Mountain Democrat, Friday, March 8, 2024

“My sister, my best friend, was taken from this world far too soon, by another person showing me just how cruel people can be.”

— Heather Humlick, sister of murder victim Tina Humlick

1211 7-inch blade, Michael Thompson, 43, returned to court March 4 for sentencing. His guilty plea came as part of a deal o ered by the El Dorado County District Attorney’s O ce that set Thompson’s minimum sentence at 16 years in prison — 15 years for murder and an additional year for the special allegation of using a deadly weapon.

DECISION 2024

Some in El Dorado County Superior Court Department 2 were unhappy with the minimum sentence, with one person saying, “That isn’t enough” as the sentence was read by Judge Mark Ralphs.

Ralphs agreed with the sentiments of that onlooker, expressing his opinion on the matter while handing down the sentence.

District 3 supervisor race shows Veerkamp ahead

Sta writer

As votes continue to be counted, preliminary results show Brian Veerkamp in the lead for the District 3 Board of Supervisors seat.

As of press time, 8,270 ballots had been counted in the race, approximately 30% of the district’s registered voters.

Of those figures Veerkamp earned 4,016 votes, more than 52%.

El Dorado County Elections

Department o cials expect an updated ballot count to be released Friday.

Veerkamp is looking to retake his former post and was challenged by current District 3 Planning Commissioner Lexi Boeger, commercial helicopter pilot Gary Martin and transportation and land surveying specialist Brian DeBerry. A candidate needs more than 50% of the vote to avoid a runo election

“The court will follow the terms of the plea agreement,” Ralphs said. “If I could, I would give the defendant more time, but I cannot.”

Responding to a stabbing reported to the El

■ See SENTENCING, page A7

Ferrero takes firm lead in District 1 contest

Odin Rasco

Sta writer

Early vote counts from Tuesday’s election indicate a strong and likely insurmountable lead for Greg Ferrero in the race for the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors District 1 seat.

As of press time Ferrero, a former California Highway Patrol captain and local business owner, had 63.59% of counted votes. Margaret Fortune’s fortune may have run dry in the race,

Turnboo garners

Eric Jaramishian Sta writer

On election night District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo found himself with a notable lead in his campaign to retain his seat.

As the El Dorado County Elections Department rolled out its first ballot tally of the March primary, Turnboo had 54.84% of the district’s votes cast.

The Elections Department continues to process ballots and as of press time his lead held. Out of the 8,270 ballots cast Turnboo grabbed 4,511 votes, followed by Kevin McCarty with 2,259 and Chris

with just shy of 30% of votes going her way while Linda Campbell trails behind in third place with 7.43% of the vote. All three are vying for the seat left open by current Supervisor John Hidahl, who has hit his term limit. District 1 covers the majority of El Dorado Hills.

Ferrero held an election night gathering at El Dorado Saloon in El Dorado Hills, where guests quickly packed the space, waiting to see

54% of District 2 vote

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

3 Supervisor candidate Brian Veerkamp, left, talks with supporters during his election night party at Wally’s Pizza Bar in Cameron Park.

Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco

District 1 Supervisor hopeful Greg Ferrero is joined by friends and supporters for a private election party that quickly packed a portion of El Dorado Saloon in El Dorado Hills Tuesday night. Ferrero

Tyra’s

California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control

News release

A South Lake Tahoe business, Mi Pueblo Market, had its ABC license temporarily suspended after selling to a minor decoy in November 2023. The South Lake Tahoe Police Department, along with agents of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, previously conducted a minor decoy operation in which a clerk at the business sold to a minor decoy. As a result, ABC took administrative action and issued a 15-day suspension of the market’s license.

The clerk who sold to the minor, if convicted, faces a minimum fine of $250, and 24 to 32 hours of community service for a first violation.

Mi Pueblo Market is located at

The following information was taken from Placerville Police reports:

Feb. 18

3:20 a.m. Officers booked into jail a 64-year-old man suspected of possession of illegal drug paraphernalia and a parole violation on Broadway. He was listed in custody.

7:51 p.m. Officers booked into jail a 58-year-old man suspected of a probation violation and possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia on Fair Lane. He was listed in custody in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Feb. 19

7:39 a.m. Petty theft was reported at a business on Placerville Drive.

7:05 p.m. Burglary was reported on Mosquito Road.

10:07 p.m. Officers booked into jail a 20-year-old man suspected of DUI on Main Street. He was later released.

Feb. 20

2:44 a.m. Officers booked into jail a 38-year-old woman suspected of being under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia on New Jersey Way. She was later released.

12:02 p.m. Officers booked into jail a 37-year-old man suspected of a probation violation on Broadway. He was released on $2,000 bail.

Feb. 21

12:14 a.m. Officers booked into jail a 44-year-old man suspected of possession of illegal drug paraphernalia and a probation violation on Briw Road. He was listed in custody.

8:42 a.m. Grand theft was reported at a store on Broadway.

9:13 a.m. Officers booked into jail a 35-year-old man suspected of a parole violation Spring Street. He was listed

attorneys Derek Cole and Elizabeth Fratarcangeli will provide the bulk of the district’s legal services under the interim agreement,” states the EDHCSD press release. “Both are experienced municipal attorneys who work with special district and city clients and will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to this crucial role,” the release continues, adding that the attorneys “will be integral in

3885 Pioneer Trail. Statistics have shown young people under the age of 21 have a much higher risk of being involved in a crash than older drivers.

About 25% of fatal crashes involve underage drinking, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Minor decoy operations have been conducted by local law enforcement throughout the state since the 1980s. When the program first began, the violation rate of retail establishments selling to minors was as high as 40-50%. When conducted on a routine basis, the rate has dropped to below 10% in some cities. In 1994 the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously that use of minor decoys is a valid legal tool of law enforcement to make sure that licensees are complying with the law.

in custody.

10:35 a.m. Vandalism was reported at an eatery on Main Street.

Feb. 22

3:31 p.m. Officers booked into jail a 43-year-old man suspected of identity theft, appropriating lost property, possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia, displaying false vehicle registration and possession of a controlled substance for sale on Placerville Drive. He was listed in custody in lieu of $240,000 bail.

Feb. 23

1:33 a.m. Officers booked into jail a 38-year-old woman suspected of shoplifting on Broadway. She was released on $5,000 bail.

11:06 a.m. Petty theft was reported at the library on Fair Lane.

Feb. 24

2:09 a.m. Officers booked into jail a 65-year-old man suspected of DUI on Bedford Avenue. He was later released.

9:18 a.m. Burglary was reported at a church on Thompson Way.

2:25 p.m. Burglary was reported on Broadway.

Feb. 25

8:48 a.m. Burglary was reported on Green Valley Road.

4:20 p.m. Burglary was reported at a business on Sacramento Street.

Feb. 26

9:06 a.m. Vandalism was reported at a business on Broadway.

9:25 p.m. Petty theft was reported on Main Street.

9:30 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a business on Forni Road.

5:22 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a store on Placerville Drive.

Feb. 27

navigating this complex legal landscape while also supporting the district’s vision, mission and core values.”

KMTG has provided general legal counsel to the district for the last 10 years and, the release notes, “may continue to provide assistance on existing litigation, land negotiation and CC&R advisement services while the district conducts the search for a new firm.”

The EDHCSD will issue a request for proposals for new, permanent legal counsel.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from ABC through the department’s Alcohol Policing Partnership program.

The California Department of Alcoholic

Saturday, March 9. The operation aims to reduce youth access to alcohol and send a clear message that adults should not purchase or supply alcohol to persons younger than 21.

This collaborative effort between ABC and local law enforcement agencies highlights the importance of community responsibility in preventing youth access to alcohol.

4:46 a.m. Officers booked into jail a 48-year-old man suspected of vandalism on Main Street. He was listed in custody in lieu of $2,000 bail.

11:35 p.m. Burglary was reported on Camp Nauvoo Road.

Feb. 28

2:02 a.m. Officers booked into jail a 42-year-old man suspected of a probation violation on Fair Lane. He was listed in custody in lieu of $5,000 bail.

6:55 a.m. Officers booked into jail a 44-year-old man suspected of probation violations, carrying a

concealed dirk./dagger and possession of illegal drug paraphernalia on Main Street. He was listed in custody in lieu of $25,000 bail.

7:40 p.m. Battery was reported at a facility on Spring Street.

11:58 p.m. Officers booked into jail a 34-year-old man suspected of probation violations on Cold Springs Road. He was listed in custody.

Feb. 29

9:35 a.m. Officers booked into jail a 33-year-old woman suspected of possession of a controlled substance for sale and other drug-related offenses on Broadway. She was released on $22,000 bail.

El Dorado County Superior Court News release

The

Friel will be based in the Cameron

Tahoe Daily Tribune staff

The skimmer was found by a 7/11 customer and South Lake Tahoe local, who removed the device and reported it to the South Lake Tahoe Police Department.

Police were given a list of transactions that took place at the location and have been reaching out to customers to determine if there has

Park courthouse but will serve in all courts in El Dorado County. He will specialize in cases involving civil case management and mandatory settlement conferences, unlawful detainers, small claims, the Department of Child Support Services, domestic violence and civil harassment restraining orders, family law, traffic and juvenile infractions, as well as overflow matters as assigned

by the presiding judge. Friel was most recently employed as the director of Family Court Services and Self Help at the court, where he assisted unrepresented litigants in family law, small claims, probate and unlawful detainers. Friel has served in this role since 2017. Additionally, he has acted as a judge pro tem in civil case management and mandatory settlement conferences, small claims

and traffic. Prior to his employment with the court, he worked as a contract attorney at Lake County Superior Court from 2015-17. Additionally, he worked as an attorney practicing in various areas of the law from 19932013 and as a professor at Yuba Community College instructing English and political science courses from 1994-2015.

been fraud, according to SLTPD Sgt. Nick Carlquist.

There isn’t a definitive time frame for when the skimmer was placed but investigating officers estimate it could been placed Feb. 26 or Feb. 27.

The department also checked surrounding businesses and other 7/11 locations in town to ensure no other skimmers were placed.

Anyone with information or who has become a victim of fraud in the past few days is asked to call SLTPD at (530) 542-6100.

This credit card skimmer found at a South Lake Tahoe 7/11.

FBI Teen Academy in Roseville taking applications

Federal Bureau of Investigation

News release

SACRAMENTO – The Federal Bureau of Investigation Sacramento Field Office encourages all high school juniors within the office’s 34-county area of responsibility to apply to attend the FBI Teen Academy held at the field office’s headquarters in Roseville.

All high school juniors, including those enrolled in public, private, charter or home school may apply by the Friday, March 22, deadline to be considered for the program.

The spring 2024 FBI Teen Academy is a single-day program held Friday, April 19, at the FBI Sacramento Field Office headquarters. Students chosen to attend the academy spend an informative, interactive day learning about the FBI’s investigative priorities, participating in unique, interactive experiences and engaging directly with FBI personnel.

Graduates of the course are more aware of threats their communities face, challenges presented by the online environment and the personal choices that can affect their future

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

candidate Lexi Boeger speaks to her supporters gathered at Rocker Oysterfeller’s in Placerville Tuesday night to watch election results roll in.

“The billion-dollar question is whether it will be enough to get over the hump tonight versus having to go to November,” Veerkamp told the Mountain Democrat during his election night party at Wally’s Pizza Bar in Cameron Park. “With four candidates, that can be tough to do. I spend a lot of time in the community and almost everyday is a campaign to some degree between the different boards that I sit on, but it will depend on voter turnout. I am hoping for the best.”

The previously termed-out supervisor, who also has a storied career in the emergency services field and has taken on different board positions for county agencies, was 1,628 votes ahead of runner-up Boeger as of press time.

According to the latest information from the El Dorado County Elections Department, Boeger has more than 31% of the vote. At Boeger’s election night party held at Rocker Oysterfeller’s in Placerville she was hopeful as more votes come in that if she cannot outright beat Veerkamp, she will be able to take him into a November runoff.

“I feel calm, I feel confident and above all grateful to see all the support,” Boeger said. “No matter what happens, getting to hear from people what their vision is for the future is encouraging.”

As a supervisor, Boeger’s priorities

would be addressing topics such as fire safety and fire insurance as well as housing and homelessness issues, all while looking into help fixing “dysfunctional” county processes.

“(These county processes) need to start working because they are not working for the people right now,” Boeger said. “Like the permitting process or receiving mental health services, critical things that people have a right to be able to be supported by, and our own failures are why people are not benefiting from those things.”

If the election goes his way, Veerkamp’s first priority will be to address public safety.

“There are a lot of things happening in the world today that are going to have a long-reaching effect on us here locally,” Veerkamp said. “Public safety, (any organization) that has to do with public safety, public health — I want to make sure we are all in good shape in those areas.”

Veerkamp said he would also prioritize infrastructure and make responsible budget decisions for the county.

“I thank all who voted for me,” Veerkamp said. “It is about serving them and hopefully they see what (the past boards I participated in) did for eight years, the things EID did for the last four and the different foundations I serve on now,” Veerkamp said. “It’s all about trying to make our county a better place and hopefully people recognize that, which I think they do and appreciate.”

As of press time the El

Dorado

careers, better preparing them to mentor their peers.

Interested students must download the spring 2024 FBI Teen Academy application from the FBI Sacramento Field Office’s community outreach web page at fbi.gov/contact-us/ field-offices/sacramento/communityoutreach, complete and obtain signatures on all form and complete an essay as directed in application instructions.

Completed application packages must arrive at FBI Sacramento Field Office Headquarters by 4 p.m. Friday, March 22. Families do not incur

any fees for the class, meals and refreshments during the FBI Teen Academy. If travel is necessary to attend the class, families must cover personal expenses necessary to attend.

The FBI Sacramento Field Office serves 34 of California’s 58 counties: Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Lassen, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Modoc, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Tulare, Tuolumne, Trinity, Yolo and Yuba.

damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood ow to the nerves in the hands and feet. If not properly treated this lack of blood ow may cause the nerves to degenerate. As you can see in Figure 1, as the blood vessels surrounding the nerves become diseased they shrink and shrivel. This process hastens the ow of vital nutrients to the nerves required to remain healthy. When these nerves begin to “die” it could lead to balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling and burning symptoms in the hands and feet.

In order to effectively treat your neuropathy 3 factors must be determined.

What is the underlying cause? 1 How much nerve damage has been sustained? 2 How

will your

1

3

3 Supervisor

Michael Friel appointed court commissioner

A credit card skimmer was found at the 7/11 on 923 Pioneer Trail in South Lake Tahoe Feb. 28.

Have something to say?? Email your letter to editor to editor@mtdemocrat.net We do not publish anonymous letters so don’t forget to include your first and last name and where in El Dorado County you live.

California Matters

California not only has the nation’s largest number of homeless people, but one of its highest rates of homelessness vis-à-vis its overall population.

The last o cial count found more than 181,000 Californians without homes, nearly a third of the nation’s homeless population.

DAN WALTERS

When new data are released later this year, the number will probably approach 200,000.

The numbers have continued to grow despite many billions of dollars in federal, state and local funds having been spent — $20 billion or so by the state alone over the last five years. As the problem worsens, it consistently ranks as one of Californians’ most pressing public policy issues, polling has found.

How is it, one might ask, that so much money could be spent with so little, if any, progress?

One factor, certainly, is that the underlying causes of homelessness, such as sky-high housing costs, family breakups, mental illness and drug addiction have not abated.

Another, probably, is that here is no consensus on what programs would be most successful and o cialdom has taken a scattergun approach, providing money to a bewildering array of often overlapping programs and services in hopes of finding approaches that work.

SUMMARY

California has the nation’s largest population of homeless people and has spent billions of dollars to lower the number yet it keeps growing.

Gov. Gavin Newsom, who pledged 20 years ago to end homelessness in San Francisco when serving as the city’s mayor, is touted a measure on the March 5 ballot that would authorize bonds to build facilities for treating the mentally ill and redirect some funds from a two-decade-old special mental health tax into new programs. He’s also won legislative approval of “CARE courts” that could compel some mentally ill Californians into receiving treatment.

The multiplicity of programs to deal with homelessness cries out for some kind of independent appraisal of what’s been spent and how e ective the spending has been.

Message from EID

Letters to the Editor

Dangerous trees

EDITOR:

Something needs to be done about the dead hazard trees in Grizzly Flat. Even though we are two-and-a-half years past the devastating Caldor Fire, there are countless trees that were burned in the fire which continue to be a hazard to public safety.

These trees are located on properties (mostly undeveloped parcels) where the property owner did not sign up for the free CalOES/CalRecycle debris removal program. El Dorado County Department of Transportation removed the dead/ hazardous trees that were within their rightof-way (generally 20 feet back o the edge of pavement) last year. There are still trees, up to 150 feet tall that stand just outside of the county rightof-way that are severe hazards to life and property. Many have already fallen in the recent storms and have blocked streets and brought down AT&T phone/internet infrastructure.

I contacted El Dorado County Department of Transportation Director Rafael Martinez on April 13, 2022, stating that these trees are a hazard to passing motorists. I received two responses — one stating that only the trees within the dedicated right-of-way will be removed and that they will not be removing any trees from private property. The other response, directly from Director Martinez, stated, “As for trees on private property, FEMA has given us clear direction that they will not reimburse DOT for trees outside our rightof-way. It is up to the private property owners to work with Cal OSHA and CalRecycle to get that removed. I believe we (DOT) would need to work with Environmental Management … in the event the property owner does not take it upon themselves to do the right thing.”

Thirty months later, it’s apparent to most of us in Grizzly Flat that the property owner is not going to take it upon themselves and “do the right thing.” It should not be our responsibility to have to search out and contact absentee landowners who have trees that are endangering public property and the residents of what is left of our community and politely ask them to take care of their hazard.

The last thing we want to happen is to have another situation like when the El Dorado County Sheri ’s STAR vehicle and its occupants were

At the El Dorado Irrigation District, we are dedicated to providing safe and reliable services to our community. Our teams work tirelessly to address customer needs and ensure the integrity of our water systems around the clock, year round.

A key aspect of our mission is the continuous reliability of our infrastructure. Our five-year capital improvement plan details our approach for upgrading and replacing crucial assets. Given the historical costs of EID’s infrastructure amounts to more than a billion dollars, these projects are expensive. To finance these capital-intensive projects, the district employs long-term, low-interest debt. This approach is practical because it allows the customers who benefit from the improved and rebuilt essential infrastructure to contribute to the costs over time. We also seek out and obtain grant assistance to help

o set the costs for our ratepayers.

One of the many critical projects in this plan is the replacement of the Sly Park Intertie, an important water conduit that connects the Reservoir 1 and Reservoir A water treatment plants in Pollock Pines — the district’s two largest supply sources.

The Sly Park Intertie was constructed under emergency drought conditions in 1978 to alleviate water shortages in Jenkinson Lake, EID’s primary drinking water reservoir. However, since its emergency construction, the unlined pipeline has significantly corroded, resulting in significant degradation, forcing the district to take it out of service.

Recognizing the importance of this pipeline for water supply reliability, EID applied for funding under the Urban and Multibenefit Drought Relief Program, authorized by the Budget Act of 2021. We were awarded a $10 million grant from

crushed by a falling tree. One of those volunteers spent several weeks in the hospital.

Someone needs to take ownership and accountability for this problem. The two signs on String Canyon Road and Grizzly Flat Road state “CAUTION, You are entering an area damaged by wildfire. Dangerous conditions still exist. Enter at your own risk” don’t help those of us who still live here. MARK ALMER Grizzly Flat

Opportunities in wrestling

EDITOR:

Icome from a wrestling background and I live in a wrestling family. I love wrestling because of the competition and the many life lessons it teaches you.

When I wrestled, no girls were competing but when my boys wrestled there were quite a few girls on various teams around Sacramento. I didn’t like the fact that a 13-year-old boy who weighed 110 pounds was not as developed as a 16-year-old girl who weighed the same. If the boy lost to a girl they could face ridicule and drop o the team.

Today girls and boys competed for the California state championship wrestling on the same mats, boys vs boys and girls vs girls, with the largest crowds to watch California high school wrestling. Girls wrestling is the fastest-growing sport in America. The California Junior College system has instituted women’s wrestling, giving young ladies an opportunity to compete at the next level.

National Wrestling Hall of Famer and friend Dave Pacheco called me on his way back from re ng College of the Redwoods vs. Sac City coached by Walt Ulrich, another friend. Dave and I have tried to get Folsom Lake College to bring in ladies’ wrestling twice, to no avail. But we won’t give up trying.

Many colleges up to D-1 have instituted ladies’ wrestling nationally. The fact is women are going to the next level of education because of wrestling. There are many opportunities for ladies to wrestle from high school on.

I’d like to know what the community thinks about FLC adding ladies’ wrestling to its school.

State spends billions on homelessness yet crisis is getting worse Commitment to infrastructure resilience, customer service

KEN STEERS Cameron Park

Given the historical costs of EID’s infrastructure amounts to more than a billion dollars, these projects are expensive.

the California Department of Water Resources to help fund the cost of construction. This grant is part of DWR’s drought relief grant programs that o er financial assistance to address drought impacts through projects with multiple benefits.

The new Sly Park Intertie will consist of a 24-inch pipeline constructed along the same alignment as the original, along with a new pump station at the Reservoir A Water Treatment Plant in Pollock Pines to facilitate bi-directional flow to and from both major water supply sources. This upgrade will enhance the reliability and flexibility of our water supply system, especially during droughts and emergencies.

In addition to the Sly Park Intertie Replacement Project, EID is also focused on the maintenance and rehabilitation of our 22-mile-long canal and flume system. This system is instrumental in transporting nearly a third of EID’s overall water supply. However, it faces challenges such as susceptibility to natural disasters

like the recent Caldor Fire. Our commitment to upgrading this system is vital for safeguarding our water supply and enhancing the resilience of our infrastructure.

In an e ort to bolster our emergency preparedness and system resilience, the EID Board of Directors recently approved funding for the Emergency Backup Generator Upgrades Project. This project, primarily funded by a $3.5 million grant from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency will ensure the uninterrupted operation of critical water and wastewater facilities during power outages. The project will see the installation of emergency backup power generators at 15 remote sites, including eight water and seven wastewater pumping facilities, thereby enhancing the reliability of our services during power outages. EID’s commitment to our customers and our community is

■ See ABERCROMBIE, page A5

JIM ABERCROMBIE

Walters Continued from A4

We may get such an overview soon because the Legislature has approved a request from Republicans for the state auditor to delve into what’s been spent.

“Homelessness is the most urgent issue facing California,” said state Sen. Roger Niello of Roseville, one of those making the request. “Given the crisis has only worsened, we need to know what the money has accomplished and what programs have been effective in moving people to permanent housing.”

One area the state auditor should examine is what could be termed “bang-for-the-buck” — the startlingly expensive costs of providing even the most basic services to homeless Californians.

Sacramento, like other large California cities, has a large and growing homeless population and a new report from the city auditor is indicative of that aspect of the homeless crisis.

Auditor Farishta Ahrary said the city, which faces a $66 million budget deficit, spent $57 million on homelessness during the 2022-23 fiscal year, $34 million of it on maintaining about 1,300 beds of temporary shelter, or enough to house about a third of the city’s homeless people. Overall that’s about $26,000 per bed or $2,000-plus per month, which would equal the rent on a mid-range apartment.

Three contracts for shelters between the city and the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency amounting to more than $10 million stand out. Two 100-bed facilities cost the city almost $7 million — well over $100 per bed per day — while the third, $3.3 million for a 24-bed shelter for young

people, cost the city $373 per day per bed.

Sacramento is not alone in paying a lot of money for rudimentary shelters and costs of that magnitude indicate that California would have to spend much more than the current levels to put roofs over the heads of its homeless people.

Meanwhile, Newsom is proposing to pare back homelessness spending because the state faces a multibillion-dollar budget deficit.

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

Abercrombie Continued from A4

unwavering. Through efforts like the Sly Park Intertie Replacement Project, the maintenance and replacement of wooden flumes with concrete, the Emergency Backup Generator Upgrades Project and many others, we are dedicated to enhancing the resilience of our infrastructure for the benefit of our customers and the communities we serve — for generations to come.

Our proactive approach to infrastructure maintenance and improvement ensures that we are well prepared to meet the challenges of the future while continuing to deliver the high-quality services our customers expect.

Jim Abercrombie is the EID general manager.

Friday, March 8, 2024

Crossword

District 1 Continued from A1

reports on how the count was going. Ferrero stood near the door at the start of the evening, greeting friends and supporters as they trickled in, ready to celebrate a win.

“To be surrounded by all this support, it feels very good,” Rita Ferrero, Greg’s wife and campaign manager, said. “To have this level of community support is a little overwhelming.”

The turnout at the event seemed to mirror turnout at the polls, which will likely keep Greg from having to continue campaigning until November; a candidate for the board must get more than 50% of all votes to win without a runoff election.

“I’m amazed at the number of people who have come out; it’s indicative of how the whole campaign has gone,” Greg said between handshakes with partygoers. “It’s been a humbling experience to have people just coming out of the woodwork to support this campaign.”

Vote count figures are current as of Wednesday morning; the El Dorado County Elections Department reports 12,000-15,000 ballots are yet to be counted.

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.

UM’s storybook season reaches final chapter

win of the season so far.

Malachi Parker Staff writer

The Union Mine boys basketball season came to an end Tuesday night with a 74-51 loss at the hands of the Monterey Dores.

The kryptonite for this D’backs squad seemed to be teams that were able to defend. Union Mine did not meet many that fit that criteria, but they did in this instance.

“That was the first thing we talked about when we saw them on film,” Union Mine head coach Ryan Williams said. “Most time when we play longer teams, we use our quickness, but they were able to stay in front of everybody and play great defense.”

The second quarter seemed to be the beginning of the end for the D’backs as they were outscored 24-8 and they found themselves down 43-21 at the half. In their matchup with Palo Alto Saturday, the D’backs were down big at the half but were able to strike back and win. This time they were not so fortunate.

The lead continued to grow for the Dores as they secured their biggest

Despite what the scoreboard said, the crowd cheered every chance they got until the final buzzer sounded.

n See D’BACKS, page A8

Ski California safety guide covers ‘Deep Snow Safety’

Ski California News release

Ski California is expanding the content available as part of its awardwinning Mountain Safety Guide with the release of its newest video focused on deep snow safety. The video was created to educate skiers and riders about the risks of deep snow immersion, how to avoid it and what to do if you or someone you’re with becomes immersed.

“Ski California’s 36 member resorts in California and Nevada regularly see storm totals that are measured in feet, not inches,” said Mike Reitzell, Ski California president. “Our goal with this video, the fifth in our Mountain Safety Guide series, is to educate skiers and riders about what they

District 2 Continued from A1

need to do and be aware of to avoid deep snow immersion situations that can be life threatening.”

Snow immersion suffocation can happen when a skier or rider falls into deep snow or a tree well, cannot move and suffocates. Tips for skiing and riding in deep snow include:

• Always ski or ride with a partner and stay in control

• Avoid tree wells by looking at the open spaces between trees, not at the trees

• Keep your partner in sight and stay close enough to pull or dig out if either person falls

• Use safety equipment to minimize risks, including a helmet, fully charged phone with fast access to ski

n See DEEP SNOW, page A7

Cockrell 1,500. Countywide, Elections Department staff estimated there were 12,00015,000 ballots to be counted.

“I’m not sure how it is going to go,” Turnboo said. “I feel like I have a lot of support but we will wait and see when more results come in.”

If the voting momentum remains the same, it is likely Turnboo will keep his seat on the board another four years. Candidates need more than 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff election in November.

Turnboo doubled up with District 3 Supervisor candidate Brian Veerkamp for an election party at Wally’s Pizza Bar in Cameron Park, surrounded by supporters for both the incumbent and the former supervisor. Turnboo’s assistant Mark Treat provided the party with a laptop to check election results. Turnboo was cautiously optimistic of the early count.

If reelected, the former owner of George’s Pit Stop in El Dorado said he still has work to do. As the current District 2 supervisor, he is working on getting a biomass campus approved for the Grizzly Flat area, working through the process of helping develop an emergency resource center adjacent to the Food Bank of El Dorado County and getting the county approved for a lumber mill.

“This is not a part-time job,”

Turnboo commented at his election party. “I’ve been putting in a lot of hours and a lot of time and I care about my constituents and I’m doing everything I can for them.”

Mountain Democrat photo by Malachi Parker Union Mine senior guard Ethan Gines brings the ball upcourt Tuesday, March 5, against Monterey. Gines ended the season leading the state in assists with an average of 10.2 per game, according to Maxpreps.com.

Video screenshot

Ski California’s new video on how to recreate in deep snow safely features Olympian, World Cup champion and professional skier Travis Ganong.

Head

semi

be returning

Trojans’ state playoff run ends in Oakland

Malachi Parker Sta writer

The Oak Ridge Trojans girls basketball train made its final stop in Oakland as they fell to the Bishop O’Dowd Dragons, 58-50.

The Trojans were on the road for the first time for these state playo s, with a chance to play in the regional final on the line; however, the Dragons had the same intentions.

The Trojans were led by junior Liv Yergensen and senior Jessica Crannell who both put up 15 point e orts in the March 2 loss.

Down at the half by only 6 points, the third quarter became the Yergensen show as she scored 9 of her points in that frame alone. The Dragons fought back and held Yergensen to only 2 points in the final quarter, putting a squeeze on the Trojans’ o ense.

The girls’ e orts were not enough

Deep snow

Continued from A6

patrol’s number, beacon and a whistle

The Ski California deep snow video, produced by Generikal Design, features retired Olympian, World Cup Champion and professional skier Travis Ganong and actual rescue video footage from Francis Zuber and Riley Flynn.

As Ski California’s member resorts in Tahoe gear up for another series of storms anticipated to arrive Thursday, the relevance of deep snow safety

Sentencing

Continued from A1

Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce, deputies discovered Humlick at a home on Prado Vista Court in Placerville the evening of Oct. 5, 2023. Humlick had been stabbed multiple times, according to an EDSO representative. Sweeping the area, deputies later found Thompson at a neighboring home, having sustained severe wounds; he was transported to a local hospital, where he was later arrested.

Before Thompson’s sentence was delivered, Humlick’s mother and two sisters spoke before the court, expressing the pain they have experienced since the loss of their family member. In addition to the three statements, 13 letters were submitted to the court, many from friends and family of Tina.

Sharon Humlick, Tina’s mother, spoke of the grief she has carried since her daughter’s death.

“She would give the shirt o her back if someone else needed it,” Sharon read from a prepared statement. “Although (she) had health issues, (she) always working toward bettering her future. We would celebrate even the small successes. That is a thing that has been taken from me forever. Every time I think of her, there is a hole in

to overcome the combined 34 points that came from the Dragons backcourt duo of senior Savannah Jones, who led the way with 19 points, and sophomore Devin Cosgri , who added 13 of her own to help propel the team.

“The di erence in the game is they outscored us in the paint,” Oak Ridge head coach Steve White said.

Despite the ending, the story of the Trojans remains. They finished the season with a 26-8 overall record (8-2 in league play), finished second in the Sierra Foothill League and secured a No. 3 seed in both their section playo and state playo runs.

“We had a great season and I’m very proud of the team and how far they were able to go,” White said.

“We took second in league, semifinals in sections and semifinals in the state tournament. Hopefully this will fuel everyone to make themselves better so we can reach our goals next year.”

education is fitting.

View the Ski California Mountain Safety Guide at safety.skicalifornia. org and take the quiz at the end for a chance to win an unrestricted 2024-25 Ski California Gold Pass valid at 36 downhill and crosscountry resorts in California and Nevada. Watch Ski California’s complete series of Mountain Safety Guide educational videos at bit.ly/ SkiCaMountainSafety.

my heart that will never heal. I miss her so much and it hurts so bad.”

Heather and Holly Humlick, Tina’s sisters, both spoke to their loss as well, reflecting on their sister’s positive spirit and the life she is unable to live.

“My sister, my best friend, was taken from this world far too soon, by another person showing me just how cruel people can be,” Heather said.

Thompson is set to serve a term of 16 years to life in state prison, followed by parole for life.

■ SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

■ TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

■ RUBES by Leigh Rubin

■ SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Being bored doesn’t always mean you lack the curiosity or creativity to make something interesting out of a situation. Sometimes boredom happens because you are duty-bound or obligated to uninspiring options. The need for novelty is real.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your big heart draws people to you and you’ll be surprised by who responds to the signals. You bring people together and they connect with one another in a way that brings more joy to the world.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). There’s freedom in selfexpression. Why should you put that on the back burner of your life? Express yourself. It will heal and deliver you. It will connect you to others. It will make you lighter.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Anyone who thinks it’s easy to sell out doesn’t know much about selling. Making a sale depends on nding the right o ering for a given market or nding the right market for a given o ering. It’s work that you’ll do well today.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The sensory world of animals, insects and even trees is beyond human range. The human to your left has a unique sensory world, too. Any attempt at understanding the perspective of another expands you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Not everyone understands you the way you want to be understood, but it doesn’t mean you can’t make some kind of interesting, useful and even ful lling connection. You’re open to all the ways minds and hearts can meet, and meet they will.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’ve a heightened aware-

ness of others and you may even feel that you can tune into someone and read their thoughts. Note that the very same attraction that makes you feel close to someone can also obscure your vision of who they really are.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Talking to strangers brings out di erent facets of your personality and gives you a better understanding of yourself, which helps you have the con dence to talk to more strangers. It will be a crucial and enjoyable part of your self-development.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). It’s a question you sometimes forget to ask, but ask it now: How can I make things easier on myself? It will help to take if further than you did before, at least in imagination. What would make it almost impossible not to ful ll your aim?

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Because we let down our guard with those we are most familiar with, they tend to see the most tender and also sometimes the least loveable parts of us. To be your best and most gracious with familiars takes more e ort and counts for good karma points.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your favorite people are the ones who understand simple pleasures. Indeed, they make life a pleasure, just with their company. Something as nice as hot tea, cold soda or a car ride with the window down can make a day great.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). It’s only an ember now, but soon this desire to adventure will spur

Mountain Democrat le photo by Malachi Parker

coach Steve White instructs Ava Edwards (14) and Sofia Williams (5) during their section

final game against St.Mary’s last month. Both Edwards and Williams are juniors who will

for their senior campaign.

D’backs Continued from A6

The D’backs were led in scoring once again by senior Nate Sweet, who finished his high school career with a 26-point performance.

The D’backs were never able to cut their deficit enough to make it a game in the second half; the regional final was only their fourth loss of the season.

The Diamondbacks end their historic season with 31 wins — the most in program history and five more than the previous record. They also saw playo wins in section and state tournaments and another league title.

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 photo by Malachi Parker

D’backs’ senior guard Nate Sweet lays a ball up at the basket

Tuesday, March 5, against the Monterey Dores. Sweet ends his high school career with over 1,000 career varsity points.

Studio 81 escapes into

Wonderland

As German planes fly overhead, the Blitz inundating sections of London with bombs that reduce blocks to rubble, Alice Spencer and her best friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in one of the city’s underground tube stations. As the grim realities of war, sickness, love and loss press in on all sides, Alice and Alfred escape into Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland in Studio 81’s production of “Alice by Heart.”

As Alice, played by El Dorado High School junior Carlie Rumsey, attempts to hide from the world within the pages of her favorite book, those same pages are torn away by a Red Cross nurse as punishment for sneaking into quarantine to be with the ailing Alfred (Ethan Karlstad). Alice instead regales her friend with the story from memory — she knows “Alice” by heart — but as they slip away into the fantasy story, details begin to shift from their established shapes.

In a world wracked by war, even a fantasy land where egotistical heiresses beg for beheadings can prove a desirable place. With reality still lurking at the edges of the scenes, audiences will ask themselves: will Alice stay locked away in Wonderland, or face the truth of things before it’s too late to turn back?

“The story is just uniquely beautiful,” Rumsey explained. “In the movements, the lyrics, it’s just all articulated so well in the songs and add to how

beautifully the story is told. I really appreciate being able to have this experience and it’s a great play to have as my first leading role.”

The inspired musical reimagining of the “Alice in Wonderland” story comes from the same creative team who penned the hit musical “Spring Awakening.” Backed by the Bombshells, a seven-piece band headed by EDHS Band and

Mountain Democrat photos by Odin Rasco

The March Hare (Ethan Karlstad), Dormouse (Sophie McKnight) and Mad Hatter (Jace Masterson) hound Alice for trying to hide from hard truths by fleeing into fantasy in “Alice by Heart,” opening today at El Dorado High School’s Studio 81.

Odin Rasco Staff writer

Alice (Carlie Rumsey) and Alfred (Ethan Karlstad), above, share a moment in the underground tunnel station as the London Blitz bombards the city above. The two find themselves drawn into Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland as an escape from the world war that rages around them. Below, The Queen of Hearts’ (Aubrey Bonham) croquet game with Alice in Studio 81’s “Alice by Heart” goes less than splendidly, ending with the queen calling for the cutting away of a cranium. n See ALICE, page B4

a New York-based clarinetist, field recordist, philosopher, author, publisher and Grammy award-winner.

Rothenberg will appear as a guest on the monthly podcast Placertopia Live, 4:30-6 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at The Green Room Social Club, 251 Main St. in Placerville. The evening includes a public concert also in the same venue, 7-9 p.m.. Admission for the concert is $5 at the door.

Accompanying Rothenberg will be Paul Godwin on keyboards and cellist John Sellers. Rothenberg will present the workshop Secret Sounds of Wakamatsu Pond, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16, free with pre-registration. Register at bit.ly/ RIPEAREA.

“We’re excited to be kicking off RIPE AREA, an innovative art project dedicated to promoting community engagement around water needs and conservation through the expressive power of the arts. David Rothenberg, a leader in the exploration of natural sounds and music, will be a terrific opener to this series.” said Godwin, co-founder of Myrtle Tree Arts and festival organizer with artistic director and co-founder Ameera Godwin.

Musician and philosopher Rothenberg wrote “Why Birds Sing,” “Bug Music,” “Survival of the Beautiful” and many other books published in at least 11 languages. He has more than 40 published recordings out, including “One Dark Night I Left My Silent House,” which came out on ECM Records. Most recently, he recorded “In the Wake of Memories” and “Faultlines.”

Among others, Rothenberg has performed and recorded with Pauline Oliveros, Peter Gabriel, Ray Phiri,

Tom Rigney and Flambeau to ignite IOOF dance floor

Lynn Schardt

Music on the Divide

An all-time favorite of Music on the Divide, Tom Rigney returns to Georgetown’s IOOF Hall stage for the sixth time with his incredible band, Flambeau. In 2019 enthusiastic followers packed the IOOF Hall to enjoy the lively bootstomping music of the San Francisco Bay Area group. Fans will get another chance March 10, from 3 to 5 p.m., but plan to get there early.

Tom Rigney, the electrifying violinist and composer, joined by some of the finest musicians of the San Francisco roots music scene, creates Tom Rigney and Flambeau, a band that raises the spirits of everyone within earshot. Rigney, now in his second decade at the helm of Flambeau, has become one of the premier blues and roots music violinists in the world. Flambeau showcases his passionate, virtuoso fiddling, his commanding stage presence, his range, depth and originality as a composer, and of course, those notorious red boots. His bandmates are veterans of the great bands of Charles Brown, Queen Ida, Clifton Chenier and others. Together they generate enough heat and energy to ignite a dance floor and

lift an audience to its feet.

Flambeau specializes in fiery Cajun and Zydeco two-steps, low-down blues, funky New Orleans grooves and heartbreakingly beautiful ballads and waltzes. Most of the repertoire is composed by Rigney, sprinkled with a few classics from the Cajun, Zydeco, New Orleans songbook. Add a dash of Rigney’s Irish roots, a little boogiewoogie and roots rock and roll, and the musical gumbo gets that much tastier.

In the past decade Rigney’s skill as a composer has broadened and deepened. And for garnish, Rigney’s charismatic stage presence draws the audience into his performances in full measure.

Tickets for the public are available at eventbrite.com and will be available at the door of the Georgetown IOOF Hall, as space allows, starting at 2:30 p.m. March 10. Music on the Divide members and online ticket holders may be admitted at 2 p.m. The at-thedoor ticket cost is $20 for adults, $5 students and children 5 and younger are free with a parent. Cash or check only are accepted. Refreshments will be available at intermission. For more information about this and other programs offered by MOTD go to musiconthedivide.org.

Make a bid at bridge party

Joan Geel

Placerville

Let’s

The

919-6392 for reservations and/ or information.

The Placerville Shakespeare Club was formed on May 2, 1897, with the

chief objective of studying the plays of William Shakespeare. The club is continuing into its second century dedicated to the original ideals of promoting sociability and friendship among members, providing assistance to local charities and youth, and beautifying the neighborhood in which the club is located.

“It has survived two World Wars, two pandemics and the Great Depression,” said club president Ellen Osborn, a 23-year member of the club. “The women who belonged to the club in the early part of the 20th century went through a great change in the role of women and, a lot of the time, the women at the Shakespeare Club were at the forefront of that change.”

For more information visit placerville-shakespeare.com.

Courtesy photo

Tom Rigney and Flambeau will bring fine fiddling to the IOOF Hall stage March 10.

Courtesy photo

Musician and philosopher David Rothenberg comes to Placerville to lend his talents to RIPE AREA, a Myrtle Tree Arts and American River Conservancy project.

Courtesy photo Bridge players are invited to come together for the Placerville Shakespeare Club annual event, which supports the club’s philanthropic mission.

BUTTERED AND SALTY

‘Dune: Part Two’

HHH 1/2

PG-13

2 hours and 46 minutes

Action, Adventure, Drama Now playing in theaters

After a lackluster year at the box office — other than the one-two punch of “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie” over the summer — the movie theater experience is back with “Dune: Part Two,” which raked in an impressive $100 million domestic haul in less than a week. The Denis Villeneuve-helmed sequel to his 2021 HBO Max/movie theater day-and-date release predecessor is as impressive and epic as the first film.

Picking up shortly after the conclusion of the first film, “Dune: Part Two” finds Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) uniting with Chani (Zendaya, who for my money is the film’s secret weapon) and the Fremen, led by the gruff and charismatic Javier Bardem as Stilgar, while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family in the previous film. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

Epic stuff for an epic story as director Villeneuve continues to adapt author Frank Herbert’s 1965 magnum opus that for decades many fans of the novels thought was unadaptable on screen (the strange 1984 David Lynch version and the average 2000 mini-series is a conversation for another time). The filmmaker has faithfully honored the source material other than a few changes here

and there, which only the most ardent fans of the book(s) will either notice or take issue with.

It’s not a surprise that Mr. Villeneuve was the right person to play in the sandbox (pun intended) of “Dune.” He last tackled a pre-existing universe when he directed “Blade Runner 2049” (* * * ½), the sequel to Ridley’s Scott’s 1982 sci-fi masterpiece. Like Scott’s original, not many went to the theaters to see it but it’s one of the best sequels of all time,

in my opinion — even if the filmmaker himself questions why he made it in recent interviews.

Seven years later the filmmaker is releasing another sequel, albeit one to his own film, and again we are given sublime execution by a visionary director. After the previously mentioned films as well as 2016’s “Arrival,” it’s safe to say Villeneuve is the best science-fiction filmmaker of his generation. Forget about genre, I am willing to say he stands shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Chris Nolan in this modern batch of filmmakers.

Many have called “Dune: Part Two” a “masterpiece” and compared it to “The Empire Strikes Back” in the pantheon of great sequels. I’m not quite ready to go there yet. Astute readers will notice I rated it shy of four stars. I do have two quibbles with the film: One, even as it pushes almost three hours it feels like there are story threads started in the first film that get glossed over or removed entirely for the sake of staying with our primary characters. Intriguing characters from part one get pushed to the back burner. This is no more apparent than Dave Bautista’s Glossu Rabban Harkonnen, who was tough and menacing in the first film but relegated to a screaming second fiddle with the introduction of Austin Butler’s (“Elvis”) Feyd-Rautha. Butler gives us a creepy and intense villain to jeer, but I wonder if Bautista’s character was underutilized this much in the second half of the novel.

My second gripe has to do with Chalamet’s character, Paul Atreides. As Paul begins to fulfill the prophecy and take on the role of leader, he becomes, dare I say it, an unlikable character as he struggles with decisions that will affect the universe. Perhaps my limited knowledge of the books clouds my judgment here, but I don’t recall Luke Skywalker becoming menacing and unlikable

n See BUTTERED, page B5

Democrat correspondent

Alice Continued from B1

Choir Director Jared Collins, the cast of “Alice by Heart” perform tunes aplenty as the story unfolds.

“It’s an amazing show,” Collins said. “One of the reasons I love working with (Paul) Tomei is because we have some say in how the music comes together.”

After doing an upbeat rendition of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” last spring, director and EDHS drama teacher Paul Tomei decided it was high time to do something more within his wheelhouse.

“Oh, this is a very Tomei-style show; of course it’s going to be a bit sadder,” Tomei joked. “I did some happy shows for a bit, so I think I get to do some dark ones for a little while. This one is a very cool play, with the WWII London Blitz as backdrop to a retelling of Lewis’ novel.”

Overhearing Tomei speak, a student interjects “Oh, it’s so sad!” as they rushed to get into costume.

Sad just might be the perfect tone for some of the cast to hit, with may of the characters played by seniors reflecting on their time at Studio 81 and EDHS soon coming to a close.

“I did some happy shows ... so I think I get to do some dark ones for a little while.”

— Director Paul Tomei

“This is a smaller cast and we’re a really close-knit group, which is perfect for a goodbye show,” said senior Aubrey Bonham, who antagonizes Alice in her role as the Queen of Hearts. Aubrey and her family have been involved with Studio 81 for 13 years, when her older sister was going to high school. “It’s odd knowing this is my final show; Studio 81 has been a part of my life for so long, it’s really bittersweet to say goodbye.”

Senior Mia Velo, who takes on the double role of Tweedledum and the Knave of Hearts, shared a similar sentiment.

“I love the show and story, but I’m going to be studying something totally different from drama after high school,” Velo said. “I might come back to theater at some point, but it’s a little sad to know this is the last time I may ever perform.”

Studio 81’s presentation of “Alice by Heart” opens Friday, March 8, at the school theater, 561 Canal St. in Placerville. Shows begin at 7 p.m. March 8-9 and March 13-16; 1 p.m. matinées March 9 & 16. Tickets are available at studio81arts.com.

An adventure amongst gods comes to Folsom stage

Allen Schmeltz Sutter Street Theatre

FOLSOM — “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” brings its thrilling suspense to Sutter Street Theatre, opening March 9.

As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly discovered powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want and a mythology textbook’s worth of monsters on his trail.

When Zeus’ master lightning bolt is stolen and Percy becomes the prime suspect, he must find and return the bolt to prove his innocence and prevent a war between the gods. But to succeed in his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the thief. He must travel to the Underworld and

Know Continued from B1

Fury and Resilience, socially conscience work of Betty LaDuke, through March 23. For more information visit rcmacc.org.

The California Museum in Sacramento presents Personal to Political: Celebrating the African American Artists of Paulson Fontaine Press through March 24. For more information visit californiamuseum.org.

Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento presents ABC — 123, Fletcher Benton’s sculptural alphabet through March 24; AI Am I?, artificial intelligence art created by Alexander Reben, through April 28; Drawn to Beauty, a collection of European drawings, through April 28; and Joyce J. Scott: Messages June 23. For tickets and more information visit crockerart.org.

Sutter Street Theatre presents “Cotton Patch Gospel” through March 30. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

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

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.

Outlaw Mariachi will perform 8 p.m. to midnight at Red Hawk Casino’s Stage Bar. For more information visit redhawkcasino. com.

Altan will perform at The Sofia in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 4435300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

March 9

Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts What Is IPM?, 9 a.m. to noon at the BethellDelfino 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

back; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and come to terms with the father who abandoned him.

Adapted from the best-selling book “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan and featuring an original rock score, “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” is an actionpacked mythical adventure “worthy of the gods” (Time Out New York).

The show is rated G with this production directed by Mark Cornfield, musical direction by Heather Clark and choreography by Dian Hoel. Showtimes are 1 p.m Saturdays and Sundays, March 9 through April 1 (no show Easter Sunday) at Sutter Street Theatre, 171 Sutter St. in Folsom. For reservations go to SutterStreetTheatre.com or call (916) 353-1001.

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.

Shadow Ranch Vineyard in the Fair Play area hosts a food and wine pairing, March 9 & 10, pairing the brand new 2022 Tempranillo with with a manchego and chorizo mac ’n’ cheese. For reservations and more information visit shadowranch.com/Events.

The Make a Joyful Noise! concert series at El Dorado County Federated Church, 1031 Thompson Way in Placerville, continues with O’Connell Street Band at 4 p.m. This free concert series is dedicated to providing access to quality, live music performances to the entire community. For more information visit eldoradofederatedchurch.org.

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.

Night Owls will perform 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Red Hawk Casino’s Stage Bar. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.

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

Freelance

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.

March 10

The Placerville Shakespeare Club presents Authors’ Day, featuring author presentations, question & answer period, book sales, book signings, door prizes and light refreshments. Authors appearing will be Lexa M. Mack, Frank Nissen, Karen A. Phillips, Jamie Susslin and Julie Tully. Doors will open at noon at the Shakespeare Clubhouse, 2940 Bedford Ave. in Placerville. For more information visit placerville-shakespeare.com.

Miraflores Winery hosts Soup Sundays through March 31. Enjoy a complimentary cup of soup while wine tasting at the Placerville tasting room.

Blue Souls Acoustic Duo will perform at 3 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery. com/live-music.

Hank Biggs Band will perform at 6:30 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom. com.

Sacramento Baroque Soloists presents Concerti Grossi at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

March 11

See Preservation Hall Jazz Band at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

March 12

Kerry Irish Productions presents Derek Warfield & the Young Wolfe Tones at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

March 13

Master Gardeners of El Dorado

County hosts Back To

a.m. to

Community Center. Are you brand new to gardening, but have a

Wanted

Like writing?

Have journalism experience? Enjoy photography?

Buttered Continued from B3

even as he struggled between the light and dark sides. Very different films but you get my point. This is not an indictment on Chalamet’s performance, which ranks among the strongest he has given at this point in his career, but more the character decisions he and the director have made. There’s so much to absorb with the two movies that I need a few more viewings of both films to truly grasp their intended vision and story. Until then I will celebrate an extremely

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talented filmmaker allowed to cook in the sands of the desert planet Arrakis with the music of the great Hans Zimmer surrounding us. I’ve said this in other reviews, but if you are going to see a film like this do it the right way and see it as the filmmakers intended: on the biggest dang screen possible. IMAX, anyone?

Joshua B. Porter is a writer/ director/producer. He doesn’t like sand because it gets everywhere. He can be reached at @joshuabporter or joshuabporter@mtdemocrat.net.

Leveraging the expertise of ARC in watershed and natural resource protection, RIPE AREA is a clever word play on “riparian,” meaning the zones near water. This familyfriendly project extends ARC’s successful partnership with the local arts collaborative, Myrtle Tree Arts, to provide artistic expression and education for positive change in the community.

Photo by Allen Schmeltz Actors Michelle Bueb, Phedre Perkins and Travis Comas-McKinney, leff to right, take on otherwordly roles in “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.”

Event allows kids to explore musical building blocks

JThroughout its history, New Orleans has been the point at which sounds and cultures from around the world converge, mingle, and resurface. PHJB has held the torch of New Orleans music aloft for more than 60 years.

Henry Winkler will celebrate 50 years of success in Hollywood this year and continues to be in demand not only as an actor, producer, and director but as a best-selling children’s book author. His autobiography, BEING HENRY...The Fonz and Beyond, will be published on October 31 of this year.

Singer, composer, actor, and multiGrammy-Award winner, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums.

The Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel, and blues.

Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, multi-Grammy Award winner Melissa Etheridge has remained one of America’s favorite female singers for more than two decades. Her popularity grew around such memorable originals as “Bring Me Some Water,” “No Souvenirs,” “Ain’t It Heavy,” “I’m the Only One,” and “Come to My Window.”

35 smash hits, six decades of stardom, two rock-star husbands, a Grammy, an Oscar, an Emmy… The Cher Show is the Tony Award-winning musical of her story, and it’s packed with so much Cher that it takes three women to play her.

instruments, the people who play them and the various musical roadmaps. This captivating and engaging program is designed for all ages.

The post-concert instrument “petting zoo” will return bigger than ever with instrument stations in the lobby, Stage 2 and Stage 3. Children will have hands-on experience trying out instruments of the orchestra guided by symphony members. String, wind, brass and percussion instruments will all be available for children to examine and play.

New this year, the audience will be treated to a performance by the talented winner

of the symphony’s inaugural Young Artist Competition. Nathaniel Zhang, 16, will perform the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3, movement 1, with the symphony.

The program begins at

11 a.m. Saturday, March 16, 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.

Tahoe Fund seeks muralists

Jessica Weaver News release

TAHOE CITY — The Tahoe Fund and USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit recently announced a call for communitybased artists to “beautify” the blank interiors of the restrooms at the Stateline Fire Lookout Trail in Crystal Bay, the Logan Shoals Vista Point on Tahoe’s East Shore and the Tallac Historic Site on the South Shore.

“We are excited to rally the creativity of our local artist community,” said Amy Berry, Tahoe Fund CEO. “By painting murals on the walls inside the restrooms, we hope to inspire people to take better care of these spaces and — by extension — the Tahoe environment.”

Inspired by a similar idea from the Bureau of Land Management in Henry Lake, Idaho, the intention of this mural project is to enlist artists and community groups in the California and Nevada area to complete the artwork.

“We’re looking for artists who can use their creativity to seamlessly establish a ‘sense of place’ within the Tahoe region and also inspire people to be stewards of the environment,” said Daniel Cressy, public services staff officer with LTBMU. “Just like visitors in Henry Lake have experienced, our hope is that surprise encounters with art that depicts the beauty that surrounds us in Tahoe will be a fun, memorable way to think about how each of us can make a difference.”

Paint for each mural will be supplied by Kelly Brothers Painting.

Artists interested in submitting a proposal for consideration will need to do so through this Google Form timestamped no later than 6 p.m. Friday, March 29. Artists will be judged and selected by the Tahoe Fund, LTBMU and select community members in April. Mural installation will occur in May 2024, weather permitting.

Learn more about the project and submission criteria at tahoefund.org/ paintamural.

Photo

Tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain is proud to present TISRA (three) with two of India’s finest young musicians, Sabir Khan and Debopriya Chatterjee, showcasing the rich folk and classical traditions of the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Punjab.

Melissa Etheridge –I’m Not Broken Tour

Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group

The Cher Show –A New Musical

An Evening with Henry Winkler

Preservation Hall Jazz Band

TISRA: Zakir Hussain, Sabir Khan, and Debopriya Chatterjee

Photo by Bruce Hallman, Idaho Falls District BLM Artists are invited to submit their creative proposals to beautify bathrooms in the Tahoe area. The idea came from a similar project in Idaho, as seen above.

Courtesy photos

Children will get to try out musical instruments at the Folsom Lake Symphony’s family concert.