Odin Rasco

Placerville

Reporter at Mountain Democrat

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Articles

Plea deal in Davis boy’s death put on hold

1 week ago | davisenterprise.com | Odin Rasco

PLACERVILLE — Three employees of the now-closed Guiding Hands School in El Dorado Hills who recently entered no contest pleas to charges related to the death of Max Benson, a 13-year-old with autism spectrum disorder, were not sentenced as expected on Monday, June 16, following a decision by Judge Mark Ralphs to postpone the hearing in light of concerns raised with the plea deals proffered by the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office.
Plea deal for three involved in death of Max Benson questioned

1 week ago | mtdemocrat.com | Odin Rasco

Three employees of the now-closed Guiding Hands School in El Dorado Hills who recently entered no contest pleas to charges related to the death of Max Benson, a 13-year-old with autism spectrum disorder, were not sentenced as expected on Monday, June 16, following a decision by Judge Mark Ralphs to postpone the hearing in light of concerns raised with the plea deals proffered by the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office.
Don't wait to see 'Godot'

1 month ago | villagelife.com | Odin Rasco

At first, before the play begins, there is just the tree — a lonely, leafless thing, occupying space in what is otherwise a void; a scene waiting for a story. After the house lights have dimmed and the stage lights up, the story, pulled hither and thither by the conversation of the shabbily-dressed Vladimir and Estragon, begins as the pair await Godot.
Don't wait to see "Godot"

1 month ago | mtdemocrat.com | Odin Rasco

At first, before the play begins, there is just the tree, a lonely, leafless thing, occupying space in what is otherwise a void; a scene waiting for a story. After the house lights have dimmed and the stage lights up, the story, pulled hither and thither by the conversation of the shabbily-dressed Vladimir and Estragon, begins as the pair await Godot.
'It's showtime' Beetlejuice comes to Ponderosa High School

Mar 21, 2025 | 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

Mar 7, 2025 | 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

Feb 5, 2025 | 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

Jan 31, 2025 | 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

Jan 31, 2025 | 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

Jan 31, 2025 | 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.

Journalists covering the same region

Marcus Smith

Executive Producer at KTLA-TV (Los Angeles, CA)

Marcus Smith primarily covers news in the Sacramento Valley region, California, United States, including areas around Sacramento and surrounding counties.

Mimi Escabar

Features Editor at Mountain Democrat

Mimi Escabar primarily covers news in the Sierra Nevada region of California, United States, including areas around Lake Tahoe and the Central Valley.

Sabrina Biehl

Sabrina Biehl primarily covers news in the Sierra Nevada region of California, United States, including areas around Lake Tahoe and the Central Valley.