Odin Rasco

Placerville

Reporter at Mountain Democrat

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Articles

'It's showtime' Beetlejuice comes to Ponderosa High School

1 month ago | mtdemocrat.com | Odin Rasco

It’s hard to think of a more relatable premise: who hasn’t been a recently deceased ghost haunting their own home who contracts the services of a mischievous spirit to scare away the house’s new (and mostly obnoxious) occupants?
“Noises Off,” laughter on

1 month ago | mtdemocrat.com | Odin Rasco

Live theater is a kind of magic act; for two-ish hours, give or take, the cast and crew collaborate to weave a tale that, ideally, will keep the audience transfixed and engaged. On that stage there is a cast of characters going through an unfolding tale, and for a couple hours, that is all that matters. Backstage, on the other hand?
Traffic problems plague people in proximity of Ponderosa

2 months ago | villagelife.com | Odin Rasco

Nearly every morning — more specifically, every morning when Ponderosa High School is in session — residents living off Mineshaft Lane in Shingle Springs say they have to contend with a parade of cars speeding by and ignoring posted traffic signs on their way to the school. The issue has been ongoing for more than a decade, when PHS reconfigured its parking lot layout in the early 2010s.
Traffic problems plague people in proximity of Ponderosa

2 months ago | mtdemocrat.com | Odin Rasco

Nearly every morning — more specifically, every morning when Ponderosa High School is in session — residents living off Mineshaft Lane in Shingle Springs say they have to contend with a parade of cars speeding by and ignoring posted traffic signs on their way to the school. The issue has been ongoing for more than a decade, when PHS reconfigured its parking lot layout in the early 2010s.
Routine CHP traffic stop leads to drug arrest

2 months ago | mtdemocrat.com | Odin Rasco

A California Highway Patrol officer checking a stalled vehicle next to Highway 50 Tuesday, Jan. 28, discovered more than a stranded motorist. The stop yielded the discovery of more than 4 pounds of drugs, according to a CHP press release. Near the vehicle the CHP officer encountered Ruifeng Lin, 42, who officials said appeared to be under the influence of drugs. Additional investigation uncovered material believed to be methamphetamine and ketamine.
Slager trial has begun

2 months ago | mtdemocrat.com | Odin Rasco

Following three-and-a-half days of a rigorous jury selection process, the trial for the former Camino Union Elementary School janitor accused of sex acts involving two minors in two different decades began in earnest Tuesday, Jan. 28, and is expected to run through next week. El Dorado County sheriff's deputies arrested Christopher Slager in May 2023 after receiving reports from adults acquainted with a young girl who had claimed Slager had engaged in sex acts with her.
Arsonist convicted for starting Crozier Fire

2 months ago | mtdemocrat.com | Odin Rasco

The trial for a Placerville man accused of starting the 2024 Crozier Fire concluded Thursday, Jan. 30, when the jury returned from deliberations with two guilty verdicts. Jason Robinette, 48, is scheduled to be sentenced for two felony arson charges in El Dorado County Superior Court's Department 1 on March 14 at 1:30 p.m. The Crozier Fire burned close to 2,000 acres of wilderness near Slate Mountain in El Dorado County in early August.
County historical museum closed; administrator put on leave

2 months ago | mtdemocrat.com | Odin Rasco

Individuals looking to brush up on local history may be disappointed to discover the El Dorado County Historical Museum has been closed for more than a month with no reopen date in sight.
Oni Kai Ninjutsu - the no-ego dojo now open in Pollock Pines

Jan 24, 2025 | mtdemocrat.com | Odin Rasco

Stepping into Oni Kai Ninjutsu for the first time, it's hard not to notice how different it feels from other martial arts dojos visitors might be used to or expect. The recently opened Pollock Pines dojo isn't filled with instructors shouting in Japanese, students aren't decked out in the nearly-ubiquitous white gi uniforms and the music playing through the speakers isn't from some "sounds of the dojo" cd; it's songs by Rush. Owner Adam McKinley wouldn't have it any other way.
Homeless man stabbed outside Placerville library; arrest made

Jan 24, 2025 | mtdemocrat.com | Odin Rasco

Security officers from the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office discovered an unhoused man who had sustained multiple lacerations to his head, chest and hand lying next to the library at around 9:54 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 23. The man, whose name has not been made publicly available, told first responders he had been attacked early that morning by a man with a knife. The man was transported to Marshall for treatment of his multiple injuries.