The inmates involved in Lake Tahoe Community College’s baking program took home 31 ribbons at the El Dorado County Fair.

The program is a partnership between the El Dorado Sheriff’s Department and the college. Inmates who participate are from the sheriff’s Tahoe jail. The inmates develop cooking and baking skills, as well as pride and life skills, which leads to an improved chance of not returning to jail, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office. Many of the inmates quickly find jobs not only in restaurants, but also gain employment due to the work ethic and skills learned in the program.

This year’s winners include:

Justin Bozarth: Third place Cranberry Orange Bread, Macaroons

Joseph Genobaga: Third place Cinnamon Rolls, Pros & Cons Cake

Robert Nieri: Third place Grandma’s Cookies, Golden Honey Granola Bar

David Martinez: First place Raspberry Swirl Coffee Cake

Agripino Meza: First place Fibulas Fig Preserves

Derek Bond: First place Banana Nut Bread and Chocolate Cream Pie; second place Spicy cookies

Chris Hunter: First place Pumpkin Bread, and second place Bundt Cake

Hollee Johnson: First place Lemon Bread; second place Cinnamon Rolls, Coffee Cake, Meringue Mushrooms; and third place Caramel Popcorn

Ben Sharp: First place Florentine Cookies; and second place Zucchini Bread Pecan Bars

For more information, contact Capt. Randy Peshon at 530-642-4706.