LADIES HOOPS
Scout celebrated
County basketball squads have their eyes on the prize.
Lifelong Girl Scout dedicated to helping others.
Sports, A6
News, etc., B1
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C a l i f o r n i a ’ s O l d e s t N e w s pa p e r – E s t. 18 51
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Volume 170 • Issue 147 | 75¢
mtdemocrat.com
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021
Bail lowered for Caldor Fire arson suspects ■ Prosecution details how blaze may have started Thomas Frey Staff writer
Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian
Travis Shane Smith, 32, and David Scott Smith, 66, appear virtually at their arraignment Dec. 10 in El Dorado County Superior Court, pleading not guilty to all charges against them.
Bail for the father and son suspected of causing the Caldor Fire was lowered after a hearing in Judge Mark Ralphs’ El Dorado County Superior Court courtroom Monday. David Scott Smith, 66, and Travis Shane Smith, 32, were each held on $1 million
following their arrest last week. They pleaded not guilty at their arraignment Friday. David, represented by Linda Parisi, saw his bail drop to $25,000; Travis, represented by Mark Reichel, saw his bail go down to $50,000. Nora Hall from the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office argued that although the Smiths have clean records, they are now more of a flight risk because they face “a significant state prison commitment” and a “restitution figure” for damage caused. She estimated Travis’
maximum state prison sentence to be 14 years while David’s would be a maximum of 12 years. She didn’t have an estimate on how much restitution they could face but said, “I have no doubt that it will be huge.” Parisi argued that her client has remained in the county despite knowing about the investigation for months. “They were aware law enforcement was talking to them as far back as August,” Parisi said. “What did they continue to do? Go to work, n
See BAIL, page A5
Bill of Rights Mountain Democrat staff
Amendment III
Editor’s note: The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution are the Bill of Rights. They went into effect Dec. 15, 1791, 230 years ago.
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment I Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE
Amendment IV The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for n
See BILL OF RIGHTS, page A3
Mountain Democrat photos by Eric Jaramishian
Stormy weather took a break for Grizzly Flat residents to finish decorating a community Christmas tree on Evergreen Drive and String Canyon Road Dec. 12.
Grizzly Flat creates Christmas tradition Eric Jaramishian Staff writer
C
old, windy and rainy weather could not stop Grizzly Flat residents from spreading Christmas cheer this holiday season during a newly organized community Christmas tree decorating and lighting event. It was a festive gathering that brought residents together on their own turf — some for the first time since the Caldor Fire ravaged the town in mid-August, leaving few homes standing. A few Grizzly Flat residents, including Jason Saldana and his wife Leanne, came up with an idea to decorate two Christmas trees for the weary town.
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Alyssa Yanke and her daughter Evelyn lend a hand decorating the Grizzly Flat Christmas tree. “We figured the community needed some spirit, something to just kind of pull us all together so we decided that this is one way to do it,” Jason said. “For those of us who are left, at least we can get together and ... the kids need
something to make Christmas nice.” A smaller tree located on the corner of Evergreen Drive and String Canyon Road acted as the starting point for festivities. Grizzly Flat residents and families came to hang ornaments
like the Yanke family, whose home on Blue Mountain Drive was one of hundreds claimed by the Caldor Fire. “I grew up here my whole life ... to come back after my family lost everything was quite the experience and for the community to come together after something like the Caldor Fire was really cool,” said Alyssa Yanke, mother of two daughters. Tarps were set up for rain shelter, hot chocolate and cider were served to keep everyone warm and people shared camaraderie, conversations about the holidays, weather and the town itself. n
See TRADITION, page A3
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