C ALI FORN IA’S OLDE ST NE W SPAPER
– E S T. 18 51
– Weekend Edition – VOLUME 173 • ISSUE 102 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024
A CENTURY ZOOMS BY Your Vision, Our Expertise!
Call TODAY for Your
FREE ESTIMATE & 3D Design! (530) 622-8477
Visit our Showroom at 386 Placerville Drive
Benefits concerns temporarily douse annexation plans Odin Rasco Senior staff writer
The full boards of directors for two local fire protection districts met for a special joint session in Placerville’s Town Hall Wednesday, Oct. 23, poised to sign the paperwork that would formally begin the process to annex the Diamond Springs-El Dorado FPD into the El Dorado County FPD. That resolution remains unsigned — albeit only temporarily, if all goes well — due to a strong show of concern from retired Diamond Springs-El Dorado staff “I appreciate the regarding how their efforts that have healthcare benefits would be handled postbeen made — it’s annexation. been a big, arduous “I appreciate the hard work both these boards mountain to climb have done getting to — and we aren’t this point, but there are opposed to this questions about this resolution that haven’t annexation, but been answered,” retired there are things we Capt. Don Denault said during the meeting. still need clarified.” “Retirees haven’t been — Capt. Erik Peterson consulted regarding this resolution and a meeting should have taken place before this one to explain it.” Multiple retirees spoke before the boards asking they wait to approve Resolution No. 2024-09 until their concerns had been cleared up. The resolution regards how EDCFPD will continue health benefits for previous fire staff, a matter which board members and annexation consultants have identified as a major issue to navigate during the annexation process. “This is an integral part of the annexation process,” Bill Adams, an attorney who has been consulting both boards as they prepare the annexation. “It’s been said that this point is so important that it could be a deal killer. Another
Hot rods, sports cars, classics and more were parked at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville Oct. 19 for the Placerville Lions Club’s Hangtown Car Show. Above, Fred Pedersen, also known as “Peacemaker” for the Hangtown Marshals, takes a photo of his 11-year-old grandson Chaz Deal in front of Gary Woods’ 1965 AC Cobra. At right, Madison Tatum, 17, the 2024 Miss Teen Greater Foothills, poses for a photo in front of Ken Carver’s 1948 Divco milk truck. This year the Placerville Lions members celebrate the club’s 100th anniversary and the numerous community service projects Lions have done over the last century, including caring for the environment, feeding the hungry, aiding seniors and the disabled and serving local youth. For more information about the club visit e-clubhouse.org/sites/ placervilleca or check out the group’s Facebook page. Photos by Laurie Edwards
MAIL LABEL
■ See ANNEXATION, page A5
Main Street getting ready for spooktacular fun Odin Rasco Senior staff writer
One of Placerville’s favorite traditions returns in a big way, with a bevy of fun activities coming soon to Trick or Treat on Main Street. “We wanted to make it more than just
walking along a conveyor belt of candy,” T.W. Bonkers owner Tony Windle said. “I mean, the candy is definitely still going to be there, but we also wanted to make it more fun for the entire family.” Looking to build off the success of last year’s Halloween, which saw the largest turnout in Placerville’s history,
Windle, co-sponsor of this year’s event, is making sure to highlight other draws beside sweets. Hands4Hope volunteers will operate a small Halloween carnival at the Bell Tower, the annual costume contest will return and there will also be ■ See SPOOKTACULAR FUN, page A7
■ WE LOVE OUR PETS. READ ENCHANTING LOCAL ANIMAL STORIES IN OUR SPECIAL SECTION. Lic # 559305
Serving Sacramento & Surrounding Areas Since 1979
Get More with Gilmore Air Conditioning • Plumbing • Drains Free Estimates & Free Second Opinions on A/C System Replacements. Call Today!
SCHEDULE NOW:
(530) 303-2727 GilmoreAir.com