Mountain Democrat, Monday, July 10, 2023

‘Miracle’ Juniper out of the ICU

an appliance van while crossing Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines May 31. After spending nearly five weeks in ICU, she has been moved to

Tahoe’s Fourth of July aftermath a cleanup ‘hangover’

Ashleigh Goodwin Tahoe Daily Tribune

The League to Save Lake Tahoe hosted its 10th annual Keep Tahoe Red, White and Blue July 5 cleanup but rather than celebrating its decade milestone, volunteers and

by

cleanup organizers witnessed a “landfill” at one of Tahoe’s beaches.

After a spectacular fireworks display celebrating Independence Day, spectators left behind some 8,559 pounds of discarded cigarette butts, plastic food wrappers, beach toys

and even barbecues that were collected over the course of three hours by cleanup volunteers. A total of 402 volunteers worked six locations around the lake, according to a League to Save Lake Tahoe news release.

Cameron park’s saint to play in Kenya rugby tourney

Isaac Streeter

Staff writer

El Dorado County resident and college rugby star Cormac Saint is traveling to Kenya to play for the United States’ Under 20s Rugby National Team as it attempts to reach the highest division of international rugby. Saint, 19, was born in England before his family made the

decision to move to Cameron Park, when his dad Tony took a job with Intel’s Folsom campus. Cormac was 5 years old when they moved and earned his citizenship when he was 15, making him eligible to play for Team USA.

Tony played in England before becoming a coach for Motherload Rugby, then called the Oak Ridge Rugby Club. The opportunity allowed him to coach all four of his children, including his youngest, Cormac.

“It’s been really exciting. We’ve had a great club experience at Motherload,” Tony said.

“Especially being his coach — I got to see (his development) up close.” Cormac began playing rugby when he was 6-years-old. After a decade of development and hard work, the Ponderosa High School graduate became the first Motherload player to receive an offer to play college rugby at the University of California, Berkeley. The mecca of college rugby, the Golden Bears have won 33 national titles since the rugby championship circuit began in 1980.

“I took it, no questions asked,” Cormac said of

Courtesy photo

When Keep Tahoe Red, White and Blue cleanup volunteers arrived at the unmanaged beach Zephyr Shoals on Lake Tahoe’s east shore they found

Courtesy photo Juniper Ammons, 4, lights up the room with her smile as she rests in a hospital bed with her stuffed animals July 5. Juniper has been transferred to pediatrics and is showing signs of recovery.

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.

Woman arrested in Somerset for alleged rape of daughter

Isaac Streeter

Staff writer

Sheri ’s deputies arrested 35-year-old Stacy Renee Ebesek Sunday, June 25, on suspicion of multiple charges, including the rape of her 8-year-old daughter, according to Sgt. Alexander Sorey with the El Dorado County

Sheri ’s O ce. Ebesek was taken into custody at a residence in Somerset after deputies received a call for service for battery and indecent exposure.

The seven charges Ebesek was arrested on are rape of a child 14 years or younger, indecent exposure, child abuse,

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child endangerment and three separate counts of battery. Sorey confirmed all seven charges were allegedly committed against her daughter.

Ebesek was initially on EDSO’s current inmates list as being in custody and held on $80,000 bail. As of press time she remained in custody, according to Sorey.

Darren Duncan was arrested by El Dorado County sheriff’s detectives Wednesday on suspicion of peeping. Duncan has previously been arrested for peeping in Cameron Park in 2020 and 2022. Courtesy photo

Serial peeper spotted again

Odin Rasco Staff writer

El Dorado County sheri ’s detectives on Wednesday arrested a Cameron Park man suspected of peeping for the third time since 2020, sheri ’s o cials say.

Darren Duncan, 32, was first arrested in spring 2020 after an individual was captured on surveillance video looking through windows. Duncan was released on bail, then arrested again on peeping charges in 2022. Duncan was again released on bail but was also placed on

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

June 25

1:56 a.m. Deputies made an arrest after a traffic stop on White Rock Road in El Dorado Hills.

3:22 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 33-year-old man suspected of burglary, DUI, possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia and possession of burglary tools on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville. He was released on $100,000 bail.

10:20 a.m. Battery was reported on Snowdrop Lane in Pollock Pines.

1:28 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Rafters Lane in Placerville.

2 p.m. Battery was reported on Delos Lane in Placerville.

8:29 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 25-year-old man suspected of felony probation violation on Highway 50 (location not specified). He was later released.

11:32 p.m. Battery was reported on Canterbury Circle in El Dorado Hills.

June 26

1 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 35-year-old woman suspected of being under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of illegal drug paraphernalia on Barkley Road in Camino. She was later released.

2:34 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 49-year-old man suspected of burglary, possession of a

probation with the stipulation that he wear an ankle monitor, according to an El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce social media post.

Detectives monitoring Duncan’s GPS locations and comparing them to suspicious activity reports began to suspect he may have been involved in a series of reports in the 3000 block of Granada Court in Cameron Park, both by peeping and violating a restraining order from a previous victim. Following the authorization of search and arrest warrants,

controlled substance and burglary tools and receiving stolen property on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu $90,000 bail.

12:09 p.m. Vandalism was reported at an apartment complex on Knollwood Drive in Cameron Park. A suspect was arrested.

12:53 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 58-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance on Sunset Lane in Shingle Springs. He was later released.

2:48 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 46-year-old man suspected of burglary, petty theft, grand theft and causing a fire on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills. He was released on $35,000 bail.

6:40 p.m. Battery was reported on Camino Cumbre in Greenwood.

6:59 p.m. Battery was reported on Wentworth Springs Road in Georgetown.

7:11 p.m. Battery was reported on Ponderosa Road in Shingle Springs.

10:38 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Blackstone Parkway in El Dorado Hills.

11:15 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 41-year-old man suspected of DUI and driving on a suspended license on Highway 50 at El Dorado Hills Boulevard. He was released on $35,000 bail.

June 27

12:02 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 30-year-old man suspected of elder abuse and possession of

detectives took Duncan into custody and recovered evidence that indicates there may be numerous unidentified victims, including possible burglaries and trespasses. Duncan is held at the county jail in Placerville with bail set at $500,000. All of his previous charges are still pending trial, according to court records.

Individuals who may have been a victim are asked to contact Det. Chris Macres by phone at (530) 642-4718 (desk phone) or (530) 957-5227 (cell and text) or to email macresc@edso.org.

a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia on Patterson Drive in Diamond Springs. He was listed in custody in lieu of $75,000 bail.

1:54 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 59-year-old woman suspected of a probation violation on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville. She was later released.

6:56 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 43-year-old man suspected of trespassing on CHP property on Lohi Way in Placerville. He was later released.

10:31 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 34-year-old man suspected of probation violations and possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $100,000 bail.

11:06 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Knollwood Drive in Cameron Park.

2:11 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 33-year-old man suspected of trespassing, possession of illegal drug paraphernalia and loitering on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. He was later released.

2:47 p.m. Burglary was reported on Kentucky Flat Road in Georgetown.

3:06 p.m. Grand theft was reported at a business on Enterprise Drive in Diamond Springs.

4:11 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Salmon Falls Road in Pilot Hill.

10:27 p.m. Battery was reported on El Dorado Street in Diamond

Springs.

11:50 p.m. Battery was reported on Diamond Court in Pollock Pines.

June 28

7:21 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Pine Street in Pollock Pines.

7:33 a.m. Vehicle burglary was reported at the Mt. Ralston trailhead on Highway 50 at Twin Bridges.

7:36 a.m. Burglary was reported on Trapani Lane in El Dorado Hills.

7:40 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Sweetwater Trail in Cool.

9:08 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 21-year-old man suspected of carrying a concealed weapon on Cave Valley Road in Cool. He was listed in custody in lieu $10,000 bail.

12:38 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Sterling Way in Cameron Park.

12:42 p.m. Burglary was reported on Meadow Wood Drive in El Dorado Hills.

2:16 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 47-year-old woman suspected of probation violations on Coach Lane in Cameron Park. She was released on $2,000 bail.

5:58 p.m. Vehicle burglary was reported on Miralo Drive in El Dorado Hills.

9:28 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 34-year-old woman suspected of receiving stolen property and being a fugitive from justice on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. She was listed in custody in lieu of $25,000 bail.

Robber convicted after her victims fight back

Mountain Democrat staff

A Sacramento woman who robbed, assaulted and attempted to carjack two victims in El Dorado Hills in November 2022 was convicted of her crimes in El Dorado County Superior Court June 21.

Yahida Alejandro, 28, faces in excess of seven years in state prison, according to a news release from the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office.

New rigs rolling in Rescue

Mountain Democrat staff

The Rescue Fire Department has added two cutting-edge apparatus to its fleet. A Type 2, 2023 Pierce Freightliner fire engine and a 2023 Fouts Bros. Western Star water tender bolster the department’s capacity to respond effectively to emergencies, states a news release from the fire department.

The 2023 Pierce Freightliner fire engine is equipped with a 1,000 gallon-per-minute Darley pump and a

tank capacity of 500 gallons of water. Under the hood is a Cummins ISL9 motor. The 2023 Fouts Bros. Western Star water tender has a capacity of 3,000 gallons of water and a 1,000 GPM Darley pump. The water tender is also powered by the Cummins ISL9 motor. The Rescue Fire Department acknowledges the generous support of the community and the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors, whose dedication and contributions made the acquisition of these apparatus possible.

In the evening hours of Nov. 17, 2022, Alejandro confronted two women, demanded their money, assaulted both women and grabbed their car keys. Alejandro’s victims refused to let her leave. Prosecutors said Alejandro repeatedly punched and kicked both women but they were eventually able to pull Alejandro out of the vehicle and call 911.

El Dorado County sheriff’s deputies responded and apprehended Alejandro. The news release from the DA’s Office notes that once at the

El Dorado County Jail in Placerville, Alejandro assaulted one of the correctional officers, spitting on them.

Presiding over court proceedings was Superior Court Judge Mark Ralphs, who found Alejandro guilty of four felony charges, including attempted robbery, robbery, attempted carjacking and battery by gassing on a correctional officer. A charge of gassing involves bodily fluid making contact with an officer’s skin, according to officials with the DA’s Office.

Alejandro is set to be sentenced by Ralphs July 17 in El Dorado Superior Court Department 2.

In the news release the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office thanked the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office for its quick response and thorough investigation of the matter, and the victims for “demonstrating extreme bravery and composure to confront their attacker and share the truth of what was done to them.”

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Rescue’s new water tender holds up to 3,000 gallons of water that can be pumped out at 1,000 gallons per minute.

pediatric care at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento.

Juniper is starting to open her eyes, is moving her hands and gives periodic smiles, said Marc Traverse, her grandfather. He told the Mountain Democrat Juniper is slowly starting to come out of a four-week coma.

“That kid is a little miracle,” said Traverse, who has 11 grandchildren in total. “She had three or four neurosurgeons at UC Davis that told my daughter from the beginning to be prepared because the likelihood that she’s going to make it through this is pretty narrow.”

“We all said, ‘Juniper is a pretty good fighter,’” Traverse added.

The Pollock Pines youngster suffered significant head trauma and was placed on a ventilator as a result of the collision. As of July 5, she is off the ventilator, off her IV drips and even enjoyed some Fourth of July fireworks outside her hospital window, the family reported.

“The first two weeks were extremely difficult because there were so many emergencies that went on and they had to change things,” Traverse said. “Every day you went from feeling pretty good to feeling like you’ve been crushed, but the last four or five days have been promising, and these nurses have been unbelievably wonderful.”

Juniper will be sent to Shriners Hospital for Children in the future for rehabilitation.

Traverse and his wife Nichole, both flight attendants, were preparing to take a flight from Dallas to Dublin, Ireland, when they received word about Juniper, along with the four other preschool students of Pine Top Montessori School getting hit while crossing Pony Express Trail at the crosswalk near Willow Street. Both were pulled from the flight and able to take the next plane back to California to get to their granddaughter.

The students, supervised by their teachers, were taking a field trip by foot to a nearby park. Locals and witnesses nearby the incident immediately went to aid the children and the community quickly responded to the tragedy.

While people donated money totaling tens of thousands of dollars to help the children and their families with medical costs, the community called for better crosswalk safety such as better signage and slower speed limits down that stretch of Pony Express Trail.

Dillon, Axel, Jacory and another

unidentified child were also sent to the hospital with major and minor injuries. Jacory returned home and is healing from a broken femur and a fractured skull. Axel also suffered a broken femur and fractured skull, along with a bruised liver, but is now home. Dillon’s leg was fractured and he is on his way to a full recovery. The extent of injuries to the unidentified child are unknown but full recovery is expected.

Ten-year residents of Pollock Pines, Traverse and his wife Nichole felt blessed with the community response as Juniper fought for her life in the ICU.

“Everybody that we’ve dealt with in this thing has just been over-the-top helpful,” Traverse said. “I got people calling offering to make food … we didn’t have to make food for the first two weeks.

“I’ve never been in a situation where I had to have something like that and we are super thankful for all of the support and prayers from people we don’t even know,” he added.

Alison Warren, Juniper’s aunt, posted in an update on CaringBridge. org that Juniper is starting to work with a speech therapist, is doing stretches, was able to go on a wagon ride outside and got to enjoy musical therapy provided by the hospital. Juniper is also off her feeding tube, according to Traverse. While she shows signs of getting better, the family acknowledges Juniper has a while before she fully recovers from her injuries.

“I knew it was going to be tough, but I also knew she was going to be OK,” Traverse said. “Watching the things she is doing now, I realized it is going to take a while, like when does she start to focus with her eyes and when does she start to talk again? But I think it will come back in time.”

Describing the kind of child Juniper is, Traverse recalled her rescuing ladybugs in the water at a nearby lake, calling her a kind person.

“If someone is hurting, she is concerned for them and what is going on with them,” Traverse said. “That is something I think comes naturally to her. She also loves playing and doing little shows for her little sister Flora. She’s just a really special child.”

The family asks the community to keep Juniper in their prayers as she slowly continues on her journey to recovery. Perhaps she will be seen saving ladybugs at the lake when she is released from the hospital.

What Causes It?

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and may also lead to serious balance problems. This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood ow to the nerves in the hands and feet. If not properly treated this lack of blood ow may cause the nerves to degenerate.

As you can see in Figure 1, as the blood vessels surrounding the nerves become diseased they shrink and shrivel. This process hastens the ow of vital nutrients to the nerves required to remain healthy. When these nerves begin to “die” it could lead to balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling and burning symptoms in the hands and feet.

We are one of 280 clinics nationwide that specialize in the treatment of neuropathy Drug

In order to effectively treat your neuropathy 3 factors must be determined. Our advanced treatment method has 3 main goals

be confused with laser therapy) using light emitting diode technology. This technology was originally developed by NASA to assist in increasing blow ow.

The low level light therapy is like watering a tree. The light therapy will allow the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients to heal and repair. It’s like adding water to a tree and seeing the roots grow deeper and deeper. The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation.

“My feet hurt so bad after sitting I could barely take the rst few steps. I have had 11 treatments and no longer feel sharp or shooting pains and most of the tingling is gone. I now have full balance and can walk without pain. As Dr. Mooney explained the treatment is not painful, nothing uncomfortable, and is actually very relaxing.” – Neuropathy Pain Patient

John Mooney, DC at Premier Healthcare will do a neuropathy severity examination to determine the

Photos by Cori Lynn Photography

The Rescue Fire Department has a new engine on the job, helping firefighters better serve residents.

Taxpayers cool to costly climate bond

In addition to last month’s recordbusting $310 billion budget, the Legislature is also advancing a $15 billion “climate bond” to appear on the ballot sometime in 2024. This “climate bond” should be viewed with a great deal of skepticism by California voters for several reasons.

First, why is a bond — any bond — necessary? Despite a drop off in state tax collections, California continues to produce massive amounts of tax revenue from the highest-in-the-nation income tax rate, highest state sales tax rate and highest gas tax. Taking on further debt makes little sense.

Moreover, this proposal is inconsistent with the principles of sound debt financing. Bond financing can be justified where the cost of a major infrastructure project — at either the state or local level — is greater than could be funded directly from general fund revenues without making significant reductions in service. But proponents have not made the case for why this grab bag of various projects couldn’t be financed from the general fund.

Second, an important consideration for the issuance of public debt is interest rates. Borrowing costs today are higher than they have been in years and while Wall Street bond brokers and bond holders will profit from more California debt, voters have to decide if it is in California’s best interests.

Third, under Article XVI of the California Constitution a statewide bond measure must be limited to “some single object or work to be distinctly specified in the act.” The “climate bond” here is authorized by Assembly Bill 1567, which is titled the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparation, Flood Protection, Extreme Heat Mitigation, Clean Energy, and Workforce Development Bond Act of 2024. This bill is a 25-page listing of various projects ranging from restoring the Tijuana River to providing residential housing for California Conservation Corps members. Even under the most liberal interpretation of “single object or

Letters to the Editor

El Dorado Trail project

EDITOR:

To the El Dorado County Department of Transportation, Engineering Division:

In September 2022, when news of the improvement for the access ramp to the El Dorado Trail on the west side of Missouri Flat Road was released, I along with my cycling group were very excited. Unfortunately it took longer than anticipated and we were very understanding of this as most of the delays were due to weather.

However, when this portion of the trail was finally complete, the access was not much better than it used to be, but we were able to maneuver the sharp turns. What is very frustrating though is the portion of the sidewalk that is still incomplete. We must get off our bikes and roll them off the curb, which is very inconvenient.

Is there any update as to when this project will be completed? Or has El Dorado County Department of Transportation dropped the ball?

You asked for our patience and understanding and we gave it to you. But my patience is running out and I don’t understand why it is taking so long to complete. I’m sure I am not the only person who is frustrated.

SUE DREDGE El Dorado

Forest health and mangement

EDITOR:

The truth about lumber production has been right there all along.

I know there’s going to be a whole lot of sobbing and eye-wiping by the tree-huggers and others who are uneducated about nature, forests and wildlife, but Congressman McClintock just shed light on the subject during a recent House Natural Resources Committee hearing.

The findings? Wildfire emissions in 2020 were twice as high as California’s entire greenhouse gas reductions between 2003 and 2019.

Why? Because of lack of forest maintenance.

It is just staggering that the trillions of dollars that we, the taxpayers, have paid in gasoline fees to

lower emissions — along with increase costs to food packaging, house building, insulation and every other part of our daily life in California with fees tacked on for the “environment” in 16 years — were, in many cases, for nothing. It was undone in one year by wildfires.

Certainly there are environmental projects that are very important and, surprisingly to some, the management of forests is right up there on the top. But it needs to be left up to professional foresters, not environmental wackos who want black forest where nothing can live and when a fire goes off it’s an inferno that takes decades to re-establish.

Clear cuts are highly beneficial for almost all species of wildlife and for the forests themselves. Fortunately, forestry practices now allow for islands of trees within the clear cuts and a variety of tree species left standing within. The clear cuts allow for the growth of grasses and forbs, berries and buck brush, places for rabbits, quail, turkeys and deer to find food, while the island thickets provide cover, bedding and refuge.

Next time you see a member of the U.S. Forest Service, or a someone in the lumber industry, give them a thumbs up for keeping your forests alive and healthy and providing a needed service that is not appreciated by some.

BILL KARR Placerville

What’s the message?

EDITOR:

Here’s a funny thing. I grew up in a time when contraception and even abstinence were in common use. My mother told me that our own Catholic church permitted only the rhythm method; she said it ruined many marriages. The rhythm method was known to fail frequently, but I suppose that was the point. I wonder what the clergy used?

At the county fair this year there were many lovely young girls in skimpy outfits. They didn’t have boys with them; the boys probably didn’t want to attract the attention. I worried about the girls’ safety. Even

n See letters, page A5

The Balancing Act Liar, liar — President Biden’s pants are on fire

We all have seen pictures of cognitively deficient President Joe Biden looking at aides as to where to go, tripping while walking or going up stairs, calling people and places by their wrong names and so much more.

This column isn’t about that. It’s about his lying in a recent Wall Street Journal opinion published June 8. The claim is that the author was Joe Biden, but I and most other readers would think it was written by aides or the puppeteers controlling this president. How ironic, Biden, the known plagiarist, continues his old ways claiming he wrote this WSJ opinion piece.

The title is “Never Bet Against the American Economy.” It was full of lies and half-truths and once you know of the lies, it discredits everything else it states. The first lie: “Real income for the bottom half of earners is up by 3.4% since I took office.” Actually, real income is down by almost a like amount, 2.3% for the bottom 25%

of income earners and by 3.9% for the next lowest 25% of income earners. Overall, the real income decline for all income earners is 2.1%. It follows the leftist motto of “spreading the misery” and, by the numbers, the democratic leftists have done a bang-up job at that as real income has declined for 26 consecutive months, all during the time Biden has been president. When information comes in for the last few months it will continue to show an income decline. But there is more. Biden tries to paint a picture of prosperity by picking his starting and ending dates for the comparison. Kind of like global warming where the foremost and probably the most hated climatologist, Dr. Richard S. Lindzen, former chair of the MIT meteorology department, said to me, “Climate isn’t measured or declared changed in years or decades but at the minimum over hundreds, if not thousands, of years.” So when you hear it’s hotter than it was 20 years ago, it means absolutely nothing in terms of a climate trend. That’s

Biden’s regulatory agencies, however, haven’t slowed down with new energy restrictions being written every day. Energy is the life blood of any economy and without inexpensive oil, gas, coal and nuke, we will continue our decline …

another column coming soon.

For instance, Biden “writes” gasoline prices are down $1.40 from their peak in June 2022. But they are still more than 50% higher from the price of gas when Biden took office. The national average price of gas was about $2.25 a gallon in December 2020 and today it is $3.58 a gallon. In California it is about $4.86 a gallon and at the local Costco/Sam’s Club it is $4.29 a gallon, just about a 100% increase in price.

Biden wrote the annual inflation rate has fallen for 10 straight months. Yes, it has gone from about 10% at its peak to a current average of about 5%. But when Biden took office the inflation rate was 1.5%, so the reality is the rate of inflation has gone up over 300%.

Just look at prices based from the date Biden took office. Energy is up more than 31%. Groceries are up almost 20% and the cost of money (interest rates) is up over 100% (mortgage rates have gone from

about 2.875% to a current 6.62%).

Currently, inflation (overall prices) is up 15.6% overall since Biden took office.

When Biden took office the growth rate of the economy was running 6.5%. Now it has averaged an anemic 1% growth, with some quarters showing negative growth.

And then Biden gets to the joke of his editorial when he “writes” in the last paragraph, “Our work isn’t finished and we could see setbacks along the way.” Those setbacks should be considered real improvements over the data I have stated above. But the goal (work) of the Biden administration is to continue to further destroy America and you do that by destroying the greatest economy in history. Biden’s rolling over of America has at least slowed down with a divided Congress. Biden’s regulatory agencies,

n See Weitzman page A5

LArry WEiTzmAn

n See COupal, page A5

California has a horrendous track record of not keeping its promises when it comes to bond measures. The clearest example is California’s highspeed rail project

…

Coupal Continued from A4 work,” this bond measure doesn’t comply.

Fourth, the fact that a substantial amount of the proceeds from the bond are intended to be used for programs rather than brick-and-mortar infrastructure violates the principle that the “single object or work” should have a useful life that extends beyond the term of the debt repayment. This climate bond is like a family taking out a 30-year mortgage to pay for groceries.

Fifth, California has a horrendous track record of not keeping its promises when it comes to bond measures. The clearest example is California’s high-speed rail project, viewed internationally as the biggest boondoggle on earth. Proposition 1A in 2008 promised Californians a super-fast train that would travel between Los Angeles and San Francisco in about two-and-a-half hours; the ticket price would be about $50; the total cost of the high-speed rail would be about $40 billion; and there would be significant private-sector support — money from investors — to build the project. After 15 years, HSR has yet to hit any of its benchmark promises.

Numerous other bond measures have failed to live up to the representations made to voters, including several water bond proposals that promised the construction of surface water storage projects.

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD

Even more troubling than the broken promises related to bond measures is the fact that California courts will do little to enforce those promises. This was starkly evident in several lawsuits over the high-speed rail project when the courts failed to intervene despite conclusive evidence that the terms of the ballot measure were being violated.

Sixth, general obligation bonds should only be placed on the ballot when the level of total debt is within prudent limits that will not a ect the state’s bond rating or solvency. If California experiences even a mild recession, that will increase the percentage of the general fund necessary to pay debt service. If the state’s “debt service ratio” exceeds levels palpable to Wall Street, that could increase the cost of borrowing on top of the already high interest rates.

Finally, general obligation bonds should never be approved in the absence of fiscal restraint in the budget process. Allowing politicians to spend virtually all new revenues and incur additional debt removes all pressure to adopt needed reforms and fiscal discipline.

And if there’s anything California needs right now it’s fiscal discipline.

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

Letters Continued from A4

I have experienced the feeling of no longer being respected by the stronger sex. But I don’t take it lying down, so to speak.

I’ve been trying to get around to this point: the women who man the microphone to describe their own abortions seem to be playing into the hands of men who are making a career out of the topic. I hear no regret in the women’s calculation, only a cold righteousness.

ELIZABETH CAFFREY Placerville

Weitzman Continued from A4

however, haven’t slowed down with new energy restrictions being written every day. Energy is the life blood of any economy and without inexpensive oil, gas, coal and nuke, we will continue our decline and prices will not come down to January 2021 levels ever. It’s amazing Biden isn’t wearing skirts yet as all his pants must have burned up.

Larry Weitzman is a resident of Placerville.

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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.

COMiCS

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad

Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh

Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

Cleanup Continued from A1

“This morning one of Tahoe’s beaches looked like a landfill. Thanks to passionate volunteers and community partners, it started to look like Tahoe again after some hard work,” states CEO of the League to Save Lake Tahoe Dr. Darcie Goodman Collins in the news release. “To Keep Tahoe Blue everyone who enjoys this place must act more like our volunteers and partners by doing their part. It starts with leaving nothing behind and picking up any trash you come across. Unless each of us share in the responsibility for protecting this place, it could be ruined.”

At Zephyr Shoals 6,279 pounds of trash, 73% of the day’s totals, were collected. Zephyr Shoals is an unmanaged stretch of beach on Lake Tahoe’s east shore.

“It’s quite a hangover,” state cleanup organizers in a social media post that included images and videos of the site.

The remaining 2,280 pounds was disproportionately divided between the other five locations.

Relatively litter-free sites included Commons Beach in Tahoe City and Kings Beach State Recreation Area, which is attributed to the presence of trash receptacles, bathrooms and the work of management staff.

Volunteers at Kiva Beach and Lakeview Commons, two more of the holiday “hangover” cleanup locations, said the beauty of the beaches is taken for granted and the lands abused.

Dan Howard, a volunteer at the Tallac Shoreline, told the Tahoe Tribune he gets a sense of giving back and gives his time to clean bathrooms,

remove trash and other landscaping duties.

“My No. 1 concern is make sure the trash is secure so the bears can’t get to it,” Howard said.

While there are trash receptacles, Howard added, it seems most people fail to lock the dumpster behind them or simply leave their trash behind for someone else to contend with.

On display at Lake View Commons was the contents from roughly six weeks of trash pick ups including smaller items collected by the BEBOT, a robot that combs the beaches. A 6-foot cube structure displayed the trash and the amount of time it would take for the items to break down.

“Basically (some of the items) would be here forever,” said Chris Joseph, communications director for The League to Save Lake Tahoe. “If you come across something, pick it up and pack out what you pack in.”

In addition to the beach-combing robot BEBOT, The League to Save Lake Tahoe has worked with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency to introduce a trailer-mounted station: Clean, Drain, Dry, Dispose, to be used to remove ecologically disastrous invasive species from kayaks or paddle boards before they hit the water.

The CD3 trailer includes a scrub brush, vacuum, tongs, air compressor and data collection equipment that will inform where more permanent stations would be best placed in the future.

The station will be deployed at several locations through the summer for a week each.

HOROSCOPE by Holiday Mathis

ARIES (March 21-April 19). The ups and downs of life are best shared. True friends connect in either stage. You know you’re around good, safe, empathetic people when you don’t feel you must pretend to be higher or lower than you really feel.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). When what you want to do and what you have to do are the same thing, success comes very quickly to you. Today brings such good fortune. Do the work, rinse, repeat and grow rich.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Who is really free? It’s not always obvious. The so-called powerful often feel more trapped in their roles than those without status. You’ll be aware of the restrictions limiting your options. Think of new ways to get around them.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’re different in ways that will elevate the scene -- believe it. Get on your own side, be your own fan and don’t bother trying to fit in. All the problems are opportunities today.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There’s no time to waste envying those who have advantages. Status is not worth chasing. The only thing that matters is the integrity of the work at hand. Dedication and commitment fortify your character and take you all the way.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You weren’t looking for a prize, but you’ll get one anyway. In some manner, you have racked up enough points to claim a reward. A hobby, interest or relationship will pay off in unforeseen ways.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). If, as Shakespeare suggested,

all the world is a stage, today you’ll be more stagehand

than star. Setting the scene just right will bring you joy, inspiration and a profound sense of accomplishment.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Don’t skip the formalities or cut corners with protocol or etiquette. There is no better way to convey respect than politeness, which is the glue holding together transactions, relationships and so much more.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your willingness to experiment is a gift. Some you take on even though you have little to no faith they will work. There’s joy and learning in taking the big swings. And when they do connect, life gets very exciting.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Certain social interactions are unavoidable. When you must interact with people you don’t prefer, involve others. Everyone will behave better in small groups today and will keep one another in check.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Friends know you as a certain person with a particular job, habits and lifestyle.

It might be difficult for them to see you as someone new, so do what it takes to keep yourself motivated and on track to your goal.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You are extremely important to your team and will love the power surge that comes from giving yourself over to the group to become a part of something much bigger than the sum of its parts.

his recruitment process, going on to say it had been his dream school.

As a freshman this past season Cormac was able to play in a number of games, splitting time between the first and second teams. He was also a member of the travel team for its playoff run and was on the bench for Berkeley’s loss in the national championship to Navy and fellow former Motherload player Ronin Kreiger.

Following his first year of college, Cormac was contacted by the head coaches of both the Canadian and U.S. U20s rugby squads who tried to recruit him to play in 2023. He was eligible to play for either due to his U.S. citizenship and a greatgrandfather who had Canadian citizenship. Just as easy as the decision to play for Berkeley was, so was making the decision to play for Team USA.

“I was over the moon,” he told the Mountain Democrat. “It’s the biggest thing I can play in for my age.”

Cormac joined with the other U20s at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, for a month of practices and bonding. Thirty-three players were invited to the camp with the understanding only 28 would make the final roster.

“I felt pretty confident going into it, but not settled,” Cormac said of his odds to make the roster.

Ultimately he made the cut and played in the qualifying matches for the Under 20s Trophy against

Canada. For the first time since 2016, the U.S. Under 20s beat their Canadian counterpart to punch their ticket to the 2023 Trophy in Kenya tournament.

Cormac won’t be the only Saint headed to Kenya. His parents will join him on the trip to spectate.

“It was either a bathroom remodel or to take a trip (to Kenya),” Tony said with a laugh. “We’re incredibly proud. His hard work has paid off.”

Making the tournament is not the end goal for the team. Cormac’s age group is eyed to compete when the Rugby World Cup comes to the U.S. in 2031, when those players will be reaching their primes of 26 and 27 years old.

“Our coach set the expectation that we want to win this championship,” Cormac said. “We wanna play the best rugby and the best teams, so when the World Cup does come we’re prepared for it and can get to a quarterfinal. (That’s) something the U.S. has never done.”

Winning the Trophy in Kenya means Cormac’s squad will be promoted from the Trophy tier of U20s rugby to the Championship tier. This would mean playing on the biggest stage against the best nations at the sport — England, Ireland, France, Wales, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, among others — to begin preparing for a 2031 World Cup run.

Cormac’s U20s squad will play its first game of pool play in Kenya against Uruguay Saturday, July 15.

Saint Continued from A1

Courtesy photo

League to Save Lake Tahoe volunteers and cleanup day organizers pose for a group photo with their July 5 trash haul.

Cormac Saint is pictured during a rugby match playing for UC Berkeley. Saint said Berkeley is his dream school and he accepted an offer to play for the college with “no questions asked.”

Photo courtesy of UC Berkeley Athletics and Peter Rudy

In the KNOW

Now

The Master Gardener public office is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to noon at 311 Fair Lane, Placerville. Have a gardening question or problem? Come in and chat. Bring a cutting or insect in a Ziploc baggie or a picture. Can’t come in person? Call (530) 6215512 and leave a voicemail or email mgeldorado@ ucanr.edu.

The Placerville Main Street Farmers Market takes place from 4 p.m. to dusk in the Mooney Lot on Main Street. This market specializes in local fruits and vegetables, sustainable agriculture and community.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2680 in El Dorado County invites veterans of World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War as well as those seeing action in Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries during the war on terror plus those serving peace-keeping missions throughout the globe to become VFW members. For more information call (530) 499-2950.

July 11

Want to solve your pest problems in the garden using methods that lessen risks to people and the environment? Join Master Gardeners Sue McDavid and Pat Trimble for a presentation on Integrated Pest Management. Class is held 9 a.m. to noon at the Pilot Hill Grange, 1701 Highway 193 in Cool.

July 12

Find out 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) 6211378.

The Sons in Retirement – Gold Country branch meets 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.

Young men grow from Cub Scouts to CommissioNed offiCers

Andrew Vonderschmitt Mountain Democrat correspondent

Three childhood friends who rose through the Scouting ranks together — from Cubs to Eagle Scouts — have made a commitment to be of further service to their country as commissioned officers in the U.S. Army.

Caden Lowder, Joseph Pyle and Mitchell Scott met as Cub Scouts in 2010 and have remained friends throughout the years. Each of the high school graduates were recently awarded highly sought-after Army ROTC scholarships to attend their chosen colleges. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps is a program designed to develop college students into officers in the U.S. Army. The program provides students with various training opportunities, including leadership development, military tactics and physical fitness.

Each year more than 10,000 students apply for the ROTC scholarship program. Around 3,000 are awarded. The process focuses on finding students who have shown an aptitude for academics, athletics or leadership. Acceptance of a scholarship obliges the students to serve either four years of active

duty or eight years in the reserves. Upon graduation, ROTC graduates commission into the Army as 2nd lieutenants.

When Lowder, Pyle and Scott became Cub Scouts in El Dorado Hills back in the day they had no idea they were building bonds that would last through elementary, middle school and high school graduation ... and beyond.

But that’s how it played out for this cadre of friends. Although they did not all attend the same schools throughout the years, Scouting always brought them back together. The Boy Scouts of America focuses on instilling important life skills and values in young boys such as leadership, teamwork, responsibility and community service. Only around 4% of Scouts achieve Eagle Scout, which all three friends attained.

“We’ve been doing Scouts now for 11 years,” said Lowder. “That would put us at about 6 years old.”

“Scouts has been a great thing to keep me involved with my friends,” added Scott. “So even if I didn’t go to school with them it has been a great way to keep connected.”

“We did everything from racing in the derby where we made our own

n See Officers, page B3

Graduates get help from Placerville shakespeare Club

News release

The Placerville Shakespeare Club recently hosted its 2023 scholarship winners and their families at an afternoon tea at the Bedford Avenue historical clubhouse. Each student spoke to the members about their future plans and aspirations.

Anna Kerr, a Charter University Prep graduate, plans to attend University of California, Berkeley, majoring in renewable energy engineering, atmosphere science and physics.

Summer Dixon, an Oak Ridge High School grad, plans to study computation engineering at University of California, Los Angeles.

Bella Mendenhall, a Ponderosa High School grad, plans to attend University of Nevada, Reno, majoring in early childhood education.

Macy Little, an El Dorado High School grad, plans to study communications and journalism at California State University, Sacramento.

Also and EDHS grad, Daniela Nava Cisneros will pursue studies in the medical field at Folsom Lake College.

Taylor Bacchi, a Union Mine High School grad, plans to major in animal science/business at the University of Oklahoma.

The Placerville Shakespeare Club is pleased to support these young women from our community and wish them well in their future endeavors.

Courtesy photo

Summer Dixon, Bella Mendenhall and Anna Kerr, left to right, along with other recent graduates, earned scholarships from the Placerville Shakespeare Club.

Photo by Andrew Vonderschmitt

The three ROTC scholarship recipients receive advice from a recent graduate of the ROTC program and professor of military science after getting their official scholarship awards. Left to right are Mitchell Scott, Caden Lowder, Lt. Col. Justin Ottenwalter, Joseph Pyle and 1st Lt. Naomi Rivera.

Courtesy photo

Joseph, Mitchell and Caden began in Scouts in El Dorado Hills and have been on many adventures together.

announced the successful completion of its first-ever schoolwide STEAM Challenge, where students from kindergarten to fifth grade joined forces with buddy classes to construct a safe critter crossing for the protection of local wildlife.

The STEAM Challenge, an initiative

aimed at fostering collaboration, creativity and critical thinking, brought together the young minds to address an important ecological concern: the safety of animals crossing roads in the area. With the region’s abundant wildlife and increased traffic, the need for a secure pathway for critters became a pressing issue.

Under the guidance of teachers and mentors, students were divided into interdisciplinary teams, pooling their talents in STEAM to design and construct a solution that would ensure the safe passage of animals from one side of the road to the other.

Through the collaborative efforts of the buddy classes, students combined their knowledge and skills to construct functional critter crossing models. The innovative designs include imaginative wildlife-friendly features such as natural vegetation, gradual slopes and appropriate fencing to guide animals to the designated crossing areas.

Principal Joel Dameral, expressed great pride in the students’

accomplishments. “The STEAM Challenge exemplifies the values we instill in our students, building cross grade level relationships between students and staff, encouraging them to become environmentally responsible citizens and creative problem solvers,” he said. “It is inspiring to witness our young learners collaborate and apply their skills to address real-world challenges.”

In addition to promoting teamwork and ecological awareness, the STEAM Challenge enhanced the students’ understanding of various scientific concepts, engineering principles and artistic expression. Through this hands-on experience, the students gained valuable skills and knowledge that will undoubtedly serve them well in their academic and personal pursuits. The completion of the critter crossing project marks a significant milestone for the school, showcasing the school’s commitment to environmental stewardship and the importance of integrating STEAM education into the curriculum.

management, home care, respite and assisted living services are designed to ensure a safe, happy and fulfilling “every day.”

Decubitus ulcers — more than just a pain in the butt

Mr. Clarke lived alone in his onebedroom apartment with his dog Buster.

Sarelle Driggs, RN Elder Options

Mr. Clarke recently fell, broke his pelvis and was transferred to skilled nursing for rehabilitation. After some rigorous physical therapy, he was able to return home with some support from his neighbors.

Since his return home, Mr. Clarke’s neighbors have been visiting daily to make meals, pick up the house and take Buster for a walk. During this time they find Mr. Clarke in his recliner watching TV. He is spending most of his day in his chair and even prefers to sleep in it.

Recently, Mr. Clarke’s son Charlie came to visit. He noticed his dad was disheveled and appeared in need of

Officers Continued from B1

a shower. Reluctantly, Mr. Clarke agreed to let Charlie help him in the shower. When Charlie was helping his father undress, he found what appeared to be a wound on his father’s tailbone. Concerned, Charlie took his father to the doctor where he was diagnosed with a decubitus ulcer.

What is a decubitus ulcer? A decubitus ulcer is a damaged area of skin caused by pressure to that area over a period of time, sometimes as short as a few hours. Pressure to an area of skin disrupts blood flow which can cause tissue damage or tissue death. Decubitus ulcers are known by many names such as pressure ulcers, pressure sores, pressure injuries and bed sores.

Who can get a decubitus ulcer?

Anyone can get a decubitus ulcer, but it most often a ects those with decreased mobility who lie in bed or sit in a chair for longer periods of time than not or are unable to change their position without the help of another.

cars to the Rain Gutter Regatta where we built tiny sailboats and raced them,” reminisced Pyle. Other adventures the three shared over the years included camping (both in the summer and in the snow), backpacking trips, canoeing, kayaking and the aquatic Scouting program in Florida where Scouts experience deep sea fishing, underwater robotics and paddle boarding, among other things, Lowder shared.

“That was probably one of our best experiences,” he said. “I think I can speak for all of us.”

The young men’s relationships grew independently from the Scouts as well.

“We were really tight, socially,” said Scott. “We would plan Boy Scout meetings that weren’t really Scout centered at all where we would just hang out at one of our houses.”

For Jesuit High School graduate Pyle, who will attend Boise State in the fall, the Scouts engendered his love of service and he said this naturally led to a decision to serve in the military.

“All of a sudden I realized I enjoy being active; I enjoy being of service and helping people,” admitted Pyle. “All the volunteer stu (through the Scouts) was geared toward helping the community, which is also much like the military.”

After discussing the options with Jesuit’s dean of students and his uncle, a veteran, Pyle applied to the ROTC program and went for the scholarship.

Future Clemson University student and fellow Jesuit High School graduate Scott said he always planned on a life of military service.

“I’ve always wanted to go into the Army regardless,” he said.

His brother also won an ROTC scholarship so Scott heard firsthand how the program helped build bonds with fellow students. This encouraged him to apply for the ROTC program. A summer camp at West Point didn’t hurt either.

“I saw the bond that was built at the academy and how fast I could build bonds with people going through the same experiences,” he recalled.

Oak Ridge High School grad Lowder, who will attend University of Southern California, said the question wasn’t whether he would serve in the military but which branch he would choose. He had looked into the Air Force Academy but also wanted to have a “regular” college experience while preparing to serve.

“My dad had two of his very good friends growing up in ROTC,” he said. “My uncle did ROTC as well and they talked to me about it.”

Lowder also saw the benefits of the bond that would come from serving with his fellow ROTC students.

“You already have a bunch of guys you can be friends with because you have already built that bond,” he said, “which is sometimes hard in college.”

All three agree the move from the Scouts to military service was a natural progression.

“Scouts definitely helped in that it’s very structured and organized, like the military,” said Scott. “So I think it was a natural kind of jump to move into the military.”

“Boy Scouts built up, I can say for all three of us, our leadership skills,” added Lowder. “I think with those skills and then some of the other skills we

Pressure is not the only thing that can cause this tissue damage. Friction and shear can cause this damage as well. Clothing or bedding can rub against the skin making fragile skin more susceptible to the problem. Also, think about somebody trying to assist another person in changing their position by pushing, sliding or pulling them. They can easily cause two surfaces to move in opposite directions which is shear. This can frequently happen between skin and the bones it covers in various locations. Where do decubitus ulcers occur?

When you think about bony areas of the body in contact with a bed or a wheelchair, you will recognize the areas more prone to prolonged pressure. These include the back of the head, shoulder blades, hips, lower back, tailbone, heels and ankles. Are there other risk factors that contribute to the development of decubitus ulcers? Decreased mobility is not the only thing that can put a person at higher risk for pressure sores. Incontinence, or lack of voluntary control over one’s bowel or bladder, can weaken the

learned we’re very prepared to go into this, in our future.”

Ironically, the three young men did not decide together to apply for the program. They each arrived to the decision on their own and then learned of the other’s similar plans. However, it was no surprise to Scott that they had made a similar choice.

“The Boy Scouts just kind of naturally inclined us to want to achieve more and kind of push ourselves,” he said. “And I think that’s why we, all three, ended up doing ROTC and applying for the scholarship.”

According to Lt. Col. Justin Ottenwalter, professor of military science at University of California, Davis and California State Univeristy, Sacramento, the balance of education that ROTC students receive helps them grow through the transition period into

skin from prolonged exposure to moisture. People with a lack of sensory perception may not feel the pain or discomfort that normally triggers people to change position.

Poor nutrition and hydration can lead to a breakdown in tissue making bed sores more possible. Some medical conditions like diabetes or vascular disease a ect blood flow to tissue as well.

What can I do to prevent decubitus ulcers? There are several tips that can help prevent decubitus ulcers from occurring in the first place. This can include:

• Shift your weight, lift off a surface to reposition rather than scoot or slide, and use pressure-relieving cushions or mattresses.

• For caregivers who assist others with decreased mobility, ensure a proper amount of help is available to reposition someone appropriately without shear and reposition frequently, up to every hour.

• Use a wheelchair that reclines to allow a sitting person a change of pressure points. A wheelchair cushion

■ See CARE, page B4

adulthood.

“They’re getting an outstanding military education in addition to their academic education,” he said. “So I think it’s a really good balance and I see the students grow a lot as they’re in the program.”

In his time at this post, just under a year, Ottenwalter has seen five students commission into their military service and said it’s the highlight of the job. “We spend years teaching them and then, at the very end, we get to see them transition and we put on the full Army uniform; we put the gold bars of being a lieutenant on them.”

Each young man ships out to their respective colleges in August to start their new chapters in life and individual paths toward the ultimate goal of serving their country. They do, of course, intend to keep in touch.

Family FeaTureS

Gatherings in the summer sun are all about easy, convenient recipes combined with the joy warm weather brings. Spend those special occasions with those you love most and make this summer one to remember with flatbreads, sliders and sweet treats for all to share.

Keeping cooking simple means more time on the patio or in the backyard engaging with guests, and these Chipotle Chicken Flatbreads, Chicken Shawarma Sliders and lemon Cheesecake with Fruit let home chefs skip complicated kitchen duties without skimping on flavor. Visit Culinary.net to find more simple summer recipes to share with loved ones.

Summery Flatbreads for Family and Friends

When dining outdoors with family, friends and neighbors, there are few things better than a tasty dish the whole family can enjoy like these Chipotle Chicken Flatbreads.

Perfect for al fresco entertaining when served alongside a fresh salad, they’re simple to make and allow guests to personalize with preferred toppings before popping in the oven. As a colorful and fresh dish, it’s an ideal meal for get-togethers on the patio.

For more summer recipe ideas, visit Culinary.net.

Chipotle Chicken Flatbreads

Recipe adapted from butteryourbiscuit.com

2 flatbreads

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 clove garlic, diced

4 chicken tenders, cooked and cubed

1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered salt, to taste pepper, to taste

1/2 cup ranch dressing

1 1/2 teaspoons chipotle seasoning

2 tablespoons cilantro leaves, chopped

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Place parchment paper on baking sheet and add flatbreads. Sprinkle cheese on flatbreads. Top with garlic, chicken and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bake 16 minutes until cheese is melted. In small bowl, mix ranch and chipotle seasoning. Drizzle ranch dressing on flatbreads and sprinkle with cilantro leaves.

Shareable Sliders for a Nutritious Summer Meal

Fresh, mouthwatering foods hot off the grill are a sure sign of summer fun. Hosting sunny get-togethers this year can be made easy when you show off your grilling skills with a simple, nutritious and flavorful recipe.

These Chicken Shawarma Sliders are a delicious example of how to grill healthy summer meals without forgoing favorite flavors. They’re part of a curated 12-recipe collection of healthy, balanced dishes from the snacking experts at family-owned Fresh Cravings, known for its chilled salsas, hummus and other dips, which teamed up with eMeals, America’s leading provider of meal plans.

“These sliders are a fantastic – and healthy – option for your next gathering,” said emeals Senior Nutrition Writer and editor rachel West, rD. “The marinade uses a mix of pantry-friendly dried herbs and fresh garlic to give the lean grilled chicken breast some oomph. The lettuce and red onion add cool crispness and crunch to the sandwiches while Fresh Cravings’ creamy, flavorpacked hummus gets some nutritional bonus points by providing a dose of protein and fiber.”

Find the entire recipe collection by visiting emeals.com/campaign/Fresh-Cravings-HealthyEats.

Recipe courtesy of eMeals Registered Dietitian

Rachel West

Prep time: 25 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika

1/2 tablespoon ground cumin

1/2 tablespoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 package (12) slider buns

1 container (17 ounces) Fresh Cravings

Honey Jalapeno Hummus

1 package (8 ounces) shredded lettuce

1/2 small red onion, sliced

In zip-top plastic bag, use meat mallet or heel of hand to pound chicken to even thickness. Cut into 2-inch pieces and place in large bowl. add oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt and cayenne; toss.

Cover chicken and chill 8 hours, or up to 2 days.

Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken 4-5 minutes per side, or until done.

Serve chicken on buns with hummus, lettuce and onion.

Unforgettable Fruity Flavor

Summertime often brings cravings for fresh fruits that add a hint of sweetness to warm-weather gatherings. Serving up a delicious dessert for family and guests starts with favorite produce in this Lemon Cheesecake with Fruit.

The touch of tangy tartness is enough to bring loved ones to the dessert table even after a filling meal as fresh lemon juice in the cheesecake base is complemented perfectly when topped with orange slices and raspberries. Garnished with mint leaves, this brightly colored treat is even sweeter when shared with loved ones. Find more sweet summer desserts at Culinary.net.

Lemon Cheesecake with Fruit

Servings: 6-8

1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup butter, melted 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

3 eggs

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 orange, peeled and separated

8 raspberries

3 mint leaves, for garnish

Preheat oven to 350 F.

In medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Press firmly into 9-inch springform pan. In large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add eggs, fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract; mix until combined.

Pour into pan. Bake 50-55 minutes, or until center springs back when lightly pressed. Chill in refrigerator until completely cooled. Arrange orange slices around border of cake and place raspberries in middle. Top with mint leaves.

Chipotle Chicken Flatbreads

Chicken Shawarma Sliders

Chicken Shawarma Sliders