Mountain Democrat, Monday, September 25, 2023

Tahoe resident continues to fight Tahoe Conservancy

Laney Griffo Tahoe Daily Tribune

The South Lake Tahoe resident who alleges his home was damaged by flooding caused by the California Tahoe Conservancy hopes the lawsuit he filed against the agency is quickly and peacefully wrapped up.

The conservancy acquired Upper Truckee Marsh land between Tahoe Keys and the Al Tahoe Neighborhood in the 1980s, although work didn’t begin on a meadow restoration project until the 2000s. The project ramped up in 2021 to dig new waterways through the marsh, place dams along the waterways and allow more water to flow into Trout Creek.

The goal of project was to rewet the marshland so it can act as a natural filter for water flowing into Lake Tahoe, helping to increase lake clarity.

Resident Damian Sowers grew up in an Al Tahoe home that abuts the marsh. He purchased the home from his father in 2020. In the lawsuit Sowers filed against the Conservancy in June, he states his house came within an inch of flooding during a minor storm in 2021 shortly after the 31 check dams were installed, thus it was obvious to him the project was putting his house at risk.

During the historic winter of 2022-23, Sowers’ home completely flooded. Video footage Sowers took of the flooding shows about 3 feet of standing water in his house. He said sandbags weren’t able to prevent water from coming in and once water entered the house, it stayed there for many months. Because his house had sitting water for so long, it was no longer habitable.

Sowers said he rented a second home and this summer embarked on a half-million dollar

Community basketball game builds up youth confidence

As part of a local effort to provide local at-risk youths the opportunity to connect and participate, the Boys and Girls Club in Placerville hosted a seasonal basketball game between youths and players from the El Dorado County Probation Department Wednesday night.

Organized in partnership between local nonprofit Gold Country Basketball Inc. and the Probation Department, the game was about more than just 3-pointers and layups, according to community mentor and organizer of the event

Tracy Bunch.

“I work with the kids who often aren’t seen or heard,” Bunch explained. “Kids who might be out of group homes or the juvenile justice system. We show them drills, plays and fundamentals, so

that they might be able to make the teams at their school, and to build up their confidence.”

The youth team, called the Golden Eagles, usually sees 10 to 20 kids coming to every practice. The roster might vary, but Bunch said there are some core kids who make sure to attend every practice they can. Building off the fundamentals, Bunch encourages his players to take command of the court, communicating and leading the way for one another while taking the chance to go big when they can; the only way to make a 3-pointer is to take the shot to begin with.

With two back-to-back losses on the books from previous games, the probation team came to court looking for a comeback. The Golden Eagles brought their best but the trophy changed hands for the first time since its introduction, with

n See BasketBall, page A6

Photo courtesy of Damian Sowers

Damian Sowers stands in his South Lake Tahoe home that flooded this past winter, which saw historic precipitation and snowfall.

Mountain Democrat photos by Odin Rasco

“Don’t be afraid to shoot for a 3-pointer,” community mentor and Gold Country Basketball Inc. coach and organizer Tracy Bunch tells his team. Part of a program aimed at giving at-risk youth a chance to participate in team sports, the Golden Eagles played hard against a team from the El Dorado County Probation Department Wednesday night at the Placerville Boys and Girls Club.

Odin Rasco Staff writer

Community members cheer on the Golden Eagles, left photo, as they head into the Boys and Girls Club gymnasium. Youth from across the county, right photo, played hard against players from the probation department, but lost the game 24-51. The Golden Eagles are already planning for a comeback win this winter.

n See sowers, page A3

Bonnie Hearn

Oct. 27, 1929 - Sept. 13, 2023

Bonnie Hearn, a long-time resident of Volcanoville and in her later years Garden Valley, was born in Oklahoma. Her family moved to California when she was a small child, where they settled in the Salinas Valley.

When she graduated from college, her degree was in physical therapy. During the 1980s through early 2000, she worked as a physical therapist for Placer County doing home visits and took care of many patients in the Georgetown Divide area.

Bonnie was a horse lover and was very active for a long period of time in the local Horse and Rescue group. She also was devoted to her dogs, of which she had many during her life. She spent a great deal of time training them, and entered them in many dog competitions in Placerville and other areas of California.

For the last five years, Bonnie lived in a senior living complex in Folsom. She had many friends and acquaintances in the area of Georgetown and Garden Valley, and she will be missed by those who knew her.

John Edward Van Alen Jr.

Jan. 8, 1932 – Aug. 23, 2023

John Edward Van Alen Jr. was born January 8, 1932 in Manhattan, New York and passed away peacefully August 23, 2023 at the age of 91 with his wife and family at his bedside.

He grew up in Brooklyn, New York and after high school joined the United States Navy. He served during the Korean War. After discharge from the Navy he married Carol Joan Sailor and they moved to California where he found employment testing rocket engines at Aerojet.

His pride and joy was his ranch in Shingle Springs where he raised his family and had a few horses.

“Jack,” as he was a ectionately known, enjoyed many di erent hobbies including CB radio communicating and flying RC planes. He put together an awesome four foot long paddle wheeler boat with all the intricate parts. He was especially meticulous with whatever he set out to do.

He was preceded in death is by his sister, Alida Delaney, and his wife Carol Joan. He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Pick, his son, John Van Alen III, his daughters Cindy Woodel, and Susan Stullich. His wife, Carol Jean also survives him as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Services will be private.

Patrick Shepard Couch

Dec. 26, 1934 – July 18, 2023

Patrick Shepard Couch passed away peacefully on July 18th, 2023, at the age of 88. He was born December 26, 1934, to Robert W. and Helen J. Couch in Jefferson City, Missouri. He attended school there graduating in 1952 from St. Peters High School. He went on to study engineering in college, graduating from Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and after completing Officer Candidate School at Newport, Rhode Island, he was commissioned and ordered to serve in the Public Works Department at Mare Island Naval Shipyard; the Naval Hospital at the Marine Corps Base in Camp Pendleton, California; and finally at the Marine Corps Base at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Altogether, Patrick’s active-duty service with the Navy covered almost five years. He returned to civilian life and to Missouri School of Mines and in the summer of 1964 received his master’s degree in civil engineering. He continued his military service later that year after moving to Sacramento, California, and served for another 18 years in the Naval Reserves (Seabees), rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. In his civilian life, he worked for the State of California as a design engineer for the Department of Water Resources on the California Aqueduct, Napa’s turnout reservoir and its pipeline surge tank. After 4 years at DWR, he transferred to Caltrans and over the next 13 years he wrote construction contract specifications and worked on subventions for city and county road projects. In 1980 he transferred to the Department of Parks and Recreation, from which he retired in December 1984.

Patrick loved the great outdoors, especially creeks, hunting and fishing, and did his best to pass that love and appreciation on to his children. He deeply loved El Dorado County, where he and his family settled in 1967, and he especially loved the hills, streams and meadows surrounding Pleasant Valley, including Sly Park Lake, Clear Creek, and the Cosumnes River. Patrick believed in conservation, and for several years he helped the El Dorado Rod & Gun Club do monthly cleanups of illegal dump sites in El Dorado National Forest.

Patrick had a wry, self-deprecating sense of humor. He always loved a simple, clever joke. He was a devout Catholic, although attending Mass became physically di cult for him in his later years. While he was never one to ask for favors for himself, he would ask you to pray for the peaceful repose of his soul. He would certainly say with a smile that he would do the same for you if he indeed made it to the great campground in the sky.

Patrick was preceded in death by his brother, William Robert Couch, his sisters Mary Bob Palermo and Marilyn “Susie” Couch, and his former wife Peggy Helen Couch, who passed away in December 2022. He is survived by his six children, and 12 grandchildren: Kevin Couch, (Jenny Anderson; Colin); Kitty (Katherine) Light (Nicole Alvarez (Matt) and Ethan Suaste (Charla); Julie Dunn (Tony; Chrystal Garrett (Joe) and Melissa Mutzig (Scott); Sara Easterbrook (Keith; Ian Lange, Amelia Hughes(Sean), and Elizabeth Easterbrook); Rachel Couch (Natalie Hurt); and Tony (Anthony) Couch (Sequoya Campbell, Kai Lee Campbell, and Denali Campbell). Patrick also leaves behind six great-grandchildren: Clayton Garrett, Evelyn Mutzig, Alison Mutzig, Spencer Mutzig, Isaiah Morgan, and Jett Alvarez. Services will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, at a later date.

The following was taken from Placerville Police Department logs:

Aug. 31

6:23 p.m. Theft was reported on Main Street.

Sept. 1

7:20 a.m. Officers cited a 36-yearold man allegedly found illegally camping on private property on Broadway.

5:38 p.m. Officers arrested a 56-year-old man on suspicion of public intoxication.

9:30 p.m. Officers arrested a 46-year-old man who had a felony warrant on Main Street.

Sept. 2

8:55 a.m. Officers cited a 63-yearold man suspected of trespassing on Forni Road.

9:29 a.m. Officers arrested a 40-year-old man who had outstanding warrants on Wiltse Road.

11:14 a.m. Officers arrested a 38-year-old man on suspicion of public intoxication on Schnell School Road.

Sept. 4

8:46 a.m. Officers cited a 46-yearold man allegedly found in possession of drugs on Broadway.

4:25 p.m. Officers arrested a 43-year-old man on suspicion of public intoxication on Main Street.

9:05 p.m. A motorcyclist fled the scene after an officer initiated a traffic stop on Highway 50.

Sept. 5

9:17 a.m. Theft of a license plate was reported on Main Street.

4:09 p.m. Vehicle damage was

Stumpy Meadows Reservoir as of Sept. 19

Water storage 19,212 acrefeet

Percent full 91%

Inflow 23.63 cfs

18.75 cfs

Folsom Reservoir as of Sept. 20

Water storage 689,280 acre-

Percent full 71%

2,769 cfs

reported on Gold Bug Lane.

Sept. 7

3:35 p.m. Officers arrested a 52-year-old man on suspicion of public intoxication on Main Street.

8:01 p.m. A washer and dryer were reported stolen on Pythian Court.

Sept. 8

8:15 p.m. Officers cited a 28-yearold man allegedly in possession of drugs and illegal drug paraphernalia on Placerville Drive.

Sept. 9

5:34 a.m. Officers cited a 40-yearold man suspect of stealing a shopping cart on Broadway.

9:16 a.m. Officers cited a 30-yearold man allegedly in possession of illegal drug paraphernalia on Forni Road.

12:23 p.m. Officers arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance and in possession of fentanyl and illegal drug paraphernalia on Forni Road.

9:16 p.m. Officers responded to a reported overdose on Fair Lane.

11:01 p.m. Officers arrested a 25-year-old man on suspicion of public intoxication on Coloma Street.

Sept. 11

6:42 a.m. A bag containing a laptop was found on Main Street.

4:40 p.m. Officers cited a 29-yearold man allegedly driving on a suspended license on Highway 50. The suspect also had an outstanding warrant.

Sept. 12

8:31 a.m. Officers arrested a 53-year-old man who had an outstanding warrant on Fair Lane.

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Bridge trespassers caught swinging in Foresthill

Odin Rasco

Staff writer

A 19-year-old thrill seeker became stuck dangling from a rope 30 feet under the Foresthill Bridge Sept. 18, leading to a rescue from more than two dozen first responders.

The Placer County Sheriff’s Office received a call shortly before 6:30 p.m., alerting them a young man was stuck swinging below the deck of the bridge. The teen had reportedly snuck to the catwalks under the bridge so his 17-year-old friend could film him swinging under the bridge. The 19-year-old became stuck, however, and his equipment failed while he

Sowers

Continued from A1 project to lift his house and raise the foundation 5 feet.

While there is no dispute Sowers’ home was damaged last winter, the crux of the lawsuit comes from whether the conservancy’s project was the cause of the flooding that damaged his home. While California Tahoe Conservancy officials can’t comment on active litigation, a representative told the Tahoe Daily Tribune, “We cannot speak to the duration and severity of historical floods but we’re aware there has been flooding in neighborhoods surrounding the Upper Truckee Marsh for decades. What sets last winter apart is the extreme weather: nine ‘atmospheric river’ storm systems, including two that dumped considerable rain on top of the snowpack, along with a record snowpack and some of the coldest average temperatures in decades, which kept snow from melting well until later in the year.”

But Sowers points to the conservancy project as the cause of the flooding.

“What sets last winter apart is the 31 check dams blocking every exit channel in the marsh,” Sowers said. “Ice built up behind these dams and the marsh became plugged up like a bathtub. We’ve had numerous extreme winters before. The winter of 2011 was the fourth snowiest on record and also one of the coldest and there wasn’t any water threatening my house that year.”

Sowers noted he attempted to work with conservancy staff for over a year before filing the lawsuit. He added he’s an environmentalist at heart and the issue is with the project itself.

“I’m imploring the conservancy board to do the ethical thing in this situation and not force this into a multi-year court battle,” Sowers said. “I want the conservancy to be successful with their restoration efforts still, but the project needs to be modified so that more homes aren’t lost, and the damage already caused to locals needs to be properly mitigated.”

While conservancy officials have not spoken directly about Sowers’ home, they maintain the project is not responsible for flooding in the area.

“Conservancy staff have closely

hung 30 feet beneath the bridge — close to 700 feet above the ground below. The young man’s friend called 911 when it became clear he needed assistance.

First responders from PCSO and Cal Fire came to the scene, accompanied by a technical rescue team. The TRT and PCSO deputies made their way to the catwalk and lowered a rescuer to the risk-taker caught in the breeze. The rescuer and the young man were successfully brought back up to the catwalk, and the 19-year-old was checked by medics at the scene. The teens were ultimately cited for trespassing on the bridge by PCSO deputies.

monitored the issues at the marsh and have seen no evidence that the restoration project at the marsh caused flooding along the neighborhood,” state conservancy officials.

Former conservancy program manager of 20-plus years Steven Goldman, who worked on the beginning stages of the project, has spoken out in Sowers’ defense.

“The reason we didn’t implement the project was because there were people’s houses around the property,” Goldman said.

In a letter Goldman sent to California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot he states, “Conservancy staff and their consultants have blamed the flooding on an ”atmospheric river“ of precipitation that occurred last winter and on the presence of beaver dams. I do not believe, however, that these arguments have merit in part because of the following facts: while there were some large storms last winter, these storms were smaller in magnitude than major storms in past years that did not cause flooding of Mr. Sowers’ home.”

The Tribune toured Sowers property in early September and marsh water still comes up to Sowers’ deck, leading him to believe his property will flood again this winter. Sowers finds the project has changed the floodplain in the area.

Sowers said the conservancy’s “worse case” flood projections for the project was one-tenth of a foot added to the 100-year flood elevation at El Dorado Avenue.

“This March, the water was 2 feet above the 100-year flood elevation, which is 20 times their projection. Additionally, the marsh water level was above the 100-year flood elevation for seven months straight and it’s currently sitting right at the 100year level in the dry season, two dry seasons in a row. Flood waters that don’t recede don’t really qualify as flood waters anymore. It’s a permanent environmental change,” Sowers said.

Conservancy staff said they are “collecting data and continuing our monitoring, and we’re doing our best to figure out how climate change and extreme weather are affecting the watershed and these systems.”

We

El

Savings Bank has Earned the Highest Rating for 119 Consecutive Quarters. www.bauerfinancial.com

The FINDLEY REPORT

El Dorado Savings Bank Awarded the Classification of Premier Performance during the year 2022. www.findley-reports.com

Member www.eldoradosavingsbank.com

Courtesy photo

Dozens of first responders came to the rescue of a 19-year-old young man who became stuck swinging from a rope 30 feet below the Foresthill Bridge Sept. 18.

The fight for Proposition 13 heads to the ballot

Recently, and despite the popularity of Proposition

13, the California Legislature passed two proposed amendments to the California Constitution that rip huge holes in that iconic taxpayer protection overwhelmingly approved by voters in 1978.

But here’s the good news. These anti-homeowner bills must be approved at a statewide election and, given the anger from thousands of constituents who flooded the Capitol with calls, letters and petitions, the two measures are likely headed for the defeat they so richly deserve.

These two bills, Assembly Constitutional Amendment 1 and Assembly Constitutional Amendment 13, are both serious threats to Proposition 13, although for two di erent reasons.

Assembly Constitutional Amendment 1 is a direct attack on Proposition 13 that would remove the taxpayer protection of the two-thirds vote of the electorate required to pass local special taxes. If this measure is enacted, local taxes for “infrastructure” — defined so broadly as to be meaningless — could pass with just 55% of the vote instead of the 66.67% margin as required by Proposition 13. This makes it easier for local governments to raise taxes so California’s already stressed taxpayers will end up paying billions more.

Because ACA 1 repeals language in Proposition 13, even the most dishonest politician can’t argue that it leaves Prop. 13 unharmed. But ACA 13 is a di erent type of assault that doesn’t directly alter Prop. 13’s language. But the harm it inflicts is just as bad. Here’s how.

ACA 13 is a devious attempt to prevent taxpayers from protecting Prop. 13. It aims to derail the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act, an initiative constitutional amendment that has already qualified for the November 2024 ballot. TPA restores Proposition

■ See COUPAL, page A5

Letter to the Editor

El Dorado County could very well become its own state EDITOR:

It might just need to come to that — to secede from California and become masters of our own fate, as free and independent citizens of America; to become one of the United States and take our rightful place in this great nation. Parents would actually-have a voice in school policy, local citizens would actually-have a voice in a new state government and our taxes would be kept at home to do the most-good.

Right now over 80% of the state taxes we currently pay go to fund pet projects in other parts of the state that do not benefit us at all … and we get nothing in return. Nothing but more outrageous rules and regulations and higher taxes and fees.

We should have a say in our own future, to provide for ourselves a front-row seat in the days ahead and the times to come. This would not be a futile attempt at just breaking away aimlessly, but a real constructive procedure that could actually work. Water storage, instead of high-speed rail, better forest management and improved roads, etc.

We could, once and for all, break away from the multitude of corrupt California politicians and bureaucrats with their many layers of hidden agendas for their own causes and profits. We could tender our secession, limit our new government, lower taxes and remain fiscally sound. This county could self-sustain as its own state. Many other counties across this nation are right now considering a move like this. It’s called freedom and the voices are loud and clear. Watch for us, look us up at eldoradostate.substack.com and get involved, if you think it’s a good idea.

JIM ALLEN Placerville

Church and state

EDITOR:

Isupport Mr. Taylor’s letter helping readers understand the di erence between being anti-religion and supporting the separation of church and state.

The claim that America was founded as a Christian nation is demonstrably false as revealed by many documents of the time — the Constitution, Madison’s Memorial and the Treaty of Tripoli, which says, “the government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.”

James Madison wrote the greatest defense of the wall of separation: “Pride and indolence in the clergy; ignorance and servility in the laity, in both, superstition, bigotry and persecution were the fruits of fifteen centuries of established Christianity.”

Thomas Je erson wrote, “I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people (the First Amendment) which declared that their legislature should ‘make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof’, thus building a wall of separation between church and state.”

Because our Founding Fathers were irreligious, we are free to believe any religion we choose or to believe in no religion at all. And, I believe we have no right to hate other religions or hate the irreligious. Be happy we can all make our own free choice.

BETSY KERR Placerville

Midnight at Cala Foods staff writer turned novelist

Ilived in San Francisco for seven years, which included junior college, a break driving cab for a year and finishing up at San Francisco State. I was majoring in classics, which meant Greek, Latin and Sanskrit.

Besides the GI Bill I worked as a security guard, usually sitting at a desk in the lobby of an o ce building, working the swing shift and studying.

I had a friend who was also a security guard. He was French. His name was Michel, the French version of my name, Michael. Every Friday after getting o shift the two of us and

LEGISLATORS’ ADDRESSES

his girlfriend would go to Cala Foods and pick up a Chateaubriand steak and a tube of escargot.

I have not seen chateaubriand in the local stores here. It was ready to pick up at Cala Foods. Cala Foods at midnight was one of the genuine adventures of San Francisco. Also standing in the checkout lane would be the transvestites from the show at Finocchio’s and other colorful characters. Cala Foods closed in 2011. It was a loss for San Francisco. It may have seen the vibes changed for the worse. Whole Foods shut down this past year because employees didn’t feel safe

Cala Foods closed in 2011. It was a loss for San Francisco. It may have seen the vibes changed for the worse.

coming to work. The entire shopping center on Market Street closed, along with Nordstrom this year. There was a little stationary store I always went to in the shopping area to pick up a fresh plastic insert for all the cards in my wallet. Now, I have to go to Amazon for those. There used to be a Weinstein store on Market Street. I bought my jobhunting suit there. Weinstein’s went out of business long ago.

•

•

•

John Sammon was a sta writer for the Mountain Democrat. I believe he worked for us when we were on

Main Street. I don’t remember him on Broadway.

Since leaving the Democrat he started writing novels. I counted 14 novels on Amazon. He just announced his 14th, “Infested Waters” — something about the Amazon River. It’s a change of pace from his Zeb Simms series, Mountain Man series or Judge Rip series.

Someday I’m going to ask the butcher to cut me a chateaubriand. We’ll see if that’s even possible in Placerville.

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

… voters need to find out how their legislators voted on ACA 13 and reward those who voted against it.

Coupal Continued from A4

13 protections that have been eroded by the courts and it is supported by a large coalition of taxpayer, business and property rights organizations.

If ACA 13 is enacted, TPA itself would require a two-thirds vote of the statewide electorate to pass, instead of a simple majority. That is virtually an insurmountable threshold for a statewide vote on a constitutional amendment. In fact, if ACA 13’s two-thirds vote requirement had always been the law, then California wouldn’t even have a constitution. That’s because the state constitution of 1879, and all subsequent revisions, all required a two-thirds vote of the local electorate to approve bonded indebtedness. Moreover, under such a high threshold for a statewide vote, Proposition 13 itself would not be law as it “only” secured 65% approval.

In short, ACA 13 is an e ort to prevent voters from ever again using the initiative process to protect themselves from excessive taxation.

Knowing how popular Proposition 13 is, the proponents of ACA 13 — local government associations and organized public sector labor, have resorted to new levels of lies and dissembling. For example, during the debate on ACA 13, several legislators claimed that ACA 13 doesn’t impact Prop 13. For that, they are awarded 5 “Pinocchios” for extraordinarily shameless lying. There can be no greater threat to Prop. 13 than a dagger at the heart of TPA which restores the protections of Prop. 13 that have been lost.

During the Senate floor debate, Democrat Toni

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD

Crossword

Atkins actually argued that ACA 13 was needed to preserve democracy by protecting the principle of “majority rule.” But ACA 13 would prevent the majority of California voters from trying to control local taxes by requiring that an already qualified constitutional amendment itself receive a supermajority vote to take e ect.

We also wonder whether legislators who supported ACA 13 have fully considered the political fallout that is coming. In the last election, voters rejected the infamous “split roll” initiative, another direct attack on Proposition 13. That measure sought to remove Prop. 13’s tax limits from business properties.

Proponents of split roll mistakenly believed it would be more palatable to voters by keeping the limits for homeowners in place. But voters have historically recoiled at any e ort to weaken Prop. 13. And as far as ACA 13 is concerned, there is no debate that it has a direct impact on homeowners who want to restore the protections of Prop. 13.

Two more points. First, although the proponents of ACA 13 wanted it to appear on the March ballot, it appears they may have to wait until November. The reason for that is pure politics and the subject of a future column.

Second, voters need to find out how their legislators voted on ACA 13 and reward those who voted against it. Call or write to them and thank them for standing with taxpayers. Support their reelection because we simply don’t have enough

representatives in Sacramento who respect the taxpaying public.

By the same token, taxpayers need to make sure that those who voted in favor pay a political price at the ballot box.

The fight continues.

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

Announcements

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

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

El DORADO COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB Dedicated to all aspects of ham radio. Meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at the El Dorado Sheriff’s office, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc. net

LEARN & PLAY CRIBBAGE Cribbage is a fun, fast paced game that will surely keep you on your toes! **All skill levels

**Learn to play by ACC Rules (American Cribbage Congress) **Beginner instruction available **Compete in weekly Cribbage tournaments. Call 916-768-4452 for more information. Gold Country Cribbers play Wednesday afternoon 4:30 pm at Steve’s Pizza, 3941 Park Dr., El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762

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

Struggling with life?

CELEBRATE RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@greenvalley.church.

Find us on Facebook: https://m. facebook.com/crgvcc/

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

GOLD RUSH CHORUS now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing four-part 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.

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)621-6304 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.

probation locking up the Eagles’ offensive game and winning 51-24.

Though probation took home the trophy, nobody left the game empty handed. To make sure the Golden Eagles would be able to bring their best to the court and not have to play in shoes not

suited for the sport, the Probation Department spent around $450 to buy shoes for every member of the team.

Before the game started, the probation team handed out boxes of the brand-new shoes to the Eagles, a show of support from the community, according to co-organizer of the

event Deputy Probation Officer Leticia MerazHendricks.

“Our department’s vision statement is ‘safe communities through changed lives,’” MerazHendricks stated.

“Doing events like this helps support our vision.”

The game is one of many on the horizon for

the Eagles, according to Bunch, who also coaches the team. The Golden Eagles have joined the West Coast Impact League, playing against other youth groups in California, and are already eager for another community game in the county. The probation department seems ready to get back to the court as well; Bunch shared that the probation team was in high spirits after their win, and is already talking about the Christmastime game.

For Bunch, seeing the kids get together and be engaged with the community while building their own confidence is what the games are all about.

“This nonprofit, and the stuff I do in the

community, it gives these kids who usually are overlooked a voice,” Bunch said. “I check in with the kids, build a relationship. I know resources for them can

be limited up here, and I work to be someone they can confide in. I didn’t have nobody like that coming up and I don’t want them to go through that also.”

Loni Cooke

Ned

Carnett Septic Service

PO Box 6 | River Pines | 530-622-3162

Loni Cooke loves going to work at Ned Carnett Septic Service because, “Helping people is our passion,” she said. “It is what drives the heart and soul of our family business.”

She added, “Ned, Deloris and Steven Carnett built a great business by helping people. We took over the business 2 1/2 years ago after working with them side by side. Ned Carnett Septic’s reputation and legacy will live on through our generations and more. We are the new Ned and Deloris of this generation assisting people every day who are not familiar with septics and showing them how to monitor and fix their systems themselves; therefore, not needing to spend money they just don’t want to spend.”

The business has been in the family for over 35 years. Everyone at Ned Carnett Spectic cares about the clients and are good at offering preventive advice to all our customers so they can breathe easy to avert disasters.

“Helping people is our passion,” Cooke said. “It is what drives the heart and soul of our family business.”

For anyone wanting to enter the septic business Cooke advised, “Wear gloves and love what you do.”

Ned Carnett Spetic consistently receives high ratings thanks to its customer service and ability to help the local communities.

“We do believe, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’,” she said.

Outside of work Cooke can be found with family, friends and animals and working in the garden and completing honey do lists.

In the future she plans on spoiling her grandchildren on the farm and watching the next generation continue the family business. She also hopes to have many happy customers.

Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco

With some players on the Golden Eagles team lacking basketball shoes, EDC Probation made sure they had the proper footwear before taking to the court Wednesday night.

In the KNOW

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 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) 6217545 or email EDSOStars@ edso.org.

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

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” through Oct. 7. For tickets and more information call (916) 960-3036 or visit bigideatheatre.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.

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 a.m. For more information call (530) 622-1180.

The Master Gardener public office is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to noon at 311 Fair Lane, Placerville. Have a gardening question or problem? Come in and chat. Bring a cutting or insect in a Ziploc baggie or a picture. Can’t come in person? Call (530) 6215512 and leave a voicemail or email mgeldorado@ ucanr.edu.

The purpose of the Widowed Persons Club is to provide a support group for widowed men and women of all ages and provide a wide range of social activities through which they have an opportunity to make new friends and find a

Excitement builds for the 2023 El Dorado wine grape harvest

As the farmers of El Dorado Wine Country prepare for the harvest, they’re thrilled to share the excitement. After navigating numerous challenging vintages and natural adversities over the last two years, this year the region anticipates a promising new season of winemaking.

The abundant spring rains reinvigorated soils to give the vineyards the right moisture, while the mild weather allowed the vines to grow slowly and bountifully. With nature’s timing matching the hard work of El Dorado’s winemakers, a delicious mix of tastes and aromas are expected in this year’s vintage.

After facing years of challenges, including devastating wildfires, prolonged droughts and a harsh double spring frost that resulted in a staggering 90% crop loss for growers, this year’s vintage is emerging with a promising outlook.

“The abundant spring rain saturated local soils and gave our vineyards the water they needed to establish a robust and healthy canopy. The cool and mild spring weather has allowed the vines to grow slowly and set a good crop,” said Marco Cappelli, winemaker at Toogood Estate Winery.

“Fruit set is exceptional in 2023. This year’s heavy spring rains have resulted in a lush and green vineyard canopy,” explained Frank Hildebrand, winemaker and farmer at Narrow Gate Vineyards. The 2023 harvest is expected to have a shift of approximately 10 days, predicting the harvest in the first or second week of September. While the delay might seem like a longer

Just roll with it

wait to enjoy the fruits of their labor, farmers view it as a positive sign supporting quality.

Jennifer Hunt of Starfield Vineyards shared, “The extension of the ripening period into the cooler parts of September and October will help preserve color and acidity in the grapes, and create deeply colored, bright, aromatic wines. It should be a sensational harvest.”

The new timing also offers the prospect of cooler evenings, a much-preferred scenario compared to the intense and stressful heat of earlier harvests experienced in the recent years.

As a united community, El Dorado Wine Country is getting ready for a promising season, setting the stage for an exciting harvest that truly represents the region’s winemaking heritage.

Mountain Democrat photos by Odin Rasco

Workers check the rows of vines at Madroña Vineyards early Sept. 18 to begin the wine grape harvest. Though Camino’s climate allows for a little wiggle room, harvest times for wine grapes are only open for a short window.

The bounty of grapes plucked from the vine Monday, Sept. 18, will soon be crushed and begin their almost magical transformation into a delicious chardonnay.

Mountain Democrat photos by Levi Satterfield

Students from the Independence High School’s Leadership and Living on Your Own elective courses to learn to make sushi at Amerikan Ichi in Placerville. Last Monday 18 students took over the kitchen. Each student was treated to a sushi roll and Javier Perez, owner and chef, also brought out Hawaiian chicken and fried rice. “They gave us more than two hours of their time and charged us nothing,” shared teacher Matt Meachen, explaining that additional staff also helped the students. “The kids had a phenomenal time.”

COMiCS

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad

Carpenter

cameron park resident’s adventures find place on page

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

Isaac Streeter Staff writer

Chuck Huebner, 79, has dedicated his life to his country. The result of 40 years of service between various military branches and government departments resulted in a lifetime of stories recently published as “On The Road Again.”

The book is chock-full of firsthand accounts of adventure. Growing up as a farm boy in upstate New York, flying in fighter jets during Vietnam, driving Pope John Paul II in Alaska and getting accused of being the Zodiac Killer are just the tip of the iceberg.

“My friends, relatives and I would tell stories from over the years,” Huebner said. “Someone told me ‘you ought to write a book’.”

After years of hearing the comment, the Cameron Park resident finally put his words on the page. “On The Road Again” is the result of five years of work, beginning in 2018 and completed in May 2023.

“Mostly I did it for family and friends (to preserve) my history,” Huebner said about his motivation for writing the book. “(It contains) a lot of things I never talked about much … I had to do a lot of research. I had no notes; it was just all from memory.”

The name of the book itself is inspired by a story from his time alongside President Reagan. After

joining the Secret Service and serving at a location in Portland, Ore., Huebner was assigned to then Gov. Reagan’s security detail during the 1980 election.

Country music artist Willie Nelson had released the song “On The Road Again” in the same year and Reagan was a big fan, according to Huebner. It became tradition for the pilot of their plane to play Nelson’s song after taking off from cities along the campaign trail.

His book was made possible through Barnes and Noble’s self-publishing service B&N Press and is available for purchase at Barnesandnoble.com.

Huebner’s wife, Karyn, served as the book’s editor and is listed on Barnes and Noble’s website as the author, something that makes Huebner laugh. He also cited the availability of the internet as well as the public nature of the presidency as his saving grace when piecing together his stories.

“You can go on the internet and put in just a general concept like ‘President Reagan, Grenada’ and you’ll come up with a whole list of (resources),” Huebner said.

Now that his book is complete — all 459 pages of it — Huebner has begun his newest project in retirement, home winemaking. He currently is the mentor coordinator of the El Dorado Home Winemakers Club and tends to his own vineyard, conveniently located in his front yard.

Church promotes healthy living

News release

How do you care for your heart?

Is your heart getting a rich supply of oxygenated blood? Is it relaxed or is it under pressure? Would you like to know more about how it works and what you can do to add time and health to your life?

Ruth O’Shea, RN, faith community nurse at the Church of the Nazarene, presents Caring for Your Heart. The series will focus on how the heart is structured, how it functions and what you can do to keep it healthy.

Register for the four classes to be held at the church 1-2:15 p.m. on Thursdays, Oct. 5, 12, 19 & 26, and 10-11:15 a.m. Oct. 7, 14, 21 & 28.

Heart conditions that will be addressed include: Session I –hypertension/ hypotension; Session II – atrial fibrillation and irregular rhythms; Session III – angina pectoris and myocardial infarction (heart attack); Session IV – congestive heart hailure and fluid retention. The focus of these classes will be to n See HEALTHy, page B5

ARIES (March 21-April 19). There’s no shame in discomfort; it’s just information. For instance, if someone is very comfortable running with the wolves, there’s a good chance they’re a wolf, too. You’ll learn from staying aware of your comfort level around various people.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It will be tempting to stand with the others and say what they say, but there’s something different in you. When you voice it, you’ll change the conversation. Your influence doesn’t have to be loud to be strong.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your sense of humor will spark on the flint of another funny person. Those who share your sensibility will still be talking years from now about many ways you delight, entertain and inspire.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’re holding the remote control. People will try to take the clicker. Some are trustworthy and won’t go far with it. When you’re with a trusted person, it’s relaxing to relinquish control for a spell and watch together awhile.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). In the tapestry of life, within every thread of existence is woven its contrasting counterpart. So don’t be spooked when you see the embodiment of what you don’t want. This gives you more fuel than the best cheerleader ever could.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Small, bothersome things are not inconsequential. Fixing small problems sends a message to the universe that you’d like everything to be in order, and the universe will respond as a faithful servant today.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Don’t underestimate the role of whimsy. Without playfulness, things get stale and start to decay. It’s not everyone who makes you feel free enough to clown around, which is why those special people make your day.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’ll command respect and influence others, mostly because you couldn’t care less what they think of you. You’re on purpose, putting energy into your vision. Be sure to let others know how they can help.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Most humans are capable of the things that few humans do. Tweak your environment to give yourself better support. Circumstances make a difference in what we ultimately produce in our lives.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Relationships, issues, problems are all connected. As you attempt one solution, many will occur. “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” — John Muir

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). There are plenty of reasons not to judge others,

Mountain Democrat photo by Isaac Streeter Chuck Huebner poses in his vineyard with his new book “On The Road Again,” a collection of

detailing his life as a veteran and member of the Secret Service, among other

Local Statement Makers toasts its success

News release

Statement Makers of Cameron Park/ El Dorado Hills has many reasons to celebrate.

Club President Sondra Nunez has been elected to the Toastmasters International Board of Directors for District 1. She will serve a two-year term as a “working ambassador” representing 14 Toastmasters regions and developing policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

soNdra NuNez

During the regular workday Nunez is the second-generation owner and chief financial officer of Mountain Valley Petroleum. Other achievements include serving on the executive committee and contributing to the Justice and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee for the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs. Her motto is to “live a meaningful, purposeful life that requires selfawareness, emotional intelligence and

self-discipline. These skills and more are available to everyone through Toastmasters communication and leadership training.”

In addition, Statement Makers has earned the President’s Distinguished Club Award, Toastmasters Internationals’ highest level of club recognition possible. The local club met nine of 10 club achievements and membership targets, which is a tough feat in itself.

Those interested in being part of a supportive environment focused on personal and professional growth through public speaking and leadership are welcome to join any meeting as a guest. Statement Makers of Cameron Park/El Dorado Hills meets the first, second and third Wednesdays of each month either during the lunch hour or one evening meeting with options to join either virtually or in-person.

For more details contact club member Stacey Saito at Stacey. Saito@yahoo.com.

Courtesy photo California agriculture Museum is filled with a unique collection of harvesters, wheel and crawler-type tractors, combines, trucks, art, artifacts, rotating interactive exhibits and more.

Sacramento museums showcase region’s farm-to-fork roots

Traci Rockefeller Cusack

News release

SACRAMENTO — The Greater Sacramento region is rich with popular museums and destinations that offer diverse and enriching experiences for individuals, families, residents and visitors alike. Given the critically important role agriculture continues to play in the region, many local museums offer special exhibits, experiences and activations that highlight ever-enduring farm-to-fork connections. A sampling of some of the farm-to-fork offerings at local museums includes the following:

• California Agriculture Museum: Woodland is home to an entire museum focused on agriculture, filled with a unique collection of harvesters, wheel and crawler-type tractors, combines, trucks, art, artifacts, rotating interactive exhibits and much more. In all, the museum tells the history of farm-to-fork, dating back to the Gold Rush era and how the industry evolved from horse drawn to steam driven to fuel powered machines to harvest and transport California’s bounty.

• California State Railroad Museum & Foundation: A Fruit Growers Express refrigerated rail car is on permanent display inside the Museum’s Roundhouse. Museum visitors can explore this historical rail car and exhibit, Farm to Fork: A Public History, and learn about how refrigerated rail cars enabled California farmers, growers and producers to send farm-to-fork freshness all over the country.

Visitors can step inside the historical Fruit Growers Express rail car to see how the ice-cooled rail cars transported produce and built an agricultural system that exports more wealth than the California Gold Rush. Plus, the popular weekend excursion train, Sacramento Southern Railroad — currently on pause due to an important rail repair project — runs on the historical Walnut Grove Branch Line. This rail

line transported pears, asparagus, celery, seeds and other products from the Delta communities to markets nationwide.

• Sacramento Children’s Museum: Young visitors hungry to learn about fresh food have a variety of options at the Children’s Museum, including at the miniature Leo’s Market and Leo’s Food Court (a miniature market of food carts), about bees and honey with the in-house beehive, and an interactive train table highlighting Sacramento’s agricultural landscape in miniature, complete with mini livestock.

• SMUD Museum of Science & Curiosity: MOSAC’s interactive exhibits bring the story of water to life, demonstrating how our region is working together to conserve this natural resource for now and future generations. The Water Challenge exhibit lets museum visitors actively shape a watershed’s flow, create a plan for saving water at home and choose between local or non-local foods to buy based on how everyday decisions impact conservation efforts — all while learning about the environmental footprint along the way.

• Utility Exploration Center: The city of Roseville’s Utility Exploration Center is a testament to the region’s commitment to sustainable living and resource conservation. Nestled in the heart of a region renowned for its farm-to-fork movement, the UEC acts as an educational hub, encouraging residents and visitors alike to delve into the intricacies of energy and water conservation, waste reduction and sustainable practices. By fostering an understanding of how we use and preserve resources, the UEC underscores the importance of our agricultural roots.

For more information about upcoming activities offered by Sacramento area museums, “like” them on Facebook at Facebook. com/SacMuseums, follow them on Instagram and Twitter @ SacMuseums or visit the website at SacMuseums.org.

B4 Monday, September 25, 2023

Mountain Democrat mtdemocrat.com

Know Continued from B1 new direction in their lives. Regular breakfasts are held every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at Denny’s in Placerville. General meeting lunches are held at Cold Springs Country Club in Placerville for members and guests on the fourth Friday of each month at 11:30 a.m. A social time precedes each meeting. The cost is $18 and reservations are required. For those interested in joining or reservations don’t hesitate to get in touch with Glenda at (530) 295-8374 or Nancy at (530) 919-8276.

Sept. 25

Vitalant will host an El Dorado Hills community blood drive, 12:30-4:30 p.m. at District Church, 7000 Rossmore Lane. make an appointment at donors.vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFR481or call (877) 258-4825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins are welcome and will be accommodated if space allows.

Sept. 27

The Shingle Springs-Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce hosts its networking luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at Moonraker Brewing in Cameron Park. This month’s speaker is Colleen Hearn with Concerned Citizens of Cameron Park. For more information and to register visit sscpchamber.org.

B Street Theatre in Sacramento presents “Jump,” Sept. 27 through Nov. 5. For tickets and more information call (916) 4435300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

Sept. 28

The El Dorado FamilySearch Center in Placerville hosts Create a Fan Chart, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Using your family tree in FamilySearch you can create a multi-generation colored fan chart. This free class is taught by Mike Reinert. For more information call (530) 621-1378.

The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce and Eskaton n See Know, page B5

Know Continued from B4 Village Placerville host a mixer, 5:30-7:30 p.m. For more information visit eldoradocounty.org.

Sept. 29

Rhythm Vandals will perform at 5 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.

Third Eye Spiral – Tool tribute will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Cynthia Renee Band 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.

Olde Coloma Theatre presents “Hilda’s Haunted Retirement Home” or “Remember the Golden Fool,” Sept. 29 through Oct. 29. For tickets anymore information visit oldecolomatheatre.com.

Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “Evil

Dead: The Musical” Sept. 29 through Nov. 5. For tickets and more information call (916) 3531001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

Enjoy An Evening with Darrell Scott – Music, Spirit, Soul at 8 p.m. at Sutter Creek Theatre in Sutter Creek. For tickets and more details call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheater.com.

Sept. 30

Kids with special needs up to age 22 are invited to participate in the TRY-athlon, an

Healthy

Continued from B2

assist participants to understand what is happening within the body, what to look for and how to respond to prevent unwelcome complications.

The registration deadline is Oct. 1 and the registration fee is $20. Scholarships are available if needed. Call (530) 305-5402 for more information to register for the series. All classes will be held at the Placerville Church of the Nazarene, 6040 Mother Lode Drive.

adaptive swim, bike, run event, 8 a.m. to noon at EDH Community Park and the pool. For more information visit edhcsd.org.

UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts Shade Gardening, 9 a.m. to noon at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden in Placerville. Learn what plants thrive in all kinds of shade — dappled to deep. A $2 parking fee will be enforced.

The 2023 Props, Cops & Rodders takes place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cameron Airpark in Cameron Park. For more information call (530) 748-2481 or visit propscopsandrodders.com.

A community spaghetti feed to support the Cooney family, which has a member fighting cancer, will be held 5-9 p.m. at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. A drive-thru option is available 4-6 p.m. Tickets are available at communityspaghettifeed.eventbrite.com.

Sierra Wildlife Rescue hosts a Sunset Owl Release at Miraflores Winery in Placerville. Purchase tickets, which include charcuterie and a glass of sparkling wine plus a chance to see the owl, by calling (530) 647-8505 or emailing info@mirafloreswinery.com.

Darth Mozart will perform at 5 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.

Saints of Circumstance will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville, 8-11 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Thunder Cover 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.

Musician Ed Wilson and percussionist Dante Montes will perform at Back Bistro in Folsom, 6-9 p.m.

The WorldWave one-act play competition winners come to life at Valhalla Tahoe’s Boathouse Theater beginning at 7 p.m. For tickets and more details visit valhallatahoe.com. Red’s Blues will perform at 7 p.m. at Sutter Creek Theatre in Sutter Creek. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheater.com.

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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 real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase.

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 Self-

‘Fall’ In Love with Family-Favorite Autumn Recipes

FAMIly FeATuReS

With temperatures cooling and cravings leaning toward comforting flavors, fall offers a perfect time for families to explore adventurous twists on favorite foods. As you and your loved ones rework the menu for autumn, turn to versatile ingredients that provide fresh tastes and new ways to enjoy classic recipes.

One star ingredient that can be used for appetizers, main courses, sides, snacks and desserts alike is watermelon. In fact, using the entire watermelon (rind included) means you’ve discovered a sustainable way to create nutritious meals without food waste.

Consider these simple, delicious ways to use the entire watermelon in your kitchen.

Watermelon Flesh

In the fall, whole watermelon is still available in many areas. You can also find mini watermelon in the fresh cut produce section at many local grocers. The flesh is often the favorite (and most-used) part of the watermelon. Served on its own as a hydrating snack or as part of a recipe for tasty entrees, the flesh offers something for nearly every appetite so no watermelon goes to waste.

Watermelon Juice

Watermelon is 92% water, making it a sweet choice for staying hydrated. Even if your watermelon is overripe, don’t throw it out - instead, juice or puree it to retain value and nutrition. Use it to sweeten this

Watermelon Bourbon Glaze then drizzle over a perfectly grilled flank steak and serve with mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables for an ideal fall meal.

Watermelon Rind

The rind is often thrown out - many people don’t realize you can eat it, too. The rind absorbs flavors added to it and adds an unexpected texture to this

Watermelon Walnut Currant Chutney. Try serving over brie with crackers or simply dip with naan or baguettes. Find more flavorful fall solutions to avoid food waste at Watermelon.org.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Watermelon Bourbon Glaze with Grilled Flank Steak

Servings: 6

1 1/2 cups watermelon juice (approximately 2 1/2 cups chopped watermelon, blended)

2 tablespoon minced garlic

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoon hot sauce

1/4-1/2 cup bourbon

2 pounds flank steak or London broil

1/4 teaspoon cornstarch In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, reduce watermelon juice to 2/3 cup.

Toward end of reduction, add garlic. Remove from heat, cool 10 minutes then add soy sauce, brown sugar, hot sauce and bourbon. Mix well.

Place watermelon-bourbon glaze in large zip-top bag. Add steak and massage to cover meat. Close bag and refrigerate 3-4 hours.

Heat grill to high heat. Remove steak from plastic bag and gently shake to remove excess glaze.

Grill steak 4-6 minutes; turn, grill 4-6 minutes, depending on thickness of steak.

Remove from heat. Steak should be pink in center.

Allow steak to rest on platter or cutting board 10 minutes.

Mix small amount of watermelon-bourbon glaze with cornstarch. In small saucepan over medium-high heat, add cornstarch mixture to remaining glaze and simmer 3-5 minutes. Reduce to medium heat until mixture thickens. Remove from heat.

Cut flank steak on bias into thin strips. Drizzle watermelon-bourbon glaze over top.

Watermelon Walnut Currant Chutney

Servings: 16

4 cups watermelon, juiced

2 cups watermelon rind (white part), diced small

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

1/2 medium white onion, sliced

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cloves, ground

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 lemon, juice only

2 tablespoons currants

2 tablespoons roasted walnuts

1 wheel brie cheese, for serving

crackers, for serving

In saucepan over medium heat, reduce watermelon juice to 2 cups. Combine with watermelon rind, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, white onion, garlic, nutmeg, cloves, lemon zest, lemon juice, currants and walnuts; simmer until almost dry.

Chill and serve over brie with crackers.

#16764 Source: National Watermelon Promotion Board

Baked Pork Chops with Apple Cranberry Sauce

Recipe courtesy of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Pork Chops:

4 boneless pork chops (about 3 ounces each)

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 medium orange, rinsed and zested

1/2 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce:

1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 medium apple, peeled and grated (about 1 cup)

1/2 cinnamon stick

1 bay leaf

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup 100% orange juice

|Preheat oven to 350 F.

To prepare pork chops: Season pork chops with pepper and orange zest.

In large saute pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add pork chops and cook until browned on one side, about 2 minutes. Turn and brown 2 minutes. Remove pork chops from pan, place on nonstick baking sheet and bake 10 minutes to minimum internal temperature of 160 F.

To make sauce: Add chicken broth to saute pan and stir to loosen brown bits from pork chops. Set aside.

In small saucepan over medium heat, cook grated apples, cinnamon stick and bay leaf until apples begin to soften.

Add cranberries, orange juice and reserved broth. Bring to boil then lower heat to gentle simmer. Simmer 10 minutes, or until cranberries are plump and apples are tender. Remove cinnamon stick.

Peel orange and cut into eight sections.

Serve one pork chop with 1/4 cup sauce and two orange segments.