Ruth Carter recognized as Placerville’s Woman of the Year
Andrew Vonderschmitt
The annual recognition of Placerville’s Woman of the Year from District 4 Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil’s o ce was bestowed on local Ruth Carter at the March 11 regular Placerville City Council meeting.
“This is the first time that I’ve done a City of Placerville Woman of the Year,” said AlvaradoGil. “I feel a great honor and deep admiration to be standing before you today to recognize one extraordinary woman.”
Alvarado-Gill called Carter a beacon of service, integrity and compassion.
“Beyond her professional success Ruth’s heart for community service is unparalleled,” she said
El Dorado County Fire mourns one of its own
News release
The El Dorado County Fire Protection District announced Monday morning the sudden and unexpected passing of Fire Marshal/ Division Chief Lucas Shepard. Chief Shepard passed away on Friday afternoon while on vacation with his family.Chief Shepard dedicated his career to serving the El Dorado County community with unwavering commitment and professionalism.
He began his journey with the El Dorado County Fire Protection District as an apprentice firefighter in March 2006.
Graduating from the Sacramento Regional Fire Academy, Class 07-1, in May 2007 he became a firefighter paramedic where he served with distinction.
He was promoted to fire captain and prevention specialist in April 2021, bringing
– Midweek Edition –
TRUE COLORS SHINE
Shelly Thorene Sta writer
Thanks to an anonymous donation of $10,000 and the work of professional glazier Terell Moore, the light shines brightly through the stained glass windows again at Episcopal Church of Our Saviour on Coloma Street.
The last upgrade to the Placerville church’s stained glass occurred in the 1980s. Twenty windows are original to the Gothic Revival style church built in 1865 and others have been
Residents air concerns about EDH Costco plans
Noel Stack Editor
El Dorado Hills
residents voiced concerns last week during a scoping meeting for the recently pared down Costco project proposed on Silva Valley Parkway.
The speaking majority opposed the commercial project split between the two parcels Costco purchased last summer, encompassing 52 acres between Highway 50 and the Serrano residential community — with many vehemently objecting to the proposed gas station near Oak Meadow Elementary School.
El Dorado County Senior Planner Cameron Welch, Discretionary Planning Manager Ande Flower along with environmental consultants Pat Angell and Kaitlin Roberts
Plans continue to move
with Ascent hosted the standing-room-only meeting at EDH Fire Station 85 on March 10.
The most-recent proposal, if approved, would include an approximately
165,000-square-foot Costco warehouse retail center with a tire center and customer parking (above and below ground) on the south side of Silva Valley Parkway on
approximately 17.63 acres. The Costco gas station with 32 fueling positions and employee parking would be constructed on the
at the March
Placerville City Council meeting. At left is Councilmember Ryan Carter with Mayor John Clerici on
Courtesy photo
Fire Marshal/Division Chief Lucas Shepard died last week unexpectedly while on vacation.
Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene
Professional window glazier Terell Moore shows a fully restored stained glass window at Placerville’s Church of our Saviour.
colorful glass.
Mountain Democrat photo by Noel Stack
Silva Valley Parkway
El Dorado Hills.
Rev. Debra Warwick-Sabino points out that the newly repaired stain glass windows let more light into the church and appear brighter after the Plexiglas outer coverings were removed. On Dec. 23, 1865 the Mountain Democrat newspaper reported, “The opening of the new, elegant and beautiful Episcopal Church on Coloma Street will take place this Saturday evening with the annual distribution of books by Rev. C.C. Peirce.”
ESSENTIALS
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.
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. There was 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.
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 great-grandchildren 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 was held in her honor and a celebration of life followed. We celebrated with “The Beatles” songs, her favorite band.
Hail and slippery conditions blamed for series of wrecks
Shelly Thorene Sta writer
A series of crashes kept first responders busy Monday evening on Highway 50 east of Cambridge Road as an impressive storm came through El Dorado County.
At approximately 6:22 p.m. on March 17, a solo rollover involving an Acura SUV occurred on westbound Highway 50 east of Cambridge Road, according to O cer Andrew Brown with the California Highway Patrol – Placerville. It was unclear as of press time if anyone was injured.
A second collision occurred at around the same time between a Subaru Impreza and a Subaru Outback, Brown shared, and that was followed by a third collision between three vehicles — a Lexus sedan, a Nissan Frontier and a Honda Civic in the same area. At 6:26 p.m. a collision occurred between the same Nissan Frontier, a Subaru Forester and GMC Yukon. Injury information was unavailable.
At around 6:30 p.m. a solo vehicle collision involving a Ford Econoline van occurred and at about the same time a crash took place between a Mazda SUV and a GMC Yukon. No injuries were reported. At 6:34 p.m. A CHP Dodge Charger patrol car responding to the scene collided with a guardrail.
Brown said every single CHP o cer, including supervisors, responded to the scene along with local fire departments and the El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce. Brown stressed the importance of slowing down during inclement weather and creating space between vehicles when traveling during slippery conditions.
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Structure fire in Pollock Pines displaces family
Andrew Vonderschmitt
Sta writer
On Thursday morning, March 13, a mobile home and shed caught fire on Pony Express Trail near Mace Road in Pollock Pines. El Dorado County Fire Protection District received the call at 8:48 a.m. and arrived to find the fire to be well advanced. Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit and Diamond Springs-El Dorado Fire Protection District provided support in responding to the blaze.
To aid firefighters’ e orts, Pony Express Trail was temporarily closed. No injuries were reported and the fire was contained to the initial property,
preventing damage to nearby homes.
According to El Dorado Fire Protection District o cials, both the mobile home and shed su ered significant damage and were considered complete losses. No other damage to the surrounding property or vegetation was reported.
The occupants, two adult parents and three children ranging from elementary to high school age, were not home at the time of the incident. They are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. Two cats perished in the fire due to smoke inhalation.
The cause of the fire and its origin remains under investigation.
Former Commissioner Frenn recognized for years of service
Andrew Vonderschmitt
Sta writer
“I believe when Snowshoe Thompson came over the hill, Michael was there telling him where he could put his skis,” quipped Placerville Mayor John Clerici at the regular City Council meeting on March 11. Clerici was presenting former Planning Commissioner Michael Frenn with a certificate of appreciation for his years of service. Frenn did not seek reappointment when his term expired in February after 24 years of service.
“All kidding aside,” continued Clerici.
“Michael Frenn’s just been an incredible asset to this community serving on the Planning Commission for decades.”
Clerici added that in his time on the commission Frenn had been professional and thoughtful while always keeping the, “city first in his mind and in his heart when doing his job.”
Clerici chose to read the text of the certificate from the dias, “I normally don’t read these things but this one I’m going to because this is important.” The resolution listed Frenn’s accomplishments and contributions over the years. During his time as a commissioner Frenn served as chair a total of seven times, most recently in 2023. His technical background, experience, interest in planning and his dedication to serving his community, had been of great benefit to Placerville, the resolution read.
Frenn joked that he knew why the council was presenting the certificate to him in a public forum.
“So everyone knows for sure that I have retired.”
Frenn thanked the council and previous councils for entrusting
him in the work of the commission throughout the years.
“It has been a distinct honor,” he said. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the commission and I remain most excited about what work is being done presently.”
“I just want to thank you Michael,” said councilmember Jacki
Neau recalling her first time speaking at a planning commission meeting.
“I was all nervous to get up and talk and you really heard me and you addressed my issues,” she said.”I just want to thank you for that service because you’ve always made it a great place for the citizens.”
continues to benefit oral health for years to come. Prevention is key to optimum dental health for patients of all ages, from breastfeeding moms to senior citizens. Through good habits like choosing a dental-friendly diet and proper brushing and flossing, you have a lot of control over your dental health. One of the most important services we offer is a plan for preventive dental care, including counseling on nutrition, the proper way to brush and floss, and recommendations for oral hygiene products and how to use them.
P.S. Breastfeeding babies and young children reduces the need for future orthodontics, but other factors like using a pacifier and thumb-sucking affect bite and alignment too.
Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene Rain, hail and snow made for slick roads in recent days, keeping first responders busy as they responded to multiple wrecks. Above, a Lexus SUV rests in the bushes after it slid off Ray Lawyer Drive in Placerville Monday around 1:30 p.m., striking a real estate sign in the process. No injuries to the driver or passenger were reported, according to El Dorado County Fire Protection District Capt. Jacob Poganski.
Photo courtesy of the El Dorado County Fire Protection District Emergency personnel work in the snow March 13 after a mobile home and shed caught fire on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines.
Courtesy photo Mayor John Clerici, left, presented Michael Frenn a certificate of appreciation at the March 11 City Council meeting. Frenn served on the Placerville Planning Commission from February 2001 to February 2025.
EDHCSD directors leave vacant seat in supervisors’ hands
Noel Stack Editor
Another 2-2 stalemate coming from the El Dorado Hills Board of Directors has effectively canceled the previously planned special election to fill the vacant board seat once held by Chuck King. The decision now goes to the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors to either make an appointment or order the EDHCSD to hold a special election.
District 1 Supervisor Greg Ferrero, who attended the March 13 EDHCSD board meeting and spoke only on his own behalf, said he has heard from many constituents over the last week opposing a special election.
“They don’t want the cost. It’s 75 grand, and you’re going to (have a) vacant seat until December,” Ferrero shared.
The El Dorado Hills representative told directors, “My intent is to go to our Board of Supervisors and request that we appoint someone for this position immediately, and it’s going to have to be rapid.”
Ferrero said the discussion will take place at the March 25 board meeting with an appointment approved no later than April 22. An appointee will hold the seat until the next general election, November 2026. If the EDHCSD has to go the special election route, voters would have their say in November 2025 with the winner of that election finishing the remainder of King’s term through November 2028.
Several public speakers, including many who spoke out during general public comment and advocated for a recall of current EDHCSD directors, expressed their frustrations at the board’s indecision. Last month directors deadlocked 2-2 on a motion to appoint a fifth director and passed a motion 3-0 (Director Noelle Mattock abstained) to bring back a resolution calling for a special election. That was followed with a special meeting on March 5 to reconsider the special election in light of information learned about timing and cost; however, a motion to move forward with the appointment process again failed,
2-2.
“We have a representative democracy. All of you were elected by the residents and voters of El Dorado Hills to represent us,” said EDH resident Tim White. “Probably your primary responsibility, and one of your greatest, is to fill a vacancy.”
“I think an election is a waste and I think the voters did decide who they wanted to elect,” added EDH resident John Davey, “and the person they elected decided he didn’t want to be on the board anymore.”
Others lined up to oppose the special election, citing the big decisions the board has to make in the coming months and worrying that 2-2 ties could paralyze the district.
“You’ve blown it. You don’t have the ability to appoint somebody anymore for those in the room that are asking you to do that,” chimed in online commenter Marcus W. “With that said, the second best option is for the Board of Supervisors to take over and make an appointment, and you should be able to have conversations with them. And I’m asking at least two of you to reject this resolution and allow that to happen.”
Board President Stephen Ferry and Director Heidi Hannaman opposed passing the resolution to call the special election. Directors Mattock and Michael Martinelli supported it.
Mattock expressed her biggest concern centers around continuity. If an appointment is made and that person chooses not to run for re-election or doesn’t get re-elected in November 2026, three people will have held the seat in the span of two years, she noted.
“This is unprecedented. I have never heard of, and I have not been a part of something, where somebody has literally resigned after two months,” Mattock told the crowd at the Norm Rowett Pavilion. “That is an affront to the residents and the voters that voted for them. But I still stand here saying that those who voted for that person, they should have the right and the ability to choose whom they want to represent them.
“I’m not saying, ‘I don’t know. I can’t do,’” she continued. “I’m just saying the community has the right to make the choice on who represents them.”
PPD CRIME LOG
The following information was taken from PPD reports:
Feb. 23
8:24 p.m. Trespass reported at a grocery store on Placerville Drive.
9:41 p.m. Battery was reported at the parking garage on Center Street.
Feb. 24
7:43 a.m. Petty theft reported on Spring Street.
12:59 p.m. Vandalism reported at a store on Main Street.
Feb. 25
2:28 p.m. Vandalism reported on Myrtle Avenue.
4:07 p.m. Trespassing reported at a library on Fair Lane.
6:31 p.m. Petty theft reported on Hidden Springs Circle.
Feb. 26
10:06 a.m. Petty theft reported at a county building on Briw Road.
1:06 p.m. Trespass reported at a grocery store on Placerville Drive.
8:10 p.m. Battery reported at a restaurant on Broadway Drive.
8:47 p.m. Trespass reported at a restaurant on Main Street.
Feb. 27
9:49 a.m. Trespass reported at a gas station on Forni Road.
2:14 p.m. Grand theft reported on Placerville Drive.
6:51 p.m. Vandalism reported at an apartment complex on Cold Springs Road.
Feb. 28
7:05 a.m. Burglary reported at a liquor store on
How a 3-legged coyote revealed important implications for Tahoe area’s wildlife
Katelyn Welsh Tahoe Daily Tribune
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE —
Wildlife researchers Tanya Diamond and Ahíga Sandoval at Pathways for Wildlife were initially met with worry after viewing footage of a three-legged coyote on one of their field cameras last March, unaware that this coyote would soon unveil important findings for wildlife in Tahoe.
“Is this coyote injured?” Diamond said, as she explained their initial reaction.
After continuing to capture the coyote at another seven different camera locations in a course of about six months, the researchers started to see a very different picture.
“Her coat looks good; she’s moving good,” Diamond described the footage. “So even during that hard winter, she looked fantastic.”
The coyote they believe to be a female was demonstrating that she wasn’t just getting by. “Nope, this coyote is quite healthy,” Diamond said. The observation quickly dissipated the initial panic.
California Tahoe Conservation, State Parks, the U.S. Forest Service and Wildlands Network to find solutions that make roadways safer for both wildlife and humans.
That’s something C1 Tripod has helped Diamond and Sandoval understand as well. The data reveals she crossed multiple thoroughfares in the area, including Highway 50, Lake Tahoe Boulevard, Pioneer Trail and State Route 89, which reinforced potential locations that their data has pointed them to.
After two years of monitoring work in the south basin so far, the researchers at Pathways for Wildlife are using their study to inspire action.
“This is really helping us understand how all these properties make up a regional linkage from this one coyote.”
— Tanya Diamond, wildlife researcher
Sandoval and Diamond have speculated a car accident, birth defect or trapping, yet will likely never know how the coyote lost its leg. They call the three-legged canine, C1 Tripod. It’s a standardized method for naming study animals.
The C1 stands for Coyote 1. Tripod, of course, needs no explanation.
The abundant video footage thrust Sandoval and Diamond into the front seat of C1’s six-month journey which took her all over the south basin.
They learned she traveled from her initial recorded site, at Sunset Stables near Pioneer Trail, to a location southwest of Meyers. She then continued through Washoe Meadows State Park. Thereafter, they discovered her north near Tahoe Mountain and again east, circling back near where their cameras first spotted her. That was before heading north towards Lyons Ranch and from there, she went back southwest of Meyers again in a clockwise fashion.
“So this was starting to blow our minds,” Diamond said. “This is almost like having a collar on an animal.”
C1 Tripod’s distinguishing feature offered a rare opportunity to track her movement and in doing so, revealed important implications for Tahoe’s wildlife.
Each camera recording provided a piece of a puzzle. When they started putting it together, they were even more amazed. “She’s showing us the linkage,” Diamond said.
Connecting the camera data dots to understand how wildlife like C1 Tripod navigate the landscape via regional linkages is at the heart of Pathways for Wildlife’s research and provides vital data for land conservation efforts.
“This is really helping us understand how all these properties make up a regional linkage,” Diamond explained, “from this one coyote.”
While they can connect the dots by identifying four-legged coyotes by coat color and body size or even bobcats by leg patterns, it can be tricky and time-consuming. The researchers also note where field cameras have captured a high number and variety of wildlife species to reinforce their linkage data. But again, it all takes time, a precious commodity that C1 Tripod saved the researchers.
“This has greatly accelerated our understanding of what properties are making up the regional linkage across the landscape,” Diamond exclaimed.
Further understanding where roads divide and potentially pose barriers to these habitat linkages allows Sandoval and Diamond to work with their many partner agencies, including Caltrans, the
A large challenge the two have observed for wildlife like C1 Tripod, as well as other species, at South Tahoe roadways is the existing structures for safe crossing, such as culverts or under bridges, are either not large enough, inundated with water, or provide difficult terrain for certain species to navigate.
Sometimes it’s more than one of these issues.
It could be why they’re finding significantly more wildlife crossings at road level in Tahoe than any of their other study areas, spanning both California and Nevada.
“South basin is very complex in that we need all sorts of solutions,” Diamond explained.
Installing dry culverts next to wet ones, constructing overpasses or modifying existing structures are some of the options they’re considering.
The data has resulted in identifying locations on Pioneer Trail, Highway 50, Luther Pass on State Route 89 and State Route 89 near Emerald Bay for potential wildlife crossings.
The researchers have also identified areas where directional fencing can guide wildlife to existing infrastructure that is suitable for safe passage.
In crossing these roads, C1 Tripod demonstrated a surprising and peculiar behavior they’ve witnessed from numerous Tahoe basin animals. “It’s been so interesting to see that these animals actually look both ways before they cross the road,” Diamond said. “We’ve never encountered that in a study before.”
Sandoval and Diamond have observed other road awareness cues as well, including coyotes hearing a car and stopping. These traits seem to be passed on to the next generation.
“I’m so glad they’re learning,” Diamond expressed. “Otherwise, it would decimate their population.”
Sandoval and Diamond’s work has garnered the attention and assistance from big names in wildlife connectivity, including Beth Pratt and Robert Rock who were each involved in establishing the southern California Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Overpass, which will be the largest wildlife corridor in the world when it is completed. They’ve also received input from Tony Clevenger, who designed the Canadian Banff Wildlife Crossings and has seen an over 80% reduction in wildlife-vehicle collisions. For elk and deer alone, it’s reduced collisions more than 96%.
“We’re getting the best of the best,” Diamond said.
Pathways for Wildlife and its partners are currently raising funds in order to bolster grant applications for matching funds to start planning these connectivity projects in the basin. To donate to the initiative, visit wildlandsnetwork.org/ reconnect-tahoe. The webpage also provides information allowing people to report encountered roadkill, which provides valuable data for their study.
With the ball rolling in south Tahoe, Pathways for Wildlife is looking to expand its camera study to other parts of the basin, starting with setting up cameras in the west basin earlier this year.
Images provided by Pathways for Wildlife
Study cameras spotted C1 Tripod at numerous locations in the south basin of Lake Tahoe in 2024.
OPINION
California Matters
Newsom tacks right to oppose transgender athletes in women’s sports
So what game is Gavin Newsom playing?
Ever since
Democrats lost the White House to Donald Trump four months ago, California’s governor has been retooling his political image, shifting from advocating leftleaning policies, such as single-payer healthcare, to supporting quasiconservative causes, such as suppressing street crime and cleaning up homeless encampments.
Newsom’s slow drift to the right became a jolt earlier this month when, on the first segment of his new podcast, “This Is Gavin Newsom,” he declared opposition to transgender women competing in women’s sports.
“I think it’s an issue of fairness. I completely agree with you on that,” he told Charlie Kirk, a right-wing provocateur and Newsom’s first podcast guest. “It is an issue of fairness. It’s deeply unfair. I’m not wrestling with the fairness issue. I totally agree with you.”
Newsom cited his two daughters, his wife’s background as a college athlete and his own baseball career at Santa Clara University as shaping his position, saying, “I revere sports. And so the issue of fairness is completely legit.”
Not surprisingly, Newsom’s startling statement drew fire from advocates for LGBTQ rights who had long counted the governor as a supporter, dating from 2004 when, as mayor of San Francisco, he defied state law to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
“We are profoundly disappointed and angered by Gov. Newsom’s comments about transgender youth and their ability to participate in sports,” Tony Hoang, executive director of Equality California, said in a statement. “Transgender kids — like all kids — deserve the chance to play sports alongside their teammates and learn important values like leadership, teamwork and sportsmanship. Transgender young people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.”
… if Newsom does intend to pursue the presidency in 2028, or otherwise remain in the political spotlight, aligning himself with popular sentiment on such a hot-button issue is a smart tactical move.
Letters to the Editor
Disgraceful actions
EDITOR:
Sen. Alex Padilla, in his March 4 press release, stated, “Tonight’s speech was a disgrace. California and the American people deserve better.”
Sen. Padilla and Sen. Schi represent a very large state and all the people in California are not registered Democrats. I disagree with Sen. Padilla. The speech was not a disgrace but the behavior of our elected o cials was disgraceful.
I think it hypocritical to wear pink in protest, yet not defend women’s privacy against males in the same locker room or protect women from biological males competing against them in sports. I was embarrassed that our senators could not stand or applaud or show simple respect to the president, his guests or their fellow constituents. Both parties are guilty of this bad behavior and I for one am tired of it.
President Trump was right about one thing. There is absolutely nothing he could do that the Democrat Party would approve of or support. This to me is pure hatred. How can this contempt allow for debate or exchange of ideas?
The Democrat Party has ruled California for a
Do something
EDITOR:
Ihave never been so deeply ashamed of my country. For 72-plus years I have been proud to be an American citizen — perhaps not always proud of the actions we have taken, but overall being from this country meant something good.
But after watching Trump and Vance bully and verbally attack Ukrainian President Zelensky when he came to the White House seeking a deal for his country’s safety, I am profoundly ashamed. Trump/Vance’s goal was obviously to try to humiliate Zelensky, make him look weak (which he is far from) and get him to his knees asking us to show some humanity and mercy.
But now, we have become the bad guys. Our leaders are embracing international terrorism like that implemented in Russia and North Korea and other countries that rule through fear of
Despite the outrage of Hoang and other advocates, Newsom’s newly voiced position places him in the national political mainstream. In January a New York Times/ Ipsos poll found that almost 80% of Americans oppose allowing transgender women to compete in women’s ■ See WALTERS, page A7
Guest column
How a Black movement about freedom became about welfare
The 36 million who watched President Donald Trump’s address to Congress also watched as Congressional Black Caucus member, Rep. Al Green, shook his cane and shouted at the president.
When he refused to desist, Speaker Mike Johnson ordered him removed from the chamber.
Two days later, in a bipartisan vote, the House censured Green.
The Congressional Black Caucus stood in firm support of Green’s actions and, in their own move to disrupt, CBC members sang “We Shall Overcome,” an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement, as Johnson read the censure on the House floor. When they refused to stop disrupting, the
Speaker gaveled the session to recess.
CBC Chairperson Rep. Yvette Clarke, noting Black Caucus support for Green, then went into the usual refrain about refusing to accept spending cuts in “programs like Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security while giving tax cuts to billionaires like Elon Musk.”
But there have been no discussions about cuts in Medicare and Social Security, nor are there tax cuts targeted to billionaires. Regarding Medicaid, this is the usual Democrat distortion, calling reducing proposed increases in spending a cut.
What Republicans propose is an increase in Medicaid spending over the next 10 years of $1.5 trillion rather
than the programmed $2.4 trillion. A reduction in an increase in spending is not a cut, Madam CBC chair.
Per the Wall Street Journal, Medicaid expenditures have increased 207% since 2008 and 51% since 2019. As a share of federal spending, Medicaid has increased from 7% of total federal spending in 2007 to 10% in 2023.
Most o ensive is these increases result from scamming the Medicaid program by states, who use the funds beyond what Medicaid was meant to do. Medicaid was supposed to be about healthcare support for “poor children, pregnant women, the elderly and disabled.”
But it has gone way beyond that. Medicaid funding is used for housing vouchers, food stamps and sundry
other non-health care programs.
This happens because federal healthcare funding matches state funding by $1-$3 per state dollar. So, the more states spend, they get multiples in subsidies from the federal government.
The bottom line is Medicaid is a broken, poorly structured program where federal spending has exploded. The Civil Rights Movement was about freedom and justice. It was about combatting discrimination in which Black Americans were denied the same inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as other Americans.
Longshoreman philosopher Eric Ho er reportedly observed, “Every
long time. Maybe Sen. Padilla is right; California and the American people deserve better.
CINDA WALTON Cameron Park
DAN WALTERS
The bottom line is Medicaid is a broken, poorly structured program where federal spending has exploded.
STAR PARKER
Walters Continued from A6 sports and that included more than two-thirds of Democrats.
Something else Newsom said on the topic was a sharp dig at Kamala Harris, his sometime ally and sometime rival, for failing to counter a Donald Trump commercial that showed Harris endorsing sex-change operations for transgender prison inmates.
The ad has been widely hailed as the Trump campaign’s most effective assault on Harris, and Newsom termed it “a great ad” that Harris’ campaign neglected to answer.
During his political career in California, which has spanned half of his life, Newsom has often said and done things that attract national media
Parker Continued from A6
great cause begins as a movement, becomes a business and eventually degenerates into a racket.”
The Civil Rights Movement culminated in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which set law to address the institutionalized discrimination that existed.
But after the crowning achievement of the passage of the Civil Rights Act, the movement was captured by the left and was transformed from being about personal freedom and justice into a movement about endlessly growing government and growing government dependency.
“We Shall Overcome” is now about the struggle
attention, beginning with his decree supporting gay marriage as mayor. His remarks on transgender sports were only the latest of such zingers.
If he really believes that transgender women should be banned from women’s sports, he would publicly support the recently introduced legislation to repeal a 2013 law that allows such participation. If he doesn’t back his words with action, we’ll know it’s just a political ploy.
So what’s Newsom’s end game?
National political media assume that Newsom will finish the remaining 22 months of his governorship and then launch, officially or otherwise, a campaign for president. Trump apparently cannot run for another term in 2028, although he may try to
against those who want to reduce the dangerous and massive expansion of government.
In 1965, the year after the Civil Rights Act was passed, federal spending stood at 15.9% of GDP. By 2024, it reached 23.1%.
In 1965, federal debt held by the public stood at 35.1% of GDP. By 2024 it was up to 97.1%.
Per the Congressional Budget Office, we’ve arrived in 2025 where the percent of federal spending consumed by interest on our debt is about as large as our defense spending.
The Congressional Black Caucus hurts our country and Black citizens alike by transforming the
circumvent the Constitution’s two-term limit. And at the moment, the Democrats don’t have any other standout potential candidates.
Therefore if Newsom does intend to pursue the presidency in 2028, or otherwise remain in the political spotlight, aligning himself with popular sentiment on such a hot-button issue is a smart tactical move. Likewise, creating a personal podcast and inviting such obvious foils as Charlie Kirk would be a way to maintain national media exposure, the prerequisite for anyone who seeks the White House.
Dan Walters is a journalist and author who writes for CALmatters.org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.
ideal of freedom to the ideal of big government.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has helped all Americans of all colors by refusing to be intimidated by those militantly carrying the banner of the welfare state.
Star Parker is founder of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education. Her book, “What Is the CURE for America?” is available.
punishment and humiliation.
Yep. We are there now, too.
Trump is Putin’s puppet and he is helping make it possible for Putin to take over Ukraine and perhaps all of Europe. And here we are — supposedly the leaders of the ‘free world’ trying to rewrite the truth and change the narrative of what actually has taken place through lies and bullying.
I am disgusted with Trump, Vance and with the Republican Party in general that is afraid to get up and stop the train wreck that is imminent. On the contrary, many praise and applaud Trump for his bullying because they know that is what makes Trump happy. They too are afraid of him and what will happen if they don’t roll over.
And meanwhile, DOGE is destroying this country by quietly, cruelly firing thousands of valuable workers throughout critical public sector taking aim at Medicare and Social Security, weather service, forest and fire management and is considering how to take state and local funds too.
I am not sure how we will make it through. This is all too much. None of us should stand by and let it keep going. Get up! Storm the office of your representatives (the Republicans, I am told, are no longer allowing town hall meetings), write letters. Just do something. We can’t stand by and let this beautiful country turn into a mini-Russia — ruled through fear.
READ
LOPEZ
MARGIE
AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 3342970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot.com
AMERICAN ASSOC. OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN Foothills of EDC Branch. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science and Math Camp Scholarships, programs & interest groups. Leave voicemail for Laurel (530) 417-7737 or Sara (530) 4177138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net
AMERICAN LEGION POST 119 welcomes Veterans and guests to attend our monthly membership dinner and meeting the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM. Legionpost119.org
CAMERON PARK NEWCOMERS
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.
El DORADO COUNTY AMATEUR
RADIO CLUB Dedicated to all aspects of ham radio. Meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at the El Dorado Sheriff’s office, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net
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 Kent (530) 651-3575
HANGTOWN WOMEN’S TENNIS
required. Call Monica 530-306-7066. MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant on Fair Lane in Placerville at 10:00 am. Addiction or Relationship problem? Call 530 231-7728 our free counseling can help you. Positive 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.
added over time.
Rev. Debra Sabino said she monitored similar restoration work on Emmanuel Church at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic State Park through Chief Ranger Barry Smith. Sabino was introduced to Moore when they both attended the grand opening of the newly restored church in December 2024. Later on, Sabino said someone overheard a conversation she had with Church of Our Saviour Senior Warden Steve Boilard about the stained glass windows at their church.
“The next day I got a call telling me that a person wanted to help with that,” she recalled
Moore, originally from Little Rock, Ark., has a long history of working as a glazier. The 37-year-old and his father, Theopris, helped restore windows in their neighborhood of mostly historical houses.
“I found my niche,” he told the Mountain Democrat. “It’s a blessing to be able to do this work.”
“Terrell has the passion of an artist for his work,” Sabino added. “He brings such dedication to the project and is meticulous about every detail. He also has a presence of such joy while he works that is contagious to all around him.”
Using a 40-foot ladder, Jose Martinez of Rancho Cordova and Moore removed the aluminum frames and Plexiglas sheets that covered each of the 20 windows. Boilard said the removal “involved acrobatics” — as did the finish work.
“Terell lovingly restored these
Costco Continued from A1
north side of Silva Valley Parkway on approximately 3.29 acres. The remaining Costco-owned property on the north side of Silva Valley Parkway — once slated for an apartment complex and commercial/retail project — will remain vacant. A tra c light will be installed on Silva Valley Parkway at the main entrance to both the store and gas station.
Citing health studies and sharing concerns about safety and the wellbeing of Oak Meadow students and sta , speaker after speaker implored the developer to take out plans for the gas station … or find a new spot for the entire project.
“There’s no mitigation plan that’s going to work except exclusion of the gas station,” declared EDH resident Amy Frith.
Noting how much children love to spend time outdoors during recess and during physical education classes, concerned mom Karen Liang said, “That’s a lot of time spent in an environment next to a lot of cars and a lot of gas.”
Her daughter Annabell Wong, an Oak Meadow fourth-grader, said she wondered where all the wild turkeys she loves to watch on that property will go if the Costco project goes through.
The 10-year-old also told presenters, “I don’t want the gas station built because of air quality.”
Carter Continued from A1
acknowledging Carter’s commitment to helping those in need.
“Having experienced poverty firsthand, Ruth has spent her life advocating for the homeless and the hungry,” continued Avarado-Gil. “She never forgets where she came from and she always strives to uplift those in need.”
Alvarado-Gil said Carter’s life had been guided by the golden rule and a belief in “paying it forward.”
windows and he is a Godsend,” Boilard shared.
“Terell’s got a real artist’s eye.
“Once the Plexiglas was removed, we discovered that the windows were in much worse shape than we anticipated,” the senior warden added. “The wooden frames and mullions were cracked and paint was flaking o . The glazing had deteriorated and was cracking o ; caulking was missing and mold got into the cracks and crevices.”
Moore wears a respirator when removing paint on the areas around the windows. He uses Sherwin
Tra c congestion on Silva Valley Parkway was another major concern. Oak Meadow parents invited planners and developer representatives to come out to the area when school starts or ends to see the tra c jam that backs up, arguing that a commercial project as large as Costco will make it much worse.
EDH resident Tim White suggested making the developer widen Clarksville Crossing, currently one lane in each direction, to alleviate some of the impact. “One lane is not going to work,” White maintained. “It’s going to be a disaster.”
Other concerns included environmental impacts to the nearby wetland area and water quality, loss of revenue for local businesses as well as the sheer size of the project. There were some positive comments about getting sales tax revenue that currently goes to the city of Folsom when El Dorado County residents shop at that Costco, but many didn’t see that as enough of a positive to support the project.
Noting the project includes underground parking to accommodate all the spaces necessary for a megawharehouse store like Costco, EDH resident Jons van Dooren said it’s clear the site is too small, “akin to putting 10 pounds of potatoes in a 5-pound bag. It just does not work.”
Carter serves as a board member of the El Dorado County Association of Realtors and a member of its internship committee. Alvarado-Gil pointed out that Carter helped shape the future of the profession by guiding and mentoring aspiring Realtors with wisdom and generosity.
“Ruth Carter is not just the woman of the year,” concluded Alvarado-Gil. “She is a woman of impact, of service and of unwavering commitment to
Williams exterior acrylic latex “SuperPaint” and DAP glazing compound and proudly notes he doesn’t use tape, he just “takes it slow.”
One window takes approximately a day and a half to complete and Moore said the glazing should last 60-plus years and should be weather tight for another 100.
Church of Our Saviour Junior Warden Lee Weikert, 84, of Pollock Pines is pleased with the work. She said the church is the oldest continuously operating church in the county and it has a storied history.
Rev. Peirce ran short of raising funds to build the structure and hit up local businessmen for donations, including saloon owners, Weikert shared. It is said Pierce regularly walked all the way to Coloma to preach in Emmanuel Church.
Stained glass or Cathedral glass can be found in both churches and synagogues and has been referred to as “the poor man’s Bible.” During the Middle Ages those who could not read or a ord a Bible could understand the stories depicted in the glass. The luminescent beauty is symbolic of “divine light” and each color has a symbolic meaning.
Stained glass as it’s known today was developed in the 10th century and the oldest surviving complete stained glass window is found in the Augsburg Cathedral in Germany. During the English Reformation many stained glass windows were destroyed as part of the 1547 Royal Injunctions (to supress idolatry) put forth by King Edward VI in his first year of power. Boilard said they are “pleased to restore those ravages of age and to preserve this historical structure for the enjoyment and benefit of the entire community.”
The church holds worship service every Sunday at 8 and 10:30 a.m. The latter service is live-streamed on the church’s Facebook page. The church also hosts concerts, dinners, talks and numerous other events throughout the year that are open to the public. For more information visit oursaviourplacerville.org.
Those who want to make a comment on the project before preparation of the draft environmental impact report begins have until 5 p.m. on Monday, March 31. Comments can be submitted via email to EDHCostco@edcgov.us or via regular mail: Cameron Welch, senior planner County of El Dorado Planning Division
her community.”
After a brief pause to take photos the newly minted Woman of the Year took to the podium to accept the recognition.
“I’m very ill prepared for this,” said Carter. “This was a surprise to say the least. It is nice, I think, to highlight volunteers.”
She went on to say she believed Placerville to be “a city built on volunteerism.”
his passion for fire prevention and safety education to the forefront. Most recently, in December 2024 he was promoted to fire marshal with the rank of division chief, continuing his lifelong dedication to protecting lives and property.
2850 Fairlane Court, Building C Placerville, CA 95667
Once the draft EIR is complete in roughly three to four months, according to Welch, residents will have 45-60 days to comment before the final EIR process begins. Once that document is done, the Costco project goes to the El Dorado County Planning Commission for approval.
“I look around this room and I know every single person in here volunteers for something,” said Carter. “We all give our time, talent and treasure in di erent ways in this community.”
“Thank you very much,” Mayor John Clerici said to Carter. “It’s like we always say and you mentioned it, this town doesn’t get anywhere without the folks that pitch in on their own time and of their own e orts to to get things done in Placerville.”
His family is receiving support from EDCFPD, the El Dorado County Professional Firefighters Association and many others. Currently, no information regarding services is available.
District officials extend their deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. Chief Shepard’s legacy of service will not be forgotten.
The professional firefighters organization is collecting donations for the family. Make checks payable El Dorado County Professional Firefighters, P.O. Box 1926, Placerville, CA 95667.
Mountain Democrat photo Shelly Thorene
Terell Moore holds up one of the aluminum frames that held Plexiglas in place protecting the church’s stained glass windows since 1980.
Courtesy rendering
The Costco proposal includes a warehouse store on one side of Silva Vally Parkway and a gas station on the other.
Roundtable honors Marshall for efforts to increase screenings
Marshall News release
The American Cancer Society National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, founded in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recently honored Marshall with the 2025 ACS NCCRT National Achievement Award under the Health System category for its extraordinary work to increase colorectal cancer screening rates across the community.
“The call to increase colorectal cancer screening rates has never been more urgent than today and we applaud our honorees who have stepped up to help save lives,” said Steven Itzkowitz, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF, gastroenterologist with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and ACS NCCRT chair.
disrupting the quality of life for those we serve.”
The ACS NCCRT National Achievement Award honors individuals and organizations who dedicate their time, talent and expertise to advancing initiatives that support the shared goal to increase colorectal screening rates in communities across the nation.
The awards include one grand prize winner and four other honorees, each of whom receives a monetary award to support continued efforts to increase colorectal cancer screenings.
“The more we can do to communicate the importance of early screening, the more lives we can affect, preventing colorectal cancer from further disrupting the quality of life for those we serve.”
— Rachel Peigh, Marshall executive director for Population Health
“We are proud of the work our honorees have done and will continue to do in the fight to reduce the incidence of and mortality from colorectal cancer and make progress toward our shared goal to increase screening rates to 80% or higher.”
According to the American Cancer Society, the number of colorectal cancers in the U.S. for 2025 are estimated to be about 107,320 new cases of colon cancer (54,510 in men and 52,810 in women) and about 46,950 new cases of rectal cancer (27,950 in men and 19,000 in women).
“This award is especially meaningful to me, as I personally experienced the loss of my dad to colorectal cancer. His diagnosis came too late because of delayed screenings, so I’m deeply committed to ensuring that everyone in our community has access to timely preventive screenings” said Rachel Peigh, Marshall’s executive director for Population Health. “We’re extremely proud that Marshall’s screening rate now exceeds ACS NCCRT’s overall 80% goal. The more we can do to communicate the importance of early screening, the more lives we can affect, preventing colorectal cancer from further
Crime log Continued from A4
Marshall is a health system located in and serving El Dorado County, with a particular focus on engaging the rural community, the most vulnerable and getting those aged 45-49 screened for colorectal cancer (CRC). Over the past year, its overall CRC screening rate rose 3.18% to 82.71%, while efforts to impact younger populations (aged 45-49) have increased that age group’s screening rate to 61.09%, up by 8 percentage points in one year.
Supported by a grant from Exact Sciences, Marshall used a multifaceted and tailored approach to reach people for CRC screening, including collaborative community outreach events, small media (including in multiple languages), evidence-based provider and staff education, clinical champion development, standing orders for stool-based tests, enhanced outreach to vulnerable patients and minimizing financial barriers to screening and care by offering transportation and cost-reduction programs.
Marshall officials said they are most proud of the close working partnership between their primary care providers, cancer center leaders and their population health departments, who all came together around the common goal to serve their community and increase CRC screening rates. To learn more about the NCCRT visit nccrt.org. For more information about Marshall visit marshallmedical. org.
COMICS
✓
✓
ARIES (March 21-April 19). For what you’re building today, much will be up for interpretation. So, there’s really no need to take directions, suggestions, instructions or expectations too literally. The looser your approach, the better the outcome.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It’s useless to chase happiness because happiness has its own rules and shows up when the conditions are right, which is something happiness knows and we do not. Happiness often alights when we let go of trying to control or define everything.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). With a certain someone, the vibes are easy yet exciting and somehow grounding all at once. And while there’s a distinct energy to your time together, perhaps even more distinct is the feeling when you’re apart, which is laced with longing.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). You may turn down the outstretched hand, not out of pride but out of instinct. If you fall, you’d rather hit the ground than owe someone your balance. It’s not about distrust; it’s about the satisfying, stubborn thrill of self-reliance.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Sometimes you don’t know you’ve made a meaningful connection until later, when nuances of an interaction linger. Recall can be tricky, but the fact that a memory surfaces at all speaks to the likelihood that this is the start of a story to be continued.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). There’s a reason you are where you are. And though the people around you need you, and some of them wouldn’t be fully functional without you, this is not your sole reason for being. You are here to engage, experience,
bask and become.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You are socially susceptible in the best possible way, adopting and absorbing the best in what is around you. And when you see behaviors you wouldn’t want to adopt, you use those examples to steer you toward your goal.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You had one way to accomplish things, and now new tools are available to give you several different ways of doing the same thing. So, what will actually make your work better? Avoid change for the sake of change, as it will only waste your time.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). This is a day to keep the cards close to the vest, revealing little or nothing. There’s a great
n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly
n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter
n RUBES by Leigh Rubin
n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly
NEWS,
IN THE KNOW
March 19
Concerned about what to do if a wild re heads your way? Are you interested in knowing what re safe councils are doing for the bene t of your community?
Join the Camino Fire Safe Council at 6:30 p.m. at Cal Fire Mt. Danahar Station 20, conference room, 2840 Mt. Danaher Road in Camino. Copies of the FireWise certi cate will be available. Capital Stage in Sacramento presents “Everything Beautiful Happens At Night” through April 20. For tickets and more information call (916) 995-5464 or visit capstage.org.
March 20
Tyler Edwards will perform, 7-9 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
March 21
The Empower event will take place at the Cameron Park Community Center from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in coordination with El Dorado County Youth Commission. The event will include keynote speaker Rochelle Whellams, school presentations from Golden Sierra Peer Advocacy and Union Mine Friday Night Live and words from El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools, Ed Manansala. Breakout sessions will take place in the afternoon with topics including substance abuse, personal mental health and how to run a peer advocacy program.
Imagination Theatre at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds presents Storytellers and Scripts: “2 Across” by Jerry Mayer through March 30. For tickets and more information, go to itplacerville.org.
Kirk Basquez will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 8 p.m. to midnight. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.
El Dorado Musical Theatre presents “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” at 7 p.m. at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. The show runs through March 30. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
Broadway At Music Circus presents “Footloose” at 7 p.m. at the UC Davis Health pavilion in Sacramento. The show runs through March 27. For tickets and more information call (916) 557-1999 or visit broadwaysacramento.com.
Music in the Mountains presents A Classical Cabaret with Jesse Barrett and Friends at 7 p.m. at the Grass Valley Center for the Arts. For tickets and more information visit musicinthemountains. org.
March 22
The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce will host a Community Shred Event at EDHCSD, 1021 Harvard Way. For more information visit eldoradohillschamber.org.
Local favorite Colton Mountain Band brings traditional county music sound with some original compositions to the Church of Our Saviour in Placerville at 4 p.m. Reservations can be made at (530) 391-4588. Proceeds will go to the preservation of the historical church. Katie Fry will perform at 4 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in
BIG welcome to Dina Gentry new BBBS director
News release
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra is proud to announce the appointment of Dina Gentry as the organization’s new Director of Development. With an extensive background in communications, community engagement, and fundraising, Gentry brings a dynamic skill set and a deep-rooted passion for supporting local youth through mentorship. She o cially began on Monday, March 3.
Executive Director Brenda Frachiseur expressed her enthusiasm for Gentry’s addition to the organization.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra is excited to have Dina join our team. Her long-term commitment to this community and her passion for the children we serve make her an excellent advocate as we work to move our mission forward,” said Frachiseur. “We feel lucky to have her.”
Gentry, who grew up in the local community, attended Sutter’s Mill Elementary, Gold Trail Middle and Golden Sierra High School. She is an active member of the Placerville Kiwanis and serves on the board of Sierra Community Access Television, Channel 2. Her personal connection to the region fuels her dedication to expanding Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra’s reach and strengthening its mission of empowering children through one-toone mentoring relationships.
“I am truly honored to join Big Brothers Big Sisters Northern Sierra and be part of a team so dedicated to empowering local youth through mentorship,” said Gentry. “Brenda has worked tirelessly to grow this organization and make a lasting impact in our community, and I am excited to build upon that incredible foundation. I look forward to engaging with our supporters, expanding our outreach, and ensuring that even more children have access to lifechanging mentorship opportunities.”
of Development
A child advocate who made a lasting impression
Reneé Hargrove Special to the Mountain Democrat
Sheila Silan’s name is wellknown within her former professional community as a foster youth services program coordinator and as a champion amongst the families and youth she served. What went along with that recognition was the hard-and-fast knowledge that the population Silan served was situationally and/or environmentally at-risk.
Silan was involved in a multi-disciplinary community collaboration with those who care about children, their challenges and their fate. Some of these entities are the El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce, Child Protective Services, Probation Department, El Dorado County O ce of Education, Placerville Police Department, Court Appointed Special Advocates, clinicians and a multitude of others.
You might wonder why this story is being told after Silan’s retirement; the simple answer is that a woman named Jo Rasmussen wanted to shed light on Silan’s unwavering dedication to her job and mission and to publicly thank Silan for saving her life and that of her daughter some 20
years ago.
Rasmussen started dating Silan’s adopted son and it was clear to Silan that Jo and her daughter needed situational help. After a series of legalities, Silan fostered Rasmussen’s daughter for a number of years as Jo steadied her life’s path, which wasn’t easy as she worked, tried to find a ordable housing, changed her lifestyle and had to pay child support. Every penny counted toward recovery and independence. Every step forward and backward was either cheered or supported by Silan.
“Sheila’s influence, guidance, strength and unwavering cheerleading saved my life and that of my daughter. As Jenni grew, Sheila took her traveling, provided education and showed us a di erent way of living and experiencing. It was a lifeline and I am beyond grateful for it,” Rasmussen shared.
During her tenure, it was, and still is, Silan’s belief that every child has immense, infinite potential. At-risk youth face many challenges but they can make a new life for themselves by shifting their lot in life. Her shared motto to every child she encountered or fostered was, “Never give up.
1st and 3rd Wednesdays in the Mountain
Never give in.” Her message to parents suggests that excuses cannot be made and accountability across the board, for parents and kids, is essential.
neglected and at-risk youth in our county, we believe that our wonderful community’s continued wrap-
empowerment and a voice for abused,
Natalie Moore, CASA executive director, shared, “As CASA El Dorado continues to provide support,
Courtesy photo
Executive Director Brenda Frachiseur, left, welcomes Dina Gentry to her new role.
Courtesy photo
El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ed Manansala, right, awarded Sheila Silan, left, with a certi cate of honor for her 15 years as an EDCOE employee on the occasion of her retirement.
Popular gold country band Colton Mountain brings its spirited traditional country music sound to the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour on Saturday, March 22 at 4
p.m. Colton Mountain serves up country hits by George Strait, Dwight Yoakam, JoDee Messina, Chris Stapleton, Martina McBride, Brooks & Dunn and more. The band is certain to serve up hits by other country greats along with some of its own tunes.
In Sept. 2024, Colton Mountain released its first album, “El Dorado County Line.” The album’s ten songs were written by three of the band’s members about their experiences with love, love gone wrong and travel adventures. “El Dorado County Line” can be downloaded on several streaming apps, and CDs are available at all Colton Mountain events.
Tickets for this event are $20 for adults, with no cost for children 12 and under. All funds raised will be used for repairs, maintenance and safety upgrades to the church facilities.
The church building first opened in 1865 and has been
in continuous operations since. It is a significant part of Placerville’s historical architecture and is a registered historical building.
The Colton Mountain Band began with drummer Kevin Mooney who founded the band. Although he got his start at the early age of 11, the band has only been around since 2019. Serendipity has played a role in the growth of the band along with the connections through the Rock of Faith band at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Cameron Park.
Guitarist and lead vocalist
Lisa English was the first recruit. She performs with Rock of Faith and plays acoustic guitar. English has recently picked up the mandolin as well.
Fiddle player and vocalist
Jenny Rutherford also played with Rock of Faith and was asked by Mooney to join Colton Mountain in 2019 because no country band is complete without a fiddle player. Rutherford previously appeared at Our Saviour with the O’Connell Street Celtic Band. She also works as an RN at Marshall Hospital.
Bass player Evan Clark was found playing his guitar in his classroom by English and invited to join. While most
of the band members are transplants to the Placerville area, Clark was born in Cameron Park. He plays guitar, mandolin and bass. Elijah McMillan joined Colton Mountain in October of 2024. A Placerville native, McMillan has been playing lead and rhythm guitar for
about 34 years, since he was 5 years old. In addition to guitar, McMillan plays mandolin and bass.
The sometimes-keyboardist is the superb and multitalented musician Rob Sabino. Sabino was classically trained but became a rock musician before turning to
composing, doing session work and now choir directing and teaching. It was at a rock concert that he met Our Saviour’s parish priest, Rev. Debra Sabino. Parking available in the back and on the street. Call (530) 391-4588 for tickets and information.
Tee off for Golf for Kids’ Sake tournament
Dina Gentry Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra
ig Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra invites the community to make a difference, one swing at a time. Get ready to hit the greens for a great cause with the 13th annual Golf for Kids’ Sake tournament, set for Monday, May 19 at the prestigious Serrano Country Club in El Dorado Hills. This premier golf event offers a fun-filled day on the course while supporting life-changing mentoring programs for local youth. Whether you are an avid golfer or just looking for a meaningful way to give back,
your participation will directly impact the lives of children in our community. Proceeds from the event ensure that one-on-one mentoring services remain free and accessible to local youth.
A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses looking to gain visibility while supporting a worthy cause. All registration levels include green fees, a golf cart, lunch and a delicious barbecue dinner. Plus, enjoy a silent auction, exciting on-course contests and surprise events throughout the day.
Enjoy a day of golf, camaraderie and community impact — because when you play, kids win. Registration is available online at bbbsns.org.
around support and collaboration are essential to strengthening families, building resilience, and reducing trauma for the children we serve. The power of our community working together will continue to make a real difference, and by maintaining this collective effort, we can continue to create lasting change for our youth.”
Silan also advocated the importance of attending school to help break the cycle of overwhelming domestic abuse, poverty, drugs, truancy and a lack of guidance. When critical nutritional needs are met by school meal programs, such as those of EDCOE Board Policy 15510 — mandatory meals for needy students, they benefit from a nutritious and healthier diet, promoting enhanced learning, focus and ability.
“CASA El Dorado had the privilege of working alongside Sheila for many years,” said Moore. “We wish her all the best in her retirement and are deeply grateful for her dedication to our community’s foster youth. Her compassion, advocacy and collaboration have left a lasting impact on our community.”
As many do, at-risk youth also have dreams and abilities, highlighted by Silan, with their common threads being desires, goals and issues. She witnessed how technology was helpful a few years ago when local entities generously supplied
Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery. com/live-music.
Ed Wilson will play at the Placerville Speedway from 4-6 p.m.
Steppin Out will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.
Shadow Ranch Vineyards in Fairplay will host a Blending Party multiple times throughout the day starting at noon. Try your hand at being a winemaker for a day. Visit shadowranch.com.
laptops to qualifying foster youth, enhancing learning and external outreach, employment and housing opportunities, social interaction and more.
California Museum in Sacramento presents a film premiere of “Voices, Chinese Women of the Delta” at 1 p.m. For more information visit californiamuseum.org.
Tempest – Celtic Rock will perform at 7 p.m. at Sutter Creek Theatre in Sutter Creek. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit
Another key organization in youth mentoring is Big Brothers Big Sisters, who nurture youth by developing positive relationships.
As just one of the many organizations in the community serving children who need additional support for a variety of reasons, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra recognizes the significance and impact caring individuals have on the lives of our youth. It literally takes a village.
As CEO Brenda Frachiseur expressed, “Some may not be aware that many of our youth unfortunately experience extreme challenges such as poverty, housing instability, incarceration, single-parent households, educational inequality, substance abuse and a host of other detractors that inhibit their potential for success. Sheila Silan was a staunch advocate and her passion remains an influence on the work that will continue in El Dorado County.”
With this deeply resonant message Silan said, “Love is one of the greatest gifts and perhaps was part of my success with at-risk youth. Show it. Show up for them. Set limits. Ask for mutual respect. You can save a life.”
suttercreektheatre.com.
Join the Sunset Safari at the Sacramento Zoo. As the sun sets and dusk settles in many zoo animals become more active. Witness interesting animal behaviors while joining a staff-guided tour throughout the zoo, 4:30-7:30 p.m. and designed for families and groups. For tickets and more information visit saczoo.org/evening-programs.
March 23
Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts author Angelica Jackson, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to celebrate her new novel, “Stay, Girl.” It’s the story of a girl in need who finds healing through her love for a neglected dog. Meet the author along with representatives of NorCal Freedom for Paws, an organization dedicated to finding “furever” homes for surrendered pets. Call (916) 941-9401. n See KNOW, page B6 Know Continued from B1 Advocate Continued from B1
Courtesy photo
Colton Mountain will appear at the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour March 22.
Marlyn Pino-Jones
Special to the Mountain Democrat
Soroptimist International of Cameron Park/El Dorado Hills celebrated three Live Your Dream recipients, Michelle Soto, Chloey Dorsey and Shannan Workman in February. The occasion was held at the Cameron Park Country Club with an assortment of hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Family members and several other guests attended as well.
The club presented a total of $5,000 to these very deserving women as part of the Live Your Dream program. These awards provide women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families with the financial resources to offset costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education or additional skills and training. The awards can be used for tuition, books, childcare, carfare or any other educationrelated expense.
Chloey Dorsey
The first recipient Dorsey, a 28-year-old single mother to her 3-year-old daughter, is currently pursuing a pre-health associate’s degree at Folsom Lake College, with plans to finish by 2026. After she receives her associate’s degree, she will enroll in a dental hygiene program. She originally completed the dental assisting program during her senior year at Central Sierra Regional Occupational Program, and realized hygiene was her future. She then began taking classes at FLC, but shortly after had to put her education aside as she had many
obstacles and hardships to overcome.
Almost seven years later, she re-enrolled and picked right back up where she left off. This award will help her get on her feet after leaving a toxic relationship that left her having to rebuild her life. She hopes to teach her daughter that it’s never too late to carve out a path for yourself and your future and that anything is possible if you believe it is.
Shannan Workman
The second recipient Workman, 24, found herself pregnant and now a single mother of a 2-month-old baby. Already struggling and working on a double major in biology and medical lab technology, she became determined to complete the program, in spite of her pregnancy. Her goal is to work in a lab, have a career and support her family.
In her words, she said, “it is essential I continue and finish my education that will allow me to pursue my dreams.” A co-worker stated, “her ability to balance her personal responsibilities while advancing her education demonstrates her remarkable strength, commitment and drive to achieve more than many might have thought possible.” This is what the Soroptimist program is all about and why she was selected.
Michelle Soto
Recipient three is Soto. At age 42, and with three children ages, 18, 16 and 5, and her husband who is a stay at home dad, she is different from the Live
Your Dream profile. She is, however, the primary provider. Soto stated she has always been interested in accounting and business. She always wanted to get her degree in those fields, but life got busy and she started a family. Luckily, she found an accounting job that didn’t require a degree, but she still wants to have that degree “to show my girls that no matter your age, you can achieve your goals.”
She also wants to continue training in American Sign Language (her youngest daughter is speech delayed). “If me learning ASL is a way for me to help another person have a voice, so to
speak, then I want to do that,” she said. This compassion and commitment is what makes Soto a Live Your Dream winner.
More awards
Another part of the evening was when Sally Marshall, representing the Cameron Park Country Club Fashion Show Committee, awarded the Soroptimist Club President Lori Anzini, with a check for $9,432.58. This was money raised during its November Fashion Show. These funds help support the work of Soroptimists, both with the Live Your Dream,
projects related to helping victims of sex trafficking, and myriad of other local charitable activities.
Soroptimist of Cameron Park/El Dorado Hills is part of a global organization that works to improve the lives of women and girls. Soroptimist International of the Americas Live Your Dream Awards provide over $2 million in cash grants to head-ofhousehold women in need each year. Research by the Fels Institute of Government, found this program improves the recipients’ quality of life; builds their confidence; strengthens
their self-determination and makes them want to, in turn, help others. Helping women in this way has the demonstrated effect of leading to stronger communities, nations and the world.
Anyone interested in membership can check sicpedh.com. All Soroptimist clubs are nonprofit organizations and rely on charitable donations to support programs. Worldwide, Soroptimist has nearly 100,000 members in 120 countries. For more information about how Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls visit soroptimist.org.
right, Michelle Soto, Soroptimist Marlyn
GROW FOR IT!
Come to the garden
It’s no secret that time spent in nature has numerous health benefits for body, mind and spirit. A study in the Journal of Psychological Science found that just an hour spent in nature has a positive, restorative effect on one’s wellbeing.
Shinrin’yoku, translated to forest bathing, started in Japan in the early 1980s in response to the rising stress hormone cortisol found in Japanese patients. In a medical study conducted in Japan, it was found that cortisol levels dropped after only one hour spent in nature. The philosophy of forest bathing is to spend intentional time in nature immersing oneself in a soothing and relaxing forest, soaking up the sound and sights of nature, thereby
experiencing increased happiness and improved health.
Although El Dorado County boasts an abundance of peaceful forests close by for forest bathing, a park, a backyard or a garden will also fit the bill.
Gardens have long been recognized for their healing properties and their ability to provide respite from the stresses of everyday life. Why not come and do some garden bathing at our Sherwood Demonstration Garden at 6699 Campus Drive in Placerville? Our demonstration garden was created by the UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County in partnership with the El Dorado County Office of Education, Folsom Lake College – El Dorado Center and the Rotary Club of Cameron Park Observatory. Under the leadership of the late Master Gardener Bob Sherwood,
UCCE
the demonstration garden broke ground in 2010 after several years of planning and coordination with our garden partners and several thousand hours of Master Gardener volunteer hours. This project would not only beautify a local area but would provide important educational and sciencebased horticultural programs to our community.
Unfortunately, Bob passed away prior to the grand opening of the garden in October 2015. The 1-and-a-half-
Rock, Rose, Shade, Succulent, Orchard and Vegetable gardens.
Open March through October on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, the garden is staffed by helpful Master Gardeners.
It’s early spring now at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden and the garden is verdant and full of promise, luring us in. Daffodils, symbolizing new beginnings, are wearing their finery. Heuchera and hellebores in the shade garden beckon to us to slow down and take notice. Daphne is perfuming the air with its heavenly fragrance. Listen carefully to the excitement of the birdsong and take notice of the trees and shrubs beginning to leaf out. Everything is waking from its winter slumber, and all the harbingers of spring are calling out for us to:
• Move slowly through
each garden.
• Take time to sense what is around you.
• Find a seat. Take a deep breath in; slowly exhale.
• Notice the colors.
• Watch the movement of leaves and insects.
• Feel the textures surrounding you.
• Breathe in the earthy and fragrant scents.
• Stay as long as you can.
• Ahh, now don’t you feel better?
Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are working hard to answer your questions. Use the Ask a Master Gardener option on mgeldorado.ucanr. edu/Ask_a_Master_ Gardener or leave a message at (530) 6215512. For information on the UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County visit mgeldorado. ucanr.edu. Master Gardeners are on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
Courtesy photo
Visit the Sherwood Demonstration Garden on the El Dorado Center campus in Placerville. A walk through the garden where spring blooms are coming up has many benefits.
Natalie
Moore
Child Advocates of El Dorado County
Child Advocates of El Dorado County’s 29th annual Box Lunch fundraiser takes place on April 24. This long-standing community event plays a crucial role in supporting CASA’s advocacy services for abused, neglected and at-risk youth in El Dorado County. For 33 years, Child Advocates has provided a voice and empowerment for the region’s most vulnerable children, and this fundraiser is essential to continuing that vital work.
CASA and community volunteers will prepare and deliver over 3,000 lunches to schools, businesses and individuals throughout the county.
In addition to purchasing lunches for themselves, community members can donate lunches to several important local causes. Donations to first responders will support those who serve and protect our community. Donations to the Upper Room Dining Hall will provide meals for individuals facing food insecurity.
For the first time, the community can also donate lunches to Live Violence Free, a critical provider of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse services in South Lake Tahoe. This organization helps survivors of abuse achieve their hopes and
goals for a future free of violence.
Each $15 lunch includes your choice of a sandwich or veggie wrap, chips, a cookie and a refreshing Barsotti apple juice.
Sandwich options
• Roasted turkey, bacon and cheddar with ranch on sliced sourdough
• Ham and swiss with honey mustard on sliced honey wheat
• Greek veggie wrap with lettuce, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, olives and feta cheese in a flour tortilla
• Peanut butter and jelly
Volunteers will deliver lunch orders of five or more to the purchaser’s location. Individuals may pick up orders at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville, Hills Church in El Dorado Hills and the South Lake Tahoe Library.
Submit orders by April 4. For more information or to order visit casaeldorado. org/events/ or call (530) 622-9882, ext. 5.
The heart of the program is the Court Appointed Special Advocate, a specially trained and supervised community volunteer, appointed by a juvenile court judge. CASA advocates make a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children by researching and monitoring cases involving children in foster care. Learn more at casaeldorado.org.
House for Rent
Shingle Springs and Hwy 50.
3 Bed, 1.75 Bath, approx. 1200 sqft, acres for horses. Corrals. 5 minutes from Hwy 50, end of road. Redoing house and property. If interested, I'll meet with you. No pictures yet. Leave a message & I'll call you back. 530-240-5896
Courtesy photo
In 2024 CASA donated over 200 lunches to The Upper Room Dining Hall. Left to right are Jamie Brooke, CASA volunteer; Natalie Moore, CASA executive director; Jenn Krueger, CASA team member; and John Sanders, CASA board member.
It’s all about the voice
Mimi Escabar Special Sections Editor
Backtrack Vocals, a versatile vocal band from New York City, performed at El Dorado County Community Concert Association’s fourth concert of its 2024-25 season and also made an appearance for the students at Union Mine High School. The group known for a diverse a cappella repertoire of Top 40 hits, Motown, Broadway, classical and original music captivated the student audience with beatboxing, vocal improv and pop vocal techniques. The El Dorado County Community Concert
Know Continued from B2
Association brings world-class entertainment to the county and when possible offers outreach performances to area schools. The Union Mine student concert included the group performing, demonstrating beatbox and vocal techniques and a question and answer session. There are three remaining concerts in the 2024-25 season. Tickets are available at the door. To learn more visit call (530) 556-9498 or visit ElDoradoCommunityConcerts. com. All EDCCCA concerts are performed at Union Mine High School, Theatre at the Mine, 6530 Koki Lane in El Dorado.
LONG LEGS, LONG NECK
It’s a girl ... giraffe at Sac Zoo
The Sacramento Zoo is excited to announce that Amirah the giraffe gave birth to a female calf on Saturday, March 1 at 2:56 p.m. Amirah’s calf is healthy and nursing well from mom.
Senior Manager of Animal Care, Melissa McCartney, said “Our entire team is thrilled by how well Amirah and her new baby are doing. We are thankful this was a textbook labor and delivery, with a strong and healthy calf on her feet within 2 hours of her birth and nursing shortly thereafter. Mom and calf are bonding behind the scenes and the entire herd is enjoying looking on and greeting the newest member of our zoo family.”
The Sacramento Zoo is now home to five female Masai giraffes; Shani, Amirah, Glory, Cheyenne and the new calf. This is the 22nd calf born at the Sacramento Zoo going back to 1954 when giraffes were first housed in Sacramento.
The pair will be given bonding time but may be visible at their habitat’s side yard periodically. The official debut date will be dependent on the health and welfare of mom and calf. Keep an eye out on the social media pages for the announcement. Help name the new arrival
The Animal Care team has given careful thought to possible names: Gumdrop, Sumi or Monica. You can help us make the final choice — while also helping to improve the giraffe habitat. Cast your vote by making a donation of your choice, minimum $5. The funds raised from this campaign will go toward building a new shade structure for the giraffe herd and making other habitat improvements around the zoo. Visit saczoo.org/help-name-our-babymasai-giraffe.
Director Continued from B1
In her new role, Gentry will focus on enhancing fundraising efforts, building community partnerships, and increasing support for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra life-changing programs. Her leadership will play a key role in
ensuring that even more children in the Northern Sierra have access to positive mentorship opportunities. For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra visit bbbsns.org.
Music on the Divide presents Branden and James, classically inspired pop duo. For tickets and more information go to musiconthedivide.org.
Red’s Blues Band will perform at 3 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.
March 25
Vitalant will hold an El Dorado Hills Stadium 14 & IMAX Theater blood drive noon to 3:45 p.m. Donors will receive one in-hand Fandango movie voucher. Donors will also be entered into a Vitalant drawing for a chance to win one of two $5,000 gift cards. Make an appointment at donors.vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFM486 or call (877) 258-4825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows.
March 26
The El Dorado Hills Community Services District will host a Park Party at Oak Knoll Park from 5-7 p.m. Enjoy food, music, and family friendly activities and games at your local park. Be sure to bring your picnic blanket. This is a free event. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.
Buckeye Union School District hosts its 12th Heritage Festival, 5-7 p.m. at Valley View Charter Montessori in El Dorado Hills. More than a dozen booths will showcase different countries, sharing information about their culture. The event will also
feature performing groups, including the Aloha Dancers, the Buckeye Union Mandarin Immersion program choir and students from the district doing dances to represent their home country.
Folsom Lake College Music Department presents a Student Showcase at 6 p.m. at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 6086888.
March 27
Caregiver Support Group meets 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Gilmore Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane in El Dorado Hills. This is a free caregiver support group to provide caregivers of people with dementia opportunities to share and engage with each other for resources, understanding and support.
The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce will host a chamber mixer at Marco’s Café from 5:30-7:30 p.m. For more information visit eldoradocounty.org.
Ponderosa High School Theater presents “Beetlejuice Jr. the Musical” through April 5. For tickets and more information visit pondodrama. com.
Theatre at the Mine at Union Mine High School presents “The Wizard of Oz” through April 5. For tickets and more information visit onthestage.
Public Notices
tickets/union-mine-high-school.
Anthony Arya and Jonny Mojo Duo will perform, 7-10 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Join the Women’s Fund El Dorado for its 2025 Ballot Showcase. Guests can meet one-on-one with each of the 17 local nonprofits that will be highlighted. This is a free event and registration is requested, visit womensfundeldorado.app. neoncrm.com/np/clients/womensfundeldorado/ eventRegistration.jsp?event=3171&.
Now
Oak Ridge High School Theater presents “Noises Off” by Michael Frayn, with performances through March 22. For tickets and more information visit ortab.org.
Atrium Gallery EDH in El Dorado Hills Town Center presents Hidden Kiss, a solo artist exhibit featuring Lin Fei Fei, through March 22. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.
Gallery at 48 Natoma in Folsom presents Art Movement in Fiber — a juried exhibition of quilts by the members of SAQA Northern California and Northern Nevada Region — through March 27. For more information call (916) 461-6601 or visit folsom.ca.us.
The Stage at Burke Junction presents “Lobby Hero” through March 30. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.
Miraflores Winery in Placerville, hosts Soup Sunday through March 30. Receive a complimentary cup of soup when coming to wine taste from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or while supplies last. Call (530) 647-8505 for a tasting reservation or email info@mirafloreswinery.com.
Sierra Wildlife Rescue hosts classes now through April 6 at 777 Pleasant Valley Road in Diamond Springs. For more information visit sierrawildliferescue.org or call (530) 621-2650.
Shadow Ranch Vineyards in Fair Play, hosts Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sundays through April 6. Enjoy delicious grilled cheese sandwiches with a side of red pepper and tomato soup. For reservations call (530) 620-2785.
TooGood Winery in Fairplay will host Bottle Your Own Wine events 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends through March 30. Visit toogoodwinery.com for information.
California Museum in Sacramento presents Our War Too: Women in Service through May 4. For more details visit californiamuseum.org.
Tickets are on sale now for the Green and Gray Gathering in support of the Ponderosa High School Foundation. Visit pondofoundation.com for details.
Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene
Right, Michael Cresol, aka, Dr. Brick, left, teaches some students, L-R, Parker Henderson, 18, of Placerville, Theo Laird, 15, of Shingle Springs and Angel Hammonds, 15, of Somerset, how to beatbox after the group’s performance.
Courtesy photo
The new addition arrived March 1. The public is invited to help choose a name for the calf. Choices include Gumdrop, Sumi and Monica
Uncle Roy & Spice @ 8:30pm Bottom Of the Hill, 1233 17th St, San Francisco
Cory & Chad (Smash Brothers) - LIVE COMEDY @ 9:30pm / $29 Mar 21st - Mar 22nd Cory and Chad, The Smash Broth‐ers, are identical twin brothers born and raised outside of Los An‐geles in the Inland Empire. Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge, 1207 Front Street, Sacra‐mento. laughsunlimited@ gmail.com, 916-446-8128
Blimes and the Bando
@ 7pm Hotel Utah Saloon, 500 4th St, San Francisco
Vundabar and Yot Club with Faerybabyy @ 7pm Harlow's, 2708 J Street, Sacra‐mento
Working in a Series with Paper and Paint with Sara Post @ 10am / $380 Mar 22nd - Mar 23rd Experiment with collaging with var‐ious materials in this 2-day art workshop! Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis. pencesocialmedia@ gmail.com, 530-758-3370 Film Screening: “Voices: Chinese Women of the Delta” @ 1pm / $30 The California Museum is proud to present the premiere of awardwinning �lmmaker Min Zhou’s doc‐umentary “Voices: Chinese Women of the Delta." California Museum, 1020 O Street, Sacramento. museu minfo@californiamuseum.org, 916653-7524 HONEY + CHEESE PAIRING WORK‐SHOP @ 3pm / $70
Spring In San Francisco
March 23rd
@ 7:30pm / $5
Welcome the Spring with Insight Chamber! Explore music that was written to embody springtime through the works of com‐posers from different re‐gions and time periods in‐cluding our own city. Blue Painted Lady, 712 Steiner Street, San Francisco. ad min@insightchamber.com
Impeccable Mueller
@ 8pm The Rink Studios, 1031 Del Paso Blvd, Sacramento
STAMINA Sundays presents: SEBA (Secret Operations / Spearhead Records / Sweden)
@ 10pm f8, 1192 Folsom St, San Francisco
Indulge your senses as you experiment with an array of cheeses, and vari‐etal honeys The HIVE Tasting Room + Kitchen, 1221 Harter Avenue, Woodland. thehive@zspe cialtyfood.com, 530-6680660
The Dinner Detective True Crime Mystery Dinner Show @ 6pm / $119.95 At The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show, you will un‐ravel a complex crime as you enjoy a delicious dinner. But care should be taken! The arsonist is hiding in the room, and in no time at al The Marker Union Square San Fran‐cisco, 501 Geary Street, San Fran‐cisco. sfo.info@thedinnerdetec tive.com, 866-496-0535
Whisper to Thunder – Live at Music City SF | Free Entry!
@ 7pm / Free Led Zeppelin Tribute 1355 Bush St, 1355 Bush Street, San Francisco
Chamber Music Society of Sacramento Spring Concert
@ 7:30pm / $35 Join us for an enchanting evening of chamber music featuring a di‐verse and dynamic program! The intimate location allows for an im‐mersive experience for all. Episco‐pal Church of St. Martin, 640 Hawthorn Lane, Davis. cmssacto@ gmail.com
Spring in San Francisco March 22nd @ 7:30pm / $5 Welcome the Spring with Insight Chamber! Explore music that was written to embody springtime through the works of composers from different regions and time periods including our own city. Blue Painted Lady, 712 Steiner Street, San Francisco. admin@in sightchamber.com
Bar Fight @ 7:30pm The Chapel, 777 Valencia St, San Francisco
Alann8h with Evening Elephants @ 8pm Cafe Du Nord, 2174 Market St, San Francisco
Keepers of Humanity @ 12pm Outer Sunset Farmer's Market & Mercantile, 1994 37th Ave, San Francisco
Geoffrey Miller @ 5pm Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento
Gaucho at Brenda's @ 5pm Brenda's French Soul Food, 652 Polk St, San Francisco
The Sun Kings’ Acoustic Duo – Songs of Lennon & McCartney @ 6:30pm / $25.40-$43.69 Blue Note Napa, Napa
Adrienne Mack-Davis @ 7pm The Hotel Utah Saloon, 500 4th St, San Francisco
Rotary Club of Davis Weekly Lunch & Program @ 12pm See website for details. ro‐taryclubofdavis.com Davis Com‐munity Church, 421 D Street, Davis. teainsworth@gmail.com
Children's Dance Classes
After School at the Davis Arts Center @ 4pm Tina Fitness offers children's Dance classes after school at the Davis Arts Center. Davis Arts Cen‐ter, 1919 F Street, Davis. tina�t ness68@gmail.com
Jazz Ma�a: Realistic Orchestra at Club Fugazi
@ 7:30pm Club Fugazi Experiences, 678 Green St #3, San Francisco
Twin Seas @ 7:30pm Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento
Slowness @ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
Adam MacDougall
@ 8pm Gray Area / Grand Theater, 2665 Mission St, San Francisco
Michael Rother @ 8pm Gray Area / Grand Theater, 2665 Mission St, San Francisco
Beginning + Intermediate Tai Chi @ 10am Tai chi classes for beginning and intermediate practitioners at the Davis Arts Center Davis Arts Cen‐ter, 1919 F Street, Davis. tina�t ness68@gmail.com
