Mountain Democrat, Friday, November 29, 2024 by mcnaughtonmedia

UKit delivers the grub

Eric Jaramishian Senior staff writer

pper Room

Dining Hall has a new way to serve El Dorado County residents living in poverty and those with food insecurity. Bearing the name “Kit”, which translates to either the word “hope” or “Christ bearer,” the nonprofit’s new food truck is ready to roll out and serve more individuals of the West Slope of El Dorado County. Kit was officially presented to the community at Green

Valley Community Church last week. The truck is outfitted with a full kitchen, including ovens, griddles, a stove top, refrigerator and freezer, and will allow Upper Room volunteers to go out to the community and prepare meals, said Upper Room Operations Director Karen Stinson.

“There’s a lot of underserved people in our community who can’t reach us, and now we have the opportunity to get out to them and serve them where they are at,” Stinson said.

The food truck will dish out the grub on

leadership since the start of the school year, with longtime educator Michael Kuhlman stepping in as superintendent following the retirement of Dr. Ron Carruth over the summer.

“After engaging in a detailed and rigorous superintendent search process that yielded dozens of applicants, the board is confident that it has chosen the best candidate, Michael Kuhlman, to become the next superintendent Whitney Burke El Dorado County O ce of Education

At its Nov. 21 meeting, the Camino Union Elementary School District Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Matthew Barnes as the new district superintendent/ principal. His newly appointed position will become effective Jan. 1. Barnes’ distinguished career has been dedicated to improving educational opportunities for all students by fostering positive connections that drive success.

“I am very excited by this opportunity within the Camino Union Elementary School District,” Barnes said. “Camino has a long and wonderful tradition of strong and supportive schools. It is a delight to be working in a community

LABEL

MICHAEL KUHLMAN

MATTHEW BARNES

Mountain Democrat photos by Eric Jaramishian

Upper Room Dining Hall has added an asset to its mission. The brand new food truck named Kit festooned in a colorful wrap and flanked by balloon columns is ready to roll and deliver meals to El Dorado County’s underserved population.

Volunteers John Fitzpatrick, Cindy Nicholson and Kelly Tigue, from left, prepare meals in The Upper Room’s newly minted food truck.

ESSENTIALS

OBITUARIES

Richard D. Wagner

Nov. 11, 1938 – Aug. 18, 2024

Richard (Dick) David Wagner from Mariposa, CA passed away on August 18, 2024, in Omaha, NE at age 85. Richard is preceded in death by his parents, William (Bill) and Helen, brother Donny and wife Ardel (Hahn). He is survived by his children, daughters and sons-in-law and many grandkids and great grandkids. A tribute to Richard will be made at Bible Baptist Church in Placerville, CA on December 8, 2024 at the 11am service. We welcome all who knew and loved him.

James Macko

Dec. 06, 1948 – Sept. 26, 2024

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.

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. 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.

Douglas Garig

May 03, 1963 – June 20, 2024

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.

NO WAY THROUGH

The following information was taken from El Dorado County sheri ’s reports:

Nov. 10

6:07 a.m. Deputies made an arrest while responding to a verbal disturbance reported at a church on Rodeo Road in Cameron Park.

10:37 a.m. Trespassing was reported at a business on Pleasant Valley Road in Diamond Springs.

1:37 p.m. Deputies issued a citation after responding to a verbal disturbance reported on Country Club Drive in Cameron Park.

3:23 p.m. Trespassing reported at a school on Pine Street in Pollock Pines.

5:27 p.m. Trespassing reported at a grocery store on Coach Lane in Cameron Park.

5:45 p.m. Trespassing reported on Casa Vista Way in El Dorado Hills.

Nov. 11

2:20 p.m. Deputies made an arrest after responding to a verbal disturbance reported at an apartment complex on Market Court in Shingle Springs.

3:56 p.m. Deputies made an arrest after responding to a petty theft reported on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.

Nov. 12

7:49 a.m. Vandalism reported on Sunset Lane in Shingle Springs.

11:21 a.m. Trespassing reported at a motel on Greenleaf Drive in Placerville.

2:42 p.m. Vandalism reported on Happy Valley Road in Somerset.

CONTACT US

Of ce Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (530) 622-1255 / Fax: (530) 622-7894 Toll-Free from El Dorado Hills: (888) 622-1255 PUBLISHER

Richard B. Esposito (530) 344-5055 / resposito@mtdemocrat.net

EDITORIAL STAFF

Noel Stack Editor

530-344-5073 / nstack@villagelife.net

Mimi Escabar Special Sections Editor 530-344-5070 / mescabar@mtdemocrat.net

Eric Jaramishian Senior staff writer 530-344-5063 / eric@mtdemocrat.com

Odin Rasco Senior staff writer 530-344-5062 / odin@mtdemocrat.com

GRAPHICS

Letty Bejarano-Carvajal

Graphics Manager (530) 344-5049 / lettyb@mtdemocrat.net Click “Staff Directory” at the bottom of mtdemocrat.com for full staff directory

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Classi ed Advertising (530) 622-1255 / classi eds@mtdemocrat.net Obituaries (Submit @ mtdemocrat.com) (530) 622-1255 / obits@mtdemocrat.net Public Notices (530) 344-5086 / legals@mtdemocrat.net

VACATION HOLDS

“Customer

2:49 p.m. Battery reported on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines.

5:26 p.m. Battery reported at a store on Fairplay Road in Somerse.

6:30 p.m. Petty theft reported at a store on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.

Nov. 13

8:40 a.m. Battery reported at a school on Silva Valley Parkway in El Dorado Hills.

9:34 a.m. Trespassing reported on Top Rail Lane in Shingle Springs.

9:52 a.m. Grand theft reported on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville.

9:58 a.m. Grand theft reported on La Canada Drive in Cameron Park.

10:23 a.m. Trespassing reported on Cercis Court in Shingle Springs.

1:33 p.m. Brandishing reported on Highland Court in Placerville.

3:48 p.m. Battery reported on Rhodes Avenue in Placerville.

Nov. 14

10:42 a.m. Vandalism reported on Pasada Road in Cameron Park.

2:35 p.m. Battery reported at a school on Ponderosa Road in Shingle Springs.

4:51 p.m. Trespassing reported on Dunnwood Drive in El Dorado Hills.

6:33 p.m. Battery reported on Verde Robles Drive in Camino.

6:39 p.m. Trespassing reported on Hoot Owl Ravine Road in Placerville.

Nov. 15

7:42 a.m. Vandalism reported on White Mountain Ranch Drive in Camino.

10 a.m. Grand theft reported on El Dorado Road in Placerville.

10:02 a.m. Burglary reported at a storage facility on Cambridge Road in Cameron Park.

12:42

CRIME LOG

First flying electric ferry coming to Tahoe

News release

With Lake Tahoe attracting over 15 million outdoor enthusiasts yearround, road congestion has become an everincreasing problem. Travelers often find themselves stuck in long car lines, especially in winter, due to road closures caused by heavy snowfalls.

However, local company FlyTahoe and the tech company Candela are set to solve this by introducing a revolutionary zeroemission vessel that will make its U.S. debut: the world’s first flying electric ferry, the Candela P-12, which recently launched on Stockholm’s waterways. FlyTahoe will feature a 30-minute crosslake service, cutting the travel time in half

compared to the daily 20,000 car trips along the same route. The P-12 is the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry, hailed as a “game changer” for waterborne transport by combining long range with high speed and a revolution in energy efficiency. This 30-seat vessel, designed to accommodate both skis and bikes, uses hydrofoil technology —computer-guided underwater wings — to fly above the water’s surface at high speeds, unaffected by waves and winds.

“It basically works like a jet fighter, which is constantly balanced using ailerons. The principle of the P-12 is the same, except our wings fly in water instead of air,” said Gustav Hasselskog, CEO and founder of Swedish tech company Candela.

The wings lift the hull above the water, significantly reducing drag and cutting energy consumption by a staggering 80% compared to

Ring in the holiday season on Main Street

With Thanksgiving’s turkey leftovers now stuffed into the refrigerator, Placerville is ready to kick off the holiday season in style with two traditional celebrations.

The Hometown Holidays event returns to town today, Friday, Nov. 29, with Main Street set to fill with festivities from 4-8 p.m.; the road closure will begin sooner, at 2:30 p.m. Family, friends, neighbors and newcomers alike can join together to see the city’s Christmas Tree light up the night at 6 p.m. and explore the wide array of Main Street stores and restaurants run by local merchants which are set to stay open late for the event. There will be ample opportunities to be entertained, with old-time Christmas Carolers and other local performers coming to Main Street. As always, the event is free to attend.

A little more than a week later, the Christmas Parade will make its way through Placerville for its 46th year on Dec. 8. The parade is set to begin at 1 p.m. on Broadway and wind its way down past the Bell Tower, passing out parcels of treats along the way.

more) to be qualified wildland firefighters. They are ready to take on the 2025 fire season and are prepared with the skills needed to keep our communities safe. Future Fire Academy is a nonprofit organization accredited as a Supplementary Education Program by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The academy is dedicated to providing education, training and certification to individuals from justice-involved and underserved communities who desire a career in the forestry and fire service. Cadets attending the eightweekend wildland fire academy get paid hands-on training alongside current professional firefighters. Student academy scholarships and training stipends are available thanks to funding provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Business and Workforce Development Grants. The public Wildland Fire Academy runs three times per year. Check the website, futurefireacademy.org, for the 2025 schedule to be announced soon.

conventional vessels. This is what allows the P-12 to be fully propelled by renewable electricity instead of fossil fuels, while providing a smooth ride above the waves even at high speeds.

Passengers prone to seasickness need not worry. The hightech vessel’s computer Flight Controller uses sensors and software to balance the craft above the waves and amidst the winds, adjusting the foil’s angle of attack 100 times per second to provide a silent and smooth ride.

“When I first started looking into electric boats as a potential solution to this transit issue in Tahoe, a real problem was that I get seasick,” Ryan Meinzer, founder and CEO of FlyTahoe, told the Mountain Democrat.

“But one of the great things about the P-12 is that it flies above the waved, so you don’t experience that chop

you would on other boats, especially at the speed it will go at.”

The P-12’s cruising speed of 25 knots (about 30 mph) — the fastest for any electric vessel — is crucial for commuters looking to cut travel times. The FlyTahoe ferry will connect the northern and southern parts of the lake in under 30 minutes, while driving around the lake often takes over two hours in the winter. FlyTahoe will create a vital link to the 14 world-class ski resorts encircling the lake, making it an ideal option for tourists and locals alike.

“It’s ironic that while millions, myself included, drive around Lake Tahoe to admire its beauty, the road sediment we generate contributes to the largest threat to the lake’s famous cobalt blue clarity. Our service will provide a faster transport than cars or buses, while keeping

Tahoe blue,” stated Meinzer.

Since Lake Tahoe, the second deepest lake in the U.S., never freezes over, the ferry can operate year-round. This added mobility convenience will enhance business and improve the lives of both locals and tourists, providing a versatile zero-emission solution to reduce traffic during both summer and winter seasons.

A detailed analysis by the Tahoe Transportation District already recognized ferries as the best solution to reduce traffic congestion along Lake Tahoe’s north-south route, citing lower costs per user and faster travel times than cars and buses. However, that analysis, conducted before the advent of the P-12 technology, did not account for the electric ferry’s ability to reduce energy usage by 80%

Courtesy photo

Future Fire Academy students will graduate this Saturday, ready to serve the community.

Odin Rasco Senior staff writer

File photo

Placerville’s Christmas tree will light up downtown Placerville once again. As was done last year, above, the tree is nestled next to the Bell Tower.

Courtesy graphic

FlyTahoe’s electric, hydrofoiling Candela P-12 ferry will offer a fast and efficient cross-lake connection on Lake Tahoe.

FLYING FERRY, page A9

FBI Sacramento offers tips to defend against cyber crime

SACRAMENTO —

The Federal Bureau of Investigation Sacramento Field Office is providing 25 tips to help residents of Northern and Central California stay safe while navigating the online environment this holiday season. The internet conveniently puts the world at our fingertips, but that connectivity can leave us vulnerable to cybercriminals who develop schemes to steal our money.

“Every person should be aware of how cybercriminals are targeting the American public and have a good defensive plan to stay safe while online,” said Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “Our goal is to empower the public to thwart cybercriminals’ attempts but we also encourage the public to get more information and report cybercrime to IC3.gov.”

In 2023, The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received 880,418 complaints, with potential losses exceeding $12.5 billion. This is a nearly 10% increase in complaints received and represents a 22% increase in losses as compared to 2022.

Awareness and prevention are essential for a good defense against cyber criminals. To keep your holidays happy, the following 25 tips will help you and your family defend against cyber criminals:

1. There is no substitute for password security. Use unique, complex passwords for each account — using a password management tool, when possible — and secure accounts with multifactor authentication, when available.

2. If you receive a device with a factory-set password for the holidays, reset the

password with a unique, complex password.

3. Never store your credit card info online. The convenience is not worth potential compromise of your account.

4. Scrutinize all URL addresses and email addresses. Criminals often use addresses that are close to legitimate accounts to confuse potential victims.

5. Ignore unsolicited emails, texts, and calls. Criminals spam multiple accounts and numbers in the hope of hooking victims. When in doubt, contact the known, legitimate creditor, business, bank or shipper using the numbers on your statements or official websites. Do not call numbers offered during unsolicited communication.

6. Never post travel plans or photos of tickets online. These posts offer information about your absence from your home and criminals can steal information from the bar codes of tickets. Post comments and photos when

you get home.

7. Cross-check charities prior to donating. To ensure your money serves people truly in need and not someone taking advantage of your goodwill, ensure the charity is a registered nonprofit organization.

8. Be careful what you click. Clicks can initiate downloads of malware or send you to a false website.

9. Be cautious about what you download. Some apps may provide a criminal with more access to your device than you may realize.

10. Beware of too good to be true offers on hard-tofind goods on unfamiliar sites. These sites may be interested in your credit card information, not your business.

11. Do not buy animals online from distant, unregistered breeders. Cross-check the breeder’s information with breeders’ associations to determine legitimacy. The animal you may think you are purchasing

may not exist and may never be delivered.

12. Never make a large purchase for delivery such as a vehicle sight-unseen on the internet. Criminals may make false claims about a vehicle that may not exist and its alleged delivery to steal your money.

13. Beware of purchasing online vouchers, gift cards, and tickets through social media or third-party auction sites.

14. When purchasing gift cards from a rack, carefully inspect the gift card to ensure it has not been tampered with in any way.

15. Be cautious of workfrom-home or secret shopper job offers. In some cases, criminals are using these offers to steal your personal information or trick you into making gift card or banking transactions.

16. Beware of remote money management jobs that involve receiving and redistributing funds. You may be an unwitting participant in

a criminal scheme, acting as a money mule.

17. Completing a transaction with a gift card is like completing it with cash. It is untraceable, unsecured, and cannot be recovered. Beware of anyone who asks you to obtain gift cards to complete a transaction or pay a fee.

18. When dating online, never send money to anyone you have not met in real life for any reason. Criminals often leverage dating sites to exploit well-meaning but vulnerable victims.

19. Be cautious with cryptocurrency investment schemes, especially those requiring an application download promoted by someone you recently met.

20. Beware of individuals who claim to be located overseas and need your assistance with sending or receiving money on their behalf.

21. Ignore pop-up messages or unsolicited phone calls from individuals purporting to be law enforcement or tech support. Do not give anyone remote access to your computer.

22. Locking your credit is free and can prevent someone from opening a credit account in your name without your knowledge.

23. Always hang up on calls purporting to be law enforcement that involves any form of financial transaction. Law enforcement will not demand fines to be paid over the phone or for you to open accounts to transfer money into.

24. Scrutinize social media posts before sharing them. Your post may legitimize a criminal’s fake charity or business post for your network.

25. Always report suspected scams to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.

Getty Images

Don’t let criminals put a damper on your holidays. Keep your information safe and secure by using strong, unique passwords and common sense.

Kit Continued from A1

the county’s west slope, as far north as Georgetown and south to Grizzly Flat, taking the Upper Room’s mission to feed underserved persons on the road.

The food truck’s price tag was more than $200,000, and has been fully funded through numerous donations and grants.

“Without our community, there’s no way this would have happened,” Stinson added. “They believed in us, supported us and helped make it happen.”

“They were there, when they had the Caldor Fire, out there in the Walmart parking lot, feeding people

Kuhlman Continued from A1

of our district,” wrote EDUHSD Board of Trustees President Tim Cary.

“Mr. Kuhlman has demonstrated and led educational excellence in everything he has done, and the board is confident that he will lead our El Dorado Union High School District from its current excellence to an even greater focus on maximizing the educational achievement and opportunities of each of our students,” Cary continued. “We are excited to begin the next chapter with Mike Kuhlman as our new superintendent.” Kuhlman comes to the county with a long list of career achievements, including District Superintendent and Teacher of the Year awards, multiple recognitions for leadership and having been placed on the Santa Clarita Signal’s Top 51 Most Influential People in the Canta Clarita Valley list every year between 2019 and 2023. Kuhlman started his career in education in 1995, and held positions ranging from history teacher to high school principal and superintendent.

“I’m honored to follow Dr. Carruth’s exception leadership in the El Dorado Union High School District,” Kuhlman states in an EDUHSD press release announcing his hiring. “I appreciate him taking the time to share his insights into what makes this district such a special place. I can’t wait to meet students, staff and families and hear more about that they feel makes EDUHSD so unique.”

Speaking to the Mountain Democrat after the 2024-25 school year began, Kuhlman reflected on his excitement to work in the district, noting a long list of positives he had already started to recognize.

“We’re returning to more of a norm after a few rocky years with COVID,” Kuhlman commented. “It’s been a good start to the school year, with positive markers in attendance. I’m very appreciative of the welcome my family and I have received.”

Taking stock of the assets and opportunities at hand within the EDUHSD, Kuhlman explained his leadership style operates on the use of “three lenses” he uses to consider decisions for the district.

that were dislocated, and now that we have this truck we’re ready for things like that,” said Darrell Lucas, an Upper Room volunteer.

Motivated by love and grace, Upper Room Dining Hall’s mission is to provide meals and services to members of the community living under the strain of poverty, treating all guests with dignity and compassion.

The dining room, located at 1868 Broadway in Placerville, is open every day. Additional services include pet care, personal care, free laundry and legal aid. For more information visit upperroomdininghall.org.

“The three lenses are the priorities, or pillars, that I think should be kept in mind at all times,” Kuhlman explained. “The first lens is ‘stay the course;’ the path that we are on is already the right path, and I don’t want to just make changes for change’s sake. The second lens is ‘safety;’ so far I have been very encouraged by the work the district has done to implement best practices, but you can never rest on your laurels when it comes to student and staff safety. Finally, there’s a ‘secure financial future.’ The district is well-run, in terms of budgeting, but we’re going to have to make hard decisions as times go on and we’re starting to do that work now.”

Kuhlman recognizes declining enrollment is an issue faced both in the region and across the state as a whole, and explained the district will likely have to navigate it with a two-pronged approach.

“There’s two main things that can be done; appropriate reductions and increasing enrollment,” Kuhlman said. “We can’t ‘solve’ declining enrollment, but we can address it as best as we can. One of the ways to try and encourage enrollment up here is by highlighting the outstanding services that are already available to students and families. The infrastructure here is very solid — the district has good bones to build off — such as the wide selection of Career Technical Education courses offered that cover more than 13 different industries. By setting priority standards, such as common assessments and comparable experiences across our high school campuses, we really make a compelling argument that kids should be going here.”

Kuhlman’s plans for the future of the district focus heavily on hearing out the needs of students, families and faculty and building on the existing partnership the district has with the community at large.

“What I want to see is every student opportunity ready,” Kuhlman said. “Not just for our college-bound kids, but making sure we provide all students with skills they need to have a competitive advantage when an opportunity comes along.”

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

Upper Room volunteers hand out some of the first meals served from Kit, a food truck that will feed those in need.

OPINION

California Commentary

State’s taxpayers need protection from Newsom, not from Trump

There appears to be no limit to the hubris of Gov. Gavin Newsom. While the state continues to su er from failed progressive policies that hemorrhage productive citizens and businesses leaving California, Newsom is laserfocused on being the most prominent ﬁgure of the Trump resistance.

Just two days after Donald Trump’s victory for the nation’s highest o ce, Gov. Newsom called newly elected state lawmakers into a special session, ostensibly for the purpose of safeguarding “California values.”

But exactly what are the values he seeks to protect? First, he claims that Trump will continue “the assault on reproductive freedom” by, among other things, “pursuing a national abortion ban.” Baloney. President Trump has made it clear that, consistent with the Dobbs decision and principle of federalism, the issue has been left to the states. California’s most liberal laws on that issue aren’t going to change.

Newsom also feigns concern over the threat Trump poses to “clean vehicle policies that are critical to combating climate change.” But are California’s draconian regulations on global warming (even if wholly ine ective) really “California values?” Legislators from both sides of the aisle have been highly critical of the new rules that drive gas prices even higher.

Upon hearing of the governor’s call for a special session, Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher hit the nail on the head saying, “If Newsom is so eager to set up a 2028 presidential run, he’d be much better served by ﬁxing the crime, homelessness and high costs that will doom his campaign.”

How true.

In fact, the results from several California ballot measures indicate that the “values” embraced by Gov. Newsom are not so held by most Californians.

Tops on that list is the overwhelming passage of Proposition 36 seeking to restore sanity to the state’s criminal justice system by repealing some of the worst “soft on crime” provisions of Proposition 47, an initiative approved by voters in 2014. When polling last September indicated that Prop. 36 had an insurmountable lead, Newsom was quoted as saying, “I was wondering what state I was living in.” Well, governor, maybe it’s a state that’s not so progressive as you think it is.

Proposition 6 would have banned forced labor in state prisons, but this too was rejected by voters on both ﬁscal and philosophical grounds.

Progressive disconnect with real California values goes beyond soft-on-crime issues. On property rights, voters thoroughly trashed Proposition 33, which would have allowed local governments to pursue aggressive rent control laws exacerbating the state’s housing crisis. Voters rightfully concluded that more rent control would ■ See COUPAL, page A8

Guest Column

Ipull the following directly from the summary of the 2024 annual reports of the Social Security and Medicare Boards of Trustees:

“The Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund (that is, Social Security) will be able to pay 100 percent of total scheduled beneﬁts until 2033, unchanged from last year’s report. At that time, the fund’s reserves will become depleted and continuing program income will be su cient to pay 79 percent of scheduled beneﬁts.”

Letters to the Editor

It’s the system

EDITOR:

When the Veterans Monument was born, Major Gen. John Collins was assigned to propose the ordinance section of ordinance and policy documents created to preserve the legacy and culture of the monument for future generations. Collins, a member of the Veterans A airs Commission, knew it was inappropriate for a commission of political appointees to ensure veterans’ culture. A majority of VAC members agreed that monument culture should be preserved and protected by the county’s federally chartered veterans organizations.

The El Dorado County commission of veterans and public o cials named the Veterans Service O ce, The Friends of the Veterans Monument 501(c)(3) and the Board of Supervisors to act as local equivalents of the management structure used by the Vietnam monument and other veteran monuments across America. The team then designated the commanders of the county’s federally chartered veterans organizations to arbitrate disputes with the BOS having ﬁnal authority. This structure was approved by the

BOS in 2007 and successfully implemented.

But In 2015 new management changed the name of the 501(c)(3) to The Veterans Alliance. The VSO was moved from a direct report to the BOS to a department within Health and Human Services, all but eliminating enforcement of policy. The secretary of the Veterans Alliance became chairman of the VAC, one of several people to serve on both boards, an intrinsic conﬂict of interest.

Since then, the policies approved by the 2007 BOS have been repeatedly violated by:

1. Expanding monument eligibility from El Dorado County veterans to millions.

2. Awarding military honoraria based on rank.

3. Using space exclusively reserved for Medal of Honor and Military Cross recipients for awards unilaterally deemed equivalent to those normally awarded by Congress and the president.

4. Usurping the eligibility audit process delegated to the VSO.

5. Changing the federal deﬁnition of a veteran to a local opinion.

Alliance members also recently claimed that

Our Social Security system is broke. Now if you own stock in a company, and you read a report that the prospects for that company are not good, that the cash dividend that the company is expected to pay to stockholders is in jeopardy, you can get out. You can sell the stock and

invest somewhere else.

Per the Social Security Administration, there are 184 million Americans now working and paying Social Security taxes. Per the above notice from the Social Security Trustees, all those 184 million ages 57 and below will get only 79% of their entitled beneﬁts at retirement (assuming they choose to start collecting beneﬁts at age 67).

Does any one of the 184 million have an option to say, “No, thanks, I don’t want to be part of this,” and get out? Certainly not. The government forces you to participate, allegedly for your own good. They decide; you obey. It’s a reminder of what President Ronald Reagan called the most terrifying words in the English language: “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.” Payroll taxes will continue to be

deducted from 184 million paychecks — taxes based on assumption of delivery of full promised beneﬁts, not 79% — and no one can opt out.

We just had an election in which a message was sent, particularly from young Americans and non-white Americans, that many are tired of this.

Pollster Patrick Ru ni, writing in The Wall Street Journal, calls the dramatic shift in demographics voting Republican “The GOP’s New Rising Electorate.” Young Americans, Latino Americans and Black Americans surged to the right.

Kamala Harris’ advantage among voters 18-29, a group Democrats have always captured by double digit margins, was only 4 points.

Ru ni describes the new dynamic as the “politics of aspiration” as opposed to the politics of government

dependency. Even if the Social Security system was not broken, if there was no question that the system could pay full beneﬁts, these young Americans, if given the option, would still opt to get out.

Several years ago, the Committee to Unleash Prosperity did an analysis comparing what Americans of di erent income and marital status would earn over a 45-year working life if given the option to invest the funds they are forced to pay as payroll tax to Social Security. Private investment in stocks and bonds over a full working life would accumulate savings that could purchase an annuity at retirement around double what can be expected from Social Security.

STAR PARKER

JON COUPAL

Coupal

Continued from A6

disincentivize new home construction.

For taxpayers, Prop. 5 was the biggest threat because it sought to lower the two-thirds vote threshold for local bonds to 55%. The two-thirds vote requirement for local general obligation bonds was adopted in 1879 as a protection against excessive debt at the local level repaid by property owners.

After a hard-fought grassroots campaign, Proposition 5 died by a substantial margin, dashing the hopes of progressive tax-and-spend interests. And while it appears that Newsom didn’t take an official support position for Prop. 5, it is obvious that he perceives taxpayers as worthless rubes. For all his posing as a defender

Parker Continued from A6

Data show that over the long run, stocks are by far the highest performing asset.

Yet lower-income Americans, because they are forced into the Social Security government tax program, are deprived of the opportunity to put their retirement into high-performing assets. Per the most recent study of consumer finances by the Federal Reserve Board, in 2022 median wealth of white households was $285,000, Black households $44,900, Hispanic households $61,600. Per the same study, 65.6 % of white households owned stocks, compared to 39.2% of Black households and 28.3% of Hispanic

of “democracy,” remember that he led the effort to convince the California Supreme Court to remove the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act, a qualified initiative, from the November ballot. The court was persuaded by the governor and the state’s legislative leaders to deprive California voters of the right to vote on an initiative put on the ballot by the signatures of over 1.4 million voters.

Finally, and true to form, how does Gov. Newsom’s proclamation calling for a special session conclude? How else, but a call for more taxpayer dollars to defend California’s unhinged policies.

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

households. Many in our political class will use this opportunity to step up and tell us they will “save the system.”

But we don’t need the system saved. We need our personal lives and personal liberty saved.

Let’s start making America great again by opening the door to our oldest and largest entitlement system — Social Security — and liberating our working Americans.

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

by Joel Fagliano

they were designated by EDC ordinance 4743 to oversee maintenance and improvements at the monument which, if true, may be interpreted as delegation of unilateral authority over the “Peoples” property.

We oppose any changes to policy and ordinance which would compromise the intent of 2007 policy and ordinance to manage the monument with oversight by the peoples’ elected officials while allowing influence of the monuments culture by EDC’s federally chartered veterans organizations. Several changes proposed by the Veterans Alliance are an “after the fact” attempt to justify the noted violations of policy and ordinance.

We hope you will join many of EDC’s veterans and concerned citizens on Jan. 7 at a meeting of the Board of Supervisors to ensure that no one is above the law. We want the monument to be restored to its intended culture and ambiance as set out by its founders in honor of the many veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our freedom. Freedom that cannot be sustained without respect for policy and law.

BUD SWEET Diamond Springs

Fix FEMA and more

EDITOR:

It is time to look at what we can expect from Republicans the next two years. I hope that the Trump administration would address FEMA to look at fulfilling Biden’s and Newsom’s promise of giving aid to the Caldor Fire victims.

We know that the government has been choosing winners and losers as far as aid to disaster victims goes, through FEMA aid. Nothing could be a clearer example of political corruption than FEMA Supervisor Marn’i Washington directing her FEMA employees to avoid homes with Trump signs in Florida. Plainly the weaponizing of government employees for political gain is rampant. This must stop. But to what end?

A special council is needed to identify just how politically corrupt our government employees have become. Our Constitution will not survive a progressive agenda led by unelected bureaucrats. I call on the Trump administration to allow those who believe they were denied aid due to political affiliation the opportunity to apply for aid awarded to others in similar situations around the country.

KEN STEERS Cameron Park

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 first 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 Sheriff’s office, 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 first 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 affect them. Our meetings are held every Monday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at Denny’s Restaurant, Fair Lane Drive, Placerville. Meetings are open to the public. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a non-partisan organization.

COMICS

SPORTS

OUSIDE WITH CHARLIE

Autumn waning

November is knocking on December’s door.

We’ve got a little less than a month of autumn left before winter takes over.

Snow! It’s always good to have some cold storms roll in early and start the snow season. The downhill resorts have been getting ready since closing day last spring, and their smiles at the falling snow are frozen onto their collective faces.

The downhill resorts around our slice of the Sierra, 13 of them, have the snow making machines running, adding to what falls from the storms. As long as the temperatures are good, the machines pump out man made snow. It’s an intricate balance of a complicated machine and atmospheric conditions that make all that happen.

There have been a couple of decent storms, with more to come, and, especially above 7,000 feet, things have turned very cold, white and slippery. Snowsports fans are literally gearing up, as are the resorts. Alpine ski resorts, more commonly called downhill resorts, are massively complex enterprises to operate. Over the months since last season closed, everything that moves, every run, everything outside and inside the resorts is checked for safety, maintenance is performed, bits and pieces are repaired or replaced, new stock of all kinds is loaded onto the resorts collection of an amazing variety of machines of every kind.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). When the world cranks up the intensity, don’t seek escape; seek perspective. With a vantage and a clear view, it will be easier to decide where to best lend your energy.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Because your heart is big, you move past the wrong someone did you. You will wipe the slate clean. You’ll get your pitch together, suit up, go where there might be opportunity and make friends.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Demanding the impossible sets striving as your standard, reaching as your resting posture and dreaming as your waking duty. It’s not a very relaxing way to live, but it seems to suit you on days like today.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Wanting something badly makes us minimize the negatives and glorify the gains. Take the wanting out of the equation, and suddenly the risk calculation becomes much more accurate.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your ideas are strong. You can revisit, reinterpret and reinvent them, and they’ll continue to breathe life. The proof of this comes today when you take something you’ve been thinking about and apply it to brilliant effect.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The concepts you find simple are challenging to others. Your discretion and patience are signs of your generous spirit. The best teachers never talk down to their students; rather, they invest full attention helping others learn.

The year round staff is always busy, with everything, including updated safety training and requirements. Starting over late summer, early autumn, the seasonal staff is recruited, hired, trained and hoping the season starts early with a lot of snow. While the giddy downhill crowd waits for opening day it’s time to check your gear, all of it. Just because you think it was in pristine condition when you put it away last spring doesn’t mean it actually is. Make sure your boots still fit and your bindings are still up to holding your boots and you onto the skis. Either wax your skis yourself or plan on getting them waxed when you show up at your chosen resort. Your poles should be straight, baskets in place. If you don’t have any of this stuff, show up early and go straight to the rental shop. Your ski pants, thermal underoos and jackets may have mysteriously shrunk since you put them away. Don’t know why, but it does, on occasion, happen and has no bearing on the pizzas and donuts you might have indulged in since last spring. Best to check them now.

For everyone — downhill, xc, snowshoe, snowmobile folks — put the correct size tire chains in your car, along with a shovel, and leave them there till it isn’t snow season. A blanket or two is always good to have as well.

There’s still hiking to do. As the days

n See CHARLIE, page A9

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Romantic comedy characters are a fantasy, but sometimes people actually seem to spring from the movies and behave as an on-screen rom-com character. Your charm activates, and you are such a person to someone else.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). When your options are abundant, each choice you make is more significant. For instance, how you amuse yourself will say something about who you are. Someone is paying attention as they try to know you better.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). There are creative, funny, classy and genuinely good people out there -people who match your energy and outlook. One of them will be drawn to your sense of kindness and fun. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Acquired tastes, like coffee or wine, often have a bitterness to them. People can be the same way, and you’ve come to an appreciation for individuals with strident tendencies. They help you appreciate the occasional sweetness.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Most people do what

Kirkwood to open six days ahead

With 29 inches of new snow and an incredible effort by its mountain operations and snowmaking teams, Kirkwood Mountain Resort is thrilled to welcome guests back to the slopes for another unforgettable winter season, starting on Saturday, Nov. 30 — six days earlier than scheduled. On Opening Day, guests can look forward to skiing and riding on Chairs 5, 6, 7, and 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

These four chairs will offer access to 365 acres of terrain and one terrain park. The resort’s Snowmaking and mountain operation teams will continue making snow when temperatures are low enough and monitoring conditions to expand terrain and lift offerings for the weeks ahead.

Kirkwood’s opening day promises to be a fantastic kickoff to the season, with terrain for all skill levels ready to enjoy. The early-season footprint includes top-to-bottom runs, a mix of beginner-to-advanced terrain, and our Time Square Pocket Terrain Park to jumpstart the winter fun. Gear rentals n See KIRKWOOD, page A9

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

Photo courtesy of Sierra Avalanche Center

Snow has arrived in Desolation Wilderness. Make sure you have everything you need when prepping for a trek in the white stuff, including common sense.

Courtesy photo

Snowmaking and Mother Nature have covered Kirkwood’s mountains and the resort is ready to open Nov. 30.

compared to traditional ferries — a factor that Meinzer said significantly bolsters the unit economics and overall business case.

“This fusion of flight and electric technologies not only unveils a powerful new business opportunity with nearly 10x operational efficiency but also offers an unmatched customer experience of comfort and safety. Plus, we’ll not just be moving people faster; we’ll be boosting socioeconomic mobility by connecting the north and south of the lake,” Meinzer added. “This is a service that will help locals and tourists alike.”

“We’re proud to partner with FlyTahoe to bring this revolutionary technology to the U.S. for the very first time. This will not only ensure more efficient commuting around Lake Tahoe and unlock business possibilities for waterfront communities, but it’s also a big step toward unlocking the potential of U.S. waterways for zero-emission transport,” Hasselskog shared.

FlyTahoe is targeting a late-2025 or early-2026 launch date for the ferry service. One reason for the wait is an older law on the books, the Jones Act, which is part of the larger Merchant

Barnes Continued from A1

Marine Act of 1920. The Jones Act sets specific requirements for vessels using United States ports, including the requirement that boats and ships must be built or rebuilt in the U.S. Candela and FlyTahoe are in the process of sourcing parts and locating a place to build the ferry stateside.

It’s too early to tell what a trip on the ferry will cost, Meinzer explained, but he did estimate the targeted price

and district where students come first, and the opportunities are only limited by imagination.”

An educator for more than 20 years, primarily in El Dorado County, Barnes brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He joined El Dorado Union High School District in 2001 as an English teacher at El Dorado High School and was later appointed as assistant principal. While assistant principal, he received a California Distinguished Schools Award in 2007.

Barnes served as principal of EDHS from 2010-15 and 2018-23. During his tenure, he was responsible for strategic planning, budget oversight, curriculum and instruction planning and professional development. Under his leadership, the school received grant funding to

Kirkwood

Continued from A8

will be available daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Kirkwood Mountain Sports and Village Rental. Private lessons will launch on Opening Day on a first-come, first-served basis. Fuel your day with coffee from the general store or try exciting new menu offerings at Monte Wolfe’s and Snowshoe Thompsons.

“Our team is thrilled to kick off the 2024/25 winter season earlier than planned here at Kirkwood,” said Ricky Newberry, VP & GM of Kirkwood Mountain Resort. “Opening Day is always an exciting time, but starting the season ahead of schedule truly showcases the incredible dedication of our team. We’re ready to welcome guests back to enjoy the incredible mountain experience and welcoming atmosphere that make Kirkwood such a special place.”

New this season, Kirkwood will debut a reservations-based parking program that offers guests a variety of choices for parking this season, with a combination of both free and paid parking options as well as carpool incentives. This program will kick off in mid-December on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and peak periods in all lots — more details can be found on the Getting Here & Parking webpage. As always, carpooling is highly recommended

roll by and the storms roll in, your gear will have to change. Some of our higher altitude favorites may have to wait till next spring or summer. By the time this is in print, snow may cover the trails, measured in feet. Along with the sunlight blinking out quite early, where you trek is likely to shrink a bit. First thing to know is that snow changes everything. All the trails you’ve been on disappear under the snow. Landmarks that you depend on no longer look the same, if you can find them. The snowy late autumn and then the wintery forest is vastly different than the rest of the year.

For everyone, especially the backcountry crowd, the single most important thing that you need to

point was around $50 a trip. With the possibility of government subsidies for electric vehicles and greener transit opportunities, the final price may be lower than that, Meinzer explained.

Supporting a vision FlyTahoe’s commitment to sustainability aligns with the “Keep Tahoe Blue” slogan, furthering

launch the EDHS Natural Resources Program and many other student-related growth opportunities.

Camino board members are confident that Barnes’ leadership and unwavering commitment to student success will help preserve and strengthen the special role that CUESD plays within the El Dorado County educational landscape.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are thrilled and honored to welcome Matt Barnes to our governance team and to the Camino community family,” said Pat Kernan, president of the Board of Trustees. “Having served at EDHS for many years, he is uniquely positioned to ensure each and every one of our students is

any time guests visit the resort.

Guests that are joining any of the resorts have a few days left to lock in their Epic Pass, as all Pass products go off sale on Dec. 2. There is an Epic Pass for everyone, including the Epic 1-day Pass and the Tahoe Local and Value passes. Passes provide significant savings compared to lift tickets, so lock in a pass now and decide where and when to ski and ride later. Whether planning to hit the slopes one day or every day, by purchasing a pass now, guests will get the best value, plus flexibility and benefits not offered with traditional lift tickets. That includes 20% off on-mountain dining, group ski and ride lessons, lodging, rentals and more with Epic Mountain Rewards. Pass holders will have discounted lodging options across Vail Resorts’ portfolio of hotels, condos and premier vacation residences. Returning this season with new features is the My Epic app with Mobile Pass and Mobile Lift Tickets. The My Epic App allows guests to use their phone as their ticket to the slopes. Mobile Lift Tickets is a handsfree option for skiers and riders to use at all three Vail Resorts-owned Tahoe resorts for the 2024-25 season. By using the app, guests can buy their pass or lift ticket online, activate it

take with you into the forest at this time of year is a full bucket of common sense. All of the gear you haul with you is secondary to this. Inside the boundaries of a downhill resort, or established cross country resort, very knowledgeable people lessen the possibility of avalanches by, literally, tossing explosive hand charges onto the suspect terrain or by firing snow canons to cause the snow to let loose and slide downhill somewhat safely. In the backcountry there is no mitigation. The best place to learn about current conditions in the mountains is the Sierra Avalanche Center. Visit the website If you are new to this. Learn about avalanche conditions before you go into the backcountry.

Take an avalanche awareness course if you can. Autumn, sometimes a bit wacky weather wise, is a wonderful time to wander about. Leave no trace. Get outside!

efforts to protect the lake’s unique ecosystem. Lake Tahoe’s iconic blue waters are not only a source of pride but also a driving force behind this new initiative. The Candela P-12’s C-POD electric propulsion system ensures zero emissions, preserving the pristine beauty of the lake for future generations. The direct-drive C-POD motors are the first maritime electric drivetrain that eliminates the risk of oil spills. Lacking the mechanical rattling of traditional transmissions, they ensure quiet operation both under and above the water, causing minimal stress to marine wildlife.

As the P-12 flies above the water, it doesn’t displace any water, leading to dramatically smaller wakes at high speeds. Wakes from conventional vessels can otherwise cause damage to docks, moored boats, smaller vessels such as paddleboards, and shorelines but this is no longer an issue with the P-12, as shown in this video. The lack of wake has led to the P-12 receiving a speed exemption in Stockholm, speeding up commutes and cutting travel times in half.

prepared for high school as they continue to move forward in their educational journeys.”

The El Dorado County Office of Education supported the Camino Board with the recruitment process.

“A visionary and action-oriented leader, Matt Barnes is a proven champion of our community with deep expertise in curriculum, instruction and meaningful student engagement,” noted El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Ed Manansala. “Above all, he places students at the center of everything he does. He brings invaluable experience to CUESD, laying a strong foundation for a promising future.”

For more information about CUESD visit caminoschool.org/en-US.

in the app, put their phone in their pocket, and get scanned, hands free in the lift line using Bluetooth technology designed for low energy usage.

New this season, the My Epic app will include the Find My Friends feature, allowing skiers and riders to share their location with friends and family on the mountain. Additionally, the My Epic app will feature My Epic Assistant An in-app guide powered by AI and resort experts for mountain information. The My Epic app also offers a range of guest-favorite features, including interactive trail

maps, and mountain and resort alerts, including operational information like grooming updates, terrain status, snow reports and conditions. Guests can use the My Epic app for daily updates and real-time information, along with other important news throughout the season; once in the app, look for the bell in the top right corner to see a feed of real-time guest alerts. Guests can also learn about the latest on our teams’ social channels: Instagram, Facebook, Resort Twitter/X, Mountain Operations Twitter/X.

Charlie Continued from A8

Courtesy photo

The first and second manufactured Candela P-12s flying across Stockholm’s waters at 25 knots.

e spacious Independent Living apartments at Ponté Palmero mean you can continue your independent lifestyle with room to entertain friends and access to all the life-enriching community services and amenities we o er.

Floor plans up to 1,482 square feet | Private, attached garage | Full kitchen | In-suite laundry

You can continue to cook and entertain in your own home, or enjoy our chef-prepared meals in the community dining room with friends. We take away the worry of housekeeping and home maintenance, and provide social opportunities all month long. You can relax and spend your days with friends and family, and doing the things you enjoy most.

INDEPENDENT LIVING HOMES FEATURES

• Kitchen with full-size appliances and granite counters

• Private patio

• Attached garage

• In-home washer and dryer

• High ceilings

• Housekeeping, laundry, and trash service

• Utilities and basic cable included

• Air conditioning

• Pets welcome!

COMMUNITY SERVICES & AMENITIES

• Restaurant-style dining

• Swimming pool, hot tub, and outdoor grills

• Clubhouse and tness center

• Library and full-service beauty salon

• Activities, clubs, outings, and celebrations

• Transportation services

• 24-hour emergency maintenance

• Gated electronic entrance

We also o er Assisted Living Villas & Memory Care apartments for a full continuum of care.

PROSPECTING

IN THE KNOW

Nov. 29

The Elf on the Boulevard scavenger hunt begins at El Dorado Hills Town Center and will run Nov. 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.

Hometown Holiday on Main returns to Placerville 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 on Main Street.

Imagination Theatre at the El Dorado Fairgrounds presents “Miracle on 34th Street,” opening Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. and running until Dec. 22. For tickets and more information, go to itplacerville.org.

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

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) 608-6888.

■ See KNOW, page B7

Chris Daley Mountain Democrat correspondent

he Gift,” a holiday themed variety show opens at the Stage at Burke Junction Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. Local multihyphenate Chrissie Addison said she conceived this variety show as a gift to the local community, hence the title.

The piece is also a tribute to local director and educator Jim Orr and other late community theater personalities. With musical numbers, dance routines, poetry readings, storytelling, dramatic scenes and some classical guitar to round things o , “The Gift” may be just the thing to get your holiday season in gear.

The show was crafted, under the direction of Addison, by a body of talented actors, musicians, technical adepts and storytellers combining traditional and new works to bring together an evening of memorable holiday cheer.

The players

Chrissie Addison’s theater résumé ﬁlls several volumes; actor, singer, director, author, vocal coach and performance coach. Credits include, “Cabaret,” “Quilters,” “Spoon River Anthology” and many more.

Addison expressed her honor and love for the family of dedicated artists who have graced the stage with her, cracked her up in the green room and folded the chairs and swept up after each show all these

years.

“This ‘gift’ is theirs and ours to you,” she said, “to our audience and family.”

Emerson Jana is a longtime student of Addison’s vocal/ performance instruction. She has been in several studio shows and has her own band, Rise and Rejoice. Jana said the show will bring much more to the community than just entertainment.

“’The Gift’ represents so much more than holiday entertainment,” she said. “It is light and warmth, hope and comfort to our community and to all.”

Jean Konishi-Kopania is behind nearly every aspect of this production. She also contributed an original poem and a traditional rendering of a Japanese holiday classic to the show. She has been active in local theater for more than three decades.

Kim OsteenPetrestock is a professor of music at Sierra College. She has a Ph.D. in composition and serves as music director, guitarist and actor. Osteen-Petreshock has been in the “Sound of Music” and “Guys and Dolls” and has worked extensively with Addison. She wrote a monologue for the show.

“I hope ‘The Gift’ resonates with audiences to appreciate the many and various ways people can celebrate,” she said.

Phillip Reddin is a classical guitarist who has studied his craft with master guitarists in Spain. He has also done several shows with Addison. He broadens his onstage work with acting in this o ering. He has arranged traditional holiday music in new and original presentations just for this play. Reddin said he believes in the spirit of community.

“We’re all in it together,” he shared, “a community in order to move forward.”

Holly Salvestrin played a little girl in Addison’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” back in the early ’80s. Since then, she has become a mainstay in local theater. Salvestrin currently serves on the board of directors at Imagination Theater. In addition to her roles onstage, Salvestrin serves as costumer for this production. She is sure audiences will ﬁnd a sense of community in this production.

“In the celebrations of good and joyful people,” she said.

Bob Steele retired after several decades teaching and coaching football at El Dorado High School, he got the acting bug. Steele played the lead in “South Fork Confessions” and a number of other plays over the past several

years. He said that teaching American history served as an unexpected springboard to theater.

“Having students role play historical ﬁgures in class helped them learn,” he said.

“Not unlike theater, you want the audience to feel the warmth of community, the hope and love radiating from the show.”

Mark Androvich has been in musicals and comedies, performing at a number of venues, including venues in Davis and Lincoln. But he calls Folsom’s Sutter Street Theatre home. This marks Androvich’s ﬁrst adventure on a local foothills stage.

“As an actor, part of the appeal here is meeting and working with new people, new experiences and a new way to get in the Christmas spirit,” he said.

■ See GIFT, page B7

Christmas Kaleidoscope brings people together with music

News release

Join Cantare Chorale of the Sierra Foothills and the Folsom Lake College Choirs for a celebration of Christmas music and the joy of carols at Christmas Kaleidoscope, with two performances planned. Local harpist Ruth Rubio will join the choirs in the famous “A Ceremony of Carols” by Benjamin Britten.

“We are so excited to be joined by young musicians, like our instrumentalists the Rubio sisters, as well as adults continuing their musical education from the Folsom Lake Choirs,” Cantare’s board president and alto Kathy Kelesian shared. “This concert is truly a celebration of the power of music bringing people together.”

This season, the combined choirs will perform a delightfully diverse set of works by composers from all over the world, including holiday harp and violin duets featuring local violinist Bethany Rubio, “The Christmas Song” arranged by Mark Hayes,

“The Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy” arranged by Stacey V. Gibbs and more. Cantare will also treat their audience to hand chimes performances of classic Christmas carols.

Dates & times

• 7 p.m. Monday, Dec 9, at the Placerville Shakespeare Club, 2940 Bedford Ave.

• 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at Foothills United Methodist Church in Rescue

Experience the magic of the season at A Holiday A air, the special evening presentation of Christmas Kaleidoscope on Dec 9 at the Shakespeare Club. Guests will enjoy delicious homemade baked goods or ﬁnd that perfect gift for someone special at the silent auction.

Concert tickets and table for eight sponsorship information is available online at cantarechorale.com.

Courtesy photos

A scene from “Good Ole’ American Christmas,” a vignette in “The Gift,” opening Dec. 6 at The Stage at Burke Junction, above left, adds some humor to the show. Above right, actors Holly Salvestrin and Jon Sampson share a momenton stage.

Enjoy sounds of the season in Georgetown

Pianist Jennifer Reason returns to Georgetown on Dec. 8 for a festive afternoon concert in the decorated historical IOOF Hall. This special concert will also feature the versatile Irish violinist Naomi RogersHeﬂey in a 2024 season ﬁnale for Music On The Divide.

Reason is a vibrant, seasoned performer in consistent demand. After giving her ﬁrst solo recital at the age of 5, her solo and ensemble performance credits now cover 14 countries and 15 states, including 10 European festivals, two appearances at Carnegie Hall and an international conducting debut at St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City. She is a proud recipient of the Sacramento Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 award (2016). Her collaborations include work as music director of the modern opera collective Rogue Music Project and founding pianist of the music ensemble Citywater. Away from the piano, she can be heard as the Midday Classical Host for CapRadio (88.9FM/ capradio.org), where she loves to talk about music.

Joining Reason will be RogersHeﬂey, a Baroque violinist and

teacher born in Belfast, Ireland. Rogers-Hefley has 20 years of performing experience all over Europe, performing with a variety of ensembles. She is a prolific performer and a member of many of bands ranging from Celtic music to jazz, folk, country and western swing on electric violin. Rogers-Hefley has performed at the Mondavi Center with Michael Sand and Phebe Craig and is a member of the Sacramento Baroque Soloists, Capella Antiqua,

■ See CONCERT, page B7

Can a single sensation be a friend?

For I cherish the scent of petrichor. That loamy waft that heralds summer’s end;

An embrace that is more than metaphor.

How I cherish the scent of petrichor

Accompanying an overdue rain.

An embrace that is more than metaphor, More than just wind that twirls a weathervane.

PETRICHOR

Poem of the Month

Accompanying an overdue rain,

The renewal of once lush, verdant lands. More than just wind that twirls a weathervane, It’s proof of nature’s gentle, mending hands.

The renewal of once lush, verdant lands; Though you have passed, dear friend, this shall remain.

It’s proof of nature’s gentle, mending handsWhen green becomes gold, you’ll be back again.

James Hartsough is a resident of El Dorado County, born and raised. He has a deep fascination with poetry and literature, but this is his rst piece that he has shared with a larger audience. This poem was written while re ecting on the droughts that have a icted California for many years. James has taken part in multiple community theater performances within the last decade. He has multiple loved ones and lifelong friends throughout the county, and credits any and all of his successful ventures to their kindness. James looks forward to experiencing more beautiful artwork by the ever-inspiring people of El Dorado County.

Christmas in Cool is on the way

News release

On Dec. 1 (alternate rain date of Dec. 8) Christmas in Cool returns to the historical Cool Shopping Center at 2966 State Highway 49, along with the Gingerbread House contest. The event will be held 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot of American River Pizza/Lokl.

There will be a parade with Santa and the Grinch, and they welcome the community to bring their dogs dressed in holiday costumes for the parade. There will be local vendor booths, free kid’s crafts and games, including cookie decorating, a photo booth for Santa visits, music, food, drinks, ra e prizes, a gingerbread house display and contest and more. There will also be a ra e where tickets can be “purchased” using canned food.

For more information contact Sol Nisbet at (530) 401-5605. The event is sponsored by the Divide Chamber of Commerce. Completed gingerbread houses for the contest must be delivered to American River Pizza & Grill on Nov. 30 between 2 and 8 p.m., or in case of a rain date Dec. 7 between 2 and 8 p.m. The contest location is the parking lot of American River Pizza & Grill/Lokl. The houses must be transported on a sturdy base with the creator’s name, age and phone number legible on the base. The categories for judging will be ages 5-11, 12-18 and older than 18. There will be prizes for winners in each category. The announcement of the winners will be Dec. 1 at 2 p.m. or in case of rain date Dec. 8. The houses must be picked up by 4 p.m. the day of the event.

Courtesy photos

Renowned pianist Jennifer Reason performs in Georgetown next month.

Lynn Schardt

Naomi Rogers-Hefley, violinist, will join Reason on stage.

Documentary short ‘Stroke: The Circle of Healing’ to air on KVIE

Local filmmaker Jaime Tafoya is releasing a new documentary short on stroke recovery on PBS KVIE Sacramento. It premieres on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m.

In “Stroke: Circle of Healing” Tafoya chronicles his personal journey as a stroke survivor. He explores his path to recovery, which included both western medical treatments and traditional Native American healing practices.

“Stroke: The Circle of Healing” examines the universal toll a life altering health crisis can have on an individual. Interviews were filmed with a certified Native American herbalist, a cardiologist, a physical therapist, psychotherapist, mindfulness specialist and Native American health educator.

“So many people have a family member or friend that has experienced a stroke. If I can reach one person with a message of hope, then my efforts have been worthwhile,” said Tafoya.

“Making this documentary was truly a passion project for Jaime. Three years in the making from concept to completion,” said Jack Kohler, executive producer of the film.

“Native American adults have a higher risk of stroke than people from any other ethnic group.

‘The Circle of Healing’ refers to a Native American medicine wheel that looks at healing from the perspective of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healing. I hope the film inspires and educates all,” Kohler continued.

According to the American Heart Association, stroke is the third leading cause of disability in the United States impacting the lives of seven million of its American survivors.

The film was made possible with assistance from the nonprofit media production company On Native Ground, local grants and individual donations.

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Kohler and his daughter Carly Kohler, both served as producers. Editing services were provided by Dylan Reeves and cinematography by Gabe Polansky.

Tafoya’s goal is to tell people about his stroke recovery experience and inspire other stroke survivors on techniques he found helpful in his recovery process.

About On Native Ground

On Native Ground is a Hoopa Tribal nonprofit media organization dedicated to bringing truthful, positive and uplifting films and music about Native people to the screen, internet, radio and television. The team of professionals creates award-winning documentaries, shorts, PSAs, music videos, podcasts and feature films.

Photo by Gabe Polansky

Local filmmaker and stroke survivor Jaime Tafoya has created a documentary chronicling his recovery that will air next week.

BUTTERED AND SALTY

There’s no theatrical release that has stayed with me more this fall than “Heretic,” Scott Beck and Bryan Wood’s (“65,” “A Quiet Place”) creepy tale of two young religious women who are drawn into a game of cat-and-mouse in the house of a strange man. Just that tagline alone should send shivers down the spine of certain people. There are few releases that get past me in regards to publicly or advertising. Whether I attend a screening and do coverage on a film for this column or not, I feel I am pretty attuned to what’s coming out in the film world. For whatever reason this didn’t include “Heretic” until the trailer was already released on YouTube for a few days. The title and genre had me interested, as did the

inclusion of Hugh Grant in an antagonist role. A random viewing of the trailer one night with my wife and we knew what our next date night movie was going to be! In a time with endless sequels, remakes and “reimaginings,” it’s a breath of fresh air to get an original, small budgeted film that can compete with the big studios. This $10 million film has already more than doubled its budget in box office receipts and is another win by independent film production company A24 (“Hereditary,” “Lady Bird,” “Uncut Gems,” “Midsommar,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once”). The film has three primary characters. Two are LDS missionaries

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played by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, respectively. The other is Hugh Grant’s Mr. Reed. The three of them are the primary characters throughout 98% of the film. There are barely any other characters save a brief cameo from Topher Grace as a church elder. The interaction between the three leads is clever, engaging, and creepy. Kudos to Scott Beck and Bryon Woods for crafting a script that is full of subtle tension. That is until it’s not so subtle anymore in the third act.

If, like us, you’re looking for an original horror film for a date night or to celebrate a 10th anniversary, you could do much worse than A24’s “Heretic.” Recommended.

Sing along at the Sierra Symphony Christmas concert

It’s beginning to sound

a lot like Christmas!

The Sierra Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Roy R. Fulmer Jr., will perfomr its annual Christmas Concert on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Cameron Park Community Center gym, 2502 Country Club Drive. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 4 p.m.

Join the Sierra Symphony for an afternoon of fabulous musical selections, including an exciting traditional rendition of Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride.” This year’s

holiday experience is the perfect way to kick off the season as these talented, local musicians deliver a collection

science, optimism about the future, philosophy and friendship have given way to bombastic special effects and dialog that sounds like it was lifted directly from a film or TV show from the 2010s. It’s important to remember that “Star Trek” was always intended to be a period piece set in the future. Using slang from the 2010s just doesn’t cut it. It also doesn’t make a lot of sense in the context of the show.

If you grew up with the original series in the 1960s (like my parents generation) or were raised on the films from the 1980s and ’90s with Capt. Kirk, Spock and the original crew along with the immensely successful “Star Trek: The Next Generation” show in the late ’80s/ early ’90s (when I jumped on board) then I am going to assume the new “Trek” isn’t quite working for you. If it is, good for you. For my money the current crop of showrunners don’t understand what made the franchise special.

This changed with the release of the short film “765874: Unification” by the Gene Roddenberry Archive last week. The mission of the archive is a multi-decade collaboration with The Roddenberry Estate, OTOY (who produced the short film), and iconic Star Trek artists Denise and Mike Okuda, Daren Dochterman, and Doug Drexler to collect significant

of many family favorites. As a special treat, a salute to brave service men and women is included in the program.

documents and art from Gene Roddenberry’s lifetime of work. If you like “Star Trek” you need to do a deep dive into this archive.

The first “Trek” film I saw in theaters was “Star Trek: Generations” (1994) and because of that I have a soft spot for it. It was dubbed as a bridging (no pun intended) of the two Enterprise crews in the same film and an official passing the torch to the next generation (pun intended). There’s some interesting stuff in it but there’s also a lot in the film that fans didn’t like: the death of Cap. Kirk was underwhelming to some and the failure to get Leonard Nimoy back one last time frustrated fans.

It’s that last note that, in retrospect, bugged me the most. Their last

on-screen appearance together as these characters happened in 1991’s “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country” and while that was a great swan-song for the original crew, there were ample opportunities and ideas to get these two men back on-screen before Mr. Nimoy’s death in 2015.

William Shatner, of course, is still quite active in film and television at the young age of 93. Finally, with the help of the Roddenberry Archive, OTOY, some amazingly talented filmmakers and some clever prosthetics and visual FX, we have a final moment between these two beloved characters.

This short film (11 minutes long but really only 8 before credits) caught me by complete surprise. If you know

your “Star Trek” lore there is a lot to dig into. If you don’t, the first minute will be a bit confusing until you see the familiar shoes, hands and face of a certain beloved captain walking through a garden.

That familiar face is Willam Shatner, who was heavily involved in this project both with the performance capture as well as one of the producers (another one of the producers is Nimoy’s widow, Susan Bay Nimoy). They de-age him at different times throughout his life in the film and it’s easily the best de-aging work I’ve ever seen. It’s not perfect but damn close to it. The subtle expressions are effective in capturing the emotional heavy-lifting these effects need to accomplish for this story.

And emotional it is. We finally get a proper goodbye to these characters as we last saw them. How a film can be so effective both emotionally and story-wise in such a short amount of time is beyond me. In eight minutes they beautifully accomplished what Paramount/CBS and “Star Trek” haven’t been able to in over 30 years and it’s quite the holiday gift for “Star Trek” fans. Highly recommended! Joshua B. Porter is an award winning filmmaker. No Generative Al was used in the writing of this article. He can be reached at @joshuabporter or joshuabporter@mtdemocrat.net.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to join fellow audience members in singing the Hallelujah Chorus from

Handel’s “Messiah.” Tickets are on sale now

Photo by Elizabeth Fulmer

The Sierra Symphony will perform holiday favorites at its upcoming Christmas concert in Cameron Park. n See SYMPHONY, page B7

Step into magic of the season at Miners Foundry events

Laura Petersen News release

NEVADA CITY — The Miners Foundry Cultural Center invites the community to a number of annual events to connect, create lasting memories and share in the joy of the season.

“As we step into the holidays, the Miners Foundry is thrilled to offer events that bring people together to celebrate Nevada City’s unique charm and creativity. From discovering handmade treasures at our Winter Craft Fair to watching Clara & The Nutcracker light up the stage, our cultural center is a wonderful place to celebrate the holidays as a vibrant gathering place for all,” said Executive Director Gretchen Bond.

Live music

Two local favorite bands, Golden Shoulders with special guests Casual Fog will perform on the Friday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29.

“This is a tradition at The Foundry to have an ‘homegrown locals show during Thanksgiving weekend. It’s a great opportunity for folks to come out and celebrate their local talent with their visiting family and friends,” said Bond.

Golden Shoulders has a rotating lineup of members who join founder Adam Kline. At the Nov. 29 show, Kline will be joined by guitarist Ehren Haas, bassist Hunter Burgan, local treasure Brett Shady, Jonathan Hansard and percussionists Todd Roper and David Nicholson, along with other special guests.

The band will perform their seminal 2004 album “Friendship is Deep,” featuring the song, “I Will Light You On Fire.”

Craft fair

Shop for holiday gifts from more

Know Continued from B2

than 70 crafters, designers and artisans during the 13th annual Nevada City Winter Craft Fair on Sunday, Dec. 1. Presenting the freshest voices of the local hand-made movement, this juried exhibition of makers is a showcase of hip, sustainable, yet innovative and whimsical items representing the best of the region. Since its start in 2010, the biennial event has introduced over 10,000 attendees to more than 600 local and regional artists, designers and crafters.

The Foundry Sings

The holiday installment of The Foundry Sings is an opportunity to gather with people of all ages in the power of song.

Rod Baggett, retired choral conductor at Nevada Union High School, will lead community singers supported by the guitar playing of Jonathan Meredith and Tim

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. 3

Powell’s Steamer Company and Pub, 425 Main St., presents Eric Hill and Jonny Mojo for Taco Tuesday on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 4-7 p.m. Stop by for some good food and good tunes. For more information call (530) 626-1091.

Continued from B2

Beth Sheridan teaches at the NorCal School of Theater Arts. Working primarily with “Title 1 kids,” she said theater gives them experiences and opportunities they might not otherwise have. Beth is especially interested in the show as a vehicle conveying the warmth of the season.

Continued from B6 Gift

Yamauchi.

The Foundry Sings is open to everyone and will be held Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 5:30 p.m.

The Foundry Sings is inspired by the popular Choir! Choir! Choir! — a weekly drop-in singing event based in Toronto, Canada.

Martinis & Mistletoe

People who love swing dancing and Christmas classics will love Martinis and Mistletoe, a Holiday Cabaret on Dec. 7. This much-anticipated evening evokes the charm of a bygone era with cabaret jazz and holiday pop classics in the beautiful Stone Hall.

Singer Tamara Fouyer and her band will be accompanied by local favorites Michelle Amador and Karen Woerner on harmonies.

This special performance features some of the finest singers and jazz instrumentalists in Nevada County performing music from the World War II era, featuring memorable

Dec. 4

Dementia Connection hosts Living Well for Brain Health: Mindful Connections and Community, 10 a.m. to noon at Holy Trinity Church, 3111 Tierra De Dios Drive in El Dorado Hills. For more information call (530) 621-7820.

Dec. 5

The Rotary Club of Cameron Park will hold its annual Holiday Dinner and Silent & Live Auction at the Cameron Park Country Club. All proceeds provide for academic and vocational scholarships and support of local projects, including parks and the Community Observatory. For

“The lights of winter, hope and warmth to the season,” she said. “It’s all about light.”

Jon Sampson is a product of local school and theater programs with drama classes at El Dorado High School and Folsom Lake College as well as on the job training with

standards from the Andrews Sisters, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Ella Fitzgerald and more.

The Miners Foundry offers a no host full bar featuring specialty martinis alongside appetizers and sweet treats.

Ballet performance

Since 2012, Holt Ballet Conservatory and the Miners Foundry have presented “Clara and the Nutcracker.” This year, audiences can revisit the classic ballet with a new spin Dec. 12-15.

“Our Nutcracker goes a little deeper than the traditional one. Clara doesn’t sit on a throne and passively survey the dancing of life performed by others, but joins in and embraces life herself. This is a powerful cast. You’ll be delighted,” said Yelena Holt, owner of Holt Ballet and artistic director.

Every year, families enjoy time together with this classic story of Clara dreaming of her beloved Nutcracker coming to life battling the wicked Mouse King. It’s a holiday celebration of dance, music and theater.

Participants sit by the yuletide fire while sipping a hot spiced cider, glass of wine or cocktail. In vibrant costumes, skilled dancers delight audiences with the time honored music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky. With several dates to choose from and many of the traditional roles double cast, audiences will be entertained by Sugar Plum Fairies, Spanish Dancers, Arabian Princesses, Snow Queens and more.

Proceeds from the show benefit Miners Foundry and its mission to support local and national talent and help Holt Ballet Conservatory to continue to provide professional training in classical ballet to Nevada County’s aspiring dancers. Learn more and purchase tickets for these events and more at minersfoundry.org.

tickets and more information call Daniel Gott at (916) 990-3039 or Marlyn at (916) 933-8205.

Dec. 6

Cantare Chorale of the Sierra Foothills will perform at the California State Capitol between 10th and L streets starting at 11 a.m. Admission is free. For more information go to cantarechorale.com.

The Food Bank of El Dorado County, in conjunction with the Shingle Springs-Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, hosts a toy and frozen turkey drive, 6-9 p.m. at the food bank facility, 4550 Business Drive in Cameron Park.

Imagination Theater. Samson was recently seen in “Frozen” at Imagination Theater and “Cabaret,” at Folsom Lake College. He hopes the show will get people in the season frame of mind.

“I hope the audience will feel the spirit of Christmas, the warmth and joy like a kid,” he said.

The production has many behind the scenes contributors that made it possible: Roger Filippelli designed

the logo and poster art, Connie Steinman served as the American Sign Language coach and Paula Joy Welter served as songwriter and composer.

“The Gift,” plays Dec. 6-15 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at The Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park. For tickets visit stageatburke.com.

Andrew Vonderschmitt contributed to this story. at sierrasymphony.org and will be available at the door. As always, admission is free for students and children. Holiday treats and beverages will be available for purchase.

Concert Continued from B3

Extreme Temperament and Two Baroque Girls. She also coaches baroque violin for Camerata Capistrano at Sacramento State University and the baroque program at Davis High School.

Tickets for this special holiday concert are available online at eventbrite.com or, as space allows, at the door for $20 for adults, $5 for

The Sierra Symphony Orchestra has been providing symphonic music to El Dorado County for 39 years and has been featured at numerous Butterfly Concerts. For more information visit the website above.

students and children 5 and younger get in free. Cash only at the door. The doors to the IOOF Hall, on the corner of Main Street and Highway 193 in Georgetown, will open to members of MOTD and online ticket holders at 2 p.m., and to the public at 2:30 p.m. The music will run 3-5 p.m. A festive holiday array of refreshments will be available during intermission.

Public Notices

Courtesy photo

Holt Ballet Conservatory and the Miners Foundry present “Clara and the Nutcracker” Dec. 12-15.

Dawes takes the stage after album release

Leila Srouji The Center for the Arts

GRASS VALLEY — The Center for the Arts presents Dawes in the Marisa Funk Theater on Dec. 5.

For the first time in almost a decade, brothers Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith grace the cover of a Dawes record. It’s just the two of them this time and, as such, “Oh Brother” marks a distinctive new chapter for the California rock band — one that is both introspective and accessible, all while maintaining their beloved sense of sincerity.

After the amicable departure of two bandmates last year, Taylor realized that the group’s natural evolution was nothing to hide from Dawes’ dedicated fans. He likens it to looking back on

The Rolling Stones’ career — eras with Brian Jones versus Ronnie Wood — or Dire Straits’ lineup with and without brothers Mark and David Knopfler together. People change. Music evolves. But a band is still a band.

“We’re not shying away from this information, because then it just seems cowardly or something,” Taylor said. “Rather than try to hide something, let’s celebrate it. Let’s call our record ‘Oh Brother.’” The title of Dawes’ ninth LP serves as a sort of double entendre, a sigh acknowledging change can still be challenging. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at The Center for the Arts, 314 West Main St. in Grass Valley. For tickets and more information visit thecenterforthearts.org or call (530) 274-8384.

Courtesy photo Brothers Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith said goodbye to bandmates and hello to a new album, “Oh Brother.”