The El Dorado Hills Insider

The El Dorado Hills Insider interviews two members of the Campaign Cabinet for Measure S, a 30-year plan to keep Marshall Hospital open, strengthen 911 response, and fund wildfire prevention across El Dorado County. If you live in El Dorado Hills, South Lake Tahoe, Placerville, or anywhere on the West Slope, this conversation breaks down exactly where the money goes and why local leaders say the stakes are too high to ignore.

Marshall Hospital Executive Director of Business and Strategy Maia Schneider and retired County Fire Chief Tim Cordero explain how the measure was built from voter feedback, why the county’s fire districts and Fire Safe Council partnered on the initiative, and how the funding is split between hospital capital improvements, fire agencies, and nonprofit fire-prevention work.

They also unpack the parts that are easy to misunderstand, including the sales tax rate, the bond structure, and why the hospital can only use its share for capital projects, not salaries or operations.

You’ll discover:
- why Marshall needs to spend about $40 million just to meet California’s seismic requirements
- how the hospital plans to use the rest of its share for deferred upgrades, including outpatient expansion and building repairs
- why the fire districts are distributed funding based on per engine company
- how nonprofit dollars would flow through a county RFP process for vegetation management and other prevention work
- why tourists and visitors would also help fund local 911 services

Schneider also explains the brutal reality facing rural hospitals statewide: rising costs, reimbursement shortfalls, and a 2030 deadline that could force some facilities to close or lose licenses if they cannot comply. Cordero adds the fire-side perspective, showing how Marshall, ambulances, and fire engines are all linked in a system where one delay can pull an engine out of service for the next emergency.

The bigger picture is simple: this is about keeping critical services local, resilient, and funded before the cost of inaction gets much worse. It is a conversation about hospitals, wildfire risk, emergency response, and what happens when a community decides to invest in the infrastructure that keeps it safe.

Essential listening if you want a solid perspective of proponents on Measure S. For more information: https://eldoradoready.org

The conversation delves into the fentanyl epidemic, personal tragedy, community response, understanding fentanyl, and the role of the community in addressing the crisis. It also explores the spread of fentanyl and its sources, shedding light on the impact on families and the need for awareness. The conversation covers the prevalence of fentanyl, dangers of illicit pills, rise of illicit vape pens, online procurement of drugs, hidden drug apps, parental monitoring and intervention, academic pressure and substance use, the importance of sleep and family modeling, the impact of marijuana and alcohol use, recognizing and responding to overdoses, community resources and support, the emotional impact of loss, and the journey of Beans the dog.

Takeaways

• Fentanyl is a growing epidemic affecting families and communities.
• Community response and awareness are crucial in addressing the fentanyl crisis. The widespread availability of fentanyl in street drugs poses a significant risk to individuals.
• Parental monitoring and intervention are crucial in addressing the rise of illicit drug use among minors.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Fentanyl Epidemic
• 03:06 Personal Tragedy and Advocacy
• 05:18 The Impact on Families
• 08:41 Community Response and Awareness
• 11:14 Understanding Fentanyl and its Sources
• 17:43 The Role of the Community
• 22:05 The Spread of Fentanyl
• 27:43 The Prevalence of Fentanyl
• 29:07 The Dangers of Illicit Pills
• 30:33 Rise of Illicit Vape Pens
• 31:59 Online Procurement of Drugs
• 33:48 Hidden Drug Apps
• 35:43 Parental Monitoring and Intervention
• 37:43 Academic Pressure and Substance Use
• 39:09 The Importance of Sleep and Family Modeling
• 40:21 The Impact of Marijuana and Alcohol Use
• 45:27 Recognizing and Responding to Overdoses
• 49:15 Community Resources and Support
• 54:45 The Emotional Impact of Loss
• 58:16 The Journey of Beans

#fentanylawareness #onepillcankill #fentanyl #opiodcrisis #substanceabuseawareness #EndTheStigma #RecoveryIsPossible #AddictionRecovery #YouAreNotAlone

The conversation delves into the controversy surrounding the Serrano Village M5 subdivision, highlighting the outdated specific plan and the impact of density changes on the community. The discussion also covers traffic impact, historical analysis, and the shortcomings in park impact mitigation. The broken planning process and the controversy surrounding park impact fees are also explored. It also highlights the issues with project approval, vehicle code compliance, engineering standards, and safety concerns. Additionally, the importance of public involvement and the community's role in the public process are emphasized.

Takeaways

• Years of park impact shortfalls in El Dorado Hills
• Outdated Specific Plan Public involvement
• Traffic engineering issues

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Serrano Village M5 Subdivision
• 06:18 Development History and Density Changes
• 12:19 Deficiency in Planning Process
• 17:20 Park Impact Obligations and Shortcomings
• 23:00 Outdated Specific Plan and Environmental Impacts
• 29:11 Impact of Private Gates on Intersection Control
• 36:23 Engineering Standards and Safety Concerns

The conversation with Rafael Martinez, El Dorado County Director of Transportation, covers the county's road priorities, the capital improvement program, project approval process, and the role of the El Dorado County Transportation Commission. Rafael also discusses the challenges of infrastructure development and the impact of growth on transportation planning. The conversation covers the planning and approval process for the Costco project, the impact of traffic studies, the funding and timeline for infrastructure projects, and the cost and complexity of traffic impact decisions and planning. Rafael Martinez emphasizes the need for public involvement and understanding of government processes.

Takeaways

• Transportation planning involves a comprehensive process of project prioritization and funding allocation.
• The relationship between development and infrastructure improvement is complex and requires careful planning and coordination. Costco project's planning and approval process
• Complexity and cost of traffic impact decisions and planning
• Importance of public involvement and understanding of government processes

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Transportation Planning
• 07:09 Project Approval and Prioritization Process
• 14:52 Balancing Development and Infrastructure
• 24:01 El Dorado County Transportation Commission and EDH Cityhood
• 30:26 Costco Project Planning and Approval Process
• 46:21 Infrastructure Projects and Development Infrastructure
• 53:48 Cost and Complexity of Traffic Impact Decisions and Planning

The podcast episode features an interview with Bill Blaylock, a Vietnam War veteran, as part of the 'Voices of Our Veterans' series. The conversation covers Bill's childhood, military service, experiences in Vietnam, and his reintegration into civilian life. It provides valuable insights into the Vietnam War and its impact on veterans. The conversation covers William Blaylock's realizing his PTSD diagnosis, therapy and recovery, and the impact of his book.

Read the book: https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Stealth-Heart-Wrenching-Post-Traumatic-Disorder/dp/0982601468/ref=sr_1_1

William Blaylock's email: [email protected]

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Voices of Our Veterans
• 05:17 Arrival in Vietnam and Early Experiences
• 12:39 Impact of Vietnam Experience
• 18:04 Friendships and Relationships in Vietnam
• 26:25 Transition to Law Enforcement
• 38:29 Therapy and Recovery
• 43:31 Impact of the Book

Gina Posey, a candidate for the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors from District IV, discusses her campaign motivation, the role of LAFCO and special districts, candidate participation in debates, the building and planning department, civil grand jury experience, fire safety and homeowners insurance, Firewise communities and wildfire risk, and county finances and budgeting. Key takeaways include the importance of LAFCO and special districts in community development and the significance of community engagement and advocacy in local governance. Gina emphasized the importance of smart growth over no growth, the need to balance rural growth with business empowerment, and the significance of community involvement in planning projects. Additionally, she discussed how her private sector experience has shaped her approach to government and the changes she believes are necessary for effective governance.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Campaign Motivation
• 05:19 Firewise Communities and Wildfire Risk
• 13:45 County Finances and Budgeting
• 19:12 Community Involvement in Planning Projects
• 32:26 Private Sector Experience and Government Approach

The conversation provides an in-depth look at the El Dorado County Civil Grand Jury, covering its purpose, impact, application process, investigations, confidentiality, and support. It emphasizes the importance of the grand jury in providing oversight to county government operations and the significance of citizen involvement.

Takeaways

• The El Dorado County Civil Grand Jury plays a crucial role in providing oversight to county government operations, including cities, special districts and joint power authorities.
• Citizen involvement in the grand jury is essential for ensuring transparency and accountability in local governance. We need good people each year.

Civil Grand Jury website: https://www.eldoradocounty.ca.gov/Public-Safety-Justice/Safety-Justice/Grand-Jury

Apply to join: https://www.eldoradocounty.ca.gov/Public-Safety-Justice/Safety-Justice/Grand-Jury/Apply-To-Join

Published Reports and Responses: https://www.eldoradocounty.ca.gov/Public-Safety-Justice/Safety-Justice/Grand-Jury/Reports-and-Responses

Greg Clark discusses his campaign for supervisor in El Dorado County District IV, addressing topics such as public safety, land use, budget shortfall, and transparency. He emphasizes his commitment to community and his approach to governance.

Takeaways

• Community-focused governance
• Balancing growth and rural preservation

Chapters

• 00:00 Campaign Journey and Motivation
• 05:16 Wildfire Preparedness and Growth
• 10:46 Controversial Projects and Public Opinion
• 18:35 Transparency and Public Comment
• 25:02 Homelessness and Public Safety

For more info: greg4supervisor.com

I met with John Davey to discuss all things Costco and how it will affect the community. The conversation delves into the proposed Costco development at Silva Valley Parkway and Highway 50, exploring the community impact, environmental concerns, and the role of the El Dorado Hills Area Planning Advisory Committee (APAC) in the approval process. We cover the formation and purpose of APAC, its evolution, specific project reviews, challenges, community growth, engagement with project applicants, review of Costco's environmental impact report, traffic impact analysis, and consideration of adverse impacts to local businesses.

The conversation delves into the logistical challenges of managing traffic and road infrastructure. It also addresses public health and air quality concerns, particularly related to asbestos mitigation, blasting, and construction equipment emissions.

Want to get involved with APAC on this and other projects? Go to: http://edhapac.org

Corey Leikauf is a candidate for El Dorado County Treasurer-Tax Collector in the June election, currently working in the office of the Auditor/Controller. Corey discusses his background, experience, and priorities as a candidate for the Treasurer Tax Collector office. He emphasizes the importance of trust, fiscal conservatism, and safeguarding public funds.

Takeaways

• Community support and trust are crucial for a successful campaign.
• The role of Treasurer Tax Collector requires a focus on safeguarding public funds and managing liquidity.