden of Pilot Hill, who was named to the University of Minnesota –Crookston Dean’s List.

June 14

FamilySearch Center hosts Teen Day, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This day is dedicated to teens, 10 and older, to enjoy activities, food and time to learn research techniques. For more information call (530) 6211378.

Save the Graves is casting roles for its annual October event. This year’s event focuses on the Blair family members who were influential in shaping the future of El Dorado County. Male/ female actors ages 25 and older are invited to the Placerville Union Cemetery, 650 Bee St., 6-8 p.m. For more information visit SavetheGravesElDorado. org.

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce hosts its Business Builder Blender, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Pete’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, 2023 Vine St., Suite 201. To RSVP call (916) 933-1335 or visit eldoradohillschamber.org.

Jonny Mojo performs a solo show, 6-9 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville.

For more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

June 15

El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts Live on the Boulevard free concerts every Thursday. This week

El Dorado Rose candidates

These beautiful flowers bloom with kindness, compassion

Mimi Escabar Special Sections editor

The El Dorado Rose bouquet will gain a new variety Thursday night at the El Dorado County Fair. Three amazing candidates will join the Rose Court with one being selected as El Dorado County Rose 2023.

The Rose pageant is scheduled at 7 p.m. June 15 in Imagination Theatre, located on the fairgrounds.

Coco DeCarlo

Coco DeCarlo moved to El Dorado County in September 1978. She was looking for a place where her active family could enjoy snow and water sports and celebrate the outdoors. The county fit the bill and inspired her appreciation of the area.

The mother of three and grandmother of four has worked with the Rose Court and looks forward to being a part of the team sharing the rich history of El Dorado County acting as an ambassador at the many events Roses attend.

“I look forward to meeting and greeting people. I’m a positive person who likes to uplift wherever I go,” she noted in her résumé.

She retired in 2013 but

did not stop working in the community. Her passion for helping started when she was 14 volunteering as a candy striper. DeCarlo has raised funds for women’s shelters, scouting activities, veterans programs, community events and children’s causes. The former Cub Scout leader also was a 4H leader, Elks officer and counselor for various programs. When not helping others she can be found in the garden, tending to her orchids, camping and boating.

“It would be an honor to be El Dorado Rose and a docent for our cherished and beautiful El Dorado County,” she said.

Jane K. Fergason

Jane K. Fergason is sponsored by the American Legion Post 119 Placerville and the American Legion Post 119 Auxiliary Placerville. Being an Air Force brat and growing up on bases all over the Midwest, South and West Coast, she and her husband moved to El Dorado County in early 1997.

The 1983 graduate with a nursing degree became a U.S. Navy Registered Nurse, Commissioned Officer, active duty August 1983 through September 1987 during wars in Lebanon and Grenada; and U.S. Navy, Lieutenant, RN, Active Reserve Duty September

1987 through August 1990 during the first Gulf War. Her nursing career continued until her retirement from Blue Shield of California in 2014.

Volunteerism is important to the mother of two sons and

grandmother of three girls and two boys. Scouting, church groups, school programs, dog rescue, parent involvement, local nonprofits and veterans

n See Roses page B5

Meet corndog at the eDc Fair Livestock Auction

Special to the Mountain Democrat

Hello! My name is Carlie Chandler.

I am a student at El Dorado High School and I am 16 years old. This coming school year I will be a junior. In school I enjoy playing volleyball and ski racing. Outside of school I love riding my horses.

I have been an active member of 4-H for six years but in the past year I made the decision to switch over to grange. I am presently a member of the Pleasant Valley Youth Grange. I am writing to invite you to the El Dorado Country Fair livestock auction June 17. Registration for the auction will start at 8 a.m. and the actual auction will begin at 10 a.m. This is my first year doing the market steer project. My steer’s ear tag number is 115. His breed is a Charolais and his name is Corndog. My steer was purchased in late September 2022. When I first brought him home he weighed about 650 pounds. I am expecting him to weigh approximately 1,400 pounds by show. He gets fed both morning and night and is eating close to 28 pounds of grain a day. He has access to clean, fresh water every hour of the day.

Now, since the summer months have come and this crazy winter has passed, I am able to get Corndog out everyday to practice showmanship and wash him to make sure he will look and act to the best of his ability. Showmanship is something I really strive to do well in. I was able to bring him to a show in April and he did really well. The steer project has taught me so much more than any other

animal I have raised. Corndog really tested my patience in the beginning as he dragged me around in circles. We are actually buddies now and he has grown very fond of me. This project has taught me hard work and dedication and I’m excited for the few more years to come. The El Dorado County Fair is something I look forward to every year. I am so excited to see how

n See Corndog, page B4

Courtesy photo

Corndog, seen here with his raiser Carlie Chandler, will be one of many steers raised by local youth available at the livestock auction this Saturday.

Grow for it!

Reading garden pesticide labels

Summer in the foothills sees an influx of visitors.

Whether your garden is full of yummy vegetables or blooms with flowers some of these visitors will certainly have your garden on their mustsee list.

Controlling unwanted pests has been a garden problem for centuries. Nurseries, hardware and big box stores are ready to assist in the quest to eradicate these pests. Store shelves are filled with bottles, boxes and bags of promised solutions for pesky pests. These products include pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and rodenticides.

Pesticides are designed to be toxic to the pests they target. Garden chemicals must be used with care otherwise you might harm plants, beneficial insects or even yourself. Those who would like to learn about alternatives to pesticides can find a wealth of information on the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources website: ipm.ucanr.edu/ GENERAL/pesticides_ alternatives.html.

To use pesticides correctly and safely, the gardener must carefully read both the front and

back labels. The front label contains the trade or brand name and product manufacturer, a brief description of plant types and target pests managed by the product. Also (in extremely small print) is a list of active ingredients. A warning to keep the product out of the reach of children (a very good thing indeed) follows ingredients.

Pesticides must show a signal word on the front label warning the gardener about the degree of toxicity to people. Signal words are Caution, Warning and Danger. A product with the word Danger is very toxic to people.

The front labels of many pesticides indicate the product is OK for organic gardening. Organic pesticides generally come from things in nature that can be used to control

Brickhomes General

pests. This includes substances derived from plants, minerals and microorganisms. Many organic pesticides are less toxic than their synthetic counterparts, but that doesn’t mean they are safe or won’t cause environmental harm.

The back label of a pesticide container is more specific and very important directions for the gardener to understand and follow. Information regarding how much and when to apply is explained. Specific targeted pests and plants that might be harmed by the product are listed. Critical information regarding recommended personal protective

equipment the user should wear when applying the product and first aid measures to follow if there is an accident can be found on the back label. The product precautionary statement regarding hazards to humans and domestic animals as well as environmental hazards should be carefully read before use. Finally, proper storage and disposal of the product is presented. Most pesticide manufacturers have all label and use information online, which may be easier to read. Be a vigilant gardener, inspect your plants on a regular basis. If

Pesticides must show a signal word on the front label warning the gardener about the degree of toxicity to people. Signal words are Caution, Warning and Danger.

you notice an influx of unwanted guests, nudge those interlopers out of the garden before they become a problem. Information concerning garden pests and how to control them can be found at ipm.ucanr. edu or contact the El Dorado County Master Gardeners office. A few garden guests are OK. Use garden chemicals sparingly. Happy gardening.

The 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.

Anne bettencourt

UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County

Photo courtesy of UCANR

To use pesticides correctly and safely, the gardener must read both the front and back labels carefully.

Kids invited to join Fun Run at El Dorado County Fair

News release

Looking for a fun and exciting event to take your kids to this summer? Look no further than the El Dorado County Fair’s 1K Fun Walk/Run, taking place on Thursday, June 15. Kids ages 4-12 can enter the fair for free and participate in this fantastic race with El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ed Manansala.

Courtesy photo

El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Ed Manansala leads the way during a previous El Dorado County Fair Fun Walk/Run.

This event is a great opportunity for kids to get active and enjoy the outdoors in a safe and supportive environment. The race starts at 11 a.m. (directly before the fair ribboncutting ceremony), with younger runners going first. Arrive early and check in at the lawn next to the Plaza restrooms near the Placerville Drive entrance at 10:30 a.m.

All participants will receive a participation ribbon and water bottle (first-come, first-served). Pre-register a child and beat the rush at bit. ly/3BpLlGu. For more information call Dina Gentry, EDCOE director of communications, at (530) 295-2411.

Talented young composers share their works at special concert

News release

GRASS VALLEY — Listen to the future of classical music through the lens of 11 young composers graduating from InConcert Sierra’s Composers Project class of 2022-23. Their newly inked compositions will be brought to life by local professional musicians in concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 15.

The Composers Project is a nine-month program for students taught by educator and published composer Mark Vance. The course is for ages 12-22 and explores all aspects of composition, including music theory, notation, finding inspiration, music history, writing for instrument families and public speaking. The students meet and work with guest musicians, artists and composers.

During the second semester of the course, the students found inspiration for their compositions through a collaboration with the local nonprofit organization CATS: Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra. CATS’ mission is to promote diversity in the arts through multicultural theater, events and workshops. CATS has enriched the region’s cultural

Know Continued from B1 see Peace Frog. Set up begins at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.

Love and Honey performs 7-10 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

The MACC in Rancho Cordova hosts 20 Years Making Magic – Celebration 20 Years of Cityhood, June 15 through July 1. The exhibit features an art reception and exhibit, workshops, concerts, artist talks and more. For more information visit rcmacc.org.

June 16

The Sierra Renaissance Society presents Genealogy and Your Family History by Debbie Hutchison, 1-2:30 p.m. At the Mother Lode Lions Hall, 4701 Missouri Flat Road in Diamond Springs. Admission is free for members; the public is invited to attend two meetings per year free. For more information visit srsedc.org.

and artistic climate with workshops, presentations and events emphasizing Asian-based themes.

Meeting with CATS Executive Director Jeanne Wood and educator Gordon Sakaue, the composer students learned about Asian-American history in California and had an in-depth session about Japanese internment camps during World War II. They were also immersed in American-Asian culture through watching rehearsals and meeting with technical staff and cast members from CATS’s spring play, “The Great Leap.”

The student works were written for their choice of instrumental ensembles using the violin, piano, cello, clarinet, and/or flute. Therefore, the concert will feature unique compositions for duos, trios, quartets and a quintet. As an example, one work entitled “Internment” is written for piano fourhands, another titled “Transcontinental Railroad” includes flute and cello and “Neighboring Worlds, Crossing Cultures” is a quintet for flute, clarinet, violin, cello and piano. Each student will introduce their piece to give the audience a glimpse of their creative process.

Composers Project Director Vance was awarded

Myka Estates and 1850 Wine Cellars present a summer concert series — Wine • Dine • Vibe — in Apple Hill featuring great food and The Blues Box Bayou Band. For reservations visit 1850winecellars.com/pages/events.

The Fabulous Liars Band will perform at Hart 2 Hart Vineyards in Pilot Hill, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Local Anthology performs 8-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

B Street Theatre at The Sofia in Sacramento presents The Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus, “Queens for a Night,” June 16-18. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

Main Street Theatre Works presents “The Quest for Don

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my steer will do. I hope you will consider attending the fair and watching the livestock shows. It is a great opportunity to watch the youth show off their projects they have worked so hard on.

the Nevada County Arts Council Arts Education Mentorship Award at an awards ceremony on May 11. He has been a Nevada County music educator for more than 25 years.

Vance created the concept of the Composers Project for young, aspiring musicians more than 20 years ago. He started this unique and highly successful nine-month course with the Nevada County Composers Cooperative, then he migrated to Music in the Mountains and in 2019 he moved to InConcert Sierra. One of the inspirational additives that ICS has brought to the course is the opportunity for students to meet and work with world-class artists. This past season they met with renowned artists such as cellist Amit Peled, Chanticleer tenor Kory Reid, the Cavatina Duo, and American Pianist Association winner Kenny Broberg. With each connection, the students gain enlightening information to include in their treasure-trove of knowledge.

The show begisn at 7 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 828 West Main St. in Grass Valley. For tickets and more information call (530) 273-3990 or visit inconcertsierra.org.

Quixote” by Mark Brown and directed by Allen Pontes, June 16 through July 15, at the Kennedy Mine Amphitheatre in Jackson. For tickets and more information visit mstw.org.

Now

Broadway at Music Circus presents “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical” through June 18. For tickets and more information visit broadwaysacramento.com.

Watercolor Artists of Sacramento Horizons issues a call to artists for the 45th annual WASH open exhibit, Go with the Flow. Registration deadline is noon July 21. To enter visit smartentry. com/CallsForEntry.

Arts and Culture El Dorado’s newest show, FIRE/LAND: The Exhibition, runs through Aug. 6. For more information visit artsandcultureeldorado.org/fire-land-the-exhibition.

If you are interested in purchasing some good, quality meat please consider coming to the June 17 auction. I can assure you, Corndog will taste super good and definitely not like a corn dog!

Please submit required documents to hr@calaveras.courts.ca.gov

EDH artist at The Green Room

News release

The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville will showcase the work of artist Rick Gilman, June 14 through July 11. Gilman, who recently relocated to El Dorado Hills from from Tacoma, Wash, primarily works in ink, ink wash, water color, colored pencil and graphite. The chosen subject matter is wide ranging to include, but not limited to, architecture,

vintage automobiles, motorcycles and bicycles, portraiture, landscape, event poster art, realism and surrealism, etc.

Gilman offers originals, prints, custom matting and framing as well as custom sizing and optional handcoloring of existing work. Meet the artist at an opening reception, 4-6 p.m. at The Green Room. Music will be performed by Tamra Godey. Gilman can also be reached via email at Rickprimefitness@gmail.com.

Public Notices 

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organizations have all benefitted from her devotion to helping. The American Legion Post 119 is very important to her and much of her time now is devoted to many aspects of that organization. A HarleyDavidson motorcycle owner since 2009 she is a member of the Sierra Riders and can be found raising money and working for many causes.

The hopeful Rose loves caring for her rose garden, traveling with her husband and friends and working with dogs.

After moving around during her early years Fergason feels she is home.

“I am very proud to be a U.S. Navy veteran and proud of my involvement with the Placerville American Legion ... I truly love living in El Dorado County. It’s my haven,” she said.

Carole Perusse

Carole Perusse is sponsored by the Shingle Springs-Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce. During her 39 tenure with the chamber she has served as director, treasurer and ambassador. The volunteer extraordinaire has spent many hours answering the chamber phone and informing callers about the wonders of El Dorado County. A task she loves.

“I was, in effect, an ambassador for the county,” she said. A role she is ready to continue as El Dorado Rose.

A job offer brought her to the county in 1980 where she became involved in many community events and causes. Over the years she has supported veterans, chamber events to raise money for the community and entertained at multiple venues including the El Dorado Rose Pageant.

A widow, she has three adult sons, grandkids and great grandkids.

Having raised her children in the county and working and owning a business has made her very knowledgeable on all things Gold Country.

“I have an outgoing personality and enjoy being around and socializing with people of all ages,” she said.

When time allows she can be found bowling, gardening, entertaining and spending time with family and friends.

The El Dorado County Fair, Country Nights & Carnival Lights! runs Thursday, June 15, through Father’s Day, Sunday, June 18. Thursday is Senior and Kids Day with free admission to seniors (60+) and children younger than 13 until 6 p.m.

For tickets and more information go to eldoradocountyfair.org.

SUSAN RENEE HAMES

Proposed name:

RENEE SUSAN HAMES

2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before