Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, October 30, 2024 by mcnaughtonmedia

Tobacco shops concerns light up leaders

Placerville

Odin Rasco Senior sta writer

During its Oct. 22 meeting, the Placerville City Council started the ﬁrst steps of a process that will set a cap on how many businesses can sell tobacco in the city, mirroring a similar decision made the same day by the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors.

County and city o cials have introduced ordinances which will create a licensing system for tobacco retailers and set a limit on how many may operate in the area, in response to what they saw as a glut of tobacco shops springing up in the region and a litany of issues associated with their operations, including California laws being skirted or disregarded and concerns regarding youth access to prohibited products.

City sta worked with El Dorado County Public Health to develop the ordinance which was introduced but not yet passed by the council last week; ordinances require a ﬁrst reading to be done prior to any votes. The Public Health Law Center, a group dedicated to collaborating with tribal authorities and other local governments to draft law promoting citizen health, was also consulted while drafting the ordinance, meaning the proposed city rule is “state of the art, in terms of legality and how it’s structured,” according to Placerville Director of

■ County packing in changes to tobacco retail regulations

Eric Jaramishian Senior sta writer

Staff have finished proposing changes to El Dorado County’s tobacco retail land use regulations and codes, which went into first readings Oct. 22 at the Board of Supervisors meeting.

If approved on Nov. 5, the next board meeting, the regulation changes will prohibit any new proposed tobacco retailers within 1,500 feet from sensitive areas, including schools.

It will also prohibit retailers from selling flavored-tobacco products (already a state law) as well as single-use and non-FDA authorized e-cigs. The ordinance change will establish minimum product pricing and packaging size and will require on-site tobacco product sales and stop pharmacies from selling tobacco products.

Additionally, the changes will put a limit on the number of licensed tobacco retailers based on population size; one to 2,500 residents is being proposed. The proposed additions to the county’s ordinance code relating to tobacco retailers are the county’s latest actions to address concerns in the

Spooky scarecrows and terrific trunks

MAIL LABEL

Mountain Democrat photos by Odin Rasco

Girl Scout Troop 321 proudly poses with their 1st place ribbon, awarded for making the best fictional character scarecrow depicting Disney’s Maleficent. The El Dorado Hills Community Services District Trunk-or-Treat and Scarecrow Contest event was a big hit this year, with a sizable turnout and a wide range of creatively designed trunks, costumes and scarecrows.

The Buckeye Education Foundation wowed trick-or-treaters with its stellar space theme trunk, complete with spaceships, planets and a batch of astronauts handing out candy.

Andrew Breakey, left, and Samantha Anderson took second place in the best-decorated trunk contest for their Jurassic Park theme.

Girl Scout Troop 2158 took first place in the traditional scarecrow category of the EDHCSD’s competition.

ESSENTIALS

Thomas G. Mahach

Aug. 31, 1938 – Oct. 16, 2024

Col. Thomas G. Mahach USAF (Ret.) Born Aug. 31st, 1938 in St. Louis, M.O. Passed away on Oct. 16th, 2024. He served 26 years in the U.S.A.F. as a Vietnam Veteran and a command pilot earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and 10 Air Medals. He retired in 1986 and then started the second half of his life in El Dorado County becoming involved in the EDC Historical Society, OCTA, working in the EDC Services Division and serving on the Camino/ Pollock Pines Fire Board as well as the EDC Planning Commission in District II. He is survived by his daughter Melinda J. Pfeifer (Mahach), son Thomas G. Mahach II, daughter Marla K. Mahach along with 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. In lieu of ﬂowers or cards, please donate to the EDC Historical Society or OCTA in his honor.

Robert Roger St. John

Nov. 16, 1938 – Oct. 17, 2024

Marco Torres Ramos May 18, 1971 – Oct. 13, 2024

It is with a sad heart that on October 13th, Marcos was taken by Angels to cross over the rainbow bridge to heaven. He left his mark on the landscape and vineyards of El Dorado County. He was a vineyard manager for Naylor Farms for over 29 years. He has left many nephews that he called his kids, to name a few are Jamie, Pedro, Luis, Manuel, Primativo and Jonathan. He also left many beloved friends. Mass will be held at St Patrick’s in Placerville on November 8th at 10 am and a celebration of life will be held at Cedarville Vineyard in Fairplay on November 10th. He will always be in our hearts and never forgotten.

Shirley Metz Edwards

May 17, 1932 – Oct. 11, 2024

Robert Roger St. John passed peacefully on October 17, 2024 at the age of 85 in Santa Clara, California. “Bob” is survived by his wife Carol St. John, sister Marilyn (David Jolley) St. John, brother Richard (Bonnie) St. John, daughters Suzanne (David) St. John-Crane and Elizabeth (Mary) St. Holland; and his granddaughters Sadie, Hannah and Ruby. Bob was born November 16, 1938 to Roger and Jean St. John of Niagara Falls, New York. He attended DeVeaux High School and Cornell University. He met his ﬁrst wife Nancy and moved west in the ‘60s where he was a salesman in the South San Francisco trucking industry for more than three decades. They raised their two daughters in San Bruno and were active members of St. Robert’s Parish. Bob eventually retired to Flagsta , Arizona, and then back to Cameron Park, California to be near his daughters’ growing families. He was also a singer, songwriter, poet and a runner for much of his life. He loved spiritual retreats and was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 44 years. Members of AA are asked to put a few extra dollars in the meeting basket in Bob’s honor. A celebration of life is planned for January 11, 2025 at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church in San Jose, CA.

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.

Conditional voting open

News release

Citizens who haven’t registered to vote in the Presidential General Election still have an opportunity to do so, according to El Dorado County Registrar of Voters, Bill O’Neill.

“If you missed the Oct. 21 close of registration deadline to register for the Nov. 5, 2024, Presidential General Election, you can still register to vote by coming to the Elections o ce at 3883 Ponderosa Road, Shingle Springs or any vote center in the county and complete a voter registration form and vote conditionally,” O’Neill said. A conditional voter registration ballot must be voted at the time and location a voter received it. To ﬁnd the nearest vote center to you visit eldoradocounty.ca.gov/Elections.

(916) 724-2575 5TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

Folsom Road Granite Bay 95746 (916) 774-4430

District O ce 460 Sutter Hill Rd, Suite C Sutter Creek 95685 (209) 267-5033 EL DORADO IRRIGATION DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2890 Mosquito Road, Placerville (530) 622-4513 Division 1: George Osborne, (530) 647-0350

Division 2: Pat Dwyer, (530) 642-4055

Division 3: Brian Veerkamp, (530) 642-4055

Division 4: Lori Anzini, (530) 642-4055

Division 5: Alan Day, (916) 235-3295

Shirley Helen Metz was born on May 17, 1932 in East Oakland to Leroy and Adelma Goeltz Metz. She passed away on October 11, 2024 in Placerville, CA. She was an eighth generation Californian whose ancestors were members of the 1776 (second DeAnza Expedition), to Northern California. Her ancestors founded six major cities in the Bay Area, five missions, and were awarded four large land grants by the governor of Mexico. She attended Fremont High School in East Oakland and the University of California at Berkeley, graduating in 1954 with a degree in history and a teaching credential. Shirley married her high school sweetheart, Ronald Holm and moved to Fresno, CA to teach third and fourth grades. There they had their son, Bradley and shortly thereafter they moved to San Jose, CA. A few years later her beloved daughter, Dana Lynn was born. Shirley taught English as a Second Language in San Jose’s Adult Education Program. She continued her education as San Jose State University and received her Master’s degree. She was soon promoted to vice principal and principal in the San Jose School District. She was a mentor to many of her students and co-workers. In 1974 she married Art Edwards, an old high school friend. They built a house n Aptos, CA and remained there until their retirement. In 1992 she and Art moved to Pollock Pines to enjoy living closer to their mutual childhood friends. Shirley and Art were active in the sailboat community on San Francisco Bay, enjoyed traveling to Europe and Japan and traveling in their fifth wheeler in the Western US. Shirley was an avid readers and an e ective volunteer with her positive energy and can-do attitude. She was active in the Federated Church of Placerville and was heavily involved with helping the unsheltered people of El Dorado County find warmth and a good meal. She loved to explore the backroads of California and was a master at creating delicious picnics for these outings. She cultivated close relationships with her women friends. Just like her mother, Shirley had an uncanny ability to spark up genuine conversations with strangers and hear their stories. Her smile could light up any room. Family and friends were always the most cherished part of her life and she was grateful for each and everyone. She will be remembered for her unconditional love, guidance, inclusivity and strong will; she will be deeply missed. Shirley was predeceased by her parents Leroy and Adelma Metz, brother Edward Metz, daughter Dana Holm and stepdaughter Diana Edwards. She is survived by her husband of fifty years, Art Edwards, brother Howard (Nancy) Metz, son Brad (Amy) Holm, grandson Matthew (Geneva) Holm, granddaughter Kaleigh Holm and great grandson Elias Holm. Stepsons, Doug (Laura) Edwards and Bruce (Susan) Edwards and step grandchildren Aurora Edwards, Conner, Trevor and Toria Edwards, Harmony Walker and Amber, Blake and Sophia Edwards. Nieces, Debbie Barker, Cindy Keenan, Cheryl Mapes and nephew Je Metz along with her caring friends at Eskaton Village. A service celebrating Shirley’s life will be at 2 pm on November 16, 2024 at the El Dorado County Federated Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Federated Church, 1031 Thompson Way, Placerville CA 95667

There are several other important dates to consider between now and Election Day:

• Oct. 22: Conditional voter registration began. Voters must appear in person at the Elections o ce or at a vote center. Conditional voter registration is available through Election Day.

• Oct. 26: 11 Day Vote Centers opened.

• Nov. 2: All vote centers open throughout the county.

• Nov. 5: Election Day, all vote centers open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Contact the Elections Department for more information at toll-free (800) 730-4322 or (530) 621-7480 or visit edcgov.us/Elections.

“Citizens can ﬁnd the location for vote centers and drop boxes, watch live streams of the activity inside the Elections Department where employees are sorting and signature veriﬁcation and more, and see Elections statistics such as ballots mailed and received, ballots challenged and the ballots tabulated by visiting the Elections website,” O’Neill shared.

The following information was taken from Placerville police reports:

Oct. 13

9:11 a.m. Vehicle burglary reported on Moulton Drive.

1:41 p.m. Burglary reported on Hilltop Drive.

6:16 p.m. Petty theft reported at a grocery store on Placerville Drive.

Oct. 14

4:29 p.m. Petty theft reported at a store on Placerville Drive.

5:01 p.m. Burglary reported on Paci c Street.

Oct. 15

10:52 a.m. Petty theft reported on Coloma Street.

1:38 p.m. Battery reported at a grocery store on Placerville Drive.

Oct. 16

8:17 a.m. Burglary reported at a business on Green Valley Road.

Oct. 17

9:14 a.m. Burglary reported at an apartment complex on New Jersey Way.

11:03 a.m. Trespassing reported on Placerville Drive.

11:26 a.m. Burglary reported at a motel on Broadway.

12:20 p.m. Vandalism reported at the library on Fair Lane.

1:41 p.m. Petty theft reported on Cedar Ravine Road.

6:01 p.m. Petty theft reported at the navigation center on Fair Lane.

9:14 p.m. Battery reported at a gas station on Placerville Drive. A suspect was arrested.

Oct. 18

5:50 a.m. An arrest was made at a motel on Broadway.

Oct. 19

4:09 a.m. Battery reported at an apartment complex on Schnell School Road.

10:56 a.m. Petty theft reported at a restaurant on Broadway.

12:42 p.m. Petty theft reported at the library on Fair Lane.

2:06 p.m. O cers booked into jail a 40-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia, carrying a concealed dagger and multiple probation violations on Main Street. He was listed in custody in lieu of $59,999 bail.

3:18 p.m. Trespassing reported on Broadway.

7:43 p.m. Brandishing was reported at a park on Tunnel Street.

Oct. 20

12:14 a.m.

MAST YEAR

Massive seed collection success for the Sugar Pine Foundation

Tressa Gibbard

Sugar Pine Foundation

For the Sugar Pine Foundation — a local nonprofit dedicated to restoring Tahoe’s sugar pines and overall forest health — this September was incredibly busy with seed collection because 2024 proved to be a mast year for sugar pines and most conifers in the Tahoe region. This is significant because reforestation starts with collecting seed.

A “mast year” is when an entire population of a certain tree or shrub produces a large amount of fruit, seeds, or nuts, which are collectively referred to as mast. (The term “mast” comes from the Old English word mæst, which refers to the nuts of forest trees that accumulate on the ground.)

Mast years occur at irregular intervals every few years — and the timing is different for different species. Sugar pines, which take two years to produce fully mature cones, may mast every two to seven years.

The exact reasons why trees mast are still a mystery to scientists, but factors that may play a key role include temperature, rainfall and predation. In the Sierra Nevada, water is the most limiting factor for most plants and trees. To produce a healthy cone crop, trees need the right combination of moisture and temperature in the spring. The big snow year of 2022-23 along with last year’s wet summer may be the main reason behind many species experiencing a mast year in 2024. While no one can really say why this year was a mast year, the SPF made sure to capitalize on the bumper crop of seeds and their field team didn’t have time to scratch their heads about it. Teams had to hustle to collect as much seed as possible

because the early cold snap in August seemed to trigger sugar pine cones to open (or “flare”) earlier than ever before. Sugar pine cones look like long, sticky, green torpedoes toward the end of summer. Inside the green cones is the ripening seed. Mid-September is usually when the SPF climbs known major gene-resistant trees that can survive white pine blister rust and collects the cones while still green yet full of ripe seed. Cone collectors must get the green cones before they flare and drop their seed. This year, they had a very short window in the first week of September to collect the bumper crop of seed. It is very important to collect seed during mast years because, quite simply, it delivers the most “bang for the buck.” When the trees are full of cones, it takes much less effort to collect a lot more seed in one given climb.

Mast years offer a great opportunity to store a lot of seed for future restoration needs. There is a general shortage of seed for wildfire restoration and planting needs in California, but mast years like this one can help re-stock seed banks since seed can keep for decades in cold storage. The SPF harvests seed by sending a climber into the very top of trees laden with cones. The climber clips or shakes the cones off of the branches and a ground crew collects the fallen cones full of seed in burlap sacks. This year, SPF’s pro tree climber Benjamin Cavalier scaled eight resistant sugar pines, an incense cedar, and a western white pine to harvest cones in September.

SPF Executive Director Maria Mircheva, Edric Alvarez and Stephen Loane acted as ground crew. The SPF team took advantage of this mast year by collecting seed

from many species. The seed will be used for reforestation plantings in the Caldor Fire and other fires, such as the recent Davis Fire on Mt. Rose.

This year, the SPF harvested: 55,000 sugar pine seeds 40,000 western white pine seeds 30,000 incense cedar

seeds 20,030 mountain hemlock seeds 6,000 Jeffrey pine seeds

Thanks in large part to community donations of seed, the SPF already had 30,000 Jeffrey pine seeds in cold storage, which is why they didn’t harvest more of this species. This is the first time the SPF

collected mountain hemlock seed and they look forward to raising and interplanting this species in higher elevation zones, such as in the Caldor Fire burn scar at Sierra-at-Tahoe.

Once collected and bagged, the SPF sends their cones to the U.S. Forest Service Placerville Nursery for seed extraction. The first step of this process is to dry the cones on racks. Next, the cones are shaken in a machine to get the seeds out.

Another machine is used to clean the seed.

Most of the seed the SPF collects gets stored in the freezer, but some is sent to nurseries to be grown into seedlings for restoration plantings. Half is shared with the U.S. Forest Service for their restoration projects. The first step in growing seedlings is to stratify the seed — which involves imitating fall, winter and spring by soaking the seed and keeping it refrigerated for three months — so the seeds will sprout, or germinate, when planted in Styro plug planters. The SPF gets the seedlings back from the nursery once they are one year old for restoration plantings in fire scars and other areas in need of rehabilitation around Lake Tahoe in the spring and fall.

Keep uninvited spirits from spoiling Halloween

California Poison Control System

Getting thrills out of being spooked is a tradition at Halloween. To help ensure the scary time with a giggle doesn’t become a fright night, California Poison Control System offers these treat-smart tips for a safe Halloween season.

Do not let your child eat any candy until you’ve inspected it.

Look for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, pinholes, or tears in wrappers, and discard anything that looks suspicious.

Make sure your child sticks with factory-wrapped candy. Throw away unwrapped candy immediately.

If your child has a food allergy, read the labels to ensure the allergen — such as peanuts, eggs, dairy, or tree nuts — isn’t present.

If the candy or treat doesn’t have a label, throw it away.

Avoid homemade treats and treats with personal packaging, unless you know and trust the individuals who prepared them.

Dental

DEALING WITH A DIASTEMA

also be caused by missing teeth, smaller teeth, a problem with the tissue between the lips and gums, and an abnormal swallowing reflex. Diastemas usually don’t cause oral health or dental issues, but your dentist may recommend treatments to fill larger gaps that can affect chewing and bite. Diastema gaps can be closed with orthodontics that bring the teeth closer together. In some cases, an implant may be recommended to fill an empty space. Porcelain veneers can be applied to widen teeth and close smaller gaps. Dental bonding also

works well to close smaller gaps.

Improving the look, health, and function of your smile is our primary focus. From cosmetic dentistry to general family dentistry to preventive care, we are dedicated to working with our patients toward the goal of achieving the healthiest, most attractive smiles possible. Are you curious how today’s dental procedures can virtually change your life? We’d be glad to tell you about the many ways we can help make your smile a dazzling one, from closing up gaps to teeth whitening. Just call us for an appointment.

P.S. Diastemas are common in herbivores like sheep, rabbits, and beavers. The gap helps them move food to the cheeks, so they can eat more efficiently.

Fruit treats should be washed and cut open before allowing your child to eat them.

If your child brings home a brand of candy that isn’t familiar, throw it away.

Look for — and remove — potential choking hazards for young children such as small pieces of candy, gum, peanuts or small toys.

Medicine and candy can look, smell, and even taste alike. So make sure to store all your medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Try to keep your child from eating too much candy at once. Sugars and other sweeteners can act as laxatives when consumed in large amounts.

Glow sticks are popular items used by trick-or-treaters to see and be seen at night, but don’t let your child chew on them as the luminescent liquid inside it can cause mouth irritation and an upset stomach. The liquid can also cause skin and eye irritation.

Use nontoxic Halloween makeup on your child. Check the ingredients: some Halloween makeup contains lead or other toxic ingredients.

Courtesy photo

Sugar Pine Foundation pro tree climber Benjamin Cavalier scaled eight resistant sugar pines, an incense cedar, and a western white pine to harvest cones. He’s seen here above Emerald Bay.

Did

This

a suggested donation of $300.00 per tree, you can help bring festive cheer to our community while creating a beautiful display for everyone to enjoy.

We would like to thank the El Dorado County Christmas Tree Growers Association for helping to make this community holiday tradition a ordable.

Join us in spreading holiday spirit and adopt a tree today!

GRAND OPENING

Beuttel Insurance

517 Pleasant Valley Rd, Ste 2, Diamond Springs

Elizabeth Beuttel hosted a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Oct 2. The fun and informative event focused on changes in Medicare coming in 2025. It was a great opportunity to meet the team and learn how they can help you navigate these upcoming changes.

Contact Beuttel Insurance for answers on Medicare Annual Enrollment, updates, cost increases, and more. 517 Pleasant Valley Rd, Ste 2 Diamond Springs (530) 303-3366 Info@Beuttelinsure.com beuttelinsure.com

foothills, Rides with Rob is here to make your journey effortless and enjoyable. Book your ride today and experience our region’s charm with the comfort and convenience you deserve. rob@rideswithrob.com • http://rideswithrob.com

Marston Yoder Healthcare Consultants

Specializing in designing and implementing heart failure readmission reduction programs for health care organizations. Their mission is to improve the quality of patient care, care coordination, patient satisfaction, and outcomes, while reducing costs, expenses, and readmissions by partnering with medical directors, service lines, home health, hospice, skilled nursing facilities, and outside vendors. (530) 957-0604 • jmarston@marstonyoderhealth.com

Cool Earth Solar

We believe everyone should have affordable and abundant energy from a clean, renewable source. Cool Earth Solar was born with a mission to transform the solar landscape in the world’s heart of innovation. We proudly operate locally, deeply connected to the communities we serve. Guided by our Founder, Rob Lamkin, a leader in renewable industry for nearly three decades, we pave the way forward to greener power. Our engineers and technicians excel in cutting-edge solar technology, ensuring excellence in every aspect. Cool Earth Solar envisions making solar power universally accessible through our seamless, all-in-one process designed to simplify your experience. (925) 998-2058 • https://coolearthsolar.com/

Photo Credit to Giloff Photography

L to R: Cathy Zuber, EDC Chamber Membership Director; Rob DiNunzio, Rides with Rob; Julie Marston & Scott Yoder, Marston Yoder Healthcare Consultants; Rob Lamkin, Cool Earth Solar; Mark Luster, Sierra Pacific Industries & EDC Chamber President.

Chamber Champions:

3 Tips to Make Sure You’re Protected

California will soon allow local governments to enforce not only the state’s employment discrimination claims but also local anti-discrimination laws that are more stringent than the state’s antibias laws. Governor Newsom just signed SB 1340 Thursday, which means your business might soon ﬁ nd itself dealing with compliance challenges even beyond those raised by California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Unruh Civil Rights Act. Below are three steps you can take to make sure your prepared for these changes, which will take e ect on January 1, 2025.

What

Does The New Law Do?

This new law will enable local governments to enforce antidiscrimination laws when employees bring a right-to-sue from the

Civil Rights Department (CRD). Previously, only the CRD could enforce California’s discrimination laws like FEHA and the Unruh Civil Rights Act. But starting on January 1, local authorities will be able to enforce both the state’s laws and any more rigorous local antidiscrimination laws.

Under SB 1340, any city, county, or locality can enforce any local law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, age, reproductive health decision making, or sexual orientation – so long as all four of the following requirements are met:

1. Local enforcement regards an employment complaint ﬁ led with the CRD;

2. Local enforcement occurs after the CRD issued a right-to-sue notice under FEHA;

3. Local enforcement starts before the expiration of the time to ﬁ le a civil action speciﬁ ed in the right-to-

sue notice; and

4. Local enforcement is pursuant to local law that is at least as protective as FEHA.

Another important provision of the new law is that it tolls the time to ﬁ le a civil action under a rightto-sue issued by the CRD. When the CRD issues a right-to-sue notice, the employee has one year to sue their employer. Now, any local enforcement stops that one-year clock.

What This Means for Employers

Here are three tips for employers in light of the new change:

• Keep a Close Eye on Local AntiDiscrimination Laws. Since SB 1340 allows local authorities to enforce local anti-discrimination laws that are stronger than FEHA, you should be aware of any existing or new local antidiscrimination laws and what its provisions mean for you.

Jody Franklin, Executive Director of Tourism

page views.

El Dorado County Visitor’s Authority

Below are a few highlights from the 2023-24 El Dorado County Visitors Authority year-end report submitted to El Dorado County Economic Development this year.

• Produced & distributed 65,000 EDC Farm Trails & Visitor Guides ( key locations in Sac Airport & regional high tra c visitor centers)

• Distributed 26,000 brochures for partners like Apple Hill™, Placerville Downtown & ED Winery Association

• 21% year-over-year increase in Visit El Dorado website and

Miners on Main Scavenger Hunt

• 1375 Visitors served at the Placerville Visitors Center

• 1295 Visitor information requests

ﬁlled

• 23 new videos created

• 6 journalists hosted

• Generated 334 sales leads at the Bay Area Travel Show

• 33 email campaigns reached 12,000 subscribers

• Garnered an additional 353 leads through targeted advertising

The ROI for this and other marketing activities total 15,120%.

Look for the breakdown in our annual report. Thank you for your continued support of the El Dorado County Visitors Authority Program.

1. Face-to-face networking is more beneficial than online networking. It provides more opportunities and builds longer lasting relationships.

2. Remember that you don’t have to be the life of the party. If there’s 20 people in the room or 200 people in the room, just focus on a few. If you walk away with one good connection that could potentially lead to more sales or more opportunities.

3. Pick a networking organization and stick with it.

N OVEMBER C ALENDAR OF E VENTS

There are ten “Miners” hidden throughout Main Street Placerville from Sacramento Street to Clay Street. These Miners all had an impact on Placerville and El Dorado County during the Gold Rush period. Each miner has a QR code on the medallion that will take you to a webpage about the miners when scanned with your phone camera. So grab your phone and begin your hunt. visit-eldorado.com/miners-onmain/ Nov 1 Burgers and Karaoke

5 – 10 p.m. Placerville Elks Lodge, 3821 Quest Ct, Shingle Springs. Great burgers and singing to the delight of the Elks audience. secretary1712@gmail.com

Nov 2 Friends of the Library Book Sale

8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 345 Fair Lane, Placerville. Fill up and take away a bag of books for only $7. There is a wide variety of fiction, non-fiction, vintage and children’s books. Puzzles, DVDs, sheet music, and more! Located in the garage behind the Placerville library. folplv@icloud.com

Nov 2 Auditions for Stuart Little: The Musical at Imagination Theater

9:00 am. 100 Placerville Drive, Placerville. This will be performed February 7 - March 2, 2025. Stuart Little is a wonderful opportunity for children ages 8-17 to showcase their talent and be part of a fun and uplifting musical production. IT Box Office. 530-663-6983 https://www.itplacerville.org/ auditions/

Nov 2 C3 Cars, Coffee, & Harvest Fest

9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Burke Junction, 3300 Coach Ln, Cameron Park. Come meet and greet fellow car enthusiasts, network with vendors and sponsors, and participate in exciting activities that will keep you entertained. foodandfunmedia@gmail. com, www.vendorscafe.com/vendor-application

Nov 2 Dare to tread at Murderer’s Bar & Mountain Quarries

11:00 am - 1:00 pm. 150 California Hwy 193, Auburn. Discover the chilling details of an 1849 assault that escalated into a bloody massacre, forever marking this location as “Murderer’s Bar”! El Dorado County Historical Society. contact@edchs.org. http://edchs.org

Nov 2 Champagne Bubbles and Dangerous Dames Mystery Luncheon 11:30 am - 2:30 pm. Placerville Shakespeare Club, 2940 Bedford Avenue, Placerville. A 1920’s Theme Murder Mystery Luncheon performed by the Interactive Entertainment Murder Mystery Players. Tickets are $45.00 per person and paid reservations must be made in advance. 1920’s theme costumes are encouraged. 916-802-0186. https://placerville-shakespeare.com

Nov 2 - 3 The Stage at Burke Junction Presents: ROGUES 3300 Coach Ln E1, Cameron Park. A play by Charlotte Higgins. Caregivers at their finest... or maybe not. A unsentimental, often brutal yet humorous look into the lives of a group of caregivers. Tiffany Rolston 714-417-0686 https:// www.stageatburke.com/.

Nov 2 Dinner, Wine & Piano at Sierra Vista Winery

4 - 7:00 pm. 4560 Cabernet Way, Placerville. Kevin Whalen is a performing classic singer/songwriter with covers spanning

the 70’s through today, including Billy Joel, Elton John, Paul Simon, Howard Jones, and John Mayer, just to name a few. When not playing solo, you can catch him performing with the iconic classic rock cover band Jax Hammer. 530-6227221 info@sierravistawinery.com www.sierravistawinery. com/event/piano-kevin

Nov 2 Country Line Dancing & Lessons

Presented by VFW Auxiliary, 6 - 9:30 p.m. Veterans Memorial Hall, 130 Placerville Dr., Placerville. $10/per person. All proceeds go to support our veterans. vfwpost2680. org

Nov 3 Placerville Elks Lodge Bingo

1 - 4 p.m. First Sundays. 3821 Quest Court Shingle Springs. A great day of Bingo and friends supporting charities of the Elks. secretary1712@gmail.com

Nov 8 – 9 Cold Springs Church Craft Faire 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 2600 Cold Springs Road, Placerville. Gifts, Jewelry, Quilted Items, Yard Art, Home and Holidays Decor and Much More. All Items are Hand Crafted by 30 Quality Crafters. https://coldspringschurch.churchcenter.com

Nov 9 Living History at Marshall Gold Discovery SHP

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 310 Back Street, Coloma. Experience what life was like during the California Gold Rush. Visit the mercantile, the claims office, or the laundress. Learn skills such as carpentry, coopering and blacksmithing. And don’t forget to visit historic buildings along Main Street. 530-6223470 www.parks.ca.gov/marshallgold

Nov 9 19th Annual Crab & Chowder Gala

5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. 100 Placerville Drive, Placerville. It is our honored responsibility to our beloved community to maintain the grounds for all to enjoy. Please donate to our fundraiser and join us in our mission to serve our community. Fair Office 530-621-5860 eldoradocountyfair.org/gala.html

Nov 10, 17, 24 Mimosa Sundays

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Come out and enjoy a picnic on our patio. Guests can also contact Ranch Girls Dream to order personal charcuterie platters that will be delivered to the vineyard to enjoy with their mimosas. 8061 Perry Creek Road, Fair Play. 530-620-7474 cielosullaterra.com

Nov 14 EDC Chamber Mixer

5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Hosted by Vintage to Modern Home, 384 Placerville Dr., Ste. F, Placerville. These exciting membership events take place at various member locations, offering you a chance to explore different venues while enjoying a delightful evening. Indulge in the no host bar, savor delicious appetizers, and participate in our thrilling raffle. There’s no need to worry about a dress code – simply wear something that represents your brand or business. No reservations required! Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to meet new people, expand your network, discover fresh opportunities, raise awareness for your business, and connect with fellow professionals. El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce Mixers are a benefit of membership. We encourage non-members to join us once or twice as our guest. November 15 & 16 Placerville Speedway USAC National Midgets plus BRCA Wingless Lightning Sprints. 2:00 pm. 100 Placerville Dr, Placerville. Grandstands open at 3.p.m. Sprint Car Qualifying at 5:30 p.m. 530-3447592 www.placervillespeedway.com

• Be Prepared for a Longer Lifespan for Discrimination Suits. The tolling provision can greatly lengthen the time it takes for an employee to sue in civil court. Since any local enforcement will toll the one-year time limit, the length of that enforcement pushes out the time it takes that employee to bring a suit.

• Review Your Policies, Practices, and Complaints. Given this new law’s tolling provision and empowerment of rigorous antidiscrimination laws, this is a good time to review your policies and practices to ensure you foster a work environment free from workplace discrimination. One good source of ﬁ nding where such errors may lie is in previously ﬁ led employee complaints alleging discrimination. Re-evaluate such claims to ensure that steps have been taken to remedy causes of discriminatory practices or ensure that such claims truly have no merit.

New California Law Allows for Local Enforcement of Employment Discrimination: Tourism Pays 4 Tips to Help You Network Successfully

There’s a lot of networking events all over the place. So, you can go to meetup.org or you can keep an eye out on your local business papers. You can also go to trade shows or join your industry association.

4. Don’t underestimate how much time online networking can take. To really be successful at online marketing or online networking, you really have to invest the time to pose questions, respond to questions and build relationships that way.

Nov 16, 19, 20 - 24, 26 – 30 Ornament Extravaganza & Open Studio 10 a.m. - 6p.m. 2BGlass, 4191 Business Drive, Suite D-F, Cameron Park. Swoon over exquisite handmade work, slip into the holiday spirit, and start out the season ahead with this magical event. hello@2bglass.com, http://www.2bglass. com

Nov 20 Line Dancing with Sara 6:30 - 9:00 p.m., Green Room Social Club, 251 Main Street, Placerville. Western two step line dancing with Sara Schindler! Doors open at 5 p.m. for happy hour drink specials until 6 p.m. Line dance instruction begins at 6:30 then open dance 7:30 – 9 p.m. 530-957-3030 https://clubgreenroom. com/

Nov 23 Winter Rummage Sale 9 a.m - 4 p.m. The Placerville Shakespeare Club, 2940 Bedford Ave., Placerville. Featuring warm winter clothing such as coats, jackets, sweaters. Festive holiday decorations will be offered as well as many under the tree gifts, jewelry, toys, puzzles and games. 530-644-2862 https://placerville-shakespeare.com

Nov 29 Imagination Theater! presents: “Miracle on 34th Street”

The 1947 classic story of the department store Santa who turns out to be the real deal. Playing weekends (afternoons and evenings) November 29 - December 22. Imagination Theater, 530-663-6983 www.itplacerville.org/miracle-on34th-street/

Nov 29 Dust off the Bottle Library Wine Event at Lava Cap Winery 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 2221 Fruitridge Road, Placerville. Taste and purchase past vintages with live music in the barrel room. Complimentary admission, no rsvp. www.lavacap.com/events

Nov 29 Festival of Lights/Hometown Holiday 4 – 8 p.m. The Placerville community gathers each year, filling Main Street with family, friends and neighbors to share the magical moment when we kick off the Holiday Season with the lighting of the Christmas Trees. Shops are open late, restaurants are ready to serve you, and entertainment will be on the street. It is a very sweet and simple tradition we hold dear. Main Street will be closed to cars. Come early, parking can be a challenge, but it is so worth it! Christmas Tree lighting at 6 p.m.

Nov 30 A Victorian Christmas with John & Jane Blair 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. This event will be held in the historic John Blair-Judge Thompson House, beautifully decorated for the holidays with twinkle lights and evergreens. Guests will be serenaded by a Dickens quartet in period costumes, enjoy savory gourmet hors d’oeuvres and Victorian Christmas desserts, and indulge in complimentary mulled wine, rum nog, and a Victorian Christmas punch. El Dorado County Historical Society. contact@edchs.org http://edchs.org For more information on these and other events, visit www. visiteldorado.com. Event date, time, cost or locations are subject to change. Prior to attending an event please confirm the information.

OPINION

California Matters

Election will test power of state’s backlash against crime

Occasionally — perhaps once a generation — California experiences a sharp change in its political climate, upsetting whatever is considered the current norm.

The most obvious example occurred in 1978, when voters deﬁed the almost universal advice from political ﬁgures and overwhelmingly adopted Proposition 13, which slashed property taxes and made taxes of any kind more di cult to impose.

The “tax revolt,” as it was dubbed, forced a complete overhaul of how schools and other state and local services were ﬁnanced and has survived multiple e orts to change or repeal it.

Prop. 13 also forced the politicians who vociferously opposed it to adapt. Jerry Brown, the governor at the time, was running for re-election. He quickly recast himself as a “born-again tax cutter” and sought a state income tax reduction to prove his ﬁdelity to the new paradigm.

Republicans seized the moment to make a serious bid for becoming the state’s dominant party, exploiting the twin issues of taxes and crime.

Between 1980 and 1990, Republicans won eight of the 10 top-of-ticket races for president, governor and U.S. senator.

However the GOP surge fell short and by the late 1990s, in another climate change, Democrats had regained a dominance that has continued to expand. That said, California could be on the cusp of another atmospheric shift — one that could put the brakes on the party’s leftward tilt.

The public perception of a new crime wave has generated a strong backlash that next month’s election will test.

The issue is crime, which helped Republicans gain momentum in the 1980s and early 1990s, but seemingly had disappeared, at least in political terms, as Jerry Brown, Gavin Newsom and other prominent political ﬁgures championed what they called “criminal justice reform” in recent years.

They railed against “mass incarceration,” persuaded voters and the Legislature to downplay the severity of some crimes, reduced criminal penalties and sharply decreased the number of o enders behind bars. But they may have gone too far.

The Public Policy Institute of California, in a newly released study, found that overall violent crime rates and some categories of property crime, particularly auto thefts and shoplifting, remain higher than they were prior to the pandemic.

The public perception of a new crime wave has

■ See WALTERS, page A7

The Rural Life

Letters to the Editor

Lockhart and Vinton are my choice

EDITOR:

This letter is to show my support of Aaron Lockhart and Chris Vinton in their candidacy for Gold Oak Union School Board.

I am a second generation, 21-year teacher in the district that they are running in. I also am a mom of a child who has completed school (K-8) in the district and another in ﬁfth grade. I am actively voicing my backing of them because they have a vested interest in our two schools, Gold Oak and Pleasant Valley. They both have kids who are or will be attending the schools.

They have also shown support in advance of being elected by setting up a program at Holiday Market for customers to “roundup” their purchase with the extra change coming to our schools and planning a comic book club to encourage and increase literacy and the joy of reading and writing. These actions speak volumes as to their commitment to help the kids in our little district have more and be more.

If this isn’t enough to convince you of their values, they are both running without political backing, keeping politics out of the school so that listening and leading with all stakeholders of the district is at the forefront of their decisions.

Gold Oak Union School District needs board trustees that are kind, fair, reasonable and good leaders, and that’s exactly who Aaron Lockhart and Chris Vinton are. Join me in voting for them if you live in Gold Oak’s district lines.

SARAH MARSHALL-GILLIHAN

Placerville

No more embarrassment

EDITOR:

It’s hard to believe that our grossly incompetent VP Kamala could be voted in to be our next president. The biased liberal media was able to fool enough people to get a demented Joe Biden elected, so anything is possible.

She can’t give a straight answer to a direct question. She has overblown and distorted the issue of abortion hoping it will win her the presidency. She has nothing else to run on. She will not hold a press conference, so how will she stand up to Putin and our evil adversaries? You can bet they are all hoping for her to be victorious.

It is amazing that half the American people buy into her B.S. She in an empty shell: a quarter pounder with nothing between the buns. As border czar, Kamala has been a serious threat to our democracy by allowing 10 million to 20 million illegals to cross our border and then easing restrictions on voting to get more Democrat votes. If she is pro-woman, why does she allow the cartels to control the border and brutalize woman and children. The immigrants are getting more sympathy and beneﬁts than many of our less fortunate citizens.

It would be quite the novelty to have a Black, female president. Now is not the time. Some day we will be fortunate to have a president the likes of Condoleezza Rice or the late Barbara Jordan. They are intelligent, insightful and are/were well respected; Kamala is not. She is a liberal, California politician.

California spends more on education, homelessness and crime per capita than most states, yet ranks near the bottom in all categories. And Tim Walz is a total misfit. Scary to think he could be a step away from leading our country. He’s a Baby Ruth floating in a punchbowl. He’s the uncle who says “pull my finger” at the Thanksgiving dinner table and is passed out before dessert.

If you have Trump Derangement Syndrome, get over it. The media has spent the last eight years instilling TDS in the public. You don’t have to like Trump to vote for him. He’s no angel but he sure as hell is not the devil.

We have to reestablish respectability on the world stage and maintain a country that is safe and strong. Trump can do that; Kamala cannot. We can’t let her babble and cackle herself all the way to the White House. Biden was embarrassment enough.

BRUCE TEIE Placerville

Counting on it

EDITOR:

So three of the generals in Trump’s administration have called him out for being “fascist to the core,” among other comments. Now I’m sure George and Ken and the rest of the MAGA consortium will believe their leader when he says, “It’s all lies,” and these (career military

Wrangling those family photos while hanging on to sanity

I’m finally doing it. I’m finally creating order out of the hundreds (if not thousands) of family photos tucked in various shoeboxes, file folders and plastic bags all around the house.

I’ve been procrastinating on this project for decades. Think I exaggerate? I have baby pictures waiting to be organized, and now that baby is married and bringing her new German husband and his parents home from Germany for Thanksgiving.

JENNIFER FORSBERG MEYER

So you see the scope of the problem. There’s not much time left, and I want to be able to frame some of the best photos, post a fun collage of snapshots on a corkboard and organize the rest into categories.

How to get motivated to undertake such a daunting project? Simple: Write a column about it. Nothing like a writing deadline to laser-focus your

attention.

My research turned up some good tips, but also more than a few dire warnings. “By undertaking the task of organizing your family photos,” cautioned one expert, “know that you are inherently at risk of losing your mind.”

That’s exaggerated, but only a little. It’s not the time and chaos involved (considerable) that drives you crazy, but more the decision making, especially when it comes to weeding out photos that should’ve been tossed long ago. Fortunately, there are strategies that help. I’ll share those as I explain how I’ve approached my own phototaming project. But ﬁrst, let me describe my brother-in-law Mike’s ingenious method. His straightforward strategy is what initially gave me hope that the task was actually doable. He purchased boxes of

I tend to be a perfectionist (one of my best and worst qualities), so to keep myself from agonizing over every decision I worked with a feeling of urgency and opted for the “Later” category …

ultra-clear photo holders in various sizes to accommodate prints of all dimensions, plus heavy-duty 4-inch binders to place the holders in. (He started with six binders but wound up needing 16.)

Working at a large table where he could leave his project out between sessions, he gathered all the boxes of family photos and simply began placing the photos into the plastic holders.

“Most of the boxes were from a given era,” Mike explains, “so I started with the earliest and worked forward, not agonizing about getting everything exactly chronological.”

In the case of multiple copies of the same image, Mike says one solution is to place them stacked together in the same slot. This gives you the option of handing out the extras to other family members at some future time — likely when they’re going through

the binders and admiring your handiwork.

“My nephew told me the albums were the best thing he’d ever seen,” Mike reveals. And they are indeed pretty sweet — a user-friendly treasure trove of family memories.

My plan of attack is di erent because of my need for two outcomes by Thanksgiving: the framed photos and the collage.

My own collection includes those tiny black-and-white photos with white borders from my parents’ and grandparents’ eras, plus color prints in all sizes from Brownie cameras, disposable cameras (remember those?), high-quality SLRs and Polaroids.

I began by sorting photos into four categories. The ﬁrst two, To Frame and To Post on Corkboard, were

DAN WALTERS

Walters Continued from A6

generated a strong backlash that next month’s election will test.

Proposition 36, which would partially undo Proposition 47, a 2014 criminal justice reform measure, enjoys 73% support in the latest Public Policy Institute of California survey, despite opposition from Newsom and other major Democratic ﬁgures.

Newsom tried to get the Legislature to undercut Prop. 36 with a rival measure, but Democratic legislators, wary of the backlash, refused. Newsom could then have raised money for an opposition campaign but backed away, saying, “It’s a question of bandwidth.”

“I fear I can’t do everything,” he told reporters in September. “I’ve got, trying to get Kamala Harris elected president of the United States, trying to get through these 900 bills.”

Translation: Newsom knew that Prop. 36 was a slam dunk and didn’t want to risk a massive repudiation by leading an opposition campaign.

While Prop. 36 is one test of what appears to be a public revolt against California’s recent softer-oncrime policies, it’s not the only one.

Two district attorneys who were elected on reform

platforms, George Gascón in Los Angeles County and Pamela Price in Alameda County, could lose their jobs. Gascón is running behind in his bid for a new term, and Price faces a recall.

Were two prosecutors in very liberal counties to be ousted, two years after San Francisco DA Chesa Boudin was recalled, and were Prop. 36 to win massively, the political fallout could be felt for years, or even decades.

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

Letters Continued from A6

men who have served with distinction) generals are stupid and he knows way more about everything than everybody. They will say, “It’s just Donny being Donny” and “He’s just owning the libs,” and it can’t happen here. But it can happen here and the fact of the matter is you are all counting on it.

POPE

JOHN

Placerville

Edited by Joel Fagliano No. 0925

key. Category 3 was To Finish Later, for photos I would sort by decade and/or subject at a future date. (This was a bit of a cheat because it meant I could postpone a large portion of the sorting … not indeﬁnitely, I hope.)

Category 4 was To Discard, the angst-producing bit that’s consuming more images than I’d imagined it would. The editor in me understands this function: Less truly is more, so removing the mediocre images puts a ﬂattering emphasis on those that remain.

Still, it has been hard. I started reluctantly but by the end of the ﬁrst session had almost ﬁlled a paper grocery bag with rejects — and felt increasingly OK about it.

Purged were duplicate photos (except those I planned to give to other family members), almostduplicates with nothing original about them, unﬂattering shots, most scenery-only images plus anything blurry, under/over exposed, faded or poorly composed.

I made exceptions for old photos conveying special memories. There can be, after all, a di erence between good memories and good photos. Professional organizer Marie Kondo’s key advice applies here. If the faded or blurry image sparks joy, hang on to it.

I tend to be a perfectionist (one of my best and worst qualities), so to keep myself from agonizing over every decision I worked with a feeling of urgency and opted for the “Later” category for any borderline photos I couldn’t decide on.

And, looking forward, I know that although my ﬁnished project won’t be perfect, it’ll be good enough to forestall an all-too-common result when adult children clean out their deceased parents’ home: tossing out whole boxes of unsorted, uncurated family photos. Our photos will be organized enough for our daughter to go through and make her own selections. At least that’s my hope.

If you take on your own photo-sorting project, know that it can be emotional.

“What took the longest,” said my brother-in-law, “was looking at every picture and reminiscing over all the fantastic times we had … times that you want back. Life sure goes by in the blink of an eye.”

That it does. But with the right kind of e ort, the visual memories of that life needn’t be lost as well.

Jennifer Forsberg Meyer is a columnist with the Mountain Democrat and the author of “Friends With Four Legs.” Leave a comment for her online or, for a reply, reach her at jfmfeedback@gmail.com.

Announcements

AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 3342970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot.com

AMERICAN ASSOC. OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN Foothills of EDC Branch. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science and Math Camp Scholarships, programs & interest groups. Leave voicemail for Laurel (530) 417-7737 or Sara (530) 4177138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net

AMERICAN LEGION POST 119 welcomes Veterans and guests to attend our monthly membership dinner and meeting the rst Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM. Legionpost119.org El DORADO COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB Dedicated to all aspects of ham radio. Meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at the El Dorado Sheri ’s o ce, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net

PLAY CRIBBAGE Join the Gold Country Cribbers 916-212-2465 or 916-768-4452. We Play - We Teach - We Have Fun. Wednesdays 4:00 PM. Gilmore Senior Center 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA Struggling with life? CELEBRATE RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/ DEMOCRATS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Call (530)391-6414 or see edcdems.org for more information.

GOLD RUSH CHORUS now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing four-part

harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or Kent (530) 651-3575

HANGTOWN WOMEN’S TENNIS CLUB. Come play tennis for fun and friendship. Meet at El Dorado High School, Acacia Street, Placerville, Wed 9 AM – 11 AM. (June - Aug 8 AM –10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Cindy 805-540-8654.

MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant on Fair Lane in Placerville at 10:00 am.

Addiction or Relationship problem? Call 530 231-7728 our free counseling can help you. Positive Realism, 3430 Robin Ln., Cameron Park. Meet rst and third Wednesday of every month, 7pm. Come and have a paid lunch with the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) for CalPERS retirees and spouses. The meetings are held at 11:30AM on May 20, July 15, September 16, November 18,2024 at Denny’s (3446 Coach Lane) Cameron Park. Call 530 919 7515 for programs and information.

SENIOR PEER COUNSELING Seniors 55 and over who are grieving, depressed or having issues related to aging can meet one-on-one with a caring senior, professionally supervised and trained to listen and encourage. Call (530)621-6304 to leave a message and get started.

TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION OF EL DORADO COUNTY Our mission is to educate the public on tax issues that a ect them. Our meetings are held every Monday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at Denny’s Restaurant, Fair Lane Drive, Placerville. Meetings are open to the public. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a non-partisan organization.

PUZZLE

Election Day is almost

us go to the polls on Tuesday, I ask for your vote. Thanks, Paul RUNNING FOR THE EL DORADO

Trojans go cat hunting

for more than 100 yards and three touchdowns.

The Oak Ridge Trojans roll over another league opponent as the varsity football squad defeated the Whitney Wildcats 63-0 and improve to 4-1 in league play.

The week prior, the Trojans dismantled a Davis team with a ﬁnal score of 71-0. They have won their last two games by a combined score of 134-0.

A lot of players got a piece of the pie this game as three Trojans had multiple touchdowns. Quarterbacks Joaquin Graves-Mercado and Phoenix Hester both threw for multiple touchdowns. Senior tight end Kaleb Edwards ﬁnished the night with two receiving touchdowns. Sophomore Issac Pierce scored on a receiving touchdown and an interception return and junior Jasen Womack did it all with two rushing, one receiving and a kicko return touchdown.

The Trojans will be on the road Friday, Nov. 1, at Rocklin where the winner will claim second place in league play and a large win for playo implications.

Football roundup

El Dorado 38, Amador 15

It was yet another high scoring game for the El Dorado Cougars and this week it was powered by the run game behind the duo of quarterback Jason Wilson, who rushed for 73 yards and a touchdown, and junior running back Tyler Villa, who rushed

These two teams have been closely ranked throughout the entirety of the season so this win for the Cougars is good for their playo resumé.

The Cougars improve to 5-4 overall and 4-2 in league and will be at home for their regular season ﬁnale against Union Mine on Friday, Nov. 1. Union Mine 41, Galt 7

The Union Mine Diamonbacks played host to Galt, a team that has struggled throughout league play and the Diamondbacks kept that trend going with a large win.

With this victory, the Diamondbacks improve to 7-2 overall and 5-1 in league play and will have a chance to solidify their second place ﬁnish in league with a win Friday, Nov. 1, at El Dorado.

Ponderosa 19, Vista Del Lago 40

The Vista Del Lago Eagles turn the Ponderosa Bruins into prey as the Bruins drop their third straight game. This loss has plummeted the Bruins to the near bottom of the league standings. A balanced attack by the Eagles led to their large margin of victory. Three passing touchdowns from Eagles quarterback Grant Rogers and nearly 200 yards on the ground from junior running back Jack Cromwell propelled the Eagles.

The Bruins fall to 5-4 overall and 1-4 in league play and will be back at home Friday, Nov. 1, to host the Inderkum Tigers.

Mountain Democrat photos by Noel Stack

El Dorado Hills Bowmen members brought out the ghosts and ghouls for the Halloween-themes Zombie Shoot at the range Saturday, Oct. 26. Above, EDH Bowmen lead instructor James Myers helps Violet, 4, left, and Jett, 6, right, take aim at some spooky targets. The kids were joined by dad Matt Shannahan of EDH. Below, Archers eye their targets before letting arrows fly — some hitting with deadly accuracy.

Mountain Democrat photo by Malachi Parker

Senior quarterback Phoenix Hester prepares for contact against a Whitney defender.

Malachi Parker Sta writer

UNMASK GHOSTLY GADGETS

Save energy, money with home energy efficiency tricks

Paul Moreno

PG&E

OAKLAND — Silent energy suckers are scattered throughout your home and business, often hiding in plain sight. These invisible drains on electricity can quietly add up to increased power use, even when appliances and devices are in standby mode or turned off, putting additional strain on energy budgets. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is helping identify these costly energy vampires and support customers with practical ways to lower their energy consumption and save money on monthly bills. Many of the appliances and devices customers use are always plugged in. But these always-on appliances and electronics can account for nearly a quarter of customers’ annual electricity bill and can cost the average U.S. household up to $200 a year. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, the wasted energy across the country is equivalent to brewing 234 cups of coffee every single day for a year.

Changes Continued from A1

Biggest electricity-guzzling ghouls

• Television

• Smart speakers/smart home devices

• Cell phone/tablet chargers

• Modem/internet router

• Gaming consoles

• Desktop computers & laptops

• Countertop kitchen appliances: coffee makers, kettles, microwaves

These small no-cost and low-cost changes can help lower energy usage and provide relief when every bit of savings matters:

• Unplug devices when not in use

• Use advanced power strips

• Turn lights off when you leave the room

• Upgrade to Energy Star certified appliances

• Use PG&E’s free energy and money-saving online tools: Home Energy Checkup and Energy Action Guide.

• Sign up for HomeIntel: a free program for PG&E customers with a Smart Meter, includes a free Smart

growing number of tobacco shops in the county and youth using tobacco products, including electronic nicotine devices. To help combat youth tobacco use, leaders implemented a 45-day moratorium on new tobacco retailer applications in the unincorporated areas of El Dorado County in January. That moratorium was extended by 10 months in March.

Enforcement is expected to start April 1, 2025, with inspections conducted at least once per a 12-month period. The regulations will also include procedures for applications, annual fee collection and license issuance, and denials, renewals suspensions, revocations and appeals information.

County staff, including Tobacco Use Prevention Program Director Constance Mote, shared the 2024 national youth tobacco survey; it is reported that 5.9% of middle and high school students reported using e-cigarettes.

Another alarming statistic shared was the most used device among youth tobacco users, called Elf Bar, which contains approximately 650 milligrams of nicotine, the equivalent of 590 cigarettes packed in one device.

Limits Continued from A1

Development Services Pierre Rivas.

The ordinance presented by the council would introduce a set of limits on how tobacco retailers could conduct their business in the city, including:

• Ban the sale of flavored tobacco products, single-use e-cigarettes and e-cigarettes not approved by the FDA

• Establish a cap on the number of licensed tobacco retailers based on population size (1 per 25,000 residents; current businesses will be grandfathered in)

• Establish minimum tobacco product pricing and packaging size and require on-site tobacco sales

• Introduce an annual licensing system

• Prohibit pharmacies from selling tobacco (pharmacies currently selling tobacco would be granted a one-year non-renewable license)

Though California’s SB 793 already bans the sale of flavored tobacco products, many smoke shops have used a work-around to skirt that law. In May 2024, the Placerville Police Department assisted the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration in four inspections of tobacco shops in the city. All four shops inspected were found to be selling products banned by SB 973, as well as unlawful cannabis products.

“It’s a tough call, because I am a civil libertarian, and there are some things that are no-brainers that you can do,” Vice Mayor John Clerici said while discussing the ordinance with

Audit account & personal energy coach.

• Use a Kill A Watt Meter: a device that plugs into the wall to read how much energy is being consumed by an electrical device.

• Use a Plug Load Logger: a device that measures and records power and energy consumption and provides time-stamped information for a detailed analysis.

Kill A Watt meters and plug load loggers are available to borrow at the PG&E Energy Centers Tool Lending Library (shipping rates may apply) or check your local library for availability. The devices can also be purchased at your nearest hardware store and online.

Energy efficiency DIY tool kit

Did you know you can lower energy bills and save money with an energy efficiency DIY tool kit? With an investment of less than $200 in energy-efficient materials, customers can save hundreds of dollars annually on their energy bills.

“There is still a widespread youth vaping crisis and nicotine is highly addictive,” Mote said. “Someone who uses vapes may become addicted to nicotine and may find it difficult to stop using it, and one can become addicted to nicotine within days of starting to use it, even if only vaping occasionally.”

Mote added that only 34 products are FDA approved among thousands of e-cigarette items currently on the market.

“Our youth are exposed to sophisticated marketing designed to entice them to use tobacco products, which has been deemed even more powerful than peer pressure,” Mote said.

The board, recognizing the need to address tobacco-use related issues, were in favor of the changes and applauded staff’s work.

“(Children) are bombarded with marketing tactics and things we didn’t have to deal with growing up,” said District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin. “The pressure on them is so different and immense and I appreciate that you heard what we asked for and (staff) really pulled this off.”

Residents who spoke during public comment

the council. “The thing that gets me is the they are just playing cozy with the law and that just pisses me off. That’s gotta come to an end.”

Youth tobacco and vape use rates are another prevailing concern motivating the passage of the ordinance, according to council members and city staff. National studies indicate 7.9% of high schoolers report e-cigarette use, with 38.4% of those smokers reporting frequent use and 26.3% reporting daily use. The most popular e-cig is an Elf Bar, which contains an amount of nicotine equivalent to what would be found in 590 cigarettes. EDCPH Program Manager Kristin Becker spoke to the council as they introduced the ordinance, highlighting some statistics about youth smoking.

“What we’re really here for is wanting to protect our youth,” Becker explained. “What has really stood out to me during my research into tobacco use addiction is that the legal age for tobacco use is 21, and how much can be achieved if we prevent our youth from starting until they are of age; 90% of those who struggle with addiction started before they turned the legal age.”

The ordinance is not the only measure taken to stem the tide of tobacco sales in the city in recent years. Earlier in 2024, the city passed an emergency ordinance placing a moratorium on the establishment of any new tobacco retailers which will be in effect until March 15, 2025.

Energy efficiency support programs

• Energy Savings Assistance: provides income-eligible customers with energy-savings improvements at no charge.

• GoGreen Home Financing: a statewide program which offers affordable financing for energy efficiency upgrades to help homeowners and renters reduce their energy use.

• Golden State Rebates: This is a statewide program that provides residential residents with instant rebates on energy-efficient products including smart thermostats, air conditioners, and water heaters. Homeowners and renters are eligible to receive these rebates through single-use coupons they can redeem in-store or online at participating retailers.

Additional energy and moneysaving strategies that can help customers prepare for the cooler temperatures can be found at pge. com.

were in favor of the ordinance and code changes, including Madison Hall and Callie Graves, members of the Friday Night Live club for Union Mine High School, who shared they have noticed student vaping becoming a significant issue at their school and beyond.

“It affects kids mentally and physically,” Graves said. “While they may look OK, mentally they are going through anxiety, are hopeless and lose motivation. It also diminishes opportunities to play sports due to lung capacity and lack of oxygen, and it leads to distance between friends and family because smoke is more impactful when inhaled secondhand.”

The board approved of the first readings of the ordinances 4-0. Board Chair Wendy Thomas recused herself due to “perceived conflict of interest”; her family owns a pharmacy in Placerville, and a major pharmacy and grocery store are retailer tenants on property her family owns on Broadway.

Additional details can be viewed on the county’s legistar website at eldorado.legistar.com/ Calendar.aspx in the Oct. 22 minutes.

Move to the largest senior apartments

e spacious Independent Living apartments at Ponté Palmero mean you can continue your independent lifestyle with room to entertain friends and access to all the life-enriching community services and amenities we o er.

Floor plans up to 1,482 square feet | Private, attached garage | Full kitchen | In-suite laundry

You can continue to cook and entertain in your own home, or enjoy our chef-prepared meals in the community dining room with friends. We take away the worry of housekeeping and home maintenance, and provide social opportunities all month long. You can relax and spend your days with friends and family, and doing the things you enjoy most.

INDEPENDENT LIVING HOMES FEATURES

• Kitchen with full-size appliances and granite counters

• Private patio

• Attached garage

• In-home washer and dryer

• High ceilings

• Housekeeping, laundry, and trash service

• Utilities and basic cable included

• Air conditioning

• Pets welcome!

COMMUNITY SERVICES & AMENITIES

• Restaurant-style dining

• Swimming pool, hot tub, and outdoor grills

• Clubhouse and tness center

• Library and full-service beauty salon

• Activities, clubs, outings, and celebrations

• Transportation services

• 24-hour emergency maintenance

• Gated electronic entrance

We also o er Assisted Living Villas & Memory Care apartments for a full continuum of care.

NEWS, IN THE KNOW

Stellar student

Milos Vukovic of Shingle Springs, CA, has earned a master of science in cybersecurity from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.

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 Shingle Springs Community Center hosts its annual tamale drive-thru fundraiser, 4-7 p.m., Friday Nov. 15. Pre-orders are due Nov. 1 at shinglespringscommunitycenter.org with chicken, pork, chili/cheese and vegetarian options — all $30 per dozen and handmade with love in the SSCC commercial kitchen.

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.

ASPIREKids is looking for volunteers to help with The Elf Project, a program that will bring Christmas to hundreds of local youth. For more information email hello@aspirekidseldorado. org.

Marshall Hospital

Auxiliary is looking for volunteers. Help people and make new friends. Interviews are held monthly. For more information call Norma at (530) 676-1844 or email grizzyq98@gmail.com.

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

El Dorado Hills Town Center will transform into a Halloween haven from 3-6 p.m. for trick-or-treating and a costume contest during its Halloween Spooktacular Trick or Treat on Main Street Placerville at 6 p.m. Local businesses will provide goodies to trick-or-treaters (while supplies last) in a safe and convenient environment.

Activities will include a costume contest and carnival sponsored by Placerville Parks & Recreation, Placerville 20/30 Club and Placerville Lions Club. For more information call (530) 6723436.

A Halloween party for seniors will be held at the

Have the time of your life at

‘Mamma Mia!’

Andrew Vonderschmitt Mountain Democrat correspondent

Oak Ridge High School says, “Here I go again,” as it stages the hit musical “Mamma Mia!” Fresh from the Oak Ridge High School Theatre Arts Department comes a rousing and toe-tapping rendition of the Broadway smash, running Nov. 1-9.

This jukebox musical, written by British playwright Catherine Johnson, is set on a sundrenched Greek island where a heartwarming story of selfdiscovery, love and the power of friendship unfolds through the timeless music written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of the Swedish supergroup ABBA. As Sophie sets out on a journey to uncover the identity of her absent father, her mother is forced to confront three men from her past in the days leading up to a wedding that will leave an indelible mark on their lives. Against this idyllic backdrop, a tale of family secrets, long-lost love and unexpected reunions takes center stage, enchanting all who witness it.

Sophie is searching for her father to walk her down the aisle on her wedding day in Kalokairi. With help from her mother’s diary, she invites three possible candidates — Sam, Bill and Harry — without telling her mother.

The immensely popular musical debuted on London’s West End in 1999 where it boasts the third longest run in West End history. Two years later it opened with a Broadway production at the Winter Garden Theatre in 2001, where it became the ninth longest running production on Broadway. Since then the musical has played in over 60 countries clocking in at more than 65 million people attending the play worldwide.

■ See MAMMA MIA, page B7

Fair Play Harvest Wine Festival

Experience exquisite wines and fall colors this weekend

Mimi Escabar Special Sections Editor

The grapes have been harvested and crushed and it is time to celebrate the season. Fair Play wineries invite the public to share in this special time of year and enjoy the wonders of this premier winegrowing American Viticultural Area during the Fair Play Harvest Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 2 & 3, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Experience ﬁrsthand the exceptional grapes that go into creating award-winning wines. Twenty-three wineries will o er harvestthemed events, games, artisanal market vendors, live music and food pairings to accompany the beautiful wines and panoramic vistas of fall vineyard views. For tickets to this annual celebration go to fairplaywine.com/ harvest-festival-2024. Saturday and Sunday tickets, Saturday only, Sunday only and designated driver tickets are available. Each ticket includes access to the 23 participating wineries. No need to make reservations at the individual wineries. Purchase tickets for the “check-in” winery where you will pick up your commemorative wine tasting glass and event wristband, then visit the rest at your leisure. Limited day of tickets

may be available if not sold out.

Participating wineries

Bumgarner Winery serves a delightful pairing of exquisite wines with savory tritip and chimichurri, a refreshing tortellini pasta salad and a decadent chocolate dessert. Featured wines are 2023 Van Blanc, BUMbly Rosé, 2021 Barbera, 2021 Zinfandel, 2019 Tempranillo Dessert Wine. Live music by Tamra Godey will ﬁll the air from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days and guests can enjoy cornhole and bocce ball.

Busby Cellars is a small production family winery that produces zinfandel and barbera.

Cantiga Wineworks crafts classic Europeanstyle wines and will pair the wines with exquisite harvest-inspired food. Catch the excitement of harvest with crushrelated activities in the interactive wine lab. Wine Chemistry 101: When is a grape ripe? What role does acidity play in wine? How do we know when a fermentation is complete? Learn these things and more, while trying your hand at some analysis. Afterward, taste wine from a whole new perspective.

Chaney Family Winery partners with Creekside Restaurant to o er an unforgettable experience of awardwinning wines, exquisite food and fun

games like bocce ball and Jenga. Take the opportunity to meet the winemakers and learn about the passion and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle.

Château d’ Estienne welcomes guests to one of the most beautiful wineries in El Dorado County. Enjoy awardwinning Portuguese wines, food pairings and immerse yourself in the Sierra foothills amazing view.

Cielo Sulla Terra Estate Vineyards and Winery invites guests to visit the newly remodeled tasting room and enjoy a delicious Tipsy Cheese grilled cheese and wine pairing. Music is by John Voelz from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday. E16 Winery invites

visitors to enjoy a ﬂight of award-winning estate wines paired with a delicious trio of bites in the beautiful wine cave. Element 79 Vineyards o ers seasonal small bites paired with awardwinning wines from the estate vineyard. Visit the winery with owners and winemaker for a unique opportunity to experience what goes on behind the cellar doors. Relax on the beautiful patio while soaking up the scenic views of Fair Play.

Fleur De Lys Winery serves light bites paired with award-winning wines, made in the tradition of southern Rhône. A must visit for those who favor older wines — whites from 2019 and 2021 and reds from 2013 to 2017.

Meet Carolyn Dismuke, author of “Drink your Words” from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. Golden Leaves Winery o ers its awardwinning wines paired with savory and sweet pies ﬁlled with seasonal veggies, cheeses, meats and fruit on the deck or in the large familial tasting room with indoor music.

Gwinllan Estate hosts a cooking class on making authentic tortillas from the raw ingredients for guests to make their own pulled pork tacos.

MV Winery serves a fabulous Lagrein Fresh

Courtesy photo

Sophie (Sophie Kallan), left, has a few surprises for her mother Donna (Maya Shamp) in Oak Ridge High School’s production of “Mamma Mia!”

Courtesy photo

Bask in the golden glow of Fair Play area vineyards while enjoying award-winning wines and fun during the Fair Play Harvest Festival Nov. 2 & 3.

...to our NEWSPAPERS IN EDUCATION sponsors

...And to our generous subscribers who donate their vacation credits to the fund.

HFW Enterprises, LLC

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El Dorado County Fair

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The Mountain Democrat’s Newspapers in Education program (NIE) was established in 2002 to provide and educational service arm for the newspaper.

NIE’s goal is to assist schools, teachers and parents in developing future readers who can use the newspaper to enrich their own lives and participate responsibly in their community, state and nation.

Not only does the Mountain Democrat provide valuable information on a wide range of topics daily, it also can be used as a resource for teaching numerous skills to various age groups and in many different disciplines. It helps students connect classroom lessons to the real world around them and develop a positive and

Witty and wonderful Wilde play coming to Coloma

News release

Jubilate Performing Arts is thrilled to bring Oscar Wilde’s comedic masterpiece “The Importance of Being Earnest” to the stage Nov. 1-3 at Olde Coloma Theatre.

Described by former ThoughtCo. James Topham as “Brilliant, inventive, witty and — when performed — absolutely hilarious, ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ is a landmark in the history of Western theater and probably that writer’s greatest achievement.”

“The Importance of Being Earnest” shares the stories of two couples whose romantic connections are governed by the affected mores and values of upper-class England in the late 1800s. Resplendent with witty dialogue and improbably comedic circumstances, the play delivers a scathing critique of British dandyism — delivered with a velvet glove and top hat.

The Jubilate Performing Arts cast members performing this iconic play are not new to the stage. Part of a much larger educational program, these teen actors have collectively performed in several very successful

theater productions, including “Oliver,” “Newsies,” “The Hobbit,” “Harvey” and “The Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe.”

Jubilate Performing Arts is an educational theater group for the homeschooling community in the greater Sacramento area. Jubilate Academy is currently located in Shingle Springs and has more than 100 students, kindergarten through 12th grade. Founded in 1987 by Cynthia Flaherty, Jubilate provides many artistic experiences including a classical choir, musical theater, hand bell choir, theater dance, band and drama classes. Flaherty’s daughter, Lydia Pond, who grew up in the program, joined her in 2001 as co-director and has brought her vision and enthusiasm for the arts; together, the mother/daughter team looks forward to many more years of working with the wonderful and talented students of Jubilate Performing Arts.

“The Importance of Being Earnest” takes the stage at the Olde Coloma Theater, 380 Monument Road in Coloma. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1; 2 & 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3. Purchase tickets at jhpagbooktix.com.

relevant lifetime reading habit. A study released by the Newspaper Association of America Foundation shows data indicating students in NIE programs do 10 percent better on standardized tests and that significant increases in student performances occur, especially in middle schools.

Donations from our sponsors allow our educators to order the newspaper for their classrooms free of charge. These sponsorships contribute to literacy and allow thousands of teachers and students in El Dorado County to learn from a living textbook, the Mountain Democrat, and develop a life-long reading habit that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Please show these sponsors your support for the program by patronizing their businesses.

OVERCOMING ADVERSITY

Student earns award, admiration

El Dorado Union High School District News release

Cesar Lorenzo, a student at El Dorado High School, has been honored with second place in Region 2’s Every Student Succeeding Award. This award highlights students who have overcome significant personal and academic challenges to find success and achieve their goals.

Cesar’s journey to success has been marked by resilience and determination, despite facing numerous obstacles along the way. His transformation was not one that he accomplished alone; it was made possible through the support of dedicated school staff who believed in him and provided consistent guidance.

Cesar’s deep determination to

play football again and his strong connection to his football coaches, administrative staff and teachers were keys to his triumph.

With the encouragement of Martha Paso, dean of Student Services, who provided him with a safe and supportive space, Cesar began to set personal goals and work toward them. His football coaches, Kevin Placek and Sean Gatson, gave him the opportunity to rejoin the team, reigniting his passion for the sport.

These relationships, along with the kindness and daily support from Chrystal Garrett, helped Cesar realize he was not alone and that he had a team of people rooting for his success. Their belief in him, combined with his own dedication, made all the difference in his ability to stay on

Courtesy photo

The cast of “The Importance of Being Earnest” share their talents on stage Nov. 1-3 in Coloma.

Courtesy photo

EDUHSD Superintendent Mike Kuhlman, Dean of Student Services Martha Paso, Cesar Lorenzo, Principal Liz Sisson and Assistant Principal Justin Gatling, left to right, pose outside El Dorado High School in Placerville, where Cesar has worked hard to succeed.

Noel Stack Editor

“A

big part of femininity is attached to our breasts. When you have a mastectomy, there’s almost some shame with that ... and a sense of loss,”

Bambolina’s Bra & Lingerie Boutique owner Theresa Del Biaggio shared.

She and her sta at the El Dorado Hills shop are trained to turn that loss into triumph and eliminate shame through the careful and often emotional process of ﬁnding the perfect breast prosthetic for each client who walks through the door.

“The reception has been wonderful from the women we have served so far,” Del Biaggio said. “We’ve had women absolutely emotional over it.” Prior to Bambolina’s getting into the prosthetic business, women in the foothills had to travel to the Sacramento Valley to get ﬁtted at one of only two locations — for the entire region. The wait was long, Del Biaggio explained, and frustrating.

She and her daughter originally opened their shop in Placerville in 2021 that sold intimates, gifts and

Marigolds celebrate Day of the Dead

Once all the spooky ghosts, goblins, black cats, costumes and pumpkins are put away after Halloween, there is another important seasonal holiday to celebrate over the next two days. According to tradition, at midnight Heaven’s gates open for spirits to rejoin their families for a short visit. The spirits of children can rejoin their families for 24 hours on Nov. 1. The spirits of adults can do the same on Nov. 2. This happy festival is called Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Marigold ﬂowers play an important spiritual role in this celebration of life and death.

This Latin American/ Mexican celebration has been around for centuries. The tradition was blended with All Saints Day when Spaniards conquered Mexico. It is the customary day when spirits are allowed to travel back to Earth to commune with living family members. Belief in this spiritual reunion lends comfort to their loved ones.

To greet the spirits, altars are filled with photos of the dead, candles, bottles of alcohol, food, sugar skulls and lots of that favorite late summer and fall flowers, marigolds. Tagetes erecta is the scientific name of this big, colorful Aztec marigold. It is also called cempasuchil in the language of the Aztecs and is a native Mexican flower. The Mexican Marigold loves

some household items. They moved to the current El Dorado Hills Town Center location and rebranded as Bambolina’s, which primarily sells intimate apparel.

Del Biaggio said they started getting questions about products for mastectomy patients about a year and a half ago; in response,

GROW FOR IT!

UCCE

full sun and is cultivated commercially as a source of pigments and food coloring additives. In addition to the celebration of the dead, marigolds symbolize beauty, warmth and creativity. Marigolds have been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years as a treatment for digestive problems and respiratory diseases.

Why are marigolds the o cial ﬂower for Day of the Dead? First,

they expanded their products to include bras that held prosthetics and eventually the prosthetics themselves — quality lines like Amoena and AnaOno.

“We are selling them like crazy,” Del Biaggio said, estimating Bambolina’s has ﬁtted at least 100 women in the last six months. “And that’s nothing — a drop

it is their distinct, overwhelmingly warm fragrance. The musky smell hangs in the air. The fragrance is said to lure spirits with its enchanting aroma. These welcoming ﬂowers, with vibrantly bright colors of yellow, red and gold, exude happiness. Their colorful blossoms symbolize sunshine which leads the souls from their burial place to their living family. The impact of the sun embodies the Aztec belief in life’s cycles of nature and its connection to the heavens. A scattering of marigold petals can act as a pathway for spirits to follow. These intricate pathways form a spiritual guide for the souls, leading them from the cemetery to their earthly homes.

According to Aztec

conﬁdent.

in the bucket.”

After completing mountains of paperwork, the boutique can now take most insurance plans and Medicare. It works with local healthcare providers Marshall and Kaiser. Paperwork is in the works for MediCal patients as well.

Noting the expense of prosthetics (it could

be thousands of dollars for one) and the fact that many women are underinsured, Del Biaggio also started taking a collection from patients who no longer use their prosthetics or have more than one to help clients who could otherwise not a ord it.

The goal is for each woman to feel comfortable and

“We women are so hard on ourselves and critical of ourselves ... and a mastectomy can (amplify) us feeling inadequate and negative,” Del Biaggio shared. “When women come into our store we want to give them a big, emotional hug. We want them to know this is a safe place; there’s no judgment here.”

Sta are certiﬁed prosthetics ﬁtters and also counselors and shoulders to cry on, if needed. They listen to patients’ needs and their stories. “We have to be sensitive to a lot of di erent things,” Del Biaggio explained. “Everything we do is for the patient — what they want and what works for them.”

Bambolina’s o ers the ability to make a prosthetics ﬁtting appointment online at bambolinasboutique. com. Women can also call (916) 581-6272 to get more information about the process. The boutique is located at 2023 Vine St., Suite 105, El Dorado Hills.

Boutique event

Bambolina’s hosts a Botox & Bras event 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14. Those who preregister will receive a special discount.

Mountain Democrat photo by Noel Stack

Bambolina’s Bra & Lingerie Boutique owner Theresa Del Biaggio carries items specifically for mastectomy patients, including prosthetics, at her El Dorado Hills shop. The boutique is one of only a few in the region that fits women for prosthetic breasts.

Pauline Atkins

Master Gardener of El Dorado County

Photo by Pauline Atkins

Marigolds are a festive flower used in Día de los Muertos celebrations. Petal paths lead the departed back to their earthly homes.

COMICS

Women’s Fund El Dorado savors its achievements

Cathy

Harris

Fund El Dorado

Women’s

The Women’s Fund El Dorado held its annual membership celebration at the beautiful Saureel Vineyards to honor members and their contributions to the community.

This year the theme was Sip and Savor, a less formal mixer-type event on Oct. 20. Members from all of the Women’s Fund committees were there to talk about their work and to encourage other members to join them. Also, some of the 2024 grantees were in attendance to explain their programs.

The event was held at the barn overlooking a beautiful pond and lush green grass where members and the community sipped on wine spritzers and savory treats from John Sanders

and crew from the Old Town Grill. While enjoying the food and drink, guests visited committee and grantee tables and mingled with one another.

Each Women’s Fund member makes a donation (starting at $200 per year) which is pooled with other donations and awarded to local nonprofits in the form of substantial grants that support a wide variety of community needs; 100% of membership dollars are dedicated to funding at least $100,000 per year in various grants. It was a proud afternoon for Women’s Fund El Dorado. Many thanks to members, sponsors, vendors and supporters. Women’s Fund El Dorado could not do any of this without everyone who contributes in some way. For more information about WFED visit womensfundeldorado.org.

Placerville Soroptimists giving financial assistance for education

News release

Women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families and seek financial assistance to continue their education or receive training can now apply for the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Education and Training Awards for Women.

The Placerville Club will provide $2,500 to its award recipient who will then advance to Soroptimist Sierra Nevada Region level, where recipients could receive an additional $5,000. The first place region recipients then become candidates for one of

ARIES (March 21-April 19). A good life is impossible without a kind relationship with the self. You’re the one who has to hold you through, beginning to end -- a responsibility worthy of executing with compassion.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Stretch the boundaries of your heart. Don’t let small grievances block meaningful connection. Later, when you look back at your many relationships, you’ll be most proud of the ones that challenged you to hang in there.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You feel someone is standing in the way of your progress, but as long as you see yourself as someone who can and will prevail, you’ll eventually break through whatever barrier you need to and make it happen.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Trust your instincts -- they’ve flown you through storms before. Being untethered is nothing to fear. You’ve got this. You might be daring and unbound, but it’s still your wings, your sky, your horizon. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). In the web of humanity, all are joined. People may feel alone at times, but no one ever really is. It is possible to send love to your own heart. In fact, it is advised. When you do this, you are also sending to what connects us all.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). People have opinions they present as facts as they try to make reasonable arguments for some righteous choice. It’s a subtle negativity you want to avoid today. Give no attention to these attitudes born of unexamined irritation.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The core self needs something

that can’t be satisfied with shiny objects. You don’t have to waste energy chasing all that glitters. Use all your fuel to go for the gold.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). There’s no benefit to obsessing about one relationship or project as it puts too much pressure on the situation and stifles the energy and outcomes. Diversify your energy. With a few different things cooking, none of them feel too heavy.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The one calling the shots is doing so quietly, secretly even. You’ll operate within intricate social systems and seek understanding of the power dynamics, which are not always so obvious. Keep your eyes open, observe and learn.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’re trusting the wild unknown today. You’ll let the wind guide your flight to unexpected places, though you’ll also sense when it’s time to land. Rest, build and gather strength before the next flight.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The gentle way you live respects the places and people you encounter. You’ll be an

observer of your surroundings. You’re a part of it, but

three $10,000 finalist awards from Soroptimist International of the Americas. Recipients can use the Live Your Dream Award to offset costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education or additional skills and training. This includes tuition, books, childcare, car fare or any other education related expense. Apply for a Live Your Dream Award at bit.ly/LYDA-apply. The application deadline is Nov. 15. For additional information contact Sharon Warner at liveyourdream@siplacerville.org.

CNPS offers new garden resources

News release

As the weather cools and the leaves change color, the California Native Plant Society announces a suite of new digital tools created to make native plant gardening simple and rewarding.

“After a long, hot summer, this is the perfect time to plant up your California native garden and celebrate the natural beauty native plants bring to our neighborhoods,” said CNPS Horticulture and Stewardship Manager Ann-Marie Benz. Fall is widely regarded as the best time to plant native plants. With cooler temperatures and the promise of winter rains, late fall offers ideal conditions for plant growth and seed germination. “For native plant gardeners, it’s one of our favorite times of the year — and we invite you to join us.”

This year CNPS has been quietly publishing a number of exciting new tools in anticipation of this year’s planting season, all available through the organization’s popular native gardening website, Calscape.org. Visitors to the website can search for native plant recommendations best suited to their location, gardening goals and site conditions. The search includes helpful filters to find plants for pollinators, patio or container gardens, erosion prevention, drought resilience and much more. As Halloween approaches, the plant search even includes a new search option to support native bats, who help control mosquito populations and rely on native insects for sustenance.

One of Calscape’s most popular new features is the new Calscape Garden Planner. The planner is an interactive tool that provides recommended garden design ideas and a customized

plant list based on the individual’s preferences. With inspiration in hand, Calscape users can also search for native plant nurseries and landscape designers near them.

“Calscape reflects years of listening to native plant gardeners and professionals,” said Calscape Program Manager Jessica Woodard. “We’ve learned where people needed support and information and have worked with experts across the state to provide those resources in fun, inspiring ways.”

Gardening with native plants helps connect urban and suburban residents to California’s natural beauty while also providing much-needed habitat for California’s wildlife. California is home to the largest number of native plant species and native bees in the nation, but it is also the state with the highest number of native plants and pollinators at risk of extinction. Native plant gardening is one way everyone can help support California’s rich biodiversity alongside conservation of remaining natural areas.

“The climate and extinction crises can easily make us feel overwhelmed and hopeless, but native plant gardening gives us a specific and beautiful way to make a difference right in our communities,” said CNPS Education and Stewardship Director Sarah Barnes. “From school gardens and business fronts to our apartment balconies, every newly planted native plant is an act of hope, a way to push back against despair.”

CNPS chapters are hosting plant sales and events across California. Visit cnps.org/fallplanting to find the nearest chapter plant sale and learn about upcoming CNPS plant sales.

“Together, we can support wildlife, save water, adapt to climate change and garden like nature — one backyard at a time,” added Barnes.

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

Photo by Lisa Richmond

A wall of accomplishments notes the Women’s Fund of El Dorado’s many contributions to the community throughout the years.

Gilmore

at 1 p.m. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.

Fairytale Town presents Halloween Fun! from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information visit fairytaletown.org.

The Crocker Art Museum presents a Halloween celebration at 6 p.m. For tickets and more information visit crockerart.org.

Crystal Basin Cellars, 3550 Carson Road in Camino, hosts a costume and dance party with Darth Mozart for Halloween from 6-9 p.m. Get tickets at crystakbasib.com/product/roctober-halloween-party.

Nov. 1

Carsen & Mike will perform at 5 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.

Direct from Nashville, Cash Creek and Friends present a benefit concert from 6:30-10:30 p.m. at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. Presented by the Pollock Pines-Camino Rotary Club, proceeds benefit Progress House residential Treatment for Women and Children. General admission tickets are $35 and VIP tickets are $50. For tickets and more information visit pollockpines-caminorotary.org.

Dark Side of the Abbey Road ft. Love Mischief will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville 6-8 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy takes a trip to the Harris Center with its all-original core lineup to remind the world it’s still cool to swing. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

Oak Ridge High School’s fall show “Mamma Mia!” opens Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. and will run through Nov. 9. For tickets and more information, go to ortab.org.

Cynthia Renee Band will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 8 p.m. to midnight. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.

Sacramento Ballet presents “Dracula,” choreographed by internationally renowned choreographer Michael Pink, Nov. 1-3 at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center. For tickets and more information visit sacballet.org or call (916) 552-5810.

Nov. 2

Shop gently used and new Christmas decorations for your home and an assortment of gifts 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Patrick Church Hall, 3109 Sacramento St. in Placerville. For more information call (530) 622-0373.

Calling all young performers. Imagination Theater is excited to announce auditions for “Stuart Little: The Musical,” an adventurous and heartwarming story based on the beloved classic by E.B. White. Auditions are scheduled 9 a.m. to noon on Nov. 2 and callbacks (if needed) will be 6:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 4. This musical will be performed Feb. 7 through March 2, 2025. “Stuart Little” is a wonderful

opportunity for children ages 8-17 to showcase their talent and be part of a fun and uplifting musical production. For more information visit itplacerville.org/auditions.

UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County presents Asexual Propagation, 9 a.m. to noon at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden, 6699 Campus Drive, Placerville. Learn techniques to propagate some of the most common plants found within your home, garden or landscape. Processes from cuttings, layering and divisions will be discussed. Parking permits required, purchase a $2 permit at any kiosk. While we have plenty of space, seating is limited. Bring a portable chair if you wish. Register online atsurveys.ucanr.edu/survey. cfm?surveynumber=42875.

The El Dorado County Historical Society presents Dare to Tread at Murderer’s Bar & Mountain Quarries, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Quarry Road Trail, 150 Highway 193 in Auburn. During this historical hike guests will learn about the 1849 blood massacre in the area. Purchase tickets online at edchs.org or call (530) 626-0773.

The Placerville Shakespeare Club invites the public to a dazzling murder mystery, Champagne Bubbles & Dangerous Dames at 2940 Bedford Ave. in Placerville. Doors open for socializing at 11:30 a.m. and an array of items in a silent auction will be available. The luncheon and show will begin at 12:30 p.m. Paid reservations must be made in advance by calling (916) 802-0186. For more information visit placerville-shakespeare.com.

Solo acoustic singer/songwriter Drew Butts will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville from 4-6 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Rock Candy will perform at 4 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.

Arts and Culture El Dorado’s Sugar Skull Art Walk and Community

Celebration returns to Main Street Placerville with multiple groups set to perform traditional dances in celebration of our ancestors. The event will begin at the Switchboard Gallery at 5:30 p.m. and continue down Main Street, ending near City Hall at 8:30 p.m.

Placerville’s Gold Rush Chorus presents the annual Barbershop Cabaret Show featuring the chorus and multiple quartets, 6 p.m. at the American Legion Hall Post 119, 4561 Greenstone Road, Placerville. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. Call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or email howtekinc@gmail.com for info or to purchase tickets.

The Fabulous Thunderbirds are ready to rock the stage at the Harris Center starting at 7:30 p.m. Audience members can expect songs from across the T-Birds’ 30-plus-year career before “Wrap it Up” at the end of the show. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

Backstreet Boulevard will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville from 8-11 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Cynthia Renee Band will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.

The WordWave 1-Act Play Competition will be held Nov. 2 & 3 at Valhalla Tahoe. The top three plays out of more than 100 submitted will be performed. For tickets and more information visit valhallatahoe.com.

Celebrate the Day of the Dead at Fairytale Town in Sacramento from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Little ones can craft sugar skull masks and listen to captivating stories as they enjoy this cultural event. For more information visit fairytaletown.org.

Tony Lindsay’s Soul Soldier will perform at Sutter Creek Theatre in Sutter Creek 7-9 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 4250077 or visit suttercreektheatre.com.

Nov. 3

El Dorado Western Railroad offers excursion rides with trains running on the hour, 10 a.m. through 1 p.m., weather permitting, at the El Dorado Station. For more information visit facebook.com/ ElDoradoWesternRailroad.

Join with others for a service of prayers and music for Healing and Hope for Our Nation 6:30 p.m. at Church of Our Saviour, 2979 Coloma St., Placerville. Service leaders represent a variety of faiths. Music is by Rob Sabino with Gabriel Silva as cantor.

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track and pursue a brighter future. Through the unwavering support of these individuals and his own desire to turn his life around, Cesar has made remarkable progress. He is now on a path to success, both academically and personally, with plans for a brighter future ahead, including college aspirations. His story is an inspiring reminder of how the right support, combined with personal resilience, can make all the difference in a young person’s life.

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Denise Ivey & Joshua Cites

Denise Ivey of El Dorado Hills and Joshua Cites of Camino were married at Chateau Davell in Camino on Oct. 25. Rev. Raya Hazini officiated the service.

The bride was given in marriage by her son Cameron Rooke. The maid of honor was Jillian Nicole Del Soldato of Shingle Springs and the bridesmaids were Kelly Anne Rooke of El Dorado Hills and Megan Krigbaum of Pollock Pines. The best man was Jake Cites of Kihei, Maui. Ryan Adair of Roseville and Nic Frost of Camino served as groomsmen.

The bride is the daughter of Colleen Gallagher (John Lewellen) of El Dorado Hills and Bruce and Henel Ivey of Carmichael. The groom is the son of Lonny and Rhonda Adair of Camino and Mark and Kathryn Cites of Coalinga.

Manzanita with Aaron Shively on pedal steel, vocals and mandolin and Nick Foster on guitar, vocals, harmonica and foot drums provided music for the ceremony.

Family and friends sent the couple off and wished, ”May good luck be with you wherever you go, and your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow.”

The couple will reside in El Dorado Hills.

The Fabulous Thunderbirds fly into Folsom

Ed Sengstack Harris Center for the Arts

F or over 30 years

The Fabulous Thunderbirds has been the quintessential American band. The group’s distinctive and powerful sound, influenced by a diversity of musical styles, manifested itself into a unique musical hybrid via such barnburners as “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up.”

Co-founder Kim Wilson, the sole original member, still spearheads the group as it evolves into its newest incarnation.

“We started as a straight blues band,” vocalist and harmonica player Wilson said. “We now incorporate a mixture of a lot of different styles. We’re an American music band and we’re much higher energy than we were before.

“To be in the T-Birds, you need to understand the different styles of music and different ways of playing,” he continued. “You have to be willing to adopt a more contemporary style. The guys we have now are able to do that.”

The band continues to tour extensively, in both the U.S. and Europe. Wilson is currently writing songs on his own, with band members and other writers.

“I’ve primarily been a solo songwriter, but I’m looking forward to experimenting with the guys in the band,” Wilson said.

The thread throughout the T-Birds career has been the respect the group commanded for its peerless musicianship and devotion to

the sounds of blues, R&B and rock ‘n’ roll. In fact, Muddy Waters called Wilson his favorite harmonica player and vocalist.

“Muddy Waters was very good to me,” Wilson shared. “He almost adopted me. I’ll never forget him.”

For Wilson, the musical journey started in Goleta. At 17 he began playing the harmonica. His influences included Little Walter, George “Harmonica” Smith, Lazy Lester and James Cotton.

At the same time, Wilson began singing and was deeply impacted by Bobby “Blue” Bland, B.B. King, Otis Rush, Jimmy Rodgers and Muddy Waters.

In search of other musicians

who shared his love of the blues, Wilson headed to Minneapolis. He stayed there for a year and a half, playing locally, before moving to the burgeoning music scene of Austin, Texas. It was there that he met Jimmie Vaughan and they founded the T-Birds in 1974. The band developed a reputation as a compelling live act and subsequently signed a record deal with CBS/Epic Records.

In 1979 The Fabulous Thunderbirds released its first self-titled album. Primarily blues influenced, it became a cult classic. “Things were wide open back then,” Wilson recalled. “There were hundreds of stages where bands could show what they

had.”

In subsequent releases, the band started to incorporate more Cajun, rock ‘n’ roll and soul influences. The album “T-Bird Rhythm” marked a creative turning point for the group as it collaborated with noted producer Nick Lowe. In 1986, The Fabulous Thunderbirds reached a commercial peak with the album “Tuff Enuff.” The single of the same title, as well as the singles “Wrap It Up” and “Look At That,” went top 40. The song, “Tuff Enuff” was featured in the film “Gung Ho” starring Michael Keaton. For the remainder of the ’80s, the band continued to record and tour, and released the album “Powerful Stuff.”

Vaughn left in 1989 but Wilson kept the group going, incorporating keyboards into the guitar-driven sound. He moved back to California in 1996, continuing to cultivate the T-Birds’ music.

“The thing about the T-Birds is that we can play both blues festivals and rock venues,” Wilson commented. “We’re a diversified band now and everybody’s on the same page.”

The Fabulous Thunderbirds performs at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 6086888 or visit HarrisCenter. net.

Local museums encourage community to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos

Traci Rockefeller Cusack News release

SACRAMENTO — The greater Sacramento area is rich with an amazing array of state-of-theart museums and historical sites that offer visitors the chance to explore California’s art, history and science treasures all year long. A number of Sacramento Area Museums offer ways for the community to explore, experience, and learn more about Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead. Held on Nov. 1 & 2, the traditional Mexican cultural celebration honors and welcomes the souls of loved ones who have passed away. A sampling of Dia de Los Muertos activities and exhibits offered by local museums is below (check with the various museums and/or destinations for other events and more detailed information): Dia de Los Muertos Community Nights at the Sacramento Children’s Museum, Nov. 1 & 2 — Every November, the Sacramento Children’s Museum is excited to offer a variety of activities in celebration of Día de Los Muertos so guests can explore the cultural practices and traditions surrounding the culturally important holiday. For two evenings (4-6 p.m.), the whole family can enjoy fun activities such as decorating “calaveras de azúcar” or sugar skulls (preregistration only, $10 each), adding to remembrance ofrenda, sampling pan de muerto from a local bakery, tasting Agua Fresca at Leo’s Lemonade Stand, face painting, hands-on craft

activities, shopping for specialty merchandise and museum play. While free to attend, advance registration is required. Visit sackids.org/programs/ dia-de-los-muertos-communitynights.

Day of the Dead Event at Fairytale Town, Nov. 2 — Guests of all ages (little ones and the young-at-heart who accompany them) can celebrate the magic of Dia de Los Muertos at Fairytale Town. Children will enjoy making hands-on crafts such as vibrant sugar skull masks, listening to

traditional music, watching folklorico dancers perform, participating in a dance party on the stage, hearing captivating stories and having their faces painted. In addition, families are invited to contribute to a traditional altar, adorned with marigold flowers and candles to honor loved ones who have passed. For more details visit fairytaletown.org.

Dia de Los Muertos Exhibit at the Sacramento History Museum, through Nov. 10 with special activities Nov. 2 — The community is invited

to embark on a heartwarming journey by exploring a limited-time

Día de Los Muertos exhibition at the Sacramento History Museum at the Old Sacramento Waterfront. Guests are encouraged to spend time remembering and celebrating loved ones in a vibrant tapestry of culture and history. The colorful exhibition is a chance to dive into the rich traditions that honor those who have passed, including the remarkable contributions of early Sacramento leaders who helped shape the city.

On Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., museum guides dressed in traditional attire will guide guests to a special craft station with papel de picado, marigold flower making, a Mexican game (similar to bingo) and where face makeup will be available. For details visit sachistorymuseum.org/ dia-de-los-muertos.

Arte de Inspiración: Dia de los Muertos 2024 Exhibition at the California Museum, through Nov. 17 — An all-new exhibit is on display for a limited time at the California Museum that explores the Mexican cultural tradition of honoring deceased loved ones each year on Nov. 1 & 2. The exhibition features original altars and artwork by artists Adrián Arias, Krisztianna, John Hancock and Juan Ramos. Members of the public are also invited to honor friends and family members who have passed with a remembrance in the exhibit’s accompanying community altar. For details visit californiamuseum.org/ exhibitions/temporary/upcoming/ arte-de-inspiracion.

Courtesy photo

The Sacramento History Museum hosts a colorful exhibition that dives into the rich traditions that honor those who have passed.

Courtesy photo

Harris Center for the Arts hosts the Fabulous Thunderbirds Saturday, Nov. 2.

Volunteer income tax program accepting appointments

Volunteer income tax counselors will be available at various locations throughout El Dorado County Feb. 1 through April 15, 2025.

The tax service availability is by appointment only. The American Association of Retired Persons, in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service and the California

Marigolds

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custom, marigolds are a beautiful and cheerful way to remember someone who is gone. This celebration is surrounded by an atmosphere of music, dance and laughter, when the departed loved ones come to visit. Marigolds act as a guide for the spirits. Living family members gather to

Franchise Tax Board, provides this service free to all ages, middle- and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to seniors.

Electronic filing is available at all locations. This method ensures that returns are processed faster with fewer errors, providing for quicker refunds.

Those desiring to use the service of the Tax-Aide program should make

share stories and memories of loved ones. As part of this joyous celebration, colorful, fragrant marigolds are used to remember the departed on this lovingly festive, not somber, November celebration of Día de los Muertos, Day of the Dead. Master Gardener classes are

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Vegetable Harvest Soup with or without Andouille sausage, rolls and assorted sweet treats. Start the holiday shopping early at the local artisanal vendors. Bocce ball and cornhole are available.

Medeiros Family Wines hosts live music as guests sample the delicious food and wine pairings. There will be barrel tasting with the winemaker.

Mellowood Vineyard serves Keynan BBQ and salad made with spices imported from Kenya paired with the outstanding estate wines. There will be a make a holiday wreath station, cornhole and a photo wall to make memories.

Mirador Winery treats guests to wines with wood-fired pizza. Play horseshoes and cornhole. Get a hands-on, up-close and personal vineyard and wine-making experience with the owners and

Mamma

Mia

It was nominated for five Tonys (2002), three Drama Desk Awards (2002), a Grammy (2002) and four Laurence Olivier Awards (2000) with only one win amongst them; Best Supporting Actress going to Jenny Galloway in the role of Rosie. Sophie is searching for her father to walk her down the aisle on her wedding day in Kalokairi. With help from her mother’s diary, she invites three possible candidates — Sam, Bill and Harry — without telling her mother. As they all arrive on the island, Donna is caught off guard while Sophie navigates her relationship with Sky, her fiancé, and learns about her mother’s girl group past. Soon all suitors believe themselves to be Sophie’s father.

However, in the end it doesn’t matter to Sophie which of them are actually her father. Ancestry.com not being a readily available thing in 1999, everyone agrees to investigate no further and the men are content to share the duty. The wedding proceeds albeit with some changes.

Senior Drew Wilson, who plays Harry Brighton in the show,

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said Harry is the kindest of the three potential dads.

“Obviously he didn’t know he had a daughter,” said Wilson. “But when he finds out he does everything in his power to try to help out with the wedding and be there for Donna and support her.”

Wilson recognizes some parallels with his character.

“I definitely see some similarities,” he said. “We’re both really kind people who care for others.”

He, however, admits to some characteristics that are a bit of a stretch for him.

“Also like he’s a dad and very mature, and that’s something I definitely have to learn,” he said adding Harry has more

an appointment to secure a date, time and location convenient for them.

Appointments in El Dorado County can be made online at eldoradotaxes. org or call one of the following phone numbers: Placerville Senior Center (limited to income of $66,000 or lower) call (530) 497-0380, Gold Country Retirement in Placerville call (530) 303-8115, Cameron Park

offered monthly throughout the county. Find the class schedule at mgeldorado.ucanr.

edu/Public_Education_Cla sses/?calendar=yes&am p;g=56698 and recorded classes on many gardening topics at mgeldorado.ucanr. edu/Public_Education/ Classes.

Community Center call (530) 3953101, Garden Valley Fire Department call (530) 235-6332, Pollock Pines call (530) 497-0368.

For more information about AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, including what type of service is available where, and which documents you need to file your taxes, visiteldoradotaxes.org or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-2277669).

For information about the The Sherwood Demonstration Garden visit ucanr.edu/sites/ EDC_Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden. Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are working hard to answer your questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener”

winemakers; pressing wine grapes and punching down fermenters; also learning the importance of terroir in grape growing.

Oakstone Winery offers a six flight wine selection with a speciality curated cheese plate.

Perry Creek Winery showcases its beautiful setting and features the beautiful wines to create an unforgettable experience.

Polynesian Girl Winery offers samples of unique food paired with the wine tasting menu. Additionally, we will be educating attendees on genuine Tahitian pearls and the ability to customize.

Saluti Cellars hosts live music and a chance to stomp in grapes and get a grape stomped T-shirt. There is a cave tour and a vineyard and animal tour. Wood-fired pizza accompany the delicious wines.

experience and a better understanding of the world around him.

“So it’s definitely been a challenge in a way of working to capture the essence of that character.”

Wilson has been involved in theater at Oak Ridge for four years, starting with “Les Mis” when he was a freshman, progressing through seven productions over the years. He plans to pursue acting while majoring in hospitality management in college.

For junior Maya Shamp the role of Donna has some similarities to her own character.

“I think there are a lot of similarities, personality-wise,” she said. “I feel like Donna is kind of wild and

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sometimes I can be too.”

However, she admitted Donna’s confrontational nature is not as easy to conjure.

“There’s a lot of tension and sometimes arguing with people she’s close with,” she said, adding that for those moments she has drawn on some of her own experiences to get in the right frame of mind.

This is Shamp’s first role at Oak Ridge and she said she wants to pursue performing arts in the future.

“We’ll see if that actually happens, but I definitely do love being on stage.”

Senior Sophie Kallan plays Sophie Sheridan, the bride to be on a search of self discovery.

“There’s a lot of similarities. But Sophie

option on the website, mgeldorado.ucanr.edu, or leave a message on the office telephone at (530) 621-5512. To sign up for notices and newsletters visit ucanr.edu/ master_gardener_e-news. Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Sentivo Vineyards is nestled in the heart of the Fair Play Appellation and crafts gorgeous wines to match the spectacular Sierra foothill vineyard views.

Shadow Ranch Vineyard hosts a live Latin jazz band from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday and from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday. Enjoy harvest chili with great wines on the deck.

Toogood Wine Caves features wine tasting in the expansive 5,000-square-foot cave, exclusive barrel tastings and delicious pulled pork sliders. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to indulge in the winery’s finest wines and gourmet food offering.

Windwalker Vineyards presents scrumptious food pairings with select award-winning wines on the deck. The full tasting bar will also be available to for the wine-tasting experience.

is super sweet, she’s super, like, big eyed and adventurous and super loving,” she shared.

“Although she does get cranky sometimes.”

Kallen admitted it’s that adventure-seeking, wide-eyed character that she connects with.

“I’m always looking for an adventure, too.”

Kallen said she had to prepare for romantic scenes.

“Some of the scenes with Sky get a little spicy, so that took some preparing,” she

added. “But it has been something to work up to.”

Sophie aims to pursue a career in the arts, possibly in film or writing screenplays. She’s applying to local and out-of-state film schools.

“Mamma Mia!” runs Nov. 1-2 and Nov. 8-9 at the Oak Ridge High School theater, 1120 Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills. For tickets and more information visit ortab. org.