Mountain Democrat, Friday, July 4, 2025 by mcnaughtonmedia

Steve White steps down as ORHS athletic director, teacher, coach after 30 years

■ Will remain on campus as assistant girls basketball coach

Thomas Frey

Mountain Democrat correspondent

Since 1994 Steve White has been an encouraging presence who led Oak Ridge through exponential growth as athletic director, head girl’s basketball coach and math teacher.

Now, the leader is stepping down from those three positions and will remain on the El Dorado Hills campus as an assistant girl’s basketball coach. Former head football coach and current ﬂag football head coach Eric Cavaliere will take over as athletic director.

“I’ve got big shoes to ﬁll,” Cavaliere said. “He just set an incredible example for me on how to lead a program like this.”

White became the head girls varsity basketball coach in 1995 and won 704 games, four section

NEW PATHS TO WANDER

New trails add more recreation space at Gold Bug Park

Shelly Thorene Sta writer

Thanks to the recent e orts of Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit’s Ponderosa Fire Center crews, several new walking trails have been added to the existing trails at Gold Bug Park in Placerville, adding another half-mile for hikers with the added beneﬁt of making the park more ﬁre resilient. The new trails connect with the existing Stamp Mill, Spring Hill, Deer Hollow, Big Canyon and Vulture Claim trails. They now have a combined length of around 2.5 miles.

The Ponderosa Fire Center crews began reducing ladder fuels in May 2024 and have treated approximately 30 acres of brush and dead hazard trees. Some of the areas they worked on were along the old ﬂume lines in the park. Crews also added steps to steep sections of the trails.

The Ponderosa pine and mixed oak and manzanita woodland

82 of Shingle Springs draws the new trails on the

Unit

added after Cal Fire Amador-El

on the 62.7 acre property. Layne said he and the staff at the park are working on naming the new trails and he plans to make new signs for visitors to help them find their way along the trails.

Gold Bug Park maintenance worker, blacksmith and historian Gold Bug Park maintenance worker, blacksmith and historian Pat

had received treatment from masticating machinery 10 years ago and more recently, goats.

The El Dorado Hills Fire Department placed in-service its newest apparatus, Engine 91, during a special push-in ceremony at Latrobe’s Station 91 on July 1. which serves the communities of Latrobe, El Dorado Hills and El Dorado County. EDH Fire Chief Mike Lilienthal was joined by community members, ﬁre department sta and EDH Fire Board directors for the momentous occasion.

The push-in ceremony is a tradition where firefighters and community members physically push the new apparatus into the fire station bay. This practice dates back to the days of horse-drawn fire engines, honors the history of firefighting and welcomes the new engine into service. There was also a symbolic water transfer from the old Engine 91 into the new Engine 91. This symbolizes a “passing of the torch” to the new apparatus that will be responding to emergency calls out of Station 91.

Photo by Nick Sharples Engine 91 gets its ceremonial push into Station 91 in Latrobe. The new engine is well-equipped to handle many

Mountain Democrat le photo by Thomas Frey

ORHS head coach Steve White, right, hugs senior Teagan Brown as other girls celebrate their Division 1 Sac-Joaquin Section championship victory at Golden 1 Center in February 2022.

Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene

David Conrad rides his mountain bike past brush piles from recent work completed by the Cal Fire crews on an access road for the Silver Pine claim behind the Stamp Mill in Gold Bug Park on June 30.

Layne,

old park trail map to show the areas

Dorado

Ponderosa Fire Center crews worked

ESSENTIALS

Ardella Pauline Dahle

Oct. 24, 1928 – June 24, 2025

Ardella Pauline (Freund) Dahle, age 96, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025, at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin, Minnesota. A woman of grace, determination, and deep faith, Ardella lived a long and joyful life that touched many.

Born on October 24, 1928, in Johnsburg, Minnesota, Ardella was the daughter of Isidore John Freund and Catherine (Klapperich) Freund. She graduated from Adams High School in Adams, MN, in 1946. After graduation, Ardella began her career working for the Hormel Estate in Austin, MN. Her work with the Hormel family eventually brought her to the West Coast, where she continued working for them before branching out on her own.

While in California, Ardella met her soulmate, Howard Dahle, during an outing to the Lawrence Welk Show—where she was a member of the dancing audience. They were married on August 6, 1960, in Los Angeles, California, and together made their home in several communities before settling in Placerville, CA.

Ardella had a long and respected career in banking, retiring in 1985 as the Assistant Manager of Security Paciﬁc National Bank. Outside of her career, she was an accomplished quilter, earning recognition at the El Dorado and Mower County Fairs. Ardella had a deep interest in genealogy, especially in tracing the Freund family history. She loved music—playing the piano and organ, singing in the choir at St. Patricks Catholic Church in Placerville, and always enjoying a good tune to dance to.

Ardella and Howard were known for warmly welcoming friends and their Midwestern family during visits to California. They enjoyed wine tasting, scenic tours, and sharing a cold beer before dinner. Ardella’s stylish ﬂair and worldly experiences earned her the admiration of her 48 nieces and nephews when she visited from California.

In 2021, Ardella returned to Minnesota and became a resident at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin. Her ﬁnal years were ﬁlled with grace, faith, and fond memories. She will be remembered for her vibrant personality, her love of family, her strong faith, and her joy in life’s simple pleasures.

Ardella is survived by her brother and sisters: John (Jean) Freund of Caledonia, MN; Mary Orth of Backus, MN; Bertilla Noble and Angela Smith, both of Cedar Rapids; sisters-in-law Phyllis Freund and Ruth Freund, both of Austin, MN; and 43 beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Howard in 2005; twin sisters Lucina and Lucille Blaser; sister Virginia Elliott; brothers Delphin and Raphael Freund; and nephews Allan Blaser, Gary Blaser, Stephen Freund, David Smith, and Russell Blaser.

A Memorial Mass was celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Johnsburg, MN. Visitation was held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. prior to the mass at the church, with a rosary at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in St. John’s Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Catholic Church in Johnsburg, MN. Arrangements by the Adams Funeral Home.

Boycie (Van) Emery

Vanderlinden

Nov. 6, 1918 – June 7, 2025

Boycie (Van) Emery Vanderlinden, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at home at the remarkable age of 106.

Born in 1918, Van married the love of his life, Almeta Gant, in 1940. Together, they settled in the Pleasant Valley/Placerville area in 1952 and in 1958 Van founded Van’s Paving & Grading, a business he proudly ran for 32 years until his retirement at the age of 70.

For more than 45 years, he shared Saturday breakfasts at Denny’s—a tradition that eventually became a daily gathering for co ee with lifelong friends. His commitment to the community extended beyond business; he sponsored and coached numerous local softball teams, impacting generations with his leadership and support.

Van was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 67 years, Almeta Vanderlinden, and grandsons Rick Ladner and Shawn Warren.

He is survived by his son, Larry Vanderlinden Sr., and daughter, Mona Warren (Mike); grandchildren Lorrie Ladner, Larry Vanderlinden Jr., Cherrie Ghirarduzzi (Marc), Leah Harris (Shayne), and Sarah Warren; twelve great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

Van’s legacy lives on through the family he cherished and the many friends he made throughout his long and well-lived life. He will be remembered for his warmth, strength, and the deep roots he planted in the community he called home.

Donald Emil Uelmen

Nov. 11, 1938 – June 10, 2025

Donald Emil Uelmen, 86, of Placerville California, passed away on June 10, 2025. Don was born on November 11, 1938 to Francis and Trudy Uelmen in Sun Prairie, WI.

Don’s childhood was spent in Greendale, Wisconsin before the growing family moved to Inglewood, California between his sophomore and junior year. Don graduated from Hawthorne High School in 1956.

After joining the Army Reserve, Don met and married Mona Cullen and began a career in Law Enforcement; first with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office and then the California Highway Patrol. Don’s CHP path began in Newhall, California and afforded him opportunities throughout Northern California and Washington DC. After retirement in 1993 Don entered a second career with the International Association of Chiefs of Police and then the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2001 Don worked with the California Office of Traffic Safety coordinating its “Click It or Ticket” program and helped design the sign posted along California highways.

Don was married to Mona until she passed in 1998. In 1999 he married his high school sweetheart Caroline Brinkerhoff. Finally retiring for real, Don and Caroline settled down in their family home in Placerville. Don volunteered at the Upper Room and with the Children’s Ministry at New Hope Fellowship where he was known as Opa. He was also a Commissioner at the El Dorado County Museum and a Board Member of the Historical Society. Often you could find him dressed up leading walking tours up and down Main Street. He was also a member of Branch 113 Pollock Pines Sons in Retirement serving as Big Sir.

Survived by his wife of 26 years, Caroline, Don also leaves behind daughters Allison (Jim) Wells and Trudi Carter, His son Joseph (Liz) Uelmen, two surviving brothers Gerald (Martha) Uelmen and John (Laura) Uelmen, 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Don’s Memorial Service will be held at New Hope Fellowship, 3838 Ponderosa Rd, Shingle Springs, CA 95682 on July 3, 2025 1:00pm.

LEGISLATORS’ ADDRESSES

PLACERVILLE CITY COUNCIL Placerville City Hall 3101 Center St., Placerville (530) 642-5200

Mayor John Clerici jclerici@cityofplacerville.org

Vice Mayor Nicole Gotberg ngotberg@cityofplacerville.org

Ryan Carter rcarter@cityofplacerville.org

Jackie Neau jneau@cityofplacerville.org David Yarbrough dyarbrough@cityofplacerville. org

ElL DORADO COUNTY

SUPERVISORS

EDC Government Center 330 Fair Lane, Placerville

District 1 Supervisor

Greg Ferrero (530) 621-5650

District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo (530) 621-5651

District 3 Supervisor

Brian Veerkamp (530) 621-5652

District 4 Supervisor

Lori Parlin (530) 621-6513

District 5 Supervisor

Brooke Laine (530) 621-6577 (Placerville) (530) 573-7918 (South Lake

Saturday, July 5, is

Line up some summer fun on Free Fishing Days

Tahoe) CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR Gavin Newsom 1021 O St., Suite 9000 Sacramento 95814 (916) 445-2841 U.S. SENATE Adam Schi B40B Dirksen Senate O ce Building Washington D.C., 20510 (202) 224-3841 Alex Padilla 331 Hart Senate O ce Building Washington, D.C., 20510 (202) 224-3553 Sacramento O ce 501 I St., Suite 7-800 Sacramento 95814 (916) 448-2787

5TH CONGRESSIONAL

DISTRICT Tom McClintock Constituent Service Center 4359 Town Center Blvd., Suite 210 El Dorado Hills 95762 (916) 786-5560

3RD CONGRESSIONAL

DISTRICT Kevin Kiley Constituent Service Center 6538 Lonetree Blvd., Suite 200 Rocklin 95765 (916) 724-2575

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 5 Joe Patterson

District O ce 6030 West Oaks Blvd., Suite 145, Rocklin 95765 (916) 435-0501

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 1 Heather Hadwick

District O ce 113 Presley Way, Suite 10 Grass Valley 95945 (530) 265-0601

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 4 Marie Alvarado-Gil Capitol O ce 1021 O St., Suite 7240 Sacramento 95814 (916) 651-4004

District O ce 4364 Town Center Blvd., Suite 313 El Dorado Hills 95762 (916) 933-8680 EL DORADO IRRIGATION DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2890 Mosquito Road, Placerville (530) 622-4513

Division 1: Paul Penn PPenn@EID.org

Division 2: Pat Dwyer, PDwyer@EID.org

Division 3: Chuck Mans eld, CMans eld@EID.org

Division 4: Lori Anzini, LAnzini@EID.org

Division 5: Alan Day, ADay@EID.org

p.m. (530) 622-1255 / Fax: (530) 622-7894 Toll-Free from El Dorado Hills: (888) 622-1255 Chief Operating Oﬃcer

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

EDITORIAL STAFF

Noel Stack Editor

530-344-5073 / nstack@mtdemocrat.net

Mimi Escabar Special Sections Editor 530-344-5070 / mescabar@mtdemocrat.net

Andrew Vonderschmitt

Features Editor 530-344-5058 / andrewv@mtdemocrat.net

Shelly Thorene Staff writer 530-344-5063 / sthorene@mtdemocrat.net

Chris Woodard Staff writer chrisw@mtdemocrat.com

GRAPHICS

Letty Bejarano-Carvajal

Graphics Manager (530) 344-5049 / lettyb@mtdemocrat.net Click “Staff Directory” at the bottom of mtdemocrat.com for full staff directory

California

Department of Fish and Wildlife News release

Summer is in full swing and that means pool parties, barbecues, camping trips and Free Fishing Days.

This year you can catch an opportunity to fish throughout California without a fishing license on two Free Fishing Days — Saturday, July 5, and Saturday, Aug. 30 — and you might also catch a rainbow trout, largemouth bass or Kokanee salmon. It’s a great excuse to relax next to a beautiful lake or river and enjoy the great outdoors, and you might go home with tasty fish to throw on the grill.

For those new to ﬁshing, this is a chance to explore a rewarding and exciting new hobby. For licensed anglers, this is a chance to introduce or reintroduce someone else to the joys of becoming an angler. Free ﬁshing days are also a perfect time for former anglers to return and reconnect to the activity.

Children 15 and younger can ﬁsh for free every day of the year in California, but Free Fishing Days o er a time when families and friends can experience the hobby together.

Those interested in fishing California’s lakes, streams and rivers can find information about inland fishing locations and species on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. Information is also available about year-round free fishing opportunities found on specific piers, jetties and breakwaters along the coast. Other helpful tools for anglers include the fish planting schedule, fishing guide and Recruit, Retain, Reactivate Program resources.

A variety of o erings are also available from CDFW’s Fishing in the City program, which focuses on teaching Californians how and where to ﬁsh in metropolitan areas. General information about the Fishing in the City program can be found on the CDFW website.

Dozens of bodies of water across the Golden State await anglers with catchable-size trout recently stocked by CDFW hatcheries sta . Some of those waters include Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County, Stoney Creek in Tulare County, Shaver Lake in Fresno County, Silver Lake in Amador County, Lake Almanor in Plumas County and Burney Creek in Shasta County.

All fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours and stream closures remain in e ect. CDFW encourages potential anglers to check rules and regulations for each water they plan to fish.

For new anglers who get “hooked” on fishing, be sure to purchase an annual sport fishing license. Revenue generated from license sales helps conserve fish populations and habitats while supporting California’s longstanding angling opportunities for future generations. Annual sport fishing licenses are now valid for a full 365-days from purchase. More information on licenses, validations and fees can be found on CDFW’s sport fishing licenses web page.

The following information was taken from EDSO reports:

June 1

3:59 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a person suspected of arson on Coach Lane in Cameron Park. They were listed in custody in lieu of $100,000 bail.

8:22 a.m. Burglary was reported on Rock Creek Road in Georgetown.

9:29 a.m. Burglary was reported on Ponderosa Road in Shingle Springs.

10:09 a.m. Battery was reported on Pony Express Trail in Camino.

3:38 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Wilkinson Road in Cameron Park.

4:38 p.m. A person allegedly drunk in public was reported on Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park.

6:14 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Sweeney Road in Somerset.

6:54 p.m. Burglary was reported on Ponderosa Road in Shingle Springs.

7:07 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Uplands Drive in El Dorado Hills.

7:59 p.m. Battery was reported

June

Photo by Travis VanZant / CDFW

one of two Free Fishing Days offered in the state — a great time to introduce the sport to new anglers.

Jeff Cowen Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

LAKE TAHOE —

As the Lake Tahoe Region approaches one of the area’s most popular boating holidays, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency reminds boaters, paddlers and beachgoers about special precautions that help visitors and residents protect the lake and safely enjoy its iconic, blue waters.

Arrive prepared for inspection and decontamination

To protect the Lake Tahoe Region from invasive golden mussels, all motorized watercraft without a valid Tahoe inspection seal will be decontaminated following a mandatory inspection. Details for boaters:

• Clean, Drain, and Dry to save time, minimize decontamination fees and protect the lake.

• Boaters needing inspection and decontamination

around busy holidays and weekends may experience long walk-in wait times and are encouraged to adjust plans or schedule an appointment at tahoeboatinspections. com/appt.

• Hand-launched electric watercraft,

Noel Stack Editor

“Spoiler alert: We have a balanced budget.”

Cameron Park Community Services District interim General manager Maurice Johnson delivered those words at the June 10 budget workshop and, after a few tweaks, the CPCSD Board of Directors adopted the $7.3 million operating budget the

including eFoils, eSUPs and kayaks with trolling motors, must display a 2025 Tahoe Electric sticker. Visit tahoeboatinspections. com/efoil for requirements.

• Bring boating equipment, including keys, life jackets, water

following week. The 2025-26 budget focuses on transparency, sustainability and alignment with goals and priorities, Johnson told the board. It was adopted 4-1 on June 18 with Director Tim Israel voting no as he expressed dissatisfaction with how the district was handling its deferred maintenance while also adding a new position.

Johnson noted district staff

toys and ballast bags, to the inspection station, but kindly leave kids and pets at home.

Ensure boat batteries are charged.

• Walk-ins and appointments are accepted until 4:30 p.m. daily to allow adequate time for inspection and decontamination.

Paddlers can protect the waters

• Clean, Drain, and Dry all gear to minimize the risk of aquatic invasive species introduction from kayaks, paddleboards,

is chipping away at its deferred maintenance, not ignoring it, with some projects scheduled in the 202526 year. Those include pool repairs — pump replacement, new tile and plaster — for which the district is exploring funding options.

Other operational highlights noted in the adopted budget are: Comprehensive review of cost recovery goals and methodology. Explore the implementation of a

and other nonmotorized gear.

• Fallen Leaf, Angora and Echo lakes are pristine. To help protect all alpine lakes, Clean, Drain, and Dry between every launch, even within the Tahoe Basin.

• Registered Tahoe Keepers can opt in to the 2025 Eyes on the Lake x Tahoe Keepers Chance to Win to win paddle gear and unique Tahoe water experiences.

• Free solar-powered cleaning machines are located at Sand Harbor, Meeks Bay and Kiva Beach help paddlers Clean, Drain and Dry.

• Paddlers can stop by any of the three regional inspection stations for a fast, free decontamination to eliminate invasive species on handlaunched watercraft.

Download the Tahoe Boating App

• The Tahoe Boating App features live weather warnings, area attractions, no-wake zone boundaries and

volunteer program in the community and use it in creative ways to support areas that may struggle financially, such as underfunded LLADs Create a comprehensive programming plan for Cameron Park Lake.

Begin the update process for the CPCSD Strategic Plan, nexus and reserve studies.

Photo by Cory Rich / Novus Select

A Lake Tahoe watercraft inspector performs a mandatory decontamination. TRPA strengthened the watercraft inspection program this year in response to the discovery of invasive golden mussels just a few hours from Lake Tahoe.

UC offers free learning opportunity on managing forest roads

Grace Dean University of California

Forest landowners and land managers in El Dorado County curious about forest road management are invited to attend a free learning event this July. Hosted by University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources Forest Stewardship in collaboration with the El Dorado Resource Conservation District, this field day is an opportunity to engage

Trails Continued from A1

Pat Layne, 82, of Shingle Springs said the goats did a good job but they “also provided fertilizer and the weeds came back bigger and better.” Layne was instrumental in getting Cal Fire on board with the project and said he appreciated help from the hand crews as the park did not have the manpower to do the work.

Layne gave the Mountain Democrat a tour of the trails on a Gator driving along all the twists and turns.

Remnants of burn piles could be seen and there were many neat piles of brush, mostly manzanita, stacked along old roads and trails. Layne said crews will return to the park in the fall to burn the brush piles after the cool weather sets in. He has plans to make signage for the new trails and update the map for guests to the park. Layne said trail walkers show up early in the morning and get their 2-3 miles in before the weather warms up.

“The fuel loading in the Gold Bug Park area was extremely heavy and dense, posing a significant hazard to the surrounding community,” noted Cal Fire Assistant Battalion Chief Mark Abeloe who oversees the effort.

“Through the joint efforts of Cal Fire AEU and the city of Placerville, we’ve made substantial progress in reducing these fuels. While there’s still work to be done, we’re committed to seeing this project through completion. Work will continue on the remaining 32 acres, with the timeline dependent on crew availability.”

“The Ponderosa Fire Center in

This new engine is the first EDH Fire apparatus with the grey over red paint scheme. It is a 2025 Pierce Type 1 pumper with a 500-gallon water tank and is not only designed for structural firefighting but also

with forestry professionals and fellow community members.

The field day will take place 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 19, in Pollock Pines. Attendees will hear from guest speakers:

• Mark Egbert, district manager (El Dorado and Georgetown Divide RCDs)

• Richard Harris, consulting retired professional forester and planner

• Susie Kocher, forestry and natural raesources advisor (UC ANR)

Attendees can expect to view and discuss examples of common road management issues and solutions. Field day topics include:

• Drainage issues

• Road surfaces

• Remedial measures

Registration for this event is free, with space limited to the first 30 registrants. Forest landowners and interested community members can register at surveys.ucanr.edu/survey. cfm?surveynumber=46375.

Cameron Park is home to seven Cal Fire hand crews, all of which have contributed to the fuels reduction and hazard tree removal efforts at Gold Bug Park,” added Cal Fire AEU spokesperson Wendy Oaks. “While each crew has participated, daily operations typically involve one crew working on-site at a time. Each crew includes 19 personnel: one fire captain leading the crew, one fire apparatus engineer assisting with supervision

comes equipped with “pump and roll” capabilities utilized in wildland firefighting. This fire engine comes equipped with auto extrication tools, rope rescue equipment and advanced life support medical gear for several

titles and one state championship in his tenure.

“I like trying to instill life lessons through sports,” White said. “When you get out into the real world and have jobs, the hard work, determination, time management, communication, getting along with people in the workplace, all those kind of things, sports just provides that kind of avenue to give you a lot of those experiences that you don’t get if you don’t participate in athletics.”

As athletic director he has seen the El Dorado Hills school grow from a Division III program at about 1,300 students to the Division I power more than double that size today.

The UC ANR Forest Stewardship Program regularly hosts educational workshops, webinars and field days for forest landowners. Landowners across California are encouraged to visit Forest Stewardship’s recent webinar on forest road management and stay connected via email to get notified of upcoming educational opportunities. Learn more about UC ANR Forest Stewardship at ucanr.edu/site/ forest-research-and-outreach/foreststewardship.

with a demonstrated capacity to plan, manage and complete fire prevention, fuels management or conservation projects. These partners must also meet additional Cal Fire criteria to qualify for crew support.”

Hikers with a keen eye can see remnants from the Gold Rush days along the trails, including ore car tracks leading from the cut of the Silver Pine Mine (now collapsed) to the back door of the Stamp Mill. There are exploratory pits along the trails where miners dug looking for a promising quartz vein. There are several areas on the trails where one can see exposed quartz but mining in the park is prohibited. There are also several closed off mine shafts clearly marked with warnings for hikers to stay on the trails.

and 17 firefighters.

“Our fuels reduction strategy prioritizes areas at high risk should a wildfire occur,” Oaks continued. “We focus on creating defensible space by leveraging natural barriers such as ridge lines, rivers and road systems to effectively link and extend the reach of our mitigation projects across the landscape. Work projects must be sponsored by a governmental agency or an eligible nonprofit organization

types of emergency calls that can occur. The EDH Fire Board initialized the purchase in October 2020 and the new apparatus arrived this spring in Sacramento, where an EDH Fire

“I love being around sports,” White said. “I enjoy all types of sports and competitions so it’s been fun for me to get to watch a lot of their sports and help the other coaches.”

The rivalries with Folsom, Granite Bay and Rocklin have grown 10-fold in every sport and every Trojan game is a must-see spectacle. Several sports, including soccer, softball, track and field, cross country and volleyball, have become powers in the Sac-Joaquin Section, covering the gym with blue banners that signify a cherished section title.

“That’s a testament to the coaching staff and community working together to build programs,” White said. “We’ve been able to keep coaches around for a long time. We were fortunate to find quality people to hire and then working with them and keeping them happy to stick around for what is not a very large paycheck, but quite a bit of work.”

White has helped raise four of those blue banners himself in girls basketball. In 2010 he won a state title led by Sara James, who went on to play in the Final Four at Stanford. James is one of the hundreds of players to play for White in the past 30 years.

“For four years you have them and they’re like your kids,” White said. “But they go away and they don’t come back as frequently and visit as much as if it was my own kids. Those relationships you build with them over the years, it’s fun to keep in touch with them.”

In 2022 he won a section title at Golden 1 Center over Highway 50 rival Folsom.

David Conrad, 50, of Placerville is a regular trail user often hiking with his dog or riding his mountain bike. He was pleased about the improvements and the additional trails saying, “Gold Bug Park is a hidden gem in Placerville. I starting coming here recently when I discovered new trails had been cleared. I bring my dog in the morning a few times a week. It’s a pretty special place. There aren’t many places where you can be in a natural area right near town.”

The park trails are open seven days a week April through October from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails and there is also a short ADA paved trail near the gift shop and the parking lot.

team oversaw installment of the final touches. The total cost of the engine is $996,000, according to Fire Chief Lilienthal, with funds coming from the department’s Capital Replacement Fund and the Development Fee Fund.

teaching math, a position he held his entire tenure at the school. Rita worked in the library. His daughter Kayla eventually became a coach on his staff and is also a teacher at Oak Ridge.

Once Steve’s father retired from his career, he moved to the area and even joined his son on the girls basketball staff for 20 years.

“He was just a staple; it was a father-son coaching staff for quite a while,” White said.

In 2002 White added athletic director to his title while remaining a teacher and coach.

“Something that really separates Steve is that when he took over the job as athletic director we were a DII or DIII school and we’ve grown to a DI school of 2,800 students,” Cavaliere said. “That’s a pretty big difference. We’ve added multiple sports since he’s been there and the job has grown exponentially and he’s just grown right along with it.”

One of those new sports is girls flag football, which Cavaliere leads as head coach. The 2024-25 school year was the sport’s inaugural season at the school and the Trojans went to the section championship game, narrowly falling to a Del Oro squad that was in its second year as a program.

Cavaliere said White encouraged his girls basketball players to join the team.

“It just made the season so much better knowing that we have the support of Steve and his athletes and that just kind of spread to other sports as well,” Cavaliere said.

“That was a fun group to coach,” White said of his 2022 squad. “We’ve been through a lot of good years where you only get second place and you never get to put anything on the wall. So being able to get a championship, that was pretty special for that group especially coming out of COVID and whatnot. It was definitely a fun memorable year to go off of.”

That unit was led by guard Teagan Brown, a dominant defender and elite scorer now playing at the University of Washington.

“Coach White has made me love basketball more than I imagined I ever would,” Brown said. “He exemplified great work ethic and passion, which I caught onto fast and helped excel me to the next level. Thank you, Coach White, for all the time and effort you put into Oak Ridge women’s basketball. You are so loved by so many, especially me.”

White grew up in San Jose and went to Santa Teresa High School, where he played tennis and basketball. As a senior, he gleaned everything he could from the basketball program.

He got his start teaching at A.B. Miller High School and was the varsity girls basketball head coach at the Fontana school for two years.

White was married at the time and he and his wife Rita wanted to move out of Southern California.

Oak Ridge was the school to hire him and he began

Cavaliere steps into this role with 30 years of teaching experience and more than 25 years of coaching experience, including 14 years as the Oak Ridge head tackle football coach. He won a section crown at the Division 1 level during the 2019 season with Trojan legends Justin Lamson and Avant Jacobs leading the way.

“Steve has always been very attentive and understanding,” Cavaliere said. “Being a coach himself, he understands a lot of the dynamics that come along with coaching. He had belief in myself and my coaching staff and stood behind us. He let us run our program and I’m very appreciative of the support that Steve always gave me.”

White said he will now enjoy vacationing and plans to golf multiple times a week. He will be in the stands watching his older grandkids play sports and said he also has a 2-year old granddaughter he is excited to spend time with.

He told the Mountain Democrat he appreciates each person who has ever coached with him and the players who worked their butts off for the program.

“I just want to thank my wife Rita for being supportive and allowing me to continue to give time away from her to do something that I am very passionate about and love,” White said. “I appreciate all the sacrifices she’s made for me.”

Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene

The Springhill Trail runs between Hendy Drive and Gold Bug Lane and is one of the areas treated by Cal Fire AEU’s Ponderosa Fire Center crews in Gold Bug Park.

8:59 a.m.

12:39 p.m.

3:30

Forni Road in Placerville.

6:14 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a person suspected of obstructing a peace officer, possessing a stolen vehicle and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines. They were listed in custody in lieu of $51,200 bail.

8 p.m. Battery was reported at Oak Hill Road and Moccasin Trail in Placerville.

June 6

4:54 a.m. Battery was reported on Highway 193 in Placerville.

10:38 a.m. Grand theft was reported at an apartment complex on Country Club Drive in Cameron Park.

12:02 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Highway 193 in Placerville.

12:30 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a person suspected of driving with a suspended license and violating probation on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines. They were listed in custody.

2:29 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a store on El Dorado Road in Placerville.

4:35 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a person suspected of exhibiting a deadly weapon (non firearm), threatening with intent to terrorize and having a warrant for arrest on Country Club Drive in Cameron Park. They were listed in custody in lieu of $58,140 bail.

5:02 p.m. Trespassing was reported at Faith Lane and Pleasant Valley Road in Diamond Springs.

10:17 p.m. Battery was reported at a bowling alley on Sanders Drive in Pollock Pines.

June 7

1:39 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a person suspected of threatening,

obstructing a peace officer, battery on a peace officer, child abuse and battery on Sunset Lane in Shingle Springs. They were listed in custody.

1:44 a.m. Burglary was reported on Forebay Road in Pollock Pines.

8:48 a.m. Burglary to a vehicle was reported on Racquet Way and Wimbledon Drive in Diamond Springs.

8:54 a.m. Trespassing was reported at Faith Lane and Pleasant Valley Road in Diamond Springs.

10:03 a.m. Trespassing was reported at Faith Lane and Pleasant Valley Road in Diamond Springs.

12:05 p.m. Battery was reported on Avanti Drive in El Dorado Hills.

1:21 p.m. Trespassing was reported at Faith Lane and Pleasant Valley Road in Diamond Springs.

2:56 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Faith Lane in Diamond Springs.

4:48 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Coyote Pass Road in Shingle Springs.

5:05 p.m. Trespassing was reported at Faith Lane and Pleasant Valley Road in Diamond Springs.

7:06 p.m.Trespassing was reported on Pony Tail Lane in Shingle Springs. An arrest was made.

8:34 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Chestnut Lane in Placerville.

Continued exploration of annexation of additional land within the CSD’s sphere of influence. Regarding the annexation of property, Johnson noted some areas just outside of the CSD’s boundary have seen significant growth. District officials have met with El Dorado LAFCO staff to determine the next steps, he shared, as the CSD is providing those residents with services but not seeing any additional revenue.

The wildfire mitigation coordinator position, an anticipated $64,000 expense, garnered some conversation. Johnson told the board this person would support the district’s wildfire prevention efforts and ensure compliance with the recently revised Weed and Rubbish Abatement Ordinance.

“We’ve heard from the public loud and clear that this is important,” the GM stressed, adding that staff is exploring ways to mitigate some of the expense.

Director Katie Gilchrest called the wildfire mitigation coordinator position a “must-have.” She and Directors Sidney Bazett, Monique Scobey and Dawn Wolfson agreed to keep it in the preliminary budget.

One concern expressed by Scobey is that the budget has no additional funding set aside for reserves — the general fund’s revenues exactly match its expenditures. Johnson promised staff continues to look for more revenue streams and efficiencies and hopes to bring back more details when the board adopts its final budget.

“Even though the district is financially stable, staff are mindful of the adjustments that may need to take place as the economy may react to the rise in inflation,” he notes in his budget letter to the board. “The district is future thinking and seeking opportunities and partnerships that lay the foundation for funding opportunities.”

Boating

Continued from A3

more to enjoy the lake safely and responsibly. Download for iOS and Android at tahoeboating.org.

• Wear a personal flotation device and be aware of the risk of cold-water shock.

• Lake Tahoe’s no-wake zone keeps boaters and swimmers safe. Motorized boats must stay under 5 mph when boating within:

˚600 feet of shore

˚100 feet of paddlers and swimmers

200 feet of shoreline structures

All of Emerald Bay

For access to boat inspection information, including the appointment system, fee structure and Clean, Drain, Dry protocols visit TahoeBoatInspections.com and follow the program on social media @TahoeBoating.

Announcements

AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 3342970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot.com

AMERICAN ASSOC. OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN Foothills of EDC Branch. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science and Math Camp Scholarships, programs & interest groups. Leave voicemail for Laurel (530) 417-7737 or Sara (530) 4177138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net

AMERICAN LEGION POST 119 welcomes Veterans and guests to attend our monthly membership dinner and meeting the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM. Legionpost119.org

CAMERON PARK NEWCOMERS

CLUB meets the first Wednesday of each month at 10:30 at the Light of the Hills Lutheran Church, 3100 Rodeo Rd., CP, 95682. New and current local community members are welcome for fun and games throughout the month. For further information contact Jill Butler at 530-295-7448.

El DORADO COUNTY AMATEUR

RADIO CLUB Dedicated to all aspects of ham radio. Meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at the El Dorado Sheriff’s office, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net

PLAY CRIBBAGE Join the Gold Country Cribbers 916-212-2465 or 916-768-4452. We Play - We Teach - We Have Fun. Wednesdays 4:00 PM. Gilmore Senior Center 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA Struggling with life? CELEBRATE RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/ DEMOCRATS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Call (530)391-6414 or see

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

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 first and third Wednesday of every month, 7pm. Come and enjoy a paid lunch with the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) for CalPERS retirees and spouses.The meetings are held at 11:30 AM on May 19, July 21, September 15 and November 17, 2025 at Denny’s (3446 Coach Lane) Cameron Park. Call 530 919 7515 for programs and information.

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

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

OPINION

California Commentary

The history of legal attacks on Prop. 13

On June 6, 1978, California voters delivered a shockwave, not just in California, but throughout America. Proposition 13 reduced property taxes by more than half and imposed other restrictions on government’s ability to extract money from citizens and businesses.

Despite Prop. 13’s victory with 64.8% of the vote, tax-and-spend progressives immediately ﬁled a lawsuit directly in the California Supreme Court seeking to invalidate the new measure. Fortunately (and perhaps bowing to public sentiment) the court rejected the lawsuit against a variety of constitutional arguments.

Letters to the Editor

Trouble in our schools

EDITOR:

IThe chamber’s purpose

EDITOR:

A… a rational person would think that the California judiciary would recognize that citizens have voted for robust taxpayer protections that should not be weakened by resultoriented court opinions in favor of higher taxes.

However, it wasn’t long before new, more limited, legal attacks against Prop. 13 began working their way up through the courts. The primary target of these assaults was Section 4’s requirement for a two-thirds vote for local taxes. That section provides, “Cities, counties and special districts, by a two-thirds vote of the qualified electors of such district, may impose special taxes on such district, except ad valorem taxes on real property or a transaction tax or sales tax on the sale of real property within such city, county or special district.” In two separate setbacks for taxpayers, the courts weakened the two-thirds vote requirement via convoluted definitions of both “special taxes” and “special districts.” Both court decisions reduced the scope of the two-thirds vote requirement. Shortly thereafter, local governments began to impose property taxes in the form of “benefit assessments.” The original purpose of such levies was to finance improvements directly beneficial to specific parcels of property, such as sidewalks. But “benefit assessment” abuse culminated in Knox v. City of Orland, which upheld a county wide flat rate parcel tax. In response, HJTA qualified, and the voters enacted, Proposition 218, known as the Right to Vote on Taxes Act (1996) clamping down on, not just fake “benefit assessments,” but also other property-related fees and charges.

At this point, a rational person would think that the California judiciary would recognize that citizens have voted for robust taxpayer protections that should not be weakened by result-oriented court opinions in favor of higher taxes. In fact, Proposition 218 itself made clear that it should be interpreted in a manner to e ectuate its purposes of

The Not So Weekly Daley

feel that the headline and the article on page A4 in the June 25 edition of the Mountain Democrat was misleading. The impression it gives is that schools in El Dorado County are doing well. This is not the case. They are doing poorly.

The most recent statewide test scores show that 44% of all students in the county failed to meet the minimum standards for English and 56% of all students failed to meet the minimum math requirements.

Approximately 31% of the recent high school graduates did not meet the minimum standards for English and 54% did not meet the minimum standards for math. It seems that many students are getting high school diplomas merely for attending.

The failure to educate these students is very bad for them. Their chances of being successful in life are greatly diminished. It is also bad for society that such a large number of students will lack the skills necessary for success.

PHIL BERRY Placerville

chamber of commerce is a regional organization comprising local businesses that support the interests of its members. Each chamber of commerce chooses its leadership and decides which agendas to pursue. A chamber doesn’t create laws, but it may inﬂuence probusiness policies by lobbying legislators. In essence, a chamber of commerce serves as a hub for businesses, providing them with the necessary tools, resources and connections to succeed, while also contributing to the community’s overall prosperity.

El Dorado County is cutting funding to several agencies, including the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce, as part of a larger e ort to address a budget shortfall. The cuts, totaling $868,567, will a ect various organizations involved in tourism and economic development.

The EDC Chamber of Commerce, which handles marketing for the county, will lose $279,000 in funding.

Independence daze and a stroll down memory lane

It has been 249 years since the Declaration of Independence was “signed” and enacted by the British American Colony’s Second Continental Congress. Although July 4 is the traditional day of commemoration, multiple sources note, “Most historians have concluded that the Declaration was signed nearly a month after its adoption, on Aug. 2, 1776 and not July 4.”

That four-week di erence one way or another is inconsequential viewed by us from 249 years after the fact. The 4th of July just has a grander aura than “The 2nd of August.”

Admittedly, I am biased to 4th of July. Aren’t we all?

Imagine the freedoms we have enjoyed and taken for granted since that day. Freedom to vote (not all of

us, for sure). Freedom to do with our bodies what we will (though, not so much lately). Freedom to express ourselves in print or other media without fear of intimidation or worse — crippling lawsuits (CBS, NYT, NPR, et al).

Freedom for colleges and universities to admit whom they want and whom they hire or don’t hire (still kind of up in the air). Freedom to access health care even if you can’t a ord the private insurance market (way uncertain at the moment). Freedom to serve and even die for your country, Well, not if you’re one of those kind of people. (You know who I mean.)

Freedom to marry the person you wish to marry (maybe or maybe not; too soon to tell). Freedom to read the books you want to read or not and the freedom to let your kids read the

in my opinion, Alligator Alcatraz is little more than a photo op and a camp re horror story.

books they might need to read or not (the ones that used to be available in school and public libraries).

Freedom not to hear Bible stories or read the Ten Commandments on classroom walls all day every day. And also, the freedom to sit silently during the morning Pledge of Allegiance (with or without the “under God” part).

Freedom for a woman to travel from her home state to any other state for any damn reason she wants and the freedom for anyone else to help her do that (without fear of intimidation or lawsuits for such help).

Freedom to assemble where and when you choose and to say what you want (within the law) without being rousted by armed, masked federal agents (who apparently do not have to identify themselves), National Guard

soldiers or U.S. Marines. Let’s try to remember all those great American freedoms on this Independence Day.

A personal view on ‘The Gator Gulag’

Throughout the late 1950s and early ’60s, my brother Mike and I spent a number of summers working on a family cattle ranch, large citrus groves and various outdoor projects in and around Indian River County, Florida (not in the Everglades) but with some quite similar features.

In all those sweltering, muggy days and nights, I saw exactly one alligator in the wild, one live (but not for long) rattlesnake, a couple of coral snakes

CHRIS DALEY

JON COUPAL

Thus,

Speedway’s Triple Crown race boasts a $10,000 bonus this Independence Day weekend

Gary Thomas Placerville Speedway

One of the most anticipated events of the season rolls into Placerville Speedway on Saturday, July 5, with the inaugural All Coast Construction/ Avanti Windows & Doors Triple Crown.

Thanks to the support of All Coast Construction and Avanti Windows & Doors, if a driver sweeps all three main events with the Thompson’s Winged 360 Sprint Cars, the USCS Non-Wing Sprint Cars and the USAC Western States Midgets, they’ll earn an extra $10,000 in their pocket.

With the Thompson’s Family of Dealerships Winged 360 Sprint Cars handing out $2,000-to-win on July 5, a driver has the potential to bring home a total payday of $16,250 if they can complete the Triple Crown sweep.

The popular Ultimate Sprint Car Series make its third ever Placerville Speedway appearance during the show. The event presented by Rattle Snake Ridge will offer $2,500-to-win in the feature.

The Avanti Windows & Doors USAC Western States Midgets are also set for their final tune up prior to November’s running of the Hangtown 100, which is sanctioned by the NOS Energy Drink USAC National Midgets.

Rounding out the card on July 5 are the BCRA Wingless Lightning Sprints, as they contest another round with the King of the Non-Wing series.

The overall weekend begins on Friday, July 4, with the annual Freedom Fireworks showcase. The Thompson’s Winged 360 Sprint Cars,

Letters Continued from A6

My question is, if the chamber of commerce’s most significant revenue producer is from county government, then where does its membership stand in the hierarchy of importance? Why is the chamber of commerce

Daley

Continued from A6

and a few water moccasins. Back then the mosquitoes were the main predators, far worse than now. We swam in a few ponds (yuck) and tramped all over the countryside, armed and unarmed. Never had to shoot a dangerous critter or run from anything scarier than a skunk. No wild boars or “painters” or bears or giant constrictors threatened us, ever. And it’s safe to assume that the dangerous beast population was vastly larger back then than it is today, not counting Burmese pythons and their ilk.

Thus, in my opinion, Alligator

Continued from A6

tax limitation.

But the worst was yet to come. In 2017, the California Supreme Court’s decision in California Cannabis Coalition v. City of Upland created an ambiguity as to whether the state constitution applies to local citizens’ initiatives in the same way it applies to measures placed on the ballot by a government body. Since that time, all kinds of unconstitutional taxes — backed by tax-and-spend special interests — have been imposed on Californians costing billions of dollars that they would not otherwise have had to pay had the courts applied the plain language of the constitution. Most insidious of all was Measure ULA in Los Angeles, a massive “special transfer tax” ostensibly for homelessness programs.

The first Upland taxes were special taxes (e.g. sales taxes and hotel taxes) in which the funds were dedicated and, prior to Upland, clearly required a two-thirds vote. After Upland, if the tax proposal was placed on the ballot by initiative, the appellate courts have held they can be imposed with a simple majority vote.

Next up were the Upland transfer taxes, which are taxes on the sale/ transfer of real estate. Because transfer taxes impose a form of “equity theft,” Prop. 13 was intended

Red Hawk Resort + Casino Pure Stocks and Kings Meats Ltd. Late Models take to the track, followed by a massive fireworks display to cap the evening.

Seating during the 4th of July event is reserved in the main covered grandstand and can be purchased via eventsprout.com/event/prs070425 or at the gate.

Grandstand seating during the Triple Crown will be general admission on Saturday, July 5, except for the reserved seats allocated to season ticket holders that are marked. Tickets can be purchased via eventsprout.com/event/psr070525 or at the gate.

The pit gate will open at noon each day, with the front gate opening at 4 p.m. Hirst Home Team Happy Hour is offered until 6 p.m in the grandstands featuring live music with discounted Coors Light and Coors Original at the beer booth. The pit meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. with cars on track at 5:15. Hot laps, ADCO Driveline qualifying and racing will follow.

For those who can’t make it to the track, calidirt.tv. will provide live flagto-flag coverage of every Placerville Speedway point race this season. The live streaming service also includes each event with the Sprint Car Challenge Tour. Fans can purchase through a cost savings monthly membership or on a per race basis via calidirt.tv.

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

being paid by the county to market business in the county? Isn’t that the primary purpose of the chamber of commerce in the first place?

KEN STEERS Cameron Park

Alcatraz is little more than a photo op and a campfire horror story. How many Central and South American “bad guys” may actually be fairly comfortable in swampy, jungly terrain? Probably a lot of Darien Gap survivors among them as well. City criminals and former desert folk will likely be terrified for a while, but they’ll get over it.

So spin your Gator Gulag phantasy, Mr. President and Secretary Noem and Czar Homan. After all, it is a dramatic and fun fairytale.

Chris Daley is a biweekly columnist for the Mountain Democrat.

to prohibit transfer taxes and expressly stated so. But in another judicial ruling, the courts concluded that Prop. 13 only prohibited “special” transfer taxes intended for a specific purpose.

Now we hear cities are playing with the idea of passing parcel taxes without a two-thirds vote and a bill was just introduced in the Legislature to allow transportation districts to do the same. Upland has opened Pandora’s box of tax increases that voters must now close.

That’s why HJTA has submitted a proposed initiative that would close these loopholes from being used in the future and also invalidates general transfer taxes that exceed the state limit. The initiative would also end the ULA tax, which has inflicted much damage to the Los Angeles real estate market.

The attorney general will issue a “title and summary” of the proposed measure by mid-July. Immediately thereafter, initiative petitions (designed to be downloadable and printed on a single piece of paper) will be available.

Voters are urged to visit hjta.org for the latest information on the next fight over taxpayer rights.

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

COMICS

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Today’s adventure will bring an insight that changes your angle on life. One fresh detail reframes the whole picture. Afterward you’ll return to something familiar and realize it’s not the same — because you’re not the same.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). There’s a rhythm to this day, and you’re drumming it out with a rebel instinct and an electric energy that leads the group, whether you realize it or not. The pace you set is bold but sustainable.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Whether it’s what you want to work on or who you decide to be, you’re sensing there’s no time to wait for someone else to reflect or validate your concept. You’ll slide through the window of opportunity before it closes.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). People will take their cues from your energy — so lead with what you want more of. You’ll get fun moments of awareness that will have you using your power well — setting a tone with a glance, a word or a pause.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You can’t rush transformation. A lot of parts are firing at once; they are communicating with one another to work it all out. You’re just along for the ride. You already did the work; now you just have to trust what you planted back there.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’re here to live your life, not to manage people’s moods. Of course, if they feel a little happier being around you, it’s a bonus you can reinvest in your mission. It’s good to know that your smile elevates.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Because of the serial-position effect, people are most likely to remember the first and last parts of an experience (the primacy and recency effects), while the middle tends to blur. Use this to your advantage. Start strong; finish stronger.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’ve learned not to waste time explaining yourself to people committed to misunderstanding you. Today you walk differently — like someone who knows their worth and doesn’t owe anyone a tour. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You would rather be known for the interest you show in others than known as a show-off. Still, there will be a moment that opens up for you, spotlight and all. Step into it and do your thing. Everyone will be better for it.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The sentiment “no one left behind” is rooted in care, leadership and solidarity. If the group stays committed to each other, adjusts when needed and truly honors that principle, then everyone can arrive together.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). There’s a person or group that seems to have more influence on your life than it should right now. These feelings and opinions you’re forming are valid.

SUDOKU

Coupal

PROSPECTING

Featured artists make a motley group

D. Lee Reyes Gold Country Artists Gallery

The awardwinning artists’ cooperative, Gold Country Artists Gallery in Placerville, is currently featuring the work of Isabella Ryder, Jack Davis and Valerie Bye.

Isabella Ryder

arts, crafts, food and a ra e to win a Grand Prize. Live music will be on the Garden Valley Park Stage. The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the Garden Valley Fire House. For more information visit gdrd.org

The Lights on the Lake Fireworks extravaganza will take place on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore at 9:45 p.m. and is visible from all over town. For more information and best ways to view the show visit tinyurl. com/2rbbet3t.

The Pollock Pines-Camino Rotary will host the Pollock Pines Independence Day Parade, noon to 1 p.m. celebrate with friends, family and neighbors on Pony Express Trail from Sly Park Road to Sanders Drive. Join in on the parade or grab a seat and enjoy the view. For more information visit pollockpines-caminorotary. org.

El Dorado County Fairgrounds will host the 4th of July Family Blast from 3-11 p.m. with live music from Locked -N- Loaded, vendors, food and beverages for sale and reworks around 9:40 p.m. For more information visit eldoradocountyfair.org.

Shadow Ranch Vineyards, 7050 Fairplay Road in Fair Play, is celebrating Fourth of July with complimentary small bites on July 4 and 5 from noon to 4 p.m. Enjoy a watermelon feta cup with wine tasting in honor of the holiday. For more information email info@shadowranch. com.

July 5

The Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 512, will host its Famous Pancake Breakfast from 8-11 a.m. at the Placerville Airport, 3501 Airport Road. Enjoy breakfast, airplanes on display and old friends. Proceeds go to the Sunny Atkin Scholarship Fund for students of aeronautical related studies.

UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County host a free public tour on the rst Saturday of each month, starting at 9 a.m. After the approximately one-hour tour, wander around the 16 individual gardens at your own pace or ask docents for help and more information. May be closed for inclement weather or poor air quality; check before visiting: ucanr. edu/sites/EDC_Master_ Gardeners/Demonstration_ Garden/. Parking permits are required, purchase a $2 permit at any kiosk. At the Sherwood Demonstration

■ See KNOW, page B4

Ryder became involved in the visual arts 50 years ago while completing her undergraduate work. After teaching for 31 years, Ryder completed graduate work in art and education, wrote an extensive guide to teaching middle school visual arts and ultimately pursued doctoral research centered on the brain as related to learning styles. She also continued an active art studio life, introducing many of her ideas into art classes and challenging students to experiment with personal statements about their own life experiences.

To capture the tactile nature of the world around her, experiments include repurposing and recycling familiar textiles in unusual ways leading to works of startling beauty.

While her subject matter may start with something familiar, like a checkerboard used in her “Board Game” by the time she ﬁnishes one of her tapestries, the work appears as something completely di erent.

Ryder takes the usual artistic media — paints, pastels, pencils, inks, dyes — and intertwines them with two or more canvases which she unravels into strips or reweaves into new patterns, or paper she rips and reassembles into new forms to create fascinating new patterns in a single, two-dimensional image with a threedimensional quality. For this particular creation, Ryder threaded red and yellow rope cores around the outside of the checkered squares. The result is a brightly colored artwork bursting with energy and movement.

Much of her work emerges from an artistic mind and imagination that are always on the alert for new ways to express her emotions. For example, she was inspired to make her artwork, “Fireworks,” one day when she climbed a ladder. Looking down, she wondered what would happen if she dropped paint onto a canvas from this lofty perch. So, excited at the idea, she placed a canvas on the ﬂoor, climbed the ladder again with paint in hand. “And I threw paint at the canvas,” she said, laughing, “I saw things pop-up and I loved the result.” She sees patterns in everything, so it is not surprising that

a photo of a Ti any Lamp triggered a desire to duplicate those colors and textures in her work. With “Sea Creatures” she created something circular — instead of her more frequent use of vertical and horizontal patterns in her other work. With Inktense pencils and paints (a very vibrant, saturated media), she began near the center of the canvas with her designs, enlarging them as they moved away from the center. The result feels organic, with many patterns in the action of the painting.

Ryder deﬁnes the true success of her lifelong involvement with the visual arts, not for the sale of her art, but rather as the great satisfaction she ﬁnds in the deep bond she creates with others who are touched emotionally by her work.

Jack Davis

Davis is a true hands-on artist, always ﬁnding a way to channel his creative juices including stained glass and quilting. There is something intriguing about a man who throws o the shackles of doing what may be generally viewed as a woman’s craft, but upon seeing a quilt he declared, “I can do that.” And that’s just what he did — going on to win awards for his quilts. It is with that same enthusiasm and determination that he dug with both hands into what was for him, the new medium of clay.

electric kiln and had fun creating an assortment of artworks. However, they outgrew that kiln, and decided to build a big brick kiln in Davis’ backyard, which led

to the expansion of his rapidly ﬂourishing repertoire.

the skill of trimming his ware to create a lovely heft and balance to each piece, so it feels good in the hand. He elevates his practical objects — bowls, cups and vases — to another level of artistry by the ﬁne glazes he uses to enhance his work. He made several bowls with an obsidian glaze that imparts a glassy luster, embellished with the addition of a black merlot glaze that has hints of deep violet. During ﬁring, the glazes melt and fuse to create pearly lilac, creamy

On his 70th birthday, a friend gifted him a ﬁfty-pound bag of clay and he got busy.

“I am potting almost every day,” Davis stated. He borrowed a potting wheel for his ﬁrst creations, and was so hooked on clay throwing he bought his own wheel. Now fully captivated by his new-found artistic undertaking, he and a friend invested in an

a beautifully balanced piece that could serve as a container as well as a beautifully-crafted, oneof-a-kind sculpture for display. Davis excitedly approaches each of his artistic endeavors like he is commencing a great adventure, and showcasing his work at the gallery is the perfect venue for his eyecatching ceramics.

Valerie Bye

A founding member of Gold Country Artists Gallery, Bye’s artwork reﬂects her declaration,

“I have a whole world of paintings in my head.” She delights in sharing that world, expressing of paint mediums and backgrounds.” She draws from her vast collection of photos and images to compose a collage like “A Night at the Opera” with its sumptuous fabrics, fan, gloves, opera glasses and a photograph of her painting of a vase ﬁlled with ﬂowers from her garden.

To create her collage of “Poppin’ Poppies” she began with contact paper that she cut into the shape of the ﬂowers, and placed them onto the canvas. Then she poured acrylic paint over it to create the background. When the paint dried, she removed the contact the background. Why these ﬂowers? “I just like poppies!”

“Sea Creatures” by Isabella Ryder

A vase by Jack Davis

“Poppin’ Poppies” by Valerie Bye

■ See ARTISTS, page B3

Ukulele marvel Jake Shimabukuro coming to the Harris Center

Stacy Hanson Harris Center for the Arts

FOLSOM — Harris Center for the Arts presents ukulele marvel Jake Shimabukuro, who has mesmerized audiences with his innovative and dynamic style, taking the instrument to dizzying new heights. Over a dozen solo albums, Shimabukuro has shown a knack for moving e ortlessly between genres, sometimes in the same song. He performs live at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 18, at the Harris Center, 10 College Parkway on the Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net/jake-shimabukuro.

After being taught the instrument by his mother at age 4, Shimabukuro became a local phenom, performing on his own and in a local group Pure Heart. Early in his solo career he became a YouTube sensation when his cover of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” went viral. Since then, Shimabukuro has gone on to play the world’s most venerable venues, from The Hollywood Bowl to Lincoln Center to the Sydney Opera House and The N.O. Jazz Fest and collaborated with some of the world’s greatest musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma, Bela Fleck and The Flecktones, Jimmy Bu ett, Jack Johnson, Bette Midler, Ziggy Marley, Sonny Landreth, Billy Strings, Lukas & Willie Nelson and Warren Haynes. Shimabukuro has also won his share of awards and, just a few years ago he was nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as a member for the National Council on the Arts.

One strong thread that runs through much of Shimabukuro’s work is that of collaboration. From the “Trio” album to “Jake & Friends” to “Grateful” and beyond, Shimabukuro thrives in the ability to feed o and inspire his fellow musicians.

For his brand-new project, Shimabukuro joins forces with friend, drumming legend and founding member of Fleetwood Mac, Mick Fleetwood, to create a fresh new take on the blues.

“I’ve always wanted to do a blues album and when Mick and I started talking about working together, I thought who better to work with than Mick Fleetwood?” Shimabukuro shared.

The result is something exhilarating and unique, as these two titans of their instruments reinterpret some of the greatest songs written by some of their favorite songwriters in a blues setting.

It’s a union whose roots go back to the late 1990s when a young Shimabukuro met and played with Fleetwood at the Hawaiian Music Awards ceremony along with singer songwriter Kenny Loggins. It wasn’t until a few years ago, that the two were reconnected by a mutual friend at a Fleetwood Mac reunion concert in Nashville. That night, the seeds of the collaboration were planted at Fleetwood’s suggestion. Not long thereafter the two convened along with Shimabukuro’s touring bassist Jackson Waldho and keyboard player Michael Grande to

start work on a new studio album in Maui. Mark

Johnstone from The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band plays keys on two songs, “Need Your Love So Bad” and “Rockin’ In The Free World.”

Over the course of two three-day sessions, the band recorded nine songs live in the studio. The only track not recorded with all of the musicians playing together was Sonny Landreth’s brilliant slide guitar on the Je Beck/Stevie Wonder classic “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers.” This soaring track full of peaks and valleys is a tremendous way to start the album.

The interplay between Landreth and Shimabukuro is so seamless, you’d never know that they did not play together in the same room. The chemistry is due in large part to the two performing the song together during a recent tour. In addition, Landreth would often sit in with Jimmy Bu ett’s Coral Reefer Band back when Shimabukuro was a member.

Up next is a truly unique interpretation of the Blues standard, “Rollin’ N Tumblin’.” The song fades in with a swirling, delay-drenched psychedelic uke over top of Fleetwood’s tribal drumming pattern, giving credence to why Shimabukuro is often referred to as the “Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele.” Then, on a dime, he changes his sound and cuts to playing the song’s theme which is echoed nicely by the Hammond Organ. Shimabukuro’s playing on the track is experimental and otherworldly, at times ascending into a psych jazz rock fusion in the most visceral ways.

“Mick’s energy when he plays is so infectious. He’s such an intense musician. He pushes everyone around him and it’s so inspiring to see his facial

expressions and watch his movements and the way he hits the drums,” Shimabukuro exuberantly said.

About “Kula Blues,” he explained, “I’d never written anything that sounded this bluesy or a shu e, so I wanted to take a stab at it and have a song where any musician could sit in without needing a chart”.

Again, Shimabukuro credits Fleetwood with bringing the track to life. “He just got behind the drums and without even counting it o came charging in. You either jump on the train or get outta the way!”

A couple of other standouts on the album are “Whiter Shade of Pale” and “Rockin’ in the Free World.” Of the former, Shimabukuro recalls “I was so in the moment, I remember just closing my eyes and really forgetting my pedal board and everything and just reacting to Mick and the band.”

One thing that really comes across when speaking to Shimabukuro about this record is the “spirits in the air” during the recordings. This is particularly apparent on their rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird.” Recorded not long after Christine McVie’s passing, the band only did one take.

“I remember Mick took a moment of silence after the song ended and you could see that he felt Christine’s presence,” Shimabukuro shared.

Fleetwood’s tom tom groove provides the heartbeat for Shimabukuro’s ﬂoaty, ethereal uke, as he moves naturally between fast strumming chords and lilting melodic phrases. “I felt so fortunate to be able to experience that with Mick. It was very powerful to see the e ect it had on him.”

Note: Mick Fleetwood is not currently on tour with Jake Shimabukuro.

Rural photo contest announced

SACRAMENTO — The Rural County Representatives of California is holding its annual Rural County Photo Contest through July 31. The contest invites individuals to submit photographs capturing life in rural California, showcasing the beautiful scenery, activities, communities, history and charm of RCRC’s 40 member counties.

All entries must:

• Be received by 11:59 p.m. July 31

• Be the original work of the submitter

• Include location where the photo was taken, including county

• Include photographer’s full name and email address

The grand prize is a $300 gift card, and the winning photograph will be unveiled at the September RCRC Board of Directors meeting. The second-place ﬁnalist will receive a $150 gift card and the third-place ﬁnalist will receive a $75 gift card.

Photo entries should be submitted on the photo contest webpage or by email to photocontest@rcrcnet.org.

For more information, contest details or to submit an entry visit rcrcnet.org/photo-contest.

Photo by Sienna Morales

Jake Shimabukuro has been called the “Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele” See him live on July 18 in Folsom.

News release

2024 First Place Winner “Humboldt” by Lisa Wilhelmi Perkins

Route to Parks grant period open to community and Tribal organizations

News release

ACRAMENTO — California

SState Parks and Parks California have announced the opening of the 2026 Route to Parks grant application period, inviting Californiabased community and tribal organizations to apply for funding that helps remove transportation and access barriers to California’s 280 state parks. This grant continues Parks California’s commitment to ensuring that all Californians — regardless of background or location — can experience the health, cultural and recreational benefits of time in nature.

Launched in 2020, Route to Parks is part of a broader public-private partnership between Parks California and California State Parks. The Waterway Connections Initiative and philanthropic investments from supporters, including the PG&E Corporation Foundation and BMO, make the program possible.

“Route to Parks represents what’s possible when community leaders and State Parks work hand-in-hand to lower barriers and open new doors to nature,” said Geoff Kish, vice president of programs at Parks California. “Together, we’re helping ensure that every community sees

Artists

Continued from B1 to the expansion of his rapidly flourishing repertoire.

Davis has mastered the skill of trimming his ware to create a lovely heft and balance to each piece, so it feels good in the hand. He elevates his practical objects — bowls, cups and vases — to another level of artistry by the fine glazes he uses to enhance his work. He made several bowls with an obsidian glaze that imparts a glassy luster, embellished with the addition of a black merlot glaze that has hints of deep violet. During firing, the glazes melt and fuse to create pearly lilac, creamy fuchsia and deep blue accents.

He makes mystery boxes, lidded pots thrown on the wheel, suitable for holding small objects. The mystery is what is in the pot. He also employs various hand-building techniques to create other captivating pieces. His three-sided vase set on small, ball-shaped feet with a thrown lid, and a gleaming brownish-tan glaze is a beautifully balanced piece that could serve as a container as well as a beautifully-crafted, oneof-a-kind sculpture for display.

Davis excitedly approaches each of his artistic endeavors like he is commencing a great adventure, and showcasing his work at the gallery is the perfect venue for his eyecatching ceramics.

Valerie Bye

A founding member of Gold Country Artists Gallery, Bye’s artwork reflects her declaration, “I have a whole world of paintings in my head.” She delights in sharing that world, expressing it through her many art mediums. Bye began her serious painting career when she entered a painting in a local juried art show, and won the first of her many awards. Bye is a colorist whose skill with watercolors, oils, acrylics, alcohol inks and even photography are a few of the many mediums she has mastered during her artistic career. She discovered the art of collage several years ago and although she enjoyed it, she did not pursue it until one of her daughters inspired her to delve into the technique more fully.

themselves reflected in California’s state parks.”

In just five years, the program has supported more than 120 projects with community, government and tribal organizations and connected more than 20,000 people — many visiting a state park for the first time. Grantees have created meaningful, community-informed experiences through camping programs, cultural heritage outings, wellness hikes, youth leadership activities and more. Grant awards are anticipated to average between $25,000 and $30,000, with around 30 grants expected.

Applications for the 2026 Route to Parks grants are due by Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, at 5 p.m. PT.

For the 2026 grants, Parks California encourages proposals that: Remove transportation and access barriers to California State Parks; Engage underserved communities that face historical or structural barriers to park access; Offer recreational, environmental, cultural or historical programming, with most activities hosted at California State Parks;

Strengthen collaboration between applicants and State Parks staff (coordination required before applying).

In 2025, a Route to Parks grant

Since then she has produced stunning collage artwork that combines all of her talents.

To create a collage, she begins by collecting a variety of materials.

“I love all the different papers and brilliant colors that are available,” she said. “I usually start with a print of one of my paintings, cut out the subject and then apply different textures of paint mediums and backgrounds.”

She draws from her vast collection of photos and images to compose a collage like “A Night at the Opera” with its sumptuous fabrics, fan, gloves, opera glasses and a photograph of her painting of a vase filled with flowers from her garden.

To create her collage of “Poppin’ Poppies” she began with contact paper that she cut into the shape of the flowers, and placed them onto the canvas. Then she poured acrylic paint over it to create the background. When the paint dried, she removed the contact paper, painted the flowers and enhanced the background. Why these flowers? “I just like poppies!” she said.

“Satsuki Bonsai” features a small statuette of a man seated next to a beautiful bonsai in a bright blue pot decorated with pink blossoms - all items of Asian-theme found in her home. For the bamboo design, she cleverly employed a stencil turned upright for the background, and horizontally for the mat the statuette lounges on. The resulting composition is a delicate balance of color, shape and texture.

“View from the Ahwahnee” is a collage of the famous hotel in Yosemite. She arranged a table and chairs before a picture window with the renowned El Capitan Mountain in the distance. Much of her work is influenced by Art Deco and Nouveau styles, which she incorporated into this work, exemplified in the style of the window with its vertical and horizontal grilles and simple geometric shapes. She created an inviting scene where one can imagine relaxing and chatting with a friend while enjoying the view.

And that is, in fact,

enabled Salton Sea State Recreation Area to host curated programs designed by Grower’s First as part of its Kids Club Nature. These programs focused on introducing youth and their families to the outdoors through birdwatching, migration tracking activities and other learning experiences.

“One of the most important things about the Route to Parks program is seeing the connection between the participants and the park,” said Cassandra Van Dyne, interpreter at Salton Sea State Recreation Area. “Partnering with Parks California and community organizations helps us open doors for the families in our own community.”

For application details and to learn about previous grantees visit parkscalifornia.org.

Bye’s philosophy of what brings her joy.

“A cup of coffee, some nice music, the beautiful colors on my palette, the view of my garden from my studio window and a blank canvas is the beginning of a perfect day. It puts a song in my heart and I hope viewers of my artwork experience that feeling as well.”

Gold Country Artists Gallery features the work of many awardwinning regional artists working in fields as diverse as fine jewelry, photography, fused glass, wood turning, pastels, colored pencil, scratch board, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting. The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The gallery is located at 379 Main Street, Placerville. For more information call (530) 642-2944 or visit goldcountryartistsgallery.com.

Pops Chorale & Orchestra season announced

FOLSOM — This three-concert season presented by The Pops Chorale and Orchestra begins with its holiday show, Remember Christmas — Dec. 6-7 followed by

the brilliant big band show, A Generation of Jazz — March 21-22, 2026, and ending with American Bandstand — May 16-17, 2026, a show of fast-paced chart-topping pops tunes. The Pops Chorale is known for creative and original arrangements, inventive choreography and musical excellence. Each show is a unique experience designed to surprise and delight audiences of all ages. Season ticket holders can also purchase

discounted tickets to The Pops Chorale and Orchestra Gala, Festival of Wonders. To learn more about Pops Chorale and Orchestra visit thepopschorale. com. For tickets visit harriscenter.net.

Edited by Will Shortz No. 0602

Music in the Park is coming

News release

The West Slope Foundation, in partnership with the Pioneer Fire Protection District and California Volunteers of the Governor’s O ce are thrilled to announce Music in the Park, a free, family-friendly event taking place on Saturday, July 19 from 4-8 p.m. at Pioneer Park in Somerset.

This exciting summer celebration will feature live performances by local bands, special guest appearances and a vibrant lineup of snacks and craft vendors, activities and community booths. Food will be available for purchase from The Dinner Station’s food truck. West Slope Foundation will be selling beer, margaritas, and local wines.

West Slope Foundation and Pioneer Fire District will announce the launch of the Community Emergency Response Team program — empowering everyday citizens with the skills to respond to emergencies and support their neighbors in times of

need. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a summer evening while supporting local talent and connecting with neighbors.

Highlights include

• Live music from top local bands

• Special guests from the community and beyond

• Delicious food from the Dinner Station and artisan vendors

• Meet-and-greet with Pioneer Fire District ﬁreﬁghters and other emergency responders

“This event is all about bringing people together,” said Jennifer McKim-Hibbard, deputy director of the West Slope Foundation. “We’re excited to celebrate our community’s resilience, creativity and spirit with an evening of music, fun and connection.”

Admission is free, and all are welcome. Bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets and dancing shoes.

For more information visit westslopefoundation. org.

Know Continued from

Garden, 6699 Campus Drive, Placerville.

Myka Estates and 1850 Wine Cellars, 3405 Carson Court in Placerville, is having a Weekend Concert and Cookout 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to celebrate the Fourth of July. The team is ring up the grill, pouring the wine and turning up the tunes with a celebration not to be missed.

Bobby Dickson Unchained Duo will be playing the sounds of Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings and more outlaw country classics from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information and to make a reservation call (530) 644-3474.

El Dorado Musical Theatre presents “Willy Wonka” July 5-13 at Harris Center Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

The Tahoe Blue Event Center presents South Shore Showdown, car show at noon For tickets and more information visit tinyurl.com/yfsp8cf9.

The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival presents “Peter and the Starcatcher,” at 7:30 p.m. and continues through Aug. 24. For tickets and more information visit laketahoeshakespeare.com.

Sacramento Shakespeare Festival presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” July 5-27. For tickets and more information visit sacramentoshakespeare.net.

July 6

Ed Wilson will play at Fenton Herriot Vineyards from 3-7 p.m.

The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival presents “Twelfth Night,” July 6 through through Aug. 23. For tickets and more information visit laketahoeshakespeare.com.

July 8

Vitalant will host an El Dorado Hills community blood drive 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Bloodmobile bus will be parked near the baseball elds at Community Park, 1021 Harvard Way. Make an appointment at donors.vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFM019 or call (877) 258-4825.

El Dorado Hills Genealogical Society will host its featured speaker Nancy Calhoun at 6 p.m. on Zoom. She will present Shakin’ Out the Smiths: Tips on Researching a Common Surname.” Everyone is welcome to join on Zoom by notifying Pat Kriz at patkriz@earthlink.net no later than Monday, July 7. EDHGS also invites anyone interested in genealogy to attend regular workshops on the fourth Tuesday each month at 6 p.m. at the El Dorado Hills Library.

July 9

The 36th annual American Century Championship, celebrity golf’s most prominent tournament of sports and entertainment superstars, takes to the fairways of Edgewood Tahoe, July 9-13 and the airwaves of NBC, Golf Channel and Peacock. For details visit americancenturychampionship. com.

margaritalherrera@icloud.com