Mountain Democrat, Monday, May 15, 2023

Pioneer

Project Frontier applicant withdraws

Mountain Democrat staff

El Dorado County was notified at 3:57 p.m. today that the Project Frontier applicant has withdrawn its application, according to a statement from county officials.

“The Project Frontier applicant team would like to thank county leadership and staff for their commitment and dedication in working with the applicant team on Project Frontier,” reads a note from the law firm representing the applicant. “At this time, the

applicant has decided to withdraw the application and is considering other alternatives.”

County staff had no further information to share.

Thursday evening, hours after the announcement, the El Dorado Hills Community Services District Board of Directors had expected to hear a presentation from the EDH Area Planning Advisory Committee regarding Project Frontier.

After noting the application’s

Placerville’s Christmas tree placed on the disabled list

Odin Rasco Staff writer

Sprouting hope for Grizzly Flat

Eric Jaramishian

Staff writer

In an effort to help restore the Eldorado National Forest in the Grizzly Flat area, South Lake Tahoe-based Sugar Pine Foundation will lead a tree replanting effort at ground zero of the Caldor Fire scar May 20.

The forest restoration nonprofit seeks to plant 500 sugar pine and 500 ponderosa pine seedlings, who got approval from the Placerville Ranger District. Planting will

“We would like to restore sugar pines with this strain of resistant trees and help heal the community as much as we can ...”

Maria Mircheva, Sugar Pine Foundation Executive Director

commence off Capps Crossing Road, 1.3 miles from the junction with Sciaroni Road. The foundation is hoping to secure 50 volunteers for the replanting. Thirty more are needed but the effort will take as many as it can get, the foundation’s superiors said.

Volunteers can go to the site to help plant the trees. No sign up is required. Planting is expected to begin at 10 a.m. and continue through 12:30 p.m. Visit the event page online at bit.ly/GRIZZsugarpine for more information.

Once planted, it will take about 80 years before the trees become fully grown, Sugar Pine

n See PLANTING page A6

Placerville’s landmark redwood located at the intersection of Bedford Avenue and Main Street will have to sit out its traditional role as the city’s Christmas tree this year, the City Council decided Tuesday.

A one-two punch of prolonged drought conditions and fierce winter storms rocked the 95-foot tree earlier this year and in late 2022, putting it in visibly rough shape with multiple broken and cracked limbs. The council reviewed a report on the tree’s current condition from arborist Chad Dykstra during its May 9 meeting and determined the tree will have to be benched for this year’s Festival of Lights and possibly future ones as well.

“It’s going to have to be on the disabled list for a while,” Mayor Michael Saragosa said. Boughs that broke during the winter storms tangled and tore the strands of decorative lights that were strung around the tree for the holidays, leading to potential future risks until they are removed, according to Dykstra’s report for Foothill Forest Care.

“Obviously we need to get all the Borg components off of this tree — all the Christmas stuff, the star and everything that is up there, all the mechanical pieces,” council member John Clerici emphasized at the start of discussions about the arborists’ report.

Placerville’s Director of Community Services Terry Zeller identified three potential avenues of action regarding the tree from the information found in the arborist report: leaving the tree as-is with no further action, pruning the tree and introducing chemical agents to encourage limb growth or — complete removal of the tree. Dykstra, who has worked on the tree for many years, shared his personal opinion on

“In 50 years or so we won’t know, but for the next decade or decades, it’s not going to look right. But the tree is still doing fairly well, and I’m trying to be the Lorax to speak for this tree and say that it’s still pretty enough.”

—

the matter.

“Pruning the remaining branches would cut them back a bit, closer in toward the tree,” Dykstra explained.

“In 50 years or so we

won’t know, but for the next decade or decades, it’s not going to look right. But the tree is still doing fairly well, and I’m

n See CHRISTMAS TREE, page A5

Courtesy photo

Sugar Pine seedlings resistant to White Pine Blister disease will be planted on the Caldor Fire burn scar in the Grizzly Flat area May 20.

Mountain Democrat photo by Krysten Kellum

The Placerville City Council has decided the coastal redwood on Main Street that gets lit up as part of the Festival of Lights may have to sit out a holiday season or two after a rough winter.

Chad Dykstra, Foothill Forest Care arborist

OBITUARIES

Eileen E McCallum

July 16, 1931 – March 19, 2023

On March 19th Eileen McCallum, 91, passed away peacefully and gracefully with family by her side tending to her last wishes.

Born in England on July 16th 1931 and raised in East Anglia, she met and fell in love with our father Vincent “Mac” McCallum. Together they built a wonderful life. While in the USAF they moved every few years between the United States, England and Germany adding five children as they went.

After the sudden death of our dad while stationed in New York, mom gathered up her kids, two cats a dog and all our belongings. Traveling by car we settled all the way west to Sacramento, near to the Air Force base in Rancho Cordova.

Eileen was fearless on the outside and determined on the inside. She purchased a home with their retirement nest egg. While raising five teenagers she scripted and saved to buy a second house in need of TLC. Long hours of cleaning and repairs paid o when she sold it at a tidy profit. That was the beginning of a long life of buying and selling properties, which she mastered, providing a great role model for us kids.

In her spare time Eileen used her green thumb to build gorgeous gardens for every home she lived in and helped friends and neighbors with theirs. She also loved knitting extricate beautiful sweaters for those she loved. Her other passion was raising and showing birds, chickens, peacocks, pheasants, ducks and geese. She traveled the west coast to show her feathered friends, always returning home with champion ribbons and plaques. She strove to be the best and rarely missed the mark.

Never ending energy and a get up and go attitude, Eileen didn’t slow down until her mid 80’s, despite an ailing heart.

Eileen is survived by and missed every day by her children Sandra (McCallum) Trunzo, Deborah D. McCallum, and Steven McCallum. Her two eldest sons AC McCallum and Mark McCallum had passed before her. Grandchildren Melissa, Brandy, Michael, and Nick. Many great grandchildren and one great great grandchild also are missing their “gramma with 2 cows”.

In place of flowers we ask that you visit an elderly family member, not leaving without a big long hug. We miss you mom.

Paul Ross Shinn

March 22, 1955 – April 24, 2023

On April 24, 2023, Paul Ross Shinn passed away at the age of 68, with his beloved daughters, Kelly Schieding and Katie Dunlap, at his side, surrounded by his family.

Born on March 22, 1955, in Auburn, California, Paul Shinn was the son of Paul Owen Shinn and former Susan Jane Richards. He attended Ponderosa High School and graduated in 1973, where he excelled in Football, Basketball, and Baseball, earning several accolades as a star athlete. Throughout his life, he remained a loyal Bruin. After completing his education, Paul started his own contracting business, Paul Ross Shinn Construction.

Paul Shinn was married three times during his lifetime. He first married Laura Jean Redmond in 1977, and they had two children, Kelly Leann Shinn and Kathryn Michelle Shinn. They were married for 14 years. Later, he married Leann Casper, and they created a blended family that included four children, among them Randy Summner and Justin Miller. Paul and Leann were together for 14 years. In 2006, Paul married Teodora Delos Santos, and they remained married for 16 years until his passing. Throughout their marriage, they shared a love for animals and had several cherished pets, including their beloved Labrador, Kona. Surviving Paul Shinn are his wife, Teodora Shinn, his two daughters, Kathryn Dunlap and Kelly Schieding, as well as his grandchildren, Logan Schieding and Evelyn Dunlap.

Paul Shinn spent most of his life in El Dorado County, where he took pleasure in visiting Loon Lake and the Desolation Wilderness. In 2016, he relocated to Baker City, Oregon, to enjoy his retirement, explore new hunting and fishing spots, and be close to his grandchildren. Paul went by various nicknames, including “Harley,” “Spook,” “Butch,” and “Shinn.” He had a deep love for the great outdoors and treasured the moments he shared with his closest friend, Michael Verhonik, who was like family to him. Until his last day, Paul remained a steadfast believer in Big Foot, and no one could persuade him otherwise.

In memory of Paul, two services will be held. The first service will take place on May 27th at 10:00 am at St. Francis De Sales Cathedral Church, located at 2235 1st St. in Baker City, Oregon. The second service will be held on June 6th at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, located at 2700 Dover Avenue in Fairfield, CA. This will be followed by a committal, and a reception at Rockville Cemetery, located at 4219 Suisun Valley Road in Fairfield.

The family would like to extend an invitation to those who knew Paul to attend either or both services. As an alternative to flowers, the family respectfully asks for donations to be made to either the Ponderosa Alumni Association or Ponderosa Athletics Department.

Jane Henderson

Oct. 15, 1954 – May 5, 2023

It is with deep sadness and much love that we mourn the passing of Jane Henderson. Jane was a loving partner, an incredible mom of four, and an even better grandmother of 10. Jane passed away peacefully May 5th with her family by her side. Jane was born in Chicago IL in 1954. She grew up in Elmhurst IL surrounded by her parents, aunts and uncles and 6 siblings. She lived a great life with many adventures all over the country. She especially loved going on road trips in her RV, beach trips with her grandchildren and lake days for Kayaking and a BBQ.

Her greatest joy was her grandchildren. Jane was outgoing, social and always willing to lend a hand. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends, as we all loved her very much in our own special way.

Jane is survived by her partner Scott, her children Tania, Pat, Amanda and Amber. Her grandchildren, Mariah, Adrianna, Christian, Landon, Parker, Jaxson and Brennan.

A memorial service will be held Friday May 19th from 2-4pm at Green Valley Mortuary & Cemetery in Rescue.

We ask for guests to wear Blue in memory of Jane.

Ollie Lee Webb-Abbott

Nov. 13, 1934 – May 2, 2023

Ollie passed away peacefully at home with loved one’s near her side. Ollie was born in Paris, Texas to Paul and Fern Simmons, she was one of 3 daughters and 4 brothers. They moved to Gold Roads, Arizona in 1939 and then Los Angeles Calif. in 1941. Ollie met Darrell Webb at Centro Movie Theatre where they both worked while in high school and they married soon after graduating. They then started their family having 3 children Greg, Glenn and Grace. She volunteered numerous years as librarian in our elementary school and was an active team mom. Mom was a seamstress from home, sewing many high school cheerleader outfits as well as ladies wardrobes, and of course our school clothes. We would choose the fabric and she produced the clothes always with a tag “Made With Love, Mom”. Mom and Dad moved to Placerville in 1977 with Glenn and Grace as Greg already resided in Folsom. Purchasing The Paint Spot, making it a family run business. Mom was very active in the community and a member of Soroptimist and dad in Placerville Rotary. The family was and continues to be active in the community. Dad passed away in 1992 and mom retiring soon after with Glenn and Grace purchasing the business, while Greg worked as an independent contractor. Mom reconnected with a long time friend Leon Abbott and remarried in 1994. They built a beautiful home together and then began traveling. They were members of numerous camping groups and served in many positions with those organizations. Besides her sewing skills, mom baked amazing pies. Leon had commented that at their camp out gatherings, many would first go for their favorite piece of pie prior to filling their plate with the meal being served. While traveling in their motor home, mom continued to sew with her machines on board. She began sewing her designer aprons, which she started selling at Apple Ridge apple ranch each season with many other crafted items made by Grace and her sister Betty aka (The Crafty Trio) for many years.

After Leon’s passing in 2017, she moved to the Eskaton community where she lived independently and met more wonderful friends. Walking had become her new favorite pastime.

Mom was the ultimate wife, mother, grandmother and aunt. Family was first and foremost to her and we were Blessed in spending so much time and celebrating so many holidays with her. Mom was kind, loving, caring, giving, and supportive to anyone she ever met. She was selfless, always putting others first. Sadly she was proceeded in death by her son Greg 4/3/2022 and is survived by brother Doug Simmons, sister Betty Lejon, brother Stanley Simmons (Roma), daughter in law Twila Webb, son Glenn Webb (Cheryl), daughter Grace Webb- Bizallion (Steve) extended family, son Kenneth Abbott (Joy), son Richard Abbott (Jeanne), son Ronald Abbott (Mary), daughter Margaret Lehr (John) 10 Grandchildren, 5 Great Grandchildren and many loving niece’s and nephews.

A tribute to mom is the quotes of many, “One of the nicest and kindest persons I have ever met”.

A memorial service will be held, May 20, 2023, 11 am at Camino Community Church, 4205 Carson Road, Camino Ca. 95709

In lieu of flowers consider donating to Snowline Hospice (Placerville).

Mark Edward Morton

Mark Edward Morton was born on September 12, 1953 in Placerville, CA to Phil and Mabel (Coelho) Morton. He was the first of 3 children, his sister Connie and brother Jim arriving in the next few years.

Mark spent his childhood in Placerville attending schools there and graduating from El Dorado High School in 1971. He was an athlete in both football and baseball. He was an accomplished catcher and was even scouted by 3 MLB teams, but being under 18 he played one more year of football at American River College and injured his knee which ended any MLB aspirations. Mark was also an avid hunter. His father shared what became a life-long passion and Mark, in turn, was able to pass this love onto his children and grandchildren.

At 19, Mark started working in the lumber industry and also became a volunteer firefighter/ EMT. He worked at Diamond Lumber in Placerville as well as many of their different locations thru the 70s and early 80s. He then moved to Lodi and continued serving that community in EMS. Mark and Suzy were introduced by mutual friends in the early 80s. In 1985 they reconnected and Suzy became the love of his life. He moved to Jackson shortly thereafter. Mark and Suzy were married in 1986 making their home in Jackson with Suzy’s kids, Kim and Keith and in 1987 the next love of his life arrived, Jessica Paige.

Also in 1987 Mark started working at Sender’s Market in Mountain Ranch and continued until 1995 when he began working at Meeks Lumber in Martell. Taking a job in Jackson also allowed him to finally start volunteering with the Jackson Fire Department under Chief Jack Quinn. Mark left the lumber industry to become Chief of the JFD in 2012 and was medically retired in 2017. He so loved this job and even though retired, he remained close to “the boys”.

Mark was a very active member of the community. He belonged to numerous organizations including the Sons of St Patrick, Ducks Unlimited, California Deer Association and the California Waterfowl Association. He loved hunting, both deer and ducks. There were numerous out of state deer hunting trips with his Dad, dear friends and his son. Mark and Suzy spent countless days and weekends at the “Duck Club”, in his element with his Dad, brother, friends, son, sons-in- law and grandsons.

Though he truly loved his jobs, hobbies and community activities, his biggest joy came from his family. His family included friends, new and old, co-workers, and even friends of his kids and grandkids. He was everyone’s Dad and then happily became everyone’s Grampa and PaPa.

While his short illness kept him from doing some things he loved, it never kept him from those he loved. His love, smile, laughter and wonderful tight hugs can never be erased from the memories of anyone who knew him.

Mark is survived by his wife of almost 37 years, Suzy, his children, Kim and Pat Grady, Keith and Shannon Ryan, Jessica and Mike Rodriguez, his sister and brother-in-law Connie and Gary Lee, his Aunt Ethel Miksits, his grandchildren, Aaron and Ryan Grady, Sam, Katelyn and Olivia Ryan, Vincent Wright and Ella and Zoey Rodriguez, his nieces Alayna and Shayne Ellis, Joanna Fairchild, Toni and Mike Parks and their children, Jacob, Ava, Jameson, Fallon and Jesse. He was proceeded in death by his parents and his brother Jim.

A celebration of life will be held on May 27, 2023 at the Italian Picnic Grounds, 581 Hwy 49, Sutter Creek, CA from 1pm to 4pm. Please come prepared to share stories and memories of Mark.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mark’s name can be made to Amador Stars, CDA (California Deer Association) or the Firefighter’s Burn Institute.

Dale A. Aeschliman

April 30, 1929 – April 4, 2023

Dale Andy Aeschliman of El Dorado, California passed away in the home he built on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. He was 93 years old when he left this world from a short illness. Dale was born in Minnesota. He was one of 6 children born to Andrew Aeschliman, a farmer, and his wife Jenny. Dale met the love of his life Dolores Neste and married her in Fargo, North Dakota in 1949. Their two sons were born in Grand Forks, North Dakota in the early ‘50s. The family followed realatives to southern California in 1953, then moved north to Sacramento. He worked for Aerojet for a while, and had his own refrigeration business. Dale and Dolores’s dream was to build a retirement home on an oak covered mountainside overlooking the Sacramento Valley. Dolores preceded Dale in death; he has pined for her everyday for 10 years. Dale is survived by: his brothers Lyle of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and Allen of Los Angeles, sons Randy (Sharon) of Rio Linda and Mark (Donna) of Pahoa, Hawaii, granddaughter Melissa Hilton (Shannon) of Citrus Heights, grandson Gabe (Gianna) of Shoreline, Washington and Rebecca Puno (Louie) of Sacramento, great-grandchildren: Arthur, Efren, and Oden Puno, Matthew, Michael and Sara Knowland, plus 5 great-great grandchildren. Interment will be at Memorial Park South, Grand Forks, North Dakota.

The family apologizes for the lateness of this notice.

Phillip Dean Caldwell

March 29, 1950 – April 23, 2023

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Phillip Dean Caldwell of Placerville, California on April 23, 2023, at the age of 73 years.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend of 25 years, Kristina; his son Phillip Derek (Lesly); and daughter-in-law Sarah; grandchildren: Erica (Justin), Alayna, and Ryan; great-grandchildren: Scott and Madison; brother: Ralph Caldwell; sisters: Teresa Levi (Steve) and Vicky Pitt; as well as numerous other relatives and multitudes of friends.

He was predeceased by his son Gregory; brother Floyd Michael; and his parents Floyd and Ruth.

Phillip “Dean” was born into a loving family in Pikeville, Kentucky. Later he moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan, which would become his home for over forty years. There he became a master auto mechanic and was known as the “Dean of Mechanics.” He then became a heroic firefighter, rising to the rank of Captain of Ypsilanti Township Fire Department’s Shift 2. For twentyfive years he served the people of Ypsilanti and especially the young people who needed his help and guidance. He taught thousands of children about fire safety and burn prevention at the National Institute for Burn Medicine. He was also a pioneer in the juvenile firesetter program. He worked with many children and trained personnel across the United States. After his retirement, he and his wife moved to California, where he lived the rest of his days. He accompanied his wife to Abu Dhabi where they lived for two years. They traveled the world from there and made many lasting memories together. Dean had many friends due to his easy-going spirit and infectious sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by many.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in the name of Phillip Dean Caldwell to the Firefighters Burn Institute, 3131 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95820, or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD, 21741.

The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at Marshall Hospital for their care and compassion.

Peter Brown Wilkinson

Dec. 31, 1955 – Nov. 27, 2022

Peter “Pete” Brown Wilkinson, 66, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 27, 2022, from an enlarged heart. We find comfort in the fact that although he was taken from us too soon, he passed quickly. Pete was born on December 31, 1955, in San Diego, California; he loved having a New Year’s Eve birthday; he always said, “There’s always a party that night!” He spent his childhood years in the San Diego area. While San Diego was a special place to grow up, he fell in love with Eugene, Oregon, when he moved to go to college and play baseball. The years spent in Eugene were some of his favorites. To know Pete was to know his love for the Oregon Ducks. After college, he moved to the Northern California area and began working for his brother’s pizza restaurants. It was there he met his wife and the mother of his children, Cindy. They were married in August 1980 and had 4 children; Meredith, Zach, Taylor, and Thaddeus. Pete was a very hands-on dad, happy to coach all their teams, cheer them on and share his life experiences. Pete’s enthusiasm for life was unmatched. Regardless of the situation, he was just happy to be in the presence of his family, friends, and even strangers. He will be missed by Cindy, Meredith (Nate), Zach, Taylor, Thaddeus, Granddaughters (Mabel, Hadley, and Eloise), Sister Susan Hall, Brother Steve (Cathy) Wilkinson, many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, and his ever faithful four-legged friend, Ruger. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Anne Wilkinson, and brotherin-law Joe Hall. A Celebration of Life will be held in El Dorado Hills, Calif. on June 10, 2023. If you would like celebration details, please email PeteWilkinsonService@gmail.com.

Jeffrey Donovan Haberman

Aug. 22, 1955 – April 6, 2023

Je rey Donovan Haberman, 67, of El Dorado Hills, California, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2023, in Roseville, California after an eight-year battle with cancer and complications from diabetes, congestive heart failure, and kidney failure.

Born on August 22, 1955, at Sutter Maternity Hospital in Sacramento, he was the son of Don and Mary Haberman.

Je was preceded in death by his father Don Haberman and wife Rhonda Haberman. He is survived by his mother Mary Haberman, son Jared Haberman, daughter Crystal Haberman, brother Derek Haberman, sister-in-law Dande Haberman, nephews Dalton and Damon Haberman, and many loving cousins.

Je started as a draftsman at the age of 18 and opened his own business 22 years later, The Home Design Group, which he ran for 37 years.

During Je ’s career he designed homes in every county of Calif., as well as homes in Alaska, WA, OR, NV, AZ, Hawaii, Japan and Samoa. He designed over 300 homes in Serrano of EDH. He designed Morgan Manor, built by Torybilt Construction for the street of Dreams in 1996. He was a talented and creative designer, and his work touched the lives of so many people.

Je was not just a successful businessman; he was also a dedicated member of the El Dorado Hills community. He and his wife Rhonda were active members of the EDH Chamber of Commerce and served on its board of directors for many years. They worked on many community events and fundraisers, including Saturday in the Park, Adopta-Family, and the Halloween Carnival at CSD. Je was involved in the community planning of El Dorado Hills for many years, including serving on many committees.

But above all Je cared for his family. Je and Rhonda were married for 41 years. Je shared with many of us that he was at peace from his faith in God and ready to be with his beloved Rhonda. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday June 2nd, 2023 10am at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church: 1001 Olson Drive, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762. Light refreshments following the service.

Vernon E. Thiessen

Oct. 23, 1928 – May 1, 2023

Vernon E. Thiessen went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, May 1st, at the age of 94. He died from complications of pulmonary fibrosis. He was lovingly cared for in his last months by his daughter, Claudia Lewis, and her husband Mark.

Vernon was born in Fresno, CA on October 23, 1928 to Arthur and Grace (Ontjes) Thiessen. At the age of 21, he married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Gardner. They were blessed with 4 children, Mark, Craig, Claudia and Cindy. Vern & Barbara had 60 wonderful years together until Barbara passed away in 2010.

Vernon served in the Army on active duty from 1950-1952. He was then in the Army Reserve until 1956. Vern worked for Pacific Bell until his retirement. Vern could build or fix almost anything and also seemed to remember everything. His family often said that he remembered being in the womb and, if you ever asked him what time it was, he would likely tell you how the watch worked.

Vernon was predeceased by his wife, Barbara, in 2010 and by two of his siblings, James Thiessen in 2006 and Lotus Stoops in 2022. Vernon is survived by two siblings, Wynn Lancaster and Artie DesJardin, his four children and their spouses, Mark (Stacia) Thiessen, Craig (Andrea) Thiessen, Claudia (Mark) Lewis and Cindy (Guy) McRoskey, 12 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Phil. 1:21

JEFFREY HOCKENSON

Community in search of missing Garden Valley man

Eric Jaramishian Staff

The family of 40-year-old Garden Valley man Jeffrey Hockenson is asking for the community’s help after he went missing April 29.

Social media flyers circulating Facebook and Nextdoor indicate Hockenson was last seen around 2 a.m. that Saturday walking westbound on Deer Canyon Road in the Pioneer Hill Road area in Placerville. His destination was not known.

He is described as 6-foot, 2-inches tall, weighing 188-pounds with blue eyes and brown hair. Details of his clothing are vague but flyers note he was wearing shorts and likely shirtless with “possibly slippers or no shoes at all.”

Some from the community have taken it upon themselves to organize a search. A Facebook group called Jeff Hockenson search and rescue has been created for community members with interest in helping the family find Hockenson. As of May 12 more than 130 members had joined the public group.

The Mountain Democrat reached out to family members via Facebook; they have not responded as of press time.

Anyone with information about Hockenson’s whereabouts should contact El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers at (530) 621-6600. The reference number is #233474.

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Will Prop. 13 save San Francisco?

Oh, the irony. San Francisco is perhaps the most progressive city in the United States, although Portland and Seattle might put up an argument. So how is it that the one thing that might save the City by the Bay from the fiscal abyss is Proposition 13, the iconic tax-cutting initiative backed by conservative Howard Jarvis and approved by voters in 1978?

No one disputes that San Francisco is in crisis. The city’s profligate spending and poor management has led to a myriad of ancillary problems. That the city planned to spend $1.7 million for a bathroom in a park may be the source of humorous derision, but it is an example of seriously dysfunctional governance. (Private donations for the restroom subsequently reduced the cost to the city).

A major structural problem is San Francisco’s diminishing population. As people leave the city, they take their tax dollars with them.

The steepest decline occurred between 2019 and 2021 when the city lost 6.3% of its population, a rate of decline unprecedented for any major U.S. city. The only silver lining is that the rate of decline slowed to “only” half a percent from July 2021 to July 2022.

Making matters worse is the fact that downtown San Francisco has experienced the weakest recovery from the pandemic out of 62 North American cities according to a San Francisco Chronicle article dated Jan. 18, 2023. Its over-reliance on high tech and finance, whose workers are able to work remotely, has morphed downtown into a ghost town. Office vacancies are at an all-time high and rents for office space are falling fast.

The exodus of high-wealth individuals and businesses has wreaked havoc on the San Francisco’s budget, which is now projected to be in the hole by $780 million over the next two fiscal years.

So, with all this bad news, how is it that Proposition 13 can save San Francisco or at least slow down its rate of decline? Lost in all the discussion about spending challenges is the fact that the city is still projecting year-over-year increases in revenue. Much of that is due to how Proposition 13 works.

While providing security to homeowners,

n See COupal, page A5

The Balancing Act

Bud Light now a

Since the Bud Light commercial featuring a trans woman debuted, sales of Bud Light have fallen about 10% and the stock of its parent company, Anheuser Busch/InBev, a Belgium Company, has lost more than $5 billion in market cap. That’s a big loss. There is no real American control although its stock is traded on the NYSE.

Bud and Bud light customers’ are outraged and InBev knows it. So much so the company already made a new Budweiser commercial featuring the Clydesdales everyone in America loves. But even that commercial was rejected and hated by customers, who called not disingenuous. There were several reasons for the commercial being rejected if you look closely. It too is not real America.

Bud’s customers are hard-working Americans in all 50 states. Bud commercials up to this date were pure Americana, hard work, the

Letters to the Editor

Cameron Park fire service

EDITOR:

Ihave been very active with the Cameron Park Community Services District, attending meetings for over 19 years, and would like to address some of the misinformation spread around on social media and other platforms.

The CSD faces a budget shortfall and has to make some difficult decisions regarding its fire service. Cameron Park is not the only community in El Dorado County facing this issue. EDC Fire, Diamond Springs/El Dorado Fire, Garden Valley Fire and other small fire districts and communities have been faced with difficult decisions around staffing/ closures. While the CSD board could definitely have done a better job with its budget over the years, it is also impacted by inflation, recommended staffing models that require a minimum of three people on a fire engine instead of two and other factors.

Cameron Park has two fire stations and is currently on a two-person-per-engine staffing model with a total of 10 full time firefighters/paramedics. Cal Fire requires the staffing to increase to the threeperson-per-engine model by November 2024. In order to staff both fire stations with that model, we would need to add eight more people. Browning out Station 89 temporarily before that date would allow us to reduce our staffing by one (currently an open position) and meet the three-person model at Station 89. This would give us the time to thoroughly explore other solutions, with the goal of bringing Station 88 back in service as soon as possible.

Our most urgent immediate need is to ensure we have a contract for fire service by July 1 to replace our existing Cal Fire contract that expires June 30. Once the contract is finalized, we need to look at all our options for a long-term solution. This may include an RFP to see if another agency can provide the same level of service for less. It might include going out to the community to vote on a bond measure that would ensure funding for fire service for the foreseeable future. It could possibly even involve spinning off our fire service into a separate district, hiring our own fire service, etc. None of these options could have been accomplished by the end of June.

A viable, long-term solution requires planning and it requires data. In addition to the completion of a fire master plan, which will assess the community’s needs, a thorough financial analysis needs to be

done.

On social media and elsewhere statements have been made that “Cameron Park is cutting its fire service in half,” “Cameron Park did not put this out to bid,” the CSD made their decision “without investigating other options,” etc. This is simply not true. I strongly encourage citizens who are truly concerned about our fire service to step away from the fear mongering and come to meetings to get the facts. The board needs input from people who care about their community and this very important safety issue. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem. The next board meeting is May 17 at 6:30 p.m.

BARBARA ROGERS Cameron Park

Giving feminine products to homeless women

EDITOR:

Periods are a crushing feeling, a burden to women in our community. Now imagine you’re homeless; you have no money and aren’t able to obtain the products you desperately need. You have menstrual cramps, you’re bleeding and you don’t have a house to feel safe in. These are the conditions homeless women in our community have to struggle with.

Periods are a taboo topic most women don’t feel comfortable talking about. Because of this, these homeless women don’t feel safe asking for help. Feminine products aren’t accessible for most. The average woman spends $20 per cycle on these products. That’s not even going into the Advil, ibuprofen, teas and heating packs to make it all a little easier. Homeless women don’t have the luxury to spend this type of money.

So these women can’t ask for help and they don’t have the money. What do they do? Homeless women have resorted to using makeshift pads, leaves, dirty rags and rolled up toilet paper. This isn’t sanitary. Because of the unsanitary conditions bacteria is able to easily thrive, leaving room for infections — which all could have been avoided if they had the right products accessible.

How can we help? Donate money, products, time and spread awareness. More people need to know of the struggles these women are facing. Look up

n See letters, page A5

heavy burden on beverage company

plumbers, welders, lumberjacks, Clydesdale draft (work) horses and construction workers of this country. Another big customer base is the Hispanic community. They have become such a significant part of America’s highly skilled labor force. My beer of choice was a long neck Budweiser (not a light beer, which is essentially a watered-down regular beer).

But here is the mistake perhaps Bud and Bud Light former customers are making. They are switching to other brands also owned by InBev, such as Coors and Miller. That’s like buying a Bud. I know there is some slight difference in taste, but both are good tasting beer brands and both are owned siblings of Bud. And this knowledge is important as new sales figures just released show a 21.4% drop in Bud Light sales but an increase in sales for Coors Light and Miller Lite of about 20%.

This information as to corporate

… the company already made a new Budweiser commercial featuring the Clydesdales everyone in America loves. But even that commercial was rejected and hated by customers, who called not disingenuous.

ownership needs to be made public as not buying Bud Light and buying Coors Light has little or no effect on InBev. It’s like not buying a Chevy truck and instead buying a GMC. It’s the same manufacturer and essentially the same truck.

Even Corona and Modelo are owned by InBev. If you are going to boycott Bud and InBev you need to switch brand ownership. To make a difference, buy another brewery’s beer. I don’t know about you, but I also like Pabst Blue Ribbon. It’s a solid American beer. They also brew Schlitz, Ballantine, Old Milwaukee and Blatz. But there are perhaps a dozen of other breweries that are not InBev owned and now is the time to search for another beer.

I prefer a malty beer with a smooth aftertaste, Bud isn’t the only one.

Two smaller but established Breweries which make a malty

beer are Samuel Adams and Sierra Nevada, both high quality beers, reasonably priced and quite tasty.

If you don’t think this ad hoc boycott is working, next time you are at the market walk the beer section. Market stock is overflowing with Bud, Bud Light, Michelob, Corona and Miller. Americans have hopefully figured it out. What is interesting is that markets seem to be sold out of Sam Adams, Sierra Nevada and some of the other good Mexican brewery products. I noticed at one market there were just a few six packs of Pabst Blue Ribbon and at one market, there was but one six pack of Dos Equis. That’s obviously a non-scientific study, but I noticed the same or similar situation in two other markets. Could that foretell the collapse of InBev?

Larry Weitzman is a resident of Placerville.

LArry WEiTzmAn

no one disputes that San Francisco is in crisis. The city’s profligate spending and poor management has led to a myriad of ancillary problems.

trying to be the Lorax to speak for this tree and say that it’s still pretty enough.”

The report listed a litany of potential failure points in the boughs of the tree that still pose a significant risk, including damage from branches falling 20 feet or more, unless addressed; Clerici asked if that information being now on the public record opened the city up to liability if something were to happen.

“I love answering legal questions about liability on the public record,” City Attorney Mona Ebrahimi joked. Ebrahimi noted that the city would in fact be potentially open to liability claims if someone were to be struck by a falling tree limb, though potential claims could be protected against if the city were to mitigate the risks by following arborist recommendations.

Clerici leaned on his forestry degree during the meeting, raising concerns about the long-term realities of the redwood’s current location. Sidewalks near the tree have already begun to crack from the tree’s root system, and Clerici warned that the road being shifted by the roots was only a matter of time.

“I’m not trying to get the tree cut down — I love trees, don’t get me wrong,” Clerici said. “But we have to think about a couple things. The base

of the tree isn’t going to get any smaller and it’s going to keep pushing the sidewalk around and eventually push the street around. Is some version of this group going to have to have this meeting in 10 years?”

The cost for the removal of the tree was estimated at close to $10,000, not including costs of traffic control during the process. The cost of pruning and addition of chemical solutions to the tree was $6,200 for the first year, with an additional $2,500 every year for more chemical treatments. The council decided against the chemical additive suggestions but did agree that emergency pruning, or tree-age (triage) as Saragosa referred to it, was necessary. The council gave city staff direction to seek additional estimates for the pruning process in order to save the city money.

Christmas tree Continued from A1 Proposition 13 also guarantees stable — and almost always increasing — revenue to local governments. Statewide, assessed value of property generally increases in the 4% to 5% range. And even in years when market values decrease, Proposition 13 acts as a shock absorber, stabilizing revenue because of the difference between taxable value and market value. The 2% limit on annual increases in taxable value means that, for cities like San Francisco with historically big increases in market value, no overall reduction in tax assessments is required even when market values are dropping. Revenue to the city treasury is likely to remain stable. In fact, total assessed property in San Francisco from

The long-term future of the tree was left on the chopping block, with the council agreeing that a public forum to discuss the tree’s ultimate future be scheduled before they reach a final decision. The public comment period for the agenda item already saw a slew of solutions suggested, including transforming the Bell Tower into a tree for the holidays as a stand-in for the Festival of Lights. A date was not set for when the forum might take place.

Coupal Continued from A4

2022 to 2023 increased 5.3%, according to the California Board of Equalization Annual Report.

Proposition 13 has been characterized as “recession insurance” for local governments. Even with its problems, San Francisco can rely on a relatively stable stream of property tax revenue.

Whether that will be sufficient will depend on whether the politicians can get spending under control. Raising taxes to “solve” budget problems just drives away more taxpayers and leaves a bigger hole in the city treasury.

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

Letters Continued from A4

shelters near us and donate whatever we can. Start organizations, encourage others to donate and even start a local fundraiser. This is a big topic, something taboo, that needs to be addressed, not just by women. Both genders need to realize this is truly a struggle.

This isn’t a problem that will go away soon. These women need help to remain safe and healthy. Contributing in our community can help these women who already go through so much.

ARACELI CASTELLANOS

Diamond Springs

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

4 squads make baseball post season

Thomas Frey

Democrat correspondent Baseball playoffs are in full swing in the Sac Joaquin Section and Ponderosa, Oak Ridge, Golden Sierra and El Dorado all qualified for the postseason.

Ponderosa is the only squad to make it to the section semifinals beginning Monday. Oak Ridge won its first game before falling to the top

team in the section and Golden Sierra and El Dorado each fell in the first round.

Ponderosa

The Bruins earned the top seed in Division III after winning the Foothill Valley League.

Seniors Ian Holt, Nick Zucarro, Aidan Arnett, Tyler Scowcroft, Lucas Roberds, Alex Reil and Matthew Gallant all came up with big hits throughout the

season. Juniors George Shykowski and Sam Beezley each hit over .300 for the Bruins.

On the mound Gallant, Ricky Larsen, Austin Sanchez and Luke Everett all picked up big workloads preparing for the postseason.

Ponderosa proved it belonged as the top seed, winning its first playoff game 10-0 over Florin Tuesday in a game called after five innings. Reil,

Accepting Fair entries!

Gallant, Roberds and Holt all had multiple hits while Sanchez and Larsen combined for five scoreless frames on the mound.

On Thursday with a trip to the section semifinals on the line, the Bruins took down Oakdale 9-1 behind a complete game, 13-strikeout performance from Gallant. The pitcher added two hits offensively.

With a trip to the section championship on the line, Ponderosa will host Pioneer Monday in Game 1. Pioneer will host the second contest Wednesday. If a third game is necessary, it will be hosted by Ponderosa on Thursday. All games will begin at 4 p.m.

Oak Ridge

Coming off a trip to the section semifinals last season the Trojans had to reload after nearly every starter in the lineup and the pitching staff graduated. Dylan Westbrook, Jake Fields, Joe Carroll and Ryan Spero all hit over .300 on the season and the Trojans were ranked No. 6 in the Sac-Joaquin Section, according to MaxPreps. Fields is

Planting

headed to Long Beach State and paced the team on the mound with a 1.35 ERA, a 5-1 record and 73 strikeouts in 51.2 innings.

Oak Ridge was the No. 8 seed in Division I and beat a tough Turlock team in the first round 4-0 Tuesday. The Trojans faced a tough test Thursday against No. 1 Franklin, and lost 8-0, ending the team’s season.

El Dorado

For the first time since 2019 the Cougars extended its season to the first round of the playoffs. Seven of El Dorado’s top nine hitters were underclassmen and got valuable playoff experience. The entire

Continued from A1

Foundation Executive Director Maria Mircheva calculates.

“We would like to reestablish the forest in that area and help jumpstart that with planting a seedling mix,” Mircheva said. “We would like to restore sugar pines with this strain of resistant trees and help heal the community as much as we can by providing an opportunity for them to contribute to restoration in the area.”

The Sugar Pine Foundation prides itself in planting trees resistant to the White Pine Blister disease, mostly notable in White pines. Since 2004, the foundation has made it its mission to find resistant trees and collect their cones. The harvest is sent to the Forest Service for testing of the gene resistant to the blister rust for planting.

As the seedlings grow, they are regularly monitored for their health to help future restoration programs.

“We are doing more public plantings due to the fires because that is where

Project Frontier

pitching staff is slated to return next year. Junior Jacksen Liddell and freshman Gavin Ashton both were key hitters and two of the squad’s best pitchers. Golden Sierra

Similar to El Dorado, the Grizzlies also returned to the postseason for the first time since 2019 and fell in the first game. Freshman Bruce Rayford hit .400 while juniors Anthony Alvarez and Logan Borovich each hit over .350. Senior Jackson Klahn also helped lead Golden Sierra to a successful season by hitting .343 and leading the team in innings pitched.

the need is now,” Mircheva said. Mircheva said people have been contacting the organization asking for trees for their own property.

“This is an opportunity for us to help out,” Mircheva said. “Some people come from Sacramento and Tahoe to help out, and for them it’s more of an opportunity to look at the area and see what it looks like after the fire. For people who are local it is more an opportunity to network and see from both the Forest Service and us on how to get trees for their own property and how to plant them.”

The number of trees being planted will encompass around 10 acres, according to Mircheva.

The sugar pine seedlings come from the Sugar Pine Foundation and American Forests is paying for the ponderosa seedlings that come from the Eldorado National Forest. Mircheva said debris piles should be burned before they begin their planting mission.

Continued from A1

withdrawal, APAC Chairman John Davey said, “There’s nothing else for me to say.”

Cheers and applause came from the audience at the Norm Rowett Pavilion.

EDHCSD directors also expressed their relief and thanked the people who worked to educate the public about Project Frontier and actively opposed it.

“You did an amazing job,” said EDHCSD Board President Noelle Mattock.

CSD Director Steve Ferry specifically called out Blackstone Homeowners Association President Chuck King and HOA Director Tom Fox, sharing, “Without them, Project Frontier wouldn’t have fallen.”

The project was proposed on a swath of land south of the El Dorado Hills Business Park on the west side of Latrobe Road and southeast of the Investment Boulevard intersection.

The Blackstone residential community is on the east side of Latrobe Road in the same area. The 208-acre property is owned by Winn Ridge Investments LLC of Winn Communities.

Two of the buildings would have had a total footprint of roughly 1.7 million square feet, accommodating approximately 2,000 employees. Plans for parking would have accommodated stalls for hundreds of trailers and thousands of cars. Guard houses, pump enclosures and other accessory structures brought the combined square footage total to just less than 4.8 million.

Referred to as Project Frontier, the tenant has signed NDAs requiring that its anonymity remain intact, though residents speculated an Amazon facility was planned for the site.

While El Dorado County General Plan codes allow “wholesale storage and distribution” use within the parcel’s Research and Development

Industrial zoning, there is a 50-foot cap on building heights. At 110 feet, one of the buildings would have exceeded this limit.

But developers from Dermody Properties made the case that the excess height is mitigated by existing topography, significant setbacks, sound walls and landscaping that includes more than 1,500 trees. The topography of the site also slopes down from Latrobe Road, putting the base of the taller building at 33 feet below Latrobe Road.

George Condon of Dermody Properties noted benefits the project would offer such as employment and sales and property tax revenue for El Dorado Hills and the surrounding community, forecasting 1,500-2,000 local jobs.

But many El Dorado Hills residents, especially those in neighboring Blackstone and Heritage Village, did not want to see such a huge warehouse built in their community.

“If it had been disclosed to us that a mega-distribution center was going to be built, we would have had serious reservations on buying our retirement home there,” said Heritage Village resident Roger Bailey at a public meeting.

Concerns included noise and light pollution, public health, environmental impacts of diesel exhaust, falling property values, wildlife safety, preservation of Native American artifacts and traffic.

With the project moving forward and a conditional use permit application anticipated to be completed by spring/summer 2023, residents had been making their voices heard of late, showing up to advisory committee, planning commission and other governing board meetings. Tuesday’s EDC Board of Supervisors meeting included several project opponents speaking during the afternoon’s open forum.

Mountain Democrat file photo by Thomas Frey

This season Oak Ridge senior Jake Fields paced the team on the mound with a 1.35 ERA, a 5-1 record and 73 strikeouts in 51.2 innings.

THE KNOW

May 16

El Dorado County Fair and Events Center hosts a Hiring Fair at 10:30 a.m. and again at 5:30 p.m. in the fair’s board room on the fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive in Placerville. The fair is accepting applications in the fair office, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Download an application at eldoradocountyfair. org/employment.html or pick one up in the office. For more information call (530) 621-5860 or email Heather at heather@ eldoradocountyfair.org.

The Roots & Gold Dust Genealogical Society hosts guest speaker Lisa Gorel, presenting Finding Records to Document your Farming Ancestors, 1 p.m. in the primary room of the LDS church at 3275 Cedar Ravine Road, Placerville. Up to the 1870s, farming was the No. 1 occupation in the United States. There are many recordings that document farming ancestors such as land, tax and probate records. Newspapers and many agricultural records can add to knowledge about these ancestors. Visitors are welcome. For more information call Carlyn White at (530) 642-2730.

Powell’s Steamer Company and Pub, 425 Main St. in Placerville, presents Eric Hill and Jonny Mojo for Taco Tuesday on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 4-7 p.m. Stop by for some good food and good tunes. For more information call (530) 6261091.

May 17

Ducks Unlimited’s Placerville chapter hosts a fundraising banquet in the Forni Building at El Dorado County Fairgrounds. Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner begins at 7:30 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to win guns, bid on home décor, hunting trips and more. Tickets are available at placervilledu. org or by calling (530) 3919944.

May 19

The Sierra Renaissance Society presents America’s HomeGrown Denominations:

Understanding Mormons, Christian Scientists, Seventh-Day Adventists and Jehovah’s Witnesses by Keith Atwater, 1-2:30 p.m. at the Mother Lode Lions Hall, 4701 Missouri Flat Road in Diamond Springs. Admission free for members; public is invited to attend two

Friends of agriculture Community champions celebrated

Alan Riquelmy Mountain Democrat correspondent

When Jack Sweeney

was about 5 or 6 years old, he and his sister wandered down to the family barn. Their home, on a hill, overlooked the barn and the pair decided to step inside a corral that had what Sweeney called a particular cow.

“Whenever she was calving, she was mean,” Sweeney recalled. “She came after us.”

Sweeney and his sister jumped onto a wagon and were soon followed by a farm employee who’d come to help. It was their mother who rescued them after hearing their cries, arriving to pluck the children from harm.

“Ranching is hard work, even when you’re a teenager,” Sweeney said. “There was always water to change or a fence to build.”

Sweeney, a lifelong El Dorado County resident with four great-grandchildren, lived on a ranch that’s now where Greenstone Country Community sits. He’s served as a school board member and on the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors. In April he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the county Chamber of Commerce at its annual Ag Roundtable dinner.

Over the years, Sweeney has collected many awards. Plenty of them are in a box in a closet. The Lifetime Achievement Award is di erent.

“Farmers are heart people,” Sweeney said. “They have hearts and they care.

“This award’s sitting on my counter right now,” he added moments later. “It’s going to stay there.”

The plaque states: “In recognition of a lifetime of exemplary leadership, service and contribution to El Dorado Agriculture we, the members of the Ag Roundtable, extend our gratitude to a true farmer and friend, Jack Sweeney.”

Sweeney’s family had more than 1,500 acres at one point, including 120 acres of pear trees and 300 head of cattle. They had hay on another 180 acres

Alan Riquelmy Mountain Democrat correspondent

There’s a trick

to making a great apple juice.

Gael Michael Barsotti used red delicious apples the first time he made some. He quickly discovered it didn’t work and moved on to a blend. A mixture of apples is needed for the best results.

Barsotti’s operation, what started as a family-run apple stand, is now a sprawling Apple Hill business. Apple and grape orchards surround the buildings used by the Barsotti Family Juice Co. An assembly line snakes through the buildings, as workers move the apples through the process that will turn them into bottles of apple cider.

“We couldn’t live in a better place,” Barsotti said. “We’ve been here a long time.”

Barsotti and his family were honored in April with the Farm Family of the Year Award by the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce.

“Like many of us, they were searching for a simpler life in a rural environment in which to raise their children,” wrote Christa Campbell, chairperson of the county’s Chamber of Commerce Ag Council, in an email.

“This year, because of the significant impact economically of Barsotti Juice Company locally, regionally and nationally — and because Gael Barsotti, along with second-generation son Michael and

daughter Cathy, continue the tradition of sustainability of agriculture in El Dorado County — the Barsotti family received the award,” Campbell added.

sit bottled and boxed in a large, cooled warehouse on the property.

A short walk away, up a hill overlooking the orchards, is Barsotti’s home. Walter Mathews, Barsotti’s marketing director,

■ See BARSOTTI page B4 ■ See

Barsotti makes more than apple cider. There are carrot and orange juices, as well as lemonade and mango juices. They

Photo by Alan Riquelmy Jack Sweeney was a rancher and surveyor as well as a member of a school board and the El Dorado Board of Supervisors. ■ See SWEENEY page B4

Photo by Alan Riquelmy Gael Michael Barsotti has 92 acres, which include apple and grape orchards as well as production facilities and his log cabin home.

COMiCs

excellence in education awards celebrate the best of the best

Dina Gentry EDC Office of Education

Gabrielle

Marchini, director of Curriculum, Instruction and Accountability, was recently honored with an Excellence in Education Award at an awards ceremony held by the El Dorado County Office of Education.

The Excellence in Education Award is the highest honor given to an EDCOE educator. Marchini was recognized as an accomplished educational professional with over two decades of experience in the field.

“I am so grateful to be part of the EDCOE team and to be surrounded by a group of people focused on students and families at so many levels,” Marchini said. “I am honored to have been selected for this award.”

n

ARIES (March 21-April 19). When you meet with resistance, don’t fight. Instead roll with what’s coming your way. Be alert to how you might divert the energy. Listen more carefully. Efficient energy use allows you to make positive change happen.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Do you need to conform? No. Impress? Well, it would be nice if they liked you very much for who you already are, and they will, but you do need to get their attention first.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Society seems determined to point out to you how old or young you are. You can go far beyond the limits usually imposed on people your age; it’s just a number. Really.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). A project lumbers on. Change your strategy so you can break the finish line faster. Also, being exclusively in control of the thing gets tiresome. Accept input from as many other people as possible.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You have a way of bringing people down to earth in a good way. Dreams and ambitions are fun to talk about, but nothing comes to fruition without old-fashioned hard work.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Maybe you don’t yet believe in your ability to accomplish a task, but this will not impede your success. Your willingness to try even though you may be bad at something will attract support and luck.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). When you get the feeling

someone needs help, you offer it. You don’t need to be asked because you’re paying attention. This is the difference between you and everyone you’re around today.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Will you look back at this and laugh? Not if you’re not laughing now. If you’re displeased, instead of enduring it in the hope that the future will bring another perspective, be assertive.

Make the change.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Something is conveyed in a believable way, but that does not, in and of itself, make it true. What it indicates is that the source believes it wants you to agree. You’re not so easily convinced.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You don’t expect anyone to fully understand where you’re coming from because you’re dealing with a different set of problems and resources than they are. It will take too long to explain things. Demonstrate instead.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your eyes may be bigger than your wallet. As the 19th-century humorist Artemus Ward said, “Let us all be happy and live within our means, even if we have to borrow the money to do it with.”

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). When you think of your relationships, part of you is happy and grateful — part discontented and longing for something more. Malcontent will drive you to get out and meet new people.

Marchini is driven by a passion for student success and has dedicated her career to supporting a team of educational professionals in achieving this goal. Before her current position with EDCOE, she served as the assistant superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Accountability at Buckeye Union School District and as the principal of Camerado Springs Middle School.

Throughout her career, Marchini has been dedicated to delivering professional development to educators at all levels. With a strong background in research, organization and instructional design, she has created engaging and impactful professional development programs that have helped

educators improve their teaching practices and enhance student learning.

Marchini’s commitment to student success and passion for educational leadership has made her a highly respected and valued member of the educational community. Her ability to effectively

n See AwArds, page B5

Courtesy photos

Gabrielle Marchini, above left, and Nisa Lyons, below left, pose with El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ed Manansala after receiving their awards.

n sHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNdrA by Chad Carpenter

n rUBEs by Leigh rubin

sPEEd BUMP by dave Coverly

HOrOsCOPE by Holiday Mathis

Kathy Miracle named superintendent of Gold Oak USD

Dina Gentry EDC Office of Education

At its May 9 meeting, the Gold Oak Union School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously for Kathy Miracle to become the new district superintendent.

“I am so excited to begin serving and supporting the GOUSD community,”

Miracle said. “I look forward to continuing the traditions and hard work that have made GOUSD successful and will work collaboratively with staff and families to promote and challenge the intellectual, creative, physical and social development of all Gold Oak USD students.”

“We are honored to have someone of such caliber and experience join our team,” GOUSD Board President Jerald Soracco remarked. “We look forward to working together to make GOUSD an even better place for our students to grow.”

With more than 26 years of experience in the education sector, Miracle brings to the district a wealth of knowledge and expertise

in impactful instruction, curriculum development and data-driven results. She believes every child deserves to reach their full potential and is committed to transparency, honesty, accountability and hard work.

Miracle has an extensive background in building connections and relationships with those she serves, demonstrating outstanding communication skills and maintaining an upbeat leadership style that values collaboration and continuous improvement. She has maintained integrity and genuine compassion for all students, staff and families throughout her career.

Miracle has served as principal at Lakeview Elementary School since 2016, contributing significantly to the school’s success. Before that, she was principal at Green Valley Elementary School, 2011-16. Her exceptional leadership, professionalism and dedication to the education community have earned her high esteem.

“Kathy Miracle’s passion for educating students and supporting educators is evident by her proven success in the schools she has served,” El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ed Manansala said.

“She will be an exceptional leader for GOUSD and their community.”

She will begin her position July 1. For more information regarding the Gold Oak Union School District visit gousd.org.

Kathy Miracle

The Public Square

El Dorado Irrigation District is seeking:

Administrative Technician

Salary: $29.73 – $36.14 per hour

FFD: Open until filled.

First review of applications on May 15, 2023.

The Human Resources Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Administrative Technician in the Engineering Department.

Under general supervision performs a variety of highly responsible, complex and confidential administrative support functions for an assigned department; provides technical and administrative support in the preparation of correspondence, reports and other documentation; and assists with day-to-day administrative functions.

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

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

2890 Mosquito Road Placerville, CA 95667 Fax: (530) 622-1134

Barsotti Continued from B1

joked during the awards ceremony that when Gael and his wife Joan moved here almost 50 years ago, he dreamed of patching the walls of his log cabin. Joan’s dream was living in that log cabin, in an orchard and by a forest.

“I really give her all the credit,” Gael said of his late wife.

He had a winding path to El Dorado County. He attended University of California, Berkeley and played football for Cal, noting he was on the team the last time it went to the Rose Bowl.

“I was lucky enough to be an athlete and lucky enough to get to Cal,” Gael said.

In college, he was thinking about his career. He started with a travel company and lived in Kansas for a time before returning to California.

Gael in 1972 transitioned from travel agent to owner of an RV parts business. He had five stores at one point, with the main one in Mountain View.

In San Jose at the time, the Barsottis moved to Foster City. A few years later, in 1976, they bought the house on Apple Hill. With it came 37 acres of pears and apples. Over the years that was followed by the addition of several more acres. The

south of Sacramento.

His family moved to Placerville in 1946. They continued to work the ranch and Sweeney managed it 1964-79, when his family sold it.

“All of my children got to work on the ranch,” Sweeney said. “They told me how wonderful it was to have that experience working on the ranch.”

Sweeney built a career in surveying; 1973-85, he was the owner and managing partner of his own land surveying business. Then came the start of his political career.

Sweeney said the SOFAR — South Fork American River — project would have placed a series of dams

Barsotti property now boasts 92 acres. Pears hadn’t done well in the area since a blight several years before. Apples weren’t selling as well, either.

Then, in the 1980s, came the shift toward juice. Raley’s contacted the Barsotti farm to see if it could provide fresh cider for the grocery company’s produce sections – a new move for grocery stores. Barsotti’s applepacking business began to change into a cider and juice business.

“Then we started expanding from there,” Gael said.

Son Michael, a chiropractor, joined the business in 2000. He serves as its president. Daughter Cathy, vice president of sales and marketing, joined in 2007.

Gael’s company is a regular contributor to county causes. If a local organization needs juice, Barsotti said he’ll donate it. He’s known for helping the Boys & Girls Club, which named its gym the Joan Barsotti Gymnasium; the county food bank; and the Court Appointed Special Advocates program. The Joan Barsotti Scholarship Fund helps writers. Joan was the author of several children’s books.

“It’s nice to be recognized,” Barsotti said.

along the American River. He was one of the main proponents of a movement for the project. The effort lasted for years and wasn’t successful. Sweeney said the project isn’t dead.

“That’s what put me on the Board of Supervisors,” he said of SOFAR.

Sweeney served on the board 1985-93. He started a new, partial term in 2003 that stretched into two more four-year terms, keeping him on the board until 2013.

Sweeney took the skills he learned on the ranch to the supervisors’ chambers. The most important thing to him, he said, was understanding cost-

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.

benefit ratio.

On a farm, profit might not be seen for a year or more. That’s why when an investment is made, the person must be certain some profit will appear, Sweeney explained.

Laurel Brent-Bumb, CEO of the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce, praised Sweeney for his contributions to the county.

“He’s very deserving of this,” she said of the award. “Jack has been a huge supporter of ag in El Dorado County — in making sure that agriculture thrives in El Dorado County.”

Award recipients are selected by a committee of the chamber’s Ag Council.

“We needed to make sure that everybody recognized his efforts,” Brent-Bumb said. “You can count on Jack in any situation to have your back.”

As for the future, Sweeney said the county must ensure its agriculture is protected, arguing that it makes for stronger communities and brings in tourists, which means money.

“I’m a very happy person,” Sweeney said. “I’ve had a good life. I think we’re fortunate we live in the county we live in. It’s just a great place to live and I hope we can keep it that way.”

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/1762537

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/1762538

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

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Solution to Puzzle 1

Solution to Puzzle 2

Sweeney Continued from B1

Entertain Guests with a Fresh Al Fresco Favorite

Family Features

FAMILY FEATURES

BIf you and your loved ones yearn for new, stimulating experiences to feel connected to the outdoors, look no further than enjoying mealtime al fresco. Inspired by the Mediterranean tradition of “eating in the open air,” al fresco dining offers passionate home cooks a fresh way to enjoy their favorite recipes outside with friends and family.

Consider these two tried-and-true al fresco tips from television personality and culinary icon Rachael Ray the next time you enjoy dinner on the deck or lunch on the patio.

Gather the right tools: On those buggy days and nights during the warm season when you’re dining al fresco, grab a food mesh tent. Not only will it protect your food, but it also looks good and goes with a variety of table settings.

irthdays, holidays or just casual saturdays are if you and your loved ones yearn for new, stimulating experiences to feel connected to the outdoors, look no further than enjoying mealtime al fresco. inspired by the mediterranean tradition of “eating in the open air,” al fresco dining offers passionate home cooks a fresh way to enjoy their favorite recipes outside with friends and family.

Plan the decor: When hosting friends and family, up your floral game by reachi some fresh herbs – it’s aesthetically pleasing and smells delicious.

Ideal al fresco meals typically take advantage of in-season produce, offer easy preparation so you can focus on entertaining and are simple enough to eat outdoors. Skip complicated cooking steps and turn to a delicious option like Yellowfin Tuna and Artichoke Pasta, which can be served as an appetizer, side dish or on its own as a light main course.

Consider these two tried-and-true al fresco tips from television personality and culinary icon rachael ray the next time you enjoy dinner on the deck or lunch on the patio.

This dish practically calls for ingredients like Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil, which features cuts of wildcaught tuna, hand-filleted in just the right amount of olive oil. Savory, rich and flavorful with a perfect texture, the tuna elevates the dish with a uniquely rich and savory flavor stemming from Mediterranean inspiration.

Gather the right tools: On those buggy days and nights during the warm season when you’re dining al fresco, grab a food mesh tent. Not only will it protect your food, but it also looks good and goes with a variety of table settings.

To find more al fresco dining inspiration and recipe ideas, visit GenovaSeafood.com.

Yellowfin Tuna and Artichoke Pasta

1⁄4 cup toasted pistachios or pine

nuts, chopped

Recipe courtesy of Rachael Ray on behalf of Genova Tuna

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes with fresh artichokes

Plan the decor: When hosting friends and family, up your floral game by reaching into the garden and adding some fresh herbs – it’s aesthetically pleasing and smells delicious.

To make artichokes: Preheat oven to 425 F. Fill bowl with cold water and juice of one lemon.

(25 minutes with canned)

4

Servings:

Artichokes:

Cold water

12 small, fresh artichokes or 2 cans artichoke hearts in water

If using fresh artichokes, trim tops of artichokes and tougher outer leaves. Using vegetable peeler or small paring knife, trim stems. Once prepped, cut fresh artichokes in half. If using canned artichokes, drain well and quarter lengthwise. Place artichokes in lemon water.

Pasta:

2 lemons

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

salt, to taste pepper or red pepper, to taste

ideal al fresco meals typically take advantage of in-season produce, offer easy preparation so you can focus on entertaining and are simple enough to eat outdoors. skip complicated cooking steps and turn to a delicious option like Yellowfin Tuna and Artichoke Pasta, which can be served as an appetizer, side dish or on its own as a light main course.

Let soak 2-3 minutes, drain and pat dry with kitchen towel.

In casserole or baking dish, arrange artichokes and add juice of remaining lemon, quarter lemon and add lemon wedges to dish. Add olive oil and salt and pepper, to taste.

Roast 25-30 minutes, or until tender.

Water

2 cans (5 ounces each) Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

4 tablespoons butter, cut into tabs

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

this dish practically calls for ingredients like Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil, which features cuts of wild-caught tuna, hand-filleted in just the right amount of olive oil. Savory, rich and flavorful with a perfect texture, the tuna elevates the dish with a uniquely rich and savory flavor stemming from Mediterranean inspiration.

salt, to taste

1⁄2 cup white wine, chicken stock or vegetable stock

To make pasta: Bring large pot of water to boil.

While water is coming to boil, place large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil and butter. Add garlic; red pepper, if desired; and salt, to taste, and swirl 1 minute. Add white wine or stock and let reduce by half.

When water comes to boil, salt water, add pasta and cook 1 minute less than directions. Reserve 1⁄2 cup pasta water before draining.

To find more al fresco dining inspiration and recipe ideas, visit Genovaseafood.com.

1 pound spaghetti or linguine

1 lemon, juice only

1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese

1⁄4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley, divided

Add artichokes to large skillet with tuna with its oil and gently break up with back of wooden spoon or paddle.

Add lemon juice and reserved pasta water to skillet along with drained pasta, cheese and half the parsley, mint and pistachios. Toss to combine, top with remaining parsley, mint and pistachios and serve.

Yellowfin Tuna and Artichoke Pasta

1 small handful fresh mint, chopped, divided

recipe courtesy of rachael ray on behalf of Genova tuna

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes with fresh artichokes (25 minutes with canned) servings: 4

Artichokes:

Cold water

12 small, fresh artichokes or 2 cans artichoke hearts in water

2 lemons

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil salt, to taste pepper or red pepper, to taste

Pasta: Water

2 cans (5 ounces each) Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

4 tablespoons butter, cut into tabs

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional) salt, to taste

1⁄2 cup white wine, chicken stock or vegetable stock

1 pound spaghetti or linguine

1 lemon, juice only

1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese

1⁄4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley, divided

1 small handful fresh mint, chopped, divided

1⁄4 cup toasted pistachios or pine nuts, chopped to make artichokes: Preheat oven to 425 F.

Fill bowl with cold water and juice of one lemon. if using fresh artichokes, trim tops of artichokes and tougher outer leaves. using vegetable peeler or small paring knife, trim stems. Once prepped, cut fresh artichokes in half. if using canned artichokes, drain well and quarter lengthwise.

Place artichokes in lemon water.

let soak 2-3 minutes, drain and pat dry with kitchen towel. in casserole or baking dish, arrange artichokes and add juice of remaining lemon, quarter lemon and add lemon wedges to dish. add olive oil and salt and pepper, to taste. roast 25-30 minutes, or until tender.

to make pasta: Bring large pot of water to boil.

While water is coming to boil, place large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil and butter. add garlic; red pepper, if desired; and salt, to taste, and swirl 1 minute. add white wine or stock and let reduce by half.

When water comes to boil, salt water, add pasta and cook 1 minute less than directions. Reserve 1⁄2 cup pasta water before draining.

add artichokes to large skillet with tuna with its oil and gently break up with back of wooden spoon or paddle. add lemon juice and reserved pasta water to skillet along with drained pasta, cheese and half the parsley, mint and pistachios. toss to combine, top with remaining parsley, mint and pistachios and serve.

A Family Favorite in Just 5 Minutes

(CuliNary.Net)

running short on time from a busy schedule shouldn’t mean skipping out on your favorite desserts. in fact, it should be all the more reason to enjoy a sweet treat as a reward for all that hard work.

When you’re due for a bite into dark chocolate goodness, all it takes is a few minutes out of your day to make 5-minute Dark Chocolate Cereal Bars. this quick and simple dessert makes it easy to celebrate the day’s accomplishments without added stress.

as a fun way for little ones to help in the kitchen, you can cook together the butter, marshmallows, peanut butter and cereal then let the kiddos drizzle the key ingredient: melted chocolate. all that’s left to do is cut and serve or pack a few off to school and work for an afternoon treat.

Find more seasonal dessert recipes at Culinary.net. if you made this recipe at home, use #myCulinaryConnection on your favorite social network to share your work.

5-Minute Dark Chocolate Cereal Bars

recipe adapted from scrummylane.com

4 tablespoons butter

10 ounces marshmallows

1/2 cup peanut butter

6 cups cereal

4 ounces milk chocolate, melted

4 ounces dark chocolate, melted

Heat saucepan over low heat. add butter, marshmallows and peanut butter; stir to combine. add cereal; mix until coated.

line 9-by-13-inch pan with parchment paper. add cereal mixture to pan.

in bowl, mix milk chocolate and dark chocolate. Drizzle chocolate over cereal mixture; spread evenly then allow to cool. Cut into bars and serve.