Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026

AEU’s

Railway line in

Partnership spruces up El Dorado Trail

Wendy Oaks

Cal Fire

The Cal Fire

Amador–El Dorado Unit, in partnership with El Dorado County and Friends of the El Dorado Trail, is working to improve safety, accessibility and wildfire resilience along the unpaved section of the El Dorado Trail.

This month, firefighter crews from AEU’s Ponderosa Fire Center began vegetation management along the unpaved portion of the El Dorado Trail, extending from the El Dorado Train Station west to the county line. This approximately 25-mile stretch follows a historical railroad corridor through a mix of terrain within

the wildland-urban interface.

Project work includes cutting and thinning brush and trees approximately 20 feet on each side of the trail, removing downed trees and clearing weeds to improve overall trail safety. A specialized chipper mounted to a rail car is being used to e ciently process vegetation while minimizing impacts to the trail corridor. Work is scheduled to continue weekly through February.

“The El Dorado Trail

Shelly Thorene

El Dorado sheri ’s o cials issued a warning after a driver reported being assaulted by a man posing as a law enforcement o cer.

An El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce social media post released on Feb. 9 noted that late evening on Tuesday, Feb. 3, near China Hill Road and Highway 49 in Diamond Springs, a female driver alone in her vehicle pulled over after seeing flashing red and blue lights coming from the white SUV behind her. The driver reported that a man walked up, demanded she exit the vehicle and then, when she hesitated, reached into the vehicle through the open window and attempted to pull her out. The woman used bear spray to deter the man and drove to a safe location. O cials say the person of interest is about 6 feet tall, in his 30s and unshaven.

Andrew Vonderschmitt

Features editor

State and local fire o cials in January detailed a long-planned south Placerville fuel break project they say is critical to reducing wildfire risk around the city, describing a multi-phase, communitydriven e ort that could ultimately treat thousands of acres across more than 200 parcels of private and public land.

The project, led by Cal Fire in partnership with the El Dorado Resource Conservation District, El Dorado Irrigation District and El Dorado County, is designed to create a continuous fuel break south of Placerville. O cials said the goal is to slow or stop fast-moving wildfires, provide safer operating areas for firefighters and protect homes, infrastructure and evacuation routes.

“It’s not a matter of if, but when,” Cal Fire AEU Assistant Chief, Community Risk Reduction, Je Hoag told residents during the public presentation. “Our goal is to get to a continuous fuel break. That’s

Noel Stack Editor

Commending the collaboration and cooperation amongst numerous agencies, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors last week unanimously approved the county Office of Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience’s 2025 report and 2026 workplan as well as the Western El Dorado County Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

“This plan encompasses the entire west slope of El Dorado County. It assesses the local wildfire hazards, risks and vulnerabilities, and provides actionable items for mitigations,” explained Tanya Harlow, acting program manager for OWPR. “It’s essentially a roadmap for the community partners and stakeholders

ESSENTIALS

Thomas A. Weikert

Aug. 1, 1940 – Jan. 7, 2026

Thomas A. Weikert passed away peacefully at home on January 7, 2026 after a short illness. Tom was born in Oakland, CA on 8/1/1940 to Arthur C. and Vivian E. Weikert. In June, 1960 he married Ingrid Peterson with whom he had two children, Thomas and Karen. Shortly after Tom graduated from San Francisco State College, he and Ingrid moved to Fairfield where they raised their family. Tom taught at Vanden High School for 34 years where his subjects were history, civics, government, and other social studies. Following Ingrid’s death in June 1987, Tom met Lee Hicks Lunde. Tom and Lee, whose daughter Kirsten had been in one of his classes, were married in November, 1988. They lived in Fairfield and Vacaville until retiring and moving to the beautiful hills of Pollock Pines. In 37 years of marriage, Tom and Lee shared many travel adventures and a love of baseball. Tom hiked many of the mountain trails o both Highways 50 and 80. Tom was active in the local recovery community, developing deep friendships and mentoring many. At Episcopal Church of Our Saviour, he was active as a preacher, teacher, and spiritual leader. He was deeply loved for his sincerity, kindness, and willingness to reach out a helping hand. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Ingrid, his son Tom, and best friends Phil Clark and best dog Whitefoot. Tom is survived by his wife Lee, daughters Karen and Kirsten (Glenn), grandchildren Jaime (Nic), Ariel (Jon), Gracie, Thomas, Riley and Sophie and greatgrandchildren Wesley and Miles. He has entered heavenly rest.

There will be a visitation at Chapel of the Pines, 2855 Cold Springs Road, Placerville, on Friday, February 13, from 2 – 6 pm for those wishing to say a quiet, private goodbye. A full service will be held on February 14, 2026 at Episcopal Church of Our Saviour, 2979 Coloma St. Placerville, CA beginning at 1:00 pm with a reception to follow. The service will be streamed through the church website, oursaviourplacerville.org. Access is by clicking on the YouTube symbol in the upper right and corner of the homepage. Burial will be at Suisun Fairfield Cemetery, 1707 Union Ave., Fairfield on Tuesday, February 17 at 11:00 am. If you wish to honor Tom, please donate to Church of Our Saviour or your favorite charity.

Cindy Lee Webb

Sept. 6, 1957 – Jan 23, 2026

Cindy Lee Webb, born September 6, 1957, in Santa Barbara, California to Austin and Judy Forshey, passed away peacefully at home with family on January 23, 2026, after an eight year battle with cancer. Cindy was preceded in death by her mother Judy, father Jerry, and her son, Zachary Webb. She is survived by her nine beloved grandchildren; her son Jeremy Webb (Kate); daughters Nicole Tilford (Eric), Shasta Webb, and Kelsey Torres (Martin); her brother Doug Forshey (Ann); and many cherished family members. Cindy was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, and friend, and she will be dearly missed. She moved to El Dorado County at the age of 17 and spent the next 52 years creating deep roots in the community. Through her various customer service roles in the Placerville area, she made countless friends, all of whom remember her for her kindness, generosity, and willingness to help anyone. Being a mother was Cindy’s greatest passion. During her 35-year marriage to Stephen Webb, they raised five children and supported many friends and family members along the way. Cindy also loved animals and cared deeply for every member of her family. In recent years, Cindy was a warrior against cancer and fought with quiet strength, resilience, and grace. Though the battle was long and difficult, she never lost her spirit. She leaves behind a powerful legacy of love, kindness, and generosity. Those who knew her take comfort in knowing she is now at peace and free from pain.

Wanda Sherrod Mewes

Aug. 10, 1944 – Jan. 29, 2026

Wanda Sherrod Mewes, 81, of Placerville, passed away peacefully on January 29th, 2026. She was born in San Francisco on August 10th,1944 a daughter of the late Howard and Reba Sherrod. The family moved to Placerville CA in 1945. Wanda attended Placerville Schools and during her high school years she was the Head Majorette and sang in the school choir. She grew up loving animals and was a faithful donor to the SPCA.

Wanda married the love of her life James Mewes in 1974 spending 34 years together until his passing in 2009.

She enjoyed listening to music, singing, dancing and visiting the local casinos.

Wanda is survived by her children, Kelly Rowe (Scott) and Michael Newton. Stepchildren Ron Mewes (Becky), Gary Mewes (Debra) and Kevin Mewes, brothers Jerry Sherrod (Nell) Kenneth Sherrod (Zoelane) David Sherrod (Charlene) 11 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Mewes, son Patrick Newton, sister Lois Andersen, sister-in-law and best friend Nell Sherrod.

A Graveside Service was held Friday, February 6th, 2026 at 1:00 PM. Westwood Hills Memorial Park, 2720 Cold Springs Rd., Placerville. Following the conclusion of the service, Je and Christina Sherrod hosted a gathering for friends and family of Wanda at their home in Shingle Springs.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The Michael H. Newton Special Needs Trust located at El Dorado Savings Bank or contact Randy Sherrod -Trustee.

Ralph Thomas “Tom” Hickey

May 28, 1950 – Sept. 11, 2025

Tom passed away peacefully at his home after lengthy illnesses beginning with the exposure to contaminated water while stationed as a Marine Corps trainee at Camp Lejeune, South Carolina in 1967.

Tom graduated from training there as a Heavy Equipment Operator and was assigned to the Marine Headquarters at Guantanamo Bay Cuba.

After his Honorable Discharge from the Marine Corp Tom moved to Sacramento where he enrolled in classes at Sacramento City College and worked part time.

Tom went to work as a Correctional O cer at Folsom State Prison at the age of 22 years old, being one of the youngest Correctional O cers employed there at that time. Towards the latter years of his employment at Folsom Tom promoted to become a Stationary Engineer, working to maintain the aging infrastructure in the Housing Units, Administration Building and basically anywhere on the property where his services were needed.

While working at Folsom Prison Tom became involved with the on grounds Folsom Prison Museum eventually becoming the President of the Museum. Additionally Tom was the driving force to deliver a huge granite boulder from Folsom Prison to the Zoo Park at the town of Folsom.

Tom also contributed his time and energy to Toys for Tots and the Make a Wish programs in the Sacramento area sponsored by the local Marine Corp O cials.

Another notable accomplishment by Tom was that of being a Historian regarding the history of Folsom Prison including the China Hill Graveyard. In 1995 Tom was interviewed by Huell Howser of the televised California’s Gold that aired on the California Public Television broadcast.

Tom was an avid reader with a photographic memory. He built a machine shop along with a small foundry and became a hands on authority of the restoration of vintage, rare automobile engine and drive train components as well as vintage hit & miss gasoline engines as well as steam engines. He was a self-taught master machinist, tool and die maker, foundry man, electrician, heavy equipment operator and basically mastered any craft he needed to accomplish his goals and projects.

Some of the vintage car engines analyzed by Tom were to assess what had caused a mechanical failure and update the failure source to prevent future failures. Some of that assessment would involve improved oiling & coolant systems and in at least one case, the manufacturing of new, improved connecting rods from aircraft grade aluminum billet stock.

One of the many projects Tom conquered was the restoration of an 1890’s Gatlin Gun for the Folsom Prison Museum. This restoration involved creating molds and using his foundry to cast new components for the “Gat” as Tom referred to it as, that was missing or had broken parts.

Tom also spent a great deal of time working at his 40 acre rural property in Somerset California. He, his brothers along with many great friends built a large 30’ x 100’ X 20’ tall shop there using mostly recycled structural steel.

Tom is survived by his Sister Liz Brant, Brothers Rick, Paul, Jon, daughters Sharon and Cara. He was preceded in death by his Son William, father, mother and Sister Dolly.

Tom is greatly missed by many, respected, appreciated and will not be forgotten for all his contributions to so many over the years he was with us.

At this time there is no funeral planned.

Former school psychologist sentenced to four years

Chris Woodard Sta writer

Alejandro Figuerosa, a Rancho Cordova resident and former school psychologist at Westmore Oaks Elementary School in West Sacramento, finalized a plea deal and was sentenced to four years in prison on Friday, Feb. 6.

Figuerosa was arrested in July in El Dorado Hills by El Dorado County sheri ’s o cials for contacting a minor with the intent to commit sex crimes. The arrest followed a month-long investigation where Figuerosa contacted an online profile of an underage girl, whom o cers created. Figuerosa pleaded not guilty to all charges at his first arraignment last August.

Figuerosa drove to the El Dorado Hills Town Center plaza three times to meet with who he thought was an underage girl, according to EDSO. He was originally charged with contacting a minor to commit felonies, attempted kidnapping, sending harmful matter to a minor and using an underage person for obscene matter.

Per the plea agreement, Figuerosa pleaded guilty to the attempted kidnapping charge and will serve four years in prison with 10 years of parole. He received credit for 219 days already served, plus 32 days of conduct credit, for a total of 251 days applied toward his four-year sentence. In addition, Figuerosa must register as a sex o ender for the rest of his life and must submit a DNA sample for archiving.

No victims have been identified at the school or school district where Figuerosa was previously employed.

PPD CRIME LOG

The following was taken from PPD reports:

Jan. 11

11:01 a.m. Petty theft was reported on Mosquito Road. 2:08 p.m. Battery was reported at a facility on Spring Street.

Jan. 12

2:33 a.m. Battery was reported at a facility on Spring Street.

8:15 a.m. Petty theft was reported at an apartment complex on Schnell School Road.

10:14 a.m. Petty theft was reported at a hardware store on Placerville Drive.

4:47 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a clothing store on Broadway. 5:33 p.m. Battery was reported at a smoke shop on Broadway. 9:35 p.m. Someone was reportedly drunk in public at a gas station on Placerville Drive. An arrest was made.

Jan. 13

2:07 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a gas station on Forni Road. 2:13 p.m. Petty theft was reported on Marshall Way.

Jan. 14

11:47 a.m. Trespassing was reported at a gas station on Forni Road.

3 p.m. O cers booked into jail a person suspected of possessing a controlled substance and violating parole on Ray Lawyer Drive. They were listed in custody.

Jan. 15

9:31 a.m. O cers booked into jail a person suspected of shoplifting, petty theft, contempt of court, trespassing, possessing unlawful paraphernalia and probation violation on Forni Road. They were listed in custody in lieu of $20,000 bail.

1:42 p.m. Battery was reported at a school on Canal Street.

Jan. 16

11:42 a.m. O cers booked into jail a person suspected of possessing a controlled substance with two or more priors and violating probation on Mosquito Road. They were listed in custody in lieu of $15,000 bail.

12:51 p.m. O cers booked into jail a person suspected of being under the in uence of a controlled substance and violating parole on Mosquito Road. They were listed in custody.

3:07 p.m. Battery was reported on Marshall Way. An arrest was made.

Jan. 17

12:09 p.m. O cers booked into jail a person suspected of possessing a controlled substance with two or more priors, violating probation and violating parole on Spring Street. They were listed in custody.

6:29 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Pythian Court.

10:22 p.m. Battery was reported on Manor Drive. An arrest was made.

Jan. 18

3:56 p.m. Battery was reported on Blairs Lane.

Jan. 19

7:06 a.m. Trespassing was reported on Main Street.

Jan. 20

12:32 a.m. Trespassing was reported at a gas station on Placerville Drive.

8:16 a.m. Petty theft was reported downtown on Main Street.

12:14 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Union Street.

12:30 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a grocery store on Placerville Drive.

12:47 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a grocery store on Broadway. 3:25 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Union Street. An arrest was made.

Jan. 21

10:28 a.m. Trespassing was reported on Cold Springs Road.

8:50 p.m. O cers booked into jail a person suspected of petty theft, unlawful camping, possessing a controlled substance and possessing unlawful paraphernalia, with all charges having two or more priors on Fair Lane. They were listed in custody in lieu of $850,000 bail.

6:04 p.m. Battery was reported on Spring Street.

Jan. 22

7:16 a.m. Burglary was reported at a clinic on Placerville Drive. An arrest was made.

8:22 a.m. O cers booked into jail a person suspected of theft, grand theft, burglary and damaging jail property on Pierroz Road. They were listed in custody in lieu of $3,000 bail.

12:57 p.m. Someone was reportedly drunk in public at a motel on Broadway.

Cameron Park CSD Director Monique Scobey resigns

Noel Stack Editor

Citing health issues that need her full attention, Cameron Park Community Services District Director Monique Scobey announced her resignation at the board’s Jan. 21 meeting.

Scobey had about 11 months left on her fouryear term. She was first appointed to her seat in late September 2017 and has lived in Cameron Park for more than 25 years.

“I have very much enjoyed participating in local government and representing our community. I have met some very kind and intelligent people and this experience has provided me with substantial personal growth,” Scobey shared in a statement read at the board meeting. “I now have a deeper respect for collaboration and the time required to do it successfully. I want to thank all current and former board members

and the CSD staff for all of their hard work over these past eight years. It has been a pleasure working with you all. I especially want to thank you, the community, for allowing me the privilege of representing you.”

Scobey joined the board in 2017 during a tumultuous time.

Two months prior,

two CPCPSD board members resigned for personal reasons and a few months before that General Manager Mary Cahill resigned amid allegations of labor violations. Public distrust, budget deficits and additional board and staff turnover led to some heated meetings in the years that followed.

“I am proud of being

part of changing the culture of the board,” Scobey told the Mountain Democrat after her announcement.

“When I was appointed in 2017 there was name calling, yelling and unnecessary hostility from both the directors and the public. Over time, with even tempers and leading by example, it has improved immensely.”

CPCSD interim General Manager Maurice Johnson, who joined the district in February 2025, said he has enjoyed working with Scobey during his time on the job.

“Monique has been a dedicated public servant and an outstanding board member whose commitment to Cameron Park has been evident in everything she has done,” Johnson shared.

“She consistently brought a thoughtful focus on financial sustainability, the preservation and future of Cameron Park Lake and strong advocacy for the community as a whole.

Carbon monoxide poisoning more likely to happen in winter

California Poison Control System

News release

Every year carbon monoxide poisoning sends more than 100,000 Americans to the emergency room, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of those, more than 14,000 are hospitalized and more than 400 people die. While carbon monoxide poisoning can happen any time of the year, there is a higher risk of it during the cold winter season, California Poison Control System reminds California residents.

CO, the chemical formula for carbon monoxide, is a “silent killer.” Colorless, odorless and tasteless, the gas is undetectable to human senses and people don’t realize they are being poisoned. Carbon monoxide may be released from stoves, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges or furnaces that are not functioning properly or not burning fuel with enough oxygen. The gas can then easily and quickly build up indoors, poisoning any person or animal that breathes it.

“Anyone exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning is in a life-threatening emergency,” said Dr. Rais Vohra, medical director for the Fresno/ Madera Division of CPCS. “Since it is undetectable to the human senses, assume that a real danger is present if a CO detector goes off, and get all people and pets out of the structure immediately and into fresh air. Call 911 and seek medical help right away. Do not re-enter until a professional declares it safe.”

Symptoms of CO poisoning can vary, ranging from headache, fatigue, shortness of breath and dizziness to loss of consciousness

and chest pain. Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen slowly or swiftly depending on circumstances.

California Poison Control offers these tips to reduce your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning: Install a batteryoperated or battery back-up CO detector in your home near sleeping areas. Be sure to regularly check or change the batteries in it to ensure it is functioning properly. Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances inspected by

Dr.

a qualified technician every year prior to turning the heat on when winter begins. Never try to heat your home by turning on the oven or clothes dryer and leaving the door open. Make sure chimneys and vents are not blocked with tarps, debris, or snowfall. Never leave the motor running in your vehicle when it is parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage. Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi or portable camping stove inside a home, tent, or camper.

Little’s Dental News

by Jeffery Little,

TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE

Even though they might be fully covered by insurance, some patients question the American Dental Association’s recommendation to get their teeth professionally cleaned and checked every six months. They may reason that, since they have not had any new cavities in quite some time, one annual cleaning and checkup may suffice. However, one reason that they may not have had cavities is that they previously adhered to the ADA’s twice-yearly recommendation. Cavities may develop slowly, but it only takes a change in diet or medication (leading to dry mouth) to tip the balance of the oral environment slightly in decay’s favor. At that point, early detection can spell the difference between a small filling and the need for root-canal treatment.

The idea of having regular check-

Johnson acknowledged he will miss Scobey’s leadership and her “invaluable” memory.

“She was often the first person I called when I needed context, background or institutional memory on complex issues, and she always shared that insight generously and thoughtfully,” he said.

“Her perspective helped ground discussions in both history and community values.

“Cameron Park has benefited greatly from Monique’s service, leadership and dedication,” he concluded. “She leaves a lasting impact, and her contributions will continue to shape the district and the community for years to come.”

Still on the board’s plate are tough budget decisions and Scobey said she would like

the board to tackle the problem before it’s too late.

‘In a few years, there will not be sufficient tax revenue to fund the many services the district provides,” she maintained. “In addition, I would also like to see the Park Impact Fees, which are restricted funds that can only be spent on park improvements, invested in the community.

“One of the biggest challenges our district faces is hiring general managers,” she continued. “Our district cannot pay a competitive salary, which makes recruitment a challenge. Some of the improvements the district has implemented in this regard are a robust proficiency test and a more comprehensive

Do not cover the bottom of natural gas or propane ovens with aluminum foil.

To learn more about prevention and the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning watch the CPCS video at youtu.be/3BT_ hDb4uqE.

ups is to avoid such problems as cavities. We’ll be more than happy to show you how to clean your teeth properly if you are unsure how to do it. Periodontal disease approaches silently. It may progress painlessly, producing few obvious signs. We offer complete dental care for the entire family. Please call us to schedule an appointment. You can trust your dental health to our experience and knowledge. We want to keep you smiling. We offer “Tooth Print,” which is an impression of a child’s full mouth. About the size of a small wafer, the impression is given to the parent/guardian for the family album or for ID for a missing child.

P.S. Regular checkups help ensure that buildup of plaque (which reforms every 24 hours) does not lead to gingivitis (gum inflammation) or worse.

Placerville. (530) 626-9127 Visit us at: www.jefflittledds.com

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AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for

OPINION

California Matters California can’t shed a history of persistent government corruption

Susan Shelley, a columnist at the Orange County Register, recently reminded her readers — and the whole state — that California has a corruption problem.

She focused mainly on a string of corruption cases involving Southern California politicians, particularly members of the Los Angeles City Council.

However, she touched on others outside of Southland, including a recent scandal involving Gov. Gavin Newsom’s former chief of sta accused in an alleged scheme to raid political campaign funds for personal gain and the indictment of Oakland’s mayor for bribery.

California was notoriously corrupt after it became a state in 1850. The freewheeling Gold Rush era’s rampant lawlessness morphed into an equally unseemly political ethos. The Southern Pacific Railroad notoriously controlled the state Legislature, using its clout to gain control of vast tracts of land and squeeze farmers into paying usurious freight rates.

In the early 20th century, a political reform movement bloomed, led by Hiram Johnson, the era’s dominant political figure. The creation of agencies to regulate the railroad and other entrenched interests; the adoption of initiative, referendum and recall powers to bypass a corrupt Legislature, and the shift to non-partisan local governments all seemed to curb institutional corruption.

Even though political gures wind up behind bars when their schemes are revealed, it doesn’t seem to deter others from lining their pockets …

However, it didn’t go away. Throughout the 20th century, California saw periodic outbreaks, usually when the law caught up with miscreants. The most famous case was that of Artie Samish, a lobbyist for liquor and other interests who openly boasted, during the 1930s and 1940s, of his control over the Legislature.

Samish finally went to prison, a few new laws passed and Californians once again were told their governments were clean. However, the illusion was punctured in the 1980s when the FBI conducted a sting operation in the state Capitol.

Agents posed as businessmen seeking special legislation for a shrimp-processing project. They videotaped legislators, sta ers and lobbyists o ering help for bribes. Quite a few caught up in

Letters to the Editor

We are all connected

EDITOR:

Iam tired of the division that has swallowed our society. At my core, I believe that we are all connected — but our government is tearing us apart.

I constantly hear talk of faith and freedom. Yet, I see political loyalty to a single leader placed above the Christian values many claim to uphold. It is exhausting to witness a culture where “winning” justifies arresting or killing those who disagree. Why is cruelty celebrated as strength?

Instead of blaming our neighbors for our economic struggles or pointing fingers at those seeking a better life, we need to hold corporations that prioritize profits over people accountable. We are being fed a steady diet of propaganda that encourages us to see our fellow humans as “others” and accept the corporate view that we are disposable.

I hope we can return to critical thinking and independent research. I hope we can care for one

another because it is the right thing to do, not because it is a tax write-o . But if we continue to allow cruelty — whether at our borders, in our streets or in our comments sections — to become our standard, we all lose.

LINDA RETHWISCH

Somerset

Easy solution

EDITOR:

You know, Vice President JD Vance is right!

If blue states would simply submit to subjugation and cower from Dear Leader’s henchmen things would go so much easier for them.

When experience speaks, we should listen in El Dorado County

At a recent Taxpayers Association of El Dorado County meeting, District 1 Planning Commissioner Dave Spaur did something both uncommon and necessary in local government: he spoke candidly, from experience, about how land-use decisions are made in this county. Spaur is not speculating, posturing or repeating rumors. Over a 45-year career in planning, city management and economic development, spanning many jurisdictions, he has seen how planning systems are supposed to function. His conclusion was stark and unambiguous.

When a planning professional with 45 years of experience says, “I have never seen a county operate this way,” the responsible response is to stop and listen, especially when that

county is El Dorado.

What Spaur actually said: Planning sta are not operating independently.

He described a system in which sta analysis is constrained by direction, what can be included, what must be omitted and how recommendations are framed. That undermines the Planning Commission’s role as an independent, quasi-judicial body charged with evaluating projects on their merits.

Spaur also explained that consultants, paid in full by applicants, are delivering partial environmental analyses, with unresolved impacts deferred or shifted to the county. In jurisdictions he has worked in, this would be unacceptable. Environmental review is supposed to be comprehensive, not selective. Perhaps the most alarming

When decisions are in uenced behind the scenes, the public loses its right to a fair process. This isn’t about politics. It’s about governance, legality and trust.

revelation was that conditions approved by the Planning Commission have been modified or removed after commission action, before items reach the Board of Supervisors, sometimes by county counsel or sta . Spaur stated plainly he had never encountered this practice anywhere else in his career.

The General Plan is being sidelined, according to Spaur, who described how outdated or missing community plans are being bypassed through ad-hoc specific plans, often to facilitate residential development where commercial or industrial uses were originally intended, without a coherent countywide strategy.

Spaur emphasized that residential development is routinely approved based on gross revenue assumptions, property tax, sales tax and fees

without accounting for the full longterm costs of growth, including roads, maintenance, fire protection, law enforcement, administrative services and infrastructure replacement.

A recent fiscal analysis reviewed by the Taxpayers Association confirms what many counties across California have already learned: new residential development frequently results in a net long-term loss to counties once lifecycle service and infrastructure obligations are fully accounted for. While homes generate upfront fees and incremental tax revenue, those revenues often fail to keep pace over time with the cost of maintaining roads, expanding public safety services and replacing aging infrastructure, especially in rural and

semi-rural jurisdictions like El Dorado County.

In short, approving housing based on short-term revenue projections while ignoring long-term cost obligations creates structural deficits that are borne by existing taxpayers. This is not sustainable planning; it is deferred liability.

Near the end of the discussion, Spaur was asked a direct question: “If you had the opportunity to just change one thing in this county, what would you change?”

After confirming the meeting was being recorded, his answer was immediate: “Change the CAO.”

He explained, “You need to hire somebody that wants to build capacity out of sta , because you have very limited resources. You need to have somebody that wants to make change, not for change’s sake, but to build the strongest, healthiest community for good government practices.”

Spaur emphasized that best practices for running a county already exist: “The good government practices are out there, from the International City Management Association, from CSAC, and particularly RCRC, which has the best lobbyists on sta for rural counties.”

But he was equally clear that El Dorado County does not actively leverage those resources.

“The county is invited to participate with SACOG and CSAC, and the county listens at these meetings, these groups have good policies,” he said. “But current practices (EDC BOS, CAO O ce) are not a proactive elected board that’s going out and fighting for dollars from the federal government and the state government. The county takes what they can get.”

By contrast, Spaur explained how e ective counties operate: “We had a lobbyist, so we knew how to operate in Sacramento, and we knew how to operate in the federal system.”

His point was unmistakable: successful counties do not passively “participate,” they actively advocate, coordinate and pursue resources. That requires executive leadership grounded in recognized professional standards, not improvisation.

After Spaur addressed the association, the TPA was informed of a deeply troubling allegation.

According to information relayed to us, at least one sitting El Dorado County supervisor reportedly called for Spaur’s removal. To be clear: this account has been reported to us; it is not yet a matter of public record. But, if accurate, it suggests an e ort to punish a planning commissioner for speaking honestly about process failures.

What makes this even more concerning is that this pattern has allegedly occurred before.

A former El Dorado County planning commissioner is currently suing the county for wrongful termination, alleging removal after raising concerns about planning processes (whistleblower retribution).

Another former planning commissioner has stated directly and is willing to testify under oath that the supervisor representing his district instructed him how to vote on specific planning matters.

There is a lawsuit under way against the county by a former employee for being a whistleblower against some of these inappropriate practices.

If true, these are not minor issues. Current practices go to the integrity of the county’s land-use decision-making system.

Planning Commissioners serve in a quasi-judicial role. That means they are legally required to review evidence, apply adopted plans and zoning laws and make decisions independently.

In simple terms:

•Supervisors are not allowed to tell planning commissioners how to vote.

•Retaliating against a commissioner for speaking honestly or exercising independent judgment is improper.

When decisions are influenced behind the scenes, the public loses its right to a fair process. This isn’t about politics. It’s about governance, legality and trust.

El Dorado County is facing consequential decisions about growth, infrastructure and fiscal sustainability. When someone with decades of experience says, “This is not how planning is supposed to work,” the response should not be suppression; it should be accountability.

Lee Tannenbaum is president of the Taxpayers Association of El Dorado County.

Walters Continued from A4 what was dubbed “Shrimpgate” wound up behind bars.

Meanwhile, something was happening among the small cities that ringed the city of Los Angeles. Many were captured, in e ect, by crooked politicians who sold favors, such as franchises and contracts, to the highest bidders and voted themselves lavish salaries and pensions.

The syndrome was first revealed in a 2010 series of Los Angeles Times articles about the tiny city of Bell, revealing how the city manager and other o cials had essentially looted the city.

Since then, similar scandals involving other small Los Angeles County cities and at least one in Anaheim, a city in Orange County, have emerged.

When Anthony Rendon was speaker of the state Assembly, he once called the San Gabriel Valley region he represented a “corridor of corruption.”

More recently, as Susan Shelley’s column points out, the Los Angeles City Council has seen a string of corruption prosecutions alleging its members sold favors or steered city contracts into entities that benefited them financially.

Currently, Councilman Curren Price is being charged with corruption for a variety of schemes prosecutors say put money into his pocket.

Meanwhile Newsom’s former chief of sta , Dana Williamson, faces federal charges, including bank fraud, for allegedly falsifying documents to obtain a pandemic era federal business loan and an alleged scheme to drain hundreds of thousands of dollars from a campaign account that Xavier Becerra, a former Biden cabinet member and attorney general, maintained.

A former Becerra sta er, Sean McCluskie, and Sacramento lobbyist Greg Campbell have pleaded guilty, while Williamson awaits trial.

Even though political figures wind up behind bars when their schemes are revealed, it doesn’t seem to deter others from lining their pockets, so one must wonder how much corruption goes undiscovered.

Dan Walters is a journalist and author who writes for CALmatters.org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.

YOUR LETTER online at mtdemocrat.com. Select “Forms and Submissions” from the menu.

Cougar varsity hoops fall to Pride on the road

Mike Bush Mountain Democrat correspondent

Two El Dorado High School boys basketball players scored in double digits during Friday’s Sierra Valley Conference game against Bradshaw Christian High School’s squad.

The Cougars, from the beginning of the game until the final buzzer, put in every ounce of energy against Bradshaw. That included battling for o ensive rebounds inside the paint and defensive rebounds after missing their shots. But Bradshaw jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter, which led to a 68-43 win over El Dorado (3-9 in the SVC, 6-20 overall) inside The Pride’s gym in Sacramento.

Bradshaw (8-4 in the SVC, 15-10) started the first quarter with a 19-10 run over the Cougars. Then the second quarter came around, where the balance of scoring was almost even; Bradshaw outscored El Dorado 11-10. That added up to a 30-20 halftime score.

“Overall, I felt like our fight was there in the second half,” said El Dorado head coach Christopher Engelage, “but, at the end of the day, you have to make shots and value each possession and we didn’t do that.”

The Cougars made

only seven of 25 shots from the field and only six of 15 from the free throw line.

In addition, El Dorado only had three assists and was guilty of 13 turnovers.

“It felt like a lot of self-inflicted wounds,” Engelage said. Bradshaw moved the ball around and it showed. The Pride had 13 assists, plus 36 rebounds. Those numbers contributed to scoring in the second half, as Bradshaw outscored El Dorado by a 39-22 margin.

“I don’t want to diminish what Bradshaw did,” Engelage said. “They played a phenomenal game.

(Bradshaw head coach JJ Mina) has done an amazing job in his first season leading them and this game showed his team was ready to compete at a high level.”

Ben Beasley led El Dorado in scoring 11 points. Elliot Barnes, a sophomore, followed with 10 points.

Other Cougar scorers were Ryan McCarty with nine points, Kade McCullough seven, Wes Morrasy four and Corey Meierotto two.

Sam Amezcua was one of four Pride players who scored in double digits, finishing the game with 17 points. Swazy Lewis followed with 15 points, Carson Fitzpatrick 11 and

Bishop Porter 10.

Two of the Cougars’ SVC wins this season have come against Rosemont twice, and once against Galt High. Liberty Ranch of Galt sits alone in first place in the SVC at 12-0.

Upcoming games

El Dorado played its final home game of the regular season against Amador on Feb. 10.

This Friday, the Cougars make the short trek to El Dorado to face rival Union Mine in a 7 p.m. game.

TAHOE CITY —

Tahoe XC’s trails are getting a new launching point after donors exceeded the Tahoe Fund’s $100,000

matching goal to relocate the year-round trailhead. As part of the larger Tahoe Cross Country Lodge Project, the new trailhead will help minimize neighborhood parking and give everyone an

easier start on the area’s popular trails.

”Tahoe XC has been a welcome home to cross country skiing and mountain biking in our community for over 50 years,” said Bill Dietz, Tahoe Fund board member. “We are thrilled to report that passion for recreation runs deep in our region, as Tahoe Fund donors met and exceeded our goal to support the trailhead relocation e ort.” The Tahoe Fund matching campaign raised over $105,000 of private funding to support the project’s

what’s going to lead to the best protection for participating property owners and the city of Placerville.”

Fire history

O cials framed the project as a response to more than a century of significant fire activity in El Dorado County, including the Caldor, King, Sand Ridge and Mosquito fires. A fire history map presented at the meeting showed fires of 10 acres or more dating back to 1915.

The project area was selected using the unit’s strategic fire plan and a hazard risk assessment tool that analyzes fire history, ignition patterns, vegetation, topography and proximity to homes. That analysis identified south Placerville and the Texas Hill area as high priorities, particularly the Weber Creek drainage, where typical wind patterns could drive fire toward residential neighborhoods.

“Not all fuels are equal,” Hoag said. “This tool helps us identify where treatment will give us the most benefit in terms of protecting homes and creating safe spaces for firefighters.”

Phased implementation

The South Placerville fuel break encompasses roughly 5,500 acres, much of it privately owned. About 1,500 acres within the project area are owned by EID, where Cal Fire plans to begin Phase One work once environmental review is complete.

The broader footprint overlaps with other mitigation e orts, including the Weber Creek project, funded in part through FEMA hazard mitigation grants, and the Texas Hill project, a roughly 900acre e ort supported by state wildfire prevention funding. O cials said the intent is to layer protection through defensible space, home hardening and landscape-scale fuel breaks.

The work would be carried out in phases over a 10-year period, using a vegetation management project framework that allows Cal Fire to return to treated areas for maintenance.

“It’s not a one-time project,” said Cal Fire Battalion Chief, Vegetation Management Projects, Eric Bither. “We might have three or four times where we come in and do di erent treatments.”

Participation critical

Because most of the land involved is privately owned, o cials repeatedly emphasized that the project’s success depends on participation by landowners and cooperation among neighbors.

“This is your project,” said Mark Egbert, district manager for the El Dorado & Georgetown Divide Resource Conservation Districts.

“You are the participants who are going to enroll, participate and allow the project to take place.”

Egbert pointed to the Texas Hill area as an example, saying nearly all landowners there have signed rightof-entry agreements, allowing crews to work across contiguous areas rather than in isolated patches. Without that cooperation, he said, it becomes di cult to implement a strategic, e ective fuel break.

Right of entry

To move forward, Cal Fire and the RCD are asking landowners to sign RM-75 right-ofentry agreements with the state, along with companion agreements with the RCD. The agreements allow environmental scientists and foresters to access properties for surveys and, later, to conduct fuel treatments.

Bither said the agreements are required before environmental review can be completed under the California Environmental Quality Act. The review will evaluate potential impacts to archaeological and cultural resources, wildlife and plant species, air and water quality and visual resources.

“We want to identify potential environmental impacts and either avoid those areas or mitigate them,” Bither said, adding that property owners will not be responsible for permits or regulatory compliance.

Treatment methods vs. long-term maintenance

O cials said treatment methods could include thinning, mastication, pile burning, broadcast burning and, in some cases, targeted grazing. Some parcels may receive multiple types of treatment over time.

“We’re not leaving anything o the table,” Hoag said. “It will be done methodically. It’ll be done with your help and assistance.”

Cal Fire currently manages roughly 30,000

to 38,000 acres of vegetation management projects across the unit.

O cials acknowledged they do not have the sta ng or funding to maintain all treated areas indefinitely without help from landowners.

“We don’t have enough people or enough money to go back and maintain all of them,” one o cial said. “Without landowner participation, we could spend the next 100 years just maintaining what we already have.”

No cost to landowners

Several residents questioned whether they could be liable for costs if funding fell short or if they later chose to withdraw. O cials repeatedly stressed that the program, as structured, is voluntary and at no cost to participating landowners.

“The total cost is $0,”

Cal Fire AEU Battalion Chief, Wildfire Planning, Bryan Pooley said, adding that signing the RM-75 does not transfer property control to Cal Fire and that landowners may opt out later without financial penalty.

O cials also addressed concerns about indemnification language, explaining that under the vegetation management plan, Cal Fire is the primary entity conducting the work.

The indemnification provisions are intended to protect homeowners if a state-conducted burn were to escape and damage neighboring property.

A larger strategy

O cials described the South Placerville fuel break as the first phase of a broader e ort to address what they called a “360-degree threat” from wildfire around the city, including potential fire spread from the American River canyon and the Highway 49 corridor.

They also addressed questions about fire insurance and hazard severity maps, noting that while fuel treatments can make properties more defensible, Cal Fire’s primary mandate is public safety, not insurance underwriting.

As the presentation concluded, o cials encouraged residents to review project materials, maps and contact information provided and to reach out for propertyspecific consultations.

“Your engagement and

your relationship with your neighbor are going to result in the success of the project,” Egbert said. Next steps include refining the presentation, confirming contractual language and continuing outreach to build the homeowner cooperation they described as essential to moving beyond the tens of thousands of

acres already under management.

A council member closed the meeting by praising the “years of planning” and “phenomenal modeling” that went into the proposal, and by thanking fire o cials for their persistence in trying to protect the community from the growing threat of wildfire.

will create ADA and beginner-friendly trail access not currently available at the existing trailhead due to its topography. It will also provide walkability and transit options for students thanks to its shared parking with North Tahoe High School, and generate year-round community programming opportunities.

“Relocating the trailhead is the first step in realizing our larger goal of finally giving the Tahoe Cross Country community a home that serves and connects for generations to come,” said Jim Robbins, TCCSEA board president and founding member of Tahoe XC. “We are incredibly grateful to those who contributed to the trailhead relocation e ort and demonstrated the value this project has to our broader community.”

The Lodge Project will create a functional, sustainable home for Tahoe XC’s growing youth programs and serve as a gathering space for everyone. The new location is a more accessible trailhead to both Tahoe XC’s groomed winter trails and Burton Creek State Park public lands. Once constructed, the new lodge will replace the 50-year-old building that exists today with a new building that will use geothermal

and solar panels to become

for wildfire resiliency.”

Created in partnership with the El Dorado County Fire Safe Council, she noted agency representatives took a new approach when developing this updated document.

“We asked, you know, instead of doing one little roadside work project in one fire safe council, why don’t we identify projects … that cross multiple fire safe councils and benefit entire regions?” Harlow told the board. “The goal is to think bigger and to pursue larger grants, and to develop projects with wider impact while still considering the needs of individual councils and ultimately maximizing benefits across communities.”

Stakeholders from fire safe councils, utility companies, fire departments and other agencies conducted site tours throughout the west slope to determine areas of focus. OWPR also hosted public workshops and sent out community and stakeholder surveys. From there consultants developed “an in-depth hazard and risk analysis where we identified the risks, community vulnerabilities and mitigation opportunities, and recommended actions that include … fuel reduction and fuels work all the way down to community planning, evacuation planning, defensible space and home hardening — and everything in between,” Harlow noted, adding the CWPP aligns with the El Dorado County General Plan safety element.

Collaborators encouraged supervisors to move forward with the plan, which will be implemented by the Project Coordination Working Group.

“Everybody who has a stake in wildfire preparedness and mitigation in our county is a member of this project coordination working group,” Harlow said. “Everybody shares their data, their maps; they share their ongoing or upcoming projects that they have, grant opportunities and really just talk and make sure everybody knows what everybody else is doing around the county. We’re trying to avoid duplication and trying to maximize benefit.”

“It’s just really been a cultural shift in how work gets done,” said working group member Tamara Johnston, grants manager for the El Dorado County Fire Safe Council and chair of the Georgetown Divide Fire Safe Council. “Rather than working in silos and kind of reactive project development, we’re now coordinating with each other. We’re being strategic and we’re being collaborative, which is just a … breath of fresh air, and we’re seeing results. We really are.

“Bottom line, we’re saving time, we’re reducing duplication, we’re strengthening our competitiveness and we’re actually getting … money and we’re getting projects on the ground,” Johnston added.

Jeff Hoag, assistant chief in charge of the Community Risk Reduction Program for the Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit, called the CWPP an important document that demonstrates El Dorado County’s leadership in wildfire prevention efforts and community protection.

“Leadership is a huge component. I think about what makes a great wildfire community risk reduction program … is having multiple agencies coordinated,” Hoag said. “There are some key components in that. And one of those key components is having an office like the Office of Wildfire Prevention and Resiliency.”

Agencies coordinating with OWPR are the Fire Chiefs Association, El Dorado Water Agency, El Dorado County Fire Preventions Officers, El Dorado and Georgetown Divide Resource Conservation District, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, El Dorado County Fire Safe Council, U.S. Forest Service, Cal Fire and the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team.

Ryan Wagner, assistant chief with the Eldorado National Forest, said he views OWPR as “the gold standard for how federal, state and local partners can work together while respecting each agency’s unique responsibilities.”

“We are fully committed to participating in planning, coordination and implementation discussions, ensuring our federal priorities contribute meaningfully to the county’s long-term resiliency goals,” Wagner said at the Feb. 3 meeting. “And together, we’re building a more unified, data-driven, community-centered approach to wildfire resilience across El Dorado County.”

“The wildfire issue in this county is not something that developed overnight; we’re not going to mitigate it overnight,” added El

Dorado County Fire Protection District Fire Chief Tim Cordero. “It’s going to take a continuation of all the players that have been assembled, the great work that’s being done out there. But really all that boils down to the leadership from this group, and I thank you for that.”

2025 successes

OWPR oversees the county’s Defensible Space Program. In 2025, 1,730 defensible space inspections were completed by the county. Collaborative partners also completed inspections for a combined total of 9,503.

“There are four inspection types — proactive, complaint-driven, real estate and upon request,” Harlow explained. “All these inspections are conducted in collaboration with Cal Fire and local fire districts through the Defensible Space Working Group. This is a multi-agency approach, which ensures consistent standards and maximizes reach and reduces duplication. There (are) approximately 87,000 parcels that are subject to the ordinance in the county, and the only way that we can get through all of these parcels is by doing it together.

“The areas that we go into to inspect are decided through the Defensible Space Working Group, and they’re prioritized by their very high or high fire severity zones,” she continued. “They’re one way in, one way out communities, and locations that have multiple mitigation projects around them.”

Through education and outreach, Harlow told the board that about 90% of parcel owners in areas inspected last year became compliant with the county ordinance.

Funding for OWPR work comes from several sources. Last year the county received a $10 million grant from the Bureau of Land Management for projects “designed to reduce wildfire risk on and adjacent to BLM lands. So this funds defensible space inspections, outreach and FireWise programs,” Harlow shared. “The goal of this grant is to inspect up to 30,000 parcels “

A $25 million FEMA grant focuses on defensible space and home hardening for around 525 homes south of Placerville. This project recently launched with community outreach under way.

Cal Fire contributed $150,000 for the position of county coordinator, whose job it is to align agencies, facilitate outreach and guide CWPP implementation.

Other highlights in 2025 included 19 additional Firewise Community designations, bringing the county’s total to 55. OWPR expanded its public outreach efforts last year as well.

“The principle is that an educated community is a more prepared and resilient community, but they have to be motivated to act,” Harlow said. “So that is how we try to design all of our messaging — is to actually motivate them to do the things.”

Consistency in messaging to the broadest possible audience has also been a priority.

“The information that’s shared includes critical information such as evacuation topics, signing up for emergency alerts, defensible space and those kinds of things,” noted Troy Morton with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office. “It has just been a huge asset to us — actually reaching people, and the proof is when we go to these meetings and people have heard about our programs.”

High praise

District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin, noting she had concerns about OWPR when the office was first created, thanked staff for their efforts.

“I’m glad y’all proved me wrong,“ Parlin admitted. “It has been great to see how it has developed and evolved over time — the collaboration, I mean, all the things. The unified messaging is huge.”

“We envisioned this and we just didn’t know how to get there,” District 3 Supervisor Brian Veerkamp added. “Thanks, everybody, for making it happen.

“We have always been, in my opinion, head and shoulders above anybody else, whether it’s emergency medical services and now in fire prevention and work such as this,” Veerkamp continued. “We have set the bar and we’re going to continue to set that bar.”

District 5 Supervisor and board chair Brooke Laine thanked staff and encouraged continued

coordination with agencies in the Tahoe Basin, which follows a separate plan. She also said she appreciated the inclusion of some of her at-risk communities in the CWPP.

“I worry about a lot of District 5 in the Pollock Pines area because I’m aware of how many residential neighbors are stuck. There’s one way in and one way out,” Laine noted. “I really appreciate the fact that’s something that you’re taking a hard look at, and that’s a very high priority.”

District 1 Supervisor Greg Ferrero commended the group for its cooperative strategy.

Veerkamp made the motion to accept OWPR’s report and move forward with the CWPP; all five supervisors voted in favor. Find the CWPP at eldoradocounty.ca.gov/ Public-Safety-Justice/WildfireDisaster/Office-of-WildfirePreparedness-and-Resilience.

Ongoing challenge

Up next, supervisors noted, is

Continued from A1

continued efforts to bring affordable homeowners insurance back to El Dorado County.

“We can’t get gosh darn insurance at an affordable rate, and it is crushing everyone,” Parlin said. “How do we get the insurance industry to understand the good work we’re doing here in our county?” We’re trying to incentivize them to come back and make it a market here for us. So, you know, how do we get that connection a little bit stronger?

“The insurance is the nut that we still have to crack, and that’s at a high state level,” Veerkamp agreed. “We can continue to put that pressure on, hopefully, and get some results. “

“The biggest thing is insurance, and I talked about it in the roundtable,” District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo chimed in. “Why can’t we have a standalone wildfire insurance only? We got flood insurance; we got earthquake (insurance). Why can’t we have that for wildfires? That would bring a lot of the insurance companies back.”

“Please know that while the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, like many other law enforcement agencies in the state, operate unmarked vehicles, our unmarked vehicles are equipped with emergency lights and sirens that follow California legislation and vehicle code,” the post states. “Our deputies will always be readily identifiable or be able to produce law enforcement credentials and, per California law, must notify the driver of the vehicle the reason for the stop.”

Anyone who might have information or video surveillance footage that could help authorities in their investigation of the incident is asked to reach out to De. Flores at (530) 642-4710 or Floresd@ eldoradosheriff.gov.

PG&E offers more bill relief

Paul Moreno PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company is committing $50 million in 2026 to help customers pay overdue energy bills through its Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help and Match My Payment programs.

PG&E is expanding REACH benefits this year. Eligible customers can receive up to an $800 bill credit, an increase from up to $300 last year, if they have received a disconnection notice.

Match My Payment matches eligible customer payments dollar-for-dollar, up to $1,000. Payments must be at least $50 toward a past-due balance of $100 or more. Customers can receive multiple matches during the year. A disconnection notice is not required for customers to qualify.

REACH recipients are also prequalified for up to $1,000 on a past-due balance through Match My Payment, for a combined benefit of up to $1,800 while funds last.

Eligibility for both programs is based on federal income guidelines. For example, a family of four earning less than $128,600 may qualify for the Match My Payment program, which has higher income limits than the REACH program.

In 2025, the two programs provided approximately $23 million in assistance to over 64,000 customers.

“We receive heartfelt messages from our customers every day about how much these programs mean to them. These stories remind us of the real impact our programs have on the lives of our customers and we are committed to continuing to make a difference,” said Vincent Davis, chief customer officer and senior vice president, Customer Experience. Both programs are funded by PG&E and provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The company contracts with the nonprofit Dollar Energy Fund to process customer applications.

Stabilizing prices

PG&E’s $50 million commitment comes after the company cut residential electric rates for customers

who receive energy supply and delivery from PG&E by 5% Jan. 1. This is the fourth electric rate decrease in two years, reinforcing the company’s promise to stabilize energy costs for customers.

PG&E residential electric rates are 11% lower than in January 2024, or about $20 less on a typical residential monthly bill.

Other programs

PG&E has other assistance programs to help income-eligible customers pay their energy bills:

• California Alternate Rates for Energy program: provides a monthly discount of 20% or more on gas and an average of 38% on electricity (compared to non-CARE bundled customers).

•Family Electric Rate Assistance program: eligibility guidelines provide a monthly discount of 18% on electricity regardless of household size.

• Low Income Energy Assistance program: a federally funded assistance program overseen by the state that offers a one-time payment up to $1,500 on past due bills to help lowincome households pay for heating or cooling in their homes.

• Arrearage Management Plan: a debt forgiveness plan for eligible residential customers.

• Energy Savings Assistance program: provides energy-savings improvements at no charge. Other programs include Medical Baseline, which offers a reduction on energy bills for customers who depend on power for certain medical needs. Visit pge.com/billhelp to learn more.

Additional support

• PG&E offers a variety of ways to save energy and reduce monthly bills. Customers are encouraged to:

• Sign up for a free personal energy coach with the HomeIntel program

• Enroll in the Budget Billing program

• Get personalized recommendations for financial assistance, bill management programs and other resources by using an online Savings Finder tool

is both a valued community recreation asset and an important fuel break that runs for miles through high firerisk areas,” said Battalion Chief Mark Abeloe, Cal Fire AEU, Ponderosa Fire Center. “This project reflects collaboration to improve community safety, protect natural resources and support long-term wildfire resilience.”

While Cal Fire AEU crews have partnered with El Dorado County and Friends of the El Dorado Trail for many years to support work along the paved portions of the El Dorado Trail, this marks the first time crews have conducted work on the unpaved segment.

“El Dorado County’s Parks and Trails Division — in partnership with Cal Fire AEU, Friends of the El Dorado Trail and the El Dorado Western Railway Foundation — are proud to

Scobey Continued from A3

background check.”

Per district policy, the remaining four board members will fill the vacant seat via appointment. An election to fill the seat for the next four-year term beginning in January 2027 will take place during the November 2026 general election. Those interested in the temporary position can find more information on the CPCSD website at cameronpark.org/board-membervacancy-recruitment.

COMICS

join forces to clear hazardous trees and reduce fuel loads along the natural trail portion of the El Dorado Trail,” said El Dorado County Parks Manager Zachary Perras. “This collaborative effort not only strengthens wildfire resilience and improves safety but also reflects our shared commitment to caring for this treasured corridor. In completing this work, we are making measurable progress towards protecting our community and preserving the natural beauty of the trail for hikers, cyclists, equestrians and rail enthusiasts for generations to come.”

The El Dorado Trail is a multimodal transportation corridor planned to extend the entire length of El Dorado County, from the western county line to the Lake Tahoe Basin. It currently spans 37 miles from the western county line to Camino.

“My advice for those who would like to serve on the board is to come with an open mind and not an agenda. The district provides many services for all the residents of Cameron Park, not for a select few,” Scobey stressed. “It is important to understand that decisions by the board are made by the majority and the ability to collaborate is essential. I also suggest that you bring both a bit of humility and a thick skin.”

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Short-term pleasures such as sugar, doomscrolling, novelty, shopping and validation hits and the like are designed to spike your delight and then leave you restless. Seek the slower burn you get from learning something new, using your creativity or physicality.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Each small success builds confidence and reduces fear of failure. See each attempt as feedback, not a final verdict. That mindset makes action less intimidating. Remind yourself why you care about solving the problem. The “why” often outweighs fear.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). What are you dreading? Handle that first. Today, diving right into the dreaded order of business will turn out to be laughably easy, and it’s all good moods and vibes from there.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Adventure isn’t only spectacle; it’s a shift in perspective. Something routine can still open up a world to you because recent intellectual leaps have stirred your curiosity to new levels. Now there is something remarkable here to discover.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There’s a decision to be made. Before you make the call, do some brainstorming. Throw out the weird, the wild, the half-baked — the more you come up with, the sharper your ideas get, and suddenly, problems start looking like playgrounds.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Everything good around you was, at an earlier juncture, a complete problem for someone. Fate is the culmination of one solution after another. So don’t worry about the difficulties of the day. Every last one is an opportunity.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Don’t forget that senses come alive in your mind. It’s a helpful idea when your environment gets too monotonous or downright oppressive. How you meet the environment is just as important as what’s there to meet. Use humor and take poetic license.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You feel certain that what you’re seeing on the surface of life contradicts what lies beneath. You’re right about it. Depth is your natural

NEWS, IN THE KNOW

Feb. 11

The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce will host a Ribbon Cutting at Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.

Rockstar Karaoke (all ages) hosted by KJ Ari Galindo will take place, 7-10 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Andis Wines in Plymouth will host Wine and Chocolate Pairings through Feb. 20. For more information visit andiswines.com.

Feb. 12

Singer Songwriter Sessions ft. Manuel Soto will take place, 7-9 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento presents ArtMix: Island of Enchantment at 6 p.m. For tickets and more information visit crockerart. org.

Feb. 13

1850 Wine Cellars will host its Valentine’s Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the same time on Saturday. For more information visit 1850winecellars.com.

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District will host its Mommy and Me Dance at the CSD Gym from 6-8 p.m. For more information visit edhcsd.org.

Imagination Theatre at the El Dorado Fairgrounds presents “The Quest for Don Quixote” through March 8. For tickets and more information visit itplacerville.

org.

Join Idle Hour Wine Bar on the Lake in South Lake Tahoe for Til’ Death Do Us Part - A Valentine’s Day Murder Mystery Dinner from 5:30-8:30 p.m. For more information visit theidlehourlaketahoe.com.

Smokin’ Violets will perform, 7-10 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom presents Jim Brickman at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

Feb. 14

Join American River Conservancy for a Trail Workday with partners Folsom-Auburn Trail Riders Action Coalition, at Acorn Creek Trailhead at 8:45 a.m. For more information visit arconservancy.org

Boeger Winery will host Sip it. Blend it. Cork it. from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information visit boegerwinery.com.

Holly’s Hill Vineyards and Brewery in Placerville will host Bubbles & Bites: Sparkling Roussanne Release from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the same time on Sunday. For more information visit hollyshill.com.

Miraflores Winery will host the Valentine’s Day Chocolate Pairing from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information or to make reservations visit mirafloreswinery.com.

Nello Olivo Winery in Camino

Student Design a Bus Wrap winner

ollowing weeks of deliberation and voting by staff, board members and the El Dorado County Office of Education, Hadley Chandler, a 14-year-old student at Gold Trail School, was named the winner of El Dorado Transit’s third annual Youth Design a Bus Wrap Contest. Chandler, an eighth-grade student, saw her artwork unveiled Friday, Feb. 6, during a reveal event held in front of the school.

Her design has been turned into a full bus wrap and will adorn an El Dorado Transit bus for one year.

“We are excited to have Hadley’s winning artwork on one of our local buses,” said Erik Bergren, planning and marketing manager for El Dorado Transit. “Our buses typically travel about 45,000 miles annually while transporting local riders, so Hadley’s design will be seen throughout El Dorado County.”

The Youth Design a Bus Wrap Contest was open to junior high and high school students countywide. This year’s theme was “What do you love about El Dorado County?” For more information visit eldoradotransit.com.

Sending a Valentine with song

News release

Valentine’s Day is almost here. Some people give flowers, or candy or a card. You can give all that plus a song sung a cappella by a quartet to your sweetheart, friend or family member. A barbershop quartet will deliver two love songs, a personalized card and a long-stemmed red rose on Friday, Feb. 13 and Saturday, Feb. 14.

The special gift can be delivered to a home or a place of business of your choice from El Dorado Hills to Pollock Pines within eight miles of Highway 50. Call (530) 647-6513 to arrange for delivery.

Tibetan Buddhist practice group forming in Placerville

Anew Tibetan Buddhist practice group is forming in Placerville, offering community members an opportunity to study and

meditate within the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions.

The group grew out of years of interest generated by Placerville Friends of Tibet programs and teachings offered by monks from Gaden Shartse Monastic University, organizers said. It is intended to function as a dharma community, or sangha, focused on study, meditation and mutual support.

Meetings will include brief opening and closing prayers, followed by study and discussion of selected teachings or readings and meditation and contemplation inspired by the topic of study.

Organizers said they also hope to host occasional in-person teachings by visiting monks or lamas as

opportunities arise.

The group will begin its studies with “The Essence of Tibetan Buddhism” by Lama Thubten Yeshe. The book is available in multiple formats through the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive, and free copies will be provided at meetings.

The first gathering is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 5:30-6:45 p.m. at the El Dorado County Library’s Placerville branch. Those interested are asked to RSVP by email to Wendy Wood at wendy@thekarunacenter.org.

The practice group is not an official program of Placerville Friends of Tibet and is intended for information-sharing purposes only.

Explore lost Chinatowns in the county

El Dorado County Historical Society

release

The El Dorado County Historical Society will host a guided walking tour exploring the lost Chinatowns of El Dorado County on Saturday, Feb. 28.

The program, titled Lost Chinatowns of El Dorado County, runs from 10 a.m. to noon and examines the original sites of Placerville’s 19th-century Chinese community. The tour will be led by archaeologist and historian Dana Supernowicz.

Participants will learn where Chinese miners, entrepreneurs and families lived and worked during the post-Gold Rush era, as well as the history of the district’s last surviving Chinese building. The tour will also explore the broader legacy of historical Chinatowns in Coloma, El Dorado and Georgetown. Organizers say the event highlights a rarely told story of resilience, contribution and community that helped shape El Dorado County after the Gold Rush.

Tickets are $20 for El Dorado County Historical Society members and $25 for general admission. More information is available at edchs.org.

Texas Hold’em Tournament is coming

News release

The Shingle Springs Community Center will host a poker tournament fundraiser aimed at supporting facility improvements, maintenance and ongoing operations, inviting community members to an evening of cards, food and prizes.

The event will feature a professionally run poker tournament open to both experienced players and newcomers. Participants who reach the final table will compete for bragging rights and non-cash prizes, with the first-place finisher taking home a championship bracelet.

Tickets cost $100 and include dinner, dessert and an initial buy-in of chips. Doors open at 4:30

p.m. for check-in and registration, followed by dinner and dessert from 5 to 6 p.m. A tutorial and rules review will be held at 5:30 p.m., with the tournament beginning at 6 p.m. The evening will also include a raffle and a no-host bar. Re-buy chips will be available at the table.

Organizers said funds raised will help improve the exterior of the community center building, following the recent completion of interior upgrades that included renovated bathrooms and new flooring.

Attendance is limited, and advance registration is required. Participants must be at least 21 years old. Outside food and beverages are not permitted. Additional details and ticket information is available at shinglespringscommunitycenter.org.

10th annual Camellia Show coming soon

News release

istoric Murer House and Gardens will host its 10th annual Camellia Show and Competition from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 28, at 1125 Joe Murer Court in Folsom.

Greg Gayton of Green Acres Nursery will be the featured speaker, presenting growing tips at 11 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Members of the Camellia Society of Sacramento will be available to help identify camellia varieties and answer questions. Community members are

For the beginning home gardener

Gardening is fun, and the UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County are here to help you make your yard look beautiful and thrive by providing University of California researchbased information. Anytime along the way, just ask us. Call (530) 621-5512 or visit ucanr. edu/site/uc-mastergardeners-el-doradocounty.

Here are a few garden basics, in no particular order, that beginning home gardeners should know:

There is a difference between potting soil and planting soil or mix. Not all bagged mixes are suitable for containers. Potting soil is lighter weight, retains moisture and provides good drainage.

It is important to know what kind of soil you have in your yard. Soil types range from very coarse sand to clay. Soil type affects how well plant roots absorb nutrients.

There is also a difference between fertilizer and soil amendments. Fertilizer is manufactured and contains concentrated nutrients, in granular or water-soluble form, designed for quick uptake by plant roots. Soil amendments are usually organic and composted, improving soil structure and

invited to enter up to five camellia blooms or arrangements. Ribbons will be awarded to several prize categories. Entries will be accepted beginning at 9:30 a.m. the day of the event.

A drawing for camellia plants will take place at 1:30 p.m. Free tours of Murer House and Gardens will also be offered throughout the day.

Murer House and Gardens is located across Folsom Boulevard near historical Sutter Street. For more information, contact Rhonda DesVoignes at bdesvoignes@comcast.net or call (916) 413-9231.

nutrients over a longer period.

To choose the right plant for the right place, consider your local weather, temperatures and climate, the angle of the sun, areas of full sun or shade, natural irrigation, topography and slope.

Gardeners should understand the terms annual, perennial and biennial. An annual completes its life cycle in a single growing season. A perennial is a herbaceous or woody plant that lives from year to year and does not die after flowering once. A biennial takes two years to grow and flower.

Most plants for sale are labeled full sun, partial shade or shade. Full-sun plants tolerate sun all day. Shade plants prefer little or no direct sunlight. Partial-shade plants do best with about half a day of shade, or at least three hours during the hottest part of the day. It also helps to

know the terms heat tolerant, drought tolerant and drought resistant. Heat-tolerant plants grow well in high temperatures, regardless of irrigation. Drought-tolerant plants are adapted to dry conditions but require watering until established. Droughtresistant plants can survive for long periods without irrigation. Native plants occur naturally in specific regions, habitats or zones without human intervention. There is a difference between climate zones and hardiness zones. “The Sunset Western Garden Book” established 24 climate zones based on factors such as latitude, elevation, ocean influence, continental air patterns, topography, microclimates, temperature and soil. Certain plants thrive year-round in specific climate zones. The

U.S. Department of Agriculture uses 11 hardiness zones based on average minimum winter temperatures that plants can survive. Gardeners can find their hardiness zone by ZIP code at planthardiness. ars.usda.gov. With a little information toget started, enjoy gardening.. For more information about UC Master Gardener classes, events and garden resources visit mgeldorado.ucanr. edu. For garden hours and activity information for the Sherwood Demonstration Garden visit ucanr. edu/sites/EDC_ Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden. Have a gardening question? Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website or leave a message at (530) 621-5512.

Winter provides peace and quiet on Apple Hill

While fall brings crowds, fresh pies and the hum of busy orchards, early in the year is a much quieter time for Apple Hill farms. Many ranches close to visitors, roads are calmer and the hills often rest under frost or snow. Behind the scenes, however, winter is one of the most important seasons of the year. This is prime time for orchard care. With trees dormant, ranchers prune apple trees, carefully shaping them to encourage healthy growth and strong

LIVING YOUR FAITH

Allow the new to take root

From time to time, I receive requests to give an account of my interpretation of Scripture, and this is one of those times. It centers on 2 Corinthians 5:17, which says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” This passage is often used when people are converted to Christ. But it is one we must keep in mind daily. Life hits, and the old begins to surface in our thinking — what we did in 1986, or 2006, or even this morning. We must be reminded that we are new creatures. The old has passed away, and all things have become new. If we keep our heads in the past, we cannot enter the new.

fruit production in the seasons ahead. After a long harvest season, winter also provides time for maintenance and repairs. Equipment is serviced, barns are painted, fences are mended, and ranches prepare their grounds for reopening in the fall. Planning for the year ahead is another key focus. Apple Hill Growers review what worked well during the previous season and begin preparing for the next. New ideas are tested, menus are refined, and plans are made for the experiences visitors will enjoy later in the year.

While fresh apples are still months

That is why we are told to forget what lies behind and run the race set before us.

Scripture after scripture tells us to let go, leave it to God, do not look back — stop looking back. Let us not be like Job’s wife. When she looked back, she was frozen in the past. The only way we can live as new creatures — and believe me, it is a daily choice — is to remember who we are. We are not our own. We have been bought by the blood of Jesus

(1 Corinthians 6:1920; Jeremiah 10:23). We must remember to keep looking forward, looking up, for “your redemption draws nigh” (Luke 21:28).

I remember when I first started riding a motorcycle. One of the things they teach in class is that where your eyes go, your bike will follow. We were taught to keep our eyes ahead of us — not in the ditch, not on oncoming traffic, not on the road directly in front of the tire, but far out ahead where we wanted to go. I think that is a good insight into our daily lives: Put your eyes where you want to go.

A righteous man falls but always gets up. That means we will fall in many areas, but the ability to get back up and continue belongs to someone who remembers who they are. Remember 2

away, many ranch kitchens remain active throughout the winter. Jams, jellies, syrups, baked goods, candies and other shelf-stable treats help preserve the flavors of fall and keep Apple Hill products available yearround.

Farms and ranches open this time of year

Although the pace is slower than during peak season, several farms remain open during the winter months. Valentine’s Day offers an opportunity for a quiet getaway,

Corinthians 5:17 — that we are new. Scripture tells us, “His mercies are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). We need to be made new every morning. No one has arrived. As we go through life, we are given opportunities to live for Christ or live for ourselves. That is the battle, and it will continue until the day Jesus takes us home. So today, allow the new to take root in your heart. You are new every morning. Forget what lies behind and run the race set before you — otherwise, you will be like Jacob Marley in “A Christmas Carol,” carrying all those chains.

Linda Lange is a Christian minister and author of over 30 books. She has been a speaker, teacher and life coach since 1996.

with wines, ciders and beers available, along with special events at Docmanov Vineyards and Madroña Vineyards.

Visitors can purchase produce from 24 Carrot Farm, olive oil from Collina di Mela and baked goods from Hidden Star and Delfino’s Joan’s Apple Bakery on weekends. Guests are encouraged to check days and hours of operation when planning their visit. Overnight accommodations are available at Ponderosa Ridge Bed & Breakfast and Madrone Tree Hill. To learn more visit applehill.com.

Talented kids bring ‘High School Musical’ to life in Folsom

Odin Rasco Mountain Democrat correspondent

Anew generation of kids in the Sacramento and El Dorado County area are falling in love with a beloved Disney story thanks to Christian Youth Theater Sacramento’s presentation of “High School Musical on Stage!”

A large cast of kids aged 5 to 18 years old took to the stage for opening night at Oak Hills Church in Folsom last weekend as they showed the fruits of their eight weeks of intense rehearsal. The story was likely familiar to many of the parents or older kids in attendance; “High School Musical” first hit the Disney Channel 20 years ago and saw such success that it went on to inspire a series of sequels (and, of course, a stage adaptation). Others, including some of the cast, were experiencing the story of jocks, brainiacs, drama kids and skaters for the first time ever.

“I feel like it's iconic,” Ella Joy Farmer, 16, who plays Ms. Darbus, explained. “I just feel like it's special to be able to make it alive for these kids who didn't grow up with it and are now getting to see it. And, they're like not only going to get to grow up with it, but they're going to be like ‘yeah, when I was 8 I got to be in it.’”

For those who may have missed it in the two decades since it’s been out, the movie and play both look at a set of kids who roam the halls of East High, mostly confined to their rigid social groups. The status quo is shaken up, however, when brainiac Gabriella and basketball captain Troy decide to step outside the confines of their cliques and audition for a play. The kids learn that they can be more than just one thing, and carve out an identity truly their own.

“I think there's a character in it for everybody,” director Michelle Winberg said.

“There's the person who's a little bit lost, the person who is still trying to figure out who they are and somebody who is trying to find their voice. I think it's just really an exciting interpretation that has a little bit for everyone.”

Though the story is familiar, the creative minds behind CYT Sacramento’s performance have made sure to bring their own spin to many elements.

“I am such a big thinker that sometimes I have to be, like, ‘okay, I need to calm down,’ I have too many ideas for it,” Winberg described. “But it's been really fun to play with it and to put our own spin on some characters that are very recognizable a certain way. There's some parts in the show that the movie doesn't have, so it's fun to even, kind of, expand some characters and things.”

Noah Pancoast, 16, plays Coach Bolton in the show, and has been thrilled at a chance to perform in a musical that he’s loved since he was young.

“I always loved the song ‘Get’cha Head in the Game’ and so it's cool to be the coach and watch these kids do this dance that I grew up watching and wanted to be a part of,” Pancoast shared. “Wesley [Schofield] really pulled through with the choreography. There's so many dances, but on top of that, he kept the iconic and true to the movie bits, but also added his own personal flair and swag to the show.”

CYT Sacramento is an after school theater arts training program for kids ages 5-18. The group is part of a larger organization which started in 1980 and has grown to be the largest youth theater program in the United States.

“High School Musical on Stage!” plays through Saturday, Feb. 14 with show times on Friday and Saturday. Tickets and more information are available at cytsacramento. org/shows/High-SchoolMusical/60.

Dr. Davey and the team at

to

of

Singing Valentines coming your way

Sacramento Valley Chorus News release

For Valentine's Day send a song sung a cappella by a quartet to a sweetheart, friend or family member. Quartets from the awardwinning Sacramento Valley Chorus will deliver singing Valentines 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 14. The Valentine can be delivered to a home or a place of business of your choice in the greater Sacramento area,

including Placer, El Dorado, Yolo, San Joaquin and Nevada counties. Call (916) 761-2998 to arrange for delivery. The award-winning Sacramento Valley Chorus, under the direction of Director Kristi Penelton, has approximately 55 members. Ladies from the community are invited to attend rehearsals any Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. For more information visit SacramentoValleyChorus.com.

Connections Academy opens enrollment

News release

Connections Academy at Gateway, a tuition-free online charter school within Community Collaborative Charter School and part of Gateway Community Charters, is now enrolling students in grades K-12 for the 202627 academic year. The program is open to students living in Amador, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Sutter and Yolo counties.

Connections Academy at Gateway uses the nationally recognized Connections Academy program to deliver a high-quality, standards-based education fully online. In partnership with Community Collaborative Charter School, the school combines California-credentialed teachers, a rigorous curriculum and purposebuilt technology tools to create a personalized learning experience focused on academic success and student growth.

Designed for students who benefit from individualized support, Connections Academy at Gateway provides a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged while meeting California state standards. The school offers a strong circle of support and a deep sense of belonging. Its team of supportive and experienced educators, specially trained in online instruction, establishes meaningful connections with students, helping them achieve their full potential and reach their goals.

Middle and high school students benefit from Connections Academy’s

college and career readiness offerings, which help students explore potential career paths and build durable skills such as leadership, critical thinking and teamwork. Through career exploration and early networking opportunities, students gain confidence and direction as they prepare for the future.

“With open enrollment now underway for the next school year, we’re excited to invite families into a flexible, supportive learning environment that meets students where they are,” said Kaela Vermeulen, principal of Connections Academy at Gateway. “Our online model allows teachers to build strong relationships with students and provide personalized guidance while giving learners the freedom to pursue their interests and stay engaged academically. Our goal is to help students grow with confidence and feel prepared for what’s next.”

Connections Academy at Gateway will serve approximately 300 students in grades K-12 during the 2026-27 school year. As a public school program, there are no fees or tuition to attend, and all students are required to meet the same academic standards and take the same assessments as traditional public school students.

Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is now open for grades K-12. Families interested in learning more about the flexible virtual learning model are encouraged to attend an online information session to learn more. For more information visit connectionsacademy.com/californiagateway-online-school.

Show yourself the love by taking good care of yourself. Here are some little Valentine’s Day gifts to give yourself!

Color in a heart every time you brush your teeth for the next week. Can you color in every heart? That would be a Valentine treat to keep your teeth strong and healthy!

Each night before you go to sleep, write down at least one happy thing that happened that day on a little slip of paper. Keep these slips of paper in a jar and read them whenever you are having a bad day.

Fill in the missing vowels to complete these Valentines messages by these healthy foods.

A Valentine your heart will treasure is a gift of action! Jump rope, dance, run, skip and play active sports and games. Anything to get your heart beating a bit faster for 20 minutes a day or so.

Cut out the cards below.

Give the cards to the person who is “It.” When “It” tags someone, that person selects a card and performs the activity for the amount of time stated.

After the person completes the activity, they become “It.”

Every row and every column, plus the two diagonals will add up to same sum if you fill in the four missing numbers correctly.

Cut out five or more words from the headlines in today’s newspaper. Use these to write a funny Valentine message to your teacher! Then, make another one for a friend or family member.

How many hearts can you count in three minutes? How many of Cupid’s arrows can you nd? Have a friend try. Who found the most of each?

Look for these things in your newspaper or its website: A headline with two adjectives A number larger than 1,000

A picture with an animal

Something that makes you happy Something healthy

A word with three syllables Tomorrow’s weather forecast

TREASURE

The verb treasure means to value highly.

Lucas will treasure the chance to play basketball. This week’s word:

Try to use the word treasure in a sentence today when talking with your friends and family today.

Valentine Surprise

Make up a story about a Valentine’s Day surprise. Who was surprised? What was the surprise? Use five or more adjectives.

will host Valentine’s Day Lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information visit nelloolivo.com.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the wineries on Omo Ranch Road. This is another free Open on Omo event, featuring chocolate & wine with four participating wineries: Mirador, Mellowood, Golden Leaves and a nearby guest winery. For more information visit tinyurl.com/ yfh2pcna.

The Pollock Pines-Camino Community Center will host a Fundraising Dinner To Go featuring Executive Chef Allison’s sumptuous barbecued

half chicken and sides from 2:30-5 p.m. at 2675 Sanders Drive in Pollock Pines. Call (530) 647-8005 to order. For more information visit pollockpinesca. org.

Gwinllan Estate Vineyard and Winery in Fairplay will host a Valentine’s Day Winemaker

Public Notices

to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).) This statement filed with the county clerk of El Dorado County on 01/16/2026 NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code) 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11 15610

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. FB2026-0037 The following person(s) is/are

of El Dorado County

with the county

01/14/2026 NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code) 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11 15612

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 26CV0024 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:

1. Petitioner: Randy Frank Hrizo filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: RANDY FRANK HRIZO Proposed name: RANDY FRANK FESSLER

2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: MARCH 6, 2026, 8:30 A.M. DEPT. 9 AT SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF EL DORADO, 2927 Meder Road, Cameron Park, CA 95682. 3. A copy of the ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE shall be published at least once each week for

Dinner at 6:30 p.m. For more information or reservations visit gwinllanestate.com.

Join Tahoe Adventure Company for Valentine’s Day Sunset Snowshoe with Champagne & Dessert from 3:30-6:30 p.m. For more information visit tahoeadventurecompany.com.

FNS Productions Presents: Queer Community Social will take place, 1-4 p.m. and Word of Mouth Storytelling & Singles Mixer hosted by Amber “Lucky” Stann will take place, 6-9 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

The California Museum presents The Ireichō: Book of Names, Time of Remembrance ceremony, a monumental record honoring the 125,284 people of Japanese ancestry unjustly incarcerated in U.S. government-run camps during World War II through Feb. 19.

Learn more at CaliforniaMuseum. org/Ireicho.

Folsom Lake Symphony presents A Night for Romance, 7:30 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

Join Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe for Love at the Lake Wine Tasting from 4-7 p.m. For more information visit goldennugget. com.

Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento presents Material Explosion: Plushie Portraits create a portrait of a favorite plush pal from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit crockerart.org.

Now

Early bird tickets are available for the El Dorado High School Foundation’s annual Blue & White Gala taking place March 7 at Cold Springs Country Club. Tickets are available at tinyurl.

com/bhfhw47t.

El Dorado County Historical Society and Fountain and Tallman Museum presents Snowbound, “Historical Vignettes of Winter Sports and Leisure in El Dorado County” on view through Feb. 16. For more information visit edchs.org.

The Pollock Pines-Camino Community Center will host its

dollars ($1,000.00).) This statement filed with the county clerk of El Dorado County on 01/08/2026 NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code) 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11 15614 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

FB2026-0018

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CR SYSTEMS located at 3181 Noblecrest Ln, Shingle Springs, CA 95682 Registrant’s Name & Mailing Address: Santa Cruz Technologies, 75 Folsom St. Apt 1204, San Francisco, CA 94105 This business is conducted by a Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Signature of Registrant: /s/ Henry Klyce HENRY KLYCE, PRESIDENT I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to

shall be fined not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) (Business & Professions code 17930) 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11 15616

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. FB2026-0048 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE FRIT GROUP located at 5247 Da Vinci Drive, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 Registrant’s Name & Mailing Address: Frit LLC, 5247 Da Vinci Drive, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 This business is conducted by a Limited Liability Company, State of LLC: CA The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 06/09/2025 Signature of Registrant: /s/ William R. Crow, Jr. WILLIAM R. CROW,

Ghost In The Shell - Film @ 5pm Crest Theatre, 1013 K Street, Sacramento

Lost Puppy Forever: Kilowatt Sunday @ 7pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco

Club 90s

Francisco

and

Theater,

the

Mentalist Jay Alexander guides you through an evening of wonder. You’ll laugh, gasp, and leave with a

you’ll tell forever San Francisco Magic Theater (w/ Jay Alexander) at the Marrakech, 419 O'Farrell Street, San Fran‐cisco. mar@jayalexander.com, 415-305-6893

DJ LEX (21+ Event) @ 10pm 1015 Folsom, San Francisco

Love on the Run 5K to Support UC Davis Police K-9 Program @ 8am / $45 Registration is open for the UC Davis Police De‐partment’s Love on the Run 5k race on Saturday, Feb. 14. The event, open to people and their dogs, is a fundraiser for the de‐partment’s K-9 program. Peter J. Shields Library, 100 North Quad, Davis Volunteer Workday at Mockingbird Park, Davis @ 10am

Join us on Saturday, February 14th from 10AM-12PM for a workday at the Mockingbird Park native plant garden in Davis! We will be hand pulling weeds, and doing other general site maintenance. 500 Mockingbird Pl, 500 Mockingbird Place, Davis

Dance Longer with Cross Training and Recovery with Dr. Selina Shah, MD, FACP, FAMSSM and Rachel @ 3:45pm / Free Want to leap higher, dance longer, and prevent injury? Cross-training for dancers involves incorporating activities outside of regular dance technique to improve strength, en‐durance, and agility while ODC Dance Commons, 351 Shotwell Street, San Francisco. boxof�ce@ odc.dance, 415-549-8534

Valentine's Tantra Speed Date® - San Francisco! (Find Your Valentine!) Meet Singles Speed Dating @ 5:30pm / $45-$150 Join the speed dating revolution with a 94% connection rate! Meet singles & ignite connections through fun, chemistry-building games! Yoga Studio, 1694 Union Street, San Francisco. help@ tantrany.com

Beard Picker: Hooby’s Brewing Turns Lucky 7! @ 6pm Hooby's Brewing 7th anniversary celebration continues with live mu‐sic from Beard Picker, delivering an energetic acoustic sound rooted in folk, Americana, and roots music, pairing rhythmic guitar. Hooby's Brewing, 9 East Main Street, Win‐ters

Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer @ 6:30pm / $40 Temple Emanu-El San Francisco, 199 Arguello Blvd, San Francisco. fever@eventvesta.com

Dance Saturdays Valentines Bash - Dance to Romance, Live Hot Salsa Band, Bachata y Mas @ 7:45pm / $20 San Francisco's Valentines Party with Dance Lessons, Live Salsa band, bachata dancing and the best Valentines dance party in San Francisco Dance Saturdays Valen‐tines Bash - Live Salsa Band, Bachata 550 Barneveld Ave, 550 Barneveld Avenue, San Francisco. info@dancesf.com, 415-309-1284

Zach Rushing @ 3pm Cobb's Comedy Club, 915 Colum‐bus Ave, San Francisco

Wed 2/18

Body

Presents Heated Rivalrave (18+) @ 8pm

Ace of Spades, Sacra‐mento Tijuana Panthers @ 8pm Cafe Du Nord, 2170 Market Street, San Francisco

Blood Cultures @ 8pm Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell Street, San Francisco

Julianna Barwick w/ Mary Lattimore @ 8pm Great American Music Hall, San Francisco

Pasture Bedtime - A BAAAHS Dance Party @ 9pm The Great Northern, 119 Utah Street, San Francisco

East Bay - President's Day Adventure Riding @ 8:30am / $175 Wheel Kids HQ, 195 Mayhew Wy., Walnut Creek. 925-440-7983

President's Day/Lunar

New Year Lil Cruisers

Camp @ 8:45am / Free Feb 16th - Feb 17th Richmond Playground, 149 18thAve., San Francisco. 925-4407983 Day Camp (Pre K - 1st Grade) @ 9am / $151 Holly Park Picnic Area, 321 Holly Park Circle, San Francisco. 415876-3764

Fallon O'Neill -Author Event @ 3pm Come celebrate the release of two new books by Davis author, Fallon O'Neill. 228 G St, 228 G Street, Davis. fallon.c.oneill@gmail.com, 530-756-9227

Disney On Ice presents Let's Dance!

@ 4pm Golden 1 Center, Sacra‐mento

Michael Shannon & Jason Narducy play R.E.M.'s Lifes Rich Pageant @ 8pm South Shore Room at Harrah's Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe

Michael Shannon @ 8pm South Shore Showroom - Harrah's Lake Tahoe, 15 Highway 50, State‐line

Cyborg Octopus/Exuvial/ Blighted Eye/Embrium/ Bleak Machine @ 6:30pm Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento

Straw‐berry Fuzz @ 7pm The Starlet Room, 2708 J St, Sacra‐mento Shana Morrison

Sunday Feb 15th

Jimmy Ashley: Hooby’s Brewing Turns Lucky 7! @ 12:30pm Hooby's Brewing, 9 East Main Street, Winters Hooby's Brewing is celebrating its 7th anniversary weekend with live music from Jimmy Ashley, performing classic rock, blues, and acoustic covers — a laid-back soundtrack for a Sunday afternoon.

Jimmy Grant: Gypsy Jazz Duets w/ Tim Kliphuis @ 9pm Keys Jazz Bistro, 498 Broadway, San Francisco

Ed Gamble @ 9:15pm Cobb's Comedy Club, 915 Colum‐bus Avenue, San Francisco

Butter�y Garden Refresh Workday at Lake Solano Park @ 10:30am Join us on Thursday, Feb‐ruary 19th from 10:30AM12:30PM for a workday at the Butter�y Garden in front of the Nature Center at Lake Solano Campsite! Davis

100+ Women Who Care Yolo County Quarterly Giving Circle @ 7pm 100+ Women Who Care Yolo County is a group of women mak‐ing direct and positive impacts through collective giving. We meet, learn, vote, give, and repeat. 100 women x $100 x 1 hour = $10K Lo‐cal Impact! Sudwerk Brewing Co., 2001 2nd Street, Davis. info@ 100wwcyolo.org, 530-204-8392 Champian Fulton Quartet featuring Klas Lindquist @ 7pm / $30 Feb 19th - Feb 21st Black Cat Jazz Supper Club, 400 Eddy St, San Francisco. info@black catsf.com

Photography Club of Davis @ 7:10pm The Photography Club of Davis in‐vites the public to a free presenta‐tion by Lewis Kemper, a widely rec‐ognized photographer, writer, and instructor, “If you could see where I’ve been - 2025 in review.” Mary L. Stephens Davis Library, 315 East 14th Street, Davis. ebrock1@ gmu.edu, 703-298-4875

AfterDark @ 8pm Great Star Theater, 636 Jackson Street, San Francisco

Rabbit @ 8:30pm Bottom Of the Hill, 1233 17th St, San Francisco

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart @ 8:45pm Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell Street, San Francisco

Dave Attell @ 9:15pm Cobb's Comedy Club, San Fran‐cisco

Dave Attell (18+ Event) @ 9:15pm Cobb's Comedy Club, 915 Colum‐bus Avenue, San Francisco

Intermediate Tai Chi @ 9am Tai chi classes offered at the Woodland Community & Senior Center Woodland Community & Senior Center, 2001 East Street, Woodland. tina�tness68@ gmail.com

Candlelight: Queen vs.

the Callback Bar @ 10pm Punch Line Sacramento Callback Bar, Sacramento

Reiki-Infused Sound Healing @ 10am Destress with a relaxing sound healing session infused with Reiki energy. Fair�eld Cordelia Library, 5050 Business Center Drive, Fair‐�eld. Ldetomaso@ solanocounty.com

Rewriting the Story of Aging: Creativity, Play, and Joy at Every Stage with Kirsten Olshan, MS, NBHW @ 12:15pm / Free As we age, especially while navi‐gating high-demand, high-pressure careers, our inner narrative can drift toward limitation or “slowing down.” But the performing arts in‐vite us to rewrite that story th ODC Dance Commons, 351 Shotwell Street, San Francisco. boxof�ce@ odc.dance, 415-549-8534

Oak Ridge High School Founda‐tion 'Mardi Gras' Blue and Gold Gala @ 5pm / $95 Join the Oak Ridge Foun‐dation for ‘Mardi Gras,’ a Blue & Gold Gala bene�t‐ing the students and com‐munity of Oak Ridge High School. Enjoy dining, dancing, fundraising, and celebration! Folsom Com‐munity Center, 52 Natoma Street, Folsom. events@ orhsfoundation.com

International Guitar Night @ 7:30pm Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Av‐enue,