Mountain Democrat, Monday, November 28, 2022

Plans to replace obsolete bridge in motion again

Andrew Vonderschmitt Staff writer

The Placerville City Council unanimously approved replacement of the Placerville Drive bridge over Hangtown Creek at an estimated cost of $10,423,800. The project is fully funded through the federal Highway Bridge Program.

As far back as the mid-90s, the bridge on Placerville Drive has been on the city’s to-do list. However, multiple setbacks have prevented improvement or replacement of the bridge.

“Thank you for allowing me to present this item,” said City Engineer Rebecca Neves. “It’s been 25 years in the making.”

The bridge was first determined in 1997 to be functionally obsolete as a two-lane bridge.

The bridge replacement’s preliminary engineering phase stretched beyond its 10-year limit due to extensive design challenges, according to Neves. Extensions were granted in 2007 and 2009.

Working with Caltrans, in 2012 city sta closed the project and a new project was opened to include a four-lane bridge with a median, sidewalks and shoulder. Just under $650,000 in federal funding was secured for preliminary engineering and Quincy Engineering was awarded the contract. Progress on the project slowed and by 2015 stopped altogether. The engineering contract with Quincy expired in 2016.

When the Placerville Drive Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Project was being developed in 2017 the bridge replacement project landed inside its boundaries. It made sense to include the bridge replacement in the capital improvement project. In 2018 City Council approved a consulting services contract for Dewberry Engineers for both the bicycle and pedestrian facilities and bridge replacement for a combined amount not to exceed $2,108,998.29.

Finding a jolly holiday edge on evergreens

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

Some El Dorado County Christmas tree farms opened early this year, allowing families to beat the Thanksgiving weekend rush.

Carson Ridge Evergreens on Carson Road in Camino opened Nov. 19, a business strategy owner Cathy Morgan implemented during COVID-19related shutdowns in 2020 to give customers more options on days to schedule their tree hunting experience in the Sierra Nevada.

“What’s so nice about it is without so many people, I’m actually able to talk to people and find out more

about them,” Morgan said. “When there is an avalanche of people here, I can’t really do that.”

Morgan stated about 80% of her business comes from people traveling from outside of the county for a

quality tree, even getting customers from as far as Southern California.

Crystal Creek Tree Farm, owned by the Kobervig family, also gets a bulk of its customers from out of the county, according to Dee Kobervig. Past

visitors to the farm hail from Davis, Vacaville or the Bay Area.

Kobervig said Crystal Creek started opening early 25 years ago during a time when military personnel was being deployed after Thanksgiving. Military families wanted to celebrate Christmas on Thanksgiving.

Now she finds folks have all sorts of reasons for picking up a tannenbaum a little early.

“The kids are usually home from college right now and they don’t get o until a week or two before Christmas so (the parents) want the kids there to decorate the tree early,” Kobervig

Barton moves forward with expansion

News release

Barton Health is moving forward with its regional expansion that will broaden medical services.

A clear direction has emerged for the expansion — Barton Health will develop plans for a new, Nevada-based hospital and a robust outpatient presence on both the California and Nevada campuses.

“We are excited to receive this direction from the board of directors, securing Barton’s future as Lake Tahoe’s community health partner,” stated President and CEO of Barton Health Dr. Clint Purvance in a

news release. “The future of healthcare is complex and changing and we have a responsibility to remain viable and capable of providing care to this community for another 60 years, which is why we are developing plans for the Barton regional expansion.”

Throughout the project, Barton has been guided by input from community surveys, stakeholders, partner agencies and physician and sta teams, along with data from the triennial community health needs assessment, market trends, current health data, state regulations and seismic requirements for healthcare facilities.

It became clear that California’s 2030 seismic standard — a mandate requiring hospitals to meet new structural criteria — will require Barton Health to build a new hospital as the current, aging infrastructure will not meet the requirements.

“Rebuilding and retrofitting the current hospital facility to meet our needs and regulations would require a complex and financially-prohibitive staging and moving of patient care services while the project is constructed in multiple, years-

Mountain Democrat photos by Eric Jaramishian Margaret, Josiah, Jack and Noah Danielson from Sacramento cut down a picture-perfect Christmas tree at Crystal Creek Tree Farm in Camino Nov. 22.

Mountain Democrat photo by Andrew Vonderschmitt

The Placerville Drive bridge over Hangtown Creek bridge has been awaiting replacement for a quarter century. Now wrapped into the Placerville Drive Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Project, the project has new hope.

Carson Ridge Evergreens employee Cole Locher trims up a Douglas fir.

Richard (Jack)

Garver

Oct. 31, 1931 – Oct. 20, 2022

Jack Garver of Cameron Park, Calif. passed away peacefully on Oct. 20, 2022 at Ponte Palmero in Cameron Park.

Jack was born in Convoy Ohio to his parents Edgar and Katherine Garver. He attended both elementary and high school in Convoy, Ohio.

On Sept. 9, 1950 Jack married his high school sweetheart Barbara Ann Spieth. They were married more than 68 years, until her passing in 2019.

For many years Jack and Barbara loved to travel in their 5th wheel and had many wonderful adventures as they traveled throughout 48 of the 50 states.

Jack worked in Quality Control at Aerojet for 35 years until his retirement. He was also an Air Force veteran.

Jack is survived by his son Mick (Suzanne), his daughter Kasey (Chuck) Silberman; his grandchildren Jeremy (Kelli) Garver, Zach, Jason (Sarah), Laurel, And Emily (Patrick Manning), Silberman and great grandchildren Jessica and Miranda Garver and Isabel Silberman. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Frank (Marilyn) Spieth and many nephews and many nieces.

Jack was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He will be greatly missed by all.

Private services will be held for the family at a later date.

Rose Richmond (Blomquist)

Sept. 11, 1930 – Nov. 19, 2022

On Saturday, November 19, Rose Richmond (Blomquist), loving wife and sister, passed away peacefully at the age of 92.

Rose was born on September 11, 1930 in Altadena, Calif. to Ivar and Catherine Blomquist. Rose spent her childhood years in Pasadena & Baldwin Park, Calif. She met her husband, Richard “Dick” Richmond, through his Navy-friendship with her brother Ivar II, before moving to the Placerville area in the 1950’s.

Rose was an energetic part of her small-town community, being a member of many volunteer groups (her biggest passion was the American Heart Association) and taking part in countless local activities, like the Timber Little League. She began her career in banking at Motherlode Bank, and after a series of acquisitions, ended up as a valued employee at Bank of America.

When it was time to retire… She did! Rose and Dick traded in their Diamond Springs home for a home on wheels, traveling the country, spending time with their many friends & families, and becoming campground hosts at several di erent campgrounds… Which they loved immensely!

Rose spent her later years living in the Apple Valley area with her sisters, Charlotte and Nancy.

Rose’s joy and happiness in life truly transformed the lives of everyone she encountered. She brought a bounty of beauty to everything she did, and she had a remarkable ability to connect with people.

Rose was preceded in death by her father Ivar, her mother Catherine, her husband Dick, and her brother Ivar II. She is survived by her sisters Charlotte Young & Nancy Kraus, and by her brothers Charles “Chuck” Blomquist & Richard Blomquist, as well as her many nieces and nephews. In lieu of a traditional memorial service, the family will gather privately in celebration of Rose’s life.

Remembrances & donations can be sent to JHC Hospice: https://www.jhccenter.org/jhc-hospice/

Gloria Ada Saaf Bilotta

Aug. 28, 1937 - Nov. 12, 2022

Services are scheduled for 11 A.M. Saturday, Dec. 10 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 6417 Main St., Georgetown, with a reception immediately following at St. James Catholic Church, 2831 Harkness St., Georgetown.

Joanne (Jodi) Margarethe Rider

Feb. 23, 1932 – Nov. 14, 2022

Joanne, Jodi to her friends and family, was born to Andrew and Edythe Fossgreen in Aurora, Il. on Feb. 23, 1932. She passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Jodi received her BA from Sacramento State and MA from the University of LaVerne, and dedicated her life to her love of teaching for over 20 years, primarily at Roberts Elementary School in the San Juan Unified School District. She was a lifelong learner who loved traveling the world and exploring the United States and Canada in an RV with her husband, Jerry. Jodi loved taking long walks and hiking. She was civic-minded and was a founding and involved member of Foothills United Methodist Church and Super Seniors, El Dorado Hills Friends of the Library, and the American Association of University Women.

Jodi was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Jerry Rider, her older brother Robert Fossgreen, and his wife Doris, and sister Naomi Dunlap, and her husband Tom. Survived by brothers Drew Fossgreen and wife Barbara and Lee Fossgreen and wife Judy; daughters Pamela Goepp and husband Sam; Jennifer Terri and husband Joe; son Bryan Rider and wife Katie; grandchildren Clint Goepp, Collin Goepp, Chris Goepp, Ryan Terri, Kevin Di Silvestro, Andrew Rider, Emily Labesque, and 12 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, at Foothills United Methodist Church at 11:00 A.M., 3301 Green Valley Road in Rescue, CA. There will be a luncheon reception immediately following.

Remembrances may be made to Foothills United Methodist Church.

Think of Jodi whenever you’re wearing blue or having chocolate.

Monty Gordan

Skinner

July 26, 1940 – Sept. 25, 2022

Monty was born in Sa ord Ariz. to Andrew Lincoln Skinner and La Verna (Marble) Skinner on July 26, 1940. He passed peacefully away surrounded by family on Sept. 25.

He was raised in Lynwood, Calif., and attended Lynwood High School where he graduated in 1958.

In 1963 while attending Cal State Long Beach he met the love of his life, Peggy Louise Ballard. She became his eternal companion when they were sealed in the Los Angeles Temple on Jan. 31, 1964.

Monty was a proud veteran of the United States Army having served in the Vietnam war from 1966 -1967.

Upon his return from Vietnam, he earned a master’s degree in business from Cal State Long Beach. He was a partner or sole owner of several businesses throughout his life.

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings.

He thoroughly enjoyed working with the Boy Scouts of America. He was an Eagle Scout along with his sons and two grandsons.

He spoke often and fondly of his 212-mile trek along the John Muir Trail when he was a thirteenyear-old boy scout.

Monty loved supporting his children and grandchildren by attending as many of their sporting events, music, and dance recitals.

Monty is survived by his wife, Peggy, and nine children, Monty A (Annie), April Williams, Matthew, Ryan (Meylin), Nicholas (Tarrah), Shawn (Kristina), Aaron (Lorena), Becky Lynch, and Alex (Katie). Two sisters Jonna Clement (Kent), and Eunice Filipovic, and twenty-two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers DeVar, Steven, and sister Erline.

A celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, at 10:00 A.M. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Cedar Ravine in Placerville, Calif.

Cannabis benefit committee seeks interested residents

Andrew Vonderschmitt Staff writer

The city of Placerville has started o cial recruitment to fill two seats on the Cannabis Community Benefit Committee.

Members will be tasked with suggesting how to utilize revenue from the community benefit fund, to which each licensed cannabis business within city limits contributes. The percentage of gross revenue contributed increases incrementally from each business’s first quarter at .25% to a full 1% in their fourth quarter and thereafter.

There is approximately $34,000 in the fund to date, according to City Manager Cleve Morris.

The committee will be made up of seven members, including the police chief, city manager, director of community services or designees from each o ce, two resident members and a representative from each cannabis business. At this time the number of meetings expected for the committee to accomplish its goal is unclear. However, Morris expects at least two meetings initially, noting that some programs suggested by the committee could be ongoing.

Projects for the committee to consider include, but are not limited to, public safety equipment, a youth assistance fund, a police cadet program, community clean-up costs, student scholarships, drug outreach and education, Habitat for Humanity senior assistance and youth programs.

Interested individuals residing within city limits can apply. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5. The application can be found on the city’s website cityofplacerville.org.

The following was taken from El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office logs:

Nov. 11

10:36 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 70-year-old woman suspected of DUI on Mother Lode Drive in Placerville. She was later released.

Nov. 12

1:04 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 35-year-old woman suspected of DUI and hit and run causing property damage on Highway 50 at Mosquito Road in Placerville. She was later released.

4:45 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 24-year-old man suspected of being a felon in possession of a loaded firearm and ammunition and possession of a controlled substance on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $195,000 bail as of press time.

7:03 a.m. Burglary was reported

at a church on Tierra de Dios Drive in El Dorado Hills.

11:43 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Sienna Ridge Road in El Dorado Hills.

12:58 p.m. A vehicle burglary was reported on Red Shack Trail in Placerville.

5:21 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 25-year-old man suspected of DUI on Highway 50 (location not specified). He was later released. Nov. 13

1:51 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Clydesdale Court in Placerville.

5:10 p.m. Deputies arrested a 21-year-old man suspected of battery causing serious bodily injury on Bracken Court in El Dorado Hills. He was listed in custody in lieu of $50,000 as of press time.

7:57 p.m. Deputies arrested a 39-year-old woman suspected of identity theft on Forni Road in Placerville. She was listed in custody as of press time.

Shingle Springs tribe backs new monument

Mountain Democrat staff

SACRAMENTO — State and tribal o cials gathered Nov. 14 at the state capitol to break ground on a new monument that will replace the statue of Father Junipero Serra.

Among those present for the capitol park groundbreaking was Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Chairwoman Regina Cuellar, who was a sponsor of legislation to erect a monument to California’s Native American tribes instead.

The statue of the Spanish

Bridge Continued from A1

During the development phase, it was clear that a four-lane bridge was not needed and in 2019 the scope of the project was changed. The bridge would return to a two-lane configuration with a turn lane, bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides. The changes were approved by the Highway Bridge Program in 2021. Dewberry Engineers has completed the initial study and mitigated negative declaration document, on which the 30-day public review period ended Oct. 10. The city has received the final draft of the study along

missionary was toppled in 2020 by protestors. Serra built missions from San Diego to San Francisco in the 1700s with the aim of converting native people to Christianity.

“For us this monument is more than just correcting a moment in history,” said Cuellar. “It is my hope that this acknowledgement to California’s tribes will highlight the importance and further secure the inclusion of native voices in all matters of the state.”

The new statue will depict William Franklin Sr., a Miwok tribe member who worked to preserve tribe culture.

with public comments. According to Neves, no public comment required an alteration of the conclusions of the study or introduced any new environmental impacts.

Approval of the resolution and adoption of the document advances the project to National Environmental Policy Act clearance and Caltrans authorization.

“I don’t have any questions,” said Mayor Kara Taylor as Neves finished her report. “I just have a comment that this bridge definitely needs to be replaced.”

Courtesy photo

Firefighters work to extinguish a fire at a home on Tunnel Street in Placerville Wednesday night. “Crews encountered heavy fire upon arrival and quickly contained the fire from spreading to other homes,” stated El Dorado County Fire Protection District officials. About 25% of the residence was destroyed; the rest smoke-damaged. No injuries were reported but displaced residents and their pet cat were assisted by the Red Cross for sheltering. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Regina Cuellar with the Shingle Springs band of Miwok Indians speaks at the state capitol during the groundbreaking ceremony for a monument to California’s Native American tribes.

Courtesy photo

Black youth want freedom

Among the key headlines from the 2022 election were gains by Republicans among minority voters.

According to the AP VoteCast survey, Republican House candidates got 14% of the Black vote, almost twice the 8% of the Black vote that Republicans captured in 2020 and 2018.

The di erence between the percentage of Black votes that Democrats got compared to Republicans was 68 points, compared to a di erence of 83 points in the 2020 election and 82 points in 2018.

This was even more pronounced among younger Black voters, ages 18-44, where the di erence between percentage voting Democrat and Republican was 54 points, compared to 76 points in 2020 and 75 in 2018.

The Republican Party is most aggressively taking root among younger Black voters.

Per Pew Research, 28% of Black Republicans are ages 18-29, compared to 17% of Black Democrats and 10% of white Republicans.

My own sense is that younger Blacks are less inclined to think of themselves primarily by race and less inclined to think of their future in terms of racial group identity politics.

Pew Research data shows 58% of Black Republicans say that their race is an “extremely or very important” aspect of their personal identity. This compared to 82% of Black Democrats.

Twenty one percent of Black Republicans, compared to 6% of Black Democrats, say their race is of little or no importance to their personal identity.

Also worth noting is that 50% of Black Republicans live in lower-income households.

So, in general, Black Republicans tend to be younger and poorer.

This makes sense. These younger Black Americans are thinking about their future and have a sense of realism that their future is about their own e orts as opposed to racially driven government programs.

Per Pew, 45% of Black Republicans, compared to 21% of Black Democrats, are more likely to say that the future of Black Americans depends

Letters to the Editor

Let’s lower our sewer bills

EDITOR:

It was a shock to everyone in and around Placerville a few years back when the state of California said we had to build a new water treatment plant because our existing one “didn’t meet their standards,” even though it was perfectly operational and had su ced for a long time with very minimal discharge (within the bounds of environmental acceptance).

The cost of constructing the new plant that services only 3,500 water/sewer customers was astronomical and our bills soared many times more than the cost of the water we actually used. It was, and is, a huge burden for residents and even more so for businesses. Rather than continue living with this huge tax burden, let’s get rid of it. Let’s pay it o with a huge, fun event that we can all participate in.

How about a “Play it O ” event?

All those local 3,500 users and every single business in Placerville is heavily impacted by these monthly fees to pay o the sewer treatment plant. What I propose is a huge event, sponsored by the city and all the city businesses, to raise enough money to pay o that bill and get our sewer bills back within the realm of a ordability.

The Main Street events here in Placerville seem to be very well attended and they certainly help bring income to the businesses and the city, so let’s consider giving up those profits for one day and charge admission at both ends of Main Street to go toward our “Play it O ” event. First, a pledge from each business toward the fund would kick it o and residents could kick in, too. A $100 donation by each water user would bring in $350,000 right o the bat, just to begin.

Let’s get bands and entertainers to volunteer for the outdoor/indoor event and pay for some advertising in the larger surrounding communities, which will encourage public media support. Let’s invite all our local businesses and orchards and restaurants to donate a day of their time and product to set up on Main Street or at the fairgrounds. After all, it’s only one day of pain ... with decades of gain.

Let’s get it on television and radio and get every individual involved. After all, we are all being hammered every month by a huge charge on our water bills for water treatment and that would be dramatically lowered if our obligations for construction of the treatment plant were eliminated.

Placerville City Council, I formally request that you consider such an event and if you believe it would be helpful to the community, throw your support behind it, form a committee and let’s get started on our one-time “Play it O ” event for the benefit of the city, residents and our future. I’m your first volunteer.

BILL KARR Placerville

Daley and democracy

EDITOR:

In the Nov. 11 Mountain Democrat Chris Daley writes, “After election day — is it still democracy as we know it?” No it’s not. Chris. Democracy as we knew it was you went to the polls and cast your vote. If unable you requested an absentee ballot. Now we have mailed ballots being “harvested,” going to dead people in some cases and more than one to some people. In Colorado over 30,000 voter registration applications were sent to illegal aliens.

You show ID at the Social Security O ce, at the airport, but not to vote. I guess, Mr. Daley, that voting is so trivial that it doesn’t rank up there with more important things like going to an airport. Anyone want to bet that no illegals voted?

I know what will work, Mr. Daley, we can save the cost of the election and you can just tell us who won.

GEORGE ALGER Placerville

Above the law ... and in need of new leadership

No, this column isn’t about Steven Seagal and his first movie; it’s about government thinking it’s above the law — in this case the El Dorado Hills Community Services District.

On Oct. 17 the EDHCSD filed a 117page lawsuit against El Dorado County and the AuditorController Joe Harn for his alleged failure to place certain EDHCSD Landscape and Lighting District assessments on county property tax bills. It must have cost upwards of $20,000 for the lawyer to prepare and file the lawsuit. Certain EDHCSD directors and the general manager don’t care how much they spend of your money — the district has a current and growing bank balance of over $45 million — they just want more of it.

This lawsuit is fraught with errors and mistakes and should be thrown out of court. I’ll explain.

The statute governing the duty of the auditor to place certain assessments on the tax rolls is Street and Highway Code Section 22641.

It reads: “Immediately after the adoption of any resolution confirming a diagram and assessment and by not later than the third Monday in August, the clerk shall file the diagram and assessment, or a certified copy thereof, with the county auditor.” (SHC section 22625 has moved that third Monday in August to Aug. 10.)

“Immediately” means instantly or forthwith (at least by the next business day) after the EDHCSD Board of Directors passed its resolution regarding LLAD assessments, it was required by law to forward or transmit to the auditor the actual resolution or a certified copy thereof for placing on the tax rolls.

If you read the lawsuit, it appears the EDHCSD failed that task. The resolution regarding these LLAD assessments was passed on or about June 9, 2022. Whatever was transmitted to the auditor didn’t happen until Aug. 10 — 62 days later. Not exactly immediately.

Immediately is important so the auditor isn’t besieged with

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Email: editor@ mtdemocrat.net

assessments on the last day from all the districts that might file such assessments. It would be an impossible situation, so the Legislature used the term immediately to emphasize the urgency. But the EDHCSD didn’t follow that portion of the law. Strike one.

I have seen copies of the subject assessments transmittals and they were not certified by the clerk of the board, but by a consultant employed by the EDHCSD who certainly is not authorized to certify any board resolutions. So, the copies sent were not certified copies. A board resolution authorizing this person to certify such documents would have been needed and, surprise, no resolution exists. Strike two.

Now let’s get to the meat of the complaint. One of the continuing issues between the EDHCSD and the auditor is the amount of the assessments. On page 13 and 14 of the complaint, the EDHCSD actually admits that after the board resolution “it” wanted to lower some assessments when the plainti states,

Mail: Letters to the Editor P. O. Box 1088, Placerville 95667

“In each of those assessments, the amount of the actual assessment submitted to Mr. Harn was less than authorized in the district board’s resolution.” Strike three.

The only way an assessment can be reduced or changed after a board resolution is adopted is by another board resolution. Therefore, the documents submitted to the auditor were invalid and he was right to reject them. It would have been an illegal tax assessment.

Taxes are a significant power and responsibility of the government and slipshod assessments are strictly forbidden. The El Dorado County Grand Jury is correct: the EDHCSD has operated in a manner that is actually prohibited by law. But the EDHCSD doesn’t seem to care as it spends tens of thousands of taxpayers’ dollars attempting to enforce illegal exactions. The procedures of the EDHCSD need to be thoroughly investigated and people need to be fired. They are not “above the law.”

Larry Weitzman is a resident of Placerville.

LARRY WEITZMAN

STAR PARKER

These younger Black Americans are thinking about their future and have a sense of realism that their future is about their own efforts as opposed to racially driven government programs.

Taxes are a significant power and responsibility of the government and slipshod assessments are strictly forbidden.

many Black Republicans compared to Black Democrats — 44% versus 73% — see racial discrimination as the main barrier to Black progress and achievement.

So, change is under way and this is good news. More in the upcoming generation of Black Americans see themselves as the civil rights movement wanted all Black Americans to be seen — as unique individuals.

But this change must be greater and faster to slow and stop the leftward movement of the country.

Per analysis from the Brookings Institution, in 2022, among voters 65+, 76.3% were white; ages 45-54, 68.2% were white; ages 30-44, 62.2% were white; and 18-29, 56% were white.

This demographic snapshot shows the future ethnic profile of the country. It is becoming dramatically less white.

In 2022, 72% of voters were white, and 58% of them voted Republican, accounting for 42% of the overall Republican vote. If the overall profile looked like it does among 18-29 voters, 56% white rather than 72%, with no change in the percentage voting Republican, 58%, white voters would

be delivering 32% of Republican votes rather than 42%.

It should be clear that with the percentage of the American population dramatically shifting to non-white Americans, there must be a corresponding dramatic increase in the percentage of non-white Americans voting for Republicans or we can expect the country to continue to transform to big government and moral relativism.

Despite the improvements, 14% of Black voters and 39% of Hispanic voters voting Republican in 2022, this is not enough.

Republicans should be taking a closer look at the positive dynamics driving young Blacks to the Republican Party and use this message to reach more minority Americans.

That is, don’t bank your future on racial politics. Every American should be considered a unique individual, personally responsible for their own life. The job of government is to protect life, liberty, property and the pursuit of happiness for everyone.

Star Parker is president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education and host of the weekly television show “Cure America with Star Parker.”

long phases,” explains Purvance. “Barton is fortunate to carry little debt and have campuses in both California and Nevada, resulting in several scenarios for consideration. Fiscal responsibility demanded we assess both campus locations to understand cost, timelines, patient care disruption and growth opportunities in each location to best meet the needs of the future.”

In addition, a purposeful shift in continued decrease of inpatient volume and increase to outpatient services is occurring, due to a national focus on proactive health management through annual wellness visits, preventative screenings, key relationships with primary care o ces, chronic care navigators and population health teams. Rural hospitals

continue to trend away from high inpatient bed counts to increased supportive outpatient services such as home health and hospice, alongside primary care.

A new Nevada-based hospital will allow Barton to reassign services in each location to best meet the shifting needs of the population.

After nearly a year of analysis, consideration and input, Barton’s board of directors voted Nov. 17 to develop in-depth plans to build a new hospital in Nevada, which, when completed, will replace the current acute care facility in South Lake Tahoe.

In addition to a Nevada-based hospital, Barton will continue to o er a robust outpatient presence on both the South Lake Tahoe and Stateline campuses.

With this directional approval, the due diligence stage of project planning can commence, including scope, costs, permitting, timing and any additional work with regulatory agencies.

After which, the board will again review the plan and vote on final project approval, likely by fourth-quarter 2023. For more information visit BartonHealth.org/ Expansion.

Announcements

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

AMERICAN ASSOC. OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN Foothills of EDC Branch. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science and Math Camp Scholarships, programs & interest groups. Leave voicemail for Laurel (530) 417-7737 or Sara (530) 417-7138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net

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

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

Ready for real change?

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

Struggling with life? CELEBRATE RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues

and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@ greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/

DEMOCRATS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Call (530)391-6414 or see edcdems. org for more information.

GOLD RUSH CHORUS now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing fourpart harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or Kent (530) 651-3575

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

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

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said, adding that her customers also want first-pick of the crop when it’s less crowded.

In 2020 Sacramento couple Josiah and Leanne Danielson brought their children to El Dorado County to buy a tree the day after Thanksgiving. They told the Mountain Democrat they had to wait in line on the road for 45 minutes before they could pick one out.

They went to Crystal Creek Tree Farm Nov. 22 for their tree this year.

“You can have a good family experience up here,” Leanne said. “If you come after Thanksgiving, it tends to be more hectic and crowded, so we were grateful they are open today so we could beat the rush.”

Bruce and Carolyn Wuest, along with their sons Daniel and John, came from Lodi to cut an El Dorado County Christmas tree, complete with a stop at Abel’s Apple Acres to get doughnuts and to pick up apples from local growers.

“We have been doing this for 25 years,” Carolyn said. “We love cutting down the tree, the smell of a fresh tree and trying to decide on one. We like this experience … I want to wear my boots and I want to walk up the hill to pick a tree.”

Christina and Ismo Kotilainen recently moved to El Dorado Hills from Washington and said they were thrilled to happen upon Carson Ridge Evergreens.

“We actually came for doughnuts at Boa Vista and that is how we drove by the farm. We didn’t even know they were open,” Christina said. Ready or not, here comes the rush Christmas tree growers are not without challenges this year.

Kobervig said Crystal Creek was impacted by this year’s late spring frosts, which stunted growth of tree seedlings. Demand will be more than the trees they have to sell.

“People get discouraged because they look and they say, ‘but you have trees,’” Kobervig said. “We can’t sell them because we have to take inventory for next year.”

Kobervig estimates 30% of the farm’s 12-acre crop was affected.

Morgan said heat has affected her tree crop.

“A lot of these trees are not meant to be in a hot place. Especially the Silver Tips,” Morgan explained. “They want to be in higher elevations, where it’s cooler all year round and some of the seedlings just folded. I had to irrigate much more often than I did ever before.”

Kobervig said Crystal Creek also had to irrigate more and earlier due to lack of rainfall.

“We’re lucky we can irrigate because there are a lot of farms that have no irrigation,” Kobervig said.

What next year’s crop will look like is already on growers’ minds.

“I’m interested to see what (the trees) do next year because the frost was like a severe pruning. It just burned off all the new buds,” Kobervig said.

“I was noticing where there was one bud before, now there are three buds. To get a fuller tree we sheer it back, so instead of one branch coming out, you’ll get two branches coming out.

“I have a feeling they’re going to look really good next year.”

Morgan noted that Carson Ridge will try to plant more seedlings.

“I think we will just keep doing what we are doing and trying to keep those

‘A true pleasure to read—full of wit and wisdom gleaned from nature's best teachers.’

‘Gets right to the heart of what makes animals such special companions. A phenomenal gift for any animal lover.’

‘Some made me laugh, some made me cry— but I loved every story.’

Available locally at Face In A Book in El Dorado Hills and The Bookery in Placerville.

Evergreen Continued from A1

Carson Ridge Evergreens tree farm employee Skye Ellison, above, prepares a customers Christmas tree for transport. Lodi family Daniel, Carolyn, John and Bruce Wuest, left, check out a silver tip tree at Crystal Creek Tree Farm.

Mountain Democrat photos by Eric Jaramishian

IN

THE

KNOW

Nov. 29

What are all those blue boxes or green leaves by my relatives on Ancestry. com? What is a “hint” and how do I use it? Learn to link to your relatives and discover new facts and relatives at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the Placerville Family History Center, 3275 Cedar Ravine Road, Placerville.

Nov. 30

Join El Dorado County Poet Laureate Lara Gularte for the latest stop on the Laureate Trail, 5:30-8 p.m. at the Cameron Park Library, 2500 Country Club Drive. The free event will feature a poetry workshop, readings and open mic.

Enjoy a Pride Celebration with DJ Zephyr at 6 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club, 251 Main St. in Placerville. For tickets visit tickets.clubgreenroom.com.

Dec. 1

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District will collect Letters to Santa, Dec. 1-5. Santa would love to hear from all his friends in El Dorado Hills and promises to return letters. Letters can be mailed or deposited in the holiday mailbox at the El Dorado Hills CSD pavilion. Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: SANTA, North Pole c/o El Dorado Hills CSD 1021 Harvard Way El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

Get photos with Santa Claus at the California Welcome Center in El Dorado Hills in December.

Charm Photography will capture a magical holiday moment. The welcome center is located at 2085 Vine St., Suite 105, in El Dorado Hills Town Center. For photo times and more information call (916) 3583700.

The Placerville Area Chess Club meets every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Denny’s in Cameron Park, 3446 Coach Lane. For more information call Neville Arroues at (530) 642-9043.

Dec. 2

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts Cookies with Santa, 4-6 p.m. in the EDHCSD gym, 1021 Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills. Registration required. Visit eldoradohillscsd.org.

The Cameron Park Community Services District hosts its annual tree lighting, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Christa

Community Partnerships benefit Charter College and Career Prep

Cameron Park club gives back

News release

The Senior Men’s Club at Cameron Park Country Club used its annual member guest tournament to raise funds for a local nonprofit. Under the leadership of Senior Men’s Club President Jim French, the club converted the annual Senior Golderado Tournament into a fundraiser for Snowline Hospice.

The nonprofit was chosen because of the very valuable service it provides to the community in the areas of hospice and palliative care, food resources, grief services, careoplois, spiritual care and more, according to club member Tim Crane.

A $5,000 check was presented to Snowline

Hospice CEO Tim Meadows and Snowline

Philanthropy

Courtesy photos From warm blankets

have brought Charter College and Career Prep students and their families closer to local organizations offering assistance.

Courtesy photo

Cameron Park Country Club Senior Men’s Club member Tim Crane, Snowline’s Laurie Heyman, Snowline Hospice CEO Tim Meadows, CPCC Committee Chairman Jim French and CPCC member Ed Bister celebrate a generous donation made by the men’s club.

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.”

— Margaret J. Wheatley

Jessica Trumble-Pitel EDC Office of Education

El Dorado County Office of Education Charter College and Career Prep continue to experience the power of community partnerships and meaningful care for students, families and communities within El Dorado County.

“Students and families from across the county are benefitting directly from the community partnerships,” shared EDCOE Charter Alternative Programs Executive

El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office staff members have also reached out to Charter College and Career Prep students, building positive relationships.

Development Director Laurie

arIeS (March 21-april 19). The reason you will soar as a leader is that you are wide-awake. You proceed cautiously in ordinary things, giving you a great advantage over those who tumble haplessly, confidently forward.

taUrUS (april 20-May 20). While it would be convenient to give everyone the same automatic response, it clashes with your style. You see each person as an individual with unique needs and you cater your responses to make a personalized connection.

GeMINI (May 21-June 21). You have something important to say. Believe it. When people aren’t listening, tell them to listen and they will.

CaNCer (June 22-July 22). You’ll interact with no-non sense types, but resist their frame. Nonsense is fun. Dare to be silly and revel in it. When it comes down to it, this life won’t fit logical frames anyway, so you may as well be a little silly in your experience of it.

LeO (July 23-aug. 22). Your work ethic is solid. Loved ones put you to task. No one is asking you to succeed, but everyone will be rooting for you as you try to succeed. It is among the most thrilling human experiences to be or see someone getting the goal.

VIrGO (aug. 23-Sept. 22). Take your openings. Act in the moment it’s most needed. Recognize that loveliness has a time frame, and when it’s good, don’t wait for it to get better. “Lilies that fester smell far worse than weeds.” —

William Shakespeare

LIBra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Being hard on yourself may produce extraordinary results, but it also causes extraor

dinary problems. Instead, release yourself from expecta tions. You really don’t have to do anything at all. You have options and freedom of choice.

SCOrPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The inside of your head is thoroughly organized. You may not always understand the system, and sometimes things do get lost, but there’s a good reason your mind functions as it does. Embrace the quirks of your thought patterns.

SaGIttarIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You know what it’s like to be taken for granted. It’s hard to participate wholeheart edly when others aren’t seeing you. You’ll try to give more love than you were shown. You’ll express appreciation the way you wish it was given to you.

CaPrICOrN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). When someone doesn’t understand what’s being offered or can’t immediately see how it applies to them, their response will be a no. It may take several drafts to get it right, but it’s worth the work to make an offer that’s a clear fit.

aQUarIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your worth is beyond what you do for others. You’ll be compensated and appreciated for emotional contribution, but this still has nothing to do with your core worth, which is infinite. Don’t buy into the fickle economics of the world.

PISCeS (Feb. 19-March 20). Enjoy yourself. If you don’t feel good around someone, notice your feelings and move. How should you best use your leisure? Where should you go and whom to include? A single good answer will solve dozens of questions simultaneously.

eDH woman earns top United Way post

News release

Shahnaz Van Deventer of El Dorado Hills has been named chief of strategic partnerships at United Way California Capital Region. In her role, she will develop relationships across government, philanthropic and private sectors to position the local United Way as a leading hub for resources, knowledge, data and equity-centered decisionmaking for ending family poverty in the region.

Prior to joining United Way, Van Deventer was director of marketing and development for the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, spearheading the last half of a capital campaign that raised $83 million to build the center.

“We witnessed Shahnaz’s deep commitment to our region, as well as her creativity and collaboration, as we watched the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity grow,” said Dr. Dawnté Early, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “We are proud to bring Shahnaz onto

our team as we use our Square One approach to end poverty for local families through school.”

Born in Guyana, South America, Van Deventer and her family immigrated to New York when she was 6 years old. After earning her master’s degree, she moved to Asia for an entrepreneurial venture and became a director of sales and marketing in the aviation industry with a portfolio of clients in 17 countries. When she returned to the United States, she moved to California and accepted the position with the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Colgate University in New York and an MBA in international management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University. She was recently honored by the Sacramento Business Journal as part of the 2022 Women Who Mean Business.

United Way California Capital Region serves Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. To learn more and make a donation visit YourLocalUnitedWay.org.

ShahNaz VaN DeVeNter

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

n TODAy

HOROSCOPE by Holiday Mathis

Donation

Continued from B1

Heyman.

“We are very grateful for the donation as it helps fund our e orts in hospice and palliative care which are not fully covered by insurance or Medicare,” Meadows said.

“We are happy to help,” replied Crane. “Anyone who has lost a loved one and needed hospice care understands the value in what you o er.”

Partnerships

Know

Continued

through Dec. 24.

Once

Dec. 3

Continued from B1

Director Michael Gillespie. “The fact that our partnering agencies help us provide resources at the school has increased access for these families and we appreciate that very much.”

For the last several months, CCP has had the opportunity to partner with Feed El Dorado, Placer Food Bank, El Dorado Community Hubs, El Dorado County Library System, Hands4Hope – Youth Making a Di erence, Upper Room Dining Hall, El Dorado Community Health Centers, El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce and Aspire Kids to directly provide food, clothing and health resources, as well as greater community resources and support, to CCP students and families. Meaningful connections have been formed between CCP and these community organizations — bringing fresh and healthy food to families, warm clothing provided, doctor’s appointments and healthcare established

first

Dec. 28. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.

Placerville Friends of Tibet seeks sponsors for the Sacred Earth and Healing Arts of Tibet Tour, scheduled for Jan. 2-14, 2023. The Sacred Earth and Healing Arts of Tibet Tour helps support Gaden Shartse Monastery in southern India. For more information about the special event visit sacredartsoftibettour.org.

as well as additional targeted aid to students and families.

CCP is an alternative community school serving ninth through 12th grade and is actively seeing the impact of community partnership support. Student attendance, academic engagement, relationship development between students, sta and families and pursuing of student goals have all increased at CCP. The support provided by organizations and individuals in El Dorado County for CCP is providing needed stabilization for students and families. Entering this holiday season, CCP is immensely thankful for all the community partners and communities it serves. CCP is proud to be a part of the El Dorado County community and hopes to continue to help students and families through connection.

For more information visit ccp.edcoe.org.

from B1

McAuliffe Park, 2400 Merrychase Drive in Cameron Park.

Imagination Theater presents “A Christmas Carol” directed by Andrew Vonderschmitt, Dec. 2-21. For tickets and more information visit itplacerville.org.

David Girard Vineyards hosts a Holiday Celebration with the Sacramento Opera Chorus, noon to 3 p.m. featuring holiday music and a visit from Santa Claus. For tickets and more information call (530) 293-2833.

Now Elf on the Boulevard Scavenger Hunt runs

Pick up a passport at any participating El Dorado Hills Town Center business and go looking for Elves hiding around.

all the Elves have been located, return the passport to Face in a Book to be entered into a drawing to receive a Town Center gift card stocking. The

100 completed passports will receive a gift. The winner of the grand prize will be announced Wednesday,

1. Petitioner: Michelle Victoria Snyder filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

Present name: MICHELLE VICTORIA SNYDER Proposed name: MICHELLE VICTORIA TRETTENERO

2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING: DECEMBER 30, 2022, 8:30 A.M.

DEPT. 9 AT SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF EL DORADO, 3321 Cameron Park Drive, Cameron Park, CA 95682.

3. A copy of the ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Mountain Democrat. This order has been filed on NOVEMBER 7, 2022. /s/ Vicki Ashworth

VICKI ASHWORTH, Judge of the Superior Court 11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/5 11095

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

FIlE NO. FB2022-1182

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HEl’S KITCHEN

BAKERY, located at 1693 Terracina Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

Registered owner(s): Helen A Wainwright, 1693 Terracina Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

This business is conducted by an Individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable

Signature of Registrant: /s/ Helen Wainwright

HELEN WAINWRIGHT, OWNER I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter

pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not

EDCOE needs coats for kids

News release

The El Dorado County O ce of Education has thus far collected nearly 550 coats during this year’s coat drive and more are needed to keep local students warm this winter. New coats or monetary donations are greatly appreciated. Every donation counts, large or small.

This coat drive provides an opportunity for teachers and administrators to discreetly identify students in need of a coat and would not otherwise have the means to obtain one. School districts and programs were recently provided the opportunity to place coat requests.

EDCO organizers hope to fulfill all coat requests by Dec. 9; however, donations will be ongoing until coat requests are filled.

To donate Go to coatdrive.edcoe.org to view coats needed. New coats can be dropped o prior to Friday, Dec. 9, at the El Dorado County O ce of Education, 6767 Green Valley Road, Placerville, Building A/ front desk. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m Monday through Friday.

For those who would like to make a monetary contribution for the purchase of requested coats, the El Dorado County Education Fund (facilitated by the El Dorado Community Foundation) has been set up for donations. Donations via credit card can be made at bit.ly/3Dx0UNh.

For drop o or mail, make monetary donations payable to: El Dorado County Education Fund

Mailing address for monetary donations: El Dorado Community Foundation, c/o EDCOE, Attn: Coat Drive, PO Box 1388, Placerville, CA 95667

All donated coats will be distributed to schools and EDCOE-programs throughout the county.

For more information contact Dina Gentry at dgentry@edcoe.org, (530) 295-2411 or Jennifer Enright at jenright@edcoe.org, (530) 295-4530.

Family Features

From the hors d’oeuvres to the main course and all the way through dessert, creating a full holiday menu doesn’t have to be hard. the key to a successful feast is focusing on dishes that can please loved ones of all ages and palates, such as a festive salad before the turkey or ham main dish, which can be accompanied by complementary sides like au gratin potatoes. Finally, top off the celebration with a divine dessert featuring classic cranberry flavor. To find more holiday recipe inspiration, visit Culinary.net.

Start Holiday Celebrations with a Salad

With a bed of tender, leafy green spinach and pops of red cranberries, a salad lends itself perfectly to the colors and flavors of the holiday season. Plus, as a lighter bite ahead of the big meal, it makes for a delicious introduction to festive dinner parties, family gatherings and get-togethers.

this spinach Christmas tree salad offers a fresh, festive option that adds a seasonal presentation to the table while inviting guests to take a bite. Harvested at the peak of flavor, tender Fresh express Baby spinach has a mild and delicate taste that makes it an ideal addition to recipes throughout the holidays.

Find more ways to freshen up your holiday menu at Freshexpress.com.

Spinach Christmas Tree Salad

servings: 6

2 packages (5 ounces each) Fresh Express Baby Spinach

1/2 cup dried cranberries, divided 1/3 cup pistachios, divided 1/2 cup feta cheese, divided

1 red pepper, cored, cut into thin strips

1 large apple, thinly sliced, cut into star shapes

Dressing:

1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce

3 tablespoons cranberry juice

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons honey 1/4 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon light brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt

Dish Up a Divine Holiday Dessert

Give your holiday gatherings a new twist this year with a creamy cranberry delight that’s a cause for celebration all on its own. smooth, divine taste at the dessert table can be the memorable moment your family craves year after year.

this rich, festive Cranberry Cheesecake combines classic flavor with a homemade cranberry compote-infused layer above a crust sweetly made using C&H light Brown sugar and graham crackers. top it all off with fresh and sugared cranberries, rosemary springs and whipped cream for a tempting treat that tastes as good as it looks.

To find more sweet eats to celebrate the holidays, visit chsugar. com.

Cranberry Cheesecake

Prep time: 45 minutes Cook time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

in large bowl, toss baby spinach with 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/6 cup pistachios and 1/4 cup feta cheese. transfer to Christmas tree cake mold. Neatly arrange spinach leaves to create smooth surface.

arrange red pepper strips, trimming as needed, to create garland. arrange remaining dried cranberries, remaining pistachios and remaining feta cheese as “ornaments” on top of spinach. Create tree topper with one apple star; place remaining apple stars around “tree.” to make dressing: in blender, process cranberry sauce, cranberry juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, brown sugar and salt until smooth.

Cheesecake: 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, at room temperature 2 cups C&H Organic Raw Cane Sugar 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt 4 large eggs, at room temperature 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature 1/2 cup cranberry compote fresh cranberries sugared cranberries rosemary sprigs whipped cream to make cranberry compote: in medium saucepan, bring cranberries, brown sugar, orange juice and orange zest to boil. lower heat and simmer 10-15 minutes, or until most cranberries burst. remove from heat. Cool completely at room temperature then transfer to bowl; refrigerate.

to make crust: Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter 8-inch springform pan and line bottom with parchment paper. set aside.

in medium bowl, mix cracker crumbs, butter, brown sugar and salt. Press crumb mixture into bottom of prepared pan. Bake 15 minutes. remove from oven and set aside. reduce oven temperature to 325 F.

To make cheesecake: In bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat cream cheese at medium speed until smooth. add cane sugar and beat 2-3 minutes. scrape sides of bowl as needed. Add flour, vanilla and salt. Beat 1 minute until incorporated.

add one egg at a time, mixing until incorporated. add sour cream and mix 1 minute. scrape sides of bowl as needed. in medium bowl, mix half of cheesecake batter with 1/2 cup cranberry compote.

Wrap springform pan with aluminum foil and place in large roasting pan. Pour cream cheese and cranberry mixture into prepared pan. top with remaining cream cheese batter. Place roasting pan in oven and add hot water to 1-inch of springform pan. Bake 1 hour, 15 minutes, or until cake looks set in center. remove from oven and rest 1 hour. refrigerate in pan overnight.

Decorate cake with fresh and sugared cranberries, rosemary springs and whipped cream.

A Hearty Holiday Side Dish

From appetizers and snacks to the main course, sides and sweets, almost everyone has a favorite holiday dish. However, it’s the pairings and complementary dishes that make festive get-togethers special.

this Creamy au Gratin Potatoes with Kale and Gruyere is an ideal example of a savory side that goes well with a variety of holiday meals, making it a perfect option for families seeking a versatile recipe to serve with dinner. rosyskinned and white-fleshed, Wisconsin Round Red potatoes have a firm, smooth and moist texture, making them wellsuited for roasting in this hearty dish.

Visit eatwisconsinpotatoes.com to discover more recipes fit for serving your loved ones.

Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes with Kale and Gruyere Recipe courtesy of Wisconsin Potatoes

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 cloves garlic, smashed

3 sprigs fresh thyme

2 tablespoons butter

3 cloves shallots, diced 4 large kale leaves, finely chopped (discard stems)

2 pounds red potatoes, sliced 1/8 inch

2 ounces gruyere cheese, grated

1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated Heat oven to 325 F. in small saucepan over medium heat, combine cream, salt, black pepper, garlic and thyme; stir constantly, until cream starts to bubble, 4-6 minutes. When bubbling, remove from heat and stir until slightly cooled. let cream sit.

Heat large (12-inch) oven-safe skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add butter. When butter melts, add shallots and kale leaves. saute until kale is tender and bright green, about 4 minutes. turn off burner. add sliced potatoes to skillet, fanning over top of kale. use slotted spoon to remove garlic and thyme from heavy cream. Pour heavy cream over potatoes.

Cover skillet tightly with foil and bake until potatoes are tender, 75-85 minutes. remove skillet from oven and turn on broiler. Discard foil.

sprinkle gruyere and Parmesan cheeses over potatoes, tucking some cheese between potato slices. return skillet to oven and broil until top is golden brown, 5-6 minutes.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images