Mountain Democrat, Friday, September 15, 2023

County frees up funds for jail expansion

Noel Stack

Managing Editor

“Go forth and build.”

District 3 Supervisor Wendy Thomas gave this direction after she and fellow supervisors unanimously approved the $40.5 million Placerville jail expansion project Tuesday.

A $37,375,565 contract was awarded to Roebbelen Contracting Inc. based in El Dorado Hills with another $3,124,435 designated for other expenses. The majority of project funding comes from a $25 million Senate Bill 844 grant received in 2017 and $15.5 million from the county’s Designated Capital Reserves.

The board’s approval kickstarts the project’s design phase. Construction could begin as early as mid 2024 with anticipated completion in late 2025.

The county operates two jails — one in Placerville and one in South Lake

Tahoe, which was renovated in 1994.

Placerville’s Forni Road facility covers about 86,000 square feet and was built in the mid-1980s, Sheri Je Leikauf told the board.

“The jail was designed to hold short-term, primarily misdemeanor inmates,” he said. “Legislative and regulatory changes since that time have made most older jails in California obsolete.”

Challenges the El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce Custody Division sta face today include inadequate space for female inmates and inmates with mental health issues, insu cient recreation yard space and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance — which could be a huge liability for the county, the sheri noted.

“This project is absolutely necessary to bring us into ADA compliance

Nation’s First

Byron-Cooper named new head of HHSA

Eric

Jaramishian Staff

writer

Interim Health and Human Services Director Olivia

Byron-Cooper has been named the o cial department head for El Dorado County.

Byron-Cooper filled the role after the county dismissed previous director Evelyn Schae er in December 2022. Before that, ByronCooper held various positions for El Dorado County since 2008 including becoming a director of public health, an agency quality improvement manager, program manager and epidemiologist.

County leaders praised Byron-Cooper during her public appointment at their Tuesday meeting, lauding her leadership during her time as interim director.

“Your rapport with sta , your ability to build a team and decision-making done with a team have been demonstrated over and over again, particularly with the navigation center and other

■ See HHSA page A3

Victim Identified in suspicious Tahoe death

Ashleigh Goodwin

Tribal voter registration center officially open

Odin Rasco Staff writer

The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Tribal Council made history during a special event Tuesday morning, designating a voter registration center on tribal land — the first of its kind in the nation.

Approving a resolution accepting the designation of the Shingle Springs Health and Wellness Center

as a voter registration agency under the National Voter Registration Act, the council was joined by guests including California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber to mark the occasion.

“This designates the first tribal medical facility as a voter registration agency, the first one in the nation,” Weber said. “We’re excited about that because in

■ See REGISTRATION CENTER, page A7

Tahoe Daily Tribune

SOUTH LAKE

TAHOE — The El Dorado County Sheri ’s and District Attorney’s o ces, as well as the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, continue to search for answers in a suspicious death at the Lakeland Village Resort.

Investigators have identified the decedent as Oceanside resident Jacqueline Cason, 63, who was found unresponsive just

after midnight Sept. 7. Multiple search warrants have been served and the investigation is ongoing, o cials said.

According to SLTPD Det. Sgt. Nicholas Carlquist, an autopsy has not yet been completed and the cause of death remains unknown.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to email the South Lake Tahoe Police Department Detective Division at crimetips@ cityofslt.us and reference case 2309-0058.

OLIVIA BYRON-COOPER

Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco

California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber speaks before the filled council chamber, celebrating the work of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Tribal Council. The council passed a resolution Tuesday to establish the first voter registration center in the nation to be located on tribal land.

OBITUARIES Stanley Ernest Geel

January 13, 1934 – August 31, 2023

Gene B. Bryant

October 27, 1940 – August 29, 2023

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Gene B. Bryant. After a long battle with cancer, Gene passed away with his wife at his side on August 29, 2023, at the age of 82.

Gene was born on October 27, 1940 in Tucumcari, NM to C.B. and Ella Mae Bryant. Gene grew up in California, where he met his one and only sweetheart, Connie Williams. Following their marriage in 1958, Gene joined the United States Air Force. He served his country with honor and dedication during the Vietnam War, a testament of his commitment to his country.

Following his Air Force service, Gene joined the El Dorado County Sheri ’s Department in South Lake Tahoe, CA. He dedicated his entire career to law enforcement. After 28 years of service he retired as a Sergeant.

Gene and Connie traveled the next 15 years, visiting every state in the union, fulfilling every dream on their bucket list. They then settled in Yuma, AZ, enjoying many new friends and activities. In 2015 they moved to Green Valley, AZ.

Gene enjoyed the art of wood carving. He could always be found on the back porch working on his latest project. He loved gifting his family and friends with a special hand carved walking stick, each a representation of special times and places enjoyed together. He loved rockhounding and making the most beautiful jewelry for his family. He was also a prolific journal writer, documenting his life from an early age.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents C.B. and Ella Mae Bryant and his beloved big brother Conrad. He is survived by his loving wife Connie, his daughters Brenda Hassler (Mike), Rebecca Dotson (Tommy) and Kathy; sister Louise Rogers (Walter); 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Gene also leaves behind many lifelong friends who enriched his life with their love and friendship.

Gene will be laid to rest with full military honors at Prescott National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Gene requested donations be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Gene, you are loved beyond words & missed beyond measure. Godspeed.

Wilma Lou Bryant

March 17, 1926 – July 28, 2023

Wilma Lou Bryant passed away peacefully on July 28, 2023 with her daughter-inlaw, Pam Bryant, by her side. She was born March 17th, 1926 to Charles and Mattie Soehner in Wray, Colorado. Lou loved giving back to her community in Placerville, California, where she and her late husband, Warren, lived for over 40 years. She was very empathetic to animals and spent many hours volunteering at the local animal shelter. Lou is survived by her son, Stan Bryant and daughter-in-laws, Pam and SelenaOksun Bryant; her 7 grandchildren: Larnie, Todd, David, Nicholas, Tracy, Rebecca and Matt; 11 great-grandchildren: Julia, Jessica, Jaden, Logan, Brooklyn, Kayla, Harley, Kaidyn, Franklin, Scarlett, and her namesake, Violet Lee Lou; and 3 greatgreat grandchildren: Sophia, Cruz, and Arturo. She was preceded in death by her son, Chad Bryant and husband of 55 years, Warren Bryant. Lou lived a beautiful life full of adventure; and traveled to many countries over her lifetime, even living in Turkey for many years. The greatest joy of her life was becoming a stepmother to her sons, Chad and Stan, and meeting the love of her life, Warren, after a blind date set-up by his mother. Nothing could compare to a life filled with so much love.

Stanley began his life’s journey in Butterworth, South Africa. Stan earned his B.S. degree in Animal Science at KwaZuluNatal University. After teaching Animal Husbandry at Cedara Agricultural College he set out to see the world. His first stop was Australia where he worked as a Jackaroo on a Cattle Station and then onto a biology teaching and rugby coaching position at the Armidale School. His next stop was New Zealand where he held a position at the Roakura Research Centre. He then received a Masters Degree in Animal Science at Oregon State University where his research interest was sparked. His professors in Oregon encouraged him to seek at doctorate degree at UC Berkeley where he became interested in neuro-endocrinology research. Upon his completion of his doctorate the National Institutes of Health acknowledged his research e orts with a Career Development Award. Stan took his Award to the University of California, Davis Medical School where he became a Professor in the Neurology Department. At UCD he pursued medical research receiving a number of NIH research grants.

At mid-life he pursued a di erent field of study attending the Mayo Clinic where he began his studies in Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine. After private practice he returned to academic life and became a Professor and Director of the Physical Therapy Program at the University of New Mexico Medical School. Several years later he became a Professor and founding Director of the new Physical Therapy Program at California State University Sacramento. Stan leaves behind 40 peer-reviewed research publications including several book contributions.

In addition to his academic pursuits Stan was a passionate rugby player playing Scrum Half for 24 years in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, founded the Oregon State Rugby Club and played for Cal. After rugby he continued his pursuit of physical fitness as he and his wife Joan taught Senior Fitness classes throughout El Dorado County for 13 years.

Upon his academic retirement Stan achieved his life-long dream of having his own farm. He grew apples, grapes and blueberries on his beloved Sun Mountain Farm in Apple Hill where he worked in the field until age 85.

Stan enjoyed a full life. He strived for excellence in all of his pursuits whether it was to grow the perfect apple or score a try for Cal against Stanford.

He leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Joan; his sister Dorothy Mallett of South Africa, daughter Jill Melendy Wesselkamper, son-in-law Je Wesselkamper, grandchildren Ethan and Mia Wesselkamper and several much loved nieces and nephews in South Africa and Europe.

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.

Hot mess — garbage truck’s load catches fire

Eric Jaramishian

Staff writer

Fire crews quickly extinguished a fire in an El Dorado Disposal garbage truck’s trash load last week in Camino.

An El Dorado Disposal driver was making routine trash pickups at about 10:45 a.m. Sept. 7 when they realized refuse inside the garbage truck had caught fire, according to El Dorado County Fire Protection District Capt. Jacob Poganski.

EDC Fire o cials told the Mountain Democrat that El Dorado Disposal personnel found charcoal and matches in the refuse while investigating potential causes of the fire.

“We want to remind people items that are hot or smoldering should

not be disposed, and batteries and chemicals should be disposed of properly through El Dorado Disposal’s household hazardous waste program,” Poganski said.

The driver initially pulled into the Cal Fire station in Camino and was instructed to o oad the trash in the gravel lot at Carson Road and Pony Express Trail, which is away from vegetation, allowing firefighters to keep flames to the trash load. The fire was reportedly out by 12:30 p.m. Poganski noted the trash was later picked up.

Assisting EDC Fire were firefighters from the Diamond Springs-El Dorado Fire Protection District, as well as a dozer crew from Cal Fire’s Amador-El Dorado Unit.

Things get a little too hot at former Taco Bell

Odin Rasco Staff reporter

n New property owner reportedly intended to reopen in 2024

A vacant building that once served as a Taco Bell in Pollock Pines was consumed by flames early Wednesday morning.

Firefighters responded to the structure fire just after 2:30 a.m. in the parking lot near Pony Express Trail and the Safeway grocery store. Crews halted flames and remained on site until the fire was fully extinguished, according to an El Dorado County Fire Protection District press release. No wildland was threatened by the fire and no injuries were reported.

The building has stood vacant since the fast food restaurant it housed closed in 2018, falling into a state of disrepair and neglect that led to El Dorado County officials sending out a crew to board up the building in

February. Ownership of the building changed multiple times since the closure, most recently passing to a new owner in August from Kilo Watt Investments LLC, a Wyoming-based company that acquired the deed in 2020.

Due to the lack of attention given to the property, the building had multiple broken windows and had been repeatedly vandalized. The location also showed signs it may have been used by unhoused persons as shelter, including a mattress and pillows atop the counter. The situation led to the county fining Kilo Watt, who did not address the complaint or pay fees, leading to the total sum owed continuing to accrue over time, totaling $31,000 by the time a new owner stepped in. County staff have attempted to contact Kilo Watt by email, mail and phone calls since October 2022 but had no success, according to county Director of Communications Carla Hass. The new owner, who Hass did not identify, had expressed intent in renovating the space, planning to reopen it as a Taco Bell in 2024.

The county entered into a settlement agreement with the new owner, waiving the fees that had accrued on the building with the requirement that the new owner begin to make necessary repairs and open the restaurant by June 2024. It is unclear

Courtesy photo

how the agreement will be effected or altered due to the fire, Hass said. The cause of the fire is under investigation, EDCFPD officials said. Due to the prior condition of the building and extensive fire damage the structure is likely a total loss.

Accused janitor returns to court in October

Odin Rasco Staff reporter

The Camino Union Elementary School janitor accused of multiple counts of sexual acts with children younger than 10 years old will make his next court appearance in early October.

HHSA Continued from A1 challenges,” District 1

Supervisor John Hidahl told the new department head. “What you’ve been able to demonstrate is a lot of adaptability, flexibility and openness to consider things that are a little bit outside of the box sometimes but always bring the team with you.”

Byron-Cooper beat 14 other applicants who applied for the position and was interviewed by a panel of people that included Director of Library Services Bryce Lovell, Sheriff Jeff Leikauf and Marshall Medical Center Executive Director of Population Health Martin Entwistle, according to Human Resources Director Joseph Carresco.

Her appointment comes after two Health and Human Resources left in 2022 — Schaeffer and Don Semon, who stepped down after a three-year stint in the role.

“You really stepped up for us in a time that felt like a crisis. We saw you hit the ground running and you did not just hold us together as an interim, you took charge, took the lead and brought people together on so many efforts that we have going on right now,” said District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin.

Before coming to work for the county in 2008, Byron-Cooper worked in the Amazon Basin of Peru and the InterTribal Council in Lac

Du Flabeau, Wisc., on tribal health issues. She received her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and her master’s degree in public health from the University of Michigan.

“You are an aspirational and inspirational leader, and those are rare qualities,” said Board Chair Wendy Thomas to Byron-Cooper. “You have come into HHSA in a time when the agency desperately needed your skills and I have continued to be in awe about the great skill and diplomacy, candor, strength and heart with which you bring to the position. I think we all have seen remarkable change in the culture of the agency which will

reap benefits for the community and for the people you serve.”

The appointment will become effective Sept. 23. Her salary has been set at approximately $236,000, according to a press release.

Pollock Pines resident Christopher Slager, 61, was arrested May 12 by El Dorado County sheriff’s deputies on suspicion of acts including oral copulation with a minor, sodomy and fondling. He remains in custody with a bail set at $2 million, according

to inmate records. Sheriff’s officials confirm two victims have been identified; neither of the victims were enrolled in the Camino Union Elementary School District. Requiring additional work to be done before a pretrial, Slager’s attorney requested that his plea hearing originally set to take place Monday morning be rescheduled. El Dorado County Superior Court Judge Mark A. Ralphs permitted the motion, rescheduling Slager’s plea hearing for 8:30 a.m. in Department 2 Friday, Oct. 6.

OPINION

Insurance looms as Legislature nears end of session

The California Legislature has reconvened for the final days of its 2023 session with lawmakers facing nearly 1,000 pending measures ranging from consequential to toothlessly symbolic — and perhaps some still to be drafted.

Historically, the last few days of any session are rife with rumors about phantom bills that might surface and be hustled through the process. This year’s prime topic for 11th hour legislating is the growing home insurance crisis.

Letters to the Editor

Too much time

EDITOR:

Iwent to the Buckeye School District board meeting in El Dorado Hills Sept. 5. Item X-1 referred to the concerns the district has with parental contact regarding mental health issues related to activities and challenges within grades K-8. The discussion basically dealt with the “trans crisis.” I think of a crisis more as a flood, wildfire, war or major upsets in our civilization, not pronouns and bathroom use.

kids couldn’t work after school anymore; they might get cut on a bread-slicing machine or a lawnmower. Parents couldn’t reprimand their own kids. Life got confusing and here we are. Education has dipped. Kids don’t know if they are male, female or??

LINDA COLOMBO El Dorado

Raising kids

EDITOR:

Summary

Several major insurers have pulled out of the California market, or reduced their exposure, citing unacceptable risks due to massive wildfires and escalating construction costs. Legislators and other state officials, particularly Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, are feeling pressure both from homeowners who are having their policies cancelled and real estate brokers because mortgages need insurance.

The insurance industry has indicated that shoring up the California market would require legislation or new rules from Lara to allow insurers to build potential future exposure into their premiums, rather than be forced to rely on past experience that may be out of date.

However, such a change would probably increase premiums and consumer activists such as Harvey Rosenfield, founder of Consumer Watchdog and author of the 1988 ballot measure that established the current insurance regulatory apparatus, are denouncing any such changes as a giveaway to the industry.

The Not So Weekly Daley

When I was in school you got up at 6:30, made your bed and got dressed and then ate breakfast with your mom and siblings and sometimes even dad if he hadn’t already left for work, walked the 1 to 3 miles to school unless it was snowing (then mom drove you). School started at 8:30 and ended at 3:30. After school most kids had extracurricular activities or some sort of job — bakery, garden nursery, yard work for a neighbor, babysitting. Then dinner with the family and two hours of homework, maybe a bit of TV with the family and then to bed only to start over the next morning.

In the ‘40s and ‘50s English homework was written in long hand, math was done without a computer and history was by memorization. Nobody cared if you were a tomboy or floozy or just a kid. Everyone was too busy with life and its demands to worry about being a male or female. They just were. You chose your friends because of similarities. Nobody forced you to accept or reject anyone, just respect their space and let them do their own thing. If you wanted to be included in the smoker group, you smoked, if you wanted to be accepted by the theater group, you made costumes or became an actor or supporter. If you were science oriented, you joined the science club … on and on.

There were tryouts for majorettes and cheerleaders, tennis, football, baseball and field hockey. Whatever your personal interests were, opportunities were there. Helicopter parents didn’t exist because they too were living life’s demands. Teachers taught; they weren’t designed to be mental health specialists. If a problem arose, the school called the parents and maybe had a meeting with them.

Life was good, sometimes hard, sometimes just busy. Daydreaming was a luxury not to be wasted on gender ID. Then the government stepped in and

Here are three points of view of how best to raise children and their education. The Left thinks we should leave it to the professionals and they know what is best for children. That was the downfall for Terry Mcauliffe in the Virginia governor’s race. The reason is that there are some parents who would not accept how a child feels and could become abusive to a child who told their parent the were gay, for instance. I’ve never seen a statistic in regard to how often this happens but this scenario is brought up often by the Left.

The Right believes that raising children is the most important thing in an adult life. You can never trust that the adults in the school are always acting in your child’s best interest and a parent needs to parent. Sit down at the dinner table and talk to your children. Go through their backpack and make sure they are not being corrupted by outside influences. Help children with homework and attend extracurricular activities. Attend parent teacher conferences and school board meetings to be aware of how children are being educated. We had a rule of no dating until they were 18 and encouraged our children to enjoy their childhood as long as they could.

The third type of parenting is not parenting at all. Provide food clothing and shelter but not spend time with their children. I have many children who played sports and were able to play at the next level in college and even professional sports. My children weren’t necessarily gifted athletes and in high school; there were many other children far more gifted who didn’t go onto the next level. I can’t remember a single child who advanced whose parents weren’t there to support them. If a parent isn’t pushing their children to do their homework and excel at school then who would? Apathy toward your child’s growth

Another Sept. 11 is history but still stirs memories

As the decades roll by, it has gotten a little bit harder to remember Sept. 11, 2001. I hardly thought of it most of last week.

A helpful reminder has often been that it’s one of my sister-in-law’s birthdates, not the date in 2001 but Sept. 11 nonetheless. So it has been somewhat awkward to try to have that jolly celebration since 22 years ago.

Although it’s kind of trite, newscasters Monday brought up the “we’ll always remember where we were that day.” Just like the day JFK was killed and I’m sure when U.S. mainlanders first heard about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor (which was three years before my time).

Sept. 11, 2001, I was in my sister Bonnie’s kitchen in Vero Beach, Fla., my mom’s hometown. I had a $100 round trip flight from Sacramento to Ft. Lauderdale that I had to “use or lose,” so I used it that week. I was supposed to come home the next day.

I don’t remember how I got that

ticket. Something had gone wrong with some past flight and it was a refund. That was back when you could occasionally hope to score a round-trip to and from the East Coast for a hundred bucks.

Georgette and her three sisters were on a “sisters road trip” that week driving from Alexandria, Va., to upstate New York and back. They were in Rehoboth Beach, Del., getting ready to finish their adventure in Alexandria that day.

We were getting ready to leave for a meeting at the family’s business office later that morning. Bonnie keeps a radio on pretty much all day and we heard a news snippet about an airplane crashing into a building in Manhattan. We didn’t know anything about the World Trade Center in New York City, but it sounded like an interesting news story. We guessed it was probably about a small, private plane unaccountably out of control that crashed into a very tall building.

We turned on the TV moments before the second plane slammed into

the South Tower. It was 9:03 a.m. Seventeen minutes after the first one hit the North Tower. Then we started seeing the pictures.

I had to Google the names of the news anchors of the time to recall who we watched for the rest of the day and long into the night of Sept. 11 and 12, 2001. Mostly I think it was Tom Brokaw on NBC. Dan Rather at CBS while ABC featured Peter Jennings. Aaron Brown on CNN got kind of famous that day as well. Google reminded me and noted that it was also one of the last huge stories led by the three traditional TV networks.

As the day wore on, we started hearing references to “Vero Beach, Fla.” and the Piper airplane company’s main facility two or three miles down the road. We knew that place, because our brother Mike had worked a couple of years at Piper way back in the ’60s. As it turned out, one or more of the hijackers had spent some time learning to fly at the small airport there.

As minutes became a half-hour and more, we watched the towers blaze and begin to collapse and then people started jumping out, some went out alone while others held hands to meet certain death on the street below. That sight was really seared into my mind

and still appears unbidden at times. I spent much of the next 48 hours on the phone, mostly on hold, trying to find a flight to Sacramento or anywhere even close, say SFO, Oakland or Reno. Most planes were grounded during those few days, but eventually I got a flight for Thursday the 13th at 10 p.m. or so out of Palm Beach — about 80 miles south. I booked a rental car immediately after confirming that oneway flight to Sacramento.

Thursday it started raining, one of those tropical toad-stranglers that never let up during the whiteknuckle drive mostly in the dark to Palm Beach. The airport was nearly deserted but for several security guards and local police (even a bicycle cop) monitoring the entrances.

I don’t remember which airline, doesn’t matter. It was the only one ultimately going to Sacramento with one stop in Oklahoma City. A number of the 25 other passengers were members of various flight crews. Some got off in Oklahoma and a few others got on.

Overall, the trip was unremarkable. Most of us tried to sleep without much success. Very little communication that

ChRiS DaLEy

There are just a few days remaining in the 2023 session of the California Legislature and it has nearly 1,000 bills still to process – and perhaps some lateblooming measures not yet drafted.

DaN WaLTERS

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

It’s doubtful that legislation seriously a ecting such a complex and touchy subject could be drafted and passed in the few remaining days but no matter what happens — even if it’s nothing — the political fallout could be powerful.

Notwithstanding the buzz about insurance, there are some contentious, high-profile measures already on the legislative agenda for the final days, having been cleared for floor action.

One survivor is a measure that would elevate child tra cking into a serious crime, which wouldn’t seems to be controversial but became a symbol of the sharp partisan di erences over crime and punishment. Democrats stalled the Republicanauthored bill in committee but media coverage and pressure from Newsom sprung it from political jail, so to speak. There’s more bipartisan support for a package of bills to confront California’s deadly epidemic of fentanyl misuse.

Labor unions are making a full-court press in this year’s session with multiple bills to make it easier to organize workers and/or expand mandatory employment benefits, such as more paid sick leave days and a sharp hike in minimum wages for healthcare workers.

on the statewide ballot by petition are framed. Both are clearly aimed at making ballot processes more di cult, thus thwarting recent e orts by business interests to block new regulations and taxes.

They are specifically aimed at three measures already qualified for the 2024 ballot, one challenging new regulation of the fast food industry, another opposing new restrictions on where oil wells are drilled and a third that would make it much more di cult to raise state and local taxes.

One pending bill, Assembly Bill 421, would change how referenda are worded for voters, and would, if passed, a ect both the fast food and oil well referenda. AB 121 also contains an unusual passage to tightly restrict judicial challenges to the law.

The second, Assembly Constitutional Amendment 13, would require that the 2024 measure to require two-thirds votes for local taxes and voter approval of new state taxes would itself need a two-thirds vote to be adopted. Sponsors want to place ACA 13 on the March primary ballot so that it would apply to — and perhaps kill — the November tax restriction measure.

Such are the games of September.

I recall. Each wrapped in our own cocoon of privacy, thoughts and bewilderment.

The sisters trip ended in Alexandria with the screaming rumble of F-16s flying overhead in and out of Washington, D.C. Geo and sister Patrice wound up on Amtrak for several days with many hundreds of others whose flights had been canceled. Food, drinks and smokes ran out pretty early on the rails, they complained. Their train pulled into Sacramento a week after

I had landed and driven home.

I’ve been to Florida three times since 9/11. Once on a road trip with Mike, next for the funeral of my last uncle and later on a combination vacation to Vero Beach, Sarasota and Key West. Compared to my September 2001 sojourn, I didn’t have to wonder or worry much about the fate of the country or of the world on those trips.

The

Finally, there are two e orts, backed by Democratic leaders, that would change how measures placed

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD

Crossword

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

Edited by Will Shortz No. 0811

Chris Daley is a biweekly columnist for the Mountain Democrat. leads to many problems from outside influences. Life goes by quick and is very hard today. Some people believe advancement in their career is more important than attending their child’s recital. Some believe they are more important than their own children and aren’t capable of parenting at all. We all know people in these three categories.

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Announcements

PUZZLE BY JOHN-CLARK LEVIN

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

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

Online

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/

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.

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.

Addiction or Relationship problem? Call 530 231-7728 our free counseling can help you. Positive Realism, 3430 Robin Ln., Cameron Park. Meet first and third Wednesday of every month, 7pm.

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.

KEN STEERS Cameron Park

to avoid fines and costly lawsuits by inmate rights advocacy groups,” Leikauf said.

“We have many, many challenges,” added Capt. Tasha Thompson, who is assigned to the EDSO Custody Division. “These jails (Placerville and South Lake Tahoe) are like two small cities. They run 24/7, 365 days a year. They’re under strict schedules and we’re tasked with many things … so (inmates) have

Encore Living Retreat

Are you wondering what you are going to do with the rest of your life?

e Encore Living retreat is being o ered to help answer that question. e 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 our communities today. at second act might just surpass all that has gone before.

is one-day retreat is being led by Rev. Sam Shafer at the Church of Our Saviour in Placerville on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Please register by sending an email to revdebra. oursaviour@gmail.com with “ Encore Retreat” in subject line.

Lunch will be served.

Church

of Our Saviour

2979 Coloma Street, Placerville

their basic needs met.”

The Placerville jail houses on average 237 inmates each day, 90% of whom are in for felony offenses, Thompson said. Staff provides meals, laundry, medical care, mental health care, recreation, education, transportation and commissary services.

Regarding the female inmate population, which is about 18% of the total population at both jails, Thompson said staff expects to see that percentage grow. The Placerville facility was designed with only one housing unit for women and female inmates currently occupy two. Additionally, she noted, “There has been an increase of inmates carrying pregnancies to term, requiring additional medical care. Our medical wing that we have right now … is not adequate. With this expansion it is ensured to be.”

The expansion, nearly 23,000 square feet on .65 acres adjacent to the current facility, will not add capacity to the Placerville jail, which is 303 total inmates, but will better utilize the space available. When completed, EDSO will add seven correctional officers and a correctional supervisor to its staff.

The project presentation lists improvements as:

• Separate and secure female housing areas

• Housing for the mentally ill to promote integration and reduce segregation

• Space for restoration of competency and other mental health services

• Improved spaces for medical treatment and services

• Operational space for other county entities for various re-entry programs

• Additional attorney and professional visiting space

• Additional inmate programming/classroom space

• Additional inmate recreational yards

• New locker room space for female staff

Noting the six-year gap since the county received the state grant, during which construction costs have significantly risen, District 1 Supervisor John Hidahl

inquired about the delay.

Initial estimates released when the county received the grant indicated the $25 million would be sufficient to build a 27,000-square-foot expansion.

“When you get a grant … you’ve got to move quickly and we didn’t so can you help me understand why we didn’t?” Hidahl asked.

“We moved as fast as we possibly could … but we are dealing with five state agencies with this project,” Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Laura Schwartz responded, listing the Board of State and Community Corrections, Fire Marshal, Public Works, Department of Finance and Department of General Services as the partnering agencies. “Working through all five of those organizations and having those organizations talk to each other, I can tell you it was a lot of back and forth and sometimes they gave us conflicting information that would cause more delays.”

Leikauff had earlier told supervisors, “COVID, supply chain issues and construction cost increases have completely altered our situation.”

“While inflation and rates may be out of our control, the thing to keep the costs relatively low was to take a real hard look at the existing facility that we have,” shared Chuck Harrell with the county’s Facilities Division, explaining that everyone involved in the project worked together to come up with a design “to really give us everything we need (and) eliminate anything we really didn’t need.”

Thompson told supervisors she understands the $15.5 million from capital reserves is “a hard ask,” but delaying the project would only result in a higher price tag down the road.

Supervisors and members of the public acknowledged the jail expansion is needed and long overdue.

“Glad to see this project getting on the ground finally,” District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin said before making a motion to award the construction contract.

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Registration center Continued from A1

California, we want to make sure every person who is eligible to vote has an opportunity to vote.”

The designation of a new registration agency is built off the NVRA, passed in 1993, which opened the doors for residents to register to vote through the Department of Motor Vehicles and social service agencies.

President Joe Biden expanded the reach of the NVRA March 7, 2021, with an executive order that allowed Indian health service facilities to also be included as potential registration locations.

“Throughout this nation’s history, voting rights and equitable access to registration has been a key ethical and political issue that as a self-governing people, we understand as an essential right for every citizen,” Tribal Chairwoman Regina Cuellar said. “Allowing Indian health service facilities to qualify as voter registration sites under the NVRA meets that goal. Currently, more than one-third of voting age Native Americans are not registered to vote. As a health care center aimed at providing services to every citizen of this tribe and the surrounding community, tribal and non-tribal, our motto of ‘healthcare for all’ stands true to the spirit of the administration’s executive order, ‘voting for all.’”

Voting registration rates for Native Americans are low, owing to a set of hurdles that many other Americans may not

encounter, according to Jacqueline De León, staff attorney for the Native American Rights Fund.

“Native Americans’ registration rates are among the lowest in the country,” De León explained. “This is because Native Americans face logistical barriers that would surprise most Americans. Most Native American homes don’t have addresses and many Native American homes do not receive residential mail.

“This designation provides such a tremendous opportunity for the Shingle Springs community and for Indian country at large,” she continued.

“At the Shingle Springs Health and Wellness Center, exercising their sovereignty, choosing to accept designation and embracing these registrations, Tribal community members will finally be asked by trusted community members if they’d like to vote.”

To close out the event, tribal member Unhelica Vasquez was led through the process of registering to vote, becoming the first person to register to vote on tribal land through the NVRA.

In hopes it may set a model for other tribes to follow suit, the resolution and policy passed by the tribal council will be made publicly available.

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ARIES (March 21-April 19). Before you decide to play harder and smarter to take the win, decide if this game is worth playing at all. What does the winner get? Supremacy is not enough of a prize in and of itself.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your dreams are your wings. You’ll share them, write about them, plan them and involve others. That last one requires you to put yourself out there, but the next step is even more vulnerable: invest. You go first. You’ll be joined.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Mind over emotions doesn’t work today. The most expedient way is to feel your feeling, whatever it is, even if it seems inappropriate, embarrassing or too much. It will only last a few minutes and then it will change.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You refuse to take anything too seriously. You know there is no solution for a problem, but the bright illumination of a momentary epiphany is still a pleasure and a cause for bonding with other hearts and minds.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). With diplomacy, you can make a point without making an enemy -- but do you even need to do that much? Opinions change over time. This opportunity to connect can be about something more, like playfulness and a shared moment of joy.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your thoughtful encouragement inspires people to showcase their finest qualities. To acknowledge seemingly minor actions can elevate relationships and experiences to a higher level, fostering a circle of love.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You won’t see eye to eye with your collaborators and that’s the whole point. No eyeball can take in the whole picture. Keep asking for different perspectives, especially from those who are outside the world of your project.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Unstructured work, meetings and even conversations will be bothersome. You’ll feel freer inside of a plan. You’ll prefer to go by the agenda and, where there isn’t one, you’ll agree on what it should be before you begin.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Part of your routine that once made sense has now run out its usefulness. Go back to the drawing board. A new way of working will serve your purposes much more efficiently.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You choose your friends carefully because you realize how much the people close to you can impact your days, influence your decisions and color your time. Today you’ll be glad about your choice.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The transformation you desire is as possible as you are committed to making it happen. Set up some accountability. Enlist the aid of those who will be excited to see you win. Include someone you want to impress.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The answer to “Is it me?” is often, at least to some small degree,

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

COMiCS

UPCOMING EVENTS

Queen Of The Night! Remembering Whitney

OCTOBER 6, 2023

Queen of the Night! Remembering Whitney, starring Trina Johnson Finn is a 90-minute live entertainment show that brings the top selling hits of the late Whitney Houston to the stage and transports the essence and persona of Whitney for a night of exhilarating and gripping performances. Showcasing fan-favorite songs from Whitney Houston’s past albums, along with snappy dialogue providing personal insight behind each song, some of Las Vegas’ hottest musicians, two incredible background vocalists, and four dynamic dancers, this amazing production will be a wonderful treat for all the Whitney Fans around the world!

On Your Feet!

NOVEMBER 2-5, 2023

THEIR MUSIC, THEIR STORY, THEIR PASSION...

On Your Feet! is the story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, two people who— through an unwavering dedication to one another and their pursuit of the American dream— showcased their talent, their music, and their heritage to the world in a remarkable rise to global superstardom.

SOME OF THE MOST ICONIC SONGS OF ALL TIME... Featuring music by Emilio Estefan, Gloria Estefan, and Miami Sound Machine, including Grammy Award winning songs “The Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “Anything for You,” “1-2-3,” “Get On Your Feet,” and “Here We Are.” Prepare to be on your feet from start to finish!

Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken - Twenty | The Tour David Sedaris

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken are thrilled to reunite 20 years after captivating audiences during their historic run on the second season of Fox’s American Idol in 2003. Due to overwhelming demand, and on the heels of the first leg of their critically acclaimed Twenty | The Tour, the multi-platinum recording artists are hitting the road again for the second leg of their reunion tour. From Clay’s iconic rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” to Ruben’s soulful single “Flying Without Wings,” join America’s favorite odd couple for an unforgettable evening of music and memories, delivered as only these true superstars can.

NOVEMBER 13, 2023

One of America’s pre-eminent humor writers with over 16 million copies of his books in print, David Sedaris is a master of satire and one of today’s most observant writers. Beloved for his personal essays and short stories, he has been nominated for five Grammy Awards for Best Spoken Word and Best Comedy Album. He has been awarded the Terry Southern Prize for Humor, Thurber Prize for American Humor, Jonathan Swift International Literature Prize for Satire and Humor, Time 2001 Humorist of the Year Award, and the Medal for Spoken Language from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

608-6888

Photo by David Grenier

Photo: DJ Corey

Photo: DJ Corey

IN THE KNOW

Sept. 15

Sherwood Demonstration

Garden is open every Friday and Saturday for open garden days, 9 a.m. to noon. Take a leisurely stroll through all 16 themed gardens. Docents are on site to assist with any gardening questions.

Check the website before visiting at ucanr.edu/sites/ EDC_Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden.

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.

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.

“Teeth” takes the stage Sept. 15-17 at Cal Cap Black Box Theatre, 9845 Horn Road, Suite 100, Rancho Cordova. For tickets and more information call (916) 706-2000 or visit calcapblackbox.com/teeth.

Big Idea Theatre in Sacramento presents “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center of New York City,” Sept. 15 through Oct. 7. For tickets and more information call (916) 960-3036 or visit bigideatheatre.org.

Sept. 16

UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts Garlic, Shallots & More, 9 a.m. to noon at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden in Placerville. Master Gardeners will

Placerville Arts Association Studio Tour Explore local artists’ private world

Sylvia Coleman Placerville Arts Association

Learn about artists’ inspiration and see where they get their dirty fingernails and their rainbow stained aprons during the 2023 Placerville Arts Association Studio Tour, Sept. 16 & 17 and Sept. 23 & 24.

Just what goes into creating that one-of-a-kind painting or jewelry or wooden art piece or photograph — and much more? Learning the answer is just one of the many delights that await those ready to step into the mercurial realm of art.

Nine studios will showcase 35 artists’ works, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

This is a chance to meet some of the most outstanding and award-winning artists who live and create in the beautiful Sierra foothills — a time to talk to creative folk, watch them work and see lots of finished artworks, many of which will be for sale.

There will be a wide variety of artworks to see and enjoy — paintings, woodwork, ceramics, fine art photography, artisan jewelry to fine woodwork and even gourd art. For a downloadable brochure and additional details visit the tour website at paastudiotour.com.

Want more art fun?

PAA hosts its monthly artistic get-together, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18 at the Placerville Senior Center, 937

Spring St. Two talented artists will demonstrate and share their perspectives on creating abstract artwork. Lucia Rothgeb will concentrate on acrylic, collage and ink. Gloria Vernon will explore watercolor crystals — known as Brusho. Rothgeb has lived in Northern California all her life and has been an active member of PAA for many years. Making art is part of her history and her life — drawing and painting since childhood. Since retiring, she has had a great time “playing” at a variety of media. Aside from winning many art awards, she has made great contributions to a number of art associations and art groups.

Rothgeb will be exploring the use of acrylic paints, collage and ink to make abstract paintings. There will be a description following the process — from inspiration to finished work. Materials used will also be explained. To learn more visit luciarothgeb.com/about.

The ‘clues’ add up ... to murder

Andrew Vonderschmitt Mountain Democrat correspondent

“Clue: On Stage” — the play based on the movie based on the board game based on all too familiar murder mystery tropes — is a riotous 90-minute romp through the classic whodunnit scenario.

Whodunnit? Head to Imagination Theater in Placerville when the comedic murder mystery/farce opens Sept. 15.

The 1985 Paramount film “Clue” garnered an instant cult following with a star-studded cast delivering over-the-top performances befitting a movie based on a popular board game ... based on, based on.

Local audiences will easily recognize many of the characters like Col. Mustard, Professor Plum and Mrs. Peacock, to name just a few. Not to mention

■ See CLUE page B4

“Under the Wave” by Suzanne Haydu

“True Friends” by Sherry Lynn Morris

■ See ART, page B8

“Wild Flower Song” by Lucia Rothgeb

■ See KNOW page B4

Achilles Wheel will rock georgetown amphitheater

Lynn Schardt Music on the Divide

Music On The Divide’s 2023 season returns to the Georgetown School amphitheater Sept. 17 with Achilles Wheel. This band, featuring leading voices in the California roots scene, brings high energy and an engaging stage presence with country and bluegrass music.

Achilles Wheel is a California band that blurs the lines between genres with a mix of infectious, high energy dance beats and stark, lyrical ballads. Members have an infectious quality that shines.

Hailing from Nevada City, Achilles Wheel began in 2018 with the release of its fouth studio album, “Sanctuary.” The band won a Sacramento Area Music Award in 2019, announced by the Sacramento News & Review, which noted at the time, “Genres can’t really contain Achilles Wheel, the Nevada City/ Placerville band that wants you to dance to rock ’n’ roll, roots and a global pallet of grooves.”

Five talents who

bring the energy to the stage include Johnny “Mojo” Flores, a longtime local guitarist/ vocalist celebrated at Placerville venues as well as festivals all over Northern California. Ben Jacobs plays keyboard and accordion. Jacobs also plays with Grateful Bluegrass Boys and Poor Man’s Whiskey. Paul Kamm is an

award-winning singersongwriter, part of the internationally recognized modern folk duo, Paul Kamm and Eleanore MacDonald. Kamm is also well known as one of the most energetic and hard driving rhythm guitarists performing today. Shelby Snow, on bass and violin, has been in the business 44 years. Snow’s projects

include opening performances for Jefferson Airplane, Booker T & the MGs, David Grisman Quintet and Stoneground to name a few. Mark McCartney is on drums and vocals. Watching McCartney play drums has been described by some as witnessing “a musical monster that has been unchained.” Playing every style from

jazz to African, reggae to alternative rock to celtic, McCartney’s credentials go back 40 years. This outdoor concert starts at 3 p.m. at the amphitheater behind the Black Oak Mine District office at 6540 Wentworth Springs Road, Georgetown. Parking is available at Georgetown School office area. Follow the signs. The cedar beam seating in the amphitheater is spacious, rustic and mostly shady. Hats,

water bottles, and seat cushions are suggested for audience comfort. The Chunks of Heaven food truck will offer delicious drink and snack options on site during the event. Pre-sale tickets are available at eventbrite. com and search for Achilles Wheel. Tickets will also be available at the gate on the day of the event if space is available. For more information visit musiconthedivide.org or view the band’s website at achilleswheel.com.

Courtesy photo

Achilles Wheel will perform high-energy country and bluegrass music at this Sunday’s Music on the Divide concert.

World premiere performance coming to NorCal

GRASS VALLEY — InConcert

Sierra Orchestra’s upcoming concert will premiere local composer Alexis Alrich’s, “Sierra Rhapsody,’’ a work specially composed for and features the performance of pianist Lynn Schugren. The work was written as a tribute to the Sierra foothills communities and the awe-inspiring Sierra Nevada will be performed Sunday, Sept. 17.

Local composer Alrich’s musical journey began at age 8 with piano lessons, leading to extensive composition studies at prestigious institutions such as the New England Conservatory of Music, California Institute of the Arts and Mills College, where she achieved her master’s degree in music composition.

Known for her unique style, Alrich draws inspiration from a diverse range of influences, including minimalism, French Impressionism, gamelan, Chinese music and American roots music. Her compositions are characterized by melodic and tonal elements, lively rhythms and a vibrant palette of timbres, creating captivating musical narratives. Her work has received acclaim from both audiences and critics alike, with one reviewer stating, “From its shimmering opening, Alrich’s substantial three-movement “Marimba Concerto” creates a distinctively lyrical world. The insistent rhythmic patterns

of minimalism sit naturally alongside calmer, more impressionistic textures …” (BBC Music, Concertos for Mallet Instruments CD review).

Schugren, an accomplished local pianist with a rich history of solo and chamber music performances, is the dedicated force behind “Sierra Rhapsody.” Schugren’s musical journey has taken her to renowned venues, including Old First Concerts, Crocker Art Museum and the Oakland Museum, while also sharing her talent with Music in the Mountains, the Nevada County Composers Cooperative and the Young Composers

Program of Music in the Mountains, now known as the Composers Project at InConcert Sierra. “Sierra Rhapsody’’ was commissioned by Schugren, who also contributed to the title’s suggestion. Alrich drew inspiration for this composition from the breathtaking Sierra mountains, a snowy expanse that graces the spine of California. Alrich’s contemplation from a vantage point above Donner Lake, with its majestic peaks, colorful wildflowers and vibrant wildlife, shaped the essence of the music.

This concerto comprises three movements seamlessly woven into

one continuous musical journey, featuring a main theme with a Celtic flair, a lively scherzo-like section and a soul-stirring adagio. The piece concludes with a spirited coda. “Sierra Rhapsody” is designed to showcase Schugren’s artistic brilliance and pianistic prowess, harmoniously engaging with the orchestra’s diverse colors. It unfolds as a conversation between the piano and the ensemble, each conveying its unique voice, at times taking turns politely, at times echoing and at times engaging in lively

Courtesy photo

Composer Alexis Alrich’s “Sierra Rhapsody’’ premieres this Sunday.

ValleVision Photography InConcert Sierra’s 2023-24 Third Sunday Concert Series begins Sept. 17.

n See premiere, page B8

Clue Continued from B1

the all-too-familiar murder weapons like the dagger, the candle stick, the rope and the lead pipe. Even if they don’t recall seeing the movie or playing the over 70-year-old game, these things have permeated the culture for so long that their familiarity is hard to deny.

Cluedo (as it was originally known) or Clue the board game was created by Anthony E. Pratt for Hasbro and was released in 1949. It was touted as “The Great Detective Game.” It quickly entered popular culture in such a way that elements of the game were a part of everyday conversation becoming recognizable whether or not one had played the actual game.

The stage play, based on the original 1985 screenplay by Jonathan Lynn, is written by Sandy Rustin with additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price and an original score by Michael Holland.

Imagination Theatre stalwart Lorin Torbitt who takes on the director’s chair for this production admitted that this show brings together two of

her favorite things.

“Board games and theater are two of my greatest passions,” she told the Mountain Democrat. “I loved the idea of helping to bring this murder mystery story based on a board game to the stage.”

Although an unapologetic comedy, Torbitt said there is a serious side to “Clue,” commenting on what people are capable of when facing fear, suspicion and paranoia.

However, Torbitt knew the process would be fun, partly due to the clever and comedic script. “But also because of this extremely talented cast that brings each character to life ... or death.”

Nicholas East, Union Mine Theatre and Imagination Theater alum, takes on the acclaimed role of Wadsworth the butler. Audiences may recognize East from “Heathers” at Union Mine, where he played the anti-hero JD, or his tamer character in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” at Imagination Theater.

“This has been a decade-long dream

Know Continued from B1 discuss how to successfully select, grow and harvest onions, garlic, shallots, leeks, scallions and chives. Register online at surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=41236. At $2 parking fee will be enforced.

Automotive Excellence in Placerville hosts its annual car show, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring custom and classic vehicles, vendors, a DJ, cake walk and great food. For more information visit autoxonline.com/car-show.

El Dorado Gold 1848 hosts a community event with Save the Graves, Living History, El Dorado Western Railroad and other groups passionate about history at 515 Main St. in Placerville, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn about these organizations and local history. The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts the EDH Summerfest, 4-9:30 p.m. in Community Park. Enjoy live entertainment, games and rides, a petting zoo, rock wall, beer and wine garden and more. For more information visit edhcsd. org.

Rockin’ Souls will perform at 4 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/livemusic.

for me,” confessed East explaining that his father showed him the classic film and Tim Curry’s iconic performance as Wadsworth when he was around 9 years old.

“I said, I want to do that one day,” recalled East. “I want to be the evil Butler.”

His father encouraged him to keep working toward that goal and East has been involved in theater since. He played another nefarious butler in “Aristocats,” at Imagination Theater recently.

East said he enjoys playing a multilayered role like Wadsworth who appears to be one thing until his true nature is revealed.

“There’s Wadsworth in the very beginning of the show where I get to be this eerily creepy, very slick Butler who definitely knows more than he’s letting on,” he said adding that the final reveal and the chaos that leads the cast to that reveal will surprise anyone who hasn’t seen the movie.

Erin Butler, who plays the classic Mrs. White, has been involved at

The Pollock Pines-Camino Community Center Association hosts a fundraiser for the center’s septic system restoration, 4:30-9 p.m. Enjoy a baby back rib dinner with potato salad, baked beans, green salad and dinner rolls plus music by DJ Chris Rodriquez. Stop by the center at 2675 Sanders Drive in Pollock Pines to pick up tickets (paying cash or check) or call Judi at (530) 417-3235 (paying with credit card).

Kilt & Cork hosts the Placerville Block Party in downtown Placerville Featuring music from One Of These Nights – Tribute to the Music of the Eagles, a scavenger hunt, kids zone, local beer and wine and more. For more information visit kiltandcork.com.

Sierra Vista Winery in the Pleasant Valley area hosts North Forty performing country hits, 4:30-8 p.m. For more information call (530) 622-7221 or visit sierravistawinery.com.

Carson Road Wineries hosts its Summer BBQ Series with grilled bites and great wines at Crystal Basin Cellars, Nello Olivo Winery, Findleton Estate and Myka Cellars.

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

Public Notices 

Imagination Theater for a number of years and currently serves on the board of directors.

“She’s a character that I’ve always wanted to play,” shared Butler, admitting an affinity to the part and particularly Madeline Kahn’s performance in the movie that Butler said she’s seen upward of 1,000 times.

While Kahn is an inspiration to her performance, Butler insisted she’s not trying to mimic the extolled performance; it’s also a departure from the usual roles she plays.

“This role, I feel like is much more like I have to kind of go into my lower register,” she said, adding she enjoys the challenge.

“The cast has done an incredible job at honing their characters … they make me laugh at every rehearsal,” Torbitt added. “It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with them.”

“Clue: On Stage” runs Sept. 15-30, at Imagination Theater on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. Visit itplacerville.org for more information.

Sons of Rock N Roll will perform 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Casino Stage Bar at Red Hawk Casino in Placerville. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.

Fairytale Town in Sacramento welcomes back Mumbo Gumbo, 7-9 p.m. on the Mother Goose Stage. For tickets and more information visit fairytaletown.org.

Knight Foundry Alliance hosts Feast at the Foundry in Sutter Creek, a fun and festive annual event that supports the many projects at this working historical site first established by Samuel Knight 150 years ago. Tickets can be purchased online at knightfoundry.com.

Sept. 17

El Dorado Western Railroad offers train rides at the El Dorado Station, 4650 Oriental St., beginning at 10 a.m. the first and third Sundays of each month. Trains leave on the hour 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., weather permitting. Call ahead to ensure trains are running at (530) 663-3581.

Musician Ed Wilson will perform at Gaslight Co. in Folsom, 2-5 p.m.

Simms Band will perform at 3 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/livemusic.

Mariachi Herencia de Mexico performs at 7:30 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

Premiere Continued from B3

dialogue.

When asked about her musical style, Alrich humbly shared, “At times labeling my musical style has puzzled people. It is in the classical tradition but uses rhythms and harmonies not typical of earlier eras. However, it is not in avant-garde style, because it is melodic and has a clear tonality. Maybe someone will come up with a name for this style, but until that day, it’s ‘music.’”

The InConcert Sierra Orchestra, led

AlohA spirit

by Conductor and Artistic Director Ken Hardin will also perform Finzi’s “Eclogue for Pianoforte and String Orchestra,” Rossini’s “Overture: Il Signor Bruschino,” “Salut d’Amour” by Edward Elgar and Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K.550. The concert begins at 2 p.m. at 12889 Osborne Hill Road (Seventhday Adventist Church) in Grass Valley. For tickets and more information call (530) 273-3990 or visit inconcertsierra.org.

Art Continued from B1

Vernon was born and raised in Placerville. She’s retired from a busy 28-year career teaching high school art. Through her art career, which includes winning many art awards, she has reached Master Circle status with International Association of Pastel Societies, and Signature status with Pastel Society of America and Sierra Pastel Society.

“My enthusiasm for ‘abstract’ has blossomed,” Vernon said. “ I’ve done pastel abstracts and fused glass abstracts. Now I’m really enjoying the fluidity and spontaneous quality of crystal watercolors.” (Did someone say something about water?)

Vernon will demonstrate the fluidity and spontaneous quality of highly pigmented watercolor crystals and how she uses them to establish mood and composition in her abstract paintings. She will also use iridized watercolors and pen to create detail and define shapes. To learn more visit facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008310212095.

For more information about PAA visit placervillearts.com.

Know Continued from B4

Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento presents A Marriage of Arts & Crafts featuring the works of Evelyn and William De Morgan, Sept. 17 through Jan. 7, 2024. For tickets and more information visit crocker.org.

Sept. 18

Vitalant will host an El Dorado Hills community blood drive. noon to 4:30 p.m. with the Bloodmobile located in the parking lot near the baseball fields at the EDH 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.

Sept. 19

Broadway Sacramento presents “Hadestown,” Sept. 19-24 at the Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center. For tickets and more information call (916) 557-1999 or visit broadwaysacramento.com.

Now

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) 3531001 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. 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.

Gold Bug Park & Mine in Placerville is open Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit goldbugpark.org.

Send event information for In The Know at least two weeks in advance to nstack@mtdemocrat.net.

Courtesy photo

Eskaton Village Placerville residents got into the ‘Aloha’ spirit last month with a traditional luau featuring the Aloha Dancers and authentic Hawaiian food complete with a roasted pig. Above, guests get a dance lesson from the pros.

“Peacock Party” by Gloria Vernon