Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Placerville aviators set course for Oshkosh

Larry Weitzman Mountain Democrat correspondent

The Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture

Oshkosh airshow, in its 70th year, has grown to the biggest event of its kind in the world with this year’s attendance nearly topping 700,000. It takes place at Steve Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisc., over an entire week in late July or early August. About 10,000 aircraft of all types fly in and most pilots and passengers camp in a tent next to their airplane on the grass surrounding the long runways. That in and of itself is an amazing sight to see. Of those, nearly 3,700 were show planes, half being vintage (built before 1955). This year’s show set all kinds of records, including most exhibitors (848), more than 13,000 campers and 5,500 EAA volunteers putting in more than 250,000 hours.

The “show” area is about 2 square miles with streets, buildings with exhibitors and merchandise. There are displays of military, commercial, and some of the smallest homebuilt aircraft. It has to be seen to be believed.

n See oshkosh, page A3

‘ChiefsAholic’ a a suspect in EDH bank robbery

Odin Rasco

Staff writer

A man with a wellknown internet persona as a diehard fan of the Kansas City Chiefs football team who is facing charges for a string of Midwest bank robberies is now accused of being involved in an El Dorado Hills bank robbery as well.

Xaviar Michael Babudar, 29, of Overland, Kan., also known on Twitter as the wolf-masked “ChiefsAholic,” was taken into custody in Lincoln July 7 after being a fugitive for four months. Documents filed in the U.S. District

Court for the Western District of Missouri Aug. 9 indicate Babudar may have carried out additional robberies while

n See ChiefsAholiC, page A7

PG&E to roll back vegetation management

Streeter

Isaac

Staff writer

PG&E will reduce its vegetation management spending for 2023-26 rate plans, spokesman Matt Nauman announced on behalf of the company last week.

PG&E has invested $2 billion into vegetation management over the last five years and will pivot resources to focus on implementation of enhanced powerline safety settings, as well as a risk-informed approach to vegetation management.

“In 2019 our understanding was that enhanced vegetation management could be an effective risk reduction measure, based on the best information at the time,” Nauman states. “As a result, we expanded our vegetation management efforts beyond the existing regulations. As we operationalized EVM, we realized we needed to evolve to engineered controls (enhanced powerline safety settings) because we cannot identify every tree that may pose a risk.”

Nauman goes on to write that the step away from the vegetations management model does not mean a lack of vegetation management and PG&E crews will continue to prune and cut down trees that pose a risk.

“We have evaluated each layer of risk mitigation to ensure we deliver the maximum wildfire risk

n See PG&e, page A7

Photos by Larry Weitzman

Six members of Placerville’s EAA Chapter 512 who made the trek to AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisc., are pictured from left: Beki Parks, Dale Kral, Judi Gordon, Glenn Gordon, Tracey Fremd and Jim Wilson.

AirVenture attendees and their aircraft fill Runway 36 at the Steve Wittman Regional Airport.

XAViAR MiChAEl BABuDAR

Four North American T-6 Texans, above, perform in AirVenture’s night airshow. The World War ii trainers were piloted by the world famous AeroShell aerobatic team. A Kay’s Speedster retro kit, right, still in development by Timber Tiger and a project of Cameron Park resident Glenn Gordon, made it out for AirVenture.

OBITUARIES

Frances Fae Gordon

April 3, 1925 – August 5, 2023

Frances Fae Gordon was born in Kansas City, MO, on April 3, 1925.

Frances will be remembered for her love of family, big heart, generosity, and insightful nature. After marrying her childhood sweetheart, Eddie L. Gordon, they relocated from Joplin, MO, to San Francisco, CA and eventually to San Mateo where their four children were raised. After the children were o to college, she began her own love of education by achieving her degree in accounting from San Francisco State University. She assumed the position of O ce Manager/Accountant for her husband’s commercial construction business. In 1985, Frances and Eddie retired to Cameron Park, CA where Frances excelled at being an avid Bridge player. Volunteering for seven years with CASA, she was an active advocate for foster children. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, and friend. She passed away on August 5, 2023, at her Folsom home. She is predeceased by her husband Eddie Gordon, her parents Florence Wadleigh and Stein Moore, and her sister Jeri Yeager. She leaves her four children: Glenna Lombardi, Janice Nielsen (Niel), Karen Gordon, and Chris Gordon (Connie), eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Friends are invited to attend her memorial service, being held in Cameron Park at Green Valley Mortuary and Cemetery at the intersection of Green Valley and Bass Lake roads at 11:30 am. on Saturday, August 26. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to your favorite charity.

Jeff Madeira

Dec. 30, 1962 - June 19, 2023

Je rey Dean Maderia was born in San Jose, CA on December 30, 1962 to Dean and Sandra Pletcher Madeira. The oldest of three children, he was followed by sisters Meritt and Kathy. He had two half sisters, Karen and Michele.

He attended grammar, middle school and Santa Teresa High School in San Jose. At a very young age he became interested in anything electrical. His first job at age fourteen was repairing radios in a small shop. This led to a career as a Journeyman Electrician. Over his career he installed, repaired and designed a very wide variety of electrical systems. He formed his own company, Systems Integration Specialists, and after a few years deciding to no longer be an independent contractor, went to work in the United Electrical Workers Union for a short time. In 2011 he joined ConQuip, Inc. as a Service Engineer. He especially enjoyed the challenges there. His last place of employment was with JFC Electric in Roseville.

Je lived in Placerville for a short time before purchasing a home in Pollock Pines. He had many interests, music being an important one. He played the bass guitar and keyboards and while still living in San Jose was part of a band, Red to Blue, formed by five friends. They played all original songs written by Je and the lead singer. Another interest was sailing his 22 foot sailboat on Sly Park Lake. He was an avid reader and with his gift of gab could discuss on any subject. He had a large interest in guns and owned many. He did a lot of trap shooting with fellow gun club members and family. He loved sharing his knowledge of guns. Martial Arts was another interest and he earned many belts. Later in life he became interested in religion.

After moving to Pollock Pines he became involved in the El Dorado County Sheri ’s Search and Rescue team and was part of many rescues, becoming trained as an EMT. He participated in Jeepers Jamboree in his 1974 Ford Bronco. He always had his beloved dog Bear with him. Ham radio was another hobby he was very much in to. He loved living in El Dorado County. Je had a quirky sense of humor. He bravely battled cancer for six years trying to keep upbeat and positive. The last three months of his life he lived at Elderly Inn, a board and care facility in Carmichael. The owner and sta were exceptional in their care and emotional support. He was content there. Je was preceded in death by his father Dean in 2022. He leaves behind his mother Sandy, sisters Meritt McClure, Kathy Madeira, Karen and husband Mike Popplewell, Michele and husband Carl Varney, brother-in-law Steve McClure, nephew Derek Nuse and nieces Katrina and Kelly McClure, Aunt Pat Wynn and many cousins. He will be missed.

Edward John Alves

April 5, 1940 – Aug. 8, 2023

Edward John Alves, known by most as “Ed,” died in Placerville on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 83 years old. He was born in Redding, Calif. in 1940 as the only child of Irene L. Mello and Frank L. Alves. He was a 1958 graduate of San Juan High School in Citrus Heights, Calif. Edward enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October of 1958 and served for four years until 1962. During his tenure in the Navy he worked on the U.S.S. Stoddard (DD566) in the Western Pacific, the U.S.S. Corporal (SS346) in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, and the U.S.S. Razorback (SS394) along the Pacific coast.

In 1963, he married Janet J. Alves and they lived in Citrus Heights for 35 years where Ed worked as welder until he retired from the Operating Engineers (Local 3). Following retirement, he and Janet moved to Randall Tract where they spent 20 years before relocating to their current home in Diamond Springs, Calif. for the last five years.

Ed is survived by his wife, Janet, their son, Thomas Scot Alves of Camino, and their daughter Michelle L. Alves-Churilo, of Granite Bay, as well as nine grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and his two sons, William F. Alves and Edward J. Alves.

A Celebration of Life will take place at the VFW Hall in Folsom, Calif. on Sunday, August 27th from 4-6:30 p.m.

We will have a potluck at the remembrance just the way Ed would like it.

Please bring your favorite appetizer, main dish or dessert . If you have a favorite photo/memory of Ed please bring with you for Janet to add to her memory book.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send donations to the Gold Country Base of USSVI (in Folsom) or to a cause of your choice in his name.

David George Proft

July 28, 1937 - June 2023

David George (Dave) Proft lost his battle with Parkinson’s disease in June 2023. He was born in Evanston, Illinois, July 28, 1937, to Herman and Bena (Corso) Proft. He spent summers on the family farm in Wisconsin. After graduating high school and seeking new opportunities, Dave left for California in 1959. He worked for Standard Oil in San Francisco where he met his future wife, Joanne. He pursued his Masters Degree from San Francisco State and became a high school teacher. Dave also earned his insurance license and worked for Grange Insurance for over twenty years. He taught at Hillsdale High School in San Mateo for 33 years as a business teacher and served as mentor where he influenced many students to pursue their dreams.

He was active in serving the local community by serving on the East Palo Alto Sanitary Board.

An avid horseman and gardener, Dave moved his growing family to the more rural area of Los Altos Hills where he continued his public service by serving on the Planning Commission. He was twice elected to the Town Council, and eventually served as the Town’s mayor in the early 1980s. Upon his retirement from insurance and teaching, he moved to El Dorado County where he volunteered with the Sheri ’s Team of Active Retirees (STAR) for 15 years and on the Cameron Estates Community Service District.

Dave was preceded in death by his younger brother Frederick (Rick). He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joanne (nee McCarthy), his three sons Greg (Susan), Chris (Lisa), Je (Sheryl), 8 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and four nieces and nephews. His selfless service, sense of honor, and work ethic will be sorely missed.

Carolyn Louella Shivley

Aug. 5, 1934 – Aug. 11, 2023

Carolyn Louella Shivley, of Shingle Springs, California passed away peacefully in her home, of natural causes, in the early morning hours of August 11, 2023, she was 89.

Carolyn was born on August 5, 1934, in San Mateo, California. She was the second child and only daughter of the late Dorothy Charlotte and George Raymond Kendrick.

She married her beloved husband James William Shivley, on April 13, 1955, living in over 12 homes in the state of California before finally settling in Shingle Springs in 1976. Carolyn is survived by her children Michael Shivley, Debra Shivley, Diana Shivley, Kelly Bryan and son-in-law Steve Bryan. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Becky Liddell, Heather Bluebird, Amber Pederson, and Tayler Akins as well as six great-grandchildren.

Carolyn was predeceased by her loving husband in 2018 and her brother William Raymond Kendrick in 1994.

Carolyn was an avid lover of animals receiving great joy from her many dogs and horses over the years. She raced harness horses, loved trail riding, dog trials and being a volunteer with Lend a Heart. Carolyn enjoyed travelling and would always meet new people o the beaten path wherever she went. Carolyn had an artist’s heart. You would always find her being creative whether with a camera, watercolors or writing stories.

Graveside services will be held on Friday August 25, 2023 at 10am at Green Valley Mortuary & Cemetery in Rescue, California. The family asks that people make donations to Shriners Hospital For Children Northern California, in lieu of sending flowers.

Norman Malcolm

Fowler

March 6, 1944 - June 25, 2023

Our beloved Norm passed away on June 25, 2023 at his home in West Sacramento at age 79 after a brief illness. He was a remarkable man, a gentle and easy going soul who left us with treasured memories.

Norm was born in Oakland California on March 6, 1944 to Malcolm and Helen Fowler. He enjoyed an active and adventurous childhood, learning from his father and grandfather how to build things, fix things and thrive in the great outdoors. At an early age he developed a love for tinkering with go carts, rafts, pianos, TVs, bikes and cars.

He began learning his trade at Dale Knapper’s Texaco in West Sacramento, and bought his first Texaco station at age 18 at 16th and P in Sacramento. He became an expert mechanic and could repair just about anything on any vehicle. He was Sales and Service Manager at Swift Dodge and Swift Auto World for several years. He owned Ponderosa Lube and Tune in Cameron Park, making lifelong friends with colleagues and customers. Norm was legendary in his customer service and professional excellence, with several buddies still missing his encouragement, advice and mentoring.

Norm lived his life as a positive thinker, waking up happy every morning, intent on filling his days with activity and purpose. He saw the good in people and situations, and enjoyed a sense of curiosity and interest in the world. He lived by old fashioned values, being a man of his word, a hard worker, and treasuring dear friendships. He often whistled while he worked, and his calm even tempered disposition and sense of humor were an inspiration to people around him. He enjoyed all sorts of things in life, such as old westerns, backyard barbecuing, playing the harmonica, ’50s music, cars and road trips. He was fascinated by U.S. history, and liked to explore presidential libraries, civil war sites and crossing the country on backroads in his motorhome. He had an active and creative imagination, always learning and challenging himself to understand how things work and to figure things out.

Norm was predeceased by his wife Linda, daughter Lisa, son Kenny and sister Marvine. He is survived by sons Rick, Doug and John, 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, sister Loni, brothers Charlie and Bobby, several nieces and nephews, and many dear old friends and good buddies. Norm lived a rich and happy life in his later years with his Sweetie, Nikki, and will be remembered fondly by those of us lucky to have crossed his path.

A heartfelt thanks to Donald Gutman, M.D. for your compassionate care and warm friendship with Norm throughout his adult years. You were right there with him through the ups and downs, and you added great pleasure and comfort to his life.

Elections offices on the move to Shingle Springs

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

The El Dorado County Elections Department is set to move to the Carlton Building located in Shingle Springs in September.

The building, located at 3883 Ponderosa Road, is going through tentative improvements, a $6 million endeavor funded by the Accumulative Capital Outlay Fund transferred from the Capital Designation Fund in late January.

Elections and Child Support Services will share the space once improvements are complete, according to Elections Department technician Karen Garner. She added that Sept. 1 is the target date for Elections to be in the building, but the exact date is subject to change due to the improvements.

The department’s move is one of few board-approved county department relocations discussed

The El Dorado County Elections Department has a target date of Sept. 1 to be in the Carlton Building at 3883 Ponderosa Road in Shingle Springs. Elections staff will share the space with Child Support Services staff currently housed there.

A ballot drop box has been added in the parking lot of the Carlton Building. The drop box at Fairlane Court will remain.

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

July 28

11:07 a.m. Battery was reported at a business on Golden Center Drive in Placerville.

1:24 p.m. Burglary was reported on Columbia Circle in El Dorado Hills.

1:36 p.m. Vehicle burglary was reported on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.

5:42 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 37-year-old woman suspected of possession of illegal drug paraphernalia and a probation violation on Highway 49 in Lotus. She was listed in custody in lieu of $30,000 bail.

5:45 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 37-year-old man suspected of vehicle theft and possession of a controlled substance on El Dorado Road in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $53,000 bail.

6:01 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Pioneer Hill Road in Placerville.

8:10 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Grizzly Flat Road in Somerset.

in September 2022.

Once Elections moves, a new juvenile court facility will settle in the El Dorado County Government Center’s Building C basement in Placerville where Elections currently resides. The juvenile court was moved from its 299 Fair Lane space

in Placerville to make way for the county’s temporary homeless navigation center.

A ballot drop box will remain at 2850 Fairlane Court, Building C, in the parking lot, and an additional drop box will be installed at the new location on Ponderosa Road.

8:14 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 54-year-old man suspected of disorderly conduct on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville. He was later released.

10:31 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 35-year-old man suspected of identity theft on Marshall Road in Garden Valley. He was released on $2,000 bail.

July 29

1:23 a.m. Vandalism was reported

on Ridgeway Court in Camino.

2:24 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 33-year-old man suspected of DUI on El Dorado Hills Boulevard in El Dorado Hills. He was later released.

5:14 a.m. Deputies booked into jail

a 27-year-old man suspected of possession/purchase of narcotics for sale, transporting a controlled substance and identity theft on Robin Lane in Cameron Park. He was listed in custody in lieu of $100,000 bail.

5:35 p.m. Deputies cited a suspect after responding to a battery report on Hazel Street in Pollock Pines.

11:09 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 34-year-old man suspected of being fugitive from justice on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. He was listed in custody.

3:05 p.m. Vehicle burglary was reported on Darling Ridge Road in Georgetown.

3:57 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 35-year-old woman suspected of assault with a deadly weapon

on Badger Hill Road in Pollock Pines. She was listed in custody in lieu of $200,000 bail.

8:42 p.m. Battery was reported on Ice House Road in Pollock Pines.

9:26 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 44-year-old man suspected of grand theft, vandalism and a probation violation on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $25,000.

10:11 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 42-year-old woman suspected of DUI and child abuse on Highway 49 in El Dorado. She was released on $60,000 bail.

10:39 p.m. Battery was reported at a business on Embarcadero Drive in El Dorado Hills.

July 30

3:31 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 44-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia and a probation violation on Diamond Road in Diamond Springs. He was later released.

CORRECTION

In “Problems persist at Pollock Pines property,” published on page A1 Aug. 7, the Mountain Democrat reported the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office issued a search warrant on a Pollock Pines property at 6955 Ridgeway Drive. El Dorado County Animal Services issued the warrant and sheriff’s deputies accompanied its officers.

cross section of 25 feet and was specifically designed to carry

early double-decker airliner) and then into the C-97

Oshkosh Continued from A1

People come from all over the world, including six friends from Placerville EAA Chapter 512 based at the Placerville Airport.

Jim Wilson, president of Placerville EAA Chapter 512, who owns and flies a classic Piper Cherokee 180C in partnership, has been to Oshkosh six times starting in 2011. Wilson’s Piper partner is Dale Kral, also a Chapter 512 member. This year was Kral’s second Oshkosh trip and he is in the process of building an RV-6 kit plane, one of the most popular designs ever. Thousands have been built and are flying. RV are the initials for the kit builder, designer and owner of the company, Richard VanGrunsven, an EAA legend in the homebuilt world. More on homebuilt (experimental) aircraft later, which is the main focus of the severalhundred-thousand strong EAA membership. There are more than 10,000 RVs of every model flying from an RV-3 to an RV-14. The RV-15 is on its way. There are several RV aircraft based at the Placerville Airport.

Another member of Chapter 512 and in the airplane business as a designer and builder is Glenn Gordon, who made his first trek to Oshkosh as a young man with his father in 1986. At the time Gordon was living in Chicago, which is about a twohour drive from Oshkosh. Gordon before his first visit to Oshkosh had already helped restore an old Stearman biplane. Gordon has made Cameron Park home the last five years.

Gordon’s current “love” is designing for Timber Tiger, a small company producing replica kits of the Ryan ST, a classic 1930s design. About seven years ago actor Harrison Ford took o from Santa Monica Airport in a Ryan ST3KR and promptly landed in the golf course just west of the field. He said the engine lost power at 3,000 feet. It turned out a carburetor jet had come loose. Ford has been a big supporter of EAA youth programs for many years.

In 2001 Gordon built his own RV-6. But his new Timber Tiger project, the Ryan replica, is a real beauty. He is also working on a Kay’s Speedster with a 158-horsepower, four-cylinder radial engine. He expects a speed of 130 mph when done. It is o ered in kit form to other home builders wanting to fly history. Gordon was an exhibitor this year at Oshkosh, right next to the RV display.

Another EAA Chapter 512 member at Oshkosh was Judi Gordon (Glenn’s spouse), a recent pilot, who last year flew here in her Pipistrel Virus motorglider. A typical motorglider is half glider, half airplane, but the Pipistrel is more airplane with a highperformance edge. Powered by a four-cylinder, Rotax 100 horsepower engine, it is capable of speeds of 150 mph. The flight school at the Cameron Airpark just happens to use similar Pipistrel aircraft in its pilot training fleet. Hundreds have been used as trainers by some militaries. They are made in Slovenia and Italy, but the parent company is Textron, which is also the parent company of Beechcraft, Cessna and Bell Helicopters. For Textron it all started in 1923,

when 27-year-old Royal Little developed synthetic yarns like rayon. Textron manufactured the material for many World War II parachutes. Hence the name “Tex” for textile and “tron” for synthetic or manmade.

Another Chapter 512 member at Oshkosh was Tracey Fremd. When she was a child her dad built a Christian Eagle. Fremd’s dad also had a Cessna 205. Now Fremd is restoring an old Taylorcraft.

Wilson recalled his last visit to Oshkosh in 2016, when he personally brought the Mountain Democrat’s Bob O’Hara to AirVenture. O’Hara loved the Douglas C-47 (DC-3) and spent most of his time with the Warbirds (mostly WWII military aircraft). O’Hara died in 2020 at the age of 89 after an artistic and publishing career that included hundreds, if not thousands, of drawings for the Mountain Democrat’s Behind the Wheel feature. He was an amazing artistic talent.

Also attending AirVenture this year was student pilot and Chapter 512 member Beki Parks, who is well on her way to her private pilot’s license. She has passed the Federal Aviation Administration’s written exam and has accumulated more than 25 hours of flying time.

In addition to the aircraft displays, every afternoon AirVenture attendees are treated to an airshow, plus this year there were two night shows with airplanes shooting o fireworks.

AirVenture’s afternoon airshow Saturday, July 30, went on as scheduled despite two pilots and two passengers dying in two crashes earlier that day. A T-6 Texan piloted by Devyn Reiley, 30, daughter of former San Francisco 49er Bruce Collie, crashed into nearby Lake Winnebago en route to the Oshkosh airfield. A second crash came just hours later in a mid-air collision at Wittman Airport involving a helicopter and gyrocopter that were not part of AirVenture’s afternoon airshow. Those aboard the helicopter were killed, according to National Transportation Safety Board.

Now more on homebuilts. They are basically better built and designed than most certified aircraft with more performance and quality. Certification of aircraft is expensive and kit-built airplanes bypass much of that certification boondoggle. Homebuilts are every bit as safe as certified aircraft.

Anyone who loves aviation or wants to excite the next generation into becoming airline pilots, this is the place to do it. EAA prides itself on its Young Eagles program and aviation summer camps. Young Eagles puts youngsters into the right front seat of an airplane. Chapter 512 has conducted dozens of Young Eagles days — just one of dozens of programs for kids promoted by the EAA.

Camp in a tent next to your airplane, stay in an RV or spend a few days in a hotel room nearby. People in Oshkosh even open up their houses and rent rooms — everyone finds an OK place to stay. AirVenture attendees should plan on at least three full days at the show, as there is so much to see. And you thought

weather

PLaCerVILLe 5-day FOreCaSt

Dr. Little’s Dental News

Presented by Jeffery Little, D.D.S.

ROOT CANAL MYTHS DISPELLED

Nervous about getting a root canal? You’re not alone. Many people avoid treatment for a painful tooth out of fear, but getting a root canal now may save your tooth from extraction later. The most common myth about root canals is that they are painful. Although this used to be the case, modern dentists are experts in pain management, and a modern root canal should not feel much different from having a cavity filled. A painful tooth is usually worse than the root canal itself. If you’ve heard that having a root canal can make you more prone to future illnesses, this is also untrue. There is no scientific evidence linking root canals to diseases elsewhere in the body.

We believe in staying on the

leading-edge of dentistry, which is why we keep up to date on advanced techniques in root canals and other dental procedures, state-of-the-art materials, and the latest health studies and therapies to ensure all our patients receive the very best in dental health care. If you are looking for a family dentist who understands the needs of everyone in your family as individuals and patients, we welcome you to stop and get acquainted. We’re sure you’ll leave with a good feeling about our practice.

P.S. If you think it’s better to have a tooth extracted than it is to undergo a root canal, think again. Replacing a tooth can lead to more treatment time and additional treatments for neighboring teeth.

Oshkosh was about overalls.

T-6 Texans, left photo, soar in massive formation during an AirVenture afternoon airshow. The Aero Spacelines Super Guppy, right photo, is displayed at the airport in Oshkosh. It has a fuselage

Apollo rockets. The Super Guppy is based on the original B-29 Superfortress that morphed into the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser (an

turbo Stratocruiser. The cargo compartment is 111 feet long with an overall aircraft length of about 143 feet.

Mountain Democrat file photos by Eric Jaramishian

California Matters

Why didn’t Newsom end COVID school closures?

When a rightleaning school board in Southern California balked at providing stateapproved social studies textbooks that referenced murdered gay rights leader Harvey Milk, Gov. Gavin Newsom quickly intervened.

Newsom declared the board to be “radicalized zealots” and said, “If the school board won’t do its job by its next board meeting to ensure kids start the school year with basic materials, the state will deliver the book into the hands of children and their parents — and we’ll send the district the bill and fine them for violating state law.”

Letters to the Editor

Good Christians

EDITOR:

SUMMARY

Newsom’s threats worked as the Temecula school board backed down. However, his lightning-fast crackdown on Temecula sharply contrasts with what happened three years ago on a much more important clash — whether to reopen schools shuttered due to COVID-19.

Newsom had assumed vast emergency powers to manage the pandemic and closing schools that serve nearly 6 million students was one of the state’s earliest and most dramatic actions.

Gov. Gavin Newsom quickly acted when the Temecula school board barred textbooks referencing Harvey Milk. But when California’s schools remained shuttered longer than other states during the pandemic, Newsom refused to buck teacher unions.

It soon became apparent, however, that the schools were not a likely venue for spreading the disease. Within months, federal health o cials, parents and children’s advocates were urging that classrooms be reopened to avoid educational deterioration.

Other states reopened schools, as did many California private schools, including the one serving Newsom’s children. But California’s teacher unions balked, forcing local school o cials to leave schools closed and children to

■ See WALTERS page A5

Guest Column

George Alger takes me to task for not knowing that the U.S. was founded on Christian principles. Thomas Je erson’s extensive correspondence with other Founding Fathers shows beyond a doubt that they were near-unanimous in wanting to keep religion out of all governing documents. Let me try to enlighten Alger by sharing a few quotes from Thomas Je erson:

1. “Christianity neither is, nor ever was, part of our Common Law.”

2. “The day will come when the mystical generation of Jesus, by the Supreme Being as his father, in the womb of a virgin, will be classed with the fable of the generation of Minerva in the brain of Jupiter.”

3. “Religions are all alike — founded upon fables and mythologies.”

4. “I have recently examined all the known superstitions of the world and do not find in our own particular superstition (Christianity) one redeeming feature.”

5. “Question with boldness even the existence of God.”

It would seem that neither Mr. Je erson, nor the majority of his fellow Founding Fathers, were good Christians, if Christians at all.

PATRICIA BURKE Placerville

Here we go again EDITOR:

In a letter on Aug. 4, “Attention supervisors,” Patricia Burke wrote, “Asserting we were founded as a Christian Nation is so o the mark ...” and then proceeds to talk about the Constitution. Not “o the mark” at all.

The issue was discussed eight years ago in my letter to the editor on Jan. 7, 2015, which states “The Founding Fathers believed in God and founded this nation on Judeo-Christian principles.” A quick response on Jan. 16, 2-15, claimed I said “Christian nation.” I didn’t, but so what? Let’s go to the dictionary. Nation is defined as “a people,” which does not mean government, which is defined as a “ruling body.”

It is common knowledge that the United States of America was developed as a secular government. Puritans and other religious sects came to the New World to seek religious freedom. They did not intend to start a new government that would not establish as specific religion nor “prohibiting the free exercise therof ...”

The Declaration of Independence states, “All men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

The Founding Fathers believed that the source of our liberty, freedom and human rights came from our Creator (the God of the Hebrew Bible). Benjamin Franklin said, “... God governs in the a airs of men.” John Adams said, “Without religion this world would be ... Hell.” President John Adams said in 1798, “Our Constitution was made for a moral and religious people.”

So we live in a country run by a secular government but beware of the “leftism” religion that has infiltrated the government and every aspect of our lives.

GEORGE LEHR Placerville

A case for Trump to not debate fellow Republicans

With Mike Pence now qualifying for the Republican debate in Milwaukee on Aug. 23, there are now eight candidates qualified to participate.

However, one of those eight is former President Donald Trump, who suggests that he is not inclined to show up.

“When you have a big lead, you don’t do it,” noted Trump.

“Am I going to stand up there by guys with 0, 1, 2, 3% — maybe four — and have them ask me hostile questions?”

He now says he’ll poll supporters.

Fox News, the network carrying the event, RNC Chairperson Ronna McDaniel, and some of the other candidates are urging Trump to debate.

But I think there is a strong case to be made that if what we want this election to be about is navigating toward the best interests of the country and its citizens, it may be best for Donald Trump to not show up in Milwaukee.

Consider, for instance, that within the last week, bond rating service

Fitch downgraded U.S. debt from AAA to AA.

This is the result of U.S. debt and deficits skyrocketing into outer space. But this critical development is barely getting news oxygen when the really big story is Trump’s latest indictment and now his deliberations about whether to participate in the Republican debate.

When only 19% of Americans say they are satisfied with the direction of the country, and considering that that percentage has been over 40% only once in the last 15 years, it is reasonable to assume that Americans, justifiably, are not pleased with the current state of a airs.

Downgrading by a major credit rating agency its estimate of the ability of the United States to pay its creditors is just the latest piece of information blaring that we have a problem.

The country is bogged down by growth less than half its historic average, inflation, entitlement programs dealing with retirement and health care that were designed 60 to 90 years ago that no longer

work, and a shrinking and aging population directly the result of the collapse of the American family.

Only 60% of Americans say they have a great deal/quite a lot of confidence in our military and the U.S. Army cannot meet its recruiting goals.

We need to fix our nation. The beginning of solving any problem is identifying and defining it properly and then soberly, step by courageous step, coming up with solutions.

This is what the 2024 election should be about. We have two parties with very di erent views of the world. The pathologies I described above are readily attributed to the party that now controls the White House.

President Joe Biden, whose lifetime has been spent in the political swamp, is now getting deserved attention for corrupt influence peddling, generating wealth for his wayward son.

Biden wants a campaign about personalities, not about issues. And

no personality now attracts more attention, diverting from the issues we should be debating, than our former president.

Trump on the stage in Milwaukee means the debates will be about him when they should be about our national agenda and solutions that the other seven candidates propose.

Getting press and attention is not a challenge for Trump. So, he doesn’t need the stage.

Although Trump does indeed have a commanding lead in the polls, showing he’s got support from around half of Republicans, a recent New York Times/Siena College poll says 46% of those Republicans are open to other candidates.

Our country is not in good shape. The answers for sure are not going to come from the party of the left. Republicans must be the party of getting our nation back on track.

Let’s start the discussion with the upcoming Republican debate,

DAN WALTERS

Cal Fire grant to boost GDPUD fire safe project

Georgetown Divide Public Utility District

News release

The Board of Directors of the Georgetown Divide Public Utility District is pleased to announce the water agency has been selected as a recipient of the Cal Fire Wildfire Prevention Grant Program.

The District has been awarded $1,192,220 in grants to be utilized for the FIRE SAFE on the Divide project. Existing GDPUD infrastructure and equipment will be used to create protective fire breaks throughout the region. The communities of the Divide will benefit through the protection of their water supply during and after wildfires and the protection of homes and escape routes.

GDPUD General Manager Nicholas Schneider has overseen the award of approximately $1,300,000 in grants to the District in his first year serving the community.

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Walters Continued from A4 cope with makeshift internet classes.

Newsom backed reopening. “I am of the firm belief that we can safely get back our children, youngest children, get them back safely into schools in small cohorts,” Newsom told reporters in early 2021. “We can get this done. We must get it done.”

Even though Newsom o ered school districts billions of dollars to reopen, schools remained largely shuttered because of continued union opposition. Newsom, who had been so quick to take unilateral actions on other pandemic-related issues and who later cracked down on Temecula, refused to forcefully intervene, apparently unwilling to confront the politically powerful unions.

Eventually schools did reopen, but by then the damage was done. Follow-up studies revealed that closures had seriously damaged educational achievement in a state whose children were already trailing those in other states.

When state academic testing resumed in 2022 after being suspended during the pandemic, it showed “significant declines in proficiency rates,” a study by the Public Policy Institute of California declared.

Prior to the pandemic, 51% of students met standards in English language arts (ELA) and it had dropped to 47%. In mathematics, proficiency declined from 40% to 33%.

“Only 35% of low-income students met state standards in ELA and 21% were proficient in math,” PPIC reported, “compared to 65% of higher-income students in ELA and 51% in math.”

While schools were closed in 2020, a civil rights lawsuit was filed against the state, alleging that closures had an inordinate e ect on low-income children of color — something that PPIC and other independent researchers later confirmed.

The state is trying to get the suit tossed, contending that closures did not have the harmful e ects it alleges. The suit’s advocates, however, have countered with statements from a variety of educational authorities buttressing its case.

The state Department of Education has a response to that as well. EdSource, a website devoted to California educational issues, reported recently that the department has warned educational researchers who access its data that they cannot help plainti s because a clause in research agreements forbids participation in any suit against the state.

In other words, the state is muzzling those who could provide expert testimony that the state’s failure to reopen schools was an educational disaster. That’s authoritarian arrogance to the 10th power.

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

Parker Continued from A4

giving new candidates the opportunity to speak to Republicans and all Americans about how to fix our nation’s many problems.

Star Parker is president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education and host of the weekly television show “Cure America with Star Parker.” Her new book, “What Is the CURE for America?” is available now.

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.

Big Trophy triumph for Cox, Micheli, Jinkerson and Miller

Gary Thomas Placerville Speedway

The annual Big Trophy Night at Placerville Speedway saw current Sprint Car Challenge Tour point leader Justyn Cox dominate the feature for his second consecutive victory with the winged sprint cars Saturday.

Also scooping up wins on Big Trophy Night were Matt Micheli with the limited late models, Kevin Jinkerson with the pure stocks and Mike Miller in the 2023 mini truck finale. Miller also wrapped up his second career truck title at Placerville Speedway.

The 25-lap winged sprint car main event began with Justyn Cox jumping into the lead. The action was hot and heavy right from the start with several drivers battling it out just behind the leader. The initial eight circuits clicked off caution-free, before a yellow and red in subsequent laps was seen.

On the restart Cox led Sean Becker, Andy Forsberg, Jake Andreotti and Colby Johnson in the top five. Another slowdown on lap 12 set up a restart that got fans out of their seat as Forsberg charged around Cox to grab the top spot. Cox stuck with it though and slid back in front the following corner to reassume the point.

After that, Cox was never seriously challenged en route to accepting the checkered flag for his 12th career winged 360 sprint car triumph at the track. By doing so he tied Shane Golobic, Andy Gregg, Scooter Lambert and Stephen Allard for 14th on the alltime list.

Andreotti must be commended as well for putting together his finest night yet at Placerville Speedway aboard a sprint car. The Castro Valley racer earned the Fast Time Award to begin the evening and capped it with a runner-up effort in the feature.

Forsberg crossed the stripe in third, with 11th-starting Tony Gomes battling his way to fourth and Gauge Garcia rounding out the top five. Ashton Torgerson charged from 14th to sixth, while Johnson, Becker, point leader Michael Faccinto and Ashlyn Rodriguez rounded out the top 10.

Live Oak competitor Matt Micheli started from the outside of row one

and kept everyone at bay to record his 26th career limited late model victory Saturday.

Early in the 20-lap finale Micheli felt pressure from last week’s Carnett Clash winner Paul Gugliomoni. Lincoln’s Dan Brown Jr. then climbed into second place with a handful of laps remaining and kept the leader honest at times.

Micheli hit his marks however and brought home the dub over Brown, Gugliomoni, point leader Dan Jinkerson and Rod Oliver. Micheli has been one of the very best behind the wheel of a late model on the red clay, ranking No. 2 in all-time wins.

The 20-lap pure stock main event saw Kevin Jinkerson and Richard Brace Jr. share the front row. At the waving of the green flag Jinkerson charged into the lead with Nick Baldwin battling his way into the runner-up spot.

Jinkerson, Baldwin and Brace raced closely together for a majority of the contest. The top two ran the bottom to perfection, while third-place Brace tested the waters on the high side of the bullring. With laps winding down Baldwin hounded the rear bumper of Jinkerson but the Diamond Springs driver held him off for the victory.

It marked the second win of the season for Jinkerson and his eighth career triumph at the track. Baldwin, Brace, Tyler Lightfoot and Kenny Bernstein completed the top five in the feature.

Mike Miller started from the front row and wrapped up the championship in style with a dominant drive in the 20-lap mini truck finale.

Miller sat out front by a comfortable margin for most of the contest, although Kevin Jinkerson did close in at the end. Miller picked up his third win of the year over Jinkerson, Thomas Jensen, Logan Lakin and Wyatt Lakin.

Placerville Speedway is dark this coming weekend but returns in a big way Saturday, Aug. 26, with Legends Night, which doubles as the Western Sprint Tour Speedweek finale. It also marks the championship point finale for the speedway, showcasing winged sprint cars, limited late models, pure stocks and Dwarf Cars.

PG&E Continued from A1 reduction at the lowest possible cost to our customers,” Nauman states.

“Our 2023 vegetation management approach will increase total risk reduction by focusing investment on programs to enable permanent risk reduction and more efficient operational mitigations.”

The transition to the risk-informed approach will be three pronged and made up of focused tree inspections in high-risk locations, targeted vegetation management beginning with focus on areas previously affected by outages as well as removing trees tagged under the vegetation management program that had been identified as potential risks. Enhanced powerline safety settings automatically cut off power

ChiefsAholic

within one-tenth-of-a-second in the event of a line being damaged or struck. According to data provided by PG&E, wildfire ignitions in 2022 were down 68% in areas with the safety settings activated.

“If ignitions occur, the size of the fires are much smaller thanks to EPSS,” Nauman writes. “In 2022 there was a 99% decrease in acres impacted by ignitions (as measured by fire size from electric distribution equipment compared to the 2018-20 average).”

On the enhanced powerline safety settings information web page at bit. ly/PGEsafetysettings, PG&E officials state the use of the settings can lead to more unexpected power outages; the settings are not expected to add additional costs for customers.

Continued from A1

evading prosecution. The newly filed documents include information regarding the June 8 robbery of Heritage Bank in Sparks, Nev., and a U.S. Bank branch in El Dorado Hills robbed July 3. Video surveillance footage and clothes recovered from Babudar’s car have been submitted as evidence to support the new accusations.

Babudar was charged for the robbery of the Tulsa Teachers Federal Credit Union Dec. 16, 2022. He was later released on bond in February, and in late March allegedly removed his ankle monitor and fled prosecutors, according to a U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District of Missouri press release. Tulsa news media reported prosecutors didn’t want Babudar’s bond lowered because they said he pointed a pistol in the face of the bank employee and demanded $150,000 or he’d put a bullet in the employee’s head. The employee didn’t know it was a CO2 pistol.

An affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint against Babudar alleges he traveled through the Midwest and perpetrated a string of robberies at various banks and credit unions in multiple states. The affidavit notes Babudar may have laundered the stolen money using casinos and bank accounts.

After Babudar’s arrest in Oklahoma for the robbery of the Tulsa credit union, FBI investigators reviewed bank and casino transaction records as well as sensitive financial reporting to determine if he had been involved in additional criminal activities.

Between April and December 2022, Babudar allegedly purchased and redeemed more than $1 million in chips from casinos in Missouri, Kansas and Illinois, according to the U.S.Attorney’s Office press release. Review of Babudar’s cell phone records placed him in the same cities and areas as multiple attempted and committed bank robberies that had not yet been solved, according to the affidavit. In addition to the Tulsa credit union, the affidavit lists four additional bank robberies in Nebraska, Iowa, Tennessee and Oklahoma and two attempted credit union robberies in Minnesota.

Babudar appeared in court in Kansas City Aug. 9 and waived his right to a preliminary hearing. He also fired his public defender and was assigned a new one. Though documents regarding the Sparks and El Dorado Hills robberies have been filed, no new charges have been added against Babudar as of press time.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Children, animals and those who behave like them will make a mess and then walk away. Adults, and those who behave like them, restore order. A tidy spree will set you up for success, and you won’t have to waste time looking for things.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your project is at risk for petering out. Add fuel to the fire to keep up the momentum. Different fuel works in different situations. What do you think the most powerful fuel will be to keep your project in motion?

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Once again, people are looking to you to lead. It may feel uncomfortable telling others what to do, but it’s what’s necessary. You’ll soon figure out the best way to direct your crew.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Not everyone is capable of prioritizing the needs of others over their own. Some are too afraid of losing themselves. You can provide help quickly and then get on with your day, feeling a helper’s high and later karma’s kiss.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You gain confidence doing the opposite of what you used to do. Instead of pumping yourself with statements enforcing your greatness, you accept yourself, weaknesses and all. Comfortable in your skin, you make others feel comfortable, too.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). In some ways, you’re still trying to find where you fit into a big group. Many have similar feelings to yours and it’s nothing to worry about. You’ll contribute, make friends and have an effect on what the group produces.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Habits are hard to break when you are under a lot of stress. Being under a lot of stress is a habit in and of itself. Look for ways to unburden yourself. Remember there are more ways to be you than this busy style.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). One study once suggested that the average person gets distracted over 30 times an hour. Take measures to make sure this isn’t the case today because this day will be amazingly productive if you stay on track.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The brain loves a habit because it’s easier to follow a pattern. The particular action matters less to the mind than the rhythm of it. You’ll continue training yourself, repeating a desired action until it’s a regular part of your life.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Gold stars are fun to get and receiving them will be the high point of the day. You don’t actually need the validation, and you feel worthy without it, but it’s still exciting to be recognized.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You keep telling yourself it’s not a competition, but it still feels like the other side is winning. So embrace the competition instead, though it exists only in your mind. Enjoy strategizing. There’s an advantage you haven’t played.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Either there’s no one to impress or you’ve already done it, so just relax. You don’t have to create interest or intrigue because someone is already naturally interested in you and intrigued about what you’ll do next.

Bertelsen Park getting spray pad and more

EDHCSD’s oldest, established in 1962.

Two years after a fire destroyed Bertelsen Park’s restroom pavilion, which was once used as a community space, the El Dorado Hills Community Services District Board of Directors has selected a new design that gives nod to the past and provides modern amenities. CSD directors were give three options from which to choose and ultimately picked option 2. The plan includes a picnic pavilion housing eight tables next to a 1,048-squarefoot spray pad with a rinse station. Other features are a two-stall restroom, open-air seating and more picnic tables, two barbecues and an ADA drinking foundation with a jug filler and dog bowl.

Consultant Helix Environmental Planning construction estimates list the expected cost at $1.662 million. That estimate includes a more than $277,000 contingency.

Bertelsen Park is named after El Dorado Hills Fire Lt. Peter Bertelsen, who in 1965 lost his life in the line of duty. The nearly 11-acre park on Redwood Lane is one of the

EDH Fire Director Tim White, while joking he probably won’t use the spray pad much, said he looks forward to the park’s new look.

“I think this is wonderful representation of what this park can be,” White told EDHCSD directors at the July 13 meeting.

Neighborhood resident Rebecca Eno also praised the chosen design. “We absolutely love option No. 2,” she said. “This design has so much character and gives nod to the old gazebo.”

Board Chair/Director Noelle Mattock said she received feedback from the community supporting option 2 as well. A motion was made by Director Steve Ferry and seconded by Director Mike Martinelli to select the design. It passed 3-0. Directors Heidi Hannaman and Ben Paulsen were not present at the meeting.

The CSD will solicit construction proposals once more detailed plans are complete in the near future. District staff also plan to work with EDH Fire staff to develop signage and plaques paying respect to Bertelsen.

THE KNOW

Aug. 16

The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce hosts a business luncheon with featured speaker CAO Tiffany Schmid, 11:30 a.m. at the Cameron Park Country Club. To reserve a seat visit business. eldoradocounty.org/events.

Vitalant will hold an El Dorado Hills blood drive 12:30-3:15 p.m.

The Bloodmobile will be parked on the north side near the movie theater on Vine Street. Make an appointment at donors. vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFM486 or call (877) 258-4825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows. Donors will receive one in-hand Fandango movie voucher. Donors will also be entered into a Vitalant drawing for a chance to win one out of five $5,000 prepaid gift cards.

Painting & Vino with live music from Grayson Howard begins at 6 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Loud As Folk: A Songwriter Showcase takes place at Valhalla Tahoe’s Boathouse Theatre at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit valhallatahoe.showare. com.

Aug. 17

A Step Back in Time, a free history event that covers the important role women made in shaping El Dorado County, begins at 1 p.m. with featured guest speaker Mary Cory, the county’s museum administrator. Call Andrea Muzzy at (530) 621-6238 to reserve a spot.

El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts Live on the Boulevard free concerts every Thursday. This week Petty Theft takes the stage. Set up begins at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.

Bally’s Lake Tahoe presents Boz Scaggs. For tickets and more information visit ballys.com.

Aug. 18

The Sierra Renaissance Society presents Making Abstract Art by Lucretia Rothgab, 1-2:30 p.m. at the Mother Lode Lion’s Hall, 4701 Missouri Flat Road. Admission is free for members; public invited to attend two meetings each year at no cost. The Sierra Renaissance Society of El Dorado County is dedicated to lifelong learning and hosts presentations and workshops throughout the year. For more information visit srsedc.org.

Tom Rigney, the fiery, electrifying violinist/ composer called one of the premier blues and roots music violinists in the world, will perform at David Girard Vineyards in Placerville at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information visit davidgirardvineyards.com.

The Stage at Burke Junction presents Home Grown Comedy with Saul Trujillo, Hormoz Rashidi, Colby Lawson and host Roman Gusman at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com/ homegrowncomedy.

Boot Juice will perform at 8 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

More than a Meal Upper Room celebrates 21 years of services

Special to the Mountain Democrat

he Upper Room Dining Hall in Placerville invites the community to its More Than Just a Meal event. Tickets are now on sale for the Sept. 8 fundraiser at Rucksack Cellars.

T

“I thoroughly believe in the power of community. At the Upper Room we use that power to create transformative change,” said Jennifer Mouzis, Upper Room board chair.

“This event will be a celebration of compassion and unity with those who have already had a profound impact on those we serve and the new friends who join us in the celebration — bound by the joy of building a stronger, compassionate community one meal at a time,” she continued. “I hope you’ll join us.”

For the first time since the pandemic, this event will gather and celebrate those who have supported and grown the Upper Room into what it is today and introduce others to what has motivated the actions of compassion and kindness for so many since 2002. Attendees will enjoy tasty samples of Upper Room menu highlights given a gourmet twist by their own chefs expertly paired with samples of Rucksack Cellars’ wines. Adding to the laid-back atmosphere will be the musical sounds of The Band CLiC.

A silent auction featuring unique experiential items and activities donated by volunteers, as well as the sale of the Upper Room Dining Hall’s first ever cookbook which includes the delicious recipes of the talented volunteer chefs, servers and volunteers, many that have been featured in the hall’s rotating menus throughout the years, will round out the evening’s o erings.

The funds raised from this event will support the Upper Room’s ever expanding service o erings, strategic vision and critical projects like the purchase of a mobile food truck to reach even more people in the community.

More Than Just a Meal takes place 5:30-8 p.m. at the beautiful Rucksack Cellars, 3030 Carson Road in Placerville. For tickets and more information visit upperroomdininghall.org.

Donner Memorial State Park

When friends and family come from out of state to visit, show o some of the best of California at Donner Memorial State Park. A couple of ADA trails make for a lovely stroll along Donner Lake with a Donner Party history lesson.

The Donner Monument puts history into perspective when you note the base of the monument represents how deep the snow was when the party crossed. To your right, while looking at the monument, you find the Nature Trail at

only .49 miles. This short trail takes you through a meadow with a handsome bridge over the creek.

At the west end of the parking lot is the Lakeside Interpretive Trail at 1.5 miles. Picnic tables and barbecues dot the beach.

Courtesy photos

For 21 years the Upper Room has been delivering much more than a healthy, home-cooked meal to those in need in our community — every day. Over the years it has expanded to o er wound and personal care, pet care, legal services, free laundry and navigation services.Upper Room Dining Hall volunteer Kathy Patterson, above, gets ready to deliver delicious food during a recent Taco Tuesday. Those who want to help the Upper Room in its mission to feed the hungry are invited to a fundraiser Sept. 8. One of the auction items will be a cookbook sharing some of the Upper Room’s fabulous recipes.

A visit to Donner Lake is a great idea when temperatures go up as the location can be significantly cooler — not to mention beautiful.

Nevada

Mountains it is tough

take

Day Hiker

The Gold Country Trail Guide

A collection of Day Hiker columns can be seen the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays in the Mountain Democrat

A collection of Day Hiker columns first published in the Auburn Journal between 2016 and 2018

Placerville News Co, Placerville California Welcome Center, El Dorado Hills Also

Amazon.com

The Donner Monument pedestal represents the height of the snow when the party traveled through the Sierra.

■ See DAY HIKER, page B5

eDH mother writes book to inspire women

Sel Richard Mountain Democrat correspondent

El Dorado Hills mom and devout Christian Sherry Bliss Haase bares her soul in “Women of the Bible,” a devotional study which encourages the spiritual journey of the modern woman.

“I was doing a Bible study with one of my friends,” recounted Haase, who explained that although most studies include author notes and journal questions with each scripture verse, that day she was disappointed to find that a particular scripture discussed different women of the Bible but had no corresponding commentary.

“I heard God say maybe you should write the commentary,” she said. “That’s really what prompted me to start the project.”

“Women of the Bible” comprises 19 lessons, each featuring a scripture verse, Haase’s commentary and several prompting questions. Through the exploration of various biblical women, Haase tackles themes of female relationships, influential women and redemption, offering a helping hand to women in need of a rejuvenation of faith while navigating challenges of the modern world.

One passage in particular resonated with a painful period in Haase’s life.

“When I read the story of Hannah, who experienced many years of devastation because she was not able to have children, I easily related as I suffered several years of infertility,” she admitted.

“In Hannah’s lesson I talk about

the importance of trusting God. Like Hannah, I was able to experience the blessing of motherhood, even if the timing was different than what I expected,” she continued. “I know many women have gone through or are going through similar struggles. I want them to know they are not alone.” Haase also incorporates a section on Peninnah, who taunted Hannah about her inability to bear children. “In the Peninnah story, I share how painful it was to go through infertility,” noted Haase. “I can’t

imagine having someone rubbing that in my face all the time. It’s a lesson in how to support each other as women and lift each other up rather than let petty jealousy and other issues cause us to put up walls and turn against each other. Let’s be a community that reaches out. You never know what other people are going through.”

As a mother of two teenagers with a fulltime position as a relationship manager in the retirement planning industry, Haase took four years to complete

Back to school

Courtesy photo

“Women of the Bible” comprises 19 lessons, each featuring a scripture verse, author Sherry Haase’s commentary and several prompting questions.

Photos by Jana Rossi Lake Forest Elementary School students Alaina, Ava, Emery, Cormac and Wilson are excited to see their teachers and classmates and begin their first lesson of the school year. Many El Dorado County elementary and middle schools were back in session Wednesday, Aug. 9. High school students returned to campus

Aug. 7. At left, new Lake Forest Principal Renee Mallot, Librarian Debbie Shedd, fourth-grader Emily O’Sullivan and her mom Emily O’Sullivan, from left, are ready for the start of the new school year.

n See Haase, page B5

Fritter’s jacket doesn’t have a zipper. It has stripes, but not on the sleeves. It has less than seven buttons.

Number the steps Fritter followed in order.

In all, I repeated the goal of saving $10 six times. And that’s how I saved $60!

First, I set a goal to save the money to buy it. The jacket I wanted cost $60. $60 seemed like an enormous amount of money. But my pal Thrifty told me to think of the $60 as a series of smaller goals.

So I made a goal to save just $10 at first.

Put a check next to each job Fritter did to earn $10 to put in his piggy bank each week. If you check the right boxes, they add up to exactly $10.

Mowed the lawn: $3 Fed our neighbor’s bird: $1 Took out the trash: $1 Recycled bottles and cans: $3 Sold lemonade: $4 Raked leaves: $2

My Goal:

What is a big goal you would like to achieve? Is it saving money, improving how well you play a sport or completing a big homework project?

Break your goal into smaller goals:

First: Second: Third: Fourth:

It might take more than four steps, or repeating some steps, to reach a bigger goal. Don’t give up!

Without using any of the coins below twice, circle the coins that add up to: 28¢ 29¢ 31¢ 36¢

Look through the newspaper for five or more numbers that show a price. Cut out each price and glue onto a sheet of paper in order from smallest to largest. Round each number to the nearest 100 and write that number next to each price.

Ask a family member to give you:

• 4 nouns

• 2 adjectives

• 1 verb

• 10 plural nouns

Use these words to to ll in the blanks in this story. Then, read the silly story you created aloud together for lots of laughs!

Roger is a collector of ________ _________________. As you can imagine, such a collection is quite expensive.

To save money, Roger always looks for the best ________ when shopping. He’ll often compare ________________ between products to see which one is a better ____________.

At the grocery store, he doesn’t just fill his basket with a lot of ___________. Instead, he writes a _________ and brings it with him. He clips ____________ out of the newspaper to save money. He checks the newspaper’s website for special ______________, too.

Roger buys ___________ in bulk. He will _________ them with his friends and family if he has extras. He saves money by choosing _____________ _____________ instead of more expensive _________________.

Roger also checks the classified ads for ________________ when he needs new ones. He bought a very reliable car that way that doesn’t use a lot of __________.

“Thanks to the money I’ve saved with the newspaper, I am about to start a new collection of rare _______________________!” says Roger happily.

This week’s word:

FRITTER

The verb fritter means to waste time, money or energy.

Don’t fritter away your hard-earned money on junk food.

Try to use the word fritter in a sentence today when talking with your friends and family.

community. Make a chart with their names, addresses and the interest rates they offer on their savings accounts.

What do you do when you get angry? Do you try to calm down or “cool off”? How do you do this?

© 2017 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 33, No. 42

Grow for it!

Winter vegetable gardening

Susan Wallace

UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County

Ah, August in El Dorado County. Days are long and hot, typically getting into the 90s and maybe triple digits. And we all know what that means. It’s time to start your winter vegetable garden. It seems counterintuitive to start your cool season veggies during the hottest days of the year but, yes, now is the time. You want to start your vegetables while the days are still long enough, and the weather warm enough, to get your plants off to a good start.

So, what are cool season vegetables? They’re veggies that will initially grow well during the summer heat but for the best production, the mature plants require cooler temperatures. Average temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees are ideal for mature plants and they usually can tolerate light frosts. Hot temperatures, on the other hand, can cause them to bolt.

Cool season vegetables may be grown for their roots (carrots, beets and radishes), stems (white potato), leaves (lettuce and spinach) or immature flower parts (broccoli and cauliflower). Vegetables grown for their mature fruits, such as tomatoes and peppers, are warm season vegetables.

But where to put your winter veggies? That’s often the most difficult part. Perhaps you’ve saved some space in your garden plot for winter vegetables. Or you want to expand the size of your vegetable garden and plan to plant the cool season veggies in a brandnew bed. Or you’re like me and have used every single inch of your garden bed for your summer vegetables and flowers. In that case, it’s time to make some tough decisions. What are you going to pull out to make room? Well, perhaps you’ve had it up to here with all that zucchini and your neighbors are refusing to take any more from you. That would be one place to start. Wherever you find space for your cool season vegetable garden, it will have similar needs as a summer garden. You need good soil, preferably on level ground, with at least eight hours of sunlight daily and easy access to a water supply. However, with temperatures cooling down and winter rains about to begin, cool season vegetable gardens are often much easier than gardening during our hot and dry summers.

Want to know more about growing a cool season vegetable garden? UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County offers a laminated chart, “Foothill Vegetable Planting Guide,” which provides detailed instructions on when to plant both cool season and warm season vegetable gardens. It is available at all

Master Gardener events such as classes and farmers markets for $5 or you can order it online for $7 at surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=31947.

In addition, UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County will offer a Zoom class, taught by Zack Dowell, 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 19. It’s free and you can register for the class at surveys.ucanr.edu/survey. cfm?surveynumber=41102.

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. 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.

valley temperatures. The trail is flat, level and well maintained.

Sturdy benches are common along the path as are restrooms and park rangers if you need assistance. For more history check out the visitor’s center. There is a day use fee collected at the park. The State Park Poppy Pass is accepted here.

To get there take Interstate 80 east to the Donner Pass Road exit and follow the signs into the park.

her debut book, squeezing writing sessions in the car or at coffee shops between kids’ games and competitions. And even after its release, Haase contended with months of technical issues before her online presence was ironed out.

“So far I’ve gotten a lot of positive responses,” said Haase, grateful for the many who helped her along the way, including Joe Muzzi, pastor of Crossroads Church in Michigan, as well as a group of friends who served as impromptu editors. She has since been busy promoting her book at women’s events, church conferences and Bible studies.

“It felt like this was something that God placed on my heart,” Haase insisted. “I went into it very green. It’s a very vulnerable experience. I’ve been truly overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from

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 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

friends, family and the community.”

And it is support she in turn wishes to extend to her readers.

“My hope for this book was to create a devotional that women would find relevant, relatable, encouraging and that would inspire them to spend more time in the Bible and deepen their walk with Jesus,” Haase said.

As summer days continue, Haase looks forward to hiking or paddleboarding with her family. And she still has plenty of kids’ activities filling her weekends. “I would not have it any other way,” Haase assured.

“Women of the Bible” is available online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes as well as locally at Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center.

series by the Outdoor Writers of California. You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Like

Golden West Community Services District GWCSD.org

Employment Announcement

General Manager

The GWCSD General Manager is a contracted position responsible for road and right-of-way maintenance within the District boundaries. The GM reports to the District’s elected Board of Directors.

Job description includes but is not limited to project development, establish scope of work, solicit and collect bid/quotes, monitor road projects and final inspection of the work.

The GM acts as the Point of Contact for all issues concerning the District maintained roads and drainages.

Please see the full job description on the District website at GWCSD.org.

Road Construction/Maintenance experience required.

Accessibility to the district and local knowledge of contractors and county government preferred.

Submit resume and references to Pat Williams, Board President patwilliams@gwcsd.org

OR Golden West Community Service District PO Box 448 El Dorado, CA 95623

For Rent

wanna sell?

622-1255

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

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

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

AutomAtion EnginEEr Nor-Cal Controls ES, Inc.

Location: El Dorado Hills, CA $87,256-$120,000

The Automation Engineer will initially support level II/ III automation engineers by handling SCADA project related, professional engineering tasks of limited scope and complexity. This includes supporting project design, design reviews, design implementation, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting related tasks. A complete list of duties can be found on the employer’s website (https:// norcalcontrols.net/careers/). Little domestic travel involved.

Must have Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Automation, Controls, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar), or equivalent and one year of SCADA/automation/controls/integration experience. Alternatively, may have Master’s degree in Engineering (Automation, Controls, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar). Any suitable combination of education, training, or experience is acceptable.

Apply at our website: https://norcalcontrols.net/careers/ or email resume to hr@norcalcontrols.net.