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mtdemocrat.com

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023

Photo courtesy of Tina Humlick

Tina Humlick is pictured with her family dog Rosie.

Family and friends remember slain Placerville woman Odin Rasco Staff writer Friends and family are sharing their fond memories of a Placerville woman in the wake of her untimely death. Christina Humlick — Tina, to those who knew her — was found dead by El Dorado County sheriff ’s deputies at a Placerville home on Prado Vista Court while responding to a reported stabbing Oct. 5. Tina grew up in South Lake Tahoe and graduated from South Lake Tahoe High School before later moving down the hill and living in the Placerville area for the past 7 and a half years, according to her sister, Heather Humlick. “Tina was one of ■ See HUMLICK, page A6

Mountain Democrat photo by Noel Stack

El Dorado County Animal Services Chief Henry Brzezinksi will retire Oct. 20 after serving El Dorado County for 18 years and a 40-year animal welfare career.

Henry Brzezinski takes a bow as Animal Services chief

BOYFRIEND PLEADS NOT GUILTY A Placerville man accused of killing his girlfriend pleaded not guilty to the murder charge against him Thursday afternoon.

Noel Stack Managing editor

uster, a 15-year-old Pomeranian, sniffs around El Dorado County Animal Services Chief Henry Brzezinski’s office and eagerly takes a few treats. The black-and-white fuzzball goes this way and that, tongue hanging out sideways. He’s the rescue dog and constant companion of Brzezinski and soon, the latter’s partner in retirement. After 18 years on the job, the community’s top animal advocate is ready to enjoy a quieter life and read all the books he has amassed over the years — with Buster on his lap, of course. Brzezinski’s last day is Oct. 20. “I feel the program will continue to run well with the staff we have and the support from the community,” Brzezinski said.

After Christina Humlick was found stabbed multiple times, her boyfriend Michael Thompson, 43, was discovered at a neighboring home with “traumatic injuries” and transported to a nearby hospital, according to El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Kyle Parker. Thompson was arrested by EDSO detectives while recovering from his wounds in the hospital for allegedly killing ■ See PLEA, page A3

The animal welfare veteran began leading Animal Services in January 2003. He served as chief until June 2008, when he took a job as the general manager of the Santa Cruz County Animal Services Authority. But less than two years later Brzezinski returned to the foothills, saying in April 2010 he “greatly missed the community here and the relationships I had established with the local animal welfare groups, the county staff and the residents.” Prior to his work in El Dorado and Santa Cruz counties, Brzezinski served in lead positions on the East Coast, including the role of executive director for the Humane Society of the Midlands of South Carolina and field investigator for the Humane Society of the United States. In 2001 he received the

Silver Crescent award from South Carolina’s governor in recognition of his commitment to animal welfare. For his work in California Brzezinski was named the 2019 National Animal Care and Control Association Employee of the Year. He has also spent years lobbying for better animal protection laws and professional changes to better serve communities and the animals. During his tenure in El Dorado County, Brzezinski and his team facilitated the adoption of approximately 27,000 dogs and cats through their shelters in Diamond Springs and South Lake Tahoe. Brzezinski said he has seen a lot of changes in animal services since he began his career about 40 ■ See BRZEZINSKI, page A6

Pets blessed Noel Stack Managing editor

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“For the trust you have shown in giving into our care these, our pets, we thank you Lord.” Parishioners at Episcopal Church of Our Saviour in Placerville came to church Sunday, Oct. 8, with the Holy Spirit and a few furry friends for the annual Blessing of the Animals.

Rev. Debra Sabino blesses Panzer, left, and Stuka, two Haflinger horses owned by Kristin Halverson of Somerset.

A few yips and barks could be heard when Rev. Debra Sabino shared her sermon recalling the stories of St. Francis of Assisi — the patron saint of ecology and animals. “Francis considered all of nature a mirror of God,” the reverend said. After the sermon Sabino and Associate Rev. Christine LeighTaylor went around the courtyard blessing the dogs, horses and even a duck in attendance.

Mountain Democrat photo by Noel Stack

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Monday, October 16, 2023

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

Morgan Lee Tyler

March 25, 1996 - August 26, 2023

Morgan Lee Tyler was born March 25, 1996 in Placerville CA., and was laid to rest August 26, 2023. Morgan was irresistible, he made you laugh and smile. He was a sweet, gentle soul. Always saying funny little comments that would make you feel good. He was loved by everyone who met him. He excelled at sports; karate, baseball, football and his favorite was soccer. He was a good teammate and a good sport. He was also lucky that he did get to travel a little as well. He saw the wonders of Africa and photographed amazing animals! He snorkeled and adventured under the sea in many awesome places, Bora Bora, Hawaii, Jamaica, and Turks and Caicos. He got to see the old countries, Italy and England, and laughed and smiled all the way through. He was a loving son, brother, nephew, uncle and friend. He will be missed. A memorial service will be held on October 21, 2023 at 1:00 pm, at 4700 Old French Town Road, Shingle Springs, CA. 95682

Jean Ann Furbush

November 26, 1935 - September 15, 2023

Jean Ann Furbush, 87, died peacefully at her home in Placerville, California, on September 15, 2023. Born November 26, 1935, in Honolulu, the Territory of Hawaii to James and Bertha Durant Huey. Jean spent her childhood and teen years in Kahala on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. She graduated from Punahou High School, Class of 1954. The young graduate then crossed the Pacific to attend Hunter College in San Mateo, California, before returning to the islands for the holidays. While attending a dance for the Marine Corps stationed on Oahu, she met the love of her life, George F. Furbush Jr. After a whirlwind romance, the two became engaged and were married in May 1956. Jean and George quickly raised their family of four children, Gail Ann (Huston), Mary Lee (Kenyon), Paul James Furbush, Carol Jean (Runner). Over the years the family continued to blossom including 11 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. In 1990 Jean and George retired to Placerville, California, where they enjoyed many years of volunteer work and memberships in several community-based organizations. She was preceded in death by George who passed in 2004. Not a day went by that she didn’t miss him and wanted to be with him. On September 15, in her sleep, she peacefully took his hand and left us, just as she always prayed for. Mom was a devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother and will be missed everyday by her family and friends. A private gathering will be held at a later date.

Merritt (Bud) Winn Earnshaw Jr

June 26, 1940 - August 11, 2023

Bud was born and raised in San Francisco. In 1958 to 1962 he served in the U.S. Air Force. Bud met his wife Jean while racing Austin Cooper’s in Alaska. They married in 1963, and moved to the Bay area. He worked 25 years for the Sheet Metal Workers Int. He played semi-pro soccer in Dublin and coached his U12 team to state champion in the early 1970s. In 1977 Bud moved the family to El Dorado County and helped his wife start Sierra Gold Soccer League. In the early 1990s he became a district 54 umpire. He is survived by his sister Mary Lynn Click. Both Bud and Jean are survived by their daughter Shonna Earnshaw and her kids Branden Earnshaw, Ryan McCreary, Breanna Brown and Kylie Gioia, son John and his wife Jeanne Earnshaw and kids Bryan and Jonathan Earnshaw, son Chris Earnshaw, and his son CJ Earnshaw. Please join us for their Celebration of Life Oct 19, 1pm at Green Valley Church.

David Neilsen

David Neilsen was born in Placerville, CA and he lived and worked in El Dorado County most of his life. He was the middle child of Robert Neilsen and Clara Neilsen who were both descendants of early California pioneer families who settled in the area. After attending high school, college, and serving in the U.S. Army, he took the opportunity to become involved in working with his father who had a logging operation and eventually a saw mill. One of their major challenges came when it became illegal for a sawmill to burn its wood waste. They came up with a plan to turn that waste into a fertilized mulch and all the mills nearby paid them to take away their waste. Then they trucked the mulch to all the nurseries in the area and got paid again. When his father retired, David became the owner and operator of the company. David, like his father, could run any piece of heavy equipment as well as repair it. When David retired, he so enjoyed running equipment he would offer to come and help friends and neighbors with his little caterpillar just for the joy of it. No, fee was required (well maybe a piece of homemade pie)! David Neilsen was a past exalted Ruler Elks Lodge 1712 just like his father. He is survived by his daughter Natalie, grandson Xavior, and younger brother Steve. A memorial service will be held at Elks Lodge 1712, 3821 Quest Ct, Shingle Springs, October 29 at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Sugar Loaf Foundation or your favorite charity.

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EDITORIAL STAFF

Richard B. Esposito

Cameron Park 78/59

Diamond Springs 77/59

Sept. 24 12:22 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 44-year-old man suspected of a felony probation violation on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. He was listed in custody in lieu of $35,000 bail. 4:27 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 25-year-old man suspected of disorderly conduct on Loch Way in El Dorado Hills. He was later released. 7:21 a.m. Burglary was reported at a church on Commodity Way in Shingle Springs. 7:33 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 20-year-old woman suspected of DUI on Ridgeview Drive in El Dorado Hills. She was later released. 10:08 a.m. Battery was reported at a pub on Pleasant Valley Road in Diamond Springs.

Krysten Kellum Editor

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12:52 p.m. Burglary was reported at an apartment complex on Cimmarron Road in Cameron Park. 2:25 p.m. Burglary was reported on Senator Court in El Dorado Hills. 4:31 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 27-year-old man suspected of DUI and a probation violation on Country Club Drive in Cameron Park. He was listed in custody in lieu of $36,000 bail.

Sept. 25 8:02 a.m. Vandalism was reported at an apartment complex on Product Drive in Shingle Springs. 9:13 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 43-year-old woman suspected of probation violations on Golden Center Drive in Placerville. She was listed in custody in lieu of $50,000 bail. 11:27 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Easy Street in Pollock Pines. 11:33 a.m. Vandalism was reported at an office on Highway 49 in Lotus.

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11:59 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 36-year-old man suspected of driving on a suspended license on Highway 50 (town not specified). He was listed in custody in lieu of $10,000 bail.

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Jean was born in Stockton California. The family moved to Alaska in 1941. She graduated from Anchorage High School in 1959. From 1959-1963 she was a stewardess for Northern Consolidated Airlines. In 1962-1963 she was a member of the Alaska Sports Car Club winning several races in her Austin Cooper. This is where she met her husband, they were married in 1963. They moved to the Bay Area where they raised 3 kids. In 1977 the family moved to El Dorado County and brought the love of soccer with them. In the family home, she formed Sierra Gold Soccer League until 1985. She was also a board member to Timber Little League. She volunteered at Gold Oak School on the PTA Board from 1978 to 1983, and the El Dorado School Board Association from 1981 to 1983. In 1986 when her first grandchild was born, she stayed close to home to be involved. She is survived by her brother’s Glenn and Bruce Avila and sister Mary Avila.

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January 17, 1940 - March 21, 2023

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MOUNTAIN DEMOCRAT (ISSN 0745-7677) – Published Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for $120.00 per year (plus tax) by carrier, or by mail (includes applicable tax) in El Dorado County (other rates available upon request) by Mountain Democrat, Inc., 2889 Ray Lawyer Drive, Placerville, CA 95667. Periodical Postage Paid at Placerville, CA. Post Master: Send address changes to the Mountain Democrat, P. O. Box 1088, Placerville, CA 95667

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PLACERVILLE 5-DAY FORECAST

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

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HIGH: 76° LOW: 59°

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Partly cloudy skies. High 76F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.

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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) 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 Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-3553 Sacramento Office 501 I St., Suite 7-800 Sacramento 95814 (916) 4482787 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 Office 8799 Auburn Folsom Road Granite Bay 95746 (916) 774-4430 1ST ASSEMBLY DISTRICT Megan Dahle District Office 113 Presley Way, Suite 2 Grass Valley 95945 (530) 265-0601 State Senator, DISTRICT 4 Marie Alvarado-Gil Capitol Office 1021 O St., Suite 7240 Sacramento 95814 (916) 651-4004

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mtdemocrat.com Mountain Democrat Monday, October 16, 2023 A3

State preparing Milestone for Mick for possibility of El Niño’s return Department of Water Resources News release SACRAMENTO — California and its federal and local partners are preparing for the new water year that started Oct. 1 and the possibility of another wet season under strong El Niño conditions. California’s investments in forecasting and emergency preparedness were put to use during last season’s storm events and the state is incorporating lessons learned during the last water year and advancing the science and technology that will be critical to managing water in the coming years, according to a news release from the Department of Water Resources. Utilizing the most advanced forecasting tools with partners like NOAA, Scripps and others, DWR will prepare for whatever may come to California in the months ahead. Officials with DWR and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which operate the State Water Project and Central Valley Project respectively, say they are closely coordinating to ensure the state’s reservoirs have flood space available under a second year of flood

Plea

conditions as well as store as much water as possible in case of a return to drought conditions. This past winter’s storms provided a huge boost to the State Water Project. Information from DWR shows Lake Oroville levels in Butte County recovered and had the single biggest increase in the State Water Project’s history last year. The SWP was able to capture a total of 3.5 million acre-feet in reservoirs since Dec. 1, 2022. This month Oroville has been at about 136% of historical average, up from 64%of average a year ago. San Luis Reservoir in Merced County was sitting at 190% of historical average, up from 67% this time last year. Find additional reservoir levels at water.ca.gov. DWR officials note they working to prepare communities for the threat of a second year of flood conditions. DWR is providing vulnerable communities with funding, flood fight training and continued material support across the state. DWR is starting this water year with more flood fighting materials on hand than last year, including 2.4 million more sandbags, pre-positioned at more locations. Gov. Gavin Newsom,

Courtesy photo

El Dorado County Fair officials and board members recently celebrated Earl “Mick” McGuire, center, who marked 50 years serving on the El Dorado County Fair Association Board of Directors. Fair CEO Kathy Dunkak, not pictured, noted how amazing it is McGuire has volunteered his time for five decades. in partnership with the Legislature, has invested a total of more than $430 million in the most recent budget to support flood response and projects to protect communities from future flooding. As the new water year gets under way, communities and all Californians are urged to be aware of flood risks, be prepared to evacuate and take action immediately when evacuation orders come. State agencies are coordinating during California Flood Preparedness Week, Oct. 21-28, to help local communities prepare for possible flooding.

Continued from A1

Humlick. Following Thompson’s release from the hospital, he was arraigned in El Dorado County Superior Court Department 2, where he entered a not guilty plea.

Thompson is scheduled to return to El Dorado County Superior Court Dept. 2 Dec. 4 at 8:30 a.m.

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Monday, October 16, 2023

Mountain Democrat mtdemocrat.com

OPINION

Richard B. Esposito Publisher

Noel Stack Managing Editor

Krysten Kellum Editor

California Commentary

Leading the way in Medicaid abuse

alifornia has just asked for and received a waiver from the federal government that allows the state to skip eligibility verification for MediCal. According to JON COUPAL estimates from the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association, American taxpayers are losing more than $100 billion a year to Medicare and Medicaid fraud. In California — where the Medicaid program is referred to as Medi-Cal — there is little incentive to address waste, fraud and abuse in the handling of billions in federal funding. With Medi-Cal, it now appears that California’s sloppiness is by design as there are perverse incentives to actually expand abuses. First, some background. The Social Security Act mandates that Medicaid’s eligibility guidelines include verification of assets, income, and employment status. But, amid the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency measures were enacted and Medicaid enrollment was facilitated without the usual verification of eligibility. While understandably designed to provide immediate relief during a crisis, by law it was to be only a temporary measure. Medicaid’s suspension of eligibility determination protocols like asset verification was similar to the SBA’s fraud-riddled Paycheck Protection Program — pay first, verify later. And while millions of people kept their health care, it was at a cost of hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars lost to fraud and waste. Now that many Medicaid recipients have reentered the workforce, a major beneficiary of lenient Medicaid eligibility standards appear to be the insurance companies because they receive a per-member, per-month fee from the American taxpayers. Private insurers encouraging lax Medicaid eligibility requirements is fast-becoming a budgetary emergency — not just for California’s Medi-Cal program, but nationally. The Louisiana Department of Health spent $112 million on Medicaid coverage for nearly 14,000 adults who don’t appear to live in Louisiana, according to ■ See COUPAL, page A5

Letters to the Editor Moving forward … together EDITOR: s anyone else exhausted by Donald Trump’s constant victimization and whining? New York, Georgia, the DOJ, the New York Times, the media are all picking on poor little Donald Trump. Are you kidding me? This man is drawing the attention he has earned and is far from being a victim. Our government is supposed to compromise and work together to solve the country’s problems. Kevin McCarthy did what a good leader is supposed to do. Why is the Republican Party allowing a small faction of extremists to direct the narrative for the party? Where have all the real Republicans gone and why are you allowing this far-right faction to control your party? You have a little more than a year to change the direction and save democracy, so what is stopping you? I challenge those of you still listening to this narrative to take a little dive into history. See what the result of a dictatorship is. Do you think you will be one of the chosen ones? Unless you are well connected or wealthy, history shows you will fall with the rest of us. Supposedly, part of this movement is all about rights; so just to be clear, it is only your rights that you are talking about, right? Because the current narrative strives to take away the rights of others, in order for your rights to prevail. A line from the recently published book, “Trust,” sums it up in a nutshell. “My job is about being right. Always. If I’m ever wrong, I must make use of all my means and resources to bend and align reality according to my mistake so that it ceases to be a mistake.” Let me clear this up for you, wrong is wrong, theft is theft, fraud is fraud, rape is rape and distortion is distortion. If you are a patriot who believes in democracy, I urge you to read up on the history of our democracy. Take a minute to watch the 60 Minutes interview with Merrick Garland; that is what a true patriot looks and sounds like — unbiased, doing his

job based on where the facts lead him, not based on the opinion of a few, or a corrupt dictator trying to control the narrative. I am hoping it will help you distinguish the difference between a democracy, and a dictatorship, a good leader and a poor one. Acknowledging the problem is the first step to solving the problem. We need all Americans, regardless of your affiliations, to fight for our democracy. Let’s move this country forward together, based on our founding principles, not the narcissistic vision of a few. TAMARA JANIES Pollock Pines

Losing faith EDITOR: am fed up. For years I have been a solar customer. It has worked reasonably well and I thought that one day I might recover my investment. However, I have lost faith. Not only does the price continue to increase, PG&E has the most convoluted bill imaginable. A number of charges are distributed through an eight-page bill, each with a separate amount due. My August and September bills each featured, at the top of page 1, in large black print “CREDIT BALANCE — NO PAYMENT DUE.” Very sunny months, I said to myself. Solar is really paying off, I said to myself. Well, needless to say, the last laugh was on me when the October bill of $1,943 arrived I do not know who would build such a bill. I have spoken with PG&E monthly. No sale. The Public Utilities Commission? Ha ha. PHILLIP BROOKS Rescue

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The Balancing Act

A Nobel Laureate tells the truth, gets canceled

has been a lagging here is no indicator, meaning the more free rise in CO2 comes after speech in the warming. While the the United burning of fossil fuels States. The First might cause more CO2 Amendment is dead. in the atmosphere, there But that is necessary aren’t enough fossil fuels in dictatorships and in the ground, if burned, other totalitarian to make an impact on governments. Socialism/ temperatures. communism can’t And there has been survive free speech LARRY WEITZMAN no impact (from CO2) and thought. And on significant weather the “commie” cancel events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, culture prevents free speech and a fires, heatwaves, cold waves, rainfall, free exchange of ideas. Socialism/ etc. Those events have neither communism can’t tolerate competition; if it does, it will fail even increased or decreased either in intensity or numbers, according to before the money runs out. the real data. And nine times more Recently there has been more people die from cold events than writing and speaking about global heat events. The world (mainly the warming. Vivek Ramaswamy said at United States) has spent upward the first Republican primary debate, of $7 trillion on global warming “It’s a hoax.” “prevention” with no discernable or In a recent conversation, one of the measurable benefit or results. That world’s leading climate scientists, Dr. falls into the Einstein axiom: “Insanity Richard Lindzen, who has published is doing the same thing over and over more than 250 papers and books and expecting different results.” But it has is a professor emeritus at MIT, said been estimated just $6.2 billion spent the models don’t work as they can’t annually on tuberculosis would have predict all the variables and can’t saved a million lives annually. even replicate the past. The climate CO2 induced global warming is a is infinitely more complex than the cruel hoax parroted by politicians who simple idea that more CO2 equates don’t understand the science while to global warming. History shows it’s using it to control their constituents been warmer and colder and CO2

The Mountain Democrat welcomes letters up to 500 words. Letters may be edited. We reserve the right to edit submissions. Include your name, address and phone number for verification purposes.

Email: editor@ mtdemocrat.net

The climate is infinitely more complex than the simple idea that more CO2 equates to global warming. and increase their power. Welcome Dr. John F. Clauser, an American theoretical and experimental physicist whose specific field of expertise is quantum mechanics and who in 2022 was awarded, along with two other colleagues, the Nobel Prize for their work in this field. The Cal Tech and Columbia educated scientist spent much of his career at Lawrence Livermore Laboratories and UC Berkeley, where in the 1970s Dr. Clauser did much of his work for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize. In May of 2023 he joined the CO2 Coalition, a group of about 135 esteemed scientists and a couple of lawyers (how did they get in?) who subscribe to the idea that more CO2 means a better planet and CO2 does not cause significant and/ or catastrophic “global warming.” Recently, Dr. Clauser gave a talk at an event, Quantum Korea. Later that week he was to speak at the International Monetary Fund. But his remarks at Quantum Korea caused the cancellation of the latter speaking engagement. What did Dr. Clauser say that could have been so offensive?

Dr. Clauser is considered one of the brightest men in the world — a great thinker and of course very concerned about the planet. He has spent his whole life thinking and looking for answers about our very existence. Here are some excerpts of what Dr. Clauser had to say that got him “canceled:” “The current world I observe is literally awash, saturated with pseudoscience, with bad science, with scientific misinformation and disinformation, and what I will call ”techno-cons.” Techno-cons are the application of scientific disinformation for opportunistic purposes … Pseudoscience is science fiction. Unfortunately, neither computers nor human fact-checkers can, in general, tell fact from fiction. Or science from science fiction or from pseudoscience … ‘Now I am not alone in observing the dangerous proliferation of pseudoscience. Recently, The Nobel Foundation has formed a new panel to address the issue called the International Panel on Information

Snail Mail: Letters to the Editor P. O. Box 1088, Placerville 95667

■ See WEITZMAN, page A5

Main Office: 2889 Ray Lawyer Drive Placerville 95667

mtdemocrat.com Mountain Democrat Monday, October 23, 2023 A5

Coupal Continued from A4 New executive director named at El Dorado Transit a state legislative audit. Simply “verifying” someone’s address would have solved that problem. Insurance companies don’t view this as “their” News release problem. Now that the pandemic City of Placerville Vice Mayor Jackie Neau, chair has subsided, Medicaid of the El Dorado Transit Board of Directors, recently is under a statutory announced that Brian James has been selected as its obligation to enforce new executive director. eligibility verification James has worked effectively as the planning and again. Without it, marketing manager at El Dorado Transit since 2015, taxpayers will be handing during which he specialized in improving the transit thousands of dollars system, wrote grants to purchase vehicles and provide per person to insurance amenities and communicated with the community to companies for people help residents understand the services that are availwho have access to other able. He worked to rebrand the buses and facilities health plans. to draw more attention and to modernize the overall Unfortunately, the look of the organization. perception that millions James’ prior positions included director at JSN of Americans are about Medical, general manager at Skyline Company to imminently lose their and product marketing manager at Craftmade Medicaid coverage has International. He received his MBA from California led California to request State University, Dominguez Hills, in 2002. that CMS allow them “I am honored to be selected as the new Executive to waive the “asset Director of El Dorado Transit,” James said. “I look verification” requirement The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation for Medi-Cal recipients. 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 n See James, page A6 Foolishly, CMS For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550just

For Release Monday, October 16, 2023

approved their request in what appears to be a direct violation of the Social Security Act. The practical effect of all this is that California has taken a huge step toward what it has wanted for decades — a single-payer system known as Medicaid For All. But the problems with this tactic — both legal and practical — are countless. First, if California is allowed to continue down this path it is likely to embolden other states to follow suit. It’s critical to consider the fiscal implications not only for individual states but also for the federal government, whose coffers are affected by such decisions. Second, California’s failure to include

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD Crossword ACROSS 1 ___ cheese (cheese that isn’t yours, in a classic joke) 6 Camera type, in brief 9 Chef Ming ___, whose last name is hidden in “condiments aisle” 13 Was sore 14 Layer of paint 16 Going ___ (squabbling) 17 *What might be kneaded in the kitchen 19 Abstract artist Joan 20 Satirizes 21 In a spooky manner 23 Kentucky Derby and Indianapolis 500 25 A tough ___ to swallow

Monday, October 16, 2023

Edited by Will Shortz

No. 0911

Weitzman

26 Physicist Einstein

46 Death notice, in brief 48 Bone-in cut of lamb, e.g. 31 Savings plan 50 Los Estados ___ option, for short (the U.S., in 34 Poke fun at Spanish) 35 Lacking originality 52 Performing a play, say 36 Many a Scott Joplin tune 56 Grumpy mood 57 *Person to keep 37 Pants holderan eye on for upper future success 38 Flights of fancy 59 Smooch 39 Pioneer in digital 60 Word after tall or recording tell 40 Certain knee 61 Surrounded by tissue, for short 62 Teensy 41 Obtains 63 Foxy 42 ___ tag (game with target 64 Green pasta sauce vests) 29 Taken care of, on an invoice stamp

43 “OTOH …”

DOWN 1 Apt rhyme for “grabs” PUZZLE BY HOANG-KIM VU 2 Parcel of land 45 One-named “Queen of Tejano 3 Olympic figure 12 “Who am ___ 30 Prepares to shoot 45 Beach grit Music” skater Nathan judge?” a target 47 Teensy 4 Adjustable part of 15 A truly unpleasant 32 Black bird 49 What catches a car seat ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE situation more flies than 33 Ancient Greek 5 “It’s likely that …” 18 Word before tape vinegar, in a marketplace saying or after tear 6 Check (out), like 35 Slender competition 50 Cup or pint 22 Be a passenger 38 Do nothing during 7 Singer Rawls or 51 Places for peels 24 Mattress coils the course of, as Reed or scrubs a storm 26 Chance to hit, in 8 Craze 53 Singer Tori baseball 39 “I’m listening” 9 Ethnic group of 54 Proper fellow 27 Bloodsucking 41 Part of a Sri Lanka 55 “Cogito, ___ sum” parasite crossword that 10 Classic Maya gets filled in 56 Hit the slopes Angelou poem … 28 *One being 42 Protective cover 58 Everyone or propelled by hot or a hint to the for a camera everything air answers to the starred clues and The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation the circled letters, OnlineYork, subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000 past in two different 620 Eighth Avenue, New N.Y. 10018 puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). Forways Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 ReadOctober about and17, comment 11 Release Well-ventilated For Tuesday, 2023 on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay. 44 Focus of many an engagement photo

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Crossword ACROSS 1 Conks on the head 5 Place for a hot bath 8 Torts students, typically 13 Goes crazy 15 Best-selling Japanese manga and anime series 17 Cuter than cute 18 Summer snack on a stick 19 Alternatives to Asics 20 Theoretical degree 21 Mined stuff 22 Prolonged attack 24 Comedian Wong 26 Like tridents and forks 28 Parrot 29 Sister brand of Crest 31 Loch ___ monster

32 Felt-tipped writing implement 35 Apt name for a rock climber 37 Aquatic denizen … or a phonetic hint to this puzzle’s circled words 40 Hawaiian beach bashes 41 Dental coat 44 Successful search results 47 Rude omissions

Edited by Will Shortz

No. 0912

56 Income source for Meta 58 Unwashed 60 Turkey’s capital 62 Braggarts 65 Anne ___ (figure in Broadway’s “Six”) 66 Release of confidential material to the media 67 Brusque 68 British singer/ songwriter Rita 69 Sicilian smoker

PUZZLE BY ELLA DERSHOWITZ

25 Gets ready to skate 27 Prefix with structure 29 Killer whales 30 Chomps on 33 Ashton Kutcher’s “That ‘70s Show” role 34 ___ de vie 36 “Sounds like a blast!” 38 Ladder levels

39 Mathematical grouping that contains no elements 42 Yale student 43 Soapmaking ingredient 44 Muslim head scarf 45 Huffy response to an untrue accusation 46 Little bell’s sound 48 Pester persistently

51 “The Bells of St. ___” 53 Table scraps 54 Of practical value 57 Almost any character in “Hamlet” 59 Corn Belt state 61 ___ Lingus 62 Musician Brian 63 Color akin to khaki 64 Precursor to rocksteady

Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay.

circumvent Congress and force the rest of the country to pay for it? California surely has a right to spend $1 trillion a year, or $10 trillion for that matter, on providing free health care to its residents — but not using money taken from taxpayers of other states. In approving California’s request to permanently dissolve asset verification for Medi-Cal, CMS is setting a dangerous precedent for the rest of the nation. The situation demands scrutiny and a transparent debate. Rather than allowing this policy shift to unfold in the shadows, a public debate should be robust and inclusive. This is a decision that affects not only those in need of healthcare assistance but also every taxpayer who bears the financial burden of such expansion, including future generations. Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

Continued from A4

Environment. They plan to model it after the UN’s International Panel on Climate Change, the IPCC … “I think they are making a big mistake in that effort because in my opinion the IPCC is one of the worst sources of dangerous misinformation … “I believe that climate change is not a crisis… “Beware. If you’re doing good science, it may lead you into politically incorrect areas. If you’re a good scientist, you will follow them. I have several I won’t have time to discuss, but I can confidently say there is no real climate crisis and that climate change does not cause extreme weather events.” Although I cringe at using his name in the same column as Dr. Clauser, you can believe in an aging, corrupt, plagiarist Joe Biden or believe in a real scientist with no axe to grind other than the facts and truth. Dr. Clauser is a real humanitarian. Larry Weitzman is resident of Placerville.

Announcements AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 334-2970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot. comt American Assoc. of University Women Foothills of EDC Branch. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science and Math Camp Scholarships, programs & interest groups. Leave voicemail for Laurel (530) 417-7737 or Sara (530) 417-7138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net El DORADO COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB Dedicated to all aspects of ham radio. Meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at the El Dorado Sheriff’s office, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net LEARN & PLAY CRIBBAGE Cribbage is a fun, fast paced game that will surely keep you on your toes! **All skill levels **Learn to play by ACC Rules (American Cribbage Congress) **Beginner instruction available **Compete in weekly Cribbage tournaments. Call 916-768-4452 for more information. Gold Country Cribbers play Wednesday afternoon 4:30 pm at Steve’s Pizza, 3941 Park Dr., El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762

49 Toilet paper specification

DOWN 1 Deg. for a 50 Challenge for creative type a translator, perhaps 2 ___-fashioned (cocktail) 52 4.0 is a great one 3 Trailblazers 53 Certain belly 4 Parsley portion button 5 Drink brand with 55 Oscar, Golden a lizard logo Globe and Grammy winner 6 Source of waves Batiste in space 7 Chowed down ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE 8 “I’ve got this” 9 Opposite of day, in Germany 10 Before, in poetry 11 Patti in the American Theater Hall of Fame 12 Mall map listings 14 Japanese rice wine 16 Slanted columns? 20 Nabisco wafer brand 22 Actor Waterston 23 Hoppy quaff, in brief

asset verification is reminiscent of the state’s $31-plus billion fraud loss to cybercriminals who exploited similar loopholes in the state’s unemployment insurance program — the largest sum ever lost by a state to organized crime. Third, once somebody is on the Medicaid rolls, it is assumed by other agencies that they “qualify” for the program. This is called Broad Based Categorical Eligibility, and by being on Medicaid somebody becomes eligible for TANF, SNAP and a host of other benefits. Has the Congressional Budget Office or the OIG even considered the financial implications of suspending eligibility requirements for all entitlement and welfare programs? Finally, this penstroke policy shift raises moral, ethical and even Constitutional concerns: can one state, in concert with a single president, violate the law,

Struggle with a hurt, hang up, or habit? CELEBRATE RECOVERY meets at Radiant Church on Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm, 4602 Missouri Flat Road, Placerville. We are a Christ centered recovery program to find healing from our hurts, hang ups, and habits. Email CR@radiantedc.church. Find us on Facebook at: https://www. facebook.com/CRradiantchurch. Struggling with life? Celebrate Recovery is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@ greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/

DEMOCRATS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Call (530)391-6414 or see edcdems. org for more information. GOLD RUSH CHORUS now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing fourpart harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or Kent (530) 651-3575 Hangtown Women’s TENNIS Club. Join fun-loving women Wednesdays 8am-10am at El Dorado High School. Lessons, social events, only $50/year. Call Cindy 805-540-8654. 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. For more information, call (530) 622-1180. 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. Senior PEER COUNSELING Seniors 55 and over who are grieving, depressed or having issues related to aging can meet one-on-one with a caring senior, professionally supervised and trained to listen and encourage. Call (530)6216304 to leave a message and get started. Taxpayers Association of El Dorado County Our mission is to educate the public on tax issues that affect them. Our meetings are held every Monday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at Denny’s Restaurant, Fair Lane Drive, Placerville. Meetings are open to the public. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a nonpartisan organization.

A6 Monday, October 16, 2023 Mountain Democrat mtdemocrat.com

Brzezinski

Humlick

Continued from A1 years. Brzezinski said he’s extremely grateful for Animal Services’ partnership with local law enforcement. “The El Dorado County Sheriff ’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office here are No. 1 in my book,” he commented. “I’ve worked in a lot of jurisdictions and here they really take (animal welfare) seriously. “It makes our job easier and it makes it rewarding,” he continued, adding that support from Health and Human Services and the Board of Supervisors is also greatly appreciated. That appreciation came right back to Brzezinski from county leaders. “As sheriff of El Dorado County, working alongside Henry Brzezinski was an honor that exemplified our commitment to serving our community with unwavering dedication and compassion,” Sheriff Jeff Leikauff shared with the Mountain Democrat. “Henry has been a steadfast advocate for the welfare of animals and a part of our Animal Services team for nearly 20 years. His passion, dedication and deep knowledge of the field has been demonstrated through his work, including a number of high-profile animal welfare cases along with his team’s response to disasters in El Dorado County,” said newly appointed HHSA Director Olivia Byron-Cooper. “Henry will be missed and the entire HHSA team wishes him the best in his next adventure.” Brzezinski also praised volunteers and nonprofit organizations like Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode, Foothill Dog Rescue of the Sierras and South County Large Animal Rescue that assist Animal Services in its mission. “We have such an enthusiastic volunteer base,” he said. “The dogs here are so socialized and probably walked more than any others.” And volunteers take good care of the cats and other animals living at the shelter as well, he

years ago. On the positive side, he shared, more people see animal services in a positive light — a vital service to enhance public safety. EDC Animal Services has seen an 18.1% increase in calls for service in the last 20 “That’s good,” Brzezinski maintained. “People are calling us because animal care and animal welfare are in the forefront of people’s minds.” He also noted the success of spay/neuter programs over the past two decades, sharing that on El Dorado County’s West Slope, “We have reduced our intake of dogs by 36.7% … but with the caveat that we had a smaller shelter then and now we are able to house animals longer until they find their forever homes.” At the South Lake Tahoe shelter the number of dog intakes has decreased by 65.7% and 69.3% for cats. However, the feline figure goes up on the West Slope. “We have increased our intake of cats by 21.9%,” Brzezinski shared. “The trend is more people have gone to having cats as pets but … spay/neuter is still not occurring with kittens and cats like it should be.” Another trend that has Brzezinski worried — animal surrender. “More people are walking away from their animals,” he said, citing the economy, among other challenges, as the reason. The shelter also has more animals in protective custody. “That is due to more animal crime seizures and more animals impounded due to arrests by law enforcement when we are called out, mostly after hours,” according to Brzezinski. Animal Services recently adopted out the final dog from an El Dorado Hills animal cruelty case involving 25 German shepherd and husky breed dogs — 15 adult dogs and 10 puppies — kept in inhumane conditions. The defendant in that case pleaded guilty earlier this year and was sentenced to jail time, ordered to pay nearly $80,000 in restitution and prohibited from owning an animal for the next 10

continued, ensuring no animals get kennel stress. At no time were all these community partners and his caring staff more vital than during the 2021 Caldor Fire. Brzezinski recalled opening the shelter at midnight so those displaced could safely house their animals. He spent 18-plus hours in the Office of Emergency Services command center, often checking in with staff who assured him everything was going well. “Every nook and cranny of this facility had animals in it,” he said of the West Slope shelter that opened in 2014 — another career highlight. “I was so impressed with how the animal welfare groups stepped up at the highest level.” Staff worked long hours to help everyone and coordinate care. Brzezinski praised their commitment during this emergency — and at all times on the job. “They’ve made this program what it is and I couldn’t do it without them.” He also expressed deep appreciation for this partner, Terri Friedl, who worked for the ECD Sheriff ’s Office for 28 years. The couple met when Brzezinski went in for his livescan appointment. “I couldn’t have done this work all these years if I didn’t have the support of my partner in many ways,” he shared. “Terri took care of our adopted animals many days and nights, especially during disaster response events, always made sure I had lunch and helped me get through this journey.” County officials have not yet announced Brzezinski’s replacement but he said he hopes a decision will be made soon so he can work with the new chief and ensure a smooth transition. After that Brzezinski said he and Friedl, along with Buster, plan to do some traveling. El Dorado County will remain the family’s home — the best move he said he has made. “I love it up here. It’s a good community.”

Continued from A1

my best friends,” Vanessa Windish, a former longtime resident of South Lake Tahoe, wrote to the Mountain Democrat. “The news of her passing and how it occurred has absolutely shattered the world of everyone who knew her.” Humlick, 36, was the life of the party whose “goofy” attitude brought joy to any occasion, according to friends who knew her. Heather explained how she connected with all kinds of people, making those she met feel cherished. Humlick’s friends point to countless instances where her generosity and love brightened their lives. “I have so many memories of us that keep flashing in front of me,” Ashley Lucero, a friend of Humlick’s for more than a decade wrote. “There was never a dull moment with her, she was so goofy. She had so much love for everyone and everyone loved her. She had that contagious smile that could turn anyone’s day around. We had been through so much together, and I am going to cherish every memory.” Though she was not employed at the time of her death, Humlick previously worked at Out of Bounds Brewery, Red Hawk Casino and Whitewater Pizza Co. In her spare time, Humlick would collect plants — “she definitely had a green thumb,” Heather recalled. Humlick would also spend time creating art and spray painting works for her friends. “She really liked to hike and travel as well,” Heather stated. “She loved all animals. But within the last year, she kind of isolated herself from everyone.” Following Humlick’s unexpected death, family friend Rachael Ficeto created a GoFundMe page in Tina’s memory that will help her mother and sisters cover funeral expenses. “While we, her friends, navigate our own individual paths of grief, her family is grappling with the immense pain of loss and the added burden of financial hardship,” Ficeto explains on the fundraising page. “They are faced with the daunting task of laying their beloved daughter, sister and everything to rest — a responsibility no one should ever have to bear.” Community members have contributed more than $7,000 as of press time; the fundraising page can be found at gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-tinafamily-tribute-fund.

James

Continued from A5

forward to working with our Board members, community members, local agencies and other partners to help connect our community.” James replaces Matthew Mauk, who will be the new executive director of Yuba Sutter Transit in Marysville.

Bus pass sale El Dorado Transit offers a fall sale on local fixed route monthly passes in October, November and December. General monthly local pass: $20 (originally $60) Senior/disabled monthly local pass: $10 (originally $30) Student K-12 monthly local pass: $10 (originally $30) For pass sales location information visit eldoradotransit.com/faresandpasses.

Draw the jack-o’-lantern face that should come next to continue the pattern in each row.

Each black cat below low has an exact twin in except one. Can you find the unique black lack cat? Good luck! k!

The clock chimes twelve times

Some people believe this. It is a superstition.

as my cat walks softly up the ______________ . Late at night, Misty loves to __________ around

Some people believe that a black cat crossing their path is good luck.

the _______________ . It is

What you believe might depend upon where you live. People in Britain and Japan think black cats are good luck. In Germany, some believe that black cats How crossing a person’s path mic man from right to left, is bad you e can y this find o luck. But if the cat pag n e? walks from left to right, they believe it brings good luck. 9

In early Egyptian times, dating back as far as 3000 B.C., cats were adored like ______ stars of today. Rats and _______ would eat the crops of Egyptian _________. Wild cats would keep these _________ in check, so cats were welcomed and befriended by grateful farmers. It was thought that if you saw a cat in your ___________, there would be a good harvest.

PUNISHABLE HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN E L B A H S I N U P BELIEF B L H T A P O W E R BLACK A C K N L S E N S E EGYPT CRIME C A T I L F I C E T SENSE W R A K O E T V P K WALKS A S I P W I I Y C C POWER L A R M E L G A E U LUCK K S U U E E L P E L PATH ROCK S R S P N B K C O R LIVE CAT

24 81

60 48

75 72

63 45

excited from all the ____________

Misty loves Halloween. From her perch in the front _____________ , she will watch all the ___________ _______________ as they come to our door. She is not afraid of these _______________ visitors. In the fall, Misty spends a lot of time asleep in her ___________ . When we watch football games, her naps are often interrupted by the _________ or our cheers. She doesn’t care much about football.

30 Tonight, Misty is wide awake,

66 69

Halloween night, and she’s still trick-or-treaters she saw.

To kill a cat was a crime, punishable by _________!

Help this unlucky mouse escape the black cat by finding your way to the finish in under 60 seconds! GO!

Standards Standard Stan dardss Link: Link: Com Link Complet Complete pletee patterns. patterns patter ns.

18 12

Ask a friend to find each type of word on the blanks below in the newspaper. Use these words to fill in the blanks. Then read the story aloud!

33 36

Standards Link: Find similarities and differences in common objects.

Look through the newspaper for an adjective that describes each of these Halloween nouns:

Standards Link: Research: Use the newspaper to locate information.

Halloween News

Rewrite a fictional Halloween story as a news article. Be sure to start your article identifying the who, what, when and where. Write a headline for your article. Standards Link: Writing Applications: Write in a variety of forms and genres.

listening to the __________ in the trees. The __________ is bright, casting Misty’s shadow on the ____________ of my bedroom. Once she has finished looking around the _______________, she will curl up on my _____________ by my feet, purring happily.

Finish This Halloween Poem A black cat creeps Down darkened streets As a bat flies past the moon. The wind makes leaves Swirl around the trees...

I know that some people think ____________ cats are unlucky, but not me. Misty is an important member of our ______________ ! Having a pet like Misty is a _________________ treat. Standards Link: Grammar: Understand and use nouns, adjectives and verbs correctly.

Good Living

Section B

DORADO

COUNTY

Save the Graves 2023 – J&J Blair, A Family Affair features scripted, theatrical depictions of early El Dorado County influencers — four Scottish immigrant brothers became early lumbermen and were ultimately connected with many other pioneer families and much post-Gold Rush history. The event will take place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at Placerville Union Cemetery, 650 Bee St. Proceeds fund cemetery restoration, beautification and preservation. For more information and advance tickets visit savethegraveseldorado.org.

SPOTLIGHT

C y stories

often fascinate ... but can be forgotten John Poimiroo Special to the Mountain Democrat

B Photos by John Poimiroo

efore he turned 16, Frederick Adams was a self-taught interpreter of Indian dialects for the U.S. Army, was wounded in the Mexican-American War, fought in several battles opposite the Comanches and carried mail between El Paso and Abilene while having five horses shot from underneath him. In his 16th year he struck gold on his first day in El Dorado County. A bit of research reveals Adams made and lost fortune after fortune searching for gold, became a lawyer, served in the Rogue River Indian War and the Modoc and Pitt River Indian conflicts and was a Provost Marshall during the Civil War. He eventually retired after a successful career in law, as a judge. This remarkable pioneer is still here; he can be visited any day at Placerville Union Cemetery, 650 Bee St., where he’s buried. Adams’ fascinating story is one of many told at the cemetery.

Nature and vandals take their toll on El Dorado County’s historical headstones.

■ See CEMETERIES, page B4

Among the early residents guests will meet are:

Matthew Blair (portrayed by Daniel Blair) was born in Renfrewshire, Scotland, in 1822, the eldest son among six children. Matthew grew up in a respectable working-class family of weavers. In 1846 he married Isabella Murray, and they began a family of their own.

By 1850, Matthew was bound for the United States with his brother James Blair, the two following in brother John’s footsteps. Settling in the Midwest as a day laborer, Matthew soon sent for his wife and children. By 1860, his younger bachelor brothers, John and James, had become successful entrepreneurs in El Dorado County, California. It was decided that Matthew and his now adolescent and adult children would join the rest of the family in the west. They traveled by way of the Isthmus of Panama and soon settled in the area known today as Pollock Pines. Matthew and his son, Matthew Jr., leased the Long Canyon mill from his brothers James and John, where they worked the land and provided a steady stream of fresh lumber for the J. & J. Blair Lumberyard in Placerville. ■ See SAVE THE GRAVES, page B2

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Good Living — IN EL DORADO COUNTY

Save the Graves

Monday, October 16, 2023

Continued from B1

Mary Elizabeth “Mollie” Wilcox Hurd Amanda Schooley Blair (portrayed by great John Blair (portrayed by Dan Trainor), born in

Paisley, Scotland in 1824, was the first of his family to arrive in El Dorado County in 1852. Shortly thereafter he acquired the Sportsman’s Hall, which with his brother James Blair, John expanded into a thriving inn along the busy Carson Rd. John and James soon acquired thousands of acres of forestland throughout modern day Camino and Pollock Pines, established mills and founded the J & J Blair Lumber Company. For the next 100 years, the Blair name became synonymous with quality, integrity, and value in El Dorado County. Eventually, John and James Blair became two of Placerville’s most affluent and well-respected entrepreneurs. His home on Cedar Ravine Rd–built during the Civil War–still stands and is known today as the Judge Thompson House (named for a later owner). There he and wife, Jane Blair, raised their six children.

granddaughter Constance Blair Brehm) was born in 1842, the middle of 8 children to Ezra and Nancy Schooley of upstate New York. Amanda was a cousin to the family of William H. Seward, U.S. Secretary of State in the administration of Abraham Lincoln, and was a frequent inhabitant of the Seward household as the companion to their young daughter, Fanny Seward. In 1850, Amanda’s father, Ezra, left NY in pursuit of gold in California. He died just 10-miles outside of Coloma that same year. Upon reaching adulthood, Amanda made her way to El Dorado County with her mother and several siblings. She was wed to James Blair of J & J Blair Lumber fame in 1862. The newlyweds first lived at Sportsman’s Hall until 1865, when they built a home on Cedar Ravine Road just across the street from James’ brother and business partner, John. Together James and Amanda raised six children in Placerville. Amanda was a skilled seamstress and many of her handiworks have been preserved to this day.

(portrayed by Ronnie Duska) was born in Placerville in 1870 to a successful frontiersman and merchant, Truman Wilcox, and his wife, Mary Robertson. Mollie was the niece of John and Jane Robertson Blair. After graduating from a private high school, Mollie relocated to Southern California, where she met her first husband, Frank Stoddard. Frank was the nephew of Elizabeth Stoddard Huntington, wife to Collis P. Huntington of the Central Pacific Railroad. Aside from raising their two children, Mollie threw herself into the important work of women’s and children’s aid societies. Mollie was instrumental in compelling the state Legislature to take up and pass a bill that required fathers to pay child support regardless of whether the child was born in or out of wedlock. Following a divorce from Frank Stoddard after their children had grown, Mollie married an old friend, former Los Angeles area state Sen. Henry M. Hurd. They were frequent visitors to Placerville, where they owned the Pioneer Lodge.

Save the Graves historical biographies compiled by Sean Manwaring with photos by Kathleen Young.

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Good Living — IN EL DORADO COUNTY

Monday, October 16, 2023

prospecting

comics n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter Courtesy photo

Don’t miss all the thrills of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” coming to Nevada City Oct. 20-22.

‘Rocky Horror’ a theatrical adventure for the audience News release

EVADA CITY — This October, come out and celebrate “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” The Onyx Theatre, Nevada City LIVE! and Untamed Productions present this cult classic film complete with shadow cast by some of Nevada County’s favorite performers and dancers live on stage at the Nevada Theatre. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” was the film that launched the Nevada Theatre Film Series back in 1979 and has a cult following virtually unmatched by any other film. Celebrating 48 years of theatrical distribution — longer than any other film in history — “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is one of the most popular films of all time and still plays in theaters around the world. As Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon) come upon the creepy castle of flamboyant

transvestite scientist Dr. Frank-NFurter (Tim Curry) on the big screen, their counterparts on stage will act it all out for you in living flesh. The show features tongue-in-cheek comedy and Broadway style song and dance, with plenty of audience participation. Audiences are invited to come as you are or dressed up and ready to do the Time Warp all over again. “You have never truly experienced ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ until you have seen it live, on stage, in your face and taken part in the madness. So don’t miss your chance to revel in this epic theatrical adventure,” said director Cosmo Merryweather. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20; 7:30 & 11 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, at Nevada Theatre, 401 Broad St. in Nevada City. For tickets and more information visit paulemerymusic.com. Please note: No rice, confetti or poppers.

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

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ARIES (March 21-April 19). Tackle your least favorite task first to get it out of the way and the rest of your day will be beautiful. The issues will suddenly seem like nonissues, or will actually (SET ITAL) be (END ITAL) nonissues, swept into the current of a big, winning attitude. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’ll have access to anything you wish to know today. Your research will be fruitful, and you’re surrounded by different forms of information. You learn best by doing, and there’s opportunity for that, too. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). New people invigorate a scene, not because they give anything better than the familiar people but because they are unfamiliar and therefore inherently more exciting. Go where you can be the new person and be a gift to the scene.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). A sense of belonging will fortify you. Feeling connected to the other people in your group inspires you to tackle work together and accomplish a Herculean task quickly and with pleasure. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’ll end up cleaning messes you didn’t make. Someone always has to do more to make up for those who just don’t get it. Educate as you go and you’ll have allies in this work. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Imperfect relationships can bring a good deal of contentment. Various types of relationships will benefit from solo missions. You’ll come back together later and bring new experience to the table.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Your teaching role will go beyond formal settings. Most of it happens on a subtle and even subliminal level. You’ll model the behavior you think would work best in the situation and others will follow your lead.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Different styles of giving are appropriate for different situations. Don’t worry about reciprocal giving today. It’s better to accept with grace and pay it forward to another. Think of it as widening the circle of generosity.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). On some days, it can be easier to believe criticism than compliments. But there’s no need for deep psychology today. You’ll do wonderful work when you just decide to love yourself, follow your own rules and, for now, ignore input.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Opposites are interconnected. One side of the coin cannot exist without the other. All that you observe and experience will hit the point home today: There’s power in accepting that which cannot be eliminated.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Ideally, what you are making and doing is meant to be good for many. And yet, if you try to please everyone, you’ll please no one, least of all yourself. Be specific. Aim to please yourself. Make what you would most like to receive.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). What’s keeping you from offering your gifts to the world? Don’t worry about how they’ll be received. You could speculate endlessly and still not know. Just give and let whatever feedback you get inform your next offering.

Good Living — IN EL DORADO COUNTY

Cemeteries

Monday, October 16, 2023

Continued from B1

“Cemeteries create community,” said Mike Roberts, a self-described taphophile, one with an affection for old cemeteries. He chairs El Dorado County’s Cemetery Advisory Committee and is president of Save the Graves, a nonprofit dedicated to the restoration, preservation and

celebration of local cemeteries. “Our cemeteries connect us to those who came before us,” he said, “by connecting us to the place we live and — if we let them — to each other.” Roberts can often be found haunting the county’s cemeteries. Placerville Union is his favorite,

“Particularly at day’s end, when the angled light on that peaceful hill makes the old headstones glow and the shadows grow,” he described. There are about 120 cemeteries in El Dorado County, 18 of which are managed by the county, when there’s money. The rest are privately

controlled; most are not maintained. That bothers Roberts and others who care about and for them. They put on events and organize volunteer efforts to improve conditions in pioneer cemeteries. n See Cemeteries, page B6

PUBLIC NOTICE ORCHARD & VINEYARD SUPPLIES

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Good Living — IN EL DORADO COUNTY

Monday, October 16, 2023

I N T H E KNOW Oct. 17 UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts Putting Your Garden to Bed at the Pilot Hill grange in Cool. Master Gardeners will discuss yard and garden clean up, cool season planting, tool sharpening/cleaning, composting/mulching and pruning. Powell’s Steamer Company and Pub, 425 Main St., presents Eric Hill and Jonny Mojo for Taco Tuesday on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 4-7 p.m. Stop by for some good food and good tunes. For more information call (530) 626-1091. Såja will perform at The Sofia in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre. org.

Oct. 18 Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts author Roseanne Parry, writer of “A Horse Named Sky,” 6-7:30 p.m. For more information call (916) 941-9401 or visit getyourfaceinabook.com. The Sugar Skull Art Walk and Community Offrendas: Honoring Our Ancestors takes place in downtown Placerville, Oct. 18 through Nov. 5. For more information visit artsandcultureeldorado.org. Are you nervous about the fire season? Have questions about home hardening and creating defensible space? Do you know what to do if wildfire is headed your way? The Camino Fire Safe Council hosts a meeting to answer these questions and more at 6:30 p.m. at the Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit headquarters, 2840 Mt. Danaher Road in Camino.

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Employment The Georgetown Divide Public Utility District invites applications for the position of: WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR II SALARY RANGE: $30.95 to $37.62 per hour plus benefits, depending on qualifications. OPENING DATE: October 2, 2023 FINAL FILING DATE: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. First review date for applications will be held on October 31, 2023. An application can be printed from the District website at www.gd-pud.org or request an application by emailing Stephanie Beck at slbeck@gd-pud.org. Return a completed application to the District office by mail, or email to: slbeck@gd-pud.org. Georgetown Divide Public Utility District P.O. Box 4240 Georgetown, CA. 95634 For further information call (530) 333-4356 or visit our website at www.gd-pud.org

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Public Notices  FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FIlE NO. FB2023-1026

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DONE RIGHT CONSTRUCTION, located at 6031 Blarney Way, Pilot Hill, CA 95664/ Mailing Address: PO Box 231, Pilot Hill, CA 95664 Registered owner(s): JDG Development Inc, 6031 Blarney Way, Pilot Hill, CA 95664 This business is conducted by a Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 09/03/2009 Signature of Registrant: /s/ Juliete Grubbs JULIETE GRUBBS, CFO I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).) This statement filed with the county clerk of El Dorado County on 10/11/2023. NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code) 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6 12385

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SIERRA PROPERTY SOlUTIONS, located at 2440 Morrene Drive, Placerville, CA 95667 Registered owner(s): Zachary T Hurley, 2440 Morrene Drive, Placerville, CA 95667 This business is conducted by an Individual The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 10/11/2023 Signature of Registrant: /s/ Zachary Hurley ZACHARY HURLEY, OWNER I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).) This statement filed with the county clerk of El Dorado County on 10/11/2023. NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code) 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6 12386 ORDINANCE NO. 5183 THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF EL DORADO DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: RELATED TO REZONING IN THE EL DORADO HILLS AREA, (RIZZUTO): Section 1. The Official Zoning Map

Solution to Puzzle 1

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Solution to Puzzle 2

For Sale FOR SALE BERNEDOODLE PUPS with movie star looks. Traditional tri color, genetic tested, raised for companion support dog temperaments. See pics GoodVibeDoodles.com 916-715-9755 Craft Sale in the Sheds Gifts for all occasions, quilts, embroidery, fabric, everything sewing related. Saturday Oct. 14 10am-2pm. Brothers Sew & Vac 4100 Cameron Park Dr. CP

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BE WARY OF OUT OF AREA COMPANIES. CHECK WITH THE LOCAL BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU BEFORE YOU SEND ANY MONEY FOR FEES OR SERVICES. READ & UNDERSTAND ANY CONTRACTS BEFORE YOU SIGN.

El Dorado Transit Fiscal Technician I/II I: $19.84 – $26.59 w/benefits II: $23.01 – $30.84 w/benefits California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) El Dorado County Transit Authority invites applications for the position of Fiscal Technician I/II. Application and job description available at Transit Office, 6565 Commerce Way, Diamond Springs, CA 95619, (530) 642-5383 or www.eldoradotransit.com. Filing deadline: Open Until Filled EOE

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NMLSR ID 479256

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FIlE NO. FB2023-1022

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Placerville Apts.

Charming 800 square foot one bedroom furnished guest house, has spectacular view of foothills and high Sierra in Gold Hill area. Unit feels spacious, with vaulted ceilings and open design, many large windows, and some of the best views around Placerville, located among large oak trees. End of road privacy and quiet, peaceful neighborhood. Mahogany antique mantle and mirror around wood burning fireplace. Large walk-in bedroom closet with washer and dryer. Queen sofa bed in living room for guests. Rent includes internet/WiFi, water, garbage, and extensive DirectTV channels with a smart TV. Private backyard and patio. $1750 per month. George (530) 957-5044

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is hereby amended to rezone the following described lands: El Dorado Hills: Assessor’s Parcel No. 115-080004, being described as a portion of Section 19, T10N, R9E, M.D.M., consisting of 10.30 acres as shown in Exhibit A hereto. The parcel as shown in Exhibit A hereto is hereby amended: From: Residential Estate, Ten Acres (RE-10) To: Residential Estate, Five Acres (RE-5) Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect and shall become effective 30 days after the concurrent approval of General Plan Amendment Resolution number 152-2023. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Supervisors of the County of El Dorado at a regular meeting of said Board, held on the 10th day of October, 2023, by the following vote of said Board: Ayes: Hidahl, Turnboo, Thomas, Parlin, Laine Noes: None Absent: None ATTEST Kim Dawson Clerk of the Board of Supervisors By /s/ Kyle Kuperus Deputy Clerk /s/ Wendy Thomas Chair, Board of Supervisors APPROVED AS TO FORM JEFFERSON BIllINGSlEY COUNTY COUNSEl By:/s/ Jefferson Billingsley Title: County Counsel 10/16 12387 NOTICE OF PUBlIC HEARING The County of El Dorado Planning Commission will hold a public hearing in the Building C Hearing Room, 2850 Fairlane Court, Placerville, CA 95667 on November 9, 2023, at 8:30 a.m., to consider the following: CUP22-0015 Farrell Nonconforming Use (New Build) submitted by TOM FARRELL to request for expansion of a nonconforming use consisting of the development and ongoing use of a set of residential accessory structures including the following: an 854- square-foot-pool house, a 120-square-foot addition to the existing residence, an attached 322-square-foot patio cover off the existing master bedroom, an attached 485-square-foot patio cover off the existing living room, and an attached 670-square-foot patio cover off the back of the house. The property, identified by Assessor’s Parcel Number 329-

040-041, consisting of 9.43 acres, is located On the west side of El Dorado Road, approximately 385 feet west of the intersection with Altos Drive, in the El Dorado – Diamond Springs Community Region area, Supervisorial District 3. (County Planner: Matthew Aselage, 530621-5977) (Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) of the CEQA Guidelines)** Agenda and Staff Reports are available approximately two weeks prior at https://eldorado.legistar. com/Calendar.aspx Project Information is available online at https://edc-trk.aspgov. com/etrakit/. In order to view attachments, please login or create an E-Trakit account and search the project name or application file number in the search box. All persons interested are invited to attend and be heard or to write their comments to the Planning Commission. For the current remote options, including whether in-person attendance is allowed, please check the meeting Agenda no less than 72 hours before the meeting, which will be posted at https://eldorado. legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. If you challenge the application in court, you may be limited to raising only those items you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing. Any written correspondence should be directed to the County of El Dorado Planning and Building Department, 2850 Fairlane Court, Placerville, CA 95667 or via e-mail: planning@ edcgov.us. **This project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to the abovereferenced section, and it is not subject to any further environmental review. To ensure delivery to the Commission prior to the hearing, written information from the public is encouraged to be submitted by Thursday the week prior to the meeting. Planning Services cannot guarantee that any FAX or mail received the day of the Commission meeting will be delivered to the Commission prior to any action. COUNTY OF EL DORADO PLANNING COMMISSION KAREN L. GARNER, Executive Secretary October 16, 2023 10/16 12388

NOTICE OF PUBlIC HEARING The County of El Dorado Planning Commission will hold a public hearing in the Building C Hearing Room, 2850 Fairlane Court, Placerville, CA 95667 on November 9, 2023, at 8:30 a.m., to consider the following: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT/PLANNED DEVELOPMENT REVISION CUP22-0014/PD-R220004/Sienna Ridge Quick Quack submitted by QUICK QUACK CAR WASH HOLDINGS, LLC to request for the development and ongoing operation of a new Quick Quack Car Wash facility with associated vacuum facilities as well as parking lot and landscaping improvements. The property, identified by Assessor’s Parcel Number 123-570016, consisting of 1.59 acres, is located on the east side of Serrano Parkway, approximately 1,050 feet south of the intersection with Bass Lake Road, in the El Dorado Hills Community Region area, Supervisorial District 1. (County Planner: Matthew Aselage, 530621-5977) (Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) of the CEQA Guidelines)** Agenda and Staff Reports are available approximately two weeks prior at https://eldorado.legistar. com/Calendar.aspx Project Information is available online at https://edc-trk.aspgov. com/etrakit/. In order to view attachments, please login or create an E-Trakit account and search the project name or application file number in the search box. All persons interested are invited to attend and be heard or to write their comments to the Planning Commission. For the current remote options, including whether in-person attendance is allowed, please check the meeting Agenda no less than 72 hours before the meeting, which will be posted at https://eldorado. legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. If you challenge the application in court, you may be limited to raising only those items you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing. Any written correspondence should be directed to the County of El Dorado Planning and Building Department, 2850 Fairlane Court, Placerville, CA 95667 or via e-mail: planning@ edcgov.us. **This project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to the abovereferenced section, and it is not

subject to any further environmental review. To ensure delivery to the Commission prior to the hearing, written information from the public is encouraged to be submitted by Thursday the week prior to the meeting. Planning Services cannot guarantee that any FAX or mail received the day of the Commission meeting will be delivered to the Commission prior to any action. COUNTY OF EL DORADO PLANNING COMMISSION KAREN L. GARNER, Executive Secretary October 16, 2023 12389 10/16 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 23CV1745 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner: Nicholas Dominic Potkaj filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: NICHOLAS DOMINIC POTKAJ Proposed name: NICHOLAS DOMINIC POTKAY 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: DECEMBER 01, 2023, 8:30 A.M. DEPT. 9 AT SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF EL DORADO, 3321 Cameron Park Drive, Cameron Park, CA 95682. 3. A copy of the ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Mountain Democrat. This order has been filed on OCTOBER 12, 2023. /s/ Gary Slossberg GARY SLOSSBERG, Judge of the Superior Court 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6 12390

Good Living — IN EL DORADO COUNTY

Cemeteries

Monday, October 16, 2023

Continued from B4

The popularity of cremation in recent years has resulted in less support for cemeteries, as has the fact that many are now full. Without plots to sell, public cemeteries have become a fiscal burden. The result is minimal county-funded maintenance and no

restoration. Left unattended, the county’s historical cemeteries decay and gradually become overgrown or barren and a target for vandals, drug users and the homeless. Lichen eats away marble headstones, eroding and discoloring

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the inscriptions upon them. Ground squirrels, tree roots, groundwater and erosion undermine graves. And, what they miss, time eventually gets. Headstones teeter and fall to shatter, scattering the memories of past lives in broken pieces among the weeds. Old cemeteries attract little public attention, even when vandals or fallen trees topple headstones. Most old cemeteries contain broken headstones lying in pieces on the ground, deemed too expensive to repair. At Placerville Union, Save the Graves started fixing them in 2021 and has now repaired headstones in El Dorado and Mormon Island cemeteries, as well. Elsewhere in California, and in a few remote communities locally, public cemetery districts or less expensive zones of benefit generate dedicated funds to support public cemeteries. The vast majority of El Dorado County public cemeteries, however, lack any dedicated funding. A county-wide cemetery zone of benefit was created in 2019. A ballot measure creating a $9 per parcel tax to fund it was prepared but never got to the fall ballot. “Putting it on the ballot was going to cost the county $35,000,” said Roberts. “And it was going to get killed. “Any new tax back then, even $9 a parcel, was a non-starter,” he continued. “The Taxpayers Association was dead-set against it and the only potential advocates, the Cemetery Advisory Committee and the nonprofit Save the Graves, were each prohibited by law from supporting ballot initiatives.” He ultimately recommended the

board of supervisors pull the initiative from the ballot. The zone of benefit, which would provide $609,000 annually, remains on the books, he said, ready to be enacted if and when public support for old cemeteries grows. The 18 county-managed cemeteries continue to depend on inconsistent funding and sporadic county maintenance. Many others are becoming lost to time. Their slow decay, Roberts said, “costs us physical connections to our history.” And so, volunteers like Daughters of the American Revolution tend the graves. At the Mormon Island Cemetery in El Dorado Hills they recently gathered to mow and rake weeds, remove dead flowers and clean headstones with scrub brushes, spray bottles and stone-cleaning solutions. At Placerville Union Cemetery on Saturday, Oct. 21, the lives and times of early El Dorado County “influencers” will be reenacted by players in period costumes amidst the grand Victorian garden cemetery, as a fundraiser for Save the Graves (savethegraveseldorado.org). The 12-member Cemetery Advisory Committee advocates measures to sustain the dignity and integrity of El Dorado County’s cemeteries but is largely excluded from policy and budget discussions. Perhaps they wonder if they have any more voice today, than Judge Adams does. Spotlight is a series of reports on community resources jointly produced by the Mountain Democrat and Sierra Community Access Television (Channel 2). Mike Roberts, left, and Kimm Richwine, along with fellow Save the Graves taphophiles, host a reenactment of the lives of “passed” local influencers Saturday at Placerville Union Cemetery.

El Dorado County’s Best Businesses

Photo by John Poimiroo

Friday, October 20 4 PM to 8 PM FREE TO THE PUBLIC El Dorado County Fairgrounds Forni Building Food, Beer & Wine Tasting

Awards Luncheon State of the County Add ress October 18 11 am-1pm Call for Reservations

El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce 530-621-5885 or www.eldoradocounty.org

Don’t Miss Our Thanksgiving Holiday Edition Wednesday, November 22 This year’s edition will feature: › Local Recipes › Gift Ideas › Crafts › Decoration Ideas › Home Entertainment › Family Fun Activities Great opportunity to thank your customers! To advertise in this special edition of the Mountain Democrat, contact your sales representative or call 530-344-5048.

Hey, Horse Lovers! Watch for the October

‘Horse Resource’ in Wednesday’s Issue! Call Chris Jones 530-344-5023 to advertise on this special page!

Send Us Your Special Holiday Recipes The Mountain Democrat will be publishing our Thanksgiving Holiday Edition Wednesday, Nov. 22 and we want your holiday recipes! We are now accepting submissions for unique, local holiday recipes that will be considered for inclusion in this special publication. If you would like to participate, please send all submissions to: Krysten Kellum at kkellum@mtdemocrat.net or mail to: Krysten Kellum c/o “Holiday Recipes” P. O. Box 1088 Placerville, CA 95667