Vehement opposition and accusations of attempting to sneak through approval of a homeless shelter at the Cameron Park Community Services District campus have derailed Housing El Dorado’s plan to rent space from the district.
Days after a heated Oct. 16 CPCSD Board of Directors meeting, the nonprofit withdrew its proposal for an Inclement Weather Lodging Program in an unused classroom for 29 nights during the period of Nov. 15 through March 31, 2025. The program was planned to operate on nights where the temperature is forecasted to fall below 35 degrees F (or 45 degrees F if there is precipitation) for up to 36 unhoused people.
Housing El Dorado would have paid $500 per night, for a total of $14,500 had the lease been
Eric Jaramishian
Senior sta writer
A hiking trip for two hikers turned into a rescue mission for first responders at the Sugarloaf Rock Climbing area near Kyburz Sunday afternoon, according to Cal Fire o cials. The pair were recreating in the area when one became injured 200 feet up the Sheister rock face.
Cal Fire’s Columbia Copter 603 was requested to assist, but the El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce chopper Echo 1 arrived at the scene first and successfully rescued the trapped hikers. After the two were airlifted from the face of the rock wall, they were flown to safety where a ground ambulance awaited to treat the hikers.
“This rescue demonstrates the exceptional teamwork between local cooperating agencies and showcases the importance of working together to keep our communities safe,” states a Cal Fire press release.
EDSO, Cal Fire
Amador-El Dorado, El Dorado County Fire Protection District and Calfornia Highway Patrol all provided resources for the medical rescue operation.
MAIL LABEL
Courtesy photo
A hiker is lifted to safety via helicpoter during a Sunday afternoon rescue.
Mountain Democrat photos by Eric Jaramashian
The Cameron Park Community Services District campus turned into a place of haunted fun on the evening of Oct. 18. Boos and treats were offered during the Halloween Monster Mash, as children and their families dressed up as their favorite creatures and characters made their way around the trunk-or-treat event. Above, children of all ages, dressed in all costume types, await to hear the results of a costume contest held during the Halloween Monster Mash.
Though the pool was too cold for a pumpkin plunge, the Cameron Park CSD staff gave children a chance to snatch a gourd of their choosing. Jessie Morgenstern, 5, above left, walks away with her prize pumpkin dressed as a flight attendant. Mikelle Garst of Cameron Park, 12, above right, shows off her winnings for placing first in a costume contest. She dressed as Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
ESSENTIALS
OBITUARIES
Bonnie June (Vician) Burk
Bonnie June (Vician) Burk passed away peacefully on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Sungarden Villa Residential Assisted Living in Citrus Heights, CA.
She was 94. The eldest of four children born to Stephen and Blanche Vician, Bonnie was born and raised in Mason City, IA, and attended Waldorf College. She worked in Seattle, WA, and then moved to San Diego, CA, where she met Gerhardt (Jerry) Burk. They married in 1954 and raised their family in San Luis Obispo, Sacramento, and Placerville, CA. In addition to being a homemaker and busy mother of four, Bonnie was a dedicated church volunteer, working as a Sunday School song leader, choir member, and Lutheran women’s group participant and coordinator. After her children were grown, she worked as a Montessori preschool teaching assistant and continued her active involvement at First Lutheran Church in Placerville. Bonnie and Jerry traveled extensively throughout the country in their motorhome and took great pleasure in visiting and supporting their five grandchildren until his death in 2019. She was also preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Bob and Bill Vician. She is survived by children David (Sandy), Mount Holly, NC; Stephen (Sally), Lawrence, KS; Andrew, Roseville, CA; and Suzanne (Bill) Trickel, Roseville, CA; grandchildren Joshua, Katie, Maggie, Cole, and Jacob; and a brother Tom (Liz) Vician of Palo Alto, CA. A memorial service for Bonnie was held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024, at First Lutheran Church in Placerville, CA. She was interred alongside her late husband at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the music program at First Lutheran Church, 1200 Pinecrest Ct., Placerville, CA 95667, in honor of her many years of service there.
A block of businesses including In-N-Out and Spirit Halloween located o of Forni Road in Placerville were temporarily under evacuation warnings the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 18 as two fires scorched the neighboring hillside.
Smoke was first spotted rising behind the businesses shortly after 12:40 p.m., according to emergency reports, with half an acre of vegetation burning by the time first responders arrived on the scene.
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
Crews from Cal Fire, El Dorado County Fire Protection District and other fire agencies responded to the call, with California Highway Patrol o cers assisting by quickly closing o access to the parking areas and adjoining roadway to leave room
The following information was taken from El Dorado County sheri ’s reports:
Sept. 24
6:55 a.m. Battery reported on Shingle Springs Drive in Shingle Springs.
9:24 a.m. Grand theft reported on Eight Mile Road in Camino.
9:54 a.m. Vandalism reported on Fairplay Road in Somerset.
1:09 p.m. Grand theft reported on Carson Road in Camino.
2:22 p.m. Grand theft reported on Park Drive in El Dorado Hills.
2:55 p.m. Petty theft reported on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.
3:05 p.m. Battery reported on Marshall Road in Georgetown.
3:05 p.m. Battery reported on Marshall Road in Georgetown.
3:22 p.m. Grand theft reported on Park Drive in El Dorado Hills.
6:27 p.m. Vandalism reported on Cameron Road in Cameron Park.
Sept. 25
9:26 a.m. Deputies booked into jail
a 37-year-old man on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance, narcotics and unlawful paraphernalia on Coach Lane in Cameron Park. He was released on $40,000 bail.
9:34 a.m. Vandalism reported on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville.
9:35 a.m. Grand theft reported on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.
12:43 p.m. Burglary reported on Robin Lane in Cameron Park.
1:12 p.m. Battery reported on Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills.
1:56 p.m. Deputies booked into jail
a 36-year-old man on suspicion of possession, transportation and selling of a controlled substance on Highway 50 in El Dorado Hills. He was released on $3,020,000 bail.
for fire services to maneuver unimpeded.
Nearby Lo-Hi Way also evacuated for close to an hour.
There were two separate fires burning concurrently in the area, according to Cal Fire investigator Je Michel.
“At this time we do
4:03 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 42-year-old woman on suspicion of vandalism, threatening crime with intent to terrorize and assault on 8 Mile Road in Camino. She was listed in custody in lieu of $72,000 bail.
5:06 p.m. Battery reported on Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills.
Sept. 26
5:15 a.m. Deputies booked into jail
a 38-year-old man on suspicion of DUI and possession of a controlled substance and unlawful paraphernalia on Robin Lane in Cameron Park. He was released on $20,000 bail.
10:28 a.m. Trespassing reported on Moonshine Hill Road in Placerville.
10:32 a.m. Grand theft reported on Business Drive in Shingle Springs.
11:48 a.m. Trespassing reported on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines.
5:38 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 64-year-old man on suspicion of trespassing and carrying a switchblade knife on Moonshine Hill Road in Placerville. He was later released.
Sept. 27
7:28 a.m. Battery reported on Silva Valley Parkway in El Dorado Hills.
9:32 a.m. Deputies booked into jail
a 38-year-old woman on suspicion of trespass and contempt of court on Honpie Road in Placerville. She was listed in custody in lieu of $34,000 bail.
3:22 p.m. Grand theft reported on Ryan Drive in Diamond Springs.
5:11 p.m. Deputies booked into jail
a 45-year-old woman on suspicion of obstruction on Suncrest Drive in Placerville. She was released on $5,000 bail.
6:28 p.m. Burglary reported on Coach Lane in Cameron Park.
10:23 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 45-year-old man on suspicion of hit-
not know if they started separately or were spot fires, that’s all up in the air right now,” Michel said.
Forward progress on both fires was stopped by 1:10 p.m.
Unconfirmed witness reports indicate two individuals were seen walking away from the area the fires started at around the time they began. The cause of the two fires is still under investigation, and firefighters continue to clear away brush and extinguish hot embers and debris as they work to achieve containment.
and-run on Quarry Road in Placerville. He was released on $2,000 bail.
11:41 p.m. Vandalism reported on Conrad Court in Cameron Park.
Sept. 28
8:58 a.m. Vandalism reported on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville.
10:07 a.m. California Highway Patrol
o cers booked into jail a 36-year-old man on suspicion of DUI on Forni Road. He was later released.
10:49 a.m. Vandalism reported on Country Club Drive in Cameron Park.
Noon. Vandalism reported on Green Valley Road in Placerville.
12:57 p.m. Grand theft reported on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.
2:28 p.m. Grand theft reported on Sierra Pines Road in Echo Lake.
9:28 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 58-year-old woman on suspicion of DUI on Pleasant Valley Road in Placerville. She was later released on $5,000 bail.
10:05 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 67-year-old man on suspicion of DUI and probation violation on China Garden Road in Placerville. He was released on $10,000 bail.
Sept. 29
1:11 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 64-year-old man on suspicion of probation violation on the El Dorado Trail. He was released on $10,000 bail.
3:28 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 30-year-old man on suspicion of vehicle theft and possession of unlawful paraphernalia on La Crescenta Drive in Cameron Park. He was released on $103,500 bail.
4:53
EDSO CRIME LOG
Odin Rasco Senior sta writer
Mountain Democrat photos by Odin Rasco
El Dorado County firefighters stand on the hillside near Lo-Hi Way and Forni Road as they extinguish one of two fires which sprang up near In-N-Out and Spirit Halloween Friday afternoon.
A firefighter douses a hot spot during the Friday firefight.
Silver Lake Dam redesign project contract expanded
Dawn Hodson Mountain Democrat correspondent
Replacing the Silver Lake Dam got an additional boost on Oct. 15 when the El Dorado Irrigation District Board of Directors approved a contract amendment with GEI Consultants Inc. for $424,720 for design, environmental and grant application work.
EID’s chief dam safety engineer John Kessler reported while 60% of the design work on the new dam has been completed, additional project components increased the project’s needed complexity analysis and design work.
Some of those additional project components include addressing details on foundation preparation and requiring zoned embankments at the abutments, constructing a customdesigned, multilevel building rather than a prefabricated building to house the primary low-level outlet equipment, modifying the spillway design from a stepped to a sloping chute
and adding physical security measures for safeguarding the dam and protecting public safety.
The dam itself comes with a pedigree that is part of this area’s history. Originally built by Francis A. Bishop and John Kirk, who began construction in 1871, it was completed by the El Dorado Water & Deep Gravel Mining Company in 1876.
Between 1928 and 1930, PG&E rebuilt Silver Lake Dam to its present size. In 1999 PG&E transferred ownership of the dam and a 20-megawatt powerhouse to EID along with 15,080 acrefeet of water rights as part of EID’s Federal Energy Regulatory licensed Project 184 hydroelectric project. That water is stored and released from four
Saturday fire destroys Pollock Pines building
Noel Stack
Editor
One person was burned and an outbuilding and vehicle were lost in a Saturday afternoon fire in Pollock Pines. El Dorado County Fire Protection District, assisted by Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit and U.S. Forest Service – Eldorado National Forest, responded to the 3:13 p.m. blaze near Jenkinson Lake and found a large outbuilding on fire immediately threatening a home.
“Firefighters were able to stop the flames from spreading into nearby wildland and to the adjacent home,” a EDCFPD social media post notes. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The injury reported was minor.
high-Sierra lakes and reservoirs including Silver Lake.
EID has to replace the dam because it no longer meets dam safety standards due to rotting interior logs, the failing gunite face of the dam and the inadequate capacity of its spillway.
Total project costs for the new dam are estimated at $50 million and are included in EID’s 2025-29 capital improvement plan.
Actual construction of the new dam is tentatively scheduled to begin in 202728. A future bond issuance will fund its construction. Funding for the recent contract amendment will come from water rates.
Cut a Christmas tree from your national forest
U.S Forest Service – Eldorado National Forest News release
Many families have a long tradition of searching for and cutting their own Christmas Tree. Whether you have been doing this for years or are looking to start a new holiday tradition with your family, visitors will have two opportunities to purchase a Christmas tree permit this season for the Eldorado National Forest.
• Online: Visitors can purchase a permit online through Recreation.gov on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 7 a.m. PST.
• In person: A limited number of permits will be available on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 8 a.m. PST, for visitors who walk-in to the Placerville, Georgetown and Amador Ranger district offices.
These permits are extremely popular and expected to sell out quickly on both dates. The details about appropriate cutting areas, dates, maps and the types of trees that may be cut can be found at recreation.gov/treepermits/eldorado. The permit fee is $10 for one Christmas tree with a one permit per household limit. Fourth graders can use their Every Kid Outdoors pass to obtain one free tree. To receive a EKO pass visit everykidoutdoors.gov and complete the application process.
“Any day you can be out enjoying your national forest is a great day,” said Forest Supervisor Amy Reid. “Being able to create lifelong memories with your family and connect with nature is a bonus.”
Did you know harvesting a Christmas tree (and creating a fun tradition while doing so) is one small way you can contribute to forest health? Overgrown areas of the forest benefit over time from thinning the small trees that tend to be the perfect size for Christmas trees. More space helps other trees grow larger and opens areas that provide food for wildlife.
To purchase an online Christmas Tree permit, visit Recreation.gov and search for Eldorado National Forest Christmas Tree Permits. It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. Visitors will also need to set up or login to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction.
DENTAL Insurance
DECISION 2024
Cameron Park board candidates share thoughts with voters
Malachi Parker Sta writer
The six candidates running for a seat on the Cameron Park Community Service District took center stage earlier this to partake in open discussion and answer questions brought forth by Cameron Park residents.
Sid Bazett, Tracy Doyle, JR Hichborn, Katie Gilchrest, Liz Gates and Barabra Rogers are running for two open seats on the CPCSD Board of Directors.
The main concerns and questions brought forth by residents were centered around the district’s budget, the ongoing fire services annexation with the El Dorado Hills Fire Department and not only fixing problems but maintaining a strong, vibrant CSD.
All candidates agreed stabilizing Cameron Park’s fire service is a top priority.
“I want to be a part of the annexation process and know what is going on with our fire protection,” said Rogers.
“We won’t know a final number with the budget until the fire annexation is settled and we know how much money (EDH Fire) could take with them,” candidate JR Hichborn said.
Candidates were asked, if they were elected, would they advise the board to revisit all fire services options.
recommendation of our counsel and the decision by the majority of the board was to go with El Dorado Hills at this time,” incumbent Bazett said.
“I would absolutely be going to revisit this because I don’t think any of us have enough of the facts to make a choice,” Doyle answered. “The district is hiding information from us and if we want to build trust again, it starts when stu like this stops.”
Even though the current board has made many budget cuts, a deficit remains totaling nearly $500,000. When the candidates were asked to present their ideas for fixing the budget, answers varied from immediate cuts to programs and sta hours to learning about community wants and needs for the community and contracting out services such as janitorial.
“Instead of asking, ‘How can we cut?’, can we get more people utilizing this space (community center) and bring revenue in,” Gates said.
“At a finance meeting last night (Oct. 8) the board was given six months of financial data. The board should be doing monthly reviews,” Gilchrest asserted. “Every program needs to be looked at, revenue versus expense, and if it can not stand on its own then we need to decide on if it should be cut.”
“We are fortunate to be surrounded by a lot of good fire services, yet the
If you missed the candidate forum and would like to watch go to the League of Women Voters YouTube page, youtu.be/4yM2jyG2O04?si=xI1 krii44UFpPPFt.
National Lead Poison Prevention Week has begun
News release
California Poison Control System wants you to know that ingesting lead, a toxic metal, is easier than most people think. A naturally occurring metal, lead can be found everywhere, making it easy for people and animals to get poisoned by it. That is why CPCS urges everyone to help observe National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, which runs Oct. 20-26.
“Lead poisoning can cause a variety of medical problems, including damage to the brain and nervous system. Exposure to lead can also cause behavioral issues and slow growth and development.
Because there are no known safe levels of lead, even a small amount of lead exposure is harmful. The CDC estimates that approximately 500,000 children in the United States have unsafe blood levels of lead. Lead exposure can occur by breathing in lead dust or ingesting contaminated food or water.
“Both adults and children are at risk of lead poisoning, but children are the most susceptible,” said Dr. Rais Vohra, medical director for the Fresno/Madera Division of CPCS. “Lead poisoning can cause a variety of medical problems, including damage to the brain and nervous system. Exposure to lead can also cause behavioral issues and slow growth and development. Some of the health problems caused by lead can cause long-term or permanent complications. Fortunately, early detection and intervention can lead to good outcomes when we parents and caregivers work with children’s pediatricians and doctors on the issue of childhood lead poisoning.”
— Dr. Rais Vohra
spices and pottery, as well as paint and glass used in older homes, old batteries or automotive parts and even water from old pipes. As the dangers presented by lead exposure have been recognized, e orts to phase it out have been undertaken. For example, lead in gasoline is no longer a danger to public health due to successful e orts to eliminate this source of lead poisoning. To continue to help combat the dangers of environmental lead exposure, federal o cials have recently mandated the removal of all lead pipes within the next decade
Tips to prevent lead poisoning
• Supervise children. Children often accidentally ingest lead dust because they touch, breathe or swallow sources that may contain lead. For example, putting dirt or toys — imported ones often can contain lead — in their mouth.
• Clean toys with soap and water before giving them to children.
• Make sure you teach your children to wash their hands often with soap and water. You should make a practice of doing it, too.
• Get rid of all recalled toys. Stay up-to-date on current recalls by checking the Consumer Product Safety Commission website, cpsc.gov
• Be mindful of imported spices, candy or pottery, all of which have been linked to high lead levels. For more information visit cdc.gov/leadprevention/about/index.html.
Although lead is toxic to human and animal health, it has been used in many products that people come into daily contact with, including imported
If you have questions, call the CPCS 24-hour hotline at 1-800-2221222. For more information about lead poisoning visit calpoison.org/ about-lead-poisoning.
Drug take back scheduled Saturday
News release
The El Dorado County Sheri ’s
O ce is once again participating in the DEA National Drug Take Back event, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. Sheri ’s deputies will be at the following locations:
• El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville
• Cameron Park Substation, 3334
Coach Lane
• Georgetown Substation, 6101
Front St.
• El Dorado County Fire Protection District - Station 17, 6430 Pony Express Trail, Pollock Pines Deputies will be present on the premises to gather any surplus prescription medication that requires safe disposal. Please note that no illicit substances, including but not limited to marijuana and methamphetamine, will be accepted during the collection process. Moreover, to avoid potential hazards posed by blood-borne pathogens, intravenous solutions, injectables and syringes will not be accepted.
Partnerships prevail in preserving the historical Hellman-Ehman Mansion
News release
TAHOMA — California State Park maintenance staff from across the state gathered in September for a training class on historical roof repair and plaster restoration at Sugar Pine Point State Park. The goal of the class was two parts: restoring a historical landmark and teaching the next generation of skilled restoration professionals.
The HellmanEhrman Mansion also known as Pine Lodge, built in 1903, was the grand but informal summer home for San Francisco businessman I.W. Hellman and his family. Pine Lodge was considered one of the finest in the High Sierra in design and amenities — equipped with the best modern utility systems, including electric lights and complete indoor plumbing.
The Pine Lodge porch ceiling has a unique pebble dash plaster treatment that has suffered during its 120 years of exposure to
harsh Sierra winters.
The century-plus of freeze and thaw cycles has caused the roof to leak and the plaster to detach. The class covered plaster
applications that follow historical techniques and lime plaster.
Restoration projects take a long time to complete and this project was made
possible thanks to the generosity of Sierra State Parks Foundation donors and funding from Prop. 68. The foundation donated $60,000 for these major
repairs to be completed at the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion at Sugar Pine Point State Park. This project included installing a new roof with fire-resistant shingles, repointing the mason work and replacing the entire lakeside porch.
Not only is the project a great example of a private-public partnership to preserve and enhance one of Tahoe’s historical treasures, but it also served as a training class on historical roof repair and plaster restoration. The California State Parks Historical Structure Maintenance Skills Class travels throughout the state training the next generation of skilled restoration professionals while completing needed projects statewide.
Donations to the Sierra State Parks Foundation make projects like this possible and keep our local Lake Tahoe-Donner region parks open for all to enjoy.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as
State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and OffHighway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.
The Sierra State Parks Foundation believes the Lake Tahoe and Truckee area California State Parks are unique treasures worthy of support. The organization funds projects and programming that connect people with the rich natural resources and cultural heritage. Because of its work and advocacy, valuable State Parks will continue to be places of inspiration and education for generations to come. For more information visit SierraStateParks.org.
Funding available for wildfire and forest health research
Cal Fire News release
SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has announced the availability of $4 million in funding for Forest Health Research grants. Cal Fire is soliciting researchers to contribute groundbreaking work in forest health and wildland fire science, tackling the challenges that are critical to the future of California’s forests and communities.
These grants will support research that directly benefits landowners, resource agencies, fire management organizations and decision-makers throughout the state. Cal Fire is seeking innovative proposals that not only generate new knowledge but also develop practical tools and solutions that can make a real impact on forest health and wildfire resilience.
Previously funded research includes a diverse range of projects, from exploring how fuel treatments on public lands affect private landowners to improving our understanding of fire severity in reburned areas using
cutting-edge tools like lidar.
This year, Cal Fire is placing a special emphasis on refining methods for cost-benefit analyses of forest treatments, ensuring that strategies are as effective and efficient as possible.
Forest Health Research Grants Program
The call for concept proposals has opened. Proposals are due no later than 3 p.m. on Nov. 14.
A public virtual workshop and applicant office hours will be held during the open application period.
Please check the Forest Health Research Grants web pages for dates, times, and locations. The workshop will be recorded and made available on the program web page.
This program is designed to complement the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force Action Plan, the 2018 Strategic Fire Plan for California and the Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy, which propose to protect lives, property, and
Good conditions predicted for quail and chukar hunting
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife anticipates good hunting for quail and chukar in 2024-25 as the statewide seasons for both opened Saturday, Oct. 19, and run concurrently through Jan. 26. California has three native species of quail — the California quail, the mountain quail and the Gambel’s quail. Every county in California is home to at least one of these species. The state is divided into three quail hunt zones. For the general hunt seasons, Zone 1 opened for mountain quail Sept. 14, and Zone 2 opened for both mountain and California quail on Sept. 28. On Oct. 19, all species of quail opened to hunting statewide. Hunters may take up to 10 quail per day in any species combination.
Quail and chukar populations boom and bust with rainfall among other factors. Rain supports the insect populations critical for young birds and the growth of plants common to the diet of quail and chukar such as lupine, clover, chickweed, filaree and fiddleneck.
The winter of 2023-24 had normal or above normal rainfall throughout most of the state resulting in
favorable reproductive conditions.
Timing is critical as spring rains can chill chicks from an early hatch, leading to mortality, but also promote plant growth and boost insect populations necessary for the chicks’ diet.
Quail populations may also have benefitted from recent wildfires that clear dense vegetation, promote grass and forb growth and bare areas for foraging. Large, intense wildfires are less beneficial than small-scale, low-intensity fires that open up the understory, set the plant succession back and create a mosaic of edge habitat.
Chukar are native to the mountainous regions of Asia and the Middle East. They were introduced into California into the 1930s and have carved out an existence in the habitat that most closely resembles their homeland — the remote, arid, rocky, steep slopes along the eastern edge of California stretching from the high desert plains of Modoc and Lassen counties south into the Mojave Desert and Death Valley.
Hunters who are fit, accompanied by good dogs or otherwise lucky enough may take six chukar per day.
n See HUNTING, page A9
resources of California and increase the ability of the natural and working lands to survive and mitigate the effects of climate change.
The Forest Health Research Grant Program is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-and-trade
dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities. For more information and to sign up for grant email announcements visit fire.ca.gov/grants.
Courtesy photo
California State Park maintenance staff from across the state gathered for a training class on historical roof repair and plaster restoration at Sugar Pine Point State Park.
OPINION
California Matters
How much would it cost to end homelessness?
Try more than $100 billion
Multiple state agencies spent nearly $24 billion on housing and homeless programs in the first five years of Gavin Newsom’s governorship, but the number of people without homes continued to grow, rising by 20% to more than 180,000 in the most recent federal count in 2023.
State Auditor Grant Parks cited stunning level of spending this year in a sharply worded report, concluding that the California Interagency Council on Homelessness, Newsom’s umbrella agency that’s supposed to coordinate and track state programs, has utterly failed to do so.
Parks said the agency “has not aligned its action plan for addressing homelessness with its statutory goals, nor has it ensured that it collects accurate, complete and comparable financial and outcome information from homelessness programs. Until Cal ICH takes these critical steps, the state will lack up-to-date information that it can use to make data-driven policy decisions on how to e ectively reduce homelessness.”
City and county governments have spent additional billions of dollars on homelessness, which stands at the top of the list of worrisome issues continuously cited by California voters in polls. If spending of that magnitude — probably $30 billion-plus by now — has not made noteworthy progress on reducing homelessness, one must wonder how much it would cost to provide shelter and necessary support services for every homeless person in the state. No one in Newsom’s administration or the Legislature has ventured into that analytical territory. As Parks says, state o cials don’t even know how well their current programs are working and until they do the state cannot chart a comprehensive and realistic plan for ultimate success.
Nevertheless, a report presented to the Los Angeles City Council by the city’s homelessness services agency gives us a rough idea of what it would cost and it’s a truly stunning number, something north of $100 billion or more than $500,000 for each homeless person.
Los Angeles has a quarter of the state’s homeless
■ See WALTERS, page A7
Kiley’s Corner
Richard B. Esposito Publisher
Stack Editor
Letters to the Editor
Passing the torch
EDITOR:
After nearly 24 years on the El Dorado Irrigation District Board of Directors I decided to complete my last term and bring on new, younger members to oversee EID.
We need to have directors who understand agricultures importance to El Dorado County’s rural environment and the need to replace EID’s old infrastructure. Much of it is 50-plus years old and failing.
I strongly endorse Paul Penn for Division 1 and Charles “Chuck” Mansfield for Division 3. Both of these gentlemen have a wide array of knowledge of EID’s need to protect our agricultural base and need to diligently replace EID old infrastructure.
GEORGE OSBORNE Camino
Katie Gilchrest has my
vote
EDITOR:
KI am very concerned about the current decisions being made within the Cameron Park CSD concerning its fire operations. These decisions would not only adversely a ect Cameron Park residents but also neighboring communities like Rescue and Shingle Springs.
It is my personal opinion that Katie shares this concern and her priority will be to fight to keep Station 88 open and to conduct financial forensics to identify and address the systemic financial issues.
Katie brings the talent and experience needed to identify and bring forward solutions. She shares with me that public safety must be the No. 1 priority and keeping Station 88 open is crucial. Katie will continue the emphasis on defensible space by 1. working with BLM and the Greater Cameron Park Fire Safe Council to expand the fire line around the Pinehill preserve from 100 to 200 feet and 2. to encourage residents to establish Firewise Communities. Firewise communities are an excellent way to decrease fire risk.
atie Gilchrest is running for the Cameron Park Community Service District Board of Directors. As a Greater Cameron Park Fire Safe Council board member and the chair of the Sierrama Firewise Community in Shingle Springs,
Besides fire, Katie brings the fiscal capability to conduct a thorough analysis of the recreational side of the CSD to find ways to increase revenue while reducing costs. Katie has my full support. She would make an excellent addition to the
Our Lake Tahoe is a natural treasure worth protecting
As the congressman for California’s 3rd Congressional District, I have the privilege of representing one of the most beautiful congressional districts in the entire country. It includes Death Valley, much of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Mammoth Lakes and the breathtaking Lake Tahoe, a natural wonder without peer.
Californians consider ending homelessness, particularly the proliferation of squalid encampments, to be a very high priority. But are they willing to spend the big bucks to get it done …? ...
KEVIN KILEY
One of my highest priorities for my first term was to ensure these areas are protected for future generations. Since coming to Congress in 2023, I have worked with state and local leaders to pass the Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act. There was a real urgency to the bill since the program was set to expire at
the end of September. The original Lake Tahoe Restoration Act was passed in 2000 and authorized $300 million for the restoration of the lake and surrounding basin. Over the last 23 years, funds have gone to more than 700 projects in the Tahoe Basin and Lake Tahoe’s waters are the clearest they’ve been since the ’80s. And brighter days are coming. This new law will unlock nearly $300 million for conservation e orts across the basin and will catalyze hundreds of millions more, all for our beloved Tahoe.
In addition to my work on the Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act, we have also passed bipartisan legislation funding nearly $6 million for various projects across the basin
including improving critical water infrastructure, resources for first responders and a ordable housing. The extension of the LTRA is a triumph. Not just for the community and all who come here, but for common sense. It is a triumph of bipartisanship and shows that when good people come together around a shared goal that good things can happen. In that sense, this law is a beacon for how things should be — a Congress where representatives and senators work across party and state lines for the good of the community.
I am so grateful to everyone who shares that vision — who is joined in our common commitment — to
a Tahoe that will continue to dazzle for generations to come. I especially extend a big California thank you to Sen. Cortez Masto along with Representative Amodei and Sen. Rosen, and our own Sens. Butler and Padilla for their leadership on this initiative. Protecting Tahoe is a responsibility for all of us. At the same time, it is an opportunity to forge new partnerships, to form habits of cooperation and collaboration as we work to protect a precious resource and build a better future together. Congressman Kevin Kiley represents California’s 3rd District in the House of Representatives.
DAN WALTERS
GINA POSEY Shingle Springs
Prop. 5 concerns
EDITOR:
If you are impressed with Proposition 5’s warm and fuzzy rhetoric and get to the end of the verbiage, beware. The real information is who endorses the proposition. No. 1 is the California Democrat Party — the party that destroyed the Golden State, the party of designated sanctuary locations, etc.
Go further and you will see who sponsored the proposition — The wife of Mark Zuckerberg, Pricilla Chan, whose money is financing the advertising campaign of Prop. 5. In my mind, these are two reasons to vote no on Proposition 5.
BOB RUTTER Fair Play
Wrong priorities
EDITOR:
The open borders have brought many problems to the USA. One of the largest of these problems is the movement of illegal drugs into America, causing drug overdose deaths.
The Centers for Disease Control lists 218,564
illegal drug overdose deaths for the combined years of 2022-23. This number means the people of the United States su er about 299 deaths per day of family members and friends.
Sometimes we need a comparison to get to see how big the problem really is; try these facts on for size. In World War II the U.S. military had about 292,000 combat deaths and 407,300 total military deaths during 1,360 days of war. This works out the 214 per day KIA and 297 total killed per day. The Axis powers — Germany, Italy and Japan — paid a tremendous price in manufacturing, technology, treasure and the blood of their people to ultimately lose and still managed to kill 297 Americans per day.
On the other hand, China and the Mexican Cartels (if also not the Mexican government) are able to kill more of our people with illegal drugs per day and make a huge profit.
Instead of working on closing the border and shutting down the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S., the liberals chose to ignore these overdose deaths and, instead, demand a ban on assault weapons (whatever they are). For the last year of complete FBI statistics, 2022, total rifle homicides totaled 541 people or about 1.5 people per day.
Where are their priorities?
Has not the time come for us to lock down our borders and to harshly punish those transporting and selling illegal drugs?
JACK PARSONS Rescue
Walters Continued from A6 population, about 45,000, and the sta report calculated that it would cost $2.2 billion a year for 10 years, of the city’s own funds and support from federal, state and county governments, to build enough housing for everyone now on city streets and expected to become homeless during the decade.
To make it happen, the report says, the city would have to increase its spending from the current $1.4 billion over 10 years to $4.7 billion and garner matching increases of $2.5 billion from the county, $3.7 billion from the state and $3.3 billion from the federal government for housing, plus another $3.7 billion from the county for 9,000 additional “higher level of care” beds.
Margot Kushel, a professor of medicine at UC San Francisco and director of the school’s Benio Homelessness and Housing Initiative, told the Los Angeles Times that the report’s figures appear to be a realistic cost to “counteract decades of starved funding” for low-income housing and social services.
“In some ways, it’s an eye-popping dollar amount,” Kushel said. “In other ways, it doesn’t seem that eye-popping to me for the scale of the problem.”
Projecting the report’s estimates to the entire state, California would have to commit about $10 billion a year for a decade — and that’s just for housing. The social and medical services that are vital to prevent newly housed people from once again dropping out would cost many billions more.
Californians consider ending homelessness, particularly the proliferation of squalid encampments, to be a very high priority. But are they willing to spend the big bucks to get it done, and are their elected o cials willing to divert the funds from other programs, or raise taxes, that a successful program would require?
Dan Walters is a journalist and author who writes for CALmatters.org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.
Announcements
AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 3342970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot.com
AMERICAN ASSOC. OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN Foothills of EDC Branch. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science and Math Camp Scholarships, programs & interest groups. Leave voicemail for Laurel (530) 417-7737 or Sara (530) 4177138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net
AMERICAN LEGION POST 119 welcomes Veterans and guests to attend our monthly membership dinner and meeting the rst Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM. Legionpost119.org
El DORADO COUNTY AMATEUR
RADIO CLUB Dedicated to all aspects of ham radio. Meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at the El Dorado Sheri ’s o ce, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net
PLAY CRIBBAGE
Join the Gold Country Cribbers 916-212-2465 or 916-768-4452. We Play - We Teach - We Have Fun. Wednesdays 4:00 PM. Gilmore Senior Center 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA Struggling with life? CELEBRATE RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/ DEMOCRATS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Call (530)391-6414 or see edcdems.org for more information.
GOLD RUSH CHORUS now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing four-part
harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or Kent (530) 651-3575
HANGTOWN WOMEN’S TENNIS CLUB. Come play tennis for fun and friendship. Meet at El Dorado High School, Acacia Street, Placerville, Wed 9 AM – 11 AM. (June - Aug 8 AM –10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Cindy 805-540-8654. MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant on Fair Lane in Placerville at 10:00 am. Addiction or Relationship problem? Call 530 231-7728 our free counseling can help you. Positive Realism, 3430 Robin Ln., Cameron Park. Meet rst and third Wednesday of every month, 7pm. Come and have a paid lunch with the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) for CalPERS retirees and spouses. The meetings are held at 11:30AM on May 20, July 15, September 16, November 18,2024 at Denny’s (3446 Coach Lane) Cameron Park. Call 530 919 7515 for programs and information.
SENIOR PEER COUNSELING Seniors 55 and over who are grieving, depressed or having issues related to aging can meet one-on-one with a caring senior, professionally supervised and trained to listen and encourage. Call (530)621-6304 to leave a message and get started.
TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION OF EL DORADO COUNTY Our mission is to educate the public on tax issues that a ect them. Our meetings are held every Monday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at Denny’s Restaurant, Fair Lane Drive, Placerville. Meetings are open to the public. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a non-partisan organization.
Cameron Park CSD board. Vote for Katie Gilchrest on Nov. 5.
Bruins’ ship rocked at Friday night game
Malachi Parker Staff writer
The woes and losses continue to roll in for the Ponderosa Bruins as they dropped their third game in the last four contests, with a 17-6 loss to the Rio Americano Raiders.
The lone score for the Bruins came on a catch-and-run from junior receiver Ben Bailey, who provided a bright spot in a rather dull offensive performance for the Bruins.
The Bruins had several self-inflicted wounds as they committed three turnovers that killed drives just as they were building momentum. Two fumbles by running backs and then a late game interception sealed the loss.
The Bruins, after their 4-0 start, now fall to 5-3 overall and 1-3 in league play. With only two league
games left in the season, the Bruins will look to regain their stride when they go on the road to play Vista Del Lago on Friday, Oct. 25.
Football Roundup
Oak Ridge 71, Davis Sr. 0 —
After their lone loss in league play to Folsom a couple weeks ago, the Trojans responded by winning their last two games by a total score of 94-3. The Trojans were firing on all cylinders, scoring in all three phases of the game for the second time this season when they faced Davis Sr. Oct. 18. The Trojans scored on offense, defense with an interception return and on special team with a kickoff and punt both returned for touchdowns.
The Trojans made quick work of a struggling Davis team that only
has one win in the season. Trojans improve to 4-4 overall and 4-1 in league play. They host the Whitney Wildcats Friday, Oct. 25, as they look to continue their winning ways the final two weeks of league play.
El Dorado 45, Rosemont 34 —
Another week in a high-scoring battle ended with the El Dorado Cougars coming out on top this time. The Cougars game earlier against Liberty Ranch had a total of 93 points between the team, and last week, 79 points between the Cougars and Wolverines. Senior quarterback Jason Wilson made work of the Wolverines defense in the second half as he contributed four total touchdowns, two rushing and two passing. His final rushing touchdown with roughly two
minutes left in the game sealed the win for the Cougars.
The Cougars improve to 4-4 overall and 3-2 in league play. The Cougars will look to keep the offense hot when they host Amador Friday, Oct. 25.
Union Mine 35, Amador-10 —
The Diamondbacks return to their winning ways after their loss to Bradshaw Christian the week before, and continue to win big. The Diamondbacks improve to 6-2 overall and 4-1 in league play, which is good enough to have them sitting in second place in the Sierra Valley Conference.
The Diamondbacks will host Galt on Friday, Oct. 25. Galt is coming off a close 21-17 loss to Argonaut. The Diamondbacks will look to avoid the trap game and earn another victory.
Oak Ridge cross country athletes run for bears
Rob Fairley Oak Ridge High School
The Oak Ridge High School cross country athletes had a blast competing in the Grizzly 3200 on Oct. 19 at Granite Bay High School. Twenty-two teams participated in the meet that hosted 20 races (13 boys’ races and seven girls’ races).
Athletes were placed in races according to their times in a 3200, during which several Oak Ridge athletes obtained a personal record. Racing conditions were ideal with no wind and cool temperatures in the morning and mild temperatures in the afternoon.
The first-place finishers in each race received a teddy bear. Oak Ridge had nine athletes win a race and quite a few Trojans placed in the top three in their race, which put them on the podium.
Senior Addie Clinton and junior Oscar Carrillo got things started with a bang for the Oak Ridge cross country athletes. Addie had a strong performance in the fastest girls’ race. She looked terrific throughout the entire 3200 meter race and placed first with a huge personal record of 10:52.89. Addie had the fastest time for the girls at the meet and her time was the seventh fastest alltime for Oak Ridge. Oscar raced very strong in the second fastest boys’ race to win it with a significant personal record of 9:39.50. He had the ninth fastest time for the boys at the meet and the 11th fastest all-time for Oak Ridge.
Oak Ridge’s teddy bear winners
Addie Clinton, senior, 10:52.9
Marea Deckmann, junior, first high school race, 14:12.41
Oscar Carrillo, junior, 9:39.50
Thomas Capelli, junior, 9:48.42
Ben Gutierrez, freshman, 10:34.55
Linden Pike, sophomore, 10:37.55
Charley Fryer, sophomore, 11:52.01
Rocco Danielson, sophomore, 11:55.33
The next meet for the Oak Ridge cross country team is the Sierra Foothill League Championships at William Jessup University on Saturday, Nov. 2.
Mountain Democrat photos by Malachi Parker
Ponderosa receiver Ben Bailey, left photo, lunges into the end zone for the Bruins lone score Friday night against Rio Americano. Senior running back Marshall Alvernaz, right photo, looks to turn the corner after taking a handoff.
Courtesy photo
Trojan teddy bear winners are, from left, Charley Fryer, Connor Kipf, Addie Clinton, Marea Deckmann, Ben Gutierrez, Rocco Danielson, Oscar Carrillo, Thomas Capelli and Linden Pike.
Quail hunting season has begun in California.
Hunting Continued from A5
CDFW is expanding the deployment of wing collection barrels this year on CDFW managed lands. Over 30 barrels have been deployed and CDFW is asking for hunter help in collecting wings of all game birds. This information provides critical demographic information and allows CDFW to monitor productivity and contributes to a genetic library.
In addition to a valid California hunting license, an upland game bird validation is required for hunting quail and chukar and all migratory and resident upland game birds in California. The money generated from validation/stamp sales is dedicated to upland game bird-related conservation projects, education, hunting opportunities and outreach.
CDFW sells more than 130,000 upland game bird validations annually. Any individual who purchases an upland game bird validation may request a free collectible stamp by visiting wildlife. ca.gov/licensing/collector-stamps.
Shelter Continued from A1
approved.
But residents and o cials showed up in force, opposed to the plan and irate that CSD o cials places the item on the board’s consent calendar as many had no idea such an agreement was in the works.
Safety concerns, as the overnight shelter would have been located near a library, schools and other venues used by families and youth, topped complaints heard at last week’s meeting
“Right next to the library and two public schools is the wrong place for an emergency housing shelter,” said Cameron park resident and El Dorado County Auditor-Controller Joe Harn.
Housing El Dorado program
For collectors who do not purchase a hunting license or upland game bird validation, or for hunters who wish to purchase additional collectible stamps, an order form is also available on the website. In addition to public hunting opportunities available on many CDFW wildlife areas and some ecological reserves, CDFW o ers a number of special quail and chukar hunts throughout the season along with private land opportunities through the SHARE Program. For more information on hunt seasons and other regulations, visit CDFW’s Upland Game Bird Hunting webpage. As a reminder, only nonlead ammunition may be used when hunting quail, chukar or any other species with a firearm in California. Hunters are strongly advised to check in advance for any wildfirerelated or other closures at their favorite hunting areas. CDFW’s Emergency Closures webpage lists closures and restrictions at CDFW lands and facilities.
coordinator Nichole Paine answered questions and addressed concerns raised by the board and residents at last Wednesday’s meeting, at which the board decided to continue the item.
However, a second meeting became moot when on Oct. 21 Paine sent a letter to the CPCSD withdrawing its request.
“While we have heard the concerns voiced by some individuals at the Oct. 16 CPCSD (board) meeting, we are sure that our program and sta have addressed those concerns,” Paine’s letter reads. “Nevertheless, our goal is to unite people and work collaboratively — not to cause heartache for you or your constituents.”
Christmas Trees Continued from A3
Christmas Tree Cutting Area maps are available online showing the permissible areas of the forest where visitors can find and cut their special tree. Several wildfire areas are excluded from Christmas Tree cutting including this year’s Crozier Fire area, Mosquito
Crime log Continued from A2
10:53 a.m.
Fire area and the Caldor Fire area, including national forest lands along Mormon Emigrant Trail, Silver Fork Road and North-South Road. Portions of the King Fire area are also closed to give seedlings a chance to grow and allow forests to reestablish.
SUDOKU
Pines.
in
6:57 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 45-year-old man on suspicion of DUI on Apple Vista Lane in Camino. He was listed in custody in lieu of $200,000 bail.
Oct. 1
12:57 a.m. Trespassing reported on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.
10:18 a.m. Grand theft reported on Mother Lode Drive in Placerville.
1:21 p.m. Deputies booked into jail
9:07 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 31-year-old woman on suspicion of two counts of possession of a controlled substance on Main Street in Placerville. She was listed in custody in lieu of $50,000 bail.
a 37-year-old man on suspicion of a parole violation on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville. He was listed in custody.
Oct. 2
8:40 a.m. Burglary reported on Green Valley Road in El Dorado Hills.
10:23 a.m. Burglary reported on Greenview Drive in El Dorado Hills. 10:52 a.m. Battery reported on Ponderosa Road in Shingle Springs.
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The reason you’ll be given more responsibilities? They believe you can handle it. And since each task you complete adds to your strength and power, this is a trend that will continue. Pace yourself.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). The one who hears your ideas and takes a playful approach to nding out what’s brilliant and what’s weak about them is worth more than gold. Sharing with a person like this will guide you to invest your time and energy in the best direction.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). In the past, a vague desire led you to scattered e orts. You learned from that, and now you approach an ambition with precision and detail. Your focused approach helps you get crystal clear about your goal.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). In the game, the game is all that matters. Out of the game, life matters, and the game is just a game. The trick is in knowing when you’re in the game. Many “games” look like life, and sometimes “life” presents like a game.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Comfort is loose clothes and
tight relationships. Of course, there’s a point when things are too comfortable, and then they get messy. So there’s a certain amount of tension to maintain to keep things cozy, not messy.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Formality will ease into something more casual, which is a good sign -- it means they like you. Let your emotions breathe. You’ll nd that the mess of feelings is where true connection happens -- real, raw and relatable.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). It’s
SHOE by
MacNelly ■ TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter
■ RUBES by Leigh Rubin ■ SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly
CDFW photo by Travis VanZant
The Horse Resource
A Haven for People and Horses
holistic approach to emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. These once abused and discarded horses are assisting in Equine-Assisted Learning/Therapy to help transform the lives of people. Journey to the Heart provides programs to help give women a safe place and provide emotional healing.
STONE HOUSE RANCH - OPEN
Join us for an open barn event at the Stone House Ranch! Meet the horses, watch demonstrations and listen to talks from our guest speakers. is event is designed to be educational and fun, regardless of your age or equine knowledge. Activities for the kids, shopping opportunities, educational talks, and more! Lunch will be provided by Cool Country Drill Team.
We Look forward to introducing you to the team, as well as other local small business! e Stone House Ranch is excited to provide this opportunity to bring the community fr a fun day to meet locals and support local!
NEWS, IN THE KNOW
Oct. 23
The El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce will host a blood drive in memory of Deputy Brian Ishmael, 1-6:30 p.m. at the EDSO Public Safety Facility, 200 Industrial Way in Placerville. Make an appointment at donors. vitalant.org and enter blood drive code SMFE332 or call (877) 258-4825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows.
The
Oct.
Witch, don’t kill my vibe Theatre at the Mine presents ‘The Crucible’
(530) 677-8000 or visit sscpchamber.org.
Oct. 25
The Gold Rush Classic Hog Show will be held at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds Oct. 25-27. For more information, go to eldoradocountyfair.org.
El Dorado Hills Bowmen is hosting its annual free family archery event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at El Dorado Hills Bowman Archery Range, 3321 El Dorado Hills Blvd. There will be Halloween themed targets, treats and a youth costume contest and hot dogs and chips after the shoot for all participants. For more information go to ElDoradoHillsBowmen.com.
Enjoy Trick or Treating at Burke Junction is from 4-7 p.m. Wear a costume and get lots of candy at this free family event. There will be free kids crafts. Join the costume parade at 6:30 p.m.
Trunk-or-Treat and a Scarecrow Contest will be held 4:30-7 p.m. in the El Dorado Hills CSD parking lot; music and food trucks will also be present. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.
Odin Rasco Senior sta writer
As Halloween draws nigh, Theatre at the Mine is poised to tell a tale where witches are far less monstrous than a village driven to the peak of paranoia as they ravenously try to hunt down any sign of heresy.
Union Mine High School theater students are tackling one of the toughest scripts they’ve seen, replete with Puritan prose and prosody, as they take on Arthur Miller’s classic “The Crucible” for their fall play. Though a challenge, the students are putting in their all to bring the story to life, and invite viewers to watch one of the grimmest stories they’ve put on in years.
“We’re all really excited for this one,” said senior Sammy McDaniel, who plays Abigail Williams. “It’s our first really dark show we’ve done since at least ‘Heathers,’ and we’ve really worked to make sure we do it right.”
For UMHS theatre teacher Heather Freer, the show is the opportunity to cross o a box long left unchecked in her career.
“My first play was 50 years ago; in all that time, I have never seen “The Crucible” on stage,” Freer remarked. “It’s such a joy to bring Arthur Miller’s words to life. It’s heavy
and it’s dark, and for a long time I thought my students wouldn’t be interested. But, when I mentioned wanting to do it at the end of last year, they were so enthusiastic; I was shocked.”
Miller’s play explores the fanatical hysteria that consumed the settlement of
Salem, Mass. in 1692 that resulted in the now-famous witch trials. Many of the early accusers and accused in the trials were teenage girls who would later in life admit to lying when making their accusations. Written by Miller in the 1950s in the midst of America’s e orts to root out
communism and suspected sympathizers through Hollywood blacklisting and a string of accusations made by Sen. Joseph McCarthy, “The Crucible” was a timely reminder where the ends unchecked mass hysteria could
Mountain Democrat photos by Odin Rasco
A circle of girls from the town of Salem dance in a ring, a carefree moment that sets the grim events of Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” into action. Union Mine High School’s theater department will perform the classic play for the next two weekends.
Reverend Samuel Parris (Brody Blumberg) anguishes with worry over his ill daughter Betty (Trinity Work) and fears he has seen a witch ritual in the woods. ■
GROW FOR IT!
Why raise worms for your garden?
WSusan CoreyMcAlpine
UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County
orm composting, or vermiculture, adds important nutrients to and suppresses pathogens in your soil, uses organic kitchen waste and discarded paper which reduces your garbage output and creates a more ecologically-sound and less expensive garden by eliminating the need for commercial fertilizers and other additives which end up in water runoff. You won’t have to arduously measure worm castings, the end product of worm digestion, as the castings are not “hot” and can be harvested fresh from the bin. And it’s a fascinating science experiment.
Eisenia fetida, commonly called red wiggler, is the compost worm of choice. It lives up to five years and reproduces quickly. They ingest and breakdown un-decomposed garden litter and aerate compacted garden soil through their movement. Let’s examine how to raise them.
How to start? House your worms in a “starter bin,” like the OSCR bin. You can build your own with instructions at Building an OSCR Worm
There are also several types of worm bins that can be purchased. A worm bin can be stored indoors in a kitchen or pantry or outdoors in a protected space. My bins are in a brick under-house space, screened with hardware cloth.
Worms are fed kitchen scraps, specifically fruits, vegetables and coffee grounds spread over shredded paper bedding which can include newsprint, torn paper plates and old bills. Envelopes with the plastic window should be removed. The ratio of food, classified as “greens,” to bedding, classified as “browns” should be 25% green to 75% browns.
Do not use dairy products, citrus, meat, oils or grease as worm food. You should keep bedding moist like a wrung-out sponge by spraying it with water, sparingly. The food waste and worm activity will add overall moisture to the bin. You’ll find that proper balance of worms/food/bedding will eliminate the possibility of smelly bins. When my worms run out of bin room, it’s time to harvest the rich, black vermicompost they produce and move excess worms back to my compost bins. I wear rubber gloves as I am handling fresh castings. Choose a time when the outdoors resembles the bin temperature and use a flat wire sieve to carefully separate worms from vermicompost. Free-range worms can live in a 50-degree to 80-degree range outdoors, protected from winter cold, drenching rain or summer heat. They will thrive with aeration by gently turning compost and adding straw or leaves and by adding moisture from a garden hose. They prefer a spritzing, not soaking, to the top layer of compost. Be sure to monitor the bin weekly. Healthy worms will now happily start recycling your oak leaves, kitchen scraps and coffee grounds. Research shows an additional benefit to worm composting is that vermicompost in soil suppresses overwintering, mobile spores of the soil borne pathogen Pythium aphanidermatum. This pathogen causes seedlings to “damp off” or wither, shortly after germination. And that’s above and beyond the wonderful nutrition worm castings add to your new and improved garden soil. For further reading
Learn about Medicare options during virtual presentation
A free, one-hour virtual workshop to help Medicare recipients understand drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans available in El Dorado County in 2025 is scheduled 9:30-10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25. The workshop is open to the public and will be held via Zoom. A one-hour question and answer period will follow the workshop. The workshop is presented by the El Dorado County Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program.
“This important workshop focuses on Medicare options available to El Dorado County residents in 2025 and prepares individuals for Medicare’s open enrollment period, Oct. 15 through Dec. 7,” said Rhoda Slagle, regional coordinator for HICAP.
“Research shows that people who review their plan choices each year can reduce prescription drug costs by switching to a different Part D drug plan.
“Each year Medicare drug plans can and do change the list of covered drugs or the price of drugs. A major change in 2025 will be a new $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket Medicare drug costs. Drug plans can accommodate this change in various ways such as higher annual premium costs, higher deductibles and/or higher copays for some drugs,” she continued.
The Medicare enrollment period is one of the few times Medicare beneficiaries can change, enroll into, or dis-enroll from a Medicare Part D drug plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan (such as an HMO). If changing plans, enrollment in the new plan will
take effect Jan. 1, 2025.
The workshop is offered as a webinar with slides. No registration is required. Individuals may access the online workshop at HICAPservices. net/events. Those with limited computer access may attend on Oct. 25 via workshop-watch-parties at the Placerville Senior Center, Placerville Library, Georgetown Library or South Lake Tahoe Library. Individuals may also listen by telephone (audio only) (669) 900-6833, meeting code: 852 1209 9714 and passcode: 450253 (long distance rates might apply). After the workshop, a recording of it will be available at HICAPservices. net/events.
HICAP can help Medicare beneficiaries review either their Part D drug plan choices or their Medicare Advantage Plan choices
for 2025. To receive assistance, El Dorado County residents can pick up and return to the Placerville Senior Center a completed HICAP/ Medicare Worksheet for 2025. HICAP Medicare Worksheets are available at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, the Placerville Senior Center and South Lake Tahoe Senior Center during open enrollment. Worksheets can also be requested at public libraries in El Dorado County or by calling El Dorado HICAP at (530) 621-6169. HICAP provides free, unbiased, individual counseling about Medicare to residents of El Dorado County. HICAP is a nonprofit and is not affiliated with insurance carriers or products. The program works in partnership with Older Adult Programs of the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency.
Donations from 2024 American Century Championship grow
release
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — An additional $75,000 was distributed to 26 area nonprofit organizations during the recent Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority board meeting as a result of the 35th annual American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament, raising the 2024 local donations total to $124,000. During this year’s tournament, NBC memorialized long time participant Tim Wakefield and his wife, Stacy, who both passed from cancer within five months in late 2023 and early 2024, announcing an ongoing pledge of $10,000 in their names to support the new South Tahoe Recreation & Aquatic Center. Title sponsor American Century Investments immediately matched the gift. Following the news, Harrah’s/Harveys Caesars Entertainment also made a $10,000 contribution, totaling $30,000. (For information regarding contributions visit SouthTahoeParksFoundation. org.) The tournament also donated $10,000 for the annual Gene Upshaw Scholarship Award to a student from Lake Tahoe Community College; and $9,000 to the South Lake Tahoe High School Football Boosters for on-course ecology services. As the tournament’s destination sponsor, the LTVA helps organize the South Shore’s most impactful special event, coordinating with partners NBC Sports and American Century Investments, to ensure a successful and memorable experience for fans, locals, celebrities and media. Grants were distributed to: Between Horses and Humans, Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe, Bread & Broth, Carson Valley Arts Council, Christmas Cheer All Year, El Dorado Search & Rescue Council, Encompass Youth, Expand-Able Horizons, Family Support Council of Douglas County, Heavenly Ski Patrol Fund, Live Violence Free, Phoenix Food Pantry/ LTCPC, Project Prom of Northern Nevada, South Tahoe Vikings Booster Club, Suicide Prevention Network, Tahoe Alliance for Safe Kids, Tahoe Arts Project, Tahoe Backcountry Alliance, Tahoe Douglas
Fire Protection – Explorers, Tahoe Magic, Tahoe PAWS, Tahoe Rim Trail Association, Tahoe Youth & Family Services, Valhalla Tahoe, Whittell Boosters Club, Inc. and Zephyr Cove Parents Club.
“It’s a pleasure to continue an annual tradition of assisting many nonprofit organizations that enhance our community,” said Carol Chaplin, president and CEO of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “We appreciate the incredible, long-standing partnerships with American Century Investments, NBC Sports, Edgewood Tahoe, Harrah’s/Harveys, and our lodging and casino properties to positively impact our town in such a meaningful way.”
“We have cultivated a tremendous appreciation for the South Lake Tahoe community over the past quarter century,” said Jonathan Thomas, president and CEO of American Century Investments. “Our firm directs more than 40 percent of our profits to medical research annually, and we are delighted to also support local Tahoe charities every year.”
To be considered, local organizations were required to meet 501(c)3 certified nonprofit status, provide an outline of their mission, and describe how the donation would be used and indicate its impact in the community.
Since 2009, donations exceeding $2.25 million have been distributed to more than 90 Tahoe area nonprofits to assist 12,000-plus individuals.
The American Century Championship is conducted annually at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev. The area’s largest annual special event features more than 80 sports and entertainment celebrities in a 54-hole competition aired live on NBC Sports. American Century Investments, the event’s title sponsor since 1999, continues its role in partnership with NBC Sports, the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course and the South Tahoe community. Since its inception in 1990, the American Century Championship has donated more than $8 million to local and
Photo by Susan Corey-McAlpine
A healthy worm bin will provide great nutrients for your garden.
Plumas County is a hiker’s paradise, with many gorgeous hikes available for all skill levels.
seen here enjoy the scenery around Deer Lake.
CALIFORNIA RAMBLING
Discovering Las Plumas
Barbara L. Steinberg
Special to the Mountain Democrat
In 1820, Capt. Louis Arguello explored portions of a stream in northeastern California.
Impressed by the large number of bright-feathered waterfowl, he named the stream El Rio de Las Plumas, “River of the Feathers.” From this, the names Plumas County and Feather River were born.
Nearly 200 years ago, early visitors discovered the diversity of Plumas County’s wildlife riches. Hunting and fishing, of course, but also the attraction of wildlife viewing. Today, wildlife and nature viewing is a popular pastime throughout the steep ridges and mountain valleys of Plumas County — birds, mammals, reptiles and insects are abundant. However, there’s so much more!
After a brief winter nap, spring awakens the wilds and wonders of Plumas County. In its four-season wet or dry years, Plumas County always delivers on the promise to OMG! you at every turn. Scenic back roads, world-class golf, amazing wildflowers, open space with views for days, outdoor recreation for all ages and desires — hike, bike, fish, boat, camp — or just enjoy hushed moments under blue or star-studded skies. A drier than normal winter may mean fewer wildflowers in spring and summer. Mule’s ear, larkspur, yellow meadow buttercups, lupine, California poppies and the rare California pitcher plant in Butterfly Valley are just a few of the dazzling flora to be discovered. The best and busiest season is May through July.
More than 85% of the Plumas National Forest’s 1.1 million acres are within Plumas County. However, in the past six years essentially two thirds of the forest was affected by wildfires, which has also impacted all the natural wonders. Claiming more than 100 lakes and 1,000 miles of rivers and streams, open space defines Plumas County. The Feather River Land Trust has preserved more than 35,000 acres of private lands. The Maddalena Ranch and Heart K Ranch are open year-round for birding and hiking. Plumas County is a mecca for birdwatchers and nature lovers of all ages. The Plumas Audubon Society offers guided bird walks. Learn about the birds of Lake Almanor in the mountain meadows of Plumas County. Two official California Watchable Wildlife viewing sites are found in Plumas County — Antelope Lake/Indian Creek and Lake Davis. Camping, hiking, biking, fishing and boating are all part of the wildlife and nature tourism experience. Bring your binoculars, camera and Plumas County Birding Guide along for the ride.
Locavores eat, shop and learn local
After winter passes, the season of good things from the Earth awakens. Fresh is good and so very good for you. Could there be a better triple threat for visitors and residents than shop local, eat healthy and support Plumas County farmers and cottage industries? Back in the Gold Rush era there was a long tradition of market gardening and local retail that evolved in response to the needs of miners and pioneers. That rich heritage is alive and growing in Plumas County. Seasonal farmers markets provide an array of produce, meats, arts and crafts and other local treasures for the heart, soul and stomach. The Quincy Certified Farmers Market, Sundays late June through mid-September, is bountiful regional goods, artisans, massages, baked goods and music. Romano’s Farmers Market, Fridays May (last Friday) through mid-
September, is California’s only on-the-farm farmers market. A true destination offering fresh fish, local meat, lamb, and eggs, wine tasting and free guest chef cooking demos. Yes, good vibrations along with local produce, baked goods, and crafts are happening at the Chester Themed Farmers Market at Chester Park at 190 Willow St. Check online for dates and times.
At Genessee Valley Ranch, the herd is 100% purebred Black Wagyu beef. These animals are pasture-raised solely on a diet of diversified grasses. Each field is rotated with a variety of native grasses to ensure that both the land and the cattle benefit from a sustainable, environmentally sensitive management program. You can savor a wide variety of farm-fresh offerings including ranch beef at the Genessee Store. Just a few miles up the road, Young’s Market in Taylorsville is a historical landmark selling artisan cheeses and cured meats, great beer and wines and specialty groceries.
Riley’s Jerky in Greenville is familyowned and operated since 1981. Stop by Monday through Saturday or order online. Enjoy jerky and craft beers on the patio.
Throughout Plumas County, fun fare and libations make this road-trip a must! At the crossroads of Highways 70 and 89, The Brewing Lair is craft brew in a wooded wonderland.
Picnics, disc golf, live music, Ricochet Café food truck and creative ales — it’s family and dog-friendly, and just ridiculously fun. In Blairsden, MoFo (mobile food) fanciers will diverge from driving for Bread & Butter food truck where road food has risen to new heights.
Quintopia Brewery is unique and was Quincy’s first brewery in more than a century. The brewer’s specialty is making easy drinking session beers. They feature a diverse menu with an international flare. Don’t miss the Masala chicken loaded fries and cold udon noodle bowl.
New to Chester, Timber Lodge Brewing masterfully crafts ales, lagers, IPAs and porters. For something bolder, the Monkey Face brand of gin, vodka, rye, bourbon and spiced rum will warm the soul.
Bike your cares away in Plumas County
Mountain biking is big business. In Plumas County, it’s really big and fun. So much so the community hosts amazing biking events. There are three “century” rides throughout the county — Mile High, Tour de Manure, Lost & Found Gravel Festival — with picturesque mountain and lake views accessible to all skill levels. Trails beginning at the base of Indian Valley take advanced riders to mountain ridges overlooking the valley. A free Plumas Mountain Biking Trail Guide, available online, details rides in Eastern and Central Plumas County and the Lake Almanor Basin. If mountain biking isn’t your obsession, downshift and bike Plumas County backcountry roads; they’re traffic- and stress-free.
Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship has been instrumental in expanding trails
*10.49% APR (Annual Percentage Rate) is available October 1, 2024 and is subject to change at any time thereafter and subject to rules, restrictions and underwriting guidelines. Delayed payment of up to 3 months available for a limited time, now through January 31, 2025. Rate, terms and fees subject to credit approval and can change at any time without notice. Not all applicants qualify for the lowest rate. If approved for a loan, to qualify for the lowest rate, you must have a responsible financial history and meet other conditions. Your actual rate will be within a range of rates and depend on a variety of factors, including evaluation of your credit worthiness, income and other factors. Membership open to all that live, work, worship or attend school in any branch location county. Membership and/or participation fees may apply.
JOIN US FOR A FREE SCREENING OF THIS INSPIRING DOCUMENTARY
JOIN US FOR A FREE SCREENING OF THIS INSPIRING DOCUMENTARY
and
of Alzheimer’s
and other forms
and
Sunday, October 27, 2024 2-4PM
Camino Seventh Day Adventist Church 3520 Carson Road Camino, CA
Registration is Required: https://KeysBagsNamesWordsDCP.eventbrite.com
Keys Bags Names Words is a quirky and inspiring lens portraying stories of the personal and global impacts of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. It follows a cohort of young scientists and artists from around the world as they harness every aspect of creativity, humor and compassion to lead the way towards hope and resilience.
follows a cohort of young scientists and artists from around the world as they harness every aspect of creativity, humor and compassion to lead the way towards hope and resilience.
Camino Seventh Day Adventist Church 3520 Carson Road Camino, CA
Registration is Required: https://KeysBagsNamesWordsDCP.eventbrite.com
For questions contact Monica Clark: dementia@snowlinehealth.org, (530) 621-7820 as low as 10.49% APR* with up to a 3-month payment deferral.
Sunday, October 27, 2024 2-4PM
For questions contact Monica Clark: dementia@snowlinehealth.org, (530) 621-7820 Register
Keys Bags Names Words is a quirky
inspiring lens portraying stories of the personal
global impacts
disease
of dementia. It
Photo by Carrie Hawthorne
Hikers
Photo by Mike Nellor
Wildflowers are abundant in the spring in Plumas County.
Nem: GORDO + SOUND‐PROOF 360 REDONDO
@ 2pm The Hibernia Bank Building, 1 Jones St, San Francisco
to con‐sider the complex relationships and structures of power and iden‐tity. Gorman Museum of Native American Art, 181 Old Davis Road, Davis. cngorman@ucdavis.edu, 530-752-6567
West Coast Premier of Rogues @ 1pm / $25 West Coast Premier of "Rogues" A play by Charlotte Higgins, Directed by Lori Russo The Stage at Burke Junction, 3300 Coach Lane, Suite E-1, Cameron Park. stageatburke@ gmail.com
San Francisco Halloween Pub Crawl @ 2pm / $25 The CrawlSF San Francisco Hal‐loween Pub Crawl is the biggest Halloween event in the Bay Area. Enjoy Cheap Drinks, Free Party Buses, DJs, a costume contest and more on Saturday, October 26. Mayes Oyster House, 1233 Polk Street, San Francisco. info@ crawlsf.com, 415-852-1027
Carte Blanche Band: Carte Blanche at Parkside Davis CA @ 3pm Parkside Sports Bar & Grill, 330 G St, Davis
West Coast Premier of Rogues @ 5pm / $25 West Coast Premier of "Rogues" A play by Charlotte Higgins, Directed by Lori Russo The Stage at Burke Junction, 3300 Coach Lane, Suite E-1, Cameron Park. stageatburke@ gmail.com
West Coast Premier of Rogues @ 5pm / $25 West Coast Premier of "Rogues" A play by Charlotte Higgins, Directed by Lori Russo The Stage at Burke Junction, 3300 Coach Lane, Suite E-1, Cameron Park. stageatburke@ gmail.com
Levi Thomas @ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
Prakash Slim: The Hotal Utah, CA @ 8pm Hotel Utah Saloon, 500 4th St, San Francisco
Jesse Welles (SOLD OUT) (An Evening With) @ 8pm / Free Cafe Du Nord, San Francisco
Terror @ 8pm / $38.08 The Independent, San Francisco
How??? @ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
Rotary Club of Davis Weekly Lunch & Program @ 12pm See website for details. ro‐taryclubofdavis.com Davis Com‐munity Church, 421 D Street, Davis. teainsworth@gmail.com
@ 2pm Walden House Inc, 890 Hayes St, San Francisco
Children's Dance Classes @ 4pm Tina Fitness is now offering chil‐dren's Dance classes at the Davis Arts Center! Davis Arts Center, 1919 F Street, Davis. duankejie68@ gmail.com
Candlelight: Tribute to Nirvana @ 7pm / $30 St Ignatius Church, 650 Parker Av‐enue, SF Bay Area. fever@ eventvesta.com
Hooby's Live Mu‐sic: Kyle Kirchubel @ 6pm Enjoy live music from Kyle Kirchubel at the Hooby's Brewing taproom in Winters. Hooby's Brewing, 9 East Main Street, Winters. hoobysbrew@yahoo.com, 530-794-6118 Disability Employment Awareness Month Celebration @ 6pm Join Purple Tree Cafe in celebrat‐ing Disability Employment Aware‐ness Month at this FREE inclusive, family-friendly live music event in downtown Davis. Delta of Venus, 122 B Street, Davis. manager@pur pletreecafe.org
S.R. Laws @ 6pm Carpe Diem Restaurant & Bar, 1001 2nd St Suite#185, Napa ALCATRAZ @ 7:30pm Neck Of the Woods, 406 Clement St, San Francisco
Brenda Mallory: In the Absence of Instruction @ 12pm In the solo exhibition, Brenda Mal‐lory includes prints, multi-media and installation artworks to con‐sider the complex relationships and structures of power and iden‐tity. Gorman Museum of Native American Art, 181 Old Davis Road, Davis. cngorman@ucdavis.edu, 530-752-6567
Artist Talk with Dave Webb @ 2pm Join us for a free Artist Talk with Dave
Christopher White: Van Morrison @ 7pm Palace Of Fine Arts Theatre, 3301 Lyon St, San Francisco
Mergui: Gold�eld Trading
Post @ 7pm Gold�eld Trading Post Sacra‐mento, 1630 J St, Sacramento
Van Morrison @ 8pm Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, 3301 Lyon Street, San Francisco
Van Morrison @ 8pm Palace Of Fine Arts Theatre, 3301 Lyon St, San Francisco
Tai Chi Classes @ 10am New tai chi classes offered at the Davis Arts Center Davis Arts Cen‐ter, 1919 F Street, Davis. duanke jie68@gmail.com
GG Amos Trio - The Saloon @ 5pm The Saloon, 1232 Grant ave, San Francisco
Candle‐light: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics @ 7pm / Free California State Railroad Museum, 125 I St, Sacra‐mento. fever@ eventvesta.com
Tanukichan @ 7pm The Independent SF, 628 Di‐visadero Street, San Francisco
Girlschool @
Baseball exhibit showcases diversity in America’s pastime
Danielle Wood California Museum
SACRAMENTO — ¡Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues / En los barrios y las grandes ligas takes audiences on a journey into the heart of American baseball to understand the experiences of Latinas/os whose love for the game and incredible talent changed baseball and transformed American culture.
This bilingual California Museum exhibit from the Smithsonian features historical photos and artifacts from
Latinx communities nationwide.
The museum’s presentation includes historical relics used by California trailblazers, including a jersey worn by California Hall of Famer Fernando Valenzuela, Jaime Jarrín’s Dodgers playbook and Carmen Lujan’s Mercury Senoritas uniform, on loan from the Smithsonian and local collectors.
Baseball has been a social and cultural force within Latino and Latin American communities across the United States over the last century. It is more than simply a game; Latinas/
os have celebrated their communities, made a living and challenged prejudice through baseball. Some used their talents to boost diplomacy around the world. Some offered humor and style from their home countries. Some symbolized the American dream, making it big and giving back in the United States and abroad. Those who seized the opportunities afforded by this global game have changed American baseball and culture more broadly.
¡Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues takes audiences on a journey
into the heart of American baseball to understand how generations of Latinas/os have helped make the game what it is today. Their inspirational stories gesture toward larger themes in American history that connect all, on and off the diamond.
The Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition is on view Oct. 26 through Jan. 19, 2025, at California Museum, 1020 O St. in Sacramento. For more information visit californiamuseum.org/exhibitions/ temporary/upcoming/pleibol.
Canines called to Midtown Halloween Festival & Pooch Parade
Traci Rockefeller Cusack News release
SACRAMENTO — Presented by Midtown Sutter, the Midtown Association is excited to announce a four-footed-favorite. The Midtown Halloween Festival & Pooch Parade returns on Saturday, Oct. 26, from noon to 3 p.m. at James Marshall Park, 915 27th St.
Each year, Midtown Sutter restaurants partner with the Midtown Association for the caninefriendly event highlighted by a much-anticipated Pooch Parade scheduled to take place at 2 p.m. Furry friends will strut and stroll by while competing in an always-entertaining costume contest that will include prizes for the winning pooches.
The highly anticipated parade of costumed
Worms Continued from B2
on how worm compost can suppress plant disease follow this link: https://news.cornell.edu/ stories/2011/12/research-wormcompost-can-suppress-plantdisease.
Master Gardener classes are offered monthly throughout the county. Find the class schedule at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/Public_ Education_Classes/?calendar=y
pooches will be emceed by the always-entertaining Patrick Harbison of PHPR. Contest judges include Good Day Sacramento reporter “Big Al,” incoming Sacramento City Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum (District 4), Fort Sutter general manager Danielle Price and Lock & Key Tapas + Bar owner Will Walton. Before and after the Pooch Parade portion, there will be plenty of family-friendly outdoor activities, including music from DJ LB, arts and crafts, a fun dog-shaped bounce house, photo-friendly pet backdrops, face painter, dog photographer and more.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to pick out a free small pumpkin at the first-ever mini Pumpkin Patch experience. Guests can experience some of the best of what Midtown Sutter restaurants have to offer, as Barwest and Lock & Key will be on-site offering food for purchase.
es&g=56698 and recorded classes on many gardening topics at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/Public_ Education/Classes.
For information about the The Sherwood Demonstration Garden visit ucanr.edu/sites/ EDC_Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden. Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are working
hard to answer your questions.
Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on 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_enews. Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
Additionally, visitors who stop by Lock & Key will receive a free puppuccino that day. While the Midtown Halloween Festival & Pooch Parade is free to attend, interested participants and pet owners are encouraged to register in advance via exploremidtown.org/pooch-parade.
Early that day, special and spirited activities will be available at the Midtown Farmers Market that takes place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Market Square, 20th & K streets. Costumes are encouraged and a variety of participating vendor booths will offer trick-or-treats.
For more information about Midtown Sacramento in general, special events and activities, and the Midtown Association visit exploremidtown.org or follow on social media — Facebook at facebook. com/exploremidtown and @ExploreMidtown on Instagram and Twitter.
What’s black and white and loved by kids all over the world? Pandas, of course! Read on to learn about these gentle creatures.
Can you imagine a world without pandas?
Only about 1,800 giant pandas live in the wild today. They are in danger of becoming extinct—gone forever.
Giant pandas live in the Sichuan mountains of southwest China, where they feed on bamboo.
Pandas are losing their habitat. Giant pandas need forests with lots of bamboo to survive. These forests are rapidly disappearing as humans use them to meet their needs.
Giant pandas need to eat a lot of food every day. They eat day and night, constantly wandering through the forest eating and eating. Add up the numbers along the correct path of the maze to find out how many pounds of food one giant panda can eat in a day.
While bamboo makes up most of a giant panda’s diet, pandas sometimes eat small animals. Because of this small amount of meat eating,
The largest giant pandas can grow to be about 250 pounds. Ask five friends how much they weigh. Add up their weights. Does it equal 250 pounds?
Baby pandas are itty-bitty bears. They weigh only 4 to 6 ounces at birth (114-170 grams).
A mother panda is about 800 times heavier than her baby. (If a human mother with a 7-pound baby weighed 800 times more, she would weigh 5,600 pounds. That’s nearly 3 tons!)
Because of its distinctive features and its status as endangered, the giant panda was chosen by the world’s largest conservation organization as a symbol of conservation.
Use these four missing letters to fill in the blanks to discover the name of the organization.
About 300 giant pandas live in zoos and research centers worldwide. Threatened with extinction, these captive breeding programs are seen as hope for the giant panda’s survival.
The Chinese call the panda “Da xiong mao,” which means “giant bear cat.”
Scientists debated this for years. About 20 years ago, a group of experts determined that giant pandas are most closely related to bears, although they are also a lot like raccoons.
Pandas are different from other bears. For one thing, they have eyes like a cat. And their front paws have an unusual thumb—sometimes called a false thumb. This is not actually a thumb, like a human thumb. It is a part of the wrist bone that sticks out to the side like an extra finger.
All giant pandas and their cubs are on loan from China. Agreements between these zoos and the Chinese conservation organizations are helping to preserve these endangered species.
Do the math to find out the number of giant pandas in each of these zoos in America and Canada:
Several of these zoos have Panda Cams.
Invent a Creature
Look through the newspaper and cut out parts of different animals to create a new animal. Give your creature a name. Describe where your animal lives and what it eats.
Miners Foundry prepares for Disco Inferno Halloween Ball
News release
EVADA CITY — The Miners
NFoundry Cultural Center presents the third annual Disco Inferno Halloween Ball on Saturday, Oct. 26, featuring Lorraine Gervais, Chris & Jon Kelly, Kate Haight and The Super Fly Orchestra.
“It was so much fun last year that we just had to do it all over again. So get your disco moves and your all night grooves ready,” said Executive Director Gretchen Bond. Guests are invited to dress “monstrously” or in “all-out disco style” or somewhere in-between to this all-ages community show that is ADA accessible. Doors and bar open
at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.
“It’s a disco inferno ball so anything goes. Our goal for the band, as always, is to be as spectacular and fun as possible with the energy on stage as big as the audience’s. This year the band has grown to thirteen players and it will definitely be over the top,” said singer Gervais, who toured with a disco band in the 1970s.
“Lolo” Gervais is a jazz and R&B singer well-known in the community for being a consummate and versatile entertainer who brings a quirky elegance and contemporary feel to any genre she sings.
She’ll be accompanied by a glittery
Kate Haight, twin brothers Jon and Chris Kelly and special guest singer Angie Villwock. The Super Fly Orchestra will back up the singers with Bob Villwock and Bob Aron on keys, Ray Sayre and Perry Mills on guitars, Gary Regina on sax and Charlie Faber on bass, with Tim Bulkley playing drums and Rob Holland on percussion.
“We try to hit all the classics — from the Bee Gees, Donna Summer, The Trammps to KC and The Sunshine Band, Sister Sledge, the Village People and more — all the disco hits you can think of,” said Gervais. “The Kelly Brothers do the greatest Bee Gees I’ve ever heard. All 13 of us will be dressed in various
stages of disco or Halloween.”
The lights will be flashing and the bass will be thumpin’ and everybody will be dancing to “Stayin Alive,”
“Boogie Oogie Oogie,” “Get Down Tonight,” “Best of My Love” and more hot harmonies, cool hand motions and old school disco funkiness.
“This show always transports people back to a time when things were simple and fun, you can dance the night away and sing to every song and just be happy,” said Gervais.
Doors and bar open at 7 p.m. and the ball begins at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at Miners Foundry, 325 Spring St. in Nevada City. For tickets and more information visit minersfoundry.org.
Raley’s to grant learning gardens to three elementary schools
WEST SACRAMENTO — Calling all green thumbs! Here is your chance to win a learning garden for your favorite elementary school in Northern California or Nevada, courtesy of Raley’s Family of Stores.
Now through Wednesday, Oct. 30, Northern California and Nevada residents/schools can apply online to nominate their favorite K-5 school (located within a 10-mile distance of a Raley’s, Bel Air or a Nob Hill Foods grocery store) for a chance to receive a learning garden at raleys.com or captainplanetfoundation.org/contest/raleys.
Three elementary schools will receive the comprehensive Captain Planet Foundation Project Learning Garden program, valued at $6,000. The Learning Garden comes complete with a raised bed
Character Assassins will perform at 5 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.
Shadow Ranch Vineyards in the Fair Play area hosts a pairing of Shadow Ranch wines with gourmet chocolate from Annabelle’s Chocolate Lounge, Oct. 25-27. For more information email info@ shadowranch.com.
The Smith Flat House in Placerville hosts a Halloween Bash starting at 7 p.m. There will be so much to do for the whole family — games, dancing with music from a live DJ, food/drinks and more. Come in costume for a free entry.
LazerBeam and Ashley Jaguar will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Music in the Mountains presents A Night at the Museum beginning at 5:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit musicinthemountains.org.
Oct. 26
garden, lesson kits, schoolyard garden supplies, a fully equipped mobile garden cooking cart and strategies for garden maintenance. If the school already has a garden, it is still eligible to enter for a chance to win a garden expansion package.
The Learning Garden program provides a context for multidisciplinary learning, ranging from nutrition and science to social studies, math and language arts. Students benefit by expanding their palates, taste-testing healthy foods and learning about food origins.
“We are excited to partner with the Captain Planet Foundation,” said Felipe Espino, community relations specialist with Raley’s. “Raley’s is dedicated to the communities it serves offering education focused programs like this one. Project Learning Garden provides hands-on environmental and food exploration for kids. Knowing where
Management, 9 a.m. to noon at the Bethel-Delfino Ag Building, 311 Fair Lane in Placerville. Join Master Gardener Steve Savage to learn about this invasive weed that has taken over large portions of California’s range land and urban landscape. Learn about its origins, how it moves, why it is so difficult to control, how to overcome these difficulties, control methods and how to design an effective control program. Visit mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/Public_Education to register.
Narrow Gate Vineyards hosts a 20th anniversary soirée at noon. Enjoy a delicious seasonal menu paired with wines — some old, some new and some bubbles too. For more information call (530) 644-6201 or email wine@narrowgatevineyards.com
Gwinllan Estate, 7060 Fairplay Road in Fair Play, presents Boos, Bubbles and Bites from noon to 3 p.m. Enjoy a BOO-tiful time having an award-winning sparkling flight and a trio of small bites and dessert. To RSVP call (530) 723-2879.
food comes from is a critical component of making healthier choices throughout life and this program allows students of all ages to explore this concept first-hand.”
“Anything can be taught in the context of the garden, and this hands-on learning helps students understand how to grow food and eat more healthily,” said Leesa Carter-Jones, President & CEO of Captain Planet Foundation. “Captain Planet Foundation engages and empowers young people to be problem solvers for the planet — and we are thrilled to be working with Raley’s to provide three lucky elementary schools in Northern California or Nevada with the learning garden program.”
The three elementary schools selected to receive learning gardens will be notified and announced in January 2025.
and $10 per adult. For more information call (530) 644-7692.
The El Dorado County Fairgrounds will host a Lasagna Dinner Fundraiser to benefit the El Dorado County Fair Heritage Foundation Livestock Panel Project. Guests can drive through and pick up meals between 4-7 p.m., or they can stay and eat between 5-7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at eldoradocountyfair.org.
The Rhythm and Blues Project will perform at 4 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/ live-music.
Smith Flat House in Placerville hosts movie night at 7 p.m. Bring your friends and family for a showing of “Hocus Pocus” in front of the barn. Bring your own chairs and blankets. Snacks and beverages available for purchase. Admission is $5.
Celebrate a Tutu and Mustache Halloween at Dobra Zemlja Winery, 12505 Steiner Road in Plymouth, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the spooky wine cave with halloween candy pairings with select wines, the famous spiced and spiked cider and barrel tasting of an upcoming release. Don’t forget to wear a tutu and mustache for an extra discount. Contact tastingroom@dobraz.com for more details. Know Continued from B1
UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts Starthistle
lead.
“This play was written during the Red Scare, where your life was basically at stake if they called you out as a communist or, in the play, as a witch,” McDaniel explained. “And so, the only way out for the girls in the play was to lie and point the finger at
throughout Plumas and Sierra counties. The Quincy-based nonprofit has developed the Mills Peak Trail in Graeagle, the South Park trail system in Quincy and is currently in the midst of phase two of the
nonprofits. For tournament information and updates visit AmericanCenturyChampionship. The 36th annual American Century Championship is July 9-13, 2025. For more information visit AmericanCenturyChampionship.com or visitlaketahoe.com.
Check out the Haunted Forest at Madrone Tree Hill, 2600 Barkley Road in Camino, 1-6 p.m. Visit the Christmas tree farm for a hauntingly good time. Walk the spookified trail through the Haunted Forest. This is a 450-yard loop trail that will take you out and back into the Haunted Forest. Gates close 15 minutes before closing time. Cost $5 per child
other people, but they were basically powerless and made to go through a terrible adult situation they shouldn’t have had to go through.”
Though the play’s historical setting and meta-narrative context regarding McCarthyism may feel like relics, Freer and students are quick to
Mount Hough project, which will add 38 miles of new multi-use trails on Hough by next year. Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship’s legacy project, Connected Communities, aims to revitalize Lost Sierra mountain towns through the creation of a 564-mile multi-use singletrack trail that
would connect 15 towns, including Truckee and Reno.
Mountain biking is not allowed in wilderness areas or on the Pacific Crest Trail.
For more information visit plumascounty.org.
Many businesses have seasonal hours of operation. Check online or call ahead.
point out that the themes are still as relevant as they’ve ever been.
“You see these parallels to the collective hysteria you see online,” Freer mentioned. “Whenever there’s a societal pressure about things we’re afraid of, we see this need to control and disempower and it’s the youth that often have to find the power to survive.”
UMHS students are also finding their own power in the play, with many of the backstage and production roles headed (with guidance) by students themselves. Crystal Rios, a junior, has stepped into the role of assistant director on the show, an experience she said she has truly enjoyed.
“One of the biggest takeaways has been seeing the characters develop over the course of the story and seeing my friends bring those characters to life,” Rios said. “It’s interesting to look at more of what happened at Salem, get the perspective that people weren’t just accusing one another because they were bored but because they were afraid for their life, and also see people who were willing to die in defense of their beliefs.”
Theatre at the Mine’s production of “The Crucible” opens Thursday, Oct. 24, and runs until Nov. 2. Shows start at 7 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinées on Saturday. For tickets and more information go to our.show/ theatreatthemine.
