[FOX40 Mar 25, 2021, Image via Sac D.A.]

PLACERVILLE, Calif.  “It's an enormous problem,” El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson said. Introduced by Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, SB 81 would reduce ...

“Senate Bill 82 would cause a robbery, a strong robbery, to be reduced to petty theft. So all these stories about elderly Asian women being robbed, those cases are now going to become simple petty theft cases,” said Thien Vu Ho, assistant chief deputy district attorney for Sacramento County ...

“Many of the videos that you are seeing right now over and over again would be misdemeanors or nothing under her legislation, and I’m sorry she doesn’t understand it, but those are the facts,” Pierson said.  ...

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#Placerville #ElDoradoCounty

[InEDC.com]

PLACERVILLE, Calif. "Take time to recognize a Vietnam Veteran today for their extraordinary service and sacrifices. 
We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude for their heroic actions during the Vietnam War." 
-- U.S. Army Chief of Staff James McConville

National Vietnam War Veterans Day is observed every year on March 29 and is a way to thank and honor our nation’s Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.

Organizers canceled or postponed many events to slow the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing. Veterans are encouraged to stay connected and participate in virtual events.

Read more: https://militarybenefits.info/national-vietnam-war-veterans-day

"Thank you to our Vietnam War Veterans for your service and sacrifices. We owe you a tremendous debt of gratitude!" 

#NationalVietnamWarVeteransDay

[El Dorado County BOS Supervisors Parlin and Turnboo. Image "Don't Visit EDC TAX"]

[Placervile Calif.] At the 3/30/21 TOT Workshop, the Board will continue its 3/9/21 discussion regarding how to allocate TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax / Hotel Tax / Bed Tax). The Board’s discussion and public comment on 3/9/21 regarding the Urgency Ordinance to restrict chain stores brought to light the need to fulfill the General Plan’s promise to protect the unique character of our rural communities.

Supervisors Parlin and Turnboo are recommending the Board direct staff to include a $350,000 allocation of the TOT 2020-2021 fund balance in the recommended budget for the purpose of hiring temporary staff or a consultant to exclusively engage with rural communities to create design standards and/or community-oriented policies over the next two years to protect their unique and rural character.

• The Vision statement in the El Dorado County Strategic Plan stipulates “Safe, healthy and vibrant communities, respecting our natural resources and historical heritage.”
• The Economic Development Goal of the Strategic Plan includes a priority to implement design standards in community regions and rural centers to provide clarity to businesses and developers.
• The purpose of the voter-approved General Plan is to provide for growth in an environmentally balanced manner, while conserving agricultural lands, forest and woodlands, and other natural resources, in order to fulfill El Dorado County General Plan Goal 2.4.1.2 which states, “The County shall develop community design guidelines in concert with members of each community as Planning staff and funds are available.”
• During the 3/9/21 board discussion Supervisor Hidahl stated, “I fully understand all Lori was talking about is relative to how long it’s taken to get Community Plans in place, how long it’s taken to get Design Standards. It was 2004 when the Board of Supervisors established these as goals.” Supervisor Parlin has been advocating for Community Design Standards since 2013, long before becoming District IV Supervisor. “It’s time to stop kicking the can down the road.”

Click here to download the full presentation for the Workshop:  PDF

Slide 16 of the Workshop presentation shows that an estimated $1.6M fund balance of TOT will remain from the 2020-2021 anticipated TOT budget. In the past, TOT fund balance has been used toward economic development projects and a Community Design Standards project aligns with that pattern of prior use.

Send an email to the Clerk of the Board at edc.cob@edcgov.us. The Clerk will forward your email to all 5 Supervisors and add it to the public record. Do not email information that you do not want in the public record.

Join the Zoom meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/94798423537

[Dina Gentry]

Placerville Calif. The El Dorado County School Boards Association (EDCSBA) honored school board and community members for their 2020 contributions to public education in El Dorado County. Awards were presented via Zoom, and the ceremony included videos of musical performances from Latrobe School District, Gold Trail Union School District, Lake Tahoe Unified School District and Buckeye Union School District. “It was an amazing opportunity to recognize these courageous individuals for their hard work throughout this past year,” Dr. Ed Manansala, El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools, expressed. “I commend our school boards and community leaders for exemplifying an unwavering commitment to do what is best for our students and educators amid a time of great uncertainty.”

Awards included:

Outstanding Community Member: 

Dr. Nancy Williams, El Dorado County Public Health Officer, for her steadfast commitment to schools. She has been a critical partner during the pandemic and is a strong advocate for El Dorado County schools at the regional and state levels.

Outstanding Community Organization: 

Boys and Girls Club El Dorado Western Slope  for their notable contribution to education of valuable resources, time and financial support; effective collaboration with education and community leaders; development of innovative solutions to complex challenges facing public education; and, broad support and active involvement in the community.

Educational Statesmanship:

  Trustee Gene Bist, Sr., Mother Lode Union School District (MLUSD), is an advocate for public education in the community, enriching and improving the educational experience for all students.

Outstanding Community Members/Volunteers: 

CC Bensley, Gene Harris, Marilyn Hylton, and Jana Vermette, Rescue Union School District (RUSD) for their unwavering commitment to schools. They developed innovative programs, donated countless hours, and have gone above and beyond to ensure our students grow beyond the classroom.

Dolores Garcia Memorial Spirit of Boardsmanship Award: 

Trustee Kevin W. Brown, El Dorado Union High School District (EDUHSD). This is the highest award a board member can receive and the pinnacle of awards for boardsmanship. These individuals demonstrate exemplary performance in leadership, service, community relations, and advocacy, with current knowledge on educational trends and legislation. They provide community leadership on educational issues and advocate on behalf of students and public education, contributing to the success of all students through exceptional leadership.

Lifetime Achievement: 

Trustee Joe Scroggins, Black Oak Mine Unified School District (BOMUSD) and Trustee Kim Nida, Gold Oak Union School District (GOUSD). The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to outgoing or retiring board members to recognize their contributions during their career as a trustee. Trustees must have served at least eight years on a school district or County Office Board.

Congratulations to all winners!

School board and community members received awards for their dedication to El Dorado County Schools during a virtual event hosted by the El Dorado County California School Boards Association.

Award ceremony guests listen to “Take On Me” performed by South Tahoe High School students.

[PLACERVILLE, Calif, El Dorado County Freedom Fighters]

The Placerville City Council, after initially being pushed by a group of progressives to remove the noose from the Placerville City Seal has morphed into removing everything Hangtown (to be discussed apparently at another meeting), is having a Zoom Workshop on April 7 with a host of speakers for information in which will be used for the City Council to make a decision the next week.  The time and zoom information have yet to be determined.

If you want to make a comment about this first action to remove the noose please contact the City Council at the following emails and perhaps you could also share your letter on this Facebook Page if you so desire.  If you send your email to the City Clerk, she will forward to the rest of the Council.  

The Council member's names and email addresses are also attached for those that are interested or wish to send your email directly to the members:

Placerville City Clerk: Regina O'Connell
roconnell@cityofplacerville.org

Mayor Dennis Thomas
dthomas@cityofplacerville.org

Patty Borelli
Borellicouncil@sbcglobal.net

Jackie Neau
jneau@cityofplacerville.org

Michael Saragosa
msaragosa@cityofplacerville.org

Kara Taylor
ktaylor@cityofplacerville.org

SUNDAY April 4th AT 8 AM PDT – 5 PM PDT

Event by The Spirit of Benny

Online: thespiritofbenny.org

Price: Free

Public  · Anyone on or off Facebook

This is our 10th annual run and due to COVID restrictions will be a virtual 5k/10k Fun Run & Walk. Register before Feb 19th to guarantee t-shirt size. http://www.thespiritofbenny.org/register/

[Mission to Honor Veterans]

Grass roots campaign to bring the War Memorial experience here to our local veterans who are unable to travel to D.C. to view the memorials in person.

Friday, May 14, 2021 at 8 AM PDT – 3 PM PDT

Price: Free · Duration: 7 hr
Public  · Anyone on or off Facebook
2nd annual Mission to Honor Veterans.

Details: https://fb.me/e/TH7r18dr

[EDSO]
PLACERVILLE, Calif. Arrests are made based upon probable cause.

Sheriff's Activity Log for 2/28/2021

@ 0036 5.56.120 CO VHR NOISE COMPLAINT \ GENTIAN CR, SOUTH LAKE TAHO EG2101757
VACATION HOME RENTAL NOISE COMPLAINT.

@ 0421 13700 PC VERBAL ARGUMENT \ HIGHWAY 50 , SOUTH LAKE TAHO EG2101759

@ 1059 11364(A) HS CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE \ BUCKS BAR RD, PLACERVILLE EG2101763
CITED FOR POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA AND METHAMPHETAMINE.
S01 SEX=F SUSPECT AGE=37

@ 1112 12500(A) VC TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS \ HIGHWAY 49 HY, DIAMOND SPRINGS EG2101764
S01 ARRESTED SEX=M AGE=23

@ 1337 459 PC THEFT \ BURGLARY FRO \ CAMERON PARK EG2101767
SUSPECT FORCED ENTRY INTO VICTIM'S VEHICLE AND STOLE ITEMS.

@ 2357 27491 GC CORONER CASE:VEHICLE \ PLACERVILLE EM2101755
V01 SEX=M VICTIM AGE =47

[El Dorado County Sheriff's Office]

PLACERVILLE, Calif, March 29 - The Sheriff’s Office is honored to serve our neighbors and residents of El Dorado County.  And, we want you to know about all the different things we do here at EDSO!

Today’s employee in the “Home, Work, Play” series is Kristen Jensen.  Kristen holds the position of Sheriff Technician II and she has served with EDSO for four years.  

Kristen grew up and still lives in El Dorado County.  Kristen has many animals to include her horse Max, her dogs Red and Paisley, her goat Chief, and her six chickens.  (Second week with LOTS OF ANIMALS!)  

Kristen enjoys BBQing with friends and family and riding her horse.  Kristen also enjoys trips to the river and the beach.  When asked if she was more rural or residential, Kristen said she was “Definitely Rural”.  (I hope so with all those animals.)

As a Sheriff’s Technician in the CCW unit at EDSO, Kristen enjoys putting a face to the voice when she meets the citizens she serves.  Kristen knows the importance of the CCW unit, and she gets satisfaction when CCW applicants finalize the permitting process.  

Growing up Kristen drove her father’s F-250 pick-up.  Kristen loves all types of music and she enjoys reading in her down time. Kristen said she was a straight “A” student growing up and she reports she was a good kid.  (This info will be confirmed Kristen!)

Kristen recently purchased a home a few houses down from her parents’ home where she grew up.  Kristen enjoys Italian food and she hopes to travel overseas someday.  

If you ever talk to Kristen when you call EDSO, let her know you heard her story!  

Thanks for sharing Kristen!.

[EDSO]
Arrests are made based upon probable cause

TREVOR KORKOWSKI      

 M    20210329    INCUSTODY    
422(A)    F - THRTN CRIME:INT:TERRORIZE

Sheriff's Activity Log for 3/29/2021

@ 0044 422(A) PC FIREARMS/THREATS \ POLLOCK PINES EG2102566
A MALE WAS ARRESTED FOR CRIMINAL THREATS AND VIOLATION OF A COURT ORDER.
V01 SEX=M VICTIM AGE =34
S01 ARRESTED KORKOWSKI, TREVOR SEX=M AGE=34

@ 0821 459 PC BURGLARY \ EL DORADO HILLS EG2102569
ITEMS WERE TAKEN.
V01 SEX=M VICTIM AGE =55

@ 0932 422(A) PC CIVIL MATTERS \ PALMER DR, CAMERON PARK EG2102570
DISPUTE BETWEEN NEIGHBORS.
V01 SEX=M VICTIM AGE =60
S01 SEX=M

@ 1132 594(B)(1) PC VANDALISM \ TOWN CENTER BL, EL DORADO HILLS EG2102571
DETAILED TO A VANDALISM REPORT AT A BANK. ONE SUSPECT ARRESTED.
S01 ARRESTED CASAREZ, JOSEPH SEX=M AGE=27

@ 1221 532(A) PC THEFT\BIKE\BUILDING\ \ TERRACINA DR, EL DORADO HILLS EG2102573
A VICTIM IN EL DORADO HILLS HAD MONEY STOLEN BY FALSE PRETENSE.
V01 SEX=F VICTIM AGE = 50
S01 SEX=M SUSPECT AGE=46

@ REDACTED

@ 1339 166(A)(4) PC CHILD CUSTODY ISSUE \ SOUTH LAKE TAHO EG2102574

@ 1506 12500(A) VC TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS \ HIGHWAY 50 , SHINGLE SPRINGS EG2102577
DRIVER CITED FOR TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS
S01 ARRESTED SEX=M AGE=67

@ 1540 13700 PC DOMESTIC DISPUTE \, PLACERVILLE EG2102580
DOMESTIC DISPUTE.

@ 1600 273.6(A) PC DVRO VIOLATION \ FORNI RD, PLACERVILLE EG2102579
COURT ORDER VIOLATION.
V01 SEX=F VICTIM AGE = 20
S01 ARRESTED MOFFITT, JAMES SEX=M AGE=32

@ 1739 166(A)(4) PC CIVIL MATTERS \ SAND RIDGE RD, PLACERVILLE EG2102592
DEPUTIES RESPONDED TO A CIVIL ORDER VIOLATION. 

[District V Supervisor, Sue Novasel]

PLACERVILLE, Calif, March 30, 2021 - Community Economic Development Association Pollock Pines (CEDAPP's) Plan:

The community of Pollock Pines is working together to create a historic, inclusive, multi-generational recreation area that is designed to preserve the heritage of Pollock Pines while at the same time providing a safe and healthy outdoor location for kids and adults to have fun, socialize, have family gatherings and enjoy Nature’s Wonderland. 

The plans include an 1850s town with a Native American culture center, two mountain bike trails, a walking trail and two playgrounds.  A much needed new parking lot is planned to be poured.  This will be the only inclusive playground in El Dorado County intended to give disabled youngsters and adults a great time outdoors co-mingling with everyone else.

There have been many fundraisers and multiple grants written as the community works on what it can do on its own (reducing fire fuel) while raising the money needed for this one of a kind recreation area directly across the street from serene Forebay Lake.   

When completed, its uniqueness will draw visitors and tourists and will have the side effect of boosting the economy of not only Pollock Pines but the County as well.

Visit cedapp.biz for more info or call (530) 613-1332.

County's Response:

On Tuesday, March 23rd, the Board of Supervisors approved a Resolution which authorized the submittal of a Parks and Water Bond Act of 2018 (Prop 68) Per Capita Grant Program application to the State of California which includes the restroom replacement at Forebay Park. This is an important first step to implementing the community's long-range vision for the Forebay Park.

While there are certain processes the County must follow within government in order to realize these plans, we are looking forward to working with CEDAPP and the community. The County is eager to engage in the community planning process, which includes required CEQA (environmental) reviews that will ultimately move projects forward as funding becomes available. 

[El Dorado Transit]

Diamond Springs, CA, March 30, 2021– Beginning Thursday, April 1, 2021 El Dorado Transit will offer free rides on our Local Fixed Route services to anyone traveling to or from their scheduled COVID-19 vaccination appointment. This includes all vaccination sites within the El Dorado Transit service area including hospitals, pharmacies, and other immunization locations.

To ride free passengers only need to present to the bus operator a COVID-19 vaccine appointment confirmation in the form of an appointment card, email or text with the passenger’s name and appointment information (date, time, and location). Bus route information is available at www.eldoradotransit.com.  For passengers living outside of our service area please call El Dorado Transit at 530-642-5383 for more information.

The free ride program is scheduled to end on Friday, May 31, 2021. However, the program will be reevaluated at that time to determine if there is a need for it to continue.

Visit El Dorado County’s website at www.edcgov.us/hhsa for COVID-19 for vaccination information.

[Gary Thomas Image courtesy of Tim Holland]

Placerville, CA – March 30, 2021…Coming off a successful Sprint Car Challenge Tour opener the Placerville Speedway now turns its attention towards a weekly reunion, with a four division program set to be held during the “Easter Eggstravaganza.”

With fans returning to the stands last week, it brought back the atmosphere that has become such a staple over the years at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds bullring. It certainly elevated the action and this weekend will be another “racing family reunion” of sorts, with a limited number of fans being admitted to the grandstands once again.

Tickets went on sale Monday and will be available on the www.placervillespeedway.com homepage until the maximum number is reached. Pit passes are also available to watch from the hill and can be purchased ahead of time via the Pit Pay Mobile Pit Pass App.

Divisions set to entertain the crowd this Saturday include the Thompson’s Family of Dealerships Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Pure Stocks, Mini Trucks and the Joe Hunt Magnetos Wingless Sprints with presenting sponsor Pure Crop1. During the most recent full-time season, track championships were pocketed by Andy Forsberg with the Winged Sprint Cars, Nick Baldwin in Pure Stocks and Ryan Murphy with the Mini Trucks.

Lincoln’s Tanner Carrick captured last week’s SCCT opener over Roseville’s Sean Becker and Redding’s Chase Majdic. All three drivers will return to the red clay this week along with another healthy field of Winged 360 Sprint Cars. Past champions and race winners are expected to be scattered throughout the entries, making it another can’t miss evening of competition. Last season saw seven different winners in eight events with the Thompson’s Family of Dealerships Winged 360s.

The Pure Stocks are always a big part of the Placerville Speedway season and get their campaign underway at the “Easter Eggstravaganza.” John Ewing last year was the only repeat winner in the division, with other victories going to Ryan Peter, Dan Jinkerson, Jason Palmer and Les Friend. The Mini Trucks season in 2020 was the year of Mike Miller, albeit in a shortened slate. In the four events held Miller snagged three wins and Russ Murphy claimed the other.

The Joe Hunt Magnetos Wingless Sprint Cars always bring an exciting brand of racing to the Placerville quarter-mile and that will be presented to fans on Saturday, as the Hunt Tour opens its season with presenting sponsor Pure Crop 1 during the night. Their lone appearance last year saw Fair Oaks driver Jake Morgan pick up an entertaining win over Tim Sherman Jr. at the annual “Forni Classic.”

The pit gate will open at 2pm this Saturday, with the front grandstand gate opening at 3pm. A happy hour is offered from 4pm-6pm in the grandstands featuring discounted Coors Light and Coors Original at the beer stand. Drivers meeting will be held at 4:30pm, with cars on track for wheel packing at 5. Hot laps, ADCO Driveline qualifying and racing will follow.

If you haven’t done so yet, be sure and download the Pit Pay Mobile Pit Pass App to purchase pit passes online and help streamline the sign in process this season. The COVID-19 form is also built into Pit Pay, which saves everyone the need to print it out weekly.

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 and sign all waivers electronically. At the track, they will simply proceed to the Pit Pay Priority Line, show their mobile pit pass, and get an armband. For those that don’t have a smart phone, you will still be able to sign in and pay the traditional way.

For those who can’t make it to the track, FloRacing will have flag-to-flag coverage on Saturday. The Placerville Speedway is happy to welcome the broadcast partner back for selected events this year.

The Placerville Speedway is located on the beautiful El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville, California. Take Hwy US-50 to Forni Road/Placerville Drive exit. Then go north on Placerville Drive to the Fairgrounds. The physical address is 100 Placerville Dr., Placerville, CA 95667. For more information on the Placerville Speedway log onto http://www.placervillespeedway.com

Join over 13,900 followers of Placerville Speedway on Facebook, where you can keep abreast of updates for the 2021 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.

Upcoming events at Placerville Speedway:

Saturday April 3: Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Pure Stocks, Mini Trucks and Joe Hunt Magnetos Wingless Tour | Easter Eggstravaganza

Saturday April 10: Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Ltd. Late Models, Pure Stocks and Nor-Cal Dwarf Cars | 18th annual Tribute to Al Hinds

Saturday April 17: Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Pure Stocks, Mini Trucks and BCRA Lightning Sprints

[EDSO]

PLACERVILLE, Calif, March 30 2021 - Arrests are made based upon probable cause.

Sheriff's Activity Log for 3/30/2021

@ 0146 11377(A) HS CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE \ RED HAWK PK, SHINGLE SPRINGS EG2102596
DEPUTIES WERE DISPATCHED FOR A SUBJECT WHO WAS DETAINED BY THE SHINGLE SPRINGS BAND OF MIWOK INDIAN TRIBAL POLICE. THE SUBJECT WAS ARRESTED FOR OUTSTANDING WARRANTS AND POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.
S01 ARRESTED NEILSEN, JESSICA SEX=F AGE=42

@ REDACTED

@ 0459 11377(A) HS POSS CNTL SUBSTANCE \ VALLEY VIEW PK, EL DORADO HILLS EG2102598
DEPUTIES RESPONDED TO THE REPORT OF A TRESPASS. AN ADULT MAKLE WAS ARRESTED AND BOOKED INTO EDSO JAIL.
S01 ARRESTED ONUSZKANYCZ, CHRISTOPHER SEX=M AGE= 36

@ REDACTED

@ 1300 INFO IN INITIAL TRANSIENT \ MISSOURI FLAT RD, DIAMOND SPRINGS EG2102605
INITIAL TRANSIENT CONTACT

@ 1317 INFO IN BOOK FOR DESTRUCTION \ INDUSTRIAL DR, DIAMOND SPRINGS EG2102607
PROPERTY BOOKED FOR DESTRUCTION

@ 1501 FOUND PRO IN FOUND PROPERTY \ FORNI RD, PLACERVILLE EG2102310
FOUND PROPERTY AT EDSO DETENTION CENTER. ATTEMPTS TO CONTACT THE OWNER WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. PROPERTY BOOKED FOR SAFEKEEPING.

@ 1517 487(A) PC THEFT\BIKE\BUILDING\ \ MIRA LOMA DR, CAMERON PARK EG2102610
DEPUTIES WERE DISPATCHED TO A REPORT OF A THEFT. A REPORT WAS TAKEN.
V01 SEX=M VICTIM AGE =45

@ 2205 28 VC REPOSSESSION \ RINGTAIL RD, GEORGETOWN EG2102613
REPOSSESSIO

Dina Gentry

(PLACERVILLE, CA 4-6-21) – Looking for a vaccination and belong to a qualifying tier?

A one-dose Johnson & Johnson clinic will take place tomorrow, Wed., Apr. 7 from 3-6pm in the large gym at Camino School - 3060 Snows Rd., Camino.

Click here to schedule an appointment >> https://www.caprepmod.org/reg/1961670612

Carla Hass, Communications Director for El Dorado County

(PLACERVILLE, CA 4-6-21) – “We are pleased to announce that El Dorado County is eligible to move from the Substantial/Red tier to the Moderate/Orange tier in the State’s COVID-19 Blueprint for a Safer Economy, meaning more indoor business operations can open with fewer modifications. The change becomes effective Wednesday, April 7, 2021.

“This relaxing of restrictions on our businesses and residents is a much-needed boost to those who have struggled for more than a year, including those who own the impacted establishments, those who work there and customers alike.

“However, with several variant strains of the virus circulating throughout the country, neighboring counties and two in El Dorado County, it remains important that our residents and visitors continue to wear masks and remain physically distant as indicated by health officials even as we continue moving away from the height of the pandemic.

“Governor Newsom also announced that on June 15th that all industries across the state can return to normal operations, eliminating the Blueprint and tier system completely. This change will take place as long as there is enough vaccine supply and hospitalization rates remain low and stable. Common-sense health measures such as masking will remain across the state. Additional details about how the state moves beyond the Blueprint can be found here: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID- 19/beyond_memo.aspx”

Thea Hardy

(South Lake Tahoe, Calif.) – Barton Health staff members and physicians have voted Rhonda Sneeringer, MD as Barton’s Physician of the Year. Dr. Sneeringer received a landslide of nominations recognizing her for outstanding leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Sneeringer is the Medical Director of Outpatient COVID-19 Care and the Director of Pediatrics at Barton Memorial Hospital.

“Dr. Sneeringer stepped up as a fearless leader of our response programs in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Dr. Matthew Wonnacott, Chief Medical Officer at Barton Health. “Her medical knowledge and commitment to stay up-to-date on the constantly evolving information about COVID-19 paired with her strong work ethic developed into an unmatched resource for Barton’s staff as well as our community during a time of great uncertainty.”

Nominations for Dr. Sneeringer included comments that spoke to her tact and fortitude on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic, during which she was a champion for patients, healthcare workers and the community as a whole.

“Dr. Sneeringer not only is a fantastic pediatric physician but has been paramount with the COVID pandemic ambulatory operations and community outreach. She is amazing and deserves this award!”

“Incredibly smart, motivated physician. Easy to work with. Has been instrumental in leading the hospital's COVID response from an MD perspective.”

“She has been doing such an amazing job during the COVID pandemic with great clinical help and COVID care in all facilities! She has been instrumental in giving our community the best possible care during this pandemic!”

“I am not sure how any of us (COVID team, BMH, or community) would have gotten through this pandemic without Dr. Sneeringer leading the way.”

“She has been a constant source of encouragement and support.”

“Her dedication is unmatched. Thank you, Dr. Sneeringer for helping us get through the worst year ever.”

Dr. Sneerigner has been the Director of Pediatrics at Barton Health since 2012. During her tenure, she has served as the Chief Medical Officer and more recently, the Medical Director of Outpatient COVID-19 Care. She has an abundance of experience, having practiced as a Pediatric Emergency Physician at Skyridge Hospital and Rose Hospital in Colorado and as an Internal Medicine and Pediatric Hospitalist at Swedish Hospital, also in Colorado.

Because of the hard work and dedication from physicians and healthcare workers who share Dr. Sneeringer’s commitment to collaboration, service, and caring for the community, Barton Health has implemented pathways for patients to receive appropriate care in the safest possible environment and is prepared for the ongoing response to COVID-19. For the latest updates and information, please visit bartonhealth.org/coronavirus.

Craig Petinak

(PLACERVILLE, Calif, April 6, 2021) - Award-Winning Author Dr. Michele Borba to Host.  The first 1,000 registrants from California will receive Dr. Borba’s new book, Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine.

RIVERSIDE – Internationally-recognized parent educator, speaker, and author of 24 books, Dr. Michele Borba, will host two different four-part virtual learning engagements for students, parents, and educators entitled “From Surviving to Thriving!”

The series is organized by the California Department of Education, Riverside County Office of Education, and El Dorado Office of Education. Designed for families, educators, and all champions for kids and youth, the spring series of webinars will debut on April 8, and the summer series will debut on June 2.

In the sessions, Dr. Borba will guide participants from across California through each chapter of her latest book, Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine.

She will outline the seven essential character traits that help children thrive, including the ability to nurture a caring heart, develop a strong mind and cultivate a determined will. Participants will leave each session with relatable and applicable ideas to help students learn and grow. 

Spring Webinar Series

Session #1 – Raising Confident, Resilient, Ready-For-Life Kids
April 8, 2021 - 5-6 p.m. PST

Session #2 – Building Social-Emotional Intelligence In Our Kids So They Have Empathy and Self-Control
April 15, 2021 - 5-6 p.m. PST

Session #3 – Enhancing Children’s Integrity And Curiosity So They Are Open To People And Ideas And Follow Your Moral Code
April 22, 2021 - 5-6 p.m. PST

Session #4 – Raising Children With Perseverance And Optimism In An Uncertain World
April 29, 2021 - 5-6 p.m. PST

Following the completion of the Spring Webinar Series, the four sessions will be offered again as the Summer Webinar Series from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. PST on June 2, 9, 16, and 23.

Free registration for the Spring Webinar Series is available at: http://bit.ly/399GNX8. Free registration for the Summer Webinar Series is available at http://bit.ly/3cc9Yuq. Participants can attend any of the live sessions of their choice, or view the sessions on their own as they will be recorded and available to registrants following the live events.

“As children across California begin returning to school campuses, educators and parents will need to adjust their approach to working with students who have been changed by the traumatic upheaval of the last year,” said Dr. Michele Borba. “I look forward to sharing the results of my research to better prepare our students to emerge from survival mode and embrace new opportunities to thrive.”

“As parents and educators, learning what it takes for students to thrive is mission-critical information in the quest to help students achieve educational goals,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. “Dr. Borba is a student of students, and we invite parents to register for this free webinar series to learn from her expansive research and insights.”

Dr. Ed Manansala, El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools, noted, “Families and educators learning together to most effectively instill traits that allow students to thrive in every aspect our society must be our new normal. The time is now to transition learners from simply surviving to fully thriving in today’s complex world. The research and strategies Dr. Michele Borba presents in this webinar series will do just that. 

Supporting Inclusive Practices, and the “From Surviving to Thriving!” Webinar Series, are funded by the California Department of Education, Special Education Division.

(PLACERVILLE, Calif 4-8-21) - Placerville City's Placerville Police Department

Public Works crew along with Doug Veerkamp General Engineering, Inc. are on site making the repair of the 12 inch water main break located at the intersection of Pacific Street and Benham Street.  

We currently estimate the water being restored in affected areas of the City on or around midnight tonight   In the meantime, free bottled water is being made available at the front of Town Hall located at 549 Main Street.  
 

[Ken Pulskamp, California City Management Foundation]

PLACERVILLE, Calif, 4-6-21 - This statement is in response to a group who planned to protest outside of Sacramento City Manager Howard Chan’s home and did distribute a photo of  Chan on social media that resembled a “wanted” poster. The statement was published on April 2, 2021.

We at the California City Management Foundation (CCMF) were shocked to read about the protest this past weekend outside the home of our CCMF member: Sacramento City Manager Howard Chan. The organizers’ imagery and language in their announcement represented a thinly veiled threat to our professional peer. Further, the protest at his home represents a continuation of protest tactics that began in 2020 and have moved the public debate forum from its rightful place in council chambers and the ballot box into the personal domiciles of civic leaders across America. This is wrong.

Our member-based organization advocates for and supports the City Manager profession throughout the state. As many of the City Managers, Town Managers or Chief Administrative Officers of California’s 480+ cities and towns can attest, it is often a thankless job. Especially after a year of relaying unpopular mandates from higher levels of government and making unpopular decisions to keep local government budgets intact.

People often misunderstand that the City Manager serves at the pleasure of the City Council and is charged with executing their vision while overseeing the administrative side of the public agency. As public servants, City Managers have thick enough skin to receive misplaced anger or public criticism about their performance via email or phone or during a public meeting. But nothing can – nor should – prepare you for the completely inappropriate intimidation Howard and his family experienced at their home. If you have a problem with a policy, take it up with the elected officials who have the honor of representing the public. The city manager form of government is intentionally designed to shield the professional staff from the public’s policy objectives. Council members decide, city managers deliver.

Mayor Darrell Steinberg and the rest of the Sacramento City Council offered a swift and eloquent reproach of this protest and its tactics to intimidate a public servant. Thank you to the members of the Sacramento Police Department for your efforts in ensuring the physical safety of everyone involved. And thank you, Howard, for your steadfast public service in the face of this frightening incident. We stand ready to support you in any way we can.

Ken Pulskamp, California City Management Foundation

About the California City Management Foundation

CCMF is the premier advocacy and support organization for City Managers. Our mission is to promote and encourage excellence in City Management in all of California’s 480+ incorporated cities and towns. Through our extensive peer network, we offer guidance, support and advice for City Managers in all stages of their careers. Working with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), we help establish ethical standards in the industry. We sponsor luncheons and conferences, provide legal advice and maintain a library of resources for our members. We do a lot of things, but above all, we foster a community of City Managers both online and off.