Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Bridge Beginnings New crossing finding its feet

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

Groundwork has begun for the new Mosquito Bridge with grading for access areas and construction of abutments and piers under way.

El Dorado County Department of Transportation Director Rafael Martinez gave the Board of Supervisors an update on the project Dec. 6.

New road alignment on the north side of the bridge and minor widening improvements along the existing roadway are taking place. Foundations for the construction support platforms have been placed.

Construction crews are also drilling foundations

for bridge trestles on the north side of the canyon.

The trestles will be used to hoist construction equipment in the air and give workers access to locations where the abutments will be built.

A drainage system is part of the foundation work, Martinez said.

“It is a very daunting and difficult task but one that is very capable for our contractors and current staff,” Martinez told the board, adding that major construction is expected to commence in spring 2023.

In a hopeful timeframe, Martinez noted the project could be done in as soon as two years but

Big snow dropped on Sierra

Lake Tahoe residents on Monday morning were digging their way out from a winter storm that dropped feet of snow, packed powerful winds that sent chairlifts violently swinging and left thousands without power.

At lower elevations

Bill of Rights

Editor’s note: The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution are the Bill of Rights. They went into effect Dec. 15, 1791, 231 years ago.

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II

A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment III

No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital,

Courtesy photo

Mountain Democrat staff

Motorists travel at about 25 mph through Kyburz Sunday night after Highway 50 over Echo Summit had been shut down due to heavy snowfall.

Photo by Mitchell Weitzman

Sharon Carol Crawford Feb. 15, 1949 – Nov. 15, 2022

On Nov. 15, 2022, Sharon “Sharry” Crawford got her wings and went to walk with the angels. She was 73 years old. Sharon was born on Feb. 15, 1949 in Duluth, Minnesota.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Reidar and Ruby Lindgard.

Mama, grandma, great-grandma, sister and friend. However, many people considered Shar Bear or Mama Bear or Mother Hen their surrogate Mom and Nana. Her smile was genuine and she loved people.

At 12 she moved to Burbank, Calif. As a teenager, she moved to Sacramento and in 1986, she moved to Placerville. Upon graduating from Encina High School, 1967, she worked at housekeeping. She was a bookkeeper and was office manager for car and motorhome dealerships. She is retired, she doesn’t cook for one, she cooks for family and neighbors, go big or go home.

Sharon loved music, both singing and playing. The accordion, organ and piano, but she couldn’t read the notes. Play it for me she would say, once heard, she would play it back for you. She enjoys the dune buggy, tents to motorhomes, jeepin’ and watching the granddaughters playing softball. She loves her dog, Jake. She cooks for the family, friends, neighbors and strangers.

Sharon is survived by her daughter Lori Crawford, granddaughters Robin Crawford and Hannah Crawford, great grandsons Drew Wells and Boss Humes, sister Debra Currie, brother Joe Lindgard, nieces Monique, Melanie and nephews Timothy and Anton.

Celebration of Life - Dec. 19 at 1:00 P.M.New Wine Christian Fellowship, 680 Bee Street, Placerville, California, 95667

Joseph Martin Keating

June 8, 1937 – Dec. 2, 2022

Joseph Martin Keating, age 85, passed away peacefully in his home, on Dec. 2. Joe was a man of faith and we are grateful for his long and lucky life. Joe was born on June 8, 1937 in Canton, China. He was the fourth child of Thomas and Johanna Perme Keating.

Joe grew up in San Diego and graduated from the Colorado School of Mines in 1961. He reveled in being an engineer and continued to work and consult all of his life. The tunnel on the walking trail in Placerville is one of his early projects. He loved his office in the Old Stone House on Pacific Street in Placerville. He was a proud member the US Marine Corp Reserves for many years, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Joe and his family moved to Placerville in 1968. Joe designed and built a passive solar home on Mosquito Road in 1979. It was always his favorite place on Earth. With neighbors, he supervised construction of a small dam and pond on shared acreage. Today it continues to be a place of beauty which draws together family, friends, neighbors and wildlife.

Joe loved this small foothill town and was grateful to live here. He felt blessed by a community of friends who enriched his life. Joe’s greatest joy was his family and friends, and he loved connecting with and mentoring young people. Joe was genuinely interested in their endeavors and dedicated endless energy toward his desire to help and inspire the next generation.

Joe is predeceased by his parents and by his siblings, Jean and Bobby. He is survived by his brother Tom. He is also survived by his wife, Mary, and by his sons and daughters-in-law Brian and Elena and Stephen and Elizabeth. Also surviving him are his six grandchildren, whom he loved beyond words, Katrina, Travis, Welles, Anna, Joseph (JW) and Charlotte.

There will be a Funeral Mass for Joe at Saint Patricks Church, 3109 Sacramento Street, Placerville, on Monday, Dec. 19 at 11:00 A.M. The family welcomes everyone who would like to join them there to help celebrate Joe’s life. The parish women will provide a lunch for all to enjoy after the Mass. Joe supported the Mother Teresa Home in Placerville. If anyone would like to contribute to that endeavor here is the link.

https:motherteresamaternityhome.com/

volunteer/donations

Man wanted in ‘violent incident’ in Pilot Hill

Mountain Democrat staff

El Dorado County sheri ’s deputies are searching for a man suspected of being involved in a “violent incident” in Pilot Hill that sent two people to the hospital Monday.

Sheri ’s o cials say

The following was taken from Placerville Police Department’s Office records: Dec. 1

8:09 a.m. An employee at a store on Broadway discovered a baggie containing methamphetamine, which was turned over to officers.

3:02 p.m. A man allegedly stole items from a store on Broadway and made threats to the clerk when confronted. The suspect has been identified; the investigation is ongoing.

4:53 p.m. Officers cited a 29-yearold man suspected of trespassing and public intoxication on Fair Lane.

10:47 p.m. Officers arrested a 21-year-old man who had outstanding warrants following a traffic stop on Sacramento Street.

Dec. 2

2:13 a.m. Officers arrested a 49-year-old woman for an alleged probation violation on Pacific Street.

9:16 a.m. Officers cited a 40-yearold woman reportedly found in possession of illegal drug paraphernalia on Highway 50.

3:52 p.m. Officers arrested a 43-year-old man who had an outstanding warrant on Broadway.

Dec. 3

12:14 a.m. A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an officer after he reportedly tried to pull a knife when officers escorted him out of a bar on Main Street.

6:56 a.m. Burglary was reported on Fair Lane.

9:27 a.m. Officers arrested a 40-year-old woman who had an outstanding warrant on Turner Street.

Bruce Oscar Gordon, 33, is considered dangerous and should not be engaged.

Early Monday morning deputies were called to the 5300 block of Meadow Croft Lane, where they found two victims with “significant injuries,” according to

Dec. 4

1:38 a.m. A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication on Main Street.

9:45 a.m. Officers arrested a 29-year-old man on suspicion of trespassing on Fair Lane.

Dec. 6

6:30 a.m. Officers arrested a 32-year-old man on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance for sale on David Circle.

10:18 a.m. Officers arrested a 43-year-old man and cited a 39-year-old woman, both suspected of trespassing on Forni Road.

7:58 p.m. An assault was reported on Cold Springs Road.

10:18 p.m. Officers arrested a 38-year-old man on suspicion of public intoxication on Ray Lawyer Drive.

Dec. 7

Midnight: Officers arrested a 43-year-old man on suspicion of public intoxication on Marshall Way.

9:01 a.m. Officers arrested a 45-year-old man who had an outstanding warrant on Main Street.

6:18 p.m. Officers booked into jail a 47-year-old man who reportedly called officers and admitted he cut off his ankle monitor.

The following was taken from El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office records: Dec. 1

4:49 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 25-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia and transporting a

the Sheri ’s O ce. Gordon had fled the scene prior to o cers’ arrival.

Anyone with information regarding Gordon’s whereabouts is asked to contact Sheri ’s O ce dispatchers at (530) 621-6600.

controlled substance on Pleasant Valley Road in Placerville. He was released on $40,000 bail.

Dec. 2

3:17 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 26-year-old man suspected of DUI and possession of illegal drug paraphernalia on Highway 50 at Ridgeway Drive in Pollock Pines. He was later released.

11:33 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 34-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia on Old Depot Road in Placerville. He was later released.

1:44 p.m. Battery was reported at a school on Koki Lane in El Dorado.

2:52 p.m. Burglary was reported at a grocery store on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines.

2:53 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Calypso Circle in El Dorado Hills.

6:21 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 33-year-old man suspected of being under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of illegal drug paraphernalia on Wentworth Springs Road in Georgetown.

6:33 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Brisbane Circle in El Dorado Hills.

8:21 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Garnet Road in Pollock Pines.

8:45 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 55-year-old man suspected of distributing obscene items to a minor on Fairway Drive in Cameron Park. He was released on $100,000 bail.

9:19 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 35-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance and a probation violation on Pleasant Valley Road in Placerville. He was later released.

9:30 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 35-year-old woman suspected of possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia and a probation violation on Pleasant Valley Road in Placerville. She was later released.

Dec. 3

1:37 a.m. Deputies booked into jail

BRUCE OSCAR GORDON

a 29-year-old man suspected of DUI causing injury and carrying a concealed, loaded weapon without a permit on Coach Lane in Cameron Park. He was listed in custody in lieu of $15,000 bail as of press time.

8:50 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 39-year-old man suspected of obstructing officers on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills. He was later released on $1,500 bail.

Dec. 4

3:47 a.m. Burglary was reported on Valley View Parkway in El Dorado Hills.

8:22 a.m. A vehicle burglary was reported on Valley View Parkway in El Dorado Hills.

9:58 a.m. A vehicle burglary was reported on Concordia Drive in El Dorado Hills.

2:15 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Sand Ridge Road in Placerville.

2:26 p.m. Burglary was reported on Amber Way in Placerville.

5:09 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a pharmacy on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines.

5:30 p.m. Deputies cited a suspect after responding to a possible burglary at a school on Green Valley Road in Placerville.

7:01 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 25-year-old man suspected of attempted robbery, battery with serious bodily injury and possession of illegal drug paraphernalia on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines. He was listed in custody in lieu of $100,000 bail as of press time.

8:34 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Sudbury Road in Cameron Park.

8:38 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 39-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. He was later released.

11:36 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 42-year-old man suspected of identity theft on Merrychase Drive in Cameron Park. He was later released.

11:48 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 44-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance and carrying a concealed dagger on Pleasant Valley Road in Placerville. He was released on $40,000 bail.

such as in Pollock Pines, residents reported 8 inches to 1 foot of snow had fallen over the weekend.

More than 3,000 PG&E customers in the Pollock Pines area were without power Monday morning, but most had service restored by the afternoon, according to PG&E data.

Heavy, wet snow can cause trees and limbs to come down over power lines, causing blackouts.

On Tahoe’s South Shore 6,426 Liberty Utilities customers woke up to no electricity. At one point 22,000 customers across Tahoe were without power going into Sunday night, said Liberty Regional Communications Manager Kurt Althof.

South county residents saw a dusting of snow, Georgetown a few inches and in parts of Quintette more than a foot. Divide schools started two hours late Monday to allow a safer commute for students.

All schools in Pollock Pines and Lake Tahoe were closed for the day, as was Silver Fork School in Kyburz.

Rain and snow may not return to the region this week, according to the National Weather Service forecast.

Three mountain passes were closed Monday morning, including Mount Rose Summit (State Route 431), Carson Pass (State Route 88) and Echo Summit on Highway 50, where traffic was temporarily held in

Meyers for westbound travelers. All closures have since been lifted.

State Route 88 was closed to westbound motorists at Pickett’s Junction/State Route 89.

A wind gust at Palisades Tahoe hit 154 mph Saturday morning and Heavenly Mountain Resort staff shared a video of a chairlift swinging violently in the wind due to gusts that topped 100 mph, reminding potential visitors that a “wind hold is always for your safety.”

Palisades officials reported that in the past seven days the ski resort has received 69 inches of snow

and from Saturday to Sunday morning 35 inches, the sixth largest snowfall total in 24 hours Palisades has on record.

The Tahoe Avalanche Center has placed the Tahoe region under a “considerable” avalanche danger warning.

Closer to El Dorado County’s West Slope, Sierra-at-Tahoe management measured 45 inches of snow accumulation from the weekend storm and urged skiers and boarders to brush up on deep snow safety.

Tahoe Daily Tribune Editor Bill Rozak contributed to this report.

Dr. Little’s Dental News

Presented by Jeffery Little, D.D.S.

We know that plaque and tartar are to be avoided, but what’s the difference between the two? Knowing the differences can help you take better preventative care of your teeth. Plaque constantly builds up as a clear or yellow film on your teeth. It is a collection of bacteria inside your mouth that binds together to create more bacteria, leading to more plaque. The best way to prevent plaque buildup is daily brushing and flossing. If plaque is not removed, bacteria and minerals continue to collect and calcify into tartar (hardened plaque). The only way to remove tartar is through a professional teeth cleaning. Tartar can stain teeth, increase trapped plaque, and lead to gingivitis (gum disease).

Our many years of experience have taught us that prevention is a significant factor in maintaining good oral health, which is a strong contributor to better overall health as well. If you are new to the Placerville area and are looking for a family dentist, we would like to extend a welcome and an invitation to visit our office. We know how difficult it can be to find qualified professionals without reliable references. However, we feel that with our approach and our commitment to excellence, we have something unique to offer.

P.S. Chronic exposure to the bacteria in plaque inflames the gums and leads to gingivitis and eventually periodontitis.

Dr. Little provides quality family and cosmetic dentistry.

His office is located at 344 Placerville Dr., Suite 19, Placerville. (530) 626-9127 Visit us at: www.jefflittledds.com

Photo courtesy

A screen grab from a video a Heavenly Mountain Resort employee took this weekend showing a Dipper Express chairlift violently swinging in the wind.

El Dorado County Fire Protection District photo by Jason Snyder

Firefighters battle flames that destroyed the garage of a home on Irish Acres Road in Fair Play early Monday morning. No injuries were reported in the fire and damage was kept to the two-car detached garage, according to El Dorado County Fire Protection District Capt. Jason Snyder. The fire was reported at 2:46 a.m. No vehicles were inside at the time. Several engines filled up with water at a nearby pond to help extinguish the flames. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Tricky measure allows the release of violent felons

Six years ago then-Gov.

Jerry Brown tricked California voters into passing a ballot measure that, he said, would make it easier for non-violent felons to earn paroles and thus ease the state prison system’s severe overcrowding.

Brown and other supporters of Proposition 57 spent millions of dollars on the campaign. “All of us learn. I’ve learned in 40 years,” Brown said, “I think prisoners can learn.” The initiative, Brown argued, “orients the prison toward rehabilitation and I think that’s a good thing.”

Innocent people died as a result.

Brown’s trick was to omit a definition of “nonviolent felony” in the measure. Under pressure from the media, his campaign reluctantly acknowledged that the definition would be any crime not mentioned in an obscure section of the state Penal Code that lists 23 specific violent offenses.

summary

There are dozens of crimes not on that list that ordinary persons would consider violent, including a slew of violent sexual assaults.

Brown assured voters that violent sexual predators would remain behind bars when prison authorities issued regulations to implement Proposition 57 and it passed easily.

How did that work out? Prison officials did issue the promised regulations but two years ago, after Brown had retired, the state Supreme Court declared that rules could not modify the measure’s provisions without changing the law.

“The initiative’s language provides no indication that the voters intended to allow the (Corrections) department to create a wholesale exclusion from parole consideration based on an inmate’s sex offense convictions when the inmate was convicted of a nonviolent felony,” Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye wrote in the unanimous decision.

The case was decided just weeks after voters rejected another ballot measure, Proposition 20, that would have closed the loophole reducing prison time for violent felons.

Dozens — and perhaps hundreds — of prison

Letters to the Editor

Have we become barbaric?

EDITOR:

For centuries mankind has held that the Spartans were barbaric for leaving their healthy babies on hillsides to die. This is what happened to babies not expected to be good soldiers in the Spartans’ militaristic society.

California politicians introduced and California voters just approved Proposition 1. The language voters endorsed will add to the California Constitution: “The state shall not deny or interfere with an individual’s reproductive freedom in their most intimate decisions, which includes their fundamental right to choose to have an abortion …”

What is not said, is the approval of this proposition will allow a baby in the birth canal to be killed. Infanticide.

Have the majority of the voters in California also become barbaric? Or have they been misled by deceptive language in the bill?

Assemblyman Kevin Kiley, a Rocklin Republican, asked if the amendment would overrule a California law that generally prohibits abortions after fetal viability and instead allows them “up until the moment of birth.”

Assemblywoman Sabrina Cervantes, a Corona Democrat, answered, “This bill just ensures that all Californians enjoy reproductive freedoms, and that they have the ability to make these decisions themselves.”

Cervantes did not answer assemblyman Kiley’s question. She danced around it. She obfuscated it. This is likely how voters may have been deceived by politicians in their promotion of this bill.

Anyone seeing a baby in the birth canal aborted by having surgical instruments thrust it to its brain and stirred around would be aghast and know this is barbaric. But politicians keep the public in the dark about what really happens in late-term abortions. And they have kept the public in the dark about this bill allowing babies to be killed in the birth canal. This is what happens in a Godless society. Aborting a baby in the birth canal, or during the end of the last trimester of pregnancy, is virtually infanticide.

Barbaric facts about the Spartans (431-404 BC): “Infanticide was a disturbingly common act in the ancient world, but in Sparta this practice was organized and managed by the state. All Spartan infants were brought before a council of inspectors and examined for physical defects and those who were not up to standards were left to die. If a

Spartan baby was judged to be unfit for its future duty as a soldier, it was most likely abandoned on a nearby hillside. Left alone, the child would either die of exposure or be rescued and adopted by strangers.”

So, for more than 15 centuries, infanticide was held to be barbaric.

I believe California politicians have become barbaric. And if not deceived, perhaps a majority of California voters have also become barbaric. Babies will be killed in the birth canal. Infanticide will be practiced in California.

CURT WEIDMER, MD, MPH

Former county health officer, El Dorado County (1974-1993)

Biden corruption

EDITOR:

Well, well, the crimes of the Biden family just keep mounting. According to Twitter and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, prior to the 2020 election the FBI made sure that all the incriminating evidence on Hunter Biden’s laptop stayed secret. You know, evidence that Hunter was acting as Biden’s bagman in collecting bribes and favors from China as well as Burisma Holdings, the Ukrainian natural gas firm.

Then there is the FTX scandal where conman Sam Bankman-Fried ran a cryptocurrency Ponzi scam with Alameda Research — a scam that caused billions in losses. But Sam and friends have yet to be arrested and continue to live the good life in the Bahamas.

Maybe that’s because FTX was more than just a Ponzi scheme. It was also a money laundering operation for the Democrats. Biden and Congress sent billions to Ukraine while its president — Zelensky — skimmed millions for himself and was named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year. Meanwhile FTX helped Ukraine collect crypto donations for the country, which were then invested in FTX. Bankman-Fried in turn reinvested a big chunk of money in the Democratic Party, which kept him in good stead with government “regulators.”

Meanwhile, Biden has pledged to pay reparations to the world for “climate change” caused by the U.S. and Gov. Newsom wants Californians to pay reparations to Blacks for “slavery and systemic racism.”

It really makes you want to keep following their rules and paying their taxes, doesn’t it?

MARIAN FIELDCREST Diamond Springs

Kevin McCarthy, a Republican leader for complex times

Republicans are rightly wondering what to expect from the upcoming House of Representatives controlled by their party.

Conservatives are chomping at the bit to move a hardcore conservative agenda.

My own beliefs and convictions are known.

We need dramatic change to pull the nation out of its fiscal, cultural and moral chaos. But the phrase the “art of politics” didn’t come from nowhere. Politics is indeed an art — the art of knowing what can be done and when.

Even the great conservative icon Ronald Reagan was sometimes not bold. He nominated Sandra Day O’Connor and Anthony Kennedy to the Supreme Court. O’Connor gave us the decision that preserved the use of race and ethnicity in university admissions policy that only now may be overturned.

Anthony Kennedy wrote the opinion in Obergefell v. Hodges that legalized same-sex marriage.

Reagan appointed Alan Greenspan in 1982 to oversee a commission to address the fiscal problems of Social Security. That commission produced reforms keeping the existing system intact and raising taxes. Certainly not what any good conservative should do.

George W. Bush was reelected to his second term in 2004 and ran on reforming Social Security to allow Americans to invest some of their funds rather than paying taxes. Bush controlled the government — he had a Republican Senate and a Republican House. Yet he failed in this attempt for reform allowing personal retirement accounts.

Bill Clinton signed into law the sweeping reform of welfare in 1996, a reform that required work to qualify

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

for welfare, a conservative reform. Yet, with Republicans controlling the House and Senate welfare reform passed and the Democratic president signed it into law.

Our first Republican president, Abraham Lincoln, knew that any successful political leader, regardless of his convictions, cannot divorce from public opinion. Ultimately, politics is about relationships — in this case, the relationship of a leader with voters.

Lincoln knew the importance of heeding public opinion: “A universal feeling, whether well or ill-founded, cannot be safely disregarded,” he observed. “In this and like communities, public sentiment is everything. With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it nothing can succeed. Consequently he who moulds public sentiment, goes deeper

than he who enacts statutes or pronounces decisions.”

In this sense, Republican leadership must deal with diversity of opinion in the public at large, but also with diversity of opinion within their own party.

The recent support of 12 Republican senators for legislation to codify into law same-sex marriage raises deep questions about the conservative state of affairs of the Republican Party.

Recent polling reported in The Economist points to the Republican Party being more fractured than Democrats. “For most of the policies we surveyed, more than threequarters of Democratic supporters took the same line as the majority of Democratic lawmakers, as reflected in their voting records. It’s a different

Star ParkEr

Dan WaLtErS

Walters

Proposition 57, passed by California voters in 2016, allows felons that commit supposedly non-violent, crimes to earn early parole, but a loophole benefits those who have committed violent crimes not covered by the law.

Lincoln knew the importance of heeding public opinion: “a universal feeling, whether well or ill-founded, cannot be safely disregarded.”

EDH Fire revises developer fees

Noel Stack Managing editor

Builders in El Dorado Hills will see fees increase. Last week the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved revised EDH Fire Department development impact mitigation fees.

A report submitted to the county includes a recommendation for an annual inflationary adjustment based on the percentage change in the appropriate Construction Cost Index as published by the Engineering News-Record for the preceding 12 months, which amounts to a little more than 14%.

New fee schedule

• Single-family housing: $1.18 per square foot (previously $1.03)

• Multi-family housing: $1.93 per square foot (previously $1.69)

• Mobile home: $1.38 per square foot (previously $1.21)

• Assisted living facility: $1.94 per square foot (previously $1.70)

• Retail/commercial: $1.99 per square foot (previously $1.75)

• Office: $2.50 per square foot

(previously $2.19)

• Industrial: $1.83 per square foot (previously $1.60)

• Agriculture: 78 cents per square foot (previously 68 cents)

• Warehouse/distribution: $1.24 per square foot (previously $1.09)

The annual inflationary adjustment will take effect 60 days following the resolution’s adoption.

While supervisors acknowledged the sticker shock at such sharp fee increases — last year fees increased about 4% — they also noted that maintaining a high level of public safety/service is a top priority.

“Obviously the 14% is something that hits all of us as ‘wow, that’s big for a year,’” said District 1 Supervisor John Hidahl. “As a board we struggle with how do we make affordable housing possible in this county? And every time we increase these fees … we’re making that more and more difficult.

“But there is a cost to service and I don’t think anyone wants to see a reduction in that service level so we have to continue to review judiciously and approve these fees,

WaltersContinued from A4

inmates who met the state’s generous provisions for earning parole have been released and inevitably some have continued to commit violent crimes.

Smiley Martin, who is awaiting trial for using a fully automatic pistol in a shootout with rival gang members in downtown Sacramento last spring that left six persons dead and 12 wounded, is one beneficiary. He had been released because his domestic violence conviction did not qualify as a violent crime.

Proposition 57 also made it more di cult for prosecutors to treat juvenile o enders as adults and a 2018 law passed by the Legislature allows felons who had been juveniles when they committed their crimes to have their sentences reduced.

Two months ago Michael Xavier Bell was arrested for shooting a 60-year-old man to death in suburban

Sacramento, just 73 days after he had been released from prison due to that law. Bell had been 14 when in 1980, he was given 53 years-to-life for breaking into a woman’s home with an accomplice and raping her in front of her 8-year-old son while pointing a gun at the boy’s head.

Is enough enough?

As Attorney General Rob Bonta was campaigning for a full term this year, he said Proposition 57 went too far.

“Domestic violence, human tra cking, rape of an unconscious person — all of those should be discussed and potentially changed under whatever

the appropriate means is for Prop. 57,” Bonta told CalMatters. “I think if people are asked … ‘Is this a violent crime? Or is it not a violent crime?’

I think people will say, ‘It’s a violent crime,’ so I think those should be considered for change.”

We should hold him to that. We’ll see if Bonta sponsors legislation to close the deadly loophole that Brown foisted on the people he was sworn to protect six years ago.

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

Parker Continued from A4

story for Republicans.” The survey shows divergence in opinion among many Republicans from their party on issues such as “guaranteed family leave, national marijuana legislation, free pre-school, codifying the right to gay marriage, universal health care and government funding for free communitycollege tuition.”

At the same time, the Republican Party, in the upcoming Congress, will be the most diverse ever.

Republicans will have at least five Black members in Congress, the most since the 1870s. There will be a record number 11 Hispanic Republicans and 42 women.

These Republican inroads in diversity helps take race and gender o the agenda and allow focus on the issues of concern to all Americans.

It will take seasoned and skilled Republican leadership to move the country, in these complex times of diversity of opinion, race and ethnicity, toward our country’s ideals of traditional values, limited government, open markets and e pluribus unum.

Regarding the race for House speaker, I have known Kevin McCarthy, a fellow Californian, for many years and believe he has the leadership skills for these times.

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

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

Santa Santa

Mosquito Bridge

also anticipated it could take three years to complete, as projected before the start of the massive construction project.

“We are fortunate we have a very good contractor on board. We just might make it in two years,” Martinez said.

The county hired Shimmick Construction Company to build the $93 million bridge. Martinez told the board previously, construction of the bridge is the largest capital improvement project in county history.

The current bridge has historically connected Placerville and Swansboro/ Mosquito communities since 1867. When the new bridge is complete, which will span from ridgetop to ridgetop, the historical bridge will be open for pedestrian and cyclist use.

Martinez recommended making an addendum to the environmental impact report to add a concrete batch plant close to the construction location. The board approved the addendum in a 4-0 vote. Supervisor Wendy Thomas was absent from voting.

“The amount of concrete that is going to be needed at this location

is immense, a magnitude of scale that we have never had in El Dorado County,” Martinez said. “To be able to provide that many loads of concrete from one or two suppliers would pose a huge strain on the county’s network circulation system.”

He told supervisors impacts to roadways will still be prevelant, including road closures up to 10 weeks per year. Those closures will coincide with closures for the existing annual Mosquito Bridge maintenance that occurs during the summer months.

During those closures, residents will have to use Rock Creek Road to get to Swansboro and Mosquito.

“I highly encourage all our residents to use our websites. That is where all the data is in terms of scheduling, timelines and delays,” Martinez said.

The link to the Mosquito Bridge website for more information can be found at bit.ly/3uyry4n.

“We recognize it is going to be a lot of work but I’m looking forward to seeing this move forward and getting completed in maybe two years instead of three,” said District 1 Supervisor John Hidahl.

Continued from A1

The

ridgetop Mosquito Bridge project

the

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

Fees Continued from A5 in my opinion, but it is contrary to what our overall objectives are,” Hidahl added. “We don’t arbitrarily just approve these things but I think that we also recognize that public safety and service is one of the key parameters that this county’s known for and we have to continue that.”

District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo also noted that local fire departments aren’t immune to the inflation that has hit many residents’ pocket books, including getting hit with high insurance rates.

The El Dorado Hills Fire Department, like the county and other special districts, charges development impact fees to new development coming into its service area to offset costs.

“As new development comes into town there’s an impact on services,” explained EDH Fire Deputy Chief Mike Lilienthal told the Mountain Democrat.

The fees collected cover the costs

Bill of Rights

associated with serving additional residents/businesses/commercial without impacting current residents or level of service. An independent consultant completes a study using approved methods to determine how much fees should increase each year, making a recommendation to the EDH Fire Board, which must approve the new fees first before they come to the Board of Supervisors for final approval.

Like the cost of gas, groceries and other goods, construction costs have “gone through the roof” this past year, Lilienthal noted — hence the steep fee increase.

Development impact mitigation fees are spent in a variety of ways in accordance with guidelines set in the Mitigation Fee Act. The fees collected have mostly funded the fire department’s new training facility under construction in the EDH Business Park and also pay for new apparatus and equipment needed to serve the growing community.

Continued from A1

or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for

his defense.

Amendment VII

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You could use the help of an expert and will have no trouble finding one who will take your money, though you might solve the problem quickly and for free with an online video tutorial. Asking the right question will be key.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Focus on what will enhance your bottom line and ignore what won’t. You’re still learning to tell the difference. The faster you get at figuring this out, the more productive and effective you’ll be.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Over time, the task at hand goes from being pleasant to tolerable to tedious. You can make the “pleasant” phase last longer, though, especially by taking breaks and altering your approach to keep a fresh mindset.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Matters of image come up, and you may decide to make some changes. This might include updating your skills or finding a new way to tell your story. Image is about so much more than how a person looks.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’ve become masterful at what you do and will continue to turn out a fantastic result. Others want to know your secret, but it’s not something you can share. It comes so naturally to you that you have no idea how you do it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). There’s no perfect amount of socializing that fits every individual. The amount that works well for you will change in different seasons of life. You’re happiest when you heed signals telling you when you’ve had enough or need more.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). A clash of wills doesn’t show whose is more powerful; it only shows who is more stubborn. Today will offer the opportunity to sidestep a conflict, which may be the wisest use of your feet. Most arguments aren’t worth taking on.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Perplexing entanglements and ridiculous plot twists are part of the fun. Don’t expect to sort it out quickly, but at least you’ll be entertained. Ultimately, without the complications there would be no story.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Having friends who truly enrich your life begins with being adept at spotting people who have great potential. Notice how you feel about yourself when you’re around them. The importance of first impressions cannot be overstated.

Jeff MacNelly

TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

RUBES by Leigh Rubin

by Dave Coverly

Tis the See’son to Support Your Community

For 30 years, the Mother Lode Lions Club has successfully partnered with See’s Candies to raise much-needed funds for local community programs. In support of our fundraising efforts, we are proud to bring these iconic, American-made candies back to Placerville and surrounding areas.

This holiday season, there’s no easier way to support your friends & neighbors than by visiting the Candy Shack to stock up on See’s holiday gifts.

4701 Missouri Flat Road, Diamond Springs Open daily | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For more information on how to support the Mother Lode Lions Club, call 530-622-8130.

In the

KNOW

Stellar student

Congratulations to Alexis Brooke Miller of El Dorado Hills, who recently graduated from McNeese State University with a master’s of business administration.

Dec. 15

Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” with performances scheduled Dec. 15-18 at Harris Center for the Arts on the Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net/events.

Blü Egyptian returns for the holidaze at the Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville at 7 p.m. Whether it be bluegrass, funk, ska or rock, these boys make you dance in elation. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

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. 16

The Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad hosts Santa’s Whistlestop Adventure 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/santaswhistlestop-adventure.

Musician Ed Wilson will perform at The Vine in El Dorado Hills, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The Countermen, Zach Waters Band and Fonty perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville at 7 p.m. For tickets, tables and livestream access visit tickets.clubgreenroom. com.

Dec. 17

The Food Bank of El Dorado County will host its annual Holiday Outreach distribution, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the food bank facility in Cameron Park. This annual outreach is open to low-income households who are struggling to make ends meet. For more information visit foodbankedc.org.

Cal Fire Amador El Dorado Unit hosts its annual Christmas Open House at Station 43, 5660 Motherlode Drive in Placerville, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 17 & 18.

Attendees are asked to bring a donation of an unwrapped toy and/or monetary donations to support two local nonprofit organizations serving El Dorado County at-risk youth: New Morning Youth and Family Services and CASA El Dorado.

Sweet Pairings Bakery hosts a local artisan craft faire with free games, photos with Santa and more, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 681 Main St. in Placerville.

Gwinllan Estate will serve treats in the wine cave noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, and Sunday, Dec. 18. Sample mince pies, sausage rolls and a selection of cheese and crackers. RSVP by calling the winery at (530) 7232879 or emailing info@ gwinllanestate.com.

Enjoy complimentary gift wrapping and hot cocoa,

o holy night

Drive-thru nativity opening Friday evening in Cameron Park

Ever wish you could go back in time to Old Bethlehem and witness the first nativity for yourself? See such timeless scenes as Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, shepherds marveling over the new star and the joyful, holy scene of the Christ child with Mary and Joseph in the lowly stable?

The El Dorado Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ invites the community to enjoy a special, free evening event Dec. 16 & 17 — The Drive-Thru Live Nativity. The nativity takes place 6:30-9 p.m. Friday and 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday at 3431 Hacienda Drive in Cameron Park. Organizers ask everyone to enter from Sudbury to prevent backup on Cameron Park Drive.

As attendees drive back in time, they’ll be given a delicious homemade cookie (gluten-free and dairy-free will also be available) for the road ahead, along with an internet link to listen to pre-recorded narration and music for each treasured scene.

Painted backdrops, live animals such as donkeys, sheep and chickens, bales of hay and crackling fires help bring the scenes of Old Bethlehem to life.

“I especially liked the live animals in the different scenes that made it more authentic and the narrative that enhanced the drive,” said Jan Skubal of Cameron Park after visiting the 2021 nativity.

“Just to make sure I didn’t miss anything, I went around the block and went through a second time. It was wonderful!”

Gwen Grewe of Shingle Springs said she

72 Mile spirits showcases ‘spirit’ of Lake Tahoe

Madison Schultz Tahoe Daily Tribune

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — The 72 miles that span around Lake Tahoe are a host to quaint mountain towns and endless outdoor recreation options, all lining the icy, crystal blue waters.

Born in the Sierra Nevada mountains and encompassing the “spirit” of Lake Tahoe, 72 Mile Spirits was founded deep in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe and built on the foundation of Tahoe’s purity and clarity, distilling all their spirits with water sourced solely from Lake Tahoe.

“It was incredibly important to us from the beginning to only distill our products with Lake Tahoe water,” Eric Roe, co-founder of 72 Mile Spirits said. “It makes everything taste cleaner, smoother, and it just made sense when building the foundation of our brand.”

Founded in 2019 by Eric, his wife Brianna Roe, and close family friends Paola and Paul Pruteanu, the group was passionate from the beginning to sacrifice it all to make quality, high-end spirits — and thus, 72 Mile Spirits was born.

“Our goal from the beginning has been to be a brand that is truly authentic to Lake Tahoe, and not just for the name of our company, but who we serve and our mission,” Eric said. “This has always been a passion of mine, we’ve looked at different avenues over the years to try and bring this dream to a reality, and we’re excited it’s finally coming to fruition.”

When initially bringing the dream together, the Roe’s and Preteanu’s wanted to start the business specifically for their signature rye whiskey. Several years in, the distillery utilizes a small batch processing technique, making each blend come out impressively clean and smooth.

“I was never a big fan of rye whiskey, and now that’s arguably the best spirit we have here,” Eric said. “Rye traditionally has a bit more of an earthier flavor, and that was never my thing. The mash and

smoking process we do for our rye still provides a distinct rye flavor, but it’s not as pronounced as others on the market.”

Since opening, 72 Mile Spirits has grown their one signature whiskey into four core spirits: Desolation Rye Whiskey, Cascade Blended Bourbon, Clarity Vodka and Backcountry Gin; and two of the four core spirits are made in-house at 72 Mile Spirits’ distillery location in Reno.

“We produce our rye and our Bourbon here and source our gin and vodka from the best of the best out there,” Eric said.

“The gin and vodka are produced as a ‘neutral spirit’, then we blend it, proof it, and bottle it here in-house. While the distillation doesn’t take place here it’s still produced by us.”

For the distillery’s rye and bourbon blends, the process starts in 150-gallon batches with mashing and adding grains to the blends. The mash is then transferred

to a fermentation tank, allowing time for the small batch to properly ferment. Then, the batches are distilled by transferring the fermented mash to the pot, where heat is applied. The alcohol is vaporized before the water is collected in the columns of the still, resulting in a truly small-batched spirit.

While the Roe’s and Preteanu’s worked toward bringing 72 Mile Spirits to Lake Tahoe, they harp on the distillery being family owned and operated at its core, and collaboratively work with each other to effectively grow together.

“It’s truly a family business, which makes it fun,” Brianna said. “Whether it be your life partner or business partner, all of us working together has been a great experience. We all have children of our own, but we also consider 72 Mile Spirits

Photo by Lori Mortensen

As cars drive by, attendees will witness the birth of Jesus Christ during the Drive-Thru Live Nativity this month.

Lori Mortensen

Special to the Mountain Democrat

Photos by Rob Galloway / Tahoe Daily Tribune

Eric Roe, Brianna Roe and Paul Pruteanu, left to right, stand in their distillery location in Reno, Nev.

A whiskey barrel, above left, holds something delicious at 72 Mile Spirits. At right are the four core spirits of the company.

Grow for it!

Easy gifts for gardeners

You’re lucky if gardeners are on your holiday shopping list, for we are very easy people to please. Gifts abound for those who like to play in the dirt, readily accept failure and never tire of learning new things about gardening — it’s hard to limit garden gift ideas to a short article!

The first recommendation is to support local nurseries, most of which face challenging times. Ask the knowledgeable nursery staff to help you pick the perfect plant or gift or, better yet, buy a nursery gift certificate.

Gardeners are always ready to visit a nursery and pick the right plant for the right place in their yard.

How do avid gardeners remember what the right place is and how to care for their many plants?

Smart gardeners keep a journal and a gardening journal is another wonderful gift. Journals make future gardens beautiful by providing a record of past plant failures, successes and care tips.

One of the best ways to learn about plants is to see them in person and that’s why gardeners love trips to botanical gardens, arboretums and historical home grounds. It can be a fun learning experience with friends and family. There are simply some things a gardener can never have too many

of, such as gardening gloves. Nitrile gloves are lightweight and flexible, but sturdy enough to protect against most punctures — I run through at least a halfdozen pairs every year. Rose enthusiasts need heavy-weight gloves made of thick hide that cover most the lower arm to guard from sharp thorns.

Other helpful items are plastic “trugs” or sturdy tubs with handles for hand hauling soil, compost, supplies, tools and, oh yes, plants! Decorative garden pots of all types can always be put to use. If not immediately filled with soil and a new plant, pots add garden interest with structure and color.

Keep Master Gardeners of El Dorado County programs in mind for the gardeners in your life; they’re happy to share the gift of gardening knowledge with the public the year around. We have free informational pamphlets and great educational material for purchase, everything from a foothill vegetable planting guide to the comprehensive

California Master Gardener Handbook. These can be purchased from the office located at 311 Fair Lane in Placerville.

Master Gardeners take a holiday break from Dec. 23 to Jan. 2 and are back in full swing in 2023 with free classes and free public tours at Sherwood Demonstration Garden on the first Saturday of the month (9 a.m. Jan. 7 and Feb. 4, with more open hours in the spring).

Bring your gardening questions in person Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday at our public office, 9 a.m. to noon. Look for Master Gardeners again at next year’s El Dorado County Fair and in local farmers markets, and it’s never too early to plan for the famous annual Spring Plant Sales on April 15 & 29, 2023.

Happy holidays from

the Master Gardeners and best wishes for a beautiful garden in 2023.

Master Gardener classes are offered monthly throughout the county. Find the full class schedule at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/ Public_Education_ Classes/?calendar=yes &g=56698 and recorded classes on many gardening topics at mgeldorado.ucanr. edu/Public_Education/ Classes.

Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are working hard to answer your questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on mgeldorado. ucanr.edu or leave a message on the office telephone at (530) 6215512. To sign up for notices and newsletters visit ucanr.edu/master gardener e-news. Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

SACRAMENTO — In

addition to its fascinating Gold Rush past, the Sacramento area is rich with an amazing array of state-ofthe-art museums and historical sites that offer visitors the chance to explore California’s fine art, history, science and wildlife treasures all year long.

prospecting traveling out of town?

In December, many Sacramento Area Museums are offering special activations and new exhibits, a sampling of which includes:

• Aerospace Museum of California presents a variety of holiday-related activations for families, including:

Now through Dec. 16 — In partnership with Ticket To Dream Foundation, the museum is supporting a toy drive to benefit local foster kids. The community is encouraged to donate or drop off new, unwrapped gifts in the lobby.

Kate Halvorson

UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County

Pixabay image

New tools, seeds, gloves and more are sure to please the gardeners on your gift list this holiday season.

Courtesy photo

The Sacramento Women’s Chorus is scheduled to perform in the Capitol Rotunda at 11 a.m. Dec. 20.

Traci Rockefeller Cusack News release

17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — The museum offers a STEM workshop with edible gingerbread rovers. Attendees will learn about the Mars Rover Curiosity and then have the chance to make their own version using gingerbread

(that they can eat it after).

Dec. 31, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — The museum presents New Year’s Eve at Noon: A Frozen Celebration. In addition, the museum will

Courtesy photo

A holiday glow will emanate from the grounds of Sacramento’s Fairytale Town during the Winter Wonderland event.

A quick dip

Alocal fox became a celebrity when a photo of the critter taking a swim near Placerville became a winning image in the 2022 California Wildlife Photo Contest.

“Sierra Pacific logging land, in the middle of nowhere, this young fox decided to take a quick dip in a small lake,” photographer Michele Dodge shared. “I grabbed a couple of shots before he shook and ran off.”

The 11th annual photo contest coordinated by California Watchable Wildlife in partnership with the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, Out of this World Optics, Chirp Nature Centers

Spirits Continued from B1

our shared baby, too.”

Although the distillery’s physical location is in Reno, both the Roe’s and Preteanu’s live in Incline Village, and are eager about bringing 72 Mile Spirits’ physical location up the mountain so the distillery will be a 100% Lake Tahoe operation.

72 Mile Spirits can be found dominantly in Northern Nevada in bars, restaurants and grocery stores.

The California Watchable Wildlife Project celebrates the state’s wildlife and diverse habitats by acknowledging and elevating the value of wildlife viewing to benefit individuals, families, communities and industries while fostering awareness and support for conservation and protection of wildlife and habitats.

To see more winning images and learn more about the nonprofit visit the website at cawatchablewildlife. org or the Facebook page at facebook. com/CaWatchableWildlife.

According to the distillery’s website, their spirits are currently in 25 locations, but the business partners are eager to continue to expand.

“Our goal is to be all around Lake Tahoe and be a premier spirit in the Tahoe Basin,” Eric said. “We’re eager to continue to grow and excited to see what’s in store for us moving forward.”

For more information on 72 Mile Spirits visit 72mile.com.

Mountain Democrat staff

and Jay House Vacation Rental, has concluded and contest officials will share the 2022 California Wildlife Photo of the Year in early 2023.

Golf legend Sorenstam launches cocktail line born in Incline

Tahoe Daily Tribune

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — Golf legend and part-time Lake Tahoe resident Annika Sorenstam has launched a new line of cocktails with the business idea being sparked in Incline Village.

Her line of vodka-based sparkling classic cocktails, called Fizzy Beez, a play on Sorenstam’s active busy bee lifestyle as well as a nod to the beverages’ use of ethically farmed organic honey in place of added sugars, are available at all 11 Raley’s in northern Nevada.

To celebrate, Sorenstam, an eight-time LPGA Player of the Year and part-time Incline resident for more than 25 years, will attend in-store tastings and sign autographs at two Raley’s locations — 3-5 p.m. Dec. 21, at the Galena store in Reno, and 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, at the Incline Village store, located at 930 Tahoe Blvd.

“The idea for Fizzy Beez was actually born in Incline Village,” said Sorenstam. “During the COVID lockdown my husband, Mike, and I began to experiment with different types of cocktails, as we were dissatisfied with the taste and artificial ingredients found in the standard, ready-to-drink options on the market. We couldn’t find anything we liked, so we decided to create our own that taste like homemade cocktails, but with only one-third of the calories of a drink from the bar.”

In addition to using ethically farmed honey, all

Fizzy Beez flavors — Cosmo, Margarita, Mojito and Moscow Mule — are made with real fruit juice and use all natural, gluten-free and kosher ingredients. This approach yields a 5% ABV grain neutral, spirit-based beverage that is light, refreshing and only 140 calories per 12-ounce can.

Sorenstam owns Fizzy Beez with her friend, business partner and fellow Incline Village resident Kathy Johanson, who brings 35 years of corporate experience to the company. Nevada joins Ohio and Tennessee as states where Fizzy Beez is currently distributed.

“The early buzz on Fizzy Beez has been really promising,” Sorenstam said. “Kathy and I are passionate about the product and, with the help of Raley’s, look forward to introducing it to our fellow residents.”

According to an article by VinePair Inc., the sales of ready-to-drink cocktails increased by 91.8% in the United States during the first months of the pandemic. The vertical’s market size is projected to grow annually at more than 12%, from a value of $714.8 million in 2020 to an estimated $1.63 billion in 2027.

Sorenstam, always one of the favorites, has competed in the last two American Century Championship celebrity golf tournaments at Edgewood Tahoe and three overall.

For more information about her cocktail line visit fizzybeez.com.

Know

Continued from B1 noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 17 & 24 at 516 Main St., Placerville. Bring all your unwrapped packages and admire the fine art photography of Fab while Stephanie Shrum of Intero Real Estate makes your gift sparkle.

Join in the holiday cheer from 4-8 p.m. for the Third Saturday Art Walk in downtown Placerville. Free hot chocolate and doughnuts will be served and the Gold Rush Chorus will be strolling Main Street, 5-6 p.m. Many merchants from Cedar

Ravine to Sacramento Street will stay open late that night to help visitors get last-minute shopping done, many of them offering 15% off and other specials.

Camino Classical Ballet presets “The Nutcracker” at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at Camino Elementary School, 3060 Snows Road. Purchase tickets online at caminoballet.weebly.com.

Dec. 18

The Sacramento Guitar Society presents a winter concert and young artist showcase, 3:15 p.m. at The CLARA, 420 N St. Suite 110, Sacramento. For more information visit sacguitarsociety.org. Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus conclude its 17th season with a production of Handel’s “Messiah,” along with seasonal carols that the audience will be most welcome to join in singing, 3 p.m. at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, 1041 Lyons Ave. in South Lake Tahoe. For tickets and more information visit tickets.tahoesymphony.com.

Dec. 19

Kerry Irish Productions presents An Irish Christmas at 7 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts on the Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net/events.

Dec. 20

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.

Now

Elf on the Boulevard Scavenger Hunt runs through Dec. 24. Pick up a passport at any participating El Dorado Hills Town n See Know, page B5

Nativity

Continued from B1

appreciated the chance to reconnect with family. “Our daughter’s family drove behind us through the nativity,” she shared. “We had not seen them for a month due to COVID. We shared the beauty of the nativity and talked to them through the phone and finally got to share some of the beauty of Christmas together.”

Bethany Lee Harris from El Dorado Hills added, “I was very skeptical until we arrived and I instantly loved it. It was wonderful to see how everyone worked together to pull it off.”

Mark your calendar, gather your loved ones, jump in the car and get ready to travel back in time. The Drive-Thru Live Nativity is a great opportunity to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas — the birth of Jesus Christ.

offer fun winter-themed activities throughout the air park. For more information visit aerospaceca. org.

California State Capitol Museum is excited to announce the fun, free and festive Capitol Holiday Music Program is back on weekdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Dec. 22 in the State Capitol Rotunda (1315 10th St.). For a complete schedule of entertaining live musical performances visit capitolmuseum.ca.gov.

California State Railroad Museum offers a weekly All Aboard for Story Time! program every Monday at 11 a.m. year-round that is designed for toddlers and preschoolers. After each reading, a related hands-on activity for the children is available. Upcoming Story Time books and activities include:

Dec. 19 — “The Polar Express” with letter writing to Santa (Plus: Santa’s sleigh bells will given to children in attendance).

Dec. 26 – “The Pancake Express” then learn about parts of a steam locomotive. For more information visit californiarailroad.museum.

Fairytale Town presents a Winter Wonderland, 1-7 p.m. Dec. 16 & 17. Attendees can celebrate the holiday season with holiday lights, festive décor and vendors, Santa Claus, arts & crafts and more. For more information and/or tickets visit fairytaletown. org/calendar/winter-wonderland/2022.

Sacramento History Museum and Sacramento Living History a present a Holiday Cheer event, 3-6 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Hastings Annex located at 1002 2nd St. Guests will learn about holiday pastimes of early Sacramentans with activities that showcase Victorian-era American traditions with warm beverages, historical games and crafts, music, caroling and demonstrations. For more information visit sachistorymuseum.org.

For more information about Sacramento area museums, “like” them on Facebook at Facebook. com/SacMuseums, follow them on Instagram and Twitter @SacMuseums or visit the user-friendly website at SacMuseums.org.

Courtesy photo

Annika Sorenstam waves to the crowd at the 2022 ACC.

COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT

many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: February 8, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. in Dept. 9 at 3321

Cameron Park Drive, Cameron Park, CA 95682

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent,

you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner: JANA ELLERMAN Ellerman Strand 3108 Ponte Morino Drive, Suite 240 Cameron Park, CA 95682 (530) 677-1693 11/30, 12/7, 12/14 11144

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) 358-3700. Visit the drive-thru nativity at Freedom

Church, 4414 Commodity Way in Cameron Park, 5-9 p.m. through Dec. 26 (closed Christmas Eve). There are nine lighted scenes that tell the story of Jesus’ birth. Event is free. 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 Stormy Weather exhibit at Gallery at 48 Natoma in Folsom runs through Jan. 12, 2023, in the main gallery with the Folsom Focus Photography Contest in the community gallery through Jan. 10, 2023. For more information call (916) 461-6601.