Mountain Democrat, Monday, June 5, 2023

Winter’s storm clouds had a

golden lining

Odin Rasco Staff writer

Albert Fausel has been answering calls to his family’s store Placerville Hardware almost nonstop for weeks.

With the publication of a New York Times article in late April, the secret is officially out; there’s still gold in those hills and Fausel has the inside scoop — or pan, in this case. When winter’s storms beat against California and set records for rain and snowfall the excessive saturation of the soil and accelerated erosion meant just one thing to eager treasure hounds; a good year for gold was just around the corner.

Erosion over time has long operated as a kind of golden drip feed, bringing bits of gold into the region’s waterways after millennia underground; understanding this natural

Judge allows fire retardant use as permit pends

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

The U.S. District Court for the District of Montana ruled the U.S. Forest Service can continue to use aerial fire retardant to fight wildfires while waiting on a Clean Water Act permit.

The ruling, which came May 26, comes out of the Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics v. U.S. Forest Service case where the advocacy group sought to stop the service’s use of the firefighting tool without the CWA permit.

Judge Dana Christensen asked the Forest Service to update him every six months while it pursues the required permits to drop retardant.

Former Cal Fire director and Mount Aukum resident Ken Pimlott, who also chairs the El Dorado County Fire Safe Council, states in a press release the use of the aerial fire retardant is critical in the Forest Service’s firefighting strategy, noting it reduces the spread and intensity of a wildfire. He adds the court’s decision will “literally save lives.”

“Taking this tool away would undermine the health and safety of our communities and cause significant economic harm to businesses navigating the constant threat of wildfire,” Pimlott comments. “Because the court rightfully chose to prioritize public safety, Americans across the West can breathe a sigh of relief.”

The group filed the lawsuit against the Forest Service in October. FSEEE claims the USFS dropped about three-fourths of a million gallons of fire retardant from 2012 to 2019 into U.S. waters without a National Pollutant Discharge system permit from the Environmental Protection Agency, which would allow the Forest Service to drop retardant in waterways when necessary. They claim to do so was a violation of the Clean Water Act, which helps regulate pollutant discharging into U.S. waters.

In the case, various firefighting experts and

Veterans alliance is assemblyman’s nonprofit pick

Patterson presented the congressional recognition to Veterans Alliance President Gary Campbell in front of the El Dorado County Veterans Monument in Placerville May 26.

Patterson said it was fitting to honor the organization, which is a charitable nonprofit as Memorial Day was right around the bend that weekend. Patterson chose to honor the alliance for its mission in assisting local veterans.

“This is a very special month for families who lost a loved one in the military, and we wanted to

Courtesy photos

Albert Fausel kneels at the riverside, sifting through his find with a gold pan to separate gold flakes from sand. Fausel’s preferred method is “sniping,” where the gold hunter dives underwater to find the gold at the riverbed.

Not all days produce such a haul, but Fausel loves the surprise that comes when he sees a pan bottom coated in gold.

ESSENTIALS

Texas Hill Reservoir properties to be rezoned as residential

Michael Raffety Mountain Democrat correspondent

The site of a future Texas Hill Reservoir that would impound water from Weber Creek is getting a partial rezoning.

Some privately owned properties within the take line were previously residentially zoned but were rezoned as recreational facilities. About 38% of the privately owned parcels were previously zoned residential.

CRIME LOG

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

May 15

1:56 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 33-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance and a felony postrelease violation on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. He was listed in custody.

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3:46 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 66-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia, possession of a concealed knife and transporting a controlled substance (location not specified). He was listed in custody in lieu of $250,000 bail.

9:18 a.m. Vandalism was reported at an apartment complex on Pearl Place in Diamond Springs.

10:02 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Sweet Birch Lane in Camino.

2:11 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Seanshelly Lane in Rescue.

2:50 p.m. A vehicle burglary was reported at a storage facility on Golden Foothill Parkway in El Dorado Hills.

2:56 p.m. Battery was reported on Mother Lode Drive in Placerville.

3:40 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Sweet Birch Lane in Camino.

May 16

12:36 a.m. A Prowler was reported on Many Oaks Lane in Shingle Springs.

9:25 a.m. Burglary was reported at Panorama Drive in Placerville.

1:12 p.m. Burglary was reported on Robin Lane in Cameron Park.

1:53 p.m. Burglary was reported at Panorama Drive in Placerville.

2 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Sly Hollow Drive in Shingle Springs.

2:39 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 57-year-old man suspected of DUI, driving on a suspended license and a probation violation

LAKE LEVELS

The El Dorado Irrigation District owns the remaining 62%. Some of EID’s property has been leased to cattle ranchers.

Property owners who have built houses are reportedly having di culty selling them under current zoning.

EID has agreed to return those private parcels back to residential zoning. The district is splitting the di erence with the county on the expense of doing an environmental impact report and

on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines. He was released on $50,000 bail.

7:45 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 54-year-old man suspected of elder abuse on King Henry Way in El Dorado Hills. He also had a bench warrant. The suspect was released on $50,500 bail.

9:51 p.m. Burglary was reported at a mobile home park on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines.

May 17

2:08 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 37-year-old man suspected of being under the influence of a controlled substance and being a prohibited person in possession of ammunition on Coach Lane in Cameron Park. He was released on $50,000 bail.

8:25 a.m. A vehicle burglary was reported on Rocky Ridge Road in Placerville.

8:36 a.m. A vehicle burglary was reported on Patterson Drive in Diamond Springs.

9:44 a.m. Burglary was reported on Grassy Run Road in Placerville.

10:02 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Shale Drive in Placerville.

11:46 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Cold Springs Road in Placerville.

12:36 p.m. A prowler was reported at a mobile home park on Highway 193 in Placerville.

6:39 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 30-year-old man suspected of smuggling narcotics and cellular phones intended for inmates on North South Road in Omo Ranch. He was released on $290,000 bail.

7:21 p.m. Battery was reported at a mobile home park on Forebay Road in Pollock Pines.

May 18

4:32 a.m. Battery was reported on Broadway in Placerville.

9:28 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Allegheny Road in El Dorado Hills.

9:49 a.m. Deputies booked into

rezoning. The water district’s half is $173,940, according to a report by EID Environmental Resources Supervisor Brian Deason.

The EID Board of Directors unanimously approved the expense as part of its consent calendar during Monday’s meeting. Unless EID later chooses to buy these residential properties, this is an indication Texas Hill Reservoir is unlikely to be built in the future.

jail a 27-year-old man suspected of child abuse on La Crescenta Drive in Cameron Park. He was released on $90,000 bail.

12:07 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 35-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia and a felony probation violation on Saratoga Way in El Dorado Hills. He was listed in custody.

4:37 p.m. Battery was reported on Market Court in Shingle Springs.

5:28 p.m. Battery was reported at a shop on Front Street in Georgetown.

9:38 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 41-year-old woman suspected of being under the influence of a controlled substance and a probation violation on Crazy Horse Road in Cameron Park. She was listed in custodian lieu of $15,000 bail.

11:02 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 42-year-old man suspected of multiple counts of possession of illegal drug paraphernalia on Guadalupe Drive in El Dorado Hills. He was released on $24,000 bail.

May 19

12:07 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 54-year-old man suspected of DUI on Highway 50 (town not specified). He was later released.

12:43 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail an 18-year-old man suspected of DUI on Highway 50 at Carson Road in Camino. He was later released.

3:22 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 46-year-old man suspected of disorderly conduct and possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia on French Creek Road in Shingle Springs. He was later released.

8:37 a.m. Vandalism was reported at a resort on Highway 49 in Lotus.

9:53 p.m. Battery was reported on Blue Tent Court in Cool.

11:40 p.m. Battery was reported on Center Oak Road in Shingle Springs.

May 20

12:16 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 46-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia, receiving stolen property and conspiracy to commit a crime on Sunset Lane in Shingle Springs. He was later released.

12:53 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 30-year-old man suspected of DUI on Highway 50 at Greenstone Road in Placerville. He was later released.

2:09 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 54-year-old woman suspected of possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia and conspiracy to commit a crime on Sunset Lane in Shingle Springs. She was listed in custody in lieu of $25,000 bail.

5:38 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 39-year-old man suspected of aggravated assault and illegal entry on Pleasant Valley Road in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $150,000 bail.

10:57 a.m. Deputies cited a person for trespassing on Cold Springs Road in Placerville.

6:37 p.m. Vandalism was reported at a park on Alexandra Drive in El Dorado Hills.

9:28 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 29-year-old woman suspected of DUI on Highway 50 in El Dorado Hills. She was listed in custody in lieu of $30,000 bail.

9:59 p.m. Illegal entry was reported on Woodsman Loop in Placerville.

11:52 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 55-year-old man suspected of DUI on Kipps Lane in El Dorado Hills. He was released on $10,000 bail.

May 21

1:01 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 41-yearold man suspected of DUI on Greenstone Road in Placerville. He was later released.

9:05 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 52-year-old woman suspected of DUI on Highway 50 at Bass Lake Road in El Dorado Hills. She was later released.

5:04 p.m. Grand theft was reported at a store on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.

9:27 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a store on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

9:47 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 34-year-old man suspected of a felony parole violation on Beach Court in Lotus. He was later released.

11:37 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 57-year-old man suspected of DUI on Shingle Springs Drive in Shingle Springs. He was released on $5,000 bail.

Alliance Continued from A1

do something for veterans and their families who have unfortunately lost a loved one,” Patterson said while presenting the award. “We were looking at organizations and learned about the great monument but we are appreciative of everything they do in making not only veterans but also their families feel important for the sacrifice they give.”

In addition to hosting Memorial and Veterans Day ceremonies at the Veterans Monument, the nonprofit also raises money for other veterans organizations that need assistance. In April the alliance’s board voted to give $30,000 in grants to other veterans organizations impacted by recent county disasters such as the Caldor Fire and the flooding that occurred at the turn of the new year. The alliance also sends money to Folsom Lake College to assist with its veterans program for El Dorado County residents.

“It’s great to see the recognition from these di erent agencies and local governments, especially during this month,” Campbell said. “We are pleased to be in a position to help out the way we do.”

Judge Sullivan retires

Mountain Democrat staff

El Dorado County Superior Court

Judge Dylan Sullivan retired effective April 5, after nine years of service on the bench.

Sullivan was appointed to the bench in September 2014 after being elected in the primary election. Most recently Sullivan presided over civil matters in Department 9 but throughout her tenure she heard a variety of matters, including criminal, juvenile justice, juvenile dependency, family law and probate, according to a press release from El Dorado County Superior Court.

She served as the presiding judge of the juvenile court from 2015-19.

Prior to her appointment Sullivan

Fire retardant

Continued from A1

stakeholders shared their opinions through an amicus brief that defended the use of fire retardants as needed to fight increasing and more frequent wildfires.

Forest Service officials have said it would take about two years to secure a permit.

After the ruling, President and CEO of the California Forestry Association Matt Dias released a statement asserting the decision made by the court was a victory for stakeholders and communities depending on the Forest Service’s use of fire retardant to fight catastrophic wildfires.

“Fire retardant is one of the most important tools we have in our toolbox, and the court’s decision to safeguard this tool was ultimately a decision to prioritize lives, land, businesses and forested environments,” Dias states.

The FSEEE argues the ammoniumphosphate-based retardant is doing more harm to the environment than good for firefighting. The group maintains the ammonia inside the retardant is toxic to aquatic life and can cause toxic algae blooms due to fertilization from the product, disrupt the ecosystem and potentially kill fish in the process, among other environmental concerns.

Whether fire retardant is actually useful has come into question. Studies show it can slow a fire’s spread but it is best used in the morning when

temperatures are cooler. Other factors of its effectiveness include wind, terrain, fuel type and slope.

The Forest Service dropped nearly 53 million gallons of retardant on federal, state and private land in 2021.

Community leaders in the Western U.S. claim use of retardant will save more lives and less property will burn, including mayor of the town of Paradise, Greg Bolin. Paradise was devastated by the 2018 Camp Fire, which burned more than 153,000 ares in Butte County, caused 85 deaths and more than $16 billion dollars in damage.

“No one knows the damage that these fires can cause more so than communities like mine,” Bolin said.

“We lost our town to one of the biggest fires in California history, so this case was very personal for us. Our brave firefighters need every tool in the toolbox to protect human lives and property against wildfires, and today’s ruling ensures we have a fighting chance this fire season.”

The case got so much attention, lawmakers introduced a bill to Congress, the Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2023, which would create Clean Water Act exemptions for firefighting agencies for continued use of fire retardant, authored by California Representatives Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA).

ARIES (March 21-April 19). In a way, the praise you give others today is self-praise because you wouldn’t see the quality if you didn’t have it to some degree in yourself. Similarly, criticism of others is self-criticism. Be light with it all!

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Momentum is hard to get going and harder to stop. You won’t regret putting in the extra effort in the beginning. Mostly, it’s about solving a problem. Once that’s out of the way, a project comes together quickly.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’re not easily impressed nor are you concerned with impressing others. Because you don’t worry about your social ranking, it tends to be quite high. Your lack of a personal agenda puts people at ease.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Group problem-solving has its own magical dynamic. This is part of the appeal of a good mystery, which you’ll come across today. Varying opinions and misunderstandings are communication issues that add to the fun.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’re wise to be careful about what you take on. You’ll accept two kinds of challenges: the sort you are reasonably sure you can impact, and the type that looks like so much fun, it doesn’t matter.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). This is your day to take a risk. If you win, great. If you lose and lose with grace, even better. It will spark your creativity, endear you to the heart of someone loving, or both.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Something you do today will give you bragging rights. Whether you exercise those rights in the future will be fully up to you. Either way, it will make you feel wonderfully confident just to know you have them.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Tranquility can only be achieved in the now. A memory of tranquility can be a tranquil thing to linger on, or it can be a contrast that makes the current chaos more apparent.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). If you make a mistake, you’ll own up to it. Also, you are wise and realize that “mistakes” are often a subjective concept — just one person’s opinion against another’s. Light apologies are the answer.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’ll come to a point in which you really don’t know what to do next, but don’t fret. Any move will do. Once you’re in motion, you’ll fall into the groove that eventually leads to the next move.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). By human standards, life often seems inherently unfair. Even so, you’ll get the feeling that there’s some other standard in effect today as disparate elements come together in a beautiful, unpredictable balance.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Each person’s brain is different. Some hear a running narrative in their head, and others see the way. Still, others feel the impulse and move. There’s luck for working with those who have a different thinking style from yours.

Mountain Democrat file photo El Dorado County Superior Court Judge Dylan Sullivan, who most recently presided over Department 9 hearings, retired in April.

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

COMiCS

Why are the progressives so intent on gutting direct democracy rights?

When will progressives stop attacking the direct democracy rights?

A couple of months

ago this column exposed the threat that Senate Constitutional Amendment No. 1 posed to the power of recall. Among the powers of direct democracy, initiative, referendum and recall, the power to recall a statewide or local elected o cial provides voters with the ability to remove a sitting elected o cial in the middle of a term. Recalls are frequently deployed when an elected o cial has engaged in gross dereliction of duties such as the recent successful recall of San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin.

Currently, voters can recall a state o cer by majority vote and, in the same election, elect a successor with a plurality of the vote. But SCA 1 would leave an o ce vacant in the event of a successful recall until a replacement is elected in a special election. This deprives voters of knowing who will replace the politician they are recalling and there would be no one to perform the duties of that o ce. In addition, under SCA 1 the rules would be di erent for a gubernatorial recall. If a governor is removed from o ce in a recall election, the lieutenant governor becomes governor for the remainder of the unexpired term. In a oneparty state, that deprives voters of a serious debate.

SCA 1 isn’t the only legislative attack on the right of direct democracy. Assembly Bill 421 would virtually destroy the right to referendum. Unlike the power of initiative, which is when citizens “initiate” the legislative process, the right to referendum is the power to subject a law enacted by the legislature to a “yea or nay” vote by voters. It is a power not used very often and normally deployed against laws that are extremely unpopular.

AB 421 would require that at least 5% of signature collection be done by volunteers, which for grassroots organizations like the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association would not present an insurmountable burden, but it would restrict the rights of other interests targeted by punitive legislation.

AB 421 also resurrects a horrible idea of changing the nature of a vote on a referendum. Currently, a referendum asks voters to step into the shoes of

■ See COUPAL page A5

Belltower

Letters to the Editor Signs on Highway 193

EDITOR:

I’m an inspector with El Dorado County. As I was recently driving to Georgetown, I was shocked to see all the left and right arrow signs that were installed along Highway 193 in the American River Canyon. There’s a new left or right arrow at even the gentlest of curves — complete overkill and waste of taxpayers dollars.

I discussed the new signs with a colleague who lives in Georgetown. His wife leaves for work in Sacramento at 4:30 a.m. each morning. The glare from all the signs is overwhelming. Her eyes are constantly attempting to adjust from darkness to glaring reflection.

Why were the signs installed? Did someone “important,” for example a county supervisor or spouse, have an accident? And who will benefit from the signs? Us law-abiding drivers won’t benefit. Speeders and reckless drivers won’t benefit (they already ignore tra c signs). Intoxicated or impaired drivers won’t benefit. The new signs are not only a complete waste, but they have created a safety hazard due to the glare.

Here’s my recommendation: Take down all the signs that were recently installed and save them for a road where they will truly be of benefit.

STEVEN WHARTON

Future Placerville resident

GOP spending

EDITOR:

The “debt negotiations” between the GOP House and the Biden administration remind me of an incident that occurred 20 years ago.

I had paid a neighbor $400 for a used boat motor. I did not have a truck, so he agreed to deliver the motor the next day. His book of receipts was in his house several minutes away. Would I trust him without his receipt? “Of course, we’re neighbors,” I said.

Next day he showed up, accompanied by a “buddy” — the type of guy you want on your side in a bar fight. The seller declared he wanted his $400 before unloading the motor. Taken back by this attempted extortion and intimidation, my only recourse was to say: “I’ll get the money.” I came back with a baseball bat and a No. 2 iron and persuaded both men to unload the motor if they wanted to keep their windshield and headlights undamaged.

Under Reagan, both Bushes and Trump, Republicans spent money like drunken sailors, mostly to finance several wars and $11 trillion tax cuts for the wealthy and corporate America. Now they’re refusing to pay the debt they incurred,

unless Biden agrees to deep cuts in Social Security, Medicare, education and environmental protections.

The word “hypocrite” no longer does justice to the chutzpah displayed by the GOP. “Hypercrite” is closer to the mark. Let’s hope that Biden has a couple of Louisville Sluggers and No. 1 irons to deal with the windshields and headlights of the limousines that bring the GOP blackmailers to the White House.

JOHN GARON Placerville

COVID and the New World Order

EDITOR:

For some time, members of the British aristocracy, members of the American establishment and international bankers have been planning to bring about a world government so they can control all its resources and people using the UN and groups like the World Economic Forum as front organizations.

There are even public documents outlining their plans. One is called the Great Transition Initiative, which is online. The initiative will be implemented, of course, in the name of some noble sounding cause: environmental justice, equity, climate change, blah, blah, blah. Or it will be done as the result of an event these people instigate such as riots, wars, pandemics, financial collapses, etc. The latest example of this is the COVID pandemic.

In 2002 WEF members theorized a general pandemic could trigger the “need” for a global regulatory authority. They even rehearsed the pandemic beforehand. In Oct. 2019 the WEF along with the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation held a high-level simulation exercise for pandemic preparedness and response in New York. In December 2019 COVID became a “global pandemic.”

And now that the COVID pandemic has proven successful in how to globally scare people into compliance, I expect the next thing to happen will be a collapse of the financial system so they can bring about a digital dollar and solidify their control over the planet.

But it won’t be a coincidence; it’s all part of the plan.

MARIAN FIELDCREST Diamond Springs

Local boy makes good, gives exciting Memorial Day talk

The guest speaker for the Memorial Day commemoration May 29 at the El Dorado County Veterans Monument was Air Force Maj. Drew Dela Cruz.

Major Dela Cruz and his entire eight-person crew were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for a particularly hazardous flight out of Kabul Aug. 22, 2021.

Piloting a C-17 Globe Master 3 on 10 hours notice from Travis AFB near Fairfield, the flight crew deployed to Kabul Airport in Afghanistan. When they landed three Afghans were wandering around the airfield, but the Marines managed to corral them and clear the airfield.

Dela Cruz’ flight on this date took

450 passengers. There are normally seats for 150 and one bathroom.

The 450 sat on the floor with no seatbelts and no air-conditioning.

As the flight to Qatar progressed an Afghan woman convulsed and passed out. There was no oxygen in the bottle in the rear. Dela Cruz broke protocol and had her brought to the flight deck and put on a lower bunk where oxygen was administered to her and a senior female airman saved her life.

Then three Afghan men made for the flight deck. “My loadmasters tackled them and an interpreter talked to them.” One of the men tackling them was the security sta sergeant. Meanwhile a lieutenant barricaded the door to the flight deck.

When the Globemaster got to Al

Udeid Air Base in Qatar it called for an emergency landing due to a medical emergency and was given immediate clearance to land. The tarmac was very crowded. With “extreme skill” and assistance from another pilot they were able navigate the jammed tarmac and get the woman to an ambulance.

Maj. Dela Cruz graduated from Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills and is a graduate of the Air Force Academy.

“Dela Cruz’s poise, sound decisions and command authority aboard Reach 651 led to his being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for a single act of heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight.” His crew was similarly recognized.

Dela Cruz’ last flight out of Kabul brought Marines out and back to safety. He regarded this as his “proudest moment.”

Major Dela Cruz is stationed at Travis, where he resides with his wife Janessa. He is the son of Jill and Rick Dela Cruz of El Dorado Hills.

Dela Cruz ended his speech at the Memorial Day event by giving a slow salute to the 13 service members who died at Kabul Airport after a terrorist bombing.

Maj. Dela Cruz and his father then moved the Memorial Day wreath from near the speaker’s stand to the back near the large plaque with the words: “To those who have served the cause of freedom.”

Michael Ra ety is a retired editor of the Mountain Democrat.

Combined, all the provisions of AB 421 mean voters will never again see another referendum no matter how outrageous the legislative statute.

Dela Cruz’ last flight out of Kabul brought Marines out and back to safety. He regarded this as his “proudest moment.”

Next level

Nine Union mine High school athletes participated in a college signing ceremony may 18 and will continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Pictured from left — Gabby calderon is headed to William Jessup University and will be a part of the cheer team; Andrew Duran has committed to compete on Linfield University’s football team; Dibora Leaf will hoop for Life Pacific University’s basketball team; Brody mcNabb is ready to serve up his skills in volleyball for santa monica college; mason mottashed scored a position with the college of the redwoods basketball team; Peyton Powell will touchdown at sierra college on the football team; cody Quijada will hit the gridiron for sacramento city college; Quintin tinker will run the same route competing for sierra college’s football team; and Lily Zokal is headed to california state University, monterey Bay, to join its cheer team.

Courtesy photo

Sullivan Continued from A3

served as a commissioner with the court from 201114. Preceding her career as a judicial officer, Judge Sullivan worked for the California Parole Authority in litigation management as well as policy development and implementation and as a deputy commissioner adjudicating parole matters.

Sullivan also practiced criminal defense and civil litigation prior to her career with the parole board. The press release notes that during her tenure Sullivan was passionate about juvenile justice and

assisted in implementing programs that reduced incarceration of juveniles. She participated on numerous committees, including the Task Force on the Elimination of Bias and Inequality in Our Justice System, the Collaborative Justice Courts Advisory Committee, the Judicial Workload Realignment Committee, the Child Abuse Prevention Council and the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee, among others. Additionally, Sullivan was a contributing author

to the Continuing Education of the Bar publication “Criminal Law Procedure and Practice” and participated in the continuing education of judicial officers and attorneys.

Coupal

Continued from A4

the Legislature to consider the proposed law. Voters vote “yes” on the measure to approve the proposal and “no” to reject it. AB 421 would effectively turn a yes vote into a no vote and a no vote into a yes vote. When former Sen. Bob Hertzberg proposed the same idea, it failed to get out of the Legislature. But even Hertzberg knew that such a proposal would require a constitutional amendment. Here, proponents believe they can accomplish the same objective with a statute. They are wrong.

AB 421 imposes other rules and requirements that are so burdensome and complicated that they defy description. Combined, all the provisions of AB 421 mean voters will never again see another referendum no matter how outrageous the legislative statute.

Since 1911, Californians have possessed powerful tools to control indolent or corrupt politicians. The rights of direct democracy — initiative, referendum and recall — are enshrined in the California Constitution for reasons just as compelling now as they were more than a century ago.

But politicians hate direct democracy and view it as a threat to their political power. These politicians have either forgotten or consciously chosen to ignore the very first sentence of that part of the California Constitution dealing with voting rights: “All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for their protection, security and benefit, and they have the right to alter or reform it when the public good may require.”

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

Announcements

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Cribbers play Wednesday afternoon 4:30 pm at the Moni Gilmore Sr Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762

Ready for real change?

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

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

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

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

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

Hangtown Women’s teNNis club. Join fun-loving women Wednesdays 8am-10am 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

Golden lining Continued from A1

process but equipped with a lack of patience and a bit of ingenuity, miners would make use of high-pressure blasts of water at hillsides to free the trapped gold in record time. Placerville’s hillsides, notably near Big Cut Road, continue to bear the geological scars from such mining practices. The nearlyunprecedented precipitation that started in late December 2022 dropped more than 32 trillion gallons of water onto the state just in January, according to the National Weather Service, acting like nature’s answer to hydraulic mining.

For gold hunters like Fausel, the stormy weather is almost like hitting the reset button on all the old spots where he used to find gold.

“When you clear a pocket of gold up, you’re back to discovering and trying to find a new spot because you eat that gold up,” Fausel explained. “But this year, because of all that water moving, I could go back to one of those old spots I’ve hit up and I can find gold there again. This is sort of almost refreshing everybody’s picked out spots, surprise gold where you never thought it would be again.” Fausel’s gold hunting came naturally, growing up in the area his whole life and coming from a family whose history had long been intertwined with the Gold Rush.

“It’s kind of like my birthright,” Fausel said. “It’s been in my family; that’s why my family came from the Black Forest to New York and then came across to California. We ended up doing other things later but it’s still kind of like it’s in my blood.”

A member of Gold Country Treasure Seekers, Fausel is eager to help oldtimers and first-timers stay stocked up on equipment and information. When the Times came through Placerville looking for information, Fausel was ready with answers; since then, his hobby and his full-time job have started to blend together, as panning equipment flies off the shelves as quickly as he can stock it. Metal detectors have proven one of the hottest commodities, he said, with units being snatched up in surprising frequency.

Mark Dayton, a fellow treasure hunter with a respectable online following for his Brass Medic Youtube channel, helps Fausel out by providing his top recommendations for the metal detectors, making Placerville Hardware’s stock something akin to a

curated collection. Dayton and Fausel both talk gold and treasure hunting with matching levels of excitement, but don’t say they’ve got gold fever; they both are quick to explain they love the adventure and discovery of treasure hunting, and they keep a cool head about it.

“I can find gold and give it away to friends and family,” Fausel said. “There are some guys out there who can get a bit intense and real suspicious about their finds and stuff like that, don’t want you to even touch their finds; that’s how you can tell someone’s really got gold fever.”

Fausel’s gold finds have found many uses over the years, with some turned into his wedding band and another large “picker” — a bit of gold big enough to nab with your thumb and fingers — made into a one-of-a-kind necklace for his wife Melissa.

The prolific precipitation may have brought gold to the surface but it also makes retrieving it a dicey proposition. First responders and safety agencies have released multiple warnings in recent months that the snowmelt coming from the Sierra Nevada into rivers and streams is creating hazardous conditions for recreational visitors through a combination of swift currents and frigid water. With rivers posing a threat to safety, even many of the more ambitious gold-getters are playing it safe until the summer hits.

“Right now I’m hitting the small creeks that will dry up when summer hits,” Fausel explained. “You have this short window between the water being freezing cold and not worth working in where it’s decently cold but workable. You have maybe a month window where it’s warm enough and then you have to hope the river is warm enough to finally go out there, because the middle of the river bed is where you’re going to find some real picks.”

Though Fausel and Dayton didn’t want to share too much about where their preferred treasure-finding spots were, they did share a tip for readers interested in giving it a try.

“What you want to look for is a stream or river with some turns in them,” Dayton said. “Gold is in a way lazy; it really likes to move in a straight line. So when there are those big curves in the river, often times, you’ll see a lot of gold accumulate right on those banks in a straight line across from where the water comes in from.”

Pine Top Montessori Donations

The whole community is devastated by the tragic events near Pine Top Montessori in Pollock Pines yesterday morning. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all those affected. While we don’t yet know the full extent of the tragedy, we do know that there will be monetary needs for those affected. El Dorado Community Foundation has a fund specifically for things like this, called the Community Resource Fund. All donations to this fund, with Pine Top Montessori noted in the description, will go to support the victims of this tragedy and their families.

We know that no amount of money can fix the damage that was done, but we can help to lessen the financial burdens of the families involved. Our community has always stepped forward when needs have arisen, and we know this time will be no different. Our community is strong, resilient, and filled with heart, even when our collective hearts are breaking in the face of tragedy.

Donations can be made to the Community Resource Fund at https://edcf.fcsuite.com/erp/ donate/create/fund?funit_id=1792 with Pine Top Montessori noted in the “Additional Information” section.

FMX RampAge Freestyle Motocross

Thursday • FREE with Fair Admission

Arreola’s Hispanic Rodeo

Friday • FREE with Fair Admission

Wheelbarrow Races

Saturday • FREE with Fair Admission

Rubicon Jeep Jamboree Challenge

Sunday • FREE with Fair Admission

PLUS: All-Alaskan Racing Pigs

Pedal Puller Kids’ Races

Mutton Bustin’ • Pee Wee Rodeo

Dr. Jon’s Comedy Hypnosis

Four Stages of Music and more!

Checks can be mailed to:

El Dorado Community Foundation

P. O. Box 1388

Placerville, CA 95667

Albert Fausel goes underwater on the hunt for gold in El Dorado County waterways.

Courtesy photos

In the KNOW

Now

Olde Coloma Theatre presents “Not Worth Their Weight in Sterling” or “Are You Worthy?” through June 11. For tickets and more information visit oldecolomatheatre.com.

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

Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” through June 25. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

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

El Dorado County

Certified Farmers Markets have begun Saturdays at Placerville Cinema on Placerville Drive, 8 a.m. to noon; Wednesdays at Burke Junction on Coach Lane in Cameron Park, 8 a.m. to noon; and Sundays at El Dorado Hills Town Center, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

Feed El Dorado and the Placer Food Bank host food distribution events throughout the year in Cameron Park, Pollock Pines, Placerville and Georgetown. For a complete schedule visit placerfoodbank.org/ pantrytogo.

The Master Gardener public office is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to noon at 311 Fair Lane, Placerville. Have a gardening question or problem? Come in and chat. Bring a cutting or insect in a Ziploc baggie or a picture. Can’t come in person? Call (530) 6215512 and leave a voicemail or email mgeldorado@ ucanr.edu.

The purpose of the Widowed Persons Club is to provide a support group for widowed men and women of all ages and provide social activities through which they have an opportunity to make new friends and find a new direction in their lives.

Regular breakfasts are held every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at Denny’s in Placerville. For those interested in joining or reservations don’t hesitate to get in touch with Glenda at (530) 295-8374 or Nancy at (530) 919-8276.

June 6

Powell’s Steamer Company and Pub, 425 Main St. in Placerville, presents Eric Hill and Jonny Mojo for Taco Tuesday on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, 4-7 p.m. Stop by for good food and good tunes. For more information call (530) 626-1091.

June 7

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce

Students + nature + math = fun

Mountain Democrat staff

High school students came together mid-May for the Math Steeplechase at Marshall Gold Discovery State

Historic Park.

Each high school assembles four grade-level teams of their best math students to compete. Students on each team work together to solve logic and math

problems ... but not the typical paper and pencil math problems. They work with props and put their heads together to find the answers to hands-on problems spread out on both sides of the park.

The academic competition has been coordinated by high school math teachers since 1985.

The competition was followed by a barbecue provided by Placerville Kiwanis and an awards ceremony.

DAR springs into action, giving where needed

Carol Bly El Dorado Chapter – DAR

The May meeting of the El Dorado Chapter of the National Daughters of the Revolution was filled with good works and three highlights, beginning with a heart-wrenching, firstperson account from local Vietnam War veteran Milt Bandera.

While still just a teenager, Bandera chose to serve his country by joining the Navy Reserve. His port of call during his first period of active duty took him on a trip to the beautiful Hawaiian islands, where he boarded the USS Pueblo. Having been built in 1944, the ship sailed from Hawaii to the Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan, where it received repairs and upgrades. Next, it set sail to conduct research in international waters. As history details, the ship was attacked and the crew was ultimately captured Jan. 23, 1968. After undergoing unimaginable hardships, the crew was released on Dec. 23, 1968 — exactly 11 months after their capture. The frank account of the historical incident and the personal strength, resourcefulness and courage of the captives will be longremembered by those present to hear his presentation.

On behalf of American Legion – El Dorado Post 119, Bandera received a framed print of George Washington alongside a copy of a page from a letter Washington had sent to the Earl of Buchan on April 23, 1793, in which Washington discussed working peacefully with other countries as well as a possible vision for a new city, “... situated about the centre of the Union of these States ….”

The beautifully framed presentation piece was made possible through a generous donation from past El Dorado Chapter

Regent Janet Levi and will hang in the American Legion Hall. Community service is always a priority for all members of DAR. Naturally, the El Dorado Chapter members were very excited to be a recipient of an Acorn Grant of $8,000, from Women’s Fund El Dorado. The chapter’s Women’s Issues Committee will provide this resource to Hearts Landing Ranch for its program that offers equine-assisted psychotherapy for women living with PTSD and related mental health diagnoses. The chapter closed the 2022-23 season with a trip to the Food Bank of El Dorado County, where members and visiting guests dropped off more than 200 pounds of food as well as a check to support the organization’s fine work.

It has been a productive year for the El Dorado Chapter – DAR with many new and purposeful connections. Now members will enjoy the summer with family, friends and field trips to interesting locations such as the Sacramento Historic City Cemetery, until they convene next September.

The members of El Dorado Chapter –DAR take pleasure and pride in working together in alignment with national DAR objectives and in harmony with local community needs. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR visit DAR.org and for more information about the El Dorado Chapter or if you wish to learn about your Revolutionary War ancestors contact our chapter regent, Sally Johns, at ElDoradoCountyRegent@yahoo.com.

Mountain Democrat photos by Eric Jaramishian Oak Ridge High School 11th-grade students work to solve a math puzzle called “marble soup” at the 2023 Math Steeplechase at Marshall Gold Discovery State

Historic Park in Coloma May 16. From left are Jingo Zhang, Syon Shrestha, Andrew Casper and Peyton Crawford. The group won best 11th-grade team out of all high schools in the competition.

Golden Sierra High School senior Adan Mendoza attempts to complete a lock challenge with his team using a set of clues to figure out the combination. Mendoza, along with Kierra Miller, (not pictured) Marcus Profitt, Olivia Totilaz and Landon York, were the top 12th-grade team at this year’s Math Steeplechase.

El Dorado High School junior Jazmin Villasenor and her team participate in “desert crossing,” a math challenge In which they emulate an eight-day backpacking trip with limited supplies (cups) and only one student can move at a time.

Courtesy photo

El Dorado Chapter DAR Regent Sally Johns and Treasurer Jan Pringle, along with other members, present the Food Bank of El Dorado County administrator Kim McPherson with the chapter’s donation.

tahoe agency recognizes six Lake spirit Award winners

Jeff Cowan Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

LAKE TAHOE — The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency recently recognized six individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to protecting Lake Tahoe as this year’s Lake Spirit Award winners. The recipients this year include one North Shore and one South Shore recipient for each of the three categories of Citizen, Agency Representative and Lifetime Achievement.

Since 2011, TRPA has celebrated the Lake Spirit Awards to recognize individuals in the community, exemplary citizens and agency representatives who not only demonstrate a strong commitment to Lake Tahoe’s environment, but also model a spirit of collaboration.

“A spirit of care and protection has run with Tahoe’s land and waters starting with the Washoe Tribe millennia ago,” TRPA Executive Director Julie Regan said. “By going above and beyond for the lake and our communities, these individuals

truly embody the Lake Spirit. We are grateful for their innovation and commitment.”

Citizens awardees

Helen Neff, Take It Slow, Tahoe campaign, citizen leader on traffic safety in the region, North Shore. Neff has come forward as a leader on traffic safety in the Tahoe region in the past year. After being hit by a car and suffering serious injuries, Neff got to work improving pedestrian safety in Tahoe. She reached out to Take Care Tahoe about creating a traffic safety campaign, which she funded herself. This led to the launch of the Take it Slow, Tahoe campaign in June 2022. Take it Slow signs are now placed

around the basin and on a billboard seen as you approach Tahoe from Carson City. Free Take It Slow, Tahoe yard signs are available throughout the region this year thanks to Neff. Contact trpa@trpa.gov or call (775) 588-4547 to pick up a sign today.

Lila Peterson, Vail Resorts/Heavenly Mountain Resort, waste diversion, composting and zero-waste program coordination, South Shore. Peterson spent the 2022-23 winter season at Heavenly Mountain Resort identifying waste streams that her department contributes to and worked tirelessly to find solutions. On her own initiative, Peterson implemented programs to keep used uniforms out of the

photo

Lake Spirit and TRPA staff stop for a photo after the governing board presentation. Pictured from left are TRPA Community Engagement Manager Victoria Ortiz, Roland Shaw, Lila Peterson, Jean Diaz, Heidi Doyle, Don Lane and TRPA Executive Director Julie Regan.

FOOD Entertain Guests with a Fresh Al Fresco Favorite

Entertain Guests with a fresh Al Fresco Favorite

FAMILY FEATURES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yellowfin Tuna and Artichoke Pasta

Recipe courtesy of Rachael Ray on behalf of Genova Tuna

Prep time: 15 minutes

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

Servings: 4 Artichokes: Cold water

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

2 lemons

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

salt, to taste pepper or red pepper, to taste

Pasta: Water

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

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

4 tablespoons butter, cut into tabs

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

salt, to taste

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

1 pound spaghetti or linguine

1 lemon, juice only

1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese

1⁄4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley, divided

1 small handful fresh mint, chopped, divided

1⁄4 cup toasted pistachios or pine nuts, chopped

To make artichokes: Preheat oven to 425 F.

Fill bowl with cold water and juice of one lemon.

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

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

In casserole or baking dish, arrange artichokes and add juice of remaining lemon, quarter lemon and add lemon wedges to dish.

Add olive oil and salt and pepper, to taste.

Roast 25-30 minutes, or until tender.

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

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

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

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

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

Plant-Forward Picnic Recipes Perfect for Spring

FAMILY FEATURES

Between the welcome warmth of the sun’s rays and a nearly universal desire to get outdoors, springtime is a beloved season for enjoying an al fresco meal. Add in fresh produce to heighten the flavors of family favorites and the table is set for a delicious picnic.

Whether your warm-weather adventures take you to a nearby park, a neighbor’s patio or simply your own backyard, satisfying those spring cravings often starts with plant-forward dishes. From tomatoes and onions to mushrooms, Brussels sprouts and other fruits and veggies, you can rely on Mother Nature to give picnic recipes a boost.

For example, these fresh ideas from Aramark’s Feed Your Potential program offer easy solutions to take your loved ones outdoors for a meal all can enjoy. As a popular springtime lunch, sandwiches provide the opportunity to customize servings according to each person’s preferences.

These Portobello Mozzarella Sandwiches are a plant-forward version loaded with grilled mushrooms, fresh mozzarella, pesto mayo, arugula and a balsamic glaze on ciabatta rolls. For an added touch of freshness, a homemade tomato bruschetta topping combines tomatoes, red onions, basil and more to capitalize on a peak produce season.

No picnic is complete without a side that perfectly complements the main course. For a delicious solution that’s fast and easy to make, try a new twist on an al fresco classic: coleslaw. A healthy accompaniment to the sandwiches, this Apricot Brussels Sprouts Coleslaw is an ideal spring dish that calls for less than 10 ingredients and requires simple prep so you can make it fresh before heading out the door.

Visit Aramark’s Feed Your Potential website, fyp365.com, to find more picnic-worthy recipe ideas.

Apricot Brussels Sprouts Coleslaw

Recipe courtesy of Aramark

Servings: 4

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

salt

1 teaspoon

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 cups trimmed and shredded

Brussels sprouts

1 cup dried apricot, diced

1 cup red onion, trimmed and diced

Combine mustard, honey, sugar, salt and pepper. Mix well. Add Brussels sprouts, apricot and onion; toss to coat.

Portobello Mozzarella Sandwiches

Recipe courtesy of Aramark

Servings: 4

Tomato Bruschetta Topping:

1/4 pound fresh plum tomatoes, cored and diced

2 tablespoons red onion, peeled and minced

2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon olive oil

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 pinch ground black pepper

1 pinch fresh garlic, peeled and finely minced

Sandwiches:

1 pound fresh portobello mushrooms, cleaned, stems removed, sliced thin

3 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 1/2 tablespoons prepared basil pesto

4 ciabatta rolls (4-by-4 inches), split in half

4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced small

4 ounces tomato bruschetta topping

2 ounces fresh baby arugula

1/4 cup balsamic glaze

To make tomato bruschetta topping: In bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, basil, olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic. Set aside.

To make sandwiches: Preheat grill pan or grill to medium heat.

Toss sliced mushrooms with olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Grill mushrooms until fork-tender, 3-4 minutes on each side. Let cool.

Mix mayonnaise with pesto until combined. Spread

2 tablespoons pesto mayonnaise on cut sides of each roll.

For each sandwich, layer 1/4 of grilled mushrooms, mozzarella slices, tomato bruschetta topping, arugula and balsamic glaze.

Top with other roll halves. Cut diagonally in half to serve.

Apricot Brussels Sprouts Coleslaw

Portobello Mozzarella Sandwiches