Mountain Democrat, Monday, December 5, 2022

Winter warming center opens at Benham Park

Scout Hall — the little log cabin that sits between the playgrounds at Placerville’s Benham Park — will serve as an overnight warming center for the local homeless population over the next two months. The warming center will only open if temperatures are below 35 degrees when dry or below 45 degrees when it’s raining, according to a statement from city of Placerville o cials. With rain in the forecast and a low of 35, Thursday saw the first night of operation. As with last season’s shelter, homeless individuals will be bused to and from the site.

PG&E lines going under in Georgetown

News release

Pacific Gas and Electric Company is undergrounding approximately 2 miles of overhead power lines in downtown Georgetown. The underground power lines aim to reduce wildfire risk, increase reliability and further harden PG&E’s Georgetown distribution microgrid, according to PG&E o cials.

PG&E’s contractor, Underground Construction Inc., will be both trenching and boring to install all-new underground conduit and power lines and is working along the following roads through the end of January:

• Highway 193 between Illinois Canyon Road and Main Street

• Main Street between Highway 193 and Harkness Street

• Harkness Street between Main and B streets

• B Street

Sel Richard Staff writer

With a smile his face can barely

contain, Vance Dokes’ e ervescence is unexpected and refreshing considering his humble beginnings in California’s foster care system.

At 2 years old, Dokes was taken by Child Protective Services, his mother deemed unfit to care for him and his baby sister. After a stint in an orphanage, he was separated from his sister and sent to live with foster parent Lula Haynes in Chula Vista, for whom he has high praise. “She is a great mother,” Dokes said of Haynes. “She taught me a tremendous amount about respect and discipline.”

While he feels fortunate to have spent

his childhood with Haynes, Dokes admits it was tough knowing he was a displaced kid.

“I thought that basically if I’m going to do anything, I’m going to have to do it by myself,” he said. “Eventually you learn that the road is not as dark as it is perceived to be.”

One of those lessons arose when his thirdgrade teacher, Mr. Johnson, instead of sending him to the principal’s o ce where he had spent many an afternoon, sat with Dokes making construction paper space ships and playing space wars. Mr. Johnson subsequently discovered that Dokes was an advanced reader and

encouraged him to test into the gifted program.

But it wasn’t until 10th grade that his English teacher, Cynthia Larkin, told him he could go to college. “If it weren’t for those teachers and other caring people around me, I definitely wouldn’t be here today and I definitely wouldn’t be filled with all the love that I have,” said Dokes, the first to attend college in both his foster and biological family. He still talks with Larkin to this day.https://5bb dc6666c928cc4b9b2ba 5a33caa429.safeframe. googlesyndication.com/ safeframe/1-0-40/html/ container.html

• South Street between Harkness and Orleans streets

Work is taking place from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, except holidays, weather permitting. One-way tra c controls, detours and brief tra c delays will be in e ect at times and street parking may be limited. Crews will deliberately work small sections at a time to have minimal impact.

Distribution microgrids are designed to support communities by safely isolating from the broader grid and using temporary generators to power “Main Street” corridors, critical facilities and shared community resources during public safety power shuto s.

PG&E’s Georgetown distribution microgrid is located near the South Street/Orleans Street intersection. The microgrid will allow PG&E to rapidly connect mobile generators to the site to power the downtown district (including a fire station, gas station, radio station, bank, community center, markets, hotels and restaurants, among other businesses, facilities and community services). The microgrid energization area includes approximately 50 PG&E customers.

Mountain Democrat photo by Kat Mendenhall

An X-Vac hydro excavator uses water and vacuum technology to make way for PG&E lines going underground.

Pictured Tuesday afternoon, crews were trying to find their way around a water main.

Mountain Democrat staff

Mountain Democrat photo by Krysten Kellum

Scout Hall is a meeting hall at Benham Park near downtown Placerville.

Mountain Democrat photo by Sel Richard

Vance Dokes and mentor Dr. Ron Simms are now coworkers. Dokes joined Simms’ El Dorado Hills chiropractic team after completing a three-year program funded by Fostering Success and Significance, a local organization that provides scholarships and mentors for foster youth.

OBITUARIES

Lida Mae Cate

Apr. 18, 1925 – Nov. 16, 2022

Lida Mae Cate was born left handed on April 18, 1925 in Youngstown, Ohio. She passed away peacefully on Nov. 16, in El Dorado Hills, Calif. She was 97 years young and until a recent illness lived in her own home that she loved. She is survived by her son David (Nancy) and her daughter Gayl (Steve), her “favorite” sister Ruth, as well as 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Lida moved to Albany, Calif. when she was in High School. She found her passion in field hockey, the drum and bugle corps and a sorority of women whom she stayed friends with for all of their lives. After high school, during World War 2 she attended Cal Berkley and was very proud of her accomplishment of finishing in 3 years, majoring in French and Math. Go Bears!

She moved to Brentwood to become a PE and math teacher. She met her husband Art at Liberty High School and they were married for 60 years up until his passing in 2014. They moved to Sacramento, then to Williams, and landed in Placerville in 1971, keeping all of their friends along the way. After retiring, together they traveled the world and met interesting people who became lifelong friends.

She was active in the Federated Church and tutored young people until she was 90. She loved to teach! She was also a lifelong learner and loved crossword puzzles, numbers, and Jeopardy. Her favorite time was when the family got together at her house. She enjoyed these gatherings and always wanted to know “When does the party start?” She loved to tell jokes, was an amazing cook, loved to shop, do crafts, and play cards and games. She marveled at the deer visiting her windows, the weather, the trees, and the sky that could be magical on her front lawn. Oh yes, she was a poet, always a poet..

A service will be held Dec. 10 at the Federated Church in Placerville at 2 P.M. Reception following. In lieu of flowers, please “pay it forward” with a random act of kindness.

David M. Johnson

David “Dave”

Johnson passed away at age 73 on November 9 after fighting leukemia for almost a year. He was born on December 27, 1948 to Willard Barron Johnson and Marjorie Winter Johnson in Summit South, New Jersey and grew up in Palo Alto, California. After graduating with a business degree from Lewis & Clark College, David moved back to The Bay and Northern California working as a food salesman, real estate agent and then a Real Estate/Personal Injury attorney for the rest of his life alongside his paralegal (and wife), Pamela Johnson. He served as president of the El Dorado County Bar Association and was a local politician in Cameron Park serving as President of the Board of Directors for many years. He was devoted to making Cameron Park a special place to live. Projects that he worked on or orchestrated include Christa McAuli e Park where the community lights their holiday tree every year and the new Community Services District Center. During his free time, Dave was a competitive cribbage player winning many boards and awards during his tournament days. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Susan Lanning, as well as brother, Willard Johnson and he is survived by his wife of 42 years, Pamela Johnson who lives in Cameron Park and their 41 year old son, David William Johnson who resides in Las Vegas. A Celebration of Life will be announced later. Any donations are asked to be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation, Inc.

Placerville man indicted on drug trafficking charges

News release

SACRAMENTO — A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment Thursday against Richard Turner, 60, who was reportedly found with more than 40 pounds of methamphetamine at his Placerville home.

According to court documents, law enforcement agents executed a federal search warrant at Turner’s residence and in addition to the meth they located six firearms, including one previously reported as stolen. Turner is prohibited from possessing

firearms because he has five prior felony convictions, including convictions for vehicle theft and drug tra cking o enses.

U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert lists the charges against Turner as conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of

Land Management and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alstyn Bennett is prosecuting the case.

If convicted of the methamphetamine tra cking o enses, Turner faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, up to a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, Turner faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.

DUI not suspected in wrongway crash on Highway 50

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

O cers with the Placerville o ce of the California Highway Patrol say drunk driving was not a factor in a crash involving a wrong-way driver on Highway 50 in Placerville Nov. 28.

A Bay Area resident driving a Mercedes S 500 was reportedly traveling east in one of Highway 50’s westbound lanes near Schnell School Road when they crashed into a Ford Excursion

The following was taken from Placerville Police Department’s records:

Nov. 17

6:43 a.m. Officers booked into jail a 59-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance and parole violations on Spring Street. He was listed in custody as of press time.

8:38 a.m. A license pate was reported stolen on Marshall Way.

1:10 p.m. An altercation between two parolees was reported on Coloma Street.

2:06 p.m. An assault was reported on Spring Street. No one was arrested.

Nov. 18

driven by another Bay Area resident. The driver of the Ford Excursion was returning to the Bay Area from Tahoe, CHP o cers told the Mountain Democrat. Names were not released by CHP.

The driver of the Excursion and their passenger were both transported by ambulance to Marshall Hospital with minor injuries. The individual driving the Mercedes also sustained minor injuries but was treated at the scene. No arrests were made,

Nov. 20

according to law enforcement.

While the cause of the crash is still under investigation, CHP Lt. Rick Hatfield said neither driver appeared to be under the influence at the time.

First responders blocked the roadway and diverted tra c to Schnell School Road for 45 minutes, according to Hatfield.

CHP, El Dorado County Fire Protection District and Placerville Police Department personnel responded to the incident around 8:30 p.m.

7:46 a.m. Theft of fuel from a county vehicle was reported on Spring Street.

11:22 a.m. A catalytic converter was reported stolen from a vehicle on Grandview Street. 10:30 p.m. Officers contacted a 43-year-old woman who allegedly had a warrant and was in possession of a baggy with a white, crystal-like substance on Broadway Court. The suspect was arrested.

Nov. 19

7:19 p.m. Officers arrested a 69-year-old man on suspicion of indecent exposure on Broadway.

1:22 a.m. Officers booked into jail a 29-year-old man suspected of being a fugitive from justice on Main Street. He was listed in custody as of press time.

Stumpy Meadows Reservoir as of Nov. 30

Water storage 16,203 acre-feet

Percent full 76%

Inflow 7.13 cfs/ Outflow 5.63 cfs

Folsom Reservoir as of Dec. 2

Water storage 246,547 acre-feet

Percent full 25%

Inflow 1,191 cfs/ Outflow 1,267 cfs

Union Valley as of Dec. 2

Water storage 165,291 acre-feet

Percent full 62%

Inflow 0 cfs/ Outflow 0 cfs

Loon Lake as of Dec. 2

Water storage 41,480 acre-feet Percent full 60%

Inflow 0 cfs/ Outflow 0 cfs

Ice House as of Dec. 2

Water storage 29,490 acre-feet

Percent full 68%

Inflow 7 cfs/ Outflow 0 cfs

9:18 a.m. Officers booked into jail a 48-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia and probation violations on Highway 49 in Diamond Springs. He was listed in custody as of press time.

Lake Aloha as of Dec. 1

Water storage 291 acre-feet

Percent full 6%

Inflow 2.50 cfs/ Outflow 2.50 cfs

Caples Lake as of Dec. 1

Water storage 13,625 acre-feet Percent full 61%

Inflow 0.00 cfs/ Outflow 8.36 cfs

Echo Lake as of Dec. 1

Water storage 0 acre-feet Percent full 0%

Inflow 2.88 cfs/ Outflow 4.54 cfs

Silver Lake as of Dec. 1

Water storage 3,132 acre-feet Percent full 36%

Inflow .25 cfs/ Outflow 6.02 cfs

Sly Park as of Dec. 1

Water storage 23,738 acre-feet

Percent Full 57.9%

Inflow 10.10 cfs/ Outflow 24.00 cfs

American River as of Dec. 1 Flow 74.30 cfs

Dec. 27, 1948 – Nov. 9, 2022

Macculloch

Citizen science weather tracking effort started at Tahoe goes national

Tahoe Daily Tribune

A project started at Lake Tahoe to differentiate snow from rain near the freezing point has grown and has received funding from NASA for three more years.

Satellite technologies often struggle to differentiate snow from rain near the freezing point in mountainous regions, with impacts on flood predictions, avalanche forecasting, snowpack water storage and road safety. To help improve these technologies, researchers from Lynker, Desert Research Institute and the University of Nevada, Reno, have partnered with community observers to track winter storm activity across the country through a project called Mountain Rain or Snow.

The project has been so successful at collecting data that demonstrates regional variation in the rain-snow threshold that NASA’s Citizen Science for Earth Systems Program is funding an additional three years.

The project began in 2019 as Tahoe Rain or Snow and expanded last year to include mountain regions across the country. Last winter, more than 1,100 people in the Sierra Nevada, Pacific Northwest,

Rocky Mountains and Northeast submitted real-time reports of rain, snow or mixed precipitation.

Community observers submitted 15,000 observations — a sixfold increase over the previous winter.

“Scientists have noticed that satellite predictions are not as effective as groundbased observations,” said Keith Jennings, Ph.D., water resources

Ultimately, Dokes succeeded in getting admitted to University of California, Davis. Through the Guardian Scholars Program there he learned about Fostering Success and Significance, an organization that provides scholarships for foster youth.

Founded in 2007 by El Dorado Hills residents Doug Barnett and his wife Robin, FSS connects mentors to college students from a foster background to help them transition from an educational setting into the workforce. “In California there’s anywhere from 60,000-65,000 foster youth,” Doug explained. “Only about 50% graduate high school. Less than 10% go to college and less than 3% graduate from college.

“About 70% of the children recovered from human trafficking are foster youth,” he continued, with even more dire statistics. “Roughly 70% of the prison population, former foster youth. About 70% of all the young women who are pregnant by 21 have been foster youth. So there’s this financial and socio-economic tsunami taking place that people aren’t aware of.”

Doug said he soon recognized there was a need for the combination of financial and relationship support. “We focus on the private sector and jobs,” he said of FSS. “The kids don’t have that network. It’s really about helping them not just survive but thrive.”

Along with scholarships, FSS provides free mental health counseling and career planning. Students must also commit to community service as well as reading a set book list.

Doug and Robin began by mentoring 20 kids, but have now grown the program to include 15 mentors and around 30 students. FSS mentors are primarily from El Dorado Hills and the greater Sacramento area, connecting with students attending UC Davis, California State University, Sacramento, William Jessup University, Sacramento City College and Folsom Lake College.

“These young men and women who have overcome all odds through incredible focus and determination and perseverance to make it to college, they don’t need to be fixed or corrected,” Doug insisted. “They need people in their life who care about them, who are successful and can walk alongside of them and offer some wisdom. More often than not, the mentors in our program are the

scientist at Lynker and the project lead. “Direct observations made by people are the most accurate way to discover how precipitation phase varies in time and space. We are filling an important gap with this project.”

Community members sign up to receive alerts when storms with predicted temperatures near freezing are in

first people that are in these young men and women’s lives who are not paid to be in their life.”

Dokes’ first mentor was Barry Shafer who, upon hearing that Dokes was interested in health care, introduced him to Dr. Ron Simms of Back to Health Chiropractic in El Dorado Hills. Having studied exercise biology at UC Davis, Dokes was already familiar with the human anatomy and nervous system. “It all made sense to me,” he said, noting that he was looking to help people with their bodies without the use of opiates.

Dokes shadowed Simms and ended up attending Life Chiropractic College in San Leandro, completing a threeyear program funded by FSS. He graduated this past June and is now practicing under Simms, hoping to pass his final licensing exam this December.

“It’s a service business and he’s got the perfect talent to do it,” Simms said of Dokes. “He’s got empathy, scientific knowledge, great hands; he’s an athlete and he’s coachable. This guy is really special.”

Simms grew up in El Dorado Hills and has run his local chiropractic practice for 31 years. He began mentoring for FSS seven years ago and meets with his kids at least once a month. “I just like it,” he said. “I like to hear stories. I like life change. It fires me up. I get to develop this relationship and talk about everything from what’s next, what are you going to do for your career to what are you going to wear to your job interview and what are you going to say.”

Despite his childhood struggles, Dokes said one of his toughest challenges to date has been deciding what direction to take with his career, crediting both of his mentors with helping him solidify his goals. He also misses his family who remain in the San Diego area, especially his aging mother.

But Dokes has plenty to occupy his time, studying up for his upcoming exam. While hitting the books, he enjoys listening to an eclectic playlist that ranges from rap, hip hop, R&B and even some heavy metal. And if he’s not listening to Broadway or Too Close to Touch, you might find Dokes with his nose in a John C. Maxwell book. And rest assured, Dokes’ infectious smile is here to stay.

For more information on Fostering Success and Significance visit fosteringss.org.

FINALLY, Medicare & Most Insurance Companies

for Treatment of Neuropathy!

The treatment to increase blood ow utilizes a specialized low-level light therapy (not to be confused with laser therapy) using light emitting diode technology. This technology was originally developed by NASA to assist in increasing blow ow.

The low level light therapy is like watering a tree. The light therapy will allow the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients to heal and repair. It’s like adding water to a tree and seeing the roots grow deeper and deeper.

The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation.

Mentor Continued from A1

Photo courtesy of DRI

Meghan Collins with the Desert Research Institute uses Citizen Science Lake Tahoe app to track winter conditions.

Placerville, CA – Currently the most common method most doctor’s recommend to treat neuropathy is with the use of prescription drugs. Although these drugs may temporarily reduce your symptoms they may cause a feeling of discomfort and in some cases lead to a variety of terrible unwanted side effects. We have a different method!

What California taxpayers can be thankful for

Thanksgiving has always been a time of reflection, both on the good and bad.

As taxpayer advocates, those of us at Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association have a lot to criticize. California has the highest income tax rate, highest state sales tax rate and highest gas tax in America. And despite claims that Proposition 13 has decimated property tax revenue, California ranks 14th out of 50 states in per capita property tax collections.

On top of these burdensome taxes, California consistently ranks at the bottom among states as a place to do business.

Heavy-handed bureaucracies issuing mindless regulations distinguish our state from those that foster and encourage free enterprise and entrepreneurship.

Few can argue that California has not declined in many ways in the last 40 years.

Demographers have measured the loss of the middle class, increasingly making the state home only to the very wealthy and those just struggling to get by.

Crime, homelessness, illegal immigration and drug addiction are all out of control and our political leadership is either unwilling or unable to address these serious problems. It is especially disheartening to see more and more of our friends and family members leave the state even though many would prefer to stay if they could a ord to.

Those of us who arrived in California a few decades ago continue to work to restore what we remember about this state. However, in the spirit of giving thanks, and despite all our complaints about the politics of this state, we must not lose our perspective. The Golden State is, unquestionably, very tarnished, but underneath it is still golden (or at least can be again).

From the most expansive view, the average Californian is still fortunate. First, as citizens of the United States, we are far more free than the vast majority of humanity. We are protected by a vibrant Bill of Rights guaranteeing us freedom to worship, speak and assemble. And our elections, while contentious, are mostly free of the sort of violence that is found in other countries experiencing regime changes.

As for California, the recent election was certainly a mixed bag. Nothing much has changed, leaving us with the dysfunction and corruption that accompanies one-party rule. Examples of waste, fraud and abuse remain legion.

But on the positive side of the ledger, voters wisely rejected Proposition 30, a tax increase on high-earning Californians to fund electric vehicle subsidies. Although the tax would have been

Letters to the Editor

A vote for democracy

EDITOR:

The majority of Americans have spoken and it was a vote in favor of democracy and against the election deniers and the Trump crazies. While the independents and the moderate Republicans perhaps had to hold their noses in the ballot box, they knew what the MAGA right was o ering was not democracy, but a continuing move toward dysfunction, authoritarian rule and threats to our rights. In addition, I think Americans are also saying they are tired of the chaos, the division and the ugly speech that have poisoned our politics by the MAGA right and voicing a desire to return to some form of normalcy and civility.

Secondly, I believe Americans saw the amount of work the Democrats and the president accomplished in just two years to help American workers and their families — the chips bill, the anti-inflation bill, the infrastructure bill, college debt relief and the veterans’ health bill among others.

While Republicans talk about helping the average American, their actions show just the opposite; they consistently side with the rich and large corporations to the detriment of the middle and lower classes. They have stated their desire to continue the Trump tax cuts for the rich, repeal the bills just cited and even reduce Social Security and Medicare benefits. Is that what Americans really want?

The Republican Party has some serious decisions to make. Republicans can sit at the table, as they promised in the election, to solve the problems facing our country or they can continue to be the party of obstruction and prevent anything from getting done. They can write policies and pass laws that help American families or they can continue to favor the rich and corporations. They can continue antisemitic, anti-LGTBQ and racist rhetoric, their scapegoating and hate speech fomenting violence or they can take to heart the words of the Constitution that all “people” are created equal. They can continue believing in wacko conspiracy theories or they can rely on facts and scientific data to make decisions. They can govern to do what is in the best interest of the American people or they can govern to gain and maintain power. They can abide by the rule of law and the Constitution or they can continue down the road to authoritarian rule. They can continue with Mr. Trump and continue to lose in general elections

or they can return to their core values which have served them well.

While the majority of Americans saw through the ruse of the far right and voted in favor of democracy, our democracy is still at risk. Unfortunately, there is still a sizable portion of Americans who believe in the lies of the far right which enable people like Mr. Trump to take advantage of them to push their authoritarian agenda. While we can sigh with relief at the results of the elections, we cannot rest and must remain vigilant to the danger they still present.

SCOTT TAYLOR Placerville

Blatant hypocrisy

EDITOR:

In Chris Daley’s recent column we get his usual tongue in cheek talk of GOP payback while condoning Biden’s corruption. Such hypocrisy is not unusual from the committed left like the people who Nancy Pelosi was talking about that she said would vote for a glass of water with a (D) after it.

But one has to wonder how long it will be before Biden’s influence peddling will be too hard to hide anymore. After all, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see what has been going on when a guy that, until he was president, never made more than $200,000 a year in his government job ends up making him and his family multimillionaires.

When he was vice president it was so blatant that Biden is on video bragging about getting the Ukrainian prosecutor fired that was looking into Hunter’s corruption.

When he’s not polishing hypocrisy to a fine art, Mr. Daley talks of what the GOP House will do about gas prices. Apparently, Mr. Daley called in sick during his high school civics classes. Control of only the House can allow, if they stick together, the GOP to prevent more of the downhill path we are on. They won’t have the power to reverse the massive inflation and sky high fuel prices that Biden and the Democrats have caused.

GEORGE ALGER Placerville

Adventure in Montana — snow and subzero temperatures

The third week in November

I went elk hunting in Montana with my son and son-in-law.

The two “boys” had the best look at a bull elk but it was in the woods and even with the guide’s spotting scope they were unable to tell if it was a legal elk to shoot. In Montana the fore-horns must be at least 6 inches to shoot it. Four inches isn’t enough. Has to be six inches. They couldn’t make that determination. Oh, so close. I did not see any bull elk except on private property.

We drove around snowy logging roads. We hiked in 2 miles in the snow and built a fire while the guide went ahead with his scope to look for elk. He found a group of cow elk but no bull. We hiked the 2 miles back in near twilight.

I was glad to see the SUV’s lights. On the return trip my thighs were getting sore.

It wasn’t till the last day, following in the tracks of another guide that I discovered that pointing my toes outward gave me more stability and less slipping and sliding in the snow. Nevertheless, I was glad I brought a ski pole along. At my age I needed that extra bit of stability in the snow.

That last day of hunting it was -14 when we drove o at 5 a.m. By the time we got to a place to hike in, it had warmed up to 5 degrees.

I didn’t warm up enough on the hike to take o my coat, scarf and balaclava.

The day ended with the guide telling a couple of kids the deer they had just killed was illegally poached. It was a mule deer. Especially in that area

The Mountain Democrat welcomes letters up to 300 words. Letters may be edited. We reserve the right to edit submissions. Include your name, address and phone number for verification purposes.

Email: editor@ mtdemocrat.net

there were only 45 permits issued among 2,000 applicants. He took a picture of the license plate and the truck and said he was going to turn them in to the game warden.

As soon as he got within cell service he called the local game warden. The two kids and the old man in the truck actually waited for the game warden, who made contact with them. The old guy in the truck took the fall for the kids, saying he had shot the deer.

There is a substantial fine for that. They said they were from out of the area, but the guide said that’s no excuse. They had Montana plates and should know the rules.

My only regret is I didn’t get a combo license, which would have allowed me to shoot a deer, which seemed a more likely prospect. Most

Mail: Letters to the Editor

O. Box 1088, Placerville 95667

the elk were very high and largely inaccessible and all cow elk. They would come down to the valley at night to drink and browse. No hunting at night or from the road. We did pass mountain sheep, for which there are few permits given. They are unafraid since no one hunts them.

On the drive up we saw whole herds of wild rams and mountain sheep browsing in ranchers’ pastures.

The most interesting site on the way back was a mountain of potatoes in Idaho. It was as high and as wide as a stack of hay bales.

After 5 degrees in Montana it was a relief to find it 65 and 72 degrees back home.

Michael Ra ety is a retired editor of the Mountain Democrat and a resident of the Placerville area.

As for California, the recent election was certainly a mixed bag. Nothing much has changed, leaving us with the dysfunction and corruption that accompanies oneparty rule.

Citizen science

Continued from A3

the forecast and submit observations of the type of precipitation they are seeing via a web-based mobile phone app. These reports show that the Sierra Nevada region transitions from rain to snow around 36 degrees Fahrenheit, rather than around the freezing temperature of 32 degrees.

In the Rockies, the snow-rain threshold is closer to 40 degrees, while it’s around 33 degrees in the Northeast.

Expanding the project to include more regions will help scientists understand how the rain-tosnow temperature threshold varies according to local atmospheric conditions, improve scientists’ ability to make locally-relevant predictions and improve the technology behind rain-snow estimates.

“With the help of community observers, we are amassing a very large database of ground-based observations. These will ultimately help to improve the predictive technologies that satellites use,” said Meghan Collins, associate research scientist at DRI. “The data the community observers have helped us collect is a big step toward being able to make those improvements. We understand the state of the problem much better now and will use the next three years to advance the solution.”

Mountain Rain or Snow welcomes new community observers as it expands to additional regions this season, including the eastern Great Lakes, the Wasatch Range around Salt Lake City and western Montana around Missoula.

To sign up observers find the keyword that corresponds to their region at rainorsnow.org,

then they text the keyword to (855) 909-0798 for guidance on how to participate.

In addition to the large network of community observers, the project team includes Keith Jennings of Lynker; Monica Arienzo, Meghan Collins and Benjamin Hatchett of DRI; Anne Nolin of the University of Nevada, Reno; and several student researchers. The group has expertise in hydroclimatology, hydrology and geospatial analysis.

PG&E

Continued from A1

“Our region has been devastated by wildfires in recent years,” said Joe Wilson, vice president of PG&E’s North Valley and Sierra Region. “Undergrounding work protects our customers, neighbors, friends and families, and microgrids are one of several approaches PG&E is taking to re-engineer the grid to enhance reliability and build resilience.”

In 2021 PG&E announced a multiyear plan to underground 10,000 miles of distribution power lines in high-fire threat areas. Undergrounding in local communities can cut the risk of ignitions along undergrounded circuits by 99%, reduce spending on temporary repairs and other recurring costs such as vegetation management and curb the need for wildfire safety-related outages.

After the undergrounding is complete, PG&E will remove the existing overhead power lines.

Walk-ins are not allowed; those wanting access to the warming center are picked up and dropped o at one of three locations — the Upper Room Dining Hall, Placerville Library or the Walmart bus stop. City o cials note participants will not be allowed to remain at Scout Hall after 9 a.m.

The city of Placerville partnered with Housing El Dorado to open the warming center, which fills a gap until El Dorado County’s navigation center and shelter is up and running. That shelter at the old juvenile hall on Fair Lane in Placerville is expected to open in January, the Mountain Democrat previously reported.

Last season city leaders o ered use of the vacant old post o ce annex building the city owns at 525 Main St. for Housing El Dorado’s nomadic winter lodging program. The annex building is now slated to be Arts and Culture El Dorado’s new home as its headquarters at Confidence Hall are in need of structural repairs.

For more information about the warming center contact the Upper Room at (530) 497-5146.

Coupal Continued from A4

imposed only on very wealthy individuals, voters are showing hostility to tax increases and skepticism about how the money will be spent.

We’re also thankful for the wisdom of the original progressives in the early 1900s who gave Californians the right of direct democracy. Armed with the tools of initiative, referendum and recall, Californians have ready access to powers to control government and corrupt politicians that most states lack.

We’re especially grateful that voters exercised the power of initiative in 1978 passing the still iconic Proposition 13, which has allowed millions of Californians to stay in their homes during their senior years. Despite California’s increasing reputation as anti-taxpayer, Prop. 13 remains highly popular with voters across the political spectrum.

We’re also thankful that voters will have the opportunity to expand taxpayer protections in 2024 by the imminent qualification of the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act. This proposed constitutional amendment will restore many of Prop. 13’s taxpayer protections that have been weakened by a hostile judiciary. It will also give statewide voters the right to vote on all statewide tax increases, even those enacted by the Legislature.

Finally, we are especially thankful for the members of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association who, through their generous donations, sustain our ability to advocate for fiscal sanity in the courts, the Legislature and in the media. It’s a challenge to be a taxpayer advocate in this state, but the support we receive from our hundreds of thousands of members shows us how important it is to keep fighting for everyday Californians.

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

Announcements

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

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

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

LEARN & PLAY CRIBBAGE Cribbage is a fun, fast paced game that will surely keep you on your toes! **All skill levels

**Learn to play by ACC Rules (American Cribbage Congress)

**Beginner instruction available **Compete in weekly Cribbage tournaments. Call 916-768-4452 for more information. Gold Country Cribbers play Wednesday afternoon 4:30 pm at the Moni Gilmore Sr Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762

Ready for real change?

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

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

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

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

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

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

SENIOR PEER COUNSELING of El Dorado County is seeking volunteer counselors. Do you possess such qualities as warmth, empathy and nonjudgement, as well as having varied life experiences, and being over the age of 55? If you do and would like to help and listen to fellow seniors who are dealing with age related issues such as loneliness, isolation, health and grief, we would love to talk to you. Counselors receive training and are supervised by a professional in the field. SPC Clinical

Supervisor Jayann Askin, MFT, shares “We are looking for volunteers who are interested in psychology, counseling, and mental health and would like to be a part of a supportive group of ongoing learners in this field.” For more information on this greatly rewarding volunteer opportunity, please call 530-621-6304

Stay up to date with a subscription to the MD website: mtdemocrat.com. Call (530) 622-1255.

in tax-defaulted property auctioned off

News release

Seventy-three El Dorado County tax-defaulted properties were sold in an online auction Nov. 1. The sales generated a total of $2,018,010.14, according to a news release from auction host Bid4Assets.

An additional 75 properties were redeemed by their original owners and returned to county tax rolls.

“This set of auctions produced numerous benefits for El Dorado County,” states El Dorado County Treasurer-Tax Collector K.E. Coleman in the news release. “With Bid4Assets’ service, participants were able to bid remotely, which streamlined the process for bidders, especially those who have full-time jobs and would have difficulty in attending a live auction. What’s more, not having to arrange and manage the logistics of a live auction gave our staff more time to work with property owners looking

to redeem their properties out of the auction. Helping property owners get their property out of the auction is our office’s top priority.”

A total of 321 bidder deposits were collected from registrants of the sale. Bid4Assets reports that bidding was largely local, with more than 91% of bidders residing in the state of California.

Bid4Assets has hosted online tax sales for nearly every county in California after pioneering the nation’s first-ever online tax sale in the state in 2000. Bid4Assets’ services come at no cost to the seller.

“It’s great to see such positive results from El Dorado County’s return to online tax sales,” said Bid4Assets President Jesse Loomis. “A tax sale like this would seldom bring in 300 bidders at a live auction. The virtual sale increased participation and proceeds and decreased workload for the county staff.”

In

the

KNOW

Now

It’s that time of year for togetherness, comfort, celebration and peace. Unfortunately, not every family will experience those feelings as some are faced with uncertainty, loneliness and broken hearts for their children. To help, The Center for Violence-free Relationships has the Adopt-A-Family program and the Holiday Shopping Boutique to help local families. To donate and for more information email info@TheCenterNow. org or call (530) 626-1450.

The history-based scavenger hunt Miners on Main has begun. The game features 10 prominent historical figures of the El Dorado County Gold Rush for participants to discover as they walk a loop along Main Street, Placerville. There are 10 medallions “hidden” between Sacramento and Clay streets. Each medallion will include a unique QR code that participants can scan with their phones to learn about the individual who had some historical significance during the California Gold Rush. A clue will be provided to find the next Miner on Main. Clue sheets for those who want to play without using a smart device will be available at some shops and the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce office, 542 Main St., Placerville. For more information call (530) 621-5885.

Community Gift Trees are set up through Dec. 9 at El Dorado Hills Raley’s, El Dorado Hills Safeway, El Dorado Hills Library, Cameron Park Library, Placerville Raley’s, Placerville Library and Pollock Pines Safeway. For more information contact Dana Schmalz at (530) 676-0707, Dschmalz@ catalystcomm.org or Patricia Gordon at (530) 295-2305, Pgordon@ edcoe.org.

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District will collect Letters to Santa through Dec. 15. Santa would love to hear from all his friends in El Dorado Hills and promises to return letters. Letters can be mailed or deposited in the holiday mailbox at the El Dorado Hills CSD

Local teens show the community that Camino Cares

Andrew Vonderschmitt Staff writer

Philanthropic-minded teens Savannah Botting and Wrenna Potter, with a little help from their moms, collect donations of jackets, pajamas, hoodies, socks and underwear to distribute to Camino residents who may need a little help this holiday season.

“This year we have 33 families and 82 children,” said Potter, 16, of the Camino Cares program.

Camino Cares began in 2009 when high school student and Camino resident Nick Vangilder saw a need in his community and wanted to help. It was continued by his sister Kristen, according to Botting. The Camino Community Action Committee sponsors the program, which is run by high school students who live in Camino.

Donations are gathered throughout the holiday season and distributed to families who sign up. The distribution takes place one day in early December when all the donations are packaged for the families who come and pick up the bundles. Potter and Botting, 17, attended a distribution and saw the impact it had on their community.

Both students immediately knew they wanted to do more.

Potter said she was affected by the kindness and gratitude that she witnessed. “That was really powerful to me. I wanted to be able to be a part of that.”

“I like the idea of being able to give back to my community, in a positive way,” added Botting. “I had grown up with kids who maybe were in a position where they needed gifts for Christmas and I wanted to be able to help.”

The two helped throughout the process the following year and took over the year after that. They have been running the program since 2020, making this year their fifth involved in the program.

“We usually put it out on Parent Square that applications are available,” said Dusty Botting, Savannah’s mother. Parent Square is an application used to communicate with Camino School parents.

The Camino Community Action Committee helps spread the word and with the distribution of Christmas Giving Trees to Camino School, The Forester Pub & Grill and the Camino Post Office. These trees have cards with families’ needs. A donor simply takes a card for a local child, purchases the items,

wraps them and turns them in. Donors can also choose a child to sponsor on the CCAC website.

“The gifts are one way that people can contribute to this amazing event,” said Krista Potter, Wrenna’s mother. “They can also donate monetarily.”

Cash gifts are appreciated and used to purchase gift cards for parents to purchase shoes for the kids. In the event that a child has not been chosen by a community donor, the money can be used to purchase those items. However, in the 13 years that the program has been running all children have been sponsored by a community donor, according to Krista.

“We also purchase blankets for each family and books,” said Wrenna.

“It’s just very satisfying to work with people who are so equally dedicated and hard-

working,” said Krista. “I feel grateful to be a part of this team.”

Gifts are due by Dec. 5 but monetary donations are accepted year-round and can be utilized up until the distribution date Dec. 17.

Anyone in Camino can sign up for the program through the CCAC website. Donations are accepted online or in person via a giving tree. For more information visit caminocac.com/camino-caresgiving-program.

Mountain Democrat photo by Andrew Vonderschmitt

Savannah Botting and Wrenna Potter, above, stand next to one of the giving trees set up to help Camino Cares families who need extra help this holiday season. Below, the teens are quite excited with all the donations surrounding them.

Explore a winter wonderland with the American river conservancy

News release

outdoors.

The American River Conservancy offers fun and educational winter adventures and classes. For full details on the following programs and all the conservancy does visit arconservancy.org.

MTB Coloma Femme Trail Rippers

Tuesdays, Dec. 6 & 20, Jan. 10 & 24, Feb. 7 & 21: Looking for a passionate motivator to get you on your mountain bike?

Mari is an ever-aspiring mountain bike rider/road cyclist with a racing career spanning over a decade. She enjoys outdoor adventures, camping, traveling and currently is writing a healthconsciousness book. Whether you’re a beginner or longtime rider, you can find a fit during these free rides. No electric bikes permitted. Riders must know how to fix a flat. Adults only please. Meeting locations are in Cool and Pilot Hill. Time, location and level options vary. Register online at app.donorview.com/LrvKP.

Candle-making at Christmas in Coloma

Dec. 10 & 11: The Nature Center will once again host a candle-making craft, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., during the muchanticipated annual event, Christmas in Coloma in the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. For kids

or the whole family, this is a great opportunity to create a handmade gift for the holidays.

Zen meditation and Qigong in the Wakamatsu garden Dec. 17, Jan. 14, Feb. 11: Join local mindfulness instructor Berry Crawford for a peaceful and relaxing event at the beautiful and historical Wakamatsu farm, 1-2:30 p.m. This event will include sessions of Qigong, mindfulness meditation and walking meditation. Learn to relax, recharge and let go with these ancient and effective practices. Responsible/ quiet 12-year-olds and older

welcome. Register online at app.donorview.com/N7kge.

Labyrinth wander

Dec. 31: Celebrate the close of 2022 with a mindful labyrinth walk, 1- 3 p.m. The Abode of Peace Labyrinth in Georgetown is among the most spectacular labyrinths in the world. Join Labyrinth builder David Blonski to learn about the history and uses of this meditative pathway. Bring your New Year’s resolutions or set a new intention to create a fabulous new year. Quiet 8-yearolds with adult supervision welcome. This is an easy 1-mile walk. Rain postpones. Register online at app.

donorview.com/g9eNO.

Acorn Creek family & photo hike

Jan. 7: Marcus Christian, ARC board member and photography lover, wants to share his interests. Join him solo or bring friends and family to get an introduction to hiking and tips on taking nature photos, 9-11 a.m. All ages welcome. Well-behaved dog on leash OK. Register online at app.donorview.com/ wkLzV.

Capturing Wakamatsu: A Poetry Walk/Workshop

Jan. 8: Taylor Graham, El Dorado County’s first

poet laureate, and awardwinning Sacramento-area poet Katy Brown will lead an exploration of farmhouse, barn and surroundings, then ask participants to write a poem inspired by what they’ve experienced, noon to 2 p.m. Any who wish to may share their poems with the group and ARC. Children 8 and older welcome with adult supervision. Register online at app.donorview.com/6YrDv.

New Year cleanse hike

Jan. 14: The intent of this hike, 11 a.m. to noon, is to welcome positive energy in 2023 and say goodbye to negative experiences in 2022. Ami Stroud will lead this 2.5-mile hike to the South Fork of the American River where you will collect acorns and leaves as symbols of the negative experiences/energy you want to let go of in the New Year. When hikers get to the river, they will let these negative experiences float away. To make room for positive 2023 energy, participants will do about 10 minutes of easy standing Tai Chi movements on shore and then loop around to Greenwood Creek and back to trailhead. Well-behaved children of all ages and dogs on leash welcome. Register online at app.donorview.com/ oGxDo.

Snowshoe hike Gerle Creek area

Jan. 14: Snowshoe hike (5-6 miles) on the Eldorado

Introducing

Hours of quiet and consistent oxygen flow on a long-lasting battery charge enabling freedom of movement, whether at home or on the road. Every Inogen One meets FAA requirements for travel ensuring the freedom to be you.

Courtesy photo

Marcus Christian, ARC board member and photography lover, will lead a hike on the Acorn Creek Trail in January.

The swinging, jazzy Squirrel Nut Zippers bring tour to NorCal

News release

GRASS VALLEY — The Center for the Arts

welcomes platinumselling Squirrel Nut Zippers Dec. 7 with opener Christopher Wonder in the Marisa Funk Theater. The Squirrel Nut Zippers return to the West Coast this December with the joyous, raucous Christmas Caravan tour.

Performing songs from the band’s “Christmas Caravan” and “Mardi Gras for Christmas” albums as well as other Zippers favorites, the 13-date run will be the first West Coast holiday tour since 2018.

Founder Jimbo Mathus put the first version of the band together in North Carolina in the mid1990s, spinning early jazz, swing, R&B with traditional pop and even Klezmer and Balkan music into a mix of their own. Outside of the rollicking concerts which were rapidly growing in attendance, NPR was the first significant media source to take notice of the band, followed by an appearance on Late Night With Conan O’Brien.

With grunge, and alternative rock in full swing back in 1995, the Squirrel Nut Zippers debut album “The Inevitable” sounded like nothing happening musically at the time.

After the band’s sophomore platinum release “Hot” became a surprise commercial success, the group went on to sell more than 3 million albums between 1995 and 2003. Then, the Zippers went quiet for years until Mathus heard suggestions to bring back the band in 2016 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Hot.” He decided to put together a new version of the band (not for commercial reasons) with him being the only original member in the current alignment and the

group has gone on to produce two albums and, up until the pandemic, toured extensively, exceeding Mathus’ expectations when he put the new band together.

The latest album, “Lost Songs Of Doc Souchon,” has 10 brand-new tracks, a combination of newly penned Zippers songs along with a few tunes from long-gone times.

“This new album was inspired by all of the mysterious characters from the history of New Orleans jazz music,” commented Mathus.“It speaks to the hidden roots of where our aesthetic, interests and philosophy come from.”

Prior to “Lost Songs of Doc Souchon,” the band’s most recent studio album, “Beasts Of Burgundy,” was released in 2018 and debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard Jazz Albums Chart upon its release. It was back in 1998 when SNZ released its first and only holiday album titled “Christmas Caravan,” which went on to sell a quarter of a million copies and reached No. 12 on the Billboard Holiday Albums chart.

The nine-piece band that features three horns, a full rhythm

section with piano and three lead singers will play a show that covers a quarter-century of Squirrel Nut Zippers music as well as some holiday classics.

The glorious magical train wreck that is Christopher Wonder presents The Wonder Show, the world’s only children’s show for adults — a candy store full of circus, magic, punk and vaudeville. Recreating the past while giving audiences a glimpse of the future, Wonder pushes the boundaries of what’s acceptable, never taking himself too seriously and walking a fine line between the beautiful and the absurd. His show blends magic, circus sideshow and burlesque to create a one-of-a-kind experience for those who desire a distinct kind of alternative entertainment.

Doors open to the Squirrel Nut Zippers: Christmas Caravan Tour with magician Christopher Wonder at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. at The Center for the Arts Marisa Funk Theater, 314 West Main St. in Grass Valley. For tickets and more information visit thecenterforthearts.org or call (530) 274-8384.

“yes” could become “of course.”

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). One way to make the world more beautiful is to see it that way. You’re on the lookout for vivid moments, and the world will not dis appoint. The insight you bring to matters will elevate them. You go deeper; they get higher.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Preparation is the differ ence between successful work and a waste of time. Make sure you have the right tools for the job. Look into what you’ll need. Getting it right from the start will save you time, energy and money.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Before you can put the important stuff first, you have to know what’s impor tant to you. You’ll get clear on that today. Your No. 1 priority will be handled. The rest is up to the whims of destiny.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). When a bee becomes incensed, it stings the offender to its own detriment. Anger is less costly for humans, but it’s still something worth calculating. De-escalate tension whenever pos sible. Bring calm wherever you can.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Patience isn’t the most exciting virtue, and there are many who don’t see its appeal. However, those who have patience can win the whole game just by avoiding the mistakes that impatient people make.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your appetites, needs and wishes are changing, so refrain from declaring what you want. Stay lighthearted and experimental for now. You are still learning what’s good for you, what delights you and where those things intersect.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). When an action is right, it makes you brave. You don’t even have to think about your move. You dive in, and instinct takes it from there. There is no time for fear in the moment of action, though it could creep in after the fact.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Just because you’re not in step with the others doesn’t mean your timing is off. It only means you’re marching to something else. Awareness is key here. What is driving your rhythm? Only you can tell which beat is right for you.

Courtesy photo

Squirrel Nut Zippers will perform some of the original group’s early hits, new material from the new band and Christmas hits at a tour stop in Grass Valley.

Courtesy photo

Magician Christopher Wonder will bring his ecclectic magic to The Center prior to the Squirrel Nut Zippers show.

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

through Dec. 24. Pick up a passport at any participating El Dorado Hills Town Center business and go looking for Elves hiding around. Once all the Elves have been located, return the passport to Face in a Book to be entered into a drawing to receive a Town Center gift card stocking. The first 100 completed passports will receive a gift. The winner of the grand prize will be announced Wednesday, Dec. 28. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.

Get photos with Santa Claus at the California Welcome Center in El Dorado Hills through Dec. 24. Charm Photography will capture a magical holiday moment. The welcome center is located at 2085 Vine St., Suite 105, in El Dorado Hills Town Center. For photo times and more information call (916) 3583700.

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

The UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County public office is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to noon at 311 Fair Lane, Placerville. Have a gardening question or problem? Come in and chat. Bring a cutting or insect in a Ziploc baggie or a picture. Can’t come in person? Call (530) 621-5512 and leave a voicemail or go online to the “Ask A Master Gardener” tool mgeldorado@ucanr.edu.

Gold Bug Park & Mine in Placerville is open Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit goldbugpark.org.

The Murer House Foundation continues its Italian language classes at the Murer House Learning Center, 1125 Joe Murer Court in Folsom. Students can learn Italian in small and supportive classes designed to maximize contact with the teacher. Classes offered are Italiano Uno, Due, Otto and Intermediate Conversational. Italiano Otto will be offered and via Zoom; all other classes are in person. For all related information regarding available sessions/dates and to enroll visit murerhouse. org/language_classes.

The purpose of the Widowed Persons Club is to provide a support group for widowed men and women of all ages and provide a wide range of social activities through which they have an opportunity to make new friends and find a new direction in their lives. General meeting lunches are held at Cold Springs Country Club in Placerville for members and guests on the fourth Friday of each month at 11:30 a.m. A social time precedes each meeting. The cost is $16 and reservations are required. Regular breakfasts are held every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at Denny’s in Placerville. For those interested in joining or reservations don’t hesitate to get in touch with Glenda at (530) 295-8374 or Nancy at (530) 919-8276.

Dec. 5

Imagination Theatre hosts auditions for Disney’s “Frozen Jr.,” Dec. 5 & 6 at the theater on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive in Placerville. Check-in begins at 6 p.m. Monday with vocal auditions 6:30-9 p.m. Cold reading and dance auditions run 6-9 p.m. Tuesday. For more information visit itplacerville.org.

Folsom Lake College Vocal & Choral programs present Americana Christmas at 7:30 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net/events.

Dec. 6

The El Dorado Hills Fire Department hosts its annual Santa Run, Dec. 6-9, bringing cheer to the community while Santa and his elves collect food and toys for the needy. For more information visit edhfire.com.

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

Dec. 7

Author Mark Parsons, who has written young adult novel “The 9:09 Project” about a young man who finds solace after his mother’s death by immersing himself in a photography project, comes to Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center, 5-6 p.m. For more information call (916) 941-9401 or visit getyourfaceinabook.com.

Dec. 8

Enjoy A Christmas Experience, a benefit concert featuring the Heritage Singers for Hands4Hope – Youth Making a Difference, beginning at 6 p.m. at Experience center, 6825 Mother Lode Drive in Placerville. For more information visit hands4hopeyouth. org/placerville.

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

Dec. 9

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts the Senior Christmas Luncheon, 10:30 a.m. in the EDHCSD gym, 1021 Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills. Registration required. Visit eldoradohillscsd.org.

Narrow Gate Vineyards in the Pleasant Valley area hosts Christmas in the Cellar, a library wines and hors d’oeuvres tasting, Dec. 9 & 10. To make a reservation call (530) 644-6201 or visit narrowgatevineyards.com.

Dec. 10

The Amani Center, 2558 Greenwood Drive in Cameron Park, hosts its Holiday Craft Fair, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Santa arrives for photos at noon. Enjoy vendors, kids’ crafts, treats and more.

Christmas in Coloma at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 10 & 11, features old-fashioned Christmas fun — live music, warming fires, crafts and games for

the whole family, historic house tour, wagon rides and more.

Ponte Palmero in Cameron Park hosts a holiday event for residents and the public, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring a craft fair, drinks, appetizers and photos with Santa Claus.

The Ugly Sweater Sip & Stroll on Carson Road is scheduled 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Several Carson Road wineries — Crystal Basin, Nello Olivo, Myka Cellars and Findleton Estate Winery — will be participating in the Annual Ugly Sweater contest with prizes for the ugliest. Taste wine, nibble on some festive fair and get special pricing on holiday wine wishes.

The Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad hosts Santa’s Whistlestop Adventure Dec. 10 & 11 and Dec. 16 & 17. Enjoy a scenic trip down to Santa’s Whistlestop at Willow Springs. Spend time with Old St. Nick and enjoy various activities and refreshments before your family returns to the station. For tickets and more information visit psvrr.org/ride/santas-whistlestopadventure.

Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts picture book authors Erin Dealey, Lori Mortensen, Lisa Riddiough, and Jocelyn Watkinson, noon to 2 p.m. Enjoy cocoa and cookies while listening to the authors and getting books signed. For more information call (916) 941-9401 or visit getyourfaceinabook.com.

Celebrate International Human Rights Day with speakers,

storytellers, music, art, singing and more, 1-4 p.m. at Placerville Town Hall, 549 Main St.

See Sean Nye live at Golden Leaves Vineyard & Winery, 3625 Omo Ranch Road in Somerset, 1-4 p.m. or until the dancing stops. Enjoy the music and post Thanksgiving treats. Food and wine available for purchase. Reserve a table at GoldenLeavesWines. com/events/ or by calling the tasting room at (530) 620-1888.

The Sierra Symphony hosts a Christmas Concert at 4 p.m. at the Cameron Park Community Center, 2502 Country Club Drive in Cameron Park. For tickets and more information visit sierrasymphony.org.

Dec. 11

El Dorado Western Railroad and the El Dorado Community Hall host Holiday EnterTRAINment — a fun event featuring free train rides, face painting, arts & crafts, carolers, the Hangtown Marshals and more, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the community hall and train station, 6139 Pleasant Valley Road in El Dorado. For more information visit facebook.com/ElDoradoWesternRailroad.

Christmas in Cool, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., features a parade (noon), tree lighting (4 p.m.) and raffle, as well as live music, a visit from Santa Claus, ugly sweater contest and more at the Cool shopping center, 2966 Highway 49 in Cool.

HOmEmADE DRONE found on Cedar Ravine Rd in Placerville on 11/18/2022.  Ref #22-8691 Please call 530-621-5763 to describe and claim.

The Georgetown Divide Public Utility District invites applications for the position of: EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT SALARY RANGE: $28.84 to $36.05 per hour plus benefits, depending on qualifications.

OPENING DATE: NOVEmBER 21, 2022

FINAL FILING DATE: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. First review date for applications will be held on DECEmBER 23, 2022.

An application can be printed from the District website at www.gd-pud.org or request an application by emailing Stephanie Beck at slbeck@gd-pud.org.

Return a completed application to the District office by mail, or email to: slbeck@gd-pud.org.

Georgetown Divide Public Utility District P.O. Box 4240 Georgetown, CA. 95634 For further information call (530) 333-4356 or visit our website at www.gd-pud.org

ELDERLY CAREGIVER weekends or overnight Fingerprint clearance necessary. Will train for position Call (530)313-3922

NOTICE

Hills, CA 95762 This business is conducted by an Individual.

El Dorado County families grow healthy with WIC

News release

Finding nutritious food on a limited budget can be a challenge. The Women, Infants, and Children Program is a federally funded nutrition program administered by the California Department of Public Health that serves pregnant women, women who have recently been pregnant, infants and children up to their 5th birthday. WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, benefits for nutritious foods and referrals to medical providers and other community supports such as Community Based Nursing, Mothers and Babies classes, car seat education and fittings along with a multitude of other services in El Dorado County. WIC services are provided at no cost to recipients.

Explore Continued from B2

National Forest begins at the end of the plowed pavement on Wentworth Springs Road, 3 miles east of the intersection with Ice House Road. The hike, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will follow the road to Angel Creek picnic area and the trail to Gerle Creek Campground with a stop for lunch and warmth at a nearby cabin before returning to the vehicles following a different route. This is an intermediate hike for snowshoers ages 12 and older. Whiteout conditions or no snow postpones/cancels trip. Wellbehaved dog on leash OK. Register online at app. donorview.com/y9Vgn.

Sogetsu Ikebana classes

Jan. 15 and Feb. 19: Instructor Yasmin Spiegel is a “sensei“ (teacher) in the Sogetsu School of Ikebana: Japanese flower arranging and offers classes 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Using pine,

Individuals or families may qualify for WIC if they:

• Are pregnant, breastfeeding a baby up to 1 year old or had a baby in the past six months; or

• Are the primary caretakers of a child younger that the age of 5; and

• Have a low to medium income and/or receive Medi-Cal, CalWORKs (TANF) or CalFresh (food stamps) benefits; and

• Live in California

Pregnant women may apply as soon as they know they’re pregnant. Moms, dads, grandparents, foster parents, other caregivers and guardians may apply on behalf of the children they’re raising. Many working families and families with private health insurance qualify for WIC. To determine if they meet WIC income guidelines, individuals may visit

Chrysanthemum, lilies, red berries, as well as gold painted bamboo, students Jan. 15 will create arrangements which celebrate wishes for happiness, peace and a prosperous 2023. Special paper strings called “Mizuhiki” in gold, silver or other metallic colors are tied in graceful curves and added for festive feelings. Classical Japanese Ikebana prizes the flowering branches of early spring and various methods for fixing the branches will be highlighted in the Feb. 19 class. Ages 8 and older welcome with adult supervision. Register online at app.donorview. com/WGk89.

Mushrooms in El Dorado County

Jan. 28: Join ARC volunteer Elizabeth Standeven for a meandering hike while you learn the basics of mushroom identification, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (weather and bloom dependent). The hike will begin

MyFamily.WIC.ca.gov.

The El Dorado County WIC Program serves residents throughout El Dorado and Alpine counties. Anyone interested in the WIC Program is encouraged to call to see if they qualify. WIC staff on the West Slope of El Dorado County can be reached at (530) 621-6176; WIC staff in the Tahoe Basin can be reached at (530) 573-3491. WIC offices are located at 931 Spring St. in Placerville and 1360 Johnson Blvd. in South Lake Tahoe. WIC is an equal opportunity provider.

WIC is an El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency program. For more information about WIC visit MyFamily.WIC.ca.gov. For information about El Dorado County HHSA’s many programs and services visit edcgov.us/hhsa.

with a brief talk about the basics of mushroom identification with handouts and then students will apply that knowledge as they assess mushrooms in the field. Local botany will also be discussed as it relates to mushrooms. Responsible 12-year-olds and older welcome. Register online at app.donorview. com/EWL55.

Snowshoe tour with a forester

Feb. 25: Join Luis Vidal for an easy-moderate introductory snowshoe hike through the woods, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (weather and snow-dependent). This hike will start on a well-used route and may traverse into the surrounding off-trail areas. Hikers will learn about the ecology of forests environments in the winter and basic winter back country awareness. Fit 13-year-olds and older welcome. Register online at app.donorview.com/rORq1.