Eric Jaramishian
Staff writer
A Crystal Boulevard house was destroyed by fire with flames spreading to nearby vegetation Sunday
before firefighters got things under control.
The Logtown home was still standing when fire crews arrived on scene but it eventually
■ See FIRE page A7
Sara Jackson
Special to the Tahoe Daily Tribune
While the North Tahoe and Meeks Bay fire protection districts have been in contract for more than a decade, there has been a yearslong push to annex Meeks Bay Fire into North Tahoe Fire.
North Tahoe Fire Protection District covers everything from the state line in Crystal Bay, all the way down to the El Dorado County line on the west shore, and then up a little way to Alpine Meadows.
Station 67 in Meeks Bay is located in El Dorado County and covers Sugar Pine Point State Park
and D.L. Bliss State Park, and then just about all the way down to Emerald Bay. North Tahoe Fire and Meeks Bay Fire have been operationally consolidated since 2014. So, what does the annexation of the two districts mean for the community?
According to Edward Miller, president of the Meeks Bay Fire Board of Directors, “There will be absolutely no di erence in services because right now we’re being serviced by North Tahoe Fire. So, whether the engine or the back of the turnout coat says Meeks Bay Fire or North Tahoe Fire, it’s still North Tahoe firefighters and paramedics.”
The Meeks Bay fire station is sta ed by North Tahoe firefighters. There are people who think that when annexation is complete, there won’t be a Meeks Bay fire station anymore. There has been a Meeks Bay fire station since 1967 and fire o cials say there will continue to be one after the annexation. Those working at the Meeks Bay fire station have been working
■ See MEEKS BAY, page A3
Eric Jaramishian Staff writer
On canyon ridges over the South Fork of the American River north of Placerville construction of the new bridge to Mosquito continues.
Workers with Shimmick Construction are finishing drilling on the south side of the project to build an abutment wall. On the north side final touches are being made on an abutment wall. The abutment walls will be used to connect the bridge to both sides of the canyon.
Construction crews have to drill 80 feet deep into the ground to establish the abutment stem.
Realignment of Mosquito Road on the north side of the canyon that will allow drivers to access the bridge is also under way. Next will be the construction of the piers. Soldier pile walls are going up on the bases of the canyons to help reinforce the piers’ construction, expected to be completed by August. By October drilling for the piers is expected to begin, which will take a couple of months, according to El Dorado County Department of Transportation senior civil engineer Aradhana Kochar. Concrete
footing will then be poured in 1,100 cubic yard measurements. Once the pier foundations are complete, pier columns will start to be built. Construction of the superstructure is slated to begin around summer 2024.
Despite winter and spring weather delays, DOT sta confirmed last Thursday with the Mountain Democrat the bridge is still set for completion in mid2025.
“(Work crews) have used 208 days of the 700 working days they were given to complete the bridge project out here,” said Kochar. “With the time expended, that is still really close and we are still on a good
■ See BRIDGE page A8
Obituaries on this page are written and paid for by the families or funeral homes. They are edited minimally by the Mountain Democrat. To submit an obituary, call (530) 622-1255, e-mail obits@mtdemocrat.net, fax (530) 344-5092, or visit mtdemocrat.com under “Submission Forms” at the bottom of the website. Include contact information with all submissions.
Sept. 30, 1946 – July 6, 2023
His family is sad to announce the passing of Ralph William Haslam of Pollock Pines, CA. Ralph died at the age of 76 surrounded by his loved ones on July 6th, 2023. Ralph was born in Napa, CA on September 30, 1946. Soon, his family moved to Garberville, CA, where he attended elementary and high school, graduating in 1964. Ralph earned his BA from Chico State in 1968 and his teaching credential in 1969, and later earned an MA and administrator’s credential from Sacramento State. Ralph met his wife Donna while they attended college. They were married on August 30, 1969, and celebrated nearly 53 happy years together. Ralph was a teacher and vice principal for 10 years in Vacaville, CA. In 1980, Ralph and Donna moved to Pollock Pines so he could become principal in the Pollock Pines school district, a role he worked in at di erent schools for the next 31 years. Ralph loved science and getting kids interested in the field and visited K-4th grade classrooms as “the Principal of Science” to perform interactive experiments with them (Ralph also loved a pun). Ralph retired in 2011. In Ralph’s recent years, in his spare time he enjoyed reading, tinkering at his workbench, volunteering at the Snowline Hospice Thrift Shop, and being a collection counter for St. Patricks in Placerville. All the way into his 70s, Ralph enjoyed camping, fishing, and family gatherings. He held a special reverence for the outdoors, fostered by time in the Humboldt redwoods where he worked as a park ranger in his youth. Ralph is predeceased by his parents Frank and Eunice Haslam and his in-laws John and Betty Soletti. He leaves behind his wife Donna, his son Alan (fiancée Brionna), his son Matthew (wife Laura), and his step-granddaughters Hannah and Makenna. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law John Soletti (wife Irene) and sister-in-law Patsy Hough (husband Tom). Ralph will always be in their hearts. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 10th at 11am at St. Patrick Catholic Church with a luncheon reception to follow. A private family burial will be held at the Mt. Shasta Memorial Chapel.
Sept. 15, 1946 - July 16, 2023
Tom passed away peacefully from complications due to Alzheimer’s Disease. He spent his last nine months at The Courte at Citrus Heights where he received loving care.
Tom was raised in Davis, CA, the eldest child of Tom and Elaine Cooper. He graduated from UCD (1968) and UCD Law School (1973). Tom married Holly Bowen in 1969. They raised their two children in Davis while Tom practiced law, Construction Litigation, at Downey Brand in Sacramento. In 1998, they moved to Sacramento to begin establishing their vineyard and winery in Placerville. In 2001, Tom and Holly, along with their daughter Carrie and son-in-law Josh opened Holly’s Hill Vineyards.
Tom enjoyed fishing, hiking, skiing and boating. He loved his trips to Lake Tahoe and to his cabin in Strawberry.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years Holly, son Scott Cooper (Vickie), daughter Carrie Bendick (Josh), grandchildren Marin, Isabel, Esme and Darwin, his sisters Sue Me ord (Steve) and Cindy Evans (Scott), brother Stan Cooper (Valerie) and many nieces and nephews. Tom will be missed by all.
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VACATION HOLDS
Nov. 27, 1954 - June 13, 2023
Richard Warren Russell (Rick), 68 years old, a longtime resident of El Dorado Hills, passed away Tuesday June 13, 2023, in Rincon, Puerto Rico.
Rick’s family was the center of his universe, and he enjoyed lifelong friendships with those who loved his generous spirit, wry smile, quick laugh and sense of humor. You always knew if Rick was in the room, and you were glad he was.
He was in Puerto Rico, where he recently purchased property, sharing his lifelong love of the ocean with his family when he passed away. He loved the laid-back island lifestyle and as a fisherman, the abundant catch waiting for him right outside his door.
Rick was born on November 27, 1954, in Sacramento to Donald and Laura Russell (Harris). He was older brother to Thomas Russell and Donna Russell. Rick enjoyed a close relationship with his grandmother Leona Scarfe (Donald’s mother) and his grandparents Juanita and Refugio Rochin (Laura’s mother and father), as well as with his many aunts, uncles and cousins in Southern California. Family trips to San Diego were very special. It is on the beaches of Oceanside and Carlsbad where, as a child, Rick learned to love the ocean.
Rick’s family life began when he married Nichole (Nikki) Michelle Johnson on April 26, 2008. Rick became husband to Nikki and father to her son Tristan on that date. Rick later adopted Tristan. Rick became a father for the second time when Ella Rose Russell was born. Rick was a devoted husband and father.
Rick attended Presentation Parochial school, J.R. Cowan Elementary School, Arcade Junior High, and Mira Loma High School. He learned to play an excellent game of tennis and was a top player of his age group at Del Norte Tennis Club where his mother was a club tennis pro. Rick had lifelong friendships from high school and his early adult years working at Tower Records in Sacramento.
Rick earned a college degree in geology and worked with professional firms providing expertise in environmental impacts from a geological perspective. Rick’s education and experience proved invaluable as he and his dad worked together to bring one of the first wind farms in California to the family’s 1,200-acre ranch in Solano County. Rick loved to golf and shared this love with many friends on courses in northern California and beyond. He was formerly a member of Cameron Park Country Club where he played on award-winning club teams.
Rick is survived by Nikki Russell, Tristan Warren Russell and Ella Rose Russell; Nikki’s parents James and Angie Oliver; Nikki’s sister Rachel Holcomb (Matthew); his brother Tom Russell (Vicki) and sister Donna Russell (Dr. Dee Wright) and many nieces and nephews. Rick is also survived by Richard Harris (Colleen); Terri Harris (Ginnette) and Sherri Harris Hall (Ash). He was predeceased by his father Donald Russell; mother Laura Harris; and stepfather Richard (Dick) Harris.
Sept. 17, 1942 – July 4, 2023
David Ronzone passed away on the morning of July 4th, 2023.
A lifelong resident of Placerville, David was born on September 17, 1942 to Joseph and Lorna Ronzone
He attended grammar school in Coloma and Placerville and graduated from El Dorado High School where he excelled in sports, especially football. He loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman.
A carpenter by trade he was a licensed contractor and built many homes in El Dorado County before going to work in commercial construction as a proud member of Carpenters Local 1789 Union. Before retirement he worked as superintendent for several companies including Bechtel Mascon and Bender Construction.
David is remembered for his loyalty, kindness and generosity to family and friends
He is survived by his daughter Jeanine of Grass Valley, son Dario (Nancy) of Highlands Ranch, CO. Grandchildren, Lorna, Audrey and Evan. His sister Gigi Gay (Ben), niece Gina and nephews Je and Antonio. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Wes Ronzone
He was dearly loved and is deeply missed
A celebration of life casual gathering to remember David will be held Saturday August 5th at the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour Parish Hall 2979 Coloma Street, Placerville from 10am to noon.
July 30, 1949 - July 24, 2023
William “Bill” Louis Mack was an amazing husband, father, son, grandfather, brother and friend. He left this world on July 24, 2023 at age 73 due to complications from surgery.
He was born in Chicago, Illinois to Norbert and Betty Mack on July 30, 1949 and grew up in a tight knit family of 5 kids who kept in touch often and are close to this day, swapping family and grandchildren stories.
Bill served in the air force during the Vietnam war and had some of his photography published in military journals. He married the love of his life, Nancy, and they moved to Somerset where they built a house and had two daughters, Jenny and Kim. Bill really enjoyed spending time with his family and grandkids as well as on creative hobbies such as writing short stories and designing board games.
Pioneer Bible Church became a big part of his life, where he got to know God and also made some good friends.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Norbert and Betty Mack and his sister, Cathy.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Nancy, his daughter, Jenny (Matt) and grandkids Zach and Whitney, his daughter, Kim (Seth) and grandkids Rachel and Logan, his brother, Jim (Diane), his sister Penny (Rob), his sister Margie (John), and many beloved nieces and nephews and their kids. A memorial service is scheduled for 3pm on August 6, 2023 at Pioneer Bible Church, 6851 Mt Aukum Road, Somerset, CA 95684
County adopts policy on naming buildings
The policy gives supervisors the authority to name buildings for individuals who served the county, rendered distinguished service and made significant contributions to its interests as an elected officer, appointed official or employee of the county or another public agency.
Buildings named prior to the policy adoption will only be changed at supervisors’ discretion.
While the policy does not apply to parks, roads or trails, buildings inside county-owned parks can be named after an individual.
In January the board voted to name the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office headquarters after former Sheriff John D’Agostini. Some supervisors expressed concern over renaming the building without an official county policy.
The sheriff’s headquarters will have a renaming ceremony Aug. 19 at 10 a.m., Turnboo said during the meeting.
After deliberation the board in a split vote supported renaming the building and directed staff to draft a policy on naming and renaming county-owned buildings.
While the board collectively praised the policy for its “simplicity,” the members questioned whether they wanted to omit titles of individuals when naming buildings and if those in higher political positions were to be eligible for the policy.
“When you talk about people who sit in higher offices, it is going to be politically charged because they have to declare if they are Republican, Democrat, no party preference, etc ... and it stirs things at that level,” said District 1 Supervisor John Hidahl. “It creates conflict and we want to bring people together.”
Hidahl added that a future board changing the policy would be possible.
District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin commented that if board members were to have a building named after them, it would have partisan implications.
“It is going to be controversial no matter what,” Parlin said. “That is why the policy says ‘rare.’” Parlin added she wanted to send the policy back to staff to consider those policy characteristics. Staff told the board it would be beneficial to approve the policy at the meeting to facilitate future consideration of naming buildings such as the permanent navigation center the county plans to build at 300 Fair Lane adjacent at the Government Center in Placerville.
The board approved the policy in a 4-1 vote, with Parlin voting no, and most in agreement changes can be made to the policy in the future.
Presented by Jeffery Little, D.D.S.
A porch fire at a Los Santos Drive home in Cameron Park early Monday morning jumped to a neighboring home, damaging the attic and exterior, according to Cal Fire officials.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, said Wendy Oaks, Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit public information officer.
The call came in for fire crews at 1:44 a.m. and by 2:25 a.m. flames had been knocked down. Oaks noted no injuries were
reported. The Cal Fire Cameron Park Fire Department was assisted by personnel from the Rescue and El Dorado Hills fire departments and the El Dorado County and Diamond Springs-El Dorado fire protection districts.
tralize decay-causing acids and helps repair tooth enamel.
was released on $30,000 bail.
El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office crime log: July 18-22
July 18
2:40 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 33-yearold man suspected of possession of a controlled substance, vehicle theft, a felony probation violation and driving on a suspended license on Pleasant Valley Road in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $22,000 bail.
6:57 a.m. Burglary was reported at a school on Golden Eagle Lane in El Dorado Hills.
9:01 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Meadow Lane in Cameron Park.
10:12 a.m. Vandalism was reported at Wrights Lake in Kyburz.
11:09 a.m. Grand theft was reported at a car dealership on Mercedes Lane in El Dorado Hills.
7:42 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 28-yearold man suspected of failing to appear in court on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. He was released on $33,000 bail.
July 19
2:23 a.m. Petty theft was reported at a store on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines.
11:16 a.m. Battery was reported at a business on Wild Chaparral Drive in Shingle Springs.
12:10 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 35-yearold man suspected of possession of narcotics and illegal drug paraphernalia, conspiracy to commit a crime and driving on a suspended license on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. He
Meeks
for North Tahoe Fire under the contract so that station will is not expected to lose personnel, response times or apparatus.
The potential unification of Meeks Bay Fire with North Tahoe Fire has been on the NTFPD’s Board of Directors agenda since August 2018. The annexation of the two districts was supposed to happen toward the end of 2022 or the beginning of 2023. It is currently in the hands of Placer and El Dorado counties’ chief negotiators and the Local Agency Formation Commission office, which consists of two staff members from each county responsible for negotiating the final process of the annexation.
“We’ve had multiple fiscal analyses, one from AP Triton. We filed the application for LAFCo on Aug. 31, 2022,” said Steve Leighton, fire chief for both North Tahoe and Meeks Bay Fire. “We determined what the (board of directors) makeup was going to look like with the combined
1:34 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Parkway Drive in Placerville.
7:44 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 20-yearold man suspected of felony vandalism on Crystal Boulevard in El Dorado. He was released on $10,000 bail.
8:15 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 23-yearold man suspected of battery on Crystal Boulevard in El Dorado. He was released on $5,000 bail.
8:52 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 44-yearold woman suspected of grand theft on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. She was released on $50,500 bail.
8:58 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Valley Vista Drive in Camino.
9:06 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a pharmacy on Palmer Drive in Cameron Park.
11:48 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 27-year-old man suspected of DUI and possession of a controlled substance on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville. He was later released.
July 20
2:47 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 23-year-old woman suspected of DUI on Highway 50 at Fresh Pond. She was later released.
10:02 a.m. Burglary was reported on Johntown Creek Road in Garden Valley.
10:38 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 42-year-
A1
district and had resolutions, both approved by both boards. So, we think that we’re at a point now where we’ve done everything we’ve possibly can and now it’s basically in El Dorado County’s hands on what they want this to look like going forward.”
Part of the challenge is Placer County does not have responsibility to pay Meeks Bay’s liabilities. If Meeks Bay was located within Placer County, then the county could take responsibility.
But Placer County does not want to take responsibility for Meeks Bay’s unfunded liabilities such as retired employees. The unfunded liabilities are currently about $2.5 million.
But Miller pointed out Meeks Bay Fire serves “not only the people who pay taxes within our district but we serve an enormous amount of people from out of our district more than we serve in our district.”
Meeks Bay Fire is funded by property taxes and voter-approved
old woman suspected of loitering, resisting arrest and possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. She was released on $3,000 bail.
12:38 p.m. Deputies cited a person suspected of petty theft at a pharmacy on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.
1:22 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a store on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.
3:17 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Lariat Drive in Shingle Springs.
Drive in Cameron Park. He was later released. 6:19 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 42-yearold woman suspected of loitering on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. She was later released. 6:28 p.m. Battery was reported on Union Ridge Road in Placerville. 7:38 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 39-yearold man suspected of a probation violation on Pleasant Valle Road in Diamond Springs. He was listed in custody. 7:39 p.m. Burglary was reported on Greenstone Cutoff in Placerville. 7:43 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 62-year-old man suspected of DUI on Highway 50 east of Silva Valley Parkway in El Dorado Hills. He was later released. 11:04 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 59-yearold man suspected of indecent exposure on Hub Street in Pollock Pines. He was released on $5,000 bail. crime log
benefit assessments and special taxes. If the annexation were to go through, the special taxes and benefit assessments in the Meeks Bay fire district would have to be equalized with those currently charged residents in the North Tahoe District so that everyone in the “new” district would be paying the same.
“This would amount to about $75 per parcel less for Meeks Bay fire district property owners than they currently pay,” according to Miller.
Seventy-five percent of U.S. households have drinking water treated with fluoride at a level that prevents tooth decay and is safe for drinking. Because fluoride occurs naturally in water but not always at levels high enough to help protect teeth, it is often added to municipal tap water. Bottled water doesn’t contain fluoride, so you may need to supplement with a fluoridated mouthwash if your main source of drinking water is bottled or well water. Fluoride helps children’s developing teeth by entering the bloodstream where it’s carried to the jawbone to help form healthy tooth enamel. Adults and children both benefit from fluoride because it mixes with saliva in the mouth to neu-
In addition to including fluoride in your oral hygiene regimen, we have lots of good ideas on how to help keep your mouth a healthy one. Because we understand that conscientious dental care is a crucial part of overall health, we strongly believe that one of the most important services we render our patients is a plan for preventive care. Along with daily brushing and flossing, one crucial tool to your good dental health is regular professional care.
P.S. Getting fluoride from a variety of sources (drinking water, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental treatments) is an excellent way to prevent tooth decay.
See Rich Downing for your window covering needs and more! Screens - Sun Screens, Pollen Screens, Insect Screens, Pet Tuff Screens, Pass Thru Screens, Sliding Screen Doors, Retractable Screens, and Motorized
Richdowning@mail.com
www.windowscreensolutions.com (916) 906-2033
Tim Nickle; Gary Brown, Branch Manager; and David Dodd.
just another lumber store; Diamond Paci c supplies all phases of construction, from the foundation to the roof and everything in between, including the deck. The dedicated and friendly staff is committed to providing contractors and homeowners with local solutions to their construction and DIY needs. 150 Forni Road, Placerville (530) 622-2680
https://diamondpaci csupply.com/
Save the Graves savethegraveseldorado.org
Affordable Storage placervilleaffordablestorage.com
Maria Caldwell & Friends Real Estate nesthomerealestate.com
Back row: Leonard Grado, President EDC Chamber; Mike Roberts, Save the Graves (STG); Ted Roslund, Affordable Storage
Front row: Michele Martin, STG; Patty Borelli, STG; Julianne Melchor, STG; Maria Caldwell, Maria Caldwell & Friends Real Estate; Daphne Simmons, STG; and Cathy Zuber, EDC Chamber Member Services
Kassandra prides herself on providing the highest level of customer service to all of her clients, always putting their wants and needs at the forefront of each transaction. Buying or selling a home is a huge step that requires proper guidance, care and attention to detail that Kassandra works tirelessly to provide.
(916) 531-6519
www.facebook.com/people/Kassandra-Duran-Realtor
Friday, October 20, 2023 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday, October 20, 2023 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Members reserve your vendor space soon!
Members reserve your vendor space soon!
A unique opportunity to talk one on one with more than 80 of the county’s best businesses in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Show specials and sales, complimentary food, wine and beer tas�ngs, and free drawings.
A unique opportunity to talk one on one with more than 80 of the county’s best businesses in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Show specials and sales, complimentary food, wine and beer tastings, and free drawings. There is no better place to learn about Film making in El Dorado County than the This event attracts lm lovers and industry specialists which gives this event a fast pace high energy feel that you will only find at the El Dorado County Business Showcase. If you are interested in learning about the local film industry, this is a once-a-year event!
Admission is free.
There is no be�er place to learn more about �ilm making in El Dorado County than the I ♥ Film Mixer. This event a�racts film lovers and industry specialists which gives this event a fast paced high energy feel that you will only find at the El Dorado County Business Showcase. If you are interested in learning about the local film industry, this is a once-a-year event!
Admission is free.
Sourdough & Co strives to bring the freshest and highest quality deli sandwiches to El Dorado Hills. Renowned for our freshly baked Sourdough Bread, served warm, our deli style sandwiches feature an array of top quality meats, cheeses and produce topped with our delectable house spread. Sourdough & Co offers the ultimate in casual dining in our old-time style establishment.
916-313-4561
381 Green Valley Rd, El Dorado Hills www.sourdoughandco.com/el-dorado-hills-green-valley-road
Did you know that the Chamber keeps a community calendar of events? El Dorado County events can be submitted to http://visiteldorado. mhsoftware.com/EditItem.html Once approved, your event will appear on the online calendar at www.visiteldorado.com and also printed in the Voice of Business newsletter as space allows.
Miners on Main Scavenger Hunt
Rocker Oysterfeller’s “Eastside” is located on Placerville’s historic Main Street featuring BBQ Oysters from Tomales Bay, Free Range Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Grassfed Smashburgers, and meats from our cabinet smoker alongside craft cocktails, live music events and more!
530-295-9408
564 Main Street, Placerville
www.rockeroysterfellers.com
Grab a copy of the 2023
California Labor Law Digest!
Grab a copy of the 2023 California Labor Law Digest!
Grab a copy of the 2023
California Labor Law Digest!
This digest written in easy-tounderstand language, clears up common areas of confusion such as exempt/nonexempt status and leaves of absence Includes access to more than 300 HR forms that can be customized.
This digest written in easy-tounderstand language clears up common areas of confusion such as exempt/nonexempt status and leaves of absence Includes access to more than 300 HR forms that can be customized.
This digest, written in easy-tounderstand language, clears up common areas of confusion such as exempt/ nonexempt status and leaves of absence. Includes access to more than 300 HR forms that can be customized.
PC & Mac Compatible
PC & Mac Compatible
PC & Mac Compatible
There are ten “Miners” hidden throughout Main Street Placerville from Sacramento Street to Clay Street. These Miners all had an impact on Placerville and El Dorado County during the Gold Rush period. Each miner has a QR code on the medallion that will take you to a webpage about the miners when scanned with your phone camera. So grab your phone and begin your hunt. visit-eldorado.com/miners-on-main/
Live Music, Arts, & Quality Entertainment at
The Green Room Social Club
GRSC promotes monthly art shows with artist receptions, live painting experiences, weekly karaoke, open mic, and trivia nights! Watch the big game on the big screen or bring the family to the Foothills all ages venue. https://clubgreenroom.com/
South County Farmers Market
Sundays 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Produce, crafters, food and fun!
Fairplay Road at the Shadow Ranch Vineyard, 7050 Fairplay Road. Seeking vendors! Karen 530.558.1373
Dinner Station Farmers Market
Thursdays, 4 - 7:00 p.m. Produce, crafters, food and fun! At the famous four corners! 5951 Mount Akum Road. Seeking vendors!
Thursdays starting August 3rd! Contact Karen 530.558.1373 for vendor availability or questions
Celebrate Summer in Apple Hill
Enjoy summer’s bounty with you-pick berries, owers, acitivities and more!
Farms open include:
Goldbud Farms – Summer Harvest Days Special, buy ve pounds for the price of four. goldbudfarms.com
Bluestone Meadow – Lavender products for sale in the gift shop. bluestonemeadow.com
Boeger Winery – Wine Tasting and bottles for purchas boegerwinery.com
Madrona Vineyards – Special summer fruit strudel paired with Fiore (a white Muscat wine) madronavineyards.com
Lava Cap Winery – Enjoy mountain-grown wine in the garden. Lavacap.com
Rucksack Cellars – Enjoy wines with a view. RucksackCellars.com
Live Music and Wood red Pizza
Fridays 5 – 8:00 p.m. The best of handmade, wood- red pizzas with local, seasonal produce, limited production wines by the glass and bottle, and entertainment from our favorite artists. Join us for a relaxing time on the patio, enjoy the sunset and take in the views. chateaudavell.com , Emily Hays 530-919-6588 for reservations and dietary accommodations.
Aug 1 National Night Out
Pollock Pines, 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Forebay Park by the Little League eld and across the street from beautiful Forebay Lake.1st responder Vehicle, Tours, Community Service Organizations, Live Music, Kids games, Free Hot dogs.
Face Painting, Raf es, Prizes, Scavenger Hunt, Karate Demo, Interactive Entertainment, Talent Show. Jeanne Harper Jmharper2@comcast.net
Placerville 5 - 8:00 p.m
Free family-friendly event co-hosted by El Dorado Community Health Center and Gold Country Health Center. Join us for free hot dogs, live music, community booths and much more!
City of Placerville 6 – 8:00 pm
Grocery Outlet, 1462 Broadway
Hangtown Village Square, 1200 Broadway Union Cemetery, 650 Bee Street
Aug 2 Star eld VineyardsWednesday Night Wine & Dine
5:15 p.m. -10 p.m. Sipping on your favorite Star eld wine, eating some delicious food, listening to relaxing live music, and watch-
ing the sunset is a phenomenal mid-week break! All food, beer, and wine will be charged à la carte so guests are welcome to purchase as much or as little as they like. Reservations Required. www.star eldvineyards.com/Events/Wednesday-Night-Wine--Dine Event date, time, cost or locations are subject to change. Prior to attending an event please con rm the information.
Aug 5 “For the Love of Dog” Comedy Show
How do you really know if your dog likes you? Do you have any idea what they think or feel about you? Those questions and more are the subject of a new comedy show penned by Bill Glasser at The Stage At Burke Junction. www.stageatburke.com
Aug 5 Ag in the Classrooms 20 Mile Taste Fundraiser
4 - 7:00 p.m. Hosted by Rainbow Orchards, 2569 Larsen Drive, Camino. Visitors will have the option to drive thru and take home a meal or stay and picnic in the orchard. Stay and enjoy live music, wine, beer, hard cider, and sangria to purchase. $60 per person. https://agintheclass-edc.org/
Aug 5 Food Wine and Live Music at Sierra Vista
5 - 8:00 p.m. Plaid City will be playing live on Stage. The Dinner Station food truck will be here serving food for purchase. As always we will have wine by the glass or the bottle for purchase. No outside food or alcohol allowed. www.sierravistawinery.com/ event/plaid-city
Aug 5 When Doves Cry & Rock With You
5 - 10:00 p.m. When Doves Cry: The Prince Tribute Show. 2Bad: Michael Jackson Tribute. More than just an impersonation, $25 per person. Saureel Vineyards. https://kiltandcork.com/calendar/
Aug 5 Placerville Speedway
Points Race #13: Carnett Clash. Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Ltd. Late Models, Pure Stocks and Nor-Cal Dwarf Cars. www.placervillespeedway.com
Aug 11 Wine, Dine & Vibe Luau
6 – 8:30 p.m. Surf’s up at Myka Estates and 1850 Wine Cellars for our monthly concert series featuring live music by TNTiki and a pre xe dinner menu by Chef Lisa Scott. Grab your ip ops, Hawaiian shirt and we will supply the lei. $60 per person. www. mykaestates.com/product/
Aug 12 Food, Wine & Live Music at Sierra Vista Colton Mountain will be playing LIVE on Stage from 5:30pm –8:00pm. We will be serving Pizza’s on our Big Lora Pizza oven. As always we will have wine by the glass or the bottle for purchase.
To make Reservations call 530-622-7221 or visit www.sierravistawinery.com/event/
Aug 12 ARC's Concerts for a Cause
5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Live Music - Good Food - Great Cause. Join American River Conservancy for live music, beverages, and tasty food al fresco at historic Wakamatsu Farm in Placerville. Ticket sales and donations support the Conservancy’s “Resilience Reserve” helping to repair and restore ARC’s protected properties, especially after extreme weather events. Book your tickets now to jam live in support of rivers and land for life! www.bit.ly/ Concerts4CauseARC
Aug 12 Placerville Speedway
Points Race #14: Big Trophy Night presented by Coors Light. Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Ltd. Late Models, Pure Stocks and Mini Trucks. www.placervillespeedway.com
Aug 17 A Step Back in Time –Women of El Dorado County
1 - 3:00 p.m. A free history event that covers the Women of El Dorado County, and the important role they played in our county's history. Our Featured Guest Speaker will be Mary Cory, El Dorado County's Museum Administrator. This is part two of a two-part series. Please Call Andrea Muzzy @ 530-621-6238 to reserve your spot or email andrea.muzzy@edcgov.us
Aug 19 Third Saturday Artwalk
Placerville's Historic Main Street galleries and merchants are open late for shopping, dining, live music and more! Meet local artists, shop at local stores, enjoy local wine and food, and listen to live music from local bands! thirdsaturdayartwalk@gmail.com, www.instagram.com/3rdsatartwalk/
Aug 19 Food, Wine & Live Music at Sierra Vista Echo Summit will be playing LIVE on Stage from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Blue Stone Pizza food truck will be here serving food for purchase. As always we will have wine by the glass or the bottle for purchase. To make Reservations call 530-622-7221 or visit www.sierravistawinery.com/event/
Aug 25 Family Wine Down Everhart Cellars/Hart2Hart Vineyards. Wine Down with DJ Grant, 6- 10:00 p.m. Visit our Website for Music & Food Truck information. EverhartCellars.com
Aug 26-27 Granite Chief Picayune Valley Overnight Backpack Trip
ARC volunteer Tom Dodson will lead this exploration of the Granite Chief Wilderness. Area Picayune Valley starting at Talbot Creek. Elevation is 6,300 ft, a total of 16 miles round trip. Age minimum: 12 years-old with backpacking experience. Cost: $40/ members, $55/non-members https://app.donorview.com/58REP
Aug 26 Mud Lake Hike
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. ARC board member, Scott Vail, will lead this hike near Mud Lake, west of Silver Lake. The hike is approximately 8-9 miles round trip. The hike is partially on dirt roads, the Emigrant Trail, and other forest trails. Julie Allen 530-621-1224 Julie@ arconservancy.org Additional Information https://app.donorview. com/Zv3zg
Aug 26 Element 79 Vineyards Divining experience
11:30 a.m. This intimate, immersive food and wine pairing will be limited to 20 guests.
A unique food and wine event that will be something you talk about for years to come. hwww.element79vineyards.com/product/August-26th-2023-Divining
Aug 26 Food, Wine and Live Music at Sierra Vista
5 - 8:00 p.m. Into the Great Wide Open will be playing live on Stage. The Dinner Station food truck will be here serving food for purchase. As always we will have wine by the glass or the bottle for purchase. www.sierravistawinery.com/event/great-wide-open/
Aug 26 Concerts for a Cause
5:30 – 9:30 p.m. Join ARC and Marco’s Café at Wakamatsu
Farm this summer for a new concert series that supports ARC’s Resilience Reserve. Enjoy live music by Ryder Thieves, tasty food, and beverages al fresco at the historic Wakamatsu Farm. https:// app.donorview.com/xX7y0
Aug 27 Learn How to Play the Native American Flute 10 – 11 a.m. Your guide, Greg Kiefer, has been playing the Native American ute since 2011 and he enjoys playing and teaching others. Ages 10+. Meeting location: Gold Hill/Placerville area. Suggested Donation: $5/members, $10/non-members. A detailed email will be sent once you register online at https://app. donorview.com/qbgng
Aug 31 Cosumnes Headwater Meadow Walk 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Meander through a beautiful meadow of the Middle Fork Cosumnes River, with lunch adjacent to a waterfall. Enjoy a brief discussion of the meadow restoration project with naturalist volunteers from the Cosumnes Coalition. Meeting location Pollock Pines area. Free. A detailed email will be sent once you register online. https://app.donorview.com/zp0bN
For more information on these and other events, visit www.visiteldorado.com Event date, time, cost or locations are subject to change. Prior to attending an event please con rm the information.
The $310.8 billion 202324 state budget that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed in June purports to bridge a projected $31.7 billion general fund deficit caused primarily by a downturn in revenues, particularly allimportant income taxes.
However, a closer examination of its “solutions” reveals that scarcely a quarter – $8.1 billion – is actual reduction in spending. The remaining $23.6 billion are various accounting maneuvers often used to cover shortfalls, such as shifting expenditures from the general fund to other funds ($9.3 billion), delaying some spending to future years ($7.9 billion), and borrowing money that must be repaid later.
Taken as a whole, the budget assumes that the 2023-24 deficit is just a short-term annoyance that will disappear as revenues resume growth. That approach relieved Newsom and legislators from having to make harder choices on spending reductions, which would have been particularly traumatic given the expansionist mindset of the dominant Democrats.
The state budget that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed in June largely uses gimmicks to bridge a big deficit, and hopes increasing revenues in the future will make it work. However, his own administration sees a string of deficits in the future.
A couple of weeks after he signed the budget, however, Newsom’s Department of Finance quietly released a multi-year budget forecast that projects stagnant tax revenues for the remainder of the governor’s second term and a string of operating deficits even with no growth in spending.
More ominously, the forecast sees those gaps
■ See WALTERS, page A7
Response to Wendy Thomas
EDITOR:
The Taxpayers Association of El Dorado County reviewed your letter to the editor dated July 19 and our response is as follows: We, the Taxpayers Association of El Dorado County, are not into the game of “we win you lose.” Our goal is to produce a better government and produce better services to our residences and businesses.
We respect those who serve in county government and intend to aid them, any way we can, in providing their best to the general public. Any institution needs adjustments, from time to time, to produce more e ciency in day-to-day operations. That is our goal.
The Taxpayers Association hopes to work with the Board of Supervisors to improve all aspects of our county government on behalf of the people and businesses you serve. We view this as a partnership not competition. We are here not to cast blame in any direction, but to change what appears to be a pervasive culture that has developed over decades.
We look forward to working with all departments, elected o cials and the Board of Supervisors in the coming months.
I believe we all have the same goal and that is to provide a cost-e ective government with better services for the collective good of all our citizens and businesses.
CAROL LOUIS President, Taxpayers Association of EDCSimplifying the permit process
EDITOR:
In wading through the myriad pages of the El Dorado County Grand Jury Report, amnesty program information, permit fl ow chart and others I have drawn a few conclusions of my own based on common sense.
I have discovered there are two types of permits
— simple and complex. Neither are defi ned in the paperwork I have gathered. It appears on page 4 of the Grand Jury report, “The permit types that can be requested are listed in Appendix B.” Appendix B single permit examples do not separate simple from complex, so should the title have read “Simple Permit Examples” rather than “Single Permit Examples?”?
Appendix B seems to deal with email permits for contractors “on projects that do not require submittal of detailed plans and specifi cations and subsequent review by Building and Planning.”
With this in mind, a simple permit should include structures (which I cannot fi nd a defi nition of) for storage, animals, implements that are under 1,000 square feet and have no electric or water connection. This action would decrease the workload on the county and free up paperwork and manpower for more complex permits, even more detailed simple permits.
In addition, in granting amnesty to the above mentioned simple projects with no inspections or permits necessary for all such buildings built prior to the date of acceptance of the amnesty program, the county would not be overburdened with an immense infl ux of permit paperwork , inspections and the attendant labor involved in bringing all the simple buildings up to date. A new paragraph on how to handle new simple (structure) permits could take e ect at the same time.
It has been suggested the need for the prior reviews and permits is for additional funds to the county. I say common sense dictates it would be less expensive to write the old o and start with a new system addressing this issue.
Following the Supreme Court decision finding preferential treatment, i.e., a rmative action, in college admissions unconstitutional, the president of Harvard issued a statement to “Members of the Harvard Community.”
This statement tells us how those managing one of the nation’s most prestigious universities understand justice, knowledge and learning.
First, let’s consider what Harvard’s president does not say, which is to recognize the importance of “equal protection.”
The unconstitutionality of a rmative action, per the court, follows from the 14th Amendment requiring “equal protection of the laws.”
Where does this idea of “equal protection” come from?
If we look in our Bible, in the book of Exodus, judges are directed to apply the law equally to all, and not give special treatment to the poor.
We know this is not because the Bible, which emphasizes the importance of charity and sensitivity to others, is indi erent to the unfortunate.
It is because it is not the job of the
judge to determine outcomes -- that the world reflect his personal preferences -- but to apply the law.
But at Harvard, everyone is so smart that they feel they know what the world should look like. Good and evil are defined in the president’s o ce at Harvard.
So, there is less interest in “equal protection” than achieving social outcomes that reflect how the president of Harvard thinks the world should be.
Per the president, “diversity and di erence are essential to academic excellence.” And “Harvard must be a place of opportunity.”
But “diversity and di erence,” per Harvard’s president, is about race and ethnicity, not about di erences among unique individual human beings.
Back to the Bible, standing before the judge is a unique human being with personal responsibility to follow the law. The person’s color, gender or bank account is not the issue. Personal behavior is.
Let’s consider two areas of ethnic di erences.
The Brookings Institution looked at math scores of high school students in the SAT.
The average score in 2020 was 523
out of 800.
Average scores by race/ethnicity were: Black, 454; Hispanic, 478; White, 547; and Asian, 632.
Around each average score is a distribution of individuals above and below that score. There may be Black students with a score way above the 454 average. However, for Harvard, most important is a student’s “blackness” rather than his or her individuality.
Pew Research reports that the percentage of 40-year-old Americans that have never been married is now 25%, an all-time high. In 1980, this stood at 6%.
Clearly, marriage is breaking down. But here are the ethnic/racial di erences among the percentage of never-married 40-year-olds: White, 20%; Black, 46%; Hispanic, 27%; and Asian, 17%.
Is there meaning in the fact that the order of the percentages of never married 40-year-olds by race/ethnicity is the same as the order of the math scores? Does it say anything that Asians, where marriage is most intact, have the highest math scores? And that Blacks, where marriage is least intact, have the worst?
Marriage, family and children flow out of a worldview that everything is not about me -- that there is right and wrong, that there is a future, that there are eternal values, that there is personal responsibility, that there is love.
As these values have broken down in America, marriage has broken down.
It is these same values that establish a legal system that demands “equal treatment” under the law — that judges do not decide what the world should look like, but instead apply equally God’s law.
In other words, knowledge, truth, learning and justice emerge from a world of unique individuals that recognize there is truth and personal responsibility.
The Harvard take on things — politics and moral relativism — has hurt Black Americans, not helped. It is the problem rather than the solution.
The court’s decision is a victory for American individual freedom and achievement and a defeat for the plantation managers at Harvard.
Star Parker is president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education and host of the weekly television show “Cure America with Star Parker.”
In other words, knowledge, truth, learning and justice emerge from a world of unique individuals that recognize there is truth and personal responsibility.
Walters Continued from A6
Fire Continued from A1 between projected income and outgo growing – hitting $14.3 billion by 2026-27 – even if the state’s economy doesn’t lapse into recession.
The Legislature’s budget analyst, Gabe Petek, believes that revenues in this fiscal year alone will fall short of the Newsom administration’s estimates by $11 billion, meaning the red ink would continue to flow even with the so-called solutions adopted by legislators and the governor.
Moreover, Petek sees baseline spending – what’s required by current law – being $10 billion over the administration’s forecast by 2026-27 which, if true, would sharply increase the $14.3 billion 2026-27 deficit in the administration’s forecast.
Given the administration’s forecast and Petek’s gloomier income and outgo projections, the 202324 budget’s politically expedient decision to avoid deep spending cuts could turn out to be a fiscal disaster.
With his first term interrupted by the COVID19 pandemic, Newsom clearly wants his second to build his legacy, perhaps one that will propel a bid for the White House circa 2028, notwithstanding his denials of presidential ambitions.
Newsom wants to be known as a governor who wrought universal medical care, educational services stretching from cradle to adulthood, an end to the state’s highest-in-the-nation level of homelessness, a revolution in mental health care, and measurable reduction in the nation’s highest rate of family poverty.
The Legislature’s left-leaning Democrats want everything Newsom wants and more, but the wish lists would cost untold billions of extra dollars.
The bottom-line question, therefore, is how could Newsom and legislators get what they want over the next three years if they can’t even pay for what they’ve already adopted?
There are four potential other solutions: tap into $37.8 billion in reserves meant to be used only when recession strikes, cover deficits by borrowing even more money from special funds or outside lenders, raise taxes, or reduce actual spending.
There’s some sentiment in the Legislature to use reserves to preserve current levels of spending, and some support for increasing taxes, particularly income or wealth taxes on the state’s richest residents.
Newsom has opposed both, which is the underlying reason the budget he signed in June has so many gimmicks. There’s also substantial support for issuing bonds to pay for programmatic expansions, and Newsom buys into that approach, at least partially.
How about setting aside dreams of remaking California into an American version of Sweden and keeping spending within available revenues? That’s the least popular option within the Capitol but it might be what real-world economics dictate.
Dan Walters is a journalist and author who writes for CALmatters.org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.
collapsed due to the fire, according to Diamond Springs-El Dorado Fire Protection District Chief Matt Gallagher.
“The fire was well involved and blowing out of every window so firefighters had to go on the defensive,” Gallagher said. “It eventually got into the wildland but did not spread beyond the property.”
No injuries were reported as the homeowners got out safely but are now displaced, according to Gallagher.
The cause of the fire is under investigation but determining a possible cause will be di cult due to the nature of the fire and the house collapsing, Gallagher
said. About 1.3 acres of vegetation burned, according to Cal Fire spokeswoman Wendy Oaks; helicopters and tankers were ordered to assist in the firefight in south El Dorado but were called o as the blaze was quelled.
Fire crews from the Diamond Springs-El Dorado Fire Protection District, Cal Fire and the El Dorado County Fire Protection District all responded to the incident.
The fire was reported at 5:54 p.m. with containment achieved by 7:25 p.m. Extensive mop-up tasks were initiated and lasted for approximately three hours, according to Gallagher.
3 months only, Aug. 31 – Nov. 30
I’m a reliable, clean, quiet, respectful person. Have references. Looking for, safe, pleasant, dependable place, close to work to call home for 3 months. I own my own home in Redding, so hope to pay moderate, to low rent, can’t pay excessive rent, due to obvious double cost. Need as close to Apple Hill — Placerville as possible. Open to caretaker option.
Contact Lynn
Email: laffwalk@gmail.com
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.
bridge, it will sit high above the old bridge, approximately 400 feet above the American River channel. It will include two, 12-footwide lanes with 5-foot shoulders and 54-inchhigh timber textured barriers.
The project requires the county to close Mosquito Road for 10 weeks out of the year, late May to early August, to ensure worker and motorist safety while Shimmick crews perform their work and deliver necessary materials.
Once
The current road closure is expected to
end Aug. 6. The historical bridge, which underwent its yearly maintenance in mid-July, will remain for pedestrian and cyclist use once the new bridge is complete. The county will be fully reimbursed for the construction of the bridge through the Highway Bridge Program, a federal public highway replacement program. Project updates can be found on the county’s bridge to Mosquito construction website at edcgov.us/ Government/dot.
Aug. 2
Vices to Virtue will perform at 7 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Alex Lucero Band will perform at Valhalla Tahoe’s Boathouse Theatre at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit valhallatahoe.showare. com.
Aug. 3
The Placerville Elks Lodge and the Shingle SpringsCameron Park Chamber of Commerce host a mixer, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the lodge, 3821 Quest Court in Shingle Springs.
El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts Live on the Boulevard free concerts every Thursday. Up next is Island of Black and White. Set up begins at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.
Poet Lara Gularte hosts a free poetry reading event at Switchboard Gallery in Placerville, starting at 6 p.m.
PaJoe Craven and Hattie Craven will perform at 6 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Sierra Foothill Wine Collective hosts a wine collaboration, 6-8 p.m. at Brasserie du Monde in Sacramento. For tickets and more information visit azizsbazaar.com/ upcoming-events.
Aug. 4
Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open 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.
Bryson Musiq and the Caribbean Soul will perform at 9 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
A schedule of superstar headliners will perform at the Harveys Outdoor Arena during the Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series. Up next is Dierks Bentley. For tickets and more information visit visitlaketahoe.com.
Aug. 5
UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County host Water, Weeds & When to Pick, a kids class, 9 a.m. to noon at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden in Placerville. Preregistration required at surveys.ucanr.edu/survey. cfm?surveynumber=41114.
Find or sell treasures at the El Dorado County Fair and Event Center Swap Meet in Placerville, open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to the public. Admission is free. Event will be canceled if temperature is 100 degrees or hotter.
For more information and to reserve a spot visit eldoradocountyfair.org/ swap.html.
Kilt & Cork presents When Doves Cry – a Prince tribute and 2BAD – a Michael Jackson tribute at Saureel Summer Nights at Saureel Vineyards in Placerville. For tickets visit kiltandcork.com/saureelsummer-nights.
Things got a little wild at the El Dorado County Library in Placerville Saturday morning as birds flapped their wings, a lemur jumped and a kangaroo hopped among the books and the crowd of animal lovers, young and old alike. More than 100 people came to meet Conservation Ambassadors’ Wild Things critters and ask questions of their human chaperone, Gabe Kerschner. At right, Emmett, 16 months, pets Chubbs the American alligator with dad Jim Burrows of Shingle Springs. The roughly 5-year-old alligator was rescued from a California State University, Chico, fraternity house and now lives with Kerschner, left, and the Conservation Ambassadors’ Wild Things family. Mountain Democrat photos by Noel Stack
Maylee, 10, gets to know Noah the boa, above left. Kerschner explained that Noah, who is actually a girl, was surrendered by a woman whose son went off to college. When he graduates, he will get Noah back. Above right, Andy gets a special greeting from Clover, the 2-year-old red kangaroo. The next presentation is scheduled at the El Dorado Hills Library, 10-11 a.m. Thursday,
Sel Richard Mountain Democrat correspondent
With poise beyond her years, rising Oak Ridge High School junior Ariana Thakur strolls among the students in her summer coding camp at the El Dorado Hills Library, a project that brings lasting impacts to her community and beyond.
Her sparkling dark eyes betray an enthusiasm soon matched by her smile as she speaks excitedly about teaching 9and 10-year-olds a block coding language called Scratch, first developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab.
“Coding is an important skill for everyone,” Thakur insisted. “You use it in almost every field. The more and more technology we get, it’s almost a necessity.”
Thakur herself was introduced to coding at Oak Meadow Elementary School at an after-school program taught by Oak Ridge High School students running their own summer coding camp. She continued to dabble and now takes computer science classes in high school.
During those years, Thakur also worked diligently as an avid Girl Scout to achieve various awards. When it came time to decide on a Gold Award project, however, she said she struggled at first to find something meaningful and original. Inspired by a STEM camp she attended, she decided to offer a free coding summer camp.
Thakur buckled down and solicited donations from the community to buy 12 Chromebooks for her students. Parker Development, Friends of the Library, county Supervisors John Hidahl and Wendy Thomas, Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills, the Girl Scout Council as well as her own sister’s Girl Scout troop made contributions. Additional funds were raised through a GoFundMe campaign and constructing and selling graduation leis.
The camp, dubbed Bits and Bytes, was divided into two sessions, each spanning five days, 1.5 hours a day. Thakur built a thoughtful and creative curriculum that
provides both online and offline learning. In one of her lessons, Thakur invited the kids to cut loops out of paper and then act out the concept of loops.
“Even though it wasn’t online and real coding, they understood the coding concepts more easily when they were using paper and interacting with their peers,” explained Thakur. “It was physically doing it that helped them get it, and not just working on the computer.”
The first part of the week was spent teaching specific projects that highlight different aspects of coding and game design. The students then started a project of their own, building backgrounds, characters and rules for their game. Campers were lucky enough to nosh on free Girl Scout cookies too.
“Every game they made was a learning process,” said Thakur. “Honestly it’s been fun. The kids are really ready to participate.”
Thakur plans to format her curriculum and donate it, along with the 12 Chromebooks, to the El Dorado County Library, enabling other high school coding clubs to run similar camps.
Though the camp has run without a hitch, Thakur admitted getting there wasn’t all smooth sailing. “I forgot to account for the fact that people have other issues to deal with, not just mine,” she confessed, citing a life lesson learned, “Have a flexible time frame to be able to account for stuff you don’t think will
Several mountain peaks are visible from Interstate 80 heading east in the Sierra Nevada. One of those is Castle Peak. So named for the volcanic rock formations etched by wind, rain and snow at its peak standing like castle turrets more than 9,000 feet above sea level.
Mary West Outdoor columnist
This difficult trail is only 5.8-miles round trip. On my most recent visit, the first of July, snow blanketed much of the trail. Flowers were blooming and many others were just preparing to unfurl. Trudging through snow made the trek a bit more arduous. Trekking poles are strongly suggested as are good boots with lots of grip. The trail is uphill 1,300 feet on a moderately traveled trail that, without snow, is well marked.
At the very top is a magnificent 360-degree view. To the south you see Boreal ski resort, to the north is the trail leading to Basin Peak. To
Complete
Solutions
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ARIES (March 21-April 19). Once your heart sets a quest in motion, the rest of you goes on the search. However, since things often show up when you’re not looking for them, you’ll benefit from a break and a distraction.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You may not agree with someone, but you’ll hear them out, honoring the basic human need to feel seen and heard. Because you give your respect to all, it will be abundantly reflected back to you when you need it.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You might feel miffed without knowing why. Anger happens when something has been lost or an expectation has been violated. You can diminish your agitation by simply looking into the feeling and asking, “What has been lost?”
CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’re open to the magical but you do the practical work anyway, knowing that magic has an affinity for sweat and often visits in the heat of effort. You’ll be amazed by what you can accomplish all on your own.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Greed often settles in where there’s a lack of creativity, curiosity and security. You may not have everything you want, but you’re so resourceful you can see no reason to grasp or hoard.
Your internal resources make you rich.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Responsibility is meant to be shared. You’ll attract a dream team. You’ll be a master of delegation, with just the right amount of involvement in a task to maintain quality while freeing up your perspective to handle a bigger picture.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). A lone wolf will be integral to your experience. This person feels stifled by too much involvement, but you’ll find the amount of social connection that works and be enriched by the unique perspective this person offers.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Listening is the power move. The loudest person is often the weakest one. Talking the most actually puts a person at a disadvantage. Power comes from knowing what others want, which requires listening well.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You don’t have to formally sign up for the “race” to get the full benefit of the game. Just knowing you have competition is enough to motivate you to do more than you otherwise would.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Subtle variances of language can mean drastically different things. For instance, “I couldn’t say” means something and “I don’t know” means something else. You’re completely tuned in to the nuances that matter, which will help you solve a mystery.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Making and keeping promises is a theme. You don’t have to know how you will accomplish goals; you just need to commit, and the way will reveal itself as you go.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). It’s easy be confident when you don’t know much about a situation. Extremely knowledgeable people are often humbled by how much more there is to know and will come across as less confident even though they are more qualified.
the east is Reno and to the west you see Signal Peak. All the way up I question whether this hike is worth it. Then I reach the top. The view is always better from the top. And yes, worth it.
At the peak I took in the view and had lunch. I enjoyed the added bonus of being visited by a curious chipmunk looking for a snack.
Make sure you take twice as much water as you think you need. Sunblock is advisable as well as are sunglasses and a hat. Once out of the trees much of the trail is exposed to direct sunlight.
Take your time coming down. The trail is steep and the loose rock is like walking on marbles. This is where the trekking poles, or a hiking partner who can lend a supportive hand, come in handy.
To get there from Auburn, take Interstate 80 east to the Boreal/ Castle Peak exit. Go left under the
New release
The California Highway Patrol’s Placerville area office seeks motivated senior citizens who want to volunteer, work with a fantastic group of people and give back to their community.
Senior volunteers are CHP nonsalaried employees who assist in both administrative and field capacities. The objectives of the CHP Senior Volunteer Program are to assist the CHP in providing enhanced public service to the community; provide an opportunity for senior citizens to make a definitive contribution toward improved public safety and service; and instill among participation volunteers an understanding and appreciation of the justice system, human relations and ethics in the field of law enforcement.
Field functions include working at community events, directing traffic, surveying and visibility in high-traffic locations/school zones, deploying
radar trailers and shuttling vehicles and equipment. Senior volunteers drive marked CHP cars in uniform while performing field duties. Volunteers attend shift briefings and occasionally ride along with officers to learn and assist officers as an additional set of eyes.
Administrative functions include filing, data entry, photocopying, answering phones and assisting the watch officers at the front desk.
CHP Placerville is looking for seniors age 55 or older, can work a minimum of eight hours per week, pass a background check, have a good driving record and complete the CHP Senior Volunteer Training Program.
Seniors interested who want an application or more information about the program are asked to contact officer Andrew Brown at (530) 748-2450 or AnBrown@chp. ca.gov or senior volunteer Larry Ellsworth at Larry.Ellsworth@chp. ca.gov.
Roberta Handen
UC Master Food Preserver
Alocal UC Master Food Preserver’s interest in herb use increased markedly when the words
“limit sodium” presented itself in her health report. She had stopped cooking with salt many years ago due to her husband’s health issues and was cognizant of food labels and sodium amounts in their portion sizes. They stayed in the 2,000-2,500 mg range. Done. Right? Not really. Now, sodium amounts were suggested to be in the 1,000-1,500 mg range. Are you kidding? A challenge indeed.
Herbs and spices have now become her friends. She reads about them, grows or purchases them, experiments with new recipes and “doctors” old recipes. They certainly have made her new menu a lot more interesting and tastier.
A simple definition for herbs and spices is that they are both plant derived substances that add flavor to food. Spices generally come from bark, fruit, roots, flowers and seeds while herb sources are from the higher parts of the plant, specifically the leaves and (sometimes) stems. The main differences are origin and how they are processed. Herbs are easily grown in our gardens, while spices are in a more convenient form for purchase in a store, since many of these are from plants or trees not grown in this region or country. In her pursuit to perpetually learn, this Master Food Preserver found herbs and spices were used as far back as prehistoric times and have always been valuable in trade. Wars were fought and lands conquered for the value given to spices.
This personal herb hunt led her to many nurseries, both local as well as farther away from home. These establishments were all delightful sources for herbs and each offered learning experiences for her. And then it happened! She saw her first Za’atar plant, Thymbra spicata! It’s hard to explain Za’atar, as the fragrance is quite strong and reminded her of both oregano and thyme. The plant, a native of Turkey, is outright beautiful with spikes of deep purple flowers that will eventually go to seed, becoming a source of
more Za’atar, if one is lucky and has botanical skills. She had out-of-town visitors recently who were also lovers of plants, great cooks and very interested in this unique herb, Za’atar, in her garden. After a shopping trip to replenish groceries, her guests proudly handed her a little green box labeled Za’atar. Needless to say, she was stunned. Her rare herb in a commercial brand spice box? Seriously! It was appropriately described as “a traditional popular spice blend of the Middle East with a unique zesty flavor.” Ingredients were listed as sesame seeds, sumac, thyme and marjoram — no actual Za’atar. On a later trip to the grocery, she checked other brands of spices and found a small jar labeled Za’atar. This jar listed the spice blend as a mixture of thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, oregano, marjoram, coriander, chili powder, cumin and sesame oil. The spice blends appeared to be attempts to duplicate the unique flavor profile of the plant. It surprised her to learn that she has an herb plant named Za’atar, as well as two different spice blends named Za’atar in her cupboard.
As her herb garden goes through the season,
Continued from B2
freeway a quarter mile to the trailhead. Once on foot head straight up the hill and stay on the trail to the top.
Mary West is author of the book series Day Hiker – Gold Country Trail Guide I, II and III (second edition available on Amazon). The books are a collection of the Day Hiker columns where West
happen.”
She is also grateful for National Honor Society volunteers who helped her run the camp, as well as ORHS computer science teacher Julie Giordano, project advisor Charyll Raz and numerous Girl Scout adult volunteers.
As for the remainder of her
this Master Food Preserver will be dehydrating to preserve those flavors at their peak (including the Za’atar). Drying removes the moisture from the food so bacteria, molds and yeasts are less likely to grow. The optimum drying temperature for herbs is 95-115 degrees F. Safe food-handling practices are critical: clean food-contact surfaces of dehydrating equipment (with soapy water), sanitize equipment (with a bleach solution of 1 ½ teaspoons bleach per quart of water) and wash hands. After rinsing under running water, shake off excess moisture and place herbs in a single layer on trays. Drying time will vary from one to four hours. Read your dehydrator instructions for details. Herbs are dry when they crumble and stems break when bent. When herbs are crispy dry, place (whole or coarsely crumpled) in airtight containers and store in a cool, dry, dark area.
She has yet to cook with these new purchases but was too curious to not at least play with them. With pita bread, olive oil and one of the Za’atar blends, she gently stepped into the world of Mediterranean flavors.
Brush a pita with olive oil and sprinkle with Za’atar spice blend. (The amount to use is up to the cook. Since this was a first for the author, she was cautious with the sprinkling.) Put the embellished pita in the toaster oven or under the broiler until browned. Cut into small appetizer-size pieces. The verdict? She says it’s excellent.
To maintain peak quality for Za’atar (and all) spice blends, keep them in airtight containers without a lot of extra air space and store them in a cool, dry, dark area to protect the color and fragrance.
Interested in learning about making your own spice blends? Save the date and join the UC Master Food Preservers for On the (Dry) Spicy-Herb Trail class, scheduled 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7. Get more information at ucanr.edu/mfpcs.
The UC Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County are a great resource for answers to food safety and preserving questions. Leave a message at (530) 621-5506 or email edmfp@ucanr.edu. For more information about the program, events and recipes, visit ucanr.edu/edmfp. Sign up to receive the eNewsletter at ucanr.org/mfpcsenews. Find the group on Facebook, too (UCCE Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County).
shares her longtime love of the outdoors, favorite hikes in Northern California’s Gold Country and beyond. West was the recipient of the 2017 and 2019 Craft Award for Best Outdoor Column and the 2020 Craft Award for her second book in the Day Hiker series by the Outdoor Writers of California. You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
summer, Thakur plays piano, volunteers regularly at Alliance for Education Solutions and surprisingly, plans to enjoy some ice skating. Looking to the future, she cites psychiatry as a possible career interest. “It’s a topic that interests me and it’s an important field that we need in the public,” she shared,
Solution
though she speculates that coding will always be an interest of hers.
“If we start teaching younger kids STEM subjects early on, even with just a slight exposure, they’re more inclined to pick it up later,” she said, speaking from personal experience. “Everyone should be able to code.”
Personnel Dept. 916-228-2332
