Mountain Democrat, Friday, August 15, 2025 by mcnaughtonmedia

– Weekend Edition –

Supes hope voters will renew library funding initiatives

McClintock pushes for federal forest management reforms

wildfires.

Chris Woodard Sta writer

Congressman Tom McClintock is advancing two pieces of legislation he says will address decades of mismanagement in federal forests and help prevent devastating wildﬁres across California.

The bills are H.R. 178, requiring the U.S. Forest Service to quickly suppress all wildﬁres, and H.R. 179, the Proven Forest Management Act of 2025, aimed at removing excess timber and streamlining environmental reviews.

McClintock said both measures stem from the same premise: federal policy must

■ See BILLS, page A5

Carole Kendrick alters her plans and joins city leadership

Andrew Vonderschmitt Features editor

Sitting down with Carole Kendrick three months to the day on the job, she had the distinct feeling that she had made the right decision in moving to El Dorado County.

“This community is extremely passionate,”

Placerville’s new Community Development Director shared. “Percentage wise, I’ve seen more people involved here than I’ve seen in any jurisdiction

I’ve worked for and as a planner, nothing brings me more joy than having a community involved, even if they’re in opposition.”

She does admit that there is a learning curve and some adjustment going from a county with 2.5 million-plus residents to a city with a population of just over 10,000.

“I really do like it up here, I mean, everywhere I've gone, the people are great.”

Carole

Kendrick Placerville Community Development Director

“It’s a transition,” she said. “I think there’s a learning curve for me and just kind of learning how things work in a small town. But I’ve had nothing but support from the other department heads and Cleve and sta , and the Planning Commission and City Council, they’ve all been so welcoming.”

Kendrick grew up in Riverside County, graduating from Rubidoux High School before ﬁnding a career in municipal planning.

After attending Riverside City College and the University of Redlands, Kendrick went to work with Riverside County.

“I kind of fell into planning,” she said. “I was a single mom and I applied to the county.”

She was applying for an o ce assistant position and interviewed in several departments.

“Planning interviewed me, and they said, ‘Do you know what planning is?,’” she recalled. “I said no.”

Despite her honest answer she was brought on as a temporary employee in the Riverside County Planning Department. Soon after she was hired as a full-time employee, holding multiple positions in her time, including o ce assistant, Planning Commission secretary and land use technician to

■ See KENDRICK, page A5

Jo Carrerow

Mountain Democrat correspondent

Bibliophiles can soon check out two ballot measures coming next June to keep the Georgetown and South Lake Tahoe community libraries up and running.

Supervisors Lori Parlin and Brian Veerkamp, who are on the Library Funding and Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee, took part in choosing to put two library funding initiatives on the ballot during the Aug. 12 El Dorado County Board of Supervisors meeting.

“We do have very strong library support, so I’ve heard that folks are chomping at the bit to get out there and advocate for this,” Parlin said. “We want to make that happen for them.”

El Dorado County Library Director Bryce Lovell said the Library Funding and Sustainability Committee is taking a conservative and pensive approach as the primary election approaches next June due to “potentially increased ﬁscal and political uncertainty in November 2026.

“Because of that thinking it is suggested the measures for Zone F and Zone G are placed on the ballot in June during the primary election,” Lovell added.

The parcel taxes in zones G and F expire in ﬁscal year 2026-27. Zone G is in the Georgetown area and Zone F is South Lake Tahoe.

Class is in session

Photo by Andy Laughlin

An initiative to continue a parcel tax that helps fund the Georgetown Library is expected to appear on the June 2026 ballot.

Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene Congressman Tom McClintock wants the federal government to get back into the timber business by strategically thinning overgrown areas in the National Forests. The goal is to bring in revenue and prevent catastrophic

Carole Kendrick

Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene

The school bells rang on Placerville Union School District campuses Thursday morning. Smiling faces, hugs and a few tears marked the beginning of the new school year. Niko Reese, center, and his twin brother, Leo, right of Placerville celebrate their 5th birthday on the first day of kindergarten with their mom, Makayla, right, after being checked in by Sierra Elementary School kindergarten teacher Kim Kozycz, left.

Above, big sister Dakota Markgraf, 11, of Placerville, center, walks her little sister Danika Else, 5, up the steps to her first day of kindergarten at Sierra on Aug. 14. Below, Ryatt Sims, 5, and her mom, Elisha of Placerville pose for a photo under a balloon arch before her first day of kindergarten and joining the Sierra Dragons family.

■ See LIBRARIES, page A5

ESSENTIALS

Gary Lee Brown

Aug. 3, 1947 – Aug. 1, 2025

Gary Lee Brown, of Diamond Springs, CA, passed away in Oakland, California on August 1, 2025, two days before his 78th birthday. Three weeks before his passing, Gary su ered a cardiac event and was cared for with exceptional skill and compassion by the team at Summit Hospital before peacefully succumbing to his injuries.

Gary, a ectionately known by his family as Buddy, is survived by his wife of 50 years, Virginia (Ginger) Brown; their three children: Geo rey, Daniel, and Samantha, their spouses: Meredith, Gwendy, and Sandro, and seven grandchildren: Abraham (17), Zachary (15), Solana (13), Eloise (10), Wesley (10), Lucia (8), and Sylvie (4), and his brothers: Steven and David. He was preceded in death by his brother Kit and parents Kenneth and Patsy.

Born on August 3, 1947 in Pasadena, California, Gary was the second of four sons born to Kenneth and Patsy Brown. The family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona where Gary and his brothers ran wild in the desert, building dune buggies and hosting a menagerie that included a territorial duck, a tarantula, and a monkey. He received his B.S. from the University of California, San Diego in 1972 and while attending a Spanish language program there, met the love of his life in Ginger. Rumor has it he asked her to marry him on their first date. Ginger and Gary were married in 1974 and lived in California, Iran, and Oregon before settling down in Harvard, Massachusetts to raise their three children. Gary worked as a ‘computer guy;’ he humbly downplayed his many accomplishments despite holding three patents for the LISP programming language, which is still used today. He earned a Masters in Technology Management from NTU and was employed by Digital Equipment Corporation and Xerox for the majority of his career. In Harvard, Gary enjoyed taking the kids on poker group camping, coaching soccer, and caring for many beloved dogs. After their children graduated from high school, the Browns moved back to California, first to Palos Verdes Estates and then to Diamond Springs for their retirement. Gary was an exceptionally good human who dedicated his life to caring for his family, always creating amazing spaces for them to gather. He was a lifelong creator and skilled woodworker, leaving his family many handmade pieces — each crafted with care and always intended to be useful. His immense intelligence was surpassed only by his kindness and gentle spirit that touched most everyone he met. A deep appreciator of literature, music, history, rational thought, and curious facts, he loved sharing his eclectic interests with his family and friends through spirited discussion. He could tell a really good joke. He was loved beyond measure and his memory is cherished by his wife and children who will miss him every day. A service honoring Gary’s life and memory will be held on August 31, 2025 in Berkeley, CA. In lieu of flowers, please pick up a crossword puzzle and do a math problem for Buddy. Alternatively, he would appreciate a donation to Wikimedia, to help preserve knowledge for humanity.

New trial date set for former EDCOE bus driver

Chris Woodard Sta writer

The criminal trial for former El Dorado County O ce of Education bus driver Tarik Manasrah is now scheduled to begin Jan. 13, 2026, in Placerville. The new date comes after the originally scheduled March 2025 trial was vacated.

Manasrah faces eight felony sex charges and one misdemeanor charge stemming from allegations that he sexually abused developmentally disabled passengers while driving for EDCOE. Charges ﬁled by the El Dorado County District Attorney’s O ce include oral copulation, penetration, sodomy and sexual battery by force with a person incapable of giving consent. He remains in custody.

The allegations ﬁrst surfaced in 2023 when a student, identiﬁed in court documents as Jane Doe 1, claimed she had been sexually assaulted by her driver, whom she named as “Ty.” Investigators with the El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce determined “Ty” was a nickname for Manasrah.

Doe 1, who had recently graduated from EDCOE’s Paciﬁc Street Adult Transition Program, told

detectives that Manasrah moved her to the back of his van, which had tinted windows, and assaulted her. She said she had not reported the incident earlier because she feared him.

Detectives also interviewed a second alleged victim, Jane Doe 2, who also had developmental disabilities. Some of her statements raised concerns, including identifying Manasrah in a photo lineup as “my boyfriend” and saying he had told her to keep certain “hugs” a secret.

The DA’s case focuses on two adult victims, but a separate civil lawsuit ﬁled by parents alleges Manasrah also assaulted two children, ages 8 and 4. Multiple lawsuits, including a federal complaint, have been ﬁled against EDCOE, claiming inadequate supervision and failure to monitor Manasrah.

In an earlier statement, EDCOE said it was “deeply saddened by the serious and disturbing allegations” and has “cooperated fully with the investigation” since Manasrah’s arrest on Aug. 4, 2023.

Jury selection for the criminal trial is expected to begin in December.

County’s property tax billing, payments

Carla Hass

El Dorado County Chief Administrative O cer

El Dorado County Treasurer-Tax Collector K. E. Coleman recently announced a new partnership with InvoiceCloud, a leading provider of online billing and payment solutions. This collaboration represents a signiﬁcant step forward in the county’s commitment to delivering a more modern, e cient and user-friendly property tax billing and payment experience.

“Our goal is to make it easier and more convenient for taxpayers to manage their property tax obligations,” said Coleman. “With InvoiceCloud, residents (property owners) will now have access to features such as paperless billing, payment reminders via text and email, pay-by-text, AutoPay and scheduled payments.”

El Dorado County is the first county in California to o er a unified, digital property tax payment experience through Megabyte Systems and InvoiceCloud’s secure, self-service platform. This modern solution provides taxpayers with flexible digital payment options — including digital wallets like Apple Pay and PayPal — alongside real-time reminders and a streamlined interface designed to boost engagement and reduce late payments.

Nationally, InvoiceCloud implementations have

LAKE LEVELS

Caples Lake

Storage - 18,849 acre feet

Percent full - 84.37%

Echo Lake

Storage - 1,807 acre feet

Percent full - 93%

El Dorado Forebay

Storage - 500 acre feet.

Ice House Reservoir

Storage - 36,863 acre feet

Percent full - 85% In ow - 1 cfs

Out ow - 57 cfs Jenkinson Lake

Storage - 36,063acre feet

Percent full - 87%

Lake Aloha

Storage - 2,120 acre feet

Percent full - 42.37%

Loon Lake Reservoir

Storage - 60,298 acre feet

Percent full - 87% In ow - 0 cfs

demonstrated impressive results, including:

• An average 40% reduction in late payments

• Up to 49% increase in digital payment adoption

• Cost savings through increased paperless billing enrollment

The newly integrated InvoiceCloud solution with Megabyte Systems, o cially launched on June 25. Taxpayers will receive informational inserts with their property tax bills, which are scheduled to be mailed in September. Additional details are available on the El Dorado County TreasurerTax Collector’s website at eldoradocounty.ca.gov/ taxcollector. For assistance, taxpayers may call (530) 621-5800 to speak with a customer service representative, who can provide a registration link via text or email.

About InvoiceCloud

InvoiceCloud o ers modern digital payment, customer engagement, and outbound disbursement solutions. Serving over 3,200 customers across the utility, government, and insurance sectors, InvoiceCloud is a leader in the electronic bill presentment and payment space. Its SaaS platform enables continuous enhancements to the customer experience, driving higher adoption of digital payments, AutoPay and paperless billing. Learn more at InvoiceCloud.com.

Out ow - 18 cfs

Silver Lake Storage - 6,268 acre feet

Percent full - 70.33%

South Fork of the American River above Silver Fork

Flow - 48.10 cfs

South Fork of the American River at Kyburz Flow - 68.95 cfs

Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

The following was taken from EDSO reports:

July 21

2:13 a.m. Trespassing was reported at a car dealership on Mercedes Lane in El Dorado Hills.

9:55 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Highgrade Court in Placerville.

10:08 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Bantry Place in El Dorado Hills.

11:41 a.m. Vandalism was reported at a resort on State Highway 49 in Lotus.

12:27 p.m. Burglary was reported on Highway 49 in Pilot Hill.

12:52 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a hotel on Main Street in Georgetown.

1:09 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Bedford Avenue in Placerville.

2:35 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a shopping plaza on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

2:39 p.m. Battery was reported on Center View Drive in Pollock Pines.

3:31 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a shopping plaza on Town Center

7:19 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a mobile home park on Patterson Drive in Diamond Springs.

7:40 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Rim Street in Pollock Pines.

10 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a bar on South Shingle Road in Shingle Springs.

July 22

1 a.m. Trespassing was reported at an o ce on Missouri Flat Road in Diamond Springs.

8:20 a.m. Trespassing was reported on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines.

9:48 a.m. Burglary to a vehicle was reported on Pleasant Valley Road in El Dorado.

11:45 a.m. Vandalism was reported at a towing company on Truck Street in Placerville.

12:42 p.m. Trespassing was reported at

T. Burt McNaughton (530) 344-5055 tbmcnaughton@mtdemocrat.net

EDITORIAL STAFF

Noel Stack Editor 530-344-5073 / nstack@mtdemocrat.net

Mimi Escabar Special Sections Editor 530-344-5070

SUBSCRIPTION

pounds of fine sediment out of the lake, protecting water clarity and quality, new California-Nevada report shows.

Joint state effort shields Lake Tahoe from a record amount of polluted runoff

News release

LAKE TAHOE — A bi-state e ort to reduce pollution and restore Lake Tahoe’s water clarity prevented a record amount of ﬁne-grained sediment and other pollutants from reaching the lake’s world-famous cobalt waters in 2024, according to an annual performance report recently released.

By restoring wetlands and streams, limiting dust from roads and construction sites and improving stormwater systems, partners in the Lake Tahoe Total Maximum Daily Load Program reduced ﬁne sediment loads into the lake by 29%, and nitrogen and phosphorus inputs by 23% and 17%, compared to 2004 baseline levels. These pollutants fuel algae growth and are known to reduce Lake Tahoe’s world-famous clarity and water quality.

The report by the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, which is part of the California Environmental Protection Agency, and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection found that an estimated 727,000 pounds of fine sediment, more than 5,800 pounds of nitrogen and nearly 2,100 pounds of phosphorus were prevented from reaching the lake in 2024, all annual record highs since the program began tracking these statistics in 2016. The mass equivalent of fine sediment reduced would fill approximately 29 dump trucks.

“Through long-term investments in science, we’ve been able to protect one of our most treasured natural landmarks,” said Yana Garcia, California secretary for Environmental Protection. “California is helping to stop hundreds of thousands of pounds of harmful runo from entering Lake Tahoe each year with successful local and regional partnerships and strong collaboration with the state of Nevada. As climate challenges grow, we remain ﬁrmly committed to restoring the lake’s clarity and strengthening its resilience for years to come.”

Results from the bi-state report found that each of the program’s urban implementing partners, the California Department of Transportation, Nevada Department of Transportation, El Dorado County, Placer County, Douglas County, Washoe County and the city of South Lake Tahoe, exceeded their pollutant reduction targets. Results are estimated using the Pollutant Load

Reduction Model, therefore actual load reductions may di er.

“Protecting Lake Tahoe’s iconic clarity requires long-term commitment, collaboration and innovation,” said Jason Kuchnicki, chief of the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Water Quality Planning. “These results reﬂect the strength of the bi-state partnership and the dedication of local agencies implementing proven, science-based strategies to reduce pollution at its source. As we continue adapting to new challenges, this program remains a cornerstone of our e orts to safeguard one of Nevada’s — and the nation’s — most treasured natural resources.”

Launched in 2011, TMDL Program is a bi-state e ort between California and Nevada to restore and enhance the lake’s water clarity to historic levels by requiring local governments and highway departments on both sides of the lake to implement measures that help prevent clarityharming pollutants from reaching the lake. The TMDL Program awards credits to implementation partners by tracking pollution and it allows implementers to use customized strategies for holistic pollution reduction rather than having to take a one-size-ﬁts-all approach.

These measures, such as street sweeping and stormwater inﬁltration, are important steps toward achieving water clarity of at least 78 feet visibility by the end of 2031. In time, the goal is for people to once again be able to see to depths of 100 feet.

Despite the record amount of pollution reduction recorded last year, the lake’s annual average clarity in 2024 was only 62 feet deep, shallower than clarity levels in 2023 and 2022 of 72 and 68 feet deep, respectively. However, long-term trends in clarity are regarded as a more representative metric of lake health than year-to-year variation. Recent data show that the lake’s long-term clarity is not trending worse or improving.

“The 2024 results show that our strategies are working, even as conditions in and around the lake become more unpredictable because of increasing pressures from climate extremes, wildﬁre and ecological change,” said Ben Letton, Lahontan Water Board executive o cer. “Building resilience into our pollutant control e orts is essential.”

■ See RUNOFF, page A8

PG&E to host a virtual town hall

Paul Moreno

PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

will hold an interactive, virtual town hall for customers in the North Valley and Sierra region, 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 20, to share more about what PG&E is doing to reduce wildfire risk and make its system safer. During the meeting, staff will provide the latest updates on local wildfire safety work and safety resources available to customers. This is also an opportunity for participants to ask questions, share feedback and connect with their local PG&E leaders, including North Valley & Sierra Regional Vice President Joe Wilson.

The event can be accessed via bit.

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and may also lead to serious balance problems. This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet. If not

In order to effectively treat your neuropathy 3 factors must be determined. Our advanced treatment method has 3 main goals

ly/4ksuJ4W, by phone at (888) 6039713 (Conference ID: 7324686#) or through PG&E’s website, pge.com/ webinars.

American Sign Language interpretation will be available, along with dial-in numbers for those who aren’t able to join online. For the full virtual events schedule, additional information on how to join and recordings and presentation materials from past events visit pge. com/webinars. Customers can find opportunities to engage with PG&E representatives in the area by visiting: pge.com/openlines. More information and resources to help you and your family prepare for and stay safe in the event of an emergency can be found at safetyactioncenter.pge.com.

I now have full balance and can walk without pain. As Dr. Mooney explained the treatment is not painful, nothing uncomfortable, and is actually very relaxing.” – Neuropathy Pain Patient

Shelly Thorene Staff writer

f you’re looking for locally created, handmade gifts with the added benefit of donating to a good cause, the Nifty Nook at 4100 Cameron Park Drive, Suite 111, is just the place.

Julie Miller, owner, says she likes to refer to items in her Cameron Park shop as “rustic-retro” due to the wide variety of items supplied by 40 different vendors.

Miller has a set of piggy banks at the register for donations and each quarter Miller also makes a donation from her sales to a different animal rescue organization. There are three rooms total and customers are greeted by the resident feline named Nifty, who has a comfortable throne near the register and serves as a mascot for the Nifty Nook’s fundraising efforts. Nifty is a rescue and when Mountain Democrat visited she was set to give birth soon.

Handmade items, including soaps, jellies and jam, honey, beef tallow products, along with vintage collectibles, jewelry, clothing and much more combine to make

Crime

Log Continued from A2

3:46

8:44 a.m.

in Rescue.

11:06 a.m. Trespassing was reported on Grizzly Flat Road in Somerset. 11:07 a.m. Prowler was reported on Rodan Lane in

1:38 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Coach Lane in

the space feel like an antique store mixed with a farmers market plus a dash of thrift store.

Beautifully crafted handmade ceramics

7:42 p.m. Trespassing was reported at Patterson Lake on Pleasant Valley Road in El Dorado.

July 26

6:36 a.m. Battery was reported on Peycos Drive in Placerville. An arrest was made.

8:11 a.m. Trespassing was reported on Highway 193 in Placerville.

10:09 a.m. Trespassing was reported on Mt. Aukum Road in

made by the store’s main artist, Mary Cargile, line several shelves in one of the three rooms in the shop. Another room is set up like a walk-in

closet and clothing prices start at $6.99. There are boxes with free items, including boots and shoes, and a bookshelf in the closet features a variety of

books for $1.75 each.

One of Miller’s vendors donated a large collection of nearly new women’s shoes purchased in Beverly Hills, size 6 1/2 and 7. Proceeds from the sales of the shoes go toward children’s foster care and animal shelters in El Dorado County.

Michelle Armbrust of Sacramento is Miller’s aunt and also a vendor supplying gently used antique items to the shop. She praised the Nifty Nook saying, “It’s a wonderful place with such a wide variety, from old to new and it supports local crafters.” Specials at the store include $5 Fridays where most clothing is $5 and Miller occasionally offers free popcorn and free cotton candy. She plans to host crafting events for up to six people at a time later this fall.

Donations of gently used clothing and knick knacks are accepted by contacting Miller ahead of time. The hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

4:19 p.m. Burglary was reported on San Sorrento Street in El Dorado Hills.

7:07 p.m. Battery was reported on Spanish Dry Diggins Road in Georgetown.

made.

5:44 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Little Road in Lotus.

8:50 p.m. Battery was reported on Brauer Road in Georgetown.

July 27

2:20 a.m. Trespassing was reported at a towing company on Truck Street in Placerville.

3:28 p.m. Battery was reported at a resort on Highway 89 in

7:38 p.m. Battery was reported on Harness Tract Road in Camino.

8:01 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Sand Ridge Road in Placerville.

8:49 p.m. Battery was reported on Ponte Morino Drive in Cameron Park.

10:15 p.m. Battery was reported on Service Court in Diamond Springs.

Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene

Julie Miller of El Dorado Hills, owner of the Nifty Nook, stands in the closet portion of the business that features handmade items by local artisans and an eclectic mix of new and used goods.

name a few. She eventually became a junior planner working with two senior planners before moving to Hemet, where she was generally assigned to small business planning.

“They wanted me to do the mom and pops and hold their hands,” she said. “And, you know, I actually loved it.”

In her time in Hemet and later in Beaumont, Kendrick tackled plenty of large-scale projects but said there had always been something about working with small businesses that attracted her. “I enjoy helping people learn about the process.”

She worked her way up to assistant planner in Riverside before moving to the city of Hemet as a planner where she worked for 13 years. She then worked for the city of Beaumont where she was a planner and was most recently the interim Community Development director. While working in Beaumont, Kendrick also served on

Bills Continued from

the Hemet City Council.

“I was mayor pro tem when I stepped down to come up here,” she said.

Her time in Riverside County was not all work though. She met her husband, Steve, when she started her job with the county.

“He set up my computer when I started there,” she said. “He chased me for like 18 months until I ﬁnally gave in.”

After a short (10 year) courtship they were married.

“We have been married for 15 years, but we’ve been together for 25,” she revealed. “We both had ﬁrst marriages, so we weren’t in a rush to get married.”

Steve was a retired Army sniper and tank commander who had put himself through computer school and worked in IT for the county. He is recently retired from rebar estimating

“sound forest management” before more communities are destroyed.

“We human beings have got to take care of our forests or nature will do it for us, and nature is a lousy gardener,” he said. “All of that excess growth is going to come out in one of two ways — either we’re going to carry it out or nature is going to burn it out. There is no other way.”

H.R. 179: Proven Forest Management Act

McClintock pointed to a 2016 law he authored for the Tahoe Basin that allowed certain forest thinning projects up to 10,000 acres to bypass lengthy environmental reviews. The change, he said, reduced environmental studies from 800 pages to a few dozen and cut approval timelines from ﬁve years to a few months. He credits that policy with saving South Lake Tahoe from the Caldor Fire in 2021.

“The ﬁre hit a tract that had been treated under

Libraries Continued from A1

Fiscal year 202425’s ﬁnal levy amount for Zone F was nearly $580,000 with about 52,000 parcels levied and for Zone G was about $124,000, with almost 5,000 parcels levied. Parcel taxes are determined per parcel.

Zone F is currently taxed at $25.51 per parcel with apartment complexes and mobile home parks taxed as one parcel, timeshares levied on a per timeshare basis, an annual increase at Bay Area Consumer Price Index maximum 3% for cost of living, and sunsets after 12 years on June 30, 2027. This had been approved by voters in June 2014 with more than 80% approval. Zone F tax structure is nearly identical to Zone G and had been approved by more than 77% of the vote, also in June 2014.

“Both of these libraries are very beloved by their communities and we have very strong Friends of the Library groups eager to advocate for continued library services,” Lovell said.

The number of Georgetown library users consist of about 40% from the town of Georgetown, 24.5% from Garden Valley, 12% from Cool, 10% from Greenwood, 4.6% from Kelsey/Placerville, 2.4% from Pilot Hill, and 6.7% in the “other” category, essentially from other areas — with 3,971 total users in the library system set to “home library.”

In South Lake Tahoe, the total number of library users is 18,619, which includes over 21% in the “other” category.

“That’s composed of people with second homes, timeshares … we have a reciprocal agreement with Douglas County, so it can be folks from Douglas County,” Lovell said.

“People may be working in the area during certain times. So, that’s why that number is a bit higher,” he added.

Resolutions will be brought before the board at least 125 days

before the election. The deadline is mid- to lateJanuary, but Lovell said he would like to address it as soon as possible.

“We were thinking that the next ballot measure would just go where we are now, at $25.51, and then continue going up,” Parlin shared. “That’s consistent with the language from the last time.”

Supervisor Brooke Laine, District 5, South Lake Tahoe, suggested extending the sunset past 12 years.

“It’s costly to put something on the ballot,” Laine said. “So to buy ourselves a little

and is currently looking after their two tuxedo cats and chihuahua-mix dog while getting their house on the market before joining Kendrick in El Dorado County.

“He’s got two motorcycles so he can’t wait to come up and ride,” she commented.

They both hope to ﬁnd some acreage and live a rural life complete with gardens, chickens and possibly some goats.

“We just kind of want some peace and quiet,” she said. “It’s gonna be our forever home, where we’re not moving again.”

The job and the prospect of chickens were not the only impetus for Kendrick to make the move. Her daughter Taylor and 20-month old grandson Zayd are in Rancho Cordova. Kendrick would ﬂy up about once a month since the baby was born and that started to get old.

that authority. It laid down and the ﬁreﬁghters were able to extinguish it,” he said. In contrast, he said delays in the Trestle Project near Grizzly Flat allowed the Caldor Fire to have a devastating impact there.

H.R. 179 would extend that streamlined authority across the National Forest system, eliminating what McClintock describes as “red tape” that has left forests “morbidly overgrown” and vulnerable to catastrophic ﬁres.

“We’ve lost a quarter of our national forests to catastrophic ﬁre in the last 10 years,” he said.

H.R. 178: Wildﬁre Suppression Requirement

The second measure would legally require the Forest Service to extinguish ﬁres as quickly as possible, using all available resources, and no later than 24 hours after discovery. It would also prevent the agency from stopping local ﬁre departments from attacking a blaze, a practice McClintock said

more time would be ﬁnancially beneﬁcial to the county.”

Lovell said he is certain the Friends of the Library members would support the idea.

According to Lovell, libraries in other areas are funded di erently. Cameron Park, Zone D, has a beneﬁt assessment.

“It does not sunset, but it also does not increase, so you’re always battling inﬂation,” he said.

Zone E, El Dorado Hills, has a special tax that’s $25 per parcel.

“No inﬂation adjustment factor, and I believe that one does

not sunset,” Lovell said, adding that apartment units are taxed lower at $20.

In ﬁscal year 202425, Cameron Park received approximately $282,000 with about 9,500 parcels levied and El Dorado Hills collected almost $520,000, with nearly 19,800 parcels levied. In all four zones, about $1.5 million was levied.

For future elections, the ad hoc committee has discussed shrinking Zone H, which currently

“I was planning to come up in about four years,” she said. “After I ﬁnished my term and reached 55.”

The idea was to retire in the area to be close. The plans were accelerated and altered a little, according to Kendrick.

“I don’t know when I’m going to retire, because I’ll be where I want to be,” she said, adding that being close to family and having the peaceful home she had planned is everything she had hoped for on top of a new, exciting and challenging chapter in her career.

“I really do like it up here,” she said. “I mean, everywhere I’ve gone, the people are great.”

Not only is Kendrick excited for her new life in the county but she is equally as excited for the job.

“I love it,” she told the Mountain Democrat. “There’s a lot going on and there’s a lot that needs to be done.”

happened during the 2021 Tamarack Fire. That ﬁre smoldered for days before exploding into a 70,000acre disaster.

“What person in his right mind who ﬁnds a rattlesnake curled up in the corner of their bedroom will simply monitor it because it isn’t doing much of anything?” McClintock said. “You kill it before it can.”

The bill also requires incident commander approval before lighting backfires, a safeguard he said came from firefighter concerns after the Caldor Fire.

Both bills have cleared the House Natural Resources Committee. McClintock said H.R. 178 advanced on a voice vote, which he called a positive sign, but acknowledged the Senate will be “the biggest nut to crack” given the need for 60 votes.

The Senate is also considering McClintock’s Law Enforcement and Firefighter Recreation Pass Act, which gives law enforcement and firefighters free access to national parks and federal recreational land.

extends from Cool to Strawberry to Mt. Aukum.

“You saw the map, and how huge that H zone was; it was so big,” Parlin said. “It made sense, for future ballot measures, to really get down (to) some data and see which parts we should chunk o where.”

She said data had shown that many residents in the Cool and Greenwood areas, who are currently in Zone H, choose to use the Georgetown Library.

• Receive a one-time, lump-sum immediate cash benefit upon first diagnosis of cancer or malignant melanoma

• A benefit that can cover costs that aren’t covered by employer-based health insurance plans

• Lifetime cancer insurance coverage

With no public comment, Veerkamp moved to prepare the resolutions to include a 20-year sunset.

“If you get any negative feedback from the two advisory groups, have a redline version ready to go,” he said to Lovell. Laine seconded. The motion passed 5-0. All supervisors were present including Supervisor Greg Ferrero, Chair George Turnboo, Laine, Veerkamp and Parlin.

• Paying for health insurance deductibles and co-payments

• Help to replace income while you or your spouse are unable to work

• Hiring home health care or childcare services

• Traveling to treatment facilities

• Cash to use any way that you would like

According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with

OPINION

Newsom’s misguided redistricting initiative

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is upset with Texas.

There’s a reason he should be upset. California companies are pulling up in droves and moving to the Lone Star State and elsewhere.

But that isn’t what’s bothering him. Newsom cares about politics and power, not markets and business.

He’s upset that the Texas State Legislature is moving to redistricting that could add up to five Republican seats in 2026. So, Newsom wants to redistrict, which could add another five Democrat seats in California.

California’s congressional districts are already gerrymandered to death to favor Democrats — 17% of the state’s 52 congressional seats are held by Republicans in a state in which Donald Trump garnered 38% of the popular vote in 2024.

In ballot initiatives in 2008 and 2010, Californians amended the state constitution to establish an independent redistricting commission, with five representatives from each party and four unaffiliated, to take rote politics out of the process.

But removing rote politics for Gavin Newsom is like asking the L.A. Dodgers to show up for a game without bats, balls and gloves. Newsom wants to circumvent the commission by putting new district maps for 2026 before voters in a special ballot initiative this November.

It is too bad Newsom’s obsession is accumulating power rather than improving his state.

Just listen to Orange County resident and much-followed economist and blogger Scott Grannis. From Grannis’s latest post, which he calls “California Leavin’” — “Between 2020 and 2025, approximately 500 companies have moved their headquarters out of California or shifted significant operations elsewhere, with a notable spike in relocations since 2019. From 2018 to 2021 alone, the Hoover Institution reported 352 companies relocating their headquarters out of the state.” Grannis continues: “Government has become increasingly lazy and dysfunctional; the roads are a mess, traffic is the bane of everyday existence, taxes and regulations are oppressive, and modest cottages start at $1 million.”

U-Haul annually reports its U-Haul Growth Index. This ranks the 50 states according to “each state’s net gain (or loss) of customers utilizing oneway U-Haul equipment in a calendar year.”

Which state was first in one-way departures out of the state for the last five years? Yes, you’re right. “California Leavin’”

And what state was No. 2 in the nation in arrivals into the state in 2024? Yes, Texas, the Lone Star State. Texas has ranked first or second every year since 2016.

The Not So Weekly Daley

We have front row seats these days as a new country literally appears before our eyes. Call it what you want. I’m going with the United Sick Stupid Scared States of America. We are already sick and clearly getting sicker every day. Just watch any cable news program, and you will see a nation crippled by psoriasis, plaque psoriasis, ulcerous colons, diabetes, shingles, bad hair, bad teeth and ruinous body odor. Also high on the list you will find tinnitus, atopic dermatitis, migraine, dry eyes/wet eyes, every kind of cancer, HIV, obesity, erectile and a veritable buffet of other dysfunctions, heart disease, constipation and a chilling amount of

Letters to the Editor

A true public servant

EDITOR:

It is easy to say, “We are better off for his having been here” but there is no one I can think of more deserving than Sgt. Ray Bosnich. Along with countless others I am truly saddened to hear of his passing. Ray was never really off duty. Any time you met him, he’d stop and visit with you, asking about your kids, your job or mutual friends. On or off duty he spent countless hours supporting community events. He was a constant fixture at kids’ games, sports events or other local events. For years Ray patrolled town on foot, greeting locals and visitors with that booming baritone voice and his quick sense of humor. When Ray spoke with you, you knew he was also listening to you. I can’t guess how many kids were diverted from calamity by Ray. I know of kids who were embarking on a questionable activity who were intercepted by Ray and diverted from making a life-altering mistake. The kid would get a Bosnich life-lesson talk and was given a safe ride home. Along that line I can’t imagine how many

kids (and adults) were inspired to go into law enforcement by Ray, my daughter among them. It meant a great deal to my daughter when Ray took the time to come to the Sacramento academy to pin her badge on her at graduation. I’m sure while sitting around the table many other families have “Ray stories.” Even in retirement Ray couldn’t help himself; he went back to the Placerville Police Department to serve the community. Ray is the embodiment of a public servant, first in the military and then in law enforcement. I also want to thank his family for “backing the badge.” For all the good, bad and ugly you see when in law enforcement, Ray never lost his sense of humor. When you visited with him you left feeling better.

Thank you, Ray. You can stand down. Job well done and our community is better for your having been here. As a lifelong resident I can’t think of another person who has had a larger and more positive influence on our community.

EILEEN DEAN

depression and anxiety due to inadequate home, auto/injury/accident protection and a woeful lack of health insurance. The latter, of course, will lead to huge increases in visits to overwhelmed and understaffed emergency rooms with dwindling supplies of medicines and equipment. Assuming you can even find an ER out there in rural America. “Sick” is just the first part of the coming revolution. Stupid, naturally, helps keep us sick and more. We are to believe that vaccination leads to unimaginably negative life consequences. We are to accept that tariffs are paid by the exporting countries and trillions of dollars are pouring in to reduce our taxes. War everywhere is the result of Donald Trump not being re-elected

in 2020. (Even though he did get the vast majority of votes, we must agree.) Windmills kill thousands of eagles every day, which leads to cancer and raises our energy costs. Recent hurricanes, tornadoes and floods weren’t all that bad, just fake news trying to discredit how great everything really is. Climate change is almost as big a hoax as the Russia hoax. You know, that was all “Obama Biden lyin’.”

And who could possibly forget Jan. 6 when all those patriotic grandmothers marched peacefully to the Capitol and brought cookies for all the unnecessary cops who should have been preventing crime instead of beating up patriotic grandmothers. Like any great leader, ours takes

political and governing advice from everybody’s favorite wannabe dictator, Hungary’s Victor Orban (accent on the “a”). It’s true even though the fake news reported it the other day. Those fake newsies may be coming around, finally. Scared is the third and maybe the most important element in the trio. We know there are 11,783 murderers in our country. They are all illegal aliens, most of whom we have already rounded up and sent to very unpleasant accommodations for their crimes. And if you do the math, that leaves 11,783 murderers (as he said Monday and many other times) still terrorizing our citizens.

Placerville

STAR PARKER

CHRIS DALEY

According to visualcapitalist.com, of the top five cities in the U.S. with new corporate headquarters openings in 2018-24, three are in Texas — Dallas, Austin and Houston. The other two are in Nashville and Phoenix. All five are in red states in 2024. In the top five cities for corporate headquarters closures in 2018-24, three of five are in California. San Diego, Greater Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area. The other two are Chicago and New York City. All five are in blue states in 2024.

Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies

Letters

Continued from A6

Better budget process needed

EDITOR:

Regarding “Our next CAO,” a letter from the Taxpayers Association of El Dorado County — it is so true. We the people are off course. We are a constitutional republic and we elect individuals to “protect our rights as per the Constitution.” Our elected representatives must follow the Constitution and government code, and our electeds are accountable to “we the people” so the budget process needs to be open and printed. Remember, government is spending “other people’s” money. Government transfers wealth through taxes, fees, fines and penalties. Congratulations to the Taxpayers Association

documents which states had the largest migration gains from 2014 to 2024 and which states had the largest losses. Of the top 10 that gained over this period, seven were red states in 2024. Of the top 10 losers over this period, seven were blue states in 2024. Needless to say, Texas is in the top 10 gainers. It is a state that is booming because it provides a tax and regulatory environment conducive to those who want to work and grow. It makes all the sense in the world, with the huge influx of businesses and

for understanding the budget process needs to be changed and returned to “we the people.”

ELLEN DAY El Dorado

Following the law keeps people safe

EDITOR:

I’m doing my normal morning thing last month, watching the local news for weather and traffic information, and the ticker news underneath reports that a Jaime Alanís, described as a farm worker, had died from falling off a roof while fleeing ICE authorities.

There is no mention that he was an illegal alien or that over 360 other individuals were arrested

people, that the Texas population landscape has changed dramatically since the last census. There is rationale for the redistricting initiative in Texas. But in California, Newsom just wants to institutionalize failure.

Let’s hope, in the interest of Californians, that he doesn’t manage to get this misguided initiative on the ballot. And if he does, that it fails.

Star Parker is founder of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education. Her recent book, “What Is the CURE for America?” is available now.

that day from the same farm for being in the U.S. illegally. Nor was there any mention of the 14 children who ICE rescued, forced to work at that farm.

Are we to ignore the fact that the “farmer” broke the law by hiring illegals? Why didn’t the farmer fill out an I-9 form on his employees like every other company has to do? I, along with 900 other Republican business owners in California, had my I-9s audited by the state a few years back. It was political retribution, designed to make the point that Republicans don’t follow the laws either. Still, after an exhaustive three-month investigation going back many years, no violations of any kind were found. I have first-hand knowledge that the I-9 process works.

So, back to the poor farmer — a person died because the farmer hired him illegally. He would be alive today if not for the actions of the farmer. The farm’s employees can be seen throwing rocks at the police. Isn’t the farm culpable? Shouldn’t this farmer be arrested for murder and attempted murder of law enforcement? Regarding not filling out I-9s for his employees, the penalty amounts to $2,800 times 360, totaling over $1 million. Is the farm going to be fined?

I don’t know why our news didn’t initially report that the name of the farm is Glass House Brands, the most significant legal marijuana producer in California. I’m not going to go into how much our society is suffering so some can consume marijuana. Instead, I wanted to point out that those who work at glass houses ought not to throw stones.

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

KEN STEERS Cameron Park

COMICS

racing returns to Placerville

Classic.

Placerville Speedway hosts Kubota High Limit Racing

Gary Thomas

Placerville Speedway

The High Rollers of Kubota High Limit Racing make their muchanticipated return to Placerville Speedway this Saturday, Aug. 16, when the annual 49er Gold Rush Classic invades the El Dorado County Fairgrounds.

Grass Valley native and current Placerville resident Brad Sweet brings the point lead into the West Coast Swing.

Sweet has a trio of wins on the competitive Kubota High Limit Racing trail and sits atop the standings over Indianapolis, Indiana’s Tyler Courtney; Clute, Texas’ Aaron Reutzel; Knoxville Nationals runner up Rico Abreu and Myerstown, Pennsylvania’s Brent Marks.

With both Courtney and Reutzel sidelined due to unfortunate injuries, California favorites Giovanni Scelzi and Justin Sanders are set to pilot the NOS Energy Drink No. 7BC and RSR No. 87 respectively. Sanders brought home a runner up result last season with High Limit Racing in Placerville.

Clovis driver Corey Day won the Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial at Placerville Speedway in 2022 and hopes to add the 49er Gold Rush Classic on Saturday. The two-time Gold Cup champ ran third at the event last year and is fresh off a sixth-place effort at the Knoxville Nationals.

The ever-popular James McFadden was the man who captured the 49er Gold Rush Classic last season and returns on Saturday aboard the Tarlton & Son No. 21 mount. The Alice Springs, Northern Territory driver recently claimed glory at the Capitani Classic in Knoxville, Iowa.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Today centers on a to-do list filled with practical actions and items with deadlines. Whether it’s tending to health, home, work or relationships, the fates favor all that’s attempted in the name of harmony.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Prioritize function. The beauty of a vase does not determine how much water it holds. First, figure out what you need on a very basic and essential level. There will be many accommodating options, some of them with standout loveliness.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Seek allies, even if you don’t feel like you need them. Independence is beautiful, but you’re not meant to carry every single thing alone. Tap into the emotional and strategic value of teamwork, especially with diverse talents.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Your ideas about what’s reasonable are based on what you know. Since what you know is the experience of one out of eight billion people, it will help to get a slightly larger sampling.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You open your world just enough to see who really vibes with it. You don’t require people to fully understand you to offer them your warmth and loyalty — and that generosity keeps attracting those who complement your style. Your circle grows.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Can you loosen your attachment to any single outcome? You’ll know a healthy mindset from the way it encourages flexibility and emotional resilience. Cling to the ideas that reduce suffering. Repeat the thoughts that will open doors. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Maybe you’re attracted to the

glamour that a certain someone exudes. Make sure you get the big picture though. What’s behind the shine? Decisions will be easier to make when a relationship is young. Try to figure things out early on.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’re a connection-seeker, a depth-diver. And yes, sometimes that translates to over-giving. There’s some mental sorting to do as you map out the landscape of how desire, generosity, self-worth and social currency intersect for you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Others may be trying to fix, decide or resolve something fast — wanting closure. But don’t let them rush you. Finish in your own time. Stay with the question, love the process, get cozy with the unknown. Insight comes from learning at your own pace.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Some things only reveal their usefulness in negative space. The invisible represents what you’re not using, not feeding, not doing anymore — all the choices you’ve made to get here. Space can be potential for something or protection of sacred nothingness.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’re tuned in to subtleties — tones, glances, timing. This sensitivity gives you an edge. You’ll see what’s in someone’s

Additional drivers looking to punch their ticket to victory lane this Saturday will include past 49er Gold Rush Classic winner Shane Golobic of Fremont, along with Monrovia, Indiana’s Justin Peck; Minden, Nevada’s Tanner Thorson; Waco, Texas’ Chase Randall; Auburn’s Andy Forsberg; Bradway Memorial winner Dominic Gorden from Clovis; Suisun, City’s Chance Grasty; Jacksonville, Oregon’s Tanner Holmes; Templeton’s Kaleb Montgomery; Fresno’s Dominic Scelzi; Locust Grove, Oklahoma’s Daison Pursley and more.

The 49er Gold Rush Classic begins the final stretch of the Sprint Car season at Placerville Speedway. After

Daley Continued from A6

this weekend, only two more Sprint Car races remain in 2025.

“There are some big events coming up at Placerville Speedway and we hope to see a packed house at each one,” said promoter Scott Russell. “Everybody is excited to have Kubota High Limit Racing and all the national stars here on Saturday. Then in September we have the NARC 410 Sprint Cars, followed by the Forni-Humphreys Classic, which celebrates its 20th anniversary. We definitely want to finish off the 60th season here in style and it all begins this weekend.”

The Bay Cities Racing Association Lightning Sprints will be the companion division on Saturday.

Tickets & details

Grandstand seating during the 49er Gold Rush Classic is Reserved on Saturday, Aug. 16. Tickets can be purchased at eventsprout.com/ event/psr081625 while pit passes can be purchased at the pit gate on race day.

The pit gate will open at noon, with the front gate opening at 4 p.m. Hirst Home Team Happy Hour is offered until 6 p.m. in the grandstands featuring live music with discounted Coors Light and Coors Original at the beer booth. Hot laps are slated for around 6 p.m. Qualifying and racing will follow.

The Placerville Speedway is located on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. For more information visit placervillespeedway.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, Sept. 6: Pay Dirt Showdown presented by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. featuring NARC 410 Sprint Car Series and Nor-Cal Dwarf Cars Saturday, Sept. 13: 20th annual Forni-Humphreys Classic Championship Night ($8,500-to-win) featuring Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Pure Stocks, Ltd. Late Models and Mini Trucks.

Talk about scary! (This just in: You can’t walk the streets of Washington, D.C., any more. It’s so dangerous that only the National Guard and the FBI can protect you, maybe forever.) Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Detroit are next. “It’s the worst anyone has ever seen.” Also, remember, “I alone can fix it.” A population that is scared is a population that becomes dependent and compliant and eventually easier to control. Lenin and Stalin effectively practiced “sick, stupid, scared” for decades. Mussolini and Hitler even perfected it for a time. Not sayin’ we’re headed there. Just sayin’. Chris Daley is a biweekly columnist for the Mountain Democrat.

Continued from A3

On the research front, program partners are accelerating efforts to understand the full range of complex interactions and processes that harm lake clarity, such as wildfires, warming air and water temperatures, extreme weather and invasive species. While there is uncertainty surrounding in-lake processes, scientists and agencies agree that the TMDL Program and associated pollutant reductions are fundamental to protecting the lake. California and Nevada are working

with the Tahoe Science Advisory Council to better understand additional influences on clarity. The council is holding workshops and other discussions and expects to release a report near the end of the year. TMDL agencies will incorporate the council’s findings in their yearly findings and recommendations memo. To learn more about ongoing efforts and to view the detailed 2025 performance report visit the

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

Photo by Tim Holland

High-stakes

Speedway this Saturday with the annual 49er Gold Rush

Hazardous fuels reduction operations continue at Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE — Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team hazardous fuels reduction (forest thinning) projects are under way around Lake Tahoe and scheduled to continue through fall 2025, conditions and weather permitting.

Multiple partners including the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, California Tahoe Conservancy, Liberty Utilities, NV Energy, Nevada Division of Forestry, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit are working together to protect Lake Tahoe communities by reducing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildfires. For project details, including location, land ownership, lead agency, start date and expected duration, view the Lake Tahoe Basin Project Map at Tahoe Living With Fire, which highlights current and upcoming projects.

Forest health is a top priority of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program, a landscape-scale collaboration and partnership between nearly 80 public and private organizations to achieve the environmental goals of the region. To date, partners have treated nearly 100,000 acres in Lake Tahoe Basin forests to reduce hazardous fuels.

After decades of fire suppression, Tahoe Basin’s forests are overstocked and highly vulnerable to insects, disease and catastrophic

wildfire. Forest thinning projects are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to protect communities by removing fuels on public lands that can feed unwanted wildfires. These projects complement defensible space and home hardening efforts on private property in neighborhoods and communities.

Forest thinning also contributes to improved forest health, wildlife habitat, and watershed and forest resilience. These projects improve forest health by thinning trees in dense areas, which reduces competition for water, sunlight and nutrients and allows remaining trees to thrive. Thinning also decreases the potential for spreading tree diseases and insect infestations such as white pine blister rust, dwarf mistletoe and bark beetles.

Land managers use di erent methods during forest thinning treatments that include mechanical and hand thinning. Mechanical thinning utilizes heavy equipment to remove trees and most of the excess vegetation. Hand thinning is accomplished by hand crews using chainsaws to remove trees and pile excess material for burning after the piles dry which may take two to three years.

Mechanical thinning sometimes requires the closure of an area during operations due to the hazards posed by heavy equipment and falling trees. Hand thinning generally does not require project area closures. Mechanical thinning is used wherever slope and road access allow, and hand thinning is typically used in urban areas, where

only smaller trees and brush need to be removed or where equipment access is restricted, often on steep rocky slopes.

Short-term effects of forest thinning projects include temporary impacts to recreational areas and changes to the appearance of basin forests. Treated areas may look disturbed immediately after treatment, when fresh stumps, equipment tracks, freshly chipped or masticated vegetation or burned areas are more visually obvious. These areas recover quickly and improve ecologically as new vegetation growth occurs within a few years. Similar short term visual impacts can occur after prescribed fire treatments but these areas also recover quickly.

Thinning operations typically take place in the summer and continue into fall as conditions and weather allow. However, some operations may be implemented over the snow when conditions permit. In addition, some small, isolated thinning projects may be conducted on short notice and may not appear on the map due to the small window of opportunity to implement these projects.

For completed fuels reduction projects, view the Forest Vegetation Interactive Map that highlights forest thinning treatment accomplishments of the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team and the Environmental Improvement Program.

Learn more about living in fire-adapted ecosystems, forest thinning and prescribed fire at Tahoe Living With Fire and get prepared, get informed, and get involved.

Happy Birthday, Smokey Bear!

Alex Demas

U.S. Forest Service

At the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, wildfire prevention is a big priority. There’s no better ambassador of that essential message than everyone’s favorite wildfire prevention bear, Smokey.

On Aug. 9 the agency celebrated Smokey’s 81st birthday. As he enters his ninth decade of wildfire prevention activism, the USDA Forest Service team takes a look back at where it all started.

80 plus years of wildfire messaging

First appearing on a wildfire

prevention poster in August of 1944, Smokey Bear quickly became an iconic image to help the public understand the importance of preventing wildfire. That image would soon get a living counterpart in the form of a black bear with a compelling story.

In 1950, a wildfire in New Mexico orphaned a black bear cub. A New Mexico game warden, taking pity on the cub, took him home and helped get him medical attention. Later, he offered the cub to the Forest Service with the condition that the bear be dedicated to wildfire prevention and conservation.

The Forest Service accepted both the cub and the condition, and the newest member of the Forest Service

Sierra Mountain Telecom

Builders

Darrah Livestock & Kelly Family

Darryl Brown's Gang

Davis, Nate Decker, Rick & Suzie

Dellapenna, Colt Dewolf, Dan

Diamond Springs Mobility Dolled Up Leather

Don Edwards, CPA

Double Diamond Tack & Feed

Doug Veerkamp General Engineering

Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood

Campora

Dwayne Nystrom General Engineering

Dynamic Mobile Tire

EJ Masonry

Echo Valley Ranch

Ehlers Hay

El Dorado County Fair Board

El Dorado Disposal

El Dorado Savings Bank

El Dorado Water & Shower

Ellsworth, Eddie & Jackie

Essential Oils by Ashley Everett, Joyce

Evolved Beauty

Fan Stand Sacramento

Fausel Building Investors Fermer, Franz

Fletcher Family

Flosi, Taylor & Marina

Folsom Family Dental

Foothill Offroad Performance

Francis Distributing / Sierra Ice

Frank’s Body Shop, Inc.

Friedmann, Sara Frog Creek Farm Showpigs

G & O Body Shop

Garden Valley Feed & Hardware

Gold, Jeremy

Gregory Construction

Equipment, LLC.

Guts Racing

HFW Enterprises Hack, Conni

Hackett, Julia Haley, Shaun Hangtown Electric

Hangtown Welding & Equipment

Repair

Hard Drawn, Inc.

Harlow, Debi & Paul

Harlow, Jason & Tanya

Headdress, Rebel

Heckley, Richard

Hellam, Robert

Heuer Hill Farm

High Sierra Industries

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Control

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Hunt & Sons

Idle Wheels RV Center

Imboden Electric In Memory of Chris Fusano

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Isham, Dave

J. Hoffman, CPA

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JA Snyder Pacific West, Inc.

Jachens, Chuck & Claudia

Jalquin’s Trucking

Jalquin’s Water Trux

James Carter Conlin

Janzer-Abel, Julie

Jared DiMuccio

Jason Mechanical

Jeepers Jamboree, Bob Sweeney

Jester, Jason Joe Vicini, Inc.

Johnson, Doreen

Johnson, Jim & Lynette

KH Farms

KS Plumbing, Inc.

Kelly, Colleen

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Langford Family dōTERRA Business

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Les Schwab

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Little Folks University

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Lozano, Diede

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Lyster Family

M & M Electric

M.C. Equipment Co.

M5 Livestock Company

MJ Pools and Spas

Macauley Construction

Mainwaring, Rob & Shannon

Mallicoat, Rick & Terrie

Marshall Grange Youth Fair

Committee

Martin Elevators, Alex Martin

Martin Elevators, John Schmeitz

Matt Anderson Family

Matthew, Paul McCormack, Shane

McKindley, Maureen

Miller Mechanical

Mobley, Lori

Montgomery, Kasi

Montgomery, Raymond

Motherlode Rock N Ready Mix

Mountain F. Enterprises, Inc.

Mountain G. Enterprises, Inc.

Mountain Roofing

Municipal Maintenance Equipment

Mutzig, Robert Nail It Roofing

Nielsen, Kyle & Aryon

Nifty Images

Nisson Orthodontics

Nober Construction, Inc.

Nordic Air

O’Camb, Jennifer & Griffin

Oak Farms

Ohman Livestock

Olsen, Kris

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives

Painted by Payton

Patterson, Chris & Britney

Phelps, Kenny

Phillipsen, Paul & Sherry

Pizza Factory of Placerville

Placerville Body Shop

Placerville Speedway

Playology

Pleasant Valley Pet Clinic

Plymouth Sand & Gravel

Ponderosa Landscaping, Inc.

Poor Red’s

Popa’s Pools

Popovich, Jeannette

Portola Systems

Prangley, Mike

Profound Recovery Solutions

Raley’s Supermarket

Ramos & Sons Services

Realty One Real Estate Services

Regional Builders Ring, Carol & Don

Robbins Home

Robinson Custom Designs, Inc.

Robinson Sand & Gravel

Rodgers, Scott & Karen

SAK Construction Sac Pacifica

Safeway

Safeway, Bass Lake Rd

Sam Rhodes, Inc.

Sammons, Michelle Sierra

Savidge Construction

Shepherd Family Chiropractor

Sierra Animal Hospital

Sierra Foothill Wine Services

Sierra Mountain Firearms

Even after

bear passed

personal connection many people felt with the Smokey Bear shows children how to put out

campfire on the Angeles National Forest.

Photo courtesy of USDA Forest Service

icon of Smokey helped the original goal of educating Americans about the dangers and risks of wildfire, as well as their personal responsibility to help prevent unplanned human-caused wildfires.

Only you can prevent wildfires

You’ve probably heard Smokey’s famous slogan: “Only you can prevent wildfires.” But what does that actually mean?

Let’s start with what a wildfire is. Wildfires are any uncontrolled fires that burn in forests and other wildlands such as shrubs or grass communities. They can be natural or human-caused.

Nearly nine out of 10 wildfires nationwide are human-caused. These wildfires can then burn out of control, putting people’s homes, businesses and even their lives in danger. Wildland firefighters respond to these fires, placing themselves in harm’s way to protect others.

So how can you help? Be fire aware.

Campfires

There’s nothing quite like enjoying the great outdoors with a roaring fire, gooey s’mores and a night sky full of stars. But that wonderful campfire is also a big responsibility. Smokey needs your help preventing wildfires so more families like yours can enjoy this experience in beautiful forests, other wildlands, and even your backyard, for years to come. That’s why it’s important to learn how to be safe with your campfire:

• Pick out a safe spot.

• Prepare your pit.

• Properly build the campfire.

• Maintain the fire and extinguish before you leave.

• Never leave a campfire without using the “Drown-Stir-Drown-Feel” technique. Your fire should be cold to the touch before you leave.

Vehicle safety & lawncare

It’s important for the safety of your home and nearby wildlands to learn how to use and maintain

outdoor equipment and vehicles in ways that prevent sparking a wildfire. Remember to always keep a cell phone nearby and call 911 immediately in case of fire. Some tips on avoiding wildfire when driving or operating machinery:

• Be sure chains and other metal parts aren’t dragging from your vehicle-they throw sparks.

• Check your tire pressure. Driving on an exposed wheel rim can cause sparks.

• Be careful driving through or parking on dry grass or brush. Hot exhaust pipes can start the grass on fire. You may not even notice the fire until it’s too late.

• Never let your brake pads wear too thin; metal on metal makes sparks.

• Sparks from lawnmowers and power equipment DO start wildfires. Be careful on hot, dry days, and be sure to get your equipment checked regularly.

• Mow before 10 a.m., but never when it’s windy or excessively dry. Remember that lawn mowers are

designed to mow lawns, not weeds or dry grass. Metal lawnmower blades striking rocks can create sparks and start fires.

• When doing any yardwork or work outdoors with mechanical equipment, keep a shovel and water nearby.

Backyard debris burning

Sometimes it’s appealing to burn debris like leftover wood in your backyard. As impressive as that bonfire might be, it can also be very dangerous. Be sure to learn before you burn.

• Check the conditions: Don’t burn when it’s windy or when vegetation is very dry.

• Check local regulations: In your area, a permit may be required.

• Choose a safe spot: Burn areas should be away from power lines and surrounded by at least 10 feet of gravel or dirt.

These are all things you can and should do to avoid causing a wildfire. That might just be the best birthday present for Smokey.

High Sierra Industries

Jason Mechanical, Inc.

Ski Air, Inc. Tee Shirt Bar

Silver Level ($500+)

Boa Vista Orchards JH Floral Co.

BEEF

SUPREME CHAMPION:

Tyson Kovach – Union Mine FFA 1350 lbs

$14.00/ lb

BUYER: T.L. Stigall, Inc.

CHAMPION 4-H: Emma Voll – Southside Topnotch 4-H 1291 lbs

BUYER: C & H Motor Parts

CHAMPION GRANGE:

Andie Chandler – Pleasant Valley Grange #675 1350

BUYERS: Doug Veerkamp General Engineering $9.50/ lb Debi & Paul Harlow

RESERVE CHAMPION 4-H: Chelsea Slaughter – Gold Hill Toppers 4-H 1350 lbs

BUYERS: Colt Dellapenna $8.00/ lb Jalquin’s Trucking Jalquin’s Water Trux

RESERVE CHAMPION GRANGE:

Allie King – Pleasant Valley Grange #675 1350 lbs

BUYERS: Frank’s Body Shop, Inc. $9.00/ lb JA Snyder Pacific West, Inc.

SUPREME CHAMPION:

Lemos – Southside Topnotch 4-H

BUYER: Shane McCormack

RESERVE SUPREME CHAMPION: Emily Elllsworth – Union

GOATS

SUPREME

Placerville Speedway, Regional Builders, Stretch Fab Auto Repair

ADD-ONS:

$11,611.60

Bevier Structural Engineering, Cody Burdette, Clifton & Warren, Darrah Builders, Darrah Livestock & Kelly Family, Dave & Cindy Burdette Family Farm, El Dorado County Fair Board, Danelle & Thomas Hosmann, James Carter Conlin, KH Farms, Lemos Cattle Co., Little Folks University, Livestock Live Podcast, M.C. Equipment Co., Nisson Orthodontics, Ohman Livestock, Painted by Payton, Sierra Mountain Firearms, Ski Air Conditioning, Statheros Financial, Dallas & Trish Sweeney, Trees by the Stream, Tumble Time Gymnastics, Randy & Sharon Varozza, Tim & Denise Veffredo, Lori Warden

BUYERS: Anrak Corporation

High Sierra Industries Joe Vicini, Inc. Kings Meats Popas Pools

CHAMPION GRANGE: Faith Cravalho – Marshall Grange #451

BUYER: Cameron Park Grocery

RESERVE CHAMPION FFA:

Kennedy Ramirez – Independent

BUYER: Jeremy Gold

RESERVE CHAMPION 4-H:

Tristan Valdez – Latrobe Outlanders 4-H

BUYER: Cameron Park Grocery Outlet

RESERVE CHAMPION GRANGE:

Tanner Cooper – Pleasant Valley Grange

BUYER: HFW Enterprises

RABBITS

SUPREME CHAMPION MEAT PEN OF THREE:

Kacie Harnden – Ponderosa FFA

BUYER: Cameron Park Grocery Outlet

SUPREME CHAMPION MEAT SINGLE FRYER:

Kyleigh Stewart – Rescue Up ‘N’ Comin’ 4-H

BUYER: Ramos & Sons Services

RESERVE SUPREME CHAMPION MEAT PEN OF THREE:

Melanie Hellam – Latrobe Outlanders 4-H

BUYER: Jim & Maureen Carter $1900.00

RESERVE SUPREME CHAMPION MEAT SINGLE FRYER:

Kaylee Bump – Union Mine FFA

BUYER: High Sierra Industries $700.00

CHAMPION MEAT PEN OF THREE GRANGE:

Candon Barnum – Marshall Grange # 451

BUYER: Webster Engineering $500.00

CHAMPION MEAT SINGLE

BUYERS:

HOG DONATED BY: Jace Gordon – Camino Go-Getters 4-H 247 lbs

“I’ve noticed some changes, and care about your well-being...”

Knowing When it’s Time to Discuss Assisted Living

e goal is always maintaining independence and a quality lifestyle. The following are signs it could be time to consider Assisted Living.

❏ Di culty with Daily Tasks: Struggling with cooking, cleaning, shopping, or managing household chores.

❏ Safety Concerns: Experiencing frequent falls, accidents, or feeling unsafe at home.

❏ Health & Medication Management: Having trouble keeping track of medications or scheduling doctor appointments.

❏ Declining Physical Abilities: Noticeable decreases in strength, mobility, or endurance that make everyday activities challenging.

❏ Cognitive Changes: Increased forgetfulness, confusion, or di culty making decisions.

❏ Social Isolation: Feeling lonely, isolated, or experiencing a decline in social interactions and engagement.

❏ Family Concerns: Loved ones expressing worry about safety, health, or overall well-being.

❏ Maintenance Challenges: Struggling to keep up with home maintenance, nances, or daily self-care routines.

If you have questions or it’s time to take the next step, Ponté Palmero is here to help.

PROSPECTING

Section B ■ mtdemocrat.com

IN THE KNOW

Aug. 15

Placerville Arts Association

will host a Paint Out in Happy Valley, Somerset from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information visit placervillearts.com.

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District will host the Summer Sock Hop Senior Luncheon at the CSD gym, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.

The Sierra Renaissance Society presents “American Inspirations: Where Music and Art Meet” by Keith Atwater, 1-2:30 p.m. at the Mother Lode Lions Hall, 4701 Missouri Flat Road.

Admission free for members; public invited to attend two meetings for free. The Sierra Renaissance Society of El Dorado County is dedicated to lifelong learning and hosts presentations and workshops throughout the year. For more information visit srsedc. org.

The Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series presents Whiskey Myers and the Tedeschi Trucks Band from 6-10 p.m. For more information visit tinyurl.com/ yfvbt3xz.

Myka Estates will host a Winemaker’s Dinner from 6-8 p.m. with winemakers Mica Raas, Brian Darwazeh and team with a menu featuring a selection of Mica’s favorite wines paired with four courses by chef Lisa Scott. This intimate event will take place on Myka Estates’ patio. For tickets and more information visit mykaestates.com.

Kenny Metcalf as Elton and the Early Years Band 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.

Visit the Barbera Wine Experience, celebrating National Barbera Day at the Folsom Community Center from 4-7 p.m. For more information visit BarberaFestival.com.

Aug. 16

Join American River Conservancy for Leash up and let’s hike from 9:30-11:30 a.m. For more information or to register visit arconservancy.org/event.

The 29th annual Valhalla Renaissance Faire will take place 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Tahoe Valley Campground, and continues Aug. 17 and Aug. 23-24. For ticket and more information visit valhallafaire.com.

Ed Wilson will play at the Placerville Speedway with percussionist Dante Montes from 4-6 p.m.

Mellowood Vineyard, 2979

Mellowood Drive in Fair Play, presents Grillin’ in the Grove from noon to 5 p.m.

Enjoy KK’s famous Kenyan tri tip barbecue served straight from the grill in the Oak Grove with delicious tasty sides and great Mellowood wine. Relax and listen to the sounds of local favorite Tom Power, plus games and awesome vibes. For more information and reservations call (916) 261-7512.

Tamra Godey will play original hip-swaying blues, soulful Americana, and upbeat crowd favorites at Fenton Harriott Vineyards in Placerville from 3:30-6:30 p.m.

■ See KNOW, page B10

Artists revel in self expression

D. Lee Reyes Gold Country Artists

Gold Country Artists Gallery, an awardwinning artists’ cooperative, is featuring the work of local artists Carol Clark, Terry Whittaker and Barbara Davies this August. You can meet the artists during the evening of the Third Saturday Art Walk on Main Street in Placerville.

Carol Clark

Ever since she was a little girl, Clark avidly pursued her artistic expression in one form or another. She found working with ceramics, stained glass, dichroic glass and glass blowing enjoyable.

“It took only about 10 minutes into my ﬁrst fused glass class to fall completely in love with this art form,” she said.

She described her love a air with fused glass as an all-encompassing creative experience, waking up on mornings to the thought of it, letting her mind roam to create designs, seeing patterns everywhere and marveling at how satisfyingly beautiful a ﬁnished piece turned out.

She appreciated that creating fused glass art uses both sides of the brain — the logical, rule-following part, as well as the crazy creative part where almost anything goes. For example, the logical side of her brain likes the geometrical shapes to make her Clocks, but the crazy side enjoys the dichroic glass she uses to add a dash of fantasy to them. Dichroic glass seems almost magical because of its vibrant, iridescent and color-shifting qualities depending on the source of light or when viewed from di erent angles, and she loves working it into many of her fused glass artworks.

Her deep appreciation for natural beauty is reflected in the colors and textures of her decorative, gardenthemed pieces, with abstracted flowers, leaves, vines and little blasts of color fused to clear, textured backgrounds. Her flower gardens are set on stands, or designed to hang in a window so light can shine through to make them sparkle. But there is more to her process than just arranging glass bits together in creative ways. While the process may seem easy, she described it as actually quite complex. “I create decorative and functional fused glass art with fusible

sheet glass, frit (ﬁnely ground glass particles), stringers (long, thin rods), dichroic glass and more,” she said. “The pieces are ﬁred in a kiln for 24 hours or longer and often require close monitoring to switch o the heat at the proper time in order to form a unique piece.

“The best part about creating fused glass art is the creativity that is kindled during the process,” she said of her bowls, vases, lanterns and sun catchers. “Although I know what I’m going to create before I start a project, it often changes slightly throughout the course of development as though directed by my subconscious and contributing to its uniqueness.”

Her fused glass pieces are classic, whimsical and beautiful, but the real fun for Clark is in how the viewer interprets her work. She hopes everyone enjoys viewing her glass art as much as she enjoys creating it.

J. Terry Whittaker

As a young man, Whittaker discovered a love for photography. He wanted to pursue a career in photography, but as with so many heart-felt aspirations, life and reality interfered with his dream of becoming a professional photographer.

When digital photography came onto the scene, he stayed away from it due to what he perceived as a quality-of-image issue.

“The images were pasty-looking, blurry,” he said. It seems rather ironic

“Sierra Gold” by Barbara Davies

New comedy venue sets the stage in Old Sacramento

Traci Rockefeller Cusack News release

SACRAMENTO — A familiar name from last year’s Calling All Dreamers cohort is officially putting roots downtown: Haus of Comedy, the 2024 program’s runner-up, has signed a lease in the heart of the Old Sacramento Waterfront. Located in the historical F.W. Fratt Building at 2nd & K streets, the owners of the comedy lounge and entertainment venue just received $15,000 in prize money through the Downtown Sacramento Foundation as they begin their lease on Sept. 1.

Slated to soft launch later this fall, with a grand opening planned for January 2026, the venue will feature highenergy, improvised comedy in the style of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” alongside stand-up, sketch, drag and other unique live performances. Guests can also look forward to worldclass improv classes, improv for the workplace and private coaching, making it a hub not just for entertainment, but also for creativity, skillbuilding and community connection.

Haus of Comedy was selected as the 2024 runner-up following months of business development workshops, mentorship and pitch presentations through the Calling All Dreamers business incubator. The program helps entrepreneurs refine their business model and secure support to launch a brick-and-mortar location within the downtown district.

“It’s really challenging to capture just how helpful Calling All Dreamers has been for us,” said Haus of Comedy owner Jessilee

Windhaus. “The team was and continues to be incredibly supportive and connected us with so many resources that we absolutely would not have had otherwise. The mentorship component of the program, especially SCORE, was absolutely invaluable. We really felt that everyone genuinely wanted us to succeed as long as we were willing to put the work in.

The Downtown Sacramento Partnership’s contribution to our city is impossible to

overstate.”

Haus of Comedy’s decision to open in Old Sacramento was as exciting as it was personal. Born and raised in Sacramento, Windhaus has long been drawn to the district’s blend of history, scenic river views, thriving business community and family-friendly fun.

“The Old Sacramento Waterfront is thrilled to welcome Haus of Comedy as the newest experiencebased business in this vibrant

and welcoming district. Jessilee, Andy, and their team are incredible improv artists and we are eager to see them engage with the community and bring people together through laughter in their new home,” said Andrew LaFrance, business development manager at Downtown Sacramento Partnership and program manager for Calling All Dreamers.

Haus of Comedy joins a growing list of Calling All

Dreamers alumni bringing fresh energy and ideas to the Old Sacramento Waterfront, including Dipped N Color Splat Studio, NEO Escape Rooms, Ecojoyous, Cerealism, Capital Tuk-Tuk and the upcoming Pittador Brews Specialty Teas & Coffees. For other interested dreamers, the 13th annual Calling All Dreamers business incubator is now accepting applications through Sept. 1 at 11:59 p.m. Visit CallingAllDreamers.org.

Last month, Amador County school teacher and author, Dale Lisa Flint, visited Tallahassee, Fla, for the East Coast debut of her first novel, “Finding Juliet.”

She was welcomed by two local bookstores, My Favorite Books and Common Ground, where she held signings as well as two events: an inclusive sonnet-writing workshop for teens and a talk entitled “Who Said It: Shakespeare, Tupac or Taylor Swift? Language, Music and the Rhythm of the Heart.”

“Finding Juliet” published by Turtle Cove Press, is a young adult, cross-genre historical fiction — think “Outlander” meets “Back to the Future.” Kirkus Reviews awarded it the coveted “Get It” designation, proclaiming, “The characters are uniformly engaging, from the leads to the minor players.” Willow Broadfoot, writing for the Tallahassee Democrat, exclaimed, “The dramatic and fantastical journey of Dale Lisa Flint’s debut novel, “Finding Juliet,” blew me away.”

Attendees included the Artistic Director of the Southern Shakespeare Company, a professional theatre company based in Tallahassee, as well as a few actors, some in Elizabethan costume.

“Finding Juliet” is available on Amazon, free with Kindle Unlimited, or purchase a signed paperback copy locally at Hein & Company or On Purpose, both in Sutter Creek. To learn more about the author visit dalelisaflint.com.

Courtesy photo

Owners of Haus of Comedy, Andy Sarouhan, left, and Jessilee Windhaus, right, have signed a lease for a venue in the historical F.W. Fratt building in the heart of the Old Sacramento Waterfront. The comedy team plans to soft launch this fall.

Courtesy photo

Dale Lisa Flint, visited Tallahassee bookstore My Favorite Books with members of the Southern Shakespeare Company.

News release

that his occupational career led him to work for a company that made Liquid Crystal Display products for Sharp. Generally, LCD is the tech used to create the screens embedded into the back of digital cameras. By the late 2000s digital photography had advanced.

“Digital photography has actually surpassed film, and the fact that you no longer need to process your images in a darkroom served as a call to me to try once again to follow my dream,” he explained.

In the interest of gaining proficiency in the digital arena, he took a class in digital lighting to learn more about studio work. It was here he set up a collection of older cameras his father had brought home with him from Germany after the war. The image “War Horses” went on to win several awards, encouraging him to pursue his dream more seriously. He has since traveled globally with his cameras, memorializing scenes from Oceania to the U.K., throughout the national parks of the U.S. and other captivating locations that provide him opportunities to expand his portfolio and photographic eye.

On a trip to the south of New Zealand, he and his guide came across a lake as they were traveling. They were looking at one thing, but when he turned the view shifted, the tendrils of mist weaving the scene together, and he captured an image of “Mystic Lake.” A few minutes later the sun burned off the mist, changing the scene forever.

“What else is going to happen?” he asked himself. And perhaps it is always like that for him.

It was night and he found himself traveling along the bogs and moors of Scotland, when he spotted the Abandoned Cottage of Islay just as a storm was coming in. While it had an aged charm with its weathered stonework and roof timbers falling in, there came a break in the clouds so the lighting changed, intensifying the green of the grasses, the golden yellows of the flowers and the brooding darkness of the surrounding clouds. However, it was not the silvertouched light of the moon that filtered through, but rather the remnants of the sun that stayed in the sky late into the evening, lending a surreal quality to the light which transformed the scene into something ethereal.

Whittaker’s passion for photography has led to award-winning work that can be found in public and private collections.

Barbara Davies

Davies always knew that being a full-time artist would become a part of her life journey. She won an art contest in third grade, earned a scholarship to a Boston art school and ultimately graduated from the California College of the Arts in Oakland. Her career in the tech industry gave her the opportunity to travel throughout the U.S. and Europe, however, she always took the time to draw and paint. She made the bold decision to follow her passion by leaving the corporate world to enroll in art school where she earned degrees in illustration and painting and continued toward her teaching credentials. She taught art in school for eight years before opening her own gallery and studio in the Bay Area, where she sold her work and taught painting classes for children and adults.

“I see potential paintings everywhere,” she said. “ I am always drawn to a scene that is filled with light and color.”

She travels prepared with an art kit

so when a subject catches her eye, she can capture the essence of what she wants to create. She makes a quick plene-air painting with watercolor, and then takes several photographs in different light to refer to when back in her studio. She loosely brushes the abstracted shapes of the composition with multiple layers of transparent oil paint, working from the background, toward the middle and finally to the foreground. She works from general forms to specific details, checking and adjusting shapes, composition and color as the painting progresses.

“My somewhat haphazard, freestyle approach leads to the tightly rendered, realistic result I call my ‘contemporary realism,’” she explained.

Frequent road trips around California sparked her interest in painting landscapes of the Sierra Nevada, and as an avid outdoorswoman who kayaks, hikes and rides horseback, she discovers scenes found off the beaten path, like an aspen grove in the Tahoe National Forest. She brings the viewer into this grove, the light of the sun filtering through the leafy branches like liquid Sierra gold. With her palette of warm greens, oranges and yellows she expresses a feeling of warmth and peace.

Her cool palette for “Winter Truckee River” conveys a moment frozen in time, where the gaze of the viewer and that of a deer are captured within the quiet stillness of the icy blues of snow and river, a brief connection before the graceful creature bounds away.

Sometimes she guides the observer’s eye down a path like the one gently wending through the rich purple blossoms of a carpet of Lupins of Folsom Lake reaching to the rolling foothills and the promise of blue lake waters not too far in the distance.

Davies continues to teach art locally; much of her work is exhibited in several galleries and hangs in many collections.

Gold Country Artists Gallery features the work of many awardwinning regional artists working in fields as diverse as fine jewelry, photography, fused glass, wood turning, pastels, colored pencil, scratch board, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting. The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information call (530) 642-2944 or visit gold-country-artistsgallery.com.

Get a sip at Tales and Ales

News release

SACRAMENTO — Beer lovers and families alike are invited to raise a glass at Fairytale Town’s annual Tales & Ales Brewfest, returning on Aug. 23. This one-of-a-kind, family-friendly event will feature over 20 craft breweries, cideries, and wineries, offering a variety of tastings for guests aged 21 and over. The evening also includes live music by AKAlive, an assortment of food vendors and fun for all ages including Fairytale Town’s beloved play structures and a Root Beer Float Garden for the kids.

Enjoy tastings from popular names including: Acheson Wine Company, At Ease, BarmHaus, Bike Dog, Common Space, Crooked Lane, Flatland, Full Circle, Grindstone Wines, HenHouse, Hop Gardens, Jackrabbit, KC Kombucha, Lost Coast, Mad Fritz , The Monk’s Cellar, New Glory, New Helvetia, Nitty’s Cider, North Coast, Oak Park, Original Pattern, Sierra Nevada, Silt Wine Co., Sonoma Cider, Speakeasy and Urban Roots. Lineup is subject to change.

Fuel the fun with local food favorites: Tacos International, hearty, authentic tacos;

Chicago Fire, woodfired pizza and more; My Lumpia Lady, a fusion of Filipino & Mexican cuisine; F&F BBQ, smoky, savory barbecue classics; India Jones, bold and flavorful Indian cuisine; Chip Cookies Sacramento and Kettle Corn Master, sweet treats for everyone. Tickets are available now with VIP experience options. The event will take place at Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento, on Saturday, Aug. 23 from 5-9 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 808-7462 or visit fairytaletown.org.

“Flower Garden” by Carol Clark

“Abandoned Cottage” by J. Terry Whittaker

Rita Rudner coming to the Harris Center

FOLSOM — Harris Center for the Arts presents Rita Rudner live on Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

A house-ﬁlling favorite in Las Vegas since she opened as one of the hottest tickets in town in June 2000, Rudner is known for her epigrammatic one-liners. Over the course of a multi-year run she has sold almost two million tickets, grossed over a hundred million dollars and become the longest-running solo female comedy show in the history of Las Vegas. She was named Las Vegas’s Comedian of The Year nine years in a row and in 2006 received The Nevada Ballet’s Woman Of The Year Award. In October 2017 she was given the Casino Entertainment Legend Award.

Rudner is a frequent collaborator with her writer/producer husband of 30 years, Martin Bergman. The couple’s ﬁrst produced ﬁlm script was “Peter’s Friends.” The script was nominated for a WGA Best Screenplay Award and Rudner won Best Supporting Actress at the American Comedy Awards.

In 2022, Rudner returned to live performance with a series of concerts across the U.S. Her memoir “My Life In Dog Years” was published in December of that year, and in 2023 she appeared at the Laguna Playhouse in the world premier of “Staged” a new comedy written by her and Bergman. In February, she featured as a guest star in an episode of Magnum P.I. on NBC. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

Courtesy photo

The longest-running solo female comedian in Las Vegas, Comedian of the Year (nine years in a row) and recipient of the Casino Entertainment Legend award, Rita Rudner will take the stage at the Harris Center in September. Tickets are on sale now.

Country rocker, J.D. Clayton coming to Delfino Farm

Delfino Farms welcomes J.D. Clayton for a night of country rock on Sept. 6.

A native son of Arkansas, Clayton delivers a timeless form of countryrock that’s wholly the product of his environment: down-to-earth, deliberately unhurried, touched with a carefree ease that’s undeniably infectious. After several years spent grinding it out in Nashville — and kicking off a career that has included touring alongside the likes of Dwight Yoakam, Old Crow Medicine Show, Parker McCollum and more — the Fort Smith-bred singer/songwriter returned to his hometown and immersed himself in the making of an adventurous new album that soon led to his signing with Rounder Records. With equal parts soulful self-reflection and wildly colorful storytelling, “Blue Sky Sundays” immediately transports the audience into a world that moves at its own exhilarating rhythm — and ultimately reveals an artist of hard-won character and singular authenticity.

The follow-up to his critically praised 2023 debut “Long Way From Home,” “Blue Sky Sundays” finds Clayton taking the helm as producer and working with his touring band to capture the vitality and grit of his crowd-thrilling live show.

“When I made my first album I’d never been on the road, but after touring so much over the past few years my band is extremely dialed-in,” said Clayton, whose live experience includes performing at major festivals like Bonnaroo and Dreamy Draw. “I wanted to make a record that showcased what’s special about each of my bandmates, and I knew the best way to do that was to produce it myself.”

Recorded at the legendary Sound Emporium Studios in Nashville and mixed by seven-time Grammy Award winner Vance Powell, “Blue Sky Sundays” ornaments its free-flowing sound with plenty of ear-catching sonic details (including an abundance of explosive guitar solos), each crafted with a thoughtful spontaneity.

“I’m always inspired by music made in the ’70s, when there wasn’t so much of a focus on getting everything exactly perfect,” said Clayton. “Life is crazy and it’s got a lot of blemishes, and I believe that music should too. These songs all came from us locking ourselves in the studio and really having fun with the songs, and I think that’s the heart of the album.”

The show will take place on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. at Delfino Farms, 3205 N. Canyon Road, Camino. For advance tickets visit tixtree.com/e/jd-clayton4db21d3730aa.

Veterans benefit concert this weekend

News release

The Pollock Pines-Camino Rotary Club welcomes the community to a Veterans Benefit Concert on Aug. 16, at 6 p.m. at the Pollock Pines Community Center. The concert will feature music by Cash Creek and Friends, all the way from Nashville. Two members are currently in the country band Alabama. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some great music and support a worthy cause. Tickets can be purchased at the door on the night of the event or visit pollockpines-caminorotary.org.

Tickets on sale for Harry Potter in concert

ACRAMENTO — CineConcerts is inviting Sacramento and area residents back to the Wizarding World for an evening of music and magic with “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in concert.” There are two chances to relive the magic of Harry Potter soaring across the big screen in high-definition and experience John Williams’ unforgettable score played live by the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera. Performances will take place on Friday, Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m. and again on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 1:30 p.m. at the Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center. For tickets and more information call (916) 476-5975 or visit sacphilopera.org.

Courtesy photo

J.d. Clayton will bring his own timeless form of country rock to Delfino Farms on Sept. 6.

Join American River Conservancy for live music with Red Dirt Ruckus, beverages and tasty food featuring Wani’s Tacos at historical Wakamatsu Farm in Placerville 6-9 p.m. This concert series supports ARC’s Resilience Reserve helping to manage, repair and restore its protected properties. For more information visit bit.ly/ARCc4c2025.

California Museum in Sacramento presents a Volunteer Open House from 10-11 a.m. and an optional New Volunteer Orientation from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information visit californiamuseum.org.

Aug. 17

Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills presents a Book Signing with the author of “Sins of the Father” James L’Etoile from 3-5 p.m. For more information visit getyourfaceinabook.com.

Aug. 19

Powell’s Steamer Company and Pub, 425 Main St., presents Eric Hill and Jonny Mojo for Taco Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. Stop by for some good food and good tunes. For more information call (530) 626-1091.

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District will host Yoga in the Park at 9 a.m. at Promontory Park. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.

The Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series presents Glass Animals from 7-10 p.m. For more information visit tinyurl.com/yfvbt3xz.

Aug. 20

The Tahoe Blue Event Center presents Lake Tahoe Electric Transportation Forum at 9 a.m. For tickets and more information visit tinyurl.com/yfsp8cf9.

The Valhalla Tahoe boathouse theatre and outdoor lawn presents Raul Midon from 7:30-10 p.m. For more information visit valhallatahoe. com.

Aug. 21

Summer Night City – The ABBA Tribute will perform at the Live on the Boulevard Summer Concert Series at the El Dorado Hills Town Center from 7-9 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com. Join Elder Options for From Risk to Resilience: Preparing our Most Vulnerable from 1-3 p.m. at 630 Main St., Placerville. The objective of this session is to empower our community with the knowledge and resources needed to support those who are most vulnerable. By prioritizing inclusivity in our emergency planning efforts, we can build a stronger, more connected and resilient community — one where no one is left behind when disaster strikes. Space is limited. To reserve a spot call (530) 626-6939.

The Sofia in Sacramento presents The Joe Gilman Quartet Tribute: Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall at 6:30 p.m. and again at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

Glass Beams will perform at the Ace of Spades in Sacramento at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information visit aceofspadessac.com.

Aug. 22

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District will host a Free Concert in the Park with Island of Black & White from 7-9:30 p.m. at Community Park. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd. org.

Atim Udoffia in collaboration with Balcony Theatre Collective presents “As You Like It” at 7 p.m. and through Aug. 31 at the Clara Auditorium in Sacramento. For tickets and more information visit asyoulikeitproject.ludus.com.

Broadway At Music Circus presents “Hair” at the UC Davis Health pavilion in Sacramento at 7:30 p.m. and through Aug. 28. For tickets and more information call (916) 557-1999 or visit broadwaysacramento.com.

Sorry Papi, The All Girl Rave will perform at the Ace of Spades in Sacramento at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information visit aceofspadessac.com.

Aug. 23

The Lake Tahoe Triathlon includes sprint, half and Olympic distances as well as a duathlon (run/bike/run) and aquabike (swim/ bike) all starting from Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park at 7:30 a.m. and continues on Aug. 24. For more information visit laketahoetri. com.

Join American River Conservancy for Watercolor, pen and ink historical building plein air from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information or to register visit arconservancy.org/event.

Join Shadow Ranch for Winemaking 101: Harvest and Fermentation at noon and 2:30 p.m. For more information visit shadowranch.com.

Ed Wilson will play at Cielo Sulla Terra Vineyards in Somerset from 1-4 p.m.

Miraflores Winery, 2120 Four Springs Trail in the Pleasant Valley area, is serving its acclaimed Pairings Lunches on the Vineyard Terrace on Saturdays and Sundays with seatings from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2-4 p.m. Pairings 2025 combines a chef’s creativity with the beautifully crafted Miraflores wines. Diners will be able to talk to the chef du jour about the wine and food experience. On Aug. 23 and 24 chef Robb Venditti is preparing an Italian Summer meal. Call (530) 647-8505 or email info@mirafloreswinery.com to make a reservation.

Join Ag in the Classroom for Farm to Table 20 Mile Taste from 4-7 p.m. at Rainbow Orchards. For tickets or more information visit tinyurl. com/mpuemudz.

David Girard Vineyards will host a book release event for “Sarajevo Roses” by Jason Markiewitz from 4-7 p.m. For more information visit davidgirardvineyards.com.

Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents a Tribute to the Music of Patsy Cline starring Joni Morris at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills presents a book signing with the author of “Throwing Stones” Claire Booth from 4-6 p.m. For more information visit getyourfaceinabook.com.

Red Voodoo will perform at 7 p.m. at Sutter Creek Theatre in Sutter Creek. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheatre.com.

The Tahoe Brewfest will take place at 5 p.m. on Ski Run Blvd, in the heart of South Lake Tahoe. Featuring tastings, live music and arts and craft vendors benefitting the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe. For more information visit tahoebrewfest.com.

Fairytale Town in Sacramento presents Tales and Ales Brewfest from 5-9 p.m. For more information visit fairytaletown.org.

Now

Light Opera Theatre of Sacramento presents “Dracula; or the town of Sibiu” through Aug. 17. For tickets and more information visit lightoperasacramento.org.

The Gallery at 48 Natoma presents Jyotsna Bhamidipati visual storyteller through Aug. 14. For more information call (916) 4616601 or visit folsom.ca.us/government/parks-recreation/facilities/ gallery-at-48-natoma.

Arts and Culture El Dorado presents High Side, Whitewater El Dorado through Aug. 17 at the Switchboard Gallery in Placerville. For more information visit artsandcultureeldorado.org.

The Olde Coloma Theatre presents “The Best Little Tea House in the West” ... Or ... “When a Deed is Done!” through Aug. 24. *Note the show is rated R, age restrictions apply. For tickets and more information go to oldecolomatheatre.com.

California Stage in Sacramento presents “Eleanor Rigby” through Aug. 24. For

and more information visit calstage.org.

Know Continued from B10

Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “Young Frankenstein” through Aug. 24. For tickets and more information visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival presents “Twelfth Night” through Aug. 23 and “Peter and the Starcatcher” through Aug. 24. For tickets and more information visit laketahoeshakespeare.com.

Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento presents Marvin Lipofsky Blows Glass through Aug. 17; Reform to Restoration, French Art from Louis XVI to Louis XVIII from the Horvitz Collection through Sept. 14; Arts, Letters, and Power, Van Dyck and the Portrait Print through Oct. 12; Cara and Diego Romero, Tales of Futures Past through Oct. 12; 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.

The Heavenly Village Summer Concert Series presents live music on the main stage every Friday and Saturday (plus additional weekdays) evenings from 5:45-9:15 p.m. through Labor Day. For more information visit tinyurl.com/3h88rmpb.

Join Valhalla Tahoe for Yoga on the Lawn every Tuesday & Thursday at 8 a.m. through August 28. Start your day with a breath of fresh Tahoe air and a grounding yoga practice surrounded by pines. All levels welcome. For more information visit valhallatahoe.com.

Check out “Our Beautiful Valley: Photographic Remembrances of Coloma and Lotus” by Betty Sederquist at Marco’s Café in Lotus through the end of summer. For more information visit marcoscafelotus.com.

Inscripciones abiertas para la academia comunitaria de habla hispana del Sheriff (Registration open for the Sheriff’s Spanish-speaking community academy.) Miembros de la comunidad: De vuelta por demanda popular. La Oficina del Sheriff de El Dorado se enorgullece de traer de vuelta nuestra academia comunitaria de habla hispana. Este seminario tendrá una duración de siete semanas. Del 3 de octubre de 2025 al 21 de noviembre de 2025. Nos reuniremos los viernes por la noche de 6-9 p.m. Este programa está orientado a proporcionar a los miembros de nuestra comunidad una visión interna de lo que hace la oficina del alguacil. Cubriremos temas como: Evacuaciones de Emergencia, Investigaciones de difuntos, drogas peligrosas, Recorridos por nuestra Cárcel y Centro de Capacitación y muchos otros temas. Este programa es divertido e interactivo. Quién sabe, incluso podría hacer sus propias paradas de tráfico. Este programa es gratuito. Así es, gratis. Damos la bienvenida a todos los miembros de la familia. Por favor, póngase en contacto con el Diputado Julián Sandoval para recibir una solicitud. El espacio es limitado, así que llame hoy para reservar su asiento. Diputado Julián Sandoval (530) 919-6945, correo electrónico: Sandovalj@edso.org. (Back by popular demand. The El Dorado Sheriff’s Office is proud to bring back its Spanish-speaking community academy. This seminar will last seven weeks, from Oct. 3 through Nov. 21. Meet on Friday evenings from 6-9 p.m. This program is geared toward providing members of the community with an inside look at what the sheriff’s office does. We will cover topics such as: emergency evacuations, death investigations, dangerous drugs, tours of the jail and training center and many other topics. This program is fun and interactive. Who knows, participants might even be able to make their own traffic stops. This program is free and all members of the family are welcome. Contact Deputy Julián Sandoval to receive a request. Space is limited, so call today to reserve your seat, (530) 919-6945

or email Sandovalj@edso.org.

Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento hosts Art Rx, docent led discussions for those with chronic pain and their friends, family and caregivers, second and fourth Saturdays at 11 a.m.; Meet Me at the Museum. tours designed for visitors with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, using art observation and conversation to foster engagement and social interaction, second Fridays at 11 a.m.; and Highly Descriptive Tours, 50-minute tours with detailed verbal descriptions and guided discussion for blind or low-vision individuals and their guests, fourth Fridays at 1 p.m. For more information visit crockerart.org.

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) 6215512 and leave a voicemail or email mgeldorado@ucanr.edu.

The Mills Station Arts and Culture Center in Rancho Cordova hosts Live Model Drawing classes every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. For more information visit rcmacc.org.

The Mom Walk Sip and Stroll meets every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Amphitheater at the El Dorado Hills Town Center. It’s a great way to get active with other local moms.

Marco’s Café in Lotus hosts a Family Friendly Open Mic Night Thursdays from 6-8:30 p.m. For more information visit marcoscafelotus.com.

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 5-8 p.m., drizzle or shine, every Thursday through August at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Find great local products while enjoying live music, food, beverages and more. Parking is free during the market hours.

Marshal Gold Discovery Park will host Living History Days every second Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit marshallgold.com.

The Pollock Pines Community Center will host a Yoga Class every Monday at 10:30 a.m, Bingo Night every Tuesday at 5 p.m. and a Beginners Line Dancing Throwdown from 6:30-9 p.m. For more information visit pollockpinesca.org.

The Georgetown Library will host the Thursdays at Two Poetry Group every first and third Thursday of the month.

Gold Bug Park & Mine in Placerville is open Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit goldbugpark. org.

The El Dorado County Certified Farmers Markets will take place at the American Legion in South Lake Tahoe Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Burke Junction in Cameron Park, Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to noon, the Regal Cinema parking lot in Placerville Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon and the EDH Community Services District in El Dorado Hills, Sundays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy a vibrant selection of locally raised meats, farm-fresh produce, fresh-baked goods and

handcrafted items from talented local artisans. With delicious food vendors and a welcoming community atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to support local businesses and enjoy the best of what the region has to offer.

The El Dorado Hills Town Center Farmers Market is back in action on Sundays in the amphitheater near Brickyard & South Fork. Stop by 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to enjoy local certified produce, fresh flowers, wine, baked goods, micro greens, skin care, handmade goods, baskets, jewelry, face painting, henna art and more. Live music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Marshall Hospital Auxiliary is looking for volunteers. Help people and make new friends. Interviews are held monthly. For more information call Norma at (530) 676-1844 or email grizzyq98@gmail.com.

National Alliance on Mental 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.

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.

Do you love to sew (or not sew) and support veterans? Sew4Vets is a fun group that meets twice a month (first Tuesday and second Thursday) 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building in Placerville. Members sew walker bags, wheelchair bags, pillows and quilts for a number of California veterans hospitals, as well as veterans in local assisted-living homes. Non-sewers help with stringing drawstring bags, stuffing pillows and other “hands on” projects. All supplies furnished. Don’t have a sewing machine you can bring to the meetings? There are a few to share. Check us out at Sew4vets. org.

The purpose of the Widowed Persons Club is to provide a support group for widowed men and women of all ages and provide a wide range of social activities through which they have an opportunity to make new friends and find a new direction in their lives.

Regular breakfasts are held every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at Denny’s in Placerville. General meeting lunches are held at Cold Springs Country Club in Placerville for members and guests on the fourth Friday of each month at 11:30 a.m. A social time precedes each meeting. The cost is $18 and reservations are required. For those interested in joining or reservations don’t hesitate to get in touch with Glenda at (530) 295-8374 or Nancy at (530) 919-8276.

The Sons in Retirement –Gold Country branch meets the second Wednesday of the month at the Cameron Park Country Club. Check out the club and be a guest for a complimentary lunch. Contact Branch 95’s membership chairman at SIRBranch95@gmail. com for more details.

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Post 2680 in El Dorado County invites veterans of World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War as well as those seeing action in Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries during the war on terror plus those serving peacekeeping missions throughout the globe to become VFW members. Member benefits are plenty and there is no fee for the first year. For more information call (530) 499-2950.

The Murer House foundation continues its Italian language classes at the Murer House Learning Center, 1125 Joe Murer Court, in old Folsom. Students can learn Italian in small and supportive classes designed to maximize contact with the teacher. Classes begin in Sept. For more information and to enroll visit murerhousefoundation.org/ language-classes.

in Sonoma Day in Sonoma

September 4th 2025 10:00am6:30pm

A buffet lunch at Casa de Sonoma including Veggie or Chicken Quesadilla, Chicken Enchilada, Chili Relleno, Mexican Rice, Black Beans, Chips and Salsa. Also includes Soft Drinks, Coffee and Tea.

Stop in the Center of Sonoma Plaza after lunch for selected gifts at many of the shops. Visit the Cheese Factory for sampling and cheese to take home. Or just sit and relax in the park. We will