for the two Placerville City Council seats up for grabs in November’s election met at Placerville Town Hall earlier this month to participate in the League of Women Voters of El Dorado County Candidate Forum.
Over the course of an hour the three council hopefuls — Ryan Carter, Jackie Neau and Michael Saragosa — fielded questions submitted by community members and read by moderator Betsy Kerr which touched on some of the hottest topics city residents are concerned about, including campaign funds, budgeting priorities, historic district designation for Main Street, the potential Clay Street Bridge realignment and more.
Between opening and closing statements, the three candidates emphasized their personal priorities in the campaign, with each also giving a truncated list of their bonafides.
Carter, the sole non-incumbent running, focused on his local ties to the community, with four generations of his family living in Placerville concurrently, and vowed to be an advocate for small businesses and residents.
“I want to be able to look at my grandchildren in the eyes and say I at least tried to do something to keep this place as beautiful and comfortable as I could for them,” Carter said at
■ See FORUM, page A5
Eric Jaramishian Senior sta writer
El Dorado County leaders are taking steps to address growing mountain lion concerns, calling on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to change how it issues nonlethal and lethal depredation permits.
In its latest move, the
Board of Supervisors on Oct. 8 approved sending a letter to CDFW, which addresses consistency, timeliness and streamlining the permitting process as issues needing improvement. The county is also looking into whether a specific policy for El Dorado County can be implemented.
CDFW code 4801 states nonlethal permits are issued if a property owner has suffered livestock or pet loss, which the county is claiming has changed the mountain lion dynamic in the county.
“This CDFW management policy for mountain lions has put El Dorado County into crisis mode,” a draft of the letter states from Board Chair Wendy Thomas.
■ See LIONS, page A5
“Monterey Jack,” above, leads a group carrying a coffin through the camp. Life was sometimes harsh (and short) for those trying to seek that elusive gold nugget. Jack Climer of San Andreas, at right, teaches the bad habit of gambling to siblings Carson, 6, and Sophie Unchurch, 8, during a game of Pharaoh, a common pastime during the Gold Rush days. Don’t worry, parents, no money changed hands. In 1848, James Marshall found shining flecks of gold in the tailrace of the sawmill he was building in partnership with John Sutter. The discovery in present-day Coloma sparked California’s famous Gold Rush and led to the greatest voluntary mass migration of people in the western hemisphere.
MAIL LABEL
Mountain Democrat photos by Eric Jaramishian
Guests experienced California’s rich Gold Rush history during Coloma Gold Rush Live at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park Oct. 11-13. The park was converted into a mining town complete with actors dressed in period costume who shared with visitors what life was like in the days of the ’49ers.
ESSENTIALS
Clinton “Clint” Boyce
Jan. 7, 1948 – Sept. 30, 2024
Missing man found dead in wilderness
Clinton “Clint” Boyce passed away September 30th in Sparks, Nevada with his wife by his side following a yearslong 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-in-law 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 Sheriff’s Office. 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 Sheriff’s Office, 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 traffic 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/.
U.S. SENATE Laphonza Butler SD-G10 Dirksen Senate Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-3841 Alex Padilla 112 Hart Senate O ce Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-3553
95814 (916) 448-2787 5TH CONGRESSIONAL
95762 (916) 786-5560
1021 O St.,
7240 Sacramento 95814 (916) 651-4004 District O ce 460 Sutter Hill Rd, Suite C Sutter Creek 95685 (209) 267-5033 EL DORADO IRRIGATION DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2890 Mosquito Road, Placerville (530) 622-4513 Division 1: George Osborne, (530) 647-0350 Division 2: Pat Dwyer, (530) 642-4055
Division 3: Brian Veerkamp, (530) 642-4055 Division 4: Lori Anzini, (530) 642-4055
Division 5: Alan Day, (916) 235-3295
Odin Rasco Senior sta writer
An El Dorado County man last seen in Placerville early Oct. 5 was found dead in a remote part of the county on Oct. 10, according to information released by the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.
Tyson Fiddler’s body was discovered by EDSO detectives at around 2 p.m. Oct. 10, ending a days-long search conducted by law enforcement and community members. Fiddler had last been seen leaving PJ’s Roadhouse at around 1:50 a.m. Oct. 5.
The circumstances surrounding Fiddler’s death are under investigation, according to EDSO officials. Due to the ongoing investigation, further details are not being made available to the public at this time.
Old Town Grill gets a smoky surprise
Eric Jaramishian
Senior sta writer
“It’s just a little bit of unplanned excitement today,” said Old Town Grill owner John Sanders Thursday, Oct. 10, as firefighters went in and out of the restaurant, making sure it was clear of any fires.
The popular restaurant experienced a smoky afternoon, isolated to its electrical panel and the wall behind it.
The restaurant had experienced a power outage before a building o cial, who happened to be dining there at the time, found a breaker panel was running extremely hot, according to El Dorado County Fire Protection District Division Chief Paul McVay.
The panel started smoking, along with the wall behind the panel toward the back of the restaurant. Units from EDCFPD and the Diamond Springs-El Dorado Fire Protection District quickly got to the scene just before 3 p.m. and cleared the building of all occupants and made sure smoke or fire did not extend to
The following information was taken from Placerville police reports:
Sept. 29
3:25 p.m. Battery reported on Fair Lane.
Sept. 30
9:44 a.m. Vandalism reported on Broadway.
12:40 p.m. Burglary reported on Thompson Way.
1:01 p.m. Vandalism reported on Broadway.
the adjacent businesses.
“Whenever we have smoke inside a building, our main concern is the lateral spread, especially in these old buildings, because they have common areas, so they were clearing both of the adjacent occupancies for fire,” McVay said.
Firefighting and other first responder
4:57 p.m. Petty theft reported on Main Street.
Oct. 1
8:29 a.m. O cers booked into jail a 41-year-old man on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and burglary on Cold Springs Road. He was later released.
9:56 a.m. O cers booked into jail a 34-year-old woman on suspicion of three counts of obstruction Benham Street. She was released on $7,500 bail.
11:30 a.m. Trespassing reported on Broadway.
Oct. 2
CONTACT US
Of ce Hours:
-
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (530) 622-1255 / Fax: (530) 622-7894
Toll-Free from El Dorado Hills: (888) 622-1255 PUBLISHER
Richard B. Esposito (530) 344-5055 / resposito@mtdemocrat.net
EDITORIAL STAFF Noel Stack Editor
530-344-5073 / nstack@villagelife.net
Mimi Escabar Special Sections Editor 530-344-5070 / mescabar@mtdemocrat.net
apparatus took over Main Street as fire crews took care of business, witnessed by many onlookers and other business owners. No injuries were reported.
Sanders was preparing a meal for over 100 people for a fellowship dinner when the incident took place.
“The main things is all the employees got out safe,” Sanders said. “I love our fire departments and police department. Within minutes, we had four engines on the street, and the city police department to help the control tra c, and made sure everyone was safe.” Old Town Grill reopened this week, ready to serve hungry diners.
3:25 a.m. Petty theft reported on Fair Lane.
9:37 a.m. O cers booked into jail a 54-year-old man on suspicion of use of a controlled substance on Broadway. He was later released.
1:49 p.m. Grand theft reported on Main Street.
2:56 p.m. Trespassing reported on Broadway.
4:29 p.m. Petty theft reported on Clay Street.
Oct. 3
8:27 a.m. Battery reported on Main Street.
8:59 a.m. Petty theft reported on Cedar Ravine Road.
7:29 p.m. Petty theft reported on Cedar Ravine Road.
Oct. 4
11:02 a.m. Petty theft reported on Forni Road.
12:01
Now
Courtesy photo
Tyson Fiddler was found dead Oct. 10.
Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian
Fire personnel from the El Dorado County and Diamond Springs-El Dorado fire protection districts climb the roof of Old Town Grill on Main Street in Placerville to check for fire and/or smoke.
DON’T MISS
Cougar pride on parade
You may not realize your dentist is checking for signs of oral cancer during your routine checkups. They will look for abnormal sores or discolored patches, feel around the inside of the mouth for lumps, and feel your throat and neck for lumps as well. If a dentist sees anything concerning, they may carry out additional tests in-office or perform a biopsy for testing. Sometimes screening dyes and lights are used to isolate problem areas that may need further investigation. Precancerous lesions can be removed by a dentist or an oral surgeon. While tobacco and
ing incidences of oral cancer. Because our patients’ total health is always our concern, all new patient exams are in-depth and comprehensive. This is an important part of establishing a baseline against which we can measure future oral profiles and progress. And regular professional checkups make it possible to watch for developing concerns and address them while they are still small, before they can turn into something more serious. Please call for an appointment for advanced, gentle dental care. P.S. HPV infections can lead to
Powerline undergrounding work continues in county
Paul
PG&E
Moreno
Pacific Gas and Electric Company is working to underground powerlines to improve wildfire safety throughout El Dorado County.
PG&E expects to complete undergrounding of about 1 mile of powerlines in 2024, with a significant uptick in work between 2025-26, including another 128 miles of powerlines forecast for undergrounding.
Construction began in October 2023, and much already has been completed including a project in Volcanoville along Volcanoville Road. A project in the Greenwood area o Highway 193, now under construction, is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.
Work forecast for 2025 and 2026 will take place primarily in and near the communities of Placerville, Kelsey, Pollock Pines, Sierra Springs, Pleasant Valley and Somerset. Some of this work is already under construction in Pleasant Valley and Somerset along Mt. Aukum Road, Silver Ridge Lane, Oak Leaf Circle, Dollhouse Road and Rooster Lane, as well as some neighboring side roads.
In the Sierra Springs area, work is scheduled to begin c onstruction in early this month along Shooting Star Road, Starks Grade Road, 5 Spot Road and Sierra Springs Drive, as well as neighboring side roads.
Burying powerlines is the most e ective solution to reduce the risk of wildfire from electrical equipment, as it eliminates nearly all wildfire ignition risk from a line once it is moved underground. Undergrounding also makes power more reliable by reducing outages caused by winter storms and strong winds and, in some cases, reduces the need for safetyrelated power shuto s.
“We are continuing to prioritize undergrounding in areas where we can have the greatest impact
on reducing wildfire risk,” said Joe Wilson, vice president of PG&E’s North Valley and Sierra Region.
“That is why we’re dedicated to undergrounding nearly 130 miles of powerlines in El Dorado County over the coming years to reduce the wildfire risk and better protect the communities we serve, while also improving reliability.”
PG&E contractors and crews will complete the work, which involves trenching in roadways and roadsides. Tra c controls or temporary road closures may be necessary during certain times for safety, and temporary road repairs will be made where needed to ensure safe travel. Following construction, any paving will meet local design standards and permit requirements. Crews will also return to remove any remaining de-energized powerlines and equipment no longer needed as a result of this work. Final cleanup and repairs depend on weather, temperature and other factors.
PG&E remains committed to undergrounding 10,000 miles of powerlines in high-risk areas as part of its wildfire mitigation e orts because moving powerlines underground is the most e ective solution to permanently reduce wildfire risk, improve reliability and reduce costs over the long term. This work is part of PG&E’s Community Wildfire Safety Program and is in response to California’s growing wildfire risk. Undergrounding is just one of many layers of wildfire protection that PG&E uses to reduce wildfire risk. To help keep the communities the utility company serves safe, PG&E is also addressing trees and vegetation to ensure they are a safe distance from powerlines, upgrading overhead lines, employing a network of weather stations and cameras to better detect extreme weather and wildfires, utilizing Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings and more.
Photo courtesy of EDH Fire
El Dorado Hills firefighters, along with units from Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado and Amador Fire, responded to a reported vegetation fire on Dragon Point Road near Latrobe on the morning of Oct. 13. Crews arrived to find a fire burning on a hillside. The flames were quickly extinguished by Engine 91. The cause of the fire was due to a bird that
the close of the forum.
Neau, current Placerville mayor, has served on the council for four years and has had a hand in multiple other local groups including the Friends of the El Dorado Trail. She emphasized her dedication to prioritize the concerns brought to her by constituents and noted the council had brought through a balanced budget the four years she has served.
“I was raised to be of service and active in the community ... I try to balance the needs of everyone in the community, and hope you will give me the opportunity to continue to serve you,” Neau said.
like preservation of our old city hall, getting some of these big transportation projects finished and continuing to work on fire safety.”
All three candidates agreed the city should continue to pursue a historic district designation for Main Street.
Two-time mayor Saragosa has served on the council for six years — he was initially appointed to fill a vacancy for a two-year term — and previously worked with the historical advisory committee and planning commission. He highlighted his involvement in pushing back against a 9% rate hike for garbage service in the city and emphasized his hope to stay involved in projects such as Trip to Green.
Some questions were met with similar responses across the board; when looking at the city’s regional housing needs allocation responsibility, all three candidates noted the area was doing well meeting its needs. Taking current Mallard and Middletown affordable housing projects into account, the city is only short 20 or so units from meeting its needs through 2029. Carter and Saragosa did note the city was in need of more options for middleincome residents and potential first-time buyers, but recognized the difficulty in finding space for them when most land within city limits has been built out.
they were unaware of any such discussion taking place 10 years ago, and asked the candidates to identify which merchants had expressed a lack of interest. Carter and Neau did not provide names, but did say they were aware there had been concerns voiced; Saragosa called the question inappropriate and said asking for specific names may have similar repercussions as when groups threatened to protest merchants who had expressed concerns with the farmers market on Main Street in 2023.
Other inquiries were a bit more divisive; inquires into campaign funding, particularly support from the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce, were met with some pushback from Saragosa and Neau.
“Is it appropriate for the Chamber of Commerce to donate to city council campaigns and then receive funds for promoting the city?” Kerr asked the three candidates.
the PAC’s ability to be politically involved and expressed his gratitude at being endorsed.
Carter, on the other hand, said he felt the support from the chamber was inappropriate, and claimed he had avoided taking money from any PAC because he “didn’t want anybody to think they had control or a lever of power over [him].”
Neau would later rebut that receiving a campaign donation does not make a candidate beholden to a contributor.
“Just because people believe in you and want you to run doesn’t mean you’e going to do what they say,” Neau said. “You aren’t going to make anyone happy 100% of the time.”
When questioned about the proposed changes to the Clay Street Bridge, Carter stated he was in favor of replacing the bridge with one similar in look and size without including the road realignment.
“It takes a lot of experience to understand that and do something,” Saragosa said. “There’s priorities I’d love to see going forward,
Lions Continued from A1
“Unprecedented numbers of livestock and domestic animals have been killed since the policy direction was given. Increasing human interactions with mountain lions that include stalking, school sightings and, the most tragic, a human death have occurred. We cannot continue on this trajectory.”
Public calls for policy change took a turn after two Mt. Aukum brothers, Taylen and Wyatt Brooks, were attacked by a mountain lion while deer antler shed hunting in the Georgetown area in March, killing Taylen and injuring Wyatt. Members of the community created a Facebook group dedicated to reporting and posting any mountain lion sightings following the incident.
Additionally, calls to the county from residents who have observed mountain lions, along with domestic animal and livestock kills, have significantly increased, according to El Dorado County Agricultural Commissioner LeeAnne Mila.
Mila also reported the process for obtaining depredation permits is “lengthy” and consistently changing requirements impede the process.
Mila shared during the Oct. 8 meeting that around 100 animals were reported to have been killed by mountain lions last year — a figure on track to double this year. Animal losses averaged 20-25 between 2001 and 2018. Though nonlethal depredation permits have been high since 2020, mountain lion takings and lethal depredation permits have been low, according to Mila.
“Even though we took mountain lions when we had to, we didn’t decimate the population because we still have a thriving population of mountain lions,” she shared. “we are just out of control now.”
El Dorado County currently has the highest number of permits issued for any California county, making up around 17% for the entire state.
Mountain lions are a protected species under the California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990. Property and livestock owners, or agents of said persons, can take immediate action if the predator is encountered while it is inflicting injury or killing livestock or domestic animals.
Yet county staff state the policies are failing in high-conflict counties.
“We are not looking for the wholesale killing of mountain lions and we are not for people to go out and slaughter mountain lions,” Mila said. “What we are looking for is a return to the policy of mountain lion management that we had previous to 2020.” Wildlife management specialist Bill Gaines, with Gaines and Associates, told the board and public all the livestock and pet losses, in addition to the loss of one human life, could be due to the mountain lions; changing behavior, including losing their fear of humans and dogs.
Gaines echoed the call for a pilot program to take different steps in issuing depredation permits.
“Something must be done; you
All three candidates agreed the city should continue to pursue a historic district designation for Main Street, explaining the effort to do so 10 years ago had stalled out due to limited buy-in from merchants and property owners who saw the regulations that would come along with it as potentially onerous. A follow-up question from someone who identified themselves as a Main Street merchant claimed
Neau’s response began by clarifying the money does not come from the chamber, but a separate political action committee with a separate board, meaning the endorsements Neau and Saragosa received “come from the PAC and not the chamber of commerce you see on Main Street.” Neau also mentioned the city had not given the chamber any money this year.
Saragosa stated his belief campaign donations should be immediately notified, but defended
Neau and Saragosa shared they had concerns with the project, but noted the grant money for the project had specific requirements and the onelane bridge created a hazardous choke point if a fire were to break out on Mosquito Road, leaving residents trying to evacuate the same direction fire trucks would be coming in.
Election Day is set for Nov. 5, but those wanting to vote by mail should have already received a ballot from the El Dorado County Elections Department. Forum Continued from A1
saw the numbers. El Dorado County has nearly 20% of the depredation permits issued throughout the entire state,” Gaines said. “We are different here and we need to take steps that somehow allow us to get away from this one-size-fits-all policy that is being implemented throughout the state.”
CDFW Director Charlton Bonham attended the meeting and though he said his department does not agree with some of the data presented by the county, he believes steps can be taken to improve the situation.
“In my judgement, I think we should begin thinking about the county, and the collection of the Sierra foothill counties, as a hot spot dynamic, which must mean you head toward a management strategy that’s regionalized and tailored to the circumstances rather than trying to fit a general statewide structure,” Bonham said.
Bonham also told the board coordination on issuing depredation permits has increased, stating that the department works to issue depredation permits in 60 minutes once confirmed. Field investigations and retrieval times have decreased, according to Bonham.
He said his department is looking into gathering more data on mountain lion populations and hunting patterns, as well as figuring out how to increase hazing practices at a significant pace and to fine tune management decisions. Periods of drought and large wildfires could have contributed to deer relocating into more populated areas, attracting more mountain lions, Bonham added.
“All these things we need to go through together and determine how to handle it,” he said, reiterating his intention to work with all stakeholders to tackle the issue.
Many during the meeting called for management and depredation policies to be changed for El Dorado County, including the father of Taylen and Wyatt, Aaron Brooks, who tearfully stated the CDFW should be held accountable for the tragedy in his family.
“Between you and the Mountain Lion Foundation and the CDFW’s non-management policies, it created a completely different animal than they used to be,” Brooks said.
Aaron’s brother, Malcolm, said he was encouraged to hear policy and adaptive management are being considered. “I hope that continues to be the direction that we go with this.”
The board approved unanimously to send the letter and directed staff to start an “aggressive no deer feeding campaign.”
Until then, residents can take certain measures to mitigate mountain lion danger. Efforts including
OPINION
Guest Column
Gold Oak trustees committed to local values and quality education
As trustees of the Gold Oak Union Board of Trustees, it needs to be made clear that we all remain committed to providing high-quality education to the students of Gold Oak Union focused on academics, not reactionary political activism. Currently, only 35 signatures have been gathered by school board candidates Aaron Lockhart and Chris Vinton and a small number of community members to recall three of the currently seated Gold Oak school board trustees. The broader Gold Oak community has expressed concern about the incredible waste of money a $35,000 special election would cost only months after the November election.
Gold Oak Union School District has provided excellent leadership in adopting a library policy in response to sexually explicit and obscene materials found in its student libraries.
The GOUSD library policy criteria for selection sets criteria for book selection which includes “contribute to the breadth and diversity of representative viewpoints on controversial issues” (BP 6162.11) while excluding obscene materials in accordance with California Ed. Code, § 48907, subd.(a).
On March 14, 2023, Gold Oak district discovered age-inappropriate sexually obscene materials in the middle school library, including “Water for Elephants,” which includes the graphic description of the drugging and rape of a minor child. The previous GOUSD library policy did not have adequate legal language to properly address the removal of library books that meet the obscenity and harmful materials standards used by law enforcement to prosecute sexual crimes against children. (California Penal Code 311 and 311.2) In response, the library policy was updated to protect the children of Gold Oak District and provide guidance to librarians and sta on the curation of books for Tk-8 libraries. The GOUSD library policy resulted in zero legal challenges and has received increased support from teachers and parents as expressed in public comment at board meetings as the community has better understood the policy
■ See TRUSTEES, page A7
The Balancing Act
Richard B. Esposito Publisher
Letters to the Editor
Chuck Mans eld for EID board
EDITOR:
District 3 voters are selecting a new representative for the El Dorado Irrigation District Board of Directors, and Chuck Mansfield is the person we need in that seat. Water connects us. Not only does it drive our quality of life and the opportunities available to us, it also ensures our food supply and supports a thriving economy. As we continue to have constrained water resources, it is essential that the voice of agriculture is strongly represented in water policy and distribution. Chuck Mansfield is the ideal candidate for EID District 3 director and he has my full support.
Chuck Mansfield is responsible for his family business, Goldbud Farms, which manages a vast array of diverse crops on over 250 acres, supplying tree fruit to markets across the United States and wine grapes across California. Chuck understands the ag industry, recognizing that it is the lifeblood of El Dorado County. Chuck also has extensive public service experience as he is currently serving on the El Dorado County Agricultural Commission, the Placerville Fruit Growers Association and the El Dorado Winegrape Growers Association.
Water management is complex and the skills developed from board experience will make him a dedicated and e ective representative. His opponent has no experience in water and, in his own words, is running to avenge a personal vendetta with his sights on county supervisor.
Water is too important to all of us, and we cannot a ord to have an inexperienced and uninterested representative. I ask you to join me in supporting Chuck Mansfield for the EID Board of Directors. He knows water, he understands the complexity of the issues and he has the experience to ensure a reliable and a ordable supply in El Dorado County.
WENDY THOMAS Chairman, El Dorado County Board of Supervisors, District 3
What about …
EDITOR:
During the vice presidential debate, JD Vance made much of President Biden’s failed immigration policy. Biden’s relaxed border policy resulted in a flood of immigrants,
peaking in December of last year when 250,000 immigrant arrests were made.
But if we consider the results of several recent Biden actions, we discover those arrests have plummeted to 54,000 in September, the lowest figure in years.
Those measures included pressuring Mexican o cials to reduce the number of immigrants heading to our border. And following the Republicans deep-sixing a bi-partisan bill designed to address significant problems at the border — a sabotage prompted by Donald Trump — President Biden issued an executive order barring migrants from asylum if they crossed illegally, even if they were fleeing oppression back home — a measure similar to one part of the Republican sabotaged bill.
Vance and Trump can harp all they want about what Biden did, but what Biden has been doing cannot be discounted. As for Vance’s blaming Harris, she was serving as Biden’s VP, not a role in which policy is developed and enacted, but a role in which such policy was carried out.
And what about the economy under Biden, which Vance bashed so vociferously. A recent job report showed the addition of 240,000 jobs, current inflation is 2.5%, the lowest rate since February 2021, and the Fed recently cut the the interest rate by a .5 percentage point.
We need to look beyond Republican’s doom and gloom rhetoric to get a fair and balanced view of immigration and the economy.
GEORGE LLOYD Placerville
Who do you believe?
EDITOR:
I’m stuck on a word that is widely used today. Disinformation is a strange word whose meaning changes depending on who uses it.
The National Museum of American Diplomacy defines disinformation as false information purposely spread to influence public opinion or obscure the truth. This information is often spread through social media and can cause people to mistrust reliable sources.
Websters define misinformation as false information intended to mislead, especially propaganda issued by a government organization to a rival power or the media.
■ See LETTERS, page A7
‘It’s dangerous and outrageous to criticize the government’
It is a scary title but that is exactly what the chief law enforcement o cer of the United States, Merrick Garland, said when giving a speech to his Department of Justice — a speech that emphasized on how “impartial” the DOJ is and operates. Who is it dangerous for? The DOJ, its employees or the public?
How could the U.S. attorney general make such a statement that not only violates the First Amendment of our Constitution but goes against its very foundation?
And as to impartiality ... are you kidding me? The Biden DOJ has punished and broken citizens, calling them domestic terrorists as they protest school board actions, speak negatively of school board policies and sing or pray at the doors of abortion clinics. But when BLM or
Antifa rioters burn down cities or take over neighborhoods in Milwaukee, Portland and Seattle, that’s OK as political protest. And when these same people stop college speeches from happening, that’s OK if it’s a speech the left doesn’t approve of.
Also, when Hamas and Palestinian protesters deface monuments and deprived the liberties of others in Washington, D.C., and in other major cities, the DOJ doesn’t prosecute. And if the DOJ is criticized for its non-equal application of the law it’s a danger to the government?
Think about Chuck Schumer violating the U.S. code when he threatened Supreme Court justices in a speech, saying if the vote to overturn Roe V Wade, “You will release the whirlwind and you won’t know what hit you.” That’s in direct violation of 18 USC 1503. Why isn’t Schumer
Voters are nding out Harris is an empty suit with memorized lines and since her delivery does not change, she is not believable. She should have taken acting lessons.
prosecuted?
Garland was nominated to the Supreme Court by Obama — a nomination blocked by Mitch McConnell. That’s the best thing McConnell ever did during his entire Senate career.
Even worse is the potential nominee for AG bandied about by Kamala Harris — Keith Ellison, a Hamas supporter.
But perhaps not to worry, Harris poll numbers aren’t going up and look to be waning. People are learning about her poor debate performance, best demonstrated by an interview with Philadelphia news anchor Brian Ta .
His first question to Harris: “What are some of the specific things you would do to bring prices down?”
Harris answered using her answer to the first question of the Sept. 10
debate (are you better o now or four years ago?). “I was raised in a middle-class family in a middle-class neighborhood ...” ending with “a onetime child tax credit that would allow new parents to buy car seats, cribs and ...” Harris never answered the question just as she failed to on debate night. To Harris the biggest problem in the U.S. is child car seats? I guess the price of gasoline, car insurance, rent and food are low-tiered priorities. And that same “I was raised in a middle class ...” canned response was used during her “interview” at the National Association of Black Journalists for a similar question a few days later to a question about handling inflation. In fact, Harris repeated the responses from her
■ See WEITZMAN, page A7
LARRY WEITZMAN
ROY BOYD
CHRISTINA KARLE
JERALD SOROCCO
Trustees Continued from A6 provisions through ongoing dialog and effective policy implementation.
Partisan agitation by school board candidates Lockhart and Vinton against current board trustees has resulted in confusion about current policies despite broad support.
GOUSD library policy was successfully developed by listening carefully to the concerns of all stakeholders over seven months of community input via written comments, verbal comments at board meetings and receiving legal counsel from multiple legal firms. Significant sections of the policy for Criteria for Selection of Library Material were a direct result of listening to teachers’ and parents’ comments. For example library books will “contribute
Weitzman
to multicultural awareness and contributions made by various groups to our American heritage.” (GOUSD Supplemental Instructional Materials Policy.) Conversely, carefully tailored language excluding obscenity was provided by multiple legal reviews utilizing the criminal and education code, case law, and the guidance provided by Attorney General Bonta and State Superintendent Thurmond pg. 4.
Elections provide the opportunity for the community to vote their values electing local representation which is a cornerstone of democracy. In 2022 the community resoundingly voted for us — Jerald Sorocco, Roy Boyd and Christina Karle — based on our promises to support core academics
Continued from A6 debate almost verbatim in answering questions at these two aforementioned interviews. Her entire campaign consists of a dozen or so memorized canned statements that are as empty as a used soup can. Her more recent Oprah Winfrey “canned” interview recycled the same empty responses: 1. “I was raised middle class ... “ 2. “I understand the
and avoid national political activism attempting to bring explicit sexual content into elementary school libraries. We fulfilled our promises to the community which is a triumph for democracy and local control in a time of political partisan activism. Local school boards must continue to courageously represent the views and values of their local community not fearing political attacks from national or state political unions or organizations.
Local governance by local community members provides wisdom and stability to local schools. We encourage the community and parents of Gold Oak and El Dorado County to get informed about important education issues school
ambitions, aspirations and dreams ...” 3. “I was a career prosecutor of transnational ...” 4. “I want to create an opportunity economy ...”
Voters are finding out Harris is an empty suit with memorized lines and since her delivery does not change, she is not believable. She should have taken acting lessons. She certainly is no Ronald Reagan. Even her recent T-ball interview at MSNBC was
PUZZLE BY
boards face today and vote your local values. We need school board trustees who bravely represent their constituents and preserve quality education for our students.
Get informed about the views of candidates through the next local school board candidate forum to be held Wednesday, Oct. 16. The forum equally invites all candidates of school board races to provide information to the community. We must all strive to stay informed without bias and work together to ensure a quality education for our children in El Dorado County.
This article represents the view of Christina Karle, Jerald Sorocco and Roy Boyd, as individuals, not the views of Gold Oak Union School District.
more of the same word salad. It has been rumored that with the debate, Harris got sample questions in advance, believable as her best friend is Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney, which owns ABC. It was Walden who introduced Harris to her husband, Doug Emhoff.
Harris clearly did not win the ABC debate and neither did David Muir and Linsey Davis, the “moderators.” Harris didn’t answer any questions and the moderators wrongly fact checked against Trump and not against Harris. The irony is that their fact checking was wrong anyway.
Larry Weitzman is a former resident of El Dorado County.
The tactic of disinformation as a policy first started in Russia in the 1920s, dezinformatsiya, where the government controls the facts. In the 1950s the U.S. Intelligence Agency adopted the strategy.
Today, when the media asks a question: How does the Biden Administration have the funds to send $200,000,000 to Lebanon but has to wait for Congress to return to provide additional aid to the hurricane victims? The Press Secretary called the question disinformation.
What are we to believe today? Are the people on the news who are saying they have no food or water for over a week and haven’t seen a federal government employee liars? When Biden says everything is fine and everyone is getting the aid they need, is he telling the truth? Our government has gotten good at dezinformatsiya.
KEN STEERS
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 first 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 Sheriff’s office, 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 first 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 affect them. Our meetings are held every Monday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at Denny’s Restaurant, Fair Lane Drive, Placerville. Meetings are open to the public. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a non-partisan organization.
COMICS
SPORTS
Diamondbacks get caught in stampede
The Union Mine Diamondbacks undefeated league record is no more after a 35-0 shutout loss at the hands of the Bradshaw Christian Pride.
The Diamondbacks were able to build momentum throughout the game on several drives, but failed to capitalize. On the other side of the ball, they failed to stop the rushing attack Bradshaw Christian brought to them.
Behind the senior duo of Nathan Zeppieri and Brandon Burden, who combined for 213 rushing yards, the Pride ran for nearly 300 total yards against the Diamondback defense.
The Diamondbacks are now second place in their league with a 3-1 league record and will have to hope someone else can knock off the undefeated Bradshaw Christian for a chance at a league title.
Union Mine will be back in action Friday, Oct. 18, as the team hosts Amador, who is coming off a 48-14 win over Galt.
Football roundup
El Dorado 37, Liberty Ranch 56
The El Dorado Cougars fell behind in a high scoring affair with the Liberty Ranch Hawks. Despite the efforts from senior quarterback Jason Wilson, who threw for over 200 yards and accounted for four total touchdowns, two in the air and two on the ground, the ground and pound attack from Liberty Ranch was too much for the Cougars.
The Hawks ran the ball 58 times as a team for 500-plus yards and seven touchdowns. The Cougars fall to 3-4 overall, and 2-2 in league play. They travel this Friday to play at Rosemont, who is coming off a close 20-13 loss to Argonaut.
Ponderosa 21, Christian Brothers 41
The quick start to the season Ponderosa was having seems to be slowing down as the Bruins have
ARIES (March 21-April 19). They act; take a moment before you react. Your first interpretation might not be the most accurate assessment of the other person’s intentions, but even if it is, you’re going to want to give yourself a minute to assess.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It’s good that you don’t expect people to understand what you’re doing, and even better that you don’t feel pressure to explain. It’s too soon to effectively impart your vision. There’s power in keeping it to yourself at this stage.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Brooding over past insults and slights could be considered a useless and negative rumination. Then again, your mind goes there for a reason. Could injustices be set right? Are there new rules for the future? What would it take to feel better?
CANCER (June 22-July 22). A mental fog lifts and the flickering flame of clarity lights up a vision of your future. It doesn’t mean you know the next move, but at least you can see where you need to go, and the rest will come from that.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’re so used to your way of dealing with the world that you don’t see how your daily life particularly remarkable. It really is though. You’re creating something special. You’ll soon fascinate a crowd.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). There are those who readily default to a stance of competition. But people addressing individual needs are not automatically adversaries. There’s enough to go around. Many needs can be met at the same time.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The energy of the day is as orderly, organized and rhythmic as a team of synchronized swimmers. This kind of energy pattern is truly powerful. You will focus it and move heavy things quickly.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You are uniquely yourself. Some days it means you experiment, follow different people, even imitate others as a way of trying things on to see how they feel. The spirit of play is alive in you, and you land in a place all your own.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You may not be consciously aware of your priorities until they do something strange -- they order themselves. Then you figure out what you want the most because all your energy goes to it until you have it.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Don’t assume to know what credence to give events. People feel different ways about what happens. A small accomplishment can be a life-changing moment, and a big one can be just another day at the office.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb.
Oak Ridge runners impress at Clovis Invitational
It was a great day of racing for the Oak Ridge High School athletes at the 45th annual Clovis Invitational on Oc. 11 & 12. Many athletes obtained personal records on the challenging state meet 5K course at Woodward Park in Fresno and obtained valuable racing experience competing against many of the top cross country teams in California.
The varsity girls team raced first for Oak Ridge in ideal racing conditions — cool temperatures and no wind. They competed in The Bill Buettner Championship Girls Race against 17 other teams from all divisions. The Trojans placed ninth with 255 points. Three other Division 1 teams (Buchanan, Santiago and Del Norte) placed ahead of them. The team was led by senior Addie Clinton, who ran the best race of her high school career so far. She placed 26th with a time of 18:05.6 on the 5 kilometer course (3.1 miles). Addie improved her 2023 state
meet time on the course by 11 seconds and her time is the fifth fastest alltime for Oak Ridge on the Woodward Park course. She has an excellent opportunity to break 18:00 at the state meet on Nov. 30. Other scorers on the varsity girls team who raced well were junior Adriana Ingargiola (50th, 18:42.4), freshman Lauren Tiedeman (70th, 19:02.6), sophomore Emi Madsen (71st, 19:03.7) and freshman Giuliana Martino (77th, 19:08.5). Other varsity athletes who raced well were sophomore Sutton Paulsen (99th, 19:40.8) and senior Fiona Gordon (125th, 20:42.3).
The varsity boys team had their best race of the season so far. They raced in the Boys Extra Large Yellow Race and placed second with 111 points, earning a beautiful plaque and team medals. The team was led by junior Oscar Carrillo, who placed 13th with a time of 16:22.6. Oscar obtained an 8-second personal record. Other scorers on the team who raced
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
Senior running back Jake Cherrington follows Aiden Goehring to spring a big run Friday night.
Courtesy photo
The Oak Ridge High School varsity boys team placed second at the Clovis Invitational. From left:
Coach Brian Smith, Doug Dudek, Roman Zamora, Donnie Taylor, Oscar Carrillo, Dax Whann, Bailey Van Leemput, Thomas Capelli, Coach Rob Fairley.
Malachi Parker Staff writer
Rob Fairley Oak Ridge High School
Changing winters are impacting Lake Tahoe, other freshwater ecosystems
n Recent research sheds light on how freshwaters are threatened by climate change and impacts to winter
News release
RENO, Nev. — As temperatures rise, particularly in alpine regions, lakes are feeling the heat. Research recently published in the journal Science, led by researchers at the Carnegie Institution for Science, indicates that climate change impacts critical winter processes including lake ice conditions. Changes in lake ice conditions impact the function of ecosystems and the communities
that live nearby. With climate affecting this critical winter process one can ask, what other critical changes to freshwaters might occur from changing winters whether at Lake Tahoe, or the small lakes and streams in the mountains of California and Nevada?
Sudeep Chandra, a professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, was part of the study and has been studying lake ecosystems for over two decades.
“Winter change from a human-altered climate is an important area of focus for scientists and policy makers,” Chandra said. “We need to learn more about how this change in winter, whether from snowpack dropping on to a watershed or the loss of lake or streamice, may have lasting ramifications for what we might observe in
the ice-free summer season.”
There are many ways climate change can and will impact western alpine lakes. Changing snowpack and winter conditions can extend plant growing seasons for lakes in the summer, increasing the opportunities for invasive species to take hold within a lake or expand their range.
Lake Tahoe’s cold water-preferring native species are maladapted to warm water. Physiological threats to native species, compounded by competition and predation from invasive species like bass and bluegill which are better adapted to warm temperatures, can have serious repercussions for the native flora and fauna in Lake Tahoe.
Beyond changing the balance of invasive to native species in lakes,
Cross country
Continued from A8
were junior Thomas Capelli (17th, 16:31.9), junior Bailey Van Leemput (20th, 16:35.2), sophomore Dax Whann (37th, 17:00.9), and junior Roman Zamora (41st, 17:06.0). Other varsity athletes who raced well were senior Donnie Taylor (62nd, 17:30.6) and junior Doug Dudek (82nd, 17:42.2).
The frosh/soph boys team raced well in the Large and Extra Large Boys Frosh/Soph Blue Race. They placed 10th with 292 points out of 18 teams. The team was led by sophomore Cooper Smith who placed 45th with a time of 18:03.5. Other scorers on the team who raced well were sophomore Linden Pike (51st, 18:08.3), sophomore Rocket Buu (64th, (18:21.3), sophomore Isaac Briggs (67th, 18:22.3) and freshman Braden Laxamana (93rd, 18:47.9). Other frosh/soph boys who raced well were freshman Filip Kruckenberg (110th, 19:10.2), sophomore Owen Kraft (117th, 19:16.3), freshman Jack Clarke (118th, 19:20.1) and freshman
Football Continued from A8
now dropped two of their last three games since league play has begun. Falcon’s quarterback Isaiah Jordan threw the ball only six times, but two of those throws were touchdown passes. Jordan, along with junior running back Jay Cummings, both rushed for more than 100 yards and a touchdown each.
The Bruins now drop to 1-2 in league play, leaving them in fifth place. They will be on the road for their next game as they take on Rio Americano, hoping to make up some ground.
Oak Ridge 23, Jesuit 3
A game that was tied at 3 at halftime turned into a second half show for the Oak Ridge Trojans as
changing winters can affect the important hydrologic and water quality connections, from the groundwater and streams to lakes. Maintaining these connections are critical not only for the living things that might need the connections to live out their life cycles but also for supplying nutrients to the edge of the lakes at the right time to promote healthy conditions at the edge of a lake.
Warming temperatures are associated with increased susceptibility to harmful algal and cyanobacterial blooms, which can limit recreational use and the water quality of both streams and lakes. For regions which rely heavily on recreation, like Lake Tahoe, algal blooms can mean decreased tourism, negatively impacting the economy.
As winters change with variable and less snowpack and warm temperatures occur, snowpack melting happens earlier in the year. In Lake Tahoe and elsewhere in the mountains of California, runoff occurs in late May into June. A climate assessment for Lake Tahoe facilitated by the agencies suggest that run off will shift to January toward the end of century.
The timing of flow provides important cues for native fish for spawning, and if fish lay their eggs too early, it can have disastrous effects on native fish populations. The timing and amount of peak snowmelt also affects the growth of algae that supports nearshore food webs and the clarity of the
Austin Mackovic (157th, 22:19.4).
Oak Ridge had four frosh/soph girls who raced in the Large and Extra Large Girls Frosh/Soph Yellow Race, so they did not have enough athletes for a team score. Sophomore Loti Boucher had a terrific race placing first with a time of 20:28.3. She received a first-place medal and a really nice Clovis Invitational backpack. The frosh/soph girls who raced were freshman Elise Sale (9th, 21:53.0), Josie Stringer (16th, 22;30.9) and freshman Elise Belmont (63rd, 30:51.5).
Junior Serena Ratcliff was the only Oak Ridge athlete who competed in the Large and Extra Large Girls JV Race. She placed 161st with a time of 25:53.0.
Junior Connor Kipf and freshman Oliverr Williams were the only Oak Ridge athletes who competed in the Large and Extra Large Boys JV Race. Connor placed 123rd with a time of 18:19.9. Oliverr placed 345th with a time of 22:25.3.
they scored 20 unanswered points behind their star tight end Kaleb Edwards. Edwards has been the focal point of a lot of opposing teams game plans, but was able to have a strong impact on the offensive side of the ball against the Marauders.
Last week against Folsom aside, the Trojans defense has been something the team has been able to lean on during league play and they showed up big against an offense that averages 28 points per game since league play has began.
The Trojans improve to 3-4 overall and 3-1 in league play and will head to Davis to take on the Davis Blue Devils, who are coming in off of a 48-7 loss to Rocklin.
water at the streamto-lake interface, according to Joanna Blaszczak, an assistant professor at the University of Nevada, Reno.
“While Lake Tahoe does not typically have ice in the winter, the smaller lakes and streams in the Tahoe basin and across the mountains of California rely on ice conditions as an important variable which drives the ecology in the ice free, summer season,” Chandra said. “For people like me who love to fish or swim on clear and clean shorelines, the change in winter ice condition will impact my summer experiences.”
Ice breakup is a positive feedback process determined by the winter to spring conditions of snowpack and temperature.
As winter changes with climate change, ice conditions will also change in the mountains of the western US. Chandra and other researchers from the University of Nevada, Reno’s Global Water Center found that small mountain lakes are more vulnerable to ice breakup with a changing climate. Their research indicates that by the end of the century, ice break up in mountain lakes could be as early as 25 to 61 days earlier than present day.
Smaller lakes in the mountains and the animals and plants that live in them rely on winter and ice. In another study from Castle Lake, a long-term ecological research site in California, Chandra and colleagues found that when ice on the
lake melted sooner, the occupation of different lake habitats (nearshore versus deep water) changed for Brook Trout, as did their feeding behaviors. Despite having more food available in nearshore habitats, the fish avoided it because the water was too warm, resulting in smaller, less healthy fish.
“The science that is needed to conserve Lake Tahoe or the smaller streams and lakes in the Tahoe basin or California need to account for changes to winter processes,” Chandra said.
“Investments that can integrate our scientific understanding of winter into the future condition of freshwater quality and ecosystem function are needed, as we plan for the future under these changing conditions,” Blaszczak said. In the Science article, the researchers emphasize that more wintertime research should be done to better understand lake ecology and risks posed by increased warming.
“Over a billion people live near lakes that freeze, and these changes are now affecting people’s uses of lakes,” Stephanie Hampton, the lead author of the paper from Carnegie Science said. “By analyzing what we know about how these changes are affecting lake ecosystems and human communities, we have identified key topics that must be studied in greater detail. It is only by understanding the breadth and complexity of these risks that we can develop strategies for mitigating them.”
Courtesy photo
The varsity girls team raced first for Oak Ridge and took ninth place at the Clovis Invitational.
From left: Coach Brian Smith, Emi Madsen, Adriana Ingargiola, Sutton Paulsen, Addie Clinton, Fiona Gordon, Lauren Tiedeman, Giuliana Martino, Coach Rob Fairley.
NEWS, IN THE KNOW
Oct. 16
Snowline Health
Dementia Connection
Caregiver Support Group
meets 1:30-3 p.m. at Green Valley Church, 3500 Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.
Are you nervous about the re season? Have questions about home hardening and creating defensible space?
Join the Camino Fire Safe Council at 6:30 p.m. at the Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit headquarters, 2840 Mt. Danaher Road in Camino.
Line dancing with Sara Schindler will be held at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville at 6:30 p.m. For more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
The Crocker Art Museum presents a Kingsley Lecture Series at 1:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit crockerart.org.
Capital Stage in Sacramento presents “The Heart Sellers” Oct. 16 through Nov. 17. For tickets and more information call (916) 9955464 or visit capstage.org.
Oct. 17
The Crocker Art Museum presents “Regarding Susan Sontag” at 6:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit crockerart.org.
Oct. 18
The Sierra Renaissance Society presents Sierra Wildlife with Ambassadors by Judy Monestier of Sierra Wildlife Rescue, 1-2:30 p.m. at the Mother Lode Lions Hall, 4701 Missouri Flat Road. For more information visit srsedc.org.
Exit 60 will perform at 5 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/ live-music.
The Cameron Park CSD hosts a Halloween Monster Mash featuring trunk or treating and a costume contest at the CSD campus from 5:30-8 p.m. First 50 registrants will also be able to participate in the pumpkin plunge. For more information visit cameronpark.org.
The Shingle Springs Community Center hosts a Halloween-themed Bunko Dinner with baked potatoes, brats and chili. Door prizes and more are available. For more information go to shinglespringscommunitycenter.org.
The Stage at Burke Junction presents an evening of Homegrown Comedy starting at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.
Coyote Hill Band will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Big Idea Theatre in Sacramento presents “POTUS” Oct. 18 through Nov. 9. For tickets and more information visit bigideatheatre.org.
Oct. 19
Save the Graves hosts Law and Order reenactments with some of Placerville Union Cemetery’s famous residents, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 650 Bee St. For more information visit savethegraveseldorado.org.
Third Saturday Art Walk this month will celebrate Fabulous Fall. Highlights will be the grand opening of Loved to Death shop at 466 Main St. Find out about even more by checking the Placerville Art Walk Facebook page.
Out of El Dorado County and into Africa
Would you move to Africa? For Julie Tully, a cowgirl who married a United States naval o cer, the answer was a no-brainer: Yes!
Leaving her career and everything she knew behind to follow her husband, Julie was rapidly approaching forty and wondering, “What is my place in the world?” Enter Africa, the continent she had dreamed of since childhood, a chance to reinvigorate her life. A supposed two-year assignment for her family in Sub-Saharan Africa soon turns into an eight-year adventure in Cameroon, Nigeria, and Djibouti and sees Julie become an uno cial diplomat as wife to a military attaché. In a world where diplomacy is key, Julie becomes the person she was meant to be.
■ Local farm girl travels the globe but doesn’t forget her El Dorado County roots
Book: “Dispatches from the Cowgirl: a memoir through the looking glass with a navy diplomat’s wife”
Author: Julie Tully
Publisher: W. Brand Publishing, Nashville, Tenn.
Available: Placerville News Company
Mimi Escabar
Special Sections Editor
As a young girl growing up on her family ranch in El Dorado County Julie Tully had no idea her cowboy boots would be made for walking across Sub-Saharan Africa. In her book “Dispatches from the Cowgirl: a memoir through the looking glass with a navy diplomat’s wife,” Tully relates her sojourn as she joins her military husband on what was supposed to be a two-year assignment to Cameroon. The couple’s young son is also included in the adventure.
The idea of travel and writing were not all that far fetched for Tully. While growing up on the Neilsen Ranch, which was homesteaded by her greatgreat grandparents in the 1870s, she was captivated by the mystique of Africa. She also enjoyed writing.
“I have always been a writer. It began when I was little, when my parents took me along on business trips,” she said. “They would give me pen and paper to keep me occupied while they worked. Over the years I became infatuated with the written word, but especially personal stories. Memoirs were the perfect combination of entertainment and education.”
That love translated into personal journals and to versions she could send home to her family about the happenings in places very di erent than El Dorado County. After all, social media was in early development.
she kept in her wardrobe throughout her journey.
Julie found many of the lessons learned growing up on a ranch also worked in military and diplomatic circles.
“Life on the ranch gave me the foundations of who I am now. Even though it was a life of hard work, it was also a life of great joy and beauty,” she said. “It taught me resilience and determination, lessons without which I would’ve never been able to live the life I’ve lived.”
Ranch life revealed insights that proved valuable in dealing with situations that came up in day to day life half way around the world.
With all that material available the writer within created a charming account of an extraordinary life path. Her husband John, a foreign area o cer for the U.S. Navy, had been stationed in Europe prior to the o er to move to Cameroon. The chance to go to that part of the world was greeted enthusiastically and o the family went. Packed in her suitcase were her cowboy boots, which
It’s
time
Lisa Crummett Images of Hope Banners on Parade Committee
Banners on Parade is a community art project managed by Images of Hope El Dorado, a nonprofit charitable organization.
“It was also a world where I learned that people were more than their circumstances. If someone was rich or famous, it didn’t mean they were any better than someone who was poor — what mattered was the person inside. Working alongside my husband in the diplomatic world, I took that lesson to heart,” the Ponderosa High School graduate said. “The best part about that? When you open your mind and see people for who they are, rather than what they are, the world becomes a much more interesting place.”
And it was interesting. The twoyear stint turned to an eight-year assignment that went from Cameroon to Nigeria to Djibouti.
She found her early years and the lessons from her parents were a solid basis to her success.
“Living overseas for two decades, away from family and their tangible support, made me lean hard into my roles as wife and mother, but it also made me lean hard into finding my place in the world. I reinvented myself numerous times during those decades,” she said. “Without the upbringing I had, where both my father and my mother told me I could be anything I put my mind to, well, without that I wouldn’t be where I am now. I contain multitudes. I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, author, manager, diplomat, mentor and the list keeps going, but the sum total of it all is that I am just Julie and I have my family to thank for that.”
to bid on beautiful banners
This art exhibit has celebrated 20 years of original, outdoor art that is exhibited on historical Main Street in Placerville. This year, the Banners on Parade exhibit has 30 beautiful and original artistcreated banners that are displayed on light poles through October. This year the BOP committee encouraged artists to paint banners with a Seasonal Splendor theme. The theme resulted in an amazing collection of wonderful and thoughtful interpretations with banners featuring landscapes, oceans, forests, rivers, mountains, birds, animals, flowers, trees and family, all beautifully 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 imagesofhopeeldorado.com/bannerson-parade to view all
the banners and see which artists received recognition awards.
Banners on Parade is a project within the Images of Hope El Dorado’s nonprofit organization. This annual outdoor art exhibit is fortunate to have sponsors that help keep this community art project happening every year. These sponsors include Images of Hope, El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce, Cuppa
Oct. 17-27.
Co ee & More and High Sierra Quilters. There are also several cash awards for artists, sponsored by family and friends in memory of previous Banners on Parade committee members through the Geo Boyd Memorial Artist Awards and the Marianne Kalem Legacy Award. A group of dedicated committee members and volunteers work hard to ensure the
Mountain Democrat le photo by Odin Rasco
Now’s the time to snag one of the lovely banners that have been hanging on Main Street Placerville since June. Bidding runs
Oak Meadow embraces positive law enforcement relations
Buckeye Union School District
News release
Oak Meadow Elementary School and the Buckeye Union Mandarin Immersion Program recently welcomed deputies from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office in association with the SCHIELD program, standing for Safeguarding Children through Healthy Initiatives, Education, Law Enforcement, and Deterrence. This innovative initiative seeks to foster positive relationships between elementary students and law enforcement officers.
Week-long engagement highlights:
1. Interactive learning experiences — Deputies joined students during recess, playing games and engaging in activities, providing a fun and interactive way to connect with students outside the classroom setting. These interactions play a critical role in building trust and understanding between young students and law enforcement personnel.
2. Educational sessions on safety — Throughout the week deputies visited classrooms to discuss vital topics such as bicycle, scooter and pedestrian safety. These conversations
are aimed at empowering students with the knowledge to stay safe in various situations, particularly when navigating streets and interacting with urban environments.
3. Student engagement and feedback — Students were encouraged
to express their gratitude and thoughts on the program through thank-you notes. For instance, Luke in fifth grade wrote, “Thanks to your efforts, I was not run over by an electric scooter today. It was fun learning about missions you have
been on. My favorite part was when someone was released from prison and walked right into In-N-Out.”
4) First-time experiences — Another student, Diya, shared her first-ever interaction with law enforcement, saying, “Thank you for coming to our class and telling us important laws and telling us safety stuff!! I actually never talked to a policeman or girl; this is the first time.” These encounters are instrumental in demystifying law enforcement roles for children and fostering a friendly community atmosphere.
Continued community engagement
The SCHIELD program exemplifies a proactive approach to community safety and youth education, emphasizing positive interactions and safety education. It showcases the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to community engagement and the well-being of the children in El Dorado Hills.
For more information about Oak Meadow Elementary School or the Buckeye Union Mandarin Immersion Program visit omes.buckeyeusd.org.
Lake Forest Elementary School earns blue ribbon recognition
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recently recognized Lake Forest Elementary in the Rescue Union School District as one of 356 schools nationwide, and 33 schools in California, as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School. This prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance and/or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups. Lake Forest Elementary earned the award for both categories: Exemplary High Performing Schools: These schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or
nationally normed tests.
Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools: These schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.
Since its inception in 1982, the goals of the National Blue Ribbon School program are to shine a spotlight on the best schools in the United States and to share best practices of outstanding schools across the country. Each year, the U.S. Department of Education works with state departments of education to identify and nominate outstanding schools for this coveted award based on student academic achievement measures and progress toward
n See RIBBON, page B5
The students at Yale University loved William Frisbie’s pies. They even loved his pie tins!
Tossing empty pie tins became a favorite way to pass time between classes. A firm flick of the wrist and the tin floated through the air.
But the metal pie tins hurt when they hit someone. As a safety measure, students started yelling, “Frisbie!” to alert others that they were tossing a tin to a pal.
An El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office member talks with students about safety during a recent visit to Oak Meadow Elementary School in El Dorado Hills.
Courtesy photo
The Lake Forest Elementary School staff celebrates the school’s blue ribbon designation.
Move to the largest senior apartments
e spacious Independent Living apartments at Ponté Palmero mean you can continue your independent lifestyle with room to entertain friends and access to all the life-enriching community services and amenities we o er.
Floor plans up to 1,482 square feet | Private, attached garage | Full kitchen | In-suite laundry
You can continue to cook and entertain in your own home, or enjoy our chef-prepared meals in the community dining room with friends. We take away the worry of housekeeping and home maintenance, and provide social opportunities all month long. You can relax and spend your days with friends and family, and doing the things you enjoy most.
INDEPENDENT LIVING HOMES FEATURES
• Kitchen with full-size appliances and granite counters
• Private patio
• Attached garage
• In-home washer and dryer
• High ceilings
• Housekeeping, laundry, and trash service
• Utilities and basic cable included
• Air conditioning
• Pets welcome!
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.
GROW FOR IT!
Fall – time for planting natives
IDolores Morrison UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County
t’s fall! Shorter and cooler days make it a perfect time for planting California native plants. Most of our native plants are adapted to a hot dry summer. When cooler temperatures and fall rains arrive our natives begin growing. These plants are generally low water, low maintenance and a beautiful addition to any garden. They provide great bird and pollinator habitat.
An excellent native plant gardening resource is the California Native Plant Society’s Calscape website calscape.org. On this site you can search a database to find native plants that will work in your garden. You can search by what is native to your area, for plants that are deer resistant, tolerate slow draining soil, are full sun or full shade, are good for containers or slope stabilization and many more criteria. You can even search for butterflies in your area. You’ll find information on nursery availability, and photos of plants and design ideas. Importantly, you’ll also find information on conditions a plant needs to thrive. Pay particular attention to sun, soil and water requirements.
Once you have your new plants, and with the
News release
Fat Kitty City Humane Society is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to rescuing and providing permanent shelter and medical aid to abandoned or abused animals. Founders operate a “one-of-akind” sanctuary on a 20-acre tree-studded area in El Dorado Hills, where these animals can find safety, care and love. The programs save hundreds of unwanted cats each year and provide services to cats and their people in need in the community and beyond. The 20-acre sanctuary has indoor and outdoor areas where the cats can roam in a protected environment, simulating a forever
knowledge from Calscape, find the location in your garden where you want to plant. Group plants with like sun and water requirements together. You’ll want to dig a hole two times as wide as the container and just as deep. If the rains have not started, you’ll want to fill the hole with water and let it drain two times. Settle the plant in the drained hole with the crown of the plant just above the soil line.
Generally, our native plants are adapted to our native soils and no amendments are needed. But if you think your soil is poor you may want to consider adding compost to the backfill. A rule of thumb is one third compost to two thirds native soil in backfill. You can side dress with compost. Pat down the soil and water well. The watering will help settle the soil around the plant’s roots. Mulching with something like shredded cedar will moderate soil temperatures and keep moisture in the soil. Keep mulch away from the trunk of the plant.
deep root growth and early in the morning on the coolest days. Too much water can kill some native plants. Once established some plants will only need infrequent deep watering. Others will survive with little water but will look much better with some summer water. Watering at least every three to four weeks will keep plants hydrated and more fire resistant. Use Calscape to determine how frequently to water established plants.
The Sherwood Demonstration Garden is 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_Classes/ ?calendar=yes&g=56698 and recorded classes on many gardening topics at mgeldorado.ucanr. edu/Public_Education/Classes.
While many native plants are summer drought tolerant, all plants will need regular water to get established which may take two to three years. You will need to irrigate if the rains haven’t arrived. With winter rains you don’t need to irrigate until the weather warms. During the first year, water every one to two weeks. Don’t water if the soil is moist below the surface. Water deeply to encourage
home. Fat Kitty City is a “no-kill” rescue organization, with
exceptions made for extreme suffering or quality of life.
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.
Since its inception in 1999, FKCHS has saved thousands of feline lives by providing food, medication, surgery, housing and medical procedures. In addition, the nonprofit collaborates with PetSmart and Petco with three adoption showrooms, helping place animals in permanent adoptive homes.
Every year, the organization has an increase in requests from owners who want to relinquish their pets for varying reasons. Now, because the cost of keeping a pet is at an all-time high, needs have increased. The impact on seniors in the community has been devastating, as they are unable to feed their pets or provide
veterinary care to them, thus forcing them to surrender them. This is not something Fat Kitty City will allow.
To continue serving the community, the nonprofit rescue will host a Meowonster Mash fundraiser on Oct. 19. Sponsorships, cash donations and/ or a raffle/silent auction items are being accepted for this event. Donations will help feed and nurture the felines and prepare them for a “fur-ever” home whenever possible. The fundraiser will take place at 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Elks Lodge, 3821 Quest Court in Shingle Springs. For more information, tickets or to make a donation visit fatkittycity.org or call (916) 939-3418.
As
Delve
Photo by Dolores Morrison Planting native plants in your yard can have many benefits.
Courtesy photo Support Fat Kitty City’s mission to find homes for cats that come through the nonprofit’s doors.
closing academic achievement gaps. Through a rigorous review process, the U.S. Department of Education awards several hundred outstanding schools annually, to celebrate their accomplishment. This prestigious distinction serves not only as a symbol of exemplary American schools, but also as inspiration for schools across the nation. It affirms the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students thrive.
“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said Cardona.
project will continue.
While awardees represent a wide array of schools, they share common traits. National Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff. Datadriven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities and educators is a key component of their success.
“We are incredibly proud of our students and staff for earning this prestigious recognition,” said Dr. Renee Mallot, principal of Lake
Dispatches
Bidding for the 2024 Banners on Parade will start at noon Thursday, Oct. 17, and last through 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27. Before you bid on a banner, you can view the banners online at givebutter.com/c/ BOPAuction. To bid on the banners, you will need to register beforehand on the website, where you can also find out more about the bidding process. Additionally, a banner created by Shannon Deason was stolen from a light pole downtown. In the absence of the painted banner, the auction offers a package with her banner image that includes a mounted poster, a rolled poster, water bottle, coffee cup, postcard, magnet and bookmark (see auction website item No. 26 for info). Opening bids will start at $120.
Continued from B4
the oldest church in El Dorado County, discover a hidden pioneer cemetery and hear fascinating accounts of the area’s rich history, including rumored creepy encounters experienced by residents past and present.
Three tours are offered on Saturday, Oct. 26:
• 10 a.m. daylight tour
• 5 p.m. dusk lantern tour
•7:30 p.m. after-dark lantern tour
Additional event details and ticket sales are
Forest Elementary. “This award is a reflection of our commitment to fostering a positive learning environment where every student can thrive academically and personally. Our dedicated team, along with the support of our community, has made this achievement possible.”
Michael Gordon, president of the Rescue Union School District Board, also celebrated the achievement. “The National Blue Ribbon designation showcases the hard work, resilience and excellence that defines Lake Forest Elementary and our entire district,” he shared. “This recognition highlights our commitment to delivering high-quality education and ensuring that every student has the
She feels flattered that people take time from their lives to read her book and likes to chat with them. There will be a chance to meet Julie Tully on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 3-5 p.m. in front of Placerville News Company, 409 Main St. in Placerville, during Third Saturday Art Walk. For those who purchase a book there will be a gift certificate from Boeger Winery for a free tasting for two. The award-winning winery is mentioned in the book.
The author is most appreciative of growing up in El Dorado County and owes a debt of gratitude to two of her teachers.
“Maria Brugger always encouraged me to write and she was such a great mentor,” she said. “The other teacher is Candice Spalling. She taught me to
available on Eventbrite and the EDCHS website.
The tour begins at the historical M.E. Church at the top of Thompson Way, winds down Thompson Way to Cedar Ravine Road and concludes at the Pearson Soda Works Building, 594 Main St.
Tickets can be purchased online at edchs.org or by phone/in-person at the Fountain & Tallman Museum, 524 Main St., Placerville, (530) 626-0773. Please note that Eventbrite processing fees apply to tickets purchased through that platform.
opportunity to succeed.”
“As a parent of children who attended Lake Forest Elementary, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact this school and its staff have on students,” added Superintendent Jim Shoemake. “My own children were well-prepared for middle school, high school and college thanks to the exceptional learning environment and dedication of the educators here. This recognition is a well-deserved testament to the outstanding work done every day at Lake Forest Elementary.”
To learn more about Lake Forest Elementary and the Rescue Union School District visit the website at rescueusd.org.
overcome my shyness and to feel comfortable.”
Tully has extensive plans to keep writing. “For me writing is just part of who I am. It’s my superpower,” she said. Her husband is retiring from the Navy in May 2025, which may open more doors to new adventures.
She also is the manager of River House Books in Carmel. “My days are filled with words and books — never in a million years did my childhood self envision this path, yet here I am. Will this be the remainder of the story? I have no idea. Life is an amazing journey and you never know what’s around the next corner,” she said. It may even include a trip back to Africa.
Tours
Banners
Alan Thiesen Trail
The parking lot for the Alan Thiesen Trail is at the corner of Dog Bar Road and Alta Sierra Drive. You get to the newly remodeled parking lot from Highway 49 in Grass Valley, take the McKnight Way exit. From East McKnight Way go 2 miles south on La Barr Meadows Road, stay left on Dog Bar Road and go another 1.8 miles to the intersection of Alta Sierra Drive. The traffic on Dog Bar road is moving fast; be cautious pulling in and out.
This trail loops through Adam Ryan Preserve. On my last visit many down trees were still left from the last heavy storms that hit the community of Alta Sierra. The trees that still stand are impressive and so were the blackberries or as I like to call them, trail snacks.
This 1-mile loop is perfect for locals to get out before or after work. For
those of us in south Nevada County. where there are very few trails, we appreciate this one. This trail on a hill is a joint project of the Alta Sierra Property Owners Association and the Bear Yuba Land Trust.
After this quick jaunt, consider the short drive up Dog Bar to nearby Mathis Pond, which sits on a 1.75-acre preserve owned by Bear Yuba Land Trust. I hadn’t been since my son was part of a project to clean the pond and restore the habitat. Improvements include an informational kiosk and graveled trail.
Mary West is author of the book series Day Hiker – Gold Country Trail Guide I, II and III (second edition available on Amazon). The books are a collection of the Day Hiker columns where West shares her longtime love of the outdoors, favorite hikes in Northern California’s Gold Country and beyond. West was the recipient of
Festival brings fine arts to El Dorado Hills
El Dorado Hills Arts Association News release
El Dorado Hills Arts Association presents the second annual Fine Arts Festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at the EDH Library. Building on the success of the first festival last year, the organization expects to have more artists to share their finest work with 35-40 artists setting up in booths adjacent to the library, as well as inside. The festival is free to the
public.
“Many residents are probably not aware of the great number of fine artists who make their home right here in our community, and how wonderfully rich and varied their talents are,” said Melissa Keyzer, co-chair of this year’s festival.
The Fine Art Festival “is an ideal partnership between the El Dorado Hills Library, the Friends of the Library and the El Dorado Hills Arts Association,” according to Cyndie Reis, president of the Friends of the Library.
And there is more than just art.
“There’s live music, great food and obviously, wonderful art from local artists.” added Reis. “It’s a wonderful way to spend a Saturday, with family or friends or just flying solo.”
Every medium imaginable will be represented, including paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel and mixed media, plus sculpture, ceramics, wood, photography and jewelry. Attendees can talk directly to artists, see their artwork, get an understanding of the work and the artist and purchase the pieces.
> The Susan Newnham Murder, A Tale of Unrequited Love
> The John Lowell Murder: Trial, Petitions, and Moral Con ict
> The Only Successful Escape from Folsom Prison Culminates in a Fatal Shootout on Manzanita Hill
> The Bullion Bend Heist: El Dorado County Sheriff Deputies Take on California Confederacy Thieves
Meet Lulu Belle Cook: Badge, Broom & Justice * First Person Historically Accurate Characters * Nine Performances Repeated Throughout the
“An important part of our mission is community outreach and enriching the lives of the El Dorado Hills community,” she explained. “Libraries offer something for everyone and so does art. It’s a perfect match and an incredible opportunity to support the work of local artists and encourage our community to explore art.”
Blues/jazz musicians Grant Reeves and Peter Morgan will set the atmosphere with music throughout the day. Food trucks will provide gourmet treats. There are also art activities for youngsters. Kids of all ages will be able to create their own masterpiece.
“We will have some small projects that allow
the 2017 and 2019 Craft Award for Best Outdoor Column and the 2020 Craft Award for her second book in
the Day Hiker series by the Outdoor Writers of California. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
Mary West Outdoor columnist
Photo by Mary West
Alan Thiesen Trail is a pleasant 1-mile loop in Nevada County.
