Mountain Democrat, Friday, March 14, 2025 by mcnaughtonmedia

Snow stalls spring

Pearl, a 1 1/2-year-old Doberman mix, stands in around 6 inches of new snow next to a retired 1950 Ford 8N in the Sierra Springs development in Pollock Pines on Thursday morning. The low snow was even, briefly, flying around Placerville but didn’t stick around. Highway 50 was closed for several hours while Caltrans conducted avalanche control operations over the summit.

Supes OK road project revisions

Jo Carrerow

Mountain Democrat correspondent

Two roadwork projects could be done sooner and one could be deleted following the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors’ unanimous approval of the Department of Transportation’s proposed 2025 Capital Improvement Program

EDH resident Gay Willyard

Jo Carrerow

Mountain Democrat correspondent

Gatha “Gay” Willyard of El Dorado

Hills accepted the State Senate District 4 El Dorado County Woman of the Year award Tuesday at the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors meeting with a “thank you” and a smile.

She was aptly awarded as a woman who has devoted much of her life to the betterment of El Dorado County, according to Todd White, representative for Sen. Marie AlvaradoGil, who presented Willyard with a large framed resolution from the state Senate.

“She’s dedicated her life to the community, most notably on the County Fair Board of Directors, and she’s also very active in the El Dorado Rose Program,” White said, noting Willyard has lived in the community over 40 years..

Willyard, originally from Little Rock, Ark., relocated to the Bay Area and found her way to Northern California

Crackdown targets violent felons, sex offenders, drug traffickers

El Dorado County District Attorney’s

Oﬃce

News release

SOUTH LAKE

TAHOE — On March 11, the Sacramentobased Department of Homeland Security, Drug Enforcement Administration, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and FBI, along with the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce’s assistance, executed a federal law enforcement operation in South Lake Tahoe.

LABEL HERE

This operation resulted in the arrest of eight subjects at seven di erent residential locations. All individuals were either contacted as part of a federal narcotics investigation, were registered sex o enders or already had outstanding warrants for arrest. Those apprehended had extensive criminal histories, including convictions for child molestation, rape, possession of child sexual abuse material, narcotics tra cking, illegal ﬁrearms sales near schools, domestic violence and other violent o enses. Additionally, four

had previously been deported one or more times.

remain dedicated to safeguarding our communities. We will continue to utilize every lawful tool available to ensure El Dorado County citizens can live safely and securely.” Deportation proceedings have been initiated by DHS against these individuals based on their threat to the community. In accordance with state law, and restrictions imposed by Senate Bill 54, local law enforcement agencies did not participate in this operation. This law enforcement operation was focused solely on criminal subjects or identiﬁed threats to the community. Innocent members of the public, regardless of citizenship, were not the focus of this operation nor were schools, hospitals, places of employment or government buildings.

Photo by Todd White

El Dorado County Women of the Year Gay Willyard, center, was celebrated at the March 11 Board of Supervisors meeting. She’s all smiles here with, from left, daughter Wednesday McCarthy, Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil, son Ed Willyard and daughter-in-law Jennifer Willyard.

Photo by Larry Graydon

these subjects

District Attorney Pierson noted, “The partnership between our local and federal

law enforcement is vitally important to public safety. As your district attorney, I

PLACE ADDRESS

Courtesy photo

Law enforcement officials take a person into custody during a multi-agency crackdown in South Lake Tahoe.

ESSENTIALS

OBITUARIES

Elinor Elizabeth Gibson

Nov. 25, 1931 – March 2, 2025

Elinor Elizabeth Gibson, a loved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother left her family on earth to join her beloved husband Mel on March 2, 2025. She was born on November 25, 1931 in San Mateo to Eric and Alma Oelze. Elinor was the oldest of three children, along with her sister Jane and brother Eric aka “Butch.” Her family moved to Placerville from San Mateo when she was a young girl, and she stayed here her whole life. Her father had a small ranch where he grew pears and raised hogs. When Elinor was only 27, her mother su ered a stroke and passed away. When she turned 19 she graduated high school and married the love of her life, Mel Gibson in the same year! After Mel ﬁnished his service in the United States Navy, he and Elinor bought a grocery store in El Dorado, and built a house on land purchased from her father right next door. After they sold the grocery store, they started a pressure washing business and Elinor kept the books in shape. Once they sold the business, Mel and Elinor were o cially retired. She used her newfound free time to delve into the world of genealogy, tracing most every member of her family back to their roots. In addition to that, she maintained the books for Steven’s motorcycle shop for years just to keep busy. For certain, the constants in Elinor’s life were her unending love for family and friends, unwavering pride in her country, and steadfast passion for history and genealogy. She loved to help out whenever she could, being an active member for years of the 20/30 club, and keeping life long relationships that started in grade school. She is preceded in death by her mother Alma Oelze, father Eric Oelze, sister Jane Henning, and husband Mel Gibson. She is survived by her son Steve Gibson, daughter Lynn Larson, brother Eric Oelze Jr., grandchildren Daneve (Shawn) Stover, Hayle (John) Stillwell, Jordan (Taylor) Larson, Justice Larson, Cassie (Eric) Elliot, Lane (Taylor) Larson, and great grandchildren Jesse and Jace Brown, Alden Stover, Hannah, Cash, Chloe, and Promiss Larson, Daniel, David, Spurgon, Jasper, and Abby Elliot. Elinor’s bright smile and loving personality will be sorely missed, but her love will continue on through all that she left. In lieu of ﬂowers the family wishes any donations be made to Snowline Hospice of Placerville.

Penelope (Penny) Ann

Hocking

March 22, 1953 – March 8, 2025

Penny was born in Modesto, CA to Phylis Swift Fox and Jack Burton Williams. She passed away peacefully in Bozeman, MT after many years of suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. Penny grew up on her family’s cattle ranch in Shingle Springs, CA. and was the fourth generation in El Dorado County after her great grandparents arrived in 1912. She was a member of 4H and FFA and won many awards showing her steers and heifers in local fairs, CA State Fair, and the Cow Palace in San Francisco. Penny attended Buckeye Elementary School, Ponderosa High School, and Sacramento State College. She married her high school sweetheart Rex and they had just celebrated their 54th year of marriage. Penny was a teacher in the Rescue School District where she taught for 26 years, most of them at the Lake Forest School. She was a dedicated teacher and was sometimes known as “Queen Picky” to her 4th grade students. Penny played soccer in a women’s league into her 50s. She loved to spend her summer time at the family property in the Crystal Basin area of El Dorado Co. Penny also loved to get together with her beloved twin sister Paula whenever the chance arose for a fun day of shopping, cooking, or just hanging out. She hosted many large family dinners at her home in Shingle Springs. Penny spent almost 60 years in Shingle Springs before moving to Ennis, MT 11 years ago to enjoy her retirement surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. She was predeceased by her son Jeff. She is survived by her loving husband Rex, daughter Carrie Foster (Kevin), grandchildren Kendra, Jackson, and Madisyn, sister Paula Hustead, and brother Gary Williams. Penny was a very special person and will be missed dearly as she was taken way too soon. No services are planned and Penny’s ashes will be spread in the Crystal Basin overlooking the area where her family summer ranged their cattle herds and she spent so many enjoyable summers. Her family would like to give special thanks to Highgate at Bozeman Memory Care and Stillwater Hospice of Bozeman.

Thomas Aquinas

Simpson

Sept. 25, 1945 – Feb. 12, 2025

Thomas Aquinas Simpson, 79, of Placerville, California passed away on February 12th 2025. He was born in Missouri on September 25th, 1945. He worked for the phone company for 43 years. During this time he was involved with the Boy Scouts for 30 years where he became a Scout Master and Camp O-Ki-Hi Adult Advisor. Thomas is survived by his wife Loretta. Funeral Service were held at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery on March 11th, 2025 at 11am.

Virginia “Ginny” Lynn Bays

Sept. 26, 1951 – Jan. 24, 2025

With heavy hearts, we share the news that Virginia Lynn Bays (Ginny Pillow) left us on January 24, 2025, at the age of 73. She was born on September 26, 1951, in Placerville, California. Virginia is survived by her mom, Charlotte Pillow, children Craig and Stephanie, siblings Annette (John), Dean (Sherry) and Janelle. Virginia Bays had a unique way of making everyone feel important and loved. Family and friends fondly remember Ginny’s angelic presence, sweetness, kindness, and witty sense of humor. She was an inspiration to everyone around her and a source of happiness and comfort. Virginia’s love of her children, Craig, Stephanie and grandchildren, Blake, Gia, Ella, and Baylinn were her life’s priority. When asked what did you do? She proudly replied, “I am a mother to my children.”

“All things great and small” could have been Ginny’s motto. She marveled in the beauty of sunsets as the geese returned to the pond. Ginny was in awe of the aroma of her roses. She said ahh at every tiny living thing. Ginny had the uncanny ability to know what you might need before you did. When you least expected it, Ginny would call at the perfect time. To honor Virginia Bays’ legacy of generosity, donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Parkinson Research. A future date will be set to celebrate Virginia Bays’ life. We take comfort in the wonderful memories we share and the love she gave so freely. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Jennelle Howard

Sept. 9, 1939 – Feb. 28, 2025

Hazel Jennelle Howard (née Painter), 85, of Rescue, California, died in Sacramento, California on February 28, 2025. She was known to her friends and family as Jennelle. She was born in Beckley, West Virginia, on September 9, 1939. She grew up in Duo, West Virginia, graduating from Rupert High School in 1957. After her younger sister, Janet, graduated from high school in 1959, the family moved from West Virginia to Sacramento, California. There, she met her future husband, Clarence Howard. Clarence and Jennelle married on May 1, 1960. They had two children, Brad and Lisa. The family lived in Carmichael while Clarence worked at Aerojet. They moved to Livermore for several years when Clarence worked at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory. The family later moved back to Sacramento when Clarence took a job in the theater department at Sierra College. Jennelle was an active mom and enjoyed supporting her kids in activities like piano lessons, 4H and sports. In 1979, the family moved to a house they built in Rescue, California. Jennelle worked at a dry-cleaning shop in Cameron Park, where she did alterations and developed loyal clients for her skills as a seamstress. She and Clarence enjoyed theater and regularly attended shows at the Music Circus in Sacramento. Jennelle was an avid reader, seamstress, baker, bird watcher, and gardener. She loved books. After retirement, she stayed active as a volunteer for the Cameron Park Library, helping to organize monthly book sales. Jennelle regularly met with her “gal pals,” getting together for lunch and exchanging big bags of books. She was a good friend to her neighbors in Rescue. Clarence died in 2017. In 2021, she moved to Ponté Palmero in Cameron Park, where she continued to make new friends. Jennelle was considered the “glue” of her extended family. She loved family get-togethers. She and Clarence hosted numerous large family gatherings. She also enjoyed doting on her extended family’s young children, always remembering to send birthday cards. She is preceded in death by her husband, Clarence, and her parents, Thomas Gordon Painter and Eva Merl Painter (née Turpin). She is survived by her sister Janet, daughter Lisa, son Brad, niece Kelly, son-in-law Gavin, and her large extended family and friends. Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Jennelle Howard’s life at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Chapel of the Pines, 2855 Cold Springs Road, Placerville, California, 95667.

Elmer “Whitey” Harold

Atchley Jr.

Jan. 13, 1932 – Feb. 26, 2025

Born in Stockton California. He was most comfortable with family and people around him so he could entertain with his stories of boxing, golf and tennis, and the adventures he had with his family on canoe trips and skiing, both water and snow. He worked hard at General Mills, achieving the title of General Manager of Transport while becoming a lawyer with a young family. This afforded him the opportunity when he moved back to California with his wife Helen to open their own law firm. No matter where his job took him or where he lived, at heart he was always a Native Son of the Golden West; a California boy. He is survived by his 4 daughters, 1 son in law, 13 grand children and the blessing of multiple great-grandchildren. May his memory be eternal.

Mary Ann Dunne

Nov. 7, 1952 – March 2, 2025

Mary Ann Dunne, 72, beloved mother to 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, passed away at her home surrounded by her family on March 2, 2025, leaving a hole in her family’s hearts. She was born in Oakland, California in 1952 to Jack and Edith Dunne. Her love of rock n’ roll came alive when The Beatles came to America. She was a devoted Beatles fan all of her life. Mary attended St. Alphonsus Catholic school in San Leandro and Castro Valley High School. Later in life she attended Sacramento State and received a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with a minor in psychology. Mary was a devoted mother to LTC Jimmy W. Smith, Jackie Tintinger, Robert Turner IV, her greatest accomplishments. She was a mother to many children through the years she took in several friends of her children and her sisters’ children. She never turned anyone away who was in need of her love and support. Her favorite quote and song was “All you need is love.” If you were lucky enough to be a friend or relative you would always receive a birthday or anniversary card from her with a package. She never missed a milestone. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, baking cookies, and cakes. She would literally give her last dime to you if you were in need. She was the most caring, amazing woman. Mary is survived by her spouse Michael Martin of 41 years, and survived by her sons LTC Jimmy W. Smith, Robert Turner IV, her daughter Jackie Tintinger, her grandchildren Christopher Lyon, Cody Smith, Casey Smith, Ashley Tetlow, Alyson Tetlow, her greatgrandchildren Charlotte Lyon, Leia Smith, William Lyon. She will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts. A Catholic Mass at St. Patricks Church in Placerville will be held in her honor and a celebration of life will follow. We will be celebrating with “The Beatles” songs, her favorite band.

Robert John Stockel

Aug. 10, 1955 – Feb. 17, 2025

In Loving Memory and with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Robert John Stockel on February 17, 2025, at home near Somerset, following a battle with a rare form of lung cancer. Some of his ashes will be interred at Oakdale Citizens Cemetery, while others will be scattered at his favorite places. Born in Hayward, California, Robert was dedicated to his family, friends, and communities. Robert, an identical twin, born to John and Muriel Stockel, on August 10, 1955, was curious, full of life, and had a quick wit. Robert attended Sunset High School and UC Berkeley, excelling in the sciences, and earning a bachelor’s degree in forestry. After completing his education, Robert pursued a career in forestry at Lassen National Forest, recreation at Lassen Volcanic National Park, and over 27 years regulatory work within the Agricultural Commissioner system in Alameda and San Luis Obispo counties. As a regulator, Robert specialized in pesticide use enforcement involving farmers, the pest control industry, the public, and his peers. He made significant contributions and earned respect from his colleagues and the industry he served. Robert cherished his family. In 2003, he married Heidi Quiggle, creating a home filled with laughter, warmth, music, and outdoor adventures. Robert’s father John passed away before him. He is survived by his mother Muriel, his sister Debra Lusk (James), his twin brother Gary (Peggy), and his brother James (Lisa), and Heidi. As an uncle to Darcy, Jenna, Maggie, Taylor, John, Eric, and Thor and great uncle to Brayden, Brandt, and Danika, he taught values of nature, humor, integrity, and loyalty. He was close to his family, especially his cousins, and is deeply missed. Outside of his professional and family life, Robert was active in various community organizations. His work included serving on the Santa Margarita Area Advisory Council, Santa Margarita Community Area Advisory Group, Cosumnes River Community Service District as Vice President, and Sand Ridge Fire Safe Council. Through these roles, he contributed to the community making a lasting impact. Robert was an avid outdoorsman dedicated to activities such as fishing, snow skiing, hiking, camping, backpacking, birding, and stargazing. These leisure time pursuits brought him boundless joy and fulfillment to his life. His love for Lassen Volcanic National Park was infectious, and he often shared his enthusiasm and many stories with friends and family. Robert’s passion for the outdoors was evident in everything he did, and his spirit of adventure was truly inspiring. As we acknowledge the passing of Robert, we also recognize his kindness, generosity, and strong spirit. Robert is fondly remembered by his family, friends, and all those he has influenced. The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made to the National Park Service or similar organizations in Robert’s honor. Memorial services will take place in El Dorado County and San Luis Obispo County. Dates and locations will be shared for friends and family to commemorate Robert’s life. Although Robert has left this earth, his contributions and memories will remain with those who knew him. Love is eternal.

LITTLE GROUP WITH A BIG HEART

Mountainside Center for Spiritual Living celebrates 50 years

Shelly Thorene Staff writer

You may have noticed the banners for Mountainside Center for Spiritual Living in front of the Town Hall in Placerville on Sundays.

Pastor Ramona Goodge, 66, of Placerville refers to it as a “church in a box,” as every Sunday, for the past 25 or so years, she explained the hall is transformed “into a space ofspirit and love.”

Center member Justin DalPozzo, 79, of Garden Valley is in charge of hanging the banners outside and throughout the meeting place. A table is set up near the entrance with a prayer box, a candle and a small Buddha. After the service, it is all packed away in a box again until the following Sunday. The group is celebrating its 50th year of being a welcoming presence for people of all walks of life and religions. The group’s philosophy is centered around, but not limited

to, the teachings of Ernest Holmes, founder of Science of Mind. The spiritual group considers itself part of the New Thought Community and also draws upon the teachings of Jesus, Pema Chodron, Thich Nhat Hanh, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau and Brené Brown, to name a few.

Ordained minister Pastor Goodge attended seminary at the Sacramento Center for Spiritual Living and is a longtime Placerville resident. She said at Mountainside Center

for Spiritual Living, “We emphasize here that there are many paths but only one God. Everyone has their own ideas and expressions but it doesn’t mean they’re wrong.” For her sermons, she draws upon some of her favorite authors, John Muir, Leo Buscaglia, Joseph Murphy and her own life experiences, adding, “We can find spirit in so many places.” The center also hosts other speakers on Sundays.

n See CENTER, page A5

Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene Mountainside Center for Spiritual Living Pastor Ramona Goodge delivers her message to the congregation on March 2 at the Town Hall in Placerville.

Music at Mountainside Center for Spiritual Living is provided by, left to right, Rosemary White of El Dorado Hills, Larry Polte of Camino and Lew Johnson of Placerville.

Pastor Goodge, right, talks about her organization with group member, Justin DalPozzo. The center is celebrating its 50th year.

Find treasures, enjoy treats at Saturday sale

Zara Moness

ORHS Hands4Hope

On March 15, the Hands4Hope – Youth Making a Difference Youth Board hosts “Treasures and Treats” at the Hands4Hope Placerville Youth Center, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 905 Spring St. in Placerville.

This special garage sale offers hidden treasures and delightful baked treats, with all proceeds dedicated to funding a scholarship for college and career/technical education tuition. The garage sale will feature thoughtfully selected items generously donated by the community, ensuring something for everyone.

The Treasures and Treats event is a unique opportunity for families and community members to shop for bargains and enjoy a variety of baked goods provided by local businesses. Guests can support a meaningful cause while discovering stylish finds and great deals on home decor, furniture and toys, and indulging in delicious snacks.

The Hands4Hope Youth Board is excited to host this event, which will make a tangible difference in a student’s future by helping cover the rising costs of college and technical education tuition through a new scholarship offering.

addition to driving the organization, the youth board selects a specific area of need to support. This year, the Hands4Hope Youth Board voted to support efforts related to youth moving from high school to college or career readiness programs. The Hands4Hope Youth Board is proud to commit to providing communitybased scholarship opportunities and hope to meet its fundraising goal of $6,000 through an enjoyable and memorable community event and make a big difference in the lives of peers.

Support this cause by attending or by making a monetary donation to the scholarship fund. Don’t miss this chance to support local youth and education while enjoying a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Come to the Placerville Hands4Hope Youth Center and help make a difference.

Donate directly to the youth board’s scholarship fund and find more information at hands4hopeyouth.org/ treasurestreats.

Hands4Hope – Youth Making

The Hands4Hope Youth Board consists of 20 high school youth who participate as leaders in one of Hands4Hope’s 15 on-campus clubs or six after-school committees. In

A Difference is a youth-driven organization that aims to inspire and empower youth in leadership and service. The nonprofit offers hands-on education and community engagement opportunities to youth from kindergarten through 12th grades through school-based and after-school programs in Sacramento and El Dorado counties. For more information visit hands4hopeyouth. org.

Kiley to speak in Pollock Pines

News release

The March meeting of the Amador-El Dorado Forest Forum will be held on March 19 at the Pollock Pines-Camino Community Center. Congressman Kevin Kiley, California’s 3rd Congressional District, will speak about forest issues. Social hour begins at 6 p.m. followed by a lasagna dinner at 6:30 and the speaker takes the podium at 7 p.m. at the center, 2765 Sanders Drive in Pollock Pines.

First elected in 2022, Congressman Kiley serves the people of California’s 3rd District. He is dedicated to using his position to promote fiscally sound policies to reduce inflation, increase choice in education and responsibly

EDSO CRIME LOG

The following information was take from EDSO reports: Feb. 14

1:54 a.m. Search and rescue reported on Hotchkiss Hill Road in Georgetown.

8:31 a.m. Vandalism reported on Bates Circle in El Dorado Hills.

10:36 a.m. Grand theft reported on Hotchkiss Road in Georgetown. 10:39 a.m. Grand theft reported on Arundel Road in Pollock Pines.

12:49 p.m. Grand theft reported on Marshall Road in Garden Valley.

1:59 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 47-year-old man suspected of assault with a deadly weapon on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines. He was listed in custody in lieu of $200,000 bail.

manage our public lands to preserve the beautiful forests and prevent catastrophic wildfires. The congressman serves on several committees and subcommittees, including the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment under the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Education and Workforce Committee. RSVP by emailing dianedealeyneill@gmail.com or by calling Diane at (530) 417-1960 by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 17. Specify if you will be eating dinner and if you will, if you are vegetarian. People who have not RSVP’d will not be admitted to the meeting. For more information visit forestforum.org.

2:33 p.m. Trespassing reported on Sly Park Road in Placerville.

4:07 p.m. Battery reported at a shopping center on Francisco Drive in El Dorado Hills.

8:46 p.m. Battery reported at an apartment complex on La Crescenta Drive in Cameron Park.

Feb. 15

12:14 a.m. Battery reported at a restaurant on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

2:29 p.m. Trespassing reported on Moonflower Lane in Pollock Pines.

3:31 p.m. Trespassing reported at a county office on Sundown Court in Placerville.

4:58 p.m. Trespassing reported location on Dunnwood Drive in El Dorado Hills.

n See CRIME LOG, page A5

KEVIN KILEY

Center Continued from A3

At its peak, in the early 2000s, the center had about 75 members. At one point, the group was called The Placerville Center For Creative Living, but Goodge said “Everyone thought we were an artists’ co-op.” She said the name was changed to be more inclusive as there were members from Fiddletown, El Dorado Hills and Pollock Pines. “Calling it Placerville was too restrictive,” she said. Currently, the music is provided by two guitarists, Lew Johnson of Placerville and Larry Polte of Camino and vocalist Rosemary White of El Dorado Hills. The congregation consists of around 30 members and relies on tithing to support the center.

“Considering the size of our

Crime log Continued from A4

7:41 p.m. Trespassing reported on Bird Haven Loop in Cool.

9:21 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 39-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia and a probation violation on Fair Play Road in Somerset. He was listed in custody.

11:15 p.m. Battery reported on Missouri Flat Road/Forni Road in Placerville.

11:24 p.m. Trespassing reported at the casino on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville.

Feb. 16

1:15 a.m. Trespassing reported on Wish Upon Way in Placerville.

7:39 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 47-year-old man suspected of willfully disabling a lawful order and probation violations on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. He was listed in custody.

Feb. 17

4:14 a.m. Burglary to residence reported on Slate Ridge Court in El Dorado Hills.

7:38 a.m. Battery reported on Aberdeen Lane in El Dorado Hills.

3:14 p.m. Grand theft reported on Timber Lane in Placerville.

5:04 p.m. Vandalism reported on Hidden Lane in Shingle Springs.

5:26 p.m. Trespassing reported on Camerado Drive in Cameron Park.

11:22 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 41-year-old woman suspected of possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia and conspiracy to commit a crime on Park Drive in El Dorado Hills. She was released on $25,000 bail.

Feb. 18

8:31 a.m. Grand theft reported on Gold Hill Court in

community we are incredibly generous,” said Goodge. The center passes on this generosity by contributing to worthy causes in the community such as The Center for Non-violent Relationships, New Morning Children’s Shelter, Mother Teresa Home, The El Dorado Food Bank, the Navigation Center, The Spirit of Benny and the Youth Recreation Fund through the city of Placerville. Goodge said the center’s mission is to give people a hand up, not a hand-out.

In addition to the Sunday service, there is a Tuesday night Taizé on Zoom. It is a blend of music, meditation and prayer. The Taizé community was founded in 1940 by Switzerland native Roger Schütz after

Placerville.

1:50 p.m. Vandalism reported on Gold Leaf Lane in Placerville.

2:01 p.m. Trespassing reported on Wagon View Trail in Diamond Springs.

5:50 p.m. Burglary reported at a mobile home park on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines.

6:33 p.m. Vandalism reported at a gas station on Highway 193 in Georgetown.

7:59 p.m. Trespassing reported on Newtown Road in Placerville.

10:32 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 57-year-old man suspected of elder abuse and obstruction on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines. He was later released.

Feb. 19

12:56 a.m. Burglary reported on Stanford Lane in El Dorado Hills.

12:14 p.m. Grand theft reported at a vineyard on Perry Creek Road in Somerset.

1:14 p.m. Burglary reported at a shopping center on Mt. Aukum Road in Somerset.

2:25 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 56-year-old man suspected of vehicle theft, petty theft, larceny and possession or a stolen vehicle on Bass Lake Road in El Dorado Hills. He was listed in custody in Lue of $475,000 bail.

5:11 p.m. Trespassing reported on Diamond Drive in Pollock Pines.

5:12 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 45-year-old man suspected of stalking and a post-release violation on Lonesome Trail in Placerville. He was listed in custody.

7 p.m. Trespassing reported on Cable Road in Camino.

Feb. 20

6:20 a.m. Vandalism reported at an apartment complex on Country Club Drive in Cameron Park.

the Nazi’s defeated France. Schütz was looking for a different way of Christian life and settled in the town of Taizé, France only miles south of the demarcation line that separated Vichy, France from from the occupied zone. His home became a sanctuary to countless war refugees seeking shelter. Schütz developed a style of worship and singing that embraced pilgrims from many countries and the group was founded on the principals of kindness, simplicity and reconciliation.

Harmony Dancer, 80, of Placerville is an original member of the group formed in 1975. She said she enjoys attending the center as it brings people together. Dancer referred to the members as her “Framily, friends

10:10 a.m. Burglary to vehicle reported at the river on Bucks Bar Road in Placerville.

10:32 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 24-year-old woman suspected of vandalism on Country Club Drive in Cameron Park. She was listed in custody in lieu of $25,000 bail.

10:36 a.m. Burglary reported on Sand Ridge Road in Placerville.

11:50 a.m. Grand theft reported on Johnson Pass Road in Echo Lake.

12:52 p.m. Grand theft reported on Fruitridge Road on Camino.

2:25 p.m. Battery reported on Rolls Drive on Cameron Park.

2:49 p.m. Assault with a deadly weapon reported on Rock Hill Road in Shingle Springs; an arrest was made.

3:22 p.m. Trespassing reported on China Garden Road in Diamond Springs.

4:31 p.m. Trespassing reported on Sly Park Road in Pollock Pines.

5:32 p.m. Battery reported at a mobile home park on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines.

7:00 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 24-year-old man suspected of negligent discharge of a firearm on Rock Hill Road in Shingle Springs. He was listed in custody in lieu of $25,000 bail.

8:39 p.m. Battery reported on Pony Express Trail in Camino. 11:38 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 56-year-old man suspected of assault with a firearm, making criminal threats, cracking and being a felon in possession of a firearm on Bear Creek Road in Garden Valley. He was listed in custody in lieu of $440,000 bail.

Feb. 21

9:15 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 33-year-old woman suspected of unlawful possession of a tear gas weapon on Shingle Springs Drive in Shingle Springs. She was later released.

so good, they’re family.”

“The group’s meeting spot has moved from place to place, from the Eagles Hall on Highway 49, the two barns in Camino, across from Deb’s Frosty in Diamond Springs and the Boy Scout hall at Benham Park on Pacific Street,” Dancer shared, addling the group’s founder, Hal Hockett, was “a gem.”

She remembers being influenced by reading material he recommended, including “This Thing Called You” by Ernest Holmes and “Celebrate the Temporary” by Clyde Reid. She said she understood Ernest Holmes “Science of Mind” as “making peace with your humanness.”

Sunday service begins at 10:30 a.m. followed by coffee and fellowship.

9:45

10:13 a.m. Deputies

3:46

4:26

4:44

5:22

7:27

OPINION

California Commentary

How property owners can block new fees

San Diego’s proposed trash fee is currently a hot topic for city property owners as city leaders plan community meetings over the next several weeks to explain the fee and to hear from taxpayers. But everyone concerned with this issue must understand that the ability of any local government in California to impose or increase a “property related fee” is governed by provisions of the Right to Vote on Taxes Act, which California voters enacted by approving Proposition 218 in 1996.

City taxpayers probably recall that Measure B, authorizing the imposition of a trash collection fee, was approved by San Diego voters in 2022. But how Proposition 218 relates to Measure B and the city’s new proposal compels a review of both local history as well as the legal implications of imposing that fee.

More than 100 years ago, San Diego voters approved the People’s Ordinance, which provided for trash collection for San Diego’s single-family homes without a separate fee.

Although it also allowed for trash collection fees, none were ever proposed. The ordinance was amended on a few occasions but, for the most part, owners of single-family homes continued to receive trash collection paid out of the city’s general fund.

Measure B sought to authorize, for the ﬁrst time, trash fees for those who were previously covered by the People’s Ordinance. The 2022 ballot material set forth a ﬁscal impact statement which projected that the fee for the current level of service would range from $23 to $29 per month per customer.

To impose a new or increased propertyrelated fee, Proposition 218 has a “cost of service” requirement which restricts both the use of the funds as well as the amount of the fee …

Measure B passed with less than 50.5% of the vote.

To be clear, Measure B was not the approval of a trash fee and, fortunately, no one has contended as such. It was only an authorization for the city to propose a rate structure for trash collection. So, if San Diego decides to propose a trash fee, how does it comply with Proposition 218?

First, the passage of Proposition 218 was a response to several court-created loopholes in Proposition 13, the iconic tax reduction measure approved by voters in 1978. While not prohibiting new local government revenue, Proposition 218 imposes signiﬁcant voter and property owner approval requirements for new and increased taxes and fees.

In addition to more stringent voter approval requirements for special and general taxes, new property owner approval procedures for so-called “beneﬁt assessments,” Proposition 218 also governs “property related fees,” including trash pickup fees. To impose a new or increased property-related fee,

The Not So Weekly Daley

While we’re bringing things back to America, we should start thinking about Americanizing lots more than just the names of bodies of water and mountains. For example, why is our country’s capital named for a country in Central America? How about Washington, J.D. (for our next president)? Or in the more likely event, Washington, D.J. (Don Jr.).

Letters to the Editor

Misguided budget cuts

EDITOR:

Iknow how stressful it can be on all involved during a needed budget reduction process. Having said that, I am very disappointed by the Board of Supervisors’ recent 4-1 decision to cut all funding to the Tourism, Film & Media O ce and the Welcome Center programs. These three programs have generated millions of dollars of tax revenue over the years for the county. Have the supervisors considered the impact these cuts will have on county businesses? How about the impact the loss of these tax revenues will have on the budget? Seriously, who cuts proﬁtable programs?

A future board could decide to bring those programs back. To do so, it will take several years to rebuild them, resulting in years of future tax revenue losses. In the Welcome Center’s case, once closed it will be gone, never to return. As soon as the EDH Welcome Center closes, Rancho Cordova, Folsom, etc., would snap it up in a heartbeat.

The board should reconsider these ill-advised decisions and reinstate these revenue-generating programs back into the budget for the beneﬁt of the county.

DAVE WILLIAMSON El Dorado Hills

Typical rant

EDITOR:

Jennifer Forsberg Meyer’s rant about a monarchy is basically all the Democrats have left. When you have a party that supports wildly unpopular things like boys playing in girls sports and sometimes even seriously injuring them, supporting illegal immigration, opposing searches for unbelievable waste — the most recent of which is high security clearance NSA employees spending the day in sex chats on government computers while on the clock — all you have left is hyperbole like dictator, monarch, oh my!

While her article is basically a meaningless fantasy it does touch on an important point, just not the one she was talking about. We are in danger of becoming a dictatorship in two or three decades, perhaps even less.

No, not from Trump in Forsberg Meyer’s fantasy land, but from the debt. You better hope Musk keeps going as hard and fast as he can.

Let me explain in easy to understand terms. It’s like a credit card. We keep spending more than we take in, resulting in putting more on the card. Think of the interest on the debt as the minimum payment on that card. Interest on our debt is

CHRIS DALEY

There are a million possibilities when you realize how many of our place names, things, people, cities and even businesses are foreign words. Take Amazon. That’s a pretty darn non-American-sounding word. Could be Latin or maybe Greek. I’ll look that up later. Meanwhile, Je

Bezos should consider “Amazin” instead. And by the way, how oddly foreign is the name Bezos?

Now here’s a strange conglomeration of names that you could go around the world and never see or hear, except here. Alabama, Mississippi, Michigan, Muskogee, Illinois and Utah. I think the president should maybe tell those residents (mostly Americans, in fact) to have contests to come up with the best American name for where they live. The winners could win a free Muskmobile or something of equal value — gold Trump coins, gold Trump sneakers, platinum Presidential Platters. You get the idea. Utah in particular might choose Ushah in honor of our potential

There are a million possibilities when you realize how many of our place names, things, people, cities and even businesses are foreign words.

next First Lady. On the other hand, “Ivankatah” could be a more probable choice — in honor of our ﬁrst female president. Although, that does have a certain mildly o ensive, Slavic slant to it. Holy smoke, holy cow, holy moley and holy mackerel are kind of worn out after how many centuries. I could imagine “holy Melania” as a much more modern and monetizable moniker.

I could also imagine a fun family pastime playing “Trumpial Pursuit,” especially after watching a four-hour State of the Union Address. A variation could also work for folks who don’t like their own state names, kind of based on the president’s name contest suggestion (above).

Wyoming? C’mon. Holy Melania, what does that even mean? Not to mention Arkansas, Ohio, Minnesota, Iowa and, closer to home, California. How dumb. Whoever heard of those words before they unacceptably became state names?

I hope I have o ered a di erent sort of food for thought. Mount McKinley and Gulf of America got us thinking about names in a better context. Thanks in no small part to our more foreseeable next president. Have some fun with this name game or create your own versions. As promised, I Googled the origin of the word Amazon. It will knock your socks o . Trust me. Chris Daley is a biweekly columnist for the Mountain Democrat.

JON COUPAL

Proposition 218 has a “cost of service” requirement which restricts both the use of the funds as well as the amount of the fee for each property owner or fee payor. These include:

1. Revenues derived from the fee or charge shall not exceed the funds required to provide the property related service.

2. Revenues derived from the fee or charge shall not be used for any purpose other than that for which the fee or charge was imposed.

3. The amount of a fee or charge imposed upon any parcel or person as an incident of property ownership shall not exceed the proportional cost of the service attributable to the parcel.

4. No fee or charge may be imposed for a service unless that service is actually used by, or immediately available to, the owner of the property in question.

Letters Continued from A6 already greater than our entire defense budget. When your minimum payment gets larger than your income, you go under. Governments are the same way. They call it a financial collapse. Money becomes hardly worth the paper it’s printed on. People are desperate. The last two times a monetary collapse has happened in an industrialized country gave us Napoleon and Hitler. That’s the real danger, Ms. Forsberg Meyer, not your hyperbolic nonsense.

GEORGE ALGER Placerville

5. No fee or charge may be imposed for general governmental services.

The first two requirements prohibit the practice of siphoning off fee revenue to supplement a city’s general fund. However, “cost of service” may also include reasonable overhead expenses as well as other items on a service bill which are necessary to provide service to a particular service user.

In addition to the substantive “cost of service” requirement, Proposition 218 also requires a specific property owner approval process. Local governments must also:

• Mail information regarding the proposed fee to every property owner.

• Hold a hearing at least 45 days after the mailing.

• Reject the proposed fee if written protests are presented by a majority of the affected property

The sound of silence

EDITOR:

Concluding a speech he gave on Dec, 10, 2014, excoriating President Obama for signing an executive order granting amnesty to parents of children born in the United States and undocumented immigrants who came to this country as children, Republican Tom Mclintock said, “Mr Speaker, the Roman Republic died when Julius Caesar seized the legislative authority of the Roman Senate. Repeated acts of usurpation went

owners.

If San Diego decides to proceed with the trash fee, it can expect to receive many questions from homeowners, including why the amount of the fee currently being discussed is much higher than that envisioned just a few years ago.

The city can also expect taxpayers to scrutinize the entirety of city spending, which is always a legitimate question whenever any new exaction is being proposed.

Finally, the city can expect that both local and statewide taxpayer organizations will be following this issue very closely.

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

unchallenged until the constitutional structure of the Republic simply disintegrated. Let that not be the epitaph of the American Republic.”

In its Feb. 21 edition, the New York Times listed 38 actions by the Trump White House “that appear to conflict with specific statutes or to violate the Constitution,” including: establishing DOGE; firing as many as 18 Inspectors General; firing more than two dozen Justice Department Prosecutors; empowering Elon Musk to overhaul the executive branch; and ordering Consumer Financial Protection Bureau staffers to stop most work.

Knowing of Tom McClintock’s much-stated support of our laws and Constitution, I checked his website to see what he might say about all this activity and only found a piece in which he praised Musk’s efforts, “as he turns over bureaucratic rocks and shines a light on what has been going on beneath them.”

I find the absence of any challenge or criticism from Tom McClintock regarding the actions taken by Donald Trump and Elon Musk to be a serious dereliction of the pledge Mr. McClintock took to protect the “constitutional structure” of “our “Republic.”

Have something to say??

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CLUB meets the first Wednesday of each month at 10:30 at the Light of the Hills Lutheran Church, 3100 Rodeo Rd., CP, 95682. New and current local community members are welcome for fun and games throughout the month. For further information contact Jill Butler at 530-295-7448.

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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

PLAY CRIBBAGE Join the Gold Country Cribbers 916-212-2465 or 916-768-4452. We Play - We Teach - We Have Fun. Wednesdays 4:00 PM. Gilmore Senior Center 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA 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 four-part harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or

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(June - Aug 8 AM –10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Monica 530-306-7066. MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and

Realism, 3430 Robin Ln., Cameron Park. Meet first and third Wednesday of every month, 7pm. Come and have a paid lunch with the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) for CalPERS retirees and spouses. The meetings are held at 11:30AM on May 20, July 15, September 16, November 18,2024 at Denny’s (3446 Coach Lane) Cameron Park. Call 530 919 7515 for programs and information. SENIOR PEER COUNSELING Seniors 55 and over who are grieving, depressed or having issues related to aging can meet one-on-one with a caring senior, professionally supervised and trained to listen and encourage. Call (530)621-6304 to leave a message and get started.

TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION OF EL DORADO COUNTY Our mission is to educate the public on tax issues that affect them. Our meetings are held every Monday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at Denny’s Restaurant, Fair Lane Drive, Placerville. Meetings are open to the public. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a non-partisan organization.

GEORGE LLOYD

Placerville

in the early 1980s, “where she and her husband Ed put down deep roots,” White continued.

As a member of the El Dorado County Fair Board, Willyard took her skills in gardening and managed the fairgrounds Adopt-A-Spot program to beautify the property. Willyard also volunteered to work in the El Dorado County Fair office for more than nine years. She and her husband, who died in 2017, coordinated with the community to start a petting zoo, which ran from 1986-2002.

“The petting zoo was the El Dorado County Fair Petting Barn,” Willyard told the Mountain Democrat. “My husband and I volunteered it to the residents of El Dorado County during the fair for 16 years.”

Board of Supervisors Chair George Turnboo said in Willyard’s biography he had submitted along with her application to Alvarado-Gil, “She organized and rallied community members to bring animals together, creating a hands-on educational experience for countless children and families.”

Willyard has served with a multitude of civic organizations such as the El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce, El Dorado Hills Rotary Club, El Dorado Hills Newcomers Club, El Dorado County Taxpayers Association, Placerville Shakespeare Club and El Dorado Hills Fire Department’s Community Emergency Response Team. She has participated in numerous community events, including programs for Save the Graves and the Boys and Girls Club El Dorado County Western Slope. She has been involved in the El Dorado County Republican Assembly and Republican Central Committee, and was president of the El Dorado County Republican Women’s Federation. She was a 4-H leader and served as a 4-H resource leader, president, vice president and secretary of the 4-H Steering Committee. She volunteered to be

changes on March 11. Changes this year are bringing Latrobe and White Rock roads widening projects to the forefront, while another project — improvements to Missouri Flat Road from China Garden to State Route 49 — would take a back seat, according to El Dorado County Department of Transportation Director Rafael Martinez. The widening of Latrobe Road from two to four lanes from Investment Boulevard to

Golden Foothill Parkway/ Clubview Drive went from the unfunded list to the funded list. When on the funded list, projects are put on the DOT schedule. It means they’ve crossed the threshold by meeting criteria to warrant expediting the work. The annual average daily traffic data collection had increased and pushed the $9.5 million Latrobe Road project over the threshold, Martinez said. Another project that

needed to be scheduled sooner than later is the widening of White Rock Road from two to four lanes from Latrobe Road all the way to Highway 50. Initial stages of this roughly $19 million project was poised to start between July and September of this year, but now could begin any day.

“I don’t know if you heard of an itty bitty little retail warehouse chain that will be coming off of Silva Valley into El Dorado County. We

a member of the El Dorado County Grand Jury for four and a half years.

“She has never hesitated to step up and give back,” White said. “Her dedication steps beyond community service and is deeply personal.”

White commended how Willyard had taken care of her mother and mother-in-law during their battles with Alzheimer’s, which he said was a “testament to her strength, kindness and unwavering commitment to family.”

In closing, White said, “Gay Willyard is the very definition of service, perseverance and leadership. She embodies the spirit of El Dorado County and her impact will be felt for generations to come.”

He asked Willyard and family members, her son Eddie Willyard and his wife Jennifer Willyard, and daughter Wednesday McCarthy to come up to the podium. He handed Gay the resolution and said, “This is recorded in the state record.”

“Wow,” Willyard exclaimed, as everyone in the three-quarters filled chamber applauded.

Turnboo then presented Willyard with a certificate of recognition signed by all five supervisors.

“With congratulations for community engagement, supporting residents of El Dorado County,” Turnboo said, giving her a hug.

“It was an honor and privilege to win this prestigious award,” Willyard told the Mountain Democrat. “I feel so honored to have been nominated

want to make sure we stay ahead of that project as much as possible,” Martinez said, referring to the proposal for a Costco to be built on the south side of Silva Valley Parkway in El Dorado Hills, with a gas station and employee parking on the north side of the road.

“We hope that if we start real soon, that we can start construction within four years,” he told the board.

“Why four years, Rafael? Why does it take so long?” District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin asked.

“It’s the environmental, the right of way, the utilities. All of those take so long for us,” Martinez answered. “It’s providing the transparency to the public, making sure that we’re collaborating with the utilities, we’re collaborating with all the state organizations and departments — Army Corps, State Water Quality, you name it.”

One project removed from the funded to the unfunded list is the widening of Missouri Flat

to become a permanent part of California’s history. A heartfelt thank you to everyone that supported me to receive this award. I feel so blessed.”

Willyard’s application had been among 20 from counties within California’s District 4 submitted to Alvarado-Gil “featuring extraordinary women from eight counties,” a Feb. 28 official California State Senate letter to Turnbooread. The letter states that although Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak was selected for Senate District 4 Woman of the Year, this year it was decided to honor other outstanding women as well.

“Due to the overwhelming acknowledgement of local women, we have decided to highlight additional awardees,” the letter reads. “We will be recognizing your nominee Gatha “Gay” Willyard as the El Dorado County Woman of the Year.”

According to the Women’s Caucus website, womenscaucus.legislature. ca.gov, “The Woman of the Year event was founded in 1987 by Assemblywoman Bev Hansen (R) and Assemblywoman Sally Tanner (D), who noticed that the California Legislature had no events planned for the month of March, Women’s History Month. In celebration of the contributions to society made by remarkable women throughout California, Hansen and Tanner arranged to invite one woman from each Senate and Assembly district to come to the Capitol and be honored for their accomplishments.”

Road from China Garden to Highway 49.

“Diamond Springs Parkway now will be taking that load, that traffic off of Missouri Flat and putting it where it makes more traffic safety sense,” Martinez said.

That route takes drivers on Highway 49, across on Diamond Springs Parkway to a section of Missouri Flat near Walmart, which is already widened.

The Diamond Springs Parkway project will begin this year. Parlin asked where the money for the project will go.

The $9.4 million that was originally going toward the Missouri Flat project will be reallocated to the Diamond Springs Parkway project, according to Martinez, who added that being placed on the unfunded list does not mean projects “go there to die.”

“When we have it on the unfunded list, when developers come into a region and want to make improvements, they can go through that list and then present

that as an opportunity to show pride and ownership in a region, in a neighborhood, in a community, to make improvements that they would necessarily not need to make,” he said. Deciding which list a project goes on is a balancing act, according to Martinez.

“We’re making sure we’re not building too late so there is a failing issue, or too soon so that we don’t spend our resources in an area that is not needed,” he said. In its entirety, recommendations to the board for the 2025 CIP included more than 20 project changes — including changes to the five-year Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program — with a budget increase of nearly $11.2 million, mostly due to bid adjustments, increased construction costs or early conclusions of projects. It also included 13 new project start dates and 16 updated unfunded projects. Project lists are available on two attachments under Item 17 on the March 11 board of supervisors agenda at eldorado.legistar.com. Also approved Tuesday was that the Capital Overlay and Rehabilitation Program that lists major projects anticipated this year.

“The Department of Transportation felt it would be best to isolate and segregate that aspect of maintenance compared to CIP with the presentation that we will be giving to the board in late spring, which is the SB 1 resolution, where we go over all our major maintenance projects for the upcoming seasons,” Martinez said.

A motion was made by Parlin, seconded by District 3 Supervisor Brian Veerkamp to authorize the changes to the proposed 2025 CIP. In a 5-0 vote, all supervisors — Parlin, Veerkamp, George Turnboo, District 2; Brooke Laine, District 5; and Greg Ferrero, District 1 — approved the CIP changes. Martinez will now bring the proposed CIP changes before the Planning Commission and then return to the board in June for final adoption of the 2025 CIP.

spot on Team California. Below, Oak Ridge High School’s A.J. Stonebarger, below, is also hitting the slopes in Wyoming this week.

Local alpine racers represent at regionals

Special to the Mountain Democrat

Team California is on site at Grand Targhee in Wyoming to take on the best skiers and snowboarders west of the Mississippi in the Western U.S. High School Championships.

Women’s racers on Team California include Greta Aronowitz from Oak Ridge High School and from El Dorado High School, Andie Chandler and Carlie Chandler.

Men’s racers on Team California include Jakob Dahlgren and Alec Jolly from Ponderosa High School; Dylan McLeod from EDHS; and AJ Stonebarger, Ashton Miller and Beau Templet of ORHS.

The head coach of the team is Doug Thompson from ORHS, guiding alpine racers through the competition that runs through March 15.

Tribute race launches 60th speedway season

Gary Thomas Placerville Speedway

Placerville Speedway is prepared to open its 60th season of action on Saturday, March 15, by honoring a man who had a key role in making it all possible, with the 22nd annual “Tribute to Al Hinds” tackling the red clay.

Divisions set to christen the Berco Redwood/Hoosier Tires championship season will include the Thompsons Family of Dealerships Winged Sprint Cars, the Red Hawk Resort + Casino Pure Stocks, Ltd. Late Models and the BCRA Lightning Sprints.

The grandstands will open at 4 p.m. this season, one hour later than previous years. Live music and Coors Light/ Coors Banquet Happy Hour will continue to be held 4-6 p.m.

The Tribute to Al Hinds began in 2004 following the passing of early track promoter and mentor Al Hinds, a longtime Placerville resident and true race fan that touched the lives of many. Hinds was the second promoter of Placerville Speedway. He took operation of the track with business partner Richard Hirst from its founder Bruno Romani in 1968, three years after it first opened when the facility was built around an existing community football field.

The operator of a local machine shop by trade, Hinds loved the community where he lived. In his final years of life, he enjoyed sitting with some of his best friends every night in the grandstands at Placerville Speedway and loved watching young talent make a name for themselves in the sport.

The inaugural Tribute to Al Hinds was captured by Roger Crockett, while last season saw Shane Golobic snag his initial triumph in the event. Track champions last season with

COMICS

the Thompson’s Dealerships Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Red Hawk Resort + Casino Pure Stocks and Ltd. Late Models included Auburn’s Andy Forsberg, Oakley’s Nick Baldwin and Martinez’ Anthony Slaney respectively.

Tickets and details

Grandstand seating at the Tribute to Al Hinds will be general admission on Saturday, March 15, except for the reserved seats allocated to season ticket holders that are marked.

Adult tickets cost $18, while seniors 62-plus, military and juniors 12-17 will be $16. Kids 6-11 cost $8 and those 5 and younger get in free. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online via eventsprout.com/event/ psr031525.

The pit gate will open at noon, with the front gate opening at 4 p.m. Happy Hour is offered until 6 p.m in the grandstands featuring live music with discounted Coors Light and Coors Original at the beer booth. The pit meeting will be held at 4:45 p.m. with cars on track at 5:15. Hot laps, ADCO Driveline qualifying and racing will follow. For those who can’t make it to the track, CaliDirt.TV will provide live flag-to-flag coverage of every Placerville Speedway point race this season. The live streaming service also includes each event with the Sprint Car Challenge Tour. Fans can purchase through a cost savings monthly membership or on a per race basis via calidirt.tv.

The Placerville Speedway is located on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive in Placerville. Take Highway 50 to the Forni Road/Placerville Drive exit. Then go north on Placerville Drive to the fairgrounds. For more information on the Placerville Speedway visit placervillespeedway.com.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). It takes a secure person to be humble. The truly mighty don’t have to go out of their way to draw attention to their power, because they are too busy using it. Trust the one who makes modest claims and overdelivers on them.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It’s weird, but it does happen... people can be good, enjoyable company and yet be, nonetheless, bad for you. When, for whatever reason, certain people bring out a side of you that’s not your favorite, take note and keep seeking the company that lets you shine.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Make it easy for someone to choose the thing that would be good for you, too. Since people lean toward what feels simple and accessible, shape the choice so it aligns with their instincts. What benefits you can also be what feels right to them.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Your deeply compassionate agenda: Make sure another person never feels abandoned. It’s okay to acknowledge that this takes energy. You’d like to think of yourself as effortlessly loyal, but if loyalty were effortless, it wouldn’t be a virtue.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There will be pressure to take life at a hurried pace. Rushing for the sake of keeping up drains more than it gives. To move at the speed that lets you stay present, clear and in control, you may need to change lanes or remove yourself from the race entirely.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). No matter how brilliant your work may be, it won’t play in the wrong crowd. Even the best ideas fall flat when they’re not understood. Don’t waste energy forcing appreciation; find the people who are already wired to get it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your talent for emotional detection doesn’t always feel like a gift. Sure, it lets you know how others are feeling, but it also gives you more information than you sometimes know what to do with. Today you’ll gladly accept the responsibility, because you’re truly able to help.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Make

Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene

El Dorado High School’s Andie Chandler, above, finished in 7th place in the CNISSF State Women’s Ski Championship and earned a

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

We, the undersigned, support our local, dedicated federal workers. ese hard-working individuals at the United States Forest Service, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Bureau of Land Management; and the United States Department of Agriculture deserve our full support, as well as all of our hard-working postal workers and National Park employees. ese exceptional people, who proudly wear the uniforms of our agencies, are our friends, our neighbors, and our professional colleagues. We also support our local UC Ag and Natural Resources (UCANR), Master Gardeners and RCD sta s, as well as our Cal Fire rst responders, all whom are partially funded by the federal government.

ank you for your service!

Our local federal employees serve all of us whether as residents, ranchers, vintners, and/or business owners. We risk losing dedicated and talented people who may choose to walk away during these challenging times. We need them to remain in their roles, providing critical services, including:

• Fighting wild res valiantly, saving lives, homes, and properties.

• Providing essential technical support to our vineyards, farms, and cattle ranches.

• Assisting property owners in creating defensible space around our homes and barns.

• Guiding local Fire Safe Councils to help neighborhoods prepare for wild re and evacuation.

• Stewarding thousands of acres of public lands, ensuring they remain healthy, accessible, and well-managed for future generations.

From Lake Tahoe to Georgetown to Placerville to South County, these professionals work tirelessly in our forests and research centers. ey serve at the Forest Service o ces in all of these places—in Placerville at the NRCS / USDA / RCD o ces; at the forest nursery on Apple Hill; at the Institute of Forest Genetics on Carson Road; and on our BLM lands. eir e orts bene t all of us, regardless of political a liation. Since only the United States Congress has the power to increase or decrease the budgets and programs of the United States government, it is appropriate to take time now to write a letter or make a phone call to Congressman Kiley or Congressman McClintock and express your concerns.

(Article II, Section 1, Clause 8)

John Abel

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Perry

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Beckie Galloway

Sam Garamendi

Trina GeraldoMacone

Ann Giovacchini

Frances Goode

C. Goolshy

Judith Graham

Patricia Gray

Todd Gray

Juliana

Greenhalgh

Kathleen Gri n,

D.V.M.

Laurel Gromer

Lara Gularte

Eden Halbert

Lisa Halop

Carol Hartke

Kate Hauck

Diane Haslam

Chris Hayashi

Gale Hesselgesser

Gail C. Holloway

Patrick Hudak

Susan Hunn

Alexandra

IvanovskyStobaugh

Karen Jackett

David F. Jackson

Mark Jaeger

Dennis Johnson

Marcia Keeney

Janet Kenneweg

Betsy Kerr

Trudy Kilian

Dawn King

Lorraine King

Louis Kitchen

Roger Klemm

Terri Kline

Marti Knight

Barbara Knoop

Ruthanne

Kohutek

Pat Lahey

Aldrene Lamb

Margo Landrum

Shirlene Lansdon

Melissa Larson

eresa LaVoie

Debra H. Lee

Jacob Leveroni

Andrea Lewis

Lourdes Lewis

Don Linhardt

Kathi Lishman

Steve Lishman

George Lloyd

Emily Zelinsky

Low

Jamie Low

Eve Lowry

Pat McConihe

Virginia

McCormick

Carolyn McLaughlin

Corrie

McNamara

Jan Mathews

Ed Mattson

Heidi Mayerhofer

Jeannette

Maynard

Revelle Mead

Chris Mee

Christina Mee

Cheryl Mello

Virgina Meyer

Robert W. Meyer

Regina Miller

Kathleen Mintert

Kay Mohr

Sharon Moorhead

Marsi Mora

Frank Mosbacher

Kristen Nale

Anton Z. Nemeth

Kirstin Oehler

Maureen Olson

Meg Oneill

Renee Pecota

Kem Pence

John Peregrin

S. Kimberly Peregrin

Ed Perry

Rich Pontius

Kelly Rains

Teresa Ramirez

Victor Rea

Margie Lopez

Read

Pete Ro ers

Isabella Ryder

Jamie Sammet

Jody Sammet

Michele & James

Santangelo

John E. Savage

Chuck Schnell

Ethan Schoen

Scott Schroeder

Ron Schultz

Michael Semer

Llana Shaver

Benjamin Sher

Barbara Simpson

Leslie Sinclair

Tracey Sirbello

Pier Sircello

Donna Skelton

Christopher Slean

Courtney Slean

Jennifer Sliney

Barbara Smith

Kirk Smith

Paul Sobelman

Viteliy

Solomaktea

Laura St. Denis

Robin St. Denis

Jim Stobaugh

Catherine Stoppani

Craig Styles

Ginger Swigart

Peg Taylor

Shelley Tiley

Anita omas

Eva ompson

Bill orpe

Monica orpe

Sheryl Trainor

Patricia Urban

Vicky Vail

Peg Vanderkar

Anita Vanegas

Melinda Velasco

Tessa Villalovos

Judee & James Wainscott

Brian Ward

Cynthia Ward

Marian Washburn

Karen Wells

Bonnie West

Nicole Williams

Jeannette Wilson

Mike Wo ord

Paul Wo ord

Chuck Wolfe

Bill Woodru

Eileen Wright

Eva Wright

Sandra Zajkowski

Connie Zelinsky

David Zelinsky

PROSPECTING

Section B ■ mtdemocrat.com

IN THE KNOW

March 14

Enjoy a day of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at the Gilmore Senior Center in El Dorado Hills at 1 p.m. Sign-up in person at the Gilmore Senior Center or call (916) 614-3200 to register. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.

Moxie Barker + Matt Shapi Birthday Party! will happen, 7-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Audioboxx will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 8 p.m. to midnight on Friday and 10 p.m. to midnight Saturday. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.

Sticky Stones – Rolling Stones Tribute with opener Guilty As Charged will perform at 8 p.m. at Sutter Creek Theatre in Sutter Creek. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheatre.com.

March 15

UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County host Gardening in the Foothills Environment, 9 a.m. to noon at the BethellDel no Agriculture Building, 311 Fair Lane, Placerville. This class is intended for people who are new to the foothills or people who have lived in the foothills for a while but are new to gardening. Topics include climates in the foothills including USDA, Sunset and American Horticultural Society climate classi cation zones; the e ects of light and temperature on plant growth; terrain e ects including cold air drainage and up and down slope winds; micro-climates; frosts including causes and kinds of frosts, e ects of soil, mulch and snow, how to protect from frosts and planting times; nally a section on Now-Forecasting or how to make your own short range weather forecast.

American River Conservancy invites the community to visit Wakamatsu Farm for its free and family-friendly Open Farm Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Life is art; sculpt your dreams

WHIMSY IS THE SPARKLE THAT IGNITES OUR IMAGINATION — AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Sylvia Coleman Placerville Arts Association

Albert Einstein famously said, "The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge, but imagination."

If you are ready to test Einstein’s theory, and sparkle, you won’t want to miss the Placerville Arts Association member meeting on Monday, March 17 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Placerville Senior Center, 937 Spring St.

This month’s presenter, Cathy Keil, is a very imaginative and whimsical sculptor. She will be demonstrating the process of sculpting from starting with a lump of clay to creating a ﬁnished product. Be sure to bring your sparkle with you.

Keil is a clay sculptor extraordinaire of whimsy. Whether it be an animal, a building or a person, she has a

need to put her own twist into her creations. And she cannot be stopped.

Not having any artistic background growing up, upon retirement, Keil decided to learn the art of sculpting through a community college program. The process of sculpting has always fascinated her — starting with clay and ﬁnishing with a creation that is of her own making.

Animals are her favorite. She always gives them almost humanlike expressions. When making a 1930 Brownstone building, Cathy swears that she heard “cacophony from the street-noise of kids playing, and masons building.”

“When I create people, I like to exaggerate their features just because I can,” said Keil. “Whimsy all the way.”

There will be a refreshment break around 3:30 p.m. to

See what happens Behind the Cellar Door

Mimi Escabar Special sections editor

Enjoy drinking wine and trying di erent varietals and blends, then Amador Vintners has the perfect event to expand upon that enjoyment — Behind the Cellar Door. This is more than just tasting, it is a learning experience taking place where all the winemaking action happens on Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day in Amador County. Behind the Cellar Door allows wine fanciers, from novice to aﬁcionado, to step beyond the cellar door and discover the intricacies of wine from vine to glass. Be a winemaker without the hassle and have fun tasting barrel samples, rare vintages and curated ﬂights and yummy small bites. Add on behindthe-scenes tours and informational sessions

led by the extraordinary winemakers for an incredible time in scenic Amador wine country. Reservations allow for focused interactions with winery teams and a personalized experience tailored to the interests of each guest. Tickets are available online from the Amador Vintners Association at amadorvintnersassociation.ticketspice. com/behind-the-cellardoor-2025. Packages range from full weekend to single day tickets along with designated drivers tickets. Guests begin at the Amador Vintners Association, 9313 Paciﬁc St. in Plymouth, where they will receive a wristband, tour map of all the participating wineries and a wine glass.

Winery experiences

Amador Heights

Wine (Vino Tahoe | Pansare Cellars), 15010 Ridge Road in Sutter Creek — Flight of six

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Cathy Keil’s sculptures reveal a penchant for the whimsical.

Courtesy photo

Behind the Cellar Door takes place Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23 in Amador County.

Tom Rigney and Flambeau set the stage aflame

News release

El Dorado County Community Concert Association’s fifth concert of its 2024-25 season will feature Tom Rigney and Flambeau at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 16. Tom Rigney has been a part of the San Francisco Bay Area music scene for almost

50 years. In 2000, after 15 years as leader and electrifying violinist of The Sundogs, fiddler/ composer Rigney stepped out on his own with a hot new band, Tom Rigney and Flambeau. The repertoire is original, eclectic, passionate and filled with a musical and emotional intensity that comes as no surprise to Rigney’s followers.

Cellar Continued from B1

wines included and additional wine is available for purchase by the glass or bottle. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the outdoor tasting areas (weather dependent). There will be an exclusive 15% discount on all purchases and 40% discount on cases during the event. During the tour enjoy a vertical barrel tasting of the barbera over three vintages 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Andis Wine & Painted Fields, 11000 Shenandoah Road in Plymouth — Sample five different wines across the wineries two brands and enjoy an educational class on the origin of grapes — barbera, cabernet sauvignon, schioppettino and petite sirah.

Avio Vineyards & Winery, 14520 Ridge Road in Sutter Creek — Stop by for an unforgettable experience guided by the winemaker. Begin in the vineyard with a hands-on seminar Prune for 12,752 Glasses of Wine to learn the art of pruning and take home clippings to start your own vineyard. Then step into the barrel room for a vertical tasting, sampling wine straight from the barrel while exploring its life cycle and transformation over time. Paired with gourmet cheeses, this immersive journey will transport you to the heart of Tuscany and create lasting memories.

Bella Grace Vineyards, 22715 Upton Road in Plymouth — Start the visit at Bella Grace with a stroll through the underground wine cave, learning key elements of barrel aging along the way. Inside the cave, pick up a tasting of the 2022 Barbera from the 30 hectoliter (792 gallon) French oak barrel. Winegrower Charlie will demonstrate ideal pruning of vines,

The son of baseball great Bill Rigney, Tom is a Bay Area native. His musical career began after finishing graduate studies at Harvard University, where he received a masters degree in fine arts. Tom first rose to prominence in the music scene as the leader/fiddler of the legendary bluegrass/ western swing band,

including the traditional method of pruning zinfandel vines for high quality wines. Guests can take a vine cutting home to plant in their garden. Back outside, enjoy a combination of award-winning Bella Grace wines, perfectly paired with small bites by Chef Robert. Relax and enjoy panoramic views of the vineyards.

Belledor Vineyards, 13391

Shenandoah Road in Plymouth — Visit Belledor Vineyards for an unforgettable experience. Dive into the artistry behind the fan favorite Four Corners Red Blend with an Experience the Blend session. Taste the four individual varietals that create this unique masterpiece before savoring the final blend, available at an exclusive case-sale price. Indulge in the mouthwatering Tater Tot bar during the visit.

Casino Mine Ranch, 10690

Shenandoah Road in Plymouth — Join the team for Casino Mine Ranch’s inaugural Behind the Cellar Door event. Enjoy a unique experience featuring a tasting of five exceptional wines, paired with Simone’s hearty Belgium Stew. Learn about the rich history of the winery and ranch as guests are guided through a vintage tasting of the award-winning blends. Whether a wine enthusiast or a newcomer, this event promises a delightful journey of flavors and stories at the stunning new tasting room. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.

Convergence Vineyards, 14650 Highway 124 in Plymouth — Stop by for a unique and educational wine experience at Convergence Vineyards. Enjoy a fabulous flight of wines

Back in the Saddle. He won a 1981 Bammie award for the band’s debut recording. He also wrote the hit song, “Time and Again”, which rode Bay Area country music charts for many weeks.

For more details and tickets call (530) 5569498 or visit ElDoradoCommunityConcerts. com.

poured by the owner and winemaking team. During the event learn how the award-winning wines happen from the people who work on them every day. Test your wine knowledge with fun and engaging trivia for a chance to win exclusive discounts upon your next visit.

Cooper Vineyards, 21365

Shenandoah School Road in Plymouth — Cooper Vineyards will offer a select wine flight, plus barrel sample accompanied by a light bite. Visit with the winemaking team while tasting. Have those wine questions ready.

D’Agostini Wines, 12557 Steiner Road in Plymouth — Join the team at D’Agostini for a paired food and wine flight and a meet and greet with the winemaker. Select wines will be on sale with extra discounts for case purchases.

Deaver Vineyards, 12455 Steiner Road in Plymouth — Pouring will include one sparkling, one white, an educational pouring, three year vertical tasting of Alicante Bouschet, including 2018, 2019 and 2020 (barrel sample) and one port. Deaver will also be providing a complementary food offering which will consist of several taco options.

Di Arie Vineyards, 19919

Shenandoah School Road in Plymouth — How long should I age this wine or should I age this wine? These are often asked questions. Join winemaker Chaim for a unique experience in tasting wines from the Gallery Library Collection and learning about AgeWorthy Wines. There will be discounts and a pairing of small bites with the wines.

Dobra Zemlja Winery, 12505 Steiner Road in Plymouth — Join Dobra Zemlja Winery (meaning good earth in Croatian) as each guest gets a peek behind the cave door for an educational barrel/vertical tasting experience of the Estate Syrah with owner and winemaker Milan Matulich and mali (little) bites that pair perfectly with a select flight of the Big Amador Reds, No Lightweights and fantastic wine specials. Zivali.

Domenico Winery, 11655 Paine Road in Ione — Visit for A Taste of Italy at Domenico. Embark on a fourcourse Italian wine and food pairing journey that will transport the taste buds straight to Italy. Savor four exquisite Italian varietals, paired with delicious dishes and enjoy a special barrel tasting experience.

Driven Cellars, 12595 Steiner Road in Plymouth — Enjoy small bites and live music.

Drytown Cellars, 16030 Highway 49 in Drytown — If you are looking for adventure this weekend, visit Drytown Cellars. Enjoy super specials and learn from winemaker Allen how to interpret basic lab results and how to use them in the art of winemaking. He will present Tenth Grade Science and Sensory Analysis on Saturday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. There will be seasonal dishes paired

with the award-winning wines. There is live music both days.

Helwig Winery, 11555 Shenandoah Road in Plymouth — Experience the 5,000 square-foot underground wine cave while sipping a selection of award-winning wines thoughtfully paired with small bites from Off the Vine Catering. Have the senses transported while enjoying live music and meet the Cellar Crew, all while learning about the wine cave and wine barrel cooperage.

Iron Hub Winery, 12500 Steiner Road in Plymouth — Enjoy the lovely patio while barrel tasting and sampling with the wine production team, led by winemaker Spencer Jones. Barrel taste and blend on the lovely patio with gorgeous Sierra views. The barrel aging program at Iron Hub creates a whole new profile with the wines and the intricacies of the barrels will be tasted and compared. The wonderful Iron Hub team will also guide guests through a progressive sampling of estate grown white and red wines, as well. Savor elegant, rich food and end on a sweet note with Iron Hub’s famous zinfandel brownie.

Karmere Vineyards, 11970

Shenandoah Road in Plymouth — Sample six different varietals and blends along with barrel tasting. Enjoy a bite of hearty fare and live music from noon to 3 p.m. each day.

Jeff Runquist Wines, 10776 Shenandoah Road in Plymouth — Experience the ultimate Olfactory Challenge at Jeff Runquist Wines. Put your sense of smell to the test while sampling numbered glasses of red wine, each infused with a unique scent for guests to identify. Match the scent to the correct glass number and check the answers at the end of the visit. While taking on the challenge, enjoy a curated flight of wines paired with a delicious small bite. It’s a fun and flavorful way to engage the senses. Krissie Vineyards, 10590 Shenandoah Road in Plymouth — Stop by for a hands-on workshop and learn the art of creating a Super Tuscan blend. The winemaker will guide guests through the blending process, teaching how to balance different varietals. Afterward, guests will craft their own blend for a chance to win a prize. Enjoy a tasting of five wines, paired with delicious cheeses and charcuterie while perfecting your creation. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.

La Mesa Vineyards, 13200 Shenandoah Road in Plymouth — Experience one of Amador’s newest tasting rooms. Be a winemaker for the day: sample and assess two pre-release cabernet sauvignon wines made from two grape clones grown near by in the Sierras. Decide which to bottle up. Owner/winemaker Come will be circulating to answer questions about grape clones, terroir, technology and

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Tom Rigney and Flambeau hit the stage March 16.

Branden & James bring talent and charm to the stage

Lynn Schardt Music On The Divide

The exciting duo of Branden James and James Clark will stop in Georgetown on the West Coast leg of their international tour March 23 at 3 p.m. Music On The Divide has booked two hours of the soulful timbre of James on cello combined with Branden’s emotional and powerful vocals. Together they create a sound that leaves audiences feeling moved and inspired. Branden and James have “become a brand-name in the classical-crossover music world alongside the likes of Josh Groban, The Piano Guys and Jackie Evancho,” notes The Bay Area Reporter. Branden spent the beginnings of his career singing in residence at The Metropolitan Opera in New York City, Los Angeles Opera and Lyric Opera of Chicago. Having appeared in concerts at The Hollywood Bowl, Lincoln Center and Trafalgar Square in London, his travels have also honored him with an opportunity to give personal performances for Pope Benedict XVI and the

Cellar

Continued from B2

handcrafting all combine to make superior wines. Try other wines and build a case of your favorite bottles to take home for an event special 25% discount.

Linsteadt Family Winery, 23200 Upton Road in Plymouth — The oldest block of zinfandel vines turned 50 last year. To celebrate the vines birthday there will be a barrel tasting of that very vintage. Think of it as 50 years in the making.

Lusso Della Terra, 21390 Ostrom Road in Fiddletown — Come meet winemaker Edward Cholakian as he walks guests through the steps of making sparkling wine using Method Champenoise. He will guide guests through the six elements associated with wine and food pairing as guests experience the signature pairings. Onsite catering will also be offering, caviar, oysters, lobster rolls, French dips and so much more available for purchase.

Paul J. Wines, 10775 Shenandoah Road in Plymouth — Enjoy a delicious flight of hardy wines and barrel samples paired with pulled pork sliders from Country Barbecue Catering and Paul’s famous homemade chili. Sales and specials on all wines.

Rancho Victoria Vineyard, 16920 Greilich Road in Plymouth — Every Behind the Cellar Door guest with a wristband will be treated to the complimentary Homemade Tomato Bisque, perfectly paired with the handcrafted estate 2020 Barbera, plus three other wines. For those looking to take their visit to the next level, we’re offering an exclusive “Surf and Turf” pairing for just $10. This elevated experience includes two exceptional wines perfectly paired with a selected wine: Maine Lobster “Corn Dog” (lemon aioli, garden herbs) paired with the 2022 Chardonnay and Prime New York Steak (whiskey peppercorn sauce, tamari, chive) paired with the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon. rvv.ticketspice. com/behind-the-cellar-doorsurf-turf-offering.

Rombauer Vineyards, 12225 Steiner Road in Plymouth — Rombauer is all about barrels this Behind the Cellar Door. Hear from the winemakers as you see, taste and touch the impacts and the differences of barrel choices on the wine itself. This educational, interactive and fun experience will open your eyes to the nuances of every decision in the winemaking process and the infinite possibilities behind the cellar door. In addition to the barrel sample, there will be a selection of favorite wines to enjoy a light bite.

Rubidoux Ridge Vineyard, 15000 Tyler Road in Fiddletown — The winery will have flights of the sangiovese to taste the difference a year can make on the production. Other great wines made from the five grape varietals: barbera, petite sirah, vermentino, sangiovese and malbec will be available. After all the exploring in Amador County enjoy a little pork slider nourishment that pairs nicely to the Italian wines.

Scott Harvey Wines, 10861 Shenandoah Road in Plymouth — Enjoy a flight of wine samples including the chance to win a raffle prize by correctly guessing a blind poured taste.

Shenandoah Vineyards, 12300 Steiner Road in Plymouth — Be a Reserve Club Member for the day and taste the new Reserve Club White Wines before they are officially released. There will be plenty of delicious foods to pair with the wines and extra discounts during the event.

Nelson Mandela family in South Africa. He has kicked off games for the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Cubs and White Sox with his own passionate rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” In 2013 Branden inspired millions as a finalist on Season 8 of “America’s Got Talent.”

He met James Clark, forming a duo in 2015, and they have since been touring the world with their innovative, classical/pop mash up and their undeniable charm and wit.

As an accomplished musician, cellist, concert pianist and arranger, James has performed with some of the biggest stars from around the world. With artists ranging from Idina Menzel and Olivia Newton-John to Van Dyke Parks and Lea Salonga, he has showcased his talents to a wide variety of audiences. Born in Adelaide, Australia, James holds a master’s degree in music performance from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music, California State University, Long Beach.

Prior to his music performance career, James

Sobon Estate, 14430 Shenandoah Road in Plymouth — Come enjoy the award-winning wines. There will be plenty of delicious foods to pair with the wines and extra discounts during the event.

Tanis Vineyards, 13120 Willow Creek Road in Ione — Tanis will be pairing five wines with five custom chocolates.

TKC Vineyards, 11001 Valley Drive in Plymouth — There will be salmon chowder and hearty appetizers with gluten free options to complement the wines: mourvedre, zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, blends and port.

Terre Rouge and Easton Wines, 10801 Dickson Road in Plymouth — Terre Rouge and Easton Wines is widely known for world class, artisan wines crafted from over a dozen varieties. Sit down in the private Magnum Room for Taste It Blind. Taste five mystery wines, then guess the vintage and varietal. This is a great way to learn about taste, smell and varietal characteristics. Only 10 guests per hour will be able to partake in this fun, limited experience accompanied by some small snacks. Prizes will be awarded.

Turley Wine Cellars, 10851 Shenandoah Road in Plymouth — Be immersed in the land of zinfandel.

Stop by for an educational wine flight and delve into the intricacies of California’s heritage grape. Cheese pairings are served alongside the wine flight. As always, active members will receive an additional wine feature from the library. Make a reservation for 11 a.m. and join DTC Operations Manager Allison Caruso for a curated seminar highlighting a handful of the wines from centenarian vineyards exploretock.com/turleywinecellarsamadortastingroom/event/private/5d78a727- f1e34df3-81af-b039be91bf96.

Vino Noceto, 11011 Shenandoah Road in Plymouth — Come to Noceto for The Best Sangiovese in California and feel like you’re taking a trip to Italy. The Nutty Crew will guide guests through the history and flavor profiles of four of the award-winning wines, from Italian mainstays like sangiovese to the relatively obscure like teroldego and sagrantino. Enjoy an artisan cheese pairing from local cheesemakers which accentuates the true Italian essence of the wines. Learn about the olive oil which comes straight from the olive trees on the property, because winemakers do more than make wine.

For more information call (209) 245-6992.

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Classical/pop duo to entertain Georgetown audiences March 23.

n See DUO, page B5

Joshua B. Porter joins as director for indie feature film ‘I’ve Got You’

SACRAMENTO — Filmmaker Joshua B. Porter has signed on as the director of the upcoming indie feature ﬁlm “I've Got You.” The romantic drama, written by Kevin Yarris, is now in pre-production and is set to begin ﬁlming in the breathtaking Calaveras County region of California’s Sierra Nevada’s in late summer to early fall 2025.

“I've Got You” is a deeply moving story of love, loss, hope, redemption and the enduring power of family. After a young man unexpectedly passes away, his ﬁnal wish sends his two brothers on a journey to reconnect, search for happiness, escape their painful youth and unexpectedly, ﬁnd love.

Produced by Karyn and Kevin Yarris under the Wildwood Entertainment banner, the ﬁlm promises to deliver an emotionally rich and visually stunning cinematic experience.

Edited by Will Shortz No. 0210

“We are thrilled to have Josh at the helm of this project,” said producers Karyn and Kevin Yarris. “His vision and passion align perfectly with the heart of this story, and we can’t wait to bring it to life.”

With its picturesque setting and heartfelt narrative, “I've Got You” is poised to captivate audiences and make a lasting impact on the indie ﬁlm landscape.

Karyn Yarris previously served as an executive producer on the feature ﬁlm “Blowback,” starring Randy Couture and Cam Gigandet, while Kevin Yarris contributed as a writer on the ﬁlm.

In addition to his work on “I've Got You,” Porter’s debut feature ﬁlm “No Evidence of Man” has garnered acclaim winning best screenplay at the Madrid Film Festival and Best Cinematography at the 2025 Golden State Film Festival.

Porter is a regular contributor to the Mountain Democrat reviewing ﬁlm and television in the column, “Buttered and Salty.”

To learn more visit ivegotyouthemovie.com.

Whimsy Continued from B1

discuss the “whimsy of art” and other artful topics followed by a brief meeting to inform everyone about upcoming events and artistic opportunities. PAA is very busy bringing artistic imagination and sparkle to the El Dorado County community. PAA is a nonproﬁt group of artists whose whimsical passion is that they and the surrounding communities be closely entwined — communities that come to recognize that art is essential to an insightful life. Whether you are a beginning artist, a seasoned artist or just an art lover, come and partake in the wonders of ﬁne art. New members are welcomed all year. To learn more about PAA and upcoming 2025 events visit placervillearts.com. You can also visit PAA on Facebook.

Duo Continued from B3 was a tenured full time music teacher at Immanuel College, a Lutheran coed high school, where he was director of strings from 2007 to 2012. Utilizing his roles as cellist, pianist, arranger and musical director, James currently co-creates the cello-vocal duo Branden and James. He crafts intriguing arrangements of familiar tunes. His musical arrangements have been called “ﬂawless” and “beautifully structured” and he is a sought after arranger for artists across all genres. Tickets to this concert are available in advance at Eventbrite.com and will be available, as space allows, at the door. Doors to the Georgetown IOOF Hall, on the corner of Main Street and Highway 193, will open to Music On The Divide members and online ticket holders at 2 p.m., and at 2:30 p.m. for door sales. Cash or checks only will be accepted at the door. Refreshments will be available by donation at intermission. The public is invited to enjoy this unusual opportunity to experience the rare musicality of this duo.

For more information visit MusicOnTheDivide. org.

Stay up to date on all your favorite local sports teams and events with a subscription to the Mountain Democrat. VISIT mtdemocrat.com. Call (530) 622-1255.

HIRING ASSEMBLY WORKERS $200 SIGN ON BONUS AFTER 90 DAYS Apply at5480 Merchant Circle, Placerville, CA

Mar 15 & 16 Apr 12 & 13 8:00 am to 12:00 noon at Cameron Airpark Hangers

JOSHUA B. PORTER

El Dorado County Historical Society and Save the Graves present Celebrating the Mother Road (Lincoln Highway), 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Mohanna Ranch in El Dorado Hills For more information visit edchs.org.

Join the Placerville Speedway for Points Race #1, Tribute to Al Hinds at 12 p.m. For more information visit placervillespeedway.com.

The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce will host a grand opening/ribbon cutting at Hannah Beauty and Spa from 1-4 p.m. For more information visit eldoradocounty.org.

Chad Owens will perform at 4 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the El Dorado Hills Rotary Community Foundation host the Surf n Turf Benefit, 6-10 p.m. at the EDH Community Services District, 1021 Harvard Way. The Nautical Nights-themed event will feature a delicious meal catered by West Coast Events, silent and live auctions and more. Purchase tickets on eventbrite.com; search EDH Rotary.

The Sam Chase & The Untraditional + Red Dirt Ruckus will perform, 7-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Fairytale Town in Sacramento presents the Holi Celebration at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. For more information visit fairytaletown.org.

Join the California State Railroad Museum Foundation as it transforms the parlor/observation car, El Dorado, into a Rolling Irish Pub. Passengers will receive two drink tickets, good for beverages alcoholic and otherwise; snacks; and a custom can cooler. Departing at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. and again on Sunday at 1 and 2:30 p.m. for more information visit californiarailroad.museum/events/ leprechaun-lounge.

The Pops Chorale presents The Road to Big Band at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom at 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

B Street Theatre in Sacramento presents Stella Heath Sextet: From Billie Holiday to Edith Piaf at 7 p.m. at The Sofia in Sacramento. For more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

The Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera presents Cavalleria Rusticana at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 4765975 or visit sacphilopera.org.

March 16

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District will host free Yoga in the Park at 9 a.m. at Lake Forest Park. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.

Kyran Daniel will perform, 5-7 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

O’Connell Street Band will perform at 2 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.

Andis Wines invites you to a Winemakers Lunch from noon - 2 p.m. at the Andis Event Center in Plymouth. For tickets or more information visit andiswines.com.

Sacramento Baroque Soloists presents Masterpieces from France at 2 p.m. at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

InConcert Sierra presents WindSync at 2 p.m. at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Grass Valley. For more information call (530) 2733990 or visit inconcertsierra.org.

March 17

The El Dorado & Georgetown Divide Resource Conservation Districts hosts the annual Local Work Group meeting to allow private landowners in El Dorado County to provide specific requests on local program needs to the Natural Resources Conservation Service concerning implementation of conservation programs including the Environmental Quality Incentive Program and Conservation

Stewardship Program. The meeting is scheduled 1-3 p.m. at 100 Forni Road, Suite A, Placerville.

St. Patty’s Day Party with O’Connell Street Band takes place 6-9 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center is celebrating the new Hunger Games book with a party from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy show movies, play trivia and maybe even dress up a little in celebration of “Sunrise on the Reaping.” Because it’s midnight in New York at 9 p.m. here, the publisher is allowing the sale of copies after 9 p.m. so attendees can be among the first to purchase their copies.

Mountain Democrat, Friday, March 14, 2025

Snow stalls spring

Supes OK road project revisions

EDH resident Gay Willyard

Crackdown targets violent felons, sex offenders, drug traffickers

ESSENTIALS

OBITUARIES

Thomas Aquinas

Virginia “Ginny” Lynn Bays

Elmer “Whitey” Harold

Mary Ann Dunne

LITTLE GROUP WITH A BIG HEART

Mountainside Center for Spiritual Living celebrates 50 years

Find treasures, enjoy treats at Saturday sale

Kiley to speak in Pollock Pines

EDSO CRIME LOG

OPINION

California Commentary

How property owners can block new fees

The Not So Weekly Daley

Letters to the Editor

Misguided budget cuts

Typical rant

The sound of silence

Have something to say??

Announcements

Local alpine racers represent at regionals

Tribute race launches 60th speedway season

COMICS

PROSPECTING

IN THE KNOW

Life is art; sculpt your dreams

Tom Rigney and Flambeau set the stage aflame

Branden & James bring talent and charm to the stage

Cellar

Joshua B. Porter joins as director for indie feature film ‘I’ve Got You’

ESTATE & MOVING SALE