Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, September 25, 2024 by mcnaughtonmedia

BUDGET ADOPTED County moves some cash, makes adjustments

Eric Jaramishian Senior sta writer

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors adopted the Fiscal Year 2024-25 $1.06 billion budget Sept. 24, which includes $446.1 million in General Fund appropriations, while making changes on how funds will be managed.

County Chief Administrative O ce sta presented recommendations changes, including reducing contributions to the county’s capital projects designation in exchange for increasing funding for resource conservation districts by $264,737, bringing RCD funding up to $497,017.

The increased contribution was authorized by the board Aug. 27. The change is being driven by three board policies not being met, including the county’s policy of capital projects, IT and disaster expense goals.

The funding source has not yet been identiﬁed, according to Assistant CAO Sue Hennike.

“We were asked to bring back funding options, but it is kind of di cult because there is nothing speciﬁc to point to,” Hennike said.

Supervisors had mixed feelings on the increased funding to RCDs. While they agreed the districts are inﬂuential in responding to ﬁre dangers and other disasters in the county, some expressed concern about the budget’s structural integrity.

“The issue is that it doesn’t matter if it comes out of the designation expense .... We don’t have enough for any of those,” District 5 Supervisor Brooke Laine said Sept. 17. “In a time where we have a structural deﬁcit, I voted no because of that, but I will support the budget as it is today.”

District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo alternatively has contacted local legislators to ask for funding for the local RCDs, recognizing their importance.

“They provide resources to our own force and management projects,” Turnboo said. “We have an upcoming project in Grizzly Flat and we need to be able to fund that project so they have adequate water.”

District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin voted ‘no’ on both dates, also citing concerns about the budgets structural integrity. She did advocate for the purchase of the Georgetown Library, which has a lease ending in 2025, stating the county’s strategic plan wants to move away from leasing buildings.

“There may be an opportunity to purchase that building ... if that arises, I would like the county to be ready to jump on that,” Parlin said. “There are so few structures available in Georgetown and that library is a lifesaver for some people because of the services it provides there. Georgetown is very remote and it has needs.”

Over the past month, a nationwide trend of threatening messages has spread via social media platforms. These platforms, originally designed to be a positive, creative outlet, have been used to propagate fear and anxiety. These social media threats have spread like wildﬁre throughout the nation and our community as they are shared from user to user without a full understanding of the impact they can have on the community. As a uniﬁed community, the law

enforcement leaders and education leaders of El Dorado County take these types of threats extremely seriously. Any threat directed toward a place of learning, a student or a sta member is thoroughly investigated and law enforcement action is taken when appropriate. The bottom line is this: threats of violence will not be tolerated. They will be investigated and those responsible will be held accountable. Unfortunately, these are days when serious conversations must be had with our children about the consequences of

Stein of the times OKTOBERFEST 2024

County residents and visitors from the valley took to Placerville’s Main Street Saturday, Sept. 21, to participate in Oktoberfest celebrations. Put together by local merchants when they discovered the traditional Oktoberfest celebration wasn’t coming to town this year, the event was organized as a stripped-down, small-town street faire. Oktoberfest participants, above, pose bedecked in their finest lederhosen and dirndls. Though local restaurants and food trucks had brats and dogs on their special menus for the event, the weiners that stole the show were the Daschunds who came to Oktoberfest in an array of outfits. Charlie the dog, left, turned heads with his cowboy hat and friendly attitude.

serious consequences

posting threatening material online and the lasting e ects it can have. Situations such as these are highly costly and disruptive to both the education system and law enforcement.

When a threat is received, real or intended as a practical joke, the response is the same. Resources from local school districts, the El Dorado County O ce of Education and various law enforcement agencies, from local agencies to federal agencies, are redirected to identify the

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MAIL LABEL

Mountain Democrat photos by Odin Rasco

ESSENTIALS

Candy Adams (Marilyn Outwater)

Aug. 12, 1944 – Sept. 12, 2024

Tyson Hadley

May 6, 1936 – Sept. 8, 2024

Candy Adams (Marilyn Outwater) was born in Inglewood, California on August 12th 1944. Candy passed away peacefully on September 12th, 2024, at her home with her family by her side. Candy spent many years as a youth in Topanga Canyon. After her marriage, she and her husband relocated to South Lake Tahoe. Candy loved living in South Lake Tahoe where she frequently visited Pope beach with her children, hiked in Desolation Wilderness and camped in Hope Valley. She and her husband ran a lucrative auto business and were well known and loved by the community. Candy was the daughter of Olney and Hazel Outwater. She was the beloved wife of Michael Adams, her husband of 61 years. Candy is survived by her three children, Robert Adams, Julie Grange (Adams), Eric Adams (his wife Dawn Adams), and four grandchildren, Callie Adams, Matthew Adams, Adam Grange and Jerome Grange. Candy was an incredible mother who cherished her children and supported them through all aspects of their lives. Candy adored her grandchildren and was always creating lasting memories with them by creating many craft projects and taking them on outdoor activities. Private services will be held by her loved ones.

Ashley “Joe” Keith

Young Jr.

Jan. 12, 1949 – July 9, 2024

Ashley “Joe” Keith Young Jr. passed away on July 9, 2024, at the age of 75, in Roseville, CA. Joe was born on January 12, 1949, and is survived by his loving wife, Susan Young of 55 years; children Joe and Karen Young, James and Lisa Young, Jeremy and Rachel Young; five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ashley Keith Sr. and Mammie Young. Joe served with distinction in the United States Marine Corp, active duty in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970. His military service remained a proud and significant part of his life. He was an active member of the Veteran’s Hall Marine Corp League 697, VFW 10165, and Fleet Reserve 275, reflecting his deep commitment to his fellow veterans. Professionally, Joe dedicated many years to the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) from 1972 to 1980, Save Tow on Nights and Weekends from 1974 to 1980 and the El Dorado Irrigation District (EID) from 1980 until his retirement in 2012. Known for his surgeon-like precision as a backhoe operator and an elephant-like memory, Joe’s work ethic was nothing short of outstanding. Beyond his professional and military achievements, Joe was a man of deep faith and respect for God, though he did not attend any specific church. His unwavering love extended to all of his family, friends, and anyone in need. His ability to strike a conversation with anyone exemplified his inclusive and warm nature. Joe’s hobbies included coaching his sons and grandkids through Little League, a testament to his dedication to family and community. He cherished the time spent with his children and grandchildren above all. A memorial service followed by a Celebration of Life will be held at the Veteran’s Hall located at 130 Placerville Dr, Placerville, CA 95667, on September 28, 2024, at 2:30 pm. In remembrance of Joe, the family requests that you thank a Veteran, honoring his memory and lifelong values.

Carol Elaine Pearson

April 7,1952 - April 22, 2024

Carol Elaine Lumley was born in Marshall Hospital on Monday, April 7, 1952. Daughter of Raymond C. Lumley and Evelyn (Sally) Lumley, both from El Dorado County. Carol is proceeded by her Mother and Father as well as her brother Rodney Lumley. She is survived by her son, Bryson Donavan Pearson and daughter Abbey Elaine Pearson and her four grandsons, River, Harrison, Brody and Wade. Carol lived a life of lifetimes. She was an adorable child. She was a beautiful young woman and in her age beauty never left her. Carol was a verbal history book. Taking after her grandmother, Alice Lyons; she became the keeper of family memories from generations past. In fact of anyone, in or close to the family had a question you could be sure Carol knew the answer. Carol was a proud El Dorado Couger Alumni class of 1970. After her highschool graduation Carol moved onto college in Sacramento and then to secretarial school. She excelled! Carol raised a house and turned it into a loving home with her husband. She retired to her family homestead at Phillips Station near Echo Summit in 2000. With 20 years of Mountain life under her belt she moved back to Diamond Springs for a short year. The move brought her closer to her best friends. Best friends are best medicine. Mrs. Carol Pearson was a giver, a mother, a sister, a partner, a friend and is missed by so many. Carol passed away just before noon on a lovely day in April. She was holding the hands of her two children in peace. A Memorial to celebrate Carol’s life was held at Phillips Station on September 22 at 2:30pm.

We mourn the passing of Tyson Hadley, a man of steely resolve and indomitable spirit. His natural warmth and innate sense of humor put people around him at ease. You could guarantee he would have those around him smiling and laughing, and feeling like they mattered. If something was broken, Ty could ﬁx it—whether he was underneath a house, caked in mud mending a leaking pipe, covered head to toe in grease while tuning an engine, or in his shirt and tie, guiding a student through life’s decisions, or making sure graduation came o without a hitch during his long career as a counselor at Ponderosa High School. A tireless worker and lifelong athlete, Ty was always there to support, uplift, and advocate for those around him. Charmingly unreﬁned, he was never without a quote, poem, song or pun to suit every occasion. His deep love for his family was evident in all aspects of his life.

Tyson is survived by his beloved wife, Helen, the love of his life, and his two children, James and Holly, and three cherished grandchildren, Aram, Saeah, and Simon. His legacy of hard work, love, dedication, and humor will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Celebration of Life

To all who knew and loved Ty, we know he is best described as down to earth, heartfelt, and joyous. Being minimalist and uncomplicated were strong values of his, and he made it very clear he did not want a traditional memorial. Honoring this wish, we are hosting an informal potluck at Wakamatsu Farm on October 13th at 3pm.

Come gather with us and bring something to share: a dish, a drink, an instrument to play, a song, a photo, or a story to tell, all with love in your heart for Ty. This occasion is intended to be simple, yet full of love, sharing, and friendship to celebrate a life well lived.

In lieu of ﬂowers, please consider making a donation to Snowline Hospice of El Dorado.

LEGISLATORS’ ADDRESSES

PLACERVILLE CITY

COUNCIL

City Hall 3101 Center St., Placerville (530) 642-5200

Mayor Michael Saragosa msaragosa@cityofplacerville.org

Vice Mayor Jackie Neau jneau@cityofplacerville.org John Clerici jclerici@cityofplacerville.org

Nicole Gotberg ngotberg@cityofplacerville.org David Yarbrough dyarbrough@cityofplacerville. org ElL DORADO COUNTY SUPERVISORS EDC Government Center 330 Fair Lane, Placerville

District 1 Supervisor John Hidahl (530) 621-5650

District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo (530) 621-5651

District 3 Supervisor Wendy Thomas (530) 621-5652

District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin (530) 621-6513

District 5 Supervisor Brooke Laine (530) 621-6577 (Placerville) (530) 621-6577 (South Lake Tahoe)

CONTACT US

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR

Gavin Newsom 1021 O St., Suite 9000 Sacramento 95814 (916) 445-2841

U.S. SENATE Laphonza Butler SD-G10 Dirksen Senate Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-3841

Alex Padilla 112 Hart Senate O ce Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-3553

Sacramento O ce 501 I St., Suite 7-800 Sacramento 95814 (916) 448-2787

5TH CONGRESSIONAL

DISTRICT Tom McClintock Constituent Service Center 4359 Town Center Blvd., Suite 210 El Dorado Hills 95762 (916) 786-5560

3RD CONGRESSIONAL

DISTRICT Kevin Kiley Constituent Service Center 6538 Lonetree Blvd, Suite 200 Rocklin 95765 (916) 724-2575 5TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT Joe Patterson District O ce 8799 Auburn Folsom Road Granite Bay 95746 (916) 774-4430

Of ce Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (530) 622-1255 / Fax: (530) 622-7894 Toll-Free from El Dorado Hills: (888) 622-1255

PUBLISHER

Richard B. Esposito (530) 344-5055 / resposito@mtdemocrat.net

EDITORIAL STAFF

Noel Stack Editor

530-344-5073 / nstack@villagelife.net

Mimi Escabar Special Sections Editor

530-344-5070 / mescabar@mtdemocrat.net

Eric Jaramishian Senior staff writer 530-344-5063 / eric@mtdemocrat.com Odin Rasco Senior staff writer 530-344-5062 / odin@mtdemocrat.com

Malachi Parker Staff writer Malachi@mtdemocrat.com

GRAPHICS Letty Bejarano-Carvajal

Graphics Manager (530) 344-5049 / lettyb@mtdemocrat.net

Click “Staff Directory” at the bottom of mtdemocrat.com for full staff directory

Two detained, one sought after EDH burglary

Mountain Democrat sta

El Dorado County sheri ’s o cials are looking for a person of interest possibly involved in a weekend burglary.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, at around 6:20 a.m. the El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce received a report of a burglary where a ﬁrearm was taken and a ﬁrearm being discharged at an apartment in the Lake Forest apartment complex on Village Center Drive in El Dorado Hills, according to information shared on social media.

Deputies and detectives immediately responded, secured the scene and began an investigation, eventually detaining two suspects. However, o cials note in the social media post, there is one outstanding person of interest identiﬁed as Jacob Andrew Goldie, 38, of Placerville.

“If anyone knows of Jacob Goldie’s whereabouts, please contact the El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce without delay,” the post reads. “Goldie may be in possession of the stolen handgun.”

Anyone with information about Goldie’s whereabouts is asked to contact Det. Probert at (530) 642-4737 or via email at Probertb@edso. org.

The following information was taken from Placerville Police reports:

Sept. 6

1ST ASSEMBLY DISTRICT Megan Dahle District O ce 113 Presley Way, Suite 2 Grass Valley 95945 (530) 265-0601 State Senator, DISTRICT 4 Marie Alvarado-Gil Capitol O ce 1021 O St., Suite 7240 Sacramento 95814 (916) 651-4004

District O ce 460 Sutter Hill Rd, Suite C Sutter Creek 95685 (209) 267-5033 EL DORADO IRRIGATION DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2890 Mosquito Road, Placerville (530) 622-4513

Division 1: George Osborne,

235-3295

TO PLACE AN AD

Retail Advertising (530) 344-5048 / ibalentine@mtdemocrat.net

(530) 344-5086 / legals@mtdemocrat.net VACATION

7:31 a.m. Battery reported on Spring Street.

3:57 p.m. Battery reported on Lincoln Street.

5:09 p.m. Battery reported on Clay Street.

6:56 p.m. O cers booked into jail a 69-year-old man on suspicion of disorderly conduct on Marshall Way. He was later released.

8:37 p.m. O cers booked into jail a 41-year-old man on suspicion of assault with deadly weapon on Manor Drive. He was released on $7,500 bail.

Sept. 7

10:14 a.m. Vandalism reported on Canal Street.

1:36 p.m. O cers booked into jail a 61-year-old man on suspicion of DUI and threatening crime with intent to terrorize on Broadway. He was released on $90,000 bail.

4:15 p.m. Petty theft reported on Placerville Drive.

8:15 p.m. Petty theft reported on Main Street.

Sept. 8

10:46 a.m. Battery reported on Spring Street.

11:44 a.m. Petty theft reported on Main Street.

4:34 p.m. Vandalism reported on Marshall Way.

Sept. 9

4:01 a.m. Battery reported on Spring Street.

10:21 a.m. Petty theft reported on Schnell School Road.

12:48 p.m. Petty theft reported on Fairlane Court.

2:51 p.m. Petty theft reported on Main Street.

4:08 p.m. Battery reported on Broadway.

9:38 p.m. O cers booked into jail a 28-year-old man on suspicion of burglary and threatening crime with intent to terrorize on Madrone Lane. He was released on $100,000 bail. 11:31 p.m. Battery reported on Marshall Way.

Sept. 10

8:50 a.m. Battery reported on Canal Street.

Sept. 11

1:08 p.m. Indecent exposure reported on Spring View Lane. 1:44 p.m. Battery reported on Broadway.

Sept. 12

12:44 p.m. Trespassing reported

into jail a 27-year-old man on suspicion of possession of unlawful paraphernalia and controlled substance on Broadway. He was listed in custody in lieu of $23,000 bail.

Sept. 14

7:33 a.m. Grand theft reported on Placerville Drive. 9:53 a.m.

The following information was taken from El Dorado County Sheri ’s reports: Aug. 19

6:20 a.m. Burglary reported on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. 10:14 a.m. Grand theft reported on Park Creek Road in

JACOB GOLDIE

Womack helps Trojans soar past Eagles

Malachi Parker Staff writer

The Oak Ridge Trojans found their rhythm early and the varsity football team shut out the Del Oro Eagles in the second half to open league play with a 28-7 win — their first win of the season.

“You hate to have a must-win game in week four, but I felt like it was,” Oak Ridge head coach Casey Taylor said. “Our guys stepped up and now we have some momentum going into next week.”

The Trojans had a rough go during the preseason after loses to Frontier out of Bakersfield, San Clemente and the reigning state champs of Tennessee, McCallie. Until Sept. 20, the Trojans were winless going into what is one of the toughest leagues in the Sacramento region.

At Friday’s game the offense was headlined by junior Jasen Womack, who ran for three touchdowns and threw another to sophomore receiver Issac Pierce. Womack had all of his rushing touchdowns in the first quarter and his passing touchdown

in the second. After halftime, both offenses stalled and did not score.

“My linemen and tight ends were blocking great up front and I couldn’t have done it without them,” Womack said. “We were hungry for a win after playing the hardest preseason schedule we’ve ever had, but that preseason prepared us for league.”

The Trojans are now 1-3 on the season and are on the road Friday, Sept. 27, at undefeated Granite Bay.

Football Roundup

Ponderosa 7, Woodcreek 20 —

The Ponderosa Bruins took their undefeated record on the road last week to open league play against the Woodcreek Timberwolves and their undefeated record is no more. The Ponderosa offense struggled to get rolling and this time there were no big defensive plays that sparked the offense like previous weeks. The Bruins fell to 4-1 on the season and will host the Bella Vista Broncos Friday, Sept. 27, as they look to get

JUNIOR FOOTBALLERS HIT THE FIELD

Sept. 14 marked the first Gold Nugget Game between the El Dorado Jr. Cougars and the Union Mine Jr. Rattlers. The 8u Cougars won the first game with Union Mine striking back in the 10u and 12u divisions. The 14u division came down to the wire in a nail biter with El Dorado securing the win.

Courtesy photo

n See TROJANS, page A5

Research shows Lake Tahoe is world’s third oldest freshwater permanent lake

Before considerable scientiﬁc research by Western Nevada College Professor of Geosciences Dr. Winnie Kortemeier, it was understood that Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America, was created during the Pleistocene era, also known as the Ice Age, roughly 10,000 to 2.6 million years ago. Through her radiometric dating of rocks and examining the basalt that has interacted with the water of Lake Tahoe, Dr. Kortemeier has determined that the lake is 2.3 million years old.

As a result, Dr. Kortemeier has concluded that Lake Tahoe is North America’s oldest freshwater, permanent lake — and the third oldest in the world.

“Fortunately, basaltic lava ﬂows interacted with the lake water and lake sediments when the lava erupted millions of years ago. We were then able to radiometrically date the basalt to determine the age of Lake Tahoe,” Dr. Kortemeier said. “After looking at the data from other ancient lakes, I was surprised to ﬁnd that it’s the third-oldest lake in the world.”

Dr. Kortemeier will present her ﬁndings at the Geological Society of America’s annual meeting on Sept. 23 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif.

“I’m sure Dr. Kortemeier’s discovery about Lake Tahoe makes us all feel a little bit younger. Seriously, we are extremely proud of Dr. Kortemeier and her research,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. “She’s a great role model for our students and brings a variety of real-world experiences to them in the classroom.”

A summary of her ﬁndings can be viewed at https://gsa.confex. com/gsa/2024AM/meetingapp.cgi/ Paper/405032.

Dr. Kortemeier has been conducting research at Lake Tahoe since 2005 and received her doctorate degree in Geology from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2012. In her doctorate program at UNR, she focused on the Pleistocene volcanism and shifting shorelines at Lake Tahoe.

“I love Lake Tahoe and its spectacular geology. I take students up there every semester on ﬁeld trips, and I do like sharing what I know about it,” she said.

The Tahoe Basin and Lake Tahoe formed from active faults that created the Carson Range and Sierra Nevada. The oldest lakes in the world — Lake Baikal, Siberia (5-10.3 million years old) and Lake Tanganyika, East Africa (8-10 million years old) — were also created by extensional faultblock basins, establishing them as permanent lakes.

“These really old lakes have active faults, so they don’t ﬁll up with sediment,” Dr. Kortemeier said.

After a one-year sabbatical that allowed her to wrap up the research project on Lake Tahoe, Dr. Kortemeier learned how much she missed teaching.

“I’d like to teach forever. I missed all of the interaction that I have with sta and students,” said Dr. Kortemeier, who began her 35th year teaching at WNC in August. “Typically, sabbaticals show people how appealing retirement might be, but it showed me the opposite.”

There still is time to register for Kortemeier’s Geology 105 National Parks class, which starts Oct. 7. Learn more about the geology of U.S. national parks, including Great Basin National Park in Nevada. The class meets on Wednesdays from 1 to 3:45 p.m. Online and in-person options are available. For more information call (775) 445-3267.

Make comments on new Tahoe evacuation plan

EDC Oﬃce of Emergency Services News release

LAKE TAHOE — A new Lake Tahoe Regional Evacuation Plan was developed by the cooperative efforts of the Lake Tahoe fire chiefs, Lake Tahoe law enforcement agencies and emergency management personnel following experiences gained during past major wildfires. The plan is a living document intended to provide the public with critical information related to evacuations and will be updated from time to time.

The plan pulled together a diverse team of experts from two different states and five different counties which all have jurisdictional responsibilities around Lake Tahoe. The efforts resulted in a robust and critically needed regional evacuation plan.

The plan is organized so that the evacuation information in the front of the plan is applicable to all parts

of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Then there are seven annexes in the back of the plan that allows for more specific information which is only pertinent to the specific areas.

It emphasizes regional cooperation and collaboration in event of a large wildfire that may occur in the future. Local emergency experts recognize that planning for a large wildfire that will require evacuations is a reality for the Tahoe Basin. Fire, law and emergency management partners are more prepared to manage these events as a result of this new plan.

The plan is open for a comment period ending Nov. 20. Send any questions and comments to the following email address: emergencyinfo@edso.org.

The plan can be located at eldoradocounty.ca.gov/PublicSafety-Justice/Safety-Justice/sheriff/ operations/oes (scroll to bottom of page).

Courtesy photo

Winnie teaches students about Lake Tahoe during one of her classes.

Drugs, ghost gun found at illegal campsite; two suspects arrested

Mountain Democrat staff

A community tip led the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Homeless Outreach Team, along with the U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire law enforcement, to an illegal campsite set up in a remote area of the Eldorado National Forest, where half an ounce of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a loaded, unregistered ghost handgun with an extended magazine were found, according to an EDSO social media post.

An occupied camper and an additional vehicle were located on the property during the search that occurred earlier this month. Both vehicles had expired registration and were towed.

One of the individuals involved was a convicted felon, EDSO notes in its post. Both subjects were arrested and booked into El Dorado County Jail on multiple felony charges, the post states, adding EDSO appreciates the public’s tips.

“Your vigilance is crucial in helping us keep our communities safe,” the post concludes. “Thank you for reporting suspicious activity and supporting our efforts to maintain public safety.”

Sewage leak reported at Marina Village sewer force main

Jesse Saich

El Dorado Irrigation District

At approximately 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 22, the El Dorado Irrigation District Marina Village sewer force main experienced a leak along the shoulder of Green Valley Road, just west of Francisco Drive in El Dorado Hills.

Upon receiving notification, EID crews were immediately dispatched to the site, arriving within 30 minutes. Rapid containment efforts were initiated, including the deployment of pumper trucks to maintain sewer

service for customers in the affected area while repairs were undertaken. The sewer force main was strategically isolated from operation and was completely dewatered to repair the leak by approximately 12:30 a.m. Sept. 23.

Although EID was able to capture a significant portion of the volume that leaked, district officials think a portion may have reached Folsom Reservoir, specifically in the area of Browns Ravine. EID is committed to minimizing any environmental impact and is working diligently to address

the situation. Crews will remain assigned until all affecting areas have returned to normal, including those areas nearest the repair as well as the Browns Ravine area of Folsom Reservoir.

EID promptly notified all relevant agencies, including the El Dorado County Environmental Health Division and the Regional Water Quality Control Board, through the standard protocol of notifying Cal OES. The district is also coordinating with the Bureau of Reclamation, which operates Folsom Reservoir, as

well as State Parks, which operates the surrounding recreational facilities to ensure that all necessary parties are informed and involved in the ongoing response and recovery efforts.

As of 12 p.m. on Sept. 23, EID crews successfully replaced the damaged section of the pipeline. By 3 p.m. the pipeline was recharged and back in service. EID staff is closely coordinating with partner agencies to protect public health and ensure water quality.

Nonprofit refreshes into Indigenous-led organization for Sierra Nevada

News release

The Sierra Fund, a respected regional organization, proudly announces its board of directors has elected six new Indigenous board members from around the region (making the board 75% Indigenous members) and hired a visionary Indigenous leader as their new chief executive officer – transforming the nonprofit into an Indigenous-led new force for the Sierra Nevada.

By centering the voices of the Sierra’s first nations, The Sierra Fund seeks to blend traditional ecological wisdom with western science to restore and protect Sierra lands, waters, and communities through practices that have sustained it for generations.

The transformation, fully supported by the prior executive director and board, includes the adoption of a new mission to invest in and elevate Indigenous place-based wisdom, leadership and guardianship to achieve reparative justice and resilient Sierra Nevada cultural ecologies and communities for future generations.

“The Sierra Fund’s new mission is about more than conservation,” said A. Brian Wallace (Washoe/

Continued from A3

back to their winning ways.

El Dorado 27, Argonaut 7 — After a heartbreaker against Ponderosa and a blowout loss to Woodland Christian, the El Dorado Cougars have now stacked consecutive wins to improve their record to 2-2 overall. The Cougars had complete control in this game as they were up 27-0 and then allowed a touchdown in the fourth quarter, according to Maxpreps score tracker, letting the Mustangs on the board. The Cougars will look to make it three straight as they host Bradshaw Christian Friday, Sept. 27. Union Mine 49, Liberty Ranch 23 — Behind running back trio of Julio Hernandez, Jake Cherrington and Brock Buak, who combined for 364 yards rushing and six total touchdowns, the Diamondbacks put up a new season high in points to open up league against Liberty Ranch and have stacked back-to-back wins after their tough loss to Truckee a few weeks back. The Diamondbacks will look to continue their winning way as they play host to Argonaut Friday, Sept. 27.

Nisenan), CEO, The Sierra Fund. “It is a call to action for funders, allies, and partners to join a collaborative journey to a sustainable future. This is an organization reflective of a new movement to center and honor indigenous sovereignty to promote ecological balance and enhance community resiliency more effectively.”

Wallace is a visionary Indigenous leader with a wealth of experience and success in advancing tribal led initiatives. Wallace served as an elected official of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California from 1979-2006, including four terms as Tribal chairman. Wallace secured federal court protection of sacred sites in Lake Tahoe and throughout Washoe homelands, was a key leader ensuring clean-up of the Leviathan Mine superfund site, facilitated a bio-cultural international agreement on restoration with the Republic of Buryatia and the Washoe Tribe and was a founding member of the Lake Tahoe Federal Advisory Committee. Under his leadership the Washoe Tribe created its first environmental protection department, development corporation, cultural foundation, language school and land trust.

“I’ve worked for over forty years in the conservation movement, and I’ve never been this excited about coming to work,” said Joan Clayburgh, prior executive director and now retained as executive officer of strategy and operations. “This bold transformation is reflective of a profound commitment to Indigenous leadership and decision making, knowing that centering Indigenous wisdom is needed more than ever to craft solutions for the challenges ahead. I am not indigenous and I’m very honored to be invited to serve under this talented and committed new CEO and board.”

The Sierra Nevada Indigenous-led organization will be launching five new innovative Indigenous centered programs in the coming years: 1) Climate Adaptation, Emergency Services and Community Safety. 2) Cultural Ecologies – promoting tribal ecological knowledge, language, food and data sovereignty and revitalization. 3) Land and Water

Guardianship, 4) Workforce and Social Investment Strategies and 5) Reconciliation and Equity. The organization’s approach will establish and support collaborative tribal efforts, offer technical assistance and mentorship, create knowledge sharing platforms and events, support Indigenous land return and land and water management and advocate for the centering of tribal voices and the rights of nature.

“By centering Indigenous knowledges and tribal ancestral wisdom in the promotion of a culture that is founded on the principles of collective stewardship, we work together to preserve and restore the rich biodiversity of the Sierra. We ensure that our future generations can enjoy the natural beauty that defined this region since time immemorial” said Dr. Lisa Grayshield, (Washoe), chair of The Sierra Fund’s Board of Directors. “This collaboration is writing a new future, one defined by reconciliation, stewardship, and shared responsibility for the land and our more than human relatives with whom we share this land we call home.”

This revitalized organization can create a longlasting legacy of empowered communities and protected landscapes. Collaborating with tribes across the region, The Sierra Fund will support Indigenous visions for the future and help create a sustainable and resilient future for all peoples and life.

The Sierra Fund invites the public to be a part of this transformative journey. The Sierra Fund launched a GoFundMe Campaign to show support for helping the Sierra Bioregion thrive by elevating the stewardship and leadership of Indigenous peoples.

“The sky shouts now or never,” said Wallace. “Together, we can create a future where Indigenous wisdom and western science unite to protect our natural worlds, cultures, and ecologies for generations to come.”

For more information or to support The Sierra Fund visit sierrafund.org.

Trojans

Drugs and a ghost gun reportedly found at an illegal campsite are off the

Mountain Democrat photo by Malachi Parker.

Senior tight end Kaleb Edwards gets separation from a Del Oro defender to haul in a pass.

OPINION

California Matters

Voters back measure to crack down on crime despite Newsom’s opposition

California voters will begin marking their mail-in ballots for the Nov. 5 election in just a few days and how they vote may reﬂect their somewhat sour outlooks, particularly rising concerns about crime, a pre-election poll suggests.

The Public Policy Institute of California survey, released Sept. 18, found that “majorities of adults and likely voters think the state is headed in the wrong direction and expect the state to have bad times ﬁnancially in the next 12 months,” the San Francisco-based think tank noted in its analysis.

The poll also revealed that 71% of voters support Proposition 36, which would boost penalties for some crimes, partially undoing Proposition 47, a 2014 measure that reduced sentences. At least 41% said the outcome of this vote is “very important.”

The strong support for Prop. 36 — which is sponsored by a coalition of law enforcement and business groups and backed by many local o cials — should not be a surprise.

Earlier this month, the institute released a study conﬁrming that property crimes have been rising since Prop. 47’s passage, while the ranks of police have thinned and arrests for such crimes have declined.

“Driven by larcenies, property crime jumped after Prop. 47 compared to the nation and comparison states,” the study found.

Prop. 36’s popularity marks a change of public attitudes since the heyday of what was called “criminal justice reform” a decade ago, when thenGov. Jerry Brown, legislators and voters, under pressure from federal courts, were depopulating the state’s overcrowded prison system. The number of felons declined by nearly 50% from a peak of 173,000 in 2006.

Brown’s successor, Gavin Newsom, initially supported continuing to soften penalties for crimes — even unilaterally banning executions of murderers despite voter support for capital

■ See WALTERS, page A7

Guest Column

Letters to the Editor

Accessibility problems

EDITOR:

There is a big problem in the county with housing, in particular accessible housing. Why should this matter to everyone? Because someday all of us get old and don’t have mobility. Someday all of us will not be able to step into and out of a bathtub.

I thought I was maybe the only one who used a rolling shower chair to take a shower, but the more vocal I am, the more I hear about a lot of other people doing unsafe transfers into a tub with a shower bench or not showering every day or when they need to. They go unshowered because it is unsafe and too di cult. This is a problem that has been around for many years, and nobody has done anything to change it. Nor will any apartment, development agency or corporation even consider making changes beyond meeting the minimum ADA requirements.

For example, I was recently accepted into an apartment complex and turned in an accommodations request for a roll-in shower and roll-under sinks. My request was approved, but I

was told the expense would be out of my pocket. I found the California Department of Rehabilitation would help me make the place accessible and I was overjoyed. Only to then hear that when I move out of the apartment, I would have to restore the unit back to as close to the original state as possible, costing me thousands to leave an inaccessible tub there yet again.

I cannot understand why an apartment complex would not want to have one fully accessible unit. If I’m going to invest money and e ort into creating an entirely accessible unit for the complex that can beneﬁt others in the future, there’s no way I’m going to let them undo my progress.

I found out about an apartment complex being built in Placerville that targets low-income renters, and it is supposedly equitable to all. I went into city planning to ﬁnd out if the complex will have roll-in showers for mobility impaired residents. Kindly, I was shown there will be ADA accessible units; however, all units will have a bathtub and none will have accessible showers or roll-under sinks. I informed the sta this is a problem for

■ See LETTERS, page A7

Taking from Peter to give to Paul is not America

Anewspaper story several years ago reported about an elementary school teacher who held elections in his class.

The students picked their candidates — one little boy competing against one little girl.

The little boy stood up before the class and shared his ideas for changes that would improve their lives. The little girl stood up and promised that everyone who voted for her would get ice cream.

STAR PARKER

The little girl won, hands down. Maybe it’s a cute story about 10-year-olds. But it’s far less cute if we consider that the political reality in our country today is not much di erent.

Two-thirds of federal spending, which now takes almost one-fourth of our GDP, are transfer payments.

The overwhelming support for Prop. 36 indicates that as his governorship approaches lame duck status, Newsom’s ability to sway voters is declining. ■

As opposed to federal spending that involves direct payments to individuals or ﬁrms — like salaries or purchases made by the Department of Defense — transfer payments are payments that are automatically transferred to one set of citizens out of the federal budget, as well as funds that the federal government transfers to the states.

We’re talking about programs such as Social Security, Medicare, food stamps, refundable tax credits, Medicaid, housing, welfare and transit.

These are automatic, mandatory transfers, which, as a percent of federal spending, have increased by about a factor of ﬁve since 1950.

Per the House Budget Committee, the percentage of the U.S. population enrolled in Medicaid has increased

from 9.3% in 1975 to 24.3% in 2022, getting food stamps from 7.9% in 1975 to 12.4% in 2022, and the earned income tax credit from 2.9% in 1975 to 9.3% in 2021.

The oldest and largest of these programs is Social Security. Whenever I convey that Social Security comes under the heading of federal entitlements, I get irate letters from those getting Social Security telling me they worked to get their beneﬁts.

But that isn’t the point. The point is most Americans have no choice to be or not be in the program, and once in, everything is automatic — when and how much is paid (although there is some latitude when to start receiving the beneﬁt) — and the beneﬁts received are from taxes paid by others.

It is important to appreciate, which most don’t, that these types of transfers were once considered unconstitutional. It was Social Security that changed the game.

Taking from Peter to pay Paul was never understood to be a constitutional authority of the federal

government. But after President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Social Security into law in 1935, its constitutionality was challenged in the case known as Helvering v. Davis. The court, in that case, found Social Security constitutional in a major expansion of understanding of the “general welfare” clause of the U.S. Constitution — “The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes ... and provide for the common Defense and general welfare.” As result of this ruling, a new understanding of “general welfare” gave Congress vast and wide new authority to tax and ﬁnance programs, even though those areas are not clearly enumerated in the Constitution as authority of the federal government.

Thus, the modern American welfare state was born, and the door was opened for politicians to promise ice cream in exchange for votes and power. It is the main source of the

DAN WALTERS

Walters Continued from A6 punishment. However, as smash-and-grab invasions of retail stores, car burglaries and other forms of property crime increased, Newsom gradually shifted to increasing some punishments.

Newsom tried, but failed, to persuade the Legislature to place a measure to rival Prop. 36 on the ballot and had to settle for some fairly mild punishment upgrades.

Newsom is now publicly opposing Prop. 36, rejecting its supporters’ contention that it would improve therapy for those committing crimes to support addictions.

“It’s about mass incarceration, not mass treatment,” Newsom told reporters during a recent press conference after signing the Legislature’s alternative crime laws. “What an actual insult it is

explosion of federal spending, and now federal borrowing.

Change is possible. I began my career working on welfare reform.

With reform of AFDC, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, and of TANF, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the percentage of the population on welfare dropped from 5.2% in 1975 to 0.9% in 2019.

The founders envisioned a free nation under God

to say it’s about mass treatment when there’s not a dollar attached to it.”

The overwhelming support for Prop. 36 indicates that as his governorship approaches lame duck status, Newsom’s ability to sway voters is declining. In fact the same poll found that just “49% of adults and 51% of likely voters approve of the way that Gov. Gavin Newsom is handling his job,” even though the vast majority of California voters are either Democrats or Democrat-leaning independents.

Nor is Prop. 36 the only ballot measure likely to pass despite Newsom’s disapproval. The poll found that more than 60% of voters support Proposition 35, which would make a tax on managed health care systems, such as Kaiser, permanent.

in which the role of government is to protect life and property.

Our real challenge is to restore this mission and vision. It will make us all better off.

Star Parker is president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education and host of the weekly television show “Cure America with Star Parker.” Her recent book, “What Is the CURE for America?” is available now.

Doctors, hospitals and other major players in the healthcare industry wrote Prop. 35 because the tax would generate matching funds from the federal government, resulting in increased payments to providers of care for the 14.5 million poor Californians enrolled in the state’s Medi-Cal program. Indirectly, passage of Prop. 35 would block Newsom’s efforts to use money from the tax to help close multi-billion-dollar deficits in the state budget, thus making it more likely that his governorship will end with the budget still leaking red ink.

Dan Walters is a journalist and author who writes for CALmatters.org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.

most people who need an ADA unit. I emailed the supervisor of the district, the mayor and city staff explaining the problem and asking for a change. I was informed it is impossible to change the blueprints after they’ve been drawn up.

These experiences have led me to believe the people who provide housing are unwilling to make accommodations equitable for those who need them. Why? Is it the cost? If so, there are several nonprofit organizations and government organizations specifically for the purpose of accessibility remodeling. Which verifies the significant need for it. Do they think that an accessible apartment deters the general population? The truth is that making one place accessible for the handicap means that it will be accessible for everybody.

Announcements

AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 3342970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot.com

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) 4177138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net

AMERICAN LEGION POST 119 welcomes Veterans and guests to attend our monthly membership dinner and meeting the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM. Legionpost119.org

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

PLAY CRIBBAGE Join the Gold Country Cribbers 916-212-2465 or 916-768-4452. We Play - We Teach - We Have Fun. Wednesdays 4:00 PM. Gilmore Senior Center 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA 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 four-part

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. Come play tennis for fun and friendship. Meet at El Dorado High School, Acacia Street, Placerville, Wed 9 AM – 11 AM. (June - Aug 8 AM –10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Cindy 805-540-8654. MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant on Fair Lane in Placerville at 10:00 am. Addiction or Relationship problem? Call 530 231-7728 our free counseling can help you. Positive Realism, 3430 Robin Ln., Cameron Park. Meet first and third Wednesday of every month, 7pm. Come and have a paid lunch with the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) for CalPERS retirees and spouses. The meetings are held at 11:30AM on May 20, July 15, September 16, November 18,2024 at Denny’s (3446 Coach Lane) Cameron Park. Call 530 919 7515 for programs and information.

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)621-6304 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. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a non-partisan organization.

AMY HEILMAN El Dorado

Letters Continued from A6

Parker Continued from A6

COMICS

County may receive millions for broadband

Odin Rasco Senior staff writer

El Dorado County and the city of Placerville may soon receive millions of dollars in grant money to help fund projects which would bring high speed broadband internet to the area.

The California Public Utilities Commission released a list of recommended awardees poised to receive part of the $2 billion Last Mile Federal Funding Account Grant Program in late August. The list included four projects intended to build out broadband infrastructure in rural parts of El Dorado County (Indian Creek, Coloma, Georgetown and Garden Valley) and a project which would bring high speed internet to the city of Placerville, adding up to a total of $86,521,767. More than 8,000 underserved county residents are expected to directly benefit from these infrastructure improvements, according to CPUC documentation. Although the funds are yet to be officially awarded, the CPUC recommendation does provide these local projects a significant leg up in a highly competitive grant process.

Part of SB 156, which was passed in 2021, the Last Mile grant program was created with the intent of investing $6 billion in middle-mile and last-mile broadband projects, meaning projects which will directly connect consumers to high-speed internet or lay the foundation which will allow them to connect. The CPUC’s call for applications received 484 responses, asking for a total of $4.63 billion from a fund with only $2 billion to give.

Placerville’s City Council received a presentation by Senior Management Analyst Steve McCargar Sept. 24, which went over the broad plans for broadband and laid out

what next steps will look like.

Placerville’s $20 million project will directly impact an estimated 1,301 residents currently without access to broadband, while also helping others by increasing access and therefore providing customer choice and market competition.

“We are thrilled with the prospect to receive this significant investment in Placerville’s digital infrastructure,” states Placerville Mayor Jackie Neau.

If the grant is awarded, the next step for Placerville and the county is to reach out to internet service providers who will be able to provide broadband services using the new infrastructure. The grant project would provide just short of 40 miles of fiber optic cable, a bit more than a fourth of the 142 miles needed for Placerville’s plans to bring broadband to the entire city.

The four county projects recommended for grant approval will serve an estimated 5,947 residents currently with limited internet access options in rural areas. By providing the infrastructure, internet service providers can offer services without the challenge of laying their own lines, a boon expected to bring competitive and affordable internet access rates for customers. Increased internet speeds and access is also expected to open the door for economic growth opportunities which would have previously been infeasible. The Last Mile grant program is only a part of multiple state programs established with the intent of narrowing the digital access gap and providing affordable access options to all Californians, according to a CPUC representative. CPUC commissioners will hold an official vote on which grant applications will be awarded Sept. 26, according to a CPUC press release.

Residential PG&E customers can easily access electricity usage data

OAKLAND — With the release of Apple’s latest software updates, residential Pacific Gas and Electric Company electric customers with an iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch now have access to new electricity usage features within the Home app. Customers can now connect their PG&E account to the Home app, enabling them to access, understand and make informed decisions about electricity use.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You gave without expecting a return. Not only that, you were more generous than you planned to be. Fulfilling need brings a rush of joy, which continues in a steady stream -- and that’s only part of what’s coming back around.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Involving others enriches your entire experience, and you’ll also get much more accomplished with the extra help. You’ll achieve everything on your list and then some, and sharing the credit will make it all the sweeter.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The universe is a teacher that requires no prerequisites, only a sincere desire to learn. In today’s case, there is no preparing that will help, so just go forward with an open mind and heart and you’ll absorb the lesson.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Recognizing you want something different is the first part of change. Next comes a willingness to mess things up a bit, followed by a stage of encouraging yourself and supporting yourself through a new behavior. You’re ready for this.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Once you’ve tasted sweet inspiration, it’s hard to go back to arrangements that are merely “workable” or “tolerable.” Sometimes you don’t have a choice, but today, the choice is there but subtle. Tune in. There’s an eject button -- you just have to look for it. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). It’s by digging into a dull situation that you really gain craft and the discipline of champions. Champions don’t wait for things like inspiration or motiva-

tion. Instead, they develop the skills to bring it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’ll provide something valuable when the moment is right. Until then, conserve your energy. Save your story for the audience who is curious about the subject and can apply the information.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’ll come up with a fix for the problem that plagues the group. It likely involves a compromise. No one will get all of what they want, but everyone will move forward with a few key benefits.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Stay aware of cost. At the diner of life, the prices are not always listed on the menu. Even something as mindless as a scroll through social media has a steep price tag that’s wrapped around your precious time and attention. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). A principle of advertisement will apply to today’s endeavors: more exposure equals more response. The best ad in the world will fail if no one sees it. Play the numbers game today. Put the message out as many times as you possibly can.

Being familiar with how electricity is measured and how usage shifts over time can help customers better understand their home energy use and potential changes they can make to save money and energy.

“The collaboration between PG&E and Apple puts electricity usage data directly into customer’s hands, providing further visibility into when electricity is cleanest and lowest cost and ultimately helping our customers save on their energy bills while reducing emissions,” said Mike Delaney, vice president, Utility Partnerships and Innovation, PG&E.

The new electricity usage feature in the Home app includes daily and weekly views, providing direct insight on how much electricity is used and how it changes by the hour and day-today. It takes approximately 48 hours for usage information to appear in the app, so customers can see their usage starting two days earlier and then extending to monthly and yearly views for longer-term comparisons.

The updated Home app provides a snapshot of the percentage of electricity used during both peak and off-peak hours.

Electricity costs are dependent on how much a customer uses, when they use it, and their rate plan. Residential PG&E customers default to Time-ofUse rate plans, which means rates vary at different times of the day, based on the demand for electricity.

Peak (typically 4-9 p.m.) is when

rates and demand are higher. Off-peak (typically 12 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.) is when rates and demand are lower.

The Home app also includes a grid forecast feature, which highlights times of the day when electricity from cleaner sources, such as solar or wind power, is available on the grid.

What impacts electricity usage?

The size of a customer’s home, how it was built and the local climate are some of the factors that impact how much electricity is used. Heating and cooling systems, appliances and lighting are also significant factors in determining electricity usage.

Knowing what consumes the most electricity in the home can also help customers maximize usage during cleaner and less expensive hours of the day.

Cooling and heating systems, water heaters, electric vehicle charging, electric vehicle charging, refrigerators, washers and dryers and incandescent or halogen lighting are considered some of the highest electricity consumers.

Ceiling fans, dishwashers, toaster ovens, TVs, laptops and LED or fluorescent lighting are considered lower electricity consumers.

Residential PG&E customers can connect their PG&E account to the Home app on iPhone running iOS 18 and later, iPad running iPadOS 18 and later and Mac running macOS Sequoia and later.

To connect a PG&E account to the Home app on iPhone, follow these instructions:

• Go to the Home app on your iPhone.

• Tap the Home tab, then tap Home Settings.

• Tap Energy, then tap Connect Account.

• Follow the onscreen instructions to link your PG&E account.

Once these steps have been completed, the electricity usage feature will begin syncing energy usage data, which may take a few hours to appear.

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

Paul Moreno PG&E

Auditor-Controller Joe Harn also noted the county budget’s structural integrity. He states in a letter, “During the year ending June 30, 2024, the County’s General Fund cash balance increased by $11 million for an ending balance of $108 million. Further, the county’s General Fund, unreserved, undesignated fund balance increased by $10 million for a total of $65 million. Additionally, the General Fund has another $59 million in designated fund balances and reserves set aside for capital projects, future economic uncertainties, future CalPERS costs and other board priorities.”

“Your board and the county’s leadership deserve credit for keeping our General Fund “assets” in a favorable financial position,” Harn continued. “However, our unfunded obligations to CalPERS, our unfunded retirees’ health stipend obligation, our unfunded facilities needs, and our deficiencies in road maintenance spending dwarf the favorable side of our financial position.”

Additionally, Harn noted the outcome of the Austin litigation, which could result in an approximately $15-million hit to the General Fund, depending on a judge’s decision regarding fee refunds.

The county set its ending balance of CalPERS designations at $8.8 million, with reports showing a $10.9 million increase over the next ﬁve years according to county sta . The capital projects end balance designations has been set at $2.6 million.

Other factors considered while adopting the budget were the county’s reduced discretionary revenue.

Property tax growth in 2023-24 was 6.37%; this year, the growth was calculated at 4.69%.

High interest rates, high prices, insurance issues and low inventory of homes are driving the decrease in property tax growth, Hennike said.

“Over the last 30 years, the average was 5.6%, so we are now entering the phase where we are below the 30-year average in terms of our property tax growth rate,” Hennike said. “The concern would be if that trend were to continue.”

The adopted budget assumes a 1.7% increase from prior years accruals, down from the recommended budget-assumed 2%. Hennike said the percentage would have been

Threats

Continued from A1

source of the threat and provide protection. When the source of the threat is identiﬁed, the realworld consequences can range from incarceration in a jail or juvenile detention facility to suspension from school.

We urge parents to engage in meaningful conversations with their children about the level of power and the signiﬁcant impact that a message on social media can have. If presented with a message that your student has observed indicating some sort of threat, do not share that message on social media. Instead, please report the message to local law enforcement. The faster it is reported, the faster appropriate investigative action can be taken to disrupt a potential threat or hoax message.

As leaders in El Dorado County, we are committed to the safety of our students, sta and the schools in our community. A school, ranging from preschool to middle school to high school and college, is meant to be a place of learning and safety where growth and exploration can occur, not fear and anxiety. We are fully dedicated to upholding the safety and

lower had the board not dissolved the Mello-Roos Community Facilities District for the Missouri Flat Area Master Circulation and Financing Plan.

“It makes it look like our sales tax came in about a $1 million higher because that is the amount that would have gone to CFD and it fell into the General Fund balance,” Hennike said. “Without that, the sales tax would have been $100,000 or more short.”

Those funds will be put in a special designated fund for road repairs on that corridor. The MC&FD will have its own fund set aside, $5.5 million.

The county’s discretionary transient occupancy tax is also decreasing, according to sta . Though the collection was anticipated at $6 million, up from the recommended budget, actuals are 5% down from last year’s ﬁscal year which was already down from the 2022-23 ﬁscal year’s occupancy tax.

“This revenue has been really hard to predict because it went really high during the pandemic and now we are seeing a decrease and it was sort of getting established before the pandemic,” CAO analyst Emma Owens said.

The county also approved of allocating eight full-time equivalent personnel for the county’s Health and Human Services department and two for Planning and Building’s code enforcement sta , while removing a designation for an EMS and emergency preparedness supervisor.

The county will also set aside $4 million to help o set increases to health insurance and other insurance premiums in a risk program designation.

Additionally, $500,000 will be moved for Tahoma transportation facility in a new Tahoma Designation.

The county will also carry over $1.45 million of DOT funds from ﬁscal year 2023-24 allocations.

Sta will return to the board in November on its ﬁndings on a budget structural sustainability study, which will include a revenue study, in an e ort to structurally maintain the budget in the future. All approved changes can be viewed during the county’s legistar website in the Sept. 17 Board of Supervisor’s meeting minutes online, which can be found at eldorado.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.

integrity of our county’s educational settings. Collectively, we will continue to take any and all threats to our community — especially our schools — extremely seriously, as the safety of those students and sta is our top priority.

As we work through these challenging times together as a community, we recognize the complexities and pressures our children face. By actively supporting our children as they navigate their pathways to success, we can create a collaborative environment that empowers them to make informed decisions and reach their full potential. Let us continue working together to build a better tomorrow for our children, our schools, and our community.

— El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ed Manansala; Chief of Police Joseph Wren, Placerville Police Department; Chief of Police David Stevenson, South Lake Tahoe Police Department; El Dorado County Sheri Je Leikauf, El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson; El Dorado County Chief Probation O cer Brian Richart.

✓

October 10th, 2024 4:00 – 8:00pm The American Legion Hall Located Just off Motherlode Drive

4561 Greenstone Road, Placerville

Adults - $15.00 Children - $7.00 Full Bar

(Proceeds from the bar support the American Legion Hall) purchase tickets at the door! “Drive-Thru”

Spaghetti Dinners Available Or stay for the Live Entertainment & Rafﬂe Drawings

All proceeds fund the care packages sent to the soldiers in the war zones who are from El Dorado County or have family members in El Dorado County. The care packages are sent yearly. We also provide scholarships for returning military service members with the same criteria and we now offer VA & Active Military Home Buyer Scholarships.

*Sponsored by the El Dorado County Association of Realtors*

*and the Honor Our Troops Committee* www.honorourtroops.us

El Dorado County is actively updating the Western El Dorado Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), a critical tool to address local wildfire hazards. Set for completion in Spring 2025, the CWPP will guide efforts to reduce wildfire threats and secure funding for future projects.

This community-driven plan, developed with input from El Dorado County Office of Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience, Fire Safe Councils, community members, and partner agencies, prioritizes mitigation actions to reduce wildfire risks through hazardous fuels reduction, infrastructure protection, community preparedness, public education, and others. The goal is to create fire-adapted communities across the west slope and strengthen our resilience against future wildfires.

Community participation is essential. Public workshops in early October will give residents a chance to contribute their perspectives and help shape the plan which will ensure the CWPP addresses local concerns, priorities, and goals for wildfire risk reduction. Tom Meyer, Program Manager for the Office of Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience, emphasized, “Engaging our community is essential to developing a well-informed and actionable plan. We encourage everyone to participate by taking the online survey and attending one of the public workshops.”

By working together, El Dorado County can become safer and more prepared for wildfire threats, protecting both lives and property.

We want to hear from you! Attend a Workshop!

Pioneer School 6862 Mt. Aukum Rd Somerset, CA October 2nd, 2024

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Pinewood School

6181 Pine St

Pollock Pines, CA October 5th, 2024 9:00am - 11:00am

Golden Sierra HS 5101 Garden Valley Rd Garden Valley, CA October 3rd, 2024 6:00pm - 8:00pm

By working together, El Dorado County can become safer and more prepared for wildfire threats, protecting both lives and property.

Firefighters Hall

501 Pleasant Valley Rd Diamond Springs, CA October 5th, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm

360 Fair Lane Placerville, CA (530)621-5569 wildfireready@edcgov.us

CSD

2502 Country Club Dr Cameron Park, CA October 5th, 2024 4:00pm - 6:00pm

NEWS, IN THE KNOW

Sept. 25

Main Street Menagerie and DJ Yuma Tripp will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. Show starts at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Valhalla Tahoe presents Living History – Lake Tahoe’s Enigmatic Elias “Lucky” Baldwin and his Daughter Anita. For tickets and more information visit valhallatahoe.com.

Sept. 26

The Shingle SpringsCameron Park Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly networking luncheon at Red Hawk Casino’s Koto Bu et from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. California State Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil is set to be the guest speaker. For more information, call (530) 6778000 or visit sscpchamber. org.

Snowline Health Dementia Connection hosts Caregiver Support Group, 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Gilmore Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane in El Dorado Hills.

The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce hosts a mixer at Boeger Winery in Placerville, 5:30-7:30 p.m. For more information call (530) 6225885.

A comedy night featuring Johnny Taylor Jr. and Holly James takes place at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. Doors open at 5 p.m., show at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Thursday Night Market at Burke Junction runs through Sept. 26 at the Cameron Park shopping center. Enjoy vendors, food and entertainment 5-8 p.m.

Deb Smith will perform at 6 p.m. at Smith Flat House, 2021 Smith Flat Road in Placerville. For more information call (530) 6211003.

The Crocker Art Museum presents Journeys of Jazz: Ramona Vieira. For tickets and more information visit crockerart.org.

Sept. 27

The Placerville Arts Association hosts its Artists Open Studio Tour Sept. 27-29. Meet some of the outstanding and award-winning artists who live and create in the beautiful Sierra foothills. This year 39 artists will participate at 11 locations. For more information visit paastudiotour.com.

Clerical Estate Trio will perform at 5 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/livemusic.

Sacramento City College’s City Theatre is producing A Local Playwrights Festival: I Think This Place Has Changed, Sept. 27 through Oct. 13 in the Art Court Theatre in the Performing Arts Center on the Sacramento City College campus at 3835 Freeport Boulevard in Sacramento. All details and tickets are available online at CityTheatre.net.

Sutter Street Theatre presents “Evil Dead the Musical” Sept. 27 through Nov. 3. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays

2024 harvest promises gr ape expectations

Mimi Escabar

Special Sections Editor

Early agriculturalists would wait for the ﬁrst full moon closest to the Autumnal Equinox in September as a signal to harvest. The bright moon would make it possible to extend the harvest and get the crops picked.

Wine grape growers don’t rely on the moon so much but they do keep an eye on the color of the grapes as they go through veraison and monitor the sugar content in the grapes. An early grape grower would look at the fruit ripening and taste the berries. When they felt the color was right and there was enough sugar present the wine grapes would be picked.

Today wine grape growers still keep a watchful eye on the crop and take a taste but they also use science to indicate harvest time.

To learn more about the process Boeger Winery is sharing this special time of year, o ering Harvest Tours for the public interested in seeing the steps it takes for the grapes to go from vine to bottle.

Wine Ambassador Juliann Eskite recently guided Vanessa and Brad Simpson from Meridian, Idaho, and Brenda and Richard Frady from Woodland on a tour.

Starting in the tasting room, Eskite explained that harvest at Boeger usually takes place August to mid-October but a multitude of factors go into the timing of season. The length and severity of the winter, rainfall totals, the arrival of spring, early or late frosts, mild or scorching summers and when that touch of fall starts to arrive in the air all play a part. The location of the vineyard

Lee Hodo Special to the Mountain Democrat

El Dorado County winemakers started bringing in fruit from their mountain vineyards for the 2024 harvest in late August. Early white varieties like chardonnay and sauvignon blanc and grape varietals for rosés made it to crush pads ﬁrst. While other California wine regions reported the beginning of harvest closer to early or midAugust, El Dorado’s most distinguishing feature, high elevation, always pushes picking later. Most of the vineyards planted in the American Viticultural Area sit between 2,500 and 3,500 feet above sea level.

Located in the northern end of the region, Lava Cap’s estate vineyards lie at the 2,700 feet elevation. According to Nolan Jones, Lava Cap’s winemaker and

manager, “The elevation

“This leads to a three- to four-week delay in bud fall compared to other Consequently, much of the El Dorado AVA’s

ripening takes place during the cooler months of September and October. This year was not without a punishing summer though. Paul Bush, winemaker/owner of Madroña Vineyards, located in Camino, also in the northern end of the El Dorado AVA, commented on the results of a brutal heat

Mountain Democrat photo by Mimi Escabar

A bin of barbera grapes is ready to go into the destemmer at Boeger Winery in Placerville.

Greg Boeger, Boeger Winery owner and vineyard manager, and Juliann Eskite, Boeger Winery wine ambassador, above left, talk about the cellaring process during a harvest tour of the award-winning winery. Above right, Richard Frady places some petit syrah grapes in the refractometer to check the Brix (sugar content).

Mountain Democrat photo by Mimi Escabar

Photo by Brenda Frady

Food bank, community partners help local seniors

News release

An impactful community event took place earlier this month with residents actively supporting local seniors grappling with financial constraints. This initiative was part of a longstanding collaboration with the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians and the Food Bank of El Dorado County’s Elder Outreach, a program extending continuous emergency food aid to local seniors earning less than $1,632 monthly.

Food bank staff reached out to multiple low-income seniors, inviting them to a food distribution. More than 275 seniors attended the event and were provided with nonperishable staples, fresh produce, meats, cheeses and more. Additionally, participants

received a Safeway gift card, allowing them to purchase extra food or gas.

The success of this distribution was attributed to the diligent efforts of volunteers. Notable contributors include the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Tribal Fire, the National Charity League and a team from Master Food Preservers, who provided an extra service, supplying seniors with recipes and nutritional information about the food they received.

District II Supervisor George Turnboo and his assistant Mark Treat made time that day to also attend the outreach and together passed out gift cards to the seniors.

For more information on the Elder Outreach program call (530) 621-9950 or email info@ foodbankedc.org.

Yoga master to present informative talk in Placerville

News release

Guru Prasad Paramahansa, an Ajapa Yoga master on his first U.S. tour, will speak on The Song of Breath: An

Ancient Sound Yoga for Modern Times at the Federated Church in Placerville on Oct. 1. This is the first stop on a nine-city tour; additional stops in Northern California

include Folsom, Sacramento, San Francisco and Berkeley before the tour goes on to Southern California. Prasad’s talk will focus on Ajapa Yoga’s simple and practical technique

of sound meditation, a technique practiced in India since ancient times. Ajapa Yoga is based on the natural sounds of the breath and can be practiced throughout the day, regardless of time or place. The results of this form of yoga are improved health, relief from anxiety and stress and enhanced concentration, energy and productivity. This ancient practice involves breath and meditation, rather than the physical asana (poses) yoga more common in the West.

Ajapa Yoga was first brought to the U.S. and Europe by Guru Prasad’s predecessor, Swami Janardan Paramahansa. Janardan led a world lecture tour back in the 1970s, when he taught the technique to scientists at the Neuropsychiatric Institute in San Francisco and Rockefeller University in New York City. Janardan emphasized that Ajapa Yoga is the original form of Yoga.

“It is not a thing of words, but a thing of

practical and subjective experience,” he emphasized.

Prasad. “People’s lives would be so much more meaningful with the regular practice of this yoga.” Ajapa Yoga Foundation is a nonprofit organization with its main U.S. center in Placerville since 1977. Situated on 20 acres in the Northern California foothills, people from all over the world have come to meditate and achieve calm and clarity of thought, as well as physical and mental well-being.

Neeraj Goswami, an advanced Ajapa practitioner trained by Guru Prasad, will present the lectures in English on behalf of Guru Prasad, who will also be present. There will be a question and answer period following the lecture and an opportunity at the event for people to experience the Ajapa Yoga for themselves, with Goswami explaining the meditation and breathing technique to those who wish to learn more.

“My focus on this lecture tour is to help people in these troubled times. Times are changing so fast. I want to give people this opportunity to receive the practice of Ajapa Yoga, which can help change their lifestyles and make them more confident, stable and happy,” said Guru

The Song of Breath: A talk by Ajapa Yoga Master Guru Prasad Paramhansa from India taks place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, at Federated Church of Placerville, 1031 Thompson Way. Admission is free. For more information or a complete schedule of the tour call or text (530) 363-8455, email ajapayogausa@ gmail.com or visit usa. ajapayog.org.

Thanks to the many volunteers who came out this summer, local group Save the Graves finished its work cleaning veteran headstones in Placerville Union Cemetery. The next “headstone party” will focus on tackling the remaining lichen-encrusted historical headstones that need cleaning and/or straightening.

The nonprofit’s members invite the public to join them, along with Boys Team Charity and National Charity League, for another work party 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 28. Headstone cleaning is satisfying and important work.

Supervisors will be on hand to show volunteers VA-approved, safe headstone cleaning techniques. Placerville Union Cemetery is located at 650 Bee St. in Placerville. Cleaning supplies will be provided. Volunteers should bring gloves, sun hat, work clothed and sturdy shoes. The terrain is irregular. All ages are welcome. Advance registration required. To sign up visit SaveTheGravesElDorado.org/events.

Courtesy photo

Tribal Fire crew members volunteer at the Food Bank of El Dorado County distribution event held earlier this month for seniors.

SWAMI GURU PRASAD PARAMAHANSA, AJAPA MASTER

GROW FOR IT!

There is one horticultural signal that autumn has arrived — the pumpkin! Every fall millions of Americans will purchase this vegetable, not for consumption, but for decoration. Halloween and Thanksgiving would not be complete without our pumpkins taking center stage. Although pumpkins are still a valuable food crop in most of the world, in the United States this colorful member of the Cucurbitaceae family is primarily used as a decoration.

Archeological evidence suggests that pumpkins and winter squash are native to the Americas from the southwestern part of what is now the United States, through Mexico and south into Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. Today, pumpkins can be found on six continents (all but Antarctica).

Indigenous people cultivated pumpkin as early as 3500 B.C., making it one of the oldest crops along with corn.

Native Americans are said to have roasted long strips of pumpkin on an open fire and then consumed them. They also dried pumpkin strips and wove them into mats. Early American colonists relied heavily on pumpkin as a food source. One way colonists are thought to have prepared pumpkins is to slice off their tops, remove the seeds, and refill the

House Cleaning

inside with a mixture of milk, spices, and honey. The resultant concoction was baked in hot ashes and is said to be the origin of our modern pumpkin pie. Pumpkins are still valuable as a food crop but are more widely used for their ornamental value.

Brightly colored orange pumpkins are a staple around Halloween when frightening faces are carved into them, turning them into Jack-O-Lanterns. JackO-Lanterns originated in Ireland but the faces were carved into turnips. Immigrants arriving in America continued the tradition of making Jack-OLanterns but found pumpkins easier to

carve than turnips.

Columbus was known to have taken pumpkin seeds back to Europe on one of his voyages. However, pumpkins are warm season vegetables that require a relatively long growing season. Thus, they never have gained popularity in northern Europe and the British Isles where the summer temperatures are not conducive to their growth. Being a heat-loving plant, pumpkins should be planted once the soil has thoroughly warmed in the spring. Select a location with good soil that is well drained and is weed free. Pumpkins are vigorous growers that require adequate nutrition to produce a

good crop. The ideal soil pH for pumpkin production is between 6.0 and 6.5. Make sure to provide plenty of spacing for your pumpkins. Some of the largest varieties can produce vines that can spread up to 18 feet.

Pumpkin trivia

• Eighty percent of the pumpkin supply in the United States is available in October.

• Morton, Ill., the selfproclaimed Pumpkin Capital of the World, holds an annual “Punkin’ Chuckin’” contest.

• The heaviest pumpkin ever grown weighed 2,009 pounds and was grown in Topsfield, Maine, in

2012.

• The largest pumpkin pie ever baked weighed 2,020 pounds and measured more than 12 feet in size. It took 5 hours to bake and produced over 3,000 slices of pie.

• Pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles and curing snake bites. The Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open 9 a.m. to noon Fridays and Saturdays. Check the website for further information at ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_ Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden. Master Gardener classes are offered monthly throughout the county. Find the class schedule at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/ Public_Education_Cla sses/?calendar=yes &g=56698 and recorded classes on many gardening topics at mgeldorado.ucanr. edu/Public_Education/ Classes. Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are working hard to answer your questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website, mgeldorado.ucanr.edu, or leave a message on the office telephone at (530) 621-5512. To sign up for notices and newsletters visit ucanr.edu/master_ gardener_e-news. Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Pixabay image

ASK A CARE MANAGER

What’s under your umbrella?

In the ﬁeld of psychology, anger is often referred to as the secondary emotion, meaning there is another primary emotion underneath it that is resulting in or fueling anger. Like the warning light that pops up on the dashboard of your car, anger is a warning sign that something needs attention. Anger is trying to tell you something: alert you to a violation, an unmet need or an attack on your self-worth. And much like the warning lights on your dashboard, anger will not go away until the underlying cause is resolved.

what we are not able to identify. The next time you feel angry, consider what is fueling it. There is always something underneath anger.

Robin Milner MA, LPCC, Care Manager

Now we will expound on one of the primary emotions under the umbrella: violated boundaries. Looking at personal boundaries more closely can help us identify what has been violated. These are the ﬁve basic boundaries that when violated can result in anger.

• Sense of self-worth

• Goals and desires

• Unmet needs

• Values/beliefs

• Fears

Another way to look at anger is to imagine it as an umbrella that pops open. It is what comes up ﬁrst, but there is something underneath it. Imagine an umbrella represents anger and underneath the umbrella are various emotions like sadness, frustration, guilt, disrespect, embarrassment, anxiety, shame, disappointment, insecurity, fear, unmet needs, betrayal and violated boundaries, which we will look at more closely later.

As you can see, there are many emotions under anger and this is not an exhaustive list. Let us look at an example of what could be under anger: Mary lost her job and she feels angry. What might be causing her anger? Is she really feeling anxious and/or guilty, but she is unaware of these emotions? It is important for Mary to identify her underlying emotions and process them. What might she be anxious about? Perhaps not being able to pay her bills or get another job. How can she address these fears?

Often, taking action can alleviate fear. She can focus on updating her résumé and applying for new jobs. What about her feeling of guilt? Did she do something at work that may have resulted in her losing her job? What can she determine to do di erently in her next job? If you are unaware of the true feelings underneath your anger, you cannot take action to resolve it. You need to look deeper.

How about Harry who had a ﬁght with his wife and feels angry? Could he really have felt disrespected? What can he say to his wife that might bring understanding and resolution? He might say, “I felt disrespected when you interrupted me in front of our friends. Can you please wait until I am done talking before you speak?” His wife may not have realized she was being perceived as disrespectful and could not understand why Harry was angry at her. This communication can bring new understanding and an opportunity for Harry and his wife to interact di erently, so that Harry does not feel disrespected.

As you can see, the emotion underneath the anger is what is really going on and needs to be addressed. We can’t address and/or correct

Know Continued from B1

and 7 p.m. on Sundays. There will be a special Halloween showing on Thursday, Oct. 31. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

The Olde Coloma Theatre presents “A Werewolf’s Tail” or “Hilda’s Haunted Hilltop” Sept. 27 through Oct. 27. Doors open Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, go to oldecolomatheatre.com.

Sons of Rock will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 8 p.m. to midnight. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.

David Francey will perform at Sutter Creek Theatre in Sutter Creek. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheatre.com.

Feng E will perform at The So a in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

Now

ASPIREKids is looking for volunteers to help with The Elf Project, a program that will bring Christmas to hundreds of local youth. For more information email hello@aspirekidseldorado.org.

El Dorado County Certi ed Farmers Markets o er fresh fruit and vegetables and much more: Burke Junction in Cameron Park, 8 a.m. to noon Wednesdays; Placerville Cinema, 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays; and El Dorado Hills Town Center, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays. For more information visit eldoradofarmersmarket.com.

Marshall Hospital Auxiliary is looking for volunteers. Help people and make new friends. Interviews are held monthly. For more information call Norma at (530) 676-1844 or email grizzyq98@

Consider the following examples. Think of an instance when your loved one did not come home at their regular time. You were afraid something may have happened to them (violating your fear) but as soon as they arrive home you feel angry and may yell at them, saying, “Where have you been? Why didn’t you call me and say you would be late!?” An argument most likely will ensue when all the while it is the fear that they were hurt that was underlying your reaction of anger. When you are aware of the real emotion of fear, you can tell your loved one that you were worried something had happened to them and a very di erent response would likely be given.

Example 2. You are sound asleep, and your spouse turns the light on to ﬁnd his shoes and wakes you. You feel angry. What boundary is being violated? Your need for sleep. Instead of being angry at your spouse, let him know that he woke you and determine how he can arrange to have his things ready for the day without turning the light on.

Example 3. You see a toddler in a store with no parent in sight and anger begins to rise up in you. Your belief and value that a parent needs to be close by to protect their child has just been violated. What can you do instead of stewing? Perhaps turning your attention to locating the parent and reuniting them would ease your anger.

Example 4. Having to work full-time to support yourself gets in the way of your goal and desire to go to college. Can you find a way to start working toward your goal by taking one or two courses online or in the evening? Instead of being angry, take action to make a plan and find a way to fulfill your dream.

Again, you can see how anger is not the real issue that needs to be addressed when boundaries are violated. The next time you feel angry, ask yourself, “What boundary may have been violated; what other emotion is underneath my anger?” Address the real issue and get free from anger.

Robin is a care manager for Elder Options and has a passion to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves and provide them with the care and dignity each of us deserve.

gmail.com.

Big Idea Theatre in Sacramento presents “The Beauty of Queen Leenane” through Sept. 28. For tickets and more information visit bigideatheatre. org.

Imagination Theatre at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds presents “The 39 Steps” through Sept. 29. For tickets and more information go to itplacerville.org.

Capital Stage in Sacramento presents “Fairview” through Sept. 29 as it kicks o its 20th anniversary season. For tickets and more information call (916) 995-5464 or visit capstage.org.

Arts and Culture El Dorado, in collaboration with the El Dorado County Historical Museum and Placerville News Company, hosts Specters on Glass: Studio Portraiture in Early 20th Century Placerville at the Switchboard Gallery through Oct. 6. The collection is a broad sampling of local citizenry captured on glass dry plate negatives, and sits rmly at the intersection of histories of place and histories of technology.

The Center has opened registration for the Adopt A Family program. This is an opportunity to step in and help provide joy, relief and lasting memories for local families in need. Registration runs through Oct. 15. For more information call (530) 626-1450.

Soroptimist of Cameron Park/El Dorado Hills is seeking grant applications from women who serve as the primary earners for their families and require nancial assistance to continue their education or training. Apply for the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award. Applications are available at bit.ly/LYDAapply. The application deadline is Nov. 15. (The club number for SICPEDH is #116408.) For more information visit sicpedh.org or call (916) 933-8205.

...to our

NEWSPAPERS IN EDUCATION

HFW Enterprises, LLC

49’er Bail Bond

Aborn Powers Property Management

Adco Driveline and Custom Exhaust

Adept – Med International, Inc.

ARCO AM/PM

Artistic Beads & Studio CAPTRUST

Conforti Plumbing

Edwards A-1 Appliance

El Dorado County Fair

El Dorado Irrigation District

EN2 Resources, Inc.

Frank’s Body Shop, Inc.

Lake Oaks Mobile Home Community

Mountain Roofing Systems

Sierra Valley Enterprises, LLC

The Greenhouse Café

Triangle Well Drilling

Western Sign Co., Inc.

The Mountain Democrat’s Newspapers in Education program (NIE) was established in 2002 to provide and educational service arm for the newspaper.

NIE’s goal is to assist schools, teachers and parents in developing future readers who can use the newspaper to enrich their own lives and participate responsibly in their community, state and nation.

Not only does the Mountain Democrat provide valuable information on a wide range of topics daily, it also can be used as a resource for teaching numerous skills to various age groups and in many different disciplines. It helps students connect classroom lessons to the real world around them and develop a positive and

relevant lifetime reading habit. A study released by the Newspaper Association of America Foundation shows data indicating students in NIE programs do 10 percent better on standardized tests and that significant increases in student performances occur, especially in middle schools. Donations from our sponsors allow our educators to order the newspaper for their classrooms free of charge. These sponsorships contribute to literacy and allow thousands of teachers and students in El Dorado County to learn from a living textbook, the Mountain Democrat, and develop a life-long reading habit that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Please show these sponsors your support for the program by patronizing their businesses.

DANCING MUSIC AUCTIONS

FAT KI Y CITY HUMANE SOCIETY

Cherry Poppin’ Daddies swing into Grass Valley

Leila Srouji The Center for the Arts

GRASS VALLEY — The Center for the Arts presents Cherry Poppin’ Daddies in the Marisa Funk Theater on Sept. 27.

In the past few years, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies have become the kind of band that you would want to book if you were throwing a soiree at the Gatsby mansion. Penning elegant, lush, pitch perfect arrangements of much of the great American songbook, from Cole Porter to Frank Sinatra, the Daddies have surprised many — likely familiar with them from the early ’90s — whose limited exposure to the band undoubtedly consists of an image of spray painted vans careening across the U.S. as an iconoclastic, misfit part of an already marginalized punk/ska scene.

The Daddies have of late put together a number of excellent swing/jazz sit-down theater type shows, each tailored to a different era of swing music: a Jazz Age Lawn Party consisting of roaring ’20s and Cotton Club Era material, a swanky Live at the Sands type tribute to

wave in June and July.

“We had an unprecedented stretch of heat (at least in our 51 years of growing grapes) up until about early August.” Bush added, “We were blessed that the vines had budded out late this spring, starting the growing year a bit later than usual. However, this period of intense heat, with very warm temperatures at night, probably sped up the ripening process for the vines.”

Fortunately, since the heat wave in June and July, the region has experienced more than a month of daytime temperatures in the low 80s, perfect for getting the fruit through veraison.

On the heat wave, Rob Sinton, winemaker at Starfield Vineyards, said, “A lot of people think the vines shut down, but it doesn’t quite get hot enough here to shut the vines down physiologically — it just accelerated the harvest for us. We’re bringing our grenache in one week earlier than in

Tour

the Rat Pack, and a World War II Christmas Canteen show that is part Tiki, part Benny Goodman and comes across like a radio broadcast from Guadalcanal circa 1942. The sheer craftsmanship and professional attention to detail of these performances have shed new light on this criminally underestimated band. Singer songwriter/bandleader Steve Perry explained, “Lately, by laying our hands on the great American songbook, we have been trying to fill in for audiences the historical backstory of what inspires our original brand of Americana because, in essence, that is what I consider us to be — an Americana band. But instead of taking mostly from a delta blues tradition — like many of the bands labeled Americana — we adhere mostly to a pre rock, pre mid ’50s, hot jazz and essentially Tin Pan Alley tradition.”

Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27, at The Center for the Arts, 314 West Main St. in Grass Valley. For tickets and more information visit thecenterforthearts.org or call (530) 274-8384.

2023.”

Jonathan Lachs, owner of Cedarville Vineyard, an organically farmed estate at 2,500 feet elevation in the southern end of the AVA in the Fair Play region, picked syrah for his Susan Marie Rosé during the third week in August and picked his estate syrah and grenache at the end of August.

He explained that these varietals “both

Continued from B1

is also a factor and with Boeger’s vineyards in the Sierra foothills the harvest dates usually are later than other areas.

Eskite explained white grapes ripen first and lead the harvest parade. Of the 50-plus varietals cultivated by Boeger Winery the sauvignon blanc vines are where the harvest crew starts.

As the tour checked out the vines — some head trained and others trellis trained — they learned about the complexities of farming grapes from weather variations to other influences like wildfire smoke. These all influence the final product in the bottle.

“The Caldor Fire was a disaster for El Dorado County wine growers,” Eskite said. “The smoke taint really contaminated the grapes and ruined the wine. A lot had to be dumped.” Fortunately this year has been benign

have light crops, with nicely developed flavor at reasonable sugar levels and, ideally, slightly lower pH and slightly higher acidity. Yields are way down from 2023.”

About the vintage as it stands today, Lachs shared, “My very preliminary observation is terrific ripeness with higher acidity and lower pH than prior vintages, which is very promising.”

as far as weather goes in El Dorado County except for a heat wave in June and July. Luckily it was followed by a cooling trend that evened out the growing time. Another plus for this year is that smoke from wildland has not been measurable.

While looking at the petit syrah grapes waiting on the vines Richard Frady picked a few to taste and guessed that they could be almost harvest ready, “maybe measuring 24 Brix.” The home winemaker was referring to a unit of measurement used to determine the sugar content of grapes using a refractometer. Sugar is important in the fermenting process of grape juice to wine.

The next stop on the tour was the lab designed by Justin Boeger, owner

Courtesy photo

A recent harvest morning in Lava Cap’s vineyard included picking Estate Grenache.

Harvest Continued from B1

Photo by Rod Black

Cherry Poppin’ Daddies bring their swining jazz to The Center for the Arts on Sept. 27.

Move to the largest senior apartments

e spacious Independent Living apartments at Ponté Palmero mean you can continue your independent lifestyle with room to entertain friends and access to all the life-enriching community services and amenities we o er.

Floor plans up to 1,482 square feet | Private, attached garage | Full kitchen | In-suite laundry

You can continue to cook and entertain in your own home, or enjoy our chef-prepared meals in the community dining room with friends. We take away the worry of housekeeping and home maintenance, and provide social opportunities all month long. You can relax and spend your days with friends and family, and doing the things you enjoy most.