Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Arsonist guilty for starting Crozier Fire

Odin Rasco Senior sta writer

The trial for a Placerville man accused of starting the 2024 Crozier Fire concluded Thursday, Jan. 30, when the jury returned from deliberations with two guilty verdicts.

Jason Robinette, 48, is scheduled to be sentenced for two felony arson charges in El Dorado County Superior Court’s Department 1 on March 14 at 1:30 p.m.

The Crozier Fire burned close to 2,000 acres of wilderness near Slate Mountain in El Dorado

AT THE CPCSD Board supports a leadership change

Noel Stack

Editor

The Cameron Park Community Services District has a new, interim general manager less than a week after exercising the 30-day terminationwithout-cause clause in now former General Manager Alan Gardner’s contract.

Directors voted 4-0 to hire former El Dorado Hills Fire Chief Maurice Johnson. His first day on the job is Feb. 5.

“Mr. Johnson comes to us with an impressive work history, a great attitude and goals that are in alignment with the board’s desire to return Cameron Park CSD to an organization that meets the expectations of the community for great fire service, recreation programs, parks and facilities, fiscal responsibility, transparency, etc.,” said CPCSD board President Dawn Wolfson.

Directors Monique Scobey, Tim Israel and Katie Gilchrest joined Wolfson in support of

hiring Johnson. Director Sidney Bazett was absent from the Feb. 3 special meeting.

“I am humbled and honored to step in as interim general manager of the Cameron Park Community Services District,” Johnson told the Mountain Democrat ■ See NEW GM, page A5

County in early August. Started in a remote area littered with heavy timber and other fire fuels and inaccessible by normal means, the small vegetation fire quickly consumed hundreds of acres in hours. Hot, dry conditions added fuel to the fire, which grew seven times its size overnight.

At the height of the evacuation orders, more than 3,000 people were evacuated from their homes with more than 5,000 under warning; around 200 animals were also moved to temporary shelter, according to El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce Lt. Troy Morton. Containment reached 100% two weeks after

the fire was first started, according to incident information from Cal Fire. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity helped the firefighting e orts, which pulled in more than 1,300 personnel from across the state. Though the fire consumed 1,960 acres before it was contained, no structures were destroyed and no injuries were reported.

About a month after the fire, an investigation into the fire led to law enforcement personnel from Cal Fire issuing a warrant for Robinette’s arrest. Robinette was apprehended by EDSO personnel near the In-N-Out on Forni Road in Placerville on Sept. 16.

bringing home the belt

Jo Carrerow

the drawing board for two more months.

Leaders of veterans’ organizations who attended the El Dorado County Health and Human Resources Agency – Veteran Services O ce meeting in the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors chambers on Jan. 30 had di ering opinions about criteria for the Veterans Monument.

But, most agreed they want decisions about the monument to be more in the hands of veterans.

“We’ve got folks in here that can really solve this problem. It shouldn’t have gotten to your level yet,” said Mac Adams, vice chair of the Military Family Support Group. “I think the Veterans A airs commissioners should be more involved.”

The meeting, presented by Deputy Director of Community Services Lynette Engelhardt Stott, Assistant Director of Human Services Timalynn Jaynes and Veteran Services O cer Jon Brown, was held in response to objections to the draft criteria presented earlier last month at a Board of Supervisors meeting.

The goal of last week’s meeting was to gather a wish list for monument criteria from veterans. Now the agency sta will compile both the veterans’ comments and survey information. From those, multiple drafts will be created and presented at a Veterans A airs Commission meeting on March 13. From there, commissioners plan to make their recommendation at the Board of Supervisors meeting on April 8. Some veterans were in favor of adopting the current draft criteria, including Seth Culver, commander of

MAIL

Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene

The El Dorado High Cougars wrestling team celebrates after winning the 2024-25 SVC League title over Union Mine with a 54-30 win on Jan. 29. Both teams entered the match with

MAURICE JOHNSON

ESSENTIALS

OBITUARIES

Margaret Ellen Heinz

Aug. 17, 1932 – Jan. 11, 2025

Viola Marie Watson

Jan. 30, 1929 – July 23, 2024

After 92 years of a rich and well-lived life, Margaret Ellen Heinz passed away peacefully on January 11, 2025. She was surrounded by her loved ones. Margaret was born to Esther Aguilar (Avalos) and Esteban Aguilar on August 17, 1932, in Madera, California. Her family eventually settled in Livingston, where Margaret attended Livingston High School (class of 1950). She worked and attended Modesto Junior College, then followed her older cousins, Robert and Jess Aguilar, to the University of California at Berkeley, where she was later joined by sisters Linda, Esther, Terry, and cousin Ed. She made lifelong friends through the Catholic Alumni Club. As the oldest child of hard-working immigrants, she set the example as a trailblazer for her siblings (Linda, Esther, Steve, Terry and Dan). Margie began her teaching career in Atwater. Margie married Leonard (“Len”) John Heinz on August 15, 1964. They settled in San Francisco, and had their first child, Lenny, November 25, 1965. Margie stepped away from teaching to devote her time to raising her children after their second child, daughter Laurie, was born. She was heavily involved in volunteer activities, including serving as President of PTA at Epiphany School, Girl Scout Troop Leader, and contributing to the annual Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon through her outstanding baking skills. She returned to the classroom when her youngest daughter, Rose-Ellen, was in middle school. She remained actively engaged in parent groups and activities at School of the Epiphany, Presentation High School, and Riordan High School, where Len taught, coached, and served as Dean. Margie was tireless. She sewed clothes for fashion shows, was a girl scout cookie mom, helped organize countless parish dinners. She and Len loved hosting family and friends for holidays, parties, family reunions, and really any reason to get together. After they retired, Margie and Len moved to their beautiful haven in Pollock Pines, where Margie continued to serve as a substitute teacher in surrounding schools. She enjoyed gardening and taking care of her little apple orchard and volunteering for Snowline Hospice. They loved visits from the kids and grandkids during which time she would share her most recent endeavors. Nothing brought Margie more joy than being in the presence of her grandchildren. Margie and Len were fortunate to be able to travel extensively with each other and with dear friends. They enjoyed visiting Laurie and Phil in Asia during the ten years they were there, with visits to China, Thailand and Australia among other countries. Margie was a patient and devoted caregiver throughout Len’s long struggle with dementia, initially attending support groups together, then continuing to visit him on a daily basis when he moved to a care home. Margaret is survived by her children, Leonard Alan Heinz (Julie), Laureen Marie Hidalgo (Philip decd.), and Rose-Ellen Heinz Fairgrieve, grandchildren Ryan (Kaitlyn), Nicole, Rocky, Buzz, Daniel, Amy, and William, siblings Linda Aguilar, Teresa Wiedwald (Jay), Daniel Aguilar, sister-in-law Sharon (Steven decd.). Margaret was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Leonard, parents Esteban and Esther, sister Esther, brother Steven, and son-in-law Philip. Margaret and her family were blessed that in her final years of her life she was supported by long-time friends Carol Ann, Elizabeth and caregivers Crissy and Mike. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Snowline Hospice. Memorial arrangements are pending.

Janet Winters

Oct. 5, 1955 – Dec. 25, 2024

With her loving husband Tom, and her family by her side, Janet made her final journey on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024. Her passing was peaceful and graceful, and she was surrounded by those she loved. She fought valiantly since her diagnosis in 2019 to overcome the cancer that had claimed her, and her years were rewarded with wonderful memories of kids and grandkids, family and friends, and her bucket list coming to fruition with her recent trip to Scotland and Ireland. Janet made every moment count and packed all of her heart into every minute and every encounter with family and friends. Her years as a teacher in El Dorado County and in Granite Bay were some of her favorite and cherished memories, and the teaching teams she worked with became part of Janet’s family. The children were constant reminders of her successful career, and she always enjoyed the chance to connect with her students after they had moved forward in their education. She was a strict and loving influence, and her students and their parents have expressed their gratitude for her steadfast dedication to create the best possible environment for learning! Janet was kind, compassionate, devoted, dedicated, loving and generous! She is survived by her husband Tom Winters, daughters Sierra Pearson and Whitney Womack, brother Alan McGreer, grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces and nephews, and her loving friends! A memorial service is planned for April 12, 2025.

Viola married the love of her life, Paul LaRue Watson, on January 25, 1946 at the age of 16. During her lifetime, she had the opportunity to live in California, Hawaii and Washington. Vi had a passion for cooking and baking. She passed on this tradition to her children and grandchildren. Vi was a determined woman and a breast cancer survivor. She served as postmaster at the Mt. Aukum, California post o ce. Following that stint, she owned and operated the Mt. Aukum General store with husband Paul. In 1974 Vi and Paul opened the general store and post o ce in Waikoloa Village, Hawaii. While living in Hawaii, Vi held an active real estate sales license. She was very active in her local church, Kalahikiola Congregational Church. She enjoyed volunteering her time on the State Hospital Auxiliary Board. In her spare time, she enjoyed making beautiful stained glass windows, some of which adorn an old church in North Kohala, Hawaii. Following life in Hawaii, Vi and Paul moved to Lake Mayfield, in Mossyrock, Washington. While there, Vi joined a quilting club that created quilts which were donated to cancer patients. Vi loved life. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved helping people and making sure everyone was treated fairly. She will be greatly missed. A hui hoe, Vi... (until we meet again)!

Val Frank Siebal

1948 – Jan. 22, 2025

It is with great sadness we announce that Val F. Siebal, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, died peacefully at home in January 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Val was the oldest of six children, born in 1948 to Val and Ruth Siebal. A true Renaissance man with great curiosity and a wide range of interests in travel, arts, music and movement (Tai Chi and dancing), he led a very blessed and beautiful life. Happily married to his first wife, Sharron (Smith) for over 40 years, they have two beautiful daughters, Danielle (Mitch) and Michelle (Nick), and two wonderful grandchildren, Allison and Matthew.

After Sharron’s death, Val was blessed, again, meeting and marrying Chris Reeg, who brought great joy and love to this part of his life. She also brought two beautiful daughters (Regina and Stephanie) and their families to add to the Siebal clan. Their past five years have been a whirlwind of travel adventures, activity and growth and they have been so loving and happy in their short time together.

Val was professionally very successful throughout his extensive career and touched many lives in State and County service. Over the course of 40+ years, he rose through the ranks to retire as a Chief Deputy Director at CalEPA’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and as the Director of Sacramento County’s Environment Management Department, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and hard work.

Val was a devoted family man, community member, and friend and he will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He was a man of great faith and an active member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and community. He also contributed time and energy to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), actively lobbying issues that impacted families dealing with diabetes as a health issue.

He is survived by his beloved wife and his family; his siblings and their families and many cherished longtime friends. He brought love, laughter, and loyalty wherever he went, and his spirit will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of being part of his life.

There was a celebration of life in Val’s honor at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the ALS Association, JDRF, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, Snowline Health, or a charity of your choice.

Charlene Rae McKinney

Jan. 12,1937 – Jan. 24, 2025

Charlene McKinney passed away unexpectedly with her family by her side. Charlene was raised in Richmond, California. She met her husband of 63 years, Keith, at the hardtop car races in Pacheco, on a blind date. They eloped to Las Vegas in 1957. Keith’s love for the mountains compelled him to design and build a home in the Sierra where the family moved in 1972. Charlene enjoyed camping, waterskiing, snow skiing, playing Yahtzee, going to Giants spring training with her best friend, JoAnn, and motorcycling around the country with Keith, their children, family and friends. Charlene is predeceased by her parents, John and Geraldine Phillips, son John McKinney, sister Myrna Moore, and brother-in-law Ed Moore. She is survived by her daughter Carol McKinney (Sam Van Zandt), son Tom McKinney (Elizabeth Dawson) grandchildren Leslie and Thomas McKinney, her new kitty cats, Missy and Rusty, and many nieces and nephews. A gathering will be held March 15, 2025. For information contact Carol @ charaemck@gmail.com

Carol Lyne Zak

Nov. 17, 1945 – Jan. 19, 2025

It is with great joy we remember the life of Carol Lyne Zak. Carol passed away peacefully on Jan. 19, 2025. Carol was 79 years old. Carol was born in Chicago, Il on November 17, 1945, to Dr. Ben and Evelyne Dykes. Her family moved to Taft, CA when she was a girl, where she grew up and attended Taft High School. Carol loved living in Taft. She embodied the small town during a special time. Carol was crowned Miss Taft in the spring of 1963 then Miss Kern County in the fall. Honors that never faded for her. Carol attended Taft Jr. College and graduated with honors. Carol married Dr. Ray Zak in Jan. 1964. They lived in Taft, where Ray worked in partnership with his father-in-law, Dr. Ben Dykes. They started their family and had three children: John, Jill and Gigi. The Zak family moved to Cameron Park, CA, in 1976 where they raised their family and practiced dentistry until 2015. Cameron Park was a wonderful place to raise their family and Carol immersed herself in the community, in her children’s schools, and at the dental o ce. She was President of the PTA, on the Rotary and a part of the Oak Ridge High School’s booster clubs. Carol and Ray retired in Jackson, CA. They were married 53 years before Ray’s passing. Carol was known for her many interests. She loved being a mom and Grandma, jazz music, traveling, showing horses, snow and water skiing, watching her mighty A’s and rooting on USC football. Throughout her life, Carol loved those closest to her and would have done anything she could to be of service. Carol is survived by her children: son, John Zak and wife Anne Zak; daughter’s Jill (Zak) Townsend and husband David Townsend and Gigi (Zak) Labus and husband Keith Labus; seven grandchildren, Zachary and Zoie Labus, Beck, Shane and Cade Townsend, and Georgia and Sydney Zak. Her sisters: Nancy (Dykes) McEnroe, Kathy (Dykes) and Bill Bolding, Kim (Dykes) and Bob Kaehler and their families. There will be no memorial service, but letters of condolence can be sent to: Jill Townsend, 10 Raven Lane, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656.

Mathew Allen Bollinger

Jan. 11, 1990 – Dec. 29, 2024

Mathew Allen Bollinger (Matt) 34, sadly passed away on December 29th, 2024, from complications of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Matt was born in South Lake Tahoe then moved as a young child to Rescue, CA, where he grew up with so many friends and family supporting him in his journey. He was full of life and thrived on being around people. As an adult Matt had the opportunity to live independently, in Diamond Springs, and he mastered it beautifully. Matt had a full life of travel, pets, lots of friends, family and devoted caregivers always ready to do something fun. He was an advocate for others navigating the DMD life. Matt was an avid 3-D Printer enthusiast, business man and creator of many useful inventions. His love for life was contagious: he was always interested in others and his curiosity for learning never stopped. But, more than anything, Matt was such a grateful and loving son. He is survived by his mom Lori and step-dad Steve Stymeist and his father Dennis Bollinger along with many caring extended family members. Matt’s legacy will live on forever. A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, February 5th, 2025 from 3:006:00 pm at the Elks Lodge, 3821 Quest Ct. Shingle Springs, CA 95682. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Matt’s favorite charity directly helping families with DMD, JETT FOUNDATION.

Donna Mae Hardy

Feb. 18, 1940 – Nov. 29, 2024

Donna Mae Hardy, 84, born February 18, 1940, passed away at her home in Kelsey, CA on November 29, 2024. She is survived by her husband James Hardy, her children Jerry Hardy, Tim Hardy, Roy Hardy, Marty Hardy and April Schmidt. Grandchildren, great grandchildren and her sister Cathy Thomas. A Celebration of Life will be held on February 22, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at the House of Prayer Family Fellowship, 7901 CA-193, Garden Valley, CA 95633.

Timothy Harold Teasley

Nov. 17, 1958 – Nov. 17, 2024

Tim Teasley passed away at home in his sleep of natural causes on November 17th, 2024. Tim was the son of Terry and Luella Teasley of Pleasant Valley. Tim is survived by his daughter Jami, Mark & grandson Liam Passi of Hawaii, his daughter Tamara Breitbarth of the Bay area, sister Karen Teasley of Pleasant Valley, brother Gregory Teasley of Shingle Springs and many Aunts & uncles and cousins. There will be a Celebration of Life at the Green Valley Community Church, 3500 Missouri Flat Road, Placerville, CA, on Thursday, March 6th at 1 P.M. Tim is greatly missed by his family and friends.

Valley View drives away with art contest win

Noel Stack Editor

“Two years in a row!”

Valley View Charter Montessori

Principal Paul Stewart could hardly contain his excitement as he opened the El Dorado Hills school’s gate to allow an El Dorado Transit bus onto campus.

For the second time in as many years a Valley View student won El Dorado Transit’s second annual Youth Design a Bus Wrap Contest. Rain couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm as students came outside for the unveiling and loudly cheered when Savannah Mathew’s name was announced at the Jan. 31 unveiling.

The 13-year-old was surprised by the announcement, as well as the appearance of her parents and brother after her name had been called. She thanked El Dorado Transit and art teacher Melody McCahon while standing in front of the bus that features her hand-drawn picture of an El Dorado Transit bus.

After weeks of deliberations and votes from sta , board members and the El Dorado County O ce of Education employees, Savannah’s work was selected out of more than 100 submitted. The Design a Bus Wrap Contest was open to junior high school and high school students in El Dorado County. This year marks El Dorado Transit’s 50th anniversary and the theme of the contest was, “Then and Now: 50 Years and Beyond for El Dorado Transit.”

“We are excited to have Savannah’s winning artwork on one of our local buses,” said Erik Bergren, planning and marketing manager for El Dorado Transit. “Our buses typically travel 45,000 miles annually while transporting local riders, so Savannah’s design will be seen all over El Dorado County.”

The following information was taken from PPD reports: Jan. 19

10:58 a.m. A person allegedly drunk in public was reported at a fast food eatery on Broadway.

1:04 p.m. Petty theft reported at a fast food eatery on Fair Lane.

Jan. 20

2:27 a.m.

2:47 p.m.

Last year’s winning artwork completed by Nevaeh Smith, then a Valley View student, continues to travel around the county. Stewart said he still gets pictures from sta , students and community members who spot the bus and can’t help but take a photo or a selfie. He credits his students’ success in

the contest to teacher McCahon. “She takes art up a whole di erent notch,” Stewart said. McCahon said she’s proud of Savannah’s e ort and loves being a teacher at Valley View, where the administration and the district sta support art programs for all students.

Injured dog rescued near Emerald Bay

Tahoe Daily Tribune sta SOUTH LAKE

TAHOE — On Saturday, Jan. 25, at around 10:22 a.m., the El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce received a 911 call from a day hiker at Cascade Falls near Emerald Bay. The hiker called to report that his dog “Moscow” had slid over the falls about 200 feet and, although injured, was thankfully alive at the bottom of the falls. Moscow’s owner was determined to find a way down the cli to get to the pet. Given the circumstances and deep concern for safety, members of the El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce Search and Rescue responded to provide aid for Moscow. In partnership with El Dorado County Animal Services and assistance of a drone from South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, Search and Rescue volunteers responded to the base of the falls. Rescuers were able to locate Moscow, who was being attended to by a good Samaritan who was ice climbing. Due to the injuries sustained in the fall, Moscow’s ability to move was greatly hindered. Rescuers were able to safely get Moscow out of the slick ice and using a harnessed backpack, specifically made for transporting animals, hiked Moscow out to a warm vehicle. Moscow was taken to an emergency vet due to the injuries sustained in the fall and is reportedly doing well.

Photo courtesy of EDSO

Moscow is carried out of danger by a rescuer after a scary fall over Cascade Falls last month.

Teeth whitening treatments range from over-the-counter to in-office procedures and DIY treatments you can only get from your dentist. While teeth-whitening options vary widely, they all use a peroxide-based formula to break down stains on your teeth’s surface. Teeth whitening is usually done for cosmetic reasons, but it also benefits your dental health by removing the bacteria that causes plaque. Whitening treatments have harsh chemicals and can damage your tooth enamel and gums or lead to permanent tooth discoloration if overused. Some dental stains don’t respond well to whitening treatments either, so it’s always best to consult with your dentist about the saf-

est option for your teeth if you’re looking to brighten your smile. If you’ve looked at yourself in the mirror and wished you liked your smile more, why not make a change for the better? Teeth can be whitened and their appearance improved by several methods of cosmetic dentistry. In fact, it is truly amazing what can be accomplished in a short time that can enhance your appearance for the rest of your life. Comprehensive, quality, gentle dental care for patients of all ages is available here at our office. New patients are always welcome.

P.S. Tooth sensitivity and gum inflammation are common (and usually temporary) side effects of teeth whitening.

PPD CRIME LOG

Village Life photo by Noel Stack

Valley View Charter Montessori Principal Paul Stewart, right, takes a photo of winning artist Savannah Mathew, center, who is posing in front of her bus art with art teacher Melody McCahon.

Rescue Union School District launches solar lease project to power the future

News release

Rescue Union School District is excited to announce the launch of its districtwide Solar Lease Project, marking a significant milestone in sustainability and fiscal stewardship.

Construction has officially begun at Pleasant Grove Middle School, with completion targeted for spring 2025. The project involves the installation of freestanding solar structures across all seven district school sites.

The Solar Lease Project construction comes at no cost to the district’s general fund and is expected to provide significant districtwide savings over the next 25 years. These savings, guaranteed through the lease structure, will be reinvested in deferred maintenance and critical facility improvement projects at all seven schools. This strategic reinvestment ensures long-term enhancements that will directly benefit students, staff, and the RUSD community. The district used a competitive bid process in 2023 to select local solar company Excite Energy.

“Our partnership with Excite Energy, an El Dorado Hills-based contractor and proud Jackson Elementary

Jo Carrerow Mountain Democrat correspondent

The second reading of the ordinances that made changes to how law enforcement handles camping and storage of personal property, and clarified who and where people

family business, has been instrumental in getting this project under way,” said Superintendent Jim Shoemake. “Thanks to Excite Energy’s commitment and expertise, we’re taking a major step toward a more sustainable and

can sleep in their cars, passed unanimously 5-0 at the Jan. 28 El Dorado County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Changes were made to Ordinance 5221, to amend Title 9, Chapter 9.55, Camping and Storage of Personal Property on Private and Public

cost-efficient future for our district.”

While work has commenced at Pleasant Grove Middle School, the timelines for the remaining six schools remain somewhat fluid, with the district anticipating the majority of

installations will be completed by the end of 2025. Throughout this process, RUSD is committed to transparency and will keep stakeholders informed through updates from our site principals and a dedicated section on

Property. Updates include that no person is allowed to sleep on public property except children 5 years or younger, a person authorized to camp or an employee on their break during work hours if permitted by the employer.

The newly adopted ordinance also requires authorities to give a pre-removal 24-hour notice before impounding or removing personal property or tents left unattended. Actual removal by the county would be within 72 hours after the 24-hour period.

Ordinance 5222, to amend Title 10, County Parking Lots, regulates parking of vehicles in county-owned or -operated lots to designated days and hours, which will be posted at the lots.

The changes should give law enforcement the tools with which to handle issues with the county’s homeless population more effectively, El Dorado County sheriff’s officials noted during the first reading on Jan. 14.

But the meeting was met with concerns for the homeless and comments by the public and county employees whose emotions were still raw from the Jan. 23 stabbing of a homeless person by another homeless person.

Maureen Dion Perry, president of Housing El Dorado, said everyone needs preparation before implementing the ordinances, including several groups she said should collaborate — Tahoe Coalition

our website, featuring detailed project updates, schematics and anticipated timelines for each site.

This solar initiative aligns with RUSD’s mission to provide highquality educational environments and reflects the district’s ongoing efforts to meet its board focus goals, particularly those related to fiscal accountability, facility improvement, and sustainability.

“We are incredibly grateful to our community for their overwhelming support for this project that was reflected in our community survey results,” added Shoemake. “This project not only positions us as a leader in environmental stewardship but also ensures that we are better positioned to address many of the deferred maintenance needs across all of our sites for years to come.” For more information visit rescueusd.org or contact the district office at (530) 677-4461.

for the Homeless, Housing El Dorado, The Upper Room, Only Kindness, the EDSO Homeless Outreach Team and the Health and Human Services Agency.

Where do our residents without a home go?” she asked the board.

County Chief Administrative Officer Tiffany Schmid answered that there are coordinated efforts with El Dorado County Continuum of Care, which includes law enforcement, social services providers “and those who have lived and experienced homelessness.”

Eileen Flatgard, a 23-year employee of the El Dorado County Emergency Medical Services Agency, said employees experience problems with the homeless weekly, such as sleeping on the loading dock, defecating on the sidewalk and threatening and intimidating staff.

“It’s difficult for women coming in at 7:30 in the morning to step over three or four individuals trying to get into the office,” she added.

The county’s Navigation Center for the homeless is currently located at the El Dorado County Government Center on Fair Lane.

Chairman George Turnboo, while addressing the stabbing incident at the beginning of the meeting, reminded people that a permanent navigation center is in the process of development.

Supervisors Turboo, Brooke Laine, Lori Parlin, Greg Ferrero and Brian Veerkamp supported the ordinance changes.

Courtesy photo

Pleasant Grove Middle School is the first of seven Rescue Union School District sites to get solar panels installed.

JENNIFER KLOCZKO

New GM Continued from A1 after his appointment was announced. “I am grateful for this opportunity to serve our community and support the district while we work to identify the next permanent general manager.”

Johnson, a Rescue resident, retired from the EDH Fire Department in December 2024 after serving as chief since March 2019.

The addition of Johnson to the CPCSD staff comes at a time when the district is grappling with a staffing shortage and major budget issues. To partly alleviate financial problems, the district is in talks with the EDH Fire Department to annex the Cameron Park Fire Department into EDH Fire’s service area. Conversations began last summer and officials with both districts have commented over the last several months that negotiations are moving forward.

“The board of directors certified that the appointment of Maurice Johnson as interim general manager is critically necessary to maintain organizational leadership, continuity of operations, fire serve annexation, pending employment challenges and

Criteria

Continued from A1

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2680. Culver pointed out that the original criteria did not allow non-residents who are nominated by a county resident to qualify for a brick or stone on the monument.

“As a county resident I should be able to honor family and friends,” he said, adding he has several family members who had served in the military.

“I can’t even honor them; they never lived in El Dorado County,” he continued.

Other veterans wanted nothing to be changed from the original criteria set forth by the founders of the monument. The monument, located at 360 Fair Lane in Placerville, was dedicated in 2006.

“It seems like we’re in the process now of deconstructing the original criteria,” said Allen Amaro, commander of the local Disabled American Veterans organization. “It was properly vetted, looked upon, voted on and passed.”

Of the monument’s original founders, he said, “They went through a number of hoops to get all the items on the original criteria passed.”

By changing the original criteria they are “opening up a can of worms,” Amaro added.

“It will be an ever-changing process,”

Continued from A4

strong partnerships throughout the district and working to ensure our students learn at the highest levels.”

Kloczko’s journey in education includes pivotal roles such as principal, assistant principal, Title I coordinator, K-12 ELA co-leader, and K-5 classroom teacher. In addition to her administrative and teaching credentials, she is pursuing her doctorate in curriculum & instruction from the University of Louisiana Monroe, which is complemented by a master’s in educational leadership from the same institution and a bachelor’s in liberal studies from California State University, Sacramento. Drawing on her 17 years of experience as a K-5 classroom teacher, Kloczko is enthusiastic about helping every student achieve success and develop into an empowered, engaged member of the community.

Board President Christina Karle extended a warm welcome. “We are thrilled to have Jennifer Kloczko join our district as superintendent/ principal,” Karle shared. “Her extensive background in educational

operational readiness,” the Feb. 3 agenda item notes.

Cameron Park board members and residents had been at odds with now former GM Gardner over some of his decisions during his year on the job, as was evident on Jan. 22 when his cost-recovery plan to charge a $10 parking fee at Cameron Park Lake once a new gate is installed prompted a bylaws change approved by directors.

Pushback on the parking fee, which many called excessive during conversations over the last several months, led to sometimes heated discussions about the general manager’s ability to set fees/rates without seeking board approval. As outlined in the CPCSD bylaws, the general manager had that authority but directors wanted more input. They unanimously approved a bylaw revision that requires the general manager to bring the feerate schedule to the board for final approval.

Gardner was hired in December 2023.

he said. “I respect you guys’ ability to help us, but I think we’re doing a disservice to all the veterans in El Dorado County if we just whimsically change (the criteria) every few years.”

Engelhardt Stott, who was leading the meeting, asked him, “With the draft that has added clarifying language, do you have objections to that?”

Amaro answered, “Yes.”

He questioned the vetting process and the cost for being honored on the monument. He compared it to other monuments he had visited and a military cemetery he had toured in France.

“There’s no difference between one cross or another, whether the person was an officer or not an officer, or whether their family could afford it,” he explained.

Several veterans said they would like the Veterans Affairs Commission to handle vetting, rather than the Veterans Services officer.

“If you go through the supervisors, that’s a political appointee,” said Adams. “I’m trying to get away from that.”

“The veterans of this community have earned the right to be serviced by the Department of Veterans Affairs here in El Dorado County,” Amaro chimed in.

leadership and dedication to strengthening student learning experiences make her an excellent fit for our Gold Oak community. We believe Ms. Kloczko will build on the district’s strengths and work to create the best environment for all students and staff in GOUSD to thrive.”

The El Dorado County Office of Education supported GOUSD with the recruitment process. El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ed Manansala added, “I am confident Ms. Kloczko’s leadership will drive meaningful and transformative growth at GOUSD. Her passion for education, extensive education experience within El Dorado County, and deep commitment to studentcentered practices equip her with the skills to enhance student learning, cultivate partnerships, and engage the community.”

GOUSD anticipates the positive impact that Kloczko will bring to the district, fostering a shared commitment to excellence in education. For more information on GOUSD visit gousd.org.

El Dorado County Grand Jury looking for new members

News release

The annual opportunity for citizens to take part in the El Dorado County Grand Jury process is here.

The grand jury is an excellent vehicle for committed persons to keep the government accountable to all the county’s residents. Applicants must be United States citizens, at least 18 years of age, cannot currently hold an elected office and have resided in the county for at least one year at the time of the swearing-in date.

The swearing in will commence in June 2025. The judges of the El Dorado Superior Court shall review all applications and select names from those submitted to be put into the jury pool. This pool will also consist of currently seated grand jurors who have been chosen to be held over from the prior year. Nineteen jurors as well as alternates are then selected in a random drawing from this pool.

The random drawing will be held in June 2025. Jurors are expected to be present for the “draw.” Jurors serve for a period of one year, from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. A mandatory twoday training session, provided by the California Grand Juror’s Association and the county of El Dorado, will take place on June 26 & 27.

The El Dorado County Grand Jury is an investigative body (established in the California State Constitution and Penal Code for all counties) to benefit county residents by providing oversight relative to the proper and legal operation of public entities. It is an arm of the superior court and a representative of the public but operates independently of direct court supervision.

The grand jury is a watchdog of governmental action. It is not a branch of the county, nor does the grand jury answer to the district attorney. The grand jury’s goal is to ensure that county, special district, and city governments are being effectively run. The grand jury is not a jury for criminal trials. Typically, the grand jury looks at systems and processes. Although the jury has no enforcement authority, it does make recommendations through publication of a public final report, usually published in June each year. These reports usually receive effective press coverage. Each complaint the

Jury accepts for investigation must be investigated thoroughly, seeking out and analyzing the facts prior to writing a report for publication.The grand jury cannot normally resolve or solve emergency situations. This is a timeconsuming process and usually takes many months to complete.

For a complete description of the grand jury’s duties, as well as past grand jury reports and report responses, visit edcgov.us/GrandJury. Jurors are regularly called upon to confer with government officials and other citizens to gain information and insight concerning matters under investigation. While being a grand juror is not a full-time job however, it does require a substantial time commitment. This time commitment includes attendance at full jury and committee meetings, investigating and preparing written reports.

While each year the El Dorado County Grand Jury sets its own meeting schedule, jurors can typically expect to serve between eight and up to 30 hours per week, spread over two or three days. Investigative committee chairs and the Foreperson often serve more hours per week. Jurors can certainly take vacations during the session, but periods of absence exceeding two or three weeks, especially during the second half of the 12-month session, should be held to a minimum.

This civic service is essentially volunteer, although jury meetings are compensated at the rate of $15 per day, and mileage is compensated at the existing IRS rate (currently $0.70/ mile) for miles actually and necessarily traveled for purposes of grand jury sessions or committee work.

Qualified citizens who have an interest in this unique and rewarding community service are encouraged to download the application at edcgov.us/ GrandJury or pick up an application from Court Administration, 2850 Fairlane Court, Suite 110, Placerville. The last date to apply this year is May 4. Submit applications online, in person or by mail to the El Dorado County Superior Court, 495 Main St., Placerville, CA 95667, Attn: Cindy Denton, Administrative Assistant. If you have any questions regarding the application process call or email Denton at (530) 621-6495 or cdenton@eldoradocourt.org.

Kloczko

Courtesy photo

CPCSD Director Tim Israel, Vice President Katie Gilchrest, new interim General Manager Maurice Johnson, board President Dawn Wolfson and Director Monique Scobey, left to right, pose for a photo after the announcement was made Feb. 3 that Johnson would join the team.

OPINION

A Word About Water

What is the role of a water agency that does not deliver water?

When you think about a water agency, you probably wonder whether you’ve paid your bill or if there are water conservation measures in place. Questions about water quality may cross your mind if there is a distinct chlorine smell coming out of the tap or if there is a nearby wildfire where hazardous burned materials could make their way into the water supply.

Many El Dorado County residents may not realize that in addition to the four urban water suppliers and hundreds of small water systems, there is another entity — El Dorado Water Agency — that is responsible for managing water resources in our county.

The main di erence between El Dorado Water Agency and other local water entities is that we do not deliver water to residents, businesses, cities or agricultural areas. We do, however, provide countywide water planning and management. We work with county leaders and sta , policy makers, nonprofits, local, state and federal agencies and others to address water issues throughout the whole county and put plans in place to help meet our future water needs.

Some of El Dorado Water Agency’s current initiatives include:

• Drought planning: There are thousands of properties in our county where residents and businesses rely on small water systems or domestic wells. Many of these communities have aging systems with no backup water or power supplies, which may leave them severely impacted during droughts or power outages. In fact, many have faced water shortages in the past. In coordination with the county and others, we develop drought plans to help address water supply vulnerabilities and reduce hardships in these areas.

• Ensuring our county has ample water: We assess our collective countywide water needs and work to secure additional surface water to support planned future growth. We also identify what changes need to take place in order to adapt to changing weather patterns. This includes developing plans to build additional water storage to capture precipitation that will increasingly fall as rain instead of snow.

• Supporting a healthy forest: We secured nearly

■ See WATER, page A7

Letters to the Editor

Dangers to pedestrians

EDITOR:

We have a some very serious situations that have been created by the “Black Hole” aka the El Dorado County Department of Transportation, in my opinion. Where was the design work for the pedestrian crosswalk in Diamond Springs designed?

This work has, in my opinion, made a very seriously bad condition as it was into a threat for loss of life, physical damage to a car or truck. Apparently, it was built to use up some grant funds along with the additions of a crosswalk in El Dorado and the turn pocket on Missouri Flat Road ... for about $400,000. All of them are built without consideration of 3 feet of clearance for bicyclists as required by state law. Most of the rural roads in this county also are in violation of this law. Back to the most serious, which is Pleasant Valley Road at Racquetball Way. This should have been corrected years ago. A signal is badly needed there, not this weak excuse at best now. It is a six-corner intersection on a curve with heavy tra c that currently is heavy most of the day. I say six because

there are other entrances onto Pleasant Valley Road from other businesses within 300 feet-plus.

Exiting Ji y Mart Shopping Center, you have vision obstructions that combined with late afternoon sunlight or sign and tree obstructions make this exit a sure-fire wreck in the making. It is not if, but when — and who will pay the price? It is a cheap fix at best, however not worth the price of physical injury or mortality to anyone. Again, it apparently was created to allow a few pedestrians to cross Pleasant Valley Road. What has been built threatens them as well.

Taken from the El Dorado County DOT website: “The Department of Transportation is responsible for the funding, planning, designing, building, operating, and maintaining the County Road System (CRS). The County Road System currently consists of approximately 1083 centerline miles of paved roadway, 76 bridges, a multitude of storm drainage systems, and related transportation facilities.

The two primary priorities of the Department of

The Balancing Act

What looks to be the cause of the Reagan mid-air collision?

First, I want to acknowledge Juan Browne and his Blancolirio You Tube Channel for insight in leading to this column. But it is time to nail down the probable cause of this terrible midair collision that occurred Jan. 29 near Ronald Reagan National Airport. History repeats itself as this type of accident has happened before. On Sept. 28, 1978, Pacific Southwest Airlines Flight 182 had a midair collision on a visual approach to San Diego’s Lindbergh airport. The controller in that accident advised the PSA crew of tra c and the PSA crew acknowledged “tra c in sight.” The controller then said to the PSA crew “OK, sir, maintain visual separation.” At that point in time, because they were flying visual flight rules and

not instrument flight rules, the PSA flight had the responsibility to maintain separation, not the controller. Unfortunately, a collision with the aircraft that they were supposed to maintain separation with occurred and a tragic accident with 142 fatalities became the worst air disaster in California history.

Regarding the recent midair collision near Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C., that killed 67 souls, it turns out AA Flight 5342 was innocent, flying a perfect visual night approach to DCA. The other aircraft, a Blackhawk UH-60 (PAT-25), was the cause of this tragedy, not the controller or the supposed understa ng in the DCA control tower. There are other small factors that could have contributed; however, the failure of PAT 25 to follow

If the Blackhawk had not “illegally” climbed to 375 feet or if it had maintained visual separation … there would have been no tragedy.

directions, maintain separation and maintain a maximum altitude of 200 feet led to this accident.

Here are the key facts. PAT-25 was flying on helicopter Route 1, which has a maximum altitude limitation of 200 feet until south of the Wilson Bridge about five miles south of DCA. A controller was in contact with both aircrafts. After the controller asked AA5342 if they would accept a clearance to land on Runway 33 (meaning the runway points in the direction of 330 degrees), The controller advised PAT-25, “Do you have the CRJ (AA5342) in sight?” PAT-25 relied, “Have CRJ in sight, request visual separation.” Now whether they really had AA5342 is questionable, but at that point in time the Blackhawk became responsible for

the separation between them and the CRJ. The controller also advised the Blackhawk to “pass behind the CRJ.” For a yet unknown reason, the Blackhawk did not maintain its maximum allowable altitude of 200 feet. It started to climb from 200 feet to about 375 feet and it obviously did not pass behind the CRJ. Instead, it smacked into the right side of the airliner that was descending to land on Runway 33. If the Blackhawk had not “illegally” climbed to 375 feet or if it had maintained visual separation (the Blackhawk said it had the CRJ in sight), there would have been no tragedy. But for reasons yet unknown, it climbed beyond its maximum allowable altitude. This had nothing to

LORI PARLIN

LARRY WEITZMAN

REBECCA GUO

Water Continued from A6

$2 million in federal funding to remove dead trees and plant new ones after the Caldor Fire to protect the streams that supply water to the Grizzly Flat community. We also brought together 17 agencies to develop a plan to better manage our watershed and continue to work together to implement on-theground projects to create a healthier forest.

• Advocating for our water resources needs: We serve as a voice for our mountain county and advocate for policies that make sense for our unique rural-agricultural foothill communities. We also advocate for funding for projects that protect our local water resources. Many regulations, policies and funding streams are focused on more densely populated urban, low-lying flat lands. It is important that decision makers understand the issues El Dorado County faces and that our unique water resources challenges require tailored solutions.

Unlike the local urban water suppliers, El Dorado Water Agency is not focused on one community or service area. We work to ensure our entire county, which encompasses over 1 million acres, has clean, safe and affordable water for all types of uses such as domestic, municipal, industrial, agricultural, recreational and environmental. Water is at the heart of everything our communities do and need and we are honored to be stewards of our county’s water resources.

Lori Parlin is the District 2 El Dorado County supervisor and EDWA board chair and Rebecca Guo is general manager of the El Dorado Water Agency.

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD

Transportation are:

1. Public safety — ensuring that our roads are safe for public use with due care in a manner in which it is reasonably foreseeable that they will be used.

2. Preservation of infrastructure — preserving and maintaining the public’s multi-billion dollar investment in our roads, bridges, and other facilities associated with the CRS.”

The 3-feet clearance law for bicyclists is still in effect in California. This law, known as the Three Feet for Safety Act, requires drivers to give at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist. If 3 feet of clearance isn’t possible due to road or traffic conditions, drivers must slow down and pass only when it’s safe to do so.

BRIAN DeBERRY

Diamond Springs

We should work with WHO

EDITOR:

he MAGA movement should now be called

TMASA: Make America Sick Again. Donald Trump’s order that the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization should cease all collaboration, effective immediately, and the United States’ imminent withdrawal from WHO, put everyone’s health at risk.

And to what end? These actions reflect Trump’s belligerence and total lack of understanding or concern about the importance of such collaboration in controlling diseases caused by viruses and

bacteria that often originate elsewhere and migrate to the United States. International cooperation is not charity, but is of benefit to us as well as the rest of the world. By this and other actions, Trump is reversing the spirit of cooperation and good will fostered by the United States that has served the world so well since World War II.

One of Trump’s justifications for the WHO withdrawal is that it is too expensive, with an assessment of about $500 million per year, while China pays much less. (assessments are set by member states based on a formula.) This is peanuts when compared to the cost of a pandemic such as COVID-19, which cost us trillions of dollars. If he thinks this is too much, he could ask his pal Elon Musk to pay the U.S. assessment (with no strings attached), which would represent only a little more than one-tenth of a percent of his purported fortune of more than $400 billion. And this guy needs a tax cut?

Trump also faulted WHO for its failure to adopt urgently needed reforms. There is no doubt that reforms are needed. The answer should not be to throw the baby out with the bathwater, but to work with WHO and other member states to institute the necessary reforms to make the organization more effective.

JOHN L. HERRMAN Placerville

Weitzman

Continued from A6

do with the CRJ and/or the controller. Is the fact that PAT-25 was on a training flight a factor?

Once the Blackhawk accepted the responsibility of maintaining visual separation, it became their responsibility to do so. Climbing above 200 feet was also violating airspace restrictions. Again, nothing to do with the controller or the CRJ.

The controller appears to have acted correctly. Ditto for the CRJ crew. But what about the Blackhawk pilots? Were the pilots properly certified under training guidelines? Were corners or standards cut? We do not know that information yet, but we will soon and that is where I would be looking.

For years before this accident, there was a perfect safety record at DCA. I am sure there were close calls.

As in PSA Flight 182, once you accept responsibility for visual separation, the burden for separation falls on that pilot. This system has worked for years, but for some unknown reason it did not work that evening. Maybe the Blackhawk pilots mistakenly was looking at another aircraft? But why did the Blackhawk climb into the CRJ? These pilots should know the rules like the back of their hand. What happened there?

But whatever the answers, the Blackhawk is responsible.

Larry Weitzman is a former pilot and El Dorado County resident.

Announcements

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

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

AMERICAN LEGION POST 119 welcomes Veterans and guests to attend our monthly membership dinner and meeting the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM. Legionpost119.org

CAMERON PARK NEWCOMERS

CLUB meets the first Wednesday of each month at 10:30 at the Light of the Hills Lutheran Church, 3100 Rodeo Rd., CP, 95682. New and current local community members are welcome for fun and games throughout the month. For further information contact Jill Butler at 530-295-7448.

El DORADO COUNTY AMATEUR

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

PLAY CRIBBAGE Join the Gold Country Cribbers 916-212-2465 or 916-768-4452. We Play - We Teach - We Have Fun. Wednesdays 4:00 PM. Gilmore Senior Center 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA Struggling with life? CELEBRATE RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/ DEMOCRATS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the

month. Call (530)391-6414 or see edcdems.org for more information. GOLD RUSH CHORUS now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing four-part harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or Kent (530) 651-3575

HANGTOWN WOMEN’S TENNIS CLUB. Come play tennis for fun and friendship. Meet at El Dorado

School, Acacia Street, Placerville, Wed 9 AM – 11 AM. (June - Aug 8 AM –10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Monica 530-306-7066.

MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men

3430 Robin Ln., Cameron Park. Meet first and third Wednesday of every month, 7pm. Come and have a paid lunch with the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) for CalPERS retirees and spouses. The meetings are held at 11:30AM on May 20, July 15, September 16, November 18,2024 at Denny’s (3446 Coach Lane) Cameron Park. Call 530 919 7515 for programs and information. SENIOR PEER COUNSELING Seniors 55 and over who are grieving, depressed or having issues related to aging can meet one-on-one with a caring senior, professionally supervised and trained to listen and encourage. Call (530)621-6304 to leave a message and get started.

TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION OF EL DORADO COUNTY Our mission is to educate the public on tax issues that affect them. Our meetings are held every Monday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at Denny’s Restaurant, Fair Lane Drive, Placerville. Meetings are open to the public. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a non-partisan organization.

Cougars victorious in league championship

With perfect records on the line, El Dorado and Union Mine high schools’ wrestling teams faced off Jan. 29 at the Sierra Valley Conference league championship. The Cougars prevailed in the end 54-30, finishing with a 7-0 record while the Diamondbacks dropped to 6-1.

It was a hard fought championship match with Union Mine taking the early lead with pins by Lincoln Garel and Jeffrey Russell. EDHS wrestler Westley Case countered with a pin before El Dorado pulled away with pins by Colton Iseger, Gavin Coit and Gordon Girardin. Brock Buak interrupted the El Do parade with a pin for Union Mine but Cougars Isaac Gautschi and Jack Hatch followed with pins of their own. Dennis Warden closed out the scoring with a pin for Union Mine.

El Dorado coach John Schaefer claimed the league title and was presented with the ceremonial belt by coach Don Curtis. Both teams advanced to the CIF Division 4 Dual Meet on Feb. 1 at Lincoln High School in Stockton. El Dorado was runner up in Division 4 with victories over Oakmont and Calaveras and lost to Central Catholic in the finals. Union Mine lost in the first round to Casa Robles 48-34.

The SVC individual tournament is slated for Friday, Feb. 7, at Union Mine in El Dorado. Wrestling starts at noon. Both boys and girls from both schools will be featured and the top four advance to CIF regionals and divisionals.

El Dorado ski, snowboard teams outrace most of the competition

Mountain Democrat staff

High school skiers and snowboarders competed in their first slalom race of the year Jan. 27 at Sierra-at-Tahoe.

More than 200 student-athletes from Amador & Argonaut, El Dorado, Oak Ridge, Ponderosa and Union Mine competed in the South 1 division of CNISSF racing.

The El Dorado Cougars skied to the top spot in the women’s varsity ski race.

1. EDHS with 384

points

2. ORHS with 377 points

3. PHS with 265 points

4. UMHS with 166 points

5. A/A with 100 points

Top women’s skiers were Marley Garner from A/A with a combined time of 1:42.81, Cougar Andie Chandler with a combined time of 1:44.33 and Trojan Greta Aronwitz from ORHS with a combined time of 1:44.51.

In the men’s varsity ski race the Cougars once again took first place.

1. EDHS with 383

2. ORHS with 380

3. PHS with 356

4. UMHS with 322

5. A/A with 77

Top men’s skiers were Cougar Dylan Mcleod with combined time of 1:45.88, Trojan Beau Templet with a combined time of 1:49.95 and Trojan Graham Aronowitz with a combined time of 1:53.57. When the women’s varsity snowboarders hit the slopes, Ponderosa came out ahead of the competition.

1. PHS with 386 points

2. EDHS with 376 points

3. ORHS with 361 points

4. UMHS with 329 points

5. A/A with 0 Top women’s snowboarders were

Cougar Emma Frazer with a combined time of 2:07.12 followed by Bruins Audrey Kersey with a combined time of 2:07.52 and Shayla Dalton with a combined time of 2:08.59. El Dorado headed to the top of the podium again in the men’s varsity snowboard race.

1. EDHS with 391 points

2. ORHS with 372 points

3. UMHS with 354 points

4. PHS with 341 points

5. A/A with 69 points Top men’s snowboarders were Cougar Mason Beverly with a combined time of 1:58.89, Trojan Andrew Hansen with a combined time of 2:00.57 and Cougar Blake Stowe with a combined time of 2:02.05. The Feb. 3 race was postponed. Alpine racers next hit the slopes Feb. 10.

Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene

Union Mine Rattler wrestler Cory Richardson, left, and El Dorado Cougar opponent Jack Hatch, compete for the league championship at El Dorado High School on Jan. 29. Hatch went on to pin his opponent and win the match. Union Mine Rattler wrestler Dennis Warden, right, holds onto El Dorado Cougar opponent Gavin Ashton at the

championship at El Dorado High School on Jan. 29.

Mountain Democrat staff

Union Mine lunior jarsity wrestling coach Don Curtis, right, presents the Championship Golden Belt in memory of late Union Mine football coach Sean Tow to El Dorado High wrestlers Jackson Hatch, left, and Gavin Coit , center, as their coach, John Shafer, second from right, looks on. The Cougars defeated the Diamondbacks 54-30 and claimed the 2024-25 SVC League title on Jan. 29.

El Dorado High School’s Dylan Mcloed, left, and Sage Pittman celebrate a great day in the snow. Mcloed remains undefeated on the slopes.

Courtesy photos

El Dorado’s Casey Hayman zips down the course during last week’s race.

Report: CHP finds more than disabled vehicle

Odin Rasco Senior staff writer

A California Highway Patrol officer checking a stalled vehicle next to Highway 50 Tuesday, Jan. 28, discovered more than a stranded motorist. The stop yielded the discovery of more than 4 pounds of drugs, according to a CHP press release. Near the vehicle the CHP officer encountered Ruifeng Lin, 42, who

officials said appeared to be under the influence of drugs. Additional investigation uncovered material believed to be methamphetamine and ketamine.

Lin is currently in custody at the El Dorado County Jail with a bail set at $415,000. Lin faces multiple felony charges, including driving under the influence of a controlled substance and the transport and possession of a controlled substance.

LAFCO seeks alternate

News release

The El Dorado Local Agency Formation Commission is considering the appointment for the alternate public member on LAFCO. The application deadline is March 10.

The appointed alternate public member will serve the remainder of the current four-year term, from May 2024 through May 2028.

The public member alternate represents the interests of the taxpayer-citizens of El Dorado County. The alternate fully participates in the discussion and deliberation at LAFCO meetings but votes only when the regular public member is absent or disqualified.

Applicants must be a resident and registered voter in El Dorado County and cannot be a city, special district or county official of any public agency within El Dorado County. Those seated on LAFCO are subject to the Fair Political Practices Commission and must file an annual conflict of interest statement.

Under state law, LAFCO is mandated to ensure the logical formation and determination of the local government agency boundaries,

which affect growth and development patterns, delivery of urban services and agricultural and open space lands within El Dorado County.

The commission meets on the fourth Wednesday of every other month (first Wednesday in December) in the Board of Supervisors meeting room at 330 Fair Lane, Placerville. LAFCO meetings are currently scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m., though this start time is subject to change.

If you wish to be considered for the alternate public member position on LAFCO, the application form is posted on the LAFCO website at edlafco.us/alternate-public-membervacancy. If you have any questions call the LAFCO office at (530) 295-2707.

To be considered, applicants must be available to attend and interview at LAFCO’s meeting on March 26. The agenda will be posted approximately one week prior to the meeting. Refer to the agenda for the specific start time.

Submit applications to: lafco@ edlafco.us

El Dorado LAFCO

1190 Suncast Lane, Suite 11 El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

Placerville commissions, committees have open seats

News release

The city of Placerville is looking for a few interested residents to serve on local committees and commissions.

The application period for the following positions is open until Feb. 13. Visit cityofplacerville.org for more information.

The Measure H/L Sales Tax Committee’s major function is to ensure the accurate collection, accounting and expenditure of Measure H and Measure L Tax funds. The duties of the committee include act in an advisory capacity to the City Council in all matters pertaining to the Measure H and Measure L Sales Tax; prepare a written or oral report of findings to the City Council following each quarterly meeting; and perform any other functions that may be designated by resolution or motion of the City Council.

The purpose of the seven-member, council-appointed Placerville Economic Advisory Committee is to provide advice and recommendations to the City Council on economic development issues and assist in

LEGISLATORS’ ADDRESSES

the development of an Economic Development Strategy for the city of Placerville.

The Planning Commission’s primary functions are to supervise the Placerville Zoning Ordinance; adopt rules and procedures necessary or convenient for the filing of use permits, variances and site plans; act upon all applications for use permits, variances and site plans; make recommendations to the council upon amendments to zone changes or to changes to the provisions of this ordinance.

The city of Placerville Recreation & Parks Commission is a sixmember commission made up of five community members at large appointed by the Placerville City Council and one student representative from El Dorado High School. The Recreation & Parks Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the Placerville City Council and the director of Recreation and Parks in all matters pertaining to parks and public recreation as the city works to deliver quality parks and leisure services to the community.

COMICS

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

ARIES (March 21-April 19). People need you today.

Consider that the ones who vie for your attention aren’t necessarily who it should go to. And as long as you’re mindfully prioritizing, be sure to cater to your own needs first. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). To deny that the cooperation of others and their opinions affect you would be counterintuitive to human existence. But if we’re too concerned with what others think, little gets done, certainly nothing original. You’ll find the brilliant balance today.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). A plan that goes off without a hitch could be taken as a sign of mastery, or an indication of playing it too safe. When you have a good plan but life throws a wrench in it anyway, this is the cosmic twist that inspires your artfulness.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Connections deepen when it feels safe enough to share the truth. If there’s a looming punishment, all bets are off. The threat of disapproval can be enough of a deterrent. The move toward honesty can be small, and it will still count.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’re making your dream tangible -- one step at a time. It’s OK to feel overwhelmed; it means you care deeply. When guilt or doubt creeps in, remember that you’re worthy of this pursuit. Keep building on momentum.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Don’t judge yourself, and neither should you accept anyone else’s assessment. The

commentary, whether it’s coming from within or without, won’t be helpful. Instead of judging life, just live it. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Conversations can confuse. Even the written word of contracts and constitutions can have multiple interpretations. Luckily, conflict and miscommunication can be avoided by cultivating respect in all interactions.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’ll make someone laugh today, which feels smart, even if you’re playing the fool to accomplish it. Make no mistake, to reach people in humor is to perform a very nuanced and sophisticated task.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Confidence sells ideas only so far as it can be believed. “Fake it till you make it” will work best when the fake is so convincing that the faker believes it, too. Go forward in bravado.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 21. 19). Today brings a barrage of creativity and the urge to share it. Though it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s not inherently a problem. People who welcome your thoughts and feelings are the best fit for closeness.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). For you, experiencing life’s richness is always tied to learning. There’s so much you have access to now. Follow your curiosity. Your

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INDEPENDENT LIVING HOMES FEATURES

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• Pets welcome

COMMUNITY SERVICES & AMENITIES

• Restaurant-style dining

• Swimming pool, hot tub, and outdoor grills

• Clubhouse and tness center

• Library and full-service beauty salon

• Activities, clubs, outings, and celebrations

• Transportation services

• 24-hour emergency maintenance

• Gated electronic entrance

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

NEWS, IN THE KNOW

Feb. 5

Join the El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce for its Business Connections Luncheon sponsored by El Dorado Hills Area Foundation, 11:30 a.m. at Hills Church, 800 White Rock Road. To register and get more information visit eldoradohillschamber.org.

Feb. 6

Imagination Theater will host the national poetry recitation competition for high school students, Poetry Out Loud county championships

This event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and competition starts at 7 p.m

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

Feb. 7

Imagination Theater at the El Dorado Fairgrounds presents “Stuart Little, The Musical” by Joseph Robinette and Ronna Frank. Through March 2. For tickets and more information visit itplacerville.org.

Achilles Wheel with special guest Jen Rund (Americana psychedelic jam) will perform 7-10 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Lynsey and Prime Country will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 8 p.m. to midnight. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.

Peter Asher – A musical memoir featuring the hits of Peter & Gordon will perform at Sutter Creek Theatre in Sutter Creek. The show starts at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheatre.com.

Feb. 8

Imagination Theater is holding auditions for “The Importance of Being Earnest,” by Oscar Wilde. Check in is at 9:30 a.m. actors will be seen from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information visit itplacerville.org.

A free House of Worship Security symposium with law enforcement takes place

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hills Church, 800 White Rock Road in El Dorado Hills. For more information email Sgt. Steve Scho eld at scho es@edso. org.

Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts a Storytime Hour with JaNay Brown-Wood, 11:30

a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Her new book, “On Our Way! What a Day!” is a joyful tribute to music, creativity and grandmothers. For more information call (916) 9419401.

The Coloma Community Market takes place 1-4 p.m., drizzle or shine, the second and fourth Saturdays at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. FParking

The Shingle Springs/Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce membership is looking forward to a fabulous 2025 and got the year o to a successful start with its Business Awards and Installation of the Board of Directors luncheon.

Colette Thiel, 2024 and 2025 president, welcomed members and guests to the celebration at Red Hawk Casino’s Koto Bu et. El Dorado County Sheri Je Leikauf dutifully handled the honor of installing the Shingle Springs/ Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 2025: Colette Thiel, Thiel Real Estate, president; Amber Jaurequi, Geneva Financial, vicepresident; Todd White, field representative for Sen. Marie AlvaradoGil, secretary; Leanne Stoddard, Shingle

Springs/Cameron Park Chamber, treasurer; Angela Honoro , Mary Kay Cosmetics, director; Bev Dierks, Blissful Gardens, director; Amanda Erskine, event coordinator, director; Paul Burke, Burke Insurance, director; and David Spencer, Greenway Home Services, director.

The highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of special awards.

The Food Bank of El Dorado County was recognized with the Public Service Award presented by Joe Patterson, California State Assembly, 5th District. Mike Sproull accepted the award and thanked the community and the chamber for all the support given to the food bank. Todd White also presented a certificate to the food bank from California State Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil.

Thiel took the

Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron 85 News release

The U.S. Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron 85 has been a successful springboard for scores of local youth who are dedicated to qualifying for appointment to a military academy. Since 1980, the squadron has been educating and training area youths in aerospace, leadership, emergency services, military customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies and physical fitness. Many local cadets have received appointments to West Point, the Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy and the South Carolina Military Academy (The Citadel). In 2023, cadet Meth Ranaweera began attending the Citadel and in 2024 cadet Lucas Roth began attending the Air Force Academy. This year, high school senior and past Cadet Commander Brock Buak used a combination of academics, athletics and community service to achieve something

extremely rare — appointments to four military academies. West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy all sent formal appointments to this young man. He also received a full scholarship to Army ROTC should he choose that route.

Brock attends Union Mine High School where he is on the football, baseball and wrestling teams. He has

served as president of his school’s National Honor Society, as a two-term president of the Key Club and as executive o cer of the California Cadet Corps. By the end of his junior year, he had earned two associate degrees from Sierra College in Rocklin. Outside of school, sports and Civil Air Patrol, Brock works on his family’s farm in Shingle Springs by

Mimi Escabar Special sections editor

Mountain Democrat photos by Andrew Vonderschmitt Top, members of the chamber board, left to right: Todd White, David Spencer, Angela Honoroff, Amanda Erskine, Bev Dierks, Amber Jaurequi, Leanne Stoddard and Colette Thiel after being sworn in. Above, President Colette Thiel presents Fred Ott with the Larry Cameron Award for Community Service. Below, Assemblymember Joe Patterson presents Food Bank of El Dorado founder Mike Sproul with the Public Service Award.

Photo by Cadet Capt. Hudson Musial

Pictured from left to right: Capt. Richard Barb, Cadet Maj. Brock Buak and Capt. Steve Anderly hold up the many appointments Buak received. Buak plans to make a decision this spring.

Roses receive singing Valentine

Special to the Mountain Democrat

ABarbershop Quartet from Placerville’s Gold Rush Chorus delivered a singing Valentine to a bouquet of El Dorado Roses at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds as these two longtime El Dorado County organizations commence their spring events. The men and women of Placerville’s Gold Rush Chorus (est. 1983) have been spreading barbershop harmony throughout El Dorado County for 42 years. They invite you to create a special moment for your loved one with a singing Valentine (two love songs), a personalized card, and a rose — delivered by a Barbershop Quartet. You can schedule your singing Valentine by calling (530) 647-6513; or emailing howtekinc@gmail.com.

ON DUTY

Since 1976, El Dorado County has been selecting an El Dorado Rose and her Court each year on Senior Day at the Rose Pageant during the El Dorado County Fair. This accolade has had national recognition as a unique program recognizing local mature women for their distinguished service to the community. You are invited to nominate a woman who has reached her 60th birthday and resided in this county for at least 10 years and who would enjoy beginning many years participating in diverse community events in elegant historical attire as an ambassador for El Dorado County and its rich history, For further information or to submit a nomination contact the El Dorado Rose Incorporated, P.O. Box 282, Placerville, Ca 95667, Attention: the President.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Darian Lord

PHILIPPINE SEA — Lt. Gabby Gette and Hospitalman Sydney Bates, right, from El Dorado Hills, both assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America file down a sailor’s temporary filling, Jan. 20. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

News release

GRASS VALLEY — The Center for the Arts is pleased to present John McEuen & The Circle Band in the Marisa Funk Theater on February 5. After a short career as a magician, McEuen’s passion for music led him to form the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 1966. The band rocketed to fame in 1970 with the release of its album “Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy,” and the hit single “Mr. Bojangles.” In 1971, McEuen brought together the icons of bluegrass, country, and West Coast country rock, uniting Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, Merle Travis, Jimmy Martin, Roy Acu , Junior Huskey, Vassar Clements and Maybelle Carter with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Six sweltering summer days of recording in Nashville produced “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” a benchmark album still relevant to this day.

Rolling Stone called the album “the most important record to come out of Nashville,” and the 2004 ZAGAT survey called it “the most important record in country music.” The album was inducted into the Library of Congress in 2004 and the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2011 as an historical recording.

Appearing in four episodes of Ken Burns “Country Music,” McEuen is thought of as an integral part of the history of country music. In episode six titled “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” he describes the making of this milestone album. McEuen was recently inducted into the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame. His

Cameron Park youth tackle hunger Troubadour set to captivate

While the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles prepare to clash in Super Bowl LVIII, Cameron Park youth hope to make a big impact right before game day. Faith Episcopal Church’s youth group will hold a food drive for the Food Bank of El Dorado County, 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Feb. 9, helping sack hunger in El Dorado County.

“This is a Super Bowl tradition for Faith Church as we let our youth take charge and organize one of the largest food drives in the region,” said Rev. Tom Gartin, rector of Faith Episcopal Church. “Our congregation just wrapped up a month of collecting socks for those in the community who find it hard to stay warm this time of year and now we turn to the big day — when we usually stu ourselves with food while cheering for our favorite team. Before all the

first book, “The Life I’ve Picked,” was published in 2018. A memoir, the book chronicles his storied career as an iconic band member and his life as a father raising seven kids in the music business. McEuen has made over 40 albums (seven solo) that have earned four platinum and five gold recognition awards, Grammy nominations, CMA and ACM awards, an Emmy nomination, and an IBMA record of the year award. McEuen has performed or recorded with some of the greatest artists of all time, including Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt, David Bromberg, Dolly Parton, Steve Martin, Bill Wyman, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, June Carter, Alison Krauss, Jackson Browne, Jerry Garcia and many more. For tickets or more information visit thecenterforthearts.org.

fun begins, we want to do our part to make sure everyone has access to healthy food.”

According to the California Association of Food Banks, the state produces nearly half the nation’s fruits and vegetables, yet one in eight Californians currently does not know where their next meal will come from.

The FEC youth group food drive is one of the largest single-day donations supporting the food bank, which supports 25 other organizations in the county that supply food to residents weekly. The food bank estimates it is feeding between 8,000 and 10,000 people each week.

Parishioners and community members can drop o food in the parking lot of the church. Youth will accept canned and non-perishable food donations. The food bank needs boxed cereals and pastas, canned soups, fruits, vegetables and meats. The church is located at 2200 Country Club Drive in Cameron Park.

podium to announce the winner of the Larry Cameron Award — Fred Ott. This award is given for unselfish community service and continued support. One of the early organizers of the Shingle Springs/Cameron Park Chamber, Ott, now retired, still o ers guidance and assists with many community endeavors. Chamber Ambassador of the Year was Bev Dierks. DNA Golf Academy earned the Start-up Business of the Year award. For doing just about everything that needs to be done Leanna Stoddard was named Chamber MVP. Business of the Year went to James White Insurance. For her outstanding leadership and her commitment to the chamber, Thiel was presented with a special

Leadership Award and a rose from Ott. Thiel thanked everyone for making “the community a better place.” She invited all members to get involved and attend chamber events. To learn more email President@sscpchamber. org. The next Shingle Springs/Cameron Park Chamber lunch is Feb. 27, 11:45 a.m. at Red Hawk Casino’s Koto Bu et, featuring guest speaker Amy Poole, executive director of the El Dorado Community Foundation. There is a Bags and Beans Cornhole event March 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Serene Ranch, 5601 Gold Hill Road in Placerville. For more information about competing or attending call (530) 677-8000 or go to sscpchamber.org.

Courtesy photo

The El Dorado Roses got a very special treat from a Barbershop Quartet from the Gold Rush Chorus in preparation for spring to dos.

Courtesy photo

John McEuen will appear at the Marisa Funk Theater Wednesday night

DAY HIKER

Clementine Trail

Clementine Trail is a must-visit in the Auburn State Recreation Area. Starting at Gate 139, this trail follows the North Fork of the American River, leading back to Clementine Dam. Note that a $10 State Park day-use fee is required, but the experience is well worth it. Have you hiked the Clementine Trail before? Share your favorite moments using #DayHikerCA.

Journey through history and nature

As you hike, you’ll encounter remnants of old bridges, their abutments still clinging to the hillside after years of floods. Above you towers the Foresthill Bridge, California’s tallest at 730 feet — a majestic sight against the backdrop of the river. The trail begins low and wide but gradually narrows, with small climbs that keep you alongside the river. I prefer to visit in the fall when the temperatures are cooler and the crowds thin out.

Trail safety and the “Bermuda Triangle” phenomenon

Each year, hikers seem to get lost along this trail despite its straightforward outand-back route. With the hillside on your right and the river on your left, it’s hard to imagine how this happens, but calls for assistance come in every summer. Rangers respond by opening gates and even the California Highway Patrol helicopter has been deployed to locate lost hikers. Is it dehydration, distraction or the trail’s own version of a “Bermuda Triangle”? Stay aware and carry plenty of water to stay safe.

Highlights along the way

In under a mile, you’ll reach Clark’s Hole, a popular swimming spot during summer. Across the river, a large rock invites sunbathers and while parks officials discourage jumping from rocks, this spot is quite tempting. If Clark’s Hole is crowded, head just around the corner to Monkey Rock, a sweet spot with jumbled rocks that offer seating right at the water’s edge. The trail is multiuse, welcoming horses, mountain bikes and dogs.

As you continue uphill, be sure to observe the hillside

on your right. In fall, water trickles down, ferns sprout from the rocks and moss thrives in the shade — nature’s artwork at its finest. Around the 3.9-mile mark, you’ll find Gate 140, and by this point you might catch a glimpse of the dam’s overflow through the trees. Veer left onto the paved road (watch for cars) and continue until you see the trail marker leading to the dam’s viewing area. You can enjoy the mist and capture a photo of the rainbow that often forms after rainfall — a great addition to your social media feed.

Directions to Clementine Trail

Take Highway 49 toward Auburn and turn left onto Old Foresthill Road. Follow the signs for the trailhead at Gate 139. Ample parking is available.

Insider

tips

Seasonal advice: Fall is ideal for hiking this trail, offering cooler temperatures and vibrant colors along the river. In spring, the trail’s lush growth and blooming wildflowers create a picturesque setting.

Local insight: Keep an eye out for the ferns growing out of the rocks along the hillside; these shaded areas are a unique highlight.

Have you ever visited Clark’s Hole or Monkey Rock? What’s your favorite part of the Clementine Trail? Tag @MaryWestHikes and let me know.

Mary West is author of the book series “Day Hiker – Gold Country Trail Guide” I, II and III (second edition available on Amazon). The books are a collection of the Day Hiker columns where West shares her longtime love of the outdoors, favorite hikes in Northern California’s Gold Country and beyond. West was the recipient of the 2017 and 2019 Craft Award for Best Outdoor Column and the 2020 Craft Award for her second book in the Day Hiker series by the Outdoor Writers of California. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Mary West Outdoor columnist

Spring flowers frame the beauty of Clementine Dam.

Photos by Mary West

The gentle flowing water of Clark’s Hole glitters in the sunlight.

The trailhead is easily accessed, just off Old Foresthill Road and provides ample parking.

Clementine Trail follows the North Fork of the American River, leading back to Clementine Dam.

PRESERVE IT!

Let’s make pizza

Flatbreads with simple toppings were eaten by Ancient Egyptians, Romans, as well as the Greeks. These were most likely the first models or blueprints of what we now call pizza. The more distinct version of what we know as pizza evolved in the 1700s and 1800s in Naples, Italy, where the many poor waterfront workers needed a meal that could be eaten quickly but was also cheap and filling. Since World War II the art of pizza making can be savored around the world, with flavors and toppings reflecting the culture of each country.

Laurie Lewis UCCE Master Food Preserver of El Dorado County

World Pizza Day was celebrated this year on Jan. 17, the feast day of St. Anthony Abbot, the patron saint of pizza makers. It has been considered the true pizza day by the Verace Pizza Napoletana Association in Naples since 1984. In America (and many other countries), National Pizza Day is celebrated on Feb. 9. There is no record of how the celebration of pizza started on the February date, but with the result being pizza at the dining table, who are we to question?

Pizza at its most simplistic form consists of a flat bread — also known as the crust — a sauce and cheese. Here’s to making your own pizza sauce. From the Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving, copyright 2024.brie.

Pizza sauce

Makes about 4 pints

13 cups fresh plum tomato pureé*

½ cup bottled lemon juice

2 teaspoon dried oregano**

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Prepare boiling-water canner or atmospheric steam canner. Heat jars in canner until ready to use, do not boil. Wash lids in warm soapy water and set aside with bands.

Place half of the tomato pureé in a large stainless-steel saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Maintaining a constant boil, add remaining tomato pureé, 1 cup at a time. Stir in lemon juice, oregano, pepper, salt and garlic powder. Boil hard, stirring frequently, until mixture is the consistency of a thin commercial sauce, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat.

Ladle hot sauce into a hot jar, leaving ½ inch headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot sauce. Wipe rim. Center lid on jar. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to fingertip tight. Place the jar in the canner. Repeat until all jars are filled.

Water must cover jars by one inch in boiling water canner or come to the base of the rack in a steam canner. Adjust heat to medium-high, cover canner, and bring water to a rolling boil in a boiling-water canner or until there’s a steady stream of steam coming from the steam canner. Start timing and process pint jars: 35 minutes at 0-1,000 feet elevation, 40 minutes at 1,001-3,000 feet, 45 minutes at 3,011-6,000 feet and 50 minutes at 6,001-8,000 feet.

Turn off heat. For boiling water canner, remove

lid and let jars stand 5 minutes. For atmospheric steam canner, let canner sit undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes, then remove lid. Remove jars and cool for 12-24 hours. Check lids for seal (they should not flex when center is pressed). Label, date and store in a cool dark place.

*You will need about 9 pounds (4.1 kg) of plum tomatoes.

**You may add more dried oregano, black pepper and/or garlic powder, but do not change the proportion of tomato pureé to lemon juice.

The UC Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County are a great resource for answers to food safety and preserving questions. Leave a message at (530) 621-5506 or email edmfp@ucanr.edu. For more information about the program, events and recipes, visit ucanr.edu/sites/mfp_of_cs. Find the group on Facebook, too (UCCE Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County).

Dispel the winter blues with local television programming

News release

Sierra Community Access Television is brightening the winter months with an array of engaging, locally-focused programming on Comcast Channel 2 and its YouTube channel. Produced entirely by its all-volunteer team, SCATV2’s 2024-25 lineup offers a dynamic mix of historical documentaries, community stories and informative features that celebrate the rich heritage and resilience of El Dorado County. Explore the history and heart of El Dorado

The Sheriff’s Posse of El Dorado County invites you to a Comedy Night at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. For tickets visit eventbrite.com/o/ el-dorado-county-sheriffsposse-66624679843.

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District will host a Mommy and Me Dance at the District Gym. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.

Cameron Park Community

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

The Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera presents Russian Masters: Prokofiev and Stravinsky. 7:30 pm at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center. For tickets and more information call (916) 476-5975 or visit sacphilopera.org.

Cripple Creek with American

County with the addition of this year’s programming highlights which include: “Preserving the History of Coloma,” “Placerville’s Iconic Cary House Hotel,” “Save the Graves Series, El Dorado County’s Blair Family,” “The Forni Road Story,” Memorial Day and Veterans Day tributes, “The Road Back: Grizzly Flats,” “Coppa Hembo and Sailing Ships,” “Placerville’s Civil War Cannons” and “Domestic Violence in Our Own Backyard,” plus hundreds of classic videos that are part of the station video library presented in the daily Comcast schedule and the station YouTube Channel.

is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information visit fairytaletown. org.

Feb. 9

Atrium Artists Gallery EDH at the El Dorado Hills Town Center will host a closing reception for the current exhibit, “Life is Our Canvas” from 1-4 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.

Crocker Art Museum presents a Classical Concert: Roger Xia

The El Dorado Hills Genealogical Society will host a Zoom meeting at 6 p.m. to hear genealogist Melinda Kashuba, present A Strategy For Locating Regional, Neighborhood and Site-Specific Map Resources in searching for family ancestors. Contact Pat Kriz at patkriz@ earthlink.net in advance if you wish to join the presentation. Attend a Regional Chamber Networking Social at the Regency Clubhouse at Toll Brothers in Folsom from 5-7 p.m. Visit Folsom Chamber for more information folsomchamberofcommerce-dev. growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/ Register/kgFE5RnizCVC1

This Valentine’s Day, you can win big while supporting a meaningful cause by entering MORE’s Sweetheart Raffle. For $100 per ticket, you’ll be entered for a chance to win cash prizes and 100% of your purchase will benefit adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tickets are limited to 400 and are available at: MORE, 399 Placerville Drive, Placerville. For more details call (530) 622-4848. The winner will be selected at 1 p.m. Feb. 14 live at morerehab.

B Street Theatre in Sacramento

“The White Chip” by Sean Daniels at The Sofia in Sacramento through Feb. 9. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

Tune in to Comcast Channel 2 or visit SCATV’s YouTube channel to enjoy these programs at no cost. Join the growing audience of viewers exploring all that El Dorado County has to offer.

Sierra Community Access Television is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to producing quality programming that highlights the people, history and culture of El Dorado County. Learn more about the station, how to become a volunteer, how to submit a video production and how to support the station at its website, sierratv2. blogspot.com.visit scatv2.blogspot.com.

Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays” by Ken Ludwig through Feb. 16. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

Registration for the The Travis Scott Memorial 5k Walk/ Run for Shatterproof is open through Feb. 23. The run will take place at the El Dorado trailhead in Camino. The event starts at 9 a.m. and registration is available in person. For more information and to register early visit shatterproofcyof.donordrive.com.

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

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

The Master Gardener public office is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon at 311 Fair Lane, Placerville. Have a gardening question or problem? Come in and chat. Bring a cutting or insect in a baggie or a picture. Can’t come in person? Call (530) 621-5512 and leave a voicemail or email mgeldorado@ucanr.edu.

Monday Club Bridge seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant on Fair Lane in Placerville at 10 a.m. For more information call (530) 622-1180. Do you love to sew (or not sew) and support veterans? Sew4Vets is a fun group that meets twice a month (first Tuesday and second Thursday) 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building in Placerville. Members sew walker bags, wheelchair bags, pillows and quilts for a number of California veterans hospitals, as well as veterans in local assisted-living homes. Non-sewers help with stringing drawstring bags, stuffing pillows and other “hands on” projects. All supplies furnished. Don’t have a sewing machine you can bring to the meetings? There are a few to share. Check us out at Sew4vets. org.

National Alliance on Mental Illness El Dorado County offers free, in-person family support groups monthly: 6-7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month in Placerville and 5:30-7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month in South Lake Tahoe. For more information visit namieldoradocounty.org.

The Widowed Persons Club provides support for widowed men

Pixabay image

Making your own pizza sauce ensures a pizza delicioso! Celebrate the U.S. National Pizza Day on Feb. 9.

Night to Shine honors the exceptional

Angie Reagan News release

MountainHouse Church announced that it will serve as a host of the 2025 Night to Shine. This event is sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, and it will be held at the Tahoe Blue Event Center in Stateline, Nev. The unforgettable worldwide celebration event, centered on God’s love, honoring and valuing people with special needs will be held by host churches around the world simultaneously on Friday, Feb. 7 from 5-8 p.m. MountainHouse is excited to join hundreds of other churches around the globe in celebrating people with disabilities as God’s image bearers. Access Tahoe is also proudly supporting this event as a grassroots community dedicated to creating Access in Tahoe for All. Night to Shine is hosted every year by churches on the Friday before Valentine’s Day. Each event is unique to its location, but some cornerstone activities included across all of them are a red carpet entrance complete with a warm welcome from a friendly crowd and paparazzi, hair and makeup stations, shoeshines, limousine rides, karaoke, gifts, a catered dinner, a Sensory Room, a Respite Room for parents and caregivers, dancing, and a crowning ceremony where every guest is honored as a King or Queen the way God sees them each and every day.

“Night to Shine is my favorite night of the year!

Maggie’s House Cleaning

Available for weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, & one time cleaning. Reliable, honest, and has over 20 years of experience.

margaritalherrera@icloud.com

Dental Hygienst

Dr. Russell Jones is seeking a dedicated and skilled Dental Hygienist to join our team. Our private practice offers a friendly and supportive environment where you have the opportunity to work with a passionate group of professionals.

Great hours. Full time, with hours from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. One hour lunch break. We offer a 401k plan. Great pay. Immediate position. To apply please send your resumé to russelljonesdds@gmail.com

It’s my favorite because we get to celebrate so many Kings and Queens and share how much they are loved by us and by the God of this universe. Our goal is to be able to get to every person with special needs around the world until all are celebrated,” said Tebow, founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation. “No matter what city, no matter what country, no matter where you are, we want Night to Shine to be there.”

The Tim Tebow Foundation provides each host church with the official 2025 Night to Shine Planning Manual, personalized guidance and support from a Tim Tebow Foundation staff member, the opportunity to apply for a financial grant and access to planning resources that will assist them in creating an unforgettable experience for their honored guests. The foundation also provides access to ongoing disability ministry resources through Shine On. Shine On, a ministry of the Tim Tebow Foundation, is a faith-based community a source of inspiration, belonging and education for everyone impacted by disability. Shine On envisions a global community of churches and families that foster belonging and purpose for all.

Over the past 10 years, Night to Shine, through hundreds of churches worldwide, has provided over half a million guest experiences and over a million volunteer experiences.

For more information on the Night to Shine visit laketahoecf.com/nighttoshine.

NAMI El Dorado County’s free 8-session class for caregivers of people with Mental Illness starts Wed., 2/12/25. Call 530-306-4101 X6 info@namieldoradocounty.org

to obtain the required quali cations would be:

Two years of accounting and nancial work, and a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration or a related eld.

Licensing Requirements:

• Valid Class C California driver’s license may be required for some positions.

Selection Procedure Candidates must submit application materials that include a completed and signed employment application and copies of any required certi cates or license listed under the requirements.

A complete job description and Application materials are available online at www.cityofplymouth.org. Completed Application materials can be emailed, mailed or handdelivered to Plymouth City Hall, City Manager’s Of ce, 9426 Main Street; P. O. Box 429, Plymouth, CA 95669; emailed to: vmchenry@cityofplymouth.org. EOE

Teens share the love with sick children

Two high school students have found a way to give back to young patients and their families at Shriners Hospital this Valentine’s Day. Norcal Gift From the Heart Foundation’s second annual Valentine’s Day Drive is under way and preparing to shower patients and their families with handmade Valentines and hundreds of toys and teen items on Feb. 14.

Oak Ridge High School junior Aislynne Hartman and Ponderosa High School sophomore Sophia

it

What You Need to Know

• Colonoscopy is the Gold Standard for Screening

• Colonoscopy is the most accurate and ONLY screening test that detects and prevents cancer by FINDING and removing cancerous polyps before they become cancerous.

• Delaying Colon Cancer Screening could mean the difference between early detection and a late-stage diagnosis

Colonoscopy: 91-100% accurate detection of advanced precancerous polyps

Cologuard: 42% accurate detection of polyps

Since 1985, Gastroenterology Medical Clinic (GMC) has proudly served Folsom and the Western Slope of El Dorado County, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive and liver diseases. Combining state-of-the-art technology with personalized, compassionate care, GMC delivers leading-edge healthcare in a respectful environment. At GMC, you’ll always see a doctor who prioritizes your well-being. Discover why our motto is: ‘The Best Doctors. The Best Care.

Physician available 24 hours a day, 24/7, 365 days a year

Gastroenterology Medical Clinic, 8105 Saratoga Way, Ste. 210, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 916-983-4444 • www.gastromedclinic.com

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Alonso created their nonprofit, the Norcal Gift From the Heart Foundation, in 2024 with the mission of encouraging philanthropy among students in their community while focusing on the specific support of children’s charities.

“It all started with the simple idea of collecting handmade Valentines with loving messages for teens.” Aislynne shared. “The first year it was just the two of us, and we asked our own schools to help us make Valentines, but this year more than 12 schools in four counties have agreed to either make Valentines or collect toys for Shriners.”

While their first year was largely focused on all the paperwork necessary for starting a nonprofit and getting their IRS tax-exempt status, the teens shared that this year has been dedicated to spreading the word and encouraging other schools to help them reach their goal of collecting 1,200 Valentines. To accomplish this, Aislynne and Sophia partnered with student ambassadors, recruiting students from area high schools and providing them with the tools and public speaking points to launch the program on their own campuses.

“Our foundation supplies pre-made Valentine kits for all the schools that want to participate. The kits include things like stickers, card-making materials and sample messages,” shared co-founder Sophia. “This year we also created a special QR code to link our Amazon Gift List to our website and social media so donors could ship a toy or teen item directly to the foundation.”

Both girls agreed their favorite part of the drive is reading the sincere personal messages and seeing how much effort kids put into making their cards.

“We hope the kids and teens at Shriners really feel all of our love this Valentine’s Day,” Aislynne added.

For more information, or to get involved, go to Norcalgiftfromtheheart.org or look for Norcal Gift From the Heart on Facebook and Instagram. The foundation accepts donations all year.

Buak Continued from B1 raising pigs, sheep, chickens and rabbits. Buak is weighing his academy options but plans to make his final decision by April. His career goal is to serve his country as a military officer in either civil engineering or military intelligence. His squadron wishes him success.

Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives and shaping futures. For more information visit wedgehunters.cap.gov.

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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) 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5 14097 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. FB2025-0027

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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) 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5 14100 FICTITIOUS

Photo by Kellie Hartman

Aislynne Hartman, left, and Sophia Alonso hold up donations.