Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Attackers sentenced

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

Theodora Economou and Vivian Bertrand were sentenced to state prison for crimes relating to the 2021 Halloween night axe and knife attack that blinded one of Placerville resident Kristine Hall’s eyes and injured Dmitry Kuzmenko.

Handing down their sentence Oct. 7 in the downtown Placerville courthouse was El Dorado County Superior Court Judge Mark Ralphs. Bertrand was given two years and Economou, through a plea deal, up to four years.

The court heard victims’ statements before sentencing.

Kuzmenko called the night of the assault “the single worst night anyone could imagine.”

“When people think of Placerville words like safe, patriotic, caring and charming come to mind,” Kuzmenko told the court. “Despicable and evil are the only words that describe what happened that night.”

Economou, a resident of Auburn, and Bertrand, a resident of Placerville, were walking down Main Street Placerville at about 10:30 p.m. that night, causing disturbances by hitting businesses’ windows and signs. Kuzmenko and Hall approached the women and conflict ensued. Armed,

7 City Council candidates quizzed

Andrew Vonderschmitt Staff writer

Eight seek one of three Placerville City Council seats that will be decided Nov. 8. A candidate forum at Town Hall Oct. 5 opened with introductions.

Candidate Duncan Allen was not in attendance.

Sean Briggs is an IT professional who moved back to Placerville to give his children the same rural lifestyle he grew up with before leaving to attend college at the University of California, Sacramento.

“We noticed that there was stuff that was changing in the city,” said Briggs. “(So I) decided to go ahead and run for City Council.” He added he wants

to promote a family environment, bring back events that have been lost and provide residents with open and transparent communication with the City Council.

Ruth Carter is a broker-owner of a real estate company. She said she is running because she wants to preserve the city’s history and feeling of connection.

“A few of the concerns I have are repairing and maintaining the city’s historic buildings, roads and sewer pipes,” she said. “Beautification, preservation and functionality are paramount.”

John Clerici, a former City Council member and current member of the Placerville Economic Advisory Committee and El Dorado County Planning Commission, said he knows how a city runs.

“I’m running because I think I did a pretty good job last time,” he said. “I’m good with budgets. I’m good with analytical skills. I know how the city runs.”

Paul Godwin described himself as a quick study and team player.

“The balance of tourism and serving local citizens cannot be left to chance,” he

Bertrand and Economou inflicted serious injury — Hall’s left eye slashed with a hatchet and Kuzmenko stabbed in the hand with a knife as he tried to step in to stop the attack.

Police arrived shortly after but the damage had been done.

“I praise God that I was there that night to stop these deviants at the risk of my own life,” Kuzmenko said. “No sentence passed today will

ever bring back the eyesight of my good friend Kristie Hall.”

Bertrand and Economou fled the scene of the attack on foot, chased by Kuzmenko and witnesses.

Kuzmenko detained Bertrand while Economou jumped into a Hangtown Creek behind El Dorado Savings Bank where she hid in heavy shrubbery. The police later found her.

Both Economou and

Bertrand, in their early 20s, were reportedly intoxicated when booked into the El Dorado County Jail. Economou was charged with mayhem and assault with a deadly weapon and Bertrand assault with a deadly weapon.

Hall underwent emergency surgery to try to save her eye.

She spoke at the sentencing, emphasizing how the incident impacted not only her but also Economou and Bertrand and all their families.

“I hope with these next couple of years you guys have that you take this opportunity to do the best that you possibly can to try to find the things you can utilize as

fine stein time

Photos by Mitchell Weitzman

Al Griffin, right, owner of Placerville Public House, digs deep to outlast the competition in the Stein Holding Contest at Placerville’s Main Street Oktoberfest Oct. 8. Griffin is the reigning champ in the event, besting his previous record with almost five-and-a-half minutes.

The Hasenpfeffer Oktoberfest Band, left photo, plays traditional polka music. Auburn resident Celeste Lowe’s Oktoberfest style, right photo, won the ladies’ costume contest.

“No sentence passed today will ever bring back the eyesight of my good friend Kristie Hall.”

— Dmitry Kuzmenko, one of the victims of the 2021 Halloween attack

Joseph L. Clara

Jan. 25, 1938 – Sept. 3, 2022

Joseph L. Clara of Placerville Calif. passed away at Sutter Hospital in Sacramento, Calif., Sept 3, surrounded by family at the age of 84.

Joe was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to many. He was born Jan 25th, 1938 in Hanford, Calif. and is survived by his wife, Esther Clara, 5 Children, 12 grandchildren, 17-great grandchildren & two great-great grandchildren. Joseph is preceded in death by his parents, a sister and his previous wife, Betty Clara.

Joe was a devoted Jehovah’s Witness who was baptized in 1987 in Fremont, Calif. He believed in the resurrection hope and shared his knowledge of God’s Kingdom with others.

Services for Joseph will be held at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Placerville at 1:00 P.M.

Saturday October 22, 2022. Following the service there will be a Celebration of Life gathering at the El Dorado Fairgrounds (Organ Room).

Melinda “Casey” Carlton-Mercado

June 23, 1943 - Oct. 1, 2022

Casey was born into a three generation household in Oak Park, Ill., to Russell W. and DeVota (“De” Orth) Carlton, originally from Carthage, Ill. Her childhood with her sister Charlotte Sue, was archetypical American: walking to schools, suburban activities, summer visits to the uncle Bill Shinkle farm in Hancock County Ill. After graduating Oak Park River Forest High School she attended Purdue University, joined Alpha XI Delta sorority, and earned her degree in Home Economics then some post grad study in biochemistry. While there she wed Wm. Schmitendorf and started substitute teaching and working in food service while he finished his advanced degree and went on sta at Northwestern. They had two sons, Paul and Thomas raising them in Glenview. Ill. While homemaking, Casey enjoyed sewing, cooking and crafting. She was a contestant in the Pillsbury BakeO with her chocolate éclair, earning the first model of a GE microwave oven!

Casey started her career working for Kraft Foods then Jewel Food stores as a Home Economist, recipe and menu planner. Her second marriage in 1981 was to Harry C. Mercado, in San Mateo, Calif. She became the Sales Manager for a craft supply company and authored “how to” booklets to support her products. In 1990 the couple started a novel format retail furniture business in Pleasanton, Calif. Retiring in 1996 they moved to Lotus Calif. on the American River. There she was active in Coloma/ Lotus valley community development.

Casey was an energetic person of strong political, societal, and cultural beliefs. She joined the American Association of University Women (AAUW), and led the Foothill Chapter in Placerville advocating for girls scholarships and women’s issues. She was a member of the Shakespeare Club, a social group. Her community and club activities often saw her chairing/cooking event meals at the Grange/Community hall, Shakespeare hall, and in the Lake Oaks Community club house. She loved to hike the Sierra, tour the country in their motor home, logging 80,000 miles, play bridge and do sudokus.

Casey passed peacefully at home at Lake Oaks in Diamond Springs under the care of Snowline Hospice. She is survived by her sister Sue Pierce, husband of 41 yrs Harry Mercado, sons Paul and Thomas Schmitendorf, step sons Robinson and Je rey Mercado, grandchildren Parker, Alexander, and Christopher Mercado, Ivy and Aidan Schmitendorf. A celebration of life service will be scheduled. Remembrance donations can be made in her name to AAUW, 3078 Edythe Ct., Placerville, Calif., 95667

Myrtle Marie Poe

Nov. 13, 1929 – June 5, 2022

Myrtle was born on Nov. 13, 1929 in Lodi, Calif. to Arthur and Lorna Martinson, She was raised and educated in California graduating from Fresno State University.

Myrtle settled in Placerville, Calif. where she raised four daughters and taught at the Rescue Union School District for 45 years. She loved teaching, reading, and traveling. she enjoyed watching and listening to her favorite teams the Oakland Athletics and the Raiders. She always had a book in her hands and usually fell asleep either reading or listening to one of the games.

Myrtle is survived by her brother Russell (Becky) Martinson of Meridian, Idaho; daughters Linda Keller (Bob) of El Mirage Ariz., Kathy (Al) Elliott of Minot N.D., Chris Ferris of Placerville, and Charlene Muniz of Placerville, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and son in law Joe Muniz. Myrtle chose not to have a memorial service, but to be cremated and have her ashes scattered in one of her favorite placesYellowstone National Park

Nancy Ellen Noble

June 26, 1936 – Sept. 24, 2022

Nancy Ellen Noble, 86, of Shingle Springs has passed from our lives but not our hearts.

Previously a long time resident of Folsom Calif. Missed by sons Leonard (Nancy) Noble, Dave Noble, brother Eugene (Charlotte) Kendall, several grands and great-grands. Predeceased by children Ann, Dee and Anna.

Nancy enjoyed volunteering in EDC with Meals on Wheels, Senior Lunch Program, Master Food Preservers & Senior Peer Counseling.

She loved baking, cooking and canning. Nancy enjoyed trying new recipes, sometimes to the chagrin of her family who looked forward to her traditional dishes.

She loved to read a good book or knit, sitting in her recliner with her dog Coco sitting on her lap.

An avid SJ Sharks fan, Nancy enjoyed watching hockey games, especially with her family all wearing their teal jerseys.

A Celebration of Life will be held 10/22/2022 at 1:30 P.M. at Rescue Community Center.

Remembrances may be made to Snowline Hospice or EDC Food Bank.

Edwin Allen Colegrove

July 21, 1944 – Sept. 17, 2022

With much sorrow we share with you that Edwin Allen Colegrove, 78, passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 17, surrounded by his loving family. Ed was the third son of 6 children, born in Wellsboro, Pa. on July 21, 1944 to parents Albert Arnold Colegrove and Velma Fratarcangelo ( Van Schaick.) He grew up in the Lawrenceville, Pa. area spending much time on the family farm. In high school, Ed was an avid athlete playing on the soccer and basketball teams. Upon graduation from Williamson High School, Ed joined the US Navy and spent 3 years adventuring around the globe on Uncle Sam’s dime as an aircraft electrician. He loved flying and aircrafts throughout his life.

Edwin met Lola Joanne Frost during his tour in Norfolk, Va. and it was love at first sight. They were married in 1966 enjoying 56 years of wedded bliss. In addition to Lola, Edwin is survived by his daughters Amy Butts (Larry Wayne) and her three children and Natalie Tache (Chuck) and her 3 children, and siblings Tom Colegrove (Roseann), Judy Muscarella (John) and Cindy Preston (Roger). Uncle Ed was a favorite to a multitude of nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. Edwin is preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Terry Colegrove and James Colegrove.

Big Ed worked at McClellan as an air craft mechanic, then as an iron worker out of the Navy until he found a perfect match as an electrician with SMUD. During his 31 years with SMUD, Ed worked on the substations, Rancho Seco Nuclear Power Plant, eventually joining the Hydroelectric Plant division on the upper American River Project as a Power Plant Operator.

Ed was a true mountain man enjoying hunting, fishing, and many other adventures.

Ed was well known for his big heart, big hugs, generous spirit, kindness and Christian love toward all he met.

Celebration of life will be held at the Placerville Seventh Day Adventist Church, 6831 Motherlode Dr. Placerville Calif. 95667. Friday Oct. 21, 2022 at 1:00 PM Reception TBA

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Disaster Relief E ort whom Ed appreciated following the Caldor Fire. Website https://www.disasterrel

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

Oct. 1

2:31 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 49-year-old man suspected of DUI on Golden Center Drive in Placerville.

7:36 a.m. Burglary was reported at a store on Coach Lane in Cameron Park.

10:10 a.m. Battery was reported on Monte Verde Drive in El Dorado Hills.

1:22 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 36-year-old man suspected on possession of a controlled substance on St. Garth Way in Shingle Springs. He was later released.

5:38 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 30-year-old man suspected of DUI on Mother Lode Drive in Placerville.

8:56 p.m. Battery was reported at a mobile home park on White Rock Road in El Dorado Hills.

9:11 p.m. A vehicle burglary was reported on St. Andrews Drive in El Dorado Hills.

Oct. 2

4:30 a.m. Battery was reported on Palmer Drive in Cameron Park.

1:18 p.m. Vandalism was reported at a salon on Coach Lane in Cameron Park.

1:28 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Kipps Lane in El Dorado Hills.

2:51 p.m. Shots were reported heard at a residence on Weebeelee Lane in Placerville.

5:04 p.m. Vandalism was reported at a fast food eatery on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

5:18 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Liquid Amber Lane in Greenwood.

8:44 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 27-year-old man suspected on DUI, disorderly conduct and possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia on Cambridge Road in Cameron Park.

Oct. 3

1:10 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 31-year-old man suspected of DUI on Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park. He was later released.

6:25 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Bunzie Road in Rescue.

9:46 a.m. Battery was reported at a school on Snows Road in Camino.

10:51 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Business Drive in Shingle Springs.

10:56 a.m. Vandalism was

reported on Ridgeway Drive in Pollock Pines. A suspect was arrested.

11:29 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Business Drive in Shingle Springs.

2:18 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 50-year-old man suspected of trespassing on Durock Road in Shingle Springs. He was later released.

7:32 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Goferbroke Road in Georgetown.

7:52 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 33-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and forgery on Riverfront Trail in El Dorado. He was listed in custody in lieu of $140,000 bail as of press time.

11:18 p.m. A prowler was reported on Clear Creek Road in Placerville.

Oct. 4

8:13 a.m. Battery was reported at a school on Forni Road in Placerville.

8:30 a.m. Battery was reported at an apartment complex on Virada Road in Cameron Park.

10:44 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Oakvale Drive in Shingle Springs.

11:14 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Ascension Drive in Pilot Hill.

7:04 p.m. Battery was reported on Forebay Road in Pollock Pines.

10:49 p.m. Battery was reported on Dodson Road in Shingle Springs.

Oct. 5

6:53 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 31-year-old man suspected on being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of drug paraphernalia and burglary. He was released $295,000 bail.

8:14 a.m. A burglary was reported at a resort on New River Road in Placerville.

9:13 a.m. Vandalism was reported at the pool and gym on Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills.

10:23 a.m. Vandalism was reported at a restaurant on White Rock Road in El Dorado Hills.

11:09 a.m. Battery was reported on Old French Town Road in Shingle Springs.

12:12 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Highway 49 in Lotus.

12:44 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Alhambra Drive in Cameron Park.

12:56 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Ranch Creek Road in Cool.

3:22 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Clear Creek Road in Placerville.

Cal Fire truck fire injures 2 employees

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

Two Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit employees were hospitalized Oct. 9 after sustaining burns while conducting maintenance work on a crew transport truck at their base of operations at the old juvenile hall on Fair Lane in Placerville.

The vehicle’s engine compartment quickly ignited and Cal Fire personnel burned themselves in the process of trying to put out the fi re rapidly spreading through the vehicle, according to Cal Fire AEU Public Information O cer Diana Swart.

First responders got the call around 6:30 p.m. and both employees were transported to

UC Davis Medical Center, one by helicopter and one by ambulance, for treatment of their burn injuries, which Swart described as “moderate.”

Residents in vicinity reported hearing what sounded like an explosion.

Cal Fire AEU has been utilizing the county’s old juvenile detention center at 299 Fair Lane in Placerville to house crews during fi re season.

The names of the employees were not given, but Swart said they are expected to make full recoveries. Both remained hospitalized as of Tuesday morning.

The vehicle sustained major damage.

The cause of the vehicle fi re is under investigation, Swart told the Mountain Democrat.

School board candidate forums coming up

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

The League of Women Voters of El Dorado County has more candidate forums planned, this time for local school districts.

The series of forums starts Oct. 12 with candidates for the Gold Trail Union School District Governing Board race. A meet and greet will be held at 6:30 p.m. before the forum begins at 7:30 p.m at Sutter’s Mill Elementary School.

The rest of the forums will be made available to the public virtually via Zoom.

Buckeye and Rescue union school districts’ candidates will participate in their forums Oct. 13. Buckeye’s candidates will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by Rescue’s at 7:30 p.m. County Board of Education trustee candidates will also get a chance to discuss their candidacy Oct. 18. That

The following was taken from Placerville Police Department records:

Sept. 29

2:06 a.m. Officers cited a 55-year-old man allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance on Center Street.

10:52 a.m. Officers arrested a 44-year-old woman on suspicion of threatening a peace officer and possession of stolen property on Main Street. She was also cited for littering near a waterway.

10:52 a.m. Officers arrested a 38-year-old man on suspicion of possession of a dirk and dagger on Main Street.

1:20 p.m. Officers arrested an allegedly intoxicated 58-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct on Forni Road.

2:39 p.m. Officers arrested a 46-year-old woman following a traffic stop on Broadway.

3:53 p.m. Officers arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of assault on Broadway.

6:34 p.m. Officers cited a 63-yearold woman suspected of driving without a license and having false registration tags on Cedar Ravine Road.

9:40 a.m. Officers cited a 31-year-old man reportedly in possession of drug paraphernalia on Broadway.

9:52 a.m. Officers arrested a 39-year-old man on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance on Main Street.

3:39 p.m. Officers arrested a 45-year-old man on suspicion of public intoxication on Center Street.

Oct. 1

9:48 a.m. Officers arrested a 48-year-old man on suspicion of public intoxication on Broadway.

11:40 a.m. Grand theft was reported at a Green Valley Road residence.

will start 6:30 p.m. Then Mother Lode School District candidates will have their forum at 7:30 p.m.

Black Oak Mine Unified and Gold Oak Union school districts will have their turn Oct. 19. The forum for Black Oak Mine begins at 6:30 p.m. and Gold Oak will start 7:30 p.m.

On Oct. 20 the last of county school district candidate forums are scheduled for the El Dorado Union School District at 6:30 p.m. followed by the Placerville Union School District at 7:30 p.m.

Moderating all forums is Eileen Burke-Trent, president of the League of Women Voters. A Zoom option is being made avaliable at bit.ly/ LWVSchoolBoards.

For further information email LWVElDoradoCounty@gmail.com.

The full list of candidates can be found at the county’s election website at edcgov.us/Government/ Elections.

11:59 a.m. Officers arrested a 26-year-old man after he was reportedly found intoxicated inside a stolen vehicle parked on Forni Road.

12:39 p.m. Officers arrested a 57-year-old man on suspicion for assault after he allegedly pepper-sprayed another man on Broadway.

Oct. 2

1:12 p.m. Officers arrested a 32-year-old man on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance on Placerville Drive.

2:22 p.m. Officers arrested a 36-year-old man on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance on Spring Street.

2:43 p.m. Officers arrested a 53-year-old man on suspicion of public intoxication on Main Street. The suspect also allegedly gave officers a false name.

5:22 p.m. Petty theft was reported on Marshall Way.

Oct. 3

8:33 a.m. Gas was reported stolen from a vehicle on Spring Street.

9:46 a.m. A vehicle burglary and vandalism were reported on Placerville Drive.

10:17 a.m. Officers cited a 33-year-old woman reportedly found in possession of a methamphetamine pipe on Broadway.

11:08 a.m. Officers cited a 37-year-old man and a 55-year-old man — both reportedly found in possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia on Dimity Lane.

4:41 p.m. Officers arrested a 38-year-old woman on suspicion of being a felon in possession of ammunition and counterfeit money as well as methamphetamine, fentanyl and opioids for sale on Placerville Drive.

Oct. 4

5:15 p.m. Officers cited a 35-yearold man on suspicion of illegally burning trash on Placerville Drive.

Oct. 5

10 a.m. Officers arrested a 34-year-old woman on suspicion of several drug-related crimes on Schnell School Road.

Dr. Little’s Dental News

Presented by Jeffery Little, D.D.S.

DENTAL TREATMENT PAIN RELIEF OPTIONS

People often avoid necessary dental care because of anxiety about pain during procedures.

Luckily, modern dentistry has very effective pain relief options. Topical and injected local anesthetics are commonly used for routine den tal procedures. Local anesthesia can also be delivered electronically using a TENS (transcutaneous elec trical nerve stimulation) unit, which sends electrical impulses to numb the treatment area. Nitrous oxide is another common and effective option that is easily administered through a rubber face mask. Local anesthetics, TENS anesthesia, and nitrous oxide all wear off quickly and allow the patient to drive home after a procedure. For advanced dental work, oral surgeries, or patients with extreme dental anxiety, intravenous

or oral sedation and general anes thesia are all options.

What’s been keeping you from visiting the dentist? If it’s the fear of possible pain during dental treat ment, we would like you to know we have calmed the anxieties of many patients over the years, with our relaxing atmosphere and friendly, compassionate staff. And because of the many advances in dentistry, the dental procedures we perform today are much less painful or even pain-free. We’ll work together to ensure your appointments with us are comfortable, productive, and rewarding.

P.S. Patients using general anes thesia for a dental procedure may need to undergo treatment in a hospital setting where their vital signs can be monitored.

Dr. Little provides quality family and cosmetic dentistry.

His office is located at 344 Placerville Dr., Suite 19, Placerville. (530) 626-9127 Visit us at: www.jefflittledds.com

Helmets filled to brim

Thomas Frey Correspondent

One by one quarterbacks, receivers and linemen from the El Dorado and Union Mine high school football programs poured bills and coins out of their helmets Saturday in downtown Placerville.

The players were raising money as part of the Fill the Helmets benefit on Main Street to support Presley Anderson. More than $6,000 in donations was collected in about four hours.

In September Presley was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. She is the wife of Union Mine head football coach Kirk Anderson.

“Mrs. Presley ran our football

program,” said Union Mine senior captain Andrew Duran. “From purchasing apparel down to putting together the announcer’s script she did it all. She put in an incredible amount of time and heart into our program.”

When she was diagnosed, the community rushed in to support.

First, a GoFundMe (bit.ly/ GoFundMeUM) was set up by Donna Smailisn and Torrey Sims. It noted that Presley experienced no signs or symptoms before her diagnosis. She was an All-American swimmer at the University of Southern California.

Andrew and his mom Linda

Dorado County

Darcy Knight

County

En DOr SED B y:

Jessica Rodgers, President — EDC School Board Association Council of Representatives

Heidi Weiland, President — EDC School Board

Sierra Rizing Café

Howard Penn, President — Coloma/Lotus Chamber of Commerce

Patti Smith, Real Estate

Lori Veerkamp, El Dorado Union High School District School Board Member

Brian Veerkamp, Past El Dorado County Supervisor, Retired Fire Chief, Past member of Camion Union School District Board

Trustees

Board

Courtesy photo

Union Mine High School football players Brody McNabb, Liam Barbaccia, Jayden Tinker, Andrew Duran, Bryan Bloxsom, Quintin Tinker and cheerleader Kiya McAuliff, from left, joined the El Dorado football team Saturday for the Fill the Helmets fundraiser for Presley Anderson of the Union Mine football family.

Do Californians want our state to become the new Sweden?

Gov. Gavin Newsom recently closed the books on the Legislature’s 2022 session by signing hundreds of bills.

Taken as a whole, the state budget passed in June and the flood of measures passed in August are a significant step to the left. They move California closer to the Western European model of providing an extensive array of social, educational and medical benefits — one that progressive activists want California to emulate and lead the nation.

While Newsom has been unable to create the single-payer healthcare system he pledged during his 2018 campaign for governor, the budget came very close to universal medical coverage through expansion of the Medi-Cal system to all undocumented immigrants.

The $308 billion budget also moved toward universal pre-kindergarten care for children (another Newsom goal), extended food assistance to older undocumented immigrants, expanded welfare benefits, helped low-income Californians pay overdue utility bills and, most spectacularly, authorized cash payments, dubbed as tax refunds, to almost everyone who files an income tax return.

Newsom hailed the budget, saying, “Building a better future for all, we’ll continue to model what progressive and responsible governance can look like, the California way.”

The budget, however, was only the beginning of the state’s shift toward the Western European model.

The last month of the legislative session produced a raft of bills sponsored by unions and other progressive groups, most spectacularly the landmark creation of a “Fast Food Council” within state government to set wages and working conditions for fast food workers.

The legislation was a high-priority goal for unions and somewhat modeled after the industry-wide “works councils” common in European countries.

Critics said it would undermine the franchise system by assuming that restaurant owners are not independent businesspersons but rather components of the larger companies such as McDonald’s or Burger King. The fast food industry immediately launched a referendum petition drive aimed at asking voters to overturn the new law.

Unions scored another major victory when

column

Letters to the Editor

Road kill

EDITOR:

Just

curious as to what happened to our dealing with all the road kill being cleaned up. Doesn’t anyone care anymore?

Surely, this can be corrected and not have its excuse blamed on the damn budget. Think about if you or I were on the road, lying in wake of oncoming tra c to bust our innards out and possibly flatten the curve.

Midterm elections

EDITOR:

HENRY HASKILL Placerville

As we approach the midterms, the di erence between the two parties could not be starker. While Democrats believe in science, truth and facts, the MAGA wing of the Republican Party has been reduced to believing in lies, misinformation and absurd conspiracy theories.

While Democrats are trying to make lives better by ensuring that all Americans have access to health care at a reasonable cost, dealing with the dangers of climate change, improving infrastructure and internet access, raising the minimum wage, tackling inflation and creating jobs, Republicans are rolling back rights for women and the LGBTQ community, removing books from libraries, writing revisionist history, worrying about which bathroom people use and wanting to reduce Social Security and Medicare benefits.

While the Democrats are working hard to make sure all citizens have access to the ballot box, Republicans are limiting access to voting. While Democrats have passed legislation to hire more IRS workers to clamp down on tax fraud, bringing billions of more dollars into the treasury without raising taxes, the former president has a civil suit pending against him for tax fraud.

While President Biden has strengthened NATO to fight Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, the far right still thinks Putin is a good guy. While Democrats are striving hard to attain the promises in the Constitution that all “people” are created equal, there are Republicans and white supremacists who would like to take us back to the 1950s.

Most importantly, while Democrats and some brave Republicans are fighting hard to save our democracy, former President Trump and the MAGA right are still intent on destroying it using all means possible, including violence, by overturning legitimately won elections in their attempt to gain

control.

It is clear with the events of Jan. 6 that former President Trump and a significant portion of the Republican Party want to seize power, democracy be damned. Despite what they say, their goal is not to make America great again, but to maintain power at any cost to enrich themselves to the detriment of the rest of us.

A person who has the best interest of his/her country does not lie, scheme, ignore the rule of law and use violence to overturn a legitimate election. History has shown that authoritarian rulers do not do what is in the best interests of their citizens but maintain power in order to drain their countries of their wealth for their own benefit. We have only to look at Putin for a contemporary paradigm.

The future of our democracy is quite tenuous. The next two elections most likely will decide which direction we will take. I strongly urge all those who love this country, its Constitution, its democratic values and the rule of law to take a stand and vote for those people running, be they Democrats or Republicans, who have chosen truth and have stood up to the lies of former President Trump and his supporters. The choice could not be clearer. Our democracy depends on it.

SCOTT TAYLOR Placerville

Climate change

EDITOR:

I

t looks like the COVID-19 war on humanity is now being followed by the climate change war on humanity, according to di erent authors who cite documents posted on the World Economic Forum’s own webpage.

One part of this will consist of herding people into cities so they can live like so many termites. One article on the WEF webpage called “My Carbon” outlines how in the future people will be given “personal carbon allowances” to limit their ability to purchase products and services, to travel and probably to reproduce. After all, they don’t want too many of us “deplorables.”

They will accomplish this using sophisticated AI technology plus their control over a digital currency, which is in the making. In March of this year President Biden signed an executive order instructing the federal government and Federal Reserve to lay the groundwork for a potential new U.S. currency, namely a digital dollar. They will use it to control people because of their ability to turn it

Unemployment fraud climbs with no accountability in sight

If giving unemployment benefits to criminals

sitting behind bars or fraudsters in foreign countries wasn’t enough to make your stomach turn, we recently learned California’s unemployment fraud initial estimate of $20 billion is closer to $32 billion and counting.

During the pandemic, millions of Californians sought unemployment benefits following governmentcreated business closures and massive layo s.

The enormous influx of unemployment claims was met with an unemployment o ce delaying payments for up to nine months. While it was easy and convenient for government bureaucrats to blame the delays on this surge, these computers and check processing problems were brought up and discussed 10 years

ago, after our last economic recession.

Since then, those in charge, from the governor on down, had plenty of time to address California’s unemployment issues.

Full-scale fraud was committed by national and international criminal organizations and inmates sitting in California’s prisons.

District attorneys throughout California found that the state paid more than 35,000 claims under prisoners’ names and 133 claims to criminals on death row. Some prison fraudsters collected unemployment benefits with names such as “Poopy Britches” and “John Doe.”

During a press conference, thenCalifornia Labor Secretary Julie Su said, “There is no sugarcoating the reality. California has not had su cient security measures in place to prevent this level of fraud and

criminals took advantage of the situation.”

The $32 billion in fraud is gone, but that money came from somewhere and someone has to pay it back.

Much of the money paid to legitimate Californians and the $32 billion in fraud was borrowed from the federal government and will have to be paid back with interest from the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund — money funded through a tax on employers.

As employers pay higher taxes to make the unemployment insurance trust fund whole, that cost is passed down to you and me. We are already seeing the impact of food, clothes and other household items costing more, on top of record inflation.

Those higher costs consume family budgets, as gasoline prices remain high and energy costs skyrocket.

Where were the red flags or alarm bells when unemployment money was sent to San Quentin State Prison or other jails and prison facilities? Why is nobody getting fired? Where is even the slightest shred of accountability for taxpayers?

Actions have consequences. But inactions have consequences, too. California was banning plastic bags and straws while our unemployment system was left in neglect. Now businesses and families face decades of higher costs because of the state’s misplaced priorities. We are all — literally — paying the price for incompetence.

Sen. Ted Gaines (Ret.) was elected to represent the Board of Equalization’s First District. He represents nearly 10 million constituents in 30 counties of northern, eastern and southern California. For more information visit boe.ca.gov/Gaines.

The

the

Legislature

the state move

the

Some prison fraudsters collected unemployment benefits with names such as “Poopy Britches” and “John Doe.”

Walters Continued from A4 Newsom signed a bill that changes voting procedures for farm labor organizational elections. The United Farm Workers Union had long sought the legislation which, it’s believed, will make it easier for the UFW to win representational elections.

The last month of the session also produced sharp increases in the benefits for disabled workers and those taking time o for family obligations, another long-sought union goal.

Of course, California still has much more to do if the “California way” Newsom cites is to continue its transformation into a European-style social democracy. It would, for example, have to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for higher education and perhaps create some form of guaranteed income. Newsom already has an advisor working on the latter.

However, the more extensive the benefits become, the more expensive they become for the state budget. At some point, the state would no longer be able to depend on just taxing high-income Californians, who now provide the majority of its revenue. California would have to increase taxes on the middle-class, as European governments do through both income taxes and very high taxes on retail sales.

A hint of that fact is found in the legislation that increases disability and family leave payments. Those payments come from the state’s Disability

Insurance Fund, which depends on payroll taxes paid by employees themselves. The bill not only eliminates the wage ceiling for those taxes but state o cials say the tax rate also will increase as the new benefits kick in.

Hitting the middle class with new taxes would be the ultimate test of whether Californians want their state to become Sweden.

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

on or o at will. Get on their bad side and you won’t be able to buy food, pay for housing, travel, etc. China already has such a system.

Now all of this is not by chance. It’s the result of long-term planning by the world’s elite who control just about all the corporations, governments, banks, etc. in the world. They decided a long time ago that there are just too many of us and they’d be better o if we “don’t own anything and are happy” or at least they will be.

But never mind America. Go back to watching TV and reading your social media posts.

MARIAN FIELDCREST Diamond Springs

a tool and

and Bertrand.

to be a better citizen,” Hall told

Hall recalled wanting the pair to stop disturbing businesses the night of the attack.

“You guys coaxed me in weapons,” Hall exclaimed. “You both knew you had a hatchet and a butcher’s knife. I came with my mouth and two eyes and walked away with one. Think about that and make better decisions.”

Economou then apologized to both victims, asking for forgiveness and promising to make better decisions after her prison time is done.

“I know that I can never take back what happened. I just hope you can find in your heart somewhere that you can forgive me for my poor choices that night,” Economou stated tearfully. “I also want to apologize to your whole family and everyone who was involved. I have a lot of respect for you for saying what you said and I have no doubt in my mind that I will make the best of this to be a better person.

“There’s a huge life lesson that forever changed my life. I also want to apologize to the Placerville community and my family and I pray that everyone can forgive me. Thats all I can do and (I will) never make the choices I made that night again,” she added.

Bertrand remained silent.

Economou and Bertrand both were ordered by the court to pay restitution in the amount of $370.

“There is no sentence long enough to make up for the unspeakable loss by Kristine but we pray the victims will feel some sense of closure now knowing that they will serve prison time for their crimes,” Hall’s attorney Kassie Cardullo commented to the Mountain Democrat.

Announcements

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

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

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

LEARN & PLAY CRIBBAGE Cribbage is a fun, fast paced game that will surely keep you on your toes! **All skill levels **Learn to play by ACC Rules (American Cribbage Congress) **Beginner instruction available **Compete in weekly Cribbage tournaments. Call 916-768-4452 for more information. Gold Country Cribbers play Thursday afternoon 1:00 pm at the Moni Gilmore Sr Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762

Ready for real change?

CELEBRATE RECOVERY meets Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm at Bayside Church of Placerville, 4602 Missouri Flat Road, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. We are a Christ centered recovery program to find healing and recovery from our hurts, habits, and hangups. Email elebratercovery@ baysideplacerville. com. Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/ CRBaysidePlacerville.

Struggling with life? CELEBRATE RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues

and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@ greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/

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

GOLD RUSH CHORUS now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing fourpart harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or Kent (530) 651-3575

Hangtown Women’s TENNIS Club. Join fun-loving women Wednesdays 9am-11am at El Dorado High School. Lessons, social events, only $35/year. Call Cindy 805-540-8654.

SENIOR PEER COUNSELING of El Dorado County is seeking volunteer counselors. Do you possess such qualities as warmth, empathy and nonjudgement, as well as having varied life experiences, and being over the age of 55? If you do and would like to help and listen to fellow seniors who are dealing with age related issues such as loneliness, isolation, health and grief, we would love to talk to you. Counselors receive training and are supervised by a professional in the field. SPC Clinical Supervisor Jayann Askin, MFT, shares “We are looking for volunteers who are interested in psychology, counseling, and mental health and would like to be a part of a supportive group of ongoing learners in this field.” For more information on this greatly rewarding volunteer opportunity, please call 530-621-6304

one

CANCER

LEO

22). Your character is forged by a moral code you adopted years ago. The more you follow your con victions, the more convicted you become. How does it feel to know you’re turning into the person you always wanted to be? VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’ll meet the needs of others before thinking about what you need. Loved ones may not be as attentive as you you’d like, but friendly outsiders help you feel appreciated and wake your people up to the value you bring.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your imagination is strong. You’ll get on a creative hot streak. There’s a chance to hone inter personal skills. Praise effort over talent. No one can control what they were born with, only how hard they try.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). When it comes to social order, everything matters. The arrangements of seating, the subject of conversation, the order in which people proceed with the business -- it all says something. Caring about this sets up your win.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You may make a move that isn’t exactly popular to outsiders, but everything inside you says it’s right for you. Sometimes you have to be the villain in another person’s story to be the hero in your own.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Inner chaos creates outer chaos and vice versa. But which comes first? The good news today is that it doesn’t matter, because whether you bring calm to your inner or outer environment, you’ll make headway on both.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’ll need to assess a situ ation to understand, at deeper and predictive levels, the people involved. Be generous with those who may have been coerced into questionable behavior. Patterns say more than isolated actions.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). On the one hand, you don’t want to be abandoned, nor do you want to be suffocated by closeness. Instead of dancing between these two unwanted states, think about what you do want and do that.

McClintock and Barkley to meet for Sonora forum

Mountain Democrat staff

Incumbent Republican Tom McClintock and Democratic challenger Mike Barkley will meet for a candidates’ forum that El Dorado County voters will be able to stream online Oct. 20. The two are in a run-off for California’s new 5th Congressional District seat.

The forum will be recorded in the Clarke Broadcasting studio in downtown Sonora next week and then streamed Oct. 20 at 6 p.m.

at myMotherLode.com as well as broadcast over Sonora area radio waves. The recording will be archived on myMotherLode.com for playback.

Questions from voters must be submitted for consideration to news@ clarkebroadcasting.com by this Friday, Oct. 14.

The boundaries of the 5th Congressional District begin in El Dorado County, stretch south through the Mother Lode and parts of the Central Valley, and into Fresno County.

County’s tax-defaulted properties to be auctioned

n 345 properties available News release

The El Dorado County TreasurerTax Collector’s office will conduct its annual tax-defaulted properties sale through online auction site Bid4Assets.com beginning Nov. 1. By hosting the sale online the TreasurerTax Collector’s office exposes available properties to a higher volume of potential bidders.

A free Bid4Assets account is required to participate in the sale. Bidders must submit a $2,500 deposit (plus a $35 non-refundable processing fee) to qualify for participation. Deposits are due Oct. 25. To view a full list of available auctions visit bid4assets.com/eldorado.

“Allowing all bidders to participate in this sale remotely is great for our office as it opens up the process to more people while giving our staff more flexibility to work with property owners looking to redeem their properties out of the sale,” states El Dorado County Treasurer-Tax Collector K.E. Coleman in a news release. “Bid4Assets has a strong track

record in California conducting sales like this one. Best of all, their services come at no cost to our office making this a win-win for El Dorado County.”

Bid4Assets has hosted tax sales for nearly every county in California since pioneering the first virtual tax sale in 2000. Bid4Assets previously conducted a sale for El Dorado County in 2014 and in early 2022. Funds generated from the sale support essential county services.

“In our 22 years of conducting California tax sales we have amassed over 200,000 registered bidders who reside in the state,” states Bid4Assets President Jesse Loomis. “Our model streamlines the process for county staff and increases revenues for the county, all at no cost to the county, guaranteed.”

Bid4Assets (bid4assets.com) is an online marketplace based in Silver Spring, Md., that auctions distressed real estate for the federal government, county tax collectors, financial institutions and real estate funds.

Bid4Assets is particularly active with county governments in California, where it has conducted tax-defaulted property sales for the counties of Monterey, Santa Barbara, Riverside, Imperial, Fresno and Los Angeles.

Helmets

Continued from A3

Duran brainstormed other ways to fundraise.

“Fill the Helmet was a fun idea to help get all the players involved,” Andrew said.

He reached out to El Dorado head coach Kevin Placek to see if his team would participate.

“Coach Placek didn’t hesitate and was absolutely in,” Andrew said. “The fact that they spent their free time on a beautiful Saturday afternoon to join their rivals was incredible.”

The rival schools immediately set down their swords and became a team in the community.

“When the community is in need (El

Dorado Cougars football) will always answer the call!” Placek states on Twitter.

“The fundraiser was amazing,” Linda said. “Seeing these boys work together was priceless.”

This season is dedicated to Presley and the Diamondbacks have decals on their helmets supporting her. The regular season will conclude Oct. 28 when the two schools face off in a battle for the Gold Nugget.

A community concert to benefit Presley is planned Nov. 12 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rooster Cellars in Somerset with a food vendor, a raffle and live music.

Courtesy photo

Presley Anderson’s husband is Union Mine head football coach Kirk, pictured at Saturday’s fundraiser with his son Holden, daughter McKenley and son Kohen standing by his side.

said. “Issues like traffic, fire safety and disaster preparedness and working with the county in addressing the unhoused population are important to me.”

If elected, Godwin promised to listen to constituents and “use my skills and intelligence to make informed decisions as part of your council.”

Nicole Gotberg is a geologist currently serving on the Placerville Planning Commission. She said she has been actively involved in the community since her arrival in 2016 and is familiar with a number of things that would come before the council.

“My top priorities are navigating change and making sure Placerville is a safe and welcoming place for everyone,” she said.

Public safety, wildfire safety, broadband internet access, sidewalks and bike lanes are on her list of priorities.

“I believe the last four years are my interview for the next four years,” said Dennis Thomas, incumbent.

He listed projects he either started or was instrumental in implementing. These included the Trip to Green pilot program, lights on Main Street, developing the new Festival of Lights program, broadband access, Measure L and a new pay online system, for which he also gave credit to Mayor Kara Taylor.

“I am not a politician,” noted David Yarbrough, real estate agent. “I’m going to tell you what I think. Hopefully, you

like it. If you don’t like it, I’m sorry. I’ll be happy to answer your questions.”

He noted there are challenges facing the city.

“What we are facing today, in this social environment, is going to be very difficult for the city to deal with,” he said.

Homeless solutions

The first question posed to candidates cut straight to a matter of immediate concern to Placerville residents.

“What are your solutions to help our homeless?” posed moderator Betsy Kerr.

“Figuring out how to bring law enforcement together and health care together in that navigation center, I think that’s going to be really challenging,” said Carter. “But I’m up for the task.”

“The county was always the big dog in the conversation,” noted Clerici. “And once the county finally started to do something about it now there’s movement.”

Clerici said once the navigation center is up and running the city could start enforcing camping ordinances and point people in the right direction if they wanted help.

Godwin said he was happy to see the navigation center moving forward. He said a humane and just society helps its citizens who have problems.

“I think we can all probably agree that anyone who is living on the street is experiencing problems,” he added.

He proposed a work program in which

homeless individuals would be put to work to pick up trash.

Gotberg applauded the county for moving forward with the navigation center.

“Continuing to work with the county and listening to the houseless folks and what their needs are and what would make them want to move forward and go to the navigation center or change their life,” she said. “I think that’s a really critical piece of the puzzle.”

Thomas recalled the stops and starts the city and county have experienced over the years to move forward with a navigation center.

“One of the biggest missing pieces to this still is the health part in the health and human services,” he said. “Getting the mental health, the drug rehabilitation. Those are going to be provided to some level but that’s one of the biggest challenges I see.”

Yarbrough weighed in, “There is no one, single solution that anybody’s going to come up with.”

Addressing drug addiction and mental illness will be a challenge “not only for the city and county but just because of what we have to abide by statelaw-wise,” he said.

Briggs stated that the navigation center will help but the city will “have the same problems just in a lesser degree.”

“It’s not going to fix anything,” he said.

Housing

The next question was about providing

more housing without crowding the roads and over-extending the water supply.

Clerici responded that there is plenty of water and road impacts can be mitigated.

“You know what the biggest barrier is? Most people don’t want the houses built around them,” he explained. “It’s never where they are. It’s always somewhere else.”

“You have to change the attitude about housing,” he said.

Godwin noted he favors small projects acceptable to residents that fit in with neighborhoods.

“This kind of approach is kind of medium-density-like townhouse approaches, as infill, perhaps on Placerville Drive or upper Broadway,” he said.

Gotberg made the case for revitalization in commercial corridors like Placerville Drive and upper Broadway. Rezoning for mixed-use could be a solution to the housing question.

“Putting apartments in those areas alongside or above or below the ground floor, you already have roads designed to accommodate more traffic,” she explained.

“The biggest issue we have is people can’t afford to build,” responded Thomas.

Single-family homes cost more than $400,000 on average, he noted, adding that affordable housing takes funding from state, county and city sources.

“I am not against housing,” said Yarbrough. “The one thing we don’t want to do though, is you don’t want to take away from our city and what it is. You don’t want to curtail to the NIMBYs (not in my backyard).”

Briggs said he thinks the city should take into account impacts on existing infrastructure and to residents.

“We need to go to locations where it can accommodate it and are financially viable,” he said.

Carter urged responsible growth within the city. “Our city is 5 miles. That’s it guys,” she pointed out.

“Right now, we have, I believe, four historical sectors in our city,” she said. “I don’t feel like there’s a lot of emphases put on the few new construction projects that happen.”

Main Street events

Kerr posed the question, “In March the city excluded 501c6 nonprofits from holding events on Main Street. The PDA has historical rights to many of these events. What is your position on allowing the PDA to resume events on Main Street?”

Briggs said he was not against any nonprofit operating within the city. He mentioned some of the events in question are events his family misses. He admitted he had no knowledge of why the decision had been made.

Carter responded that she didn’t see any reason any nonprofit should be excluded.

Clerici said he understood that some organizations were political in nature and presented a conflict.

“Folks were putting on events, they were making money and they were suing the

city,” he said.

He added that the events still take place and talked about how some of the events had waned in attendance over the years.

Godwin pointed out the city reduced the number of events, choosing intentionally events residents enjoyed. He did mention that the confusion of two organizations planning the same event in two places in town recently should be addressed.

Gotberg said closing Main Street has an impact on businesses and public safety should be foremost. She added that any event on Main Street should be free of political or religious involvement and open to all.

Thomas said the difference between a 501c3 and 501c6 is where the conflict lies. The city wanted to make sure the money made on events would go back to an organization that is designed to give back to and support the community. He said a lot of good organizations have co-sponsored events that give back to the community.

Yarbrough said he had no knowledge of the back story of the particular situation. But he believed a nonprofit should be allowed to produce events that serve the community.

Upper Room relocation

The next question asked, “Do you support moving the Upper Room Dining Hall?”

Clerici responded that it is not about supporting or not supporting moving a business. If Upper Room management wanted to move, then he would do whatever he could to support that move. But it would be up to the business to make that decision.

Godwin was in favor of moving the Upper Room closer to the new navigation center.

Gotberg said it is a nonprofit that can operate anywhere it is allowed based on zoning. However, if Upper Room were to choose to move, she would support the decision as a city leader.

Thomas agreed the city can’t force the Upper Room to move but the city should support relocation.

Yarbrough suggested the city work with the organization if it wanted to move.

Briggs said if Upper Room could be part of the navigation center itself, the city could support that decision.

Carter also agreed that it would be up to the nonprofit itself to decide to move or not.

Sean BRiggS

DaviD YaRBRoUgH

nicole gotBeRg

DenniS tHoMaS

RUtH caRteR

JoHn cleRici

In the KNOW

Oct. 12

UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts Starthistle Management with Steve Savage, 9 a.m. to noon at the Cameron Park Community Center. Learn how to design an effective control program for this tough, invasive weed at this free class.

Oct. 13

Jovive Health, 4062 Flying C Road in Cameron Park, hosts a ribbon cutting 5:30-7:30 p.m. There will be food, drinks, a raffle, tours of the of the clinic and much more. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information call (530) 332-2130.

The Placerville Area Chess Club meets every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Denny’s in Cameron Park, 3446 Coach Lane. For more information call Neville Arroues at (530) 642-9043.

The Downtown Sacramento Partnership invites the community to grab their blankets and head to the Old Sacramento waterfront every Thursday evening in October for Movies Under the Stars: “The Nightmare before Christmas (Oct. 13), “Beetlejuice” (Oct. 20) and “Hocus Pocus” (Oct. 27). For tickets and more information visit GoDowntownSac.com.

Oct. 14

The Mission to Honor

Veterans Virtual Honor Flight’s second annual trip to Washington, D.C., takes place at 8:30 a.m. at Foothills Church, 2380 Merrychase Drive in Cameron Park. The free event is sponsored by Visiting Angels, Pavilion at El Dorado Hills and Youngdahl Consulting. For more information email MissiontoHonorEDC@gmail or call Phoebie Carcot at (530) 492-6797.

Visit the Sherwood Demonstration Garden, 6699 Campus Drive in Placerville, open to the public, 9 a.m. to noon Fridays and Saturdays.

See the many plants, trees, succulents, natives and more. Garden may be closed for inclement weather; check the website before visiting: ucanr. edu/sites/EDC_Master_ Gardeners/Demonstration_ Garden.

Musician Ed Wilson performs at The Vine in El Dorado Hills, 6-8 p.m. Join Broken Compass Bluegrass for a fantastic night of jamgrass, bluegrass, country, Grateful Dead material and originals. 8-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in Placerville. Reserved table seating and general admission tickets are available at tickets. clubgreenroom.com.

Oct. 15

Placerville Seventh-day Adventist Church will hold a community blood drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church campus, 6831 Mother Lode Drive in Placerville. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment at donors. vitalant.org and enter blood drive code SMFR645 or call (877) 258-4825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins will be welcome if space allows.

Buried History El Dorado County presents Save the Graves — Honoring History’s Main Street Merchants, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Placerville Union Cemetery. For tickets and more information visit

Bid on banners to support local public art progr am

Placerville Art on Parade, a nonprofit community art organization, this year celebrates 18 years of original, outdoor art exhibited on historical Main Street in Placerville. The 2022 Banners on Parade exhibit has 27 beautiful, artistcreated banners displayed on light poles through the end of October.

Soon, lucky banner admirers will have the chance to bring one (or more) of the banners home or to their businesses.

Bidding for the 2022 Banners on Parade starts at noon Sunday, Oct. 16, and the auction runs through noon Wednesday, Oct. 26. View the banners online at biddingowl.com/ PlacervilleArtonParade. To bid on the banners, guests will need to register beforehand. Learn how to register and find more about the bidding process at placervilleartonparade.org/auction.

Opening bids will start at $100. Proceeds from the auction and artist keepsakes go back into the organization to ensure another exhibit can take place in future years.

This year the Banners on Parade Committee encouraged artists to paint

The

theme resulted in an amazing collection of beautiful and thoughtful banner entries, with landscapes, oceans, forests, rivers, mountains, birds, animals, flowers and more — all fantastically created by talented artists for viewers to enjoy. Each year the banners are judged by local art professionals for first, second and third places, along with several honorable mentions. Visit placervilleartonparade. org to view all the banners and see which artists received recognition awards.

Banners on Parade is lucky to have sponsors that help keep this community art project going every year. This year’s main sponsor is Images of Hope. Other sponsors included Gold Country Artists Gallery, Eco Signs, El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce and Placerville Flowers on Main. There are also several cash awards for artists, sponsored by family and friends, in memory of previous Art on Parade committee members through the Geoff Boyd Memorial Artist Awards and the Marianne Kalem Legacy Award. Dedicated committee members and volunteers work hard to ensure the project will continue year after year. Those who have questions about the auction should visit the website or email placervilleartonparade@gmail.com.

Lace up and take a trek from Tunnel to Towers

programs

Run. Walk. Honor.

Mountain Democrat photos by Noel Stack

Beautiful banners hang from light poles in downtown Placerville. Bidding for the banners begins Oct. 16.

Courtesy

The

Susan Laird The Arts

Lisa Crummett News release

banners with a “California Seasons” theme, which could have featured wildflowers in spring, trees in the fall, lakes in the summer, gardens, colors of nature during different seasons, etc. The

Local author’s personal stories ready to inspire

Jana Rossi Staff writer

Stories, when told the right way, inspire and encourage those listening or reading, especially when heard at particular moments in their lives.

El Dorado Hills resident Teri Brinsley is a storyteller who does just that. She has woven her own personal experiences into an inspiring book that allows readers to become part of the story, making it their own. Each chapter ends with a space for journaling so readers can include their own entries as they relate to what Brinsley has shared.

“Meeting God The Hard Way” is not a book about religion, but rather a spiritual take on Brinsley’s personal life experiences.

While she said some circumstances in her life led her to question her own faith; other events

she attributed to divine intervention, which led

eDH author pens children’s book

here’s TurBul-Lance Up There,” a new book by Frank Swaringen of El Dorado Hills, has been released by Dorrance Publishing.

Following the adventure of Jeremiah, readers see a normal boy with a talent for drawing. While on an airplane, Jeremiah experiences turbulence, which takes him on the ride of his life. With his parents sleeping, Jeremiah is contacted by three strange creatures, the Cloud Kids, who teach Jeremiah different lessons of friendship, self-esteem and appreciating each person’s own special gift.

Swaringen is a retired sergeant from San Jose Police Department. Before going into law enforcement, he worked as an actor and occasional stuntman.

has always

had a passion for live theater and continues to perform. While being a police officer, he also produced numerous professional training videos and public service announcements.

“There’s Tur-BulLance Up There” is a 40-page, hardbound book. Visit the online bookstore at bookstore. dorrancepublishing. com/theres-tur-bullance-up-there.

Teri Brinsley

“T

Museums offer fun, festive Halloween-inspired events

museums and historical sites. This fall

or

the

train

and the California State Railroad Museum and Foundation are thrilled

offer interactive and entertaining

or Treat excursion train rides at the Old Sacramento waterfront. Visit californiarailroad.museum/events/ track-or-treat-train-ride.

Retired Military Veteran

ArtMix at Crocker Art Museum – Oct. 13: All the big ghouls are welcome for ArtMix: Zombie

Prom complete with thrilling live performances, blood-curdling

20 years Nevada Army National Guard • Retired as a Major with training in Air Assault and Marine Winter Warfare Instructor

40 Years Married

Married at Emerald Bay. We have 3 children all born at Barton

46 Years Living in Tahoe

I have worked two jobs until I was 52 — From bartending to my own contracting business. Like most of us, our family has lost everything and has started over several times. I know what it takes to make a living in Tahoe just to survive. My company has been in business in South Lake Tahoe since 1981. • During the CALDOR Fire, we kept our community updated with the information we needed. We did this because it was the right thing to do.

DISTRICT V PRIORITIES:

NEW PROPOSED ROUNDABOUT

Further study of the unintended consequences of the newly proposed roundabout at Hiway 50 and Pioneer Trail, and the effect this will have on our side streets.

CROSSWALK IN MEYERS

Better lighting and signage to make it safer to cross highway 50.

VISITORS CENTER IN MEYERS

Reopen the visitors center and make it functional.

CURRENT ROUNDABOUT IN MEYERS

Work with Caltrans to improve the roundabout with a dedicated right turn lane from Highway 89. We also need clear and concise signage.

MEYERS COMMUNITY PLAN

Revitalize the Meyers Community Plan. Encourage local involvement and have regular meetings.

GPS APPS

We will find a permanent and preventive solution to the use of our streets being used as shortcuts without punishing our residents and guests. Meyers and Pollock Pines.

COUNTY SERVICES

Ensure we have the proper funding, equipment and employees to maintain all our services. Improve the quality of the services that the County provides to all of District V. Provide employees with adequate compensation to retain quality employees.

VHR’s

We must have a clear and concise set of rules and regulations governing VHR’s. We must give Law Enforcement the tools, support and authority to enforce the law.

ADU ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS Ensure the new rules and regulations for ADU’s are not abused.

CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

We are one community. We will work with the City and not against it.

POLLOCK PINES

Work closely with our community leaders. We will have regular meetings and resolve any issues they may have. We must have open communication with the residents that live in Pollock Pines coming together and solving local issues.

TO EVERY RESIDENT OF DISTRICT V

I live here. I work here. I play here. You know me and you know that I will listen to you. You know I will hear what you have to say. I will always have an open communication with every resident.

City Of South Lake Tahoe, Meyers, Kyburz, Pollock Pines, Strawberry, Tahoma and Echo Summit, I am asking for your vote of confidence, trust and accountability in seeking the position of Supervisor District V in El Dorado County.

Hauling

KENNY

necessary changes and healing.

Brinsley said she finds small, powerful nuggets of inspiration in everyday encounters — inspiration she shares in her book to encourage others dealing with similar plights or to inspire those who need a little nudge or reminder every now and then that they are not alone.

Find Teri Brinsley on Amazon and soon her book will be carried at Face in the Book in El Dorado Hills. For more information about the author or to meet her in person at one of her upcoming books signing events visit teribrinsleywrites.com.

UC Davis program helps grieving children

News release

The UC Davis Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department will host Remembering Together: Virtual Bereavement Art Group, focusing on grief and processing loss through self-expression and art for children and teens.

• Ages 6-11: Oct. 25, Nov. 1 & 8 from 4-5:30 p.m.

• Ages 12-16: Oct. 27, Nov. 3 & 10 from 4-5:30 p.m.

Each workshop will be facilitated by a certified child life specialist and a registered art therapist,

This year more than 30,000 people participated in the New York event held Sept. 25. It is NYC’s largest 5K.

But not everyone has time to travel to the East Coast for a 5K. So, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation expanded to cities nationwide.

East Sacramento resident Mary Parra coordinated the first event in the Sacramento region last year and also heads up this year’s fundraiser.

“I learned about the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and saw up close how it makes an incredible impact on families of first responders who have su ered a great loss,” Parra said. “I was drawn to learn more about the organization and that led me to be inspired to put together a 5K for the Sacramento region. This is one of 70 5Ks across the country benefitting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.”

Stephen Siller’s story

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was established by siblings who lost their brother on 9/11.

“FDNY Stephen Siller, on 9/11, had just gotten o duty when he heard the call for help over the scanner in his truck,” Parra said. “He turned around, strapped 60 pounds of gear on his back and ran through Battery Tunnel (now the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel) to the Twin Towers, where he gave up his life while saving others.”

For seven years running, T2T has achieved the highest rating,

trained in bereavement and child development.

The three-session workshop will teach them tools to express and process di cult emotions related to loss.

To register fill out the questionnaire at ucdavis.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/ SV_88MKAIFFMSCTfTg by Friday, Oct. 14,. If you have questions email rememberingtogether@ ucdavis.edu.

After registration, participants will receive art materials and necessary information to participate in the virtual group.

four stars from Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest and mostutilized evaluator of charities.

Local impact

Tunnel to Towers has quietly been a large part of the Sacramento region over the years, Parra explained.

“In 2019 T2T paid o the mortgages of fallen Modesto Police O cer Cpl. Ronil Singh (and) fallen El Dorado County Sheri ’s Deputy Brian Ishmael and in 2021 (it) paid o the mortgages for fallen Sacramento County Sheri Deputy Adam Gibson and fallen Stockton Police O cer Jimmy Inn,” she said.

This year T2T paid o the mortgage of Placer County Marine Capt. John Sax, who died in a military helicopter crash in Imperial Valley in June. He left behind a wife, a 20-month-old daughter and a child on the way.

“I think it’s important to support the organization that has made a big impact on our local first responders’ families and our community,” Parra said.

How to participate

Last year’s inaugural event in the Sacramento region was on a more intimate scale than its parent in NYC. Some 200 persons signed up to participate. This year Parra hopes to have more than double that number. The goal is to continue to grow the event every year as awareness spreads.

This year McClatchy High School is sending its color guard.

Other community groups (Scouts, veterans, service clubs, etc.) are welcome to reach out on ways they can participate.

“We would love to have as much support as possible,” Parra said.

“If you don’t want to run or walk, we are also looking for volunteers. Reach us at sacramento@t2t.org.”

To participate visit t2t.org. Click on Get Involved, then on Register. Select “Sacramento.” There, you will have the option to register for the event or to donate. The website has additional details for the day of the race, when to pick up T-shirts, fundraising, teams, etc. The Nov. 5 race starts at the corner of Sutterville Road and Freeport Boulevard at 9 a.m.

Doing good

Roughly 93 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to T2T’s programs and services. The organization’s chairman and CEO, Frank Siller, is an uncompensated volunteer.

The motto of T2T comes from the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi: “While there is time, let us do good.”

Tunnel to Towers does good work in our community and around the nation. Let’s help them to continue to do good well into the future.

Send your event for consideration in Susan’s column to slaird@handywriting.com.

Maggie’s House Cleaning

Grow for it!

Ornamental grasses in the garden

Around this time of the year in the garden, many plants, especially perennials, may be looking pretty shabby and past their prime. One exception is ornamental grasses. Fall is when these plants really put on a spectacular display and give the garden one last blast before winter sets in. Ornamental grasses should not be confused with turf grasses used in lawns but are perennial plants in the Poaceae family. They are extremely easy to care for, are relatively pest and disease free and lend themselves to more informal and naturalistic gardens.

Sue McDavid

UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County

probably the worst problem grasses sometimes exhibit is rust, which is caused by poor air circulation and overhead watering. However, this fungus usually disappears when the hot, dry days of summer arrive.

When buying an ornamental grass, it is wise to learn whether it is a “clumper” or a “creeper.”

Plant them as you would any other perennial; this time of the year is perfect because the temperature is cooler and they have time to get established before the really cold weather sets in.

Clumping grasses increase in size circumferentially over time and are generally what you want for a bed, border or container. Creeping grasses are not as well behaved; they spread horizontally by either above-ground runners called stolons or below-ground runners called rhizomes. Be very careful where you place these grasses as they can become invasive and often will take over an entire garden. Another consideration is the eventual mature size of an ornamental grass — some grow so large that it will be difficult to remove the plant or divide it. However, if there is space, these larger grasses make wonderful focal points or specimen plants. Of course, there are smaller grasses that make good edging or border plants.

Maintaining grasses is fairly easy. Plant them as you would any other perennial; this time of the year is perfect because the temperature is cooler and they have time to get established before the really cold weather sets in. Do not over-fertilize next spring, as too much nitrogen will contribute to weak, floppy foliage. Irrigation is best done by a drip system because overhead sprinklers tend to beat grasses down. As far as pests and diseases are concerned,

There are many, many ornamental grasses to choose from, but some that do very well in our area include Blue Fescue Festucas which are relatively small and make great border or edging plants; Feather Reed Grass Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ which looks beautiful in massed plantings; Purple Fountain Grass Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ which is considered an annual in our climate; Eulalia or Silver Grass or many of the Miscanthus varieties which make good specimen plants; and Bulbous Oat Grass Arrhenatherum elatius bulbosum ‘Variegatum’, another good edging plant.

All of these give good fall and winter interest in your garden because of the slowly changing foliage colors. If you choose to use these plants or one of the many other grasses, you will not be disappointed.

Master Gardener classes are offered monthly throughout the county. Find the class schedule at mgeldorado. ucanr.edu/Public_Education_ Classes/?calendar=yes&g=56698 and recorded classes on many gardening topics at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/ Public_Education/Classes.

The Sherwood Demonstration

Garden is open Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, through November. The garden does close when the temperature is above 95 degrees. Check our website for details at ucanr. edu/sites/EDC_Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden.

Have a gardening question?

Master Gardeners are working hard to answer your questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on 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.

Photo

Ornamental