TRADITION CONTINUES
to honor those who have served the cause of freedom
Joseph Thuesen
Special to the Mountain Democrat
t 11 a.m.
AMonday, Nov. 11, the annual Veterans Day ceremonies will be held at the El Dorado County Veterans Monument, 360 Fair Lane, Placerville.
The ceremonies at the El Dorado County Veterans Monument were first dedicated on Nov. 11, 2006, after being envisioned by former U.S. Marine and Navy Cross recipient Richard W. Buchanan. During the Vietnam War, Buchanan witnessed numerous examples of the American fighting spirit and selfless
devotion to duty by his fellow Marines and Navy Corpsmen. Upon returning home, he vowed that their dedication and their sacrifice would not be forgotten.
That tradition to never forget and to say thank you to veterans continues.
The ceremony will include a call to order by Officer in Charge, Capt. Jack Babbit, USMC (ret.), and Sgt.-at-Arms, Sgt. Tyler Dennis, USMC. The Master of Ceremonies duties will be performed by Joseph Thuesen, USMC-veteran
and commandant of the Marine Corps League, SSGT Sky Mote Detachment-697.
The presentation of colors will be performed by Civil Air Patrol Squadron 85. The National Anthem, along with performances of service anthems and patriotic music, will be sung by the Ponderosa High School Chamber Choir under the direction of Craig Mason. The invocation and benediction will be led by Chaplain, Lt. Col. Tim Thompson, USA (ret.).
“Conditions
permitting, we anticipate continuing the tradition of the World War II warbirds to participate in the three flyovers,” said Gary Campbell, president of the El Dorado County Veterans Alliance.
The flyovers are led by flight leader Chuck Wahl of Cameron Park’s renowned Vulture’s Row Aviation, noted for its award-winning restorations of World War II Navy and Marine Corps warbirds.
Other elements of the ceremony will include
As of Nov. 6, 84,581 ballots had been counted in El Dorado County out of 113,460 received. There are 137,010 registered voters in the county. The next count will be released after 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, on the county Elections Department website. Below are results from some of the closely followed local races:
Placerville City Council
The race to fill two seats on Placerville’s City Council is still without any clear winners as
Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco EID District 1 candidate Paul Penn joined the Election Night celebration at The Green Room in Placerville. His pink glow could be attributed to his 500-plus vote lead as of the most resent results.
Mountain Democrat file photo by Krysten Kellum
Veterans Day ceremonies return to the El Dorado County Veterans Monument Monday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m.
Mountain Democrat file photo by Andrew Vonderschmitt 2024 Veteran of the Year Veronica Salter is seen here placing a flag next to a veteran’s headstone for a previous Memorial Day. Salter served in the U.S. Army as a military police officer.
ESSENTIALS
OBITUARIES
Darlene Mae Eilders
April 23, 1930 – Oct. 20, 2024
Darlene Mae Eilders was born on April 23, 1930, in Martell, Nebraska to Albert and Henny Blochowitz. She passed away with family by her side singing hymns and surrounding her with love. Darlene is survived by daughter Nancy Fallas; son John K. (Penny) Eilders; daughter Susan (Chris Jones) Keddy-Jones; Judy Eilders, Sandra (Brian) Morris; 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Darlene was preceded in death by her loving husband, John; brother Gilbert Blochowitz; sister Adith Buntjer; brother Roland Blochowitz; granddaughter Candace Keddy and is celebrating with them and others today in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Darlene had a full life at 94 years. Her Nebraskan memories with her cousins and other relatives were fun times in Martell. They often took trips to Lincoln, Nebraska and enjoyed visiting other relatives and shopping. It was not long before the dustbowl and depression were taking place. Due to those conditions, the farm her family was renting in Martell was experiencing di culty so her family moved to Bigelow, Minnesota in March of 1940. They rented another farm and, later, purchased that farm. Darlene really enjoyed this larger farmhouse, barn and lots of property for crops and animals. By 1941, WWII started and, due to gas rationing, she had to live part-time with a family in Sibley, Iowa to attend high school. This was a very hard time for her to be away from her family in Minnesota for long periods of time.
At the age of 17, Darlene graduated from Worthington High School and moved to Minneapolis with two of her close girlfriends and became telephone operators. She met and began dating John on one of her visits home. About this time, Darlene and her friends wanted to transfer somewhere new so they flipped a coin and decided to move to Denver, Colorado. John and Darlene began letter writing and, after a month, he came to Denver for a visit. Before his week-long visit was over, he had proposed! They married within three months of dating and enjoyed a wonderful 68 years together until John was brought home by our Heavenly Father. They bought a home in Des Moines, Iowa and were blessed with four children. John received a job opportunity with Aerojet and moved to Northern California in 1960. In 1961, their fifth child was born. While Darlene enjoyed being a homemaker, once the children were all in school, she also enjoyed working various jobs outside of the home. One job she really enjoyed was working as a dispatcher for the Sacramento County Sheri ’s O ce. John worked at Aerojet for 11 years, after which they owned the Shingle Springs Frosty on Motherlode Drive. Upon John receiving a job opportunity in Southern California, they moved and both began working at HR Textron. Darlene received a job opportunity with Occidental Petroleum and worked there for a few years and then retired. When John retired in 1987, they moved back to Shingle Springs and enjoyed their church family at Light of the Hills Lutheran Church, and were very active in caring for their grandchildren. Darlene was a fun-loving mom and grandma who enjoyed shopping, playing games, attending her grandchildren’s’ games, activities and, especially, taking them to Apple Hill! While we all will miss her dearly, we rejoice in knowing she is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, John, and all those who believed and have gone on before her. Memorial services will be held at Light of the Hills Lutheran Church in Cameron Park on Sunday, November 10th at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow.
Douglas Alan Walker
Oct. 23, 1945 – Sept. 22, 2024
Lillian Edna Zdonek Krogman
Jan. 21, 1936 – Oct. 25, 2024
EDSO CRIME LOG
The following information was taken from El Dorado County sheri ’s reports: Oct. 13
Valley View Parkway in El Dorado Hills. Oct. 17
1:24 p.m. Vandalism reported on Pleasant Valley Road in El Dorado.
Douglas Alan Walker, born on October 23, 1945 in Compton, CA. passed away on September 22, 2024. Doug was raised in Inglewood, CA. and was pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Archeology at Eugene, Oregon when his education was interrupted by military service in the Army from 1969 to 1971. He finished that degree at California State University at Sacramento and relocated to El Dorado County. His interest in history led him to discover that his great-grandfather John Sutherland had lived and mined here in the early days of the Gold Rush. He was a longtime Board Member of the El Dorado County Historical Society and worked tirelessly to preserve El Dorado County history. Among other contributions he created a historical research guide to El Dorado County people and places. It includes over 18,000 entries recording historical references to people and places in the County. This work will enhance historical research for many years to come. He is survived by wife Annie; two children, John Mac Donald, Charlene Buscaglia. Also, four grandchildren, two greatgrandchildren, and one cousin. Doug retired from the El Dorado County Transportation Department in 2008. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the El Dorado County Historical Society and Museum. Memorial to be at the Historic Federated Church on Thompson Way, Placerville, CA 95667. November 23, 2024 at 10 AM to 12 PM.
Lillian was born on Jan. 21, 1936 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada to Walter and Martha Zdonek. On October 25, 2024 in Placerville, CA. she passed on to her eternal home. Lillian leaves behind a strong legacy of faith, love, creativity, fun, and service to others. Lillian grew up in Kingsville, Ontario, the third of five children. The foundation of her faith came from her parents who had emigrated from eastern Europe and who learned English from reading the Bible. In Michigan, where Lillian worked when she was a young woman, she met and married John Krogman, who was starting his career as a federal agent with the ATF; thus began their nomadic life. With the ATF requiring relocation every two to three years, Lillian continually created beautiful homes and helped her three daughters adjust to new neighborhoods, churches and schools. They lived in several mid-west states and made several moves between the Washington D.C. area and California. Throughout these moves and across the decades, Lillian kept up friendships she had made along the way; most notably with Ardis Kra t (a fellow ATF wife). Lillian also developed her skills as a seamstress, creating beautiful clothes for her daughters and herself for many years. Another decades long friendship was with Ruth Abel, with whom she created detailed wooden Christmas ornaments. They used a jigsaw to cut out numerous shapes and then hand painted each one. These are family treasures for her daughters and grandchildren. Lillian was also an avid painter. Her final creation was an extensive mural depicting di erent seasons and places around the world all on the back fence of her home in Citrus Heights, CA. Lillian was always busy. An avid baker — she made incredible cheesecake, baked Alaska and orange cake. In addition, she managed and coached her daughters soccer and softball teams and in the 1970s worked on the initiative to get bike lanes in Mountain View, CA. Lillian also went to college at age 50 and earned her BA in Sociology while working full time. Lillian will likely be most remembered for her strong Christian faith, which she lived out in her lifetime by being a humble servant, devoting herself to the reading of scripture and prayer and participating in her church. Lillian is survived by her three daughters: Dawn (Rich) Amlin, Darlene (Tim) Manclark, and Dana (Steve) Covington; her eight grandchildren: Heather (Kyle) Bonvechio, Haley Bridges, Kyle (Jake) Rehmeier, Hannah Covington, Molly (Austin) Hall, Hudson Manclark, Hayden Manclark, and Harley Manclark; and her three great grandchildren: Riley Bonvechio, Lacy Covington, and Stevie Rehmeier. It was a blessing that in the two weeks before her passing, all of these family members were able to visit and spend time with her. In addition, Lillian is survived by her younger brothers Ed Zdonek and Michael (Debbie) Zdonek. The family wishes to thank everyone who knew and supported Lil during her life and especially her final years. In particular we wish to thank the caring sta at Eskton, Placerville, who made mom feel so welcome and loved. Per mom’s wishes, she will be interred in Kingsville, Canada next to her parents and older sister Virginia.
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1:21 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 50-year-old man on suspicion of DUI on Highway 49. He was later released.
11:01 a.m. Battery reported on Camino Cumbre in Greenwood.
2:13 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 67-year-old man on suspicion of failing to register when released from custody on Ray Lawyer Drive in Placerville. He was released on $25,000 bail.
2:33 p.m. Trespassing reported on Park Drive in El Dorado Hills.
2:49 p.m. Battery reported on Magpie Court in Placerville.
4:14 p.m. California Highway Patrol o cers booked into jail a 23-year-old man on suspicion of DUI on Highway 50 and Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park. He was later released.
4:25 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 29-year-old man on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance on Glee Lane in Placerville. He was later released.
4:49 p.m. Battery reported on Green Valley Road in Placerville.
Oct. 14
2:34 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 35-year-old man on suspicion of making a false report and vehicle theft on Greenstone Road in Placerville. He was released on $2,500 bail.
3:04 p.m. Grand theft reported on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville.
3:18 p.m. Vandalism reported on China Garden Road in Diamond Springs.
4:57 p.m. Deputies booked into jail
a 58-year-old man on suspicion of disorderly conduct on Ridge Drive and Tulle Lane in Shingle Springs. He was later released.
6 p.m. California Highway Patrol
o cers booked into jail a 63-year-old man on suspicion of DUI on Lily Lane in Shingle Springs. He was later released.
7:17 p.m. Battery reported on Happy Valley Road in Somerset.
Oct. 15
2:40 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 22-year-old man on suspicion of trespassing on Red Haawk Parkway in Placerville. He was later released.
8:57 a.m. Battery reported on Latrobe Road in El Dorado Hills.
11:21 a.m. Deputies booked into jail
a 27-year-old man on suspicion of probation violation on Forni Road. He was listed in custody.
12:49 p.m. Grand theft reported on Cousins Court in Shingle Springs.
4:25 p.m. Deputies booked into jail
a 33-year-old woman on suspicion of multiple counts of possession of a controlled substance on Mother Lode Drive in Placerville. She was listed in custody in lieu of $455,500 bail.
Oct. 16
6:56 a.m. Vandalism reported on Sly Park Road in Pollock Pines.
7:01 a.m. Grand theft reported on Fairplay Road in Somerset.
7:08 a.m. Vandalism reported on Bass Lake Road in Cameron Park.
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2:59 p.m. Grand theft reported on Merrychase Drive in Cameron Park.
6:27 p.m. Battery reported on La Canada Drive in Cameron Park.
7:12 p.m. California Highway Patrol o cers booked into jail a 33-year-old man on suspicion
11:01 a.m. Battery reported on Brittany Way in El Dorado Hills.
11:56 a.m. Vandalism reported on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville.
3:45 p.m. Vandalism reported on Golden Center Drive in Placerville.
5:31 p.m. Vandalism reported on on
LEGISLATORS’ ADDRESSES
Saragosa
Frances O’Hare of EDH and her pup Duke, left photo, are hungry to show off Duke’s costume during the costume contest. Atticus McNamara, 9
treat from CJ Brown, owner of CJ’s Cigars in El Dorado Hills.
Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and may also lead to serious balance problems. This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood ow to the nerves in the hands and feet. If not
Wildfire resilience strategy workshop scheduled
Courtney Jackson El Dorado & Georgetown Divide Resource Conservation Districts
In order to effectively treat your neuropathy 3 factors must be determined. Our advanced treatment method has 3
The El Dorado Resource Conservation District invites the public to an interactive workshop and presentation of the city of Placerville Community Wildfire Resilience Strategy, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, at Placerville Town Hall.
with public land managers, increasing community resilience to the threats of wildfire. The RFFCP is a California Natural Resources Agency program administered by the Department of Conservation and the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. The RCD is the lead program manager developing the PCWRS which aligns with and implements the SNC’s Watershed Improvement Plan.
The PCWRS boundary comprises approximately 80,000 acres, includes 13,865 habitable structures and incalculable historical assets. The area consists of the city of Placerville and surrounding communities using the same footprint as the 2024 Greater Placerville Wildfire Evacuation Preparedness, Community Safety, and Resiliency Study. The city of Placerville is not only the county seat but is also registered as California Historical Landmark No. 701.
The presentation will provide an overview of the findings of the PCWRS by the RCD with consultants from WSP USA Inc. This comprehensive strategy is a community-specific plan designed to identify and guide wildfire preparedness, risk analysis and development of mitigation projects. It is intended to promote and facilitate interagency communication and collaboration as well as to provide a model for wildfire risk mitigation. The strategy will be used as a guiding document for wildfire prevention activities in and around the city of Placerville.
a tree. The light therapy will allow the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients to heal and repair. It’s like adding water to a tree and seeing the roots grow deeper and deeper. The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation.
“My feet hurt so bad after sitting I could barely take the rst few steps. I have had 11 treatments and no longer feel sharp or shooting pains and most of the tingling is gone. I now have full balance and can walk without pain. As Dr. Mooney explained the treatment is not painful, nothing uncomfortable, and is actually very relaxing.” – Neuropathy Pain Patient
The purpose of the strategy is to integrate with existing plans and serve as a future wildfire planning template. As such, it will enhance wildfire preparedness and resiliency for the Placerville community. By providing a realistic and strategic plan for the El Dorado RCD, city and county it will allow the agencies to identify projects and seek funding for fire hazard mitigation.
Community input has been collected through various means including the utilization of an online, interactive survey to share beneficial community wildfire mitigation priorities.
Information was also obtained by meeting one-on-one, group in-person presentations, virtual presentations and by holding a public meeting.
In addition, public and private data was provided through a shared GIS Hub. All the data collected has been included in the development of the PCWRS and has helped to identify community priorities.
This effort is funded through the Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Program, which furthers the ability of forest communities to work together
Following the Camp Fire and Caldor Fire the area was identified as a high priority with a focus on the wildland/ urban interface portions of the PPSA.
The PCWRS is designed to address the risk of wildfire to Placerville and surrounding communities and is complementary to the ongoing efforts of the county, fire safe councils, the city of Placerville and other organizations. The strategy is meant to compliment the Western El Dorado County CWPP Update and to incorporate the data of Cal Fire’s Land Tender Program & County Fire Mitigation, EDC OWPR – Home Hardening Program, Fire Risk Reduction Community List, Vegetation Management & Defensible Space Ordinance and data from the OWPR GIS Portal. The ultimate goal is to learn from the past and plan for the future. Fire mitigation strategies are only effective if they are maintained therefore the PCWRS will also include ongoing fuel reduction maintenance plans.
If you have questions or would like more guidance the RCD is available for individual and group meetings. For more information contact Courtney Jackson at courtney.jackson2@ ca.nacdnet.net or call (530) 295-7165 or visit eldoradorcd.org.
El Dorado County
prescribed burn operations in progress
News release
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Amador-El Dorado Unit has begun conducting prescribed burning operations on the Shake-Omo Vegetation Management Project, with burning planned Nov. 7-9 and Nov. 11-13.
The burn, scheduled from approximately 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the specified days, will take place in the area of Omo Ranch Road and North South Road in El Dorado County, dependent on any restrictions set forth by the El Dorado County Air Quality Management District and favorable fire weather conditions. Smoke will be visible in the area.
The objective is to burn approximately 180 acres of timber understory, grass and brush within the Shake-Omo VMP to continue the reduction of fuels and increase fire protection.
The Eldorado National Forest and Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District will be assisting with the burn.
The agencies will continue a fuels reduction burn within the Sly Park Vegetation Management Project in El Dorado County on Friday, Nov. 8.
The burn, scheduled from
approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. will take place on the north side of Jenkinson Lake in Pollock Pines, dependent on any restrictions set forth by the AQMD and favorable fire weather conditions. Smoke will be visible in the area.
The objective is to burn approximately 50 acres of timber understory within the VMP to create a healthy timber stand that is resistant to drought and beetle kill, continue the reduction of fuels in the fuel break and increase fire protection to surrounding communities.
Cooperating agencies on the project include the El Dorado Irrigation District and Sierra Pacific Industries.
These projects add to the state fuels reduction work under way throughout the state. To track the progress being made both in your community and throughout California visit fire.ca.gov/ what-we-do/natural-resourcemanagement/fuels-reduction.
All Cal Fire prescribed burns are evaluated hourly on the day of the burn, utilizing a Go/No Go checklist that is based on weather, resource availability, and incident activity. If burning conditions become unfavorable for a safe, controlled burn, operations will be immediately stopped.
SPI reopens its California forestlands
News release
Sierra Pacific Industries has reopened its California forestlands to recreation, effective Friday., Nov. 1. Closures will remain in place on SPI forestlands in the vicinity of the recent wildfires to ensure the safety of the public and crews working to recover, restore and reforest the lands impacted by those fires. Closed areas will remain posted with signs, and gates will remain locked.
SPI’s public access policy allows for use of most of the company’s California forestlands for hunting and other recreational activities. Among
other restrictions, overnight camping, campfires and smoking are prohibited. Motorized use in many areas is restricted for resource protection and public safety concerns. In addition to the wildfire-related closures, other areas will be posted closed for active operations, existing leases, wildlife protection and other considerations.
To learn more about the company’s recreation access policies visit SPI’s website a spi-ind.com/OurForests/ RecreationAccess. For inquiries about areas remaining closed due for postwildfire forest recovery contact the SPI California Public Recreation Hotline, (530) 378-8274.
Fall means feeding frenzy for black bears
n Time to secure food, garbage and recycling. Keep Tahoe bears wild!
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Autumn is here, and black bears are entering a temporary physiological state known as “hyperphagia.” During hyperphagia, also known as the fall feeding frenzy, bears consume as much as they can to bring their fat stores to a level where they can survive the quickly approaching winter months.
In the fall, an adult bear can consume 20,000 to 24,000 calories a day and can gain multiple pounds per day. To achieve this rapid growth in fat stores, wild bears begin foraging most of the day and night and may travel beyond their normal home range in search of food. The increased drive for food can lead bears to seek easy, calorie-dense meals in residential areas if food, garbage and recycling are not properly stored.
To keep Tahoe bears wild while they bulk up for the winter, the Tahoe Interagency Bear Team wants to remind residents and visitors to stick to BearWise principles by using bear-resistant garbage carts and bear boxes, removing bird feeders, storing pet food inside and cleaning outdoor grills regularly. Bears will follow their noses and this year’s rollout of the semiautomated, three-cart collection system in South Lake Tahoe and new disposal requirements make it even more imperative that residents do whatever they can to prevent bears from accessing human sources of food.
The national BearWise program offers the following tips to reduce the chances a hungry bear finds your trash:
Election Continued from A1 of press time, with the most recent unofficial vote count released by the El Dorado County Elections Department showing all three candidates virtually tied for votes.
Incumbents Jackie Neau (currently Placerville’s mayor) and Michael Saragosa are running to retain their seats, while Ryan Carter aims to claim one of the open seats for himself. The most recent count shows Neau in the lead with 1,695 votes, a scant 33 more votes than those cast for Carter, who currently sits in third place. With such razor-thin margins, the race is not expected to be called until the final count is eventually released by the elections department.
“I am humbled by the support of my friends and neighbors and look forward to the update on Friday afternoon,” Carter told the Mountain Democrat, responding to the early vote counts. “We had a productive and respectful campaign; I know that Placerville is in good hands no matter who wins.”
Saragosa also commented on the nail-biter of a race, saying “Placerville is known for having pretty close elections, and this year is no different, except all the candidates are pretty bunched up. I want to thank those who supported the re-election of the mayor and myself and look forward to all the votes being counted.” Neau was also asked for comment, but did not respond before press time.
El Dorado Irrigation District
In EID’s Division 3, Charles Mansfield took a commanding lead over challenger Brad Popejoy. Mansfield netted 6,479 votes to
Garbage and recycling pick up:
If you have garbage pickup once or twice a week, put your trash cans and recycling containers on the curb the morning of pickup, never the night before.
Rinse: Take time to rinse out and clean cans, bottles and containers, including carry-out containers and pizza boxes so the odors don’t attract bears.
Compact: The less space your trash and recycling take up, the more space the garbage trucks will have.
Grind up: Now is the time to put your garbage disposal to work. More down the drain means less out at the curb.
Freeze: Keep a bag in your freezer for anything that might smell before it gets picked up. Add it to your trash the morning of pickup.
Store securely: If your garbage container is not bear-resistant, keep it inside a sturdy building until the morning of pickup. If it is bearresistant, keep it closed and latched. For information on acquiring approved bear boxes and managing trash and recycling in the Tahoe Basin visit the South Tahoe Refuse & Recycling Services website.
Use the following phone numbers and online resources to report a bear incident or conflict while camping or visiting the Tahoe Basin:
• In California, contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at (916) 358-2917 or report online using the Wildlife Incident Reporting system at apps.wildlife. ca.gov/
• Non-emergency bear collisions in California State Parks can be reported to its public dispatch at (916) 358-1300
• In Nevada, contact NDOW at (775) 688-BEAR (2327)
• If the issue is an emergency, call the local sheriff’s department or 911.
Learn more about keeping Tahoe bears wild at TahoeBears.org and BearWise.org.
Popejoy’s 3,771. The Division 1 race is closer, with Paul Penn holding a 542 vote lead over the next closest challenger, Noel Russell. The third candidate, Tiffany Casey-Moore garnered 1,461 votes, according to the Election Night report.
Cameron Park Community Services District Board of Directors
Six ran for a chance to take one of two available seats on the Cameron Park Community Services District board, which include incumbent Sidney Bazett and five new faces — Katie Gilchrest, Barbara Rogers, Tracy Doyle, Liz Gates and J.R. Hichborn.
As of press time, Gilchrest had the most votes out of 10,493 counted, grabbing 2,612, Gilchrest said she is grateful for the support from the community.
“It has been a privilege to connect with so many residents and business owners, hear their priorities and understand what matters most to them,” Gilchrest said. “I want to thank every voter, volunteer and supporter who has been a part of this journey.”
Currently in second place is Bazette, who ran to keep his seat on the board. He has garnered 2,182 out of the votes. Bazette did not respond to comment as of press time. Barbara Rogers trails behind in third place with 1,952 of the votes.
El Dorado Hills Fire Board
Two full-term seats are available for n See ELECTION, page A11
OPINION
Forest thinning is a necessary strategy for mitigating catastrophic wildfires
Fueled by the hot weather, fires continue to devastate communities around California. This year more than 7,200 wildfires have burned over 1 million acres. While less than a dozen of the fires have been explosive in nature, as a state with over 33 million acres of forests, the potential is high, especially as we head into drier months.
Many of the dangers we are experiencing are tied to the challenges we see in our climate and the health of our forests. Decades of fire suppression policies, meant to protect human lives and property, have inadvertently contributed to the accumulation of dense vegetation, transforming forests into highly combustible environments that burn more intensely.
Overly dense conditions impact forest health. Competition among trees and plants for resources like sunlight, water and nutrients intensifies, leading to tree and vegetative mortality. This overcrowding increases susceptibility to insect infestations and diseases, as stressed and weakened trees are more vulnerable to attack. This can be amplified in a climate like California where years of heavy rains are followed by long periods of drought, adding additional stress.
Californians who don’t live in forested areas are still impacted by these devastating wildfires. Smoke travels up and down the state, decreasing air quality and aggravating chronic health conditions such as asthma and heart disease. Studies show that long-term e ects of exposure to wildfire smoke particularly can include neurological disorders, cancer and more.
Even the few Californians who might be lucky enough to avoid the environmental impacts are still facing the economic fallout. Home insurance rates are skyrocketing with reports of some premiums increasing as much as 34% or more. For other Californians, the increased fire danger is leading to a loss of insurance coverage, including in communities in the heavily populated Bay Area. While individual responsibility such as home hardening is important, it doesn’t limit the severity
■ See THINNING, page A7
The Not So Weekly Daley
Letters to the Editor
Bring our history back
EDITOR:
Hangtown aka Placerville is in dire need of a change of perspective. We are living on top of two gold mines. First is the historical one that started in 1848 in Coloma. If we use this historical gold mine to bring in tourism again we can use it as the present-day gold mine No. 2. We must save what is left of our local history to attract tourists. People travel here to see the local history that relates to the name Hangtown and with imagination see what Hangtown could have looked like in 1849. They do not come here to see downtown Milpitas. Broadway is taking on a new, more caring look. Now is the time to put this same e ort into making the historical district of Hangtown look like it may have looked in the mid 1800s. The city needs to help merchants with a much-needed spruce up of city property. This will help with the overall appearance of Hangtown to reflect its place in world history. The city maybe can help merchants also by preserving what remains of local history, getting the name Hangtown back and creating attractions to pull in tourism. Lastly, give Hangtown the appearance that someone cares
about our history and our town. Put up signs or plaques to tell people what the building used to be and some history.
Years ago, western reenactments were done by the Apple Hill Gang. We need to expand tourist attractions like stagecoach and wagon rides along with buckboards for tourists to ride. We had a wagon with a jail cell on top as a place where people when caught were put in jail and someone had to pay for a bailout. All the money went for charity purposes. It was called The Hoosegow. Coming to Hangtown should be a fun and learning experience for everyone.
Growing up here and loving trains, I wish we had never lost the train to Placerville. It could have been a commuter train on weekdays connecting to the light rail in Folsom for seniors and others who wish to go to downtown Sacramento. It could have been a huge attraction to Hangtown and El Dorado County to promote tourism. A smaller train could be used to take tourists to Apple Hill on weekends.
The same leadership we have now will not change anything or they would have done it by now.
Here’s a proposition for you: Vote yes on no, or don’t
Ireally try. Every election year I really try to read and fully understand all the language of multiple ballot propositions. And I honestly fret over making a wrong decision. Surely I’m not alone on this, so I o er the following as a possible “comfort” compromise. If you voted No on Yes, of course, we will all be plunged into utter darkness by the end of next week. If you voted Yes on No, we will all come down with the deadly flesh-eating thing that thrives in total sunlight, certainly before Thanksgiving. Favoring neither of those two options, I took the chicken way out
CHRIS DALEY
and wrote “maybe” and moved on to the next proposition on my ballot. Not that my vote impacted the result, but at least I won’t feel guilty about making the wrong choice and ending life as we know it. The next proposition asked us to choose between liver on one hand and onions on the other. Onion farmers naturally favored the stinky source of their livelihood over that nasty meat that filters everything bad the body has to o er. Cattle ranchers begged to di er. I’m definitely OK with onions. I hate liver except for the occasional good pâté (accent on the “é” s’il vous plaît). And I do mean very occasional. Propositions XY&Z were hysterical,
It feels like we’ve had polls shoved into our psyches for longer than humans should endure. It’s really only several months but way too many.
really. Who in their right mind could possibly either be for or against any of those ideas?
On and on it goes, and I can’t help believing the authors are fully aware that most voters really don’t appreciate the significance of the matter, if there is any. They, the supporters, count on slick television ads to sway us one way or the other.
I remember my parents voting to add fluoride to our water in San Mateo County, sometime in the early to mid-’50s. Evidently that’s become a Yes on No, No on Yes issue again, rather suddenly and inexplicably. Did you vote for more low-cost housing or for more and better
trained medical people on Tuesday? That was a tough one to decipher let alone understand.
Many voters look to see what group is for a particular ballot measure. For example, if my doctor, dentist, (lawyer and pastor, if I had either or both of those) were for something, I’d be inclined to vote for that. You probably would too.
If the local telemarketer and doorto-door encyclopedia peddler were supporters of a given proposition, I would make a double-X over the No box. You probably would too. If you remember the old movie
BRIAN DeBERRY Diamond Springs
LORI PARLIN
MATT DIAS
Thinning
Continued from A6 or frequency of the fires. If we want to help all Californians, we must tackle this issue from every angle.
Ecological thinning practices o er a proactive solution to mitigate destructive fire risks and increase forest health. By selectively removing vegetation —particularly in areas where plants and trees have become overcrowded or where invasive species dominate — forest managers can reduce the likelihood of catastrophic fires and improve forest resiliency. This is a concept that has been recognized by Native American communities for centuries.
The state of California understands this need and called for an increase in the pace and scale of forest health projects. Here in and around the Eldorado National Forest this work is taking place, removing fire-damaged vegetation and helping to establish more fire breaks. This work has been instrumental in safeguarding communities like Meyers and Christmas Valley, where years of proactive mitigation e orts significantly contributed to the protection of lives and property during the Caldor Fire. Similar projects are taking place in the Sequoia and Tahoe National forests.
But the question remains what to do with
vegetation too small for commercial use. Currently it sits in large piles, drying and becoming fuel sources for the next wildfire. A project that is set to take place in two other rural counties in Northern California provides a solution.
The project, led by Golden State Natural Resources, a nonprofit public benefit corporation, will target overgrown areas of forests surrounding Lassen and Tuolumne counties and remove crowded, dead and invasive vegetation while leaving healthy, older, native growth unharmed. Removed vegetation will be turned into wood pellets and shipped internationally for use in energy production, including as a replacement for burning coal.
Fire mitigation through strategic fuel reduction is essential for restoring and maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. Embracing these practices not only protects communities and infrastructure from wildfire risks but also fosters sustainable forest management practices that benefit both present and future generations.
Matt Dias is the president and CEO of the California Forestry Association. Lori Parlin is an El Dorado County supervisor and board delegate of the Rural County Representatives of California.
No. 1004
Daley
Continued from A6
“Airplane,” you might recall one or two of the exasperated and terrified pilot’s lines. They were like, “And I picked this week to quit smoking (drinking, snorting cocaine, shooting heroin).” I can identify with that this week and hope you don’t.
Polls and predictions
It feels like we’ve had polls shoved into our psyches for longer than humans should endure. It’s really only several months but way too many. I’m past ready to scream “take that pole (sic) and shove it.”
I’m wildly intrigued with JD Vance’s recent prediction: that middle class families will soon be taking their o spring in for gender reassignment in order to better compete against hordes of “trans students” for admission to Ivy League colleges. That has to be the weirdest prediction of the last 10,000 election cycles. And we thought many of our propositions were goofy. Would those kids switch back after getting such a glorious degree? That’s a discussion for another time.
Meanwhile, I’d like nothing better than to crawl into bed, pull the covers over me and hibernate till April maybe even July. You probably would too. Chris Daley is a biweekly columnist for the Mountain Democrat.
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.
EDC Auditor-Controller’s Office earns financial reporting award
the
Harn
JOE HARN
National forests are fee free for Veterans Day
For this Veterans Day, Nov. 11, the USDA Forest Service is waiving standard amenity fees for all visitors to national forest and grassland day-use areas. This fee-free day shows gratitude for the selfless service of those in the military who served the country along with the support of their families.
“The Forest Service is proud to honor our nation’s veterans with a free day to enjoy our forests and the outdoors,” said Jennifer Eberlien, regional forester for the Pacific Southwest Region. “We are thankful to the 5,553 veterans who continue their public service in our agency — with 600 veterans employed in our region alone.”
The Forest Service offers feefree access a few times each year to encourage exploring national forests and grasslands.
On these special days, standard amenity fees charged for day-use sites — like picnic areas, developed trailheads and destination visitor centers — are waived. Please note, the waiver does not apply to special recreation permits, cabin rentals,
campground reservations, expanded amenity fees on certain highly developed sites and service fees from independent concessionaires operating on national forest land.
Approximately 98% of national forest land can be enjoyed fee-free, year-round. Where fees are assessed, more than 80% of these funds are reinvested at the site where they’re collected. These fees provide necessary maintenance and services or pay for future improvements.
Fee-free public lands access is available year-round to U.S. military service members and their families, veterans and Gold Star family members. The Interagency Military Pass is available at no cost to all active-duty military personnel and their families.
This pass is honored nationwide at all Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service sites charging standard amenity or entrance fees.
For more about interagency passes visit the Forest Service’s Passes and Permits page at fs.usda.gov/visit/ passes-permits.
Drowsy driver avoids disaster
Odin Rasco Senior staff writer
The driver of a white SUV sustained only minor injuries after driving across multiple lanes of traffic on Highway 50 Tuesday, Nov. 5.
At approximately 5:40 p.m. drivers along eastbound Highway 50 reported seeing a driver drifting between from the fast to the slow lane before narrowly missing the embankment at the right side of the road. Afterward, the driver appeared to overcorrect, veering through both eastbound lanes, across the median, and then across both westbound lanes before crashing to a stop on the other side of the highway at around 5:42 p.m.
“The car missed me by less than a foot,” claimed Kelly Rains, who was driving home from work at the time.
“It was amazing that nobody was hit.”
An investigation into the incident uncovered that the driver was tired and possibly fell asleep at the wheel, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Andrew Brown.
“This is a great reminder for Daylight Savings time and driving while drowsy,” Brown noted. “There were suspected minor injuries as a result, but we have seen much more severe injuries in the past from sleepy driving. We want to remind drivers, there is no shame in pulling over and taking a nap to arrive alive. If you feel sleepy, stop and rest.”
Veterans Day Continued from A1
a parade of flags and the Pledge of Allegiance led by representatives from the county’s veterans organizations supported by Scouting and youth groups; proclamations will also be read from the state of California, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors and the city of Placerville.
The guest speaker will be Lt. Col. “Tony” Grady, USAF (ret.); a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, he served as an Air Force pilot for 20-years, culminating with commanding a B-2 Stealth Bomber squadron. Tony and his wife of 40 years have four children, including one who graduated from Annapolis and another who graduated from West Point.
The Veteran of the Year award will be presented by TSgt. Gary Campbell, USAF (ret.) to former U.S. Army Sgt. First Class, Veronica Salter. SFC Salter served as a military police officer during the Global War on Terror, including service at Guantanamo Bay.
A three-volley rifle salute will be performed by a combined honor guard of veterans and a bag pipes rendition of “Amazing Grace” will be performed by Sgt. Rob Roy, USA (ret.). The military tradition of “Taps” will be performed by bugler and former U.S. Marine and Vietnam veteran Victor Mansfield.
Twelve newly-engraved memorial bricks will be unveiled on Veterans Day: SSGT Daniel Clouse, USA (Global War on Terror); Purple Heart recipient, Cpl. First Class, Francis H. Flynn, USA (WWII); CPO-BMC Michael J. Washburn, Jr. USN (Global War on Terror); SSGT Robert F. Gaines, USA AC (WWII); AME2 Shawn “Shooten” Blanks, USN (Global War on Terror); Sgt. Robert Brugger, USA (Vietnam); SSGT Michael A. Turcotte, USAF (Global War on Terror); Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient, SSGT Adam Turcotte, USA (Global War on Terror); SFC Smanatha Scherrei, USA (Global War on Terror); CPL Anthony R Turcotte, USAF (Korea); Sgt. James A. Rasmus, USAF (Vietnam); EM1 Jerry Lewin, USN (Korea). Additionally, one newly engraved memorial stone will be unveiled on Veterans Day for Major Frances Barrett, U.S. Army Nurse Corps. Barrett, a former long-time resident of El Dorado County, on Dec. 13, 1941, one week after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, left her home in Camino to volunteer with the US Army Nurse Corps. During WWII, Barrett served in the
COMICS
n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly
Pacific Region as well as in Germany and Panama. Major Barrett (then captain) was awarded in May 1945, the Distinguished Flying Cross for her actions from August 1944 to April 1945, as a Flight Nurse with a Medical Air Evacuation Squadron. Barrett’s citation reads “… for extraordinary achievement in operational flights totaling more than three hundred hours over Burma, during which enemy attack was probable and expected. These flights performed in unarmed transport aircraft, were made for the purpose of evacuating by air, sick and wounded personnel from forward areas and were accomplished with industry and a devotion to duty above and beyond that normally expected. Disregarding the hazards of weather, terrain and enemy action faced regularly and continuously, they demonstrated such consideration for their patients and such constant energy as to reflect great credit upon themselves and the Army Air Forces of the United States.”
Barrett is one of only 15 nurses to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross for her service during WWII.
The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to any person who distinguishes themselves by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving in any capacity with the Air Corps.
A wreath laying ceremony will be led by OIC Capt. Jack Babbitt, USMC (ret.), accompanied by special guestsMary Lewin, younger sister of Barrett, and Kari Buhman, niece of Barrett. The wreath is provided by the Ponderosa FFA Floral students under the supervision of Britta Fletcher.
The EDC Veterans Monument has more than 2,000 memorial bricks and monuments representing the military service of El Dorado County residents and their relations from the French and Indian War to Afghanistan and the Global War on Terror.
El Dorado County residents may have bricks, memorializing their military service and that of their ancestors, relatives and friends, placed at the EDC Veterans Monument as described at eldoradocountyveterans. org/memorials.
The EDCVA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization assigned by the County of El Dorado to oversee ceremonies at and improvements to the El Dorado County Veterans Monument.
n
by Chad Carpenter
n
by Leigh Rubin
n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly
ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’re hesitant to request what you need because the words will highlight its absence. You can avoid asking by pretending your heart’s desire is already yours. It works even better than asking today, as you somehow attract the solutions by embodying them.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Instead of trying to get more accomplished by pushing yourself harder, think about how you can support yourself better. Compassion starts with the tenderness you afford yourself in your own schedule.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Learning is challenging, but unlearning old habits is even harder. This is why you’re very careful about what to add to your life, and even more careful when it comes to what to repeat. If you wouldn’t want it every day, don’t have it today.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). Today stirs a memory buried deep within you. There’s an invisible thread between the present and the past, and the connections will pull you in ways both subtle and strong.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There’s a time for high standards and a time to throw out the requirements completely because compassion will get you further. You don’t have to be perfect to be excellent. Be as generous to yourself as you are to others.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Enjoying someone’s company doesn’t always mean it’s easy to be around them. You’re willing to be a little uncomfortable at times -- or to extend yourself for another person’s comfort, for the sake of relationship building.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Nepotism can give a unit ease in
communication, as family members tend to have shortcuts of language and expression to give one another immediate understanding of the situation. Familiarity can also breed contempt -- oh, the complicated glory of family.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’re in flow. Everything is working out just as it should, without you even having to try. It’s not luck; it’s your sharp instincts guiding you to the path of least resistance. Like water, you find the easiest way forward.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’ll see an opportunity where others only see a snag. You’ll see a glitch in the matrix when others are scrolling their phones. You’ll see a groove in their discarded puzzle piece -- and it clicks right into the big picture.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Finding common ground in relationships will be strangely difficult today, but don’t sweat it. You don’t have to be alike to like one another. You’ll learn most from those who have led lives
TUNDRA
RUBES
SUDOKU
the El Dorado Hills Fire Board. Incumbent Bobbi Bennett, Kevin Gotro, Esther Beckman and John Hidahl, who recently died, were on the ballot.
Former District 1 El Dorado County Supervisor Hidahl garnered the most votes with 10,469 out of 30,453 counted as of election night. If Hidahl wins, the seat will remain vacant until the board holds a special election, according to Elections Department staff.
Kevin Gotro has the second most with 7,630 votes, and will win a seat if his momentum remains in place. Bennett trails Gotro by 892 votes.
In a separate race for an unexpired short-term position on the board, Dan Donelli confidently came out on top of incumbent Mike Hillhouse, 11,569 to 6,621 votes.
El Dorado Hills Community Services District Controversy and dissatisfaction shared by some El Dorado Hills residents promoted changes on the EDHCSD Board of Directors. Director Ben Paulsen chose not to run for reelection. Director Noelle Mattock, who served on the board for 16 years, appears to have won another four-year term. Voters had to select two among the three candidates running to fill the seats available on the fivemember board. Newcomer Chuck King came out on top with 11,016 votes and Mattock ranked second with 8,558 votes, according to the unofficial final report released on Election Night.
“I feel truly blessed to have grown up in El Dorado Hills, and it has been an honor and privilege to
serve this community for the past 16 years,” Mattock told the Mountain Democrat after the election.
“My goal has always been to ensure that our community thrives — meeting the needs of our residents and delivering the high level of service they deserve and expect,” she continued. “I fully accept and support the outcome of this election. Regardless of whether voters choose for me to continue in this role, my dedication to our community will remain strong through my ongoing volunteer work.”
The third EDHCSD candidate, Steve Gutierrez, has 8,105 votes. He told the Mountain Democrat he’s “thrilled that Chuck King won by a commanding lead.”
“He is exactly the kind of leader CSD needs to restore transparency, accountability and trust,” Gutierrez added. “With the fresh leadership of Chuck King, Heidi Hannaman and Steve Ferry, I truly believe our district is now in responsible hands. These individuals bring a much-needed commitment to improving the district’s operations and ensuring the best interests of the community are prioritized.
“Directors Noelle Mattock and Michael Martinelli
have significant work ahead of them to rebuild public trust, given their involvement in the district’s previous challenges — ranging from lawsuits and poor oversight to giving away a community park worth millions of dollars and failing to ensure proper budget management and annual audits,” he continued. “I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who supported and encouraged me during my candidacy. I feel that we’ve accomplished our mission to shine a light on the issues holding back CSD from becoming the vibrant and well-run district it has the potential to be.”
One of the first issues the board will have to address after all the votes have been counted are the results of three ballot initiatives to repeal and refund EDHCSD Landscaping and Lighting District assessments. A simple majority was required to enact these initiatives and the results are thus far:
• Measure Q: Promontory LLAD #22 — 80.61% yes
• Measure R: Valley View (Blackstone) LLAD #33 — 72.49% yes
• Measure S: Carson Creek (Heritage) LLAD #39 —91.91% yes
residential
Mountain Democrat photos by Eric Jaramishian
Elections helpers Ginger Swigarg, Pam Ross and Judy Akaba-Adair, left photo, organize ballots at the county Elections Department on Ponderosa Road before handing them in for review on Election Night. Rena Russell and Registrar of Voters Bill O’Neill, right photo, take a quick break to check out results for the presidential election at Russell’s desk.
So this day and every day, please thank the men & women who have made it possible for 248 years, our Veterans and Armed Forces.
If you know or see our Military or Veterans, give them a hug; or better yet, buy them a meal. It’s the least we can do for all of their Bravery & Sacrifices to make FREEDOM POSSIBLE.
— David and Cindy Brazelton
IN THE KNOW
Now
Oak Ridge High School’s fall show “Mamma Mia!” runs through Nov. 9. For tickets and more information go to ortab.org.
Big Idea Theatre in Sacramento presents “POTUS” through Nov. 9. For tickets and more information visit bigideatheatre.org.
B Street Theatre presents “What the Constitution Means to Me” at The So a through Nov. 10. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.
El Dorado High School’s Studio 81 presents “You Can’t Take It With You” through Nov. 16. For tickets and more information go to studio81arts.com.
Ponderosa High School’s presentation of “Pu s” runs through Nov. 16. For tickets and more information go to pondodrama.com.
The California Museum presents Arte de Inspiracón: Día de los Muertos 2024 through Nov. 17. For more information visit californiamuseum.org.
Capital Stage in Sacramento presents “The Heart Sellers” through Nov. 17. For tickets and more information call (916) 995-5464 or visit capstage.org.
The California Museum presents Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues through Jan. 19, 2025. For more information visit californiamuseum.org.
Nov. 8
Gold Country Health Center marks its 40th anniversary with a gala event, 5-8 p.m. to celebrate everyone who has made the last 40 years special. For information call (530) 621-1100. The center wants to welcome back everyone who has made Gold Country special during the last 40 years — families, residents, current and former sta as well as volunteers.
Sutter Street Theatre presents Gore Vidal’s “The Best Man,” a story of scruples and political expediency, running Nov. 8-24. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
Rough Cut will perform at 5 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/ live-music.
ob Keedy, music teacher at Gold Trail School and drummer for Red Dirt Ruckus, was born and raised in New Mexico, where he earned a master’s in percussion performance. He followed the beat of his own drum to California, making a living performing and teaching music in San Diego, Oakland, Sacramento and, finally, Placerville.
As a good drummer keeps the tempo for the band, music provides the structure for Rob’s life. It was music that reunited
him with some old friends — now bandmates — from New Mexico and it was music that brought him to Placerville.
“It’s fascinating to me how those two worlds kind of intertwined,” Rob said. “Those friends managed to stay in my life and now we’re all together in Red Dirt Ruckus, and I’m teaching the guitar player’s kids.”
Rob was living in Sacramento when, in the early days of the COVID pandemic, he was o ered the position at Gold Trail School. He jumped at the opportunity to serve a community he had already come to know and love over his 10 years playing with Red Dirt Ruckus.
“In San Diego or Oakland, these big sprawling cities, I just didn’t feel as connected as I do here,” Rob explained. “It’s such a beautiful place for the kids to go to school and for me to go to work. … There is something really powerful about being in a
community like this.”
As the successor to Gold Trail’s legendary music teacher Glen Cain, who retired in 2019 after 36 years on the job, Rob had big shoes to fill. “It was super intimidating,” he said with a laugh. “But it was definitely inspiring. He built this whole program and he got the community to buy in. Programs like this don’t exist in a lot of places.”
Four years after the passing of the conductor’s baton, Rob has shown himself to be a worthy recipient. There are the big achievements, such as Gold Trail beating out dozens of larger programs at schools throughout California for first place at the annual Six Flags Music Festival. Then there are the quieter successes, the moments that Rob treasures. “When they come in at lunch because they want to learn something new or they’re excited to show me how they can play their B-flat scale, it’s exciting to me because I can see that they’re starting to enjoy and explore music on their own. That’s the
Photo by Loren Christo erson
Rob Keedy works with Gold Trail students in the classroom. He said he loves it when students start exploring music on their own and then share their discoveries.
Courtesy photo
Rob Keedy and the rest of the Red Dirt Ruckus crew have become an El Dorado County favorite.
■ See KEEDY, page B2
■ See KNOW, page B5
Local artist to host colorful fall exhibit in Camino
News release
British artist and Camino resident David Yapp will exhibit a selection of original oil and watercolor paintings, along with prints of his paintings, at his home in Camino.
The exhibition includes many views from the Sierra foothills and mountains, runs 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 16 & 17. Alongside his paintings and prints, will be some of the fascinating stories behind the paintings. Discover some of the local history and a few of the interesting characters he has encountered on his painting excursions.
Yapp grew up in rural southern England. His youth was spent exploring and observing nature and the changing scenery, seasons and weather patterns of his home county of Wiltshire.
Since moving to California in 2001, Yapp predominantly paints plein air, directly on location, working in oils using a combination of palette knives and brushes. The paint is applied with a combination of thin passages of color and thick impasto. Often this is further worked into with a sgraffito technique — scratching back the paint to reveal the tinted ground of the canvas beneath. This may then have further paint applied to create a multi-layered relief.
Yapp names Canadian artist Tom Thomson, American Western landscape painters such as William Wendt and Edgar Payne and that of PostImpressionist Vincent Van Gogh as his influences.
Drop by and meet the artist at his artist’s reception, which will be held 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16. While viewing his paintings, enjoy downtempo smooth jazz performed by Chillack.
For venue information and full details go to davidyapp.com/show.
Falcon’s Eye play a fun, hilarious farce for theatergoers
News release
FOLSOM — The Falcon’s Eye
kicks off its 18th season with “A Flea in Her Ear,” a new version of Georges Feydeau’s farce by David Ives, opening Nov. 8 at Folsom Lake College.
In this hilarious play set in Paris at the turn of the century, a suspicious wife, Raymonde, makes up a plan to catch her husband, Victor, cheating on her. Mistaken identities, outrageous coincidences and slapstick humor ensue. A series of characters, including a nervous hotel porter and a notorious womanizer who resembles Victor, become entangled in a chaotic web of misunderstandings and misadventures at the Frisky Puss Hotel. With witty dialogue and frenetic pacing, Feydeau’s masterpiece offers a topsy-turvy and raucous evening of entertainment.
This production is directed by David Harris with movement director Jamie
Etienne (Jacob Campbell), Raymonde (Catherine Gray) and Victor-Emmanuel Chanderbise (Aaron Walker), from left, read a saucy letter from an anonymous (or maybe not) admirer in Falcon’s Eye Theatre’s upcoming play “A Flea in Her Ear.”
The flirty French farce is filled with innuendo, mistaken identity and frantic action sure to keep the audience laughing.
Van Camp, dialect and vocal coach Ambre Shoneff, scenic designer and technical director Cameron Hoyt, lighting designer Aubrey Wunschel, costume designer Bella McLaughlin, sound designer Hazel Beck, stage manager Carlos Llontop and production manager Ian Wallace.
Cast: Lucinda Briggs, Jacob Campbell, Ashley Christiensen, Mark Cornfield, Ken Corwin, Keira Foster, Catherine Gray, Ingrid Munoz, Alexander Quinonez, Odin Rasco, Coty Soltus, Evan Taylor, Brennan Villados, Aaron Walker.
Understudies: Evan Clarke, Kellon Dietriech, Ry Silva.
“A Flea in Her Ear” opens Friday, Nov. 8, and runs through Nov. 24 with evening and matinée performances at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. Purchase tickets at harriscenter.net/a-flea-in-her-ear.
About Falcon’s Eye Theatre
The Falcon’s Eye is the performing arts program at Folsom Lake College. Falcon’s Eye Theatre creates provocative theater that looks into what it means to be alive and how we manage to live together. Its mission is to provide the community with insightful theater that reveals new perspectives through fascinating storytelling that challenges audiences’ expectations.
Skate on down to Sac rink
Traci Rockefeller Cusack News release
SACRAMENTO — The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink presented by Dignity Health has opened at 7th and K streets.
“The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink transforms Ali Youssefi Square into a vibrant community asset where friends and family all have a place to gather and do something fun,” said Michael Ault, executive director of Downtown Sacramento Partnership.
“We’re grateful for the community leaders that support the ice rink and have helped keep the Sacramento staple alive for over 30 years.”
Located between the holiday tree in Old Sacramento Waterfront and the shows at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center, the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink adds another way to make lasting holiday memories downtown. It is also just steps away from the Golden 1 Center and popular local businesses. Open
Keedy Continued from B1
best part for me.”
Tuesdays through Sundays until Jan. 20, 2025, the ice rink is the perfect destination to celebrate the season. Additionally, a series of exciting events and activations are planned for the Downtown Ice Rink, offering a variety of ways to enjoy the holiday season with community partners.
• Nov. 11: Veterans Day, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. — Downtown Sacramento is celebrating the people in uniform this Veterans Day. Active military and veterans skate free all day and throughout the season (with valid military ID).
• Nov. 16: Princess & Superhero Day, noon to 2 p.m. — The annual Princess & Superhero Day returns to the ice rink where skaters of all ages can skate with special guests like Elsa, Anna, Captain America and Spiderman. Skaters are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite princess or superhero.
For more information about the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink visit DowntownSac.org/icerink.
Rob developed his own love for music at the same age and in the same circumstances as his students: in junior high band class. “Playing music is kind of my safe space,” Rob said.
the kids to take risks,” he explained. “It’s scary to put yourself out there like that, but they trust me and I trust that they can do it. They don’t always believe it; but I’ve been able to show them what they’re capable of.”
“It’s a big stabilizer for me.”
In Red Dirt Ruckus, the unofficial house band of the Coloma-Lotus and Placerville communities, Rob’s love for music, teaching and community are in harmonious arrangement.
“Being able to work all week and then have a couple shows on the weekend with my best friends brings a lot of balance to my life,” he shared.
Performing with Red Dirt Rucks also brings a powerful dimension to Rob’s teaching. “Actively playing and being on the other side of it, instead of just conducting, definitely helps my teaching — especially when I’m asking
For Rob, the chance to share his love for music with audiences and students is a reward in itself. “I am so grateful and so fortunate to be able to teach something that I’m so passionate about in a community and school district that is so supportive of music,” he concluded. Red Dirt Ruckus will perform a fundraiser concert with the Gold Trail Jazz Band on Friday, Nov. 15, at Troublemakers Beer Garden in Lotus from 6-9 p.m. Proceeds support the Gold Trail Symphonic Band’s trip to Disneyland. Presale tickets are available at goldtrailpto.square.site.
“Crystal Range Through Oaks” by David Yapp
Photo by Ian Wallace
Photo by Mickey Morrow
The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink is open Tuesdays through Sundays until Jan. 20, 2025.
‘Best Man’ brings election shenanigans to Sutter Street
FOLSOM — Sutter Street Theatre joins the election’s race with “The Best Man” by Gore Vidal, opening Nov. 8. William Russell, the ex-secretary of state, is a wit and scholar with high liberal principles, beloved of the eggheads and suspected by practical politicians. Joseph Cantwell is a ruthless and hard-driving young man, a dirty fighter who will let no scruples stand in the way of his ambitions. And Arthur Hockstader is an ex-president, who loves politics for their own sake, admires a rough-and-tumble battler more than a chivalrous one, and is determined to have the final say in the
selection of his party’s candidate.
The ruthless young man has got hold of papers indicating that his rival once suffered from a mental crackup, which he is all set to use. Then his scrupulous antagonist comes across some incriminating evidence about Cantwell, which he is loath to produce. The scruples don’t appeal to the ex-president, who enjoys seeing the boys fight. All of this provides the framework for some vivid and interesting scenes in which Mr. Vidal contrasts the minds, emotions and fighting spirits of the two candidates
This production of “The Best Man,” rated PG, is produced in partnership n See BEST MAN, page B5
There are openings for Volunteer Tax-Aide counselors, a technology coordinator, client facilitators, appointment schedulers, and leaders for the 2024 tax season to provide free personal income tax assistance in El Dorado County, for seniors and low to moderate income residents. The program operates February 1 through April 15, 2025. Volunteers are asked to work a minimum of six hours per week. Self-study materials and introductory classes are provided starting in November. Classroom training on Federal and California income taxes and form preparation takes place in January. Computer knowledge is required as all returns are prepared with software provided by the IRS for electronic filing. In addition to tax preparers, volunteers are needed to make appointments by phone from home and as facilitators at the tax preparation site. These positions do not require as much training or computer knowledge.
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is presented in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service and the California Franchise Tax Board.
Please contact Joanne Allen D23instructors@gmail.com
Photo by Allen Schmeltz
Actors Derek Byrne and Rob Hayes, standing from left, along with Lori Nalangan and Deni Scofield, seated from left, battle morals and politics in “The Best Man.”
Holy Trinity Church to host Snowline brain health classes
Snowline
With Alzheimer’s Awareness
this November, many seniors are
Mary Easley of El Dorado Hills is one of those. After the many years devoted to caring for her husband, Jack, through the end of his
course with dementia in July 2021, she recently reached out to share her concerns with Snowline staff. Mary referenced witnessing the help he received by attending a local day program. “I believe it actually slowed the progression of the Alzheimer’s that was devastating my brilliant husband and he always looked forward to spending time with the friends he met there,” she shared. Having seen how
he blossomed with supportive activities and caring relationships around him, she is interested to learn more for her own health, “Now that I am dealing with aging myself, I notice that I am somewhat forgetful and not organizing certain daily tasks as well as I formerly did,” Mary said.
In her conversation with Jillien Erdman of Snowline Dementia Connection, Mary reminisced about Jack’s process with dementia and shared a precious photo of her and Jack celebrating Valentine’s Day together in 2020 with the staff at the day program where she first met Erdman. After 47 years of marriage, the warmth of her love still radiates as she speaks of their many years together.
Mary joins many
others who are carving out time to put the health of their brains ahead of other priorities this autumn. Kathy Hatten of El Dorado Hills, a member of the Holy Trinity Health and Wellness ministry, walked with her mother through 12 years of Alzheimer’s disease and is now galvanizing others to maintain their health and well-being by attending Snowline’s Living Well for Brain Health series.
“It’s never too early or too late to start taking charge of your brain health,” Hatten said. “I have started to set goals of making some important lifestyle modifications like regular exercise, getting
enough sleep, eating a healthier diet and reducing stress to help protect my memory as I age. So far, no medication can rival the positive outcome of a healthy lifestyle. I know I have a genetic connection, but at least making healthy lifestyle choices is something I can control.”
Wednesday, Nov. 13, begins a series of four classes on Living Well for Brain Health, featuring topics such as understanding risk factors for memory loss, healthy lifestyle changes, ways to support strong relationships and exercise self-care. This class meets again Nov. 20, and then Dec. 4 & 11. Each class will be
held 10 a.m. to noon, is offered free of charge and refreshments will be served. Erdman, Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer, will be teaching the classes in the View Room at Holy Trinity at 3111 Tierra de Dios Drive, El Dorado Hills. Anyone interested should call (530) 621-7820 and/or email dementia@ snowlinehospice.org for more information. Details about the program can be found at snowlinehealth.org/ snowline-dementiaeducation. Register for upcoming classes at eventbrite.com/cc/ dementia-connectionprograms-3067689.
Courtesy photo
Mary Easley cared for her husband Jack, who suffered from dementia. She’s now taking control of her own mental wellness, attending Snowline’s Living Well for Brain Health series.
Boot Juice and Nightbrain will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville from 8-11 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Chad Bushnell will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 8 p.m. to midnight. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.
Audiences are sure to delight at Falcon’s Eye Theatre at Folsom Lake College’s hilarious performance of David Ives’ revision of Georges Feydeau’s masterpiece farce “A Flea in Her Ear.” The story of mistaken identity and misunderstandings runs through Nov. 8-24. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
Ross Hammond and Friends will perform at The Sofia in Sacramento at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 4435300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.
The Center for the Arts in Grass Valley presents Tahiti Pehrson’s solo exhibition Carrying the Fire in The Granucci Gallery, Nov. 8 through Jan. 4, 2025. Tahiti will transform the gallery space with captivating hand-cut and painted paper, woodblock prints and carvings, and graphite drawings. For more information visit thecenterforthearts.org.
Nov. 9
Friends of the El Dorado Hills Library is thrilled to bring back its annual Bridge Tournament fundraiser, 12:30-5 p.m. at the El Dorado Hills Library, 7455 Silva Valley Parkway. The event includes light lunch and door and cash prizes. The Friends of the El Dorado Hills Library is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that works to provide essential funding for the library. Cost is $70 per pair, advance registration required. Registration forms available at the library or online at friendsoftheedhlibrary.org/bridge-tournament For more details email Mcmnedh@pacbell.net or call (916) 849-0650.
The Coloma Community Market takes place 1-4 p.m., drizzle or shine, the second and fourth Saturdays at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Find great local products while enjoying live music, food, beverages and more. Parking is free during the market hours.
Ant Bee will perform at 4 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.
Enjoy a classy evening with Nello and Danica at the annual Holiday Gold Medal Party 4-8 p.m. at Nello Olivo Winery, 3544 Carson Road in Camino. Celebrate with wine tasting, famous grand charcuterie board, entertainment and prizes and live music. Call (530) 303-3617 during business hours for more information and tickets. The 19th annual Crab & Chowder Gala will be held at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. For tickets and more information, go to eldoradocountyfair.org.
Boot Juice will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville from 8-11 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Power Play will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.
Watch the Knight Foundry crew fire up an antique blacksmith forge, pour and craft hot metal during its monthly demonstration day. Visitors can tour at their own pace, meeting and talking with enthusiastic and knowledgeable docents throughout the complex. Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. No reservations are needed. Knight Foundry is located at 81 Eureka St., Sutter Creek. Learn more by emailing info@ knightfoundry.com or call (209) 560-6160.
Nov. 10
Sew4Vets hosts a fundraiser sale with beautiful quilts, handmade jewelry and more, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Veterans Memorial building located at 130 Placerville Drive in Placerville. For more information call Karen Wilson at (530) 306-2814. Breakfast with the Vets will also take place in the morning.
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.
Toogood Cellars, 304 Main St. in Placerville, hosts a Paint and Sip event at 1 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of painting, sipping and celebrating the beauty of fall. Choose between two stunning harvest-themed watercolor options. Learn the basics of watercolor painting as artist Don Juvet guides you through the process. All supplies are included. Call (530) 344-7010 to sign up.
Manna will perform at 3 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.
Sierra Vista Vineyards and Winery, 4560 Cabernet Way in Placerville, celebrates the season with a new Holiday Event Room opening. There will be an array of seasonally inspired culinary treats from the chef to pair with the exquisite wines making the visit a wonderful experience. For more information call (530) 622-7221. Roland Abante will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com. The string trio Park, Awate and Biagini will perform at the Crocker Art Museum for a classical concert starting at 3 p.m. For tickets and more information visit crockerart.org.
Nov. 12
The Sons in Retirement – Gold Country branch meets the second Wednesday of the month at the Cameron Park Country Club. Check out the club and be a guest for a complimentary lunch. Contact Branch 95’s
membership chairman at SIRBranch95@gmail.com for more details.
Dementia Connection hosts the Foothills Caregiver Support Group, 1-2:30 p.m.
are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays with one 7:30 p.m. performance Saturday, Nov. 9, at Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter St. in Folsom. For reservations visit SutterStreetTheatre.com or call (916) 3531001. Best Man Continued from B3
Cohen tribute up for one more show
Paul Emery Presents News release
NEVADA CITY
— Paul Emery’s Nevada City
LIVE! Presents 1000 Kisses Deep – The Songs of Leonard Cohen, Nov. 8 & 9 at the Nevada Theatre. The review features 13 musicians in a triumphant tribute to one of the most fascinating and enigmatic singer/ songwriters.
Emery and vocalist Anni McCann attended a Leonard Cohen concert in 2010. “Paul and I had both just seen his live show, where you could say he quite literally levitated his audience,” said McCann, who sings iconic Cohen songs such as “Hallelujah,”
“Dance Me to the End of Love” and “Joan of Arc” with Emery during the show.
“When Paul asked about doing a show to celebrate Cohen’s music, at first I thought, ‘What the heck are you thinking Paul? Leonard is still touring,’” she recalled.
“Then I began combing through his extensive list of recordings, all the while discovering the vast richness of his repertoire. I was definitely in.”
“For some people Cohen’s music is just
beginning to resonate,” Emery said. “His melodies are timeless. His poetry is deep and profound, and constantly offers new insights and reactions years after their first hearing. The lyrical depth and beauty of Leonard Cohen’s music is an endless well of inspiration to those who love his music. The songs never grow old and each performance reveals a new layer of inspiration to the audience and players alike.”
Singer Kimberly Bass added, “His music has a richness that stirs the soul. For
me, it’s the way he looks at the world and our humanness, our nakedness in this harsh yet beautiful world.”
The lineup includes stellar Northern California musicians — Paul Emery, Anni McCann, Kimberly Bass, Eleanore MacDonald, Kellie Garmire, Chris Golden, Mark McCartney, Perry Mills, Brady Mills, Peter Wilson, Stephen Holland, Arthur Gould and Randy McKean.
In 2011, the group assembled for three sold-out evenings at the Center for the Arts in Grass Valley and went on to perform at
the Nevada Theatre, the Crest Theater and 24th Street Theatre in Sacramento. Featured will be San Francisco light show pioneer, George Holden. In the 1960s-’70s, he created light shows at the Fillmore and Maritime Hall. Vintage images and footage of Cohen will be part of the mix.
1000 Kisses Deep –The Songs of Leonard Cohen takes place Friday & Saturday, Nov. 8 & 9, at Nevada Theatre, 401 Broad St. in Nevada City. For tickets and more information visit paulemerymusic.com.
Marc Broussard in the Marisa Funk Theater on Nov. 12.
Broussard is an artist with a unique gift for channeling the spirits of classic R&B, rock and soul into contemporary terms. His father, Louisiana Hall of Fame guitarist Ted Broussard of “The Boogie Kings,” nurtured his musical talent at an early age — and the vibrant Lafayette, La., music scene gave Broussard the opportunity to practice his craft consistently from childhood through early adulthood.
After releasing a successful independent EP at age 20, Broussard signed a record deal with Island Records and made his major-label debut with “Carencro.” The album featured the hit “Home,” which gained large success on radio and catapulted him into the national spotlight. Broussard’s incomparable brand of soul — an infectious mix of rock, blues, R&B, funk-pop and soul coupled with his powerful vocals — has garnered worldwide praise from critics and fans alike. After multiple successful album releases, he teamed up with Blues titan Joe Bonamassa to release: S.O.S. 4: Blues For Your Soul,” a blues cover record benefitting Bonamassa’s charitable foundation.
For this unmissable show, Broussard will be playing Carencro front to back — and also sprinkle in some of his fan-favorite cover songs from his S.O.S. series along the way!
Opening for Marc Broussard is Sway Wild, the San Juan Island, Washm-based indie folk-rock duo of Mandy Fer and Dave McGraw.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at The Center for the Arts, 314 West Main St. in Grass Valley. For tickets and more information visit thecenterforthearts.org or call (530) 274-8384.
Courtesy photo
Marc Broussard will play “Carencro” front to back — and also sprinkle in some of his fan-favorite cover songs during his Nov. 12 concert.
Courtesy photo
Hear Leonard Cohen’s most memorable hits at 1000 Kisses Deep – The Songs of Leonard Cohen, Nov. 8 & 9 in Nevada City.
BETWEEN THE COVERS
New book unveils Lake Tahoe’s forgotten era of luxury
Brenna O’Boyle Tahoe Daily Tribune
LAKE TAHOE — When Paul Nelson first explored the abandoned grounds of the Brockway Hot Springs Hotel in 1968, he couldn’t have known that decades later he would become the chronicler of Lake Tahoe’s lost golden age of grand resorts.
His new book, “Lost Grand Resorts of Old Lake Tahoe,” will be released on Nov. 12. It uncovers a glittering era when railroad magnates and silver barons transformed the pristine wilderness into a playground for America’s elite. It is available now for pre-order.
“These were fascinating people who created elegant tourism out of a wilderness,” said Nelson, whose personal connection to the lake spans more than five decades. “They began casino gambling and started the whole second-home world that became modern Lake Tahoe.”
The story begins in the 1880s with Lucky Baldwin’s legendary Tallac House, which Nelson describes as “the world’s grandest hotel on the south shore.” For 30 years, the Comstock and Lawrence families operated this crown jewel of hospitality, catering to the wealthy prospectors of California’s gold and Nevada’s silver mines along with San Francisco’s high society.
But it was the death of Lucky Baldwin in 1909 that set in motion an unexpected chain of events. His wealthy daughter’s disinterest in hotels led to a pivotal shift northward, where the Comstock family would transform the Brockway Hot Springs Hotel into an even more exclusive club-like resort.
The competition for luxury intensified when timber baron Duane Bliss unveiled his masterpiece, the Tahoe Tavern in Tahoe City. Nelson’s research reveals the magnificent scale of this venture. “It had hundreds of rooms, a theater and bowling alley, and what would become California’s first ski resort.”
The hotel even boasted its own rail line and the famous S.S. Tahoe steamship, establishing new standards for lakeside luxury.
As a former lawyer who represented ski resorts around Lake Tahoe for 25 years, Nelson brought unique insights to his research.
“My work defending the wonderful old school ski resort operators in the Sierra before the corporate consolidation gave me a real grounding in the gritty business of attracting and serving tourists at the lake,” he explained.
The book’s most intriguing chapters perhaps center on the evolution of the Cal Neva Lodge. What began as a humble real estate office for the Cala Neva subdivision would become a legendary establishment entangled with celebrities and mobsters. Nelson uncovered connections between Harry Comstock and what would become America’s first gambling casino.
The 226-page book, featuring more than 100
rare historical photos and illustrations, grew from Nelson’s personal quest to understand the history of his own neighborhood.
In 1987, Nelson and his wife, Mary, bought a house adjacent to the old Brockway Hotel grounds. There they raised their sons amid five acres of undeveloped woods scattered with architectural artifacts from the resort’s heyday.
“What started as a personal quest to just discover the history of what had become my home grew into something much larger and broader that revealed some fascinating historical Tahoe stories that had been lost to time,” Nelson said.
One of the author’s favorite discoveries involves Frank Brockway Alverson, the namesake of the Brockway resort.
“It came as a complete surprise, and he proved to be a much more significant character in the history of Lake Tahoe than I ever would have expected,” Nelson said.
The full story of Alverson’s interactions with the Comstocks at Tallac House represents just one of many previously untold tales in the book.
Written in what Nelson describes as a “spare but comfortable style,” the book presents its historical revelations as if shared over a glass of wine or cup of coffee. This approachable narrative style makes the complex historical interconnections accessible to history buffs and casual readers alike.
“Lost Grand Resorts of Old Lake Tahoe” is being published as part of The History Press’ “Lost” series on important historical places. Nelson hints that this might not be his final word on the subject, as he’s discussing specialized books on both Tallac House and the Cal Neva Lodge, noting there are “more stories and historical photos for each of them that I was not able to include in this book.”
For those interested in the rich history of America’s grand hotel era, Nelson’s book offers a window into a vanished world of elegance and adventure, where wilderness and luxury combined to create an enduring legacy that shaped today’s Lake Tahoe.
Signed first editions of “Lost Grand Resorts of Old Lake Tahoe” are available now by emailing PaulNelsonLaw@gmail.com. The general release is scheduled for Nov. 12 online.
Credit union grant available to local nonprofits
OLSOM — SAFE Credit
FUnion will award a $20,000 grant to a Sacramento region nonprofit with programming that supports one of SAFE’s four pillars of philanthropy: affordable housing, financial literacy and stability, youth/ young adult education, and workforce development.
“We know there are a lot of great nonprofits working in these areas serving people who are striving to gain the skills and knowledge needed to get on more secure financial footing,” said SAFE Credit Union Vice President Community Relations
and Financial Education Rebecca Delmundo. “We’re excited to open this grant round to a diverse range of nonprofits.”
SAFE positioned its philanthropic pillars to align with its mission to help members and the community build financial freedom. Here are more details about each focus area.
• Affordable housing. SAFE seeks to help fund programs that support the creation of affordable housing or have programs that provide services to those who live in affordable housing to help them become more financially stable.
• Financial literacy & stability. SAFE understands that financial
literacy is foundational to healthy financial habits. The credit union provides support to organizations that provide financial literacy and stability programs to people of all ages, from children to adults.
• Youth/young adult education. Education is the keystone of future success in life, and SAFE recognizes this and is committed to supporting nonprofits that help youth and young adults, particularly those in underserved communities, gain equitable access to educational opportunities.
• Workforce development. A trained and ready workforce underlies a strong local economy. SAFE provides
Popcorn Thanksgiving
It’s no surprise that Americans rank Thanksgiving among one of their favorite holidays. Steeped in history and tradition, Thanksgiving marks a time to bring your closest family and friends together and celebrate with a bountiful feast.
And while most people relish the traditional Thanksgiving meal, they also enjoy a guilt-free day of grazing on tasty treats leading up to the main event. When hosting a large crowd for Thanksgiving or any occasion, it’s always a good idea to serve a variety of snacks to please the many palates in the room. That’s why popcorn is a great option.
support to programs that assist people prepare for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Nonprofits can apply online now through Friday, Nov. 15, on safecu.org for the $20,000 grant. The recipient of this grant will be chosen by a vote of SAFE Credit Union members and the general public during a voting period in December. This year marks the third year SAFE has invited community members to help select a grant recipient.
For more information on SAFE’s grant program contact AVP Communications and PR Carole Ferguson at carole.ferguson@safecu. org or by phone at (916) 836-6318.
Plain or buttered, sweetened or spiced, popcorn can be flavored or even combined with other foods like nuts, fruit or cheese to create a delicious and nutritious snack. As a whole grain food, popcorn is a quality carbohydrate source that is not only low in calories, but also a good source of fiber. It’s an ideal in-between meals snack because it satisfies, but doesn’t spoil your appetite.
To satisfy your crowd this holiday season, try these simple popcorn ideas. For kids, mix popcorn with toasted pumpkin seeds, raisins and other diced dried fruit and watch how fast the bowl empties. A little butter, brown sugar and cinnamon will satisfy sweet lovers. For those who like a little spice in their lives, try this delicious Spicy Cajun Popcorn and Nut mix– it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Spicy Cajun Popcorn and Nuts
Yield: 9 servings
8 cups popped popcorn
1/2 cup toasted, coarsely chopped pecans
1/2 cup peanuts
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, melted
1/4 teaspoon each: dry mustard, garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Place popcorn and nuts in large bowl.
• In small microwave-safe bowl, microwave butter on HIGH until melted, about 30 seconds. Stir in dry mustard, garlic powder and cayenne pepper.
• Drizzle over popcorn mixture and toss well.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
(Based on 1 serving)
Total Calories 190; Total Fat 17g; Cholesterol 15mg; Sodium 100mg; Carbohydrate 8g; Fiber 2g; Sugars 1g; Protein 3g
The options for mixing and flavoring popcorn are truly endless. And you can make these recipes for popcorn ahead of time leaving you with one less thing to worry about on the big day. Just keep it fresh in an air-tight container or bag, then pop it open, pour it into a bowl and watch the crowd gobble it up.
And remember, popcorn is also steeped in history and facts. Try to stump “know-it-all” Aunt Betsy with some popcorn trivia while you’re munching away:
The oldest ears of popcorn ever were discovered in the Bat Caves of west central New Mexico in 1948 and 1950. They turned out to be about 4,000 years old.
• There are six different types of corn: sweet, dent, flour, flint, pod and popcorn. Only popcorn pops.
• What makes popcorn pop? Water. As the kernel is heated, the water inside the kernel turns into steam. The pressure builds until the kernel finally explodes and the insides turn out.
The average American consumes 54 quarts of popcorn a year!
For more fun facts about popcorn and other great-tasting popcorn recipes, visit www.popcorn.org.
was served at the first Thanksgiving.
There is no indication that popcorn had made its way East at the time of the earliest settlers.
www.popcorn.org.
