Around the Region

Because the training occurs in the context of a mock disaster response, participants must come prepared to take care of themselves in a challenging environment. They are advised to pack an air mattress, sleeping bag and three days' supply of food and water. The scenario is designed to prepare volunteers mentally and physically for the challenges they would face in a real disaster, including lack of power and water.

Registration is due by March 19. Each session is limited to 75 people.

The fee for new volunteers is $200. Volunteers who belong to a community emergency response team or state animal response team pay a $165 fee.

Noah's Wish offers two scholarships, one for an area animal-control officer and the other for an animal-shelter worker.

Those wishing to participate may register on the Noah's Wish Web site, www.noahswish.info, or by calling the organization's headquarters, (916) 939-9474.

– Cathy Locke

Center groundbreaking set

The Cameron Park Community Services District will hold a groundbreaking ceremony Friday morning for its new community center.

The event is scheduled from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Cameron Park Library parking lot, 2500 Country Club Drive. The center is to be built on a parcel next to the library.

– Cathy Locke

Filing deadline approaches

El Dorado County residents interested in running for the county Board of Supervisors must file nomination papers by March 7 to qualify the June primary ballot.

Three seats – in Districts 1, 2 and 3 – are up for election this year. District 1 Supervisor Rusty Dupray and District 2 Supervisor Helen Baumann may not seek re-election due to term limits.

As of last week, the county Elections Department reported that four people had taken out nomination papers for the District 1 seat: Robert Dorr, Shiva Frentzen, John Knight and Harry Norris.

Eight people had taken out papers for the District 2 seat: Harry Dean, Charles Hammond, Rachel Michelin, Ray Nutting, Eric Rasbold, Barbara Smiley, Sam Teresi and George Turnboo.

As of last week, incumbent Jack Sweeney, who is eligible to seek a second term, was the only person who had taken out papers for the District 3 seat.

Five of the county's six Superior Court judge positions also are up for election in the June primary. Diane Guyon of the county Elections Department said Steven Bailey and Robert Huckaby had filed declarations of intent to seek the post held by Judge Jerald Lasarow. Lasarow indicated he would not run for re-election.

Judges Suzanne Kingsbury, Douglas Phimister, Daniel Proud and James Wagoner have drawn no challengers.

Guyon said the county is waiting for the governor to appoint a successor to Judge Eddie Keller, who retired last year.

Political parties also will elect county central committee members in June.

– Cathy Locke

Jury plans open house

The 2007-08 El Dorado County grand jury will sponsor an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday to discuss the jury's function and requirements for serving as a member.

The informational gathering will be held in the ground floor atrium of county Building B, 360 Fair Lane, Placerville.

The county grand jury is an investigative body of 19 citizens who are charged with investigating county matters of civil concern and inquiring into public offenses committed or triable within the county, according to a grand jury news release.

For more information, call (530) 621-7477.

– Cathy Locke