Mountain Democrat, Wednesday August 9, 2023

Bus driver accused of sexual assault

Isaac Streeter

Staff writer

An El Dorado County Office of Education special education transportation driver was arrested Friday on suspicion of sexual assault.

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office received an initial report of Tarik Manasrah, 42, committing sexual assault on a dependant adult May 31, according to Sheriff’s Sgt. Kyle Parker.

EDSO detectives and the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office collaborated on the investigation, culminating in Manasrah’s Aug. 4 arrest. The investigation is ongoing and the DA’s Office victim witness representatives are contacting families of students Manasrah drove.

EDCOE’s Director of Communications Dina

Gentry released a statement Sunday regarding Manasrah’s arrest.

“The employee has been placed on administrative leave,” Gentry states. “All employees of our county office go through a thorough background check through the Department of Justice or the

n See arrest page A6

Problems persist at Pollock Pines property

Owners of a property on Ridgeway Drive in Pollock Pines still have not cleaned out the residence after it was left in a state of disarray to the point of becoming a health and safety concern. Neglected animals found there have since been re-homed but the blighted sight remains.

Neighbors in the area complained about the property, located at 6955 Ridgeway, where there is an accumulation of piles of trash, propane tanks, gas tanks and abandoned cars.

The property is in violation of various building and health code regulations and multiple notices were slapped on the outside of the property, according to El Dorado County spokeswoman

Carla Hass. One of the violations carries a misdemeanor charge and will be up to the county District Attorney’s Office to determine if prosecution is necessary for the violation.

The DA’s Office did not comment whether it will pursue charges. Hass said representatives of Village Capital and Investment, the company that owns the property, told the county they would have the site cleaned up by Aug. 3. On Monday Aug. 7, the property appeared untouched.

The El Dorado County sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant on the property, which appeared to be abandoned. Accompanied by Animal Services and code enforcement staff, those present during the search warrant found animals

n See Problems page A5

the Tank’ and cubs relocated

California Department of Fish and Wildlife News release

Wildlife biologists for the California

PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE

Department of Fish and Wildlife on Friday immobilized a large female conflict bear responsible for at least 21 DNA-confirmed home break-ins and extensive property damage in the South Lake Tahoe area since 2022. Her three cubs were also captured in the effort.

Pending a successful veterinary check, CDFW secured permission from the state of Colorado to transport the female black bear, known as 64F, and place it with The Wild Animal Sanctuary near Springfield, Colo., which has agreed to care for it in its expansive facilities. This black

bear is one of multiple bears identified by the public last year as “Hank the Tank” based on visual observations.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has the authority to approve only one such placement and is using that authorization for this bear. Relocation is not typically an option for conflict animals over concern that relocating an animal will relocate the conflict behavior to a different community. However, given the widespread interest in this bear, and the significant risk of a serious incident involving the bear,

n See Hank, page A6

Courtesy photo

Special education transportation driver Tarik Manasrah is taken into custody by sheriff’s deputies Friday, Aug. 4.

Michael Wright

June 19, 1942 – July 15, 2023

Born on June 19, 1942 in Sacramento, CA to Ed and Irma Wright (nee Atwood), part of the historical Atwood family, he was raised in Auburn, CA where he lived for 38 years. Mike passed away on July 15, 2023 at his home in Placerville. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Michael E. Wright of Sacramento, CA, his sisters Virginia Connolly of Lake Havasu City, AZ, and Nancy Hiebert of Pahrump, NV. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Judy Wright, his sons Ken Wright and wife Darla, and Sean Wright and wife Tracy, 12 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mike graduated from Placer High School in 1960 and married Judy Braswell in 1963. He worked for Sutherland Construction, PG&E Gas Dept, then PG&E Civil-Hydro for 28 years. Mike was part of extended PG&E family. His grandfather Earl Atwood, father Ed Wright, and many other family members all worked for PG&E. Mike retired from PG&E in 1992. He then returned to PG&E as a private contractor to rebuild El Dorado Canal, then worked for El Dorado Irrigation District for 10 years before retiring for good.

Mike enjoyed playing baseball as a child and shared his love of the sport with his boys, coaching their teams as they grew up. Mike was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved spending time in Sierraville at his family cabin, teaching his children and grandchildren how to fish the numerous creeks and lakes, and how to hunt in the mountians around the Sierra Valley. He looked forward to his out of state archery hunting trips with his good friend Richard Smith and brother-in-law Dale Hiebert. Mike fulfilled his lifelong dream of hunting in the Kaibab National Forest, successfully bagging a huge mule deer buck.

Mike loved his family and was a wonderful father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend to many. He will be missed by all.

There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, Aug. 19 at 1 p.m. at the VFW Hall in West Point, CA.

Jane Hamilton

Sept. 9, 1933 - July 27, 2023

Jane Hamilton, resident of Placerville for over 60 years, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2023.

Born Araminta Jane Cooper in Marshall, Arkansas on Sept. 9, 1933, she was known at various times by her friends and loved ones as Bugsy, Janey, Mrs. H, Arameta, A.J., Auntie Jane, Mrs. Hamilton, and Janey Bear, along with Mom and Gramma.

A child of the Depression and World War II, she grew up in Tulsa and then moved to Los Angeles in the early ‘50s to pursue a career in fashion modeling. There she met L.A. cop and law school student Lloyd “Bud” Hamilton, whom she married in 1955. Following law school, the couple moved to Placerville.

In addition to modeling, she dabbled in various careers and pastimes — Las Vegas showgirl, dental assistant, book keeper, real estate agent, o ce manager, etc. — but she only had two true passions: politics and her family. She worked tirelessly on campaigns for various candidates and causes throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s while participating in an array of clubs and organizations. She was an active and enthusiastic collaborator in her husband’s long career as a public servant, attorney, and judge. At the same time she shepherded their three children through school and on to successful careers and lives. Her happiest times were when she was surrounded by her grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband in 2007, after 52 years of marriage. She is survived by her three children — Bret Hamilton and his wife Rebeca, Heather Hamilton, and Holly Salvestrin and her husband Paul, along with five grandchildren: Michael Hamilton, Ryan and Beau Hamilton, and Anna and Grace Salvestrin. Ultimately, her life experience far exceeded her expectations growing up in Oklahoma. She traveled the world from Asia and the Middle East to Europe and throughout the United States and Canada. She crossed seas by air and by ocean liner. She had homes in Hawaii and Oregon in addition to California. She had a life filled with intrigue and adventure and was surrounded by great friends and an adoring family. She was loved. And she will be missed.

Per her request, no memorial service is planned.

Doris Anne Jurgens

Aug. 24, 1930 – July 22, 2023

Doris died in her home with family at her side. She was 92 years old. Born in Detroit, Michigan, she moved to Citrus Heights, CA. This is where she met Robert Jurgens her husband of 68 years until his passing in 2019. They were residents of El Dorado County for 60 years. 20 years in South Lake Tahoe and 40 years o Jurgens Road in Rescue, CA. She is survived by her two daughters Lori Nista, Julie Jurgens, son Je Jurgens, four grandchildren, great grandchildren and her dog Willie. Doris stayed busy as a housewife and mother not missing a single school activity or kids sporting event. In her retirement years they enjoyed trips in their motorhome, boating, fishing and Giants baseball games.

Rene Louise Girardin

June 2, 1966 – July 7, 2023

Rene Louise Girardin (Curtis), 57, of Somerset, CA, passed away on July 7, 2023. She was born on June 2, 1966, in Sacramento, CA, to Karen Scott Curtis and adopted by Robert Curtis.

Rene, known to many as Auntie Ne Ne, was a loving mother, sister, and friend. She had a heart of gold and always went out of her way to make others feel appreciated and loved. Rene had a special gift for noticing the outsiders and welcoming them into the fold, putting them in the middle of the party. She had a remarkable ability to see a need and bless someone, whether it was by helping with cleaning, providing food, or o ering a kind gesture to those less fortunate. Rene’s compassion touched the lives of many.

In addition to her caring nature, Rene had a passion for karaoke. She loved working with Jim entertaining at many venues. To honor Rene’s love for music, a memorial will be held on September 23, 2023, from 2pm to 4pm at Bones Roadhouse. Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating Rene’s life and are welcome to sing a song in her memory.

Rene is survived by the love of her life, James Damgaard, her children Frank Girardin, Charles Girardin, Ricky Girardin, and Scott Damgaard, as well as her three sisters, three brothers, father, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Karen Curtis Scott, and brother, Michael McKinney. Rene Girardin will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her kindness, generosity, and warm spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched.

FUNERAL NOTICE

Charles Rose

Sept. 6, 1944 – June 18, 2023

Charlie was a disabled Vietnam veteran with three Purple Hearts. He died on June 18th from Agent Orange. There will be a memorial service held at 1 p.m. on August 13th at the Veterans Building on Placerville Drive.

Edwin Hoyt

Sept. 7, 1931 – July 19, 2023

Arrangements Entrusted to Ru ner-Wakelin Funeral Homes and Crematory. Please visit www. ru nerwakelin.com to sign the online guestbook and share a memory with the family. For questions please contact us at (928) 445-2221.

Mountain Democrat

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

July 20

11:05 p.m. Battery was reported on Little Cut Court in Placerville.

July 21

12:26 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 66-year-old man suspected of DUI and driving on a suspended license on Carson Road in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $120,000 bail.

1:20 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 34-year-old man suspected of burglary on Suncast Lane in El Dorado Hills. He was listed in custody in lieu of $50,000 bail.

8:09 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 32-year-old man suspected of DUI on Highway 50 at Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville. He was released on $35,000 bail

8:47 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 23-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia on China Garden Road in Placerville. He was later released.

11:07 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 59-year-old man suspected of disorderly conduct on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills. He was later released.

July 22

12:13 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 36-year-old man suspected of a probation violation on Highway 50 at Canal Street in Placerville. He was listed in custody.

2:43 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Pleasant Valley Road in Placerville.

3:19 a.m. Grand theft was reported at the movie theater on Vine Street in El Dorado Hills.

9:06 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Union Ridge Road in Placerville.

12:23 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 48-year-old man suspected of felony vandalism on Jim Valley Road in Placerville. He was released on $10,000 bail.

12:24 p.m. Burglary was reported on South Shingle Road in Shingle Springs.

9:29 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 34-year-old woman suspected vehicle theft and driving on a suspended license on Highway 50 east of Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville. She was released on $30,000 bail.

July 23

12:32 a.m. Grand theft was

reported on Pleasant Valley Road in Diamond Springs.

1:48 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 32-year-old man suspected of DUI causing great bodily injury and child abuse on Ice House Road in Pollock Pines. He was released on $175,000 bail.

9:35 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 60-year-old man suspected of DUI, driving on a suspended license and a probation violation on Mother Lode Drive in Placerville. He was released on $10,000 bail.

10:16 p. m. Deputies booked into jail a 45-year-old man suspected of grand theft of a firearm, passing a fraudulent check, forgery, elder abuse and possession of a controlled substance on Wild Turkey Drive in Shingle Springs. He was released on $120,500 bail.

July 24

3:11 a.m. Vandalism was reported on American River Trail in Cool

3:21 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 36-year-old man suspected of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia on Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park. He was released on $175,000 bail.

7:05 a.m. Grand theft was reported at a business on White Rock Road in El Dorado Hills.

9:15 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Clipper Court in Cool.

12:22 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 21-year-old man suspected of a probation violation on Woodleigh Lane in Cameron Park. He was released on $5,000 bail.

2:21 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 40-year-old man suspected of driving on a suspended license on Main Street in Placerville. He was released on $15,000 bail.

3:28 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Crystal Boulevard in El Dorado.

5:40 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Cooley Court in El Dorado Hills.

6:11 p.m. Battery was reported on Gutierrez Place in El Dorado Hills.

7:08 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Cooley Court in El Dorado Hills.

7:43 p.m. Battery was reported at a church on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.

July 25

12:12 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 21-year-old woman suspected of DUI on Highway 49 (location not specified). She was later released.

obituaries

William Louis “Bill” Forsyth

Dec. 2, 1946 – July 20, 2023

William Louis “Bill” Forsyth, of Kapolei, Hawaii, passed away on July 20th, 2023 at age 76 at Queens Medical Center West, Ewa Beach, Hawaii, He was a resident of Kapolei. Bill was born in Manhattan Beach, California on December 2nd, 1946, but called Placerville, California, home, where he graduated from Ponderosa High School with the first graduating class in 1964. He has resided in Kapolei, Hawaii since 1993.

Bill was a veteran of the United States Air Force, where he proudly served for 27 years as a Photo/ Imagery Interpreter and Intelligence Analyst, 17 of those years were in Hawaii. Overseas he was stationed in Vietnam, Korea, Japan, and Hawaii, and retired from the Air Force in August 1991 as a Senior Master Sergeant. During his career, he was an exceptional “in the weeds” photo interpreter; having discovered over 100 North Vietnamese surface-air-missile (SAM) sites on reconnaissance imagery during the Vietnam War, ¼ of all the SAM sites found, by far the most SAM sites found by any single photo interpreter during the entire war, as well as numerous other significant enemy activities and installations.

Following the Vietnam War, he became an expert on North Korea, again identifying on imagery many new high priority installations and activities. He worked closely with the United States Forces Korea Tunnel Neutralization Team (USFK-TNT) in their efforts to locate and intercept North Korean Tunnels being dug under the Demilitarized Zone. In 1987 he was honored with the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) Intelligence Senior NCO of the year award. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Air Force Achievement Medal.

After his retirement from the Air Force, he worked briefly as a Child Support Investigator for the Hawaii Attorney General at the Child Support Enforcement Agency, Interstate Branch, before starting a second career in 1992 as the Senior Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Analyst for Laos, Cambodia, and China at what was then the Joint Task Force-Full Accounting (JTF-FA), Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, which in 2003 became the Joint POW/ MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), Hickam AFB, Hawaii, and after he retired, the unit was again renamed the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), Hickam AFB. During this time, he researched and analyzed case material, interviewed American witnesses, researched at the National Archives and developed leads for joint field teams to use in locating aircraft crash sites, burial, and remains sites in Southeast. Using his photo interpretation skills, he reviewed Vietnam era imagery at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in the Washington D.C. area to locate crash and incident sites. He participated in joint field investigations in Laos and Cambodia, where he interviewed villagers in remote villages who were witnesses to the losses, and surveyed crash, remains, and burial sites. Bill also attended many meetings with high level government officials of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the Kingdom of Cambodia, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. In addition to going into the field with his investigation teams on Joint Field Activities, he also loved traveling to the mainland meet with the families of his missing service members and civilians to go over the progress that had been made on their loved one’s cases. In 2003 he received the Pacific Command’s (PACOM) Intelligence

Civilian of the year award. Bill retired from JPAC in December 2008, after over 17 years of dedicated service and assisted in bringing home the remains of over 280 of our fallen heroes from the Vietnam War who have been identified and locating the crash, burial, and remains sites of many more for future excavation. When he started working the issue in 1992, there were 224 aircraft crash sites in Laos and 23 in Cambodia with crewmembers thought to be in the aircraft that had not been located, when he retired in 2008 there were only 17 crash sites in Laos and one in Cambodia that had not been found. In his retirement years, Bill continued to assist DPAA with his expertise and knowledge.

Bill was a competitive chili and salsa cook, taking JPAC teams to seven Hawaii State Chili Cook-offs, with four first place and one second place finishes in salsa, and a third place in both red and green chili. He also represented JPAC at the Idaho State Chili Cook-off in 2009, where he won first place in salsa, and at the 2010 World Chili Cook-off in Manchester, New Hampshire, where a judge disqualified his salsa for having pineapple in it.

He founded and organized six reunions of the 548th Reconnaissance Technical Group (RTG), Hickam AFB, Hawaii, Association (548rtg.org), a unit he was assigned to for 17 years. The organization later became the 548th and 67th Reconnaissance Association when it merged with 67th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron (RTS), Yokota AB, Japan, Association, in 2014, another unit he served with.

Bill loved his country and proudly flew Old Glory every day on his home in Kapolei and added the POW/ MIA flag on national holidays, POW/ MIA Day, Flag Day, Pearl Harbor Day, and 9/11. His favorite song was Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA”, which sums up his feelings for his country. He would berate the TV when players and fans were not standing at attention, hats off, and placing their hand over their heart when the National Anthem was played at sporting events and always insisted on telling anyone who would listen his opinions of the current occupants of the White House and Congress. Bill also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son Bill and grandkids Josh, Makenna, and David, and their dad on Lanai Island, Hawaii, and in Idaho.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Sue-me (Yong Po Cha), four children, Linda (Bill Kaholokula) Knight, Ann (Scott) Casson, Sue (Bryan) Marciel, all living in Hawaii, and Bill (Adrienne Nishioka) Forsyth of Boise, Idaho, eleven grand-children, Mike, Josh, Taylor, Kylee, Makenna, David, Tom, Eli, Jackson, Ben, and Addy, great grand-child, Eliana, his beloved sister Ruth “Missy/Snooks” Forsyth of Seattle Washington, and nephew Tom Forsyth III of Marysville Washington. He is preceded in death by both his parents, Tom (1998) and Lorraine Olson Forsyth (2006), his brother Marine Lance Corporal Tom Forsyth Jr. (1967), step-mother Ethel Smith Forsyth (2014) and stepbrother Peter Smith (2003). Funeral services are scheduled at the Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary’s East Chapel in Honolulu on Tuesday, August 15th at 10:00am (visitation begins at 9:00am), followed by a reception at the chapel and a military interment ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at 1:00pm; dress is duty uniform, aloha or casual attire. A live stream of the service is TBA on the mortuary’s website. In lieu of flowers the family wishes that a donation be made in memory of Bill to the American Legion.

Odin Rascoe

Staff writer

A fire that burned the bottom of a single-wide manufactured home in El Dorado Hills sent one firefighter to the hospital with minor injuries Monday night. A resident of the home, located on the 1500 block of Arbolado Lane, noticed smoke rising from the floor and called emergency services; crews from the El Dorado Hills, Rescue and Cal Fire/ Cameron Park fire departments arrived at the home at 8:48 p.m. Firefighters found the fire was spreading under the structure and inside the walls of the home, according to EDHFD Deputy Chief Michael Lilienthal.

While fighting the flames, a firefighter fell through the weakened floor. The firefighter was sent to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Occupants of the home were able to escape without injury; one man was assessed

for smoke inhalation but did not require transport to the hospital.

Fire damage is estimated at $100,000, according to Lilienthal, and the cause was determined to have been accidental.

Dr. Little’s Dental News

Presented by Jeffery Little, D.D.S.

FOODS TO AVOID FOR DENTAL HEALTH

Some foods and drinks cause more plaque buildup than others. Sugary foods cause oral bacteria to release acids that wear down tooth enamel, causing tooth decay and cavities. Some foods are worse than others. Sour candies contain extra acids and stick to your teeth longer. Saliva breaks bread down into sugars than can be just as hard on your teeth as sweet treats and may also stick to your teeth longer than other foods. Alcoholic beverages dry out your mouth, reducing the saliva that helps repair tooth enamel and prevents bacteria from sticking to your teeth. Carbonated beverages also reduce saliva and contain high levels of acid. Citrus

fruits, potato chips, and dried fruit are other foods to avoid. Our basic philosophy is that you and your family deserve the highest quality dental services available today, and we are committed to providing just that here at our office. From sound advice on dietary habits to all-encompassing, high-tech dental care from a rigorously trained compassionate staff, you’ll know you’re in the right place the moment you walk through our doors. Office hours are by appointment.

P.S. Whole wheat bread contains less sugar, making it better than white bread for oral health.

California Matters

State sees stagnation after years of historic growth

From its founding 173 years ago, California’s history has been dominated by one word: growth.

Its population grew from a few thousand to nearly 40 million, becoming by far the nation’s most populous state. Its economy grew to $3.6 trillion, the fourth largest in the world, and its $310.8 billion state budget is virtually the same as Russia’s.

But that was then and this is now.

California’s indices of growth have hit a plateau.

The state’s population has been drifting downward for several years, and the state Department of Finance recently projected that it will remain virtually unchanged at around 40 million at least until 2060 – a radical change from earlier predictions that it would top 50 million by then.

The state’s labor force is likewise stagnant, according to the state budget’s projections, which explains why employers are having such great di culty fi lling positions.

Personal income is barely keeping up with infl ation, while real, infl ationadjusted wages, the budget says, are declining.

The Department of Finance projects that state tax revenue will remain virtually unchanged for at least the next several years, leading to operating defi cits for the remainder of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s

Guest Column

DAN WALTERS

second and fi nal term. Looking ahead, the old saying that demography is destiny comes into play.

A stagnant population has myriad social, political and economic impacts — some already evident — such as not having

Letters to the Editor

Road repairs on the way

EDITOR:

I appreciated Corrinne’s letter to the editor last week about the need to fix Broadway. We agree! That is why we have two great projects out to bid this fall, the Broadway Sidewalks Project (CIP No. 41606) and the Broadway Maintenance Project (CIP No. 42003). Both projects are going out to bid concurrently in September and the construction contract is anticipated to be awarded in December. Construction will begin in spring of 2024.

Attention Burke

EDITOR:

Whether you like it or not, Ms. Burke, America’s Founding Fathers were of the Judeo-Christian belief system and all of them happened to be Christians. No, the Founding Fathers did not want the state dictating religion. That being said, whether you like it or not, the Founding Fathers as a group were of the Christian faith.

enough workers to fi ll jobs and California’s loss of a congressional seat for the fi rst time in its history.

A non-growing population is an aging population with everfewer Californians of working age (18 to 64), and greater demands for health care and other services. Even the youngest members of the post-World War II baby boom generation are now close to retirement.

The net outfl ow of population visà-vis other states

■ See WALTERS, page A5

Combined, the projects include improvements to our water system, storm drain collection system, sewer collection system, sidewalks and, best of all, repaving. The project spans from the Broadway/Main Street intersection to Schnell School Road. The city partnered with the public and property owners in the corridor to develop a complete project that isn’t just new asphalt, it’s an improvement to the quality of life in that corridor, making it safer for all road users, not just vehicles.

Thanks to the residents in Placerville who voted for Measure L, we were able to come up with the funds for local match to federal grants and fully fund Broadway Maintenance using local money. Measure H and L provide the bulk of funding for this project and help fund over 100 other capital improvement projects in the city (cityofplacerville. org/capital-improvement-projects).

We know it has been a long time coming to do much needed improvements to Broadway. We are combining two projects for economies of scale and savings to the taxpayer. Every year Measure H & L generates a little over $2 million toward street and pipes/sewer repair. We can often leverage these funds to pull in additional state & federal funds as we did on this project. City sta does a great job at procuring these funds such as the $15 million awarded for street improvement to Placerville Drive.

We strive to always do better, and we will continue to work on improving all our city roads, sewers and pipes. We try and fix everything at once, so we do not pave a street and then dig it up a year later because we failed to fix the pipes under the road.

Thank you for your patience and grace as we make these repairs. But ... it’ll be worth the wait.

MICHAEL SARAGOSA Mayor, city of Placerville

While the Founding Fathers were careful not to dictate a specific religion, they did feel that religion was essential to the success of the American experiment.

To quote John Adams, second president of the United States, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other.”

In America you can be of any religion or no religion. But as the proclamation basically states, those who founded America were of the Christian faith and you can’t change history no matter how much you might like to.

GEORGE ALGER Placerville

Religious nonsense

EDITOR:

Hidahl follows in the path of Congressman McClintock’s manifesto of May 6, 2020, which mixed his fascist politics with Christianity, resulting in a dystopian and false view of U.S. history. Hidahl continues this loathsome tradition by pandering to bigotry, ignorance and a false religion/patriotism by inventing U.S. history to fit his political agenda: to get re-elected.

Sinclair Lewis warned: “When fascism comes to America, it will drape itself in the flag and carry the cross!” Hidahl and others in county government love to drape themselves in the flag and spout religious nonsense. They echo the father of fascism Mussolini’s own 1928 definition of his idea:

“I prefer ‘corporatism’ to ‘fascism.’ It defines more accurately what we stand for: the state, corporations/banks and religion (N.B. the Catholic church at the time) acting together for the good of the nation.”

If you see Mussolini’s definition of fascism as a perfect fit for GOP strategy, you’ve not been

SUMMARY California has experienced population and economic growth for virtually all of its 173-year history, but now may be facing prolonged stagnation. ■ See LETTERS page A5

Seek medical truth, enjoy your life — we only get one

Does your doctor make you feel good? Does he or she tell you what you want to hear just to make you happy? If so, you probably should look for another doctor.

No one enjoys leaving the doctor’s office feeling bad. We don’t want to hear, “You need to change your lifestyle.” We don’t want to hear, “You need to cut way back on your sugar intake.”

We enjoy our habits. Habits are hard to break. My wife’s grandfather loved smoking. He wouldn’t give it up even after numerous cancer surgeries. He died at age 65.

A friend died recently. She died from what is often called fatty liver disease. Six months before she died, she told me she was terminal. She said, “I guess I drank too much

alcohol throughout my lifetime.” She went on to tell me that her family doctor two years prior had said her issue wasn’t severe and that she “didn’t have to worry.” She was very displeased with her doctor’s passive attitude about her condition that would soon take her life. Another friend of mine was diagnosed with prostate cancer. His doctor’s approach to his condition was “watch it. When it became worse, they would do something about the cancer.” They watched it and they watched it kill my friend. Within a year it was out of control and had spread outside his prostate. The doctor’s relaxed attitude about a serious situation did not go well for my friend.

Many doctors want to make you to feel good. Of course, we don’t want a doctor whose goal is to make us feel bad. Typically, they don’t want to lose you as a patient. Still, they should diplomatically tell you what you may not want to hear.

Keep in mind the doctor ordinarily knows more than we do. However, you do know how you feel. Be aware of your family history. In this information age you have to do some self-study. There is a lot of information online about most conditions you are facing. You have to research thoroughly though because often you can find whatever response you want on the internet. Ask your doctor questions about your research. Tell him or her that you want to make good choices. Be willing to travel to another town if your doctor refers you or seek out someone who might be able to provide the care you need.

The bottom line is we have to

take personal responsibility for our health and do the best we can do.

Even when we do everything we can think of to do, these bodies are subject to disease and death.

Richard Thousand is with the Taussig Cancer Center at Cleveland Clinic. He was recently talking to me about the many medical advances made in recent years and noted more are on the way. He then said something I had only heard my dad say many times, “Glenn, we aren’t going to get out of this world alive. From the moment we are born, there is something that is trying to kill us. Eventually, it’s going to happen.”

The bottom line is do the best we can with the information we have. Be diligent. Be thorough. Seek the truth from your doctor. Finally, enjoy your life. We all only get one.

Dr. Glenn Mollette is a national columnist and the author of 13 books.

GLENN MOLLETTE

Arrest Continued from A1

Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation before they are hired … We will work closely with our law enforcement partners to support their investigation in any way we can.”

Manasrah was taken into custody at EDCOE’s offices, according to Gentry’s statement. He was booked into the El Dorado County Jail with ineligibility for bail. He has been employed as a special education transportation

Problems Continued from A1

in “bad shape,” including a pig, goats, a dog and a bearded dragon. Also located were carcasses and skeletons of other animals, according to Hass.

“There were some live animals at the residence that were malnourished and mangy,” Hass said. “They were removed from the property, nursed back to health and have been adopted out.”

Fines against Village Capital and Investment started accumulating mid-July for a total of $500 a day. The company had until July 28 to clean up the property or it would face an additional $1,000 fee. Since it is

driver since October 2021.

Online incarcerated persons records show Manasrah faces a felony charge of oral copulation against a victim incapable of giving consent due to mental, developmental or physical disablement.

Parker asks anyone with additional information regarding Manasrah to contact Det. Marcos Sosa at (530) 642-4711 or sosam@edso.org.

privately-owned property, the county does not have responsibility to clean up the residence.

“What we will typically tell neighbors in a situation like this is to take it to civil court because it is a private property issue,” Hass said.

Although county personnel reported finding signs of people living there, no one is currently living at the residence, according to Hass. Nevada-based Village Capital and Investment did not respond to Mountain Democrat inquiries. It is unknown whether the company was leasing the property to a third party.

Walters Continued from A4 exacerbates the workforce dilemma even more, and a chronic lack of workers discourages employers from expanding operations with a negative effect on the overall economy.

California lost one congressional seat after the 2020 census because its population grew slower than the rest of the country. Over the next several decades, at least, California and other slow- or no-growth blue states, such as New York, will lose more seats to fastgrowing red states such as Florida and Texas, and therefore more presidential electoral college votes.

California’s net loss in state-to-state migration patterns may already be a factor in the state’s projection of stagnant

tax revenues. The state’s tax system is inordinately dependent on taxing the incomes of the state’s most affluent residents. The highest income 1% of Californians generate nearly half of income taxes, which are the lion’s share of overall revenues.

A fierce debate has raged in academic and political circles over whether there has been a significant flight of wealthy taxpayers from the state as marginal tax rates rose and the federal government sharply restricted their ability to deduct state taxes on the federal tax returns – the latter an issue now raging in Congress.

The debate gained new fodder recently when SmartAsset, a website devoted to economic issues, revealed that California and New York have the

highest out-migration rates of taxpayers with incomes over $200,000 a year. The SmartAsset study, based on federal tax return data, found that in 2021, California had a net loss of 27,341 high-income taxpayers, a 42% increase from the outflow in 2020. California’s loss was the nation’s highest and Florida and Texas, neither of which has an income tax, were the major gainers.

It’s reasonable to assume that the flight from California contributes in some measure to the state’s projection of stagnating tax revenues and ongoing deficits.

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

Letters Continued from A4

fooled. Mr. Hidahl needs to broaden his intellectual horizons. May I suggest a couple of books: “God is not Great: How Religion Spoils Everything,” by Christopher Hitchens and “The God Delusion” by Richard Dawkins.

JOHN GARON Placerville

Announcements

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

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

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

LeArN & PLAy criBBAGe Cribbage is a fun, fast paced game that will surely keep you on your toes! **All skill levels **Learn to play by ACC Rules (American Cribbage Congress) **Beginner instruction available **Compete in weekly Cribbage tournaments. Call 916-768-4452 for more information. Gold Country Cribbers play Wednesday afternoon 4:30 pm at Steve’s Pizza, 3941 Park Dr., El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762

Ready for real change?

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

Struggling with life? ceLeBrAte recOvery is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@ greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/

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

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

Hangtown Women’s teNNis club. Join fun-loving women Wednesdays 8am-10am at El Dorado High School. Lessons, social events, only $50/year. Call Cindy 805-540-8654. mArsHALL HOsPitAL AUxiLiAry is looking for volunteers. It is a rewarding opportunity to do something for the community. We will be holding interviews on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. Please contact Linda Grimoldi at 530-6202240 or call the Auxiliary Office at 530-626-2643.

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

seNiOr Peer cOUNseLiNG

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

tAxPAyers AssOciAtiON Of eL DOrADO cOUNty

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

PUZZLE BY JOE DEENEY

Night Out a blast!

CDFW is employing an alternative solution to safeguard the bear family as well as the people in the South Lake Tahoe community.

The sow’s three young cubs, which have accompanied the bear on recent home break-ins, will potentially be relocated to Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue, a CDFW-permitted wildlife rehabilitation facility in Petaluma, in hopes they can discontinue the negative behaviors they learned from their mother and be returned to the wild. All three cubs were given a health assessment in the field before transfer and will receive additional examination at the facility. One of the cubs is believed to have suffered serious injuries from a vehicle strike earlier this month, though is still mobile. The injured cub will be given a thorough veterinary evaluation.

Bear 64F has been monitored closely by CDFW since 2022. In March 2023, she was discovered denning under a residence in South Lake Tahoe along with her three

male cubs. Staff from CDFW and the Nevada Department of Wildlife immobilized the bear, collected DNA evidence, attached an ear tag and affixed a satellite tracking collar to the bear. Staff also implanted passive integrated transponders, known as PIT tags, into the cubs for future identification. The PIT tags contain a microchip similar to what’s implanted into pet dogs and cats for identification.

Bear 64F shed the satellite tracking collar last May. The bear’s DNA, however, has been confirmed at 21 home invasions in the South Lake Tahoe area between February 2022 and May 2023 with the bear suspected in additional break-ins and property damage.

CDFW’s updated Black Bear Policy, released in February 2022, allows for the placement and relocation of conflict bears in limited circumstances when other management options have been exhausted and as an alternative to lethal actions.

Hank Continued from A1

Photos by Laurie Edwards

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office and El Dorado Hills Fire Department worked in conjunction to put on their own National Night Out event Aug. 4 at El Dorado Hills Community Park. In a demonstration, above left, K9 deputy Griffin O’Camb played the role of a bad guy. He was “apprehended” by Apollo, a 4-year-old German shepherd trained and handled by K9 deputy Brad Hellam. Vannessa Simon, 11, of Cameron Park, right photo, had her picture taken with Hellam and loyal K9 partner Apollo.

Friends Maddie Lowman, 5, of Folsom and Mikey Collins, 5, of El Dorado Hills are happy with the gifts they received during the National Night Out event.

El Dorado Hills Fire Department Community Emergency Response Team volunteers Chuck and Esther Beckman teach CPR chest compressions to Girl Scout Brownies Zoe Fortier, 8, left, and Layla Ludlow, 7. Both girls live in El Dorado Hills and belong to Troop No. 1787.

Clarksburg’s Cox a Carnett Clash champ

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

Gary

Thomas Placerville Speedway

At Placerville Speedway's annual Carnett Clash Saturday the winged 360 sprint car feature started off with Placerville’s Shane Hopkins setting the pace up front. Clarksburg racer Justyn Cox assumed the runner-up spot on the opening lap and hounded the rear tail tank of Hopkins’ machine as last week’s winner Landon Brooks also joined the party.

Cox would then charge into the lead with 10 circuits complete, prior to a caution waving shortly after. Brooks had a right rear tire go flat that forced him into the work area during the slowdown. Nine-time track champ

Andy Forsberg blasted into second and came hard after the leader following the restart Forsberg spun out in turn four with just six laps to go. Tony Gomes, who was running third along with Shane Hopkins in sixth, were also caught up in the incident.

On the restart Cox held strong with Dylan Bloomfield trying to keep him within sight. Bloomfield looked to close the gap coming to the white flag, but the yellow lights flashed on for a stalled car in turns one and two.

The green, white, checkered restart saw Cox hit his marks to bring home the victory. Bloomfield came home in second for the second straight week.

Clovis youngster Dominic Gorden earned his first Placerville Speedway podium in third, with point leader Michael Faccinto in fourth and Wilton’s Ashlyn Rodriguez rounding out the top five. Ashton Torgerson, Gauge Garcia, Michael Pombo, Bubba Decaires and Stephen Ingraham made up the top 10.

A total of 27 winged sprint cars were on hand Saturday night. Faccinto began the evening by earning the fast time award with a lap of 11.085.

The 20-lap Carnett Clash feature for the limited late models saw Vacaville driver Paul Gugliomoni pick up a win in the division's first action since July 4.

Lincoln’s Dan Brown Jr. fought his way forward to challenge the leader over the waning stages, but Gugliomoni was too strong up front and crossed under the checkered flag.

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

Brown, Dan Jinkerson, Clark Gugliomoni and Ray Trimble completed the top five. Clark Gugliomoni also gave the leader everything he could handle at times in the race.

Nick Baldwin picked up the win in the pure stocks showcase.

Kenny Bernstein led the first few laps, before Tom Arbogast was able to slice his way by Bernstein on lap four. While Arbogast led the way he had a hungry pack of Kevin Jinkerson, Nick Baldwin and Dan Jinkerson duking it out for the runner-up spot.

Arbogast had been smoking heavily and slowed just prior to the conclusion, which saw Baldwin make the pass. Baldwin ended up taking the checkered flag over Dan Jinkerson, Arbogast, Kevin Jinkerson and Michael Murphy.

The Nor-Cal Dwarf Car Association brought out a 27-car field with Fairfield’s Mike “Spanky” Grenert picking up the win.

As Grenert took the checkered flag he was followed across the line by Shawn Whitney, Mike Reeder, Ben Wiesz and Cody Shrum in the top-five.

Rounding out the top 10 were Dylan Shrum, Kevin “Hollywood” Bender, Gage Meyers, Dan Geil and Kinser Endicott.

Placerville Speedway returns to action Saturday, Aug. 12, with Big Trophy Night.

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

n

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’re inventive. Don’t let concepts remain theoretical. Push ideas through all the stages. No matter how good the original thought may be, the magic is not in the idea; it’s in what happens when you follow through.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Many want to pin you down, but since it’s hard to tell what you’ll be doing two weeks from now, avoid making definite plans. Leave room for ambiguity, improvisation and magical happenstance.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Where love is unconditional, the forgiveness never ends. Just remember that support comes in many forms. Sometimes the most loving thing to do doesn’t fit the typical idea. Trust your emotional genius.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’ll be welcomed into someone’s world. Your observations will make this person feel special and seen, so be sure to effuse and emote. Your feedback will be received much deeper than they show.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). With so much going for you, you could easily intimidate the insecure. It’s a good thing you’re naturally inclined toward modesty. Your humble desire to be of service will prevent you from becoming a target of envy.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your heart is full of youthful energy. There’s a sense that all this is for you: the sky, the sun, the day... The world will be like a good parent, encouraging you to explore the environment and your place in it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You have talents both common and rare. The rare ones must be discovered. The right circumstance will highlight them. If you need an excuse to keep putting yourself in new situations, this one is as good as it gets.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Deals go down. Many people won’t offer what’s fair, rather they just offer what they think they can get away with. When you hold your business to a higher standard, you help everyone.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Appetite is a blessing. There have been times when you were numb to wanting. Even painful longing is better than that. Welcome cravings. You’ll naturally gravitate to what makes you feel more alive.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). With the powerful tool of your speaking voice, you will request, persuade and negotiate your way to what you need. Your inner voice can be similarly employed, though it may not happen naturally. Self-encouragement takes practice.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). There’s an art to wanting well. Explore your options to better understand whether what you want makes sense, given your current circumstances. If not, something adjacent will work brilliantly.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You have fans who want to help but don’t know how. They’d love to see you succeed, and are clueless as to what your version of success looks like. Show them so they can assist in the right direction.

Courtesy photo

Justyn Cox pilots his winged 360 sprint car. He picked up the win Saturday night during Placerville Speedway’s Carnett Clash event.

Community shows its support after house fire

A fire that burned a home Friday afternoon on Oakleaf Drive in Cameron Park prompted an outpouring of support for the family that lived there.

A GoFundMe has been set up for the Madsens, which has raised more than $16,000 to assist the family with buying clothes and other items lost in the fire. The fire caused an unspecified amount of damage to the home and

is under investigation, according to Cal Fire Public Information Officer Wendy Oaks. Kimberly Madsen was returning home to find the house on fire, according to the GoFundMe fundraiser page.

A dog was in the home at the time but firefighters were able to evacuate the pet out of the house.

No injuries were reported in the incident, said Oaks. Fire crews from the Cal Fire/Cameron Park, Rescue and El Dorado Hills fire departments responded to the incident, which was reported shortly before 3 p.m.

Boots filled

News, In the KNOW

Now

The Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park presents “For the Love of Dog” through Aug.

13. For tickets and more information call (916) 5242540 or visit stageatburke. com.

Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents Monty Python’s “Spamalot” through Aug. 13. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

B Street Theatre at The Sofia in Sacramento presents “Insertion” through Aug. 13. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “Aladdin Jr.” through Aug. 20. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

The Placerville Main Street Farmers Market takes place Wednesdays, 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. Member benefits are plenty and there is no fee for the first year. For more information call (530) 499-2950.

Broadway at Music

Circus in Sacramento presents “Ragtime,” through Aug. 13. For tickets and more information call (916) 557-1999 or visit broadwaysacramento.com.

Aug. 9

UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County host Turning Dirt into Gold, a soil improvement class, 9 a.m. to noon at the Cameron Park Community Center. No registration required.

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

PleinAir Vineyards

engages esteemed wine consultant Steve Leveque

Sarah Malone

Special to the Democrat

FIDDLETOWN — Since founding PleinAir Vineyards in 2013, owners Sarah and Tom Malone have planted estate vineyards, created a visitor experience, and, along with winemaker and their son Dan Malone, made wine since 2018. Now with feet firmly planted in the Fiddletown American Viticulteral Area, Tom, Sarah and Dan welcome Steve Leveque as the ultimate next step in elevating quality in their wines and establishing a house style for the winery.

Leveque starts with the 2023 vintage at PleinAir, making Rhône and Bordeaux varietal wines and blends. He offers sterling winemaking chops from past associations with Hall, Opus, Mondavi, Chalk Hill Estate and with visionaries such as Michel Rolland.

Leveque’s wines have earned three 100-point scores from The Wine Advocate, earned two 100-point scores from Jeb Dunnuck, and secured No.

2 Wine in the World honors on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2011 list.

Four years ago, the Sierra Foothills beckoned. Struck by the region’s natural diversity, Leveque is seizing upon its soils, elevation, temperature, aspect, slope, wind and exposure to the sun — all providing ideal conditions for a multitude of varieties. He has partnered with the region’s top growers and is pushing quality winemaking boundaries in this promising AVA.

“I hope to bring PleinAir Vineyards into its highest

potential through meticulous, timely and proven viticulture inputs,” he commented. Previously mentored by Leveque in another Sierra foothill winery, Dan Malone will work in tandem making wines for his family’s PleinAir Vineyards.

The vineyards at PleinAir are situated at 2,000 feet elevation, on rolling hills with a primary west-facing slope. Tom Malone has installed a water-saving underground drip at the foot of his vines to limit evaporation and maximize water efficiency in the vineyards. The soils on the estate are Sierra coarse sandy loam and are planted with Rhône varietals, petite sirah, syrah, viognier, mourvèdre and grenache. Leveque will also work with the Malones to secure grapes from top-quality Amador and

El Dorado grape growers for PleinAir’s Bordeaux-inspired wines.

Sarah and Tom Malone want wines that are luxurious, fullbodied and deep in color.

“We are excited about our future Bordeaux and Rhône focused wines under Steve’s stewardship that will help to further define PleinAir’s house style,” said Sarah.

As Francophiles and always artistically inspired, Tom and Sarah have previously collaborated in making living spaces comfortable through remodeling and design, mostly in the Pebble Beach region.

“In our wines and on our Fiddletown property, we want to access our own experiences and bear in mind what moves us — homey, warm, friendly and authentic. We are doing what we love and know,” Sarah

added.

The result is a sociable and unhurried country French indoor and outdoor hospitality center appointed with French artifacts and furniture. Patrons are met and served by the owners themselves, either in the cellar room or under a grove of stately old oak trees.

Tom Malone is excited for the winery’s newest development. He said, “Together Sarah and I have always created quality and aesthetics. While welcoming the artistry of Steve Leveque’s winemaking, we move closer to realizing optimum artistic and quality standards in our wines.”

PleinAir Vineyards is located at 21090 Ostrom Road in Fiddletown. It is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For reservations call (209) 781-3270 or visit pleinairvineyards.com.

Beats Antique presents two nights of creativity

GRASS VALLEY — The Center for the Arts and Fresh Bakin’ present Beats Antique for two nights in the Marisa Funk Theater, Aug. 11 & 12. The group is joined by special guest YOHM Live with Lighthawk Aug. 11 and Naughty Princess Aug. 12. You can’t know Beats Antique until you’ve been a part of its journey and experienced the act as an entity with a life of its own. A stage show that demands more music; music that needs costumes, ships and masks and shadow dances; an audience that comes for art, and takes away stories to feed their imagination.

Commitment to the full performance art form is how Beats Antique

fuses musical worlds, pulling on global sounds for experiments on the

fringes of cinematic cabaret, informed by electronic mash-ups and

inspirations who have joined the members on the journey such as Les

Claypool, Bassnectar, Alam Khan, The Glitch Mob and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

When Beats Antique first drew breath, there was no pressure to become anything. The first album was just Zoe, David and Tommy’s one-off experimental project for entertainment executive Miles Copeland, when Zoe performed with his Bellydance Superstars. From that creative freedom, a family formed with each member wearing many hats: Tommy steering percussion, piano and music production; Zoe producing music, choosing themes and commanding a circus

Photo by Jason Charme Photography Beats Antique creates an original show that fuses music, dance, props and more. The group will perform twice at The Center for the Arts.

Steve Leveque joins the winemaking team at PleinAir Vineyards.

Courtesy photo

n See Beats, page B4

Grow for it!

How to garden when it’s too hot to garden

As I write this, the meteorologist reports May, June and July 2023 were the hottest months on Earth on record. As in, ever. What’s a gardener to do?

You know the heat-related cautions: stay hydrated, garden during the day’s coolest part, wear sunscreen and a hat and limit time outdoors.

My 5 a.m. alarm has me inspecting my garden’s health early. I note pest damage like the beginnings of a red spider mite invasion (stippled bleached leaf appearance), a gopher rampage (nibbling on new roots causes leaf wilt and wobbly stems) or a break in deer netting (obvious browse). In the cool mornings, I generally can avoid wasps, mosquitoes and bees.

My attire is a long-sleeved cotton shirt with upturned collar, long, pocketed pants, heavy socks, gardening hat (vented with flaps), sunglasses and supportive gardening shoes. The goal is not achieving an all-over tan

but protecting skin, scalp and eyes.

Summer gardening is not about moving soil, transplanting or planting anew, big pruning jobs, wheelbarrowing or digging holes. It’s too hot for you and for new or relocated plants.

Routine, must-do tasks include filling birdbaths and critter saucers (each with its rock for non-swimmers), checking moisture levels in outdoor pots and raking leaves or pulling weeds from paths. Clear paths help eliminate tripping hazards like an overnight gopher hole and afford the daytime hawks and nighttime owls a chance at gophers, mice and rats.

between the covers

Book: “Spooky

America: The Ghostly Tales of Lake Tahoe”

Author: Kate Byrne

Publisher: Arcadia

Children’s Books, 2023,

softcover, 112 pages Wendy Schultz Mountain Democrat correspondent

Secret tunnels, mythical beasts, haunted hotel rooms and spooky

Lightweight and portable tools are the goal: a horihori knife for checking soil moisture below the arid surface, pruning shears to remove damaged growth, a wire rake, a container for greens/browns composting and a plastic bag for weeds. Additionally, I carry a water bottle, string, clothespins and scissors for quick barrier repairs and an on-the-spot first aid kit. Carrying my necessities and setting my phone’s timer equals fewer footsteps and efficient use of the morning cool.

I’m not patient with drip-irrigation systems so I hose-water. My limited

casinos — “The Ghostly Tales of Lake Tahoe” is a collection of stories about the creepy doings all around Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America.

Although the stories are written with children ages 8 through

mobility, low water pressure and commitment to routine “health-checking” means organizing watering by sectors and pre-planning “hose-lays” for predicted hot-spells. If I find a sun-scalded plant (distinct yellowed, brown or desiccated leaf spots), I use a bit of staked shade cloth to shelter it quickly. Not pretty, but protective. Make sure no metal (stakes, wire fencing or a watering wand) touches your plant. Think of the shade cloth as temporary through this hot spell, not forever. It may not look like a gardening magazine photo, but the important thing is to protect your plants from excessive heat.

When it’s too hot to garden, spend some time inside researching fall planting or transplanting of favorites. Fall is kinder than spring or summer, not only for gardeners, but for the garden, with soil warm for root expansion before winter’s chill and without heat’s impact. Plan to decrease square footage where there has been unsatisfactory plant performance, decreasing water cost and personal time and energy.

Summer is a great time to rediscover gardening as the

12 in mind, they are tales that people of any age will enjoy. In fact, author Kate Byrne adapted the stories from “Haunted Lake Tahoe” by Janice Oberding, an adult book from Arcadia Publishing.

“Some of the stories in the adult book are a bit too terrifying for kids,” said Byrne. “The story from the early days of Truckee when a ghost pinned a man to the floor was almost too scary for the book! It’s inevitable that we do include some murders, but we try not to include anything too gory or violent. I look for elements that are, well, haunting — images and stories that will stay with the reader.”

The best stories, according to Byrne, are spooky and eerie, but not too frightening. She cites the stories in Chapter One of “Ghostly Tales” about Tahoe Tessie, a prehistoric lake creature, and the Ong, a gigantic winged creature as examples. “Supernatural stories are great. The Ong and Tahoe Tessie are perfect

enjoyable, ongoing, patient, educational process it is. Let’s work around heatwaves. Master Gardener classes are offered monthly throughout the county. Find the class schedule at mgeldorado. ucanr.edu/Public_Education_ Classes/?calendar=yes&g =56698 and recorded classes on many gardening topics at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/ Public_Education/Classes. Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open every Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. Master Gardeners will offer tours, answer questions or guests can just enjoy the garden. Check the website for further information about the Sherwood Demonstration Garden at ucanr.edu/sites/ EDC_Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden. Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are working hard to answer your questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website, mgeldorado.ucanr.edu, or leave a message on the office telephone at (530) 621-5512. To sign up for notices and newsletters visit ucanr.edu/ master_gardener_e-news. Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

for kids because there is something mysterious that you want to check out, but it’s not too scary.”

One favorite story is that of salty Captain Barter, the “Hermit of Emerald Bay.” The captain told stories about the time he was

caught in a snowstorm and had to cut off his frozen toes … and he had the toes in a jar to prove it.

Other stories are about places like the Thunderbird Lodge, the

n See Ghostly tales page B5

EDH Garden Club looks to grow

Noel Stack

Managing editor

Did you know in some areas of the United States farmers have to truck in bees to pollinate crops?

El Dorado Hills Garden Club President Yvonne Phillips shared this and other interesting gardening and agriculture facts when speaking to the Mountain Democrat. In her nearly 30 years with the club she has learned a lot and invites fellow garden enthusiasts to join.

“I’m so impressed with the speakers we get,” she said.

When EDH Garden Club meetings resume after the summer break, members and guests will get to hear from Greg Gayton, manager at Green Acres Nursery and Supply in Folsom (September), as well as Daisy Mah, champion of the WPA Rock Garden in Sacramento’s William Land Park (November). El Dorado County Master Gardeners are also on the calendar and Phillips said she hopes to take a few field trips during the year to admire great gardens and other attractions in the region. The club

also hosts a picnic before taking its summer break.

“I love learning new stuff,” Phillips said. “Anyone anxious to learn, men and women, are welcome.”

The EDH Garden Club was organized in November 1965 under the leadership of Art Clair Corbell as president and Virginia Sutherland as vice president. Phillips joined in 1996, serving as president 11 times in two centuries and in four different decades. Activities over the years have included fashion shows, bake sales, plant sales and more. In the early 1970s members sewed gifts for nursing home residents and bought groceries for the women’s shelter. In the early 1980s they partnered with the El Dorado County Office of Education for an adopt-a-family program, which continues to this day and is funded in part by the plant sale.

The EDH Garden Club meets at noon the first Tuesday of each month at the EDH Library, 7455 Silva Valley Parkway. Meetings are held September through May (no meeting in January). For more information call Phillips at (916) 803-1921.

Susan CoreyMcAlpine UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County

Barton’s Sarah Trickey, RN, recognized with The DAISY Award

Thea Hardy

Barton Health

Sarah Trickey, registered nurse (RN) with Barton’s Emergency Department, was selected as a recipient of The DAISY Award for extraordinary nurses. The award is in recognition of the clinical skill and compassionate care nurses provide to create a superior experience for patients and their families.

Trickey was nominated by Nora Miler-Nechodom, a patient whose experience inspired her nomination:

“Sarah was always in good spirits when taking care of me, which helped me keep my chin up and stay positive. She kept me well informed about my care and was always ready to attend to my requests and needs in a timely manner. We bonded well personally, as we both have a similar sense of humor that kept the energy light for both of our nights. My partner accompanied me

throughout the ER, and Sarah made sure he was kept in the loop and helped fulfill his needs too. Sarah was the perfect match for me and I count myself lucky to have been in her care that long night. I am very grateful for her hard work and attentiveness.”

Barton Memorial Hospital is a verified Level III Trauma Center, a critical access point where patients will receive an increase in depth and speed of care. Unlike other hospital facilities, trauma centers guarantee the resources for trauma care and the immediate availability of emergency medicine physicians, surgeons, nurses, lab and x-ray technicians, and life support equipment 24-hours a day. Trauma centers must meet, at a minimum, more than 160 different essential criteria established by the Committee on Trauma (COT) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS).

Nurses may be nominated by

patients and their families along with other staff and physicians, and the award recipient is chosen anonymously by a committee at Barton Health. As a winner of The DAISY Award, Trickey received a certificate, a DAISY Award pin and a sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. Awards are presented quarterly at celebrations often attended by the honoree’s colleagues, patients and visitors.

The DAISY Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died in 1999 at age 33 from complications of an autoimmune disease (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System). The care Barnes and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses.

To learn more and nominate a nurse for The DAISY Award, visit BartonHealth.org/Daisy.

Courtesy photo

Sarah Trickey, registered nurse (RN) with Barton’s Emergency Department, is The DAISY Award selection for extraordinary nurses.

New season for Italian cuisine, language at Murer House

August is a time of new beginnings. It’s “back to school” time at local schools and universities. It’s also the perfect time to pick up new skills that can enhance our lives.

It is no secret that our region boasts fine wines whose roots came from Europe. Look at many of our neighborhoods and you see architectural homages to bella Italia — beautiful Italy.

Many pioneers who settled in our area came from Italy. One of these was Giuseppe Murer, who built many of the structures in Folsom’s Historic District.

His home, which he built with his own hands in the style of his village in Northern Italy, serves the community today as part of the Murer House Foundation. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Once one of Folsom’s quietly held secrets, people from

Susan Laird The Arts

Sacramento, El Dorado and Placer counties now flock to this little enclave nestled in a quiet neighborhood next to the Folsom Lake Crossing Bridge. Here the foundation offers courses in Italian language, cooking, bocce, culture, local Italian-American history, gardening and more. The Learning Center, located next door to the historical residence in the Murer House compound, has a small classroom and

kitchen. This is where the magic happens.

La bella lingua

Do you have a trip to Italy planned? Do you have relatives who speak Italian? Or do you want to explore your Italian heritage? Here is your chance to learn more than a few phrases in la bella lingua.

The Italian language classes at Murer House range from beginner to advanced. There is even an intermediate conversational Italian class. Classes are friendly and fun, and the instructors are very supportive. Classes are eight weeks in duration. No grades are issued. The focus is on making progress, making new friends and enjoying the language.

Italian cooking classes

Thrill friends and family with your new talents in la cucina. No knowledge of Italian is

General Manager for Cameron Park Community Services District

Salary: $130,000.00 - $160,000.00 Annually

Description: Are you an innovative, forward-thinking professional in the field of finance and administration? Are you a self-starter with exceptional communication skills who excels at working with members of the community and public officials in helping provide a community excellent service? Do you enjoy the feel of a small town with access to regional amenities? If so, Cameron Park Community Services District (District) welcomes your application for General Manager.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: August 28, 2023, at 11:59 PM PST. Apply at: https://bit.ly/CPCSDGMApply

Substitute Cafeteria Assistant, Cook, and Maintenance Custodian Positions at Sly Park Set your own schedule and enjoy the flexibility of a substitute at the beautiful Sly Park Conservation and Environmental Education Center near Pollock Pines.

Starting Hourly Rates: Cafeteria Assistant -$16.40 hr., Cook- $19.01 hr., Maintenance Custodian - $19.49 hr. Click here to apply today: http://www.edjo.in/1807592

For more information, contact Sacramento County Office of Education Personnel Dept. 916-228-2332

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SUDOKU SOLUTIONS

Solution to Puzzle 1

Solution to Puzzle 2

necessary — just a love of Italian food. After choosing your class online, you will spend a few hours with other foodies learning how to source ingredients and you will prepare a small dish

with your own hands to enjoy at home. Although I must warn you, many of these wonders are consumed right on the spot! Fortunately, you will have the recipe and the confidence you

Exciting Opportunity Temporary Utility Worker (90-day Assignment)

$25.10 per hour

www.eid.org

Snow Removal Worker-Extra Help Department of Transportation

***This recruitment is eligible for a $6,000 incentive***

The incentive shall be paid in equal installments for the first twenty-six (26) consecutive biweekly pay periods in the position. Termination from employment (or release due to season ending) will result in any remaining cash incentive payments being forfeited.

The County of El Dorado is committed to promoting the power of public service by fostering a diverse and collaborative workplace where employees are empowered, respected, and valued. The dedicated efforts taken by the Board of Supervisors continues to promote El Dorado County as a competitive employer that is committed to recruiting and retaining qualified employees by advocating for competitive salaries and excellent benefits. The County of El Dorado is also supportive of providing telework opportunities for employees consistent with business needs and in accordance with Board of Supervisors Policy E-12 - Telecommuting.

The Department of Transportation is committed to ensuring that El Dorado County roadways are safe for public use. The department prioritizes the preservation of infrastructure by preserving and maintaining the public’s multi-billion dollar investment in our roads, bridges, and other facilities associated with the County Road System.

The ideal candidate will be experienced with operating a variety of heavy equipment. Duties will include but are not limited to performing snow removal, ice control, and storm patrol work. Must possess a valid Commercial Class B driver’s license. Must be willing to work nights, weekends, and overtime during emergencies and winter storm conditions. Must be willing to work out-of-doors in all weather conditions. Ability to operate a variety of vehicles and heavy equipment used to perform snow removal.

**A current DMV printout must be attached to your on-line application.

To apply go to: governmentjobs.com/careers/ edcgov

If you have questions regarding this recruitment, contact Jenny Thomas in Human Resources at jenny.thomas@edcgov.us

can make an authentic Italian dish to take home with you.

The 2023 online fall catalog includes hands-on cooking classes in a variety

Beats

Continued from B1

of traveling set designs, creating costuming and, of course, dancing like nothing you’ve ever seen; David as the multiinstrumentalist, captain of banjo, songwriting and production. These diverse skills are the muscle of the monster and how the creature moves through them, making itself real.

Some music evolved organically from the decades of experience each collaborator brings to the project. Other pieces were written for the show. In deeply vulnerable interplay, every song is woven into a tapestry of danced and drummed story.

Each album and stage show has built upon the last with highlights such as: emergence from the bellydance and bass underground in the San Francisco Bay; performing to a massive crowd at Red Rocks Amphitheater; Thievery Corporation and its management discovering Beats Antique one fateful night at Burning Man; artist friends painting set pieces or donning masks for the finale; performing in Egypt on the day some said the world would end and playing a hometown show at The Fox on the night Occupy Oakland was evicted and merged with their fans to light bonfires in the street and leap over the flames.

Beats Antique is lifted in each step by loyal fans included in its definition of chosen family. Whether they’ve been music producers or appreciators, acrobats, illustrators or students of Zoe’s, the multigenerational, welcoming faces in the crowd are the fire that keeps Beats Antique warm and ready to explore new depths for the sake of these many muses.

The members aim for a show anyone can enjoy, a circus that feeds the spirit. In this place, where they can teach and create and converse with their creation like it’s a dragon come to life, full of riddles and blustery demands, Beats Antique weaves a unique story.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. at The Center for the Arts, 314 West Main St. in Grass Valley. For tickets and more information visit thecenterforthearts.org or call (530) 274-8384.

Photo by Susan Laird

The Murer House, located in a quiet neighborhood just off Folsom-Auburn Road in Folsom’s Historic District, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Courses in Italian, Italian cuisine, bocce and more are offered by the Murer House Foundation. n See Murer house page B5

SIRBranch95@gmail.com for more details. The speaker this month will be Deborah Seiler of the Renaissance Society (Sac).

Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts author Aimie K. Runyan, discussing her new book “A Bakery in Paris” 6:30-8 p.m. For more information call (916) 941-9401 or visit getyourfaceinabook.com.

The Dementia Support Group meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each

Know Continued from B1 Murer House

month, 7 p.m. at 2020 Town Center West in El Dorado Hills. For more information and to RSVP call (916) 467-8330.

Jessica Malone will perform at Valhalla Tahoe’s Boathouse Theatre at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit valhallatahoe.showare. com.

B Street Theatre at The Sofia in Sacramento presents

“The Play That Goes Wrong,”

Aug. 9 through Sept. 10. For tickets and more information

Continued from B4

of dishes, including sugo di pomodoro (tomato sauce), strawberry granita and amaretti cookies, sweet potato gnocchi, crostata di marmellata, torta rustica (savory torte) stuffed with ricotta, spinach and mushrooms, polenta e polpette (polenta and meatballs) and many more.

Classes are kept small and manageable. If your favorite Italian food class is sold out, fear not. Popular courses, such as homemade herbed pastas, sell out quickly but are offered several times a year.

Good to know

Signing up for a language or cooking class at the

Ghostly Tales

Continued from B2

Hellman-Erhmann mansion, the Cal Neva Lodge and the Tahoe Biltmore and the ghosts who are said to inhabit them. “The lion ghost at Thunderbird Lodge is particularly good because you don’t often hear about animal ghosts — especially not lions,” said Byrne.

Byrne also included haunting stories about the Donner Party and the town of Truckee because

call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

Aug. 10

The FamilySearch Center in Placerville hosts a class teaching students how to scan their photos, slides and negatives and then add them to an online family tree at 2 p.m. Bring a flash drive and pictures. For more information call (530) 621-1378.

El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts Live on the Boulevard

free concerts every Thursday. The schedule features Kalimba (Aug. 10), Petty Theft (Aug. 17) Stevie Ray Visited (Aug. 24), Folsom Lake Symphony (Aug. 31) and Uptown Funk (Sept. 7). Set up begins at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.

A schedule of superstar headliners will perform at the Harveys Outdoor Arena during the Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series. Acts featured: Foo Fighters (Aug. 10), Sam Hunt (Aug. 13), Darius Rucker

Murer House Learning Center is easy online. Visit murerhousefoundation.org. Click on Classes in the menu.

There is a description for each class, and information is provided regarding any additional costs (course workbook, additional fees for ingredients, etc.). Payment is easy online, but there are options to pay by check, too.

Those who join the Murer House Foundation also receive a nice discount on most classes, plus opportunities to attend special events planned throughout the year. These include the annual Festa Dinner, member barbecue and Buon Natale Christmas event.

she likes to use stories that help young readers learn about history. She recommended other Arcadia children’s books for those interested in spooky stuff: “‘The Ghostly Tales of Virginia City’ by Stacia Deutsch is a good one, full of Wild West stories,” said Byrne, “and ‘The Ghostly Tales of Tombstone’ by Anna Lardinois has some really convincing ghost stories.

“The Ghostly Tales of Lake

Public Notices 

Tahoe” is part of a collection of “Spooky America” books for children published by Arcadia Children’s Books, along with a wide variety of books with fun and interesting stories about places throughout the United States — a great way to prep for visiting those places during summer vacation. Check out the website at arcadiapublishing.com or find the books on amazon.com.

(Aug. 19) and Kane Brown (Aug. 31 and Sept. 1). For tickets and more information visit visitlaketahoe.com.

Aug. 11

The Rescue Community Center hosts a Friday Night Out dance party featuring a hot dog bar and music by Shakedown. Doors open at 5 p.m. For more information visit rescuecommunitycenter.com/ events.

The El Dorado Hills

Community Services District hosts a free summer concert featuring Island of Black and White, 7 p.m. at Community Park.

Myka Estates and 1850 Wine Cellars present a summer concert series — Wine • Dine • Vibe — in Apple Hill featuring great food and the following acts: TNTiki (Aug. 11), L84DNR (Sept. 22) and FBI Band (Oct. 13). For reservations visit 1850winecellars.com/pages/ events.

Quindi mangia bene, ridi spesso e ama molto! So eat well, laugh often and love much! Send your event for consideration in Susan’s column to slaird@handywriting.com.

Freelance Reporters Wanted

FREELANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Like writing?

Have journalism experience?

Enjoy photography?

Email resume and writing samples to Krysten Kellum at kkellum@mtdemocrat.net.

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

• Be sure to include your name and phone number

be included on the planholders list.

A. The furnishing of all labor, materials, and equipment for the preparation of the project site and installation of: Concrete Foundation: Prepare project site and build a fiftysix-foot by forty-four-foot (56’ x 44’) concrete slab (to code). The concrete will need to be five inches (5”) thick with a hard troweled finish, with proper sized rebar reinforcements and spacing to meet code for snow load and proper drainage for El Dorado County. Building elevation is 6,530 ft. The concrete foundation will extend ten feet (10’) beyond the building all the way around.

Metal Building: Construct a thirty-six-foot by twenty-four-foot by sixteen-foot (36’ x 24’ x 16’) insulated steel construction metal building with siding in brown or color approved by the Eldorado Forest Service. Building shall contain:

• One (1) steel insulated door.

• One (1) forty-eight inch by forty-eight inch (48” x 48”) dual pane window located at the back of the building mounted higher due to snow depth.

• Security screens for the entry door and screen to help prevent break-ins.

• One (1) fourteen-foot by fourteen-foot (14’ x 14’) insulated metal drum style manual roll-up door with security locks.

• Metal roof with vents, no gutters. The building must meet or exceed a ground snow load minimum of three

accordance with Public Contract Code 22032 and County of El Dorado Ordinance Code section 3.14.040. OBTAINING OR INSPECTING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS: The contract documents may be viewed and/or downloaded from the Quest Construction Data Network (Quest) website at  http://www.questcdn. com.  Interested parties may also access the Quest website by clicking on the link located on the Chief Administrative Office, Procurement and Contract’s website at http:// edcapps.edcgov.us/contracts/invite. asp and entering the Quest project #8226774.

l ICENSE ClASSIFICATION: Bidders shall be properly licensed to perform the Work pursuant to the Contractors’ State License Law (Business and Professions Code section 7000 et seq.) and shall possess a California Class B – General Building Contractor’s license at the time the bid is submitted, and shall maintain a valid license and certification through completion and acceptance of the Work, including the guarantee and acceptance period. Failure of the successful Bidder to obtain proper adequate licensing shall constitute a failure to execute the Contract and shall result in the forfeiture of the Bidder’s security, and may result in legal penalties.

CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION: No contractor or subcontractor may be listed on a bid proposal for a public works project or awarded a contract for a public works project unless registered with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code sections 1771.1(a), 1725.5. Bids will not be accepted from unregistered contractors except as provided in section 1771.1.

PREVAI l ING WAGE

REQUIREMENTS: In accordance with the provisions of Labor Code section 1770 et seq., the general prevailing rate of wages in the county in which the Work is to be done has been determined by the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations. These wage rates appear in the California Department of Transportation publication entitled General Prevailing Wage Rates. Interested parties can obtain the current wage information by submitting their requests to the Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Statistics and Research, P.O. Box 420603, San Francisco CA 94142-0603, Telephone (415) 7034708 or by referring to the website at http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlsr/PWD. The rates at the time of the bid

filing a bid protest or grounds for considering the bid non-responsive if the Bidder submits the corrected Contractor’s license number via email as noted above within 24 hours of request. The corrected Contractor’s license number must correspond to the submitted name and location for that subcontractor. BID SECURITY: A bid security shall be provided with each bid. Bid security shall be in an amount of not less than ten percent (10%) of the total amount bid for the Work and shall be cash, a certified check, or cashier’s check drawn to the order of the County of El Dorado or a Bidder’s Bond executed by a surety satisfactory to the County of El Dorado on the form provided in the Proposal section of these Contract Documents. Bidders are required to submit either an electronic Bidder’s Bond through Surety2000 or a PDF copy of a hard copy Bidder’s Bond with their bid. If a bid security other than a Bidder’s Bond is being used, Bidders must upload a PDF copy of the bid security with their electronic bid submittal. If a PDF copy of the bid security is uploaded, the original bid