Mountain Democrat, Friday, May 26, 2023

Keeping the faith

Memorial Day ceremonies honor soldiers’ sacrifice

Maj. Drew Dela Cruz, a former El Dorado Hills resident, received the Distinguished Flying Cross late last year for his life-saving decisions during the Afghan evacuation.

Courtesy photo

John Poimiroo

Mountain Democrat correspondent

“If ye break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep, though poppies grow,” Canadian Army Col. John McCrae wrote from the perspective of a fallen World War I soldier in his poignant poem “In Flanders Fields.”

At 11 a.m. Monday, May 29, El Dorado County will keep faith with its fallen soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines when it gathers at the El Dorado County Veterans Monument, 300 Fair Lane in Placerville, to observe Memorial Day.

Ceremonies will include a fly-over and missing man formation by a squadron of World War II warbirds led by Cameron Park’s Chuck Wahl,

n See ceremonies page A8

What’s open now on the forest?

Odin Rasco Staff writer

Recreationists looking to experience the great outdoors in the Eldorado National Forest may find they will have to wait longer than normal to start their summer plans.

Crews have their work cut out for them this season as efforts to prepare campgrounds and other sites for opening face delays due to delayed access and extra prep work, according to a U.S. Forest Service news release. Traces of winter are sticking around the region longer than usual with the lingering snowpack at 300% of normal for mid-May.

n See Forest closures, page A5

In observance of Memorial Day the Mountain Democrat will not publish Monday, May 29.

Bruins, Trojans to play for section championships

Thomas Frey Mountain Democrat correspondent Whitney Montoya stood patiently waiting. The senior was stepping into the batter’s box with a chance to send the Ponderosa High School softball team to its first section championship since 2012.

Ponderosa trailed Vista del Lago 3-1 heading into the final inning in Tuesday’s home playoff. But big at-bats by freshman Ellie Escobar, junior Iris Perez, sophomore Molly McFarland and senior Tatum Silva tied up the game and Montoya was coming up with everything on the line. A win, and the Bruins head to

their first section title game since 2012, with a chance to bring a blue banner back to Shingle Springs for the first time since 1980.

“I knew walking it off was my only option,” said Montoya, a .438 hitter. “Although I was feeling nervous, I had enough confidence in myself that I knew I would get a hit and that this wouldn’t be my last game with this team.”

The count was 1-2 and the pitch sped toward Montoya, she swung and the ball leaped off her bat for a single, McFarland scored from third and the

n See championships, page A9

Photo by Amy Ward

File photo by John Poimiroo

The El Dorado County Veterans Monument will see flags of each branch of the military along with Old Glory marched in by Scouts and members of veterans organizations.

U.S. Forest Service photos by Matt Eister Snowdrifts of 12-18 inches on the east end of Mormon Emigrant Trail are expected delay the roadway’s opening to late June.

Charles “CJ” Robert Wheeler Jr.

aug. 21, 1991 – May 18, 2023

On Thursday, May 18, 2023, Charles “CJ” Robert Wheeler, Jr. passed away in Placerville, Calif. at the age of 31. CJ was preceded in death by his father, Charles “Chuck” R. Wheeler (1/23/1991) and mother, Teresa L. Wheeler (7/21/2008) and by his grandparents (Betty & Jim Wheeler and Alice Batemon & Jerry Hunt). He is survived by his two older sisters (Jessica Liddell and Lindsey Wheeler) who cherished him, his brother-in-law John Liddell and cousin James Wayne, both of whom he looked up to, his beloved nieces and nephews, and close family and friends who never gave up on him. CJ was an exceptional athlete, lover of animals, a hard worker, incredibly resilient, and wanted to prioritize others ahead of himself. He was extremely loyal and caring towards those he loved. CJ overcame so much in his short life and always lived unapologetically and on his own terms. We hope he is no longer in pain and is now at peace and finally together with his mom & dad. A memorial for close family and friends will be held at a later date. If you would like information, please email: cjwheelerforever@outlook.com

Philip Allen Wilson Sr.

“Rescue

Mayor”

o ct. 22, 1947 - april 16, 2023

Phil passed Sunday April 16, 2023 at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento. Phil was 75 years old. He was proceeded in death by his parents Jean Darryl “JD” & Lois Jea (Van Galder) Wilson & his brother David Leroy Wilson. He is survived by his wife Linda Kay Wilson (Pennington) of 56 years. Brother Tommy Leon

Wilson. Sons Philip Allen Wilson (Susan) & Jerry Edward Wilson (Heather). Seven Grandchildren

William Joseph “Billy” Wilson (Kendall), Jerry “Dugan” Wilson (Caitlynn), Christen Jane “CJ”

Altman (Eric), Kacey Lee Wilson, Kyle James

Wilson, Taylor Kay Wilson, & Reagan Frances

Wilson. & Six Great grandchildren Gracie, Abby, Evan, Ana, Fallon, & Jack.

Born 1947 in Stockton, CA. In 1966 Phil Married the love of his life, Linda in Lompoc, CA. In the early 1970’s they moved to South Sac took care of apartments before buying homes in South Sac & later Carmichael. Then in 1976 buying property, building their home, & moving their family of 4 to the Sierra Nevada foothills of Rescue, CA.

Phil was a union Carpet installer. Then when he moved to Rescue, CA he went into business with his lifelong friend Bill Vannoy (affectionately “Uncle Bill”). Later he went into sales for All Cal Floors in Carmichael, CA with his brother Tom. He continued in carpet sales through most of his working career. But always kept busy even after retiring by driving limousines & test driving big rigs in the Southwest.

Always helping others, Phil made a 2nd career in volunteer fundraising. He raised money for Easterseals, the Carmichael Rotary Club & others. After moving to Rescue he organized many charity golf tournaments, BBQ’s, etc to help many friends & neighbors in need. Accident victims, cancer victims, & children in need. He even raised funds that saved the Rescue Community Ctr by having a Mayor’s race, that culminated in a Rescue Day celebration & parade. He was honorary Rescue Mayor for many years running.

He’s a lifetime member of the NRA. He was voted in to the Republican Cental Commitee.

Phil loved the winged Sprint car races. Often one of the 1st in line at the Placerville Speedway. He became good friends with CJ Humphreys. The entire family & many friends would travel & camp for the whole week up North in Chico, CA for Silver Cup & Gold Cup. Putting on a big BBQ Saturday nights for friends & racers.

Catering many weddings & family functions. Phil became an Ordained Minister & officiated weddings for many, many friends & family alike, including his youngest son & two oldest grandsons.

Over the last 13 years Phil religiosity went to the El Dorado Fitness Gym (M-W-F) in Cameron Park. Where he made so many wonderful friends. After working out, he would generally sit on the entryway couch to visit with folks as they came & went. Making people smile with a joke & good conversation.

We will be having a Celebration Memorial for him on Sunday, May 28th, 1-5pm at the Rescue Community Center. This will be a Potluck & Refreshments(coffee, soda, & water) will be provided. Please feel free to contact Susie at (530)363-0746

Phil Wilson: Quite simply, “He helped people & made them laugh.”

Bryant Reid Vance

Nov. 9, 1945 – May 15, 2023

Bryant Reid Vance passed away peacefully on May 15, 2023 with loved ones at his side. He will be remembered by many as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Bryant was born and raised in Salt Lake City. He met the love of his life, Trena, while working at the gas company and became “the gas man that never left.” They moved to Placerville where he worked in the healthcare industry with Robinson’s Pharmacy until his retirement. He is now reunited with Trena for eternity.

Bryant was an avid outdoorsman and loved fishing. His boys remember trying to keep up while he hiked up and down the river, looking for a new hole to drag his silver Mepps spinner through, though he was frequently interrupted by the news that one of his boys had lost yet another spinner. As he got older, he could frequently be found at Kohl’s buying every shirt on the clearance rack.

Bryant is preceded in death by his wife, Trena, and his son, Jeffrey (Tad). He is survived by his sons Michael, Scott (Lisa), Justin (Jocelyn), and Cody (Jennifer). He also boasts 14 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Services will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 11:00 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, 3275 Cedar Ravine Rd., Placerville, California.

Carol Adeline Rogers

Jan. 16, 1937 – March 25, 2023

Born on January 16, 1937, to Theodore Becker and Emma Suelzle Becker in Alberta, Canada CA, Carol was raised with her siblings Joanne Becker Lang, Judy Becker Makin, and Kenneth Becker.

Carol’s parents operated the Gold Chain and Ivy House Restaurants on Main Street, Placerville, Calif., where Carol worked as a child and learned the restaurant business. This was the beginning of her career and love of cooking.

She attended the El Dorado Adventist School in Placerville and graduated from Lodi Academy. Life-long bonds were established, and Carol’s voice and love for singing bloomed. Soon after High School, she married Charles Rouland and they had two children, Robert Rouland, Chester, Calif., and Debi Rouland Hunt, Cameron Park, Calif.

Henry L. Moffett Jr. was her second husband, and together they owned Moffett’s Old Fashioned Chicken Pies Restaurant in Bellflower and City of Industry, Calif. When Henry passed away in 1988, Carol successfully continued operating the restaurants and catering services, an extremely favored family eatery for the region.

In 1989, Carol and Carrol E. Rogers, Jr., a former family friend from Placerville, were reacquainted in Southern California. Soon after, they were married, and Carrol became the maintenance and operations manager of Moffett’s restaurants providing Carol the opportunity to focus on her fine cooking and service to the Bellflower community. She was very active in Bellflower’s community affairs, Chamber of Commerce, and catered for service clubs: Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, and Soroptimist.

Carol and Carrol were happily married for 34 years until her unfortunate passing on March 25th with Carrol faithfully by her side.

Carrol and Carol frequently visited friends and relatives in El Dorado and Plumas, Counties while driving up Highways 99, 395, or Interstate 5 with a van filled with her favorite foods and stopping along the way to purchase Portuguese and German favorite cheeses, deli specialties, and could not pass up fresh vegetable or fruit stands. Her family was always her top priority and Thanksgiving and Christmas baking was her specialty.

Carol is survived by her loving and devoted husband, her 3 siblings, 2 adult children, 7 stepchildren, 20 grandchildren, 13 greatgrandchildren, her 2 brothers-in-law, and their wives. She had an enormous following of friends in Bellflower, Placerville, and Chester, Calif. All will miss Carol’s kindness, generosity, and loving spirit.

Instead of flowers, Carol would enjoy you “Paying it Forward” with your choice in her remembrance. Memorial Services will be held at Forest Lawn in Cypress, Calif., at 11:30 AM on June 07, 2023, at Patriots Chapel followed by a private service in Cameron Park, Calif., on July 22, 2023, with an Internment at Westwood Hills Memorial Park, Placerville, Calif.

Richard Scott

Richard (“Rick”) Scott passed away in the company of family, at his home in Santa Clara, Calif., on April 12, 2023.

Rick was born in Woodland, Calif., and grew up in Shingle Springs. He was a quiet and inquisitive kid, a talented clarinet player, and a member of the Academic Decathlon team. He graduated valedictorian from Ponderosa High School in 1984. After attending Santa Clara University (’88), he pursued graduate studies in mathematics at MIT. Upon completion of his PhD and two post-doctoral fellowships, Rick returned to his native California to join the faculty at Santa Clara University in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science in 1997. An accomplished scholar, Rick achieved the distinction of Professor in 2011, and in 2014, received a prestigious Simons Faculty Collaboration Grant to support his numerous collaborations with colleagues around the world. Rick cared deeply about his students and was widely admired and awarded for his excellent teaching, and his success at engaging undergraduate students in research at a high level. Rick’s deep love of mathematics and music was shared among family and friends. He enjoyed playing cards, playing the guitar, and camping and fishing. His sharp wit, easy humor, and generosity will be profoundly missed.

Rick is survived by his wife, Norine Hendricks, and two daughters, Audrey and Emily Scott. Predeceased by his sister Linda Scott Laverne, Rick is also survived by his parents, Stan and Carol, siblings Nancy and Terry (Ana Raphael), brother-in-law Christophe Laverne, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at the Santa Clara Mission Church on Sunday, June 4 at 1:00 p.m. All are invited to attend.

Expressions of condolence may be sent to Rick’s family, care of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Santa Clara University. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the department’s Alexanderson-Pennello Fund in memory of Rick, to support an annual Rick Scott Memorial Scholar award for a student to carry out research in the field of mathematics that Rick loved so much.

Richard “Dick” Reynolds Allured

Aug. 6, 1928 - April 23, 2023

Dick Allured, former Fire Management Officer for the U.S. Forest Service Placerville District, avid outdoorsman, veteran of the Korean War, our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, friend, and neighbor, passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2023.

Dick is survived by his children

Katherine (Jerry) Ferdolage, Karen (Randy) Barrow, Cindy (Gerold) Merker, Leslie (Floyd) Baumgartner, and David (Angela) Allured; 10 grandchildren, 12 greatgrandchildren, sisters-in law Betty Greve Allured and Joyce Voss, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Jean Ann Voss Allured (July 10, 1931- May 11, 2021), and brothers Robert T. “Bob” Allured and Walter S. “Ted” Allured.

Dick was born on August 6, 1928 to parents William Henry Allured and Sara Margaret Reynolds Allured in Los Angeles, CA. They soon moved from their home in Long Beach to Jackson, CA. where his parents operated a mine near Fuller Lane. He and his brothers, Bob and Ted, were required to be resilient and resourceful children. Following their parent’s divorce, they moved to live with relatives in Los Altos for a time, then back to Jackson after a few years. Dick was a hard worker and an outdoor enthusiast from a young age. Fishing, hunting, and trapping were a part of his young life, as were snowshoeing, skiing, and horseback riding. At 12, Dick was told to take a small herd of horses from just east of Jackson to Silver Lake for the summer tourists. He was given a day to do this and always told his daughters that was his “endurance ride.” Dick was a miler for Jackson High School, and made it to the state track and field meet his senior year for pole vault. He started dating his future wife, Jean Voss, while in high school. After graduating in 1947, he ran a winter trap line between Peddler Hill and Carson Pass. He “decided he didn’t like his own company” and moved to San Francisco, where he started working for Davis Cordage. On November 26, 1950, he married Jean; they were married for over 70 years before she passed away.

The couple lived in San Francisco until Dick was inducted into the U.S. Army on March 1, 1951, after being honorably discharged from the Navy the day before — he was too seasick to continue! After induction and training, Dick was sent to Korea where he served in the 7th Infantry Division, spending most of his time there on a half-track near Kumhwa Valley and Triangle Hill. Twins Katherine and Karen were 8 months old by the time Dick returned from Korea. He was honorably discharged from the Army on August 29, 1956. Dick went back to work with Davis Cordage, then U.S. Rubber Co. before moving back to Amador County, where he began working for the U.S. Forest Service on the Eldorado National Forest. He worked in Timber Management and Fire Management for the Cosumnes and Amador Districts; in 1961 he moved his family to Placerville in order to work in the Placerville District. Throughout these years his family was able to live with him during the summer months when he was stationed at Caldor and Plummer Ridge Guard Station. He

Madrona Vineya r ds

designed, built, and ran the firefighting operations for the Caldor inmate camp from the late 1950s to early 1960s. He thoroughly enjoyed working with the inmates and often said that was the best job he ever had while working for the Forest Service. At one time Dick marked timber with Vern Sprock for the Sierra Ski Ranch expansion, and he was a ski patrolman in the winters there in the 1960s and 1970s. Dick was passionate about the national forest trail system and was responsible for improvements to the Caples Creek Trail up to Government Meadows.

Dick took his family on many “memorable” adventures: backpacking, downhill skiing, hiking and cross-country skiing in the Eldorado National Forest and beyond, and bicycling the backroads of Amador and El Dorado Counties. One such memorable adventure involved unplanned snow camping.

Dick thought it would be fun to ski cross-country from Pickett’s Junction in Hope Valley over Carson Pass to Ted’s cabin at Caples Lake which, it turned out, was buried under 13 feet of snow. After Katherine found the top of the flag pole (which indicated he wasn’t digging in the correct place), Dick spent 12 hours digging a tunnel to the door; both girls got severe sun and wind burned faces and Karen got frostbitten fingers. Most adventures with Dick involved blisters and exhaustion, rather than being truly life-threatening.

Upon his mandatory retirement in 1982 after 29 years with the Forest Service, Dick went on to other jobs and pursuits. He scaled logs at the Mich-Cal lumber mill in Camino, drove a bus for fire crews throughout the West, tried his hand at prospecting, maintained and inspected several local forest trails with the help of his wife, children and grandchildren, helped his children with various projects, went on numerous extended road trips, learned to golf, and built a sailboat which he sailed in the San Francisco Bay with his family and friends. Dick was a member of the Masons for 61 years. In 1994-95 he was honored to be the chair of the Planning and Environment Committee as well as a member of the Criminal Justice Investigative Committee for the El Dorado County Grand Jury. For many years Dick enjoyed going to breakfast at the Golden Waffle with fellow retirees as part of the group called SIRs. Another highlight of his later years was his Honor Flight, accompanied by his son David, to Washington D.C. in 2017.

Dick loved animals, which was pretty obvious when a cat would find his lap or a dog came up for a quick pat and a nuzzle. He enjoyed cracking jokes, good stories, and throwing parties with friends, family, and coworkers. During his last days Dick had wonderful and caring caregivers, nurses and doctors for whom his family is very grateful. Mostly, Dick loved his family, and his family loved him back.

There will be a memorial service on June 25 at 2:00 p.m. in the historic ME Church at the Federated Church in Placerville, followed by a gathering of friends and family at Dick’s home. In lieu of flowers a gift to El Dorado Backcountry Ski Patrol (ebsp. clubexpress.com) or the charity of your choice would be welcome.

Rattlesnake

Avoidance For Dogs

Each dog is individually trained with live rattlesnakes and is personally trained by staff from HIGH ON KENNELS.

Sponsored By Hangtown Kennel Club Of Placerville, CA, Inc. with assistance from Dalmatian Club of No. CA

June 24–25, 2023

You’ll be at the clinic site approximately 40 minutes

Cost $90 Per Dog

PRE-REGISTRATION

REQUIRED

CONTACT: CATHY KEELER — 530-622-6909

Celeb ra t ing 50 Years !

50 Years doesn't happen very often, and we are excited to celebrate with you! Join us for our famous gourmet hamburgers, French fries, and music from the Just Chillin’ Band while enjoying the forest setting of our family’s winery. And not only will we be celebrating our new releases we’ll be opening some of those rare bottles from our cellar! Once in a lifetime opportunity!

$25/per person/$20 Madroña and Rucksack Wine Club members.

Tickets at www.MadronaVineyards.com

NEUROPATHY

We

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

Healthy Nerve

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

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

What is the underlying cause? 1

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

Our advanced treatment method has 3 main goals

How much treatment will your condition require? 3 Increase

How much nerve damage has been sustained? 2

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

The low level light therapy is like watering a tree. The light therapy will allow the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients to heal and repair. It’s like adding water to a tree and seeing the roots grow deeper and deeper. The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation.

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

Republicans strike a blow against illegal immigration

On May 11 House Republicans passed a sweeping bill that, if enacted, would largely end the illegal immigration crisis.

Of course, the legislation — dubbed HR 2 — stands little chance of getting past the Democratcontrolled Senate or President Biden’s veto pen.

But it’s still worth praising, because it contains the most ambitious immigration reforms ever voted on by either chamber of Congress. American voters elected a Republican House majority, in large part, to solve the worst border crisis in our nation’s history. Lawmakers have now answered that call.

The timing of the vote is no accident. On May 11 the Biden administration ended the Title 42 restrictions that gave border agents the authority to quickly expel illegal migrants. As a result, border crossings — which are currently hovering near record levels of roughly 7,000 per day — are expected to double to 13,000 per day.

HR 2, also known as the Secure the Border Act, includes a laundry list of important reforms.

For starters, it would fix our broken asylum system. Right now it’s easy for economic migrants to lie about facing persecution in their home countries and then work for years in the United States while their cases are adjudicated.

From 2014 to 2019, just 15% of migrants who passed a “credible fear” screening were ultimately granted asylum, according to a Department of Homeland Security review of completed cases.

The bill would reduce asylum fraud by raising the credible fear standard and requiring migrants to show that it’s “more likely than not” a judge will find they truly merit asylum. Currently, migrants only need to show that there’s a “significant possibility” that they’d win asylum.

The bill would also make migrants ineligible for asylum if they’ve passed through another safe country without applying there or if they’ve tried to sneak across the border illegally and then retroactively claim asylum when caught, instead of appearing at designated ports of entry. And it’d place limits on migrants’ ability to obtain legal work permits while waiting for their day in court — thus reducing the jobs magnet that attracts so many migrants in the first place.

The bill would further discourage illegal immigration by requiring the Department of Homeland Security to either detain asylum petitioners in the United States, or have them wait south of the border for their day in court.

Letters to the Editor

Memorial Day

EDITOR:

Dale M. Lawrence left college, where he hoped to study medicine, to enlist in the Army, just as thousands of other young American men and women put their dreams on hold to answer the call to serve their country. Stories my dad told his four daughters about serving as an Army medical assistant on the Queen Mary, transporting troops to England and injured soldiers back to New York during World War II, probably influenced three of us to become nurses.

I actually think of that entire generation as veterans of World War II because of their sacrifices in support of the war e ort at home. Some food items were rationed, but after work my mom and a friend from the clinic where she worked in Davenport, Iowa, would travel out to Credit Island in the Mississippi River to tend a big Victory Garden and raise chickens.

Though both my parents have passed on, I am proud to remember among the other valuable lessons they taught me about life, that some things are more important than our own comfort, selfinterest and even our dreams.

Sometimes sacrifice is called for to ensure opportunity for the greater good to prevail.

As we think of all those veterans, military or civilian, who are no longer with us, let us hold them in our hearts and strive to honor their memory by the choices we make between what may be easy or comfortable for us personally and that which contributes to promoting the general welfare, upholding our democracy and protecting our freedom to choose.

MICHAL LAWRENCE Camino

Misinformation and allegations

EDITOR:

Project Frontier was not “almost approved” as Todd White claims, as it had not even been subjected to the first o cial review and public hearing per the well-defined county review process. To state it “would have been approved” is pure speculation on Mr. White’s part.

The EDH Area Planning Advisory Committee hosted a Project Frontier “applicant presentation” March 15, which was the first known informal presentation with members of the community. APAC was started in 1981 as an advisory group to the county in creating area plans, prior to the state requiring a county general plan. APAC has been operating continuously on a monthly basis for

over 40 years, reviewing and commenting on EDH development proposals.

The claim about Project Frontier being possibly “subjected to less tra c impact fees than a couple trying to build a home” is preposterous, as county DOT had estimated the Tra c Impact Fees from the project would be close to $17 million. The reference by Mr. White to a 2017 sta memo in response to possibly establishing a West Coast Amazon headquarters facility in El Dorado County is totally unrelated to Project Frontier.

White further claims, “The largest project in our county’s history would have been approved largely behind closed doors” when, in fact, the public hearing process had not even begun or been calendared. I consider Serrano Village (thousands of acres with 1,000 acres of open space alone) to be the largest project. Project Frontier was proposed on 208 acres.

For Mr. White to further state “high level county sta have almost complete disregard for local taxpayers and their quality of life” should not go unchallenged by anyone who has ever worked closely with any of our county public servants. We have an incredible sta of dedicated people who do care about our residents and work hard to better the lives of all of our residents.

I would like to thank the members of the EDH APAC who put in hundreds of volunteer hours to analyze the available Project Frontier information and provide their conclusions and recommendations to the county. Their inputs, and those of the many individual public comments provided, were not ignored, but were thoroughly reviewed by the decision-makers involved, from the Planning Department to the Board of Supervisors. It is obvious that Mr, White’s reference to Supervisor Thomas and myself being “cheerleaders for the project” is a clear distortion of the facts, as no public record has ever been produced to justify this allegation. If following well-defined county processes and publicly recognizing that every property owner has rights that should be respected constitutes “cheerleading” then Webster’s dictionary needs to be updated.

I want to recognize the e orts of Bridging Divides and Braver Angels (an associated organization) for e orts locally to address the political division across our county. Many of us have attended their workshops and committed ourselves to working collaboratively with everyone in the community to find common ground and resolve issues to better the quality of life for all of us.

JOHN HIDAHL District 1 supervisor

The Not So Weekly Daley Say it ain’t so; California can’t lose its ‘Chachi’

It’s nothing short of shocking. Unbelievable, yet apparently true. The ramifications, now and going forward, are many, multi-faceted and could even approach epic proportions. It’s not yet on par with global warming or nuclear annihilation or conquest by alien hordes. But, it may be close.

I’m referring, of course, to the recent, breathtaking announcement that Scott Baio will soon depart California for more salubrious climes. In particular environments that lack crime and homelessness.

I don’t believe he specified a specific location, but surely there must be dozens if not hundreds of suitable small towns and geographic regions where Scott and his family would

feel much safer than in their swanky (but dangerous) L.A. celebrity neighborhood.

I’m not real familiar with Scott’s Hollywood stature, but the internet describes a fairly substantial body of television and movie work over the last several decades, not least of which includes his breakout role as the hunky boyfriend in “Joanie Loves Chachi.”

Chachi, you may recall, got famous as the cousin of “Happy Days” bad boy Arthur “the Fonz” Fonzarelli. I saw that show a few times in the ’70s, I think. He later played the title character of “Charles in Charge.” Never saw that one and don’t know anything about it. Evidently untainted by the traditional liberalism of the TV and

film community, Scott has become a leading figure in right-wing circles and more particularly in pro-Trump politics. He was the top “celebrity” speaker (along with Kimberlin Brown, Antonio Sabato Jr., Natalie Gulbis and the Duck Dynasty guy) at the 2016 Republican Convention that ended in Trump’s elevation as the party’s presidential candidate that year.

One could be forgiven for thus concluding that Scott Baio was a “king-maker” in-waiting ever since his Chachi and Charles days and thus is a likely harbinger of the rampant California exodus to come.

After all, you can’t blame a husband and father or anyone else for wanting to secure their family’s current and future wellbeing — and I don’t.

If Scott were to ask me to suggest a good place to relocate, I might recommend next door to the heavily armed Kid Rock or maybe Ted Nugent. Unquestionably, those dudes have the wherewithal and the inclination to keep frightening, violent criminals as well as homeless folk at an acceptably safe distance.

In general, think of Idaho and Florida as attractive alternatives to the hellscape that is now California. Those state leaders have proven they know how to treat people who are “di erent” and others who simply refuse to behave.

Anyway, best of luck Scott. Tell them I sent you.

Chris Daley is a biweekly columnist for the Mountain Democrat.

CHRIS DALEY

CHRIS CHMIELENSKI

By making it much harder for illegal immigrants to find jobs, the reform would deter would-be migrants from ever journeying to the United States.

If Scott were to ask me to suggest a good place to relocate, I might recommend next door to the heavily armed Kid Rock ...

■ See CHMIELENSKI, page A5

Rough winter weather has also made cleanup efforts a more pressing concern, with storm debris, hazard trees and a large number of fallen trees requiring expedient attention.

Sites expected to be open Memorial Day weekend are listed here; visitors to other sites are encouraged to check current conditions on the forest website for projected opening dates or status.

mormon emigrant trail

Mormon Emigrant Trail (Iron Mountain Road) is expected to be clear of snow from Sly Park Road to Silver Fork Road by Memorial Day weekend. Snow drifts past Silver Fork Road are estimated to be 12-18 feet deep. It is estimated the snow will be clear all the way to Highway 88 by late June.

crystal Basin recreation Area

Planned opening May 26: Ice House Campground, Ice House Boat Ramp and Picnic Area, West Point Campground, Silver Creek Group Campground, West Point Group Campground, West Point Boat Ramp, Crystal Visitor Information Center

Closed for 2023: Camino Cove Campground, Loon Lake Chalet

Georgetown/ Hell Hole Area

Already open: Dru Barner Campground, Bear Creek Picnic Area, Brush Creek Reservoir Boat Ramp, Traverse Creek Day Use Area, Donaldson Staging Area, Balderston Staging Area, Mace Mill Staging Area

Planned opening May 26: Stumpy Meadows Campground, Stumpy Meadows Boat Ramp & Picnic Area, Black Oak Group Campground, Ponderosa

Group Campground

Closures: Rock Creek trails in the southern zone and east zone are temporarily closed under Forest Orders 03-23-02 and 03-23-03 due to excessive downed trees that are in the process of being cleared. These closures are in effect through June 30. Rock Creek Road is impassable due to a culvert failure and asphalt washout at Al Brass Creek. Barricades are in place at the intersections of Rock Creek and 11E43 (trail 4) and 12N70G.

Highway 50 corridor

Already open: Bridal Veil Picnic Area, Bridal Veil Group Campground, Sand Flat Campground, Pyramid Creek Trailhead, Pony Express Corral Trailhead, Eagle Rock Picnic Area, Indian Spring Picnic Area, East Slab Creek Reservoir Day Use Area, West Slab Creek Boat Ramp, Caples Creek Trailhead, Caples Creek Equestrian Trailhead, Alder Creek Day Use Area, Fleming Meadow Trailhead, Cedar Park Trailhead

Planned opening May 26: China Flat Campground and Day Use Area, Silver Fork Campground, 42 Milestone Picnic Area

Closed for 2023: Gray Rock Camping Area due to Caldor Fire damage North south road/Highway 88/s alt springs

Planned opening May 26: Pipi Campground and Day Use Area, Mokelumne Campground, White Azalea Campground, Moore Creek Campground

Closure: Salt Springs Road is closed after crossing the Mokelumne River due to a landslide. Work is in progress to clear this road.

Closed in 2023 due to Caldor Fire damage: Capps

Crossing Group Campground and Day Use Area, Elkins Flat OHV Trails, Martin Meadow Campground Forest Service officials recommend keeping safety reminders in mind when visiting the region:

Post-fire hazards: Fire killed trees are a hazard in the Caldor and Mosquito fire burned areas. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas with hazard trees that could fall especially on windy days.

Cold/swift water safety: Rivers and streams are running high, fast and cold from melting snow. Lakes will be extra cold too. Hypothermia from exposure to cold water can be life-threatening.

Campfire permits: Obtain a campfire permit if you are not camping in a developed campground and check for fire restrictions that may affect your visit. California campfire permits are free of charge online at readyforwildfire.org/permits. Never leave a campfire unattended and make sure campfires are drowned out before you leave.

Bear safety: Proper storage of food and other scented items is essential to avoid bear-human conflict. Use metal storage lockers if provided. Bearresistant canisters are required when camping in Desolation Wilderness. Review other food storage and safety tips at fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/ bears and bearwise.org

Road access: As the snow melts, storm damage may be discovered that affects road safety and access. Drive cautiously and check alerts and road status on the forest website.

The Eldorado National Forest visitor services team is available to provide the latest updates and other information. They can be reached at:

• Forest Supervisors Office – (530) 303-2412

• Georgetown Ranger District – (530) 333-4312

• Placerville Ranger District – (530) 644-2324

• Amador Ranger District – (209) 259-3774

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

Chmielenski

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

Continued from A4

It’d deter human trafficking by allowing law enforcement to detain migrant children with their parents — rather than being forced to release them, often to potential abusers — or repatriate them to their countries, when appropriate.

Perhaps most importantly, the bill would require employers to check the legal status of new hires through the free, easy-to-use E-Verify system. By making it much harder for illegal immigrants to find jobs, the reform would deter would-be migrants from ever journeying to the United States. Without the allure of a job that pays many times what they could earn in their home countries, they’d no longer have any incentive to commit asylum fraud, deliberately overstay visas or smuggle children across the border with the help of cartels. Taken together, the reforms in the Secure the Border Act would strike a heavy blow against illegal immigration. The American people can only hope that, someday soon, there will be a Senate and White House that would turn these good ideas into law.

Chris

Chmielenski is vice president and deputy director of NumbersUSA.

This word is what makes AMERICA GREAT Never take it for granted!

This day and every day, please thank the men & women who have made it possible for 247 years, our Veterans and Armed Forces.

If you know or see our Military or Veterans, give them a hug or, better yet, buy them a meal. It’s the least we can do for all of their Bravery & Sacrifices to make our FREEDOM POSSIBLE.

COMICS

■ SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

■ TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

■ RUBES by Leigh Rubin

■ SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

a benediction and invocation by retired Army chaplain Lt. Col. Tim Thompson, performances of patriotic music by the Ponderosa High School Bruin Choir, presentation of “Taps” by bugler LCpl. Victor Mansfield, USMC, a parade of flags led by El Dorado County veterans and youth organizations, the Pledge of Allegiance led by veterans, placement of flowers on veterans’ memorials, presentation of a memorial wreath and inspirational speeches presented by CalVet’s Deputy Secretary for Communications Lindsey Sin, El Dorado County District II Supervisor George Turnboo and Placerville Mayor Michael Saragosa.

This year’s ceremony involves the dedication of 21 memorial bricks honoring El Dorado County veterans who served the cause of freedom.

They include WWI’s Coxswain Alfred Hogrefe Sr., USN (USS Tennessee); Korean War vet Msgt. Arnold O’Plant, USAF; Cold War veterans Cpt. Joe Whiten, USA; Cpt. Frederick Bookey, USA; Msg. David Moses, USA; and Seabee Dale Clapper Jr. USN; Vietnam War veterans PO3 H. J. Holzer Jr, USN; PO2 Deinhard Schmudlach, USN; Gysgt. K. L. Jenkins, USMC; and Sgt Joe Gargus, USAF; and Gulf War/Afghanistan veteran Gysgt. Edward Lacour, USMC.

Two generations of Edwards, including Pvt. Ted Edwards (WWI) and PO1 Donald Edwards, USN, (WWII) will be memorialized, as well as five generations of Turnboos who served during the Civil War, WWI, WWII and Korean War in the Army, Navy and Marine Corps and three generations from the Dela Cruz family who served in the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Being honored with memorial bricks are Crispin Dela Cruz, a Filipino who served as a guerrilla in the Philippines during World War II. Dela Cruz’ heroics earned him the rank of sergeant in the U.S. Army and the right to immigrate to America. His grandson, El Dorado Hills’ Rick Dela Cruz, was a U.S. Navy F-14 plane captain at Naval Air Station Miramar, famous for its Top Gun school. There, he helped train allied air forces. His son Drew, a 2007 graduate of Oak Ridge High School, is also being recognized.

Currently serving in the U.S. Air Force, Maj. Drew Dela Cruz will present the county’s Memorial Day keynote address. Major Dela Cruz was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross earlier this year for his heroics while piloting a C-17 in the closing moments of the Afghanistan War. He will speak about the Afghan War, his experiences and the sacrifices made by those who served during it.

A highlight of every Memorial Day ceremony is the presentation of Veterans Monument Scholarships by the El Dorado County Veterans Coalition. This year, $11,000 in scholarships are being presented.

Ponderosa High School’s Devin

Churning-Sibert will receive $4,000 to study biomedical engineering and Preston Hunter will receive $1,000 to study psychology. El Dorado High School’s Margaret Culver will receive $2,000 to study nursing and Madissen Smalley will receive $2,000 to study journalism. Charter University Preparatory’s Abby Montgomery will receive $1,000 to study political science. Receiving the $1,000 Sky Mote Scholar/Athlete Veterans Scholarship is Oak Ridge High School’s Arturo “Artie” Ambriz, who will study business administration and accountancy.

Since 2016, the Veterans Coalition has awarded more than $63,000 in scholarships to the children of veterans, in recognition of their parents’ military service to our country. The scholarships are funded through Veterans Monument memorial brick sales and community donations, such as a generous contribution made by Shingle Springs Subaru.

Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA, demonstrate community involvement and submit an original essay on how they intend to preserve American freedoms. The Sky Mote scholarship additionally requires that the student have competed in crosscountry running. SSgt. Sky Mote, USMC, was a Union Mine High School cross country athlete who was killed in action in Afghanistan and subsequently was awarded a Navy Cross, posthumously.

Serving as master of ceremonies will be Lt. Cmdr. Peter Wolfe, USCGRet; O cer in Charge of military ceremonies will be Capt. Jack Babbitt, USMC-Ret; and Sergeant at Arms will be Sgt. Preston Brandes, USMC.

Ceremonies are conducted by the El Dorado County Veterans Alliance, a nonprofit charitable organization which was just named Nonprofit of the Month by California State Assemblyman Joe Patterson. In addition to conducting Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies, the Veterans Alliance oversees improvements at the County Veterans Monument and raises funds to help veterans in need. More about the Veterans Monument is found at eldoradocountyveterans.org.

‘In Flanders Fields’

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly. Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

— Col. John McCrae

ARIES (March 21-April 19). ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’re in the process of picking up a skill that will improve your professional picture and personal life at the same time. Keep at it even when it seems like you’re not quite catching on. You’ll soon hit your groove.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). If everyone was paying attention to the same thing, you wouldn’t have so many versions of the story to contend with. But there’s a gift for you in these varied points of view. Listen to as many versions of the story as possible.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). People will be fascinated by your many interests, but only if you are strategic in the way you bring them up. Were you to present them all at once, people would be overwhelmed and unsure where to start with you. Focus on one theme.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Those who seek to control you are acting out of fear. They’re afraid the universe is not on their side. They’re insecure about their abilities and position. Align yourself with kindred spirits who, like you, live and let live.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You know what you’ve accomplished, but they don’t. You’ll have much more satisfying interactions when everyone involved understands who you are. You’ll figure out a cool and indirect way to reveal your story.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). As social creatures, it can be second nature to pay lip service to the values we believe we should have without examining our own unique take. Fulfillment may be attained in the pursuit of values independent of your social affiliations.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Adventure starts with a need. Your resources may seem limited, but if they weren’t you wouldn’t be inspired to go on a discovery mission. Put the word out about what you’re doing, and you’ll attract those with a shared interest.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Children pretending to be grown up tend to focus on the more glamorous aspects of adulthood, whereas actual adulting encompasses mostly unglamorous tasks — and enacting restraint from acting on irresponsible or immature impulses.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Though people certainly have joyful interactions with you, you cannot make people happy without their consent. All the other emotions are the same way. You’ll do your best knowing you are not solely responsible for the feelings of others.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your level of success is something only you can determine because a universal definition doesn’t exist. As long as you get to make the rules about this, why not slant them in your favor? You perform better when you feel successful.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Some people seem to constantly be having the hardest day of their lives, and others wouldn’t complain if they had the trials of Job.

You’ll use your excellent sense about people to give proper credence to their statements.

Bruins won the game, setting up a date with Central Catholic this Saturday at 4 p.m. at Cosumnes River College.

First baseman Chase Mueller had been waiting on deck.

“When I saw Molly cross home plate all I could think about was running to tackle Whitney because I have been waiting for her to have her moment,” Mueller said.

The team mobbed Montoya at first base as loud cheers rang from the standing crowd.

“Seeing how hyped and excited our team was is definitely a memory that will stick with me for the rest of my life,” Montoya said.

Montoya and fellow seniors Tatum Silva and Ana Niles have been on the team all four years. One year in they were joined by juniors Chase Mueller and Brynn Escobar.

“My seniors this year mean the world to me,” said Mueller, who is hitting .500. “Our team chemistry has been the best out of all three years. They have made such a positive impact on and off the field and I don’t want to say goodbye.”

The pandemic shortened the 2019-20 and 202021 seasons, but with a full season for the first time in 2021-22, the Bruins took full advantage. Niles had a 1.09 ERA, Mueller hit .485, Escobar .474 and Montoya .475 as the Bruins went undefeated in league before falling in the second round of the playoffs to Vista del Lago.

Silva missed the season due to an injury but came out and hit .489 out of the leadoff spot with 13 extrabase hits as a senior. A terror on the basepaths, Silva added 20 stolen bases.

“Tatum is our game changer. When she’s on base you know something is going to happen and if a ball is hit to her in the outfield you know she has it,” Niles said. “She is one of our most reliable players on the team.”

The team is 22-4-1 heading into Saturday’s contest but it’s the non-victories the team takes the most

from.

“We have had a few losses that have been hard to swallow but we all remind each other what we’re playing for and that the losses are how we are going to grow to get there,” Niles said.

The Bruins’ playoff run has been all about teamwork.

In the first game the Bruins led 3-2 but Wood High was threatening and had the bases loaded and no outs. But Niles retired the side and later hit a home run in the 13-2 win. Nine different Bruins recorded at least one hit.

Three days later against Manteca, Niles again hit a home run and threw a complete game 10-0 shutout.

“Ana always pushes our team to want to win and is very reliable on the mound and in the batter’s box,” Montoya said. “She always gets us out of tough situations and I have a lot of respect for her.”

So when Montoya found herself up to bat with the game and season on the line, both Silva, who stood on second base, and Niles, who was in the dugout, anticipated what would happen next.

“I had all the confidence in the world for Whitney,” said Silva. The two have played together since they were 9 years old. “I knew that was her moment and I couldn’t be more happy she got to experience that.”

Oak Ridge

The Trojans faces Granite Bay for the fourth time this season and Grizzlies ace Avery Seva — headed to Santa Clara University — was in the circle with a trip to the Division I section championship game on the line. Granite Bay won two of the three regular season meetings with Oak Ridge but the Trojans struck fast in the playoffs, scoring five runs in the first three innings.

Sophomore Ellison Schroeder pitched a complete game for Oak Ridge, allowing two earned runs while striking out five.

Freshmen Brooklyn Paratore and Sam Alekman along with sophomore Carly Short combined for 10

Oak Ridge hits.

Saturday schedule

Both Oak Ridge and Ponderosa will play for a section title at 4 p.m. Saturday. In the Division I Sac-Joaquin Section finals at Sacramento State Oak Ridge will take on Inderkum. In the Division III Sac-Joaquin Section finals at Cosumnes River College Ponderosa will face Central Catholic.

In the KNOW

May 26

The Pollock Pines Friends of the Library book sale takes place 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Safeway breezeway at 6498 Pony Express Trail. For $5 shoppers can fill a bag with their favorite genres and look forward to months of fabulous reading.

Musician Ed Wilson will perform at Jack Russell Farm Brewery in Camino, 6-8 p.m.

HipNosis performs at The Green Room Social Club, 251 Main St. in Placerville, 7-10 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Red Hawk Casino + Resort hosts live music at the Stage Bar. See Audioboxx (rock), 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. May 26 & 27.

Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “Cabaret,” May 26 through June 25. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

Valhalla Tahoe presents

Living History: Snowshoe Thompson at 7:30 p.m. in the Boathouse Theatre. For tickets and more information visit valhallatahoe.com.

May 27

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

The Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce presents Cardboard Boat Racing at the community pool. Bring your boat at 1 p.m. and races start at 2 p.m. For rules and more information visit cameronpark.org/ cardboard-boat-racing.

The Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park presents “The Voice of the Prairie,” May 27 through June 25. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.

KNUF performs at The Green Room Social Club, 251 Main St. in Placerville, 8-11 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Valhalla Tahoe presents Intro to Linoleum Cut Printmaking at 10 a.m. in the Grand Hall. To sign up and for more information visit valhallatahoe.com.

Valhalla Tahoe presents Living History: Donner Party Survivor James Reed at 3:30 p.m. in the Boathouse Theatre. For tickets and more information visit valhallatahoe.com.

May 28

Holly’s Hill Vineyards in the Pleasant Valley area

From vine to glass

Madroña Vineyards’ village gets it done

Mimi Escabar Special Sections Editor

It takes a village to make things happen. In the case of Madroña Vineyards it took a village of family, friends and community to establish the winery.

The late Dick Bush and wife Leslie bought part of the Dart Ranch in Camino in 1973.

The 52-acre parcel was purchased with partners Bill and Shirley Brooks.

Dick, an engineer, and Leslie, a teacher, had not planned to develop a premier vineyard and winery but the stars aligned in a fortuitous way to produce a 50-year success story. The couple planned to buy property in the Camino area to build a house and have an acre or two for their family. Sometimes plans change — and did they ever change for the Bush family.

“We were looking for an acre at first for our home. We were living in Placerville and just wanted a little more room,” Leslie said. “We looked at other properties but this one was available so we bought it.”

Planting a vineyard, growing wine grapes and eventually opening a winery was not initially on the agenda. However the land presented a compelling canvas to grow something. It had been used for grazing and was relatively flat and not too rocky. It also was home to a beautiful madrone tree.

Then Ag Commissioner Edio Delfino and University of California, Davis, Ag Adviser Dick Bethell suggested to

Dick that it might be a good idea to plant an experimental acre of wine grapes to see how they would do at such a high elevation.

Dick, with a doctorate in metallurgical engineering from Stanford, put on his practical and analytical hat and mapped out a vineyard.

“Dad was adventurous and had a business mind so planting just an acre didn’t fit in his thinking,” son and now winery proprietor Paul Bush said.

What grapes to plant became the next challenge. In 1973 California was emerging as a good place to grow wine grapes and there was a big demand for rootstock resistant to phylloxera, a bug that lives in the soil and can destroy a vineyard.

The lack of resistant rootstock did not deter Dick. “We had some Thompson seedless grapes growing on the property. My dad pulled a few of the old vines and had them tested. They showed no sign of phylloxera so it was decided to plant clean, young grapevines,” Paul said. Chardonnay, riesling, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and zinfandel — all popular at the time — were planted.

A gerwurztraminer was planted later and cabernet franc was grafted into part of the zinfandel in 1983.

“The planting became a community event with our partners, family and friends all helping,” said Leslie. “It really took a village to get it done. At the end we had a big barbecue and it was fun.”

More adventures

With more than half the vineyard planted Dick and Leslie and their children — Paul, 7; Carolyn, 9; Diane, 13; and David, 15 — embarked on another journey. The adventurous couple went to Zaire (formerly the Democratic Republic of the Congo) to teach at the American School of Kinshasa for two years.

During the two year hiatus the Brooks managed the property and vineyard with continued help from the community.

Upon returning in

1975, Dick and his family went to work with everyone else now invested in the vines. Even with all activity around the vineyard the thought of developing a winery was not at the forefront.

“When the fruit started ripening in 1977, my dad would take the small harvest to Greg Boeger at Boeger Winery down the road,” Paul said. “Greg mentored my dad on winemaking and helped with many aspects around the vineyard.”

In 1978 Dick decided to process the crop again using the knowledge and facilities at Boeger.

Photo by Lisa Jesse

The Bush family helped put El Dorado County on the wine country map with Madroña Vineyards, where grapes were first planted 50 years ago.

Mountain Democrat file photo by Andrew Vonderschmitt Paul Bush checks wine straight from the barrel after 2021’s Caldor Fire sent smoke throughout the region during the winegrape harvest.

Mountain Democrat file photo by Pat Dollins Madroña Vineyards releases wines ideal to pair with food.

n See Madroña page B4

n See know, page B5

next generation artists receive special recognition

News release

Four outstanding high school juniors and seniors received the 2023 Young Artist Awards at a recent reception at Arts and Culture El Dorado’s new Switchboard Gallery at 525 Main St. in Placerville.

The event also honored the memory of four bright lights in the El Dorado County community who were great supporters of the arts. Their lives represent the talent, thoughtfulness, generosity and commitment to the community that makes El Dorado County such a special place to live.

“This was an extremely successful year for the Young Artist Awards,”

said Program Coordinator Jordan Hyatt-Miller. “We rely on teachers to nominate students for these awards, and we were pleased to have more nominating teachers in each category than we did last year. The Young Artist Awards represent an important connection between generations of artists in El Dorado County, allowing us to honor and remember the legacies of four bright lights in our community while encouraging and recognizing the young artists who are carrying on those legacies.”

The Young Artist Awards were presented in each of four categories:

Photo by Caitlin Thompson

The 2023 Young Artist Award recipients are Jayce Kaldunski, Anandita Gupta, Audrey Ewing and Macie Douglas, left to right.

Tiffany L. Andrews is a military mom and an award-winning family law attorney with over 15 years experience.

• Super Lawyers ‘Rising Star’ 2013–2018

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The Only dual specialist practicing exclusively in the areas of family law and juvenile dependency law (Child Protective Services) in Northern California.

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Family Law Options: Mediation, Self-Represented Assistance, Collaborative Law, Litigation

“We were so fortunate to have so much help from other early wine pioneers.” Leslie said. “We would get together for dinners and share information. It was a great community all working together.”

The MacCreadys, Russells, Battjes,

Fitzpatricks and others were part of that early wine village.

The first of many

In 1978 the first bottle of Madroña Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

came off the line — the first of many beautifully crafted vintages.

Paul at this point was not too keen on entering the wine business. With an economic degree from UC Davis he would travel for a while and come home to work in the winery to earn more travel money.

The intrigue of crafting a food friendly wine finally converted the world traveler to a winemaker in the ’90s.

“I really enjoyed working at the winery and spending time with my dad,” Paul said.

Both Paul and Maggie continue the Madroña legacy but sometime in the future would like to make things “a little simpler.”

“How to get to that point to slow down will be an interesting transition,” Paul said. “There are so many great opportunities. We will figure it out.”

— Paul Bush, owner of Madroña Vineyards

Part of Paul’s duties were working wine tastings, fundraising events and special occasions around the region. While serving as an ambassador for Madroña he met Maggie Clark, who was working for Sierra Vista Vineyards and Winery during special events.

She was a partner in a CPA firm in Sacramento working on her master’s degree. She also enjoyed the wine scene in El Dorado County.

After a several year courtship Paul and Maggie married in 1999.

Her CPA skills were a nice addition to the family business and appreciated by Leslie, who had been handling the books.

“She brought her expertise to the office end of things. Mom was ready to pass the books to Maggie,” Paul said.

Dick was also ready to pass the baton.

“Shortly after I came on board Dick and Leslie started to consider retiring,” Maggie said.

In 2001 the business was restructured with Paul and Maggie at the helm and to this day the couple creates a balanced wine that is “not opulent” and pairs well with food.

“If I do a good job in the vineyard a good wine will follow,” Paul said.

One of those opportunities came in 2013 when a property on Carson Road became available. It was purchased and is now sister winery Rucksack Cellars.

“My dad was there for me and I appreciate all that he accomplished and shared with me,” Paul said. “My mom still is a part of everything and is so amazing. Plus there is the wonderful community that has been here for us. We are very thankful for everything.”

“It really does take a village to be successful,” Leslie said.

Madroña Vineyards Open House

Celebrating 50 years at 2560 High Hill Road, Camino

Sunday, May 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit the winery for wine (including some of the rare bottles from the cellar), gourmet hamburgers, French fries, music by Just Chillin’. To make a reservation visit madronavineyards. orderport.net/wines/Events.

Rucksack Cellars Open House

3030 Carson Road, Camino

Saturday, May 27, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sample new releases and favorites, enjoy music by Patrick Walsh and have delicious pulled pork sliders and sweet potato fries. To make a reservation visit rucksackcellars. orderport.net.

Help WAnted

Administrative Specialist

n sudoku solutions

Solution to Puzzle 1

BRIDLEWOOD

CANYON HOA YARD SALE

El Dorado Hills Bridlewood Dr. at Bass Lake Rd. Community-Wide Yard Sale. 324 Homes.

Saturday 6/3/23 from 9am – 2pm. Please stop through and see what is for sale.

The Mountain Democrat is seeking a candidate for the position of administrative specialist. The right person needs to be proficient in accounts receivable and accounts payable. Additional responsibilities include processing payroll, account invoices, banking needs, collecting expense data and other general office tasks. Must be comfortable working in a deadline oriented environment and provide friendly customer service to both internal and external customers. Excel and Word experience a plus. The Mountain Democrat — 2889 Ray Lawyer Drive Full time position — Monday thru Friday 8-5 p.m. Hourly position with paid time off and holidays. Medical benefits available. Pay based on experience.

Please email your qualifications and cover letter to: Rpietrowski@mtdemocrat.net

(No telephone calls or walk-ins accepted.)

www.eid.org

Solution to Puzzle 2

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

“If I do a good job in the vineyard a good wine will follow.”

Pooches to strut their stuff at the county fairgrounds

The Hangtown – Sierra Cluster is a series of three dog shows hosted by the Hangtown Kennel Club of Placerville, May 27-28, and the Kennel Club of the California Sierra, May 29, at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. Find full event details at hangtownkc.org.

Many El Dorado County residents may know of Hangtown Kennel Club for its obedience classes and rattlesnake avoidance clinics as well as many of its community services such as pet therapy visits, donations to local dog organizations and other various activities. Now is the chance to see club members competing with their dogs in conformation, obedience and rally.

HKC was founded in 1980 with a goal of becoming licensed to hold AKC events and to advance the interests of dogs and their owners in El Dorado County. In addition to hosting a range of AKC events, HKC supports and its members participate in many community activities, including visits to local retirement homes with their dogs; breed and obedience demonstrations at local events; public education seminars; and providing dog waste bag dispensers at trailheads and other locations throughout the greater Placerville area. Hangtown Kennel Club is excited to welcome spectators to its 60th and 61st annual AKC licensed All Breed Conformation Shows and Obedience

n See Dog ShowS page B10

Worship D irectory

Adopting a cat can bring a bit of sunshine to you every day. Adopt this orange & white ray of light. DSH 10 mo.

EINSTEIN

Yes. And he is part Border Collie, so he may be a genius. Brindle colored, but cannot run as fast as light. 16 mo.

She will love you and make you laugh. Be her BFF and adopt her this week. F black Pit Bull Terrier mix 8yr.

buttered and salty ‘Air’

HHH PG-13

1 hour, 52 minutes

Drama, Sports

Now streaming on Amazon Prime

Ben Affleck’s “Air” fires off from the starting block with a wave of 1980s nostalgia and doesn’t let up. Quick explosions of video clips of every pop-cultural event of 1984 (and there were a lot of them) backed by Dire Straits “Money For Nothing” set the tone in the first few and don’t let up. From there the film follows the history of shoe salesman Sonny Vaccaro and how he led Nike in its pursuit of the greatest athlete in the history of basketball: Michael Jordan.

The film doesn’t have a dull moment. It moves through the runtime like a 1980s-fueled fever dream. This is due to a tight and entertaining script by freshman writer Alex Convery, who keeps exposition light and entertaining while friends Ben Affleck and Matt Damon — 26 years after “Good Will Hunting” put them together as collaborators — and the rest of the A-list cast move the chains of the narrative. This includes Jason Bateman as Nike marketing director Rob Strasser, Chris Tucker as executive Howard White (who all these years later is still in charge of the Jordan brand) and the great Viola Davis as Deloris Jordan (Michael’s Mother). The cast is expectedly top-tier.

We all know the outcome of the film. Michael Jordan went on to become one of the greatest athletes in history and in the process, changed how global basketball (or sports for that matter) marketing was done. This film showcases the dramatic process of how the Nike/Jordan deal was accomplished before Mike even stepped onto an NBA court for the first time. What I find joyous about this film is it features characters who, while far from perfect human beings, are good at their jobs. Too many modern movies are so focused on

making characters sympathetic to all audiences that screenwriters include plucky jokes and dialog to make them “relatable.” This is no more evident on modern “Star Trek” shows (other than the excellent third season of “Star Trek: Picard”), where characters spew out jokes and zingers that are clever in 2023 but completely out of place in the 23rd century. This is not the cast in “Air.” Characters are out of shape though they work for an athletic shoe company; they are going through divorces and a mid-life crisis even though they are attempting to make trendy and hip shoes for teenagers and 20-somethings.

The film uses a narrative of naming the sections of the film after several of the Nike principles (below) CEO Phil Knight (Affleck) had framed in his office. This is a wonderful and effective narrative foundation to build the story on. We should all take a look at these principles to guide our professional ambitions.

If there is one area I thought could have been improved in the story it would be some of the personal lives of the characters. There is a scene late in the film where Bateman’s Strasser tells Damon’s Vaccaro about how he only gets his daughter on Sundays since his divorce and every week he takes her a pair of Nikes from work. The little girl loves getting the shoes (of course) and even though they are a material thing it gives him value in her eyes (and in his, frankly) because of what he does for a living. This is the type of character struggle and background 2011’s “Moneyball” with Brad Pitt excelled at. “Air” could have used a bit more of this.

“Air” may seem like a two-hour ad for Nike but it is not. It documents a deal and time period that literally changed the sports, fashion and marketing world with one improbable deal by a floundering Nike Basketball division at the time. It also has one hell of a great 1980s soundtrack!

Principles

1. Our business is change.

2. We’re on offense. All the time.

3. Perfect results count — not a perfect process. Break the rules: fight the law.

4. This is as much about battle as about business.

5. Assume nothing. Make sure people keep their promises. Push yourselves, push others. Stretch the possible.

saturday, June 10th, 4pm to

941 Cold springs

FOOD,

6. Live off the land.

7. Your job isn’t done until the job is done.

8. Dangers:

– Bureaucracy

– Personal ambition

– Energy takers vs. energy givers

– Knowing our weaknesses

– Don’t get too many things on the platter

9. It won’t be pretty.

10. If we do the right things, we’ll make money damn near automatic.

Joshua B. Porter is a writer/director/producer. He is a producer on the romantic comedy “Not Your Year,” currently available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime. He can be reached at @joshuabporter or joshuabporter@mtdemocrat.net.

Democrat correspondent

Hangtown Kennel Club

Poem of the Month

I walk through fog-laced stillness meet five El Dorado Pears planted decades ago they stand sentinel have survived storms, pear blight, fire one faces me branches sprout from its crown bend toward earth yellow leaves hang on long thin branches rustle in the wind moss moves between roots up bristly bark toward light

THe AncienTs

I reach for yellow green fruit lined palm meets smooth skin tastes the honeyed harvest before the blight was an El Dorado Pear so sweet?

sun melts fog spring forces fruit torn blossoms still underfoot

Susan Flynn is a poet, photographer and psychoanalyst living in Sacramento and Georgetown. Her poetry has been published in various journals. Susan is trained as an Amherst Writers and Artist group facilitator and this year, will facilitate writing groups for trauma survivors. “Seeing Begins in the Dark” is her first poetry collection.

Dog shows

Continued from B6

and Rally Trials at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville on Saturday, May 27, and Sunday, May 28. At the shows spectators can:

• Meet and greet different dog breeds (approximately 800 dogs are entered each day representing over 125 different breeds or varieties).

• Learn about responsible dog ownership and speak with breeders, owners and handlers about topics related to dogs.

• Watch the judging of various breeds in conformation and cheer for your favorite.

• Delight in puppies getting started in the sport in the AKC Sanctioned 4 and under 6 Months Puppy Competition.

• Marvel at the handling skills of young handlers competing against their peers in the Junior Showmanship Competition (children ages 9 to 18 years).

• Observe owner-handlers compete in a special series called the National Owner-Handled Series. These

exhibitors are striving for a spot in the finals at the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin in Orlando in December.

• Admire dogs’ understanding of commands as they maneuver hurdles and retrieve articles in obedience and rally trials.

• Cheer for the dogs in barn hunt competitions held all three days on the grounds hosted by The Gold Country Pet Resort.

• Check out and participate in an amazing raffle with 100% of the profits benefiting dogs through the following local, charitable organizations: Foothill Dog Rescue, Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode, El Dorado Search & Rescue Council Inc. and Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of El Dorado County.

• Visit the dog show vendors .

• Enjoy a tasty snack and/or beverage from the food and drink vendors. Find full event details online at hangtownkc.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters

THURSDAY, JUNE 1

The Boxmasters is an Americana R&R band featuring actor-musician Billy Bob Thornton and Grammy Award-winning engineer J.D. Andrew. Their craving for ‘60s beats has produced an impressive catalogue touching on a wide array of musical influences.

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.

Lonestar

SUNDAY, JULY 30

Multiple-award-winning Lonestar’s charttopping country hits started with the rockedged “No News,” followed by “Come Cryin’ to Me” and “Everything’s Changed.” The band’s quadruple-platinum album Lonely Grill spawned four No. 1 hits, including the beloved global smash “Amazed.”

Boz Scaggs –Summer 23 Tour

TWO NIGHTS! AUGUST 22 & 23

It’s appropriate that Boz Scaggs’ new album is Out of the Blues, since the blues is what first sparked his five-decade musical career. His catalog of hits includes “It’s Over,” “Lido Shuffle,” and the Grammy-winning “Lowdown.”

Photo by David Grenier