Mountain Democrat, Monday, January 25, 2021

C a l i f o r n i a ’ s O l d e s t N e w s pa p e r   – E s t. 18 51

Volume 170 • Issue 10 | 75¢

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Monday, January 25, 2021

Cross country a go

CIF OKs first NorCal competition since March Union Mine High School cross country runners Peter Huerta, left, and Lorenzo Lopez run strides before a Diamondbacks practice Jan. 19. The Diamondbacks will host El Dorado, Bradshaw Christian and Golden Sierra in a scrimmage today.

Thomas Frey Staff writer

between El Dorado, Bradshaw Christian and Golden Sierra high schools. Union Mine head coach Kyle Fujitsubo said to the best of his knowledge, this will be the first Northern California California Interscholastic Federation sanctioned competition in any sport since March 2020. There was doubt the season would happen. The Diamondbacks — led by Fujitsubo, who is known as Coach Fuji

The Union Mine High School crosscountry team has been waiting for today for more than eight months. After practicing nonstop through a pandemic, abysmal air quality due to wildland fires and oftentimes early in the morning without knowing if a season would happen, the Diamondbacks were given the OK Friday by El Dorado County Public Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams to host an official scrimmage today

Mountain Democrat photo by Thomas Frey

n

See Cross Country, page A3

Moderna COVID19 vaccine OK’d for use again Dawn Hodson Staff writer California State Epidemiologist Dr. Erica Pan issued a statement Thursday advising providers they can immediately resume the administration of lot 41L20A of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, which was temporarily paused on Sunday, Jan. 17, due to possible allergic reactions. Administration of the vaccine has also resumed in El Dorado County according to county spokesperson Carla Hass, although there were never any reports of county residents who received the vaccine having any adverse reactions. The county had temporarily suspended use of the vaccine batch as a precaution until an investigation was completed by the state. “We have every confidence it is safe to administer and are happy to continue to do so,” Hass said Thursday, adding that the county received approval from the state to use it late Wednesday night. Distribution of the vaccine was suspended statewide after six healthcare workers reported having a serious allergic reaction at a mass vaccination clinic at Petco Park, the Padre’s stadium in San Diego. “Out of an abundance of caution, we recommended providers pause the distribution of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine lot 41L20A on Sunday evening,” states Pan. “Yesterday we convened the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup and additional allergy and immunology specialists to examine the evidence collected. We had further discussions with the county of San Diego Department of Public Health, the Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and manufacturer and found no scientific basis to continue the pause.” El Dorado County received approximately 1,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine lot in question and distributed approximately 390 vaccines to public health clinics and a portion to Safeway pharmacies. Moderna confirmed a total of 1,272,200 doses were produced in batch number 041L20A, with n

Photo by CHP officer Andrew Brown

Lt. Rick Hatfield has just recently taken over as the new commander of the California Highway Patrol’s Placerville office.

New commander takes over CHP post

Dawn Hodson Staff writer

T

here’s a new guy on the block and he’s Lt. Rick Hatfield who just recently took over as the new commander of the California Highway Patrol’s Placerville office. Hatfield replaces Lt. Matt Stover who joined the Placerville CHP team in 2017 but has taken an assignment with the Central Valley Division. On the job for just about a month and his first time as a commander, Hatfield said the usual swearing-in ceremony had to be toned down due to COVID-19. He also has some unpacking to do with bare walls in his office just begging for

See vaccine, page A3

some of the photos he likes to take when scuba diving with the family. Hatfield, 44, said he’s been with the CHP going on 21 years with his last assignment in downtown Sacramento. Attracted to the agency for several reasons, he said he liked the excitement of the job, the opportunity to be outdoors and the chance to give back to the community. He also has a collegiate sports background and said the camaraderie in the type of work appealed to him because of the chance to work with others as a team to accomplish a common goal. n

See Commander, page A8

Sledding madness

Authorities issue citations, ask sledders to be safe Cheyanne Neuffer Tahoe Daily Tribune If you live near Lake Tahoe or are just visiting, chances are you’ve seen cars lining the roads and sledders on the hills in random places. However, many of the areas sledders are flocking to are dangerous and even illegal. Before heading out to play in the snow, it’s important to find legal and safe places. South Lake Tahoe California Highway Patrol has received numerous calls for vehicles parking illegally and blocking roads, people trespassing on private property and pedestrians walking into busy roads. Since the first snow of the season, which was around mid-November, CHP has issued 532 parking citations. There have been 39 traffic collisions and on Jan. 17, CHP issued 114 citations and towed five vehicles. “This weekend was by far the worst,” said

Public Information and Media Relations Officer Ruth Loehr. Loehr said one of the main problems is people are not paying attention to the signage or don’t care. “The problem is that once you tow one vehicle, another comes and takes its place,” she said. Illegal parking citations range from $30-50 while towing citations are $200-$300. One key area she pointed out is Emerald Bay, which she said is terrible with traffic and sledders in winter. However, this year she is seeing something different. While Emerald Bay is still a crowded area, people have been parking on the side of the highway in Meyers in South Lake Tahoe. Loehr said people are also parking in n

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California Highway Patrol officers issued hundreds of citations Jan. 17 to See Sledders, page A2 visitors to the Lake Tahoe area parked illegally for snow play.

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Monday, January 25, 2021

Mountain Democrat mtdemocrat.com

ESSENTIALS OBITUARIES Obituaries on this page are written and paid for by the families or funeral homes. They are edited minimally by the Mountain Democrat. To submit an obituary, call (530) 622-1255, e-mail obits@mtdemocrat.net, fax (530) 344-5092, or visit mtdemocrat.com under “Submission Forms” at the bottom of the website. Include contact information with all submissions.

Ernest Charles Woods Jr.

June 13, 1928 - Dec. 21, 2020

Ernest was born in Los Angeles, Calif., in 1928. He attended Castlemont High School in Oakland, Calif., where he met Marcella, his beloved wife of 65 years who preceded him in death. Upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving as a submariner onboard the USS Carbonaro. He spent his professional career at University of California, Berkeley in their space science lab and later for Zehntel Electronics as an engineer. While living in Pleasant Hill, he and Marcella built a 32-foot sailboat they named Spring Tides and were members of the Vallejo Yacht Club. Ernie and Marcella then moved to Camino, Calif., in 1993 to live closer to their sons where they built their home and lived until she passed. He was fortunate to have met and shared the rest of his life with Shirly Richards. They enjoyed camping, friends and family. He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association, Gold Country Submarine Veterans and Friends of Old Hangtown. He is survived by his two sons and their families; Steven Woods, wife Linda and their three children Jaclyn, Amanda and Mitchell; Paul Woods, wife Zerelda and son Paul Jr. Ernie was a creative, kind and gentle person who will be missed by all he touched.

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MOUNTAIN DEMOCRAT (ISSN 0745-7677) – Published Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for $104.00 per year (plus tax) by carrier, or by mail (includes applicable tax) in El Dorado County (other rates available upon request) by Mountain Democrat, Inc., 2889 Ray Lawyer Drive, Placerville, CA 95667. Periodical Postage Paid at Placerville, CA. Post Master: Send address changes to the Mountain Democrat, P. O. Box 1088, Placerville, CA 95667

WEATHER wEAThER STATISTICS

Georgetown 39/26

El Dorado Hills 49/31 Cameron Park 44/29

Placerville 41/29 Diamond Springs 42/29

Thomas Frey Staff writer El Dorado County officials on Thursday reported four new deaths and 63 new COVID-19 cases out of 308 returned test results. The death count is now 53. Over half of the recorded deaths in the county — 29 — have been reported this month. With five other COVID-19 deaths reported Wednesday the

county has learned of nine deaths this week as of press time. Three women and one man, all older than 65 years of age, succumbed to the disease — three from greater Placerville and the other from the Cameron Park/ Shingle Springs/Rescue area. Twenty-two residents require hospital treatment, seven of which are in the intensive care unit, according to county data. Of the COVID-19 cases recorded Thursday, four were

found in the Lake Tahoe region, 11 in the greater Placerville area, 17 in El Dorado Hills, four in Pollock Pines/Camino/Kyburz, three in Diamond Springs/El Dorado, four in north county, two in south county and 13 in the Cameron Park/Shingle Springs/ Rescue area. The positivity rate is 12.4%. Four of the new cases are in individuals between 0-17 years ■

See DEATHS, page A3

EDH safe theft suspects nabbed Democrat staff

It’s case closed for a residential burglary that occurred about a year ago, El Dorado County sheriff ’s officials have reported. EDSO detectives recently arrested Daniel Faddis, 39, and Rachel Leventin, 36, in connection with the theft of a safe from an El Dorado Hills residence. The home’s safe was removed and approximately $50,000 in cash was stolen, officials stated. “The El Dorado County Sheriff ’s Office Crime Scene Investigation team collected potential DNA samples from evidence that was left at the scene,” a sheriff ’s Facebook post shares. “Approximately one year later the DNA test results came back with a direct match to a male subject residing in the Roseville area. “Detectives completed and obtained an arrest warrant and the suspect was taken into custody along with a female subject who is believed to be an accomplice in the crime,” the post continues. “Further investigation is being performed in an attempt to recover the stolen money.” Sheriff ’s officials note, “It’s important to remember that sometimes cases are not solved overnight and the small things will lead to suspect identification over time.”

Courtesy photo

A burglary suspect is in cuffs after a nearly year-long investigation related to an El Dorado Hills safe theft.

VACATION HOLDS

Noel Stack Managing Editor

Coloma 47/32

County’s COVID deaths hit 53

South Lake Tahoe 28/8

Pollock Pines Camino 36/20 37/25 Somerset 41/28 Fair Play 41/28

Map shows today’s Highs and overnight Lows

PLACERVILLE 5-dAy FORECAST

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

HigH: 41° Low: 29°

HigH: 42° Low: 38°

HigH: 43° Low: 41°

HigH: 45° Low: 39°

HigH: 46° Low: 40°

Rain and snow in the morning. A shower or two in the afternoon - otherwise, mostly cloudy. High 41F. winds wNw at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.

Partly cloudy in the morning. increasing clouds with periods of showers later in the day. High 42F. winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.

Rain. High 43F. winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near an inch.

Showers early, becoming a steady rain later in the day. High around 45F. winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.

Cloudy with showers. High 46F. winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.

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Sledding

Continued from A1

neighborhoods, streets and “literally everywhere.” Other places that have become sledding hazards are U.S. Highway 50 across from the Lake Tahoe Airport. While this area is already posted as private property, it is also extremely dangerous to sledders and motorists. Another troublesome location is U.S. 50 at Echo Summit along with Sawmill at Lake Tahoe Boulevard. In previous years Sawmill has not been an issue, but this year sledders have decided to recreate in this area. There is no shoulder and no room to safely exit the vehicle. “There is a lack of respect,” she said. “The blatant disregard is shocking.” Another officer at the station said that this issue has been progressively getting worse in the last 20 years that he’s been working there. “Meyers is the worst I’ve seen,” Loehr said. Loehr says this is an issue all around the lake and along with it, people are leaving behind tons of trash. “Pick up your trash. Pack it in, then pack it out,” she said. “There is zero concern for the environment and zero concern for the people who have to pick it up.” Over the state line, Nevada Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Hannah DeGoey said that they have been seeing similar actions. “It’s never a good idea to sled directly towards a busy highway,” DeGoey said in an email. She said one of the areas that causes numerous traffic issues is Sheep Flats which is known as the sledding area over Mt. Rose Highway Summit. In early January, a child was struck by a vehicle at this location. “The visitors to these sledding areas need to park appropriately; when your tires are over the solid white lane line, you’re technically parked in the roadway. One of the primary violations we issue citations for in this area is NRS 484B.450 [illegal stopping, standing or parking on a roadway]. This creates serious congestion, prevents the normal flow of traffic and hinders response times for emergency vehicles (especially if there’s a sledding mishap),” she said. DeGoey said NHP also has seen increased pedestrian traffic crossing the highway without any regard for approaching vehicles creating an

extremely hazardous situation. “If you’re going to utilize these sledding areas, please park legally, watch out for vehicles and pick up your trash,” said DeGoey.

Safe places to sled near South Lake Tahoe Adventure Mountain Family-owned, Adventure Mountain Lake Tahoe offers machine groomed sledding, tubing and snow play on Echo Summit. They offer up to 18 machinegroomed sledding or tubing lanes for every level. For more information visit adventuremountaintahoe.com/.

Sierra-at-Tahoe: Sierra-at-Tahoe offers their own Blizzard Mountain, which includes two lift-accessible snow tubing lanes and an expanded snow play/sledding area that allows both kids and adults. For more information visit sierraattahoe.com.

TubeTahoe Tahoe’s newest family friendly sled hill, TubeTahoe, opened in December. Located in Meyers, TubeTahoe features over 500 feet of “resortquality” machine-groomed tubing lanes. For more information visit tubetahoe.com/.

State Snow Parks There are several places around the basin that offer safe sled hills. Be sure to buy the permit online before heading out. Place your permit on your dashboard, visible to officers. For more information or to purchase a permit visit ohv.parks.ca.gov and search winter recreation.

Taylor Creek This snow play area is located on the west side of Highway 89, just north of Camp Richardson Road. Recommended activities are cross-country skiing, dog sledding and snow play. For more information visit ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=23064.

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Cross Country

Deaths

placed 17th, which is impressive for someone running cross-country for the first time.” At practices she runs up to 13.5 miles and averages about 8 miles every day. It’s been 436 days since she has raced and 436 days since she made it her goal to qualify for the state championship meet this year — but that meet was canceled due to the coronavirus. Section championships will be the highest level of competition for cross-country runners this season. But there’s more to cross-country than competition. “Union Mine’s cross-country team is less of a team and more of a family,” Sime said. “Practicing every day with the same people for seven or more months really helps us studentathletes form close bonds with one another.” Reed, whose goal is to qualify for the section championship this year, said his teammates and relationships he has built are what make crosscountry a fun experience. “It always feels like people are supporting and encouraging each other,” Reed said. “(That’s) the aspect I enjoy most and it has motivated me throughout the years.” Fujitsubo, who is in his third year coaching cross-country and also teaches world history, said he loves how cross-country is a sport for anyone at any experience level. He uses his experience as a former cross-country runner at Sheldon High School in Sacramento and California State University, San Francisco to work with his team to create a personalized training program. He said students can join the team at any time even if they have no running experience. “There really is something for everybody in this sport,” Fujitsubo said. “The door is always open for anybody as we try and build this team into a real big staple at Union Mine High School.” Fujitsubo has been coordinating this meet with El Dorado head coach Peanut Harms who saw both his boys and girls cross-country team qualify for the state championship last season. “They are one of the best teams in the section and in the state,” Fujitsubo said. “Having them so close helps push us.” The scrimmage between Union Mine, El Dorado, Bradshaw Christian and Golden Sierra begins at 2:30 p.m. on the Union Mine football field. Teams will run a course set up around the Union Mine campus before crossing the finish line just outside the football field on the track. Fans can attend as long as they wear masks and social distance.

■ SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

■ TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

■ RUBES by Leigh Rubin

■ SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

Continued from A2

old, 44 are between 18 and 49 years old, eight are 50-64 and 12 are 65 or older, according to county data. With respect to the state’s tier assignment measures the adjusted case rate is now 44.3 per 100,000; the positivity rate is 12.4% and the

Vaccine

3

COMICS

Continued from A1

to the team, and team captains and juniors Jess Sime and Tom Reed — first saw their track and field season come to a premature close due to the coronavirus in spring. Despite that they began practicing for crosscountry in April and never stopped. “I didn’t see the season happening to be honest,” Fujitsubo said. “I didn’t show that. I just told the kids we are going to be preparing for the season and we are going to be ready.” It’s evident by Fujitsubo’s authentic, encouraging and enthusiastic demeanor that he loves coaching. He said he told himself in April that if even one student wanted to practice, he would be motivated to coach. He had a lot more athletes than that. He said student-athletes were “selfmotivated” and Reed and Sime were great at encouraging their teammates to practice. “Coach has had to work tirelessly this season and I especially appreciate how he’s managed to keep me engaged in the sport as it has been a long season,” Reed said. “He is great at always reminding us of our goals and why we are training.” The months since April have been long. Union Mine practiced as a team when it was allowed and when practices were stopped by the district due to COVID-19, the studentathletes ran on their own. Even an Air Quality Index of over 200 in El Dorado County didn’t stop the mileage on the runner’s legs from piling up. When the D’backs couldn’t practice outside because of the air quality, they moved inside where they ran and lifted weights while wearing masks the entire time. “The season’s start dates kept getting pushed back; that was never fun news to hear,” Sime said. “It felt like there would be no reward after all the hard work our team put in but we kept pushing through our off days and are super lucky to have a season this year.” Last season was Sime’s first year running cross-country. Since she has been on the Diamondbacks varsity soccer team where she has participated almost every minute since her freshman year, she is no stranger to running long distances. Soccer players run an average of 7 miles per game, according to runnersworld.com, so coming to cross-country wasn’t a huge jump for Sime. In her first season she improved in each race and was the only Diamondback on the boys or girls team to qualify for the section championship. “Jess had a breakout sophomore season,” Fujitsubo said. “Her first year running cross-country, she made it to the section championships and she

Monday, January 25, 2021

health equity quartile positivity rate is 15.3%. The adjusted case rate, positivity rate and health equity quartile positivity rate all improved slightly since the county’s previous report released Wednesday.

SUDOKU Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9

Continued from A1

nearly one million doses distributed to approximately 1,700 vaccination sites in 37 states. That included more than 330,000 doses distributed to 287 providers across the state of California, according to state public health officials. Moderna said it was unaware of any similar reactions from other vaccination centers using the same vaccine lot.

The six cases of adverse reaction at the Petco Park vaccination site reportedly occurred within 24 hours and required medical care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said both the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines can cause side effects for a few days that include fever, chills, headache, swelling or tiredness. A sore arm is also common.

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ARIES (March 21-April 19). The very nature of leadership is to head into the unknown while acting as though you do, in fact, know a lot. Were you to act otherwise, no one would follow. People are counting on you. Steel up. March forward. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The scene has become boring. Why? Is it because restraint was called for and is enacted? Or is it because no one has taken the initiative to face challenges with creativity? In the latter case, you’re the one for the job. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). More is not better, and better is not more. You’ll love how free and light you feel as life reflects this truth to you today. In one gesture, you will let go of several small burdens. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Every time you choose to do something without knowing how it will turn out, you’re being brave. Joining the game, starting the project or investing in the venture are all possibilities that beckon your bravery. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Attraction causes you to say and do things you weren’t expecting to. You’ll make a commitment and keep it. The commitment doesn’t seem that big. This is absolutely how big things start. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You will extend your tender heart outside yourself and empathize with those who need their pain to be seen and heard -- more comfortable than focusing on your own feelings. You’ll get around to that when you’re ready.

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LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You can be doing everything the others are doing, all that’s expected and more, and still somehow feel like you’re off track. Take this intuitive nudge as an opportunity for deeper noticing. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). People say, “You remind me of...” out of a desire to make a connection that brings you into their understanding. Hopefully you will find the attempt endearing even though you are so unique that comparisons are absurd. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). There’s no manual for what you’re doing, but you’ll go on anyway, solving one problem at a time. Eventually, the larger issues get solved. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). We all have limited experience and perception. Your desire to see beyond what you could yesterday is more than most people will aspire to and will make all the difference in your experiences and soul growth. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You have not been left out of the information loop; you just have your sources on mute so that you may keep some semblance of control over your environment. Smart! Otherwise, the distractions would be endless! PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Assumptions are the enemy of learning. The assumed knowledge fills the slot, making it impossible for new possibilities to reside there. There’s genius in the mental flexibility to upend knowledge and playfully move it around.

4    Monday, January 25, 2021    Mountain Democrat mtdemocrat.com

OPINION

Richard B. Esposito Publisher/Editor

Noel Stack Managing Editor

Krysten Kellum Associate Editor

PDA letter to City Council

Time to correct the record This letter was submitted by the Placerville Downtown Association to the Placerville City Council Jan. 21. The PDA wishes to correct the record in regards to statements made in recent months about the status of the Placerville Downtown Association at City Council meetings. Dear members of the Placerville City Council,

A

great deal of misinformation has been disseminated this past year or two about PDA and much of it has occurred at City Council meetings. It is time to correct the record. One past City Council member queried “Does PDA even exist anymore?” Yes. In the last calendar year, PDA had 39 members. That is 39 business owners, building owners or their representatives. Has the PDA changed over time? Yes. For many years PDA was solely an event planning organization. Lisa Crummett did an excellent job of making that work for 18 years, with all of her networking connections and the low pay she accepted. That arrangement since has not been sustainable. PDA has had to cut back on events and simultaneously has focused on issues that threaten the brand of the Central Business District as unique and historical. Has this caused a riff in our town? Yes. From the PDA’s perspective the Planning Commission and the City Council have appeared not to be pleased having a group and some individuals stand up against plans for the Old City Hall and two different chain store establishments brought to town. The PDA went to great lengths to survey the merchant community before taking any position. The vast majority of merchants want to retain our unique and historical downtown. There are also a few merchants, mostly non PDA members, who have also been displeased. That is natural that people would have different views as to how best promote the business arena. There will be some who feel “any new business in town is a good business.” That is their prerogative. Respecting the positions of all is a sign of good governance. Checks and balances are in place for good reason and the involvement of the citizenry and merchants should be welcomed by your body. It is wrong to say that PDA does not represent merchants. PDA represents its members and other non-member merchants, those who feel the same way about preserving the unique and historical nature of our town. Obviously, no organization can represent each person’s opinion, as you know first hand as council members. Those who feel unrepresented will certainly speak in loud voices to the council. Many callers into City Council meetings have disparaged PDA. Interesting, because those callers are not current PDA members, do not receive PDA emails and really have no idea of the workings of the PDA organization. They have said the PDA does not represent them; officially, that much is true, because of their non-membership status. PDA has worked diligently and now has bylaws that are compliant with the IRS, something that had n

See PDA, page A5

Letters to the Editor Let’s start now EDITOR: et’s start now; this terrorizing of our elected leaders will end. Let’s start planning on how we can listen to each other. Why? Because a country needs unity in order to be a successful, prosperous nation. It’s policies that Americans disagree on. So let’s join with those of the opposite party and listen and talk. Our local Democrat and Republican parties should sponsor small group sessions to share policy ideas. And, yes, we have to compromise. Ask yourself, don’t each of us come to agreements with our spouses, business partners, contractors, etc., where we don’t get 100% of what we want? Of course. Compromise is the cornerstone of continuing relationships. James 1:19 says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry.” I can give up some of what I want and so can you. We can come to agreement. Start now. MINDY DURAND Placerville

L

Another question for McClintock EDITOR: n the Jan. 11 edition of the Mountain Democrat, Les Francis asked Congressman McClintock three questions. I would like to add a fourth. Congressman McClintock, do you still think that COVID-19 is just a bad flu? The number of confirmed cases as of today is just under 23 million. The total number of cases is estimated to be eight times that number. The number of deaths is 381,000 with some 4,000 daily deaths. Again, the actual number is likely much higher. There are thousands now suffering from permanent disabilities, including lung damage, strokes, amputations, kidney failure, cognitive deficits and more. Our hospitals are bulging with patients in hallways, gift shops, tents and anywhere else they can find space. Our medical workers are exhausted. There are shortages of supplies and oxygen. Patients with other illness are not getting the care they need. Morgues and mortuaries are full requiring the use of refrigerator trucks to hold the

I

dead. Again, I ask you Congressman McClintock, do you still think COVID-19 is just a bad flu? SCOTT TAYLOR Placerville

GOP subversions EDITOR: n less than 20 years this nation has seen two successful coups d’état and we were in the throes of another attempt. The first took place during the Bush-Gore election when Judge Scalia abruptly stopped the vote recount in four normally Democratic counties, on the specious excuse that there was “not enough time left to complete the counting within constitutional limitations.” He pulled this argument out of thin air, adding that it should not set a precedent. This decision cemented Scalia’s reputation as a worthy heir to Judge Roland Friesler. When Senator O’Connell refused to bring up Judge Merrick Garland’s name for a vote in the Senate on the specious excuse that the next president should choose the next Supreme Court Justice. Thus, O’Connell declared that he, as majority leader, would determine which constitutional functions a president could exercise during his last year in office. O’Connell’s is a bloodless coup d’état in which a shift of constitutional power occurs without the benefit of due process. GOP attempts to overturn a legitimate election was another attempted coup d’état. Trump and his minions at FOX, roiled the air waves with claims of “electoral fraud,” without producing a scintilla of evidence. Federal courts handed down 59-plus decisions refuting Trump’s assertions, because the Trump campaign produced zero evidence that fraud able to reverse results existed. The GOP is cementing its place as a party that has difficulty playing by democratic rules. Electing Trump as their leader is proof positive that, for Republicans, democracy is for saps; only power, obtained by any means, counts. That’s how Fascists reason. JOHN GARON Placerville

I

The Balancing Act

Some thoughts on those who stormed the Capitol

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government red tape hen and bureaucratic rioters regulation created the looted lowest unemployment and rate ever. It created burned down parts of the highest level of major cities like New wages ever and by a York, Los Angeles, huge margin. President Minneapolis-St. Paul, Trump’s efforts are Milwaukee, Portland, responsible for the Seattle, San Francisco, lowest energy prices in Chicago, Santa Monica four decades (except and more, very few Larry Weitzman for “green” energy Democrats, especially and California). He the Democrat mayors supported the border wall despite who run these cities, complained. massive democratic opposition and They excused the BLM, Antifa rioters reduced illegal immigration to its — one BLM activist claiming the excuse of the riots and looting are just lowest level in decades. His foreign policy created new Middle East a form of reparations. peace agreements. President Trump Earlier this month rioters stormed created protection against intellectual the Capitol in Washington, D.C., and property theft by China as well as the Democrats are condemning the new trade agreements benefitting rioters. Democrats wanted President the United States. The list of positive Trump removed, using these riots as accomplishments for the United States an excuse and claiming impeachment is nearly endless, but the Washington and/or the 25th Amendment should establishment hates our now former be invoked. president, most likely because he What did President Trump wasn’t one of them, the “elite” who accomplish to make America great? spend their lives amassing power and The best economy in the history money via the political system. It’s of this country. His removal of

The Mountain Democrat welcomes letters up to 300 words. Letters may be edited. We reserve the right to edit submissions. Include your name, address and phone number for verification purposes.

Email: editor@ mtdemocrat.net

like a Washington, D.C., gulag — one not designed to keep people in, but designed to keep anyone not an elitist member out. Since the Washington, D.C., riot took place after a massive rally in which several hundreds of thousands of people participated, it is being claimed the riots were created and caused by pro-President Trump supporters. Yes, there is plenty of video of pro-Trump clad people leading the riots. But some video and facial recognition cameras perhaps say otherwise. There were reports claiming many of the rioters were Antifa, BLM and from other radical groups. Arrests have been made. Of course, these reports/arrests are now being suppressed. During the battle of the Bulge in World War II, Hitler devised a plan known as Operation Greif. German Soldiers who could speak English, dressed in American and British uniforms wearing American dog tags and driving captured American vehicles, jeeps, trucks and even a Sherman tank along with German vehicles disguised as American war vehicles would create massive

confusion in the American lines and attempt to capture bridges necessary for the operation’s success. Lead by Waffen-SS commando Otto Skorzeny, a Hitler favorite, the order to create this plan was given on Oct. 25, 1944, several weeks before the Battle of the Bulge commenced. Of course, this was a massive violation of the Geneva convention and when the Battle of the Bulge failed, several of the captured commandos were executed by First Army firing squads after military tribunals were held. That brings us back to the Capitol riots. There is developing evidence that Antifa may have used similar tactics. Dressed as Trump supporters, Antifa members as well as other fascists radical groups supported by the Democrats could have been part of the riots, the purpose being to exacerbate the blame on the president and his rally. Will this, if correct, ever be reported by the mainstream media remains to be seen, but if history is any teacher it looks to be doubtful, especially the way social media is controlling speech, even “conservative”

Snail Mail: Letters to the Editor P. O. Box 1088, Placerville 95667

n

See WEitzman, page A5

Main Office: 2889 Ray Lawyer Drive Placerville 95667

mtdemocrat.com Mountain Democrat   Monday, January 25, 2021

PDA

Announcements

Continued from A4

not been accomplished since the non-compliant 2011 bylaws were adopted. The new mission statement of PDA reads: “The Placerville Downtown Association is a membership organization which works to promote, through marketing activities, and protect, through advocacy, the unique and historical character of the Central Business District in order to maintain the economic viability and the common interests of the corporation’s membership.” The PDA moves forward in 2021 with strength. We ask that no unauthorized statements be made regarding the PDA’s viability or merchant

Weitzman

representation when it comes to its place on commissions and boards. To do so would be misrepresentation and undermining a long-standing organization. PDA does its due diligence in surveying its membership before moving forward with its actions. Please know that if you have any questions, we are always available to answer them. Speculation has led to misrepresentation, which we would like to avoid in the future. Thank you, PLACERVILLE DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Continued from A4

sites like Parler. Political correctness in America $50,000 buy-in for those getting Medicare at age is more prevalent than ever, shouting down any 25 or 32? And remember, gasoline taxes in America thought or speech different than the radical line, average $1 or less a gallon. In Europe they are $5 a as Dennis Prager recently wrote in a column “Now gallon. And there has been substantial leftist talk of I better understand the Good German” and a going after your 401K. follow-on column the “Good American.” You will probably see more illegal immigration. The new administration and Democrat control China will have an easier time competing with the of both houses of Congress come with a few U.S. on trade. Free college will mean a dumbing predictions. Taxes will go up — not just income down of courses and more left-wing indoctrination, taxes, corporate and personal. Social Security taxes, never mind the new burden on taxpayers. The Medicare taxes, gasoline and other energy taxes will cancellation of student loan debt will punish those rise as well, especially Medicare (if the eligibility who have paid and the rest of the taxpayers who will age is lowered or removed, the Medicare tax could have to pay the trillion-plus dollars of forgiveness. double or triple). Most people who are becoming The motto in colleges will be “party hardy” with eligible at 65 have already paid $50,000 or more taxpayer money. TheinNew York Times Syndication Sales Corporation more to obtain Medicare. Who is 620 going to pay the Larry Weitzman Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018is a resident of Placerville. For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 For Release Monday, Jan. 25, 2021

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD Crossword

Monday, January 25, 2021 Edited by Will Shortz No. 1221

43 = DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 45 It’s not odd 1 ___ Men, group 13 14 15 with the 2000 47 R.N.’s touch hit “Who Let the 16 17 48 Unintelligible Dogs Out” jargon 18 19 20 2 Scientology 52 “So that’s it!” founder ___ 21 22 23 24 55 Itinerary Hubbard preposition 3 Highest point 25 26 27 28 29 30 56 Inexperienced 4 Where spiders reporter 31 32 33 34 35 36 get their 57 Twaddle information? 37 38 39 40 41 42 61 Line down the 5 Way cool length of a skirt 43 44 45 46 47 6 Actress Saint 65 Signing-on info of “North by 48 49 50 51 66 Sudden thought Northwest” that makes you 52 53 54 55 56 7 Alternative to go “Wow!” Prego 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 68 Poisons 8 1957 title 69 Goes through 65 66 67 role for Frank hurriedly, as Sinatra during a robbery 68 69 9 In ___ of 70 Jacket (replacing) 70 71 alternatives to buttons 10 March goes out 71 “Huh?” … or like this, as the a possible expression goes PUZZLE BY SARAH KELLER AND DEREK BOWMAN response to 1-, 11 “___ the Greek” 29 Figure made 54 Amazon’s virtual 41 Mao Zedong 19-, 25-, 48by lying in assistant was its leader and 57-Across 12 Pyromaniac’s the snow and crime 58 Icicles and 44 1960s hippie waving one’s burning candles gatherings ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE arms 14 Old NASA both do this moon-landing 46 Big Apple sch. 30 Sports official, O T I S A H E M M O T H S vehicle 59 ___ Lingus informally 49 Hawks and N O L A B E L I K E T H A T 15 Great Dane 60 Mineral springs doves 34 Voice below T O L D C R I M E S C E N E of cartoons, soprano 62 Individually 50 Rebuke to a O R B I T S Z I P S R D A informally dog 35 Chocolate/ A D I E U T A C T R O L L 20 Short hairstyle 63 Singer/lyricist caramel candy Paul 51 “Pygmalion” S E T S N U B R I S E S 22 ___ Aviv, Israel playwright, for 36 Narrow part of a T R E A S U R E T R O V E S 64 Classic short bottle 25 Match up (with) computer game M A I N T H E M E set on an island 52 Borders A B O U T T H E A U T H O R 26 Baghdad’s land 38 Droop C L O U D W I L L O R E 40 Christmas ___ 53 Wears, as 67 “Gangnam 27 Boyfriend (December 24) clothes Style” singer O D O R B E A R U T T E R 28 Bartlet of “The H E M P U R R T S E TThe S ENew York TimesorSyndication Sales Corporation West Wing” Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000 past O N E M A N A R M Y T A T A 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 Clampett of puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). S T R I P S T E A K O K E D Beverly Call: 1-800-972-3550 For“The Information Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay. T E S L A O N C E N E S S Hillbillies” ACROSS 1 Prattle 8 Public square 13 Like records stored for research 15 Popeye’s profession 16 Browser’s start-up point 17 Buses, as tables 18 Freshly 19 Nonsense 21 Second letter after epsilon 23 Tic-tac-toe win 24 Prohibit 25 Worthless talk 31 Fury 32 Financial claim 33 Hanker (for) 37 Neighs : horses :: ___ : sheep 39 Landscaper’s tool 42 Raft for a polar bear

For Release Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Crossword ACROSS

1 Equine animal, in rural dialect 5 Caper

10 Take steps (into)

14 One of two in the McDonald’s logo 15 Italian name of six popes 16 Ice skating maneuver

17 Dr. Zhivago’s love 18 Rapture

20 Projecting rim of a metal beam 22 Fake eyelash, in slang

23 Org. whose members may be fore-warned? 24 With this puzzle’s central black squares, ecstasy 27 Heating unit 29 Heating fuel 30 Hogs

35 Perez whose film debut was in “Do the Right Thing” 36 Join at the altar

37 ___ Island (part of Brooklyn that isn’t an island) 38 “Let’s be ___ about this” 40 Mindless

41 Affectionate nickname for the “Father of the Symphony” 45 Beats by a whisker

46 Face With Tears of Joy, for one 47 Keanu Reeves’s role in “The Matrix” 48 Houston ballplayer

52 Kind of computer port, in brief

53 Protection for vampire hunters

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE B A H A

L R O N

J I B E

I R A Q

A B U T S

H A S O N

A C M E

T H E W E B B E A S U A G A L D E R X I A P

H E R I V A L P A G E M U M T A E R J A L I E N E D G L E O B B L V I A E R D A I D E N S R S

S C B O O O B B

P A L J O E Y

E R V E N E D Y C U S H P I P A N S S A Y

L I E U

A L A M B

Z O R B A

R E A R F L O T L G O O B S E A H A N A C K W H A

5

A R S O N N E C K M Y S T

56 Bar “where everybody knows your name” 58 Steadfastly maintained, as one’s beliefs 59 Comforting mental state 63 Like a soldier who might be court-martialed 64 Dunkable cookie 65 Sign up for more 66 Nickname for Grandma 67 Volume from Horace 68 Dingbats 69 Colorist DOWN 1 Either part of a yin-yang symbol, e.g. 2 Unwritten exam 3 Manages to gather, as cash 4 Heaven 5 Church recess 6 “I’ll pass” 7 Something a wedge often leaves exposed 8 Paris’s ___ de la Cité 9 Greek tourist destination 10 Part of a squash court 11 Center of rotation 12 Arnaz of “I Love Lucy” 13 Part of a coding conditional

Edited by Will Shortz 1

2

3

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5

14

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17

18

20

7

8

28

25

41

29

30

36

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31

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34

54

55

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13

40 42

50

12

26

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11

22

35

48

10

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38

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6

No. 1222

47

51

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53

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58 60

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PUZZLE BY AMY YANNI AND JEFF CHEN

19 Research findings 31 Realm of marvels that can’t be 32 Pleasantly reproduced, say 33 Hawaii’s state bird 21 Field of 34 Peepers mathematics pioneered 39 Uncle ___ by John von 42 Whom 39-Down Neumann wants, in a 24 Word with cash classic poster or holy 43 Some SiriusXM 25 Take a risk workers, for when taking a short polygraph test 44 Pen tip 26 Aged 48 Cause for a 27 Golfer’s challenge blessing 28 Kotb of “Today” 49 Pottery fragment

50 Plains dwelling

51 Auto takebacks, for short

54 A flat one is best to skip 55 Kind of energy

57 Lively for one’s age 58 Chops down

60 Sign before Virgo 61 Unspecified quantity

62 Corporate V.I.P.

Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay.

AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 3342970. www.ncwsa.org/d6-10/ American Assoc. of University Women, Foothills of EDC Branch. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science & Math Camp Scholarships, Speech Contests, monthly programs & interest groups. Call Melanie 530-306-6604 or Laurel 530-417-7737 eldorado-aauw.ca.net El DORADO COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB Dedicated to all aspects of ham radio. Meetings held on the fourth Thursday of each month at Federated Church, 1031 Thompson Way, Placerville, 7:15 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net The El Dorado County of Republican Women Federated meet on the 4th Thursday of every month at 5:30PM. We are currently meeting at the Herrick Building, 301 Main Street, (across from Cary House). We are looking to have other conservative women join our group. Feel free to come to a meeting and check us out. Please contact -chilcoat_ edcrwf@ netzero.com CANTARE CHORALE of the Sierra Foothills performs all styles of choral music and is always looking for talented new members. For information, audition, or to schedule an event see www. cantarechorale.com, call (530) 677-8463. or (530) 676-4432. PLAY CRIBBAGE! **All skill levels** Learn to play by ACC Rules. **Beginner instruction available.** Compete in Weekly Tournaments. Gold Country Cribbers play Wednesdays at 6:00 pm. Call 916-768-4452 for more info! DEMOCRATS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Denny’s in Placerville, at noon, on the 4th Thursday of the month. Call (530)391-6414 or see edcdems.org for more information. Fleet Reserve Assoc, Br 275, Active Duty or Retired Veterans, USN, USMC, Coast Guard. Regular meeting on 4th Wednesday each month, social 5:30 pm, dinner 6:00 pm, and meeting 7:00 pm. Veterans Memorial Building 130 Placerville Drive, contact Larry (530) 677-3925 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. Women of every level welcome! Come play for fun & exercise! $30 annual membership includes monthly lessons. Weds 9-11 am. El Dorado High School courts, Acacia St., Placerville. Includes monthly social activities. (925) 250-4656. MARINE CORPS LEAGUE DET 697 Marines & FMF Corpsman social hour 6 pm, meeting 7 pm, second Wednesday monthly. Veterans building 130 Placerville Dr. New members welcome Contact Richard Akin (530) 622-9855 or MCL697.org Marshall Hospital Auxiliary is looking for volunteers. Many positions available while doing rewarding community work. Call 626 2643 or 620 2204 and leave your name and number. Next interview date is February 10, 2021 at auxiliary office.

NAMI FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS (free) designed for family members and caregivers/friends supporting a loved one living with a mental health condition. 2 support groups are held monthly. For info: namieldoradocounty.org Placerville: 1st Tuesday at 7:00pm; County Gov Center, 330 Fair Lane, Conf-room C. South Lake Tahoe: 2nd Tuesday from 6:00 pm; Library, 1000 Rufus Allen. Do your feet or hands tingle, feel numb, or hurt. The Placerville Neuropathy Support Group meets the 2nd Wed. of each month, 1 PM, Senior Center, 937 Spring St. Except: July, Aug. & Dec. Jan., Feb., March telephone meeting. Call Bev (877)6226298 for instructions. Placerville Senior Softball Club. Welcomes all men and women ball players, slow pitch, 55 and older. Season is April through Sept. Contact Dean Panell simplefolk1028@yahoo.com (530) 620-4755, or Kelly Heavin sfd5r5ter@aol.com (530) 919-0386 POLLOCK PINES-CAMINO ROTARY CLUB is seeking people interes ted in community service and interested in exploring a Rotary club of friendships, reasonable dues and endless satisfaction. Please call 530305-0872 for information regarding Rotary and an upcoming meeting. 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. Soroptimist International of Placerville wants to meet you! Are you looking to impact your community, make new friends with dynamic women, and feel good about your efforts? Our mission is to improve the lives of women and children. Explore the joy of being a member of a Club that makes a significant difference in many lives. Contact us at (530) 344-1476 or sipplacerille@soroptimist. net or visit https:// siplacerville.org/. (Meetings can be attended in person or via Zoom, until COVID19 distancing is no longer required.) TOPS Club, Inc. meets Tuesday 8:00-11:00 am, Veterans Hall (downstairs) 130 Placerville Dr. For more information call Bonnie (530) 644-4668 Helping millions take off pounds sensibly since 1948. UPPER ROOM DINING HALL located at 1868 Broadway, Placerville. Feeding the hungry 365 days a year. Food served from 4 to 5:30PM daily. Hall opens at 2 pm, open all holidays. Avail for families, seniors, veterans, and any who need a meal. Help us Feed the Hungry. Volunteers and monetary contributions always welcome P.O. Box 484, Placerville CA 95667 or (530)497-5146. VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST 2680 Looking for new members. First years dues paid by the Post. Meeting is the 2nd Friday of each month at 6:30 pm. Call Primo at (530) 626-5753 WOMEN VOTERS League of Women Voters of El Dorado County voter education. For information go to lwveldorado.org or (530) 672-3141.

To include your service organization information or meeting announcements call (530) 344-5028.

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hat started out as a social media post helped bond a pandemic-shaken community — all around a photo of a cocktail perched on a balcony. Brenda Simpkins, a San Jose transplant, moved to South Lake Tahoe about a year and a half ago. When the pandemic hit, Simpkins was one of thousands quarantined at home. While stress and uncertainty filled nearly every household, last April Simpkins decided to post a photo of a cocktail she made to the “I Love Lake Tahoe” Facebook page to share positivity during heavy times. The cocktail was in the foreground resting on her balcony with a scenic sky and mountains in the background. Simpkins didn’t expect the response she received. With tons of reactions and comments, she decided to post another the following day and earned even more reactions. People in the group even began asking what she would be crafting the next day. Before the page, Simpkins had never really made cocktails other than her “go-tos” — such as a lemon drop or cosmopolitan — but she started researching and tweaking recipes to create her own daily cocktail. “It was a challenge to come up with something new everyday,” she said. Simpkins knew she was in it for the long haul when she skipped posting for a day. Group members started calling her out, asking where the post was and where she went. Simpkins quickly ran to the kitchen and threw a cocktail together. From then on out, she decided to create her own page. “Cocktails on Brenda’s Balcony” now has more than 2,300 followers. While the page was a platform

Courtesy photo

South Lake Tahoe resident Brenda Simkins had no idea the impact a cocktail photo would have. Her post has brought her many new friendships and now she has a book dedicated to quarantine cocktails. for Simpkins to share her daily creation, it quickly evolved. “It started becoming a community,” she said. “There are a lot of people who really look forward to the post.” Members shared uplifting comments and support during these hard times. Before the pandemic Simpkins was remotely running her successful personal fitness gym in Saratoga while enjoying her new place in Lake Tahoe with her husband. Not long after settling in, the pandemic hit and she was forced to close the gym’s doors. The end of the business

she had run for the past 19 years came last July. “The book was unfolding simultaneously,” she said. “Everybody was going through it with me.” She said the community she built became a support network and understood the exhaustion and disappointment she felt losing her business. “There is a lot of love you feel when you become part of the group,” she said. “Some of the comments bring me to tears.” Not only was the group n

See Cocktails, page 7

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Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi are remembered as pioneers for nonviolence and for their social justice and civil rights movements. Yet, both of them believed wholeheartedly that nonviolence was a lifestyle. Eddie Zacapa’s book “Principles and Practices of Nonviolence: 30 Meditations for Practicing Compassion” helps readers integrate principles and practices of nonviolence into their daily lives. “Many times we think of nonviolence as something that is connected to a movement,” said Zacapa, executive director of Life Enriching Communication based in Placerville and a certified trainer with the Center for Nonviolence Communication. “Nonviolence is something that we can practice everyday in our daily relationships with others. It is a practice that we can embody.” The book helps the reader accomplish this by providing moving quotes, sayings and wisdom that the author has developed from his own experiences with living nonviolence. At the end of each chapter there is a stimulating skill builder to help the reader integrate the principle into their life. “Principles and Practices of Nonviolence” reveals the practices of nonviolence of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. and invites readers into personal examination of their own actions and thoughts regarding a life of nonviolence. Zacapa began writing the book a few years ago during a Season of Nonviolence, a national 64-day

campaign committed to demonstrating that nonviolence works. The campaign, which begins Jan. 30 and ends April 4, was inspired by the 50th and 30th memorial anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Zacapa said he hopes readers will read his book, released this month, during Season for Nonviolence. SNV was established by Arun Gandhi, Mohandas Gandhi’s grandson. The international event honors the vision of individuals like these two and many others who have been pioneers in nonviolence. A link to Season for Nonviolence is gandhiinstitute.org/ season-for-nonviolence. The book also touches on Nonviolent Communication, founded by Marshall Rosenberg, who was inspired by Gandhi’s work. NVC has been shared worldwide and has been implemented in schools and prisons and used in mediation, couples counseling, restorative justice movements and more. Sylvia Haskvitz, author of “Eat by Choice” and a certified trainer/assessor with the Center for Nonviolent Communication writes, “With each chapter, comes wisdom and a clear invitation and request of how to practice these principles of nonviolence. This book is enriching to the soul, nourishing to the spirit and essential for our individual and collective healing. A book for our times.” For more information about Zacapa and his book visit peaceloveandnonviolence.com or email eddiez@lec-now.com.

mtdemocrat.com Mountain Democrat

Cocktails

7

Monday, January 25, 2021

Continued from 6

supportive to Simpkins, but to each other. When one of the members mentioned recently losing their mother on the page, the community members showed their support and Simpkins even posted a cocktail in tribute. “It’s a whole community praying for each other,” she said. “Many of these people I have never met, but now consider dear friends.” After Simpkins created a survey asking her followers if they would buy a book and more than 200 responded “yes” she decided to create one. “Cocktails on Brenda’s Balcony” was self-

published in late October. She said her first 700 went quick and she sent each one through the post office by hand or delivered in person. “They know me well at the post office,” she laughed. While some books were given to neighbors down the street, others were sent to places like Australia and Ireland. The book is essentially a “journal of libations through shelter-in-place” which includes each drink, a recipe and a few comments from followers.

Throughout the posts Simpkins has plugged local Tahoe Blue Vodka and in response the company sponsored her book. Residual proceeds of the book are donated to the Tahoe Fund and Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care. “I really look forward to the day when I can meet these people in person,” she said, adding that she plans to continue her (almost) daily posts until April 2021 and is working on another book. To order a book email brendascocktails@yahoo. com or visit her Facebook page at facebook.com/ brendasbalcony.

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Simpkins’ candy apple cocktail is a treat during cold weather.

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MaIntenance WorKer I full time SALARY: $19.59 to $23.80 per hour plus benefits, depending on qualifications OPENING DATE: January 18, 2021 FINAL FILING DATE: February 1, 2021 An application can be printed from the District website at www.gd.pud.org or request an application by emailing Stephanie Beck at slbeck@gd-pud.org. Return a completed application to the District office by mail, or email to slbeck@gd-pud.org. Georgetown Divide Public Utility District P.O. Box 4240, Georgetown, CA. 95634. For further information call (530) 333-4356 or visit our website at gd-pud.org Freelance reporters The Mountain Democrat is looking for a reporter to take freelance assignments. Assignments will range from news coverage to features. Must have interviewing skills and photography experience and be able to meet deadlines. Email resume, writing and photography samples and a brief cover letter to Krysten Kellum at kkellum@mtdemocrat.net.

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Solution to Puzzle 1

For Rent noW HIrInG Instructional Assistants w/ El Dorado County Office of Education IA starting at $15.48/hr: www.edjo.in/1325699 IA-Autism starting at $16.27/hr: www.edjo.in/1325697 EOE/SP4110

Auto mechAnic For hire Lead tech 15 years experience minimum.

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Must know Asian and domestic gas vehicles inside and out, euro, diesel, and/or hybrid a plus. Call (530) 303-3669 for details or apply in person at 308 Placerville Drive

Public Notices  FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. FB2020-1168 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PLACERVILLE FOOD COOP, located at 535 Placerville Drive, Placerville, CA 95667 Registered owner(s): Placerville Local & Sustainable Food, 535 Placerville Drive, Placerville, CA 95667 This business is conducted by a Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 11/01/2015 Signature of Registrant: /s/ Dan Arnett DAN ARNETT, GENERAL MANAGER I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).) This statement filed with the county clerk of El Dorado County on 12/21/2020. NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code) 1/11, 1/20, 1/25, 2/1 8546 EL DORADO RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS NO. 02-2021

CLOSING DATE: Proposals must be received by February 5, 2021 by 4:00 p.m.

PROJECT TITLE: “FA50 PHB – USFS II CAMINOPOLLOCK PINES UNIT” VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PROJECT CONTACT PERSONS: Mark Egbert District Manager Mark.Egbert@ca.usda.gov El Dorado Resource Conservation District 100 Forni Road, Suite A Placerville, CA 95667 (p) 530-295-0120 (Cell) 530-957-3472 The RCD is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced contractors to provide all labor, materials and equipment necessary to carry out the FA50 PHB – USFS II CAMINO-POLLOCK PINES UNIT (Project). The Project is Phase B of the Fire Adapted 50 series of projects identified by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), U.S. Forest Service, the El Dorado Resource Conservation District and the Georgetown Divide Resource Conservation District and is consistent with the Fire Adapted Communities component of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy. Fire Adapted 50 was developed to strengthen and expand existing fuel breaks in the Wildland Urban Interface/Intermix (WUI) zone of the SOFAR Watershed and consists of several projects primarily located along the Highway 50 corridor where there have been five large and devastating fires in the last 40 years. Full RFP can be downloaded here: www.eldoradorcd.org 1/22, 1/25, 1/27 8595 EL DORADO RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS NO. 01-2021

Media Release CLOSING DATE: Proposals must be received by February 5, 2021 by 4:00 p.m. PROJECT TITLE: “FA50 PHB – COPPERTON UNIT” VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PROJECT CONTACT PERSONS: Mark Egbert District Manager Mark.Egbert@ca.usda.gov El Dorado Resource Conservation District 100 Forni Road, Suite A Placerville, CA 95667 (p) 530-295-0120 (Cell) 530-957-3472 The RCD is seeking proposals from

Solution to Puzzle 2

For Rent

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For Sale Two person infrared Sauna, used only twice. It’s in excellent condition, just takes up too much space where I live. $700 OBO Winchester gun safe, 59” high, 24” wide, 18” depth $700 OBO (530) 903-6280

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• E-mail your public notice to legals@mtdemocrat.net • Be sure to include your name and phone number

qualified and experienced vegetation management contractors to provide all labor, materials and equipment necessary to carry out the FA50 PHB – COPPERTON UNIT (Project). The Project is Phase B of the Fire Adapted 50 series of projects identified by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), U.S. Forest Service, the El Dorado Resource Conservation District and the Georgetown Divide Resource Conservation District and is consistent with the Fire Adapted Communities component of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy. Fire Adapted 50 was developed to strengthen and expand existing fuel breaks in the Wildland Urban Interface/Intermix (WUI) zone of the SOFAR Watershed and consists of several projects primarily located along the Highway 50 corridor where there have been five large and devastating fires in the last 40 years. Full RFP can be downloaded here: www.eldoradorcd.org 1/22, 1/25, 1/27 8596 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. FB2021-0026 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HONEY DO, located at 2380 Mosquito Cut Off Road, Placerville, CA 95667 Registered owner(s): Samantha M McClung, 2380 Mosquito Cut Off Road, Placerville, CA 95667 This business is conducted by an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 01/01/2021 Signature of Registrant: /s/ Samantha M McClung SAMANTHA M MCCLUNG I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).) This statement filed with the county clerk of El Dorado County on 01/07/2021. NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION

17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code) 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15 8597 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. FB2021-0059 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PLACERVILLE ORTHODONTICS, DENTAL PRACTICE, MATTHEW SANDERS DDS INC, located at 3171 Washington St., Placerville, CA 95667/Mailing Address: 2483 Sunrise Blvd., Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 Registered owner(s): Matthew Sanders, DDS, Inc., 3171 Washington St., Placerville, CA 95667 This business is conducted by a Corporation, State of Incorporation: California The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: October 1, 2010 Signature of Registrant: /s/ Matthew Sanders MATTHEW SANDERS, DDS, MS, INC., PRESIDENT/CEO I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).) This statement filed with the county clerk of El Dorado County on 01/13/2021. NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code) 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15 8598 ADVERTISEMENT REQUESTING PROPOSALS

El Dorado Irrigation District 2890 Mosquito Rd Placerville CA 95667 Title of Solicitation: Fleet Tires, Recaps and Tire Services Solicitation #: RFP21-001CST NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that El Dorado Irrigation District is seeking proposals pertaining to the procurement of Fleet Tires, Recaps and Tire Services. Proposals must be received by 3:00 p.m., PST, on Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 via mail-in, drop-off or electronic mail. Mail-in and drop-off proposals must be in a sealed envelope and received at the EID Headquarters Building located at the address listed above. If delivered by mail the proposer must allow sufficient time for delivery by the deadline. Emailed copies will be accepted but must include all required documents in PDF format and must be submitted by the deadline date and time. Emailed proposals must be sent to: Cstlawrence@eid. org. Mail-in and drop-off envelope(s) must be clearly marked: “Attn: Christine St. Lawrence RFP21-001CST Fleet Tires, Recaps and Tire Services Do Not Open.” Interested Vendors may obtain the Contract Documents on the District’s Customer Service website by visiting: https://www.eid.org/doingbusiness-with-eid/procurementand-contracts. District specifically reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject any or all Proposals, or to waive inconsequential deviations from Proposal requirements not involving time, price, or quality of the Work. Dated this 20th day of January, 2021 EL DORADO IRRIGATION DISTRICT Christine St. Lawrence, Buyer II

(530) 642-4125, Cstlawrence@eid.org 1/25, 2/1

8599

EL DORADO IRRIGATION DISTRICT REQUEST FOR BIDS El Dorado Hills Wastewater Treatment Plant Biofilter Media Replacement and Spoils Removal RFB No. P21-003-RD NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that BIDS will be received via mail or electronic mail (e-mail) no later than 3:00 p.m. on February 26th 2021 local time, to the El Dorado Irrigation District located at: El Dorado Irrigation District 2890 Mosquito Road Placerville, CA 95667 El Dorado Irrigation District (District), an irrigation special district organized and existing under the California Irrigation District Law (Water Code § 20500, et seq.) and authorizing statutes (Water Code §22975, et seq.), hereby gives notice that it is now accepting bids for El Dorado Hills Wastewater Treatment Plant Biofilter Media Replacement and Spoils Removal project. This RFB, including its specifications and attachments, establishes the entire requirements for this procurement. The Request for Bids is available on the EID website at: h t t p s : / / w w w. e i d . o rg / d o i n g business-with-eid/procurementand-contracts Questions regarding this solicitation should be sent to: rdeakyne@eid.org Work performed under this contract qualifies as “public works” (Labor Code § 1720). Public works projects are subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and are subject to payment of prevailing wages. To be qualified for this service category, a contractor must be registered with the DIR. In addition, pursuant to prevailing wage laws, copies of the prevailing wage rates are on file at the District’s principal office and are available upon request. Dated this 25th day of January 2021. EL DORADO IRRIGATION DISTRICT /s/ Ryan Deakyne Ryan Deakyne Senior Buyer Direct: 530-642-4405 1/25, 2/1, 2/8 8600

8    Monday, January 25, 2021   Mountain Democrat mtdemocrat.com

Gilmore Senior Center starts virtual activities News release The El Dorado Hills Community Services District announces Gilmore Senior Center offers daily virtual activities for El Dorado Hills and surrounding area seniors, ages 50 and older. The senior center will offer virtual Social HourCoffee Talk, Paint and Splash, iPhone/iPad lessons, Flashback Flick Fridays, New Movie Mondays, trivia, Time to Talk Sports and a variety of special presentations. Most activities will require having access to a computer for Zoom video conferencing, to video chat. “As we enter a new year, we resolve to see and hear from our friends who we’ve missed tremendously,” Senior Services Supervisor Dylan Davis said. “Our new virtual activities are one way we’ll strive to stimulate deeper connections as well as improved mental and physical health for our seniors.” In addition to virtual activities, a new monthly newsletter and activity calendar will provide valuable resources to keep seniors active, engaged and informed. Learn more by visiting senior web page at cms8.revize.com/revize/eldoradohills/ programs___activities/senior_center.php To join the email list contact Davis at (916) 6434368 or email ddavis@edhcsd.org.

Commander

Continued from A1

The new commander and his wife and son have lived in the region for the last 16 or 17 years. Hatfield’s hobbies include mountain biking, scuba diving, boating and world travel. “My wife and I love to travel,” he said, noting they have been to Singapore and Belize, among other countries. Describing the huge geographical area Placerville CHP officers covers, he noted it stretches east to Twin Bridges on Highway 50, north almost to Cool, south to Amador and west to the county line. “We are torn between patrolling Highway 50, being called upon to help provide law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county and helping to protect public buildings in Sacramento; we have to balance our time,” he said. “We also don’t have the luxury of working from home. Our employees have to handle traffic enforcement, collisions, go to jails and hospitals in-person and also go home to their families and that weighs on me because I worry about their well-being and health as well.” A particular challenge in this area are the roads. “The majority of fatalities are off Highway 50,” said Hatfield, noting that the terrain, black ice, wildlife and lack of lights all contribute to the danger. “The best way to avoid a collision is to control your speed. Slow down and be prepared.” Another concern to him is the effect the pandemic is having on driving. “I’ve seen reports that indicate people are driving faster lately and making more unsafe lane changes,” he said, which he chalks up to fewer people being on the

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roads and that encourages risky behavior. Cell phone coverage is also spotty once you get off Highway 50, he noted, so getting roadside assistance can be difficult. Because of that he advises people driving to always have food, water, blankets and extra fuel in their cars in case they get stranded or in an accident. “Your heater won’t work if you don’t have gas in the tank,” he said. He also reminded people tow trucks can refuse a call if they can’t get to you safely. Hatfield said one of his goals is to have a more robust social media presence because people have become so reliant on social media sites for their news. So in addition to a departmental web page they also have Facebook and Instagram pages for this area where people can get updates. People can also call the office with questions. The CHP offers a variety of programs aimed at teen and senior drivers to improve driving skills. There’s also an explorer program for teens and young adults interested in a career in law enforcement. For seniors, a volunteer program puts them to work at events and in the office. Hatfield noted the CHP is always looking for well-qualified candidates 20 to 35 years of age to join the agency. Training is 28 weeks at their academy in West Sacramento. With seniority and time CHP officers can be transferred to just about anywhere in the state, he added, which is a great perk. CHP is also in need of dispatchers, auto mechanics and administrative staff; potential applicants are invited to visit the CHP’s web page for more information about what positions are open.

To advertise, call (530) 344-5028

DIAL-A-PRO ads are listings of local professionals in all trades. Call (530) 344-5028 to place your ad today! Gutters

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—

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