El Dorado Hills boy joins Children’s Congress
News release
An El Dorado Hills boy was chosen by Breakthrough T1D, the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, to join a delegation of their peers and celebrity advocates in Washington, D.C., this summer at Breakthrough T1D 2025 Children’s Congress, July 7-9.
Four-year-old Landon Capozzoli will join 170 other youths from across the country to meet with members of Congress and other key decision makers to inform them of the critical role they can play in supporting the T1D community.
Diagnosed with T1D at just 2 years old, Landon is described by mother Kennedy Capozzoli as “a big-hearted, fun-loving kid who lights up every room he enters. He gives the best hugs, loves to make people laugh and has a smile as contagious as his giggle.”
Whether he’s racing around the soccer field, pretending to blast o into space or curling up for story time, Landon approaches everything with joy and boundless imagination. He’s endlessly curious and wants nothing more than to enjoy life freely — without the constant burden of blood sugar checks, carb counting, insulin shots and other daily challenges that come with managing T1D.
Landon and his family find strength in connecting with fellow T1D warriors. With the devotion of his parents and sister, through thick and thin, he’s empowered to dream big and embrace life fully.
Throughout the event, these youth, ages 4-17, will participate in leadership and character-building programming, interact with T1D role models and engage in a number of activities on Capitol Hill, including attending a Senate hearing featuring
Stack Editor
Take 880 hungry guests, add four talented chefs, sprinkle in a golden bridge and you have the perfect ingredients for a night to remember.
PLACE ADDRESS LABEL
The 2025 Tower Bridge Dinner will be particularly unforgettable for Devin Dedier, executive chef at Vacanza Romana in El Dorado Hills Town Center. He is one of four invited chefs tasked with creating a delicious meal for diners with very discerning tastes. Dedier joins chefs Bucky Bray with Nixtaco Folsom, N’Gina Guyton with Jim Denny’s and Jeana Marie with Omakase Pro Favor in the kitchen at one of Sacramento’s premiere culinary events.
For the last two years Dedier has “worked the bridge,” leading a pod where a team prepares the main chefs’ inspired dishes. In May he received an email many local chefs dream about and, as a special point of pride, Dedier said this is the first time organizers set their sights on chefs working on the outskirts of the capital city.
“Normally it always stays in Sacramento,” Dedier explained of the
selection. “Finally getting that
personal testimonies that highlight the challenges of living with T1D and the need for continued Federal funding through the Special Diabetes Program and accelerating cell therapies.
Joining the U.S. delegates are five international delegates traveling from Australia, Canada, Israel, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Together, the delegates will convey to the federal government that T1D is a global issue that requires a global response.
About Breakthrough T1D Children’s Congress
Breakthrough T1D Children’s Congress was inspired by a boy from Massachusetts named Thom Solo.
One day, at age 9, he asked his mother, “Why can’t kids go to Washington and tell their representatives about what it’s like to have type 1 diabetes and let
Courtesy photo ]
Landon Capozzoli will join 170 youths from across the U.S. to advocate for type 1 diabetes community in Washington, D.C., this summer.
Noel
Mountain Democrat photo by Noel Stack Executive chef Devin Dedier creates a fine Italian dining experience at Vacanza Romana in El Dorado Hills Town Center.
he takes on his largest culinary challenge — Sacramento’s Tower Bridge Dinner.
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 Sheri ’s O ce and then the California Highway Patrol. Don’s CHP path began in Newhall, California and a orded 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 Tra c Safety Administration. In 2001 Don worked with the California O ce of Tra c 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 Brinkerho . 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.
Betty J. Adams
Dec. 11, 1930 – June 22, 2025
Betty J. (Landstrom) Adams, 94, passed away on June 22, 2025, in Rockport, Maine. Born in San Francisco, California, she pursued her education at Pacific Union College in Angwin.
In 1953, Betty moved to Placerville, where she taught first and second grades at Camino-Placerville Junior Academy (CPJA), now known as El Dorado Adventist School (EAS). Her love for teaching also led her to Colegio Linda Vista in Chiapas, Mexico, where she taught English. Betty was an active member of the Placerville SDA Church since 1954, and spent many years serving in Adventist Community Services. She also enjoyed participating in many mission trips, serving as a translator.
Betty was married to Celian Adams of Placerville for 66 years until his passing in 2020. Together, they made their home in the community of Mosquito when not serving in Mexico. Following Celian’s death, Betty relocated to Camden, Maine, to live with her daughter, Lanita.
She is survived by her children, Fred Adams, Linda Adams, and Lanita Medina; stepdaughters Gloria Weldy, June Mitchell, and Janet Taylor; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Jerry Wallace Fowler
April 18, 1942 – May 18, 2025
Jerry Wallace Fowler, our beloved husband, Dad, brother, son, detective, veteran, friend, and amateur cartoonist, passed away in his El Dorado Hills home on the morning of May 18th, surrounded by the love of his wife Betty and their daughters, Christine Fowler and Renee Sloane. Jerry was born in Ada, Oklahoma in 1942. He grew up in Oakland and later in Northern California. He met his wife Betty at Shasta College in 1964. They married in 1966, and Jerry graduated from CSU Sacramento. Shortly after, he was drafted to Vietnam.
He always wanted to be a policeman and began his career as a young o cer for the UC Davis Police Department, and later as deputy for the Sonoma County Sheri Department until 1975. He moved his young family to El Dorado County in 1976, where he continued to build a life of service to others. He retired from his work as a Criminal Investigator from the Sacramento County District Attorney’s O ce in 1998, and later from the Folsom Police Department in 2009, where he served as a background investigator for the new recruits. He loved to read and study; he was witty, kind, playful, loyal, and compassionate. Over the decades he became a familiar sight around town in his blue Chevrolet pickup truck, cutting and hauling wood on the weekends, teaching Sunday school at Church of the Foothills in Cameron Park, and spending as much time as possible with his grandsons, Gabriel and Jacob Sloane.
A private memorial will be hosted in June to honor and celebrate Jerry’s life.
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.
Carol Jean Sanders
Jan. 12, 1955 – May 20, 2025
In loving memory of Carol Jean Sanders 70, passed away at her home with her family at her side on May 20, 2025 from a short aggressive cancer. Carol was born on January 12, 1955 in Placerville. She was the third child to Robert and Katie Land and was raised on Martin Lane. Her memories as a child were fun and loving and she appreciated her parents taking them camping and water skiing almost every weekend at Sly Park. Carol was a bowler and played on a league with her mother and sister. She also loved fishing with her husband at Union Valley Reservoir.
Carol graduated at EDHS in 1973, she worked at the El Dorado Court House in Placerville as a Court Clerk and retired after 39 years. She loved her job and made many friends.
Carol married Allen Sanders in 1978 and they were together for 47 years. They met at 50 Grand. Allen asked his sister Gladys, “ Who’s that beautiful girl,” and that was it. They settled and raised their family in Pollock Pines.
Her husband passed away at their home with Carol by his side on May 10, 2024 from a long illness. She lost her father Bob Land in 2003 and her mother Katie in 2022, her niece Erin Hauge in 1990, and her brother-n-law David Hauge in 2022. She was survived by her daughter Kylee Leonard, her husband Jayzack, grandsons Patrick, Ryan and Travis, her son Robert Sanders his wife Kerri Jo, and granddaughter Aveline. Carol loved her grandchildren with all her heart! Her sister Cindy Hauge, her son Michael and his wife Laura, their children Eryn, Evan and Ava, Carol’s brother Tim Land, his wife Barbara and their daughter Andrea Hasemeier, husband Eric, their children Gracie and Ethan, sister-in-law Gladys Neeley, brother-in-law Armond Sanders and wife Irine.
Carol will be dearly missed, she had a beautiful smile and a quick sense of humor with laughs for all who knew her.
There is a service for Allen and Carol on July 10th at 1pm at the Green Valley Church on Green Valley Rd.
Norma Andrews
May 23, 1937 – May 22, 2025
Norma passed away quietly at home. She is survived by her sister Carole Stimen, daughter Nita Boydell, son Michael Sterns, Nicki Nicholson, nieces, nephews, grand children, and great-grand children. She joins her son Bud Sterns, who recently passed away. She was loved by all and will be missed dearly.
T. Burt McNaughton COO (530) 344-5055 / tbmcnaughton@mtdemocrat.net Noel Stack Editor 530-344-5073 / nstack@mtdemocrat.net
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Graphics Manager (530) 344-5049 / lettyb@mtdemocrat.net
MOUNTAIN
Sex charges dropped against Sacramento firefighter after new evidence emerges
Chris Woodard Sta writer
El Dorado County prosecutors dropped the charges against a Sacramento city firefighter who was arrested in May at his workplace and was charged with sexual assault crimes involving minors.
The charges against firefighter Adam Blankenship were dismissed on June 20 due to “new evidence in the case,” said the El Dorado District Attorney’s o ce in a statement.
“As prosecutors, our mission is always to seek justice. When new evidence emerges after a case is filed—evidence that a ects our ability to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt—we have an ethical duty to re-evaluate,” the statement read. “If the legal standard can no longer be met, we must dismiss the case. This decision is not a judgment on the victim or the defendant; it is a reflection of our responsibility to do what justice requires.”
EDDA has not released information about the new evidence at this time.
Blankenship was arrested in April as part of an investigation by El Dorado County’s Sheri ’s O ce and was held without bail. He originally faced 15 felony sex charges, including illegal recording without consent, attempted rape and molestation of a child under 14 years of age.
Blankenship was placed on administrative leave after his arrest in April and will remain on administrative leave while the Sacramento Fire Department conducts an internal investigation.
The following information was taken from PPD reports:
May 26
4:44 a.m. A structure re was reported at an eatery on Placerville Drive. An arrest was made.
4:50 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a store on Placerville Drive.
11:41 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Woodridge Court.
May 28
5:22 a.m. Battery was reported on Goldner Street.
3:52 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a grocery store on Placerville Drive.
6:07 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a grocery store on Placerville Drive.
9:59 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a grocery store on Placerville Drive.
May 29
9:47 a.m. Indecent exposure was reported at a bar on Broadway.
6:48 p.m. O cers booked into jail a person suspected of possessing a controlled substance with two or more priors and violating probation on Forni Road. They were listed in custody.
May 30
9:42 a.m. Burglary was reported at an auto shop on Placerville Drive.
10:08 a.m. Petty theft was reported at a grocery store on Placerville Drive.
8:09 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a restaurant on Broadway.
May 31
7:33 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a store on Broadway.
10:34 p.m. O cers booked into jail a person suspected of pickpocketing, burglary, attempted robbery, possessing unlawful paraphernalia and under the in uence of a controlled substance on Placerville Drive. They were listed in custody in lieu of $100,000 bail.
June 1
7:11 a.m. O cers booked into jail a person suspected of arson on Placerville Drive. They were listed in custody in lieu of $50,000 bail.
June 2
3:58 p.m. Battery was reported at an apartment complex on Ray Lawyer Drive.
Capozzoli
4:40 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a shelter on Fair Lane.
4:42 p.m. Battery was reported on Bedford Avenue and Coleman Street. An arrest was made.
7:27 p.m. O cers booked into jail a person suspected of violating parole on Main Street. They were listed in custody.
June 3
9:29 a.m. Petty theft was reported at a gas station on Placerville Drive.
10:43 a.m. Trespassing was reported at a shopping center on Fair Lane.
12:51 p.m. Vandalism was reported at a bar on Broadway.
12:57 p.m. Grand theft was reported at a gas station on Broadway.
1:02 p.m. Assault with a deadly weapon was reported at a gas station on Broadway.
1:40 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a gas station on Placerville Drive.
3:06 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a grocery store on Placerville Drive.
June 4
12:15 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a grocery store on Placerville Drive. An arrest was made.
5:24 p.m. Grand theft was reported at a gas station on Broadway.
June 5
2:17 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Coloma Street.
4:43 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a store on Broadway.
June 6
4:42 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a store on Broadway.
5:54 p.m. Grand theft was reported at a gas station on Broadway.
June 7
12:38 p.m. Vandalism was reported at a motel on Broadway.
2:21 p.m. O cers booked into jail a person suspected of violating probation on Broadway. They were listed in custody.
2:23 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a grocery store on Broadway.
2:57 p.m. Trespassing was reported at the library on Fair Lane.
Continued from A1 them know that we want scientists to find a cure?” His mom and other leadership volunteers agreed and, in 1999, the first-ever Children’s Congress took place in Washington, D.C.
Since then, more than 1,000 kids with T1D have served as delegates and the event has been essential to securing continued government funding for T1D research and raising awareness of the daily burden experienced by people living with this serious autoimmune disease.
Delegates form lifelong friendships, meet T1D role models, develop leadership skills and leave Children’s Congress empowered to use their voices to power progress on the path to cures. To learn more about Breakthrough T1D Children’s Congress visit cc.breakthrought1d.org.
Kings Meats Burger Night features diverse program Saturday at Placerville Speedway
Gary Thomas Placerville Speedway
The month of June will come to an exciting conclusion on Saturday, as Russell Motorsports Inc. presents a loaded evening of racing during Kings Meats Burger Night. On June 28 Placerville Speedway will offer all burgers half price at the Speedway Café. Hirst Home Team Happy Hour also showcases live music and discounted Coors Light/Coors Banquet Beer from 4-6 p.m.
A four-division Thunder in the Foothills championship program presented by Berco Redwood/ Hoosier Tires/Coors Light will include the Thompson’s Dealerships Winged 360 Sprint Cars, the Joe Hunt Magnetos Wingless Sprints, the Red Hawk Resort + Casino Pure Stocks and Mountain Democrat Mini Trucks.
Fresh off his 76th career Placerville Sprint Car win
Auburn’s Andy Forsberg leads the way into Kings Meats Burger Night. The 10-time track champion holds a 21-point lead over Suisun City’s Chance Grasty. Austin Wood, Tony Gomes and Shane Hopkins complete the top five in the Thompson’s Winged Sprint Car standings.
After claiming his third triumph of the season last week Oakley’s Nick Baldwin continues to sit atop the Red Hawk Resort + Casino Pure Stock points. The win allowed him to take over sole possession of fourth all time when it comes to Pure Stock/ Super Stock racing at Placerville Speedway. Kevin Jinkerson, three-time winner this year Ryan Peter, Tyler Lightfoot and Jason Palmer complete the top five in the standings going into Saturday.
The Mountain Democrat Mini Trucks return to the lineup this weekend for their fourth outing the season. Rookie Noah Lapoint has been consistent over the first few shows and leads
the way over Brycen Bragg, Luke Costa, Howard Miller and Paizlee Miller. Placerville Speedway also welcomes in the Joe Hunt Magnetos Wingless Sprints for their final appearance of the season on the red clay. The Hunt Tour always puts on a can’t miss show at the bullring.
During the previous visit this year it was Marysville’s Josh Young who captured victory over Bryant Bell and Shane Hopkins. Including the Triple Crown event next week, race fans have the chance to catch NonWing Sprint Cars two Saturdays in a row at Placerville Speedway. Kings Meats is a retail butcher shop
Dedier Continued from A1
and he acknowledged the pressure. Working in El Dorado County, Dedier said he has met some incredible chefs in the foothills — “many are better than me” — and he recognizes that his participation in the Tower Bridge Dinner could impact all those local creatives who wear the apron.
“If I do everything perfectly, the spotlight will be on El Dorado Hills and El Dorado County as a whole,” he said. “I don’t want to let anybody down.”
He encourages up-and-coming and experienced local chefs to work the bridge as he did and get a taste of the Sacramento area’s passion for food. “It would be refreshing to see all those chefs who are so talented really lean into that culture,” he remarked
To what extent it can, Dedier’s family has brought food to the forefront of El Dorado Hills. They own four restaurants in Town Center, and a total of 12 in the Sacramento region. Vacanza Romana, translated to Roman holiday, opened about two years ago and serves fresh Italian cuisine. Because of his upbringing,
that dry ages its beef in house and is located at 787 Pleasant Valley Road in Diamond Springs. They are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. To learn more contact Kings Meats at (530) 4975398.
Tickets and details Grandstand seating during Kings Meats Burger Night will be general admission on Saturday, June 28, except for the reserved seats allocated to season ticket holders that are marked. Adult tickets cost $20, while seniors 62+, military and juniors 12-17 will be $18. Kids
■ See SPEEDWAY, page A5
Dedier has had a place in the kitchen since he was old enough to lift a wooden spoon.
“It’s ingrained in our blood,” Dedier said of cooking, adding that the Tower Bridge Dinner invitation does give him bragging rights at family gatherings. “Oh, 100%,” he joked.
As for what’s on the menu at the Sept. 7 Tower Bridge Dinner, Dedier’s lips are sealed but he did share that the cuisine will focus on the cultures that made California what it is today. Diners could expect a meal with Native American, Latin and Japanese influences. In years past each chef had been tasked with creating a course but the chosen four this year plan to shake up that model.
“It’s going to be so di erent from every other year,” Dedier promised. “All of us are collaborating on every single dish … to create a more cohesive menu.”
The random drawing for the chance to purchase two tickets to the Tower Bridge Dinner will open mid-summer. For more information visit visitsacramento.com/ towerbridgedinner.
Mountain Democrat le photo by Sel Richard
Burger Night is presented by Kings Meats with half price burgers. The evening’s events will include Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Hunt Wingless Sprint Cars, Pure Stocks and Mini Trucks.
Photos by Tim Holland
Competitors are ready to hit the dirt at the King’s Meats Burger Night.
County contemplates filmmaking permit fees to save film commissioner’s position
Jo Carrerow Mountain Democrat correspondent
El Dorado County will begin charging location fees for filmmaking activities and the county’s film commissioner will keep her job as it is, despite two county supervisors voting no in a 3-2 vote Tuesday.
Supervisor Lori Parlin said she supported bringing the film commissioner’s job in-house because of not receiving data on economic impacts of film production in the county from the film office that they had asked for for years. Chair George Turnboo was the second no vote.
About 25 people were present at the meeting to praise the 30-plus-year county film commissioner Kathleen Dodge and did not support either proposal — to hand over the job to a county employee or moving the existing commissioner in-house.
The film commission, El Dorado Tahoe Film + Media, had its funding cut in February, along with all other outside agencies, due to a tight county general fund budget.
The county’s permit fees collected will pay for the film commissioner’s position and make the program “self funding,” Karen Garner, county planning and building director, told the board of supervisors.
County funds supporting the film commission end on June 30, Garner said. But, she recommended that the commission work not be brought in-house.
“It was determined that these options were not favorable due to the specialized knowledge and skills, scope of work and familiarity with the film industry that is necessary to be successful,” Garner said in a memo.
The planning and building department and the film office proposed upfront county funding for year one to be paid back through new permit fees collected.
Garner asked if initially the county can pay for the first quarter so there is not a gap.
In addition, an out-dated Resolution
86-90, adopted in April 1990, will be replaced with the state’s model film ordinance.
A draft ordinance will be submitted to the California Film Commission 30 days prior to adoption, but any response by the state would be advisory only, Garner said.
Among the changes is to have a separate Memorandum Of Understanding with the county, chamber and the film office to work together to determine how responsibilities are split up, and to figure out how to collect data which specifically shows impacts to the county, Transient Occupancy Tax, sales tax and dollars spent in the county.
Stats will be entered into planning and building quarterly reports and reported to the board of supervisors annually.
County permit fees will be collected including for the use of county roads, facilities or properties, the application fee and date change fee (not weather related), Garner said.
“That is going to be the bulk of how we pay for this position,” Garner said.
Fees will take into account variables like shooting days, prep and tear down days, any strike days, as well as giving the option of a sliding scale based on size or type of production.
“So, those fees can vary,” Garner said.
Examples of fees she’s looked at include the City of Placerville charging by crew size: 1-59 at no charge; 60-99, $500 per filming day; 100-plus, $1,000 per filming day.
El Dorado Irrigation District has its own charges for use of the Sly Park Recreation Area at: 1-20 crew size, $500 per day; 21-50 crew size, $1,000 per day; and 51-100 crew size, $2,000 per day. There are lesser charges by EID for photography uses.
“I will work with the film office to figure out exactly what fees we want to charge,” Garner said.
The plan is for fees to cover the cost of running the film office which has been $150,750 for several years.
The funding is currently divided up to cover the director’s salary (56%), promotions (18%), administrative overhead (15%), payroll taxes and workers comp (5%), administrative staff payroll (3%) and director benefits (3%).
Supervisor Brooke Laine asked about 15% going for administrative costs, which Garner explained went to the chamber for answering phones and assistance.
Dodge’s salary is approximately $84,420, according to Garner’s memo. Statewide, the average annual salary for a county employed film commissioner is $110,000, including benefits.
Garner warned the board that the role of film commissioner would be challenging for staff from the standpoint that it is a full-time job, and she said she thinks the costs would exceed $150,750.
“Our current film officer has spent years building relationships, not only with the film industry, but locally as well for the businesses that supply services, you know, the hotels, the restaurants, the recreation opportunities, the lumber yards for when they need materials,” Garner said.
“Kathleen, our current film officer, has all those folks on her Rolodex and calls them up quite frequently,” she added.
In all, Dodge brought 29 projects to the county in 2024, and after her salary of $150,750 the county received a return of nearly $2 million - 1,425% on return. Other years have had similar or higher returns. In 2021 there were 32 projects and the return was almost $4.5 million - 3063% on return.
Dodge appeared before the board to show them that just this week, of 48 film projects, El Dorado County was chosen to produce a $27 million project.
“The highest budget project is shooting in El Dorado Hills,” she said. “It doesn’t happen without work. It takes time, it takes skill, it takes marketing.”
Not one of the 48 projects was going to be made in a county without a film commission, Dodge added.
“I don’t think anyone’s going to argue that the film commission isn’t a revenue generator in the county,”
supervisor Parlin said.
She said the last time the board of supervisors asked for film commission data from the chamber, they were told by chamber representatives that they were insulted they were asked for data.
“That wasn’t OK,” Parlin said.
For that reason, Parlin said she wanted to see the film commissioner position come “in house.”
“Did you run any numbers as to what it would cost for an in-house person as opposed to contracting out?” Laine asked Garner.
Placer County has an in-house person, which Garner recalled as receiving around $100,000.
Garner’s memo states that 52 of 58 California counties have a film commission and of these 35 counties have dedicated employees handling film commission duties, 17 counties use outside agencies and six counties don’t have a film commission. A number of cities also have film commissions.
Supervisor Greg Ferrero asked if there were issues with having a film commissioner other than cutting funding from the budget.
Garner assured him that there had been no issues.
Many members of the public were present to speak on Dodge’s behalf.
Michael Ranalli, president of the El Dorado County Farm Bureau, said he is firmly against bringing the position in-house. He said there’s a component of pride since these film productions are shown around the world.
“(Dodge) is a consummate professional in a very competitive field,” Ranalli said.
as extras. Dodge had been present during filming as she was in future productions, according to Long. Dodge had also been responsible for adding Tahoe to the commission, renaming it El Dorado Lake Tahoe Film + Media, she added.
Jennifer West, film commissioner for city of Sacramento, cited that El Dorado, Placer and Sacramento collaborate, and that collaboration is “invaluable.”
“Together we have become a forcemultiplier, combining resources to promote the tri-county area as an attractive filming location,” West said. Parlin asked for clarification on West’s employer, and West acknowledged she is a City of Sacramento employee.
Allison and Tom Loeprich, innkeepers in the county for 24 years, also spoke in support of leaving the film commission as is.
“This really terrifies us,” Allison said. “What is really important to us is having people come to our county. Please don’t gamble with this.”
Stan Bautista, filmmaker and Capital Film Arts Alliance board member said filmmakers see counties that don’t have the support of a film commissioner as “Wild West Renegade” areas that they stay away from.
Mike Kobus, local business owner and Camino resident, said he recalls Dodge meeting the Toyota crew several years ago at the airport with coffee and donuts when they came to shoot a commercial.
“Everybody knows her, you know, she goes out there and does it,” Kobus said.
Joseph Mendoza, who is in the entertainment business, said “Kathleen is a tireless advocate who has poured heart and soul into supporting filmmakers and promoting this region.
“To find somebody like Kathleen is one in a million.”
Supervisor Brian Veerkamp said the county sells itself, “But this particular person in this position, and we just heard two hours of it just about, knows the features and knows how to connect the dots, and that’s very important.”
He said he agrees that the role would be too much for a county employee. But he thought the administrative fee may be negotiable. Veerkamp moved for approval of staff’s recommendations, and Turnboo seconded it, but asked if any fees have been collected on movies filmed in El Dorado County.
“The county has not,” Garner answered. “Other agencies in the area have,” she added, using EID as an example of an agency that collects fees for use of its recreation areas.
Turnboo pointed out that American River Conservancy collected $6,000 a day in permit location fees for filming of “Memoirs of a Geisha.”
“I think El Dorado County is losing the boat a little bit here, especially when there’s revenue that could be generated here,” Turnboo said.
“People keep saying, you can’t do it in-house, and yet 35 other counties do,” Parlin said, adding that she is concerned that Dodge might retire someday. She proposed bringing the commissioner in-house and “growing the team.”
“Kathleen is amazing and I hope she would be part of that team that we’re trying to grow,” she said.
Parlin motioned to approve staff recommendations but change item 4 to give six months with the MOU, “so that we can figure out how to pull it in-house,” approve future permit fees, and then return to the board with the permit ordinance, MOU, the fee schedule, “and a look at what it would be like to bring it in-house.”
Veerkamp seconded the motion.
Laine asked for discussion of the motion and said, “I think this is a really easy decision for me. This a positive revenue generation.”
“In times of financial downturns, the tendency is to concentrate on prudent spending. But it’s also important to look at opportunities for increasing revenue,” Roberta Long, former member of the Georgetown Advisory Committee, photojournalist for the Mountain Democrat and the Georgetown Gazette and managing editor of Village Life and Park Life, told the board.
Long recalled one of Dodge’s first movies she brought to the county. Filmed in Georgetown, “Good Luck,” starred Vincent D’Onofrio and Gregory Hines, and used locals
But, she added, “I agree with the comments that were shared that if it’s not broken, don’t try to fix it.”
Ferrero agreed.
“Government is not as efficient as private enterprise and I don’t think we need more government control over this,” Ferrero said.
Even if they were able to hire Dodge as a county employee, “her creativity, efficiency, flexibility is going to be eliminated,” he added.
“Again if it’s not broken let’s not try to fix it.”
Parlin reiterated she wanted it moved in-house.
Water supply okay ... this year
Jack Carrerow Mountain Democrat correspondent
Monday’s meeting of the El Dorado Irrigation District’s Board of Directors was sort of a good news, bad news reveal when it came to the district’s water supply. While operations manager Jordan Baxter painted a rosy picture for 2025 water supplies, reporting that all of the district’s reservoirs are full, including Folsom Lake, next year may not bode as well. “Right now, Folsom is at about 114 percent of capacity and we’ve received 100 percent of our allocation,” said Baxter, adding that the inflow is less than the outflow at this point. “Unfortunately, we are preparing for what we believe will be a dry 2026,” he added.
What makes this coming year a concern is that demand for water is much higher than in previous below normal years, Baxter told the board. Asked by board president Pat Dwyer what can be done to combat these below normal years, Baxter said. “We ask that our customers stay informed and involved. That when purchasing new appliances. That they look for those that advertise as energy saving and take advantage of rebates and incentives.”
Since this was an informational item, there was no board action needed.
Action items included the board considering awarding a contract to Dokken Engineering Inc. in the not-to-exceed amount of $170,622 for design of the Sly Park Boat Launching Facility Upgrade Project and authorize project funding of $9,090 for land surveying, $35,000 for environmental studies, $25,000 for capitalized labor, and $23,971 in contingency for a total funding request of $263,683 for the Sly Park Boat Launching Facility Upgrades Project, Project No. 24052.01.
The board voted 5-0 to approve.
The board also voted 5-0 to authorize additional funding in the amount of $2,104 for generator start up services for a total funding request of $2,104.
The board was also asked to consider and approve the District’s response to the findings and recommendations in the 2024–25 El Dorado County Civil Grand Jury Report, Case No. 25-09, dated April 30, and direct staff to submit the
Continued from A3
6-11 cost $8 and those 5 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online via eventsprout. com/event/psr062825.
The pit gate will open at noon, with the front gate opening at 4 p.m. Hirst Home Team Happy Hour is offered until 6 p.m. in the grandstands featuring live music with discounted Coors Light and Coors Original at the beer booth. 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 flag-to-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,
response. This too, was approved by the board by a 5-0 vote.
The board also voted unanimously to award contracts to Corning Ford in the not-to-exceed amount of $694,517.28 for the purchase of 13 replacement vehicles, Ditch Witch West in the not-to-exceed amount of $140,220.55, Pape Machinery in the not-to-exceed amount of $286,170.71, North River Boats in the not-to-exceed amount of $183,036.46, and Roseville Motorsports in the not-to-exceed amount of $20,752.28 for the total purchase of six pieces of replacement equipment; and authorize funding of $50,000 in contingency for a total funding request of $1,374,697.28 for replacement vehicle and equipment purchases for the 2025 Vehicle Replacement Program, Project No. 25003.
The board also, by a 5-0 vote awarded a contract to Carollo Engineers Inc. in the not-to-exceed amount of $662,061 for wastewater treatment plant condition assessments and authorize project funding of $70,000 for capitalized labor for a total funding request of $732,061 for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Condition Assessments Project, Project No.24050.01.
To update the tech programs, the board voted 5-0 to renew its agreement with CDW-G in the not-to-exceed amount of $1,380,482.40 for software support and maintenance for the District’s virtualization technology infrastructure through July 29, 2030.
The last of the action items, saw the board awarding a contract in the not-to-exceed amount of $315,970 to Doug Veerkamp General Engineering for construction and authorize project funding of $40,000 for construction inspection services, $12,000 for materials testing services, $50,000 for capitalized labor, $25,000 for guy wire relocation, and $66,445 in contingency for a total funding request of $509,415 for the 24 Highway 49 Commerce Way Sewer Replacement Project, Project No. 25024.01.
The board then went into closed session.
The next meeting of the El Dorado Irrigation District Board of Directors is scheduled for 9 a.m. July 28.
For more information on the Placerville Speedway log onto placervillespeedway.com.
Speedway
Mountain Democrat file photo by Shelly Thorene Jenkinson Lake, at the center of Sly Park Recreation Area, provides nearly one half of the EID main system’s water supply.
OPINION
California Commentary
San Francisco’s latest ridiculous idea: taxing driveways
The headline was certainly eyecatching: “San Francisco considered charging property owners for their driveways.” For local taxpayers, the City by the Bay has a wellearned reputation for being one of the most hostile municipalities in the nation. But even this sounded a little too strange.
But no.
The article, written by Rachel Swan of the San Francisco Chronicle, unpacks how the proposal came about before o cials (in a rare moment of appreciating bad optics) decided to shelve it.
First, it is common knowledge that the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (Muni) is in deep financial trouble. Even prior to the pandemic, Muni had a growing budget deficit. Fare box revenues haven’t come close to covering operating expenses and infrastructure maintenance. COVID only exacerbated longstanding and growing structural deficits which are driven in large part by some of the most generous labor agreements for transit workers in the nation.
Due to Muni’s $322 million budget deficit, a committee was created to consider service cuts and, of course, revenue raising options. One of those options was imposing a “driveway tax” and dedicating the revenue to the transit agency. But the question for the “working group” was how to justify such a levy.
Here’s what they came up with: San Francisco “likely has more private driveway curb cuts than any other city of its size and density, since most east coast cities of similar density make more use of back alleys for trash and car access . . . and [t]hese
The Balancing Act
curb cuts are essentially permanent privatization of public space.”
Moreover, “Charging an annual fee to the owners of curb cuts would put a fair price on this privatization of public space, encourage owners whose curb cuts no longer lead to active driveways to return those curb cuts to the public, and generate significant revenue for the agency.”
The first question that taxpayers probably had about this proposal was how could the city impose a property tax
Due to Muni’s $322 million budget de cit, a committee was created to consider service cuts and, of course, revenue raising options.
without violating the property tax limits of Proposition 13? Here’s where the proposal gets clever. Rather than being a direct tax on the driveway itself, it would impose a $100 annual fee on what are known as “curb cuts,” the rounded edges of the driveway where it abuts the street. Applying the fee to all curb cuts in the city would generate nearly $20 million annually.
As might be expected, anti-automobile interests embraced the idea. The Chronicle
■ See COUPAL, page A7
Letters to the Editor
Illegal act
EDITOR:
President Donald Trump’s sending 4,000 National Guard troops into Los Angeles is a violation of the Posse Comitatus Act, signed into law in 1878, which prohibits the use of federal military personnel to enforce domestic law unless specifically authorized by the Constitution or Congress, neither of which approved Trump’s actions.
Additionally, the rights to speak freely and gather peaceably, guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution are being trampled. Yet all I see from Congressman Tom McClintock is a Facebook post extolling Trump’s actions and an interview with News Nation, during which McClintock parrots the president, speaking hyperbolically of a leftist rebellion and insurrection, despite mainstream reports describing acts of violence against the police and property destruction as being limited to small isolated pockets of the city being managed by local law enforcement.
Instead of criticizing Trump’s assault on the law, Mr. McClintock prefers to justify his leader’s actions.
GEORGE LLOYD Placerville
Facts? Research?
EDITOR:
Tamara Janies complains that I didn’t give facts and do research and then continues on with a letter that has precious little of either. She spends most of it calling Trump my hero and throwing out the MAGA name.
Just about the only remotely specific thing she mentions is lowering grocery prices and blaming Trump for them not going way down. Well, let me educate you on a fact that you should have learned in basic Economics 101. Inflation is when prices go up and deflation is when they go down, which hasn’t happened across a broad spectrum since the Great Depression.
You see Ms. Janies, inflation is cumulative. Zero inflation would not mean you go back to the prices before Biden; it just would mean that prices are not getting even higher. Let me simplify it further. If you start with 2 and that goes to 3, you have an inflation of 1. If you start with 2 and have zero inflation you are still at 2. You don’t go back to 1 like in the previous administration.
Trump’s must recent inflation numbers are just over 2%, the Feds target rate. So, as I said, even zero inflation would not get you back to 2020
Revisiting the government’s electric vehicle debacle
As with the early 1900s, electric vehicles as a competitor to conventional gasoline and diesel-powered (internal combustion engine) cars are just about done. EVs are not ready for prime time. As I have related in prior columns, in 1900 and for a few years thereafter, EVs dominated the “car” market with a 38% market share compared to ICE car sales holding just 22% of the market. But in a purely competitive market with no government interference, by 1905 EVs had just 7% of the market while improved ICE cars dominated — and that’s with crank starters. By 1911, when Charles
Kettering invented the electric starter for Cadillac, EVs were sold in liveries and department stores next to the buggy whips. Since about 2012, when Tesla introduced the Model S, governments have been mandating EVs. Many European countries with dictating governments have mandated the EV as the only form of automobile while banishing ICE vehicles. And in the United States, this was attempted under the Biden administration with mandates banishing ICE vehicles by 2035. Congress has recently repealed (a resolution signed by the president) the California mandate to banish ICE cars by 2035.
Going back to the Tesla, it was and is a terrific looking and performing car but it came with huge baggage, range and refueling anxiety. More than 12 years since the Model S, there is still no significant recharging infrastructure in the U.S., even after the promise by the Biden Admin to build 50,000 new charging stations for about $8 billion. Biden is gone (has been for about four years) and his legacy will be seven working charging stations — about a $1 billion apiece. Most U.S. mandates have been repealed by the new EPA. The Big, Beautiful Bill will cut the $300 billion to $1 trillion in $7,500-$10,000 government buyer tax credits. Think of it as a scheme to transfer money from lower and middle class taxpayers to wealthy taxpayers, as EVs are more expensive than their ICE counterparts.
EVs sales continue their decline. In April, with new car sales up 10%, EV sales were down 5%. In 2024 EVs had just 7% of new car sales and that’s with huge incentives paid by the manufacturers and, of course, the government. Without them, dealers can’t give them away. Rivian sales were down by 50% in April with the average Rivian stickering for $88,000. And Rivians are also great driving cars, but range and refueling issues detract markedly from their utility.
The government shouldn’t be making choices for us. It is an extreme loss of freedom. What if the government o ered $7,500 tax credits if you buy a new Ford Explorer. What do you think would happen to the sales of its competitors? They would crater. Even sales of other Ford products, like Broncos, would
JON COUPAL
LARRY WEITZMAN
quoted Luke Bornheimer, the executive director of Streets Forward, a nonprofit that promotes cycling, walking and transit, who said, “This is a more equitable way to use public space.” Under the current system, Bornheimer said, San Francisco essentially subsidizes car owners by giving them a free strip of the public right-of-way in the form of a curb cut.
The Chronicle reported that Muni’s “records
suffer. One other market maneuver might happen as did some 50 years ago with Harley Davidson when our government put an import tax on foreign motorcycles. Because Honda, Yamaha and other motorcycles saw 25% price increases, Harley could also raise its prices, and did so by about $1,000 a bike. In the case of the Explorer, a $7,500 incentive could raise Explorer prices by a like amount, effectively giving the Ford the incentive money. So, with the repeal of government mandates and government interference incentives, where is the car/truck market going?
Toyota had it right — the mild hybrid (not plug-in hybrids), as in the original Prius. Mild hybrids with a small electric motor and battery to supplement the ICE engine improve fuel economy by 20-25%, especially in urban driving. In highway driving not so much, but there still is an improvement (5-10%). Mild hybrids have a small weight penalty (about
suggest that at one point, city staff took the proposal seriously, strategized how it could work and analyzed the potential economic impact.” Nonetheless, the “driveway tax” proposal was shot down and didn’t even make the committee’s final list of potential new revenue options. The decision not to proceed was likely due to the questionable legality of the tax. Not only would it run afoul of Proposition 13 but also Proposition 218, which
150 pounds), improved performance, very smooth operation and essentially no drawbacks, such as range and refueling anxiety and interior storage. Most interestingly, the first hybrid car using a gas engine to charge the batteries was designed and built in 1901 by Ferdinand Porsche.
As such, Toyota has only recently introduced an EV, the BZ4X, which has remained its slowest selling vehicle. It will more than likely be the last pure EV produced by Toyota.
EVs will remain a niche market. Their performance, quiet, smoothness and handling are remarkable. They are expensive and their range and refueling will, for the foreseeable future, be a huge impediment to capture more than 7-10% of new car sales. Most buyers of EVs have a conventional ICE vehicle as well, as do all my neighbors with Teslas.
The sad news is that you, the consumer, are paying for this government interference in your life.
restricts the imposition of “property related fees.”
When the Chronicle reached out to former Mayor Willie Brown about the “driveway tax” idea, he reportedly “laughed for a full 20 seconds,” asking “What kind of nonsense is this?”
The sage political wisdom of Willie Brown should not be ignored.
Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.
New and used car prices have risen thousands of dollars because of these government EV mandates. Ford, GM and others have spent (wasted) tens of billions of dollars as a result. One of the first lessons of economics: the marketplace is where winners and losers are chosen, not the government. Larry Weitzman is a former El Dorado County resident.
Letters
Continued from A6 before Biden; it would just keep things from getting worse.
GEORGE ALGER Placerville
We need your help, Tom
EDITOR:
We can all agree one of the challenging issues we face here in the Sierra is housing. There is not enough of it and it is too damn expensive. So what is our Congressman McClintock, doing about it?
Let’s review:
Cost of materials. Trump has put a tariff on Canadian lumber, which adds to the tariffs put on all the other items imported in building a home. The Constitution gives Congress the responsibility to set tariffs; we’re not in an emergency that warrants the executive to act. McClintock can take back the job of levying tariffs (taxes) from Trump. Interest rates. The bond market has and is acting on the uncertainties due to tariffs and the debt built into the BBB.
Labor. Framing, drywall and many other jobs in housing have been dependent on immigrant labor. Blanket deportation is like cutting off your nose in spite of your face. Not only will housing costs go up, but it will be hard to get the labor to do the job.
Remember, McClintock was the principled conservative that fought against executive overreach and complained about debt. Now he has flipped on both. I want the old Tom back!
BILL WOODRUFF El Dorado Hills
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)
Weitzman
Gear up
Pretty soon it will officially be summer, and that means it’s time to check your gear. Anyone heading to the mountains to camp, hike, or wander about should make sure that all those things you take with you are in good shape.
On the top of the list of what’s really important are your hiking shoes or boots. They can make or break your day. If it looks like your feet are about go through the soles, it’s probably time to get another pair.
If you do get new boots or shoes, take the time to break them in before you get out on the trails. New boots out on the trail are likely to cause blisters, which make hiking a bit of a trial, and in some cases can turn a perfectly wonderful day into a miserable experience. You feet will thank you if you break the boots in first. If you don’t need new boots, look at the laces on your old ones. If they are even a little frayed, either replace them or put an extra set in your pack. Check out the tread and look for any signs of excessive wear. You count on that tread to keep you stable on multiple surfaces as you hike.
Packs come in all kinds of configurations. Some are for simple day trips and others are meant to be hauled over multiple miles and days. They all have straps and buckles of one kind or another.
Check all those and whatever cinches everything down and make sure they work. Most likely you’ll carry something that those straps are securing to your
pack and you want to make sure that whatever it is stays attached.
Try your pack on, especially if you haven’t used it since last summer. Adjust the shoulder straps and hip belt. Hopefully everything still fits. If not, adjust it now. You’ll have a more enjoyable day if it does. Your shoulders and back depend on that good fit.
If you use hiking poles, and I recommend them, look them over for any obvious cracks or breaks. If they are the telescoping type, extend them to the length you normally use, and put some downward pressure on them. They should stay stable. If they start to collapse, you need new ones. Better you should find out now rather than doing a faceplant on the trail.
Get your maps out. Open them up. Are they still readable? Are they so loved and used that you can’t make out much of anything? If you do need, or want, new ones, get the kind that are waterproof. They last longer and it’s no big deal if they flip into the lake in a breeze.
Whatever you use to carry water should be checked for leaks. Clean it and get the dust out of it. Check for mold if there’s a drink tube involved.
Get your first aid kit out. You need an assortment of things to take care of minor scrapes, cuts, bug bites. Extra sunscreen, any meds you need and sterile wipes. It’s good to have what you need, just in case.
A working whistle, compass, your hat, a new bag of chocolate covered peanut M&M’s, and you’re probably ready to go. Load up your sense of adventure and get outside!
Hunting to open in Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve
California Department of Fish and Wildlife News release
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is now accepting applications for deer hunting opportunities at the Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve in Sacramento County for the 2025 A Zone general season and the D-5 Zone archery and general seasons. CDFW initiated a limited deer hunting program within the ecological reserve in 2021. The program proved safe and popular with hunters and was expanded in 2022, doubling the number of access permits offered to eight. Permits will be issued for eight separate one-week hunting periods — four permits for the A Zone and
four for the D-5 Zone seasons that fall within the reserve’s boundaries. Each permit will accommodate up to two hunters. Only archery equipment may be used during the A Zone archery season and D-5 Zone archery season. Only archery equipment or shotguns with nonlead slugs may be used during the general season hunt dates. Rifles, pistols or muzzleloaders will not be allowed due to safety concerns. Harvest is limited to one legal buck per hunter per access period.
The A Zone hunts take place in July through September within the reserve’s Arno Unit, located west of Highway 99. The D-5 Zone hunts are offered in mid-August through early November within the reserve’s Dillard Unit, east of Highway 99.
by 2 p.m. on July 7. For the D-5 Zone Dillard archery and general hunts, applications must be received by 2 p.m. on Aug. 4. Permits will be awarded by a computerized, random drawing. Successful applicants will be notified by email or phone call/text message within two working days of the drawing and will receive additional information, including maps and special instructions, prior to the hunt. Results will not be given over the phone.
Hunters can download the applications online at the Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve web page. Hunters can also request an access permit application by calling CDFW’s Rancho Cordova office at (916) 3582900 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays. Applications may be submitted via e-mail to Dustin. Wallis@wildlife.ca.gov or mailed to CDFW’s Rancho Cordova office at 1701 Nimbus Road, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670.
For the A Zone, Arno Unit general hunt applications must be received
Up to two people may apply for the hunt as one party by including all required information on the application form. Junior hunting license holders who are 12 years of age or older may also apply if accompanied by an adult hunter. Applicants may apply for one access permit on one area only. An individual’s name may appear in the drawing only once. Any individual’s name who appears on more than one application will cause all applications with that individual’s name present to be disqualified.
Hunters selected for an access permit for the Arno Unit (A Zone) or Dillard Unit (D-5 Zone) must possess the necessary A Zone, D3-5 Zones or Archery Only deer tag for the 2025 season. All hunters selected for a permit must also possess a 2025-26 California hunting license.
Photo by N. Ferris
Make sure you and any other hikers joining your trek have the right gear for the adventure.
CDFW photo by Travis VanZant
The Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve is home to many deer. Hunters will have the opportunity to hunt in the reserve later this year.
New shuttle service to replace dangerous roadside parking in Emerald Bay this summer
News release
SOUTH LAKE
TAHOE — This summer, unsafe, illegal and environmentally harmful roadside parking will be removed in Emerald Bay and a new shuttle service, funded by Keep Tahoe Blue and the Tahoe Fund, will offer an easy, convenient and lakefriendly transportation alternative to access one of Tahoe’s most visited spots.
“Emerald Bay is one of Tahoe’s greatest treasures and also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Basin,” said Amy Berry, Tahoe Fund CEO. “With this new pilot, the hope is we will see reduced traffic congestion, improved safety along the roadside and it will be easier for people to experience the incredible beauty of Emerald Bay without the hassle of finding a parking spot.”
Over the July 4 holiday, Caltrans will conduct a road safety audit that will be used to identify long- and short-term transportation solutions that the agency may be able to implement permanently. Following the holiday, the Tahoe Transportation District will install temporary barriers to restrict access to the roadside parking spaces in conjunction with the summer pilot project. Shuttle service to Emerald Bay will begin on Tuesday, July 15. During the pilot project, California Highway Patrol will be strictly enforcing the new parking restrictions.
“The easier it is to get around Tahoe without your car, the better protected Lake Tahoe will be from pollution,” said Gavin Feiger, Policy Director for the League to Save Lake Tahoe, also known as Keep Tahoe Blue. “The data we gather about how riders use the Emerald Bay shuttle will help our regional transportation partners design travel options that meet the public’s needs, reduce congestion through this popular area and protect Tahoe’s environmental health and the beauty we all cherish.”
The new Emerald Bay shuttle service will operate seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. between July 15 and Oct. 15 with a roundtrip cost to the rider of $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 13 and younger. Tickets will be available through a simple online reservation system starting in early July.
Routes from South Lake Tahoe:
• Camp Richardson to Vikingsholm
• The South Tahoe
Y Transit Center to Vikingsholm (weekends only)
• Route from North Lake Tahoe:
• Sugar Pine Point State Park at CA State Park Road to Vikingsholm
Funding for this pilot is being provided by the Tahoe Fund and the Keep Tahoe Blue, with the project team consisting of transportation planning and implementation experts, local government officials, and potential funders from agencies and organizations including: El Dorado County, Caltrans, California Highway Patrol, California State Parks, Placer County, Tahoe
Transportation District, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, city of South Lake Tahoe, Sierra State Parks Foundation, South Shore Transportation Management Association, Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, Tahoe Fund and Keep Tahoe Blue.
Learn more at emeraldbayshuttle.com.
FBI Sacramento warns Americans of elder fraud
SACRAMENTO — The FBI is reminding elderly Americans and their loved ones about elder fraud.
This type of fraud takes many forms as criminals seek to take advantage of this vulnerable and growing population. The FBI is committed to educating the public about these scams and investigating financial fraud schemes against seniors. Not only are there devastating financial consequences, but these victims and their loved ones can suffer great emotional and mental effects because of these scams.
The FBI investigates financial scams targeting seniors, including investment scams, technical/ customer support schemes, money mule and romance scams and others. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center data, in 2024 there was a total of $4.885 billion in losses from 147,127 complaints. This is a 46% increase in complaints from 2023, as well as a 43% increase in losses. In California, total losses were $832,710,048 in 2024. The FBI continues to work with our local and federal partners to tackle elder fraud and stop those who attempt to harm the elderly.
“I urge every senior and their families to have open conversations about these scams and to scrutinize unsolicited mail, calls, emails and text messages. Criminals are actively and aggressively targeting seniors, preying upon their trust to drain their life savings.” said FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “If you or someone you care about is a victim, report the crime to law enforcement. There is no shame in seeking help when you have been harmed and your information may prevent someone else from becoming a victim.”
Seniors are frequently targeted by criminal actors, as they are often perceived to be more polite
COMICS
and trusting. These actors may also assume that seniors are more financially stable, own real estate, spend a great deal of time alone, and are less likely to report fraud if they feel ashamed or are unfamiliar with reporting channels such as IC3.gov.
Fraud can happen to anyone, and small steps can be taken to protect yourself and your information:
• Search online for the contact information (name, phone number, email, addresses) of any unknown source which reaches out to you, as well as the proposed offer. Verify the legitimacy of businesses on websites such as Better Business Bureau.
Other people have likely posted information online about businesses and individuals attempting to run scams.
• Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers create a sense of urgency to lure victims into immediate action, typically by instilling trust and inducing empathy or fear, or the promise of monetary gains, companionship or employment opportunities.
• Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings and door-to-door service offers.
• Never give or send to unverified people or businesses any personally identifiable information, money, checks, gift cards or wire information.
• Take precautionary measures to protect your identity should a criminal gain access to your device or account. Immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts and monitor for suspicious activity.
If you believe you are a victim of fraud, or know a senior who may be — regardless of financial loss — immediately report the incident to your local FBI field office or other law enforcement agency, or • by calling 1-800-CALL FBI, or • online at tips.fbi.gov or • to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’ll strike a deal pleasing to all. How? You’ll demonstrate genuine respect. You’ll take the time to find out what others want — and more importantly, what they need. Then, you’ll customize your offering or find a customer that’s a better fit.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Don’t waste time being myopic about your scene. Open the conversation. Valuable insight comes from people who see what you’re doing with objectivity. Distance brings clarity, whether it’s physical, emotional or ideological.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You live in a way others can feel — even if you never explain it. Even when you slip (as all humans do), you correct with grace and keep showing up as someone worth learning from. Your integrity radiates.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’ll bring about a change, first by talking about it, because talking leads to doing. Sometimes, you’ll be talking only to yourself — perfect! Use kind and constructive terms - not too intense. Call the work “light” and it will be.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Authentic connection is the theme; what unfolds when people drop the performance and just show up. You have the emotional intelligence to accept and value people for how they think and express themselves, even when it’s different from your own process.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your emotions run deep and strangely specific today. Your body picks up what your mind can’t yet name — a shiver, a tug, a pause. Pay attention. These subtle cues are your map forward.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Listen closely; there’s more to the
story than you’re being told. Fortune favors the curious. Get to the bottom of it and you’ll be shown many interesting and useful truths along the journey.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Wind blows, water rushes, sand shifts — you expect it. But when the ground moves, it’s a surprise because such seismic changes aren’t as common. The same principle applies though: Your stability comes from flexibility, not rigidity. Blessed be the benders.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’ve had wilder moments, but a kind of maturity settles over your personal life. You’re treating love like something you nurture, not something you chase. That mindset — sustained care, not constant
to coax a lukewarm yes; it’s to find the big, clear yes that actually leads somewhere. A half-hearted yes is just a slow no.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Just because someone has the capacity for greatness, speed or elevation
n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly
n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter
n RUBES by Leigh Rubin
n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly
Courtesy photo
Cars line both sides of Emerald Bay Road. A new program will limit parking in this area and instead offer visitors a shuttle ride.
CLEARING THE WAY
Mastication machines help protect Tahoe from wildfire
News release
LAKE TAHOE — Forest fuel
reduction projects happening throughout the Tahoe Basin this year are using a tool known as mastication around communities to connect fuel treatment projects and bolster defensible space within the wildland urban interface. The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team is highlighting several of these projects to educate residents and visitors about work they might be seeing in and around Lake Tahoe communities this year, and the crucial role mastication plays in helping firefighters protect people and the lake. The TFFT is a multi-agency partnership committed to reducing wildfire risk and improving forest health across the Tahoe Basin.
As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, TFFT partners are using every tool available to reduce risk and protect communities. Mastication is one such tool, and it plays a key role in making forests more resilient. Mastication is a mechanical treatment that helps reduce wildfire intensity by grinding up small trees, brush and woody debris into mulch. Specialized equipment, known as masticators, move through the forest and chip excess vegetation into chips
that are spread around the treatment area as the equipment moves. Some masticators look like a compact tractor, while others are separate machines that attach to the arm of an excavator. Masticators clear out ladder fuels — those small trees and brush that allow fire to climb into the forest canopy — and help create defensible space around neighborhoods, roads and critical infrastructure.
“Reducing flame lengths and limiting wildfire intensity provides critical time and space for firefighters to respond,” said Fire Chief for the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Carrie Thaler. “We will continue to use every tool in our toolbox to reduce wildfire risk in the Tahoe Basin to protect our neighborhoods and
communities.”
Mastication can stand alone as a treatment or complement other fuels reduction methods like thinning or prescribed fire. It is especially valuable in areas where burning isn’t practical, such as directly next to homes, recreation sites or along busy roadways.
TFFT partners put mastication to work
The TFFT is prioritizing mastication projects across the Tahoe Basin this summer. These projects reflect the partnership’s focus on strategic, collaborative action to protect communities, critical infrastructure and evacuation corridors. Recent and upcoming work includes:
• Incline Village and Skyland
— Targeted mastication to create defensible space within and around neighborhoods and reduce fuels within the wildland-urban interface.
• Pioneer Trail Area — In South Lake Tahoe, TFFT partners are creating shaded fuel breaks, including a 200-foot-wide treatment near the Golden Bear neighborhood.
• Elks Point and Nevada Beach — Continued mastication along high-use road corridors to prevent roadside ignitions and improve access for emergency response.
“Mastication is a strategic, costeffective technique to help us protect Tahoe Basin communities,” said TFFT Program Manager Annabelle Monti. “When integrated with other tools, it helps not only reduce the intensity of wildfires, but also gives firefighters safer, more effective conditions to work in if a fire does occur.”
Stay informed
To explore fuels reduction projects happening across the Tahoe Basin, visit tahoelivingwithfire.com and view the interactive project map.
To receive updates when fuels reduction work is happening near you, sign up for the USDA Forest Service Fuels Reduction Notification List by emailing sm.fs.paltbmu@usda.gov.
PROSPECTING
Section B ■ mtdemocrat.com
IN THE KNOW
Stellar students
Congratulations to Kai Curry of El Dorado Hills, who was named to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Dean’s List. Congratulations to Aarati Sarikonda of El Dorado Hills, who graduated from Saint Francis University.
June 27
Join American River Conservancy for Hike into the beauty of Emigrant Lake from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or to register visit arconservancy. org/event.
Join the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce and Film Commission for the annual Business Showcase and I LOVE Film Mixer, 4-8 p.m. at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. For more information visit eldoradocounty.org.
Join Bumgarner Winery at the Camino tasting room for live music with Tepid Club of Cool and wood red pizza from 5:30-8 p.m. For more information visit bumgarnerwinery.com.
June 28
UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County will be available to answer your gardening questions or just chat about gardening at the Placerville Farmers Market, Placerville Cinema parking lot from 8 a.m. to noon.
Head up to Apple Hill for Lavender Blue Harvest Days at Blue Stone Meadow and other participating farms from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. continuing on June 29. To learn more visit applehill. com, and to register at Blue Stone Meadow visit bluestonemeadow.com.
Join American River Conservancy for a Plein air workshop from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information or to register visit arconservancy.org/event.
The Cameron Park Community Services District will host the annual Summer Spectacular at Cameron Park Lake, 5-10 p.m., featuring vendor booths, food, live music, a kids’ carnival, reworks over the lake and more. For more information visit cameronpark.org.
Smith Flat House will host a Winemaker’s Dinner with Lewis Grace at 6:30 p.m. For more information visit smith athouse.com.
The Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series presents Earth Wind & Fire from 8-11 p.m. For more information visit tinyurl.com/yfvbt3xz.
Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “Frozen Jr.” at 1 p.m. and continuing through July 20 For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet presents “Cinderella” at 2 p.m. at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
June 29
Smith Flat House will host live music with Back Porch Swing at 5 p.m. For more information visit smith athouse.com.
The Valhalla Tahoe boathouse theatre and outdoor lawn presents Alex Lucero Band
Loving the landscapes
News release
Art on the Divide Cooperative Gallery will feature landscape artist David Yapp during the month of July. Yapp paints in a variety of media including oils, watercolors and inks.
El Dorado County Landscapes will be on exhibit July 5-27. An artist reception is scheduled 1-4 p.m. Sunday, July 6. Enjoy refreshments and music by David Blonski. In addition, Yapp will present a landscape painting demonstration in oils at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 20, at the gallery. Yapp was born in southern England. His youth was spent exploring and observing nature, including the changing scenery, seasons and weather patterns of his native county of Wiltshire. Later, studying wildlife illustration in Wales, he developed a love of painting and sketching on location. His penand-watercolor studies of the towns and landscapes of England, France and Germany culminated in many solo shows in the Home Counties of England including several shows at Oxford University. Yapp moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in the early 2000s and now lives in the Sierra foothills. Inspired by California’s ongoing plein air tradition and the state’s Mediterranean light, he enjoys capturing the landscape in many media, but especially in oils. In his free time Yapp enjoys playing the guitar and old time music on the fiddle. Yapp has had many solo shows in the UK and the United States. AODC Gallery is located at 6295 Main St., Georgetown. For more details visit artonthedivide.com or email aodcgallery@ gmail.com.
Local artist captures the beauty of El Dorado County and beyond
“Still Waters South Fork of the American River” by David Yapp
“Grouse Lake” by David Yapp
Celebrate freedom, legacy and community
OLSOM — California State Parks and its fiscal sponsors, California Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Stafford Consulting Group LLC, invite the public to the Fourth Annual Juneteenth Festival at Black Miners Bar at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (SRA) on Saturday, June 28 from 4-9 p.m. This free event celebrates freedom, culture and history and marks the third anniversary of the site’s renaming from Negro Bar to Black Miners Bar, in honor of the Black Gold Miners who established the area as one of California’s earliest Black communities in 1849. The festival commemorates June 19, 1865, also known as the second Independence Day, when the last enslaved African Americans in
Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom — over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Established as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth honors the effective end of slavery in the United States and the continued pursuit of equity.
Festival highlights
• Living History and Education: Journey through time with exhibits exploring Juneteenth and Black gold mining heritage, featuring the renowned Buffalo Soldiers of Northern California 10th Cavalry Regiment, Company G recreating an authentic historical encampment.
• Culinary Delights: Indulge in an array of culinary delights from the carefully selected food.
• Inspiring Speakers and Performers: Be inspired by thought-
provoking speeches and captivating performances that pay homage to the spirit of Juneteenth.
• Concert: Groove to the rhythm of live musical performances from The LSB Band, Ariel Marin Band, the award-winning Grant Line Marching band and more.
• Guided Nature Hikes: Explore the natural splendor of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area with expert-guided hikes.
• Kids Zone: Delight in interactive activities and entertainment tailored for youth.
• Shopping: Discover unique treasures and services offered by the diverse range of businesses.
• Beer Garden: Relax and unwind in the beer garden, offering a selection of refreshing beverages from Oak Park Brewery.
• Horseback Riding: Experience the
beauty of the surroundings.
• Watersports: Explore the sparkling waters of Folsom Lake.
The Juneteenth Festival at Black Miners Bar is a nonprofit based community effort produced by California State Parks, Stafford Consulting Group and a growing number of sponsors and community partners including Choose Folsom, Visit Sacramento, SEIU UHW AFRAM, SEIU 2015, Kaiser Permanente, SMUD and More.
For more information visit JuneteenthFolsom.org, call (916) 341-9711, or email Hello@ JuneteenthFolsom.org.
Please note that, while the Juneteenth Festival is free, vehicles are subject to a $10 day-use fee to enter the state park. Black Miners Bar is located at 9698 Greenback Lane in Folsom.
OWAC recognizes communications professionals
News release
ISALIA, CA —
VOutdoor Writers Association of California, the leading organization of professional outdoor media communicators in the western region, recently recognized 11 recipients in its annual Excellence in Craft Awards.
The awards program acknowledges distinction and professionalism in reportage of outdoor recreation, sports and travel, in both news and feature categories; in the print, web and broadcast media. Entries must have been published or aired during the prior
(2024) calendar year, and are subsequently judged by a panel of media professionals, photographers and editors.
Highly regarded in the industry, the EIC awards were presented at the OWAC conference in Visalia hosted by Visit Visalia, where attendees also enjoyed workshops, outdoor activities and camaraderie.
Mountain Democrat contributor Barbara Steinberg, won second place awards for Best ConferenceRelated Work, “California Rambling: International Sportsmen’s Expo Sacramento 2024 is more than you
imagine” and California
Conservation Article, “California Rambling: Wildflowers adorn California landscapes,” according to OWAC Executive Director Bob Semerau.
Steinberg is a freelance travel writer and omnilocal. Recognized as a California travel authority, she’s been exploring and writing about the Golden State for more than 30 years. She is everywhere you want to be in California — off road and on, urban and rural, 5-star resorts and hidden hot springs, gourmet or dive. She frequently writes for the Mountain Democrat. She has been a
member of California Watchable Wildlife for more than 35 years and serves as its outreach coordinator representing the organization at wildlife and nature festivals throughout the state.
Awards
Best Outdoor News Article:
First place — Matt Johanson, These Black Californians blazed trails in the outdoors
Second place — Bob Semerau, Bluefin Bite goes limit-style on Fortune Charter
Best Outdoor Feature Article:
First place — Jody Martin, The Stars In Our Eyes
Second place — John Poimiroo, of El Dorado County, Cycling California’s Royal Road
Grandpa
Second place — John Williamson, Spenker Family Farm
Photography/ Artwork — Nature
First place — Nancy Sorrells, Red-eyed Tree Frog
Second place — Mercedes Lilienthal, Stunning Alaska and 2024 Alcan 5000 INEOS Grenadier Vehicle
California Conservation Article:
First place — Chuck Graham, Fly, Eagles Fly Second place — Barbara Steinberg, California Rambling: Wildflowers adorn California landscapes
OWAC ConferenceRelated Work:
Sacramento 2024 is more than you imagine
Audio & Video:
First place — Lara Kaylor, CaliforniaFallColor. com
Second place — Matt Johanson, Adventures of Detour: A Pacific Crest Trail Journey For a complete list go to owac.org/excellencein-craft-awards-2025winners-announced.
Best Outdoor
Photograph/ Artwork — People:
First plac e — Phil Reedy, Lesson from
First place — Matt Johanson, Rafting the Tuolumne
Second place — Barbara Steinberg, California Rambling: International Sportsmen’s Expo
Founded in 1986, OWAC is a nonprofit association of media professionals who cover and communicate the outdoor recreational opportunities and related issues that take place in California and the western region. Members include newspaper and magazine staffers, freelance writers, book authors, radio and television broadcasters, video producers, editors, photographers and artists. Despite a diverse span of interests — from hunting to wildlife preservation, birdwatching to game cuisine — members share a passion for conveying the wealth of our region’s outdoor pursuits, while enjoying the support, collaboration and camaraderie of other industry professionals. Membership is open to credentialed media professionals and industry. For more information contact Executive Director Bob Semerau at bob@semerau.net or (949) 466-3073.
DRYTOWN — Situated along a quiet bend in the road in historical Amador County, a former gas station-turned-tasting room stands as a timeworn tribute to California’s Gold Rush days. Once serving burgers and cocktails to dusty travelers, the building now houses the Drytown Social Club, 15950 Highway 49 in Drytown — home of Feist Wines — where the echoes of 1856 still linger when Highway 49 falls silent. Back then, Drytown was a bustling outpost with quartz gold in the hills, 26 saloons and a population of 20,000. Today, the Drytown Social Club blends old charm with new energy, offering woodfired pizzas, craft beer, coffee and mocktails alongside its awardwinning wines. On Saturday, June 28, the venue will host a full day of live Americana music, featuring six bands, a VIP lounge and a celebration of local culture and craftsmanship.
At the heart of the festival is singersongwriter Matt Axton, whose music spans country, folk, roots rock, R&B and pop. With a deep catalog of original songs and three well-received albums, Axton brings seasoned songwriting and skilled guitar work to the stage. His musical roots run deep — his grandmother Mae Boren Axton co-wrote Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel,”
while his father Hoyt Axton penned classics like “Joy to the World” and “Never Been to Spain” for Three Dog Night.
Adding a dose of vintage West Coast flair, Geoffrey Miller revives the spirit of Bakersfield country with a modern sensibility through a distinct lens. Drawing inspiration from Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Ray Price and Dwight Yoakam, Miller’s twangy Telecaster and sandy baritone voice tell stories grounded in family, heritage and heartache. His danceable shuffles and ballads, both original and classic, pay homage to country traditions while adding a fresh, regional twist.
Closing the night are regional legends Forever Goldrush, fronted by Amador County natives Damon Wycoff and Josh Lacey. Born in the foothills of Northern California, this quartet of childhood friends has been crafting their brand of Americana
since 1997. Their sound fuses literate songwriting with folk, country blues and rock ‘n’ roll — a blend No Depression magazine fittingly calls “roots rock meets cowboy poetry.”
Also featured are the Jim Lewin Duo, whose dynamic blend of acoustic rock, folk, bluegrass, reggae and Americana is enhanced by lush duet harmonies and a wide-ranging repertoire. Diana’s enchanting vocals and Jim’s intricate guitar work breathe life into everything from Irish ballads and ‘80s grunge to timeless folk songs and original compositions. Their onstage chemistry and warmth make for a memorable performance.
Rounding out the lineup is Davis-based bluegrass ensemble Bluegrass Lemonade and folk-bluegrass soloist Ben Eaton, whose string work and storytelling add further depth to the day’s musical journey.
Whether enjoying a glass of wine or taking in the music, guests will find something real in Drytown — a thoughtfully curated experience that reflects the character, history and creative energy of California’s Gold Country.
For more information call (209) 256-3779.
Courtesy photo
Drytown
My husband and I are wheeling out the garbage and recycling bins to the curbside. Stink of old esh, clink and rattle of tin, last week’s news. We pause to look at the moon. Her round cheeks. A star or two bright and glittering on the dark periphery. We’ve been doing this walk together
‘GARBAGE WALK’
for years. And years to come quite likely. Then we’ll stop. One before the other. The house will pass on, fall to its knees, or be torn down. We have no children. Only pets, a little graveyard of crosses. Did we ever exist? Who can say? The moon looks on with her kind face.
Moira Magneson has worked as a river guide, artist’s model, truck driver, television writer, editor and community college writing instructor. A Northern California native, she lives in Placerville where she has spearheaded many art actions and initiatives, including El Dorado County’s Poetry Out Loud Competition, Veterans’ Voices, Barbaric Yawp and Black Lives: An American Overture. In 2024, she was the resident poet for ForestSong, a community arts project exploring solastalgia, biophilia and resilience in the face of wild re devastation. Magneson is the author of “A River Called Home: A River Fable,” an illustrated novella published by Toad Road Press, 2024 and “In the Eye of the Elephant” published by Sixteen Rivers Press, her
rst full-length collection of poems. In July,
will
Sacramento Third Thursday showcases artists & unique businesses
SACRAMENTO — More than a dozen businesses are opening their doors on Thursdays to let customers peek behind the curtain, providing a live demonstration or artist activation between 4-8 p.m. that showcases their business. The newest Third Thursdays in Old Sacramento Waterfront encourages guests to get more familiar with the unique businesses in Sacramento’s original historical neighborhood.
“Old Sacramento Waterfront has always been a crown jewel of tourism for the Sacramento region, but not as many Sacramentans are familiar with its local charm,” said Michael Ault, Executive Director of Downtown Sacramento Partnership.
“The unique, locally-owned businesses here are full of character and community, waiting for people to slow down and take time to explore them.”
Summer is a notoriously slow time of year for businesses in Sacramento, a detriment to how close Sacramento is geographically to a variety of weekend trips. But the slow season provides an opportunity for local business owners to invite guests into their businesses and get more familiar with them and what they have to o er.
“We’re excited to kick o Third Thursdays. This vibrant community is home to talented artisans, makers and designers who are eager to share their craft and connect with locals,” said Maggie Baker, owner of Threadeco in Old Sacramento Waterfront. “We hope this event inspires more people to discover the incredible small businesses here and enjoy a more relaxed Thursday evening vibe as the tradition continues to grow over the summer.”
Stores and activations for the upcoming Third Thursday include the following:
Artist Collaborative Gallery — live watercolor and print making featuring artists Eva Revesz and Marilyn Issaac Mi Tiendita Munaycha — How to transform alpaca fur into beautiful objects
Blueprint Co ee — Learn how to make the perfect co ee at home. Visitors will receive 30% o a bag of co ee.
Studio Marana — Live sculpture making featuring artist Laurel Marana
Atrium 916 — Live artist painting featuring artists Raul Mejia and Maggie Devos
Threadeco — Learn how to mend and upcycle your clothing featuring designer Cynise Cheri Ecojoyous — Live ceramicist demonstration featuring artist Kat
Ink and Image — Learn how to take highdefinition photos on your phone
Sacramento History Museum — Learn how to hand-print cards on the tabletop press
Glow Studios — Live mural painting and interactive paint-by-numbers featuring artist Jahlil Taylor Pannell
Super Silver Sacramento — Learn the di erence between salt water and fresh water pearls
Hello Sunshine Sac Collective — Live acrylic painting featuring artist
Palmer
More information about Third Thursday o erings is available at OldSacramento.com.
About Downtown Sacramento Partnership
Downtown Sacramento Partnership is a nonprofit, property-based improvement district (PBID) that serves as the collective voice for the community, including residents, businesses and property owners located within the 66-blocks of the downtown core. Downtown Sacramento Partnership’s programming and activations cultivate a thriving 24-hour district where culture, business and development collide to make downtown Sacramento a premier destination in the region to live, work, play and invest. For more information visit downtownsac.org and connect on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Free concert features classical music and show tunes
SUTTER CREEK — Welcome summer with beautiful music at the Sutter Creek Theatre. Mother Lode Friends of Music presents a Midsummer Concert of beautiful classical music and rousing show tunes featuring soprano Christine Cosbey and pianist Jason Je rey on Sunday, June 29 from 3-5 p.m. The open seating concert is free. Cosbey will perform baroque selections including “Se tu m’ami
SACRAMENTO —
The Sacramento Shakespeare Festival will open “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare, on July 5
se sospiri” (Pergolesi), “Ave Maria” (Bach/Gunod) and Broadway selections “Til There Was You” (from the musical “Music Man”) and “Think of Me” (from the “Phantom of the Opera”).
Cosbey teaches music at St. Michael Catholic School in Livermore, and is a soloist at her Catholic Church in Moraga for mass, weddings and funerals. Earlier this year, she played the role of Mother in “Amahl and the Night Visitors” with the Golden Gate Boys Choir. She also sings for the
at the Art Court Theatre in the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Sacramento City College.
After an historic run outdoors in Land Park, because of changing climate and increasing
summer heat, we moved indoors in 2019 for “Shakespeare in Love” and “Twelfth Night” on the auditorium stage. The festival was dark in 2020 due to the pandemic. In 2021, it performed
homebound so they can hear their favorite songs.
Je rey is a soloist who performs throughout the Mother Lode region.
He is a returning performer for the Mother Lode Friends of Music and an accomplished accompanist, working with church and community choirs including the Pinecone Performers in Groveland.
He teaches at the Reeder Music Academy in Danville and he revived the Cathedral Concert Series in 2017 at the Cathedral of the Annunciation
“Hamlet” live in the Art Court Courtyard, and live-streamed the performances to an audience at home; along with zoom productions of three original Shakespeareinspired plays. In 2022, organizers did a full production of “Romeo and Juliet,” and a fully staged reading of another original play. In 2023, it moved into the Art Court Theatre still live and in person with “Macbeth.” Last year the festival produced “Julius Caesar” in the Art Court. The company found that it loved the intimacy of the smaller space and continued to produce there.
In Shakespeare’s most popular comedy, you will meet the demi-gods Oberon and Titania and all their fairies looking
in Stockton, a series dedicated to showcasing local professional musicians and the beauty of music by o ering a variety of genres ranging from classical, to jazz, to Mexican art songs and contemporary works.
The Sutter Creek Theatre, 44 Main St. in Sutter Creek, is an intimate setting for these accomplished musicians. Please join the Mother Lode Friends of Music for a summer afternoon of beautiful music.
For more information call (916) 425-0077.
to make mischief; four poor lovers chasing each other through the fairy-enchanted woods; and a rag-tag bunch of working class heroes trying to put on a play for the Duke, rehearsing in the woods. What could go wrong?
The production is set in the world of fantasydriven Hollywood, The Brat Pack, Indie Pop, and MTV. All the characters have been transported to the glittering, fantastic and colorful 1980s, along with some favorite music of that time.
The Sacramento Shakespeare Festival, which is produced by City Theatre at Sacramento City College, strives to provide top quality Shakespeare performances and training to the Sacramento community, utilizing the resources, teachers and students of the Theatre Department, and including the most experienced and professional artists in the Sacramento area. It produces full-length plays on campus and shorter versions of Shakespeare’s plays that travel to classes and community centers throughout the region.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream opens Saturday, July 5 at 7:30 p.m. and runs through July 27 with Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday performances at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information visit sacramentoshakespeare. net.
Tracy Rockefeller Cusak News release
Micaiah Katelynn
Magneson
step into a two-year appointment as El Dorado County’s fth poet laureate.
Courtesy photo
The Sacramento Waterfront businesses will encourage guests to get more familiar with the unique vibes offered.
from 7:30-10 p.m. For more information visit valhallatahoe.com.
July 1
Powell’s Steamer Company and Pub, 425 Main St., presents Eric Hill and Jonny Mojo for Taco Tuesday on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 4-7 p.m. Stop by for some good food and good tunes. For more information call (530) 626-1091.
July 3
El Dorado Hills Town Center presents Fireworks and Freedom Concert. This family-friendly event promises fun for all ages. Big Crush will perform at the Live on the Boulevard Summer Concert Series in the amphitheater from 7-9 p.m. Followed by the area’s best display of pyrotechnics —a show that will light up the night sky. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.
July 4
The Lights on the Lake fireworks extravaganza will take place in South Lake Tahoe at 9:45 p.m. For more information and best ways to view the show visit tinyurl.com/2rbbet3t.
Shadow Ranch Vineyards, 7050 Fair Play Road in Fairplay, is celebrating Fourth of July with complimentary small bites on July 4 and 5. 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 AM 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 first Saturday of each month, starting at 9 a.m. After the approximately one-hour tour, wander around the sixteen individual gardens at your own pace or ask docents for help and more information. May be closed for inclement weather or poor air quality; check before visiting: ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden/. Parking permits are required, purchase a $2 permit at any kiosk. At the Sherwood Demonstration Garden, 6699 Campus Drive, Placerville.
Myka Estates and 1850 Wine Cellars, 3405 Carson Court in Placerville, is having a Weekend Concert and Cookout on Saturday, July 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to celebrate the Fourth of July. The team is firing 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.
The Tahoe Blue Event Center presents South Shore Showdown, car show at 12 p.m. 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.
Now
The Stage at Burke Junction presents “For the Love of Dog” through July 6. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com. Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento presents Marvin Lipofsky Blows Glass through Aug. 17; Black & Gold – Traditional and Contemporary Japanese and Chinese Ceramics through Dec. 31, 2025; and Pueblo Pottery – Native American Pottery and Sculpture through Dec. 31, 2030. For more information visit crockerart.org.
The Heavenly Village Summer Concert Series presents live music on the main stage every Friday and Saturday (plus additional weekdays) evenings from 5:45-9:15 p.m. through Labor Day. For more information visit tinyurl.com/3h88rmpb.
The Master Gardener public office is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon at 311 Fair Lane, Placerville. Have a gardening question or problem? Come in and chat, bring a cutting or insect in a baggie or a picture. Can’t come in person? Call (530) 621-5512 and leave a voicemail or email mgeldorado@ucanr. edu.
National Alliance on Mental Illness El Dorado County offers free, in-person family support groups 6-7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month in Placerville. For more information visit namieldoradocounty. org.
Monday Club Bridge seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant on Fair Lane in Placerville at 10 a.m. For more information call (530) 622-1180.
Do you love to sew (or not sew) and support veterans? Sew4Vets is a fun group that meets twice a month (first Tuesday and second Thursday) 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building in Placerville. Members sew walker bags, wheelchair bags, pillows and quilts for a number of California veterans hospitals, as well as veterans in local assisted-living homes. Non-sewers help with stringing drawstring bags, stuffing pillows and other “hands on” projects. All supplies furnished. Don’t have a sewing machine you can bring to the meetings? There are a few to share. Check us out at Sew4vets.org. The purpose of the Widowed Persons Club is to provide a support group for widowed men and women of all ages and provide a wide range of social activities through which they have an opportunity to make new friends and find a new direction in their lives. Regular breakfasts are held every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at Denny’s in Placerville. General meeting lunches are held at Cold Springs Country Club in Placerville for members and guests on the fourth Friday of each month at 11:30 a.m. A social time precedes each meeting. Reservations are required. Get in touch with Glenda at (530) 295-8374 or Nancy at (530) 919-8276.
The Mom Walk Sip and Stroll meets every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Amphitheater at the El Dorado Hills Town Center. It’s a great way to get active with other local moms.
The Sons in Retirement – Gold Country branch meets the second Wednesday of the month at the Cameron Park Country Club. Check out the club and be a guest for a complimentary lunch. Contact Branch 95’s membership chairman at SIRBranch95@gmail.com for more details. Marco’s Café in Lotus hosts a family friendly Open Mic Night Thursdays from 6-8:30 p.m. For more information visit marcoscafelotus.com.
Check out “Our Beautiful Valley: Photographic Remembrances of Coloma and Lotus” by Betty Sederquist at Marco’s Café in Lotus through the end of summer. For more information visit marcoscafelotus.com.
Sherwood Demonstration Garden on the Folsom Lake College – El Dorado Center campus in Placerville is open 9 a.m. every Friday and Saturday for open garden days. Take a leisurely stroll through all 16 themed gardens. Docents are on site to answer questions. The garden may be closed for inclement weather or poor air quality. Check before visiting: ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_Master_Gardeners/Demonstration_ Garden. Parking permits required; purchase a $2 permit at any kiosk. UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County host a free public tour on the first Saturday of each month, starting at 9 a.m. After the approximately one-hour tour, wander around the 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 Garden, 6699 Campus Drive, Placerville.
Check out Placerville Cars and Coffee every Saturday, 7-9 a.m. at Lions Park. Hang out with other car enthusiasts.
‘High
Side’ explores whitewater rafting
Loren Christofferson
Arts and Culture El Dorado
rts and Culture
AEl Dorado continues an exhibition series exploring recreation and the natural world in El Dorado County with “High Side: Whitewater El Dorado,” which opened Thursday, June 26. When the Stanislaus River was dammed in 1979, the American River began to host a rapidly growing number of commercial whitewater outfitters, which in turn allowed the public to develop an appreciation of the wild and beautiful places along the river.
Amassing vintage and contemporary photographs, maps, artwork, films, ephemera and gear, the exhibition showcases the significant role that the rafting and kayaking community have played in shaping the culture of El Dorado County, and the conservation efforts that have saved the American River.
Numerous individuals, rafting outfitters, and local conservation groups have contributed items as well as funding support to the project.
“Just as with
‘SENDING IT:
Climbing El Dorado,’ our love letter to rock climbing our corner of the Sierra, “High Side” will celebrate another aspect of our vibrant outdoor recreation
“High Side’ ... will tell the story of our local rivers, creeks and waterways.”
Arts and Culture Executive Director Terry LeMoncheck
culture and will tell the story of our local rivers, creeks and waterways,” noted Arts and Culture Executive Director Terry LeMoncheck. Short films, including Eric Magneson’s “Wild Americans,” will be running in the Gallery throughout the run of the show.
As the only noncommercial gallery in the county, Switchboard Gallery presents specially curated exhibitions that invite visitors to consider the unique history of the region. “High Side” runs from Thursday, June 26, through Sunday, August 17. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and weekends noon to 4 p.m. The Gallery is located at 525 Main Street in downtown Placerville. For more information visit artsandcultureeldorado. org.
“South Fork American River” by Scott Ligare
“Middle Fork American River” by Hotshot Imaging
“Richard Montgomery, Lars Holbek, Chuck Stanley” circa 1982 photographer unknown
EDH Cars and Coffee invites car people to meet up and hang out Saturdays, 7-9:30 a.m., rain or shine, in the right-side parking lot of the Regal movie theater in El Dorado Hills Town Center. The motto is “If it rolls, it goes.”
Blu Nightclub inside Bally’s Casino will host free dance parties every Saturday night with a rotating array of renowned, West Coast DJs presented by Late-Nite Productions. Free admission (excluding live concerts) every Saturday night from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. For more information visit lateniteproductions.com.
The Coloma Community Market takes place 1-4 p.m., drizzle or shine, the second and fourth Saturdays at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, June through August. Find great local products while enjoying live music, food, beverages and more. Parking is free during the market hours.
The Pollock Pines Community Center will host a Yoga Class every Monday at 10:30 a.m, Bingo Night every Tuesday at 5 p.m. and a Beginners Line Dancing Throwdown from 6:30-9 p.m. For more information visit pollockpinesca.org.
The Georgetown Library will host the Thursdays at Two Poetry Group every first and third Thursday of the month.
Gold Bug Park & Mine in Placerville is open Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit goldbugpark.org.
The El Dorado County Certified Farmers Markets will take place
at the American Legion in South Lake Tahoe, Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Burke Junction in Cameron Park, Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to noon, the Regal Cinema parking lot in Placerville Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon and the EDH Community Services District in El Dorado Hills, Sundays from 8 a.m. to
