Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Chambers charged in Visman death

Rasco Staff writer

Erica Chambers, 35, was arrested Tuesday morning by California Highway Patrol officers, charged with vehicular manslaughter in connection to the Nov. 11 death of Mason Visman, according to the Placerville office of the CHP.

Her bail has been set at $275,000.

The body of the 34-year-old Camino man was found the afternoon of Nov. 12 in the bushes alongside Highway 50 at Mosquito Road, near the site of a car crash that had happened the night before in which Chambers was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. Chambers, also a

Camino resident, reportedly had attempted to flee the scene but was quickly apprehended by law enforcement and booked into the county jail. Chambers claimed at the time she was the vehicle’s sole occupant, according to CHP officials.

“The investigating officer specifically asked Chambers if she was driving alone and she indicated she was,” states a CHP report.

Following further examination of the crime scene and evidence, CHP investigators say they found Chambers had been driving with Visman as the sole passenger and that when the MercedesBenz Chambers was driving struck a Toyota Prius, Visman was ejected from the car, suffering fatal injuries as a result.

Charges against Chambers include vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and fleeing the scene after committing vehicular manslaughter with an enhancement for reportedly driving with a blood alcohol level greater than .14%, twice the legal limit, and refusing a chemical test.

Mason Visman’s parents Brad and Kandi Visman own Boa Vista Orchards in Camino. Mason managed social media accounts and the website applehillca.com that promoted tourism in the Apple Hill area.

The CHP continues to investigate the circumstances of the incident. Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to call (530) 748-2450.

6-year-old a hero

The El Dorado Hills Fire Department on Dec. 15 honored 6-year-old Matthias Gross with a civilian life-saving award and his own personalized set of firefighter turnouts for a life-saving act of courage.

Around 8 p.m. Aug. 23, 2022, little Matthias snuggled on the couch next to his grandmother blissfully oblivious that within minutes he was to become someone’s hero.

“I was gasping for air and it comes on really quick for me, no warning,

no nothing,” recounts Becky Lee, Matthias’ grandmother or “Gaga” as he affectionately calls her. Lee, who was suffering an asthma attack, was able to croak out a plea for Matthias to get his mother, napping in the next room. “I said, ‘I need help; I can’t breathe.’ I thought I was going to die.”

Instead of getting his mother, Matthias went straight to the phone. “I called 911,” he said. “My Gaga wasn’t breathing so I ran and called 911.”

As she was losing consciousness,

Gift of giving

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

Generation Ranch, a Christmas tree farm in Camino, is well into the spirit of the gifting this holiday season.

The farm’s goal is to gift at least 100 trees this year to various organizations and individuals in need, according to owner Tandra Heagy.

“I love Christmas and what better way to spread the Christmas cheer than donating trees,” Heagy said.

Heagy and her husband Richard, owner of H.C.I. Inc. general

contracting company, acquired the 80-acre farm in spring 2022. So far, Heagy has donated around 30 trees, including 15 to housing-solution organization Mercy Housing and three to faith-based organization Sweet Dreams, among others. And Generation Ranch is not done.

The family-run farm will donate trees until Christmas Eve.

Heagy’s inspiration comes from her grandpa whom she lost to cancer in 1993. He had plans to run a farm of his own when he retired. His dream

Sel Richard Staff writer

Mountain Democrat photo by Sel Richard

El Dorado Hills firefighter/paramedic Brad Willock, Engineer Todd Bichel, Matthias Gross, Capt. Matt Belleci and Capt. Ryan Bennett, front row left to right, celebrate Matthias’ heroic act with the kindergartener’s proud parents Lisa Gross and Michael Gross and his grateful “Gaga” Becky Lee, back row left to right.

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian Tandra Heagy and her son Andrew cart a red, white and blue Douglas fir tree to be delivered to the Navy recruiting office in Placerville. Owners of Generation Ranch in Camino, the Heagy family hopes to donate at least 100 trees to various organizations and individuals in need by Christmas Eve.

Odin

Peggy Blackbern Meyers

Jan. 8, 1945 – Nov. 24, 2022

Peggy Blackbern Meyers (Peg-o) went home to be with her Lord Nov. 24 after battling stomach cancer for 5 years. She was born in Placerville Jan. 8, 1945 to George and Mary Jane Blackbern.

Peggy graduated from El Dorado High School in 1962. While attending her 25th high school reunion, she met her husband, Frank. they were married three and half months later on Dec. 5, 1987. Peggy and Frank had 35 wonderful years together. Peggy is survived by her husband, Frank, her two brothers, daughter, step-son, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Peggy loved life and all the family and friends who were a part of it. If you were a friend of Peggy’s, you were a friend for life. She always had a positive, cheerful attitude. Even during her years of cancer, she would end up encouraging those who had come to encourage her. She worked locally as office manager for Dr. Little who was a friend and a joy to work for. Peggy loved the outdoors. She enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, and shooting sports. She loved working in her yard, and she was an excellent cook. She loved all cats-but especially her kitties, Tony and Gibbs, who will miss her. For many years Peggy participated in The Golden Goose Craft Fair, an event which she and her friends set up. She enjoyed creating beautiful stained-glass pieces and ornaments.

Peggy enjoyed many hobbies and crafts, but she is probably best known for her pickles. The number of El Dorado County Fair and California and Nevada State Fair ribbons decorating her refrigerator supports what her friends and family already knew: Pego’s Pickles were the best! Everything from sweets to hot dills, all were award winning. If anyone wanted her recipes, she was more than willing to share. In fact, she would invite them over and spend the day teaching the process from start to delicious finish.

Peggy’s loving heart, ready smile, and giving spirit were a blessing to all who knew and loved her. She will be missed. Instead of a funeral/ memorial service, Peggy asked her family and friends to have a celebration of life to remember the special times they shared. It is being planned for spring of 2023.

Carole A. Martin

Jan. 24, 1940 – Dec. 4, 2022

Carole was born in French Camp, Calif. She passed away in Auburn, Calif. She was 82 yrs. old. She moved to Placerville in 1962 with her husband Jerry, daughter Cyndi and her son Robert. In 1963, they moved into their brand new home where they had a beautiful view of the snow covered mountains.

Carole enjoyed playing baseball on the women’s league during the summertime. She loved bowling and had a 200 average. In later years, she drove a school bus for Buckeye Union School District. Carole was a great cook. At Christmas time she would bake for days to make cookies and candies and fill many plates of goodies for family, friends and neighbors.

Carole was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jerry, her brother Donald and wife Ann, her brother Henry and wife Goldie, her nephew Ron, her niece Sandy and granddaughter Sarah. She is survived by her daughter Cyndi and husband Joel Espinoza, her son Robert Martin and wife Susan, her niece’s Kathy Fuqua, Patricia Bishop, Judy Fuqua, nephew Michael Fuqua and many Grand & Great Nieces & Nephews. No services will be held at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for Carole and Jerry.

William “Bill” John Murphy Jr.

Aug. 21, 1941 – Nov. 18, 2022

William “Bill” John Murphy Jr. was born on August 1, 1941, in Bu alo, New York to Eleanor and William J. Murphy Sr. He was the 2nd of 3 boys, with an older brother Patrick “Pat” and a younger brother Dennis. He loved his parents and brothers very much and made e ort to spend time with them throughout his life. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patricia “Pat” and his 5 children, William “John” Murphy III, Theresa Murphy Graham, Michele Gorski, Stephen Murphy and Dennis Murphy and 10 grandchildren (Mitchell Brown, Clayton Murphy, Hanna Murphy, Will Gorski, Lillian Graham, Claire Murphy, Gavin Gorski, Jack Murphy, Ava Murphy and Padraig Murphy).

Bill graduated from Bishop Fallon High School in Bu alo, NY in 1959. He then attended and graduated from Niagara University in 1963, with a Bachelor of Business Administration. In 1972 he earned an M.B.A from Xavier University. Upon graduating from college, he was called to serve in the United States Army. Stationed in Germany, he served in the Armored Cavalry and operated an M50 Tank. He often patrolled the Volga River Gap, in case the Russians crossed the border. By the age of 25 Bill was already a Captain, commanding 3 tanks and their crews.

His first child, John, was born in Bu alo in 1963 and then daughter, Theresa, was born in Germany, in 1964, while Bill served. Pat lived on the Army base in Bad Hersfeld and looked after 2 young children while coping with being a military wife. Bill was transferred stateside in 1965 to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. In 1966 with 3 kids (and 2 more to come) he was perusing the local newspaper and noticed a help wanted ad for a cost accountant. The ad had been posted by Procter and Gamble. He saw an opportunity for advancement and the chance to be home more with his family. He was o ered the job, took it and never looked back.

Bill had an impressive career with P&G spanning 30 years, which included multiple promotions and locations including Cincinnati, Sacramento and Southern California. In the 1980s he was the Chief Financial Executive for P&G’s Sacramento plant, which boasted more than 1,000 employees. The plant produced everything from Tide Detergent to Duncan Hines Cake Mix to Downy Fabric softener and Comet Cleanser.

All 5 children were raised in Cameron Park, on Oak Leaf Drive. Bill spent his precious weekends crafting stone walls and wood structures from the abundant resources from their property, which included the 5 acres behind the house. He was a master at building things from scratch, such as a sailboat, which the kids wheeled across the street to Cameron Park Lake on Bill’s homemade rickshaw. He was a unique and clever artist.

After a very productive career, Bill and Pat retired young on 5 acres in rural Rescue, California. They were both 55 and he was determined to enjoy life with Pat and do so on their own terms. Mission accomplished. He planted a vineyard (Cabernet Sauvignon), and he produced his own label “Murph’s Rescue Cab”. He was always good for a glass or two of the family label and a few jokes. His “Executive Wine Cellar” currently contains over 1000 bottles of his hard work.

Bill loved being a dad and was always kind and supportive to his kids and grandkids. His garage shop walls were filled with random drawings, trophies, photographs, fake ID’s and random artifacts he found amusing from his children and grandchildren’s youth.

Bill died on Saturday November 19, at his home in Rescue, surrounded by family. He will be extremely missed by many. Bill’s Celebration of Life will be held on 1/14/23 at Cameron Park Country Club from 12-3pm.

Barbara Alice Jespersen

Dec. 2, 1925 – Dec. 6, 2022

Barbara Alice (Kelsey) Jespersen was born and raised in Canoga Park, Calif. After her completion of high school, she married the one man that she had ever dated or cared for, Leslie B. Jespersen. In 1954, they moved to Placerville where she resided for the remainder of her life. She was a homemaker, raising five children. She enjoyed gardening, canning, baking, knitting, crocheting and embroidering. She and Leslie were married for 55 years prior to his death 1997.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Leslie, and sons John and Thomas. She is survived by three children, Charles Jespersen (Genell) of Saluda, NC, Jennifer Reed (Mike) of Placerville, and Laurel Young (Robert) of Saluda, NC, 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Car rolls over in Mosquito traffic controls

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

A driver and their juvenile passenger were taken to Marshall Hospital with minor injuries after a rollover crash Dec. 8 on Mosquito Road, where they had been following a construction pilot car.

The driver, a 55-year-old Placerville woman, told CHP investigators that her 2004 Honda Accord’s brakes failed so she steered into the mountainside to avoid hitting other vehicles or falling o the cli , according to CHP o cer Darin McManus.

The woman was traveling southbound on the north side of the Mosquito Bridge at about 9:30 a.m.

When the Accord hit the mountainside it caused the vehicle to turn over on its roof. CHP continues to investigate the incident.

One-way tra c controls are in place on Mosquito Road as construction of the new bridge to Mosquito is under way. Completion of the project is estimated to come at the end of 2025.

LAKE LEVELS

Stumpy Meadows Reservoir as of Dec. 14

Water storage 16,900 acre-feet

Percent full 80%

Inflow 15.30 cfs

Outflow 5.63 cfs

Folsom Reservoir as of Dec. 15

Water storage 277,980 acre-feet Percent full 28%

Inflow 1,645 cfs Outflow 1,068 cfs

Union Valley as of Dec. 15

Water storage 164,957 acre-feet Percent full 62%

Inflow 0 cfs Outflow 0 cfs

Loon Lake as of Dec. 15

Water storage 41,601 acre-feet Percent full 60%

Inflow 0 cfs Outflow 0 cfs

Ice House as of Dec. 15

Water storage 29,072 acre-feet Percent full 67% Inflow 21 cfs Outflow 0 cfs

Lake Aloha as of Dec. 15

Water storage 291 acre-feet

Percent full 6%

Inflow 2.50 cfs Outflow 2.50 cfs

Caples Lake as of Dec. 15

Water storage 13,923 acre-feet

Percent full 62% Inflow 0.00 cfs

Outflow 8.14 cfs

Echo Lake as of Dec. 15

Water storage 0 acre-feet Percent full 0%

Inflow 15.16 cfs Outflow 14.90 cfs

Silver Lake as of Dec. 15

Water storage 3,221 acre-feet Percent full 38% Inflow 28.48 cfs Outflow 6.59 cfs

Sly Park as of Dec. 15

Water storage 25,742 acre-feet

Percent Full 62.7% Inflow 60.40 cfs Outflow 19.10 cfs

American River as of Dec. 15 Flow 150.00 cfs

Novasel honored as end of term nears

Tahoe Daily Tribune

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors last week recognized District 5 Supervisor Sue Novasel with a proclamation for her eight years of service.

The proclamation goes through many of Novasel’s accomplishments as her two terms come to a close, including fostering increased communication with the city of South Lake Tahoe and other agencies, securing increased funding for roads, working to improve recreation access, creating a housing task force and working to pass an increase in the Transient Occupancy Tax that will add millions for snow removal and road maintenance.

Novasel, a longtime South Lake

Tahoe resident, served on numerous commissions — the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board, California Tahoe Conservancy, South Lake Tahoe Waste Joint Powers Authority, South Lake Tahoe Recreation JPA, Tahoe Transportation District, California State Association of Counties and First Five Commission.

“Now, therefore be it proclaimed that the Board of Supervisors does, with great appreciation and gratitude, recognize Sue Novasel for her significant contributions to the county and her many years of service to her community,” the proclamation states.

PPD: ‘Go safely’ this holiday season

Odin Rasco Staff writer

With the holiday season in full swing, Placerville Police Department officials are reminding the public of the dangers of driving while impaired and encouraging celebrating the season responsibly by not driving under the influence.

The risks of impaired driving are clear — 11,654 people were killed in car crashes involving an impaired driver in 2020, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data. Placerville police recommend

staying in for the night or making a “go safely” plan by scheduling a ride or designating a sober driver if consuming alcohol is part of the plan.

Impaired driving does not just mean driving under the influence of alcohol; marijuana, prescription medications and some over the counter drugs can also impact one’s ability to drive.

“The holidays are a special time of year for many, and we want drivers to act responsibly,” states Placerville police Sgt. Aaron Pratt in a press release. “Driving impaired is an illegal, senseless behavior that takes lives.”

Unsung Heroes help Mosquito Fire victims

Odin Rasco Staff writer

When hardship hits, local communities come together to help those in need.

A community group on the Divide known as the Unsung Heroes teamed up with the Food Bank of El Dorado County Dec. 10 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall in Georgetown to provide dinner and relief to people affected by the Mosquito Fire.

Outside it was a stormy evening but the VFW Hall had warm food and smiling faces as a lasagna dinner was served, made from ingredients supplied by the food bank and prepared by the Unsung Heroes. The meal wasn’t the only thing provided — a total sum of more than $20,000

raised by the Unsung Heroes and by the community at large was given to those who had lost their homes in the fire. Food bank founder Mike Sproull also handed each fire victim a gift card for $250, with assurance more support was on the way soon.

The Unsung Heroes are a group of Divide locals whose mission is to provide help and support to its community in times of need. They have run blankets and generators to locals during snowstorms and helped clean up the Volcanoville area after the recent fire, among other good deeds.

Members of the Unsung Heroes and Georgetown Fire Department Chief Glenn Brown spoke at the dinner, providing heartwarming words of appreciation to the community.

Cosumnes conservation effort granted $1M

Rasco Staff writer

A conservation effort to acquire lands in the Cosumnes River watershed area received $1 million from state agency the Sierra Nevada Conservancy Dec. 9.

The $1 million will go toward a fundraising effort by American River Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to conservation and stewardship of the upper American and Cosumnes river watersheds. ARC has been working with

The following was taken from Placerville Police Department logs: Dec. 8

6:38 a.m. Officers arrested a 43-year-old woman who had an outstanding warrant on Broadway.

5:15 p.m. Package theft was reported at a Miller Way residence.

6:34 p.m. Assault was reported on Coloma Court.

6:57 p.m. A person reported they may have lost their firearm on Broadway.

Dec. 9

9:21 a.m. Officers arrested a 26-year-old man reportedly found in possession of drugs on Ray Lawyer Drive.

12:08 p.m. Officers cited a 36-yearold man reportedly found in possession of drug paraphernalia on Gold Bug Lane.

12:20 p.m. Officers arrested a 40-year-old man suspected of trespassing on Tunnel Street.

2:35 p.m. Officers arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of assault on Schnell School Road.

4:27 p.m. A stolen vehicle was recovered on Broadway.

7:33 p.m. Officers cited a driver and towed a vehicle following a vehicle stop on Tunnel Street.

Dec. 12

9:28 a.m. A package was reported stolen from a residence on New Jersey Way.

9:40 a.m. Officers arrested a 62-year-old man who had a parole warrant on Spring Street.

private landowners, government agencies and other groups to protect the 7,500acre El Dorado Ranch located along the Cosumnes River and its tributary streams.

The planned acquisition of 1,025 acres will cost $4.7 million and add to the 3,157 acres already acquired by the nonprofit. The lands are located about 10 miles southwest of Placerville and directly south of El Dorado. According to Elena DeLacy, executive director of American River Conservancy, it

Dec. 14

5:08 p.m. Narcotics were found on Main Street and later destroyed.

The following was taken from El Dorado County Sheriff’s logs:

Dec. 12

6:48 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Grand Fir Circle in Cool.

8:48 a.m. Vandalism was reported

is expected that escrow on the upcoming acquisition will close by December 2023.

Protection of the watershed is of vital importance, according to conservation advocates, particularly considering that the Cosumnes River is the only river on the Western Slope of the Sierra Nevada that is not dammed.

California has set the goal of preserving at least 30% of its natural lands within the next 30 years, and ARC’s El

n See cosumnes page A6

on Columbia Circle in El Dorado Hills.

10:18 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Valley View Parkway in El Dorado Hills.

1:28 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 36-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia on Ridgeway Court in Pollock Pines. He was later released.

Dr. Little’s Dental News

D.D.S.

3:12 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Garlenda Drive in El Dorado Hills.

3:37 p.m. A person drunk in public was reported on Pleasant Valley Road in Diamond Springs.

4:49 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Sand Ridge Road in Placerville.

6:24 p.m. Battery was reported on Jennifer Lane in Diamond Springs.

6:39 p.m. Vandalism was reported

at an apartment complex on La Crescenta Drive in Cameron Park.

9:14 p.m. Battery was reported at a gas station in Saratoga Way in El Dorado Hills.

Dec. 13

3:05 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 38-year-old man suspected of driving on a suspended licensed, displaying false registrations tags and possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia on Highway 50 at

acquisition of 1,025 acres in the Cosumnes river watershed will cost $4.7 million and add to 3,157 acres that have already been acquired by the american River Conservancy.

El Dorado Hills Boulevard in El Dorado Hills. He was released on $2,000 bail.

9:47 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 40-year-old woman suspected of vandalism on Saratoga Way in El Dorado Hills. She was released on $5,500 bail.

10:24 a.m. Burglary was reported on Eight Mile Road in Camino.

12:41 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Carson Road in Camino.

Dentists often recommend a minimum once-daily interdental cleaning (cleaning between your teeth). There are several ways to do an interdental cleaning at home, and traditional flossing is just one option. Floss picks attach floss to a device that allows you to hold a handle as you floss, rather than holding the floss itself. These are a good option for hard-to-reach spots or for people with dexterity limitations. Water flossers use a pressurized stream of water to clean between teeth. The pulsating water compresses and decompresses the gums, forcing bacteria out. Interdental brushes are the most effective interdental cleaning tool and use a small fiber or rubber brush that fits between teeth. They come in different sizes for more effective cleaning.

Keeping your gums healthy and strong by conscientiously giving them the attention they need is your best defense against the harmful buildup of plaque that can ruin your brilliant smile. And not only do floss, either alone or on a floss pick, water flossers, and interdental brushes do a thorough job of cleaning between teeth, their gentle massage provides the bonus of also make your gums feel good. We’ll do all we can to bring your oral health to its maximum potential. Time for some serious consideration to your teeth and gums? Call us soon for an appointment.

P.S. Although water flossers are not considered to be effective at removing plaque, studies suggest they may still be more effective than traditional flossing.

Dr. Little provides quality family and cosmetic dentistry. His office is located at 344 Placerville Dr., Suite 19, Placerville. (530) 626-9127 Visit us at: www.jefflittledds.com

Presented by Jeffery Little,

DENTAL PICKS VS WATER FLOSSERS VS INTERDENTAL BRUSHES

crime log

Courtesy photo

On Dec. 10 the Unsung Heroes put on a dinner at the VFW in Georgetown for the Volcanoville families who lost their homes in the Mosquito Fire. This is a photo of some of the families, along with members of Unsung Heroes and volunteers who helped with the dinner. They gave each family $1,600 and Mike Sproull of the Food Bank of El Dorado County gave each family $250 in gift cards. He will be sending out an additional check to each family for an additional amount from another fundraiser.

SUE NOVaSEl

Odin

Photo courtesy of American River Conservancy

Could the Pacific Ocean be our state’s savior?

From the earliest exploration by European explorers of what became California, its position on the western coast of the North American continent has been its most important attribute.

Its coastline allowed exploration and the development of outposts while most of the continent was still a mysterious wilderness. It fostered the 1849 gold rush that hastened California statehood. Its beaches drew millions of visitors. It made California the arsenal and staging point for World War II’s Pacific Theater and, finally, it became a focal point of global oceanic trade.

Could California’s coastal waters now become its savior, ending ever-increasing shortages of water and electrical energy that threaten the state’s economic and societal future?

Yes it could, but only if California’s political and civic leaders overcome their tendency to mu big public works — as symbolized by the bullet train’s history of over-spending and under-performing, decades of footdragging on muchneeded water storage projects and crippling bottlenecks at the state’s ports.

SUMMARY

Letters to the Editor

Animal grief

EDITOR:

As we humans deal with “grief” and the “what ifs”, we tend to forget about our fur babies. I’ll never forget my sister’s little dog, resting on my sister when she took her last breath. One of the hardest things I have done was remove that little dog from my sister. All he wanted to do was be back on her lap.

While cleaning out our boat, I started to remove the bedding. Our little Jingo didn’t want me to take it. You see, it smelled like her dad. I could see the sadness in her eyes as she curled herself up in his blankets. I can only imagine what was going through her little mind as she laid next to my husband as he took his last breath. The craziness that took place in front of her eyes as the paramedics arrived. How she was locked in another room, crying to be near her dad.

On the day my sister passed, I told her boyfriend if he ever needed a home for my sister’s dog, please call me. He smiled at me and said, “If I give him to you, who will I sing with?” I knew this as truth. That little dog of my sister’s howled to the country rhythms that flowed from her boyfriend’s beautiful voice. I smiled back and knew my sister’s dog would be cared for.

Today, as I go through my husband’s things, which is hard for me, I make di erent piles. Whatever pile Jingo decides to curl up in I leave until she is ready to move on.

PAULA HALL Pollock Pines

Efficiency

EDITOR:

Finally, after decades of dithering, California’s Byzantine bureaucracy is finally warming up to desalination of seawater as a vital piece of the state’s water supply, although it still resists big projects that could have real impact on shortages as it does in other water-short nations.

Meanwhile, California is just beginning to grasp the potential of o shore windmills to

I don’t know that much about Jingo’s past other than she was left on a porch, where she couldn’t stay. When we first brought her home I thought she would be my pup. I fed her and walked her, but my husband gave her treats. After a while, she never left his side until that dreadful day. Today, I let her sit on the side of the chair where my husband put her. Our other little pup, who also lost his parents, sits on my lap. The last two days Taco has been cleaning Jingo’s face in such a loving manner. I think he, too, understands her grieving.

How sad it must be for a dog or cat to have lost their family — most often the only family they have known. They are whisked o to an animal shelter somewhere, where they know no one. Some of these animals are elderly, like the parent they lost. Which must make it harder to be adopted. I can only image the grief they must feel, along with the isolation.

It’s hard for us humans to deal with grief, but don’t ignore our little buddies who also su er grief.

The Democrats established the Ministry of Truth in the Department of Homeland Security to squelch “disinformation” amongst the people. Now we find out from the Twitter revelations that the FBI was and is working with mainstream and social media to make sure they support the Democrat party line and censor and suppress the opposition. I believe the Germans in the ’40s found it to be more e cient to coordinate through a single agency, the Gestapo under the Ministry of Propaganda. Perhaps the Democrats will modernize along this model.

GEORGE ALGER Placerville

Mistletoe — naughty plant or nice holiday cheer?

Mistletoe is a festive Christmas decoration, it’s true. But is it in reality the toenail fungus of trees? A noxious infection nearly impossible to eradicate?

I had thought so, but now I’m not sure.

I set out to write a cautionary tale about the harm mistletoe can do, especially the e ects of dwarf mistletoe on the native gray pines common in Latrobe where I live.

But as I began my research, I quickly learned this topic (like so many in life!) is more complicated than I’d thought.

Mistletoe gets its name from how it spreads. Birds eat mistletoe berries, then excrete the seeds, which are coated with a sticky substance that glues them to the tree. Later, rain prompts the seeds to germinate. Noticing this connection, early Anglo Saxons named the plant misteltan — “mistel” meaning dung and “tan,” stick or twig. So, somewhat plainly, “dung on a twig.”

The genus name of North America’s most common species of mistletoe (there are more than 1,300 species worldwide) is Phoradendron, which is Greek for “tree thief.”

So far, nothing here to belie my negative connotations of the plant. Readers who remember my 2019 column on the California dodder

(“From ‘witches hair’ to ‘fairy flower’”) will recall my revulsion at the way the dodder, a parasite, gets its living. It attaches to a host plant and feeds from it via haustoria, slender projections that penetrate the tissues of the host to siphon o water and nutrients.

Not very nice.

Mistletoe does a similar thing. As its seeds begin to sprout on the tree branch, haustoria penetrate the bark and grow inside the branch. Then succulent stems push back through the bark to the outside and the mistletoe plant as we know it begins to grow.

Over time, mistletoe infestations can weaken a tree and leave it more vulnerable to the e ects of drought and bark beetles.

The above applies particularly to oak mistletoe, the species commonly found in the oak trees in our area, and the closely related American mistletoe, the variety most often harvested and sold as Christmas greenery.

Dwarf mistletoe, which attacks cone-bearing evergreens — especially gray pines — are even bigger freeloaders. The other mistletoes, you see, take mainly water and soil minerals from the host plant, producing most of their own food via photosynthesis. By contrast, dwarf mistletoe is a true parasite, stealing all of its nutrients, as well as water and

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minerals, from its host.

Plus, the way the dwarf species propagates is decidedly creepy. Pressure builds within ripe berries, eventually causing seeds to burst forth, shooting into trees as far as 30 to 50 feet away. That’s too reminiscent of the movie “Alien” for me, but folks at the U.S. Geological Survey see it in a friendlier light. They liken the ready-to-burst berries to holiday poppers.

“One researcher said that if you put ripe berries in a paper bag and shake it, it sounds just like popping popcorn,” reports the USGS website.

A less diabolical image, for sure, but still. Pretty weird.

As with other mistletoes, the dwarf mistletoe’s seeds can stick to birds’ feet and be carried to more distant locales. This is, I suspect, how it came to infect some of the gray pines in my own neighborhood.

How worried should my neighbors and I be? Maybe not as worried as I originally thought. Turns out most species of mistletoe, including the dwarf, spread slowly — as slow as 2 feet per year, according to the USGS.

“One study indicated that a 1.5-acre patch of mistletoe took about 60 to 70 years to form and widespread infestation of a forest stand may take

centuries,” reports the agency.

Meanwhile, if dwarf mistletoe does kill its host it may not happen for several decades. In fact, those most concerned about the e ects of dwarf mistletoe are commercial foresters seeking to maximize timber harvests. Apart from that, says the USGS, all mistletoes should be viewed as a natural component of healthy forest ecosystems.

Rachel Ehrenberg, writing in the Smithsonian magazine, goes a step further, calling mistletoes “the Robin Hood of plants.” Yes, they steal from trees, but then they provide a wealth of food, shelter, nesting areas and hunting grounds for a range of animals.

Rich in essential amino acids, the berries are a critical food source for many species (though they’re poisonous to humans). Roughly 90 bird types around the world are considered mistletoe specialists.

Squirrels and chipmunks adore the berries and even cattle, elk and deer will eat them — and the leaves, too — in winter months when other foliage is scarce.

Then there are the butterflies, three kinds of which are solely dependent

JENNIFER FORSBERG MEYER

DAN WALTERS

Tahoe Motel 6 purchase moves forward

The California Tahoe Conservancy Board of Directors on Dec. 15 approved actions to continue pursuing acquisition of 31.2 acres of environmentally sensitive land along the Upper Truckee River in South Lake Tahoe.

The board updated its authorization for the conservancy to pursue the potential acquisition, located at 2375 Lake Tahoe Boulevard and 940 Sunset Drive, upstream of its Upper Truckee Marsh property. The board authorized up to $18 million for the state agency to continue negotiating to acquire the land, as well as to demolish the existing Motel 6 and restaurant structures and to stabilize the site. The conservancy will preserve the meadow and wetlands on the property.

The board also accepted a $1.5 million grant from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and approved additional potential grants to support the high-priority property acquisition.

“We are grateful for the support from our state

Continued from A4 generate huge amounts of renewable electrical energy that would help close the state’s current supply gap, fill enormous new demands and meet the state’s ambitious goals for ending its dependence on fossil fuels.

The federal government recently conducted auctions for windpower development rights on two oceanic sites, one 20 miles west of Morro Bay and the other o Humboldt County.

Advocates believe the sites could generate up to 8 gigawatts of electrical power, about one-sixth of the state’s current peak power demand on hot summer days and about a third of the state’s goal of 25 gigawatts of o shore windpower by 2045.

“O shore wind is a critical component to achieving our world-leading clean energy goals and this sale is an historic step on California’s march toward a future free of fossil fuels,” Newsom said in a statement.

However, given the state’s sorry record on bigimpact projects, will it really happen? Will we, as state plans now suggest, really see o shore power begin to flow into the grid within 10 years?

Don’t count on it.

The floating platforms to support the immense windmills, anchored in more than 2,000 feet of water, face critical attention from environmental groups and a phalanx of federal and state regulatory hurdles. They also would require onshore support facilities in coastal communities where resistance to development is culturally ingrained, plus cables to

bring the power to shore and extensive expansions of transmission facilities to tie into the grid.

The time frame to make all of this happen, as the state assumes in its overall plan to shift California to renewable electric power, is very short. We’re now 22 years into the 21st century and supposedly all of this would occur in just 23 more years — simultaneously with many other elements of decarbonization, such as shifting to battery- or hydrogen-powered cars and trucks and eliminating natural gas in homes, business and industry.

It would take an immense cultural change in the state’s governing apparatus to make it all happen by the designated deadline, a sense of urgency, a unity of purpose and much more managerial competence than California has mustered in the last halfcentury.

The ocean could, indeed, be our savior.

Theoretically, it could provide limitless amounts of clean water and clean power. But it won’t happen unless we make it happen.

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

Forsberg Meyer

on mistletoes for survival, and honeybees, for which the plant is an important source of nectar and pollen.

But even that’s not all. Turns out mistletoes have benefits for humans, too — and I’m not talking holiday greenery here.

According to the National Institute of Health, European mistletoe has long been used in traditional medicine for conditions such as seizures, headaches and menopause symptoms. Today, mistletoe is promoted in Europe as a treatment for cancer with extracts given by injection sold as prescription drugs.

Though those drug therapies are not approved for use in the U.S., the National Cancer Institute reports mistletoe is currently one of the most widely researched alternative therapies for cancer. Studies suggest it may stimulate the immune system to help fight the disease with less toxic e ects than chemotherapy, though more research is needed.

So in the end ... is mistletoe a creepy tree parasite? A beloved holiday trimming? A life-saving cancer therapy? I suppose it’s potentially all these things and more. All I know is I’ll never think of it in quite the same way again.

Jennifer Forsberg Meyer is a columnist with the Mountain Democrat and the author of “Friends With Four Legs.” Leave a comment for her online or, for a reply, reach her at jfmfeedback@gmail.com.

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 the Moni Gilmore Sr Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762

Ready for real change?

CELEBRATE RECOVERY meets Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm at Bayside Church of Placerville, 4602 Missouri Flat Road, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. We are a Christ centered recovery program to find healing and recovery from our hurts, habits, and hangups. Email elebratercovery@ baysideplacerville. com. Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/ CRBaysidePlacerville.

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 9am-11am at El Dorado High School. Lessons, social events, only $35/year. Call Cindy 805-540-8654.

SENIOR PEER COUNSELING of El Dorado County is seeking volunteer counselors. Do you possess such qualities as warmth, empathy and nonjudgement, as well as having varied life experiences, and being over the age of 55? If you do and would like to help and listen to fellow seniors who are dealing with age related issues such as loneliness, isolation, health and grief, we would love to talk to you. Counselors receive training and are supervised by a professional in the field. SPC Clinical

Supervisor Jayann Askin, MFT, shares “We are looking for volunteers who are interested in psychology, counseling, and mental health and would like to be a part of a supportive group of ongoing learners in this field.” For more information on this greatly rewarding volunteer opportunity, please call 530-621-6304

n TODAy

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You get the feeling you’re competing for someone’s attention -- an uncomfortable position to be in. Magic question: What is the actual value of this prize dangling before you? The way to win is to remove yourself from the contest.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). When the project is going well, enjoy the coast. But if it’s not, just know that the torturous projects have more to teach. Your persistence through the build up, tear down, repeat drama is the training that makes you a master.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your feelings won’t lie, but they’ll exaggerate. There’s a wide range of choice involved in the interpretation of events. If you’re going to exaggerate, you may as well do so in the direction of lightheartedness and humor.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). There are risks you’ve been reticent to take, like making a pitch, attending an event or approaching someone new. You’ll be emboldened to make a move. The nerves don’t disappear, but they get more manageable.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You wouldn’t ask for directions from a tourist, and neither will you seek advice from someone who hasn’t solved your kind of problem before. Ask for credentials at the top of an interaction. It gets awkward if you wait.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). No matter how far we push forward, there will always be the same thing ahead: uncertainty. The next place is unknowable. Will you discover what you seek? Will it be how you imagined it? Your adventurous heart will lead

the way.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You love how a certain kind of work feels -- like being in the flow of the cosmic river, like dancing with the universe, like burning with the stars. Your love of the process means that your satisfaction never hinges on a certain result.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Humans need humans to survive. That’s why one of our most primitive fears is the fear of being separated from the group. But before you get involved and make efforts to fit in, make sure it’s a group worthy of belonging to.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). A complicated relationship becomes a little less so. It doesn’t happen because of a conversation or any new knowledge you acquire. It’s a change in you. Your openness and acceptance bring harmony to the relationship.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The short-term goal is only as important as the long-term goal is sound. Your mind is on where you’re going, but it’s also on what’s nice about where you are. It turns out, a lot!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Everyone has a delicate ego. When you think ahead about how to bring the information in a way others will accept without having to get defensive, you will be very successful with your communication.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). It feels like private turmoil that only you can relate to, but it’s actually more common than you think. Finding and cultivating a relationship with the right confidante is a goal worthy of serious effort considering all it can add to your life.

EDH Fire Dept. plan reviews going digital

Sel Richard Staff writer

Fires aren’t the only dangers fought by the El Dorado Hills Fire Department. The process of decreasing other hazards for the community has been lately streamlined, as was detailed by Fire Marshall Chrishana Fields’ presentation at a recent Area Planning Advisory Committee meeting.

Fields explained that the Community Risk Reduction program was introduced approximately 10 years ago. “There started to be a shift from just fire prevention to community risk reduction,” she said, citing fall prevention, cardiac arrest and sidewalk CPR training among others. “We’re identifying the risks in our community that we serve, prioritizing those risks and looking at ways to mitigate the impact of those risks in our communities.”

One aspect of the program recently rolled out is Geo Civix, a convenient digital system that allows communication between new construction plan review applicants and the fire department through notifications of status, checklists and information on plan completeness. Live as of November, the system lets applicants invite other project disciplines, access a portal to applicant and company projects and record all communication. “We’re really excited about this program,” said Fields.

“You can’t understand how important this project is to us,” insisted EDH Fire Chief Maurice Johnson, who considers the drop

Motel 6

in phone calls alone as a major improvement. “This system forces the applicant to read the checklist and actually submit everything that is required. I think it’s training people to submit better applications.”

Residents and developers alike have access to standards that outline details down to how wide a driveway needs to be if a turnaround is required. “It’s been phenomenal,” Johnson said, pointing out the system has enabled a faster completion rate and reduction in backlog. “Talk about a time saver.”

Commercial construction plan reviews and inspections cover everything from fire access, fire hydrants and fire equipment to construction, exits, fire rated construction, fire sprinklers, fire alarm systems, kitchen hoods and fire safe plans.

Residential construction plan reviews and inspections can include tentative maps, new buildings, setback compliance, fire sprinkler systems, water supply and draft hydrants and propane tanks if needed. Geo Civix tracks required documents such as the fire safe exemption request, fire safe setback restriction covenant, water use agreement and the essential fire flow letter, which indicates available water for a particular area.

In addition to new construction plan reviews, fire department inspections are conducted annually for state-mandated occupancies like educational and care facilities, apartments and hotels. Although inspections at other businesses are currently complaint driven, Johnson

Continued from A5

and Basin partners,” said El Dorado County Supervisor and Conservancy Board Chair Sue Novasel. “Bringing these properties under public ownership would nearly complete protection of the lower 9 miles of river corridor for Lake Tahoe’s largest and most important tributary.”

Additional funding for the proposed acquisition comes from Proposition 68, general funds and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

excess coverage mitigation funds. Also at the Dec. 15 meeting, the board heard an update from conservancy and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency staff on the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan and authorized actions to allow Caltrans and El Dorado County to use Conservancy lands for projects to improve public safety and the environment along Highway 50 in South Lake Tahoe and Meyers.

Slate Creek, a tributary to the Cosumnes River, is located in the El Dorado Ranch area.

Cosumnes

Continued from A3

Dorado Ranch project will help reach that goal.

“As an organization we try to find ways to meet the goal of protecting the American and Cosumnes River watersheds and advance the 30 by 30 goals set by California,” DeLacy said. “It’s exciting to be a part of something so big.”

Conservation advocates say that with mounting development pressures from El Dorado Hills and Folsom, there are growing risks to oak woodland biodiversity and ecosystem health. The aims of the effort are to combat these pressures

and establish El Dorado County’s first California Department of Fish and Wildlife wildlife area, which would provide public access for wildlifebased recreation on land frequented by several game species, including black-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, gray squirrel, mourning dove and California quail. The project would also provide habitat linkages between existing Bureau of Land Management lands and protection for historic resources such as Nisenan and Miwok cultural sites and Gold Rush-era archaeological sites.

Photo courtesy of American River Conservancy

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

HOROSCOPE by Holiday Mathis

Lee remembers Matthias shouting to the dispatcher, “Come help my Gaga! My Gaga’s not breathing!”

Matthias then dropped the phone and went to wake his mother, Lisa Gross. “I got out of bed and my first thought was that maybe he made a mistake,” she said, but was shocked to find her mother doubled over with the phone lying next to her. The fire department soon came through the door.

Matthias, who is diagnosed with moderate to severe autism, became distressed when he saw his Gaga being taken away by paramedics and began spinning in circles, flapping his arms and sobbing. Lisa credits firefighter Ryan Bennett with saving her son from a potentially traumatic event.

“Ryan came over and spoke to Matthias. He stood in front of him so he couldn’t see where my mom was going and started saying stuff like, ‘You did a great job; you’re a hero. I hope that someday if my children need to call 911, they do it,’ and (he) gave him stickers,” she said. “He took that moment that could have been engraved as a horrible memory and just turned it into ‘Wow, I was a hero. I did something good.’ He took his anxiety and his fear completely away.”

Lee was transported to Mercy Folsom — later told she was taken there because they were unsure she could have made it to Kaiser. “They said that in another 30 minutes, I would have gone into a diabetic coma. The doctors said that if he didn’t call…” Lee trailed off, unable to continue and choked with emotion. She was later moved to Kaiser Roseville,

spending five days there, three of which were in ICU.

Lisa admitted she has no idea where he learned to call 911.

“Nobody taught me. I just knew it,” Matthias said matter-of-factly.

“You just do one 9 and two 1s.”

Now a kindergartener at Oak Meadow Elementary School, he said his favorite activity is playing with his Minecraft Legos. To treat his autism, Matthias, who was non-verbal until the age of 3, has undergone Applied Behavior Analysis therapy with Positive Behavior Support Corporation’s early intervention program for the last three years.

Somewhat of a miracle himself, Lisa said that it took her seven years to become pregnant with Matthias due to difficulties from her own fight with Graves’ disease.

Matthias has a special bond with his Gaga, which began when he spent his first month with her while Lisa was in the hospital recovering from a complicated birth. Lisa and Matthias have lived with Lee for the last three years and the bond is stronger than ever.

“Matthias has demonstrated that we can all make a difference, no matter our age or situation,” said EDHFD Deputy Chief Dustin Hall before presenting Matthias with his award and new uniform. “Matthias’ loving spirit, his desire to help and the actions he took are an example for us all and a testament to his spirit.”

Matthias is glad his Gaga is home again, and if you ask him who his hero is, “Ryan,” he answers immediately. If you ask him who is Gaga’s hero, “Matthias,” he replies with a shy smile.

Trees

lives through his granddaughter nearly 30 years later.

The Heagy family has delivered some of the donated trees and they also allow folks to come up and pick their own tree from their crop of Douglas firs.

“The tree is the marker of Christmas and joy,” Heagy noted. “Fresh tree scent when you walk into the room … we want people to experience that.”

EDH Fire

Continued from A6

anticipated imminent changes. “We’re going to be looking at all of our occupancies and likely looking at a system by which we inspect these on potential risk,” he said. “So some might be annually; some might be every three years.”

Fields assured that residents and developers can reach out to the fire department prior to submitting a full building package to save on the financial outlay involved in creating multiple floor plans. “If you have a floor plan or a footprint of your building and your parcel, we can tell you if you’ll have an issue with that,” she said.

She mentioned smoke alarm compliance as a surprising issue. “The health and safety code requires you to have functioning and compliant smoke alarms for every permit over $1,000,” Fields noted.

“We have had a significant rate of non-operational smoke alarms or

Heagy said she is hopeful she can donate even more trees before the week’s end.

“It is people over profit for me,” Heagy commented. “All we want to do is spread Christmas joy.”

For inquiries, Generation Ranch can be reached by email at generationranchcamino@gmail.com or find them on Facebook.

non-present ones so we’re definitely seeing that it’s a concern and a risk in our community.”

Smoke alarms are required in every sleeping room, every area leading to each sleeping room and on each floor. Carbon monoxide detectors are required in every area leading to any sleeping rooms.

Fields also discussed various guidelines such as setbacks and sprinkler systems for ADUs — those smaller than 1,200 square feet do not require a sprinkler system if the existing home does not have sprinklers. Regarding setbacks, Fields noted that structures must be at least 30 feet away from the property line.

Other major aspects of the Community Risk Reduction program encompass fire and life safety inspection, vegetation management, public education, fire investigation and the Community Emergency Response Team.

Continued from A1

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

The Navy recruiting office in Placerville gets an unexpected Christmas surprise Dec. 19, courtesy of Generation Ranch in Camino.

In the KNOW

Now

Elf on the Boulevard Scavenger Hunt runs through Dec. 24. Pick up a passport at any participating El Dorado Hills Town Center business and go looking for Elves hiding around. Once all the Elves have been located, return the passport to Face in a Book to be entered into a drawing to receive a Town Center gift card stocking. The first 100 completed passports will receive a gift. The winner of the grand prize will be announced Wednesday, Dec. 28. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.

Get photos with Santa Claus at the California Welcome Center in El Dorado Hills through Dec. 24. Charm Photography will capture a magical holiday moment. The welcome center is located at 2085 Vine St., Suite 105, in El Dorado Hills Town Center. For photo times and more information call (916) 358-3700.

Visit the Drive-thru Nativity at Freedom Church, 4414 Commodity Way in Cameron Park, 5-9 p.m. through Dec. 26 (closed Christmas Eve). There are nine lighted scenes that tell the story of Jesus’ birth. Event is free.

Placerville Friends of Tibet seeks sponsors for the Sacred Earth and Healing Arts of Tibet Tour, scheduled for Jan. 2-14, 2023. The Sacred Earth and Healing Arts of Tibet Tour helps support Gaden Shartse Monastery in southern India. For more information visit sacredartsoftibettour.org.

The Stormy Weather exhibit at Gallery at 48 Natoma in Folsom runs through Jan. 12 in the main gallery with the Folsom focus Photography Contest in the community gallery through Jan. 10. For more information call (916) 4616601.

The history-based scavenger hunt Miners on Main has begun. The game features 10 prominent historical figures of the El Dorado County Gold Rush for participants to discover as they walk a loop along Main Street, Placerville. There are 10 medallions “hidden” between Sacramento and Clay streets. Each medallion will include a unique QR code that participants can scan with their phones to learn about the individual who had some historical significance during the California Gold Rush. A clue will be provided to find the next Miner on Main. Clue sheets for those who want to play without using a smart device will be available at some shops and the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce office, 542 Main St., Placerville. For more information call (530) 621-5885.

Dec. 21

Old Mule performs at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville at 6:30 p.m. For tickets, tables and livestream access visit tickets. clubgreenroom.com.

El Dorado Musical Theatre’s High Voltage group presents the Holiday Celebration concert at 7 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts on the Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net/events.

Color us merry

Mimi Escabar Special Sections Editor

Acold winter evening could not keep the winners in the annual Mountain Democrat Coloring Contest from attending the awards party. The winners, family and friends were on hand to celebrate the 2022 budding artists and their fantastic efforts. This year T.W. Bonkers Toy and Candy Emporium, Straight Line Roofing and Construction and Sweet Septic joined the Mountain Democrat in sponsoring the contest.

Eighty-eight beautifully crafted entries using all forms of media and clever artistic interpretations were submitted. The judges appreciated the creativity and had a challenging time selecting the winners. The entries were judged on originality, neatness and imagination.

The winners in the 6 and younger age group are: Third, Wyatt Winter, 6, Placerville; second, Juniper Sherwood, 6, Placerville; and first, Dalton Ohman, 6, Shingle Springs.

The age 7 through 9 winners were: Third, Lucyann Dimond, 8, Placerville; second, Miles Becker, 7, Cameron Park; and first, Allie Schott, 9, Cameron Park.

The 10 through 12 age group winners are: Third, Lucinda Spring, 10, Placerville; second, Janie Thomas, 10, Placerville; and first, Katie Duell, 11, Placerville.

The coloring contest entries will be on display at Straight Line Roofing, 3811 Dividend Drive in Shingle Springs, through January.

The winners in each age category won $50 and a gift bag from the Mountain Democrat and a gift certificate from T. W. Bonkers; second place won $20 and a gift bag from the Mountain

Amaryllis, the holiday showstopper

he amaryllis is becoming increasingly popular as a holiday flower, challenging even the ubiquitous poinsettia. It blooms in wintertime so its spectacular flowers help to brighten the coldest, darkest winter months. Like mistletoe and holly, amaryllis is shrouded in ancient legend. In Greek mythology, the maiden Amaryllis fell in love with a shepherd, Alteo, who

Grab your board and catch a wave to the Mountain Democrat website

Coloring contest winners in the 6 and younger category Dalton Ohman, Wyatt Winter and Juniper Sherwood, left to right, proudly hold their winning entries.

Lucyann Dimond, Allie Schott and Miles Becker, left to right, all took home prizes in the 7-9 age group.

Mountain Democrat photos by Eric Jaramishian Coloring experts Lucinda Spring, Janie Thomas and Katie Duell, left to right, wowed the judges in the 10-12 age group.

Photo by Audrey Brandt

Amaryllis is an easier flower to care for and will reward those who do make the effort with beautiful blooms.

Feather Falls Trail

Worth the drive out Highway 70 to the Plumas National Forest in Butte County, the 410-foot Feather Falls waterfall awaits. But this 9-mile out and back trek offers so much more.

The trailhead offers ample parking. The restrooms are the only low point on this trail. Once out on the wellmaintained trail, enjoy the super-sized Pacific Madrone trees, the majestic oaks and the variety of pine trees. Stay right at the fork in the trail unless you like strenuous switchbacks. It is shorter in distance but may take you longer due to the level of difficulty. The wide mostly shaded trail would be great any time of year but

in winter and spring the waterfalls are the star. With this winter’s heavy snows, we may get an even longer waterfall season.

Fray Falls is a lovely cascade with a handsome and sturdy wooden bridge to offer the best views.

Be ready for your first glimpse of Bald Rock Dome. You turn a corner on the trail and suddenly this Yosemite-like sight erupts out of the canyon wall. The Bald Rock Pluton as it is known is 2 miles wide. The dome rises 2,000 feet above the Middle Fork of the Feather River in Bald Rock Canyon. Stay right at the next fork near the end of the trail. This is where the difficult trail ties back into the main trail.

As if these were not enough, the trail reaches its half way point at an observation deck that provides stunning views of Feather Falls and the Middle Fork of the Feather River. The large bench was a great place to have our lunch and take a few dozen pictures.

You may notice a narrow trail at the top of the stairs leading to the observation deck. This trail will take you to the top of the falls.

On our last visit in the spring the manzanita was in full bloom and the other wildflowers were just beginning to put on a show. Looking for flowers and

Photos by Mary West

Feather Falls is a breathtaking sight roaring down the rocks.

Mary West Outdoor columnist

Feather

photos.

butterflies helps me forget the 860-foot climb out of the canyon. The climb is gradual over the 4.5-mile hike out.

To get to Feather Falls Trail on the Plumas National Forest take Highway 70 North toward Oroville. Take the Oro-Dam Road exit. Turn right onto Highway 162 (OroQuincy Highway) toward Forbestown. Then head right on Forebestown Road, left on Lumpkin, left on 21N35y to the trailhead.

Mary West is author of the book series Day Hiker – Gold Country Trail Guide I, II and III (second edition available on Amazon). The books are a collection of the Day Hiker columns where West shares her longtime love of the outdoors, favorite hikes in Northern California’s Gold Country and beyond. West was the recipient

Contest

Continued from B1

Democrat and a gift certificate from T. W. Bonkers; and third place won $10 and a gift bag from the Mountain Democrat and a gift certificate from T. W. Bonkers.

The judges were: Jody Franklin, El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce director of tourism; Sylvia Coleman, artist; and Bill Robinson, artist.

Gardener

Continued from B1

had a passion for flowers. To win his love, she pierced her heart with a golden arrow and visited his cottage daily, shedding drops of her blood along the way.

On the 30th day scarlet flowers bloomed along the path. Alteo was enamored, Amaryllis’ heart healed and the flowers took her name.

Amaryllises are meant to re-bloom. In fact, if cared for properly they can outlive their caretakers. But many people who don’t know how easy it is to keep an amaryllis alive fail to save the bulbs ....

The plant we commonly call Amaryllis is in the genus Hippeastrum which is its proper scientific name. It is native to South and Central America and belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family, whose members are related to da odils.

Everything about amaryllis is superlative. The bulbs are huge — as big as a fist. The larger the bulb, the more likely it is to flower. The trumpetshaped flowers are also huge, from 6 to 10 inches across. Their petals can range in color from velvety red to pink, salmon, white, bi-colored and even green.

Amaryllises are widely available this time of year and are sold already in bloom, as bare-root bulbs or in kits that include a bulb, a pot and a potting medium. They are surprisingly easy to nurture from bulb to bloom. Unlike most bulbs, which must be buried beneath the soil, amaryllis bulbs like to have their “necks” exposed. They should be planted with the top half of the bulb above the surface. Use a container just 2 inches wider on all sides than the bulb; they like to be slightly pot-bound. Use a welldraining potting mix, keep the soil barely moist and place the pot in a sunny spot indoors. Easy!

The bulb should produce a flower six to eight weeks after planting. As a flower begins to fade, remove the dying petals. When the entire flower stalk turns yellow, cut it o a few inches above the neck of the bulb.

Amaryllises are meant to re-bloom. In fact, if cared for properly they can outlive their caretakers. But many people who don’t know how easy it is to keep an amaryllis alive fail to save the bulbs after the holidays.

Once the flower stalks are cut, allow the straplike leaves to continue to grow indoors until it is warm outside. Then put the pot out on the patio or deck and water and feed it regularly throughout the summer. Continued growth allows the plants to develop a stronger root system and to store nutrients for their dormancy.

For the plant to re-bloom, it needs a period of dormancy. Sometime in the early fall, bring it inside and place it in a dark, cool (55 degrees) place without water for eight to 10 weeks. Then return it to a well-lit place, resume watering and it should bloom in another six to eight weeks.

The dramatic blooms of the amaryllis herald the holidays with a natural beauty that only a living plant can bring. Anyone can easily grow and enjoy this holiday showstopper.

Master Gardener classes are o ered monthly throughout the county. Find the full class schedule at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/Public_Education_ Classes/?calendar=yes&g=56698 and recorded classes on many gardening topics at mgeldorado. ucanr.edu/Public_Education/Classes.

Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open December through February on the first Saturday of the month. Master Gardeners o er tours, answer questions or visitors can just enjoy the garden. Check the website for further information about the Sherwood Demonstration Garden at ucanr.edu/ sites/EDC_Master_Gardeners/Demonstration_ Garden.

Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are working hard to answer your questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on mgeldorado. ucanr.edu or leave a message on the o ce telephone at (530) 621-5512. To sign up for notices and newsletters visit ucanr.edu/master gardener e-news. Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

of the 2017 and 2019 Craft Award for Best Outdoor Column and the 2020 Craft Award for her second book in

the Day Hiker series by the Outdoor Writers of California. You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Photo by Mary West

The top of Feather Falls is also a beautiful spot.

Courtesy photo

EDH Librarian Jan Robbins and President of Friends of the Library Teresa Correia receive the 2022 donation of $11,775 from members of the Serrano Men’s Book Club. The funding will enable the library to fully staff and restart the 3D Print Lab impacted during the COVID shutdown. To date, the Serrano Men’s Book Club has donated a total of $94,551 to the EDH Library for a wide variety of needs.

Dec. 22

El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts the community menorah lighting to celebrate Hanukkah, 6:30-8 p.m.

A Very Ryder Thieves Holiday Shindig takes place at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville at 7 p.m. For tickets, tables and livestream access visit tickets.clubgreenroom.com.

Emery Entertainment Presents Rocky Mountain High Experience: John Denver Christmas at 7:30 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts on the Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net/events.

The Placerville Area Chess Club meets every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Denny’s in Cameron Park, 3446 Coach Lane. For more information call Neville Arroues at (530) 642-9043.

Dec. 23

Matt Rainey and Dippin Sauce perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville at 8 p.m. For tickets, tables and livestream access visit tickets.clubgreenroom.com.

Sacramento Master Singers present A Master Singers Christmas at 7:30 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts on the

Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net/events.

Dec. 24

Lace up for the annual Jingle and Mingle Run at 9 a.m. Meet at the Placerville Station, 2984 Mosquito Road in Placerville. Register online at tctruns.com/2021/12/26/122422.

Enjoy complimentary gift wrapping and hot cocoa, noon to 4 p.m. at 516 Main St., Placerville. Bring all your unwrapped packages and admire the fine art photography of Fab while Stephanie Shrum of Intero Real Estate makes your gift sparkle.

A Very Special Christmas Eve with Luke and Kaylee takes place at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville at 2 p.m. For tickets, tables and livestream access visit tickets. clubgreenroom.com.

Dec. 26

Visit Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., to see local ice sculptors put their carving tools to the test in the Village Ice Sculpture Contest. This multi-block competition will create beauty out of standard blocks of ice and visitors are the judges. Admission is free.

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) 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21 11150

FICTITIOUS

by

a

not

thousand dollars ($1,000.00).)

statement filed with the county clerk of El Dorado County on 11/23/2022. 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

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Courtesy photo

Women in Networking’s fourth annual Pump Crawl held earlier this month in El Dorado Hills supported local business owners and raised money for local charities 3 Strands Global Foundation and Faithful Stewards. Getting ready to celebrate its 20th year, WIN has been one of the top resource groups, connecting and promoting women and their businesses in the greater Sacramento area. With a focus on relationships – the group’s motto is “Referring people we love, to people we love!” The idea of the Pump Crawl is a twist on the Pub Crawl theme, encouraging attendees to don their most sassy heels or rocking causal kicks, shop and support local businesses, while also raising money for great causes, all while having fun. “It’s exciting to be back after two-plus years of COVID restrictions. We are thrilled to partner with (El Dorado Hills Town Center business owners from) Sassy Sapphire Boutique, Face in a Book, Nibblers and South Fork Grille,” said Jennifer Geeting, founder/ owner of WIN. Above, the ladies enjoy a stop at Face in a Book. For more information about WIN visit winsacramento.org.