172
C ALI FORN IA’S OLDE ST NE W SPAPER
nd
– E S T. 18 51
VOLUME 172 • ISSUE 118 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023
Photo courtesy of Tina Humlick
Tina Humlick is pictured with her family dog Rosie.
Family and friends remember slain Placerville woman Odin Rasco Staff writer Friends and family are sharing their fond memories of a Placerville woman in the wake of her untimely death. Christina Humlick — Tina, to those who knew her — was found dead by El Dorado County sheriff ’s deputies at a Placerville home on Prado Vista Court while responding to a reported stabbing Oct. 5. Tina grew up in South Lake Tahoe and graduated from South Lake Tahoe High School before later moving down the hill and living in the Placerville area for the past 7 and a half years, according to her sister, Heather Humlick. “Tina was one of ■ See HUMLICK, page A6
Mountain Democrat photo by Noel Stack
El Dorado County Animal Services Chief Henry Brzezinksi will retire Oct. 20 after serving El Dorado County for 18 years and a 40-year animal welfare career.
Henry Brzezinski takes a bow as Animal Services chief
BOYFRIEND PLEADS NOT GUILTY A Placerville man accused of killing his girlfriend pleaded not guilty to the murder charge against him Thursday afternoon.
Noel Stack Managing editor
B
uster, a 15-year-old Pomeranian, sniffs around El Dorado County Animal Services Chief Henry Brzezinski’s office and eagerly takes a few treats. The black-and-white fuzzball goes this way and that, tongue hanging out sideways. He’s the rescue dog and constant companion of Brzezinski and soon, the latter’s partner in retirement. After 18 years on the job, the community’s top animal advocate is ready to enjoy a quieter life and read all the books he has amassed over the years — with Buster on his lap, of course. Brzezinski’s last day is Oct. 20. “I feel the program will continue to run well with the staff we have and the support from the community,” Brzezinski said.
After Christina Humlick was found stabbed multiple times, her boyfriend Michael Thompson, 43, was discovered at a neighboring home with “traumatic injuries” and transported to a nearby hospital, according to El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Kyle Parker. Thompson was arrested by EDSO detectives while recovering from his wounds in the hospital for allegedly killing ■ See PLEA, page A3
The animal welfare veteran began leading Animal Services in January 2003. He served as chief until June 2008, when he took a job as the general manager of the Santa Cruz County Animal Services Authority. But less than two years later Brzezinski returned to the foothills, saying in April 2010 he “greatly missed the community here and the relationships I had established with the local animal welfare groups, the county staff and the residents.” Prior to his work in El Dorado and Santa Cruz counties, Brzezinski served in lead positions on the East Coast, including the role of executive director for the Humane Society of the Midlands of South Carolina and field investigator for the Humane Society of the United States. In 2001 he received the
Silver Crescent award from South Carolina’s governor in recognition of his commitment to animal welfare. For his work in California Brzezinski was named the 2019 National Animal Care and Control Association Employee of the Year. He has also spent years lobbying for better animal protection laws and professional changes to better serve communities and the animals. During his tenure in El Dorado County, Brzezinski and his team facilitated the adoption of approximately 27,000 dogs and cats through their shelters in Diamond Springs and South Lake Tahoe. Brzezinski said he has seen a lot of changes in animal services since he began his career about 40 ■ See BRZEZINSKI, page A6
Pets blessed Noel Stack Managing editor
PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE
“For the trust you have shown in giving into our care these, our pets, we thank you Lord.” Parishioners at Episcopal Church of Our Saviour in Placerville came to church Sunday, Oct. 8, with the Holy Spirit and a few furry friends for the annual Blessing of the Animals.
Rev. Debra Sabino blesses Panzer, left, and Stuka, two Haflinger horses owned by Kristin Halverson of Somerset.
A few yips and barks could be heard when Rev. Debra Sabino shared her sermon recalling the stories of St. Francis of Assisi — the patron saint of ecology and animals. “Francis considered all of nature a mirror of God,” the reverend said. After the sermon Sabino and Associate Rev. Christine LeighTaylor went around the courtyard blessing the dogs, horses and even a duck in attendance.
Mountain Democrat photo by Noel Stack
Lic # 559305
Serving Sacramento & Surrounding Areas Since 1979
Get More with Gilmore Air Conditioning • Plumbing • Drains Free Estimates & Free Second Opinions on A/C System Replacements. Call Today!
SCHEDULE NOW:
(530) 303-2727 GilmoreAir.com
ALL THE SECURITY AT A BETTER PRICE! Introducing Sequoia Roofing and Construction Serving the Foothills & Greater Sacramento region. • Roofing • Decks • Remodeling New Construction • Emergency Repairs
( 916 ) 906-3731 FREE ESTIMATES!
3867 Dividend Dr., Ste. C, Shingle Springs trustsequoia.com Lic# 1064775