Photo by Chris Woodard
To Do
The Placerville Shakespeare Club will host its Giant Rummage Sale, Friday and Saturday, May 2 & 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the clubhouse on 2940 Bedford Ave. New items will be put out daily. For more information visit placer-
ville-shakespeare.com.
The El Dorado County Fairgrounds will host the Placerville Home & Garden Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 2-4. For more information visit placervillehomeshow.com.
May 3
The Placerville Shakespeare Club will host a Spring Plant Sale, 8:30-11 a.m. in front of the clubhouse at 2940 Bedford Ave. For more information visit placerville-shakespeare. com.
Join the American Legion Auxiliary for its Spring Marketplace,10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 4561 Greenstone Road, Placerville. Proceeds support local veterans, active-duty service members, their families and youth in the community.
The El Dorado Hills Arts Association Studio Tour takes
place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 3 & 4. For more information visit eldoradohillsarts.com.
El Dorado High School’s Cougar Band Aides will host the Taste on Main event and fundraiser, noon to 4 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Placerville. For tickets or more details visit edhscougarmusic.org.
The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce presents Feeding the Foothills’ fundraiser, Power of We – Soiree at the Ranch, at the Mohanna family ranch in El Dorado Hills, 5:30-8:30 p.m. For more information visit eldoradohillschamber.org.
Imagination Theatre at the El Dorado Fairgrounds presents “The Importance of Being Earnest,” May 3-25. For tickets and more information visit itplacerville.org.
May 8
Studio 81 at El Dorado High School presents “Hadestown” May 8-17. For tickets and more information visit studio81arts.com.
May 9
El Dorado Musical Theatre Presents “Legally Blonde” at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom, May 9-17. For tickets and visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
n See TO DO, page 5
SPOTLIGHT Business
Rich Solis Sr., his family and Solis Collision have been serving El Dorado County for over two decades as a leading provider of collision repair services.
The Solis family takes pride in serving neighbors and being trustworthy, trusting that the level of familiarity transcends from management to the employees, many of whom have worked at Solis Collision for five or more years.
“Cameron Park is our backyard,” Solis Sr. said. “I have a lot of pride in my people, pride in the work that we do. When you have that pride, it’s easy to bring that forward into the community.”
Solis Collision opened in Cameron Park in 2001 and the trust the company has built over the decades has begun to trickle into new generations.
“The name has been the same; the people have been the same,” Rich Solis Jr. said. “We now have kids who were
learning to drive and now they’re bringing their kids here because of experiences their parents had years ago. It’s generational; there are people who have got long roots here and we enjoy being a part of that foundation.”
Solis Collision’s community impact expands beyond just its services at the auto body shop. The Solis family has teamed up with the Shingle Spring/ Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce in the past to help with events, most commonly utilizing their hot dog cart and providing food while simultaneously getting out of the shop and showing their faces around the community.
Solis Sr., his wife Sandi Solis, and their kids Solis Jr. and Jen Liebreich pride themselves on the personal touch they can offer to customers who have recently experienced a tough moment.
“People in the community are loyal to the people who are loyal to them,” Solis Jr. said. “That is our business.”
Photo by Chris Woodard Painter’s assistant Jose Alvarado and Paint Techs Nic Perrotta and Justin Harnage standing by the paint mixer at Solis Collision Center.
May 10
Save the Graves will host the Women of Placerville Union Cemetery walking tour. The event is free but registration is required. For more information or to register visit savethegraveseldorado.org.
The Stage at Burke Junction presents “Waiting for Godot” May 10 through June 1. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.
The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce will host Heart of the Hills Blues Blast at 6 p.m. at Overland District Church in El Dorado Hills. For more information visit eldoradohillschamber.org.
May 11
The El Dorado Hills Town Center will host the Mother’s Day Charity Concert & Dance Celebration with the Spazmatics from 4-6 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter. com.
Cantare Chorale presents Broadway Lights and Movie Nights at the Placerville Shakespeare Club at 7 p.m. For more information visit cantarechorale.com.
May 16
The Sierra Renaissance Society presents “How to Get More Out of Art and Life!” by Deborah Pond-Hindle, 1-2:30 p.m. at the Mother Lode Lions Hall, 4701 Missouri Flat Road. Admission free for members; public invited to attend two meetings for free. The Sierra Renaissance Society of El Dorado County is dedicated to lifelong learning and hosts presentations and workshops throughout the year. For more information visit srsedc.org.
SHOP LOCAL - SHOP SMALL OPEN Online
May 17
The El Dorado Hills Community Services District will host The Youth Fishing Derby; Derby 1: 8-9:30 a.m.; Derby 2: 10:15-11:45 a.m. registration is required for this free event. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.
Join All About Equine Animal Rescue, for its 12th annual Boots and Bling at 4 p.m. with barbecue dinner, live, silent and virtual auctions, entertainment and a no-host bar. Boots and Bling raises funds to support AAE’s horses and operations. For more details visit allaboutequine.org/events.
May 21
In celebration of Older Americans Month attend a screening of the documentary “What’s Next?” at the Cameron Park Community Center at 1 p.m. Admission and refreshments are free.
Gabriel Laymon
Ponderosa High School
Ponderosa High School’s Gabriel Laymon has earned Reserve Champion — 2nd in the state — in the Agricultural Sales Placement Proficiency category at the California FFA State Conference.
Representing the El Dorado Union High School District and the broader county community, Gabe’s recognition stems from his work at Lee’s Feed, where he has spent the past three years helping customers, operating machinery and learning the ins and outs of agricultural sales. The award celebrates not just his hands-on experience, but his commitment to service, growth and leadership.
In addition to his job, Gabe juggles a packed schedule as a twosport athlete, team captain, market lamb exhibitor and standout student. He is living out the FFA motto every step of the way.
“Gabe is the kind of student who makes all the crazy hours worth it,” said Sara Friedmann, agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor. “His job at Lee’s Feed has been more than a paycheck; it has helped him build community, confidence and communication skills. When I told him we were in uncharted territory, he smiled and said, ‘Friedmann, don’t worry. Me, either!’”
With more than 3,500 hours invested in agricultural work and more than 50 hours spent preparing his award application and interview, Gabe’s second-place state finish is a well-earned milestone on a journey of dedication and excellence.
Enjoy earth’s treasures
SACRAMENTO —
Gem Faire, America’s premier jewelry and bead show, is set for May 2-4 at the Scottish Rite Center in Sacramento.
Explore the largest selection of fine jewelry, crystals, gemstones, beads, minerals, earth’s treasures and much more. Take advantage of buying directly from the importers and wholesalers. From loose gemstones, raw minerals and millions of bead strands, to finished jewelry, fashion accessories, jewelry supplies and tools, find them all under one roof. Jewelry repair, cleaning and ring sizing service is available while you shop. Enjoy displays and demonstrations by Sacramento Mineral Society.
Gem Faire will be in Sacramento for three days only. For more information visit gemfaire.com or contact Gem Faire Inc. at (503) 252-8300 or info@gemfaire.com.
CELEBRATE SPRING
FEATURING A VARIETY OF FLAVORS, STEAMED OR CRISPY.
Pork, Chicken, Shrimp, Kimchi, and Vegetable. Or, take out a traditional dish like Sesame Chicken, Mongolian Beef, or Sweet ’n Sour Pork!
Family dinners also available.
i� FreeDailyCrosswords.com
ACROSS-----------�
1) Simple skills 37) Caviar fish
5) On-the-run GI
40) "I, Claudius" role
9) Raced down an icy chute 41) NYC hub
14) Pile set afire 44) Singer-songwriter Tori
15) _ fide 45) Develop
16) Atmosphere protector 47) Not in the dark
17) Footwear item for Inspector 49) Sound from a toddler's toy Gadget? horn?
19) "Chicago" actor Taye 51) Actor Brody
20) Necessitate 52) Highchair wear
21) Chillax 53) Put-_ (hoaxes)
23) Milne young 'un 54) Twinkling
24) _ d' 55) Ferengi, e.g.
25) Ernie's roommate, after 57) Stuck-together mass of gaining lots of weight? towel fabric?
27) About to go under the knife 60) "Angie" star Davis
28) Neighbor of a Malaysian 61) Latin "Lo!"
29) K'Nex alternative 62) Classic Welles role
30) Altitudes (Abbr.) 63) Famous car flop
31) RoHing rock 64) Gift for a lover
33) Chophouse choices 65) Venue
35) Blow up a citadel?
DOWN
1) Android extra 2) From memory
3) Chums
4) Posted for 5) Activist Hoffman
6) Sheep's clothing?
7) Singer on "Double Fantasy"
8) Land on the Baltic Sea
9) Rustic retreat
10) Commando gun
11) Begin recycling, say
12) Fill with blood
13) Antique Chrysler makes
18) Noise blocker
22) Periodical figure
24) Speed abbr.
25) Stuff like that
26) Ink spill result
28) LG products
32) Spanish region
34) For the most part
35) Not at all idle
36) Handful
37) Computing pioneer Charles
38) Wrote to, without a writing implement
39) Hotel areas
41) Game with cestas
42) San Francisco Bay area city
43) Mattel man
46) List of players
48) Pileups, e.g.
50) Pitch-related
51) Think similarly
54) Parabola parts
56) Chemical suffix
58) Author Umberto
59) Masters prop
See answers on page 22
Twisting & dunking in milk are not advised. Spring tossing & gentle petting will do the trick. F, B&W, DLH 14yr. OREO (A164110)
You can find her hanging out at the shelter with her BFF Oreo. Adopt the pair. F b&w DSH 14 yr. GINGIE (A164111)
Precious Pawprints
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
He is a solid black DSH and absolutely not a goonie. He is a hunk of love. 1yr.
(A163982)
CHUNK (A164616) Here is your chance to adopt a yellow furred F Anatolian Shepherd mix. Don’t let her down; ADOPT. 2yr.
PENNY (A161521)
Please stop in at the shelter this week and share your thoughts with her. 28 mo Tan Australian Cattle Dog mix
(A163025) She would like to retire in a nice home, but might like to design paw-print clothes. Brown Anatolian Shepherd age unk.
We BUY and SELL firearms and ammo. Bring in your UNLOADED firearms and ammo (must be in factory boxing unopened) for a CA$H offer.
FFL and AMMO
HONOR
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY
Transfer Services
for Firearms and Ammo
If it's California compliant, you can use our FFL transfer services.
Firearms Training
Our Certified Instructors provide the best in firearm training and CCW qualifying. Click on our website to register..
Tackle your family’s hunger with a touch of heat
Family Features
It’s easy to get into a recipe rut when every day feels the same — work, kids’ activities, social events and bedtime routines make it tough to experiment in the kitchen. If your family’s meals are growing boring, all you need is a touch of heat to bring new life to the menu.
Add a delicious blend of savory, sweet and a hint of spice to mealtime with Minute Hot Honey Chicken Seasoned Rice Cups, which are ready to serve fast for busy families. Packed with flavor, they complement main courses, snacks and sides without the hassle.
With just the right balance of heat and honey, they add delicious sizzle and mouthwatering flavor to recipes like Hot Honey Chicken Meatball Subs. Perfectly toasted hoagie rolls are packed with spicy, sweet chicken meatballs and smothered in melted provolone for a tough-to-top taste. Ready in 35 minutes, the subs offer a blend of convenience and gourmet flavor, making this meal an unbeatable choice at dinner time.
Sandwiches deliver an easy way to make mealtime customizable so all your loved ones are satisfied. Try topping your subs with coleslaw for a crunchy, creamy texture or pickled vegeta-
bles for an added touch of tanginess to complement the sweet, rich meatballs. For fans of spice, turn up the heat with extra hot sauce.
Solve afternoon hunger pangs with these Hot Honey Chicken Rice Crackers and Ranch Dip, loaded with the sweet heat of hot honey chicken and baked to crispy perfection. This inventive snack is uniquely crunchy and flavorful, blending fiery sweetness with savory chicken flavor as a convenient way to shake up snack time.
For the adventurous types, these homemade crackers pair with more than just ranch. Engage your taste buds further with these suggestions:
* Spicy cheese dip: Add a little extra kick with cheese dip that’s spiced up with jalapenos or chili flakes.
* Cucumber dill yogurt: A perfect match for the sweet heat of hot honey chicken with its refreshing, cooling effect.
* Barbecue sauce: Smoky and slightly sweet, it pairs well with the honey in the crackers.
* Garlic aioli: Rich and garlicky, this dip brings a robust flavor contrast to the table.
Discover more ways to shake up mealtimes by visiting MinuteRice.com.
Hot Honey Chicken Meatball Subs
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
1 Minute Hot Honey Chicken Seasoned Rice Cup
1 pound ground chicken
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
4 hoagie rolls
2 tablespoons butter
4 slices provolone cheese
garlic sauce, for garnish
Directions: Preheat oven to 375 F. Heat rice according to package directions.
In large bowl, mix rice; chicken; salt; cayenne, if desired;
and breadcrumbs.
Use cookie scoop or hand roll chicken mixture into balls. Place on aluminum foil-lined sheet tray, leaving small space between each ball. Bake 25 minutes, flipping meatballs halfway through.
Slice hoagies in half, lengthwise. Remove some bread from middle to make room for meatballs. Butter inside of each hoagie and place on sheet tray.
Once meatballs are cooked through, turn broiler on high and place buttered hoagies in oven. Cook 1 minute, or until butter is melted and hoagie has browned.
Remove hoagies from oven, place 3-4 meatballs inside (depending on size) and cover with slice of cheese. Broil on high 30 seconds to melt cheese.
Drizzle garlic sauce on top.
Tip: Garlic sauce can be substituted with topping of choice.
Hot Honey Chicken Rice Crackers and Ranch Dip
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
1 Minute Hot Honey Chicken Seasoned Rice Cup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 packet ranch dip seasoning
Directions: Preheat oven to 400 F. Heat rice according to package directions.
Lay rice on parchment paper. Place another sheet of parchment paper on top. Use rolling pin to roll out rice into thin layer.
Bake 20 minutes.
In medium bowl, mix sour cream and ranch seasoning. Once crackers are cooked, cut into squares while still hot. Allow to cool.
Serve crackers with ranch dip.
Tip: Ranch dip can be substituted with hummus or any flavored dip.
restrictions.
California primed for a spectacular trout season
California Department of Fish and Wildlife News release
Be it Burney, Bridgeport or Bishop, anglers headed to one of California’s famed trout fishing destinations for the traditional season opener Saturday, April 26, will encounter near-optimal conditions with many popular lakes, streams and creeks accessible and stocked with trout.
A quarter-way into the 21st century, California’s traditional trout season opener the last Saturday in April endures as one of the more celebrated and anticipated dates on the outdoor calendar. Fishing begins one hour before sunrise on Saturday.
“The outlook is positive considering the above-average precipitation and snowpack this winter,” said Sam Plemons, a senior environmental scientist based in California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Redding, Northern Region headquarters. “Generally speaking, this means north state streams will stay colder, longer into the season, which will be good for trout fishing.”
The Eastern Sierra is the epicenter of California’s trout fishing activity on the season opener, luring urban and suburban denizens from Southern California north along U.S. Highway 395 to the breathtaking and trout-filled waters of Inyo and Mono counties in an annual tradition many call “Fishmas.”
“We’re looking forward to an even better season than last year,” said Nick Buckmaster, a senior environmental
CDFW photo by Travis VanZant
Lake Sabrina in Inyo County.
marinas
boat launch
scientist based out of CDFW’s Bishop Field Office. “Thanks to our normal winter, we expect that fish last year have overwintered well and should be ready to catch. Thanks to the favorable weather and hard work of our hatchery staff, we’ll be able to stock more fish in more lakes, and our hatcheries are operating at full production.”
CDFW’s eastern Sierra trout hatcheries are operating at normal capacities having recovered from disease issues in previous years. Favorable weather conditions have allowed CDFW trout hatcheries to stock almost 800,000 trout statewide in March and April in in preparation for the April 26 opener.
Trout fishing opportunities are available year-round in California in many parts of the state, but the traditional trout season opener marks the start of the catch-andkeep season on many streams and creeks, as well as the reopening of much of the Eastern Sierra to trout fishing for the first time since last fall.
For details on specific waters stocked with trout, visit CDFW’s Fish Planting Schedule. Trout anglers are strongly advised to check specific regulations and opening dates in the 2025 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations online. Beginning on Page 65 is an alphabetical list of trout waters with special fishing regulations. All anglers 16 and older must possess a valid California sport fishing license to fish within state boundaries, which can be purchased at CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services website or through a licensed sales agent. Licenses can be carried and
displayed digitally via the CDFW License App and are valid 365 days from the date of purchase
CDFW is now piloting CIRAS, a new angler survey and data dashboard platform powered by anglers and built for anglers. CIRAS provides new levels of data transparency and equips anglers with near-real time survey data to help plan their next successful outing. Visit the CIRAS website for more information.
CDFW fisheries managers are asking trout anglers to help in the fight against aquatic invasive species and to “clean, drain, dry” their motorized and non-motorized boats, including personal watercraft and any equipment that contacts the water, before and after use. Golden mussels, discovered last year for the first time in California, are of particular concern. Anglers are advised to check ahead of time with local marinas and boat launch facilities about any launch inspections or restrictions.
Even for some fly anglers who seek out wild trout and practice catch-and-release fishing, California’s traditional trout opener holds appeal, signaling the start of some of the best fishing of the year as warmer weather arrives, aquatic insect activity increases and trout become more active in their feeding.
These and other trout anglers looking for a fun adventure this summer should explore CDFW’s Heritage Trout Challenge, which encourages and rewards anglers for catching six different forms of California native trout from their historic drainages.
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 push and riding mowers, leaf blowers, weedeaters, and more!
The new CHar ge At your Residence and Go Electric (CHARGE) incentive program offers plugin 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.
8 yr (left) & M 10yr (right), an almost matching pair of cuties. Adopt together for twice the fun.
Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and may also lead to serious balance problems.
This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet. If not properly treated this lack of blood flow may cause the nerves to degenerate.
As you can see in Figure 1, as the blood vessels surrounding the nerves become diseased they shrink and shrivel. This process hastens the flow of vital nutrients to the nerves required to remain healthy. When these nerves begin to “die” it could lead to balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling and burning symptoms in the hands and feet.
In order to effectively treat your neuropathy 3 factors must be determined.
Placerville, CA – Currently the most common method most doctor’s recommend to treat neuropathy is with the use of prescription drugs. Although these drugs may temporarily reduce your symptoms they may cause a feeling of discomfort and in some cases lead to a variety of terrible unwanted side effects. We have a different method!
The treatment to increase blood flow utilizes a specialized low-level light therapy (not to be confused with laser therapy) using light emitting diode technology. This technology was originally developed by NASA to assist in increasing blow flow.
The low level light therapy is like watering a tree. The light therapy will allow the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients to heal and repair. It’s like adding water to a tree and seeing the roots grow deeper and deeper.
The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation.
“My feet hurt so bad after sitting I could barely take the first few steps. I have had 11 treatments and no longer feel sharp or shooting pains and most of the tingling is gone. I now have full balance and can walk without pain. As Dr. Mooney explained the treatment is not painful, nothing uncomfortable, and is actually very relaxing.” – Neuropathy Pain Patient
Spring is here and with it some very hungry bears
Tahoe Interagency Bear Team News release
The snow is already melting in the Lake Tahoe region and the end of winter gives way to a busy spring for wildlife in the area. Bears that have been in winter dens are emerging and they are hungry.
In the fall, bears went through hyperphagia (pronounced hi·per·fay·jee·uh), which is an increase in feeding activity (consuming about 25,000 calories a day) driven by their need to bulk up before winter. Over the course of the season, bear bodies utilize those fat stores during hibernation when food is scarce. Come spring, their body mass will
have naturally decreased and, as a result, bears will be on the lookout for easy food sources to help rebuild those fat reserves. Bears will instinctively move to elevations where they can find fresh grasses and other plants. This search can bring them into neighborhoods.
As bears make their way through the area, please be vigilant about cleaning up and securing bear attractants.
The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team emphasizes that properly disposing of and securing garbage is one of the most important things you can do to help keep Tahoe bears wild. Always remove food and trash from vehicles, keep windows closed and ensure
doors are locked. Bears can open unlocked car doors and even enter through sunroofs to reach the smallest attractants like a stick of gum. Also lock doors and windows on buildings to prevent bear break-ins. The national BearWise program offers Six At-Home BearWise Basics you can take to live responsibly in bear country.
Individual actions can impact an entire ecosystem
Bears play an important role in Lake Tahoe’s ecosystem. Allowing bears access to human food and garbage is detrimental to natural processes in the region. Bears help spread berry seeds through their scat, transport pollen,
Trail camera photo courtesy of John Axtell, Nevada Department of Wildlife Bears will look for easy food sources after they wake up from hibernation. Make sure all trash is secure and out of their reach.
clean up animals that died during the winter, eat insects and provide other essential functions of nature.
When bears find human food and garbage, bird seed, pet food, coolers or other sources of unnatural food, the Tahoe Basin loses the benefits bears offer through natural processes. Unnatural food sources can impact their overall health by damaging and rotting their teeth and their ability to stay wild. In fact, bears will unknowingly eat indigestible items from human trash like foil, paper products, plastics and metal that can damage their internal systems and even lead to death. If these items do make it through their digestive system, they leave it behind in their scat rather than the native seeds and healthy fertilizer needed to grow the next generation of plant life.
Call the experts
Spring is also the time of year that residents or visitors may see a bear they believe looks unhealthy, sick or orphaned. Bear health concerns should be reported to TIBT’s wildlife professionals at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Nevada Department of Wildlife. These agencies have the training, expertise and veterinary resources to assess a bear’s condition and transport it
for care, if necessary. Healthy bears mean a healthy Lake Tahoe ecosystem, but it takes everyone’s cooperation to contribute to the success of both. For great tips about living responsibly with bears visit tahoebears.org and bearwise. org.
The bottom line is that Lake Tahoe is bear country. It’s up to everyone, including those living in, visiting, or recreating in the Tahoe Basin to practice good stewardship habits by always securing food, trash and other scented items. Good habits will help ensure Tahoe bears remain healthy and wild.
To report human-bear conflicts:
• In California, contact the CDFW at (916) 358-2917 or report online using the Wildlife Incident Reporting system at apps.wildlife.ca.gov/wir.
• Non-emergency wildlife interactions in California State Parks can be reported to their public dispatch at (916) 3581300.
• In Nevada, contact the NDOW at 775-688-BEAR (2327).
• If the issue is an immediate threat, call the local sheriff’s department or 911.
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.
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