A CENTURY ZOOMS BY
Hot rods, sports cars, classics and more were parked at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville Oct. 19 for the Placerville Lions Club’s Hangtown Car Show. Above, Fred Pedersen, also known as “Peacemaker” for the Hangtown Marshals, takes a photo of his 11-year-old grandson Chaz Deal in front of Gary Woods’ 1965 AC Cobra. At right, Madison Tatum, 17, the 2024 Miss Teen Greater Foothills, poses for a photo in front of Ken Carver’s 1948 Divco milk truck. This year the Placerville Lions members celebrate the club’s 100th anniversary and the numerous community service projects Lions have done over the last century, including caring for the environment, feeding the hungry, aiding seniors and the disabled and serving local youth. For more information about the club visit e-clubhouse.org/sites/ placervilleca or check out the group’s Facebook page.
The full boards of directors for two local
protection districts met for a special joint session in Placerville’s Town Hall Wednesday, Oct. 23, poised to sign the paperwork that would formally begin the process to annex the Diamond Springs-El Dorado FPD into the El Dorado County FPD. That resolution remains unsigned — albeit only temporarily, if all goes well — due to a strong show of concern from retired Diamond Springs-El Dorado sta regarding how their healthcare benefits would be handled postannexation.
“I appreciate the hard work both these boards have done getting to this point, but there are questions about this resolution that haven’t been answered,” retired Capt. Don Denault said during the meeting.
“Retirees haven’t been consulted regarding this resolution and a meeting should have taken place before this one to explain it.” Multiple retirees spoke before the boards asking they wait to approve Resolution No. 2024-09 until their concerns had been cleared up. The resolution regards how EDCFPD will continue health benefits for previous fire sta , a matter which board members and annexation consultants have identified as a major issue to navigate during the annexation process.
“I appreciate the e orts that have been made — it’s been a big, arduous mountain to climb — and we aren’t opposed to this annexation, but there are things we still need clari ed.” — Capt. Erik Peterson
“This is an integral part of the annexation process,” Bill Adams, an attorney who has been consulting both boards as they prepare the annexation. “It’s been said that this point is so important that it could be a deal killer. Another
Main Street getting ready for spooktacular fun
Odin Rasco Senior sta writer
One of Placerville’s favorite traditions returns in a big way, with a bevy of fun activities coming soon to Trick or Treat on Main Street. “We wanted to make it more than just
walking along a conveyor belt of candy,”
T.W. Bonkers owner Tony Windle said. “I mean, the candy is definitely still going to be there, but we also wanted to make it more fun for the entire family.”
Looking to build o the success of last year’s Halloween, which saw the largest turnout in Placerville’s history,
Windle, co-sponsor of this year’s event, is making sure to highlight other draws beside sweets. Hands4Hope volunteers will operate a small Halloween carnival at the Bell Tower, the annual costume contest will return and there will also be
Photos by Laurie Edwards
ESSENTIALS
Gloria “Glo” Anderson/ Kuner
Sept. 21, 1951 – Aug. 18, 2024
Born in Auburn, Glo worked and retired from the USF/USDA Placerville Nursery in Camino. She is survived by her recent husband William “Bill” Kuner, her two sons Zac Randolph and Rick Lorda, 3 Grandchildren and a niece Mindy. Rest in Peace Glo! Services will be held on November 7th at Green Valley Church on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville at 1pm.
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.
CAN YOU DIG IT?
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.
City of Placerville
The following information was taken from El Dorado County Sheri ’s reports:
Oct. 3
1:30 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 26-year-old man on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance on Truck Street in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $115,000 bail.
11:43 p.m. Burglary reported on Desperado Road in Somerset.
2:18 p.m. Trespassing reported on Tya
Lane in Placerville.
3:58 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 29-year-old man on suspicion of battery of a peace o cer, obstruction and DUI on Garden Circle in Cameron Park. He was listed in custody in lieu of $53,500 bail.
6:24 p.m. Battery reported on Magpie Court in Placerville.
10:51 p.m. California Highway Patrol
o cers booked into jail a 37-yearold woman on suspicion of DUI on Greenstone Road in Placerville. She was released on $5,000 bail.
Oct. 4
9:21 a.m. Battery reported on Garden Valley Road in Garden Valley.
10:22 a.m. Burglary reported on Pleasant Valley Road in Placerville.
1:44 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 20-year-old man on suspicion of disorderly conduct on Coach Lane in Cameron Park. He was later released.
3:57 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 27-year-old man on suspicion of theft on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. He was listed in custody.
4:17 p.m. Battery reported on Pleasant Valley Road in Diamond Springs.
9:11 p.m. California Highway Patrol o cers booked into jail a 69-year-old man on suspicion of DUI on Pleasant Valley Road in Placerville. He was later released.
9:36 p.m. Petty theft reported on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.
11:30 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 41-year-old man on suspicion of driving vehicle with prior violation on Sly Park Road in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $25,000 bail.
Oct. 5
1:09 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 60-year-old man on suspicion of battery on Vacation Boulevard in Somerset. He was listed in custody in lieu of $250,000 bail.
6:56 p.m. California Highway Patrol o cers booked into jail a 31-yearold woman on suspicion of DUI and possession of a controlled substance on Tom Street in Placerville. She was later released.
7:54
8:16 p.m.
7:38 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 31-year-old woman on suspicion of trespassing and possession of a controlled substance on El Dorado Road in El Dorado. She was later released.
Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco
Sunday, October 27, 2024 2-4PM Camino Seventh Day Adventist Church 3520 Carson Road Camino, CA Registration is Required: https://KeysBagsNamesWordsDCP.eventbrite.com
and compassion to lead the way towards hope and resilience.
Eric Jaramishian Senior staff writer
Community members gave the gift of life at the fifth annual Deputy Brian Ishmael Blood Drive at the Sheriff John D’Agostini Public Safety Facility Wednesday afternoon, the fifth anniversary of Ishmael’s death in the line of duty.
Sixty-five people donated blood in Ishmael’s memory. Vitalant, the blood service provider, collected 57 pints of blood at the facility.
“The community really came out to support the memory of Deputy Brian Ishmael,” said Vitalant Account Manager, Stephanie Kresse. “Donors from across the county joined us for the drive, including 11 firsttime donors. We are extremely grateful to the El Dorado community for the support they give us at this drive every year.”
The drives honors the fallen officer, who was killed on Oct. 23, 2019, while responding to a robbery call. When Ishmael responded, a man opened fire, fatally shooting the deputy and seriously injuring a San Joaquin County Deputy who was riding along and assisted after the call for service came in. Ishmael served four years with EDSO and two with the Placerville Police Department prior to the tragedy. He is survived by his wife and three children.
EDSO Sgt. Vanessa Luna said she started coordinating the blood drive to have something good come
out of the tragic incident.
“The community has really come and shown up,” Luna said. “We’ve seen that support from the community every year, and we really hope that more people show up next year.”
Area residents like Emergency Room Technician Jesse Varozza, 18, whose dad grew up with Ishmael, came to honor his memory while donating to a good cause.
“I understand how much we need it and it’s nice for me to get back in it while I’m working there, and maybe use my blood one day,” Varozza said. “It’s really nice to see the community really step in and provide blood for those who need it
because it is a finite resource.”
Sheri Je Leikauf said the number of blood donations during the annual blood drive continues to grow, and he’s humbled by the support the community shows in Ishmael’s memory.
“Brian meant a great deal to the El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce and the community of El Dorado County,” Leikauf states in an email to the Mountain Democrat. “Brian had a servant’s heart that was demonstrated by not only his actions as a police o cer and sheri ’s deputy but as a father, husband, brother and son. This blood drive is an example of the lasting legacy that Brian left on us all.”
Sunday, October 27, 2024 2-4PM 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)
Mountain Democrat photos by Eric Jaramishian
El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office S.T.A.R. volunteer Steven Slattery prepares to donate blood during the blood drive in memory of Deputy Brian Ishmael at EDSO’s Sheriff John D’Agostini Public Safety Facility Wednesday afternoon.
A Vitalant worker prepares to draw blood from Rescue resident Allison Becker, 34.
Firefighters take a hike for Mikey
The Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit Tahoe Meyers Crew 2 participated in an important training experience last weekend, honoring the legacy of firefighter Mike “Mikey” Hallenbeck.
Mikey tragically lost his life on Aug. 8, 2015, when a dead tree fell on him while he was fighting the Sierra Fire near Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort. He was a firefighter on Organized Crew-36 in the U.S. Forest Service – Lake Tahoe
Basin Management Unit. THM 2 took time to review the Sierra Fire Tree Strike Fatality report in a classroom setting before embarking on a 3-mile hike to the accident site. There, they paid their respects at Mikey’s memorial, reflected on lessons learned and conducted a simulated incident, including a patient extraction to a remote landing zone. This annual review keeps Mikey’s memory alive and ensures future firefighters continue learning from this tragic event.
National Forest facilities at Lake Tahoe closing for the season
News release
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — The annual process of closing National Forest recreation facilities around Lake Tahoe is under way. Seasonal closures apply to facilities at many recreation areas and sites including beaches, campgrounds, forest roads, parking lots, picnic areas and trailheads.
Amenities such as camping, parking lots, restrooms and trash receptacles at campgrounds and beaches managed by Tahoe Recreation, a division of Vista Recreation, closed on Sunday, Oct. 13, and include Blackwood Canyon, Fallen Leaf, Kaspian, Meeks Bay, Nevada Beach and William Kent campgrounds and Baldwin, Pope and Nevada beaches.
Camp Richardson Resort hotel and cabins are open year-round. Badgers Den and Eagles Nest campgrounds closed in early October and the RV Campground is scheduled to close Nov. 8. Meeks Bay Resort and Campground closed on Oct. 20; Zephyr Cove Resort and Campground is open year-round.
“Enjoying our public lands after the seasonal closure of facilities is a great opportunity to experience the solitude of Lake Tahoe.”
— Daniel Cressy Public Services Staff Officer
Inspiration Point parking lot and restrooms are scheduled to close on Nov. 30, but could close earlier due to conditions and weather. Bayview Day-Use Area and Trailhead closed Oct. 13.
Big Meadow Trailhead and Eagle Falls Trailhead parking areas, Genoa Peak Road, Luther Pass Campground, Sand Pit OHV area, Secret Harbor, and Watson Lake Campground are scheduled to close Nov. 15. Sawmill Pond is scheduled to close Nov. 20. All dates are subject to change due to conditions and weather. For public safety and resource protection, National Forest roads generally begin closing in midNovember. For specific closing dates, consult the Motor Vehicle Use Maps.
The Taylor Creek Visitor Center and Stream Profile Chamber closed on Oct. 20, and the Tallac Historic Site Museum closed at the beginning of October. Please be aware that bears are highly active in the Highway 89 corridor this time of year. When recreating in bear country, do not feed bears or other wild animals, dispose of garbage properly, never approach bears or cubs, stay on designated trails and leave food and other scented items at home to prevent vehicle breakins. Visit TahoeBears.Org for more information on visiting and living in bear country.
Although facilities close for the winter season, National Forest lands including beaches, picnic areas, trails, trailheads and lake access are open year-round, and parking can be limited due to snow. Also, keep in mind that during winter months, services such as water, restrooms and trash collection are unavailable. When visiting these areas in the winter, be sure to pack out all garbage including pet waste, park legally and avoid blocking locked gates.
“Enjoying our public lands after the seasonal closure of facilities is a great opportunity to experience the solitude of Lake Tahoe,” said Public Services Staff Officer Daniel Cressy. “It also requires us all to plan ahead and take responsibility for taking care of this special place.”
Photo courtesy of Cal Fire
The Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit Tahoe Meyers Crew 2 poses at firefighter Mike “Mikey” Hallenbeck’s memorial.
ABC observes National Teen Driver Safety Week
News release
SACRAMENTO — The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, in partnership with the California O ce of Tra c Safety and the National Highway Tra c Safety Administration, reminds all young drivers to focus on the road to help increase safety for everyone. Oct. 20-26 is National Teen Driver Safety Week, and it is a great time for California parents to talk to their teenagers about safe driving, including the importance of driving sober.
The greatest dangers for teen drivers are alcohol consumption, not wearing a seat belt, distracted driving, speeding, and driving with passengers in the vehicle. For National Teen Driver Safety Week, parents are encouraged to talk with their teens about the important rules they need to follow to stay safe.
According to the California Highway Patrol:
• Tra c crashes are the leading cause of death among teens 16-19 years old.
• A teen driver was determined to be at fault in approximately 66 percent of those crashes.
“ABC encourages parents to talk to their children about the dangers of consuming alcohol and driving,” said ABC Director Joseph McCullough. “Underage drinking causes a disproportionate amount of preventable deaths every year.”
Parents can be the biggest influencers on teens’ driving habits if they take the time to talk with their teens about some of the biggest driving risks. To help reduce risks for teen drivers, follow these basic rules:
1. Impaired driving: All teens are too young to legally buy, possess, or consume alcohol. However, nationally in 2022, 22% of young drivers involved in fatal crashes had alcohol
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in their system, and 84 percent of those involved exceeded a .08% blood alcohol content. The number of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes with alcohol in their system has nearly doubled since 2017, according to figures from NHTSA.
2. Seat belt safety: Wearing a seat belt is one of the simplest ways for teens to stay safe in a vehicle. Yet too many teens aren’t buckling up – 50% of teen passenger vehicle drivers who died in 2022 were unbuckled.
3. Distracted driving: Cell phone use while driving is not only dangerous, but it is also illegal. Distracted driving accounted for 8% of all teen motor vehicle crashes in 2021. Drivers younger than 18 are not allowed to use a phone for any reason, including hands-free.
4. Speed limits: Speeding is a critical safety issue for all drivers, especially for teens. In 2022, fatal crashes involving teens 15-18 were speeding more than any other demographic.
5. Passengers: The likelihood of teen drivers engaging in risky behavior triples when traveling with multiple passengers.
OTS funds multiple ABC programs designed to help keep California youth safe including Target Responsibility for Alcohol Connected Emergencies, Minor Decoy and Shoulder Tap Decoy operations that are used to reduce youth access to alcohol. TRACE involves in-depth ABC investigations of serious incidents involving alcoholrelated car crashes. The Minor Decoy and Shoulder Tap Programs reduce youth access to alcohol by performing compliance checks on licensees and the public to ensure they don’t furnish alcohol to underage youth.
For more information about National Teen Driver Safety Week and to learn safe driving tips to share with teens, visit nhtsa.gov/road-safety/ teen-driving.
1:42
9:06
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month to sort this out is not going to derail this process.”
In typical annexations, the retirees and sta absorbed are given the benefits of the remaining organization; retired DSEDFPD sta explain they often would make sacrifices to protect the healthcare benefits they were provided, both boards chose to find a way to ensure those benefits were still provided to those who had earned them. However, the resolution brought before the boards Wednesday lacked in clarity in ways that concerned retirees.
“These may just be minor details, but to some of us who are now on a fixed income, they are very important,” retired Capt. Erik Peterson told the boards. “I appreciate the e orts that have been made — it’s been a big, arduous mountain to climb — and we aren’t opposed to this annexation, but there are things we still need clarified.”
Though the boards attempted to address some of the questions during the meeting, such as if benefits would continue for spouses after the primary beneficiary died (yes) or if their benefits would be subjected to taxes after they were shifted to a third party (no), it was determined the best course of action would be to hold a meeting with concerned retirees as soon as possible to address their concerns. Because the resolution that would begin the El Dorado Local Agency Formation Commission process contains language concerning the healthcare benefit resolution, it cannot be passed until the boards approve Resolution 2024-09.
Representatives from both boards will meet with retirees to field questions and concerns regarding their future benefits Nov. 6 at 9 a.m. at Station 49. The joint board meeting will then resume — they recessed, rather than adjourned, to expedite the process without adding Brown Act
hoops to jump through — on Nov. 21 at 3 p.m. in Placerville’s Town Hall.
Though the annexation e orts may have been delayed by a month, they are still proceeding at an impressive pace, according to all involved. Prior to the resolution discussion, EDCFPD Chief Tim Cordero gave a brief presentation on how the process has gone so far. Both districts entered into a shared service agreement in October 2022 that started the annexation conversation, Cordero explained, which was later followed by both district boards adopting resolutions of intent to explore annexation options in early 2023 and establishing an ad-hoc committee with members from both boards to continue the discussion. A feasibility study was started by Fitch and Associates in April 2023, the results of which were adopted by both boards in April 2024. The two districts have also started cross-sta ng shifts and established a unified training process and promotion list.
A recent major milestone in the process occurred on Sept. 28 when Gov. Gavin Newsom approved SB 1240. The bill was expedited to the governor’s desk with the help of California Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil, who ensured the bill was given an urgency clause, according to Cordero. Without the bill, firefighters and sta absorbed into the EDCFPD would have been classified as new hires, which would have had a significant impact on their CalPERS benefits.
Though the annexation e orts have been temporarily deferred, the process is still well on track to be completed with commendable speed, a testament to the collaborative work engaged by both boards and district sta .
“I want to commend everybody; it takes a fully committed team to get us to where we are and keep us moving through this process,” Cordero said.
OPINION
Steps we take to ensure a safe, secure election
As Registrars of Voters, we know that trust in elections has become a matter of great public concern. We’ve heard your question, and we understand some of the skepticism that has emerged in recent years. We want to let you, our voters, know we are committed to ensuring every eligible ballot is counted accurately and the election process remains transparent, secure and fair. Elections aren’t run by faceless institutions. They’re managed by everyday, hardworking people who live in our communities — our colleagues, our neighbors, our friends. We are entrusted with the responsibility of conducting elections and we take that responsibility seriously.
We’d like to share with you why you can trust our election procedures and processes.
Rigorous checks and balances
We complete public state-mandated tests of ballot-counting equipment to ensure it is properly reading and tabulating votes. After every election we hand count ballots from randomly selected precincts to see if the machine tally matches the hand count.
Secure mail-in voting
Our system of checks and balances extends to the processing of vote-by-mail ballots.
When we issue your vote-by-mail ballot, it is given a unique identifying number that appears only on the ballot return envelope. When you return that ballot, our sta compare the signature on the envelope with the signature on file to ensure authenticity. To ensure our sta can accurately compare signatures, they receive forensic signature verification training; signatures flagged as nonmatching are reviewed again by at least three sta members. Any discrepancy leads to immediate contact with the voter to resolve the issue before the identification envelope is opened.
Once we verify your signature and that you have not yet voted in this election, only then will the ballot be separated from the identification envelope
■ See ELECTION INTEGRITY, page A7
The Not So Weekly Daley
Letters to the Editor
What happened to integrity?
EDITOR:
Do you remember the days when a business agreement could be sealed with a handshake? That was not so long ago. It was when a person’s word mattered. Truth mattered. It was when you could count on folks. Integrity was sacred.
Yet today some politicians spread lies that can cause deadly harm. You have to wonder why they would do that. A most recent example is Hurricane Helene.
As the federal and state government mobilized recovery e orts to help people in the a ected areas, bad actors spread lies to sow distrust and went so far as to condemn the individuals who were working day and night in the relief e orts. They blasted out wild conspiracy theories and antisemitic slurs.
Why would anyone lie about aid, rather than stepping in to help? Remember that throughout history demagogues have risen to power by finding fault with good governance and creating fear and mistrust. Modern day profiteers simply make money when people watch and share their misleading comments.
In reality, tens of thousands of state and federal personnel have rallied and are helping people in need. The harsh reality is that recovery e orts will take time due to the extent of the damage and the remote location of some communities. You can imagine the situation when all the roads are washed out.
I don’t know about you, but I find the spread of disinformation despicable. I would like to live in a world where people care about others and where a person’s word counts. Americans have always pulled together in times of need. Let’s bring back those values and create a brighter future for us and for my grandchildren.
MARY ELLIOTT-KLEMM Somerset
Divisive nature
EDITOR:
There are many very unpleasant things about Mr. Trump. Even people who are voting for him can agree to that. Among those unpleasant traits is that Mr. Trump is genuinely a hateful, cruel and divisive person. I suspect he is the most abrasive former president and candidate in the last 100 years.
Unfortunately, his abusive language and cruel acts seem to have permitted people across this great country to act just as badly, if not worse.
Politicians purposefully say the most horrible things and create the most outrageous lies to rouse their base to anger and fear and thus vote. Writing policies have been replaced by accusations of the worst kind against innocent people again to create anger and fear. People threaten and harass each other by phone, text, email and social media. People must go into hiding or move to another state to escape the harassment.
Tragically, even good and decent people have gotten caught up in the vicious cycle of namecalling and spreading lies. I know a good, kind, intelligent person who attends church every Sunday. She posted on Facebook this week that she is voting for Mr. Trump because he will “stop them from mutilating children.” This is the conspiracy theory that people are going around to kids in school and convincing them that they should have sex change surgery and that there are surgeons who are performing such surgeries. If she had thought about this for even 15 seconds, she would have realized that this is not true. If a surgeon ever did this on a child, there would be hell to pay.
However, she was convinced that such a moral outrage is happening ... and that Mr. Trump would end it. Because of this lie, parents of transgender children and surgeons have been harassed and threatened, and clinics have closed. There are now thousands of transgender youth who no longer have access to gender-a rming care.
What kind of leader and country do we want? Do we genuinely want a president who, at every opportunity, spews hate speech, lies, bigotry, divisiveness and promotes violence? Do we want to live in a country where our president encourages this behavior in its citizens? Clearly, some people believe his rhetoric and bullying are acceptable and are a sign of strength. I do not. I see it as a sign of weakness and cruelty.
Remember, this is the man who has already tried to end our democracy by inciting a mob to violently attack the Capitol to stop the certification of the 2020 election. The choice is ours to make.
SCOTT TAYLOR
Placerville
Unfair tari s
EDITOR:
There was a time when there wasn’t a federal payroll tax. Most of the tax revenues were collected via tari s from imports worldwide. World War I happened and most of
Euphemistically speaking, you know what I mean
Euphemisms are a good and sometimes really clever way to say something without actually saying “it.” There might be any number of significant or at least useful reasons not to say what you clearly want to say. You don’t want to o end or hurt someone’s feelings, maybe. You don’t want to be thought a boob or a boor or a lout or a clod or anything unpleasant like that. It’s just not polite except in junior high boys gym class, where tradition strictly requires the actual word be used — always. A few recent examples come to mind: For example, who knew more than 70 million American voters apparently have wondered, maybe
CHRIS DALEY
even fantasized, about Arnold Palmer’s “wedding tackle,” as I once heard “it” called. An old time British euphemism, according to several dictionaries. Donald Trump filled in those blanks at a Pennsylvania rally last week. Despite their obvious interest in their local boy’s legendary driver, no one asked the speaker for that information, not out loud anyway, not in the video clips I heard. Just more of the candidate’s “locker room talk,” as Melania would clarify.
As taken as he is with Arnold Palmer’s “package,” I guess we might speculate on the former president’s passion for and obsession with golf, golf courses, golf shower facilities and especially the clubs displayed therein.
One doesn’t get that sense from, say, Tom Brady or Shohei Ohtani. Female sideline media reporters hardly, if ever, talk on air about their sightings in locker rooms. Probably happens, but I’ve never heard about it. Well, neither do their male counterparts, maybe on the team bus, but not knowingly on an open mic. Longtime DiamondBacks (and briefly Giants) Hall of Fame pitcher Randy (believe it or not) Johnson was nicknamed “The Big Unit.” Nothing relating to shower room comportment, that I’ve ever heard. He was almost 7 feet tall and that’s pretty darn big even for professional athletes. Remember “Little Marco” and
the hand size controversy of the 2016 GOP primary campaigns? No golf angle to that dangle. Just fits a common theme of Mr. Trump’s communication style, looks, appearance, appeal or lack-of, e.g. the “fantastically attractive” Alabama senator of recent Trump description. Evidently that appeals to 70-plus million voters who already have or are heading to the polls in the next few days.
P.S. Donald Trump loves the Russian President, “Put-in” and other “All Men” like Kim “Dong” Un and Xi “Jing-Ping.” He even calls Liz Cheney’s father “Dick.” Chris Daley is a biweekly columnist for the Mountain Democrat.
BILL O’NEILL
NATALIE ADONA
RYAN RONCO
Election integrity Continued from A6 and processed for tabulation. Your voting history is part of your voter file and is updated in real time. If we see that you have not yet voted in the current election, then we will give you credit for voting. Our staff will mark you as having cast a ballot in our system and that information is immediately transmitted to the Secretary of State’s Office. If you move within the county or state, your voting history moves with you.
Transparency at every level
Transparency is a pillar of election administration. Every step of the process is open to observation by the public. Anyone can watch all aspects of the elections process, including ballot counting, ballot scanner testing and the election canvass, an internal audit required by state law. We also encourage people to apply to be poll workers to witness firsthand our dedication to fairness.
We are also required to publish Election Night results and continue publishing updates until every eligible ballot is counted. During the elections canvass, we will continue to count ballots postmarked on or before Election Day, as long as those ballots are received up to seven days after the election (no later than Nov. 12). In this election, all counties are required to certify their final election results 28 days after the election (Dec. 3), which gives us time to complete ballot counting and the
post-election manual tally, plus gives voters time to cure any defects with their signatures.
Constant improvements
We continuously work to improve election security and constantly update our procedures to stay ahead of any potential threats. Our election systems undergo a detailed certification process and we work with cybersecurity experts to ensure our systems are protected against any interference. We also welcome public feedback and have made improvements based on the suggestions of voters and election observers. Your trust is essential to a functioning democracy and we are committed to earning and maintaining it.
Opportunities to get involved
As always, we are here to answer your questions. Your voice matters. As your election officials, our role is to ensure that your ballot is safe, secure and counted, allowing that voice to be heard on Election Day.
For more information about El Dorado County elections procedures visit ElDoradoCounty.Ca.gov.
This column was prepared by Bill O’Neill / El Dorado County Registrar of Voters; Natalie Adona, Nevada County Registrar of Voters; and Ryan Ronco, Placer County Registrar of Voters.
the world’s infrastructure and economies were destroyed. The U.S. went unscathed and the powers in the U.S. at that time decided to help the world recover by eliminating tariffs for their goods and allowing those countries to impose tariffs on U.S. goods to save their manufacturing systems. To maintain tax revenues for the federal government, a short-term payroll tax of 2% was instituted and marketed to American workers as a way to pay for WWI.
After World War II, the U.S. government doubled down on that philosophy with the Marshal Plan. Germany, Italy and Japan were allowed to sell their products to the U.S. tariff-free while imposing 100% tariffs on U.S. goods such as automobiles. The exact process happened with South Korea and Vietnam. U.S. manufactured goods are taxed at such a rate that U.S. goods like cars are not sold in those countries and the American worker is now taxed at almost 50% of their payroll.
The U.S. has one chance to correct this wrong by using our might to force other countries to reduce the unfair tariffs they impose on U.S. workers. Set the tariffs on other countries the same as they impose on our goods. Germany and Japan have 100% tariffs on U.S. automobiles; our government should impose like-sized tariffs on theirs.
I would like to see the elimination of the federal payroll tax system. Why should the U.S. workers pay to rebuild countries that tried to destroy us? All I want is a level playing field going forward.
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Continued from A1
pumpkin painting and apple donut-eating contests for visitors and vampires to sink their teeth into (metaphorically, of course ... unless ...).
If community members are interested in lending a hand to the event, Pop Art and T.W. Bonkers are both taking in donations of bags of candy to be passed out by Main Street merchants. Residents wanting to make a donation are encouraged to bring the candy to Angie at Pop Art before the event.
Placerville’s Halloween event is set to run from 4-6 p.m. on Main Street Thursday, Oct. 31.
Announcements
AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 3342970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot.com
AMERICAN ASSOC. OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN Foothills of EDC Branch. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science and Math Camp Scholarships, programs & interest groups. Leave voicemail for Laurel (530) 417-7737 or Sara (530) 4177138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net
AMERICAN LEGION POST 119 welcomes Veterans and guests to attend our monthly membership dinner and meeting the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM. Legionpost119.org
El DORADO COUNTY AMATEUR
harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or Kent (530) 651-3575
York, N.Y. 10018 For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 For Release Saturday, October 26, 2024
RADIO CLUB Dedicated to all aspects of ham radio. Meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at the El Dorado Sheriff’s office, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net
PLAY CRIBBAGE
Join the Gold Country Cribbers 916-212-2465 or 916-768-4452. We Play - We Teach - We Have Fun. Wednesdays 4:00 PM. Gilmore Senior Center 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA Struggling with life? CELEBRATE RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/
DEMOCRATS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Call (530)391-6414 or see edcdems.org for more information.
GOLD RUSH CHORUS now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing four-part
HANGTOWN WOMEN’S TENNIS CLUB. Come play tennis for fun and friendship. Meet at El Dorado High School, Acacia Street, Placerville, Wed 9 AM – 11 AM. (June - Aug 8 AM –10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Cindy 805-540-8654. MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant on Fair Lane in Placerville at 10:00 am.
Addiction or Relationship problem? Call 530 231-7728 our free counseling can help you. Positive Realism, 3430 Robin Ln., Cameron Park. Meet first and third Wednesday of every month, 7pm. Come and have a paid lunch with the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) for CalPERS retirees and spouses. The meetings are held at 11:30AM on May 20, July 15, September 16, November 18,2024 at Denny’s (3446 Coach Lane) Cameron Park. Call 530 919 7515 for programs and information.
SENIOR PEER COUNSELING Seniors 55 and over who are grieving, depressed or having issues related to aging can meet one-on-one with a caring senior, professionally supervised and trained to listen and encourage. Call (530)621-6304 to leave a message and get started.
TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION OF EL DORADO COUNTY Our mission is to educate the public on tax issues that affect them. Our meetings are held every Monday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at Denny’s Restaurant, Fair Lane Drive, Placerville. Meetings are open to the public. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a non-partisan organization.
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KEN STEERS Cameron Park
COMICS
Union Mine Diamondbacks cage Cougars on the court
Malachi Parker Staff writer
The Union Mine Diamonbacks’ varsity volleyball squad held off the El Dorado Cougars in five sets to close out league play on Oct. 22.
All five sets at Tuesday’s Pink Ribbon Volley Fest match were well contested with the biggest differential being three points. The sets ended with the scores of; 25-22, 25-23, 22-25,24-26 and 16-14.
The Diamondbacks took the first two sets and it seemed that they were going to make it a quick night for everyone, but in a rivalry matchup as big as these rivals, the Cougars were not going to let the match get away that easy.
The third and fourth set belonged to El Dorado as players battled through
to tie the match at two sets a piece.
The last time these two teams met, it also went to five sets with El Dorado coming out on top.
This time around, the Diamondbacks made the better plays, coming out strong in the final set and taking control. When they did let off the gas pedal, the Cougars launched a comeback effort.
The fifth and final set point is 15 opposed to 25 in the first four sets, and the two teams found themselves deadlocked at 14. The Diamondbacks, who surrendered their comfortable lead, finally put the Cougars away with back-to-back points to seal the win and earn the match belt.
El Dorado will still finish second in the league and Union Mine will finish third as the teams will prepare for the post-season.
OUTSIDE WITH CHARLIE
ARIES (March 21-April 19). To keep your restless mind from running wild, focus on what you want to experience, not on your fears. Your dreams will be blueprints, your support system the scaffolding that allows you to build your new reality.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Strangers notice your special charisma right away, though your close circle has grown accustomed to it. That can be a good thing, as too much attention can be draining. Anyway, all it takes is a little distance for them to see you anew.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The messages coming from within you may be at odds with the ones you’re hearing from the outside. This is a case in which your subconscious has a sense of the story that has yet to be public.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). When you’re tired, exercise can invigorate you more than taking a nap. In that spirit, though energy may wane, push through. The momentum is building, and if you step away for a break, you’ll miss out. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There’s an area of life in which you haven’t found what works -- yet. There’s no shame in it, and in fact, it would be a shame to pretend otherwise. Keep exploring. You’ll find it soon.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The difference between feeling happy and feeling stressed will be navigated by setting your expectations strategically. Plan to be able to use only part of what you make. Expect to produce a lot, and use only the best of it.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You want to do a thing, then
you do it. It seems simple enough, but it’s remarkable to risk feeling a fool, or decide that success doesn’t matter in the least. What matters is that you do what you say, and you say what you do.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The good guys aren’t always good, the bad guys aren’t always bad and the ingenue isn’t always in peril. Among honest cheats and righteous liars, you’ll observe, take note and navigate the complexity like a pro.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). One of the most challenging parts of change is not knowing where to start. An outside perspective makes this easier. If you’re open to asking a teacher, friend or stranger, you’ll get the helpful bird’s-eye view of your patterns.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). A relationship can feel like a secret world built for two. You’ll be inspired to share your thoughts, knowledge and support, and you’ll feel compelled to demonstrate what makes you different from the rest.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Once you settle into the
that seemed
handled. It will have
becomes
do with your
Autumn in the forest
We’ve trekked through October. November is next up. Autumn in the foothills and mountains is a very special time of year — not as many people out there, especially midweek. A slight dusting of snow may already grace the upper reaches of the mountains. The autumn color dance has reached its peak by now in the high country. It’s not over, but the mix of already done and still happening is what you’ll see. As we continue, the color dance moves down the hill to lower elevations, displaying that wonderful autumn palette of reds, yellows, oranges and browns.
Hope Valley, all along Highway 88, and along Highway 50 in Meyers, along Highway 89 from Meyers into Hope Valley are always a good bet for aspen watching. Highway 89, Emerald Bay Road, up to Spring Creek Tract, is another good spot
for autumn colors. Take the time to wander a bit. While the full burst of color may be off the trees by now, you’ll find that the aspens themselves are gorgeous and all those leaves are scattered about on the forest floor. Go to Woods Lake, Silver Lake, and Caples Lake to enjoy this fall wonder. There are a couple of spots up in the Crystal Basin that are more than worth the drive as well. Heading out into the forest at this time of year comes with shorter daylight hours. When we go through the end of the entirely inappropriately named daylight savings time on Nov. 3, daylight hours rapidly grow shorter every day. As the sunlight fades out, colder temperatures take over.
Remember to wear layers to stay up with the ups and downs of the temperature, especially if you are late returning to the trailhead and it’s flat out cold. You’ll need a hat and gloves that are capable of keeping you comfortable in the cold, along with the layers. After the hot days we’ve been through since spring it’s good to get your gear out and take it with you. If you’ve been meaning to hike up Mt. Tallac or Mt. Ralston, you’re running out of time, daylight time especially, to do it. As soon as the snow starts these places get pretty cold, snowy and icy quickly. When that happens only experienced backcountry folks with skis or snowshoes strapped to their feet will venture out. If you’re not one of them, wait till next spring. These two hikes are long, strenuous and there are no shortcuts. It’s uphill to the top. They all take a good, n
n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly
n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter
n RUBES by Leigh Rubin
n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly
Mountain Democrat photo by Malachi Parker
El Dorado senior outside hitter Avery Hornsby skies above the net for a spike.
Mountain Democrat photo by Malachi Parker
El Dorado senior outside hitter Avery Hornsby skies above the net for a spike.
Autumn Continued
Mt. Tallac trailhead is off of Highway 89, across from Baldwin Beach, or from the trailhead at Glen Alpine at Fallen Leaf Lake. The Ralston trailhead is off of Highway 50 by Camp Sacramento or from the back end of Echo Lake. Take a look at the routes on a map or on AllTrails (alltrails.com) or any other reliable online source. While our mountain landscape
may be clear of snow that won’t last for long. One good cold storm can turn everything white. Always check the weather reports before heading out. As we get deeper into autumn and closer to winter, weather in the high country can change pretty quickly. If a storm of any size is on the way, consider a different day for your hike. There are wonderful autumn treks that don’t require steep climbing. One of the best is the Rainbow Trail at the USFS Taylor Creek Visitors Center off Highway 89/Emerald Bay
Road in Tahoe. It’s flat, stunningly beautiful at any time of year, and comes with some very interesting interpretive plaques throughout. Taylor Creek is one of the 63 streams that flow into Lake Tahoe.
The Visitors Center closes Oct. 31, but the trail is open year round. If the gate to the parking lot is closed, find a safe spot off the road to park.
The trail is accessible and wheelchair friendly. It’s a flat halfmile trail that is always interesting, in all four seasons. Pack a lunch and enjoy a brilliant autumn day at this
very special place. Sly Park/Jenkinson Lake in Pollock Pines offers quite a few trails that are pretty easy to navigate. Hikers, runners, and mountain bikers enjoy the colors and beauty of this spot. Head to Pollock Pines, take Sly Park Road south. There is a fee to park and it’s worth it. Bring your camera, food, water, chocolate covered peanut M&Ms for the day, and the rest of anything else you need for a wonderful autumn trek in our forests. Autumn beckons you with open arms. Get outside!
PROSPECTING
Section B ■ mtdemocrat.com
IN THE KNOW
Now
Toogood Estate, 7280 Fairplay Road in Fair Play, hosts a Wine and Chocolate Spooktacular throughout October. Toogood is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Enjoy a delicious pairing of wines, ports and candies. For more information call (530) 6201910.
The Olde Coloma Theatre presents “A Werewolf’s Tail, Or, Hilda’s Haunted Hilltop” through Oct. 27. Doors open Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, go to oldecolomatheatre.com.
The Harris Center presents “Come From Away,” the Tony-winning musical, through Oct. 27. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
The Stage at Burke Junction presents the West Coast premiere of “Rogues” through Nov. 3. All show dates have 1 and 5 p.m. showtimes. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.
Sutter Street Theatre presents “R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps,” a family-friendly spooky play, through Nov. 3. The show starts at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with a special 4 p.m. Halloween show Thursday, Oct. 31. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
Sutter Street Theatre presents “Evil Dead the Musical” through Nov. 3. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 7 p.m. on Sundays. There will be a special Halloween showing on Oct. 31. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
Big Idea Theatre in Sacramento presents “POTUS” through Nov. 9. For tickets and more information visit bigideatheatre.org.
B Street Theatre in Sacramento presents “What the Constitution Means to Me” at The So a in Sacramento through Nov. 10. For tickets and more information call (916) 4435300 or visit bstreettheatre. org.
The California Museum presents Arte de Inspiracón: Día de los Muertos 2024 through Nov. 17. For more information visit californiamuseum.org.
Capital Stage in Sacramento presents “The Heart Sellers” through Nov. 17. For tickets and more information call (916) 995-5464 or visit capstage.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
Strangers help each other, learn about themselves in
‘Hangtown’
Eric Jaramishian Senior sta writer
Film director and writer David Aguilar and his crew spent four days in October shooting his latest project “Hangtown” in El Dorado County.
The short film features notable places, including Main Street in Placerville, Rotary Park, an apple farm in Camino and the American River.
Partly inspired by Aguilar’s childhood spent in El Dorado County, the short film follows 12-year-old Chicano Sammy, played by Geovanni Ryan, as he navigates growing up in the county during his parent’s divorce in the ’80s. While digging up a time capsule Sammy and his father buried, he comes across an on-the-run undocumented Mexican man Moises, portrayed by Ricardo Cisneros.
Both characters deal with isolation during the events of the film, according to Aguilar.
Additionally, language barriers create another hurdle in the characters’ relationship.
“I wanted to showcase a little bit of that division,” Aguilar said. “That way the characters would have some place to go and some place to merge into and someplace to find common ground.”
Utilizing space in the film to help visually create his messages, the story and ideas he created could only be shot in Placerville and other areas in El Dorado County, according to Aguilar.
“That’s the experience we’re giving Sammy; how does that sense of isolation, and internalizing the cultural denial of who you are, create an internal low self esteem?” Aguilar shared. “When he meets Moises, what’s inside him as a Chicano starts to awaken and bloom, and he starts to understand who he is.”
The story is quasi autobiographical. Growing up as a Latino, Chicano kid in the area while navigating his own parent’s divorce, Aguilar said his experiences di ered from other children his age, which helps drive the film’s narrative.
“That’s what informs Sammy’s emotional isolation, as well as what he’s internalized — the low confidence, low self esteem — and Moises comes through, and even though he’s trying to get away from something larger, he’s a confident man, and he’s a strong man, and this influences Sammy in a way that
he didn’t know was possible,” the director explained.
“Hangtown” is also inspired by classic ‘80s films, including “E.T.” and “The Goonies,” coming of age classics in which children live a life or go on an adventure their parents are often not aware of.
“We rode our bikes and we were out all day after school or all weekend, especially in a town like Placerville where we could (almost) do whatever we wanted,” Aguilar recalled.
“There (were) no cell phones, no tracking or any checking in every five minutes, so I think this story plays best in 1988, which is when the story takes place.”
Cisneros, who has played supporting roles in TV shows “9-1-1” and “Griselda,” said Moises is a tenacious and driven character just trying to survive.
“I think you can tell from even these few scenes, and within this short story, I feel like he can really tell this guy is a survivor; he’s driven, he wants something and then he goes to whatever he’s going after,” the actor explained.
By the end of the film, the two find a way to communicate and help each other as they learn about life through each other’s lenses, eventually forming a father/son type of bond.
Mountain Democrat photos by Eric Jaramishian
Sound mixer and boom operator Nick Anderson holds a mic over actor Giovanni Ryan while he acts out a scene during the filming of “Hangtown” in Lotus near the American River.
“Hangtown” director and writer David Aguilar reviews the script for his short film while on the set of his short film.
SFX make-up artist Rain Williamson prepares actor Ricardo Cisneros for filming of “Hangtown.”
Poetry lovers invited to gathering
News release
Poetry of the Sierra Foothills welcomes guests to meet and hear poets William O’Daly and Bob Stanley at Chateau Davell on Oct. 27.
O’Daly has translated nine books of Chilean Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda’s poetry, most recently Neruda’s first volume, “Book of Twilight.” He has published four chapbooks of poems and in September 2022 his first full-length volume, “The New Gods,” with Beltway Editions.
In March 2023 the Los Angeles Master Chorale included three poems from “The New Gods” and one from the chapbook “Waterways” in the world premiere of Reena Esmail’s “Malhaar: A Requiem for Water” at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. In September 2021 he received the American Literary Award from the bilingual Korean American journal Miju Poetry and Poetics. O’Daly is the lead writer for the California Water Plan.
Stanley studied poetry at Caltech and University of California, Los Angeles, and taught English and creative writing at Solano College, Sacramento City College and California State University, Sacramento, before retiring in 2021. He served on the board
of directors of the Sacramento Poetry Center for 25 years, 1996 to 2021. Stanley has organized hundreds of poetry events and he served as Sacramento’s Poet Laureate, 2009-12.
His poetry collections include
“Walt Whitman Orders a Cheeseburger” (Rattlesnake Press, 2009), “Eleven Blue Strings” (little m press, 2012), “Miracle Shine” (CW Books, 2013) and the e-chapbook “November Sun” (Random Lane, 2022). Stanley lives in Sacramento with his wife, Joyce Hsiao, and they run online poetry
seminars that help support small nonprofits. His newest collection of poems, “Language Barrier,” was published by CW Books in June 2024.
Terry Cobb will accompany the featured poets. He has played bass in symphony orchestras, jazz bands, traveling rock bands and backyard jam sessions for many years.
The poetry event begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, and includes open mic time at Chateau Davell, 3020 Vista Tierra Drive in Camino. For more information call (530) 644-2016.
Poem of the Month
CONTEMPLATION
A refuge for the downtrodden, Freedom to voice one’s thoughts within limits, Choice in the way to praise our Creator if one wishes, Ability to read books of our liking, Comfortable in our surroundings, Feeling the aura of equality among the masses, Flourishing with the blue skies above. Closing our doors to the oppressed, Speaking badly of our fellow man because of di erences, Limited to learning the truth through literature, Fairness taking a back seat to prejudice, Afraid to speak out about injustices, Sensing trouble in our community, Floundering below the turbulent red skies. Wondering if the storm will ever pass, If the heavens will change their color.
Joe Walsh has been an educator for over 50 years with his teaching experience ranging from primary grades through graduate school. He has several degrees including an MFA in writing and a Ph.D. in education. Joe lives in El Dorado Hills. Joe has had three books published and he participates in different writing groups in the area. In addition to writing, Joe also coordinates mental mathematics bowls for elementary school students.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy swings onto Harris Center stage
Ed Sengstack Harris Center for the Arts
FOLSOM — April 2024 marked the 31st anniversary of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s remarkable arrival onto the music scene. Since its formation in the early ’90s in Ventura, the band has toured virtually nonstop, performing on average more than 150 shows a year, and has produced a sizable catalog of recorded music, with sales of 2 million-plus albums to date.
Early on, during the legendary residency at the Derby nightclub in Los Angeles, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy reminded the world, in the midst of the grunge era no less, that it was still cool to swing. The band, co-founded by singer Scotty Morris and drummer Kurt Sodergren, was at the forefront of the swing revival of that time, blending a vibrant fusion of the classic American sounds of jazz, swing and Dixieland, with the energy and spirit of contemporary culture.
Relive the revival at the band’s Nov.
1 concert at the Harris Center.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s all original core line-up includes Morris (lead vocals and guitar), Sodergren (drums), Dirk Shumaker (double bass and vocals), Andy Rowley (baritone saxophone and vocals), Glen “The Kid” Marhevka (trumpet), Karl Hunter (saxophones and clarinet) and Joshua Levy (piano and arranger).
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s e orts to promote and revitalize swing music have taken shape as much more than a simple tribute. Taking inspiration from the creators of this uniquely American art form, the band’s original horn-infused music and legendary high energy show introduces the genre to a new and younger generation while remaining cognizant and respectful of the music’s rich legacy.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy performs at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit HarrisCenter.net.
Songwriters Colvin, Tunstall to perform their hits in Folsom
Ed Sengstack Harris Center for the Arts
FOLSOM — Shawn Colvin and KT Tunstall pack a double dose of star power into a single, awe-inspiring concert experience coming to Harris Center for the Arts on the Folsom Lake College campus on Wednesday, Nov. 6. Colvin, the Grammywinning singer/ songwriter of “Sunny Came Home” fame, has an emotional depth and on-stage vulnerability that has solidified her as a premier live performer. Her lasting appeal is due, in part, to her willingness to lay her emotions bare, coupled with an unmistakable dry wit. Scottish singer/ songwriter Tunstall, best known for hits “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” and “Suddenly I See,” captivates audiences with her dynamic vocals and skilled guitar prowess. Her singular knack for balancing introspective folk and propulsive rock, paired with her pioneering looping skills, have established Tunstall as a must-see performer. Yet, Tunstall has never been one for creative stasis. She’s
spent the past few years exploring new, electrifying sounds and seamlessly weaving together disparate genres into a style that is uniquely her own. Colvin stopped the industry in its tracks with her arresting 1989 debut, “Steady On.” The following spring, Colvin took home the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album, establishing herself as a mainstay in the singer-songwriter genre. In the ensuing 30 years, Colvin has won three Grammy Awards, released 13 superlative albums, written a
critically acclaimed memoir, maintained a non-stop national and international touring schedule, appeared on countless television and radio programs, had her songs featured in major motion pictures and created a remarkable canon of work. Her inspiring and candid memoir, “Diamond In The Rough,” was published in by Harper Collins in 2012. “Diamond In The Rough” looks back over Colvin’s rich lifetime of highs and lows with stunning insight and candor. Through its pages we witness
the story of a woman honing her artistry, finding her voice and making herself whole. Colvin was recognized for her career accomplishments when she was honored with the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Trailblazer Award by the Americana Music Association. Presenting her with this prestigious award was Bonnie Raitt. “She’s simply one of the best singers I’ve ever heard — and a truly gifted and deep songwriter and guitarist,” Raitt shared. “She was groundbreaking when she emerged and
continues to inspire me and the legions of fans and other singer/ songwriters coming up in her wake.” Over the course of three decades, Colvin has established herself as a captivating performer and a revered storyteller, well-deserving of the commendation of her peers and the devoted audiences who have been inspired by her
artistry. And as she enters her third decade as a songwriter and performer, she continues to rea rm her status as a vital voice in music. Tunstall burst onto the music scene with her 2004 multiplatinum debut, “Eye to the Telescope,” which spawned the global hits “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” and
Courtesy photo
Poet William O’Daly joins Poetry of the Sierra Foothills for a special event Oct. 27.
Courtesy photo
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy reinvigorated the swing scene in the ‘90s. See the band live in Folsom on Nov. 1.
Courtesy photos
Shawn Colvin, right, and KT Tunstall, above, have decades of great music to share with the audience.
Sacramento Ballet sinks its teeth into new production
News release
SACRAMENTO — Sacramento Ballet presents “Dracula,” choreographed by internationally renowned choreographer Michael Pink. Running Nov. 1-3 at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center, this will mark the first time this production has ever been performed in Sacramento ... or anywhere in California.
“Dracula” has captivated audiences around the globe, with performances in Australia, New Zealand, Tokyo, Norway, England and across the United States. Originally created for Northern Ballet in Leeds, England, to commemorate the centenary of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” Pink’s production brings gothic storytelling to life with thrilling original elements, including an unforgettable final battle.
Tickets are available now at sacballet.org or by calling the Sacramento Ballet box office at (916) 552-5810.
This highly anticipated California premiere of “Dracula” will be brought to life by the celebrated Pink, whose distinguished career has redefined classical ballet for modern audiences. Pink, the longest-serving artistic director in the history of Milwaukee Ballet, has earned widespread acclaim for his theatrical interpretations of iconic works such as “Romeo & Juliet,” “The Sleeping Beauty” and “Swan Lake.” His production of “Dracula” stays true to Stoker’s novel while introducing new dramatic elements, culminating in a gripping final showdown with a hoard of the undead in a cathedral crypt.
The production will feature set design by the Tony Award-winning Lez Brotherston, whose haunting, immersive designs perfectly capture Dracula’s chilling world. The visual experience will be further elevated by the lighting design of David Grill, a five-time Primetime Emmy Award-winning lighting designer known for his spectacular work on events like the Super Bowl Halftime Shows.
Duo Continued from B2
“Suddenly I See.” These songs, paired with her pioneering looping skills, established Tunstall as a captivating and dynamic performer, as well as a songwriter with a knack for balancing introspective folk and propulsive rock.
Tunstall recently expanded her musical style by focusing on a trilogy of records, where each album zeroes in on a single concept: soul, body and mind — 2016’s “KIN,” 2018’s “WAX” and 2022’s “NUT” cemented her position as one of the most exciting contemporary songwriters of her time.
Tunstall has also moved into writing for musical theater and is currently working as the composer for the adaptation of the 1995 beloved cult classic movie “Clueless.”
Colvin and Tunstall perform at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6. Individual tickets are on sale at the Harris Center box office at (916) 6086888 or online at HarrisCenter.net.
Mountain Democrat photos by Noel Stack
Placerville Union Cemetery came to life Oct. 19 for the Save the Graves: Law & Order presentations, during which guests heard stories of daring prison escapes, horrific murders and law enforcement efforts to bring criminals to justice. Money raised at the popular event goes toward Save the Graves effort to preserve, restore and protect El Dorado County’s historical cemeteries. Above left, Susan Newnham (Madison Adeline Blair) shares the details of her sad demise at the hands of her teacher Jeremiah V. Craine when she was only 18. Lulu Bell Cook (Jan Le Pouvoir), above right, was El Dorado County’s first female deputy. She was known for her no-nonsense approach and chasing children away from her blackberries while holding a broom. “Mind you, no one ever got hit,” she slyly noted.
Joseph M. Staples (Jack Devan), above left, recalls his untimely death at the hands of one of the Bullion Bend robbers. Above right, journalist John D. Spreckels (Joseph Tande), left, and El Dorado County Sheriff Archibald S. Bosquit recall the events leading up to and after the Manzanita Hill shootout, which followed a daring Folsom Prison escape.
BUTTERED AND SALTY
‘Terrifier 3’
HH Unrated, 2 hours, 5 minutes Horror, Dark Comedy, Slasher Now playing in theaters everywhere
Let’s get this out of the way right now: most readers are going to have little interest in watching this film. You need to not only be a fan of horror but be able to view films like “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and “Saw” as amusing diversions to be the audience for any of the “Terrifier” films. You’ve been warned. As a casual fan of horror films since I was a kid I have been slightly intrigued by the exploits of the films antagonist Art the Clown (if you don’t like clowns that’s going to be another nonstarter). I’ve had fellow cinephiles talk about how extreme these films go. That never appealed to me. I grew up on a healthy (sarcasm) dose of Freddy, Jason and Chucky. I like a bit of the absurd with a dash of the supernatural in my horror cup. Films like “Hostel” (2004) and the aforementioned “Saw” franchise never really were my bag. I can do a bit of gore but “splatter films” usually are when I check out. That’s until I kept reading (and hearing from friends) about audience members leaving the theater after just the opening scene in “Terrifier 3.” What could possibly happen in this film that hasn’t been attempted in “Terrifier” (2016) or “Terrifier 2” (2022), both of which I watched on Amazon Prime in preparation for this screening adventure? Well, color me interested!
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story of this franchise for a while now. Filmmaker
Damien Leone — who cut his teeth with special effects make-up (clearly) — introduced Art the Clown with two shorts filmed in 2006 and 2011, respectfully. By 2013 the character appeared in Leone’s anthology horror film “All Hallows’ Eve.”
The ultra-low/no budget affair opened the door for Mr. Leone to give the creepy clown his own film and that’s where the first “Terrifier” was born. After
a failed Indiegogo campaign the producers were able to cobble together about $35,000 to make the splatter-fest. Take it from me, it’s always a miracle to make a movie for that amount. It’s darned-near impossible to make it entertaining or successful. It was a success, however, and after making a little money and getting a bunch of notice in the horror community, a sequel was produced. This time it had a bit more money (but was still low budget at $250,000) and that one was successful enough to get a third one made and here we are. Where are we exactly? Well, this extreme horror film — with a now $2 million budget — knocked “Joker: Folie à Deux” out of the top spot and will have made $50 million in just two weeks when the weekend is over. A massive haul for a film like this (and near-impossible for an unrated film). It will end its run as one of the most successful horror releases of 2024.
It feels redundant to give a proper review to a film like this. The movie knows its job: scare and gross-out its audience. Does it deliver? Oh yes. Is the story worth writing about? Not really. Art the Clown is set to unleash chaos on the unsuspecting residents of Miles County as they peacefully drift off to sleep on Christmas Eve. The story and dialog are full of clichés and tropes you could find in any 1980’s or ’90’s horror film. The make-up FX continue to be top-notch and realistic if you are into the dismemberment sort of thing.
The real star of this film — even if he hasn’t said a single word through three films — is the creepy villain, Art the Clown. David Howard Thornton plays the evil jester for the third time and continues to balance horror and comedy to great effect. As I said, Art doesn’t speak. He does unspeakable things but does them with a pantomime-type performance that’s even creepier
Grotesqueness aside, I have been intrigued by the
Enjoy a full weekend of mythical departure, music
DRYTOWN — A small town chic roadhouse plans to inspire the spirit of its guests with a weekend full of masquerade. The Drytown Social Club celebrates the allure of mystery as a prequel for Halloween. Embracing this enchantment, the venue is hosting a three-day costume party with themes changing nightly.
Night one will be a masquerade dance party, night two full of country western music and attire and on the third a rock-n-roll edition. Three bands provide the soundtrack for these unforgettable evenings. Friday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. local band Stealing the Covers takes the stage. With a group of local Amador folk, this band will fill the dance floor with an awesome set list of eclectic covers.
Saturday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. Geoffrey Miller brings his Sacramento country western band to this Gold Rush town. The costumes shift to Western garb, harkening to the place Drytown was when it was founded in 1848 and inhabited by cowboys and immigrants seeking fortune. This Gold Rush town had a population of 20,000 in its heyday and boasted 26 saloons.
Sunday, Oct. 27, at 4 p.m. the festivities wrap up with the Roomshakers, another Amador band composed of musicians who have dedicated their lives to their passion. They play danceable rock blues. Guests this afternoon are encouraged to arrive in their best rockstar gear. The Drytown Social Club is located at 15950 Highway 49 in Drytown. For more information about the Halloween celebration call (209)2563779 or visit feistwines.com/events.
Modern-day master of reinvention in classical music to perform
Leila Srouji The Center for the Arts
GRASS VALLEY — The Center for the Arts and Music in the Mountains present renowned pianist and composer Chad Lawson in the Marisa Funk Theater on Oct. 27. Steinway artist, pianist and composer Chad Lawson is a modern-day master of reinvention: his bold interpretation
of the classics, electronic loops and atmospherics resonate with EDM fans and Neo-classical traditionalists alike.
Lawson is a streaming star with tens of millions of followers and has become known as the artist creating “classical music for the Spotify generation” through contemporary techniques and an emotive, arresting signature sound. He is equally at
home performing his own rendition of contemporary hits such as Billie Eilish’s “When The Party Is Over” (No. 26 in the Classical Charts) as he is performing Chopin sonatas.
He is the host and creator of the iHeart nominated and acclaimed mental wellness podcast “Calm It Down” (400,000-plus downloads). In a world full of noise, Lawson’s
meditative music invites listeners all to take a moment and reconnect with who they are. He makes music for the mind, body and soul.
Lawson wrote the music for the podcast “Lore” and, with it, toured the U.S. for the first time. Soon after, it became a successful TV series by Amazon. His music has been used for “The Walking Dead,” “‘Vampire Diaries” and “Viceland,” as well as
numerous commercial placements, including Delta Airlines and Microsoft. Lawson’s majorlabel debut solo piano album “You Finally Knew” was released on Universal/DECCA in September 2020. It has garnered more than 110 million streams globally, outperforming giants such as Andrea Bocelli, Max Richter and Lang Lang, rose to No. 5 in the Billboard
Classical Charts and was No. 1 on Spotify UK’s New Releases. His original single “Stay” has been in the Billboard Classical Charts Top 25 for 55-plus consecutive weeks. Lawson’s music has concocted a soothing musical cocktail as an antidote for this age of anxiety. Not only will this be apparent during his concert, but audiences will get the opportunity to experience his BREATHE workshop prior to the matinee show, noon to 12:45 p.m. He will explore how focused breathing techniques combined with live meditative music can help achieve a more relaxed state of mind. Drawing parallels between breathing and music, Lawson will demonstrate how emotions are not only a key aspect of social cognition and communication but also initiate homeostatic physiological and cognitive functions that help us deal with different challenges and opportunities. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and the show begins at 1 p.m. at The Center for the Arts, 314 West Main St. in Grass Valley. For tickets and more information visit thecenterforthearts.org or call (530) 274-8384.
Courtesy photo
Chad Lawson makes music for the mind, body and soul. Hear him live Oct. 27 in Grass Valley.
Courtesy photo
Geoffrey Miller brings country hits to the Drytown Social Club during its Halloween event. Western-inspired costumes are encouraged at the Oct. 26 show. News release
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 Community Services District parking lot; music and food trucks will also be present. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.
Cantiga Wineworks, 5980 Meyers Lane in Somerset, is celebrating Nevada Day and Halloween Oct. 25-27. Enjoy a relaxing weekend of friendly competition, with classic and new card games and board games for all ages and levels. Challenge yourself to games of chance to win prizes and discounts. Game-time snacks are available from the Tapas Menu, designed to pair perfectly with an excellent glass of Cantiga. For more information go to cantigawine.com.
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
UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts Starthistle 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.
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 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 or to make a large group reservation.
The Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera presents “The Marriage of Figaro” for its 2024-25 season’s opening night. Show at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 476-5975 or visit sacphilopera. org.
Summer Night City – an Abba Tribute will perform at The Sofia in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.
The California Museum presents Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues Oct. 26 through Jan. 19. For more information visit californiamuseum.org.
Knight Foundry will hold its monthly fourth Saturday selfguided walking tour day where visitors will discover an innovative, interactive video, text, and in-person experience as they explore the foundry complex. Expert docents are on hand to run the magnificent antique machinery and talk with visitors 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information visit knightfoundry.com or call (209) 560-6160. Oct. 27
El Dorado Western Railroad offers excursion rides with trains running on the hour, 10 a.m. through 1 p.m., weather permitting, at the Shingle Springs Station. For more information visit facebook.com/ ElDoradoWesternRailroad.
Sierra Vista Vineyards and Winery, 4560 Cabernet Way in Placerville, hosts Eggistential Sundays. Every Sunday Chef Justin will create freshly made omelets and frittatas from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. No reservations needed. For more information call (530) 622-7221.
Snowline Health Dementia Connection hosts dementia and Alzheimer’s documentary “Keys Bags Names Words,” 2-4 p.m. at the Camino SDA Church, 3520 Carson Road in Camino. Watch this quirky and inspiring film 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. Admission is free The Truckaderos will perform at 3 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.
Music in the Mountains presents Chad Lawson starting at 12:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit musicinthemountains.org.
Sacramento Zoo presents Boo Clues, 3:30-6 p.m. For more information, go to saczoo.org.
Oct. 29
Vitalant hosts a community blood drive 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Eldorado National Forest office, 4260 8 Mile Road in Camino. Make an appointment at vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app or call (877) 258-4825.
Oct. 30
Main Street Menagerie will perform at The Green Room Social Club
in downtown Placerville at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Oct. 31
Trick or Treat on Main Street Placerville 4-6 p.m. Local businesses will provide goodies to trick-or-treaters (while supplies last) in a safe environment. Activities will include a costume contest and carnival sponsored by Placerville Parks & Recreation, Placerville 20/30 Club and Placerville
Photographers snap great shots of wings and whales
News release
More alifornia Wildlife Photo of the Year finalists have been announced. It was the first time we had two images of the same species,” noted California Watchable Wildlife Outreach Coordinator Barbara Stenberg. “The judge couldn’t decide so both of the humpback whales were selected.”
Winners for July through August
Karen Bilgrai Cohen
Photography, skimmers, San Joaquin Wildlife Preserve, Irvine — The black skimmer has a unique grace as it forages in flight. Skimmers have a strange uneven bill with a larger underbill or mandible. These graceful birds fly low with a distinctive wing beat. Their lower jaw is dropped into the water and when they feel a fish the jaw snaps closed whipping the fish out of the water. They feed by feel rather than sight and for this reason they can forage at night.
To get this shot I crouched
low on rocks at the edge of the creek just before sunset and waited for the skimmers to enter the area of water illuminated by golden light. I panned and followed their pathway as their beaks split the amber water and created a silver wake of droplets. Kevin Lohman
Photography, owl, Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz — A juvenile great horned owl had been flying at the edge of a field, moving
between some of its favorite perches. I positioned myself under a tree when the owl decided to fly directly toward me to enter a grove of eucalyptus trees. This gave me a great head-on view of the owl with its legs not yet retracted from when it was on its most recent perch. Douglas Croft Images, humpbacks, Monterey Bay — Humpbacks lungefeeding at the surface of a fog shrouded Monterey Bay.
Probably my favorite thing to see humpbacks do is surface lunge feeding. For this to happen, conditions need to be just right, and on this predictably foggy August day on Monterey Bay everything came together. Anchovies schooled near the surface and a feeding frenzy ensued. Humpbacks, birds and sea lions all getting in on the action. Not a good day to be an anchovy.
Randall Finley Wildlife Photography, humpback whale, Pacifica State Beach, Pacifica — This summer,
in a rare event, numerous humpback whales spent time unusually close to shore in Pacifica. They could be photographed from all along the shore, including beaches and the pier, lunge feeding and even breaching. It’s thought the anchovy schools they eat moved in closer than usual due to water temperature changes related to climate change. The whales get so close, they overlap with the areas used by kayakers near the beaches. Occasionally, a kayaker gets a big, sudden surprise.
Sacramento Valley Chorus presents a ‘batastic’ performance
News release
The community is invited to attend the best Halloween party of the year and guests may come in costume if they wish.
Sacramento Valley Chorus, directed by Kristi Penelton, presents Batastic Carnival, a dinner show that promises a delightful evening of musical entertainment by the chorus and featuring several quartets, including the award-winning Artistic License Quartet.
The date is Saturday, Oct. 26, at North Natomas Community Center, 2631 New Market Drive, Sacramento. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. (ho-host Happy Hour). Dinner and show start at 6:30 p.m.
To top off the fun, there will be a costume contest, games and a dessert dash.
To purchase tickets for the show, including dinner, contact a chorus member or check out the website at sacramentovalleychorus.com.
Sacramento Valley Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, includes approximately 55 women singing in four-part harmony, a cappella style. Women are welcome to attend rehearsals throughout the year on Wednesday evenings at 6:20 p.m. at Arden Church of the Nazarene, 3337 Arden Way, Carmichael.
Douglas Croft Images
“Humpbacks” at Monterey Bay.
Kevin Lohman Photography
“Great Horned Owl” at Natural Bridges State Beach.
Randall Finley Wildlife Photography
“Humpback Whale” at Pacifica State Beach.
Karen Bilgrai Cohen Photography
“Skimmer” at San Joaquin Wildlife Preserve.
Courtesy photo Beware of misguided zombies, witches and other ghoulish characters performing with SVC. Bottom row: Elizabeth Dyer, Valerie Richie, Loretta Ashizawa and Jannie Baker. Top row: Sue Barkley, Joanna Davis, Debi Gordon, Pattie Bauer, Delia Price, Geri Miller-Riedel and Tamra Perez.
The Polish Ambassador returns to Miners Foundry for Halloween
EVADA CITY — He’s back!
The Polish Ambassador will rock more than just a trademark jumpsuit at the Halloween show to be held at the Miners Foundry Cultural Center on Oct. 31.
The author of sublime, intentional artistic works, The Polish Ambassador will bring an animated safari in technicolor sound to the stage with Morillo and Grandfather Gold.
“I’ll be unveiling a completely new set of music never before heard by the community. Warm, vibrant, uplifting songs and remixes. World music, house music, disco and more. People will be sure to leave with a smile on their face! The set will be an amazing experience for all ages, too!” said David Sugalski, the creator behind The Polish Ambassador.
The Miners Foundry Cultural Center presents The Polish Ambassador with Morillo and Grandfather Gold on Thursday, Oct. 31. Bar opens at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. The Miners Foundry offers a no-host full bar with snacks available for purchase. For tickets and more details visit minersfoundry.org.
The Polish Ambassador: Musician. Producer. Beatsmith. Recording artist. Composer. Dance-floor general. Label-head. At first breath, The Polish Ambassador was an experiment, Sugalski’s sound-art passion project that came to life. He found his first audiences through the support of
primitive digital radio stations.
Today, The Polish Ambassador has millions of listeners around the world at live music-focused gatherings and boutique electronic festivals from coast to coast. Founder of independent label Jumpsuit Records, an environmentalist and early progenitor of the permaculture action movement, the world’s funkiest diplomat is here to party with a purpose.
Since 2006, The Polish Ambassador has consistently released critically acclaimed full-length albums on
Jumpsuit Records, alongside a dizzying number of side-projects and multi-form collaborations. All the while launching the careers of a diverse smattering of artists that run the gamut in geography and genre. TPA continues to spread his wings in teaming up with eclectic musicians from around the world, including Matisyahu, Nitty Scott, Zion I, The Grouch, Mr. Lif and dozens of others. He is one-half of the celebrated folktronica project Wildlight, a duo in which he pairs with ethereal songstress Ayla Nereo.
Tour Sacramento’s haunted mansion
SACRAMENTO — California State Parks and the Office of Gov. Gavin Newsom welcome those who dare to Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park for free, guided spooky tours. Explore frightfully decorated rooms speaking to tales of history and supernatural surprises. And be sure
to check out the hay bale maze and fun photo opportunities; don’t forget to grab a free pumpkin on the way out. Peer through the veil through Oct. 31, 1-8 p.m. daily. Parents be warned – the tour may be a little too haunting for children younger than 10.
See MANSION, page B8
Jumpsuit Records has donated tens of thousands of dollars to various nonprofit organizations and charities voted on by fans and The Polish Ambassador has ditched the merchandise in order to facilitate a fan-operated buy-and-sell marketplace. The Polish Ambassador has evolved exponentially, from an art project to a vibration; a joyful community that thrives on the dancefloor and finds freedom, connection and collective oneness through this music.
Morillo: Morillo’s passion lies in the exploration and creation of a distinctive sonic landscape, a fusion of electronic, dub, trip-hop and world music. At its core, his sound embodies both rhythm and emotion, weaving a tapestry that resonates deeply with listeners. His catalog spans the spectrum, from pulsating dance-floor anthems to introspective, vibe-infused tracks ideal for intimate settings, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in his musical journey.
Grandfather Gold: From the rolling Yuba River and Victorian cottages of Nevada County emerges Grandfather Gold. A relic from the old west, a 1960s folk poet and contemporary singer-songwriter extraordinaire all-in-one, Grandfather Gold kicks down genre barriers with acoustic guitar, harmonica, tasteful percussion, violin, mandolin and vulnerable lyrics weaving a narrative that ruminates on matters of the heart, soul, mind and spirit.
Courtesy photo
The world’s funkiest diplomat, The Polish Ambassador, will get the crowd on the dance floor at Miners Foundry Cultural Center on Oct. 31.
Music groups keep harmony in the family, bring talent to the stage
than any dialog could be. Mr. Thornton has crafted, with the help of the nightmarish make-up FX on his face, a classic modern horror villain. He’s the sole reason this film didn’t get a lower review. You’ll be seeing this character’s face around Halloween long after these movies are finished. If one wants to use a musical analogy to describe these films, describing them as the “heavy metal
“I hope audiences will be open to the emotional journey of the film, because at the end of the day, it is between a younger boy and a man, and they both learn from each other,” Cisneros said. “They see they have a need and through each other they learn that their need is fulfilled, in the sense of helping someone and then being able to receive help.”
The film has been in the works since 2019. Though COVID-related shutdowns set back production, the “Hangtown” crew said El Dorado County O ce of Film and Media Executive Director Kathleen Dodge was instrumental in picking out locations for the film until they were ready to shoot in 2024.
“They’ve been delightful to work with and we’re glad they’re here,” Dodge told the Mountain Democrat.
Mansion Continued from B7
The Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park is located at 800 N St., Sacramento Tours are free for all visitors but reservations are required. RSVP at bit.ly/StanfordMansionHalloween24.
Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park is an ADA accessible space. Those with questions
or requests regarding accessibility may contact the park at (916) 3249266.
The Leland Stanford Mansion is a stunning example of the splendor and elegance of the Victorian era in California. Originally built in 1856 by Gold Rush merchant Sheldon Fogus, the mansion was later purchased
NEVADA CITY — Folk quartet
Three Times Through and indie rock band Farrow and the Peach Leaves will perform at the Nevada Theatre on Nov. 1, o ering a unique blend of Celtic tunes and Americana sounds. This musical event will showcase the intertwining tales of two talented families through generations, promising a night of exceptional performances and heartfelt storytelling.
Three Times Through, voted the Union’s Best Band, will bring its blend of traditional Celtic tunes and contemporary melodies to the stage. Known for infectious energy and instrumental prowess, Three Times Through will captivate the audience with an array of instruments, including hammered dulcimer,
of horror” wouldn’t be a stretch. These films are quite competently made and performed but you have to be a fan of the genre to enjoy them. The filmmakers know their audience. I had used the heavy metal analogy while doing prep for this review before seeing the film so I had to laugh when one of the trailers before the movie was for a limited engagement showing of a heavy metal
Also working on Aguilar’s passion piece are producer Jason Martinez and editor and cinematographer Luis Guizar; all three went to film school at University of California, Los Angeles, together in the ’90s.
Martinez told the Mountain Democrat he was particularly impressed with all the actors, even feeling “moved” by the performances.
“You could see the emotion happening in front of the camera,” he shared. “The actors were so good at nailing the emotions of the scenes.
“We’re dealing with child actors and going back to that feeling of being a kid, as well as the feelings of sadness and isolation — something I hope transcends onto the big screen,” Martinez continued.
Martinez, a frequent collaborator with Aguilar
and remodeled (twice) by Leland and Jane Stanford. Leland Stanford served as governor of California from 1862-63. The mansion served as the o ce of three governors during the turbulent 1860s — Leland Stanford, Fredrick Low and Henry Haight. After a 14-year, $22 million restoration
Public Notices
and rehabilitation project, the tour of the 19,000-squarefoot mansion will also feature 17-foot ceilings, gilded mirrors and exquisitely detailed carved moldings,
bodhran, mandolin and more. Joining them on stage, Farrow and the Peach Leaves will add dynamic sound rooted in Americana, blues, rock and country. Led by singersongwriter Graham Farrow Knibb, the band weaves together tales of love, loss and life in the Sierra foothills with sincerity and authenticity. The group’s music strikes a chord with audiences, moving seamlessly from upbeat dance numbers to soulful ballads that touch the heart.
The evening will also feature a guest appearance by Sands Hall, a renowned playwright, director, actor and singer-songwriter, adding another layer of talent to this family a air.
Three Times Through and Farrow & the Peach Leaves will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at Nevada Theatre, 401 Broad St. in Nevada City. For tickets and more information visit paulemerymusic.com.
concert next month.
The film will disgust, o end, be controversial, sacrilegious, mean-spirit and, yes, terrify. To others it will be a fun night at the movies. Also … clowns. Happy Halloween!
Joshua B. Porter is an award-winning filmmaker. He can be reached at @joshuabporter or joshuabporter@mtdemocrat.net.
and Guizar, said he hopes locals will get the chance to view the film.
“We are really pleased with everyone and their performances, and we are excited to see how this thing is going to perform in the festival circuit,” he said. “To help David with this project is something I’ll always remember and I think it’s also the start of bigger things to come.”
A bigger script and production for “Hangtown” is currently in the works, according to Martinez and Aguilar.
Aguilar is currently a writer for the CBS drama series “Matlock.” He is also credited as a writer for “S.W.A.T,” as a screenwriter for a mini series about the life of Franklin D. Roosevelt for the History Channel and a writer for the award-winning animated short film “To The Letter.”
beautifully restored woodwork, elegant 19th-century crystal and bronze light fixtures, historical paintings, re-created carpeting and draperies based on photographs from the 1870s to match the original interior design, original period furnishings that belonged to the Stanfords and a 19th-century style gardens outside.
Hangtown Continued from B1
Courtesy photo
Three Times Through will be joined by other great musicians for a Nov. 1 show in Nevada City.
Paul Emery Presents News release
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