C ALI FORN IA’S OLDE ST NE W SPAPER
– E S T. 18 51
– Weekend Edition – VOLUME 174 • ISSUE 2 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2025
Your Vision, Our Expertise!
Call TODAY for Your
FREE ESTIMATE & 3D Design! (530) 622-8477
Visit our Showroom at 386 Placerville Drive
Two found dead after Somerset fire Odin Rasco Senior staff writer Mountain Democrat photos by Odin Rasco
NAMI Clubhouse volunteer and member Josh Hoffman, 29, takes a moment to show off the well-stocked kitchen while giving a tour of the building. NAMI members collaboratively set a menu for the week and work together to prepare meals.
NAMI’s Clubhouse El Dorado provides
A PLACE TO FEEL SEEN Odin Rasco Senior staff writer
P
lacerville resident Josh Hoffman had his fair share of challenges surrounding his mental health — “hassles, social issues, everyday struggles and dealing with the stigma” — when he heard word of National Alliance on Mental Illness El Dorado County’s new clubhouse in Placerville. “I heard the clubhouse was opening and I decided to get involved; I wanted to be less isolated, to make some friends and get involved with the community,” 29-yearold Hoffman recounted. “Even though we’re in 2024, there’s still a lot of stigma around mental illness, and it’s kind of time for people to know that we all can have mental health issues.” NAMI’s Clubhouse El Dorado opened on Aug. 5, 2024, joining a community of more than 350 clubhouses operating worldwide in more than 30 countries. Giving a walkthrough tour of the clubhouse, Hoffman noted multiple ways his
MAIL LABEL
Two residents of a home in Somerset were found dead in the aftermath of a structure fire in the early hours of the new year, according to officials with the El Dorado County Sheriff ’s Office. First responders from EDSO, Pioneer Fire Protection District and Cal Fire were called to the 7000 block of Mt. Aukum Road at around 3:50 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, to respond to a reported mobile home fire. When fire crews arrived, the double wide mobile home was already fully involved and engulfed in flames, according to PFPD Chief David Whitt. It took firefighters around an hour to completely knock down the flames, Whitt said. Two bodies were found in the remains of the mobile home after the fire had been mostly extinguished, according to an EDSO news release. The identities of the two victims had not yet been made publicly available as of press time. The cause of the fire is under investigation, according to EDSO Sgt. Kyle Parker.
In the
NEWS
in
2024
The Mountain Democrat looks back on some of the top headlines of the past year. See next Wednesday’s edition for more top stories.
Community mourns John Hidahl
Clubhouse El Dorado members and staff, as well as NAMI El Dorado County board members, stand together for a group photo. The team provides those struggling with mental illness the resources to move forward. life has improved since getting involved. “The clubhouse has helped me get out of my comfort zone, get back out there, and helped me just feel more functional,” Hoffman described. “I feel like I can do better, reentering the work force, and I’m really excited to be finally finishing up what I need to get my high school diploma.” Built off the Clubhouse International model,
Clubhouse El Dorado is a voluntary, evidencebased program that builds communities where adults recovering from mental illness can regain confidence and explore pathways to self-improvement. “It’s a place where adults struggling with mental health can come participate, get involved and get a sense of belonging and purpose,” Executive Director Yan Bennis explained. The clubhouse has a variety of rooms and
resources available for members. There’s a multimedia room where NAMI EDC’s regular newsletters are produced (and where they plan to begin producing a podcast that tackles mental health topics soon). In addition to a career resources room where members can find job listings in the community, receive interview training and general guidance on ■ See CLUBHOUSE, page A5
Mountain Democrat staff El Dorado County District 1 Supervisor John Hidahl unexpectedly died at his El Dorado Hills home on Nov. 2. The 45-plusyear EDH resident was wrapping up his final term as supervisor and would later win a seat on the EDH Fire Board, on which he had previously served. In the days after his death, an outpouring of support and admiration was shared by those
JOHN HIDAHL who knew Hidahl. District 1 assistant Cindy Munt called Hidahl “amazing, ■ See HIDAHL, page A3
Mountain Democrat Publisher Esposito retires Mountain Democrat staff
RICHARD ESPOSITO
The Mountain Democrat began the year 2025 without Publisher Richard Esposito, who has retired. Esposito assumed the role as publisher in 2009, replacing Jim Webb, and in 2015 was named chief operating officer of McNaughton Media Inc., which owns the Mountain Democrat, Village Life/Cameron Park Life and the Georgetown Gazette, as well as newspapers in Yolo and
Solano counties. “It’s been a privilege to work with the many dedicated employees of the Mountain Democrat over the years,” Esposito said. “I very much appreciate their support and talents. “Retiring was a difficult decision as I enjoyed the interaction with my staff, our readers and the communities that our newspapers serve,” he added. T. Burt McNaughton, publisher of the Fairfield Daily Republic,
Serving Sacramento & Surrounding Areas Since 1979
Get More with Gilmore Get More with Gilmore
has taken over as chief operating officer. “We’ve been fortunate to have Richard lead our newspapers for the last 15 years. He’s innovative, news focused and passionate about the community; everything you want in a publisher,” McNaughton said. “He was part of our leadership team throughout his tenure at McNaughton and helped navigate us through some of the most ■ See ESPOSITO, page A7
Lic # 559305
Lic # 559305
Serving Sacramento & Surrounding Areas Since 1979
Air Conditioning • Plumbing • Drains
Air Conditioning • Plumbing • Drains
Free Estimates Free on Free Estimates & Free Second Opinions&on A/CSecond SystemOpinions Replacements. A/C System Replacements. Call Today!
SCHEDULE NOW:
(916) 303-2420 844-2199 (530 GilmoreAir.com
GilmoreAir.com