Mountain Democrat, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 by mcnaughtonmedia

Born with a passion

Local competes in the National Finals Rodeo

Union Mine High School graduate Hayle Gibson-Stillwell, 34, is a fulltime barrel racer and the only female ﬁnalist from California competing in the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas this week.

The NFR is the premier championship of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and features the PRCA’s top money winners in the season for each event. The event is held the ﬁrst week of December each year at the Thomas and Mack Center on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. World championship titles are awarded to competitors who earn the most money in their event through the year.

Gibson-Stillwell learned to ride a horse at age 4 and began competing in the NorCal Junior Rodeo circuit and in Gymkhana at age 5. She earned her first buckle in a rodeo event at age 6. She went on to win numerous awards in high school, including the 2005 California Junior Pro Rodeo Queen title and represented District 3 as the California High School Rodeo Association Queen, 2007-09. District 3 comprises nine counties and teens who finish as one of the top five point leaders in di erent events qualify for state high school rodeo in Bishop. She was also runner-up in the 2008 state queen title and competed at the national and international level.

■ See RODEO, page A9

County moving forward with fee refunds

Fee Act, El Dorado County supervisors set into motion a refund process for 1,800-plus property owners. At the Dec. 2 board meeting a motion was made by Supervisor Brian Veerkamp, seconded by Supervisor Lori Parlin and supported by Supervisors Brooke Laine and George Turnboo to:

• Direct sta to issue partial refunds by direct payment to the current record owners of eligible parcels as of the last equalized assessment roll, with payment amounts prorated based on the proportional relationship between the amount of fees actually paid on an eligible parcel and the amount of funds subject to refund pursuant to the settlement agreements; and

• Direct sta to develop a claims process to facilitate the refunds, proceed with the refunds once the claims process is implemented, and to return to the board in approximately six months with a status update on the refunds.

Tra c Imact Fees paid Dec. 2, 2014, through Nov. 15, 2016 could be refunded.

Supervisor Greg Ferrero was absent Tuesday.

The settlement agreement negotiated over the summer and executed on Oct. 3 calls for the county to pay $9.5 million in Tra c Impact Fee refunds plus nearly $5.22 million in attorneys’ fees and a $50,000 stipend to the Austins.

Veerkamp, who served on the board when the case was initially ﬁled, said the outcome is unfortunate. The loser in the case is the county’s Road Fund, he lamented, and the winners are attorneys.

Refunds will be issued to the current owner of record of the lots or units as identiﬁed on the most recent assessment roll (Aug. 20, 2025) of the development projects or individual projects on which impact fees were paid — as dictated by MFA language. The time period determined by the courts covers fees paid Dec. 2, 2014, through Nov. 15, 2016.

“We are recommending the refunds be processed via direct payment,” County Counsel David Livingston told supervisors. “We think that’s likely the method that’s most consistent with people’s expectations when they hear the term refund. We think it’s the method that’s most

SHERIFF’S OFFICE BRINGS OUT THE BEARCAT for

special holiday toy drive and community event

Shelly Thorene Sta writer

The third annual Toys from Bearcat event celebrated the spirit of giving with a family oriented event which included a drivethrough toy drop o from 7 a.m. to noon and a dinner and pictures with Santa at the Food Bank of El Dorado County on Business Drive in Cameron Park Monday night.

The El Dorado County Sheri Department along with the Shingle Springs/Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce, the Food Bank of El Dorado County and other community partners sponsored the event which included wine and beer from local businesses, ra e prizes and opportunities to meet local law enforcement and county o cials.

The evening began with opening remarks by the emcee, Shingle Springs/ Cameron Park Chamber President

■ See BEARCAT, page A5

Courtesy photos

Hayle Gibson-Stillwell and her horse Fancy break the arena record and win the Coeur D’Alene, Idaho rodeo earlier this year.

Union Mine High School grad Hayle Gibson-Stillwell hugs Fancy after they won the West Coast Finals in Tulare.

Shelly Thorene Sta writer

Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene

Abigail Grinnell, 9, left and her sister Birdie, 7, right of El Dorado Hills pose for a photo next to Santa and the armored SWAT vehicle nicknamed the “Bearcat” at the Food Bank of El Dorado County.

ESSENTIALS

Bernice “Bunny” (Hollister) Wing

March 17, 1939 – Nov. 23, 2025

Bernice “Bunny“ Wing (Hollister) passed away peacefully on November 23, after a 4 year journey with Dementia. She was a long time resident of Rescue California.

Preceded in death by husband Vernon Wing, Parents: Harold & Ruth Hollister, Brothers Tom Hollister, Harry Hollister and Sister Julie Hollister. Survived by Daughter Tammie Van Bebber (Dale), Daughter Vernice Wing Lairmore, Grandchildren Christina Sipes (Jeramy), Katie Price (Brandon), Ashley Harpine (Chad), Jared Van Bebber, Brothers Dick Hollister (Sandy) and Tim Hollister (Brenda) and 7 Great Grandchildren. Services will be held at: Green Valley Mortuary, Cameron Park. Services will be held on Dec. 12, 2025. Viewing at 10 a.m. and Services will be at 11 a.m. Reception to follow.

Lee Dale Hennessy

April 10, 1939 – Nov. 22, 2025

Lee Hennessy beloved wife of Rick (Frédéric) Hennessy; mother of Deborah and Darrell Hennessy; grandmother of Sean, Cori and Ryan Hennessy; Great Grandmother of infant Ethan, passed away peacefully at Western Slope Health Facility, after a cruel battle with dementia at the age of 86.

Lee and Rick were married on the 13th of October 1962 in Montreal, Canada, where they both grew up. By reason of Rick’s job transfer, they arrived in Los Angeles in January of 1968, moved to Walnut Creek in August of that same year, where they resided for 6 years, before moving to Omo Ranch in the spring of 1974. Lee endured the arduous pioneer style life on their remote property until they moved to Diamond Springs in 2011.

Lee’s funeral service is scheduled for Friday, December 19th at 11:00 AM, at Chapel of the Pines, 2855 Cold Springs Rd, Placerville, CA, followed by a reception and light refreshments. Will those persons who are planning to attend please RSVP to rickhennessy90@gmail.com, no later than Friday, December 12th, in order that adequate food will be provided. Our close friend, Mike Ball will be o ciating.

She was a brave, patient, loving companion. She will be sadly and greatly missed by all of us.

Dennis VerNon Lee

Oct. 4, 1942 – Nov. 14, 2025

Dennis VerNon Lee died on November 14, 2025. He was born October 4, 1942, in North Bend, Oregon, to Alvin Veloy and Valencia (Timothy) Lee. He spent his childhood in Empire, Oregon, and graduated from Marshﬁeld High School in Coos Bay. Many knew him in Oregon as “Cub”, and in California as Vern or “Pygmy.”

VerNon met and married Carol, the love of his life, in 1982. They had 43 wonderful, fun-loving years together as best friends and companions.

VerNon learned body and fender repair at 15, and was well-known in Oregon and California for his amazing skill. He retired from Jim Patton Auto Body after 55 years plying his trade. He was an artist with metal, taking everything to perfection.

Totally devoted to football and NASCAR, he also built amazing projects for Carol (usually with nothing but a picture to go on), and did endless remodeling of their home.

VerNon and Carol served as Santa’s elves for many years, visiting local preschools. He was always ﬁrst to help a friend. They traveled extensively in their ﬁfth wheel, took several cruises, and enjoyed a fabulous trip to Europe. He cherished every single one of their many pets.

VerNon is survived by wife Carol, daughters Brenda (Harry) Haines, Debbie (Tom) Slaughter, and Kari (Mitch) Clouse; stepdaughter Vicki (Kevin) Smay, stepson Dale (Ruby) Fowler; sister Aleen Melton; ten grandchildren and twentyfour great-grandchildren and ﬁve great-greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Veloy and Valencia Lee; his sisters Nancy Sandine and Valerie Forsythe; brothers-in-law Frank Forsythe, Bill Sandine, and Robert Melton. No services will be held.

Beverly Ann Mena

Jan. 30, 1961 – Nov 24, 2025

Beverly Ann Mena, 64, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was born on January 30, 1961, in Monterey, California, to Mary Helen (Gonzalez) Mena and Robert Mena. She married Stephen R. Zook, and together they raised three children - Matthew (Ashley) Zook, Sarah Michelle Zook, and Andrew (Brie) Zook. She is survived by 4 grandchildren: Daniel Long of California; Destiny Stover and Maddie and Lilly Zook of Columbus, Indiana and were the joy of her life. Beverly will be remembered for her selﬂessness, loyalty, and the lasting love she gave to all who knew her. A Celebration of Life service will be held locally at a later date and time.

Property taxes are due by Dec. 10

El Dorado County Tax Collector’s

Oﬃce

News release

According to El Dorado County Tax Collector K. E. Coleman, the ﬁrst installment of the secured property tax is now due and will be delinquent if not paid on or before Dec. 10.

To pay online or to ﬁnd answers to the most frequently asked property tax questions, access the website at eldoradocounty.ca.gov/Services/ My-Property/Pay-Your-Property-Taxes. Taxpayers can also view or print copies of their tax bills from this website.

Payments may be made online, through the mail, at payment bins located outside front building entrance and in front of o ce, in addition to in person at 360 Fair Lane, Placerville. The bins are open for payments only during o ce hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please

The following was taken from EDSO reports:

Oct. 13

12:27 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Faith Lane in Diamond Springs.

3:38 p.m. Battery was reported at an apartment complex on El Dorado Hills Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

5:52 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Snows Road in Camino.

6:16 p.m. Battery was reported at a store on Sly Park Road in Pollock Pines.

8:48 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a person suspected of willfully discharging a rearm in a negligent manner, shooting at an inhabited dwelling and owning/ possessing a rearm as a felon on Spring Hill Road in Somerset. They were listed in custody.

9:04 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Dali Court in El Dorado Hills.

Oct. 14

6:51 a.m. Trespassing was reported at a school on Brittany Way in El Dorado Hills.

11:15 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Tierra De Dios Drive in El Dorado Hills.

11:59 a.m. A person allegedly drunk in public was reported at a grocery store on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines. An arrest was made.

10:19 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a gas station on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines.

Oct. 15

9:15 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Mineral Way in Placerville.

11:01 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Malcolm Dixon Road in El Dorado Hills.

11:06 a.m. Petty theft was reported at a clothing store on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.

11:27 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Golden Foothills Parkway in El Dorado Hills.

1:47 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Fowler Lane in Diamond Springs.

3:30 p.m. Battery was reported in a shopping center on Francisco Drive in El Dorado Hills.

9:39 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a discount store on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.

10:06 p.m. Grand theft was reported at a casino on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville.

Oct. 16

10:15 a.m. Battery was reported at a school on Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills.

3:10 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Faith Lane in Diamond Springs.

8:14 p.m. Battery was reported at a storage facility on Pleasant Valley Road in El Dorado.

Oct. 17

9:20 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park.

9:37 a.m. Battery was reported on Grizzly Flat Road in Somerset. An arrest was made.

7:16 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Grassy Creek Way in El Dorado Hills.

7:37 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a restaurant on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

Oct. 18

8:50 a.m. Burglary was reported on Point West Court in Cameron Park.

12:07 p.m. Burglary was reported at a store on Cold Springs Road in Placerville.

note, the third-party payment processing vendor charges an administrative processing fee for online payments. Tax Collector o cials recommend making payments no less than 10 days before the delinquent date if utilizing the e-check option or if paying through your bank’s online bill payment system. The law requires the county to apply late penalties to all payments received after Dec. 10. If there are questions concerning the assessed value of property, taxpayers are encouraged to call the Assessor’s O ce at (530) 621-5719. Questions regarding the computation of the tax should be directed to the Auditor-Controller’s O ce at (530) 621-5470. Questions regarding direct charges should be directed to the district’s phone number listed on the tax bill. Questions regarding the total amount to pay should be directed to the Tax Collector’s O ce at (530) 621-5800.

4:51 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a store on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.

10:52 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Goferbroke Road in Georgetown. 11:39 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Carmen Drive in El Dorado Hills.

Oct. 19

6:39 a.m. A person allegedly drunk in public was reported at a store on Mother Lode Drive in Shingle Springs.

10:26 a.m. Grand theft was reported at a discount store on Green Valley Road in Cameron Park.

5:15 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Five Mile Road in Camino.

7:16 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Stanford Lane in El Dorado Hills.

9:08 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Stewart Mine Road in Placerville.

Oct. 20

5:52 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Crocker Drive in El Dorado Hills.

9:52 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Sweetwater Trail in Cool.

11:43 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Secret Lake Trail in Cool.

11:52 a.m. Battery was reported on Senegal Way in El Dorado Hills.

5:36 p.m. A person allegedly drunk in public was reported at a bar on Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park.

8:11 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a school on Pleasant Valley Road in Diamond Springs.

10:52 p.m. Burglary was reported at an auto body shop on Pony Express Trail in Camino.

11:45 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a restaurant on Coach Lane in Cameron Park.

Oct. 21

9:29 a.m. Trespassing was reported at a skate park on Old Depot Road in Placerville.

11:57 a.m. Trespassing was reported at a grocery store on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.

12:24 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a person suspected of driving with a suspended license because of DUI, leaving a dog unattended in car, grand theft, possessing a controlled substance and giving false identi cation to a peace o cer on Durock Road in Shingle Springs. They were listed in custody in lieu of $65,400 bail.

12:40 p.m. Battery was reported at the county jail on Forni Road in Placerville.

2:54 p.m. Trespassing was reported at an apartment complex on Palmer Drive in Cameron Park.

3:26 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a grocery store on Post Street in El Dorado Hills.

Oct. 22

5:08 a.m. Trespassing was reported at a school on Greenwood Lane in Cameron Park.

5:22 a.m. Trespassing was reported on Country Club Drive in Cameron Park. 9:37 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a person suspected of battery on a custodial o cer and probation violation on Golden Center Drive in Placerville. They were listed in custody in lieu of $200,000 bail.

11:46 a.m. Burglary to a vehicle was reported at a high school on Ponderosa Road in Shingle Springs.

■ See CRIME LOG, page A4

Stay

(530) 622-1255.

reindeer

TIBT

TOOLKIT

How to protect people, property and local bears in the Tahoe Basin

Tahoe Interagency

When it comes to ordinary or outlandish black bear behavior, the Tahoe Interagency Bear Team has seen it all.

Black bear deterrents that work in some parts of the country — air horns, motionactivated lighting or the loud banging of pots and pans — may be ine ective in the Tahoe Basin where bears have grown accustomed and desensitized to the sights and sounds of urban living, including car alarms, horns and music blaring from portable speakers.

Instead, the TBIT, a collective of bear experts representing federal and state agencies in the Tahoe area, o ers up the best practices and proven methods to keep Tahoe bears wild and people and property safe.

Secure and eliminate attractants

Residents and visitors have the power to prevent negative outcomes for black bears by always following the BearWise Basics. This includes properly securing garbage and recycling, removing attractants like human and pet food, grills and smokers, and bird feeders. Securing and eliminating attractants is the most important and e ective long-term solution to prevent human-bear conﬂicts and keep bears wild.

Electric deterrents

The ultimate defense against black bear break-ins and property

damage is electricity.

A few small businesses have sprouted up in the Lake Tahoe Basin in recent years catering to the demand for better bear-prooﬁng. The “Cadillac” option for property owners is exposed electric fencing over doors, windows and other potential points of entry that provide a shock to any bear that comes into contact but does no lasting harm. Bears are smart and learn quickly to avoid such properties.

Electrifying a whole home with exposed wiring is a signiﬁcant investment costing anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000. Property owners considering this deterrent need to weigh the costs against that of their home insurance deductible or the increasingly common experience of being dropped by their insurance carrier for submitting a property damage claim. Wholehome electric fencing may make the most

Gain

sense for second homes or vacation rentals that go unoccupied for periods of time. Electric doormats are another e ective, less costly, non-lethal bear deterrent.

Costing about $500$600, well-placed electric mats in front of doors or below windows provide bears with a negative experience that often keeps them from coming back. Unlike whole-home electric fencing that will shock anything or anyone who comes into contact with the exposed wires, anyone wearing shoes or most types of footwear are immune from the shock of the electric mats. All these devices can be shut o when people and pets are around.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Nevada Department of Wildlife have a limited number of electric mats — what the agencies call

Courtesy photo

Help keep Tahoe bears wild by deterring their visits to your property and eliminating temptations like trash or a cozy crawl space.

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Jeanne Kuang Cal Matters

The game of musical chairs in the race to be California’s next governor lost another player last week.

After Democratic businessman Stephen Cloobeck — who was polling at below half a percent — dropped out of the race and endorsed Rep. Eric Swalwell on Monday, at least 10 candidates remain.

Voters are hardly to blame if the names don’t ring a bell. Though it’s wound on for more than a year now, the 2026 governor’s race remains unexpectedly wide open. In one poll released last month, 44% of surveyed voters did not have a preference for governor and no candidate polled above 15%.

The primary election is next June. Here’s a look at the field right now: Xavier Becerra — If former Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra was looking for attention for his campaign, he found it in the form of negative headlines.

Last month, federal prosecutors indicted a Sacramento powerbroker in an alleged corruption scandal that rocked the state’s Democratic establishment. At its center? A dormant campaign account held by Becerra, from which prosecutors allege Gov. Gavin Newsom’s former chief of staff Dana Williamson conspired with other political consultants to steal $225,000.

Williamson is charged with helping to divert the funds to the wife of Becerra’s longtime aide, Sean McCluskie, who has pleaded guilty in the alleged scheme.

Becerra was California’s first Latino attorney general before serving as a cabinet secretary for former President Joe Biden. He is running primarily on a platform of lowering health care costs.

He has not been accused of wrongdoing in the case and has said he was unaware of what was happening. But it’s still possible the association — and the implication he wasn’t paying attention — will taint his campaign, already polling at just 8%.

The controversy is one of a few moments of intrigue in an otherwise quiet race.

Katie Porter — In October, former Orange County Rep. Porter, a Democrat, was caught on camera trying to walk out of a TV interview with a reporter who pressed her on whether she needed Republican support in the race. A second video followed, showing Porter berating a staff member during a Zoom call. At the time considered the front-runner, she rode out the news cycle and later said she “could have done better” about the behavior in the videos, but they appeared to have dropped her approval ratings. She is essentially tied with the top Republican candidate.

Porter made a name for herself as one of a “blue wave” of female, Democratic lawmakers elected to Congress during the first Trump administration in 2018. A law professor at UC Irvine who ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate last year, she gained attention for her tough questioning of corporate executives using her signature whiteboard.

Tom Steyer — Joining a wide field of

Oct. 23

10:40 a.m. Battery was reported at a shopping center on Francisco Drive in El Dorado Hills.

11:54 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Edelweiss Way in Pollock Pines.

12:36 p.m. Battery was reported on Happy Valley Road in Somerset.

12:52 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Grizzly Flat Road in Somerset.

1:54 p.m. Battery was reported at a senior living community on Ponte Morino Drive in Cameron Park.

4:25 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Little Canyon Road in El Dorado.

5:15 p.m. Battery was reported on Steeple Chase Drive in Shingle Springs.

5:38 p.m. Grand theft was reported at an apartment complex on La Crescenta Drive in Cameron Park.

7:03 p.m. Grand theft was reported on String Canyon Road in Somerset.

8:29 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Little Canyon Road in El Dorado.

Oct. 24

other Democrats, billionaire investor and climate activist Steyer announced last month he is jumping into the race. Steyer, who made his fortune by founding a San Francisco hedge fund, has used his wealth to back liberal causes, including the environment. He’s never held public office before, but ran a short-lived campaign for president in 2020.

Chad Bianco —Pro-Trump Riverside County Sheriff Bianco is neck-andneck with Porter in the polls, though he is unlikely to last near the top of the pack in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly twoto-one and a GOP candidate hasn’t won a statewide seat in nearly 20 years. The cowboy-hat-toting Bianco has heavily criticized Democratic governance. He argues for loosening regulations on businesses and says he wants to overturn California’s sanctuary law that restricts local police from cooperating with federal deportation officers.

Eric Swalwell — Other Democrats have focused on their biographies and experiences in government to try to distinguish themselves in a race where name recognition is low across the board. All have said they want to make California more affordable and push back on the Trump administration’s impact on the state. Swalwell, a former prosecutor and Bay Area congressman, will likely lean heavily on his anti-Trump bonafides. He was one of several members of Congress appointed by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to help lead the second Trump impeachment after the attempted Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection and is now the latest Democrat under attack by the Trump administration over his mortgage.

Antonio Villaraigosa — Former Los Angeles mayor and former Assembly Speaker Villaraigosa is among the more moderate of the Democratic field. He boasts of his time running the state’s largest city, during which he boosted the police force. He ran for governor unsuccessfully in 2018.

Betty Yee — Former state Controller Yee emphasizes her experience with the state budget and the tax system, having been a top finance office in ex-Gov. Gray Davis’ administration and having sat on the state Board of Equalization.

Tony Thurmond — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Thurmond, a Democrat, is the only candidate currently in a statewide seat. He emphasizes his background as a social worker who grew up on public assistance programs in a lowincome family. He has stated an ambitious goal of building two million housing units on surplus state land. Ian Calderon —Former Democratic Assembly majority leader Calderon is emphasizing his relative youth. He was the first millennial member of the state Assembly, and is part of a Los Angeles County political dynasty. He has some ties to the cryptocurrency industry and has name-dropped it in ads and debates.

Steve Hilton — Republican Hilton, a Fox News contributor, was an adviser for British conservative Prime Minister David Cameron before pivoting to American politics. Before launching his campaign he released a book this year calling California “America’s worst-run state.”

1:37 p.m.

Colette Thiel followed by a blessing performed by Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Tribal Fire Director/Assistant Fire Chief John Tayaba and his son Liwanu, 10.

Mike Sproull, founder of the Food Bank of El Dorado County, spoke about the food bank and the continued effort to feed the community. He said they have distributed millions of dollars worth of food over the last 25 years.

Sheriff Jeff Leikauf addressed the room saying the program was a way to

give back to the community and he thanked the chamber, the Food Bank and The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians for their continued support.

Leikauf said he travels up and down the state meeting with other county sheriffs who ask him how is it that people are still moving to El Dorado County. What makes it so special? He said there were three reasons: “We are a county of people with faith in God. We believe in the rule of law and we are a community of people who love to serve

likely ... to be fair, and to provide a process to get the money to those eligible claimants.

“The remedy in this case is not based on an actual injury incurred,” he added. “Because the remedy is that a refund goes to the current record owner, whether or not they were the ones who paid the fee.”

The refund amount is determined on a case-by-case basis. “On average, what that will likely lead to is a refund amount that is — I’m gonna have to put, like, every asterisk and caveat by

Bears Continued from A3

“Unwelcome Mats” — to loan out to those experiencing human-bear conflicts in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

A properly installed, grounded and maintained electric fence will also keep bears out of chicken coops, gardens and backyard bee hives.

Secure that crawl space

Black bears typically enter dens between mid-November and December, particularly sows that will give birth to cubs in the winter. In the Tahoe Basin, outbuildings, porches, decks, crawl spaces, RVs and vacation homes often substitute for the natural dens wild bears will typically seek out. Bears will often look for easy entry routes, like vents and doors, that they can rip open to gain access. They can fit into very small openings. Generally, if a bear can get its head inside, the rest of the bear can follow. Once underneath a house, bears will often pull down insulation or scoop up available debris for bedding. This activity often causes damage to cable and electric wiring, piping that supplies heat to the home, and water and gas lines.

Allowing a bear to access space in your home is detrimental. This type of comfort level around humans and their properties can lead to future conflicts for you and your neighbors. It’s also imperative that female bears do not teach their offspring to seek out this sort of unnatural denning.

Securing your crawl space now is one way to prevent an unwanted guest this winter. Openings that lead under your house and other buildings should be boarded up with thick plywood with no gaps or prominent edges that bears can use for leverage to rip off the wood.

Dogs Bears don’t like them, plain and simple, and properties with a canine resident or two can experience fewer bear visits than properties without a dog around. Always ensure there is not a bear in your backyard before letting your dog out and never purposely send your dog after a bear. Unleashed dogs are often one of the greatest sources of negative human-

others,” Referring to the sheriff’s department he said, “We have the humble honor of serving our community.” He said his goal as a sheriff was to “create opportunities for children to enjoy their childhood.”

Thiel added that the toy drive was a way to “bridge the gap, that law enforcement was not the bad guy and they are here to serve.” District 4 Supervisor candidate Gina Posey of Shingle Springs said the dinner and toy drive was a “wonderful event for our community to showcase a

this as I can — approximately 70% of the amount of fees that were paid for that particular parcel,” Livingston said.

The claim process will include communication with property owners to ensure accuracy, limit potential fraud and ensure checks won’t get tossed. “Our goal is to try to make sure the refund payments are, in fact, cashed,” Livingston explained. “Getting some positive verification from the eligible claimants (will) … be an important step in that.”

bear interactions and can lead to injuries to yourself and your pet.

See BearWise’s Safety Tips for Dog Owners for more information.

NDOW uses specially trained Karelian Bear Dogs as a non-lethal management tool to haze bears during releases and to search for bears during human-wildlife conflicts.

Paintballs

Shooting paintballs at a bear on your property will force it to move along quickly and is one of the most common and effective hazing tools used by wildlife professionals in the Tahoe Basin. Aim at the rear of the bear, not the head. Avoid red-colored paintballs as some might later think the bear is injured. Many paintball markers look like firearms to the general public, so limit their use to your immediate property and not the larger community.

Bear spray

Learn how to use bear spray and carry it with you outdoors in case of an aggressive bear confrontation. Remember, bear spray is designed to protect yourself from an imminent physical encounter and is not to be used as a repellent or hazing method. Bear spray is equally effective on mountain lions and coyotes.

Scare the bear

BearWise offers a number of tips on why and how to safely haze a bear in its Scare the Bear digital flier that can be downloaded and printed. For more information on coexisting with bears, visit BearWise.org or TahoeBears.org.

To report bear incidents or conflict in the Lake Tahoe Basin, use the following:

• In California, contact CDFW at (916) 358-2917 or report online using the Wildlife incident Reporting System.

• Non-emergency bear collisions in California State Parks can be reported to public dispatch at (916) 358-1300.

• In Nevada, contact NDOW at (775) 688-BEAR (2327).

•If the issue is an emergency, call the local sheriff’s department or 911.

generous Christmas spirit.”

Toys from the drive will be distributed later on in the month by deputies using the department’s armored SWAT vehicle nicknamed the “Bearcat.” The unannounced toy distribution to neighborhoods in the county comes at a time when families are struggling and gives children an opportunity to enjoy the spirit of the holiday season. Donations of new, unwrapped toys can still be made until Dec. 10 at the following locations: Wally’s

Diamond Springs resident Kris Payne suggested county officials include an apology to those improperly charged and the public for enduring a decade of litigation.

Legal implications of an apology were discussed but Parlin maintained an apology implies someone was harmed, which, she said, was not the case.

“It was just that some reports weren’t filed timely, even though the

Pizza in Cameron Park, Wisegal Coffee in Shingle Springs, the Shingle Springs/ Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce office and El Dorado Fitness in Cameron Park and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department substation at 3334 Coach Lane, Cameron Park. For more information on donating, volunteering or learning more about eligibility for holiday assistance contact the food bank at (530) 621-9950 or the sheriff’s office at (530) 621-5655.

annual ones were very clear where the money was going,” the District 4 supervisor noted. “That is very unfortunate and it is going to impact some road projects.”

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District and the El Dorado Hills Fire Department, the other two agencies named in the lawsuit, reached separate settlement agreements with the plaintiffs. Their boards have also authorized refunds.

Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene

Joy Lynch of Cameron Park, above left, donates toys as she arrives at the Toys from the Bearcat drive on Dec. 1. Above right, Scott Morrison of Rescue stirs a pot of his homemade camp beans with a garden edger he purchased for the job at Monday evening’s event.

OPINION

California Commentary

Sacramento’s spending addiction continues

In a recently released report, California’s Legislative Analyst provides an analysis of the state’s General Fund budget condition including both revenue and expenditure estimates. For taxpayers, the news isn’t good.

One of the more depressing conclusions from the report was the statement that, “As it stands — with larger forecasted deﬁcits and many fewer tools available to address them — California’s budget is undeniably less prepared for downturns.” A more easily understood translation of this would be that state leaders are playing Russian Roulette with their bloated spending plan. If California, along with the rest of the nation, experiences even a mild recession, the ﬁnancial condition of the state could deteriorate to a point where even higher taxes will be on the table, no doubt accelerating the exodus out of the formerly golden state.

According to the report, the state will face a nearly $18 billion budget “problem” this coming ﬁscal year due to higher than expected spending. (General fund spending invariably increases every year over and above inﬂation and population increases).

During the governorship of Gavin Newsom, which began in 2019, the budget grew over 63% in ﬁve years. Particularly galling to California taxpayers — who must balance the family budget in a state with a punishingly high cost of living — is the fact that the deﬁcits persist even with huge revenue increases. According to LAO, “Across 2024-25 to 2026-27, our revenue estimates are up $11 billion compared to the budget act.” But “these revenue improvements do not, on net, improve the budget’s bottom line, because they are mostly o set by provisions of the Constitution dictating much of state spending.”

We hope our elected leaders in Sacramento heed the advice of the Legislative Analyst rather than focusing on the silly issues that usually consume their time.

Letters to the Editor

Event embraces giving spirit

EDITOR:

With the holiday season upon us, I would like to bring to your attention the annual Snowball Heroes and Helpers Shopping Event founded by our District Attorney Vern Pierson, in which he and other volunteers take over 200 children Christmas shopping at Target in El Dorado Hills. His vision is to bring ﬁrst responders together with children in need to a venue where the children can get clothes, toiletries and a present, accompanied by the people they might not have had a good experience with in their lives.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters help provide for needy children and, in fact, many ﬁrst responders have become Big Brothers and Sisters because of this wonderful experience.

The Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills provides the children with a nice breakfast in a Christmas atmosphere, with little fanfare, other than the smiles on the children’s faces.

I want the Snowball to provide a second shopping spree in July so that the children can get new school clothes and school supplies.

This event is close to my heart. When I was a child in Eugene, Ore., I was taken shopping by good people in that community, some 55 years ago. I want to make this a year-round event with

the goal of helping 400 children twice a year. So I ask anyone who wants to participate or donate to contact Melanie Torres at melanie,torres@edcda. us, and Merry Christmas to everyone.

STEERS Cameron Park

Our present and future

EDITOR:

We were feeding some feral cats at the end of the road when we passed a business that had wood for free for the stove.

You don’t ask for more. But there was more.

The company employs a lot of young men and older men who look like they have a lot to teach. The young men would be going on their lunch break. They had to pass us.

You don’t have a lot to occupy your mind when loading wood. No more than “Don’t drop that piece on your foot.” So I was considering the young people. I thought we might be OK with them in charge some day. It’s whether we were good enough to be what they needed on their way. Somebody had to be there for them to get this far. We were beneﬁtting already just seeing them. And I thought it was about wood.

ELIZABETH CAFFREY Placerville

So, while taxpayers are doing their part by dutifully paying their taxes, our elected political leadership fails to do its job of prioritizing spending. State Sen. Roger Niello of Roseville, the Republican vice chair of the Senate Budget Committee, hit the nail on the head by attributing the structural deﬁcit to Democrats’ “unstoppable spending problems.” Speaking to CalMatters, Niello further stated, “The state must assess the e ectiveness and sustainability of the programs that were created during the surplus and make necessary corrections.”

Similarly, Republican Assemblyman David Tangipa, who serves on the Assembly Budget Committee, noted that the LAO report conﬁrms

■ See COUPAL, page A7

The Not So Weekly Daley

Is it an act of treason or First Amendment right?

“I was just following orders.”

— Infamous Nuremberg defense of war crimes

“If the Commander in Chief or other superior gives you an order, and you seriously believe (or know) it is an illegal order, you have the right and a duty not to obey.”

Some would caution that according to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, you “must not” obey it. But you’d better have an unassailably good reason. The older rule from the Code of Conduct, was amended in 1988. Well, that certainly applies to all members of the military, of course. But what about civilians? Last week, the president said that six Democrats

had committed at least insubordination, insurrection and maybe even treason.

“Punishable by death,” he concluded. The “crime,” he suggested, was their participation in a video reminding armed services members “not to obey illegal orders.”

Five of those individuals are civilians, admittedly former service members or former intelligence o cers and current members of Congress. The sixth, retired Navy Capt. Sen. Mark Kelly (Ariz,), is still subject to the UCMJ, we’re told. So he’s in a di erent category, apparently, and could be recalled to active duty, courtmartialed and stripped of his pension. And who knows what else.

Are history teachers or any other teachers at risk of “punishment by death” for reciting similar historical or legal documents on the job or anywhere else?

I’m a civilian, not a veteran nor a retired intelligence o cer. However, my opening sentence above represented virtually an identical message to that of the ﬁve other civilians now caught in President Trump’s crosshairs.

Can’t imagine I’m subject to the UCMJ. But if the president can bring a case against those ﬁve civilians, why not me and perhaps many thousands of other civilians who may have said the same words as I and the ﬁve said?

I wonder if the relative size of the audience makes any di erence. Mine, of course, is comparatively smaller than the perhaps many millions who saw or heard the Democrats’ video that aired last week.

One may assume those Democrats know and probably could a ord a pretty good attorney. Unfortunately, neither of those criteria applies to me. Traditionally, it’s said the average lawyer wants nothing to do with going up against the federal government. That’s understandable and shouldn’t be held against them. So I don’t but also hope I don’t need one any time soon.

The First Amendment generally gives us the right to free speech with a couple of exceptions. Thus, I and the six Democrats in question should be totally within our rights while practicing that cherished amendment.

KEN

JON COUPAL

CHRIS DALEY

that “California is staring down a $35 billion structural deﬁcit. Meanwhile, states like Texas are running a $24 billion surplus. Even the LAO notes that despite higher taxes, revenue can’t keep up with the private jets, luxury hotels and endless spending spree Democrat leaders are billing to the taxpayers. Californians are demanding leaders who will protect taxpayers, restore ﬁscal sanity, and stop the runaway spending that has pushed families and businesses out of our state.”

The LAO report recommends dealing with the budget challenges now rather than waiting until

we have a full blown crisis, such as a recession.

“While important components of the state economy are sluggish, revenues are not falling, nor are conditions as bad as they would be in an outright recession. This makes solving the budget problem with ongoing solutions all the more important. Continuing to use temporary tools — like budgetary borrowing — would only defer the problem and, ultimately, leave the state ill-equipped to respond to a recession or downturn in the stock market.”

We hope our elected leaders in Sacramento heed the advice of the Legislative Analyst rather than

focusing on the silly issues that usually consume their time. The 2026-27 budget Kabuki Dance starts in January and, this year, it would be a welcome change if politicians actually took this responsibility seriously.

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

Daley Continued from A6

Suppose we had simply read that section of the Constitution (or the UCMJ) out loud on a video or on a street corner. How about reading it to a high school history class. I’m sure I read parts of the Constitution (though probably not the UCMJ) more than once when I was teaching American history both in junior and senior high schools and later in college. How would that di er from the video version in dispute?

Are history teachers or any other teachers at risk of “punishment by death” for reciting similar historical or legal documents on the job or anywhere else?

Ongoing American attacks on alleged “drug boats” and reportedly then killing survivors with “double tap” actions in the Caribbean and Paciﬁc have raised the question of these attacks as the result of potentially “illegal orders.” Likewise, that question may relate to recent o cial talk of potential land attacks against Venezuela or possibly other “drugrunning” states in the region.

On a darkly comic note, Fox News recently reported that our president just pardoned the former president of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernandez. Hernandez was sentenced last year to 45 years for multiple convictions of corruption along with aiding and abetting the tra cking of enormous quantities of cocaine into this country over many years. The irony is too rich.

President Trump justiﬁed the pardon noting broadly, “Many people in Honduras have said Hernandez’s drug convictions (were) ‘a Biden administration set up.’” Way too rich. “… and the wisdom to know the di erence.” — “Serenity Prayer” by Reinhold Niehbuhr, 1927 Chris Daley is a biweekly columnist for the Mountain Democrat.

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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 rst Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM. Legionpost119.org

CAMERON PARK NEWCOMERS

CLUB meets the rst 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 Sheri ’s o ce, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net

PLAY CRIBBAGE Join the Gold Country CribbersWe

Play - We Teach - We Have Fun Wednesdays 4:00 PM Gilmore Senior Center 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA 916-212-2465 or 916-768-4452

Struggling with life? CELEBRATE RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/ DEMOCRATS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Call (530)391-6414 or see

edcdems.org for more information. GOLD RUSH CHORUS now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing four-part harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or Kent (530) 651-3575

HANGTOWN WOMEN’S TENNIS CLUB. Come play tennis for fun and friendship. Meet at El Dorado High School, Acacia Street, Placerville, Wed 9 AM – 11 AM. (June - Aug 8 AM –10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Monica 530-306-7066. MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant on Fair Lane in Placerville at 10:00 am. Addiction or Relationship problem? Call 530 231-7728 our free counseling can help you. Positive Realism, 3430 Robin Ln., Cameron Park. Meet rst and third Wednesday of every month, 7pm. Come and enjoy a paid lunch with the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) for CalPERS retirees and spouses.The meetings are held at 11:30 AM on May 19, July 21, September 15 and November 17, 2025 at Denny’s (3446 Coach Lane) Cameron Park. Call 530 919 7515 for programs and information.

SENIOR PEER COUNSELING Seniors 55 and over who are grieving, depressed or having issues related to aging can meet one-on-one with a caring senior, professionally supervised and trained to listen and encourage. Call (530)621-6304 to leave a message and get started.

TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION OF EL DORADO COUNTY Our mission is to educate the public on tax issues that a ect them. Our meetings are held every Monday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at Denny’s Restaurant, Fair Lane Drive, Placerville. Meetings are open to the public. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a non-partisan organization.

SPORTS

Oak Ridge football players ink deals with colleges

Mike Bush Mountain Democrat correspondent

Jasen Womack is ready to start writing new chapters in his quest for a higher education and life on the football field.

The Oak Ridge High School football star, who played three positions on offense and defense this season, and teammate Javon Joseph, took part in National Signing Day in front of family, friends and teammates inside the lobby of the ORHS large gym on Wednesday. Womack inked with Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo and Joseph is going north to Washington State.

“I had four Division 1 offers,” said Womack, who noted it was Cal Poly, plus UNLV, Colorado State and Northern Arizona University. “Cal Poly just feels like home and it’s on a huge come up. It’ll be a great college that people would love to go to.”

Womack, who will be majoring in kinesiology, is listed to play at defensive back, according to the Mustangs’ X — formerly Twitter — profile also on Wednesday.

Cal Poly is going through a transition of head coaches. Tim Skipper, who had been the interim head coach at UCLA, takes over the Mustangs’ program for Paul Wulff, who was recently relieved of his duties.

“(Skipper) is going to help the program in a huge impact and put Cal Poly where they should be,” Womack said.

Womack, at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, posted big numbers for the Trojans, who went 9-4, this season. On offense, he had 132 carries for 616 yards and

PHS BRUINS ON THE MOVE AT STATES

athlete bringing home a personal top-10 finisher medal, and the boys team placing 8th statewide (Division 3). Thank you to head coach Karen Norwood for leading a dedicated team of coaches and athletes this season.

eight touchdowns. In the air, he had 35 receptions for 445 yards and two more touchdowns. He also completed three passes, out of four attempts, for 55 yards.

A defensive back for Oak Ridge this season, Womack was second on the team in tackles with 80. Womack reflected on the Trojans’ run that ended on Nov. 28, when they played Folsom in the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football – Division I championship game at Hughes Stadium on the Sacramento City College campus. The Bulldogs edged Oak Ridge by a 21-14 score.

“We started out really good going 4-1 and having one of our best players out and after (losing to) Folsom (in a Sierra Foothill League game, 28-9, at Bulldog Stadium on Oct. 3),” Womack said. “A lot of players started to get hurt, which didn’t help us at all. We had 10-12 guys out, which all had key parts on the team. But our team has so much grit and we just have the mentality the next man up mentality. We wanted this (section) championship really bad but just know next year’s team is going to stop this streak.”

Oak Ridge football fans should be excited to hear that Cal Poly, which is a member of the Big Sky Conference, will be playing conference foe UC Davis in the finale of the 2026 season. The Golden Horseshoe Game against the Aggies will be played at UC Davis Health Stadium.

Joseph was also a force for the Trojans on both sides of the ball. The 6-foot-4, 255-pound tight end and defensive end opened lanes for Womack and other offensive weapons on the team. On defense, he had 22 tackles and two sacks.

Kirkwood resort to open today; Northstar tomorrow

Tahoe Daily Tribune

KIRKWOOD — Kirkwood Mountain Resort is set to bring its big mountain adventure, no-frills-here-for-theskiing vibe back starting this Friday, Dec. 5, and Northstar California Resort welcomes back friends and family to their favorite winter traditions starting with opening day on Saturday, Dec. 6. Kirkwood has benefited from more than 44 inches of natural snow this month in addition to snowmaking, allowing the resort to hit its original opening day target. Northstar joins in on the excitement this weekend thanks to colder temperatures and the hard work of its snowmaking team. Rounding things out for resorts on the Epic Pass in Lake Tahoe, Heavenly opened for skiing and riding on Nov. 24,

Kirkwood opening day

On Friday Dec. 5, at Kirkwood, lifts will start spinning for the season at 9 a.m. with access to skiing and riding from Chair 5 and the tow rope.

“Opening day is one of those moments that truly highlights what makes Kirkwood so special,” said Ricky Newberry, vice president and general manager of Kirkwood Mountain Resort.

“We’re deeply grateful for our employees whose dedication makes everything possible and for our Kirkwood community that brings the energy to this valley year after year.

We’re excited to kick off another incredible season and continue delivering the skiing and riding experience Kirkwood is known for.”

Northstar opening day

At Northstar, the team has been working around the clock, taking advantage of every weather window to make snow and get ready to open this season. This Saturday, Dec. 6, will officially mark the start of skiing and riding at the resort, with lifts opening at 9

a.m. Mountain access will be available via the Big Springs Gondola, with skiing and riding off Vista Express.

“While it’s taken us a little more time to get things started this season, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome guests back to snow and kick off another magical winter season at Northstar,” said Tara Schoedinger, vice president and general manager of Northstar. “From traditions like getting in the first turns of the season on mountain to celebrating with loved ones in the village with S’Mores, shopping, dining and après, we can’t wait to share these moments and make memories with our employees and guests this winter season.”

In addition to skiing and riding, guests can enjoy Northstar’s winter wonderland and head to the Village, where a festive ice rink, coffee at VOUS and shopping offer something for the whole family. Cap off the day with live music, a signature drink from the Rink Bar and s’mores around the fire to toast the season’s start.

Starting this weekend, Kirkwood and Northstar will now be open daily for skiing and riding, joining

Photo by Eric Cavaliere

Trojans Javon Joseph, left, and Jasen Womack, right, celebrate Signing Day with Oak Ridge High School football head coach Casey Taylor.

Courtesy photo

Congratulations to the Ponderosa High School cross country team. These Bruin athletes had an amazing weekend at the CIF State Cross Country Championships. All Ponderosa athletes ran personal records for the course, with one female

Courtesy photo

Snowmaking at Tahoe-area resorts continues to expand opportunities on the slopes. Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood offer daily skiing as of this weekend.

Gibson-Stillwell said she was “born with a passion.”

“I love the horses and I have a need for speed,” she explained.

Parents Steve and Danita Gibson agree and shared that she showed interest in horses before she was even 2 years old. Mom said she was a challenge — “a GOOD challenge to raise because she was headstrong and determined.”

“That’s why she has been able to make it this far,” Danita shared.

Hayle knew the barrel pattern at age 3, Steve added. Gibson’s sister, Daneve Stover, recently found a vision board that Hayle made when she was 10 years old. It reads: “World Champion 2025.”

Gibson-Stillwell credits her early trainer, retired jockey Mickey DiGiacomo, who began working with her at age 3, for getting her o to a good start. She participated in 4-H, junior rodeo, high school rodeo and then secured a scholarship for Lassen Community College and turned pro. In 2013, she obtained her professional card. Gibson studied animal science and ﬁnished in agriculture business; however, in the end, her love for racing won out and three years ago she began racing full-time.

“I had the horse power so I knew I could do it,” she told the Mountain Democrat.

Deana Louden of Lotus was GibsonStillwell’s trainer in high school and is attending the NFR championship with her, working as a “barn girl.”

“Hayle has a unique

way of reading horses, how they want to run and compete,” Louden noted. “She bred and trained all of her horses.”

Louden, a proud trainer, added that Hayle “rode like a bat out of hell” in high school, “winning left and right.”

Transition from lifelong passion to successful career

“It has always been a dream of mine from a young age to make the NFR in Barrel Racing,” Gibson-Stillwell shared “It is a dream that is very hard to achieve and I wasn’t sure if it was ever a possibility for me,” she continued. “Passion and dedication kept me going and this

little ‘ol small town girl has now made the big show! It was a long road of hard work, trials, tribulations and heartbreak. Highs and lows, but it was all worth it.

“I manifested and tried to attract the things I wanted,” she added. “I’m proof — if you can dream it, you can achieve it! It just may not be the same journey as someone else’s ‘highlight reel.’”

Gibson-Stillwell, who now resides in Redcrest in Humboldt County, competes in rodeos all over the country. She said she made the decision to race fulltime after she gained the “horsepower” with her three quarter horses — Piper, 6, Fancy, 8, and

■ See RODEO, page A10

COMICS

■ SHOE by Jeﬀ MacNelly

■ TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

■ RUBES by Leigh Rubin

■ SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

Santa Santa

Dear

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Don’t get so concerned with doing the right thing that it blocks you from doing the interesting thing, the thing you want to do or the thing you’ve never done. You’ll never be in quite this situation again. You may as well play it like only you can.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Here comes a challenge that seems custom-made for you. You’ll be so into it, you may even raise the stakes to make things more interesting. It’s not about who wins the game when it’s your favorite game to play.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Real trust is as attractive as disloyalty is unattractive. It can take a lot of e ort to be true to your word. You’ll go to great lengths to deliver as promised. Expect the same standard from others.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Your contributions to a project will be considerable, though it’s nothing ashy in the delivery. Simple acts of cooperation are what keep production owing. You in uence by just showing up ready to work.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). To feel life’s poetry, you need a big heart and a wide range of experience. Thinking and feeling deeply is a gift, even when it hurts. The same depth that aches also lets you love and create fully.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’ve been an emotional barista lately, serving comfort, pep and reassurance on demand. Slip yourself a re ll. A single kind thought toward yourself changes the avor of your whole day.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Tension can be a source of beauty. For instance, the tension of a guitar string is neces-

sary for melodious expression. The strain you feel now may be tuning you — aligning e ort and purpose so something harmonious can emerge.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Cut the static out of a relationship. Speak from the heart. You shouldn’t have to explain too much, just tell the truth. You’ll be understood, if not now, then in time. The important thing is to clear the air.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’ve had help with a project along the way, but today it’s all you. Your e ort, your instincts, your follow-through — these are what’s bringing it

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). People will work out their di erences in their own way. It’s very

that your interference isn’t necessary, so you can relax. Sometimes getting involved only makes things more dramatic than they need to be.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’re feeling emotionally full. The love, friendship and connection ow easily. You’re around good

Courtesy photo

Hayle Gibson-Stillwell gives Piper a kiss. She bred and trained Piper and all of her competition horses.

Sharkey, who is 14.

“They are all characters and they love the game,” Gibson-Stillwell said, adding that she has a tight bond with each. She bred, raised and trained Piper herself.

Gibson-Stillwell won nine rodeos this year. She broke the arena record in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, she was the champion at Redmond, Ore.; Scottsdale Ariz.; Eagle, Colo.; Rock Springs, Wyo.; Louiston, Idaho; and Walla Walla, Wash. She said the secret to her success is her horses, explaining, “It’s all really horsepower. Without a good partner you’re not really anything. They’re super stars.”

The lifestyle is not without challenges.

“I lost a good rodeo horse to colic last year,” Gibson-Stillwell lamented. “She passed away during surgery. It was really hard. It was like losing one of my kids.

“I didn’t really want to keep going but Piper stepped up,” she added. “We’ve had truck issues, broken down on the side of the road. Horses sometimes kick and injure each other. There have been trials and tribulations.”

The pro’s advice for young girls wanting to rodeo is find a trainer or mentor, put in the work, don’t be afraid to learn something new and don’t give up.

In high school she was a member

of the California Rodeo Association, District 3, based out of Lincoln and she participated in barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, break away roping, team roping and girls cutting.

“Now, I get to travel the country and compete and I get to train horses,” Gibson-Stillwell said. “It

goes together. I am a part of a lot of different associations.”

She also owns Hayle Gibson Horse Training and recently married. Husband John travels with his pro rodeo wife when he can. Gibson-Stillwell talked about the current competition. “I qualified in

the women’s barrel racing and I am coming in at 12th place out of a total of 15 qualifiers. It’s so close that it’s anyone’s game.”

She brings all of the horses to the event and will start the competition on Piper. “This is considered to be the Super Bowl of rodeo,” GibsonStillwell said. “People from Brazil, all over, compete at the NFR. I have a couple of friends that are going. It can get pretty cut-throat but we are all a big family and help each other. It is, however, how we all make a living.”

When asked by the Mountain Democrat whether she has plans for another career after barrel racing, Gibson-Stillwell cited Donna Kay Rule’s example; she competed into her mid-60s.

“Some of the girls have been to the NFR 19 times. When I was a kid, I watched them,” Gibson-Stillwell said. “Troy Crumrine of Waynesfield, Ohio, is one of my heroes.

“I love the challenge of the competition and rodeoing. It’s a long season that never really ends,” she added. “I went to 80 rodeos this year and it was a lot of traveling. I competed in Nashville, Oklahoma, North and South Dakota, Nebraska and Texas and all around the Northwest and Calgary, Canada.”

The National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas is televised live on The Cowboy channel.

Courtesy photo

Hayle Gibson-Stillwell and her quarter-horse Piper compete and win at a rodeo in Walla Walla, Wash.

PROSPECTING

Section B n mtdemocrat.com

IN THE KNOW

Dec. 5

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District

will host Cookies with Santa at 4-5 p.m., 5-6 p.m. or 6-7 p.m. at the CSD gym. For more information and to register visit eldoradohillscsd. org.

Narrow Gate Vineyard will host Christmas in the Cellar and annual This & That Sale from noon to 4 p.m. and again on Saturday, same time. For more information visit narrowgatevineyards.com.

Smokedaddies + Blu Egyptian perform, 7 p.m. to midnight at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Ed Wilson will perform at Barrel and Bliss Wine Bar in El Dorado Hills from 6-9 p.m. Wildheart will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 8 p.m. to midnight. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.

The Mills Station Arts and Culture Center in Rancho Cordova presents Winter Arts Fest, Rancho Cordova’s Best Holiday Marketplace noon to 5 pm. through Dec. 7. For more information visit rcmacc.org.

Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom presents Andrey Chmut and Bob James: Sound of Christmas at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 6086888 or visit harriscenter.net.

Broadway at Music Circus presents Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” through Dec. 14 at the UC Davis Health pavilion in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 557-1999 or visit broadwaysacramento.com.

Danny D. — A Frank Sinatra Christmas Special 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.

The Center for the Arts in Grass Valley will host Mainstage Playmakers presents “Annie” through Dec. 7. For tickets and more information visit thecenterforthearts.org.

Dec. 6

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District will host Breakfast with Santa at 8-9:15 a.m. or 10-11:15 a.m. at the CSD gym. For more information and to register visit eldoradohillscsd.org.

The Shingle Springs Community Center invites the community to gather at its quarterly Pancake Breakfast and visit Santa’s Secret Workshop where kids can participate in multiple craft stations and take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Breakfast starts at 8 a.m. with the workshop open from 9 a.m. to noon and the grand reopening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the recent upgrades to the center at 9 a.m. Learn more at ShingleSpringsCommunityCenter.com.

Join Indivisible El Dorado for Food 4 Vets, a community food drive to benefit local veterans, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Veterans Memorial Building on Placerville Drive. Learn more, including a list of suggested foods, at indivisibleeldorado.

Eclectic cadre of artists featured

D. Lee Reyes

Gold Country Artists Gallery

Gold Country Artists Gallery, an award-winning artists cooperative in Placerville, is featuring the work of Ron Runtenelli, Theresa Bielawski and Debbie Claussen.

Ron Runtenelli Runtenelli, a fine jewelry artist, has worked in jewelry making throughout his artistic career. He began as an apprentice to a silversmith in the Lake Tahoe area, where he learned silver and turquoise techniques. He continued to refine his skills by studying with master jewelers and attending workshops. In addition to working in silver and gold, he uses fabrication, hand forging, lost wax casting and wax design. While influenced by Native American design, his work also hints at Asian and Egyptian styles, forming a contemporary look that is distinctly his own. Runtenelli draws on the beauty of nature for his lapidary designs. Many pieces frame jasper, an opaque stone known for vivid colors and diverse patterns.

Leopard skin Jasper resembles a cat’s pelt, while bumblebee jasper displays bright yellows and blacks. He shapes each stone to highlight its patterns and polishes it to a high gloss. He often adds a small gemstone, such as onyx or topaz, to complement the larger stone and selects settings to best frame each piece.

A recently discovered multicolored stone called Ocean Jasper appears in several of his works. Found only in Madagascar, it is no longer available due to overmining, making jewelry featuring the stone increasingly rare.

Runtenelli also crafted a series of sterling silver pieces inspired by aspen trees, known for their rounded leaves that shimmer in the breeze. His stylized leaves, some enhanced with gold, appear on pendants and earrings. In his “Aspen Leaf Necklace,” he strings several leaves together, each separated by a silver bead. His new series of silver rings features a curving band that meets at the top in an eye-like shape that holds a gemstone such as topaz, amethyst or Ethiopian opal. He also creates sterling silver bracelets, some with organic wave-like designs and others,

including silver cuffs, with geometric or industrial patterns.

“Creating brings me joy,” Runtenelli said, noting he especially values the happiness his jewelry brings to its recipients.

Theresa Bielawski

Growing up exploring the outdoors near her Montana home gave photographer Bielawski a deep connection to nature. When she struggled to express her feelings about wildlife and the natural world, she found that photography could convey emotions she could not always verbalize. After beginning with a pointand-shoot camera as a child, she continued taking photographs into adulthood and embraced digital photography to expand her creative tools.

Bielawski visits Yellowstone every year with her camera, capturing landscapes rich with patterns and

textures, as well as scenes others might overlook. On a winter Snow Coach

trip to Old Faithful, she photographed “Ghost

Trees,” which caught her eye despite stormy weather. Another image, “Blurred Lines,” focuses on Yellowstone’s thermal features. “It is like

abstract art, and I was drawn to it,” she said. On an October visit to Yellowstone, she

A pendant with peridot, four karat gold fill and 18 karat beads by Ron Runtenelli

“A Golden Ride” by Debbie Claussen

“Mama Bear” by Theresa Bielawski

Achilles Wheel rocks and rolls into the Green Room

Achilles Wheel, the Northern California band known for stretching roots rock into spirited improvisation, will bring its freewheeling sound to The Green Room Social Club on Sunday, Dec. 7, for a rare afternoon performance. The show runs from 4-6 p.m., giving fans a chance to catch the group’s high-energy blend of folk, rock and psychedelic jam in a relaxed weekend setting on Placerville’s Main Street.

Achilles Wheel has spent years carving out a reputation as one of the region’s most consistently engaging live acts. The band formed with the intention of breaking out of rigid genre lines, and that restlessness remains at the center of its sound. Singer and songwriter Paul Kamm anchors the group with a background that includes folk traditions, world music textures and rock storytelling. Guitarist Jonny Mojo Flores brings a fluid mix of blues, gospel and bluegrass, often pushing songs into unexpected instrumental turns. Bassist and vocalist Shelby Snow adds both drive and depth, giving the band a rhythmic backbone that lets their improvisational instincts stretch without losing shape.

Their live performances shift easily between tight, melodic songwriting and expansive jam sections. Electric shows often erupt into dancefloor momentum, but their acoustic trio sets reveal a different side of the band: one grounded in folk harmonies and mountain-country influences that echo the Sierra foothills where the musicians live. Critics have noted that while Achilles Wheel embraces improvisation, the band’s strength comes from strong songs first, a point underscored by one reviewer who said they “pass the acid test” by putting songwriting at the center before opening up space to roam.

That balance carries through their recorded catalog. The early album “Stones to Sand” highlights the band’s mix of danceable rock and emotional storytelling, while songs such as “Nobody Drinks

if the Bottle’s Dry” and “Heal My Soul” reveal their ability to shift from loose, celebratory grooves to more spiritual, guitar-driven climaxes. Later work, including “Devil in the Yard,” showcases a fuller sound and tighter production while still capturing the sense of freedom the band brings to the stage. The musicians often describe their music as a reflection of “life itself,” moving through joy, sorrow, resilience and connection.

Sunday’s show gives audiences a chance to see the group up close in one of the foothills’ most intimate venues. The Green Room Social Club has developed a reputation for pairing touring acts with local favorites, offering strong sound, a full bar and a stage close enough for audiences to watch each dynamic shift between the musicians. The space

often hosts dancers as well as seated listeners, and Achilles Wheel’s blend of percussion, harmony and guitar improvisation tends to pull the room into motion quickly.

For fans in El Dorado County, the show is a chance to catch a band that regularly plays larger festival settings but thrives in smaller rooms where interplay between musicians and audience feels immediate. For newcomers, it offers an accessible introduction to a group that has become a fixture in the Northern California music scene, earning a loyal following from Nevada City to the foothill communities along Highway 50.

Learn more about the band at achilleswheel. com. For tickets and more information about the upcoming show visit clubgreenroom.com.

Midtown Farmers Market offers ‘Nutcracker’ previews, Matty the Elf and more

Traci Rockefeller Cusack News release

SACRAMENTO — Voted the No.

1 best farmers market in California and No. 3 in the United States, the Midtown Farmers Market will present Sacramento Ballet preview performances of “The Nutcracker,” a Matty the Elf Holiday Scavenger Hunt, complimentary gift wrapping, festive DJ and live music, and will serve as a stop on the Made in Midtown Shoppers Trail this month. Sponsored by Sutter Health and presented by SMUD, the open-air market debuted in 2013 and is open Saturdays yearround, rain or shine, with fall and winter hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To help make the sixcity-block market easier to navigate, destinations are identified by themed areas such as Artisan Alley, Boutique Boulevard, Market Square, Merchant Market, Producers Plaza, Savory Street, the Street Food Sacramento block and the new Culinary Corridor presented by American Property Management.

In addition to up to 250 vendors offering a

wide range of products each Saturday, the Midtown Farmers Market will also feature special activations and live music in December sponsored by Priority Parking. Events take place in Market Square at 20th and K streets unless otherwise noted.

Saturday, Dec. 6

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Complimentary gift wrapping at the information booth with the purchase of two or more gifts; includes market merchandise purchased in advance through the Midtown Association’s website.

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Sacramento Ballet preview performances of “The Nutcracker.”

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — DJ Sanz with upbeat holiday music.

Saturday, Dec. 13

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Holiday music by Toast and Jam, a Northern California band performing in acoustic format.

Saturday, Dec. 20

9-11:30 a.m. — Adventurous shoppers can take part in the Matty the Elf Holiday Scavenger Hunt.

Participants make a purchase from any vendor, pick up a clue list at the information booth, and return the completed card with photos by 11:30 a.m. to be entered into a drawing for a Midtown Farmers Market tote filled with gift cards and other items. Matty the Elf will roam the market spreading holiday cheer and will select the winner at noon.

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Music from Strings 2 the Groove, a violinist and DJ.

Saturday, Dec. 27

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Live music by singer-songwriter John Alan Connerley.

The Midtown Farmers Market is also a stop on the Made in Midtown Shopping Trail, which continues through Dec. 24. Using a digital passport, shoppers are encouraged to explore the market and about 30 Midtown small businesses, restaurants and local makers. Each purchase of $10 or more at a participating business or market vendor earns a digital stamp. Market stamps can be collected at the information booth at 20th and K streets. For every six stamps, shoppers receive a raffle entry for a chance to win a Midtown gift

card bundle valued at more than $1,000.

The Bandwango-built experience is fully digital and easy to use. More details and the digital passport are available at exploremidtown.org/ madeinmidtown.

Owned and managed by the Midtown Association, the Midtown Farmers Market continues to grow and evolve to reflect the eclectic tastes of the surrounding neighborhood. In addition to title sponsor

Sutter Health and presenting sponsor

SMUD, ongoing support comes from partners including Heller Pacific and Fulcrum Properties, Golden 1, Pappas Investments, Honey Bucket, Paragary Restaurant Group and Lime, the market’s mobility sponsor.

Midtown Sacramento offers numerous public transportation options, is walkable, and is bike, scooter and carshare friendly, with ample parking available

in garages and lots throughout the district. More information about the market’s recent national ranking is available online. Updated market details and maps are available at midtownfarmersmarketsac. com. For information about Midtown Sacramento, special events, activities and the Midtown Association visit exploremidtown. org or follow @ ExploreMidtown on social media.

Tickets on sale now for annual Dinner & Business Awards

News release

and more than 1,000 expected attendees, this celebration is the Chamber’s longest running event and arguably the most prominent awards ceremony in the region.”

SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Metro Chamber invites the community to join a prestigious celebration honoring regional leaders for their dedication to service, inclusion and building more vibrant communities during the 131st annual Dinner & Business Awards. Proudly presented by Sutter Health, tickets are on sale now for the highly anticipated black-tie gala at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center on Friday evening, Jan. 23, 2026.

“Every year we are absolutely thrilled to share the amazing list of award recipients who will be recognized at our Annual Dinner & Business Awards, and this year is no exception,” said Robert Heidt, Sacramento Metro Chamber president and CEO.

“With a history 130 years strong

The 2026 honorees include Sacramentan of the Year, James Beckwith of Five Star Bank; Businessman of the Year, Stan Van Vleck of Van Vleck Ranch; Businesswoman of the Year, Nicole Montna Van Vleck of Montna Farms; Al Geiger Memorial Award recipient, Darcy Brewer of the California Capital Airshow; Small Business of the Year, Oobli Inc.; Business Hall of Fame inductee, Ramco Enterprises Inc.; Metro EDGE Young Professional of the Year, Anthony Uribe of the Office of Congressman Ami Bera; and Volunteers of the Year, Nancy Brodovsky of SacConnects and Colleen Spitz of Bicker Castillo Fairbanks & Spitz Public Affairs.

Since its inception in 1895, the Annual Dinner & Business Awards has served as the Metro Chamber’s longest running event where business leaders, community stakeholders and members gather annually to recognize board leadership, honor changemakers in the region and celebrate the Capital Region.

“We look forward to applauding the honorees for their dedication, contributions and lasting impacts to the Capital Region during an incredibly uplifting evening that is not to be missed,” Heidt said.

To explore sponsorship opportunities or purchase tickets to the l Dinner & Business Awards presented by Sutter Health visit the event webpage. For more information about the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, visit metrochamber.org.

Courtesy photo

Achilles Wheel will play at the Green Room Social Club on Dec. 7 at 4 p.m.

Courtesy photo

Matty, the Step Brother of more Famous Elf from Hollywood, enjoys spreading Christmas Cheer all around the region.

The Arts: The gift of presence this Christmas season

“Love

only grows by sharing.

You

can only have more for yourself by giving it away.”

— Brian Tracy

This time of year, we often ask, “What should I give?” We think of gifts to wrap, cards to write, things to check off our lists. But sometimes, the best gifts don’t come in boxes. They come from the heart … and they come to life when we share time, music, laughter and faith with the people we love.

This December, our community is offering so many beautiful ways to give that kind of gift. Not just presents, but presence.

A symphony shared

Imagine sitting in the soft glow of the Harris Center, the hush before the downbeat of the orchestra, and the first notes of a familiar carol lifting into the air. The Folsom Lake Symphony performs its holiday concert, Deck the Hall, on Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. And what a gift it is.

I can picture a family dressing up just a bit, sipping cocoa on the way and bringing grandma along because she loves the strings. Maybe it’s a teen hearing live music for the first time. These are the quiet, shining moments that stay with us. The music speaks when words fall short, and it reminds us that joy is something to be shared. Visit folsomlakesymphony. com for ticket information.

Laughter and meaning on stage

Maybe this year, the gift is a story. The

Light Opera Theatre of Sacramento is offering two of them: one sacred, one silly.

“Amahl and the Night Visitors” is a miracle in one act. I’ve always loved how its message reaches across generations. A child, a mother and three mysterious kings. It feels just right for a season that honors both faith and wonder.

And then there’s “The Four Lost Santas,” a lighthearted comedy filled with holiday confusion and cheer. I imagine a group of friends bundling up for a night at the theater, laughing all the way home and quoting lines well into the New Year. What better gift than a shared story that stays with you?

Performances are Dec. 5-7. Visit lightoperasac. org for showtimes.

Wandering and wonder

There’s a special kind of magic in a winter market. At the Christkindlmarkt at the historical Sacramento Turn Verein Building, you’ll find old-world charm and modern-day memory-making.

Held Dec. 6-7, this beloved event features roasted nuts, handmade ornaments, warm Glühwein, and carolers singing in German. Picture holding a mug of cider in gloved hands, walking side by side with someone dear and picking out a small gift

with care. Or having a lunch of German sausage together upstairs.

Sometimes, that kind of simple outing becomes the thing you talk about every December after. Check it all out at sacramentoturnverein. com/events.

Homes full of heart

The Sacred Heart Holiday Home Tour and Boutique returns Dec. 6-8, offering a glimpse into beautifully decorated homes in East Sacramento’s Fab Forties neighborhood. It’s not just about garlands and wreaths. The tour supports Sacred Heart Parish School and helps shape young lives through faith-based education. I imagine a mother and daughter walking armin-arm past twinkling porches, then stopping for something sweet at the bake sale. Tickets are available now for this much-

loved tradition, which also features a holiday boutique filled with unique gifts and handmade items. Information about the tour and how to purchase tour tickets are available at sacredhearthometour. com. Admission to the boutique is free.

A holy hush

The Live Nativity, hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the Folsom-Rancho Cordova border, offers something rare this time of year: stillness.

Lit by lanterns and starlight, with gentle animals and actors in

costume, the Nativity brings the sacred story of Christ’s birth to life. Families gather to walk through biblical scenes with quiet awe as the story unfolds outdoors under the winter sky.

This live Nativity is the church’s gift to the community, and all are welcome. Admission is free. Reservations are strongly encouraged, but not required.

For directions, performance times, optional reservations and additional details visit livenativity.org.

The gift that lasts

These are gifts we don’t wrap. And yet, they stay with us. A

joyful concert with someone we love.

Laughter shared over a play. A market stroll with a warm drink in hand. A child’s eyes lit by candlelight.

These experiences don’t just fill a calendar. They fill our hearts. They remind us of who we are and why we gather.

This Christmas, may we find time to be together, to support the arts, to step into tradition, and to reflect on the deeper meaning behind it all.

Peace on Earth, good will to all. God bless! Send your event for consideration in Susan’s column to slaird@ handywriting.com.

Susan Laird The Arts

Courtesy photo

present with those we love are meaningful ways to celebrate the heart of

together — like the 2025 free Live Nativity presented by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — is one simple, beautiful way to do just that.

Soprano, youth chorus help symphony ‘deck the hall’

News release

FOLSOM — The Folsom Lake Symphony invites audiences to celebrate the season at its annual holiday concert, Deck the Hall, a sparkling program of festive favorites and timeless classics. Joining the symphony are acclaimed soprano Carrie Hennessey and the Northern California Youth Chorus, bringing an extra touch of warmth and wonder to this holiday tradition.

The program includes beloved selections such as Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn’s “The Christmas Waltz,” Tchaikovsky’s “Waltz of the Snowflakes” from “The Nutcracker,” Victor Herbert’s “March of the Toys from Babes in Toyland” and the perennial favorite “O Holy Night.” Audiences will also enjoy “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” Peter Jaffe’s “Symph-Hanukkah” and a festive Christmas singalong arranged by John Finnegan.

“This concert is pure joy from beginning to end,” said Anson Wong, president and violinist of the Folsom Lake Symphony. “It’s about sharing the warmth, beauty, and fun of the season — with music that makes everyone smile, sing and celebrate together.”

From the playful

sparkle of “The Polar Express” to the serene beauty of “O Holy Night,” Deck the Hall promises an unforgettable evening of holiday spirit for the entire family. Concerts are scheduled Dec. 13-14 at Harris Center for the Arts on the Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom. For more information visit folsomsymphony.com.

Founded in 2004, the

Folsom Lake Symphony is dedicated to enriching the community through inspiring live performances, musical excellence and educational outreach.

Under the leadership of Music Director and Conductor Peter Jaffe, the symphony has become one of the Sacramento region’s most respected and beloved cultural treasures.

Sacramento Ballet’s beloved ‘Nutcracker’ spreads holiday magic

News release

SACRAMENTO — Sacramento’s favorite holiday tradition, “The Nutcracker,” returns Dec. 12–21, at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center.

Presented by California Walnuts, this timeless classic, accompanied by the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera, promises to delight audiences of all ages with sparkling choreography, lavish sets and costumes, and over 200 local youth performers sharing the stage with Sacramento Ballet’s professional company.

Under the direction of Elise Elliott and Stefan Calka, Sacramento Ballet’s 2025 “Nutcracker” showcases the heart of the Capital City’s dance community, featuring original choreography by former and current company artists Colby Damon,

Artists Continued from B1

captured “Winter Wonderland.” The scene carried added meaning as she realized it was the same location as a wellknown 1988 photograph

of an elk standing in a stream as a forest fire raged behind it. Watching the area’s regrowth underscored the forest’s rebirth.

Julia Feldman and Nicole Haskins. With a cast of more than 200 local children, a full live orchestra and the beloved story that has charmed generations, “Nutcracker” remains the region’s most cherished holiday production.

“‘Nutcracker’ is such a beautiful reminder of why we dance. It brings our community together in joy, music and movement,” said Elliott, rehearsal director of Sacramento Ballet. “Every year, we’re inspired by the young dancers who join us on stage for the first time and by the families who make this tradition part of their holiday season year after year.”

“We can’t wait to share the wonder of live performance again this December,” added Calka. “Our dancers bring such heart to this story, and we’re grateful to California Walnuts for helping us share that spirit beyond the theater and into the

Bielawski also traveled to Kaktovik, Alaska, where polar bears gather each year at a “boneyard” after Inupiat villagers

harvest Bowhead whales. Her photograph “Mama Bear” shows a polar bear that had survived a severe leg injury and went on to have multiple litters.

Bielawski said she hopes her images help viewers appreciate wildlife they may never see in person.

“My hope is to share these special moments with people everywhere,” she said.

Debbie Claussen

Claussen said she began her creative journey sketching classmates instead of paying attention in school — though she apparently listened enough to later major

community.”

Since its founding in 1954, Sacramento Ballet has been a beacon of artistic excellence in the California Capital Region, delivering world-class dance performances, education and community outreach programs. As the only dance company in the region with a roster of professional artists, Sacramento Ballet’s mission is to enhance the human condition through dance, making this transformative art form accessible to all. The company’s innovative programming and collaborations with internationally renowned artists position it as a vital contributor to the thriving cultural landscape of California.

SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center is located at 1301 L St., Sacramento. For tickets and details visit sacballet.org.

in business, publish articles and become a teacher. After winning a high school art award, she attended California State University, San Francisco, where she learned the elements of art, structure and composition. She strengthened her technique by rendering flowers and figures, exploring challenges that helped her grow.

Claussen aims to move beyond technical skill to capture the emotional essence of a subject. Her own whimsical spirit often shines through, and she incorporates music and dancing into her creative process.

Her favorite subjects are Golden Retrievers, which frequently star in her paintings. She brings them to life in works such as “Golden Ride,” depicting four goldens in an old pickup; “Swimming Lesson,” of a mother dog teaching her pup to paddle; and “Ball Dogs,” showing canines reacting to images of themselves.

She emphasizes personality in her animal portraits, whether playful or serious, using bright, translucent colors.

Clayboard is one of her preferred surfaces, despite its long drying

times, because of the effects it allows.

Viewers often sense her delight in her subjects, such as in “Photo Bomb,” a portrait of a llama peeking out from behind rocks with an expression that mirrors the viewer’s surprise.

Claussen’s awardwinning paintings have been exhibited locally and internationally in museums, galleries, private collections and print publications. She is also an author, philanthropist and animal advocate who draws inspiration from family, friends, animals and nature.

Gold Country Artists Gallery

The gallery features the work of many award-winning regional artists in fine jewelry, photography, fused glass, wood turning, pastels, colored pencil, scratchboard and watercolor, acrylic and oil painting. The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and until 8 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month. For more information, call (530) 642-2944. The gallery is located at

Photo by Charm Photography

Holiday music will once again fill Harris Center for the Arts as the Folsom Lake Symphony presents its annual concerts, Dec. 13-14.

Courtesy photo Acclaimed soprano Carrie Hennessey will perform with the Folsom Lake Symphony later this month.

org.

El Dorado Progressives

Human Rights Day celebration will take place, 2-4:30 p.m. and Steelin Dan Seven Piece Band (Steely Dan tribute) will perform 8-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Holly’s Hill Vineyards and Brewery in Placerville will host ¡Chocolates y Tamales! Saturday and Sunday beginning at 11 a.m. Reservations are available by emailing winery@ hollyshill.com, calling (530) 3440227 or visiting hollyshill.com.

Miraflores Winery in Placerville, is having a Holiday Market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy complimentary mulled wine, sip wine in the tasting room while shopping with local vendors. For more information call (530) 647-8505.

Mastroserio Winery in Fairplay will host Improvisation Jazz with Ruggero and Friends from noon to 4 p.m. For more information visit mastroseriowinery.com.

Gold Trail Grange in Coloma hosts its annual BASSgiving 6-11 p.m., featuring beats, blues and grooves with a live DJ. This family friendly event also boasts a big dance floor, snacks and refreshments. For more information visit goldtrailgrange. com.

Episcopal Church of Our Saviour in Placerville will host Millington Strings Christmas Concert at 6 p.m. For more information visit oursaviourplacerville.org.

The Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park presents “Going Going Goine” live TV pilot filming at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.

Sierra Vista Winery will host Dinner & Piano Night with Ralph “Buttaz” Kearns from 5-7 p.m. Kearns will be playing a score of holiday classics. For more information visit sierravistawinery.com.

Sierra Symphony presents its 40th anniversary season Christmas Concert at the Cameron Park Community Center, 4-6 p.m. For tickets and more information go to sierrasymphony.org.

Join Medeiros Family Wines in Fairplay to kick off the Holiday season with its Annual Christmas open house from noon to 4 p.m. Learn more at medeirosfamilywines.com.

Stereotype will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino. com.

Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom will host Falcon’s Eye Theatre at Folsom Lake College presents “Sharks!” at noon. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom will host The Pops Chorale and Orchestra presents Remember Christmas, Experience the Joy at 7 p.m. and on Sunday at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

The Sofia in Sacramento presents Navidades! at 7 p.m. Celebrate Christmas traditions with Calidanza and experience the joy of navidad. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

Be a part of Las Posadas Candlelight Walk in Sutter Creek at 6 p.m. Participants carrying candles (provided) and follow Mary and Joseph as they seek refuge, down Spanish Street, then Main Street. Narrators tell the traditional story, and musicians lead the singing of Christmas carols. The procession ends at Creekside Methodist Church at the stable; then everyone fills the church hall enjoying homemade cookies and hot beverages. All are welcome and encouraged to join in. Learn more by visiting

creeksideumc.org.

The Sutter Creek Art Show will take place at the Sutter Creek Auditorium from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and again on Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call (209) 304-0867.

The Plymouth Christmas Market will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on. Main Street in Plymouth. The market will include local vendors, horse and buggy rides, Santa Claus, food trucks, local wine and beer, free children’s’ crafts and music.

Fairytale Town in Sacramento presents Winter Wonderland at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and again on Sunday, same times. For more information visit fairytaletown. org.

Late Nite Productions and One Vision Entertainment presents Daniel Tosh Live at the Bally’s Lake Tahoe Showroom at 8 p.m. For more information visit LateNiteProductions.com.

Mark Mackay — Rockin’ Country Christmas Tour with opener Guilty As Charged 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.

Dec. 7

The 2025 Hangtown Christmas Parade — Old Fashioned Cowboy Christmas takes place on Broadway and Main Street in Placerville starting at 1 p.m. Check in for participants is 11 a.m. Entry fee is an unwrapped gift for Toys for Tots.

Achilles Wheel (Americana psychedelic jam) will perform 7:30-9:30 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom. com.

Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom will host VAPA Presents FLCYCO Winter Concert at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

Cantare Chorale presents its Holiday Concert at Music on the Divide in Georgetown at 7 p.m. For more information visit cantarechorale.com.

Join the Chabad Jewish Community Center for Chanukah Wonderland from 1-5 p.m. at the Folsom Community Center at 52 Natoma St. Learn more at chanukahwonderland.info.

Dec. 8

Vitalant will hold a Blood Drive honoring brave boys, Brooks and Jesse, who have both faced leukemia with incredible strength at the Evalyn Bishop Hall, 600 South Church Street in Ione from noon to 5:30 p.m. To make an appointment use code SMFM443 and call (877) 2584825 or visit donors.vitalant.org.

Monday Open Mic Night hosted by Garratt Wilkin (all ages) will take place 5-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom will host FLC Department of Music presents Winter Jazz Concert with guests: Oak Ridge High School and FLC Symphonic Wind Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

Dec. 9

The El Dorado Hills Fire Department presents its Santa Run Holiday Heroes Food and Toy Drive through EDH neighborhoods, Dec. 9-12. For route information and more details visit edhfire.com/ santarun.

Senior Helpers Cameron Park will host a Caregiver Support and Activity Enrichment Group at Foothills Church in Cameron Park from 1-2:30 p.m. Learn more at seniorhelpers.com.

Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom presents Colbie Caillat & Gavin DeGraw Christmas Tour at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and

more information call (916) 6086888 or visit harriscenter.net.

Dec. 10

Join the El Dorado Hills, Shingle Springs/Cameron Park and El Dorado County Chambers of Commerce for the Joint Chamber December Holiday Mixer at Patra Corporation in El Dorado Hills, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

with a no-host bar tended by Kiwanis Club of Placerville. Bring a non-perishable food donation to support the Food Bank of El Dorado County. There will be collection barrels on site. All are encouraged to bring a raffle prize that supports their business.

Rockstar Karaoke (all ages) will take place 7-10 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in

downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

B Street Theatre in Sacramento presents “A Christmas Carol, a comedy by Sam Kebede” through Dec. 28 at The Sofia in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

Nitro Circus ‘Off the

Barbara L. Steinberg

News release

The September/ October winners all have one thing in common, a meal in the wild. These incredible winning images will be featured on cawatchablewildlife. org, Instagram and Facebook, and on California Department of Fish and Wildlife social media. The yearlong contest is presented by California Watchable Wildlife and sponsored by the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, Out of This World Optics, Abbey House Inn, Outdoor Writers Association of California and Delta Print Group.

September/

October winners

Doug Gillard

Gray fox with dinner

Ragle Ranch Regional Park

Camera: Canon EOS

R5 Mark II

Lens: Canon EF 600mm f/4 IS II

Settings: f/5, ISO 5000, 1/1000

“A mother gray fox returns to her den with two rats clenched in her jaws at once, one of them frozen with wideopen eyes. I had been staking out a narrow forest trail often used to transport food into the den. While waiting, in full camouflage, I positioned myself so I could observe without disturbing her routine. It remains one of the most unexpected and compelling wildlife moments I’ve documented.”

In 2023, Gillard’s

photographs told the now well-known story of Tuffy the eagle-hawk — the account of a baby red-tailed hawk that was snatched by a bald eagle and brought to the nest as prey, only to end up being raised for weeks by the eagle family.

Douglas Croft Images

Sea otter with mussel

Moss Landing Harbor

Camera: Nikon Z8

Lens: Nikkor 28-400

Settings: 1/500, f/8, ISO 2500

“While I was getting the boat ready for a whale-watching tour, I heard the unmistakable crunching of an otter breaking and eating mussels. This southern sea otter had found the motherlode on the dock pilings and kept popping up with one mussel after another in an empty slip nearby. I grabbed my camera and sat on the dock next to our boat to watch for a while.”

Kevin Lohman

Photography

Anna’s hummingbird

UC Santa Cruz Arboretum

Camera: Nikon Z9

Lens: Nikkor Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S

Settings: f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 2500

“I visited the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum in the evening looking for good backlighting and hoping for a hummingbird in that light. I spotted an Anna’s hummingbird at a Grevillea and chose one flower that lined up well with the background glow. Handholding my long

“Anna’s hummingbird” by Kevin Lohman

“Sea otter with mussel” by Douglas Croft

call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

Dec. 11

Senior Helpers Cameron Park will host a Caregiver Support Group at Gilmore Senior Center in El Dorado Hills from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn more at seniorhelpers.com.

Vino Noceto in Plymouth will host Silent Night, A Speakeasy Experience at 5:30 p.m. at Taste Restaurant and Wine Bar. Learn more at noceto.com.

Dec. 12

Soul Shakedown will perform, 8-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom. com.

Pollock Pines/Camino Community Center will be hosting its annual See’s Candy fundraiser at 2675 Sanders Drive, Pollock Pines through Dec. 24. Hours vary. For more information call (530)

647-8005.

Flat Busted will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 8 p.m. to midnight. For more information visit redhawkcasino. com.

19th annual Winterdance Celtic Christmas 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.

Now Imagination Theatre at the El Dorado Fairgrounds in Placerville presents “Into the Woods” through Dec. 21. For tickets and more information visit itplacerville.org.

Olde Coloma Theatre presents “Thrice Upon a North Pole Christmas” ... Or ... “Get Lost, Jack Frost!” through Dec. 21. For tickets and more information go to oldecolomatheatre.com.

Placerville Friends of Tibet is seeking volunteers for the January 2026 tour. Looking for community members interested in volunteer coordination, marketing and social media, host site coordination and other behind-the-scenes roles. Contact Danya Waters to express your interest (530) 575-1879 or danyawaters@gmail.com.

For more information visit placervillefriendsoftibet.org.

The El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts its Elf on the Boulevard scavenger hunt daily through Dec. 24. Children search and find the hidden elves in participating businesses get their holiday map stamped by each business. The first 200 children to return their completed map will receive a special gift and all names of participants will be entered to win one grand prize. For more information visit edhtowncenter. com.

El Dorado County Historical Society and Fountain and Tallman Museum presents “Snowbound,

Historical Vignettes of Winter Sports and Leisure in El Dorado County” on view through Feb. 16, 2026. For more information visit edchs.org.

Arts and Culture El Dorado will host “In the Meadow” presented by the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Exhibits and Collections Center in partnership with concept:art+movement through Jan. 11 2026 at the Switchboard Gallery. For more information visit artsandcultureeldorado.org.

The Atrium at EDH Town Center and EDH Arts Association will host the “All The Leaves Are Gone” showcase through Jan.

18, 2026. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.

Big Idea Theatre in Sacramento presents “Macbeth” through Dec. 13. For tickets and more information visit bigideatheatre. org.

The City Theatre at Sacramento City College presents “The Nutcracker: a British Panto” through Dec. 14. For more information visit citytheatre.net.

B Street Theatre in Sacramento presents “’Tis

Winners Continued from B6

Lee Greengrass

Leucistic acorn woodpecker Bishop Ranch Open Space

Regional Preserve

Camera: Nikon Z8

Lens: 800mm f/6.3 VR S

Settings: f/6.3, 1/3200, ISO 800

“This is one of two leucistic woodpeckers I routinely see whenever I visit this neighborhood park, and because they’re leucistic, they’re fairly easy to spot. I was able to capture this photo because the woodpecker repeated its routine multiple times. After a few attempts — these woodpeckers are very fast — I was able to follow it in flight.”

Public Notices

This statement filed with the county clerk of El Dorado County on 10/21/2025 NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE

is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).) This statement filed with the county clerk of El Dorado County on 11/10/2025 NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS

“Leucistic acorn woodpecker” by Lee Greengrass

“Gray fox with dinner “ by Doug Gillard

Ramon "Magic" @ 7:30pm The Cabaret at Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe

Cantos: FRIDAY JUMPOFF @ 9pm Legend Has It, 410 L St, Sacra‐mento

Mark Hummel @ 9:30pm The Saloon, 1232 Grant ave, San Francisco

Dj Sizzle @ 9:30pm DNA Lounge, 375 11th St, San Francisco

North Beach Farmers Marlet - Peter Lindman Duo with Felix Bannon @ 9am North Beach Farmers Market, 725 Greenwich St, San Francisco

Improv Classes at The Stage. Intro to Improv with Lumunous Linda, Cameron Park CA NEW DATES ADDED! @ 11:30am / $19 Intro to Improv Classes led by Lu‐minous Linda. New Classes Added. Two options for classes pick the one that's right for you. Only at The Stage at Burke Junc‐tion The Stage at Burke Junction, 3300 Coach Lane, Cameron Park. stageatburke@gmail.com

Holiday Party at Arch, with sketching at the Flower Market @ 12:30pm SF Flower Market, 17th & Missis‐sippi, San Francisco

KRAMPUS PAGEANT 2025 @ 3pm / $10 The Sisters of Perpetual Indul‐gence & SF Krampus summon Holiday mischief with the Annual Krampus Pageant with spooky drag, devilish costumes, and live performances raise funds for LGBTQ+ youth El Rio, 3158 Mis‐sion Street, San Francisco. sisters @thesisters.org

Tantra Speed Date®Sacramento! Meet Singles Speed Dating @ 5:30pm / $45-$140 Join the speed dating revolution with a 94% connection rate! Meet singles & ignite connections through fun, chemistry-building games! Yoga Shala Sacramento, 2030 H Street, Sacramento. help@ tantrany.com

Tantra Speed Date® - San Francisco! Meet Singles Speed Dating @ 5:30pm / $45-$150 Join the speed dating revolution with a 94% connection rate! Meet singles & ignite connections through fun, chemistry-building games! Yoga Studio, 1694 Union Street, San Francisco. help@ tantrany.com

Kat Robichaud @ 7pm DNA Lounge, 375 11th St, San Francisco

DJ Andy @ 7pm DNA Lounge, 375 11th St, San Francisco

Chelsea Bearce: Comedy Allstars @ 9:30pm Punch Line Sacramento, 2100 Arden Way Ste 225, Sacramento

Santa Skivvies Run @ 11am / $40 Join our annual holiday fun run through the Castro! LOOKOUT, 3600 16th Street, San Francisco. eventinfo@sfaf.org, 415-487-3092

Art in Action: Wonderful Winter Creations @ 1pm / $10 Bring the kids for a fun winterthemed workshop at the Pence! Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis. pencesocialmedia@gmail.com, 530-758-3370

Patrick Garr: White Christmas @ 1:30pm Broadway At Music Circus, 1419 H St, Sacramento

Very Merry Sing A Long @ 5pm / $10-$25 Holiday choir concert and sing a long with Napa Valley High school choirs! Evans Auditorium, 2425 Jefferson Street, Napa. karla@ nvef.org, 707-200-1224

Shindigs, The Moondrops, Egress @ 7pm The Faight Collective, 473A Haight St, San Francisco

Ellie James @ 7pm O'Reilly’s Pub, 1840 Haight St, San Francisco

Debbie Wileman: "Judy Garland"

We Need A Little Christmas @ 2pm

A.C.T.'s Geary Theater, 415 Geary St, San Fran‐cisco

Hot Buttered Rum: Nat Keefe Concert Carnival: Featuring Lebo, Elliott Peck, Audio Angel, Wally Ingram, and more! @ 7:30pm The Independent, 628 Divisadero St, San Francisco

Lakeside Laughs Comedy Club @ 8pm The Cabaret at Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe

Strength & Balance Class @ 10:15am New �tness class for adults at the Woodland Community & Senior Center: Strength & Balance Wood‐land Community & Senior Center, 2001 East Street, Woodland. tina�t ness68@gmail.com

Children's Gymnastics

Classes @ 2pm Two types of gymnastics classes for children offered Wednesdays at the Davis Arts Center Davis Arts Center, 1919 F Street, Davis. du ankejie68@gmail.com

Children's Kung Fu Classes at the Davis Arts Center @ 3:15pm Tina Fitness is now offering chil‐dren's Kung Fu classes at the Davis Arts Center! Davis Arts Cen‐ter, 1919 F Street, Davis. duanke jie68@gmail.com

ATREYU THE CURSE TOUR

@ 6pm Ace of Spades, Sacramento GamperDrums Presents: ZinggFlower @ 6:30pm Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason St, San Francisco

Atreyu @ 7pm Ace of Spades, 1417 R Street, Sacra‐mento

Amelia Day @ 7pm Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento

Ben Folds @ 7:30pm SF Jazz Center - Miner Auditorium, 201 Franklin Street, San Francisco

Mario Presents: The Nothing But Us Tour 2025 @ 8pm August Hall, San Francisco

Die Hard @ 7pm Crest The‐ater, Sacra‐mento

Glixen @ 7pm Harlow's, 2708 J St, Sacramento

Kat Edmonson @ 7pm The So�a, 2700 Capitol Ave, Sacramento

Patrick Garr: White

Christmas @ 7:30pm Broadway At Music Circus, 1419 H St, Sacramento

Alex Ramon "Magic"

@ 7:30pm The Cabaret at Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe

DK: Danity Kane @ 8pm August Hall, San Francisco

Sunday Dec 7th

VOENA Concert: Voices Of Winter Lights @ 2pm / $35 St Peter's Chapel, 1181 Walnut Avenue, Vallejo. admin@ mihpf.org, 707-557-4646 Celebrate the holidays with

Street, Davis. tina�tness68@gmail.com Children's Gymnastics Classes @ 2pm Two types of gymnastics

Open Mic hosted by Marcus Mangham - in the Callback Bar @ 6:30pm Punch Line Sacramento Callback Bar, Sacramento Madball @ 7pm Neck Of the Woods, 406 Clement St, San Francisco Madball/ Initiate/ Bad World/ Stand Tall @ 7pm Neck of the Woods, San Francisco

Locals Night: A Hazy Christmas Toys for Tots drive with Thru The Haze @ 7pm Blue Note Napa, Napa

Brian Kent @ 7pm Feinstein's at The Nikko, 222 Ma‐son St, San Francisco

La Sombra @ 7pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco

GRRL @ 7pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco

Patrick Garr: White Christmas @ 7:30pm Broadway At Music Circus, 1419 H St, Sacramento

Alex Ramon "Magic"

@ 7:30pm The Cabaret at Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe Glare

@ 7:45pm Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco

Patrick Garr: White Christmas

@ 1:30pm Broadway At Music Circus, 1419 H St, Sacramento

Dos Bandoleros @ 7pm El Chato, 2301 Bryant St, San Fran‐cisco

Headphone @ 7pm The Hotel Utah Saloon, 500 4th St, San Francisco

The Elevations Hawaii: Super Soul Extravaganza! @ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco

Hot Laundry @ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco

Rose City Band

@ 8pm Cafe Du Nord, San Francisco

Healing Arts One-Time Workshop @ 10am / $10

Sign up now for our Healing Arts workshop on December 12! Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis. pence socialmedia@gmail.com, 530-7583370

Maryann Steinert-Foley & Diane Williams: The Realm of Possibility @ 11:30am Dec 12th - Feb 1st The Pence presents a new exhibit with sculptures by Maryann Stein‐ert-Foley & mixed media paintings by Diane Williams! Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis. pencesocialme dia@gmail.com, 530-758-3370 2nd Friday ArtAbout at the Pence Gallery @ 6pm Come celebrate with us during our �nal reception of the year! Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis. pence socialmedia@gmail.com, 530-7583370

An Evening with a Mentalist: Jay Alexander's Mind Tricks Live @ 6:30pm / $55 Dec 12th - Dec 14th Escape the ordinary and

Mike Massé: Epic Acoustic Classic Rock in Sacramento @ 7pm / $25 Mike Massé returns to the B Street Theatre to perform Epic Acoustic Classic Rock, as seen on his widely viewed YouTube channel. The So�a, Home of B Street Theatre, 2700 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento. info@mikemasse.com The Vocal Art Ensemble presents SKIES @ 7:30pm The Vocal Art Ensemble presents SKIES - vast * dynamic * luminous * serene 1620 Anderson Rd, 1620 Anderson Road, Davis. traciabarbieri@ gmail.com Hot In Herre: 2000's Dance Party @ 8pm Harlow's, 2708 J St, Sacramento Guidance @ 9:30pm The Great Northern, 119 Utah St, San Francisco Lakeside Laughs Comedy Club @ 9:30pm The Cabaret at Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe

sosicksosad: LAVERN 1015 Folsom - LeCrew Klub Room @ 10pm 1015 Folsom, 1015 Folsom St, San Francisco

Santa’s Helpers Holiday Market @ 10am Dec 13th - Dec 14th

Terri�c Shopping Awaits! Napa Valley Expo, 575 3rd Street, Napa. christylbeeman@comcast.net, 707-225-4911

Dollie & Me Holiday Tea at The Westin St. Francis Hotel @ 11am / $145 Dec 13th - Dec 14th

Introducing the annual whimsical and magical holiday Afternoon Tea Party for young children and their dolls at The Westin St. Francis. The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square, 335 Powell Street, San Francisco. hello@ki tandsis.com, 408-455-9617

(y)OURS @ 4pm / $19

After decades of crossing paths from New York City to the Bay Area, three choreographers — Marcos Duran, Jenni Hong, and Elise Knudson — reunite to pre‐miere (y)OURS, a luminous evening of dance ODC Theater, 3153 17th Street, San Francisco. jennihong@me.com, 917-969-8717

The Vocal Art Ensemble presents SKIES @ 7:30pm The Vocal Art Ensemble presents SKIES - vast * dynamic * luminous * serene 1620 Anderson Rd, 1620 Anderson Road, Davis. traciabarbi eri@gmail.com