172
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C ali forn ia’s Olde st Ne w spaper
Volume 172 • Issue 130 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
Monday, November 13, 2023
– E s t. 18 51
Hometown event details updated Mountain Democrat staff
Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian
Vernese Parra speaks in El Dorado County Superior Court Department 9 Wednesday during a housing committee meeting on the release of sexually violent predator David Bergey. Parra, a victim of Bergey’s crimes 30 years ago, was one of more than a dozen community members to pack the courtroom in opposition of Bergey’s release.
Community fears release of sexually violent predator Eric Jaramishian Staff writer
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Vernese Parra got up to the podium in a packed Cameron Park courtroom Wednesday morning to voice her opposition of the potential release of sexually violent predator David Bergey into El Dorado County. One of Bergey’s victims, Parra addressed representatives from the Department of State Hospitals and Liberty Health who could be seen on a screen via Zoom. Both the Department of State Hospitals and Liberty Health are looking for a place to house Bergey. The community meeting held Wednesday regarding the convicted sex predator was the first of its kind in El Dorado County. Parra, along with
“I stood here as a child and now I stand here as a woman. He did not break me then and he will not break me now.” — Vernese Parra, one of two victims of convicted sex predator David Bergey
other members of the community, made one point clear on conditions of his release — they do not want Bergey, now 64, back in the county. “I am his last victim and I plan to be his last victim,” Parra started off. Bergey in 1993 was convicted of sex crimes against two teenage girls in El Dorado County. He was sentenced to eight-years and eightmonths in prison and was then admitted to the Department of State Hospitals in 2001, where he has been since. “I stood here as a child and now I stand here as a woman,” Parra said. “He did not break me then and he will not break me now.” The court ordered
his release after three doctors determined he was suitable for treatment in the community.
“Could you imagine walking into your local Walmart and seeing the n See Release, page A3
Gold Rush
In planning Placerville’s annual holiday celebration that fills Main Street with crowds for a Christmas tree lighting the Friday evening following Thanksgiving, the El Dorado Community Foundation has released event details. Previously known as the Festival of Lights, changes to the event were announced at the Oct. 24 City council meeting. A new name for the festivities was announced at that meeting, Hometown Holidays, but that name has since been revised to Hometown Christmas. Additionally, attendees will see a stand-in for Placerville’s nearly 100-foot redwood that normally serves as tannenbaum but was damaged by winter storms. City of Placerville officials plan to place a 20-to 25-foot cut tree at the Main Street courthouse, pending state approval. City Manager Cleve Morris told the Mountain Democrat he believes approval will come but a formal OK has yet to be received. The city’s goal is to keep the tree up through Christmas despite previous reports it might have to come down Dec. 13 due to the conifer potentially drying out. The entertainment lineup for the Nov. 24, 4-7 p.m. event, includes performances by the Ponderosa High School jazz band and choir, El Dorado High School’s Studio 81, Imagination Theater, Cantare Chorale of the Sierra Foothills and Folsom Lake Choir and Impulse Dance Academy. Eats, warm beverages and sweet treats will be available thanks to EDHS cheerleaders and the school’s chess club, as well as the Placerville Rotary Club and Girl Scout Troop 153. At 6 p.m. Miss El Dorado and the El Dorado Rose will light Placerville’s tree and the trees along Highway 50, illuminating the way for Santa Claus. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at T.W. Bonkers Toy and Candy Emporium for photos and wish lists. El Dorado Community Foundation spokesperson Chris Ringnes noted organizers “have had a ton of buy-in from the community” to participate in Hometown Christmas.
Sutter’s Mill in Coloma is seeing gold other than in its 1848 tailrace as the historical site is surrounded by trees with fall foliage making that seasonal transition from green to gold. Shorter days and cooler weather tell some types of flora to break down chlorophyl molecules that give leaves their green color. This saves energy for the plant as the leaves will eventually drop. Several species of trees, including this cottonwood, were showing off in hues of red, orange and gold at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park Nov. 5. Mountain Democrat photo by Krysten Kellum
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