Mountain Democrat, Friday, July 7, 2023

Woman dies at Eagle Falls

A San Francisco woman visiting lower Eagle Falls at Lake Tahoe July 4 went over the falls’ edge and was killed.

Officials with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office have identified the woman as 25-year-old Ishrat Binta Azim.

Sheriff’s investigators said it appears Azim wanted to put her toes in the water of the upper pool of the falls while holding her friend’s hand but she slipped and fell down the falls.

Deputies were called to the scene at 2:44 p.m., assisted by California Highway Patrol, Search and Rescue and area firefighting personnel.

After a search of the area, emergency crews located Azim in a pool of water near the Vikingsholm walking trail, where she was confirmed deceased.

Lower Eagle Falls flows over about 160 feet of boulders above Emerald Bay. Sheriff’s officials noted no foul play is suspected.

Trip to Green wheels turning

Odin Rasco

Staff writer

A June 27 decision by the Placerville City Council will begin the process of making Trip to Green a permanent reality.

In an effort to mitigate traffic and safety issues stemming from congestion caused by the three stop lights along Highway 50 through Placerville, the city and the El Dorado County Transportation Commission began developing Trip to Green. In 2022 multiple weekends were devoted to test runs that kept the east and westbound green lights on from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and limited where drivers could get on and off the highway.

The traffic backup along the highway often

PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE

spread out into back streets in Placerville, amplifying congestion issues that ultimately led to city officials seeking a solution in the form of Trip to Green.

“All of our arterial roads were being clogged up by people using GPS and Waze and things to try to get around Highway 50,” Placerville Mayor Michael Saragosa said. “This wasn’t just about how we could get the people from the Bay Area back home faster but to alleviate the traffic spilling on our streets that weren’t build for all the thousands of cars that go through on those weekends. This solution is a local one as well as a regional one.”

After collecting copious amounts of data

photo by Odin

Warren Edward Tooker

April 8, 1929 – March 22, 2023

Warren Edward Tooker was born April 8, 1929 in San Francisco, California and passed March 22, 2023 peacefully at home of heart failure.

He was the first son of Floyd Llewellen Tooker and Marguerite May (Wills) Tooker. He had three brothers and one sister.

He attended Mt. View Academy and Pacific Union College where he met Marilyn Mazie Dennis in a music class. After multiple proposals, they finally married in Reno, Nevada on March 23, 1948. His first daughter was born in 1949, followed by two sons in 1950 and 1951. He got a job with the U.S. Forest Service and followed assignments to Bishop, Weaverville and Quincy, eventually settled in Placerville in 1956. His second daughter was adopted in 1964.

Warren was active in the Placerville Seventh-day Church. He was an accomplish violinist and vocalist. He was a guest performer in various churches in the Placerville area as well as a soloist in the annual Handel Messiah combined choirs at the Federated Church.

His hobbies included photography, bird watching, book editing and writing a newsletter for his church. He liked red sporty cars.

He was proceeded in death by his wife, Marilyn, two brothers, Ronald and Duane. He is survived by his brother Raymond and sister Marlys and his four children, Tamra, Roger, Vikki and David, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Garrett Lee Marier

August 1988 – May 27, 2023

Garrett Lee Marier was born in August of 1988. Sadly he passed away on May 27, 2023. Garrett loved all things outdoors. He was known as one that would give you the shirt o his back, his last dollar, or lend a hand to help someone in need.

Garrett Lee Marier is survived by; his parents (Susan Kupihea & Rick Marier), his siblings (Kaiwa Kupihea & Lahela Kupihea) & his twin brother (Adam Marier), his family, friends and his faithful dog “Butters”. Garrett is so loved and will be missed dearly.

Carol Anne Ogdin

Jan. 12, 1941 - June 30, 2023

Carol Anne Ogdin, beloved wife of “Sam” Sandra Russell, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 30, 2023. She will be deeply missed by family and friends. In loving memory, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 8th, from 2p.m.4p.m., 2775 Hawks Landing Court, Placerville, CA 95667.

Robert “Bob” Lewin Cannon

April 7, 1932 - June 27, 2023

There will be a Celebration of Life service for Bob on Saturday, July 8, 2023 from 1-5 p.m. at the Pollock Pines Community Center.

Wrong-way driver gives chase

Mountain Democrat staff

A man suspected of drunk driving who attempted to flee El Dorado County law enforcement July 2, even traveling the wrong way on Highway 50, was sitting in a Placerville jail cell Wednesday, held on $183,000 bail.

Isley Ian Kulisek, 22, faces charges of evading a peace o cer with wanton disregard for safety and wrong-way driving, DUI involving alcohol and obstruction of justice/resisting arrest. Jail

booking details indicate Kulisek had been on probation. The Sheri ’s O ce could not confirm his city of residence.

The chase for El Dorado County sheri ’s deputies began when an o cer attempted to stop the blue Dodge pickup Kulisek was driving on a tra c violation in the area of Forni and Missouri Flat roads in Placerville, Sgt. Alexander Sorey told the Mountain Democrat.

Kulisek did not yield to deputies and California Highway

Patrol o cers were called in to deploy a tire deflation device or a spike strip as the suspect vehicle headed down Highway 50. CHP’s spike strip immobilized the Dodge truck, ending the pursuit near Ponderosa Road and Highway 50 in Shingle Springs. Kulizek then exited the truck and attempted to flee on foot before being apprehended, Sorey said. No CHP or EDSO personnel were injured in the incident, Sorey noted.

Reports of nuisance neighbor leads to standoff at Lake Tahoe

Tahoe Daily Tribune

Tanner Delacruz, 33, of South Lake Tahoe was arrested July 2 around 9 p.m. by South Lake Tahoe Police Department SWAT after reportedly refusing to surrender. Over the past couple weeks, SLTPD o cers said they had been called to the 1200 block of Margaret Avenue on multiple occasions on reports of Delacruz acting in a violent and erratic behavior.

During the responses by SLTPD it was learned Delacruz was suspected of habitually acting violent and unpredictable throughout his neighborhood. On multiple occasions Delacruz reportedly vandalized neighbors’ property, disturbed their peace and trespassed. A warrant to arrest Delacruz was issued

on charges of felony vandalism and disturbing the peace. A search warrant for Delacruz’ house was also granted.

On July 2, around 2:30 p.m., SLTPD o cials said they received yet another call about Delacruz acting violent and erratic toward his neighbors, in front of his house.

O cers quickly responded but Delacruz fled into his home and refused to exit, according to o cials, who note that due to Delacruz’ unpredictable, violent behavior and his known violent past, SLTPD SWAT and crisis negotiators were dispatched to handle the arrest.

Hotel room intruder reportedly fondled women’s feet in Tahoe

Tahoe Daily Tribune

STATELINE, Nev. — The Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce is investigating incidents of women who reported waking up in their hotel rooms with a stranger fondling their feet.

On the morning of Sunday, July 2, and again on the morning of Monday, July 3, at approximately 4:30 a.m., female

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

June 21

10:48 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 41-year-old man suspected

guests staying at a resort in the 180 block of Elks Point Road in Stateline, Nev., woke up to an intruder in their room fondling their feet, according to a DCSO Facebook post. Once the female guests woke up, the intruder left the room via the exterior sliding screen door. In both cases the victims’ rooms were on the ground floor and it is thought the suspect

of disorderly conduct on Pine Cone Drive in Rescue. He was later released.

11:50 p.m. Grand theft was reported at an eatery on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.

5-DAY FORECAST

June 22

entered the rooms via the unsecured exterior screen door. DCSO is actively investigating and anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Scott Wharton at (775) 5867253.

Residents and guests staying in the Lake Tahoe area are reminded to secure all exterior doors to their homes/rented rooms.

12:34 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 26-year-old man suspected of unlawful possession of teargas/ weapon and making criminal threats on Knapp Court in El Dorado Hills. He was listed in custody in lieu of $50,000 bail.

1:25 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 31-year-old man suspected of hit and run causing property damage and failure to appear in court on Cragmont Court in Cameron Park. He was released on $7,500 bail.

8 a.m. Vehicle burglary was reported on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville.

1:42 p.m. Burglary was reported on Truck Street in Placerville.

4:08 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Shoo Fly Road in Placerville.

4:58 p.m. Burglary was reported on Sly Park Road in Pollock Pines.

11:06 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 43-year-old woman suspected of disorderly conduct on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills. She was later released.

June 23

8:13 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Crystal Springs Road in Camino.

8:43 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Twisting Trails Road in Placerville.

9:56 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 68-year-old man suspected

of conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of marijuana for sale, cultivating marijuana in excess of allowable limit and related charges on Yearling Trail in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $95,000 bail.

10:13 a.m. Brandishing was reported on Sunset Lane in Shingle Springs.

10:44 a.m. Burglary was reported on Pollock Avenue in Pollock Pines.

11:47 a.m. Petty theft was reported at a drug store on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.

1:07 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 46-year-old man suspected of child abuse on Headington Road in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $100,000 bail.

1:56 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 63-year-old man suspected of receiving know stolen property and DUI on Post Street in El Dorado Hills. He was released on $21,000 bail.

2:52 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 43-year-old woman suspected of possession of a controlled substance on Post Street in El Dorado Hills. She was released on $15,000 bail.

3:17 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 64-year-old woman suspected of conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of marijuana for sale, cultivating marijuana in excess of allowable limit and related charges on Yearling Trail in Placerville. She was listed in

a photo with her beribboned miniature horse appropriately named Firecracker as the Independence Day parade gets under way in Pleasant Valley. Crowds flood El Dorado Hills Town Center, right photo, for the Fireworks and Freedom Concert Monday. Town Center Boulevard was closed to vehicles to allow vendors to set up and pedestrians to walk the strip before the fireworks show began.

Edie Foster, 19, of Pollock Pines, left photo, twirls pizza dough with her fellow Pizza Factory employees as they march in the Independence Day parade in Pollock Pines. Many Pollock Pines residents brought their lawn chairs and sat comfortably in the shade along Pony Express Trail, cheering on groups and decorated vehicles as they passed. The parade is organized by the Pollock Pines-Camino Rotary Club. Reagan Bryant, 7, with the Pleasant Valley Grange, right photo, encourages Bob the goat to keep moving down the Pleasant Valley parade route.

The Sisterhood of the Synchronized Rolling Pins, left photo, in its 16th year, entertained parade watchers in Pleasant Valley with original songs and dancing. Amusement rides, middle photo, were part of the entertainment at the Family Blast at the fairgrounds in Placerville. Ryan Trocki, Pollock Pines Community Church youth pastor, right photo,

off his patriotic dinosaur costume with his wife Unique.

n see more photos online at mtdemocrat.com

5 Star Rated Pet and Farm Sitting PET & FARM SITTING

Whether you are going away for the weekend, an extended vacation, or it’s just another day at the of ce, Bark to Barn Pet & Farm Sitting will be there to feed, walk, play and scratch on your pets - both the inside kids & the barn critters! The bonus for you is the absolute peace of mind knowing that your pet family is receiving plenty of love, care & attention while you’re away.

Sierra Patrick, 7, left photo, poses for

Fireworks light up the night sky at El Dorado Hills Town Center’s Fireworks and Freedom concert.

shows

Photo by Cecilia Clark Gypsy the miniature horse, decorated with glitter stars and red-white-and-blue ribbons, gets a hug from 4-year-old Ellie Baldwin as she and Levi Findleton, 4, wait to walk in the Pleasant Valley Fourth of July Parade.

Photo by Cecilia Clark

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

Mountain Democrat photo by Isaac Streeter

Photo by Cecilia Clark Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

Mountain Democrat photo by Isaac Streeter

Photo by Cecilia Clark

Jordan Abreu, 8, of Pollock Pines cools off on a waterslide at Pollock Pines Community Church after the parade.

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

The virtue signaling with right to housing really could backfire

Virtue signaling is the bane of contemporary civic life.

Politicians, political parties, nonprofit organizations and even corporations loudly proclaim support for whatever cause is either trendy or beloved by a certain segment of the population — while lacking the ability, or often even intention, to see it prevail.

While such expressions of moral support may warm the hearts of a cause’s fervent believers, they mean little in the real world where, as the old saying goes, actions speak louder than words.

Examples of virtue signaling abound, such as a bill passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to create a commission to recommend reparations for Black Californians whose ancestors were enslaved.

Letters to the Editor

County experience

EDITOR:

The Taxpayers Association of El Dorado County is looking for any information you’d like to share about your experiences with any department within the county. In particular, we are looking for feedback related to negative experiences. We are gathering information to present to these departments and the Board of Supervisors to assist in improving the overall customer experience when dealing with EDC.

SUMMARY

A constitutional amendment pending in the Legislature would declare a “fundamental human right to housing,” but its virtue signaling could backfire in the real world.

Newsom, et al, were enthusiastic supporters of the cause when it was proposed. As he signed the 2020 legislation, Newsom said it would correct the “structural racism and bias built into and permeating throughout our democratic and economic institutions.”

However, with the commission now on the verge of makings its reparation recommendations, which could be very expensive, enthusiasm has clearly waned.

“Dealing with that legacy is about much more than cash payments,” the governor said in an initial reaction to the commission’s preliminary report, while praising it again as “a milestone in our bipartisan e ort to advance justice and promote healing.”

Another classic example of political virtue signaling is now making its way through

■ See WALTERS, page A5

The Not So Weekly Daley

If you have such an experience please contact the association at (530) 622-6763 or email cjrl4664@ gmail.com. The taxpayers association will then gather this information (anonymously if needed) and present its findings to EDC sta and the Board of Supervisors.

Thanks for your support in making El Dorado County the best place to live in California.

CAROL LOUIS President, Taxpayers Association of El Dorado County

Save Rasmussen Pond

EDITOR:

Iwould like to thank David Weiner and family for allowing the community access to his land known as Rasmussen Pond. For over a decade I have seen people walking, photographing wildlife, horseback riding, professional photographers and fishers thoroughly enjoying this space. This land was a refuge for many of us through the COVID months. Rare plant life, Native American artifacts and a wide variety of birds and mammals call this land home.

In regard to the article he wrote defending the sale of his investment, this is exactly what it was. Mr. Weiner let us know that he cares about the community and sold for the community’s need for housing. He tells us that he worked closely with The True Life Companies to ensure the community will be happy with the development outcome. This column was misleading by hiding the fact that this land will be overdeveloped.

The reality is that he sold his investment to a buyer willing to pay $7 million for 104 acres at the height of the market. The plan is to build 173 houses on approximately 45 acres (the rest of the

land contains rare plant life). Many of the lots are smaller with the size of houses ranging from 2,600-3,500 square feet. These houses will not be a ordable for the average buyer living in this community; it will promote more growth and strain on our resources.

The neighbors surrounding this beautiful property have tried to come up with ways to preserve the land with little to no development since spaces like this are quickly disappearing. Unfortunately there isn’t a solution yet to help preserve the land. The sale of this property takes away rural space and sandwiches large houses on top of each other. I understand the desire to capitalize on the investment but am saddened to see the greed of packing in as many large houses as possible into a small space.

VALERIE ENGELMANN Cameron Park

Wednesday market’s new location

EDITOR:

Ithink the moving of the Wednesday Farmers Market was a really bad idea. Its new location on Main Street near Clay Street makes it almost impossible to park anywhere. I got there relatively early (4:15). There was no place nearby to park on the street. The lot on Clay was full and tra c was gridlocked in both directions.

How is this better than the previous location? You could rely on always being able to find a place to park in the parking garage.

We used to go there to shop the market then dine at one of the many restaurants on Main Street. What was accomplished by moving? I’m pretty sure it didn’t help the vendors. I’m sure a lot of the local businesses miss the extra foot tra c. The city should be able to do better.

BOB WILSON Pollock Pines

WANT TO SEE YOUR LETTER TO THE EDITOR? Visit our website at mtdemocrat.com, click on “Submissions” and then click on “Letter to the Editor” to submit your letter.

Taking a look at some recent, scary developments

Back in the day, that being the 1950s and ’60s, I recall many of our generation passionately distrusted J. Edgar Hoover’s FBI. On the other hand, we mostly trusted and respected the Supreme Court.

Those were the exciting and frightening days of the Civil Rights movement and, later on, the antiVietnam War e ort.

It’s a bit unsettling to realize that for many of us Boomers the contrast between then and now could hardly be more stark.

FBI is the good guys, relatively speaking, while SCOTUS is the bad guys. Very weird!

Just for fun I’m going to try to look on a (parallel) but comical side of recent developments by certain

governmental entities and some of the people who hope to use them to make hay while the sun shines, as it were.

Imagine, if you can, Ron DeSantis bans entire genres of books for being too “woke.”

He and his allies can’t stand the thought of school kids actually learning about our history of slavery and systemic racism, not to mention the “gay” that “you’re not supposed to say.”

In my parallel world, DeSantis orders millions of “Huckleberry Finn” and “Tom Sawyer” copies to fill all the depleted library shelves. Thus young Florida scholars will not only learn our “American language” (especially the N-word) but also the proper way to disrespect all those “others.”

SCOTUS also put the kibosh on affirmative action noting that racism, especially institutional and systemic racism, has gone the way of the Dodo bird. That’s really good to know …

Likewise, imagine the plethora of wannabe authoritarians who wish they had thought of that before DeSantis did. There must be a lot of self-kicking going on in their ranks.

Think Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Matt Gaetz, MTG, Biggs, Boebert, Lindsey Graham and all the rest of them plus their fearsome former and current leader.

Sliding back into my other world, consider the Colorado web designer whose case prevailed at the Supreme Court last week. She won her religion cum First Amendment free speech issue for refusing to serve a samesex-marriage couple who evidently don’t even exist. Well, she showed them big time. Didn’t she. After all if the Bible “don’t say gay,” why should

the law require her to make a website for a pair of “…” guys?

“Nanner, nanner,” she said, thumbing her nose on the steps of the Court. “If you’re a perve I won’t serve. Tranies and Muslims, you’re next. Nanner, nanner.”

SCOTUS also put the kibosh on a rmative action noting that racism, especially institutional and systemic racism, has gone the way of the Dodo bird. That’s really good to know because in my comic neck of the woods, that kind of racism is very much alive and well. Which just goes to show you what I don’t know.

I hope your Fourth of July was safe and sane.

Chris Daley is a biweekly columnist for the Mountain Democrat.

CHRIS DALEY

DAN WALTERS

Walters Continued from A4 the Legislature — a constitutional amendment declaring that Californians have a “fundamental human right to adequate housing.”

Everyone knows that California has a chronic shortage of housing, particularly for the millions of Californians with, at best, subsistence incomes. The shortage drives up housing costs, which are the chief factor in the state’s very high rate of poverty and its equally high level of homelessness.

The proposed amendment, which is pending in Assembly after winning committee approval, declares, “It is the shared obligation of state and local jurisdictions to respect, protect, and fulfill this right, on a non-discriminatory and equitable basis, with a view to progressively achieve the full realization of the right, by all appropriate means, including the adoption and amendment of legislative measures, to the maximum of available resources.”

Noble sentiments, perhaps, but how would it affect the housing crisis?

Michael Tubbs, the former mayor of Stockton who now advises Newsom on poverty-related issues, argued in a CalMatters commentary that it could compel local governments to accept affordable housing projects, require tenantfriendly laws (such as rent control and making evictions more difficult) and lead to more direct government investment in housing.

Perhaps it would, but not automatically.

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD

Assembly Constitutional Amendment 10 is full of the vague language that lawyers love because it requires lawsuits and judicial interpretations to have real-world meaning.

In other words, it would invite even more litigation on an issue that is already awash in contentious legalism.

The most bothersome aspect of ACA 10, however, is its assumption — as Tubbs suggests — that state and local governments have the innate ability to solve California’s housing dilemma.

They don’t.

Building enough housing requires, above all, lots of money, much more than those governments can muster on their own. That money can only come from private investors who must be persuaded that building homes and apartments in California will be reasonably profitable.

Officialdom’s most important role is reducing the bureaucratic hassle and costs of such investment, as Newsom and the Legislature have sought to do through streamlining legislation.

ACA 10 is not only virtue signaling but sends the wrong message to potential housing investors that California could make development even more difficult and potentially less profitable.

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

custody in lieu of $70,000 bail.

3:41 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 32-year-old man suspected of DUI, possession of marijuana for sale, cultivating marijuana in excess of allowable limit and related charges on Rattlesnake Bar Road in Pilot Hill. He was released on $48,500 bail.

3:53 p.m. Vehicle burglary was reported on Francisco Drive in El Dorado Hills.

8:45 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 33-year-old woman suspected of a moving violation on Merrychase Drive in Cameron Park. She was later released.

9:33 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 41-year-old man suspected of attempted murder on Harlan Drive in El Dorado Hills. He was released on $250,000 bail.

10:32 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 35-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia on South Shingle Road in Shingle Springs. He was later released.

June 24

2 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 40-year-old man suspected of reckless driving and diving on a suspended license on Mother Lode Drive in Shingle Springs. He was later released.

12:57 p.m. Battery was reported on Souza Drive in El Dorado Hills.

2:33 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 62-year-old woman suspected of possession of narcotics for sale on Greenleaf Drive in Placerville. She was listed in custody in lieu of $155,000 bail.

5:33 p.m. Grand theft was

reported at a store in Cold Springs Road in Placerville.

7:44 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 52-year-old woman suspected of a felony probation violation on Life Way in Placerville. She was listed in custody.

9:27 p.m. Battery was reported at a gas station on Cambridge Road in Cameron Park.

9:28 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 34-year-old man suspected of cultivation of marijuana above the legal limit and related offenses, being under the influence of a controlled substance and a felony probation violation on Mt. Aukum Road in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu $60,000 bail.

9:41 p.m. Battery was reported on Snowdrop Lane in Pollock Pines.

10:51 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 47-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance on Cimmarron Road in Cameron park. He was listed in custody.

11:52 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 34-year-old man suspected of possession of illegal drug paraphernalia, carrying an unregistered/loaded firearm, altering identification marks on a firearm and being felon in possession of ammunition on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $140,000 bail.

11:53 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 37-year-old woman suspected of possession of illegal drug paraphernalia and a felony probation violation on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. She was listed in custody.

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 Steve’s Pizza, 3941 Park Dr., 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.

mONDAy cLUB BriDGe seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant on Fair Lane in Placerville at 10:00 am. For more information, call (530) 622-1180.

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.

PUZZLE BY JOHN EWBANK

Teen advocates for type 1 diabetes research

News release

El Dorado Hills resident Marisa Bricca was chosen by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research, to join a delegation of her peers and celebrity advocates in Washington, D.C., this summer at JDRF 2023 Children’s Congress, July 9-11.

MaRIsa BRICCa

The 16-year-old will join more than 160 other youth from across the country to meet with their members of Congress and other key decision makers to inform them of the critical role they can play in supporting the T1D community.

These kids, all of whom have T1D, will engage in a number of activities on Capitol Hill, including attending a Senate hearing to share personal testimonies that highlight the

now in business

Revived Grounds

Goods/services

Revived Grounds is a new landscaping business based in Pollock Pines. Owner and

Isiah Key says his business prides itself in helping people and achieving dreams, goals and aspirations. “Revived Grounds is a blessing to me to have the energy to follow a sense of urgency to make something of myself with something that is 100% mine,” Key said.

Contact: (916) 462-2161

challenges of living with the disease.

These young delegates will call on Congress to renew the Special Diabetes Program, which provides $150 million annually for type 1 diabetes research at the National Institute of Health. The last renewal was in 2020 for three years. It runs out in September 2023 and the kids will ask Congress to support a multi-year renewal. This funding has helped accelerate research like the development of artificial pancreas systems which link an insulin pump with a continuous glucose monitor for better management of T1D.

Delegates will also advocate for insulin affordability for all Americans. People with T1D need insulin to live. Unfortunately, the cost of insulin is

Independence

Star-spangled, checkeredflag finishes at speedway

Gary Thomas Placerville Speedway

Modesto’s Tony

Gomes dominated the 25-lap, Independence Day winged sprint car feature en route to his third victory of the season at Placerville Speedway.

Sharing victory lane Tuesday night were Dan Jinkerson in the limited late model feature and Auburn’s Thomas Arbogast with the pure stocks.

The winged 360 sprint car finale came to the line with Gomes and Sebastopol’s Joel Myers Jr. on the front row. A multi-car pileup in turn four brought out the red flag on the initial attempt.

All drivers were luckily ok and after cleaning up the incident things got back under way with Myers leading the opening circuit before Gomes slipped

to his inside to take the point on lap two. Gomes would dominate the main event from that point

COMICS

■ SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

on as cars raced for position behind him. Some timely caution

■ See SPEEDWAY, page A8

■ TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

■ RUBES by Leigh Rubin

■ SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You have beginner’s luck today, so take on something you’ve never tried before. You’ll be exceptionally creative, with the fresh take of an innocent, unbound by the rules you don’t yet know.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’re a little psychic, a little scientific and very psychologically astute. While you can’t totally know what’s going on in another person’s mind, your guess will be excellent, and you’ll follow through effectively on the prediction.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). There are all kinds of luck, though most require effort to drum up. And while you usually subscribe to a “the harder I work, the luckier I get” approach, today you won’t have to. Open your arms to pure, dumb luck.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Confusion will be cleared by a declaration of who you are, where you come from and where you’re going. Others can give you hints, but you must own it. Take comfort in this knowledge: You can never really be out of place.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). It’s a joy to give what’s needed to those who appreciate it. It’s even a joy to give what’s needed to those who, for whatever reason, can’t appreciate it. Avoid giving what’s not needed, as there’s no pleasure in it for anyone.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The love that’s like a rock happens with proof over time. Until then, don’t give love expecting it to keep the same shape through the ages. For a while it will be like bread, made fresh every time you give it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). A competition is featured. Decide if you’re in it for fun or you’re in it to win it. Your strategy will be very different for each intent and, so it follows, will be your experience. Either way is acceptable; this is a matter of preference.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Some decide “this is who I am, and this is what I do” and they stick with it more or less the whole way. You’re up for a less rigid approach and will be open to learning new and improved ways of being you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Tone matters. Are you strict or soft? Are you declaring or persuading with something like charm, humor or novelty? Trying different communication styles could improve your relationships, including your relationship with yourself.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’re about to leap over an obstacle. Success will be dependent on approach. You don’t want to tire yourself out before you get to the hurdle. Back up just enough to give yourself the momentum of a running start.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). If you can command yourself, you are a master commander. Forget about the others today, as trying to lead them will have meager results compared to the results you will get when you focus solely on leading yourself.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20).

Dan Jinkerson poses with his trophy. Jinkerson took first place in Placerville Speedway’s July 4 limited late model race.

$20M available to protect working forest landscapes

Cal Fire

Cal Fire has announced the availability of nearly $20 million in funding for grants to conserve and protect environmentally important, privately-owned forestland. Under this competitive grant program Cal Fire purchases or accepts donations of conservation easements or fee titles of productive forest lands from willing sellers to encourage long-term conservation throughout the state, according to a Cal Fire news release.

Administered by Cal Fire’s Forest Legacy Program, this funding aims to ensure forests are safeguarded for future generations while also aiding the state in meeting critical climate and carbon goals. Protection of California’s forests through these grants helps ensure they continue to provide such benefits as wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, watershed protection and open space

out of reach for many people with T1D. Advocates will call on Congress to ensure that everyone has access to insulin at a low, predictable out-ofpocket cost, regardless of insurance status.

Marisa was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 7. If you ask Marisa what she wants to do when she’s older, her answer is simple: she wants to make a difference in people’s lives. Since being diagnosed with T1D, Marisa has been working to make a difference. Marisa and her family have been involved in the JDRF One Walk, TypeOneNation Summits and local community outreach events. Her siblings and parents were also screened for diabetes autoantibodies through TrialNet.

“I felt it was important for them to participate in screening because the more information researchers have about what causes T1D will allow them to figure out how to prevent and cure the disease,” Marisa shared.

lake levels

and supporting sustainable wood product economies.

Cal Fire officials note solicitation for the grants will launch in two parts, including a pre-application that will be ranked and scored with successful pre-applicants invited to complete a full application. The preapplication period is open June 29 to July 16. Invitations to complete a full application will be made by July 28, with the full application period open until Aug. 31. A field visit by Cal Fire staff to the potential project properties is required. Applicants will be notified of their full application status by Sept. 15.

A workshop to present the eCivis online application program will be provided prior to opening the full application process. Visit the Forest Legacy Program webpage at bit. ly/CalFireForestLegacy for more information about the program and to access grant guidelines for responding to the solicitation.

Marisa enjoys anything creative, particularly sewing and sketching. She loves working out at the gym, going on runs with her dog, Wing, and is proud to be active in the visually impaired community by helping to raise puppies that will go on to become service animals for the blind.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone people need to get energy from food. T1D strikes both children and adults, and its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. People with T1D depend on external insulin, via injection or infusion with an insulin pump, to survive. Approximately 1.5 million Americans have T1D and there currently is no cure.

JDRF’s mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. For more information visit jdrf.org.

Speedway Continued from A7 flags kept drivers away from lapped traffic and in the clean air nobody had anything for the fast-moving Gomes.

Current Placerville point leader Michael Faccinto jumped into second on lap seven and held strong to cross the stripe in the runner-up position, followed by eighth-starting Dylan Bloomfield, who made some nice moves to complete the podium. Penngrove’s Chase Johnson occupied second at times behind Gomes and came home in fourth, with Aromas racer Justin Sanders fifth.

It was an exceptionally strong rebound for Sanders, who was involved in the lap-one pileup and had to visit the work area. The remainder of the top ten was filled out by Colby Johnson, Luke Hayes, Jimmy Trulli, Shane Hopkins and Ashlyn Rodriguez. Both Trulli and Hopkins came back from the opening lap incident as well to record solid finishes.

Heat race wins went to Justin Sanders, Tony Gomes and Colby Johnson. Sanders began the night earning the fast time award with a lap of 10.832 around the quarter mile. A total of 20 cars competed, July 4.

Diamond Springs’ Dan Jinkerson started from the front row in the limited late model feature and raced to his thirteenth career victory in the division Tuesday. It didn’t come easy for him however, as Rod Oliver and others showed tremendous speed on this night.

Track conditions lent well to drivers in the 20-lap contest and the ground pounders put on some of the most

entertaining racing of the night. Lincoln’s Dan Brown Jr. found the high side to his liking and challenged Jinkerson early on. Oliver ran the bottom side to perfection though and assumed the runner-up spot with seven laps complete.

Oliver hounded the rear of Jinkerson’s mount and gave the multitime track champion everything he could handle. He took a few peeks to the inside but Jinkerson held strong and fended him off to record the win. Oliver, Matt Micheli, Ray Trimble and Brown rounded out the top five.

Auburn competitor Thomas Arbogast has made a triumphant return to the wheel this season and picked off his second pure stock win of the year. Starting from the pole he battled Ken Bernstein during the initial stages but then had his way with things out front.

Arbogast persevered through an inordinate amount of caution flags, which made for several key restarts. Four-time Placerville Speedway titleist Nick Baldwin executed a methodical charge forward to finish second over Bernstein, Mike Lightfoot and Bill O’Neil rounding out the top five. The top 10 was completed by Mel Byers, Chris D’angelo, Jonny Walsh, Kevin Jinkerson and Russ Murphy. Placerville Speedway is right back in action Saturday, July 8, with Burgers & Brew Night. On tap will be the sprint cars, the U.S. Automotive Club Western States midgets, the pure stocks and Bay Cities Racing Association wingless lightning sprints.

Thank You For Voting Us Best Breakfast!

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

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

macadamia nuts and caramel.

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

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

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

Bricca Continued from A6

Trip to Green

from the test runs, the Trip to Green team held multiple public meetings to workshop what a potential plan could look like, with options including permanent “small” infrastructure such as gates and bollards, permanent “big” infrastructure in the form of a raised two-lane expressway or simply doing nothing at all. Public and council feedback almost without exception opposed the expressway plan, with additional pushback against proposed tolling plans.

After public workshops and presentations, Trip

Standoff

to Green plans were finalized by the EDCTC May 4, according to Placerville City Engineer Rebecca Neves. The next step, Neves explained, would require direction to city sta to pursue funding avenues to conduct the first phase of environmental documentation and preliminary engineering. Though the recommendation by sta and EDCTC identifies the permanent small infrastructure plan as the preferred course of action, Neves explained to the council the final decision on what plan to pursue is further down

Continued from A2

Delacruz refused to surrender despite an hours-long attempted negotiation. Tear gas was deployed into the home but Delacruz still refused to surrender.

During the stando a fire started in the home. South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue had been staged in the area and quickly extinguished the fire. After a fire investigation, the cause of the fire is still unclear.

SLTPD SWAT eventually made

the road.

“The recommendation of a solution is not the same as selection,” Neves said. “The recommendation was determined through the pilot and public feedback process but will have to be decided during the environmental process. The direction to sta would allow them to pursue funding for that environmental process to deliver a project that meets CEQA and NEPA requirements.”

The council agreed 4-0 (councilmember John Clerici was not present at the meeting) to provide direction to sta , a timely

entry into the home. Once inside, SWAT determined Delacruz had barricaded himself in the crawlspace under the house.

Crisis negotiators were able to make verbal contact with Delacruz, who still refused to surrender, according to o cials.

Pepper spray was deployed into the crawl space. Delacruz finally exited but reportedly threw a handful of dirt into a SLTPD crisis negotiator’s face as he exited the crawlspace and was

move given some possible funding had a rapidly closing deadline. The Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program was identified as a potential source of funding but had an application deadline set for the end of June, giving sta just two days to apply after the council made its decision.

One point of concern raised by locals such as council public comment frequent flyer Kirk Smith involves the drop in visits to Main Street businesses as a result of Trip to Green. Saragosa responded to the concerns, explaining council members wanted

being taken into custody.

Delacruz was transported to Barton Hospital for medical clearance prior to booking. After being cleared Delacruz was booked into the El Dorado County jail on charges including felony resisting arrest with violence, felony vandalism and misdemeanor battery of a peace o cer.

Delacruz remains in custody and his bail amount has yet to be set.

to pursue ways to improve the situation.

“We’ve had this conversation internally and with sta and I think we all know we can do better in terms of how to promote downtown and getting people here, and that will be a permanent feature of how we do this,” Saragosa said. “I think we’ve improved every time we’ve done this but there’s always room to do more.”

As environmental studies and initial engineering continue, Trip to Green will arrive at its final shape, according to Neves, meaning there is more discussion to be had in the future.

“Things like tolling facilities will be vetted out during the

environmental process,” Neves said. “All of that comes a little later; to consider it now would be to put the cart before the horse.”

In the meantime, Placerville residents and travelers headed up the hill will have to prepare for the usual tra c backups on Highway 50. With the pilot study now concluded, there are currently no plans (or funds set aside) to conduct any temporary Trip to Green days this year.

“I think we’ve got a lot of time before we’re ever going to have a permanent Trip to Green,” councilmember David Yarbrough said. “We’ve got a lot of studying to get done first.”

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Mountain Democrat file photo

Trip to Green pilot program testing kept traffic signals on Highway 50 through Placerville switched to green while cones blocked left turns from the highway onto city side streets.

In the KNOW

July 7

Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open again every Friday and Saturday for open garden days, 9 a.m. to noon. Take a leisurely stroll through all 16 themed gardens. Docents are on site to assist with any gardening questions.

Check the website before visiting at ucanr.edu/sites/ EDC_Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden.

Rescue Community Center presents Friday Night Out BBQ, 5-9 p.m. with live music, barbecue hamburger dinner, drinks and a raffle. Everyone is welcome. For tickets and more information call (530) 677-9345 or visit rescuecommunitycenter. com.

Hip Nosis performs a free concert at the Cold Springs Golf and Country Club in Placerville, 6-9 p.m.

The Pops Chorale chamber series presents The Instrumental Voice, a concert of flute music, July 7 & 9 at Harris Center for the Arts on the Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

Blu Egyptian will perform at The Green Room Social Club in Placerville, 8-11 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

60’s Summer of Love performs at Red Hawk Casino’s Stage Bar in Placerville, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.

The Sacramento Shakespeare Festival presents “Macbeth,” July 7-23 at the Art Court Theatre in the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Sacramento City College. For tickets and more information visit sacramentoshakespeare. net.

Bally’s Lake Tahoe presents Clay Walker. For tickets and more information visit ballys.com.

July 8

Sierra Vista Winery hosts its first art show featuring many local artists, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 8 & 9. For more information call (530) 622-7221 or visit sierravistawinery.com.

Miraflores Winery, 2120

Four Springs Trail in the Pleasant Valley area, is serving its acclaimed Pairings Lunches on the Vineyard Terrace on Saturdays and Sundays with seatings from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2-4 p.m. Pairings 2023 combines a chef’s creativity with the beautifully crafted Miraflores wines. Diners will be able to talk to the

Jon the Piano Man sings them a song until they’re dancing along

Odin Rasco

Staff writer

When Jonathan Shapiro sits down at the piano his fingers hovering mere millimeters above the keys; the community room of The Pines at Placerville Healthcare Center is quiet, the air still for one moment of eager anticipation.

And then the music begins.

The pace of the music begins at a full gallop, a classic Jerry Lee Lewis tune that begins the almost-magical transformation of The Pines into one of the highest-energy rock ‘n’ roll show venues in El Dorado County for an hour. The crowd goes wild, with more streaming in over time, making for a packed house full of cheering and dancing all brought together thanks to the musical stylings of Jon the Piano Man.

“Since I started ... I’ve seen the crowds for activities go from maybe 15 people to now, where half the facility (about 53 people) are coming out to see Jon,” said Tim Kroum, activities director for The Pines. “They love it so much every time he comes down to perform.”

Shapiro, a Union Mine High School grad, typically performs twice a month for the crowd at The Pines, busting out the classic rock ‘n’ roll hits from stars like Billy Joel — “I bring out my harmonica and everything, of course” — Elton John, Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis. His performances were initially just a song or two for a person at a time — Shapiro had worked as a hospice nurse for a time

and would occasionally bring his piano along to play for his patients, but word eventually spread and soon he was playing for a crowd. The chance to share in his passion while bringing brightness to another person’s day proves a continual inspiration to keep playing.

“Music is the best medicine you can give to somebody,” Shapiro explained. “It’s almost like a shot of adrenaline for the crowd sometimes. I’ve seen people get up and dance, who haven’t left their bed in

months. I play for a lot of dementia and other memory patients and you can see them experience the music and have a kind of reawakening.”

Jon, a Placerville resident since he was a youngster, started playing piano by toying with the keys at the Snowline Hospice Thrift Store located on Placerville Drive when he was a kid. His father, Ken Shapiro, had long loved classic rock ‘n’

Mountain Democrat photos by Odin Rasco

A Piano Man show with pianist Jon Shapiro at The Pines isn’t complete without a lively crowd, often found dancing or singing along to the hits.

Jon Shapiro says his passion for playing started when he first encountered a piano at a Snowline Hospice thrift store.

n See Piano Man, page B5

STARS AND STRIPES SHINE

Saturday concert will elevate your summer

News release

Kilt & Cork announces the Saureel Summer Nights Summer Concert Series is back for its third year. Opening night, July 8, features two amazing bands — opening act Cougar Adams Band and headliner L.A.vation.

Based in Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world, L.A.vation derives its name from the hit song “Elevation,” the third single released from U2’s 2000 album, “All That You Can’t Leave Behind.” L.A.vation has faithfully crafted an amazingly accurate show, incorporating memorable stage elements from past U2 concerts with “spot-on” musical execution, all the while emphasizing the pride and passion of the four lads from Dublin.

Opening for L.A.vation is local favorites Cougar Adams Band. Featuring songs from John Mellencamp and Bryan Adams, Cougar Adams

delivers a solid, high-energy show that will get you up and dancing.

New this year is the lower ticket price. “We wanted to make sure this beautiful venue is accessible to everyone and give people a chance to see world class bands in their own backyard,” said Russ Reyes of Kilt & Cork. “Tickets are only $25 and kids 11 and younger are free!”

Saureel Vineyards, 1140 Cold Springs Road in Placerville, features the iconic rolling vineyards that frame a stunning lake that has some of the most beautiful sunsets in the region. “People can make a night of it, as we will have food trucks, vendors, full bar and free parking.” Reyes said. “Bring your lawn chairs and just come and enjoy a really great night.”

Tickets are available online at kiltandcork.com until noon Saturday, July 8, and then at the gate for $30. Partial proceeds will benefit Arts & Culture El Dorado and Future Farmers of America.

Take a sip and enjoy a song at outdoor concert

InConcert Sierra and the Sierra Master Chorale present the second annual Sip ‘n’ Song at Pioneer Park in Nevada City Saturday, July 8. This outdoor, family-friendly, fun-filled evening of music, dancing, raffles and face painting for kids and adults is an evening to support the Sierra Master Chorale’s programs. Both of the evening’s bands feature members of the chorale.

Then Again plays the music of the Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Simon & Garfunkel, Carole King, Fleetwood Mac, The Beach Boys and more from the late ’50s to the early ’80s. The band includes SMC members Kathy Chastain (vocals, keyboard) and Steve Nicholson (vocals, bass guitar), along with James May (vocals, guitar) and Ben Schley-May (drums). With three-part vocal harmonies and great classic songs, they bring an infectious spirit of fun to their audiences, with dancing and singing highly encouraged.

Sons of Boogie offers a great variety of rockin’ blues and favorite nostalgic hits from the ’70s and ’80s. With smooth vocal harmonies and high energy stage antics, getting everyone up and dancing is the band’s prime objective. Original members of Sons of Boogie — lead guitarist Dave McLellan and bass player Doug Morgan (both former SMC singers) — have been playing together since the late ’70s and in the early ’90s were joined by powerhouse drummer Kevin Woolard. In 1997 they welcomed the addition of lead vocalist and harp player Steve Mendoza (SMC tenor and ICS board member) and guitarist John Liron.

The audience is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and a picnic dinner; however, no outside alcohol is permitted. Beverages and freshly popped popcorn will be available for purchase, including treats from CoCo’s Lazy Dog Confectioners, beer on tap from Grass Valley Brewery and a choice of red or white wine.

Bring the entire family; no dogs are allowed. To add more whimsical fun to the evening, two sopranos from the Sierra Master Chorale will offer face painting for both kids and adults. Because this event is a fundraiser for the chorale, there will be enticing and memorable raffle prizes and other ways to support the SMC.

The Sierra Master Chorale is a high-caliber community choir of auditioned singers who perform choral music of a wide variety and quality that gives both the listening audience and the performers a sense of great enjoyment. The SMC traditionally performs with the InConcert Sierra Orchestra. The chorale was founded in 2008 and is a program of the local nonprofit classical music organization, InConcert Sierra, which was founded in 1946.

Sip ‘n’ Song at Pioneer Park runs 5-9 p.m. at Pioneer Park in Nevada City. For tickets and more information visit inconcertsierra.org or call (530) 273-3990. Youth younger than 15 get in free with an adult.

EDC writers enter short challenge

News release

Writers in El Dorado County are busy submitting original short stories to the local writer’s contest. Gold Country Writers hosts the Short Story Contest and open it to writers in Placer, Yuba, El Dorado, Nevada, Sutter and Sacramento counties. This is a great chance for writers to showcase their work and win cash prizes. The competition aims to provide recognition and help local writers build their credentials. The deadline for submissions is July 26. The limit for submission is one entry per person.

Only original and unpublished fiction stories are accepted for the contest, with a maximum word count of 1,500 words. Writers have the freedom to use any theme or genre. Put ink and imagination to work to write a winning story.

There is a submission fee to enter of $15 and a discounted fee of $10 for GCW members. Writers retain full ownership of their work. However, by entering writers agree to allow GCW to use their stories in their publications and to showcase winning entries. In addition, a local media company will publish the winning stories online and in local publications.

The GCW Short Story Contest is open to all writers and offers a great opportunity for new writers to be recognized. To participate in the contest, stories must be submitted in standard manuscript format. This includes double-spacing, using Times New Roman 12-point font and submitting the story as a Word or Rich Text document. The stories will be judged anonymously based on specific criteria.

Winners of the GCW Short Story Contest will be

n See StorieS, page B5

Courtesy photos

Hear hits from the late ’50s to the early ’80s when Then Again, above, takes the stage at Sip ’n’ Song this Saturday. Sons of Boogie, below, performs rockin’ blues and favorite nostalgic hits from the ’70s and ’80s.

Courtesy photo

Shingle Springs author Donna Kamrath works on her short story entry. The deadline to submit is July 26

‘Spamalot’ rides into

FOLSOM — Lovingly ripped o from the classic film comedy “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” Monty Python’s “Spamalot” retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, featuring a bevy of beautiful showgirls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits and French people. Did we mention the beautiful showgirls? See them live at Sutter Street Theatre when “Spamalot” opens July

8 on the Folsom stage.

The 2005 Broadway production won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and was followed by two successful West End runs. With such classic songs as “He Is Not Dead Yet,” “The Song That Goes Like This,” “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” and the ever popular “Fisch Schlapping Song,” the outrageous, uproarious and gloriously entertaining story of King Arthur and the Lady of

■ See SPAMALOT, page B5

Photo by Allen Schmeltz

Know Continued from B1 chef du jour about the wine and food experience. On July 8 and 9 chef Jennifer Millsap is preparing a Mid-summer Bounty. Call (530) 647-8505 or email info@mirafloreswinery.com to make a reservation.

Sam Chase will perform, 4:20-7 p.m., followed by Ryder Thieves, 9 p.m. to midnight, at The Green Room Social Club in Placerville, 4:20-7 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

L.A.vation – World’s Best Tribute to U2 will perform at Saureel Summer Nights hosted by Kilt and Cork at Saureel Vineyards in Placerville, 5-9:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit kiltandcork.com/saureel-summer-nights.

Women of the Moose host a spaghetti feed fundraiser helping the families of the Pine Top Montessori School students injured, 5:30-7 p.m. at 4310 Right Mile Road in Camino. For more information call (530) 644-6596.

Enjoy live music and good food for a great cause benefitting

American River Conservancy’s Resilience Reserve. In partnership with Marco’s Cafe, ARC hosts a series of outdoor concerts featuring local bands at the quaint farmhouse of Wakamatsu Farm in Placerville. The gate opens at 5:30 for each show. See Matt Rainey & the Dippin Sauce Allstars. Find more information and purchase tickets at bit.ly/Concerts4CauseARC.

Cynthia Renee performs at Red Hawk Casino’s Stage Bar in Placerville, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.

El Dorado Musical Theatre presents Disney’s “The Descendants: The Musical,” July 8-16 at Harris Center for the Arts on the Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

Musician Ed Wilson and percussionist Kevin Mooney will perform

Piano Man Continued from B1

roll, and Jon grew up listening to that same kind of music, inspiring him to play. As his visits to Snowline Hospice to play on the keyboards showed his developing talent, Jon was offered his first paying gig at 13 years old — and he hasn’t stopped since.

“It makes me feel great, as a parent, seeing Jon play,” Ken said. “He’s been playing music since he was 5 years old, ad-libbing everything and just figuring songs out by hearing them. His idol has always been Jerry Lee and he’s helping to keep that kind of rock ‘n’ roll alive.”

Jon’s musical exploits go beyond his visits to The Pines and Western Slope Health Center; he plays at local pubs and venues with his six-piece rock band Moxie Barker and also works in stage production, such as helping put together the Golden Road Gathering music festival. Jon has also played occasionally in Los Angeles for a few Universal Media Group recording sessions, but he prefers to stay local when he can.

“Thank god I’m a country boy,” Jon said, with a knowing nod to another performer he covers, John Denver.

His experiences playing for the folks at The Pines has given him a wider perspective on life, he shared. Though he began playing for the group around five years ago, he noticed just how much they appreciated his visits after the COVID-19 lockdowns had started.

“I really feel for those patients who were so isolated,” Jon told the Mountain Democrat. “It is crazy to see how quickly everything can change. Playing for them has taught me gratitude — to be

6-9 p.m. at Back Bistro in Folsom.

Main Street Collective presents a Talking Heads tribute, 7 p.m. at Sutter Creek Theatre in Sutter Creek. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheater.com.

Amador City hosts Dancin’ in the Streets parties, 6-9 p.m, with the following acts scheduled: Double Take (July 8), On Air (July 15) and The Blowbacks (July 22). For more information visit the website, VisitAmacorCity.com.

Albert Lee will perform at 7 p.m. at The Sofia in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

July 9

Shadow Ranch Vineyards in Fair Play hosts musician Jimmy Spero. Enjoy the live show with a glass of wine and wood-fired pizza. Lunch begins at noon and the show begins at 1 p.m. For reservations visit shadowranch.com/Events.

Tiffani Shiro and Tom Gunterman will perform 3-5 p.m. followed by The Ramble Ensemble 7-9 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Entertainment Events presents “Late Nite Catechism,” 3 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts on the Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

July 11

Want to solve your pest problems in the garden using methods that lessen risks to people and the environment? Interested in less toxic pest management? Join Master Gardeners Sue McDavid and Pat Trimble for a presentation on Integrated Pest

grateful for a lot of things, like being able to play and the simple little things you don’t realize you take for granted until you see people who can’t.” Jon’s popularity is obvious from the turnout seen at his shows, usually every other Wednesday, at The Pines.

“We hold a lot of different activities, like chair yoga, American Sign Language classes and even

Management, an ecosystem-based approach to solving garden pest problems using a combination of techniques. IPM is based on scientific research and focuses on long-term prevention. Class is held 9 a.m. to noon at the Pilot Hill Grange, 1701 Highway 193 in Cool.

Broadway at Music Circus in Sacramento presents “The Music Man,” July 11-16. For tickets and more information call (916) 5571999 or visit broadwaysacramento.com.

July 12

Find out what you have wanted to know about growing succulents through an interactive presentation with hands-on activities hosted by Master Gardeners of El Dorado County, 9 a.m. to noon at the Cameron Park Community Center, 2502 Country Club Drive.

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) 621-1378.

Sons in Retirement – Gold Country branch meets the second Wednesday of the month at the Cameron Park Country Club. Check out the club and be a guest for a complimentary lunch. Contact Branch 95’s membership chairman at SIRBranch95@ gmail.com for more details.

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce and Charm Photography host a business blender, 5:30 p.m. at 4364 Town Center Blvd., Suite 215. RSVP by calling (916) 933-1335 or visit eldoradohillschamber.org.

Jonny Mojo will perform at The Green Room Social Club in Placerville, 6-9 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Zumba,” Kroum said. “We usually see around 22 to 25 people daily at those activities, but Jon is the headline of the activity program, for sure.”

Jon said he would love to find more places and opportunities to perform for similar audiences.

“If I could do this every day, I would,” he explained. “It’s great to be able to put a smile on all their faces when I play.”

The Public Square

The Georgetown Divide Public Utility District invites applications for the position of: FULL-TIME MAINTENANCE WORKER I SALARY RANGE: $21.80 to $26.49 per hour plus benefits, depending on qualifications. OPENING DATE: July 3, 2023

The Georgetown Divide Recreation District is hiring a part-time Recreation and Facilities Coordinator. This position is year-round, approximately 20-30 hours per week, typically Monday-Thursday but will require occasional nights and weekends. This

the Lake will delight the audience as they search for the Holy Grail and “always look on the bright side of life.”

With book and lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Idle, this production is directed by Connie Mockenhaupt. The show is rated PG-13. “Spamalot” runs July 8 through Aug. 13 at Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter St. in Folsom. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 4:30 p.m. Sundays. For reservations and more information visit SutterStreetTheatre.com or call (916) 3531001.

Stories Continued from B3

Spamalot Continued from B4 revealed on Saturday, Oct. 7, at a special celebration event at the Auburn City Hall Rose Room. The top three winners will receive cash prizes of $100, $75 and $50. For more information about the contest and to submit an entry visit the official GCW website at goldcountrywriters.com.

Those who have questions may contact Rebecca Partridge, contest organizer, at contest@ goldcountrywriters.com. Gold Country Writers is a nonprofit community organization that aims to foster and support writers in the Gold Country area of California.

Freelance

Wanted

FILING DATE: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. First review date for applications will be held on' July 24, 2023. An application can be printed from the District website at www.gd-pud.org or request an application by emailing Stephanie Beck at slbeck@gd-pud.org. Return a completed application to the District office by mail, or email to: slbeck@gd-pud.org. Georgetown Divide Public Utility District P.O. Box 4240 Georgetown, CA. 95634 For further information call (530) 333-4356 or visit our website at www.gd-pud.org

Now

ApplicAtioNs

2880 Tunnel Street Placerville, CA 95667

1bedroom apts and also apts with special design features for individuals with a disability. Must be 62 years of age or older; or disabled, regardless of age. Inquire as to the availability of subsidy. Call

This

Solution

530-626-6951

Mon - Fri 8am – 1:00pm

TTY/TDD# 711

have good transportation, and physically able to lift 40 pounds. The operator will be compensated on an hourly basis and have all costs reimbursed. The company pays for mileage at the maximum rate allowed by the IRS. Contact Mark Henwood (916) 955-6031 markhenwood@ henwoodassociates.com

Public Notices 

• E-mail your public notice to legals@mtdemocrat.net

adjacent to said road, and which serves as an emergency access road for law enforcement, fire and medical services if needed. Order to Go to Court You and the plaintiff must go to court on the trial date shown above. If you do not go to court, you may lose the case. If you lose, the court can order that your wages, money, or property be taken to pay this claim. Bring witnesses, receipts, and any evidence you need to prove your case. The foregoing information is from El Dorado Court Form SC-100:

Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (summons), dated 2/1/2023. On 6/5/2023 the Judge of the Superior Court ordered that a copy of this summons, a copy of Form SC-100, a copy of the complaint, and a copy of the Order After Ex Parte Application for Publication of Summons be forthwith

IN SAID DEED OF TRUST The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be:

9218 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee’s Sale is estimated to be $167,089.98 (Estimated). However, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary’s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the Trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse.

Notice to Potential

Bidders If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a Trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a Trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same Lender may hold more than one mortgage or Deed of Trust on the property. Notice to Property Owner The sale date shown on this Notice of Sale may be postponed one or more times by the Mortgagee, Beneficiary, Trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about Trustee Sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call Nationwide Posting & Publication at 916.939.0772 for information regarding the Trustee’s Sale or visit the Internet Website www.nationwideposting. com for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case, CA07000400-18-4. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may

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Photo by David Grenier