Mountain Democrat, Monday, March 25, 2024

filed a lawsuit against the two governing bodies and their elected o cials.

The lawsuit, filed March 8 in El Dorado County Superior Court, seeks a writ of mandate that would compel the local governments to remove their ordinances regarding syringe services programs. The CDPH suit claims the bans are unlawful as they overstep state laws that take precedence.

El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson released a statement Tuesday responding to the news of the state’s lawsuit, saying in no uncertain terms that policy

set by the state government regarding drug use was one that led to failure, crime and death.

“This is disastrously dangerous and I am furious at our state leaders,” Pierson states. “Don’t come into our county and double down on your failed policy. Allowing addicts to use fentanyl and other hardcore drugs is exactly what has caused other California counties to experience a death rate that is out of control and getting worse.

“This road to hell via good intentions has been paved over the past several years by California’s governor and his

“Don’t come into our

county and double down on your failed policy. Allowing addicts to use fentanyl and other hardcore drugs is exactly what has caused other California counties to experience a death rate

that is out of control and getting worse.”

— Vern Pierson, El Dorado County District Attorney in response to CDPH lawsuit

administration’s insistence on normalizing hardcore drug use,” Pierson continued. “The consequence has been increased overdose deaths, drug addiction, homeless-

Tahoe Conservancy to acquire Motel 6 ‘environmentally sensitive’ property

Tahoe Conservancy

News release

The California Tahoe Conservancy joins with its funding partners — the California Wildlife Conservation Board, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Tahoe Fund and League to Save Lake Tahoe — to announce the conser-

PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE

vancy is acquiring 31 acres of environmentally sensitive land along the Upper Truckee River in South Lake Tahoe.

“This environmental acquisition may be the most important in a generation to protect Lake Tahoe,” said California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “By reconnecting the most important wetland that filters water flowing into the Lake, this investment protects the lake’s precious water quality and also provides an important corridor for local wildlife. This project demonstrates the great value of the California Tahoe Conservancy, to work diligently over years — sometimes decades — to see important environmental improvements to

fruition.”

“We are grateful to our funding partners for making this possible,” said Conservancy Board Chair Adam Acosta. “This historic acquisition of the Knox Johnson and Motel 6 property achieves a decades-old goal and brings one of the last privately held sections of the river corridor under public ownership.”

The acquisition includes 25 acres of mountain meadow and wetlands, a 2-acre single-family homesite and 4 acres of former floodplain. Lake Tahoe lost nearly 30 feet of its famed water clarity following the development boom of the 1950s and 60s and damage to the lake’s natural water filters. The four acres of floodplain is now

occupied by Motel 6, a vacant restaurant building and a paved parking area. The property also abuts the conservancy’s 560-acre Upper Truckee Marsh property to the north. Tahoe Resource Conservation District’s 206-acre Johnson Meadow property lies across Highway 50 to the south.

The conservancy will remove the 1970s-era motel and vacant restaurant and retire or transfer the property’s development rights and coverage for future use on town center redevelopment. The conservancy will preserve the surrounding mountain meadow and wetlands. The acquisition presents opportunities to restore wetland habitat on the

■ See CONSERVANCY, page A6

ness and rampant property crime. We have tried to chart a safer course, but now the governor and attorney general are suing El Dorado County

■ See LAWSUIT, page A6

County sows SEEDs of economic growth

Eric Jaramishian Sta writer

The Community and Economic Development Advisory Committee for El Dorado County is being restructured to better advise the Board of Supervisors on all matters relating to economic growth.

Sprouting a fresh start, the commitee will now be called Strategic Economic Enhancement Development, or SEED. The name was proposed by CEDAC members, who voted unanimously to take the name change to the Board of Supervisors’ March 19 meeting. SEED’s mission is largely the same. It’s comprised of appointed volunteers who advise the Board of Supervisors on matters relating to economic development and the business industry. To ensure the group does this e ectively, and to create more structure within the advisory committee, the group has created a set of bylaws that previously did not exist, according to the group’s elected chair Gina Posey.

“It just wasn’t strong enough to determine or say what would happen if somebody left, how (and when) to fill the position and

“I look forward to being able to see a reformatted CEDAC organization that is really going to help us be strategic in placing new businesses and new (economic) growth opportunities in El Dorado County.”

John

Hidahl,

District 1 supervisor

how to know what (we) are looking for when you’re filling that position,” Posey said. “So what we did is fleshed out all of those ideas, so that we could have a stronger organization.”

The bylaws consist of a number of regulations involving o cer duties, meeting decorum and membership.

The main emphasis of the group and its new bylaws is to appoint 11 members to the advisory committee, each representing an economic sector. Those could include, agriculture, healthcare, real estate, tourism, wine making and other prevalent industries in El Dorado County.

“We think this is going to help get us the expertise within the group on how to best drive it forward

■ See SEED, page A3

Courtesy photo

Some 31 acres along the Upper Truckee River in South Lake Tahoe will be owned and managed by the California Tahoe Conservancy.

OBITUARIES

Dale Edwin Cundall

Oct. 24, 1929 – Mar. 14, 2024

Dale Edwin Cundall, age 94, passed away peacefully at home in Placerville, Ca. on March 14, 2024. He was born October 24, 1929, the second child of Dean D. and Mildred M. Cundall. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Marion, who passed away in 2021. All three of his brothers also preceded him in death; Dean William (Bill), Ronald Rich and Earl Elbert.

In June of 1947, Dale graduated from Lincoln High School, then entered the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (B.I.O.L.A.) in September, graduating with a B.A. in 1951. While there he met Marion L. Smith, whom he married on June 20, 1953.

Dale and Marion had four children: Janet Ramler (Paul Ramler), Joyce Owen (Dave Owen, deceased), Judy Miller (Wayne Miller) and Philip Cundall (Tami Warden). He has 12 grandchildren and 23 greatgrandchildren.

Dale felt God’s calling on his life to become a minister of the Gospel and was ordained as a Pastor on September 11, 1953.

He loved Jesus and people, and in his lifetime served in 5 di erent churches: Agnew Baptist Church in San Jose, Ca. 1954-1957, Redwood Valley Community Church in Redwood Valley, Ca. 19571967, Pine Grove Community Church in Roseburg, Or. 1967-1972, Calvary Bible Church in Placerville, Ca. 1973-1979, and Gold Country Baptist Church in Shingle Springs, Ca. 1979-2006. The latter was a Church Planting Project of which he was the founding pastor. He and Marion retired to Redding, Ca. in 2009 and then moved back to Placerville in 2018. He remained Pastor Emeritus of Gold Country Baptist Church until his death.

Dale learned carpentry from his father and became a skilled carpenter himself. He used those carpentry skills on many building projects at the churches he pastored. He also drove school buses, was a volunteer fireman, and a High School Spanish teacher. He had short-term missionary experiences in Cuba with Practical Missionary training, in Trinidad as a men’s Bible Camp Speaker, in Brazil working on the construction of a parsonage, in Belgium with Biblical Literature Fellowship and in Guam building cabinets for Pacific Islands Bible College.

Dale cared deeply for people and even more for Jesus. He was a Pastor, role model, mentor, and faithful servant who brought honor to the Lord he loved. He was loved by so many people, and the love he had for others in return came naturally to him. He had a true shepherd’s heart as he loved and guided all whom God brought into his life.

Dale has entered into a fuller life than any of us on this side of eternity have ever known. His joy is complete, he is in the presence of glory, he is where he longed to be, though earth is poorer without him.

A Celebration of Life memorial service was held in his honor on Saturday, March 23rd at 2pm.

Gold Country Baptist Church

3800 North Shingle Rd.

Shingle Springs, Ca. 95682

Drew Van Winkle

Jan. 13, 1932 – Feb. 27, 2024

Drew began his earthly journey January 13,1932, in the middle of the Great Depression, a fact he was fond of relating. His life of 92 years was filled with adventures, entertaining stories and the desire to travel on newly discovered roads.

Drew’s life reflected his consuming interest in all areas of history. World, U.S., California. local, and Natural History filled his life with research and the never ending delight with each new event or concept he discovered. His amazing ability to remember and relate so much information combined with his contagious enthusiasm as he generously imparted his interest and knowledge resulted in his status as a living history legend!

He grew up actively enjoying the rural environment of Staten Island, New York. In March of 1951 he answered the call of patriotic duty and enlisted in the Marine Corps. He experienced combat duty in Korea and received a battlefield commission to the rank of Sergeant just one year after his enlistment. Following his discharge in 1954 he took advantage of the G. I. Bill and enrolled in Wagner College with a major in History and a goal of sharing his greatest interest in life as a teacher.

His life then took an unexpected turn and he found himself in Europe with the opportunity to discover the history and cultures of the countries he had read and studied in his historical research. After putting many kilometers on his Vespa scooter he realized his experiences were rich and fulfilling, but his cash flow was rapidly diminishing! When he became aware that the newly established Frankfurt International School was hiring sta , he borrowed a jacket, introduced himself to the Headmaster and after an impromptu interview was hired to teach history to students in Kindergarten through 6th grade. This was the beginning of Drew’s auspicious teaching career that would span 33 years.

A new life experience for Drew began in 1964 when he met his future wife who had just been hired as a teacher at Frankfurt International School. After numerous transatlantic communications and voyages, Drew and Kristine were married in Washington D.C. in 1966.

They returned to Germany to resume teaching with the FIS and began their family with the birth of twins, Joseph and Anna. Extended family matters necessitated a return to California. After a year in southern California, the attractions of northern California beckoned. The family packed up and began the search for a teaching position. Many miles and many applications later Drew was hired to teach history at Ponderosa High School and the family settled in El Dorado County.

Drew taught many and varied history classes at Ponderosa for 23 years. His knowledge and presentation skills left many students with more than historical facts to remember!! Drew’s retirement party in 1993 remains in the realm of a living legend!

Robert Ybright

Nov. 23, 1946 – Mar. 11, 2024

Robert passed peacefully early Monday morning. He will be missed by his wife Georgia Ybright, son Lane Ybright & wife Leanne, daughter Evone Ybright Manzella & spouse Joe Manzella, Deborah Ybright Alanis & Marcos Alanis, Rhonda Ybright Speier & Rick Speier, and Randy Ybright & Maria & Anthony Ybright

Ted Peart May 28, 1942 - Feb 10, 2024

Ted Peart passed away peacefully on Feb 10, 2024. He is survived by wife Marilyn Peart, sons Ted, Je , and Ray, and their children.

Ted was a remarkable individual who touched many lives. His smile and unwavering commitment to family and friends will be remembered.

Drew’s 50 years as an active resident of El Dorado County found him enthusiastically exploring the trails and challenges of the Eldorado National Forest. Hiking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing through the natural wonders at every opportunity. He cherished his corner of the world in Pleasant Valley. He planted many trees to enhance the bare land, raised fruits and vegetables, and welcomed any and all pets that found their way into his home and heart. The family was delighted with the birth of the Katrina. The twins, joined by neighboring kindred spirits, continued to eagerly explore the surrounding undeveloped area including an abandoned mine shaft! The family was involved with many projects as they actively participated with the Southside Top Notch 4H . Drew was always available to help transport project materials and swine to the county auction. He continued his support of 4H as the o cial auction photographer for several years.

Drew was instrumental in the formation of the Holm Ranch Road Association that collected neighbors contributions to maintain the road that was used by all residents as the area continued to develop. For many years Drew could be seen cleaning ditches, filling pot holes and working diligently to maintain a safe road.

Drew’s energy and enthusiasm never wavered as he continued to enjoy many international travel adventures with family and friends. Scuba diving became a family sport. Weekends and vacations found the family traveling to great diving sites, along the coast of California, Mexico, and British Columbia. A family trip to the Cayman Islands treated the entire family to the comfort of a warm water dive!

Drew volunteered as a docent at the Pt. Bonita Lighthouse in the Golden Gate National Park for 13 years. He never missed a month of appearing on a Saturday and Sunday to bring lighthouse history to life for visitors from around the world.

Drew’s life was full and rewarding. One of his greatest pleasures was basking in the sun, enjoying the view from his deck, preferably with friends and family. Always ready to share a glass or two of El Dorado County’s finest wine or a wee dram of a good single malt Scotch, while leading a spirited discussion on history, politics, or religion! Drew welcomed all into his home …. the more the merrier!

Drew stepped o this planet on February 27, 2024 leaving Kristine, his wife of 57 years, his son Joseph Van Winkle, his daughter Katrina Van Winkle and granddaughter Kristine McAuli e and many friends and acquaintances with treasured living memories of his infectious zeal for life.

A Celebration of Drew’s Living History (in Drew’s words and in keeping with his request A Party) is planned for April 13th. All with memories of Drew Van Winkle are invited! Contact Kristine Van Winkle for specific time and place and to RSVP. In lieu of flowers a donation in Drew’s name to Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode would honor Drew’s love and care for all living creatures!

Rest in peace, you will be deeply missed.

Tahoe robbery leads to third strike conviction

Odin Rasco Staff writer

A jury recently found a former South Lake Tahoe area resident guilty of a third strike offense for 10 felonies, including robbery, residential burglary, assault with a deadly weapon and criminal threats.

Joshua Gardner’s multipleday trial concluded March 6, when the jury handed down its opinion, finding him guilty of 10 felonies as well as enhancements for firearm use and injuries caused.

Gardner’s convictions are related to a series of incidents in July 2021 in South Lake Tahoe. Gardner broke into the home of a local resident due to a drug debt, robbing the victim at gunpoint and threatening to kill her. Gardner returned the following day, again robbing her at gunpoint and threatening to kill her. During the second altercation, Gardner also pistol whipped the victim, causing significant injury,

according to a press release from the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office.

After leaving the scene of the second robbery, Gardner continued to threaten to kill the victim via text message. El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office arrest records show Gardner was apprehended Sept. 18, 2023, in Ohio.

Gardner is scheduled to be sentenced April 12; in addition to the felonies and enhancements, the jury found Gardner had two previous strike convictions for residential burglary and criminal threats. He faces multiple life sentences, according to the DA’s Office press release.

DUI suspect flees, leaves trail in snowy woods

Odin Rasco Staff writer

An attempted DUI arrest turned into an on-foot search through the snow in South Lake Tahoe Thursday when a man attempted to flee an El Dorado County sheriff’s deputy.

The officer attempted to pull over a vehicle that was reportedly driving recklessly on Highway 50 near Elks Club Drive in South Lake Tahoe at around 10:51 a.m., according to an El Dorado County

Sheriff’s Office news release. The driver of the vehicle, identified in the release as 50-yearold South Lake Tahoe resident Jason Freed, is said to have initially evaded arrest. Freed allegedly hid his vehicle behind a local business and then ran through the snow into a forested area in an attempt to flee.

Law enforcement officers from the California Highway Patrol and South Lake Tahoe Police Department aided in

the search, following Freed’s footprints through the snow and mud to an outcropping of boulders where he was reportedly hiding. Freed was safely taken into custody and is currently in custody in the El Dorado County Jail held on $10,000 bail. Freed faces charges for driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level of .08%, obstructing and evading a peace officer, driving without a license and reckless driving.

Apply now to serve on the EDC Civil Grand Jury

reports on the operations of local governments and makes recommendations for them to become more efficient, effective, transparent and accountable.

report to the agency’s managing official or board who is required to respond either in agreement or disagreement with the findings and recommendations.

Now is the time to apply for the 2023-24 Civil Grand Jury term. The jury serves as the public’s “watchdog” over

governments. The Civil Grand Jury investigates and

March

The jury selects its own topics for investigation, which may be based on complaints submitted by the public. Following its investigation, the jury prepares a report of its findings and recommendations. The jury submits its

was reported at store on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines.

March 14

1:20 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 23-year-old man suspected of evading a peace officer on Main

5:25 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 29-year-old man suspected of transporting a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance on Beach Court in Lotus. He was listed in custody.

9:15 a.m. Vandalism to a cell tower was reported on Lariat Drive in Shingle Springs.

9:16 a.m. Burglary was reported on Kensington Drive in El Dorado Hills.

7:52 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 44-year-old man suspected of DUI on Pleasant Valley Road (town not specified). He was later released.

SEED Continued from A1

by actually getting folks that meet the criteria or have experience in these industries,” said Kyle Zimbelman, a staff member of the economic development division of the Planning and Building Department.

Previously, membership consisted of five members, each appointed by a supervisor, and four at-large members. Posey said with the new restructuring, and with the recommendations on membership, the group hopes to be in a better position to advise the county on industryspecific economic needs.

All reports and responses are available for review on the El Dorado County Grand Jury’s website at edcgov.us/ grandjury. The jury typically produces five to 10 reports each year on a variety of issues. Training is provided

8:37 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Courtside Drive in Diamond Springs.

9:19 p.m. Battery was reported on California Mine Lane in Placerville.

March 15

2:54 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 53-year-old man suspected of driving on a suspended license and grand theft on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville. He was released on $2,000 bail.

12:09 p.m. Burglary was reported on Fortrose Place in El Dorado Hills.

12:25 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Mt. Aukum Road in Somerset.

5:06 p.m. Brandishing was reported on Mother Lode Drive in Placerville.

6:22 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 35-year-old man suspected of a probation violation on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. He was later released.

7:21 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 30-year-old man suspected of assault with a deadly weapon on El Dorado Street in El Dorado. The suspect also allegedly tried to snuggle a controlled substance into the jail. He was listed in custody in lieu of $75,000 bail.

to jurors at the beginning of each term for conducting investigations and writing reports. The El Dorado County Civil Grand Jury is comprised of 19 members who serve for one year, from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. State law requires applicants be a U.S. citizen, 18 years of age or older, of ordinary intelligence and good character, a resident of El Dorado County

for at least one year with a working knowledge of the English language.

Applications will be due May 5. Informational meetings will be held at various locations in the county; the Georgetown Library is hosting a meeting April 6 at 1:30 p.m. For more information visit edcgov.us/grandjury.

“We really need to have SEED be that face (for) the public and to be able to go to the board and work on the plan relative to the strategic plan and also to know what’s going on, what are the trends and what is not working,” Posey said. “We’re really hoping by having industry experts in their fields and having this public forum on a consistent basis, we will be able to be one of those important touch points and then convey that in a much more timely manner to the board.”

of an ad-hoc committee responsible for advising the newly formed SEED on creating its set of bylaws. The strategic economic plan is a discussion coming in the near future, Hidahl said.

The advisory committee, or any economic development organization, is required by the General Plan. Efforts to restructure the group will help the county move forward with developing its strategic economic plan, according to Supervisor John Hidahl, who was part

“I look forward to being able to see a reformatted CEDAC organization that is really going to help us be strategic in placing new businesses and new (economic) growth opportunities in El Dorado County,” Hidahl said. The board voted unanimously to approve CEDAC’s new name and its bylaws with minor recommended changes; Supervisor Brooke Laine was absent.

California Commentary

This wasn’t supposed to happen. Proposition 1, a ballot measure backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature with a multi-million dollar campaign against an opposition campaign that had no money, is hanging on by a thread as votes are still being counted.

Political data crunchers are still projecting it will pass but only by the thinnest of margins. While that may be true, in the immortal words of Yogi Berra, “It ain’t over ’til it’s over.”

But even if Prop. 1 squeaks by, the fact that it almost lost has to be a wake-up call for tax-andspend interests who thought they had a sure thing. In addition to limitless resources, a broad, well-financed coalition and the popular cause of homelessness and mental health, voters were evenly split. But why?

To understand why Prop. 1 is struggling, let’s review what it would do.

According to the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst, Proposition 1 would change the Mental Health Services Act that was passed by voters in 2004, putting the focus on how the money from the act can be used.

Letters to the Editor

Mr. Trump

EDITOR:

If you had told me 10 years ago that a presumptive presidential candidate would have hosted an authoritarian leader, I would have said you were crazy. However, there was Viktor Orban at Mar-a-Lago with Mr. Trump praising his leadership and virtues and suggesting that he is someone he would like to emulate. Not only was the audience not horrified; they were clapping and cheering. Truly unbelievable.

If you had told me 10 years ago that a presumptive candidate for president would call people wanting to immigrate to the U.S. “animals,” I would not have believed it. But in a recent rally Trump did just that.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that California voters believe taxes are too high and that to take on more bond debt when the state is struggling … is probably not a good idea.

Second, it seeks approval of a $6.38 billion bond to build (1) more places for mental health care and drug or alcohol treatment and (2) more housing for people with mental health, drug or alcohol challenges.

While initial polling on Prop. 1 a few months ago showed strong support, that support began to drop as election day drew closer. The more voters looked into Prop. 1, the more suspicious they became. First, the claim that the proposal would be a “transformational” solution to mental health care and homelessness seemed to be more hyperbolic rhetoric from the governor. The $6.38 billion will

Congratulations to the three winners of the El Dorado County supervisorial races. Each won their seats outright on Election Night against at least two challengers.

Newly elected supervisor-elect Greg Ferrero of El Dorado Hills won the biggest percentage at more than 63%.

George Turnboo won a second term as a man of the people.

Brian Veerkamp, after serving a term on the El Dorado Irrigation District Board of Directors, is back for a second time serving on the Board of Supervisors. This resets him so he can once again serve two terms, should voters approve.

Is it not true, Mr. Trump, that multiple family members were or are recent immigrants — your grandfather, mother, first wife, present wife and in-laws?

Could the di erence be that they are from Europe and white?

If anyone still thinks that Mr. Trump asked the Republicans in Congress to vote no on the recent immigration bill because it was a bad bill and not a talking point, what more proof do you need? Furthermore, I would challenge anyone to find a tape or video of President Biden saying anything as o ensive as that.

Do we really want a president who admires and plans to emulate authoritarian leaders? Do we really want a president who considers immigrants as sub-human? The choice is ours to make this November.

SCOTT TAYLOR Placerville

Important things

EDITOR:

Iremember a time when everyone got most of our information from three TV channels and one or two morning newspapers. We trusted the Forth Estate to be the arbiter of facts and truth. We counted on the media to seek out corruption and tell us when a wrong needed to be righted. We trusted the media. But that era is gone.

Here’s an idea from the Wall Street Journal’s editorial page from March 19. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro set a time limit for state agencies to issue permits. If they miss the time-limit they have to refund the money to the applicant. None have missed the deadline, since their budgets depend on the application fees. Even developers are getting speedier service.

This is a cost-free incentive to make county government more responsive and e cient.

Try it. You’ll like it.

• • •

The closer we get to June the closer I get to turning over both my

If one spends much time watching the news or reading a national newspaper one could come to the conclusion that the world has gone mad, that the planet is on the brink of World War III, the U.S. is rapidly moving toward civil war and the planet is spiraling o it’s axis and life is ending as we know it.

All of it might be true, but the media has become an advocacy of various causes: our society as we know it might be over; life is in chaos; we have to do something; if you aren’t actively addressing a solution you are the problem.

The reality is the integrity of the news media is dead. You can get two completely di erent views on a situation, let’s say the presidential race, by watching CNN or FOX. The reality is they sell ad space to a shrinking viewership. And generating revenue is far more important than telling the truth.

I don’t believe that Earth is ending and this is the most important time in history. I believe that this is the greatest time in history. I know climate change exists but I don’t think that governments can tax us into stopping the Earth from changing. I have never needed a president to solve any of my issues.

I don’t need the news outlets to tell me what to think and I don’t think the deep state is a good thing for our society, but I know that there’s nothing I can or want to do to change it.

I want to focus on what I can control. I want my grandkids to hunt Easter eggs that my 81-year-old father hides. I want to watch St. Marys vs GCU in the NCAA; my kids went to both schools. And I want to enjoy whatever amount of time I have left with my family and loved ones. I don’t need a politician or a news outlet to tell me what’s important in my life.

KEN STEERS Cameron Park

The Mountain Democrat welcomes letters up to 500 words. Letters may be edited. We reserve the right to edit submissions. Include your name, address and phone number for verification purposes.

I got hearing aides last week. I’m ready to try them out listening to the sermon in church .... That may or may not be a good thing.

Mother Lode Lions presidency and my American Legion commander’s position.

It’s hard finding someone to hold the first, second and third vice presidency at the Lions Club. I was second vice president when I became president.

It was my third time as president and my least successful presidency, having faced some medical issues. I’m feeling pretty good these days, though, with blood tests showing slow improvement.

Fortunately, the other time I served as president were not connective, with the first being 1990-91. Our third vice president is going straight to the presidency. He is ready. He has

already run a meeting and the board meeting. At the Legion I have been commander for three consecutive years. I’m looking forward to turning it over in June to the first vice commander. She is a lot more organized than me.

•

• • I got hearing aides last week. I’m ready to try them out listening to the sermon in church for the first time. That may or may not be a good thing. Ditto for the auxiliary report at American Legion executive board meeting.

Michael Ra ety is a retired editor of the Mountain Democrat and a resident of the Placerville area.

Grants available for mussel infestation prevention

the Quagga and Zebra

Grant Program expects to award a total of up to $2

Coupal

Continued

pay for only 6,800 beds in treatment facilities and fewer than 4,500 units of housing for the homeless, including homeless veterans, according to the Legislative Analyst. There are currently more than 180,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in California.

Second, many mental health service providers opposed Proposition 1 because it cuts current funding for county mental health programs that receive substantial revenue from the “millionaire’s tax” approved by voters two decades ago. Their opposition appeared prominently on the ballot label itself.

Also listed on the ballot label in opposition was the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. Californians who didn’t have the time to read the 60-plus pages of fine print about the measure in the Voter Information Guide may have seen HJTA’s recommendation and decided right then to vote no.

Third, voters may have been turned o by the use of bond financing rather than “pay as you go” funding. The national discussion concerning the troubling amount of public and private debt might finally be starting to resonate with voters.

Fourth, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that California voters believe taxes are too high and that to take on more bond debt when the state is struggling with a self-inflicted budget deficit — due to overspending — is probably not a good idea.

Another recent PPIC poll found that 48% of the respondents believe the state wastes “a lot” of their tax dollars, 43% said the state wastes “some” and only 8% said the people in charge of the state government “don’t waste very much.” Another 1% said they don’t know.

Finally, the fact that Gov. Newsom put a great deal of his political capital behind the measure might not have been the big positive influence that pundits believed. While his overall approval rating reached a high of 64% during COVID, it is now below 50%.

Win or lose, there are several indicators that should cause those who want more bonds and tax increases to pause. But they probably won’t.

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

million across eligible applicants.

Applications will be accepted April 1 through May 10. All applications must be received by 5 p.m. May 10.

The QZ grants are available to entities that own or manage any aspect of water in a reservoir that is open for public recreation, is mussel-free and do not have an existing two-year QZ grant awarded in 2023. Funding is intended to augment local resources and must be used for prevention projects such as planning, watercraft inspection stations and inspectors, launch monitors, watercraft decontamination units, educational signage and outreach.

To aid applicants through the requirements and application process, DBW will host a webinar Thursday, April 4, where potential applicants can

learn more about the application process and program.

Application review and scoring will be conducted by DBW in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

DBW expects to notify applicants by August 2024 with these grants starting in September 2024.

Quagga and zebra mussels pose a serious threat to California’s waters and fisheries. The spread of these freshwater mussels threatens recreational boating and fishing, aquatic ecosystems and fisheries, water delivery systems, hydroelectric facilities, agriculture, and the environment in general. To help stop the spread of these harmful invasive mussels, local, state and federal entities have increased watercraft inspections many stations.

Edited by Will Shortz

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

Conservancy Continued from A1

newly acquired property itself

as well as future restoration at the Upper Truckee Marsh.

The land protected by this acquisition is part of the homeland of the waší∙šiw (Washoe) people. The waší∙šiw are the aboriginal stewards of the land in and around the Lake Tahoe Basin. As a sovereign nation, the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, as it is known today, continues to advocate for the protection and preservation of waší∙šiw (the Washoe people’s homelands).

“The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California is supportive of the incredible work being done by the conservancy,” said Washoe Tribe Chairman Serrell Smokey.

“The conservancy has been a great partner and their work to protect, preserve and reestablish healthy ecosystems within the Tahoe Basin should be celebrated. Addressing decades of overdevelopment in very delicate and fragile ecosystems, such the Upper Truckee, is not something that happens overnight. While we celebrate this as a huge victory for the Tahoe Basin, it is also important to acknowledge that this will have profound and far-reaching impacts as we continue to imagine a healthy future for the Tahoe Basin with Washoe culture and

peoples at the center.”

Acquiring the property protects its wetland and meadow habitat, while presenting future opportunities to improve climate resilience and public access and to restore the river corridor for Lake Tahoe’s largest tributary. For decades this land has been a top acquisition priority for state and regional partners. Acquiring the 31-acre property places over 96% of the lower 9 miles of the Upper Truckee River in public ownership. The river drains a third of the Lake Tahoe Basin’s land area.

The purchase shows tangible, on-the-ground progress of removing development out of sensitive lands, a central goal of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program and Lake Tahoe Regional Plan.

The property’s 25 acres of wetlands and mountain meadows add to the hundreds of protected acres just upstream and downstream. Relatively scarce in the Sierra Nevada, such wetlands and meadows have outsized value for wildlife habitat, biodiversity and climate resilience. Many wildlife species in the Tahoe Basin rely upon marshes and meadows for part of their lifecycle. The adjacent Upper Truckee Marsh, for example, provides habitat to the endangered

Lawsuit Continued from A1

seeking to impose the normalization of hardcore drug use.”

Pierson’s statement references a recent opinion column written with U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley that claims California is “reeling from the dark consequences of Proposition 47.” The statement claims a surge of overdose deaths in the state and homeless deaths in Sacramento are the consequences of the proposition, that “made hard drugs cheap and accessible, without any incentive or requirement for treatment.”

The county and city have been concerned with SHRC’s operations for some time, with representatives from the Placerville Police Department, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office and the DA’s Office presenting arguments as to why the coalition should not be allowed to operate locally. The groups argue the coalition’s services undermine efforts to reduce the homeless population and enable habits that have far-reaching consequences, such as more crime. EDSO personnel reported SHRC products were located

at the site of at least two overdose deaths in the county.

“We already have the tools and resources available here if they want help to overcome (drug addiction),” Leikauf told the board in 2023. “We remain an agency that is committed to total enforcement on crime and criminals and total care for our victims, witnesses and community.”

Sierra Harm Reduction Coalition Director Tom Ewing provided his personal stance on the situation in December, arguing SHRC’s efforts were in the public interest.

“It’s a simple fact that people who use drugs will obtain the supplies they need to use them, whether there is a harm reduction organization in the area or not, just like they manage to obtain drugs in spite of the fact that they are illegal,” Ewing told the Mountain Democrat.

Ewing claimed more than 600 people in the county were obtaining supplies from other areas and then selling them at inflated prices to others, leading to an uptick in sharing or

willow flycatcher and plays a critical stop along international flyways for migratory birds. This acquisition also helps advance California’s goal to conserve 30% of its natural lands by 2030.

“All of us at WCB are thrilled to help fund this high-priority acquisition that links continuous public ownership along the Upper Truckee River floodplain,” said Jennifer Norris, executive director of the Wildlife Conservation Board. “This purchase will safeguard the region’s biodiversity, including its wetlands and meadows which provide habitat for songbirds, waterfowl, amphibians, fish and bears and contribute to California’s 30×30 conservation goal.”

“This landmark acquisition shows the incredible progress coming from collaborative partnerships we have been building for more than 50 years,” said Julie Regan, executive director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

“Today, the Lake Tahoe Region is taking a giant step forward in improving lake clarity and increasing public access for all.”

Healthy functioning wetlands act as a natural pollution filter for Lake Tahoe, preserving its famed clarity. In the Upper Truckee watershed,

reusing needles. Such activities “put the community at large at risk of HIV, hepatitis C and other blood-borne infections,” Ewing stated. According to Ewing, syringe buying, sharing and reuse in the county has largely disappeared since SHRC began its operations locally.

Discussions regarding needle exchange programs in the county kicked off last summer, as SHRC’s contract to operate in the county was set to expire Sept. 1, 2023; the county voted 4-1 in June to send a letter to CDPH urging they do not renew the contract. Placerville’s City Council held a similar discussion shortly afterward, deciding to send their own letter to the state’s health department. With other options

EIP partners have completed many projects over decades to restore streams, rivers, wetlands, floodplains, and wildlife habitat. This acquisition amplifies the value of past restoration projects, while allowing the Conservancy and the adjacent public landowner partners, such as Tahoe RCD and the USDA Forest Service, to closely coordinate future ecosystem restoration and management efforts.

“From bobcats and bears to rainbow trout and the Lahontan redside, it’s hard to overstate the magnitude of this acquisition in terms of the benefits for so many of the Lake Tahoe Basin’s fish and wildlife species,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. “These species have been plagued by a variety of fish passage and wildlife connectivity challenges at this property for decades. We now collectively have the opportunity to address these issues and restore connectivity and access to the quality habitat they need throughout their various life stages.”

Healthy marshes and meadows also combat climate change by capturing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in plants, roots and soils. Public protection of these environmentally sensitive lands is the result of extensive

with the unhoused population in rural areas and that they build relationships and are there to offer additional resources when people are receptive,” states the letter sent by the board in June. “In El Dorado County we have already built an effective network of trusted relationships with the unhoused population.”

In spite of the letters sent by the local governments, the CDPH did renew SHRC’s contract in September. The county and city pushed back once again, leading to a back-and forth that culminated in the board passing Ordinance 5189 in December, banning needle exchange programs from operating in unincorporated areas. Revising the contract, the CDPH then stipulated SHRC would have

collaboration among the funding partners. Acquisition funds included critical lead acquisition and project support of $100,000 each from the Tahoe Fund and the League to Save Lake Tahoe, $6 million from the WCB, $4.4 million from the Conservancy, $3.5 million from the TRPA and $1.5 million from the CDFW. Tahoe RCD provided additional project support.

“Restoration of the entire Upper Truckee River is one of our highest priorities,” said Cory Ritchie, Tahoe Fund Board Chair. “From our initial involvement in the acquisition of Johnson Meadow, to this momentous acquisition of Motel 6 and the surrounding acres, we are honored to work with these partners to help make this happen for the Lake and our community.”

“The things we all love about Tahoe depend on maintaining a healthy ecosystem and clean, clear water,” said Dr. Darcie Goodman Collins, CEO of the League to Save Lake Tahoe, or Keep Tahoe Blue. “Since 2010, we’ve helped restore the Upper Truckee Marsh and river corridor with volunteering, science, and now funding.

The Conservancy anticipates closing escrow and completing the acquisition in the coming weeks.

voting in favor of the ban. “But, like with homelessness, the macros story tells a much different tale of woefully poor results. I do have an issue with this and a bigger issue with the state saying ‘only Placerville’ without having a conversation with us.”

A CDPH representative provided the following statement when contacted for comment regarding the recent lawsuit:

“CDPH continues to consider all avenues for protecting the state’s statutory authority to approve SSPs. In light of the active litigation, CDPH does not have any comment at this time. In general, harm reduction programs help people who use drugs protect themselves from injury and infections

Though the bans passed by the county and Placerville are very similar to a similar one passed in October by the Placer County Board of Directors, the CDPH does not appear to have filed a lawsuit against that government body at this time, according to court documents.

Placerville City Manager Cleve Morris said he could not provide extensive comment on the lawsuit as it is active litigation, but provided a statement:

“The city of Placerville adopted a 45-day moratorium to study the ongoing effects of syringe service programs in the city after CDPH concentrated their use by authorizing them only in Placerville and nowhere else in the county. The city wants to protect the health,

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

798-4746 or visit purelyhope.org.

Registration is now open for the 41st annual Bob West Drive for Marshall golf tournament scheduled for June 21 and hosted once again at Cold Springs Golf & Country Club in Placerville. To register visit marshallfound. org/golf-registration/?blm_ aid=30898.

The purpose of the Widowed Persons Club is to provide a support group for widowed men and women of all ages and provide a wide range of social activities through which they have an opportunity to make new friends and nd a new direction in their lives.

Regular breakfasts

Katelyn Russo & Olivia Russo

4-H Rabbit Agility Project members

Cheers arose from the crowd as the rabbits leaped o the pause table and over the green jump.

On March 17 the El Dorado County Rabbit Agility Project went to Oakmont Senior Living and Memory Care in El Dorado Hills to do a demonstration.

Six rabbits and their owners ran the agility course much to the seniors’ delight. After all the rabbits had completed the course, the residents got a chance to pet the flu y agility bunnies. The 4-H members practiced public speaking and ignited their sparks of community service. Some of the residents shared their experiences of raising rabbits in the past. It was an enjoyable time for everyone.

It was great for the rabbits to practice the agility course in a public setting and for the members to give back to the community. They handed out the cards they had made at Skills Day and made the elderly smile. Brightly colored cards

with pictures of rabbits wished the residents a “hoppy” early Easter. For more information about

this and other opportunities with the El Dorado County 4-H visit ucanr.edu/sites/ EDC_4-H_Program, call (530)

621-5503, email eldorao4h@ ucanr.edu or follow on Facebook at facebook.com/ ElDorado4H.

Native plant society hosts native gardening pro

In 2005 Patricia Carpenter started work on a 1-acre garden plot west of Davis. The land, a slough, was filled with many invasive plants. Her plan was to fill it with native plants instead. Currently, the garden is filled with a “what’s what” of 400-plus di erent native plants. Patricia’s advice is to start slowly and focus on one area at a time.

“Really, nature is in charge so we

(gardeners) must be flexible,” she said.

On Tuesday, March 26, immediately following the El Dorado Chapter of CNPS general meeting, Carpenter will present a slide show and talk about how she planned the garden, how she grew it over time, how she made decisions along the way and what it looks like from season to season.

The meeting begins at 8:30 p.m. To register go to tinyurl.com/EDC-CNPS03-26-24-meet. The meeting is free of charge, but all participants must register in advance.

The California Native Plant Society is a nonprofit organization working to save and celebrate California’s native plants and places via plant science, advocacy, education and horticulture. CNPS has nearly 10,000 members in 35 chapters throughout California and Baja. The El Dorado Chapter of CNPS is active in educating about as well as identifying and protecting the many endemic plants of the area. To learn more about native plants and CNPS visit cnps.org or eldoradocnps. org.

EDUHSD appoints Michael Kuhlman as new super

Dina Gentry El Dorado County O ce of Education

The El Dorado Union High School District Board of Trustees has announced the selection and appointment of Michael Kuhlman as its new superintendent, e ective July 1, 2024. Kuhlman will be succeeding Dr. Ron Carruth, who will retire after a distinguished tenure with the district.

“I’m honored to follow Dr. Carruth’s exceptional leadership in the El Dorado Union High School District. I appreciate him taking the time to share his insights into what makes this district such a special place,” Kuhlman shared. “I can’t wait to meet students, sta and families, and to hear more about what they feel makes El Dorado Union High School District so unique.

“While I am inspired to learn about the outstanding academic achievements, career preparation programs and extracurricular o erings, I have been especially impressed to hear so many people speak of the spirit of collaboration in the El Dorado Union High School ■ See SUPER, page B3

Courtesy photo

4-H Rabbit Agility Project members pose with their bunnies. From left to right: Amelia Graehl (Muffin), Primrose Briggs (Truffle), Elle Wilkey (Leaf), Savannah Boehm (Jack), Olivia Russo (Elliott) and Katelyn Russo (Churro).

hotos by Beth Savidge

For nearly 20 years gardener Patricia Carpenter has slowly weeded out invasive plants around a slough, creating a native plant oasis. She will share her journey at the March 26 CNPS – El Dorado Chapter meeting.

Kathleen Barco EDC – CNPS communications chair

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

PROSPECTING

CCP educates through caring mentorships

Jessica Trumble-Pitel News release

El Dorado County Office of Education Charter College and Career Prep educators understand that education is a building process with the critical components of bonded connections, continued support for achievement of goals and educators uniting with the community to navigate a future of hope and joy for all students.

This comes in a variety of teaching styles, field trips and connections for job training, and goes beyond to the critical social-emotional support an adult can provide to a youth during adolescence into adulthood. CCP embraces not only that education means strong academic management and opportunities for applied learning, but also guidance and interpersonal mentorship for life now and beyond high school.

Elizabeth Medlyn, CCP teacher, sharing her perspective on mentoring and working to help students succeed at CCP, said it’s her job “to create a climate of curiosity, enthusiasm, respect and optimism.”

“I want to generate a desire in students to know and understand, to imagine and to see the possibilities

for themselves and others,” she explained. “I look forward to it every day. I never know what stories I will hear, what new fun facts a student will bring to me or what will make me laugh that day. I love working for EDCOE. CCP is a unique and wonderful place where both students and staff are allowed to be their authentic selves, a place where everyone feels valued.”

CCP continues to enable students and educators to come together for caring and empathetic studenteducator connections. Students are better for such an educational approach that takes into account that the journey of life and education is a process. There will be setbacks, insecurities, but also triumphs and confidence building. Through the valleys and peaks CCP remains by its students, families and community, knowing that a key takeaway for students being successful in life is having caring and engaged adults in their lives. Through CCP and Charter Alternative Programs, a child becomes a student, a student becomes a graduate and a graduate becomes a caring and contributing adult. For more information about CCP visit ccp.edcoe.org.

River fable set on the South Fork of the American River

News release

HOROSCOPE by Holiday Mathis Complete

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Good fortune comes to you because you’re willing to consistently move in a specific direction. It requires you to keep your energy up. The time you spend with people you love who love you back is part of the equation.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Exciting developments are around the corner. This is the perfect time to remind yourself how far you’ve come and what you’re capable of. Take stock of your accomplishments. It will fuel you with extra motivation and confidence.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Just because your astral nature features duality, that doesn’t mean you don’t grow weary of the dance of opposites. Today, you’ll long for an indisputably correct answer, a single option, a one-way street as it were, and you’ll get it.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). People sometimes say what they don’t mean, though you wisely realize that more often they say what they do mean, then backpedal when they have doubts about the statement’s acceptability. You observe and learn much.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Just because one method makes more sense doesn’t mean it’s the right answer. Trust yourself today because even your illogical whimsy is built on a kind of intuitive reasoning that could very well be the brightest solution.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). When you genuinely enjoy your work, working hard makes you luckier. But work that drains you will not add to your good fortune, even if it seems to add to your bottom line in terms of dollars, because your true

treasure is vitality.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). As much as you would like a change of scenery, this may not be practical or possible today. But with your augmented powers of imagination, you can at least change your perspective and see new wonders in this scene.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Your understanding of another person’s experience, though better than most people’s, is still incomplete. Yet your empathy is great enough to make a connection and help someone feel less alone.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The playing field may not look level, but don’t let that intimidate you from pursuing your goals. Keep advancing your interest by learning everything you can. Opportunities are coming.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Silence will have many meanings. Sometimes, it will mean what you’ve said is profound and people are processing it. Other times, it will mean no one is listening.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Moods come and go. The intensity level of feelings will change throughout the day as moods come and go. At a point, you will notice the atmosphere is so charged, none will dare to articulate the undercurrent.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Events call for your response, though you may not be sure of the right thing to say and do. Seek the guidance of those who have been in the situation and know what’s appropriate. Others may advise, but not well.

Toad Road Press of Lotus has announced the debut of “A River Called Home – a river fable,” a genre-defying illustrated novella that is a love-letter to El Dorado County’s South Fork of the American and an ode to the power of female friendship. A collaboration between Coloma artist Robin Center and Placerville poet Moira Magneson, “A River Called Home” is the tale of four lifelong friends — a world-class river guide, a homemaker, a harried urban planner and a high-powered financial analyst — who reunite to raft the South Fork of the American River. Like its centuryold forebear, “The Wind in the Willows,” the book’s four characters are animals: Frog,

Bear, Rabbit and Eagle. However, unlike the Kenneth Grahame classic in which the animals assume male personas, this cast is entirely female. Alternately a quest, a reminiscence, a kvetching and a rite of passage, “A River Called Home” chronicles the foursome’s two-day downstream journey which becomes a kind of “river reckoning.”

Generously illustrated with bright, whimsical watercolors, the book’s story of river adventuring draws upon the artist and author’s deep love for the South Fork of the American and decades-long experience working on and living alongside rivers throughout the West. For more information email toadroadpress@ gmail.com.

Placerville church promoting healthy living via workshop

Ruth O’Shea News release

How healthy are you? How do you measure your level of health? Is it about numbers? Diagnoses? Symptoms? Family history?

Dr. Jaiwant Rangi, board-certified endocrinologist, challenges us to consider more. She will be featured in a Healthy Living Workshop at the Placerville Church of the Nazarene. Redefining Vitality takes place at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 7.

Dr. Rangi will delve into the pressing issues of today’s health landscape, characterized by the rising prevalence of chronic conditions and a

conventional perception of aging and wellness. Her aim is to challenge the status quo and ignite a conversation around the power of holistic and personalized approaches to health and well-being.

The El Dorado Health Ministries Association is co-sponsoring this event and, with the church, invites you to participate in this workshop. Pre-registration is required. The registration deadline is March 31 and the registration fee is $5 per adult or $10 per family. Call or Text (530) 305-5402 for more information and to register. The class will be held at the Placerville Church of the Nazarene, 6040 Mother Lode Drive.

Courtesy photo

Charter College and Career Prep Elizabeth Medlyn, third from left, not only helps her students become better learners; she helps them become thriving adults.

SUDOKU

District,” he continued. “This is the mark of a healthy district and I am thrilled to join you all as your new superintendent. It’s an honor and a privilege to be entrusted with this responsibility by the governing board. I’m excited to think about what we can accomplish together.”

The El Dorado County Office of Education assisted throughout the recruitment process.

El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ed Manansala expressed, “Mike Kuhlman’s character and leadership are marked with integrity, service and remarkable outcomes for students. Under Superintendent Kuhlman’s leadership we anticipate that he will enhance and build upon EDHUSD’s already excellent foundation.”

Kuhlman brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having begun his career in education in 1995. Over the years, he has held several key positions, including superintendent, deputy superintendent of educational services, high school principal, mentor teacher and history teacher. His dedication to excellence in education is evident in his numerous accolades:

• Top 51 Most Influential People in the Santa Clarita Valley 2019-23, Santa Clarita Signal

Newspaper: No. 13 (‘22), No. 24 (‘21), No. 41 (‘20) and No. 30 (‘19.)

• Honorary Service Award 2021, Santa Clarita Valley Council of PTAs

• District Superintendent of the Year 2021, Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) – Santa Clarita Valley

• District Office Administrator of the Year 2017, ACSA – Santa Clarita Valley

• Secondary Principal of the Year 2014, ACSA –Santa Clarita Valley

• Award for Schoolwide Effectiveness 2012, ACSA – Santa Clarita Valley

• Middle Grades Principal of the Year 2008, ACSA – Santa Clarita Valley

• Charter Leadership Award 2007, ACSA –Region XV

• Co-Administrator of the Year 2005, ACSA –Region XV

• Crystal Apple Award 1999, NBC, “for inspirational leadership & teaching excellence in the community”

• Teacher of the Year 1998, Saugus High School

A staunch advocate for deep professional development, Kuhlman is a lifelong learner actively involved in several professional networks. He said his belief in the power of education to transform lives has been a guiding principle throughout his career.

“After engaging in a detailed and rigorous superintendent search process that yielded dozens of applicants, the board is confident that it has chosen the best candidate, Michael Kuhlman, to become the next superintendent of our district,” said Tim Cary, President of the Board of Trustees. “Mr. Kuhlman has demonstrated and led educational excellence in everything he has done and the board is confident that he will lead our El Dorado Union High School District from its current excellence to an even greater focus on maximizing the educational achievement and opportunities of each of our students. We are excited to begin the next chapter with Mike Kuhlman as our new superintendent.”

District leaders and staff extend heartfelt gratitude to Carruth for his years of dedicated

service and wish him a happy and fulfilling retirement here in El Dorado County. For more information about EDUHSD visit eduhsd.k12.ca.us.

Know Continued from B1

Tahoe Library, 6 p.m. March 27; Cameron Park Community Center, 6 p.m. March 28; El Dorado Hills Library, 1:30 p.m. April 2; and Georgetown Library, 1:30 p.m.

April 6. For more information email EDCchapter.CGJA@gmail. com or visit edcgov.us/Grandjury.

March 27

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce and Beyond Wellness host a grand opening and ribbon cutting, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 4420 Town Center Blvd., Suite 130, El Dorado Hills.

March 28

The Shingle Springs-Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce and SWANK host a networking luncheon with speaker James White with State Farm Insurance, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Red Hawk n See KNOW, page B4

Our personalized care management, home care, respite and assisted living services are designed to ensure a safe, happy and fulfilling “every day.”

March

The

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