The Gold Mine, Friday, May 17, 2024

Kelly Chiusano, Summer Bradley-Chiusano, owners.

To Do

May 17

The Golden Road Gathering takes place May 17-19 at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. For tickets and more information visit goldenroadgathering.com.

From

The Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park hosts Home Grown Comedy with Lourdes Ayon, Drew Schafer and more at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com/homegrowncomedy.

May 18

Kick off your summer with a splash and get hooked on fishing in the fifth annual Youth Fishing Derby. The El Dorado Hills Community Services District, in partnership with the El Dorado County Fish and Game Commission and the Serrano Homeowners Association, invite kids ages 3 to 15 to test their angling skills at Village Green Park, 8-11:45 a.m. Registration is required. Visit edhcsd.org.

The Pleasant Valley Grange Plant & Garden Art Sale takes place 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 4764 Pleasant Valley Grange Road in Placerville.

Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts Grow Your Imagination, 9 a.m. to noon at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden in Placerville. Learn the basics of dish gardening while creating your own little space. Build a home for a fairy, a dinosaur or make roads to explore in your own little trucks. Your imagination is your only limit. Register at ucanr. edu/grow-imagination24.

Join local producer, researcher and historic trails expert Dee Owens on a tour of the reconstructed El Dorado Train Depot, 10-11:30 a.m., as she provides a fascinating glimpse into the rich history behind the oldest railroad line west of the Mississippi. Finish the morning with a specially curated ride in vintage train cars on the historic El Dorado Western Railroad. For more information call (530) 626-0773.

May 19

Tenor Nick Palance will perform at the Music on the Divide concert, 3 p.m. at the IOFF Hall in Georgetown. For tickets and more information visit musiconthedivide. org.

May 21

The El Dorado County Fair & Events Center hosts How to Enter the Fair in the fair boardroom, 100 Placerville Drive in Placerville. Session will be held noon to 1 p.m. For more information call (530) 621-5860.

May

22

Snowline Health hosts Living Well with Dementia: Routines, Purpose & Getting a Good Night’s Sleep, 1:30-3 p.m. For people with cognitive impairment/early dementia and their care partners/caregivers. This training discusses the importance of creating a healthy weekly routine and finding purpose and resilience. It also addresses sleep disturbances and their impact on those with dementia and their caregivers. For more information call (530) 621-7820.

May

23

Arts & Culture El Dorado presents A Picture’s Worth: NEA Big Read at the Switchboard Gallery in Placerville. This exhibition of illustrator Gavin Sellers-Norman’s original work features illustrations inspired by community-sourced oral his-

tories and original audio recordings by personal historian Mariah Padilla. The exhibit runs through June 30.

May

24

El Dorado Musical Theatre presents “Finding Nemo Jr.,” May 24 through June 2 at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

May 25

The Hangtown Kennel Club & KCCS Dog Show takes place May 25 & 26 at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. For more information visit hangtownkc. org.

May 29

Snowline Health hosts Living Well with Dementia – Caregiver Self-care, 1:30-3 p.m. Caring for a person living with dementia can be rewarding and challenging. Too much stress can harm both the caregiver and the person they support. Healthy self-care can help individuals manage stress, gain skills to better address challenges and learn to thrive as a caregiver. For more information call (530) 621-7820.

Harper Collins author Aimie K. Runyan comes to Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center

6-7:30 p.m. to celebrate her latest novel, “The Memory of Lavender and Sage.” In this moving novel, a food critic attempts to reconnect with her mother’s past by purchasing a ramshackle manor house in the Provencal village where her mother grew up.

May 31

The Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park presents “The Goat or Who is Sylvia?”, May 31 through June 30. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.

June 1

Amani Spring Fest 24 at The Amani Center in Cameron Park features craft vendors, bounce house and kids play zone as well as live music, face painting and cotton candy sales for the kiddos plus Wani’s Taco food booth. The festival runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2558 Greenwood Lane.

Images of Hope El Dorado presents Luau in the Orchard, 4-7:30 p.m. at Rainbow Orchards in Camino. For more information visit imagesofhopeeldorado.org.

Now

Olde Coloma Theatre presents “She’s in His Line of Fire” or “The Biggest Shot in Coloma” through June 9. For tickets and more information visit oldecolomatheatre.com.

SPOTLIGHT Business

Pure

Marijuana dispensary pioneers Summer Bradley-Chiusano and Kelly Chiusano put their hearts and souls into their El Dorado County businesses. Efforts much appreciated by the steady stream of customers who walked into Pure Life Collective on a recent morning.

“It has definitely been a labor of love,” Summer admitted. “It’s a lot of work. But at the end of the day people are happy to come in.”

And the couple, along with their team of budtenders, is happy to serve clients purchasing medical and recreational marijuana products. Pure Life Collective offers an expansive range of goods designed to make customers feel good, relaxed, focused and much more. Customers 18 and older with proper documentation may purchase goods for medicinal purposes; recreational users 21 and older are welcome too. Bring your ID.

Unsure about what to get, how much to use, etc.? Pure Life’s budtenders are happy to make suggestions and share informa-

Collective

tion about the products. The Chiusanos even have a person on staff who offers oneon-one consulting to help new customers find exactly what they need.

Pure Life opened in 2011, fulfilling Kelly’s lifelong passion and dream to share his cannabis knowledge and quality products. And though the trailblazing part hasn’t always been easy, the Chiusanos said they’re here to stay. In 2021 they opened their second cannabis retail shop, Sacred Roots, in Placerville.

In addition to giving thanks to their great customers — Member Appreciation Day is the 20th of every month — the couple gives back to the community by sponsoring local events like the Golden Road Gathering opening this Friday in Placerville. They also partner with Myrtle Tree Arts on the Placertopia podcast and give to area arts and youth programs as well as nonprofits.

“We live here; we spend here,” Summer said. “We love the community.”

Photo by Noel Stack

STARS AT SCHOOL

Anthony Carafone

Valley View Charter Montessori

At Valley View Charter Montessori School, band teacher Anthony Carafone orchestrates a symphony of growth, blending education with community. A Berklee College of Music graduate, his journey from Massachusetts to California reflects a dedication to music education that resonates through every chord he strikes.

Anthony found his calling at Valley View, enticed by its supportive community and commitment to the band program. Valley View Charter Montessori School Principal Paul Stewart had a genuine enthusiasm during the interview, foreshadowing the harmonious collaboration that awaited.

Upon arrival, Carafone found a landscape ripe with potential. He adorned his classroom with “stitched trees,” symbols of renewal, signifying the budding possibilities that lay ahead. He also introduced a middle school jazz program, enriching students’ musical journeys with real-world experiences.

“I really feel that the kids understand each part, from bass clarinet to snare drums, saxophone to trumpet; they’re all important, just like we are all important,” Anthony said. “Because we truly are, and I believe that with all my heart. And that ties into the fact that we’re all just one. And that’s the power of what music does because it’s such a powerful thing that it breaks all boundaries. I’ve experienced that playing with musicians on a very high level.”

Beyond the classroom, Carafone’s annual jazz evening became a cherished tradition, celebrating music and camaraderie. His journey exemplifies the transformative power of music education and the enduring spirit of those who orchestrate its symphony, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of his students.

ACROSS-----------�

1) Sweet wine

5) Conrad's "_ Jim"

9) Hard tennis shot

14) Nest-egg funds, briefly

15) Fit to serve

16) Jai alai basket

17) Starry-eyed

18) Things to repent for

19) From another world

20) Have liberal views

23) Gain admission

24) Shakers founder Ann

25) Give the green light

28) Fuel-economy org.

30) Concrete ingredient

34) Replicate, in a way

35) Rotisserie League concern

37) Reptilian squeezer

38) Drill sergeant's chant

41) Rescue squad member

42) Sought intel

43) Like Odin

44) An "X" may mark it

46) Mess up

47) Went splitsville

48) Van Gogh's partial loss

50) Warms the bench

51) Show a bit of sorrow

57) Blackmore title surname

58) Leave off

59) Menthol cigarette brand

61) Adrien of cosmetics

62) Prop for Popeye

63) Popular bidding site

64) Farm machinery pioneer

65) Kane's Rosebud, e.g.

66) Informal denial

DOWN

1) Selfish sort

2) Kind of surgery

3) "Road" or "'roid" follower

4) Carry-on bag inspector

5) Freaked out

6) _ dome (St. Basil's feature)

7) East Village musical

8) Recipe guesstimate

9) Sequence of tones

10) Bench-clearing brawls

11) "Yeah, sure!"

12) Dele undoer

13) Dynasty after the Qin

21) "Same old same old"

22) Lift the spirits of

25) Needs ibuprofen

26) Batter's dry spell

27) _ voce (whispered)

28) Old anesthetic

29) Pal on the ranch

31) Scrub, in a way

32) "It'll never work"

33) Had the nerve

35) Tend to the batter

36) Capitol Hill group

39) Puccini offering

40) Abandoned

45) Many a Belieber

47) Like many store-bought olives

49) Singer with the album "25"

50) Credit card action

51) Fighting mad

52) Optimistic view

53) Dandy dressers

54) Disney's boy detective

55) Prefix meaning "mechanized"

56) Bathroom bar

57) Jr., to III

60) Drain unclogger ingredient

Answers to puzzle on page 20

THE EL DORADO COUNTY AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT OFFERS INCENTIVE PROGRAMS TO RESIDENTS OF EL DORADO COUNTY TO IMPROVE LOCAL AIR QUALITY.

The Chimney Smoke RIP offers $599 to $2,000 * to replace a non-EPA certified woodstove with a new efficient, cleaner burning, eligible EPA certified device.

*$2,000 incentive available to low -income residents or residents of designated low -income communities

The expanded Clean Lawn equipment Incentive Pr ogr am (CLIP) offers $100 to $2,000 to replace a piece of gas powered lawn equipment with a zero -emission cordless electric version. Now includes mowers, leaf blowers, weedeaters and more!

The new CHar ge At your Residence and Go Electric (CHARGE) incentive program offers plug -in car owners and lessees a $300 incentive to purchase and install a home EV charger.

The Drive Clean! incentive program offers El Dorado County residents a $599 incentive towards the purchase or lease of an eligible electric, plug-in hybrid, or hydrogen vehicle.

California Outdoors Q&A

Children accompanying on hunts

Q: Is it possible to take a 5-year-old duck hunting in California?

A: Yes, it is legal to take your 5-yearold duck hunting in California. It is ultimately up to the parent or guardian to decide what age is appropriate to take their kids along on a hunt and at what age they are mature enough and have the reading comprehension skills necessary to take and pass hunter education. Many kids begin their hunter education journey between age 10 and 12. Before then, unlicensed youth observers are welcome into the field at any age.

push the decoy cart or pull the sled, help them build a blind or brush in your pit or tank or even invite them into the pond with you to retrieve birds if they’re tall enough and strong enough to withstand the pond or water conditions and terrain.

Remember, taking your kids out on their first hunting experience should be about the kids, not the hunt.

If you are interested in introducing someone young to a lifelong skill like waterfowl hunting, starting them off in a positive and encouraging way is key. Here are some tips to consider. Bring properly fitting hearing protection for their size, consider purchasing or borrowing youth clothing that matches the conditions (including waders), bring sunscreen, snacks and quiet activities for the blind (like a photobook of birds they can seek out). Very young kids can also have fun with a duck or goose call.

It’s a good idea to commit to flexibility and the idea that you’re there to introduce a child to the activity and not the hunt itself. That usually means making shorter trips, adjusting to the conditions and stamina of the child and being willing to interrupt a hunt based on the attention span and needs of the child. A few questions to ask before making plans: Are they okay waking up early? How far of a walk and what terrain will be crossed to get to your blind? How will you keep them occupied while waiting for a blind on public refuges? Is it cold, dark and raining? How will you keep them engaged and safe while putting out your decoy spread? Will they need a life jacket or personal floatation device? Are they able to walk through water, mud and muck while keeping their balance? Another recommendation is to have them assist throughout the hunting experience. Have them hold the flashlight, help

As a reminder, 12 is the minimum age to hunt big game in California. Youth hunters under the age of 12 may hunt small game, like squirrels and rabbits, upland game, such as turkeys and doves and waterfowl. A hunting license is required to hunt regardless of age. Some National Wildlife Refuges and state wildlife areas also have youth ponds available for licensed junior hunters. To find more information about youth ponds, visit the specific lands area or wildlife refuge webpage you wish to visit for more information.

Mussel fee stickers for boats

Q: I’m new to boating. Why do I need to purchase a mussel sticker?

A: The mussel fee sticker supports quagga/ zebra mussel infestation prevention efforts throughout the state to protect the environment, recreational access and the economy. CDFW and other agencies’ prevention efforts include outreach and education, early detection monitoring, installation and staffing of watercraft

DMV-registered vessels (boats) must display a current mussel fee sticker unless they are only used in marine coastal waters. Law enforcement can cite watercraft for not having the current decal, and marinas may deny launching vessels that do not display a current sticker.

The revenue generated from the sale of the stickers is administered by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways . The Department of Motor Vehicles handles the sticker purchase process, and CDFW provides biological expertise to support DBW’s grant program and supports water agencies in their development of mussel prevention programs.

The mussel fee sticker payment of $16 is available through the DMV website or by visiting DMV field offices or AAA offices for members.

Wolverine or badger?

Q: I came upon a dead animal in Santa Barbara County that I first thought was a wolverine. It turned out to be a badger. Is that a common mistake?

A: From a distance it could be possible to make that mistake, but a closer look reveals the big differences between the two animals. First, wolverines are substantially larger, weighing up to 60 pounds, and can grow beyond three feet in length. Badgers are roughly two thirds the size of a wolverine and much lighter in weight. Wolverines have been described as looking like a combination of a bear and a dog, while badgers have shorter bodies and a distinctive white stripe running from their snout up and over its forehead.

Their habitats would also assist in identifying the animal. While badgers can be found living in deserts, grasslands and mountains, wolverines are fond of cold areas and are usually found in alpine settings.

Wolverines are also rare in California. The most recent wolverine sighting in California was in winter 2023 when what appeared to be the same animal, was spotted several times high in the Eastern Sierra. The previous confirmed wolverine sighting in California was in 2018. Prior to that, a wolverine hadn’t been seen in California since the 1920s.

CDFW appreciates sightings reported to our Wildlife Incident Reporting site or to regional offices, as the information can assist biologists in their research.

BRING JOY BACK TO FAMILY MEALS

Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp

Fajitas with Bell Pepper, Onion and Spicy Ranch

Recipe courtesy of Albertsons

Total time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

2 green bell peppers

2 yellow bell peppers

1 lime

1 medium red onion

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 1/2 pounds raw, peeled shrimp, fresh or frozen

5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup ranch dressing

12 small flour tortillas

Preheat oven to 450 F.

Wash and dry green bell peppers, yellow bell peppers and lime.

Trim, seed and slice bell peppers lengthwise into thin strips; transfer to large baking sheet.

Peel, halve and slice onion lengthwise into thin pieces; add to baking sheet with bell peppers.

Drizzle veggies with oil, toss to combine and spread in even layer. Bake until veggies have softened slightly, about 5 minutes.

If using frozen shrimp, place them in colander and run under cold water to thaw slightly. Place shrimp on clean towel or paper towels and pat dry.

Remove baking sheet from oven.

Arrange shrim p over veggies then sprinkle with 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and salt; toss to combine and spread in even layer.

Bake until veggies are tender and shrimp are cooked through, 5-7 minutes. Remove from oven.

Cut lime into wedges.

In small bowl, stir ranch dressing and remaining Cajun seasoning.

Warm tortillas in skillet, oven or microwave, if desired.

Divide tortillas between plates and fill with shrimp and veggies; drizzle with spicy ranch and serve with squeeze of lime.

Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Green Beans and Honey Mustard Dip

Total time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 teasp on garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt, divided

2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 1/2 pounds green beans

1/2 cup honey mustard dressing

Preheat oven to 450 F. Coat baking sheet with 2 teaspoons oil.

In medium bowl, stir mayo, garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt to combine.

In separate medium bowl, stir Parmesan, breadcrumbs and paprika to combine.

Pat chicken dry with paper towels and slice into 3/4-inch tenders. Add to bowl with mayo mixture and toss to coat.

Working in batches, dredge tenders in breadcrumb coating, pressing to adhere. Transfer to baking sheet. Bake until tenders start to turn golden, about 10 minutes.

On clean cutting board, wash, dry and trim green beans. Set aside.

When chicken is golden, flip and bake until cooked through, 6-8 minutes. Remove from oven. Preheat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add remaining oil and swirl to coat bottom. Add green beans and remaining salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp, 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Divide chicken tenders and green beans between plates. Serve with dressing for dipping.

Simplify dinnertime with convenient recipes and digital tools

Family Features

While meals savored with loved ones are intended to produce smiles and shared moments, the process of grocery shopping, planning and cooking has become a chore for many families. Take the first step toward bringing back the joy and magic of making your favorite foods with tools that do the work for you.

For example, the all-in-one Albertsons Meal Plans and Recipes tool allows you to focus on what you want to eat rather whan what you need to buy as it empowers everyday home cooks to plan, shop and prepare personalized recipes based on dietary preferences, allergies or family likes and dislikes. The app features a library of 9,000 exclusive recipes created by professional chefs (with new recipes added each month) and includes tasty dishes such as Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp Fajitas with Bell Pepper, Onion and Spicy Ranch; Cheese Tortellini and Cauliflower with Creamy Spinach Marinara; and Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Green Beans and Honey Mustard Dip.

The free digital tool also includes an artificial intelligence-powered “Scan Your Own Recipe” feature that allows you to snap a photo with your phone of grandma’s handwritten, not-so-secret recipe and transforms it into a digital version saved in the app. Recipes

are instantly turned into shoppable ingredients and added to your cart for quick, convenient checkout. Now, you can turn all of your recipes into a digital library for quick and easy access in one place. No more flipping through cookbooks or recipe cards searching for your favorites.

Designed to provide culinary inspiration throughout the week while saving time and money, the app also features a budget tracker and hands-free cooking mode with a step-by-step timer.

“The Albertsons Meal Plans tool is the ultimate life hack,” said Jill Pavlovich, senior vice president of digital customer experience for Albertsons Cos. “This all-in-one app makes it simple for anyone to plan, shop and prepare inspiring recipes from anywhere - whether it is an old family favorite, a best-seller from a favorite food blogger or one of our 9,000 delicious recipes. Best of all, it’s completely free to use on our grocery app and website.”

The tool is available on the store apps and websites across the Albertsons Cos. banner of stores including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci’s Food Lovers Market.

Find more information and a seemingly endless collection of recipes at Albertsons.com

Cheese Tortellini and Cauliflower with Creamy Spinach Marinara

Recipe courtesy of Albertsons

Total time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

2 bags (10 ounces each) cauliflower florets

18 ounces cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen

1/2 tablespoon salt

1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce

8 fluid ounces heavy whipping cream

1/2 teaspoon basil, dried

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 packages (5 ounces each) baby spinach

Fill large pot halfway with hot water, cover and bring to boil. Uncover then add cauliflower, tortellini and salt; stir for a few seconds. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 5 minutes, or cook according to package instructions.

In separate large pot over medium heat, stir marinara sauce, cream, basil and black pepper to combine and bring sauce to simmer. Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low and cook until slightly thickened, 3-4 minutes.

Wash and dry spinach.

When sauce has thickened, add spinach to pot in handfuls, waiting for spinach to wilt slightly before adding next handful. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm. When cauliflower and tortellini are done, drain and add to pot with creamy marinara sauce; stir to combine.

To serve, divide pasta between plates or bowls.

All Things Equine

How to Tell if a Horse is Too Hot

As summer approaches and temperatures start to rise, you might be wondering if your horse is too hot. If you don’t have much experience in this area, it is di cult to tell if your horse is just

How can you tell if a horse is too hot? A horse that is too hot might demonstrate the following symptoms:

• Continuous rapid breathing

• Body temperature above 105 degrees Fahrenheit

• High heart rate

• Unwillingness to move

• Weak or sluggish movements

• Disinterest in the environment

• Skin that does not retake its form quickly a er a pinch test

• Discolored gums

Being able to tell if your horse is too hot is essential if you’re planning on working with them at all throughout the warmer months of the year. Study these warning signs to recognize the symptoms.

The falls of Pyramid Creek are almost 800 feet high and fed from Lake Aloha, a reservoir that is part of the El Dorado Irrigation District’s hydroelectric system. It is a 2.8-mile hike from Highway 50, but the trail peters out and requires hikers to scramble across rocks to reach the top of the falls. Keep the creek on your right and don’t step on any wet rocks. Boots with a good tread are a must. It’s best to hike from June until September. Dogs are also able to use this trail.

Cost: $5 parking fee

Location: Twin Bridges two miles east of Strawberry in Desolation Wilderness

Horsetail Falls

LILLY (A157431)

She has an extra ‘L’ for LOVE. Come to the shelter to meet her and all the adoptables this week. Siberian Husky mix 20 mo.

GUY (A158324)

He has been through some tough times and is looking for a quiet adopter to call his own. brown tabby DSH 3yr.

Adopt Today! Second-Chance Animals Make First-Class Pets!

To Ask about these pets at the El Dorado County Animal Shelter (530) 621-7631 • 6435 Capitol Avenue, Diamond Springs

GEORGE (A158570)

Yes he is a boy and his name is George but his singing skills are suspect. orange tabby, DSH, age unk.

TULIP (A157040)

A lovely dog for all seasons, she is a blue brindle Pitbull Terrier. Adopt and watch her personality bloom. 2 yr.

(A157367)

This large loyal dog is waiting to find a buddy. Do you deserve his loyalty? Meet him at the shelter. Cane Corso Black 31mo.

(A158325)

He is ready to entertain you Saturday night or any night of the week. Adopt this born comedian. gray tiger, DSH, 1yr.

MIKEY

TITAN

Chronic Wasting Disease confirmed in California deer

Chronic wasting disease has been detected for the first time in California’s deer and elk. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife received confirmation on May 6 samples collected from two deer, one in Madera County near Yosemite Lakes and the other in Inyo County, near Bishop. The deer in Madera County was found dead due to unknown causes and the Inyo County deer was found dead after a vehicle collision. CWD is a fatal neurologic disease in cervid animals such as deer, elk, moose and reindeer that has been detected in free-ranging cervids from 34 states, including California, and five Canadian provinces as well as Scandinavia. It affects the brain, causing progressive damage and eventually, death. There is no effective treatment or vaccine to combat this disease.

“The

There appears to be no known link between CWD and human disease, although a similar prion animal disease, bovine spongiform encephalopathy or mad cow disease in cattle, has been linked to fatal disease in humans through the consumption of infected beef. As a result the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend keeping the agents of all known prion diseases from entering the human food chain.

CDFW has been monitoring California elk and deer populations for CWD through lymph node sampling and testing since 2000, testing more than 6,500 deer and elk, and has been working to increase surveillance efforts with the help of hunters, taxidermists and meat processors since 2018.

can be months to years.

“CWD infected animals can excrete infectious prions before clinical signs appear and these prions can persist in the environment for years, making it very difficult to prevent or control the spread once it has been introduced,” said Dr. Brandon Munk, CDFW’s wildlife veterinarian who oversees CWD surveillance and response efforts. “The public can help limit the spread of CWD by reporting any signs of illness in deer and elk populations, and hunters should strongly consider testing their harvested deer or elk.”

public can help limit the spread of CWD by reporting any signs of illness in deer and elk populations ...”

— Dr. Brandon Munk, CDFW wildlife veterinarian

Clinical signs of the disease include progressive weight loss, clumsy movements and lack of coordination, listlessness, drooling, excessive thirst or urination and behavioral changes. Once these symptoms develop death occurs quickly.

The disparate locations of these two detections indicates that CWD has probably been present in California for some time, since the incubation period

CDFW continues to provide surveillance, response, long-term management plans and public outreach and education through their “No Time to Waste” campaign to limit the spread. Hunters can assist in the efforts by voluntarily participating in CDFW’s statewide CWD surveillance and sampling efforts and encouraging other hunters to participate.

To report a sick deer or elk and learn more visit wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories and click on the Wildlife Health Lab link.

COIN GIVEAWAY!!

American Prospector

Gold Panner in an Old Western Town

This coin captures the spirit of the California Gold Rush

Simply fill out the entry form in this edition of The Gold Mine. No purchase necessary.

TheGold Mine

He wants you to know adopting is a piece of cake. And the love of a good cat (like him) is priceless. Orange tiger DSH 1yr. CARROT (A158635)

Adopt Today! Second-Chance Animals Make First-Class Pets!

To Ask about these pets at the El Dorado County Animal Shelter (530) 621-7631 • 6435 Capitol Avenue, Diamond Springs

MCCOY (A156765)

The love of a good dog is the real deal. This tan German Shepherd Dog awaits your visit. Adopt! 16 mo. M

(A158567)

This lovely gem is waiting for you at the shelter. She has lovely short gray fur. Can you get her to purr? 1yr.

Clad in a

B&W

this

is more inclined to sleep in a

than carry one. Purr-fect at 1 yr. COLE (A158362)

classic

tuxedo,

DSH

suitcase

This F white Bull Terrier is waiting for an adopter to teach her a little sign language. She is deaf but eager to learn. 2yr. NOVA (A155899)

CLUES

1 long, heroic tale (4)

2 make bigger (7)

3 tortilla piled with toppings (7)

4 in a harsh way (8)

5 musical introduction (7)

6 aggravates (11)

7 nomad of the arabian desert (7)

33) Had the nerve

35) Tend to the batter

36) Capitol Hill group

39) Puccini offering

40) Abandoned

45) Many a Belieber

47) Like many store-bought olives

49) Singer with the album "25"

50) Credit card action

51) Fighting mad

52) Optimistic view

53) Dandy dressers

54) Disney's boy detective

55) Prefix meaning "mechanized"

56) Bathroom bar

57) Jr., to III

60) Drain unclogger ingredient

ANSWERS

Find the 7 words to match the 7 clues. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in each solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to complete the puzzle.

SOLUTIONS

©2018 Blue Ox Family Games, Inc., Dist. by Andrews McMeel

Tahoe boating season begins with ‘clean, drain and dry’

Lake Tahoe watercraft inspection stations are open for the season to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and boaters can now book an appointment for this summer online, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Tahoe Resource Conservation District announced this week. With the discovery last year of invasive New Zealand mudsnails in Lake Tahoe, the agencies are urging boaters, paddlers, beachgoers and anglers to learn how to prevent the spread of this new threat.

Inspections are available without an appointment any time of the year, according to TRPA and Tahoe RCD officials, who have managed the inspection program since its launch in 2008. During the peak season, an optional appointment can be scheduled online for a $15 convenience fee any day between May 15 and Sept. 30, depending on availability. Book online at tahoeboatinspections.com/appt.

As of May 1, the Meyers and Spooner Summit regional watercraft inspection stations will be open from 8:30 a.m.5:30 p.m. daily. The Alpine Meadows inspection station opens May 15 with the same operating hours.

“Boaters can help keep the waters of the Tahoe Region safe from aquatic invasive species by arriving clean, drained and dry,” said Tom Boos, senior environmental specialist at TRPA. “This is the No. 1 way to reduce the risk of invasive species and it helps boaters get on the water faster.”

Boats and trailers are one of the largest potential sources of spread of aquatic invasive species in the Western U.S. Under Lake Tahoe’s program, every motorized watercraft is inspected or decontaminated before launch and paddle craft can opt for free inspection and decontamination at any

Courtesy photo

Boats can get on Lake Tahoe faster and safer by arriving clean, drained and dry at inspection stations.

regional inspection station. Since 2008 staff have inspected 113,000 boats for aquatic invasive species, which can have devastating environmental and economic impacts.

A new invasive species in Lake Tahoe

In September 2023 the agencies confirmed the presence of a new aquatic invasive species in Lake Tahoe, the New Zealand mudsnail. It was the first detection of a new invasive in the region since mandatory inspections began in 2008.

“Now that Lake Tahoe is a higher risk to other water bodies, it’s up to every boater, paddler, angler and beachgoer to ensure they’re doing their part to limit its spread, within Lake Tahoe and throughout the region,” Boos said.

TRPA and Tahoe RCD immediately responded to the New Zealand mudsnail detection last year with updated watercraft inspection protocols and public education on the location of the mudsnails and how to limit their spread. Diver surveys showed the invasive species had infested a 3-mile area of Lake Tahoe’s south shore.

Unrelated to the devastating quagga and zebra mussel, New Zealand mudsnails are about the size of a grain of rice (2-6-mm) and can rapidly reproduce. Densities of up to 10,000 snails per square meter were measured in the lake last year. First discovered in Idaho in 1987, they are currently found in 22 states including California and Nevada, and as close as the Lower Truckee River near Reno, Nev.

How to protect Lake Tahoe

Heed special instructions for boaters, anglers and nonmotorized users and paddlers at tahoeboatinspections.com.

Paddlers can learn how to self-inspect and become a Tahoe Keeper at tahoekeepers.org.

Download the free Tahoe Boating App at tahoeboating. org for an interactive map that shows location relative to the New Zealand mudsnail infestation, as well as no-wake zones, area attractions, bathrooms and more.

Look for mobile, solar-powered cleaning stations for kayaks, paddleboards and canoes at popular recreation sites around the Tahoe Basin provided by the League to Save Lake Tahoe and the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California.

Look for and support roving inspectors at popular beaches and launch ramps this summer provided by funding from the Tahoe Fund and TRPA.

Learn more about these programs and more at tahoeboatinspections.com.

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