Nearly two years after the car collision on Highway 50 that resulted in the death of Camino resident Mason Visman, his partner Erica Chambers was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison for her role in the tragic event.
The gallery in El Dorado County Superior Court’s Department 2 was packed past occupancy as friends and family of Mason’s anxiously awaited the Oct. 4 proceedings, which were pushed back more than an hour by dozens of arraignments and other court matters. Many had been waiting for the sentencing hearing since Aug. 23, when Chambers changed her previously entered not guilty pleas to ones of guilty and no contest.
Chambers’ change of plea followed a preliminary hearing held in April that concluded the El Dorado County District Attorney’s O ce had su cient evidence to
bring the charges filed against her — gross vehicular manslaughter and DUI causing injury with a blood alcohol level above .08.
Evidence presented during the pretrial hearing combined to create a picture of the events surrounding Mason’s death on Nov. 11, 2022, beginning when he and Chambers, who called each other husband and wife though they were not legally married, attended the wedding of his brother. Witnesses at the event shared seeing Chambers drink heavily during the reception before she and Mason left, both in fancy dress.
Data pulled from the vehicle Chambers was driving that night indicated she was
50 years of women in the CHP celebrated
■ Kimberly Berg reflects on being part of CHP history
t has been 50 years since a group of women participated in the Women Tra c O cer Program in Sept. 30, 1974 — a pilot program for determining a woman’s capability to become a California Highway Patrol o cer. Twenty seven of those women
completed the academy on Meadowview Road in Sacramento and became the first female o cers on Jan. 16, 1975. Kimberly Berg, probably better known as a long-time educator in El Dorado County, was one of those women, in fact the first in the program to be awarded a CHP number. Badge No. 8700 was born. Berg, along with other trailblazers for women, answered the call when CHP announced it was hiring women,
Leaders laud renewal of Lake Tahoe Restoration Act
Eli Ramos Tahoe Daily Tribune
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — Representative Kevin Kiley (R-CA) hosted Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and the rest of the “Tahoe Team” at Heavenly Mountain Resort’s Lakeview Lodge to celebrate President Joe Biden signing the reauthorization of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act on Oct. 4. The bill extends the existing funding of more than $300 million towoard the protection and preservation of the “Jewel of the Sierra” through 2034.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and League to Save Lake Tahoe were two agencies that were part of the Tahoe Team, represented by Cindy Gustafson, Julie Regan and Jesse Patterson. Kiley himself wore a Keep Tahoe Blue shirt as he spoke to the crowd.
“The coalition that made this happen … transcends political differences,” said Kiley, a nod to the bipartisan and bicameral partnerships that pushed the legislation forward. He thanked and acknowledged the many people in Congress
MAIL LABEL
Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian
Courtesy photo
Kimberly Berg, badge No. 8700.
Tahoe Daily Tribune photo by Eli Ramos
Kevin Kiley, Cindy Gustafson, Jesse Patterson, Catherine Cortez Masto and Julie Regan pose with the Team Tahoe sign.
ESSENTIALS
Katherine Leah Reyes (Katie Koban)
Nov. 20, 1976 – Feb. 26, 2024
Clinton “Clint” Boyce
Jan. 7, 1948 – Sept. 30, 2024
Katherine Leah Reyes (Katie Koban), aged 47, of Frisco, Texas passed away on February 26th, 2024 after a short and courageous battle with cancer. Katie was born on November 20, 1976 to Dr. Frank James Koban and Lettie Lee Koban in Carmichael, Ca. Her family moved to Cameron Park, Ca when she was 3 years old and lived there for most of her life. Kate graduated from Ponderosa High School in 1994. Kate is preceded in death by her mother Lettie, who passed in 2018. Kate leaves behind her only beloved son, Isaiah Koban of Woodland, father D. Frank Koban, brother Dr. Mike Koban and his wife Rene, sister Amy Stanberry and her husband Steve, Sarah Gregg and her husband Gary. Many nieces and nephews. And, Kate’s beloved dog Molly. Katie was a phenomenal dancer, beginning when she was a young child. Dancing took Kate all the way to Japan and Tonga with her dance troop and touring with various artists. Her passion was her love of animals, especially dogs. Kate had many struggles in life, but in her later years she was able to overcome them, and she was so very proud of her sobriety and loved her career at Amazon. Kate had found the Lord and was baptized in September of 2023 at James River Church in Missouri. Now that Kate has passed into the arms of our Lord, her physical life on earth is over but it is the beginning of an eternal and beautiful journey for her, and for that her family knows that they will be seeing her again one day. Services will be held privately, at a later date.
Azardokht Sadrian Elli
Dec. 28, 1939 – Sept. 22, 2024 Azar Sadrian passed away on September 22, 2024 in Cameron Park, CA at the age of 84. She was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and fought the monster disease for 22 months, carrying herself with grace and determination, driven by her faith and love for family. Azar Sadrian was born to Abdulhossain and Zarin in Tehran, Iran on December 28, 1939 as the oldest of 7 children. She married Hossein Elli at age 17, a marriage that lasted 67 years. They soon had two children, their son Shahram and daughter Shiva. After the Iranian Islamic Revolution, they immigrated to Sacramento in 1985 and joined the community at Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church. Azar was a leader in her family and a pioneer in her career. She began teaching at 17 and was an educator in schools and universities for over 60 years. She got her Bachelor’s in Communications in Iran while working and raising two kids, and completed her schooling in the US with a Master’s in Education. Azar volunteered on academic Boards and the local Foster Family Services Board. She was a prominent member of the El Dorado Hills Sports Club and loved taking cycling and water aerobics classes. Loved by many, an example to all, and our fearless leader, Azar Sadrian. You will be immensely missed! Azar is survived by her husband Hossein Elli of Cameron Park. Two children: Shahram Elli (Flora) of Granite Bay and Shiva Frentzen (Je ) of Cameron Park. Four grandchildren: Alin Frentzen (Susan) of Lee’s Summit MO, Angela Frentzen of San Diego, Brian Elli of Folsom, and Justin Elli of Folsom. Three great grandchildren: Elise, Sylvia, and Oliver. Six siblings: Pooran Sadrian of Malibu, Parviz Sadrian (Pam) of Fair Oaks, Simmin Namgostar (Shapoor) of Sacramento, Iran Sadrian of Roseville, Saeed Sadrian (Anne) of Camino, and Nasrin Mojtahedi (Hossein) of Roseville. Her celebration of life service will be held at Fair Oaks Church (11427 Fair Oaks Blvd, Fair Oaks, CA 95628) in the main sanctuary on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 11 AM with a reception to follow.
Sept. 7, 1929 – Aug. 25, 2024
Jane Rogers passed away in her home of 52 years with her daughter and niece by her side. She was born in Schenectady, NY and grew up in Lowell, MA. In her twenties, she traveled to San Francisco to be with her sister Doris. On March 26, 1953 she met Gene Rogers and they were married a little over 6 months later on November 6, 1953. They started their family in San Jose, CA and moved to Placerville in 1972. She enjoyed her earlier years raising her family and later in life enjoyed summers by the pool with her grandchildren and then great grandchildren. After Gene passed away, she spent time with her family and looked forward to volunteering at the library. Jane and Gene were very kind, generous and giving people who loved their family very much. Jane is survived by her son Michael Rogers and his wife Lynette Rogers of Pleasant Valley and her daughter Dory Rogers and husband Tim Keller of Somerset. She also leaves behind five grandchildren: Alison and Anthony Robinson, Jake and Liz Hostetler, Michael and Elizabeth Rogers, Jon and Nicole Rogers and Sadie Keller. She was blessed with six great grandchildren: Savanna, Courtney, Corbyn, Kara, Aliya and Kira. She is also survived by 2 close nieces, Sandra and Karen and her brother Sanford and wife Ginny. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Charles Eugene Rogers, her brother Norman and sisters Betty, and Doris. A special thanks to cousin Karen for her love, kindness and compassion she showed our mom.
Clinton “Clint” Boyce passed away September 30th in Sparks, Nevada with his wife by his side following a years-long battle with Lewy Body Dementia. He is survived by his loving wife Martha Boyce; 4 siblings Clyde Woodard, Dwayne Woodard, Jeanette Gomes, and Lynn Carver; 7 children and children-inlaw Justin Boyce, Jacob Boyce, Christy Boyce, Dawn Francis, Sam Beaton, Jake Beaton, and Althea Beaton; 9 grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren. He was born in West Virginia in 1948 and spent much of his childhood in Wisconsin. During his time in Wisconsin he often helped put food on the table for the family through hunting, fishing, gardening, and taking crops from local farms. He relocated to California in the late 1960’s where he found a job working for the Sacramento County Sheri ’s O ce. He remained there for over 25 years until his retirement. He loved the solitude that nature provided and spent much time engaging with nature through his loves of fishing, hunting, camping, and backpacking. If he wasn’t out in nature, you might even find him watching nature documentaries. He also loved to garden. He would spend the winters reading and researching crops to plant after the coldest days of winter had passed. He was always so proud of his tomatoes. He was a loving father who shared his appreciation for nature with his children through hunting, fishing, camping, and backpacking. He would participate in cub scouts, attend sports games, and encourage growth through many other activities. He had a wonderful sense of humor and made sure to share it with those around him all the way up until the end. With a self-satisfying grin, he would crack a joke or do something goofy. If others laughed, that was a plus, but he was enjoying himself all the same. When he eventually retired from the Sacramento County Sheri ’s O ce, he bought the little house in the woods that he had always wanted. He befriended and named the local wildlife which would come near the door. This would become the home that he would share with his wife, Martha, and comment regularly about the tra c on the quiet country road or the noises breaking through nature’s calm. His rescue dog, Pepper, became his constant companion during his journey with Dementia. He would bring Pepper everywhere he went, even carrying him when he’d go on miles-long walks, one of the symptoms of his disease. He touched many lives with his kind heart and good humor and surrounded himself with loved ones. A memorial Service and celebration of life will be held at Radiant Church, 4602 Missouri Flat Road, Placerville, CA on October 19th at 2pm. In the spirit of his love for casual attire, you are encouraged to dress in blue jeans and a t-shirt. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to the Lewy Body Dementia Association https://www.lbda.org/donate/ or to Foothill Dog Rescue in Shingle Springs, CA https:// foothilldogrescue.org/make-a-donation/.
Thomas Daniel Shinnick
Jan. 28, 1949 – Sept. 21, 2024
On September 21, 2024 Thomas Daniel “Mopar Dan” Shinnick died. Dan was born in Montana on January 28, 1949 and grew up in the Santa Ynez Valley of California on a cattle ranch. Even at a young age Dan understood the value of earning your own way, working hard and being a person that puts family above anything else. Dan was not only friend to everyone he met, he was a hero to his daughters, a best friend to his wife Debra for 45 years, and the greatest example of being a big brother and loyal son. He was a man to be trusted to do exactly what he said he would do, with a hand shake to confirm. Dan was full of life and had the most infectious smile and belly laugh. Dan has been a pilar of the Placerville community for well over 45 years. His construction company Shinnick Construction was a notable, trusted resource for not only the local area but surrounding areas throughout the region. In his over 30 years of business, he was well respected and gained countless lifelong friends. Dan’s love for classic cars goes without saying. He was meticulous about every detail which made him a highly respected person in the Mopar World and the industry of restoring classics back to their original beauty. His cars weren’t just a hobby they were an extension of his heart. He loved to spend hours in his garage and share his knowledge, reminisce and reflect on what it meant for him to return these cars back to prime show stoppers. Dan grew up as the oldest brother of 7 children, his sisters and brother meant the world to him. Their parents, Dot & Tom, navigated raising a family that understood the value in a hard days work and taking care of each other no matter what. Dan is survived by his wife Debra Thompson; daughters; Carrie Shinnick, Jennifer Hawley (Russell Hawley) and Wendy Santwier (Rodney Santwier); his sisters; Delores Ewing (Gene Ewing) and Patty Dixon (Dave Dixon); 7 adored grandkids and 6 great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his parents Dorothy and Thomas Shinnick; sister’s Doris Shinnick, Rosie VanReed, Penny Rose and brother’s Michael Shinnick and Leroy Shinnick, baby boy Shinnick and grandsons James and Jeremy Hawley. It has given us great comfort in hearing all the stories about how Dan has touched their lives and how he made them feel. You knew you were loved, he would tell you the truth, hold you accountable, and expect your very best all without judgement. Please join us as we celebrate the life well lived of Dan on 10/26 at Davies Family Inn Shadowridge Ranch on Fort Jim Road in Placerville, CA between 11-4 pm. A few of Dan’s classic cars will be on display for the day. For those that wish to bring their cars as well feel free as we know Dan loved them all . In lieu of flowers please feel free to donate to your favorite charity in his name.
Search on for missing man last seen Saturday
Odin Rasco Senior sta writer
Community members and El Dorado County sheri ’s deputies are on the search for an El Dorado County man who has not been seen since the early hours of Oct. 5. Tyson Fiddler was last seen at around 1:50 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at PJ’s Roadhouse in Placerville; he lived nearby and was known to walk home from there from time to time. Tyson is around 5 feet, 11 inches tall, weighs around 190 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a plain black shirt, navy blue shorts and black flip flops.
According to information shared by EDSO, he is now considered a missing person, and anyone who may have seen him or knows more is encouraged to contact Det. Conley at (530) 642-4712 or conleyj@ edso.org. Potential informants or witnesses can also contact the sheri ’s non-emergency dispatch number at (530) 621-6600; reference EDSO case 24-8028.
PPD CRIME LOG
The following information was taken from Placerville police reports:
Sept. 22
9:36 p.m. Burglary reported on Broadway.
Sept. 23
8:20 a.m. Petty theft reported on Tunnel Street.
12:00 p.m. Battery reported on Marshall Way.
Sept. 24
9:59 a.m. O cers booked into jail a 47-year-old man on suspicion of a violation of post release community supervision on Placerville Drive. He was listed in custody.
10:37 a.m. Petty theft reported on Spring Street.
7:36 p.m. O cers booked into jail a 37-year-old woman on suspicion of indecent exposure and littering on Broadway. She was released on $5,000 bail.
7:43 p.m. Petty theft reported on Placerville Drive.
A measure banning prone restraints in California schools officially became state law last weekend after receiving Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature.
Senate Bill 483 — now named Max Benson’s Law in memory of a Davis boy who died as a result of the practice in 2018 — received unanimous support from the state Legislature following its introduction by state Sen. Dave Cortese, D-San Jose, last year.
“Today, California joins the majority of states in the union in declaring that our children are too vulnerable and too precious to be subjected to dangerous and at times deadly restraints,” said Stacia Langley, Max’s mother.
“Although it is too late to save my son and spare our family the grief of his loss, this law will protect countless children in the future and ensure that Max’s death was not in vain,” Langley said.
“We thank Sen. Cortese for his leadership on this bill, and thank the Legislature for the overwhelming support it has received in both chambers.”
The new law prohibits K-12 schools throughout the state from physically or mechanically restraining students in a face-down position, which can restrict a person’s airway.
“Through SB 483, we will now able to protect our children and youth from becoming victims of deadly practices such as prone restraint within our schools,” Cortese said, noting that more than 21 states already ban the practice. “SB 483 will now encourage schools to identify, adopt and implement evidencebased rehabilitative intervention and prevention strategies to de-escalate situations with students who have behavioral health issues.”
Max was 13 years old when he was placed in a prone restraint for nearly two hours
at the now-defunct Guiding Hands School in El Dorado Hills.
Previously a student at Birch Lane Elementary School, Max, who had autism, began attending the private school for special-needs students after the Davis Joint Unified School District determined his educational needs could not be met locally. Emergency personnel responded to the
campus on Nov. 28, 2018, after receiving reports that Max became unresponsive while restrained in a prone position during what school officials initially described as a “violent episode,” but which turned out to be spitting.
A teacher performed CPR on Max until a medical crew arrived on scene and transported him to Mercy Folsom
Hospital. He died two days later at the UC Davis Medical Center.
The El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office charged three of the school’s educators — former executive director Cindy Keller, principal Staranne Meyers and special education teacher Kimberly Wohlwend — with involuntary manslaughter following Max’s death, and later
obtained a grand jury indictment that also names school’s parent corporation, Guiding Hands School Inc.
Filed July 15, 2022, the document alleges that each of the defendants “had a legal duty to (Benson), a human being, failed to perform that legal duty, that failure was criminally negligent, and that failure caused death.”
Prosecutors identified Wohlwend as the teacher who restrained Max, leaving him in a face-down position for an hour and 45 minutes. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to the allegations. The case currently is set for a 24-day jury trial in El Dorado Superior Court starting in May 2025, according to online
Courtesy photo
Max Benson, a 13-year-old Davis boy, died in November 2018 after being physically restrained at the private El Dorado Hills school he attended.
Mountain Democrat photos by Eric Jaramishian
Faith Episcopal Church in Cameron Park hosted pet blessings in celebration of St. Francis of Assisi Day Sunday, Oct. 6. Above left, Rev. Tom Gartin blesses Alexa Souza’s 7-year-old dachshund Lulu.
Above right, Gartin is joined by Lex, Cam and Tassie Burton, who brought their German shepherd Brandy to the event that honors St. Francis, whose story includes giving a sermon to birds in the 13th century.
McClintock staff coming to EDC
Congressman Ton McClintock invites residents to join his staff at upcoming district office hours in El Dorado County to discuss important issues facing the
and the district, along with any difficulties they may be experiencing with a federal agency. Field representatives
will be available to assist 2:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, at the El Dorado County Government Center (Conference Room A), 330 Fair Lane in Placerville. Staff are also available to assist at both district office locations, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and have a recorded line 24 hours a day for any concerns constituents may have.
Gold Trail hosts candidate forum
To help the community make an informed decision in the upcoming election, the Gold Trail Union School District will host a Board Candidate Forum night at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, at Sutter’s Mill Elementary School. All three
candidates for the GTUSD board — Jason Hanks (incumbent), Micah Howser (incumbent) and Larry Thornhill — are expected to be present and speaking at the event. The public is invited to attend. See the website for more information, the zoom link and a recording of the event: gtusd.org.
Overturned vehicle blocks portion of Marshall Road
Eric Jaramishian Senior staff writer
A single-vehicle accident on Marshall Road near Scott Road in the Coloma area resulted in the northbound lane being blocked for drivers for approximately an hour Friday morning.
A white sedan overturned on the road about a half mile from Highway 49, landing on its roof, according to California Highway Patrol officials. The incident was reported to first responders around 8 a.m.
The cause of the collision is under investigation. No arrests were made.
No other vehicles were involved and the driver of the sedan sustained minor injuries, according to CHP Officer Hugh Council.
CHP and Cal Fire personnel were at the scene until the vehicle was towed and the road was eventually cleared.
who were only permitted to take on non-officer roles before the WTOP.
Facing stereotypes that women could not excel in law enforcement roles, they persevered and proved they could serve their communities while proudly wearing the badge.
Now, the Placerville resident can’t help but be proud when she sees a woman in a CHP uniform.
“Life is one opportunity after another,” Berg said. “Even now, I am learning a lot of stuff these days.”
To celebrate 50 years of women serving as CHP officers, members of the first WTOP class got to reunite in Sacramento on the weekend of Sept. 27, celebrating their legacy and sharing their stories of their service.
Berg’s opportunity came after earning her teaching credential and master’s degree at San Jose State, after attending Cal Berkeley on a fencing and field hockey scholarship. She found herself applying to the WTOP after watching an advertisement from CHP.
That legacy has extended to the Placerville CHP office. Out of 35 CHP officers, women of the Placerville make up approximately 6% of the patrol force, including Sgt. Heather Magnus, who has served with the CHP for more than 29 years. When she joined, it had only been 20 years since women were allowed to become CHP officers in 1995.
“I thought to myself, ‘That sounds like fun,’ “ Berg said, adding that she had no prior interest in law enforcement. She excelled enough to get accepted into the program.
“I had no idea what to expect; I went in naive with blinders on and I just kept my nose to the grindstone,” Berg said.
Berg’s athleticism and confidence in herself to excel got her through the academy. After that, she went to San Francisco to patrol the streets in graveyard shifts with fellow WTOP graduate Mary Harrison.
“We were like magnets to each other; we had to be,” Berg said.
Harrison would go on to become the first CHP female sergeant, lieutenant and captain.
Berg said back then, women patrol officers had to handle the job differently than men — like using the “gift of the gab” to resolve issues instead of resorting to force.
“We just made sure that we held ourselves professionally and got out of the car with confidence, and did what we were trained to do based on the situation,” Berg said. “Even if they’re under the influence, you could get through to them; that’s how we had to approach these people that were harder to deal with.”
Magnus retires this year, grateful and proud of a rewarding career, which has taken her from L.A. to San Luis Obispo, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, and other locations, eventually landing in Placerville in 2022. She shared she feels sentimental when commemorating the 50th year of CHP women wearing the badge.
“The opportunity for me, even as hard as it was in ‘95, was granted by these women who came before us,” Magnus said. “Being able to do this job has been great and I am going to miss it, but it’s just surreal being surrounded by them at the gala on Saturday and retiring the same year as the 50th anniversary.”
CHP Officer Laurel Walker, who was trained by Magnus in L.A., said she’s also proud to call CHP her career.
“I still call it the best job in the world for me personally,” Walker said. “I have been so lucky that over the years the people that have trained me, worked with me and supervised me have been by and large so professional, and I really appreciate that about this agency.”
Berg had a chance to visit the CHP Placerville office to meet its women officers, sharing stories of their time with the law enforcement agency.
Though some officers expressed how they weren’t always supported in their decision to serve, due to stereotypes, they felt inspired by trailblazers like Berg, setting a historical precedent for women to serve in such capacities.
After her stint with the CHP, Berg eventually found herself in El Dorado County teaching for the Mother Lode School Union District for 35 years, instructing in health, science, P.E. and special education. She also taught similar courses at night for the Los Rios Community College for 16 years.
Since Berg’s time with the CHP, women have served in all capacities in the law enforcement agency, even commissioner; Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed the first woman, Amanda L. Ray, as the 16th CHP commissioner on Nov. 17, 2020, a position she held until her retirement.
“Law enforcement is not a ‘male’ or ‘female’ profession,” said current CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “It is a profession of service and sacrifice. The members of (the WTOP) inaugural class served their communities with dedication, laying the groundwork for future generations. We owe them a great debt of gratitude.”
“It’s because of you guys that you’re here, because you had the confidence and the stamina to go through that and take the criticism,” Berg told the officers. Placerville CHP, and the organization as a whole, is committed adding more women officers.
“We want more women to join our uniform and non-uniform ranks and continue breaking barriers,” CHP Placerville posted on its social media. “If you’re ready to lead, serve and be part of something greater, visit CHPmadeformore.com to explore career opportunities with the CHP. We’re actively recruiting motivated women to make their mark on the future of law enforcement.”
For those more skeptical, Berg shared words of encouragement with the Mountain Democrat: “Believe in yourself, even if you weren’t raised that way and have confidence. You’re capable of more than you could ever imagine.”
History Continued from A1
CHP officer Mary Harrison writes a traffic ticket for a big rig driver while on duty. Harrison, along with Kimberly Berg, were part of the 1974 Women Traffic Officer Program class which paved the way for women to become CHP officers. Harrison would go on to become the first female sergeant, lieutenant and captain for the law enforcement organization.
Courtesy photo
Individuals driving on the road posted pictures on social media depicting the overturned vehicle and first responders blocking the road until the road was clear.
Courtesy photo by Lindsey Enns
A picture from a driver on Marshall Road shows Cal Fire first responders at the scene of an overturned vehicle Friday morning, which blocked a portion of the road for drivers until the vehicle was towed away an hour later.
who made the LTRA possible, including Dianne Feinstein who was part of pushing the first LTRA and subsequent reauthorizations before her death.
Gustafson, who serves as both District 5 Placer County Supervisor as well as chair of the TRPA, acknowledged the Washoe Tribe’s role as stewards of the lake alongside the many parties involved. She pointed to the lake’s “beauty, history and vitality” as strong reasons to protect it and praised the work of Kiley and Cortez Masto for bridging parties and state lines.
Cortez Masto joked that she really challenged Kiley to get the legislation through the House since she and the other senators
Sentence
had already done their part. She acknowledged Kiley’s dedication in getting the LTRA to pass before the deadline passed. Cortez Masto also extended her gratitude to the locals of Lake Tahoe, saying, “Without all of you, this lake wouldn’t be what it is.”
She recognized Feinstein and Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, who began the critical work on LTRA across state lines. “[The LTRA] is a perfect example of how two states can come together … and as long as I’m in Senate, I’ll be fighting to protect that model.”
Patterson relayed the history of the League to Save Lake Tahoe and the importance of what was outlined in the plan: forest health, watershed restoration,
Continued from A1
driving close to twice the posted speed limit on a section of Highway 50 just before a short, curving merge onto the highway from Mosquito Road. Chambers’ vehicle struck a Prius entering the highway, then collided with a guard rail before ultimately coming to a stop. Unseen by the passengers of the Prius, and un known to first responders who arrived on the scene shortly afterward, Mason had been ejected from the passenger window of the MercedesBenz, which was registered under his name. An autopsy later determined Mason, 34, likely struck an I-beam supporting the guard rail when tossed from the vehicle, and that he had died on impact or shortly thereafter. His body would not be discovered lying in a patch of brush and trees alongside the highway until the following afternoon.
Chambers attempted to flee the scene after the accident, telling the occupants of the Prius and a samaritan who had pulled over to help to not call the police before trying to drive away. The vehicle having sustained significant damage, she only made it a few hundred yards away before she tried to flee on foot. After a short search conducted by California Highway Patrol and Placerville Police Department officers, Chambers was taken into custody.
She was said to be visibly impaired, according to arresting officer James Rebolcaba. She declined to take a sobriety test, meaning officers had to acquire a warrant to draw her blood while in custody. The blood sample was tested by the California Department of Justice; the results indicated Chambers had a blood alcohol content level of .29, and that she had also been under the influence of marijuana.
Chambers was arrested Dec. 20, 2022, after initial investigations, including a reconstruction of the accident, had concluded.
During the sentencing hearing Friday, impact statements written by a close friend of Mason’s and two of his family members were read before the court. The statements all emphasized Mason’s loyalty and dedication to his friends and to Boa Vista Orchards, the business operated by his family that has been an Apple Hill landmark for decades.
Law Continued from A3
court records. A civil lawsuit filed by Max’s family also remains pending.
Five months after the indictment’s filing, the Davis school district reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) regarding its restraint and seclusion policies, the result of an investigation of more than 20 school districts triggered by Max’s death.
The probe determined that the Davis school district placed three of its students with disabilities in nonpublic school settings, and that those placements violated their Section 504 and Title II rights due to multiple policy failures.
In addition to Max’s death, “it was further found that the other two students were subjected to repeated restraints and seclusions, costing each student multiple total days less classroom instruction than their peers who were not subject to such restraints and seclusions,”
water infrastructure to fight fire, managing aquatic invasive species, building back the Lahontan cutthroat trout population and accountability measures. He said, “Lake Tahoe is a place worth protecting … and with this commitment, we can continue the important work we do.”
Regan, executive director of TRPA, previously flew to Washington, D.C., to testify to the House on the LTRA. She highlighted the spirit of unity in the creation of the LTRA back in 2000 and up to today, as well as the vital ecosystem of the lake.
“This act is not just about policy; it’s about people. The work we do here is beyond challenging, but Lake Tahoe deserves nothing less,” she said.
“The worst part of this, the part we don’t talk about, is the question of what could have been,” wrote his father, Brad Visman. “He didn’t find the chance to meet his real soul mate ... His life was short and her broken soul finished him off for good that night.”
A close friend of Mason’s, Mack Healy, highlighted his feelings that Mason’s tendency to be loyal was unfortunately misplaced when they applied to Chambers.
“Mason’s death has brought overwhelming grief to everyone in this courtroom, and hundreds more who couldn’t be here today,” Healy read. “The bitter irony of Mason’s loyalty to the defendant is that she abandoned him when he needed her the most.”
Chambers read her own statement to the court before she was sentenced, taking responsibility for Mason’s death, apologizing to his family and remarking on her belief she would use her sentence as time to reflect on her actions.
“On Nov. 11, 2022, I made the decision to drive drunk,” Chambers said. “This selfish choice caused the death of my husband, Mason ... I will live with this guilt and shame for the rest of my life. I miss my best friend. I think about him constantly.”
Considering all the facts before him, Judge Mark Ralphs reflected on the case before delivering his final verdict. He noted Chambers’ actions reflected a level of callousness, including her attempting to flee the scene and misleading Mason’s family the day after the accident, giving them “false hope” that led to them trying to conduct a search for him. He also noted her conduct during court proceedings, such as her compliance with alcohol monitoring. Ultimately, he concluded she could not serve her sentence under probation and would serve 10 years in state prison, the upper term allowed by sentencing guidelines.
“The court does believe the defendant did love the victim and will likely regret this for the rest of her life,” Ralphs remarked. “This is a horrible, tragic situation where innocent people were injured and an innocent man lost his life. This is truly tragic and, unfortunately, something the court sees too often.”
Department of Education officials said in a December 2022 news release.
“OCR found that that district did not visit the nonpublic schools following notification of their repeated use of restraints and seclusions,” the document noted.
The resolution agreement called for increased training and monitoring to ensure students with disabilities aren’t denied access to a free appropriate public-school education, or FAPE.
DJUSD’s pact with OCR “includes commitments by the district to provide additional training to district staff, continue the district’s current practice of reviewing any cases of restraint or seclusion within the district or non-public school and to provide OCR with information regarding any restraint or seclusion in the district or DJUSD student enrolled in a non-public school,” district spokeswoman Kristin Conner said at the time.
Kiley and Cortez Masto both spoke to the Tribune and shared their biggest challenges and what they most look forward to now that the LTRA has passed.
“Getting a major piece of legislation takes a lot of hard work and dedication,” said Kiley. “At a time where people are frustrated with the level of rancor in Congress, this passing serves as a model. And it proves that party lines don’t matter when it comes to these kinds of issues.”
Kiley said he is excited to see what will happen in the next decade, especially after he spent time in South
Lake Tahoe. He pointed to the work being done to restore the wetlands at the previous Motel 6 site, as well as the fuel management plans, which were “at a level of sophistication we haven’t seen before.”
Cortez Masto said her biggest challenge was “educating our Congress members about why we were asking for this funding.” She was glad that her colleagues in California were aware of the importance of Lake Tahoe, but was glad she was able to bring others to Tahoe through Tahoe Summits. “It helped people understand how important this place was once they’d been here.” Now, Cortez Masto is especially excited for the research being done at Lake Tahoe. “The work being done by our scientists here is being used as a model around the world, especially for other alpine lakes,” she said. “The research is often overlooked, but it’s probably the most important thing for protecting our lake.”
At the end of the event, the League to Save Lake Tahoe gave Kiley a framed picture of the Tahoe Team for “either one of his offices.”
Kiley responded, “Working with you all has been the best part of my first term in Congress.”
Hi, I’m Paul Penn, running for the El Dorado Irrigation District Board of Directors Division 1 (El Dorado, Diamond Springs, Pleasant Valley, Camino, Pollock Pines, Strawberry, and Outingdale).
My focus is maintaining the integrity of the system to address aging infrastructure.
To learn more about the campaign please visit www.penn4eid.com
Even better, come to a “meet and greet” so I can listen to you and discuss how we will ensure water, our most precious commodity, is “safe and reliable, affordable and sustainable:” (I’ll provide some snacks.)
• Wednesday, October 9, The Green Room, Placerville, 4-6 pm
• Thursday, October 10, Norcia, El Dorado, 5-7 pm
• Friday, October 11, Strawberry General Store, 4-6 pm
• Monday, October 14, Pizza Factory, Pleasant Valley 5-7 pm
• Tuesday, October 15, Forester, Camino, 5-7 pm
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public Notice: VALLEY VIEW MONTESSORI The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has completed the Second Five-Year (5-Year) Review of the cleanup remedy at the Valley View Elementary School (aka Valley View Charter Montessori) (Site) located at 1665 Blackstone Parkway, El Dorado Hills, California 95762. In October 2018, the Buckeye Union School District (District) submitted a report as a part of the 5-Year Review. The purpose of a 5-Year Review is to make sure that the chosen remedy is still effective, functioning as designed and maintained appropriately to protect human health and the environment from exposure to naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) in soil remaining at the Site. The remedy was to cover the Site with caps creating a barrier to prevent or greatly reduce exposure to naturally occurring asbestos found in the on-site soil and rock. The caps consist of hardscape, landscaping, and plants. The hardscape cap is either concrete or asphalt. The landscaping cap consists of clean fill below which a geosynthetic material was placed to mark the naturally occurring asbestos in the native soil. The plant cap is natural vegetation which has roots that hold the clean fill in place. The Review will also evaluate if the fencing still works to keep people from entering areas where they could destroy the plants that serve as a cap. The Buckeye Union School District (District) completed these caps in May 2013. Based on the results of the 5-Year Review, it appears the remedy is functioning as designed and is being maintained appropriately. The remedy continues to
Paid
OPINION
Support our struggling El Dorado County employees
“We have El Dorado County employees who are homeless, living in their cars, crashing on friends’ couches. They are scared, stressed and depressed. They have reached their breaking point.”
“As an El Dorado County employee, I either need a raise or I need to find a better paying job because my family can’t survive. I had to apply for food stamps just to feed my children and, even with that assistance, I’m still not making ends meet.”
“One El Dorado County employee after paying $1,850 in rent is left with just $350 to cover all other expenses. Imagine trying to survive on that.”
These are just a small portion of the stories shared at the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors meeting on Sept. 10.
Local 1 members are the real people who keep El Dorado County running; we are your neighbors, parents picking our kids up from the same schools, the friendly faces at community events. The harsh reality is that we are struggling to live in the county we work so hard for. Year after year, the Board of Supervisors refuses to negotiate reasonably with our union. We are not asking for luxury. We are asking to make a living wage that keeps up with the inflation that we are all experiencing and benefits that allow us to take care of our families and a ord basic necessities like health care.
We have members who made more money with better benefits working at fast food restaurants. They came to the county thinking the benefits and wages would be competitive, only to find that over time they are taking e ective pay cuts.
Consider this: 52% of Local 1 employees have to work second or even third jobs and a shocking 89% of county jobs represented by Local 1 make below the low-income threshold (compared to 2023 California U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development data for a couple with two children). These are workers like librarians, nurses, security o cers in our courthouses, clean air and health inspectors and the engineers and construction site managers improving our bridges, roads and sidewalks — all essential roles for a growing county and its residents to stay happy, healthy and safe.
The low pay has led us to having the reputation as a training county, where people come to work
Letters to the Editor
Mobile home parks remain a ordable in El Dorado County
EDITOR:
On Sept. 20 the Mountain Democrat published an article titled “Housing El Dorado tackles mobile home park woes.”
While the sentiments in the article were sincere, the facts shared were inaccurate. The intent of this letter is to provide accurate balancing information.
WMA is a nonprofit organization and California’s largest trade organization for mobile home park community owners.
For those unfamiliar with mobile home parks, it is important to note that unlike apartments and rental houses, park residents own their homes; assets with intrinsic and significant value. The idea that park residents, when facing inflation — whether that be in space rent, gas, groceries or insurance premiums — face greater risk of homelessness than apartment renters is a notion not supported by any data.
The notion that increasing space rents lead to increased homelessness in El Dorado County is
simply not a real trend. Inflation in other forms of housing in the county — apartment rents, skyrocketing insurance premiums, and exorbitant cost of starter homes — are a far greater contributor to risks of homelessness.
In fact, the same author of the Sept. 20 article also reported last year that the trend of homelessness in the county over the past several years has been steadily decreasing. Again, despite what you may hear from activist groups with an agenda, mobile home space rents, which largely track inflation rates, are simply not leading to increased homelessness in El Dorado County. That is a fact.
The story does not provide the average or median found in their study, it only mentions one outlier example. The fact is that of the 15 largest mobile home parks in the county, the average and median annual rent increases for the past several years have been approximately 4.5%. That figure is very much in line with the rise in inflation and is reasonable and a ordable.
Guest Column
How
we cope shows men and women are
different
Irecently reported about the decided move of young women to the political left and away from the religious a liation of their childhood.
But these measures, at least in the short run, do not appear to be relevant to the success young women are having in day-to-day living in America. By measures such as work and academic achievement, young women are doing much better than young men. Regarding work, as recently reported in The Wall Street Journal, more young women are now working than ever. The workforce participation rate of women ages 25-34, the percentage working or actively seeking work, stood at 78.5%, up nearly 6 percentage points from where it stood 10 years ago.
STAR PARKER
The picture regarding young men in this age range is far di erent. The
workforce participation rate of young men ages 25-34 stood at 89.1%, down several points from where it stood 20 years ago. At the rate of 2004, another 700, 000 men in this age range today would be working.
The article reports that, per the Census Bureau, 20% of these young men are living with their parents, compared to 12% of women. If we look at education, we get a similar picture. As reported recently in Forbes Magazine, per data from the Chronicle of Higher Education, the gap between the number of women and the number of men enrolled in college has grown markedly over the years. In 2021, there were 3.1 million more women enrolled in college than men. In 1979, this gap stood at 200,000. Regarding high school graduation
rates, in 2021, for 30 states that break out their data by gender, the graduation rate of women exceeded that of men by 6.2 percentage points.
Among those ages 16-24 who graduated high school from January to October 2023, the percentage of girls going on to enroll in college was 8 points higher than the percentage of boys.
Graduation rates of women from college exceeded that of men in 2022 by 6 percentage points.
Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the suicide rate in the United States increased almost 37% from 2000 to 2022. However, in 2022 the suicide rate among men was four times higher than among women.
An apparent counterfactual to all this is the rate of incidence of depression, as reported by Gallup. Per Gallup, the incidence of reported depression in the United States is
at an all-time high. In 2023, 17.8% of Americans reported currently being depressed or being treated for depression. This compared to 10.5% in 2015. Twenty-nine percent reported having been treated for depression at some time in their life. This compared to 19.6% in 2015.
However, the percentage of women reporting in 2023 to be depressed or being treated for depression, 23.8%, is double that of men, 11.3%. Further, the percent of women reporting depression or being treated for depression was 6.2 points higher in 2023 than in 2017, compared to an increase among men of 2 points. What conclusions might be drawn from all of this?
Americans, overall, are stressed out in increasing numbers. Even though women are doing better than men
JEN RIMOLDI
BRANDON AYERS
In fact, Social Security cost of living adjustments since 2020 have increased 18.8%; whereas average space rents during that same time increased by approximately 14.1%. Therefore, income from Social Security growth during the same period grew by 33% more than rent.
Mobile home park owners in El Dorado County are proud of the communities they have built and operated for years, and they want to continue to do so. Many of these parks already o er rental assistance to those in need. E orts to limit their ability to properly maintain the infrastructure are dangerous and short sighted.
Lastly, the voters have already made clear what they think about this issue. During the last ballot measure vote on rent control, El Dorado County voted overwhelmingly against big government price controls, relying instead on a market that is flexible to supply and demand.
In short, rents remain reasonable and a ordable in El Dorado County mobile home parks. It’s a simple fact. And as decided over and over by the voters. rent control can continue to damage communities in the Bay Area but not in El Dorado County.
SAULO LONDON Regional representative, WMA
Progressive utopia
EDITOR:
We recently had a family gettogether in San Francisco. I can’t understand why they held it there because I go there all the time and it isn’t enjoyable. But as the French say, such is life.
We stayed in a luxury hotel in Union Square for $178 a night. That price is a third of what they charged for the same room five years ago. The room had a view of Union Square on the fourth floor. It was nice. I had an online check in, so I skipped the counter.
When I went to the room to drop o my bags, I was taken aback by the loud noise of drums and horns coming from the square via myriad of protesters; it was unnerving, but I ignorantly assumed it would go away after dark.
From the hotel, we walked to a lovely restaurant, avoiding numerous vagrant encampments like in thirdworld countries. After a fantastic dinner, roughly 10 p.m., I noticed the
drums appeared louder than during the day. We usually shop in the mall after dinner, but all the stores are gone.
Once I got to the room, I realized that there was no chance I would get any sleep due to the drums, so I called the front desk and asked for another room. The clerk seems to be expecting the call. She moved me to a back room with no view except an alleyway and an ugly rooftop. I was relieved. Curiously, I asked what the protest was about. She said briefly, “Who knows anymore?”
The voters of San Francisco are to blame for the demise of one of the world’s most beautiful landmarks. They’ve chosen to live in a progressive utopia. And I thank them for doing so as an example to everyone in EDC what we are voting for and against.
KEN STEERS Cameron Park
No rights with Harris EDITOR:
Iam writing this letter as I’ve heard folks say they’re voting for Kamala Harris because she is a woman and she will make history.
What a dumb reason to vote for a president. The weird thing is a lot of folks do not have an idea what Harris will do if she wins.
One dumb thing she will do is grant sex change operations to illegal immigrants … as well as folks in prison. All this gets to be paid for by the taxpayers.
This is not right.
Harris will stop fracking and put a lot of folks out of a job. Harris wants to defund the police as she has said with more police there are more problems. She also wants a mandatory gun buy-back program. For those who pay property taxes, she will raise your property taxes a lot higher. She also wants to eliminate private health insurance.
Harris flip-flops on ideas so folks will think she has changed her mind — a way that will get her votes. Let’s pray she does not win as we will have no rights with Harris.
CONNIE ROSEN Pollock Pines
Submit your letter to the editor online at mtdemocrat.net. Select “Submission Forms.”
Local 1 Continued from A6
briefly before leaving for neighboring counties to make better money. Retention rates are so bad that many of us are struggling to keep up with the demands of a growing county. We can’t provide the customer service we know all county residents deserve.
We aren’t just employees managed by the Board of Supervisors; we are also constituents. The board spends millions of our taxpayer dollars on pet projects instead of investing in essential workers. We demand fair wages and respect, and we urge our community to stand up and speak out on our behalf. Learn more at GrowingElDoradoCounty.org.
Jen Rimoldi is the Local 1 president and an o ce engineer for the El Dorado County Department of Transportation.
Brandon Ayers is a defensible space investigator in El Dorado County O ce of Wildfire Preparedness.
Announcements
AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 3342970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot.com
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) 4177138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net
AMERICAN LEGION POST 119 welcomes Veterans and guests to attend our monthly membership dinner and meeting the rst Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM. Legionpost119.org
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 Sheri ’s o ce, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net
PLAY CRIBBAGE Join the Gold Country Cribbers 916-212-2465 or 916-768-4452.
We Play - We Teach - We Have Fun. Wednesdays 4:00 PM. Gilmore Senior Center 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA 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. Come play tennis for fun and friendship. Meet at El Dorado High School, Acacia Street, Placerville, Wed 9 AM – 11 AM. (June - Aug 8 AM –10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. 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.
Addiction or Relationship problem? Call 530 231-7728 our free counseling can help you. Positive Realism, 3430 Robin Ln., Cameron Park. Meet rst and third Wednesday of every month, 7pm. Come and have a paid lunch with the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) for CalPERS retirees and spouses. The meetings are held at 11:30AM on May 20, July 15, September 16, November 18,2024 at Denny’s (3446 Coach Lane) Cameron Park. Call 530 919 7515 for programs and information.
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 a ect 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 non-partisan organization.
COMICS
Oak Ridge bulldozed by the Bulldogs
Malachi Parker Staff writer
The Oak Ridge Trojans and Folsom Bulldogs rivalry remains one sided, as the latest chapter was a 35-7 loss for the varsity football squad.
The Trojans have not defeated the Bulldogs since the 2006-07 season.
The Trojans struggled to get their offense rolling early, mustering their first first down of the game late in the first quarter. The Bulldogs’ pass rush had Oak Ridge quarterback Phoenix Hester scrambling away from defenders all night, and the run game rarely stood a chance against Folsom’s oversized defensive line.
Folsom struck quick with two touchdown connections from quarterback Ryder Lyons to receiver Jameson Powell in the first quarter alone to go up 14-0. The junior duo connected for three total touchdowns against an Oak Ridge defense that has been stout since league play began.
The lone score for the Trojans came on a catch and run from senior tight end Kaleb Edwards, as he ran over a Folsom defender to cross the goal line. Despite the rough start, the Trojans were only down 14-7
ARIES (March 21-April 19). The answers might be out there, in here, around the corner or down the way. But most likely, the answer hasn’t been invented yet because it’s a bespoke situation and each person has to create the one that works for them.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). In the complete dark, a small light can carry for miles, and a big one can be a navigating star for millions of years. As for your light, don’t hide it. You never know who is needing it.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). In the world of artificial intelligence, understanding a prompt is half the battle for the computer, and usually the more difficult half. In the world of human intelligence, the same will be true.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). Someone thinks they can please you, and even if they get it wrong, you’ll be the recipient of this one and dozens more attempts. The more communicative you are, the more likely you will be to finally, at some point, be pleased.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). When limitations are lifted, outcomes achieved, stressors relieved... and you still aren’t in the mood you thought you would be in, it raises the question, “what gives?” Try deciding how to feel first. Strangely, this order will work much better for you.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Can you give what you have and call it enough? Can you give what you want to give and trust that someone will find a way to use it? The point is to give. It’s healing. It’s living.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Each person around you has a
unique mood set point -- a tone they tend to hit, give or take a few degrees in either direction, and reside at when nothing else much is happening. Your set point will be a cozy vibe that others will join you in.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You have the potential to connect to someone in a way that links to other connections like a chain of fortification. It’s not the easiest process, but if you are willing to grow through a little awkwardness together, it will be worth it.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). If you could tell someone born 300 years ago that future humans could listen to any kind of music they wanted to on demand, would they even process such a luxurious idea? Take advantage of the opulence of the modern era.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The art of wanting the best for others starts with admitting you don’t know what that is, and maybe they don’t either. You’ll be a cheerleader in the journey, regardless of how the result matches with your preferences. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). It is your sincere desire to
and to be a
of
at the half and received the ball to start the second and a chance to build momentum, until the first second half drive was halted by an interception thrown by Hester.
The Bulldogs then scored 21 unanswered points, all in the passing game, to close the story on the Trojans. The Trojans now fall to 2-4 overall and 2-1 in league play.
The Trojans will be at home again Friday, Oct. 11, as they host Jesuit.
Football roundup
Union Mine 42, Rosemont 14
The Union Mine Diamondbacks continue their league domination with their win against Rosemont behind a three-touchdown performance by senior running back Brock Buak. The Diamondbacks have outscored their league opponents 126-37 through three matchups, as they head into their biggest matchup yet against Bradshaw Christian on Friday, Oct. 11. Both teams enter this matchup with unblemished league records and the outcome of this game may just determine the league champion.
El Dorado 42, Galt 0 — The
Pondo conquers on the field
undefeated, have won 13 out of 15 games by double digits and have shutout their opponents in eight of their matches.
With wins over the Inderkum Tigers and Woodcreek Timberwolves last week, the Ponderosa Bruins flag football team is close to a league title.
The Bruins blasted the Tigers on Monday, Sept. 30, with a score of 40-0 and then escaped a nailbiter with Woodcreek with a onepoint win to remain unbeaten. The Timberwolves seemed to be the biggest test for the Bruins, yet PHS has come out on top in both meetings.
The Bruins are ranked as one of the top 20 teams in the nation and top 10 in the state. This team is domination personified as they are
The Bruins have remained unblemished in their inaugural season and have dominated in league play. They sit at 7-0 in league with five league games left, and the second best team in the league, Woodcreek, in their rear view mirror. Ponderosa was back at home in front of their fans on Monday, Oct. 7, where they bucked the Bella Vista Broncos, 40-12. They play tonight at Roseville. n See OAK
“We now kinda have a target on our back as a first-year program,” Ponderosa head coach Tyson Escobar said. “The girls believe and they are playing with a lot of confidence.
n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly
n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter
n RUBES by Leigh Rubin
n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly
Mountain Democrat photo by Malachi Parker
ORHS sophomore defensive back Issac Pierce tackles Folsom receiver Rob Larson during Friday’s
Mountain Democrat photo by Malachi Parker
Ponderosa receiver Ellie Escobar evades Inderkum defenders on her way to a late game touchdown Monday, Sept. 30.
Malachi Parker Staff writer
RIDGE, page A9
Echo Summit is the 100th World Athletics Heritage Plaque recipient
Eli Ramos Tahoe Daily Tribune
SOUTH LAKE
TAHOE — Echo
Summit, the site of the 1968 U.S. Olympic men’s track and field trials, was recognized in 2014 as a California Historical Landmark.
Now, 10 years later, it has been awarded the 100th World Athletics Heritage Plaque, which recognizes locations with “an outstanding contribution to the worldwide history and development of the sport of track & field athletics and of out of stadia athletics disciplines such as cross country, mountain, road, trail and ultra-running, and race walking.” It’s the fourth site on the West Coast to receive this honor.
On Oct. 2, USDA Forest Service officials, along with members of the 1968 Olympic team, representatives from USA Track and Field and members of the city of South Lake Tahoe, gathered to recognize the site and its impact. Echo Summit was used as a training grounds for the 1968 Olympics, which would be held in Mexico City, at altitude. Four sites in total were considered for the trials, but South Lake Tahoe won out — in no small part due to Walt Little, the city’s parks director at the time.
Bob Burns, author of “The Track in the Forest,” a book about the creation of the 1968 site, was one of the key speakers. Burns was a major part of advocating for Echo Summit to be recognized as a California Historical Landmark and to receive the World Athletics Heritage Plaque.
Burns recounted the history of the highaltitude track that was built (then later donated to South Lake Tahoe’s intermediary school) and the intensity of politics at the time. Burns said, “The whole world was on edge in 1968.” He then introduced John Carlos, Bill Toomey, Norm Tate and Ron Whitney, who are still recognized as part of one of the greatest Olympic teams in history.
“The chemistry
here was what made the Olympic team in 1968 so great,” said Carlos, who is famous, alongside his teammate Tommie Smith and Australian athlete Peter Norman, for their victory-stand protest for civil rights with the Olympic Project for Human Rights. “I had my own ideas about how society should be — how we should show love and compassion and humility to others. I showed them tough love too. That’s what that was all about.”
Toomey, who is often called the world’s greatest all-around athlete and lives in Incline Village, shared, “Making an Olympic team is probably the best thing to happen in your life.”
Toomey had previously placed fourth in the 1964 Olympics final trials, which he quipped was like light beer, “Fourth place just doesn’t get the job done.” However, he was proud that he persevered to the 1968 Olympics and added, “Spending time with these guys brings back the good times and the memories.”
Tate, like Toomey, also competed in the 1964 trials and got eighth place. But he was determined to try again after a coach told him he wasn’t a bad athlete; he was eighthbest in the world. Tate recalled driving around the mountain bend from Reno to South Lake Tahoe, seeing the lake, and saying, “This is a beautiful place to
Oakridge Continued from A8
Cougars bounced back strong from their loss the previous week against Bradshaw Christian by shutting out Galt. Galt’s struggles continue as they have not scored a single point in their three league games. The Cougars were led by quarterback
Parker Continued from A6
coping materially in our country’s increasingly hedonistic society, it’s not working for them spiritually.
Women are hard-wired, at least in the short run, to materially cope better than men in a spiritual vacuum.
Men need the responsibility that comes with meaning, and most often, the source of meaning is marriage, family and religion. The declining appreciation for the importance of faith is taking a disproportionate toll among
over again,” she said.
train.”
Tate was one of the team drivers and took athletes around to see the area when they weren’t training. One of his more stunning recollections was of his teammate Jim Kim, who collapsed during training and was found to have sickle cell anemia. From then on, Tate also drove twice a week to Sacramento to deliver blood samples from the athletes, ensuring they didn’t have sickle cell as well.
“I sometimes say that all of these athletes were part of my DNA,” he joked. “Tahoe changed the trajectory of my life, not only because of my awareness as a Black athlete, but because of the lasting friendships I made. We weren’t just friends; we were like brothers. I love these guys to death.”
Whitney said, “Making a decision to have an altitude training camp was a big deal.” He had actually written his masters’ degree thesis on the effect of altitude on athletes. Whitney recognized Little for his efforts in bringing the trials to South Lake Tahoe, especially when they had Black athletes. “Our athletic administration was so goddamn biased … but this place allowed us to be able to achieve our own goals,” he explained.
Lori Little, the granddaughter of Walt Little, was touched to hear the recognition of
Jason Wilson, who threw for over 250 yards and four touchdowns. The Cougars have already surpassed their win total from last season as they improve to 3-3 on the season and 2-1 in league play. They will host Liberty Ranch on Friday, Oct. 11.
men. But beyond all this, the data points to one important conclusion, simple and obvious, but increasingly obfuscated in our very confused, politically correct society of today.
Men and woman are di erent.
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.
her grandfather from the whole team. “My grandfather truly lived
his life for you guys. What he gave up for you, he would do it all
Peter “Duffy” Mahoney, the now retired chief of Sport Performance for USA Track and Field, recognized the team for its historical significance. “As good as we think we’re getting, I don’t know if we’ll ever be able to achieve what the 1968 team did again,” said Mahoney. He also highlighted the facility built at Echo Summit, saying, “It was the first real advancement of ‘live high, train low.’” A statement from Sebastian Coe, an Olympic athlete who competed in the 1980 and 1984 games, was read at the closing. It reads, “The story of Echo Summit is compelling … where athletes emerge from the depths of the Eldorado National Forest to shine in Mexico City.”
Tahoe Daily Tribune photo by Eli Ramos
Former Olympians Bill Toomey, Norm Tate, John Carlos and Ron Whitney speak on a panel at Echo Summit.
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INDEPENDENT LIVING HOMES FEATURES
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COMMUNITY SERVICES & AMENITIES
• Restaurant-style dining
• Swimming pool, hot tub, and outdoor grills
• Clubhouse and tness center
• Library and full-service beauty salon
• Activities, clubs, outings, and celebrations
• Transportation services
• 24-hour emergency maintenance
• Gated electronic entrance
We also o er Assisted Living Villas & Memory Care apartments for a full continuum of care.
IN THE KNOW
Stellar students
Congratulations to Roman Vukovich, of Shingle Springs, who graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Congratulation to Meth Ranaweera of El Dorado Hills, one of the more than 620 cadets and students at The Citadel recognized for academic achievements during the spring 2024 semester.
Congratulations to Charles Marinelli of El Dorado Hills, Brian Voo of El Dorado Hills, Ethan Terrazas of Cameron Park, Anthony Holland of El Dorado Hills and Ashley Perez of Cameron Park, all of whom were recently named to to the Southern New Hampshire University President’s List.
Congratulations to Ava Ursu, Garrett Portela, Ethan Haase, EvaMarie Pelk, Kyla Diaz de Rivera and Morgan Hartman, all of El Dorado Hills, who were named to the Biola University’s Dean’s List.
Oct. 9
UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts Citrus: Tree to Table with Master Food Preservers, 9 a.m. to noon at the Cameron Park Community Center, 2502 Country Club Drive. Join Master Gardeners and the Master Food Preserver volunteers in a wonderful presentation on how to grow and preserve citrus. Come see how you can grow citrus successfully in our community. Phyllis Lee will inform the novice and experienced citrus grower in what makes for successful growing in this county, what pests to watch for, how to protect during our cold nights and harvest. The Master Food Preservers will share recipes for delightful treats that can be made using citrus, including marmalades, citrus peels and salts. Visit mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/ Public_Education to register.
The Sons in Retirement –Gold Country branch meets the second Wednesday of the month at the Cameron Park Country Club. Check out the club and be a guest for a complimentary lunch. Contact Branch 95’s membership chairman at SIRBranch95@gmail.com for more details.
Bark-B-Que, the last park party of the year for the El Dorado Hills Community Services District, will be held at the community park from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Bring your leashed pup and enjoy free music, food and fun. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.
The Shingle SpringsCameron Park and El Dorado Hills chambers of commerce will hold a joint mixer at Ponté Palmero 5:30-7:30 p.m. For more information, call (530) 6778000 or visit sscpchamber. org.
Uncommon Ground will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville at 6 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Dàimh will perform at The So a in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.
Oct. 10
Arts and Culture El Dorado’s Switchboard Gallery presents Sugar Skull Art Walk, a community project that
Connect with the past at Coloma Gold Rush Live
News release
California State Parks invites the public to its annual Coloma Gold Rush Live at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Gold Rush Live is a popular threeday event, Oct. 11-13, where the public can experience California’s rich Gold Rush history. Park sta and volunteers transform the park into an 1850s tent town where attendees can experience what life may have been like in Coloma in 1850.
Visitors can participate in various family-friendly activities like gold panning, period games, bucket making and more.
The event takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at 300 Back St. Coloma. Cost is $15 per vehicle (includes parking). This is a dog-free event except for service dogs.
California State Parks supports equal access. Those in need of special accommodation or need more information are asked to call Marshall Gold SHP at (530) 6223470.
Coloma Gold Rush Live! is made possible thanks to the park’s partnership with the Gold Discovery Park Association.
Activities
• Check for letters from home at the General Delivery or post
a missive to family back east.
• Visit the miners at the river and stake your claim at the Claims
O ce.
• Stop by the General Store to stock up on provisions.
• Visit the laundry for a clean shirt and the tonsorial for a bath and a shave.
• Enjoy hands-on activities including gold panning, tin punching, and journaling.
• Visit the carpenter and the cooper and learn how to make a
bucket.
• Stop by the blacksmith to have your mining tools repaired.
• Visit the saloon for liquid refreshment or the barbecue for a little sustenance.
Gold Rush history
In 1848, Marshall found shining flecks of gold in the tailrace of the sawmill he was building in partnership with John Sutter. The discovery in presentday Coloma sparked California’s famous
gold rush and led to the greatest voluntary mass migration of people in the western hemisphere. The town of Coloma’s name is derived from a Native American word, Cullumah, meaning “beautiful valley.” California Native Americans were the majority labor force initially involved in gold mining.
Some of the first people traveling from abroad to reach the gold fields around Coloma were experienced miners from Sonora, Mexico
and South America. Those traveling from even further distances to reach the gold fields included people from Australia, Asia and across Europe. Coloma developed into a supply hub for the region’s gold mining operations for several decades and managed to survive the boom and bust of most other townsites. Generations of settlers, including German, Swiss, Italian, Chinese and African
Kick off fall with the Hands4Hope Fall Festival
Andrew Ni Hands4Hope – Youth Making a Di erence
The seventh annual Hands4Hope Fall Festival at El Dorado Hills Town Center will kick o the fall season with fun for the whole family. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13, on the amphitheater side of the waterfront in El Dorado Hills Town Center. This event is fall themed and familyoriented with more than 15 games and activities for all ages, including an obstacle course, hay rides and pumpkin decorating. Entrance into the event is free. Carnival-style games and activities will run from $1-$5 each, with unlimited game wristbands for only $15. Hay rides and pumpkin decorating activities are purchased separately. All tickets and wristbands will be available for purchase
at the event.
Fall Festival is Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Di erence’s largest youth-led fundraising event. The youth committee leading this event consists of 20 middle and high school participants. Since July, these youth have worked within four subcommittees to plan and prepare for this community event, with the goal of raising funds to support Hands4Hope programs while gaining career skills and having fun along the way. Adult mentor volunteers and Hands4Hope sta work with the youth throughout the process, providing sca olding and support. In addition to Fall Festival Committee participants, adult and youth volunteers will fill more than 200 shifts to contribute to the event’s success throughout the weekend.
“Our committee has been hard at work to plan the upcoming Fall Festival since July,” Youth Operations Lead Andrew Ni shared. “This year we are excited
to announce a new partnership with KidStrong, featuring new additions to our obstacle course. The planning process has been incredibly fun and rewarding.”
All proceeds from Fall Festival will benefit Hands4Hope – Youth Making a Di erence’s service-learning education and community engagement programs. Hands4Hope is a nonprofit organization that inspires and empowers youth in leadership and service. The organization was established in 2008 to provide youth the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills to be civic-minded and socially responsible. Hands4Hope reaches hundreds of youth across the region each year through on-campus clubs, after-school committees and community engagement opportunities and impacts thousands of individuals in need through youth-led service projects.
For more information call (916) 2947426 or visit hands4hopeyouth.org.
Courtesy photos
Get a glimpse of the past during Gold Rush Live festivities this weekend in Coloma.
Courtesy photos
Always a favorite, hay rides provided by Doug Veerkamp Engineering, above left, will be back this year at the Hands4Hope Fall Festival — perfect for the whole family. Youth and adult volunteers will offer more than a dozen carnival-style games, like pumpkin bowling, above right.
Blue Oak Elementary celebrates Walk to School Day
Kellee Sellwood
Buckeye
lue Oak Elementary School proudly joined
More than 200 students, parents and even some four-legged friends walked together, promoting healthy habits and community engagement. This event encourages
for
Participants gathered at the Cameron Park Library early Wednesday morning, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed (literally, in some cases), ready to trek down the newly improved sidewalk completed by the El Dorado County Department of Transportation. These safety enhancements to the bike lane and sidewalk surrounding the school make for a safer and convenient route to school, encouraging the continuation of walking and biking to school.
Blue Oak Elementary is committed to fostering a positive learning environment that supports both academic
of its students. The
National Walk to School Day! Getting some fresh air in before school begins, helps our students have a positive start to the day before diving into their learning“ said Julie Hughes, principal of Blue Oak Elementary. “The new sidewalk makes it easier for students and their families to walk to school safely, and we are grateful for the support of our crossing guards, who play an important role in keeping our students safe as they cross the streets.”
“I thought it was fun walking to school with friends and celebrating a holiday. Also, it was a good spirit day for the school and it was nice walking to school because it was a nice day outside,” said fourth-grade student Evie Ramirez. “There were a lot of people cheering us on and that gave us a lot of spirit. Hanging out with families and getting to talk to friends on the way to school was fun. I love celebrating new things and this is the first year of our school doing this.” For more information about Blue Oak Elementary School visit boes. buckeyeusd.org, contact the main office at (530) 676-0164 or Principal Hughes at jhughes@buckeyeusd.org.
Foundation marks 50 years with magical gala
Alex Wright Marshall
Marshall Foundation for Community Health is delighted to announce its 50th Anniversary Gala, an enchanting evening celebrating five decades of dedication to enhancing community health. The gala, themed The Magic of Marshall, will be held on Nov. 16 at the Apex Ballroom in Red Hawk Casino. Tickets for this magical night are on sale now at marshallfound.org.
This milestone event will not only celebrate the foundation’s remarkable history but will also honor the exceptional contributions of four individuals who have created a lasting impact on healthcare and community well-being in El Dorado County. The awards presented will include:
• The Heart of Care: Dr. Stan Henjum, MD, for
his extraordinary commitment to patient care.
• The Heart of Giving: Barbara Ashwill, recognized for her philanthropic spirit and generosity.
• The Heart of Service: Gael Barsotti, honored for his selfless dedication to community service.
• The Heart of Volunteerism: Norma Wilson, celebrated for her countless hours of volunteer work.
“The theme ‘The Magic of Marshall’ perfectly captures the wonder and transformation we’ve witnessed over the past 50 years,” shared Mindy Danovaro, MFCH executive director. “This gala is not just a celebration of our history but a continuation of the magic we’ve created together, inspiring hope and health for the future.”
“This gala celebrates our deeply rooted partnership with the Marshall Foundation for Community Health,” said Marshal CEO Siri Nelson. “The foundation’s role is critical to elevating the health and wellness of our community’s most underserved and underrepresented populations. Our shared vision is fundamental to expanding our impact and ensuring everyone in El Dorado County has the opportunity to achieve their best health.”
A MEMORABLE GIFT
In addition to celebrating these achievements, the gala will feature a retrospective of the Foundation’s history, a gourmet dinner, live music and entertainment that will add an extra sprinkle of magic to the evening. Attendees will also have the opportunity to support future health initiatives, including the construction of a new cardiac catheterization lab.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for those wishing to be part of this magical evening and support the ongoing work of the foundation. For more information on sponsorships contact Kara Sather at ksather@marshallmedical.org or call the MFCH office at (530) 642-9984.
About the foundation
Founded in 1974, Marshall Foundation for Community Health is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of El Dorado County’s Western Slope residents. Through fundraising, partnerships, and community engagement, the Foundation supports Marshall and a range of health programs, ensuring access to quality healthcare for all.
Solve a murder at the Shakespeare Club
Joan Geel
Placerville Shakespeare Club
The Placerville Shakespeare Club invites the public to a murder mystery, Champagne Bubbles & Dangerous Dames, performed by the Interactive Entertainment Murder Mystery Players and directed by Orlando Wilkerson and Kathy Drew. The 1920s-themed whodunit luncheon takes
place Saturday, Nov. 2, at 2940 Bedford Ave. in Placerville. Doors open for socializing at 11:30 a.m. and an array of items in a silent auction will be available. The luncheon and show will begin at 12:30 p.m.
Tickets are $45 per person and paid reservations must be made in advance by calling (916) 802-0186. Costumes are encouraged. For more information visit placerville-shakespeare.com.
Courtesy photo
Blue Oak students get ready to walk during the Oct. 2 National Walk to School Day event.
Courtesy photo
The Cameron Park Community Foundation built and donated these raised garden boxes. This project allows the residents of Ponte Palmero memory care to enjoy gardening with ease. The foundation is dedicated to Cameron Park through people, parks and programs, enhancing the quality of life for the community.
GROW FOR IT!
The gray pine
It’s useless for shade and, worse, ugly.
It’s no good for lumber, a danger to anyone below when it drops its cones and a fire hazard. The best idea is to cut it down. Alas, that’s a common view of one of our native trees here in El Dorado County.
Rosemary Imes
UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County
The gray pine, Pinus sabiniana, is also known as bull pine, ghost pine or foothill pine. In past publications, it was known as digger pine, but that name is no longer used. Research shows that this pine, endemic to California, has rooted steadfastly in the same foothills surrounding the Central Valley of California for at least the last 4,000 years. It is believed to live up to 200 years and thrives in elevations from 100 to 6,000 feet, preferring mild winters and hot dry summers.
A mature tree stands from 40-80 feet tall and begins life with one trunk. With age, it typically separates into multiple trunks above that single original trunk. This growth pattern dismays those who think pines must have single pointy silhouette. The heavy production of resin on trunk, limbs and cones protects it from disease and pests. This resin also makes the tree highly flammable.
The pine needles are gray green, 8-12 inches long in groups of three and shed every two to three years. The bark is thick and dark, with orange beneath its ridges. Its cones are among the largest and heaviest of all pines, sometimes over 2 pounds each, and have sharp upturned claws at the tip of each scale. The cones drop at two- to three-year intervals, open slowly and shed seeds (pine nuts) over a two- to three-month period.
Historically, the gray pine proved a valuable asset. It stabilized soil. Its pine nuts, full of fat and protein, provided food for people and for wildlife. The nuts could be ground, mashed, roasted or eaten raw, and were nutritious on long journeys. The green cones were roasted, producing a syrupy sweet treat.
Basket frameworks incorporated its baked roots. Deadfall tree limbs provided fuel for warmth and for
cooking. Its resin was used to seal against moisture. Its needles provided bedding. Parts of the tree were used medicinally. Every part of the tree was used by Indigenous Peoples. Today, cooks harvest its tasty pine nuts. Crafters make pine needle baskets. Grandchildren make Christmas elf houses using the scales of the pinecone. Campers make campfire starters with bundled needles and resin. Naturalists view scrub jays, squirrels and woodpeckers as they compete for dominance in its branches. Hikers munch on pine nuts as they hike. Gardeners use the sawdust and needles as mulch around strawberries and other acid-loving plants. The gray pine may not be the most attractive of trees, but it keeps on giving.
Join us for our free, annual Fall into Gardening event, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden, 6699 Campus Drive in Placerville. Visit the 16 themed gardens and attend workshops on home gardening topics. The Sherwood Demonstration Garden is regularly open 9 a.m. to noon Fridays and Saturdays. Check the website for further information at ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_Master_ Gardeners/Demonstration_Garden.
Master Gardener classes are offered monthly throughout the county. Find the class schedule at mgeldorado. ucanr.edu/Public_Education_Classe s/?calendar=yes&g=56698 and recorded classes on many gardening topics at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/ Public_Education/Classes.
Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are working hard to answer your questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website, mgeldorado.ucanr.edu, or leave a message on the office telephone at (530) 621-5512. To sign up for notices and newsletters visit ucanr. edu/master_gardener_e-news. Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
Annual native plant sale coming up
Kathleen Barco
CNPS – El Dorado Chapter
The El Dorado Chapter of the California Native Plant Society will hold its annual fall plant sale Oct. 12 & 13. Sales are handled online and plants are picked up in person on Oct. 19. Current members receive a 10% discount.
This event is a major fundraiser for the chapter and supports its work in educating the general public about the importance of native plants. There is a great deal of interest in gardening with native plants and often people find them hard to obtain. This sale is one of the best ways to get them and the fall season, when the rains come, is the best time of year to plant them. For details on the sale and to a wish list of plants that likely will be available for purchase visit shop. eldoradocnps.org.
A note: The volunteer-run organization a cannot hold on to plants past 2 p.m. on the pick-up
day, Oct. 19. Those not sure if they’ll be able to pick up their purchases should ask a friend or neighbor to do it for you. Left-behind plants will be donated.
Volunteers are sought to help on Saturday, Oct. 19, plant pick-up day. There are two shifts and volunteers receive a gift plant for their efforts. Details and a sign-up form can be found at eldoradocnps.org/pickupday.
The California Native Plant Society is a nonprofit organization working to save and celebrate California’s native plants and places via plant science, advocacy, education and horticulture. CNPS has nearly 10,000 members in 35 chapters throughout California and Baja. The El Dorado Chapter of CNPS is active in educating about as well as identifying and protecting the many endemic plants of the area. To learn more about native plants and CNPS cnps.org or the El Dorado County chapter website at eldoradocnps.org.
Photo by Christie Johnson
Fremontodendron shrub is one of the many plants available at the upcoming El Dorado Chapter of the California Native Plant Society fall plant sale.
Photo by Susan Zito
The gray pine produces large pinecones and tasty pine nuts.
Tahoe Soroptimists to host a glittering fundraiser
News release
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE —
Diamonds & Denim is the theme for the 51st annual evening of food, wine and beer tasting hosted by Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe inside Harrah’s Convention Center on Friday, Nov. 1.
With more than 40 food and drink purveyors, live music from the Tahoe favorite Cash Only band, the evening of dancing, sipping, nibbling, mingling and raising money occurs 6-9 p.m.
Leading Napa, El Dorado, Lodi and Fair Play wineries participating include Bella Grace Vineyards, Boeger Winery, Crystal Basin Cellars, Lava Cap Winery, Nello Olivo Winery, Rippey at Lodi Vintners, QuintEssential Wines, Rancho Victoria Vineyards, Shadow Ranch
Vineyard, Sierra Vista, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Starfield Vineyards, Truckee River Winery along with Team Whiskey. Restaurants include Bella Vita Bistro, Cool Beans Creamery and Deli, Harumi Sushi, Sombreros Mexican Restaurant, The Cork & More, The Hidden Table and Valley Eats Mobile Eatery and Catering. More vendors will be added; visit sislt.org for additional information. Tickets are available online at sislt. org/51st-winetasting for $100 or through any Soroptimist member. Paid parking is available at Harvey/ Harrah’s and carpooling’ rideshares are encouraged. Dressing the theme in denim and rhinestone is highly encouraged. Raffle tickets are $10 each or five for $40 online at paybee. io/@sislt@26 and at the event (guests do not need to be present
to win). Prizes currently include an e-bike donated by South Shore Bikes, a wine cooler fully stocked with more than $1.000 in wine from The Cork and More and a stand-up paddle board package. The event raises funds to benefit the Soroptimist Stadium, Girls Softball Field; scholarships for graduating high school, vocational and college students; and grants to woman who aspire to elevate their lives through education opportunities. SISLT allocated $325,000 to renovate the dilapidated softball field at the South Tahoe Middle School and provide amenities commensurate with the adjacent boys’ baseball field, with the aim to provide Title IX gender parity for the girls’ teams. The facility upgrades started in 2020 and Soroptimist will continue fundraising to the complete revitalization of the
field. Once finalized, SISLT plans to support the girls through mentoring and ongoing support to create a vibrant and popular athletic program for girls and women.
“I have been a Soroptimist member since 2018 and I am constantly amazed at how much our club of 60 women can accomplish,” said Julia Ward, chair of the communications committee. “Yes, we give scholarships and grants and provide financial support to the community. We also host programs to promote women, honor young girls, and share important information about what’s happening in our community. It’s wonderful to see generations of women coming together to make a difference for the people who live here, and sometimes even for women who live on the other side of the world.”
Final Midtown Second Saturday event goes all out
Traci Rockefeller Cusack News release
SACRAMENTO — The Midtown Association presents another series of district-wide Midtown Second Saturday programming designed to celebrate Midtown’s thriving arts and culture scene along with the individuals who bring it to life. Attendees can enjoy an all-day/evening celebration of local artists and artistry, entertaining music, dance and theater performances, culinary arts, family-friendly park activities and food and drink specials at Midtown bars and restaurants.
Expected to draw 15,000 visitors to Midtown each month, Midtown Second Saturday activations start early in the day at the Midtown Farmers Market and continue well into the evening hours.
• All day/evening (timing and locations vary) — Galleries, studios and theater activations may include special performances and receptions, meet the artist opportunities and behind-the-scenes
engages local artist-designers in creating Day of the Dead “ofrendas” on Main Street. The opening event will be held Oct. 10, while the offrendas will be on display through Nov. 3.
Kyran Daniel will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville at 7 p.m. For
studio tours.
• All day/evening — Midtown mural self-guided walk.
• 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Midtown Farmers Market offers special art experiences at 20th & K streets with special pop-up performances every 30 minutes from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. performed by the Sacramento Dance Ballet.
• Noon to 4 p.m. — Fun and free hands-on art activities for families and youth are available at Fremont Park (1515 Q St.).
• 2-8 p.m. — New this year, a curated Midtown Second Saturday Art Walk route is available with up to 10 local stops at galleries, studios, restaurants, bars and multifamily properties and includes pop-up art experiences.
• 4-8 p.m. — Additional lively Midtown Second Saturday experiences, complete with buskers and pop-up activities, are available throughout the district in the early evening. Specifically, attendees are encouraged to stroll along 28th Street from
tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom. com.
The Crocker Art Museum presents ArtMix: Color Madness at 6 p.m. For tickets and more information visit crockerart.org.
J to N streets and enjoy art markets and live performances at 20th and K streets as well as 24th and K streets.
• 10 p.m. and later — Six pre-approved e-permit holders will host Midtown Second Saturday After Parties with enhanced art experiences such as live performances, comedy and dance.
• Signature Event: Movie Night at Fremont Park by CADA — Presented by Capitol Area Development Authority, visitors will be invited to enjoy a free screening of “Back to the Future III” at Fremont Park starting at 6:30 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early for photo opportunities with a DeLorean, purchase food from food vendors and find a spot at the park.
For more information about Sutter Health’s Midtown Second Saturday visit midtownsecondsaturday.com and check out a helpful and user-friendly Second Saturday FAQ is available at exploremidtown.org/second-saturdayfaq.
Jubilate Homeschool Academy Performing Arts presents “Little Women,” Oct. 10-12 at Imagination Theater at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. For tickets and more information, go to jhpag.booktix.com/dept/main/e/LW.
Island of Black and White will perform at the El Dorado Hills Town Center Theater Plaza 6:30-8:30 p.m.
UC Davis presents solo saxophonist Nick May in concert, performing six new compositions by graduate students. The performance will begin at 12:05 p.m. at the Pitzer Center.
Oct. 11
There will be an Oktoberfest Luncheon for Seniors at the El Dorado Hills CSD Gym from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. including entertainment, dancing and a raffle. Tickets are $7. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.
The Fabulous Liars will perform at 5 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.
Skeleton Krewe Trio will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
The inaugural Tahoe Literary Festival will take place at venues in Tahoe City Oct. 11-12, featuring a literary open mic night, a keynote, panels, workshops and discussions with local journalists, and an open invitation to anyone who loves the literary arts to attend. A songwriters’ showcase will close out the event Saturday night. Find the full schedule and purchase tickets at tahoelitfest. eventbrite.com.
Oct. 12
The Cameron Park Community Clean-Up Day will be held at Camerado Middle School 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information visit cameronpark.org.
The sixth annual Memorial Golf Tournament Honoring Deputy Brian Ishmael begins at 8:30 a.m. at Lake Tahoe Golf Club, 2500 Emerald Bay, South Lake Tahoe. Contact Amber Jaurequi at (916) 945-8480 or ajaurequi@genevafi.com to register or become a sponsor.
irrigated lawns and cultivated land can endanger them and they need proper care to continue to thrive. Join Master Gardeners for a presentation on the various methods to maintain and protect these wonderful trees and learn how to identify the various species. After the presentation we will take a brief walk around the campus to check out the various oak species. Parking permits required; purchase a $2 permit at any kiosk. While we have plenty of space, seating is limited. Bring a portable chair if you wish. Visit mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/ Public_Education to register.
The Hands4Hope Fall Festival will be held at the El Dorado Hills Town Center Oct. 12 & 13. Held in the Steven Young Amphitheater during the two day farm-themed festival, this engaging event highlights the diverse agricultural community of El Dorado County, offering a range of activities for all ages. Experience the joy of games, pumpkin decorating, tractor hayrides, a dessert walk, and the 4-H Animal Exploration area from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Logtown Hot Dog Social and Firewise Day at Station 44, 6109 Quartz Drive starts at noon. Dogs served noon to 2 p.m., drawing and conest is a 2 p.m. and live auction is at 2:30 p.m. Dogs, buns, condiments, chips and soft drinks provided, bring a side dish, salad or dessert if you like.
The Coloma Community Market takes place 1-4 p.m., drizzle or shine, the second and fourth Saturdays at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Find great local products while enjoying live music, food, beverages and more. Parking is free during the market hours.
El Dorado County Jesus Fest will be held at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds from 3-7 p.m. Admission is free. There will be music from local artists, food trucks, a bounce house and prize giveaways. Incognito will perform at 4 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.
Red Dirt Ruckus Trio will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville at 4 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Enjoy Trivia Night at 5:30 p.m. at the Bumgarner Camino tasting room. Bring your friends, family, and brainy types for this super-fun and engaging game. Guests will enjoy Moo N Brew Boba’s non-alcoholic Boba drinks, wood-fired carnitas nachos from the wood-fired oven and, of course wine and cider by the glass, flight or bottles.
UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts Compost & Vermiculture, 9 a.m. to noon at the Pilot Hill Grange, 1701 State Highway 193 in Cool. Join Master Gardener Patrick Daubert to learn how compost provides valuable nutrients for your garden soil. Compost also helps retain moisture, which saves water, suppresses weeds, prevents soil erosion, and loosens compacted soils for better drainage and water retention. Patrick will also explain how worms can rapidly break down kitchen waste to make worm compost, one of the best organic fertilizers possible. He will also cover types of worms needed, how to harvest the compost and how to set up a worm bin. Visit mgeldorado.ucanr. edu/Public_Education to register.
UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts Living Among the Oaks, 9 a.m. to noon at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden, 6699 Campus Drive in Placerville. El Dorado County is graced with handsome and enduring California Oaks that are vital to our natural environment. New construction,
Join 1850 Wine Cellars and Myka Estates for the monthly concert series featuring a Rock of Ages theme with the band Character Assassins and a pre-fixe dinner menu by Chef Lisa Scott. For tickets and more information visit 1850winecellars.com/ pages/events.
The Nipper Brothers will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com. The Handblown Glass Pumpkin Patch is back, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sutter
Sutter Street Theatre’s Olde Tyme Radio Show will perform a reading of Orson Wells’ famous 1938 “The War of the Worlds” broadcast. The show will begin at 4 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
The California Museum’s 11th annual Día de Los Muertos Fiesta will celebrate the opening of its new Day of the Dead-themed exhibit, Arte de Inspiración: Día de los Muertos 2024. Highlights will include appearances by exhibit artists; entrées and custom cocktails for sale by Mayahuel Restaurant and Tequila Museum; live music and dance performances; sugar skull workshops; craft activities and more. For details visit Fiesta2024.eventbrite.com.
The California State Railroad Museum and Foundation welcome guests aboard the historical Sacramento Southern Railroad. Enjoy a 50-minute scenic train ride along the Sacramento River and experience railroading as it was in the early part of the last century. Rides are offered Saturdays and Sundays. For tickets and more information visit californiarailroad.museum.
Watch the Knight Foundry crew fire up an antique blacksmith forge, pour and craft hot metal during its monthly demonstration day. Visitors can tour at their own pace, meeting and talking with enthusiastic and knowledgeable docents throughout the complex. Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. No reservations are needed. Knight Foundry is located at 81 Eureka St., Sutter Creek. Learn more by emailing info@ knightfoundry.com or call (209) 560-6160.
Folsom Lake Symphony’s season begins with New World, a concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Harris Center. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
Zenn VuDu will perform at Sutter Creek Theatre in Sutter Creek at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheatre.com.
Fairytale Town presents Safe & Super Halloween from 5-9 p.m. Oct. 12-13 and 19-20. For more information visit fairytaletown.org.
Rick Estrin and the Nightcats will perform at The Sofia in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.
The California Museum presents Arte de Inspiracón: Día de los Muertos 2024 Oct. 12 through Nov. 17. For more information visit californiamuseum.org.
Oct. 13
El Dorado Western Railroad offers excursion rides with trains
running on the hour, 10 a.m. through 1 p.m., weather permitting, at the El Dorado Station. For more information visit facebook.com/ ElDoradoWesternRailroad.
Foothill Dog Rescue is holding a free microchip clinic for El Dorado County residents only from 9 a.m. to noon at 4131 S. Shingle Road, Suite 14, Shingle Springs. No registration required. No breeders. All dogs must be secured on a leash by owner, DAPP and rabies vaccines, microchip including registration. All cats must be secured in a carrier by owner. HCP vaccine, rabies and microchip including registration. Mediterranean Vineyards in the Fair Play area hosts Love in Every Note, a charity event to raise funds for Shriners Hospital for Children –Northern California. There will be several musicians spreading the love during the day. Guests will also enjoy wine and food. For tickets and more information visit medivineyards.com.
A blanket drive to help homeless cats and dogs stay warm and cozy will be held noon to 4 p.m. in Lions Park (past the library) on Stafford Drive in Folsom.
Mandy Barnett will perform at the Harris Center at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
The Tritones will perform at 3 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.
Music in the Mountains presents Courtney Daniels Sings Binns Melander. For tickets and more information visit musicinthemountains.org.
The Crocker Art Museum presents a classical concert at 3 p.m. For tickets and more information visit crockerart.org.
UC Davis presents the Empyrean Ensemble in concert at the Pitzer Center. The performance will feature three works by Ph.D. alumni; there will be a pre-show talk beginning at 6:15 p.m. and the music will begin at 7 p.m.
Oct. 15
Vitalant will host an El Dorado Hills community blood drive noon to 2:30 p.m. The Bloodmobile bus will be parked near the baseball fields El Dorado Hills Community Services District, 1021 Harvard Way. Make an appointment at donors.vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFM019 or call (877) 258-4825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows.
Now
ASPIREKids is looking for volunteers to help with The Elf Project, a program that will bring Christmas to hundreds of local youth. For more information email hello@aspirekidseldorado.org.
Marshall Hospital Auxiliary is looking for volunteers. Interviews are held monthly. For more information call Norma at (530) 676-1844 or email grizzyq98@gmail.com.
Toogood Estate, 7280 Fairplay Road in Fair Play, hosts a Wine and
Chocolate Spooktacular throughout October. Toogood is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more information call (530) 620-1910.
Sacramento City College’s City Theatre is producing A Local Playwrights Festival: I Think This Place Has Changed through Oct. 13 in the Art Court Theatre in the Performing Arts Center on the Sacramento City College campus at 3835 Freeport Boulevard in Sacramento. All details and tickets are available at CityTheatre.net.
Broadway At Music Circus presents “Mrs. Doubtfire” at the UC Davis Health pavilion in Sacramento through Oct. 13. For tickets and more information call (916) 557-1999 or visit broadwaysacramento.com.
The Center has opened registration for the Adopt A Family program. This is an opportunity to step in and help provide joy, relief and lasting memories for local families in need. Registration runs through Oct. 15. For more information call (530) 626-1450.
The Olde Coloma Theatre presents “A Werewolf’s Tail, Or, Hilda’s Haunted Hilltop” through Oct. 27. Doors open Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, go to oldecolomatheatre.com.
Sutter Street Theatre presents “Evil Dead the Musical” through Nov. 3. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 7 p.m. on Sundays. There will be a special Halloween showing on Thursday, Oct. 31. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
The Stage at Burke Junction presents “Rogues” through Nov. 3. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.
B Street Theatre in Sacramento presents “What the Constitution Means to Me” at The Sofia in Sacramento through Nov. 10. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.
Soroptimist of Cameron Park/El Dorado Hills is seeking grant applications from women who serve as the primary earners for their families and require financial assistance to continue their education or training. Women can now apply for the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award. Applications are available at bit.ly/LYDA-apply. The application deadline is Nov. 15. (Club number for SICPEDH is #116408.) For more information visit sicpedh.org or call (916) 933-8205.
Maggie’s House Cleaning
Available for weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, & one time cleaning. Reliable, honest, and has over 20 years of experience.
916-370-0651
margaritalherrera@icloud.com
Día de los Muertos exhibit showcases California artists
— The California Museum’s highly anticipated Día de los Muertos Fiesta takes place Saturday, Oct. 12. The annual event will honor the rich Mexican tradition of the Day of the Dead and celebrate the grand opening of the California Museum’s new exhibit, Arte de Inspiración: Día de los Muertos 2024.
“We’ve been honored to be part of Sacramento’s Dia de los Muertos celebrations for over a decade now,” said California Museum Executive Director Amanda Meeker. “Each year we strive to provide a space for visitors to not only learn about Dia de los Muertos but experience its traditions firsthand at the Fiesta through art, music, food and crafts.”
Fiesta attendees will enjoy food and drinks for sale by local Mexican restaurant Mayahuel; a ceremonial blessing by Maquilli Tonatiuh Aztec Dancers; live music by Latin tribute band Maya; dancing by Ballet Folklorico Sacramento; Mercado de los Muertos (Market of the Dead) featuring unique items for sale by local vendors and artists; sugar skull decorating workshops;
and hands-on crafts for children ages 3 and up.
In addition to celebrating Mexican culture and tradition, the fiesta will also commemorate the grand opening of the museum’s newest temporary exhibit. A journey through life, love and death, Arte de Inspiración: Día de los Muertos 2024 (Inspirational Art: Day of the Dead 2024) will feature original art and altars by California
artists John Hancock and Juan Ramos, Adrian Arias and RAH Azul. Their work will explore the Mexican cultural tradition of honoring deceased loved ones each year by displaying altares de muertos (altars of the dead) and ofrendas (offerings), which have evolved from the Aztecs to modern-day Mexico and California. Members of the public are invited to pay tribute to lost loved
The Public Square
ones at a Community Altar through the end of the exhibit on Sunday, Nov. 17. Fiesta tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance.
For the first time, the California Museum is also offering a limited quantity of VIP Terrace add-on tickets for $25. The VIP Terrace includes an elevated
view of the festivities, shorter lines for entry and food and drink tickets, access to indoor dining seating and more. Fiesta tickets are required to purchase VIP Terrace tickets. For more information or to purchase tickets visit Fiesta2024.eventbrite. com.
I Love Sugar Skulls Workshop
Oct. 13: In two workshops from 12:301:30 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. led by Rob-O of I Love Sugar Skulls, participants will design and decorate calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls) for Día de los Muertos. The $25 workshop fee includes a pre-made sugar skull, royal icing and assorted decorations, along with personalized instruction by Rob-O and admission to all current California Museum exhibits including Arte de Inspiración: Día de los Muertos 2024. To register, visit 2024SugarSkullWorkshops.eventbrite.com.
Mull the fate of Sylvia Plath
Paul Emery Presents News release
NEVADA CITY — Paul Emery Presents brings
“Who Killed Sylvia Plath?” to the historical Nevada Theatre. Written by the acclaimed playwright Lynne Kaufman and starring actress Lorri Holt, this thought-provoking play is set to captivate audiences at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13.
“Who Killed Sylvia Plath?” was the winner of the Best Full Length award at the 2020 Marsh Stream International Solo-
Fest. This production is directed by Warren David Keith and Jayne Wenger.
The one-woman show delves into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of renowned poet Sylvia Plath. As she returns to her burial place in West Yorkshire, England, to view the fourth replacement of her headstone, the audience is invited to ponder the question: Who was responsible for her untimely demise? Was it her husband, Ted Hughes? And what relevance does her tragic story hold for us today?
Kaufman, the awardwinning playwright behind this production, is known for her insightful exploration of complex characters and themes. With more than 20 full-length plays produced at prestigious venues around the country, Kaufman brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this compelling narrative. Holt, a seasoned actress with a diverse array of roles to her credit, takes on the challenging role of Plath in this production. With a career spanning over three decades, Holt has earned praise for her dynamic performances in both classic and contemporary works, making her a perfect fit for this intricate portrayal. The Sunday performance of “Who Killed Sylvia Plath?” will feature a special talk-back session with playwright Kaufman, n See SYLVIA, page
Courtesy photo
Maquilli Tonatiuh Aztec Dancers perform a ceremonial blessing at the California Museum’s 2023 Día de los Muertos Fiesta. They return for this year’s festivities.
Photo courtesy of David Allen Studio
Actress Lorri Holt brings renowned poet Sylvia Plath back to life — to ponder her own death.
