Mountain Democrat, Monday, April 10, 2023

Costs sink Cameron Park splash pad project

Jana Rossi Staff writer

A very full Cameron Park Community Services District Board of Directors meeting adjourned after nearly four hours with the board establishing changes that will impact activities at Cameron Park Lake.

A record number of Cameron Park residents attended the March 28 meeting, with the intention of making themselves heard on two controversial topics.

Splash pad a no-go

A splash pad proposed in place of the Cameron Park Lake swimming lagoon has been met with mixed reception. Construction cost has

swelled to $1.6 million, double the original projected amount when the splash pad was approved in 2020. Projected annual operations costs are at least $16,000 plus $1,000 in annual repairs. The plan was to use Proposition 68 funds totaling $128,182 plus park impact fees to cover the balance.

So far, $105,000 of non-refundable money has been spent on landscaping and many residents asked the board to cut its losses and use the remaining dollars on other lake projects, such as adding a launch pad to allow paddle boats and kayaks back into the lake.

A few residents spoke out in favor of moving forward with the project, stating it was good for the next

Funding

comes together for inclusive play

Sel Richard Staff writer

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District has just announced plans to fund renovations for an inclusive playground at Jackson Elementary School, but put new facilities for Peter Bertelsen Park on hold.

Jackson Elementary recently made significant strides toward funding the improvement of its playground and surrounding furnishings, a project anticipated to cost approximately $509,000. Principal Michele Williamson reported the PTO has committed $150,000 with the expectation of a further $50,000 for amenities in ensuing years. Rescue Union School District has committed 14 new accessible-designed benches/lunch tables, shade, $50,000 toward the playground and pledged $88,000 next year for additional playground shading.

With funding for the project still falling short by $250,000, the El Dorado County O ce of Education entered into discussions with the CSD seeking to supply the remaining amount equally.

■ See PLAYGROUND page A6

PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE

AFTERNOON DELIGHT

Mountain Democrat photo by Krysten Kellum

A red bud blooms along the trail around the pond at Town Center in El Dorado Hills. Local flora is showing off its colorful petals across El Dorado County’s rolling hills and its just getting started with poppies, butter cup, Ithuriel’s spear, shooting star and paintbrush, in addition to the red bud, dotting the landscape.

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

Funding for swimming lagoon operations at Cameron Park Lake was eliminated in 2019. Plans to place a splash pad at the lagoon site are no longer moving forward.

“It’s about inclusivity — meeting the needs of everybody within the community.”

— Noelle Mattock, El Dorado Hills Community Services District board president

■ See CAMERON PARK page A6

Christopher Jay

Humphreys

March 27, 1963 - Feb. 8, 2023

Christopher Jay “C.J.”

Humphreys passed away

February 8, in Sacramento Calif., at the age of 59. To comfort and support him at his bedside, were his mother, daughters, partner and friends. C. J. was an organ donor. Before the family said their final goodbyes, a walk of honor was held in the hospital to recognize this compassionate act. The hall was lined with friends and sta , as his family walked one last time beside him. C. J. was able to save multiple lives with his generous donation.

Christopher was born in Sacramento March 27, 1963. In the early ‘70’s he and his family moved to Rescue, Calif., where he grew up, he attended school and was a volunteer firefighter. His family raised many farm animals and had large gardens. Though he liked the animals and helped with the chores; unless it had wheels and speed, he wasn’t too interested. He graduated from Ponderosa High School, class of ‘81 and went on to receive an AA degree from American River College in Auto Mechanics. He went on to follow that passion by becoming a well known and respected race car driver in Placerville, Calif. Apart from his love of racing, he was an incredibly creative hardworking man. A true jack of all trades and perfectionist. He had a long career with Rawles Engineering, over 20 years, where he ran big machinery and everything he touched was always done with care.

From 1989-2022 C. J. a ectionately known as the “Happy Camper”, in the #85 car, ranks number five in all-time winged 360 sprint car wins at the Placerville Speedway. He also holds the honor of being the original North vs. South Civil War Series Champion in 1991. C. J. was larger than life on and o the race track. He was loved by his fans — his love for them is what drove his desire and passion for the sport.

He was also a doting and gentle father, grandfather, son, friend and animal lover. He enjoyed a good conversation, helping others, and had the warmest smile. Both proud and humble, he will be deeply missed by many.

C. J. is survived by his Mother, Penny; his four daughters — Cassandra; Jacquelin; Anastasia; Peyton and his partner Vallean. A grandfather to five, he also leaves behind Soleil, Sylvie, Emalyn, Braelyn, and Daxton.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 5th at 11:00 a.m. at Green Valley Community Church o Missouri Flat Rd with food and refreshments to follow at Placerville Speedway. On Saturday May 6, there will be a memorial lap in his honor at the Speedway. Memorial shirts will be sold to benefit his daughters.

Irene Guinevere (Watkins) Ford

Feb. 22, 1927 – March 26, 2023

Irene G. Ford, 96, of El Dorado Hills, died Sunday, March 26, at home. Irene was the daughter of the late Henry C. P. Watkins and the late Irene Robertson Watkins. She was born in Fresno, where she grew up. She obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in zoology from Fresno State College and a Master’s Degree in education from the University of Kansas in Lawrence. There she met her husband of 67 years, Robert Whittier Ford, who preceded her in death in 2017. She taught grade school in Claycomo, MO for several years. She and Robert moved to California where she took a break from teaching to start a family. When the children were older, she went back to teaching. She taught second grade for over twenty years for the Rescue School District, first at Rescue School in Rescue, then at Jackson School in El Dorado Hills, where she was one of the founding teachers. She was a long-time member of Journey Church in Folsom, where she sang alto in the choir for many years.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Ford, brother, Henry Watkins, half-sister Westra Ingalls and half-brother, Mahlon Watkins. She is survived by her son Keith Ford (Patricia) of Los Gatos, daughter Rebecca Poole (Mark, late) of Ga ney, SC, and daughter Catherine Hack of Diamond Springs, as well as 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 16 at Journey Church, 450 Blue Ravine Rd, Folsom, Calif.

Segrid Laughlin Salmon

July 30, 1933 – March 30, 2023

Segrid Laughlin Salmon, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother died March 30, 2023, in Placerville, California. She was 89 years old.

Segrid was born July 30, 1933, to Stanley Joe Laughlin and Olive May Foster Laughlin in Chanute, Kansas. She grew up in Prescott, Kansas and Ft. Scott Kansas, meeting her future husband, Harold (Sam) Salmon, when she was a 13-year-old freshman at Fort Scott High School. She was in a Spanish class with seniors and was so in awe of them she never spoke to anyone the entire year. After High School, Segrid worked various jobs, including in the o ces of the Kansas Ordnance Plant, a munitions factory located in Parsons, Kansas. While working there, Segrid and Sam carried on a long-distance courtship and in the summer of 1952, they were married at the old Methodist church in Hiattville, Kansas. Four children were born to them in ensuing years, as they moved from Hiattville to Newton, Kansas; Manhattan, Kansas; and Edmond, Oklahoma. Segrid was a devoted Mother to her children and stayed home to care for them, later working for several years in the oil and gas industry in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She was deeply interested in genealogy and was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, National Society Colonial Dames, First Families of the Twin Territories (Oklahoma), and the Wing Family of America.

Segrid and Sam began spending winters in Oro Valley, AZ in 1995 and eventually retired there. Segrid enjoyed quilting, hiking, and exploring the Southwest. An avid sports fan, she enjoyed following Kansas State football and basketball, and Diamondbacks baseball for the 20 years they lived in Arizona, and then San Francisco Giants baseball after Sam and she moved to Placerville, Calif., in 2016.

Segrid was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Olive (Foster) Laughlin, and her dear husband of 70 years Harold Ross (Sam) Salmon. Her surviving family members, who will miss her dearly, include her brother Dan Laughlin (Jan), Mapleton, Kansas; four children and their spouses, Phyllis (Salmon) and Bryan Hunter of Lawrence, KS; Denise (Salmon) and Jim Brownlee of Surprise, AZ; Joe and Cyndy (Reno) Salmon of Placerville, CA; and Scott and Melissa (Scallan) Salmon of Tomball, TX; nine grandchildren, Erica Hunter, Nicole (Hunter) Jones, Dan Brownlee, Rebecca (Brownlee) McEfee, Billy Brownlee, Tom Salmon, Je Salmon, Melanie (Juneau) Luttrell, and Trevor Salmon; and 14 great-grandchildren. A private family celebration of Segrid’s life is planned for a later date.

Segrid was most of all a loving wife, mother and grandmother who was devoted to her family. She will be dearly missed by all of us.

Mark A. Villalta

Sept. 10, 1958 - March 26, 2023

He will be missed. Survived by daughter, Desiree, son Mark E and sister Taya.

Barbara F. Russo

Sept. 25, 1930 – March 13, 2023

Barbara F. Russo passed away in the late evening of March 13 in Comfort Care at Marshall Hospital after su ering an incapacitating stroke. She was born in London, England on September 25, 1930 to Frances and Arthur Batchelor. She is preceded in death by her younger Brother Robert Batchelor, and is survived by her loving husband Frank P. Russo II of 55 years, four step children, eleven grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

When Barbara was a young girl the German Nazis bombed her family’s home fatally wounding her mother, while her father was a Sergeant Major in the British Army fighting in WWII, he was captured and held for 4 1/2 years in a Japanese Internment Camp. Barbara’s father was instrumental in the construction of the Bridge on the River Kwai and also survived the Bataan Death March of 1942. Barbara attended a British Girls Boarding School where she practiced Ballet, she was a long distance swimmer practicing to swim the English Channel, and became a professional diver and swimmer in a water show, training and performing with Johnny Weissmuller. She earned a Master’s Degree in Archaeology from Cambridge University, as well as becoming a licensed Certified Public Accountant. After graduating she traveled all over Europe and Morocco, then moved to Canada before moving to Santa Barbara, California, where she met the love of her life, they married in 1968, where they lived until moving to Placerville, California in 1978.

Barbara joined Placerville’s Shakespeare Club in 1991, was very active and committed within this organization, in fact she was just honored with the Lifetime Member Award last month after over 30 years of contributing and participating. There will be a private Celebration of Life held.

Marlene Joy Van Winden

Dec. 30, 1934 - Feb. 24, 2023

Marlene Joy Van Winden, peacefully returned to the Lord’s care at the age of 88, the morning of Friday, February 24, 2023, in Sacramento Calif., surrounded by her loving family. Marlene was born to Walter and Maryan Lewis, December 30, 1934, in Oakland, California. She attended Saint Elizabeth’s High School, where she met her future husband, Arnold Paul Van Winden. They were married on September 12, 1953. In 1959, they moved to Lafayette, California and raised their fi ve children. Marlene was a homemaker and helped Arnold with his wood shutter business, Van’s Shutter House and later for a short time at ARCO Wood Products. Marlene was very involved in community activities as her family was growing up. She volunteered as a school Room Mother, 4-H Leader, and was a member of the Native Daughters of the Golden West. Later, she entered the job market, working part time in sales at J C Penny’s and Emporium Capwell’s department stores. When her children were grown, she went to work full time for the Contra Costa County O ce of Education. There she worked with special needs students as an assistant to the teacher in the classroom. She and Arnold retired in 2000, and moved to Diamond Springs, California. Marlene got right to work there volunteering at St. Patrick’s Upper Room, The Clothes Closet, and as a Eucharist Minister. Marlene also enjoyed gardening, traveling, cruising, and spending time with friends and family. In 2020, Marlene moved to Elk Grove, California to be closer to her family, while continuing to make new friends and lasting memories.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Maryan Lewis; her husband, Arnold Van Winden; her brother, Robert Jensen; and her sister Barbara Turner. She is survived by her children, Loretta, David, John, Allen, Arnold and three grandchildren, Jacob, Britany, and Troy.

A Rosary is scheduled for Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 5:00 pm at Chapel of the Pines, 2855 Cold Springs Road, Placerville, California.

A Funeral Mass will then be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Patrick Church, 3109 Sacramento Street, Placerville, California, 95667.

obituaries

John Patrick Musholt

aug. 9, 1958 – March 27, 2023

John Musholt was born and raised in Dobbins, Calif., and resided for many years in Pollock Pines, Calif. John worked in various areas of the logging industry for 46 years. He was also the proud owner/operator of JP Musholt Trucking. John was well respected in the community and known for his sense of humor and huge personality. He impacted many lives along the way. He loved nothing more in this world than his grandchildren and the time he spent with them and the memories they made.

He is proceeded in death by his Mother Elizabeth Musholt and his Father Patrick Musholt. His brothers Joseph Musholt, Raymond Landstedt & Edwin Driscoll. His sister Elizabeth Musholt & his nephew Randall Landstedt.

He is survived by his children Patrick Musholt and LaDonna Garrett. His siblings Danny Landstedt, Shirley Driscoll, Polly Bartlett, Peggy Beck & Patty Musholt.

His grandchildren Abigail Garrett, Joseph Troupe, Adeline Musholt, Ian Musholt, Summer Pinkston, Zachary Pinkston, Aaron Pinkston, Eric Hawkins & Kendra Hawkins.

His funeral will be held April 16th at 11 am at the Alcouffe Community Center located at 9185 Marysville Rd., Oregon House, Calif.

Stanley Kubat

Stanley Roger Kubat, better known as “Stan the Man”, passed away at 60 years old on March 5, 2023. His celebration of life will be held on Monday June 19, 2023, in South Lake Tahoe. RSVP to stanleyrkubat@gmail.com

Stan was born on June 19, 1962, to Lorraine and Stephen Kubat. He graduated from Mater Dei High in 1980 and went on to own his own construction business, where he created beautiful masonry and lovely homes. He was a good businessman, but not a great businessman. His heart was too big to allow him to be that, always wanting to help his customers out by lowering his prices so much, he hardly made a profit. But that selflessness and giving nature was just one reason why he was so loved by so many. He was also courageous, manly, thoughtful, gentle, one of a kind and overall, hilarious. To spend time with Stan was to have a front row seat at your own comedy show. He was a wonderful brother, spending hours on the phone with his siblings anytime he could. He was also a doting husband to his late wife, Peggy Kubat, whom he adored until his last day. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.danerimortuary.com and signing the guest book.

Christopher Justin Hayes

June 25, 1975 – March 13, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Christopher Justin Hayes announces his passing on Monday, March 13 at the age of 47. A loving brother, friend, and father of three. Chris was born June 25, 1975 in Placerville to Samuel and Susan Hayes (Tripp). He was an accomplished artist who expressed himself through his art and tattoo work for the last 32 years up and down the west coast and Tennessee.

Chris had a passion for art, fishing and skateboarding to name a few. His career was spent creating personalized tattoo experiences around the world while immortalizing tattoo culture. He expressed himself through his artwork and did everything with all his heart. Chris had an enormous heart and an unfaltering love for all those he crossed paths with. He was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, his laugh, and his kind and compassionate spirit. He was also known to have raised some hell from time to time.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents O’Neal and Sue Hayes and Don and Marilyn Ferguson. He is survived by his parents, Samuel Hayes Bismarck ND; Susan Tripp (Wesley) of Placerville; three children - Corbin; Eamon and Freya Hayes of Gualala; his siblings Melissa Lundin (Bismarck, ND); and Erin Rose (Covington, Tenn); Aunt - Jane Ferguson Meyers (Michael) (Pollock Pines, CA); Uncle - Joe Ferguson (Grizzly Flats, CA.); three nieces- Ieree and Mesa Lundin of Bismarck, and Olive Rose, Covington; and several cousins and close friends he called family. Chris’s friends and family would like to personally thank the Hoopa Valley Community for their outpouring of love and endless support of Chris over the years. they would also like to extend their personal gratitude to Tim. They are forever grateful and their love is with you as his was with Chris.

MISSED DELIVERY

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VACATION HOLDS

For

State senator meets with EDC women in the wine business

Kara Sather Office of State Senate District 4

Sen. Marie AlvaradoGil was recently appointed to the Select Committee on California’s Wine Industry. With 11 of the 13 counties she represents producing commercial wines, the appointment was a natural fit.

“We have several amazing American Viticulture Areas throughout Senate District 4, and I look forward to advocating for their needs and supporting the wine industry to ensure all voices are heard and all perspectives are represented,” explained Alvarado-Gil.

To that end, the senator recently met with several women with connections to the wine industry in El Dorado County to have dialogue about the issues that impact them the most. Echoing comments heard throughout the state, the women all agreed that some of the major concerns are wildfire mitigation, lack of affordable fire insurance and lack of affordable housing.

Sara Rangel, owner, farmer and winemaker of Smokey Ridge Ranch in Camino commented, “These crises, combined with the challenges of the last few years, such as COVID, the Caldor fire and in 2022 a late-spring frost which greatly reduced the vines yield, have left all of us pinching pennies to make ends meet.

I greatly appreciate the senator taking the time to meet with us and understand the challenges we face.”

Lexi Boeger, who has family history within the wine industry, expressed gratitude for the time spent with the senator. “It was an insightful, uplifting evening where female community leaders representing wine, farming, economic development, housing equity and human rights discussed these issues at a local level identifying barriers, and more importantly, looking for solutions to move forward,” she said.

Alvarado-Gil stated she is “honored to be appointed to the Wine Committee, and grateful for the time these female industry leaders took to help inform me, on a granular level, about the challenges they face on a daily basis. We must do better to find creative solutions.”

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and may also lead to serious balance problems. This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood ow to the nerves in the hands and feet. If not properly treated this lack of blood ow may cause the nerves to degenerate.

Healthy Nerve

Healthy Blood Vessels

Diseased Blood Vessels

Nerves Shrivel when Blood Vessels Weak and Disappear Figure 1

As you can see in Figure 1, as the blood vessels surrounding the nerves become diseased they shrink and shrivel. This process hastens the ow of vital nutrients to the nerves required to remain healthy. When these nerves begin to “die” it could lead to balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling and burning symptoms in the hands and feet.

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

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

How much treatment will your condition require? 3

Our advanced treatment method has 3 main goals

Increase Blow ow 1

Stimulate small ber nerves 2

Decrease brain based pain 3

vascular evaluation.

“My feet hurt so bad after sitting I could barely take the rst few steps. I have had 11 treatments and no longer feel sharp or shooting pains and most of the tingling is gone. I now have full balance and can walk without pain. As Dr. Mooney explained the treatment is not painful, nothing uncomfortable, and is actually very relaxing.” – Neuropathy Pain Patient

Courtesy photo

El Dorado County women in the wine industry get together with Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil and staff at E16 Winery in Somerset March 29. Pictured from left, top row, Kara Sather, Courtney Jackson, Lauren Hernandez, Robin Valicenti, Lexi Boeger, Sara Rangel, Michel Brandt, Dr. Carolyn Zachry and Moani Campbell. In the front row from left are Tamara Johnston, Jill Osur, Marie Alvarado–Gil and Danielle Frost.

Richard B. Esposito Publisher Krysten Kellum Editor Noel Stack Managing Editor

California Commentary

California’s shakedown government expands under Gavin Newsom

If you thought Gov. Gavin Newsom’s new gas tax, SBX1-2, was about punishing big, bad oil companies, it’s not. It’s actually about much more — and none of it is good news for taxpayers.

For those who weren’t paying attention last month, SBX1-2 was Newsom’s attack on California’s oil producers who, he alleges, have been gouging consumers with high gas prices. This is horrible legislation, not only for its substance but also for how it became law. The bill’s unusual number, SBX1-2, is the first giveaway that this was not normal legislation but rather the product of a “special session,” which Newsom called last December.

After no action on Newsom’s declared “crisis” for months, the bill was jammed through in less than a week. There were no meaningful hearings, no public testimony, no opportunity for those directly impacted to present opposing views. Because the legislation was moved during a “special session,” it was able (by design) to avoid many of the procedural requirements of normal legislation. This was a shameful display of raw political power which, thanks to one-party rule, is now all too common.

As for substance, SBX1-2 sets a new speed record in California’s headlong rush toward Soviet-style central planning. The Newsom gas tax law creates a new agency under the California Energy Commission with powers to investigate petroleum companies and impose new penalties, costs and regulations. This new agency is vested with the authority to decide how much profit oil and gas businesses are allowed to make.

SBX1-2 is a gross insult to taxpayers. First, the Legislature’s own analysis projects that it will cost nearly $10 million annually with a minimum of 34 new enforcement bureaucrats. Specifically, according to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, “this bill will result in significant ongoing costs to the [California Energy Commission] in the millions of dollars annually, to develop rules and review data submissions; to establish and administer the advisory committee and the division; to exercise its new authority to set a maximum margin; and to administer a penalty, if

n See Coupal page A5

Belltower

letters to the editor

fellow travelers

EDITOR:

Ever since COVID, the bus hasn’t been the same. Many people who used to ride seem to have given it up and the schedule is much reduced. The drivers mostly remain, with their usual courtesy and care.

Wait, there is another difference. We talk to each other. Mostly we are people who didn’t qualify for the navigation center or older women, incorrigible. We can’t have too many friends.

On one trip I was visiting with a recent acquaintance and realized I was actually talking over another passenger as though we are well acquainted. He was so interested in what we were saying I didn’t notice his rapt attention. You can’t ask for more than that, can you?

eiD rate increase

EDITOR:

The El Dorado Irrigation District recently reported it had selected a firm to conduct an updated cost-of-service analysis in order to justify a rate increase.

Perhaps the water agency would be less in need of an increase in water rates if it paid its board of directors less in the way of compensation and benefits.

Based on information from EID’s webpage, board members receive a stipend of $1,250 a month for attending two board meetings a month. In addition EID pays the healthcare premium for the board members and 85% of the premium for eligible dependents. EID also pays the premium for a life insurance death benefit of $20,000 per board member.

Keep in mind that board members are elected officials and not employees and thus have no special qualifications they bring to the “job.” I question whether they are entitled to benefits normally given to employees and deserve such a generous stipend considering they only attend two meetings a month.

However, EID is typical as a lot of government employees and politicians who receive far more in compensation than they deserve considering the work they do or their qualifications.

Another egregious example of this is Dr. Fauci. His annual salary before he left was $456,028 and he is now earning a retirement pension of $414,667. At the same time Mr. “I am the science” was pushing the COVID-19 vaccine on everyone, he was earning 23 royalty payments

from pharmaceutical companies and recently earned $5 million for a book about his life. I wonder if it will include information about his approval of gain-of-function research in China that led to COVID and his receiving royalty payments from pharmaceutical companies.

Is it any wonder that these agencies and the government are always looking for ways to increase the cost of service or for more tax dollars?

MARIAN FIELDCREST Diamond Springs

Rationalizing the nashville massacre

EDITOR:

After each senseless school massacre, we can always count on George Alger coming up with a number of excuses as to why the victims asked for it and the shootings were inevitable because of mental health issues, felons released by Democrats or silly slogans like: guns don’t kill people, people do, etc. — an endless litany of NRA and GOA nonsense. However, we can always count on Alger et al. to offer “sympathy and prayers.”

The Nashville shooting brought to 404 the number of children killed by guns since Jan. 1. That’s roughly five children per day, a slow year, for in recent years the number of kids killed has been closer to 10 per day. I realize that Alger and co. believe the right to own a machine gun and a bazooka are more important than the lives of children.

The logic of gun absolutists says: it is more important to protect a distorted interpretation of the Second Amendment than it is to protect a person’s right to the pursuit of life and happiness as expressed in the Preamble of the Constitution. Anyone killed by a gun will never enjoy life or happiness. Every dead child leaves parents, relatives, friends who will never recover from the pain.

When I belonged to the NRA, it was a shooter’s club. I quit when the gun lobby took it over and hit upon the genius idea of using the Second Amendment to promote lagging gun sales. The Second Amendment was written to permit slaveholding states to sign the Constitution, by allowing them to send armed deputized posses to hunt and kill, if necessary, runaway slaves. Men in power in those days did not want to share power with an armed mob that might turn its weapons on them some day.

JOHN GARON Placerville

District attorneys and Mountain Democrat publishers

Early Mountain Democrat publishers went on to other positions. One editor came from a different position.

Dan Gelwicks was editor and publisher of the Mountain Democrat beginning Feb. 25, 1854. He took on William January as co-editor and publisher Feb. 23, 1856, through Feb. 25, 1860.

Gelwicks went on to be the state printer and later director of prisons. January went on to be county treasurer for Santa Clara County.

Edgar Bogardus was El Dorado County sheriff from 1856-57. I don’t know what he did in between, but he showed up to be Mountain Democrat editor for a brief time, April 17, 1886, through April 24, 1886. He was listed by his initials: E.M.M. Bogardus. He must have found a better job or

maybe didn’t work out as editor or didn’t like working for Publisher W.A. Selkirk.

The previous editor lasted six months. E.A. Smith was editor from June 5, 1880, to Dec. 4, 1880.

Selkirk gave up and named himself editor and publisher June 23, 1888.

Seven months later Selkirk named Bine Ingham co-publisher. Bine rode her horse from Coloma into Placerville to show up to work. She was quite a businessperson. Don’t know what happened to Selkirk, whether he died or got another job, but Bine Ingham became sole publisher Jan. 12, 1889.

Galusha J. Carpenter took over ownership of the paper Jan. 27, 1894. He had used the front office of the Mountain Democrat as a law office. The print shop was in the back.

Earlier he had served a two-year term as district attorney 1868-69.

G.J. Carpenter died Dec. 27, 1902. His daughter Mollie took over as publisher on that date. Then on Feb. 5, 1910, Mollie Carpenter added the indispensable Ingham as co-publisher. The pair were also noted for singing at funerals and weddings and other events.

Ingham died Feb 5, 1910. Mollie died April 24, 1921.

It took Clarence Barker a while to drum up financial backing from the community to take over the Mountain Democrat as proprietor and publisher June 10, 1922. It was still being published by printer Will Upton.

Clarence’s sons Robert and Stanley took over as publishers May 11, 1950. On Oct. 15, 1964, McNaughton family representative Don Hancock took over as publisher of the Mountain Democrat. The Barker family had owned the paper 42 years.

That final and longest family ownership of the paper is the

McNaughton family, now going on 59 years of family corporate ownership.

I met the original F.F. McNaughton, who looked to expand in Northern California from Pekin, Ill., by buying some California weeklies. I also met his son Dean McNaughton and more frequently met with F.F.’s namesake Foy McNaughton, especially when hard times hit newspapers and again when our building on Broadway was leased to Tractor Supply.

Richard Esposito has been publisher of the Mountain Democrat now going on 14 years. He sees Foy a lot more than I ever did, especially since he also became COO of the family newspaper business.

• • •

To return to the district attorneys, at this point District Attorney Vern Pierson has been in office 16 years.

The longest serving DA was Henry Lyons, who served 23 years, 1927-50. Sue Lyons, one of Henry’s decedents,

n See raffety page A5

ELIZABETH CAFFREY Placerville

But this cost is a bargain compared to what the creation of this new orwellian agency will do to the price of gas and other petroleum products. the regulatory scheme created by SBX1-2 is almost certain to disrupt California’s energy market …

MOSQUITO FIRE Disaster loans aim to assist

Mountain Democrat staff

Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to California businesses and residents a ected by the Mosquito Fire. Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration on April 5 announced the loans would be o ered to those impacted in El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter and Yuba counties in California; and Washoe County in Nevada.

“SBA’s mission-driven team stands ready to help California’s small businesses and residents impacted by the Mosquito Fire,” said Guzman. “We’re committed to providing federal disaster loans swiftly and e ciently, with a customer-centric approach to help businesses and communities recover and rebuild.”

Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters whose property was damaged or destroyed by this disaster, according to SBA Director Tanya N. Garfield of SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West.

“Beginning Wednesday, April 5, SBA customer

■ See DISASTER LOANS page A7

Coupal Continued from A4 created.”

But this cost is a bargain compared to what the creation of this new Orwellian agency will do to the price of gas and other petroleum products. The regulatory scheme created by SBX1-2 is almost certain to disrupt California’s energy market and threaten the reliability of the state’s already fragile fuel supply.

More fundamentally, ponder the notion of the heavy hand of state government judging what an “excessive” profit is. What industry is next? Will there be a new state agency to put a price cap on automobiles? (Oh wait, there is already a bill that would do that).

But SBX1-2 poses another threat that few are talking about. If the COVID-19 era taught us anything it is that government-declared emergencies — real or imagined — create more opportunities for corruption.

Recall that during the pandemic when no-bid contracts were being handed out, behested payments on behalf of the governor surged. These are “donations” for charitable or governmental purposes that are specifically requested by elected o cials, often from companies with business before the state. In 2020 alone hundreds of millions were “donated” at the “behest” of the governor. The practice was so pervasive it even caught the attention of the Los Angeles Times which wrote, “Many of the donors have other business before the governor, received no-bid government contracts over the last year or were seeking favorable appointments on important state boards,” which

“creates the appearance of a pay-to-play system.”

With SBX1-2, one can easily envision politicians extorting petroleum companies to give campaign contributions or “behested payments” as “protection” money. (“That’s a nice refinery you have there. It would be a shame if something happened to it.”)

So yes, the way SBX1-2 became law was a perversion of the legislative process and, yes, the bill is substantively destructive. (Justifiably designated as a “Job Killer” by the California Chamber of Commerce). But the real threat is the expansion of oppressive state government creeping into more areas of our personal lives and businesses. And that inevitably opens the door to more “pay-toplay” corruption and the flagrant waste of taxpayer dollars.

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

Raffety Continued from A4 was legal secretary for Daryl McKinstry, who also served as lawyer for the Mountain Democrat until he retired.

John Olson took over the Mountain Democrat account. I occasionally had a freedom of the press issue show up in court. I would call Olson, write an editorial and Olson would show up in court with a legal paper he whipped up overnight. One of his best performances was in a South Lake Tahoe Municipal Court. The Tahoe Tribune’s lawyers from Reno were ready to compromise. Olson spoke extemporaneously and made fools out of those big shot Reno lawyers. The Mountain Democrat won the day again. My editorial had the court sta making jokes highlighted in the editorial.

The third longest serving district attorneys were Gary Lacy and Henry Winkler, both serving 12 years. George Ingham served two di erent times: 1870-71 and 1876-84 for a total of 10 years. The interval in between Ingham was Galusha Carpenter, later Mountain Democrat publisher.

The first district attorney when the state and El Dorado County were formed was Issac N. Quereau, who served in 1850. Not sure how long his service was or if was just an honorific, because the next DA served from 1850-51.

El Dorado was much larger when it was formed. In 1854 Amador County was created from El Dorado County. Thomas Hews was the first district attorney to serve in a smaller El Dorado County, 1854-55.

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

Announcements

AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 334-2970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot. comt

AMERICAN ASSOC. OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN Foothills of EDC Branch. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science and Math Camp Scholarships, programs & interest groups. Leave voicemail for Laurel (530) 417-7737 or Sara (530) 417-7138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net

El DORADO COUNTY AMATEUR

RADIO CLUB Dedicated to all aspects of ham radio. Meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at the El Dorado Sheriff’s office, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net

LEARN & PLAY CRIBBAGE

Cribbage is a fun, fast paced game that will surely keep you on your toes! **All skill levels **Learn to play by ACC Rules (American Cribbage Congress)

**Beginner instruction available **Compete in weekly Cribbage tournaments. Call 916-768-4452 for more information. Gold Country Cribbers play Wednesday afternoon 4:30 pm at the Moni Gilmore Sr Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762

Ready for real change?

CELEBRATE RECOVERY meets Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm at Bayside Church of Placerville, 4602 Missouri Flat Road, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. We are a Christ centered recovery program to find healing and recovery from our hurts, habits, and hangups. Email elebratercovery@ baysideplacerville. com. Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/ CRBaysidePlacerville.

Struggling with life? CELEBRATE RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at

6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@ greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/

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

GOLD RUSH CHORUS now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing fourpart harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or Kent (530) 651-3575

Hangtown Women’s TENNIS Club. Join fun-loving women Wednesdays 9am-11am at El Dorado High School. Lessons, social events, only $50/year. Call Cindy 805-540-8654.

MARSHALL HOSPITAL

AUXILIARY is looking for volunteers. It is a rewarding opportunity to do something for the community. We will be holding interviews on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. Please contact Linda Grimoldi at 530-6202240 or call the Auxiliary Office at 530-626-2643.

SENIOR PEER COUNSELING

Seniors 55 and over who are grieving, depressed or having issues related to aging can meet one-on-one with a caring senior, professionally supervised and trained to listen and encourage. Call (530)6216304 to leave a message and get started.

TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION OF EL DORADO COUNTY

Our mission is to educate the public on tax issues that affect them. Our meetings are held every Monday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at Denny’s Restaurant, Fair Lane Drive, Placerville. Meetings are open to the public except the first Monday of each month. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a nonpartisan organization

Two arrested in EDH gun theft investigation

Odin Rasco

Staff writer

Two suspects in an El Dorado Hills firearm theft case were taken into custody by the El Dorado County sheriff’s deputies Wednesday.

A rifle, shotgun and three handguns valued at around $5,000 were reported stolen in El Dorado Hills March 30. Sheriff’s detectives began investigating the crime utilizing information shared by Sacramento law enforcement agencies and identified two suspects. They were determined to be from the Sacramento area and search warrants authored by EDSO detectives led to

Playground Continued from A1

“This playground is available to the public and is not closed off after hours,” said CSD General Manager Kevin Loewen, indicating potentially wide community appeal of the new equipment.

the arrests of both suspects and the retrieval of one of the stolen firearms.

Sheriff’s officials withheld the identities of the suspects, citing the ongoing investigation. Both were booked into county jail Wednesday, where they remained in custody as of press time with bail set at $50,000 each. Both face charges of burglary, grand theft and conspiracy to commit a crime.

A social media post from EDSO expressed thanks to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Special Enforcement Detail, California Department of Corrections Parole Agents and the Sacramento Police Department for their assistance.

Alcohol 4th-leading cause of preventable death

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. More than 140,000 people die each year from excessive alcohol use, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In 2020, 11,654 people died in alcoholrelated car crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Raising awareness is important in preventing alcohol-related deaths and traffic crashes,” states ABC Director Eric Hirata in a news release. “Alcohol Awareness Month is an opportunity to talk about the dangers of alcohol misuse and promote safety on our roads.”

Cameron Park

generation of lake users, but most were against spending the large sum of money on an item they said will not be used by the majority of Cameron Park residents. Other factors brought up against the project included the lack of parking at the lake and the maintenance the pad will need from all of the geese plus the short seasonal use of the splash pad, April through October.

The board voted 3-2 in favor of directing General Manager André Pichley to write up a letter for the April meeting rescinding the splash pad project.

Pickelball racket

At issue is the pickleball noise level and sound that resident Liz Gates, whose property backs up to the Cameron Park Lake courts, has been dealing with since the CSD modified the area in 2017, turning tennis courts to pickleball courts.

Gates described her

ABC regulates the sale, manufacture and distribution of alcohol in California. This month the department will continue enforcing alcoholic beverage laws and providing education. ABC recognizes the serious health and public safety concerns surrounding alcohol, especially when it is misused.

The effects of alcohol misuse are both deadly and expensive. Alcohol is the fourth-leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and about 18.5% of all emergency room visits involve alcohol. The financial burden of alcohol misuse cost the U.S. an estimated $249 billion in 2010. NHTSA estimates drunk driving crashes cost the U.S. $44 billion annually.

Continued from A1

living situation as “unacceptable” and said she reached out to the board three years ago. In 2022 CSD staff visited the property to hear firsthand the sound Gates experiences on a daily basis. A task force was formed to address the issue, intended to come up with mitigation ideas and estimated costs, but then later decided that a better course of action would be to hire an acoustical engineer who could take sound measurements.

Certified noise engineer Steve Pettyjohn with The Acoustics Vibration Group Inc. addressed the board, highlighting his findings and offering a solution — build two barrier walls, a 12-foot wall close to Gates’ property line and a shorter, 10-foot wall to be built mid court. Pettyjohn said this would drop the noise to an acceptable 65 decibel level, which would then bring it in compliance with county standards. The

estimated cost for two walls is $300,000.

Gates spoke during the meeting, in favor of pickleball as a sport, just not one played in her backyard. While some residents maintained the courts should remain at the lake, many stood in solidarity with Gates and made recommendations to move them to a less private propertybordering park like Christa McAuliffe Park, which is located on Merrychase Drive and backs to the freeway.

Resident Eve Lowry came prepared with a plan in hand created by a local court builder with estimates for up to 10 courts for that location. Currently Christa McAuliffe Park has a soccer field used by the Prospector soccer team. According to Lowry’s estimated costs, for not much more than the two proposed walls at least eight courts could be built at that park, which would also keep its soccer field.

Since January the CSD has offered three indoor open pickleball courts and officials said they regularly see up to 20 people using them

“We house the multiple abilities program for EDCOE so we have nine children in wheelchairs at Jackson Elementary,” explained Williamson. “At this point they basically wheel down to the edge of the playground and watch the other children play. It’s a bark playground so they don’t have access to the equipment.”

“This does allow us to get something within our community pretty quickly,” urged Lisa Donaldson, RUSD Assistant Supervisor of Business Services. Donaldson hopes groundbreaking for the new playground will begin in June and be completed in time for the 2023-24 school year.

Loewen suggested the CSD fund its $125,000 portion via the Opportunity Fund, currently untapped at $100,000. “We allocate funds into the Opportunity Fund annually for projects that would not otherwise happen unless there’s some sort of matching support for community benefit.”

The remaining $25,000 would be carved out of capital reserve funds.

“This is a prime example of what our community is really about,” said board President Noelle Mattock. “It’s about inclusivity — meeting the needs of everybody within the community.”

Past projects funded by the Opportunity Fund include terracing at Jeff Mitchell ball field and $50,000 of this year’s capital was intended toward a Comcast expansion project. Should the Comcast expansion project costs come due prior to the fiscal yearend, the fund would expend more than currently budgeted.

The $125,000 for Jackson Elementary’s new inclusive playground via the Opportunity Fund was unanimously approved by the board, contingent upon an equivalent or greater matching amount from EDCOE.

As for historical Peter Bertelsen Park, plans were unveiled for a new pavilion to replace the burned down remains of structures destroyed by fire in May 2021. Located next to William Brooks Elementary School, Bertelsen Park was constructed in 1962 as the

CSD’s first park.

CSD Principal Planner Jeff Kernen presented a concept that includes a shade shelter with 10 picnic tables, two barbecue grills, six benches, a three-stall restroom with drinking fountain and bottle filler, a 1,218-square-foot firefighting themed splash pad with above ground features, a shower tower, a 1,229-square-foot in-ground splash pad and multi-use plaza with decorative paving and a concrete block pump enclosure with a themed mural.

“This splash ground is probably about six to seven times bigger than both the existing splash grounds,” said Kernan, noting the old splash pad measured at approximately 300 square feet. “It would rival our other splash ground in the community at Promontory Park.”

Project costs are estimated at $2,076,333. An initial budget of $1,042,500 was approved in July 2022 for replacement of the pavilion structure. With insurance set to cover $1,200,000 of project costs, further budget adjustments are not anticipated. Costs are also supplemented by deferred reserve funds totaling $43,837. The construction contract was awarded to Helix Environmental Planning.

Surprised by the substantial expansion of park features, board President Mattock asked whether community outreach was conducted. “There was no consideration as to the impact to the local community and the potential increase in attendance,” she said. “My concern is the surrounding area, that has been very quiet for over 20 years, is going to have an increase and influx.”

Kernan assured that park infrastructure is overbuilt for current use. “There are 74 spaces there,” he specified. “The expansion from what is there now to this proposed design is definitely accommodated by the existing parking transportation situation.”

Approval of park plans was postponed in a 4-1 vote with board Director Ben Paulsen dissenting. “We’re enhancing the park,” he explained. “We don’t have to do public outreach for every single thing we do. That’s not a requirement.”

Staff was directed to conduct community outreach.

on a daily basis. Other short-term ideas were thrown around meant to address the noise issue, including reducing days and hours for game play at the courts and using softer balls.

Board member Tim

Israel expressed support for the reduced days and hours but was not in favor of having the two walls built at such an expense, especially if other courts could possibly be built down the road. The

topic ended with the understanding that an immediate, shortterm solution, such as reduced hours and days for court use, will be implemented and give the board time to work on long-term solutions.

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

Homes abut the pickle ball courts at Cameron Park Lake. Some Cameron Park residents say the noise created by pickle ball play, which involves hard plastic balls and paddles, should be mitigated or the courts relocated to a park not as close to homes.

Heavenly, Kirkwood pass resort snowfall records

Lake Tahoe Visitor’s Authority

News release

Heavenly Mountain Resort hit 566 inches and Kirkwood Mountain Resort reached 700 inches, establishing new records for both resorts. Sierra-at-Tahoe is currently at 680 inches with its all-time accumulation of 763 in 2010-11.

In addition, the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab recorded 220 inches last month making it the snowiest March ever. The abundant snowfall in South Shore translates to an extended season of mountain fun, attractive spring deals and events for visitors and locals.

Sierra-at-Tahoe will remain open until at least April 16. Heavenly’s closing date is May 7, and Kirkwood has added two additional weekends Friday-Sunday, May 5-7, and FridaySunday, May 12-14.

Spring specials

Visitors have a choice from numerous south shore lodging establishments offering savings

crime log

The following was taken from El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office logs:

March 26

9:54 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 34-year-old man suspected of burglary on Orinda Circle in Cameron Park. He was listed in custody in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Disaster loans

ranging from 15-40% off, a fourth night free, complimentary ski passes, free breakfast or dining credit for onsite restaurants. Area attractions will include free tube rides and boat cruises for kids, lift tickets starting at $87/day, discounts for yoga, spa, bike rentals, and 10-20% off at retail stores.

Refuel with savings at restaurants with breakfast burritos, 50% off coffee, brunch and an array of happy hours with discounted appetizers, drinks, free hot sake and $2 off beers. For details and specifics on all stay, play and dine spring special offers, go to visitlaketahoe.com/special-offers/.

Spring events

Heavenly Mountain Resort is hosting its iconic Pond Skim April 16, as competitors dressed in outlandish costumes gather speed and ski or ride straight into a pond. Many may be able to ski across, but if not, hilarious splash crashes result. The DJ Cat will be spinning tunes and the good times will keep rolling with an after party and live music.

11:07 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 32-year-old woman suspected of DUI and driving on a suspended license on Highway 50 near El Dorado Hills Boulevard. She was released on $32,500 bail.

March 27

2:15 a.m. a burglary was reported on Mill Run in Pollock Pines.

Continued from A5

service representatives will be on hand at the following Disaster Loan Outreach Center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application,” Garfield said. The center will be open on the days and times indicated below to serve those in all counties affected by the Mosquito Fire until Tuesday, April 18. No appointment is necessary.

The Disaster Loan Outreach Center is located at Roseville Plaza, 425 Roseville Square, in Roseville. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets, according to an SBA news

Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority photo by Rachid Dahnoun Skiers enjoy the corduroy at Heavenly Mountain Resort as special events and bluebird spring conditions await visitors at South Lake Tahoe resorts.

The Kirkwood Slush Cup pond skim competition is April 15. Banked Slalom — a community favorite, a race down Snow Snake Gully between Chair 10 and 11 for the coveted bragging rights of being the fastest, returns April 16. The Rail Jam and Kirkwood Deep Stoke Contest — the

3:28 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 30-year-old man suspected of DUI on White Rock Road in El Dorado Hills. He was later released.

4:24 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 30-year-old man suspected of being a fugitive from justice on Highway 49 in El Dorado. He was listed in custody.

4:58 a.m. Deputies booked into jail

culmination of a season’s worth of stoke, complete with multiple live music acts, fireworks and tons of awesome ski videos is April 22. For more information, events, promotions, packages and conditions visit the Lake Tahoe Visitor’s Authority website at VisitLakeTahoe.com.

a 28-year-old woman suspected of possession of a controlled substance and unlawful drug paraphernalia on South Shingle Road in Shingle Springs. She was later released.

5:43 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 31-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance and unlawful drug paraphernalia on South Shingle

release. SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses and homeowners to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage. Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace

Road in Shingle Springs. He was listed in custody in lieu of $20,000 bail.

8:53 a.m. Vandalism was reported at a park on Harkness Street in Georgetown.

11:27 a.m. vandalism was reported on Schirle Drive in Placerville.

11:29 a.m. Vandalism was reported at a shopping center on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.

damaged or destroyed personal property.

Interest rates can be as low as 3.04% for businesses, 1.875% for private nonprofit organizations and 2.188% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. SBA officials note loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and based on applicant financial condition.

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at disasterloanassistance.sba. gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s customer service center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

The deadline to apply for property damage is June 5, 2023. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Jan. 4, 2024.

COME FOR THE GREAT FOOD Linger over the

Family Features

With many people focused on achieving a cleaner and healthier lifestyle, taking actionable steps such as recycling, using less hot water and eating nutritious foods can help lower your carbon footprint. another step for a clean lifestyle: cooking with an environmentally friendly, clean energy source like propane.

Propane is already powering more than 12 million homes with reliable energy people can count on. Plus, gas-powered cooktops are preferred by 96% of professional chefs, including nutritionist and chef Dean sheremet of “my Kitchen rules,” who partnered with the Propane education & research Council (PERC) to educate homeowners on the benefits of cooking with gas. there is a lot of misinformation about cooking with gas in the news,” sheremet said. it’s important to remember, the act of cooking itself impacts indoor air quality, regardless of the energy that powers the stove. Having a qualified technician install and perform regular service for the stove, maintaining proper ventilation using a hood or opening doors or windows and following common sense safety measures can ensure the safe use of any stove.” Because ventilation when cooking is key, it’s important to note that cooking with

Spaghetti and Clams

Spaghetti and Clams

propane results in lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions than electric cooking, on average. that’s because more than 60% of electricity production comes from natural gas or coal generation plants, which release more CO2 emissions as part of the generation process.

Beyond the environmental benefits, propane-powered cooking appliances provide convenience, modern design and performance in kitchens, allowing home chefs to prepare healthy meals for their families in a short amount of time. Sheremet values the efficiency of a propane cooktop when creating nutritious meals like skirt steak with salsa Verde and spaghetti and Clams, which can be whipped up in minutes using a clean energy source.

“Chefs, and parents like me, prefer gas for a variety of reasons,” sheremet said. “my son, atlas, is often in the kitchen when i’m cooking, and we know sometimes kids don’t listen when we tell them to not touch a pan or the stove. Propane cooktops allow for greater control of heat levels and their instant flame turnoff capabilities help them cool faster than traditional electric stoves, which can remain dangerously hot for a period after they have been turned off.”

learn more about cooking with propane and find recipes from Sheremet at Propane.com/ ChefDean.

Do’S anD Don’tS of Cooking with gaS

Cooking with a reliable and environmentally clean energy source like propane can take your home chef skills to the next level. However, there are steps to take to ensure safety while maximizing the benefits of cooking with your gas range.

Don’t:

Do:

n Follow the manufacturer’s installation and operating instructions.

n Keep pot handles turned inward to protect against accidents like knocking the pot off the stove or little ones reaching for the handles.

n Keep the range surface clean.

n Keep flammable materials away from burner flames.

Skirt Steak with Salsa Verde

recipe courtesy of chef Dean sheremet on behalf of PerC

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 thinly sliced scallions

3 tablespoons capers, drained and roughly chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided

1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus additional, to taste, divided

1 1/2 pounds skirt steak

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, divided

1/4 cup pistachios

1 romaine heart

1 radicchio

1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

Whisk olive oil, vinegar, scallions, capers, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Pour about 1/3 of dressing (about 1/3 cup) over steak and turn to coat.

n Do not cover the oven bottom with foil as it can restrict air circulation.

n Never use gas ranges for space heating.

n Do not allow children to turn burner control knobs.

n Do not leave food unattended on the cooktop.

add parsley and 1 tablespoon mint to reserved dressing; stir and set aside until ready to use. Cover and refrigerate steak 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. in small saute pan over medium heat, toast pistachios, tossing often, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Set aside. set grill to medium-high heat or heat grill pan on stovetop over medium-high heat. Grill steak about 5 minutes per side. transfer to plate and rest 10 minutes.

Cut romaine hearts lengthwise into quarters. arrange romaine and radicchio in layers on large platter, leaving room on one side for steak. sprinkle with goat cheese, pistachios and remaining mint. Slice steak into 3-inch pieces then slice against grain to cut steak into wide strips. add sliced steak to platter. Drizzle reserved dressing on romaine and steak.

recipe courtesy of chef Dean sheremet on behalf of PerC

Salt

8-12 littleneck or other small clams in shell, scrubbed

1/4 pound spaghetti noodles

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/2-1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 dried red chile pepper

1/3 cup vermouth or white wine

1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

Bring large pot of lightly salted water to boil. soak clams in cold water. add spaghetti to boiling water and cook until slightly underdone. in large saucepan over medium-low heat, add olive oil, garlic and chile pepper. saute gently, reducing heat, if necessary, so garlic does not brown. add vermouth and clams; cover. Clams should open in about 2 minutes. add hot drained pasta, cover and shake pot gently. simmer 1-2 minutes until spaghetti is cooked to taste. Discard unopened clams. add half the parsley and shake pan to distribute evenly. transfer to plate or bowl and sprinkle with remaining parsley.

Skirt Steak with Salsa Verde

Chef Dean Sheremet

n

Spring ARC hikes

American River Conservancy

Get out in nature with the American River Conservancy. There are several spring events with openings available. Visit arconservancy.org for more information.

Wakamatsu Open Farm Day

First and third Saturdays, April through June, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Special programming is featured at each Open Farm Day at 941 Cold Springs Road in Placerville. See the registration page for more details. Site of the first Japanese colony in America, your self-guided walking tour of Wakamatsu Farm may include a stroll to Okei-san’s 1871 gravesite and Charles Graner’s original 1850’s farmhouse. Take a trip around the lake on the 1.5mile wheelchair-accessible trail. Bring a picnic and chair to sit and relax. On-site interpreters can share information and answer questions about Wakamatsu Farm’s human and natural history. Amenities are limited, so plan for rugged outdoor leisure. Steady rain or temperatures warmer than 100 degrees will cancel. Registration at app. donorview.com/jRNKg.

Acorn Creek Family & Photo Hike

Saturday, April 15, 8-10 a.m. — Marcus Christian, ARC board member and photography-lover wants to share his interests. Join him solo or bring friends and family to get an introduction to hiking and tips on taking nature photos. All ages welcome. Well-behaved dog on-leash OK. Meeting location in the Pilot Hill area. Register online at app.donorview.com/ wkLzV.

Salmon Falls Ranch Hike

Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Hike the new and old trails at Salmon Falls Ranch with ARC board member Scott Vail. Explore the proposed and

new construction of trails on this intermediate-difficult (Dead Oak trail portion) hike of 6-7 miles. Wildflowers should be abundant. Well-behaved dogs OK. Rain or shine. Ages 12 and older welcome. Meeting location in Pilot Hill. Register online at app.donorview.com/ Vjqro.

North County Cemetery Crawl

Saturday, April 29, 9:30 a.m. to noon — Georgetown and Greenwood have some of the most spectacular pioneer cemeteries in the county. Let’s explore three of them with an optional “stop for a pop” at a classic roadhouse dive bar in Greenwood. We’ll caravan to Spanish Dry Diggins’ Cemetery, an offthe-beaten-path, frozen-in-time gem. Next stop is the historical Greenwood Cemetery, named for the legendary mountain man Caleb Greenwood. The third stop is the magnificent Georgetown Pioneer Cemetery. Then back to Greenwood for an optional lunch and the aforementioned pop, soda or otherwise, with your host, ARC volunteer Mike Roberts. Mike is a retired local journalist and selfproclaimed taphophile. He chairs the El Dorado County Cemetery Advisory Committee and is president of Save the Graves Inc. All ages welcome. Well behaved dog on-leash OK. Register online at app.donorview.com/7eokA.

Labyrinth Wander

Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m. to noon — Celebrate World Labyrinth Day with ARC. The Abode of Peace Labyrinth in Georgetown is among the most spectacular labyrinths in the world. Join Labyrinth builder David Blonski to learn about the history and uses of this meditative pathway. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy with live music after your wander. Quiet 8-year-olds and older with adult supervision welcome. This is an easy 1-mile walk. Rain date May 13. Register online at app.donorview.com/ MMpb0.

Gardens Gone Native Tour features urban native plants

News release

The 10th annual Gardens Gone Native tour features 26 California native plant gardens in the Sacramento and Yolo county areas, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 29.

Solutions

ARIES (March 21-April 19). The day seems specially designed to shake up the assumption that power is located somewhere outside ourselves. While you can’t control everything about your experience, you still have way too many untried options to worry for even one moment about options you don’t have.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your exceptional taste will play into the day’s events. You recognize how it’s particular to you and don’t impose it on anyone else, which makes you not only stylish but classy.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). While there are those who say a lot but don’t act, you will provide a contrast by acting without much to say about it. You’ll also inspire the action of others with very little explanation or fanfare.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). What you imagine and what you can do won’t match up. It only means you’ve a strong mind and, when it all shakes out, a new goal. You’re up to this, and you’ll nail it. Don’t doubt that for a minute.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Whether or not you have enough will depend solely on what metric you use. If the metric is material, there will always be someone with more or less than you have. The amounts in and of themselves aren’t necessarily better or worse. It’s how they fit the recipe that matters.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Some leaders ignore the junior’s ideas and concerns, hoping they’ll pass. They will. So will loyalty, contribution and engagement, though. You’ll keep all of this in mind as you lead today.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Is it too restrictive to label some emotions as bad and others as good? Of course negative emotions hurt, but they also offer useful information about what to change.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’ll be cleaning, beautifying and fixing things. Most of this is easy and inexpensive, except when it comes to relationships. Those are harder to fix and come at a high emotional cost, too, which is why you’re so careful not to break them in the first place.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Finally, procrastination will work in your favor, or at least give you different insights on the task at hand. Oscar Wilde confessed, “I never put off until tomorrow what I can possibly put off until the day after tomorrow.”

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). When you find yourself in a defiant mood, there’s a reason for it. You may not be fully aware of it, but you’re subconsciously resisting authority. You want to know you have as much power over your life as you possibly can.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The relationship that feels stuck will finally move forward when you say what you mean. Conversations don’t need to be long and drawn out; they just need to be specific. Try not to guess what the other person is thinking. Ask.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ve a unique collection, obsession or study, and there are a few people out there who share it. You’ll keep finding them. The more you add to your network the better your collection will be. The real prize is always relationships.

Gardens are comprised predominantly of California native plants and exemplars of urban native plant landscaping. These gardens feature various ways in which native plants can be used. Some are professionally designed for a formal look while others are more functional and are a mix use of natives, food production and living spaces. Each garden is unique but most include wildlife habitat and rain water capture and usage.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask garden hosts about their choices and challenges. They will receive the map and tour brochure information about a week before the tour begins. Free registration is open now at sacvalleycnps.org/ gardens-gone-nativetour.

Benefits of California native plants

Planting natives in your yard will bring an abundance of wildlife. Experiencing the delight observing a bumble bee on a soap plant only in the evening hours or the charismatic monarch floating over milkweed is a source of joy.

Native plants, hummingbirds, butterflies and insects

Shakespeare Club

Placerville Shakespeare Club

Need more plants in your life?

The Placerville Shakespeare Club’s 2023 annual Spring Plant Sale will be held 8-11 a.m.

Saturday, May 13, outside in the front yard of the clubhouse at 2940

are “made for each other.” Research shows that native wildlife clearly prefers native plants.

Smart water usage is vital in California. California native plants need minimal irrigation beyond normal rainfall. Less garden water reduces invasive weed and insect survival. In turn less pesticide use and weeding time is needed.

California’s wealth of insect pollinators can improve fruit set in your garden, while a variety of native insects and birds will help keep your landscape free of mosquitoes and planteating bugs.

Looking for locally native plants? Check out the spring SacValley CNPS native plant garden sale April 15. For more information visit sacvalleycnps.org/plantsales.

plant sale

Bedford Ave., Placerville. There will be a large selection of perennials, vegetable plants and tomatoes galore. In addition, there will be a wide variety of yard art available. Come early for the best bargains. For more information visit placervilleshakespeare.com.

Photo by Pat Dollins Retired local journalist and self-proclaimed taphophile Mike Roberts will lead a cemetery crawl in May.

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

COMiCS

HOROSCOPE by Holiday Mathis

El Dorado County Chapter Of Native Plant Society

The California Native Plant Society — El Dorado chapter hosts field trips designed to both educate and entertain in April and May.

Tour highlights include the Pine Hill Preserve tours that will bring guests up close and personal with not only the rare plant species the preserve was established to protect with habitat conservation, but they will also see the diverse habitats of the preserve, from grassland to (two types of) chaparral, to oak woodlands and many, many other plant species.

The Pine Hill Preserve is found within the El Dorado County gabbroic intrusive geological complex, where there are a number of plants that are found nowhere else on earth. However, within the area of this gabbroic complex, there are 740-plus species of plants, making this a biodiversity hotspot within the biodiversity hotspot that is California as a whole Traverse Creek, like Pine Hill Preserve, harbors a unique suite of plant species, some of which are rare, and restricted to serpentine soils — soils derived from serpentinite. In spring to summer, visitors can see these blooming, as well as so many non-rare plants, but equally as beautiful. The area also encompasses archeological sites. Plant communities there include chaparral, with leather oak, riparian

habitats along creeks and oak woodlands. Wildflowers include vast expanses of goldfields, along with brodiaeas, bitterroot, monkeyflowers, trillium and many more.

All tours begin a 9 a.m. except the April 16 bird tour.

• Sunday, April 16, meet at 7 a.m. — Kanaka Valley Bird Tour with Chris Conard

• Sunday, April 23 — Cameron Park Unit Plants Tour (Meder Road)

• Saturday, April 29 — Pine Hill Ecological Reserve Plants Tour

• Sunday, May 7 — Kanaka Valley Plants and Pollinators Tour with Lisa Couper

• Sunday, May 14 — Pine Hill Ecological Reserve Plants Tour

• Friday, May 19 — Traverse Creek

Botanical Special Interest Area, Eldorado National Forest

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and may also lead to serious balance problems.

This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood ow to the nerves in the hands and feet. If not properly treated this lack of blood ow may cause the nerves to degenerate.

As you can see in Figure 1, as the blood vessels surrounding the nerves become diseased they shrink and shrivel. This process hastens the ow of vital nutrients to the

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

What is the underlying cause? 1

How much nerve damage has been sustained? 2

How much treatment will your condition require? 3

Placerville, CA – Currently the most common method most doctor’s recommend to treat neuropathy is with the use of prescription drugs. Although these drugs may temporarily reduce your symptoms they may cause a feeling of discomfort and in some cases lead to a variety of terrible unwanted side effects. We have a different method!

Our advanced treatment method has 3 main goals

The treatment to increase blood ow utilizes a specialized low-level light therapy (not to be confused with laser therapy) using light emitting diode technology. This technology was originally developed by NASA to assist in increasing blow ow.

The low level light therapy is like watering a tree. The light therapy will allow the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients to heal and repair. It’s like adding water to a tree and seeing the roots grow deeper and deeper.

The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation.

“My feet hurt so bad after sitting I could barely take the rst few steps. I have had 11 treatments and no longer feel sharp or shooting pains and most of the tingling is gone. I now have full balance and can walk without pain. As Dr. Mooney explained the treatment is not painful, nothing uncomfortable, and is actually very relaxing.” –

Plants are a popular way to bring nature into your home and garden, but what if they can bring you good luck, too?

According to feng shui, a traditional Chinese practice, some plants and flowers can bring good fortune, health and positive energy into your life.

In the spirit of national gardening month, the luck experts at PA Casino were interested in exploring this further.

Gathering a seed list of 30 household plants which are considered ‘lucky’ by tradition, the experts then scraped millions of hashtags

on the social media platform, Instagram, to discover the top 10 most popular plants to bring you good luck this spring.

Top 10 PA Casino reveals that orchids are the most popular plant said to bring luck into your home with 5 million (5,248.462) Instagram hashtags. Not only will the flower bring beauty into your home, according to feng shui, but placing different colored orchids around your home will also bring you different elements of good fortune. For example, adding some pink orchids to your bedroom is said to encourage the perfect

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The Mountain Democrat, California’s oldest newspaper, and Village Life newspapers are looking for community-minded reporters to take freelance assignments.

Assignments will range from news coverage to features. Freelance reporters must have interviewing skills and photography experience and be able to meet deadlines. Journalism experience preferred. Interested candidates should email a résumé, writing and photography samples and a brief cover letter to Krysten Kellum at kkellum@mtdemocrat.net.

partner, whereas if you wish for better luck in your career or business, try placing some purple orchids by a window.

The second most popular ‘lucky’ plant is aloe vera, with 4,841,154 Instagram hashtags referencing the plant. Typically recognized for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties, it’s no wonder that these plants are said to remove any bad energy from your household. If you work from home, fung shui recommends keeping aloe vera within 3 feet of your computer as it will filter the electromagnetic energy and bring good vibes to your workplace.

With more than 2 million hashtags on Instagram (2,010,174), daffodils rank third amongst the most popular ‘lucky’ households plants. Being one of the first flowers to bloom after winter, they represent new beginnings and make the perfect addition to your home every spring. In feng shui, daffodils are also said to bring helping talents and abilities flourish, making them a great gift for someone starting a new job.

With a ranking in the fourth spot eucalyptus is ‘lucky’ in money and Money and positive energy with 1,972,069 hashtags on Instagram. Begonia is fifth

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bringing happiness and fortune with 917,204 hashtags on Instabgram. Calendula prevents evil from entering the home and placed sixth with 701,249 hashtags on Instagram. Snake plant provides money, prosperity and good energy at seventh with 454,448 hashtags on Instagram. For wealth and fertility it is the desert rose at eighth with 368,954 hashtags on Instagram. At ninth is tulsi to help with marriage with 274,732 hashtags on Instagram. Rounding out the top 10 is the pitcher plant with 246,814 Instagram posts hashtagging the plant. The popularity of this plant comes from the shape of its leaves, which resemble bags, as it is said in feng shui that the more leaves or

‘bags’ a pitcher plant has, the more wealth and fortune it will bring into your home. For indoor growing, the purple pitcher plant, or Sarracenia purpurea, is most recommended.

Methodology

PACasino started the process by creating a seed list of 30 plants deemed lucky from articles such as Goodhousekeeping.com

and Houseandgarden. co.uk. Then by utilising the number of Instagram hashtags each plant name accumulated, the plants were then ranked in descending order accordingly, where the plant with the highest number of hashtags was deemed the most popular. All data was collected on March 30 and is accurate as of then. For more information go to pacasino.com/.

on April 6, 2023. The Human Resources Department is currently accepting applications for the position of a Development Services Technician I/II for an eligibility list to fill current and future positions in Engineering.

Celebrate spring in Sutter Creek at the 48th AAUW Home Tour

Sutter Creek

After a three-year hiatus, the Amador Branch of AAUW is excited to announce the return of its popular Home Tour. Guests are invited to join AAUW on Saturday, April 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to “Celebrate Spring in Sutter Creek” while taking a stroll through this historical Gold Rush town to view five beautiful homes and several interesting historical sites.

Put on your walking shoes and bring your friends, neighbors, or family to enjoy a day out in the heart of the Gold Country. Sutter Creek offers great restaurants, boutiques, antique stores and wine tasting rooms. Make a weekend out of it and stay in one of many local overnight accommodations. Branch members are looking forward to welcoming you to charming Sutter Creek and to the 48th Home Tour.

Among the homes visitors will see on the Home Tour is a Victorian bungalow originally constructed in 1901. It is an example of a “payday” home where rooms were added as enough money became available.

Another historical “payday” home allows visitors to get a real feel for what it may have been like to live in Sutter Creek during the gold mining days.

One home sits along Sutter Creek and began as a 500 square foot home in 1870. It has been lovingly transformed from a one-bedroom cottage to a comfortable family retreat.

On Main Street is a Greek Revival style home originally constructed in 1851. It is owned by a fifth generation Amador resident and features sports memorabilia, historical photographs and artwork

from family collections.

The one newly constructed home on the tour sits on a lot sub-divided from the historical Allen Ranch. Taking advantage of its location, it is surrounded with beautiful views. It is designed as an old-fashioned farmhouse with all the modern conveniences.

Five historical sites will be open to view if tour goers have extra time. Home Tour ticket holders will be able to take advantage of a self-guided tour of the Knight Foundry on tour day. The Sutter Creek Grammar School is the second oldest two-story brick schoolhouse still standing in California. The Monteverde Store opened in August of 1896 and carried hardware, groceries, wines, liquors, boots, shoes and everything necessary for residents and miners. The Museum is an example of a perfectly preserved general store from the mid-1800s. Miners’ Bend Historic Gold Mining Park, located at the south end of Sutter Creek, is Amador County’s newest attraction. The park displays equipment that was used in county gold mines of the past and some from the present. The Sutter Creek Fire Museum is located on Main Street in Sutter Creek.

Other tour details

The Creekside Methodist Church, 14 Main St., Sutter Creek is the location of the ever-popular Home Tour Tea. This is the place to sit and relax with a cup of coffee, tea or a cold drink and taste some delicious homemade cookies. Guests will be able to browse a selection of gift baskets created by AAUW members and community businesses, the proceeds of which will support the scholarship fund-raising efforts.

Blue Mountain Transit will provide shuttle service from the parking lot at Miners’ Bend Park to the Jones home on Allen Ranch Road with a stop near Anna and Badger streets.

Advance tickets are $40 and can be purchased at Brown Paper Tickets (a processing fee will be added to the cost of the ticket) through the website amador-ca.aauw.net/ or at the Feed Barn in Jackson (cash or checks only).

Tickets the day of the tour are $45 and will be available at the Feed Barn (cash or checks only) or at the Creekside Methodist Church in Sutter Creek (cash, checks or credit cards will be accepted).

Proceeds from the tour benefit the Amador Branch scholarship program for local girls and women. Junior high school girls have opportunities to attend Tech Trek, a summer math-science camp and scholarships are provided at the upper division and graduate levels and for women re-entering college. For more information go to amador-ca.aauw.net/ home-tour.

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Nature Continued from B1

month to fill those garden beds, pots and dirt patches.

Held at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden, 6699 Campus Drive in Placerville, the plant sales, both scheduled 8 a.m. to noon, are split into two categories. Saturday, April 15, shoppers will find edible plants for sale — herbs, fruits, veggies and, new this year, edible blooms. Saturday, April 29, the garden will be filled with trees, shrubs, grasses, succulents, native and perennial plants. For a complete list of plants available at the sales visit ucanr.edu/edcsale.

“These plans are all ideal for El Dorado County (appropriate to for the climate) but not all native,” noted Master Gardener Plant Sale Chair Ada Brehmer.

It’s best to arrive early for the best selection as last year the inventory sold out at both sales. “And we had over 4,000 plants for sale,” Brehmer said.

All the plants offered are expertly grown by El Dorado County’s Master Gardeners. Some will be set up under the Sherwood Demonstration Garden’s beautiful, new pergola — built with funds raised at previous plant sales — while the rest of the plants will be displayed near the garden’s entrance. Proceeds this year will go toward maintaining the demonstration garden (which is in need of a new perimeter fence to keep out the rabbits) and offering free classes/presentations for Master Gardeners and the public.

“That’s our whole purpose — to support the community, teach the community and interact with the community,” Brehmer shared.

Mountain Democrat

The Master Gardener Program began in El Dorado County in 1981, one year after the California program opened. Today, the group boasts more than 160 certified Master Gardeners volunteering their time to educate the community about home horticulture. Training is offered for new volunteers every other year. For more information about the program, events and classes visit mgeldorado.ucanr.edu.

Upcoming classes

May 6: Grow Your Own Imagination — a classes focusing on creative growing projects that could be entered into the El Dorado County Fair — at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden.

May 9: Culinary Herbs –From Garden to Gourmet — introducing healthy, delicious flavor into meals using herbs — at the Pilot Hill Grange.

May 10: Controlling Weeds — teaching students about weeds commonly found in the home landscape, their culture and control strategies — at the Cameron Park Community Center.

Gardening ideas

Those who plan to attend the plant sale but need help deciding which plants to buy or some garden inspiration have options.

The Master Gardener public office is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to noon at 311 Fair Lane, Placerville. Have a gardening question or problem? Come in and chat. Bring a cutting or insect in a Ziploc baggie or a picture. Can’t come in person? Call (530) 621-5512 and leave a voicemail or go online to the “Ask A Master Gardener” tool mgeldorado@ucanr.edu.

The Sherwood Demonstration Garden, with 16 individual gardens featuring hundreds of plants, is open the Friday before each plant sale (weather permitting) and during the sales (which takes place rain or shine). Among the dozens of Master Gardener volunteers helping out during the sales, some will offer garden tours, Brehmer said. Visit mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/ Demonstration_Garden for a peek at what each garden has to offer.

Know Continued from B6 information call (209) 267-8114.

Check out Placerville Cars and Coffee, every Saturday, 7-9 a.m. at Lion’s Park. Hang out with other car enthusiasts.

April 11

Check out the Senior Resource Fair, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gilmore Senior Center in El Dorado Hills. The event is free with no registration required. Learn about resources to help and engage seniors while enjoying snacks, raffles and more.

The California Grand Jurors Association – El Dorado County Chapter hosts civil grand jury informational meetings that will cover many topics related to the civil grand jury process. Presentations are scheduled at 6 p.m. April 11 at the Cameron Park Library; 6 p.m. April 12 and the Placerville Library; and 1:30 p.m. April 13 at the El Dorado Hills Library. For more information email EDCchapter.CGJA@gmail. com.

April 12

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.

Vitalant will hold Lotus community blood drive, 2-5:30 p.m. at Andrea Dodson Properties, 7308 Highway 49, Suite E. Make an appointment at donors.vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFD800 or call(877) 258-4825 and mention the same code. Walkins will be accommodated if space allows. Donors will receive one $10 Amazon gift card from Vitalant which can be redeemed through email.

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce hosts a mixer, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Window Screen Solutions and more, 330 Green Valley Road in El Dorado Hills. To RSVP visit eldoradohillschamber.org.

The Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera hosts a pop-up concert, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Rancho Cordova Food Locker, 10497 Coloma Road.

April 13

Placerville FamilySearch Center, 3275 Cedar Ravine Road in Placerville, hosts FamilySearch Catalog at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. The FamilySearch Catalog is a guide to many kinds of records that contain genealogical information. Many of these records are searchable online. For more information call (530) 621-1378.

Bring the family to the Cameron Park Library’s Spring Fling, 5-6:30 p.m. Activities include face painting, games, live music and more.

photo by Noel Stack Artichokes are a delicious addition to the garden.