Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, February 8, 2023

County’s shelter open

Eric Jaramishian

Those experiencing homelessness in El Dorado County have the opportunity to utilize a new service — a navigation center and shelter has opened and is ready for clients.

Approximately 511 individuals in El Dorado County are experiencing homelessness, according to the 2022 point-in-time count. Now the county is hoping the El Dorado Navigation Center can be a conduit to provide resources to get them off the streets.

The center is run by Volunteers of America and provides 60 beds for temporary congregate housing. It is a low-barrier, referral-only center that will providing continental breakfasts, a sack lunch and hot dinner daily prepared at the Upper Room Dining Hall.

The facility offers showers, onsite laundry, internet, a common room with a television and outdoor recreation.

Clients of the navigation center can expect case management services from VOA staff who

work with community partners such as the Humane Society and Marshall Hospital to connect participants to housing, medical and other resources.

The center has guidelines. Curfew is 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Participants with more than five unexcused absences will be discharged from the program.

Kennel space for pets is available but limited; owners are responsible for caring for their pets and cleanup.

VOA staff expect all

Chambers enters not guilty plea

In El Dorado County Superior Court Monday morning Erica Chambers pleaded not guilty to all charges against her, which include vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and fleeing the scene of a Nov. 11, 2022, fatal crash on Highway 50. The 35-year-old Camino resident was initially

NASCAR goes karting

Jaramishian Staff writer

Western Midget Racing 2022 Rookie of the Year Logan Mitchell, 23, traveled from Santa Cruz to Red Hawk Casino’s The Apex to meet his NASCAR racing hero — Elk Grove native Kyle Larson. Mitchell, along with other NASCAR fans, got the chance to qualify to race against 2021 NASCAR Cup Series

Staff writer

Odin Rasco Staff writer

Eric

Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco Erica Chambers, left, and her attorney Alan Donato enter a plea of not guilty in El Dorado County Superior Court Department 7 Monday morning.

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.

Craig Stewart Osmer

May 27, 1947 –Jan. 30, 2023

Craig Stewart Osmer, known to his friends as “Oz”, passed at the age of 75 on January 30, 2023 at home in Grizzly Flats, California, following a long battle with cancer. His wife, Melanie Edman-Osmer was with him at the time of death.

Born May 27th, 1947 in Oakland, Calif., Craig was a fifth-generation Californian, spending much of his childhood in Pleasant Hill and graduating from Pleasant Hill High in 1965.

Directly out of high school, Craig enlisted in the Navy and joined the Sea Bees and was sent to Vietnam where he served two tours. He was very proud of his service and recently had volunteered to help fellow vets travel to and from doctor appointments at Mather and Travis.

In the 70s, Craig had an insurance business in Southern California, but much of his career was spent in auto sales where he would often greet customers with a cheerful “good after-morning!”

Craig absolutely loved karaoke and was well known in local karaoke circles as a real crooner who made friends everywhere he went!

Craig is survived by his brother, Trent Osmer of Carson City, Nevada, and his sisters; Cindy Banks of Michigan and Gayle Baggaley of Rancho Murietta. He has one son, Craig Stewart Osmer, Jr., who along with his wife Carrie Osmer have three daughters. Craig’s granddaughters, Taylor Osmer, Tamara Osmer and Samantha Osmer were the light of his eye!

Craig also helped raise his two step-sons, Connor Edman of Santa Rosa and Tanner Edman of Davis.

He has 15 nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Vivian May Osmer and his father George Stewart Osmer, his first wife, Sandy Osmer, and a daughter who was lost at birth.

Donations can be made in his honor to Snowline Hospice as well as the Kiwanis House at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento.

A celebration of life will be held in late April. Please contact his wife for details.

James Edward “Chappy” Chapman

Apr. 20, 1942 – Nov. 27, 2022

Jim was born in Placerville, Calif. He was proud to be a lifelong resident. He was a graduate of El Dorado High School and a veteran of the United States Navy. When he returned from his service he had many di erent jobs. He worked for El Dorado Limestone Company and El Dorado County Road Department. He was co-owner of John S. Hocking Company, driving his lowbed and operating his crane, hauling immense loads for SMUD, Bigge Drayage Company and others. He also worked for Ed Akin Trucking and Doug Veerkamp General Eng. Inc. In 1996 he began teaching heavy equipment maintenance & repair for Sacramento County O ce of Education. Upon retirement from teaching, he returned to Doug Veerkamp General Eng. Inc., where he restored antique Caterpillar tractors and various makes of antique trucks for Doug & Matt’s impressive collection. Jim said it was like working at Disneyland. A job he enjoyed immensely.

Jim had countless hobbies. The thing that he loved the most was operating his Caterpillar bulldozer, Snorty. There were numerous friendships created by doing earth moving all around El Dorado County and beyond. He enjoyed wood work and metal work and made many beautiful pieces. In later years he took an interest in machining and was quite talented at it. The restoration of his 1956 Ford pickup was an amazing accomplishment and he was able to take it to several car shows, winning a first place trophy at Sacramento Autorama. He had a life well lived.

Jim was proceeded in death by his father Maurice Chapman, mother Nona Sweeney Chapman, sister Sharon Redding, daughter Stephanie Chapman Pope and son Timothy Chapman. He is survived by his loving wife Bonnie Chapman, grandchildren Mercedes Chapman, Wyatt Pope, Isaac Chapman, Owen Pope and Eric Chapman. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Margie Carrick (Mike), and his former wife Marilyn Chapman. He had very close and loving relationships with his nephews and nieces and is survived by Adam Cole (Elly), Jim Cole (Tina), Laura Mosher, Tom Redding (Shelbi), Ti any Baxter (Brett), Annique Jeske (Ben) and several other great-nephews and great-nieces who adored him.

His friends were abundant and he will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will take place July 1, 2023. Details to follow at a later date.

Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Snowline Hospice of Placerville, 6520 Pleasant Valley Road, Diamond Springs, Calif. 95619

Dennis Neal Curran

Jan. 31, 1952 – Jan. 26, 2023

Born in Bedford, OH to Raymond Neal Curran and Kathleen Chloe Curran. He was the 2nd of 8 children. At age 3 he and his family moved to Southern CA. He attended St. Frances and St. Dorothy Catholic Schools and Williams School in Glendora. He graduated Glendora High in 1970 and joined the Laborer’s Union of Southern Calif. In 1980 he moved to Sacramento and joined the Northern California Local 185 Hod Carriers. He retired following 30 years of work. After retirement he drove school buses for El Dorado Union School District and Camino School. He worked at Camino School for 7 years, as a custodian and worked up to and retired as maintenance supervisor.

In 1998 he and his wife Linda built a home in Grizzly Flats where they both were volunteer firefighter/EMTs as members of Pioneer Fire Protection District, a position he thoroughly enjoyed and took great joy in serving his community. He always enjoyed motorcycling and over the years belonged to the River City Beamers and Hangtown Riders. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus. In 2001 he and Linda moved to Pollock Pines.

Dennis is survived by his wife Linda Curran with whom he celebrated 24 years of marriage on Jan. 24; his daughter Crystal (Bart) Moran of Spring Hill, Tenn; son Christopher Curran of Perris, Calif; step-daughters Tamara Scott of Placerville, Calif and Tracy Fischbeck of Diamond Springs, Calif; grand children Noah and Jessenia Moran; Cruz, Levi, Alexis and Leila Curran; step-grand children Cheryl Jasper (Ty) Nishikawa, Katie (Alex) Kaderabek, Breeanna Winn, Kyle Scott, Connor Fischbeck and Lucas McRoberts; step-great grand children Madelynn Rapp and Ayden Winn. His 6 surviving siblings include Tim (Mary) Curran of Ramona, Calif; Barbara (Sam) Stevens of Chula Vista, Calif; David Curran of Wildomar, Calif; Becky Curran and John (Clorinda) Curran of La Verne, Calif; Dan (Lee) of Waianae, HI; and sister-in-law Sara (Michael Curran d.) McNerney of Missoula, Mont. He is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and his previous wife Charlene Humphrey of 29 Palms, Calif.

Services will be held Feb. 14, 2023 10:30 AM Rosary 11 AM Funeral Mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 3109 Sacramento St., Placerville, Calif.

A reception in the church hall will follow the ceremony. In lieu of flowers please donate to: Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Pt. Dr., Tampa, Fla. 33607 https://donate.lovetotherescue.org

Alexander (Al) E. Herron, Jr.

1955 – Jan. 13, 2023

Alexander (Al) E. Herron, Jr. passed away of complications due to cancer at Marshall hospital on the afternoon of Jan. 13, 2023. His family and friends were in attendance. Al was born in Whittier, Calif. in 1955. Al grew up in Rialto, Calif., racing motorcycles with his brother, Patrick (Pat). He met wife, Gail, in 1983 while still living in Southern California. They married in 1987 and moved to Placerville in 1995. He was employed for 21 years by Gencorp/Aerojet of Rancho Cordova. A lifelong lover of flying, Al purchased his first plane in 1988. He sold it after the move to Placerville to invest in a homebuilt plane kit which he assembled in their garage. An active member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Al completed the plane (RV-7A) in 2008. He and Gail spent many hours flying to visit family and attend air shows. Al was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander Herron Sr., and Jeanette (Hodges) Herron, and half-brother, Larry Schildberg. Al is survived by wife, Gail, brother Pat and many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. A celebration of life will be held at the EAA hangar at the Placerville airport on April 29, 2023.

CRIME LOG

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

Jan. 29

11 p.m. Deputies booked into jail

a 47-year-old man suspected of illegally carrying a concealed, loaded weapon on Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park. He was later released.

Jan. 30

7:43 a.m. Burglary was reported at a ranch on Badger Hill Road in Pollock Pines.

10:09 a.m. Grand theft was reported at a business on Durock Road in Cameron Park.

4:24 p.m. Battery was reported at a gas station on Pleasant Valley Road in Placerville.

5:41 p.m. Deputies booked into jail

a 39-year-old woman suspected of assault and disorderly conduct on Golden Center Drive in Placerville. She was released on $2,000 bail.

5:47 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a store on Palmer Drive in Cameron Park.

10:03 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

Jan. 31

9:31 a.m. Battery was reported on Wrights Lake Road in Kyburz.

9:58 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 38-year-old man suspected of battery and possession of a controlled substance on Highway

LAKE

50 at Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park. He was later released.

11:22 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 38-year-old woman suspected of burglary on Illinois Canyon Road in Georgetown. She was released on $50,000 bail.

1:43 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 41-year-old woman suspected of causing injury to an elder/ dependent adult on Old Bass Lake Road in El Dorado Hills. She was listed in custody inline of $75,000 bail.

2:10 p.m. Grand theft was reported in Placerville (street not specified).

9:54 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Pioneer Drive in Grizzly Flat.

Feb. 1

10:52 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 23-year-old man suspected of injuring an elder/dependent adult and vandalism on Deer Valley Road in Rescue. He was released on $75,00 bail.

1:59 p.m. Burglary was reported on Gilmore Road in Pollock Pines. 2:34 p.m. Vandalism was reported at a business on Mother Lode Drive in Placerville.

6:43 p.m. Vandalism was reported at a restaurant on Pleasant Valley Road in El Dorado.

7:30 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers

weather

Program aide arrested on ORHS campus

Noel Stack

Managing editor

A contracted aide working on the Oak Ridge High School campus reportedly had more than study material in her vehicle’s trunk.

Kylie Alexis Cunningham, 26, who worked with an El Dorado County Office of Education program offered on the El Dorado Hills campus, was arrested on suspicion of possession of marijuana for sale, selling/distributing and possession of a synthetic cannabinoid as well as possession of marijuana, liquor and a controlled substance on school grounds. Deputies booked Cunningham into the El Dorado County Jail in

Placerville at 2:51 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2. She was later released, according to inmate records.

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest Friday afternoon, noting in a Facebook post, “Deputy Rude and the school resource officer team was called to Oak Ridge … by staff for an incident with a contracted aid … (who) was observed in a vehicle in the parking lot of the school and there was a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

“After investigation, the contracted aid was arrested for multiple controlled substance related charges,” the post continues. “There has not

n See arrest, page A7

El Dorado County sheriff’s staff display the drugs, alcohol and other items reportedly found in the vehicle belonging to a contracted aide who worked on the Oak Ridge High School campus.

Crash into tree leads to lengthy rescue effort

Odin Rasco

Staff writer

Firefighters spent close to two hours extracting occupants of a truck that struck a tree on Bucks Bar Road Sunday evening.

The driver and passenger sustained severe injuries and were transported to area trauma centers, according to information from the California Highway Patrol.

Grizzly Flat resident Jade Jolson, 24, was reportedly driving a 2012 Chevrolet shortly before 6:20 p.m. when she slammed into the tree. Impact on the driver’s side wrapped the vehicle around the large oak, trapping Jolson and a male passenger, according to a CHP report. CHP officers arrived at the scene of the

Visitors tour the co-ed living space of the newly opened El Dorado Navigation Center in Placerville Feb. 6. The homeless shelter is operating at the site of the old juvenile hall on Fair lane to serve the local unhoused population while El Dorado County leaders work to establish a permanent navigation center.

Mountain Democrat photos by Eric Jaramishian

crash and called for assistance from firefighters to help free the two truck occupants.

Crews from El Dorado County Fire Protection District and the Diamond Springs-El Dorado Fire Department utilized multiple rescue tools, including six Jaws-of-Life cutters in the extrication, according to an EDCFPD social media post. The male passenger, whose identity was not released by CHP as of press time, was freed in 20 minutes and transported for treatment by ground ambulance. Officials with county fire note it was a significantly more difficult process to free Jolson from the wreck, requiring the truck to

n See Crash page A8

Dr. Little’s Dental News

Presented by Jeffery Little, D.D.S.

PERIODONTAL DENTAL EXAMS

Periodontal disease is advanced gum disease caused by bacterial and fungal infections. It causes infection in the gums and connective tissue due to inflamed pits and pockets in the gums. It can lead to pain, difficulty chewing, infection, and tooth loss. A periodontal dental exam is a full examination of the gums, teeth, and jawbone to check for diseases, including gum disease. The dentist also examines your teeth from different angles to see how well they are aligned and looks for changes in the jawbone structure, which can be signs of poor oral health and gum disease. Your dentist might recommend a periodontal exam if you have a history of gum disease or

other dental problems.

One serious threat to dental health is out-of-control gum disease. And the best way to deal with gum disease is to prevent it, with daily brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist on a regular basis. We are diligent in our approach to making sure periodontal disease doesn’t destroy your smile. It is our mission to deliver the highest level of care, using the latest materials and always keeping our patients’ comfort and well-being in mind.

P.S. A periodontal exam includes periodontal pocketing, which uses an instrument to measure periodontal pocket depth to see how far it extends around the root.

Dr. Little provides quality family and cosmetic dentistry. His office is located at 344 Placerville Dr., Suite 19, Placerville. (530) 626-9127 Visit us at: www.jefflittledds.com

Clients can eat inside the dining room, left photo. Food is prepared at and provided by Upper Room Dining Hall in Placerville. The navigation center’s common room has a library and television, right photo. In the men’s and women’s quarters two people can be placed per unit and are provided storage bins for their belongings.

Shelter Continued from A1

participants to engage with a case manager in a housing stabilization plan to meet a goal of long-term, sustainable housing. No weapons, alcohol, drugs or paraphernalia are allowed and such items will be confiscated during a “take in” process when clients are first introduced to the program. During that process, fresh clothes are provided.

Men and women will have their own spaces for sleeping quarters; a co-ed option is available as well. Participants are expected to dress, feed, maintain and bathe themselves.

Volunteers of America President and CEO Christie Holderegger is hopeful individuals will want to participate in the program.

“We want this to be as warm and inviting as possible and do not want people to feel scared,” Holderegger said. “We want them to know that we are here to support them because when they do not have the resources or don’t have a fall back, they can find themselves helpless.”

The El Dorado County Board of

Supervisors voted in September 2022 to approve the temporary shelter at the former site of the juvenile detention facility. VOA staff removed barbed wire from the facility’s perimeter and gave the inside a fresh coat of paint to make it more welcoming.

The county plans to build a permanent shelter at the old El Dorado County sheriff’s headquarters.

“I am proud that El Dorado County has come together with our community and the city of Placerville to meet the needs of our unhoused neighbors, our residents and our business community,” said Wendy Thomas, District 3 supervisor. “While this navigation center will not solve homelessness in El Dorado County on its own, it will be a significant tool to ensure that our unhoused residents have the ability to move from places not meant for human habitation, have the wraparound services they need to navigate out of homelessness and into productive lives.”

Some locals experiencing homelessness have expressed

interest in utilizing the navigation center.

Homeless in the county for more than two years, 62-year-old Walter Anderson told the Mountain Democrat he plans to use the navigation center’s services since the opportunity has opened up.

“This seems like it will be beneficial,” Anderson said. “I am hoping others will use this center as well.”

Patricia Wassil is a 50-year-old woman who has been homeless for seven years.

“If they can advocate for the homeless, that would be great,” Wassil said. “Even though I have a job, saving money can be hard. A place like this gives people hope and hope is good. Giving up is not the answer.”

Wassil, who said she works as an in-home caregiver for a greater Sacramento home healthcare business, hopes the county’s unhoused take advantage of the navigation center.

“A lot of people are opposed to going but I’m hoping people will have an open mind,” she said.

CORRECTION!

The 2023 El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce Business and Relocation Guide contained an ad for David A. Williamson, MBA, CLTC, LUTCF, with Foothills Regional Insurance & Financial Solutions.

The published disclosures stated:

“Investment Advisor Representative. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Registered Representative. Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member of FINRA/SIPC. Cambridge and Foothills Regional Insurance & Financial Solutions are not affiliated. Cambridge does not offer tax advice.”

Instead, the disclosure should have stated: “Equity Advisors is a registered investment adviser. The information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk, and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.”

The Mountain Democrat and David Williamson with Foothill Regional Insurance & Financial Solutions regret any inconvenience to its readers and readers of the 2023 El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce Business and Relocation Guide for this error.

Photo courtesy of EDSO

Courtesy photo

Firefighters respond to a collision that wrapped a truck around a tree on Bucks Bar Road, trapping the occupants Sunday evening.

U.S. Senate race starts the games of musical chairs

Remember the game of musical chairs?

A group of chairs is assembled and the players — one more than the number of chairs — march around them as music plays. When the music stops, the players scramble to sit in the chairs and the player who can’t find one is out of the game. One chair is removed and the game continues until there’s just one chair and one winner.

It’s an amusing game when played by children. It can be downright violent, essentially a brawl, when adults play, particularly after they’ve been drinking.

A multi-level political version of the game is emerging in California as at least three members of the state’s congressional delegation launch 2024 campaigns for Dianne Feinstein’s seat in the U.S. Senate, on the probably accurate assumption that she will retire after occupying it for three decades.

Two Democrats from Southern California, Orange County’s Katie Porter and Adam Schi of Los Angeles, have announced and Oakland’s Barbara Lee hasn’t made it o cial yet but has told supporters she’s planning to run.

SUMMARY

Three members of California’s congressional delegation are running for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Dianne Feinstein, which touches off political scrambles for their congressional seats.

Other ambitious politicians could join the field once the 89-year-old Feinstein announces, as expected, that she’ll retire. Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Attorney General Rob Bonta and Health and Welfare Secretary Xavier Becerra are among the less likely possibilities, as is Gov. Gavin Newsom.

However, Kounalakis, Bonta and Becerra are also potential candidates for the governorship in 2026, when Newsom will be forced out by term limits — assuming he hasn’t already segued into some other o ce by then.

■ See WALTERS page A5

Kiley’s Corner

Letters to the Editor

Elections have consequences

EDITOR:

It has been reported that an East Coast politician lied to the voters regarding his college education, work history and ethnic origin. The media is holding his political party accountable for hiding this information from the public, thus rigging the election.

I say elections have consequences; the voters decide and will be able to make a decision two years now with another election.

Meanwhile, Biden will have to remain our president.

KEN STEERS Cameron Park

Excellent letter

EDITOR:

Colton Meyer wrote an extremely wellresearched and cogent letter on the futility of gun control in fighting crime. The only

things I might add are a couple of points that the media has censored and kept out of public view.

The first is the media’s complicity in getting people to vote to release “nonviolent” inmates from prison to lower prison populations. That sounded good. The problem is what they hid from you. That nonviolent determination was based solely on the inmate’s last conviction. They could have dozens of violent felonies on their record but as long as the last conviction was for a nonviolent felony, that’s how they were classified and released to prey on the public.

The other and even lesser known promotion of crime by the left is the scandal of parole. Most parolees were transferred from California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supervision to Probation under Post Release Community Supervision. Under PRCS, what happened when a parolee was arrested with guns and ammunition will shock you. Serve more time for the fresh felonies of being felon in possession

■ See LETTERS page A5

It’s an honor to serve; now let’s get to work

It’s an honor to be your new representative in Congress. I was born and raised in the communities of California’s 3rd District, graduating from local public schools. This is my home and I will fight in every way I can to protect our quality of life. My job, simply put, is to serve you. That means working with both sides of the aisle to forge constructive compromises and delivering concrete results for our district. As soon as I was sworn in, this approach was immediately put to the test with the arrival of devastating storms.

I sought out partners in both parties to strengthen California’s response, ensuring the greatest measure of federal assistance was provided. My o ce sent a letter to President Biden requesting a Major Disaster Declaration, a necessary condition for federal aid.

I am grateful that the president fulfilled that request; my o ce is now assisting constituents in applying for the aid that became available as a result.

I also toured storm damage in Folsom, distributed food and emergency kits in Georgetown and met with FEMA to discuss the storm response in Sacramento. After residents alerted my o ce to a deterioration of service at the South Lake Tahoe Post O ce, I drove there to speak with folks a ected by the failure to deliver mail and worked with the USPS to return service to the region.

The following week I was back in Washington, D.C., and met with President Biden at the White House. The topic was another disaster that struck our region: the 2021 Caldor Fire. I reminded the president that his promise to assist those who lost their homes has not been kept. The next day I recounted my conversation

Over the next few months my top priorities are to rein in inflation, promote choice in education, bring accountability to the federal government and assist constituents in any way I can.

with the president in a speech on the House floor. My o ce is working with the White House to finally secure the relief that was promised.

As we’ve worked to address these pressing matters, I am also partnering with colleagues to introduce solutions to California’s mounting crises. I joined Rep. Valadao and other California representatives to co-sponsor legislation to increase water storage capacity. We must finally end the absurdity of California simultaneously enduring a severe drought and significant flooding. This bill will go a long way toward a stable, reliable and sustainable water supply.

I also spoke on the House floor to support policies to mitigate the risk and severity of catastrophic wildfires

and to reform our education system. As a former high school English teacher and now member of the Education Committee, I will work to protect the rights of parents and ensure every child receives a quality education.

Over the next few months my top priorities are to rein in inflation, promote choice in education, bring accountability to the federal government and assist constituents in any way I can. If you need help with a federal agency, scheduling a D.C. tour or simply aren’t sure where to turn, my o ce is here to assist. You can get in touch with me by calling (202) 225-2523 or visiting Kiley.House.gov.

Congressman Kevin Kiley represents California’s 3rd District in the House of Representatives.

KEVIN KILEY

DAN WALTERS

Chambers Continued from A1

arrested on suspicion of DUI and attempting to flee the scene but after more than a month of further examination of evidence California Highway Patrol officers took her into custody Dec. 20, 2022, on heftier accusations connected to the death of Mason Visman, who investigators say was a passenger in the Mercedes-Benz Chambers was driving.

Visman, 34, was found deceased in the bushes alongside Highway 50 at Mosquito Road near the scene of the crash the day after the incident, Nov. 12, but Chambers had claimed she was the sole occupant of the vehicle, according to CHP’s collision report. CHP’s investigation found that Visman, also a Camino resident, had been inside Chambers’ car when it collided with a Toyota Prius and he was ejected from the vehicle.

Chambers is out of jail on $275,000 bail, according to inmate records.

As a condition of Chambers’ release from custody as she awaits trial, El Dorado County Superior Court Judge Jamie Pesce ruled that Chambers, who faces an enhancement of charges against her for allegedly having a blood alcohol content over twice the legal limit, must abstain from the use of alcohol and be fitted with a GPS monitor and a blood alcohol level monitor. Chambers is also not to leave the county and must attend five Alcoholics Anonymous meetings a week.

Chambers is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing in county superior court Department 7 at 8 a.m. March 14.

Walters Continued from A4

The dynamics of a three-way Democratic duel for the Senate are complex, involving ideology, gender, geography, congressional records, age and, of course, money. It takes millions of dollars, and perhaps tens of millions, for a credible senatorial campaign in California and at the moment it’s uncertain which of the three is the presumptive frontrunner.

At the very least, having three congressional members running for the Senate means the outcome will be a career-ender for at least two of them.

Meanwhile, the prospect of having three open congressional seats touches off scrambles of their own, particularly among state legislators. Democrats will retain Schiff’s and Lee’s districts, but Porter barely won re-election in her Orange County district last year, so Republicans have a rare opportunity to pad their thin congressional ranks.

Porter has endorsed Democratic state Sen. Dave Min to succeed her in Congress but two other Democrats have also announced: Dom Jones, a contestant on “The Amazing Race” reality TV show, and former Congressman Harley Rouda. Scott Baugh, a former Republican legislator who very nearly defeated Porter last year, will take another shot at the seat in a district that is rated a toss-up due to its voter registration (D-35.6%, R-33.9%) and past voting record.

Schiff’s announcement also generated a

wavelet of would-be successors, including Assemblywoman Laura Friedman, termedout state Sen. Anthony Portantino, former Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer, Los Angeles school board member Nick Melvoin and actor Ben Savage.

The third tier of political musical games involves those who would succeed the state legislators who will be running for Congress next year.

When state Sen. Dave Min declared for Congress, it was a relief for another Democratic senator, Josh Newman, because redistricting after the 2020 census had put both of them into one new Senate district. They may not be facing each other next year but Newman won’t have an uncontested re-election run because former Republican Assemblyman Steve Choi, who lost his seat in 2022 due redistricting changes, says he will seek the Senate seat.

The music is playing, so let the games begin.

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

Letters Continued from A4

of guns and ammunition? No. Go back to prison to finish their existing sentence? No. So what happened? They got a 10-day time out in jail and were then released to go right back to what they had been doing, preying on the public. And they’d probably be rearmed as it’s common for a released inmate to be rearmed within a day or two of release.

Mr. Meyer is so right. (Passing) gun laws that only the honest pay any attention to while permitting the wholesale release of violent felons is like enacting gasoline control while permitting the the release of arsonists.

GEORGE ALGER Placerville

Announcements

AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 334-2970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot. comt

AmericAN AssOc. Of UNiversity WOmeN Foothills of EDC Branch. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science and Math Camp Scholarships, programs & interest groups. Leave voicemail for Laurel (530) 417-7737 or Sara (530) 417-7138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net

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

LeArN & PLAy criBBAGe Cribbage is a fun, fast paced game that will surely keep you on your toes! **All skill levels **Learn to play by ACC Rules (American Cribbage Congress) **Beginner instruction available **Compete in weekly Cribbage tournaments. Call 916-768-4452 for more information. Gold Country Cribbers play Wednesday afternoon 4:30 pm at the Moni Gilmore Sr Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762

Ready for real change?

ceLeBrAte recOvery meets Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm at Bayside Church of Placerville, 4602 Missouri Flat Road, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. We are a Christ centered recovery program to find healing and recovery from our hurts, habits, and hangups. Email elebratercovery@ baysideplacerville. com. Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/ CRBaysidePlacerville.

Struggling with life? ceLeBrAte recOvery is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues

and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@ greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/

DemOcrAts – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Call (530)391-6414 or see edcdems. org for more information.

GOLD rUsH cHOrUs now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing fourpart harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or Kent (530) 651-3575

Hangtown Women’s teNNis club. Join fun-loving women Wednesdays 9am-11am at El Dorado High School. Lessons, social events, only $35/year. Call Cindy 805-540-8654. seNiOr Peer cOUNseLiNG of El Dorado County is seeking volunteer counselors. Do you possess such qualities as warmth, empathy and nonjudgement, as well as having varied life experiences, and being over the age of 55? If you do and would like to help and listen to fellow seniors who are dealing with age related issues such as loneliness, isolation, health and grief, we would love to talk to you. Counselors receive training and are supervised by a professional in the field. SPC Clinical Supervisor Jayann Askin, MFT, shares “We are looking for volunteers who are interested in psychology, counseling, and mental health and would like to be a part of a supportive group of ongoing learners in this field.” For more information on this greatly rewarding volunteer opportunity, please call 530-621-6304

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The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) unanimously voted to approve Net Energy Metering 3.0 (NEM), slashing payments for excess solar production sent to the grid by 75%.

CPUC voted to cut the average export rate in California from $0.30 per kWh to $0.08 per kWh, making the cuts effective on April 15, 2023. Customers who have new systems installed and approved for grid interconnection before the effective date in April will be grandfathered in to NEM 2.0 rates. During the vote, the Commission said the balancing of costs and bene ts continue to be “quite generous” under the decision. Currently, average net metering rates range from $0.23 per kWh to $0.35 per kWh, and the new proposed decision cuts those rates to an average of $0.05 per kWh to $0.08 per kWh. This is set to be the largest cut of export rates in U.S. history, in a market that represents roughly 50% of the nation’s residential solar market.

Key takeaways

• The California Public Utility Commission made their fi nal decision on the new NEM 3.0 policy in December 2022.

• The changes to California’s net metering policy will cut the value of solar energy credits by about 75 percent for PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E customers.

• This is a big one: existing solar customers – and people who go solar before NEM 3.0 goes into effect (through April 14) –will be grandfathered into their original net metering policy.

• Solar shoppers who submit interconnection applications after April 14, 2023 will be under NEM 3.0 and could miss out on 60 percent of solar savings, unless you add battery storage to your solar installation.

• Californians considering solar should go solar as soon as possible (and defi nitely by April 14) to lock in more favorable net metering credits.

Arrest Continued from A3

been any evidence discovered at this point that the contracted aid was selling drugs to students or staff; no students were involved in the incident.”

ORHS Principal Aaron Palm sent a message to parents following the arrest, which reiterated that no students were involved and stressed that the suspect is not an employee of Oak Ridge or the El Dorado Union High School District.

“The first priority of Oak Ridge is always the safety and well-being of our students,” Palm notes in his message. “I apologize for any confusion or concern that has come from this. We will continue to partner with EDCOE and the Sheriff’s Office on this matter.”

The principal also shared the following message released by EDCOE:

“Our top priority is to provide a safe and stable educational environment for all students. When issues arise that jeopardize this stability, it is our responsibility to communicate with you.

“Earlier today, an individual, who is

an employee of a contracting agency that the El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE) utilizes, was taken into the custody of law enforcement on Oak Ridge’s campus while away from the classroom. There are no allegations that any misconduct took place in the classroom and students were not involved in the incident. While we understand the desire to know specifics about this event, many of the details remain confidential as law enforcement continues their investigation. The contracting individual will no longer be utilized or on our campus.

The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority and EDCOE takes all allegations of illegal conduct very seriously. By law, all contractors are required to go through a thorough background check through the Department of Justice.

While this remains a confidential law enforcement matter, and we respect the rights of due process, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to support their investigation in any way we can.”

friend. You’ll strive with great enthusiasm and tremendous devotion to get it right.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Listen hard and you might get the words without the meaning. Listen soft and you’ll get another understanding. Let your mind go fuzzy and feel the emotion that’s being expressed.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). It doesn’t matter if the goods have to do with your personal gifts or what you have to offer in the world of business. The same rules of salesmanship apply. Provide a solution to the other person’s problem and you’re in.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). There are aspects of living that make you feel alone in the world, but you also consider solitude to be a natural and tolerable state. To comfortably and independently stand is a key part of being a mature human.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The best relationships grow naturally as you interact in the world together. New relationships are part of your experience now. This will be built through steady gains. Don’t try too hard in the opening stages. Pace yourself.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Love doesn’t envy, nor does it boast. You may feel like you’re competing with another for the attention of your love or potential love, and that’s because you are! What kind of game will you play?

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Tonight, someone needs your compassion and your instruction. You’ve just completed the lesson this person is going into. Being a guide will reinforce all you’ve learned.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Who said learning must be difficult? Sometimes it’s one joy after another. Because you’re open-minded and always seeking your own development, you’ll learn a lesson without pain or inconvenience.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Between the emotional weather and the actual weather, you’ll deal with the elements. Energy Saving Tip: Try to see things from the other person’s point of view before you jump to a conclusion.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). This is a day to be proactive. Self-assigned tasks are lucky for your confidence and later for your bank account. Also, discuss the financial end of a deal right up front to avoid wasting time.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Love manifests in thought, word and action, and if it doesn’t, it’s not love. You’ll be inspired to look for and strive for spiritual generosity, which requires special effort to both give and receive.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You expect certain things to be lovely and other things to be difficult. You take on difficult things because it’s worth it. You’ll condition yourself for duty. This is the way to avoid resentment and pain, too.

CHP investigating body found on Highway 50

The westbound lanes of Highway 50 were closed for more than three hours Friday night following the discovery of a dead body near the exit for Cameron Park Drive, according to the California Highway Patrol.

A report was made to CHP that a pedestrian was struck by a driver around 9:40 p.m. Caltrans employees and CHP officers surveyed

the scene shortly after the report was made, closing the stretch of highway that passed above Cameron Park Drive.

The incident is under investigation and details are sparse as CHP investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision. It is uncertain at this time, but CHP officials said they are looking to see if the death is related to another incident that occurred in the area earlier that evening.

Champion Larson and 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Chase Elliott Feb. 2 on a state-of-the-art go-kart track as part of Red Hawk’s grand opening celebration of its new familyfriendly amusement hub The Apex.

“I have followed Kyle’s career since I was little,” Mitchell said. “To race him is a dream come true and I was grateful of the opportunity to do this.”

The Apex features 18 lanes of interactive bowling, four golf simulator bays, virtual reality games, a sports bar and restaurant.

Perhaps the prize showpiece of the Shingle Springs casino’s new entertainment center is the multi-level electric go-kart racetrack. Encased in glass walls, the quarter-mile track is one of a kind in California.

Fans watched the NASCAR drivers go against local residents and admirers alike.

“This is a long way from home for me, so to come out here and to see people wearing my shirts, hats

be pulled away from the oak before she could be safely removed. Jolson was transported for treatment by helicopter.

The cause of the crash is under investigation by the CHP but Jolson was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence before she was

Jeanne

and other things, it’s really pretty humbling,” Elliott said.

Larson, who has been to Red Hawk Casino before, was impressed with The Apex.

“Just at first glance of the track, it looks really cool with all the lights and different levels of the racetrack,” Larson told the Mountain Democrat. “The bar was really nice, the golf simulators are state of the art and everything else they have done was really good.”

El Dorado Hills resident David Cate said he had a great experience racing go-karts against the renowned drivers.

“It felt like a 49ers quarterback in the fourth quarter against the Eagles … but it was so much fun,” Cate commented.

When asked if they had a chance to put any record track times on the board, Larson and Elliott had similar responses.

“No shot at all — people have been practicing,” Elliott said.

taken for medical care.

Officials with El Dorado County Fire note emergency services were impacted Sunday evening by simultaneous accidents across the county due to a mixture of rain, hail and snow that created hazardous driving conditions.

NASCAR Continued from A1

Odin Rasco Staff writer

Crash Continued from A3

NASCAR drivers Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson, above, await their turn to race at Red Hawk Casino’s new multileveled go-kart track Feb. 2. NASCAR driver Kyle Larson, left, signs an autograph for one of his fans.

Mountain Democrat photos by Eric Jaramishian

In the KNOW

Stellar Students

Congratulations to Zachary Hilliker of El Dorado Hills, who was named to the fall 2022 University of Tampa Dean’s List.

Congratulations to Meth Ranaweera of El Dorado Hills, who was named to the fall 2022 The Citadel Dean’s List.

Feb. 8

UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts Gardening in Small Spaces.

Join Master Gardener Mike Pavlik in a discussion that will cover site location, design, raised bed options, container gardening and other methods that will allow anyone to have a vegetable garden in a small backyard setting. Class runs 9 a.m to noon at the Cameron Park Community Center, 2502 Country Club Drive.

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce hosts a business blender and ribbon cutting at Pete’s Restaurant & Brewhouse in El Dorado Hills, 5:30-7:30 p.m. For more information visit eldoradohillschamber. org.

The Blues & Bourbon weekly series at The Starlet Room above Harlow’s in Sacramento has begun.

Check out the following acts “Pinkie Rideau (Feb. 8). Daryl Rowland Blues

All-Stars (Feb. 15), QuiQue Gomez & Friends (Feb. 22), Sonny Landreth & Cindy Cashdollar DUI (March 1), REd’s Blues with Robert Sidewell & Sid Morris (March 8), Chrissie O’Dell & The Real Deal (March 15), Vanessa Collier (March 19) and Mitch Woods Rocket 88s (March 29). For more information visit harlows. com.

Feb. 9

The Urban Sherpas, a Davis jazz rock quintet, will perform at 7 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit tickets. clubgreenroom.com.

Feb. 10

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts the Senior Valentine’s Luncheon at the EDHCSD gym. Register online at eldoradhillscsd. org or call (916) 614-3200. Narrow Gate Vineyards in the Pleasant Valley Area hosts a Valentine Lunch & Wine Pairing Feb. 10 & 11. Make a reservation at narrowgatevineyards.com.

JonEmery performs at the Placerville Public House in downtown Placerville at 8 p.m. Boot Juice will perform at 8 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit tickets.clubgreenroom. com.

Musician Ed Wilson will perform at Moonraker Brewing Company in Auburn, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

SBL Entertainment presents David Wilcox with special guest Jean Roehe at The Sofia, 2700 Capitol Ave. in Sacramento. For tickets and more information visit bstreettheatre.org.

Feb. 11

The El Dorado Beekeepers hosts Beginning Beekeeping, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. plus field class April 15. Class will be held at Cameron Park Community center. Sign up at eldoradobeekeepers.org.

Academic Decathlon has students thinking about

Dina Gentry EDC Office of Education

The El Dorado County Academic Decathlon returned this month and El Dorado Union High School District students met in person after two years of competing virtually.

The decathletes spent countless hours, beginning last summer, studying the overall topic of this year’s Academic Decathlon —the American Revolution. Teams met during lunch to study and oftentimes set aside time at home to go over the material. With Academic Decathlon, students build their knowledge and college application, but nearly all mentioned the one thing they value most is the friendships created.

“It’s just a great community. We have so many people who are all so smart and willing to help each other and you can just learn so much from each other,” shared Delaney Palmer, decathlete at Union Mine.

Feb. 1 saw El Dorado, Oak Ridge, Ponderosa and Union Mine high schools compete in two of the 10 events: Speech and Interview. The Essay portion was completed online and the seven remaining events took place Saturday, Feb. 4.

Speech and Interview both require students to present to a panel of two to three judges. Speech features two sub-events: Prepared Speech and Impromptu Speech, the former focusing on a topic chosen and researched by the student and the latter chosen at competition time with only one minute to prepare. Interview requires judges to ask pre-determined questions. For both events, students must present proficiently and confidently.

Last Wednesday evening competing students gathered in the Union Mine cafeteria and studied until it was their time to compete. Coaches made sure students were prepared and composed and excitedly sent them off one by one to present to the judges. The evening concluded with pizza from Pizza Plus, with students, coaches and judges all sitting together to enjoy a meal.

Saturday’s events ran all day, with students in the gymnasium taking tests on topics including art, music, literature, science, math, social science and economics. The Academic Decathlon concluded with a fun Super Quiz event and an awards ceremony. Results will be reported in a future issue of the Mountain Democrat.

The entire series of events would not be possible without the help of volunteers. Speech and Interview judges are composed of volunteers, some new and some returning. Saturday saw more volunteers as presenters during the awards ceremony, including Assessor Jon DeVille, Sheriff Jeff Leikauf, the Honorable Judge Dylan Sullivan and

Supervisor Wendy Thomas.

EDUHSD Assistant

Superintendent of Educational Services Chris Moore acted as Super Quiz Master. The Kiwanis Club of Placerville provided a barbecue lunch for all, as well as multiple volunteers throughout the competition.

“I am proud of the commitment and dedication

of the decathletes and their coaches competing here today,” said El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ed Manansala. “I would also like to acknowledge the many EDCOE team members, community volunteers and sponsors involved. This is truly a community event celebrating the very best of education in El Dorado County.”

First Lutheran Church welcomes new pastor

Special to the Mountain Democrat

First Lutheran Church of Placerville recently installed a new pastor. A call was made to Rev. Mark A. Oatman of San Leandro in November 2022, he accepted and has been in the process of buying, selling and moving. He began as the full-time pastor Feb. 5. The church was founded in August 1954 with Donald Herman, who served the church for 33 years before retiring. Then came Rev. Wade Meyer, Rev. Rod Hilpert, Rev. Mark Hass and Rev. Kevin Foley. Pastor Kevin served the church as a vicar from the St. Louis seminary from August 2015 to 2016. A vicar is a pastor in training. He was then ordained and installed as the new pastor, serving August 2016 to May 2022. He received a call from a church in Omaha, Neb., and accepted.

The congregation is very happy to have Pastor Mark and also welcomes his wife Debbie. His installation was celebrated with a reception of almost 100 people.

Courtesy photo Rev. Mark A. Oatman, front row center, is welcomed as First Lutheran Church of Placerville’s new pastor.

Courtesy photos

Students study their notes, above, before competing in the Academic Decathlon’s Speech and Interview events last week at Union Mine High School. Below, Oak Ridge coach Jeff Hassian speaks to students during the competition.

All smiles for children’s Dental Month

EDC Public Health

News release

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. The El Dorado County Public Health Division’s Oral Health Program is focused this month on reminding children and parents that good oral health starts early and includes healthy choices.

“While going to the dentist for regular check ups and cleanings is always important for children, paying attention to things such as the drinks they consume can also make a huge difference for good oral health,” said Andrea Lindner Jones, health educator with the Oral Health Program.

Regularly encouraging children to drink water instead of sugary drinks such as soda is one way to make a positive difference in a child’s oral health, according to Lindner Jones. “Sugar binds with bacteria and forms acid which attacks teeth and continues to do so for up to 20 minutes after consuming sugary drinks,” she said.

“The acid formed by sugar dissolves the outer surface of tooth enamel, causing cavities to form and damage the teeth. Tooth decay can also lead to more serious oral health issues. Avoiding sugary drinks is an important key to good oral health for everyone

and especially children.”

Data from the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that more than half of children aged 6 to 8 have had a cavity in at least one of their baby (primary) teeth and more than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth. Children aged 5 to 19 years from low-income families are

also twice as likely (25%) to have cavities compared with children from higher-income households (11%).

Tips for good oral health include the following:

• Eliminate or reduce sugary drinks

• Choose water and add flavor with infusion of fruit, vegetables or herbs

• Regularly see the dentist with visits for children every six months and adults at least

once a year

• Brush teeth at least two times a day for two minutes and floss at least once a day

• Encourage children to rinse with water after each meal and/or snack

“Fluoride can also help prevent about one-third of cavities in primary teeth,” said Lindner Jones. “If water is not fluoridated, supplement with regular fluoride applications and/or use toothpastes that

contain fluoride.”

The Oral Health Program (El Dorado Smiles) serves El Dorado and Alpine counties,\ and works with community health, youth and service organizations, private dentists, schools and local community groups to improve the oral health of residents.

During Children’s Dental Health Month the program will be conducting numerous outreach events throughout the counties and providing health education materials to Early Learning programs, among other activities.

Ongoing school-based dental programs in El Dorado County include a children’s dental van that rotates to various schools to serve children in need and in-class screenings for Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Additional information about the ounty’s Oral Health Program can be found online at edcgov.us/Government/ PublicHealth/oral-healthprogram. Members of the Oral Health Team can also be reached by phone at (530) 621-4000 or by email at ElDoradoSmiles@edcgov.us.

The Public Health Division and Oral Health Program are part of the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency. For more information about the many programs and services of HHSA visit edcgov. us/hhsa.

Cameron Park youth tackling hunger

Faith Episcopal Church

News release

While millions of Americans are gearing up for Super Bowl LVII watch parties, local youth are prepping for Super Bowl Sunday in a different way. Faith Episcopal Church’s youth group will celebrate Youth Sunday Feb. 12 by battling hunger in El Dorado County. The youth group will hold its annual food drive for the Food Bank of El Dorado County and asks for the community’s help by dropping off any non-perishable food donations prior to the big game.

The FEC youth group food drive is one of the largest single-day donations supporting the food bank. Last year, with community support, youth collected 1.2 tons (or 2,415 pounds) of food. This year the group wants to break that record and collect even more food for the hungry in the

community. Additionally, $615 in cash donations was collected, all of which went to the Food Bank of El Dorado County.

The food bank needs boxed cereals and pastas, canned soups, fruits, vegetables and meats. Parishioners and anyone in the community can drop off food in the parking lot of the church. Youth will accept canned and non-perishable food donations 8 a.m. to noon at 2200 Country Club Drive in Cameron Park.

The mission of Faith Episcopal Church is to be a welcoming and safe place to worship, love and serve all. The church has opportunities to meet the needs of everyone who joins, offering Sunday worship services at 10 a.m., programs for children and youth ongoing adult education, facility rental space, community outreach events, mission projects and opportunities to serve. For more about the church visit faithec.org or email faithec@faithec.org.

Getty

Planting and enchanted garden

some colorful plants like Tillandsia maxima have red leaves to create accents when the plants are not flowering. For tiny flowers, Sinningia pusilla and other miniature gloxinias grow just 3 inches tall.

Kitty Stewart

Fairy gardens and fantasy creations create bright spots of interest in your garden, captivating children and adults alike. They can be full of pixies, dragons or dinosaurs ... or perhaps have little dwellings that invite the imagination to fill them. Tiny walkways, stone cottages and decorated tree stumps, all in miniature, create a space that can be decorative or allow rearrangement and play for all ages. Your garden can be tucked under a tree in your yard, layered in a broken pot or displayed in a decorative container filled with enchanting accessories and set up to admire outdoors on your patio or indoors in a terrarium. There is even a Fantasy Gardens category of entries for the El Dorado County Fair this year.

To create an enchanted garden, assemble a variety of small succulents and tiny flowering plants, sand, twigs, small branches and colorful or painted rocks. I like using natural materials, such as bark, branches or tree stumps, and wooden discs to create the walls of a cottage. Consider using a small string of holiday lights, best if battery-operated, to twinkle around or above the setting — or inside tiny houses to welcome fairy occupants.

Certain plants lend themselves to the miniature garden theme more easily. Succulents, mosses, ferns and air plants (Tillandsia spp.) all work well in small scale and miniature cultivars of other garden plants will stay small for months. Hostas, oregano

and small leaf varieties of mint will all look great in tiny spaces, but do require regular watering, especially if in a pot. Most of these require shade to grow well in our area, especially in the heat of the summer, and will need regular misting or watering depending on the species. The air plants can be established on gravel or rocks above the soil to keep their roots out of the moisture. They prefer just a weekly rinsing or sprinkling and do particularly well inside a glass globe or terrarium out of the direct sun. The silver or gray-leaved varieties tolerate drier conditions than green varieties and

Add tiny tables and chairs with mushroomshaped houses on the same scale as your plants. It is best to choose the same scale for items within each display. Choose plants that fit the scale of your creation in a container. If working on a larger scale, garden gnomes or carved dragons can occupy more normal-sized gardens, along with scrying crystals and small fountains or other artwork.

Children may love the fantasy gardens, but adults also adore these creations and find the additional whimsy lends character to the garden or outdoor space and provides your own personal imaginary realm to relax in.

Sherwood Demonstration Garden is closed in February due to storm damage. Beginning in March, Master Gardeners will offer tours, answer questions or guests can just enjoy the garden during weekly open garden days on Fridays and Saturdays. Check the website for further information about the Sherwood Demonstration Garden at ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden.

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

Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are working hard to answer your questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website, mgeldorado.ucanr.edu, or leave a message on the office telephone at (530) 621-5512. To sign up for notices and newsletters visit ucanr.edu/master gardener e-news. Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

SAFE offering college and trade school scholarships

News release

SAFE Credit Union is increasing its annual scholarship awards from $1,000 to $2,000 this year for 10 high school seniors continuing their education after graduation.

“We are renewing our commitment to empowering both individuals and our communities this year by doubling our scholarship awards,” said SAFE Credit Union President and CEO Faye Nabhani. “We know early support of students furthering their education can help launch them into a future with fulfilling and far-reaching

careers.”

The scholarships, totaling $20,000 to be awarded by SAFE, are based on financial need, grade point average, a personal statement and a letter of recommendation.

To be eligible, applicants must attend schools in Alameda, Amador, Butte, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba counties and who are members of SAFE or their parents or guardians are members of SAFE.

Scholarship recipients are invited to use the funds at any university,

college, community college or trade school. Applicants must apply by Wednesday, March 15.

“We are excited to add more impact to our scholarship awards this year,” said SAFE Community Impact Specialist Brit Kelleher. “Our scholarship committee recognizes the increased need to further support our college and trade school-bound high school seniors.”

Since first offering the scholarships more than 20 years ago, SAFE has awarded approximately $200,000 to students in the 13 Northern California counties the credit union serves.

“Over the many years we have seen firsthand how they have had a positive impact on students and their futures,” said past SAFE Credit Union President and CEO Henry Wirz, who helped establish the awards and was instrumental in ensuring they were based on need as well as merit.

The 2023 SAFE scholarship application can be accessed and submitted online at safecu. org/2023Scholarship no later than Wednesday, March 15.

“Our scholarship committee looks forward to reviewing your submissions,” said Kelleher.

UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County

Pixabay image

Fairy gardens invite a bit of whimsy into the yard and can stir the imagination of the young and young at heart.

Wreaths Across America exhibit coming to the area

News release

FOLSOM — As part of its national tour, the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit — a large, 18-wheel mobile museum — will set up in the parking lot next to Nordstrom Rack in the Palladio Shopping Center on E. Bidwell St., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9.

Folsom’s Charlotte Parkhurst Chapter, National Society

Daughters of the American Revolution, sponsor this event which is both free and open to the public.

Members of Folsom’s

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6604 will also assist. In addition to serving as an exhibit to educate visitors about the service and sacrifice of all our nation’s veterans, the mobile museum is also an official “welcome home” station for Vietnam Veterans.

All veterans, activeduty military, their families and community members are invited and encouraged to visit, take a tour and speak with WAA representatives and volunteers. Visitors can also learn more about this national nonprofit and the work

its volunteers do to support our veterans and their communities year-round.

Features of the 24-foot by 60-foot exhibit include a 20-seat theater where an eight-minute video is shown; storyboards and visuals highlighting listen, growth and programs that have grown due to the wreath laying events; two exterior televisions to accommodate larger additional displays and more.

“The goal of the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit is to bring community together and teach patriotism while remembering the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes,” said Karen Worcester, executive director, Wreaths Across America.

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-

laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s mission — Remember, Honor, Teach — is carried out in part each year by

coordinating wreathlaying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. This past December, Folsom’s Charlotte Parkhurst

Chapter and the Folsom VFW Post 6604 participated locally at ceremonies honoring 647 veterans buried at Lakeside Memorial Lawn Cemetery and 16 veterans buried at the Mormon Island Relocation Cemetery.

Photo by Joe Phelan

The Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit rolls into the Palladio shopping center in Folsom Thursday, Feb. 9.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino hosts the Elemental Immersion Experience beginning at 9:30 a.m. Throughout the day, attendees can take part in several wellness classes led by industry experts. Sessions range from a cold-water immersion in Lake Tahoe to breathwork and sound healing classes. In addition to the Feb. 11 event, the hotel will host additional Elemental Immersion Experiences March 11 and April 8. For reservations call (775) 886-6745.

El Dorado Nursery & Garden hosts two Japanese maple pruning classes at 10 a.m. and two rose pruning classes at noon, Feb. 11 & 13. Rain will cancel. RSVP by calling (916) 6766555.

Enjoy a sweet pairing experience, noon to 4 p.m. at Crystal Basin Cellars in Camino. The event features home-created confections made by master baker Darcy Button of Sweet Dream Confections. RSVP by emailing rsvp@ crystalbasin.com.

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts the Mommy & Me Valentine’s Dance in the EDHCSD gym. Registration is now open. Visit eldoradhillscsd.org.

The Cameron Park Community Services District hosts the Ties and Tiaras Valentine’s Dance

at the Cameron Park Community Center. To register visit cameronpark.org.

The Neon Moon Band will perform 8-11 p.m. at Roosters Bar & Grill in Mt. Aukum. For more information visit neonmoon.band.

Lantz Lazwell and the Vibe Tribe will perform at 8 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit tickets.clubgreenroom.com.

Shadow Ranch Vineyard in Fair Play hosts a Valentine’s Day chocolate and wine paring Feb. 11 & 12. For reservations and more information visit shadowranch.com.

Gwinllan Estate Winey Fair Play hosts a Valentine’s Day celebration with a special chocolate and wine pairing, noon to 4 p.m. Feb, 11 & 12. For more information call (530) 723 2879.

Mediterranean Vineyards and Frank Vilt’s Cakes have teamed up for a delicious Valentine’s Day weekend, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Feb. 11 & 12. To make. Reservation visit medivineyards.com/Events.

Dobra Zemlja Winery in Plymouth hosts Sweets for Your Sweet events, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Feb. 11 & 12 celebrating the release of the 2021 Mali Ruz and featuring chocolate pairings with

port-style wines and mali “little” bites. For more information visit dobraz.com.

Musician Ed Wilson will perform at Vino

Noceto Winery in Plymouth, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Knight Foundry in Sutter Creek invites everyone to visit during the Second Saturday Tour Day, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They’re firing up the antique blacksmithing forge, pouring and crafting hot metal and demonstrating the magnificent and still-intact machinery. Visitors can tour at their own pace, meeting and talking with expert docents throughout the complex. For more information visit knightfoundry.com or call (209) 560-6160.

Folsom Lake Symphony presents Tales of Romance with violinist Amaryn Olmeda at 7:30 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 6086888 or visit harriscenter.net.

The Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park presents “Becky’s New Car,” Feb. 11 through March 5. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.

B Street Theatre at The Sofia, 2700 Capitol Ave. in Sacramento, presents “The “Flying Machine: The Story of the Wright Brothers,”

Feb. 11 through March 4. For tickets and more information visit bstreettheatre.org.

Feb. 12

Sierra Wildlife Rescue and the Placerville Shakespeare Club cohost a Quilt Silent Auction, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the clubhouse, 2940 Bedford Ave. in Placerville. For more information visit placerville-shakespeare.com.

Golden Leaves Vineyard & Winery in Somerset celebrates Valentine’s Day all week, Feb. 12-18, with chocolate cake bites, chocolate puff pastries and chocolates made from scratch in the kitchen carefully paired with three wines. No reservations required.

Miraflores Winery in Placerville hosts Soup Sundays. Stop by for wine tasting, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and enjoy a complimentary cup of soup prepared by Chef Tara Martinez every Sunday through March 26.

The Folsom Concert Association presents One Night in Memphis at 2 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts. The show recreates the night of Dec. 4, 1956, when Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash jammed at Sam Phillip’s Sun Studios in Memphis, Tenn. For tickets and more information call (916) 6086888 or visit harriscenter.net.

The Public Square

El Dorado Irrigation District is seeking:

Construction & Maintenance Worker I/II/Senior- Drinking Water

Salary: I: $28.29-$34.39 II: $31.26-$37.99

Senior: $34.51-$41.95 per hour

Date Opened: January 27, 2023

Filing Deadline: Open until filled.

First review of applications on February 28, 2023

The Human Resources Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Construction & Maintenance Worker I/II/Senior for an eligibility list to fill current and future positions in the Drinking Water Division of Operations.

For a complete job description and the REQUIRED application, please visit our website at www.eid.org or call 530-642-4074.

EQUAL

2890 Mosquito Road Placerville, CA 95667 Fax: (530) 622-1134

be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ se/fhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form.

If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements.

You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifomia.org) the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association.

NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. !AVISO!

Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 dias, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin eschuchar su version. Lea la informacion a continuacion. Tiene 30 DIAS DE CALENDARIO después de que Ie entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una lIamada telefonica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y mas

informacion en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www. sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que Ie quede mas cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentacion, pida al secretario de la corte que Ie de un formulario de exencion de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte Ie podra quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin mas advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que lIame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede lIamar a un servicio de remision a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniendose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las coutas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperacion de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un case de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pudea desechar el caso. The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): Superior Court of California, County of El Dorado 3321 Cameron Park Drive Cameron Park, California 95682

CASE NUMBER: 21CV0238 (Numero del Caso):

The name, address,

DEFENDANTS a. The defendants who operated a motor vehicle are (names): Diana Margarita Sanfilippo, Jonathan James Sanfilippo, and Does to 25 b. The defendants who employed the persons who operated a motor vehicle in the course of their employment are (names) : Diana Margarita Sanfilippo, Jonathan James Sanfilippo, and Does to 25 c . The defendants who owned the motor vehicle which was operated with their permission are (names) Diana Margarita Sanfilippo, Jonathan James Sanfilippo, and Does 1 to 25 d. The defendants who entrusted the motor vehicle are (names): Diana Margarita Sanfilippo, Jonathan James Sanfilippo, and Does to 25 e. The defendants who were the agents and employees of the other defendants and acted within the scope of the agency were (names): Diana