The El Dorado County District Attorney’s O ce recently announced that a criminal grand jury has indicted three individuals arrested in September 2025 as part of Operation Daisy Cutter, a multi-agency investigation conducted in support of the FBI’s Operation Summer Heat. Operation Daisy Cutter was launched to disrupt violent crime and combat the opioid epidemic in the Tahoe bi-state region by targeting cartel-supplied gang members and drug tra ckers operating across county and state lines.
Kaela “Horse” Berrman of Markleeville was indicted for transportation of fentanyl for sale from a non-contiguous county.
Anthony Munoz of Markleeville was indicted for
Supes support fire districts’ union
Noel Stack Editor
The Diamond Springs-El Dorado
Fire Protection District
merger with the El Dorado County Fire Protection District is nearly complete after years of negotiations and community meetings. The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the annexation resolution at its Nov. 4 meeting.
“I have to publicly give credit to all our elected o cials, Chief Gallagher, all our personnel down to our rookie firefighters that have stayed the course through the last three years,” said EDCFPD Chief Tim Cordero, who stood at the podium with Diamond Springs-El Dorado Fire Chief Matt Gallagher.
“Our motto has kind of been ‘We’ll hit some speed bumps but we’re not going to hit any walls. And we’ve hit those speed bumps and, collaboratively, we’ve tackled those. The finish line is hopefully just a
Planting a pollinator paradise
Shelly Thorene Sta writer
Placerville resident Lisa Morgan has joined a growing movement of folks who want to support native birds, bees and other pollinators by creating a garden space with California native plants.
In 2021, she and her husband John hired a native garden landscape architect firm to design a vibrant native habitat for the front half of their quarter-acre parcel on the corner of Bedford Avenue and Pleasant Street. They removed a Bermuda grass lawn (an invasive species) and replaced it with garden beds, bark walkways surrounded by mostly native species and a few non-native flowering plants.
Morgan, 60, is a retired Waldorf teacher and retired senior project manager for an environmental design firm out of the Bay Area. She said her experience teaching botany, art, world biomes, physics and chemistry “was a wonderful way to unpack for children the beauty of the world.” Morgan has read
extensively on the topic and she said author/ ecology professor Douglas Tallamy’s “Nature’s Best Hope” had a big impact on her way of looking at the world.
“Tallamy believes that we can use our yards and green spaces to build conservation corridors of habitat
for native plants, insects and bird populations. His message is that nature is not somewhere else,” Morgan explained.
“It’s right here in your yard and the initiatives of private individuals can, and do, make a di erence for wildlife populations.
Collectively, we can
stitch together patches of habitat.
“The neighbors I hear from are often curious and many love it; I have one lady who stops me at least twice a year in her car to tell me how much she loves driving by, watching the garden change month to month,” she added. “A lot of people walk in our area. We have visitors that stay at the bed and breakfast on Bedford and those people, if I’m out in the garden, often want to know about it. I have had several people ask if I will help them ‘think it through’ on how to get started. Some people say, ‘Oh we love your garden but it looks like too much work.’ The fallacy is that it is not more work; it’s far less e ort in the long run to plant the right things and step back and let it go through the seasons.”
Saving time, money
A native plant is one that occurs naturally for thousands of years in an ecosystem on which many animals depend on to survive. Native plants are hosts
Courtesy photo
Honeybees visit the nectar-rich, drought-tolerant Lacy Phacelia growing in Lisa Morgan’s front yard, which she has set up with California native plants that attract pollinators.
Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene
Lisa Morgan uses a bucket to add mulch around some of the California native plants in her yard on the corner of Bedford Avenue and Pleasant Street in Placerville.
TYLER TOFANELLI
ANTHONY MUNOZ
KAELA “HORSE” BERRMAN
ESSENTIALS
OBITUARIES
Joe Chapman
Dec. 21, 1937 – Oct. 11, 2025
Joe Chapman, son of the late Earl and Bess Chapman, passed away on October 11, 2025, at the age of 87, surrounded by his beloved wife, Pat, and his four sons: Kelly of California, Joe and wife Karen of Michigan, Richard and wife Kathy of North Carolina, Keith and wife Marci of California, and sister Margaret of Florida. His remaining family members include his grandchildren Dana, Jake, and Lindsay of Michigan, Christina and Jamie of North Carolina, Telina and Mitchell of Oregon, and Chad of California. He is survived by fourteen great-grandchildren and one great-greatgrandchild.
Born in Charleston, Arkansas, on December 21, 1937, Joe spent his early years in Arkansas and Texas before moving to Southern California. During his high school years, he met his future wife, Pat. He attended the University of California, Los Angeles for two years before marrying Pat in 1957. Joe’s job as a licensed psychiatric technician began at Camarillo State Hospital in Camarillo, California and continued at Agnew State Hospital in San Jose, California. His dedication to education led him to graduate from San Jose State College with a special teaching credential in speech therapy for elementary schools.
Over the course of his 31 and one-half year career as a speech therapist, Joe earned the necessary credentials to instruct deaf and hardof-hearing and severely handicapped students. He was a lifelong member of both the California Teachers Association and the National Education Association. Joe held positions of leadership within the El Dorado County, California chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children, serving as president and treasurer. Additionally, he served as president of the El Dorado County Teachers Association and as the head negotiator for the El Dorado County Special Education Association. In 1993, Joe and Pat retired and relocated to Yachats, Oregon, where he pursued his passion for gardening. Displaying his floral expertise, he created a garden that gained recognition as one of the featured gardens on the area Garden Tour. Music was another lifelong love, and Joe played trombone in various ensembles, including the Sacramento Valley Concert Band, Sierra Symphony, Lincoln County Concert Band, Florence Brass Quintet, The Jetties Florence, Yachats Big Band, and the Pacific Coast Wind Ensemble. Joe was a quiet man of many great qualities. He was a wonderful husband for 68 years, a loving father and grandfather who cherished his family deeply, and a good friend. His passing will be deeply felt by all who knew him, particularly by his wife.
Linda Lee Brown Scariot
July 1, 1935 – Sept. 8, 2025
Linda Lee Brown Scariot passed away in her sleep September 8th 2025 after a long battle with dementia. She was 90. She was born in Trenton, Nebraska to Walter and Ethel Brown in 1935. She was the youngest of 8 children. Her family moved to Omo Ranch when she was about 10, but she spent most of her childhood in Diamond Springs. She attended El Dorado High School graduating in 1953. She loved to sing and participated in the school Choir. Linda worked the summers at the Placerville Fruit growers like so many local women at that time. She met her husband Ossie when she was 15, he was friends with her sister Mary. They married November of 1953 after she graduated high school. She started work at the Phone Company shortly after. Her first child Lori was born in 1956, her second child, Michael was born in 1959. Ossie and Linda purchased a pear ranch in 1959. Pear decline hit shortly after, it became evident that they needed to do something to feed their young family. They became partners with Harry De Wolf and his wife in the local garbage company. Linda worked in the o ce for El Dorado Disposal along with Harry’s wife Judy, for close to 35 years. She retired at 55. Her favorite thing was going to the Casino to play the slot machines. She went on a regular basis and got a big kick of winning. She also loved playing the lottery. She bought tickets every week and seemed to win more often than not. She really enjoyed it. She always felt she had a good life even in her later years when she needed more help. She was grateful to “her ladies” who treated her like family. She spent her last years at Gold Country Assisted Living. The family wants to thank them for their loving care.
Linda and Ossie always felt they needed to give back to the community that they loved so much. They were great supporters of CASA, MORE Workshop, and Boys and Girls Club just to name a few.
She left a daughter Lori (Daryl) Warden, son Mike ( Sandy) Scariot, 2 grand children, Melissa (Kevin) Placek, Sara Warden and 2 great grandchildren Kyle and Austin (Placek).
A memorial Service will be held at the Placerville Gathering Place, 2820 Cold Springs Road, Placerville CA, December 4th at 11am with a luncheon immediately following. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to Snowline Hospice or Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado County.
Kyle James Curtin
June 13, 1986 – Oct. 12, 2025
Proof that not all heroes wear capes. No one could imagine the depth of his struggles, yet Kyle survived and thrived. He gave amazing life advice to others while he struggled with Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy, a progressive and fatal muscular disease. Kyle passed in his sleep in his home in Placerville, living for a miraculous 39 years.
He was born at Marshall Hospital, attended Miss Kathy’s preschool, Schnell School, Markham, El Dorado High school, Folsom Lake College-El Dorado Center and Sacramento State College. Kyle was a Cub Scout and a Boy Scout until it was too di cult to participate.
Kyle was very artistic, well read, philosophical and had a killer sense of humor. He was fluent in sarcasm and loved watching ice hockey, baseball, football, anime, Nordic mythology and the History Channel. His insight into other people’s life challenges and willingness to help others was to be admired. All who met him respected a wise, polite and humble guy.
Thank you to the many special and dedicated caregivers who have helped Kyle over the years and to the various government programs that allowed him to stay at home. A special thanks to the Snowline Hospice sta for guiding Kyle and his family through the last two years.
Survived by his Mother, Anne Martin; father Stephen Curtin, step-mother Beth Peterson, brother Jonah Curtin and his wife Shawntea’, niece Brianna Curtin, nephew Aidan Curtin, and step-brothers David Weaver, Rob Weaver, and Andrew Weaver. He will be missed by everyone who ever met him.
Mercedes “Marcie” Tovar
Feb. 25, 1938 – Nov. 3, 2025
Mercedes “Marcie” Tovar, 87, passed away peacefully at her home in Placerville, California, surrounded by her family. Born on February 25, 1938, in Beckley, West Virginia to Frank and Amalia Martinez, Marcie was proud of her Spanish heritage. At age four, her family moved to Sunnyvale, California and she began kindergarten without knowing a word of English. She later graduated from Fremont High School in 1956. Marcie married Bob Tovar in 1956, and together they built a beautiful life filled with adventure. In the early years, Marcie worked full time while raising their two daughters—in a time when few women did. After moving to Pollock Pines in 1976, she devoted herself to creating a warm and welcoming home, one that became the center of countless memorable family gatherings. Marcie and Bob were always on the move—traveling the U.S. by motorhome, crabbing in Coos Bay, and venturing abroad to China and Spain. Their hearts, however, always found their way to La Capilla, Mexico, where they spent nearly 25 years enjoying their second home and the dear friends they made there. A talented cook, Marcie was famous for her Spanish dishes and for never letting anyone leave her table hungry. She was also known for her love of crafting, sharp card skills, and unmatched enthusiasm for shopping. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Bob Tovar; her daughters, Camille (Rusty) McDonald and Lorie (Rick) Kreiser; four grandchildren, Heidi (Greg) Sills, Tyler, Molly (Aaryn) Abbott, and Emily (Tayler) Stites; five great-grandchildren, Sophia, Winstyn, Finley, Rosey, and Henry; and cherished nieces and nephews; Denise Kruzel, Gary Utman and many more. She was preceded in death by her younger brother; Frank Jr., and her two older sisters; Delores and Trinidad. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and family traditions that will live on through those she cherished most. A ceremony to celebrate Marcie’s life will be held at a later date in Placerville.
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Margaret “Marge” (Wing) Kraintz
Sept. 21, 1932 – Oct. 26, 2025 Margaret (Wing) Kraintz, (Marge) was born to Halley and Bernice Wing on September 21, 1932. Marge was born soon after her older sister, Lois, then came four brothers, LeRoy, Vernon, George and Gene. The family lived where Folsom Lake now stands. She always had such fond memories of growing up at Mormon Island before the lake was created. Her family then moved to Rescue, California in the early 1950s where they built a home. Marge married Richard Davies when she was very young. They had four children, Michael Davies, Janice Hays, Ellen Roush and Debra Dawon. At this time, she became a long-time member of the Live Oakers, a sewing group that made and donated to many community needs. Marge and Richard divorced in the early 1960s. Marge married John Kraintz in 1967. John had five children, Linda Kraintz, Debbie Brocchini, Vicky Kraintz, John Kraintz and Joe Kraintz. Marge and John enjoyed hard top races, camping and traveling in their motor home. After being a stay-at-home Mom for several years she entered the workforce as a school bus driver for Folsom/ Cordova school district. She ended her working career packing and mailing out packages for a small company. She enjoyed that job because she loved the owners and they became lifelong friends. She enjoyed volunteering whenever she could be of help. In 1986, when her father was killed, she moved to Rescue to be with her mother. Her husband John passed in 1992. Marge loved Rescue and the ranch her parents had built there. She became involved in the community joining the Boards of the JaHawk Cemetery and the Community Center. For two consecutive years she won the honorary mayor title by collecting the most donations for the community center. Marge stayed active on those boards into her eighties. She loved how the activities in Rescue got her out to socialize with people in the community. Her daughter Janice, grandson Eric Jackson and dear friend Rachel Miranda provided the loving care Marge needed in her final months. There are angels among us. She remained happy through all her health struggles. Marge will be missed by her daughters, stepchildren, many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her son, Michael and sister and brothers all preceded her in death. Services were held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 3:00 pm at Jayhawk Cemetery and Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 4:30 pm at the Rescue Community Center.
LEGISLATORS’ ADDRESSES
PLACERVILLE CITY COUNCIL Placerville City Hall 3101 Center St., Placerville (530) 642-5200
Mayor John Clerici jclerici@cityofplacerville.org
Vice Mayor Nicole Gotberg ngotberg@cityofplacerville.org
Ryan Carter rcarter@cityofplacerville.org
Jackie Neau jneau@cityofplacerville.org
David Yarbrough dyarbrough@cityofplacerville. org ElL DORADO COUNTY SUPERVISORS EDC Government Center 330 Fair Lane, Placerville
District 1 Supervisor Greg Ferrero (530) 621-5650
District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo (530) 621-5651
District 3 Supervisor Brian Veerkamp (530) 621-5652
District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin (530) 621-6513
District 5 Supervisor Brooke Laine (530) 621-6577
Paying one lump sum for the
Burn permits not required
Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit
News release
As of Monday, Nov. 10, Cal Fire no longer requires a burn permit in the State Responsibility Areas of Alpine, Amador, El Dorado and Sacramento counties.
Residents must verify it is a permissible burn day prior to burning by calling their local air quality district:
• Amador: (209) 223-6246
• El Dorado: (530) 621-5897
• Alpine: (760) 872-8211
• Tahoe Basin: (530) 621-5842 / (888) 332-2876
• Sacramento: (279) 972-2876
Cooler temperatures and increased relative humidity across the region
have lowered the threat of wildfires; however, residents are urged to continue to take precautions outdoors to prevent sparking a wildfire. Before you burn, ensure it is a permissible burn day, make sure piles of landscape debris are no larger than 4 feet in diameter, provide 10 feet of clearance down to bare mineral soil around the burn pile, ensure that a responsible adult attends at all times with a water source and a shovel, and never burn on windy days.
Remember, you are responsible for always maintaining control of your fire and smoldering piles can still contain enough heat to ignite vegetation. For more landscape debris burning tips visit ReadyForWildfire. org.
EDSO launches a homeless encampment reporting tool
El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office
News release
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Homeless Outreach Team is introducing a new QR code reporting system the community can use to report homeless encampments or related concerns.
By scanning the QR code below, residents will be able to:
• Drop a pin at the exact location
• Provide a brief description of the issue
• Optionally include your contact
information if you’d like a call back
All submissions go directly to the Homeless Outreach Team, which will review and follow up with each report.
(You can also take a screen shot of the QR code, open the folder where your photos are stored on your phone, press the image and the open in your web browser.)
“Our goal is to improve response efficiency while connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with resources and services,” sheriff’s officials noted.
Community Action Council seats open
El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency
News release
The El Dorado County Community Action Council is seeking new members. The council is looking to fill two member vacancies with individuals who can represent the interests and concerns of people and families with low incomes living in El Dorado County, with a special focus on housing, nutrition and low-income program needs.
“We’re specifically looking for representatives of community organizations who are committed to
actively participating in the council meetings and advancing the goals of the council on behalf of low-income people,” said Rebecca Johnson, program coordinator with the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency. “Representatives of community agencies that serve El Dorado County’s low-income residents are encouraged to apply.”
The council acts in an advisory capacity to the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors and the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency about community
n See COUNCIL, page A4
County doubles up on retirement incentive plan
Noel Stack Editor
The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to expand its retirement incentive plan, allowing nearly 100 employees to voluntarily separate in exchange for an increased contribution to retiree health benefits.
The plan is expected to conservatively save the county $1.4 million annually — a figure derived on the assumption that “each of those vacant positions would be filled at step 3 with Kaiser family insurance and not eligible for longevity or a CalPERS Employer Paid Member Contribution,” according to information provided by Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Carla Hass.
Originally approved in September, the board agreed to earmark $2 million from the county’s Retiree Health Fund for the incentive plan at that time. The 5-0 vote on Nov. 4 takes an additional $2 million from that account to cover the incentive for 95 retiring county employees, who will leave their positions by Dec. 31 of this year or by June 30, 2026.
“Most of the people who applied, applied right at 8 a.m. or very shortly thereafter (the first day),” Human Resources Director Joseph Carruesco told the supervisors. “We were able to approve some people based on
the (initial) $2 million that was allocated for this.”
Staff then worked with the Budget Ad Hoc Committee to determine if the plan could be expanded “to put another $2 million toward this program, which would allow all 95 applicants to participate,” Carruesco explained.
District 3 Supervisor Brian Veerkamp, who sits on that ad hoc committee, told fellow board members, “It will be very advantageous to approve this, as well as a major cost savings.”
The fund has “plenty of funding in it and this is what it was intended to
be used for,” he added. Carruesco said the Retiree Health Fund has about $6 million remaining, “and it’s very restricted on what it can be used for.”
Noting an ongoing dispute between county leaders and employees who say they are not competitively paid and worried about losing experienced staff, Pollock PInes resident Leo Bennett-Cauchon urges the board to consider the longterm impacts of their decision.
“A high turnover rate doesn’t allow senior staff to pass on acquired skills that can
the root structure of one or more teeth may be overly exposed. If so, the focus should be on the “dentin” layer, which lies beneath the enamel and contains millions of tiny tubules connected to nerve endings. Gum recession and enamel erosion lay bare this sensitive tissue, which is usually protected by enamel and gums. Even hard brushing can wear away gum tissue to the point where dentin tubules are exposed to hot and cold drinks. Dentin can also become irritated by the overuse of tooth-whitening agents at home. In any case, the dentist can help reduce sensitivity by sealing exposed dentin and eliminating the cause(s) of dentin exposure. Tooth pain can be a rather
huge pain and irritation. It can completely dull your thinking, make your entire face feel painful, and can also keep you from eating properly. We are a highly qualified and experienced team of oral health care professionals. We will discuss all of your options with you. Our entire staff is thoroughly trained, skilled, and sensitive to your needs. Our goal is to make each visit to our office a comfortable and positive experience. Call us today to schedule an appointment. We offer “Tooth Print,” which is an impression of a child’s full mouth. About the size of a small wafer, the impression is given to the parent/ guardian for the family album or for ID for a missing child. P.S. Gum recession may require corrective periodontal surgery that involves grafting tissue.
Photo courtesy of Cal Fire
Though residents no longer need a burn permit, they must ensure it’s a burn day and use caution when burning on their property.
Paradise Continued from A1
to beneficial insects, including caterpillars, butterflies and moths that can survive in the soil and weather of the region. Native plants have deep root systems and are more resilient to weather conditions, require less water and fertilizer.
“There are many reasons to plant native species including saving money, water and time,” shared local landscape architect Kit Veerkamp, who is also a proponent of cultivating native plants.
Veerkamp advocates gardening with natives for other advantages like eliminating the use of pesticides and herbicides that could run-off to the local rivers, lakes and streams thereby improving water quality. Landscaping with natives “supports animals that reside in the area by providing fruit, nectar, nuts and seeds,” she added.
“We think of obvious pollinators like bees, birds and butterflies but these plants can also help create homes for small animals, warm and cold-blooded, and microscopic organisms in the soil,” Veerkamp explained. “All these living things have jobs to do. The natural environment promotes a symbiotic relationship that has evolved over a large span of time.”
By choosing to sow California native plants, which have developed their own defenses against many diseases and pests, the use of pesticides and herbicides (which also kill beneficial insects such as butterflies) can be eliminated and thus helping
Union Continued from A1
couple months away.”
Annexation discussions began in earnest in October 2022 when the two fire districts entered into a shared service agreement, which combined training and fire protection duties between the two groups. Establishment of an ad-hoc committee to explore annexation took place in January 2023 followed by resolutions of intent adopted by both districts’ fire boards the next month. Community meetings and discussions followed with the agencies initiating the formal Local Agency Formation Commission process in November 2024.
“It’s really exciting to see that it looks like this is really going to happen,” District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin said. “This is where I think everybody realizes we need to go in the county so I’m really … hoping that this is a model for some other districts that I think need to put their heads together too.”
“I think it’s going to benefit the whole county,” District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo said of the annexation, reminiscing when he volunteered for El Dorado’s fire department before it joined Diamond Springs.
to keep toxins out of the watersheds. Native plants require less water as they are able to withstand the long, dry summer months.
Morgan said she hopes the idea of using California native plants will spread to the corporate world and that spaces outside of a building’s footprint can be restored to native habitat.
“We still have folks persistently spraying herbicides and pesticides in these edges, borders and strips which could otherwise support insects, birds and other small animals,” she lamented.
Messy months
“I get a lot more interest in the garden than I thought I would,” Morgan said. “Sometimes, I find myself apologizing for the ‘messiness’ of it in late months of the year, because I too have to fight my own conditioning of what looks ‘pretty.’”
The more she learned about about what insects and birds need, the more Morgan said she is comfortable leaving a pile of leaves or not trimming everything down in the fall.
“Bugs need tubes/stems to crawl in; birds need bugs to eat in the spring,” she explained. “No amount of seed feeders serve birds that need bugs to feed their young. Keeping seed feeders is a kind, and good thing to do, but if we take out the native plants and bugs and only have seed, we are going to keep losing
“I just want to thank you guys,” Turnboo added, gesturing to both fire chiefs, “for all that working together to make this happen.”
“I think it is important to send an incentive statement to the other agencies that this is possible,” Cordero reiterated. “It can be done.”
During public comment Jacob Poganski, president of the El Dorado County Professional Firefighters Association, thanked the board for its support of the annexation process and acknowledged the challenges local fire districts face — aging infrastructure, expensive apparatus and staffing.
“This is not a simple, administrative act; it’s a historic milestone that strengthens local fire protection and sets the stage for a more efficient and resilient service model across our county,” Poganski said. “By helping facilitate this reorganization, the county is investing in safer communities, improved coordination and more effective use of limited resources. The annexation will enhance staffing flexibility, unify operations and improve our response capability — all without diminishing local control or identity.”
Board action on Nov. 4:
bird populations.”
Morgan’s motivation has been “a long love affair with the natural world, a personal interest in restoration projects and concern about the loss of biodiversity — and having worked closely with architects in the built environment for the past five years, I was seeing up close the design decisions being made every day that were removing native habitat, and chains of species that depend on them.
According to the Audubon Society, “The continental U.S. lost a staggering 150 million acres of habitat and farmland to urban sprawl, and that trend isn’t slowing. The modern obsession with highly manicured, ‘perfect’ lawns alone has created a green monoculture carpet across the country that covers over 40 million acres. The human-dominated landscape no longer supports functioning ecosystems and the remaining isolated areas are not enough to support wildlife.”
Landscaping choices have meaningful effects on the populations of birds and the insects they need to survive, the society notes; the bottom line: homeowners, landscapers and local policy makers can benefit birds and other wildlife by simply selecting native plants when making their landscaping decisions. Use Audubon’s handy database at audubon.org/native-plants to discover native plants in your area and which types of birds they’ll attract.
1. Adopted and authorized the board chair to sign Resolution 1642025 accepting the exchange of property tax base and increment for the annexation of all parcels within the Diamond Springs-El Dorado Fire Protection District into the El Dorado County Fire Protection District service area;
2. Adopted and authorized the chair to sign Resolution 165-2025 approving a one-time payment of $400,000 to El Dorado County Fire Protection District finding a public benefit will be derived from the payment to cover costs of required studies, founding documents, updated board of director and district policies, and LAFCO fees related to the reorganization to stabilize and enhance the sustainability of fire protection services to residents and visitors; and
3) Approved and authorized the board chair to sign a 2025-26 budget transfer request to increase contributions to a non-county
Indictments
government agency appropriations by $400,000 contingent upon the receipt of LAFCO’s certificate of completion of the reorganization.
District 3 Supervisor Brian Veerkamp, a retired El Dorado Hills Fire Department fire chief, said he wishes the county could contribute more funding to assist the district with the next steps.
“But given the fiscal constraints right now, it’s probably the best we can do,” he said.
Cordero told the board he understands the financial constraints of the county and shared the funds will be put to several uses. “We want to make sure that the agency, when (the annexation) is completed, starts on the right foot with new strategic plans, new master plan, new standards of cover,” the fire chief explained. “And all those, as you guys know, these studies and whatnot, they do not come cheap if you get them done in a very quality manner, which is what we want to do.”
Continued from A1
transportation of fentanyl for sale from a non-contiguous county, sale of fentanyl and possession of fentanyl for sale.
Tyler Tofanelli of Reno, Nev., was indicted for two counts of criminal threats and two counts of attempting to dissuade a witness.
Operation overview
To date, approximately 24 individuals have been arrested in connection with Operation Daisy Cutter, with additional arrests anticipated. One subject, Cole Williams, remains at large and was last believed to be in Tehachapi.
Council Continued from A3
and human service needs for lowincome residents of the county. The council provides for the collaboration of local government, private organizations, and citizens serving the most vulnerable populations. Council member positions are voluntary
take decades to develop so quality of service to the public goes down,” he said. “You’re losing institutional knowledge.”
Bennett-Cauchon advised the board to wait until the county has completed salary studies and union contract negotiations before it expands the retirement incentive plan.
Interim Chief Administrative Officer
Sue Hennike noted the county has roughly 50 employees who retire each year and department heads have time to plan for the loss of employees. This fiscal year, and possibly for years to come, the county faces a revenue decline while expenses increase. Several steep budget cuts have already been made and this incentive plan is part of ongoing efforts to keep the county financially stable.
“If we are looking at needing to make changes to our workforce in order to … make our budget fiscally sustainable into the future, we prefer to be able to do that by attrition through an incentive like this rather than having to do a reduction in force,” Hennike told supervisors. “So that’s the benefit we see, along with the savings we’ve calculated.”
Veerkamp moved for the item and District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin seconded the motion to:
This case represents a collaborative effort between prosecutors from El Dorado County, Douglas County, Carson City, and Washoe County District Attorney’s Offices. The joint investigation was conducted by the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Alpine County Sheriff’s Office, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Reno Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
and unpaid. Meetings are held in Placerville.
For more information about the council and to receive a member application please contact Johnson at (530) 621-6255 or send an email to rebecca.johnson@edcgov.us.
1) Find that a public benefit is derived by expanding an opportunity for employee attrition through a voluntary separation monetary incentive to achieve General Fund and other fund savings;
2) Approve an expansion of the retirement incentive plan for fiscal year 2025-26 to allow for all eligible applicants to participate in the program beyond the original $2,000,000 cap; and
3) Approve and authorize the chair to sign a budget transfer request to increase Special Department Expense appropriations and decrease appropriation for contingency in the Retiree Health Fund by $2,000,000 to provide for additional funding for the plan, including to cover approved employee separation incentive payments, any employer fees related to setting up the Health Reimbursement Arrangement accounts and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute Fee. Those retiring no later than Dec. 31, 2025, shall be eligible for $2,500 per year of full-time equivalent service, not to exceed $50,000 total deposited in the HRA and those retiring no later than June 30, 2026, shall be eligible for $2,000 per year of fulltime equivalent service, not to exceed
Cougars’ defense silences Grizzlies in bowl game
or break a high school football game.
In the case of the El Dorado High School varsity football team, it was a plus in a CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Bowl Game against the Golden Sierra High squad at Cougar Stadium on Nov. 7. In a game for bragging rights among the two schools in El Dorado County, the host Cougars kept the visiting Grizzlies out of the end zone in the second half. Add a touchdown and El Dorado came away with a 20-7 victory. This bowl game was one of many in the section that took place last Friday. All the schools participating had missed out on earning a playoff berth. The playoffs for Divisions I-VII begin this Friday.
“It’s fun to see these guys 11 games into the season putting in so much effort and trying so hard down the stretch,” said El Dorado head coach Kevin Placek.
El Dorado (4-7 overall) and Golden Sierra (7-4) faced each other in a scrimmage
a week before the regular season started in August. Placek said both teams also competed against each other in 7-on-7 passing games during the summer.
The Cougars led 14-7 at halftime. Then they scored their only touchdown of the second half on the first offensive possession in the third quarter. A five-play, 63-yard drive ended when quarterback Hunter Rupley tossed a 27-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Logan Kruse with 9:39 left in the quarter. Gerad
Lemus booted the extra point for the 20-7 score. Golden Sierra, a member of the Sierra Delta League that took second place this season, had a lengthy offensive drive that would ultimately end in a second punt. The first punt attempt, with the ball spotted at its own 23-yard line on fourth down and 17, was awarded a first down when El Dorado was penalized for roughing the kicker. The chains moved the ball to the
for the next level
all
and
Photos by Mike Bush
El Dorado defensive lineman Caleb Souza (51) chases down Golden Sierra quarterback Andrew Gerondakis (1) in Friday’s bowl game at Cougar Stadium.
Photo by Nate Monley
shouting
Nate Monley Special to the Mountain Democrat
The Calaveras County Fairgrounds — home of the celebrated jumping frog — hosted a different breed of speedsters last weekend, as several local runners advanced to next week’s section finals following a full slate of subsection championship cross country races. The Union Mine Diamondbacks
qualified
in
four Division IV categories (men’s
women’s, varsity and frosh/soph), led by top-10 finishes from David Warden and Patrick Pinjuv in the varsity boys’ division and strong scoring runs from Serin Monley, Maggie Hopson and Eliza Hodnett in the girls’ bracket. El Dorado High School also had a strong showing, with the Lady
El Dorado wide receiver Logan Kruse (6) catches the football in front of Golden Sierra cornerback Ashton Monti (3) at the Nov. 7 matchup.
OPINION
California Matters
Prop. 50 passage sets off a chain of political and legal maneuvers
When California voters over-
whelmingly passed Proposition 50 on Nov. 4, they set in motion political and possibly legal maneuvers that will ultimately determine whether its overt purpose, increasing Democratic congressional members by five or more seats, becomes reality.
The first is a political scramble among politicians in both parties to determine who will run where in next year’s congressional elections.
Ambitious Democrats are lining up to run in the newly gerrymandered districts, some of which have been tailored to favor particular candidates.
The most obvious example is a district that stretches from the heavily Republican northeastern corner of the state to the northern suburbs of San Francisco, seemingly made to order for Mike McGuire, the outgoing president pro tem of the state Senate. In creating that district, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature aim to unseat Republican Doug LaMalfa, who now represents northeastern California in Congress.
The plan would, if successful, shrink Republican districts from nine to four, meaning that in some areas, such as in inland Southern California, current GOP incumbents would be compelled to either retire or joust among themselves for survival.
President Donald Trump’s Justice Department monitored last Tuesday’s voting and could contend that California’s new congressional maps are discriminatory and should be suspended until the Supreme Court renders its decision.
Prop. 50’s political impacts hinge on the assumption that maps ratified by the ballot measure actually are in e ect for next year’s elections. While it’s likely they will be used, there’s a possibility that courts will intervene.
By happenstance, Prop. 50’s pro-Democrat gerrymander and the recent pro-Republican gerrymander in Texas are occurring just as the U.S. Supreme Court weighs a major case involving the federal Voting Rights Act. Its outcome could impact both.
The Voting Rights Act, passed by Congress in 1965 to bolster the civil rights of minorities, particularly Black people in Southern states, prohibits any voting procedure “which results in a denial or abridgment of the right of any citizen of the United States to vote on account of race or color.”
While the law bars exclusionary voting laws, it has been widely interpreted to require creation of districts specifically to increase chances for
■ See WALTERS, page A7
Letters to the Editor
Clear the air of clutter
EDITOR:
The shutdown/airline flight reductions heading into the holiday travel period will pressure Congress to reconvene and do their jobs. Until then, here’s a partial remedy: In order to free up air space for airliners the FAA should ground all private aircraft, corporate jets, cargo planes, military training flights, political and vacation flights of government o cials, etc. Clear the air for citizens and let the big shots take the train.
HARRY MERCADO Diamond Springs
Staying put
EDITOR:
As a friend and I were leaving the No Kings protest on Oct. 18, a man shouted from his car, “Go live somewhere else!” We didn’t respond.
“Don’t take the bait” is a guiding principle of peaceful protest. Yes, flight is a response you could choose to the takeover of our government by an aspiring dictator, his backers and his collaborators.
Old friends who lived in Pleasant Valley have moved to Portugal, and are happily living an expat lifestyle. My stepson and his Italian wife live and work in Rome. We miss them, but support their decision to make their life abroad.
Me, I’m not going anywhere. And neither are the millions of Americans who came out on the streets to demonstrate their love of our country and their determination to return the U.S. to the rule of law, due process and the principles of the Constitution. We won’t leave, and we won’t stop. We all now realize this is a marathon, not a sprint. It will take years to repair the damage Trump has done and to rebuild our democracy.
Our goal? A return to constitutional government — checks and balances; a Congress that is not a rubber stamp for an autocrat; a Supreme Court untainted by partisanship and corruption. (Apologies to Justices Sotomayor, Kagan and Jackson). We want a president who is sane, honest, competent and compassionate.
Beyond that, we dream of a country where no one goes without food, shelter and healthcare; where all children receive a good education, up
The Balancing Act
Recapping the Best World Series
In the inimitable words of Chico Esquela (a Garrett Morris character from “Saturday Night Live,” 1975-80, when SNL had the greatest of character actors and comedians, including Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, Bill Murray, John Belushi and Gilda Radner) who said, “Bisbol been berry berry good to me,” baseball has been good for America since about the 1840s when Alexander Cartwright and the Knickerbocker Baseball Club formalized the rules of the game. But the best of baseball occurred just two weeks ago in the 2025 World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the best World Series ever. It was
an amazing seven games with the MVP turning out to be the only pitcher ever to record three victories in a single series, Dodger pitcher, Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Yamamoto also pitched a complete game in the series — a one run, four hitter overshadowing Dodger Shohei Ohtani, who had a massive home run performance during the series and in the playo s. The series also had two extra-inning games, Game 3, which the Dodgers won in 18 innings and 6 hours and 37 minutes of baseball, 6-5. The final and deciding game went 11 innings and had more twists and turns than any game I ever saw. It was baseball at its finest.
Sure there were a few errors,
like Freddy Freeman over running an infield popup, but that was inconsequential compared to Freeman’s 18th inning solo home run that won Game 3. Freeman, last year’s World Series MVP, capped Game 1 with a walk-o grand slam and hit a record home run in each of the first four games. But there is so much more, all taking place in the last two games. First, Game 6. With the Dodgers facing elimination with a loss, Yamamoto starts the game holding Toronto to just one run and five hits over six innings, helping to maintain a Dodger 3-1 lead. But the play of the game was the last play. With Toronto threatening with runners on second and third and one out, Andres Gimenez lined a Glasnow fastball into shallow left field. Dodger left fielder Kiki Hernandez had Gimenez played perfectly and nabbed the soft liner on the dead run and threw a strike to
Miguel Rojas to double up the Blue Jays’ Addison Barger, who strayed too far from second base trying to get a lead as he knew if the Gimemez’ liner fell in, he had to score from second base to tie the game. Hernandez’ throw was on the mark and it beat Barger back to the bag by about 6 inches. Double play, game over and the Dodgers win, taking the series to a seventh game.
In Game 7 the Blue Jays jumped to a 3-0 lead, later extended it to 4-2 and went into the top of the 9th with a 4-3 lead — only needing three outs for a World Series victory. Up comes the bottom of the Dodgers’ lineup, Miguel Rojas, who hasn’t hit a long ball in a month. There’s one out and out of nowhere Rojas works the count to 3 and 2. Blue Jays pitcher Je Ho man, after Rojas fouled o two 96 mph heaters, comes in with an 86
DAN WALTERS
LARRY WEITZMAN
racial groups to elect representatives from their communities.
California’s independent redistricting commission, in plans drawn after the 2010 and 2020 censuses, adopted that interpretation, and the newly gerrymandered districts do as well. However, the interpretation is being challenged before the Supreme Court in a case out of Louisiana, and its conservative members, a majority, have indicated both during arguments and in past rulings that they may consider it to be racial discrimination against white voters.
“This court held that race-based affirmative action in higher education must come to an end,” Solicitor Gen. D. John Sauer wrote in his brief in the Louisiana case. The same is true, he said, for using the Voting Rights Act to draw legislative districts that are likely to elect Black or Latino candidates.
President Donald Trump’s Justice Department monitored last Tuesday’s voting and could contend that California’s new congressional maps are discriminatory and should be suspended until the Supreme Court renders its decision.
Trump seemed to hint about intervention in
a Truth Social post denouncing Prop. 50 as a “GIANT SCAM” and said mailed ballots, by far the most prominent form of voting, disenfranchise Republicans and are “under very serious legal and criminal review.” He closed with “STAY TUNED!”
In 2001, the threat of intervention by Republican President George W. Bush’s administration thwarted plans by California’s Legislature for a gerrymander favoring Democrats, forcing them to make a deal with Republicans on maps that maintained the partisan status quo.
Even a brief interruption could undermine what Newsom and the Legislature seek in Prop. 50 because candidate filing for congressional districts opens on Dec. 19, and if the new maps are in legal limbo, current districts would be used for the 2026 elections.
Dan Walters is a journalist and author who writes for CALmatters.org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.
mph slider out over the plate and Rojas drills it over the left field fence to tie the game. But we are not done with Rojas’ impact on this World Series.
In the bottom of the 9th and Toronto threatening again with one out and the bases loaded, Toronto’s Daulton Varsho sends a hard ground ball near second base and it’s Rojas who snags it and throws home. Dodgers catcher Will Smith steps on home plate before the runner for the second out, saving the winning run from scoring. Two out, runners on second and third. Up comes Toronto’s Ernie Clement, who sends a fly ball to the warning track in deepest left center field. Dodger center fielder Andy Pages collides with left fielder Kiké Hernandez but makes an incredible catch while banging into the wall. Third out, going again to extra innings.
Now it’s time for more heroics. Top of the 11th and Dodgers’ Catcher Will Smith is at bat; he catches another slider out over the plate and it’s caught by a fan in the left field bleachers. Second game winning home run for Smith, but the Dodgers have to hold on in the bottom of the 11th.
Toronto doesn’t go down easily. With one out and runners on the corners, Alejandro Kirk, the powerful Toronto catcher, is at bat. He sends a hard grounder to Dodger shortstop Mookie Betts, who snags it, steps on second and gets the slow Kirk at first base. Game over, Dodgers win the World Series, ending both the sixth game and seventh with double plays. What a series and it’s amazing how every Dodger contributed to the victory, especially Yamamoto, who pitched the last two innings of Game 7 to post his third victory and earn that World Series MVP trophy.
Larry Weitzman is a former El Dorado County resident.
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 CribbersWe Play - We Teach - We Have Fun Wednesdays 4:00 PM Gilmore Senior Center 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA 916-212-2465 or 916-768-4452
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 CLUB. Come play tennis for fun and friendship. Meet at El Dorado High School, Acacia
SENIOR
TAXPAYERS
Weitzman
Ponderosa loses to Merced in flag football title game
Mike Bush Mountain Democrat correspondent
Aleyah Cruz has been on target for the Ponderosa High School flag football team most of this season.
In the CIF SacJoaquin Section Flag Football Playo s –Division II title game against Merced High’s squad at Cosumnes River College in Sacramento on Saturday, the junior quarterback completed more than half of her passes to Bruin wide receivers and running backs. The road to improvement playing a position she was not penciled in at the beginning of the season developed during Capital Valley Conference action in which the Bruins won the conference title and preseason games.
Cruz threw a pass to Rowan Thomas, who ran 57 yards for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter of the section title game. The extra-point pass was no good. But that was just one of the highlights for No. 3 seed Ponderosa.
Merced, which was the top seed, lit up the scoreboard before the Bruins’ touchdown. That led to the Bears posting a 33-6 win, preventing the Bruins from repeating as backto-back champions after going 25-0 during the 2024 season.
“Aleyah wasn’t our quarterback at the beginning of the year,” said Ponderosa head coach Tyson Escobar, whose squad finished with an 18-7 overall record. “She kind of stepped into that role.
Bowl Game
Grizzlies’ 38.
Photo by Mike Bush
them in front of us.”
We got a lot of juice out of Aleyah this year. She’s going to be our quarterback going into next year.” Ponderosa’s only touchdown came courtesy of its defense. Madalyn Meier picked o a pass thrown by the Merced quarterback, spotting the ball at the Bruin 12-yard line. “We were trying to get the ball out in space,” Escobar said. “They (Merced) were incredibly fast and quick. We were able to get some things going.” Merced (25-4) picked o Cruz three times in the second half.
Continued from A5
But the Cougars’ defense stood tall on this drive. Golden Sierra gained a combined 6 yards, which included a loss of 6 yards on their own fumble recovery at the 39 and called for a false start. The Grizzlies would punt again on fourth and 9 at their own 49.
“It was the basic stu that we talked about all week that we just didn’t execute,” said Placek of the Cougars’ regular season and Sierra Valley Conference finale against Union Mine in the Gold Nugget Game in El Dorado on Oct. 30 and coming away with a 17-16 win. “We got on them at halftime about when we execute, we can be a pretty good football team. Defense really proved that in the second half.”
El Dorado also had the ball for a long time toward the end of the third and entering the fourth quarter. The Cougars used a fake punt, a pass, on fourth and 12 from their own 40 when Lemus lined up to punt,
The last interception came with more than six minutes left in the fourth quarter when Samantha Barragan snagged the ball near midfield.
Merced increased its lead to 33-0 in the third whe n quarterback Antonia Lejarde threw a 71-yard pass to Averie Steverson. That score also came o the Bears getting the ball back thanks to an interception.
“We just couldn’t match up, skill-wise, with them,” Escobar said. “We just tried to play zone, trying to keep
Lejarde had a say in the Bears’ two touchdowns earlier in the quarter. She threw a 23-yard pass to Ryann Perez for a 27-0 score at 7:42.
Less than a minute earlier, Lejarde kept the ball on a quarterback keeper and went into the end zone on a 5-yard run, at this point 20-0. Ponderosa almost recorded a touchdown toward the end of the second quarter. Cruz hit Bella Escobar, and Aprilla Brown had a run to move the ball to the Merced 11. But a pass in which
instead threw the ball to wide receiver Heath Morris of 16 yards and a first down at the Golden Sierra 44. But the Cougars would lose the ball at the Grizzlies’ 26 on loss of downs on fourth and 3.
But the Grizzlies didn’t have the ball for long after the turnover, as El Dorado linebacker Dennis Warden picked o quarterback Andrew Gerondakis and the ball marked at the Golden Sierra 25. However, the Cougars were guilty of a false start and recovering their own fumble back at the Grizzlies’ 46, leading to a punt on fourth and 21 at the visitor’s 49.
“We felt we had the advantage on the line of scrimmage and in the box,” said Placek of the Cougars’ o ensive line against the Grizzlies’ defensive front. “The plan was to come in and run the ball as much as we can and pass when we needed to. We were able to run the ball very e ectively tonight.”
The Cougars’ defense delivered another blow to the Grizzlies’ o ense again late in the fourth quarter when defensive end Hunter Dean recovered a fumble at the Golden Sierra 30. El Dorado marched to the Grizzlies’ 14, only to be denied again and lost the ball on loss of downs at fourth and 8.
Golden Sierra ended the game by going backward on o ense, thanks to an illegal man downfield
a Ponderosa player caught the ball was out of bounds on 4th down, turning the ball on loss of downs. Merced went into halftime with a 13-0 lead.
The Bears made some noise earlier in the quarter for their halftime lead to break up a 0-0 score. The second touchdown came at 3:11 when Lejarde completed a 4-yard pass to Perez. The extra-point run was no good for a 13-0 score. “Their quarterback is really good, too,” said Escobar of Lejarde. “She’s one of the better
quarterbacks as far as throwing the ball.” Perez hauled in a 21-yard pass from Lejarde of 65 yards with 11:48 on the clock in the quarter. The extra-point pass was good for a 7-0 score. Ponderosa tried di erent ways to move the ball on o ense during the game. This included double passes. But the Bears’ defense made noise in putting pressure on the o ense throughout the contest. The Bruins are only in their second season of flag football. Escobar said the team’s goal was to win the CVC title. Each conference win built confidence for Ponderosa, which started its season in an intra-county nonconference opener at Oak Ridge; the Bruins fell 6-0 and lost three of their first four games, all nonconference, before finding their winning ways.
“If someone told me at the beginning of the year ‘you’re playing for the section championship game,’ I would say there is absolutely no way,” Escobar said. Despite the loss, Escobar pointed out the positives of the Bruins’ season. That included winning the conference title and returning to the D-II title game. In addition, there are 22 juniors, sophomores and freshmen on the team projected to return for the 2026 season. Ponderosa loses only 10 seniors who graduate next spring.
“I’m super proud of this group,” Escobar said.
penalty and Gerondakis sacked for a loss of 16 yards, pushing the ball back to their 4-yard line.
Late in the second quarter, with El Dorado leading 14-7, Golden Sierra looked like it would tie the game when cornerback Ashton Monti picked o a Rupley pass. The ball now spotted at the Grizzly 20-yard line, Golden Sierra moved the ball thanks to running back Noah Prine on a 27-yard run on a counter play to the 50. This was after Gerondakis connected with wide receiver Michael Goski on a 3-yard strike the play prior.
The Grizzlies, however, saw their threat end when Cougar defensive back Brendan Franks intercepted a Gerondakis pass with 7 seconds left in the quarter.
The ball marked at the Cougar 43, the first half ended when Prine, a cornerback, stepped in front of a Rupley pass.
El Dorado took a 14-7 lead at the 8:01 mark in the second when running back Tyler Villa scored on a 3-yard run, an o -tackle play. Lemus booted the extra point.
Golden Sierra knotted the game at 7-7 with 1:23 in the first quarter when Gerondakis threw a pass to Goski, who ran a post pattern. Jason Sasser booted the ball through the uprights.
The Cougars got on the scoreboard at 6:28 in the opening quarter when Villa scored his first touchdown of the game, this one on a 5-yard run. Lemus’ kick was good.
Rupley completed 11 of 22 passes for 124 yards. Villa led the Cougars’ running game as he had 112 yards on 18 carries. El Dorado had a combined 306 o ensive yards, with 166 on the ground. Gerondakis completed four of 16 passes for 63 yards for the Grizzlies, who had a combined 184 o ensive yards. Golden Sierra had 121 yards on the ground, as running back Cody McCoard had 52 yards on two carries.
Placek, in his fourth season as the El Dorado head coach after spending many years as an assistant coach at Oak Ridge, was happy to see the seniors who were freshmen when he came to the program end their season on a winning note.
“Everyone was excited for an opportunity to play an 11th game,” Placek said. “It was another football game, and we spent the entire week preparing for it was like any other football game.”
Placek also moved up 14 players from the El Dorado junior varsity football team to get a taste of post-season.
Scoreboard
Union Mine — The Diamondbacks also earned a bowl game, taking on SDL school Highlands at North Highlands. Union Mine (3-8) came away with a wild 78-30 win, also on Friday. The team led 46-30 at halftime, then exploded for 32 points in the second half.
Ponderosa’s Lily Thomas (24) gets ready to throw the football on a halfback option play against Merced in the section’s D-II title game at Cosumnes River College on Saturday.
Cougars varsity squad racing to a third-place team finish behind top10 performances from speedsters Kendall Campora and Ameliana Amorosa. Campora’s photo-finish tie with Placer High’s Luca Bourgault sets up an exciting rematch at next week’s section championships, where the dynamic El Dorado duo will look for more top-10 glory in the larger field. The blue-and-white frosh/ soph boys also advanced as a team to sections, led by Cougar harriers Marshal French and Mason Pike.
In Division III action, Ponderosa High continued its stellar season with
Letters Continued from A6 to and including post-secondary job training or college; where the American dream is within reach of all those who are willing to work hard; where there is a fair and efficient system for welcoming immigrants; where there is respect for science; and where our beautiful public lands are stewarded, not exploited. Those, like that driver, who disagree, are welcome to stay. Dissent is part of democracy. You’re welcome to express your opinions, however repugnant they may be to many of us. But we will do everything in our power to keep you from running the country. And we aren’t going anywhere.
MARY LOU GILES Cameron Park
Set the record straight
EDITOR:
Investigations by the FBI and the State Department concluded there was no evidence that Hillary Clinton intentionally deleted work-related emails in an effort to conceal them or destroy evidence. The FBI did, however, find that she and her staff were “extremely careless” in their handling of very sensitive, highly classified information.
Key findings from the investigations: No intentional concealment: The FBI’s 2016 investigation, led by then-Director James Comey, specifically stated there was no evidence that any additional workrelated emails discovered by the FBI were intentionally deleted to conceal them. The assessment was that, like many email users, she periodically deleted emails or emails were purged from the system when devices were
COMICS
a first-place team title for the varsity boys, led by sub-17:00 efforts from Brady Morris, Braden Himley and Devin Maldonado, and a third-place finish for the girls’ team, spearheaded by a first-place run from junior Emelyn Angelo. Freshman phenom Sadi Angelo glided in just one second behind her teammate, taking second place in what has been a remarkable season for the fleet-footed runner.
The cross country athletes will be back at it next Saturday at Willow Hills in Folsom, where top runners and teams will vie for spots at the state finals.
changed, a process that occurred before a congressional investigation began.
Deletion process: Clinton’s lawyers sorted her emails into work-related and personal categories. The personal emails (around 33,000) were subsequently deleted from the server at her lawyers’ direction with the belief they were no longer needed. The FBI was able to recover some of these deleted emails, and the majority were determined to be personal; though a few thousand work-related emails were also found among the recovered data.
No criminal charges: Based on its findings, the FBI did not recommend criminal charges against Clinton or her aides. Comey stated that while there was evidence of potential violations of statutes regarding the handling of classified information, there was no clear evidence of intentional and willful mishandling or efforts to obstruct justice, which are typically required for prosecution in such cases.
Policy violation: A separate State Department Inspector General report in 2016 concluded that Clinton’s use of a private server violated department policy, but the subsequent State Department inquiry in 2019 found no “deliberate mishandling of classified information.”
In summary, the official investigations did not find evidence of intentional destruction of evidence to obstruct justice; though the use of the private server and the handling of emails were criticized as careless and a violation of policy.
JOHN REAY El Dorado
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your sincere desire is to help humanity at large, and today you’ll find small ways to do it. Empathy, curiosity and beauty are the tools you use to make ties in the net that connects all.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’re trying to make something work, but it’s uphill. Take a break. The moment you admit “this isn’t it,” someone new steps in with exactly what you needed. Letting go isn’t giving up; it’s clearing space.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Being misunderstood doesn’t always mean you’re doing something wrong. Today, it means you’re ahead of the curve. You are thinking in a new way, and there literally isn’t a shared vocabulary yet, so people can’t quite “get it.” Later they will.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). Be open to how others see you, especially new people. The people who know you best all share a similar picture of who you are, but it takes an outsider to show you a fresh version of yourself. A collaboration or encounter will be wonderful for your self-image.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). If you wonder whether you have grown, just look at what you are attracted to now. It’s different from what you wanted before. You no longer need something, and that’s because you’re able to provide it for yourself.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Dreams come true every day for someone — why not you? The secret today is to aim high and accept whatever comes. Even if it’s not ideal, you can probably find a way to leverage it into your next amazing opportunity.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You regularly do something that’s good for you, and it’s easy, too. For others it would be difficult. Give yourself props. Long ago you put in the effort to forge the habit. You earned this, so enjoy it.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The only person who can make your mark is you. Others have stood on the stones where you stand, but not one could do what you will. There’s a decision in the balance. Your options will come into vivid focus.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Think ahead to upcoming events. How
throughout human history didn’t have. Stay aware and in control of your own attention, and don’t let anyone manipulate it away from your desired investment. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You say no to something that doesn’t feel right, and that
n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly
n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter
n RUBES by Leigh Rubin
n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly
by Holiday Mathis
SUDOKU
Photo by Melissa Angelo
Ponderosa’s Emmy Angelo and Sadi Angelo, top two finishers in Division III girls, are all smiles after the race.
Photo by Nate Monley
UMHS senior Eliza Hodnett races to the finish line. Runners Continued from A5
Nestled in the heart of Cameron Park, our private villas and cottages o er more than just comfort — they o er peace of mind. With personalized care that not only meets your loved one where they are today but thoughtfully anticipates their future needs, we graciously treat every resident like family.
Whether you’re seeking the independence of a vibrant lifestyle or the reassurance that comes with additional levels of support, Ponté Palmero is here to help your loved one not just live — but thrive — as part of our caring and connected community.
Spacious oor plans | Beautiful landscaped grounds Caring, local sta | Activities, clubs, outings, and celebrations | Transportation services Restaurant-style dining | Multiple levels of care on one campus
NEWS, IN THE KNOW
Nov. 12
The Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera presents Opera on the Go with Goldie B. Locks & the Three Singing Bears, The beloved children’s story brought to life like never before. The free, all ages event will take place at Winters Community Library, 708 Railroad Ave, Winters. For tickets and more information call (916) 476-5975 or visit sacphilopera.org.
Sacramento Metro Chamber and Sutter Health present the Sacramento Speakers Series at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center at 7: 30 p.m. featuring American author Mitch Albom. For tickets and more information visit sacramentospeakers.com.
Nov. 13
Vitalant will hold a Blood Drive at the El Dorado Hills Community Services District Park, 1021 Harvard Way from 11 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. To make an appointment use code SMFM019 and call (877) 258-4825 or visit donors.vitalant.org.
The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce will host a Chamber Mixer at Mother Lode Rehabilitation from 5:30-7:30 p.m. For more information visit eldoradocounty.org.
Alberto Lombardi Acoustic/Electric Solo Show will perform 7-9 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Nov. 14
Join Dogwood Garden Club for festive merry making at its Indoor Holiday Craft Fair in the Pines at 6290 Pony Express Trail from 5-8 p.m. and again on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Twenty vendors will be selling a variety of hand-crafted unique items. Mouthwatering soups, sandwiches and beverages will be available as well as a raffle and bake sale. All proceeds will be distributed to local nonprofit organizations such as the library, food bank and Boys and Girls Club. For more information contact Theresa Magunson at (619) 339-6931.
The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce will host the Highway 50 Corridor Power Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cattlemens, 12409 Folsom Blvd., Rancho Cordova. For more information visit eldoradohillschamber.org.
Grover Anderson and the Lampoliers + Flannel will perform 7-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Serena Karise Band will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 8 p.m. to midnight. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.
The Center for the Arts in Grass Valley presents Vienna Boys Choir at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information visit thecenterforthearts.org.
Ed Wilson will play at The Vine in El Dorado Hills from 6-8 p.m.
The Mills Station Arts and Culture Center in Rancho Cordova presents Spanish guitarist Jesse Hendricks at 6:30 p.m. For more information visit rcmacc.org.
Harris Center for the Arts in
Start your engines
Andrew Vonderschmitt
Features editor
The folks at Eskaton Village came out for the annual Veterans Day Classic Car Parade where more than 20 classic cars from early Model As to a classic 1960s Cadillac took to the streets in honor of American Veterans.
Navy veteran, John Johnson, owner of an orange 1939 Ford convertible has been working on this particular car for a while.
“I’ve had it for about eight years,” he said. “It was a basket case when I bought it, and it still needs work.”
Johnson said that he enjoys supporting his fellow veterans. He plans on continuing the work on the convertible.
“I’ll take donations,” he quipped.
Eskaton hosts the parade each year and follows it up with a barbecue after the cavalcade.
National Guard assists Food Bank
ccording to the California Association of Food Banks nearly 14,000 residents in El Dorado County rely on CalFresh benefits each month to help feed their families. But with federal CalFresh/SNAP benefits suspended due to the ongoing government shutdown, the Food Bank of El Dorado County has seen an unprecedented surge in need. Food Bank Director Mike Sproull quickly sought help to meet the growing demand.
Support came from the California Department of Social Services, which deployed National Guard members to assist at the Food Bank’s Shingle Springs warehouse. On Nov. 5, Guard members from across the state joined local staff and volunteers to sort produce, assemble food bags, and prepare distributions for low-income seniors.
“First, we focused on El Dorado County’s most at-risk residents — our elders,” said Distribution Manager David Morla.
The Guard helped deliver food boxes for the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Elder Outreach Program, while the Upper Room Dining Hall provided $100 gift cards to each senior.
District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo visited to thank the National Guard and local partners for their efforts.
The Food Bank’s board urges residents to volunteer or donate food or funds during the shutdown. To learn more about The Food Bank of El Dorado County visit foodbankedc.org.
Courtesy photo
Members of California’s National Guard assisted the Food Bank of El Dorado County in sorting and distributing food to local seniors on Nov. 5.
Mountain Democrat photos by Andrew Vonderschmitt
The Veterans Day Classic Car Parade at Eskaton Village had a great turn out including this 1960s maroon Cadillac.
The prossecion wound its way through the streets at Eskaton before coming to rest for a much deserved barbecue lunch. Left, Jon Johnson’s 1939 Ford Convertable makes its way to its final parking spot.
Golden Sierra Peer Advocates program highlighted
El Dorado County Office of Education
The El Dorado County Office of Education is incredibly proud that the innovative Peer Advocates Program at Golden Sierra Junior Senior High School was recently featured by PBS on its “Inside California Education” television series. This segment shines a bright light on how high school juniors and seniors are stepping up to mentor younger students, providing essential support on everything from mental health and bullying to accessing community resources like food and clothing.
PBS’s “Inside California Education” is a television series produced by PBS KVIE that shares compelling stories about California’s public education system.
on PBS
The series focuses on the challenges, opportunities and successes of public schools. Stories range from early education to kindergarten through 12th grade to community colleges and include topics such as special education, school funding, arts, STEM, educator training, student health and much more. It also profiles teachers, school staff, education leaders and others who are making a difference in the lives of California’s six million public school students.
EDCOE’s Peer Advocates program is not just creating a more caring campus culture; it’s shaping the future, with many advocates now considering careers in mental health and service. The success has been so undeniable that it’s now a county-wide initiative. Huge thanks to PBS for showcasing the power and compassion of these incredible young people, according to organizers.
‘Light Up a Life’ with Barton
Lauren Bachelder
Barton Health
AKE TAHOE — Barton
LHealth’s Hospice invites community members to come together in reflection and remembrance at Light Up a Life, a non-denominational ceremony honoring those who have been loved and lost.
The annual gathering will be held Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 6-7:30 p.m. at The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe, 100 Lake Parkway in Stateline, Nev. Guests are welcome to join for an evening of shared connection, reflection and the comfort of community.
“Grief can feel especially heavy during the holidays, when celebrations highlight what has changed in our lives,” said Tina
Bruess, grief counselor with Barton Hospice. “Light Up a Life offers a space to honor both our loss and our love — to recognize the memories that continue to shine within us.”
The evening will include heartfelt readings, messages of remembrance and the lighting of a memorial tree adorned with photo ornaments honoring hospice patients who have passed this year. Light refreshments will be served. Participation is open to anyone who wishes to remember a loved one, not just those cared for by Barton Hospice. For those unable to attend in person, names of loved ones can be submitted in advance to be read aloud during the ceremony. For more information or to share a name, call (530) 543-5592 or email tbruess@bartonhealth.org.
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Volunteers contribute to creek habitate restoration
News release
On Nov. 1, volunteers from Community Pride, Friends of El Dorado Trails and the California Native Plant Society gathered to restore streamside habitat along the bike trail at the Community Pride Native Plant Garden on Randolph Creek.
From 1:30-3:30 p.m., volunteers trimmed trees, shrubs and blackberries to help native plants thrive. These plants play a vital role in filtering and cleaning local water supplies, organizers said.
The garden, founded in 2010 by CNPS and Community Pride member Steve Dowty, showcases native California plants and improves habitat
along Randolph Creek, a tributary of Hangtown Creek. The creek is home to young trout fry and contributes to the health of a Class One trout stream.
Over the past 15 years, more than 250 native trees, shrubs, grasses and flowers have been planted by volunteers, schools and scout troops. The deep-rooted vegetation stabilizes creek banks, provides shade to cool the water, and supports pollinators, birds and other wildlife.
“This garden gives me a quiet, beautiful place to relax,” said volunteer Jennifer Tucker, a member of Community Pride and CNPS. “But more importantly, it gives me the opportunity to give back directly to my community.”
EDCOE to host two job fairs
News release
TNow offering a SAFE place for your packages. Have your packages delivered here at NO CHARGE!
Solving problems… it’s what we do!
530-626-1399
384 Placerville Dr, Ste. B • Placerville
he El Dorado County Office of Education will host two one-day hiring fairs Nov. 18 and 19 at its Green Valley campus, offering job seekers the chance to interview, test and possibly receive same-day job offers.
The November 18 event focuses on hiring Special
Services Instructional Assistants, while the Nov. 19 fair targets Extended Day Assistants. Both positions support local students and schools through EDCOE’s programs.
Applicants can complete the entire hiring process in one visit at 6767 Green Valley Road in Placerville. For more information contact Kim Stewart at kstewart@edcoe.org.
Get your tamales for the holidays
News release’
The Shingle Springs Community Center is taking orders for handmade tamales from Emma’s Tamales, with proceeds supporting facility improvements, maintenance and operations. Flavors include pork, chicken, chili cheese and chicken with green chile and Monterey Jack cheese. The tamales are sold frozen by the dozen, with each individually wrapped for convenience and packaged
with cooking directions. Orders must be placed by Nov. 21. Orders will be available for pick up on Dec. 11 from 4-6 p.m. at 4440 South Shingle Road, Shingle Springs.
The Shingle Springs Community Center is a nonprofit organization operated entirely by volunteers and funded through donations, memberships and rental income. Orders can be placed at ShingleSpringsCommunityCenter.org.
Christmas is coming to Olde Coloma
News release
Tickets for the final 2025 Olde Coloma Theatre production,
“Thrice Upon A North Pole Christmas” or “Get Lost, Jack Frost,” are now on sale at oldecolomatheatre.com or by calling the OCT box office at (530) 626-5282.
This family-friendly, audienceparticipation melodrama will run Nov. 28 through Dec. 21. Showtimes every Friday and
Saturday evening will be at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 7 p.m. There will be four matinées Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21 with showtime at 2 p.m. and doors opening at 1:30 p.m.
This holiday tradition features live music, Christmas caroling, cheering for the hero and booing the villain ... and, of course, “foiling” the villain at the end of the show.
The Christmas event is always popular, so it’s important to make reservations early.
Go 'Into the Woods'
‘Careful the wish you make …’
News release
Imagination Theater presents “Into the Woods”, the Tony Award-winning musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine that intertwines classic fairy tales — Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel — into a spellbinding story of wishes, consequences and the true meaning of “happily ever after.”
With its rich score, unforgettable characters and blend of humor and heartbreak, “Into the Woods” promises to leave audiences laughing, gasping and reflecting long after the curtain falls. Directed by Marc Bonham, performances run Nov. 29–Dec. 21, at Imagination Theater on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds.
Step into the magic. Step into the mystery. Step "Into the Woods." Tickets are available at itplacerville.org/2025-season/into-the-woods.
Courtesy photo PBS highlighted the efforts of Golden Sierra students who support fellow classmates.
Courtesy photo
Olde Coloma Theatre opens its holiday show Nov. 28
Gratitude in motion along the Highway 50 corridor
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” — William Arthur Ward
November invites us to slow down, reflect and reach out to others. Here along the Highway 50 corridor, that spirit of giving takes many forms. From early morning walk/runs that benefit neighbors in need to craft fairs and tree lightings that warm the heart, our foothill communities know how to put gratitude into action.
Gratitude in motion
One of the most meaningful ways people express thanks each November is by putting on walking shoes or running shoes. These walk/runs are designed for every ability level. Whether you’re moving at a steady pace or cheering from the sidewalk, there’s room for everyone. Walking often allows more time to catch up with friends and take in the beauty of the season. Running might burn a few extra calories before the pumpkin pie, and that’s just fine too.
The Apple Hill Half Marathon and 5K, held Nov. 16 in Camino, winds through golden orchards and country roads layered with fallen leaves. The air is crisp and the scent of wood smoke from family fireplaces can sometimes waft through the hills. Participants of all ages take part, with every stride supporting the Camino Union School District. It’s a brisk, beautiful way to give back. Register at
GROW FOR IT!
Garden myths and the truth
From time to time, folks make pronouncements about their gardens and nature. Here are some myths that are heard year after year.
Myth: Many acorns mean either a cold winter, a cold and wet winter or an early winter.
Truth: Acorn production varies from year to year according to many factors including the species of oak, the amount of rainfall, fluctuations in climate and the prevalence of pests and disease. Oaks produce acorns every three to five years in amounts sufficient for animals to eat and to ensure adequate tree replacement. Squirrels gathering huge stores of acorns in any given year is not a predictor of a cold and snowy winter. Myth: If some fertilizer is good, twice as much is even better.
He did it all
Many are still waiting for God to do something in their lives, like finding them a job, healing them, giving direction or helping them find a mate. Perhaps you are waiting on God for something too. But if you’ve been waiting a long time and find yourself disappointed, frustrated, discouraged and wondering where God is, I think there is a missing link here.
I believe we are the missing link. We may not be doing our part. God, through Jesus Christ, has done it all. When Jesus was on the cross, he said, “It is finished” (John 19:30). That means it is finished. He has done it all. He’s done everything he is going to do. Now we are the rest of the
runsra.org/apple-hill.
On Thanksgiving morning, the Folsom Turkey Trot brings people outdoors as the sun rises over frosty rooftops. Breath meets the morning air in clouds as walkers and runners move through leafy neighborhoods. The event’s primary beneficiary is the Twin Lakes Food Bank, which serves families in El Dorado Hills, Folsom and Granite Bay. Register at folsomturkeytrot.com.
Farther west, the Run to Feed the Hungry in Sacramento includes more than 30,000 of your friends and neighbors. The crowd’s energy is joyful and generous. It is an incredible high of positive emotion before sitting down to your Thanksgiving feast. Proceeds benefit Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. The ripple effect of this event helps local pantries stretch their resources. Support that may be especially needed this year, with many families affected by the recent government shutdown. Register at runtofeedthehungry.com.
If you know someone who is participating in one of these events, ask if you can sponsor them. They’ll be thrilled by your encouragement. Each of these events is a joyful, moving way to show what matters most.
Gathering in light and cheer
November also brings the first glow of the holiday season and our foothill communities know how to make it magical.
The Cameron Park Christmas Craft
Truth: No. Too much fertilizer can create high soluble salt levels that can burn roots and lead to plant decline.
Myth: Adding unlimited coffee grounds and/or grass clippings to the compost pile is good.
Truth: Wrong. Coffee grounds include the pulp, peel, hulls, husks and effluent of the coffee bean. Coffee grounds should make up no more than 20% of the total compost volume. The grounds are a good source of nitrogen, but they are acidic. Too much acid prevents
the compost heap from heating up enough to decompose.
Also, limit the amount of grass clippings in the compost pile. A compost pile needs the right mix of carbon and nitrogen. Grass clippings qualify as green material, and the ideal mixture is roughly equal portions of green and brown materials.
Myth: Native plants do not require water.
Truth: They do require water initially and during the first year after planting so the roots can work their way deep into the soil. After that, they can thrive in the local climate and produce food and shelter for native animal species.
Myth: Droughttolerant is the same as drought-resistant.
Truth: No. Droughttolerant plants may endure periods of drought by surviving them, even though they will look stressed. Drought-resistant plants, on the other
Faire held Nov. 22 at the Cameron Park Community Center is a cozy escape from the chill. Inside, the scent of cinnamon and pine mixes with cheerful holiday music. Shoppers browse handmade treasures, chatting with friendly crafters and neighbors. Visit for more at cameronpark.org.
As Thanksgiving weekend begins, lights begin to glow along U.S. 50. The trees in Christmas Tree Lane in Placerville on Highway 50 are decorated by local families, nonprofits and businesses. They shimmer against the darkening sky with festive cheer. This tradition, started in the 1970s, continues as a heartfelt display of community pride.
On the evening of Nov. 28, downtown Placerville becomes a holiday postcard. The Hometown Holiday on Main runs 4-8 p.m., with carolers, cocoa, live music, and a tree lighting at 6 p.m. Families gather in coats and mittens, warmed by the
hand, can not only tolerate drought but can even seem resilient through long dry periods with little to no supplemental water.
Myth: Rocks in the bottom of flowerpots are good for drainage.
Truth: No. In fact, the opposite is true. Rocks at the bottom of pots can block and restrict water drainage by reducing the size of the drainage hole. It’s best not to put anything on top of the drainage hole.
Myth: Treat cut wood to keep out disease and bugs to help heal the wood.
Truth: Tree bark has a natural defense mechanism. When the bark of a tree is injured, it naturally calluses over and compartmentalizes the wound to prevent decay and keep out insects, fungi and microorganisms. Tree bark neither heals nor regenerates. The tree isolates the wound through the formation of suberized and lignified wood
spirit of the season. Shops stay open late and each storefront adds its own sparkle. Discover more at visiteldorado.com.
These events invite us to connect — to our neighbors, our traditions and the joy of the season.
So thankful
Gratitude is more than a feeling. It is a choice we make with our time, our talents, and our presence. Whether you’re walking through the orchards, shopping for handmade items, decorating a tree or singing on Main Street, you’re giving something that matters.
This month, let’s keep moving forward with thankful hearts and open hands. God bless your November! Send your event for consideration in Susan’s column to slaird@ handywriting.com.
that physically and chemically repels invasion or infection. Dressing the wound only decreases the effectiveness of the tree’s own recovery process.
For more information about UC Master Gardener classes, events and garden resources visit mgeldorado.ucanr. edu.
For garden hours and activity information for the Sherwood Demonstration
Garden visit ucanr. edu/sites/EDC_ Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden. Have a gardening question? Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website or leave a message at (530) 621-5512.
For more information about UC Master Food Preserver classes, events and preserving resources visit ucanr.edu/site/uccemaster-food-preserverscentral-sierra.
story. When Jesus rose from the dead, he left us power. He said, “I will give you the power of the Holy Ghost, your comforter who will give you what you need to succeed in me” (my paraphrase). We will be able to evangelize the world, live life abundantly, lay hands on the sick so they recover, make sound decisions for our lives and live fearlessly. That’s
what the Lord has given and much more. But he doesn’t do everything for you. He said he will be with you to help you. Don’t get “waiting on God” mixed up with not taking responsibility for your life. We wait on God by believing while we wait, yet still moving forward.
I recall wanting to pay off my house. I had refinanced it and thought it impossible to pay off in my lifetime. I remember the Lord saying to me, “You will have it paid off in three years.” I thought this was going to take a miracle. But I believed what he told me. Then I began to participate by adding a little here and there to the principal. Within two years, I had enough money to pay off the house. Being part of the solution was important. I would still be waiting if I hadn’t
done my part. That is faith at work. I didn’t get it paid off instantly. It took patience, involvement and belief that it could be done. God moves by our faith. Isaiah 1:18 says, “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Reasoning together means cooperating with God. We do that first by believing what he said he would do, then doing our part. The Scriptures say faith without works is dead. We can believe all we want, but we also have to put into action what we believe. If you believe you are going to be a scientist, are you just sitting around, or are you attending school? If you want to be married,
are you sitting at home watching TV, or are you getting out into the world? Now, I have to say, I know of a person who was sitting at home when there was a knock at the door. It was a carpenter. Eventually, those two got together and were married. And my aunt wanted her long-lost boyfriend from school days, and he came to her door one day. They’ve been together ever since—and this was 40 years later. So there are times like that, but for the most part, we have to make ourselves available. There is nothing we can add to what he has done except love him for what he has done and honor him by doing our part. What was it the disciples asked Jesus? “What is the work we are to do to do the works of God?” Jesus said, “To believe
on him who was sent.” In other words, believe what Jesus has said and follow up your belief with action. But if you just sit there and don’t move, that is not faith. Many are waiting around for others to do everything. It’s time to take back your power, choose to follow the Lord and do all he has said for you to do. Many say, “I don’t know how to do it.” Well, God does. When you decide to get up and move, he will help you. It’s like driving a car. You can spin the steering wheel all you want, but until you press the gas pedal, you are not moving. Pressing the pedal is your faith at work. Once you begin to move, God can direct your steps. You can’t be directed until you start moving. I say this to you with all love and respect: Fear not to move.
Linda Lange Mountain Democrat contributor
Susan Laird The Arts
Photo courtesy of the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services
November is an especially festive time for sharing and giving. Fun walk/runs along the 50 corridor benefit many neighbors in need.
Kit Smith
UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County
Pixabay photo
A common myth is that native plants don’t need water. However, they do need water at least during their first year so their roots can work theway into the soil.
The Saloon - Peter Lindman Duo with Roger Rocha (4 Non Blondes)
@ 4pm The Saloon, 1232 Grant ave, San Francisco
held on Nov. 15, 2025. Boys in kindergarten & Pre-K do not need a placement appointment and can sign up to‐day. San Francisco. auditions@ sfbc.org, 415-861-7464
The HIVE Anniversary Party @ 11am Celebrate The HIVE’s 4th anniver‐sary and Z Specialty Food’s 46th during this FREE community event. The HIVE Tasting Room and Kitchen, 1221 Harter Avenue, Woodland. thehive@zspecialty food.com, 530-668-0660
Zarna Garg: Punch Line Comedy ClubSacramento, CA: Saturday, 3:00PM Show @ 3pm Punch Line Comedy Club, 2100 Arden Way, Sacramento
Saturday at the Patio @ 4pm Join Cloud Forest Cafe on the patio this fall on Saturdays for live music! Cloud Forest Cafe, 222 D Street, Davis
SF World Music Live Festival @ 4pm / $68.99 Nov 15th - Nov 16th World Music Festival in San Fran‐cisco Community Music Center, 544 Capp Street, San Francisco. hamid@zexa.live, 408-391-9019
Celebrate Song @ 7pm / $25-$35 Join Davis Sings at our fall fundraiser - Celebrate Song - to support Davis Chorale and Davis Youth Choir Stonegate Country Club, 919 Lake Boulevard, Davis. info@davischorale.org
Pamela Trokanski Dance Theatre Fall ConcertVerify You Are Human @ 7pm / $20 Verify You Are Human is a thought‐ful, and sometimes humorous ex‐ploration of what it means to be human and self-aware in the everevolving world of technology, so‐cial constructs, and world views. Louise H. Kellogg Memorial The‐ater, Pamela Trokanski Dance Workshop, 2720 Del Rio Place, Davis. of�ce@trokanski.com, 530756-3949
California Symphony: Beethoven’s Eroica @ 7:30pm / $50-$110
California Symphony and Artistic and Music Director Donato Cabr‐era celebrate the triumph of the human spirit with Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Wal‐nut Creek. info@californiasym phony.org, 925-943-7469
Skylark w/ DJ HVFF @ 10pm Skylark Bar, 3089 16th St., San Francisco
Paddington @ 2pm Crest Theater, Sacramento
Paddington @ 2pm Crest Theatre, 1013 K Street, Sacramento
Chelsea Bearce: Comedy Night at the Rellik @ 5pm The Rellik Tavern, 726 1st St, Benicia Mr. V: Feelmore Sundays @ 6pm White Rabbit Bar, 3138 Fillmore St, San Francisco
Lakeside Laughs @ 8pm The Cabaret at Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe
Rotary Club of Davis Weekly Lunch & Program @ 12pm See website for details. ro‐taryclubofdavis.com Davis Com‐munity Church, 421 D Street, Davis. spshoe@mac.com
FREE Strength & Fitness Class @ 1:15pm Free Strength & Fitness class at the Davis Lutheran Church Davis Lutheran Church ELCA, 317 East 8th Street, Davis. tina�tness68@ gmail.com
Paddington @ 2pm Crest Theatre, 1013 K Street, Sacramento
Children's Dance Classes After School at the Davis Arts Center @ 4:15pm 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
Chris Lanzon @ 8pm Brick & Mortar Music Hall, 1710 Mission Street, San Francisco
Beginning + Intermediate Tai Chi @ 10:15am Tai chi classes for beginning and intermediate practitioners Davis Arts Center, 1919 F Street, Davis. tina�tness68@gmail.com
Planes Trains and Automo‐biles @ 7pm
Crest The‐ater, Sacramento Pro Am Showcase - Live
Comedy @ 7pm / $8 New comics and seasoned pros share the stage at Laughs Unlim‐ited to bring you the funny. Get your tickets NOW! Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge, 1207 Front Street, Sacramento. laugh sunlimited@gmail.com, 916-4468128
Kennebec
@ 7pm The Lost Church San Francisco, 988 Columbus Ave, San Francisco
Toys That Kill @ 7pm Bottom Of the Hill, 1233 17th St, San Francisco
Novus Moon: Blue Moon EP Release Show
@ 7pm Brick & Mortar Music Hall, 1710
Mission St, San Francisco
CMTEN
@ 7pm Knockout, 3223 Mission St, San Francisco
Grizzly Bear
@ 8pm War�eld, San Francisco
Body Balance Class @ 8:45am New �tness class for adults at the Davis Senior Center: Body Balance Davis Senior Center, 646 A Street, Davis. tina�tness68@gmail.com
Children's Gymnastics
Classes
@ 2pm Two types of gymnastics classes for children offered Wednesdays at the Davis Arts Center Davis Arts Center, 1919 F Street, Davis. du ankejie68@gmail.com
Liz Kennedy and Band Live at Keys Jazz Bistro
@ 7pm Keys Jazz Bistro, 498 Broadway, San Francisco
Pickle Barrel: Justin Solo at Steamers @ 7pm Steamers Bar & Grill, 2236 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe
Cobb's Comedy Allstars @ 7:30pm Cobb's Comedy Club, San Francisco
Off With Their Heads: Celebrating 15 Years of In Desolation @ 7:30pm Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento
Thursday Nov 20th
Capo's by Tony Gemignani - Peter Lindman Duo with Roger Rocha (4 non Blondes)
nigh, the character Everybody frantically seeks answers to life's big ques‐tions! November 7-23, 2025 Tick‐ets: www.solanocollegetheatre.org Solano College Theatre, 4000 Su‐isun Valley Road, Fair�eld. SCT@ solano.edu, 707-864-7100
Vesseles @ 8pm Hotel Utah Saloon, 500 4th St, San Francisco
Home Front @ 8pm The Starlet Room, 2708 J St, Sacramento
avas: The Last Queen Out @ 9pm The Cafe, 2369 Market St, San Francisco
Beginning + Intermediate
Tai Chi
@ 9am
Beginning/Intermediate tai chi classes offered at the Woodland Community & Senior Center Wood‐land Community & Senior Center, 2001 East Street, Woodland. tina�t ness68@gmail.com
Free Tai Chi Classes for Beginners
@ 3pm
Beginning FREE tai chi classes of‐fered at the Davis Lutheran Church Davis Lutheran Church ELCA, 317 East 8th Street, Davis. tina�tness68 @gmail.com
Winters Holiday Home Tour @ 4pm / $35 Step inside Winters’ most beauti‐fully decorated homes, �lled with festive décor and holiday inspira‐tion, while supporting a great cause—Meals on Wheels Yolo County. A perfect seasonal kickoff! Winters
Miss Monique @ San Francisco @ 6pm 888 Garage, San Francisco
Nancy Lee - Live Comedy @ 7pm
most beautifully decorated homes, �lled with festive décor and holiday inspira‐tion, while supporting a great cause—Meals on Wheels Yolo County. A perfect seasonal kickoff! Winters Akaash Singh @ 3pm Cobb's Comedy Club, San Fran‐cisco Club Crush: Sipper + lor2mg, Toro Oro, Lossless & dino @ 7pm The Faight Collective, 473A Haight St, San Francisco Shannon Shaw @ 7pm The Regency Ballroom, 1300 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco
EVERYBODY, an Immersive Dramatic Comedy Presented by Solano College Theatre @ 7:30pm / $10-$24
Discovering that their end is nigh, the character Everybody frantically seeks answers to life's big ques‐tions! November 7-23, 2025 Tick‐ets: www.solanocollegethe‐atre.org Solano College Theatre, 4000 Suisun Valley Road, Fair�eld. SCT@solano.edu, 707-864-7100
DJ Keyz @ 8pm Old Ironsides, 1901 10th St, Sacra‐mento
Jon B. @ 9pm Blue
Folsom presents The Robert Cray Band at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.
Nov. 15
El Dorado Hills Town Center will host the Holiday Makers Market, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Farmer Gene’s Tree Lot opens. Hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Dec. 21. For more information visit edhtowncenter. com.
Left of Cool will perform 4-6 p.m. and RxEMEDY will perform 8-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom. com. Placerville Merchants on Main will host Third Saturday Art Walk — Art and Wine from 5-8 p.m. For more information visit placervillemerchants.org.
Join CASA El Dorado for its annual Shine Bright Gala at 5:30 p.m. at the Serrano Country Club in El Dorado Hills. Event includes a three-course meal with drinks, a CASA impact story, CASA El Dorado Champion for Children awards and
Inverness 95 will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino. com.
Toogood Winery will host a Private Reserve Wine Tasting at 11:30 a.m. and again on Sunday, same time. For more information visit toogoodwinery. com.
The Sacramento Fine Arts Center in Carmichael presents Art, Poetry and Jazz at 6 p.m. For more information visit sacfinearts.org.
The Sacramento Guitar Society presents The Davis Chamber Players Fall Concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Davis Community Church. For more information visit sacguitarsociety.org.
The Sofia in Sacramento presents Ronstadt Revolution. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.
The Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera presents Opera on the Go with Goldie B. Locks &
and silent auctions. For tickets and more information visit casaeldorado. org. Pollock Pines/Camino Community Center will be hosting its annual See’s Candy fundraiser at 2675 Sanders Drive, Pollock Pines through Nov. 26. Hours vary. For more information call (530) 647-8005.
the Three Singing Bears, The beloved children’s story brought to life like never before. The free, all ages event will take place at Arthur F. Turner Community Library, 1212 Merkley Ave, West Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 476-5975 or visit sacphilopera.org.
Nov. 16
El Dorado State will host It’s All About Honest Elections with county Registrar Linda Webster, 1:30-4 p.m. at Rescue Community Center, 4180 Green Valley Road.
A Community Bake Sale to assist those who have lost SNAP
benefits will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the County Fair Shopping Center on Fairlane Drive in Placerville between Grocery Outlet and Smoked Barbecue.
Camino Classical Ballet will host its Nutcracker Sweets Fundraiser, 2-5p.m. at Camino Moose Lodge, 4310 8 Mile Road, Camino. An excerpt from the upcoming “Nutcracker” will be performed by CCB students and there will be a silent auction with some amazing treats from local businesses. Tickets are available at the door. For more information visit caminoballet.weebly.com. Quiet Coyote will perform 5-8
p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
The Center for the Arts in Grass Valley presents Charles Esten at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information visit thecenterforthearts.org.
