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Californians are now left wondering: How bad is this? And how should the state respond?

The “crisis” in California’s insurance market was caused by “a laser focus only on affordability,” said Nancy Watkins, a principal at Milliman, an actuarial firm, at a legislative hearing June 14. The companies are operating with “very crude tools” at the expense of availability and reliability, she said.

She said the current regulatory system is too rigid. “It’s like you’ve got your steering wheel locked straight ahead, you’ve got your speed set on cruise control, and now you find yourself on the Pacific Coast Highway,” she said. “What insurance company would agree to that?”

Home insurance premiums in California are a little cheaper than the national average — and much lower than premiums in other disaster-prone states like Florida and Louisiana. That’s without accounting for the fact that California has some of the most expensive housing in the country. California still has about 115 companies offering home insurance, said Michael Soller, a deputy commissioner for the state’s insurance department. As for whether more companies are likely to follow State Farm and AllState, “we don’t think that will happen,” he said.

Consumer and insurance industry groups and other experts have ideas for what they’d like to see California do in the wake of the news — few of which they agree upon. Here’s the debate over four of those ideas.

Require State Farm to keep issuing new policies

There’s disagreement whether this idea, backed by the group Consumer Watchdog, is legal. The idea hinges on how insurance prices are regulated in California. Under current laws, insurance companies can’t just charge whatever they want: They have to submit their proposed rates to the insurance department, which they back up by explaining their projected costs, losses, revenue and more. State regulators can approve a company’s proposed rates, or deny them, if they think, for example, the rates are unjustifiably high, or so low that they could put the company’s finances at risk.

Harvey Rosenfield, founder of Consumer Watchdog, said if a company suddenly says that it’s not going to take the same number of customers that it had projected when it got the department’s approval,

“In the years past we weren’t able to put in as much money for road maintenance but I think we have stepped way up from where we previously were as a board and we are at the level where we need to stay at, but not increase it substantially until we identify some new funding opportunities,” Hidahl said. “We are able to do more now than we have in the past but at some point you have to go back to balancing and not just continue to put money into the things we know the public really wants but also fund other things that the public does not see.”

Property tax revenue is expected to grow by 4% this fiscal year and sales and use tax revenue is expected to grow half a percent. The county hit its General Fund contingency goal and will use $4.25 in excess funds to address economic uncertainties and potential disaster responses.

CAO analyst Emma Owens told supervisors the county could start to experience slowing discretionary revenue growth in property and sales and use taxes, a prospect CAO staff has warned the board about since the start of the pandemic in 2020. In the fiscal year prior, property tax revenue grew by 7% and sales and use tax grew 3.8%.

“This is the first time in a few years we are seeing these discretionary revenues slow,” Owens said. “Maybe it won’t happen but that is what all the indicators are showing.”

The board approved putting $13 million in excess General Fund contingency after receiving unanticipated fund balances during the pandemic, $5 million of which was used for Mosquito Fire debris removal.

“If the board had not made that strategic investment in putting the funding in excess contingency and putting it elsewhere, we would have had some problems balancing the budget or meeting the needs of the Mosquito Fire during the last two years,” Owens said. “We are hoping to continue by carrying over that 4.25 million of excess contingency in this budget.”

An estimated $247 million is needed for county buildings in need of replacement in the next 10-20 years, with investments of $10-$21 million a year in building maintenance. Increases in funding for planned capital projects are anticipated, however no additional funds have been identified.

Addressing this, Hidahl noted working with the California State Association of Counties to identify grants and loans to help offset potential future deficits. CSAC has a service that have people help write grants and help lobby to get those grants assigned.

“Because I’m hearing about all of this money that is out there from the federal and state government … I don’t know if we are getting our fair share,” Hidahl said. “I can’t measure that but there seems to be an opportunity there. Unless n See budget, page A5

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

Starr Lynn Palumbo (Gaschler)

Jan. 31, 1953 - May 30, 2023

Starr Lynn Palumbo (Gaschler), 70, arrived at her heavenly home in the early morning hours on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. Although Starr’s body is gone, her spirit of adventure, fearlessness and friendship lives on through her family, friends and students.

Born in 1953 to a large German family in Downey California, Starr was an intelligent and motivated woman who was influenced by her parents to have an incredible work ethic and forgiving nature. In her 30’s, Starr fulfilled a lifetime dream of going to college, getting her degree, and earning her teaching credentials. She taught for more than 25 years until retirement. Her students meant the world to her and the reason for her passion for teaching.

Starr always looked at adversity in the face and dared it to defeat her. She was always willing to help others with gardening, cleaning, teaching and was always willing to share stories of her many travel adventures with her husband Jim, friends, family or by herself, so we could all live vicariously through her experiences. Starr was a faithful Christian who created strong friendships within her church and community. Even in the face of her own trials, Starr remained a steadfast, optimistic friend to everyone she knew, many of whom lined up to visit her in her last few months.

Starr will be missed by her husband Jim Palumbo; sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Tracey McPeters, Robb and Tonde McPeters, Emiliano and Therese Palumbo; daughter Donielle Go net and Dave Watson. Along with all her grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and her many, many friends.

Starr especially loved being a grandmother to Michael III., Alexie, Hailey, Natalee, Gri n, Ella Starr, Andrew and Ryan, often taking them with her on her travels and giving them many memories to carry her with them through the years.

Starr is preceded in death by her father and mother, brothers Lee and Barry and many, many aunts, uncles, and cousins. We know that God is pleased to have one of His beautiful, generous and kind daughter’s back in his arms, but she will be sorely missed by those on earth. We are sure she is now working amongst the heavenly gardens with her precious mother and picking flowers with her beloved niece Evalee.

There will not be a service, but at Starr’s request, in lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate to your favorite charity.

Darla Jean Estey

Reddin Hernandez

April 21, 1938 - June 1, 2023

Darla was born in Placerville, CA. April 21, 1938, and passed away peacefully in her home with family by her side on June

1. She lived her life to the fullest, 85 wonderful years!!!

Darla had a spit- fire spirit and a beautiful smile that would warm your heart. She loved Placerville and was a very active member in the community, Beta Sigma Phi, Shakespeare Club and was the 2018 El Dorado County Rose. Heaven received a special angel. We love you Darla. Fly Butterfly.

Larry Swafford

Nov. 23, 1940 - May 26, 2023

The Swa ord Family is saddened to announce the passing of Larry Swa ord on May 26, 2023 after a protracted battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born and raised in Placerville, CA, Larry attended El Dorado High School where he was a proud member of the football team. Following his graduation, Larry held a variety of jobs including building rockets at Aerojet and working as a lineman for the telephone company, but his greatest joy and achievement was his time as a Firefighter and Captain at the Fire Department.

Larry enjoyed hunting with his dogs, fishing, scuba diving, tennis, golf and endurance horseback riding. Above all, Larry was loving and devoted to his family. He is survived by his former wife, Gale, wife, Georgiana, and his children Tracy (Jim), Teresa, Travis (Danielle), and his sister, Sharon. He was a proud grandfather and uncle to his grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Larry will be remembered at a celebration of his life on July 8 from 1:00-4:00 pm in Sierra Room at 471 Maidu Drive, Auburn, CA 95603.

Brenda June Crain

Jan. 4, 1944 - May 4, 2023

Brenda was born on January 19, 1944 in San Luis Obispo, California. She went to Heaven on May 4, 2023 from Placerville, California.

She was the loving wife of her surviving husband, Ron, of thirty five years. Brenda and Ron met in Dallas, Texas in 1980 and immediately fell in love. They worked together, played together and instantly became one.

Brenda is also survived by her niece, LeeAnne Mila, and her great nephews Colin and Nathan Mila.

Brenda graduated from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo with a degree in Journalism. She worked as a training manager for over twenty years at Pacific Bell in San Francisco and The Southland Corporation in Dallas. Upon retiring in 1987, Ron and Brenda got married and moved to Placerville where Brenda bought and owned a feed and grain, ranch supply, and pet grooming business until she sold it in 2005.

Brenda loved nice clothes and jewelry. Everywhere she went she was always dressed to the hilt. She also loved gardening, at one time becoming a beekeeper. But her real passion was animals. She took in strays others had abandoned and provided medical help for people who were not able to take their pets to a vet. She spent a lot of time and took wonderful care of all her pets, from horses to cats, dogs, sheep, ducks and more. She donated unselfishly to wildlife organizations including ASPCA, The Audubon Society, Sierra Wildlife and others.

Brenda’s friends and family will remember her as kind, loving, generous, vibrant and fun loving. We will all miss you.

A memorial service will be held for Brenda on June, 24th at 1:00 at the Green Valley Mortuary, 3004 Alexandrite Drive, Rescue, CA 95672. (530) 677-7171

You are all invited to attend a Celebration of Life immediately following the service at our home: 4680 Holm Rd, Placerville, CA.

Jon Anthony Rodgers

April 30, 1968 – May 13, 2023

Jon Anthony Rodgers, age 55, of Placerville, CA, passed away on May 13, 2023, at Rock Creek Care Center in Auburn, CA, with his family by his side. Jon was born on April 30, 1968, in Turlock, CA to parents Bill and Clara Rodgers, the second of five children. In 1970, the family moved to Placerville, CA.

Jon was involved in the Hangtown Country Cousins 4-H Club when he was a young boy, and worked at Beno’s Department Store and Zollars Chevron on Broadway in his high school years. He was a 1986 graduate of El Dorado High School, and began a career in construction with Dwight Stoddard Construction. He joined the United States Marine Corps Forces Reserve in 1987, and was later activated and served in Operation Desert Shield/ Storm in Kuwait and Iraq with the 2nd Marine Division from December 1990 to June 1991. Upon returning from the war, he married his wartime penpal, Cathy McIntire. He also began Rodgers Construction, Inc. and had a successful business.

In 1992, he welcomed his beautiful daughter Caitlyn to his world. He had the most pride in her growing family, with her husband Cory and his beloved grandchildren, Wyatt and Wynter. They always brought him so much joy. He also enjoyed playing cards with Caitlyn’s grandma, Doris. Jon had many hobbies including rides on his Harley Davidson motorcycle, boating, 4-wheeling in his old Willys Jeep, traveling to Oregon to visit family, and working the holiday seasons at his Aunt Ernie and Uncle Ken’s Christmas tree farm in Georgetown, CA.

Jon will always be remembered for his generosity, loyalty, and love towards his family and friends, his sense of humor, and that hint of fun mischief that always kept us on our toes. We all miss him dearly.

Jon is survived by his daughter Caitlyn, her husband Cory and grandchildren Wyatt and Wynter, parents Bill and Clara, brother Bill (and Katie, Carson, Makena), sister Kristi (and Jakob, Kianna), sister Rachelle (and Tom, Kate, Austin, Trevor), and sister Sara (and Scott, Addison, Alexis) along with aunts, uncles, and cousins. A celebration of life will be held on July 15, 2023, with family and close friends. Please email the Rodgers family at jonrodgersmemorial@gmail. com for time and location of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the El Dorado County Veterans Memorial Scholarship Fund at eldoradocountyveterans.org/. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/ placerville-ca/jon-rodgers-11289327

Stuart Allen Samson

Aug. 6, 1929 - May 12, 2023

Stuart Allen (Al) Samson, 93, of Placerville CA. left for heaven May 12, 2023 after having had Parkinson’s disease for 20 years.

Al was born August 6, 1929 to Stuart and Gladys Samson in Hermosa Beach, California. In 1940, Stuart moved his family to McArthur, CA. In McArthur, Al attended grade school through high school. He graduated as Salutatorian of his class of 20 from Fall River High School in 1948. He went on to study Business as University of California Berkeley. While attending CAL, he joined the CAL rowing team. His varsity 8 man team went all the way to the Olympic trails in 1952 where they were beaten by the Navy team by only 18 inches.

In 1952 Al enlisted in the Army where he was a Corporal E-4. He was stationed in Germany. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1960. He received an Army Occupation of Germany medal.

In 1956 Al met Suzanne (Sue) on a fixed up blind date in Berkeley. They were married in 1957. In 1966 they purchases their first home in Pinole, CA. where they lived for 20 years. Al and Sue have 4 children, Kimberly, Karen, Gregory, and Je rey.

In 1965, with a degree in Business, Al became a financial planner and eventually started his own business, Financial Planning Associates, being in the industry for more than 40 years.

Al enjoyed camping with his family. His goal was to drive to and visit as many national parks as they could. They visited a lot in their VW van. Al and Sue were also blessed to be able to have adventures traveling around the world. After retirement, Al and Sue enjoyed taking their 7 grandchildren (Jessica, Je rey, Melanie, Andrew, Sarah, Ryan, and Christopher) to CAL Camp Oski, a summer family camp. Al always enjoyed being active in service clubs such as the Kiwanis Club and the Placerville Rotary Club.

In 1998, Al and Sue purchased property in Placerville where they had their dream retirement home built. It checked o everything on their list. As a bonus, there’s always something happening in the Wild Kingdom that surrounds their house.

Al was predeceased by his parents Stuart and Gladys, and siblings Mary and David. He is survived by his wife Sue, children Kimberly,, Karen, Gregory and Je rey and grandchildren Jessica, Je rey, Melanie, Andres, Sarah, Ryam and Christopher.

A memorial service celebrating Al’s life will be held at Green Valley Community Church 3500 Missouri Flat Rd. Placerville on Thursday July 27, 2023 t 1:00 p.m.. There will be a military ceremony with a flag and bugle. He will be interred in Dixons Veterans Cemetery.

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.

Virginia “Elaine”

Gilton Daughtry

July 14, 2023 – May 15, 2023

Virginia “Elaine” Gilton Daughtry at 85 years old, went to be with her heavenly Father on May, 15, 2023.

Elaine was born on July 14, 1937 in Oklahoma to William Hurshel Gilton and Lennie Rowe Gilton, she was the oldest of five siblings, sister Charlotte Gilton Gunderman and brother Brad Gilton preceded her in death. Remaining siblings, Neil Gilton and Luella Ashford, will miss her everyday.

Elaine is survived by 5 children, Frankie Golden McDermott (Mark), Melinda Golden (Lorrie), Tanya Moran, Sherry Jorgensen and Candy Colmenero (Joe) along with 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Her greatest joy was to have all of her family together laughing, telling stories and watching the little ones play and run around.

Elaine lived and worked in San Jose, for several tech companies, making many lifelong friends. After she retired she moved to Placerville and made her dream come true by opening a flower shop, The Flower Garden. When she retired from that, she became an avid volunteer for Partners In Care thrift store and Marshall Foundation for Community Health until her 80th birthday. She never knew a stranger, everyone was a friend in the making that she was ready to help in any way she could. She will be remembered for her laugh which was big and her smile that would light up any room.

You can express condolences at this link to our mother’s page: https:// www.dignitymemorial.com/ obituaries/placerville-ca/virginia-daughtry-11291588. In lieu of flowers, please send gifts to Marshall Foundation for Community Health, PO Box 1996, Placerville CA 95667, or the charity of your choice in her memory.

Anthony “Tony” Kassman

Nov. 18, 1967 – June 7, 2023

Anthony “Tony” Kassman, age 55, of Placerville, CA, passed away June 7, 2023.

Anthony was born November 18, 1967 in Sacramento, CA. He was born to Larry Kassman and Lupe Henderson. Anthony moved to El Dorado, CA. in 1979. He graduated from Ponderosa High School then attended ITT Tech. He was great at anything he set his sights on. He was the most generous person we have ever known and he always tried his best to make people happy and if he could help with

Anthony “Tony” Henry Patti

April 19, 1954 – April, 23, 2023

Anthony “Tony” Patti was born

April 19, 1954 to his parents

Samuel and Veronica Patti in Baltimore, Maryland. As a child he loved playing soccer and this passion led into his High School years. As a young man he trained horses for the Vanderbuilt family and during this time trained the o spring of the Secretariat, the famous champion racehorse. In the late 1980’s he moved to California to be near his brother. During this time one of his biggest hobbies came from

Lydia Barrette Sloan

July 23, 1928 - June 8, 2023

Lydia Barrette Sloan, age 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of June 8, 2023, at Ponte Palmero in Cameron Park. She was preceded in in death by her parents, Lydia Barrette Sinclair and William Sinclair, and her husband of 63 years, Charles Austin Sloan Jr.

Lydia was born in Hawaii where she had an adventurous childhood. Her favorite childhood memory was sitting in the yard at Lanikai playing cards under a tent in the rain. She attended Punahou School until relocating to the mainland with her family in 1941, a few months before the bombing at Pearl Harbor. After briefly trying out a farming lifestyle in Washington State, the novelty of milking cows and farming soon wore o and the family moved to Palo Alto, where Lydia lived for most of her life. Lydia attended Palo Alto High School and Stanford University, (as did her husband Charles) graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1951 with a degree in Political Science. After graduating, she worked at the State Department in Washington D.C. before marrying and raising her family.

Education was important to Lydia’s family, and it was important to her. She read widely, deeply, and

Karin

Jane Mai

Oct. 14, 1939 – June 3, 2023

Karin Mai passed away peacefully at her home in El Dorado Hills, CA on June 3, 2023 at the age of 83 after living courageously with cancer for 13 years and spending the last month of her life surrounded by friends and family. Karin was born in Sacramento, CA and was raised primarily in Oakland, CA by her adoptive parents, Amy (Wickland) & Lloyd Welty. After graduating from Oakland High School in January 1957, she attended Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS for two years and graduated from the University of California in San Francisco. In 1960, Karin married Donald Fredric Mai, who she met while at school in Kansas. Together, they have three children, Jody (Devin) Bader, Stephen (Debbie) Mai and Darin (Kristin) Mai, seven grandchildren, Amy (Nick) Bader, Jadin Bader, Jakin (Hannah) Mai, Jordan (Courtney) Mai, Kelsea Mai, Layla Mai and Olivia Mai, and four great grandchildren, Lydia Mai, Ainsley Mai, Piper Mai and Davie Mai. Spending much of their lives in Piedmont, CA, Karin & Don also lived in Claremont, CA and moved to El Dorado Hills, CA in 2017. In addition to working for more than 40 years as a Dental Hygienist, Karin was an active volunteer for every school and activity her children attended (swim team, Camp Fire Girls, band and theater, to name a few). With a heart for social justice, Karin was very involved with her church communities of St. Paul Evangelical anything he would. His humor was amazing and his laugh will not be forgotten. He loved his Corvettes and one of the last things he did was be a part of a Corvette run. He enjoyed life to the fullest. He will be greatly missed by everyone. his love for NASCAR and racing. This led him into many years of amateur racing at Sears Point. He was also a member of the American Mustang Club along with his sons. In his later years he began working for EDCOE as a special needs driver. He was dearly loved by his students who loved their Mr. Tony. He is survived by his devoted wife Anita; sons Chris (Kiersten) and Kyle (Rachel), 8 grandchildren, his brother Joe, and numerous brother and sister-in laws. A celebration of Tony’s life will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, June 25 at Indian Rock Tree Farm. often. She was current on politics and events around the world and was sympathetic to the perspectives and su ering of others. While other mothers cleaned house; she read the American Scholar and later added The Economist. She was mentally sharp and intellectually engaged. She possessed an outstanding memory and was telling stories about things few others could remember until the final few days of her life. She led a healthy and active lifestyle with hiking, biking, and gardening.

Anthony is survived by his son Brittin Kassman, his mother Lupe Henderson and his sister Julie Stroup (Denis, Lexi and Derek) and many family members.

A service will be held at Lake Oaks Senior Community Park, 4280 Patterson Drive, Diamond Springs. CA. 95619, on June 19, 2023 with family and close friends.

She is survived by her sister Louisa Cooper (Honolulu), daughters Blue (Phil) Tierney and Catherine Dickson (Steve) Schwarzbach of Placerville, her son David Sloan of Hollister, her grandchildren Laurel Lydia Schwarzbach of Oakland, Kirk (Carl Baloney) Schwarzbach of Washington D.C., Will (Erika Lundgrin) Tierney of Cleveland, and Charlie (Haley Godwin) Tierney of Sacramento. Her greatest joy at the end of her life was seeing her great grandchildren Ansel and Barrette Tierney and Aristide and Lydia SchwarzbachBaloney. She was very proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and felt fortunate to be surrounded by their love.

Lutheran in Oakland, CA, Good Shepherd Lutheran in Claremont, CA and St. Stephen’s Lutheran in El Dorado Hills, CA, in addition to Lutheran Church Women (LCW) and other organizations through the Lutheran Church (ELCA). Karin served as President of the Piedmont Chapter of the League of Women Voters and worked tirelessly with Oakland’s Rebuilding Together and various soup kitchens. She also lovingly kept track of her HS classmates from January 1957 and helped to organize their reunions for many years. After retirement, Don and Karin travelled the world with Global Volunteers, serving wherever there was a need in places like Tanzania, Vietnam, India, China, Russia, Peru, Mexico, Canada and Australia. Karin will be remembered by many friends and family around the world for her big heart, her welcoming smile, her generosity and her unending acts of service. A memorial for Karin was held at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in El Dorado Hills, CA on Tuesday, June 13. A second will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oakland, CA on Saturday, August 19 at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, Karin’s family asks that contributions be directed to one of the following organizations: U.C. Davis Breast Cancer Research (https://give.ucdavis.edu/donate/ yourgift/cc48376), The Plaster House (https://www. theplasterhouse.org), or Women’s Cancer Research Center (https:// mageewomens.org/support).