Art rediscovered Jules Tavernier exhibit showcases his relationship with Indigenous tribes.
News, etc., B1
170
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
th
Volume 170 • Issue 149 | 75¢
mtdemocrat.com
Friday, December 17, 2021
A hold on hemp farms extended Eric Jaramishian Staff writer Another extension of a moratorium on the cultivation of industrial hemp in El Dorado County will last 12 months, preventing registration for hemp growers. Recommendations for the extension came from county Agricultural Commissioner Charlene Carveth at the Dec. 7 Board of Supervisors meeting, explaining that issues with regulation and planning for a pilot program prompted the recommendation. The challenges stem from the federal government consistently changing hemp regulations, making the process confusing on a local level, according to Carveth. “A 30-day harvest situation between sampling and harvesting changed to 15 days and even less than that. Then it changed back to 30 days and the state had to catch up on that,” Carveth said, providing an example of federal regulation changes. “I know my colleagues from other counties were going kind of nuts over this, trying to figure out where the regulation was at and what they needed to do.” Carveth also reported the state’s plan for regulation of industrial hemp was denied by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and sent back for revisions. El Dorado County’s urgency ordinance for the moratorium extension states that the cultivation of industrial hemp without the adoption of “reasonable regulations” could conflict with county cannabis regulations, interfere with land use regulation, threaten existing agriculture and threaten county n
See Hemp, page A8
Photo by Danny Fultz
Skaters enjoy the District Ice Rink at District Church in El Dorado Hills Town Center. The attraction will be open through Jan. 8.
Get your skates on Mountain Democrat staff
D
istrict Ice is back this holiday season, giving those talented (and brave) enough to step on the ice a great skating experience. The ice skating rink is open seven days a week (excluding Christmas Day) through Saturday, Jan. 8. Those ready to hit the ice at District Church, 7000 Rossmore Lane in Dorado Hills,
are encouraged to book their skating slot online at districtice. com as time slots do sell out. The rink is typically open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. but it’s best to check the website before heading out the door. The church also offers the Airstream Party Patio. Those who book the space will enjoy two hours in their own reserved area right next to the beer/wine
garden; 10 skate tickets are included. Guests have access to a furnished Airstream with indoor seating. There’s also outdoor seating and a fire pit. Airstream partiers are welcome to bring goodies but all outside alcohol is strictly prohibited. Food and drinks are available on site. The rink will host a New Year’s Eve celebration. For more information visit districtice.com.
Shelter from the cold coming n Help sought
to support winter lodging News release Housing El Dorado will again offer the Pathways Winter Lodging Program. PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE
Over the past months Housing El Dorado has met several times with the faith community and other interested partners on the Western Slope to develop a winter lodging program for unhoused residents of the community. Organizers plan to house approximately 15-20 people Friday, Saturday and Monday nights at three churches starting Jan. 1, 2022. More sites will be added as they become available. El Dorado County is only one of four counties in the state of California without a shelter and navigation center. The program will be headed up by Charlie McDonald, who brings years of experience serving the homeless of the Western Slope and enthusiasm for his new venture.
“While we would always like to see more nights covered, we are excited to be able to offer this much-needed service to the un-housed this winter,” McDonald said. Housing El Dorado, in partnership with the Upper Room, provides day navigation and shower services. Those seeking shelter can access shelter sign-up and services at the Upper Room or by appointment with Julia Hackett. Navigation services include assistance with obtaining identity documents, clothing, food, employment, social security/disability benefits, unemployment, healthcare to address chronic and acute conditions, health insurance, housing, n
See Pathways, page A2
Mountain Democrat file photo by Pat Dollins
John Driscoll is retiring after serving the city of Placerville for 20 years.
Driscoll doubly retires Andrew Vonderschmitt Staff writer Placerville city attorney and former city manager John Driscoll retired 10 years ago and it didn’t quite take. This time it looks like it’s for real. Driscoll, 76, came to Placerville in
September 1970, hailing from San Bernardino where he worked for the district attorney. He and his wife Pam came to El Dorado County to “get away from the smog.” n
See Driscoll, page A7
SOLAR + BATTERY IS NOW AFFORDABLE! • 10KW solar plus 18.9KWH Battery installed for just $236 per month and see if you qualify for $17,000 in tax credits • Includes Premium US made 340 Watt solar panels and Premium microinverters each with 25 year manufacturer and labor warranty
Financing with 1.49%APR and
26% Solar Federal Tax Credit extended through the end of 2021
ZERO
Out Of Pocket!
(530) 344-3237 • 4420 Commodity Way, Suite A, Shingle Springs • info@SolarSavingsDirect.com • solarsavingsdirect.com