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. mormon emigrant trail crystal Basin recreation Area

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.

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 (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.

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 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.

Ready for real change?

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 seNiOr Peer cOUNseLiNG tAxPAyers AssOciAtiON Of eL DOrADO cOUNty

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.

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.

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.