Mountain Democrat, Monday, Sept. 11, 2023

Lawsuit claims

Tahoe marsh project led

to

flood damage

Laney Griffo

Lake Tahoe Tribune

A South Lake Tahoe resident is taking the California Tahoe Conservancy to court after their home sustained damage during storms last winter.

Damian Sowers filed a lawsuit against CTC in June 2023 in El Dorado County Superior Court, alleging restoration

work done in the Upper Truckee Marsh, which is adjacent to Sower’s property, caused his property to be damaged by flooding.

CTC began work on the marshland in 2020 and concluded work in 2022. Work included increasing the floodplain and creating new waterways in the marsh.

■ See LAWSUIT, page A3

Parlin recall ‘an uphill battle’

Eric Jaramishian

Staff writer

Proponents of a recall e ort against District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin have less than two weeks to get the required signatures needed to move forward.

The petition to recall

Parlin requires 5,535 valid signatures to be put on the ballot and is due Sept. 23, which has proven to be an “uphill battle,” according to Cool resident Lon Uso, who served Parlin with the intent-to-recall papers in late April.

“Anytime you do a recall, it is going to be tough,” Uso told the Mountain Democrat. “Even people who do

Buckeye latest battlefield over ‘transphobic’ notification policy

not like the person you are trying to recall sometimes are antirecall and they won’t sign just because of that.”

Uso, along with a handful of other dissatisfied residents of El Dorado County’s fourth district, including main organizer Todd Story, gathered enough signatures to file the recall notice of intent but could fall short of gathering all required petition signatures to proceed with the recall.

“We did our best but I don’t think we are going to make it,” Uso said. “It is better to try and fail than to not try at all.”

■ See PARLIN page A6

Odin Rasco Staff writer

Buckeye Union School District’s monthly board of trustees meeting Wednesday evening became the newest battlefield in a culture war being waged across the state.

As multiple districts state and nationwide discuss or enact parental notification policies meant to establish protocol regarding communication to parents when students express mental health concerns, many groups have raised their voices in opposition, calling the policies transphobic. The debate stems from what is

considered a “mental health concern,” with some arguing students questioning their gender identity or sexual orientation would fall into the category, same as depression or suicidal thoughts. Though the wording in such policies di ers from one district to another, they typically include language that requires schools to notify parents if a student requests to be identified by a di erent name or set of pronouns that do not align with the sex listed on their o cial records. These notifications would occur even if students do not give

■ See POLICY page A6

EDH teen takes an important message to D.C.

Noel Stack

Managing editor

Marisa Bricca doesn’t shy away from a challenge — even one as daunting as the federal government. This summer the El Dorado Hills teen lent her voice to a very personal and important cause, funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, as part of the 2023 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Children’s Congress.

“Arriving in person adds strength to JDRF’s voice and mission,” Marisa said. “I thought it was important to go there to challenge (the) government to fund T1D research and to help people who are not fortunate enough to a ord insulin and supplies. Going meant making a di erence and helping all diabetics.”

Marisa was diagnosed with T1D at age 7. She was joined in Washington, D.C., by more than 160 other youth from across the country who have the

same disease.

“I learned that having community — people I can help and people to rely on — is very important,” she shared. “I met many type 1 diabetics who I plan to stay in contact with for a long time.”

Marisa spoke with Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s and Sen. Alex Padilla’s congressional aides and Congressman Tom McClintock’s chief of sta to discuss a proposal to get more funding to lower the cost of

El Dorado County GOP’s Chairman Todd White and District 1 representative Kelley Nalewaja delivered a presentation proposing the school district adopt a parental notification policy similar to one recently enacted by the Chino Valley Unified School District. The policy has been a hot-button issue, with the state attorney general filing a complaint to stop its enactment.

George Robinson

June 13, 1949 – Aug. 10, 2023

George Michael (Mike) Robinson was born June 13, 1949, in Sacramento, CA, to George E Robinson and Dorothy Robinson. In 1953, he was joined by a sister, Deborah Robinson, and the family moved to Fair Oaks CA, where they lived until moving to Loomis in 1961.

Mike attended Del Oro High School. After graduation, he went to Sierra College before enlisting in the U.S. Army to serve his country in Vietnam. He completed his education at California State University. Chico.

In 1974, he married Veronica Landry. The couple had three children-Ahren (Bonnie) Robinson, Meghan (Patrick), Ahern, and Andrew Robinson. He was a loving grandfather to Charlotte and Benjamin Ahern and Nathan Robinson.

The Robinson family lived in Foresthill and Pollock Pines CA for many years. Mike moved to Folsom, CA, five years ago

Mike worked for the California Dept of Forestry (Cal-Fire) his entire career until he retired in 2003. He loved the outdoors and spent as much time as possible hiking and fishing. He was devoted to family and friends and will be greatly missed.

Kathleen Prevost

Dec. 16, 1944 – Aug. 14, 2023

Kathleen M. Prevost, Kathy, age 78, peacefully passed away on August 14, 2023, in Placerville, CA. She was predeceased by her husband of fifty-five years, Herbert L. Prevost, III, in 2018. Kathy was born in Providence, RI. Kathy’s father was a pilot in the United States Navy allowing Kathy and her family to experience much of the United States and overseas.

After marriage, Herb and Kathy moved to California to be with Herb’s family and bring their daughter, Lynne, into the world. Herb took a job with United Airlines. This career choice took Herb, Kathy and Lynne primarily to Illinois and California, but Herb and Kathy also spent several exciting years in Japan.

In 2002, Kathy and Herb returned to California and established their home in El Dorado Hills, CA where they lived for 21 years. Kathy became a community leader in Bass Lake Action Committee as co-founder and long-term board member. She was devoted to her Australian Shepherds, canine performance competitions and served as co-founder and o cer of Sierra Sni ng Canines. Kathy was also very involved in her neighborhood thoroughly enjoying all holidays with the annual pumpkin roll and Christmas celebrations as absolute favorites. She valued her close connection with her neighbors and her community.

Kathy will be dearly missed by her daughter, Lynne McIlvain, Denver, CO; sisters, Christine Williams, Richmond, VA; Rebecca Yard (Bob), Spring Branch, TX; and Barbara Mix, Redding, CA; grandchildren, Scott McIlvain, Justin McIlvain, and Katelyn Murcia (Andres); great grandchildren, Mila Lantsman, Maxx Murcia, Evan Murcia, with an addition expected to Scott McIlvain and his partner, Amie, in early 2024. Kathy’s dearest friends, Joanne Prada, Lori Figgins, and Kim Pagcaliuagan helped Kathy navigate the final months of her life supporting her with the unflagging devotion of true friendship. They were the family Kathy chose for herself.

Interment for Kathy and Herb will take place at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, Camarillo, CA in a location near Herb’s parents and brother. A celebration of Kathy’s life is planned for Tuesday, October 24th at Green Valley Mortuary reception hall in Rescue, CA. Additional information will be provided when plans are finalized.

The family suggests donations to NorCal Aussie Rescue, Inc, https://norcalaussierescue.com/ Border Collie Rescue of Northern California, https://norcalbcrescue.org/ or a charitable organization of your choice.

TheGold Mine

Michelle DeMenno 1951 - 2023

Michelle passed away peacefully at home with her family on Aug 2 after a long illness. She was a longtime resident of El Dorado County, having moved there in the 70’s from southern California. She graduated from CSU Northridge and graduate school at CSU Sacramento. She married Donald DeMenno and they started a family when their daughter Brandy was born and moved to Somerset where she lived the rest of her life.

Michelle had a long successful career as a teacher. For over 25 years she taught environmental education to thousands of elementary students at the Sly Park Environmental Education Center. Students will remember the hikes, art, music, campfires, science, story-telling and Native American studies that she shared with them. Michelle later taught at Carson Creek High School and Elinor Hickey Jr/Sr High School for the Sacramento County O ce of Education. After retirement she gave music lessons to students at Plymouth Elementary School. She was described as a born teacher reaching students through her gifts of patience, insight, creativity, caring and skill.

Music was central to her life. She played piano and guitar and was a vocalist, regularly playing with The Down Home Country Friends. Her favorite musicians were Paul McCartney and Daryl Hooper. Michelle loved circle dancing and singing. She enjoyed collecting rock crystals and had been a member of the El Dorado Rock and Gem Society.

Michelle loved her hilltop home in Somerset with its views and good neighbors and the wildlife that wandered by. She had a soft spot for dogs and cats and always had a pet.

Michelle’s greatest accomplishment was her daughter Brandy, who carries on her artistic loving spirit. Sharing a meal and music with friends and family was her idea of the best way to spend time. She was a loving and generous person with a wonderful laugh and is greatly missed by her family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 1:00 p.m. at the Green Valley Community Church, 3500 Missouri Flat Rd, Placerville.

Jim Gilbert

July 1944 – Aug. 10, 2023

Jim Gilbert, 79, passed away at home on August 10th.

Jim grew up in the Campbell area (son of William & Dorris), proudly served in the Navy during Vietnam, then studied education & art at Chico State. His sunny brother, John, died in a motorcycle accident at 25 and was missed throughout Jim’s life. Jim spent over 20 years traveling the country employed with the National Park Service. This allowed him to work in some of the most beautiful places in the country including Sequoia National Park, Harper’s Ferry, WV, Vicksburg, MS, Chalmette Battlefield, LA, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Bandelier, NM, San Francisco, Skagway, AK, Crater Lake, Mt. Rainer, to name most.

Jim volunteered at the El Dorado Historical Museum leading tours & liked sharing about the area’s rich history with people from all over the world. He worked as a janitor for local high schools for about 10 years & enjoyed getting to know local students. Jim was a Veteran and proud patriot, as well as life-long Republican wanting better for our country. He would have surely cast his ballot for Trump in 2024 if able.

Jim’s beloved mother, Dorris Gilbert, was a 40-year Placerville resident & the two enjoyed a special closeness, taking turns caring for each other. Jim has two children, Emily & Jay (wife Erin), as well as three delightful grandchildren Elisa, Miriam & Joel.

Gilbert loved the beauty of the area and would often spend time by the creek near his home with his orange cat Weber who recently died at 17. Jim was a creative, jack of all trades, renaissance man & lover of anything antique, old cars (Model T’s), photography, art, the natural world, history, archaeology. Jim said that he’d like to be known for “being rebellious and fixing things.” His love for life, candidness, humor and laughter remain. A true Placerville character, someone so colorful is hard to forget.

Services have been held with his closest local friends. Warm thanks to Placerville, for being his community over the last 23 years, as well as the compassionate sta at Mather VA, Marshall Hospital & Snowline Hospice. In lieu of flowers, an act of kindness toward another would be a fitting nod to Jim. He is loved, missed & will be remembered.

Helen Marie Howe nee

Budmark

Feb. 6, 1928 – Aug. 14, 2023

Helen Marie Howe nee

Budmark was preceded in death by her husband Ernie Howe and survived by their two children, Larry Howe and Sherry Howe.

Helen was a member of the Mountain Girls, a social and service organization in Camino during the 1940s and 1950s. In the 1950s when the first women’s bowling leagues were being established, Helen bowled at the Pear Bowl which was located on Main Street in Placerville and was part of the group of women who organized the Hangtown Women’s Bowling Association.

Helen worked at Hangtown Lanes for a number of years and then at Fosters Freeze. She was a volunteer at the Senior Center for the lunch program and participated in the pinochle, bridge and knitting groups.

The family spent many happy years as members of the El Dorado Jeepherders and enjoyed camping all over California and Nevada.

Helen requested no services. Her children were present at her internment.

Eugene Richard Harm

May 1, 1947 – Sept. 1, 2023

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, businessman and teacher, Gene is survived by his wife Sherry; sons David and Je (wife Cecille); grandsons Travis (wife Dani) and Curtis.

Born in Denison, Iowa, to Wilbur Henry Harm and Anna Amelia Petersen, Gene grew up on a cattle and corn farm. After college, he was recruited by Merrill Lynch investment and management company, becoming the youngest stockbroker there at the time. In 1980, he married the love of his life, Sherry; the couple later built a home on 23 acres in rural Latrobe, El Dorado County.

In the mid-1980s, Gene went to work for the State of California, where he helped develop and promote the California State Lottery, teaching seminars to hundreds of the first lottery agents.

While he worked for the state, he was also an adjunct professor teaching business and marketing classes at the Sacramento and Stockton campuses of National University. After retirement, he moved back to Iowa for three years to attend to his ailing mother; during that time also he worked in real estate.

In 2009 he returned to Latrobe to enjoy retirement with his wife in their beautiful home. The couple traveled on vacation to Canada, Ireland, Switzerland and France, but Gene’s favorite journey was to the Concours d’Elegance at Serrano Country Club in El Dorado Hills.

Gene was known and loved for his witty sense of humor, always quick with a joke or a pun to amuse any and all. A gracious host, he welcomed family to come stay at “The Villa” for as long as they liked, providing an experience that was like a minivacation.

A private family celebration of life will be held next summer. In lieu of gifts or flowers, Gene and the family would welcome your prayers.

OPINION

Flip-flopping League of California Cities is pushing lies

One of the most closely watched — and hotly contested — pieces of legislation now pending in the Capitol is a direct attack on Proposition 13.

Assembly

Constitutional Amendment 13, until three weeks ago, was devoid of any substantive language. But it was subject to a “gut-andamend” maneuver adding language that should alarm every California taxpayer.

To understand the severity of the threat posed by ACA 13 requires an understanding of how the courts weakened Prop. 13 over the last 45 years, especially by the infamous “Upland” decision in 2017, which opened the door to raising local taxes without the two-thirds vote that Prop. 13 requires. The court’s language in Upland led lower courts to allow local special taxes to pass with 50% plus one vote if proposed by a citizens’ initiative instead of a government body.

That decision was the last straw for all Prop. 13 defenders, including homeowners and businesses, who countered with the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act, a proposed constitutional amendment to reinstate the two-thirds voter approval protection as the constitution plainly requires.

Not only has TPA qualified for the November 2024 ballot, but polling reveals it has strong support among voters. For that reason, the taxand-spend interests — local governments and labor organizations — have launched an effort to derail this latest taxpayer protection with ACA 13, a proposed constitutional amendment that aims to tilt the playing field against taxpayers. This is an attack on the democratic principles that have allowed Californians to exercise the power of initiative for more than 100 years.

Under ACA 13, citizen-initiated constitutional amendments to protect taxpayers would require a higher vote threshold to pass than any other constitutional amendments, including any proposed by the Legislature. This is unprecedented and, in fact,

n See Coupal page A5

letter to the editor

Diamond Springs fire alarm

EDITOR:

El Dorado County needs immediate actions for the Diamond Springs/El Dorado areas of Pleasant Valley Road and to the south.

My interest started with the July 2022 Diamond Springs/El Dorado Community Advisory Committee meeting. The Diamond Springs Fire Safe Council presentation by Denise Sweeney with two pages of concerns was very influential to me and I have since followed up with the DSEDCAC.

My primary concerns are these three Diamond Springs areas of Pleasant Valley Road:

1) Fowler Road needs three lanes at the traffic light intersection. A right turn lane to the east is needed there. The county owns the .4 acre parcel at that southeast intersection corner. Current grade level is there and could be extended east to the current property line fence. Would guard rails around the traffic light and control boxes be feasible? Also, it is difficult to come out of the post office parking lot to get into the one lane allowing north and east traffic flows or to turn right. Note: Fowler Lane is the only escape route for an emergency for about 500 homes to the south of the intersection.

2) Pleasant Valley Road from Racquet Way to Canyon Valley Road needs extension of the middle lane or widening the road. Land on the south side could allow this. A better, wider intersection for Canyon Valley needs to be studied by the county. This area is a school bus stop and should be expanded to three lanes at the Pleasant Valley Road stop sign. Canyon Valley Road is another major escape route during an emergency for many people to the south. Plus, excessive speeds on Pleasant Valley Road in this area need to be addressed.

3) Pleasant Valley Road from Missouri Flat Road to Tullis Mine Road needs to have a middle lane or significant widening. Sufficient land is on the south side. Independence High School traffic and school buses turning in from the west cause traffic and safety problems. (Utility lines are on the north side.) We know this would be a Caltrans issue but El Dorado County needs to request this. These issues have existed for many years. The Diamond Springs/El Dorado Community

Advisory Committee has tried to bring attention to these issues to the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors and departments therein for over a year. Some success has been accomplished, but more is needed. Any actions to the county you feel could expedite these concerns would be greatly appreciated.

BUD ZELLER Diamond Springs

cOViD myopia

EDITOR:

Isee Mr. Taylor in his pontifical way wrote a long letter basically saying that COVID would be handled if the country’s errant children (the GOP) would just see things the way the all-knowing, all-seeing Democrats do. Otherwise the Republicans, according to Mr. Taylor, will cease to exist as a party.

I laugh at his feigning sadness at that! If you wanted people to pay more attention to the Democrats, Mr. Taylor, a little less lying and hypocrisy would help.

Dr. Fauci was on both sides of the mask debate. Fauci also refused to answer in congressional hearings how much money he was making from royalties to things he promoted for COVID. If he really wasn’t getting rich off COVID this would have been a perfect opportunity to bare his records and make the GOP eat crow. But no, he clammed up and refused to answer. When you think of it, his refusal was an answer.

Dr. Siegel’s 96-year-old father was weak and short of breath. Said he felt like he was going to die. His doctor gave him hydroxychloroquine and the next day he was fine.

And then you have hypocritical Democrats like Gov. Gavin Newsom who shut down California schools, setting our kids’ education back years while Florida kept theirs open. So what makes Newsom a hypocrite? The fact that while your kids were getting left behind by closed schools, his kids were in private schools not missing a day of in-person instruction.

And while we are on the subject of learning, here’s something that the Democrats need to learn. It’s very easy to lose credibility and very difficult to regain it.

GEORGE ALGER Placerville

Remembering 9/11 at an Army base in Alaska

Today is the 22nd anniversary of the al Qaeda attacks on America. They destroyed the Twin Towers, killing 2,750. At the Pentagon 184 were killed in an attack there. I remember Frank Mosbacher, a Placerville U.S. Forest Service employee, who was in Washington at the time, helped evacuate and treat people from the Pentagon.

Coming to the rescue at the Twin Towers, 400 New York police and firefighters lost their lives.

This year President Biden will observe 9/11 at Fort Richardson, Alaska. He is returning from the G-20 Conference in India. I presume Air Force One is stopping there to refuel. By the time it gets back to Washington, D.C., it will be past 9/11. Just too many time zones. So, I won’t criticize him for this, though there are lots of other things

for which to criticize Biden. I won’t get into those now.

The third flight, likely aimed for the White House, was taken down by the passengers on Flight 93, which crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pa.

The Mountain Democrat issue after Sept. 11, 2001, listed the names of everyone killed in the Twin Towers in very small type at the top of the front page. It was a great effort by the production crew and the idea came from the young man who was head of the production crew at the time. I can only remember his first name at this point 22 years later.

• • •

I’ve got at least one more column to complete this month and only a few days to do it after I complete a Commander’s Report for the October American Legion Post 119 bulletin.

I’m planning for a trip to Europe that will take up a good portion of

this year President Biden will observe 9/11 at fort Richardson, alaska. he is returning from the G-20 conference in india. i presume air force One is stopping there to refuel.

this month. The biggest challenge is booking hotels near the museums that aren’t in the $500-$700 range, have showers (not deep tubs), Cable TV and AC. Finding those takes a lot of time.

The last time we were in Paris we stayed at a reciprocal club of the San Francisco Marines Memorial Club of which I am a member. In Paris we stayed at des Armies. It is really spelled differently, but I could not find French accent marks on my computer so I did a translation. We had a fifth-floor room with a view of the Eiffel Tower, but one of those deep French tubs with a hand shower head. Easy to get into but a challenge to get out.

Booking art museums is the easier part. We love art museums. I was surprised I easily booked a good time slot for the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam on our first available

day after resting up from a long flight. If I couldn’t have done that I would have said, well, I saw pretty much the entire collection at one of those blockbuster shows the de Young used to have in San Francisco, when I got press invitations. Now I just get invites as a de Young/Legion of Honor annual member. And the shows don’t seem interesting enough for me to visit San Francisco.

The San Francisco Museums of Art made a mistake when Dede Wilsey was deposed as board president. She’s not even on the board. She and the chief administrative officer at the time scooped up entire European museum collections for exhibition at the de Young. She even donated significant pieces from her own collection.

Michael Raffety is a retired editor of the Mountain Democrat and a resident of the Placerville area.

this is an attack on the democratic principles that have allowed californians to exercise the power of initiative for more than 100 years.

Richard B. Esposito Publisher Krysten Kellum Editor Noel Stack Managing Editor

Coupal Continued from A4 if this provision had been in effect in 1978 it would have prevented Prop. 13 from ever becoming law.

Just as with the campaign 45 years ago to try to defeat Prop. 13, the air is thick with predictions of the end of civilization itself if taxpayer protections are enacted. The League of California Cities, a huge backer of ACA 13, is so apoplectic about the Taxpayer Protection Act’s restoration of the two-thirds vote for local special taxes that it is now pushing outright lies about the measure in an effort to get city officials to go on record in opposition.

One of the falsehoods being advanced concerns the impact of a provision of TPA that would require local special taxes previously approved by a majority, but not two-thirds, to go back to the voters for ratification at the constitutionally mandated threshold. The league claims this will invalidate billions of dollars for local services; however, there are only six such local taxes statewide and if twothirds of voters approve them, they would remain in effect.

The league’s argument about the two-thirds vote requirement is an implicit endorsement of the rulings by several courts that if a special tax is placed on the ballot via a local citizens’ initiative it is not subject to the two-thirds vote threshold. But this was not always the league’s position.

When the Upland case went to the California Supreme Court, the league actually supported the position advanced by Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association that there is no difference between tax hikes placed on the ballot by a legislative body versus those qualified pursuant to a citizens’ initiative.

Here is an excerpt from the amicus curiae brief of

the California League of Cities: “The core issue in this case is whether a local tax measure proposed by a citizen of a municipal corporation (or other local government agency) through an initiative is subject to the same constitutional requirements as one proposed by the municipal corporation’s governing body. The trial court held yes, but in an unprecedented opinion the Court of Appeal held that article XIII C’s requirements do not apply to taxes imposed through the initiative process. As a result, the League finds itself ironically aligned in this case with the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, proponents of Propositions 218 and 26, in arguing that a proper interpretation of the Constitution does not countenance different treatment for local tax measures, regardless of their origin, and certainly does not create an exemption for initiatives that swallows all the rules created by Proposition 218.”

There is little to explain the league’s 180-degree flip-flop as to the two-thirds vote requirement other than a realization that local governments could now have easier access to the wallets of taxpayers. Moreover, this also raises the question about how the league, which exists only by virtue of the dues from member cities, can launch such an aggressive attack on taxpayers using taxpayer dollars.

In Texas the Senate has passed a bill that would prohibit local governments from using taxpayer dollars to lobby the legislature. Perhaps that’s the reform California needs.

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

Workshop to prepare folks for the worst

The recent wildfire in Maui, Hawaii, has been a scary wake up call. The disaster that happened in the town of Lahaina was not something the residents ever expected to happen to them and a situation no one wants to find themselves in.

The West Slope Foundation has developed an eight-part Disaster Preparedness Workshop that begins in September and is free to the community. The goal of this four-session workshop is to give those who attend the peace of mind that comes from knowing they will be ready the next time a disaster strikes.

For El Dorado County residents the Maui fires hit close to home in the wake of the 2021 Caldor Fire. Many of those who the West Slope Foundation came to the aid of in the weeks following recounted how they were at a loss as to what to do, even though residents throughout the county are well aware that wildfires are going to happen.

When developing the workshop, West Slope Foundation organizers wanted to both stress the importance of a disaster plan and also create a learning experience that was fun, practical and result oriented. The workshop is not your typical powerpoint-oriented workshop.

n See WOrKsHOP, page A6

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. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a nonpartisan organization.

permission to the school to do so.

A recent parental notification policy enacted by the Chino Valley Unified School District in July has proved a flashpoint for the debate, as Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a legal complaint against the district in San Bernardino County Aug. 28, seeking a temporary restraining order against enforcement of the policy.

Bonta claimed the policy enabled the “forced outing” of transgender and gender nonconforming kids.

“It presents students with a terrible choice,” the attorney general said at a news conference in Los Angeles. “Either walk back your rights to gender identity and gender expression, to be yourself, to be who you are, or face the risk of serious harm. Mental harm, emotional harm, physical harm.”

Looking to Chino Valley’s policy as a potential model for one to be used locally, representatives from the El Dorado County GOP delivered a presentation on parental notification to the Buckeye board Wednesday evening.

EDC GOP Chairman Todd White and District 1 representative Kelley Nalewaja presented their case for such a policy to a packed house; all seating options were taken before the meeting began, leading to a crowd lining the walls of the Buckeye Union School District board room in El Dorado Hills and even spilling outside the entry door.

“We’re here about accountability and the conservative values in El Dorado County,” Nalewaja said. “We’ve had an overwhelming amount of conversations about where we are today with our children and our mental health policies. We’re here today to start a conversation — this will take many meetings, workshops and legal counsel but we’re here to invite the conversation to start between the school district and parents.”

White and Nalewaja explained the thought process behind their

suggested policy, saying parents are already supposed to be notified for a litany of circumstances, from if a child may participate in a field trip or a survey, to if their faith is covered as a topic of discussion and potential challenge in class. In the face of a post-COVID-19 mental health crisis, concerns regarding students’ mental health require more attention than ever, Nalewaja explained. The policy proposed, in addition to notification to parents regarding gender-related concerns, parents would be told when their student expressed suicidal feelings, issues of bullying or thoughts of self harm.

“We’re not here to target out one part of mental health,” Nalewaja emphasized. “We’re not talking about the school ‘outing’ children.”

“We’re not starting a culture war here,” White added.

When addressing concerns the state may start a legal challenge against a potential policy enacted by the school, White claimed the attorney general’s complaint lacked legal footing and that he could not stop the wave of schools adopting similar policies.

“This is California, and this is El Dorado County; I’m expecting some friction,” White said. “The attorney general can’t take us all on. They are playing politics with our children. I expect that if you pass the policy, the attorney general will not like you, but I would take that as a compliment.”

White and Nalewaja’s presentation was met with many approving cheers and applause from the crowd but the response was far from unanimous, with many taking their turn at the podium during public comment to express their opposition to the potential policy.

“This policy from Chino Valley is rooted in bigotry,” said Joren Ayala-Bass, father of an eighth-grade student. “Forcibly outing students, the statistics speak for themselves. Our trans students are precious and they don’t need to change.”

One speaker, Frank Porter, started his career in education in the Buckeye district before taking administrative roles in the valley.

“In my time I’ve noticed that many of the conflicts that come before the superintendent and the board are often more about adult agendas than student concerns,” Porter shared.

“This policy would put teachers in the position of being gender police and I don’t think you want that.”

Linda Columbo, a community member and great-grandmother, emphasized her belief the policy was necessary.

“There should be no secrets kept from parents,” Columbo said. “When they’re here, they shouldn’t be indoctrinated. This is really serious.”

Speaking from his personal experience as a trans man, Blake T. explained the dangers he saw as a probable result if the policy were to be adopted.

“I agree that parents have their rights, and I also believe that students deserve their rights as well,” Blake, who asked their last name not be published due to their identity as a trans person in the county. “I’ve had friends who have ended up homeless because they did not have supportive parents. If you are going to be putting students in a situation that will no longer keep them safe, you are not supporting students, which should be your main focus as a school.”

Statistics were shared during the comments, including data from National Institute of Health studies that indicated trans youth show rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts more than four times higher than the average.

Discussing the presentation after the comment period had closed, the board raised questions regarding the legal and operational impacts such a policy may have, ultimately providing direction to Superintendent David Roth and staff to do additional research on the subject. The board expressed interest

in holding a study session once other potential policies and more information had been obtained.

Board member Jon Yoffie shared his concern the policy was one that had potential pitfalls.

“Unfortunately, home is not a safe place for every student,” Yoffie said. “And we don’t know which ones. I don’t

want a kid going into a situation that’s not right; but as a parent, I obviously would want to know about my student at school. Additionally, unlike Chino Valley, this is a K-8; the practical application of this policy, I think, is very small.”

While the Buckeye district’s staff dives deeper into the matter, more schools in the region

Parlin Continued from A1

It is unclear how many signatures the District 4 residents were able to collect. Mountain Democrat inquiries to Story, who Uso said is leading the effort, have not been answered as of press time but the general consensus of those involved in the recall effort are that Parlin does not represent her district fairly.

“I believe today as much as I did the day I served her with papers that she is not worthy of that position,” Uso commented. “She does not have moral clarity or the strength of her convictions to choose to sit up there and make decisions for this county.”

Parlin, raised in the Camino and Pollock

Teens

Pines area, was elected to the board in 2018 and took office in January of 2019. Before her election, she was an advocate for stopping high-density projects and involved with other land development and issues in the Shingle Springs area. Parlin is currently serving a second term after being reelected in 2022.

In a previous statement responding to the recall, Parlin asserts she has made it her mission to make sure all residents and businesses are represented and their voices heard, calling the recall “a waste of taxpayers money, time and resources.”

“I am a true independent with no political

Continued from A1

insulin and for the Special Diabetes Program. The program’s reauthorization act was introduced earlier this year.

“They all seemed receptive and I hope SDP passes and that the insulin prices are lower,” Marisa said.

“The trip opened my eyes on how our government works,” she added. “I got to sit in on a senate meeting and JDRF representatives spoke. I thought it was really cool to be able to have a voice and speak out for programs that can improve the lives of all diabetics.”

After she finishes high school, the

may soon follow suit, according to White.

“We have been in communication with four school districts — El Dorado Union High School District, Rescue, Gold Oak and Mother Lode. We plan to go to every school in the county and get these policies in place,” White told the Mountain Democrat.

party affiliation,” Parlin stated. “My voting record is a testament to my fiscally conservative values ...”

On the account of “wasting taxpayers money,” the Elections Department is estimating a $70,000 price tag, straight from the county’s General Fund, for an election to recall, then another to replace the supervisor.

“The total cost, conservatively, is $140,000,” said Carla Hass, the county’s spokeswoman. “Paper and consumable prices are going up so it will likely be higher, but as of today, that’s our estimated cost.” Parlin declined to comment to the Mountain Democrat.

Oak Ridge High School senior said she plans to study biomedical engineering in college and pursue a career that helps those with diabetes.

“The new technology that has come out in my lifetime like the insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor has drastically improved my life. They both help me control my blood glucose levels better,” she said. “I spend less time managing diabetes and more time living my life. I want to add to the advances and be able to make a cure for type 1 diabetes possible.”

Workshop Continued from A5

Participants will work through nine thought-provoking activities and receive more than 60 unique handouts. This includes easy-to-use checklists that will walk them through the steps to follow during an evacuation and the days that follow. Instructors will include West Slope Foundation staff and seven local experts in the field of disaster management.

Participants will be given tasks to do at home, which is a lifesaving investment of time. The participants will have their own disaster plan by the end of the workshop.

West Slope Foundation’s first workshop series, which will be repeated three times a year, was earlier this summer.

The next Disaster Preparedness Workshop will begin with two sessions Saturday, Sept. 16 and Sunday, Sept. 17. The final two sessions will take place Saturday, Oct. 14 and Sunday, Oct. 15.

The Saturday sessions are from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and the Sunday sessions are from 1-5 p.m. Workshop organizers advise participants that to get the full benefit of the workshop, they must attend all four sessions.

The location for the workshop is the Firefighter’s Hall, 7060 Mt. Aukum Road in Somerset, across from Fire Station 38.

For more information and to register for the workshop visit westslopefoundation.org/disaster-resources/disasterpreparedness-workshop.

Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco Joren Ayala-Bass, father of an eighth-grade student, spoke against the policy, calling it “rooted in bigotry.”

In the KNOW

Sept. 11

The Taxpayers Association of El Dorado County meets at 7:30 a.m. at Denny’s in Placerville and welcomes featured speaker Ken Schoniger with the Friends of the Veterans Monument.

Music in the Mountains hosts choir auditions starting at 5:30 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 828 W Main St., Grass Valley. For more information email kevin@ musicinthemountains.org.

Sept. 12

Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts Literary Trivia, 5:30-7 p.m. Popcorn and drinks will be provided.

Musician Ed Wilson will perform at Smith Flat House in Placerville, 6-8 p.m.

Socks in the Frying Pan will perform at 7 p.m. at The Sofia in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

Sept. 13

UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts Pumpkins and Gourds 9 a.m. to noon at the Cameron Park Community Center. Learn about the different varieties of pumpkins and gourds, how to plant, care for and harvest. Register at surveys.ucanr.edu/survey. cfm?surveynumber=41235.

The Sons in Retirement

– Gold Country branch meets the second Wednesday of the month at the Cameron Park Country Club. Check out the club and be a guest for a complimentary lunch. This month’s speakers will be the Chapmans, detailing their 140 day journey into places many of us only read about in National Geographic. Contact Branch 95’s membership chairman at SIRBranch95@ gmail.com for more details.

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce hosts a business blender at Wells Fargo at Sienna Ridge, 5:30-7:30 p.m. RSVP by calling (916) 933-1335 or online at eldoradohillschamber.org.

Join the Shingle Springs-Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce in celebrating a ribbon cutting at With Purpose, a life coaching, medication and hypnosis center, 5:307:30 at 4100 Cameron Park Drive, Suite 106, Cameron Park.

Matt Rainey will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville, 7-9 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

The Dementia Support Group meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m. at 2020 Town Center West in El Dorado Hills. For more information and to RSVP call (916) 467-8330.

Sept. 14

The FamilySearch Center in Placerville hosts Irish Records — Where Are They? Class is held at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Students will use Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.com to research Irish ancestors. For more information call (530) 621-1378.

Mae Flores & Friends will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville, 7-10 p.m. For tickets

New playground proves play is ‘better together’

Noel Stack Managing editor

With tears in her eyes and a catch in her voice, Jackson Elementary School Principal Michele Williamson stood in front of students, parents and community leaders Wednesday morning and called the school’s brand-new all-abilities playground a “beautiful project.”

Moments later student Austin Reininger, with help from his mom Holly, cut the purple ribbon and officially opened the El Dorado Hills playground, which quickly filled with giggling and excited children. Austin, who lives with an extremely rare disease that has limited his mobility with no known cure, and other kids in their wheelchairs easily rolled down to the play area where Austin’s sister Avery, 5, happily took her 8-year-old brother for a spin on the adaptive merry go round.

“This is awesome,” proud dad Adam Reininger said. “It has been a long time coming.”

The playground project, launched about a year ago, includes adaptive swings, slides and play structures that allow all children to play together, regardless of ability. Behind the playground is the school motto — Better Together — which could not be more fitting as the construction was championed by Williamson with the collaboration of Jackson’s Parent-Teacher Organization, Rescue Union School District, El Dorado County Office of Education, El Dorado Hills Community Services District, The Latrobe Fund, Walk With Austin (nonprofit founded by Austin’s family) and community members.

“I could not be prouder of my community than I am today,” RUSD Superintendent Jim Shoemake told the crowd.

El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools echoed that comment, leading the students in a “beautiful day” chant and noting this playground opens up possibilities and provides “fun for all.”

Community groups and residents continue to collaborate on a second all-abilities playground at Bass Lake Park in El Dorado Hills — a $250,000 project.

Local scouts, community partners teach bike safety

El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park and Rescue Scouts joined forces with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office and California Office of Traffic Safety to teach kids about bike safety.

Kids were welcomed to Blue Oak Elementary School Saturday, Sept. 2, to learn about proper helmet fit, ABC bike check, hand signals and more. Once they completed all the stations, they tested their skills through a free-ride bike course following the rules of the road and weaving around obstacles.

“This is a great opportunity for our Scouts to take on a leadership role, do community service and have the young community learn how to be safe on bikes,” said Jocelyn Longacre, event organizer and Scout mom. “We look forward to making this an annual event.”

A special thank you goes out to Cub Scout Pack 550, Pack 700, Pack 465, Troop 117, Troop 911, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, California Office of Traffic Safety, Rotary Club of Cameron Park, Dan and Katy Norris, Camerado Brewing, Concerned Citizens of Cameron Park and Blue Oak Elementary School.

Courtesy photo Cloudy skies couldn’t dampen the spirits of local Scouts who hosted a bicycle safety course in

Mountain Democrat photos by Noel Stack

Avery Reininger spins her big brother Austin on the adaptive merry go round at Jackson Elementary’s new all-abilities playground, which celebrated its grand opening Sept. 6 in El Dorado Hills.

Jackson Elementary students line up to go down a special slide on their new playground, above, while others enjoy the swings, below.

College and Career Prep ready to launch students into their bright futures

Jessica Trumble-Pitel Charter Alternative Programs

The El Dorado County Office of Education Charter College and Career Prep school is launching into a new school year with a cup that runs over with excitement, support and hope for students, families, and communities in El Dorado County.

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

CCP is an independent-study high school program that allows students to complete schoolwork both in-person and online. This enables students to succeed in the

best education format for them.

CCP guides students through credit recovery, high school track and acceleration.

Education is for all and at CCP students are getting back on track to complete their high school diploma, actively applying academic principles while working, and/or dual enrolling in Folsom Lake College for career exploration or to move towards attaining an associate degree. The future is bright for all students and CCP is eager to continue to apply education to elevate students and families within El Dorado County. For more information about CCP visit ccp.edcoe.org.

Sept. 15

Know Continued from B1 and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Mingle with Mandalorians and cavort with caped crusaders at the ninth edition of CrockerCon at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, 6-9 p.m., featuring a dynamic conversation between Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonists Darrin Bell and Jack Ohman, moderated by the Humor Times. Set to an epic playlist by the DJ group The Sleeprockers, this fanfueled event explores the monumental influence comics and cartooning have on art and storytelling. Experience epic cosplay and meet with local comic book artists, writers, and creatives. This ArtMix is family-friendly.

The Sierra Renaissance Society presents Gold Rush History Through Music by Alan Fuller, 1-2:30 p.m. at the Mother Lode Lions Hall in Diamond Springs. Admission is free for members; public invited to attend two meetings per year free. 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.

Imagination Theater on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville presents “Clue,” Sept. 15-30. For tickets and more information call (530) 663-6983 or visit itplacerville. org.

Echo Summit will perform at 5 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/livemusic.

The Fabulous Liars will perform at Hart 2 Hart Vineyards in Pilot Hill, 6:309:30 p.m.

Supercommon will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville, 7:30-10:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Enjoy dinner followed by outrageous Home Grown Comedy at 8 p.m. at the Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park. Headliner Mark Gee brings his special brand of funny to El Dorado County along with Ryan McCormick, Logan Farr and Host Mike Betancourt. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com/ homegrowncomedy.

Orchard & Vineyard SupplieS Water tanks 300-5,000 Gallon SizeS available! Weed Prevention is Fire Prevention Maintains strength for Years! super concentrate Makes over 200 Gallons

Livestock & Deer Fencing! n ow i n s tock! 50lb Bag

beST Lawn Fertilizer 25•5•5 Super Turf

Won’t Burn laYour Wn 3 Month Slow Release

Open tO the public! Hours: M-F 8:30-5pm Sat 9-1pm 4600 Missouri Flat Rd. Placerville • (530) 622-2640

Echo Summit will perform at 5 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/livemusic.

5.93% PURCHASE • REFINANCE Serving our local communities for over 60 years

5.625% 6.44% FIXED RATE LOANS Check the El Dorado Advantage: ✔ No Application Fee ✔ No Prepayment Penalty ✔ Local Processing and Servicing PLACERVILLE • 4040 El Dorado Road • 530-622-1492 PLACERVILLE • (Downtown) 247 Main • 530-622-0833 W. PLACERVILLE Placerville Dr. & Ray Lawyer 530-626-3400 DIAMOND SPRINGS • 694 Pleasant Valley Road 530-626-5701 CAMERON PARK • 4060 Cameron Park Drive 530-677-1601 POLLOCK PINES • 6462 Pony Express Trail • 530-644-2363 EL DORADO HILLS • 3963 Park Drive • 916-933-3002 GEORGETOWN 6310 Hwy. 193 • 530-333-1101

RATE APR 2.625 2.90 RATE APR 3.500 3.66 360 Monthly Payments of $4.49 per $1,000 Borrowed

180 Monthly Payments of $6.72 per $1,000 Borrowed

15 Year Term Fixed Rate Loan 30 Year Term Fixed Rate Loan www.eldoradosavingsbank.com Se Habla Espanol 800-874-9779 NMLSR ID 479256

Serving our local communities for 65 years

6.250% Maximum loan $650,000, primary or vacation residence. 20% minimum cash down payment on purchase. 25% equity required on refinance. Other loans available under different terms. Maximum loan $424,100.00, primary or vacation residence. 20% minimum cash down payment on purchase. 25% equity required on refinance. Other loans available under different terms. LOAN TERMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

$4500 n See Know, page B3

Tessa Spicer (student), Silas Bromley (student), Zachary Qualls (academic support specialist/ dual enrollment liaison) and Jayden Neifert-Reeves (student) , left to right, are part of EDCOE’s successful Charter College and Career Prep program.

$1 million raised for mentorship programs

News release

The totals are in following this year’s annual Golf for Kids’ Sake fundraiser and Big Brothers Big Sisters Northern Sierra is thrilled to report that, during the 11-year history of the tournament, more than $1 million was raised in financial support for the nonprofit agency’s mentorship programs.

BBBSNS celebrated the popular event’s 11th year of fun out on the golf course at Serrano Country Club in El Dorado Hills. All monies raised go to benefiting at-risk youth throughout the Northern Sierra communities of El Dorado and Nevada counties, South and North Lake Tahoe areas including the surrounding communities of Truckee, Kings Beach and the Tahoe City Region.

“I continue to be amazed by how strongly and consistently our network comes together for the kids,” said BBBSNS CEO Brenda Frachiseur. “Every child deserves a champion, and our annual golf fundraiser helps us find those champions. Special thanks to the founder and chairman of this year’s event, Sam Smith, and his wife Sharon who have given so

COMiCS

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

generously every year, along with all our community partners.”

Golf For Kids’ Sake was held Aug. 21 and featured the popular helicopter ball drop, hole-in-one and putting contests followed by a dinner and reception. Proceeds from the tournament support 250 vulnerable children throughout the Northern Sierra region. These are children who have experienced divorce, loss of a parent by death or incarceration, homelessness and placement in foster care. Many need a positive role model, an adult friend who can help guide them through challenges, give them hope and help them achieve their highest potential.

About BBBS of Northern Sierra

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra was incorporated in 1977 and is an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Serving children ages 3 to 18. BBBSNS mission is to create and support one to one relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

New mentors are always needed. For more details visit bbbsns.org.

California State Parks offers learning resources

News release

SACRAMENTO — California State

Parks has launched the enhanced

PORTS: Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students website, now available at ports.parks.ca.gov. The PORTS program has undergone a transformation, providing educators and students with an even more engaging and immersive online learning experience.

PORTS is an innovative initiative that connects K-12 classrooms with the wonders of California’s diverse state parks through virtual field trips, live interactive sessions and comprehensive digital resources. The newly updated website offers a range of exciting features to enrich the educational journey of teachers and students across the state.

New features of the PORTS website include:

• Filter and search with the PORTSfinder: The upgraded PORTS website now boasts a user-friendly interface that allows educators to easily search, filter and access a diverse collection of digital curriculum resources tailored to various grade levels and subjects. These resources include lesson plans, videos, interactive activities and more — all designed to align with academic standards while immersing students in the natural and cultural heritage of California’s state parks.

• Enhanced user experience:

Know

The course curriculum is designed to open hearts to a renewed purpose for life and it encourages participants to apply their energies, experiences, wisdom and resources to meet a need and help solve problems confronting the community. This one-day retreat is being led by Rev. Sam Shafer at the Church of Our Saviour in Placerville, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Register by sending an email to revdebra.oursaviour@gmail.com with “ Encore Retreat” in the subject line. Lunch will be served. Donations will be taken at the door.

The Rotary Club of Placerville hosts Concert and Lobster on the River, 4-10 p.m. at Henningsen Lotus Park. Proceeds will benefit CASA, scholarships, and community projects and improvements. The event will include no-host food trucks, a no-host bar, music performed by The Breakers and The Cartunes, axe throwing, gold panning, cornhole, raffles and a silent auction. Tickets are on sale through Sept. 19. For more information visit placervillerotary.org.

Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference hosts its Endless Summer Beach Party 5-9 p.m. at Village Green Park in Serrano, El Dorado Hills. The adults-only Polynesianthemed evening includes a live band, a catered dinner, beverages, a short program, loads of beach party fun, and a robust selection of silent auction and raffles. For tickets and more information visit hands4hopeyouth.org/ EndlessSummer.

Now

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office is now recruiting for the Sheriff’s Team of Active Retirees volunteers. The potential opportunities include but are not limited to patrol, clerical office work, community outreach, special events and more. They support various

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

Navigating the PORTS website is now smoother and more intuitive, ensuring that educators can swiftly locate the perfect resources to enhance their classroom instruction. The new design also facilitates effortless interaction, making it easier than ever for teachers to plan captivating virtual field trips and dynamic learning experiences.

• Email list registration: To stay informed about upcoming virtual programs, announcements and valuable updates, educators are encouraged to register for the PORTS email list. This ensures that teachers are the first to know about new resources, session offerings and program enhancements. Registering for the email list is the optimal way to receive timely information and stay connected with the PORTS community.

California educators are now invited to sign up for free PORTS programs on the new website. By participating, teachers gain access to an immersive learning environment that utilizes the rich resources of California State Parks to enhance their classroom teaching. Engage students in captivating virtual field trips and empower them to learn, grow and explore the wonders of the great outdoors without leaving the comfort of their classrooms.

To receive the latest updates and information about PORTS, educators can sign up at ports.parks.ca.gov/ Signup.

functions of law enforcement and the community. The next STAR Academy will be held Oct. 9-19. Requirements to be a STAR are to have no criminal history and a clean driving record. For more information contact the STAR office at (530) 621-7545 or email EDSOStars@ edso.org.

Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “Cinderella” through Sept. 23. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “On Golden Pond” through Sept. 24. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

Capital Stage in Sacramento presents “Clyde’s” through Sept. 24. For tickets and more information visit capstage.org.

Details + Materials: Works by Claudine Granthem are on display at Switchboard Gallery in Placerville through Oct. 1.

Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento presents Estamans de la Raza, contemporary screenprints and lithographs by Chicanx and Latinx artists living and working in the United States, through Oct. 1. For tickets and more information visit crocker.org.

Soroptimist International of Cameron Park/ El Dorado Hills invites local women to apply for the Live Your Dream Award. This program provides cash awards to women who are working to better their lives through additional schooling. Applicants should be the primary source of financial support for themselves and their dependents and be attending or accepted into an undergraduate degree or skills training program. For more information go to sicpedh. org. Apply online at bit.ly/LYDA-apply. Deadline is Nov. 15.

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your purpose will stand out distinctly. It will beckon to you. Rather than embarking on a circuitous path of exploration, you should head directly toward the origin of that compelling call.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You feel the tug of a relationship that could pull you in like a whirlpool. Will you surrender with abandon, or step out of the swirl? Whatever your gut reaction is, own it. This is no time to let yourself be unduly influenced.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’ve gotten so used to a scene that the charm has worn off, but when new people show up and share their observations, you’ll get some of it back. You’ll be a tourist again, curious and eager for the experience.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Everyone knows that getting what you want is no fun if it ruins the relationships you hold dear. You understand this to a more accurate degree. If getting what you want harms people you don’t know, it brings you no joy.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Because you’re so curious, empathetic and willing to embrace novel encounters, safeguarding your own energy can be a challenge. Actively take measures to prevent it from dissipating through unnecessary and unfavorable outlets.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’ll be reminded how each individual’s life contains aspects that others might admire — clearly evident in some lives than in others. Also, since there’s no way to judge the merit of a good life for anyone

but yourself, you don’t waste time trying.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). As much as you’d love to share every bit of good news, you’ll feel inclined to keep hidden those things that could provoke envy in others — a prudent instinct, as seeking the wrong type of attention would not bring you any advantages.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You possess everything necessary to complete your project except for one crucial factor: time. Time won’t naturally materialize, but the good news is, with enough intention, time can be set aside, carved out, protected and even stolen.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Hard work takes many forms. Today, it’s not about sweat and manual labor, rather it has to do with digging down deeper in yourself to commit to changing in some way. You’re ready for this.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Anything that falls into the category of “beautiful” hits 1,000 criteria at once -- too many to be explained or quantified, which is why charisma is often labeled as an “X factor.” You’ll know it today.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Numerous mutual situations are available for you to delve into. Therefore, if an individual, location or object fails to reciprocate the effort you invest, it’s best to continue onward.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Unbalanced relationships have something to teach you. If you didn’t know what you were insecure about, they’ll point it out, thus giving you a place to focus your improvement efforts. These kinds of relationships are not fun, but you’re better for them.

Award-winning singer/songwriter brings act to NorCal

GRASS VALLEY — The Center for the Arts presents Five For Fighting with String Quartet in the Marisa Funk Theater Sept. 13. The only way for a story to progress is to turn the page and John Ondrasik — the songwriter and performer known as the platinum-selling, Grammynominated, Five For Fighting — knows this well. In the two decades since his first major single, “Superman (It’s Not Easy),” hit the stratosphere, the artist has both evolved and come back around full

circle.

To date, Five For Fighting, has released six studio LPs, including the platinum-certified “America Town” and “The Battle for Everything,” and the top10 charting “Two Lights,” along with an EP and live albums.

Ondrasik has penned major hits, including the chart-topping “100 Years,” “The Riddle,” “Chances,” “World” and “Easy Tonight,” which have earned tens of millions of streams and placed him as a top-10 Hot Adult Contemporary artist for the 2000s. The reflective “100 Years” has joined “Superman (It’s

Not Easy)” as part of the American Songbook and continues to stand the test of time at weddings, birthdays, graduations, memorials and many home videos. Five For Fighting’s music has also been featured in more than 350 films, television shows and commercials, including the Oscar-winning “The Blind Side,” “Hawaii Five-O,” “The Sopranos” and the CBS drama “Code Black.”

Buoyed by his unique falsetto voice and his prowess on the piano — a skill bestowed to him by his piano teacher mother — Ondrasik has made a solid reputation for himself in the world of songwriting and performance, selling upward of three million albums over his career. Not only does he tour with his popular string quartet and play solo and rock band gigs, he is also a high-demand keynote speaker in which he combines themes of creativity and innovation with his business acumen. He’s presented at TEDx, The Salk Institute, American Cancer Society and dozens more.

Most recently, his song with the biggest sticking power is the powerful “Blood on My Hands,” a protest song that takes a non-political, moral stance against the 2021 United States chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. “Blood on My Hands,” the track, accompanying acoustic version and docu-music video, “Blood on My Hands (White House Version),” has had millions of streams to date (despite littleto-no radio play). Thanks to the song, Ondrasik is now working with evacuation groups that strive to help the American citizens left behind in Afghanistan by the U.S. government, as well as the Afghan people who remain there largely under the threat of terrorism.

Throughout his multi-decade career, which began when music publisher Carla Berkowitz (now his

EDH grants open

News release

Local nonprofit agencies serving the community and residents of El Dorado Hills and/or its neighboring communities are invited to apply for grant funding from the El Dorado Hills Giving Circle and El Dorado Hills Area Foundation.

Applications of up to $10,000 will be considered. In an effort to best serve the community, the grant does not have a specific focus area thereby inspiring new ideas with the possibility of responding to unmet community needs.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Sept. 28. Further guidelines and funding requirements are available. Visit smr.to/p88433 to apply. Feel free to contact the foundation Community Impact Officer Kathy Haven at kathy@eldoradocf.org.

Please note the grant does not support the entire county but is limited to El Dorado Hills and its neighboring communities.

The El Dorado Hills Area Foundation and Giving Circle, funds of the El Dorado Community Foundation, work to increase awareness of El Dorado Hills’ needs and to inspire generosity to strengthen the community through this grant making process.

The Center Continued from B4

wife of 25 years) discerned him in a dive bar, Ondrasik hasn’t shied away from nuance. He embraces it and seeks it — just as he does the next chorus, the next verse. It’s what artists and freethinkers do, after all.

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

off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO

PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call or (888) 9023989 or visit these internet websites or www.nestortrustee.com, using the file number assigned to this case 2023-05875-CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale.NOTICE

TO TENANTS: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code.

If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call or (888) 902-3989 or visit these internet websites or www.nestortrustee.com, using the file number assigned to this case 2023-05875-CA to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee.

Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate

CASE NO. 23Cv0205

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: COLD SPRINGS CEMETERY, EL DORADO COUNTY PIONEER CEMETERIES COMMISSION, a California 501(3)(c), non-profit benefit corporation, (EDCPCC), SUSAN M. MICKUS, RAMON VERBECK, FRANCIS CARPENTER, MARVA BROWN EDWARDS, EDWARD BIXBY, any unknown defendents who claim some right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the real property at issue in this case,

for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form.

If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org) the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association.

NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien

Courtesy photo John Ondrasik, who is know professionally as Five for Fighting, has penned and recorded major hits. See him live Sept. 13 at The Center for the Arts.