The Mountain Democrat, Friday, December 23, 2022

Snow day

Sheriff leaving on a high note

Stack Managing editor

“John D’Agostini saved my son’s life.”

Tearful mother Kelley Nalewaja joined many others in thanking El Dorado County’s retiring sheriff by sharing a very personal story at the county Board of Supervisors Dec. 13 meeting.

“My son was 19. He was in the midst of addiction,” she recalled of the incident 10 years ago in which her son was arrested and she frantically called the sheriff for advice.

“John told me to take a breath and to let them do their job and that he’s got me and that he’s got my kid,” she recalled.

“As an El Dorado Hills mother of what some might describe as a white, privileged child, I was scared sh**less … but John said, ‘I’ve got you. I’ve got your son. Don’t bail him out. It’s going to be OK.’

“I had to sit there and see my baby with his little blue eyes scared to death in his little orange jumpsuit behind the glass … and tell him, ‘I’m sorry. You’re going to have to face your consequence; I can’t bail you out,’” she continued. “And that turned my son’s life around.”

D’Agostini’s compassion, his willingness

to pick up the phone no matter the hour,

“He’s got an uncanny ability to make the people he’s speaking with feel like the only people in the room and that authenticity is something that’s unparalleled,” said newly elected county Assessor John DeVille, who began working in El Dorado County in the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office fiscal division. “Whether he’s talking to somebody in dispatch, somebody in fiscal, a deputy — when he’s speaking with you, he connects.”

Camino resident Sue Taylor commended D’Agostini for being invested in the community — solving

Noel

his authenticity and respect for the law were lauded by many speaking at the board meeting and calling in during public comment.

Photos by Laurie Edwards

On Dec. 17 and 18 the Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit held its annual Christmas open house at El Dorado Station 43. This year participants arrived to find snow spread out over the fire station grounds, where Fire Capt. Justin Rhames, pictured at right, had a little fun with some of the youngsters throwing snowballs. Funds and toys collected at the event will be donated to two local nonprofit organizations serving at-risk youth — New Morning Youth & Family Services and CASA El Dorado.

The Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit Station 43 crew, above left, made extra effort in preparing for this year’s open house event.

Two-year-old Geneva Edland, above right, of Placerville shows off her very own Cal Fire helmet and badge as she sits in the driver’s seat of a fire truck.

Hunter Bradstreet, 7, of El Dorado, left photo, enjoys a sled ride as Cal Fire Battalion Chief Joshua Vickers throws a shovel of snow in a friendly snow fight.

SHERiFF JOHN D’AGOSTiNi

William “Bill” John Murphy Jr.

Aug. 21, 1941 – Nov. 18, 2022

William “Bill” John Murphy Jr. was born on August 1, 1941, in Bu alo, New York to Eleanor and William J. Murphy Sr. He was the 2nd of 3 boys, with an older brother Patrick “Pat” and a younger brother Dennis. He loved his parents and brothers very much and made e ort to spend time with them throughout his life. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patricia “Pat” and his 5 children, William “John” Murphy III, Theresa Murphy Graham, Michele Gorski, Stephen Murphy and Dennis Murphy and 10 grandchildren (Mitchell Brown, Clayton Murphy, Hanna Murphy, Will Gorski, Lillian Graham, Claire Murphy, Gavin Gorski, Jack Murphy, Ava Murphy and Padraig Murphy).

Bill graduated from Bishop Fallon High School in Bu alo, NY in 1959. He then attended and graduated from Niagara University in 1963, with a Bachelor of Business Administration. In 1972 he earned an M.B.A from Xavier University. Upon graduating from college, he was called to serve in the United States Army. Stationed in Germany, he served in the Armored Cavalry and operated an M50 Tank. He often patrolled the Volga River Gap, in case the Russians crossed the border. By the age of 25 Bill was already a Captain, commanding 3 tanks and their crews.

His first child, John, was born in Bu alo in 1963 and then daughter, Theresa, was born in Germany, in 1964, while Bill served. Pat lived on the Army base in Bad Hersfeld and looked after 2 young children while coping with being a military wife. Bill was transferred stateside in 1965 to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. In 1966 with 3 kids (and 2 more to come) he was perusing the local newspaper and noticed a help wanted ad for a cost accountant. The ad had been posted by Procter and Gamble. He saw an opportunity for advancement and the chance to be home more with his family. He was o ered the job, took it and never looked back.

Bill had an impressive career with P&G spanning 30 years, which included multiple promotions and locations including Cincinnati, Sacramento and Southern California. In the 1980s he was the Chief Financial Executive for P&G’s Sacramento plant, which boasted more than 1,000 employees. The plant produced everything from Tide Detergent to Duncan Hines Cake Mix to Downy Fabric softener and Comet Cleanser.

All 5 children were raised in Cameron Park, on Oak Leaf Drive. Bill spent his precious weekends crafting stone walls and wood structures from the abundant resources from their property, which included the 5 acres behind the house. He was a master at building things from scratch, such as a sailboat, which the kids wheeled across the street to Cameron Park Lake on Bill’s homemade rickshaw. He was a unique and clever artist. After a very productive career, Bill and Pat retired young on 5 acres in rural Rescue, California. They were both 55 and he was determined to enjoy life with Pat and do so on their own terms. Mission accomplished. He planted a vineyard (Cabernet Sauvignon), and he produced his own label “Murph’s Rescue Cab”. He was always good for a glass or two of the family label and a few jokes. His “Executive Wine Cellar” currently contains over 1000 bottles of his hard work.

Bill loved being a dad and was always kind and supportive to his kids and grandkids. His garage shop walls were filled with random drawings, trophies, photographs, fake ID’s and random artifacts he found amusing from his children and grandchildren’s youth.

Bill died on Saturday November 19, at his home in Rescue, surrounded by family. He will be extremely missed by many. Bill’s Celebration of Life will be held on 1/14/23 at Cameron Park Country Club from 12-3pm.

Carole A. Martin

Jan. 24, 1940 – Dec. 4, 2022

Carole was born in French Camp, Calif. She passed away in Auburn, Calif. She was 82 yrs. old. She moved to Placerville in 1962 with her husband Jerry, daughter Cyndi and her son Robert. In 1963, they moved into their brand new home where they had a beautiful view of the snow covered mountains.

Carole enjoyed playing baseball on the women’s league during the summertime. She loved bowling and had a 200 average. In later years, she drove a school bus for Buckeye Union School District. Carole was a great cook. At Christmas time she would bake for days to make cookies and candies and fill many plates of goodies for family, friends and neighbors.

Carole was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jerry, her brother Donald and wife Ann, her brother Henry and wife Goldie, her nephew Ron, her niece Sandy and granddaughter Sarah.

She is survived by her daughter Cyndi and husband Joel Espinoza, her son Robert Martin and wife Susan, her niece’s Kathy Fuqua, Patricia Bishop, Judy Fuqua, nephew Michael Fuqua and many Grand & Great Nieces & Nephews. No services will be held at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for Carole and Jerry.

Barbara Alice Jespersen Dec. 2, 1925 – Dec. 6, 2022

Barbara Alice (Kelsey) Jespersen was born and raised in Canoga Park, Calif. After her completion of high school, she married the one man that she had ever dated or cared for, Leslie B. Jespersen. In 1954, they moved to Placerville where she resided for the remainder of her life. She was a homemaker, raising five children. She enjoyed gardening, canning, baking, knitting, crocheting and embroidering. She and Leslie were married for 55 years prior to his death 1997.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Leslie, and sons John and Thomas. She is survived by three children, Charles Jespersen (Genell) of Saluda, NC, Jennifer Reed (Mike) of Placerville, and Laurel Young (Robert) of Saluda, NC, 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Peggy Blackbern Meyers

Jan. 8, 1945 – Nov. 24, 2022

Peggy Blackbern Meyers (Peg-o) went home to be with her Lord Nov. 24 after battling stomach cancer for 5 years. She was born in Placerville Jan. 8, 1945 to George and Mary Jane Blackbern.

Peggy graduated from El Dorado High School in 1962. While attending her 25th high school reunion, she met her husband, Frank. they were married three and half months later on Dec. 5, 1987. Peggy and Frank had 35 wonderful years together. Peggy is survived by her husband, Frank, her two brothers, daughter, step-son, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Peggy loved life and all the family and friends who were a part of it. If you were a friend of Peggy’s, you were a friend for life. She always had a positive, cheerful attitude. Even during her years of cancer, she would end up encouraging those who had come to encourage her. She worked locally as o ce manager for Dr. Little who was a friend and a joy to work for. Peggy loved the outdoors. She enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, and shooting sports. She loved working in her yard, and she was an excellent cook. She loved all cats-but especially her kitties, Tony and Gibbs, who will miss her. For many years Peggy participated in The Golden Goose Craft Fair, an event which she and her friends set up. She enjoyed creating beautiful stained-glass pieces and ornaments.

Peggy enjoyed many hobbies and crafts, but she is probably best known for her pickles. The number of El Dorado County Fair and California and Nevada State Fair ribbons decorating her refrigerator supports what her friends and family already knew: Pego’s Pickles were the best! Everything from sweets to hot dills, all were award winning. If anyone wanted her recipes, she was more than willing to share. In fact, she would invite them over and spend the day teaching the process from start to delicious finish.

Peggy’s loving heart, ready smile, and giving spirit were a blessing to all who knew and loved her. She will be missed. Instead of a funeral/memorial service, Peggy asked her family and friends to have a celebration of life to remember the special times they shared. It is being planned for spring of 2023.

Ban in place on flavored tobacco

News release

The El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency’s Tobacco Use Prevention Program team is reminding local retailers about a California law that went into e ect Dec. 21, prohibiting the sale of most flavored tobacco products.

“(Senate Bill) 793 requires retailers across the state of California to stop selling flavored tobacco products and flavored enhancers covered by the law and to remove those products from store shelves by the Dec. 21st date,” said Kristin Becker, program manager with El Dorado County Public Health. “Our goal is to ensure that local stores and our community are aware of this new law.”

According to Becker, the new law will save lives and money on tobacco-related health care costs.

“One of the most important aspects of this law is how it can potentially help our youth,” said Becker.

“Currently, four out of five kids who have used tobacco started with a flavored product. More than 2 million middle and high school youth now use e-cigarettes across the United States; 70% of youth e-cigarette users say they use the product because it comes in flavors they like. This new law will hopefully go a long way toward preventing tobacco use among our youth and protect them from getting hooked into a lifetime of addiction.”

On Nov. 8 California voters upheld SB 793 (originally passed by state legislators in 2020) by approving state ballot measure Proposition 31. Statewide, 63.4% of California residents and 56.9% of El Dorado County residents approved Prop. 31, which a rmed the ban on the sale of flavored tobacco products across California.

Under SB 793, all current stock of flavored tobacco products and flavored enhancers covered by the law must be removed by retailers from their store shelves by Dec. 21. Products include:

• Flavored e-cigarettes or vapes that deliver nicotine or another vaporized liquid, e-juice, pods, or cartridges

• Menthol cigarettes

• Flavored little cigars and cigarillos

• Flavored loose-leaf roll-your-own tobacco

• Flavored smokeless tobacco products

• Flavored rolling papers

• Flavored blunt wraps

• Flavored tobacco product flavor enhancers

According to Becker, SB 793 specifies that retailers are responsible for compliance with the law. Retailers who sell, o er for sale or possess flavored tobacco products and tobacco product flavor enhancers covered by the law with the intention of selling can face fines up to $250 for each violation.

“Our El Dorado County Tobacco Use Prevention Program is currently updating the county’s website to provide retailer and community education and resources on SB 793,” said Becker. “A link to this information is available on the county Public Health Division web page edcgov.us/Government/ PublicHealth. We will also increase our e orts in promoting and supporting cessation services for the community, such as Kick It California (kickitca.org).”

El Dorado County retailers and community members with questions regarding the new law may contact the Tobacco Use Prevention Program Team at (530) 621-6142. Information regarding the law can also be found on the California Department of Public Health’s website at tinyurl.com/4pcf9ufh.

The state Department of Public Health notes the law does not apply to flavored premium cigars with a wholesale price of $12 or more and flavored looseleaf pipe tobacco. Flavored hookah tobacco may only be sold in licensed stores that only allow people 21 or older on the premises at any time.

Play it forward

Santa Claus delivers music to students

Odin Rasco Staff writer

Robert Marsden was in his fourth-grade classroom in 1962 when the school janitor, Mr. Nick, came in dressed as Santa and played accordion for the class. Marsden recalled that he was mesmerized and knew immediately he wanted to learn how to play the accordion.

“I wasn’t the best student back then, behavior-wise,” Marsden said.

“My parents told me that if I got my grades up, they’d get me lessons. Sure enough, when that next report card came in, it was all (satisfactory) and I’ve been playing ever since.”

Sixty years later, it’s a chilly Tuesday afternoon Dec. 20 and Marsden is putting on a Santa outfit of his own, strapping on an accordion and getting ready to play music for students with disabilities at El Dorado High School.

Marsden began working as a substitute bus driver for the El

crime log

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

Dec. 13

8:18 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 66-year-old woman suspected of disorderly conduct on Coach Lane in Placerville. She was later released.

Dec. 14

3:31 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 28-year-old man suspected of burglary on Main Street in Georgetown. He was released on $10,000 bail.

7:04 a.m. Burglary was reported at a business on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines.

3:36 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Golden Foothill Parkway in El Dorado Hills.

3:55 p.m. Petty theft was reported on Blue Sky Drive in Pilot Hill.

8:27 a.m. Burglary was reported on Tilden Drive in El Dorado Hills.

8:42 p.m. Battery was reported at a convenience store on Town

Dorado County Office of Education in 2015 and has been making yearly appearances as the accordion-playing Santa since. Marsden said he stays inspired to make these visits because of how impactful small acts of kindness have been in his own life.

“It’s all just that one small act of kindness that makes the difference,” he explained. “When I saw that janitor come in on his time off just to play the accordion, it changed my life — just that one small thing. I see that same kind of thing driving these students every day.”

In previous years Marsden has performed alone but now fellow EDCOE drivers Tim Kendall and Timothy Barron join in to help bring the kids some holiday spirit.

“It’s important to have a lot of light spirit, with how heavy and nasty the past few years have been, with sickness and everything,” Kendall said. “With how serious life has been, it’s just nice to share some levity and joy.”

Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

Dec. 15

2:54 a.m. A possible prowler was reported on Greenstone Road in Placerville.

8:05 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Deer Valley Road in Rescue.

12:02 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Calypso Circle in El Dorado Hills.

12:29 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 26-year-old man suspected of trespassing and possession of illegal drug paraphernalia on South Shingle Road in Shingle Springs. He was later released.

4:50 p.m. Burglary was reported on Hearst Drive in El Dorado Hills.

9:10 p.m. Burglary was reported on Cranberry Lane in El Dorado Hills.

9:16 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 33-year-old woman suspected of DUI and felony child abuse on Palace Lane in Placerville. She

was released on $200,000 bail.

Dec. 16

12:02 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 31-year-old man suspected of DUI and driving on a suspended license on Big Cut Road in Placerville. He was later released on $35,000 bail.

1:15 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 26-year-old man suspected of DUI on Highway 50 east of Shingle Springs. He was later released on $5,000 bail.

2:07 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 20-year-old man suspected of being under the influence of a controlled substance on El Dorado Hills Boulevard in El Dorado Hills. He was later released.

8 a.m. The U.S. Marshals Service booked into jail a 25-year-old man suspected of contacting a minor with the intention of soliciting sex on Pinehill Road in Rescue. He was later released.

9:11 a.m. Burglary was reported on Holly Drive in Shingle Springs.

5 TIPS FOR A HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON

Make COVID-19 an uninvited guest. It's okay to set rules! Whether that's having everyone be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines or getting tested, everyone wants to celebrate safely.

Stay healthy to ensure you can fully enjoy all the celebrations. Getting your vaccine and updated booster will help protect you and your loved ones so you can make the most of the festivities together. The holidays are a busy time of year and staying healthy ensures you can fully enjoy all the celebrations with family and friends.

Enjoy your festivities in the fresh air. Consider hosting your guests outdoors, if weather permits. If gathering indoors, open a few windows to keep fresh air circulating.

Test before gathering.

At-home COVID-19 tests provide a sense of security before you gather. Testing positive for COVID-19 means staying home until symptoms have passed.

Consider wearing a mask based on local transmission rates.

COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations can change quickly. It’s a good idea to know what’s going on in your community and to recognize your own tolerance levels and those of your guests. If you’re hosting a large indoor event, consider placing a basket of masks at the door for your guests if they choose to wear one. Attending a large-scale event? Remember to bring a well-fitting mask to use when you arrive if it makes you feel more comfortable.

Keep everyone jolly and better protected from COVID-19 infection with a few simple steps:

You can learn more about staying safe over the holidays by visiting covid19.ca.gov/holidays/

Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco

Tim Kendall, Timothy Barron and Robert Marsden, from left, get ready to play Christmas music for students at El Dorado High School Dec. 20.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus

By

We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of the Sun:

Dear Editor:

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, If you see it in the Sun, it’s so. Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O’Hanlon

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! He lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Letters to the Editor

Our nonpartisan City Council election

EDITOR:

federal prison on charges of providing weapons to terrorists conspiring to kill Americans.

W

hat is the meaning of “nonpartisan”? Webster’s definition reads: Not controlled or influenced by, or supporting any single political party.

Our election ballots support this concept and state that some elected positions are nonpartisan, including City Council positions.

There is no political party designation with City Council candidate names, because they are not supposed to be supported or influenced by any political party. Those positions are specifically identified as “nonpartisan.”

The flyers mailed to many of us from the county Republican Party Central Committee supporting specific City Council candidates, and against only one candidate, if not illegal, were certainly unethical.

If I had been any of those candidates, I would have immediately withdrawn from the 2022 City Council election. For those who did not, we can all wonder who they really report to and care about, probably not Placerville’s citizens.

Most egregious of all was Congressman McClintock sending a mailer against the only sitting City Council member running for re-election. Why? Because the city did not support McClintock’s effort to re-name the Placerville Post Office. This is an extreme example of partisan pettiness and misuse of political power.

I am outraged and disappointed that my 2022 hometown City Council election became a victim of political maneuvering.

SUSAN RODMAN Placerville

Prisoner swap

EDITOR:

I’m writing this letter as I’m very upset with our president, Joe Biden. Why, you ask?

Dec. 8 President Joe Biden had basketball star Brittney Griner released in a prisoner swap for arms dealer Victor Bout. How dumb was that? Victor Bout was serving a 25-year sentence in an Illinois

Joe Biden’s No. 1 priority was to bring Brittney Griner home. It’s too bad he did not work as hard on bringing the gas down at the pumps. Brittney had been going to Russia since 2014 to play basketball in the off season. Brittney knew the law in Russia. When they found cannabis oils in her luggage she said she did not know it was there as she was packing in a hurry, but interesting she had made sure the prescription paper from the doctor was in her luggage. Someone does not pack one without the other. Who is she kidding?

CONNIE ROSEN Pollock Pines

War on cartels

EDITOR:

Today’s cartels are larger and more sophisticated than the Mafia during alcohol prohibition. They have become global, multibillion-dollar industries that circumvent our standard rules of law and, like cancer that metastasizes, take over bodies of governments with lesser defense mechanisms, will or ability than what America has available today.

Our civilization has ignored the fact that we are being invaded. They have directly caused the death and destruction of millions of American lives, and we must take a stand now before it’s too late. We must identify these cartels as terrorist organizations before it’s too late. Our government must take a different approach regarding these cartels. They are terrorists housed and protected by other country’s governments. Because those governments, like Mexico or the triangle, lack the will or ability to rid themselves of these cartels, the military must be used to rid the world of these vermin wherever they might be hiding.

The facts are these are foreign invaders who are murdering Americans. They are terrorists who have invaded our country. This situation is no different than 9/11. Countries that harbor these murderers are incompetent and this war on cartels is something I would support.

KEN STEERS Cameron Park

all these years, I still wonder as I wander

Some holiday traditions, practices and perspectives are just made for having a little fun at this “seasontide.”

For example:

“Oh Holy Moley, the (somethings or other) are brightly (shining) …” It kind of depends on what the things are to know if they’re really (shining) or doing something else brightly. I wonder.

Does anyone still send fruitcake to their loved ones or maybe to those they only barely tolerate? Did anyone actually ever eat a fruitcake ... and live to tell about it?

Do the folks in Australia and New Zealand and Bali and Patagonia and South Africa sing “White Christmas” and “Frosty the Snowman?” Or do they prefer “Scorchy the Sunman,” maybe “Dry and Brown Christmas?” How about “A ko-ala in a palm tree?”

“Every time somebody sings or a sleigh bell rings, an angel gets his/her/ its/their wings.” Who believes that? I wonder, but not a lot, honestly. I think of Christmas and the holidays

as a time to reflect on life in general as well as to revisit a few fond memories that aren’t necessarily Christmas-y per se but which never fail to arrive with a big smile. The following is one of those for me.

My father (the priest) and my brother (the conservative) loved liver and onions. I’ve always wondered how that’s even possible. My mom (the cook) hated liver and onions, but she made it for them as a dutiful housewife in the mid-1950s would. Since she didn’t eat it, I didn’t have to either. Thank Gabriel and all the Heavenly Host!

However, it’s germane to note that I spent almost all of 1967 as a civilian graduate student in the Defense Language Institute’s 47-week Russian Interrogator course at the Presidio of Monterey. As a civilian, I had member access to both the Officers and the Non-commissioned Officers clubs — and I frequented both.

One day, near Christmas and the imminent conclusion of the Russian program, I was lured by the thought of deep fried, breaded pork chops on offer

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for lunch in the Non-commissioned Officers Club. They were delicious. Talking with my friend Sgt. Garrett during the afternoon break I remarked that I’d never had such good pork chops.

“Nyet,” he said. “That’s how they get us to eat old liver.” “Oh,” I gulped, (not in a good way). And that’s pretty much what I remember of Christmas 1967. Some people say there’s nothing like Christmas to help tweak a memory of good times. I’m one of them in case you were wondering.

My dear departed father-in-law George always wore his suspenders over a festive Xmas t-shirt. It pictured Santa standing next to a privy yelling up at his reindeer, “I said the Schmidt house.” And you can take it from there.

Haven’t you ever wondered how good “Good King Wenceslas” really was? If not for the song, would anyone even know about King Wenceslas. A tour guide we had in Prague a few years ago had plenty of good to say about him, so I’ll stick with the song’s

version.

“All of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him (Rudolph) names …” Today, all those other reindeer would be facing a Christmas blizzard of lawsuits for bullying and breaking a magic sleigh full of federal, state and local laws, statutes and prohibitions. Of course, those were other times with other rules, and good riddance.

I still wonder that “they” can’t seem to pin down the Winter Solstice. They just said it could be Dec. 20 or 21 or maybe sometimes Dec. 22. These are some of the same people who can plop a big rover machine onto the head of a pin on Mars for crying out loud. What does that even mean? Fercrynouloud?

Is it four “calling birds” or “collie birds” or “colly birds” or something else? I’ve finally taken that off my “wonder list,” because I just searched Google and it’s not what you think. Ho ho.

You may have heard this before. It’s

Francis P. Church, first published in the New York Sun in 1897.

CHriS DaLEy

My father (the priest) and my brother (the conservative) loved liver and onions. i’ve always wondered how that’s even possible.

Placerville man admits to dogfighting crimes

Mountain Democrat staff

A Placerville man accused of possessing nearly 30 dogs used for dog fighting pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court, according to U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert.

According to court documents, Carlos Villasenor, 40, operated a dog breeding business in which he bred dogs from a number of well-known and desirable dogfighting bloodlines. Villasenor transported dogs between California and Mexico for the purpose of dog fighting, trained dogs for dogfighting on his property in Placerville and sold dogs to buyers primarily outside California.

The investigation stemmed from a September 2020 report of the sound of dogfighting with humans egging the dogs on heard from Villasenor’s Placerville property. In June 2021 law enforcement agents executed a federal search warrant at Villasenor’s property and seized 27 pit bull-type dogs, one of whom had injuries to its face consistent with an attack from another dog.

Agents also seized one chihuahua mix they say was used as a “bait dog.”

Approximately half the dogs were tethered by heavy chains and spaced so they could see one another but not reach one another, in order to frustrate the dogs and foster aggression, according to court documents. Many of the dogs had untreated medical conditions.

Law enforcement agents also said they found numerous implements of the dog fighting trade on the property, including a breeding stand, treadmills and veterinary supplies such as skin staplers, antibiotics, syringes and IV bags.

Talbert noted that in Villasenor’s plea agreement he surrendered his interest in the dogs and property seized by law enforcement.

This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with assistance from El Dorado County Animal Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey Hemesath is prosecuting the case.

Villasenor is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge William B. Shubb March 20, 2023. Villasenor faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Yes, Virginia

Francis P. Church’s editorial, “Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,” was an immediate sensation, and went on to became one of the most famous editorials ever written. It first appeared in the New York Sun in 1897, 117 years ago, and was reprinted annually until 1949 when the paper went out of business.

Thirty-six years after her letter was printed, Virginia O’Hanlon recalled the events that prompted her letter: Quite naturally I believed in Santa Claus, for he had never disappointed me. But when less fortunate little boys and girls said there wasn’t any Santa Claus, I was filled with doubts. I asked my father, and he was a little evasive on the subject. It was a habit in our family that whenever any doubts came up as to how to pronounce a

Continued from A4

word or some question of historical fact was in doubt, we wrote to the Question and Answer column in the Sun.

Father would always say, If you see it in the Sun, it’s so, and that settled the matter.

Virginia O’Hanlon went on to graduate from Hunter College with a Bachelor of Arts degree at age 21. The following year she received her Master’s from Columbia, and in 1912 she began

teaching in the New York City school system, later becoming a principal. After 47 years, she retired as an educator.

Throughout her life she received a steady stream of mail about her Santa Claus letter, and to each reply she attached an attractive printed copy of the Church editorial.

Virginia O’Hanlon Douglas died on May 13, 1971, at the age of 81, in a nursing home in Valatie, N.Y.

Continued from A4

one of my favorite true Christmas stories, so bear with me one more time.

I had wondered through my younger years how cool and sophisticated it would be to go to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. And at 9 or 10, I finally got to take part in the secrets and mysteries of that wondrous and great tradition.

Without warning, a guy in the pew ahead of me started throwing up halfway through the third verse of “Silent Night.” Another fellow right behind me followed suit a few seconds later. Recalling that wondrous and magical evening, I can’t stand the smell of egg nog or brandy to this day. And I’m sure I lost a measure or two of innocence at my first Midnight Mass.

And finally, may you and yours have the merriest Christmas ever and toss in a Happy New Year while you’re at it.

Chris Daley is a biweekly columnist for the Mountain Democrat.

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**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

Daley

EID budget and five-year plan approved

Michael Raffety Mountain Democrat correspondent

El Dorado Irrigation District’s 2023-24 operating budget and fiveyear financial plan through 2027 was approved on a 4-1 vote Dec. 12, with Director Alan Day voting no.

Total income for 2023 is projected to be $103.2 million with expenses of $63.885 million, according to a report from EID Finance Director Jamie

Bandy.

Among the factors affecting the operating budget are an increase in materials and services of $3.3 million. Included in that is an increase in utilities of $1.39 million and a $252,000 increase in chemical costs.

Also, $1,600 is set aside for water storage tank recoating.

Debt service is $15 million in 2023 and $14.9 million in 2024.

D’Agostini Continued from A1

the U.S. Forest Service’s harassment of residents, providing shelter at the family’s south county ranch during the Caldor Fire and staying calm when the pandemic hit.

“I really appreciate how he stepped up during the tyrannical time of COVID, when so many other jurisdictions were being harassed and terrorized,” Taylor said. “He made a stand that that wouldn’t happen here.”

Others praised D’Agostini’s leadership.

“The version of the sheriff’s department that I see today is by far and away greater than … what I saw when I got here,” noted Chief Probation Officer Brian Richart. “Not that what we had was a bad sheriff’s department then, but we have a better sheriff’s department today and that is undoubtedly due to the leadership of John.”

“Any great leader knows the way. They model the way, they show others the way and they go the way,” said Sheriff-elect Jeff Leikauf. “That’s exactly what we’ve had over the last 11 years, 11 months and 14 days, I think.”

Leikauf praised both the sheriff and his wife Janine, who also helped change the culture of the agency with the Thrive with 10-35 nonprofit that supports EDSO employees and their families. “They have taught us the right way to do business here,” Leikauf said. “I’ve had the opportunity to work for six sheriffs in my career and what we’ve been able to accomplish and learn under Sheriff D’Agostini and what we’ve been able to do in our community has set precedence.

“I’m going to have him on speed dial, I’m sure,” the sheriff-elect added, “and look forward to our many outings that we partake in where he can fill me in on things and keep me on the straight and narrow.”

He concluded, “We love you and we’re going to miss you.”

“This has been the most rewarding, and frustrating at times, 12 years of my life,” said Sheriff D’Agostini, who announced his retirement in July 2021. “I’ve had a rewarding career.”

His official retirement date is Dec. 30, just 10 days shy of a full 30 years in law enforcement.

“I’m leaving at a time that I think every elected (official) dreams of leaving — on a high note — but its’ not my high note,” the sheriff continued, gesturing to the law enforcement team behind him in the supervisors’ chambers. “We have a house full of

Rate increases allowed through 2025 are 5% for water and recycled water and for wastewater 1% in 2023-24 and 3% in 2025.

Hookup charges for new homes are forecast to total $10 million in 202326.

Debt in 2022 stood at $406.1 million, declining to $391.2 in 2023.

A $50 million bond issue is proposed for 2024 to finance the Sly Park intertie

replacement, Flume 45 replacement and water tank rehabilitation. In 2027 a $60 million bond issue is proposed for Silver Lake Dam replacement, Flume 48 replacement and water treatment plant improvements.

“Inflation has had a huge impact on our budget,” commented Director George Osborne. “It raised our fuel bill by $175,000; chemicals, everything is more expensive.”

leaders right now that I’m extremely proud of.”

John noted how grateful he has been to have “three fantastic undersheriffs” — Rich Williams, Randy Peshon and now Bryan Golmitz, “who is a lot like me, which is by design … because I think somebody like me standing next to Sheriff-elect Leikauf … will be appropriate.”

Most importantly, John thanked Janine. “She has put up with and sacrificed and dealt with me for the last 30 years in this profession,” he shared. “(It) hasn’t always been easy, at times extremely tough, but she has embraced it.”

Looking back at his wife, he said with a catch in his voice, “God bless you. Thank you.”

“It has been an honor serving El Dorado County, serving the people of El Dorado County through tragedy, through celebrations, through everything,” the sheriff concluded. “It has been absolutely my honor and my privilege and I can’t thank the community enough for their support that made us as successful as we have been.”

Supervisors heaped on more accolades.

District 1 Supervisors John Hidahl said he’s impressed with EDSO’s very effective public safety team. “As a result several knuckleheads — to use your term — were given a strong message that

“What I have admired and respected most about you is your fierce, unwavering commitment to the security of El Dorado County and the residents who live here and the people who travel and enjoy this beautiful, blessed land,” said District 3 Supervisors Wendy Thomas. “It has allowed all of us to sleep better at night because at the end of the day we knew you had our back.”

“You’ve done a great job for our community, our county,” added District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo. “I just can’t thank you enough.”

Chief Administrative Officer Don Ashton thanked the retiring sheriff for giving him his first El Dorado County job as EDSO’s chief financial officer. He then jokingly blamed John for his current CAO title. Ashton plans to retire early next year — the county is currently recruiting for his replacement — and said after he leaves his 9-5, “I’m looking forward to, hopefully, that rum and Coke and cigar we’ve always talked about and we can argue and debate politics.”

“Gin and tonic,” D’Agostini corrected him.

crimes committed in El Dorado County will be fully investigated and the offenders prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Hidahl said. “Thank you for upholding our rule of law.”

Courtesy photo

County law enforcement, elected officials and residents filled the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors chambers Dec. 13 to thank Sheriff John D’Agostini for his work over his past three terms. D’Agostini is pictured at the center of this group photo holding a proclamation in his honor.

Food bank spreads the holiday cheer

Odin Rasco Staff writer

As finances are spread thin by rising costs and the need to keep the heater on, many families can find it di cult to get food onto the table. In an e ort to help the holidays feel a little more “normal,” the Food Bank of El Dorado County held its 22nd holiday outreach Saturday, providing more than 500 holiday meals to families.

Over 100 community members

came together to help hand out the holiday meal kits at the food bank, according to a press release from the nonprofit. The previous day personnel from Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Tribal Fire and Tribal Police partnered with the food bank to deliver close to 100 meals to homebound residents.

Meals were a classic holiday dinner with turkey, stu ng, fresh produce and juice from Apple Hill farms, pies donated by Shorty’s Donuts and more.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Someone seems to pick up what you’re throwing down even when no one else does. You’re now getting a sense of destiny intertwined. Tonight features the giving and receiving of compliments.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You could overcomplicate things by trying to give more and differently than what is necessary. All together now: “All you need is love. Love is all you need.” -- The Beatles

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You will drop ideas like seeds. They will not take root immediately and will likely travel on. Whatever was keeping you from maximum enjoyment will be dissolved by your excellent attitude.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You tend to take the lead in unknown situations. If you’re not sure how to proceed, save yourself some time by checking to see if anyone else knows more than you do. If not, you’ll figure it out as you go.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Contrary to what Copernicus proposed in the 16th century, the planets do not orbit in perfect circles around the sun. Though imperfect, their journey is consistent and predictable, kind of like your orbit of a certain loved one.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Social scientists have proved that untrained people typically don’t read emotional expressions as accurately as they think they do. You’ll do better than most because you try harder to understand people’s feelings.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Engaging, entertaining people are said to have a lot of personality. There are instances when it helps, and other times when toning it down seems like the smart thing to do. You’ll be a genius at matching the tone you’re in.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Ask yourself why you want to do a thing or have a thing. The answer will open up more options to you. There are more ways than one to go about your goals. An expedient route will save you much hassle.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your plan hinges on your ability to influence someone’s opinion or change their mind. People won’t respond to direct persuasion though. Casual and subtle moves are more effective than direct influence.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Focus on the task and not on the amount of time it takes to complete it. Executing a task is not inherently stressful but once you add in the pressures of a deadline, it changes everything.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). There’s someone in your life who needs your emotional warmth and focus and could even be healed by it. Even so, you are the one who will benefit most from the exchange.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Someone is thinking about you intently. Although it feels nice to know that you are being considered, you should also know that the other person sees you not as you are, but as he or she expects you to be.

SHOE by Jeff MacNelly ■ TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

RUBES by Leigh Rubin ■ SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

Shingle Springs Band

Miwok Indians Tribal Fire and Tribal Police partnered with the Food Bank

Dorado County

Courtesy photos

Volunteers from District Church

Dorado Hills hand out meals at the Food Bank of El Dorado County holiday

Dec. 17.

ach year, a tree grows a new layer of wood under its bark. By counting these layers, called rings, you can discover the age of a tree.

This year, after you take the decorations off your Christmas tree, count its rings! One ring equals one year. (The bark is not a ring.) Can you find out the age of your tree?

My name is Dr. Cypress Sapling. I’m a dendrochronologist. What’s that? Well, a dendrochronologist is a scientist who studies the rings of trees.

he rings of a tree can also show what the climate of the forest was during different years. Look at the tree trunk pictured above. Some of the rings are wide and some of them are thin. A wide ring tells us that this was a good year for growing. There was the right amount of water and sunlight. Drought causes slower growth and narrow rings. Dark spots tell us that the tree survived a fire that year.

By reading the rings of trees, dendrochronologists can read the story of our planet, stories that reside in living trees and in logs used to build ancient buildings. Tree rings have told of weather patterns that lead to severe fires. They have revealed century-long droughts, insect plagues and times of volcanic eruptions.

I don’t have to cut down trees to read their rings. Using a special tool called an increment borer, I can take a core sample from a living tree. A core cample is about the size of a soda straw, and the rings look like lines.

I found an old log cabin while hiking last week. I took a core sample from the logs to find the age of the cabin.

Core

My Christmas tree survived a fire one year. What year was that? In what year was my tree planted? Is my tree older than you? Find the ring that grew in 2011. Was this a good growing year for the tree?

Core sample from log cabin

Compare the core samples to see where the patterns of the rings match. The last ring of the living tree grew in the year 2014. Count backwards from the bark to find out the age of each tree. Cutting out the strips makes comparing easier.

Use the core samples to complete the chart below.

Each row of squares below have the letters of a word that can be found on this page. Read today’s Kid Scoop page, then try to unscramble them all.

SCORE YOURSELF: 1-3: Hiker 4-7: Tree Lover 8-10: Tree Specialist

… always staying on the trail when hiking through the forest.

This week’s word: FOREST

The noun forest means a large area of land supporting many trees and the plants and animals that live alongside the trees.

Smokey Bear says, “Only you can prevent forest fires.”

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

The Life of a Tree

Imagine you could talk to a tree that has lived for many, many years. What would the tree tell you about its life?

Core sample from living tree

sample from Christmas tree

Standards Link: Life Science: When the environment changes, plant growth and survival are affected.

Standards Link: Math: Students use strategies, skills and concepts in finding solutions.

Standards Link: Math: Use a table to sort information and compute results.

In

the

KNOW

Dec. 23

Matt Rainey and Dippin Sauce perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville at 8 p.m. For tickets, tables and livestream access visit tickets.clubgreenroom. com.

Sacramento Master Singers present A Master Singers Christmas at 7:30 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. 24

Lace up for the annual Jingle and Mingle Run at 9 a.m. — open to anyone who wishes to participate. Meet at the Placerville Station, 2984 Mosquito Road in Placerville. Register online at tctruns. com/2021/12/26/122422.

Enjoy complimentary gift wrapping and hot cocoa, noon to 4 p.m. 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.

A Very Special Christmas Eve with Luke and Kaylee takes place at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville at 2 p.m. For tickets, tables and livestream access visit tickets.clubgreenroom. com.

Now

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

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.

Fresh perspectives create brilliant art

Gold

Pushing boundaries

Photo artisan Ellis rises to the challenge of creating art that means something more than just an image in time. Ellis seeks “to capture artful images by transforming photographs into beautiful “paintings” that are startling and often intensely personal.

In her desire to evolve her photographs into fine art pieces, Ellis studies paintings by the masters and old photographs. “All photographs, from terrible old snapshots to awful cell phone images, are fascinating to me,” she said, pushing her boundaries with exploration and experimentation to unexpected and endlessly captivating effects.

Blending earlier methods with new techniques, Ellis uses digital technology to recreate the same richness, storytelling and emotions in her own work that she sees in old paintings and images.

“I hand render my art in Photoshop,” she explained, “and use brushes to blur the line between technology and the organic to give my artwork its distinctive style.” She makes her various printing and

framing choices on a printer, then selectively embellishes the image with oil, encaustic and gels.

Her rural roots and clear passion for ranch-life are memorialized in photographic images highlighting the Vaqueros, longhorn cattle, the horses and equestrians presenting their skills and lifestyles.

She brings these elements together for “En la Luz,” portraying a woman on horseback, her full skirt spread in a full circle around her, the “brushwork” imparting dreamy motion. The realization that this began as a photograph of someone’s loved one makes the story in this image tender and poignant. In a thrilling scene, a “Hard Working Pony” and rider round up the herd pounding by, dust flying and the cowboy circling his lasso before its release.

Ellis has won numerous awards for her work as a photo artisan including broad experience in aerial photography. She worked for major events, “ghost” painted for other photographers and now manages her own photography studio accepting

equine, canine and portrait commissions.

Her work is in numerous galleries and private collections and although she finds deep satisfaction in bringing her images to life, her greatest hope is that her art will mean something to the viewer, perhaps a timeless connection or an elevated, treasured creation of “art from your life for your life.”

Unique view

Bowler began her artistic career with watercolor paints but now she favors the fluidity of acrylics, a media she chose for its “more forgiving nature.” Some of her work is representational, but she delights in abstractionism for the surprising, exciting and often unexpected results that not only impact her creative style, but also the viewer’s interpretation of her work.

Her secular career as a flight attendant provided Bowler with a unique view of the world. During her often-lengthy international flights, the opportunity to view shapes on the ground from high above deeply impacted

her imagination and creative vision. Bowler explained that although the long flights were tedious and boring, what she observed from the window of the plane lifted her spirits, inspiring her to find a way to share the wonder and delight she felt.

Indeed, several of her paintings feel like they could be landscapes. “Canyon,” for example, or “Castle in the Sky” feel like places one could joyfully explore. “Black Hole”

D. Lee Reyes Special to the Mountain Democrat

Country Artists Gallery, an awardwinning gallery in Placerville, presents artwork by Shelly Ellis and Pattie Bowler.

“Hard Working Pony” by Shelly Ellis

“Russian Water Dance” by Shelly Ellis

“Castle in the Sky” by Pattie Bowler

“Celebration” by Pattie Bowler

exhibit showcases artistic journey of Alexander McQueen and Ann r ay

News release

SACRAMENTO

— The Crocker Art Museum presents Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray: Rendez-Vous, now open to the public. The first high-fashion exhibition to be presented at the Crocker, Rendez-Vous pairs photography and related garments in its Sacramento debut, which will be followed by a multi-city tour. The exhibition is curated and organized by Barrett Barrera Projects and will be on view through April 2, 2023.

The exhibition explores the 13-year friendship and intimate creative collaboration between the late British fashion designer McQueen and French photographer Ray, whom McQueen personally selected to document his design process and the behind-the-scenes experience of his runway shows. Brilliant and provocative, McQueen designed for his own label, led design at Givenchy between 1996 and 2001 and partnered with Gucci from 1999 until his death in 2010. Ray, who met McQueen when he was named lead designer at Givenchy, is not only a photographer, but also a filmmaker and poet.

“You know, it was simple. He was part of my life; we loved each other. I had rendezvous,” said Ray.

McQueen and Ray’s friendship began with a simple agreement in

which money, business considerations and fashion had no place.

“I like your images, but I’m broke. Give me your photos, I’ll give you clothes,” Ray recalls McQueen expressing to her early in their relationship.

With exotic materials and impeccable tailoring, McQueen’s creative range is on display in 50 enchanting creations, with runway moments and garments captured in 63 of Ray’s dynamic photographs.

Barrett Barrera Projects manages the largest private collection of McQueen’s work and is the owner of Ray’s full

McQueen photographic archive.

“We are delighted to host this exhibition exploring two dynamic creative minds, their collaboration and their exciting creations,” said Lial A. Jones, the Crocker’s Mort and Marcy Friedman director and CEO. “We all look forward to this unique insight into the world of fashion, a new subject for the Crocker’s exhibitions.”

Adjoining the exhibition, the Crocker will create an interactive space that allows visitors of all ages an

Photos courtesy of Barrett Barrera Projects

Alexander McQueen’s four-panel minidress, crystal kaleidoscope print blazer and multicolor silk moth print kaleidoscope dress from Natural Dis-tinction, Un-natural Selection, spring/summer 2009 and Plato’s Atlantis, spring/summer 2010.

“Savage, Givenchy Couture,” 1997, Ann Ray, archival gelatin silver print.

Bringing a gingerbread creation to life

Jeremy Moore Special to the Tahoe Daily Tribune

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev.

— Decorating gingerbread houses can be a fun holiday tradition that takes a little creativity, a steady hand, and lots of icing. It is one of my favorite holiday traditions, which takes on a whole new meaning at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe.

Each year, our team develops an extravagant gingerbread village display with a unique theme. This year’s gingerbread display showcases a snow village complete with snowy cottages and a train. The structure features over 252 pounds of marshmallows, 110 pounds of powdered sugar, 83 pounds of butter, 80 pounds of flour, 32 pounds of Rice Krispies, 30 pounds of eggs, 26 pounds of brown sugar and more.

While we have a lot of fun creating an over-the-top gingerbread display at the resort, not all gingerbread creations have to be challenging, and in fact they can be a fun holiday activity the entire family can enjoy.

Included are tips for making a gingerbread house at home.

Start early

My biggest tip for creating a gingerbread house is to set

enough time for the entire process. It is important to begin baking and assembling your gingerbread house at least one day before you begin decorating in order to provide enough time for the culinary glue to dry and to give you a solid foundation to decorate.

Use different types of icing but don’t overdo it

One way to create the perfect gingerbread house is to make two different types of icing. The

first batch should be made thick, but still tacky as it will be used as a culinary glue to adhere the gingerbread pieces together. The second batch of icing should be thin and will be used to decorate the outside of the holiday gingerbread home.

While the different icing types are key, less icing is more when it comes to creating your gingerbread house. I recommend using as little icing as possible at a time to ensure that it

Creative details add charm to gingerbread houses.

Chef Jeremy moore’s GinGerbread house reCipe

Tahoe events center gets spirited sponsorship

STATELINE, Nev. — The Tahoe Douglas Visitors Authority and Oak View Group, the global venue development, advisory and investment company for both the sports and live entertainment industries, recently announced an exclusive multi-year naming rights agreement with Tahoe Blue Vodka, the world’s only vodka crafted from the pristine Tahoe water. The highly anticipated live entertainment, sports and conference center on the south shore of Lake Tahoe will be named the Tahoe Blue Center. Located in Stateline, the Tahoe Blue Center is projected to open in July 2023 and host 130 events annually.

In addition to securing naming rights to the center, Tahoe Blue Vodka’s agreement includes prominent exterior and interior signage and a commitment to sustainable efforts inside the Tahoe Blue Center. This is the first naming rights sponsorship for Tahoe Blue Vodka.

“As the naming rights partner for the new Tahoe Blue Center, we are proud to support this spectacular, innovative and unparalleled venue that reflects our longstanding commitment to invest in the region, celebrate

the unique Lake Tahoe lifestyle and be a driving force as an ecological leader and innovator,” said Matt Levitt, founder and CEO of Tahoe Blue Vodka.

Tahoe Blue Vodka was founded in 2012 by local

entrepreneur Matt Levitt. The award-winning taste combines pristine Tahoesourced water with a blend of grapes, corn and sugarcane for a clean, gluten-free, crisp taste and a remarkably smooth finish. Tahoe Blue

Vodka has won more than 30 prestigious awards at the highest regarded spirits tasting competitions. Through its parent company, Tahoe Spirits Inc., Tahoe Blue Vodka has donated more than $200,000 of its proceeds to organizations that work to protect Lake Tahoe and its surrounding environment. Tahoe Blue Vodka is available in stores throughout Reno, Tahoe, Northern Nevada, Sacramento, San Francisco and Southern California. For more information about Tahoe Blue Vodka visit tahoebluevodka.com.

“We are excited to be forming a long-term partnership with Tahoe Blue Vodka,” said Laurie Kemmit, vice president of OVG Global Partnerships. “The crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe inspired Matt Levitt to create Tahoe Blue Vodka and his brand is committed to the South Tahoe region. Sustainability is an important initiative to this project, so we are appreciative to find a community partner such as Matt and Tahoe Blue Vodka

Courtesy graphic

The Tahoe Blue Center is expected to open next July and will host concerts, sporting events and more on Lake Tahoe’s south shore.

California Museum displays Native artists captivating works

News release

SACRAMENTO — A new exhibition showcasing the vibrant printmaking of Native and Indigenous artists from around the world, Metaphor, Myth, & Politics: Art from Native Printmakers, is on display at the California Museum through March 19, 2023.

Featuring recent prints by Kenojuak Ashevak (Inuit), Marwin Begaye (Diné [Navajo]), Nicholas Galanin (Tlingit/Aleut), Wendy Red Star (Crow), C. Maxx Stevens (Seminole/Muscogee) and 24 other Native and Indigenous printmakers, these inventive works reveal the diverse points of view and styles of art present in the world of contemporary Native printmaking.

The exhibition features 36 contemporary works on paper by 29 artists, all drawn from the collection of University of California, Davis’ C.N. Gorman Museum. Established early in the museum’s history, this unique collection has continued to expand over the years through the generosity of artists, in addition to the support of collectors and museum members.

The museum has been honored to serve as a repository for several large print portfolios as well, organized by master printmaker and University of Colorado, Boulder Boulder Professor Melanie Yazzie (Diné [Navajo]).

Metaphor, Myth, & Politics: Art from Native Printmakers is the product of a partnership between the C.N. Gorman Museum at UC Davis and Exhibit Envoy.

California Museum is located at 1020 O St., Sacramento. Plan a visit or get tickets at californiamuseum.org.

“Atseetuts’ii (Red Tail Hawk),” 2016, Marwin Begaye (Diné [Navajo])

whose priority is to help preserve the lake and surrounding area.”

The partnership was developed by OVG Global Partnerships, the sponsorship and naming rights division of Oak View Group that connects worldclass brands with world-class live entertainment properties.

“The center is a significant investment in the destination’s sustainable future and year round economic health and we’re pleased to announce this

Artists

Continued from B1

gives the impression of somewhere in the depths of space or perhaps an ancient archeological site on an elevated plateau.

Her process is intuitive, Bowler said, but her passion for intense colors, shapes, patterns and textures drives her vision. The bright blues and yellows bursting through the reds pump up the energy in her award-winning artwork “Celebration.” Not content to simply blast the canvas with the saturated colors of her paints, she takes a torch to heat the paint until it bubbles and warps with the fantastic textures, as she did with her “Very Merry” painting.

wonderful representation of local partnership,” said Carol Chaplin, president and CEO, Tahoe Douglas Visitors Authority. “Tahoe Blue Vodka is a company that was born right here in Lake Tahoe and its substantial investment will offer multiple levels of sponsorship.”

Once completed, the arena and conference center will serve as a key anchor to Lake Tahoe’s south shore and help drive visitors during the shoulder seasons, while creating jobs for residents.

Bowler’s whimsical nature reveals itself in “Party Time,” a gathering of a surprising collection of penguins in various states of attire — bikinis, bowties, hats and bibs. This scene “definitely describes the personality of my paintings,” she said, highlighting her favorite bright reds, oranges and yellows.

Bowler enjoys an extensive list of accomplishments, including artistic awards, published artwork and esteemed membership in several watercolor societies and galleries. With her philosophical approach to her art, she said she believes the heartfelt representations in her

Located at 75 U.S. Highway 50, Tahoe Blue Center will host dozens of concerts, family shows, conferences, banquets, meetings, community, corporate and private events and live sporting events. The Tahoe Blue Center will accommodate up to 6,000 guests per event and is expected to see 200,000-plus guests come through the doors annually. The Tahoe Blue Center is scheduled to open in July 2023. For more information visit TahoeBlueCenter.com.

paintings have a thoughtful purpose and that color not only influences, but also inspires her outlook on life about the good in all of us.

Gold Country Artists Gallery, 379 Main St. in downtown Placerville, features the work of many award-winning regional artists working in fields as diverse as fine jewelry, photography, fused glass, wood turning, pastels, colored pencil, scratch board and watercolor, acrylic and oil painting. The gallery is open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on the third Saturday of each month until 8 p.m. For more information call (530) 642-2944 or visit goldcountryartistsgallery.com.

Gingerbread

slide off the gingerbread house and take all of your decorations with it.

Get creative

In order to create a unique gingerbread display, it’s important to have fun and think outside of the box. For example, adding pretzel rods to the outside of your home can quickly create a log cabin feel. Starburst candies can be used as a modeling clay to create a variety of different elements to your home, and star anise can add stars to your gingerbread home and enhance the aroma of the gingerbread.

You can also use different types of cereal to create the appearance of shingles on the rooftop of your homes, or leave off the roof panel and decorate the inside of the home. The possibilities are endless.

Make it simple

If you want to simplify the process, you can skip the DIY element of making a gingerbread house from scratch and opt instead for an easy decorating kit. Gingerbread house kits are available at stores throughout the country and at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. While you will not get the full in-the-kitchen experience with a pre-made gingerbread house kit, it doesn’t take away from the fun in taking part in a fun holiday activity with your loved ones.

opportunity to think about McQueen and Ray’s work through experiential activities.

Public programs

The Official Rogue Book Club – “Alexander McQueen: Blood Beneath the Skin” by Andrew Wilson, Jan. 5: The first definitive biography of the iconic notoriously private McQueen, “Blood Beneath the Skin” unravels insights into McQueen’s private life and the source of his creative genius, giving an intimate look at the dark side of the designer’s rise to fame.

ArtMix – Runway, Jan. 12: Experience the thrill of fashion week with this haute couture edition of ArtMix inspired by the iconic runway creations and behind-the-scenes photography on view. Live fashion shows, DJ battles, a glamorous makeover bar, pop-up shops and experiential digital art are just a few of the surprises that await at this onenight only celebration of design, fashion and virtual reality.

Music for McQueen, Feb. 2: Join in the galleries or online for a unique sensory experience inspired by the role of music in McQueen’s infamous runway shows. From electronic hits to the avant-garde work of experimental composers, this audial tour is certain to leave you awe-inspired.

Backstory – Simon Ungless on Alexander McQueen, March 4: Fashion designer and educator Ungless, a close friend, collaborator and roommate to the late McQueen, discusses the Rendez-Vous exhibition, his friendship with and memories of McQueen and the legacy the fashion icon left upon the world.

Sketch Night – Fashion Illustration, March 30: Guided by informal instruction, sketch your way through the Rendez-Vous exhibition. Sketch Night is a special opportunity to get up close with some of fashion’s most illustrious works of art.

Studio classes

Historicism in Contemporary Art, Jan. 15: Discover the confluence of art and history via contemporary masters in the Crocker’s permanent collection and special exhibitions. See art through a new lens and explore contemporary creative inspiration, from McQueen’s fashion masterpieces to Kehinde Wiley’s portraiture and beyond.

Fashion Design from the Ground Up, Jan. 28 & 29: Familiarize yourself with the vastly intriguing world of fashion from various stages of creation. Drape, sketch and design your own simple, but stunning dress.

Drink and Draw –Figure and Drapery, Feb. 26: UnWINEd at the Crocker! Sip wine and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of drawing. All supplies are provided and previous experience is not necessary.

Get to Know Your Digital Camera, March 19 & 26 and April 2: Observe and discuss the photography of Ray, then move beyond your camera’s auto mode to create stunning digital images.

The Crocker Art Museum is located at 216 O St., Sacramento. More information about exhibits and programs can be found at crockerart.org.

Fashion Continued from B2

Continued from B3

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

NOTICE OF HEARING: JANUARY 20, 2023, 8:30 A.M. DEPT. 9 AT SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF EL DORADO, 3321 Cameron Park Drive, Cameron Park, CA 95682.

3. A copy of the ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Mountain Democrat.

This order has been filed on NOVEMBER 23, 2022.

/s/ Gary Slossberg GARY SLOSSBERG, Judge of the Superior Court 12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 12/23 11155

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

FIlE NO. FB2022-1181

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TOGO’S PINKBERRY located at 4311 Town Center Blvd Suite 440, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762/ Mailing Address: 1810 Caversham Way, Folsom, CA 95630

Registered owner(s): Rumzee Brothers LLC, 1810 Caversham Way, Folsom, CA 95630

This business is conducted by a Limited Liability Company, State of LLC: CA

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 09/01/2022

Signature of Registrant: /s/ Munir A Chaudary MUNIR A CHAUDARY, PRESIDENT I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).)

This statement filed with the county clerk of El Dorado County on 11/09/2022.

NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE 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 PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code) 12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 12/23 11156

above on: 02/01/2022 Signature

Pudewell

Registrant: /s/

PUDEWELL I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).) This statement filed with the county clerk of El Dorado County on 11/29/2022.

NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE 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 PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT

on 11/29/2022. NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE 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 PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code) 12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 12/23 11170

Let it

Residents show off their holiday spirit

Photo by Kresta Moore

Beautiful white lights and reindeer surround Santa Claus and an Angry Bird at this Esatto Place home in the Bel Tierra neighborhood of El Dorado Hills.

Photo by Wendy Hauteman

Red and green lights make this Lida Court home in El Dorado Hills’ Francisco Oaks community sparkle.

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian A gingerbread house is surrounded by colorful lights at a Holly Hills Lane home in Cameron Park.

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

This dragon, along with many Santas, get into the spirit of Christmas on Holly Hills Lane in Cameron Park.

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

This De Sabla Road home in Cameron Park will catch the attention of those passing by.

Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco Minions and a snowman greet visitors to this brightly lit Oak Crest Circle home in Placerville.

Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco

Dangling lights and beautiful wreaths on this Oak Crest Circle home in Placerville create classic holiday charm.