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Attackers sentenced Eric Jaramishian Staff writer Theodora Economou and Vivian Bertrand were sentenced to state prison for crimes relating to the 2021 Halloween night axe and knife attack that blinded one of Placerville resident Kristine Hall’s eyes and injured Dmitry Kuzmenko. Handing down their sentence Oct. 7 in the downtown Placerville courthouse was El Dorado County Superior Court Judge Mark Ralphs. Bertrand was given two years and Economou, through a plea deal, up to four years. The court heard victims’ statements before sentencing.
Kuzmenko called the night of the assault “the single worst night anyone could imagine.” “When people think of Placerville words like safe, patriotic, caring and charming come to mind,” Kuzmenko told the court. “Despicable and evil are the only words that describe what happened that night.” Economou, a resident of Auburn, and Bertrand, a resident of Placerville, were walking down Main Street Placerville at about 10:30 p.m. that night, causing disturbances by hitting businesses’ windows and signs. Kuzmenko and Hall approached the women and conflict ensued. Armed,
7 City Council candidates quizzed Andrew Vonderschmitt Staff writer
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Eight seek one of three Placerville City Council seats that will be decided Nov. 8. A candidate forum at Town Hall Oct. 5 opened with introductions. Candidate Duncan Allen was not in attendance. Sean Briggs is an IT professional who moved back to Placerville to give his children the same rural lifestyle he grew up with before leaving to attend college at the University of California, Sacramento. “We noticed that there was stuff that was changing in the city,” said Briggs. “(So I) decided to go ahead and run for City Council.” He added he wants
to promote a family environment, bring back events that have been lost and provide residents with open and transparent communication with the City Council. Ruth Carter is a broker-owner of a real estate company. She said she is running because she wants to preserve the city’s history and feeling of connection. “A few of the concerns I have are repairing and maintaining the city’s historic buildings, roads and sewer pipes,” she said. “Beautification, preservation and functionality are paramount.” John Clerici, a former City Council member and current member of the Placerville Economic Advisory Committee and El Dorado County Planning Commission, said he knows how a city runs. “I’m running because I think I did a pretty good job last time,” he said. “I’m good with budgets. I’m good with analytical skills. I know how the city runs.” Paul Godwin described himself as a quick study and team player. “The balance of tourism and serving local citizens cannot be left to chance,” he n
See Candidates, page A7
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“No sentence passed today will ever bring back the eyesight of my good friend Kristie Hall.” — Dmitry Kuzmenko, one of the victims of the 2021 Halloween attack Bertrand and Economou inflicted serious injury — Hall’s left eye slashed with a hatchet and Kuzmenko stabbed in the hand with a knife as he tried to step in to stop the attack. Police arrived shortly after but the damage had been done. “I praise God that I was there that night to stop these deviants at the risk of my own life,” Kuzmenko said. “No sentence passed today will
ever bring back the eyesight of my good friend Kristie Hall.” Bertrand and Economou fled the scene of the attack on foot, chased by Kuzmenko and witnesses. Kuzmenko detained Bertrand while Economou jumped into a Hangtown Creek behind El Dorado Savings Bank where she hid in heavy shrubbery. The police later found her. Both Economou and
Bertrand, in their early 20s, were reportedly intoxicated when booked into the El Dorado County Jail. Economou was charged with mayhem and assault with a deadly weapon and Bertrand assault with a deadly weapon. Hall underwent emergency surgery to try to save her eye. She spoke at the sentencing, emphasizing how the incident impacted not only her but also Economou and Bertrand and all their families. “I hope with these next couple of years you guys have that you take this opportunity to do the best that you possibly can to try to find the things you can utilize as n
See sentence, page A5
fine stein time
Photos by Mitchell Weitzman
Al Griffin, right, owner of Placerville Public House, digs deep to outlast the competition in the Stein Holding Contest at Placerville’s Main Street Oktoberfest Oct. 8. Griffin is the reigning champ in the event, besting his previous record with almost five-and-a-half minutes.
The Hasenpfeffer Oktoberfest Band, left photo, plays traditional polka music. Auburn resident Celeste Lowe’s Oktoberfest style, right photo, won the ladies’ costume contest.
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