Mountain Democrat, Monday, March 4, 2024

Student test scores not back to pre-COVID levels

in 2014, replaced the state’s previous assessment, known as the STAR test, which ran from 1999-2013. The CAASPP tests California students in third through eighth grade and 11th grade on math and English skills; fifth through eighth grade students are also tested on science skills and once in high school prior to graduation.

County students performed well in the yearly assessments, with local students achieving passing marks around 10% more often than the state average every year since the CAASPP began being administered. In the 201819 school year county CAASPP scores

Graphic by Odin Rasco El Dorado County students still outperform the state average in end-of-year math assessments but passing scores have dropped. In 2019 more than 50% of county students met or exceeded math standards; last year 44% did.

Snowpack 77% of average

County facing budget ‘challenges’

Eric Jaramishian

Sta writer

El Dorado County’s 2023-24 mid-year budget report projects the net General Fund balance on June 30 will be just under $17 million. That figure is down from last year’s $25.9 million. Assistant Chief Administrative O cer Sue Hennike alluded to the Board of Supervisors during its Feb. 27 meeting that it would be a “challenging” budgeting year.

“I think the takeaway from this is what I have been telling you since this time last year; we are seeing things slow down,” Hennike told the board. “On top of that, we’ve seen some cost increases that were out of our control that we are going to try to work into this next year’s budget and, as you can see, we are not expecting to have as much from our current year to work with.”

Every year the Chief Administrative O ce provides an update to the board on county departments’ fiscal performance and the county’s financial position in preparation for the next year’s budget.

“Due to the county’s conservative approach to budgeting, there are usually unspent funds at the end of the year, which can be used to fund the

■ See BUDGET, page A3

Somerset residents ask for cannabis farm permit appeal

Eric Jaramishian Sta writer

A group of Somerset area residents are hoping to appeal a commercial cannabis use permit submitted by Somerset farmer David Harde following the El Dorado County Planning Commission’s approval. A hearing regarding the appeal is scheduled for 11 a.m. during the Tuesday, March 5, Board of Supervisors meeting, where both sides will present arguments. The board will decide to approve or deny the appeal at that time. More than 15 people, most living in the south county area, have signed the appeal.

The Planning Commission approved the use permit for Harde, who owns about 54 acres in Somerset, having found all conditions of his proposed cultivation site acceptable and in line with the county’s commercial cannabis ordinance. Harde said he would start o growing on approximately 43,000 square feet of his land. However, area residents, including some of

■ See C ANNABIS, page A3

■

DWR photo by Fred Greaves

California Department of Water Resources staff Angelique Fabbiani-Leon, left, a hydrometeorologist, and Andy Reising, an engineer, head out onto the snow survey course at Phillips Station near Sierra-at-Tahoe Feb. 29.

DWR photo by Sara Nevis

Snow melts into the South Fork of the American River Feb. 29.

■ See TEST SCORES, page A6

See SNOWPACK, page A3

Ronald Charles Mansfield

July 10, 1947 – Feb. 25, 2024

On February 25th, 2024

Ronald Charles Mansfield passed peacefully after years of bravely battling Parkinson’s Disease.

Known as Ron to many, and ‘Manny’ to some, all knew him for his unmatched work ethic, impeccable integrity, and tireless advocacy for the agricultural industry and its laborers in El Dorado County.

Born to Tony and Barbara Mansfield in Bakersfield, California on July 10, 1947, Ron was raised with his brother Terry and two sisters Joan and Lynn. Exposed to agriculture at a young age, Ron pursued his budding passion by studying at UC Davis and graduating in 1974. Ron met his wife of 45 years, Carolyn, while at university. On August 5, 1978 they wed on campus.

Ron then took a position with the El Dorado Irrigation District, installing soil moisture probes in local fields and helping to develop EID’s Irrigation Management System, which provided growers data allowing for the judicious irrigation of crops. This efficiency program still runs today and serves as the industry’s gold standard in irrigation conservation.

Ron’s entrepreneurial spirit drove him to found Goldbud Farms with his wife in 1980 with the vision of diversifying El Dorado crops beyond the apples and pears that were widely planted at the time. Soon Ron’s cherries, peaches, nectarines, and plums garnered a sterling reputation. On a visit to David Berkley’s grocery store in Fair Oaks in the early 1980’s, White House Chief Usher Gary J. Walters sampled Goldbud’s cherries and fell in love. Every president from Reagan to Obama then enjoyed the fruits of Ron’s labor.

Subtly dotted with dozens of Ron’s orchards and vineyards, the El Dorado County landscape will remain touched by Ron’s legacy. He spent decades furthering the post-prohibition re-birth of local viticulture and winemaking spurred by pioneers like Greg Boeger, John MacCready, and Dick Bush. Ron also served on the County Agricultural Commission from 2009 to 2020, deliberating land use policy and crafting ordinances related to farming for many compositions of the Board of Supervisors.

An avid life-long bowler, in 2022 Ron proudly competed in his 50th consecutive USBC National Open Championship in Las Vegas alongside his bowling partner John Pocekay who has also competed in every tournament with Ron since Long Beach 1972. Despite noticeably struggling with his symptoms, Ron finished his amateur career that day to a standing ovation and a respectable multi-strike game, a heartwarming and simultaneously tear-jerking moment for all in attendance.

Horse Racing was another passion of Ron’s. The first racehorse he owned; ‘Loyal Lad’ won him enough money to purchase the land where Goldbud Farms sits. Ron brought many others into the sport, owning ‘Alicia Guest’ and ‘Reno Rose’ in partnership with friends and family members. His greatest champion ‘Western Paradise’ was named ‘Stallion of the Decade’ in 2020 after he won many prestigious cups nationally. Western bloodline descendant ‘Shelter in Pace’ recently graced Ron with 7 consecutive victories to start her career in Ron’s last days. She will race on in his absence along with dozens of other horses in the vaunted bloodline dotting stables across the U.S. Ron carried his passion, dedication, patience, and integrity into the home each evening. Among all his achievements, accolades, and awards in his career and with his hobbies, Ron can now rest proudly assured his legacy as a wonderful husband and deeply dedicated father is cemented in the hearts and minds of his loving family members, business partners and employees. Ron is survived by his wife Carolyn, daughter Amanda, her husband Josh, son Charles, his wife Kristin, and five loving grandchildren; Jett, Max, John, Mira and Ben.

A celebration of life will be held 1:00 PM, April 13th, 2024 at David Girard Vineyards. In lieu of flowers or gifts, family requests that any remembrances or gestures come in the form of donations to Snowline Hospice.

Phil Michael Lorda

July 20, 1949 – Jan. 23, 2024

Phil Michael Lorda born July 20, 1949 passed January 23, 2024. Born in Auburn CA, Phil grew up there most of his life, he was hired on at Michigan Cal Lumber Co., he worked there for 26 years. Phil had 1 sister, Melissa and 1 brother, Marty. Phil was a fun loving guy, would do anything for anybody. Phil loved cars and anything mechanical. He lived with his partner Sue for 30 years. He loved to join Sue for her reunion parties, loved to talk and talk and talk! Sue bought him a shirt once that said “I started talking and I can’t shut up!” “That was my Phil, he was the love of my life”

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday March 30th at Sue & Phil’s, 2657 Cold Springs Road from 12 - 5pm.

Diane Moffitt

Dec. 30, 1941 – Jan. 12, 2024

Diane was born in Oakland, California on December 30, 1941. She grew up in Oakland with her parents, Otto and Cecilia Weber and her younger brother Paul. The day after her graduation from high school her parents sold their house in Oakland and moved to Kyburz, California, and that’s when her love for the mountains began. Diane returned to Oakland to attend Holy Names University. While attending college she joined the Women’s Army Corp. She rose to the rank of First Lieutenant and was to be promoted to Captain when her time in the Army ended. She was very proud of her time in the Army serving a total of 3 years, 3 months and 27 days.

She relocated to Virginia, where she was married and had 4 daughters, Jennifer, Diana, Alice, and Kristina. After the marriage ended Diane and her girls moved back to California. She continued to make her trips up Highway 50, back packing, hiking, camping with her girls and they too found the mountains to be home. Diane loved to travel! As her girls got older and started their own lives, she started her own traveling adventures, Holland, Germany, Belgium, Paris, the Holy Lands, Medjugorje, and a trip of a lifetime was 18 days of white water rafting down the Grand Canyon and visited many other places in the United States as well.

Diane was an avid reader and had collected books of her favorite authors, so she built a library in her house. While working as the parish secretary at St. Patrick Catholic Church she saw many beautiful stamps pass through her office. She began saving them and continued to collect them even after she retired. Diane loved music, everything from John Denver to John Williams. Her time at St. Patrick Church and later for the American Red Cross, both fed her soul, as well as her heart, to be of service to others.

It’s been said, if you knew Diane, you would know how proud she was of her girls. “I am very proud of my girls. They are all very different and successful in their own way and it’s has been a gift to see them grow up to be such beautiful, hardworking women”.

Diane passed away peacefully on January 12, 2024 surrounded by her family. She is survived by her daughters Jennifer Moffitt, Alice Boerstra, and Diana Hillman and son-in-law Rick Hillman, her grandchildren Brittany Boerstra, Noah and wife Rheannon Boerstra, Madeline Boerstra, Ashley and husband David Rojo, Richard and wife Menominee Hillman, Adam and wife Breanna Hillman. Great grandkids: Zachary, Jacob, Elizabeth and Samantha Rojo, Charlotte, Levi and Samuel Hillman. She is proceeded in death by her parents Otto and Cecilia Weber and her youngest daughter Kristina Moffitt.

Funeral Services will be at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Folsom on March 9, 2024 at 12:00.

June Cary “JC” Buckley

June 11, 1935 - Jan. 25, 2024

Theresa Anne Markie

March 15, 1937 – Feb. 19, 2024

Theresa Anne Markie born

March 15, 1937 passed away peacefully at her home February 19, 2024.

Theresa is survived by her husband of 68 years, Edward Markie, her 6 children, 12 Grandchildren and 26 Great Grandchildren and Theresa’s twin brother Joseph Bundas (Joan Bundas), brother-in- law Richard Markie (Gina Markie).

Theresa’s life was blessed with wondrous adventures and travels all over the world with her husband. Donations may be made in Theresa’s memory to the Mother Teresa Maternity Home.

(motherteresamaternityhome.com)

Vigil — March 6, 2024, 2:00 to 6:00 pm. at Chapel of the Pines Funeral Home, Placerville, CA 95667

Mass — March 7, 2024, 11:00 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Placerville, CA 95667.

Jocelyn Rose Eastwood

Nov. 17, 1942 – Feb. 27, 2024

After an amazing, fulfilling and wonderful life Lyn has left this world and has gone to be with her parents, past loves and all of the beautiful pets she’s loved over the years. Service to others was so important to her. She helped so many people from opening the health depot and supporting those in need to her family of AA. Even during the last 2 years of illness she was able to help advocate for others.

She leaves behind her loving, constant companion and caregiver Patrick, her sister Gayle, brothers James (Rae Ann) and Paul (Bonnie), nieces and nephews and her wonderful support group of women she proudly called her ‘posse’.

Lyn loved life to the fullest!

David Rogers

March 17, 1943 – Feb. 19, 2024

David was born on March 17, 1943 in Auburn, California to Mr. and Mrs. Carrol E. Rogers. His older brother is Carrol Rogers Jr. He attended St. Mary’s Academy in Grass Valley until the family moved to Placerville in 1955. He attended El Dorado High School and graduated in 1961. David attended the University of Nevada graduating with a B.S. in Geological Engineering in 1967. This same year David married JoAnne Latimer, his only love. They had two boys: Matthew (1981-2001) and Michael (1983 - ∞) .

In 1967 David received orders from the army to be on active duty, eventually being sent to Korea. As a lieutenant in the chemical corp he was assigned to defoliation of the Korean DMZ with Agent Orange and Agent Blue.

In 1970 David and JoAnne moved from Korea to Reno, Nevada, where David attended UNR and received a M.S. in Geological Engineering. He then joined a firm in the Bay Area working on dams, tunnels, and ocean outfalls. He eventually started his own firm, The Mark Group, which grew to 200 employees.

In 2003 the Mark Group was sold, David retired. However, he was recruited by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission as a Regional Manager rebuilding the Hetch Hetchy Water System. Again retired in 2008 and they moved to Pollock Pines.

David devoted a great deal of his retirement to writing expert opinion letters for veterans who were denied benefits and generates more than a million dollars in benefits for those individuals annually.

The religious service were at St. Patrick Church in Placerville, Friday, March 1. David was laid to rest at Oakmont Memorial Park in Pleasant Hill, CA, next to his beloved son Matthew.

Instead of flowers please donate to the Mother

Theresa Home care of St. Patrick Catholic Curch Placerville, CA

JC passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. He was born in Belflower, CA to Alva and Emma Buckley. He is survived by his wife Rose Buckley, sons, daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a lover of the outdoors. His passions were hunting, fishing, camping, playing sports and water-skiing. He was brought to tears when his last grandchild learned to water ski. He will be missed. A celebration of life will be held at the Hagen Ranch in El Dorado on April 20th at 2pm. Potluck to follow for friends and family. In lieu of flowers please give to your favorite charity.

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Child porn investigation leads to Rescue arrest

Odin Rasco Staff writer

A 2023 child pornography investigation conducted by El Dorado County sheriff’s detectives led to the arrest of a man in Rescue Thursday morning.

EDSO detectives identified Dylan Ryan, 23, as a potential suspect in their investigation, which discovered multiple victims of sexual assault. A search warrant was executed in the Rescue area, where Ryan was then arrested, according to an EDSO press release.

Evidence obtained during the

investigation leads detectives to suspect there are additional victims yet to be identified.

Ryan faces charges for sex acts involving children, kidnapping with the intent to rape and lewd acts with a child by force or fear. He is currently in custody in the El Dorado County Jail, where he is being held without bail. His arraignment date is unknown as of press time.

Anyone with information regarding the case or who may have been a victim are asked to contact Det. Chris Macres by calling or texting (530) 957-5227 or emailing macresc@edso.org.

Just say Dr. No: James Bond arrested on drug charges

Odin Rasco Staff writer

Another person has become an inmate at the El Dorado County Jail, with the role of honour going to a 36-year-old man who shares his name with the international man of mystery.

An El Dorado County sheriff’s deputy managed a feat not achieved by some of fiction’s most fearsome foes when he managed to capture a man named James Bond Feb. 22. Mr. Bond was arrested near the intersection of Highway 50 and Ice House Road, according to booking details.

Rather than a license to kill, government paperwork for this Bond

Budget Continued from A1

following year’s needs,” reads a memo regarding the mid-year budget report.

Here is the breakdown:

More than $7.2 million of the projected $16.9 million General Fund balance accounts for the county’s unspent contingency funds, department savings makes up $5.5 million of that figure and $3.7 million in appropriations will be budgeted for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Additionally, there are half a million dollars in excess general revenues that fund net county costs and other General Fund expenditures, a figure significantly down from the $1.9 million projected in the 2022-23 fiscal mid-year report.

This leaves an estimated $6 million of fund balance available to fund operations in the 2024-25 recommended budget.

Hennike explained to the board the decreases compared to last year, minus the increase in projected appropriations.

Last fiscal year the county saw nearly $9 million in department savings, which are significantly lower this fiscal year at $5.5 million.

Hennike cites the reduction in the General Fund contingency by $4.5 million is due to the fair market value adjustment required by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board. Previously, the county had been maintaining its contingency appropriations at higher levels than required by board policy in anticipation of an economic downturn.

Hennike cited the dip in departmental savings due to a “decline or underperformance in public safety sales tax,” a one-half-cent sales tax imposed by Proposition 172 that is spent on public safety services.

Snowpack Continued from A1

have dramatically improved since the beginning of the year, March will be critical in determining if we finish above or below average,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “No matter how the season ends, we are ready to take advantage of the water we do have to benefit communities, agriculture and the environment, and continue storing stormwater in our groundwater basins for future use.”

While California saw a number of storms in January and February that caused flooding in many areas of the state, the storms were warmer than average, dropping more precipitation as rain rather than snow, especially in Southern California. Overall statewide precipitation is 103% of average, running well ahead of the snowpack. While surface water storage in California’s major reservoirs is currently 119% above average, the latest forecasts from DWR project snow runoff could be below average this spring due to the unusually dry start to the water year. DWR recently increased projected allocations from

existed in the form of a warrant for arrest; charges indicate was previously declared a fugitive from justice and in violation of parole. Bond is also alleged to have been in possession of narcotics for the purpose of sale and to have attempted to destroy evidence. Bond was arraigned in El Dorado County Superior Court Feb. 26, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges. Bond is set to return to court March 5 for a preliminary hearing in Department 2. An El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office representative was contacted for additional information regarding Bond’s arrest, but no information is publicly available at this time.

The county is seeing less departmental savings due to “tighter budgeting.”

“We (also) asked departments to absorb some of the negotiated salary increases that were done timing wise after we could incorporate them into the 2023-24 budget,” Hennike added.

Appropriations remained relatively the same as last fiscal year, which yielded $3.7 million this year. The slight increase this year can be attributed to “delays in receiving equipment,” Hennike said.

The unanticipated revenue, or general excess, dropped significantly from 2022-2023’s projected $1.9 million.

“We budget sales tax really conservatively and we get these nice little surprises, or with TOT, and we’re just not seeing that anymore due to the shakeout of (the difference) in methodology that began in 2020 with online sales,” Hennike said. “So we are seeing (tax) be more flat and steady. We are not seeing the big spikes.”

Supplemental property tax, while seeing a decrease, is also starting to level out, meaning decreases are not expected in the future, Hennike said.

That’s not the end of budgeting challenges for the county however.

A memo from Chief Administrative Officer Tiffany Schmid to the board states significantly decreased yearend balances to fund next fiscal year’s operations, inflation pressures affecting property and sales and use tax and expenses outpacing revenue growth are all reasons balancing the 2024-25 recommended budget will be “more difficult than in recent years.”

Additionally, the county’s discretionary reserves and designations are down by $22 million since

State Water Project reservoirs, and the forecasted allocation is expected to be revised again next month based on recent storms.

“California has seen several extreme climate events so far this water year, including record rainfall in Southern California,” said Dr. Michael Anderson, state climatologist with DWR. “While this pushed statewide precipitation above average, the snowpack still has not caught up from the dry conditions earlier this winter and local conditions still vary significantly from region to region. The upcoming storm will deliver more snow but the critical month of March will have to deliver enough snowpack to make up for the dry fall and slow start to the year.”

On average, the Sierra snowpack supplies about 30% of California’s water needs.

DWR conducts five snow surveys at Phillips Station each winter near the first of each month, January through April and, if necessary, May. The next and possibly final survey is tentatively scheduled for April 2.

Camino man life flighted in South Tahoe crash

Mountain Democrat staff

The California Highway Patrol is investigating a Feb. 22 collision in Meyers that sent a Camino man by air ambulance to a regional trauma center.

Nathaniel Xavier, 32, was driving a Honda Accord east on Highway 50 near North Upper Truckee Road at about 4:49 a.m., when for unknown reasons a westbound driver of a Ford F-350 crossed over the two-way left turn lane and into the lane in which Xavier was traveling, according to the collision report from the CHP’s South Lake Tahoe office. The truck hit the Accord

Cannabis Continued from A1

his neighbors, remain unconvinced his farm meets certain minimum requirements. Among concerns cited in the appeal, the basis for the appeal is “lack of public access to essential information, significant deviations from established setback requirements and substantial inaccuracies and omissions in the project document.”

Other concerns, including the distance from a bus stop to his property line, water usage and vegetation management during raptor nesting season also came into question.

Harde said the process of project reviews, research and project presentations was a two-and-a-half year process for his property and proposed farm and studies are “about a foot long.” The grape farmer also said he was in open communication with his neighbors regarding his planned cultivation site, in which he discussed how he would address security, setback and odor factors.

the 2023-24 due to increases in construction costs drawing down the designation for capital projects.

Despite this, the county seems to be taking a proactive approach to address these challenges. CAO staff will look to county department heads in obtaining ideas to reduce costs, enhance revenue and to achieve overall efficiency.

“All departments agree that maintaining a culture where employees are valued and fairly compensated

on its left side

The driver of the truck, Timothy Graham, 53, of Gardnerville, Nev., and his passenger did not report injuries, notes CHP’s report.

Xavier suffered major injuries and was transported by Cal Star to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nev., where hospital staff on Thursday reported he remained in “serious condition.”

Ruth Loehr, a public information officer with CHP, told the Mountain Democrat driving under the influence was ruled out as a possible cause of the crash.

He also claims the distance between the nearest bus stop and his cultivation site is more than 1,500 feet, the minimum required by the ordinance.

“I think it’s a straight up and down vote in terms if the supervisors have confidence in the Planning Commission and (the Planning and Building Department),” Harde said. “The Planning Department did a thorough job and the Planning Commission thoroughly discussed everything. If (anyone was) against the project, that’s the time to show up.”

An appeal can be made to the board as long as the $450 fee is paid. The board will now be the deciding factor if Harde will be allowed to cultivate cannabis. Full staff reports and the appeal can be viewed on the county legistar’s website at eldorado. legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. Click on the agenda tab for the March 5 BOS meeting and look for the 11 a.m. timeallocated appeal.

is a priority, and I anticipate that as we work through preparing the recommended budget over the next several weeks, your department head team will come through with innovative solutions,” continues the memo from Schmid. “It is imperative that the sacrifices departments make during the FY 2024-25 budget development are documented and recognized, and that departments are made whole once the county’s budget stabilizes.”

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California Commentary

How about oversight over existing state laws

The reaction from politicians to California’s budget deficit — now estimated by the Legislative Analyst to be around $73 billion — breaks down into two camps: the state must either reduce spending or find more revenue.

(Euphemism for raising taxes.)

In reality, even the most progressive legislators realize that their dream of unending growth in government is crashing headlong into reality. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas recently acknowledged that the ultimate goal of single-payer health care won’t be on the table anytime soon. Of course, any reduction in spending will be accompanied by the obligatory gnashing of teeth and pulling of hair. It is easier to extract a sirloin steak from the jaws of a Doberman than to get politicians and government bureaucrats to reduce their record levels of spending. To the tax spenders, all government spending is “essential,” notwithstanding the fact that state spending has doubled in six years.

Ordinary Californians reject the premise that all state spending is “essential” and, in fact, think much of it is superfluous and wasteful. A Public Policy Institute of California survey last month asked, “Do you think . . . state government[s] waste a lot of the money we pay in taxes, waste some of it, or don’t waste very much of it?” Overall, 45% of Californians perceived that “a lot” of their money was being wasted and 46% believed “some” of their money was wasted.

Specific examples abound. If the high-speed rail project were put before the voters after its 14-year history of broken promises, polling reveals it would be derailed. And volumes could be written about the $30 billion in Employment Development Department fraud.

An excellent exposé in CalMatters by Sameea Kamal and Jeremia Kimelman reveals the massive noncompliance with legislative mandates regarding the preparation of reports that are supposed to track the e ectiveness of government programs. The title of the article is “Legislators wanted 1,100 reports on how California’s laws are working. Most haven’t arrived.”

When it creates a new program, the Legislature frequently requires the a ected state or local agencies to prepare a report back to the Legislature about the performance of the new program. The purpose,

■

The Balancing Act

Letters to the Editor

Don’t be fooled again

EDITOR:

The summary language of the AT&T Carrier of Last Resort request suggests the impact would be limited and potentially impact customers who have “grandfathered” land-line service from AT&T. The reality is the impact would be more significant and leave Californians in rural areas at greater risk of service disruption during emergencies and they would lack access to basic service for home communication. There is no other COLR carrier; Verizon is not a COLR carrier, nor is T-Mobile.

What does this mean for you and other residents of rural El Dorado County? Your phone service (regardless of wired or wireless) will go up in cost and be less reliable. We need reliable phone service for emergencies, family communications and our jobs.

We should not accept a proposal, as ratepayers and taxpayers, that puts us in jeopardy. Without COLR, AT&T will not su ciently invest in or upgrade telecommunications and data networks our community relies on every day. More importantly, these carrier “backbone networks” are shared between T-Mobile and Verizon so the impact isn’t isolated to AT&T.

Let’s not forget that AT&T and other carriers use our tax dollars to build and run their networks. Reviewing your bill shows that you also pay additional fees and taxes for 911 service and other mandated telecommunication services. These payments have been made for decades. Now our state and federal representatives are not holding AT&T accountable.

I support free enterprise, but I don’t support “free lunches” to large corporations like AT&T that are trying to use clever contract lawyers to shrug their previous agreements. I urge you to write your state assemblyperson, state senator and federal congressman and senator to block this COLR request.

We have already seen what happens when the Public Utilities Commission allows utilities to control the decision and the conversation — for that

I submit the recent PG&E rate increases and service impacts.

MATT SILVEIRA Placerville

Can medicine men x climate change?

EDITOR:

Science is under attack in western civilization in a way we haven’t seen since Galileo was persecuted for heresy for stating the earth revolved around the sun. The high priests of climate change at the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change believe CO2 in the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels is changing the climate because their very complicated models running on state-of-the-art computers say so. Anyone who challenges this position will be canceled in 21st century style just as conservative speakers are excoriated by students at Harvard, which claims to protect free speech.

In November 2022 the Journal of Chemical Education published “A Special Topics Class in Chemistry on Feminism and Science as a Tool to Disrupt the Dysconscious Racism in Science.” From the abstract: This article presents an argument on the importance of teaching science with a feminist framework and defines it by acknowledging that all knowledge is historically situated and is influenced by social power and politics. The course promises to explore the development and interrelationship between quantum mechanics, Marxist materialism, Afro-futurism/pessimism and postcolonial nationalism. (WSJ)

In other words, science is not a rigorous subject based on mathematics and physics but rather it’s based on how society feels about the subject. Would we really have quantum computing if our scientists and engineers believed this stu ? What is a feminist framework and how will it help someone understand how atoms work?

Rice University o ers a course called Afrochemistry: The Study of Black-Life Matter in which students will apply chemical tools and

■ See LETTERS, page A5

Dictatorship in the making: How different is the U.S.?

in the United States?

Perhaps the only di erence between Russia and the United States is we still have some semblance of a judicial system. But what’s left of our judicial system would be abolished if the left were able, especially if they could disarm the people.

Look at what happened in Russia.

Leading opposition against long-running Russian dictator Vladimir Putin (since 1999), alleged anti-corruptionist Alexei Navalny died at age 47 in a Siberian prison, where Amnesty International declared him to be a political prisoner. Navalny was a lawyer and a political force in Russia, where he had been pursued by the Putin government, first convicted of trumped-up embezzlement charges and later imprisoned on more ridiculous trumped-up charges. A few years ago Navalny was also the victim of a poisoning attempt allegedly by the Russian government.

Navalny was imprisoned and then murdered in a Russian jail. Can you also say Je rey Epstein? That’s what happens in non-democratic dictatorships. People have no rights.

Who controls the reins of power

Certainly not Joe Biden. Leftists behind the White House curtains are pulling the puppet strings. Sometimes, especially more recently, the strings that control the mouth of Biden seem to freeze, the president openmouthed mid-sentence as he blankly stares at his audience. It’s truly amazing that some people refuse to see what is happening in front of their eyes and ears.

But let’s get to the parallels — comparing Donald Trump to Alexei Navalny. There is little question Navalny was a political prisoner who received a death sentence. It happens in dictatorships and leftists/strongarm governments all over the world. Remember the Russian opposition general who recently died in a plane crash in yet another elimination of opposition?

This year, in a certainly biased New York courtroom, Donald Trump was slammed with a $454 million judgment for allegedly overvaluing properties in obtaining real estate loans. No lender lost a dime, all loans were paid as agreed and the sophisticated lenders (mostly major

The object here is the breaking and jailing of the 45th president of the United States by methods used in dictatorships — steal their wealth, jail your opponents, etc.

banks) all did their own due diligence of the subject properties upon which loans were made.

Perhaps the most egregious ruling by the judge was the value of Mara-Lago, which has been valued by experts anywhere from $300 million to over $1billion. But the “judge” used the local property tax assessor’s value of $18 million. That value of $18 million will be the judge’s undoing. It is obvious the judge should be removed from o ce. Justice is required to be blind. But the judge hated the defendant as much as Attorney General Letitia James, who campaigned for o ce on the platform of “getting” Donald Trump. The object here is the breaking and jailing of the 45th president of the United States by methods used in dictatorships — steal their wealth, jail your opponents, etc. Biden and the leftists claim Trump is a threat to democracy as the left abolishes the constitutional rights of a fair trial, to be judged by your peers, the right to confront and cross examine witnesses and the Eighth Amendment, imposing excessive fines (see SCOTUS case

Timbs v. Indiana).

There are no less than four cases filed by the federal Justice Department and others to imprison the former president. It has never happened before in this country — the country of blind, equal justice. Not anymore.

In Fulton County, Georgia, District Attorney Fani Willis filed an indictment against the former president by an obviously biased grand jury, a system that should be abolished as it is said a grand jury can indict a ham sandwich. Now the tables have turned as the DA hired her lover, an attorney who made his living from personal injury cases, as the criminal specialist to lead the complex criminal case against Trump and 19 others. The DA’s lover had never tried a criminal case other than possibly a tra c ticket.

This is a DA who campaigned on the issue of not “fraternizing” with employees and yet she was having a full-blown a air with this “employee.” She has paid him a total of $654,000

■ See WEITZMAN, page A5

LARY WEITZMAN

JON COUPAL

Coupal Continued from A4

according to the Legislature itself, is to “provide crucial oversight to ensure effective implementation of programs.”

But according to CalMatters, “more than 70% of the 1,118 reports due in the past year were not submitted to the Office of Legislative Counsel, the public repository for the reports . . . And about half of those that were filed were late. (About 230 were reports required from multiple agencies.)”

The absence of reports on the efficacy of past legislation makes future legislation like a journey into the unknown. CalMatters correctly contends the “reports could be used to avoid introducing duplicative or unnecessary bills.” But a more fundamental purpose would be to determine which laws or programs should simply be repealed or abandoned entirely.

Compounding the problem of missing reports is that there is little data about which reports are simply late and that there is little notice when they are completed. The lack of a coherent process for tracking legislatively mandated reports is why, according to CalMatters, “some lawmakers and consultants . . . don’t often use the [Legislative Counsel] website,” relying instead on alternative sources of information.

In theory, California has multiple avenues for conducting oversight. The California State Auditor’s Office produces a number of useful reports, including a periodic report on “statewide issues and state agencies that represent a high risk to the State or its residents.”

The Legislature’s own Joint Legislative Audit Committee, known as JLAC, is supposed to conduct periodic reviews, but its activity in recent years has

been limited. District attorneys and grand juries at the local level generally don’t have the resources to engage in deep dives as to what programs are performing well and which are not. (Although it should be noted that several county district attorneys began blowing the whistle on the extent of EDD fraud long before the state ever took action.)

The real problem with the oversight, performance reviews, and audits, is that, frankly, they’re not sexy. Robust oversight rarely provides an opportunity for a press conference or photo-op as does the launching of some new program.

But sexy or not, scrutiny of whether existing programs are performing as intended should be high on the list of ways to get more bang for each taxpayer buck. Especially when California is $73 billion in the hole.

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

Weitzman Continued from A4

so far in fees and he took her on no less than six luxury vacations.

And Trump is the one on trial? Willis should be on trial for fraud and embezzlement and the state of Georgia should be on the hook for malicious prosecution of these 19 defendants for tens of millions of dollars, so it never happens again.

Remember what Stalin said: “It’s not he who votes that counts; it’s he who counts the votes.”

Larry Weitzman is a former El Dorado County resident.

Letters Continued from A4

analysis to understand Black life in the U.S. Students will implement African-American sensibilities to analyze chemistry. The course catalog notes that no prior knowledge of chemistry or African-American studies is required for engagement in this course.

(WSJ)

Can we really understand Black life in America through chemistry? This is nonsense and our college students are being inundated with this garbage.

It gets even crazier.

President Joe Biden has established the Council on Environmental Quality to make sure federal agencies recognize indigenous knowledge in federal research, policy and decision making. CEQ Chair Brenda Mallory said, “As the original stewards of the natural environment, tribes and indigenous communities have expertise critical to finding solutions to the climate crisis and protecting our nation’s ecosystems.”

This letter is not meant to denigrate indigenous people but this is crazy. Nobel Prizes in the sciences are awarded for scientific achievements that advance our knowledge of the universe. It doesn’t matter how you feel about social issues. What particular expertise in physics do indigenous communities have?

We are racing back into the dark ages. People that believe this idiocy are making policies that ban gas stoves and gasoline cars. Civilizations have collapsed before but never because of the outright stupidity of their leaders like we are seeing today.

DARWIN THRONE

El Dorado Hills

Crossword

Announcements

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

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

AMERICAN LEGION POST 119

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

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 916-7684452 for more information. Gold Country Cribbers play Wednesday afternoon 4:30 pm at Moni Gilmore Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762

Struggling with life? CELEBRATE RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/

DEMOCRATS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–

Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Call (530)391-6414 or see edcdems.org for more information.

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

HANGTOWN WOMEN’S TENNIS

CLUB. Come play tennis for fun and friendship. Meet at El Dorado High School, Acacia Street, Placerville, Wed 9 AM – 11 AM. (June - Aug 8 AM –10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Cindy 805-540-8654.

MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant on Fair Lane in Placerville at 10:00 am. For more information, call (530) 622-1180.

Addiction or Relationship problem? Call 530 231-7728 our free counseling can help you.

Positive Realism, 3430 Robin Ln., Cameron Park. Meet first and third Wednesday of every month, 7pm.

SENIOR PEER COUNSELING

Seniors 55 and over who are grieving, depressed or having issues related to aging can meet one-on-one with a caring senior, professionally supervised and trained to listen and encourage. Call (530)621-6304 to leave a message and get started.

TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION OF EL DORADO COUNTY

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

Malachi Parker Staff writer

D’backs notch 30 wins Yergensen’s 21 creeps Trojans by Crusaders

A 34-point night by senior guard Nate Sweet gave Union Mine a 66-46 victory Thursday over the Foothill Cougars, notching win No. 30 on the year for the Diamondbacks as the team plays its way through the state playoffs.

Although it was a big victory for the Diamondbacks, the game was not put away until the fourth quarter.

Concluding his superior scoring night, Sweet tucked the Cougars into bed, scoring half of his points in the final quarter. A great bounce-back game for the Diamondbacks’ top scorer after only scoring 10 points Feb. 27 in their first-round matchup against University Prep.

The hot shooting for the Diamondbacks showed in this second round of state playoffs, as five different players hit 3-pointers.

“We are so good at not panicking when a team denies Nate,” Union Mine head coach Ryan Williams said. “We score in so many different ways and we do a really good job of doing what we do.” Union Mine is headed to the regional semifinals. Due to an upset elsewhere in the bracket, the Diamondbacks were scheduled to host Palo Alto (20-8) Saturday, March 2.

“Prove them wrong,” Williams said. “It feels amazing to watch them achieve what nobody

Test scores Continued from A1

lockdowns and distance learning had occurred — the 2019-20 school years’ test was scrapped due to COVID-19 restrictions in the early days of the pandemic. The picture painted by the 2020-21 scores was far from encouraging, with both state and county math scores dropping by close to 6%. Scores in the ELA section proved more resilient, with a comparatively minor drop of about 2% at both the county and state level.

Though math scores saw the bigger initial drop, a concerning trend has made itself apparent in following years’ scores. While state and county math scores continue to stay around 6% lower than their pre-pandemic levels, ELA scores have declined

thought they would. They grind and grind and they are hungry.”

The Diamondbacks’ season continues and although 30 wins are nice, they have their eyes on something much larger.

“Thirty wins was never a goal until we got close to it,” Sweet said. “The goal is to bring our families and friends to Golden 1 for that state championship.”

The Diamondbacks are two wins away from punching their ticket to Golden 1.

The Oak Ridge Trojans girls basketball team defended home court Thursday as they defeated the Archbishop Riordan Crusaders 60-51.

The Trojans have had home court advantage the first two rounds of the state playoffs, and have seen success with a 12-point win in the first round followed by the 9-point win Thursday night.

Oak Ridge was led by junior guard Liv Yergensen, who tallied 21 points against the visitors from San Francisco as she continues to be a steady dose of offense for the Trojans. Senior guard Jessica Crannell poured in 14 of her own points.

“She’s worked very hard at her game, has a great motor and can play at a high level for 32 minutes,” Oak Ridge head coach Steve White said. “Jess, as the lone senior, is playing to make sure her season doesn’t end.”

The Trojans have a talented group that can score against the best of them on any given night. White attributes a great portion of the team’s success to rebounding and the team’s ability to control the glass.

“We are getting great rebounding

year after year. In 2023, county and state scores in English both came in around 5% lower than their pre-pandemic high. Though the county continues to outperform the state, the gap is narrowing slightly as the state makes incremental gains in scores that local schools have not mirrored.

The nationwide backslide in math and English proficiency has been significant; National Assessment of Educational Progress tests have been tracking student performance since the 1970s, and English aptitude scores fell by the largest margin in over three decades in the year following lockdowns. Though the scores have fallen across almost all demographic groups, according to a 2022 New York Times article, lower-performing students’ math scores dropped four times farther than their top-achieving peers’. 2022 NAEP data indicated California’s scores showed less of a decline than the national average in mathematics and fourth grade reading, and that the state had not seen a decline in eighth grade reading levels at all.

A report from researchers at Stanford and Harvard

efforts from Kendra Alameda, Hailey Harris and Leah Harris.”

The Trojans were next set to travel to Oakland Saturday, March 2, to play the No. 2 seed Bishop O’Dowd Dragons.

The Dragons won both of their previous matchups by a wide margin so the Trojans expected to have their work cut out for them, with a chance to play in the regional finals on the line.

indicate lower-income students have been hit the hardest by learning loss; in California, low-income students scored 32 points lower than the average student for state standards in math for 2023. The Department of Education indicated there has been a shift in student demographics in recent years, with an increase in the number of students with greater needs, and a 3% jump in students from economically disadvantaged homes in one year — 60% in 2022 and 63% in 2023. California has financially prioritized improving education in recent years; in addition to billions of dollars from federal COVID-19 recovery funds, the state also provided billions through grants. The Department of Education explains the 2022 Learning Recovery Emergency Block Grant will bring $7.9 billion to schools for learning acceleration initiatives through 2028, and an additional $3.6 billion has been made available through the Arts, Music and Instructional Materials Discretionary Block Grant.

Malachi Parker Staff writer

Mountain Democrat file photo by Malachi Parker

Senior guard Ethan Gines comes off a Nate Sweet screen as the D’backs battled Natomas last month in their run for a section title. The two teams are on a crash course to potentially meet again in the state playoffs.

Mountain Democrat file photo by Malachi Parker Oak Ridge junior guard Ella Cottrell goes up for a layup in a game earlier this season against Antelope.

The

Joan Geel Placerville Shakespeare Club

On Sunday, March 10, Placerville Shakespeare Club will present for the community the annual Authors’ Day featuring author presentations, question & answer period, book sales, book signings, door prizes and light refreshments.

Authors appearing: Lexa M. Mack, author of the thriller/ mystery “Legacy of Lies”; Frank Nissen, author of “Fortune’s Call,” a Gold Rush odyssey; Karen A. Phillips, author of the cozy mystery “A Deadly Combo”; Jamie Susslin, author of “The Life and Crazy Times of Cool Hand Luke – A Bidography”; and Julie Tully, author of “Dispatches from the Cowgirl,” a memoir through the looking glass with a Navy diplomat’s wife.

This year’s authors are sure to present a varied and interesting program for all readers to enjoy. The doors will open at noon with the program beginning at 1 p.m. at the Placerville Shakespeare

Clubhouse, 2940 Bedford Ave. Tickets are $15 per person. All event proceeds will fund scholarships for local students. For tickets call (916) 8020186 or (602) 826-7317 or purchase them at the door.

The Placerville Shakespeare Club was established in May 1897 and continues to be a gathering place for women in the community. For more information visit placervilleshakespeare.com.

It’s wine time at the El Dorado County Fair

Suzanne Wright El Dorado County Fair & Events Center

This year marks the 35th annual El Dorado County Fair Open Wine Competition.

Held in El Dorado County wine country and open to all commercial wineries, the competition takes place Friday, March 22, at the El Dorado County Fair & Event Center. Fair o cials and judges celebrate the artistry and craftsmanship of winemaking, providing a platform for wineries to shine.

“We are excited to bring together wineries from across the country to compete and celebrate the diversity and quality of wines being produced,” said Kathy Dunkak, CEO of the Fair Association. “This event is not only a chance for wineries to showcase their talents, but also an opportunity to gain local recognition during the fair (and compete for our Back Room Gold Award).”

unique to the competition, the coveted Back Room Gold Award.

More than 30 prestigious experts from around the country come together to judge these wines each year. Each panel consists of one judge from each industry: Education (winemaker, enologist, professor), Media (newspaper, blog, radio) and Wine Sales (Restaurant, Retail, Hospitality). Winners are recognized across various categories plus,

During the competition the backroom volunteers choose wines for the Back Room blind tasting based on how they (the public) would choose wine in the store: a varietal they enjoy, the viticulture area it comes from, a winery they have heard of, it was recommended and, for some, the label.

Following sweepstakes, a special crew sets up three blind judging panels — one White, one Zinfandel and one Red; judges separate out the Zins, as the competition gets so many. The wines are then judged by the Back Room sta and

awarded points. A Back Room Gold Trophy is awarded to each category, giving bragging rights to wineries. It is much coveted as it is basically a People’s Choice Award.

Wineries interested in participating in the competition are encouraged to bring their best. Entry deadline is March 11 and all wines must be submitted by that date.

For more information call the fair o ce at (530) 621-5860 or email fair@ eldoradocountyfair.org. More information and entry forms may be found on the website at eldoradocountyfair.org/ commercial-wine.html.

LEXA M. MACK FRANK NISSEN

KAREN A. PHILLIPS

Mountain Democrat le photo by Odin Rasco Brian Miller swirls a glass, allowing him to better judge the wine by releasing its aroma while also getting a sense of the coloration and legs of the drink. More than just taste alone, wines are judged on a matrix of qualities.

crossing with unprecedented frequency, it’s crucial to remember that throughout its history New Orleans has been the point at which sounds and cultures from around the world converge, mingle and resurface, transformed

by the Crescent City’s inimitable spirit and joie de vivre.

Nowhere is that idea more vividly embodied than in the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, which has held the torch of New Orleans music aloft for more than 60 years, all the while carrying it enthusiastically forward as a reminder that the history they were founded to preserve is a vibrantly living history. see the band live at Harris Center for the Arts on

Monday, March 11.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band marches that tradition forward once again on “So It Is.” The album redefines what New Orleans music means today by tapping into a sonic continuum that stretches back to the city’s Afro-Cuban roots,

through its common ancestry with the Afrobeat of Fela Kuti and the Fire Music of Pharoah Sanders and John Coltrane, and forward to cutting-edge artists with whom the PHJB has shared festival stages from Coachella to Newport, including legends like Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello and the Grateful Dead plus modern giants like Beck, The Foo Fighters, My Morning Jacket and the Black Keys. Preservation Hall Jazz Band takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 11, at Harris Center for the Arts on the Folsom Lake College campus, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit HarrisCenter.net.

Know Continued from B1

El Dorado County region, 2-4 p.m. at Hidden Star Orchards in Camino. Register on Eventbrite.com.

The Shingle Springs-Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce hosts a mixer, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Kniesel’s Collision, 4031 West Chaparral Drive in Shingle Springs.

The El Dorado Union High School District hosts the annual Career Expo, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Union Mine High School, 6530 Koki Lane in El Dorado. This event is intended for high schoolers and young adults searching for career inspiration. Along with the many industry leaders that will be exhibiting the fascinating work they do in the community, there will also be a job fair where attendees have the opportunity to be interviewed and hired on the spot.

Quattlebaum featuring James Rossi will perform at 7 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Oak Ridge High School Drama presents “Murder on the Orient Express,” March 7-9 and March 14-16 at the high school theater in El Dorado Hills. For tickets and more information visit ortab.org/ services-7-1.

Youth Art Month takes over Switchboard Gallery in downtown Placerville. Check out El Dorado High School student artists’ works March 7-31.

The Mills Station Arts & Culture Center in Rancho Cordova presents Fire, Fury and Resilience, socially conscience work of Betty LaDuke, March 7-23. For more information visit rcmacc.org.

March 8

Sugarplum The Band will perform at 5 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.

Last Five Standing will perform at the American Legion Post 119, 4561 Greenstone Road in Placerville, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dinner is available. For more information call (530) 626-3956.

Ashley Jaguar, Shower Breakfast and Jazzé will perform at 7 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

See Trailblazing Women of Country: A Tribute to Patsy, Loretta and Dolly at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

Altan will perform at The Sofia in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

March 9

Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts

What Is IPM?, 9 a.m. to noon at the Bethell-Delfino

Ag Building Conference Room, 311 Fair Lane in Placerville. Want to solve your pest problems in the garden using methods that lessen risks to people and the environment? Are you interested in less toxic pest management? Join Master Gardeners for a presentation on Integrated Pest Management, an ecosystem-based approach to solving garden pest problems using a combination of techniques. Register at surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.

cfm?surveynumber=41976.

Explore what life would have been like in Coloma during 1850 at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Docents will have demonstrations set up to show the park visitors different hands-on demonstrations and crafts that people did during the California Gold Rush.

Mediterranean Vineyards in the Fair Play area hosts a Paint ’n’ Sip class with Vanda. For more information email info@medivineyards.com.

Uncommon Ground will perform at 4 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.

Thrive presents Back the Badge, a rustic gala.

Doors open at 5 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. Tickets are available online at heartbehindthebadge. eventbrite.com.

Katie Knipp and Matt Rainey will perform at 7 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

The Pops Chorale and Orchestra presents Big Band Pops March 9 & 10 at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

Sutter Creek Theatre presents Ramblin’ Jack Elliott at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheatre.com.

Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera presents

Pictures at an Exhibition with conductor Ari Pelto 7:30 p.m. at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center in Sacramento. For tickets and more information visit sacphilopera.org.

Sutter Street Theatre presents “The Lightning Thief,” March 9 through April 7. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

March 10

Music on the Divide presents Tom Rigney & Flambeau, 3 p.m. at the IOOF Hall in Georgetown. For tickets and more information visit musiconthedivide.org.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your energy is like a rechargeable battery. It will deplete if you use it, and it will deplete if you don’t -- so use it, then recharge. Even seemingly silly pursuits will turn out to be worthy.

be detected by the prisoner. You want to live brave and free. You’ll hurl yourself at the edges of what you know. If you find bars there, you’ll look for keys to unlock them.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The mind doesn’t stop to test or theorize. Once a thing is believed, the perceived world automatically organizes around that belief, which becomes like sheet music that the world plays its song to.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). As a player in the drama, you can only see a small part of it. The audience gets the whole story. To really understand what you’re dealing with, leave the action and get a perspective from the balcony seats.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’ll benefit from a less literal approach to life. Suggestions aren’t meant to be followed to the letter. Use them as guidelines to get you to the general area where you can make your own determinations about how to complete the mission.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The quiet moments will be the contrast you need to process the rush and blur of life. Schedule time to stop. If you don’t plan it, you won’t experience it. The pauses are what give purpose to the rest.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’ll be an effective advocate who brings about justice for another. You’ll love how things change when you get involved, and it will feel good to know that your attention and investment make a difference.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’ll devote yourself to giving your all to the work at hand. Even so, try not to be overly concerned about getting a particular result. By simply doing your best, something entirely different and better could come of this.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). When you buy tickets to the circus, you expect that you will, at some point, be interacting with clowns. They don’t always seem like they are trying to make you laugh, but finding humor makes everything seem better.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Waste no focus on those who don’t treat you right or can’t figure out what to do with your contributions. Plenty of people need exactly what you can give. You’ll find them when you stop tending to people who are not them.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). After you’ve said and done what you needed to say and do, you’ll do more, and this is what matters. “More” moves the needle. “More” evokes feeling, attracts attention, has people pulling out phones, wallets and invitations.

Sacramento Baroque Soloists

March 13

Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts Back To Basics, 9

Freelance Reporters Wanted

Like writing?

Have journalism experience?

Enjoy photography?

Email resume and writing samples to Krysten Kellum at kkellum@mtdemocrat.net.

at the Cameron Park Community Center. Are you brand new to gardening, but have a burning desire to learn proper practices? Have you had some gardening experience, but not much success achieving healthy plants? Plan to attend MG Sheri Burke’s free public education class.

March 15

The Sierra Renaissance Society presents Medicine in the News, a presentation by Ted Christy, M.D., 1-2:30 p.m. at the Mother Lode Lions Hall, 4701 Missouri Flat Road. Admission free for members; public invited to attend two meetings for free. The Sierra Renaissance Society of El Dorado County is dedicated to lifelong learning and hosts presentations and workshops throughout the year. For more information visit srsedc.org.

EDH students explore biomes

Noel Stack Managing Editor

Marble Valley Academy students recently transformed their classrooms into blistering deserts, sweltering rainforests and more as part of learning about Earth’s biomes.

The hands-on lessons conclude with student presentations during which they share information with other students — some choosing to dress up as a specific animal that lives within their class biome and sharing facts about the creature.

Way down in the abyss, sixthgraders dove into the unknown and surfaced with some interesting facts.

“Blobfish are the most dominant animal,” said student Henry Fogarty.

“They are apex predators.”

“The ocean is really deep and

you find so much in there,” added classmate Rubi Montenegro.

For more than 20 years the El Dorado Hills private school has engaged students’ curiosity about biomes using this method. Each biome is pre-assigned to a specific class, with the exception of eighth grade. Those students get to select their own — choosing one year to study the bottom of the Atlantic where the Titanic rests and another year an archaeological site from Indiana Jones.

“The kids retain the information so much better if they get to build it, see it,” shared Melissa Crangle, MVA executive director, adding that the student presentations help build confidence.

For more information about MVA visit mva-edh.org.

Friday April 26, 2024

Friday April 1, 2022

El Dorado County Fair & Event Center

100 Placerville Dr., Placerville

El Dorado County Fair & 5:00 – 9:00 pm

The 8th Annual Stand Up For MORE Comedy Night will be in partnership with the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce to o er wonderful entertainment along with a delicious meal catered by John Sanders. Shake o the stress of the week with this hilarious, fundraising showcase.

Our Headliner, the hilarious Dennis Blair, who has been described as a Renaissance man. He is an accomplished screenwriter, award-winning songwriter, and comedic actor. Yet he is probably best known for the caustic observations and musical satires of his live comedy performances. Also featured is the amazingly talented Derrick Leonard, whose laser-sharp humor will have you in stitches!

Admission: $60 per person; $100 per couple

Tickets available at: MORE, 399 Placerville Drive Online at: www.morerehab.org

Mountain Democrat photos by Noel Stack

Chloe, 8, above, shares facts about the panther inside her classroom’s rainforest biome at Marble

Valley Academy in El Dorado Hills.

Students Mila Jones, 10, left, and Benny Poort, 10, pose with some of the critters they and classmates created for the desert biome.