Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, April 3, 2024

ON THE HUNT

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a law enforcement officer, Gossett, who grew up in Texas before moving to

Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco

The Easter bunny kept kids busy in El Dorado County this past weekend, leaving eggs filled with goodies all over. Above, dozens of kids 12 and younger flocked to the upper field at Indian Creek Elementary School Sunday afternoon to participate in the Mother Lode Lions Club’s annual Community Easter Egg Hunt. The field was strewn with hundreds of colorful plastic eggs full of prizes for the children to collect in their baskets, bags and buckets.

Photo by Tom Paniagua Easter egg hunters braved the rainy weather Saturday morning to fill their baskets during the El Dorado Hills Community Services District’s Easter Egg Hunt at Promontory Park. The field was picked clean in 8 minutes.

Above, Amelia Sturgill, 1, drops another egg into her bucket at the Lions Club event. The littlest egg hunters had a great time collecting goodies left by the Easter Bunny. At right, Gianna Souza, 2, sports some fuzzy rabbit ears and is ready to grab her eggs ready and waiting on the Promontory Park playground.

Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco

Photo by Tom Paniagua

Lizabeth Loghry-Warren

July 2, 1939 – March 16, 2024

Lizabeth joined her beloved Paul in eternal rest March 16, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. A private celebration of her life will be held April 5, 2024.

Orland Darwane Pevehouse

Age 84, of Placerville, California passed away Friday

March 15th, 2024.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life to honor him.

Family and friends will gather in Orland’s memory from 10am to 2pm Friday, April 12th, 2024 at Placerville Grange Hall, 4765 Pleasant Valley Grange Road, Placerville CA 95667. Originally from Los Angeles, Orland was a lifelong builder and craftsman. He helped open the Home Depot in Placerville, working in the lumber department. He always had a laugh and a smile for everyone.

He is survived by his son Matthew Pevehouse of St. Louis, Missouri, daughter Suzanne PevehouseReyes of Temecula, California, sister Debbie Sirna of Sacramento, wife Janet Pevehouse of Placerville, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all.

Richard Bettencourt

April 10, 1943 – March 21, 2024

Richard Bettencourt died peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Kaiser hospital of complications from congestive heart failure. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend. He was 80 years old.

Rich was a native of the Delta region and a graduate of Galt High School and Fresno State. He served in the Army and taught auto shop, which he left to start his own cabinet shop in his garage. Over many years, he built his custom cabinet shop into a thriving business. Rich and Mike’s Cabinets is still going strong under his longtime business partner and dear friend, Mike. He was generous with his wisdom and advice and was a mentor to many. He was a builder of everything, from race cars to sand cars for his kids and grandkids, from playhouses to furniture. He built his first car from the ground up, a Model A, as a teenager and loved everything about cars, from building and racing them to driving them. He was a careful craftsman and a thoughtful planner and problem solver. He had a loud, hearty laugh and a wealth of funny sayings. He loved his family, his friends, nature, his dog and cars.

Rich is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, LeAnn, his two daughters Lisa and Laura, 4 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and his two sisters, Janice and Judy. He is also survived by his Mustang and his Pinto, various cars, trucks, campers, and a boat. His service will be at the Church of Our Saviour in Placerville on April 2 at 11am.

Vivian Margaret Carpender

March 2, 1930 – Feb. 27, 2024

Vivian Margaret Carpender passed away in Placerville, California on February 27 at the age of 93.

Vivian was born on March 2, 1930 in Modesto, California to Everett William Dexter Capwell Fox and Bertha Beatrice (Sweet) Fox. She was the fourth of nine children. She married Thomas Elwyn Carpender on June 9, 1951 and they celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary before Tom’s death in September of 2021. Vivian and Tom raised 5 children. Surviving children are Tommee Briggs of Wickenberg, AZ, Janie Carpender of Placerville, Sally Moore of Shingle Springs, and James Roberson of Placerville. Vivian is also survived by her sisters Sally Carr of Placerville and Carole Goold of Shingle Springs. She has 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Highway 50 accident leads to tricky extraction

Odin Rasco Staff writer

An incident on Highway 50 near Placerville had a Folsom man trapped in a vehicle for close to 30 minuted as fire crews worked to access and open the car Saturday morning.

Crews from Cal Fire and the El Dorado County and Diamond Springs fire protection districts received a call at 7:17 a.m. Saturday reporting a vehicle had left the roadway on westbound Highway 50 and collided with a tree, according to EDCFPD Captain Jacob Poganski. The driver of the vehicle, Malachi Jamieson, 21, was stuck inside the Ford Fusion as it had rolled onto its side and lodged against a tree after it slid down the embankment near the Forni Road overcrossing near Weber Creek.

Fire crews navigated the steep embankment and worked for around 30 minutes safely removing Jamieson from the vehicle. Jamieson was treated for minor injuries by fire crews before being transported to Marshall Hospital for further evaluation; a California Highway Patrol incident report indicates no further injuries were reported.

Property tax deadline coming up

El Dorado County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office News release

The second installment of the secured property tax is now due and will be delinquent if not paid on or before April 10, according to K. E. Coleman, El Dorado County Treasurer-Tax Collector.

“The delinquency date falls on Wednesday, April 10. Property tax payments must be received by this office or must have a U.S. Postal Service postmark with this date or penalties will be imposed in accordance with state law,” states Coleman in a news release. To pay online or to find answers to the most frequently asked property tax questions go to edcgov.us/taxcollector. Taxpayers can also view or print copies of their tax bills from this website. Electronic check and credit card payments made through this website are accepted as timely if paid before midnight April 10. Accepted cards include Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. Note the third-party credit card processing company charges an administrative processing fee for this service. If paying through a bank’s online bill payment system, the tax collector recommends making payments no less than 10 days before the delinquent date. The Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office is open to receive payments in person at the tax counter from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Secured payment bins have also been installed outside both building entrances at 360 Fair Lane, Placerville. Payment bins are accessible only during office hours. The bins are emptied and secured after hours, for payment security.

Vivian moved from Modesto to El Dorado County when she was 7 and spent most of the rest of her life here. She attended El Dorado High School (where she met her husband, Tom), attended Modesto Junior College, San Jose State College, and graduated from Sacramento State University in 1958. She taught mainly for the Mother Lode School District and the Gold Trail School District for a total of 37 years before her retirement in 1989. She taught Kindergarten for the majority of those years and was beloved by her students and their families. She was a charter member of the local People-to-People Chapter and was a founding member of the local Delta Kappa Gamma Chapter. Vivian was a 4-H All Star in high school and was a 4-H leader as a parent. She was a Girl Scout leader, a volunteer in the SHARE food closet program for 12 years, served on the Juvenile Service Council for more than 20 years, was active in the Federated Church for over 65 years, and was the Golden Rose of El Dorado County in 2010. Her kindness and involvement in service organizations impacted the lives of students, community members, and individuals worldwide. She will be missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at the Federated Church in Placerville at 1 PM. If you wish to make donations in Memory of Vivian they may be made to either Snowline Hospice or the Federated Church.

Staff is available to answer tax questions during office hours at (530) 621-5800. You may also contact the office by e-mail at taxcollector@edcgov. us. For taxpayer security, payments are not accepted by phone or e-mail.

CDFW introduces license application for mobile devices

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recently announced the launch of the CDFW License App for mobile devices. The new application allows residents and nonresidents to display California sport fishing licenses and validations on their mobile phones and other mobile devices in lieu of a physical license.

Users may also download and view various CDFW online resources, including hunting and fishing regulations booklets, the Fish Planting Schedule and access the Online License Sales and Services website.

Users can download the application on their mobile devices through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or by accessing the direct download links from CDFW’s License App web page.

Following the successful rollout of

the CDFW License App, hunting licenses and related hunting validations will be added to the mobile display options as early as mid2024.

“We sometimes think progress moves too slowly, but the Department of Fish and Wildlife has moved full-speed ahead in making fishing licenses valid for 365 days and has modernized the

licensing process by going digital,” said Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg), author of the original legislation, Assembly Bill (AB) 817, responsible for the change to a 365-day license and mobile licensing display. “I couldn’t ask for a better partner in implementing this new process. I look forward to CDFW’s goal of growing its

digital footprint in other licensing areas.”

Wood’s AB 817, introduced in 2021, was widely embraced throughout the fishing community by national and statewide Recruit, Retain, Reactivate (R3) advocates, conservation organizations and CDFW.

The Coastal Conservation Association of California, which works to protect the

interests of recreational saltwater anglers and healthy marine habitats, also supported the legislation.

“The CDFW License App represents the culmination of e orts that will benefit license holders for many years,” said Wayne Kotow, executive director of CCA CAL.

Nathaniel Arnold, acting chief of CDFW’s Law Enforcement

Division, said, “Wildlife o cers expect the app will provide additional opportunities for the angling public to have their licenses conveniently in possession when checked.”

The rollout of the CDFW Licensing App aligns with the goals of CDFW’s R3 initiative to transform hunting and fishing barriers into opportunities.

This app will allow California anglers to easily obtain, access and display their sport fishing licenses on their mobile devices, provide a convenient and paperless solution that promotes responsible fishing practices, ensure compliance with regulations and enhance overall fishing experiences for individuals in both urban and remote areas.

More information about the app and Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the CDFW’s License App web page, which includes video tutorials covering the app’s various functionalities.

Seasonal road/trail closure extended on Eldorado National Forest

U.S. Forest Service

News release

Based on recent and predicted rain and snow, the seasonal closure of dirt roads and motorized trails is being extended through April 15 on the Eldorado National Forest.

Using motor vehicles on dirt roads and trails when soil moisture is high can cause damage to roadbeds from rutting and impaired water quality from excess erosion.

A minimum three-month closure period from

a 37-year-old man suspected of a probation violation on Coloma Street. He was listed in custody.

11:56 a.m. Burglary was reported at a storage facility on Locust Avenue.

1:09 p.m. O cers booked into jail a 40-year-old man suspected of multiple drug-related o enses on Broadway. He was released on $4,000 bail.

4:13 p.m. A report of someone throwing objects at vehicles on Highway 50 at Placerville Drive was made.

4:41 p.m. O cers booked into jail a 38-year-old woman suspected of trespassing, being under the in uence of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance on Clay Street. She was later released.

8:11 p.m. O cers booked into jail a 48-year-old man suspected of trespassing and theft on Broadway. He was released on $10,000 bail.

10:44 p.m.

Jan. 1 through March 31 was designated for the core part of the wet season in the Eldorado National Forest Travel Management Plan. This plan also allows the seasonal closure to start earlier or be extended based on actual conditions in a given year.

The roads and trails that are subject to the seasonal closure are marked with a “Seasonal Designation” on the current Motor Vehicle Use Maps for the forest. The MVUMs are available from any forest o ce or can be downloaded from the forest website at fs.usda.gov/detail/eldorado/ maps-pubs/?cid=fseprd637014.

The seasonal closure does not a ect roads and trails in the Rock Creek Area near Georgetown that has its own wet weather closure process. For additional recreation information, contact visitor services sta from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday:

• Forest Supervisor’s O ce – (530) 622-5061

• Georgetown Ranger District – (530) 333-4312

• Placerville/Pacific Ranger District – (530) 6442324

• Amador Ranger District – (209) 259-3774

ARE MEN LESS LIKELY TO PRACTICE GOOD ORAL HYGIENE?

dental care you need, you’ll find it here, where all dental problems are dealt with efficiently, effectively, and compassionately.

P.S. Studies show that men are less likely to seek all kinds of medical care than women, not just dental care.

Gretchen Troop Photography

The CDFW Licensing App will allow California anglers to easily obtain, access and display their sport fishing licenses on their mobile devices.

April Business Luncheon

Our speaker — Lisette Suder

As a deputy district attorney for over 28 years, Ms. Suder possesses a great deal of practical experience prosecuting some of the most legally complex, intriguing and viscous crimes. Ms. Suder offers a unique, well-rounded and informed perspective across a very wide range of crimes, as well as the overall application of the criminal justice system to different parts of our society.

Ms. Suder has provided her legal analysis and been featured on such shows as Dateline, 48 Hours, 20/20, People Magazine Investigates, as well as numerous live news interviews. She currently is the Public Information Officer for her office, managing social media, community outreach, and news outlet requests.

Ms. Suder has assisted law enforcement with countless homicide investigations, including personally appearing at initial crime scenes, witness and suspect interviews, consulting on strategy throughout entire investigations and re-opening cold case investigations. In 2008 she became one of a handful of prosecutors in the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office where she became instrumental in implementing a collaborative approach to helping abused children and their families, creating a Child Advocacy Center. She has prosecuted human traffickers and testified before the public safety committee in attempts to enact new human trafficking legislation.

Ms. Suder currently manages the Special Victims Unit and Victim Witness Unit, where she spreads her passion for victims and detailed case preparation to her team as they vertically prosecute the most serious and heinous crimes against vulnerable populations.

New Location, Date & Time

April 18, 2024, 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Red Hawk Casino/Koto Bu et ird ursdays of the month

$18 members/$25 non-members

Prepaid Reservations Required

Welcome Cappelli Wine

Our mission is to provide consumers with quality wine in reusable packaging at a price they can afford to enjoy every day.  We are committed to sourcing the best local fruit available and to making wines that express each vineyard’s unique character and growing conditions (Terroir.)  We believe wine is food and that it is an integral part of “the good life”.

Marco and Belinda Cappelli

484 Main St., Placerville

marcocappelliwine@gmail.com (530) 870-4372

About these Businesses:

Meraki Create

Specializing in custom luxury vacation homes, steel fabrication, outdoor space planning, large estate luxury landscape and swimming pools, inspirational art, pool houses, ADU’s, etc

451 Main Street, Unit 9, Placerville (530) 206-0558

www.merakicreatellc.com

Jojo’s Bakery

Sweets and treats for all your needs!

“Fun hobby turned into a passion! We create many types of desserts, including cookies, cupcakes, cakes, parfaits, and more! We love making you smile! “

2857 Ray Lawyer Dr, Placerville (530) 558-9062

https://jojos-bakery.com

Taste the Magic at Flourless Patisserie

You won’t believe it’s gluten-free! 451 Main St. Unit 5, Placerville (530) 391-7917

www. ourlessbakery.com

Guild Mortgage - Robin Davis

“As a long- time Placerville resident with a background in the mortgage industry, I specialize in all types of real estate nancing from new construction to programs tailored for rst time homebuyer.” 4060 Motherlode Dr. Shingle Springs (530) 412-1353 https://branches.guildmortgage.com/ca/sacramento/robin-davis586-ckrda.html

Marco and Belinda Cappelli

L to R: Brian Richards & Myriah Hoover, Meraki Create LLC; Joellene Vakulich, Jojo’s Bakery; Richard Moore, Flourless Patisserie; Robin Davis, Guild Mortgage Inc.; and EDC Chamber President, Mark Luster, Sierra Paci c Industries.

Live Love Laugh Floral

Laurel Brent-Bumb, Chamber CEO welcomed Maria Godsey of Love Live Laugh Floral Arrangements to the Chamber membership. They provide oral design therapy services to at-risk youth, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, and donate oral arrangements to low income families for funeral needs and more.

“Love Live Laugh Floral Arrangements, is dedicated to making a positive impact through the use of beautiful oral creations. We believe in empowering our community through job building skills and creating pathways to sustainable employment. Our team members are passionate about using their skills and knowledge to create unique and inspiring pieces, all while making a difference in the world.”

530-845-0652 lovelivelaugh oral@gmail.com

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Come

enjoy a picnic on our patio. Guests can also contact Ranch Girls Dream to order personal charcuterie platters that will be delivered to the vineyard to enjoy with their mimosas. https://cielosullaterra.com/ Cielosullatera Winery, 8061 Perry Creek Rd., Fair Play. info@cielosullaterra.com (530)620-7474

Apr 4 Poor Red’s Bingo Night

7 – 9 p.m. Bingo night at Poor Red’s. Good food, amazing drinks, historical bar and prizes to be won! (530) 622-2901

Apr 5 Placerville Elks Lodge Burgers and Karaoke

First Fridays, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Elks Club, 3821 Quest CourtShingle Springs. (530) 672-9120. A fun lled event with several kinds of great burgers and singing to the delight of the Elks audience. secretary1712@gmail.com

Apr 6 Friends of the Library Book Sale

First Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 345 Fair Ln, Placerville. Fill up and take away a bag of books for only $7. There is a wide variety of ction, non- ction, vintage and children’s books. Puzzles, DVDs, sheet music, and more! Paula Freeman, FOLPLV@ icloud.com

Apr 6 Empty Bowls Supper

4 – 7 p.m. Join us to ght hunger in our community and in Ghana! Hosted by Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference at The Placerville Shakespeare Club. This is a family friendly event that includes live music, vendors, a dinner featuring delicious soups and fresh breads, and a keepsake handmade bowl to take home as a reminder of the cause. General presale tickets: $20, (Tickets available at the door for $25), Students age 5 through 12th grade: $10 4 and under free. www.youthmakingadifference.org/emptybowls

Apr 6 Ponderosa Foundation’s Green & Gray Gathering

5:30 – 9 p.m. 2024 marks the 20th year that Ponderosa High School Foundation has been working diligently to “Enrich the Education of Every Bruin” by supporting the school through twice a year min- grants, twice a year Teacher Amazon Wishlists, senior scholarships, and collaboration for larger scale projects, such as the recent gym mural. These efforts are only made possible through the generosity of the school. Cameron Park Country Club, Buffet Dinner, Live music, raf e, silent auction, dessert dash General $60, PHS Staff: $50. Drink Ticket = $7.50 https://pondofoundation.com/ , pondofoundation@gmail.com

Apr 6 Country Line Dancing and Lessons Presented by VFW Auxiliary, 6 - 9:30 p.m. Veterans Memorial Hall, 130 Placerville Dr., Placerville. $10/per person.

Apr 7 Placerville Elks Lodge Bingo

1 - 4 p.m. First Sundays. A great day of Bingo and friends supporting charities of the Elks. Barbara Dockter, secretary1712@ gmail.com.

Apr 14, 27 Coloma Community Market

Every other Saturday, 1 – 4 p.m. New farmers and makers market to lovely and historic Coloma Gold Discovery State Park! You will nd fresh produce, baked goods, Marcos Mobile Pizza and a great selection of locally crafted goods! There will be a beer and wine garden along with live music. Please help us spread the news and see you soon. Justin Boyd. colomacommunitymarket@ gmail.com. https://www.facebook.com/ColomaCommunityMarket

Apr 11 Poor Red’s Ladies Night

Bring the ladies out for a night on the town just in time to party over the weekend! 7 – 9 p.m. (530) 622-2901

Arp 12 Family Fiesta & Silent Auction Markham Middle School, 5 – 7:30 p.m. Featuring tacos from Active 20-30 club. markhampantherparents@gmail.com

Apr 12 Ribbon Cutting Williams Homes/Sutter’s

The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors supports changes to Proposition 47.

VENTS

Ridge 11 a.m. – noon. 1000 Utah Drive, Placerville. Come and be a part of our grand reveal of the new construction homes at Sutter’s Ridge in lovely Placerville, CA. You’ll nd four unique single-family home designs, with options for one and two-story layouts ranging from 3 to 5 bedrooms, all in a fantastic location.

Apr 13 Placerville Speedway

Tribute to Al Hinds. Winged 360 spring cars, pure stocks,mini trucks and wingless spec sprints. 530-344-7592, www.placervillespeedway.com.

Apr 13 Spring Craft Fair Rescue Community Center, 4180 Green Valley Road. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Apr 13 -14 Rock & Gem Show

Presented by the El Dorado County Mineral and Gem Society, featuring a variety of “SILICA: Agates Op ls & Quartz”.  A great show for experienced rockhounds or new collectors. Over 40 World Class Dealers, Lapidary Demonstrations, Free Kids’ Activities and Free Rocks, Geodes – We Will Cut Them for You. E l Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive Placerville. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Adults $7, Seniors $7, Kids under 12 free. Fairground parking $10/vehicle. https://edcmgs.org/ , 530-676-2472

Apr 13 Living History Day

Come explore what life would have been like in Coloma during 1850. 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. The event runs from 11:00 am-3:00 pm. Marshal Gold Discovery State Historic Park.

Apr 14 Music on the Divide

3 – 5 p.m. Young Musicians Concert Delightful and amazing performances by local youth! IOOF Hall, 6240 Main Street, Georgetown. Tickets at the door: $20 adults, $5 Students, Children under 5 Free Tickets available online at www.eventbrite.com

Apr 13, 27 UCCE Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale

8 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Edibles- including fruit, veggies, herbs, tomatoes!! Sherwood Demonstration Garden 6699 Campus Drive, Placerville

See our website for plant list. Or check us out on Facebook: @ UCCEElDoradoMG  4/27 - Trees, shrubs, grasses, succulents, native and perennial plants mgeldorado@ucanr.edu

Apr 18 Poor Red’s Karaoke

8 – 11 p.m. Sing your heart out with the crew of Poor Red’s. All the classics and then some! Show the town what you’re made of, down at Poor Red’s. 530-

visiting jazz bands and combos enjoy snacks, breakfast, or lunch from a fully stocked snack bar and vendor booths. Entry can be purchased in advance at www.goldcountryjazzfest. org or day of at the door. Entry fees are $12 for adults, Senior (55+) passes are $10, Students aged 7-18 are $5, and Children 6 and under are free with a paid adult.

Apr 20 Springtime at the Junction Community Arts Festival “You Ought to be in Pictures” with EDC Director of Film and Media, Kathleen Dodge. 2 – 3 p.m. Free admission. Learn how to get involved in the lm industry. Imagining and networking for new income ideas. On location lming in our community. How lmmakers make the magic happen. 3300 Coach Ln, Cameron Park. Stageatburke.com

Apr 20 Super Pet Fest 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Burke Junction, 3300 Coach lane, Cameron Park. Bring your Friendly, leashed pet to this free family fun event. Learn from local pet experts and be ready to help a rescue center, lots of opportunities available for Pet lovers.... PLUS enter your Pet in the Pet Fashion Show and walk the red carpet! 1st, 2nd and 3rd Prize winners! Learn more at FoodandFunMagazine. com and SuperPetFest.info

Apr 22 RC Henning Coffee Company Ribbon Cutting 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Enjoy music by The Tony Quinn Band as you indulge in a FREE RC Henning Best Coffee Tasting from 10 AM to 7 PM. Explore our range of RC Henning Coffee, and don’t miss the chance to pre-order or purchase in-store. Participate in our exciting 5 COFFEE FLIGHT giveaway for just $1 per raf e ticket. Delight your taste buds with freshly baked cookies and hors d’oeuvres throughout the event. Join us for an unforgettable coffee experience! 2558 Greenwood Lane, Suite 120, Cameron Park.

p.m. Help us celebrate the new kids on the block with a ribbon cutting block party! Hosted by Flourless Patisserie, Creekside Studio, Meraki Create and Moo and Brew! Creekside Plaza, 451 Main Street, Placerville.

Apr 20 Placerville Speedway Tilford Tribute. IMCA Sport Mods, limited late models, pure stocks, mini trucks. 530-344-7592, www.placervillespeedway.com

Apr 20 Third Saturday Artwalk Placerville’s Historic Main Street galleries and merchants are open late for

dining, live music and more! Meet local artists, shop at local stores, enjoy local wine and food, and listen to live music from local bands! thirdsaturdayartwalk@gmail.com.

https://www.instagram.com/3rdsatartwalk/

Apr 20 9th Annual Gold Country Jazz Festival 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Hosted by Ponderosa High School, 3661 Ponderosa Road in Shingle Springs. Come on out and enjoy a day lled with live music as our community celebrates and showcases the student performers and their directors from across the Greater Sacramento Area. Between enjoying the sounds of the

California Matters

State’s drivers pay high gas prices, high gas taxes yet still drive on bad highways

To state the obvious, California motorists are experiencing one of the state’s periodic spikes in gasoline prices. California’s average price for regular grade gas has again topped $5 a gallon, according to the most recent American Automobile Association report. It’s more than $6 in some areas. The average is up about 20 cents from a year ago and is about $1.50 higher than the national figure.

I can attest to the di erential, having spent part of March driving some 3,000 miles through four western states, mostly to visit national parks, and buying about 200 gallons of fuel along the way. All of my fill-ups were under $3.50 a gallon, with the lowest price being $2.99 in Wyoming.

The di erence between California prices and those in other states raises, for the umpteenth time, is the question of why it exists.

SUMMARY

California’s gas prices are spiking again. The state’s motorists are not only paying high prices but high fuel taxes and not getting much in return.

A couple of years ago Gov. Gavin Newsom spent months vilifying oil companies as pricegouging enemies of the people and demanded that the Legislature punish them with taxes on excess profits. He couldn’t win approval for the tax proposal, switched to seeking civil penalties and ultimately had to settle for relatively toothless legislation directing the state Energy Commission to gather data, establish a reasonable profit level and assess penalties for exceeding it.

“Finally, we’re in a position to look our constituents in the eye and say we now have a better understanding of why you’re being taken advantage of,” Newsom said a year ago as he signed the bill.

Letters to the Editor

Bureaucratic bull

EDITOR:

The state sues El Dorado County? Really?

The state bureaucrats are using our hardearned tax dollars to force the county to keep their harmful needle exchange program. This program doesn’t help the drug addicted or save their lives.

These bureaucrats in Sacramento seem to encourage the use of drugs unimpeded, giving the users the tools to continue. The El Dorado County Sheri ’ O ce and the District Attorney’s O ce have more experience dealing with this issue than anyone else and unfortunately drug abusers seem to make up a large portion of the homeless.

I am just so tired of Sacramento politicians and bureaucrats telling us how to live our lives and how they need our tax dollars to misspend as they wish.

BRUCE BILA Placerville

Rush to judge

EDITOR:

In a recent letter to the Mountain Democrat, I made a comment regarding Trump’s conviction for fraudulent business practices in New York. Based on that comment, a reader can only draw two conclusion about my political position regarding Donald Trump. First, that as a conservative I was concerned that said conviction could cost Trump valuable votes in November. Second, that as a conservative, I was encouraging fellow conservative voters to vote against Trump in November.

In Mr. Alger’s letter of March 22, George clearly selected option two and labeled me a “Trump Hater” encouraging conservatives to vote against Trump. Wow! I can’t believe the criticism that followed and George and I have never met. His rush to judgement is likely an example of how uninformed he may have been in many of his other writings. Clearly George needs to find another hobby.

BILL MOSACK Placerville

Bring him back

EDITOR:

Mr. Taylor, the animals Trump was talking about at his last Rally are the ones who are raping and using women and children for sex tra cking and the ones who are bringing the drugs to our country.

If you noticed the last rushing of the border patrol o cers, those rushing were all young men — perfect for their own little army. They are also the criminals other countries do not want. Countries have been clearing out their prisons for gods sake. They won’t take them back if we deport them.

What is your problem?

Oh, and, yes, Trump’s family members have come to our country as immigrants ... but they came here legally. Get o your high horse and look around; there are too many people who are thinking the same way as I do. That’s why Trump is leading in polls. And, yes, we do want Trump back in o ce.

Why would you want another four years with Biden?

TERRI ELDERD Placerville

Surely I cannot be the only one

EDITOR: S

urely I cannot be the only one. Surely some of you have also arrived at the age of 70-plus years and now have to withdraw required minimum distribution funds from your IRA savings.

Some of you also love the Sierra Nevada and are dedicated to enjoying our mountains, which are relatively unprotected due to less population density and thus less voting power than other areas of our state, while also having fewer high wealth residents to help protect the Sierra.

As some of you know, the RMD mandatorily withdrawn from your IRA at 70-plus years is at full taxes, so you will lose 30%/whatever your tax bracket is on each dollar.

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Recapturing our lost and disillusioned youth is necessary

Our nation’s Declaration of Independence begins with the famous statement that “all men ... are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

But according to the latest Gallup World Happiness Report, Americans’ success in the “pursuit of happiness” is diminishing.

For the first time since the annual report was first compiled in 2012, the United States is not among the top 20 happiest countries in the world.

In this latest 2024 report, the United States ranks 23 in the world, down from No. 15 in 2023.

A large factor influencing the drop in happiness in the United States is particularly bad results among young Americans.

For those age 30 and younger, the United States ranks 62 in the world. This compared to those age 60 and older, for whom the United States ranks No. 10.

article about so-called Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, identifies members of Gen Z who are 18 and up as “America’s Most Disillusioned Voters.”

The headline continues, “Young adults are now more skeptical of government and pessimistic about the future than any other living generation before them.”

Per Wall Street Journal polling reported in the article, “More than three-quarters of voters under 30 think the country is moving in the wrong direction — a greater share than any other age group. Nearly one-third of voters under 30 have an unfavorable view of both Biden and Trump, a higher number than all older voters. Sixty-three percent of young voters think neither party adequately represents them.”

This youngest generation is coming of age during a time of unprecedented expansion of government, meaning an unprecedented incursion into the individual freedom of every American.

about what’s going on and why.

The explanations she ticks o are a generation coming of age during the COVID pandemic, an explosion of the worst inflation in years and, she adds, the impact of the Supreme Court overturning of Roe v. Wade, which she calls “the loss of a right that our parents had — the right to an abortion nationwide.” She cites Gallup showing that 89% of those 18-29 years old support legal abortion under any or certain circumstances.

We’re talking here about our nation’s future and this dismal picture should trouble us all.

Let me suggest a di erent perspective on this problem.

entire GDP, is projected by the Congressional Budget O ce to keep growing. This is all on the shoulders of these young Americans.

Regarding the impact of the COVID pandemic, a new study published by the Committee to Unleash Prosperity, authored by scholars from the Hoover Institution, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Chicago and the Committee to Unleash Prosperity, shows the costs of the shutdowns in the way of added deaths, massive economic costs and damage caused by school shutdowns overwhelm any benefits that were gained.

What’s going on with our youth?

A recent Wall Street Journal

Let’s be aware, as we’re in the season of Easter for Christians and Passover for Jews, that the growth of ■

In the 18-25 age group, 28% say they have “hardly any confidence” in the Supreme Court, 34% in Congress, 37% in the executive branch and 52% in the press.

A young USA Today columnist named Sara Pequeno shared her views

This youngest generation is coming of age during a time of unprecedented expansion of government, meaning an unprecedented incursion into the individual freedom of every American. The federal government is now taking one quarter of the American economy. Federal debt, equal to our

Regarding abortion, we must note that these young Americans are growing up in an environment of the collapse of the American family, traditional marriage and birth rates.

DAN WALTERS

STAR PARKER

Gossett Continued from A1

the Sacramento area during his high school years, had an exciting career as a bullfighter and rodeo clown.

“After having too many bones broken, he decided to switch careers,” Hatfield said. It was no joke as Gossett told the crowd he had broken both legs at different times.

Now, instead of running from a raging bull, Gossett enjoys his time behind the wheel of a patrol cruiser. “I love to drive,” he confessed. “We have cool cars and get to drive fast … chase down bad guys.”

The Officer of the Year said he loves the freedom and variety that comes with his job. One day he’s helping change a flat tire and the next he’s helping search for a lost hiker. Meeting new people and interacting with the public are also job highlights, he shared.

“I love El Dorado County,” Gossett said.

When he’s not in uniform, the Somerset resident enjoys spending time with his family — wife Katelyn (a Placerville native) and their children Tessa, 4, and Kade, 2.

Walters Continued from A6

“There’s a new sheriff in town in California, where we brought Big Oil to their knees. And I’m proud of this state.”

We have heard virtually nothing from officialdom about gas prices since and Newsom apparently didn’t bring Big Oil to its knees.

The vast majority of the differential in gas prices between California and other states can be attributed to differing policies.

Severin Borenstein, a UC Berkeley economist regarded as the state’s leading expert on the issue, parsed the differential in a 2023 paper, pointing out that California’s direct and indirect taxes on fuel amount to nearly $1 per gallon — 70 cents higher than the national average in such taxes — and the state’s unique fuel blend to battle smog adds another dime.

That left what he calls the “mystery gasoline surcharge,” or MGS, of about 43 cents a gallon that cannot be directly attributed to oil prices or California’s taxes and other official factors. It may be a mystery, but at least some of it can be logically attributed to the relatively high costs of doing any kind of business in California — rents, electricity and other utilities, wages and regulatory overhead, for example.

Even if the MGS could be eliminated from the equation, California’s gas prices would still be at least $1 higher than those in other states.

Last month’s sojourn through other western states underscored another aspect of the gas-price conundrum. Despite paying direct and indirect

taxes on fuel that are three times the national average, California’s motorists are driving on highways that are subpar vis-à-vis those in other states.

Driving back into California from other states can be a jarring experience and data from the federal Bureau of Transportation Statistics back up that observation. As of 2020, California had the fourthworst roadway conditions of any state with just 67% of its 26,406 miles of pavement in “acceptable” condition.

The national average was 81%, and all four states I visited had much higher scores than California: Wyoming 94.3%, Nevada 85.7%, Utah 80% and Colorado 78.1%.

We are paying the most in gas taxes and getting almost the least in roadway quality.

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

Parker Continued from A6

government tracks the diminishing of faith.

To go back to the Declaration of Independence, the rights the founders noted were sourced in our Creator. The founders who signed the Declaration did so “with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence.”

This was meant to be a free nation under God. As we destroy these conditions, we are losing our young people.

Star Parker is president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education and host of the weekly television show “Cure America with Star Parker.” Her recent book, “What Is the CURE for America?” is available now.

Letters Continued from A6

Wonderfully, you can transfer a tax-free gift as a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA to the one and only Sierra Nevada Foundation for whatever Sierra area is most precious to you.

For decades I have searched for a way to dedicate current support and my estate to our Sierra Nevada. Wonderfully, I finally founded the only Sierra Nevada Foundation right here in Placerville: SierraNevadaFoundation.org.

The site states, “The Sierra Nevada Foundation is a groundbreaking new grant-making organization funding organizations, programs, and projects in the Sierra Nevada Conservancy region.”

Enjoy your delight browsing through this hopeful website and feel free to also call, (530) 622-5621, ext. 100.

DR. SARAH PENDER Placerville

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/

NEWS, IN THE KNOW

Stellar student

Congratulations to Marie Dudek of El Dorado Hills, who was named to the Ohio University Provost’s List.

April 3

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce hosts a business builder buffet with speaker Assemblyman Joe Patterson, 11:30 a.m. at Hills Church, 800 White Rock Road in El Dorado Hills. To RSVP call (916) 933-1335 or visit eldoradohillschamber.org.

Capital Stage Apprentice Company in Sacramento presents “The Most Massive Woman Wins,” April 3-13. For tickets and more information call (916) 9955464 or visit capstage.org.

April 4

The Shingle SpringsCameron Park Chamber of Commerce hosts a mixer, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at The Amani Center, 2558 Greenwood Lane, Suite D, Cameron Park.

April 5

Sierra Vista Vineyards & Winery hosts Friday Night Flights, 3-8 p.m. featuring great food and wine parings. For more information call 9530) 622-7221.

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

Coffis Brothers will perform at 8 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Falcon’s Eye Theatre at Folsom Lake College presents “Cabaret,” April 5-14 at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter. net or call (916) 608-6888.

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

April 6

The Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 512 invites the public to its “famous pancake breakfast,” 8-11 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month, April through October, at the Placerville Airport, 3501 Airport Road. Enjoy airplanes on display, breakfast, old cars, old friends and the Placerville airport. Proceeds go to the Sunny Atkin Scholarship Fund for students of aeronautical related studies.

UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County present Irrigation, 9 a.m. to noon at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden in Placerville. Master Gardeners will discuss the basics of home sprinkler and drip irrigation systems. Learn how to provide your plants with the water they need and reduce your water bill.

Toogood Winery in the Fair Play area hosts Burgers & Barbera, back for three weekends, April 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21. Meals are served 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (530) 620-1910 for reservations.

The Democratic Party of El Dorado County celebrates annual essay contest winners at a luncheon at noon at the El Dorado County Office of Education, 6767 Green Valley Road, Placerville, room B-2. Tickets are available online at tinyurl.com/EssayAwards2024 or by mailing a check to Mel Chapman, 5041 Pathfinder Trail, Placerville CA 95667. For

Passport Weekend Tantalizing wine experiences await at

If variety is the spice of life then things will get lively at Passport 2024, an event presented by the El Dorado Winery Association showcasing El Dorado wines. El Dorado County is home to more than 27 wine grape varietals cultivated on 2,800 acres. Zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, merlot and petit sirrah top the list of bearing acreage and offer a cornucopia of tastes to tantalize the senses on a sojourn to the 24 wineries participating in Passport. Plenty of variety for everyone.

Passport holders will have the chance to experience the hints of cardamon, lavender, pepper and more as they travel through the county’s wine country, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 20 & 21.

Staff at the family-owned wineries will greet guests with an array of awardwinning wines, fabulous food pairings, conversations with the winemakers, reserve wine tastings, barrel tastings, super day-of specials and some surprises.

This unique wine adventure is perfect for wine aficionados and neophytes wo are ready to enjoy the beauty of the Sierra foothills and the hospitality at each winery.

One- and two-day tickets are available at cellarpass.com/events/el-doradopassport-2024-10390. Advanced ticket sales will end when they are sold out or on April 18, (whichever comes first). There will be no day-of ticket sales. Designated driver passport tickets for access to all of the tasty bites and awesome sites are available for those accompanying a full passport.

Most wineries participating are back to

DAY HIKER

Weimar Institute

ver wondered

Ewhat is the Weimar Institute just off Interstate 80 at the West Paoli exit?

I can tell you there are public trails and more if you want to take a peek inside. The Weimar Institute is a private college highlighting traditional Seventh-day Adventist principles of health and education. Exercise being one of the core principles, the grounds have a maze of trails open to the public.

The Meadow Vista Trails Association offers a map of the trails you can find online. It all begins by getting there.

From Auburn head east on Interstate 80 to West Paoli Lane. Go over the freeway and take the first right. You will find a couple of parking lots outside the institute. If you drive inside, stay to the left and you will find additional parking closer to the trailhead. I parked outside so I could walk through the grounds. I found a library, an inn and

the open house approach where visitors can map their itinerary as they wish. The only winery to designate is your starting winery where you will pick up your wine glasses, wristbands and kick off the Passport journey.

There are four wineries requiring reservations: Boeger Winery, Chateau d’ Estienne, Findleton Estate Winery and Madroña Vineyards. For these wineries book reservations in advance using the links provided in the email you receive after purchasing tickets. Contact the winery with any questions. For more information call the El Dorado Winery Association at (530) 409-8688 or visit eldoradowines.org/passport.

a cafeteria that serves breakfast and lunch to the public.

Walking to the right or the left on the institute grounds, you find trail signs. I took the Valley View Trail and extended it to the Coyote Creek Trail. Much of the trail was covered, providing some shade on hot summer days. The trails that wandered through the manzanita groves were impressive. In the wet season I could imagine them deep red. Some recent clearing has left wide swaths of dead manzanita, like old bones, on the hillsides. For this hike I had a particular destination

Participating wineries

Boeger Winery, 1709 Carson Road, Placerville (reservations required) — Taste through a stellar lineup of wines, including unique grapes that grow well in the highelevation vineyards and curated library selections. Guests will enjoy a charcuterie box full of goodies to pair with each wine and will learn more about the history of the enchanting estate.

Bumgarner Winery Tasting Room, 3550 Carson Road, Camino, and Bumgarner Winery, 7380 Vineyard View Drive, Fair Play — The family-owned and operated winery will feature the elegant and balanced wines crafted by Brian Bumgarner.

Busby Cellars, 6375 Grizzly Flat Road, Somerset — Stop in for delicious food and hand-crafted, limited production wines while taking in panoramic vineyard views from the courtyard and picnic grounds. The gourmet menu includes delectable brie and pear grilled cheese sandwiches with chilled Brussels sprouts and honeylemon salad and brownie bites for dessert. Enjoy the newest releases and old favorites.

Chateau D’Estienne, 2700 Omo Ranch Road, Fair Play (Reservations required)

— Experience the perfect blend of wine and breathtaking views. Enjoy Portuguese varietals and the best port-style wine in all North America, voted by San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, paired with delicious hors d’oeuvres.

Chateau Davell, 3020 Vista Tierra Drive, Camino — Taste a selection of current releases, library wines and barrel tasting with small bites and a hearty stew

n

in mind. A local forester told me of a cemetery on the property. He said there were dozens, if not hundreds, of gravestones from World Wars I and II. I found the cemetery. As described there was hill after hill covered with markers. Some markers were little more than rotten fence boards with no lettering at all. Others had numbered tags, while still others had marble headstones.

Photo by Mary West Wander through the manzanita grove on the Weimar Institute’s property and enjoy the beautiful, shady trail.

Mary West Outdoor columnist

Mimi Escabar Special Sections Editor

Courtesy photo

Join “The Grapefather” at Nello Olivo Winery in Camino for a spectacular Passport event.

Gold Oak Union School District

Category: Outstanding Community Member — Gordon Vicini and Carter Kelly Families, Mother Lode Union School District

Category: Outstanding Community Organization — ASPIREKids, El Dorado Union High School District

Category: Outstanding Community Organization — Marcella Foundation, Lake Tahoe Unified School District

Category: Outstanding Community Organization — Holy Grail BBQ /

PRESERVE IT!

Giving thought to rhubarb

Many consider rhubarb an old-fashioned fruit, calling it the “pie plant.” However, rhubarb is a vegetable belonging to the buckwheat family. This confusion began in 1947 when (through a legal decision) the USDA classified it as a fruit because the tariffs on bringing fruits into the country were lower than for vegetables.

Laurie Lewis Master Food Preserver of El Dorado County

Rhubarb makes a perfect perennial spring plant to grow in the foothills. It needs cold temperatures below 40 degrees F to produce stalks, but only grows when the temperatures average less than 75 degrees F. After patiently waiting two years for the plant and roots to establish, you can begin to harvest. One plant will provide enough for any family. This vegetable is rich in antioxidants, especially anthocyanins (which give the stalk its red color). It’s a bit overwhelming coming up with recipes to use the scores of rhubarb stalks one plant produces. So let’s talk about a unique type of jam, the conserve, as one way to preserve rhubarb.

Conserves are a magical combination of dried and fresh fruits as well as nuts (but can also include vegetables and/or coconut), giving this sweet spread a variety of textures. They make excellent embellishments to a tray of meats and cheeses. Conserves raise desserts such as cakes, cheesecake or that home-churned ice cream (perhaps with a slice of banana) to “posh status” by adding a few spoonsful on top just before serving. Consider making a batch and entering in the county fair this year. This recipe comes from “Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving,” 2020.

Spring conserve

1

Makes about seven 8-ounce jars

½ cups canned crushed pineapple, including juice

1 ½ cups crushed hulled strawberries (fresh or thawed frozen)

1 ¼ cups finely chopped rhubarb

½ cup golden raisins

Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon

6 tablespoon pectin

6 ½ cups granulated sugar

½ cup chopped pecans

Prepare canner, jars and lids. Sterilize jars for 10 minutes and keep hot.

In a large, deep stainless-steel saucepan, combine pineapple, strawberries, rhubarb, raisins, lemon zest and lemon juice. Whisk in pectin until dissolved. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently. Add sugar all at once and return to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Boil hard, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Stir in pecans. Remove from heat and skim. Ladle hot conserve into hot jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Wipe rim. Center lid on jar. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to fingertip tight.

If using a boiling water canner, place jars in the canner, ensuring they are completely covered with 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil and process for 15 minutes*. Remove the canner lid. Wait 5 minutes, then remove jars.

If using an atmospheric steam canner, place jars on rack, place lid on canner, boil until a steady stream of steam is released from the vent hole, then process for 15 minutes*. Wait 3-5 minutes before removing the canner lid and jars.

Cool 12 to 24 hours, test for strong seal, remove rings, clean, label and store jars.

*The processing times given for processing the conserve are for processing at altitudes of less than 1,000 feet. At 1,001-3,000, add 5 minutes; 3,001-6,000, add 10 minutes; 6,001-8,000, add 15 minutes; 8,001-10,000, add 20 minutes.

The UC Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County are a great resource for answers to food safety and preserving questions. Leave a message at (530) 621-5506 or email edmfp@ucanr. edu. For more information about the program, events and recipes visit ucanr.edu/edmfp. Sign up to receive an eNewsletter at ucanr.org/mfpcsenews. The group is on Facebook, too (UCCE Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County).

Placerville Preschoolers hosts a party

News release

Placerville Preschoolers celebrates its 65-year milestone, inviting the community to an afternoon of reconnecting, reminiscing and looking forward, noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 7, at the school, 6556 Commerce Way in the Park West Business Center. Placerville Preschoolers was formed in 1959 by a group of parents in search of positive play experiences for their children. The Placerville Preschoolers Learning Center was developed in 1985 to meet the needs of families who required a longer period of care during the day and continued to grow. Kids’ Kampus was added to support the needs of children before and after school as well as during the summer and school breaks. Those former students are

now bringing their own children and working as team members to further care for the children of the community.

Long-term staff members take pride in providing a program that delights children each day with activities designed to stimulate their enthusiasm for learning. As a nonprofit, Placerville Preschoolers channels all funds received through tuition and fundraising events directly to programs benefiting the families served.

The annual Family Pizza Night fundraiser will be held May 1. Raffle prize donations for the event are appreciated. Proceeds from the Pizza Night raffle will be used for new equipment for the students. For more information visit placervillepreschoolers.com.

COMICS

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

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

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Even though you are a highenergy person, you can pull off a slow burn with the best of them. The trick is in finding contentment in the present moment. People will be magnetized by your serene warmth.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’ve hit your limit of clutter, and you’ll not only clear, clean and organize. You’ll also make new policies going forward to avoid unnecessary purchases and consumerism-driven habits.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Take your time in deciding who belongs in your support circle. Observe potential candidates, especially how they communicate with you and others, whether they listen to other perspectives without judgment and how they handle differences of opinion.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You love a topic enough to devote yourself to learning its deeper layers. Teaching will enforce your love. Instead of telling people what to do or explaining things, you’ll demonstrate and thus inspire.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You have aspirations for your personal life and you’re willing to grow into the person who can handle these things. You expect things to feel a little weird. Being slightly uncomfortable just means you’re stretching.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Maybe you’ve never had the kind of relationship where a partner listens to your wild ideas without batting an eye and cheers you on like a hype squad at a pep rally for your dreams. But if you’re open to it, it’s coming your way.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Simplify your daily routines and habits to reduce complexity. Attention is a precious commodity. If it weren’t, people wouldn’t be working so hard to get yours. Eliminate the unnecessary. Focus on essentials.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’ll be as effective as your support system, so use discernment to choose well. Seek people who are more concerned with seeing the big picture come together than they are with getting ego needs met.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your relationship should be a dance where kindness takes the lead, and disagreements are just spicy breakaway moves that keep things interesting before you rejoin and get in step. All spice and no dish is not sustainable.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You live by your own rules, cultivate habits aligned with your goals and exercise qualities you value, resulting in a surge of inner strength. Compassion, humility and integrity sing in harmony — the soundtrack of your day.

much

20-Feb.

Board members

Continued from B2

Brandon Flynn and Trenton Jinkerson, Placerville Union School District

Category: Outstanding Community Organization — El Dorado County Office of Education, El Dorado Hills Community Services District, Jackson Elementary Parent Teacher Organization, The Latrobe Foundation and Walk With Austin, Rescue Union School District

This gathering serves as a moment to honor these individuals and as a crucial point for strengthening bonds among educators and community stakeholders.

“Forging these solid connections among us is vital for centering initiatives that will advance our students’ education,” said Jessicca Rodgers, president of the EDCSBA.

As the celebration ended, the award winners left with a sense of honor and recognition. The communal spirit of the event underscored the value of their efforts, making it evident that their hard work was indeed acknowledged.

Day Hiker Continued from B1

The cemetery is sadly lacking for care. Our veterans are left in a wasteland out on the edge of the property.

I know our area has a few private cemeteries in less than ideal conditions. The Chinese Cemetery on Highway 49 is one that comes to mind. I guess seeing so many unmarked graves of our veterans so close to home was disappointing at the very least. I have shared several of the markers on my Facebook page. You may want to check them out. Who knows, they could belong to your family.

Mary West is author of the book series Day Hiker – Gold Country Trail Guide I, II and III (second edition available on Amazon). The books are a collection of the Day Hiker columns where West shares her longtime love of the outdoors, favorite hikes in Northern California’s Gold Country and beyond. West was the recipient of the 2017 and 2019 Craft Award for Best Outdoor Column and the 2020 Craft Award for her second book in the Day Hiker series by the Outdoor Writers of California. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference hosts the annual Empty Bowls dinner, 4-7 p.m. at the Placerville Shakespeare Club. This is a family friendly event that includes live music, vendors, a dinner featuring delicious soups and fresh breads and a keepsake handmade bowl to take home as a reminder of the cause. For tickets and more information visit youthmakingadifference.org/emptybowls.

Tiff Shiro & Hugh Hoegner will perform at 4 p.m. and Remedy at 8 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com. Rockin’ Souls will perform at 4 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/livemusic.

The Ponderosa High School Foundation hosts the Green & Gray Gathering, 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the Cameron Park Country Club. For tickets and more information visit ticketstripe. com/2024PondoGreenGray.

Fairytale Town in Sacramento presents Drip Drop, Hip Hop – A Journey Through the American River with Froggy, the water explorer at 10:30 a.m. For more information visit fairytaletown. org.

The Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera presents Beethoven and Greig at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center in Sacramento. For tickets and more information visit sacphilopera. org.

Sutter Creek Theatre presents American Mile and Sticky Stones at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheatre.com.

April 7

El Dorado Western Railroad’s excursion rides resume, with train rides on the hour, 10 a.m. through 1 p.m., weather permitting. Board at the El Dorado Station April 7 & 21. Train rides at the Shingle Springs Station are planned April 14 & 28. For more information visit facebook.com/ ElDoradoWesternRailroad.

Ticket to Ride will perform at 3 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/livemusic.

Placerville Preschool, 6556 Commerce Way in the Diamond Springs Park West Business Center, celebrated its 65th anniversary noon to 3 p.m.

The El Dorado High School Jazz Band will perform at 2 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Now

Sherwood Demonstration Garden on the Folsom Lake College – El Dorado Center campus in Placerville is open 9 a.m. every Friday and Saturday for open garden days. Take a leisurely stroll through all 16 themed gardens. Docents are on site to answer questions. Garden may be closed for inclement weather or poor air quality. Check before visiting: ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_ Master_Gardeners/Demonstration_Garden. Parking permits required; purchase a $2 permit at any kiosk.

Aspiring El Dorado Rose applications are available. Candidate qualifications: is 60 years or older; has been a resident of El Dorado County for a minimum of 10 years; and has contributed volunteer services throughout her life. A candidate must be sponsored by a business, club, organization or an individual. The sponsor submits the application and pays an entry fee. Both are due April 20 and need to be submitted to El Dorado Rose c/o El Dorado Rose Corporation, P.O. Box 282, Placerville, CA 95667. The entry fee covers admission to the Rose Ball for the candidate. For more information call Diane Lehr at (530) 845-2513

in the cellar.

Crystal Basin Cellars, 3550 Carson Road, Camino — Guests will experience a western-themed day at the winery with pork ribs and cowboy rice to accompany the excellent wines. Specials for the day will be Kowboy Koolaid (fiano) and Moo Juice (Renegade Red).

Fenton Herriott Vineyards, 120 Jacquier Court, Placerville — There will be three fabulous pairings: crab pesto risotto with 2021 Chardonnay, sausage and mushroom penne with 2019 Syrah and beef crostini with caramelized onions with Meritage Lot 2. To complete the experience enjoy two barrel tastings of futures — JakeWay Lot 15 and Primitivo 2021.

Findleton Estate Winery, 3500 Carson Road, Camino (Reservations required)— Enjoy delicious bites with a flight of the best wines for Passport guests: Sparkling Fin Brute with a lavender infused shortbread cookie with a rosemary lavender glaze, Estate Pinot Noir paired with a savory mushroom pasta, Dolcetto paired with charcuterie kabobs and Willi’s Syrah paired with bacon wrapped dates.

Golden Leaves Vineyard & Winery, 3625 Omo Ranch Road, Fair Play — Experience exceptional food and wine and the warm hospitality regardless of the weather. Enjoy an assortment of cheese, sun dried tomato, tapenade, mushroom caviar, shrimp, meat, fruit and chocolate bites paired with bubbly, white, rosé and red wines. Vegan, dairy and gluten free options are always available. Browse local craft vendor products.

tasting at its finest. As one of the original Passport pioneers, visitors will be treated to the perfect food and wine pairing. From favorite cookbook author Dory Greenspan, there will be an authentic Parisian mushroom soup with a fresh green salad paired perfectly with a selection of wines at this sit-down experience.

Medeiros Family Wines, 7480 Fairplay Road, Fair Play — There will be live music and barrel tasting with small bite pairings.

Mellowood Vineyard, 2979 Mellowood Drive, Fair Play — Enjoy KK’s famous Kenyan BBQ and kachumbari, a Kenyan tomato salad, and taste award-winning wines. Seating is on the beautiful patios overlooking the oak grove and vineyard or inside the barrel room/event room. Meet and chat with the owner and winemaker about his wines and his journey from Kenya to Fair Play wine country and enjoy the beautiful scenery and warm hospitality on the southern end of the Fair Play AVA.

Narrow Gate Vineyards, 4282 Pleasant Valley Road, Placerville — Enter through the Narrow Gate and journey through the certified Biodynamic grown wines: Rhône and Bordeaux varietals and blends, El Dorado classics and the infamous Chocolate Splash. Have the famous “Passport Panini” — smoked pork loin and havarti with sage aioli, with or without caramelized onions, and a seasonal, fresh side salad. (Gluten free and vegetarians are welcome.) Enter to win a date with the winemaker, Frank Hildebrand: An “Adult Biodynamic field trip” in the vineyard and picnicstyle gourmet wine pairing lunch in the cellar for six.

Nello Olivo Tasting Room, Bee St., Placerville

— Start the day just two blocks from downtown Placerville at the historical (and haunted) Sequoia Mansion tasting room. Indulge in 10 top-awarded wines paired with delectable Italian bites. Play a themed game for prizes.

Nello Olivo Winery, 3544 Carson Road, Camino

Olivo, aka The Grapefather, and capture mobster memories in the themed photo booth. Indulge in 10 top-awarded wines paired with delectable Italian bites. Take advantage of special offers you can’t refuse and play a themed game for prizes. The costumed staff and epic music adds to the movieinspired atmosphere.

Sentivo Vineyards & Winery, 7460 Fairplay Road, Fair Play — Guests at Sentivo will enjoy pizza along with a four-pour tasting and perfectly paired charcuterie.

Shadow Ranch Vineyard, 7050 Fair Play Road, Fairplay — Listen to live music, 1-4 p.m., to get your groove on and have Greek nachos alongside the exquisite wines.

Skinner Vineyards & Winery, 8054 Fairplay Road, Fair Play — With a breathtaking view of Fair Play and music on the patio, guests will be offered a tasting flight that consists of the unique Rhône varietals. Guests will enjoy pulled pork sliders with cheese and fruit cups. Designated drivers will be offered a soda or water along with the sliders, fruit and cheese.

Toogood Cellars, 304 Main St., Placerville — Receive a flight of six wines paired with artisan cheeses. Explore Placerville’s rich history while sipping delicious wines.

Toogood Estate Winery, 7280 Fairplay Road, Fair Play — Dine on a grilled cheeseburger with all the fixings and chips while tasting 10-plus wonderful wines in the Wine Cave.

Windwalker Vineyard, 7360 Perry Creek Road, Fair Play — Enjoy seasonal food pairings with select Windwalker wines. Passport Continued from B1

Holly’s Hill Vineyard, 3680 Leisure Lane, Placerville — Embark on a culinary adventure at Holly’s Hill, where Winemaker Josh will not only amaze visitors with his artisanal pizzas but also delight the palate with a unique fusion of wines and beers. Sip on the rich flavors of estate-grown Rhône wines, including inventive twists like Dry Hopped Viognier and Frizzante Vermentino. As a special treat, complement the experience with the signature Patriarch red blend. And that’s not all ... immerse yourself in the refreshing taste of carefully brewed craft beers that add an extra layer of excitement to this extraordinary weekend.

Madroña Vineyards, 2560 High Hill Road, Camino (Reservations required) — Enjoy wine

— The iconic “Godfather Experience” happens only once a year — and only at Passport. Meet Nello

Vista del Mirador Winery, 2501 Omo Ranch Road, Fair Play — Enjoy an experience for those who want to deepen their knowledge of wine while discovering the Sierra foothills region in a relaxing setting. The experience will allow visitors to share conversations with the Mirador winemakers, sample wine and feast on wood-fired pizza while learning the importance of the terroir, the history of the vines and the techniques used during the wine making process.