Mountain Democrat, Monday, August 21, 2023

Monsoonal clouds

In the Sierra Foothills of Northern California, mid-August is “monsoon season.” During this period, clouds and rain typically migrate northward from Mexico into California, Arizona and Nevada. Such weather systems often continue northward, bringing clouds and some rain to the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada in Northern California. Such is the case in recent weeks. The morning of Aug. 11 predawn sunlight illuminated the underside of monsoonrelated clouds gathering over the distant Sierra Nevada, as pictured from Shingle Springs at about 6:16 a.m.

courtesy

Two rope swing accidents in a dozen days

Isaac Streeter

Staff writer

A 23-year-old woman was killed in a fall from a rope swing upstream of Folsom Lake Saturday, Aug. 12. Earlier this month an 18-year-old man was injured on the same stretch of the lake, also in a rope-swing-related fall. California State Parks officials report they think they have identified the rope swing involved and the rope has been removed as well as the branch from which visitors would hang it.

In the Aug. 12 incident Kathryn Hoedt reportedly fell nearly 30 feet from the swing onto a rocky shore near the Rattlesnake Bar boat launch. The incident

Cost of service study eyes higher EID water rates

Michael Raffety Mountain Democrat correspondent

An El Dorado Irrigation District costof-service rate study is pointing to higher rates for customers than the previous five years.

Two options would mean either 9% or 12% annual rate increases for the next five years.

General Manager

Chamber of CommerCe gets Q&A session with county’s new CAO

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

Jim Abercrombie’s preference is for the higher number and its resultant reserve funds.

A leading factor is inflation’s effect on construction costs.

“Material costs and construction costs have gone nuts,” said Director George Osborne Aug. 14 about his personal home siding replacement.

Director Pat Dwyer wanted the consultants to bring the detail down to monthly and bi-monthly cost. He added that 12% would add $8 to the average water bill.

An annual sewer bill increase of 3% was recommended by the consultant, NBS Government Finance Group, which was awarded the cost of service rate study at a cost not to exceed $115,750.

Director Alan Day wanted the consultant to show low, medium and large water users

El Dorado County’s new Chief Administrative Officer Tiffany Schmid took questions from members of the county Chamber of Commerce last week on topics ranging from economic development to county governance. Schmid briefed chamber members on her history living in El Dorado County, lauded her family (notably her daughter, who practices mixed

martial arts), detailed her work experience and expressed her love for equestrianism before turning it over to attendees of the chamber monthly business luncheon at the Cameron Park Country Club clubhouse.

The first of these questions — what is one of the biggest challenges the county faces?

Schmid replied that state legislation passed down to the local level can involve interests that conflict with the rural character of El Dorado County. She said oftentimes unfunded mandates are left to county

governments to impose fees to

effectively implement.

“We are the ones that are left holding the bag to implement things, then we have to ask for money from our constituency to implement those things, often with little influence, and it doesn’t always fit,” Schmid added. “That legislation comes down and gets spread across the county departments and it just continues to layer, causing budgetary, service and political issues because it frustrates people.”

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‘Loudly inclusive’ recreation introduced at Cameron Park CSD

Isaac Streeter Staff writer

The Cameron Park Community Services District has begun to implement new, more inclusive recreational opportunities thanks to a grant from the state.

“We want to be loudly inclusive,” Recreation and Aquatics Department Supervisor Kim Vickers said. “I have big aspirations for what we as a department can do as far as inclusion goes.”

The grant, issued by the Department of Developmental Services, provided the CSD with $99,995 to implement programs targeted at socialization for those with both mental and physical disabilities.

“Our rec department is solely revenue based,”

Vickers said. “For us, this was a really great opportunity to receive some funding to help us launch programming.”

While the CSD has never turned anyone away from any of their programming or events on account of a disability, the influx of money allows them to cater specifically to the demographic.

“Anything from anxiety, ADHD to an intellectual or physical disability, basically the entire spectrum there is (our target group),” Vickers said. “We also want to bring in our neurotypical residents as well. We have a target audience but the goal is to have both groups intermingled. We want to have our neurotypical, able bodied participants (in attendance as well).”

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SCHEDULE NOW:

Photo

of Thomas R. Schultz

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

El Dorado County’s newly appointed Chief Administrative Officer Tiffany Schmid takes questions from El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce members Aug. 16 at Cameron Park Country Club.

n 23-year-old KCRA poducer killed

OBITUARIES

Obituaries on this page are written and paid for by the families or funeral homes. They are edited minimally by the Mountain Democrat. To submit an obituary, call (530) 622-1255, e-mail obits@mtdemocrat.net, fax (530) 344-5092, or visit mtdemocrat.com under “Submission Forms” at the bottom of the website. Include contact information with all submissions.

Richard Adam Orsi

Richard Adam Orsi, fondly known to many as “ORSI,” peacefully departed from this world in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by the warmth of his family, and with his devoted wife of nearly 50 years, by his side. He embraced his final journey on July 21st, 2023.

ORSI’s life was a testament to love, dedication, and the power of lasting connections. His unwavering commitment to his wife over half a century demonstrated the beauty of a love that transcends time. His departure leaves behind a legacy of unity and togetherness that will continue to inspire those who knew him.

Throughout his life, ORSI’s presence radiated with kindness, compassion, and a genuine interest in the lives of others. His friendly nature and genuine smile created an aura of comfort and belonging that drew people towards him. Whether it was through simple conversations or acts of kindness, he touched the hearts of countless individuals.

While ORSI’s physical presence is no longer with us, his memory lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he created. He leaves behind a void that can never be filled, but also a legacy that will continue to bring comfort and strength to those who loved him.

In his departure, we celebrate the life of Richard Adam Orsi, a cherished husband, a loving father, and a dear friend, a true source of inspiration.

Orsi is survived by his wife, Toni Ann Orsi, his son Richard “Rick” Howsmon, his sister Carol Orsi Lessar, and his cherished nieces, Lori and Diana.

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.

TheGold Mine

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.

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.

CONTACT US

Richard B. Esposito Publisher (530) 344-5055 / resposito@mtdemocrat.net

For

obituaries

William “Ken” Lowry

aug. 21, 1929 – June 4, 2023

William “Ken” Lowry passed on Sunday, June 4, 2023, in his own home, as he wished. Mr. Lowry was 93 years old, born August 21, 1929 in Wetumka, Oklahoma.

Raised on a 40 acre farm, where his dad plowed the fields with a single blade pulled by a mule, Ken learned to be self-sufficient and resourceful at an early age. He had farm chores; weeding the vegetable garden, milking the cow and during harvest working dawn to dusk bringing in the crops. He loved to wander through the forest with his dog Joe Dinker, hunting skunks and raccoons; (the general store paid 25 cents a pelt), gathering wild pecans (50 cents for a full gunny sack), catching fish or frogs for dinner. Saturdays, he would go into town, where 25 cents of his hard earned money covered a movie, burger, fries and a Coke! On hot summer days he might head for the swimming hole, or crack open a juicy melon pilfered from granny’s watermelon patch in the river bottom.

But young Ken had big plans. He would be a pilot. By the age of 12, he was walking five miles to wash planes at a small airfield, in exchange for the thrill of a ride.

The innocence of childhood ended at the age of 15, when Ken’s mother died of cancer. That summer he went to Illinois to work on the railroad. At 17 he left school, joined the Navy and served 4 years flying over the Pacific, as a navigator on propeller driven air transport planes. He loved every minute of it. His tour of duty ended in San Diego, and he never looked back. California was his new home. He put himself through college, working nights in a psych hospital, then as a car repo man, and later a machinist for Hughes aircraft. He applied to be a Security guard, but at 6’, couldn’t make the 150 pound weight minimum, no matter how many pancakes he ate.

He met and married a beautiful aspiring actress, Carolyn Parks, and set aside his dream of a career in aviation, as it would take him far away. He switched to education, thinking “summers off.” That, of course, never happened. Ken started teaching science to middle schoolers in Kenwood, Sonoma County. Within a few years he was promoted to Principal, then Superintendent. He borrowed against his retirement to buy a sawmill in Humboldt with his friend, Warren Welsh. For a short time, Ken was both lumber man and educator and enjoyed flying his small plane between Santa Rosa and Eureka. Then the sawmill washed down the canyon in a big storm. Ken went back to investing his energy in education, earning a Masters in Administration. The family moved to El Dorado County, where Ken was Superintendent of Mother Lode School District. Ken and Carolyn had 3 beautiful children: Rena Davonne, Krislyn Kay and Kenneth John, while also parenting Ken’s niece, Bonnie. In 1969 Ken moved to the Bay Area, working in San Anselmo, Redwood City, and Concord school districts. He returned to El Dorado County in 1977 as School Superintendent in South Lake Tahoe.

Five years on, he was recruited by Bob Edwards to run for El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools. With the help of all 12 District Superintendents, he dove into a grueling campaign, won a narrow victory, then earned easy re-election for 2 more terms. Hard working, dedicated to education and fearlessly innovative... his answer to the question, “Can we do this?” was always a definitive YES! His expectation of himself, and his staff, was that every need, every request would be met with a “Spirit of Accommodation.” Ken’s “3 R’s” for the County office of Education were Respect, Resourcefulness and Responsiveness. Vicky Barber, who succeeded Ken as County Superintendent, has written a beautiful resolution, citing some of the accomplishments of Ken’s vision to build an education center which would serve preschool through community college students in El Dorado County. The EDCOE complex in Placerville, is not just a lot of buildings. Each one houses a program to better serve kids.

Here are some highlights:

1983 - Ken’s first year in office. A retired teacher, who worked in the Mother Lode School District when Ken was Superintendent, assisted the office acquiring 28 acres of ranch land at 6767 Green Valley Rd. Bob Edwards, Ken’s friend of two decades, artfully managed this transaction and many more to follow, as the County Office of Education continued to build new facilities and programs. The main EDCOE building went up first, to house the 200 employees who had been flooded out of the old warehouse building on Placerville Drive when the roof collapsed in 1981. Over the next 20 years, this dedicated team of educators would bring to fruition the educational services to fulfill Ken’s vision.

A new Child Development Center with bright colorful classrooms full of books, educational toys, little chairs and tables, even tiny toilets in the bathrooms… was built to house Head Start, Daycare and other children’s programs, which were exceeding the capacity of the Smith Flat Center. The sign in front of the new building had been carefully covered until the

legislators’ addresses

dedication ceremony. When it was unveiled, Ken was overwhelmed to learn that the staff had named the building the “Ken Lowry Center.”

Next came a 2-story staff development building and several ancillary facilities for new programs to serve children throughout the county, including Extended Day programs at elementary schools, a Charter school for alternative education, a Home Study community school, and later, Rite of Passage and New Morning.

Ken brought additional donations of land for outdoor and environmental education programs, as well as the site where the Community Observatory was erected. In 1988, 19 acres of the donated land was sold by EDCOE to Los Rios Community College District, for one dollar. The Placerville Center, aka UBR; University Behind Raley’s, operating out of old buildings on the fairgrounds since 1966, was reborn on this land in 1992 to become the beautiful college campus now called the El Dorado Center of Folsom Lake College.

Both in education, and in private life, Ken put the kids’ needs first. He supported his children in every way. When Ken’s first marriage ended, he looked up a former employee, Eve Thomas, who, a year later would become his second wife. Weekends and summers with Dad and Eve were filled with adventure; camping, fishing, flying, boating, skiing... introducing the kids to lakes, rivers, oceans, mountains and deserts… all over the country, as well as a few in Canada and Mexico. Limited time and money mattered not! Some of the fondest memories shared by all of Ken’s children are the camping trips to Salt Springs Reservoir. Ken and Eve had one car; a VW bug. With 3 kids and the dog in the back, camping gear and food for 10 days had to fit into the old flat-bottomed fishing boat on top. Ken invented a rack to hang off the back bumper for the ice-chests. The VW was quite the sight on the highway. Children in passing cars were seen pointing in wonder and asking their parents, “What’s THAT!?” The last 30 miles up a bumpy dirt road were tricky, and then came the really fun part. Camping supplies came out of the boat to be carried over a 6 foot wall at the dam. Then the boat was lifted over, and everything was reloaded. People and dogs hiked 3 miles to the top of the lake while Ken piloted the boat to “our” camping spot, where he had built a driftwood picnic table. One year we were late getting in, the afternoon winds had come up, things were piled high in the boat... it started taking on water and Ken almost got to shore before the boat sank. Wet sleeping bags were draped across bushes to dry. The first night was a bit cold and damp... but morning brought renewed energy. The journey continued and camp was made!

One of Ken’s greatest pleasures was flying his V-Tail Bonanza. He was happy to rise before the sun to fly Eve to her consulting jobs in Nevada. He would fly back to Tahoe, work 8 - 5, then fly again to retrieve her from Lovelock, Battle Mountain, wherever... Anything to fly! Ken flew across the country many times; even across the water to Puerto Rico, but his favorite destination was Mexico. Ken, Eve and the kids made many trips with CP Rotary Club members to their Sister City Uruapan, in Michoacan, where the Rotarians supported an orphanage housing 90 children. The Uruapan Rotarians awarded Ken the Paul Harris Medal, a very high honor in Rotary, for his work on this project.

Ken Lowry was a man of many interests, supported by a wealth of energy and talent. He farmed, he fished, built furniture, laid tile, wrote a book, played piano, loved opera and classical music. He could fix anything; cars, bikes, broken pipes, cranky appliances and computers. When the well stopped sending up water, he hooked a ‘come-along’ to the old pickup, threw a cable over a big tree branch, winched the pump out of the well, and fixed it the same day.

Ken was an inventor. As a young man, watching a bartender in Santa Rosa laboriously peeling strips of lemon rinds to garnish drinks, he invented and patented a simple tool to make perfect twists, peel oranges cleanly, and create decorative cups to hold the segments. It was the 60’s. Bing Crosby and Sunkist wanted the “Kentool” to promote Sunkist oranges. Opportunity! Sadly, the contract required worldwide patents and a teacher’s salary wouldn’t cover those legal costs. Years later, the original Kentool enjoyed a limited distribution when Eve’s dad manufactured them in his machine shop.

Ken retired from schools at 65, but had the energy and outlook of a much younger man. After his retirement, Ken and Eve traveled to Paraguay to adopt their son, Tomas, the light of Ken’s life in his later years.

Ken is survived by his wife, Eve Lowry, his daughters: Rena Davonne Lowry, her children Brandon Mazzone and Brieta Carpenter, his daughter Krislyn Lowry, her children John Yates and Koorisa Layton, his son, Tomas Lowry, his grandson, KJ Lowry, his niece, Bonnie Dupy and her sons, Chris, Josh and Zach, as well as 5 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Rena Carnes and William Lowry, his son, Kenneth John Lowry, his sister, Ada Lorene Williamson, and his first wife, Carolyn Parks. Ken was well loved and fiercely loving. His spirit will be held close in our hearts forever.

crime log

The following was taken from Placerville Police Department’s Office records:

Aug. 3

10:24 a.m. officers arrested a 47-year-old man on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance on Benham Street.

5:34 p.m. officers arrested a 38-year-old man who had warrant on Fair Lane.

9:55 p.m. Mail was found on New Jersey Way.

9:57 p.m. Fireworks were reportedly set off near a Main Street residence.

Aug. 4

2:15 p.m. officer cited a 40-yearold man who allegedly stole a shopping cart on Schnell School road.

Aug. 5

2:09 a.m. officers arrested a 51-year-old man on suspicion of possesion of drugs for sale following a traffic stop on Sacramento Street. the suspect also had a warrant.

5:15 a.m. officers cited a 28-yearold man allegedly caught stealing gas from a vehicle on Center Street.

7:27 a.m. officers cited a 67-yearold man who was allegedly illegally camping on Schnell School road.

10:24 a.m. A bicycle was reported stolen on Woodridge Court.

11:16 a.m. officers cited a 47-yearold man allegedly trespassing on Broadway.

7:38 p.m. officers arrested a 56-year-old man on suspicion of a

Accidents

parole violation on Broadway.

Aug. 6

12:40 a.m. officers arrested a 29-year-old man on suspicion of trespassing and resisting arrest on Village Lane.

1:02 p.m. Battery was reported on Main Street.

5:06 p.m. officers responded to a report of two dogs left in a hot vehicle on Main Street.

11:06 p.m. officers arrested a 43-year-old man after responding to a suspicious person report on Broadway.

Aug. 7

2:22 a.m. officers arrested a 47-year-old man on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance on Marshall Way.

6:39 p.m. Petty theft was reported on Smith Flat road.

Aug. 8

2:10 a.m. officers arrested a 43-year-old man reportedly found in possession of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia on Cedar ravine road.

8:45 a.m. offices arrested a 67-year-old man on suspicion of trespassing on Schnell School road.

9:14 a.m. officers arrested two women, ages 36 and 67, following an alleged assault on Davis Circle.

8:52 p.m. officers cited a 40-yearold woman allegedly driving on a suspended license on Highway 50 in Placerville.

10:09 p.m. officers arrested a 47-year-old man who had a warrant following a traffic stop on Highway 50 in Placerville.

Continued from A1

occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m.

CPR was performed on the boat ramp by an off-duty doctor before Hoedt was transported to Sutter Roseville Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries.

Hoedt was a Sacramento native and graduate of California State University, San Jose, as well as New York University. She worked as the producer of the 8 a.m. KCRA 3 broadcast.

“Her coworkers universally said she was one of the nicest people they ever worked with,” KCRA representatives wrote in a statement on their website.

On Tuesday, Aug. 1, around 5 p.m. an unidentified 18-year-old man fell from a rope swing hung from what is thought to be the same tree branch, according to Barry Smith, chief ranger of the Gold Fields District of California State Parks.

Emergency dispatcher traffic heard that afternoon included reports the man was unconscious and people with him were working to keep his head above water as first responders from Placer and El Dorado county to the north and south tried to find access to the area where he fell.

The man was transported to a local area hospital and the severity and extent of his injuries are unclear at this time.

“At this point we’re still trying to figure out what the outcome of that patient is,” Smith said.

Smith confirmed that the branch suspected to be involved in both incidents is frequently used for rope swings.

“After (Hoedt’s death) we went out there that Sunday to remove the rope swing,” Smith said. “When we came back on Monday, there was a new one up in the same place.”

He confirmed the branch was cut down Aug. 16 by South Placer Fire District personnel to prevent further injury.

Smith also noted rope swings are illegal in California State Parks, punishable by fine.

“The lake is patrolled on a weekly basis by maintenance staff,” Smith said. “They (cut swings down) on a weekly basis and of course if we get a report or if we see one we’ll cut it down.”

Inclusive Continued from A1

The first implementations of the grant are coming as once-monthly park pop-ups, featuring crafts and games focusing on socialization. The next of these events is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 25 from 4:30-6 p.m. at Rasmussen Park.

Vickers and her staff has also put a social skills class on the docket available for 5-11 year olds focusing on social-emotional skills through play and activities. This program will have its first session beginning Wednesday, Aug. 23 through Oct. 15.

There is also a plan to introduce a similar class aimed at teens with a target start date for the first week of September, although official dates have yet to be announced.

The majority of the funding — $42,100 worth — has gone toward the hiring of an outside consultant for the development of curriculum for the social skills classes as well as creating and administering training for staff members on best serving those with disabilities. Other monies have gone toward helping pay the salaries of those involved with the aforementioned programs. Adapted recreation games such as a croquet set and seated scooters have been purchased with grant funding. Vickers said they plan on purchasing 16 chromebooks with the grant as well. Vickers added she plans on reapplying for the grant in 2024.

California fails to be economically competitive

For political observers, the debate between conservative and progressive politicians over the impact of various policies can be entertaining as well as enlightening. Of course, politicians tend to either stretch the truth or cherrypick various statistics to support their positions.

Take, for example, arguments related to poverty.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the official poverty rate compares income to a poverty threshold that is adjusted by family composition. But the Supplemental Poverty Measure, first released in 2011 and produced with support from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, modifies the official poverty measure by including the value of government programs for low-income families. The SPM also accounts for geographic variation, such as cost of living, in poverty thresholds.

Which of the two methods of calculating poverty is used makes a huge difference for California. Under the unadjusted poverty rate, California ranks right in the middle, 25th out of 50. But when cost of living is taken into account, California ranks dead last, 50th out of 50.

The disparity among comparative metrics is so pervasive it is difficult to discern the truth about which states perform better than others. But the American Legislative Exchange Council produces an annual report entitled “Rich States, Poor States,” which ranks the economic competitiveness of states based on fifteen categories. It is intended as a resource for state lawmakers and other policy leaders for critical decision making.

Hardcore California haters might believe that the Golden State ranks worst in all possible measurements, but that simply isn’t true. What is true, however, is that California ranks poorly in most of the metrics and that the trends for the future are not encouraging. Of the 15 categories,

The Balancing Act

Letters to the Editor

Absent leaders

EDITOR:

Where are you, Joe? This president is an embarrassment. How dare he go on another vacation when Hawaii needs support. Our border needs support.

His cabinet keeps him and is vice president away from the press. Why? Because neither one can’t answer a question that is asked of them. Our vice president either laughs or talks and doesn’t say anything. Joe can’t answer without reading what someone else has written for him. He doesn’t dare speak because he goes off on track.

I’m so upset when I hear the things that are happening in our government and the news reporters don’t tell us the entire story. I listen to a conservative station and when I turn on CNN they are never speaking about what is really happening. Why is it that when something is found out about Joe and Hunter there is an indictment against Donald Trump?

The left is doing everything to keep Trump from running for reelection. I truly believe and hope that Trump can prevail through this horrendous ordeal he is going through. He is a true patriot and he is the guy who has opened this can of worms against the deep state and the swamp.

Please vote for him. We need him.

TERRI ELDERD Placerville

Raising men

EDITOR:

In the 1970s and ‘80s we were told that boys were violent and would be better off to be raised by their mothers. We now know that was horribly wrong and, in fact, children not raised by their fathers are five times more likely to commit suicide, 32 times more likely to run away, 14 times more likely to commit a rape and nine times more likely to drop out of school.

To clarify, the numbers show that single fathers have the same success rate of raising children as a two parent family.

I know that we can’t force people to get married and raise their children. But for the sake of society we could mandate a mandatory two-year program for every young male at the age of 18. The program wouldn’t have to be the military but have a military-style basic training to educate young men about discipline, civic pride and a work ethic. Something like the California Conservation Corp.

Our government has spent $100 billion on the war in the Ukraine. Our government could easily spend the same amount of money on our own young men, with a far greater positive impact on our society. We should focus on raising our current young men for the sake of future generations.

KEN

Hang on to your cars, folks. Rough ride ahead

Remember the expression, “Hang on to your wallets,” meaning the government is after your money? That now applies to cars and trucks. Yes, in the name of wacko climate change, but really in the name of more control and less freedom of the individual, the EPA has just issued new fuel economy standards for 2032 after the Biden administration, in April 2022, issued new Corporate Average Fuel Economy requirements for 2026 of 49 mpg.

But this time, instead of making cars more expensive, they are making them brutally more expensive with a new CAFE standard of 58-66 mpg for cars and a 50% fuel economy increase for light and heavy duty (3/4 and one-ton) pickups, bringing their requirement to better than 30 mpg. Like the manufacturers can snap their fingers and it will just happen. Even current hybrids can’t meet those numbers, not a Prius, Hyundai Ioniq 5 or a Corolla.

It takes energy to move vehicles and to improve CAFE fuel economy requires either significantly less weight and/or significantly less performance or, the government’s real desire, remove internal

combustion engine cars from production and eventually all cars. Remove your freedom of choice and movement = control.

Or you can buy an ungodly expensive electric vehicle with limited range and utility which really doesn’t do anything for the environment. Biden is not here to help you;

he is here to restrict your freedoms in any way he can or the puppeteers who control him can.

The federal government, of course, will still have and get new fleets of 12 mpg Suburbans. They will just cost a bit more in limited production. But it’s not their money they are spending, is it?

What’s going to happen is the current auto fleet (which has a fleet average age of nearly 13) will age, get less efficient, pollute more and get more expensive. We will look like Cuba, where people drive around in mostly badly repaired 1960 and older American cars. It’s perfect for our current government, which really doesn’t care about the environment, but only total control of the people who just keep working and paying higher and higher taxes. If our government cared about the environment, we would have been trading with Cuba years ago and

selling them much less polluting, newer, safer vehicles.

So, what to do? Take care of your current ride and maintain it. With reasonable attention it will run for 300,000 to 500,000 miles or more. You will find repairs and maintenance are cheaper than new. Or plan on buying new if you need to replace in the next few years. Hopefully a new administration will destroy this folly of ridiculousness when new leaders take power and stop this lunacy.

I hate to say this, but voting for Democrats of the left is like voting to destroy yourself. Leftists Democrats real goal is to destroy America.

Now to more EV lunacy, but not cars; it’s EV air taxis. It’s all the rage and many are claiming they will fly sans pilots. The local skies over cities are already crowded. Imagine hundreds of these flying taxis going every which way at 100 mph at low altitude below 1,000 feet. It will be a nightmare of midair collisions. I have flown small planes in the crowded skies of the San Fernando Valley for years and with just 20 or 30 planes near and around the airport, it was a traffic nightmare. And they expect to have hundreds flying every which way using traffic avoidance equipment.

What happens when some part of the system fails?

And what about the practicality of these electric air taxis? I recently talked to a new company well on its way to certification. I asked about the propulsion units, the power output, weight, batteries specifications, power requirements, etc. and he said it was proprietary. Then I asked about the size and weight of the battery and cooling system, again proprietary. And finally, I asked about the energy capacity and density of the battery and again the same answer, proprietary. They don’t want to tell us because these little electric air-taxis aren’t close to primetime in energy capacity and density to be practical. Twenty minutes of endurance isn’t going to be practical. This particular company has a name similar to a popular laundry detergent. I could make some jokes but will refrain.

EVs just aren’t nearly as practical as petroleum-based vehicles because the energy density of petroleum is about 66 times greater than your best battery by weight. That is never going to change until the discovery of Unobtainium. Good look finding it. Larry Weitzman is a resident of Placerville.

STEERS Cameron Park

LARRy WEiTzmAn

federal government, of course, will still have and get new fleets of 12 mpg Suburbans. They will just cost a bit more in limited production.

Coupal Continued from A4 here are some of the more salient.

Income taxes: California ranks 48th worst with the highest state marginal tax rate in the nation. But because some local governments in other states impose income taxes — California does not — the state dodged that dead last position. Nonetheless, California did rank last (50th) in the progressivity of its income tax structure.

Property taxes:

Notwithstanding the protections of Proposition 13, California ranked 28th in property tax burdens. The methodology used by “Rich States, Poor States” measured revenues from state and local property taxes per $1,000 of personal income using the latest available Census Bureau

data. (Interestingly, the Tax Foundation — another reliable source for data — ranked California 14th out of 50 states in per capita property tax collections. Either way, both measurements belie the myth that California is a low property tax state). Sales Tax Burden: For Californians, the ranking of sales tax burden is a surprisingly reasonable 23rd. Although California has the highest state sales tax rate in America at 7.25%, with local add-ons that push the rate over 10% in many jurisdictions, the methodology used by “Rich States, Poor States” moderates that ranking. Specifically, rather than relying on the tax rate, they look at sales tax revenues per $1,000 of personal income. One could quibble with this

Crossword

methodology given that California has a lot of super wealthy individuals which could disguise the true impact on the middle class.

Estate Tax: Under the “good news” category, California ranks 1st in Estate Tax burden. This is not surprising given that we don’t have an estate tax. But rather than thank our political leaders, thank statewide voters who passed Proposition 6 in 1982 repealing the estate tax. Moreover, while a No. 1 rank looks good, California shares that rank with 33 other states, all of which have no estate tax.

Debt Service as a Share of Tax Revenue: California ranks poorly — 39th out of 50 — in its debt service ratio, measuring the interest paid on state and local

debt as a percentage of state and local total tax revenue. Because this information comes from 2020 U.S. Census Bureau data, the most recent available, it won’t take into account more recent bond measures approved in California nor a potential downturn in revenue which would increase the ratio even if no additional debt is assumed.

Other measures: Additional metrics of concern to the economic health of California include the state’s tort liability system (48th); workers compensation costs (48th); and Cumulative Domestic Migration, 2012-2021, (49th). On the plus side is a measure of the effectiveness of Tax and Expenditure Limitations (3rd). For California, this includes

the iconic Proposition 13 (1978); the Gann Spending Limit (1979); and Proposition 218, the Right to Vote on Taxes Act (1996). Moreover, California voters will have the opportunity to improve this metric with the passage of the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act in November of 2024.

When all the metrics are considered, “Rich States, Poor States”

concludes California’s overall ranking is a dismal 45th out of 50. Even for policy and political leaders who quibble with ALEC’s methodology, or its choice of what categories to measure, “Rich States, Poor States” is a valuable resource to guide them toward greater economic prosperity.

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

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

Struggle with a hurt, hang up, or habit? ceLeBrAte recOvery meets at Radiant Church on Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm, 4602 Missouri Flat Road, Placerville. We are a Christ centered recovery program to find healing from our hurts, hang ups, and habits. Email CR@radiantedc.church. Find us on Facebook at: https://www. facebook.com/CRradiantchurch.

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.

EID Continued from A1

how proposed rates would affect these customers. Public meetings and workshops will take place August-September by the consultants.

Proposition 218 notices will be sent to customers in September. By that time the board will likely have settled on a rate. Public rate hearings will be October-November.

The budget workshop for 2024-25 set for Oct. 23 is another opportunity for EID directors to tweak rates. Budget adoption is slated for Nov. 14.

The district’s current reserve policy includes three months of operating expenses, capital replacement reserves, routine replacement for the vehicle fleet and equipment, a self-insurance reserve and an unfunded liability reserve.

Other requirements are to maintain a minimum debt coverage ratio of 1.25 without hookup charges.

Customer rates cover costs of operation and maintenance, debt service, planned pay-asyou-go capital projects and contributions to reserve funds. Non-rate revenue supplements these costs.

These costs would total $29.8 million under the 9% rate scenario, including funding 75% of the Capital Improvement Plan.

The same costs and a 75%-funded CIP would total $47.5 million with the 12% plan.

The financial plan with 9% rates would produce net water revenues of $58 million in 2024, $62 million in 2025, $71 million in 2026, $76 million in 2027 and $84 million in 2028.

Net water revenues under the 12% rate plan would generate $59 million in 2024, $63 million in 2025, $75 million in 2026, $71 million in 2027 and $87 million in 2028.

Schmid Continued from A1

Taxpayer’s Association of El Dorado County President Carol Louis questioned if Schmid would have an open-door policy during her tenure as CAO and asked if she would make sure all department heads and elected officials would make public presentations before the county’s Board of Supervisors on how they operate and what their budget entails.

“Anyone who knows me and has worked with me knows I’m extremely open and accessible,” Schmid replied. Schmid also noted each department head’s ability to opt-out of presenting to the board and cannot commit to Louis’ request.

“The Chief Administrative Officer and the board, to a certain extent, still have budget authority over those elected heads, but whether or not they come to the board to speak, not so much,” Schmid said. She added that all the budget details can be accessed on the county registrar’s website.

When Chamber of Commerce Director of Tourism Jody Franklin asked Schmid’s opinion on economic opportunities in the next five years, Schmid advised

God’s Way home destroyed

Eric Jaramishian

Staff writer

A home on Gods Way near Clark Mountain Road in Lotus was engulfed by flames Tuesday, Aug. 15.

Just after 4 p.m. fire crews were called to fight the fire,

which completely destroyed the single-story home and spread to nearby vegetation, according to information from the El Dorado County Fire Protection District. Less than an acre of surrounding brush burned before firefighters contained the blaze. Fire officials reported no

investing in small businesses, emphasizing land use.

“When you talk about bigger projects, like the Frontier Project, people lose their minds because it’s not part of the county’s overall character,” Schmid said. “I think we have learned that our opportunities are our small local businesses and figuring out what we can do to sustain and grow those.”

Another chamber member questioned if salaries for top county officials should be calculated by comparing other salaries from metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles and San Diego. Schmid replied that while salaries would not be scaled to match such counties (The CAO of San Diego County makes more than $400,000), she noted El Dorado County falls below the median of top officials’ salaries due to a stagnant pay rate, which creates hiring difficulty.

“When that happens, the level of service suffers, then we all suffer,” Schmid said. “It’s kind of a vicious cycle and it is hard to pull up from that.”

She said supervisors have made efforts to increase salaries, reflected in approving a 10% salary

NEUROPATHY IS A PROGRESSIVE CONDITION!

DRUG FREE TREATMENT AVAILABLE. ACT NOW

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

injuries to firefighters or residents of the home.

Assisting El Dorado County Fire personnel were resources from the Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit and Cameron Park and Rescue fire departments.

Officials note the cause of the fire is under investigation.

increase for the CAO position in January in an attempt to recruit a new CAO before Don Ashton left the role in March. Schmid currently makes around $279,000 annually.

While discussing the county’s special districts, including fire departments and community services districts, Schmid noted their struggles to maintain financially are leading to annexation, or being forced to ask the county for assistance.

“(The districts) give people a sense of micro, local control by having all the special districts but then it disperses the control and makes coordination and interaction more difficult,” Schmid said. “I think back in the day when those were created they were financially sustainable but they are simply not anymore.

“It’s a touchy subject, but we are navigating it,” Schmid added.

Schmid is a Ponderosa High School graduate and a California State University, Sacramento, alumna. She served as interim CAO before taking the position officially in July and previously served as the assistant chief administrative officer.

Healthy Blood Vessels

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and may also lead to serious balance problems.

This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood ow to the nerves in the hands and feet. If not properly treated this lack of blood ow may cause the nerves to degenerate.

Healthy Nerve

Diseased Blood Vessels

Nerves Shrivel when Blood Vessels Weak and Disappear

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

Figure 1

In order to effectively treat your neuropathy 3 factors must be determined.

What is the underlying cause? 1

How much nerve damage has been sustained? 2

Drug Free Treatment Method

Our advanced treatment method has 3 main goals

Increase Blow ow 1

Stimulate small ber nerves 2

How much treatment will your condition require? 3

Decrease brain based pain 3

a specialized low-level light therapy (not to be confused with laser therapy) using light emitting diode technology. This technology was originally developed by NASA to assist in increasing blow ow.

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

What Causes It? John

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

The

In the KNOW

Aug. 21

The Taxpayers Association of El Dorado County meets at 7:30 a.m. at Denny’s in Placerville with the following schedule of speakers: El Dorado County Assessor Jon DeVille (Aug. 21), El Dorado County RecorderClerk Janelle Horne (Aug. 28).

Vitalant will hold an El Dorado Hills blood drive noon to 4 p.m. The Bloodmobile will be parked in the parking lot near the baseball fields at the El Dorado Hills Community Services District, 1021 Harvard Way. Make an appointment at donors. vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFM019 or call (877) 258-4825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows. Donors will be entered into a Vitalant drawing for a chance to win one out of five $5,000 prepaid gift cards.

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

Aug. 22

Main Street Collective presents Drew Butts, 7 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Broadway at Music Circus in Sacramento presents “Rent,” Aug. 22-27. For tickets and more information call (916) 557-1999 or visit broadwaysacramento.com.

Matt Donnelly – The Mind Noodler will perform at Valhalla Tahoe’s Boathouse Theatre at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit valhallatahoe.showare. com.

Aug. 23

The Shingle SpringsCameron Park Chamber of Commerce hosts a networking luncheon with speaker Ted Gaines, member of the State Board of Equalization, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Moonraker Brewing in Cameron Park. To register

Snowline Hospice

John Poimiroo Mountain Democrat correspondent

Increased attention was given to hospice care after former President Jimmy Carter announced earlier this year his decision to receive it.

In 1979 a Placerville area group recognized the need for terminally ill people to have an alternative to dying alone. Led by Dr. Douglas Tustin, they founded Snowline Hospice so that dying people could live their remaining time at home with families and friends. Snowline began as a community-based nonprofit years before Congress authorized hospice as a Medicare benefit.

As an end-of-life medical provider, Snowline’s role is to manage pain and symptoms, educate caregivers and ensure the comfort of its dying patients. The service is free to qualifying patients and families who qualify for Medicare or Medi-Cal benefits. Snowline also provides charitable care to hospice patients who do not have insurance.

“Many don’t know what hospice entails.” said Snowline Hospice Philanthropy Development Director Laurie Heyman. “It begins once a person is diagnosed by a doctor as having six months or less to live. Any patient can request hospice care wherever they call home, for the comfort of the patient and to support the family and caregivers, even

if they’re not related to the patient.

“On the day we’re notified, we deliver the things the patient’s family or caregivers will need, such as medications, durable medical equipment (like hospital beds) and medical supplies — those things you would find in a hospital,” she continued.

Snowline assures the patient and caregivers are comfortable. They provide a 24-hour hotline

for patients and caregivers and teach caregivers what to do for their loved one when Snowline is not there such as skills nurses use to roll a patient over in bed and other processes that keep the patient comfortable.

“We teach them how to be the best caregiver possible,” Heyman said.

The objective is “to make sure that whatever time our hospice patients have left is living their best life for themselves

and their families,” she added.

“Many people associate hospice with death but we’re not about death; we’re about life.

“As a nonprofit organization, we’re not money driven; we’re community driven,” Heyman continued. “That involves embracing the community with a sense of compassion that extends well beyond the dying person.”

n See snowline page B4

Photo by John Poimiroo Snowline Hospice Thrift Stores raise money for bereavement care and quality donated goods get a second life. Stores are located in Placerville, Cameron Park and Folsom.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your luck is improving. Can you feel it? You’ll see signs of it today and more evidence sprinkled throughout the week. You could land a client entry in a new realm, or get the green light you’ve been waiting for.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’ll be racing the clock on the way to a deadline, and cosmic indications point to success. It should be noted that nothing bad will happen if you don’t finish in time, except for the disappointment of not making your aim.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Don’t underestimate what you can do on your own. You’re very powerful in your own right. Make sure that any help you are getting really makes a difference and is not a “helpful” involvement that encumbers you.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You want to ease the burdens of others. The best way to do this is to make yourself comfortable and happy. You may actually find it more difficult, as there will be some investigation involved in knowing your own preferences.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The obstacles are blessings, for they will make you excellent! Once you get over the first hurdle, you’ll be warmed up enough to handle the challenge that makes you a leader.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You are learning a lot in a short period of time. Later you can stop and absorb it, but right now, events keep you in a constant state of readiness. Every day brings different rules and new play-

placerville ‘pollyanna’ celebrates a happy 101

Isaac Streeter Staff writer

Placerville resident Mabel

Imboden celebrated her 101st birthday Aug. 3.

The secret to her long life, she said, has been her positivity.

“I’m like a Pollyanna. I’ve always thought positive,” she said, referring to the 1913 novel and 1960 film of the same name about a young girl who plays the “glad game,” trying to find something to be glad about in every situation.

She was born in 1922 in the town of Waterbury, Conn., alongside her identical twin sister Marylee.

According to Imboden, she and her sister would often fool teachers by switching places and going by the other’s name. It is one of the many happy memories she has of her youth despite their financial situation.

“We were from a poor family,” Imboden said, describing her childhood. “(But) we were all very musically inclined; (my sister and I) played the mandolin and guitar and

my mother played the piano.”

Other positive memories Imboden recalled from her childhood were of her mother’s homemade ravioli and her father’s generosity and easy-going demeanor.

She was married to a baker, with whom she moved to California and had two children, a son and a daughter. Her son has since died, but her daughter lives and works in Seattle, Wash. She has five grandchildren and several more greatgrandchildren.

Imboden spent her life as the secretary for the police chief of the Napa Police Department. Now she lives in a retirement community in Placerville spending her days playing a variety of games.

“I like to play bingo,” Imboden said laughing and pointing at resident assistants surrounding her at the celebration, remarking how much better she is at bingo than them.

Her birthday party was attended by residents and staff, a white cake with her name written on it — and 99 missing candles — was served.

CALLiNg ENgAgED RESiDENTS Go on a nonprofit date

Chris Ringnes El Dorado Community Foundation

The El Dorado Community Foundation is looking for community members interested in learning more about local nonprofits and who might be interested in serving on a nonprofit board of directors.

The foundation announces its second annual Speed Dating event coming this fall to both the South Shore of Lake Tahoe (Oct. 4) and the West Slope of El Dorado County (Oct. 5). This event was a big hit last year as interested and dedicated community members were introduced

to nonprofits in an effort to help those nonprofits find board members for the amazing work they do in the community.

The foundation hosts this free event, with food and drink, for the first 30 nonprofits and 30 community members who sign up on both the West Slope of El Dorado County and the South Shore of Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County.

Those who sign up for the event will receive more information via email about the logistics, but the basics are as follows:

n See SPEED DATE, page B6

ers to the game.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). There is strong competition around you. Observe a while before jumping into the mix. When you’re ready, be bold. Others may think the same thing and will appreciate your voice. If you can’t be the first, be the best.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Qualities and features that are less than perfect are more than common, so you may as well feel good about it and hide nothing. Total confidence means not apologizing for anything.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Those who listen twice as much as they talk will be two times as knowledgeable at the end of the conversation, and it’s a sliding scale. This is why the wise talk very little.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). New ideas are just old ideas turned upside down, sideways or spooned with other ideas. So you don’t have to worry about coming up with anything. Just play with what you already have.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Standing still gives you the time and space to overthink. It’s better to be in motion, then your mental energy will be just the right amount to invest in today’s situation. Keep dancing toward your purpose. PISCES (Feb.

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

COMiCS

Photo by Isaac Streeter

Mabel Imboden celebrated her 101st birthday Thursday, Aug 3.

Tahoe American Legion seeks support

n Raise the Roof community fundraiser planned this week

Ashleigh Goodwin

Tahoe Daily Tribune

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — American Legion Post No. 795 will host the Raise the Roof fundraiser, 3-8 p.m. Aug. 26, to reach a lofty goal in order to save the organization’s building that will, without funding, fall into disrepair.

An indoor and outdoor block party will provide a barbecue for the community at the cost of $25 per adult, $10 per child younger than 10 and children younger than 3 get in free.

Music, barbecue, burgers, hot dogs, side salads, fruit, desserts will be at the gathering, along with horseshoes, corn hole, darts and a pool table to support the U.S. veterans and their family members who make up the American Legion of South Lake Tahoe. Tickets can be purchased at the midtown American Legion location, 2748 Lake Tahoe Blvd.

According to the national American Legion website, “American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic Veterans organization. Focusing on service to veterans,

service members and communities, the Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States.”

The American Legion Auxiliary is composed of the family members of those men and women who make up each post of the legion.

While the American Legion Auxiliary holds four rummage sales per year, bringing in $4,000$5,000 per sale, the Tahoe group needs more than that projected income to replace nearly the entire building from the roof to the deck, heating and air conditioning, windows and doors, and landscaping; all while paying regular insurance premiums.

“We work hard for it but it’s the main support,” said Sandy McKnight, secretary of the American Legion Auxiliary. The volunteers of the auxiliary have raised $36,000 of the $250,000 estimated for all that needs to be accomplished.

After an extraordinary winter, the roof is of the local post’s top priorities and will tally more than $50,000 to be completely removed. Other priorities are replacing the deck, landscaping and bathrooms.

McKnight said the recurring Tuesday farmers market and doughnut and coffee events are also small additions to the auxiliary’s income for the American Legion Post.

Snowline’s interdisciplinary team members of physicians, nurses, social workers, spiritual care providers, counselors, home health aides and volunteers go to patient homes to provide care — medication management for pain and symptoms, personal care, education and support for terminally and chronically ill patients, families and caregivers, including grief counseling, dementia care classes, videos and support groups.

“Families can have bereavement services for 13 months following the death of a loved one, including services that are focused on children. People often

don’t realize that kids feel a death just as much as adults. We even serve those whose deceased relative wasn’t under our care,” Heyman said.

Because hospice is covered by Medicare, people often ask, ‘Why do you need to raise money?’

“We are paid for the days a patient is provided hospice care, but after the patient passes away and Medicare payments stop we continue supporting the family with bereavement services for as long as 13 months,” Heyman shared.

Snowline Hospice has a large group of volunteers, including several veterans. The care provider has achieved Level 5 status (maximum) as a care provider in the We Honor Veterans program, which reflects Snowline’s commitment to resolving the challenges faced by veterans and their families.

“When a veteran is identified, other veterans are brought in to talk to the patient in ways meaningful among veterans,” Heyman explained. “We coach families through the VA process. Many don’t know a thing about it and it can be a confusing and arduous process.”

Evidencing its commitment to veterans, each fall Snowline Hospice’s thrift stores conduct Salute to Valor, a campaign in which shoppers can round up sales to help local veterans. To date, more than $50,000 has been distributed by the charitable nonprofit the El Dorado County Veterans Alliance to programs that help area veterans, free of any administrative charges.

In addition to its hospice services, Snowline also provides palliative care, which it calls supportive care, for illnesses like heart disease, cancer and noninfectious diseases, often helping the patient so they do not enter hospice.

Though, Heyman added, “When a patient gets onto hospice care, they often realize that their family is being taken care of and thus feel less stressed.

That sometimes helps them get better, because of the sense of peace and security that surrounds them.

“A lot of people don’t realize that hospice is a choice,” she continued. “When they are being hospitalized, the hospital will leave them to their own form of hospice, but patients don’t need to go it alone. They can make the choice, as President Carter did, to accept hospice care as they want it provided. Hospice will come to wherever your home is, wherever you call home.

“One of the things I’ve been really surprised by is that people don’t know hospice,” Heyman added. “They don’t even know what the word means. They say, ‘Oh, the thrift store?’”

Snowline Hospice operates thrift stores in Placerville, Cameron Park and Folsom.

“For some, hospice is just the thrift store,” Heyman said, “but those thrift stores are the way we raise money for bereavement care and services and all other services not covered under Medicare. The spool of yarn that used to be $1 and now is $3 pays for the care given grieving families long after their loved one has passed and the stores’ shoppers make that possible.”

Snowline Hospice operates clinical offices in Diamond Springs and Sacramento and serves families in El Dorado, Sacramento and Placer counties. Snowline Medical Director Dr. Jeanine Ellinwood, M.D., is board certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine and takes an active role in the care of all Snowline patients.

For more information visit snowlinehospice.org.

Spotlight is a series of reports on community resources jointly produced by the Mountain Democrat and Sierra Community Access Television (Channel 2). Watch a piece on Snowline Hospice on Channel 2 and on the SCAT’s YouTube channel.

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.

Sacramento County Office of Education Personnel Dept. 916-228-2332

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

Snowline’s thrift store gets a shiny, new paint job

James Chong, Snowline Thrift volunteer and Home Depot Team member, kickstarted the project, informing Snowline staff they could obtain a Home Depot grant to beautify the building. James and Melissa Werle, Home Depot’s assistant manager, helped staff through The Home Depot Foundation grant process and when Home Depot Placerville Store Manager Adam Lauder came to walk the property, he said, “What is your big ask?” Staff told him their dream has always been to paint the building.

”Then let’s paint the building,” Lauder responded.

He soon had his team on board and asked Mike Tooley and Jesse Wolf of BEHR Paint Company to help. Earlier this summer the ladders went up and the paint brushes came out.

“It looks like a new building,” said Snowline Philanthropy Development Director Laurie Heyman. “We’re getting new customers who didn’t know we were here, loyal customers remarking how great it looks and an even greater sense of pride from our employees and volunteers.”

Speed

date Continued

Courtesy photo

• Foundation staff will match nonprofits and community members based on their interests in a speed dating setting.

• Nonprofits will have a few minutes to share their mission and amazing work they do and community members will have a few minutes to share who they are and what/where they are willing to help out.

• The time required to serve on a non profit board is wide-ranging … from monthly meetings to only once a quarter.

• No experience is necessary.

• A lot of boards provide training and have free training available to learn more about nonprofit operations.

Home Depot and BEHR volunteers gave Snowline Hospice’s Placerville thrift store a makeover earlier this summer.

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