Mountain Democrat, Friday, November 11, 2022

Gotberg, Clerici lead in City Council race

Andrew Vonderschmitt Staff writer

The first candidate to break 1,000 votes in a contest to be elected to the Placerville City Council was Nicole Gotberg. She had garnered a total of 1,084 votes as of press time.

“I am excited and looking forward to serving the residents of Placerville,” Gotberg said in a statement to the Mountain Democrat. “It was great getting to know the other candidates and so many members of our community during the campaign process.”

Three seats on City Council are up for grabs.

The next top vote-getters following

Gotberg’s 18.61% are John Clerici with 987 votes (16.94%) and David Yarbrough with 858 votes (14.73%).

Incumbent Dennis Thomas sits just four votes behind Yarbrough.

The Mountain Democrat reached out to Yarbrough for comment, but he had not responded as of press time.

“I will always respect the vote of our community and have complete trust in our election process and look forward to

Curtzwiler, Laine still in race for District 5 supe

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

Results

5 supervisor.

Laine has 4,882 (58.35%) of the district’s votes and opponent Kenny Curtzwiler 3,443 (41.15%), as of press time.

Ballot processing continues with the next update from the county Elections Department expected Thursday evening.

The Mountain Democrat reached out to Curtzwiler who said, “Don’t count me out.”

Laine is cautiously confident in her ability to win the election. If that is the case, she said her first action is to start an advisory council that will include representatives from all 11 communities making up the district, including Meyers, Pollock Pines, Tahoma and South Lake

Tahoe.

“It’s really been front and center how big of a geographical area we cover and how many different communities there are,” Laine said.

“So bringing all of District 5 together to talk about the issues

McClintock keeps his seat

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

Republican Congressman Tom McClintock will keep a seat in Congress in a newly drawn 5th Congressional District after defeating Democrat Michael Barkley on election night.

The district, which encompasses all or parts of El Dorado, Amador, Calaveras, Tuolumne, Mariposa, Stanislaus, Madera and Fresno counties,

gave McClintock 60.1% of votes while Barkley garnered 39.9% with more than 51% of ballots counted.

“I’m very grateful of the people from the 5th Congressional District for their support,” McClintock said on election night. “Here the American people are seeking to restore those unique American principles of individual liberty, constitutionally limited government and personal

responsibility that is the most prosperous, just and happy civilization in human history.”

McClintock said he hopes to see a conservative majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. His campaign focused on government spending, economic inflation, land management policies promoting forest health and fire prevention, crime and

from the Nov. 8 election show candidate Brooke Laine on top for El Dorado County District

Placerville City Council candidate John Clerici, Mayor Kara Taylor and former Councilwoman and District 3 Supervisor Wendy Thomas, from left, await Placerville City Council election results at an election night party at Wendy and Dennis Thomas’ house in Placerville.

Mountain Democrat photo by Andrew Vonderschmitt

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

Congressman Tom McClintock and his campaign manager Jon Huey check results in California’s 5th Congressional District race at an election night party at the El Dorado Saloon & Grill in El Dorado Hills.

NiColE GoTbErG

brooKE laiNE

KENNy CurTzWilEr

n

Roger Bigelow

aug. 8, 1938 – aug. 17, 2022

Walter R. Tingley, Jr.

Oct. 17, 1929 – Oct. 8, 2022

Walter passed away peacefully on Oct. 8, 2022. He was born in Sacramento, Calif. on Oct. 17, 1929 to Hazel Faye (Higgs) Tingley and Walter Reddington Tingley Sr. He had an older sister named Beverly. He attended high school at Sacramento High, and graduated with the class of 1947. Through the years, he kept many friendships with the members of his graduating class.

Donald Sidney Edwards

Mar. 9, 1928 – Oct. 29, 2022

Donald Sidney Edwards, passed away in Cameron Park on Oct. 29, at 94, from complications of Parkinson’s disease. The family is grateful for the loving care he received at the end of his illness from King of Hearts Eldercare and Suncrest Hospice.

He attended Sacramento Junior College briefly before transferring to UC Berkeley in 1950. In 1952, Walter joined the army and went to serve his country in Germany. While there, he worked as a typist, and skied on the army ski team. Upon his return, he reenrolled at UC Berkeley, where he joined the Acacia fraternity and studied history. He remained a lifelong Cal fan, attending many “Big Games”.

Donna Lee Nevers Sievert

Feb. 2, 1939 – Oct. 19, 2022

Donna was born in Los Angeles Feb. 2, 1939 to Don and Hillian Nevers. Her father worked in the shipyards supervising an all woman crew. She spent her first few years there before moving to Placerville with her parents and a new baby sister, Diana. After coming to Placerville her other sister Delia was born. Donna attended upper Broadway School, Placerville Elementary School and graduated from El Dorado High School in 1957. Like most everyone at that time, Donna worked summers at the fruit house. Always knowing she wanted to become a teacher. She rode the bus to Sierra College for 2 years, then transferred to Sacramento State where she lived in the dorms. It was there she earned her teaching credentials. Donna began teaching at Camino Elementary School. Delia remembers how well she dressed she was and always wore high heals. Donna moved to Fresno where she taught elementary school. She later moved back to Placerville and met and married Don Sievert in the early ‘70s, unfortunately Don passed in 1977. Donna also worked several years for Marshall Hospital, and many years at Placerville Flower Shop. Donna was very active in the Emblem Club at the time of her death, and was the longest standing member. Donna always loved to crochet and would make gifts for all her family and friends. After she stopped driving she became a regular on El Dorado Transit and became friends with many of the drivers as well as passengers. Donna was preceded in death by her parents and sister Diana. She is survived by her sister Delia “Lois”, brother-in-law Robert Bigelow and numerous other family and friends. There will be a memorial service at a later date held at the church she loved and was a very active member - El Dorado Community Church.

Betty Louise Dufour

May 3, 1930 – Nov. 2, 2022

Roger was born in 1938 to Wynola Lucus and Alburt “Ty” Bigelow. Roger grew up in Placerville and graduated from El Dorado High School in 1957. He worked at the fruit shed and also Michigan Cal on the boat. In 1958 he joined the Navy and traveled all over the world during his 21 years of service, he attained the rank of Machinist Mate 1st Class. Growing up, Roger spent a lot of memorable times with his Uncles Joe and Red Bigelow at various family gatherings. Also special to him was Grandma Bigelow and Bessie Esty. He leaves behind his brothers Robert and Scott Bigelow as well as his sister-in-law, Lois. He will be missed by all those that knew him. Roger was a big fan of sweets and Bob and Lois fondly recall how delighted he was the last visit they had as he drank the big milkshake they brought him. At his request, no services will be held. Don’t miss

Betty Louise Dufour of St. George, Utah. Died Nov. 2. She was born Betty Louise Mendenhall in Monterey Park, California, on May 3, 1930. The only child of Joel James Mendenhall and Amy Grace Lane. The Depression forced her family to relocate, and she was raised in Placerville, Calif.

She married Douglas Leon Howard on May 18, 1947, and they had two daughters. She was Secretary and Office Manager for her husbands business, Jim’s Building Supply. She was a past member and Secretary of the Hangtown Toastmistress Club, Past Director and Interim Manager of the El Dorado County Fair Board, and past member of the Juvenile Justice Commission of El Dorado County. They divorced in 1972.

She was the Office Manager for Levitz Furniture stores in Sacramento and later moving to South San Fransisco, Calif. from 1970- 1973. She later returned to Sacramento and from 1975-1999 she was a Real Estate Agent for Coldwell Banker. She met ad married Raymond Howard Johnson on November 10, 1979 and they lived in Orangevale, Calif. until his death Dec. 12, 1995.

She married Raynald David Dufour April 17, 1999, retired from real estate, and moved to Brigham City, UT. In Utah, she was the Secretary/Treasurer of the Brigham City Golf & Country Club, a volunteer Tax Counselor for the Elderly and was active in the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Brigham City. He died Dec. 2, 2015.

After his death, she moved to the Seville Senior Living Facility in Orem, UT. Betty loved jokes and spent years compiling books filled with her favorite jokes and comic strips to share with everyone, donating many of these books to local Veteran’s Home.

Recently, she moved to The Retreat at Sunbrook in St. George, UT, continuing to share her good nature and jokes, and staying active in the Trinity Lutheran Church in St George, UT.

She is survived by her two daughters, Cheryl Marie Hawley of Syracuse, N.Y., and Kara Lynne (Rick) Jackman of St. George, UT. Also surviving, are 6 grandchildren; Jeffrey Hawley and Elizabeth Demeis, Syracuse, N.Y., Jessica (Justin) Johnson, Santaquin, UT, Sarah (Jeff) Mickalson, Houston, TX, Kristina Anderson, Pleasant Grove, UT, and Andy Anderson, Bountiful, UT, and deceased grandson, Jared Scott Anderson. She also has many step, step-great grandchildren, and close friends she loved throughout her life.

At her request, her remains have been donated to the University Utah Medical Center for the benefit of science.

Condolences may be shared at mcmillanmortuary.com

Shortly after he graduated, he began work at Field Ernst Envelope company in San Francisco. He met and married the love of his life, Dolores (Dixie) Mae (Hauck) Tingley on Dec. 7, 1955. They lived in Oakland initially with first born daughter, Diana, and then moved to Concord when son, Walter III was born. While there, they were active in their community and organized neighborhood pancake breakfasts and picnics.

Walter’s job as sales manager at Field Ernst moved to South San Francisco in 1963, so they moved to Belmont for a better commute in 1964. In 1965, twins Jennifer and Timothy were born.

A couple years later, Walter left Field Ernst to start his own envelope manufacturing company in San Francisco, Golden West Envelope. The company became very successful and Walter participated in the Golden Gate Breakfast Club (even serving as President) and also joined the board of the Salvation Army.

During this time, his interests included catching crabs and abalone in the ocean, skiing in the Sierras, and sailing his little sail boat. Walter and Dixie also went many times to their little cabin in the woods at Donner Summit with the children. They called the cabin the HunkyDory.

In 1999, Walter sold Golden West Envelope and moved to Shingle Springs. Once there, Walter and Dixie took full advantage of retirement. They hiked and camped with a group of friends they called Mountain Madness, joined the local Elks Lodge, visited several foreign countries, attended the Federated Church in Placerville, and joined an RV group.

Walter was predeceased by Dixie (May 3, 2022). Survivors include their children Diana (Michael) Cascone of Sunnyvale, Walter III (Susan) Tingley of Granite Bay, Timothy Tingley of Vista, and Jennifer Tingley of Redwood City. Grandchildren include Daniel (Eleanor) Cascone, Matt (Robyn) Cascone, Angela (Thomas) Reed, David Tingley and Monica (Jacob) Dodson. Great grandchild Riley Dodson. The family would like to thank the team at Gold Country Health Center for caring for Walter and Dixie. A memorial service is planned for mid November at the National Cemetery in Dixon. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Salvation Army.

Born on March 9, 1928, in Milbank, South Dakota, Mr. Edwards was the second youngest of five children born to Theodore and Nola (Smith) Edwards. After his father’s death, his mother married Sidney Rynerson.

He served as a PO1 in the USN during WWII and was honorably discharged in 1946.

In 1949, Mr. Edwards married the love of his life, Mary Ann Astroth, in Iowa as the couple drove across the U.S. to their new home in Calif. Her grandfather, Justice of the Peace A.H. Astroth, performed the ceremony.

Mr. Edwards was a mechanic and supervisor in manufacturing for 47 years.

He and his wife were avid antique and coin collectors; and enjoyed playing cards and bingo. He also loved working on old cars.

Mr. Edwards was a member of the American Legion Post #119, and a lifetime member of Schiller Lodge No. 335, Illinois. He lived in Castroville, Calif. for 43 years before moving to El Dorado County in 2018, to be closer to family.

Mr. Edwards will be remembered as a loving and beloved husband, brother, uncle and friend to many. He is survived by his sister-in-law Sara Edwards, nephews Donald Edwards (Darla), Brett Edwards (Kim) and Michael Morrison (Brenda) nieces Laurie Edwards, Barbara Newsom (Jerry), Cheryl Welty (Curt), Nea Nelson, and numerous great and great-great nephews and nieces. Mr. Edwards was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Mary Ann, parents, stepfather, brother Robert Edwards, sisters Virginia Morrison, Eve van Etten, Joy Batchelor, half-sister Rhonda Rynerson, nephews Patrick Morrisson and Butch Batchelor, and niece Ann Banduhn.

At his request, no services will be held.

race

Noel Stack Managing editor

California Assemblyman Kevin Kiley has a 9,000-plus vote lead on Dr. Kermit Jones to serve District 3 in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Unofficial election results with 100% of the district’s 787 precincts partially reporting give Kiley 77,142 votes and Jones 68,039, according to information published on the California Secretary of State Office’s website as of 9:14 a.m. Nov. 10. Not all ballots have been counted; elections offices still have to tally ballots postmarked on or before Nov. 8 that had not been received as

of election night as well as provisional ballots.

“It’s looking good. We currently have a 6.2% lead and are optimistic the margin will increase as more votes are counted,” Kiley shared in a message sent to the Mountain Democrat Wednesday afternoon.

On election night, Kiley told a news reporter, “I just want to say thank you to everyone who participated; whether you voted for me or not, thank you very much for participating in the process. I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to represent this district. It is an amazing district and covers some of the greatest parts of our

state.”

Kiley grew up in the area and said he appreciates all those who helped get his campaign “across the finish line.” He was first elected to the California State Assembly in 2016 and has twice been re-elected. Prior to that he worked as an attorney and an educator.

“All we can do is wait and see where the chips fall,” he concluded.

That was a sentiment echoed by challenger Jones, who issued an election night statement: “Right now, it’s too early to call the outcome of our race. And that is OK — we are going to wait this out and give all of the

EDUHSD contest shows three taking the lead

Andrew Vonderschmitt Staff writer

Five candidates are running to fill three seats on the El Dorado Union High School District Board of Trustees and some have taken a lead.

With 44% of ballots counted, Brooke Van Komen has 21,769 (24.91%) votes, Jessicca Rodgers 21,487 (24.59%) and Timothy Cary 19,575 (22.40%). All three are incumbents. Likely falling out of contention are Ray Nutting with 15,082 (17.26%) votes and German Sierra 8,865 (10.14%).

“Our community has gone through some challenging times over the past few years and nothing has been in the spotlight more than our local schools,” wrote Rodgers in an email to the

Mountain

“I

Top vote-getter Van Komen said she is “excited and really appreciates the confidence and support of the (county) voters.”

Cary also shared his response to Tuesday’s election results. “I am thankful that the voters are allowing me to serve our students, parents and community for another four years so that we can continue to build an even better El Dorado Union High School District,” he commented.

Nutting congratulated the top three who “will do a fine job.”

Voters split on TOT tax

mountain Democrat staff

Measure R did not get the votes needed to increase the Transient Occupancy Tax by 2% on the West Slope. With two-thirds of voter support required to pass, the latest ballot count shows 48% for and 52% against. Measure S, a 4% TOT tax increase for Tahoe saw 82% voter approval.

Transient Occupancy Tax, also known as the bed or lodging tax, is collected by the county when visitors stay for 30 days or less in any lodging facility, except campsites. The tax was established in 2004 and the revenue can be used for anything but mainly has been put toward tourism, public safety, impacts on roads, economic

development and veterans programs in the county.

County staff estimated the Tahoe area would generate an additional $2.5 million from the tax increaseand the West Slope of the county $340,000.

The Transient Occupancy Tax rate for unincorporated areas of the county is currently 10%.

Tiffany Schmidt with the county’s Chief Administrative Office told the Board of Supervisors in April that projected revenue from the Transient Occupancy Tax funds will be more than $8.2 million in the 2021-22 fiscal year.

The Tahoe area is expected to bring in $6.4 million and the West Slope $1.8 million.

The family doctor and Navy veteran thanked

assistance during the campaign.

“In a combat zone you don’t spend your time worrying about your differences; you work together to get the job done and keep each other safe. That’s the energy we had during this campaign and that’s the energy I hope to

bring to Washington,” he states.

“Now, tonight is not the immediate victory we were hoping for but a little patience never killed any of us,” the Democratic candidate continues. “Our team is closely watching the results and we will keep everyone informed about what to expect.”

District 3 includes all or parts of Placer, Sacramento, Nevada, El Dorado, Plumas, Inyo, Mono, Yuba, Sierra and Alpine counties.

As a member of the California Assembly, Kiley currently represents more than 67% of the voters in the new congressional district, his campaign website states.

hardworking election officials time to count every single ballot because we all believe in democracy and the opportunity for each of us to have our voices heard.”

his volunteers and supporters for their

Kevin Kiley Dr. Kermit Jones

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian el Dorado Union High school District Board of trustees candidate Brooke van Komen, second from right, views the latest election returns at an election night party hosted by the el Dorado County republican Party and el Dorado Hills republican Women at el Dorado saloon in el Dorado Hills. Also pictured from left are, secretary for the el Dorado County GoP Gay Willard, President of the eDC republican Women Kelley nalewaja, vice president of the eDC republican Women Denise Byer and Chairman of the el Dorado County republican Party todd White.

Democrat.

am a product of this district myself and I am thankful for the community’s endorsement to continue to support and educate our students.”

BrooKe vAn Komen

JessiCCA roDGers

timotHy CAry

Feds demand Colorado River water cutbacks

One must wade through a thicket of bureaucratic jargon to find it, but late last month federal officials issued what appears to be a serious warning to California and other states that use water from the highly stressed Colorado River: If they cannot agree on sharp reductions in diversions of the Colorado’s water, the feds will impose them unilaterally.

It’s the latest wrinkle in decades of interstate squabbling over the river, which has become more heated as the river’s flows continue to decline and conditions in its two major reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, reach the crisis stage.

The federal Bureau of Reclamation wants California, Arizona and Nevada to reduce diversions by at least 2 million acre-feet a year and as much as 4 million, but negotiations have been fruitless. California, which takes the most water from the river, by far, has offered just a 400,000 acre-foot reduction. An acre-foot is 326,000 gallons.

Summary

Letters to the Editor

Horrified and disgusted

EDITOR:

With talks stalemated, bureau officials said they will begin planning for unilateral action “to address the serious operational realities facing the system…” due to “the likelihood of continued low-runoff conditions across the (Colorado River) basin.” It would implement cuts by reducing releases from the two reservoirs.

“The Interior Department continues to pursue a collaborative and consensus-based approach to addressing the drought crisis afflicting the West.

At the same time, we are committed to taking prompt and decisive action necessary to protect the Colorado River system and all those who depend on it,” Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said in a statement.

The Bureau of Reclamation is telling the states, “That this is kind of their last opportunity for consensus-building, for voluntary action,” Jaime Garcia, a water fellow at the University of Colorado Law School’s Getches-Wilkinson Center, told the Los Angeles Times.

“The fundamental issue is, whatever solution people come up with is going to hurt,” Garcia said. “The river is over-allocated. It’s drying up. And we have to find a way to sort of spread out the pain evenly.”

Because California is the largest user of Colorado River water, cutbacks — either voluntary or imposed — would have their greatest impact on the state. However, while the Colorado is a major source of water for Southern California’s more than 20 million residents, the region has other sources

So let me get this straight, Mitch McConnell is “horrified and disgusted” by the attack on Paul Pelosi while he and others in the GOP continue to spread lies and mistruths, which knowingly serve to foment extremists just like David Wayne. It seems to me the pawns are being taken by the king. Sixty lawsuits across the country, 60 failures, there are dozens upon dozens of credible witnesses refuting the lies about election fraud and yet you continue. I am curious how you say an election was rigged an entire year before the election occurred?

It’s things like this that truly have me confused, when did we start basing our independent opinion on an unknown voice over a radio or a TV show? When did we start making decisions that directly affect our lives based on a stranger? Especially one who has a proven record of deceit, bankruptcy, bullying, fraud, theft, misogyny, theft of top secret documents and the list goes on. Is this the type of individual you want leading your, cities, counties, state and the country?

Please understand those of you who continue to follow regardless of the facts. Autocracies and dictatorships take all who are not wealthy, powerful or connected. You may be part of a movement today but tomorrow you could be the casualty of their reign. Google a little history; you may be surprised at what you find.

TAMARA JANIES Pollock Pines

Response to Wendy Thomas

EDITOR:

This is in response to comments by Supervisor Wendy Thomas in a Sept. 26 article in the Mountain Democrat, “FPPC rejects conflict complaint,” which was in reference to an anonymous complaint filed with the Fair Political Practices Commission, citing that Thomas’ ownership interest in commercial buildings on Broadway would financially benefit Thomas by her vote to support a homeless navigation center proposed for Perks Court in the Missouri Flat Road area of Placerville.

Many readers feel Thomas alluded that the El Dorado County Republican Central Committee filed the anonymous complaint. Thomas stated, “This baseless and anonymous complaint was nothing but a nasty political hit piece meant to discredit me and

derail plans for a navigation center.”

In no way did any member or the Republican Central Committee have anything to do with filing this complaint. It would serve Thomas well to look to those who reside in her district.

Thomas did not stop there. Her main bone of contention was the RCC’s circulation and mailing of a letter and flyer to business owners and county citizens, motivating residents to show up at the Aug. 23 Board of Supervisors to support the sheriff’s plan for the homeless and oppose the Perks Court navigation center.

Thomas specifically claimed the RCC flyer falsely stated the navigation center “would allow drug and alcohol use on the premises and have free paraphernalia provided by Sierra Harm Reduction.” Thomas then claimed county leaders previously stated the facility would “have been a drug-free site.”

The Mountain Democrat reported, confirmed in an email to county CAO Don Ashton, “If the (homeless navigation center) was built and operated, according to federal rules, drug users who are occupants can’t be evicted as a result of drug abuse.”

Many were surprised and disturbed to find what they consider enablers are using taxpayer dollars distributing syringes, razor blades and crack pipes.

Unlike Thomas and three other board members, what the RCC did was respond and support the constituents and this special community we represent. This was not the experience for those who attended and spoke at the board meeting, walking away feeling they were stifled, lectured to and insulted, in particular by Supervisors Thomas and Sue Novasel, who found themselves losing the vote to move forward with the navigation center.

Recently the board voted to use the juvenile hall in the government center as a temporary navigation center. And, yes, the new proposed site is contingent the “county provides weekly substance use and behavioral health screening.”

Our job is not done. We do not want our county government center and library to become San Francisco’s government center with a city hall surrounded by tents, garbage, feces and individuals who look like the cast of the “Night of the Living Dead.”

Wendy Thomas, you need to read the Mountain Democrat more often and pay attention to emails county leaders send out, not to mention — listen to your constituents.

TERRY GHERARDI Executive director, El Dorado County

The Not So Weekly Daley After Election Day — is it still democracy as we know it?

The great 2022 Midterm Election is now in the history books. I don’t mean the complete results are in by any stretch of the imagination. The actual election ended Tuesday night in most places, but the post-election chaos is well under way. The name-calling, finger-pointing, lawsuits and counter suits should already be driving the real news as well as the faux news with no end in sight.

If earlier predictions are borne out, democracy as we know it “died” this week. Fascism triumphed and we went out with barely a whimper. If other predictions hold sway, communist China, North Korea, Russia and Iran will soon combine to turn the U.S. into some kind of vassal state-cum-gas station. And

democracy as we know it will also have “died” this week.

Depending upon where you call home, you can get an abortion, perform an abortion or drive someone to get an abortion. If you live somewhere else, you may go to jail if you get an abortion, perform an abortion or drive someone else to get an abortion. As they say in real estate, it’s “location, location, location.” Here in California the homeless problem along with addiction to all manner of substances or behaviors have been solved if Proposition 26 and/or Proposition 27 passed or didn’t pass Tuesday. Proponents and opponents of either one or both of these propositions have assured us that either more or less legal gambling will tackle many societal ills and fix them or not. Like other

The Mountain Democrat welcomes letters up to 300 words. Letters may be edited. We reserve the right to edit submissions. Include your name, address and phone number for verification purposes.

Email: editor@ mtdemocrat.net

significant issues, “it depends.”

I know someone who actually researched all the judges on the ballot who we’ve never heard of. Her conclusion was that all of those high-end judges were doing a decent job and could be re-elected with confidence. That was good enough for me. I didn’t see or hear any political ads warning that a vote for or against any of the state’s top judges would “end democracy as we know it.” That’s a comfort so far, acknowledging that it’s still “early days” since Tuesday night.

Democracy as we know it could also be on its way out if citizens continue to have to stand in line for hours and hours every Election Day. Some kind of universal “mail-in” or remote system could potentially

eliminate the in-person way we have traditionally conducted our elections while offering a far more humane way to ascertain and collect the will of the voters.

Unfortunately, there are those who don’t want the rest of us to know the “will of the voters.” So those inhumane lines will probably persist until further notice or until we do something about the current system. Meanwhile, there’s no end in sight to the old-time practice and philosophy of “keep ’em waiting in line,” and maybe they’ll just go home and quit voting altogether. Eventually that will lead to the demise of democracy just as sure as any other more obvious or imminent threat.

Chris Daley is a biweekly columnist for the Mountain Democrat.

Republican Central Committee

CHRiS DaLEy

DaN WaLTERS

Democracy as we know it could also be on its way out if citizens continue to have to stand in line for hours and hours every Election Day.

Final seat up in the air for EDHCSD

Sel Richard Staff writer

Election night results for the El Dorado Hills Community Services District Board of Directors put longtime El Dorado Hills denizen Heidi Hannaman in a solid lead with 7,404 votes, almost 27% of the total as of Nov. 9. Hannaman brings 25 years of public policy experience at the California Legislature to the CSD board, to which she was appointed in June 2021 to fill a vacated seat.

“After the last year and half as an appointee, I’m so excited to now be officially elected by the great people of El Dorado Hills,” Hannaman told the Mountain Democrat. “It’s a big responsibility and not one I take lightly. I will continue to be accessible to our residents and work hard on their behalf.”

Following close behind, cityhood advocate Steve Ferry nabbed a comfortable spot with 6,342 votes, just shy of 23%.

Ferry arrived in El Dorado Hills in 2000 with his wife and family and has been a vocal promoter for incorporation.

“I ran on the issue of cityhood and I think that is why folks voted for me,” Ferry noted. “I really look forward to working with the CSD on this issue to help them understand that cityhood would give our residents local control of El Dorado Hills — local control of development planning, road repair, police, fire and parks. The increase in revenue will make it easier to build new fields, gymnasium and a pool. Many thanks to those who voted for me. I will do my best to accomplish these goals.”

Three seats are open on the board and the final seat remains too close to call. Incumbent and current board President Michael Martinelli, with 5,401 votes, maintains a small lead over newcomer Lewis Hampton, who trails with 5,250 votes.

Candidate William Willman fielded 3,079 votes (11%), not enough to secure a board position.

Elections officials expected to post another ballot count update Thursday afternoon. Final election results will be certified in mid-December.

Announcements

AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 334-2970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot. comt

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) 417-7138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net

El DOrADO COUNty AmAtEUr rADiO CLUB Dedicated to all aspects of ham radio. Meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at the El Dorado Sheriff’s office, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net

LEArN & PLAy CriBBAGE Cribbage is a fun, fast paced game that will surely keep you on your toes! **All skill levels **Learn to play by ACC Rules (American Cribbage Congress) **Beginner instruction available **Compete in weekly Cribbage tournaments. Call 916-768-4452 for more information. Gold Country Cribbers play Wednesday afternoon 4:30 pm at the Moni Gilmore Sr Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762

Ready for real change?

CELEBrAtE rECOvEry meets Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm at Bayside Church of Placerville, 4602 Missouri Flat Road, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. We are a Christ centered recovery program to find healing and recovery from our hurts, habits, and hangups. Email elebratercovery@ baysideplacerville. com. Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/ CRBaysidePlacerville.

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 fourpart 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. Join fun-loving women Wednesdays 9am-11am at El Dorado High School. Lessons, social events, only $35/year. Call Cindy 805-540-8654.

SENiOr PEEr COUNSELiNG of El Dorado County is seeking volunteer counselors. Do you possess such qualities as warmth, empathy and nonjudgement, as well as having varied life experiences, and being over the age of 55? If you do and would like to help and listen to fellow seniors who are dealing with age related issues such as loneliness, isolation, health and grief, we would love to talk to you. Counselors receive training and are supervised by a professional in the field. SPC Clinical Supervisor Jayann Askin, MFT, shares “We are looking for volunteers who are interested in psychology, counseling, and mental health and would like to be a part of a supportive group of ongoing learners in this field.” For more information on this greatly rewarding volunteer opportunity, please call 530-621-6304

Continued from A4 for municipal users.

Walters

Rather, about two-thirds of the Colorado’s water diverted into California goes to farming, particularly the Imperial Irrigation District in Imperial County. The district takes more water from the river, at least 2.5 million acre-feet a year, than Nevada and Arizona combined. Therefore, if there are major cutbacks, as the feds demand, the Imperial Irrigation District would have to give up the most.

Imperial gets the most because it was the first entity to tap the Colorado more than a century ago, thus establishing its senior water rights. The Imperial Dam and All-American Canal allow the Imperial Valley to have a 12-month growing season, making it a major producer of winter produce as well as a source of alfalfa to feed cattle and milk cows.

The Interior Department has $4 billion from the newly enacted Inflation Reduction Act to compensate those who would lose water by flow reductions. But the money and the latest warning may not produce agreement among the affected states.

If the Bureau of Reclamation acts unilaterally to reduce diversions, it will likely result in high-stakes litigation that tests Imperial district’s water rights. In a sense what’s happening along the Colorado could be a forerunner of legal showdowns over water rights in other regions of the state, if drought conditions continue.

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

El Dorado Hills Community Services District Director Heidi Hannaman, seen here with her husband Brandon on election night, handily won a full term on the board.

Courtesy photo

Veterans monument battle born

Poimiroo

Special to Mountain Democrat

Established in 2006, the El Dorado County Veterans Monument covers an acre of land at the east end of the county government center on Fair Lane in Placerville. On its grounds are more than 2,100 memorials to those who served the cause of freedom, from the French and Indian War to current conflicts.

They include the sons and daughters of El Dorado County, as well as any veteran with a connection to a county resident. These bricks and stones memorialize those who served honorably among American forces from the French and Indian War to today.

The idea for the monument was battle born. Following a 1968 battle against North Vietnamese forces at Le Bac, from which he was awarded the Navy Cross (second only to the Medal of Honor in precedence), local Marine Corps Cpl. Richard Buchanan pledged to ensure the service and sacrifices of those who served the cause of freedom would always be remembered.

When Buchanan returned to El Dorado County he inspired a public-private partnership involving highly decorated local veterans, local veterans representing

all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, county government and private citizens.

On Memorial Day and Veterans Day each year elaborate ceremonies are conducted at the Veterans Monument, though on every other day it is a quiet place for reflection.

The Walk of Honor leads visitors to poles flying flags from each branch of the Armed Forces and to the Honor Wall. Its reflective granite slab reads, “To Honor Those Who Have Served the Cause of Freedom.” The undulating curve at the bottom of the slab is a reflection of the Sierra Nevada, seen in the distant horizon. To the right and left of this plaque are additional

plaques. Dedicated in today’s ceremony will be five bronze placards recognizing the heroics of El Dorado County warriors who earned awards second only to the Medal of Honor.

The Honor Wall includes plaques from famous battles, events, units and persons of distinction. One memorializes the only casualties of World War II to die in El Dorado County, the captain and crew of a B29D bomber that crashed less than a mile away in 1943.

Another remembers the El Dorado County Navy captain who rescued more than 30,000 Vietnamese sailors and refugees in the closing moments

John

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’ve learned what you can do, and you believe that if you continue to work hard, you’ll achieve your objective. So, you don’t bother to push things along or stress about them unnecessarily. You have the patience of an immortal.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It’s not hard for you to be positive and engaged; in fact, it’s your default. Cheerfulness is energy well spent because it not only makes your life better, it improves other peo ple’s experience too.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’re a generous soul and yet there are things you just shouldn’t lend: your car, your books or your advice. Lend an ear instead, and that will be a huge gift to someone who needs it.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). An average teacher will show you the general way of things. A good teacher will get into the nitty-gritty. A great teacher will help you see and learn the patterns that matter.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’re like a pen making spontaneous marks on the paper world — doodling for fun and profit, working out the intricacies of life with your whimsy. People describe what’s happen ing in the senses with words that apply across all five.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The word “sharp” can apply to a note that leans up, a line that cuts through, a cheese that curls the tongue... and your mind as you pursue fun conversation with smart people.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The thing inside you that wants to dance will be activated; the call of the music is irresistible. You don’t need a partner or a venue, only a beat. Your heart is the perfect instrument.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). A problem that gets everyone to unify efforts and work together for a solution is a good problem to have. You will commu nicate what needs to be accomplished and people will pull together.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’re not envious of those who have what you would like. Instead, you feel happy for them, celebrating almost as though their success were your own. Very soon you will have similar gifts to these.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You see and cel ebrate things in a way all your own. Like a child naming a toy, you’ll personalize your world and add whimsy to your surroundings in the ways that you characterize things and what you call them.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Making sure things are done properly is important. Don’t start an endeavor without reading the instructions and/or map. It is likely that any shortcut you attempt will make things more difficult for you in the long run.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Mostly, you go with the flow. But you also recognize when it’s time to be disruptive. To outwardly express who you are on the inside takes daring. And to be accepted for that is a beautiful feeling.

Voters favor Saunders, Seaman and Stovall for GDPUD posts

Krysten Kellum Editor

It’s looking like Georgetown Divide Public Utility District Directors Michael Saunders and Donna Seaman will continue to serve on the water district’s governing board, with newcomer Robert Stovall likely to join them as ballots are tallied in El Dorado County to fill three seats.

The latest election results reported just after midnight Nov. 9 show Saunders, who was elected to the GDPUD board in 2018 and currently serves as its president, with 2,003 votes, or 28.31%.

Incumbent Saunders, who lives in Cool, was first a member of GDPUD’s Finance Committee before being elected to its board of directors.

In response to Tuesday’s election results, Saunders told the Mountain Democrat, “This was a tough election cycle for our community and district as we went through evacuations and a wildfire.”

Saunders said he looks “forward to working with the community along with the board and staff to continue to build and strengthen the district for the present and for sustainability into the future.”

Appointed as a GDPUD director in early 2021 to fill a vacancy left by Dave Souza, Seaman has

received 1,944 votes, 27.5%.

Seaman is a Cool resident with experience in the field of water and wastewater.

Seaman thanked voters for their support and “trust in me.”

Seaman added she hopes to “continue to make GDPUD a wellrun and respected agency.”

With 1,939 votes, 27.4%, Stovall is ahead of Bonnie Neeley’s 1,123, 15.9%.

A Garden Valley resident, Stovall has contributed to GDPUD operations as a Finance Committee appointee.

“As the result of the voters’ choices, I believe that GDPUD will have a board that is willing to work together in addressing the many difficult decisions facing our water district,” Stovall shared in an emailed statement. “This will include but not be limited to 1.) Assessing the priorities for capital improvement expenditures in the face of the damage as a result of the Mosquito Fire, 2.) Exploring options to extend the irrigation season so that water is readily available to fight fires, 3.) Developing strategies to enhance the income of GDPUD to address increasing costs that will be a consequence of inflation to ensure fiscal responsibility in balancing immediate needs in addition to long term goals, and

4.) Evaluating funding opportunities that are available to the water district.”

Stovall added that he expects a series of public hearings to gather facts, public opinions and information to address residents’ concerns.

Fire victim gets a little help to win free groceries

Kat Mendenhall Staff writer

Tyler Kidd, a company supervisor for Mar-Val Food Stores, wanted to do “something bigger and better” than in past years to mark the grocery’s 70 years in business. He organized a drawing for customers to win a TV and $12,000 in groceries, which the Georgetown community saw as an opportunity to help one of its own.

Almost 50 people entered the name of Michelle Gomez in the drawing and her name was picked.

In September Michelle, her husband and three children lost their Volcanoville home in the Mosquito Fire. Since then they have been moving

from place to place.

“We’re truly grateful. This all came as a surprise,” Michelle said. “This community is very amazing, very tightknit, very supportive and it shows that everybody comes together at times like this.”

Michelle and her husband say they plan to give some of the gift cards to other families and neighbors who also lost their homes.

When Tyler presented Michelle and her husband with their prize Nov. 1 he said, “I hope that helps.”

Mar-Val is a family-owned grocer founded by Kidd’s grandfather Mardee Kidd and his brother Val in 1952. MarVal has been operating in Georgetown for 30 years.

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

HOROSCOPE by Holiday Mathis

MIChAEL SAUNDERS

DONNA SEAMAN

ROBERT STOVALL

Courtesy photo

Mar-Val management Troy Neidigh and Tyler Kidd present a prize of free groceries to Michelle Gomez and her husband.

of the Vietnam War. Others list those from our county who paid the supreme sacrifice during WWII or who demonstrated heroism under fire in WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

Woven into the fabric of the monument are many hidden symbols of past service. Placed in the concrete foundation of the ring along the Walk of Honor is a pound of sand gathered on D-Day from Omaha Beach by a local Army captain who fought there, that day. Within the concrete walkways and foundations are hundreds of military insignia worn by El Dorado County veterans during their service to our country.

Soil taken from numerous battlefields on which American soldiers shed their blood in defense of the cause of freedom has been sprinkled into the planter directly in front of the Honor Wall.

Any El Dorado County resident may place a small amount of soil there from a battlefield or ocean where Americans fought, simply by emailing from what battle the soil originated, when the soil was placed and by who to: memorials@ eldoradocountyveterans. org.

Several benches memorialize generations of El Dorado County veterans. Among them is a bench honoring SSgt. Sky Mote, USMC NC, a Union Mine High School graduate who was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for courageously battling an Afghan soldier who had infiltrated his command headquarters in 2012. Others memorialize service by the Combellack, Carroll, Taylor, Wiglesworth, Stancil and Soike families. Similarly, numerous families have clusters of bricks placed along the Walk of Honor.

Standing alone beneath a blue oak tree, a black granite bench remembers Prisoners of War and soldiers Missing in Action.

Nearby is the Veerkamp Tree, a Colorado blue spruce that is decorated every Christmas by the Veerkamp family for veterans who will not be home at Christmas.

Planned for installation on a lawn near the POW/MIA bench are three bronze statuary depicting a veteran’s idealized return home, one that many never received. Called “Welcome Home,” the statues will be crafted by famed sculptor of militarythemed sculptures, Rip Caswell. The statues will depict a serviceman and servicewoman being welcomed home enthusiastically by a Labrador retriever.

The dog represents friends and families and the service members represent all branches of military service. A campaign to raise funds for the statuary, managed by the El Dorado Community Foundation, begins this month.

All of El Dorado County’s sons who did not return from the Vietnam War are listed on a bench dedicated during the Vietnam War’s 50th commemoration. Beside it is another bench that memorializes all wars since Vietnam, the wars of the late 20th and 21st centuries.

In Section I of the Walk of Honor, a granite stone to President and General of the Armies George Washington stands alone. It will eventually be surrounded by service men and women,

as he was when he fought for our nation’s independence.

Section V of the Walk of Honor includes a section of bricks honoring El Dorado County’s Nisei warriors of the all-JapaneseAmerican 100th Infantry Battallion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team. They comprise the most decorated military unit in U.S. Army history for its size and length of service.

Memorial bricks can be purchased for any honorably discharged veteran, living or dead, online at eldoradocountyveterans. org. The $150 fee helps fund scholarships awarded to the children of veterans.

Management of the Veterans Monument and its ceremonies is handled by the El Dorado County Veterans Alliance, a 501.c3 charitable organization.

This is the first in a series of spotlight features to appear in the Mountain Democrat and on Sierra Community Access TV2. Spotlight features focus on community resources. Channel 2 will air the program at 7:04 p.m. and 10:49 p.m. Friday night and on various days thereafter. The program can also be viewed on the station’s You Tube channel.

Monument Continued from A6

Mountain Democrat file photo by Gray Baker

From left, Gary Cambell, retired Air Force, Richard Buchanan, retired Marines and John Poimiroo, retired Navy, helped bring the monument to Placerville.

Memorial bricks are mortared in at the El Dorado County Veterans Monument.

Mountain Democrat file photo by Eric Jaramishian

Mountain Democrat photo by Krysten Kellum Memorial bricks can be purchased for any honorably discharged veteran, living or dead.

Driver suspected of DUI in morning collision

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

A two-car crash on Placerville Drive Thursday morning led to the arrest of one driver and hospitalization of another.

Suspected of driving under the influence is 62-year-old Pollock Pines resident Randall Wetmore, according to Cmdr. Dan Maciel with the Placerville Police Department. Wetmore was behind the wheel of a GMC Sierra 2500 when it collided with a Toyota Camry Hybrid around 10 a.m. near the Highway 50 overpass on Placerville Drive.

The driver of the Toyota reported minor injuries and

was transported to Marshall Hospital for treatment.

Mountain Democrat photos by Eric Jaramishian

The driver of this mangled Toyota suffered minor injuries Thursday morning in a collision with a GMC truck on Placerville Drive.

A tow truck hauls away the damaged GMC truck.

CHP investigating man missing after crash

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

California Highway Patrol o cers are investigating a crash that occurred Nov. 1 east of Smith Flat on Highway 50 where the driver was nowhere to be found.

According to CHP o cials, the crash occurred at 7:45 p.m. on westbound Highway 50.

The driver, 50-year-old Stockton resident Louis Moreno, reportedly abandoned his white 2018 Kia Forte and has not been seen since.

The sedan appeared to have rolled over, CHP Public Information O cer Andrew Brown told the Mountain Democrat. Whether other vehicles were involved is being investigated.

Louis’ sister Monique Moreno described him as 5-foot, 10-inches tall and weighing about 240

pounds. He has facial hair and brown eyes. His hair was described as salt and pepper in color.

Monique said she filed missing persons reports

in El Dorado and San Joaquin counties and as of Nov. 9 she had not heard from her brother or any updates from law enforcement on his whereabouts.

that involve each of our communities is really important to me.”

Another issue she plans to tackle immediately is Tahoe’s vacation rental ordinance, questioning whether operations of vacation homes should be allowed in residential neighborhoods.

Laine would like to see the ordinance become clearer in its violations.

“There are rules that are not enforced and it does a ect residents and their quality of life,” Laine stated. “They have to become a kind of a cop and have to call in complaints, putting them in a very awkward position.”

Curtzwiler mentioned previously throughout his campaign the issue of regulating vacation rentals. The 20-year veteran and tree service business owner also cited app navigation systems sending tra c into Tahoe neighborhoods as an issue he plans to

solve if elected.

Laine, who is a former South Lake Tahoe mayor with experience in banking and business management, said she had a good time on the campaign trail with Curtzwiler.

“We were friends before but I think we

learned a lot about each other having campaigned together,” Laine commented.

“He had a very respectable run and my congratulations goes out to him.”

Curtzwiler did not comment further on election results.

DODGE (A149397)

Courtesy photo

Louis Moreno of Stockton went missing after a Nov. 1 car crash in Placerville.

5 Junior Rattlers to shine at Shrine Bowl

Four Union Mine Junior Rattlers football players and one Rattlers cheerleader have been selected to participate in the Sacramento Youth Football Shrine Bowl. The Youth Shrine Bowl is a collection of all-star Northern California eighth-grade football players and cheerleaders coming together to raise funds for Ben Ali Shriners of Sacramento and the Shriners Hospitals for Children. While the event showcases the athletic talents of selected Northern California area football and cheer participants, its greater purpose is building community amongst peers across the region, as well as community service back to the region. Representing UMJR at the event will be Dennis Warden (football), Austin Jageman (football), Christian McPartland (football), Chris Castillo (football) and

McClintock

immigration laws.

Olivia Pooley (cheer). Each of the athletes are required to complete community service hours, which includes sharing information about the Shriners Hospitals for Children, as well as each raising $780, which will be donated to the hospital.

One way to help support these youth is to purchase tickets to attend the Youth Shrine Bowl, which will take place at Sacramento State University at 3 p.m. Nov. 12 . Tickets are $13 and all income from ticket sales goes toward a combined goal of $3,900. In 2021 Sacramento Youth Football athletes raised and donated more than $50,000 to the Sacramento Shriners Hospital for Children.

“We are very proud of the UMJR athletes participating in this year’s event. They are incredible kids who excel at teamwork and understand the importance of giving back,” said UMJR President and Coach Dan Brown.

Continued from A1

“The freedom of the country cannot continue another two years down this road with unprecedented inflation that the Biden administration unleashed by spending trillions of dollars we do not have, to destroy the integrity of our borders, to the unconditional surrender to the Taliban in Afghanistan,” McClintock told the Mountain Democrat at an election night party hosted by the El Dorado County Republican Party and El Dorado Hills Republican Women at El Dorado Saloon in El Dorado Hills. “These policies cannot continue without destroying our country.”

When asked how his e orts in Washington, D.C., will a ect El Dorado County residents, McClintock said he would work in the House Committee on Natural Resources on forest management and water issues, on developing a legislative package meant to “secure borders and restore the integrity of American sovereignty” as chairman of the Immigration Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee and work as a member of the House Budget Committee to cut excess government spending.

McClintock, a resident of Elk Grove, has represented California’s 4th Congressional District since 2009.

He began his political career serving in the California

State Assembly 1982-92 and again 1996-2000. He was a California State Senator until being elected to the U.S. House in 2008.

McClintock’s Democratic challenger Barkley, a former attorney, rancher, accountant and computer programer, wrote to the Mountain Democrat in an email, “The District 5 Democratic base is strong and deserves better than what they’ve got on Congressman McClintock.”

Barkley’s campaign platform in the largely Republican district included repealing the right to bear arms, creating e ective water projects in drought-ridden California, adopting medicare for all and strengthening wildfire suppression.

“Naturally I am disappointed not to have gotten closer to flipping the district but I am pleased to have cut the Republican lead in half between the primary and general (elections),” Barkley shared.

However, it’s not over for Barkley. He plans to declare his candidacy for the Federal Election Commission in 2024.

McClintock gets involved in local elections

The U.S. House race was not the only contest McClintock took interest in.

In mailers paid for by McClintock’s re-election campaign that was sent to Placerville residents, he endorsed Placerville City

Council

“I believe they o er a sharp change back toward more mature and sensible leadership than the current City Council members,” McClintock told the Mountain Democrat. “I thought it was essential to make my views about the direction the City Council has taken on a number of critical issues, including law enforcement.”

Specifically, McClintock referred to a back-and-forth between Placerville City

Council members and his community outreach director Kimberly Pruett, who phoned in to the council’s July 12 meeting to discuss renaming the Placerville Post O ce in honor of fallen El Dorado County sheri deputy Brian Ishmael. At that meeting Thomas called the post o ce “an embarrassment of a post o ce” not fit to honor Ishmael.

Pruett told the council while the post o ce is a federal building, McClintock wanted the blessing of the council, which it did not give.

“This has everything to do with honoring the life of o cer Ishmael because what

I would not want to do is have an event at our post o ce that would reflect what an amazing person he was and what an ugly post o ce that is and those two do not go together,” Thomas said at the meeting.

Pruett was surprised at the opposition, stating the proposition got support from Ishmael’s family and the Sheri ’s O ce.

McClintock also called Thomas’ participation in past Black Lives Matter demonstrations an “insult to the people of Placerville.” Thomas called the mailer “dirty politics” in a response video on his campaign page.

candidates Sean Briggs, Ruth Carter and David Yarbrough while encouraging voters not to vote for incumbent Dennis Thomas.

Courtesy photos

Junior Rattlers Olivia Pooley, left, and Dennis Warden, Christian McPartland, Austin Jageman and Chris Castillo, right, head to the Youth Shrine Bowl this Saturday at Sacramento State.

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian Congressman Tom McClintock listens as his supporters give speeches about his campaign at his election party hosted by the the El Dorado County Republican Party and El Dorado Hills Republican Women at the El Dorado Saloon & Grill in El Dorado Hills Nov. 8.

further results,” Thomas said.

“I think that Nicole and John are a good choice and I think I’m a good choice as well, or I wouldn’t be running,” he added.

Thomas said he thought some candidates had not made an effort to learn about city government prior to making a bid for a council seat.

A mailer paid for by Congressman Tom McClintock’s re-election campaign may have swayed voters to “say no to Dennis Thomas for City Council.”

“I knew that the dirty tactics of McClintock could have some effect on me,” he said of the mailer that urged voters to instead choose Sean Briggs, Ruth Carter or Yarbrough.

“It is really interesting that a U.S. Congressman would come after a City Council position,” he added. “It is what I would call an asymmetrical fight. McClintock is using his

congress-level funding to go after a rather small-town election.”

Former Councilman Clerici said he looks forward to serving on the council again if the numbers hold.

“I am honored to serve the people of Placerville once again,” he commented. “I will do my best to live up to their faith in me.”

With 42.7% of ballots counted the standings are as follows:

• Nicole Gotberg 1,084 votes

• John Clerici 987 votes

• David Yarbrough 858 votes

• Dennis Thomas 854 votes

• Paul Godwin 720 votes

• Sean Briggs 646 votes

• Ruth Carter 578 votes

• Duncan Allen 75 votes

The next update from the El Dorado County Elections Department was scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10.

Council Continued from A1

Mountain Democrat photo by Andrew vonderschmitt Former Placerville mayors line up at an election night gathering. From left, Wendy Thomas, Pierre Rivas, Patty Borelli, Kara Taylor, Dennis Thomas and John Clerici.

In

the

KNOW

Music master

Congratulations to Dominic Labuguen a student at Ocean Grove Charter School in Placerville. Dominic, with the guidance of music teacher Therese Labuguen, won the National Association for Music Education Electronic Music Composition Competition, 9-12 grade category, for his composition “Spring.”

Nov. 11

Visit the Sherwood Demonstration Garden 6699 Campus Drive in Placerville, open to the public, 9 a.m. to noon Fridays and Saturdays. See the many plants, trees, succulents, natives and more. Wander through the 16 individual gardens at your own pace or ask a docent for help.

Garden may be closed for inclement weather; check the website before visiting: ucanr.edu/sites/ EDC_Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden.

Cold Springs Church hosts the 23rd annual Craft Faire, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 11 & 12 at the church, 2600 Cold Springs Road, Placerville. Find gifts, home and holiday décor and much more created by 30 quality crafters. Admission is free.

A Veterans Day ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at the El Dorado County Veterans Monument on Fair Lane in Placerville.

Andis Wines in Plymouth hosts an event for past and active military, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 11 & 12. To make a reservation visit andiswines.com.

Charles B. Mitchell Vineyards, 8221 Stoney Creek Road in Fair Play, celebrates 29 years of Bottle Your Own on Veterans Day Nov. 11-13, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Fill, cork and label your own case of wine. Charles B. Mitchell Vineyards is offering zinfandel, cabernet franc and mourvedre. For more information call (530) 620-3467.

The American Legion Post 119 is hosting a dinner & dance on Veterans Day for veterans and their families and friends at the hall, 4561 Greenstone Road in Placerville. The hall is paying for the veterans’ dinners. For more information call (530) 6263956.

Musician Ed Wilson will perform at The Vine in El Dorado Hills, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Oak Ridge High School Theatre Arts presents the rock musical “Rock of Ages: Teen Edition” Nov. 11 & 12 at the school theater, 1120 Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills. For tickets and more

New Placerville gallery artists embrace nature

in

Gold Country Artists Gallery, an award-winning

Shimmering treasure

At the tender age of 9, Bruno learned to wheel throw from her grandfather and has created extraordinary pottery since. Her strong love for her media shines through in her work. As a teacher, painter and potter, she delights in sharing her knowledge with young people, just as her grandfather did with her. Her experience as an art historian, curatorial assistant, anthropologist and naturalist plays a huge role in her current pottery designs.

She loves exploring and experimenting with textures and often incorporates raw clay body into her work for an organic feel that provides a window into the origin of the piece (“mud of the earth”). For example, Bruno describes her “Nile Inundation” and “Field of Reeds” as subtle throwbacks to ancient Egypt. Some of her cups, bowls and goblets are elevated by the addition of decorative chains and jewels, swirl designs and fascinating textures. Bruno’s glazes range from earth tones to blues with hints of glowing violet. Some glazes imbue a subtle sparkle, a surprising bit of shimmering treasure born during firing in the kiln.

Bruno is the creator of the brand Existential Entropy which is

about existing in chaos: “From mud through fire, pottery is enhanced and refined through a metamorphosis just as we humans are during our lives,” she said. “There is only so much I can control before I give it up to the kiln gods. The rest is in flux.”

Beauty of the world

As a teacher, Gray wanted her high school students to feel the same joy and excitement she felt about the world. Instead of posters with dissected frogs in glorious color, Gray posted prints of famous paintings, especially colorful impressionistic works. As a photographer, her desire became one of sharing the beauty of the natural world and helping her viewers to widen their appreciation and desire to protect wild animals and open spaces.

With photography as a serious passion, she refined her craft through a series of local, online and field-based learning opportunities. After becoming certified as an underwater photographer, Gray upgraded her camera to a professional-quality Nikon, with some of her underwater and macro photos winning photographic contests. As Gray’s photography gained recognition, her photos were published and included in a book produced by the World Best Top Photographer Association.

Of her photographic subjects, Gray said, “If it’s alive, I’ll take pictures of it!” She finds it wonderfully compelling that herds of wild mustangs still exist and can be found within driving distance of her home. So far, her favorite places to view and photograph wild horses are near Mono Lake in California and by

Mono Lake horses photographed by Terrie Gray

D. Lee Reyes Special to the Mountain Democrat

gallery

Placerville, presents artwork by its new artists, potter Melissa Bruno and photographer Terrie Gray.

“Sunnyside Down” by Terrie Gray

Goblet by Melissa Bruno

Bowl by Melissa Bruno

FOLSOM — Folsom’s Harris Center for the Arts is back and thrilled to announce new upcoming shows set for 2023. More detailed information on each event can be found at HarrisCenter.net. Tickets are on sale now for all shows. Additional events will be added and announced soon.

“The Simon & Garfunkel Story,” 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19: The immersive concert-style theater show chronicles the amazing journey shared by the iconic folk-rock duo. It tells the story from their humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the ’60s to their dramatic split in 1970. It culminates with the famous “The Concert in Central Park” reunion in 1981 with more than half a million fans in attendance. Using huge projection photos and original film footage, featuring a full live band performing all the hits including “Mrs. Robinson,” “Cecilia,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Homeward Bound” and many more.

Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel, Musical Valentines, 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20: A preValentine’s Day special featuring the love-inspired music of Chopin. Jeffrey Siegel’s celebrated Keyboard Conversations combine lively insights with spellbinding performances of iconic piano masterpieces. Concert concludes with a Q & A — all questions welcome.

The Marshall Tucker Band, 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27: Doug Gray, who’s been fronting MTB since the very beginning, sees no end to the road that lies ahead for this Southern rock legend. The band’s mighty music catalog, consisting of more than 20 studio albums and a score of live releases, has racked up multiplatinum album sales many times over. A typically rich MTB setlist is bubbling over with a healthy dose of hits like the heartfelt singalong “Heard It in a Love Song,” the insistent pleading of “Can’t You See,” the testifying “Fire on the Mountain,” the wanderlust gallop of “Long Hard Ride” and the explosive testimony of “Ramblin,’” to name but a few.

National Geographic Live, Keith

Ladzinski – Force of Nature, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 9: From the towering mountains of the Himalaya to the slot canyons and stone arches of the desert, Earth is shaped by the raw power of Mother Nature. Capturing this might and majesty takes a special skill set — and a willingness to sign up for the seemingly impossible.

Ladzinski, adventure photographer and filmmaker, is renowned for his ability to get the shot in some of the world’s most inaccessible and inhospitable environments.

Whether chasing storms, getting up close and personal with wildlife, or documenting extreme feats of adventure, his fearless spirit leads him to the farthest reaches of all seven continents.

Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel, American Pianistic Treasures, 8 p.m. Friday, March 24: Jeffrey Siegel returns with his spellbinding performances of iconic piano masterpieces featuring the

Photo by Mariah Gray

See the Marshall Tucker Band at Folsom Lake College’s Harris Center for the Arts Jan. 27, 2023. Tickets are on sale now.

Courtesy photo

Jeffrey Siegel performs Gershwin, Joplin, Bernstein and more during two scheduled Harris Center shows next year. n See Harris Center page B8

California Hall of Fame 15th class selected

News release

SACRAMENTO —

Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom recently joined the California Museum in announcing the 15th class of inductees into the California Hall of Fame. The new inductees join 138 inspirational Californians previously inducted for embodying the state’s innovative spirit.

The inductees of the California Hall of Fame 15th class are:

• Actor and singersongwriter Lynda Carter: Best known for winning our hearts as TV’s Wonder Woman, Carter is also an accomplished singersongwriter who has performed to rave reviews before sell-out crowds around the world. In addition to her long acting career, she has produced and starred in five highly rated television specials for CBS, several of which were Emmy Award nominated. She has appeared onstage with many of the world’s most popular performers including Tom Jones, Ray Charles, Kenny Rogers and George Benson.

• Chef Roy Choi: Born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in Los Angeles and Orange County, Choi is known as one of the architects of the modern food truck movement. Starting with a Korean short rib taco sold from a truck in 2008, his Kogi BBQ broke new ground by merging food and social media with community and honoring the street food culture that paved the way.

• Physicist Steven Chu: Nobel Prizewinning physicist Chu is the William R. Kenan Jr. professor of physics, professor of molecular & cellular physiology in the medical school and professor of environmental science and engineering in the Doerr School of Sustainability at Stanford University. He has published over 300 papers in atomic and polymer physics, biophysics, molecular and cell biology, medical bio-imaging, batteries and other energy technologies. He holds 21 patents, with 10 patents and seven additional patent disclosures after 2015.

• Ice skater Peggy Fleming: Olympic champion Fleming began skating at age 9 when her father took her and her three sisters to skate at a public rink. She had a natural ability on the ice, entering — and winning — her first competition in 1958. In 1961, Fleming’s coach, William Kipp, was killed in a tragic plane crash that took the lives of the entire United States figure skating world team. American skating had to rebuild and Fleming helped lead the way, winning her first national Senior Championships in 1964.

• Sociologist Arlie Russell Hochschild: Sociologist and author Russell Hochschild has pioneered new understanding of the emotions that underlie people’s beliefs, actions and social lives. Professor emerita of sociology at University

of California, Berkeley, she has written 10 books, including most recently “Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right,” which was a finalist for the 2016 National Book Award and a New York Times Bestseller.

• Choreographer Alonzo King: Founder and artistic director of Alonzo King LINES Ballet, King is a visionary choreographer who changes the way we look at and think about movement. King calls his works “thought structures,” created by manipulating the energies that exist in matter through laws governing the shapes and movement directions of everything. Called a choreographer with “astonishing originality” by the New York Times, King has brought his unique artistic vision to the

King LINES Ballet since its founding

• Teacher and former astronaut Barbara Morgan: An educator and retired NASA astronaut, Morgan trained with the Challenger crew as the back-up for Teacher in Space Christa McAuliffe and later served as a NASA astronaut for 10 years. She is now distinguished educator in residence, emeritus, at Boise State University.

• Soccer player Megan Rapinoe: Rapinoe is known for her creative style of play and for her social activism. A two-time World Cup Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist, she is a fan favorite and one of the game’s most technical and craftiest players. A vocal leader on and off the pitch,

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in 1982.

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Rapinoe helped the U.S. Women’s National Team win the Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2019.

• Singer Linda Ronstadt: Arguably the most versatile vocalist of the modern era, having forged a four-decade career that established her as one of the top artists in one of the most creative periods in the history of modern music, Ronstadt has broadened the latitudes of the pop singer, expanding the vocalist’s canvas to include country, rock-n-roll, Great American Songbook, jazz, opera, Broadway standards, Mexican and Tropical music and Americana. With worldwide album sales of over 50 million, at least 31 gold and platinum records, 10 Grammy Awards, the National Medal of Arts and membership in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to her credit, Ronstadt is the consummate American artist.

• Artist Ed Ruscha: Called one of the world’s most important artists, Ruscha’s photography, drawing, painting and artist books record the shifting emblems of American life in the last half century. With deadpan representations of Hollywood logos, stylized gas stations and archetypal landscapes, he distills the imagery of popular culture into a language of cinematic and typographical codes that are both accessible and profound. His wry choice of words and phrases, which feature heavily in his work, draw on moments of ambiguity in the interplay between the linguistic signifier and the concept signified. Although his images are rooted in a closely observed American reality, his elegantly laconic art speaks to more complex issues about the world and our transient place in it.

• Band Los Tigres del Norte: One of the most popular and influential bands in the history of Latin music, Los Tigres del Norte has been a superstar for five decades. The band has sold over 40 million albums, while notching 24 No. 1 albums, over 50 No. 1 singles, and 66 tracks

Continued from B1

on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart — more than any other artist or group. The band has received multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy awards, the Latin Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the Hispanic Heritage Legend Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Los Tigres continues to be at the forefront of Latin music popularity, performing regularly throughout the U.S. and Latin America, releasing chart topping albums and singles, and continually blazing new trails with its music.

“These phenomenal individuals are proof that the California dream is alive and well,” said Gov. Newsom. “Jennifer and I are excited to induct the 15th class of leaders, dreamers and innovators into the California Hall of Fame and celebrate these Californians who broke down barriers and reimagined what was possible.”

“The governor and I are honored to welcome this new group of changemakers and trailblazers into the California Hall of Fame,” said First Partner Siebel Newsom. “With its cultural richness, innovative spirit, and

leadership mindset, California is California because of phenomenal individuals like this year’s inductees. They have been — and will continue to be — immensely inspiring to us all.”

The California Hall of Fame launched in 2006 to honor trailblazing Californians who embody the state’s spirit of innovation and have made history. Inductees are selected annually by the governor and first partner for achievements in arts, business and labor, entertainment, food and wine, literature, music, public service, science and sports. This year marks the return of an in-person ceremony following the induction of a virtual class during the pandemic.

“We’re thrilled to join the governor and first partner in celebrating these remarkable Californians,” said California Museum Board of Trustees Chair Anne-Marie Petrie. “Their achievements will inspire thousands of museum visitors in the year ahead to pursue their own dreams.”

For more information visit californiamuseum.org.

Performances for “Metamorphoses” are scheduled at 7 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 11 & 12 and Nov. 17-19 at Studio 81 at El Dorado High School in Placerville. For tickets and more information visit studio81arts.com.

Joy & Madness perform funk hits at 7 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club, 251 Main St. in Placerville. For tickets visit tickets. clubgreenroom.com.

El Dorado Musical Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol” Nov. 11-20 at the Harris Center for the Arts on the Folsom Lake College campus. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

The 29th annual Placer Artists Tour takes place Veterans Day weekend, Nov. 11-13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. An added encore tour weekend is scheduled Nov. 18-20. Visit PlacerArtistsTour.org for arts directory, events calendar and to pre-register for the tour to be eligible to win prizes.

Nov. 12

UCCE Master Gardners of El Dorado County hosts Attracting Birds to your Garden, 9 a.m. to noon at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden in Placerville. Watching birds brings joy to millions of people, but alarming reports document steep declines in bird numbers around the world. Learn the basic habitat components you can add that will make your yard more welcoming to birds throughout the year.

What is the Women’s Fund El Dorado? Join the American Association of University Women for a program given by Ann Curtis about this local charity led by and for women. Find out how you too can participate in supporting the women of our county. The program will take place 10 a.m. at the Placerville Library. Refreshments will be served. For further information contact Jane Sonner at (530) 748-9671 or janesonner@gmail. com.

Hart 2 Hart Vineyards in Pilot Hill hosts a Christmas Fair with local vendors, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12 & 13. Shop, taste wine, grab a bite from the food truck and enjoy music all in one place. For more information call (530) 885-WINE.

A book sale to benefit the Camino Classical Ballet School will be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 6290 Pony Express Trail, Pollock Pines (turn right on Cox and enter through gate). There will be more than 1,000 titles to chose from — for only $1 each. Event will be rescheduled in the event of rain. Visit caminoballet.weebly.com for more information.

The West Slope Foundation, Element 79 Vineyards and Winery, along with the wineries of Fair Play, Pioneer Volunteer Firefighters Association and Creekside Cork and Brew, host the second Out of the Ashes fundraiser, 4-7 p.m. at Element 79 Vineyards in Somerset. This event will have more than 15 local wineries pouring tastings paired with dinner prepared by Casey and Frank of Creekside Cork and Brew. For more information visit westslopefoundation.org.

The El Dorado County Fair & Events center hosts the 17th annual Crab & Chowder Gala at the fairgrounds in Placerville. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The drive-thru option runs 4-5 p.m. Enjoy live music, a raffle, silent auction and no-host bar. For tickets and more information visit eldoradocountyfair.org.

Ponderosa Stage Productions presents “Mamma Mia!” Performances are scheduled at 2 and 7 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Ponderosa High School Theater, 3661 Ponderosa Road in Shingle Springs. Visit pondodrama.com for tickets.

Radiokeys with Tiger Shade perform blues, folk and Americana at 7 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club, 251 Main St. in Placerville. For tickets visit tickets.clubgreenroom.com.

Nov. 13

The Friends of the El Dorado Hills Library hosts its annual Bridge Tournament Fundraiser, 1-5 p.m. at the library, focusing on the joy of gathering to play a favorite group card game with friends old and new. The event includes refreshments plus door and cash prizes. All funds raised directly benefit the library’s collections, programs and facility. For more information and to register visit friendsoftheedhlibrary.org/bridge-tournament.

Musician Ed Wilson will perform at Mraz Brewing Company in El Dorado Hills, 4-6 p.m.

LOS TiGRES dEL NORTE

from 4-7 p.m. Stop by for some good food

and good tunes. For more information call (530) 626-1091.

Nov. 16

Anya Hinkle and Billy Cardine on dobro perform bluegrass and folk music at 7 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club, 251 Main St. in Placerville. For tickets visit tickets.clubgreenroom.com.

Nov. 17

The Placerville Area Chess Club meets every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Denny’s in Cameron Park, 3446 Coach Lane. For more

information call Neville Arroues at (530) 642-9043.

Nov. 18

The Sierra Renaissance Society presents the annual business meeting and a presentation by Keith Atwater, 100+ Years of Architecture in El Dorado County, 1-3 p.m. at the Mother Lode Lions Hall, 4701 Missouri Flat Road in Diamond Springs.

Admission free for members; the public invited to attend two meetings each year free. The Sierra Renaissance Society of El Dorado County is dedicated to lifelong learning and hosts presentations and workshops throughout the year. For more information visit srsedc.org.

The Dogwood Garden Club & Pollock Pines-Camino Community Center hosts the 2022 Holiday Craft Faire in the Pines, 5-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Pollock Pines-Camino Community Center, 2675 Sanders Drive in Pollock Pines. For more information email Norma Ray at ray. norma@att.net or Jan Slominski at evdriver@comcast.net.

Valhalla Tahoe’s 26th annual Holiday Faire in the grand hall takes place Nov. 18-20. Find great gifts and take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Admission is free.

Now

The Christmas elves at Indian Rock Tree Farm in Camino are once again collecting names and addresses for the Trees for Troops program. For more information or to give a name contact indianrock@directcon.net or call (530) 622-4087. Donations to help with the shipping are also appreciated. Checks should be made out to “Indian Rock Trees for Troops.”

The 2022 Hangtown Christmas Parade — A Charles Dickens Christmas is accepting applications for the Sunday, Dec. 4, parade. The parade takes place on Broadway and Main Street in Placerville starting at 1 p.m. Check in for participants is 11 a.m. Entry fee is an unwrapped gift for Toys for Tots. For an application go to hangtownchristmasparade.com or for more information call (530) 613-7228. Entry deadline is Nov. 18.

The Placerville Arts Association hosts the 56th National Mother Lode Art Exhibition through Nov. 19 at the Mills Station Arts & Culture Center in Rancho Cordova. Gallery hours are 3-8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. The show can also be viewed by appointment on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For more information visit placervillearts.com/paamother-lode-show.

Falcon’s Eye Theatre at Folsom Lake College presents “Puffs” through Nov. 20 at Harris Center for the Arts. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

High School students may apply now for the CongressBundestag Youth Exchange program to study abroad in Germany. ASSE is one of four well-established international exchange organizations that administer this prestigious program, which is jointly sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the German Bundestag. ASSE has 50 scholarships available to American youth from the western and northwestern regions of the USA. Students are encouraged to learn more and apply at UsaGermanyScholarship.org. The deadline to apply is Dec. 1.

Gold Bug Park & Mine in Placerville is open Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit goldbugpark.org.

Dive into Sutter Street Theatre’s new show

FOLSOM — “The SpongeBob Musical” brings underwater adventures to Sutter Street Theatre beginning Nov. 12.

The stakes are higher than ever in this dynamic stage musical, as SpongeBob SquarePants and all of Bikini Bottom face the total annihilation of their undersea world. Chaos erupts. Lives hang in the balance. And just when all hope seems lost, a most unexpected hero rises up and takes center stage. The power of optimism really can save the world.

“The SpongeBob Musical,” rated G, is based on the beloved animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg and features a book by Kyle Jarrow, with original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of

Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alexander Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I., and songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny and Andy Paley. Additional lyrics are by Jonathan Coulton, with additional music by Tom Kitt. The musical production was conceived by Tina Landau.

Sutter Street Theatre’s production is directed by Alison Gilbreath with musical direction by David Williams and choreography by Sarah Williams. Showtimes are 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 12-27, at Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter St. in Folsom. For more information and reservations visit SutterStreetTheatre.com or call (916) 353-1001.

Dave Mason will rock Sacramento stage

News release

SACRAMENTO —

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason continues his fall tour Wednesday, Oct. 16, at the Crest Theatre in Sacramento. The tour leads into the release of Mason’s tellall autobiography, “Only You Know & I Know,” due early 2023.

This continuing world tour is a testament to Mason’s six-decade enduring role as an icon in rock history as well as the unrelenting support of his music loving fans the world over. He enjoyed a successful cross country run over the summer and is thrilled to get back out on the road to see his friends and fans.

“There is nothing quite like performing live. I love it!” Mason said.

Joining Mason on this run are longtime band members Johnne Sambataro on guitar and vocals and Alvino Bennett on drums as well as exciting new additions Bill Mason on keyboard and vocals and Ray Cardwell on bass and vocals. This new lineup will perform Mason’s most loved and iconic songs as well as deep tracks and fans can always count on a few surprises.

In 2020 Dave Mason reimagined his iconic album “Alone Together” with the release of “Alone Together Again.” The album is available through Mason’s online store and on all digital platforms, via Shelter

Records. Written when he was only 20 years old, Mason is likely best known for “Feelin’ Alright?” — one of the most beloved and covered rock anthems since its release in 1968. The timeless song continues to be a powerful and enduring moment of rock-n-roll history, featured in dozens of films and TV commercials as well as interpretations by artists as diverse as Joe Cocker,

Three Dog Night, Grand Funk Railroad, ELO, Coldplay, The 5th Dimension and so many more. A new version of this classic was re-recorded and released in July 2020 featuring Mason alongside Mick Fleetwood, Sammy Hagar, Michael McDonald and The Doobie Brothers: John McFee, Tom Johnston, John Cowan and Pat Simmons.

Photo by Allen Schmeltz

Sandy Cheeks (Summer Smith), standing left, and Patrick Star (Janae Ocampo), standing right, join SpongeBob SquarePants (Alec Hudson) on an adventure to save Bikini Bottom. Join the fun in Folsom.

Photo by Chris Jensen

Rock-n-roll legend Dave Mason and his band will bring down the house next week at the Crest Theatre in Sacramento.

2,” debuted at No. 3 on the iTunes charts. Formed in 2015

by producer and arranger Jamey Ray, the voices that bring arrangements to life represent a wealth of diverse backgrounds and musical experiences.

National Geographic Live, Rae Wynn-Grant – The Secret Life of Bears, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 30: Wynn-Grant has dedicated her life to ecological research and conservation. As a scientist with National Geographic Society’s Last Wild Places Initiative, she works to protect and restore iconic wildlife populations, including North American black and grizzly bears. But when the wild lands of their habitat are crisscrossed by roads, fences and ranches, how can bears and humans coexist peacefully? Dr. Wynn-Grant intends to find the answer. Join this committed carnivore ecologist for a fascinating look inside the secret lives of bears and a report from the front lines of the mission to help humans and carnivores coexist peacefully.

Ladies Night 2023 with Sheena Easton & Taylor Dayne, 8 p.m. Sunday, April 30: Between them, this dynamic duo has garnered nine Grammy Award nominations, two Grammy Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, one American Music Award, six Platinum albums, five Gold albums, 39 Billboard top 20 singles and 11 Billboard No. 1 singles.

Dayne is an American pop icon with a career spanning three decades. Her debut single “Tell It To My Heart” turned her into an overnight international star in 1987. She

followed the smash hit with 17 Top 20 singles over the course of her career, including No. 1 hits “Love Will Lead You Back,” “Prove Your Love” and “I’ll Always Love You.” Dayne has sold more than 75 million albums and singles worldwide.

Easton, whose recording career has spanned four decades and includes Gold and Platinum albums in the United States, Europe and Asia, has sold more than 20 million records worldwide. She has received two Grammys, and was the first — and still only — artist to have top five records on five major Billboard charts. Her hits range from “Morning Train: 9 to 5” to the James Bond movie title song “For Your Eyes Only.”

National Geographic Live, David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes –Coral Kingdoms and Empires of Ice, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 11: Explore rarely seen undersea worlds with two photographers creating a visual voice for the world’s oceans. Doubilet is a legend in underwater photography. Together with his wife and underwater partner, photojournalist Hayes, he has explored three unique marine environments for National Geographic. Together, they’ll go beyond the published stories to share the reality of their behind-the-camera adventures.

Individual tickets are on sale, Call (916) 608-6888 or visit HarrisCenter. net. Box office hours are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and one hour before showtime.

Vintage dance party to perform at The Center

News release

GRASS VALLEY

—

The Center for the Arts announces the return of Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox Nov. 15. When New York City pianist Scott Bradlee created the rotating musical collective Postmodern Jukebox out of a basement in Queens in 2011, his goal was simple: to remake the pop hits of today into the classic sounds of the legends of yesterday.

Miley Cyrus became The Platters. Bruno Mars became Frank Sinatra. The Spice Girls became The Andrews Sisters. Guns ’n’ Roses became Bessie Smith.

Now, nearly a decade later, Postmodern Jukebox has grown to become a pop culture mainstay in its own right, having played more than 1,000 shows on six continents worldwide — including acclaimed venues like Radio City Music Hall, Sydney Opera House and Red Rocks Amphitheater. In the process, PMJ has introduced audiences to many of the world’s greatest singers, dancers and instrumentalists — many of whom have gone on to become stars

in their own right. One part celebration of vintage music and culture, one part “‘Saturday Night Live’ for singers,” a Postmodern Jukebox show is an unforgettable trip back in time that makes pop music history — in your own hometown. Since its beginnings as a small group of friends making music in a basement, PMJ released a new video on YouTube weekly, with most videos filmed casually in Bradlee’s living room and sets became more

Mason has been respectfully called a musical “gunslinger” for a reason. Having worked with some of the biggest names in music, his trademark guitar licks and musical touches are all over beloved classic hits.

Early next year will see the release of his first ever autobiography, in which Mason will share some of the great untold tales in rock-n-roll. He has a unique and rare viewpoint as he recorded an album with Mama Cass, played rhythm guitar on “All Along the Watchtower” with Jimi Hendrix, was a founding member of Traffic, recorded with Paul McCartney, George Harrison and The Rolling Stones, was part of Fleetwood Mac for a spell as well as a guitar designer and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee …. yep, that’s Dave Mason. The Crest Theatre is located at 1013 K St. in downtown Sacramento. For tickets and more information visit crestsacramento.com/events.

the Salt River near Mesa, Ariz. In 2021 Gray’s photo “Making the Turn” won first place in the Terry & Hyon Bixler Image of the Year Award competition. Gray’s work appears in many galleries and private collections, as well as in print and online, but what she finds most rewarding about her photography is when people say, “Thank you for being my eyes! I will never go where you went, but now I can experience the beauty of it through your photography.”

The gallery

Gold Country Artists Gallery, 379 Main St. in Placerville, features the work of many awardwinning regional artists working in fields as diverse as fine jewelry, photography, fused glass, wood turning, pastels, colored pencil, scratch board and watercolor, acrylic and oil painting. The gallery is open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on the third Saturday each month until 8 p.m. For more information call (530) 642-2944 or visit goldcountryartistsgallery.com.

elaborate over time. PMJ built up a solid following and amassed over 1.8 billion YouTube views and 5.8 million subscribers.

The band has covered songs by artists ranging from Lady Gaga and The Strokes to Katy Perry and the White

Stripes and has gone on to feature 70 different performers. Robyn Adele Anderson’s cover version of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ “Thrift Shop” (2012) was Postmodern Jukebox’s first viral music video. In 2014 PMJ started the first annual

#PMJSearch contest to discover musical talent. The month-long competition asks fans to submit videos of themselves performing versions of PMJ songs for a chance to perform in an upcoming official video with the winner selected by Bradlee

himself. The group’s cover of Radiohead’s seminal 1990s hit “Creep,” performed by Haley Reinhart, was called a “stunning listen” by the Los Angeles Times in April 2015. As of April 2022, the video had over 105 million views and was the group’s most viewed video.

In 2018 Bradlee released his first book, a memoir titled “Outside The Jukebox: How I Turned My Vintage Music Obsession Into My Dream Gig.” The book received positive reviews from Publishers Weekly, The Weekly Standard, and Billboard.

Doors open for Postmodern Jukebox: Life in the Past Lane at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. at The Center for the Arts Marisa Funk Theater, 314 West Main St. in Grass Valley. For tickets and more information visit thecenterforthearts.org or call (530) 274-8384.

Mason Continued from B7

Courtesy photo

Hear today’s hits with yesterday’s flair when Postmodern Jukebox takes the stage in Grass Valley.

Tommy Castro marks 30 years on the road

nternationally beloved guitarist, singer and songwriter Tommy Castro, along with his band The Painkillers, celebrate his 30 years on the road with a live performance at The Center for the Arts in Grass Valley Nov. 16. Castro’s most recent release is the trailblazing, awardwinning “Tommy Castro Presents A Bluesman Came To Town.”

Castro recently won the top three 2022 Blues Music Awards (presented by The Blues Foundation), receiving the coveted B.B. King Entertainer of the Year award (for the third time in his career), Album of the Year award (for “Tommy Castro Presents A Bluesman Came To Town”) and the highly competitive Blues Band of the Year award for Tommy Castro & The Painkillers. Tommy Castro & The Painkillers also won Blues Blast magazine’s coveted 2022 Blues Band of the Year award.

In addition to the awards, 2022 also marks Castro’s 30th year as a bandleader, as well as his 30-year association with bassist Randy McDonald. Castro is also celebrating the 10th anniversary of the formation of his current band, Tommy Castro & The Painkillers, with McDonald, drummer Bowen Brown and keyboardist Michael Emerson.

“Tommy Castro Presents A Bluesman

Came To Town” is a roots music odyssey. Through its 13 songs, Castro tells the tale of a young man, working on his family farm, who gets bitten by the blues bug. He masters the guitar and heads out on the road seeking fame and fortune, only to find what he’s left behind is the treasure he’s been looking for.

“‘A Bluesman Came To Town’ isn’t a story about me,” said Castro. “It’s pulled from some of my friends’ and my experiences, though. I’ve seen first-hand for a lot of years what it’s like out there on the road.”

The road is where

Castro has made his mark over the past three decades. Talking about his 30 years as a bandleader, Castro shared, “When Randy and I started out playing blues joints and bars in San Francisco in the early ’90s, we had no idea what kind of a ride we were in for. I’ve always been inspired by all the old blues guys and now I’m one of them. I look forward to the next 30 years.”

McDonald added, “We’ve lasted longer than all our marriages combined and we’re still rockin’ somewhere nearly every night.”

The two have

performed more than 6,000 shows together, including three seasons as the house band for NBC’s “Comedy Showcase,” two summerlong tours with B.B. King and Buddy Guy, 40 music cruises (including 33 consecutive soldout Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruises) and many of the world’s largest music festivals. They have shared stages with legends including John Lee Hooker, Carlos Santana, Bob Weir, Gregg Allman, Dr. John, Willie Nelson, Jeff Beck, Joe Bonamassa, Elvin Bishop, Charlie Musselwhite, Magic Dick of The J. Geils

Band, Taj Mahal and Los Lobos.

Born in San Jose in 1955, Castro first picked up a guitar at age 10 and started to create his own personal sound and style by mixing the blues, rock n’ roll, and soul music he heard blasting from lowriders in his neighborhood. He honed his guitar skills and intense, gritty vocals, learning how to capture an audience as he performed on San Francisco’s highly competitive club scene. As his reputation spread, Castro played in various Bay Area bands, soon making a name for himself as a hotter-than-

hot live artist bursting at the seams with talent. After a series of successful releases on the Blind Pig, Telarc and 33rd Street labels, Castro joined Alligator Records in 2009. His label debut, “Hard Believer,” was released to massive popular and critical acclaim.

Throughout his long, constantly evolving career, Castro has always remained true to himself while exploring, growing and creating new music, and he has taken his thousands of devoted fans right along with him. Ranging from horn-fueled R&B to piping hot blues to fiery, stripped-down rock-n-roll, each of Castro’s 16 albums is solidly built on his unshakable musical foundation—a dynamic mix of 1960s-influenced guitar-fueled blues, testifying Memphissoaked blue-eyed soul and Latin-tinged East San Jose funk, all driven by Castro’s grab-youby-the-collar vocals and passionate guitar work.

Blues Revue declared, “Tommy Castro can do no wrong.”

Castro’s relentless road-dog approach — gig after gig, night after night — has won him loyal, lifelong fans everywhere he plays.

Doors to Tommy Castro & the Painkillers open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. at The Center for the Arts Marisa

Funk Theater, 314 West Main St. in Grass Valley. For tickets and more information visit thecenterforthearts.org or call (530) 274-8384.

Photo by Victoria Smith

No slowing down for Tommy Castro. He has performed on the road fo three decades and is still going strong.