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VOLUME 173 • ISSUE 39 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024
El Dorado County job, housing studies predict upward trends Eric Jaramishian Staff writer
New projections for housing and jobs were approved for the West Slope of the El Dorado County, giving Department of Transportation staff more insight on how to update the county’s Traffic Impact Fee program. In a previous discussion, the Board of Supervisors endorsed BAE Urban Economics estimations of 8,332 new housing units to be built on the West Slope and 5,485 new jobs created, not including the
2010
city of Placerville, by 2045. BAE was hired by the county to conduct a study on the growth projections in preparation for the TIF program overhaul, which funds transportation improvements to accommodate residential and employment growth. “That is the guess as to where we would be about 22 years from now,” said Matt Kowta, managing principal for BAE Urban. The estimates for housing and employment demand are based on the board-endorsed growth rates as well as historical growth patterns and available development capacity, according to BAE
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530-358-9100 Urban Economics representatives. Figures show that housing demand will increase from 57,100 total housing units as of 2023 to 65,432 in 2045. The figure takes into account five ■ See TRENDS, page A6
Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians buys Sac property Mountain Democrat staff
the amount of water contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast. The April measurement is critical for water managers as it’s considered
Calling it a landmark move, the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians has purchased land in downtown Sacramento — a 2.39-acre property at 301 Capitol Mall. The parcel is part of the Tribe’s ancestral Nisenan homelands, according to a news release sent out by the tribe Tuesday. “This site is located near the Tribe’s original village of Pusúune in downtown Sacramento. The land is part of the foundation of our existence. It is where our ancestors lived and flourished,” Chairwoman Regina Cuellar explains in the release. “By re-acquiring our ancestral lands, we’re reclaiming our history, our traditions and a deeper connection to our ancestors. This re-acquisition is a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of our people and solidifies our status as the original inhabitants of the Sacramento region.” The building was previously owned by CalPERS and officials in the organization, along with an investment partner and consultant, felt the undeveloped land no longer fit the strategic goals of the pension fund’s real estate program, according to a CalPERS statement regarding the sale. CalPERS invested in 301 Capitol Mall in 2006 with a local developer to build two high-rise residential buildings, the agency’s statement shares. The project was halted due to unfavorable economic conditions that worsened with the Great Recession. “This sale is in the best interest of our members and our portfolio,” states CalPERS Chief Executive Officer Marcie Frost. “While we would
■ See SNOW SURVEY, page A3
■ See PROPERTY PURCHASE, page A6
Photo by Fred Greaves / California Department of Water Resources
California Department of Water Resources Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit water engineers Andy Reising, right, and Anthony Burdock conduct the fourth media snow survey of the 2024 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. Gov. Gavin Newsom, center, and California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot watch the process.
TWO IN A ROW
April snow survey shows above average snowpack for second straight season California Department of Water Resources News release
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PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE
he Department of Water Resources on April 2 conducted the allimportant April snow survey,
the fourth measurement of the season at Phillips Station. The manual survey recorded 64 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 27.5 inches, which is 113% of average for this location. The snow water equivalent measures
Checking out: Placerville grocer retires after 47 years Odin Rasco Staff writer
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tepping away from his register, decorated with signs and balloons by his coworkers for his last day, John Farrington heads to the back room of the Broadway Save Mart for one last time as an employee Friday afternoon. After more than 47 years working in the Placerville grocery store, Farrington decided he was ready to retire. “47 years, John? Are you kidding?” calls out one shopper as Farrington passes by, saying hello. Another customer, picking through pork and poultry at the meat section, takes a moment to thank Farrington “for all he’s done for me over the years.” Coworkers flocked to the back room for Farrington’s send-off party, complete with pizza, cake and the obligatory group photo as they said goodbye to a community fixture. “This man has forgotten more than I will ever know about the grocery business,” said Jeffrey Pryor, who has himself been at the Placerville store for more than two decades. Farrington’s name tag, reading “serving you since 1976,” only hints at the story of his long career. His family moved to El Dorado County from the Bay Area in 1976, when he was 18 years old. He ■ See FARRINGTON, page A6
Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco
After more than 47 years of working at the grocery store on Broadway in Placerville (currently known as Save Mart, though he’s been around through a couple name changes) John Farrington had his final day behind the register Friday.