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C ali forn ia’s Olde st Ne w spaper
– E s t. 18 51
Volume 172 • Issue 103 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
Friday, September 8, 2023
County proclamations
BOS brainstorms policy guidelines Eric Jaramishian Staff writer
Riders line up to take turns dropping into the dirt track and jumps at the Old Depot Bike Park in Placerville after the park’s official opening Wednesday evening.
Bike park opening a
wheelie Isaac Streeter Staff writer
El Dorado County will form a policy on proclamations following direction from its Board of Supervisors that passed a proclamation declaring July as American Christian Heritage Month. That proclamation, brought forth by District 1 Supervisor John Hidahl, proved to be controversial, with some residents finding the resolution did not represent other religions, cultures, ethnicities or underrepresented groups. The proclamation, which copies paragraphs from an adopted resolution by the Constitution Party of Pennsylvania, was addressed by supervisors during the Aug. 29 board meeting. “I think if there is one thing we learned from a proclamation recently, what is hugely divisive in our county are religious proclamations,” commented Brooke Laine, District 5 supervisor. “When we talk about who or what may be acknowledged in the proclamation, I think n See proclamation, page A8
big success Judge denies sex predator’s release Odin Rasco Staff writer
P
resent for the Old Depot Bike Park opening celebration Wednesday evening were El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf, El Dorado County Parks Manager Vickie Sanders, El Dorado County District 3 Supervisor Wendy Thomas and dozens of cyclists ready to shred the new facility. “We’d like to give a deep thanks to our outdoor enthusiasts and community partners who kept this dream alive,” Thomas said. “(They) continue to give their time and their resources to make our parks, trails and outdoor amenities possible, which in turn makes El Dorado County vibrant and compelling.”
Young cyclists, above, can’t wait to hit the track as El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauff and District 3 Supervisor Wendy Thomas cut the ceremonial ribbon to open Old Depot Bike Park. Jumps at the park, left, allow riders to get plenty of air.
n See bike park, page A6
A Placer County judge denied the immediate release of a man classified as a sexually violent predator following a public hearing Sept. 1. His crimes include violent sex acts against two women in El Dorado County in 1991. Placer County Superior Court judge Garen Horst’s July 17 decision to allow for the conditional transient release of William Robert Stephenson, 66, led to significant public outcry, including more than 200 letters being sent to the court. Horst responded to points laid out in the letters, saying he understood the public’s sentiments but that he could not make a final determination of Stephenson’s release
William Robert Stephenson until a viable location and supervision plan were established. The judge denied transient release of Stephenson and also opposed his being housed in a hotel or motel. During the hearing, Horst stated, “I don’t have to like the ruling. I don’t have to like the law, but I have to rule based on facts.” n See Stephenson, page A9
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