An El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office correctional officer was arrested Friday, Nov. 22, in connection to sexual assault allegations involving an inmate.
El Dorado County correctional officer accused of sexual misconduct
Michael Griffiths, 24, became the target of an investigation conducted by EDSO after deputies were made aware of allegations that he had engaged in sexual activity with an inmate at the El Dorado County Jail. Griffiths was booked into the jail on a charge of consensual sex with an adult detained in a detention facility; according to inmate records, he was later released on bail. He has been placed on administrative leave, according to an EDSO press release.
The investigation into Griffith’s conduct is ongoing, according to EDSO officials, and no further information is available at this time.
arrested after child porn investigation
Rasco Senior sta writer
El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a
Cameron Park man Thursday, Nov. 21, for alleged possession of child sexual abuse material.
Michael Steven Raphael, 45, was arrested as deputies executed a search warrant at his residence as part of an investigation into multiple tips which alleged he was in possession of child porn. The investigation into Raphael was conducted by EDSO’s High-Tech Crimes Unit, which has members who belong to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The unit began looking into Raphael following receipt
Fire protection districts sign on for unification
Odin Rasco Senior sta writer
With unanimous votes in favor from their respective boards of trustees, two local firefighting agencies entered into the Local Agency Formation Commission process Thursday, Nov. 21, which will see the Diamond Springs-El Dorado Fire Protection District annexed into the El Dorado County Fire Protection District.
“A lot of people here have done a lot of work to get Chief [Matt] Gallagher and I to this point.”
— EDCFPD Fire Chief Tim Cordero
The move to combine the two agencies has been a pie-in-the-sky idea for years, according to many familiar with the situation.
“A lot of people here have done a lot of work to get Chief [Matt] Gallagher and I to this point,” EDCFPD Fire Chief Tim Cordero said at the joint EDCFPD and DSEDFPD boards of trustees meeting Thursday. “To be blunt, this is something that I never thought we’d see.”
That dream inched closer to an achievable goal in recent years, starting with the two
agencies entering into a shared service agreement in October 2022, which set combined training and fire protection duties between the two groups. On the heels of that decision, the two agencies established an ad-hoc committee to explore annexation options in late January 2023. The two passed resolutions of intent in February 2023 to further look at annexation, with the ad-hoc working group of board members and staff from both agencies also holding the first of its at least once-a-month meetings.
The gears of progress kept turning over the following year, with consultant Bill Adams, described by Cordero as a “tremendous asset,” brought on to help bring a legal perspective to the annexation effort; local LAFCO officials also
Odin
Odin
Photo by Shelly Thorene
A tom struts his stuff among a flock of about 20 hens at a residence on Crystal Boulevard and Sodalite Street in Logtown. These turkeys didn’t seem worried about the approaching holiday during which they’re usually the main course. The Mountain Democrat wishes everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving full of gratitude, laughter and full bellies.
MAIL LABEL
Courtesy photo
El Dorado County Sheriff’s deputies lead Cameron Park man Michael Steven Raphael to a waiting patrol car. Raphael was arrested in connection to an investigation on child sexual abuse material.
ESSENTIALS
James Macko
Dec. 06, 1948 – Sept. 26, 2024
Jim was born in Redwood City, California on December 6, 1948 to Winifred Caroline Ladlow and John Michael Macko. He passed away peacefully in Westminster, California on September 26, 2024 at the age of 75 years old from dementia. He attended Sequioa High School and lettered in gymnastics, soccer and tennis. He attended The College of San Mateo and majored in computer science. The majority of Jim’s career was spent at Intel while living in Placerville, California from 1984 until 2021. Jim’s favorite activities were golfing, music and bowling. He scored two perfect 300 games during his lifetime and was proud of the two gold rings he received from the American Bowling Congress. Jim’s smile would light up a room, his sense of humor was loved by all and his welcoming hugs were without compare. He was a master at joke telling and occasionally pushed the limits! Jim is survived by his brothers Michael (Paula) and John (Amy), best friend Doug Franksen (Paulette), nieces/ nephews (Jessica, Kari, Robbie, Tim, Francie and Elizabeth) and godsons (Jerry and Travis). He is predeceased by his grandparents Earl Ladlow and Caroline Whysall Clough, step-grandfather John “Jack” Clough, parents and godson Christopher Franksen. Jim’s family has peace knowing that he is now healed in heaven, in the presence of Jesus Christ and reunited with cherished family and friends.
Peter Halpin Cunningham
Aug. 15, 1932 – Oct. 5, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Peter Halpin Cunningham on October 5, 2024, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, businessman, and friend.
Julie Fields-Tiemann
Jan. 14, 1967 – Oct. 6, 2024
Julie Marie Tiemann (née Fields), born January 14, 1967, in Anaheim, CA, passed away on October 6, 2024, in Placerville, CA. A devoted mother, she is survived by her children, Courtney Tiemann of Portland, OR. and Roland Tiemann of Placerville, CA. Julie was the beloved daughter of Jack and Connie Fields of Shingle Springs, CA, and sister to Jack Fields of Monterey, CA. She is also survived by her life partner, Matt Miller. Julie had a deep love for animals and nature, especially her faithful companion, “Roxy.” Her kindness and warmth will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Melba Ambro
Dec. 10, 1927 – Oct. 31, 2024
Two weekends coming up to view historical aircraft
Gary Vorderbruggen News release
Melba grew up in Alhambra, CA. She married Sam Ambroff and moved to the San Fernando Valley to raise their family. Upon Sam’s retirement, they moved to Placerville. Melba is survived by 4 children, Rita (Bob) Phelps, Craig (Debi) Ambroff, Terry (Ellen) Ambroff and Jaynee Bradshaw. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Melba was a member of Newcomers Club, Shakespeare Club and Quilting groups. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Douglas Garig
May 03, 1963 – June 20, 2024
Peter was born on August 15, 1932 in Rochester, New York. He and his mother moved to California in 1944. He graduated from Grant Union High School in Sacramento and after graduation, worked for Sears Roebuck & Co., Blake, Moffit & Towne Paper Company, and Western Pine Lumber Company. In 1969 he started his own business, Attorneys Diversified Services, a thriving 39-year strong business. In his spare time, he volunteered as a Docent at the California Automobile Museum. He kept several cars on display at the museum, and yearly would give a presentation honoring the history of Cunningham Vehicles. Peter owned several Cunningham cars including an original Cunningham ambulance. His great-grandfather, James Cunningham & Sons out of Rochester, New York originally started with carriages, and later produced high-end automobiles and ambulances from 1911 through 1937. After retiring from ADS, Peter and his wife moved to Placerville where they have lived since 2005. He was always working on something, and in his final days was helping his son Blaine successfully revive Rimrock Water Company in Placerville. Peter always had some advice to give, and had such a rich life experience that he would always point you in the right direction. Peter is survived by his wife Marceil, and children, Susan, Jay, Mark, Michelle, Blaine, and Christine, 18 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his sons Timothy Moffett, Gregory Cunningham, and grandson Jayme Moffett. A Celebration of Life will be held at the California Automobile Museum in Sacramento on December 8, 2024, at 1:00 P.M.
Mary Nell Bryant
Aug. 14, 1950 – Oct. 29, 2024
Mary Nell Bryant, 74, Placerville, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2024, after a courageous battle with pancreatic disease. Born on August 14, 1950, in Georgia, to Edward Louis and Alice T. Bryant. Mary was known for her magnetic personality, her southern accent, and her special gift for turning strangers into friends. She is survived by her life partner, Ron Wermes (Placerville), and her siblings, Emmett Bridger, Darlene Gregory, and Edna Pennone, who reside in Georgia. May she rest in peace.
Historical aircraft will be on display two consecutive weekends, Nov. 29 through Dec. 1, and the following weekend, Dec. 6-8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day at the Georgetown Airport. The first weekend is Thanksgiving weekend and it is the perfect opportunity to take the kids to meet those who put on the display and view the aircraft. They love aviation and they enjoy sharing their knowledge with visitors, especially the kids, and many will allow kids to have their photo taken with the planes or in the cockpits.
Signs will be posted directing visitors. It is necessary to get out of cars and walk the area to see the aircraft on display. The Georgetown Airport is located at 6245 Aerodrome Way, Georgetown.
Doug was fond of the simple things in life such as a good beer, a good book, and time spent in nature. He often saw the humor in every situation. He was described as a big hearted fool by those who knew him best. He was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer in October 2023. For the next eight months he fought hard doing everything possible to rid himself of the cancer including many chemotherapy cycles and nonstop radiation treatment for two months straight. Even through it all he maintained his sense of humor, still cracking a joke until the very end. He passed peacefully in a loving family member’s home with his mother by his side. He is and will continue to be greatly missed by his family including his daughter, mother, sisters, and brother. To those that made his life full of laughter, we thank you. And to those that were there to the end, we are very grateful for all the help and love he received. Sincerely, His daughter Erika and the rest of his family.
TAHOE CITY — With winter just around the corner, more people will be heading into Tahoe’s extensive backcountry wilderness to recreate. Too often, individuals get lost or injured in areas not readily accessible by law enforcement or medical personnel. A new transport van would ensure faster, safer rescue missions in the backcountry. To help with this e ort, the Tahoe Fund is o ering a $15,000 match to help Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue purchase a new multi-passenger transport van.
“You never know when you or a loved one might need help while skiing or snowboarding in the backcountry. I am always blown away by the work these volunteers do in challenging conditions to keep people alive,” said Amy Berry, CEO of the Tahoe Fund. “That’s why our board of directors jumped at the opportunity to meet this match and help TNSAR with the tools they need to continue this heroic work for our community.”
Since its start in 1976, TNSAR has been part of hundreds of search missions, with an unmatched success rate for finding lost people in the outdoors. Last year the team was called out for 31 search days in the greater Tahoe Basin and beyond. The team is made up entirely of volunteers who give their time to keep community members safe.
“I have often thought people use the term hero lightly,” wrote a community member to TNSAR after a successful rescue last winter. “You are true heroes in our minds and we are here today because of your commitment, strength, talent and grit.”
A new transport van will improve the safety of their team and help them do their work more quickly and e ectively. It will also reduce the number of vehicles on the roads, especially during busy, snowy and dangerous weather.
“When performing a rescue, every minute counts,” said Wes Moody, a director on TNSAR’s Executive Board. “That’s why we are calling on our community to help us unlock a $15,000 matching donation from the Tahoe Fund and make it possible for us to purchase and equip a new van that will improve the team’s capability to conduct fast, thorough and safe searches.”
All donations will be doubled until the funding goal of $30,000 is reached. Give today at tahoefund.org/searchandrescue.
The following information was taken from Placerville police reports:
Nov. 17
6:26 a.m. Vandalism reported at a café on Ray Lawyer Drive.
1:20 p.m. Trespassing reported at a grocery store on Placerville Drive.
2:04 p.m. Petty theft reported at a store on Placerville Drive.
Nov. 18
11:59 p.m. Trespassing reported at a grocery store on Placerville Drive.
12:31 p.m. Someone reported objects thrown at vehicles on Highway 50 at Bedford Avenue.
3:29 p.m. Battery reported at an apartment complex on Clay Street.
Nov. 19
8:16 a.m. Grand theft reported on Sleepy Hollow Court.
CRAFTS GALORE IN CAMERON PARK
Ton of turkeys, meals donated for the holidays
Food Bank of El Dorado County News release
Holy Trinity Catholic Parish in El Dorado Hills held its annual turkey collection to benefit the Food Bank of El Dorado County and the community partners they serve on Nov. 23 & 24.
The Knights of Columbus at Holy Trinity work together to organize and handle the collection. Art Agular has led the effort for years and is dedicated to helping neighbors who struggle to make ends meet.
This year the parishioners at Holy Trinity donated 126 turkeys weighing 2,021 pounds — a ton of turkeys that the Food Bank will distribute to the less fortunate in communities throughout El Dorado County. Also over the weekend the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians and the Food Bank of El Dorado County provided a Harvest Meal to hundreds of neighbors.
To get started, the Tribal Police Department and the Tribal Fire Department teamed up to deliver Harvest Meals to homebound residents and local veterans who could use a little help or were unable to attend the regional distribution on Nov. 23. The volunteers went door to door with a turkey and all the fixings. Together, they delivered to 111 families
throughout El Dorado County.
Tribal Fire along with community volunteers provided support to ensure the impressive drive-thru distribution on Saturday was a success. Despite the rain and cold, together they were able to serve 826 individuals with a Harvest Meal to take home and enjoy.
Elieen Hidahl and the El Dorado County Master Food Preservers provided informational food brochures to attendees. Barsotti Family Juice Company provided a generous donation of fresh apple cider to be included with every meal.
Kings Meats delivers the birds
News release
On Nov. 14 Kings Meats headed up Day 1 of free turkeys distribution with 1,298 turkeys leaving the El Dorado County Fairgrounds and going to families in need.
Some of the organizations that picked up to distribute directly to families included: Placerville School District, Rescue Union School District, Indian Education, Divide Title 1, Summitview, New Morning Youth & Family Services, Progress House, Boys & Girls Club, CASA, MORE, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Upper Room, Placerville Police Department, District Church, Green Valley Community Church, USMC Recruiting, EDC Probation and Veteran Services.
Kings Meats also extended its annual turkey giveaway to South Lake Tahoe, providing more than 700 turkeys.
California Conservation Corps volunteers assisted throughout the day, helping to ensure the delivery of turkeys to multiple organizations, including Boys & Girls Club, CASA, Christmas Cheer, Family Resource Center, Hope Lutheran Church of the Sierra, Lake Tahoe Community College,
dentures are used as a placeholder while the mouth heals.
MountainHouse Church, Our Lady of Lake Tahoe, Phoenix Food Pantry, Sierra Community Church, SMILES, SOS Outreach, Tahoe Youth and Family Services and Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless.
Kings Meats, located at 787 Pleasant Valley
combination with implants. Your best option depends on how many teeth are missing and where. Full dentures are used to replace a full arc of teeth on either the top or bottom jaw. Partial dentures are used when several or most teeth are missing from one or both jaws. These dentures clasp onto your remaining teeth for stability. Dentures or implants often require tooth extractions first, and temporary/immediate
We will be glad to the discuss today’s denture options that can keep your smile a beautiful, happy one. We believe in an informed patient, and we promise to provide you with information regarding all aspects of your dental care. You can always count on our experienced, honest recommendation for the treatment best suited to your dental needs. Our goals are the same as yours—a healthy mouth and a brilliant smile.
P.S. Implant-retained dentures attach to dental implants but can be removed by the patient. Implant-supported dentures are unlike other dentures because they can only be removed by a dentist.
Road in Diamond Springs, is a familyrun retail butcher shop renowned for its in-house dryaged beef, fresh-cut meats, sausages, deli selections, and a variety of local products. Their commitment to quality and community service has made them a cherished establishment in El Dorado County.
“This is about our amazing El Dorado County community that always steps up to help those in need, our community made this happen,” said Casey King, owner of Kings Meats.
Mountain Democrat photos by Odin Rasco
Locals flocked to the Cameron Park Community Center Saturday, Nov. 23 to visit the Christmas Craft Faire, where handmade goods of all shapes and sizes were on offer. From cute crocheted cats to perfumed pinecones, opportunities abounded to support local artists and grab one or two perfect presents in preparation for Christmas. Some of the crafts offered at the faire had a little DIY flair, such as the worry-free pets sold by Lana Funk at the A Touch of Joy booth, left photo. Each of the sets came with a choice of miniature aquarium, different colors of gravel and gems,
Courtesy photo Volunteers load up turkeys during the Kings Meats giveaway at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds earlier this month.
Don’t invite food poisoning to your Thanksgiving feast
Elaine Murphy California Poison Control System
If you aren’t careful when preparing your Thanksgiving meal, you can be passing food poisoning instead of just turkey, warns the California Poison Control System. Turkeys (as well as other poultry) may contain diseasecausing germs that can lead to food poisoning. Don’t be one of the 30% of consumers found in a United States Department of Agriculture study who do not successfully clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces around meal preparation.
sick from foodborne diseases annually in the U.S. Of those, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die. For the elderly, children, pregnant women and people suffering from compromised immune systems, food poisoning can be severe and sometimes fatal.
“Food poisoning is extremely preventable,” added Dr. Rangan. “People can stay healthy and enjoy the holiday by following simple handling, cooking and storage suggestions.”
Don’t cut food safety corners and avoid food poisoning this Thanksgiving with these safety tips:
“Even if your Thanksgiving feast looks and tastes great, if it’s not properly prepared it could be contaminated with disease-causing germs that cause food poisoning,” said Cyrus Rangan, MD, a pediatrician and medical toxicologist with CPCS.
Food-borne illnesses — or food poisoning — occur when food is eaten that has been contaminated with disease-causing germs, such as bacteria, parasites or viruses. Food poisoning generally causes stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea and usually appears within four to 12 hours after eating or drinking contaminated food or drink.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 48 million people get
• Wash your hands often with soap and water especially in between handling foods that are wet or dry.
• Be sure to wash counters, cutting boards and utensils in between recipes with soap and hot water or a sanitizer to avoid cross-contamination. This is especially critical if you are cutting raw meat or leafy greens or chopping fruits or vegetables that will be served raw.
• Make sure to keep your Thanksgiving turkey separate from other foods and fully clean and sanitize all surfaces that come into contact with it and its juices.
• Safely thaw frozen turkeys either in the refrigerator, cold water or the microwave; never thaw it by leaving it
Property taxes coming due
Carla Hass
El
Dorado County Chief Administrative Office
The first installment of the secured property tax is now due and will be delinquent if not paid on or before Dec. 10.
To pay online or to find answers to the most frequently asked property tax questions, access the website at eldoradocounty.ca.gov/Services/ My-Property/Pay-Your-PropertyTaxes. Taxpayers can also view or print copies of their tax bills from this website.
Payments may be made online, through the mail, at payment bins located outside both building entrances and in person at 360 Fair Lane, Placerville. The bins are open for payments only during office hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please note: The third-party payment processing vendor charges an administrative processing fee for
online payments.
“We recommend making payments no less than 10 days before the delinquent date if utilizing the e-check option or if paying through your bank’s online bill payment system,” said El Dorado County Tax Collector Karen Coleman “The law requires us to apply late penalties to all payments received after Dec. 10, 2024.”
If there are questions concerning the assessed value of property, taxpayers are encouraged to call the Assessor’s Office at (530) 621-5719. Questions regarding the computation of the tax should be directed to the Auditor-Controller’s Office at (530) 621-5470. Questions regarding direct charges should be directed to the district’s phone number listed on the tax bill.
Questions regarding the total amount to pay should be directed to the Tax Collector’s Office at (530) 6215800.
Smoke Your Thanksgiving Turkey for a Tasty Twist on Tradition
Place
Add onions, carrots, celery, bay leaf, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper; gently sweat.
garlic cloves and salt, make paste and place in medium bowl. Stir in juice, olive oil and seasoning. Fold mojo into shredded turkey meat. In large, heavybottomed pot over high heat, melt duck fat and wait until it forms a wave. Add turkey, in batches, stirring
To make biscuits: In mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and cream of tartar. Grate
Add 1/2 cup flour and cook 2-3 minutes. Add turkey stock 2 cups at a time, allowing to thicken before adding more. In bowl, mix remaining flour with turkey. Add turkey pot, bring to simmer until thickened. Add seasoning, to taste. Add pot pie filling to casserole dish and gently place biscuits closely together on top. Brush biscuits with melted butter and bake 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool 10-15 minutes before serving.
OPINION
California Matters
Our state’s political clout will fade as long as growth remains slow
Kamala Harris could count on winning California’s 54 electoral college votes as she campaigned for president, and the state’s voters delivered. In fact, California’s electoral votes were almost a quarter of the 226 she won nationwide, 44 short of what she needed to defeat Donald Trump.
Simultaneously, however, Harris’ party fell short of regaining control of the House of Representatives, thanks in part to failing to flip as many seats in California as party leaders, such as Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, had hoped.
Those outcomes illustrate the powerful role that the nation’s most populous state plays in determining who controls the federal government. Looking ahead, however, California’s clout in both presidential and congressional elections — and therefore in the rooms where post-election policy decisions are made — is shrinking. It’s a stark reminder of the old adage that demography drives destiny.
Letters to the Editor
Wake up
EDITOR:
Letters to the editor printed earlier this month — “The 2024 election” by Scott Taylor and “Hidden appetite” by John O’Shea — were just the same old rant heard on CNN, MSNBC and the internet. The writers of these articles are one sided, closed minded and misguided.
I have a hundred questions for the progressives and follow-up questions but leftists on the legacy media never answer direct questions. Progressives are always in attack mode. A fair and balanced media should be canceled because, progressives say, it is misinformation. Truth is not a left-wing value.
Radicals” by Saul Alinsky.
Left-wing propaganda starts in kindergarten and goes through college. Most universities are the seminary of progressives. Other notable aspects of progressivism — legal assistance is provided by the ACLU and their favorite song is “Imagine” by John Lennon. So-called “science experts” are their leaders who teach about climate change and wokeism.
Abortion is a sacred ritual. If you disagree you are excommunicated.
These leaders are important to the progressives: Obama and Pelosi. And the financial head is George Soros.
So why the left is so crazy upset is very simple. They have been exposed as the bullies that they are — irrational, angry, mean and boring.
Population growth began to slow in the late 1990s, thanks largely to outmigration of Southern California aerospace workers and their families as defense spending dried up after the breakup of the Soviet Union.
California experienced strong population growth for the first 150 years of the state’s existence, largely due to migration from other states and nations and a high birthrate. The state’s decades-long expansion reached a high point in the 1980s when its population exploded by more than 25%, from 23.8 million to 30 million, due to strong foreign immigration and a new baby boom. There was a newborn every minute.
The decade’s population growth granted it seven new congressional seats after the 1990 census, increasing from 45 to 52. In 1992, Bill Clinton claimed the state’s 54 electoral votes, becoming only the fourth Democrat to win the state in the 20th century.
Democratic nominees have continued to win California’s electoral votes in every presidential election since, but they could no longer count on a new harvest every decade.
Population growth began to slow in the late 1990s, thanks largely to out-migration of Southern California aerospace workers and their families as defense spending dried up after the breakup of the Soviet Union.
It gained one seat after the 2000 census, but population growth stagnated during the 2010
■ See WALTERS, page A7
The Balancing Act
The United States was formed as a secular government (all religions are welcome) but the religion of leftism is attempting to take over every aspect of our lives — legacy media, education, big tech, Hollywood, the military and so-called late night comedy. Big government is their god; utopia is their heaven (not Eutopia) and the bible of the left is the New York Times and “Rules for
James Buchanan was the worst U.S. president ever and Biden is the second worst. Trump said, “Promises made, promises kept.” Wouldn’t that be a nice change?
GEORGE LEHR Placerville
How to fix the federal bureaucracy (start with big cuts)
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have agreed to “fix” the federal bureaucracy. Thank you. These are two of the smartest guys in the world and I know they can do it. They also need to overhaul federal civil service rules so that the people who work for the feds actually do something that adds to and benefits the people they work for — you. Working for the federal government has become a gravy train. Once hired you make great money (average salary is over $131,000 a year with amazing benefits). It’s almost as if your retirement starts when you’re hired.
I worked for the city of Beverly Hills as a field auditor (I audited business licenses) between undergraduate and graduate school for about three months in 1965. It was in the same building that was seen in all the Beverly Hills Cop movies. Nearly 60 years ago I found out what it was like to work for the government. It tells the whole story of why government doesn’t work. The city clerk was my boss so I asked, “How many audits would you want performed a day? I figured at least one an hour, so 8 or so?” He told, “Calm down. Three would be plenty.” What am I going to do all day, I thought? So, with almost nothing to
You would probably be able to sell tickets to witness the bureaucratic slaughter as it would give retired folks an additional attraction, besides TV.
do, a few days later I showed up for “work” at 8:12 a.m. The city clerk read me the riot act, saying I must be at work at 8 a.m. But don’t rock the boat by actually working. In other words, be at the o ce 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The rest of the day doesn’t matter. It’s even worse now, as many government workers “work at home.”
They don’t have to even show up for work anymore.
There are more than three million employees in the federal bureaucracy (the Volcker Alliance puts the number at more than seven million) and growing (excluding the military). I have a simple solution to reducing
this gravy train. With Republican control of Congress starting on Jan. 5, when the new Congress is sworn in, the first bill introduced would be the Budget Reduction Act, which would include repeal of the American Rescue and Inflation Reduction Act, but also include a one-third budget reduction from 2023 numbers of every federal agency, including all federal departments, along with an overhaul of the Federal Civil Service Act. President Trump would sign the bill on Jan. 20. Doing it under the reconciliation system, it could not be
LARRY WEITZMAN
DAN WALTERS
Pardon me, too
EDITOR:
This is a serious letter, I believe, of national importance. I went into the local hardware store here in Pollock PInes to buy some hardware items and as an afterthought asked if they would rent me a 17-year-old girl so that I could take her to the adjacent state. I assured them I could have her back within four hours. They laughed and shook their heads in the negative. I assured them they would not get in trouble for violation of local laws against pimping because the former president stated publicly that he would pardon the hundreds of patriots who cause vandalism damage to our national shrine to democracy — U.S. Congress. After all, his announced appointed attorney
filibustered.
general of the United States is accused of no less a crime than my soliciting the local hardware store for a 17-yearold girl to take to the next state. To be fair, the accused congressman resigned from the House thereby avoiding the jurisdiction of the House Ethics Committee.
BERLE BELIZ Pollock Pines
Financial standing
EDITOR:
Addressed to the East India Company, a letter exists claiming that Manhattan was purchased from the Native Americans for about $24 of beads and trinkets in 1626. Presumably this deal was negotiated, not forced. The Natives seem not to have understood the true value of the trinkets they received in
If the bureaucracy tried to shut down the government, it would not matter. The Federal government has shut down many times and actually
payment.
Do we understand the true value of the dollar today? Supposedly, the dollar rests upon the gold in Fort Knox. This gold was last audited in the 1950s. Since then, no audit has been allowed by Congress. Why not?
After Wold War II the American dollar was the strongest currency in the world. It did not depreciate rapidly like many currencies in other countries.
But on Aug. 15, 1971, economic conditions caused President Nixon to remove the dollar from the gold standard, resulting in the inflation we experience today.
This inflation not only a ects us but also causes all government activities to become more costly. This has resulted in government debt increasing to over $31,000,000,000,000.
Since there is no apparent way
no one noticed.
Then all Vivek and Elon would need to do is hire a few monitors and watch the carnage. And it would be carnage as federal employees pull every skeleton
to repay this debt, the dollar seems valueless. Only very wealthy people are not su ering from inflation. Consequently, people are turning to crime in America. We now have more people in prison per capita than any other nation.
How does this end? Traditionally, wars come about to end inflation. But how about just declaring a jubilee, forgiving all debts, public and private?
Currencies worldwide could be re-issued based upon gold and other national treasures in each nation. This would end inflation and permit businesses to hire again.
Sound money benefits everybody, governments as well as citizens. Hopefully, our new government starting Jan. 20, 2025, will follow the path of jubilee, not war.
CECIL RINGGENBERG Placerville
out of the closet to turn on every other employee. It would look like “Lord of the Flies.” Liberal policies that have ballooned government departments with employees who check all the boxes would be flying out the window. Streets would be so littered, the sanitation department would have to work double overtime. But that’s OK, as it will be tax free under President Trump. Friends (employees) would become mortal enemies. Cliques would be established among employees; tribalism would happen overnight. And you would see more work come out of the bureaucracy in six months than happened in the last four years.
You would probably be able to sell tickets to witness the bureaucratic slaughter as it would give retired folks an additional attraction, besides TV. Might even make a little extra revenue from selling seats.
And if a one-third cut isn’t enough, perhaps a 40-50% cut would be necessary. It would save taxpayers a $1 trillion or more with no loss in services and a significant reduction of government intrusion in our lives as the regulatory maze gets cut to ribbons. Think of all the trees that would be saved from the paperwork reduction.
Larry Weitzman is a former El Dorado County resident.
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.
Weitzman Continued from A6
lent a hand to make the process go as smoothly as possible to gear up for the official LAFCO submittal.
In September, a major milestone was hit when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 1240 into law, which made a special adjustment to CalPERS insurance rules to ensure DSEDFPD employees would receive proper compensation postannexation. Sen. Marie AlvaradoGil helped get an emergency clause added to the bill, ensuring it was seen to in a timely manner. If the bill had not been passed, employees of the DSEDFPD would have been classified as new employees postannexation, effectively rolling their benefits timers back to zero.
In anticipation of the annexation process, the two fire protection districts began combining their efforts on a wider scale. Staffing vacancies have been filled with staff from the other agency since August 2023, and training has been conducted in tandem for both districts to ensure a cohesive operation; even daily staffing has been adjusted to a joint system, with the promotion and captain’s test lists combined into one.
of multiple CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, according to an EDSO press release.
Investigators report they uncovered digital evidence of hundreds of offensive videos, and that the search warrant executed at Raphael’s home discovered more evidence. Raphael was booked into
on a countertop or in hot water.
• Prepare and cook turkey and stu ng separately; anything placed in the cavity can lead to uneven cooking and increases the risk of food-borne illness. Cook both thoroughly; use a food thermometer to make sure each reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
• Do not eat raw dough or batter; it can make you sick.
• Rinse fruits and vegetables
decade, with a net increase of 2.4 million, just 10% of what occurred in the 1980s.
On the administrative side of things, the Fire Prevention Bureau, as well as payroll and both fire chiefs, have relocated to all operate out of Station 49 in order to streamline discussions and collaboration.
The annexation resolution was originally scheduled to be voted on in October, but was delayed in order to address concerns regarding benefits for retired DSEDFPD staff. Staff later met with many of the concerned retirees and cleaned up language in a resolution regarding benefits to ensure the previous administrative staff and firefighters received the health benefits they had worked for.
“I’d like to thank both boards for taking the time and slowing things down to address some of the concerns we had,” retired DSEDFPD Chief Don Denault said. “Thank you all very much.”
The meeting closed with a round of applause in Placerville Town Hall, with many taking a moment to recognize the efforts made by staff, boards and Chiefs Cordero and Gallagher in paving a way toward unification.
the El Dorado County Jail for felony charges for child porn possession; he has since been released on bail, according to inmate records.
If community members have any information regarding suspected child exploitation, EDSO officials ask they report it to NCMEC at missingkids.org or to contact EDSO directly.
thoroughly under cool running water and use a produce brush to remove surface dirt.
• Keep cold food like salads, gelatin molds and salad dressing refrigerated at 35 degrees F until just before serving.
• Once dinner is over, refrigerate the leftovers promptly. Food is not safe to eat if it has been sitting out for two hours or more.
• Reheat all leftovers to at least 165 degrees F before serving.
The state lost a congressional seat after the 2020 census, so California now has 52 districts. The COVID19 pandemic and other factors, such as a declining birthrate and increasing death rate, have led to population stagnation since then.
“California lost 433,000 people between July 2020 and July 2023,” the Public Policy Institute of California calculated. “Most of the loss occurred during the first year of the pandemic and was driven by a sharp rise in residents moving to other states. But fewer births, higher deaths and lower international migration also played a role.”
That’s where we are now: roughly 39 million, a bit under the 2020 census number. But the future looks like slow growth at best, which means the state will likely lose four or more congressional seats, and therefore electoral votes, after the 2030 census.
A 2023 analysis by the liberal Brennan Center estimated that California will lose
four seats, while the conservative American Redistricting Project pegged the likely loss at five seats.
It’s a major chunk of a wider shift of population, congressional seats and electoral votes from blue states — New York will also be a big loser — to red states such as Texas and Florida, whose economies are growing smartly and where housing is a ordable. By either 2030 projection, were the 2032 Democratic nominee for president to carry the same states that Harris did this year, he or she would win 12 fewer electoral votes.
Demography is destiny.
Dan Walters is a journalist and author who writes for
Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco
Diamond Springs-El Dorado Fire Protection District Chief Matt Gallagher, left, and El Dorado County Fire Protection District Chief Tim Cordero stand side by side shortly after the boards of their respective agencies approved resolutions officially beginning annexation efforts.
COMICS
ACC badges on sale
■ 36th annual tournament takes place July 9-13, 2025, at Edgewood Tahoe
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE —
Season cheer is here with weeklong Grounds Badges to the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament, July 9-13, 2025, on sale Dec. 1 through Christmas Day, at eventbrite.com. South Lake Tahoe will be the place to see some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment at scenic Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. The specially priced online ticket includes five days of admission: practice rounds Wednesday and Thursday, July 9-10, and all three rounds of the tournament, Friday, July 11 through Sunday, July 13. Smart shoppers will have first shot at savings before Christmas. The next purchase opportunity for the week-long Grounds Badges will be April 1 and based on availability. Daily tickets will also go on sale then for $40 per day Wednesday and Thursday and $50 each day Friday through Sunday. Tourism o cials encourage visitors to secure lodging in advance for this popular time of summer. For accommodation options visit visitlaketahoe.com/hotels.
American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament is South Shore’s largest special event, televised on NBC Sports. The week of luminaries, golf, spectacular
FOOTBALL ROUNDUP
scenery and a vibrant nightlife scene at the Stateline casinos and resorts make it a must-see event. While player commitments will be announced starting in January, fans are guaranteed to see Hall of Famers, All Stars, superstars, fan favorites and entertainment personalities. Participants in 2024 included champion Mardy Fish along with Travis Kelce, Jason Kelce, Alex Rodriguez, Kyle Juszczyk, Josh Allen, Charles Barkley, Tony Romo, Aaron Rodgers, Annika Sorenstam, Miles Teller, Larry the Cable Guy, Jack Wagner and Colin Jost among the 80-plus players. The return of 2023 tournament champion Stephen Curry is also anticipated. Last July’s conflicting schedules had Curry leading the U.S. Men’s Olympic basketball team to a Gold Medal in France.
The American Century Championship is hosted annually at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev. in a 54-hole competition aired live on NBC Sports, Peacock and GOLF Channel. American Century Investments, the event’s title sponsor since 1999, continues its role in partnership with NBC Sports, the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course and the South Tahoe community. Since its inception in 1990, the American Century Championship has donated more than $8 million to local and national nonprofits. For tournament information and updates visit americancenturychampionship.com.
Trojans stand alone
Mountain Democrat sta
The playo s continue for one El Dorado County varsity football squad.
Oak Ridge 26, Turlock 0
The Trojans shut out the Bulldogs in the semifinal round of Sac-Joaquin Division 1 playo s thanks to a strong defense and the chemistry between quarterback Joaquin Graves-Mercado and wide receiver Isaac Pierce. The Trojans head into the championship game, facing another Bulldogs team at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at Sacramento City College. Folsom has come out victorious against Oak Ridge year after year and this 2024 team hopes to change that trend and bring home the section banner.
El Dorado 6, Hughson 28
The Cougars fell Nov. 15, ending their Sac-Joaquin Division 5 playo run.
Union Mine 8, Hughson 22 Hughson took down the Diamondbacks in Division 5 action a week after they knocked El Dorado out of the playo s.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Perseverance is moving forward even when it’s di cult. Today, take one more step in the direction of your goals, no matter how small. Momentum builds with each e ort, carrying you closer to what you’re reaching for.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You can a ord to break the routine and, in fact, it will bene t you to do so. The timing is right to add the mixed-up wild card to your hand. A “what if” attitude invites possibility and opens doors that routine would keep shut.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). If you don’t have a system, don’t worry -- the world will lend you one. And if it doesn’t suit you, you’ll gain something valuable: insight into what needs improvement, putting you in a stronger position than before.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’ll connect in a breezy way. Your kindness and care will come through mostly, but if it does get a little weird, remember that most people are way more focused on the good in a conversation than on small, awkward moments.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Compassion is empathy in action. It’s not just feeling for others but taking steps to help. You will let kindness lead your interactions and love will ripple out, touching more lives than you realize.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Make life easier for your future self by adding only a few essentials. If additions feel necessary -- like purchases, friendships, activities -- choose ones that are low-maintenance and low-cost. Avoid saddling your future self with the price of today’s impulses.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Growth sometimes feels a lot like standing still. But even quiet moments hold their own lessons. Honor your progress by remembering where you started and appreciating how far you’ve come. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Your environment re ects and a ects your state of mind. You’ll curate your space intentionally. Whether it’s decluttering a corner or adding
(Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’ve had people in your life who discouraged you from exploring what excited you, if they even noticed at all. That’s OK. You’ll make
■ SHOE by Jeff MacNelly
■ TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter
■ RUBES by Leigh Rubin
■ SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly
Photo by Laney Gri o
Curry kisses
trophy
Mountain Democrat le photo
Trojan Isaac Pierce tackles Folsom receiver Rob Larson during a game earlier this year. The rival teams face off Nov. 30 in the section championship.
NEWS, IN THE KNOW
Dorado
and will
29 through Dec. 24. The elf might be hiding around any participating businesses, so make sure to stop in and see if you can spot it.
ShirlJam will perform at 1:30 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/livemusic.
Placerville’s Hometown Holiday on Main returns to Main Street starting at 4 p.m. The event will feature performances from local arts groups and the lighting of a large Christmas tree nestled next to the Bell Tower.
Starbright Entertainment presents One of These Nights, a night of Eagles music and classic Christmas songs held at the Harris Center. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
It’s like an episode of CSI: Bethlehem during “Sister Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold,” a one-of-a-kind performance and living nativity coming to the Harris Center at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
Sons of Rock will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 8 p.m. to midnight. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.
Prepare for a chilling journey into one of William Shakespeare’s most haunting tragedies as American River College’s Stage Two Theatre presents “Macbeth,” running Nov. 29 through Dec. 8. For tickets and more information visit ARCTheatre.org or call (916) 484-8234.
Nov. 30
Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center celebrates Small Business Day with food, drink and giveaways as well as some special visitors: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. members of the Oak Ridge High School Creative Writing Club will be on hand to wrap gifts (donations accepted); noon to 1 p.m. Sharon FujimotoJohnson, author of the picture book “The Mochi Makers,” will share her lovely book; 1:30-2:30 p.m. is pirate hour with Reidr Daniels (author of the swashbuckling adult “Pyrate” series) and Lisa Frankel Riddiough (author
Imagination Theater show will have you
Beleiving in Miracles
Andrew Vonderschmitt
Sta writer
Imagination Theater presents the beloved “Miracle on 34th Street,” opening Friday, Nov. 29.
Based on the 1947 holiday classic of the same name, “Miracle on 34th Street” is a heartwarming tale that explores the true meaning of Christmas
The story, later published as a novella, was written by Valentine Davies, who won the 1948 Academy Award for Best Story. “Miracle on 34th Street” was adapted for the screen by George Seaton who also won a 1948 Academy Award (Adapted Screenplay) and 1948 Golden Globe for Best Adaption. The classic film opened on May 2, 1947, quickly becoming the definitive Christmas movie. With the most realistic, three-dimensional and human characterization of Kris Kringle by Edmund Gwenn, who won the 1948 Academy Award and Golden Globe, the world
had never before been so thoroughly introduced to Santa Claus. The skillful treatment of commercialism versus the
“true meaning of Christmas” hit home for many in postwar America, supporting the themes of secular faith and the belief in intangible things like love and kindness.
Holiday giving event to aid those who need it most
News release
The El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce, Shingle Springs-Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce and the Food Bank of El Dorado County are joining forces to bring holiday cheer to local families in need.
On Dec. 6, the community is invited to the Food Bank of El Dorado County for an evening filled with festive fun, generosity and community spirit. The event will feature the Sheri ’s O ce Toys from the Bearcat community outreach program, a toy drive aimed at brightening the holidays
for children throughout El Dorado County. Attendees are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to donate, which will be delivered to local kids in time for Christmas.
In addition to the toy drive, the event will also collect turkey donations to ensure families in need can enjoy a warm, festive holiday meal. These contributions will go directly to providing holiday turkeys for those who might otherwise go without.
The whole family is welcome to come out and enjoy the festivities, which also includes free food and drinks, ra e prizes and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
It’s a great opportunity for residents to give back to their community while enjoying some holiday fun.
“We’re proud to partner with the Food Bank and Chamber of Commerce to help spread holiday cheer and ensure no family in our community goes without during this special time of year,” said Sheri Je Leikauf. “We hope everyone will come out, enjoy the festivities and help make a di erence for those in need.”
For more information on how to participate or donate, contact Kim McPherson at (530) 621-9950 or info@ foodbankedc.org.
Mountain Democrat photos by Andrew Vonderschmitt
Kris Kringle (Dave Zarka) sits upon his throne at Macy’s in Imagination Theater’s production of “Miracle on 34th Street,” opening Nov. 29.
Is he or isn’t he? Susan Walker (Sierra McCraner) has her doubts about Kris Kringle’s (Dave Zarka) claim that he is really Santa Claus.
■ See MIRACLE, page B7
■ See KNOW, page B5
Students
Buckeye Elementary School is excited to provide Meet The Masters Week, an immersive arts event that introduces students to the life and legacy of celebrated artists. This month young artists dove into the vibrant and visionary world of Georgia O’Kee e — the “Mother of American Modernism.”
Under the creative guidance of Cassie Wenger, substitute teacher, the students explore the beauty, history and unique techniques of O’Kee e’s work. From her love of vibrant flowers to her iconic desert landscapes, O’Kee e’s distinctive style is brought to life through storytelling, demonstration and hands-on activities.
The week kicked o with an assembly, where each grade level had the chance to experience a presentation about O’Kee e’s life and contributions to the art world. Students learned about her passion for nature, her pioneering spirit and her mastery of bold, abstract forms.
The magic didn’t stop there. Each class rotates through art sessions throughout the week. In these workshops, students get
their hands messy as they try their own interpretations of O’Kee e’s iconic style. The focus is not only on recreating art but also on understanding the medium, style and significance behind it.
“Every month, we introduce our students to a new master artist,” shared Principal Kevin Cadden. “By studying their history and unique approaches, students gain a deeper appreciation for art and the creative process. It’s incredible to see the excitement and imagination that this program sparks.”
“The teachers have expressed almost as much excitement as the students about adding art to the schedule,” Wenger said. “The students always come in excited and eager to learn and try something new.”
This monthly event aims to instill a lifelong love for art and culture in Buckeye Elementary students. Each month, a di erent artist is featured, giving students a rich and diverse exposure to a variety of artistic techniques and historical perspectives.
For more information about Buckeye Elementary School visit bes.buckeyeusd. org or contact the main o ce at (530) 6772277 or Principal Cadden at kcadden@ buckeyeusd.org.
Buckeye Elementary students made good use of color during the week they studied Georgia O’Keeffe.
...to
our
NEWSPAPERS IN EDUCATION sponsors
...And to our generous subscribers who donate their vacation credits to the fund.
HFW Enterprises, LLC
Carefully read labels on vinegar and other products used to
exactly what you need.
PRESERVE IT!
About that vinegar — read the label
There’s a concern that, in the past few years, we have been seeing white vinegar with 4% acidity on store shelves. All our tested, safe recipes for home food preservation use 5% acidity vinegars. This 1% drop makes a big difference in preserving and pickling your foods safely. Vinegar below 5% is not adequate to control microbial growth in your home canning.
seeing 4% vinegar is a cost factor with the manufacturers. There is a vinegar called pickling vinegar base that is only 2.5% acidity. The acidity is reduced by the addition of water. The color of the product and shape of the container looks just like regular 5% vinegar. It may also include salt as well as sugar. Do not use this for your home canning; it is for refrigerator pickles as the label says.
49’er Bail Bond
Aborn Powers Property Management
Adco Driveline and Custom Exhaust
Adept – Med International, Inc.
ARCO AM/PM
Artistic Beads & Studio CAPTRUST
Conforti Plumbing
Edwards A-1 Appliance
El Dorado Irrigation District
EN2 Resources, Inc.
Frank’s Body Shop, Inc.
Lake Oaks Mobile Home Community
Mountain Roofing Systems
Sierra Valley Enterprises, LLC
The Greenhouse Café
Triangle Well Drilling Western Sign Co., Inc.
T
he Mountain Democrat’s Newspapers in Education program (NIE) was established in 2002 to provide and educational service arm for the newspaper.
NIE’s goal is to assist schools, teachers and parents in developing future readers who can use the newspaper to enrich their own lives and participate responsibly in their community, state and nation.
Not only does the Mountain Democrat provide valuable information on a wide range of topics daily, it also can be used as a resource for teaching numerous skills to various age groups and in many different disciplines. It helps students connect classroom lessons to the real world around them and develop a positive and
relevant lifetime reading habit. A study released by the Newspaper Association of America Foundation shows data indicating students in NIE programs do 10 percent better on standardized tests and that significant increases in student performances occur, especially in middle schools.
Donations from our sponsors allow our educators to order the newspaper for their classrooms free of charge. These sponsorships contribute to literacy and allow thousands of teachers and students in El Dorado County to learn from a living textbook, the Mountain Democrat, and develop a life-long reading habit that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Please show these sponsors your support for the program by patronizing their businesses.
Here’s the problem: the U.S. Food and Drug Administration “only” requires vinegar to contain at least/ at minimum 4% acetic acid (not 5%). There are some specialty vinegars which may range up to 8%, some quite expensive. Recipes generally are not written for these high percent vinegars (usually because of cost, color, cloudiness or sharpness).
Safe, 5% vinegar is still for sale, but may be shelved next to vinegars that are not considered safe for canning and preserving. Read. The. Label. Most likely the reason we are now
What if you find a vinegar with the percent acidity listed as “grains”? This refers to the measure of vinegar to water. The “grains” are divisible by 10 and are easy to match the percentage. 50-grain vinegar is the same as 5% vinegar. 40-grain vinegar is 4% and so on.
What if you have used a vinegar with 4% acidity? It is recommended by the National Center for Home Food Preservation if you have used vinegar with less than 5% acidity following a research-tested recipe: 1. If your canned food has been preserved for less than 24 hours using
Laurie Lewis UCCE Master Food Preserver of El Dorado County n See PRESERVE IT, page B5
Pixabay image
preserve food to ensure you’re getting
4% vinegar, it is recommended to store the jars in the refrigerator to maintain the safety and quality of the product as these foods are not considered safe to store at room temperature. These foods should be eaten within a month.
2. If your canned food has been preserved for more than 24 hours using 4% vinegar, it is recommended to discard the product.
To ensure the safety of your home-canned products, do not use homemade vinegar or vinegar of unknown acidity in your home canning. The acidity of homemade vinegar is not consistent. Do not dilute the vinegar unless the recipe specifies. Apple cider vinegar and distilled white vinegar are the two most common vinegars. They remain
Know Continued from B2 of the rollicking picture book “Pie-Rats”); and 3-4 p.m. Face in a Book owner Tina Ferguson and author James L’Etoile will lead a game of Red-Hot Literary Trivia. Silly prizes will be distributed. For more information call (916) 941-9401 or visit getyourfaceinabook.com.
The Pops Chorale and Orchestra are performing “Journey to the Season,” a collection of high-energy and creative choral and orchestra arrangements to welcome in this magical time of year, for two nights at the Harris Center (Nov. 30 and Dec. 1). For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
“’Twas a Girls Night Night Before Christmas: The Musical” comes to the Harris Center for one night, beginning at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 6086888.
Night Owl will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.
Lacy J. Dalton with Dale Poune will perform at Sutter Creek Theatre in Sutter Creek 7-9 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheatre.com.
Dec. 1
Sierra Vista Vineyards and Winery, 4560 Cabernet Way in Placerville, hosts Eggistential Sundays. Every Sunday Chef Justin will create freshly made omelets and frittatas from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. No reservations needed. For more information call (530) 622-7221.
Now
The Salvation Army needs bellringers. If you would like to sign up for volunteer bellringing opportunities call the Placerville office at (530) 344-9178.
ASPIREKids is looking for volunteers to help with The Elf Project, a program that will bring Christmas to hundreds of local youth. For more
stable for up to two years. Store in a cool location, away from light. Discard after “best used by” date as recommended by manufacturer, or discard after one year for best quality. Specialty vinegars such as red or white wine vinegar, malt vinegar, balsamic and flavored vinegars should only be used when a research-based recipe says to use one.
National Center for Home Food Preservation has some wonderful (free) pickling recipes for those last-of-the-growing-season vegetables and fruits you may still have in the garden or something you bought too much of at the grocery: nchfp.uga. edu/how/pickle. Now with your new knowledge of vinegars, perhaps you could try some of those recipes.
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.
City Theatre at Sacramento City College presents “A Christmas Carol, The Rock & Roll Panto” through Dec. 15. For tickets and more information go to citytheatre.net.
The Olde Coloma Theatre presents “Mrs. Waldecott and the Christmas Spirits” ... or ... “The Coloma Christmas Specktacular” through Dec. 22. Doors open Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, go to oldecolomatheatre.com.
Happy, safe home canning!
The UC Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County are a great resource for answers to your food safety and preserving questions. Leave a message at (530) 621-5506 or email edmfp@ucanr. edu. For more information about program, events and recipes, visit ucanr.edu/sites/mfp_of_cs. Find the group on Facebook, too (UCCE Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County). Have a turkey safety question? There’s no need for turkey anxiety. Find thawing and cooking times in this article, ucanr.edu/sites/mfp_of_cs/ files/377488.pdf, and answers to many other food safety questions at ucanr.edu/sites/mfp_of_cs/ Food_Safety.
Traci Rockefeller Cusack
ACRAMENTO —
The Old Sacramento Waterfront is the place to be this holiday season, sporting delightful decorations, a 60-foot holiday tree, electrifying light shows, pedestrian-friendly streets and more. Located three blocks from Golden 1 Center and the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink, Old Sacramento Waterfront is a key holiday themed destination for shopping and entertainment.
2024 marks the 16th anniversary of Theatre of Lights, the immersive, liveaction light show on the balconies of Old Sacramento buildings as the entire district embraces the holiday spirit. Theatre of Lights is a free, family-friendly performance every Friday and Saturday (some special dates) created by Stage Nine Exhibitions’ Troy Carlson and voiced by Emmy-nominated voice actor Bill Farmer, the voice of Disney’s Goofy. The performance features an immersive retelling of The
Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore alongside stories of how Sacramento pioneers experienced the calamities — and revelry — that befell the new city in the 1850s. The crowd-favorite
The stage show by the same name was originally adapted in 1982 by Peter Troxell and Rita Wadsworth of the newly formed Mountain Community Theater in Ben Lemond. By 1995 they were granted rights to publish their adaptation by Valentine Davies’ family estate. After several disputes with 20th Century Fox, the studio eventually granted the group permission to continue to offer the script for productions through Dramatic Publishing in 2010.
The mysterious Kris Kringle shakes up Macy’s department store and the well-ordered but tight world of Doris Walker and her daughter Susan. When Santa is put on trial, Fred Gayley works to prove Kris IS Santa Claus and show Doris that belief and joy can be found again.
Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade was in need of a last-minute substitute for an intoxicated Santa, so they turned to a mysterious old man named Kris Kringle. His appearance was such a hit that he began making regular visits at the store in midtown Manhattan. However, when he claims to be the real Santa Claus, it leads to a court case questioning his mental state and authenticity. While the verdict is unclear, it serves as a reminder of the values associated with Santa Claus — charity, kindness, love and faith — that are integral to the Christmas spirit. Add Natalie Wood’s breakout performance and you have the makings of the quintessential Christmas classic.
Frank Mosbacher plays Judge
Holiday Tree Lighting kicks off Theatre of Lights on Wednesday evening, Nov. 27. The tree lighting ceremony is powered by SMUD and will feature community favorites such as the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus and Sac Dance
Lab, and hosted by FOX40’s Bianca Ventura starting at 5 p.m. with the official first lighting happening at 6 p.m. led by Stomper, the A’s mascot. K Street will be open only to pedestrians on Friday
Henry Harper, who faces a significant dilemma in the story.
“He’s got to judge Santa Claus,” said Mosbacher. “He feels like he’s a very good judge; he’s just really put in a social dilemma.”
Mosbacher admitted the play, and this role, poses personal challenges but said he finds the action on stage makes being “in character” easier and working with the high caliber talent also helps him to excel.
“They do very well, and I use them as role models,” he shared.
Diana Granger plays Alice Sawyer, the antagonist in the show.
“ She’s the one that causes all the trouble,” Granger admitted. “Gets Santa, you know, pretty much having to go to court to prove that he really is Santa.”
Granger does find some fun in playing the villain.
“It’s a fun character, and it’s the first time I’ve ever played a villainous character,” she mused. “So it takes a really different energy and different headspace.”
Sierra McCraner plays Susan Walker, the dubious 9-year-old who gradually comes around to believing that Kringle might actually be who he says he is.
“Susan is a person who does not believe in Santa Claus,” she said. However, McCraner thinks she can embody the character’s overbearing nature.
“It’s really kind of easy to do bossy,” she explained.
Imagination Theater stalwart actor David Zarka dons the “bucket list”
nights and through Saturday evenings, Nov. 30 through Dec. 24, so visitors can freely explore all the holiday activations.
Other special events
Holidays on K: The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear with live music Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Every week will feature specific Old Sacramento Waterfront merchants, comfortable seating, a photo booth with proceeds helping to underwrite the cost of Theatre of Lights, and a Letters to Santa station.
All out decor: In addition to the Holiday Tree that has nearly 24,000 lights, every building in the historical district will be adorned with garland and LED lights, every street pole will sport red bows, and storefronts will have their own decorations. To show off Sacramento pride, the Holiday Tree will be lit Kings’ purple on game nights.
For more information visit oldsacramento.com.
role of Kris Kringle.
“What little boy doesn’t want to be Santa Claus at some time in their life,” he said.
He admitted to having some fairly obvious parallels between the man and the character.
“I love Christmas,” he shared, “Christmas and what Christmas really is, and that comes across in the show.
“There’s a line in the show, ‘pushing toys is not what Christmas is all about; what’s really important is the spirit of giving from our heart,’” he paraphrased. “I’ve always loved that.”
Having a cadre of grandchildren who can say their grandfather is Santa Claus is an added perk.
“So, I give them bragging rights because their grandfather’s Santa,” Zarka joked.
Zarka noted the show appeals to a broad audience, from children to the elderly, and said he hopes it will enhance the Christmas season with its nostalgic setting and audience participation. And he plans on doing his best to support that kick off to the holiday season.
“I’m really trying my best to embody what I believe is the spirit of Kris Kringle.”
“Miracle on 34th Street” directed by Peter Wolfe hits the stage at Imagination Theater at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville on Nov. 29 running through Dec. 22 with evening and matinée showings convenient for the whole family. For more information or to buy tickets visit itplacerville.org.
Courtesy photo
Every Old Sacramento Waterfront building in the historical district will be adorned with garland and LED lights during the holidays.
Miracle Continued from B2
Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian Elves, seen here during a sneak peek of “Miracle on 34th Street” at the Placerville Library, make an appearance in the Imagination Theater show.
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