Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Show me the pony

Placerville targets old pole signs

Odin Rasco Staff writer

Placerville’s skyline will be a bit less cluttered soon, as City Council approved resolutions directing city staff to remove three pole signs that have fallen into disuse.

“This is an evergreen issue,” Mayor Michael Saragosa said, celebrating the city once again having an employee devoted full-time to code enforcement.

n See signs, page A3

EDHCSD looking into GM’s side job

Noel Stack Managing

editor

An investigation is under way to determine if a consulting business owned by El Dorado Hills Community Services District General Manager Kevin Loewen poses legal or ethical issues for the CSD. At issue is Loewen’s possible professional relationship with DTA, a consultant that assists the district with its Landscaping and Lighting Assessment Districts, among other tasks, and whether the EDHCSD Board of Directors OK’d the general manager’s side gig. EDHCSD board President Noelle Mattock reaffirmed the investigation at the Sept.

PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE

14 board meeting after EDH resident Robert Williams asked about its status; the topic was initially brought up during a July EDHCSD board meeting.

“Let’s get the truth to come out,” Williams said.

Loewen filed reports with the EDC Elections Department for 2021 and 2022 indicating the business he owns, Placerville-based Synergy Behavioral Systems, generates between and $10,000 and $100,000 of income annually. Williams asked the board July 13 to report and confirm outside consulting was allowed by Loewen’s employment contract and was not a conflict of interest.

The Mountain Democrat reached out to Loewen for comment but he had not responded as of press time.

The latest request for answers follows LLAD Advisory Committee member

Steve Gutierrez’

n See Loewen, page A7

Nick Hawkins lifts his 20-month-old daughter Harper so she can have her first experience petting a horse. Samson, a Belgian draft horse weighing nearly 2,000 pounds, has been the partner of California Highway Patrol Officer Trevor Fee for more than seven years. In addition to the mounted patrol, the CHP brought its SWAT team, vintage cars and patrol vehicles to the eighth annual Props, Cops & Rodders Show & Shine Fly-in at the Airpark Estates in Cameron Park Saturday. Proceeds will benefit the Placerville CHP Community Fund, which provides support for charitable funds, as well as local community needs. CHP Senior Volunteer/Event Coordinator Larry Ellsworth said while it’s currently too early to ascertain this year’s proceeds, it’s worth noting that approximately $20,000 was raised during last year’s event.

Cameron Park pilot Damen Snow, above, relies on his 2013 A220 Aerotrek aircraft for both his daily work commute to Yolo County and adventurous camping trips into the backcountry. Mike Herrmann, right photo, of Cameron Park shares the features of his IHLE 300SL amusement car from the mid-1900s with Adlee Cuevas, 5, and her brother, Cameron, 8, of Rescue. Manufactured by the Ihle brothers in Bruchsal, Germany, the car was designed to resemble a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster and to be used by children at fairs and parks. It took Mike three to four years to completely restore the car, and on Saturday it was shown off for the first time.

Rowan Fratarcangeli, 8, of El Dorado Hills, has fun inside a vintage 1958 Chevy Apache Rat Rod Monster motorcycle hauler truck owned by a family friend.

n see more photos online at mtdemocrat.com

Photo by Laurie Edwards

KEVIN LOEWEN

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

Barbara Jean Lamb

Oct. 23, 1937 – Sept. 18, 2023

Barbara Jean Lamb passed away peacefully at home with family around her on the morning of September 18, 2023, after a long illness with Parkinson’s disease. She was born October 23, 1937, in Ronan Montana. She married her husband William Lamb in June of 1956. They enjoyed 67 years of marriage.

Barbara loved being a mother and taking care of her family. She enjoyed baking and cooking. She received a blue ribbon for her peach pie at the local county fair. Her dill pickles were famous and requested by many. She always had a batch of cookies going, and they were delicious! She loved gardening, calligraphy, scrapbooking, knitting and lots of other crafts.

Barbara went to work as a special education driver in her fifties. She loved the kids in her van and enjoyed talking to them & sharing jokes.

Barbara is survived by her husband, William Lamb, 4 children, 8 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild. She will be missed very much.

Richard Hansen

May 26, 1933 - Sept. 16, 2023

After a lengthy battle with Alzeimer’s Disease, Richard Juel Hansen passed away on September 16th, 2023. Dick was born on May 26th, 1933, in Ballard, Washington, to Oscar and Adelle Hansen. After a lively childhood filled with many (mis)adventures, Dick joined the Marines during the Korean War, achieving the rank of corporal, specializing in heavy arms combat. After completing his time with the Marines, Dick earned a B.S. from the University of Washington and a Masters in Fisheries Science from CSU, Humboldt. During this time, Dick worked as a field biologist in Alaska, Hawaii, Tahiti, and the Marquesas Islands.

In 1961, Dick was set up on an “ambush” blind date/dinner party by family friends, George and Frances Brackett, the parents of his roommate, Glenn Brackett. Dick was seated next to the lovely Nancy English, and even though she had a boyfriend at the time, they hit it o . To the surprise of everyone, they were engaged in less than a month. They married in April of 1962 and were married for 59 years before Nancy’s death in 2021.

After working for several years as a water quality biologist for California Fish and Game in Redding, California, Dick became the Laboratory Director of the Fish and Game Water Pollution Control Laboratory in Rancho Cordova. He worked at the lab from 1972 until 1996, when he retired. His children loved feeding the fish in the enormous tanks at the lab and raiding their dad’s “secret” candy drawer in his desk.

Dick and Nancy moved to Diamond Springs in 1972. Daughter Julie was born in 1968 and son Kris in 1971. Once retired, Dick and Nancy traveled the world, visiting Iceland, Norway, Costa Rica, Russia, and Antarctica. Dick’s passion in retirement was Toys for Tots. Dick and Nancy worked hard to run El Dorado County’s annual toy drive, and in 2008, Dick was the Grand Marshall of the Placerville Christmas Parade. When Dick was not with his fellow Marines playing poker, or hunting and fishing with his friends, he was working in his garden and orchard, and being “Papa” to his three grandchildren.

Dick is survived by his children, daughter, Julie Carruth (Rich) of Cameron Park, CA, and son, Kris Hansen (Kimberly) of Littleton, CO. He will also be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Tyler Hansen of Littleton, CO, Kate Carruth of Oakland, CA, and Ryan Carruth of Cameron Park, CA. Dick is also survived by his brother, Doug Hansen (Carol), his sister-in-law, Jan Hansen, and five nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Hansen, and his brother, Ronald Hansen.

Our family wishes to thank the incredible care our father received at Oakmont of El Dorado Hills in the Traditions unit, and Snowline Hospice. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Snowline Hospice or Toys for Tots. In memory of Dick, we ask that you spend some time in nature, tell a beloved family story, and raise a glass of whiskey to him.

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Shirley Louise Bath

Aug. 29, 1932 - Sept. 24, 2023

Shirley Louise Bath was born August 29, 1932, in San Leandro, CA, and passed peacefully on September 24, 2023, in Placerville, CA, at the age of 91, with her three children by her side. She was pre-deceased by her husband Fred and a sister and is survived by a sister, three children, five grandchildren, and five greatgrandchildren. Shirley lived a long life of faith, family, and service to others. She was an active leader in 4-H, Scouts, and the Cattlewomen’s Association, and in addition to her ranch duties, she was a regular substitute teacher in Big Valley schools. Shirley was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend to all. She will be greatly missed.

There will be a celebration of life in Adin, CA, at the community center on October 28 from 2 pm-4 pm. The family would appreciate those who can attend to share a short story or memory and a copy of any pictures you would like to share. If you cannot participate and would like to share, please email markbath56@gmail.com. A donation to the Shriners Hospital for Children would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.

George Elliot

Stephenson

March 16, 1931 - Sept. 20, 2023

George Elliott Stephenson, passed away on September 20, 2023 in El Dorado Hills, CA. at the age of 92. He was born on March 16, 1931 in Detroit, MI.

Throughout his life he dedicated himself to the service of others, leaving an indelible mark as the true patriarch of the Stephenson family, and love for his long, loyal family and friends.

Following high school graduation George served in the Navy, married, and continued his education at Wayne State University earning a masters degree.

His professional journey included working in law enforcement with the Dearborn Police Department, moving to California where he joined Beverly Hills Department and later, Sergeant with the LA County Sheri Department.

During his career, George was involved in Dale Carnegie programs and was Kepner Tregoe instructor at Ford Motor Company ending his career being a financial planner with Cigna and CENCO Financial Services.

A man of faith, George found solace and inspiration as a member of the Federated Church and participating in the choir with wife Lillian.

While George achieved great heights professionally, his true joy and purpose came from being a devoted husband to his beloved wife Lillian for 72 years, and a loving father to son George II and daughter Valerie. He was adored by his three grand children, grand daughter Trinity Joy Gleckler and husband Michael, grandson George E. Stephenson III and wife Melody, who gave him the proud title of great grandfather to five great grandsons, and finally grand daughter Laine Evion Ashker, all of whom made him so proud.

A Memorial service will be held in George’s honor at Green Valley Mortuary in Rescue, CA. Friday, October 13 at 11:00 a.m., reception to follow. Those interested in attending please RSVP by Thursday, October 5, 2023 at manhoknows@aol.com with “Memorial” in the subject line.

CONTACT

CRIME LOG

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

Sept. 16

8:57 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 32-year-old woman suspected of possession of a controlled substance on Highway 50 at Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville. She was later released.

9:32 p.m. Burglary was reported on Serrano Parkway in El Dorado Hills.

10:06 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 28-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance for sale on Highway 50 in El Dorado Hills. He was listed in custody in lieu of $45,000 bail.

Sept. 17

12 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 31-year-old man suspected of disorderly conduct on Coach Lane in Cameron Park. He was later released.

12:44 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 44-year-old woman suspected of being a fugitive from justice on Highway 50 (town not specified). She was listed in custody.

2:15 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 42-year-old man suspected of child abuse, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and obstruction on Andorra Place in El Dorado Hills. He was released on $78,000 bail.

2:58 a.m. Battery was reported on Sly Park Road in Pollock Pines.

3:30 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 30-year-old man suspected of DUI on Highway 193 in Georgetown. He was later released.

4:28 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 35-year-old woman suspected of disorderly conduct on Cedarwood Court in Pollock Pines. She was later released.

10:20 a.m. Vandalism was reported at a store on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.

6:44 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Stockwood Court in El Dorado Hills.

7:58 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 35-year-old man suspected of DUI on Pleasant Valley Road in Diamond Springs. He was released on $50,000 bail.

8:30 p.m. A person allegedly drunk in public was reported at a restaurant on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

8:42 p.m. Brandishing was reported on La Canada Drive in Cameron Park.

11 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 34-year-old woman suspected of possession of a controlled substance on Howard Drive in Rescue. She was listed in custody in lieu of $3,750 bail.

Sept. 18

8:15 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Hazel Street in Pollock Pines.

8:58 a.m. Trespassing was reported on Gray Rock Road in Somerset.

11:38 a.m. Trespassing was reported on Highway 49 in El Dorado.

12:48 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 31-year-old man suspected of evading peace officers with wanton disregard for safety on Pleasant Valley Road in Pleasant Valley.

12:55 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a business on Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park.

1:52 p.m. Battery was reported at a school on Pleasant Valley Road in Diamond Springs.

2:49 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Smith Flat Road in Placerville.

5:09 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Riverwood Drive in Placerville.

6:18 p.m. Battery was reported on Highway 49 in Placerville.

Sept. 19

1:23 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 40-year-old man suspected of elder abuse on Fair Lane in Placerville.

11:13 a.m. Trespassing was reported on China Garden Road in Diamond Springs.

5:39 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Inagahee Road in Pollock Pines.

Sept. 20

12:01 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 30-year-old man suspected of DUI on Placerville Drive in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $15,000 bail.

12:47 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 35-year-old man suspected of DUI on Highway 50 near Carson Road in Camino. He was later released.

1:34 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 30-year-old man suspected of disorderly conduct on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills. He was later released.

2:24 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 28-year-old man suspected of giving false identification to officers on Old Bass Lake Road in El Dorado Hills. He was listed in custody in lieu of $15,000 bail.

8:52 a.m. Burglary was reported at the high school on Ponderosa Road in Shingle Springs.

4:48 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 36-year-old man suspected of a post-release supervision violation and driving on a suspended license on Highway 49 in Cool. He was listed in custody.

Oak Ridge can’t break Folsom’s 20-win streak

Isaac Streeter

Staff writer

Prairie City Stadium was rocking Friday night for The Battle of the County Line as Folsom and Oak Ridge met, two of the area’s top-ranked teams and neighboring rivals. But in the end it was Folsom that took down Oak Ridge 42-21.

The field— and the sidelines— were a who’s who of Sacramento metro area football fame as both sides of the ball were littered with future college football players as well as their prospective coaches, with members of American River College’s and Sacramento State’s coaching sta s among those in attendance.

Both student sections turned out in force with visiting Oak Ridge students donning neon and high-visibility safety gear to counter Folsom’s beach theme and both student sections came equipped with speakers and rally signs.

However, the belle of the ball was Folsom’s quarterback Ryder Lyons. The sophomore’s play stole the show, constantly evading sacks and making something out of nothing seemingly every play. He is rapidly developing himself into the next superstar in a decadelong line of talent under center for the Bulldogs.

Lyons, who has 14 Division 1 o ers, completed 21 of 31 passes for 379 yards with four touchdowns through the air and a fifth on the ground en route to his fourth victory at the helm of Folsom’s varsity squad.

Lyons’ Bulldogs took a commanding 14-0 lead over the Trojans in the first quarter before seemingly falling asleep at the wheel for the remainder of the first half and beginning of the second.

Oak Ridge running back Erick Orme Jr. found the end zone for a pair of scores to bring the game to a 14-14 tie as the fourth quarter loomed. Orme Jr., all 5-foot, 6-inches of him, was responsible for all three of the Trojans’ touchdowns.

Orme Jr. has now accounted for 11 rushing scores on the year, tied for second in the Sierra Foothill League.

As the fourth quarter came around, so did the championship-pedigree Bulldogs as they exploded for 28 points to put Oak Ridge away.

Running back Daymion Rivera found the end zone on the ground for the Bulldogs’ second rushing touchdown of the night and Lyons rattled o a trio of passing touchdowns, including an 85-yard dash by U.S. Military Academy-bound receiver Bryan Ray III.

With the win, Folsom’s varsity squad maintains a 20-game win streak over the Trojans.

Folsom improves to 4-2 with a 1-0 start to SFL play. Arguably the Sacramento metroarea’s most competitive league, the Bulldogs will face the 6-0 Rocklin Thunder. Kicko in Rocklin is set for Friday at 7 p.m.

Oak Ridge dropped to 5-1 with the loss and begins SFL play at a 0-1 mark. The SFL will be no cake walk for the Trojans either as they travel to Loomis for a

FOOTBALL ROUNDUP

date with the 5-1 Del Oro Golden Eagles, who’re coming o an SFL loss of their own. Kicko is slated for 7 p.m. Friday.

From left, Ponderosa senior offensive lineman Blake Fine and Ben Stedeford celebrate with quarterback Austin Sanchez following a touchdown run Aug. 18 against host El Dorado. Sanchez was 12 for 22 with 135 yards passing and a 14-yard touchdown run versus Placer Friday night despite throwing a pair of interceptions.

Mountain Democrat file photo by Isaac Streeter

TOUGH SLEDDING ENDS SEPTEMBER

Isaac Streeter

Staff writer

With bye weeks in the rearview and league play under way, all five El Dorado County high schools took to the gridiron this past weekend. Not a single school captured a win.

The Union Mine Diamondbacks suffered the team’s second loss of the year at the hands of the Bradshaw Christian Pride 19-7 on the road Friday. Union Mine running back Jayden Tinker scored the lone touchdown of the night as the Diamondbacks only ran the ball for 136 yards and had a pair of “untimely” fumbles, according to offensive line coach Taylor Duncan.

The Pride ran the ball for 303 yards and three touchdowns en route to their win.

Union Mine players, now 2-4 and 0-1 in the Sierra Valley Conference, will turn their eyes to their homecoming matchup versus the 2-4 Galt Warriors squad that lost its SVC opener to Rosemont 53-14. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday.

El Dorado was without starting quarterback Sage Pittman for the second time this season as the Cougars dropped the league opener 44-7 to Liberty Ranch.

Jason Wilson made the start as the signal caller, completing 39% of his passes and connecting with Jeremy Kimber for the lone Cougars touchdown of the game.

The rushing attack was silenced by the Hawks as the Cougars were held to 74 yards on the ground and 2.6 yards per carry.

The Cougars’ defense allowed 540 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground as the Hawks had three backs eclipse the century mark while only attempting four

Signs Continued from A1

The three signs will be familiar to anyone driving along Main Street and Broadway, having served as signs for one business or another for decades. The youngest of the three — a 38-foot-tall pole at 50 Main St., advertising Gold Country Chiropractic — was erected in 1998. Though it met standards set when first placed, the sign no longer meets regulations for pole signs in the city. The business advertised on the sign has not been in operation at the location since 2019, according to Pierre Rivas, Development Services director for the city.

The sign and pole will be removed by city sta , according to Rivas. If another business in the space would like to erect a new sign, it would have to meet new standards for signs and would require site plan review and application for a conditional use permit. Rivas explained the owner of the location had been contacted regarding the sign and a number of other code concerns, and said it was an “ongoing situation.”

The blank sign located near the gas station just east of the intersection of Broadway, Main Street and Mosquito Road will also soon vanish, having

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We firmly believe that education and preventive care are key to optimal dental health as well as overall health. That’s why we are focused on a healthy smile as well as a healthy body for all our patients. To achieve these goals, we conduct thorough exams, review medical histories, and provide instruction on diet and proper brushing and flossing techniques. If you are as concerned as we are about healthy teeth and gums, call our office today for an appointment for comprehensive dental care.

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passes all night.

El Dorado drops to 1-5 on the year and 0-1 in SVC play. The Cougars now host 4-2 Bradshaw Christian. The Pride are coming off a 19-7 win over Union Mine. Kickoff will come at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Ponderosa’s varsity boys suffered a thirdstraight home loss as they fell 42-14 to Placer. Shayne Chappell took over the starting running back role in the wake of an injury to Dylan Alexander. Chappell carried the ball for 127 yards, including an 86-yard scamper into the end zone.

The now 2-4 Bruins players start their Foothill Valley Conference schedule at 0-1. The team’s three-week home stand will come to a close with homecoming Friday evening, when the Bruins take on the 0-6 Oakmont Vikings that are coming off a 42-9 loss to the West Park Panthers. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. as the Bruins hunt for a win at home.

The Golden Sierra Grizzlies were shut out for the third time this season to drop to 1-4 on the year with a 41-0 loss to the Rio Vista Rams. The Grizzlies allowed 364 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Rio Vista improves to 3-2 and 1-0 in the Sierra Delta League.

Golden Sierra’s varsity squad will travel to Sacramento to take on SDL opponent the El Camino Eagles that sit at 1-5 and are coming off a 56-0 loss to league opponent Vista Del Lago. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.

The Mountain Democrat aims to cover much more than just football. If you saw a great game, played in one or have one coming up that you think should be covered, email staff writer Isaac Streeter at isaac@ mtdemocrat.com.

last been in use by a Goodwill Donation Xpress that closed around 2015 or 2016, according to Rivas. The sign was first erected prior to 1949, Rivas said. The 7-Eleven corporation, which owns the sign and the neighboring gas station, has been contacted by sta and a representative has stated they are willing to remove the sign.

Rivas also noted that city sta hoped to speak with the corporation further about the small building near the soon-to-be-removed sign.

“We would like to talk to corporate about any interest in getting a new business in the building that has stood vacant for a long time,” Rivas told the council. “It is a good commercial space for maybe a small store or something.”

The third sign on the chopping block stands across the street from the Save Mart on Broadway, advertising Delta Bedding and Furniture, which Rivas said left the location some time between 2019 and 2021. Rivas told the council the owner had already spoken with city sta and is willing to remove the sign, which was originally constructed in 1963, according to permit records.

Mountain Democrat photo by Isaac Streeter

Oak Ridge tight end Kaleb Edwards, left, sets up a block for running back Erick Orme Jr., center, with the help of linebacker Nolan King.

Voice of Business 542 Main St. • Placerville, CA 95667 • (530) 621-5885 • www.eldoradocounty.org

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Christmas Tree Lane –Adopt a Tree

The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce continues the tradition of the Highway 50 Holiday Trees. These brightly decorated trees along Highway 50 give joy to our community and travelers every year. Applications from those interested in adopting will be drawn through a randomized system and winners will be noti ed on Oct 25th. Submit your application online beginning October 2 through Oct 23rd at https:// eldoradocounty.org/christmas-tree-lane/. No applications will be accepted in person. One entry per family, organization, or group. You must be an El Dorado County resident to apply. All applicants chosen through the randomized drawing will be noti ed by email.

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ADOPT-A-TREE Fundraiser

Mira ores Winery

Moo and Brew

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Enterprises

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New Beginnings Thrift

Norther California Film Foundation

Old Town Grill

Omega Cinema

Palos Verdes Properties

Parker Development

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Placerville Natural Foods Co-op

Red Hawk Casino

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Sacramento Municipal Utility

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Sierra Paci c Industries

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Sierra Vista Winery

The Christmas Tree Growers Assn. has given us a generous discount on the trees to sponsor this event. In addition, seven trees will be available for guaranteed adoption with a suggested donation of $500.00 per tree. To adopt a tree you may call the chamber of ce at 530-621-5885.

CalChamber Urges Veto on Job Killer Bill That Disproportionally Affects Small Business

A California Chamber of Commerce job killer bill that will impose signi cant costs on all California businesses by increasing the number of paid sick days employers are required to provide has been sent to the Governor.

days of sick leave are doing so, but many other employers simply cannot absorb that cost.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, many small businesses are “in survival mode” as they reel from the nancial impacts of COVID-19 and rising in ation.

Golden Leaves Vineyard & Winery

Good Guys Heating and Cooling

Hands4Hope – Youth Making a

Difference

Highway 50 Assn – Wagon Train

Interactive Entertainment

Kiwanis Club of Placerville

Lava Cap Winery

MAG Platinum Events

Marshall Medical Center

Minuteman Press

Skinner Vineyards

Snowline Hospice

Sorrick Craft Services and COVID

The CalChamber is urging the Governor to veto SB 616 (Gonzalez; D-Long Beach) as it disproportionally affects small business, which are already struggling to keep their doors open and can’t afford the increased cost of additional paid sick leave days.

Compliance

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Grab a copy of the 2023 California Labor Law Digest! PC & Mac Compatible

SB 616 amends the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act to increase the number of paid sick leave days afforded to employees from three to ve.

While one more paid bene t may not seem signi cant in isolation, this mandate must be viewed in the context of all of California’s other leaves and paid bene ts. Despite the economic struggles that businesses have faced recently, the number of overlapping leaves has grown over the last few years and continues to grow. Businesses in California that can afford to offer more than three

Another concern with SB 616 is that the bill does not address existing problems with the usage of paid sick leave in California. Speci cally, the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act prohibits employers from requiring documentation when sick leave is used, even though local ordinances such as in Los Angeles and San Diego allow employers to ask for reasonable documentation. Employers have discovered employees using paid sick leave for non-sick leave-related purposes, but there is nothing they can do because otherwise the employers face an alleged violation for interfering with or discouraging the use of leave.

SB 616 will increase labor costs and these increases will inevitably either be passed on to consumers as higher prices for goods and services, or force employers to reduce jobs or cut wages or other bene ts. SB 616 should be vetoed.

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Mountain Democrat

ERC Program Suspended

To protect taxpayers from scams, the IRS has ordered an immediate stop to new Employee Retention Credit processing amid surge of questionable claims and concerns from tax pros. Aggressive marketing to ineligible applicants highlights unacceptable risk to businesses and the tax system

A moratorium on processing of new claims through year's end will allow IRS to add more safeguards to prevent future abuse, protect businesses from predatory tactics. In addition, the IRS is working with the Justice Department to pursue fraud fueled by aggressive marketing. The ERTC was introduced back during COVID. It was a pandemic related tax credit that offered money back or help to employers who continued to retain their employees during the middle of COVID. During certain quarters of 2020 and 2021, small businesses were eligible for this credit if they were partially or fully shut down by a COVID lockdown or restriction. They were also eligible if they had a revenue loss, depending on the quarter.

As the IRS continues working additional details on ERC, there are several steps that the agency recommends for businesses, depending on where they are in the process:

• For those currently awaiting an ERC claim. For those who currently have an ERC claim on le, the IRS will continue processing these claims during the moratorium period but at a greatly reduced speed due to the complex nature of these lings and the need to protect businesses from being improperly paid. Normal processing times could easily stretch to 180 days or longer. The IRS cautions that many applications will be facing additional compliance scrutiny, which means the payments could take even longer to be processed. While the IRS works on compliance measures during this period, the agency cautions businesses to expect extended wait times due to the large volume of claims and the complexity of the applications.

• For those who haven't filed a claim yet, consider reviewing the guidelines and waiting to file: For

those considering ling a claim, the IRS urges businesses to carefully review the ERC guidelines during the processing moratorium period.

The IRS urges businesses to talk to a trusted tax professional – not a tax promoter or marketing rm looking to make money generating applications that takes a big chunk out of the ERC claim. The new question and answer guide can also help. A careful review of the rules will show that many of these businesses do not qualify for the ERC, and avoiding a bad claim will avoid complications with the IRS.

• Withdraw an existing claim for businesses that have already led: For those who have led and have a pending claim, they should carefully review the program guidelines with a trusted tax professional and check the new question and answer guide. For example, the IRS is seeing repeated instances of people improperly citing supply chain issues as a basis for an ERC claim when a business with those issues will very rarely meet the eligibility criteria. Under any scenario, if a business claimed the ERC earlier and the claim has not been processed or paid by the IRS, they can withdraw the claim if they now believe it was submitted improperly – even if their case is already under audit or awaiting audit. More details will be available shortly.

• Wait for the IRS ERC settlement program to be finalized: If a business has already received an ERC that they now believe is in error, the IRS will be providing additional details on the settlement program in the fall that will allow businesses to repay ERC claims. The settlement program will allow the businesses to avoid penalties and future compliance action. The IRS is continuing to assess options on how to deal with businesses that had a promoter contingency fee paid for out of the ERC payment.

The preceding was excerpted from a news release dated 9/14/23.

To view the full document visit: www.irs.gov/newsroom/to-protect-taxpayers-from-scams-irs-orders-immediate-stop-to-new-employee-retention-credit-processingamid-surge-of-questionable-claimsconcerns-from-tax-pros

You Can Submit Your Event Online!

Did you know that the Chamber keeps a community calendar of events? El Dorado County events can be submitted to http://visiteldorado. mhsoftware.com/EditItem.html Once approved, your event will appear on the online calendar at www.visiteldorado.com and also printed in the Voice of Business newsletter as space allows.

Miners on Main Scavenger Hunt

STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS TICKETS AVAILABLE

| OCTOBER 18, 2023

530.621.5885 CAMERON PARK COUNTRY CLUB

October Business Luncheon

At this special annual luncheon held in conjunction with the Business Showcase and I Love Film Mixer event, the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Corporation of El Dorado County (EDC2) will recognize several businesses for their outstanding achievements, and award a business mini-grant. Our special guest, El Dorado County Board of Supervisors, Chair, Wendy Thomas will give a State of the County Address.

Four Businesses will be recognized for their outstanding achievements in the following categories:

• Home Based Business

• Community Service

• Start Up Business

• Small Business

The goal of the Business Mini-Grant Program is to further assist the selected business in achieving its goals. These goals can be employee development, purchasing equipment, ordering new signage, purchase advertising, etc. The grant must be used to meet a business need so businesses can continue to expand and prosper in El Dorado County. Funding for the grant program has come from the generous support of previous sponsors and its continuation is dependent on the support of this year’s 2023 Business Showcase sponsors, participants, and donations from the community.

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Cameron Park Country Club 3201 Royal Drive

ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

$30.00 Members/$35.00 Non-member

CTOBER C ALENDAR OF E VENTS

There are ten “Miners” hidden throughout Main Street Placerville from Sacramento Street to Clay Street. These Miners all had an impact on Placerville and El Dorado County during the Gold Rush period. Each miner has a QR code on the medallion that will take you to a webpage about the miners when scanned with your phone camera. So grab your phone and begin your hunt. visit-eldorado.com/miners-on-main/

Live Music, Arts, & Quality Entertainment at The Green Room Social Club

GRSC promotes monthly art shows with artist receptions, live painting experiences, weekly karaoke, open mic, and trivia nights! Watch the big game on the big screen or bring the family to the Foothills all ages venue. https://clubgreenroom.com/ Apple Hill Season Begins

https://applehill.com/events/

Live Music and Wood Fired Pizza

Fridays at Chateau Davell Vineyard, 3020 Vista Tierra Drive Camino. The best of handmade, wood- red pizzas with local, seasonal produce, limited production wines by the glass and bottle, and entertainment from our favorite artists. Family & dog friendly. 5 – 8 p.m. https://chateaudavell.com/

Oct 6 Cocktails, Dinner & Piano at Sierra Vista Pianist, Sherman Applegate will grace us from 6-8pm as he plays our grand piano. info@sierravistawinery.com 530-622-7221, www.sierravistawinery.com/event/piano-night/

Oct 7 Dachshund Dash & Costume Contest

The dogs are back on Main Street for Oktoberfest! Dress your doxy in their best costume and get ready to race! Registration forms available at www.placervillemerchants.org/registration. Placerville Merchants on Main placervillemerchants@gmail.com

Oct 7 Max Muscle 20 yr Anniversary Celebration

11 am - 2pm, Max Muscle Placerville , 4615 Missouri Flat Rd Ste 4, Placerville. Come meet 4x Mr Olympia Jay Cutler. 530-6260239

Oct 7 - 8 Shop n’ Sip at Skinner Vineyards

Every rst, full weekend of each new month we will host local craft vendors at our Rescue location. We gather in the park at our Green Valley Ranch where we shop specially handmade items from earrings to woodworking while we sip great Skinner wines. 12:00 p.m. – 4 p.m. www.skinnervineyards.com

Oct 7 All About Equine's 10th Annual Boots & Bling

4 - 10 pm. El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Dr.

Please join us to support All About Equine Animal Rescue, Inc.

celebrating 14 years of successful horse rescue. Tickets: $60.

Sponsorships are still available. For more information, please visit our webpage: https://www.allaboutequine.org/boots-and-bling.

html

Oct 7 Food, Wine & Live Music at Sierra Vista

Echo Summit will be playing LIVE on Stage from 5:30 – 8:00pm.

We will have Specialty Pizza’s from our Big Lora Pizza Oven for Purchase. As always we will have wine by the glass or bottle for purchase. No outside food or alcohol allowed. info@sierravistawinery.com 530-622-7221 www.sierravistawinery.com/event/ echo-summit-2/

Oct 12 Dinner Station Farmers Market

4 - 7:00 pm. Produce, crafters, food and fun at the famous 4 corners! 5951 Mount Akum Road. Seeking vendors! Karen 530.558.1373

Oct 13 – 15 Coloma Gold Rush Live

We turn the park into an 1850’s tent town. Hundreds of docents and volunteers are dressed in period clothing and have set up their demonstrations in a camp-like feel to show what life was like during the gold rush. There are wagon rides, food, music, cannon rings, and more. The event runs 10:00 am - 4:00 pm each day. $20.00 event fee per vehicle. https://www.marshallgold.com/coloma-gold-rush-live

Oct 14 Pizza, Wine and Live Music at Sierra Vista

5 - 8:00 pm Music by Patrick Walsh. MUSIC BY PATRICK WALSH. We will have food for purchase. As always we will have wine by the glass or bottle for purchase. No outside food or alcohol allowed. Early Bird Reservations until Wed. 11th. Club $5 | Public $10. After Wed. 11th & at the Door. Club $10 Public $15. Reservations, 530-622-7221, www.sierravistawinery.com/event/

Oct 15 Hometown Pride Car Show

9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Union Mine High School, 6530 Koki Ln, El Dorado. Join us for a FUN lled day of Car Show, Raf es, Contests, Vendor Booths, Delicious Food, Awards & so much more! This event is a fundraiser to help raise funds for our UMHS FFA program for the 2023/2024 school year! www.unionmineffa.org

Oct 15 Brunch in the Vines

Enhance your Sunday Fun with a wine and food event that will brighten your day and your life. This experience stimulates all of your senses. 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. 7350 Fairplay Road, Somerset. www.element79vineyards.com , admin@element79vineyards. com

530-497-0750

Oct 18 Business Awards and State of the County

Address 11 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Cameron Park Country Club. Reservations required. (530) 621-5885

Oct 18 – Nov 3 Community Ofrendas: Honoring

Our Ancestors

The Sugar Skull Art Walk is a community project that engages local artist-designers in creating Day of the Dead “ofrendas” on Main Street. The goal of this project is to help unify communities through art, music, and the shared human experience of loss. The ofrendas will be on view in Switchboard Gallery from mid-October to November 3, 2023. https://artsandcultureeldorado.org/ community-ofrendas/

Oct 20 Mushrooms of El Dorado County and Beyond Diamond Springs Lion’s Hall, 4701 Missouri Flat Road. Admission free for members; public invited to attend 2 meetings/year free.

Info: Cheryl Purgett, 530-919-1513, www.srsedc.org

Oct 20 Business Showcase & I Love Film Mixer

4 - 8:00 pm. El Dorado County Fair & Event Center. Businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, this is your chance to network, promote your products and services, and connect with potential customers and clients.

Oct 26 Haunted Hayride at Saluti Horse

Adventures

You’ll ride on a tractor-drawn wagon, winding through the dark, eerie Saluti Cellar’s vineyards, rumored to be lled with the spirits of killers from Hangtown’s past. The ghosts and goblins are waiting for you! Come on down! https://salutihorseadventures.com/ trail-rides/haunted-hayride/

Oct 27 Hangtown Village Fall Festival

4 - 7:00 pm. 1200-1252 Broadway , Placerville. Join us for a fun kid day! Halloween Costume Contest with cash prizes! Toddler-12 years old!! Bounce House, Music, Facepainting, Games And More! www.facebook.com/Hangtownvillagesquare/

Oct 27 Everhart Cellars/Hart2Hart Vineyards

Family Wine Down

6 - 10:00 pm. DJ Grant, Food Trucks, Music. Admission Fee: $10, Wine Club Members $5, Kids 12 & under $5. Benji’s Wood Fired Pizza. https://www.everhartcellars.com/

Oct 28 Stammtisch El Dorado Oktoberfest

2 - 8:00 p.m. Authentic Bavarian Oktoberfest at the Shakespeare Hall, 2940 Bedford Ave., Placerville. Music and dancing with the Gruber Family Band. Admission includes German dinner, music and all the festivities. anneliese4avon@sbcglobal.net , https:// stammtischeldorado.com

For more information on these and other events, visit www. visiteldorado.com Event date, time, cost or locations are subject to change. Prior to attending an event please con rm the information.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein did things her way

It won’t happen, but a fitting tribute to Dianne Feinstein, California’s longest-serving U.S. senator, would be to have someone sing “My Way,” the paean to stubborn individualism made popular in Frank Sinatra’s 1969 recording.

California has never seen a political figure as steadfastly insistent on doing things her way as Feinstein, who died Thursday night at her home in Washington, D.C., at age 90.

Mostly, that was a good thing. As a San Francisco supervisor who succeeded George Moscone as mayor when he was assassinated in 1978, as a candidate for governor in 1990 and throughout her three decades in the U.S. Senate, Feinstein prioritized the job at hand, rarely distracted by political gamesmanship.

California has a decades-long tradition of having one senator who makes headlines and one who concentrates on pragmatic duties of representing the state’s interests and doing the nation’s work. Feinstein was always the latter, a trait that was particularly obvious when the other senators were Barbara Boxer and Kamala Harris. She was the one on whom California interest groups could depend to solve federal issues and she was equally serious about matters of national importance, such as the CIA’s torture of suspected terrorists and gun control.

The latter was a particularly high priority for Feinstein, who authored the now-defunct federal assault rifle ban.

The strongest evidence of Feinstein’s independence was her stubborn refusal to cater to criticism within her own Democratic Party. When she was running for governor in 1990, for

Guest Column

Letters to the Editor

Separation of church and state

EDITOR:

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors’ resolution in question — now rescinded — basically indicated that the Founding Fathers were, for the most part, of the Christian faith. They also quite properly made sure that government would not force any religion on the people.

Betsy Kerr brought up history to deny a connection between the Founding Fathers and Christianity. Let me inform you of a few things she conveniently left out. The Founding Fathers were not against religion, just a state sponsored one.

She cites Thomas Je erson leaving out his changing position, not on separation of church and state, which he strongly supported, but on Christianity. In 1803 he professed a renewed interest in Christianity.

Ms. Kerr also cites the Treaty of Tripoli where she points out we said we were not in any sense founded on the Christian religion. Let me give you the context of that. We were only a few years past the Revolution struggling to get out of debt and grow our fledgling economy. Our merchant shipping was getting raided by the Moslem Barbary Pirates severely hampering our e orts to get our nation on its feet. The president would have said he believed in the tooth fairy if it was necessary to get those raids stopped.

James Madison said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

You wanted the resolution pulled and it was, but history is history whether you like it or not.

GEORGE ALGER Placerville

Unique perspective

EDITOR:

My perspective on life and politics is unique to me. My parents raised nine children and none of my brothers and sisters took the life path I’ve traveled. Nine children with the

same parents with nine completely di erent lives. That’s why I bristle when people act as if everyone can be categorized as having a monolithic view on life and politics. I’ll define what my basis to life and politics are based upon.

1. I believe life is not fair. Some die younger than others and, with that belief in mind, I think that our Constitution and our country is the envy of the world because of our constitutional right to pursue happiness. But like life, it can never be perfect but I believe it is fair. I believe my family is an example that in this country you have the ability and responsibility to achieve your dreams. We do not live in a class society.

2. I believe that everyone has the right to say, think and live how they want to. But nobody has the authority to tell me what to say or think.

3. I believe that local government works best and should a ect our daily lives more than the federal government. When I say I believe in limited government I mean a limited federal government. States should be viewed as experimental incubators. And one should not be forced to leave our country because of federal oppression.

4. I know the di erence between faith and religion. I believe my faith gave me a foundational view on every aspect of my life in a positive way. I believe that the true enemy of socialism isn’t religion (socialism is a religion), but faith. If you have faith, you believe there is a higher power than government and that infuriates socialists.

These are a few points that have molded me and my thought process. There are other people who have a complete opposite point of view. And I believe they have a right to live their lives as they deem fit. For the life of me, I don’t know why or how my perspective is harming them. Maybe someone can explain.

The U.S. is becoming ‘a country I do not recognize’

If there is one overriding theme of the Biden years, it is the systematic degradation of American freedom, pushing the lives and freedom of private citizens aside as government expands and takes over.

This is done under the rubric of the left that “government knows best.”

Day by day, we are becoming what the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia described as “a country I do not recognize.”

In a new paper published by the Committee to Unleash Prosperity, Casey Mulligan, professor of economics at the University of Chicago and former chief economist of the president’s Council of Economic Advisers, estimates the current and future costs of new regulations imposed so far by the Biden administration as close to $10,000 per household.

Per Mulligan, although the largest single area of new regulatory costs come from fuel economy and emission standards, they still only account for one-third of the total costs. The rest come

from “health, labor, telecommunications and consumer finance regulations.”

In a paper published last year by Mulligan with Stephen Moore, they estimated that Biden administration policies, driven by climate change dogma, to shut down the oil and gas industry have resulted in 2 million to 3 million barrels per day less of oil production and 20-25 billion cubic feet of less natural gas production had these policies not been in place.

Mulligan and Moore estimate the cost of this foregone energy production to the U.S. economy is on the order of $100 billion per year.

Now we have the latest move by the Biden administration to remove millions of acres of land in Alaska from oil and gas drilling and development.

This includes blocking nearly half of the National Petroleum ReserveAlaska, the largest expanse of public land in the country, and canceling seven leases issued during the Trump administration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

These moves may leave President Joe Biden’s climate change

dogmatists happy, but less so Americans who care what they pay for energy.

Alaska’s Sen. Dan Sullivan and Wyoming’s Rep. Harriet Hageman have introduced the Energy Poverty Prevention and Accountability Act that requires cost-benefit evaluation from federal agencies on energyrelated policies that assesses the impact of policies on affordability of energy on Americans, particularly at-risk communities.

There is no question about the impact on the cost of living of all Americans as the Biden administration tilts at climate change windmills.

Oil prices and gasoline prices are now at 12-month highs.

Biden climate/energy policies have also found their way into the current auto strike.

Despite the United Auto Workers being a traditional stalwart supporter of the Democratic Party, so far UAW president Shawn Fain has not endorsed Biden.

One of the issues is government mandates on automakers to move to electric vehicles. Estimates are that production of EVs requires about 30% less labor. Therefore, these mandates threaten long-term economic security of auto workers.

The likely solution will not be backing off these mandates but subsidies and mandates to support union jobs in EV production.

This means even more government. More government controlling our economy, more government controlling our lives.

It is all a kind of backdoor socialism. But rather than increasing government control coming from some abstract ideology, we get the same result from belief that “government knows best.” The result is armies of government bureaucrat micromanagers controlling our lives.

Let’s recall our own Declaration of Independence, which states our founding based on individual rights

DAN WALTERS

STAR PARKER

It is all a kind of backdoor socialism. But rather than increasing government control coming from some abstract ideology, we get the same result from belief that “government knows best.”

Loewen Continued from A1

resignation, after he said his search into Loewen’s professional activities outside the CSD indicated the general manager at one time worked for DTA.

Gutierrez resigned via email Aug. 7, stating, “I thought long and hard about my decision to resign, but due to the current serious conflict of interest with EDHCSD General Manager and DTA Finance Consulting, I feel compelled to resign while this matter is being investigated and appropriately adjudicated.”

Loewen’s employment contract with the EDHCSD allows for outside employment if it is approved by the Board of Directors; however, both Williams and Gutierrez have said they cannot find anything in board minutes to indicate directors had done so.

Gutierrez further asked the board to look into financial discrepancies within the LLADs, including how much DTA has received for its services and irregularities in how much residents are taxed.

All this comes nearly a year after the EDHCSD sued El Dorado County Auditor-Controller Joe Harn, who purposely left certain LLAD fees charged by the CSD off 2022 property tax bills. At that time, the auditor said he took action after noticing discrepancies in the assessments between what consultants submitted and what the EDHCSD Board of Directors approved. He then asked CSD officials for a letter “indicating that the CSD board was responsible for the accuracy and lawfulness of the assessments,” as it had done the prior year. No letter was received. The same assessments were left off the 2023 property tax bills.

Walters Continued from A6 instance, she pointedly reiterated her support for capital punishment in a speech to a state party convention and was met with virtually unanimous boos.

Twenty-eight years later, while running for re-election, another Democratic convention snubbed her and instead endorsed then-state Sen. Kevin de Leon. Later, Feinstein handily defeated de Leon in the 2018 runoff election.

Feinstein’s insistence on doing it her way, despite what others in her party wanted, was on stark display when she began experiencing ill health, lost her husband, Richard Blum, and exhibited symptoms of cognitive decline. Although she finally announced this year that she would not run again in 2024, she stubbornly refused to resign.

The situation was a big headache for Gov. Gavin Newsom — one of his own making — because he had to quickly name someone to fill out the remaining 15 months of Feinstein’s term because of the Democrats’ paper-thin Senate majority.

In 2021, when Harris resigned from the Senate after becoming vice president, Newsom appointed then-Secretary of State Alex Padilla to fill out her term and endured a torrent of criticism for not naming another Black woman to the Senate. Under fire, Newsom blurted to a television interviewer that if another vacancy occurred — essentially, if Feinstein died or resigned — he would appoint a Black woman. In the meantime, however, one Black woman, Oakland Congresswoman Barbara Lee, declared her

4, 2023

candidacy for the Senate and is now running a distant third in the polls to two other Democratic members of Congress, Katie Porter and Adam Schiff.

If Newsom had appointed Lee, he would have been interfering with the election, so he declared that he would fill the seat with a Black woman, but only a caretaker who would serve out the term. That angered not only Lee and her supporters but also progressives who want one of their own in Feinstein’s seat.

There are other prominent Black women in California politics, such as Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, San Francisco Mayor London Breed and Secretary of State Shirley Weber. However, it’s unlikely that any of them would have given up their positions to put a few months in the Senate on their résumés.

Sunday Newsom named Laphonza Butler — the president of the nation’s largest organization dedicated to electing women, EMILY’s List — but it was a no-win task he didn’t want.

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

Parker Continued from A6

— life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness — and “that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men ... that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it.”

It is time for Americans to act to restore our free nation while we have a few breaths of freedom left.

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

Announcements

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

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

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

PUZZLE BY

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/

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.

In the KNOW

Oct. 4

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts a Park Party Bark-B-Que, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Community Park dog park. Enjoy free food, music, and family/K-9 oriented activities and games. Dogs are encouraged to join (on leashes).

Brad Parsons will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Music in the Mountains and Classical Kids Live! present Beethoven Lives Upstairs — an educational production at 6:30 p.m. at The Center for the Arts in Grass Valley. For tickets and more information visit musicinthemountains.org.

Oct. 5

Choose Folsom presents HER - Folsom Women’s Conference at 8:30 a.m. at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

The El Dorado FamilySearch Center in Placerville hosts youth, teen and adult fun Using the BYU Tech Lab at 10 a.m. Create calendars, family maps, play games, create puzzles … all using your FamilySearch tree. This class is taught by Colleen Howell. For more information call (530) 6211378.

UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County host an informational meeting/orientation about becoming a Master Gardener, 10:30 a.m. to noon at 311 Fair Lane in Placerville. A virtual option for those who cannot attend in person takes place at 5 p.m. Oct. 19. Visit surveys. ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?

surveynumber=35604%20.

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce hosts a 5 p.m. ribbon cutting at Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil’s new office at 4364 Town Center Blvd., Suite 313, El Dorado Hills. Refreshments will be provided.

Women’s Fund El Dorado hosts an evening of inspirational stories to celebrate contributions to

Local scouts become community heroes

Special to the Mountain Democrat

There’s no stopping the young men of Rescue’s Boy Scout Troop 700, which is chartered under the Rescue Volunteer Fire Association. Earlier this year it saw the rank advancements of its 106th and 107th Eagle Scouts.

Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America program and is usually only achieved by 4% of Scouts. Requirements include earning seven rank advancements and at least 21 merit badges, including 14 specific badges intended to create a well-rounded Scout who demonstrates the Scout Spirit, an ideal attitude based upon the Scout Oath and Law, service and leadership.

Earning Eagle rank also includes the completion of an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads and manages.

Johann Perez, is the son of Frank and Marlies Perez of Rescue. Johann earned his Eagle on Feb. 22, 2023, and is currently a senior at Ponderosa High School. Johann leads the video production of Ponderosa High School’s weekly video bulletin. Outside of school he enjoys learning new trades and skills and spending time with his family.

“I love learning new skills such as welding, carpentry and how to change my tire,” he shared. “I consider all these new skills part of my learning tool belt allowing me to fix my problems and lifelong

Day hiker

South Yuba River National Trail

experiences.”

Gabriel Johnson of Rescue is the son of Angela Johnson and Arturo Peredo. Gabriel earned his Eagle Scout on April 19, 2023, and is a 2023 graduate of Ponderosa High School.

Gabe is currently attending Folsom Lake College with plans to transfer to CalPoly Humboldt to major in wildlife conservation.

In the spirit of aspects of the Scout Law — Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, and Kind — Johann and Gabriel recently extended their Eagle Scout Court of Honor to include Malcolm Cooksy. Malcolm’s troop, No. 550, where he had attained his Eagle Scout, had recently been retired.

As Malcolm spent his final months of Scout eligibility with Troop No. 700 it was

only fitting he was celebrated within its ranks.

Malcolm is the son of Kevin and Danae Cooksy of Cameron Park. Malcolm earned his Eagle on May 25, 2022, and is also a graduate of the Ponderosa High School class of 2023. He is a first-year student at the University of Portland, majoring in mechanical engineering with plans to focus on aerospace engineering.

Malcolm’s project served the Cameron Park Airport by creating an emergency response box. The project’s product was a cleared concrete pad with a secure and powered cabinet stocked with assorted items needed when responding to an on-airport emergency and accompanying signage.

Johann’s project served the Marshall Gold Discovery State

Historic Park. The project titled the Dutch Creek Eagle project included new gates, signage and drainage system for its namesake’s trailhead and creek.

Having attended Rescue Elementary School, Gabriel’s project gave back to his alma mater as he created a stage in the school learning garden for improved presenting of materials and overall learning experience for students.

Troop 700 has several more Scouts on the verge of Eagle and continues to welcome boys ages 11 through 17 years of age. For more information visit the troop website at troopwebhost. org/Troop700Rescue/Index. htm and contact Scoutmaster Roger Johnson at (916)8822840 or rogerjohnson30@ gmail.com.

Mary

West

Outdoor columnist

The Bureau of Land Management’s South Yuba Recreation Area begins just above Nevada City off North Bloomfield Road. Within its boundaries outside Malikoff Diggins State Park is the South Yuba Campground. At the back of the parking lot near the entrance to the campground is where I found the trailhead down to the river with its spectacular hairpin turn in the river and giant thumb of a rock that interrupts the perfect view from the trail.

The national trail is about 15 miles in length with lots of elevation changes but

Send Us Your Spe cial Holiday Recipes

The Mountain Democrat will be publishing our Thanksgiving Holiday Edition Wednesday, Nov. 22 and we want your holiday recipes!

We are now accepting submissions for unique, local holiday recipes that will be considered for inclusion in this special publication. If you would like to participate, please send all submissions to:

Krysten Kellum at kkellum@mtdemocrat.net or mail to:

Great opportunity to thank your customers!

To advertise in this special edition of the Mountain Democrat, contact your sales representative or call 530-344-5048.

Krysten Kellum c/o “Holiday Recipes” P. O. Box 1088 Placerville, CA 95667

Courtesy photo

Dedicated Scouts Gabriel Johnson, Johann Perez and Malcolm Cooksy have earned their Eagle Scout awards.

Photo by Mary West

the South Yuba River National Trail down to the water can be tricky but the view at the bottom

Big fun ready for the picking at Amador’s Big crush

News release

The Amador Vintners Association hosts its annual Big Crush Harvest Wine Festival Oct. 6-8. Join the association members for three days of wine tasting, harvest activities, live music and food at more than 45 member wineries in Amador County during the most exciting time of year.

Big Crush is the perfect time to see harvest in action and this year will be no exception. With so many participating wineries, ticket holders can expect to see an array of behindthe-scenes harvest experiences, from barrel tasting and winery tours to seeing crush in action at the family owned wineries.

Tickets include wine tasting and harvest experiences at six different wineries each day. Ticket holders will receive a commemorative glass that they can use to enjoy tailored wine tasting flights alongside a variety of harvest-related experiences, small bites and live music.

Festival goers can choose an elevated reservation experience, where each winery stop is scheduled with plenty of time to enjoy the tasting experience, or choose a more goldrush style walk-in experience, where visitors can choose their wineries as they go and take advantage of recommendations and their own spontaneity.

Nestled in the scenic Sierra foothills, Amador Wine Country is a warm and welcoming, family-oriented wine community. Enjoy the vineyard scenery, trudging tractors and bustling crush pads accompanied by incomparable Amador wine region hospitality.

The Amador Vintners Association has been working to promote and support local businesses for more than 150 years, including supporting its member base of family owned wineries and vineyards. For more information and tickets visit AmadorWine.com.

Fun experiences

24 Brix Winery — Walk-in experience: 24 Brix will offer turkey pinwheel poppers.

Driven Cellars — Reservation experience: Enjoy wines and views that don’t disappoint.

Feist Wines — Walk-in experience: Savor the region in an unforgettable way. Lusso Della Terra — Reservation experience: Renowned food and wine pairings.

PleinAir Vineyards — Reservation and walk-in experience: Enjoy a small bite while tasting award-winning cabernet sauvignon and estate Rhone varietals in a French-inspired outdoor courtyard and tasting room.

Rubidoux Ridge Vineyard — Reservation experience: Put a sparkle in the day trying the elegantly crafted vermentino and barbera sparkling wines. There are also deep, full-bodied malbec and petite sirah reds recently released.

D’Agostini Wines — Reservation and walk-in experience: D’Agostini will offer a tasting of the four current releases plus a vineyard hay ride and winery tour.

Avio Vineyards — Reservation and walk-in experience: It’s a “PunchDown” Party at Avio. Harvest is in

n See Big crush, page B5

Decorate an el Dorado transit bus

The El Dorado County Office of Education has launched the El Dorado Transit Bus Decorating Contest for the 2023-24 school year. This exciting art contest is open to middle and high school students (sixth through 12th grades).

The contest aims to foster creativity and community engagement by inviting students to submit their artwork designs to be displayed on one of the El Dorado Transit buses. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to leave a lasting mark on the community and inspire others through artwork.

Submission guidelines:

• Participants must be enrolled in a public school, including charter schools.

• Artwork must be an original piece of non-electronic art (no photography or computer generations).

• The artwork should depict why an individual would want to ride the bus.

• Size: 8.5 by 11 inches or 11 by 17 inches

Submission deadline is Friday, Oct. 6. Send artwork to EDCOE, Attn. Communications, 6767 Green Valley Road, Placerville, CA 95667. For more information contact Dina Gentry at dgentry@edcoe.org.

Photo courtesy of the Amador Vintners Association

The Big Crush is here. Celebrate with Amador County wineries this weekend, Oct. 6-8.

PRESERvE iT!

Oh, hail the tomatoes

That California summer heat and sun ripen the tomatoes in our gardens. We feast on (almost) a full rainbow of colors — yellows, oranges, reds, greens, pinks, burgundy and dark purples. Meals seem to always include tomatoes. If we are lucky to have an abundance of these fruits, we dehydrate them and preserve them in our dwindling supply of canning jars as the home preservation season marches into autumn.

Laurie Lewis

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

1 ½ cups diced green beans, blanched

1 ½ cups diced peeled carrots, blanched Pickle crisp (optional)

1. In a large glass or stainless-steel bowl, combine cucumber, red peppers, cabbage, onions and green tomatoes. Add 8 cups of water and pickling salt. Cover and let stand in a cool place (70-75 degrees F) for 12 hours or overnight. Transfer to a colander placed over a sink and drain thoroughly. Rinse with cool water and drain thoroughly again. Using your hands, squeeze out excess liquid. Set aside.

While the temperatures start to drop, as the sunlight slowly disappears a bit more every day, we contemplate when to clean up the summer garden and perhaps plan for a late fall/winter garden. Pulling up the tomato plants gives us an abundance of green, unripe tomatoes. Of course, there’s the fried green tomato recipe at hand.

But what if you want to capture all those odds and ends from the garden, including those green tomatoes, in a canning recipe? Try this recipe

from “Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving,” 2020. It uses English cucumbers, which are not peeled. The peel brightens up the color of the relish. English cucumbers have thinner skins and fewer seeds. Field cucumbers have large seeds, which makes them bitter, and are often sold waxed to extend shelf life; the pickling liquid cannot penetrate the wax.

Chow Chow Relish

Makes about seven 8-ounce jars

2 cups coarsely chopped English cucumber

1 ½ cups chopped seeded red bell peppers

1 ½ cups chopped cabbage

1 ½ cups sliced onions

1 ½ cups chopped, cored green tomatoes (unpeeled)

9 cups water, divided

1 cup pickling salt

3 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)

2 ½ cups granulated sugar

3 tablespoons mustard seeds

2 tablespoons celery seeds

1 tablespoon ground turmeric

2. In a large stainless-steel saucepan, combine remaining 1 cup water, vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds and turmeric. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add drained cucumber mixture, green beans and carrots; return to a boil. Reduce heat; boil gently, stirring frequently, until thickened to consistency of a thin commercial relish (about 40 minutes).

3. Meanwhile prepare canner, jars and lids.

4. Ladle hot relish into hot jars, leaving ½-inch headspace. Add 1/16 teaspoon pickle crisp (if using) to each half-pint jar. Remove air bubbles, and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot relish. Wipe rim. Center lid on jar. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to fingertip-tight.

5. Place jars in the canner, ensuring they are completely covered with 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil and process for 10 minutes at 0-1,000 feet, 15 minutes at 1,001-3,000 feet, 20 minutes at 3,001-6,000 feet, 25 minutes above 6,000 feet. Remove canner lid. Wait 5 minutes; remove jars, cool 12-24 hours, label and store.

The UC Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County are a great resource for answers to food safety and preserving questions. Leave a message at (530) 621-5506 or email edmfp@ucanr. edu. For more information about the program, events and recipes visit ucanr.edu/edmfp. Sign up to receive the eNewsletter at ucanr.org/mfpcsenews. Find the group on Facebook, too (UCCE Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County).

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

HOROSCOPE by Holiday Mathis

n TODAy

ARIES (March 21-April 19). To do the right thing you must do it at the right time. Arguably, there are no inherently correct actions, just ones that beautifully fit a particular moment. Virtue relies on context.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). There are magic words you won’t know your soul longed for until the moment their expression fills the void. This will happen soon. In the meantime, it’s lucky and attractive to give yourself plenty of self-affirmation.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). “Whoever obeys the gods, to him they particularly listen,” said Homer in “The Iliad.” Many relationships are best begun in obedience, especially where there’s a mightily skewered power dynamic.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’re like the post office, committed to deliver come rain or shine. Your plans (and your character) are bigger than the weather, the mood, the current drama and anything else you could encounter. You shall progress.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). When projects have a life of their own, it’s a huge sign of success. It indicates that people and elements are interacting to create something bigger than the sum of its parts. You’ll get out of the way and let it happen.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). With good people around you today, you won’t worry about earning love or respect. You’ll have it automatically, and it will bring you comfort and sustenance without asking for anything in return.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). If you try to walk on water,

you’ll sink. Yet, when you try to sink, you’ll float to the surface. As you navigate the day’s elements, which will be much trickier than water, accept their natural qualities and adapt to them.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Things start off well when you’re not worried about how they will end. Such is the freedom you feel today. With your open mind and voracious curiosity, you’ll let the adventure draw you in.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’ll prompt yourself. It helps your attitude. The question that’s like a fuel injection: “What’s good about this?” To see the good and build on it is the simple act that keeps you on the winning track.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Most people are not cheered by seeing people have fun without them, but many find animals enjoying themselves to be a reliable resource for mirth. You’re sensitive to the feelings of others, and you’ll need to be today.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The intention of an action will affect the outcome. Even if two actions are identical, different intentions net different results, mostly because people can feel it. Trying to do what’s right feels different from trying to avoid punishment.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You can be whimsical, and people love that about you. You can also stick to the script, which will be the order of the day. Don’t stray too far from the main action because those who wander will get left.

UCCE Master Food Preserver of El Dorado County

BUSINESS Awards 2023 &

STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS

Ed Sengstack Harris Center for the Arts

FOLSOM— Harris Center for the Arts presents Queen of the Night!

Remembering Whitney at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct.

6.

Queen of the Night!

Remembering Whitney, starring Trina Johnson Finn, is a 90-minute live entertainment show that brings the topselling 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 fanfavorite 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.

Finn is a versatile artist with class, sophistication

Courtesy photo

Trina Johnson Finn performs Whitney Houston’s greatest hits at Harris Center for the Arts this

Know Continued from B1 the Women’s Fund, 5-8 p.m. at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. Tickets are available online at womensfundeldorado.org/ events.

Paul Godwin will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville at 5 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Day Hiker Continued from B1

generally down hill to the river is as far as I took it — about an 8-mile round trip.

The wildflowers in spring were a surprise considering the many trees that shade the trail. Late spring or fall may be the best times as exposed areas can be oppressively hot and winter brings cold temps with rain and snow. The trail is rough in places with downed trees and underbrush.

The sight of the river below is compelling but remember every step downhill is a step uphill to get back to the parking lot. Take more than enough water to sustain you.

There are many spur trails and “volunteer trails” that can get you off the main trail so be aware of your surroundings.

Once at the river, the emerald pools

Tribute Continued from B4

Many consider Johnson Finn a “Triple Threat,” a Hollywood term for entertainers with multiple talents and a dazzling personality to match. This seasoned vocalist, actress, songwriter and producer is a rare diamond that shines like a star. Johnson Finn is no stranger to the entertainment industry and she continues to accomplish many of her goals as an international performing artist.

Johnson Finn was born and raised in Kansas City, Mo., where she studied voice performance and theater at the UMKC Conservatory of Music. She has appeared on such shows as The Grammy Awards, Oprah, MTV Music Video Awards, BET Awards, Billboard Awards and the American Music Awards.

Sharing her gift of voice, Johnson Finn has also graced the stage with iconic entertainers ranging from Barbra Streisand, MC Hammer, Smokey Robinson, Michael Bolton, Valerie Simpson and The Family Stone, to name a few.

As a recording artist, Johnson Finn was featured on MC Hammer’s “Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em” album and is

The El Dorado County and Shingle SpringsCameron Park chambers of commerce host a ribbon cutting at JRT Insurance in Placerville at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit scpchamber.org/chamber-calendar.

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

are glorious. Rock hopping to find my perfect perch was a fun game. After finding just the right place, lunch and relaxation were in order. Watching the time, we gave ourselves time to make the return trip with plenty of daylight.

Mary West is author of the book series Day Hiker – Gold Country Trail Guide I, II and III (second edition available on Amazon). The books are a collection of the Day Hiker columns where West shares her longtime love of the outdoors, favorite hikes in Northern California’s Gold Country and beyond. West was the recipient of the 2017 and 2019 Craft Award for Best Outdoor Column and the 2020 Craft Award for her second book in the Day Hiker series by the Outdoor Writers of California. You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

currently writing and co-producing her own original music for future release. As a producer, Johnson Finn started her own production company called Lipstick Diva Productions and has self-produced and stars in the inaugural production, Queen of the Night!

Remembering Whitney Johnson Finn is considered to be one of the best tribute artists in America and around the globe. As an actress, she also has many film, television and theater credits under her belt.

Appearing in projects like “Anchorman” starring Will Ferrell,

Big Crush Continued from B1

full swing, so it’s time to punch the grapes. There will be winemaking demos and tasting wine in the early stages of fermentation right out of the punching bins while sharing the punch-down duties with guests.

Bella Grace Vineyards — Reservation and walk-in experience: Take in the sights and sounds of harvest at the Bella Grace Vineyard and Wine Cave Dianda Vineyards — Reservation and walk-in experience: Take a trip off the main roads and discover Fiddletown. Taste the new 2021 releases paired with chicken

cacciatore over penne pasta.

Le Mulet Rouge — Reservation and walk-in experience: Visit the crush pad at the vineyard and winery with winemaker/owner Tracy Hart to celebrate this year’s harvest, tasting grapes and estate wines of viognier, sauvignon blanc, syrah and cabernet sauvignon.

Tanis Vineyards — Reservation and walk-in experience: Tanis will pour wines paired with custom chocolates. TKC Vineyards — Reservation and walk-in experience: TKC will offer sausages, assorted mustards and Italian appetizers.

“Breakin All The Rules” starring Jamie Foxx, “Bringing Down The House” starring Queen Latifah and Steve Martin and the Off-Broadway theater productions of “Dreamgirls,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “The Wiz.”

Individual tickets range from $51-$81 and are on sale now at the box office at (916) 608-6888 or online at HarrisCenter.net. Box office hours are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Friday and one hour before showtime. Harris Center for the Arts is located at 10 College Parkway in Folsom.

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