SPOTLIGHT Business
Gularte’s Pizza & Deli has been serving familiar favorites for more than 40 years.
Gularte’s Pizza originally opened on Broadway in Placerville in May 1983 before adding the deli to its delicacies. When the eatery moved to its current location in the late 1990s, the new era was accompanied by a longer title, adding deli to the name and menu.
The newest owner of Gularte’s, Candis Zangrando, has been at the helm since 2003 and continues its family atmosphere.
“What makes this place special is the fact that it has been so family-oriented since the very beginning,” said Manager Chelsey Wentworth. “The owner and her family worked here and my sister works here with me.”
A family’s greeting is central to the Pleasant Valley Road location, with an interior accented with family photos of employees and regulars spread across the walls. In addition, each table hosts a set of playing cards to help diners interact with each other while waiting or eating.
“Being in this location is great; everyone knows us,” Wentworth continued. “People come from every location locally to come here.”
The deli’s many regulars have come to love the Garlic Gobbler and Hangtown Chipotle sandwiches, which can be served on a variety of different rolls or sliced bread with the choice of seven different kinds of cheese.
“We put quality into every single sandwich and every pizza,” Wentworth said. “It is always made the same for everybody, so people know exactly what they’re getting every single time; it’s always perfect.”
Regular customers and local fans often fill the restaurant on Taco Tuesday evenings, when Gularte’s offers tacos with an assortment of different meats.
Gularte’s recently created a website and is excited to continue to modernize. Wentworth said the restaurant hopes to start offering mobile orders soon to make lunch easier for customers and to bring in additional business.
Photo by Chris Woodard
Gracie Wentworth, Amy Rodrigues and Chelsey Wentworth, left to right, are part of the team at Gularte’s Pizza & Deli, where a customer never leaves hungry.
Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and may also lead to serious balance problems.
This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet. If not properly treated this lack of blood flow may cause the nerves to degenerate.
As you can see in Figure 1, as the blood vessels surrounding the nerves become diseased they shrink and shrivel. This process hastens the flow of vital nutrients to the nerves required to remain healthy. When these nerves begin to “die” it could lead to balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling and burning symptoms in the hands and feet.
Placerville, CA – Currently the most common method most doctor’s recommend to treat neuropathy is with the use of prescription drugs. Although these drugs may temporarily reduce your symptoms they may cause a feeling of discomfort and in some cases lead to a variety of terrible unwanted side effects. We have a different method!
The treatment to increase blood flow utilizes a specialized low-level light therapy (not to be confused with laser therapy) using light emitting diode technology. This technology was originally developed by NASA to assist in increasing blow flow.
The low level light therapy is like watering a tree. The light therapy will allow the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients to heal and repair. It’s like adding water to a tree and seeing the roots grow deeper and deeper.
The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation.
“My feet hurt so bad after sitting I could barely take the first few steps. I have had 11 treatments and no longer feel sharp or shooting pains and most of the tingling is gone. I now have full balance and can walk without pain. As Dr. Mooney explained the treatment is not painful, nothing uncomfortable, and is actually very relaxing.” – Neuropathy Pain Patient In order to effectively treat your neuropathy 3 factors must be determined.
Mountainside Middle College High School
The powerful, resounding Taiko drums of Mountainside Middle College High School recently captivated a student, staff and parent audience, delivering an educational and high-energy performance at Mountain Creek Middle School. Under the guidance of instructor and dojo Sascha Molina, the student performers showcased the exhilarating blend of music, movement and spirit that defines this ancient Japanese art form. Students of all ages raised their hands in excitement for the chance to beat on the drums themselves as audience volunteers. The ensemble performance left both Pioneer School and Mountain Creek Middle School students and staff spellbound.
This cultural outreach is just one example of Mountainside’s unique Taiko program. It offers a tangible, real-world application for the discipline learned in class, building student confidence, collaboration and public speaking skills, as well as fulfilling a fine art credit. As students are strengthening their drumming skills, Sascha Molina plans to offer more performances throughout the school year. She emphasizes that Taiko is an art accessible to everyone, using the universal language of rhythm to promote cultural literacy and demonstrate the power of teamwork. The performances are an example of how the arts can connect communities and inspire young learners with an unforgettable beat.
To Do
Nov.
7
The Stage at Burke Junction presents 1 Degree of Separation, A Funny Look at Depression and Suicide at 5 p.m. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.
Falcon’s Eye Theatre presents “Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play” through Nov. 23 at Harris Center for the Arts at Folsom Lake College. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.
Nov. 8
The Cameron Park Community Services District will host the Friendsgiving Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser, 8 a.m. to noon at the Cameron Park Community Center. For more information visit cameronpark.org.
The El Dorado County Fairgrounds will host its Crab and Chowder Gala with live music featuring Dream and the Dreamer, 5:3010 p.m., to benefit the El Dorado County Fairground’s nonprofit. For more information visit eldoradocountyfair.org.
Nov.
9
Join the El Dorado Beekeepers for its annual Honey Tasting Contest from 4-6 p.m. at Bluestone Meadow Farm, 2025 Carson Road, Placerville. Learn more at eldoradobeekeepers.org.
Nov. 11
The Pollock Pines Community Center will host a Veterans Day Breakfast, 8-10 a.m. with food, music and tributes to military and members. Active military and veterans eat free.
The El Dorado County Veterans Alliance honsts a Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. at the El Dorado County Veterans Monument in Placerville.
LEARN BEFORE YOU BURN
With burn season approaching, the El Dorado County Air Quality
Your go to for safe and legal outdoor burning.
Get informed about the What, Why, Where, and How of open burning and keep your community safe.
What Can You Burn?
• Dry vegetation from your property only
• Add wood to pine needles or leaves to ensure the fire burns properly
• Cover piles if it’s going to rain, but don’t burn the cover
• You cannot burn trash or lumber
When Can You Burn?
• Only on designated Permissive Burn Days -call the Burn Line first!
• West Slope - (530) 621-5897
• South Lake Tahoe - (530) 621-5842
• With a valid AQMD Burn Permit for piles larger than 4 feet x 4 feet
• Get your AQMD Burn Permit at: ElDoradoBurnPermit.org
• A burn permit from your local fire protection district or CalFire may be required (the Burn Line will notify you if one is required)
Where Can You Burn?
• On your property, away from combustibles, with water and emergency access available.
Be Smoke Aware: Excessive smoke can cause complaints. While burning is allowed under certain conditions, you should avoid creating a nuisance for your neighbors. The AQMD processes over 2,000 burn permits each year, with a significant portion handled in large batches during the fall. Please submit your burn permit at least 2 weeks before you plan to burn.
To Do Continued from 5
Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts a Dog Man party, 3:30-5 p.m., to celebrate the new Dog Man book, “Big Jim Believes.” Even more exciting — Dog Man will be at the store for photo ops and silliness. Guests will also enjoy treats and games. For more information call (916) 941-9401 or visit getyourfaceinabook.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. Mouth-watering 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.
Nov. 15
El Dorado Hills Town Center will host the Holiday Makers Market, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.
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 live and silent auctions. For tickets and more information visit casaeldorado.org.
FreeDailyCrosswords.com
ACROSS-----------�
1) It precedes an important delivery
6) Certain construction girder
11) Director's shout
14) Obviously shocked
15) Woman from uncle?
16) A wee hour
17) They make waves
19) Noshed
20) A Great Lake
21) Kind of campus protest
23) Primary color, to a printer
27) Grinds together, as teeth
29) Calls off, as a mission
30) Puzzle that's a stumper
31) Absolute bedlam
32) Thing to shift
33) Negative vote
36) Has the _ for (is attracted to)
37) Castle ditches
38) Eye with desire
39) "The Lord of the Rings" creature
40) Performers of plays, collectively
41) Edible freshwater fish
42) Raspy
44) "Goodness!"
45) How inferior goods are made
47) Snitches
48) Some court hearings
49) Song performed singly
50) Downs counterparts
51) Words after "snap," "bring" or "call"
58) "Aw" follower
59) Bicker
60) Romance or drama, e.g.
61) Spans of 60 mins.
62) Not just wants
63) _ Domingo
DOWN
1) Experimental place?
2) Long time follower?
3) Ewe can say that again?
4) Get off the fence
5) Takes the advice of a sidewalk preacher
6) Home of the Taj Mahal
7) It may be before one's time?
8) Electric fish
9) Star pitcher
10) Underlying theme
11) Things in many closets
12) Loosen, as laces
13) Adults-to-be
18) Partner of crafts
22) "Liberal" attachment
23) _ Man Randy Savage
24) Dislike, and then some
25) Some dairy products
26) Winged god of love
27) Pesky little biters
28) Steals, old-style
30) Fill with happiness
32) Likely to make stem orders
34) "The Cradle of Texas Liberty"
35) Aden's land
37) A soil fertilizer
38) Face-to-face exam
40) Part of a tape recorder
41) Fits in
43)Relative of 17-Across
44) Editor's "remove it"
45) Do as the doctor says
46)Abnormally active
47) Lugs
49) Thing behind drywall, typically
52) Valuable rock find
53) Display longevity?
54) Oolong, for one
55) Quaint motel
56) Food crumb
57) "The Matrix" moniker
See page 22 for answers.
E. Parker
To Do Continued from 7
Nov.
Have questions about withdrawing funds, converting your account or generating income?
16
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.
Nov. 22
The El Dorado Hills Town Center will host the Elf on the Boulevard scavenger hunt daily through Dec. 24. Children search and find the hidden elves in participating businesses get their holiday map stamped by each business. The first 200 children to return their completed map will receive a special gift and all names of participants will be entered to win one grand prize. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.
Gain experienced guidance while ensuring your retirement accounts are following your investment strategy. Contact me today, and let’s make sure you’re still on the right track. Joshua Fournier
Have questions about withdrawing funds, converting your account or generating income?
about withdrawing your account or income?
Are you planning your next chapter after working at a public school or other local/ state organization?
while ensuring your retirement investment strategy. Contact me you’re still on the right track.
Gain experienced guidance while ensuring your retirement accounts are following your investment strategy. Contact me today, and let’s make sure you’re still on the right track.
We recommend you review the options for your 403(b) or 457(b) and make sure your retirement plans stay on track. Call me to learn more. Joshua Fournier
3439 Robin Lane #120 Cameron Park, CA 95682 530-676-9422
The Cameron Park Community Services District will host a Christmas Craft Faire at 2502 Country Club Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Featuring unique handmade gifts, holiday cheer and a special visit from Santa and the Elves. For more information visit cameronpark.org.
Explore Camino region
any locals know, November may be the best kept secret for an amazing visit to Apple Hill Grower Farms. A great time to stock up on holiday pies and enjoy all the fall has to offer… including amazing fall colors, especially the first two weeks of November. Visitors will see the many reds, oranges and gold in the hillsides. Crowds are thinner and crisp days beg for a hot apple cider or a warm donut. Don’t forget to pick up a frozen pie or order fresh from one of the bake shops for Thanksgiving and the holidays. Nothing shows love more than an Apple Hill pie!
Fall Into Fresh Ideas for Autumn Entertaining
Crafting cozy crowd-pleasers is a must for hosting –especially during the cooler fall months. Give your crowd something to celebrate, regardless of the occasion, with comforting sides and appetizers that warm loved ones from the inside-out.
Always a healthy snack, fresh California grapes can also be the versatile ingredient you need for elevating dishes for get-togethers and parties. In addition to providing a juicy burst of flavor and pop of color, roasting grapes in recipes like these intensifies their flavor as the natural sugars caramelize.
No matter your main course, you can enjoy it alongside an easy yet refined side dish in Roasted Cauliflower with Grape Gremolata. Tender, caramelized cauliflower is topped with a vibrant grape gremolata with fresh herbs, garlic and a hint of lemon zest adding a bright and flavorful finishing touch. Colorful, tasty grapes bring
balance to this savory side that pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled fish or hearty grain bowls.
Sesame-Roasted Grapes in Crispy Won Ton Cups offer perfect party bites that blend sweet and savory in each mouthful. Juicy, fresh California grapes are tossed with sesame oil, honey and a touch of soy then roasted until caramelized. Nestled in golden brown won ton cups, they make for a simple yet sophisticated way to start any gathering.
If a warm medley of color and taste sounds like the ideal addition to your fall celebrations, Sheet Pan Roasted Grapes and Sweet Potatoes provide an effortless solution as a crowd-pleasing side. Sweet potatoes, grapes, red onion and tangy balsamic glaze are roasted and topped with fresh basil so you can enjoy the flavors of the season without spending all your hosting time in the kitchen.
To discover more recipes that elevate fall entertaining without the hassle, visit GrapesFromCalifornia.com.
Roasted Cauliflower with Grape Gremolata
Roasted Cauliflower with Grape Gremolata
Servings: 6
Grape Gremolata:
1 cup finely chopped green Grapes from California
2 tablespoons minced Italian parsley
1 clove garlic, minced
1 large lemon, zest only
1 pinch sea salt
Roasted Cauliflower:
1 large head cauliflower
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt freshly ground pepper, to taste
Sheet Pan Roasted Grapes and Sweet Potatoes
Servings: 6
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
3 cups red Grapes from California
1 pound orange sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices
3/4 cup thinly sliced onion freshly ground pepper, to taste
snipped fresh basil
Heat oven to 425 F. In large bowl, combine oil, vinegar, salt, grapes, sweet potatoes and onion, tossing well to coat. Place on large baking sheet and spread in single layer.
Bake 30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender, stirring halfway through cooking. Sprinkle with freshly ground pepper, to taste, and fresh basil.
Nutritional information per serving: 170 calories; 2 g protein; 27 g carbohydrates; 7 g fat (37% calories from fat); 1 g saturated fat (5% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 310 mg sodium; 2 g fiber.
To make grape gremolata: In medium mixing bowl, stir grapes, parsley, garlic, lemon zest and salt. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 1 day ahead.
To make roasted cauliflower: Heat oven to 450 F and line baking sheet with foil.
Discard leaves and stems from cauliflower and cut into 1-1 1/2-inch florets. Place in large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste, and toss well to coat. Transfer to prepared baking sheet and spread in single layer.
Roast 15 minutes. Stir well and roast 15 minutes, or until golden brown on edges. Serve warm with grape gremolata.
Nutritional information per serving: 90 calories; 3 g protein; 12 g carbohydrates; 5 g fat (50% calories from fat); 1 g saturated fat (10% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 290 mg sodium; 3 g fiber.
Sesame-Roasted Grapes in Crispy Won Ton Cups
Servings: 24 (1 cup each)
24 square won ton wrappers, at room temperature olive oil cooking spray
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (unseasoned)
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
3 cups red Grapes from California sesame seeds
snipped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Heat oven to 350 F. Spray won ton wrappers on both sides with olive oil spray. Press into 24 mini muffin cups, gently pressing into bottom to form flat base. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned; let cool.
Increase oven temperature to 425 F and line small baking sheet with foil. In medium bowl, stir sesame oil, honey, soy sauce, vinegar and ginger. Add grapes and toss well to coat.
Spread mixture in single layer on baking sheet and roast 30 minutes, or until grapes are cooked but still holding shape, stirring occasionally. Let cool then spoon a few grapes into each won ton cup, adding any leftover juices. Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro.
Nutritional information per serving (1 wonton): 50 calories; 1 g protein; 9 g carbohydrates; 1.5 g fat (27% calories from fat); 0 g saturated fat (0% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 120 mg sodium; 0 g fiber.
Sheet Pan Roasted Grapes and Sweet Potatoes
Sesame-Roasted Grapes in Crispy Won Ton Cups
Unforgettable California State Parks to visit during fall
California State Parks News release
SACRAMENTO
— With temperatures cooling and changing colors in the foliage, fall is one of the best times to visit California’s 280 state parks for a weekend getaway with friends or a nice family day trip. With its diverse and beautiful varieties of habitat such as deserts, forests, rivers, lakes and beaches and historical sites, California offers a little bit of everything for an autumnal paradise.
The best fall activities are all outdoors and in the Golden State’s parks. Californians and visitors from around the world can take in the vibrant red, orange and yellow colors of the Sierra, bask in a stunning sunset along the coast, camp under the stars in the deserts or ride the off-highway vehicle trails. As California State Parks continues to celebrate the state’s 175th anniversary, here’s a list of some of the best state parks to breathe in the crisp air, listen to the rustling leaves and take in the unforgettable sights.
Northern California
mammals such as sea lions and migrating gray whales.
• Donner Memorial State Park: Located conveniently just off Interstate 80 in Truckee in the scenic Sierra Nevada and on the shore of Donner Lake, the park has over eight miles of hiking trails and a visitor center that features compelling exhibits that illuminate the emigrant experience, the Donner Party, the Land of the Washoe, Chinese construction of the railroad and early motoring adventures over nearby Donner Pass.
Bay Area
• Sue-meg State Park: The park sits on a lushly forested promontory beside the Pacific Ocean. The 1-square-mile park is densely packed with potential adventures, from picnicking to waking up to birdsong at one of three campgrounds. Visitors can hunt for agates, explore tide pools and walk through Sitka forests and iris-dotted meadows as they peer out at seals, sea lions and migrating whales. In the park’s interior, there’s a visitor center, a native plant garden and a reconstructed Yurok plank-house village.
• Fort Ross State Historic Park: Visitors to the beautiful Sonoma County coast can wander through the iconic historic Ross Settlement with its reconstructed stockade walls and buildings dating to the Russian American Company’s occupation from 1812-41. But the public experiences so much more when they arrive, especially as they learn about Metini Village, the ancestral homelands of the Kashia Pomo since time immemorial. Redwood and coniferous forests, grasslands, scrub and coastal strand make up the park’s four distinct vegetation types, making for beautiful colors. Looking around the beach, visitors may see some marine
• Angel Island State Park: This park offers a fantastic experience for people interested in hiking, biking, photography and history. The cooler temperatures make for comfortable exploration of the island’s many trails. Visitors can hike or bike the Perimeter Road, a scenic loop that provides breathtaking, clear views of the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge and Mount Tamalpais, with fewer crowds than in the summer. The autumn light is also a photographer’s dream, casting a soft, golden glow over the island’s unique landscapes and historic buildings, like the old military barracks and the U.S. Immigration Station. Lucky visitors may even spot a swimming coyote.
Central Coast
• Sunset State Beach: As the summer fades, enjoy one of the most serene beaches lining Monterey Bay. Stretching for 4 miles, this state beach is a beachcomber’s paradise with surf fishing, picnicking, whale-watching and bird watching. With the passing of the season, the sunsets can be spectacular.
• Castle Rock State Park: The park has sweeping vistas from one of the highest ridges in the Santa Cruz Mountains with beautiful views of the San Lorenzo Watershed. The landscape encompasses high-elevation Coast redwoods, knobcone pines and majestic black oaks, which display their orange-hued foliage in the fall. Recreational opportunities abound with miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking along with exceptional rock climbing, including the namesake, Castle Rock.
Courtesy photos
California’s state parks have epic fall destinations to visit including Cuyamaca Rancho, Donner Memorial and Henry W. Coe state parks, and Sunset State Beach.
Central Valley
• Henry W. Coe State Park: With 87,000 acres of scenic hills and mountain ridges in the Diablo Mountain Range, this largely undeveloped park welcomes backpackers, equestrians, mountain bikers, day-hikers and anyone seeking solitude in a nearly untouched setting. Fall is a particularly good time to visit, with temperate days, cool nights and a chance to enjoy the color of the turning leaves.
• Fremont Peak State Park: This park features expansive views of Monterey Bay, the San Benito Valley, Salinas Valley and the Santa Lucia Mountains east of Big Sur from its hiking trails in the grasslands of the higher peaks of the Gavilan Range. There are camping and picnic facilities in the park, as well as an astronomical observatory with a 30-inch telescope, which is open for public programs on selected evenings.
• Mount Diablo State Park: On a clear day, spectacular views from the summit extend over 100 miles in all directions, with the Sierra Nevada in one direction and San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge visible in the other. Within the park, fall brings a mix of warm and cool days so hikers, bicyclists, equestrians and campers experience something different each time they explore the mountain’s grassland, chaparral, woodland, riparian and rocky habitats. Fall is also the best time for park visitors to encounter tarantulas out and about looking for love.
Southern California
• Cuyamaca Rancho State Park: San Diego County is known for its diverse landscapes: coast, inland, mountains and desert. No where is that concept more apparent than at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Standing atop the pine-strewn pinnacle of Cuyamaca Peak at 6,512 feet, visitors can look west and watch the ocean disappear over the horizon, then turn around and gaze east at the immense but tantalizing deserts of neighboring Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The park features more than 100 miles of trails throughout 24,700 acres, and many of those are multi-use trails where mountain bikers and horseback riders are welcome alongside hikers. The change of the foliage colors of the various trees during the season makes it a must-visit in fall.
• Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area: The SVRA has 85,000 acres of magnificent desert terrain used for off-road exploration and recreation. While the low desert may be too hot during the summer months, the cooler temperatures of fall make it very comfortable to visit. A great place to camp over a weekend and enjoy the off-roading as well as enjoy the stars at night, view wildlife and really get a sense of isolation and being away from it all.
• Point Dume State Beach: Representing the picturesque appeal of Malibu, this beach and natural area features breathtaking cliffs, headlands and rocky coves. Though small, the natural preserve within the state beach provides habitat for a surprising amount of wildlife. A visitor may encounter coyotes, skunks, raccoons, ground squirrels and rabbits in broad daylight. The incredible vistas offer an opportunity to view sea lions, harbor seals and dolphins in the surf only a few dozen feet away.
• Picacho State Recreation Area: Situated along the Colorado River in Imperial County, this remote park is accessible via an 18-mile dirt road from the south called Picacho Road or a 15-mile off-road trail from the north called Indian Pass. The park is located at the historic Picacho Townsite, where 100 years ago it was home to a gold mining town with 100 residents. Today, the site is a state park, popular with boaters, hikers, anglers and campers. The park offers
including beavertail cactus, wild burros, big-
Before heading out to your next adventure, State Parks wants to remind visitors of a few safety tips.
• Know before you go: Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park you want to visit to find current park information. Trails, roads or certain areas may be unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances. Also, check local weather forecasts and the official website or social media channels of your destination.
• Play it safe: State parks are meant to be enjoyed in many different ways, but err on the side of caution. Make sure not to underestimate temperatures or hiking distances. Let somebody know that you are in the park, especially on longer hikes. Enter waterbodies such as rivers or lakes in parks only if and where it is safe and encouraged. Be sure to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when recreating near or in the water.
• Leave no trace: Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or take plants.
• Bring the essentials: Make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks, and bring at least an extra day’s supply of food. Do not forget navigational tools, spare charger for your cellphone and a flashlight.
• Turn around, don’t drown: Remain off roadways prone to flooding during storms. Do not attempt to cross flooded roadways. For more flood safety information visit wegov/ safety/flood.
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Heart-body connection — how other organ systems affect heart health
Family Features
Heart health is about more than just the heart itself. It’s a two-way street between the heart and the rest of the body. However, many U.S. adults aren’t aware of the connection between organs.
According to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Heart Association, 42% of U.S. adults do not understand how the heart can be impacted by other organ systems.
Health issues in other organ systems, like the kidneys or metabolic system — which includes how the body manages weight and blood glucose — can lead to heart trouble.
The close relationship between heart health, kidney health and metabolic health is known as cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health, or CKM health, and it is the focus of an American Heart Association initiative to raise awareness of how the systems function together. When one system is affected, it can make the others worse - creating a condition called CKM syndrome.
Close to 9 in 10 U.S. adults have at least one component of CKM syndrome, according to a study in the “Journal of the American Medical Association.” Components include high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol or other lipids, high blood glucose (sugar), excess weight and reduced kidney function. The interplay of these risk factors increases the risk for heart attack, stroke and heart failure more than any one of them alone.
The survey also found that while only 12% of U.S. adults have heard of CKM health or CKM syndrome, 72% said they’re interested in learning more and 79% agreed that it is important that they understand more about CKM health.
“What we want people to know is it’s really common to have
heart disease, diabetes or metabolic disease and reduced kidney function at the same time,” said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., FAHA, the American Heart Association’s chief medical officer for prevention. “It’s reassuring to hear that once the CKM connection was defined around three-quarters of respondents understood that it was important and wanted to learn more.”
Highlighting the two-way street of the heart-body connection, the “2 Truths and No Lie” video offers a simplified visual:
1. The heart pumps blood to the body.
2. The metabolic system turns glucose (sugar) in the blood into energy.
3. The process of metabolism dumps waste back into the blood.
4. The kidneys filter waste from the blood and balance fluids, which helps with blood pressure.
5. Blood pressure affects how the heart pumps blood to the body.
While providing resources to help people understand how heart, kidney and metabolic health are connected, the American Heart Association’s CKM Health Initiative is also working with health care teams across the country to improve collaboration among health care professionals who care for patients living with multiple health conditions. Better awareness and improved screening can help people take action early to prevent a heart attack, heart failure or stroke.
The initiative is made possible by founding sponsors Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim, supporting sponsors Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Bayer, and champion sponsor DaVita.
Learn more about CKM health by visiting heart.org/myCKMhealth.
The Chimney Smoke RIP offers $599 to $2,000* to replace a non-EPA certified woodstove with a new efficient, cleaner burning, eligible EPA certified wood or gas device.
*$2,000 incentive available to low-income residents or residents of designated low-income communities
The expanded Clean Lawn equipment Incentive Pr ogr am (CLIP) offers $100 to $2,000 to replace a piece of gas powered lawn equipment with a cordless electric version. Now includes push and riding mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers/weedeaters, chainsaws, and more!
The Drive Clean! incentive program offers El Dorado County residents a $599 incentive towards the purchase or lease of an eligible new electric, plug-in hybrid, or hydrogen vehicle.
The new CHar ge At your Resid ence and Go Electric (CHARGE) incentive program offers plug -in car owners and lessees a $300 incentive to purchase and install a home EV charger.
The Driving Clean Assist ance Pr ogr am (DCAP) offers lowerincome residents up to a $10,000 incentive towards the purchase of an eligible new or used clean air vehicle in addition to a $2,000 incentive to help cover the cost of charging. DCAP also provides financial advice and counseling and their select group of financial partners offer financing at a rate of 8% or less.
Medicare Open Enrollment is Now Through Dec. 7
Find the Right Care at the Best Price
DR. MEHMET OZ, ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES
As the new head of the Medicare program, I encourage everyone with Medicare to take full advantage of this year’s Open Enrollment period. This is your once-ayear opportunity to take a fresh look at your coverage for the year ahead. As a physician, I’ve seen firsthand how the right health plan can improve both the quality of care you receive and your peace of mind. Now is time to take a moment, do a little homework and make sure you are getting the right care at the best price.
Health plans can undergo changes every year including adjustments to benefits, costs and coverage. Even the plan you’re in now could be changing. At the same time, your health
needs may have changed over the past year. When you review your coverage options and compare plans, you may find that you can save money, get better coverage or both. A simple plan comparison could save you hundreds – in some cases even thousands of dollars, depending on the prescription medications you take.
Start at the Official Source: Medicare.gov
Medicare.gov is your official source for all your Open Enrollment needs. It’s the trusted resource to help you navigate Open Enrollment. Here people can explore and compare every available Medicare health and drug plan available in their area. If you prefer speaking with someone directly, call 1-800-MEDICARE to connect with our team of experts. We’re
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available 24/7 to help you review your options and answer any questions about your Medicare coverage.
To get started, go to Medicare.gov and click on “Find Plans Now.” For the best shopping experience, log in or start a Medicare account. You can easily compare plan costs, side-by-side, all based on the drugs you take. This is important: Make sure the plan you choose covers your prescription drugs and your doctors.
Time is Limited So Start Early
Medicare Open Enrollment ends Dec. 7. After this deadline, you’ll typically need to wait until the next Open Enrollment period to make changes to your coverage. The deadline approaches quickly, so start early to make sure you have time to compare your options – including costs, benefits, covered drugs and provider and pharmacy networks. Then you can feel confident in selecting the plan that delivers the right care at the right price for your needs.
Help is Available 24/7
If you have any questions about your coverage options, visit Medicare.gov. If you prefer to talk it over with someone, call the experts at 1-800-MEDICARE – they’re available 24/7 to review your options and answer your questions.
One final note: Stay vigilant against Medicare fraud, especially during Open Enrollment. Remember that Medicare will never contact you unsolicited. If someone you don’t know calls, texts or emails you about Medicare, simply hang up or delete the message. By staying alert, you can help stop fraud before it starts.
New at Medicare.gov
This year, Medicare.gov has rolled out a series of improvements designed to help people more easily compare their Medicare options and find a plan that fits their unique needs.
By clicking “Find Plans Now” on the homepage, users can quickly compare plan costs side-by-side, with results personalized to the specific medications they take. For the first time, you can now search to see whether your preferred doctors are covered by different plans – all in one seamless experience. Medicare.gov is also making it easier to search
for plans that include additional benefits that can improve your daily life. Whether you’re looking for wellness perks like weight management programs or other services that support a healthier lifestyle, the updated search tools can help you focus on what matters most to you.
Logging into your Medicare account has also been modernized. If you choose, you can set up your fingerprint or Face ID to get into your account securely. It’s faster, it’s more secure and it’s easier than trying to remember another password.
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provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Find the 7 words to match the 7 clues. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in each solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to complete the puzzle.
CLUES SOLUTIONS
1 wingtip-to-wingtip measure (4)
2 update (7)
3 pass the colder months (6)
4 most meddlesome (7)
5 pursues quarry (6)
6 twist (9)
7 filmmaker Iñárritu (9)
Answers to puzzle on page 8
