The Sixers, on scoreboards

Mayor Taylor looks back on ‘wild ride’

Andrew Vonderschmitt Staff writer

Outgoing Mayor Kara Taylor delivered a State of the City address prior to stepping down officially from City Council Tuesday night.

“It’s been a wild ride, these past four years,” she began

In 2018, her first year as a council member, Taylor saw Placerville’s first PG&E public safety power shutoff.

“I remember thinking at the time that was going to be the most important thing that we dealt with this term,” she recalled. “I was wrong about that.”

In 2020 “All hell broke loose.”

The beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic sent the city into turbulent times.

“We braced for economic disaster,” she said.

Staff was cut, maintenance deferred and equipment purchases stalled.

Learning how to run public meetings on Zoom became a new norm.

Protests took to the streets locally and nationwide after the killing of George Floyd in May 2020 at the hands of Minneapolis police.

Unrest led well into 2021.

“People near and far, from both sides of the political spectrum, were up in arms about a minor change we were considering making to our logo,” she said, referring to removing the noose from city branding.

A recall effort of four of the five sitting council members failed.

“The Placerville voters shut that down,” she said.

Taylor became mayor in 2022 with two modest goals: “To keep Placerville out of the regional and national news or anything controversial and to wisely put to use the pandemic relief fund or American Rescue Plan Act funds in a way that we bring the most noticeable benefit to residents.

“I think we did a pretty good job on these two fronts.” Taylor noted the city

Mountain Democrat photo by Andrew Vonderschmitt

Mayor Kara Taylor is honored by Placerville Police Chief Joseph Wren, who presented flags flown over the Placerville Police Department to the outgoing council members.

n See STATE Of THE CiTy, page A9

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

Mountain Democrat photo by Andrew Vonderschmitt

Councilman Dennis Thomas is recognized for his service on City Council by Michael Saragosa, Placerville’s next mayor.

City Council Continued from A1

during her term here she also had a baby,” Borelli said. “I think that was a feat all on its own and she didn’t miss a meeting.”

Placerville Police Chief Joseph Wren presented Taylor and each outgoing council member with a special recognition.

“A tradition in police service, when a member honorably serves their commitment and leaves the organization they’re presented with a flag that we fly over the police department,” he said from the podium. “We’d like to do that for you tonight.”

Residents lauded Taylor for her dedication to the city. Mentions of her willingness to engage with residents, whether they agreed with her or not, and her tenacity in educating herself on the issues from all perspectives came from several speakers.

Wendy Thomas, District 3 supervisor and former council member, also commented.

“You’ve done an amazing job articulating the needs of our community and working through really difficult issues through one of the most contentious times that we have gone through in modern history,” she said.

Next to be recognized was Dennis Thomas.

Councilwoman Jackie Neau said, “The thing I most appreciate about you is how you always show up for our community. A lot of times it’s the behind-the-scenes things that people don’t see you doing, but they see the results.”

Taylor extolled Dennis’ leadership.

“It is a loss for Placerville that you are not going to be sitting up here on this dais,” she said. “The attention that you gave to how issues were presented and how meetings were organized, and you were so thoughtful about everything.”

Borelli added that she knew Dennis would continue serving the public whether as a councilman or as a resident.

“You’ve done a great job and you should not have any regrets,” she said. “I think you’ve been a great leader and I know you’re not going to stop.”

Wendy, who is also Dennis’ wife, said he is dedicated to the community.

“I know the hours and hours you spend thinking critically through issues, wrestling with ideas, elevating your thoughts, to have an educated perspective,” she noted.

Wendy listed some of Dennis’ accomplishments, including being part of the original revitalization efforts on Main Street and the Main Street flower baskets, serving on the Parking Committee and Festival of Lights Committee and working on messaging for the Measure L campaign to repair or replace aging city infrastructure.

While Kara Taylor and Dennis Thomas walk away from their post after four years, Patty Borelli is leaving City Council after four terms.

“I absolutely have loved every minute of my 16 years serving Placerville,” said Borelli as her turn to be honored came. “I just want to say thank you. I want to say thank you to all our wonderful, wonderful staff, and all the people who have supported me through all these years.”

Neau reflected on her first interactions with Borelli.

“I have to say, I think the first time we met I was probably yelling at you,” she said. “That’s when I really started getting involved in things and can really appreciate all the work that you’ve done and how much you know.

“I’m going to miss all of the history lessons on everything,” Neau added.

Taylor described Borelli as a “Placerville legend” with Dennis adding, “You have done an amazing job of serving, protecting, honoring and making this town a better place.”

Once again, Wendy took to the podium. This time in an official capacity presenting a proclamation from the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors praising Borelli’s life of service to the community.

“Patty considers these past 16 years as the best years of her life,” Thomas cited from the proclamation. “While she has mixed feelings about retiring from public service, her legacy and deep love for this community means she will be staying active and participating in city business from the sidelines.”

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

SUDOkU

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9

Solutions to puzzles in Classified section of newspaper.

HOROSCOPE by Holiday Mathis n TODAy

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’ve been in those positions where it was important to look busy, but you much prefer to actually be busy instead. Doing nothing is a good look for you too. If you need an excuse, tell everyone you’re pausing for perspective. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It may happen that a friend’s well-meant but terrible advice leaves you wondering why you bother to share. That same friend has been known to come through for you though... so don’t so don’t put too much importance on any one act. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Fun and productivity sometimes go hand-in-hand, but not always. The thing is to focus. You could laugh and have a good time while making sure that everyone has a common goal that everyone keeps it in mind. CANCER (June 22-July 22). What is actionable? Where are the points of leverage? Instead of shying away from it you should be chasing it. Follow the beams to see where they lead. You have nothing to fear now: your aim is true. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Every decision has consequences. And though the effects of a choice may be slight indeed, you’re paying attention today and you’ll pick up on the little things that could add up to a big difference in the end. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You trust humanity and believe better angels will prevail. Even if you get burned walking on the sunny side, you’d rather be an optimistic fool than an accurate cynic any day of the week. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Much of your time is spent making sure everything runs smoothly for those around you. Take a step back and ask yourself where you fit in. Assess how you feel and how happy you are with everything that is going on. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’ll sync up to those around you, physically matching their pacing and movements. They relax and open up to you. You’ll also be a key part of some amazing teamwork. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You like to have company, but only when you’re in control of the schedule and flow. Stretches of solitude will let you concentrate on what you need to accomplish. Your solo work will be satisfying and lucrative. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). This is no time to deflect attention out of modesty or spread around the credit that rightly belongs to you. Show that you’re confident now because if you don’t you might receive less opportunity and money than you deserve. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Some habits are so much a part of daily life that you don’t even think of them as behaviors; rather, they are just “you doing you.” But you’re changing. You might decide that a certain habit is unnecessary and do away with it. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). If you can’t communicate with others, working and/or creating with them will be a joyless process. So, you commit to learning about the various people in your mix so you can build a rapport and thrive together.