AMonday, May 26, the annual Memorial Day ceremonies to remember and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice will be held at the El Dorado County Veterans Monument, 360 Fair Lane in Placerville. The ceremonies at the El Dorado County Veterans Monument were first dedicated on Nov. 11, 2006, after being envisioned by U.S. Marine and Navy Cross recipient Richard W. Buchanan. During the Vietnam War, Buchanan witnessed numerous examples of the
PLACE ADDRESS LABEL
aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty by his fellow Marines and Navy Corpsmen of the Third Battalion, 27th Marines, First Marine Division. In the book “Every Marine,” author Robert A. Simonsen writes about Buchanan and his fellow Marines and Navy Corpsmen during Operation Allen Brook, whereby 72 would be killed over the duration of a few days in May 1968. Additionally, fellow Marine PFC Robert C. Burke would be awarded the Medal of Honor-posthumously; two Marines were awarded the Navy Cross, Cpl. Buchanan and Private Charles R.
CARTOGRAPHERS IN THE MAKING SAGE hosts 2025 map contest
Shelly Thorene Sta writer
The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors honored the winners of the 31st annual SAGE Map Drawing Contest during the May 20 meeting. Maps were on display by kindergarten through 12th grade students from 15 local schools and included a variety of themes from Bands of the ‘70s, a map of California Road Trips and Inventions of America. There were 29 honorable mentions and Super Star awards went to: Riley Randall, Isavella Lopuga, Avelyna Lopuga, Logan Neal, Grant Seckington, Arianna Lopuga, Jacob Neal, Samiya Thakur, Priya Abbott, Adele Lisonbee and Wyatt Little.
Camino Polytechnical school was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award for the most winning entries and Gold Trail won the School Spirit Award for the most map entries.
Award winners
Kindergarten
1. Opal Grano, Camino Polytechnic
2. Scarlett Shanks, Camino Polytechnic
3. Stetson Grgich, Camino Polytechnic First grade
1. Mason Powell, Camino Polytechnic
2. Jack Daly, Sutter’s Mill
3. Riley Randall, Camino Polytechnic
Above, Camino Polytechnic School first grade student and first place winner Mason Powell talks about his map, “Mason’s House,” with District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo during the Surveyors, Architects, Geologists and Engineers’ 30th annual Student Map Drawing Contest awards ceremony at the Board of Supervisors chambers on May 20. Right, District 1 Supervisor Greg Ferrero, right, listens as Wyatt Noriega, third grader at Northside, center, describes his map of the war in Ukraine. Seventh grade student Wyatt Little, Gold Trail School, left, and the younger Wyatt were tied for third place in the map contest’s Open Category. Mountain Democrat
Former Guiding Hands School staff enter guilty pleas
Chris Woodard Sta writer
Three former sta members of the nowclosed Guiding Hands School pleaded guilty May 19, avoiding a trial in the death of a 13-year-old student with autism, according to the El Dorado County District Attorney’s O ce. Max Benson died in 2018 after he was held in a restrained prone position for
about 90 minutes at the El Dorado Hills school that served students with special needs. Witness testimony in preliminary hearings noted Max begged to be stood up before he became unresponsive, according to witness testimony, which also alleged school sta delayed seeking medical care. Max was transported to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, where he died on Nov. 28, 2018. An investigation by California
IN CELEBRATION
The Mountain Democrat dedicates this issue to Multi-Media Sales Representative
— Chris, we will miss your amazing friendship, your hard work and dedication to your clients and all the wonderful stories about your dogs and dog shows. You are loved. You are missed. You are remembered.
Department of Education o cials determined Guiding Hands sta violated state rules regarding student restraint.
Teacher Kimberly Wohlwend pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, while site administrator Cindy Keller and Principal Staranne Meyers pleaded guilty to misdemeanor child abuse.
The People v. Guiding Hands School was
Mountain Democrat le photo by Shelly Thorene
The El Dorado County Veterans Alliance/Friends of the Monument once again host Memorial Day ceremonies at El Dorado County Veterans Monument. The public is invited to attend at 11 a.m. Monday,
photos by Shelly Thorene
ESSENTIALS
Francis Merritt
Carpenter
June 7, 1929 – April 29, 2025
Francis Merritt Carpenter, known to many as “Carp,” passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the age of 95. He was born on June 7, 1929, in Placerville and spent his entire life in Rescue, California where his family originally settled in 1852 and where many still live today.
Carp went to Tennessee Grammar School in Rescue and graduated from El Dorado High School in 1947. Prior to joining the U.S. Army in 1948, he worked for two years for the California Department of Forestry as a firefighter at the CDF Station in El Dorado. Between 1948 and 1951, he saw active combat in the Korean War where he received the Korean Service Medal with 5 bronze service stars. After returning home in 1951, Carp worked construction in Placerville, helping to build many of the Highway 50 overpasses you see today. He also worked at the Hangtown Tire Shop on Placerville Drive. In spite of these forays into other work, however, Carp’s heart was always in fire suppression, so in 1965, he went back to the work he loved most, this time serving the California Department of Forestry as an Engineer at the Garden Valley Station. He also worked as a Fire Captain at Mount Zion and Dew Drop Stations in Amador County before becoming a Fire Captain at the Pilot Hill CDF Station where he retired in 1982.
But that’s not all! At the same time that Carp was working for CDF, during his “o ” time, he was a driving force in starting and developing the Rescue Volunteer Fire Department where he served as Volunteer Fire Chief from 1964 to 1965 and then, again, from 1975 to 1993. In 1977 Carp was instrumental in building the Rescue Fire Station #1 as it sits today and, after retiring from CDF, he went to work as the first paid Fire Chief of the Rescue Fire Protection District. In 1988 with the gift of property from the Webster family, Rescue Fire Station #2 was built on Lotus Road. Carp retired as the Chief of the Rescue Fire Protection District in 1993 and then served on the Rescue Fire District Board of Directors for several years.
Carp had a lifelong passion for Rescue and the community, taking great pride in its history. For many years, he was very involved with the Rescue Historical Society where he served as President, Historian. Over the years, many knew him as “Mr. Rescue.” In 2011, he and a close friend, Bill Teie, wrote a local history book together, calling it, History of a Place Called Rescue. The book was published in November of 2011. Carp took great pride in this endeavor; throughout his adult life he wanted to preserve the history of Rescue and worked tirelessly to amass a collection of thousands of pictures, notes, articles and stories. When it came to Rescue’s history, he always said that he had the facts but lacked the writing ability to pull a book together. Many times, he expressed how grateful he was to Bill Teie for making this dream become a reality. Carp dedicated his life to the Fire Department and to preserving the history of Rescue, California.
Carp was married to Susan Joy West in 1955 and was by her side until her death in 2022. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Alan Moore and is survived by his daughter, Terilyn J. Moore, his son, William M. Carpenter, his daughter-in-law, Becky Carpenter, his four grandchildren, Melanie Peterson, Lindsay Moore, Kristopher Carpenter and Kassandra Duran, and his five great-grandchildren, Eric and Sean Peterson, Gabriella and Amilia Duran, and Mina Carpenter.
Carp’s and Joy’s wishes were to have their Celebration of Life and their burial held together. In honor of those wishes the family will be celebrating the lives of this amazing couple on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Rescue Fire Department Station #1, located at 5221 Deer Valley Road, Rescue, California, 95672. The Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM with a reception immediately after. Following the reception, Carp’s and Joy’s remains will be interned together at Jay Hawk Cemetery, located on Deer Valley Road in Rescue, California.
For planning purposes, the family ask that, if possible, please RSVP by no later than June 13, 2025. Call or text Bill Carpenter at 916-214-4933 or Terilyn Moore at 210-381-9382 if you plan to attend.
Bruce Maclin
March 16, 1942 – March 22, 2025
Bruce Maclin, 83, was born in Woodland, California. His family lived in Placerville most of his life and he was educated in schools there from elementary grades through high school. Upon graduation from El Dorado High School in 1960 he attended U.C. Berkeley, graduating in 1964 with a history major. He entered Boalt Hall Law School at Berkeley and cruised through Boalt graduating in 1967. He moved to Bakersfield in 1967, beginning his professional career with Darling & Hugie Law O ces.
Bruce married his wife Laurie Darling Maclin in 1970. He had a career in Bakersfield business and law for over 40 years. He organized San Joaquin Bank in 1979, becoming Chairman of the Board in 1980, retiring in 2008.
Bruce’s family came to Placerville during the Gold Rush and began beverage businesses in both Placerville and Folsom during the 1840s. Throughout his life, he was devoted to the history and memorabilia of the Gold Rush and of 19th Century Placerville California. Most of his lifelong pursuits centered around areas of intellectual interest: collecting rare books, (especially historically significant books on Placerville and the Gold Country.) He collected “California Scene” art as well as antiques with his wife, Laurie, and played very high level bridge several times a week. He received a great bridge honor recently by becoming a “Diamond Life Master” with the American Contract Bridge League. His eventful life included lots of travel and many visits with longtime friends. Bruce was very entertaining and as a raconteur he had a great sense of timing and dry wit. He could tell true stories of friends and events in an engaging, dramatic way that often ended with some surprising humorous punch line.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Laurie, his three nephews: Scott Ballman, wife, Cyndi, Eric Ballman, Bret Ballman, wife, Victoria, and Brothers-in-Law: Todd Darling, wife, Linda, niece Lauren, nephew, Erin, and Jim Darling, wife, Nona, nieces Danielle, Alexandra, and Grey.
The interment will be May 31, 2025 at 11 A.M. in the Placerville Union Cemetery in his family’s ancestral plot. Donations can be sent in lieu of flowers to the Bakersfield Museum of Art or to the Placerville Historical Society.
Lawrence Eugene “Larry” Hafvenstein
Dec. 12, 1934 – April 18, 2025
Lawrence Eugene “Larry” Hafvenstein passed away unexpectedly at home on April 18, 2025 in Cameron Park, CA at the age of 90.
Born on December 12, 1934, to Andrew and Eleanor Hafvenstein, Larry graduated from Minneapolis Roosevelt High School, married his beloved wife of 70 years, and had his first two of four children while proudly serving in the U.S. Army at Fort Carson, Colorado. After his military service Larry joined Continental Insurance Company as a sales associate and quickly rose to a management position. Given the opportunity to open his own insurance agency, Larry moved his family to the sunny San Francisco Bay Area of California and welcomed two more children there. He later started his own pension administration and financial services business and built a beautiful home on 5 acres of land in Cameron Park, California where he has lived for the past 47 years.
In addition to being a highly skilled businessman, Larry was a private pilot, a gifted speaker, and someone his children always turned to for practical advice. He will be remembered for his generosity and for his “larger than life” personality. Larry was a private but deeply spiritual man, and an active and dedicated member of the Episcopal church where he served on the vestry and as a lay minister. He loved animals and was especially fond of his donkey Clementine and cat, Beyoncé.
Larry is survived by his wife, Gerrilee Hafvenstein; children, Lauri Ann Hafvenstein, Larry Hafvenstein Jr. (Teri), Kati Pauley (Randy), and Karalee Huntley (Shad); grandchildren Lauren Pauley, Ryder Pauley, Seth Huntley, Kate Huntley and Kari Huntley; siblings, Millie Arneson, Barbara Ruckes, and Philip Hafvenstein (Roberta). Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Robert Hafvenstein and his brothers-in-law Walter Ruckes and Robert Arneson. https://my.gather.app/ remember/lawrence-hafvenstein
Connie John Bozarth
Oct. 18, 1938 – Feb. 19, 2025
Connie Bozarth, 86, of El Dorado County, passed away on February 19, 2025. Born on October 18, 1938, Connie was a lifelong member of the community and a respected figure in the local logging industry. He began working in the woods in the 1950s and went on to establish Bozarth Logging in the 1970s after acquiring the business from his father and two uncles, maintaining operations until the late 1990s. He was preceded in death by his wives, Audrey and Janice Bozarth; his brothers Byron and Clyde; his son, Barry Bozarth; and grandson, Matt Bauer. Connie is survived by his sisters Mary Wells and Linda Hendrix; son Mike Bozarth and daughter Debbie Bauer; his eight grandchildren; as well as many great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held June 1st, 2025 at the American Legion Hall 4561 Greenstone Road, Placerville at 1pm.
Jean Wendy Ambrose
June 26, 1930 – Jan. 27. 2025
Jean Wendy Ambrose (Gill), age 94, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2025, in Sacramento, CA with her daughter, son, and daughterin-law by her side. Jean was born to Edward and Betsy Gill on June 26, 1930 in Prestwich, near Manchester, England. She lived near London during World War II, and was often evacuated to the countryside during the Blitz. In England she met James F. Ambrose (USAF) in 1950. They were married in Tauton, Mass, on September 6, 1952, and she became a U.S. citizen in December of 1956. They had three children David Ambrose (deceased), Karen Ambrose (now Campbell) and Jonathan Ambrose. She has six grandchildren and 14 greatgrandchildren. Jean traveled extensively and her visits back to England were particularly important to her. She loved days on the beach, fashion, her many cats — in fact all animals aside from snakes, and she had a terrific sense of humor. She volunteered and donated extensively to a variety of social justice, anti-war and animal rights causes. She lived a full and interesting life, including in her occupation as a psychic where she remained very busy until she retired. A celebration of life will be held in July, near Placerville, CA. She is preceded by her husband who passed in 1983, son David in 1999, and significant others, Al and George. She will be dearly missed by her family.
Douglas Sylvester Bisbee
April 1, 1936 – March 25, 2025
In loving memory, and with profound sadness, we announce the passing of Douglas S. Bisbee, 88, of Cameron Park, California. He died on March 25, 2025.
Doug was born on April 1, 1936, in West Paris, Maine to Norman and Anita Bisbee. A graduate of Staples High School, Westport CT, he attended Brown University and served in the U.S. Army in Alaska. While attending Staples High School, Doug met his future bride Dottie, fell in love and soon married. After his service in Alaska, Doug worked for many years as a supervisor for Beneficial Finance. They had 3 children in Alaska — eventually moving to Alamo, Ca and then on to Cameron Park, where he lived the last 45 years. Doug spent many years in the field of real estate finance, working as Bisbee & Associates. He was forever the entrepreneur-always making sure that he prioritized taking care of his family.
He was involved with many events in the El Dorado County Community. He was the Chief Financial O cer and President of Cameron Park Country Club in 1986. A leader and participant with the installment of the observation platform, The Community Observatory in Placerville, planned by the Rotarians and was a past President of Cameron Park Rotary. He joined Cameron Park Country Club and loved playing golf with his friends and family. Doug had a strong passion for restoring vintage cars. At a young age he learned to drive grandfather’s Model A Ford pickup. He valued old cars, including hot rods, a 1951 Hudson convertible, 1946 Ford, 1929 Plymouth convertible along with Rolls Royce’s. He also raced Austin Healey’s (MGs) on the ice in Anchorage. (He was a bit of a daredevil!)
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dottie Bisbee and his children, Karen and Scott; 3 grandkids Justin, Ashley (Christopher) and Michael; and 1 great-grandchild, Charlotte. Doug is also survived by his brother Larry Bisbee. He is preceded in death by his parents and son Greg. Doug’s legacy will live on in our hearts of all who knew him. We have many memories to warm our days. His generosity, work ethic, and unwavering love for his family and friends left an unforgettable mark on those fortunate enough to be part of his life.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 20, 2025, at 11am at Green Valley Mortuary, 3004 Alexandrite Dr. Rescue, Ca.
SUSAN JOY WEST
Sutter’s Mill Fourth grade
1. Avelyna Lopuga, Camino Polytechnic
2. Logan Neal, Gold Trail
Brisen,
1. Grant Seckington, Gold Trail
2. Brielle Staves, Gold Oak
Above, District 3
3. Bryan Carpenter, Gold Trail Eighth grade
1. Payton Greiner, Mountain Creek Middle School
2. Jocelyn “Jojo” Hudson, Mountain Creek Middle School
3. Rev Amies, Mountain Creek Middle School Ninth grade
1. Samiya Thakur, Oak Ridge 10th grade
1. Priya Abbott, El Dorado
2. Adelle Lisonbee, American River Charter School 11th grade
1. Joleen Berindei, Oak Ridge 12th grade
1. Ariana Thakur, Oak Ridge Open category
1. Phoebe Hill (ninth grade) The Cottonwood School
2. Mattis Layton (third grade) Northside
3. Wyatt Noriega (third grade) Northside
3. Wyatt Little (seventh grade) Gold Trail
Supervisor Brian Veerkamp stands with SAGE Student Map Contest winners in third through fifth grades. Students pictured are from Sutter’s Mill, Camino Polytechnic, Gold Trail, Louisiana Schnell and Gold Oak Schools. In first place: Davey Daley, Avelyna Lopuga, Grant Seckington; second place: Steven Grgich, Logan Neal, Briell Staves; and in third place: Debora Briseno and Avery Thompson (not pictured). At right, Gold Trail seventh grader and first place winner Jacob Neal, right, points to his map of “Most Influential Tanks” as he describes it to District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin. Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene
See more map contest photos on page A10
El Dorado County deputies nab suspected predator
El Dorado County sheriff’s officials announced the arrest of a 32-yearold man on suspicion of possession of child abuse sex material and being a sex offender in possession of child pornography following a welfare check in Lotus on May 13.
“Deputies provided the phone to the HTCU detectives who were able to gain access to the device and uncover digital evidence of offensive images and videos of juveniles,” an EDSO social media post notes.
Michael D’Andrea is being held at the El Dorado County Jail in Placerville with bail set at $400,000. The suspect is described by authorities as a registered, violent sex offender resulting from crimes in another state and on active felony probation out of Placer County. Detectives with the EDSO High Tech Crimes Unit assisted patrol deputies in the arrest after D’Andrea reportedly refused to provide deputies access to his cell phone — a violation of his probation terms.
“The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting children in our community and beyond,” the post continues. “We thank the (residents) of El Dorado County for remaining diligent by reporting concerns to the sheriff’s office and our dedicated investigators for their hard work and diligence in these investigations.”
Anyone with information about suspected child exploitation is asked to report it to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at missingkids.org or contact EDSO directly.
DUI checkpoint coming Saturday
California Highway Patrol
News release
The California Highway Patrol –Placerville will conduct a driving under the influence checkpoint on May 24 in an unincorporated portion of El Dorado County.
“The CHP is committed to removing impaired drivers from our roadways to protect innocent motorists,” said CHP Placerville Area Commander Lt. Rick Hatfield. “A DUI checkpoint is one of the many tools we use to identify and stop drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you’re
EDSO CRIME LOG
The following information was taken from EDSO reports:
NOTE: Due to changes made by the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office to its online records, the reported age and gender of arrested people is no longer available.
April 21
8:38 a.m. Vandalism was reported at a school on Oak Dell Road in Diamond Springs.
10:51 a.m. Burglary was reported on Honeycomb Lane in Shingle Springs.
11:01 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a person suspected of possessing obscene matter of a minor and battery on Truck Street in Placerville. They were listed in custody.
11:29 a.m. Vandalism was reported at a school on Oak Dell Road in Diamond Springs.
12:57 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Sunlight Drive in Diamond Springs.
2:44 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a person suspected of possessing a controlled substance, petty theft with two or more priors, possessing unlawful paraphernalia and violating probation on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. They were listed in custody in lieu of $25,000 bail.
3:40 p.m. Grand theft was reported at a grocery store on Post Street in El Dorado Hills.
6:08 p.m. Battery was reported on Sheridan Road in Cameron Park.
6:22 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Marjorie Way in Pollock Pines.
6:53 p.m. Burglary was reported on South Shingle Road in Shingle Springs.
9:03 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Happy Valley Road in Somerset.
9:34
10:20
April
2:22
thinking about driving impaired — don’t. Make a safe choice for yourself and others.”
Traffic volume permitting, all vehicles passing through the checkpoint will be screened for drivers under the influence. The exact location of the checkpoint will be determined based on areas with a history of DUI-related incidents and arrests.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
6:58
6:05
Photo courtesy of EDSO
Michael D’Andrea
Closure planned as construction continues on Mosquito Road
News release
El Dorado County’s Department of Transportation will be performing structure and drainage work, materials deliveries, crane maintenance, road maintenance and bridge maintenance on Mosquito Road from 0.6 miles north to 0.8 miles south of the Mosquito Bridge.
The construction work will require full closure of Mosquito Road at the gates beginning Tuesday, May 27, and continue through Sunday, Aug. 3, while school is out of session. A detour has been established via Rock Creek Road, for which motorists should expect delays and allow extra time for travel.
The closure is necessary to ensure motorist and worker safety while the county’s contractor performs drainage system installations, structures concrete placements, materials deliveries, crane maintenance and
miscellaneous contract work for the project that is on or adjacent to Mosquito Road. The county DOT Road Maintenance Crew will perform weekly inspections and pothole repairs on Mosquito Road throughout
Jo Carrerow Mountain Democrat correspondent
A community near Sierra-at-Tahoe ski resort, the Phillips area, will now benefit from Title 25, which provides owner-built housing for victims of the 2021 Caldor Fire.
The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors approved the addition of Phillips, which includes approximately 55 cabins, at its May 20 meeting. Supervisors also approved extending the two-year Title 25 pilot program for an additional year, until June 2027.
Title 25 has been in place for a year for the town of Grizzly Flat, with groundbreaking this Friday on the first home being built under the program.
El Dorado County Planning and Building Director Karen Garner said shortly after Title 25 was adopted she heard from a constituent in the Phillips area who was interested in the program.
“I honestly didn’t even realize there were some homes there that had been lost in the Caldor Fire that were privately owned, both houses and land,” she admitted. “Not wanting to leave out our Phillips area, we’re back here today to add this area in.”
Title 25 includes free pre-reviewed plans for a 750-square-foot, two bedroom, one bath home.
The recently released plan had been anticipated by the majority of folks in Grizzly Flat who want to rebuild, Garner explained, “because this is a huge cost savings of not having to design their own structure.”
Garner thanked Placerville architect Peter Wolfe for donating his time to put the plans together.
“They are now ready to go for anybody who wants to use these at no cost,” Garner said. “The only thing that the applicants need to do is submit a site plan of their parcel and where this house is going to sit on their parcel.”
The site plan should show setbacks, septic systems and either a well or hookup to water.
A few weeks ago Garner had gone to Grizzly Flat, along with the county Chief Building Official Don Knight, and met with residents who were interested in using the plans, instructing them on the application process and answering questions.
Caleb Armstrong of Non-Profit Construction Corp. also was there and will be helping build the first home.
Garner said she wants to get the word out to others who would like to take advantage of the program.
According to Garner, one challenge has been survey markers. Some are still there, but others have been removed.
“We’ll work through those issues,” she said.
County Surveyor Brian Frazier said the board had approved funds for the Surveyor’s Office to go out and conduct a complete survey during the aftermath of the fire.
He said Title 25 recipients still need to hire a surveyor, but it would cost less.
“Anybody who needs their corners
the summer closure and year. The county DOT Bridge Crew will perform annual bridge maintenance work on the Mosquito Bridge from Monday, July 7, through Friday, July 25, while the roadway is closed.
All work by the county’s contractor, county DOT Road Maintenance Crew and county DOT Bridge Crew will be left in a condition that will accommodate emergency access at the end of each shift
reset, or found, or whatever, it’s going to make it a lot easier and cheaper,” Frazier said.
District.2 Supervisor George Turnboo asked if they could do the same for the Phillips area.
If the board directed them to do so, Frazier confirmed.
Another issue Garner came across was when a different family member owned the house the fire survivors were living in.
“We’re seeing if we can figure that out and maybe have that family member apply, even though the other folks are going to live in it,” she said.
She cited another couple who had been living in a small accessory dwelling unit-type building on their property. They were just about to apply for permits to build their dream home when the fire hit.
“So I’m trying to gather these stories and possibly see ways we can help,” Garner said.
The Caldor Ordinance allows for RVs, but the ordinance expires in 2026. However, RV owners who have a building permit or a house already under construction can continue to keep living in their RVs on their property, Garner said.
District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin asked Garner what it would take to contact the few hundred people who lost their homes in the Caldor Fire.
“I do feel like we’re navigating in the dark right now,” Parlin said.
“I’ve got multiple staff. We can do that,” Garner said.
Garner said she is also keeping an eye on any state help that may come out of the fires in Southern California.
Turnboo said El Dorado Northern, a mill in El Dorado, will provide lumber at wholesale prices. “That would save them a lot of money,” he noted.
District 5 Supervisor Brooke Laine asked if the problem stemmed from some of the homeowners being uninsured or under insured.
“The problem is they lived in a high fire area and their insurance got canceled is what it is, and they couldn’t get any insurance; they couldn’t even get on the Fair Plan because they only made a minimum amount of money,” Turnboo said, adding that they mostly were on fixed incomes.
“When you’re talking $900 to $1,200 a month, and pay $10,000 in insurance per year. You know, I mean it’s not feasible,” he added.
He referred to when in 2022 the Federal Emergency Management Agency had denied Caldor Fire survivors federal assistance.
“We’re doing everything we can to help these people,” Turnboo said. “It’s just sad that they could not get the individual assistance because that would have helped these people be able to start the rebuild process.”
Laine said one of the biggest problems the Phillips community has experienced is destroyed roadways, partly as a direct result of the fire, but also because of semi trucks traveling to Sierra-at-Tahoe to assist after the fire.
Turnboo said he is still fighting with FEMA to get funding promised for roads in Grizzly Flat.
Diamond Springs resident Wendell
and on weekends in the event of an emergency or evacuation. The exceptions will be during crane maintenance and/or any structural member replacement by the county DOT Bridge Crew that will keep the old Mosquito Bridge closed until the bridge is structurally safe to allow access. The county will update emergency services in advance and daily if any work is needed that will prevent access. In the event of an evacuation, the project and bridge maintenance work will shut down to accommodate emergency services and public traffic.
During the full closure work, project activities adjacent to Mosquito Road will continue to require intermittent reversing traffic controls, flaggers, construction signs, changeable message boards and piloted semi-truck/ trailer loads as needed. Various locations of Mosquito Road will utilize these traffic
Ward, who had brought the Phillips area to the board’s attention, said there were 58 cabins of which three survived. His family had owned their house in Phillips since 1941.
“There have eight rebuilt since the fire,” he said. “To be quite frank about this, and I know none of the people would mind me saying this, they were people who were well-heeled or wellinsured.”
Ward said he thought he knew something about building because his father was in construction.
“The process I’m going through now is of utter shock to me,” he said.
He had paid an engineer to assess structural requirements for a rebuild
controls at various times and dates from Union Ridge Road to Rock Creek Road and may also include the dirt road access to Quintette Fire Station. Unless there is a public safety concern, traffic stops are intended to be 5-10 minutes. Delays could be up to 20 minutes depending upon traffic of slow-moving equipment and wide loads. Traffic will be released as soon as there is safe travel through the work zones. The public should anticipate delays, drive the posted speed limits, stop for flaggers and anticipate slowdowns in work zones.
County officials sincerely appreciate the cooperation and patience of motorists that use these roadway facilities.
For questions regarding this project call the El Dorado County Department of Transportation at (530) 621-5900 (select option 3 for Engineering).
compared to his family’s cabin that was burned in the fire.
“Over 5,000% structurally stronger is what it has to be,” Ward said.
Extending the Title 25 program for survivors of the 2022 Mosquito Fire was also on the agenda, although it wasn’t recommended by Garner.
“Out of the 12, three were reconstructed, three do not plan to rebuild, one was unsure if they will rebuild or not and there was a couple that I wasn’t able to get a hold of,” she said, adding they could always revisit the suggestion if property owners reach out to the county.
OPINION
California Commentary
The lamest excuse for perpetuating the high-speed rail project
Opposition to California’s high-speed rail project keeps mounting.
What began as a $10 billion bond measure to fund a rail project that would travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco has morphed into America’s most embarrassing boondoggle costing hundreds of billions of dollars. Throughout its tortured history, the project’s detractors have been proven right over and over again.
It started with a Due Diligence Report from the Reason Foundation and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association prior to the November 2008 election authorizing the HSR bond. The study concluded, “The CHSRA [California High-Speed Rail Authority] plans as currently proposed are likely to have very little relationship to what would eventually be built due to questionable ridership projections and cost assumptions ...”
As predicted, just three years after the original passage of Proposition 1A authorizing nearly $10 billion in high-speed rail bonds, the estimated cost of the project had gone from $40 billion to $98 billion.
Californians were stunned. Back on its heels, the High-Speed Rail Authority came up with a plan costing “only” $68 billion by relying partially on conventional rail lines. But the new “blended” system plan did little to convince critics that the project wasn’t fatally flawed.
We all saw this coming. The deception was there in plain sight.
Even Quentin Kopp, the former chair of the HSR Authority, turned against it. In litigation challenging the project, he submitted an a davit noting, “This is not what the voters approved.” Likewise, in January of 2018, the San Jose Mercury News, an early endorser of the bond measure, ran an editorial entitled, “Stop the California Bullet Train in its Tracks.”
More recently, this column in December revealed how the Trump administration’s new Department of Government E ciency put the project on its list of expenditures as undeserving of any more federal funding. That was confirmed early last week.
President Trump suggested that the HSR project was so embarrassing that it would render Gov. Gavin Newsom unelectable in a presidential run. “I’ve watched a lot of stupid people build a lot of stupid things, but that’s the worst cost overrun I’ve ever seen,” Trump said. “This government is not going to pay. I told our very great new secretary of Transportation ... we’re not going to pay for that thing.”
The Not So Weekly Daley
“If I’d been president, this war would never have happened.” Ditto ditto ditto … Russia invades Ukraine.
“I will end it on day one.” Ditto ditto ditto … Russia still invading Ukraine.
“I told President Putin, ‘Vladimir, STOP!’” “I told him again on the phone Monday, ‘Vladimir, STOP!’”
Letters to the Editor
Advocacy for older adults
EDITOR:
The most vulnerable among us would never survive the loss of health care and housing. To paraphrase Arundhati Roy: there is no such thing as the voiceless, only the unheard. Please, let us work together, on both sides of the aisle, to find common ground, common purpose. Seniors and people with disabilities matter.
FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ Placerville
Left still in denial
EDITOR:
Tamara Janies wrote a long letter that sounds good unless you read it. She covers the usual left wing bases. She compares the administration to a Nazi regime. Kind of odd when you consider that there are left wing activists on college campuses all over the country promoting the very thing the Nazis worked so hard to achieve with their promotion of antisemitism — her idea of American values, I guess. She says Trump’s “dictatorship” removes personal decisions from the people. Seems that
his getting rid of so many onerous regulations is actually putting more personal decisions in the hands of the people.
She touts support for the justice system. Remember how the left always says no one is above the law? I guess that means except the left as they support illegal immigration and defy federal law that requires cooperation. They break laws by knowingly harboring illegals. Seems that the no one is above the law mantra of the left depends on what law is and who’s breaking it.
She says we can’t get rid of the Department of Education, failing to mention that scholastic achievement in this country has been going steadily downward since its creation. Our own governor won’t let his kids near a public school.
She rails against Musk as unelected. Where was your complaint about the unelected people running the country while Biden slept? The speaker of the House asked Biden in the Oval O ce why he signed a bill and Biden said he never signed it. That should scare you as it means that either Biden didn’t even remember signing legislation or an unelected sta er signed it with an auto-pen. Letters like Ms. Janies’ are only good if read
Vladimir sent 270 drones and missiles into Ukraine on the eve of that Monday phone call. Clearly, Vladimir doesn’t want to STOP.
“If I had been president, this war would never have started.” Hamas attacks Israel and Israel obliterates Gaza.
“I told Bibi to STOP bombing and obliterating Gaza or I will …” (do something.)
“Then I told him a couple more times, ‘Bibi, STOP!’” Obviously, Bibi doesn’t want to STOP.
“I told Mike Pence, ‘If you don’t do this on Jan. 6, I don’t want to be your friend anymore. Overturn the (damn) election, Mike.” As we know, Mike didn’t do what his former friend wanted him to do.
“I will not touch Social Security or Medicare or Medicaid. I’ll never touch Social Security or Medicare or Medicaid. I won’t touch Social Security or Medicare or Medicaid as long as I am the president.” (Well, sure, maybe Medicaid if that’s the best way to save hundreds of billions to cover my tax cuts forever and ever. Most of those suckers don’t vote anyway. No biggly).
Recent estimates shown by numerous news outlets suggest that the proposed level of cuts to Medicaid
Speaking of tens of millions of dollars, how about $45 million for the president’s birthday parade next month. I’m sure that’s on us too.
coverage could seriously impact the health and lives of from 7.6 million to more than 13 million Americans over the next 10 years.
Ironically, a handful of GOP lawmakers currently opposes that element of the president’s “big beautiful (budget) bill.” But no bleeding hearts there. Evidently, they would rather see their more needy neighbors and constituents become even more needy and sicker too. “Cut deeper,” they demand. And while we’re at it, let’s quit giving them all this free food. (Marie Antoinette would agree.)
“Since I am president now, I’ve ordered the Justice Department to pay Ashli Babbitt’s family $ million to settle the wrongful death claim they brought against the government.” Ashli was shot by a federal agent as
she tried to climb through the broken window into the Congressional Lobby Jan. 6, 2021. Democrat, Independent and Republican taxpayers alike are now on the hook for that $5 million.
Note: One third of the loot goes to the Babbitt family lawyers. It’s also been reported that the original claim was for $30 million. We dodged a bullet on that one.
Speaking of tens of millions of dollars, how about $45 million for the president’s birthday parade next month. I’m sure that’s on us too. Note 2: President Trump keeps insisting that he was re-elected in 2020 yet continues to say, “If I’d been president …” ever since then. So which is it?
Chris Daley is a biweekly columnist for the Mountain Democrat.
CHRIS DALEY
JON COUPAL
Only those interests which benefit financially from continued construction of the project are defending it. But their financial gain is the weakest of reasons to throw good money after bad. It’s the taxpayers’ money. Although voters were promised that private investors would provide a big chunk of the funding for high-speed rail, that never happened.
We all saw this coming. The deception was there in plain sight. By starting construction in the Central Valley, the rail authority engaged in the classic Willie Brown strategy. The former Assembly
Letters Continued from A6 with a glass of Kool-Aid or you’re not paying attention.
GEORGE ALGER Placerville
I will show up
EDITOR:
Ialmost didn’t go to the May Day rally at the courthouse steps. I was very tired and still had dinner to cook. I didn’t expect to see a lot of people there and I wondered if being there would do any good.
When I got to the courthouse, dozens of people were already there. More kept showing up and more gathered across the street. Drivers passing
speaker, in a moment of candor, told the San Francisco Chronicle, “In the world of civic projects, the first budget is really just a down payment. If people knew the real cost from the start, nothing would ever be approved. The idea is to get going. Start digging a hole and make it so big, there’s no alternative to coming up with the money to fill it in.”
A spokesperson for Gov. Newsom, in response to President Trump’s statement last week, said basically the same thing: “With 50 major structures built, walking away now as we enter the track-
by rolled down their windows and cheered. Demonstrators carried signs declaring their belief in our Constitution and our Bill of Rights. Eventually, though not official, estimates put the crowd at about 300 people.
We condemned the president for punishing people because they expressed opinions he does not like; for sending people to jail without due process; for hastily sending men to a notorious prison in El Salvador despite a judge ordering that those planes be turned around.
And we expressed more outrage that Trump has defied the Supreme Court and not facilitated the return of the man who was admittedly sent there by mistake. Demonstrators further criticized him for dismantling federal programs without
laying phase would be reckless — wasting billions already invested.”
This statement is a prime example of the “sunk cost fallacy,” defined as a cognitive bias where individuals continue investing in a failing endeavor because of the resources already invested, even when the continuation is not rationally justified.
The governor and the backers of HSR are willfully ignorant of how their toxic embrace of the sunk cost fallacy is harming California.
Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.
understanding those programs and for firing the people who did.
Trump is cruel and inept. He acts like the Bill of Rights and the Constitution do not exist; that being president, he can do anything he wants. I still ask myself if being at the courthouse steps does any good, but whether it does or doesn’t, I am proud to have shared those steps that day and I will continue to show up because it is too important to keep silent.
CONNIE ZELINSKY
Placerville
Another mistake in L.A.
EDITOR:
I’m writing this letter as I see Karen Bass, Los Angeles mayor, was on the news proposing budget cuts that will significantly impact L.A. Animal Services — potentially closing three out of six city shelters and issuing 122 layoffs. A while back Karen cut funding to the Loss Angeles Fire Department and look what happened there. She also gave money to fund a transgender café and put the homeless up in a fancy high rise. But where’s the money for animal shelters that help — with the six already struggling to meet demands? These shelters need to stay open as many animals enter the shelters every day. Having only three shelters is way too low. They need to keep the other shelters open. Why not close some of the other programs?
Announcements
AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 3342970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot.com
AMERICAN ASSOC. OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN Foothills of EDC Branch. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science and Math Camp Scholarships, programs & interest groups. Leave voicemail for Laurel (530) 417-7737 or Sara (530) 4177138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net
AMERICAN LEGION POST 119 welcomes Veterans and guests to attend our monthly membership dinner and meeting the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM. Legionpost119.org
CAMERON PARK NEWCOMERS
CLUB meets the first Wednesday of each month at 10:30 at the Light of the Hills Lutheran Church, 3100 Rodeo Rd., CP, 95682. New and current local community members are welcome for fun and games throughout the month. For further information contact Jill Butler at 530-295-7448.
El DORADO COUNTY AMATEUR
RADIO CLUB Dedicated to all aspects of ham radio. Meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at the El Dorado Sheriff’s office, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net
PLAY CRIBBAGE Join the Gold Country Cribbers 916-212-2465 or 916-768-4452. We Play - We Teach - We Have Fun. Wednesdays 4:00 PM. Gilmore Senior Center 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA Struggling with life? CELEBRATE RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/ DEMOCRATS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Call (530)391-6414 or see
edcdems.org for more information. GOLD RUSH CHORUS now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing four-part harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or Kent (530) 651-3575
Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Monica 530-306-7066. MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets
and third Wednesday of every month, 7pm. Come and enjoy a paid lunch with the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) for CalPERS retirees and spouses.The meetings are held at 11:30 AM on May 19, July 21, September 15 and November 17, 2025 at Denny’s (3446 Coach Lane) Cameron Park. Call 530 919 7515 for programs and information.
SENIOR PEER COUNSELING Seniors 55 and over who are grieving, depressed or having issues related to aging can meet one-on-one with a caring senior, professionally supervised and trained to listen and encourage. Call (530)621-6304 to leave a message and get started.
TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION OF EL DORADO COUNTY Our mission is to educate the public on tax issues that affect them. Our meetings are held every Monday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at Denny’s Restaurant, Fair Lane Drive, Placerville. Meetings are open to the public. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a non-partisan organization.
CONNIE ROSEN Pollock Pines
11:08 p.m. A person allegedly drunk in public was reported on Carson Road in Camino.
April 25
7:47 a.m. Battery was reported on Marshall Road in Garden Valley.
9 a.m. Trespassing was reported on Browns Road in Placerville.
9:15 a.m. Trespassing was reported at a community center on Sanders Drive in Pollock Pines.
9:19 a.m. Trespassing was reported on Pollock Avenue in Pollock Pines.
10:02 a.m. Trespassing was reported at a church on Cold Springs Road in Placerville.
1:03 p.m. Battery was reported at a business on Pleasant Valley Road in El Dorado.
1:26 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Fair Lane in Placerville.
5:06 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a store on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.
5:13 p.m. Battery was
7:51
9:01
10:01 p.m. Vandalism was reported at the county jail on Forni Road in Placerville.
10:07 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Blair Road/Apple Creek Court in Pollock Pines.
11:49 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Happy Valley Road in Somerset.
April 26
11:40 a.m. Trespassing was reported on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.
2:54 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a department store on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills. An arrest was made.
2:54 p.m. Vandalism was reported at a treatment center on Arroyo Vista Way in Placerville.
3:12 p.m. Battery was reported at the county jail on Forni Road in Placerville.
5:43 p.m. Vandalism was reported at a store on Weed Patch Court in Greenwood.
8:02 p.m. Trespassing was reported at an
Yordy. Thirteen Marines would be awarded the Silver Star, including this article’s author’s father, Lance Cpl. Thomas R. Thuesen. Hundreds of others would be wounded, with many succumbing to their wounds of war while still in Vietnam. Thus, upon returning home, Buchanan vowed that the honorable dedication and the esteemed sacrifice that he witnessed would never be forgotten.
On this Memorial Day, the tradition and custom continues at the monument to remember and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The ceremony will include a call to order by the Officer in Charge Capt. Jack Babbit, USMC (Ret.), the sergeant-at-arms will be led by Marine Corps Sgt. Tyler Dennis of the 12th Marine Corps Detachment, Placerville. The ceremonial host will be led by Joseph Thuesen, USMCveteran and commandant of Marine Corps League, SSgt. Sky Mote Detachment 697 of Placerville.
The Eugene L. Carnahan Civil
apartment complex on Sunset Lane in Shingle Springs.
April 27
12:15 a.m. Battery was reported at a motel on Coach Lane in Cameron Park.
3:09 a.m. Trespassing was reported at a car dealership on Mercedes Lane in El Dorado Hills.
2:29 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a park on Monukka Drive in Cameron Park.
2:37 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Roble Court in El Dorado Hills.
April 28
3:55 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Black Oak Mine Road in Garden Valley.
7:43 a.m. Trespassing was reported at a nursing home on Golden Center Drive in Placerville.
10:45 a.m. Burglary was reported at a restaurant on Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park.
11:07 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Weymouth Way in Rescue.
11:19 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Souza Drive in El Dorado Hills.
3:08 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Aksarben Way in Garden Valley.
Air Patrol Cadet Squadron 85 will present the colors, while the National Anthem, along with performances of service anthems and patriotic music, will be sung by the Ponderosa High School Chamber Choir under the direction of Craig Mason. The invocation and benediction will be led by Chaplain Lt. Colonel Tim Thompson, USA (Ret.).
Other elements of the ceremony will include a parade of flags and a Pledge of Allegiance led by representatives from several of the county’s veterans organizations, including the American Legion, the Marine Corps League and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, with support from local scouting and youth groups.
Proclamations will also be read from the state of California, Department of Veterans Affairs, Deputy Secretary for Communications Kate Hoit; the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors, District 1 Supervisor Greg Ferrero; and city of Placerville, Councilmember Jackie Neau.
MEET
Dr. Randy Davey, D.D.S.
3:22 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Bryant Road in Shingle Springs.
3:38 p.m. Battery was reported on Angel Court in Placerville.
3:49 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Greeley Court/Covello Circle in Cameron Park.
6:20 p.m. Burglary was reported on Rock Creek Road in Placerville.
7:42 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Forni Road in Placerville. An arrest was made.
9:19 p.m. Battery was reported at a treatment center on Magpie Court in Placerville.
9:45 p.m. Vandalism was reported at a movie theater on Vine Street in El Dorado Hills.
April 29
10:42 a.m. Burglary was reported at a tire shop on Durock Road in Cameron Park.
12:13 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Little Road in Placerville.
12:18 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a restaurant on Vine Street in El Dorado Hills.
1:20 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Lauren Lane in El Dorado.
5:32 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a person suspected of possessing a controlled substance and unlawful paraphernalia, petty theft with
The El Dorado County Veterans Coalition Scholarship presentation will be led by Committee Secretary/ Treasurer Janet Buchanan, whereby since 2007 more than $100,000 in scholarships have been awarded to El Dorado County high school seniors through the El Dorado County Veterans Coalition – Veterans Monument Scholarship Fund.
This year, during the Memorial Day ceremonies, the Veterans Coalition will award $9,000 in scholarships to graduating students from El Dorado County high schools to further their education: Maddie Breeden, McKinzie Whitney, Kendra Wieland (Cal Poly), Hannah Ferrin (Folsom Lake College then San Diego State), Madison Blair (UC Davis), Ian Merritt (Folsom Lake College) and Tristan Hastings (Folsom Lake College).
In addition, $4,000 in Sky Mote Scholar/Athlete Scholarships will be dispersed. This year, Alexandra Pickett (UC San Diego) and Camden Campora (Chico State) will receive the Sky Mote Scholar/Athlete Scholarship. This scholarship honors SSgt. Mote. Born in Bishop, a native of El Dorado and a 2003 graduate of Union Mine High School. SSgt. Mote joined the Marine Corps in July 2003 and was killed in action in Afghanistan on Aug. 10, 2012.
To qualify for the Sky Mote Scholarship, the student must be the child of a veteran and a member of their school’s cross-country team since SSgt. Sky Mote was a crosscountry athlete when he attended Union Mine High School. Both students are a child of a veteran, as well as members of their school’s cross-country team, excelled scholastically, and took part in many community and school events.
The scholarships are funded through the sale of memorial bricks at the El Dorado County Veterans Monument, community donations and a donation to the Sky Mote Scholar/Athlete Scholarship Fund by the SSgt. Sky Mote Detachment 697 of the Marine Corps League. Memorial bricks may be purchased
originally set for jury trial on May 27, but the trial is dismissed as the defendants pleaded guilty. Sentencing is set for June 16 at 1:30 p.m. at El Dorado County Superior Court.
Guiding Hands School was a private, kindergarten through 12th-grade school in the El Dorado Hills Business Park that served more than 100 children. Max, whose family lived in Davis, had recently been placed there. The school worked with many school districts in the greater Sacramento area to serve students whose needs couldn’t be met at their
two or more priors and shoplifting on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. They were listed in custody
April 30
3:12 a.m.
8:43 a.m.
10:58
11:03
6:46 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Stagecoach Road in Placerville.
8:25 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Scott Road in Placerville.
at The Pool Place on Missouri Flat Road or by contacting the Veterans Alliance/Friends of the Monument, P.O. Box 521, Shingle Springs, CA 95682.
A three-volley rifle salute will be performed by the El Dorado County Veterans Combined Honor Guard with members from American Legion-Post 119, Marine Corps League SSgt. Sky Mote Detachment 697 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Detachments 2680 and 10165.
Additionally, a bagpipes rendition of “Amazing Grace” will be performed by Sgt. Rob Roy, USA (Ret.) and the military tradition of playing “Taps” will be performed by bugler and Vietnam Veteran Victor Mansfield, USMC.
Six newly engraved memorial bricks will be unveiled on Memorial Day: BM2C George Beacom, USN (WWII), E2C Owen J. Carter, USN (Vietnam), Sgt. Sam Cormier, USMC (Desert Storm), SSgt. Philip Vander Dussen, USA (WWII), PO2 Harris Holler, USN (Vietnam Era), and Cpl. Ward Charles Loper, USA (Vietnam). A wreath laying ceremony will be led by OIC Capt. Jack Babbitt, USMC (Ret.). The wreath is provided by the Ponderosa FFA Floral students, under the supervision of Britta Fletcher.
The El Dorado County Veterans Monument has more than 2,000 memorial bricks and monuments representing the military service of El Dorado County residents and their relations from the French and Indian War to the Global War on Terror, including Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. El Dorado County residents may have bricks, memorializing their military service and that of their ancestors, relatives and friends, placed at the Veterans Monument as described at eldoradocountyveterans.org.
The El Dorado County Veterans Alliance/Friends of the Monument is a nonprofit organization, with permission by the county of El Dorado to oversee ceremonies at the El Dorado County Veterans Monument.
home or public schools. Following Benson’s death, the California Department of Education suspended the school’s certification and the school closed in early 2019 after 25 years in operation. Charges against the three defendants were filed in November 2019. The events at Guiding Hands School inspired Senate Bill 483, also known as Max Benson’s Law, which bans the use of prone (face-down) restraint in all California schools. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law in January 2024.
5-0.
Trojans softball back to section title game
Thomas Frey Special to the Mountain Democrat
For the third year in a row Oak Ridge High School varsity softball is headed to California State University, Sacramento, to play in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 1 championship after a walk-off 4-3 victory in the semifinals Tuesday against Tracy.
The Trojans are ranked No. 23 in the nation and trailed Tracy 3-2 heading into the final inning before senior Carmen Montes De Oca scored the game winning run.
“I was jumping up and down,” said Oak Ridge head coach Sam Toy. “Carmen pre-scripted that and said she was going to be the walk-off run.”
The Trojans played Tracy at the beginning of the season and also won when Montes De Oca powered a walk-off home run over the fence.
“Carmen always comes in clutch and she always finds a way to come through,” senior pitcher Ellison Schroeder said.
The opponent on Saturday will be Sierra Foothill League rival Del Oro, the No. 11 team in the nation according to MaxPreps.
“Del Oro is a tough team,” said senior and North Carolina State commit Carly Short. “They’ve got hitters, they’ve got pitching and their defense is solid. We are just going to have to break it open, create those rallies and get that momentum. I think we can take the momentum from this last inning and just carry that with us.”
Short helped get the scoring started against Tracy in the second inning. Junior Aly Watson led off the second with a walk then freshman Berkeley Lampe got a base hit for Oak Ridge.
“It was awesome to see,” Schroeder said. “Seeing people really pull through in big moments is really cool especially when you can see the work they put in all season pay off when it matters most.”
Then Short stepped up to the plate.
“A big thing for me this year is that I don’t need to hit home runs,” Short said. “I need singles. I need RBIs. I don’t really care. As long as my teammates are scoring I’m happy.”
The .389 hitter made good contact and knocked in both runs to give Oak Ridge an early 2-0 lead.
In the circle for Oak Ridge was Schroeder. The Santa Clara commit came into the game with zero earned runs in her previous 38 innings of work and a 0.93 earned run average on the season. Her changeup and screwball were working for her all afternoon as she retired batter after batter.
“Ellison did great,” Toy said. “She was locked in and she’s been ready since yesterday. Tracy got that one big hit but she pitched a great game.” Tracy scored an unearned run in the
COMICS
n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly
n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter
n RUBES by Leigh Rubin
fourth inning to cut the deficit to 2-1.
Then in the top of the sixth, Tracy struck. Trailing 2-1, sophomore Hayden Fell stepped to the plate for the Bulldogs with two outs and one runner on base. The .510 hitter was 0-2 on the day but made perfect contact and hit the ball over the fence.
The Oak Ridge crowd went silent as the Tracy dugout exploded with glee and a 3-2 lead.
“Ellison is very calm in her mind,” Short said. “She doesn’t get stressed or freaked out when there’s a big hit. Every at-bat is the same for her and there is just so much trust.”
Schroeder calmly got through the rest of the frame and then retired the Tracy batters in order in the top of the seventh.
The Trojans had the top of their lineup due up in the bottom half of the seventh inning.
“We were exactly where we wanted to be,” Toy said. “Watching the team run in after coming in from defense, they were confident; you could tell they were gonna win it.”
Short led off the seventh with a hard hit ball that was played perfectly by the defense.
One out.
Then junior Washington pledge Brooklyn Paratore stepped into the batter’s box. The .514 hitter ripped a heater off the shortstop’s glove for a single.
Montes De Oca, who will play with Short at North Carolina State next season, was next up. She battled through the at-bat and drew a walk to put a pair of Trojans on the base paths down 3-2.
With the capacity crowd waiting with bated breath, junior Emery Glaser knocked the ball deep into the outfield. Paratore scored to tie the game and Montes De Oca reached third base on the double by Glaser.
With the game tied 3-3 and one out, sophomore Gemma Almont was next. Almont lined the ball to the outfield. It was caught for the second out.
“As soon as the ball went off her bat I didn’t care where it went, I knew we were scoring,” Short said.
Montes De Oca tagged up and slid her hand into home plate for the victory.
“They had that championship mindset and they made it happen,” Toy said.
The Trojans will go for their third consecutive section championship on Saturday at 4 p.m. at the Sacramento State softball stadium.
In the circle will be Schroeder, who has pitched on this stage twice. As a sophomore she pitched an eightinning complete game masterpiece in the win. As a junior she pitched three innings without allowing a run as Oak Ridge won its second straight title.
“Now it’s time to kind of mentally lock in and prepare for the title game,” Schroeder said. “We are ready.”
n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Try not to linger on the flubs. You’re still in rehearsal. Every mistake, every off note, is shaping the performance — except there is no final performance. This act keeps touring, finding new audiences. It’s a living work, with endless revivals.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’ll case of emotional freezeframe — someone stuck at a stage they were supposed to outgrow a few seasons ago. They have no idea. Try not to laugh. Or do — but follow it up with compassion. Growth is hard.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Every experience strikes a different note in your mind. Reading stimulates one kind of brilliance, watching another. Conversations, quiet moments, even errands shape your creativity in ways you don’t always notice. Stay open. It’s all feeding the art you’ll make.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). Time will tell, or so they say. But which time? Six months from now, you might feel regret. A year from now, you could be elated, grateful it unfolded exactly as it did. Maybe even proud of how you handled the fallout.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’ll field an array of questions. Trust your gut about what kind of energy is behind the inquiry, and don’t feel obligated to engage just because someone’s asking. You set boundaries so delicately that people feel like they’re the ones doing it.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). People will want your input — not because they can’t decide without you, but because they’d rather not. Your presence makes things feel clearer, more intentional. What they’re really after is your attention, your vibe, your energy.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You don’t have to share every part of yourself. Create a space just for you — a small retreat, a corner, a mood. Private time allows you to reconnect with the parts of you that thrive in stillness.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Neutrality is often a peaceful stance, but what’s going on now is different. Your stand can make a difference to someone who needs it. Learn the situation. Defend the defenseless. Plan your next move, but don’t make it yet.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). To follow your idols and linger in their work, hoping to soak in their brilliance, may feel like fun and even like slacking, but it’s not. You’re fueling yourself with inspiration. By studying the greats, you’ll become one.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Criticism reflects on the critic. Those who point out another person’s flaws are implying that, by comparison, they have fewer — which is rarely true. And calling it out? A red flag-sized flaw.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You know this, but it bears repeating: Show, don’t tell. If you merely say the expected things, you’ll get the expected response, and then you’ll get forgotten. But if you entertain them, make them smile, wonder or feel, you’ll have
Photo by Thomas Frey
Senior Ellison Schroeder threw a complete game to help Oak Ridge advance
in the championship twice.
Mindfully enjoy national forests this Memorial Day
U.S. Forest Service News release
Memorial Day weekend, honoring the heroes who gave their lives in military service to this nation, also marks the start of summer visits to national forests. Some sites with lingering snow, road damage or wet conditions may remain closed. Staff continue to use all available resources to open these areas for the public to safely enjoy.
Know before you go. Please review the forest website you plan to visit for access and safety tips. Safety is the U.S. Forest Service’s top priority. Enjoy your visit to national forests by following these tips:
Water safety
• Do not enter cold, rapid water. It may be colder than you realize and dangerous, for you and first responders.
• Never enter the water to rescue a victim. Throw something that floats. Call 9-1-1.
• Do not drive through high waters. Water often moves faster than it appears.
Note your surroundings
Many campgrounds and trails are near lakes and rivers with changing water conditions.
• Be aware of winds and avoid areas with dead standing trees.
• Look up before you choose a trail, park your car, or set up camp.
• No matter how tempting, do not park your car illegally and block emergency vehicle access.
Pack essentials
Always bring food, water, clothes for changing weather, first aid, lights, navigation aid, and a smartphone (but be prepared for reception to be spotty or unavailable). Hikers, riders and campers should give a detailed travel plan and GPS location upon arrival to someone not on the trip, in case of an emergency.
Observe all posted signs and warnings
There may not be barriers or signs at each closed location. Remember, GPS is not always reliable for current closures and conditions. And gates should never be opened when closed, even if GPS shows the best route through the area. Citations may still be issued even if no signs exist when a forest order is in place.
PATRIOT PROFILE
JOSEPH WHEELER
Service: He was a Private in the Continental Army. He answered the call on April 19, 1775
Residence: Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts
Born: 1734/5 in Concord Massachusetts
Died: 1791 in Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts
Joseph Wheeler marched to Lexington with the Revolutionary Army - April 19 - 21, 1775. He was a member of the committees of Correspondence In Worcester 1774 and Watertown 1775. Tradition says he was chaplain to Washington and that he helped lay out the forti cations at Bunker Hill.
Proud Descendant: Mary Alice Ambrose
e National Society of e Daughters of the American Revolution is committed to historic preservation, education and patriotism
Your local Daughters of e American Revolution Chapter is excited to be a part of the America250!
America250’s mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to re ect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation.
You are invited to learn more about your local El Dorado DAR Chapter please contact regent@eldorado.californiadar.org
Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene
Above, District 5 Supervisor Brooke Laine, right, checks out 11th grade student and first place winner Joleen Berindei’s map
“Inventions of America” at the 31st annual SAGE map contest awards ceremony on May 21. Dozens of awards were given for the creative maps designed by local youth. Below, Supervisor Lori Parlin stands with sixth through eighth grade winners of the map contest from Mountain Creek, Gold Trail, Camino Polytechnic schools. First place winners: Ryaneil Malli, Jacob Neal, Payton Greiner; second place winners: Kylee Stigmal, Hadley Chandler, Jocelyn”Jojo” Hudson; and third place winners: Arianna Lopuga, Bryan Carpenter, Rev Armies.
PROSPECTING
Section B ■ mtdemocrat.com
IN THE KNOW
May 24
Episcopal Church of Our Saviour in Placerville will host The Pleasant Valley Boys live in concert at 4 p.m. For reservations call (530) 391-4588. Tickets will also be available at the door.
The California Museum will host its 18th annual California Hall of Fame Exhibition. Explore the lives and legacies of the 18th class of California Hall of Fame in an all-new artifact exhibit featuring photos and memorabilia on loan from inductees’ personal collections. Inductees include Julia Child, Vicki Manalo Draves, Ina Donna Coolbrith, Tina Turner, Mitsuye Endo, Dian Fossey, Alice Piper and more. For more information, visit californiamuseum.org/ california-hall-of-fame/18thclass/.
Mason Entertainment presents, “You Should Be Dancing: A Tribute to the Bee Gees” at 7:30 p.m. at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “A Tribute to the Music of Patsy Cline” starring Joni Morris at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
Join Save the Graves in placing ags on veterans’ graves in Placerville Union Cemetery on Bee Street from 9 a.m. to noon.
May 25
Join Placerville’s Episcopal Church of Our Saviour for a Rogation Day service at the Emmanuel Church in Coloma at 10 a.m. Rev. Deborah Sabino will employ the historical prayer book and liturgy that Rev. Caleb Peirce followed in the 19th century. All are welcome.
Shadow Ranch Vineyards in Fairplay presents The TriTones from 1-4 p.m. For more information visit shadowranch.com.
Celebrate National Wine Day at Fenton Herriott Winery from 3-6:30 p.m. with live music from Tamra Godey. For more information visit fentonherriott.com.
The Grass Valley Center for the Arts presents Ronstadt Revolution at 3 p.m. For tickets and more information visit thecenterforthearts.org.
Rhythm Section Entertainment presents Big Mike Hart Modern Classic Tour at 7:30 p.m. at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter. net or call (916) 608-6888.
May 29
Paramount Entertainment presents the Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular at 7:30 p.m. at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
May 30
Broadway At Music Circus presents “Million Dollar Quartet” at 7:30 p.m. running through June 5 at the UC Davis Health pavilion in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 557-1999 or visit broadwaysacramento.com.
Entertainment Events
■ See KNOW,
Artists walk on the wild side
D. Lee Reyes Gold Country Artists Gallery
Gold Country Artists Gallery, an awardwinning artists’ cooperative located in Placerville, is featuring the work of Barbara Davies, Eden Halbert and Michael Rea in the month of May.
Barbara Davies
Davies won an art contest in third grade, fueling a lifelong passion for drawing, painting and sculpting.
A scholarship to a Boston art school provided her with the opportunity to study the work of the old masters and contemporary artists, confirming that being a full-time artist would be a part of her life journey. She spent time during her career traveling and vacationing throughout the U.S. and cities in France, Germany, Italy and England, to draw and paint. She is especially passionate about capturing the cafes, piazzas and storefronts of European villages where the ancient seems to blend seamlessly with the modern.
Eventually, her overwhelming passion for art and her need to create it prompted her to enroll as a full-time student at the California College of the Arts. She earned degrees in illustration and painting and pursued her teaching credentials. She taught art in school for eight years before opening her own gallery and studio in Danville, where she sold her work and taught painting classes to children and adults.
On a trip to Tokyo, she came across an artist painting koi fish onto resin. She was immediately entranced, and set about to learn the process. She became very proficient at creating what she calls resin koi ponds. These lovely works of functional art entice the viewer to pick them up and look deeply into the little “ponds” populated by 3D fish, shells and flowers.
Her process is very time-consuming, she explained. She selects a vessel, perhaps a large scallop shell, a serving tray or even a ceramic or wooden bowl made by another artist in the gallery. She begins by pouring a layer of resin, which she allows to cure.
“Then I paint the bottom layer of the fish, usually white or silver,” she said. “I plan out the layers, as I build them up from that.”
She places gravel or sand to mimic the bottom of a pond, adding other details like lily pads and tiny
flowers. She adds another layer of resin, which must be carefully handled, including getting the right temperature to avoid creating defects such as air bubbles. She paints another layer of the fish, and pours more resin, building up to six layers of fish, while adding more ornamentation, and giving each layer time to cure. When she is finished, she has a tiny world where a koi looks as if it is alive, swimming around in its little pond.
For her coasters, she actually shapes tiny koi fish to place in the resin, along with dainty flowers she dries herself. The coasters are clear all around so when viewed from the side, one actually sees whole little fishes floating in the medium. Staring down into her little pond scenes is a mesmerizing experience. All of her resin work is food safe, she said, although it may seem di cult for the purchaser of her “functional art” to imagine using it for such mundane purposes as setting a drink on it.
Davies continues to teach art locally. Her work is exhibited in several galleries and treasured in many personal collections.
Eden Halbert
Halbert has spent the last 20 years attempting to bring a bit of “the wild” back to other people in the form of photographs, sharing a glimpse of the natural world through her eyes. She has always been involved with animals, especially dogs and horses. She explains that her interest in photography began early, and as photography evolved into the digital era, her skills did as well, and she has been able to turn her love of nature into a business, Sierra Luna Photography. She has continued to challenge herself with di erent techniques, but her true gift is her understanding of light, and how to harness it for e ect.
Halbert’s goal is more than just snapping a
photo. For wild horses, she most often goes to Utah, to a particular area many times over the years.
“It would be a mistake to try to photograph them without understanding the place they are in, because that shapes them and it shapes their behavior,” she explained. “I know that land so well, I know the habits of the horses, where they go for water. You must be ready —
tracking, observing behavior, planting yourself strategically, anticipating — becoming familiar with the light and the landscape.”
She was ready when a fast-moving group passed her by, the light pouring onto them, making them almost glow. In another image she caught a dappled gray as it flew by her, in the precise moment it had all four hooves o
the ground like Pegasus about to take flight, with mane, tail and bunched muscles barely containing its energy, an amazing moment in time. She said her favorite places to be are bellydown in the snow in -30 degrees F photographing foxes, coyotes, wolves, bison and other wildlife she has tracked for hours or
“Glow” by Eden Halbert
Living live at the El Dorado Hills Town Center
Nights at Regal Theater.
Upcoming schedule
May 27 —
Musician Eddie Otero, sponsored by Cold Stone Creamery
June 3 — DJ Elizabeth Terry, sponsored by Creamy’s by Cayla
Jordan
Theater Plaza Tuesdays — Live Music & Food Favorites
Join the Town Center every Tuesday through early fall as Theater Plaza collaborates together to provide food, music and community fun. Celebrate 20 years of Regal Theater in El Dorado Hills — two employees have been with Regal since its opening. Enjoy small bites from local restaurants, live music, giveaways and special $1 Summer Movie Express
June 10 — Live DJ, sponsored by Encanto Cocina & Tequila Bar
June 17 — Musician CJ Washington, sponsored by The Mimosa House
June 24 — Live music, sponsored by Nibbler’s Popcorn Company
Live on the Boulevard — Summer Concert Series
Don’t miss the Live on the Boulevard series with incredible
Learn to live and move with Arthritis
The Healthy Living Session No.
4 is being presented by the Church of the Nazarene on Sunday, June 1. If you have missed any of the other Healthy Living sessions, it is still not too late to begin learning about how to care for your health. The focus of these classes is to help us get better, feel better and live better. A local physician, Dr. Mark Mansour, Board Certified Rheumatologist, will be speaking on the topic of Living and Moving with Arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that affects 60,000,000 men, women and children in the U. S. It is the number one cause of disability in the United
States and is not just an old person’s disease. Now is the time to learn how to identify varying manifestations of the disease with a focus on managing to minimize pain and disability.
The class will take place on June 1 from 1:30- 3 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene at 6040 Mother Lode Drive, Placerville. To register and get more information on the program, contact Ruth O’Shea, RN, Faith Community Nurse at (530) 305-5402.
The El Dorado Health Ministries Association will be serving a free lunch to all individuals registering before May 26. The lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m., just prior to the class session.
concerts every Thursday evening through September. Enjoy great music, great food and an incredible atmosphere.
Concert lineup
June 12 — Island of Black and White
June 19 — Twist on Taylor – Tribute to Taylor Swift
June 26 — Mania! Live Beatles Experience
July 3 — Big Crush
July 10 — One of These Nights –Songs of The Eagles
July 17 — SuperBad
July 24 — Locked Out of HeavenBruno Mars Tribute
Aug 7 — Nathan Owens Motown & Soul Revue
Aug 14 — Rock Monsterz
Aug 21 — Summer Night City – The ABBA Tribute
July 3rd Fireworks and Freedom Concert
Get ready for the 2025 Fireworks and Freedom Concert at El Dorado Hills Town Center. Join the Town Center on July 3rd for a free concert featuring the amazing Big Crush Band and an incredible display of fireworks. Celebrate Independence Day with great music, food and the best pyrotechnics in the area. With a variety of new businesses and ongoing events, El Dorado Hills Town Center is the place to be this summer. For more information on events and upcoming promotions, visit edhtowncenter.com.
Concert Association announces season
News release
The El Dorado County Community Concert Association has finalized its 2025-26 season lineup. All concerts take place at Union Mine High School’s theater at 6530 Koki Lane, El Dorado. All concerts start at 7 p.m. The January and February concerts are scheduled on weekends with a 3 p.m. start time.
Lineup
• Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 — Neave Trio
• Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 — WindSync
• Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026 — Rhythm
Future Quartet
• Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026 — PIANOMANIA!
• Tuesday, March 24, 2026 —
House of Hamill
• Thursday, April 2, 2026 — Johnny Cash Tribute
The El Dorado County Community Concert Association, established in 1950, is the oldest performing arts organization in El Dorado County. Its mission is to support the community and provide a variety of outstanding live musical entertainment at affordable prices. Its vision is to keep quality music alive for future generations in El Dorado County. For more information or to become a member call (530) 409-8945.
Carmichael Park Community Band Festival is coming for two days
News release
The Sacramento Valley Symphonic Band Association returns to its annual Carmichael Park Community Band Festival at the Carmichael Park Amphitheater. With 18 bands and ensembles, this has been one of the largest community band festivals in California for over 30 years. There will be music from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 31 and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 1, a different band every hour on the hour. Bring the entire family, a picnic, lawn chairs, a sun hat and enjoy two lovely afternoons of free music. Admission and
parking are free for this event. The event is sponsored by the Sacramento Valley Symphonic Band Association and the Carmichael Recreation and Park District.
Lineup
Saturday, May 31
11 a.m. — The Sacramento Youth Band Noon — Winds of Faith
1 p.m. — Elk Grove Community Concert Band
2 p.m. — Rancho Cordova River City Concert Band
3 p.m. — Solano Winds
4 p.m. — Sacramento Symphonic Winds
5 p.m. — Salvation Army Band
6 p.m. — Fred Morgan Big Band
Sunday, June 1
10 a.m. — Yolo Community Band
11 a.m. — Roseville Community Concert Band
Noon — Pittsburg, Vallejo, and Diablo Community Bands
1 p.m. — Capitol Pops Concert Band
2 p.m. — Amador County Concert Band
3 p.m. — Sacramento Concert Band
4 p.m. — Joyous Brass
5 p.m. — Citrus Heights Community Marching Band
6 p.m. — Ben Ali Temple Shrine Band
7 p.m. — Capital City Concert Band
The event will take place on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1 at Carmichael Park, 5750 Grant Ave. in Carmichael. For more information visit svsba.net.
See legendary film scores come to life
News release
Folsom Lake Symphony’s season finale takes center stage with Movies with the Maestro on June 7 at 7:30 p.m. and June 8 at 2 p.m. a Hollywood hit parade bringing to life the most legendary film scores. Feel the heartpounding excitement of “Rocky,” the playful jazz of “Catch Me If You Can” and the whimsical charm of “Howl’s Moving Castle.” Soar through space with the epic “Main Title” from “Star Wars,” then dive into the romantic melodies of “La La
Land” and the sweeping grandeur of “Lawrence of Arabia.” Relive the timeless drama of “Gone with the Wind” before moving on with the jazzy, high-energy action of “The Incredibles” — plus many more iconic themes from the silver screen. With critically acclaimed film scores spanning blockbuster history, this unforgettable season finale is a must-see event for movie lovers and music fans alike. Join Folsom Lake Symphony for a thrilling send-off to an incredible season — experience the magic of Hollywood live in concert. Guest artists for this program are Jonathan HultingCohen, saxophone,
Michael Downing, vibraphone, and a special appearance by soprano Bianca Orsi. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888.
Call for film festival submissions open
ilm submissions for the 2026 Wild & Scenic Film Festival are now open via Film Freeway.
South Yuba River Citizens League’s 24th annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival welcomes the submission of shorts and feature films about nature, community activism, conservation, intentional adventure, health, water, energy, climate change, wildlife, environmental justice, food and farming.
Each year, WSFF chooses a theme to help guide the direction and focus of the festival season. While all relevant film submissions are welcomed, WSFF always appreciates when there are ties to the annual theme. As arts and science organizations navigate the tumultuous national landscape, WSFF has selected Mobilize as the 2026 theme.
Wild & Scenic’s objective is to inform, inspire and ignite solutions and possibilities to restore the earth and human communities while creating a positive future for the next generation, all through stellar filmmaking, beautiful cinematography and first-rate storytelling. Submissions will be accepted in three categories: Environmental, Adventure and Student Film.
Important dates
Early bird deadline — July 18: $40
Regular deadline — Aug. 15: $50
Late deadline — Sept. 30: $65
Event date — Feb. 19-23, 2026. Wild & Scenic is a fundraiser for The South Yuba River Citizens League, an environmental nonprofit. Only a limited number of fee waivers will be available and cannot be guaranteed. For more information visit wildandscenicfilmfestival.org.
Courtesy photos
Jonathan Hulting-Cohen, above, Michael Downing, above right, and Bianca Orsi, right, will be guest artists.
Creedence Clearwater Revelation coming to Harris Center
Starbright Entertainment News release
FOLSOM — Starbright Entertainment presents Creedence Revelation featuring Randy Linder at Harris Center for the Arts on May 31. The presentation by Linder and his band as a tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival is second to none. They have entertained audiences from California to New York with the beloved hits that came from CCR between 1968 and 1972 and a few of John Fogertys’ solo hits.
Linder has attained national and international status since developing this salute to Fogerty and CCR in 2000. Past performances include several Las Vegas engagements, shows in Guam and a show in Mexico with an audience of 14,000 CCR fans.
Linder’s authenticity shines through with the visual resemblance, the voice, the lead guitar style and even the rockin’ blues harp played by Fogerty in some of those early CCR hits. Audience members will walk away from this show having absorbed the energy
Wild Continued from B1
days. She describes her work as a quest to find and depict the essence of everything she sees, and create images that evoke feelings rather than simply show a pretty postcard view. With wild foxes, that might result in a soulful or intimate portrait, or an urgent burst of action. Foxes hunt by sound in the winter, she explained, so it is essential that she be as much a part of the landscape as possible, something not worth noticing.
“In the wild, conservation of energy is vital, any sound I make might startle my subject causing them to run away,” Halbert said. “That expenditure of energy could cost them their life.”
Halbert could never have predicted that she would one day be a professional photographer.
“I would have laughed,” she said. “Now that I’m here, this is the only place I should be.”
Michael Rea
Rea grew up in Oregon. His mentor recognized his artistic talent as a teenager, and she introduced him to a variety of media including pencil, pastel, ink, charcoal, watercolor and oil. Her emphasis on strong drawing skills laid a substantial foundation upon which he built his own style. Although he decided to major in chemistry in college, he kept his brush dipped in paint whenever he could, spending his breaks painting on location with his teacher, who provided him with a display space in her own gallery, Higher Ground. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry and his teaching credential, always enrolling in art classes to expand his artistic skills. He was teaching science to high schoolers when an unexpected opportunity arose for him to head the art department. The program flourished under his guidance, growing from 40 to 120 students in just a few semesters. For many years Rea continued to head the Division of Arts and Sciences, teaching at both the high school and the college level. He never stopped painting, and he committed his support for the arts through his involvement with various galleries and art associations, as well as exhibiting his work at art shows and festivals. Rea and his wife traveled extensively, but discovered that their favorite destinations were places in nature. Influenced by his love of the outdoors, his work as
of a full-blown rock ‘n’ roll concert and with a renewed interest in a singer/songwriter who played a huge roll in shaping American music culture.
“It is always our goal to offer only top talent entertainment for the concerts we produce,” according to John Zurflueh, owner of Starbright Entertainment. “A few years ago I had worked with Mark Allen of Nor Cal Productions in Redding, who introduced me to Randy Linders’ tribute to Creedence. He told me that Randy Linder was always his top selling show, so subsequently I
a science educator, and his passion for painting, Rea takes pleasure in depicting scenes from nearly every National Park in the western United States and Canada.
What many people ask him about his process is whether he uses photographs for his paintings. He said that about 90% of his work is from his collection of images, photographs he takes himself. Rea explains that although he enjoys painting en plein air — the technique of painting in the open air — it is not always practical, so he does use photographs of a scene for later reference in his studio. He explains the things that catch his eye are the colors in a landscape, how light impacts a scene, points of interest like an oddly shaped boulder, the reflections on water or the wild animals that inhabit the environment. One of his favorite settings is Grand Teton National Park. On one trip, he spotted a pair of moose, which he painted into a landscape with aspens in early morning light. He warms the scene with yellow wildflowers in the foreground.
He loves to paint bears. He came across a family of black bears, with one of the baby bears draped over the top of a large rock, while the mama bear stared in Rea’s direction.
“I really love the colors here,” he said. “They work so well to highlight the bears.”
His attention to the uplift of their fur, the expressions on their faces and the relevant placement of the aspen trees in the background demonstrate his skills with palette and brush. He honors this place he loves by placing a great deal of thought into how he presents the stories in his paintings.
produced a few shows for him and was so impressed with his performance. It was simply so much fun and the songs were spot on. I am extremely confident that you will really enjoy this tribute to the great music of John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival and would encourage everyone to see it.”
The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway on the Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.
In a daring move, he decided to paint a self portrait with the animals.
“The story here is that I am always painting them,” he said, “but isn’t it fun to have them watching me for a change?”
In addition to being an award-winning teacher, he is also a published author of fiction and non-fiction books. His artwork can be found in collections around the world.
Gold Country Artists Gallery features the
Courtesy photo
Randy Linder and his band will present a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute like no other in Folsom on May 31.
“Ryuki Close Up” by Barbara Davies
“Black Bear Family” by Michael Rea
the funniest man alive, because his momma told him so. Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge, 1207 Front Street, Sacramento. laughsunlimited@ gmail.com, 916-446-8128
Grand Opening @ 10am / $10 Grand Opening: 18th An‐nual California Hall of Fame Artifact Exhibition Saturday, May 24, 2025 | California Museum Cali‐fornia Museum, 1020 O Street, Sacramento. muse uminfo@californiamu seum.org, 916-653-7524
Performance Tribute to Jazz Legend Mark Izu @ 2pm / Free A powerful afternoon of Japanese/ Japanese American Jazz, evoca‐tive storytelling, puppetry, and dance Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco. bluescott260@hotmail.com
Matthew Balling @ The Sacramento County Fair @ 2pm Sacramento County Fair, 1600 Ex‐position Blvd, Sacramento Crys Matthews: Sacramento, CA @ 7pm Bootleg Music Cafe & Tiki Lounge, Sacramento
VITAL POWERS: SoFar Sounds In The Bay @ 7:30pm 16th & Mission, 16th St, San Fran‐cisco
Meredith Edgar: 12 STRING ROULETTE @ THE RITE SPOT
@ 8:30pm Rite Spot Cafe, 2099 Folsom St, San Francisco
The Emo Night Tour @ 9pm The Independent, San Francisco 1 to 1 @ 9pm Public Works, 161 Erie St, San Francisco
ALMAS @ 9pm Public Works, 161 Erie St, San Francisco
Make Up & Mimosas: Disney Drag Brunch at Good Luck Lounge @ 10am Ace of Spades, Sacramento
Make Up & Mimosas: Disney Drag Brunch at Good Luck Lounge @ 1pm Ace of Spades, Sacramento
Red Wood @ 1pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
ELeNAH Reggae: Carnaval SF 2025 @ 1:30pm 22 st & Harrison, San Francisco
Gaucho at Brenda's @ 5pm Brenda's French Soul Food, 652 Polk St, San Francisco
Candlelight: Rings and Dragons @ 6:45pm / $33 California State Railroad Museum, 125 I St, Sacramento. fever@ eventvesta.com
Guajirón: Cuban Jam Session & Salsa Dance Party w/ Guajiron @ 7pm Bissap Baobab, 3372 19th St, San Francisco
Alex Jor‐dan: Bot‐tleRock Napa Val‐ley 2025 @ 7pm Napa Valley Expo, 575 3rd St, Napa awakebutstillinbed @ 8pm Great American Music Hall, 850 O'‐Farrell St., San Francisco
Maggie Gently @ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
Audio1 @ 10pm Rick & Roxy's, 2131 Lombard St, San Francisco
Memorial Day Program @ 9:30am This year's Memorial Day Pro‐gram is brought to you by the Davis Cemetery Dis‐trict and the Davis Odd Fellows. Davis Cemetery District & Arboretum, 820 Pole Line Road, Davis. jess@daviscemetery.org, 530-756-7807
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel @ 11am Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion Air - Art you can feel @ 11:45am Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel @ 12pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel
@ 12:30pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel
@ 12:45pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
The Saloon - Peter Lindman Duo with Roger Rocha (4 Non Blondes)
@ 4pm The Saloon, 1232 Grant ave, San Francisco
Rich Ruth @ 7pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
Madeline Edwards @ 8pm The Chapel, 777 Valencia St, San Francisco
Jack White @ 8pm Channel 24, 1800 24th Street, Sacramento
5/27
Beginning + Intermediate Tai Chi @ 10am Tai chi classes for beginning and intermediate practitioners at the Davis Arts Center Davis Arts Cen‐ter, 1919 F Street, Davis. tina�t ness68@gmail.com
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel
@ 12:15pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel @ 12:30pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Paul Steward
@ 6:30pm Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason St, San Francisco
Dave Ricketts Music: Dave Ricketts & Friends at The Sea Star @ 7pm The Sea Star, 2289 3rd St, San Francisco
Parade (Touring) @ 7:30pm
Friday May 30th
Crescent Moon at Hooby's Brewing @ 5:30pm Hooby's Brewing, 9 East Main Street, Winters. mzintvio lin@gmail.com Crescent Moon is rocking out on the patio at Hooby's Brewing on Main Street in downtown Winters! Come out to hear the duo playing your favorites from rock, folk, and country. ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Joe
Dave
on CBS. Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge, 1207 Front Street, Sacramento. laughsunlimited@ gmail.com, 916-446-8128 Justin Farren: With Kora Feder! @ 7pm The Side Door, 2900 4th Ave, Sacramento Gaucho at Comstock Saloon @ 8pm Comstock Saloon, 155 Columbus Ave, San Francisco Lupi @ 9pm Monarch, 101 6th St, San Fran‐cisco
Authenticity: Kanpai Lounge Residency Opening Weekend @ 9:30pm Kanpai Sushi Lounge, 222 Mason St, San Francisco
44th Escape From Alcatraz
presents “Girls Night! The Musical” at 8 p.m. at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
May 31
Join Save the Graves for headstone cleaning at Placerville Union Cemetery on Bee Street from 9 a.m. to noon. Training provided.
The Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera presents Celebrating a Decade: Mahler’s “Titan” at 7:30 pm at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center. For tickets and more information call (916) 476-5975 or visit sacphilopera.org.
Join the Sacramento Valley Symphonic Band Association for the Carmichael Park Community Band Festival starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday. For more information visit svsba.net.
Join the American Indian Education program and Marysville Joint Unified School District for the 43rd annual Yuba-Sutter Pow Wow at Yuba College, Marysville campus. The event is from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information email pbennett@mjusd.k12.ca.us or call (530) 749-6196.
Starbright Entertainment presents Creedence Revelation Featuring Randy Linder Songs of Creedence Clearwater Revival at 8 p.m. at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
June 6
The Olde Coloma Theatre presents “Liars, Lawyers & Laughingstocks” ...or…
“Putting Coloma Back on the Map” at 7 p.m. and running through July 6. For tickets and more information, go to oldecolomatheatre.com.
Big Idea Theatre in Sacramento presents “The Grown Ups” at 7 p.m. and running through June 28. For tickets and more information visit bigideatheatre. org.
June 7
The Shingle Springs-Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce will host Thunder in the Park Car & Motorcycle Show from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cameron Park Lake. For more information call (530) 677-8000 or visit sscpchamber. org.
Sew4Vets is participating in a Neighborhood Yard Sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 3166 Collingswood Drive, El Dorado Hills. Gorgeous quilts at discounted prices and other handmade items will be available available.
Join the Master Gardeners for a free public tour on the first Saturday of each month, starting at 9 a.m. After the approximately one-hour tour, wander around the sixteen individual gardens at your own pace or ask docents for help and more information. May be closed for inclement weather or poor air quality; check before visiting: ucanr.edu/ sites/EDC_Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden/. Parking permits are required, purchase a $2 permit at any kiosk. At the Sherwood Demonstration Garden, 6699 Campus Drive, Placerville.
Join the Assistance League of the Sierra Foothills for the Gardens of the Hills garden tour and fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the same time on Sunday. For tickets and more information visit assistanceleague.org/sierrafoothills.
Join the El Dorado County Republican Party at 6 p.m. for the Summer Under the Stars Party at Mohanna Family Ranch. For more information call (530) 417-0807.
The Folsom Lake Symphony presents “Movies with the Maestro” at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information visit folsomlakesymphony.com.
June 8
The Shingle Springs-Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce will host The Thunder in the Park Classic Car Show from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information call (530) 677-8000 or visit sscpchamber.org.
June 12
The California Bluegrass Association presents the Father’s Day Bluegrass festival at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing daily through June 15. For tickets and more information visit fathersdayfestival.com.
June 13
Britain’s Finest — the complete Beatles experience will perform at 8 p.m. at Sutter Creek Theatre in Sutter Creek. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheatre.com.
June 14
Mellowood Vineyard in Somerset will host Shauna Lea and Hired Guns Band from 2-6 p.m. Visit mellowoodvineyard.com for more information.
Now Watercolor Artists of Sacramento Horizons welcome all watermedia artists over age 18 to enter its annual open exhibition “Go With the Flow 2025.” Submissions accepted through June 21 at 5 p.m. For more information visit sacramentowatercolor.org.
The Mills Station Arts and Culture Center in Rancho Cordova presents “Collective Concerns: Collage and Assemblage” on view through May 24. For more information visit rcmacc.org.
Imagination Theatre at the El Dorado Fairgrounds presents “The Importance of Being Earnest” through May 25. For tickets and more information visit itplacerville.org.
B Street Theatre in Sacramento presents “The First Adventures of the Hardy Boys” through May 25 at The Sofia in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.
The Stage at Burke Junction presents “Waiting for Godot” through June 1. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.
Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “The Reluctant Dragon” through June 8. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
Capital Stage in Sacramento presents “Unseen” through June 8. For tickets and more information call (916) 995-5464 or visit capstage.org.
Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento presents Marvin Lipofsky Blows Glass through Aug. 17; Black & Gold – Traditional and Contemporary Japanese and Chinese Ceramics through Dec. 31, 2025; and Pueblo Pottery – Native American Pottery and Sculpture through Dec. 31, 2030. For more information visit crockerart.org.
Registration is now open for the 42nd Bob West Drive for Marshall. For more information or to register visit marshallfound. org/golf-registration/?blm_ aid=30898.
Booth reservations are now available for the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce’s Business Showcase and I LOVE Film Mixer on June 27. For more information or to register your business visit eldoradocounty. org.
Monday Club Bridge seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant on Fair Lane in Placerville at 10 a.m. For more information call (530) 622-1180.
The Master Gardener public
office is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon at 311 Fair Lane, Placerville. Have a gardening question or problem? Come in and chat. Bring a cutting or insect in a baggie or a picture. Can’t come in person? Call (530) 621-5512 and leave a voicemail or email mgeldorado@ucanr.edu.
Illness El Dorado County offers free, in-person family support groups 6-7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month in Placerville. For more information visit namieldoradocounty.org.
Check out Placerville Cars and Coffee every Saturday, 7-9 a.m. at Lions Park. Hang out with other car enthusiasts.
EDH Cars and Coffee invites car people to meet up and hang out Saturdays, 7-9:30 a.m., rain or shine, in the right-side parking lot of the Regal movie theater in El Dorado Hills Town Center. The motto is “If it rolls, it goes.”
Blu Nightclub inside Bally’s Casino will host free dance parties every Saturday night with
a rotating array of renowned,
West Coast DJs presented by Late-Nite Productions. Free admission (excluding live concerts) every Saturday night from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. For more information visit lateniteproductions.com.
The Coloma Community Market takes place 1-4 p.m., drizzle or shine, the second and fourth
National Alliance on Mental
Experience Britain’s Finest – The Beatles Experience
News release
The nationally touring Beatles tribute show, Britain’s Finest – The Beatles Experience, with young and energetic cast members capturing the feel and sound of the greatest rock ‘n roll era of all-time will play at Sutter Creek Theater in Sutter Creek on June 13. The Beatles created and played some of the most memorable pop music ever written featuring great vocals and highly original
arrangements of guitar, bass and drums. The band shaped the pop culture of yesterday and today, started “Beatlemania” and even “Britishmania” and ultimately became the greatest rock ‘n roll band of all time.
Britain’s Finest delivers a show that captures the spontaneity, charm, wit and youthful appearance of The Beatles, as if they’d just walked o the set of their appearance on The Ed Sullivan
show, performing in period-perfect costumes that capture the look of the band in their heyday. The highenergy performances of Britain’s Finest show the enthusiasm that the Beatles had during their iconic 1960’s performances. Britain’s Finest truly stirs up the fresh, energetic rawness which only The Beatles in person brought in the past.
Britain’s Finest concerts also feature witty on-stage banter, which combines best-
loved Beatles quotes with time-traveling antics (using an iPhone on the stage but not really “understanding” it) combines their stellar performances with a knowing nod-and-awink.
The award winning historic Sutter Creek Theatre is an intimate 215 seat former silent film theater with superb sound.
The show will take place on June 13 at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information visit suttercreektheater.com.
News release
The Double D’s will will play at Sutter Creek Theater in Sutter Creek on June 21.
Doug Sandall And Dale Poune have been writing and performing songs for three years. Together they give audiences colorful stories, humor and original songs. Sandall has gained recognition for his mastering of the harmonica and guitar in California and Nevada.
The show will take place on June 21 at 7 p.m. at the Sutter Creek Theater
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Britain’s Finest delivers a show that captures the spontaneity, charm and wit of The Beatles.
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This Duo is an audience favorite everywhere they go.
Catch a Broadway hit at the Harris Center
The Harris Center for the Arts is thrilled to present its 2025-26 Broadway Series. It will include six show-stopping productions — including a 9-time Tony award-winning sensation, the ultimate whodunit thrill ride and a razzledazzling musical you won’t stop talking about. Don’t miss a moment of the magic — it’s going to be a season to remember.
Series lineup
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Nov. 6-9, 2025
Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage. Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Whos, an endlessly cheerful bunch bursting with holiday spirit. Celebrate the holidays with the show The New York Times calls “100 times better than any bedtime story.”
Chicago
Nov. 18-23, 2025
“Chicago” is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz, with one
showstopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen.
In the whirlwind of Chicago’s Jazz Age, two of the Cook County Jail’s most notorious murderesses — vaudeville star Velma Kelly and chorus girl Roxie Hart — become fierce rivals as they compete for headlines amidst a media frenzy.
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical
Jan. 15 -18, 2026
An uplifting comeback story like no other, “Tina — The Tina Turner Musical” is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. Set to the pulsepounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this electrifying sensation will send you soaring to the rafters.
“Tina − The Tina Turner Musical” is recommended for ages 14 and over. The production includes scenes depicting domestic violence, racist language, loud music, strobe lighting, haze and gun shots.
The Book Of Mormon
February 17-22, 2026
The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.” And Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.” Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show calls it “Genius. Brilliant. Phenomenal.” It’s “The Book of Mormon,” the ninetime Tony award winning Best Musical.
This outrageous musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the good
Nether Hour brings the swagger to the Boathouse in Tahoe
News release
Nether Hour will play at the Boathouse Theatre on Friday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Kick off the season with an electrifying night of gritty Southern soul and Texas swagger. Hailing from Austin, Nether Hour blends funk, blues and rock into a raw, high-energy sound that’s made waves on the Kill Tony podcast and beyond. This is their first Tahoe appearance — don’t miss your chance to see them before they blow up. Down in the heart of Austin, where the music runs thicker than the heat, there’s a band that’s been making some serious noise. They call themselves Nether Hour, and they’ve been turning every dive bar and backroad
juke joint into a fullblown musical revival. The band is a trio of unapologetic rebels, each one a powerhouse of sonic defiance. The show will take place on June 6 at 7:30 p.m. For ticlkets and more information visit valhallatahoe.com or call (530) 541-4975.
word. With standing room only productions in London, on Broadway and across North America, “The Book of Mormon” has truly become an international sensation. Contains explicit language.
Clue: Live On Stage!
March 5-8, 2026
Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget. Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the fan-favorite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.
Mrs. Doubtfire
May 22-24, 2026
“Mrs. Doubtfire” is a special add-on performance, not included in the regular subscription, but it’s too good to miss. A new musical comedy about the things we do to stay together.
Out-of-work actor Daniel Hillard will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the kindly alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. As his new character takes on a life of its own, Mrs. Doubtfire teaches Daniel more than he bargained for about how to be a father. A hysterical and heartfelt story about holding onto your loved ones against all odds, Mrs. Doubtfire is the musical comedy we need right now — one that proves we’re better together.
For more information visit harriscenter.net/ broadway-series.
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Nether Hour is a relentless sonic melting pot, fusing the swampy grooves of Louisiana with Texassized doses of funk, blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll.
JJ Grey and Mofro will get the joint jumping
Renowned singer, songwriter and artist JJ Grey and his band Mofro will perform live at the Ace of Spades in Sacramento on Tuesday, June 10.
On Grey’s 2024 Alligator Records album, “Olustee,” the Florida-born and bred Grey sings his personal stories with universal themes of redemption, rebirth, hard luck and inner peace. With his music, Grey also celebrates good times with lifelong friends, often mixing the carnal with the cerebral in the very same song. Fueled by his vividly detailed, timeless originals spun from his own life and experiences in the northern Florida swampland, Grey’s gritty baritone drips with honest passion and testifies with a preacher’s foot-pounding fervor.
“The best songs I’ve ever written, I never wrote. They wrote themselves,” said Grey. “The best show I ever played, played itself and had little to do with me or talent. To me, those things come from the power of an honest moment, and I guess I’m trying to live in that power and not force life to cough up what I want.”
In his music, Grey often writes and sings of his love and respect for Florida’s natural environment. Now,
Grey is putting his passion for the environment into greater action. As the spokesperson for Live Wildly Foundation’s “Join the Movement” campaign, Grey will play a pivotal role in advocating for the connection and protection of Florida’s wild places.
With “Olustee,” JJ Grey has once again pushed the boundaries of his own creative musical, lyrical and vocal talents, delivering an album that is destined to become a stonecold classic. Many of the songs are steeped in the mythical Southern stories of his ancestral Florida home and filled with people from JJ’s life. The songs overflow with the sights and sounds of the region as told through the eyes of a poet and sung with pure, unvarnished soul. The album’s eleven songs range from the introspective opener The Sea to the raucous, celebratory first radio single, Wonderland, to an escape from an out-of-control wildfire in the title track, to the inward-looking closer, Deeper Than Belief. Singing of his own personal triumphs and struggles, his hopes and desires, his friends and family, Grey’s message is simple and strong: respect the natural world and always try to live in the moment. And never forget the importance of having a good time.
Grey made his recording debut in
2001 with “Blackwater,” following up in 2004 with “Lochloosa “. Both albums were released on the Fog City label under the name Mofro, a moniker the young Grey chose to describe his music and sound while still working his day job at a lumberyard. Throughout this amazing run of releases, press, radio and years of touring helped catapult JJ Grey & Mofro further into the mainstream. The show will take place on Tuesday, June 10 at 7 p.m. at Ace of Spades in Sacramento. For tickets and more information visit aceofspadessac.com or call (916) 930-0220.
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JJ Grey and Mofro will play at the Ace of Spades in Sacramento on June 10.
