Mountain Democrat, Monday, April 8,2024

Odin Rasco Sta writer

Another El Dorado County community has received certification as a Firewise USA Community in recognition of the e orts of residents and the Coloma-Lotus Fire Safe Council.

Following on the heels of sections of Placerville and surrounding areas, which were recognized by the Firewise USA Program in November, the Coloma-Lotus area has become the seventh Firewise Community in the greater Placerville region. The Firewise

USA Program was established to recognize communities prepared for fires by making homes and other properties fire resistant and promote measures such as defensible space. The ColomaLotus community encompasses Coloma, Lotus, Arrowbee, Riverwood and a section of Garden Valley. Signs declaring the newly announced designation are set to be installed on Lotus Road, Highway 49 and the intersection of Marshall and Mt. Murphy roads, as well as in the Arrowbee and Riverwood neighborhoods. The Firewise USA recognition is just one part of an ongoing collaboration between communities and their Fire Safe Councils; the Coloma-Lotus FSC has a three-year plan focused on empowering and educating residents. Outreach events, defensible space creation and home hardening training paired with wildfire risk assessments are all key parts of the plan, allowing the community to renew their Firewise status in three years’ time. E orts made by residents in those three years make a di erence; time or money spent on labor to harden a home or create defensible space ought to be tracked by community residents so that the

Spring storm hits county with unseasonal snow

El Dorado County was hit with a cold surprise Thursday as Sierra snowflakes fell in foothill communities throughout the afternoon.

Despite vehicles and vegetation frosting more than usual for April, e ects of the storm were minimal.

Snow fell as low as 1,200 feet in elevation, all the way down to Cameron Park. Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort reported 9 inches of snow falling at its summit. Another 1 to 2 inches of snow was expected to fall Friday night at the summit, the resort’s website reported.

As of Friday morning, chain controls were set up on Highway 50 near Kyburz and while tra c was moving slow, the road was open all the way to South Lake Tahoe.

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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 was held April 5, 2024.

Gary William Johnson

July 8, 1948 – Feb. 24, 2024

Gary William Johnson, son, brother, grandson, husband, dad, friend, best friend, artist, animal lover (yes, even cats), war veteran, world traveler and one charming individual.

On July 8th, 1948, at 7:18pm, the world met Gary. Born to William and Evelyn Johnson, and brother to Scott. His first-grade teacher said of Gary, “He likes to talk and play a lot.” If she only knew. School on the south side of Chicago ended quickly for Gary, when in 1966 he enlisted in the Air Force and headed to Vietnam. A young man in a war finding joy in training military dogs, he survived, and began a more dangerous journey — marriage and fatherhood. More schooling followed later in life — graphic design at the California College of Arts and Crafts gave him the freedom of creation, while Werner Trucking School gave him the freedom of the open road.

Finding love many times, Gary was father to Scott and stepfather to Chris, imparting wisdom such as, “Think about it.” A 25-year union with wife, Kathy Jennings, punctuated the last years of his life. It was she who held him as Gary passed peacefully on February 24th, 2024.

Always a friend, those who met Gary knew him for life. And those lives were enriched — even when they had to look for it. Grandpa Rocco and Uncle Bud would be proud.

Gary Johnson. The Man. The Myth. The Legend. Never goodbye, just “Asta.” We love you, Gary.

South Lake Tahoe City Council discusses annexation of 90 parcels

Katelyn Welsh Tahoe Daily Tribune

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — The South Lake Tahoe City Council passed its first reading of a resolution initiating proceedings to annex 90 parcels of county property adjacent to Sierra Tract and Barton Memorial Hospital at the March 26 meeting.

The area encompasses more than 400 acres of private and a majority of publicly owned parcels. The public owners include the state of California, the Tahoe Resource Conservation District, the city of South Lake Tahoe, the South Tahoe Public Utility District and Lake Tahoe Community College.

A total of 90 parcels adjacent to the Sierra Tract and Barton Memorial Hospital are being considered for annexation by the city.

There are many more proceedings yet to take place before this is set in stone. Titled the Cleanup Annexation, the purpose is to provide more e cient public services since, according to the sta report, the area is accessed through city streets.

A majority of services such as general government, administrative services and law enforcement are currently provided by El Dorado County with the city coordinating some services like road maintenance and snow plowing. Water and sewer are currently managed and will continue to run through the South Tahoe Public Utility District. The same goes for solid waste management with South Tahoe Refuse & Recycling Company.

truck for facilities maintenance and streetlights, an excavator for parks facilities maintenance and one utility truck for the Parks Department. The new equipment totals more than $1.5 million in purchases.

One of the city’s current graders is being decommissioned after multiple failures. Director of Public Works Anush Nejad said at the meeting that the city spends around $100,0000 on snow grader repairs annually. The new equipment would reduce maintenance costs and they can auction o nonworking units.

Council passed a motion adopting the fee schedule with a modification to allow the fire chief discretionary authorization to waive the advance/basic life support fees under the following criteria:

Patients relying on governmentsponsored insurance plans

Patients demonstrating financial burden

Some community members criticized the city for taking on more responsibility, claiming it isn’t taking care of what it currently has. Others living in the area had safety concerns and some inquired whether Measure T would apply to the annexed parcels that currently hold vacation home rental permits with the county.

Master fee schedule

City Council adopted the 20232024 Master Fee Schedule, but not before one change. Councilmember Scott Robbins pulled the item from the consent agenda to inquire about the Advanced/Basic Life Support or first responder fee. He stated he’s received feedback from concerned community members hesitant to call an ambulance due to getting a bill not covered by insurance, saying that becomes a public health concern.

Patients who petition for a fee waiver or other exigent circumstances may request a waiver with the final decision by the Fire Chief with the understanding that these fees are for cost recovery purposes and not for profit.

As part of the passed motion, the council will bring back a discussion of lowering the fees for the Recreation Center after a public commenter requested the fees be lowered, comparing the costs to other regions.

According to Planning Manager John Hitchcock, there is one property with a county VHR permit and, if annexed, Measure T would apply and the permit would be prohibited.

Others living in the potentially annexed zone expressed support and said they’re looking forward to being city residents.

Also passed within the item is an ordinance pre-zoning the 90 parcels and amending city codes related to plan area maps and statements. An amendment to the city’s General Plan Land Use Diagram is also required with annexation and a part of the passed motion. The city intends to keep the zoning and allowed uses as similar as possible to existing county and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency zoning.

A second reading and adoption of the pre-zoning, General Plan amendment, and proceeding initiation will take place at City Council on April 23. Thereafter, the city plans on submitting an annexation application to El Dorado County.

More snow removal and Public Works equipment

After the midyear budget approval at the previous City Council, the city is moving forward with the purchase of two graders and one brine mixer for snow operations, one boom

Fire Chief Jim Drennan said this fee is a cost recovery mechanism that is typically sent and paid by insurance companies. They find with governmental forms of insurance like Medicare or Medical, the fee at times is not paid by that insurance and gets passed on to the patient, “which is really not the intent of the fire department.” He said they’re looking for language to allow them to waive those fees in certain circumstances.

City Attorney Heather Stroud said one caveat to creating language that allows the fee waiver is the general fund picking up the cost of waived fees. “It’s not that other fee payers are subsidizing people who can’t pay,” she said.

The fire chief said the fees net about $185,000 annually and the ambulance company recoveries around 22% of billings and the fire department around 34%. Drennan said the department operates their budget with the understanding that when billing goes out, they’re never going to see that money. Despite this, the rate is still set at the cost of doing business, explaining they’re not subsidizing through other payers.

Councilmember Tamara Wallace said she believes it’s unfair to compare South Lake Tahoe’s fees to places outside the basin since they have higher costs here, but would support a resident versus nonresident fee di erence.

Mayor Cody Bass said it’s important to match other facilities in the Basin, like centers near Kahle Drive and Truckee, but once the city has the new recreation center, their fees should be at the top. The discussion will come back at a later date.

Housing funds

The Bear’s Den rehabilitation is receiving $120,000 from the California Department of Housing and Community Development. $500,000 is being allocated to the 3900 and 3908 Lake Tahoe Blvd. housing projects.

City Council passed a resolution ratifying a grant application and accepting funds. The Bear’s Den is set to provide 22 units and the 3900 and 3908 Lake Tahoe Blvd. housing project 65 units. Passed within the consent agenda were second readings of ordinance amendments, a concessionaire agreement, city salary tables and revisions to compensation and benefits packages for underrepresented employees.

Courtesy map

90 parcels adjacent to the Sierra Tract and Barton Memorial Hospital are being considered for annexation by the city.

Water safety grants available

SACRAMENTO — California

Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways is now accepting grant applications to help local public entities enhance safety on California’s waterways and protect them from abandoned and unwanted vessels. Up to $4.25 million total is available in grant funding.

The application period for the competitive grant programs, Boating Safety and Enforcement Equipment and Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange is open through Tuesday, April 30.

“Enhancing safety on California’s waterways and protecting our shared environment can create healthy and memorable outdoor experiences for experienced and new recreational boaters,” said DBW’s Deputy Director Ramona Fernandez. “Thank you to the boating law enforcement community for their efforts in keeping California’s waterways safe and enjoyable for boaters.”

In 2023, DBW awarded 22 BSEE grants totaling $1.57 million and 29 SAVE grants totaling $2.75 million. This year, a total of up to $4.25 million in grant funding is available to eligible applicants in these highly competitive grant programs.

Below are descriptions of the grant

CRIME LOG

The following information was taken from El Dorado County sheriff’s reports:

March 31

2:45 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 49-year-old man suspected of grand theft on Highway 50 (town not specified). He was released on $10,500 bail.

4:05 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 39-year-old woman suspected of making criminal threats on Awesome View in Placerville. She was listed in custody in lieu of $50,000 bail.

4:57 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 24-year-old man suspected of DUI on Coach Lane in Cameron Park. He was later released.

11:04 a.m. Battery was reported on Merrychase Drive in Cameron Park.

3:03 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a store on Fairplay Road in Somerset.

programs and available funding:

BSEE Grant Program

Up to $1.5 million is available to local government agencies statewide that demonstrate a need for patrol boats, replacement engines, personal watercraft, search and rescue equipment, and patrol equipment for conducting recreational boating safety and enforcement activities. These competitive grants are to augment existing local resources and not to fully fund boating safety and enforcement patrol units. The U.S. Coast Guard’s Recreational Boating Safety Program provides funding for this BSEE grant program.

SAVE Grant Program

Up to $2.75 million is available to local public agencies statewide to receive surrendered recreational vessels and to remove and dispose of derelict recreational vessels on coastal and inland public, navigable waterways. Grant funding comes from the Abandoned Watercraft Abatement Fund. Applications for both grant programs must be submitted to DBW through the Online Grant Application System (OLGA) by April 30. Before applying, the division encourages new applicants to view a 45-minute video that provides detailed instructions on creating an account in OLGA as well as navigating the application system.

3:29 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 29-year-old man suspected of multiple drug-related offenses, conspiracy to commit a crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition on Highway 50 at Ponderosa Road in Shingle Springs. He was listed in custody in lieu of $645,000 bail.

11:07 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 28-year-old man suspected of DUI on Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park. He was later released.

April 1

12:18 a.m. California Highway Patrol officer booked into jail a 28-year-old man suspected of DUI and driving on a suspended license on Pleasant Valley Road (town not specified). He was later released.

3:12 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 52-year-old woman suspected of multiple drug-related offenses, conspiracy to commit a crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition on Highway 50 at Ponderosa Road in Shingle Springs. She was released on $355,000 bail.

1:14 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 45-year-old woman suspected of obstruction on Coach Lane in Cameron Park. She was released on $25,000 bail.

said. “Unfortunately when people are in a rush to go to lunch or to get out of here, they forget to lock the doors sometimes, which I rather not have on my conscience.” Cannon and Potter have been a part of EDSO for 12 years, working as security for the El Dorado County Superior Court buildings. Before taking on his job in EDSO, Potter worked seven years as security detail for the Bay Area Rapid Transit in the Bay Area.

Even though they started their new positions two weeks ago, both told the Mountain Democrat they have been well received by county employees, homeless individuals and the public alike.

“You learn that there is going to be growing pains with anything, like getting to know people and how they operate, because you have to learn to adapt in any position here in the sheriff’s office or just law enforcement in general,” Cannon said. “You’ve got to be able to adapt to the problems when they present themselves.”

The SSOs have been making efforts to make their presence known to both the county employees and homeless individuals occupying the navigation center or those looking to get in, all part of the process of being visible to anyone with a problem and to deter crime.

Potter and Cannon have also been working closely with EDSO’s Homeless Outreach Team to assist the unhoused individuals.

“Some from the public have either stopped bringing their children (to the library); others have Tasers and pepper spray on them because they don’t feel safe and that is obviously

not acceptable,” Potter explained. “That is most of the contacts we’ve had, but talking to the folks around here that have come out of the navigation center has been really good.

“We are just trying to find middle ground for everyone,” he continued. “The library is not just for the public but for the unhoused as well.”

They will also issue citations for parking and county ordinance violations. As foot patrol officers, Potter and Cannon said they walk the equivalent of 5 to 10 miles a day.

The county approved funding to add security guards at the government center in December 2022, citing safety concerns, including break-ins after dark and loitering and soliciting homeless individuals.

Even before the navigation center was set up, crime and calls to service had increased in the area.

The Placerville Police Department shared with the Mountain Democrat a 10-year analysis of the number of calls to service made to the El Dorado County buildings, giving more insight on the need for security detail.

Exclusive to the library, 1,077 calls to service were made from 2012 to April 26 of 2023. Calls were relatively low between 2012 and 2014, incrementally increasing to 60-70 calls by 2019. Calls to service shot up to 211 in 2020, 206 in 2021 with the most responded to in 2022 with 242. Complete data for 2023 is still being compiled. As SSOs, both Cannon and Parker hope for positive interactions for all whom they serve.

“I operate by the Golden Rule — treat people like how you want to be treated,” Cannon said.

In my house!

Wstrangers living in your house?

I assumed you order the squatters out and, if they resist, call the police and they will kick them out.

Wrong.

Pro-tenant laws passed by anti-capitalist politicians now protect squatters. If a squatter just lies about having a lease, the police won’t intervene.

“It’s a civil matter,” they’ll say. “Sort it out in court.”

Great. Court might cost $20,000. Or more. And courts are so slow, eviction might take years.

In my state, New York, homeowners can’t even shut o utilities to try to get the squatter out. That’s illegal. Worse, once a squatter has been there 30 days, they are legally considered a tenant.

This month NYC police arrested a homeowner for “unlawful eviction” after she changed locks, trying to get rid of a squatter.

“Squatter rights,” also known as “adverse possession” laws, now exist in all 50 states. As a result, evicting a squatter legally is so expensive and cumbersome that some people simply walk away from their homes!

Flash Shelton may have a better idea.

His mom wanted to sell their house after his dad died. But while they were selling it, squatters moved in.

Shelton did what I would have done — called the police. But the police said there was nothing they could do.

So he tried a new tactic: out-squat the squatter.

Why do squatters feel entitled to other people’s property? Probably because people hate landlords. They listen to silly people like Marxist New School professor Miguel Robles-Duran, who calls landlords “parasites” ...

“I just felt, if they can take a house, I can take a house,” Shelton says in my new video. “I could go in as the squatter myself (and) gain possession of the property.”

When the home invader left for a few hours, Shelton went in and changed the locks. Only then did the squatters leave.

Now Shelton has started a business, SquatterHunters.com, where he tries to help others get their houses back.

“People think of squatters as homeless, destitute,” I say.

“They are not homeless,” answers Shelton. “They’re criminals ... people taking advantage of the system.”

In fact, one squatter he pushed out was Adam Fleischman, who started the Umami Burger

Letters to the Editor

What if?

EDITOR:

On a recent Wednesday, I was sitting with some acquaintances at the bar making small talk about the state of The Union.

One fellow said he did not care about the current events and trends because he would be either dead or too old to care if things became badly deteriorated. My brother asked, “What about your kids?” forgetting the fellow had none and he replied he doesn’t have any so, he doesn’t care.

I was unsettled by his view but, remained silent and thoughtful.

Thursday, I awoke to the thought: What if the Founding Fathers had that attitude?

Would this country be as great or even have survived?

They were forward-thinking men with great vision.

What if The Northerners had that attitude at the end of our Civil War?

Would reconciliation have occurred?

Thanks to an intelligent populace, they realized in order to move on, past events needed to be treated as lessons learned.

What if the United States had been that cavalier at the end of World War II?

Would Europe and Japan have recovered, prospered and become our allies and partners?

Or would the major portion of this planet have sunk into another dark age?

We need to be better than that attitude and realize these United States do not end with us whether we are 18 or 81.

We need to continue to nurture and defend our republic, its Constitution and Bill of Rights in order to see it survive and prosper.

In doing so, we will remain a beacon to the world.

Our system of law and order is a blessing as protection and a curse in that people are prone to take advantage of it and use it against us.

We must remember there are always going to be people who feel it is their right to infringe on

others rights.

Our system was built to protect against that.

Let us not acquiesce to the nature of these forces or we will lose the liberties inherent in this system which has survived for 235 years since our constitution was adopted.

Be informed, vote and support our country or we will surely see it and our system fade into history.

GARY ROSS Placerville

One-party plan

EDITOR: S

cott Taylor’s March 25 letter on Trump is so full of misdirection and deception that college classes should use it as classic example. After you get through the anti-Trump diatribe that occupies the first paragraph of almost everything he writes, we get into the misdirection and context that are hallmarks of the left.

Mr. Taylor operating from the leftwing handbook hammers Trump for calling the illegals “animals.” Of course, Mr. Taylor leaves out that Trump was referring to the tens of thousands if not millions of MS13 homicidal gang members, drug dealers, human tra ckers of children for sexual exploitation. You, Mr. Taylor, may think those listed above are just poor immigrants; I, on the other hand think Trumps label was spot on. Of course the Democrats want open borders as it will aid their long-term plan to make America basically a one-party state with about the same amount of e ective democracy as Russia has. The crime, sex tra cking and drugs are just a necessary cost in the Democrats push to, as Obama put it, “transform America.” The recently defeated so-called bipartisan border bill with its asylum provisions would have put millions on a pathway as short as five years to voting, but that’s not all. The millions that Biden and the Democrats have let into the country and

Jam favorites and Mount St. Helens before the explosion

Any restaurant in America has two jam options: strawberry or grape jelly. When my wife and I visited Quebec there was a four-star restaurant attached to the hotel. They had two jam options: orange marmalade and blueberry. I can buy those in the grocery store now. Wild blueberry jam is my favorite. Currently, I am also favoring apricot jam for one piece of toast and marionberry jam for the other toasted bread. Marionberry is unique to Oregon. It’s really a large blackberry raised on a farm. The large oblong berry was named

after Marion County in Oregon where they began. They are only grown in Oregon. Every restaurant in Oregon will sell you a marionberry pie. You can even find marionberry ice cream at grocery stores, primarily in the Tillamook brand.

One thing I have not been able to find is huckleberries. Our family would fill a bucket with huckleberries along the side of Mount St. Helens. We had to keep on the lookout for bears, who also liked huckleberries. I loved Spirit Lake. It was so clear you could see the bottom.

One summer my mother was a

One thing I have not been able to nd is huckleberries. Our family would ll a bucket with huckleberries along the side of Mount St. Helens.

camp nurse so I spent a lot of time in a rowboat, learning to spin left and right and spinning completely around 360. One could also swim near shore where it was warmer. Boy Scouts would hike to a smaller lake whose name escapes me, but it was more swimmable.

All that is gone. Mount St. Helens blew up May 18, 1980.

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One of the more interesting press releases in the Mountain Democrat was printed March 27 and headlined “Drug testing devices to be required at bars.” I thought it had something

to do with preventing drunk driving. It actually was handy testing devices so women could find out if some ne’er do well had spiked their drinks with date rape drugs. The testing devices could be simple as test strips or straws. The supermajority Legislature usually comes up with wacko ideas, but this is a really good idea. The legislation was sponsored by Long Beach Assemblyman Josh Lowenthal. Michael Ra ety is a retired editor of the Mountain Democrat and a resident of the Placerville area.

MICHAEL RAFFETY Belltower

JOHN STOSSEL

Stossel Continued from A4 restaurant chain. Fleischman told Shelton, “I’m a victim here.” He even called the cops.

“He felt that since he had possession of the house,” says Shelton, “that he had the right to call law enforcement and have me removed.”

I tried to reach Fleischman to hear his side of the story. No luck.

“Where does he hear that he has this right to squat?” I ask Shelton.

“The city was telling him this,” says Shelton.

But now Shelton was a squatter, too, so he was protected by the same pro-”tenant” law.

Still, only when Shelton threatened to bring friends to the house as backup did Adam Fleischman leave.

In Los Angeles a woman claimed to be a “caretaker” for an elderly homeowner, who said she didn’t want the woman in her home. So, she gave Shelton a lease. While the squatter was out, Shelton changed the locks.

“But the squatter is still there?” I ask Shelton.

“Still there,” he says, “Climbing through the window because she doesn’t have access to the main house.”

She’s now been there for two years!

Shelton says his team will move in and get rid of

the squatter. “How do you know that will work?” I ask.

“Because once I take possession,” says Shelton, “Then she’ll have to fight in court to try to get back in. Most likely she won’t do that.”

Why do squatters feel entitled to other people’s property?

Probably because people hate landlords. They listen to silly people like Marxist New School professor Miguel Robles-Duran, who calls landlords “parasites” who “provide no social value.” Popular TikTok socialist Madeline Pendleton adds that landlords have “guaranteed forever incomes, without having to put in any labor.”

No labor? Who does she think buys the land; pays lawyers to decipher the excessive regulations; hires architects, carpenters, plumbers and electricians; pays the taxes; manages the property, etc.?

It’s infuriating!

I’m glad people like Flash Shelton fight back.

Every Tuesday at JohnStossel.com, Stossel posts a new video about the battle between government and freedom. He is the author of “Give Me a Break: How I Exposed Hucksters, Cheats, and Scam Artists and Became the Scourge of the Liberal Media.”

even flown over the border count for the census, creating more leftwing Congressional districts even before they can actually vote. Their kids get, unfortunately, automatically citizenship and are voters. The long-term result is the U.S. becoming basically a one-party state like China.

And I love how Mr. Taylor tries to co-mingle legal immigration with illegal. Trump’s relatives came legally and even Biden with a slip of the tongue recognized the killer of Laken Riley as an illegal alien. So, Mr. Taylor, let me give you an analogy to help you better understand the di erence between legal and illegal. Legal is when

is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science and Math Camp Scholarships, programs & interest groups. Leave voicemail for Laurel (530) 417-7737 or Sara (530) 4177138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net

AMERICAN LEGION POST 119 welcomes Veterans and guests to attend our monthly membership dinner and meeting the rst Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM. Legionpost119.org El DORADO COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB Dedicated to all aspects of ham radio. Meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at the El Dorado Sheri ’s o ce, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net

LEARN & PLAY CRIBBAGE Cribbage is a fun, fast paced game that will surely keep you on your toes! **All skill levels **Learn to play by ACC Rules (American Cribbage Congress) **Beginner instruction available **Compete in weekly Cribbage tournaments. Call 916-7684452 for more information. Gold Country Cribbers play Wednesday afternoon 4:30 pm at Moni Gilmore Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762

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

DEMOCRATS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Call (530)391-6414

Spring snow

Highways 80 and 88 also had chain controls in place.

Placerville’s California Highway Patrol and the Placerville Police Department reported no incidents related to the unexpected low snow storm as of Friday morning.

“Everyone was well behaved, which is always welcome,” said Andrew Brown, a CHP public information officer.

The Mountain Democrat did not hear back from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office as of Friday morning to confirm any effects of the snow storm.

The snowy spring storm did have an impact on some local school districts. All Gold Oak Union School District schools were closed Friday. Black Oak Mine Unified School District posted a twohour delayed start time

Firewise

Continued from A1

for all its schools and sent Otter Creek School students to Georgetown School for the day. The storm was a

Continued from A1

The recognition is more than a certificate; residents may find that benefits to living in a Firewise Community include potential discounts on homeowners’ insurance rates. A representative from the state’s Insurance Commissioner’s Office will be at the upcoming Coloma-Lotus FSC meeting to discuss how such discounts may be applied for, even mid-policy. The next council meeting is scheduled to take place at the Gold Trail Grange in Coloma from 6:30-8 p.m. on April 23. Other topics, many involving the newly-acquired Firewise USA recognition and what it means to the area, are also on the schedule for the meeting.

Last year, the Coloma-Lotus FSC secured over $700,000 in grant funds to reduce fuels along the roadsides in the area, a project which is currently under way.

El Dorado County is home to more than 30 fire safe councils, grassroots and community-led organizations that act as a direct line between communities and fire agencies. The focus of the councils is to provide fire safety education to their neighbors and provide assistance in creating a defensible space. Information on fire safe councils in the county can be found at edcfiresafe.org.

break from the more sunny spring weather on West Slope residents are used to seeing this time of year, with rain

and cooler temperatures expected to last into the weekend. Warmer weather is on the way this week.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month

Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control

News release

The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control recognizes the importance of Alcohol Awareness Month every April due to the high number of alcohol-related deaths each year in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 178,000 people die each year from excessive alcohol use. In 2021, 13,384 people died in alcohol-related car crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“This month serves as an important reminder to engage in conversations about the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption and to encourage safe and responsible behavior.” said ABC Director Joseph McCullough.

ABC regulates the sale, manufacture and distribution of alcohol in California. The department recognizes the serious health and public safety concerns surrounding alcohol, especially when it is misused.

Alcohol is the fourth-leading cause of preventable death in the United States, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and has a role in at least 7.1% of all emergency room visits. The financial burden of alcohol misuse cost the U.S. an estimated $249 billion per year. NHTSA estimates drunk driving crashes cost the U.S. $68.9 billion annually.

Courtesy map

A map shows the boundaries of the newly recognized Firewise USA Community.

Photo by Brandon Ellena Snowflakes fall at the El Dorado County Veterans Monument at the government center Thursday afternoon. Snowfall was reported as low as Cameron Park.

NEWS, IN THE KNOW

April 9

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 find a new direction in their lives.

Regular breakfasts are held every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at Denny’s in Placerville. For those interested in joining or reservations don’t hesitate to get in touch with Glenda at (530) 295-8374 or Nancy at (530) 919-8276.

El Dorado FamilySearch Center, 3275 Cedar Ravine Road in Placerville, hosts Searching Scotland Records at 10 a.m. Take a virtual trip to your ancestor’s homeland through record searches with a knowledgeable Scot. For more information call (530) 621-1378.

A series of free classes covering The Reality of our Mortality will be held 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, April 9, 16 & 23, at the Cameron Park Community Services District. Donations benefit Snowline Hospice. Learn more at yourgracefulexit.com.

Smith Flat House in Placerville hosts live music in the courtyard wit Brandon Zahursky. For more information call (530) 6211003.

Grayson Howard will perform at 6 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

April 10

The Sons in Retirement –Gold Country branch meets the second Wednesday of the month at the Cameron Park Country Club. Check out the club and be a guest for a complimentary lunch. Contact Branch 95’s membership chairman at SIRBranch95@gmail.com for more details.

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce and EDH Town Center host a mixer, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 2023 Vine St., Suite 105 & 106. To RSVP call (916) 933-1335 or visit eldoradohillschamber.org.

Uncommon Ground will perform at 6 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and

Pick a plant or two ... or three

Noel Stack Managing Editor

G

ardening addicts and those who have just begun to get their hands dirty will find the plants, gardening tips and much more at the UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County plant sales set 8 a.m. to noon April 13 & 27 at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden. From tomatoes and ornamental grasses to roses and zucchini, these sales feature thousands of plants lovingly grown by Master Gardener volunteers at their home gardens and personal greenhouses. Edibles take center stage at the April 13 event. Grasses, shrubs, succulents and trees, along with native plants, will be available April 27. Check the inventory preview atmgeldorado.ucanr.edu.

At the garden on the Folsom Lake College – El Dorado Center campus, plant sale coordinator Ada Brehmer and other volunteers recently worked to spruce up the garden, which has 16 individual demonstration gardens that showcase plants that thrive on El Dorado County’s western slope. Stopping by the tomatoes during a brief break, she boasted, “We have so many different types for the sale.”

Those who love popping cherry tomatoes in their mouth for a snack won’t be disappointed. Neither will chefs who prefer to season their meals with fresh herbs. The fig, strawberry and onion fans will also find plants to fill their baskets. And those who adore succulents and decorative trees will have a hard time carrying back all their purchases (bring a cart on wheels if you have it).

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SALE

n See PLANT

“An addiction to gardening is not all bad when you consider all the other choices in life.”

— Cora Lea Bell

Dementia Connection Program hosts free

“H aving support as a dementia caregiver was empowering beyond words. It helped me to understand what was happening and how to handle difficult situations. Through this, I learned to cope and how to manage day to day,” said Teresa Speece of Placerville, who found help through the work of Jillien Erdman in caring for her husband living with dementia. Erdman, ACC, BS, CADDCT, is a certified dementia trainer and care manager with Snowline’s Dementia Connection Program, which is funded by a cooperative grant from the Administration for Community Living’s Alzheimer and Dementia Initiative Program. The Dementia Connection, led by Lori Scoville RN, MSN, CHPN, is in its fourth month of operation. The program is designed to raise community awareness and capability about dementia through community education, caregiver respite, support and home visit consultations to individuals and families living with effects of the many diseases causing dementia.

This Wednesday, April 10, begins a series of five classes on Living Well with Dementia featuring topics such as understanding progression of different diseases that cause dementia (such as Alzheimer’s disease). It will also address communication challenges and healthy lifestyle changes to support both people with dementia and their caregivers. This class meets every other Wednesday, 1:30-3 p.m. and is open to people with early to moderate dementia and any of their family or friends who may want to attend with them.

“I am excited to bring this curriculum to our community,” Erdman shared. “It brings fresh material directly to those early in these illnesses to help them chart a course for successfully navigating their new lives with dementia.

“Based on the Neurowell manual from ResearchGate, we share proven strategies to best manage the symptoms and complications of dementia and provide individuals and caregivers with needed approaches to reinforce their process of living as well as they can with dementia,” she explained.

The Dementia Connection program has already reached more than 100 professionals or community members with dementia education and served 30-plus people with dementia and their family members with education, home visits or consultations.

“I am so happy we can support people with dementia, their loved ones and our local community,” said Monica Clark, program administrative assistant.

Any interested community members should call the Dementia Connection Program at (530) 621-7820, email dementia@snowlinehospice.org and/or visit snowlinehospice.org/dementia-care for more information. Register for any upcoming classes at eventbrite.com/cc/dementia-connectionprograms-3067689.

The

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

Courtesy photo

Jillien Erdman, right, poses during a consultation visit with community member Cindy Placencia, center, and her mother Mary Solorzano of Cameron Park.

Mountain Democrat photos by Noel Stack Radishes and onions, above, will be available at the edible plant sale hosted by the UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County April 13 at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden. Decorative plants, like the lenten rose at right, will be sold April 27.

Placerville Soroptimists support empowerment through education

Soroptimist International of Placerville held its annual Awards Night March 21 at the MORE facility in Placerville. The Placerville Soroptimist Club awarded six scholarships to local high school seniors, as well as the Soroptimist Live your Dream Award and the Ruby Award.

SIP presented scholarships to Hannah Panell and Kallysta Rodriguez, both from Union Mine High School. These scholarships are awarded for outstanding academics, a high degree of volunteerism, and demonstrated character.

SIP’s Lennie Mills Memorial Scholarship was presented to Caitlyn Douglas of El Dorado High School. This scholarship is funded by an endowment left to the Placerville Club by member Lennie Mills and, at her behest, the scholarship has a strong focus on volunteerism.

SIP awarded Lylia Zmerzlikar of Union Mine High School with the Engineering, Science, and Math Scholarship. This scholarship is for

highly qualified young women who wish to enter any of these fields of study. The scholarship is funded by Mark Acuna and administered by SIP.

Delaney Palmer of Union Mine High School received the Carolyn Hibbeln Memorial Dream Scholarship, in memory of Carolyn Hibbeln, a loved and greatly missed SIP member. The recipient was selected for demonstrating Carolyn’s love of education and service. SIP and the family of Carolyn Hibbeln jointly fund this scholarship to honor Carolyn.

Jasmyn Loera of Union Mine High School earned the Jan Didriksen Memorial Scholarship for Women in Biology. The scholarship is for young women who are pursuing a degree and career in biology. The scholarship is funded by Susan Didriksen and administered by SIP.

The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award was presented to Nicole Cline. This award is for women who are the primary wage earners for their families and who need financial assistance to continue their education or receive n See AWARDS, page B4

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). If the optimists are correct, what you’re looking for is also trying to find you. Even so, continue the search and involve as many people as possible because the more wide-open eyes on the job, the better.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Even though being relaxed makes a good impression, comfort and dressing well don’t always go together. You won’t be sorry for sacrificing comfort for a look that commands respect.

21). If necessity is the mother of invention, competition is the father. You’re not interested in simply serving a need; you want to offer the best solution there. You’ll do this, but probably not in the first draft. Be persistent.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Once you figure out the exact problem, you’re halfway to solving it. What’s working gets ignored, but not by you. You’ll look at each piece and the larger context to see what the others are likely to miss.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The value of a gift isn’t always apparent right away. You will come into a new understanding of something you’ve been given, and you’ll appreciate how its meaning and usefulness have VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Don’t make things too easy for others today. The quest is a game. No one likes playing games that are too simple to be interesting. Think of how much more satisfying it is to get what you want after you’ve worked hard for it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). There’s nothing wrong with doing what everyone is doing, but not by default. Stay awake. Conforming is best when it’s strategic. You want something rare, so you can’t have it and be like everyone else at the same time.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Collaboration motivates you to action. Caring what someone thinks of your skills, talent and professionalism will keep you pumping out the product, meeting the deadlines and turning out quality work you’re really proud of.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). In the past, you paid a pretty penny for expert help, and it didn’t always seem worthwhile. There are more tools than ever available to you for learning and executing a do-it-yourself mission, and you’ll be proud of what you can accomplish. PISCES

Courtesy photo

Summer Reid, Kallysta Rodriguez, Hannah Panell, Jasmyn Loera, Nicole Cline and Caitlyn Douglas, left to right, received recognition and funds from Soroptimist International of Placerville.

Community foundation’s consolidated grant cycles now open

The El Dorado Community Foundation has launched its latest grant cycle.

Nonprofit organizations are welcome to apply to multiple grants so long as:

1. The nonprofit is in good standing with the IRS, SOS and DOJ (AG).

2. The organization qualifies for the grant cycle (read all requirements carefully).

3. The nonprofits directly serve El Dorado County residents (read specifics with each grant offered).

All grant cycles will close Thursday, May 16.

Plant sale Continued from B1

Proceeds from the plant sales support the Master Gardeners of El Dorado County programs — classes are taught throughout the year — and the Sherwood Demonstration Garden at 6699 Campus Drive in Placerville.

A pergola was recently completed at the site where volunteers plan to hold classes thanks to funding from previous sales.

“The big project coming up is perimeter fencing,” Brehmer said, explaining they will upgrade to a metal fence that’s more durable and keeps the critters out.

Inside the garden, fencing also needs to be replaced and repaired around the Rose Garden and Cottage Garden. Brehmer noted the garden benches are also due for a new paint job.

For more information about the plant sale, Sherwood Demonstration Garden and Master Gardener programs and classes visit mgeldorado. ucanr.edu.

The 2024 Endow El Dorado SAPLING Grant Application is an EDCF competitive grant process. This grant is open to all nonprofits serving the residents and communities of El Dorado County who are saplings — organizations with an annual gross revenue under $175,000. Sapling organizations will be able to apply for up to $5,000 for capacity building and project/program ideas. This grant is supplemented by funds from the Pay It Forward Project, the Hernandez Family Fund and Joan Barsotti Memorial Fund. Apply at smr.to/ p87196.

Friends of Seniors, a fund of the El Dorado

Community Foundation, will be awarding a total of up to $15,000 in grants to El Dorado County nonprofits that support the wellness, life enrichment, dignity, and independence of seniors (60+) residing on the western slope of El Dorado County. Apply at smr.to/p90126.

The 2024 GIVE Tahoe Grant Application Process supports nonprofits who work for and within the South Lake Tahoe Area. The GIVE Tahoe Grant is open to all nonprofits, agencies and schools serving the residents and communities of South Lake Tahoe.

Grants

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Proposals of up to $5,000 will be considered. This grant does not have a specific focus allowing the opportunity to respond to most important needs. Apply at smr.to/p90125.

The Veterans Grant program is funded by El Dorado County to support operations, programs, or property improvements/repairs that support the veteran community at large. Grants are available in amounts up to $10,000. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. May 16 and funding will be provided September 2024. Applications are reviewed and grants awarded by the El Dorado County Veteran Affairs Commission. Apply at smr.to/p90127.

For any questions about any of these grants email Kathy Haven at kathy@eldoradocf.org.

Awards

Continued from B2

training. The Placerville Club awards $2,500 to its chosen recipient, who will then advance to compete at the Soroptimist Sierra Nevada Region level for an additional $5,000. The top region recipients then become candidates for one of three Soroptimists of the Americas $10,000 finalist awards.

SIP’s Ruby Award: For Women Helping Women, honors women who — through their professional or personal activities — make exceptional efforts on behalf of women and girls. The Placerville Soroptimist club provides the recipient with a $1,000 cash grant to be donated to the recipient’s charity of choice. Recipient Summer Reid is donating her award to New Beginnings Gold Country.

Sacramento

Gaucho at Comstock Saloon @ 8pm Comstock Saloon, 155 Columbus Ave, San Francisco

Michelle Musial @ 9pm Shelby’s Rooftop, 250 4th St, San Francisco

Perry Wayne @ 9pm Public Works, 161 Erie St, San Francisco

Skream & Benga