[National Weather Service, 110 PM PST Tue Jan 26 2021]

...Dangerous winter storm to bring heavy snow and powerful winds this evening into early Friday...

.A strong, dangerous winter storm will impact interior Northern California this evening through early Friday morning. Powerful winds and heavy snowfall will create whiteout conditions with extremely limited visibility over the Northern Sierra, especially tonight through tomorrow. Significant snow amounts are forecast in the northern Sierra and southern Cascades through early Friday. Strong winds and heavy snow may also cause downed trees, tree limbs, and power outages. Travel will be extremely difficult to impossible at times. Travel is not advised. If you risk travel, especially over the Sierra, be prepared for lengthly road closures, chain controls, and near zero visibilities. Bring enoughfood, water, and warm clothes to last lengthy closures.

Snow levels will begin very low tonight through tomorrow morning. Snow is likely down to the valley floor in the Northern Sacramento Valley with the cities of Redding and Red Bluff expected to receive multiple inches of snow. Snow levels will generally rise to 3000 ft or above Wednesday afternoon. Expect significant travel delays, downed tree limbs, and potential power outages for lower elevation areas.

West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada-
110 PM PST Tue Jan 26 2021

...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 2 AMPST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Travel will be very  dangerous to impossible, including during the morning commute on  Wednesday. Damage to trees and power lines is possible. Total  snow accumulations of 5 to 8 feet are expected. Winds gusting  as high as 50 mph at the lower elevations with up to 70+ mph  over ridgetops with whiteout conditions.

* WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada.

* WHEN...4 PM today to 2 AM Friday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds gusting as high as 50 to 70+ mph will  cause whiteout conditions in blowing snow. Travel will be  extremely difficult to impossible at times due to strong winds,  heavy snow, and near zero visibility. Very strong winds could  cause downed trees and power outages. If you risk travel over  the Sierra passes, you could be stuck in your car for several  hours, if not a day. Expect dangerous wind chills that could  cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you.  If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
 

[By Jude Schwalbach, Hance Winingham]

National School Choice Week has taken on renewed importance this year, as too many families are approaching the one-year mark of crisis online learning provided by their public school district.

Last March, the coronavirus pandemic shuttered schools nationwide, forcing teachers, parents, and students to transition to virtual classrooms and grapple with the various effects of lockdowns. Ten months later, parents report that 53% of K-12 students are still learning in their virtual classrooms.

Public schools have remained largely closed to in-person instruction.

Recent research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that in-person learning is rarely a source of large outbreak. Even though in-person learning is one of the safest activities for children, proposals to reopen district schools for face-to-face learning have met with staunch opposition from teachers unions.

Inexplicably, teachers unions have also rejected measures that would require teachers to be more available to students throughout the day via live video.

The Center on Reinventing Public Education’s director, Robin Lake, told The New York Times that the teachers unions’ vacillating responses feel “like we are treating kids as pawns in this game.”

Adding to parents’ frustrations, teachers unions have also taken the opportunity to push for a whole host of concessions that have nothing to do with health and safety.

For instance, the American Federation of Teachers has a long list of demands, including: additional food programs, guidance counselors, smaller classes, tutors to assist teachers, and “culturally responsive practices.”

Similarly, United Teachers of Los Angeles has demanded a moratorium on charter schools, higher taxes for the wealthy, and “Medicare for All.”

The blatant, non-pandemic-related demands of many teachers unions have illustrated what Stanford University professor Terry Moe noted a decade ago: “This is a school system organized for the benefit of the people who work in it, not for the kids they are expected to teach.”

The inflexibility of teachers unions has increasingly become a source of escalating tension with local officials. For example, Chicago Public Schools, the third-largest school district in the nation, locked teachers out of their virtual classrooms after they refused to return to in-person instruction with classrooms at less than 20% capacity. 

Such unbending posture has provoked the ire of parents and left many children frustrated, both academically and socially. As Tim Carney wrote in the Washington Examiner, “The very people who have most loudly declared the importance of public schools now are deliberately destroying public schools.”

Many parents are tired of being strong-armed by teachers unions and have pursued alternative education options for their children.

For instance, the learning pod phenomenon, wherein parents work together to pool resources and hire their own tutors and materials is popular. This allows students to return to in-person lessons, even if school districts refuse to reopen.

Last September, a national poll by the pro-school choice nonprofit EdChoice indicated that 18% of surveyed parents were looking to join one. At the same time, 70% of surveyed teachers reported interest in teaching in a pod.

A recent report by education scholars Michael B. Henderson, Paul Peterson, and Martin West found that approximately 3 million students—nearly 6% of K-12 students—currently participate in a learning pod.

Notably, pod participants are more likely to be “from families in the bottom quartile of the income distribution.” The authors wrote, “Parent reports suggest that 9% of all students from low-income families and 5% of all students from high-income families are participating in pods.”

Families have embraced private school options, too. A survey last November of 160 schools in 15 states and Washington, D.C., showed that half of the surveyed private schools experienced higher enrollment this academic year than they had the previous year pre-pandemic.

Moreover, more than 75% of surveyed private schools were open for in-person instruction. The remaining schools offered hybrid education, which is a combination of in-person and virtual learning.

Children could have greater access to private education if more states made education dollars student-centered. For instance, parent-controlled education savings accounts allow parents to spend their funds on approved education costs, like private tutoring, books, or tuition. These accounts already exist in five states.

National School Choice Week is an important reminder that “public education” means education available to the public, regardless of the type of school it takes place in. It is the perfect time to remember that parents, not teachers unions, are best positioned to determine the education needs of children.  

School choice options like education savings accounts can bring education consistency to families across the country during a most uncertain time. National School Choice Week is an important reminder of that.

Jude Schwalbach

Jude Schwalbach is a research associate and project coordinator in education policy at The Heritage Foundation.

Hance Winingham

Hance Winingham is a recent graduate of the University of Essex and member of the Young Leaders Program at The Heritage Foundation.

Poetry can help us become more human. We saw it on display as 22-year-old inaugural poet Amanda Gorman read her stirring poem "The Hill We Climb" last week. It felt joyous and truthful, necessary and hopeful, and there was power in both her and her words.

Gorman's Inauguration Day poem no doubt helped inspire submissions to Morning Edition's most recent poetry callout. Days before she read those lines, Kwame Alexander, NPR's poet in residence, asked for poetry that starts with the words "I dream a world." That line comes from a poem by Langston Hughes and it inspired Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech.

NPR's poetry callout asked that we write our way out of the unprecedented events of the past year and into a space of possibility. It garnered more than 2,500 responses — including poems from first graders, college professors and grandparents across the country.

Alexander took lines from the submissions to create a community poem, "This Is Our Dream." Contributors are credited at the bottom. The poem also includes a line from Gorman's "The Hill We Climb," with permission from the author.

This Is Our Dream

I dream a world that sounds like a gentle "good morning,"
like "sleep tight" at the end of the day,
like Ella scatting,
a world filled with a universal song.
A hallelujah of joyous rejoicing, in this moment's gift of life.

I dream a world in color,
Where nature's artist takes the lead.
Clear, blue oceans and vibrant reefs,
and all creatures thrive with what they need.

Where peace floats from every direction.
Where it's not too late to change the people who hate.
Where race and color are not what the scales weigh.
Where the root of all evil is pulled up,
and the rain pours down until the ground swells with fertile soil.
Where potential is the currency of the day,
and you can be able to see what's next
without being scared.

I dream of that world
The one that lifts the silenced souls from shackles.
Where vision cannot be smothered beneath my eyes beyond my reach
Where what lies waiting aches to teach.

I dream a world where a bridge is arching over troubled waters, built on a foundation of truth.
Where children grow up learning only one kind of division, the long kind.
a world where Sharing kindness is commonplace;
Where deeds are done with heart and zest
Where doing right should be the quest

I Dream A World
Where every day is Earth Day
and pollution is not a thing.
Where we take care of the ocean and the world.

Where masks are only for the ball
that celebrates
A new beginning for us all.

Where we can see every person smile.
Where the coronavirus goes away so we can go to school.
Where people can hug their family and friends whenever they want
Where all have the luxury simply to sit and build a puzzle.
I dream of seeing foxes walking in a field. I would like to walk with them.
That is my wish.

I dream a world where native fish fly free,
Unfettered, many miles to reach the sea.
And those whose sacred presence
On our shores predates
The ships galore that brought
Conquerors, colonists, and slaves in chains.
Where the monarch butterflies are the only concern we have about migration.
I hunger for that world!

a safe world
for children whose skin is darker than mine.
A beautiful sunrise after the night,
Equity, kindness, color and light.
For my daughter's daughters; for my son's sons.

I dream of a world
Where the problems are the problem, not the people debating them.
Where we lay down our arms so we can reach out our arms
Where we know each other's joys and sorrows
All these days and all the 'morrows
Where The News Brings A Smile

I dream a world straight; crooked paths are only for walking
A world drunk with self-esteem, fearless and ready
A world where you hold onto your dreams, and I'll hold the door
Pass right through, 'cause the world is yours

I dream a world where that world is not a dream,
but awake, vigilant
Community gardens on every corner
No more social media advertisements for body armor
People with mental health issues, accepted as whole
A mosaic of humans not separated by color, opinion, belief

Rusted cages,
empty and unlocked, doors swung open,
guards long since gone home.
Where facts matter.
A world as simple as a poem
Written in pencil, full of mistakes and erasures
On the relentless path to its honest truth.

Where, as soldiers of democracy nurturing us,
teachers are publicly thanked for their service.
I dream of a world transparent.
Walls and floors, built of some durable crystalline material.
Where we know which student is really watching a TikTok video
when we leave the room for a moment.

I dream a world
Where there is quiet
Enough to hear
Each other

The young care for the old,
And the earth is cared for by all.

Where nations' boundaries blur
by a bridge of millions of hands,
reaching across to embrace in oneness.
Where people are as free
as the poet's meter.
And inclusion is real
Not mandated by law, but embraced with zeal

Where I can be black and woman, and be safe
I dream a world where white folks see
All non-white folks in the land of the free
As true heirs to the founders' liberty
From oppression and powerful tyranny;

I dream the world, king dreamed for me
That the paved gold that America promises prospers
Where the playing field is level, the same,
for anyone willing and able.

where we anchor to hope and all it brings

Do you not see it is time to finish what has begun?
A world that we want to live in.

Such is a world I dream of!

This community poem was created using submissions by:

Cari DiTullio, Middleton, Wisc.

Stephen Corrado, Tarpon Springs, Fla.

Leslee Wagner, Swarthmore, Pa.

Kundai Chikowero, Goleta, Calif.

Laurie Fitzgibbons,, Walpole, Mass.

Kathleen O'Hara, Davenport, Iowa

Pittershawn Palmer, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Tasha Souza, Boise, Idaho

Lillith Sullivan, Pollock Pines, Calif.

Sophia Keller, Seattle

Laurie Abildso, Morgantown, W.V.

William Waldron, East Chatham, N.Y.

Johnny McConnell, Tuscon, Ariz.

Kay Augustine, Milwaukee, Wis.

Betty Evans, Springfield, Mo.

Karen Quandt, Edgewood, Wash.

Janet Lassiter, McKinney, Texas

Eric Booth, High Falls, N.Y.

Susan Wilder, Davis, N.C.

Heath Miller, Muncy, Pa.

Curtis Linderman, Seattle

Chris Tiffany, Solvang, Calif.

Jennifer Thompson, Chelsea, Mich.

Andrea Malaguti, Amherst, Mass.

AlethaRodgers, Park Hill, Ok.

Mikel Cole, Houston

Robert Detullio, Adairsville, Ga.

Sandra Graham, Walla Walla, Wash.

Michelle Smith, Twinsburg, Ohio

Evelyn Sebik, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Laura Slaathaug, Grand Forks, N.D.

Tom Cunningham, Austin, Texas

Leonard Santarsiero, Glastonbury, Ct.

Mia Sasaki, Lincoln, Calif.

Jeanne DeJong, Brevard, N.C.

Jaden Silverman, New York

Lynn Austin, Charleston, S.C.

Arif Valji, Des Moines, Iowa

Daniel Fisher, Birmingham, Mich.

Hank Ebert, Meridian, Idaho

Nina Amabile, Boulder, Colo.

David Stern, Hamden, Ct.

Karl Gunderson, Fargo, N.D.

Chris Cotton, Cleveland Heights, Ohio

Michele Blackwell, San Francisco

Sherry Davis

Kathi Scarpace

Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

[Sue Taylor, 1-26-2021]

Tim and I are happy to announce that Darcy and Al of Placerville Public House have decided to move into the Hangman and Herrick Buildings.  After spending time together, we all feel this will be a good fit.  

The year 2019 was a hard year for our work on the buildings and the Ice Cream Shop.  Our daughter Jamie, who was running the Ice Cream Shop, faced many challenges. Twice she lost her entire inventory due to power outs and then COVID hit. Between the power outs, the protests, COVID and not being able to get product, her family made the decision to move out of state where they will be close to old friends and more family.

While finishing up on the Herrick Building and waiting to get the Ice Cream Shop back open, Tim and I were approached by Darcy and Al of Placerville Public House.  After several meetings we feel Darcy and Al will be good stewards of these buildings and they will have the opportunity and room to grow their family friendly business.  We all felt this was meant to be, it just felt right.  So, you will see lots of activity between our shops working to get things ready for the transition.   The Placerville Public House will announce a date when they are ready to open.

We want to thank everyone for their support of our efforts with these buildings over the years and for their words of encouragement. We have close friends and alliances who have watched our restoration progression.  Many conversations have taken place at the back table by those that walk in off the street and want to express a thought. We have spent more hours in those buildings than we have at home. It’s going to feel strange for a while, but we are blessed knowing that these buildings will be in good hands.

This transition will also give us time to travel and see our children and grandkids that are spread across the country.  They have missed us over the last 8 years while we have been working on these buildings.

But don’t think Tim and I will be going away. We will continue to sponsor the Hangtown Christmas Parade and be involved with the Wagon Train Parade in Hangtown.  Now we just need to see the COVID bug go away so we can kick it up!
Moving forward and with much love to all of those that have supported us over the years.

Sue and Tim Taylor

[Img: Tim and Sue Taylor restoring the Herrick and Hangman's Tree Buildings at 301 and 305 Main Street, Placerville. Sue's finding old bottles and oyster shells. A whole Coke bottle with a Placerville stamp on it was unearthed]
 

[SAWSAN MORRAR, Sacramento Bee, JANUARY 26, 2021]

Ambulance records detailing the day a 13-year-old died after being restrained at his special needs school have been given to an El Dorado County judge.

On Tuesday, county officials submitted to Judge Mark Ralphs the records during a brief court hearing for the three staff members at the now-closed Guiding Hands School who are accused of negligence in Max Benson’s 2018 death.

The three staffers — school site administrator Cindy Keller, Guiding Hands principal Staranne Meyers and Kimberly Wohlwend, the teacher accused of restraining Benson during the November 2019 incident — were not expected to attend and did not appear for the status update in Placerville.

County officials released the ambulance records to Ralphs, which included details including that Benson was restrained face down for 105 minutes. When paramedics arrived, they found that Benson had no pulse and was not breathing, according to a civil lawsuit. The teen was declared brain dead the following day at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento.

Prosecutor Lisette Suder objected to the documents’ submission, saying this is the first time she was hearing about the records. She told the judge she had not been provided with details regarding the documents beforehand.

The next hearing to review the records is scheduled for Feb. 18.

The state Department of Education said in 2018 the school staff used “an amount of force which is not reasonable and necessary under the circumstances.” The school became the subject of several state investigations over its treatment of special-needs students, court documents and state records have shown. In Jan. 2020, state education officials decertified the school, and it closed later that month.

In November 2019, El Dorado County prosecutors formally filed involuntary manslaughter charges against the administrators and teacher at the El Dorado Hills non-public school where the boy died in 2018 after being restrained face down for hours by staffers.

Meyers, Keller and Wohlwend were also named in a civil suit filed against the school and several employees. The suit also names Davis Joint Unified, Elk Grove Unified and Amador County Unified school districts – districts that had contracted with Guiding Hands for education services – along with California Department of Education and special education administrative bodies in Yolo and Amador counties.

The civil suit filed on behalf of Benson’s family and other families of Guiding Hands students alleges Wohlwend held Benson’s upper body while other staff members — Jill Watson, Betty Morgan and Le’Mon Thomas — took turns holding Max’s legs down. ...

READ MORE: https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/education/article248780180.html

[George Turnboo , District 2 Supervisor]

Recently visited with El Dorado Transit to get an overview of their operations.

Many people may not know that El Dorado Transit is running and picking up passengers again.

New touch-less technology makes riding around town safe and easy.

For longer trips, El Dorado Transit also connects to other transportation services using the same pass service for fares.

Please be kind and respectful toward our El Dorado Transit, because they really do help people get where they need to go.

Schedule and Services:
https://eldoradotransit.com/schedules-and-services/

Fares and Passes:
https://eldoradotransit.com/faresandpasses/

Connections:
https://eldoradotransit.com/connections/

​[Russell Motorsports]

Placerville, CA – January 27, 2021…Russell Motorsports Inc. is pleased to announce that Placerville Speedway will utilize the Pit Pay Mobile Pit Pass App this season to help streamline the sign in process for teams and attendees upon arrival at the pit booth.

Pit Pay provides its users – racers, crew members and other attendees – with a simple, hassle-free experience in the app and at the track. Pit Pay users can quickly and easily purchase pit passes in advance using the app.

“We are thrilled to have Placerville Speedway join the Pit Pay family this season,” said Frank Bolter, founder of Pit Pay. “We are passionate about improving the experience for both competitors and event attendees. Pit Pay implements a contactless waiver signature and payment system for pit entry and helps minimize lines, which is more critical than ever in the current environment. Placerville will be the first track in California to utilize our technology, so we are looking forward to working with them and improving the experience for their participants.”

The Pit Pay app organizes and simplifies the sign-in process, helping tracks get their participants into the pits quickly and efficiently, even at the largest events.

Once they arrive at the track, users proceed directly to the dedicated Pit Pay check-in area, present the mobile pit pass on their device and receive their armband or credential, saving valuable time standing in line, signing waivers and exchanging cash. The Pit Pay app safely and securely stores credit card information and users’ favorite tracks and series to make purchasing a pit pass as simple as a few clicks on their mobile devices.

The Pit Pay Pit Pass App was recently prominently displayed on Rico Abreu’s car during the annual Chili Bowl Nationals in Oklahoma. Abreu, a two-time Chili Bowl champion, spoke about the Placerville Speedway utilizing Pit Pay this season.

“Pit Pay is definitely the wave of the future,” said Abreu. "I’m excited that a track in my home state is jumping on board with it, and the fact Scott and Kami recognize the benefits of this new technology is a wonderful thing.”

To use Pit Pay, participants will download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play and create a profile. They can then purchase passes for Placerville Speedway events, signing all waivers electronically. At the track, they’ll simply proceed to the Pit Pay Priority Line, show their mobile pit pass, and get an armband. The COVID release form will also be available on the app, eliminating the need to print it out for each event.

Those without smart phones can still pay and sign in the traditional way when they arrive at the speedway.

“We are always looking for ways to improve and as technology advances, we’ll continue to evolve, grow and learn,” stated Placerville Speedway Promoter Kami Arnold. “Pit Pay checks all the boxes we need to move forward with a more streamlined process, so we’re excited to offer it to our teams and attendees.”

The Placerville Speedway is located on the beautiful El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville, California. For more information on the Placerville Speedway log onto http://www.placervillespeedway.com

Join over 13,800 followers of Placerville Speedway on Facebook, where you can keep abreast of updates for the 2020 season. You can also find Placerville Speedway on Twitter by following us https://twitter.com/pvillespeedway. In addition, Placerville Speedway is also on Instagram. Please follow us @PvilleSpeedway.

The quarter-mile clay oval is operated by Russell Motorsports Incorporated, which can be reached at the track business office at 530-344-7592. Contact Kami Arnold or Scott Russell directly for sponsorship opportunities at the office.

[Bossman Al, Placerville Public House, 1-31-21]

In a effort to continually improve & preserve the genial vibe at the Placerville Public House we are excited to announce some big plans for your favorite neighborhood pub. 

The current Placerville Public House location has offered us a few challenges and limited opportunity for growth, so, we have put our hearts on the line and have secured a new future. 

The Placerville Public House is relocating just down the block to the historic Hangman Saloon and Herrick buildings on the corner of Main & Center Street. 

301 & 305 Main Street, Placerville, CA.

We believe this location will allow us to expand our current vision & explore new possibilities all while offering more hospitable accommodations for you, our favorite people.

As we look forward to big changes you can have confidence the core of the ‘Pub’ will remain the same; the Placerville Public House is a place for the community to unite and enjoy fresh food and craft libations, a place where all are welcome and a place where you will always be met with old familiar faces. 

The Placerville Public House has not planned a ‘Grand re-Open’ date yet, but rest assured it will be soon and you will be the first to know. 

We raise a pint to this next endeavor and we will see you all very soon.

CHEERS!!
Bossman Al

[EDSO]
Arrests are made based upon probable cause

Sheriff's Activity Log for 1/30/2021

@ 0917 10.16.140 CC PRIVATE PROPERTY TOW \ ELKS CLUB DR, SOUTH LAKE TAHO EG2100905
PRIVATE PROPERTY TOW

@ 1020 290.018(B PC FAIL REG W/FEL SEX O \ MISSOURI FLAT RD, DIAMOND SPRINGS EG2100907
SUBJECT WAS FOUND TO BE IN VIOLATION OF HIS SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION TERMS.
S01 ARRESTED RENFROE, ANDRE SEX=M AGE=50

@ 1029 14601.1(A VC DRIVE:LIC SUSPENDED/ \ BROADWAY DR, PLACERVILLE EG2100909
A MALE SUBJECT WAS ARRESTED FOR MISDEMEANOR WARRANTS. THE SUBJECT WAS ALSO DRIVING ON SUSPENDED DRIVERS LICENSE AND WAS FOUND IN POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND DRUG PARAPHERNALIA.
S01 ARRESTED KELLEY, JUSTIN SEX=M AGE=29

@ 1029 12500(A) VC DRIVE W/O LICENSE \ BROADWAY DR, PLACERVILLE EG2100910
A FEMALE WAS ISSUED A CITATION FOR EXPIRED REGISTRATION, NO INSURANCE, BROKEN WINDSHIELD AND FOR DRIVING WITHOUT DRIVER'S LICENSE.
S01 ARRESTED SEX=F AGE=27

[FloRacing, Jan 21, 2021]

Here's how to watch the 2021 Tribute to Al Hinds at Placerville Speedway on FloRacing.

The 2021 Tribute to Al Hinds at Placerville Speedway starts on Apr 10, 2021.

How to Watch:

STREAMING: Watch the 2021 Tribute to Al Hinds at Placerville Speedway 

on FloRacing. SIGN UP HERE.

On Your TV: Now Available on Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast & Apple TV.

Cast: Cast to your smart TV including Vizio, Samsung and LG TVs.

On The Go: Download the FloSports app on iOS or Android.

[County of El Dorado, Feb 1, 2021]· https://www.edcgov.us/Government/hhsa/PublishingImages/pages/EDCCOVID-19-clinics/COVID19%20Vaccine%20FAQ.pdf

If you're confused and frustrated about how to get a COVID 19 vaccination in El Dorado County please see this Frequently Asked Questions here: http://ow.ly/oA5W50DoqhL

We'll set more appointments as we receive enough vaccines from the State to do so.

WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO GET VACCTCATED? I'M A SENIORS 65+ (WITH OUR WITHHOUT UNDERLYLNG HEALTH CONDITIONS). 

Please contact your primary care doctor first. 

Until we receive additional vaccine from the State. we cannot schedule more appointments. We are currently booked through mid-February at both County Public Health offices and Safeway pharmacies. After that point. we plan to hold some 65+ only and 75+ only drive-thru clinics as we receive shipments from the State. Please check this website for information as it becomes available: https://www.edcgov.us/Government/hhsa/Pages/EDCCOVID-19-clinics.aspx 

You may also wish to call the Safeway pharmacies directly. Their phone numbers are listed on this web page here: https://www.edcgov.us/Government/hhsa/Pages/EDCCOVID-19-clinics.aspx

WHEN AM I ELIGIBLE TO GET A VACCLNETI'M ELIGIBLE—WHY CAN'T I MAKT AN APPOINTMENT? 

The chart that is listed on our Vaccine Clinic and Vaccine Information web pages provides eligibility information. Please note being eligible does not equate to being able to make an appointment to get a shot; appointments become available only if we have received sufficient vaccine from the State. 

WHY CAN'T I MAKI AN APPOINTMENT TO GET A VACCINE?

Appointments are made available when we have sufficient vaccine from the State. We will not schedule appointments unless we have the vaccine to give. 

HOW- DO I GET MY SECOND DOSE AT PUBLIC: HEALTH or SAFEWAY PHARMACY 

While you shouldn't get your second shot before 21 days after your first Pfizer dose or 28 days after your Modema dose. the CDC now says you can wait up to 6 weeks between doses. 

-   2:48 PM  -

[Jennifer Boyd, Tahoe South]

Feb. 1, 2021 (SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev.) – People dreaming of Lake Tahoe have a new digital resource for trip planning with ease at Tahoesouth.com. Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority recently launched the newly redesigned site. The enhanced version features wall-to-wall imagery with responsive mobile design all within a convenient and easy to read layout for consumers.

“As travel confidence returns in 2021 with the distribution of the vaccine, and as travel restrictions ease, visitors will be able to easily access important updates, plan their trips, and dive into all our destination has to offer through their phones and screens at tahoesouth.com,” said Carol Chaplin, CEO and president of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority.

LTVA worked with Reno based Noble Studios for the redesign that focuses on plunging users headfirst into the blue waters of Lake Tahoe and climbing high or climbing its mountain tops with information on events, lodging, dining, adventures, and insider tips.

“The launch of Tahoe South's new website couldn't have come at a better time, strategically positioning the organization to be ready for recovery,” said Jarrod Lopiccolo, CEO and Co-Founder at Noble Studios.

The website also integrates information and messages for the destination’s sustainable tourism and healthy travel initiatives like Tahoe Care Tahoe and Pledge for the Wild, a cooperative effort with other mountain communities to encourage guests to support $1 per hour when recreating, the beneficiaries of which are local non-profits focused on environmental initiatives. Donations can be made by texting WILD4TAHOE to 44-321, or at www.tahoefund.org.

Visitors can download the Tahoe South travel planning app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

For current information, preventative recommendations, and updates visit: https://tahoesouth.com/know-before-you-go/.

Contact: Jenn Boyd Lemming or Phil Weidinger, Weidinger Public Relations, 775-588-2412 or jennifer@weidingerpr.com.

[Carla B. Hass]

(PLACERVILLE) – On February 9th, 2021, El Dorado County Department of Transportation will submit to the Board of Supervisors a High Cost Project Agreement that will secure full construction phase funding for the Mosquito Road Bridge at South Fork American River - Bridge Replacement Project (Project).

This Agreement secures the Highway Bridge Program construction financing plan with the California Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.  In 2011, the Project was awarded Federal Highway Bridge Program funding to start the project environmental and engineering work.  After years of study, design, community meetings, public outreach, environmental clearance, and utility coordination, the Project is finally fully funded and scheduled to break ground with construction next year.  The existing one-lane suspension bridge still requires annual closures for maintenance work and has the most expensive maintenance costs of all the County's vehicle bridges.

Once the Agreement is approved, Transportation will be finalizing the construction bid package and advertising the Project for bids. Construction activity is anticipated to begin in mid-2022. After the new bridge is complete, the existing 1939 suspension bridge and roadway is planned to remain in place for cyclists, pedestrians, and river access.

For the further details, to include the project schedule, please visit the Mosquito Bridge Replacement Project website at: :https://www.edcgov.us/Government/dot/Bridge%20Projects/MosquitoBridge/Pages/mosquito_bridge.aspx.

For questions regarding this Project, please contact the Transportation main line at (530) 621-5900 and select option 3 for Engineering. 

-- {EDITORS NOTE: On State Road and Bridges Full funding fo for the project Must be secured Before any construdstion work can start - even if the project is otherwise approved. C.A.}

[EDSO]
Arrests are made based upon probable cause

ARRESTS

Sheriff's Activity Log for 2/7/2021

@ 0003 NO CHARGE VHR NOISE COMPLAINT \ GENTIAN CR, SOUTH LAKE TAHO EG2101120
VHR NOISE COMPLAINT. NO CITATION ISSUED.

@ 0810 MISCONDUCT \ SIERRA AT TAHOE RD, ECHO SUMMIT EG2101125
EDSO RESPONDED TO A SKI RESORT FOR A REPORT OF TRESPASSING.

@ 0821 4000(A)(1 VC TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS \ DIAMOND SPRINGS EG2101124
CITED FOR DRIVING WITHOUT A LICENSE.

@ 0945 11350(A) HS CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE \ MISSOURI FLAT RD, DIAMOND SPRINGS EG2101126
A MALE WAS CITED FOR BEING IN POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND DRUG PARAPHERNALIA.
S01 ARRESTED SEX=M AGE=29

@ 1020 273.6(A) PC COURT ORDER VIOLATIO \ CAMERON PARK EG2101127
DEPUTIES WERE DISPATCHED FOR THE REPORT OF A SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE. A MALE SUBJECT WAS ARRESTED FOR BEING IN VIOLATION OF A COURT ORDER.
S01 SEX=M SUSPECT AGE=38

@ 1230 12500(A) VC UNLICENSED DRIVER \ GREEN VALLEY RD, CAMERON PARK EG2101130
THE DRIVER OF A VEHICLE WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WITHOUT A LICENSE.
S01 ARRESTED SEX=M AGE=32

@ 1255 22450(A) VC TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS \ HIGHWAY 49 HY, COLOMA EG2101131
A MALE IN LOTUS WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WITHOUT A LICENSE AND FAILING TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN
S01 ARRESTED SEX=M AGE=26

@ 1351 14601(A) VC DRIV:SUSP/ETC LIC:RE \ GOLDEN CENTER DR, DIAMOND SPRINGS EG2101132
AN ADULT FEMALE WAS ISSUED A CITATION FOR DRIVING WITH A SUSPENDED DRIVER LICENSE.
S01 ARRESTED SEX=F AGE=23

@ 1801 12500(A) VC DRIVING W/O LICENSE \ HIGHWAY 49 HY, DIAMOND SPRINGS EG2101137
A TRAFFIC STOP WAS CONDUCTED. A FEMALE PASSENGER WAS FOUND TO HAVE AN OUTSTANDING WARRANT AND THE MALE DRIVER WAS OPERATING THE VEHICLE WITHOUT A LICENSE. BOTH SUBJECTS WERE CITED AND RELEASED.
S01 ARRESTED 38 

[Tom Cumpston, former EID General Counsel and Board Member at Marshall Medical Center, 2-4-21]

Mayor Dennis Thomas and (City of Placerville) council members:

You have received a letter from the board of the Placerville Downtown Association, claiming that it still represents its members and that “misinformation” and “speculation” are harming the PDA. I’m a PDA member and I strongly disagree.

Here’s why:

Since Jan. 2 of last year the PDA board has held at least 13 meetings, none of which were noticed to the members. None of those meetings had more than four attendees.

What did three PDA board members do at those exclusive meetings? Without consulting their members, they reorganized the PDA and spent most of its money in service of their personal interests.

For example, last summer they authorized spending $6,000 of PDA money to support three ballot initiatives they liked. None of the measures wound up qualifying for last November’s ballot.

About the same time, they paid out $8,083 of members’ money to settle legal bills that a totally different organization, Friends of Historic Hangtown, has run up while fighting the City Council here and in court. There is significant overlap between the faction currently running the PDA and the leaders of Friends of Historic Hangtown.

More recently, the PDA authorized spending an additional $18,000 — which is nearly every penny left in its shrinking bank accounts — to oppose Therapy Stores. I’m expecting news of PDA/FOHH lawsuit any day now.

The PDA also paid one of its board members nearly $3,000 in consulting fees in 2020.

They’ve spent more than $10,000, so far, on a new PDA website. The home page features the costumed members of the Hangtown Marshalls, including a PDA board member, striding down Main Street.

The board also spent nearly $5,000 to rewrite the PDA bylaws and mission statement to emphasize political action and to make many Main Street businesses ineligible for membership.

A single motive explains these actions: rather than promoting events and all of the businesses in downtown Placerville, this board wants the PDA to function instead as a combined political action committee/litigation factory to serve its board members’ private, political agendas.

Meanwhile, the board has unilaterally withdrawn the PDA’s longtime support of the Main Street flower baskets program and the annual Festival of Lights at Christmas — dropping those expenses into the city’s lap and walking away.

Every one of the decisions and expenditures I’ve just described was made by three people, at meetings that no other PDA members attended or had notice of. I had to demand inspection of the PDA’s accounting records and meeting minutes, and wait a month for a response, just to learn these facts.

Bottom line, the PDA is deeply dysfunctional, out of control and nearly broke. That’s not misinformation; it’s the awful truth and it’s documented in the PDA’s own records.

TOM CUMPSTON
Placerville

[Mary Gillihan]

Willard Eugene Gillihan

Devoted family man and friend. Committed to the community. Heart of Gold. Kind Patriarch. Servant. Generous. Joyful. Mischievous. Fun-loving.

He was known as: Dad, Papa, Gilly, Gentleman Gene, Gene and is a legend in our eyes. He had a heart of a servant and he gave freely - help, time, support, and endless hugs and kisses. His light shone bright and warm long after parting. You could feel his joy for life! His jolly nature and "Muttley" laugh were contagious.

He loved the Lord and considered it his mission to serve those around him with unceasing grace and faithfulness.

In 2012 at the age of 73, he was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). That didn't stop Dad! He still made family his top priority and acts of service his mission. 2015 brought a wake-up call requiring his first extended hospital stay and triple bi-pass. Still, he was a mover and shaker and resumed his role as community caregiver as soon as possible (likely earlier than advised). His stubborn determination kept him working while walking through oncology and cardiology appointments. In the midst of the crazy events of 2020, one of his medical team members advised "Go and be with your family". So we planned an epic trip! A party of 10 covered 14 states, 17 days, 7 State Parks and 4,709 miles. A carpe diem trip that, upon reflection, is far more precious than expected. He loved that time together, surrounded by those he loved most.

Merely days after our dream adventure, his health started to decline in August. His complexities with artery issues and chemotherapy were the beginning. Next he was hit with double pneumonia on an already battered immune system due to to CLL. Then a positive test for the dreaded COVID-19 at Christmas time came next. He did seem to recover somewhat, but still the pneumonia affected his spirit and physical health. He was a warrior! Occasionally, the mind is stronger than the body and we are grieved this was the case with him.

We were able to see him before he left this Earth for Heaven. The world lost a beautiful light on February 1, 2021. We know he is watching over us now, never to be in pain again.

His legacy lives on in all who knew him, especially his wife, three children and nine grandchildren.

We are reaching out now as a result of months of hospitalizations, costly medications, and end of life expenses.  If you have any beautiful stories to share or wish to donate, we would be grateful beyond measure. All donations will go directly toward the expenses listed and managed by Mary Gillihan, his honey of 54+ years. If you prefer to pay respects through mail, reach out to us for the address.

At this time, services are yet to be scheduled. We do plan to have a celebration worthy of his boisterous life later this year. Thank you for reflecting his goodness outward.  We hope and pray you continue to pay his kindness forward. 

Lots of Love XOXOXO,

Mary, Chad, Gina, Buffee, Danielle, Nicole, Amber, Erin, James, Alyssa, Christian, Bridgette, Cayleigh, Catherine, Chris, Daryl, & Sawyer

You can help here 
https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-gene-gillys-radiator-xoxoxo?utm_source=InEDC.com

[Cris Alrcon]

Good eats are hard to find these days of COVID-19 but innovative restaurateurs have adapted to these hard business times by going Curbside and Take Out.

But with such hard economic times, advertising dollars are short so many restaurants have adapted and are participating in a FaceBook group of local eateries.  They tell about new hours, new menu items for Curbside & Pick-up and also for greatly expanded Take-Out menus.

There are about 5,000 members and the group is described as: 

"A place for local restaurants, coffee shops and businesses share updates, curbside schedules, limited or specialty menus and more as we navigate our short term normal during COVID-19 precautions as a community. Add your friends, family and business owners!"

These are the kind of posts you will find at "El Dorado Curbside Restaurants:"

- "Are any of our local restaurants having any Valentine's Day specials for takeout?"
- "Love is in the air at Mediterranean Vineyards.  Let us make Sunday easy for you with our Romance Box.  Each gift box comes with a bottle of our Rosato Spumante"
- "Taco Tuesday!! at Paco’s Mexican Cuisine"
- "Hooverville Orchards, Valentines Day, If you want a Valentines Pie call you order in soon!!!  Will be decorating the pies with lots of hearts!!"
- "Hello Placerville, EL Dorado County. I operate my small in home cupcake business in Placerville, and just wanted to hop on here and introduce myself."
- "Fondue 152, We're now offering heated and patio seating, beer, wine and mimosas, for dinner and weekend brunch "take-in."
- "Grizzlys Pub And Grub shared a post. LET US COOK FOR YOU, CARLOS IS YOUR CHEF TODAY"

This is a sample of some of the posts in the last 24 hours, in order of postings.

Local restaurants are just hanging on by adapting.  Everyone is against a wall economically, so if you want some good eats from local places, check it out.  

Check it out on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/574984200027954

[Cynthia Garcia]
 
Sometimes you must let go of a dream in order to do your duty.

It is with great regret that I must convey my resignation to the GDPUD Board of Directors effective upon the close of the February 9, 2021, board meeting.  

My mother has suddenly become quite infirmed and I must now care for her full time.  I simply cannot spread myself so thin as to try and do justice to both the GDPUD Community, and my Family.  My Mother expressed a wish to be closer to her sister in Florida, so we are moving there very shortly.  

I have lived and worked here for more than 32 years and it has been my honor and privilege to have been called into Public Service. Serving the Community was how I had planned to spend my retirement. I had hoped I could stay but sadly, I cannot.  

I wish you, all of you, my very best, with a heavy heartfelt farewell.

[Judy Farah, Jan/Feb 2021 California Bountiful]

The female hiker had been missing for nearly four days. Josh Bendick and his partner from the El Dorado County Sheriff Search and Rescue team were determined to find her in the rugged Sierra Nevada forest. They had enough supplies in their backpacks to spend the night if necessary. Then, there she was. Just as they were swooping in for the rescue, so was a Black Hawk helicopter from the California National Guard. Bendick and his partner told the pilot to land. Instead, the pilot said, "No, we're going to hoist you guys." The chopper sent down a cable and the three were lifted to safety—"which is even better because that's part of the fun," Bendick said.

Bendick's days typically aren't spent with chopper lifts. He's co-winemaker at Holly's Hill Vineyards in Placerville with his wife, Carrie. He became involved with the search and rescue group about nine years ago, after he heard about it from neighbors who were part of the horseback team.

"At one point, it just hit me: I want to go," he said. "I wanted to do the search and rescue thing. I joined and it ended up being way more fun than I thought it would be."

An outdoorsman, Bendick said he wanted to give back to the community. He volunteered and began extensive training, which included man tracking—identifying footprints and directions of a person's travel on the ground—and, after a year, began to go out on searches.

Bendick has conducted searches wearing snowshoes in blizzards and avalanches, with hydration packs and water filters in summer heat, and with GPS radiophones in remote areas. He estimates he's been called out more than 100 days in all, including four days in Paradise after the deadly 2018 Camp Fire.

Bendick is able to juggle his two duties because his wife is also a winemaker. Her parents, Tom and Holly Cooper, developed a love for wine after they sipped Châteauneuf-du-Pape on their honeymoon in the Rhone Valley of southern France. The bride got her wish of starting a Rhone-style vineyard at their hillside property. Their daughter, who ...

Refa More:
https://www.californiabountiful.com/features/article.aspx?arID=2530

[InEDC]

"Hello Sierra Vista Friends and Fans,

We are super excited to announce an upcoming fun event for a good cause! We will be holding a book drive and fundraising day for some of our local schools!

Jim's daughter Savanna is the one who came up with the idea to help out some local schools! See her letter below!

We are accepting books starting today! Please provide books in the reading age range of 5-13.

Every day leading up and including the fundraiser, bring in 5 or more books to receive a glass of our Elevation 2800 or Viognier for only $1!

On March 20th, we will be having our official fundraising day!!

On Saturday March 20th, we will have two members of Darth Mozart Band playing LIVE acoustical music on our stage and the Dinner Station Food Truck serving delicious food starting at noon.

We also will be doing raffles of prizes donated both by us and our local sponsors throughout the day! All proceeds from the raffle will go to the schools.

There will be specials going on that day for our wines and a portion of wine sales will also be donated to the schools as well!

This is a great chance to help support our local schools!

Reservations are recommended to make sure you have a table to hang out and enjoy our wines, the tunes and food! Call our tasting room at 530-622-7221 today to book your spot!

The money raised will go towards the book programs at Camino School, Pinewood Elementary and Sierra Ridge Middle School.

Read Savannas letter here:

"Hi everyone!

My name is Savanna Czachorowski, and as many of you already know, our family are the new owners at Sierra Vista Vineyards and Winery. But, I’m also honored to hold the title of your National American Royal Beauties Preteen. After winning the title of Miss Michigan in 2020, I went to Nationals last July to compete for the National Title and excitingly was crowned the new National American Royal Beauty Preteen! This was so amazing and exciting for me, as I have held other titles, but never a national title! It was a dream onstage!

As a state or national title holder, our system encourages us to give back to our communities. I have been involved this year in many different charity events but my personal favorite is my own platform that I created called; “Kids In Need Deserve to Read”. My platform focuses on kids that might not have regular access to books and other supplies, especially now during this Covid time. 

Two years ago, I broke my back, and I relied on my love of reading to help me get through the long days of recovery. When Covid hit, and we had to stay home again, it brought back some of those feelings. I thought about other kids that might not have books to escape to. So I made it my goal to help raise money and lots books for schools around America. Last year as Miss Michigan, I adopted a kindergarten class of an underprivileged school and was able to raise so many books and money that really helped my adopted kindergarteners. I even got to read them a story in class which was so fun and rewarding. So, during my reign of National Queen, I want to use my title the best I can to help me reach those goals.
  
My Dad is helping me with a book drive at our vineyard for some deserving schools in the El Dorado County area. I know he will make it a fun event for everyone so I hope you can help me by donating a book or 2 or maybe more. If not books, a cash donation will also help these deserving schools around the community of our vineyard. While helping with their needs with books, I also hope I can inspire other kids too!

Thank you so much!
Savanna 

See More Here: https://www.sierravistawinery.com/event/sierra-vista-book-drive/