A fire captain and firefighter from the El Dorado County Fire Protection District were injured while battling a residential fire on Lonesome Dove Court in Shingle Springs on Feb. 27, announced a press release from the fire district sent March 2. During firefighting operations, the fire captain sustained serious burn injuries and was subsequently transported to UC Davis Medical Center for treatment, the release notes; while the firefighter sustained a minor leg injury and was transported to Mercy Hospital of Folsom and released that evening.
The house fire was initially reported as a chimney fire at 9:17 p.m. last Thursday.
First responders injured in Shingle Springs blaze
“Engine 28, where the injured fire captain and firefighter were assigned, arrived and found a fire that had spread to the attic of the home. The initial arriving engines began fire attack while additionally requested resources were enroute,” states the news release.
“Fire conditions rapidly changed in the home and the crew was engulfed in fire, injuring the two. The fire was later
FOREST RIDGE DENTAL FOREST RIDGE DENTAL
A NEW BEGINNING
FFA teen starts over after losing show animals in barn fire
Shelly Thorene Sta writer
Seventeen-yearold Amber Tyler and her family have been through tough times in recent years. Their home in Grizzly Flat burned to the ground in the 2021 Caldor Fire and in February this year, another fire destroyed a barn with Tyler’s two show animals inside.
After losing their home in 2021, the family of four — mom Candance, dad Leonard, Amber and her little sister, Lily, 6 — moved into a 28-foot travel trailer parked in Amber’s uncle’s front yard on El Dorado Road. The Tylers are a fifthgeneration family in Grizzly Flat and lost a total of seven houses in the Caldor Fire, including the original 1854 homestead and a blacksmith shop.
The family moved back to their property at the end of this January after a new barn had been completed and to be near their new home, which is also nearly complete.
“We had only been there less than a week when new the barn burned down,” Candance shared.
Amber got the call around 6:30 p.m. on
Feb. 11 from her mom while she was staying in El Dorado at friend Kennedy Ramirez’s home.
“What are you doing? I’ve got really bad news,” Amber recalled her mother saying. “The barn
out.”
The Department of Water Resources conducted the third snow survey of the season at Phillips Station on Feb. 28. The manual survey recorded 34 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 13.5 inches, which is 58% of average for this location. The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast. Statewide, the snowpack is 85% of average for this date.
This winter has been marked by a series of extremes, as unseasonably dry and warm conditions have been interrupted by powerful storms that temporarily boosted the snowpack to near normal. That was certainly the case in February where multiple rounds of atmospheric rivers earlier in the month brought the statewide snowpack to near average only to have dry conditions return. Following the storms in the middle of February, the statewide snowpack was 97% of average and has since fallen to 85%. For every day that it’s not snowing, the averages will continue to drop.
DWR’s electronic readings from 130 stations placed throughout the Sierra Nevada indicate that the statewide snowpack’s snow water equivalent is 19.2 inches, or 74%
MAIL
Photo by Xavier Mascareñas
Photo courtesy of the El Dorado County Fire Protection District Flames erupt from a Lonesome Dove Court home on Feb. 27. Two fire personnel were injured while helping to extinguish the blaze.
was on fire and your animals didn’t make it
Mountain Democrat
photo by Shelly Thorene Union Mine High School student Amber Tyler, 17, of Grizzly Flat spends time with her new lamb at a friend’s house in Diamond Springs. The animal is being boarded there until her family has the funds to re-build after a fire destroyed their barn and killed her show animals Feb. 11.
ESSENTIALS
Jack Genter
Oct. 22, 1925 – Feb. 11, 2025
W. J. “Jim” Estelle, Jr
March 31, 1931 – Feb. 13, 2025
Jack Genter passed away peacefully at home on February 11, 2025, at the age of 99. He will be remembered by family and friends for his love of life, often regaling those around him with a joke, a story, or a song. Jack was raised in San Pedro, California, to Arthur and Charlotte Genter. He was last one living of four siblings, most recently preceded in death by his beloved brother, Robert Genter. Growing up near the home port of the Pacific fleet, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943, serving as a Fire Controlman, 3rd Class on several ships in both the Atlantic and Pacific during World War II. He proudly shared several medals earned, including for Philippine Liberation, but was quick to note with a gleam in his eye, none were for the “good conduct medal.” After an honorable discharge in 1946, Jack worked as a weatherman, park ranger, and other jobs while attending Long Beach State College, earning a M.A. in Education in 1953. Over a long career, he worked as a teacher and school administrator in the Yorba Linda, CA area and several small communities in northern California. He later settled in the Fresno, CA area, where he finished his career as maintenance man for CA State Parks. Following his retirement, he continued to work odd jobs to support his many travels around the world. Jack moved to the Placerville, CA, area in 2002 to be closer to family and started working for Story Winery, becoming known there as the tasting room poet. Throughout his life, Jack loved being in the outdoors with fishing, gardening, photography and birding some of his favorite pastimes. He was also a world traveler, sharing many adventures with his brother, Bob. Later in life, he selfpublished several books, including documenting his travels in “From the Indies to the Andes in my Undies.” In his final years, he kept his mind busy with crosswords and jigsaw puzzles and his social life full, including weekly sessions with the Lincoln Manor “bingo ladies.” Jack was thrice married and divorced, preceded in death by his three ex-wives, Vivian, Anne, and Nora. He is survived by his daughter Alexis Kleinhans (husband Tom) and grandson Tanner Galbreath; daughter Charis Parker (husband Eric) and granddaughter Elli Parker; nephew Rick Genter (wife Martina) and niece Linda Alsalihi (husband Mohammad, kids Omar, Adam, and Hannah); members of the Kelly family. He lived a long life full of adventures and positivity and will greatly missed. There will not be a formal memorial but those wanting to celebrate his life, please raise a glass of his favorite wine, Pinot Grigio, and toast to one of his favorite sayings - every day is a gift so, “Thank God for the Present!” If you like to share a memory or a message, visit https://www. dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/placerville-ca/ jack-genter-12254594
Peter Bye
Dec. 28, 1934 – Feb. 12, 2025
Peter Bye of Placerville, passed away February 12th, 2025 at the age of 90. Peter was born December 28th, 1934 in Pasadena California to Grant W. Bye and Florence Bye. He grew up in Pasadena, attending George Ellery Hale Grammer School, Marshall Junior High, and Pasadena City College. In 1955 he married Valerie Ridings from Pasadena at the Federated Church in Placerville. They moved to Placerville in 1956 to start their family here. His first job in Placerville was at Pino Vista Dairy as a delivery driver, Then at Union Carbide as a truck driver, driving cross country with Liquid Hydrogen (rocket fuel) and then retired after 24 years at Shell Oil Company as a tanker driver. He built their house in Placerville along with a contractor, all the while working full time for Shell. He took great pride in his woodworking, gardening & loved showing people around their beautiful yard. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and brother Grant W. Bye, Jr. (Jay). He is survived by his wife, Valerie Bye of Placerville, and his 4 children, Steven Bye (Connie), Cristie Weese (Marv), Denise Pressler (Kurt) & Scott Bye (Colleen). He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. His smile, laughter and overall enthusiasm will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He will be remembered as a cheerful, kind man who loved all things aviation, fine woodworking, gardening and traveling. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Ward James Estelle, Jr was born March 31, 1931 to Ward James Estelle and Maxine Brenneman Estelle in Henry Co., Indiana. His parents moved Jim and his sister D’Anne to Whittier, CA in 1933. Twin brothers Walter and Wayne were born there. Ward Sr. transferred with CDC to San Quentin Prison where Jim attended a tworoom school and graduated eighth grade in a class of three students. The next move was to Represa for his father’s job at Folsom State Prison. Jim graduated from San Juan High School in 1949. He served as student body president and played varsity football, in addition to showing prizewinning Duroc pigs at the State Fair. In 1950, Jim began college at UC Davis and married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Jones. They celebrated their 74th anniversary in September 2024. He finished his degree in 1955 at Sacramento State College. His Correctional career began in 1952 at Folsom State Prison. He transferred to Paroles in 1955 for five years and then returned to uniform at CA Medical Facility, Vacaville. He quickly promoted to Associate Superintendent at Susanville CCC. An opportunity to be Warden at Montana State Prison came in 1970. In 1972, he was recruited to Texas and became Director of the Texas Department of Corrections for twelve years before retiring. For three years he was president of the First National Bank, South in Huntsville, TX before returning to California. There he was manager of the Prison Industry Authority in Folsom until he retired in 1991. TDC named a new prison in Huntsville the W.J. Estelle Unit in 1995. He was honored with the ACA’s CASS award and two fellowships to the Aspen Institute. The Texas Sheri s Association named Jim an Honorary Sheri and the Texas Rangers honored him with Ranger status and have him in their Hall of Fame. After retirement, Jim focused on volunteer work including Friends Care, several years of service with the El Dorado County Grand Jury and decades of work with the General Service O ce, serving them as Chairman in a four year term. In addition to his successful career, Jim was an avid hunter and hiker. He made it to the top of Mt. Lassen, Mt. Shasta, and Mt. Whitney. He enjoyed fishing trips and traveling. At the age of 93, he passed peacefully on February 13, 2025. He is survived by his wife Marilyn of El Dorado Hills; his son Ward James III and Ward’s partner Mary Scott who reside in Ashland, OR; his daughter Lorraine Susan who lives in Redlands, CA; his daughter Linda Diane of Sacramento, CA; as well as many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the W.J. Estelle, Jr. Scholarship Fund at the Northern California Peace O cers Association, PO Box 1267, Yuba City, CA 95992; or the Texas Prison Museum, 491 Hwy 75 N., Huntsville, TX 77320. Memorial Service will be held March 31, 2025, 11:00 A.M. – 1 P.M. at Green Valley Mortuary, 3004 Alexandrite Drive, Rescue, California.
Mark Mitchell
Jan. 14, 1946 – Feb. 14, 2025
Mark passed on February 14, 2025 at 3:18 a.m. in Placerville, California. He is survived by his wife of forty-eight years, Elizabeth Gayle Mitchell, and daughter Ashland Elizabeth Aube. A true patriot and traditionalist, Mark grew up in South Carolina, served his country honorably as a member of the United States Marine Corps, and attended the University of South Carolina before taking his wife and daughter on a wild series of adventures spanning the entire east coast, eventually landing in El Dorado Hills California and calling it home. After a successful career climbing the corporate ladder in telecommunications, Mark spent his later years embracing time with friends and family, taking walks, and enjoying the companionship of his various rescue dogs. Mark loved the ocean and Motown and travel. He enjoyed good food, the symphony, and was deeply passionate about college football. Mark was celebrated in an intimate gathering of pause and reflection on Sunday, March 2, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the Chapel at Green Valley Mortuary in Rescue, California.
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Richard “Dick” Donald Leytem, Sr.
Aug. 1, 1928 – Feb. 11, 2025
Richard Donald Leytem, SR., 96, passed away peacefully early in the morning of February 11, 2025, at his son and daughterin-law’s house in Castro Valley. Dick was born on August 1, 1928 to Cyril (Jack) Leytem and Gretchen Morey Leytem in the small town of Cascade, Iowa. He was the second of ten children. Traveling by train and ferry he moved from Cascade, Iowa to the bustling city of San Francisco at the age of fourteen. He attended Polytechnic High School where he met his wife of fifty-two years, Shirley Hampton Leytem. Dick had a variety of jobs before he settled on the career of being a butcher. He and Shirley spent many hours together bowling, square dancing, developing photographs, restoring antiques, camping, the cabin in Russian River, traveling and building their dream home in Shingle Springs. Shirley passed away in 1998. Dick then married his second wife, Stephanie Lavooi Leytem in 2004. Dick was a dedicated, supportive, God loving, hardworking man who always put the needs of others ahead of his own. He had an uncanny sense of humor and taught everyone the importance of family. There were few things he cared for more than the people he loved. He was predeceased by his first wife, Shirley, his second wife, Stephanie, his grandson, Jesse Leytem, two brothers, LeRoy and Donald, and three sisters, June, Betty and Julie. He is survived by his five children, Teresa/Joe Mayers, Cyndi Potter, Greg/Jeanie Leytem, Denise Leytem and Richard Jr./Carol Leytem. He is also survived by ten grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren and his brother Ken/Katie Leytem, and sisters, Joyce Haas, Jeanette DeLaney and Annette Kimbrough. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, March 22, at 11:00 a.m. at Church of the Transfiguration, Castro Valley, CA. Interment will be in Cascade, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations, in honor of Richard Leytem Sr to your local Blood Bank or a check mailed to : Tri-County Historical Society - City of Cascade, 608 2nd Ave SW, Cascade, IA 52033. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ron Murphy
April 7, 1935 – Feb. 14, 2025
Ron was a force of nature, admired by all who knew him. His fantastic sense of humor and infectious personality acted as a magnet. If you KNEW Ron Murphy, you were drawn to him. He possessed one of those rare personality types who got along with everyone. Always on the move, Ron LOVED to create. From building his own homes, to turning his entire property into a living work of art — Ron had an incredible work ethic and everything within his orbit — he’d built with his own two hands.
Quite accomplished in a variety of industries, Ron spent the twilight of his professional career as a well-respected owner/Broker of a real Estate company with his wife Jan. Recreationally, Ron’s passion was playing on a traveling Senior Softball team for over 30 years — well into his 89th and final year of life!
Ron loved life, loved people and prioritized family-time. His ability to get along with all that came across his path was remarkable. He infused these attributes into his Children, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, who will all do their best to honor him by carrying on these traits. We love you and will miss you immensely dad.
Ron leaves behind his wife Jan of 70 years, the enduring memories of his late daughter Cyndy, children Timothy, Cheryl, Michael and Tammy - Grandchildren Daniel, Christopher, Shannon, Jennifer and 12 wonderful Great Grandchildren.
Heartfelt thanks to Melissa at Snowline Hospice and their entire sta who not only provided exemplary care, but enabled dad to live the final chapter of his life on his own terms at his family home — enjoying his property, and all that loved him.
Sherry Leanne (Mason) Bergenholtz, age 87, departed this life on January 11, 2025 and was reunited with her husband, James Clayton Bergenholtz, in heaven. She was born on June 5, 1937 in Los Angeles, Calif. to parents Myrtle Isabelle (Potter) and George Albert Mason. She was the youngest sister of Billie Marie and Donna Jean. Sherry and her husband Jim were longtime supporters of Kulpahar Children’s Home, a Christian run orphanage and school in India. Sherry loved her Lord Jesus, her family, the ocean and crafting. She knitted nearly 2000 hats for cancer patients and over a hundred quilts for family, friends, and missions. In addition to raising two children, she had a career in banking culminating as an Executive Secretary for Bank of America in Placerville. She found great satisfaction in being of service to her community and her church. Sherry will be greatly missed by children Jim and LIsa Bergenholtz of Shingle Springs Ca.,Chris and Susan Renfro of Donnelly Id.; grandchildren Alisha Scott, Jeremiah Renfro, Amy Renfro , Laural Bergenholtz, Jacob Renfro and Mason Bergenholtz; great grandchildren Lauryn, Clayton and Easton Scott; and other family and friends. Deut.31:8 NIV “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you” (a favorite verse of hers) No services will be held.
Elmer Clarence “Cleve”
Cleveland, Jr.
June 4, 1938 – Feb. 18, 2025
Cleve was born June 4, 1938 in Zylks, Louisiana and passed away quietly in his home in Camino, California, February 18, 2025. He is survived by: his wife, Karen Cleveland (ne: Andreen); brothers, Daniel Cleveland of Shreveport, Louisiana and Reuben Cleveland of Springhill, Louisiana; 3 Sons, Robert, David, John and daughter Karen Lynn Allen (ne Cleveland); Nephew, Marty Adamson; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; and many beloved friends. He is preceded in death by his mother, Georgia L. Smith Cleveland; father, Elmer C. Cleveland, Sr.; brother, Charles Cleveland of Shreveport, Louisiana; nephew, Jeff Turner; and grandson Cody Cleveland.
Cleve was born in a tent home in Zylks, Louisiana after which the family moved to El Dorado, Arkansas.
He entered the Navy in 1956, earning a Good Conduct Medal, and being honorably discharged in October of 1960. While in the Navy he met many life-long friends, one being John Ruthafurd who introduced him to his first wife Constance “Connie” June Ruthafurd. After getting out of the Navy he immediately went to work as well as starting college, studying accounting. Cleve and Connie began making a good life by adding to their family two children while living in El Monte, California. The riots of 1965 influenced Cleve and Connie to relocate to the foothills of Northern California so as to raise their family in a more friendly environment. Upon which, they bought a house in what was the beginnings of what we now call Apple Hill. It was here they had two more children and added to their growing family by raising two nephews.
Cleve was very hard working so as to support his young family, sometimes working more than one job. This led to being hired by Suede Peterson in the spring of 1967 which began his career at the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office. Once hired, he began as a jailer. He was soon promoted to patrolman where he worked alongside Don McDonald, Richard Pacileo, and many others. It was more than just a job to him which gave him many great achievements. Cleve had a way of dealing with people in the most personable and caring way, all the while maintaining a professional manner. In the late 70s, early 80s he became head of the Coroner Division and became part of the sheriff’s diving team. Soon after this he became a significant part of the creation of the Sheriff’s Civil Division of which he headed along with the Coroner division until his retirement in the nineties.
He met the second love of his life in 1985, marrying Karen Andreen in February of 1987. This began many great years of being together and added two more daughters and more grandchildren to his family. Upon Cleve’s retirement. much time was spent traveling, hiking, fishing, and spending time with friends and family. Being an active person he didn’t stay completely retired as he went back to work for the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department where he served on the County Sheriff’s patrol boat on Lake Tahoe for several years. After tragedy struck the U.S. on September 11, 2001, Cleve went back to the Sheriff’s office, contracting as a Security Officer for the courts.
He and wife Karen spent the past 20 years living on ten acres with a view that he loved on an estate that he helped create with his son, John Cleveland. It was here that he decided to spend his remaining time with the memories of his son, granddaughter and great grandsons, four generations of family that he began in the 1960’s. Since Cleve was an honorably discharged Navy Veteran, a family service will be provided for by the Veterans Administration. Details will be forthcoming at a later time.
His family and friends will be having a Celebration of Life, March 22, beginning at noon in the Marshall Reception Hall at the El Dorado County Fair & Event Center. We will share memories, have some of Cleve’s favorite foods and drinks, and spend some time honoring cherished memories of this very special man. If you would like to be a part of this celebration, please RSVP to cleveobitRSVP@gmail.com.
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EDH Chamber celebrates businesses
News release
The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Installation & Business Awards Dinner on Feb. 20, welcoming a soldout audience.
Distinguished guests included Congressman Tom McClintock, California State Senator Marie AlvaradoGil, Victor Wolfe representing California State Assemblyman Joe Patterson, El Dorado County District 1 Supervisor Greg Ferrero and El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf, among other notable dignitaries.
This celebration honored the chamber’s business members and their guests at the elegant Serrano Country Club. The evening featured a dinner, awards ceremony, no-host bar, a fantastic silent auction and a lively table activity called “Motto Mingle” which sparked conversation and laughter. Wine for the event was generously donated by chamber member Myka Estates.
Congressman Tom McClintock opened the evening by leading the Pledge of Allegiance and sharing remarks on current events in Washington, D.C. Anthony Avery of A&A Events kept the program engaging as master of ceremonies.
n See AWARDS, page A8
and it can also be used to seal teeth at risk of forming cavities, usually molars. A sealant cannot be used to treat a cavity once it has formed, but it does preventatively treat areas of early decay where a cavity is likely to form. Micro-invasive therapies like resin infiltration can also treat early signs of tooth decay
without drilling.
Maintaining a consistent schedule of regular dental checkups will give your dentist the opportunity of keeping an eye on the state of your teeth and any possible areas of developing dental problems such as early-stage decay. When was your last dental visit? Now would be a good time to schedule your next exam. If you don’t have a family dentist, we are currently accepting new patients.
P.S. Resin infiltration dental treatments use clear, resin-based materials to penetrate the pores of a tooth’s enamel before hardening, offering a minimally invasive way to treat early cavities.
Photos by Charlene Lane /Charm Photography
The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce business award winners celebrate their success. Left to right: Young Entrepreneur of the Year Devin Dedier; Start-Up Business of the Year owners Billy and Jamie Rose, Boring Rose Brewing Co.; Business of the Year owner
David Ciapponi, GoldKey Storage; Home-Based Business of the Year owner Joey Starrett, Peak Design; and Excellence in Business of the Year winner Natalie Moore, CASA El Dorado.
El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf, far left, swears in the 2025-26 El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Supes mull sign specifications around the county
Jo Carrerow Mountain Democrat correspondent
Changes to El Dorado County and Cameron Park sign ordinances were up for viewing during a workshop Feb. 25, in which questions arose regarding existing signs not in compliance.
The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors listened to proposed changes to clarify and add sign regulations in both jurisdictions.
In his presentation titled El Dorado County Sign Ordinance Update and Cameron Park Sign Standards, Senior Planner Tom Purceil proposed updates to the current county ordinance, Zoning Ordinance Chapter 130.36, which was approved in 2015.
“This ordinance update addresses issues identified after implementation of the ordinance as it was test driven,” said Purceil, adding that the board had directed staff to put together the update and also address sign preferences for Cameron Park in 2021.
In a slide presentation, key changes to the county ordinance were highlighted such as, A-frame signs would be allowed yearround within certain locations during daylight hours and a design review permit would be required for new community sign programs (signs which establish community and industry identity and provide information
on events). Regarding the design review permit, Purceil said, “That’s to look at the type, the place, the manner of architecture, size, the criteria that each community would want to give feedback on for each communityoriented sign.”
Also, subdivision signs would require a security deposit, and illegal permanent signs would be removed or could face other remedial action if not abated by the property owner.
Many clarifications had been added throughout the ordinance as well.
In addition, freestanding sign sizes for recreational facility zones were expanded.
“These are only found in a handful of locations, primarily in the Cameron Park and El Dorado Hills community regions and mainly on lands owned by community service districts,” said Purcell. “By making this change, that would allow for larger sign sizes and greater flexibility and development standards for lands that are owned and operated by CSDs.” Planned development
permits would now be required for “uniform sign programs,” defined as “signs for integrated developments of three or more tenants/uses that share structures, public spaces, landscape or parking facilities.”
Cameron Park would develop its own sign standards with some differences from the county, including proposals limiting illumination.
“The design review committee requested the board consider prohibiting illuminated signs after a certain time at night,” said Purceil.
He said he had searched the region for other jurisdictions that might turn lighted signs off after dark.
“There are no standards that require complete shut off, at least not currently in place,” he said.
Board Chair George Turnboo, District 2, said he is concerned that gas stations need lit signs.
“When it comes to along Highway 50, that’s very critical to me,” he said.
Although the draft sign standards
grandfather in existing signs, District 5
Supervisor Brooke Laine said she wouldn’t recommend doing that.
Other provisions proposed for Cameron Park are: A-frame signs limited to 6 square feet and must be located within 5 feet of a building entrance; flagpoles being within 50 feet of a building facade, with maximum flag sizes and no roof-mounted flagpoles in residential zones; and signs with permits would be under Cameron Park Design Review Committee review.
Dyana Anderly, on the design review committee for Cameron Park, said she had been involved in the sign program since its inception in 2008 and had been unhappy with some of the county’s decisions.
“Design the signs around what’s necessary,” she said. “Everybody needs ‘necessary,’ but we don’t need ‘in your face.’”
Supervisors and residents discussed three billboards along Highway 50 that they say have been eyesores for over a decade.
county at that time,” she said. “I would like the board to explore and get rid of a few billboards. I know it’s a long complex process, but I think our county’s worth it.”
County Counsel David Livingston said he had explored amortization 10 years ago, but the cost was exorbitant.
“There is no provision for amortization without compensation,” he told the board, adding that the one other option is negotiation of a relocation agreement.
Shingle Springs resident Tim Costello said he had been there during the time the billboards were approved.
“They were in fact voted down by the board,” he said. “I thought that was it. And then out of nowhere, the next board meeting they were approved.”
counsel why cities have a 60-day limit and the county a 90-day limit on election signs.
“I would support 60 days in both,” she said. Livingston said that although election sign ordinance changes could prove difficult due to First Amendment rights, he thought it is something they could consider. His staff had already spoken to the Registrar of Voters regarding putting sign information in election packets.
Veerkamp said he would like to see a security deposit placed on election signs.
“If the county has to go out and remove signs, then that comes out of your deposit,” he said.
Lori Parlin, second vice chair, District 4, who attended the meeting on Zoom, said back in 2014 when participating as a member of the public, the billboards, which she and others have found offensive and to obstruct the beauty of the county, had been approved because of an error in timing.
“Right around that time there was a set of three billboards that honestly got administratively approved because of a processing error by the
He said a sign ordinance had been created with the amortization option included, but in the final draft it was removed and he’d like to see it return in the new ordinance. “So that those doggone signs can be removed.” Especially the one east of Ponderosa Road along Highway 50, he said, one which Parlin had indicated earlier. “It’s just so offensive and egregious,” he said, adding that he would rather not see it moved, but removed altogether.
“Most likely it would take a board ad hoc working with county counsel and staff to find out who the owners are and have a preliminary discussion and see maybe what we’d be up against,” said District 3 Supervisor Brian Veerkamp.
Parlin asked county
In the end, the board voted unanimously 5-0 to, 1) explore amortization relocation or renegotiation for billboards that were allowed to be constructed inconsistent with standards; 2) To explore aligning the timing for temporary non-commercial signs for 60 days; 3) To articulate clearly DISM which is Design Improvements Standards Manual; 4) To consider a financial security component for the removal of temporary signs; 5) To return to the board to create an ad hoc to explore signage which is inconsistent with standards; and 6) To not consider the night-time shut off and a proposed gas tube lighting ban in the Cameron Park sign standards. All supervisors, Turnboo, Laine, Veerkamp, Greg Ferrero
Special election set to fill EDHCSD seat
Noel Stack Editor
While El Dorado Hills residents continued to debate whether EDH Community Services District Director Chuck King did actually resign, the remaining four directors expressed a desire to move on and get back to the business of the people.
Directors Mike Martinelli, Heidi Hannaman and Stephen Ferry, board president, voted during the Feb. 27 EDHCSD Board of Directors meeting to hold a special election to fill the now-vacant seat. A resolution will return to the board this month to confirm that decision. Director Noelle Mattock abstained.
A special election will cost the district about $50,000 and, per counsel Derek Cole, Chuck King could run for the seat he previously held. The winner of the special election will hold the seat until
Injuries
Continued from A1
the fire captain’s condition is stable, though his injuries are serious. He is receiving care at the UC Davis Firefighters Burn Institute Regional Burn Center. The victim and his family are receiving necessary support from the fire district, El Dorado County Professional Firefighters Association,
the next general election in fall 2026.
“Given the current circumstance … the only path forward that I see is is to really, you know, put this back out for the community,” said Director Martinelli. “It’s really not up for me to to decide. It’s up to the community as a whole to to ultimately decide.”
Hannaman initially motioned to appoint a new director but that motion failed on a 2-2 vote. She said she supported the special election motion made by Martinelli after to move things forward even though she thought it was a waste of money.
“We’re costing the district far more by putting this off and not trying to get through it versus putting it out there and letting the people decide,” Hannaman expressed.
Once the resolution has passed, the El Dorado County Elections Office will be notified and a special election will be set.
Firefighters Burn Institute and the IAFF Foundation Burn Fund.
“We wish to inform our fellow fire agencies that assistance is not required currently, as our teams are managing the situation and providing full support to the injured firefighter and his family,” the release concludes. “We kindly ask that you keep the fire captain in your thoughts as he undergoes treatment.”
Courtesy photos
Commercial, subdivision and community signs were discussed at the last February Board of Supervisors meeting.
EID planning for new GM, possible mussel invasion
Jack Carrerow Mountain Democrat correspondent
An explanation of the new billing system, how water and sewer rates are determined, adopting of a purchase and sale agreement with The Friends of Hidden Lake and a presentation about invasive marine life that has yet to invade the waterways of the district highlighted the meeting of the El Dorado Irrigation Board of Directors on Feb. 24, with Director Alan Day absent.
The main item on the consent calendar, item 8, had to do with extending General Manager Jim Abercrombie’s contract until the district can find a successor.
The board amended the general manager’s employment agreement to (1) extend its term beyond June 30, 2025, on a month-to-month basis as necessary for up to three months to allow sufficient time to complete a recruitment for the next general manager, (2) ratify a 3.1% cost of living increase in salary for 2024 and (3) add a cost of living salary increase of 2.4% for 2025.
Item 7 of the consent calendar, presented by General Counsel Brian Poulsen, indicated that the board adopted a resolution approving the purchase and sale agreement with the Friends of Hidden Lake for the Hidden Lake Parcel Nos. 105-210-021 and 105-
Survey Continued from A1
of the critical April 1 average, which is when the snowpack usually peaks. While forecasts show storm activity may pick up in March, there is no guarantee it will be enough for the snowpack to catch back up to average by April 1. California has seen several years in recent history with large early season snow totals, only for predominantly dry conditions to dominate the rest of the season. The southern Sierra Nevada have especially fallen behind this season, with the region’s snowpack just 70% of average.
“In addition to the large swings in snowpack conditions we’ve seen this year, a big regional disparity remains between the Northern, Central and Southern Sierra Nevada,” said Andy Reising, manager of DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit. “With so many of this season’s storms missing the
210-030, subject to fulfillment of any and all remaining obligations under the Surplus Lands Act.
Although the entire meeting was pretty much void of public comment, this item did illicit favorable responses from a couple of residents of the area.
Environmental Resources Supervisor Brian Deason gave a slide presentation about invasive mussels that, while not yet in the EID waterways, have the attention of the district.
“While these mussels (zebra, golden and quagga species) have yet to find themselves beyond San Justo Reservoir in San Benito County, we are monitoring that area and have been since 2008,” Deason told the board.
“Even though it’s a low risk. It’s worth us keeping an eye on.”
Other information items included Operations Manager Jordan Baxter’s report on the water supplies in the district. According to Baxter, monitoring shows both Weber Reservoir and Jenkinson Lake are full, while Folsom Lake is at 138% above normal.
Jennifer Downy then gave a summary on the online billing process that the district paid $12,000 for and instituted this past fall and how, because it is a new system to the district, there are still some bugs to work out.
“We have had instances of glitches in online billing, but we’ve been working
southern half of the state, our statewide snowpack average can mask just how below average some regions are. Water managers will need to consider not just the extreme swings through the winter and spring months, but also the big differences from watershed to watershed.”
Measuring California’s snowpack is a key component that guides how California’s water supplies are managed. The data and measurements collected help inform water supply and snowmelt runoff forecasts, known as Bulletin 120, that help water managers plan for how much water will eventually reach state reservoirs in the spring and summer. This information is also a key piece in calculating State Water Project allocation updates each month.
On average, California’s snowpack supplies about 30% of California’s
on ironing those out,” Downy told the board.
Director Lori Anzini then shared her story about being warned that she had a 9 cent bill still due.
“The problem is, I pay my bill through automatic withdrawal and the bank won’t allow anything less than $5.”
Anzini said. “So, I went to the office and plunked down my 9 cents.”
Information item 12, presented by Jamie Bandy, showed that the district is on good terms when it comes to its credit rating with Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s global ratings.
“Both gave the district an AA rating and this is based partly on our water supply and the districts strong liquidity after the Caldor Fire,” Bandy told the board.
General Counsel Brian Poulsen offered a slide presentation on the costs of connection and service for anyone adding an accessory dwelling unit (granny flats, a second home on the property, etc.).
“Because of what has become a housing shortage in the county, these have become something that people are looking at,” Poulsen told the board.
Action items included: the awarding of contracts in the not-to-exceed amounts of $5,992,679 to F.D. Thomas, Inc. for construction; $385,639 to Inferrera Construction Management Group Inc. for construction
management and inspection services; $231,969 to Verdantas Inc. for construction engineering services; and authorizing project funding of $260,000 for capitalized labor and $661,000 for contingency for a total funding request of $7,531,287 for the Reservoir 4 and Reservoir 7 Tanks recoating project.
Daniel Goldman of engineering gave a slide presentation, showing the wear and tear on the tanks.
“We not only have to re-coat the tanks, we’ll have to replace the roof,” Goldman told the board. “These tanks have a 75- to 100-year lifespan, but must be redone every 15 years or so.”
The motion passed 4-0.
The next and final action item of the day involved the awarding of a contract to Doug Veerkamp General Engineering Inc. in the not-to exceed amount of $1,248,504 for asphalt patch paving and associated pavement restoration work for a one-year period and authorize the general manager to extend the contract for two additional, single-year periods if in the district’s best interests, subject to the annual contract amount increasing by no more than 5 percent in each contract year.
It was approved 4-0.
The board then went into closed session.
The next meeting of the board is scheduled for 9 a.m. on March 10.
water needs. Its natural ability to store water is why California’s snowpack is often referred to as California’s “frozen reservoir.” Data from these snow surveys and forecasts produced by DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit are important factors in determining how DWR and other agencies manage the state’s water resources. Thanks to efforts to capture as much water as possible from the storms we do receive, reservoirs across the state are currently 118% of average.
DWR conducts four or five mediaoriented snow surveys at Phillips Station each winter near the first of each month, January through April and, if necessary, May. The next survey is tentatively scheduled for April 2.
For California’s current hydrological conditions visit cww.water.ca.gov.
and Parlin (on Zoom), were present during the workshop. The workshop, following the board’s regular meeting, was designed to gather feedback from supervisors before mid-March when the El Dorado Planning Commission will review the recommendations and make draft amendments where appropriate. The public can still submit comments or questions for the next two weeks by emailing Senior Planner Tom Purciel at tom. purciel@edcgov.us.
An environmental review will take place March through April, then a planning commission hearing is planned for May, with a board of supervisors hearing held in June or July.
OPINION
Our Turn
Funding cuts will only hurt our county in the long run
On Tuesday, Feb. 11, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to make several budget cuts.
Amongst those cuts were the contracts for service with the El Dorado County Visitor Authority (tourism), the El Dorado-Lake Tahoe Film & Media O ce and the California Welcome Center in El Dorado Hills.
These organizations have a proven return on investment and are revenue generating, bringing in millions of dollars of tax revenue to our local economy each year. They promote El Dorado County as a wonderful place to visit and showcase the area’s exceptional recreational opportunities as well as the fantastic dining and shopping options available, not to mention all the film-worthy scenery and historical locations.
The consequences will adversely a ect both tourism e orts and film and media projects in the county as marketing and promotional services for these endeavors will e ectively end July 1. Cutting investments in travel promotion may appear to be an easy path to budget savings but research by IHS Global Insight & D.K. Shi et & Associates demonstrates that these budget savings are illusory because the subsequent decrease in travelers — and the tax revenue generated by their spending — wipes out any savings and leaves state and local governments further in the hole. In fact, losing just a small fraction of visitors quickly negates the temporary savings that come from even as radical a step as eliminating travel promotion budgets.
For example, in Delaware, a reduction of just 0.8% in leisure trips would cancel out all the savings from shutting down promotional e orts. In North Carolina, a loss of just 0.5% of visitors would result in a net loss of tax revenues. In Utah, losing just 1.5% of visitors would undo every penny of savings achieved from eliminating the travel promotion for the state.
Major takeaways
• In 2023, travel spending grew to $150.4 billion, a 5.6% increase from the prior year. Since the peak of 2019, travel spending has grown by 3.8%.
• The travel industry supported approximately 1.2 million jobs in 2023, a 5.9% increase from the prior year. As of 2023, California’s travel industry has restored 98% of the jobs compared to 2019.
■ See FUNDING, page A8
Letters to the Editor
We are at risk
EDITOR;
Here in the foothills, fire is an ever present threat. The King Fire, Angora Fire, Caldor, Crozier, Mosquito and Trailhead fires have devoured vegetation and homes. Our family has been evacuated three times, once with the fire only a mile and a half away. We know fire.
In response, local citizens and our county government have been taking action to protect us all. The county established an O ce of Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience to coordinate the planning and implementation of wildfire mitigation. This o ce is a model in the state. Progress has been made and plans are in place that will make us safer. Now these plans are at risk.
There are 29 local fire safe councils made up of volunteers who are working to help prevent devastating fires. These councils hold informative webinars, provide clean-up days and encourage free property defensible space assessments in their areas. They work together to get grants that will provide money for large projects. Now these plans are at risk.
The recent freezing of federal monies jeopardizes all of these grant projects.
The EDC FireSafe Council was awarded a
$100,000 public outreach by the CA Fire Safe Council funded by the U.S. Forest Service. The grant has been frozen until further notice with no funds provided to date.
El Dorado County was awarded a $10 million fuels treatment/fire adapted communities grant from BLM to support defensible space, fuel breaks and FireWise communities. The grant has been frozen with only $2 million awarded so far.
The EDCFSC, in coordination with El Dorado County and the Resource Conservation District was preparing a $10 million grant proposal through the U.S. Forest Service Community Wildfire Defense Grant program. If approved, this grant would provide defensible space, roadside hazardous fuels reduction and strategic fuels treatment in areas identified as at significant risk, including those with only one way in and out. The grant application portal has now been shut down.
In all cases, there is little or no information being shared about the status of existing programs or the future of these programs.
One wonders why our federal government would be freezing programs that are working e ciently to protect us. Certainly these programs are a good use of my taxpayer dollar. If this concerns you please contact your local representative, either
The Balancing Act
The media will blame President Trump for anything
It seems mainstream media is now blaming President Trump for everything bad that happens including aviation accidents — like when a Canadian plane (Canadian manufactured CRJ900) crashed in Toronto, Canada. Some newsreaders (they certainly aren’t reporters) and some Democrats in Congress (Jasmine Crockett and Chuck Schumer) said the Canadian accident was somehow President Trump’s fault, something to do with air tra c controllers. This accident was all Canadian — Canadian airplane, Canadian airport and Canadian controllers. The airplane was a Delta flight and we, as of yet, know nothing about the pilots and
their flying history. Yes, President Trump let go 350 FAA probationary employees, but none had anything to do with safety or air tra c controller personnel. The Delta CEO, Ed Bastian, said that these layo s will have nothing to do with FAA safety and/or airline safety. This Delta CRJ accident had everything to do with the weather and quality of the pilots. It was blowing light snow and the winds were significant. While the plane was landing on runway 23 (meaning the direction of the runway was approximately 230 degrees), the winds were blowing from 270 degrees at 22 knots, gusting to 32 knots (25 mph, gusting 37 mph). The crosswind component was about 17 mph. Landing in a crosswind like that
President Trump was clearly not involved, but mainstream media is trying to blame him. So where does blame lie? Clearly the pilots appear to be the main fault.
means the right wing will be kept down (a slight bank into the wind) while using left rudder to keep the plane going straight down the runway. But the pilots appeared to land hard (a high rate of decent) without flaring the airplane (putting the airplane in a nose high altitude to arrest the rate of descent) before touchdown. So, while a microburst (a sudden downdraft) could be blamed, the pilot flying hadn’t flared the airplane.
The landing was so hard, the low right wing was ripped o (it also hit the runway) along with the right main landing gear. The pilots may have become disoriented because of the blowing snow, but the runway was reported to have good braking action, so that wasn’t an issue. And the initial
landing approach looked stabilized, so the pilots lost it at the end of the approach. They should have gone around instead of probably forcing the landing. The plane also appeared to land short, showing the pilots’ attempt to get the airplane on the ground too quickly. As to the right wing breaking o (a good thing as the ruptured fuel tanks in the right wing along with the fire did not cause a fuselage fire), the wing attaching points are anything but fragile. The wings have a spar carrythrough that looks like a steel girder (it’s made of aluminum)girder. They are incredibly strong. And the plane rolled over because the left wing was
LAUREL BRENT-BUMB
DEBBIE MANNING
LARRY WEITZMAN
Letters Continued from A6
Tom McClintock or Kevin Kiley, and let him know that these freezes are hurting our community. They must speak up and loudly. Your call to your representative will make a di erence. Let’s get this back on track before the next big wildfire arrives.
MARY ELLIOTT-KLEMM Somerset
Trump’s sickening actions
EDITOR:
Iam both sick and outraged by the turn of events relating to the Trump administration’s views on, and actions toward, Ukraine and Russia. Trump’s actions, now so blatantly in tune with Putin’s wishes, are dangerous and border on treasonous. He has overturned eight decades of principled American world leadership and the relative stability it has provided. In voting against the UN resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. has aligned itself with some of the most evil and corrupt regimes on the planet. And to further ingratiate itself with Trump, even Israel joined the cabal.
In addition to those outrages and others (labeling Zelenskyy a “dictator,” for example), is Trump’s blatant mob-style attempt to coerce, no “shakedown” is a better word, Zelenskyy into giving the U.S. half of his country’s precious minerals. Mark my word, history will reveal that the so-called “Russia hoax” of 2016 was no hoax at all. Trump is now paying o Putin for the latter’s
election interference that year — and since. Moreover, one can assume the president is hoping to hide forever his own involvement in those events, but also to keep locked up whatever compromising information Putin has in his “Trump file.”
As just one American citizen, and with the meager voice that represents, today I am ashamed of my country — which I have loved and to which I have devoted much time, energy and modest ability over the years to help make a “more perfect union.” But I am also deeply resolved to be part of the resistance to the evil impulses of the Trump administration. I must say, however, that my disgust is not limited to the felon president. It is also directed at his fellow travelers and the quislings in the Republican-controlled Congress. Men and women who once claimed to be against dictatorships and authoritarianism now embrace it here and abroad. Elected “leaders” who once prided themselves as being “conservatives” are now either far right-wing radicals goose-stepping alongside their commander or are shivering quietly in the chill of their own cowardice; shame on them, in particular.
Those of us in the truly “loyal opposition” cannot fall into complacency or our own kind of spinelessness. We cannot find false comfort in the fantastical myth that “this, too, shall pass.” For it will not unless we push it out, and into the dustbin of history, as we have done with other horrible regimes, atrocities and inhumane eras.
Instead, now it is our time to re-establish ourselves as a patriotic, resolute and devoted
by Will Shortz No. 0129
generation committed to democratic values — including the rule of law — and universal human rights. As I near the end of my time on earth, my remaining days sure as hell won’t be spent enabling — via my silence — those trying to erase or violate those values.
LES FRANCIS Cameron Park
Weitzman
Continued from A6 still creating lift and literally rolled the airplane from that aerodynamic force.
President Trump was clearly not involved, but mainstream media is trying to blame him. So where does blame lie? Clearly the pilots appear to be the main fault. We need to see their training records and flying history. And the co-pilot appeared to be the pilot making the landing (determined by pilot radio communications).
This accident was pinned on President Trump just as the air tra c controller shortage at the DCA (Reagan Washington National Airport) was blamed on President Trump after the recent Blackhawk/ CRJ-700 collision near DCA.
That accident was caused by the Blackhawk helicopter, which was on a training flight during which a pilot check ride was being conducted. The 28-year-old woman receiving the check ride and had 450 hours of flight experience was Captain Rebecca Lobach and 39-year-old Chief Warrant O cer Andrew Eaves was the instructor giving the check ride. The Blackhawk crew accepted and asked for the responsibility (from the controller) to avoid the CRJ, which was on final approach, and in doing so broke its maximum altitude restriction of 200 feet. For some unknown reason, the Blackhawk climbed into the CRJ airspace causing the collision. It turns out the social media pages of Lobach have been scrubbed and the Army has not released the pilot’s training records although the media is putting out all the accolades and commendations that Lobach received in her Army career. That is concerning. We need to see her and Eaves’ training records to learn their qualities as pilots and hope substandard flying abilities were not accepted. What is, if anything, the Army hiding?
But as to our President Trump, he has absolutely nothing to do with either of these accidents. In fact, he has initiated, mostly through new Secretary of Transportation Sean Du y, a modernization of our air tra c control system to make it even safer. As a point of fact, the U.S. aviation system is by far the safest in the world and the safest mode of transportation.
Larry Weitzman is a former El Dorado County resident.
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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
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CAMERON PARK NEWCOMERS
CLUB meets the rst 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 Sheri ’s o ce, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net
PLAY CRIBBAGE Join the Gold Country Cribbers 916-212-2465 or 916-768-4452. We Play - We Teach - We Have Fun. Wednesdays 4:00 PM. Gilmore Senior Center 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA Struggling with life? CELEBRATE RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/ DEMOCRATS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the
month. Call (530)391-6414 or see edcdems.org for more information. GOLD RUSH CHORUS now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing four-part harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or Kent (530) 651-3575
HANGTOWN WOMEN’S TENNIS CLUB. Come play tennis for fun and friendship. Meet at El Dorado High School, Acacia Street, Placerville, Wed 9 AM – 11 AM. (June - Aug 8 AM –10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Monica 530-306-7066. MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant on Fair Lane in Placerville at 10:00 am. Addiction or Relationship problem? Call 530 231-7728 our free counseling can help you. Positive Realism, 3430 Robin Ln., Cameron Park. Meet rst 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 a ect 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.
The show animals that died in the fire were Oakli, a “Jackpot” lamb to be entered in national shows, and a piglet named Dotti from a litter that Amber pulled herself. She said it was especially heartbreaking as she had saved the piglet’s life many times already. “She was struggling. We had to make splints out of popsicle sticks for her splayed legs so she could learn to walk,” she said. “I loved these animals. I spent so much time with them.”
After hearing the bad news, Tyler’s friend’s dad, Kenny Ramirez, took the girls out for ice cream. Amber said, “Honestly, it was so upsetting we really didn’t know what to do.”
At that moment, Amber considered dropping her involvement in Future Farmers of America. In the heat of the moment she recalled saying, “I’m never raising animals and showing them again.”
However, the whole community quickly rallied around her and suddenly she had the funds and new animals lined up the very next day. Two days after the fire Kenny Ramirez drove his daughter, Amber and her boyfriend D.J. Whitsett to L.B. Livestock in Oakdale to pick up
a lamb. Ramirez said he reached out to the owner of the business, whom he has known for over 30 years, and asked if he had any lambs that could be ready for the El Dorado County Fair this June. He discussed it with Amber and her parents first and they all agreed.
A friend who got her interested in the Jackpot program called and said, “I have $500 for equipment from Chris Myers at High Sierra Industries, a trucking company in Diamond Springs and we have a new pig from Grandma Cindy.”
Candance said the cause of the fire is unknown but they assume it was started by a heat lamp. Amber said temperatures get down to 25 degrees at night and it was necessary to use a heat lamp to keep the little pig warm.
“We’ve used heat lamps our whole lives. We used screws on the clips and everything,” Candance said.
The lamb is currently boarded at her friend Kennedy’s barn in Diamond Springs and the piglet is at her adopted grandparents Cindy and Dave Burdettes’ home.
The Burdettes are longtime family friends and took Amber in after the Caldor Fire so she could be in town
for her ROP program.
“They bought me new clothes after the fire,” said Amber, expressing her thanks for their help and for the help from the community. “We have received a lot of donations and we have an Amazon registry.”
Amber said the family had just finished replacing her equipment lost in the Caldor Fire when the second fire claimed it all.
Amber is a third-year member of FFA and has been in 4-H since age 5. She is also in the ROP program at Ponderosa High School and is in an internship program at Placerville Animal Surgery Center. She is working toward a career as a traveling emergency veterinarian specializing critical care of large animals and has been involved in birthing and bottle feeding animals since she was 6 years old.
Amber said she would love to attend a veterinarian program in Edinburgh, Scotland, but she is most likely going to attend Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla. She said she expects to spend 8-12
During the event, the El Dorado Hills Chamber installed its 2025-26 board of directors, sworn in by Sheriff Leikauf. Serving on the board this year are Jenna Hoyt (chairman of the Board) with Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Craig Badolian (past chairman of the Board) with BI Designs & E Life Cycles, Kelly Seymour with Blue Shield of California, DeeDee Riley with Windermere Real Estate, Cathey Cort with NDS Solutions, James Boras with El Dorado Disposal, Todd Pate with Mercy Hospital Folsom, El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Ed Manansala Ed.D, David Maestas with West Coast Events and Dave Williamson with Foothills Regional Insurance & Financial Solutions.
• The chamber also proudly announced the winners of the annual Business Awards:
• Home-Based Business of the Year: Joey Starrett, Peak Design
• Start-Up Business of the Year: Billy and Jamie Rose, Boring Rose Brewing Co.
• Small Business of the Year: David Ciapponi, GoldKey Storage
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Devin Dedier, Vacanza Romana
• Travel-generated state and local tax revenue increased to $12.7 billion in 2023, an increase of 3.7% from the prior year. Compared to 2019, travel-generated tax revenue has grown by 3%.
years studying, and if she chooses another specialty, it will add another year to the program.
The family will rebuild ... again. An account has been set up at El Dorado Savings Bank to fund the family’s barn re-build and the purchase of replacement tack called “The Oakli and Dotti Rebuild Fund.” Donations can be made at any branch. The previous barn was made of wood that they had milled themselves from trees on their property but this time Candance said they will build one “made of all metal with a concrete floor.”
You may get the chance to see Amber and her friend walking their lambs in Diamond Springs, often stopping to chat with folks sitting outside at Solid Ground Brewing as the duo walk them around 5 miles a day to build up muscle and to develop control over them. Amber has yet to name the new lamb. Candance said it was most likely due to the trauma of losing her animals. He is referred to, for now, as “1019” which is the number on his ear tag.
• Excellence in Business of the Year: Natalie Moore, CASA El Dorado Special recognition was given to the chamber’s 2024-25 Premier Partners: Parker Development Company, El Dorado Hills Town Center, Dignity Health Mercy Hospital of Folsom, Wells Fargo, Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, Red Hawk Casino, Group One Consulting, Inc., Village Life Newspapers, El Dorado Disposal, A.G. Spanos Companies, Blue Shield of California, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Winn Communities, Marshall Medical Center, ProEquity Asset Management and AKT.
Thanks to the generosity of donors and bidders in the silent auction, scholarships for local graduates will be funded. The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) not-forprofit organization founded in 1986 to serve and advocate for the local business community. The mission of the chamber is strengthening the local economy, representing business interests to government, promoting our community, providing Members business connections and influencing political action. For more information visit eldoradohillschamber.org.
• Visitors who stayed in a hotel or motel spent
$63.3 billion in 2023, an increase of 5.4% from 2022. Visitors who stayed in a short-term vacation rental spent $12.7 billion in 2023, an increase of 1.5% compared to 2022. While sympathetic to the budget challenges county leaders must face and address, eliminating funding that promotes tourism and film and media projects is akin to killing the goose that lays the golden eggs just to save on feed. It will only hurt El Dorado County in the long run. We ask that supervisors reconsider these cuts before the final budget is adopted. These funds are vital for El Dorado County’s economic success. Laurel Brent-Bumb is CEO of the El
Tyler Continued from A1
Courtesy photos
A barn with two of Amber Tyler’s show animals, left, was destroyed in a fire in Grizzly Flat Feb. 11. Amber Tyler sits in the barn doing her homework with Oakli, a lamb, and Dotti, a piglet before the animals were lost in the fire, right.
County wrestlers make their marks at state champs
Mountain Democrat staff
El Dorado County high school grapplers took their skills to Bakersfield at the 2025 CIF State Wrestling Championships, Feb. 27 through March 1.
Oak Ridge High School’s Jordan
DeLeon was the only local wrestler to place in the competition. She took 8th in the 120pound weight class, with a 3-3 record at the championships.
Union Mine High School wrestler Brock Buak, 150 pounds, went 1-1 in bouts before falling to Brimingham’s Gregory Torosian. Teammate Lincoln Garel, 190 pounds, fell short in both matches he wrestled. On the women’s wrestling side Grace Jacobsen, 235 pounds, went 1-1, taking a loss against Melepopua Moeakiola of Clayton Valley.
Ponderosa High School’s Alex Mallot, Kaden Martinez and Kai Ford also made it to Bakersfield. Mallot, 113 points, was victorious in three bouts and lost two, ultimately falling to Aaron Meza of St. John
Bosco. Martinez, 157 pounds, wrestled in three bouts, losing the final to Lucas Pannell of Los Gatos. Ford went 1-2 in his matches with his second loss to Jason Valencia of North Salinas.
El Dorado High School’s Alexandra Keirsey, 155 pounds, went 2-3 in her matches, with a decision going against her in her final bout against Symone Jewell of Northgate.
COMICS
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Some decisions are made more difficult the longer you dwell on them. Stand at the edge of the diving board just long enough to gather your courage, but not so long that overthinking makes you hesitate and step back.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It’s so hard when a person seems right on your wavelength but they can’t or won’t be there the way you want them to be. But Shakespeare was right... it really is better to have known this than not.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You can do it happy, sad, scared, tired, robotically or with feeling. The key is to just do it. The act itself, whether fueled by emotion or not, moves you forward to a better place.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). Confidence isn’t something that suddenly comes to you one day; rather it’s a building process that happens with each action you take. Don’t let yourself get discouraged. As you do even a little bit of work toward a change, you are becoming your best self.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Though you like to be agreeable, you’re wise to say yes to only the things that solve a problem. Check to make sure you’re having the impact that matters to you. Help in ways that fit your skills and long-term aspirations.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your excellent powers of discernment will not only help you learn from the best examples but will also guide you in noticing what to avoid. But it’s not just learning from other people’s mistakes that matters. It’s moving forward with a willingness to make your own.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). If you wait to feel worthy of or ready for an experience, you may be waiting forever. It doesn’t work that way. There’s always going to be an awkwardness, a problem to solve or something to overcome before the victory.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’re deep in a feeling, sitting with so much tenderness, mourning something that isn’t quite gone but isn’t quite there either. You can hold both truths -- the ache of missing something and the acceptance that all is unfolding for the best.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’ll think of your entire situation, zoom out to see the full scope of where you are and where you’re heading. You’ll take on responsibilities that align with your larger goals and vision, ensuring that each task you embrace naturally fits into the bigger picture. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Thoughtful choices about where you invest your time and energy will help you build momentum without stretching yourself too thin. By focusing your energy on what truly matters, you’ll avoid feeling overwhelmed.
(Jan.
n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly
n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter
n RUBES by Leigh Rubin
n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly
Ponderosa’s Alex Mallot holds on to opponent Jordan Medrano of Cesar Chavez High School at the CIF championships.
El Dorado’s Alexandra Keirsey is the winner in her match against Laiyah Aguilar of Fountain Valley.
Photos by Timothy R. Lasko
Oak Ridge High School wreslter JJ DeLeon takes on SJ Martin of Granada High School at the 2025 CIF State Wrestling Championships.
Union Mine’s Brock Buak goes for a takedown against Tristan Fernandez, Bonita High School.
NEWS,
IN THE KNOW
March 5
The El Dorado Hills Town Center will host a Mom Walk, Sip and Stroll meeting at 10 a.m. at the amphitheater. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.
B Street Theatre in Sacramento presents Dan Reeder with Peggy Reeder and Renny Conti at 8 p.m. at The So a in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 4435300 or visit bstreettheatre. org.
B Street Theatre in Sacramento presents “Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense” at 7 p.m. The show runs March 5-30 at The So a in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.
March 6
Join the Shingle Springs / Cameron Park Chamber for its monthly mixer from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Shingle Springs Community Center. The event is hosted by the Cameron Park Rotary. For more information or to register visit sscpchamber. org.
Newbies and Allstars Open Mic hosted by Jon Shapi takes place 6-10 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
The El Dorado Union High School District hosts the district-wide Career Expo
6:30-8:30 p.m. at Union Mine High School. This event is open to all students and families in the district, as well as the El Dorado County community.
The Mills Station Arts and Culture Center in Rancho Cordova presents Check Mate, an exhibition showcasing handcrafted chess boards and sets. For more information visit rcmacc.org.
B Street Theatre in Sacramento presents Well Tempered Jazz at 8 p.m. at The So a in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.
March 7
The Katie Skene Band + Hattie Craven will perform, 7-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Moonshine Crazy will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 8 p.m. to midnight. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.
B Street Theatre in Sacramento presents Lonesome Ace String Band at 7 p.m. at The So a in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.
B Street Theatre in Sacramento presents Altan at 7 p.m. at The So a in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.
Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom presents “Pretty Woman, the Musical” at 7:30 p.m. The show runs through March 9. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
Big Idea Theatre in Sacramento presents “Titus
Join the El Dorado County Historical Society and Save the Graves for a captivating journey into the history of the Lincoln Highway in El Dorado County on March 15.
Guests will experience a piece of history
firsthand while local historian Don Uelman brings the story of the Lincoln Highway in El Dorado County to life during a talk at the Mohanna Family Ranch event center. He will share fascinating insights and historical context related to the Lincoln Highway.
Next, join local history expert Mike Roberts for some “pavement pounding” as he leads guests along the longest preserved stretch of the original Lincoln Highway in the county, o ering unique perspectives on the very road that connected the nation and played such a vital role in El Dorado County history.
Period-appropriate antique automobiles will be on display, evoking the era when this legendary route was a vital artery of commerce and travel.
Following the highway tour, guests will have the option to join Roberts, president of Save the Graves, for a brief tour of an adjacent pioneer cemetery. Discover the final resting places of several of the families who operated Clarksville businesses connected to Lincoln Highway commerce. This tour adds a deeply personal connection to the history.
The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 15 at the Mohanna Family Ranch at 2101 Old Bass Lake Road in El Dorado Hills. For tickets and more information visit edchs.org.
Chris Ringnes El Dorado Community Foundation
The El Dorado Community Foundation is excited to welcome three new members to its board of directors. Lynnee Boyes, Gordon Helm and Catherine Dickson Schwarzbach join Allan Priest, Paul Zappettini, Pam Maxwell, Margie Kovarik-Maxhimer, Katy Peek, Shelbi Bennett, Jana Ellerman and Brian Veerkamp to round out the 2025 board roster.
Boyes has been an El Dorado County resident for 35 years and has served on boards and committees of many local nonprofits over the years as well as spending several years as the program o cer for the El Dorado Community Foundation.
Helm is an El Dorado County native who founded Helm Technical Services, recognized by the Sacramento Business Journal as one of the area’s Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies, a Top 25 Employer in El Dorado County and a Top 25 Sta ng Agency. He said he believes in giving back to his community and serves on multiple community boards and committees.
Dickson Schwarzbach has lived in El Dorado County since 1979.
the transportation corridor the “Lincoln Highway,” named not after its terminus point but rather after his favorite president, Abraham
She was a teacher in the El Dorado County school system until transitioning to co-direct a school improvement program within the governor’s o ce. She has extensive grant writing experience and has been very involved with Women’s Fund El Dorado as the chair and a founding member of the Education and MultiYear Grants committees.
The foundation thanks three amazing board members who termed o at the
end of 2024 for their dedication and service. Wendy David, Ed Manansala and Dan Staszak were all extremely valuable voices on the board over the last several years and their presence will be missed.
The El Dorado Community Foundation is dedicated to strengthening the community both now and for future generations. That mission is driven by the impact of grant making. Funds held at
the foundation granted $3.1 million in 2024 to support existing and emerging needs within the community.
Over 95% of this grant funding is made
and fund holders at the foundation, who serve as the true drivers of grant making impact throughout El
County.
possible by many donors
Dorado
Mountain Democrat sta
Lynnee Boyes
Gordon Helm Catherine Dickson Schwarzbach
Photos courtesy of the Lincoln Highway Association
Prisoners working on the Lincoln Highway somewhere between Placerville and Sacramento circa 1918.
Above, Workers paving the Lincoln Highway in Clarksville circa 1918.
Shingle Springs inaugural Poker champions crowned
t
a night of fun, food and good times. The competition was tough but in the end Victor Wolfe was crowned the champion while Mike Wick took the second place slot and Randa Anderson came in third. Besides the champion bracelet and plaque, Wolfe won a Traeger grill/smoker. Second place winner, Wick also took home a smaller Traeger grill/ smoker. Anderson won a 55-inch large screen TV. Everyone left at the final table took home prizes. Proceeds from the Feb. 22 event will be used to help the center address many needed maintenance projects as it gets ready to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2026. For more details visit shinglespringscommunitycenter.org.
Know Continued from B1
Andronicus” at 7:30 p.m. Show runs March 7-29. For tickets and more information visit bigideatheatre.org.
March 8
UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County host Growing Plants from Seeds, 9 a.m. to noon. Participants are invited to Sherwood Demonstration Garden for a presentation on the selection and germination of seeds, starting media, containers, growing out, hardening off and transplanting seedlings. Following the presentation,
Garden. After learning some basics about parts and needs of plants, children will plant a succulent cutting in a small pot. They can also plant a bean seed in another pot. They will take the plant home, care for it, and watch it grow. Then in June they can enter their plant in the El Dorado County Fair. Children may decorate the pot or make it look like a fairy garden. Their plant will be on display during the Fair for everyone to see and they might even win a ribbon. They will receive a short booklet with the basics of plants and how to care for them. Parking
Market takes place 1-4 p.m., drizzle or shine, the second and fourth Saturdays at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Find great local products while enjoying live music, food, beverages and more. Parking is free during the market hours.
Join Hands4Hope-Youth Making a Difference for the 25th annual Empty Bowls Dinner from 4-7 p.m. at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. For tickets and more information visit hands4hopeyouth.org/ emptybowls.
3BEERSN will perform at 3 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.
Sacramento Symphonic Winds presents A Place for Us – A Leonard Bernstein Tribute at 2:30 p.m. at California State University, Sacramento, Capistrano Hall. For tickets and more information visit sacwinds. org.
March 11
The Sons in Retirement –Gold Country branch meets the second Wednesday of the month at the Cameron Park Country Club. Check out the club and be a guest for a complimentary lunch. Contact Branch 95’s membership chairman at SIRBranch95@gmail. com for more details.
Caregiver Support and Activity Enrichment Group meets 1-2:30 p.m. at Foothills Church, 2380 Merrychase Drive in Cameron Park. This is a free caregiver support group. Also available is an activity enrichment group (respite) for those with memory loss. Call (530) 621-7820 to register for the activity enrichment group.
The El Dorado Hills Genealogical Society will host a Zoom presentation at 6 p.m. by Paula Stewart-Warren: “Tho they Were Poor, They Have Been .” Presenters have a wealth of resources to share with those who attend. Everyone is invited to participate in the Zoom meetings by contacting Pat Kriz at patkriz@ earthlink.net in advance of the
Zoom session. The EDHGS also provides an informal in-person workshop at the EDH Library on Silva Valley Road on the fourth Tuesday each month, 6-8 p.m., for anyone interested in genealogy.
Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom presents St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland featuring Ryan McCaffrey at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
The Sacramento Fine Arts Center in Carmichael presents Magnum Opus 2025, March 11 through April 12. Museum opens at 11 a.m. daily, closed Mondays. For more information visit sacfinearts.org.
Now
Broadway Sacramento presents “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical” at 7:30 p.m. Show runs through March 8 at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center in downtown Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 557-1999 or visit broadwaysacramento.com.
The Sacramento Fine Arts Center in Carmichael presents Awash with Color, featuring the members of Watercolor Artists of Sacramento Horizons, through March 8. For more information visit sacfinearts.org.
Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “Our Town” through March 16. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
Register now for the first annual
Ron Mansfield Memorial Scholarship Bowling Tournament on March 22 at Knotty Pine Lanes in Pollock Pines. Help raise funds for local students seeking education in the agricultural world. Named in honor of Ron Mansfield, a champion bowler and a champion for El Dorado County agriculture and his community. The event will include local wine tasting and auctioning some great prizes. For more information visit edcf.fcsuite. com/erp/donate/list/ticket.
Atrium Gallery EDH in El Dorado Hills Town Center presents Hidden Kiss, a solo artist exhibit featuring Lin Fei Fei, through March 22. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.
Gallery at 48 Natoma in Folsom presents Art Movement in Fiber — a juried exhibition of quilts by the members
Courtesy photos
Above left, Victor Wolfe won bragging rights as the first place champion. Above right, Third place winner Randa Anderson, first place winner Victor Wolfe and third place winner Mike Wick, left to right, all earned bragging rights and great prizes. Below, it was a great turnout with fun, food, and good times at the Shingle Springs Community Center’s first Poker Tournament.
One year Beatrice, a young girl in Uganda, received a goat as a gift.
t first she didn’t think it was such a great gift. What she really wanted was money to go to school.
ut Beatrice’s family was very poor. There was little money for medicine, clothes, blankets or food. School was simply a dream.
Much to Beatrice’s surprise, the goat changed all that!
rinking the goat’s milk made Beatrice and her five younger sisters and brothers healthier. The manure from the goat fertilized the garden and made it more productive.
And, the one little goat gave more milk than her family could drink, so they could sell it and make money.
fter a few months of selling the goat’s milk, Beatrice had enough money to go to school!
Beatrice named her goat Mugisa. Use the code to find out what that means. Do you think that was a good name for her goat?
When Heifer International gives a goat or other animal to a family, the family must “pass on the gift.” Recipient families give the animal's first female offspring to another family in need. That family, in turn, passes on the gift to another family. So one gift multiplies throughout the community!
The cost of any animal purchased includes training and medicines to keep the animal healthy.
In addition to farm animals, people can give the gift of trees at www.heifer.org Young trees, called seedlings, can be planted to create a small family orchard of fruit or nut trees. The fruit of the trees provides good nutrition and extra fruit can be sold at market to provide income for a family, too.
Find the two identical goats.
Beatrice’s goat was a gift from an organization called Heifer International. Children and adults can both help Heifer International give farm animals and training to needy families around the world. The gift of a goat is $120. Or you can share the cost with others for a $10 donation.
Unscramble these words to find out the other kinds of gift animals Heifer International can provide to people in need.
When we typed this press release we made some mistakes in letter combinations. Can you match the correct letter combinations to the correct words? Some combinations belong in more than one place.
From Dog Biscuits to a Water Buffalo, 4th Graders Make a Difference
Kathy Zeichman’s f _ _ rthgrade class in Ida, Mi _ _ igan, decided to r _ _ se $250 to donate to H _ _ fer Internat _ _ nal by selling homemade, all-natural dog bisc _ _ ts.
Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow simple written directions.
To find out how you can give a goat to a family visit www.heifer.org
Helpful Hunt
Look through today’s newspaper and find five or more ways people are helping others.
The _ _ udents worked in small gr _ _ ps to take care of the ta _ _ s of contacting med , designing pa aging, preparing order forms, cr _ _ ting an informative inse _ _ , making personalized dog tags and using computers to desi _ _ and pri _ _ labels for the pa _ _ ages.
After _ _ oducing 2,172 dog bi _ _ uits to fill 181 orders, the students sent H _ _ fer Internat _ _ nal $250 to pur _ _ ase a water buffalo for a n _ _ dy family.
Standards
… helping others in time of need.
This week’s word:
The noun offspring means the child or young of a human, animal or plant. OFFSPRING
The goat gave birth to twin offspring.
Try to use the word offspring in a sentence today when talking with your friends and family.
Creepy Animal Facts
Which animal do you think is the creepiest? Why? Write three facts about your chosen creature.
This is the launching month of salad season. Perhaps you live at a lower elevation or have a cold frame and are already harvesting those tender leaves (good for you). You can add all those amazing vegetables to a salad, adding texture and flavor to that lettuce, but in the end, let’s be honest, it’s all about the dressing. A good dressing will elevate a salad to a near nirvana experience. Why not make your own vinegar for that dressing?
Did you know there’s a flavored vinegar class, under the division of Gourmet, for the El Dorado County Fair? Try this recipe from the new “Ball Blue Book,” Edition 38, copyright 2024. Perhaps make a double batch one for home and one for the fair.
Lemon-Mint Vinegar
Yield about 2 pints 4 cups white wine vinegar, at least 5% acidity
¼ cup sugar 2 cups fresh mint leaves, loosely packed Peel of 2 lemons
Prepare boiling-water canner or atmospheric steam canner. Heat jars in canner until ready to use, do not boil (simmering water at 180 degrees F). Wash lids in warm soapy water and set aside with bands. Wash mint and lemons under cold running water; drain. Remove only the yellow peel from the lemon using a vegetable peeler. Set aside two strips of lemon peel and two sprigs of mint. Lightly crush remaining mint leaves. Combine white wine vinegar and sugar in a medium saucepan. Heat mixture to a simmer (180 degrees F), stirring until sugar dissolves.
Bridge party time
News release
The Placerville Shakespeare Club’s Annual Bridge Party, “Let’s Make A Deal,” will be held Wednesday, March 26.
The community is invited to a day of brilliant bridge, fabulous food and delightful door prizes. Registration is $50 for a pair and includes a morning snack, lunch, cash prizes and door prizes. Partners will play together the entire day if they wish. Tables will be limited to 20 players and party bridge will be played. Men and women are welcome. Must register on or before March 18.
The event will be at the Placerville Shakespeare Club’s clubhouse at 2940 Bedford Ave. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. and play begins promptly at 10 a.m. For more information or to register call Ruthie at (530) 919-6392.
Pour mixture into a large glass bowl. Add crushed mint leaves and lemon peel. Cover bowl with waxed paper, parchment paper, or plastic wrap and secure. Let vinegar steep in a cool, dark place for one to four weeks, stirring every two to three days. Taste vinegar each week to determine desired flavor. Strain vinegar through a damp jelly bag or several layers of cheesecloth. Pour vinegar into a medium saucepan. Bring vinegar to a simmer (180 degrees F) over medium heat.
Put one strip of lemon peel and one sprig of mint into a hot jar. Ladle hot vinegar into the jar, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Clean jar 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: 10 minutes at 0-1,000 feet elevation, 15 minutes at 1,0013,000 feet, 20 minutes at 3,011-6,000 feet and 25 minutes at 6,0018,000 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 three to five 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. 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 at edmfp@ucanr.edu. For more information about the program, events and recipes, visit ucanr. edu/sites/mfp_of_cs/. Find us on Facebook, too (UCCE Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County).
SAFE offers scholarships to high school, college students
News release
FOLSOM— SAFE Credit Union is now accepting applications for its annual scholarship awards. Scholarships for $4,000 each will support graduating high school seniors and students currently attending community college.
“SAFE is committed to helping students achieve their dreams with skills for a successful financial future,” said SAFE Credit Union Vice President, Community Relations and Financial Education, Rebecca Delmundo. “We are excited to provide each recipient with this scholarship to help empower students to reach their educational goals and positively impact their community.”
SAFE will award four
scholarships of $4,000 each in the competitive scholarship program. Applications will be accepted through Friday, March 21.
To be eligible, applicants must:
Be a member of SAFE with a checking or savings account in good standing.
Be a graduating high school senior or a current community college student with 60 or fewer credits with a GPA of 3.0 or above.
Currently be attending a high school or community college in one of the 13 counties in SAFE’s service area: Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Yolo, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Solano, Yuba, Sutter, Butte, Nevada, Alameda and Amador.
“We recognize that postsecondary education is so important for people to gain the
knowledge for jobs that provide for good incomes and career satisfaction,” Delmundo said. “We want students to obtain that education, be it at a community college, university, or a trade school. SAFE is here to help them get a jump on their careers.”
“While the long-term benefits of attending higher education are clear, paying tuition can be challenging for so many families,” Delmundo said. “That’s why SAFE continues to provide this scholarship to help promising students cover more of their educational costs.”
For more information or to apply for the scholarships visit safecu. org/community/communityimpact/funding/scholarshipapplication.
Celebrate Spring’s Arrival with a Skillet Fish Fry
Shakespeare Club Author’s Day celebrates local litterateurs
Mountain Democrat staff
The Placerville Shakespeare Club presents its 16th annual Author’s Day on Sunday, March 16 celebrating the written word and local scribes.
The day will include presentations from participating authors, who will speak about their experiences in the industry, their chosen brands of storytelling and the act of writing in general. A question and answer session will conclude each presentation. When not on stage addressing the assembly, each author will be at their respective tables speaking with the public and signing books. Light refreshments will be available throughout the day.
Since 2008 the Placerville Shakespeare Club has celebrated local writers who are published in a variety of genres. One of the club’s stated purposes is to “cultivate and improve the minds of its members.” The annual Authors’ Day event certainly fits that bill.
This year’s five authors are sure to present a varied and interesting program for all bibliophiles to enjoy.
M.L. Hamilton — Mystery and Fantasy
Hamilton, a former high school English and journalism teacher, achieved her dream of becoming a published author in 2010 with her first novel, Emerald. Since then, she has published numerous novels in various genres, including contemporary fiction, adventure, and cozy mysteries. She is the president of Northern California Publishers and Authors and enjoys spending time with her dogs and grandchildren.
Rebecca Inch-Partridge — Paranormal, Mystery Thriller and Science Fantasy
Inch-Partridge, author, editor, and fulltime science fiction fan, began writing stories of the
Paraxous Star Cluster in high school and never stopped. She received a bachelor’s degree in Management and Ethics from William Jessup University and worked in human services before pursuing her passion as an author and editor. She currently lives in Auburn, California with her husband, dog, two cats, four chickens, and a turkey.
Tim Schooley — Historical Fiction
Schooley, is a former circus clown with Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey Circus and appellate attorney and law school professor. He is currently an author of historical fiction and legal thrillers. His novel “The Wool Translator” was short-listed for the Chaucer Book Award and won the Jameson Award. He lives with his wife in Fair Oaks, California.
Cheryl Stapp — California History
Stapp believes that history is not simply a series of dull dates, but the stories of individuals who shaped the world by pursuing their desires. Whether they achieved their goals or not, figures like Cleopatra, Leonardo da Vinci, Winston Churchill and Elvis Presley are remembered for the ways they transformed society. Stapp, a California native, delves into the state’s rich history by exploring the lives of those who settled and developed it, driven by their own dreams, regardless of success or failure.
Stephen Meadows — Poetry
Meadows is the El Dorado County Poet Laureate 2023-25. His work has been widely published and has appeared in numerous anthologies and collections across the country. Meadows’ concise and elemental poems capture the essential truths of his life and the beauty of the surrounding natural world. His work is imbued with the indelible aura of California, reflecting his heritage as a descendant of native peoples who built the Carmel Mission,
Tahoe Fund opens new Teen Giving Program
TAHOE CITY — Tahoe is soon to have a new generation of philanthropic leaders thanks to the formation of the Teens for Tahoe Giving Circle. High school students with a passion for Lake Tahoe are encouraged to apply for this new program, which is part of the Tahoe Fund’s Teens for Tahoe initiative and begins this spring.
Modeled after the highly successful program offered by the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada, this 10-week course is open to all high school
students who want to deepen their connection to Lake Tahoe through philanthropy.
Participants will learn about nonprofit organizations, effective giving strategies and financial analysis.
“We’re thrilled to offer this program for our next generation of supporters,” said Amy Berry, CEO of the Tahoe Fund. “This is a great way to learn about philanthropy, earn community service hours and help give $10,000 away to a great Tahoe project.”
The program, which will take place remotely via Zoom during the spring 2025 semester, will provide 25 students with the
knowledge and tools to make meaningful charitable decisions. When the course concludes, participants will have $10,000 to distribute to a project of their choice from the Tahoe Fund’s portfolio of environmental improvement projects.
Applications are open now and due March 7. Applicants will be notified of their status by March 10. Meetings will occur virtually for one hour each week for 10 weeks and participants will earn 10-15 hours of community service.
Get ready to help shape the future of Lake Tahoe. Learn more and apply at tahoefund.org/joinour-teens-for-tahoe-giving-circle.
gold rush families who settled in the gold country foothills, and a Carmel Valley farm family. The doors will open at noon with the program beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Placerville Shakespeare Clubhouse, 2940 Bedford Avenue. Tickets $15. All event proceeds will fund scholarships for local students. For tickets and more information call (916) 802-0186 or (602) 826-7317 or visit placerville-shakespeare.com. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Selection Procedure
Candidates
Of ce, 9426 Main Street; P. O. Box 429, Plymouth, CA 95669; emailed to: vmchenry@cityofplymouth.org. EOE
Jessica Weaver News release
Point Defiance
Loop Trail — An undiscovered gem in Penn Valley
The South Yuba River at Bridgeport spills into Englebright Lake, forming part of the beautiful South Yuba River State Park. Here, you’ll find sand beaches, lush trails, and the historic Bridgeport Covered Bridge — the longest covered span in existence, as noted by the plaque near its entrance. Though the bridge is currently closed for major renovations due to twisting, you can still admire its structure, now exposed as the shingles have been removed. Have you visited the Bridgeport area before? Share your experience using #DayHikerCA.
Trail options and park highlights
I met a State Park Ranger early one morning who proudly described the park’s attractions and encouraged more visitors to explore Penn Valley. Two parking areas, located on either side of the river, accommodate visitors. The $10 State Park day-use fee applies here, and your California Poppy Pass is accepted.
Several trails begin from the parking area:
Buttermilk Bend Trail : A springtime favorite for butterflies and wildflowers.
Kneebone Beach Trail : This short but impressive 0.3-mile trail leads south-east of the Bridgeport Covered Bridge, keeping you low at the water’s edge. A bit of bouldering is required, but the reward is sunny rocks perfect for lounging. Due to its accessibility, it can get crowded during peak times.
Discovering the secluded point
Defiance Loop Trail
On my most recent visit, I explored the 2.7-mile Point Defiance Loop Trail. I almost hesitate to share this hidden gem—early in the morning, I’ve rarely encountered more than one other hiker, making it the perfect escape for solitude seekers. The trail begins northwest of the Covered Bridge.
Trail tips
The trail is narrow and uneven, so watch
out for poison oak. If that doesn’t deter you, you’ll find much to love. Oaks provide shade along the way, and wildflowers bloom abundantly in spring. At Point Defiance, you’ll find picnic tables and a chemical toilet in need of some TLC. Despite its condition, it offers a convenient spot for a quick break.
Views of Englebright Lake
Continuing the trail along the hillside, the river widens into Lake Englebright. To access the water from this side, you’ll need to navigate through blackberry vines. If you prefer not to, head up to the hilltop for an open vista of green grass and surrounding hills. A picnic table shaded by a large oak invites you to linger and enjoy the view. Why rush? It’s a short hike, and you have time to soak in the serenity. As you head back down the hill, enjoy watching butterflies flutter from flower to flower. The trail eventually connects back to the road near the north parking lot. It’s a peaceful and scenic return, perfect for nature lovers and bird watchers alike.
Directions to Point Defiance Loop Trail
From Interstate 80 East, take Highway 49 North to Grass Valley. Exit onto Highway 20 toward Penn Valley/ Marysville. Turn right onto Pleasant Valley Road.
The first parking lot is on your left before the bridge, and the second lot is on your right after the bridge. For GPS, use: 17660 Pleasant Valley Road, Penn Valley.
Plan your visit
Seasonal Advice : Spring is the ideal time to hike, with abundant wildflowers and butterflies making the trail lively and colorful. Fall also offers cooler temperatures and scenic views of the changing foliage. Local Insight : The picnic spots at Point Defiance and atop the
hill are great for a quiet lunch. Pack a picnic and enjoy the view!
Engagement: Have you explored the Point Defiance Loop Trail? What’s your favorite season to visit? Share your thoughts and tag @MaryWestHikes on social media.
Mary West is the author of the book series, Day HikerGold Country Trail Guide (I, II, and III). The books compile her Day Hiker columns, sharing her long-time love for the outdoors and favorite hikes in Northern California’s Gold Country and beyond. West received the 2017 and 2019 CRAFT Awards for Best Outdoor Column and the 2020 CRAFT Award for her second book in the series from the Outdoor Writers of California. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram for more trail inspiration.
Mary West Outdoor columnist
Photos by Mary West
A breathtaking view up the South Yuba River.
Above, a toll sign harkens back to a simpler time. Right, the historical Bridgeport Covered Bridge is the longest covered span in existence according to the plaque near its entrance.
This Friday, Early Bird - THE BEST OF SAN FRANCISCO DANCE LESSONS, MUSIC, AND DANCE CLUB DANCING, You're invited to our Epic Salsa and Bachata and Cumbia Bash Dance Party Dance Fridays, 550 Barneveld, San Fran‐cisco. info@dancesf.com, 877398-7025
The Mainliners @ 8pm The Chapel, 777 Valencia St, San Francisco
Emo vs. Pop-Punk @ 9pm / $23.10-$160.09 Brick and Mortar Music Hall, San Francisco
NeuroFest 10th Anniversary: A Decade of NeuroTech Innovation @ 12:30pm / Free NeuroFest, a one-day, free public event for community members of all ages, brings the exciting world of brain science to the community. UC Davis Conference Center, 550 Alumni Lane, Davis. kpcummings@ ucdavis.edu
Tantra Speed Date®Sacramento! Meet Singles Speed Dating @ 5:30pm / $45-$140 Join the speed dating revolution with a 94% connection rate! Meet singles & ignite connections through fun, chemistry-building games! Yoga Shala Sacramento, 2030 H Street, Sacramento. help@ tantrany.com
The Denim Nuns: Musiclandria @ 7pm The Library of MusicLandria, 1219 S St, Sacramento
Tribute Saturdays Live @ Music City San Francisco @ 7pm / Free Discover new bands and unforget‐table experiences at The Music City Underground! 1355 Bush St, 1355 Bush Street, San Francisco. aprill@ musiccitysf.org
Made in the U. S. A @ 3pm / $20-$25 MADE IN THE U.S.A.
American Overture for Band Joseph Willcox Jenkins After the Rain
Melvin Brito featuring the Solano Winds Woodwind Quintet Blue Shades Frank Ticheli + MORE! Va‐caville Performing Arts Theatre, 1010 Ulatis Drive, Vacaville. director@ solanowinds.org
LBXX: Sweet Tooth: Golden Season Opener @ 3pm The Stud, 399 9th St, San Fran‐cisco
SPOT: Scott Pemberton O Theory @ 7pm Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe, 3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe
Inside Voices @ 7:30pm Bottom Of the Hill, 1233 17th St, San Francisco
Total Dysfunction @ 7:30pm Bottom Of the Hill, 1233 17th St, San Francisco
Dance Fitness Classes at Woodland Senior Center @ 10:15am Dance �tness Classes for Seniors Woodland Community & Senior Center, 2001 East Street, Wood‐land. tina�tness68@gmail.com
Children's Kung Fu Classes at the Davis Arts Center @ 3pm Tina Fitness is now offering chil‐dren's Kung Fu classes at the Davis Arts Center! Davis Arts Cen‐ter, 1919 F Street, Davis. duanke jie68@gmail.com
BRUHMANEGOD
Thursday Mar 13th Delta Wires
Immaterial
WTC presents 10-Minute Play Festival @ 7:30pm / $15-$20 Eight short plays by eight unique playwrights all in one night. Drop into eight different moments over the course of 80 minutes and experience the unique cast of characters, emotions, and stories that will be on stage at the 4th Annual Winters Theatre Compay 10-Minute Play Festival! Winters Opera House home of the Win‐ters Theatre Company, 13 Main Street, Winters. win tersoperahouse@ gmail.com, 530-795-4014
Curling @ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
Grupo Recluta @ 8pm El Rancho Restaurant, 1450 Monu‐ment Blvd, Concord
Delta Wires at The Saloon @ 9:30pm The Saloon, 1232 Grant ave, San Francisco
Journalist Soledad O'Brien to speak at UC Davis Women & Philanthropy Event @ 1pm / $12.50 Award-winning journalist, �lm‐maker and bestselling author Soledad O’Brien will headline an inspiring symposium on women, philanthropy and leadership on March 9 at the Mondavi Center. Mondavi Center, 523 Mrak Hall Drive, Davis
UN International Women’s Day with Advocacy and Art! @ 2pm / Free Join the United Nations Associa‐tion of Davis in celebrating UN In‐ternational Women’s Day with an afternoon of art, advocacy, and in‐spiring stories that highlight the power of women and girls. Interna‐tional House Davis, 10 College Park, Davis. johanna@ihouse davis.org, 530-753-5007
Tantra Speed Date®Reno! (Meet Singles Speed Dating) @ 2pm / $45-$140 Join the speed dating revolution with a 94% connection rate! Meet singles & ignite connections through fun, chemistry-building games! The Studio, 1085 S Virginia St, Reno. help@tantrany.com
Flying�sh / Rosegate Ave / Junebug @ 7pm Cafe Du Nord, 2174 Market St, San Francisco
MESS in Sacramento, CA
@ 7:30pm Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento �ying�sh with Rosegate Ave, and junebug
@ 8pm / $21.57 Cafe Du Nord, San Francisco
Useless Eaters @ 8pm Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell St, San Francisco
Beginning + Intermediate Tai Chi @ 10am Tai chi classes for beginning and intermediate practitioners at the Davis Arts Center Davis Arts Cen‐ter, 1919 F Street, Davis. tina�t ness68@gmail.com
Davis Art Studio Tour Exhibit @ 11:30am Mar 11thApr 20th
Preview art by the Davis Art Studio Tour participat‐ing artists in an exhibit at the Pence Gallery! Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis. pencesocialmedia@ gmail.com, 530-758-3370
Healing Arts One-Time Workshop @ 2pm / $10 The Pence's Healing
Children's Gymnastics Classes at the Davis Arts Center @ 2pm
Two gymnastics classes for chil‐dren offered on Wednesdays after school at the Davis Arts Center. Davis Arts Center, 1919 F Street, Davis. tina�tness68@gmail.com
Jenny Kerr & Friends Acoustic Happy Hour
@ 6:30pm Madrone Art Bar, 500 Divisadero St, San Francisco
The HATED 8New Material Challenge @ 7pm / $13
Professional comedians �rst establish the funny with a hilarious 10 minutes and then come back out and step up to the chal‐lenge with 8 never before seen in a club minutes. Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge, 1207 Front Street, Sacramento. laughsunlimited@ gmail.com, 916-446-8128
Toner @ 7pm
Harlow's, 2708 J St, Sacramento Still Ruins @ 7pm
Harlow's, 2708 J St, Sacramento
The High Road @ 7:30pm Blue Note Napa, 1030 Main St, Napa
Kelsey Kindall, Liv Belda, Tyler Reese @ 8pm / $22.84 Brick and Mortar Music Hall, San Francisco
Beginning + Intermediate
Tai Chi @ 10am Tai chi classes for beginners and intermediates at the Davis Arts Center Davis Arts Center, 1919 F Street, Davis. tina�tness68@ gmail.com
Humor Healing Tour with Richard Villa - Special Event @ 7pm / $29 It's time to laugh and heal with Richard Villa in 2025! Richard is a bilingual (English/Spanish) standup comedian and actor whose comedic in�uences draw from life experiences growing up Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge, 1207 Front Street, Sacra‐mento. laughsunlimited@ gmail.com, 916-446-8128
FluteSong4 Quartet
at Noon, Friday, March 14! @ 12pm Second Friday FREE Con‐cert Series at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Davis, 27074 Patwin Road - March 14! FluteSong4 Quartet: Ann DiPasquale, Carina Celesia Moore, Pat Walton, Irene Warschauer Unitarian Universalist Church of Davis, 27074 Patwin Road, Davis. lu annhiggs@gmail.com, 916-600-8872
Candlelight: Rings and Dragons @ 4:30pm / $32 California State Railroad Museum, 125 I St, Sacramento. fever@ eventvesta.com
2nd Friday ArtAbout at the Pence Gallery @ 6pm Explore multiple exhibits and a va‐riety of art during our free, monthly reception! Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis. pencesocialmedia@ gmail.com, 530-758-3370
Human Body @ 8pm Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento
DJ Dave Paul: All That 90s Party - San Francisco @ 9pm Neck Of the Woods, 406 Clement St, San Francisco
ALL THAT 90's PARTY @ 9pm / Free-$6.15 Neck of the Woods,
