Mountain Democrat, Friday, April 21, 2023

Clay Street Bridge over troubled water

“If we take no actions, the bridge is going to collapse.”

— Nicole Gotberg, Placerville city councilmember

Supes consider TOT, General Fund allocations

Eric Jaramishian

Staff writer

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors gave direction to staff on allocating funds from the General Fund and Transient Occupancy Tax during its budget hearing Tuesday.

During discussion on how to distribute TOT funds, District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin requested hiring two new code enforcement officers for night and weekend response to reported vacation home rental and ranch marketing event violations, one for the Tahoe area and one for the West Slope. The anticipated cost is $300,000 for both enforcement officers.

Parlin told other supervisors having VHRs and ranch marketing events enforced is important in supporting local residents.

“I don’t see how we cannot do this and not have our residents lose faith in us,” Parlin said. “On the flip side, it also helps the venues that we are getting phone calls on, because maybe some of them are not substantiated when the officers show up. We don’t have that tool and it is causing a lot of angst.”

No code enforcement officer is employed for weekends or nights in Tahoe.

The recommended action will be considered when supervisors adopt the final budget in fall.

Following an unanticipated disruption to the project, Placerville City Council approved a resolution that will allow Clay Street Bridge replacement to move along. After the publication of an environmental impact report for the project in 2018, outcry from local groups prompted the city

to go back to the drawing board. Working in tandem with the United Ancient Order of Druids, Friends of Historic Hangtown and tribal organizations, the city and its consultants devised “a more conservative approach” for the project, according to City Engineer Rebecca Neves.

Numerous possible alternative approaches were identified that would maintain existing historical and cultural resources and the project has since received concurrence from the California Office of Historic Preservation. The newer approach would take

The Shingle Springs-Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce requested $37,500 in TOT funds for operations such as hosting entrepreneur’s workshops and forums, Thunder in the Park car show marketing, website updates and maintenance and shop local campaigns.

TOT requests represent 28.5% of the chamber’s yearly budget, according to reports send to the county. Chamber leadership expects TOT funding will be needed for six years.

The board voted 3-2 to fund the chamber, with Thomas and Parlin holding out on ‘no’ votes.

District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo pushed n See Bridge, page A8 n See Budget page A9

Visitor trends show Reno could be Placerville’s jackpot

Odin Rasco

Staff writer

Tourism from Reno may be a lucrative and as-yet untapped market for the city of Placerville, according to information presented to City Council April 11.

Visitor spending statistics shared during a presentation to the

council regarding tourism marketing developed by the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce showed some unanticipated trends. While people from the Central Valley (Sacramento, Modesto and Stockton) make up 41% of visitors to Placerville, their spending only amounted to 30% of visitor spending; visitors from

Reno, however, only accounted for 8% of total tourism numbers, but for 13% of tourism income.

Bay Area visitors hit an even 17% in total visitor and spending numbers.

“Reno, that’s the big hit, I think,” said Jody Franklin, executive director of tourism for the chamber. “For Placerville we would definitely focus more on that. We know they

enjoy our wine country and they obviously are spending money in Placerville but we want to get more visitors.”

Data collected indicates tourists from the valley are likely day visitors; Franklin said the best goal for increased spending from them would be finding ways to convert them into overnight stays, “getting the same

amount of visitors but more money for each one.”

The council contracted the chamber to produce advertising that would promote tourism to Placerville from October 2021 to the end of September 2022; a shorter contract was then set in December that will run until June.

The initial $50,000 contract produced

hundreds of images, seven videos and new graphics as well as an updated map of downtown. The newer contract, priced at $15,000, is focused on utilizing previously created content with the goal of maintaining and building the number of people opting in for marketing emails and adding to a customer database.

ESSENTIALS

OBITUARIES

Obituaries on this page are written and paid for by the families or funeral homes. They are edited minimally by the Mountain Democrat. To submit an obituary, call (530) 622-1255, e-mail obits@mtdemocrat.net, fax (530) 344-5092, or visit mtdemocrat.com under “Submission Forms” at the bottom of the website. Include contact information with all submissions.

Philip (Pastor Phil)

Nathanael Flaming

March 5, 1958 – Dec. 12, 2022

Philip Flaming, 64, of Placerville, went home to be with his Heavenly Father on December 12 after a long battle with cancer. His cousin and Chaplain at Marshall Hospital were by his side, in the midst of prayer, when he passed. Philip served the Lord his whole life. He was born in Brazil to missionary parents. As an adult , he continued to serve on many mission trips, including Mexico and Papua New Guinea. In 1978, he began his service as an associate pastor and teacher at Highway Bible Church in Placerville, where he continued to serve until shortly before his passing. He is survived by family and friends all over the world.

There will be a remembrance of his life at 11:00 a.m. April 29 at Highway Bible Church, 6420 Mother Lode Dr, Placerville, Calif.

Katherine A. Smith

Jan. 3, 1922 – March 20, 2023

Katherine ‘Kay’ Smith passed away at her Garden Valley home at the age of 101. She was the daughter of Harry Connor and Katherine Hanny born in Loomis, California on a strawberry farm and raised on a small ranch at Meadowbrook during the 1920’s to 1935 when her family moved to Missouri. After high school she moved back to California and worked as a waitress along with her sister Helen in Los Angeles as well as working as a riveter at an aircraft factory. She met James Smith, a Marine headed for the Pacific during WWII. They married and had three children. She and her husband, after living in the Bay Area, moved to Garden Valley and operated Jim’s Garden Valley Grocery Store from 1959 until 1979. Kay was active in the community and was a lifelong Grange member and volunteered at FOCUS for many years. Twice she served as Grand Marshall of the Garden Valley Fourth of July Parade. She enjoyed refinishing furniture and working in her garden.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Katherine Connor, her brothers, Harry Connor and Jack Connor, and her son James W. Smith. She is survived by her sister Helen Mathias of Roseville, daughter Sandra Mancuso (Lawrence) of Garden Valley, son Thomas Smith (Kathleen) of El Dorado Hills, grandson, Nino Mancuso (Claire), granddaughters Lauren Mancuso, Shelly Klose (Christian) and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial will be held at a future date to be announced.

Donations can be sent in her name to Snowline Hospice of El Dorado County.

Neighbor to Neighbor to help south county prepare for disaster

Mountain Democrat staff

Residents of south county communities on April 30 and May 6 will have the opportunity to learn about the Neighbor to Neighbor program recently implemented by the West Slope Foundation.

“This is our first engagement event announcing our new Neighbor to Neighbor program, which will include educational workshops, training and field exercises on disaster preparedness, home hardening, go-bag workshops, fire-safe landscaping and other important information,” states West Slope

CRIME LOG

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

April 8

6:19 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 27-year-old man suspected of battery with serious bodily injury on White Rock Road in El Dorado Hills. He was released on $50,000 bail.

7:04 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 57-year-old man suspected of DUI on Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park. He was released on $15,000 bail.

2:54 p.m. Battery was reported at a pharmacy on Latrobe Road in El Dorado Hills.

4:50 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 41-year-old man who is reportedly a fugitive from justice on Highway 50 at Ponderosa Road in Shingle Springs. He was later released.

5:19 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 47-year-old woman who is reportedly a fugitive from justice on Highway 50 at Ponderosa Road in Shingle Springs. She was listed in custody in lieu of $15,000 bail.

8:06 p.m. Battery was reported on La Crescenta Drive in Cameron Park.

8:47 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Dana Loop in El Dorado Hills.

8:58 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 32-year-old man suspected of disorderly conduct on Green Valley Road in Placerville. He was later released.

11:43 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Summerfield Court in El Dorado Hills.

April 9

2:45 a.m. Battery was reported at a hotel on Highway 193 in Georgetown.

8 a.m. Illegal entry was reported on Highway 193 in Georgetown.

12:51 p.m. Burglary was reported at a lodge on Highway 50 in Strawberry.

Foundation Executive Director Scot Telfer in a news release.

The event is free to participants and will be held from from noon to 4 p.m. April 30, for the communities of Grizzly Flat, Somerset and Fairplay and from 12-4 p.m. May 6, for the communities of Mount Aukum and Omo Ranch. Both events will be held in the parking lot of Pioneer Fire Protection District Station 38 at 7061 Mt. Aukum Road.

Participating local organizations and agencies include the California Volunteers with the O ce of the Governor, Pioneer Fire Protection District,

1:44 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Osborne Road in Cameron Park.

2:03 p.m. Burglary was reported at a restaurant on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. 401 p.m. Burglary was reported on Cambria Way in El Dorado Hills.

7:27 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 31-year-old man suspected of grand theft on Highway 50 at Smith Flat Road in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $20,000.

9:31 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 51-year-old man suspected of DUI on Highway 50 at Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park. He was later released.

April 10

10:25 a.m. Burglary was reported on 41 Mile Stone Road at Echo Lake.

10:35 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Quartz Drive in El Dorado.

12:57 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Via Sequoia in Georgetown.

3:09 p.m. Battery was reported on Arthur Court in Cameron Park.

3:54 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Studebaker Road in Shingle Springs.

4:46 p.m. Burglary was reported on Redwood Lane in El Dorado Hills.

April 11

9:24 a.m. Grand theft was reported at a store on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

11:15 a.m. Burglary was reported at a store on Green Valley Road in Cameron Park.

11:47 a.m. Grand theft was reported at a business on Bonanza Auto Road in Shingle Springs.

April 12

7:14 a.m. Vandalism was reported

Pioneer Volunteer Firefighters Association and Fairplay-Aukum Community Hall Association in addition to the West Slope Foundation.

Organizers invite the community “to experience down-home hospitality and understand ‘lessons learned’ from subject matter experts, survivors and other local resources.”

Refreshments will be available and music performed by Tom Powers.

For more information go to the West Slope Foundation’s web page at Westslopefoundation. org or email info@ westslopefoundation.org.

on Country Club Drive in Cameron Park.

7:16 a.m. Vehicle burglary was reported at an apartment complex on Country Club Drive in Cameron Park.

2:53 p.m. Vehicle burglary was reported at a park on Gillett Drive in El Dorado Hills.

5:42 p.m. Deputies arrested a suspect after responding to a reported battery on Ridgeview Court in El Dorado Hills.

11:36 p.m. Battery was reported at an apartment complex on Country Club Drive in Cameron Park.

April 13

1:22 a.m. Battery was reported at a gas station on Green Valley Road in Cameron Park.

12:13 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 49-year-old man suspected of possession of burglary tools and unlawful drug paraphernalia, identity theft and felony probation violations on Cambridge Road in Cameron Park. He was listed in custody in lieu of $210,000 bail.

1:20 p.m. Grand theft was reported at a mobile home park on Mother Lode Drive in Placerville.

3:45 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Bryant Road in Shingle Springs

April 14

7:06 a.m. Burglary was reported at a business on Coach Lane in Cameron Park.

8:46 a.m. Burglary was reported on Golden Center Drive in Placerville.

10:20 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Berkshire Drive in El Dorado Hills.

10:42 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 42-year-old man who was allegedly a fugitive from justice on Mother Lode Drive in El Dorado. He was released on $25,000 bail.

11:50 a.m. Grand theft was reported on the American River bridge on Highway 49 in Cool.

12:58 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 49-year-old man suspected of receiving stolen property on Snows Road in Camino. He was later released.

2:24 p.m. Burglary was reported on Pleasant Valley Road in Diamond Springs.

6:57 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Larkspur Lane in Cameron Park.

April 15

12:11 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 29-year-old man suspected of DUI on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville. He was released on $5,000 bail.

11:03 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 37-year-old woman suspected of possession/use of a tear gas weapon, possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia and a felony probation violation on Rodeo Road in Cameron Park. She was listed in custody in lieu of

$15,000 bail.

1:41 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 31-year-old man suspected of being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance for sale on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $85,000 bail.

2:15 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Red Dog Drive in Camino.

6:06 p.m. Deputies arrested a suspect after responding to a report of someone drunk in public at an eatery on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

8:10 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 41-year-old man suspected of DUI and failure to obey a peace officer on Post Street in El Dorado Hills. He was later released.

April 16

7:20 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 44-year-old woman suspected of possession of a controlled substance and unlawful drug paraphernalia, carrying a concealed knife and probation violations on Highway 49 in Placerville. She was listed in custody in lieu of $49,000 bail.

8:37 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 31-year-old woman suspected of child abuse, conspiracy to commit a crime and vandalism on Braden Road in Camino. She was listed in custody in lieu of $100,000 bail.

8:52 a.m. Illegal entry at a school was reported on Sailsbury Drive in El Dorado Hills.

8:57 a.m. Burglary was reported at a business on Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park.

9:03 a.m. Burglary was reported at a business on Golden Center Drive in Placerville.

1:20 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 41-year-old man suspected of a felony probation violation on Sly Park Road in Pollock Pines. He was listed in custody.

1:25 p.m. Battery was reported on Forni Road in Placerville.

3:45 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 64-year-old woman suspected of DUI on Salmon Falls Road (town not specified). She was released on $5,000 bail.

4:47 p.m. Burglary was reported on Highway 50 in Kyburz.

6:54 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 29-year-old man suspected of DUI on Mt. Aukum Road in Grizzly Flat. He was later released.

8:09 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 32-year-old man suspected of peeping into a bedroom window on Granada Court in Cameron Park. He was listed in custody in lieu of $50,000 bail.

8:58 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Rodwell Canyon Road in Somerset.

11:40 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 45-year-old woman suspected of burglary, driving without a license and resisting arrest on Knollwood Court in Cameron Park. She was listed in custody in lieu of $142,500 bail.

Motorcyclist hospitalized

Odin Rasco Staff writer

A motorcyclist was hospitalized following a crash in the Cameron Park area Tuesday.

Food bank pops up to support rural residents

Mountain Democrat staff

Over the weekend the Food Bank of El Dorado County loaded up its trucks and headed to the Georgetown Library and Pioneer Elementary School to bring food supplies to north and south county communities.

On April 15 Georgetown area residents were provided a shopping cart full of food and more than 70 families were given a $50 gift card, according to a Food Bank of El Dorado County news

release. Food bank organizers were met with volunteers from El Dorado Hills’ District Church, who were ready to set up and get to work at the pop-up distribution to help their rural neighbors.

District Church and the food bank will partner to conduct future pop-up distributions throughout the summer, notes the news release.

On April 16 the food bank team met bright and early to load up more

n See Food bank page A6

the crash, two unidentified samaritans were seen aiding the motorcyclist at the side of the road near the damaged bike and strewn debris.

Church of

A Ford Escape and a motorcycle collided near the entrance to the Valero gas station on Green Valley Road just east of the Cameron Park Drive intersection at 1:15 p.m., according to information from the California Highway Patrol. Following

lake levels

Lasagna

On arrival, first responders determined the motorcyclist had sustained abrasions and lacerations and was potentially suffering from serious internal injury. The man was taken to Sutter Roseville Medical Center for treatment.

The cause of the crash is under investigation by the CHP.

California Matters

Trailer bills — a sneaky way to make a big change in California law

California’s governors and legislators have, as often noted in this space, developed a bad habit of using the state budget to make sweeping changes in state law while minimizing or ignoring traditional legislative procedures.

They do it with so-called “budget trailer bills” that are often passed in batches coincident with the budget each June after minimal hearings and debate. Like the budget, they take e ect immediately and are shielded from being challenged via referendum.

It can take weeks or even months for those outside the Capitol to figure out the real-life impacts and decipher the dense legalese of trailer bills, which often run hundreds of pages.

The Legislature is once again plowing through the latest budget, this one proposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom for the 2023-24 fiscal year, prior to the last frantic — and largely secret — negotiations on a final version.

Dozens of would-be trailer bills are kicking around, some of them legitimately attached to the budget and some just using the process to minimize scrutiny.

One of the most complex, potentially important trailer bills, not yet formally introduced, would overhaul how electrical energy is procured. It would make the state Department of Water Resources the state’s central purchaser of power, citing the need to construct or acquire enough non-polluting generation to meet the state’s selfproclaimed goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2045.

What could possibly go wrong?

California’s track record on managing the state power supply is, to say the least, spotty.

A quarter-century ago California experimented with what was termed “deregulation,” but really wasn’t, of electricity and it quickly became one of the worst human-caused disasters in state history. It allowed power suppliers to game the system, pushed costs through the ceiling, drove one utility (Pacific Gas & Electric) into bankruptcy, almost did the same to another (Southern California Edison) and was a major

■ See WALTERS, page A5

Letters to the Editor

God bless America

EDITOR:

Ilove this country. My wife dreamt about immigrating here and was lucky enough to come here when she was 15 years old. I love this country because I believe this is the only place in the world where two people like us could become two people like us.

I can live any place in the world and I chose El Dorado County because I love it here. I love the people who run our county government. I love our country and our state because of the lifestyle and culture we have. I do not love our state and federal government. In our system government is by the people and for the people. I fear a totalitarian government.

Our forefathers, by design, ask us to swear an oath to our Constitution, not our government. The Constitution was written to limit government. I appreciate that because, for now, I can love our country and sing “God Bless America” and hate this government at the same time.

KEN STEERS Cameron Park

Good investment

EDITOR:

Now we know that we were tracking the Chinese spy balloon basically from the moment it left China. And we let it cruise over our most sensitive military installations gathering low-level electronic intelligence as our examination of it has confirmed, transmitting it to China in real time.

Were it not for private citizens spotting it in Montana we never wold have known about it. Finally, public pressure forced Biden to shoot it down o the East Coast after it completed its mission. When the Chinese bought Biden it was probably the best investment they ever made. Those millions of Chinese dollars in the bank accounts of the Bidens are really paying o .

GEORGE ALGER Placerville

A major disappointment

EDITOR:

Iam writing in regards to the proposed Frontier Project, or what is actually the proposed construction of a 4.8 million-square-foot Amazon distribution center in the El Dorado Hills

business district, which I understand circumvents the EDC General Plan.

As a longtime proponent for economic development that o ers job opportunities and sales tax dollars so needed for our local economy, I wanted to learn more about this project. My curiosity quickly rose to mixed feelings of anger and disappointment when I learned that the Board of Supervisors had no intentions of holding a public hearing about this project — a huge facility with 24 hour operations, with approximately 2,200 employees, moving goods transported by large commercial trucks.

El Dorado County is a special place and one of the state’s most diverse counties. Many came here for the “rural quality of life.” But as growth continued, we now have areas that are considered urban or suburbs of the greater Sacramento area.

On Aug. 31, 1989, the BOS held a public hearing to hear a presentation by paid consultants to discuss the scope, timeline and cost to update the county general plan, which the state mandated must include a percentage of a ordable housing.

The BOS voted to have one plan for the entire county, as opposed to the previous 26 area plans. Some felt that five area plans would be a better way to go, due to the diversity of the county, where almost 50% of its land is owned by the federal government.

The consultants estimated it would take two of three years to finalize the general plan, at a cost of around $6 million.

What followed was the BOS taking the show on the road, along with planners, holding meetings in every county district with hundreds of residents showing up to o er their input, addressing and suggesting what they saw as the long-term needs and wants for their communities.

This turned out to be a 14-year process, debated and massaged to death, that resulted in lawsuits and special meetings, finally resulting in an adopted general plan in 2004, by a ballot vote of the people, at an estimated cost of $40 million to $50 million. The plan I deem “The People’s Plan.”

Now I say to all supervisors, shame on you for ignoring the people you represent. What are you hiding? Local governments are suppose to be accessible to the people.

I also ask the BOS and those who have moved here since 2004 to appreciate and respect the time and e ort by hundreds of residents who participated and supported this general plan, giving

■ See LETTERS, page A5

Guest Column 4/20 celebrations and the influence on young people

Much of the idea of 4/20 has moved past being a counterculture protest to more of a consumer-interest story within the media. Legal marijuana is a big business in California.

The 4/20 festivities, like Hippie Hill, are another opportunity to promote the industry and its products, much like alcohol companies during the holiday season or St. Patrick’s Day.

Ignoring its influence on young people is hard when celebrities and social media influencers push brands and products. This is genuinely something that parents should be aware of and make an e ort to have constructive conversations with their kids about marijuana.

“There are risks for teens and age does matter the first time someone uses cannabis. We are not saying that every first-time pot user becomes

a hard-core addict. We want parents to know that THC has strong addictive properties, which young developing brains are more susceptible to,” said Marcel Gemme of Addicted.org.

In California, 10% of 12- to 17-year-olds report using drugs in the last month.

Among those teens, 85% reported using marijuana in the previous month, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.

The teen brain is actively developing and continues to develop until around age 25. Marijuana harms the developing brain.

The short and frequent conversations parents have with their kids about marijuana and the risks have a real tangible impact on their choices to use the drug. Small prevention e orts go a long way. Consider some of the following pointers:

• Parents should talk often and build an open and trusting relationship. Lots of little talks are more e ective than one big talk.

• Parents should also make their views and rules about marijuana clear. Discuss beliefs and opinions. Be honest and express a clear message, yet do not lecture or make threats.

• Ask them questions about what they know about marijuana, listen to their opinions and answer their questions. The conversation goes both ways.

• Lead by example. What parents do is just as important as what they say.

• Provide factual information about the risks and dangers and be prepared to share personal experiences.

The conversation changes as they age, but the principles remain the same. Prevention and education help anyone make informed decisions and

understand consequences.

The reality is there are adverse e ects when teens begin using marijuana. This can include di culty thinking and problem-solving, issues with memory and learning, reduced coordination, di culty maintaining attention and problems with school and social life. In addition, there is an increased risk of mental health issues and addiction.

The cannabis industry has become directly involved in 4/20 events, and like any other product, it will always need new customers. Parents’ conversations with their kids now make a big di erence in the end. Jody Boulay is a mother of two with a passion for helping others. She currently works as a Community Outreach Coordinator for Addicted. org to help spread awareness of the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

The short and frequent conversations parents have with their kids about marijuana and the risks have a real tangible impact on their choices to use the

drug.

JODY BOULAY

DAN WALTERS

Daughters on Duty

Walters Continued from A4 reason voters recalled a governor, Gray Davis.

The Department of Water Resources became, for a time, the state’s central power buyer because its water supply system was, and is, a major generator of electricity and a major purchaser.

After the experiment was repealed, California returned to its previous system, based on purchases by utilities such as PG&E and SCE and regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. But a few years later the state embarked on its quest for carbon neutrality, greatly complicating the situation.

Simultaneously, the state is trying to phase out power from generation by hydrocarbons, such as natural gas, while increasing the overall supply in expectation that demand will grow as other activities, such as transportation, make the same transition to electricity.

It hasn’t gone smoothly. The state has flirted with blackouts on hot days when air conditioning imposes huge demands and has been forced to keep the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant and several gas-fired generators, which had been scheduled for closure, online to avoid shortages.

So would making the state water agency the electric power czar again be the solution to meeting deadlines for decarbonization?

The Legislature’s independent budget analyst, Gabe Petek, is one skeptic. His office issued a report urging lawmakers to take enough time to analyze such a major change and questioning its necessity and its potential effect on California consumers, who are already paying some of the nation’s highest power rates.

Petek’s report also questions the need to use a fast-track budget trailer bill for such a momentous change, saying, “Ultimately, ensuring it (the Legislature) has the time and opportunities for developing a greater understanding, sufficient input from stakeholders, and thoughtful deliberation will be vital to ensuring it can make an informed decision on these important proposals.”

Amen.

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

Letters Continued from A4

both families and businesses the opportunity to make this county your home.

It is the duty of the board to be up front about any non-compliance actions you have taken for this project to move forward and the reasoning for such. And, it is the duty of residents to be aware of who represents you and their policies that benefit or impact this special place.

TERRY GHERARDI Cameron Park

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

Courtesy photo

el Dorado chapter of the Daughters of the American revolution secretary sandra Hand, churchill Hardware owner mike churchill and DAr chapter vice-regent Beki Parks, from left, show a worn-out American flag last week at the hardware store where old flags are collected. DAr members picked up more than 40 flags and delivered them to veterans at American Legion el Dorado Post 119 for proper retirement.

FOLSOM — The Folsom Lake Yacht Club will host the 56th annual Camellia Cup Regatta, April 22 & 23, on Folsom Lake.

Participating will be sailboats from 8 to 25 feet in length, including Banshees, Lasers, Lido 14s, Thistles, Daysailers, Santana 20s, Catalina 22s, Capri 22s and 25s, Cal 22s and 250s, Wavelength 24s and various types of sport and multihull boats. Model sailboats, as big as 6-feet-long from the Sacramento Model Yacht Club will

Food bank

sail separately at Hobie Cove.

More than 50 sailboats are expected to compete in the Sacramento area’s oldest and largest sailboat competition. Camellia Cup is the first major regatta of the year and indicates the start of the boating season in the Sacramento Valley. With record snowfall in the Sierra Nevada, boaters anticipate a long boating season with high water levels throughout 2023. Catch the race action at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, Brown’s Ravine, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. For more information about the event and FLYC visit flyc.org.

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trucks earmarked for Caldor Fire victim relief. Food bank officials shared that as their trucks arrived at Pioneer Elementary, they were met with like-minded organizations also there to support Caldor Fire survivors. Shopping carts were once again loaded with perishables such as milk, cheese, chicken, fresh produce and local apples and oranges, in addition to cases of water, dog food and Girl Scout Cookies.

Volunteers from the El Dorado County Library Community Hub, West Slope Foundation, Church of

Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Federated Church, Hands4Hope and more helped survivors with provided plastic crates to fill with clothes, cleaning supplies, hygiene items and other essentials, according to the news release.

Food bank officials say collaboration has made outreach events to Caldor Fire survivors possible since the fire started in August 2021.

Anyone who would like to get involved can call (530) 621-9950 or email info@foodbankedc.org.

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Donnie Tilford, pictured in 1975 driving No. 97, continues to be the all-time leader in stock car victories at Placerville Speedway, having claimed 71

Speedway drivers to the Donnie Tilford start line

Gary Thomas Placerville Speedway

Placerville Speedway is geared up to honor one of its all-time greatest legends in the 58-year history of the facility with the annual Tilford Tribute Saturday night.

Divisions attacking the quarter-mile for the Tilford Tribute include the traveling Tri-State Pro Stock Series, limited late models, pure stocks, mini trucks and vintage hard tops.

The event honors the late Donnie Tilford, one the most beloved stock car drivers in the history of Placerville Speedway. During his final years Tilford mentored, sponsored and wrenched for various drivers well past his retirement from driving in 1991. A former Placerville super stock champion, Tilford succumbed to heart complications and passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 58 on March 18, 2014.

“This weekend’s event will be a perfect way to honor one of Placerville Speedway’s greatest legends,” states track promoter Scott Russell in a news release. “We look forward to hosting the show while showcasing our limited late models, pure stock and mini truck divisions, along with welcoming in the Tri-State Pro Stock Series for the only time this season. We hope everyone can make it out for what should be a great night of racing at the Donnie Tilford Tribute.”

Tilford was known for his long-time residency in Folsom and for helping many other businesses transform from mere dirt into establishments in the area by means of his business, Tilford Excavating and Engineering that was based in the city. Racing his way to countless victories through the decades from tracks close to home like

NOw iN BUSiNESS

Placerville Speedway and as far away as Australia, Tilford put the city of Folsom on the auto racing map in his days behind the wheel.

Tilford’s love was racing stock cars on the dirt. He began racing at Placerville Speedway in 1971 at the age of 17 and was a highly successful driver, winning numerous open shows, main events and championships. He continues to be the all-time leader in stock car victories at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds quarter-mile, having claimed 71 checkered flags in the division.

Purchase tickets online at eventsprout.com/event/ppr-2023 or at the gate on race day.

The pit gate will open at noon, with the front gate opening at 3 p.m. Sprint car qualifying begins at 5:30 p.m. For more information log onto placervillespeedway.com.

SPEEDwAy SCHEDULE

April 29: Winged 360 sprint cars, limited late models, pure stocks and mini trucks

May 6: Winged 360 sprint cars, U.S. Auto Club Western States Midgets, Bay Cities Racing Association Wingless Lightning Sprints and mini trucks | First Responders Night

GPT Construction Masonry & Design

GPT Construction Outdoor Masonry & Design owner/ operator Geoff Thomas builds outdoor kitchens, barbecue islands and pizza ovens.

Courtesy photo

Owner:

Geoff and Paula Thomas

Opening date: Dec. 15, 2022

Goods/services offered:

GPT Construction Masonry & Design is an outdoor kitchen builder recently relocated in proximity to downtown Placerville. Outdoor kitchen options are endless and GPT is a full service, family owned, company that can take an outdoor project from design to completion.

GPT creates designs that work in

the real world and are customized to meet each client’s taste and budget.

Clients can have just a grill or design a custom kitchen with a refrigerator, kegerator, bar sink, dual burner stove, cocktail station or storage unit, plus an overhead awning with a ceiling fan for those hot summer days. Want more?

Add a custom, wood fired pizza oven. GPT is a one-stop shop from design to build with full masonry construction that withstands the test of time for future generations.

Contact: (916) 204-1223 GPTconstruction.com

New in business? Let the Mountain Democrat know at mtdemocrat.com/submissions/new-business-announcement

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’ll go back and forth, deciding what to do. To some extent, this is a show. You already know; you just don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings with your decisiveness. Your excellent character shines. Even as you are unaware, you beam.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). To look back and note your failings is to invite self-doubt. To look back and focus on your accomplishments is to invite confidence. Neither will help you now. The best way is not to think of yourself at all. Get into action. Onward!

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Envy can be helpful if properly utilized. Envy teaches you what you want. When you get those pangs, take them as a sign there’s something in the scene that is also meant for you.

What do you have to do to make it happen?

CANCER (June 22-July 22). There are those who provide tension just to watch people strain under it. It lets them know they are in charge. If people aren’t suffering, they don’t feel powerful. Be aware. This is their move. Now what’s yours?

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). When people react in a positive way, it makes you feel good about what you’re contributing. But it’s nothing compared to the feeling you get when people are proactively driving their good opinion of you into a tangible form. How wonderful.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). What’s good for you doesn’t usually taste just like candy, but today it just might. It’s great when the things that bring you pleasure also bring you good looks, strength and the ability for physical activity you enjoy.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Document your moments. You won’t always be looking through this window or walking in his place. What you capture will help future you quite a lot in ways that would be impossible to understand right now.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Every relationship requires some degree of compromise. Compromise is essential to life and relationships, and you’re often better for the effort. But if you find yourself having to compromise every little step of the way, it’s the sign of a bad fit.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You become part of whatever you’re experiencing, and it becomes a part of you — a truth you’ll feel today and that just may change your mind and involvement with certain environments.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your personal experience with a full range of human error coupled with the disappointment it has caused you will make it all the more difficult for you to believe the best in others... and yet, believe the best you will. Commendable!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You don’t have to do anything to lighten up. You’re already like a balloon on a tether. You’re already floating, but if you want to go higher, you need to get free of the anchor.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ll have the advantage of a head start, but don’t rely on it. Think of the tortoise and

and tire yourself out. Make sure you pace yourself and avoid

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

COMiCS

checkered flags in the division.

Bridge

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care to maintain a creekside viewing area like the one currently behind the Ivy House Lot and would leave the Druid Monument unmoved, unlike the previously presented plan.

Changes to the plan, which would see replacement of the bridge over Hangtown Creek with a wider twolane option and realignment of Clay Street to create a four-way intersection with Cedar Ravine Road and Main Street, necessitated a new EIR, Neves explained to the council April 11. The city entered into a contract with Michael Baker Inc. to work on the new report but Neves discovered in October 2022 that “key staff on the project had retired and no institutional knowledge of the project had been passed on to Michael Baker staff.

“I was really surprised; the was my first time to ever be ghosted by a consultant,” Neves said.

The work done by Michael Baker staff is not a complete write-off, as the information already collected can be used and changes to the planned approach would have required a revised contract either way, Neves told the council. When asked what the break in information flow from the contractor cost the city, Neves estimated it to be no more than 25% of the original contract.

The council unanimously approved a resolution that amended a contract already in place with Dewberry Engineers Inc., expanding the scope of its involvement in the bridge project. Dewberry had been involved in National Environmental Policy Act compliance and design services for the project and will now update final hydrology and hydraulics reports and prepare a location hydraulic study. The amendment to the contract with Dewberry is set at a price of $603,126.77, bringing the total cost of the contract and prior amendments to more than $1.6 million.

Delays caused by a communication breakdown do come with a silver lining, as the heavy storms in recent months have provided new data to consider when designing a replacement bridge to withstand similar weather conditions in the future.

The replacement project has a long history that spans close to half the lifetime of the bridge itself. The project first entered public discussion in the late 1960s and early 1970s and made its debut in city planning documentation in 1975, according to Neves.

“1975 — thats the year I was born, just to put into perspective when city fathers and mothers first took a look at this,” Placerville Mayor Michael Saragosa said. “Lots of things change over time and that bridge has changed over time and its only gotten worse.”

The original date of service for the narrow bridge is not clear, according to city records, but estimates place the age at 95 to 97 years old. Bridges are typically designed to perform for 50 years; after 75 years of operation they are automatically recommended for replacement by the federal Highway Bridge Program. Biannual bridge inspection reports have noted the bridge as functionally obsolete due to its narrow width and impeded

functional use and have marked a steady decline in the sufficiency rating of the infrastructure. The most recent sufficiency rating, which is a measure of structural integrity of the bridge and foundation, was set at only 52 out of 100 potential points, according to a staff report.

The bridge has begun to show the beginning stages of deck failure, including significant sidewalk settlement and cracks at the southernmost portions. The design, an earthen filled concrete arch style bridge, is no longer used in modern bridge design due to safety concerns and rainwater entrapment that deteriorates the concrete walls, notes the city’s staff report.

City staff and council members shared the sentiment that bridge replacement was an inevitability; if action wasn’t taken willingly, an eventual failure would force their hand.

“If we take no actions, the bridge is going to collapse,” Councilmember Nicole Gotberg said. “That’s just a function of the geologic conditions, the design and construction of the bridge and physical processes over time. If anybody has questions on that, I used to give a lecture at Princeton on the topic of failures because of geology and site conditions and I’m happy to meet with any constituent that would like to learn more.”

Further worries lurking beneath the Ivy House Lot and Druid Monument are prompting the city to take action. The Cedar Ravine culvert that begins at Pacific Street and terminates as part of the Clay Street Bridge is beginning to show signs of significant structural deterioration, most notably in the area directly underneath the druid monument. A city report shows that if the culvert is not repaired, the monument could begin to sink and tip to the side.

The sinkhole that has devoured a portion of the Main Street Tap House parking lot was caused by failure of a similarly constructed culvert, according to Neves. Lidar photos from a 2020 survey available on the city website show the Cedar Ravine culvert is in rough shape.

“She’s had a good life. We need to let her go for the sake of the monument and for access on Main Street,” Neves said. “If the culvert fails where it bisects Main Street … staff reports in 2004 show some failure of the culvert where it is under the Ivy House Lot. We’ve been pretty fortunate that it hasn’t happened where it meets Main Street yet.”

The culvert would be addressed during the road realignment project, though other issues farther up Clay Street, including their “clifflike sidewalks,” as Neves described them, would fall outside of the very specific scope of the bridge project due to federal funding limitations.

A timeline and expected delivery schedule regarding the project estimates that the NEPA and California Environmental Quality Act approval process will conclude by December. The planning and approval phase could reach 100% completion by July 2024.

Cracks in the road and sidewalk, above, signify structural faults in the deck of Clay Street Bridge.

Structural weaknesses in the culvert that runs underneath the Druid Monument, right, may lead to the monument tilting if repairs are not made.

Mountain Democrat photos by Odin Rasco

In-Home Supportive Services advisory arm has vacancies

News release

The In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority Advisory Committee of El Dorado County is seeking new members to fill current consumer and provider vacancies. The IHSS Public Authority Advisory Committee is appointed by the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors and serves in an advisory capacity to the board and the IHSS Public Authority on issues and concerns a ecting recipients and providers of the IHSS Program.

The IHSS Program provides personal and domestic services to eligible low income, aged, blind or disabled individuals. The IHSS Public Authority works to improve the lives of IHSS recipients by ensuring

Budget Continued from A1

for chamber funding but others disagreed.

“I see (the chamber) as more of a local community campaign to support local business rather than a larger, countywide campaign as a whole that drives people to El Dorado County to promote TOT tax,” said Wendy Thomas, board chair and District 3 Supervisor.

Considering that funding chambers in the future should be looked at for all, the board voted to explore allocating TOT funds to other Chambers of Commerce.

For the Tahoe Transportation District and South Shore Transportation Management Association, county leaders will consider allocating $270,000. District 5 Supervisor Brooke Laine lent her support for a micro-transit program run by the South Shore Transportation

access to providers who can help recipients sustain independent living.

Individuals who are current or prior recipients of IHSS or private home care services, or who have provided home care services to someone after a serious illness, disability or surgery are welcome to apply. Interested individuals should be passionate about improving services for older and disabled service recipients and have a desire to increase awareness about the IHSS Program and IHSS Public Authority.

The state will face a labor shortage of up to 3.2 million paid direct care workers in the coming years, according to the California Department of Aging.

The IHSS Public Authority Advisory Committee

Management Association.

“It is in its infancy; it is a free microtransit program that runs there and without the county’s contribution that program is in jeopardy of even surviving,” Laine said.

While discussing TOT funding allocations, Laine requested the county consider having TOT funds be part of the General Fund and the board invest a percentage of discretionary General Fund revenue into the community.

Supervisors plan to consider the action during the next budget cycle.

County sta will also be working with fire districts in refining their TOT requests to better show direct links to tourism impacts when asking for TOT allocations.

A number of items have been added to the 2023-24 recommended budget, including $102,000 in funding for

provides an important opportunity for IHSS providers and program recipients to have a voice and bring recognition to the program and program needs.

Those interested in learning more about the committee are invited to attend upcoming informational sessions April 24 at 10 a.m. or April 26 at 2 p.m. These sessions will be held in person at 3057 Briw Road in Placerville and virtually through Microsoft Teams. Participation on the committee will require in-person attendance to quarterly advisory committee meetings held in Placerville. To receive the virtual link to the info session, receive a membership application or ask additional questions contact the IHSS advisory committee sta liaison at (530) 6427248.

the El Dorado Hills Fire Department Educational Revenue Augmentation Fund encumbrance equivalent amount.

The El Dorado County Youth and Families Commission will receive $250,000 in a step-down funding model where the El Dorado County O ce of Education, Health and Human Services Agency, the Chief Administrative O ce and Probation Department will help fund the operational support for the commission. In addition, the commission will also receive $100,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to o set COVID-19 impacts.

The county will budget $95,600 from the General Fund for Arts and Culture El Dorado for purposes of promoting arts and culture and initiating free cultural programming. More than $2 million in American

Rescue Plan Act funds will go to emergency medical services in South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe’s west shore areas to make up for lost revenue.

Due to receiving funding from the Local Agency Technical Assistance Grant, the county will reduce ARPA funding broadband projects by $500,000. The audit reserve will also be decreased to $684,547.

The board previously approved the use of $8,708.50 from its $870,850.48 ARPA Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund to support National Association of Counties and the Western Interstate Regions’ e orts to establish a national center for public lands for counties. The remainder of those funds will be used for General Fund governmental operations. After that, any savings will be moved to the General Fund and designated for use in case of a federal audit.

BORIS (A151468)

GANDALF (A151889)

A friendly brown tabby DSH looking to keep his adopter company while

LUKE (A152422)

IN THE KNOW

Now

The El Dorado Roses are searching for candidates to run for the 2023 El Dorado Rose. Candidates must be at least 60 years old, have lived in the county for 10 years and have many hours of volunteer service to her community. The El Dorado Rose dresses in period clothing from 18491910 and then becomes the official hostess of El Dorado County for one year. For more information call Carole Burnley at (530) 626-4949.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2680 in El Dorado County invites veterans of World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War as well as those seeing action in Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries during the war on terror plus those serving peace-keeping missions throughout the globe to become VFW members. Member benefits are plenty and there is no fee for the first year. For more information call (530) 499-2950.

The MACC in Rancho Cordova presents the fourth annual Student Art Show through April 22. Admission is free. For more information visit rcmacc. org.

The California State Fair Home Wine Competition is now open. This competition supports and promotes winemaking as a home craft and provides an impartial evaluation of wines. Don’t miss this chance to be recognized for your talent and increase your knowledge and abilities as an amateur winemaker. The entry deadline is April 25. For more information visit calexpostatefair.com/ participate.

Falcon’s Eye Theatre at Folsom Lake College presents “Antigone” through April 30 at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit HarrisCenter.net.

British artist and Camino resident David Yapp will exhibit a selection of his fine art prints, reproduced from his original oil paintings, at Gold Country Retirement Community in Placerville through May 5. To discover more about the artist and to see a selection of his paintings go to davidyapp.com.

The annual Folsom Lake College Student Art Show is on display at the Harris Center for the Arts in the Bank of America Gallery through May 7. A diverse mix of media from drawing and painting to printmaking, ceramic, sculpture, photography and digital arts is exhibited.

c o u n t d o w n

to ‘Rocket Girl’ at Imagination Theater

Andrew Vonderschmitt

Mountain Democrat correspondent

The tale of America’s first female rocket scientist blasts o when Imagination

Theater’s “Rocket Girl” by George D. Morgan opens Friday, April 21.

Mary Sherman Morgan grew up poor and was denied education until she was 9 years old. Later attending a small college in Sandusky, Ohio, Morgan left college to work in a weapons plant during World War II and later became the only woman scientist and one of only a few without a degree among a team of 900 at North American Aviation’s Rocketdyne Division, the leading rocket fuel company in America during the space race of the 1950s.

Taking charge of a team of interns, Mary’s expertise led to the creation of Hydyne a new rocket propellent that enabled America to put a satellite into orbit.

Mary’s son, George D. Morgan, penned the script about his trailblazing matriarch as a student in the English/creative writing program at CSU Channel Islands.

He admitted to Air & Space/ Smithsonian Magazine in 2009 that when his mother passed away he did not know the depth of her involvement in the space race.

He recalled making rockets as a kid in Arizona. “If I’d known how much expertise in rocketry my mother had, we could have asked her for help and saved ourselves a great deal of trouble,” he noted.

Director Lisa Bertram is a chemistry and earth science teacher at Ponderosa High School so this play is right up her alley.

“My dad sent me this obscure book he found in Minnesota,” Bertram said, “‘Rocket Girl,’ and I read it and it had all the photos from

■ See ROCKET GIRL, page B5

Fresh Food & Local Eats

Mountain Democrat photos by Andrew Vonderschmitt

Mary Sherman (Casey Cope) mets the new guy and future husband George Morgan (John McKelvey) in Imagination Theater’s production of “Rocket Girl.”

Mary Sherman, above right, stands up for herself in “Rocket Girl,” opening today. Below, scientists watch another failed rocket launch.

Plant Sale

Young Artist Concert features talented pianist, famous works

News release

Sierra Symphony presents its annual Young Artist Concert on April 23 at Foothills United Methodist Church in Rescue.

The program features Henry De Rienzo, the winner of the 2023 Young Artist Competition. He is the son of Ben and Alicia De Rienzo of Shingle Springs. The 13-year-old pianist has been studying piano for four years and especially enjoys playing the works of Chopin, Mozart and Rachmanino . Henry has many musical interests, including playing the bass guitar, drums and creating original compositions. He currently plays the piano for his church worship team and likes to listen to and play a variety of genres. He also plays basketball and enjoys skiing, doing mathematical computations, speedcubing and coding.

Among other selections included in the program are “Overture to Egmont” by Beethoven, “Academic Festival Overture” by Johannes Brahms, overture to “The Magic Flute” by Mozart, Aaron Copeland’s “Variations on a Shaker Melody,” a whimsical version of “Country Gardens” arranged by Percy Granger and much more.

The church is located at 3301 Green Valley Road, Rescue. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults; cash or checks accepted. Children and students will be admitted free. Food and beverages will be available for cash purchase. For more information go to sierrasymphony.org or visit the organization on Facebook.

Gold Country Jazz Fest hits the right note

News release

Ponderosa High School is excited to host the eighth annual Gold Country Jazz Festival Saturday, April 22.

In addition to El Dorado County’s own Camerado Springs and Pleasant Grove middle schools, El Dorado High School, Union Mine High School, Ponderosa High School and Oak Ridge High School, there are an additional eight schools from the Sacramento region participating. The schools will yield 20

■ See FESTIVAL, page B3

Kids’ Expo brings fun to the fairgrounds

News release

Catalyst Community, formerly known as Choices for Children, the local Child Care Resource and Referral agency serving El Dorado County since 1976, presents the 38th annual Kids’ Expo Saturday, April 22, at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds.

This popular event was started in 1984 as a celebration of the Month of the Young Child and has grown to be El Dorado County’s largest collaborative children’s event. Parents who once attended the event as children

■

Courtesy photo

Henry De Rienzo, 13, is the winner of the 2023 Young Artist Competition. Hear him perform April 23 in Rescue.

Courtesy photo

More than a dozen schools will participate in the year’s Gold Country Jazz Festival Saturday, April 22, at Ponderosa High School.

Mountain Democrat file photo by Pat Dollins

Little ones will have a lot of fun at the Kids’ Expo at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds Saturday.

See EXPO page B3

Moody Cat brings the funk to The Green Room

Stacey Vreeken

News release

“Moody Cat isn’t content to dole out garden variety funk. (The group) is a riveting musical journey with a striking balance of covers and originals. Elements of rock and jazz fold fluidly into the mix. This new incarnation is far more experimental than before, exploring the sonic corridors in exotic,” describes Tyler Blue from Crazy Horse Saloon.

Hear this musical journey live at The Green Room Social Club in Downtown Placerville this Friday.

Drummer/vocalist/songwriter David Lee demands nothing short of excellence from every project he’s involved with. A few years ago he and longtime collaborator/bassist Brett Sanders decided it was time to start a funk/soul/jam band that would tap into old school vibes while pushing those genres forward. They both play in Shotgun Sawyer and Jambassadors.

Moody Cat made a big splash with a number of performances in the region, lighting up dance-floors and expanding minds. Through multiple lineup changes, the vibe has stayed true to its roots. Following a significant reboot, Moody Cat is back and better than ever.

In addition to Lee and Sanders, the new lineup features Danny Roholt (Sean Lehe Trio, Dellow) on guitar and vocals, Jesse Jennings (The Higgs/Jambassadors) on keys and Trevor Hollingsworth (Lantz Lazwell/Mojo Green/J Ras and Higher Elevation) on sax/flute/percussion/vocals. Roholt is a Berklee School of Music grad who has been earning praise from his work with acclaimed artists including Joe Craven, Jonny Mojo, JJ3, Pete Grant and Jessica Malone.

The band plays at 8 p.m. Friday, April 21, at The Green Room, 251 Main St., Placerville. Visit tickets.clubgreenroom.com.

’80s-inspired singer to perform dance/pop at The Sofia

News release

SACRAMENTO — Dreampop. Synth pop.

Torchpop. Shannon Curtis is an outside the box singer and songwriter whose music will search for your soul, find it and then make you feel like she wrote that song especially for you. Known for her intimate and strong connection with her live audiences, experience the peace and the power at a special performance April 22 at The Sofia. How will empathetic people survive the troubles of this time? How do we rescue our overburdened spirits from overlapping disasters such as rising fascism and climate collapse? And from where can we summon the power to heal ourselves, our communities and the planet?

These are the animating questions behind Curtis’ new album, “Good to Me” — her second collection of shimmering ‘80s-inspired synthpop in as many years.

Confronted in late 2021 with near-paralyzing anxiety brought about by the increasingly fraught state of the world, Curtis aimed her angst at her journal. Using tools she acquired in 12-step recovery, she set out on a quest for self-healing, with the intention of nurturing her personal sense of peace and agency in a world on fire.

The journal entries became ‘80s-inspired synthpop songs, influenced in equal measure by the textural angularity of Kate Bush, the stripped-back propulsion of Yazoo and the hopeful joy of OMD.

The result is a song journey that took Curtis through a practice of identifying failed coping mechanisms (“From the Inside Out”), coming to

Expo Continued from B2

are now bringing their own children to share in this amazing community event. Whether it be to sit behind the wheel of a fire truck, spin prize wheels or get their face painted, families and children can participate in a wide variety of creative activities while learning about community services, educational programs, businesses and extracurricular activities.

Kids’ Expo would not be possible without the generous support of the community. Local agencies and organizations provide sponsorships or purchase booth spaces that each offer a children’s hands-on activity which makes this event one of a kind. It’s the perfect opportunity for family-oriented agencies and businesses to share information about their offerings and resources all while spending a fun day interacting with families in the community.

Admission is free to the expo, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive in Placerville. For more information visit catalystcomm.org.

Festival Continued from B2

ensembles for the community’s listening pleasure.

The purpose of the festival is to encourage the growth of jazz education in area music programs. The festival’s participating groups receive written and recorded feedback from top jazz educators, as well as clinics with feedback creating an incredible learning environment. The participating schools are ranked and individual medals are awarded by the adjudicators at the clinic.

“I thoroughly believe that everyone has the capacity to participate in music-making and I hope the events at this festival inspire you to keep making music for the rest of your life,” said Kevin Bowlson, Ponderosa High School director of bands. “If you’ve never had the opportunity to get involved ... see what joys await you.”

Doors open to the public at 8:30 a.m. and goes until the last note is played at 6 p.m. at Ponderosa High School, 3661 Ponderosa Road in Shingle Springs. Entry can be purchased in advance at goldcountryjazzfest.org or day of at the door.

Enjoy a day filled with live music as the community celebrates and showcases the student performers and their directors from across the greater Sacramento area. Between enjoying the sounds of the visiting jazz bands and combos enjoy snacks, breakfast and/or lunch from a fully stocked snack bar and vendor booths.

terms with radical acceptance (“Be With What Is”), learning to trust her inner truth (“The Silent Sea”) and reconnecting to her serenity and power (“I Am”) — even as the world continued to burn.

The concert begins at 8 p.m. at The Sofia, 2700 Capitol Ave. in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org/music/shannon-curtis.

Courtesy photo

Moody Cat has its own funky sound that will delight the audience at The Green Room this Friday.

Photo by Wyat Taylor Shannon Curtis will perform songs from her new album, “Good to Me,” a collection of shimmering ’80s-inspired synthpop.

Know

Gold Bug Park & Mine in Placerville is open Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit goldbugpark.org.

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. General meeting lunches are held at Cold Springs Country Club in Placerville for members and guests on the fourth Friday of each month at 11:30 a.m. A social time precedes each meeting. The cost is $18 and reservations are required. 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.

April 21

Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open again every Friday and Saturday for open garden days, 9 a.m. to noon. Take a leisurely stroll through all 16 themed gardens. Docents are on-site to assist with any questions regarding Sherwood Demonstration Garden or your personal garden. May be closed for inclement weather or poor air quality. Check the website before visiting: ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_ Master_Gardeners/Demonstration_Garden.

The Sierra Renaissance Society presents Book Bans and Other Library Issues by a panel from our local library, 1-3 p.m. at the Mother Lode Lions Hall, 4701 Missouri Flat Road. Admission is free for members; public invited to attend two meetings each year free. The Sierra Renaissance Society of El Dorado County is dedicated to lifelong learning and hosts presentations and workshops throughout the year. For more information visit srsedc.org.

The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce and Bears By Your Side host at ribbon cutting, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the nonprofit’s space, 515 Main St., Suite 101, Placerville.

The Shingle Springs Community Center 4400 South Shingle Road, hosts a Bunko Fundraiser beginning at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy dinner, dessert and Bunko. Buy tickets online at shinglespringscommunitycenter.org or call (530) 672-7442.

Via Romano in Camino hosts musician Jessica Malone at a Passport kick-off party at 5:30 p.m. For more information call (530) 269-9463.

Hawkins Jazz & Contemporary Company presents “Snow” at the Jill Solberg Performing Arts Theater at Folsom High School. Dance performances are at 7 p.m. April 21 & 22. For tickets and more information visit hawkinsschool.com.

Live music at Red Hawk Resort + Casino continues with live music at the Stage Bar, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. See Flat Busted (dance) April 21; Sons of Rock (rock/classic rock) April 22; Mike Furlong Band (classic rock) April 28; and Maxx Cabello (blues/rock) April 29. Visit redhawkcasino.com for more details.

The MACC in Rancho Cordova presents a concert with Swing Collective, 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information visit rcmacc.org.

April 22

The Cameron Park Community Services District hosts the Community Yard Sale, 8 a.m. to noon at the Cameron Park Community Center. Find an application at cameronpark.org.

The 38th annual Kids’ Expo takes place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. Whether it be to sit behind the wheel of a fire truck, spin prize wheels or get their face painted, families and children participate in a wide variety of creative activities while learning about community services, educational programs, businesses and extra-curricular activities. The event is free. Passport to the Great Out There is a great way to experience El Dorado County’s familyowned wineries and enjoy food and wine tastings, reserve wines, and other surprises at participating wineries from Apple Hill to Fair Play. To be a part of the wine adventure purchase a one- or two-day passport at

cellarpass.com/events/2023-passport-to-thegreat-out-there-9489.

Oakstone Winery in Somerset hosts Fair Play Market Days, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 22 & 23.

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts April Pool’s Day, 1-3 p.m. Join the CSD Aquatics staff at the EDH Community Pool for a free day of swimming to jump start the season.

Mastroserio Winery in the Fair Play area hosts Jazz & Pizza. Enjoy live jazz with authentic Italian wood fired pizza paired with your favorite wine, noon to 4 p.m. To RSVP call or text (530) 417-4321.

Miraflores Winery in Placerville hosts the Winemaker’s Blending Fiesta April 22 & 23. Tickets include a blending experience, a 375 ml bottle of your own blend to take home and lunch. For tickets and more information visit mirafloreswinery.com.

Nothing could be better than a homemade Italian lasagna dinner and a fun romantic evening with the recorded music of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, etc. Church of Our Saviour, 2969 Coloma St. in Placerville, offers dinner, 4-7 p.m. Takeout is available. Suggested donation $15. Parking is in back. Bring the family; children younger than 12 eat for free.

Folsom Lake Symphony presents The Rite of Spring concert with Alon Goldstein, 7:30 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit HarrisCenter.net.

Third Eye Spiral Tool Tribute performs 8 p.m. to midnight at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit tickets.clubgreenroom.com.

The Take Me Out cornhole tournament and live music event will raise funds for youth baseball and performing arts education. The event will feature live music, food trucks and fun, 2-7:30 p.m. at Lakeside Church in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit FolsomFest.org. California Stage hosts a live reading of “A Yorkshire Tragedy,” 2 p.m. April 22 & 23 at at 1723 25th St. in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 600-9536 or visit calstage.org.

April 23

The Hands4Hope Youth Wellness Expo celebrates wellness with activities vendors and more for the entire family, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Serrano Village Green in El Dorado Hills.

Music On The Divide presents the 28th annual Young Musicians Concert, 3-4 p.m. at the Georgetown IOOF Hall on the corner of Main Street and Highway 193 in Georgetown. This concert is free and the public is encouraged to come out to support aspiring musicians. Folsom Concert Association presents The New York Tenors, 2 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit HarrisCenter.net.

April 26

The Shingle Springs-Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce hosts a networking luncheon with El Dorado County Surveyor Brian Frazier speaking, 11:30 a.m. at Los Pinos, 3420 Palmer Drive in Cameron Park. No RSVP required.

April 27

Placerville FamilySearch Center, 3275 Cedar Ravine Road in Placerville, hosts Researching the British Isles at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Where can you look to find records from England and other countries of the British Isles? What resources are there that will help you get started and move forward in finding those ancestors? Class will discuss the basics and share ideas. For more information call (530) 621-1378.

The Shingle Springs-Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce hosts a ribbon cutting, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Pack & Print, 3300 Green Valley Road in Cameron Park. No RSVP required.

Ponderosa Stage Productions presents “The Bold, The Young, and the Murdered” at Ponderosa High School in Shingle Springs, April 27-29 and May 4-6. For more information visit pondodrama.com.

LET’S TALK Potluck Social Gathering

For Grandparents raising grandchildren this is your opportunity to meet and share life experiences, resources, coping and general fellowship of a very underserved community.

Cal Expo to host job fair

News release

SACRAMENTO — Cal Expo will host a comprehensive job fair on Saturday, April 22. The event will offer job seekers an opportunity to explore various available positions, network with potential employers and even participate in on-site interviews with the possibility of being hired on the spot.

“We’re thrilled to provide a platform where both job seekers and employers can connect in person,” said Tom Martinez, CEO of Cal Expo. “It’s an excellent opportunity for our community to come together and find the perfect match for their skillsets and the available positions.”

The job fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., will

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feature representatives from various program areas at Cal Expo, offering insight into the diverse range of job opportunities, including positions for the California State Fair to be held July 14-30.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to apply online ahead of the event by visiting the Cal Expo website and clicking on the relevant job posting links. Alternatively, applications will be available during the event for those who prefer to apply in person. Job seekers can also print and fill out an application to bring with them to the event.

For more information about, including a list of participating employers and available positions, visit CalExpoStateFair.com.

Carnival comes to EDH Library

News release

The El Dorado Hills Library hosts a carnival this Earth Day, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 22. Entry is free and open to all ages.

The event will feature two live music performances from Laura Benitez at 12:30 and 1:30 p.m., perfect for ages 0-12. Between shows, visitors can make nature-themed crafts, get their faces painted and play classic carnival games to earn

prizes. For the carnival’s littlest guests, there will be a special outdoor play area full of sensory bins and other toys geared for ages 0-5. Purchase treats from California Gold Kettle Corn and Joe’s Hot Dogs. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the El Dorado Hills Library. Parking will be limited, so visitors who live nearby are encouraged to walk to the event. The library is located at 7455 Silva Valley Parkway in El Dorado Hills.

“She’s a chemist; she’s into space. It’s the space race,” she continued. “I mean, what’s not to love about that.”

So she pitched the idea of producing the play to Peter Wolfe a couple of years ago. The show was set to hit the stage as a Readers’ Theater production but was canceled as the pandemic shut down theater.

Coming back as a full production has been exciting for Bertram.

“When we were set to do it as a Readers’ Theater production we really wanted to do a full production,” she recalled. “This is going to be a really great experience.

“Everyone has really stepped up to the challenge and we are going to have a great show,” Bertram added.

Casey Cope is new to the stage but was immediately drawn to the project.

“I just decided to do this for fun,” she said.

She and her partner showed up at the

audition because she read the script and wanted to be involved and make some community connections.

“It’s just incredible,” she said of Morgan’s story, “and extremely inspiring.”

Cope, a therapy assistant, will graduate from school in December with her bachelor’s degree. She has found some connections to the character that she can work with.

“She grew up on a farm as I did,” Cope shared. “My parents have 5 acres and I did 4-H and all that.”

Cope noted the parallels in their professions as well.

“She is in this science

environment with all men,” she said.

“And my profession, unfortunately, is very male-dominated, especially in school.”

Cope understands the challenges inherent in breaking the “glass ceiling,” saying, “Being a woman in STEM is no joke.”

The story of America’s secret weapon in the Space Race plays April 21 through May 7 at Imagination Theater on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville.

Performances are scheduled Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. For tickets and more information visit itplacerville.org.

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Indie-folk group brings bluegrass tunes to Sutter Creek stage

News release

SUTTER CREEK — Late for the Train, an indie-folk string trio rooted in American folk and bluegrass music, takes the stage at the historical Sutter Creek Theatre Saturday night. Infused with the honest depth of the coastal redwood forests and the heartfelt community of the North Bay, the band provides a playful and poignant musical experience that uplifts the spirit and rouses the soul.

Travel back to a time of hearthside storytelling with these California natives, reveling in the rich traditions of Americana, bluegrass, folk and Celtic music. Their dynamic songwriting is inspired by influences such as Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan, Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn, Mandolin Orange, Mipso and Nickel Creek.

The core ensemble includes songwriters and multiinstrumentalists David Pascoe (guitar/mandolin), Laura Benson (fiddle) and Thom Beneduci (stand-up bass). The trio’s skillful craftsmanship meets tender harmonies and potent lyrics that grapple with all the wonder, contradiction and truth of living in the modern age. The group’s debut album, “Plant It or Build It,” was released Sept. 4, 2020.

Usually touring as a trio, the band will have a fourth member (mandolin player) for this show at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 22.

Sutter Creek Theatre is located at 44 Main St. in Sutter Creek. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. Open seating, beer and wine will be available. For tickets and more information visit suttercreektheater.com/home/event/ late-for-the-train-indie-folk-bluegrass.

The Center for the Arts hosts inaugural songwriting festival

News release

GRASS VALLEY — The Center for the Arts presents the first-ever New Songs Festival, for growing the next season of songwriters, with four days of songwriting workshops and evening concerts for the attendees and general public to attend, beginning April 27.

Songwriters are at the heart of our arts community and this is where we begin to grow the next generation of songwriters. New Songs is a threeday songwriting festival featuring three full days of workshops, three evening concerts, multiple breakout and coaching sessions, studio space, a panel discussion with professional songwriters and a professional production on stage in front of a public audience.

Included with a ticket is a robust package that includes VIP Songwriters Reception, one ticket to a concert each night of the festival, three days of workshops with lunch

provided by The Center, three days of studio use, coaching/feedback sessions, songwriters panel discussion, and culminating in a performance on a professionally produced stage (encouraged but optional). The evening concerts will feature wonderful talent in the songwriting arena such as Keith Greeninger, Laurie Lewis, Iris DeMent and Ruthie Foster, with many of these same artists leading the workshops.

New Songs Fest is hosted by Rita Hosking, songwriter, artist, performer and teacher. Hosking earned a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from the University of California, Davis, with coursework focusing on world religions, culture, psychology and creative writing. She then earned a California teaching credential in social studies from California State University, Sacramento, and honed her storytelling and organizational skills with more than 10 years of eighth-grade U.S. history students. While music always remained an

interest, Hosking gained perspective into the universal human psyche from an intellectual standpoint that would later be integrated with her own story. The music she produces today is an amalgamation of her university studies, teaching experience, motherhood and the humanity that has moved her since her childhood in the hard-hitting mountains of Northeastern California.

Greeninger and Lewis will share the stage together with two full sets for an evening performance at 8 p.m. April 27. As a singer-songwriter, Greeninger paints intricate portraits of the human condition with powerful melodic images, deep engaging guitar rhythms and husky, heart-wrenching vocals. His masterfully crafted tunes and powerful presence have earned him the top songwriting awards at the prestigious Telluride Blue Grass Festival, The Kerrville Folk Festival and The Napa Valley Folk Festival.

For nearly four decades Lewis has gathered fans and honors for her powerful and emotive voice and her versatile, dynamic songwriting. She is a sought-after recording producer and an equally skilled teacher, mentor, inspiration and a ground-breaker — across genres, geography and gender barriers.

DeMent’s songs are her way of healing our broken inner and outer spaces. On her transcendent new record, “Workin’ On A World,” she faces the modern world — as it is right now — with its climate catastrophe, pandemic illness and epidemic of violence and social injustice — and not only asks us how we can keep working towards a better world but implores us to love each

other, despite our very different ways of seeing. She will perform at 8 p.m. April 28 with opener Pieta Brown. Foster’s latest album provides a guide for how to move through the world with equal parts compassion and resolve. “Healing Time” finds Foster pushing her boundaries as a singer and songwriter more than ever before, creating a truly live-sounding atmosphere with the help of her band, which sounds refreshingly loose and lived-in throughout these 12 songs. Foster will perform at 8 p.m. April 29 with opener Royal Wood.

“Songwriting has always been a healing experience for people. Our community has certainly undergone life stressors lately and, so, this seems a perfect time to bring people together in sharing their hearts through song,” said Amber Jo Manuel, executive director of The Center for the Arts.

“New Songs Fest will be a unique mix of world-class, evening concerts and daytime songwriting curriculum, all held at a state-of-the-art sound theater in the picturesque Sierra foothills. In one word — uplifting,” Hosking added.

New Songs Fest is a beautiful opportunity to hone the craft of songwriting with leading experts in the field. Attendees will elevate their talent to profound heights and have their hearts and minds filled with new techniques and abilities, leaving them confident to share their songs on the stage at The Center for the Arts, 314 West Main St. in Grass Valley, on April 30.

For tickets and more information visit thecenterforthearts.org/newsongs-fest-2023 or call (530) 2748384.

Photo by Kory Thibeault

Late for the Train will perform its indie-folk hits at Sutter Creek Theatre this Saturday.

The Public Square

Salary: I: $8,736.92-$10,619.78 per month

The Human Resources Department is currently accepting applications for the position of a Senior Information Tenchnology Analyst.

For a complete job description and the REQUIRED application, please visit our website at www.eid.org or call 530-642-4074.

Sutter’s Fort hosts outdoor movies under the stars

Traci Rockefeller Cusak News release

SACRAMENTO

— Friends of Sutter’s Fort, in partnership with Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, will present a fun, free and family-friendly Earth Day evening activation. Debuting a series of Films with Friends outdoor movie screenings, the beloved movie “Free Willy” will be shown on the exterior wall of Sutter’s Fort at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 22.

Moviegoers are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs; friendly dogs are welcome. No alcohol is allowed. Plus, the first 100 attendees will receive a free glow necklace or bracelet and small popcorn.

In addition, delicious VolksWaffle desserts, refreshing beverages and ocean-themed candy will be on-site and available for purchase. Moviegoers can also choose to support Friends of Sutter’s Fort by purchasing a Films with Friends Fun Pack for $50 with all proceeds benefiting efforts to bring more community events and activations to Sutter’s Fort. The

Friends Fun Pack will include:

• Picnic blanket perfect for watching the movie on the lawn

• Assortment of candy including ocean themed lollipops

• Four sodas or waters

• Four small popcorns Friends Fun Packs are available to order in advance at suttersfort. org and on-site at the event (if and while supplies last).

Starting at 7:30 p.m.

— prior to the start of the movie at 8 p.m.

— representatives of California State Parks will present a short talk or “campfire program” (with a virtual campfire

on screen) that will tie into the movie and Earth Day.

Additional Films With Friends outdoor movie showings will take place later this summer, including a showing of “Grease Sing-A-Long” May 13 and Disney’s “Newsies” starring Christian Bale June 10. For those interested in visiting inside Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., regular admission is $5 per adult (18 and older), $3 per youth (ages 6 to 17) and is free for children 5 and younger. For more information call (916) 445-4422 or visit suttersfort.org.

RepoRteR wanted

The Mountain Democrat and Village Life seek a general assignment reporter. Assignments will range from news coverage to features. Must have interviewing skills and photography experience and be able to meet deadlines. Knowledge of AP Style and Adobe Photoshop is a plus. Some evening and weekend work is required. Email résumé, writing and photography samples to Krysten Kellum at kkellum@mtdemocrat.net.

Public Notices 

Cafeteria Assistant

If you enjoy the beautiful outdoors and working with children, we currently have an amazing opportunity as a Cafeteria Assistant at our Sly Park Conservation and Environmental Education Center near Pollock Pines.

Starting Hourly Rate: $17.23

Click here to apply today: http://www.edjo.in/1746010

Maintenance Custodian

If you have experience performing custodial and general maintenance services and enjoy the beautiful outdoors, we currently have an amazing opportunity as a Maintenance Custodian at our Sly Park Conservation and Environmental Education Center near Pollock Pines.

Starting Hourly Rate: $20.47

Click here to apply today: http://www.edjo.in/1745652

For more information, contact Sacramento County Office of Education Personnel Dept. 916-228-2332

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Bring your chairs and blankets for a movie under the stars at Sutter’s Fort in Sacramento.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Taylor Dayne & Sheena Easton

SUNDAY, APRIL 30

9 Grammy Award nominations, 2 Grammy Awards, 2 Billboard Music Awards, 1 American Music Award, 6 Platinum albums, 5 Gold albums, 39 Billboard top 20 singles, and 11 Billboard #1 singles.

Coral Kingdoms and Empires of Ice

THURSDAY, May 11

Discover

Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters

THURSDAY, JUNE 1

Listening to The Boxmasters, one can hear obvious odes to the Beatles, Byrds, Beach Boys, The Mothers of Invention, and more.

Asleep at the Wheel

SUNDAY, JUNE 11

Founded in 1970, Asleep at the Wheel has been part of the American roots music landscape for more than 50 years. The band became a cornerstone of the Austin, Texas, scene upon its arrival in 1973. Inspired by Western swing and honky-tonk country, the band has accrued 10 Grammy Awards.

Photo by David Grenier

David Doubilet & Jennifer Hayes

National Geographic Live!