Mountain Democrat, Wed., Dec. 11, 2024 by mcnaughtonmedia

Photos by Shelly Thorene

ESSENTIALS

OBITUARIES

Osvaldo Isidoro Scariot

Oct. 15, 1926 – Nov. 18, 2024

Robert “Bob” Weyeneth

Oct 30, 1937 – Oct 23, 2024

Osvaldo Isidoro Scariot, better known as “Ossie”, passed peacefully November 18, 2024 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He was 98. Ossie was born in Portola, California in 1926 to Siro and Emma Scariot. His family moved to Diamond Springs in 1934. Ossie graduated from El Dorado County High School in 1944 and began his first job at California Door “Cal Door”. Later in 1944, he joined the Navy and served in the war. After he was discharged, he went back to work at Cal Door where he became the youngest lumber grader this side of the Mississippi. He met Linda Brown in 1952, and they married in 1953. Ossie became a pear rancher after getting passed over for a promotion when the company changed hands. Then when pear decline hit, he partnered with his best friend Harry De Wolf in the garbage business. Together they owned El Dorado Disposal for 39 years until selling the disposal company in 1998. Ossie also started Western Sierra Bank with several members of the community in 1984. Ossie was also well known for his charitable work in the community. He was an active member of the Mother Lode Lions, a board member of CASA El Dorado, and a well-known part of the 3 Benevolent Italians with Carl Borelli and Gordon Vicini. He and his wife Linda supported many local charities. Throughout Ossie’s storied lifetime, he was an avid trap shooter, winning numerous belt buckles and trophies and several national championships. He was also an avid golfer, although he did not win any trophies. He loved to travel, go fishing and play poker. He is survived by his wife Linda of 71 years, daughter Lori (Daryl) Warden, son Mike (Sandy) Scariot, grandchildren Melissa (Kevin) Placek and Sara Warden, and 2 great grandchildren, Kyle and Austin Placek. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Boys and Girls Club or Snowline Hospice. Memorial services will be held at 3pm, December 19th at the Chapel of the Pines.

Wayne Earl Carlson

Sept. 13, 1964 – Nov. 19, 2024

Wayne Earl Carlson, born in Ohio on September 13, 1964, passed away on November 19, 2024, in Placerville, California. Wayne’s life was a testament to service, dedication, and love for his family and friends. As a young man, he proudly served in the United States Army, spending cherished time overseas in Germany. Upon returning home, he faced the profound loss of his mother to breast cancer, a moment that shaped his resilience and strength. Wayne built a fulfilling career as a driver and merchandiser for retail companies, where his work ethic and commitment were widely respected. Known for his intelligence, humor, and fairness, Wayne touched the lives of many with his warmth and wisdom. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dusty Carlson, who stood by his side through life’s journey. Wayne’s legacy continues through his children: daughters Brandi Albon and Holly Munich, and son Michael from his first family, as well as daughters Madalyn Faith, Amanda Lynn, and Jacquelyn from his second family. He was a proud grandfather, affectionately known as Papa Wayne, to numerous grandchildren who brought immense joy to his life. Wayne is also survived by his brother Russ and two half-sisters, all of whom cherished their time with him. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him, as he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 30th at 1:00 pm at GreenValley Church in Placerville, followed by a reception. Wayne’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him, as he leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and strength.

Helen Michiko Ikenoyama

Oct 29, 1934 - Nov 5, 2024

Helen Michiko Ikenoyama passed away peacefully at her home in Placerville, CA, on November 5, 2024, at the age of 90. Preceded in death by her loving husband, Hideo, of 67 years; parents, Yasukichi and Harumi Abe, and 9 older siblings. She is survived by her children, Joyce (Mike) Joy and James (Lisa) Ikenoyama, and four beloved grandchildren: Hana (Max) Mizel, Aki (Anju) Joy, Kobi, and Niko. A long-time resident of Sacramento who loved eating crab, going to the casino, and spending time with her family. Helen will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother, a doting grandmother, and a cherished sister, aunt, and friend. As a child, Helen was Interned at Tule Lake during World War II. She went on to graduate from Marysville High School and Yuba College. At the age of 18, she started at McCurry’s (Camera & Hallmark) Co as a “Friday Girl”, not knowing she would advance to become their Controller over a remarkable 47-year tenure. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her memory will remain a source of inspiration to all whose lives she enriched. We welcome you to honor her life with us at Sacramento Buddhist Church, 2401 Riverside Blvd. on Wednesday, 12/18, 12:00 pm.

Robert (Bob) Weyeneth, 86, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Shingle Springs, CA on October 23, 2024 with his son Robert Jr. by his side. Born on October 30, 1937, in Erie, PA, Bob was raised in Girard, PA by his loving parents, Ralph and Rebecca Weyeneth (Lesure), along with his two sisters, June and Autumn, all of whom predeceased him. Bob met the love of his life, Betty Callahan, in high school when she invited him to a Sadie Hawkins Dance. They were married for 57 years, until Betty’s passing on July 6, 2014. Together, they built a life filled with love and family. After serving in the U.S. Navy and receiving an honorable discharge, Bob and Betty, along with their young daughter, Luanne Marie (born May 8, 1958), moved to Carmichael, CA. Their son, Robert Fulton Weyeneth Jr., was born on April 3, 1961, and the family settled in Carmichael, where Bob and Betty raised their children. Once the kids had graduated, Bob fulfilled Betty’s dream of building a home in Shingle Springs, saying he had created her own “Land Park” to enjoy. Bob was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, known affectionately as “Papa Great.” A kind and hardworking man, he lived his life to the fullest, cherishing every moment with his loved ones. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Bob was also predeceased by his beloved daughter, Luanne Marie Vierra, who passed away on February 11, 2024. Bob is also survived by his daughter Luanne’s husband, Jeff Vierra, and their two daughters: Christine St. Lawrence and her husband Ken, with great-grandchildren Kenny, Autumn, and Rebecca (Becca)—Autumn named after Bob’s sister, and Rebecca after his mother; Heather Wicks and her husband Joseph, with great-granddaughters Lyla and Violet. He is also survived by his son, Robert Weyeneth Jr. and his wife Donise, and their children, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Travis and great-grandchildren Ace and Aurelia; Danielle and her husband Jake Wanta, with great-granddaughter Ana; Bryce and his wife Stephany Pantera, with great-grandchildren Destiny, Bryce Jr., and Kylie; Dillon and his wife Stephanie Weyeneth, along with grandsons Brent Pantera, Blake, and Brandon Weyeneth. In his earlier years, Bob loved fishing and hunting. In his later years, he continued to appreciate the outdoors and could often be found sitting on his porch, telling stories of his rich, fulfilling life to his family and friends. He often remarked that he had lived a great life, and those who knew him would wholeheartedly agree. Bob’s legacy of love, hard work, and kindness will live on through his family and friends. He will be talked of often and never forgotten. 12/9/24 @ 11AM Internment: Sac Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Rd., Dixon, CA 95620 . 12/9/24 @ 1PM Celebration of Life: Christ Community Church, 5025 Manzanita Ae., Carmichael, CA 95608

Roy Anthony Abbanat, MD

July 27, 1940 – Oct 31, 2024

Roy Abbanat was born on July 27, 1940, in Biwabik, Minnesota. At age seven, his family moved to California, seeking greater opportunities for him and his older brother, Jerry. Roy graduated as valedictorian from El Camino High School in Sacramento in 1958, excelling in a class of 680 students. Recognized for his academic achievements in science and math, Roy received scholarships from the Bank of America and earned a full scholarship to Dartmouth College in NH, where he graduated cum laude in 1962. He completed his Bachelor of Medical Science at Dartmouth Medical School in 1963 and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of California in San Francisco in 1965. Roy returned to Dartmouth for an internship before pursuing a twoyear residency at Oakland Children’s Hospital. Roy served his country at Fort Ord in Monterey County, providing pediatric care to children of soldiers preparing for deployment during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he settled in Pleasanton, CA and co-founded a pediatric practice with Dr. David Li, a classmate from UCFS. Their offices in Pleasanton and Livermore became staples of the community. Roy retired in 1997, selling his practice to Bayside Medical, and moved to Pollock Pines, where he enjoyed the forest, snow, and views of Jenkinson Lake. In 2020, he relocated to Sun City Lincoln for health reasons. On October 31, 2024, Roy passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. He is deeply missed by his wife of 60 years, Carol Abbanat; children: Beth Stewart (Richard), Karen Jacobson (Eric) and Brian Abbanat (Jennifer); brother, Jerry Abbanat (Carole); niece and nephews: Deanne Abbanat (Paul Caldwell), Steven Abbanat (Susan), Scott Abbanat, and Robert Becker; grandchildren: Ally and Anthony Isenhour, Elise and Chelsea Jacobson, Megan, Tyler and Sarah Abbanat. Roy’s life was marked by dedication to his family, his patients, and his community.

Richard Lee Halk

Oct. 7, 1944 – Dec. 1, 2024

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our Patriarch Richard Halk, formerly of Halk Equipment Rentals & Party Royal in Shingle Springs. Richard, known as “Rich”, was full of love, laughter, & resilience, He touched the lives of all who knew him. Rich was generous, always willing to help his community. Richard Lee Halk was born to McConnell and Laura Halk (neé Drews) in Dodge City, Kansas on October 7, 1944. He took his walk into the glory of God’s kingdom on December 1, 2024. A long time resident of El Dorado County, Richard attended El Dorado High School, graduating with the class of 1963. He worked in construction, building dams throughout California, he worked on the BART trans bay tube connecting SF & Oakland under the Bay. In 1965, he met & married Roberta DeLaCruz. They had four children, John, Karen, Sharon, & Michelle. Richard owned & operated R & R Equipment Rental on Placerville Drive. Later, Rich ventured into trucking, equipment sales & in 1987, he married Carol Ann Stafford. They briefly lived in Simi Valley. Richard drove limo while earning his Real Estate License. They enjoyed traveling, eventually moving back to Shingle Springs in 1989 & taking ownership of Halk Equipment Rental in Shingle Springs. Richard was devastated in 1995 when Carol suffered a brain aneurysm & he lovingly he cared for Carol at home until her death in 2008. Richard, a dedicated family man, cherished his family. Rich was a car enthusiast with a passion for Jaguar’s. He had a red 2008 XJ8 convertible and was active in JAG, a Bay Area car club. He planned & enjoyed leading drives through the winding scenic roads of El Dorado county. Rich was the editor of the newsletter “The JAGazette”. He became the President of the club for several years. In 2004, Rich moved to the yellow house with a brick fireplace in the yard on Lotus Road known as B.O.B. Ranch where he hosted many events for his family. Rich loved to share the history of the property being a stagecoach stop during the gold rush & that the driveway used to be old Lotus Road. In 2022, Rich retired from Halk Rentals. In 2023, Richard heard the good news & accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior & was baptized by his brother Bob Halk. Richard is survived by his brother Robert “Bob” Halk (Marilyn) of El Dorado CA, sister Barbara Ludwig of St. Louis MO, son John Halk of Sacramento, CA, daughters Karen Cervantes of Merced, CA & Sharon Halk of Alliance, NE. Grandchildren Amber (Joel) Merical of Herald, CA; James Halk of San Jose,CA; Ashley (Alex) Guizar of Merced, CA; Thomas (Lauryn) Cervantes of Las Vegas, NV; Elizabeth Cervantes of Merced, CA; Daniel Halk of Hawaii; Martin Valadez & Andrea Richards of Alliance, NE, Justin Hodgkin of Sacramento, Andrew Alfonso of Placerville, Marlene Burcham as well as numerous great grandchildren, nieces & nephews. Rich is preceded in death by wife Carol Halk; ex-wife & mother of his children, Roberta Halk, daughter Michelle Hodgkin (Curtis Hodgkin) & granddaughter Jessica Cervantes. The community is invited to join us on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at noon. Freedom Church 4414 Commodity Way, Cameron Park, Ca for a celebration of life. Reception will follow at El Dorado Post 119-American Legion 4561 Greenstone Road. Internment will take place at Westwood Hills Memorial Park.

Victor Bari

April 11, 1947 – Nov. 17, 2024

Victor was born in Kassel, Germany in 1947 to his parents Elisabeth Gussakowsky & Basil Prichodko. Vic, his mother & brother immigrated to the U.S. & settled in Ojai, CA., where he graduated in 1964 from Nordhoff High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. He was stationed in Viet Nam, completing 2 tours. In 1971, he was stationed in Sacramento, as a recruiter; met his wife of 51 years Nikki Bacchi. He was re-assigned to Iwakuni, Japan for 2 years. In 1974, Vic was stationed at Camp Lejeune. In 1976, he left the U.S. Marine Corp, moved to Ft. Klamath, OR. and remained on active reserves for the ANG. In 1985, he re-joined the military with the Oregon Air National, Kingsley Airfield, OR. In 1994, after 28 yrs of service he retired as a Vehicle Control Analysis Supervisor. Followed by working at West One Auto Center in Klamath Falls. In 2001, they move to California to be near family. Vic opened Bari’s Automotive. Victor and Nathan worked side by side for 18 years. He was an active partner in Bari Ranch and Livestock. Victor had a very colorful and fulfilling life & was beloved by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Nikki Bari, children, Leslie Davis, Christin & Darren Johnson, Jonathan & Jeanette Bari, Nathan & Jessica Bari, grandchildren: LeAnn & Casey Billen, Renae Davis, Colmynn & Winki Johnson, Collin & Sierra Johnson, Jacob Bari, Jarrod Bari, Nathan, Jr. Bari, Annie Bari & Emmitt Bari; and numerous great grandchildren.

Eric Gregory Jaramishian

Jan. 5, 1996 – Nov. 25, 2024

Eric Gregory Jaramishian was born on January 5, 1996 in Fresno, CA. He went to be with his Lord & Savior on November 25, 2024. After graduating from Bullard High School, he attended Fresno City College and CSU, Sacramento where he wrote for The Rampage and The State Hornet school newspapers. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and went to work for the Mountain Democrat newspaper in Placerville. He loved his job as Senior Staff Writer. Eric’s many hobbies included hiking, fishing, running, photography, cooking, and going to music concerts. He liked all music from classic rock to country to John Williams. He enjoyed Rams football and Sacramento Kings basketball. He loved being outdoors and partaking in the many activities of his foothill community, including rafting, floating and paddle boarding. He was strong in his Christian faith, attending Arcade Church in Sacramento and Green Valley Community Church in Placerville. He enjoyed participating in Bible Studies and the Young Adult group activities. He will be remembered for his funny, quick wit. He was loving, had a kind heart and a giving spirit. He would be the first to lend a helping hand if you needed anything. His friends describe him as the ring leader who gathered everyone together, a best friend, a big brother, a little brother and an old soul. Above all, Eric loved, and was loved by, his family. His energy would light up the room. He was an amazing son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin. He was always there for his family. He will be missed beyond words. He is survived by his father Gregory, mother Leslie, sister Adriana, grandmother Pat Aharonian, and many uncles, aunts and cousins. A Memorial/Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 11:00 am at Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church, 3673 N. First St., Fresno, CA 93726

Richard Jeffery Hobbs Sr. Sept. 18, 1934 – Oct. 2, 2024

In Loving Memory of Richard Jeffery Hobbs Sr. We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Richard Jeffery Hobbs Sr, a remarkable man who lived an extraordinary life for 90 wonderful years. His creativity, gentle soul, and passion for his craft left a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Known for his incredible talent in building cars, Richard was a true innovator. His work was even featured in the movie Hot Rod Hullabaloo, where he built the iconic dragster that famously ran off a cliff. He had a passion for making micro midget cars and was the first to install reverse gear in them, forever changing the way they were built. His meticulous attention to detail extended to his vast collection of World War I and II paraphernalia, which he cared for with the utmost precision. But perhaps most memorable was his deep love for animals. During the water shortage in the 1970s, when Nicasio Lake dried up, Richard took it upon himself to save the turtles, gathering them and persuading people in Marin County to avoid using pool chemicals so the turtles could find refuge there. He had a special bond with nature and animals, including the alligators he cared for, which were even used in George Lucas’s Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. His connection to animals wasn’t just practical but deeply heartfelt. He was a Civil Air Patrol member at just 16, always a man of action with a love for service. And through it all, he was a storyteller—captivating us with tales of his childhood in Spencer, New York. Whether it was a simple story about being chased by a turkey he swore was six feet tall or his recounting of life’s adventures, he always knew how to make us laugh and listen. He was also known for his joy in the little things, like racing turtles at fairs in Zack’s in Sausalito, and transforming cars for Baja racing. No garage sale could escape his curious eye, as he was always on the lookout for hidden treasures. A kind, gentle soul, and a man whose hands were always busy creating, building, and caring for the world around him, Richard will be dearly missed. His legacy of love, laughter, and creativity lives on in all of us. Rest in peace, Dad, Grandpa, Great grandpa. Your stories, your spirit, and your love for life will remain with us forever. Richard was survived by children Richard Hobbs Jr, Jamie Hobbs, Teresa Hobbs, Kathleen Qualls, Sherry Larrabure [D], Sally Hobbs, and Jefferey Hobbs, 15 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren. Richard’s celebration of life will be held Sunday, December 29, 2024 from 1-3pm at Veterans Memorial Building, located at 130 Placerville Drive, Placerville, CA 95667.

Crime log Continued from 2

10:55 a.m. Trespassing reported on Martin Lane. 11:37 a.m. Burglary reported on Village Lane.

3:54 p.m. Battery reported at a business on Placerville Drive.

6:41 p.m. Battery reported on Coloma Street.

Dec. 3

12:58 p.m. Trespassing reported at a school on Broadway.

2:08 p.m. A person allegedly drunk in public was reported on Forni Road.

Dec. 4

8:48 a.m. Officers booked into jail a 25-year-old man suspected of a parole violation on Main Street. He was listed in custody.

11:08 a.m. Trespassing reported at a motel on Broadway.

3:03 p.m. Officers booked into jail a 39-year-old man suspected of a parole violation on Main Street. He was listed in custody.

Hangtown Christmas Parade shines

Allyanna Carroll, 11, of Placerville, center, is all smiles in her Jesse character costume from the movie “Toy Story,” which also happened to be the parade theme this year, as she walks with folks representing the Pleasant Valley Grange No. 675. The grange provides opportunities to families and children to develop confidence and leadership skills while fostering responsibility for self and community. Projects range from livestock husbandry, welding, cooking and gardening.

4:10 p.m. Petty theft reported on the bike trail near Forni Road.

5:56 p.m. Officers booked into jail a 38-year-old woman suspected of burglary, trespassing and a probation violation on Broadway. She was later released.

Dec. 5

9:37 a.m. Officers booked into jail a 67-yearold man suspected of trespassing, destroying/ concealing evidence, possession of a controlled substance and a probation violation on Forni Road. He was listed in custody in lieu of $15,000 bail.

9:58 a.m. A person allegedly drunk in public was reported on Sacramento Street.

7:18 p.m. Officers booked into jail a 41-year-old man suspected of DUI on Placerville Drive. He was later released.

8:08 p.m. Officers booked into jail a 38-yearold man suspected of making criminal threats, failure to appear and pay fines and a probation violation on Mosquito Road. He was listed in

custody in lieu of $25,000 bail.

8:34 p.m. Grand theft reported on Village Lane.

Dec. 6

10:23 a.m. Battery reported on Coloma Street.

10:26 a.m. Officers booked into jail a 42-yearold man suspected of a probation violation on Main Street. He was listed in custody in lieu of $10,000 bail.

7:28 p.m. Officers issued a citation during patrol on Woodridge Court.

8:23 p.m. Burglary reported on Brenden Court.

Dec. 7

6:54 p.m. Officers issued a citation after responding to a suspicious subject report on Main Street.

7:35 p.m. Petty theft reported at a grocery store on Broadway.

9:20 p.m. Battery reported at a business on Fair Lane.

WHEN SEDATION IS NECESSARY FOR DENTAL WORK

Most routine dental procedures can be done using local anesthetic to numb the pain. For more involved procedures, and for severe dental anxiety, a dentist may use intravenous sedation for a deeper level of relaxation. In dentistry, IV sedation is called “conscious sedation dentistry” or “twilight sleep” because, although the patient is technically awake, they feel no pain and often have no memory of the procedure. Different levels of IV sedation are used for different procedures and patients. Mild sedation allows the dentist and patient to communicate during the procedure. Moderate sedation may cause the patient to fall asleep and have little memory. Deep sedation causes the patient

to sleep through the procedure with no memory of the event. No matter what your oral concerns may be, we want you to be comfortable coming to our office. We try to make all our patients’ visits as relaxing as possible. If you are hesitant about visiting the dentist and haven’t done so in a while, we invite you to call us and find out how satisfying, rewarding, even life-changing a visit to the dentist can be. For full-service, patient-friendly dental care in a comfortable atmosphere, make an appointment today. P.S. So-called “twilight sleep” caused by IV sedation is a type of amnesia that blocks pain by causing the temporary inability to form new memories.

Above, Davey “Doc” Wise, center, smiles for a photo with friends of three generations after the parade. Left to right are Vallean Marshall of El Dorado, Davey “Doc” Wiser of Placerville, Jill Baker of Diamond Springs, top, and Peyton Humpheys of El Dorado. At right, Juanesha Spence, of Placerville, sporting a Christmas tree hat and festive sweatshirt has her hands full as she walks her goats, Taun Taun, Dixie and Wookie down Main Street in the parade.

Photos by Shelly Thorene

On Stage Productions Dance Studio dancer Gwen Garrido, 7, of Pollock Pines, above left, is all smiles as she dances down Main Street with her troop mates on Sunday. Above right, Grand Marshal Stacie Walls, Toys For Tots coordinator for 29 years, waves to the crowd during the Hangtown Christmas Parade.

Holiday shopping? PEAC says ‘think local’

Odin Rasco Senior staff writer

ith the holidays fast approaching, the Placerville Economic Advisory Committee wants to encourage community members to think and buy locally, be it everyday purchases or those last-second gifts. As shoppers look to maximize the value of their pocketbooks in a time when prices can seem to be growing for almost every conceivable product and service, PEAC has launched the Placerville 3/50 Project. An idea first brought to life in 2009, the 3/50 Project is an effort in communities across the country to reroute revenue to local merchants and raise awareness about what those dollars mean if kept local.

“Buying from local merchants is essential for supporting the local economy and fostering community resilience,” a PEAC press release states. “When you purchase locally, a larger share of each dollar spent stays within the community, helping to create jobs, support local businesses and fund community services.”

The 3/50 project focuses on three important numbers:

3: Think of just three (or more) local businesses you would miss if they were gone, and stop by and pick something up. Support is what keeps these businesses going.

50: If half of the U.S. workforce spent $50 a month at local businesses, it would bring $42.6 billion into their communities, according to 3/50 Project information.

68: For every $100 spent at independent Placerville businesses,

$68 goes directly back into the community through local wages, taxes and other spending, according to the 3/50 Project. Comparatively, only $43 goes back into the local economy when that money is spent at national chains, and

even less when purchases are made online.

Shopping local also comes with other benefits, with the PEAC press release noting that local purchases cut back on the amount of long-distance shipping which would be done if all the purchases were done online, meaning less of a carbon footprint from your shopping sprees.

“By supporting local businesses, you contribute to a vibrant, sustainable economy and a stronger, more connected community,” the PEAC release notes.

Supervisors support modifications to cell tower requirements

Chris Daley Staff writer

Cell phone towers and structures of that variety featured prominently in the Dec. 3 El Dorado County Board of Supervisors meeting. The Planning and Building Department’s Long Range Planning Division joined the Planning Commission in recommending several proposed amendments to the county Zoning Ordinance section on communications facilities. That commission’s action occurred during its Oct. 24 meeting.

Part one of the proposed addendum notes that the General Plan Environmental Impact Report “(demonstrates) that the analysis in that EIR adequately addresses the potential physical impacts associated with the amendments” as recommended, would not violate the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section. Therefore they would not require a “subsequent EIR or negative declaration based on the analysis prepared.”

Part two would “authorize the chair to sign the ordinance to amend” the relevant communications facilities section and incorporate “additional changes recommended by the Planning Commission.” Recommended changes that would be most noticeable to residents include deleting the current

“excessive height allowance of 15 feet” above the top of the tree line and using ridge lines whenever possible. The new standard requires a more tailored approach by basing proposed facility location decisions on an “evaluation of the character of the area.”

In addition, the new ordinance changes the current “adjacent residential setback to 1.5 times the height of the (proposed communications facility).”

Part three requires department staff to return an evaluation of those changes in two years to the

board instead of to the planning commission. District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin noted, “It’s critical to have cell service in any emergency, so who do we call to ensure that?” She later added the county should require 72 hour backup from service providers. To which Chief Administrative Officer Tiffany Schmid suggested contacting the county Office of Emergency Services “for future planning and analysis” on the issue. The board voted unanimously to adopt the amendments.

Foraging for wild mushrooms can lead to the ER

Elaine Murphy California Poison Control System

Mushroom foraging is a popular activity enjoyed by thousands of people. However, it can prove as dangerous as it is fun warns California Poison Control System. Serious illness and even death can happen if people don’t make sure the mushrooms are not poisonous before eating them.

The most serious illnesses and deaths have been linked to mushrooms that cause liver damage, including the Amanita phalloides or “death cap” mushrooms. These, along with the “destroying angel” mushroom or Amanita ocreata, are found abundantly throughout California.

A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 1,300 people were treated in emergency departments for accidentally eating a poisonous mushroom. The report also found that serious adverse outcomes occurred in nearly 9% of the patients who sought care for eating poisonous mushrooms. Serious adverse outcomes can range from irregular heartbeat, kidney or liver failure

and seizures.

“There is always a risk in eating wild mushrooms that you, friends or family members gathered,” said Dr. Rais Vohra, medical director for the Fresno/Madera Division of CPCS.

“People often believe it’s easy to identify wild mushrooms that are poisonous. But, in fact, it’s very easy to mistake a poisonous mushroom for one that’s edible. Also, some people use digital tools to identify the mushroom, but these don’t always correctly identify the mushroom. So, the bottom line is: you should never consume any wild

mushrooms unless an expert confirms they are safe to eat.”

Mushroom poisoning symptoms

Symptoms typically develop six to 12 hours after eating. Serious symptoms do not always occur immediately after eating and can sometimes surface days or weeks later. Depending on the amount consumed, symptoms of mushroom poisoning range from mild to serious.

• Abdominal pain

• Cramping

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Organ failure, including liver damage

• Death due to eating wild mushrooms is uncommon, but does occur

“Contrary to a common belief that poisonous mushrooms are brightly colored, they typically look just like mushrooms that are safe to eat,” advised Vohra. “Also, cooking mushrooms does not remove or inactivate toxins. The safest way to ensure that mushrooms are harmless to eat is to purchase cultivated ones from a reputable food market.”

Getty Images

Ingesting Amanita phalloides , commonly known as the death cap mushroom, can cause serious health issues and even, as the name implies, death.

Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco

Aurea Jester, 6, and her little sister Saoirse, 4, visit the Bookery on Main Street and buy picture books. “I love the Bookery, and always want to support local stores instead of big chains when I can,” said the kids’ mother, Eliza Minnows.

Toys and turkeys loaded

Andrew Vonderschmitt Sta writer

The El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce and Shingle Springs-Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce joined forces with Shingle Springs Rancheria Tribal Police and the Food Bank of El Dorado County for the second annual Toys from the Bearcat community toy drive and dinner. The Dec. 6 event was a way to bring the community together while collecting toys and turkeys to be distributed throughout El Dorado County by the two law enforcement agencies.

While this is the second year hosting the community event at the Food Bank, Toys from the Bearcat is actually in its fourth year.

Sheri Je Leikauf said the program has grown every year, adding this event is about showing another side of the sheri ’s o ce to the community.

“More than just law and order — that’s obviously our priority — but this is getting out into the community,” said Leikauf, “making sure everybody’s needs get met.

“No kid goes without,” the sheri added. “No families out there go it alone.”

Wildlife officials lend a wing to county’s burrowing owls

News release

The western burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia hypugaea — a species currently under consideration to be listed as protected by the California Endangered Species Act — is not without the help of California Department of Fish and Wildlife staff.

On a CDFW-owned preserve in El Dorado County, CDFW wildlife technicians recently installed five artificial burrows or humanmade “nests” to support western burrowing owl populations. This particular area of California is one of many that has seen housing developments impact burrowing owl habitat. Not only do these developments displace the western burrowing owl, one of the world’s smallest owl species at about 7-10 inches tall, but they also impact the ground squirrels whose burrows provide shelter for the owls.

2023 surveys estimated some 6,500 breeding pairs were present statewide with about 1,400 in the Central Valley.

CDFW will monitor its artificial burrows with game cameras to determine if owls use these burrows and how. If effective, CDFW hopes to bring burrows to other locations in the state. Design of the artificial burrows was drawn from the work of nonprofit groups that have placed similar human-made “nests” with successful results.

Mountain Democrat photos by Andrew Vonderschmitt

Santa was on hand cutting up the dance floor with some very enthusiastic local children at the second annual Toys from the Bearcat event in Cameron Park last week.

El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf, left, and Tribal Police Commander Robert Kohlstedt said this year’s Toys from the Bearcat is the biggest yet and both look forward to the distribution taking place later this month.

Sheriff’s deputies, from left, Kyle Emmitt, Mathew French, Daniel Freeman and Keith Dougherty go over an extensive wishlist with Santa Claus.

Photo courtesy of CDFW

Jake Slates with CDFW places one of the artificial burrows on El Dorado County land owned by the state agency.

OPINION

California Matters

Inflation finally catches state politicians’ attention after the election

It would be fair to say that as voters in last month’s presidential election were giving Republicans control of all three branches of the federal government, they were tacitly rejecting the left-leaning cultural values that California politicians constantly espouse.

Republican Donald Trump’s campaign e ectively weaponized Vice President Kamala Harris’ California roots in sweeping the battleground states, most notably in an ad featuring a video clip of her advocating sex-change surgery for transexual prison inmates.

“Kamala is for they/them. Trump is for you,” the spot concludes. Post-election analysts, including the New York Times, have cited it as the single most e ective ad of the campaign.

… the Public Policy Institute of California calculates that in 2023, 31.1% of Californians are living either in or near poverty.

Furthermore, the results also imply that the Harris campaign’s focus on abortion rights, another favorite theme of Gov. Gavin Newsom and other California political ﬁgures, didn’t help her.

Voters in states that opted for Trump, including neighboring Nevada and Arizona, were primarily driven by economic issues, speciﬁcally inﬂation in living costs during the administration of Harris and President Joe Biden.

Whether the administration was actually responsible for inﬂation is debatable, but also beside the point. When voters are dissatisﬁed with the status quo, for whatever reason, they often take it out on the party in power at the moment.

Harris easily defeated Trump in California, as expected, to claim its 54 electoral votes, but the state was not immune to the issues that brought her downfall elsewhere, particularly the cost of living.

California’s families must cope with arguably the highest prices for the necessities of life of any state — such things as housing, gasoline and electric power. Even commodities which should be less expensive in California, such as food, are costly because producing, packaging and selling them reﬂect the high expenses of suppliers.

The cost of living is the major factor in California’s having the nation’s highest rate of functional poverty, 15.4%, as calculated by the Census Bureau. Using a similar methodology, the

■ See WALTERS, page A7

The Balancing Act

Corruption,

Anotice was received by homeowners within the El Dorado Hills Community Services District last month stating the Nov. 14 meeting has been canceled. This was apparently the result of three directors intentionally not showing up. That would be President Noelle Mattock, Vice President Michael Martinelli and Director Benjamin Paulsen. Without them, there is no quorum which is needed to conduct a meeting. The other directors wanted the meeting. They want to get past all the issues created by former EDHCSD General Manager Kevin Loewen, who was allegedly described by at least one of the three directors who didn’t show up as someone who “walked on water.” Loewen has probably wasted more of the CSD’s money than all other general managers combined, including a salary that reached more than

Letters to the Editor

Disturbing comparison

EDITOR:

Iread Berle Beliz’s letter to the editor in the Nov. 27 edition and was appalled. Mr. Beliz wrote, “This is a serious letter .... I went into the local hardware store here in Pollock Pines to but some hardware items and as an afterthought asked if they would rent me a 17-year-old girl so that I could take her to the adjoining state. “I assured them they would not get in trouble for violation of local laws against pimping because ...,” the letter continued.

Mr. Beliz then equated the rape of an underage girl to the Jan. 6 atrocities against our capital.

Where do I begin with Mr. Beliz’s letter? First, the rape of a child is no joking matter. I found his comparison sick and perverted. Second, the rape of a child no way equals the atrocities against our capital. The former is an assault against a defenseless child, while the later is an assault against a building and against America. Third,

to talk to the sta at a hardware store regarding their pimping a girl shows concern regarding his mental balance and moral ﬁber.

Mr. Beliz, if you ﬁnd the rape of a child OK, get help. My hope is that the El Dorado County sheri and Placerville police chief also read your letter.

To all readers, if you found Mr. Beliz’s letter o ensive, please email the editor your thoughts. We must denounce perversion, especially against a child.

STEVEN WHARTON Future Placerville resident

$200,000 a year plus tens of thousands in benefits. Loewen was responsible for the failure to do the five-year findings required by the California Mitigation Fee Act that is going to result in a judgement against EDHCSD of more than $6,000,000. Loewen is responsible for a failure to properly authorize Landscape and Lighting District Assessments, causing the loss of millions of dollars. Loewen is responsible for incurring hundreds of thousands of dollars in attorneys’ fees in an attempt to not admit wrongdoing; though his actions indicate otherwise.

And the three board members who didn’t show up last month went along with Loewen. They supposedly thought Loewen “walked on water.” It was more like quicksand.

Loewen was caught double dipping, something current and past board members approved, working a contract with CSD consultants DTA.

Taxpayers and residents will hopefully get answers soon. The incompetence revealed will be staggering and appalling … as will the waste.

Because of this obvious conflict of interest, the EDHCSD was required to investigate, hiring a law firm to do so. After spending tens of thousands of EDHCSD money on a comprehensive 603-page report, the conclusion was obvious; Loewen had a severe conflict of interest, among other issues. Needless to say, Loewen is no longer working for the CSD. He chose to resign.

And regarding Loewen and Mattock’s refusal to attest to the accuracy of the LLAD assessments, something required by El Dorado County Auditor-Controller Joe Harn before he would place them on property tax bills, Loewen wouldn’t attest because he had a conﬂict with DTA.

Instead, the EDHCSD chose to waste more taxpayer money on lawyers and sue a county o cial for doing his job — and demanding that CSD o cials do their jobs. In the Harn/LLAD litigation Mattock

refused to show up for a deposition, which has since been rescheduled for some time in January. CSD o cials have been delaying the deposition since 2023, using expensive lawyers to do so.

The two other EDHCSD directors want answers which the aforementioned three directors want to avoid. Two items on the November closed session agenda were a complete discussion and review of Austin v. EDC, EDHCSD, et al (the fee act case) and the LLAD case.

Heidi Hannaman and Steve Ferry want to know how much of your money has been wasted. And wasted is the correct word as, after nine years of delay, a judge has ruled in favor of the Austins. The statutory requirement of the MFA for such a failure is the refund of collections. The only matter left is accrued and

DAN WALTERS

LARRY WEITZMAN

Continued from A6

Public Policy Institute of California calculates that in 2023, 31.1% of Californians are living either in or near poverty. In the aftermath of the election, the Democrats who dominate all branches of state government have suddenly discovered that the cost of living is

a burning issue that should be addressed. As the Legislature reconvened last week for its biennial session, its leaders said doing something about living costs will be a high priority.

“Our constituents don’t feel the state of California is working for them,” Assembly Speaker

Edited by Joel Fagliano No. 1106

Robert Rivas told colleagues as the session began. “That’s their lived experience in this moment. Our task this session is urgent and clear. We must chart a new path forward, and it begins by focusing on affordability.

“California will always be America’s destination for dreams and opportunities,” he added. “But we need to consider every bill through the lens of Californians who are anxious about affordability. Specifically, we must focus on building more housing and lowering energy costs.”

However there’s not a lot that Newsom and legislators can do to materially affect the cost of living. If anything, prices for one vital commodity, gasoline, will likely see a big jump because Newsom’s Air Resources Board has just ordered changes in fuel to lower greenhouse emissions.

Republicans have been urging Newsom to set aside the decision, but he has defended it as a necessary element of California’s campaign to reduce hydrocarbon use.

Moreover, electric power costs are increasing sharply as utilities bury power transmission lines to reduce their role in wildfires.

California’s politicos are talking a good game about inflation, but whether they can and will deliver remains very uncertain.

Dan Walters is a journalist and author who writes for CALmatters.org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.

prejudgment interest, which is provided by statute and amounts in the EDHCSD case to more than $1.4 million on top of the $4.8 million of illegal collections to be refunded. The big question is how much of your money did the CSD board and Loewen waste in fighting this lawsuit to prevent the issuing refunds to homeowners as required by state law? And how much was spent on failed motions to prevent Loewen from answering questions about DTA? It might approach another $1 million dollars. The LLAD suit could add additional hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The El Dorado County Grand Jury issued a scathing report in April this year over the EDHCSD’s lack of oversight and transparency regarding among other things.

Taxpayers and residents will hopefully get answers soon. The incompetence revealed will be staggering and appalling … as will the waste. The responsibility of the board is oversight and direction, not plundering and wasting the public treasure. It’s your money, not theirs. They have no liability. It is always the taxpayer left holding the bag. How many new soccer fields or baseball fields could have been built?

Larry Weitzman is a former El Dorado County resident.

Announcements

AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 3342970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot.com

AMERICAN ASSOC. OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN Foothills of EDC Branch. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science and Math Camp Scholarships, programs & interest groups. Leave voicemail for Laurel (530) 417-7737 or Sara (530) 4177138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net

AMERICAN LEGION POST 119 welcomes Veterans and guests to attend our monthly membership dinner and meeting the 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.

Weitzman Continued from A6

Fritter,

Some stores sell all or mostly goods. For example, a grocery store sells mostly goods. If it has a bakery that makes birthday cakes, then it offers goods and a service in one product! Other stores sell mostly services, such as a car wash or a barber shop.

Complete the following to describe a store you go to: Name of a store I go to:

Goods = Objects

Services = Actions

Goods I can buy at that store:

Goods are things that are made or grown.

Who

Wants and Needs

Services I can buy at that store:

Design a newspaper advertisement for the store you described above. Be sure to include some of the goods or services they offer. Look at the ads in today’s newspaper for ideas.

NECESSARY

It was necessary to have a ticket to get into the theater. The adjective necessary means something that is needed, essential or required.

Try to use the word necessary in a sentence today when talking with your friends and family members.

How would you explain the difference between goods and services? Explain the Difference

coat in a camouflage pattern — just his size with some room to grow.

Joyous moments like these took place all over Target in El Dorado Hills on a brisk Dec. 7 morning as more than 200 children and even more volunteers participated in the 16th annual Snowball Heroes and Helpers Shopping Event benefiting atrisk children in El Dorado County.

In addition to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra, volunteers from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Highway Patrol, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Tribal Police and Fire, Deputy Sheriff’s Association of El Dorado County, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Placerville Police Department, El Dorado County Probation, El Dorado Hills Fire Department and the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office participated. Children were greeted by DA dog Oda and handler Jim Applegate at the store’s entrance and also had the opportunity to explore fire trucks and police cars as part of the event.

“Unfortunately, many at-risk children’s exposure to first responders comes about during stressful, negative life events,” said District Attorney Vern Pierson. “Cyndee and I started the Snowball event with the help of Ken and Lani Steers to provide these children with an opportunity to interact with law enforcement and fire personnel in a positive, safe environment. This interaction serves to help change the course of a child’s life and helps provide these children with some needed items for their home, a meaningful moment with law enforcement and a Christmas gift.”

The event is also filled with meaningful moments for all the volunteers.

Dustin Murray, tribal administrator for the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians expressed, “The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok

COMICS

Indians is honored to join Snowball once again. These community gatherings align with our Tribe’s fundamental values and our ongoing dedication to enhancing life in El Dorado County.”

“Especially in today’s environment, this event is a wonderful opportunity for officers to build meaningful relationships with area children. The hope is that the children will learn to trust the officers in their community and know they are there to help in times of need,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra CEO Brenda Frachiseur, who explained the idea for the program originated with the knowledge that some of the most vulnerable youth view police officers as a “threat” more than a “friend.”

2024 Snowball sponsors are the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, the El Dorado County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Posse, the El Dorado County Criminal Attorney’s Association, Waste Connections, Parker Development, El Dorado County Auditor-Controller Joe Harn and the Jensen Family. This event is one of the largest and longest running holiday charity outreach programs in Northern California, raising more than $500,000 and benefiting more than 2,000 local children.

Children participating include those enrolled in programs offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra, CASA and New Morning. Each child received a $200 gift card to purchase necessities, gifts and special treats. At Hills Church down the road the kids, their families and volunteers enjoyed a tasty pancake and sausage breakfast cooked by El Dorado Hills Fire Department staff and explorers and served by El Dorado Hills Rotarians. Santa Claus also made an appearance, taking note of what good boys and girls hoped to find in their stockings on Christmas morning.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). It’s impossible to make something new happen while simultaneously keeping everything the same. Creating change is only possible for those willing to let go of the old way. You’re in that category today, though your friend may not be.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Though you’ve already found common ground with a friend, there’s still more potential to discover there. It’s harder to be the one initiating plans, sending invitations and the like because of course that person has the potential to be rejected. You won’t be.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You have many clashing thoughts. You may be reticent to choose a side even though both sides are technically you. This doesn’t make you odd — it makes you powerful. It takes breadth of spirit to hold opposites inside you.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Even if you don’t think you’re psychic, you must admit that sometimes you know what’s going to happen before it does. You’ll win huge points being the one who predicts the unpredictable and controls the uncontrollable.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Emotions, like cats, resist control or defy control. They can be caged temporarily, but of course that’s not the same thing. Environmental factors and/or thought patterns will entice certain emotions to alight —again, it’s not control, but it’s something.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your good mood lifts spirits and makes others aware of how they are behaving. Without saying a word, your vibrant energy subtly encourages others to lose whatever is keeping them from sharing in warmth. They’ll bring out their best selves.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). This is a day of false starts, as well as false finishes. Do a thorough inventory before you leave the house and do it again

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

SUDOKU

Mountain Democrat photos by Noel Stack El Dorado Hills Fire Department Explorers Madison Atteberry, 17, avive left, and Riley Triplett, 18, make pancakes and a creative pancake/sausage combo for Snowball shoppers and volunteers. At right, EDC Sheriff’s Office STAR volunteer Bob Ash helps Anthony try on a warm winter coat. This one was a little too big for the 8-yearold but he did later find one that worked. Below, EDSO sheriff’s deputy Dan Freeman helps Izaac, 11, select new shoes. The duo found a few pairs during their shopping trip.

Snowball

Continued from A1

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.

NEWS, IN THE KNOW

Stellar students

Congratulations to the following local students who were named to the University of Utah Dean’s List: Matthew Creech, Alexander Dean, Claire Enea and Blake Hall of El Dorado Hills and Ashley Williams of Cameron Park.

Dec. 11

Dementia Connection

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

Dec. 12

The hit musical “Hadestown” comes to the Harris Center Dec. 12-15. Enjoy a brilliant reimagining of the story of Orpheus and Eurydice which won multiple Tony Awards in 2019. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

Old Mule will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville 7-10 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Dec. 13

Holiday Carriage Rides, hosted by Hands4Hope and Young Life, will take place at El Dorado Hills Town Center on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 13-22.

Sutter Street Theatre presents “A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas” as part of its family series of shows. Performances will run Dec. 13-29. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

Join the Cameron Park Community Services District for movie night. The free event will be showing “Elf,” 6-8 p.m. at the CPCSD. Bring your own blankets, bean bags and pillows.

Zach Waters Band will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville 7-11 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Donnie & the Wayrads will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 8 p.m. to midnight. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.

Dec. 14

El Dorado Showcase Ranches hosts its annual Christmas Parade at 11 a.m. The parade begins at Dorado Canyon Road at Ravine Road and ends on Nob Hill Drive. In addition to the parade there will be a potluck, visit from Santa, games and prizes. For more information call Jane at (530) 407-3188.

Celebrate the holiday season with a trip back in time with Christmas in Coloma Dec. 14 & 15 starting at 10 a.m. at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. For information call (530) 622-3470 or visit parks. ca.gov/marshallgold.

The Coloma Community Market takes place 1-4 p.m., drizzle or shine, the second and fourth Saturdays at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Find great local products while enjoying live music, food, beverages and more. Parking is free during the market hours.

Holiday Cheer on Omo — Open House and Market at Mellowood Vineyard, 2979

Christmas past comes to the present in Placerville

Mimi Escabar

Special Sections Editor

Guests arriving at the John Blair-Judge Thompson House on Cedar Ravine Road in Placerville time travelled to celebrate A Victorian Christmas with John and Jane Blair. As festively dressed guests arrived at the restored 1862 home they were greeted by Dickensinspired carolers singing 19th-century holiday classics.

Stepping into the elegant sitting room featuring a classic Christmas tree brought a chance to meet and chat with John and Jane Blair, the home’s builders. Dan and Shelly Blair, Placerville natives, portrayed Dan’s great-great uncle and aunt, John and Jane Blair, who lived in the home for 26 years in the 1800s. In the early 1900s, the Blairs sold the property to future El Dorado County Superior Court Judge George H. Thompson. Dan is a direct descendant of John Blair’s eldest brother, Matthew Blair.

Guests also visited with Father Christmas (Doug Peterson) and Mother Christmas (Sandra Hand) in the library where a beautifully curated display of holiday traditions, artifacts from several local pioneer families and other memorabilia were presented.

Part of the evening was ﬁlled with the telling of a ghost story by John Blair. Blair dressed in a period costume embellished with the Blair Clan tartan related a chilling tale of spirits seen and heard on Christmas.

The Blairs also made sure guests were treated to a magniﬁcent holiday spread with hors d’oeuvres created by Diane Wilkinson Catering and artisan Christmas cakes and cookies. Egg nog with freshlygrated nutmeg, mulled wine with rich spices and the Plaza Hotel’s famed champagne Christmas punch and wines from Cappella Wines were also served.

After a group sing of “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” the current owners of the property Sean Manwaring and Jacob Rigoli brought out freshly boiled ﬁggy-pudding featuring local fruit, ﬂambéed. Guests then cracked Christmas crackers and received specially curated artisan gifts from Father and Mother Christmas.

The wonderful evening was a beneﬁt for the El Dorado County Historical Society in its mission to preserve, protect and promote El Dorado County history, including the Fountain & Tallman Museum. Manwaring and Rigoli are board members of the El Dorado County Historical Society and El Dorado County Historical Museum commissioners. When they bought the house it was in great need of restoration. They have managed to restore and preserve more than 90% of the John Blair-Judge Thompson House’s original windows, doors and ﬂoors from 1862 home.

Funds from events like A Victorian Christmas support the EDCHS 2024 historical ﬁeld speaker series. The series featured local historians and scholars bringing history to life at historical locations where people can relive the history exactly where it actually occurred.

In 2025, the EDCHS will o er a new slate of fascinating and educational speaker events. To learn more visit EDCHS.org.

Mountain Democrat photos by Mimi Escabar

Father Christmas (Doug Peterson) and Mother Christmas (Sandra Hand) led a group sing of “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” at the Victorian Christmas celebration in Placerville. The Nov. 30 event was a funraiser for the El Dorado County Historical Society.

John and Jane Blair (Dan and Shelly Blair), above, welcome guests to the John Blair-Judge Thompson House on Cedar Ravine Road in Placerville for a festive evening. At left, Dickens carolers singing 19th-century holiday classics greet guests as they arrive at A Victorian Christmas with John and Jane Blair.

El Dorado County’s Christmas events remembered through Roses

Special to the Mountain Democrat

For more than 40 years, El Dorado County has received not only local, but state and national recognition for the unusual and unique contest for mature women — the El Dorado Rose pageant at the El Dorado County Fair. The El Dorado Rose and her Court are the official hostesses for El Dorado County during their one-year term. They appear at local functions like parades and many civic and community events wearing period dresses, hats, gloves, purses, parasols and appropriate jewelry representing the years 1849-1910.

Two Christmas events that the current Rose has the opportunity to participate in are the Hometown Holiday on Main Street on the day after Thanksgiving and the Hangtown Christmas Parade usually the first Sunday in December but this year took place the second Sunday in December.

E. Diane Maloney, El Dorado Rose of 2019 recalls a memorable tree lighting experience. “That year, the Rose used a plunger to turn on the Christmas Tree lights that was next to

the Courthouse,” she recalled. “There was a band playing Christmas music from a local church next to me and

my court ladies. After the tree was lit, the band played ‘Silent Night’ and everywhere I looked there were people all

over downtown singing in the street as far as I could see left and right. It was magical.”

Jane Fergason

“After the tree was lit, the band played ‘Silent Night’ and everywhere I looked there were people all over downtown singing in the street as far as I could see left and right. It was magical.”

recounted, “As the 2023 El Dorado County Rose, I have fond and festive memories of decorating and riding on the front of the Rose Float with my Rose Court and past Roses at the 2023 Hangtown Christmas Parade! It was a great honor and I had such fun interacting with the crowds, lots of hand-waving, reciprocal ‘Merry Christmases’ back and forth bringing warm feelings of hometown pride! Placerville is a wonderful familyoriented community.”

Sherry Phillipsen was the El Dorado Rose 2022. “That year the holiday celebration was created to have a concert-like experience while families and friends shop, dine and visited on Main Street,” she shared. “There was a custom stage in front of the Bell Tower equipped with sky-lighting strobe lights, large LED video walls and the annual lighting of the Christmas tree was one of the main attractions.

Close to 6 p.m. nine Roses and I got up on the large stage. The plunger from previous years was replaced by a 21st century phone app. After swiping the phone the tree lights went on, the crowd cheered and Placerville started the holiday season.

“Then the best part of the night was after the tree lighting,” Phillipsen continued. “They had snow machines and it started to snow on the tree light festival. I will remember that event for the rest of my life!”

Just reinforcing the joy the El Dorado Rose can bring, another story told by Dolores Wadsworth, 2013 Rose, highlighted “bringing gifts to the residents of a local convalescent facility in Placerville after attending a Christmas event.” The residents not only loved the great gifts that brought smiles to everyone, residents and staff, but also her beautiful clothes that reflected an era of elegance of long ago.

GROW FOR IT!

Coffee mug

succulent garden

What could be better than starting the day with a steaming, fragrant mug of morning coffee?

Imagine that another mug held a colorful, easy-care garden, chock-full of amazing succulents. Now that would be perfect!

Anyone can make and enjoy this simple gardening project, using creative, repurposed, free or inexpensive containers. Large mugs or coffee cups can be had by simply perusing the back of your own kitchen cabinets or heading to a thrift store.

Let’s get started. Once you have chosen your mug, you can carefully drill a drainage hole in the bottom using a ceramics drill bit. An easier alternative for drainage would be to add a layer of pebbles to the bottom of your mug. This will allow water to drain below the pebbles, and not cause your plants to be waterlogged. More about using pebbles below. The right type of soil is important. You can choose store bought, prepared cactus, palm, or citrus soil, which is fast draining and enriched with plant food to give your succulents a good start. Or, you can use regular potting soil, but add

perlite and gritty sand to lighten the soil and enhance drainage. Now it’s time for the plants. Succulents are relatively inexpensive to purchase and can be no cost to propagate if you already have some growing in your garden. You can also ask friends to share some cuttings with you. My experience is that gardeners are very generous in sharing plants!

I chose five easy to grow, popular succulent varieties:

1. Echeveria, with its pretty rosettes.

2. Graptopetalum, also called leather petal or ghost plant.

3. Sempervivum, commonly called chicks and hens.

4. Sedum, cute little pork and beans.

5. Lampranthus blandus, also known as Pink Vygie plant

To plant, add a layer of small pebbles on the bottom of the mug, then fill the mug three-quarters full of fast-draining soil mix. Use a chopstick to make stem holes, and carefully cover roots with soil. Leave space to add a final layer of pretty pebbles or small shells to cover the exposed topsoil and complete the project. You can add a number of different

Courtesy photo

2022 El Dorado Rose Sherry Phillipsen and friends enjoy the snowfall at that year’s tree lighting event in downtown Placerville. A snow machine was brought in much to the delight of visitors.

— 2019 El Dorado Rose E. Diane Maloney

Pauline Atkins

UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County

Photo by Pauline Atkins

Coffee mug succulents are a great personalized gift for the plant lovers in your life.

Mimi Escabar

ierra Vista Vineyards & Winery features Eggistential Sunday, a delightful brunch every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the comfortable tent at the winery, 4560 Cabernet Way in the Pleasant Valley area.

The freshly made omelettes and frittatas are made to order at a special cooking station by Justin Rosa or Colby Wydevelv. Guests checking in for brunch in the tasting room are greeted with a mimosa and coffee if desired.

Diners then choose one cheese from the menu of cheddar mix, mozzarella or vegan cheddar for the omelettes and frittatas. After that any combination of vegetable and meat fillings are selected. The vegetable list includes mushroom, spinach, onion, garlic and bell pepper. The meat list is ham, bacon, sausage and chicken. After making the tough decision of what to put in your brunch treat, watch the preparation and then enjoy.

Sierra Vista’s owner Jim Czachorowski said he believes in providing a memorable time to all visitors to the winery and feels that food is a great accompaniment to the wine tasting experience.

Tahoe-area author shares a ‘marvelous’ Christmas story

Tahoe Daily Tribune

Molly Kelly, a Tahoe local and now award-winning published author, credits much of her success to this community that has supported her from the very beginning. Her journey started with a simple idea; however, like many ideas, it could have easily stayed just that — an idea.

The encouragement of those around her kept her going and today she’s able to share her work with readers around the basin and nationally.

In her latest book, “The Marvelous Mrs. Claus,” Kelly presents a fresh

take on the holiday classic, showing that Mrs. Claus isn’t confined to the kitchen while there’s work to be done. In this version, she’s hands-on, leading by example in a spirit of teamwork and collaboration to pull off the Christmas miracle. As Kelly explained, “There are great lessons throughout this book, and my favorite is probably when the village’s retired elves teach the kinder elves how to make toys by hand.”

The book truly came to life when Kelly met Catherine Lockner Church, a local Tahoe artist and professor at n See STORY, page B7

That philosophy sparked the creation of the Eggistential Sunday brunch and other wine and dine events to showcase the exceptional wines crafted at Sierra Vista. Czachorowski is

driven by a passion for excellence and invites everyone to visit the estate and enjoy acres of rolling vineyards and picturesque views of the Sierra Nevada and, of course, the wine. Enjoy the scenery now in a winter pod — a cozy space that protects guests from the winter chill — as well as from the the beautifully decorated Holiday Event Room. For more information call (530) 622-7221.

Mountain Democrat photos by Noel Stack

Chef Colby Wydevelv, left, works on one of his first-ever omelettes at Sierra Vista Vineyards & Winery’s Eggistential Sunday. Made-to-order omelettes and mimosas make for a delicious brunch at the Pleasant Valley area winery.

Courtesy photo

Molly Kelly and her holiday book get approval from Mr. & Mrs. Claus.

Tahoe Fund issues call for 2025 projects

n Nonprofit seeks projects that will improve Lake Tahoe environment for all to enjoy

News release

TAHOE CITY — The Tahoe Fund recently announced the opening of its annual call for projects. The nonprofit is seeking projects for its 2025 portfolio that will increase the pace and scale of forest restoration, improve lake clarity and health, encourage sustainable recreation, provide innovative solutions to transportation challenges and create more stewards of Lake Tahoe.

Public agencies, nonprofits and environmentally focused businesses are invited to submit proposals for projects that require $5,000 to $1,000,000 in funding. Projects with the ability to leverage public funding as a result of Tahoe Fund support will be prioritized.

“The projects submitted each year are a testament to the passion our community has for Lake Tahoe,” said Caitlin Meyer, chief program officer for the Tahoe Fund. “The positive impact our partners make on the ground continues to inspire us. We’re

so excited to see what new ideas are dreamed up this next round of submissions.”

Since its inception, the Tahoe Fund has worked with more than 50 partners to support over 160 projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Some highlights include introducing innovation to forest health treatments through the Truckee-Tahoe BurnBot pilot, transforming the Upper Truckee River Watershed with the Motel 6 acquisition, repairing 19 miles of trail in Desolation Wilderness, bringing together a new collaboration of community stakeholders to develop the region’s first Destination Stewardship Plan and commissioning a comprehensive parking enforcement study aiming to make parking easier and safer for everyone in Tahoe. All submissions will be reviewed by the Tahoe Fund Board of Directors, which is tasked with developing the Tahoe Fund’s project portfolio. Projects submitted for consideration may receive immediate funding or be selected for a Tahoe Fund project campaign in 2025.

Project submissions are due by Jan. 31, 2025. Guidelines and the request for project submission form can be found online at tahoefund.org/ourprojects/submit-a-project.

Pimps of Joytime, Con Brio offer an evening full of dancing

Leila Srouji

The Center for the Arts

GRASS VALLEY — The Center for the Arts presents Pimps of Joytime and Con Brio in the Marisa Funk Theater on Dec. 14. When it comes to throwing a party, Pimps of Joytime raise the bar with swagger and substance. Dubbed “raucous and captivating” by Okayplayer and “visceral in all of the best ways possible” by Pop Matters, The Pimps artfully blend Brooklyn beat, New Orleans soul and world funk. Created by Grammy-nominated producer Brian J in 2007, Pimps of Joytime have released five studio albums and toured extensively building a loyal international following.

Brian J is no stranger to working with A-List talent in the studio as he’s produced albums for a “who’s who” of New Orleans heavyweights, including such stars as Cyril Neville (The Neville Brothers), James Andrews, Corey Henry (Galactic) plus records with Bernard “Pretty” Purdie (The World’s Most Recorded Drummer) and GRAMMY Awardnominated blues artist Cedric Burnside. On the production of “La Vida” Brian J is playing all the instruments on the track, flexing skills as a

multi-instrumentals and producing an incredibly unique version of the song.

The Pimps of Joytime live experience only takes it higher. Over the past decade, the group’s grassroots following mobilized from the underground club scene in New York to sell out historical venues like the Fillmore in San Francisco and earn top billings at music festivals across the U.S. and Europe. Quite simply, the Pimps’ dance floor is magnetic. Word spreads to the wise when you pair highcaliber musicianship with melodies and beats that are as universally enticing as they are unconventional.

Con Brio is an elastic and explosive sevenpiece band that makes emotional music at the intersection of soul, rock ‘n’ roll, pop and R&B. A Bay Area institution with an international following, Con Brio has spent more than a decade touring the globe, playing venues ranging from packed clubs to some of the world’s biggest festivals and enjoying a formidable reputation on the strength of their exhilarating, sweatdrenched live shows. The group has been described as “infectious” (Washington Post), “a party-punk version of Sly and the Family

Courtesy photos

Pimps of Joytime put on an energetic show that will keep the audience moving throughout the night. The band performs in Grass Valley this Saturday.

Con Brio has made a name for itself as a popular Bay Area band, playing venues ranging from packed clubs to some of the world’s biggest festivals.

for Alpacas of El Dorado, who will be featuring popular alpaca wares for sale. Enjoy a hot mulled wine and listen to live music by Tom Power while strolling the grounds, visiting the market vendors and enjoying the 2021 red wines. For more information call (916) 261-7512.

Drytown Smugglers will perform at 4 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.

The Rocky Mountain High Experience starring Rick Schuler presents a John Denver Christmas at the Harris Center with showtimes Dec. 14 & 15. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

Patton Leatha will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.

Dec. 15

Visit the Shingle Springs Community Center from noon to 5 p.m. for its Gift Wrapping Fundraiser. For more information go to shinglespringscommunitycenter.org.

Love, Live, Laugh Holiday Floral Arranging Workshop will be held at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville 2-3 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Cantare Chorale of the Sierra Foothills will perform at the Foothills United Methodist Church in Rescue starting at 3 p.m. For tickets and more information, go to cantarechorale.com.

Mitchell Dudman will perform at 3 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.

Dec. 16

A Girl Named Tom, the only group to win NBC’s “The Voice” is embarking on a Christmas tour and will be making a stop at the Harris Center for the Arts at Folsom Lake College with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

Dec. 17

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.

Nashville Songwriters Live, a benefit concert for Hands4Hope – Youth Making a Difference, at 7 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts. Join top songwriters Jeffery Steele, Mark Mackay and CJ Solar as they share the stories behind chart-topping hits for artists like Keith Urban and Eric Church. In an intimate, acoustic performance, these talented writers will play the music and unravel the tales that inspired the songs. For tickets and more information visit hands4hopeyouth.org/nashvillelive or call (916) 608-6888.

Now

Santa is busy getting ready for the holiday season and his elves will be delivering your Christmas wish lists to the North Pole through Dec 15. Santa would love to hear from all his friends in El Dorado Hills and promises to return letters. Letters to Santa can be mailed or dropped off at the holiday mailbox located outside of the El Dorado Hills Community Services District pavilion building. In your letter, please include a stamped and selfaddressed envelope so Santa can respond.

See “The Gift: A Holiday Show,” directed by Chrissie Addison, at the Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park through Dec. 15. For tickets, showtimes and more information go to stageatburke.com/thegift.

Broadway Sacramento presents “Elf – The Musical” at the UC Davis Health Pavilion through Dec. 15. For tickets and more information call (916) 557-1999 or visit broadwaysacramento.com.

City Theatre at Sacramento City College presents “A Christmas Carol, The Rock & Roll Panto” through Dec. 15. For tickets and more information go to citytheatre.net.

Imagination Theatre at the El Dorado Fairgrounds presents “Miracle on 34th Street” through Dec. 22. For tickets and more information go to itplacerville.org.

The Olde Coloma Theatre presents “Mrs. Waldecott and the Christmas Spirits” ... or ... “The Coloma Christmas Speck-tacular” through Dec. 22. Doors open Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, go to oldecolomatheatre.com.

The Polar Express has returned to the California Railroad Museum for a limited time, and guests can purchase a ticket now to save their seat on one of the trips, running through Dec. 22. For tickets and more information visit californiarailroad. museum.

Sutter Street Theatre presents “Holiday in the Hills,” an original script and SST’s love letter to the holiday season, through Dec. 23. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

The Elf on the Boulevard scavenger hunt at El Dorado Hills Town Center runs 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.

B Street Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol” at The Sofia in Sacramento through Dec. 29. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

The Center for the Arts in Grass Valley presents Tahiti Pehrson’s solo exhibition Carrying the Fire in The Granucci Gallery through Jan. 4, 2025. Tahiti will transform the gallery

SUDOKU SOLUTIONS

space with captivating hand-cut and painted paper, woodblock prints and carvings, and graphite drawings. For more information visit thecenterforthearts.org.

The California Museum presents Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues through Jan. 19, 2025. For more information visit californiamuseum.org.

Marshall Hospital Auxiliary is looking for volunteers. Help people and make new friends. Interviews are held monthly. For more information call Norma at (530) 676-1844 or email grizzyq98@ gmail.com.

The Murer House Foundation continues its Italian language classes at the Murer House Learning Center in old Folsom. For more information and to enroll visit murerhousefoundation.org/language-classes.

The UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County public office is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 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 baggie or a picture. Can’t come in person? Call (530) 621-5512 and leave a voicemail or email 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.

Alibi Ale Works introduces its first non-alcoholic beverage

News release

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev.

— Alibi Ale Works, the Lake Tahoe-based craft brewery known for its award-winning beer, has introduced its first non-alcoholic beverage with the release of Hoppy Hour. A hop-infused sparkling water with mood-boosting adaptogens and nootropics, Hoppy Hour was created to be a guilt-free refresher that’s so flavorful, you won’t miss the buzz.

“Our goal was to create a hop water that is bright, refreshing, and delivers the perfect balance of hop aroma and citrus flavor that’s uniquely satisfying,” said Kevin Drake, Alibi Ale Works’ co-founder and CEO. “We fine-tuned our recipe over nearly a year of R&D, integrated functional ingredients that provide mind-body benefits, and are

thrilled to introduce Hoppy Hour to those who want to bring happy hour vibes to any occasion.”

Hoppy Hour has zero alcohol, calories, carbs, and is gluten-free — or in other words, “no discipline

plants in this small garden. Succulents like to be crowded. Or, one dramatic plant will highlight your mug. The choices are infinite!

Succulents are easy care, but not no-care. Light and water are important. Choose a location with lots of light, but not direct sun for extended periods of time. A shaded patio table or partially sunny window works well.

The soak and dry method of watering works perfectly for succulents. Initially, make sure that your garden mug is thoroughly watered, but not flooded. If you think you overwatered, carefully tip mug over to drain excess water. Let your garden dry out before watering again. Check for dryness with your finger. Remember, overwatered succulents will turn to mush and die!

After completing this easy gardening project, it is time to relax, drink your coffee and enjoy your tiny succulent garden in a mug.

Master Gardener classes are offered monthly throughout the county. You can find our schedule

the community college, at Tahoe Parents Nursery School. These two busy parents embraced the challenge of helping to flesh out Mrs. Claus’ story, transforming her from a traditional figure into someone with a broader, more vibrant role in the holiday magic. Together, the duo has created a story they are excited to share with their hometown. Both Kelly and Lockner Church are thrilled to present “The Marvelous Mrs. Claus” at the Festival of Lights Dec. 13 & 14, where they will be signing books and celebrating the season with the community. The book is available for purchase

required.” Meticulously crafted by Alibi’s expert brewers, Citra, Mosaic and Eldorado hops blend harmoniously with bright citrus flavors plus added functional benefits from adaptogens, nootropics

and vitamins. Lion’s Mane (mushroom) supports mood, brain function and gut health. L-Theanine (an amino acid naturally occurring in green tea) supports relaxation, cognitive focus, and sleep quality. Lastly, a daily dose

at: mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/Calendar/ and recorded classes on many gardening topics here: mgeldorado. ucanr.edu/Public_Education/Classes/

The Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open, weather permitting, on the first Saturday of the month, from November through February 9 a.m. to noon. First Saturday tour starts promptly at 9 a.m. Please check our website for further information about activities at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden at: ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_Master_ Gardeners/Demonstration_Garden/

Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are working hard to answer your questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on our website: mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/Ask_a_Master_Gardener/ or leave a message on our office telephone: 530-6215512. We’ll get back to you! Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. For more information on the UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County, see our website at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/.

in stores throughout South Lake Tahoe and visit her online site at marvelousmrsclaus.com. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the town that has supported Kelly’s creative journey, and a perfect addition to anyone’s holiday reading list.

Public Notices 

of Vitamin C helps with immune support. Collectively, these “beneficial botanicals” offer added value for healthconscious people looking for an uplifting beverage with zero downsides.

“Beer is still our first love, but Hoppy Hour gives us an opportunity to be part of even more occasions,” continued Drake. “Whether you are staying hydrated between beers, toasting your last adventure, or taking a break from booze, Hoppy Hour is here for you.”

Hoppy Hour is now available at Alibi’s public houses in Incline Village, and Truckee, in the beer aisle at Safeway and Raley’s stores in Lake Tahoe, Sacramento and Reno, as well as other select retailers. It can also be purchased online at alibialeworks.com and Amazon Prime and shipped to all 50 U.S. states.

Stone” (Consequence of Sound) and “the best live band in America” (Pop Matters).

Veteran rhythm and horn sections of Benjamin Andrews (guitar), Jonathan Kirchner (bass), Andrew Laubacher (drums), Marcus Stephens (saxophone) and Brendan Liu (trumpet) remain tight as ever, weaving together grooves that draw inspiration from Tower of Power to The Alabama Shakes, with each and every member contributing lyrics and arrangements. The result: Music that finds a seasoned band infused with an undeniable sense of freedom, excitement and discovery.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, 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.

Gardener Continued from B2

Dancing Continued from B4

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Hoppy Hour is the latest beverage from Alibi Ale Works. This sparkling water beverage has no alcohol.