Officials taking time to balance county budget
Eric Jaramishian Senior sta writer
El Dorado County leaders are taking on initiatives to develop the 2025-26 fiscal year budget, exploring ways to ensure it’s balanced.
Recognizing the slowing of discretionary revenue growth, including slower property tax growth, stagnant sales and use tax growth and discretionary transient occupancy tax revenue coming in lower than expected, Chief Administrative O ce sta o ered recommendations to help o set expected hits to the General Fund, including increasing countywide cost recovery from departments. The county recovers countywide costs from 15 out of its more than 30 departments.
“We think there are a couple of places where we can look and be able to legitimately recover some outside funding to cover countywide services,” said Assistant CAO Sue Hennike.
“That is the goal — to continue our service level to the citizens of El Dorado County while being prudent and aware of our nancial constraints that look like will continue.”
— Board Chair Wendy Thomas
Additionally, sta will look into county departments’ services, travel and salary and benefits budgets for savings without impacting the public. This will include a review any vacant positions to determine if they can be eliminated without impacting service. Out of more than 2,052 full time equivalent county allocations, on which nearly $250 million is spent, 14% were vacant as of October.
The county faces other expense pressures as it prepares to develop its 2025-26 budget, including expected expenses related to legal cases (i.e. Sheetz V. El Dorado County), health insurance and risk program cost increases and costs expected to address aging facilities.
Hennike said the county might also need to come up with discretionary revenues to backfill its tra c impact fee program.
“It’s something that we keep in the back of our minds that we just need to be aware of,” she told the supervisors at the Nov. 5 board meeting.
The board previously set aside $4 million in anticipation of increases to workers’ compensation and general liability in last fiscal year’s adopted budget, in which costs have increased by 78% over the last five years, according to sta .
To help o set hits to the General Fund, sta urged
Though rain and stormy weather prevented Veterans Day celebrations from happening at the El Dorado County Veterans Monument, that didn’t stop the public from honoring our nation’s heroes. Relocated to the Board of Supervisors’ chambers at the government center in Placerville, the public packed the meeting room Monday morning for a crowded but significant ceremony hosted by the El Dorado County Veterans Alliance and the Friends of the El Dorado County Veterans Monument. Above, Marines and veterans salute during the event. At right, the Veterans Alliance presented SFC Veronica Salter with the Veteran of the Year award. Salter served as a military police officer during the Global War on Terror, including service at Guantanamo Bay. Below, veterans listen as the Ponderosa High School Chamber Choir performs service anthems.
■ See BUDGET, page A8 ■ SEE MORE PHOTOS ON A10
restless crowd demanded answers and solutions from the district o ces of El Dorado County on Nov. 7, after learning that snow removal services would be far more limited than in years past. The main reason for these limited operations lies in the lower pay o ered to potential snow removal employees.
District 5 Supervisor Brooke Laine brought Department of Transportation
Director Rafael Martinez to Meyers to help explain what’s happening with snow removal operations this upcoming winter.
In February, Laine was told that there wasn’t enough sta to clear the roads, and she urged the DOT to address this issue. And though the DOT believed there would be enough sta for both day and night shifts, in October, this proved to not be the case. For the unincorporated communities , snow removal from the county is vital in providing them a way to get to work,
Rainy day of remembrance
school and to other services. But as it stands, there is a deficit of employees to cover the night shift of plowing. And while the DOT is anticipating potential hires of four new employees, those hires have also applied to other snow removal jobs in the area. Martinez said, “The chances of getting those four employees are slim.” Currently, El Dorado County pays less than Caltrans, Placer County, the city of South Lake Tahoe and Washoe County,
Mountain Democrat photos by Eric Jaramishian
ESSENTIALS
OBITUARIES
Mary Elaine Adams
Dec. 16, 1934 – Nov. 5, 2024
Mary Elaine Adams, 89, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2024 in Ogden, UT. Born 12/16/34 in Rochester, NY to Peter & Evelyn Schwartz. During her teen years she lived with her “Grandpa & Grandma” Pritchard in Canandaigua, NY. It was here she found her love of animals, gardening & farming. She participated in 4-H & later in Grange. She graduated from Canandaigua Academy in 1953. She married John W. Phillips on January 30, 1954. Together they had 3 children. They later divorced in 1975. From 1982-83, she served a Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints in Pennsylvania & Washington D.C. Then Mary met the love of her life, W. Noland Adams & they were married May 4, 1984. She loved her children, grandchildren & greatgrandchildren fiercely! Known for her great love of family, patriotism & love of country, sense of humor, concern for everyone’s welfare, missionary efforts & her pets. Mary is survived by her children Elaine Knecht, John Phillips Jr. (Debbie) & Lorraine Gastaldi Hill (Scott); 13 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; halfsister Carol Kociela & half-brother Richard Schwartz (Lucy); nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Noland Adams, her parents & her brother Donald B. Schwartz. Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday November 22, 2024 at Green Valley Cemetery, 3004 Alexandrite Drive, Rescue, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to PAWS (Performing Animal Welfare Society) @pawsweb.org, or the Missionary Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints @ donate.churchofjesuschrist.org.
Lillian Edna Zdonek Krogman
Jan. 21, 1936 – Oct. 25, 2024
Douglas Alan Walker
Oct. 23, 1945 – Sept. 22, 2024
Douglas Alan Walker, born on October 23, 1945 in Compton, CA. passed away on September 22, 2024. Doug was raised in Inglewood, CA. and was pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Archeology at Eugene, Oregon when his education was interrupted by military service in the Army from 1969 to 1971. He finished that degree at California State University at Sacramento and relocated to El Dorado County. His interest in history led him to discover that his great-grandfather John Sutherland had lived and mined here in the early days of the Gold Rush. He was a longtime Board Member of the El Dorado County Historical Society and worked tirelessly to preserve El Dorado County history. Among other contributions he created a historical research guide to El Dorado County people and places. It includes over 18,000 entries recording historical references to people and places in the County. This work will enhance historical research for many years to come. He is survived by wife Annie; two children, John Mac Donald, Charlene Buscaglia. Also, four grandchildren, two greatgrandchildren, and one cousin. Doug retired from the El Dorado County Transportation Department in 2008. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the El Dorado County Historical Society and Museum. Memorial to be at the Historic Federated Church on Thompson Way, Placerville, CA 95667. November 23, 2024 at 10 AM to 12 PM.
Darlene Mae Eilders
April 23, 1930 – Oct. 20, 2024
The following information was taken from Placerville Police reports:
Oct. 27
2 a.m. Vandalism reported on Naomi Way.
4:25 p.m. Grand theft reported on Conrad Court.
6:50
7:30
Lillian was born on Jan. 21, 1936 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada to Walter and Martha Zdonek. On October 25, 2024 in Placerville, CA. she passed on to her eternal home. Lillian leaves behind a strong legacy of faith, love, creativity, fun, and service to others. Lillian grew up in Kingsville, Ontario, the third of five children. The foundation of her faith came from her parents who had emigrated from eastern Europe and who learned English from reading the Bible. In Michigan, where Lillian worked when she was a young woman, she met and married John Krogman, who was starting his career as a federal agent with the ATF; thus began their nomadic life. With the ATF requiring relocation every two to three years, Lillian continually created beautiful homes and helped her three daughters adjust to new neighborhoods, churches and schools. They lived in several mid-west states and made several moves between the Washington D.C. area and California. Throughout these moves and across the decades, Lillian kept up friendships she had made along the way; most notably with Ardis Krafft (a fellow ATF wife). Lillian also developed her skills as a seamstress, creating beautiful clothes for her daughters and herself for many years. Another decades long friendship was with Ruth Abel, with whom she created detailed wooden Christmas ornaments. They used a jigsaw to cut out numerous shapes and then hand painted each one. These are family treasures for her daughters and grandchildren. Lillian was also an avid painter. Her final creation was an extensive mural depicting different seasons and places around the world all on the back fence of her home in Citrus Heights, CA. Lillian was always busy. An avid baker — she made incredible cheesecake, baked Alaska and orange cake. In addition, she managed and coached her daughters soccer and softball teams and in the 1970s worked on the initiative to get bike lanes in Mountain View, CA. Lillian also went to college at age 50 and earned her BA in Sociology while working full time. Lillian will likely be most remembered for her strong Christian faith, which she lived out in her lifetime by being a humble servant, devoting herself to the reading of scripture and prayer and participating in her church. Lillian is survived by her three daughters: Dawn (Rich) Amlin, Darlene (Tim) Manclark, and Dana (Steve) Covington; her eight grandchildren: Heather (Kyle) Bonvechio, Haley Bridges, Kyle (Jake) Rehmeier, Hannah Covington, Molly (Austin) Hall, Hudson Manclark, Hayden Manclark, and Harley Manclark; and her three great grandchildren: Riley Bonvechio, Lacy Covington, and Stevie Rehmeier. It was a blessing that in the two weeks before her passing, all of these family members were able to visit and spend time with her. In addition, Lillian is survived by her younger brothers Ed Zdonek and Michael (Debbie) Zdonek. The family wishes to thank everyone who knew and supported Lil during her life and especially her final years. In particular we wish to thank the caring staff at Eskton, Placerville, who made mom feel so welcome and loved. Per mom’s wishes, she will be interred in Kingsville, Canada next to her parents and older sister Virginia.
Darlene Mae Eilders was born on April 23, 1930, in Martell, Nebraska to Albert and Henny Blochowitz. She passed away with family by her side singing hymns and surrounding her with love. Darlene is survived by daughter Nancy Fallas; son John K. (Penny) Eilders; daughter Susan (Chris Jones) Keddy-Jones; Judy Eilders, Sandra (Brian) Morris; 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Darlene was preceded in death by her loving husband, John; brother Gilbert Blochowitz; sister Adith Buntjer; brother Roland Blochowitz; granddaughter Candace Keddy and is celebrating with them and others today in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Darlene had a full life at 94 years. Her Nebraskan memories with her cousins and other relatives were fun times in Martell. They often took trips to Lincoln, Nebraska and enjoyed visiting other relatives and shopping. It was not long before the dustbowl and depression were taking place. Due to those conditions, the farm her family was renting in Martell was experiencing di culty so her family moved to Bigelow, Minnesota in March of 1940. They rented another farm and, later, purchased that farm. Darlene really enjoyed this larger farmhouse, barn and lots of property for crops and animals. By 1941, WWII started and, due to gas rationing, she had to live part-time with a family in Sibley, Iowa to attend high school. This was a very hard time for her to be away from her family in Minnesota for long periods of time.
At the age of 17, Darlene graduated from Worthington High School and moved to Minneapolis with two of her close girlfriends and became telephone operators. She met and began dating John on one of her visits home. About this time, Darlene and her friends wanted to transfer somewhere new so they flipped a coin and decided to move to Denver, Colorado. John and Darlene began letter writing and, after a month, he came to Denver for a visit. Before his week-long visit was over, he had proposed! They married within three months of dating and enjoyed a wonderful 68 years together until John was brought home by our Heavenly Father. They bought a home in Des Moines, Iowa and were blessed with four children. John received a job opportunity with Aerojet and moved to Northern California in 1960. In 1961, their fifth child was born. While Darlene enjoyed being a homemaker, once the children were all in school, she also enjoyed working various jobs outside of the home. One job she really enjoyed was working as a dispatcher for the Sacramento County Sheri ’s O ce. John worked at Aerojet for 11 years, after which they owned the Shingle Springs Frosty on Motherlode Drive. Upon John receiving a job opportunity in Southern California, they moved and both began working at HR Textron. Darlene received a job opportunity with Occidental Petroleum and worked there for a few years and then retired. When John retired in 1987, they moved back to Shingle Springs and enjoyed their church family at Light of the Hills Lutheran Church, and were very active in caring for their grandchildren. Darlene was a fun-loving mom and grandma who enjoyed shopping, playing games, attending her grandchildren’s’ games, activities and, especially, taking them to Apple Hill! While we all will miss her dearly, we rejoice in knowing she is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, John, and all those who believed and have gone on before her. Memorial services were held at Light of the Hills Lutheran Church in Cameron Park on Sunday, November 10th at 2:00 p.m. with a reception that followed.
The following information was taken from EDSO reports:
Oct. 21
8:02 a.m. Burglary reported on Romer Boulevard in Pollock Pines.
8:48 a.m. Vandalism reported on Lynx Trail in Pollock Pines.
9:14 a.m. Illegal entry reported on Da Vinci Drive in El Dorado Hills
9:32 a.m. Grand theft reported on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines.
9:59 a.m. Vehicle burglary reported on Romer Boulevard in Pollock Pines.
10:29 a.m. Trespassing reported on Cedarhurst Court in Cameron Park.
11:14 a.m. Burglary reported on Cambridge Road in Cameron Park.
5:41 p.m. Grand theft reported an Barranca Court in El Dorado Hills.
Oct. 22
9:21 a.m. Burglary reported on Derby Court in Somerset.
5:23 p.m. Vandalism reported on Crystal Drive in Diamond Springs.
5:56 p.m. Burglary reported on Meybees Court in El Dorado Hills.
11:58 p.m. Trespassing reported at a business on Pleasant Valley Road in El Dorado.
Oct. 23
5:57 a.m. Trespassing reported on Deer Canyon Road in Camino.
6:06 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 50-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance for sale and illegal drug paraphernalia and transporting a controlled substance on Placerville Drive at Highway 50. He was listed in custody in lieu of $470,000 bail.
/
8:44 a.m. Grand theft reported on Sean Shelly Lane in Rescue.
11:01 a.m. Burglary reported on Gold Country Drive in El Dorado.
12:24 p.m. Trespassing reported on Jacobus Drive in Garden Valley.
12:48 p.m. Vandalism reported
622-1255 PUBLISHER Richard B. Esposito (530) 344-5055 / resposito@mtdemocrat.net
EDITORIAL STAFF Noel Stack Editor 530-344-5073 / nstack@villagelife.net
Mimi Escabar Special Sections Editor 530-344-5070 / mescabar@mtdemocrat.net
/ eric@mtdemocrat.com
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Agencies ‘excitingly’ remove Taylor Tallac creek bottom barriers
Katelyn Welsh Tahoe Daily Tribune
SOUTH LAKE
TAHOE — Under the gaze of the freshly powdered Mt. Tallac, workers wade through Taylor Creek and Tallac Creek to pull up rebar, sand bags and what appear to be large black tarps.
“We’re excitingly removing the bottom barriers,” aquatic biologist Sarah Muskopf with the USDA Forest Service explained.
The cause for excitement is the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Forest Service’s three year long treatment with these barriers has proved to be successful against the invasive Eurasian watermilfoil and curly-leaf pondweed, starving them of critical sunlight.
native plants such as elodea and the common bladderwort.
Native fish species will also reap the benefits of the project, including the Lahontan cutthroat trout, which continues to receive numerous recovery efforts after the species was wiped out regionally in the 1940s. The Taylor and Tallac creeks provide a haven for small fish,
The surveys are also important to continue to control curly-leaf pondweed, which unlike milfoil, reproduces through hardy turions. Although the bottom barriers kill the plant structure, these turions can survive and remain dormant until the opportune time to grow. As those sprout, managers will pull them with each survey.
“People want to come out here and see and swim in beautiful water, but also see native species in the water, [and] see birds,” she added. “I think that’s all part of the draw.”
— Sarah Muskopf
protecting them from predators and creating an ideal environment for many native fish to spawn and rear.
A root check this summer revealed the barriers had killed the weeds, but the work doesn’t stop with the celebration. There’s still more work to do in the 2,600-acre site where managers are focused on the wetland portion found near Baldwin Beach. They’re placing attention there for a very important reason.
“These are really the last naturally functioning wetlands that we have in the basin,” Muskopf said. “Although more are going to be restored.”
The service and partners are working to restore both the biologically and physically sensitive and rare habitat there.
The removal of the bottom barriers completes phase one of the planned restoration work and sets the stage for other projects slated for the site. The reason it was important to start restoration with the removal of aquatic invasive weeds is exemplified by the American bullfrog population there, another aquatic invasive species.
“We’re hoping by removing these weeds that we’re really taking out a big habitat component for them,” Muskopt explained. Although it won’t get rid of them completely, she added, they will wonder where the weeds went.
Dennis Zabaglo with the TRPA, calls it “a little poke in the eye.”
The same is true for other non-desirable warm water invasive species.
What makes this accomplishment so noteworthy is that prior to this treatment, the largest aquatic invasive treatment was 6 acres.
“So we’re almost tripling that,” Zabaglo said. “It’s an exciting opportunity to bring back native habitat for one of the most beautiful places in the basin, and it’s also important ecologically speaking that these are our natural filters, these wetlands, to reduce nutrients and sediments from entering Lake Tahoe.”
Partners are looking forward to not only seeing the native habitat come back next season, but also
Prior to this project, the treatments were often done in manipulated environments like a marina. This was the first of these types of treatments to be administered in a natural wetland. This meant that managers had to deal with curveballs the dynamic environment threw at them like changing water levels and ensuring activities did not have long-term impact on native and beneficial species, including the Kokanee salmon spawning.
Despite the phased install since 2021 and now removal of the mats, the work there is far from over.
“We have to make sure we’re protecting that investment,” Zabaglo said. It’s an investment of $4,721,947 so far and a re-infestation could threaten the hardearned return.
Weed fragments are easily moved with wind and waves, and can be transported by waterfowl, and boats. The site’s location within close proximity to other large infestations, along with increased boat activity, makes re-infestation a very real risk. The next two years will bring frequent surveillance monitoring to the treated area to ensure any infestations do not become established again.
The surveys will also track how natives species are doing.
As this phase comes to an end, the service is gearing up for phase two by finishing up design and permitting.
This next phase will bring a suite of restoration projects with it, including restoring hydrology. This is another reason why controlling the weeds first was important for managers. Doing it in a different order could have spread the already 17-acre infestation even wider.
The hydrologic work encompasses returning Tallac Creek to its original shape and removing culverts and fill placed in the ‘50s that disconnect habitats during low lake levels. The restoration will return the habitat into a continuous shallow channel with freestanding bridges that allow the water to flow freely.
With these changes, the service seeks to create a more resilient habitat to a changing climate. “Meaning that the wetland can stay wetter longer,” Muskopf said.
Other projects include improving the experience for the human visitor.
“People want to come out here and see and swim in beautiful water, but also see native species in the water, [and] see birds,” she added. “I think that’s all part of the draw.”
But creating a recreational experience while protecting the land can be a hard balance for land managers, Muskopf explained. “How can you have so many people out here in what is a really rare and sensitive habitat? And so the overall goal is to
n See BARRIERS, page A4
Dental News
Presented by Jeffery Little, D.D.S.
Many people are choosing sparkling water or infusing their own water as an alternative to sugary drinks. But carbonation and citrus juice are both acidic, and acidic substances damage tooth enamel. However, there is good news on both accounts. Studies have shown that, while carbonation is slightly more acidic than regular tap water, it doesn’t affect your teeth differently. Research on the effects of lemon water on teeth have concluded that as much as half a lemon (or equivalent juice) can be added to a 12-to-16-ounce glass of water without damaging enamel. Dentists recommend alternating these beverages with plain, fluoridated tap water, which strengthens tooth enamel. Drinking beverages
through a straw also helps acids bypass your teeth.
Our experience has shown that a healthy diet is a fundamental defense against tooth decay, the same as diligent brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are. We also believe our skilled and dedicated dental team is one of our greatest assets, and our high standards of quality and integrity sincerely motivate us to achieve the best results for our family of patients. If it’s been awhile since your last visit, why not call for an appointment today.
P.S. Flavored sparkling waters are more acidic than plain sparkling water. Drinking these beverages in one sitting, rather than throughout the day, is recommended to help preserve tooth enamel.
Photo by Katelyn Welsh / Tahoe Daily Tribune
Workers pull bottom barriers from the 17 acre treatment area near Baldwin Beach on Oct. 31.
Eldorado National Forest resumes prescribed burning
News release
The arrival of autumn brings cooler temps, shorter days and preparation for prescribed burning on the Eldorado National Forest. Fire specialists have begun preparing for prescribed burn projects across all four districts, while waiting for favorable conditions to begin operations. Burning operations will continue through the fall and winter as weather and conditions allow.
Prescribed fires reduce hazardous fuels, minimizes the spread of pest insects and disease, provides forage for game, improves habitat, recycles nutrients back to the soil and promotes the growth of trees, wildflowers and other plants, contributing to overall forest health. It also helps us protect people’s livelihoods, property and critical infrastructure, such as powerlines and telecommunication links, thus reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire impacting local communities.
Prescribed burns are conducted within a “prescription” that is determined by fuel moisture, temperature, humidity, wind and
ventilation. Experienced fire and fuels specialists on the Eldorado National Forest build prescribed burn plans using the most up-todate science and modeling along with their combined on the ground fire and fuels experience. Fire personnel implement, evaluate, check, and patrol each burn to ensure it meets the goals and objectives outlined in the prescribed fire plans.
Each operation follows a specialized burn plan, in which temperature, humidity, wind, vegetation moisture and smoke dispersal conditions are considered daily before a prescribed fire is implemented.
The Forest Service will post signs on roads likely to be affected by operations as work begins in each of the project areas this season. Please use caution while driving through these areas and slow down for the safety of firefighters and the public. Check for smoke impacts in your area at airnow.gov.
Access the latest news and information about the Eldorado National Forest at fs.usda.gov/ eldorado, or by following @ EldoradoNF on Facebook or X.
Barrier Continued from A3
try to merge and bring those things to fruition.”
It’s the services hope to meet that goal with an improved picnic area, fencing around sensitive areas and interpretive signs to guide and inform on the experience.
The public can expect short-term and partial closures of the Baldwin Beach recreation area during phase two.
a far cry from its years of having the highest compensation in the basin. Martinez cited a less diverse budget portfolio and budget cuts in years with less heavy snow.
The DOT director expressed his regret in being unable to “provide the services that [these areas] deserve,” and announced that it was possible that in the current state of things, they might have 48 hour waits for snow removal — a statement that caused a stir among the packed audience.
It’s unclear exactly when this phase will begin as the Forest Service is still seeking funding. Even with funding, the project requires certain low lake level conditions to complete it.
The public can follow the Forest Service on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) for the latest updates and can visit its website for news and more.
who could make a change weren’t present at the meeting.
Medical staff from Barton spoke about how vital it was for them to get to work, especially when they work night shifts. Parents expressed the impact it would have on their families to be unable to get to work or get their kids to school. And the prospect of being snowed in for more and more days stirred negative emotions in all who spoke.
One audience member was very candid about how she felt. “This is honestly terrifying … not being able to have emergency services or leave our houses is so scary to me.”
And though Measure S enabled the purchase of new equipment, such as two new snowblowers, it isn’t allowed to be used to raise the salaries of workers. That budgeting decision isn’t in the hands of Martinez or Laine — labor negotiations and unions are involved, as well as three other district supervisors: Lori Parlin, Wendy Thomas and George Turnboo. None of these three supervisors were present at the meeting.
After the presentation, Laine opened the floor to audience questions and comment. Many lined up to express their confusion about logistics: how long the snow removal day shift was, when it started and what to realistically expect given the cutbacks on snow removal service. Others expressed their anger and disappointment that this issue wasn’t addressed sooner and that the people
Several people emphasized the importance of timely responses for medical emergencies — which would be impossible if snow removal wasn’t completed. “When someone dies, is that when you’re going to pay more money?” asked one audience member.
Laine closed out the meeting by saying, “My promise to you is that from now, until this problem is fixed, this is my top priority.” She then urged the audience to get in contact with the other three supervisors to express the need for snow removal services and higher pay for the employees.
Lori Parlin can be reached at bosfour@edcgov.us, Wendy Thomas at bosthree@edcgov.us, and George Turnboo at bostwo@edc.gov.us.
The Eldorado National Forest’s prescribed burn projects during the fall and winter months include fire specialists setting up burn piles in designated areas to get rid of excess fuel.
Nigel Duara and Joe Garcia Cal Matters
From their phones and their television screens and sometimes out their windows, Californians saw their state change quickly in the pandemic. Homelessness grew then and continued to grow. Fatal fentanyl overdoses soared.
Brash daytime smashand-grab robberies floated from TikTok to nightly newscasts.
A constellation of law enforcement, prosecutors and bigbox retailers insisted the cause was simple: Punishment wasn’t harsh enough.
They put forward a measure that elevated some lowlevel crimes to felonies and created avenues to coerce reluctant people into substance abuse treatment. That measure, Proposition 36, passed overwhelmingly Tuesday night. It led 70% to 30% early Wednesday. It undoes some of the changes voters made with a 2014 ballot measure that turned certain nonviolent felonies into misdemeanors, effectively shortening prison sentences. Amid the pandemic’s visible changes to California, in its growing homeless encampments, its ransacked Nordstroms and its looted rail yards, critics of that previous initiative finally found the right climate to turn back the law.
The strategy at the center of Prop. 36 is still a matter of debate. Its opponents say harsher sentences will never be an effective deterrent to crime. Much of the science, some of it funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, backs them up.
But the victory of Prop. 36, despite opposition from the governor and most of the state’s Democratic leadership, was not about what people know, it’s about what they saw.
An IT technician was afraid to walk five blocks to work in downtown Los Angeles, so he bought a parking pass and drove. A bigbox retailer moved all of its goods to its second floor because people kept stealing from the ground floor. The fentanyl crisis had police on body camera videos panicking and fainting when exposed to the substance.
The Prop. 36 campaign ran on images like those, and it promised to make them go away.
That Prop. 36 would pass has been fairly clear since late summer, when Gov. Gavin Newsom’s lastditch attempts to preempt the measure with other retail crime bills failed to siphon funding from Prop. 36 or to keep it off the ballot. So how did Californians, who supported more lenient sentences under 2014’s Proposition 47, come to support a tougher crime measure a decade later?
“What we might be seeing is evidence of a course correction
of a long path of criminal justice reform efforts,” said Magnus Lofstrom, criminal justice policy director at the Public Policy Institute of California.
Prop. 36 “targets crime and social problems that people can see: retail theft, more merchandise locked up, more viral videos (of thefts) and then the media talking about all of it.”
It’s those visible problems, Lofstrom said, that can quickly change voters’ minds. That also includes growing sidewalk encampments of the unhoused, paired with public drug consumption.
During the pandemic, the rate of shoplifting and commercial burglaries skyrocketed, especially in Los Angeles, Alameda, San Mateo and Sacramento counties. Statewide, the institute found that reported shoplifting of merchandise worth up to $950 soared 28% over the past five years. That’s the highest observed level since 2000.
Combining shoplifting with commercial burglaries, the institute’s researchers found that total reported thefts were 18% higher than in 2019.
“California voters have spoken with a clear voice on the triple epidemics of retail theft, homelessness and fatal drug overdoses plaguing our state,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. “In supporting Proposition 36, they said yes to treatment. They said yes to accountability. And they said yes to putting common sense before partisanship, so we can stop the suffering in our communities.”
Prop. 36 was not the only sign that California voters wanted to see tougher enforcement from law enforcement leaders. A move to recall progressive Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price jumped to a big lead in early returns. Los Angeles County’s progressive prosecutor, District Attorney George Gascón, lost his reelection bid to Nathan Hochman, who in 2022 ran unsuccessfully for state attorney general as a Republican.
Californians still want rehabilitation for prisoners
Opponents to Prop. 36 said the measure was a clever way to reintroduce the war on drugs in a way that was palatable to voters in 2024. They argued that no studies on criminal justice or homelessness support the idea that harsher punishment — or the threat of harsher punishment — prevents crime or gets people off the street.
Prop. 36 will expend hundreds of millions of dollars in court and prison costs, they say, without measurably reducing crime or poverty.
“We are aware that there’s been a shift in terms of the vibe around criminal legal
reform,” said Loyola Law School professor Priscilla Ocen, a former special assistant attorney general at the California Department of Justice.
“I don’t agree with the premise that California is swinging more rightward when it comes to the bad old days of mass incarceration,” she said. “I think on certain issues, yes, the electorate is frustrated with feelings of insecurity — despite the fact that those feelings are often not grounded in data in terms of your likelihood of being victimized, either by a property crime or a crime against a person.”
California property crime rates are near the lowest they’ve been in 40
The Yes on 36 campaign focused on “a sense of insecurity and uncertainty” highlighting the most visible elements of pandemic-era crime, Ocen said. Despite overall violent and property crime rates far closer to their historic lows than their peaks, certain visible crimes such as burglaries and car break-ins have risen year-over-year since the pandemic until at least 2023, the last year for which statistics are available.
“There’s a frustration that in addition to seeing unhoused people routinely on the streets, there’s just feelings of unease, even if it’s not born out in the data,” Ocen said.
Late September polling showed that just as many likely voters favored expanding treatment and rehabilitation as those who advocated for harsher sentences.
The measure’s backers insist the changes will not require the kind of mass incarceration that led to California’s massive prison overcrowding problem of the 1990s and 2000s.
What Californians see in downtowns
Claudia Oliveira, chief executive of the Downtown Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, said businesses in the city’s commercial center have had to make adjustments since the pandemic to combat retail theft — a Burlington Coat Factory, she said, moved all of its merchandise to the store’s second floor for a while because of repeated thefts on the ground floor.
“It’s not something that we should be angry about, but more sad that we are in a place where people are not healthy and people are still living in scarcity where they have to steal,” she said.
“Sometimes people say ‘It’s just property crime, so why do you care, they have insurance.’ Which is not always true. They have deductibles. I’ve seen small businesses closed after being looted. And it’s not always true that they have the resources to
get back on their feet, especially downtown.”
Oliveira said she could not vote on Prop. 36 because she is undocumented. But she said she supported the measure because she expects it to connect people with substance abuse or mental health issues to social services, while preventing theft on the scale California has seen since the start of the pandemic.
Jeff Ashook, 48, said his life in downtown Los Angeles has changed for the worse.
“I started working here in downtown Los Angeles, before the
pandemic, and I was living in Glendale at the time, and, yeah, I parked about, maybe, oh, about a half mile away from where I work,” he said. “And I felt safe walking to work. I did.
“Post pandemic — the homeless people came back, but the police officers never did.”
Ashook said he now lives downtown but drives the five blocks to work, out of fear for his safety.
“And I’ve had coworkers who were actually, like, physically assaulted. A few coworkers that ended
up having to go to the hospital during that short distance that I was walking,” he said.
“So yeah, like I said, it’s made me a bit more jaded.”
Ultimately, Ashook said he could not support Prop. 36 because of the projected costs.
“I don’t like that the fiscal impact (is) ranging from several tens of millions of dollars to a low hundreds of millions,” he said. “That’s a lot of money. And it doesn’t say where that money’s
OPINION
California Matters
Gov. Newsom positions himself as a leader of the anti-Trump resistance
Two days after the nation’s voters gave Donald Trump another term as president, Gov. Gavin Newsom staged a publicity stunt to position California — and presumably himself — as the epicenter of resistance.
Newsom called a special session of the Legislature, to run concurrently with the regular legislative session that begins in December, “to safeguard California values and fundamental rights in the face of an incoming Trump administration,” his o ce declared in a press release.
“This is the first of several actions by the Newsom administration, in partnership with the Legislature, as the governor begins shoring up California’s defenses against an incoming federal administration that has threatened the state on multiple fronts,” his o ce continued in a statement.
“The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack — and we won’t sit idle. California has faced this challenge before, and we know how to respond. We are prepared, and we will do everything necessary to ensure Californians have the support and resources they need to thrive.”
Among other things, Newsom wants the Legislature to give Attorney General Rob Bonta, a likely candidate for governor in 2028, more money for legal actions after Trump takes o ce in January.
“The special session responds to the public statements and proposals put forward by Presidentelect Trump and his advisors, and actions taken during his first term in o ce — an agenda that could erode essential freedoms and individual rights, including women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights,” Newsom’s o ce said. “A special session allows for expedited action that will best protect California and its values from attacks.”
It’s a stunt because there’s absolutely nothing the special session could do that couldn’t be done in the regular session during the weeks before Trump’s January inauguration. But the false declaration of urgency achieves what Newsom apparently wants: coverage in national media that otherwise probably wouldn’t happen.
The New York Times called it “breaking news” as it published a lengthy article quoting Newsom’s declaration that a Trump presidency poses an immediate threat to the state. The article suggested that California’s action could be the nucleus of a
■ See WALTERS, page A7
Letters to the Editor
Counting the votes
EDITOR:
Afree and fair election is defined as an election in which “coercion is comparatively uncommon.” This definition was popularized by political scientist Robert Dahl.
A free and fair election involves political freedoms and fair processes leading up to the vote, a fair count of eligible voters who cast a ballot, a lack of electoral fraud or voter suppression and acceptance of election results by all parties. An election may partially meet international standards for free and fair elections or may meet some standards but not others.
Donald Trump protested the 2020 election claiming the election was stolen because of unverified mail-in ballots due to COVID restrictions. In that election Biden received more than 81 million votes compared to Trump’s 74 million.
What is hard to understand is how or why Biden received 13 million more votes in 2020 than Kamala Harris in 2024, and 16 million more than Hillary was awarded in 2016. Biden also took in 16 million more votes than Obama did in 2012. Is Biden that impressive? Harris, Obama and Hillary all roughly got the same number of votes. Biden garnered 16 million more than the three other Democrats.
It’s interesting to note that this election cycle, Pennsylvania reported 800,000 fewer mail-in votes than in 2020.
Why is this more than just an abnormality? In Pennsylvania this election cycle Trump was awarded 3,450,000 and Harris earned 3,340,000 votes while in 2020 Trump received 3,370,000 votes and Biden got 3,450,000. What is very interesting to me is that Biden got two million mail-in ballots — 1.5 million more than Trump — and there was 800,000 fewer mail-in ballots in Pennsylvania this year.
Considering the fact that there were 28 million more votes cast in 2020 than 2016 and 16 million more cast in 2020 than 2024, I can only come to the conclusion that Trump is correct and the 2020 election was neither free ($15.9 billion) or fair.
KEN STEERS Cameron Park
The 2024 election
EDITOR:
Iwrote many times that the choice was ours to make. We have made that choice, and it is Mr. Trump. Because I believe in our democracy, I will accept that choice even if it puts our democracy in danger. The country has made it clear it wants an authoritarian, strongman-
The Balancing Act
The 2024 Presidential Election was a real blowout
Now comes the postmortem of why and how Donald J. Trump blew Kamala Harris in the weeds. Harris outspent Trump $1.4 billion to $1 billion. She had the mainstream media in her back pocket along with additional billions of dollars of positive airtime every broadcast outlet, including ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, CNBC. Exceptions were Fox News and upstart and growing Newsmax. Nearly every major newspaper backed her. How could she lose? The answer is quite simple. Harris will go down as the weakest, least intelligent (I still question how she passed the Bar Exam on her second
try and would like to know her LSAT score) and worst presidential candidate in history. She couldn’t give a direct answer to any question, no matter how many times she was asked the same question, in mostly softball interviews. Her platform was “joy and vibes” which evolved into nastiness, anger, fear and the worst name calling ever, using terms such as Nazi, fascist, threat to democracy and more — all of which were absolute lies, which, in the converse, made Kamala the liar. The American people are anything but dumb, and apparently much smarter than Harris. They were not fooled by Harris and her continuous “liathon.” Republicans have taken the Senate and look to hold the House, plus one
The American people are anything but dumb, and apparently much smarter than Harris. They were not fooled by Harris and her continuous “liathon.”
or two seats. More on this later.
In analyzing the results, this election was a blowout. Trump significantly outperformed the polls, but that was expected as they were slanted toward Harris except for four; Rasmussen, Trafalger, Atlas and Insider Advantage all predicted a Trump victory by 3-4 points. Harris’ own internal polling knew the truth while she lived and campaigned by the lie.
I called the election an hour before Newsmax and two hours before Fox did. An analysis of the Pennsylvania results well before the Newsmax call told the story at about 12:30 a.m. EST, calculating remaining votes to be counted reflected anything other than a Trump victory impossible. That
call put Trump at 270 electoral votes and victory. While Trump ended up with 312 electoral votes, most would think that would not be a landslide. But when you examine the individual state results, it changes. Presidentelect Trump won 31 of the 50 states, a geographical area that was 3.5 times larger than the remaining 19 states and a national vote victory of 72 million versus just 67 million (51% v 47%). Yes, it wasn’t a Reagan landslide of 49 states against Mondale, but there was something strange about the vote distribution in the Republican-won states. In 20 of those Trump-won states, he
LARRY WEITZMAN
DAN WALTERS
Walters Continued from A6 multi-state coalition, and observed, “California leaders have long seen themselves as a bulwark against right-wing extremism, and Mr. Newsom has positioned himself nationally as one of Mr. Trump’s loudest critics.” Bingo. The nation’s most influential newspaper has essentially anointed Newsom as the leader of resistance to Trump, which is not a bad start on a 2028 campaign for the presidency, especially now that Vice President Kamala Harris is out of the way — if, indeed, that’s Newsom’s unstated ambition. Newsom has devoted much of his second term as governor to cultivating national media attention, especially from Democrat-leaning outlets such as MSNBC. At first, he dwelled on the need for Democrats to become more aggressive in opposing Republicans, and later volunteered himself as a surrogate campaigner for President Joe Biden’s reelection before Biden dropped out and the party quickly anointed Harris as the fill-in candidate.
NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD
Naturally, political media — sometimes known as “the great mentioners” — began listing Newsom as a potential candidate, either in 2024 if Biden opted out or in 2028, despite his repeated denials of presidential ambitions.
So is Newsom really positioning himself for a presidential run? At the very least, he covets continued attention as a leading Trump foe as his party begins to look ahead to 2028 and the would-be candidates begin to stir.
However, as my CalMatters colleague Alexei Kose pointed out, “Democrats are likely to be skeptical that another culture warrior from California represents their best chance of rebuilding the party after voters rejected Harris, who came out of the same San Francisco political circles as Newsom.”
Dan Walters is a journalist and author who writes for CALmatters.org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.
Edited by Joel Fagliano No. 1009
type figure as president who it believes will stand up to all perceived enemies. The country wants a president who it believes has the power and ability to magically “fix” all that is broken. The country wants a president who it believes will keep the left’s woke agenda at bay.
It does not seem to matter to MAGA followers that he said he will give orders to shoot anyone crossing the border illegally, that he will deport whole families even if only one person is undocumented, put anyone who opposes him in jail and shut down any opposing news agencies. It does not seem to matter that many people in this country will have far fewer rights than we do today. People of color, members of the LGTBQ community, women and anyone one he labels as di erent will su er greater amounts of discrimination and violence.
It does not seem to matter that he is a pathological liar, that he has been unfaithful to all his wives, that he talked about grabbing women by the genitals and that he simulated a sex act on a microphone before a large audience including children.
It does not seem to matter that we will no longer be a beacon of hope for freedom and liberty around the world, that Russia will now have a much better chance of taking over Ukraine, that the most important partner in NATO will likely pull out, making the world a much more dangerous place. It does not seem to matter that American oligarchs will now sit at the table with the most powerful person in the world and get whatever they want and at whatever the cost to the average American. It does not seem to matter that blue collar workers will have an anti-labor president in the White House, that he will do whatever he can to dismantle the safety net that protects our poor, sick, elderly and disabled, and that the strides we have made to reduce our C02 emissions will be reversed. It does not seem to matter that he is a felon and indicted for numerous crimes. It does not seem to matter that he has been sued over 100 times, that he has a lifelong history of corruption and fraud, and that he sent an angry mob to stop the certification of the 2020 election.
I predict many in this country will su er the severe consequences of an authoritarian government, some of whom even voted for Mr. Trump. I believe his second term will be even more chaotic with economic instability and perhaps violence. Hopefully, I am wrong, but the warning signs have been there all along if we only had the vision to see them.
SCOTT TAYLOR Placerville
Announcements
AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 3342970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot.com
AMERICAN ASSOC. OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN Foothills of EDC Branch. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science and Math Camp Scholarships, programs & interest groups. Leave voicemail for Laurel (530) 417-7737 or Sara (530) 4177138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net
AMERICAN LEGION POST 119 welcomes Veterans and guests to attend our monthly membership dinner and meeting the rst Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM. Legionpost119.org
El DORADO COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB Dedicated to all aspects of ham radio. Meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at the El Dorado Sheri ’s o ce, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net
PLAY CRIBBAGE Join the Gold Country Cribbers 916-212-2465 or 916-768-4452. We Play - We Teach - We Have Fun. Wednesdays 4:00 PM. Gilmore Senior Center 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA Struggling with life? CELEBRATE RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/ DEMOCRATS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Call (530)391-6414 or see edcdems.org for more information.
GOLD RUSH CHORUS now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing four-part
harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or Kent (530) 651-3575
HANGTOWN WOMEN’S TENNIS CLUB. Come play tennis for fun and friendship. Meet at El Dorado High School, Acacia Street, Placerville, Wed 9 AM – 11 AM. (June - Aug 8 AM –10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Cindy 805-540-8654.
MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant on Fair Lane in Placerville at 10:00 am.
Addiction or Relationship problem? Call 530 231-7728 our free counseling can help you. Positive Realism, 3430 Robin Ln., Cameron Park. Meet rst and third Wednesday of every month, 7pm. Come and have a paid lunch with the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) for CalPERS retirees and spouses. The meetings are held at 11:30AM on May 20, July 15, September 16, November 18,2024 at Denny’s (3446 Coach Lane) Cameron Park. Call 530 919 7515 for programs and information.
SENIOR PEER COUNSELING Seniors 55 and over who are grieving, depressed or having issues related to aging can meet one-on-one with a caring senior, professionally supervised and trained to listen and encourage. Call (530)621-6304 to leave a message and get started.
TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION OF EL DORADO COUNTY Our mission is to educate the public on tax issues that a ect them. Our meetings are held every Monday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at Denny’s Restaurant, Fair Lane Drive, Placerville. Meetings are open to the public. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a non-partisan organization.
COMICS
Lung cancer screening could save a life
American Cancer Society News release
SACRAMENTO — Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women, aside from skin cancer, and stands as the overall leading cause of cancer death in the United States. An estimated 16,920 Californian residents will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year. Symptoms usually don’t appear until the disease is already at an advanced stage, making lung cancer screening critical to finding it early when it may be easier to treat.
While anyone can get lung cancer, the risk is higher for people who currently smoke or formerly smoked. The American Cancer Society’s lung cancer screening guideline recommends yearly lung cancer screening for people ages 50 to 80
Budget
Continued from A1
the board to work with department heads and sta to maximize special revenue funds for their intended use; the new fiscal year’s budget includes $63 million in operating transfers into the General Fund from other county funds.
Also considered is developing a no increase to net county cost budget and to reduce or suspend annual contributions to some board policy goals, including the discretionary
Prop 36
coming from.”
Continued from A5
Voters changing priorities on California crime
Ultimately, Lofstrom said, it’s not really a contradiction to have voted for Prop. 47 in 2014 and also for Prop. 36 this year.
In 2014, the state urgently needed to reduce its prison population, for practical reasons and because of a judicial order to keep the population no higher than 137.5% of the prison system’s capacity.
Today, the urgency is pushing in the other direction, he said. But the
Weitzman
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Like a director framing a scene, you’ll explore perspectives, change up lenses and lights, and play around to nd the most interesting point of view. Note that you don’t have to agree with another person to appreciate how they see things.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The proof of a strategy is in the results. There’s no shame in results falling short. It’s simply a signal to recalibrate, re ne and try again. No e ort is ever wasted. Success is built on the lessons gathered from each attempt.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Green lights are lined up today; catch one and the rest will follow. This also has to do with your sense of pacing, which is consistent. When you go at a nice, easy clip, people see you coming and anticipate the “yes” they’ll give you.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). Revealing conversations are the norm for you because you’re naturally disarming. Your ability to listen without judgment makes others feel safe, open up and perhaps be surprised by the things they share with you.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). If your e orts aren’t met with the support you expect, remember jealousy often drives unfair criticism. Those aiming to better themselves can seem threatening to the insecure. Take heart and keep moving forward.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Work doesn’t have to be a grind. It’s all about the company. With the right people around, the job is fun. You’ll soon be positioned to assemble a team. Start looking for those key members who keep morale high.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’ve always believed that it is far better to contribute something meaningful to the world than to waste energy asserting dominance. Because of this, you will steer clear of power struggles that hinge on winning rather than truth.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Should you happen to nd yourself in a disagreement, the quickest way to peace is to nd something on which you can simply agree. Drop the defenses and walk together on common ground.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Acts of forgiveness are in the heart of love. The question on your mind now: How many times should you forgive a person? A better question may be: How many times should you forgive yourself? That answer could be the key to both questions.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). While others are busy chasing what they want, pause to truly see what’s going on under the surface of things. Avoid awkward situations and, even better, come o as e ortlessly cool.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Some look back on their
and loving feelings. For others,
of origin with
Continued from A6
won them by 20 points or more. In 11 of those states Trump won them by 30 points or more; Wyoming and West Virginia show a margin of victory of more than 40 points. And in states like Florida and Texas the margin of victory was almost 15%. Several other states had margins of victory between 10% and 15%. And Trump won all seven swing states, including decisive victories in the three Blue Wall states — Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. There were no states close enough for a recount. Trump almost took New Hampshire, New Jersey and Virginia and cut the margin of victory in New York in half. All those states in four years will more than likely flip. It was a blowout.
We should know by now what President Trump’s first orders of business will be. We all know about opening federal lands for energy production and elimination of business taxing regulations. All consumer prices will start to fall. We should all know that the border
years old who smoke or formerly smoked and have a 20-year or greater pack-year history. A pack-year is equal to smoking one pack per day for a year. For example, a person could have a 20 pack-year history by smoking one pack a day for 20 years or by smoking two packs a day for 10 years.
The recommended annual screening test for lung cancer is a low-dose computed tomography scan (also called a low-dose CT scan, or LDCT).
“It’s important for those who are going to be screened to discuss the potential benefits and limits of yearly screening with their doctor,” said Dr. Luis Godoy, American Cancer Society volunteer and Thoracic Surgeon at UC Davis.
To learn more or find a screening location near you visit cancer.org/ getscreened.
transient occupancy tax.
The board unanimously approved the recommendations for the budget considerations, understanding the county needs to maintain its level of service with a stricter budget.
“That is the goal — to continue our service level to the citizens of El Dorado County while being prudent and aware of our financial constraints that look like will continue,” said Board Chair Wendy Thomas.
underlying causes for the increases in shoplifting and overall property crime are still unclear, he said.
“We don’t know what’s contributing to the increases in retail theft. We don’t know how much of this is driven by economic and social challenges that leads to shoplifting,” he said.
Even with Prop. 36 on the books, Lofstrom said much about the measure’s implementation is still to be determined.
“Will cops arrest for it?” he asked. “Will prosecutors pursue these charges? It’s uncertain how all this will play out.”
will be closed to illegal aliens. Deportations will start with those criminal aliens allowed in our country by Biden and Harris (the so-called border czar). We may even restart the Keystone Pipeline.
Not in the forefront of initial actions, but likely to appear in the new House within 30 days, will be two new bills. One bill repealing the American Rescue Plan which still has about $700 billion of unspent, deficitbuilding funding and even more important is the repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act, which was the basis of the Green New Deal (electric vehicle mandates, subsidies, worthless and onerous new emission requirements and 87,000 new IRS agents — all gone at the same time). That would save taxpayers another trillion. Those two acts repealing government giveaways would reduce our national debt by about $1.5 trillion. Brilliant. 2025 vibes are looking strong.
Larry Weitzman is a former El Dorado County resident.
■ SHOE by Jeff MacNelly
■ TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter
■ RUBES by Leigh Rubin
■ SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly
by Holiday Mathis
SPORTS Hangtown 100 caps Placerville Speedway season
Gary Thomas Placerville Speedway
The USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midgets are primed to take on Placerville Speedway this Friday and Saturday for the fifth running of the Hangtown 100.
Two night ticket packages and single night tickets are available by visiting eventsprout.com/event/ psr-111524 or by purchasing at the gate on race day. The event puts a wrap on the 2024 season at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds based Placerville Speedway.
Last year saw Elk Grove’s Kyle Larson claim his second Hangtown 100 championship, while winning the feature each night. Larson also scooped up the inaugural running of the event in 2019.
This Friday’s opening night main event will hand out $5,000 to the winner, with Saturday offering $10,000 to win the much-anticipated 100-lap contest.
“The Hangtown 100 has become a marquee event to close out the season at Placerville Speedway,” commented track Promoter Scott Russell. “The USAC National Midgets have put on some breathtaking shows here the last several years and we expect more of the same this weekend. Hopefully the fans will come
out and support two great nights of racing this Friday and Saturday.”
The USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midgets are set for a busy West Coast swing that gets under way at Placerville Speedway on Friday. Locust Grove, Oklahoma driver Daison Pursley brings the series point lead into the Golden State as he searches for a USAC championship, before hitting the Kubota High Limit Racing trail next year. Behind Pursley in the USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midget Championship standings are
Xtreme Outlaw & POWRi
Midget champ Cannon McIntosh, Ryan Timms, 2024 USAC National Sprint Car titlist Logan Seavey and Zach Daum.
Seavey has put together a fantastic season across all three USAC National divisions and will be gunning for the Hangtown 100 this weekend in front of his home state fans.
Fresh off a tremendous rookie campaign with the World of Outlaws, California native and fan favorite Buddy Kofoid is geared up to return home for the Hangtown 100. Kofoid
Funds
by
Plates for Powder license plate program in California and Nevada protect and enhance Tahoe’s extraordinary natural resources.
Buy a Lake Tahoe license plate and ski or ride free at Tahoe resorts
Communications for the Tahoe Fund
TAHOE CITY — On the heels of this weekend’s dusting, Plates for Powder, the program that offers free skiing and riding opportunities to those who purchase a Lake Tahoe license plate, returns for the 202425 winter season. Proceeds from plate sales and renewals support environmental improvement projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin and help protect Tahoe’s clear blue waters, mountain forests, world-class recreation and public beaches.
“Revenue from Lake Tahoe license plates has long been an important funding source for our work to restore and enhance Tahoe’s natural and recreational resources,” said Jason Vasques, executive director of the California Tahoe Conservancy. “We are grateful to the contributing ski areas, and we hope the skiers and snowboarders who participate in Plates for Powder have a great time on the mountain.”
Through the Plates for Powder program, California and Nevada drivers who buy a new Lake Tahoe license plate before April 1, 2025 receive a free lift ticket or trail pass valid at one of 11 Tahoe-area resorts, while supplies last. The ticket must be used during the 2024-25 winter
season (some restrictions apply).
Participating resorts include: Boreal, Diamond Peak, Heavenly, Kirkwood, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, Northstar California, Palisades Tahoe, Sierraat-Tahoe, Tahoe City Winter Sports Park, Tahoe Donner XC and Tahoe XC.
The Tahoe Fund has organized the Plates for Powder program on behalf of the California Tahoe Conservancy and Nevada Division of State Lands for more than a decade. Over 96% of the funds generated by plate sales and renewals go directly back to projects aimed at protecting Lake Tahoe for future generations.
“For years, the Plates for Powder program has been an easy, effective way for California and Nevada residents to give back to Tahoe,” said Amy Berry, Tahoe Fund CEO. “With the ongoing support of our local ski areas, there’s added incentive to buy a Tahoe license plate this winter and enjoy a day of skiing or riding in the mountains.”
New Tahoe license plates cost $50 in California, with a $40 annual renewal fee, and $61 in Nevada with a $30 renewal fee. Personalized plates are also available for an additional fee. Find information on how to purchase a plate and redeem the free lift ticket at tahoeplates. com.
captured the event in 2022 and hopes to do so again after locking up Rookie of the Year honors last week with the Outlaws.
Former winner of the Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial, Corey Day of Clovis, will be another California favorite on hand. Day has had a phenomenal season including wins at the Trophy Cup, the Super Dirt Cup and the Gold Cup Race of Champions among others.
Placerville Speedway has also hosted a pair of Avanti Windows & Doors USAC Western States Midget events this year, with wins
going to Hanford’s Michael Faccinto and Bakersfield’s Cade Lewis, who went on to wrap up the series title in October.
More drivers looking to bring home the Hangtown 100 will include Justin Grant, Tanner Thorson, Spencer Bayston, Emerson Axsom, Chris Windom, Shane Golobic, Tyler Courtney, Tanner Carrick, Kaylee Bryson, Drake Edwards and others.
The Wingless BCRA Lightning Sprints will complement the event each night. The division has provided entertaining racing during the Hangtown 100 over the last few years. Langley, BC driver Levi Klatt brought home the big win during the finale last season.
The front gate will open at 3 p.m. each night with Coors Light/ Coors Banquet Happy Hour taking place until 6 p.m. Live music will be performed pre-race from 4-6 p.m. on Friday night by Kyliana Mari, while Saturday features tunes from 3-5 p.m. by Ed Wilson. The pit meeting will occur at 4 p.m. with cars on track around 5. Hot laps, qualifying and racing will follow.
The Placerville Speedway is located on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. For more information visit placervillespeedway.com.
FOOTBALL ROUNDUP
Congratulations to the Ponderosa High School girls flag football team — this year’s Sac-Joaquin Section Division 2 champions. The Bruins bested Woodcreek, 40-26, on Nov. 10, capping off a perfect season.
Congratulations to the Oak Ridge High School girls flag football team, which made it to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 1 championship game on Nov. 9. The Trojans played hard but ultimately fell to the Del Oro Golden Eagles, 25-24. They end the season with an 18-5 record.
The Oak Ridge varsity football team hopes to extend its season this week. The team earned a bye in the first round of the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs. They face the Monterey Trail
Mustangs at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15.
The Ponderosa High School Bruins fell to Destiny Christian Academy, 7-57, in Sac-Joaquin Section Division 3 playoff action. The team ends the season with a 5-6 record.
The Union Mine Diamondbacks, after taking a week of rest following a decisive 48-7 victory against the El Dorado Cougars, take on the Casa Roble Rams at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, with hopes to advance in the SacJoaquin Section Division 5 playoffs. El Dorado High School didn’t let the Union Mine defeat on Nov. 2 quell their spirit. The Cougars won their Sac-Joaquin Section Division 5 firstround game against Lincoln, 19-14. They return to playoff action at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, against the Hughson Huskies.
Courtesy photo
generated
the
Courtesy video still
The Bruins flag football squad celebrates their section championship victory.
Mountain Democrat staff
Image courtesy of Tim Holland Racing action wraps up at Placerville Speedway this weekend.
Saluting our Veterans
(USMC),
Colonel Tony Grady,
left,
Mountain Democrat photos by Eric Jaramishian
The Civil Air Patrol Squadron 85 Color Guard, left, conducts the presentation of colors during the Veterans Day ceremony. Sgt. Rob Roy, right, performs “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes during the final minutes of the event Monday morning.
NEWS, IN THE KNOW
Nov. 13
UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County presents Gifts from the Garden & Kitchen, 9 a.m. to noon at the Cameron Park Community Center, 2502 Country Club Drive. Get ideas for gifts you can give from your garden or kitchen as well as gift ideas for the gardener and the cook in your life. There will be idea booths and short talks but there are no gift products for sale. Preregister at surveys.ucanr.edu/survey. cfm?surveynumber=43725.
Snowline Health Dementia Connection hosts Addressing Risk Factors for Brain Health (nutrition & exercise), 10-11:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church, 3111 Tierra de Dios Drive in El Dorado Hills. It is essential to understand how eating well and getting the right amount of regular exercise will impact health in the future and support the well-being of those with dementia. It is known that nutrition and exercise are di cult to incorporate, but by starting with minor changes, a di erence can be made to improve overall health. Healthy habits can support clearer thinking, a healthy heart and a strong body, enhancing overall quality of life.
Valhalla Tahoe presents “Guilty Christmas,” a holiday comedy returning to the stage for one week only, with shows starting at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13-17. For tickets and more information visit valhallatahoe.com.
Nov. 14
Jazz Upstairs at the B takes place at The So a in Sacramento with showtimes at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.
The Crocker Art Museum presents ArtMix: In the Paint, presented in collaboration with the Sacramento Kings. For tickets and more information visit crockerart.org.
Nov. 15
The Sierra Renaissance Society presents Wine and Agriculture with Greg Boeger, Charlie Mans eld and Paul Bush. The group will also have its annual meeting with election of board members and approval of changes to the bylaws, all taking place 1-2:30 p.m. at the Mother Lode Lions Hall, 4701 Missouri Flat Road. Admission free for members; public invited to attend two meetings for free. The Sierra Renaissance Society of El Dorado County is dedicated to lifelong learning and hosts presentations throughout the year. For more information visit srsedc.org.
Imagination Theater collaborates with the Placerville Friends of the Library to present a sneak peek of scenes from “Miracle on 34th Street” at the Placerville Library, 7-8 p.m. Children who attend will receive a free ra e ticket to win a “Miracle on 34th Street” book or two free tickets to the full production at Imagination Theater playing Nov. 29 through Dec. 22. While the sneak peek is free to families, donations will be greatly appreciated.
Fretless will perform at 5 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/ live-music.
Ed Wilson will perform 5:307:30 at The Vine in El Dorado Hills.
Fascinating history on display at Open Farm Day
The American River Conservancy invites the community to celebrate the rich agricultural heritage of the region at the Open Farm Day event on Nov. 16 at historical Wakamatsu Farm. This free, family-friendly event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., o ering an opportunity to explore the farm’s unique history and the ongoing conservation e orts supported by ARC.
Wakamatsu Farm is not just a beautiful landscape; it is a site of profound historical and cultural significance. The site is the ancestral homeland of the Nisenan and Miwok people, the region’s indigenous inhabitants for thousands of years. In 1869, Wakamatsu Farm became the first Japanese settlement in the United States. Following the Gold Rush, many Japanese immigrants settled in California, seeking new opportunities and contributing significantly to the state’s agricultural development.
The farm was then stewarded for 140 years by the pioneering Veerkamp family until ARC purchased the 272-acre property to preserve the site’s natural and cultural resources.
Today, ARC is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Wakamatsu Farm through natural resource stewardship, sustainable agriculture and education. By restoring the land and enhancing its ecological health, ARC aims to honor people’s diverse connections to the land while providing a space for all members of the community to engage with their natural and cultural heritage.
Open Farm Day highlights include touring the historical farmhouse, visiting the Native Plant Garden and visiting Okei-San’s grave (Okei was just a teenager when she left Japan for America. Unfortunately due to an illness, she passed away in 1871 and her body was laid to rest on her favorite hill near the huge blue oak), hike the Lake Trail and shop for farm fresh produce across the road at Fog Dog Farm’s farmstand.
Wakamatsu Farm is located at 941 Cold Springs Road in Placerville. The suggested parking donation of $10 contributes to the ongoing
Doo-wop & R&B group shares its
Jeannette Maynard
El Dorado County Community Concert Association
Craving a feelgood, fun evening? Come to El Dorado County Community Concert Association’s Street Corner Renaissance
7 p.m. concert on Thursday, Nov. 14, for fabulous doo-wop and R&B music.
Street Corner Renaissance (SCR) has defied the odds and did what many thought was insane or impossible. The group’s founder and artistic director, Maurice Kitchen, was a 25-year insurance claims professional when he decided enough was enough.
“I started waking up every morning and praying: ‘Lord, please don’t let me die a claims adjuster. This can’t be the last thing on my résumé,’” Kitchen recalled.
Lamenting over
second-act talent
unfulfilled dreams, Kitchen quit his job and began orchestrating his life’s second act and encore performance. Kitchen joined forces with like-minded founding members
— Torrance Brannon Reese, organizer of a successful mentoring program, and Kwame
Alexander, a former Seventh-day Adventist pastor. Then came Anthony (Tony) Snead, an itinerant legal assistant and Charles (Sonny) Banks, a city worker on the verge of retirement and a life of golf. The five banded together “for one last hoorah,” forming a
group of distinguished gentlemen a cappella singers, dedicated to music they love from a bygone era. Well past their prime; all had been long su ering with life’s responsibilities and dreams deferred when this fantastic voyage began. In
December 2013 these
“New Jack Seniors” found themselves in a cappella heaven when they joined NBC’s hit show, “The Sing O , Season 4.” Street Corner Renaissance was an instant crowd favorite, garnering over 60,000 YouTube hits overnight following the first of four performances. Prior to that they worked with their childhood idols, Otis Williams’ Temptations and some of the biggest names in music such as Chuck Berry, Kool & the Gang and Boyz II Men, among others. If all of that wasn’t “fantastic” enough, Street Corner Renaissance began 2015 with six weeks of performing in Dubai and, just prior to that, opened two nights for comic legend Jay Leno. These cats can flat out sing. Their infectious energy and versatile show o ers an authentic
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Wakamatsu Farm has historical significance for Native and early Californians. Learn about its history at a special Nov. 16 event.
Photo by Melissa Lobach
The burial site of Okei-san, the first Japanese woman and immigrant laid to rest in the United States in 1871, is on a hill on the farm property.
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With infectious energy, humor and delightful harmony, Street Corner Renaissance sings a cappella versions of doo-wop and R&B music from days gone by.
S
FARM DAY, page B2
El Dorado Western Railroad snags grant for restoration
Windermere Signature Properties, formerly known as Lyon Real Estate, presented a $5,000 Lyon Cares grant to the El Dorado Western Railroad Foundation. This grant will support the foundation’s mission to restore a historical caboose and certify the train’s brakes, a crucial step toward offering community members and visitors an authentic, historical rail experience.
This contribution is part of Windermere Signature Properties’ ongoing commitment to preserving and celebrating the unique heritage of El Dorado County. Known for its work to maintain and operate historical trains, the El Dorado Western Railroad Foundation will use the funds to continue critical restoration efforts that make it possible to bring the train back to life for passenger use, reconnecting the community with a piece of its storied past. The El Dorado Western Railroad currently operates its excursion railroad program on the Placerville branch line between Shingle Springs and Missouri Flat Road. Originally there were five combined freight and passenger depots, built to standard Southern Pacific Railroad designs, in Latrobe, Shingle Springs, El
Dorado, Diamond Springs and Placerville. The only existing structure is a portion of the Shingle Springs freight depot, built after a
devastating 1896 fire burned the original 1865 station. The town of El Dorado now has a scaled version of the El Dorado Station through the
generosity of volunteers and donors. Rides are given on historical gang cars which were used by railroad
inspectors, officials, workers and others to travel the rails. For more information visit facebook.com/ ElDoradoWesternRailroad.
‘Guilty Christmas’ returns with Tahoe-themed holiday laughs
Brenna O’Boyle
Tahoe Daily Tribune
OUTH LAKE
STAHOE — Nobody does Christmas quite like Lake Tahoe and nothng pokes fun at Tahoe quite like “Guilty Christmas.” The popular musical comedy returns Wednesday, Nov. 13, for five nights to the Valhalla Boathouse Theatre with updated songs and sketches that turn local winter quirks into musical gold.
“The whole purpose of the entire play is just for people to have fun and enjoy the fact that they live in Tahoe, which is a great place to live,” said Dave Hamilton, who directs the show in addition to writing the script and lyrics. “That’s what we do.”
Think of it as Tahoe’s answer to “Beach Blanket Babylon,” but with a distinctly alpine flavor. While the show’s nine characters and premise remain familiar to returning audiences, this year’s production features fresh material that playfully pokes fun at life in the mountains.
Local humor
The show taps into experiences that anyone who’s spent time in Tahoe will recognize.
“We make fun of all the stuff that we all talk about in Tahoe,” Hamilton explained with a laugh. “Things that we like and things that drive us crazy.”
From tourists attempting to navigate icy roads in their Teslas to the peculiarities of the local dating scene
“if you’re only dating snowboarders,” the show has a light-hearted approach.
Returning favorite, Tahoe Time, celebrates the region’s famously relaxed approach to punctuality.
“Because we’re such a great kickback resort area, people don’t really stay on time for stuff,” Hamilton explained.
In addition to repeat material, this year’s
Concert Continued from B1
show also introduces new numbers about winter driving and the pursuit of perfect powder days.
Winter woes and wonder
A standout addition to this year’s program is a musical number dedicated to the trials and tribulations of major snowstorms.
“We’re going to have a big song about all the horrible things you have to deal with in big snowstorms,” Hamilton said. “Like the snowplow didn’t
street corner experience, combining the polish of a seasoned Las Vegas act replete with humor and masterful stage craftsmanship (think Rat Pack with smooth harmony and a soulful urban swag).
Street Corner Renaissance’s professional good fortunes is the result of unmitigated courage to live the improbable dream. “It’s now or never,” said Banks. “We’re in a world without gravity where nothing can hold us down, putting a new spin on an old thing and making it do what it do. And it’s working.”
There’s still time to join
EDCCCA — the oldest performing arts organization in El Dorado County — has been bringing world-class entertainment to the greater Placerville area since 1950 and the 2024-25 season is no exception. The association relies on memberships to present the concerts; now is the time to renew or join for the first time.
come, or the snowplow put a 6-foot berm in my driveway or the power went out and I can’t do anything. Those kinds of things that we deal with on a regular basis.”
The music brings a modern twist to traditional theater, featuring cabaret-style electronic arrangements created through MIDI technology by the show’s music director Mark D. Williams. MIDI technology allows for a full orchestral sound in the boathouse, from violins to trombones — all produced electronically.
Holiday jumpstart
The timing of the show coincides with the Holiday Faire in Valhalla’s Grand Hall, making for a perfect festive double feature.
“If people come out to the Holiday Faire during the afternoon, they can ... see the show that night,” Hamilton said.
The faire transforms the nearby Grand Hall into a winter wonderland, complete with local artisanal vendors offering unique gifts, festive decor and handmade treasures plus a magnificent Christmas tree.
The 2024-25 season’s prices are $80 per adult membership and $20 per student membership for the six-concert series. A family membership option is available for $180, including two adults and two K-12 students. Even if members cannot attend every concert, subscription prices make attendance very affordable. Concerts will be performed at Union Mine High School, Theatre at the Mine, 6530 Koki Lane in El Dorado — a perfect venue for intimate, live performances. The season’s curtain time varies, as EDCCCA is introducing a matinee performance in March 2025. The Street Corner Renaissance performance begins at 7 p.m.
Non-members may attend for $30 at the door ($10 per student). Only cash and checks are accepted at the door (no credit/debit cards). To learn more about the 2024-25 season and how to become a member or purchase tickets at the door call (530) 556-9498 and/or visit ElDoradoCommunityConcerts.com.
Finale
The show culminates in what promises to be a spectacular finale.
“Mark (music director) put together a mashup of just about every classical Christmas carol you can think of and makes this wonderful single kind of song out of it,” Hamilton said. “The whole cast is singing … it’s a perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.”
Familiar faces
The entire original cast is returning to reprise their roles: Tom Callahan, Kurt Munger, Chris Taylor, Pam Taylor, Sharon Kerrigan, Anita Kelly, Joanie San Agustin, Liz Tonkinson and Jeff Whitt.
The story follows these characters, who initially met while serving community service together in a previous production, as they reunite to put on a Christmas show. While they might be older, they’re not necessarily wiser and that’s part of the fun.
“It’s a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit, even before the holidays begin,” Hamilton said.
“Guilty Christmas” begins at 7:30 p.m., and runs Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 13-17, at the Valhalla Boathouse Theatre. Valhalla Holiday Faire runs Nov. 15-17 at the Grand Hall. For more information go to valhallatahoe. showare.com.
Farm Day
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maintenance of the farm. Guests are encouraged to bring picnics and enjoy the scenic surroundings. For more information about Open Farm Day and to stay updated on future events visit ARConservancy.org and follow and follow the group on social media.
Courtesy photo
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“Guilty Christmas” is Tahoe’s answer to “Beach Blanket Babylon” with a distinctly alpine flavor.
California wildflowers for spring bloom
WDolores Morrison UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County
ould you like a spring super bloom in your own garden? It’s easy, and now through the end of November is the ideal time for sowing California native wildflower seeds. You can sow seeds through the end of February, and with irrigation, even later. There are many California native wildflowers that do well in our gardens. Wildflower seeds can be directly sown in the ground or started in containers and transplanted. They should be transplanted young before the tap roots develop.
If you have a spot in your garden where you would like to see wildflowers, you will want to clear away any mulch and weeds. Don’t disturb the soil too deeply. If you think you have a lot of weed seed you may want to water, let the weeds germinate and weed again. This process won’t eliminate all the weeds but will help. Lightly rake the soil, leaving it rough. Mix your seeds with horticultural sand or a light potting soil and scatter over your area. Tamp down the area with the back of your rake. You want the seeds to touch the soil but not be buried. Seeds also need light and air. Then lightly water in. If rain is not predicted soon, water regularly. You want to keep the area moist but not saturated.
Wildflowers can make a lovely show in patio containers. You will want to use a well-draining potting soil. Rough up the soil a bit, scatter the seeds and tamp down so they touch the soil. Water lightly and keep the soil moist until germination.
During the season you may want to apply a fertilizer at one quarter strength.
After the bloom, you can either let the seeds ripen in place and drop seed for next year, harvest the seed or just pull the plant. Heavy mulch will reduce the amount of reseeding. If you harvest the seed, you want to store it in a dry cool place.
What wildflowers should you consider? There are so many to choose from, but here are a few
suggestions that do well in our county. California poppy, Eschscholzia californica, our state flower, is early blooming. Also early blooming are baby blue eyes, Nemophila menziesii; Chinese houses, Collinsia heterophylla; and tidy tips, Layia platyglossa. If you have a moist area, try Douglas meadowfoam, Limnanthes douglassii, also known as poached egg plant for its yellow centers surrounded by white petals. California bluebells, Phacelia campanularia, is a beautiful blue, and farewell to spring, Clarkia amoena, blooms into summer and is a fabulous cut flower. Try them all! Find some California native wildflower seeds online or check with your local nurseries to see what they may have in stock.
If you are thinking of buying wildflower mix packets, check the label for the kinds of seeds in the packet. Sometimes the seed mix will contain seeds not native to California or that are weedy or invasive in California.
For more growing information on the plants mentioned above go to California Native Plant Society gardening page, calscape.org.
Master Gardener classes are offered monthly throughout the county. Find the class schedule at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/Public_Education_Classes/ ?calendar=yes&g=56698 and recorded classes on many gardening topics at mgeldorado.ucanr. edu/Public_Education/Classes.
For information about the The Sherwood Demonstration Garden visit ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_ Master_Gardeners/Demonstration_Garden. Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are working hard to answer your questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website, mgeldorado.ucanr.edu, or leave a message on the office telephone at (530) 621-5512. To sign up for notices and newsletters visit ucanr.edu/master_ gardener_e-news. Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
West Slope Foundation launches new program
West Slope Foundation has announced the launch of its new sponsorship program, aimed to enrich community support before, during and after a disaster or emergency. This innovative program aims to strengthen community resilience and ensure resources are available to those affected by disasters.
As one of the primary resources for survivors in the community for the last three years, West Slope Foundation has been at the forefront of providing essential services and support. With the introduction of the sponsorship program, businesses, organizations and individuals are invited to partner with the foundation in making a significant impact to rural communities to prepare for, evacuate from and recover after faced with a tragic event.
Benefits of participating
1. Community impact: Sponsors will play a vital role in supporting communities through every phase of a disaster, from preparedness to providing critical needs after a community has been impacted by a disaster or emergency.
2. Brand visibility: Participating organizations will receive recognition across the foundation’s communication channels, including website, social media platforms and press releases, enhancing their brand visibility and reputation as community leaders.
3. Networking opportunities: Sponsors will have the opportunity to connect with other like-minded organizations and community leaders, fostering collaboration and shared goals in disaster recovery efforts.
4. Exclusive updates and reports:
Student writers have a scholarship opportunity
The Democratic Party of El Dorado County announces its 19th annual Essay Contest for public high school juniors and seniors. This year’s question deals with social media and mental health of students.
Topic
“The mental health crisis among young people is an emergency — and social media has emerged as an important contributor,” stated Vivek Murthy, surgeon general of the United States.
In addition to your own experience and personal observations, cite and discuss evidence to support or negate his contention that social media is an
important contributor to the mental health crisis.
Details
Essays are to be 900-1,200 words long. Students may turn in their essay to a high school career counselor or they may be mailed to: Democratic Party of El Dorado County P.O. Box 762 Diamond Springs, CA 95619
Essays are due Jan. 31, 2025. Entry blanks are available on Instagram, from a high school career counselor or from the El Dorado County Office of Education Scholarship Information. For more information call Mel Chapman at (530) 621-0409.
Cedar Springs Learning Center hosts open house this Friday
News release
Curious what a Waldorf-inspired grades program looks like? Join the newly launched Cedar Springs Learning Center at its Open House and Back-to-School Night, 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, at 6029 Gold Meadows Road in Placerville.
All interested parents and their children are welcome to attend. The evening will be filled with student demonstrations, hands-on activities, curriculum displays and delicious food in every classroom. Faculty will be on hand to provide information and answer questions.
The Learning Center opened this September and offers Waldorfinspired in-person classroom
instruction for kindergarten through seventh grade. Enrichment classes for homeschooled grades students are coming soon.
The program is held on the former Cedar Springs Waldorf School 5-plus acre wooded campus located off of Mother Lode Drive. The school is accepting applications for the 202425 academic year.
The former Cedar Springs Waldorf School provided early childhood through eighth grade education for El Dorado County families for nearly 30 years. Cedar Springs is excited to open its doors to all families interested in this new program.
Paula Thompson, the pedagogical n See OPEN HOUSE, page B5
Sponsors will receive regular updates and detailed reports on the impact of their contributions, providing transparency and insight into how their support is making a difference.
5. Customized partnership options: The program offers flexible sponsorship levels and opportunities for customization, allowing organizations to align their support with their values and objectives.
“We are thrilled to launch this Sponsorship Program and invite partners to join us in our mission to support disaster preparedness,
response, and recovery efforts,” said Scot Telfer, executive director of the West Slope Foundation.
“Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient community and provide hope to those who need it most,” added Jennifer McKim-Hibbard, deputy director of the West Slope Foundation.
For more information about the Sponsorship Program and how to get involved visit westslopefoundation. org/sponsor, email info@ westslopefoundation.org or call (530) 287-4710.
Photo by Dolores Morrison
Native wildflowers provide beautiful pops of color in the garden.
Comedian Brad Upton takes his jokes on the road
Leila Srouji
The Center for the Arts
RASS VALLEY
G— The Center for the Arts presents Brad Upton in the Marisa Funk Theater on Nov. 16. The world is discovering comedian Upton after 36 years in the standup business. He was teaching the fourth grade and coaching high school track in Pasco, Wash., when he first stepped on stage in 1984. He quickly decided he wanted to do standup instead, so he quit teaching in June of 1986 and never looked back.
In 2017 he taped a special for a brand new comedy platform called Dry Bar Comedy. Things would soon change in ways he never expected. Dry Bar released a clip of Upton in June 2018 about millennials that went viral in ways very few comedy videos have ever done. It had 12 million views in 48
BETWEEN THE COVERS
Heartbeats in the Sierras: a heartfelt book review excerpt and interview with the author
Tahoe Daily Tribune
hours, then 33 million views in 10 days. It sent his CD to No. 1 on the iTunes Charts and had him trending on Twitter. The world became suddenly aware of this “new” comedian. That video today has nearly 90 million views and, according to Dry Bar, is the most viewed standup video ever.
Upton has released two very successful specials on Dry Bar and now has well over 200 million views on the internet. His immense internet fame drew the attention of the iconic Grand Ole Opry where he had the ultimate honor to step into the circle and make his debut in September 2019 and has since become a regular guest. So how does someone catch fire in his 32nd year? The internet. Facebook, Instagram and TikTok have suddenly led millions of people to Upton’s comedy and they have discovered a comedian that has mastered the nearly impossible task of appealing to people from the ages of 18 to 80. No one has been more surprised than the comedian himself; he said he has been very humbled by the newfound fame at this point in his career and is currently working feverishly all over the country to take advantage of his moment in the sun. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at The Center for the Arts, 314 West Main St. in Grass Valley.
In her new book, “Courage with Paws: The Heart of a Siamese Cat,” Cal Orey shares a tale about a cat who battles an unexpected heart adventure. Orey tells this story vicariously through the eyes of her Siamese-mix cat, given the most royal name of Sir Whiskers McPurrington. Living in the high country of Lake Tahoe, one sunny afternoon Sir Whiskers felt odd – short of breath –and his heart began racing.
“Rushed to the animal hospital things got serious quickly,” the narration explained. The story goes into an NDE, near-death-experience, telling how Dr. Furryheart saved Sir Whiskers. The doctor recommended surgery saying, “Time is running out, Mr. Whiskers. Your heart is very, very weak.” But “No” said Sir Whiskers, relying on his sixth sense cat-intuition to avoid further risks.
“Courage with Paws” combines many elements showcasing Cal Orey’s finesse of creative writing. Artfully interleaved with excellent illustrations to highlight the theme of the story, along with photographs bringing in credibility of this being a true story, plus with the icing on the cake of having whimsical character names in the genre of Dr. Seuss, the book congeals into an art form with a stern message; that being to understand hearthealth. — Pacific Book Review
Orey sits down for a little heart to heart Q&A, where she shares insights and tips on how a cardiac event can wake up your wellness routine, helping you to not only stay heart healthy, but also reduce your risk of heart disease — even substantially lowering your risk of a heart attack even if the genetic factor plays a role in your life.
Q: Did you, a healthy woman and health author for decades, experience a cardiac arrest?
Yes. In the Spring of 2023 I thought my little cough was allergies due to pet dander and pollen. Then, one day I called the paramedics and I said, “I think something is wrong. It’s difficult for me to breathe.” Fifteen minutes later, I was at the ER
room in our local hospital. I was anxious. Then, I don’t recall anything.
Q: Once at the hospital what happened?
One year later, a nurse told me she recalled the unforgettable event. “You didn’t have a pulse. I called out ‘Code Blue!’ CPR was done.” She said I was put on a ventilator. My sibling was asked about my DNR wishes. I still only recall fragments of my time in ICUs — but those memories still haunt me like ghosts.
Q: One day later you were transported to another hospital and told you had severe coronary disease and needed open heart surgery. What did you do?
A surgeon spoke to me after an angiogram. He told me 70% of my severe heart disease was due to genes. Also, the compassionate doctor was the only n See COURAGE, page B5
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Comedian Brad Upton will keep the audience laughing at The Center for the Arts.
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El Dorado Musical Theatre’s production of “Seussical the Musical” hits the Harris Center Stage, running Nov. 15-24 with multiple showtimes. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
Join The Stage at Burke Junction for an evening of HomeGrown Comedy starting at 8 p.m. Come for the comedy and stay for the $5 beer and wine all night long. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.
Audioboxx will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 8 p.m. to midnight on Nov. 15 and 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Nov. 16. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.
Take a trip back in time by participating in Fairytale Town’s Medieval Day, replete with crafts, archery, axe-throwing and more. Come in peasant’s, knight’s or royal’s attire and receive 1/2 off a child’s admission! For more information visit fairytaletown.org.
Nov. 16
2BGlass, 4191 Business Drive, Suite D-F, Cameron Park, will host the Handblown Glass Ornament Extravaganza 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — a gathering of thousands of handblown glass ornaments crafted by several Northern California artists.
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one who advised against open heart surgery. He said it was likely my healthy lifestyle allowed me to live a healthy life for decades. And the doctor suggested taking medication for heart disease.
Q: During the summer of 2023 did you regain your health?
No way. My condition got worse. I was put on statins which made me tired, nauseated, and frail. So, I once the lean, active health author was now in a wheelchair! My weak heart affected my overall health and well-being. I had swelling of the legs, coughing, and fatigue.
Q: Were you scared?
I knew I was getting worse. My sibling who took care of me was scared I was going to die (again). Then, a local cardiologist (when he looked at my angiogram his jaw dropped when he saw my clogged arteries) referred me to a gifted heart surgeon at UC Davis. He offered to perform a risky Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, a minimally invasive procedure to open blocked heart arteries.
Q: Were you scared before the high-tech procedure?
No. I put my trust and faith in the heart surgeon’s skillset for complex cases. I knew we both were taking a risk, but it was one that felt right to me. It
Mellowood Vineyard, 2979 Mellowood Drive in Fair Play, is having a Fall Soup Soiree from noon to 5 p.m. Warm up with a variety of hearty fall soups and warm bread, candied and caramel apples and create your own S’mores over the fire. Enjoy a flight of highly scored Mellowood wines while rocking to the live tunes of Tom Power. RSVP requested. Call (916) 261-7512 or email loree@mellowoodvineyard. com to attend.
Madroña Vineyards, 2560 High Hill Road in Camino, hosts a MRV Blending Event from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Learn about blending marsanne, roussanne and viognier. Call the winery at (530) 644-5948 for more information and to sign up.
Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts a book signing for Karen Phillips and her new Rocky Nelson Boxing Mystery, “A Deadly Match,” 3:30-5:30 p.m. For more information call (916) 941-9401 or visit getyourfaceinabook.com.
Pville Plug will perform at 4 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.
The Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a special cabaret titled “So You Think You Can Belt,” which will be held at Howe Avenue Theatre from 7:30-9:30 p.m. For more information, contact sarta@sarta.com or call 916-443-8229.
was meant to be and scheduled on Oct. 20, 2023. Five days later after the hospital stay, I was back home. One week later, my life changed drastically. No cough. No swelling. No brain fog. My energy levels — mind and body — was off the charts! I was back. Every day was like a Christmas present. I felt wonderful!
Q: One year later: What is the outcome of your heart adventure?
The PCI was very successful. As one nurse recently said, “You reversed your heart disease!” I am no longer in heart failure. My blood work is back to normal. A chest X-ray, EKG, and echocardiogram all show good results and show my heart is functioning well. Yes, I still have coronary heart disease. However, I continue to make healthy lifestyle and diet choices. Translation: I take a blood thinner and one aspirin every day, and few other meds — but no statins for me (they do not work well for everyone). I maintain my ideal weight, BMI, eat a strict Mediterranean diet (fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, olive oil — repeat), exercise daily and live like a health-conscious nun. Orey, a South Lake Tahoe local, is a bestselling author-novelist. For more information visit her website at calorey.com.
Poor Man’s Whiskey will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville from 8-11 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
The Polar Express has returned to the California Railroad Museum for a limited time, running Nov. 16 through Dec. 22. For tickets and more information visit californiarailroad.museum.
Forejour will perform for two shows at Sutter Creek Theatre in Sutter Creek; 7-9 p.m. Nov. 16 and 3-5 p.m. Nov. 17 For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheatre.com.
David Howley will perform at The Sofia in Sacramento starting at 7:00 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.
Nov. 17
El Dorado Western Railroad offers excursion rides with trains running on the hour, 10 a.m. through 1 p.m., weather permitting, at the Shingle Springs Station. For more information visit facebook.com/ ElDoradoWesternRailroad.
Vices to Virtues will perform at 3 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.
Nov. 19
Powell’s Steamer Company and Pub, 425 Main St., presents Eric Hill and Jonny Mojo for Taco Tuesday on the first and third Tuesdays
Open house Continued from B3
administrator and long-time Cedar Springs Waldorf teacher, explained, “I’m excited to be a part of bringing Waldorf-inspired education to more families in our community. What I love about this educational approach, is it is a developmentally ageappropriate way of teaching the whole child.” For more information visit cedarspringswaldorf. org or call (530) 642-9903.
Not only does litter look ugly, it can cause serious harm to wild animals – even to animals that live far away from where the litter was first dropped. Some litter looks like food. Other litter can tangle animals, leaving them trapped so that they can’t find food or escape predators.
Litter can wash into rivers and streams and be carried to oceans and bays. There, birds, sea turtles and even whales can become entangled. Sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and try to eat them. Eating plastic bags is very dangerous for any animal.
Do you like helium-filled balloons? They are fun to ______ and bat around.
When these balloons are let loose, they float up into the air and seem to _______. But they don’t.
Ultimately these balloons lose their ______ and fall back to earth as litter. Some end up in the _____ where marine animals, especially sea turtles, eat them. The swallowed balloons can block air _______ or get caught in the animal’s ___________. Either way, balloons can be dangerous.
Find the words that complete the story before they float away!
Circle the things you can do to keep your community clean and beautiful.
Homonym Hunt
Keep Mylar balloons
Outside, a Mylar balloon needs to be ____________ down or attached to a weight.
When getting rid of Mylar balloons, make sure to poke __________ in them to be sure left over helium doesn’t cause them to _________ and blow around if the garbage container is overturned.
If a Mylar balloon, kite or any object becomes _______________ in an overhead power line, call 9-1-1 or 1-800-743-5000. Do not try to ___________ it yourself.
Different places have different fines for littering. In some places, fines are $500. In other places, fines can be $5,000 or more. Pretend you got fined $500 for littering. Look through the newspaper and find things you could buy with $500, instead of paying a fine. Be sure to find items that add up to exactly $500.
If I Were a Teacher
Circle all of the litter hidden in the park. Draw a line from the litter to where it should go.
© 2015 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 31, No. 38
Quick, Comforting Ways to Warm Up Winter in Mere Minutes
FAMILY FEATURES A
fter a day battling the cold and fighting the wind, a comforting meal made at home is often just what you crave. Turn those blustery winter conditions into warm, cozy evenings with favorite recipes that offer not only convenience but provide a little kick of spice. For a quick and delightful meal that’s equal parts comforting and
Know Continued from B5
(530) 626-1091
Nov. 20
Snowline Health Dementia Connection Caregiver Support Group meets 1:30-3 p.m. at Green Valley Church, 3500 Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. This is a free caregiver support group and also available is an activity enrichment group (respite) for those with memory loss.
The Amador-El Dorado Forest Forum will host Ernie Lory, Grizzly Flat landowner and El Dorado County Fire Safe Council member, to speak about the Caldor Fire’s impacts and challenges to the Grizzly Flat community, at the J&R Logging Events Center, 7520 Mt. Aukum Road, Somerset. Social hour begins at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the presentation at 7:15 p.m. To reserve a space contact Diane Dealey Neill at dianedealeyneill@gmail.com or (530) 417-1960 by 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18. B Street Theatre in Sacramento presents “A Christmas Carol” at The Sofia in Sacramento Nov. 20 through Dec. 29. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.
Nov. 21
The Crocker Art Museum will host a showing of “Fanny: The Right to Rock,” the untold story of a Filipina American garage band that morphed into the ferocious rock group Fanny, the first all-women band to release an album with a major record label. The showing beings at 6:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit crockerart.org.
Now
Soroptimist of Placerville is seeking grant
applications from women who serve as the primary earners for their families and require financial assistance to continue their education or training. Apply for a Live Your Dream Award at bit.ly/ LYDA-apply. Application deadline is Nov. 15. For additional information contact Sharon Warner at liveyourdream@siplacerville.org.
Soroptimist of Cameron Park/El Dorado Hills is seeking grant applications from women who serve as the primary earners for their families and require financial assistance to continue their education or training. Women can now apply for the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award. Applications are available at bit.ly/LYDA-apply. The application deadline is Nov. 15. (The club number for SICPEDH is #116408.) For more information visit sicpedh.org or call (916) 933-8205.
El Dorado High School’s Studio 81 presents “You Can’t Take It With You” through Nov. 16. For tickets and more information go to studio81arts. com.
Ponderosa High School’s presentation of “Puffs” runs through Nov. 16. For tickets and more information go to pondodrama.com.
The California Museum presents Arte de Inspiracón: Día de los Muertos 2024 through Nov. 17. For more information visit californiamuseum.org.
Capital Stage in Sacramento presents “The Heart Sellers” through Nov. 17. For tickets and more information call (916) 995-5464 or visit capstage. org.
Audiences are sure to delight at Falcon’s Eye Theatre at Folsom Lake College’s hilarious performance of David Ives’ revision of Georges Feydeau’s masterpiece farce “A Flea in Her Ear.” The story of mistaken identity and misunderstandings runs
through Nov. 24. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
Sutter Street Theatre presents Gore Vidal’s “The Best Man,” a story of scruples and political expediency, running through Nov. 24. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
The Center for the Arts in Grass Valley presents Tahiti Pehrson’s solo exhibition Carrying the Fire in The Granucci Gallery through Jan. 4, 2025. Tahiti will transform the gallery space with captivating hand-cut and painted paper, woodblock prints and carvings, and graphite drawings. For more information visit thecenterforthearts.org.
The California Museum presents Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues through Jan. 19, 2025. For more details visit californiamuseum.org.
ASPIREKids is looking for volunteers to help with
The Elf Project, a program that will bring Christmas to hundreds of local youth. For more information email hello@aspirekidseldorado.org.
Marshall Hospital Auxiliary is looking for volunteers. Help people and make new friends. Interviews are held monthly. For more information call Norma at (530) 676-1844 or email grizzyq98@ gmail.com.
The Master Gardener public office is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon at 311 Fair Lane, Placerville. Have a gardening question or problem? Come in and chat. Bring a cutting or insect in a baggie or a picture. Can’t come in person? Call (530) 621-5512 and leave a voicemail or email mgeldorado@ucanr.edu.
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.
