Mountain Democrat, Friday, June 6, 2025 by mcnaughtonmedia

Jim Abercrombie

Jack Carrerow Mountain Democrat correspondent

Water has been a part of Jim Abercrombie’s life since he graduated from Santa Clara University.

“I went there to learn how a water system works and then I went back to college to learn how to pay for it,” Abercrombie joked.

Born and raised in Fresno, Abercrombie has been general manager of the El Dorado Irrigation District since 2009. He previously worked with PG&E and the Amador Water District.

For Abercrombie, running EID has been much smoother than what previous general mangers faced. In the early 2000s meetings could be contentious to the point of having the

police called.

“My goal is to try and anticipate questions and to always get to a 5-0 vote on board actions,” Abercrombie said, adding it was a change in philosophy by the district in the mid 2000s that the system should be integrated so that it beneﬁts all users.

“We’ve also made sure that our users don’t get sudden rate hikes by making sure that needed project costs are spread out over 30 years,” he explained.

While Abercrombie describes his time at EID as a “great ride,” his life during this time did encounter a few bumps. In 2017, he was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary ﬁbrosis. A chronic and ultimately fatal disease

WoodED Pathways program leads students on forestry journey

Shelly Thorene Sta writer

Sierra Cascade Logging Conference Inc. based in Redding, local loggers and other professionals recently met with students from three local high schools at the Blodgett Research Center in Georgetown during a half-day conference dubbed WoodED Pathways in hopes of sparking their interest in the forest management industry.

The day began in the classroom at the University of California Berkeley College of Natural Resources Center for Forestry and was followed by seven stops on the tour. Topics included regeneration, forests and ﬁre, timber falling, skidding, log loading, fuels management and wildlife.

Rick Satomi with the UC Cooperative Extension Farm Advisors O ce and Blodgett sta member Tim Mollet of Georgetown sta ed the fuels management stop where Mollett drove a John Deere masticating machine to demonstrate the removal of overgrown brush.

“There is an extreme workforce issue across the country,” Satomi said, explaining more people are needed for essential services, climate mitigation and

Our EGG hatches plan to grow El Dorado County’s economy

Woodard

Sta writer

A new nonproﬁt called Our EGG has launched with a mission to strengthen economic development across El Dorado County through collaboration and community engagement.

Co-founded by lifelong county residents Lauren Hernandez and Lexi Boeger, Our EGG — Economic Germinator and Germination — aims to create self-sustaining opportunities for current and future generations.

“Our EGG is really the place to bring people together, to break down silos

and address challenges and leverage opportunities in a way that is really an ecosystem approach,” Hernandez said. “So that’s with traditional and non-traditional individuals who may not always work together directly, but we all have to kind of bring it all together.”

Boeger explained the organization’s broader vision: a hope to bridge together gaps that currently exist.

“We’re kind of the water in the air that will connect all of these disparate groups and individuals to push us toward economic resilience,” she said.

Courtesy photo

Lexi Boeger, left, and Lauren Hernandez want to build a collaborative program that boosts El Dorado County’s economy.

Golden Sierra High School student Abigail Watkins sits in the cab of a skidder during the logging tour portion of WoodEd Pathway. Watkins said she could see herself operating heavy equipment and plans to attend Columbia College’s Forestry & Natural Resources program.

ESSENTIALS

Milan Vukovich

May 11, 1962 – May 18, 2025

Milan Vukovich left us suddenly on May 18, 2025, during a tragic bicycle accident in Folsom, California.

Milan was born in Sacramento on May 11, 1962, and grew up in Shingle Springs. He lived life his own way, full of energy and completely unforgettable. He rarely worried about details and showed up in the way only he could. Milan cared deeply about his family, his friends, and anyone lucky enough to be pulled into his orbit.

Milan loved riding. He rode thousands of miles over the years, with countless stories to prove it. He was usually late, often unﬁltered, and always the person everyone wanted around. There was no one like him.

Milan is survived by his wife, Donene; his children, Alexa, Demetria, and Aubrey; and his grandson, Phelan. He is also survived by his siblings, Aimee and Troy; nephews, Roman and Preston; his brothers-in-law, Arturo and Tim; and sister-in-law Carissa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mel and Ayriane, as well as his brother Gregory and sister Claudia.

Milan’s Serbian heritage was important to him, and traditional Orthodox services will be held in his honor at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 724 N Main St, Jackson, CA. A prayer service well be held at 6:00 p.m. on June 5, 2025. The funeral will follow on Friday, June 6, at 11:00 a.m., with a burial at the church cemetery. A celebration of Milan’s life will be held at a later date.

He is deeply loved and missed beyond measure by his wife, children, siblings, many nieces and nephews, and all who knew him. Condolences can be made by visiting www.danerimortuary.com.

(916) 435-0501

Presley Way, Suite 10 Grass Valley 95945 (530) 265-0601 STATE SENATE DISTRICT 4 Marie Alvarado-Gil Capitol O ce 1021 O St., Suite 7240 Sacramento 95814 (916) 651-4004

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

Division 1: Paul Penn PPenn@EID.org

Division 2: Pat Dwyer, PDwyer@EID.org Division 3: Chuck Mans eld, CMans eld@EID.org Division 4: Lori Anzini, LAnzini@EID.org Division 5: Alan Day, ADay@EID.org

Of ce Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m.

TO PLACE AN AD

Retail Advertising (530) 344-5048 / ibalentine@mtdemocrat.net Classi ed Advertising (530) 622-1255 / classi eds@mtdemocrat.net Obituaries (Submit @ mtdemocrat.com) (530) 622-1255 / obits@mtdemocrat.net Public Notices (530) 344-5086 / legals@mtdemocrat.net

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First responders hone water rescue skills

Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit

News release

Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit, in partnership with El Dorado County Fire Protection District, El Dorado Hills Fire Department and the El Dorado County Training O cers Association, recently hosted six days of water rescue training.

This intensive week included three State Fire Training Water Rescue Awareness/Operations courses and six multi-company drills. Fireﬁghters from engine companies across the region and the Ponderosa Fire Center, along with paramedic ambulance operators, participated in hands-on, scenario-based training to sharpen their skills in swift water rescue operations.

El Dorado County is home to fast-moving rivers and ﬂood-prone areas. These courses are critical to ensuring ﬁrst responders are ready to deliver high-level, all-hazard emergency services when the community needs it most.

County hotline ready to take VHR complaints

Carla Hass

El Dorado County Chief Administrative O ce

With summer officially under way and tourism on the rise, El Dorado County is encouraging the public to use its countywide Vacation Home Rental Hotline, (530) 573-7999, to help address issues such as noise, parking and other community concerns.

“If residents observe violations of the county’s VHR Ordinance such as excessive noise between the quiet hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., trash accumulation, parking issues, over-occupancy

The following information was taken from EDSO reports: May 11

4:45 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a person suspected of possessing controlled substances and unlawful paraphernalia with two or more priors on Highway 50 near El Dorado Road. They were listed in custody in lieu of $100,000 bail.

8:49 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Bradywood Way in El Dorado Hills.

9:18 a.m. Battery was reported at the county jail on Forni Road in Placerville. An arrest was made.

3:58 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.

6:28 p.m. Battery was reported on Via Flori in El Dorado Hills. An arrest was made.

6:43 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Scott Road in Placerville.

8:35 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a restaurant on Coach Lane in Cameron Park.

or lack of proper exterior signage, we encourage them to call the VHR Hotline at (530) 573-7999,” said Brendan Ferry, chief deputy director, Tahoe Planning and Building Division. The hotline is available to callers 24/7. Code enforcement officers dedicated to VHRs are available to staff the hotline until 7 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, 10 p.m. Thursday and 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. After-hours calls will be returned the following morning. Callers are advised to contact the sheriff’s non-

3:06 a.m. Trespassing was reported on Pleasant Valley Road in Diamond Springs.

3:23 a.m. Trespassing was reported at a car dealership on Mercedes Lane in El Dorado Hills.

6:32 a.m. Trespassing was reported at a restaurant on Coach Lane in Cameron Park.

2:52 p.m. Battery was reported at a bus stop on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.

5:08 p.m. Battery was reported on Omo Ranch Road in Somerset.

8:17 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Powers Drive/ Beatty Drive in El Dorado Hills.

May 13

12:24 a.m. Trespassing was reported on Cedar Ravine Road in Placerville.

6:54 a.m. Burglary was reported on Carson Crossing Drive in El Dorado Hills.

9:07 a.m. Battery was reported at a school on Pleasant Valley Road in Diamond Springs.

emergency number if necessary during those periods.

“Our goal is to maintain a healthy balance in our neighborhoods that supports both residents and visitors.

Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns,” Ferry said. “The El Dorado County Code Enforcement Division is committed to responding promptly to assist our residents as needed. We greatly appreciate everyone’s efforts to keep our community safe, clean and enjoyable for everyone.”

Placerville. They were listed in custody.

May 14

7 a.m. Burglary

10:04 a.m. Battery was reported on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines.

9:39 p.m. Trespassing was reported at Missouri Flat Road/Golden Center Drive in Placerville.

11:27 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Lexi Way in El Dorado Hills. An arrest was made.

May 12

1:59 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a person suspected of taking a vehicle without the owner’s permission, possessing controlled substances with two or more priors and theft from an elderly/ dependent person on Lexi Way in El Dorado Hills. They were listed in custody in lieu of $12,000 bail.

12:23 p.m. Battery was reported at a mobile home park on Many Oaks Lane in Shingle Springs.

2:36 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

2:47 p.m. Trespassing was reported at an animal shelter on South Shingle Road in Shingle Springs.

5:04 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Highway 193 in Placerville.

9:01 p.m.

Photos courtesy of Cal Fire

First responders from across the region came together on the water to practice rescue drills in preparation for the summer season.

DON’T MISS

Cyclists take in the views along America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride

Shelly Thorene Staff writer

Around 2,100 bicyclists hit the pavement at 6 a.m. June 1 for the 32nd annual America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride around Lake Tahoe. The cycling event is a fundraiser for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and cyclists ages 13 and older pre-registered earlier in the year for a 35-, 72- or 100-mile ride around the lake’s beautiful shores.

The event kicked off Friday with a VIP dinner in the Sapphire Ballroom at the Tahoe Blue Event Center. On Saturday, riders picked up their packets and were encouraged to post “Why I Ride” notes on message boards. A rally dinner was served at the event center. The riders gathered before dawn on Sunday at the corner of Highway 50 and Lake Parkway, near the event center.

The course was set up with several rest stops stocked with water, drinks, fruit and an on-course lunch. Tech support with mechanics on duty wait at the start, finish and each rest stop. Full support staff in vehicles and motorcycles cruise the course with transport services. Riders were treated to entertainment by the Robin Orr band at the finish line.

According to the LLS website, during the past 28 years America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride has hosted nearly 30,000 cyclists who have

raised more than $115 million. Joining riders this year was LLS President and CEO E. Anders Kolb, MD, who led his own fundraising team, PedAL to the MedAL, with his brother, Bill. “I dedicate my ride to everyone who has dealt with a blood cancer diagnosis,” said Kolb. “Their grit and resilience powers me through every pedal stroke, hill and winding road.”

America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride chose 5-year-old leukemia survivor Vera Padilla of Sacramento as this year’s Honored Hero. As a young survivor who has been through more than most adults could fathom, her heroic story served as an inspiration for everyone involved.

“Participants of America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride are helping LLS advance groundbreaking blood cancer research, patient support services and resources and advocacy for policies that ensure all patients can access innovative cancer care,” said Coker Powell, LLS chief revenue officer.

In its efforts to help all those affected by blood cancer, LLS actively partners in communities across the country. This year, LLS is proud to partner with WVU Cancer Institute as America’s Most Beautiful Bike’s premier sponsor, Subaru of America, and venue partner Tahoe Blue Event Center.

To learn more visit LLS.org and find the organization on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and may also lead to serious balance problems. This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood ow to the nerves in the hands and feet. If not properly treated this lack of blood ow may cause the nerves to degenerate. As you can see in Figure 1, as the blood vessels surrounding the nerves become diseased they shrink and shrivel. This process hastens the ow of vital nutrients to the nerves required to remain healthy. When these nerves begin to “die” it could lead to balance problems, pain, numbness,

and

Placerville, CA – Currently the most common method most doctor’s recommend to treat neuropathy is with the use of prescription drugs. Although these drugs may temporarily reduce your symptoms they may cause a feeling of discomfort and in some cases lead to a variety of terrible unwanted side effects. We have a different method!

The treatment to increase blood ow utilizes a specialized low-level light therapy (not to be confused with laser therapy) using light emitting diode

and repair. It’s like adding water to a tree and seeing the roots grow deeper and deeper. The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation. “My feet hurt so bad after sitting I could barely take the rst few steps. I have had 11 treatments and no longer feel sharp or shooting pains and most of the tingling is gone. I now have full balance and can walk without pain. As Dr. Mooney explained the treatment is not painful, nothing uncomfortable, and is actually very relaxing.” – Neuropathy Pain Patient

In Loving Memory of

Sherry Lou Moore

Born July 22, 1938, Passed Peacefully at her home in Arizona on Dec 2, 2024. She is survived by her husband of 45 years Daniel Moore. They were married on May 3, 1979. She is also survived by her four sons, step-son and their wives. Michael and Charlie, Robin and Margaret, Kenneth and Susan, Martin and Karen Robinson and step-son Tim Moore. Nine Grandchildren and Eighteen Great Grandchildren. Sherry survived both of her sisters. Her youngest sister succumbed to cancer as a young woman and her twin sister Pat Tierney Kaiser passed away a year ago. Sherry had a very successful career in health care. She ultimately ended up working after 26 years as a Nursing Secretary in Oncology at Mercy San Juan Hospital. Sherry was a strong Christian woman with an enduring faith and trust in the Lord. She attended Green Valley Community Church for many years. She helped set up the Café and was a member of the funeral ministry. She was a very talented quilter and also a member of the Miss El Dorado Rose Garden. Her life is marked by her strength, her ability to see others without judgment. The ability to see beauty and value in those who crossed her path. She encountered so many people during her life, and she could tell you a sweet and funny story about each one. She is perhaps best remembered for her ready smile and her contagious joy and laughter. She loved life and her compassion for those around her genuinely changed and made the world a better place.

She is loved and will be missed forever.

RSVP

] For those who want to attend Sherry’s Memorial/ Celebration of Life it will be held on June 20th at 6pm at Martin & Karen Robinson’s home. Please RSVP Martin by phone and/or Text (530) 776-7244 or email: marty@robinsonsauto.com for directions/details and your RSVP confirmation. [

Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene

A cyclist with two red birds attached to her helmet looks to the right, taking in the beautiful sunrise over Emerald Bay in the 32nd annual America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride June

Riders round a corner on the east side of Lake Tahoe. Temperatures for America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride were in the upper 70s, perfect conditions for a ride around the lake.

Cyclists

IT TAKES A VILLAGE …

Andrew Vonderschmitt Features editor

Asix month saga to move into an apartment came to a happy but exhausting end for El Dorado County resident Kirk Hill last month. Hill ﬁnally signed his lease at Diamond Village Apartments, an 80-unit a ordable housing development in Diamond Springs.

Hill told the Mountain Democrat that if he previously knew some of the lessons he learned over the past six months, he might have made some di erent decisions, or at least his wait would have been a little easier to stomach.

In early December 2024 Hill thought he was moving into Diamond Village, which was still under construction, early in the new year. He had signed documents and passed a comprehensive background check.

“I thought it was a lease,” Hill said. “But it turned out that it was a deposit to occupy.

“And this is for a January move-in,” he continued. “The move in date kept changing too.”

Not only were there delays in the move-in date but late in February Hill received an email from Cambridge Real Estate, the rental agency administrating Diamond Village’s rental contracts, stating the unit’s rental rates were going from $392 to $651 per month. He emailed back requesting an explanation for the increase as he had believed the rental costs would be ﬁxed.

He received an immediate reply apologizing for any miscommunication the email may have created along with further explanation.

“This matter pertains to federal regulations,” the email states. “The utility allowances have been modiﬁed and any variations whether increases or decreases result in corresponding changes to the rate. In this instance, the property owner has opted to switch between the public utility allowance and the California utility calculator. This decision beneﬁts the entire property by reducing utility cost for all residents. It is a balanced approach. While your rent may see a slight increase, the overall utility expenses will decrease. I hope this explanation is helpful.”

“This is what started the whole process,” said Hill. “I didn’t know if I was being scammed. I didn’t know what was going on and, frankly, El Dorado County didn’t either.”

Hill began investigating the situation. Why did the rent go up? Why was the move in date delayed?

“I had to turn into Columbo while I was in my automobile trying to ﬁnd a place to live,” he said. “The ﬁrst thing I did was to call El Dorado County.”

One call led to another for Hill, from department to department, Public Housing Authority to Planning and Building and so on, he said. The response he received led to more frustration.

“‘Thank you for the information; we’ll look into this,’” he remembered. “Time went on and on. I’d get these responses, ‘we’re still looking into it.’ Nothing happened. (and again) ‘We’re still looking into it.’ Nothing happened.”

He said the correspondence was not dismissive.

“They were nice, in their emails,” he recalled. “They were concerned but they didn’t know anything.”

Then he received a lead. An email from county sta led him to Je Passadore of Cambridge Real Estate.

“This has all been a blur,” he said. “This was four or ﬁve months ago.”

Hill said Passadore broke down the earlier email explaining that because utilities expenses had increased the developer, in turn, increased the rental caps to cover those costs.

“He at least took me out of the headset of thinking that this is a scam or it’s a rip o ,” said Hill, conceding, “It’s more just balancing bureaucracies.”

As to the delayed move in date, Passadore said delays in these kinds of projects could be due to any number of permitting issues, material availability, landscaping issues or other common delays.

“These properties take a long time to develop and construct,” Passadore told the Mountain Democrat. “But I don’t know that anything unusual happened in the case of this asset.”

“I didn’t know any of this at the time, which, I guess, is the whole point,” said Hill, adding if he had known that delays in construction and rent increases were “par for the course” he might have made other choices.

“It went from kind of a positive, nice feeling to a feeling of ‘what’s going on here, am I being scammed?’ to ‘OK, it’s delayed,’” he said. “Then you think, is this ever going to happen? What’s the next thing that’s gonna go wrong?”

He said he was at his wits end when he ﬁnally received a contract in early May.

“I don’t know if I’d do it again,” Hill said. “I might have just moved to Kansas. But I didn’t. I’m here, ﬁnally. It’s just you know, ﬁnding a place to live shouldn’t be this hard in the world.” Diamond Village Apartments are still accepting applications.

CDFW seeks comment on recovery planning document

California Department of Fish and Wildlife News release

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking public comment on the draft Guidelines for Recovery Planning, a document intended to guide development of e ective recovery plans to recover threatened and endangered species listed under the California Endangered Species Act. CDFW has posted the draft Guidelines for Recovery Planning to CDFW’s Recovery Planning web page for public review. CDFW respectfully requests comments be submitted no later than July 31. Submit written comments to CDFW by email at CESArecovery@wildlife. ca.gov and include “Guidelines for Recovery Planning” in the subject line.

Comments may also be submitted by mail to California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Wildlife Branch, Attn: Austin Roy/Recovery Guidelines, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 942442090. During the comment period, CDFW will host a public meeting from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, June 17. The meeting will be held at 715 P St., Room 201, Sacramento. For those who would like to attend remotely over Zoom, registration for the meeting is available using this link: wildlife-cagov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ I4hSqGxeR8GTPoDkLgbt9Q. Following the public comment period, information received will be reviewed and considered during development of the ﬁnal guidelines. Once approved, the ﬁnal Guidelines for Recovery Planning will be available on CDFW’s Recovery Planning web page.

Mountain Democrat photo by Andrew Vonderschmitt Diamond Village Apartments is a low-income apartment complex with 80 units in Diamond Springs.

EDH company owners fess up to illegal gambling biz

U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of California News release

SACRAMENTO — James Mecham, 57, of Orem, Utah; Kurt Stocks, 49, of El Dorado Hills; and Heidi Edwards, 58, of El Dorado Hills; pleaded guilty June 3 to operating an illegal gambling business, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced. According to court documents, Mecham, Stocks and Edwards managed a series of businesses, collectively known as SweepsCoach, that engaged in and facilitated illegal gambling at locations throughout the United States, including in California and Arizona. SweepsCoach was based in El Dorado Hills. Mecham, Stocks and Edwards marketed the SweepsCoach gaming operation and entered into agreements with internet cafés for access to the

SweepsCoach portal throughout the eastern district of California and Arizona. The defendants helped the cafés set up gaming terminals in California and Arizona and provided technical service. Players used credits to play slot machine-style games on a video screen and could potentially win additional credits, which could be exchanged for money at the internet café. Internet gambling of this form is illegal under California and Arizona laws.

SweepsCoach clients would directly deposit the cash owed from the illegal gaming into bank accounts controlled by the defendants. Undercover law enforcement operations at several internet cafés in California and Arizona confirmed the use and conduct of SweepsCoach games.

Between Jan. 1, 2012, and Nov. 7, 2017, approximately $14 million in gaming proceeds was deposited into accounts controlled by Mecham,

Stocks and Edwards. The gross gaming receipts from California and Arizona totaled approximately $11 million.

This case is the product of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the California Department of Justice Bureau of Gambling Control and the California Franchise Tax Board. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heiko Coppola is prosecuting the case.

Mecham, Stocks and Edwards are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez on Oct. 21. Each defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

Lake Tahoe inspectors intercept vessel with golden mussels

Jeff Cowen Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

LAKE TAHOE — Lake Tahoe

watercraft inspectors on May 30

identified highly invasive golden mussels on a vessel at the Alpine Meadows inspection station. This is the first interception of the new invasive species by Lake Tahoe watercraft inspectors since their first detection in North America in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta in October 2024.

“Golden mussels pose an extreme threat to Lake Tahoe and the waters of the region and it is critical that everyone stay vigilant and always Clean, Drain, and Dry all watercraft and equipment when visiting new areas,” said Dennis Zabaglo, aquatic invasive species program manager for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

“We are fortunate to have such highly trained inspectors and committed partners at marinas and boat ramps, but protecting the waters of the Tahoe Region from the spread of aquatic invasive species takes all of us.”

TRPA and Tahoe Resource Conservation District, which manage the Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Program, strengthened inspection procedures in March in response to the golden mussel discovery just a few hours away from the Tahoe Basin. The agencies added mandatory decontaminations to the required inspection process for all visiting

motorized watercraft entering Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake and Echo Lake.

Inspectors at the Alpine Meadows station conducted an initial decontamination of the 46-foot vessel, which is undergoing further inspection and decontamination until it is deemed risk-free. Watercraft Inspection Program managers are coordinating with Nevada and California agencies and continue to share information on all detections with agencies in both states and the western U.S.

As new threats to Lake Tahoe emerge, the emphasis on following

Clean, Drain, Dry protocols remains for all boaters, paddlers, anglers and beachgoers. Golden mussels are not in Lake Tahoe; following Clean, Drain, Dry protocols will reduce the risk of invasion, according to Tahoe RCD Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager Chris Killian.

“With the support of boaters and paddlers, we have kept Lake Tahoe safe from many invasive species, but the survivability of golden mussel and their proximity to Tahoe make them a greater threat than other aquatic invasive species,” Killian said. “The Lake Tahoe inspection program has

become a national model because it is so comprehensive. The move to mandatory decontaminations this year was a crucial step to continue protecting the waters of the Tahoe region for all to enjoy.”

Since their discovery in the Port of Stockton, golden mussels have been detected as far south as Bakersfield through connected water systems. Areas outside the Tahoe region have responded to the threat by standing up prevention programs, temporary waterbody closures and 30-day quarantine periods in some areas.

About golden mussels

The golden mussel is a small, yellowish-brown shellfish that can reproduce rapidly in a range of habitats. It is likened to quagga mussel, an invasive species that the Lake Tahoe inspection program has successfully kept out of Lake Tahoe since its beginning in 2008. Like quagga mussels, golden mussels can encrust boats, piers, rocks and pipes, but golden mussels can tolerate a broader range of habitats and can reproduce faster, making them more of a threat. If introduced, golden mussels could irreversibly harm Lake Tahoe’s recreation, water quality and native ecosystem. Visit TahoeBoatInspections.com for inspection information, appointments and to learn how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Photo courtesy of the California Department of Water Resources

Invasive golden mussels reproduce fast and can encrust boats, piers, rocks and pipes.

OPINION

California Commentary

Gov. Newsom’s seriously unserious budget plan

In politics, it’s good to remember that things often don’t mean what you think they mean. A good example of that is the state budget. The California Constitution requires the state to have a balanced budget, but the whole process is a complete farce. Here’s why.

When Gov. Gavin Newsom announced his proposed budget in January, he claimed that the state had a “modest surplus.” But how could we have a surplus when he proposed to pull $7.1 billion from reserves?

Then came the May Revise of the budget last week. That’s when the budget the governor proposed in January gets revised based on the latest revenue projections. Now we have a $12 billion to $14 billion budget “problem.” Problem here is deﬁned as having an insu cient level of revenue increases year-over-year to satisfy a spending addiction.

And why do we have a deﬁcit? According to Newsom, it’s Trump’s fault.

Letters to the Editor

Taxpayers deserve transparency

EDITOR:

El Dorado County’s Section 504 was originally passed by voters to ensure sheri ’s deputies remain competitive with nearby counties. But over time, nearly 500 employees — including high-ranking administrators and attorneys — have been granted the same automatic raises tied to union agreements in other counties. These raises are not based on El Dorado County’s local economic conditions, job performance or a ordability. And they are contributing to our $20 million budget deﬁcit.

current county salary schedule (publicpay.ca.gov), along with the number of job classiﬁcations listed for each (note: this is 2023-24 and before the current pay increases for 2024-25. Includes county paid beneﬁts. For roles with more than one employee, blended average):

• County counsel (1) $351,000

• Chief

(1) $331,179

• Chief Administrative O cer (1) $315,530

• Chief probation o cer (1) $285,143

• Assistant CAO (2) $283,009

• Assistant county counsel (1) $278,335

• Assistant DA (2) $276,768

The governor proposes total state spending of $322 billion in 202526. That’s the second largest budget in state history …

“California is under assault, the United States of America in many respects is under assault, because we have a president that’s been reckless in terms of assaulting those growth engines and has created a climate of deep uncertainty,” Newsom told reporters. “The impacts are being felt disproportionately in the fourth-largest economy in the world.”

But what the governor is calling a “Trump slump” is pure gaslighting because California’s “problems” are entirely self-inﬂicted.

Let’s take you back to the 2022-23 budget. Coming o the COVID-19 pandemic, the stock market surged and the state saw a sizable increase in revenue from income taxes. It resulted in a projected surplus of $97 billion, the largest in state history.

Then they spent it.

State lawmakers passed a $308 billion dollar budget. A more than $30 billion increase over the previous year’s budget and $22 billion more than had been originally proposed. Newsom called it an “unprecedented generational and transformational budget.”

But the projected surplus never became reality.

“Revenues never reached the elevated level he had assumed,” Dan Walters recently wrote in an op-ed for CalMatters. “Last year, buried in the ﬁne print, the 2024-25 budget acknowledged the error and estimated it to be $165.1 billion over four years.” Rather than correct the mistake, the governor and Legislature have continued to paper over the

■ See COUPAL, page A7

The Not So Weekly Daley

“Happy Memorial Day to all, including the scum that spent the last four years trying to destroy our country through warped radical left minds.”I watched most of the president’s Memorial Day speech. Fortunately, I did not hear the above greeting, which he had posted on his Truth Social site earlier that day.

More than one published response noted a “Happy Memorial Day” salutation is considered inappropriate at best if not grossly o ensive to the surviving families of fallen service members of all our wars. As happens occasionally, the bad angel on my left shoulder made me consider a number of alternative scenarios of 47’s role or

The El Dorado County Taxpayers Association fully supports the salaries and beneﬁts earned by the men and women of the El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce. Our concern is not with law enforcement pay. Our concern is with how county Charter Section 504 is being quietly expanded to include hundreds of non-sheri employees, without clear public vote, cost controls or performance accountability.

Here are just 22 conﬁrmed 504-attached, nonsheri roles with veriﬁed annual salaries from the

• Senior deputy county counsel (5) $248,218

• Deputy county counsel (5) $230,379

Total annual cost: $6,041,545

These are not public safety roles. They are administrative and legal positions that have been brought into the 504 pay structure without direct public consent. Meanwhile, core departments are being asked to cut sta and delay projects to

reaction relevant to signiﬁcant events. For example, regarding an anniversary commemorating Sept. 11, 2001.

“Happy 9/11 everyone! I really wanted to join the brave FDNY and NYPD heroes rushing in to rescue victims trapped inside the Twin Towers. But the bone spurs were acting up that day, and I could only watch it all on TV. My big, beautiful, custom set — biggest anyone has ever seen. It’s so sad to realize how many folks I could’ve rescued — way more than any of the other rescuers. Everyone says so, and they’re right.”

“And speaking of 9/11, which we are all gathered here to do, very few people know that while watching all those Muslims gleefully capering

about on rooftops that day, I’m pretty sure I recognized Barack Hussein Obama lurking around the fringes. Illegals, no doubt, disgusting.”

Speaking of which, you know: “The hurricane that wiped out most of Puerto Rico, another sh*thole country if there ever was one. The fake news never gave me credit for all the native people I saved. Who knew that a few rolls of paper towels would be such a God-sent miracle through me (signature smirk) to so many ravaged by that catastrophe. Well, yours truly knew. And those natives thank me in their prayers every night.”

“And speaking of that, I got the results from my annual physical. Tip top on everything. Aced the cogimative (sic) test. ‘Person, camera, double cheeseburger, boat/battery/ shark and jumbo KFC bucket’. Doc said it was the highest score anyone ever got.”

“And while I’m on that subject, remember when the fake news said I

advised people to take horse medicine and wash it down with bleach to cure the COVID? Just like that Mueller scumbag and his Russia hoax. COVID was way overrated, just like Biden and that other hag. Kicked both their a$$#@ in those debates. The whole world agrees.”

Speaking of which, remembering reports from a few years ago, I Googled 47’s widely alleged remarks about American dead, severely wounded or captured in combat as “suckers” and “losers.” While there is much controversy and opposing statements from those who did or did not actually witness those or similar comments, it’s a shocking accusation either way.

Speaking of which, NBC recently reported the following: “President Donald Trump on Saturday night reposted a baseless claim on Truth Social that former President Joe

JON COUPAL

CHRIS DALEY

problem by moving money around, increased borrowing and other budget gimmicks. Meanwhile, the spending spree continues. The governor proposes total state spending of $322 billion in 2025-26. That’s the second largest budget in state history (the largest was the 202425 budget) and does nothing to solve the state’s ongoing shortfall, with annual deficits projected to range from $13 billion to $19 billion in future years. So how can the budget be balanced? Well, because they say so. In 2010 voters passed the “On-Time Budget Act.” It said that in exchange for lowering the threshold to pass the budget from two-thirds to

Continued from A6

address ongoing deficits.

The Taxpayers Association is calling for:

• A freeze on new 504 additions

• An independent review of how these classifications were added

• The Board of Supervisors to agendize a public discussion on county Charter Section 504

• An annual performance and fiscal review to be completed annually to ensure any future pay increase is appropriate

This isn’t about punishing workers; it’s about demanding accountability and protecting essential services from runaway costs.

a simple majority, legislators would forfeit their pay if they did not pass a budget on time (by June 15).

In 2014 the Legislature passed a budget that then-State Controller John Chiang argued contained a $1.85 billion deficit and, by violating the constitutional requirement that the budget be balanced, was not a legal budget. He withheld their pay.

The Legislature sued and the Third District Court of Appeal in its Steinberg v. Chiang decision said that only the Legislature can decide what is and isn’t a budget. So long as expenditures in the budget bill don’t exceed their revenue estimates, it’s balanced.

But as we’ve seen, that’s a recipe for disaster.

If you let politicians “estimate” how much money they have to spend, they can spend money like drunken sailors, every year, until they’ve run up a tab that even the Pentagon budget couldn’t cover. That’s when the politicians start complaining that more people need to pay their “fair share.”

There’s nothing fair about it. They have the party and taxpayers get the hangover. It doesn’t make any sense.

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

Watch

the mayhem EDITOR:

Otrail around Union Valley where this bike trail will end. Maybe Loon Lake or Lake Tahoe will be next?

The promised Diamond Springs Parkway will be completed. Do not hold your breath or take bets on the date of completion.

It could be another 25 years before Missouri Flat Road is properly repaved, and not a cheap asphalt coating fix, which seems to be the accepted way to overlay, according to the county Department of Transportation. The key word here is “cheap.”

Association

LEE TANNENBAUM President, EDC Taxpayers

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD

pen season of the Missouri Flat “dragstrip” is here. Watch people speed test their vehicles for acceleration against opponents as fingers fly in salute, maybe even fights and wrecks. Night racing should also be fun along with a destruction derby thrown in for thrills and spills. You can enjoy all the nonstop action high above and safe on the new overcrossing. Enjoy the show for free. Maybe the “Gang of Desperadoes and the Outriders of Dry Gulch” will allow concession stand businesses to open to help cover the budget deficit? On the brighter side, maybe after Latrobe Road is improved for Costco, they’ll work on the bike

Could there be other reasons that phase A was completed first? It was not in the original plans, if I remember correctly. The sky has no limit, no shortage of grant money with a full-time crew of grant writers at the “Black Hole,” aka DOT.

This bleacher is only part of the additional attractions planned for the bike trails of this county or bridges. Word has it, a new bridge in Lotus for crossing the river is planned to connect with a planned bike trail to Folsom. Next, we have another bridge project to obtain grant funds for — the New Mt. Murphy Road bridge for a reported $39 million.

Grants are always good sources of free money with no oversight apparently. According to Congressman McClintock and county Auditor Joe Harn there is a lack of oversight. However, “The Keeper of the Black Hole” said there was oversight when questioned.

Our existing failing roads never receive a grant. Why? Our roads are needed in an emergency, to commute, for tourists to use or just living and enjoying life with our families in a rural, historical county. The “cheap fix” is not the answer.

We should have purchased an asphalt plant to cut costs of trucking, improved the quality of asphalt and put local people to work. You will hear that it is not possible because of environmental issues. Wrong, it can be done very easily. Just wrong priorities get the way.

Building a $12 million bleacher over a failing Missouri Flat Road, decades overdue for an actual overlay, is one of those wrong priorities.

Announcements

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

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

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

CAMERON PARK NEWCOMERS

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

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

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

month. Call (530)391-6414 or see edcdems.org for more information. GOLD RUSH CHORUS now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing four-part harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or

BRIAN DeBERRY El Dorado

securing an economic future.

“People who are doing this work need to bolster this profession or we won’t be able to achieve these goals.”

He and others on site praised the career pathway tour, saying, “Visual and experiential learning with hands-on demonstrations promote a real understanding of the industry. It’s beneficial for kids to see people from different backgrounds or communities doing this work. We need everybody; loggers, engineers, biologists, hydrologists, archeologists, geneticists, software engineers and public information officers. You can go almost anywhere in this field. A person can learn on the job or in the field through an apprenticeship of go to school.”

Forestry Youth Education coordinator Austin Roughton added, “You never know what sticks with the kids. I am impressed by their questions.” He reiterated Satomi’s point that this opportunity “speaks to the power of experiential education.”

Teachers and parents were chaperones for the day, including John Ledo, woodshop teacher at Golden Sierra High School. Ledo was a licensed general contractor before he moved to the area and landed a job with the school. His enthusiasm was palpable as he said, “I’ve trained my whole life for this.”

Ledo teaches students how to use tools such as routers, table saws and “a slew of basic hand tools.” He said the Career Tech Education program is expanding the course to include milling with the purchase of a fully automatic swing blade mill

EGG Continued from A1

that can mill logs into 22-foot by 6-foot beams.

Golden Sierra High student

Ezekiel Groesbeck of Cool said he’d like to explore a possible career in operating heavy machinery after hearing Robert D’Agostini of J & R Logging talk about how much the wages are for that type of work. He learned he could obtain a grant to go to Shasta College. “I really like nature and being outside,” Ezekiel shared. “I enjoy this type of work. It’s rewarding.”

Students watched as a skidder operator moved logs to a loading area and an operator of a heel boom log loader hoisted them onto a truck. Robert D’Agostini of J&R Logging, a family owned and operated business out of Mt. Aukum, said, “It’s hard work and long hours” and shared the current workforce is aging out.

“We need to keep this industry running,” he told the students, adding it is the perfect opportunity for young

The timing of the launch addresses current economic challenges, and Boeger and Hernandez hope Our EGG can help counteract recent and forecasted shortfalls in funding.

“Now more than ever, becoming self-sufficient and economic selfsufficiency from factors beyond our

people whether they want to enter the workforce directly, after college or a vo-tech program. At the end of the demonstration, students were given the opportunity to hop up into the cab of the skidder and sit at the controls.

“I can see myself operating heavy equipment,” said Golden Sierra High School student Abigail Watkins, 17.

Although she is not sure which filed she plans to specialize in, Abigail shared she plans to enroll in Columbia College’s Forestry & Natural Resources program.

Sierra Pacific Community Relations manager Mark Luster spoke to students in the classroom. “We really love what we do,” he admitted. “The true value is that we make a difference in the community.”

Sierra Pacific operates in 19 counties in California and elsewhere, including Washington state, Oregon, Wisconsin and Alabama.

“We train within or

control, I think, is really important for our local stability,” Boeger said.

“We’re seeing at a local level lots of local governments are struggling with deficits right now and economic hardships.”

The founders emphasized their personal connection to the county’s

MEET

Dr. Randy Davey, D.D.S.

Dr. Davey and

our priority, and we look forward to seeing you.

Far left, FFA advisor Holly Chestnut, 33 of Clarksburg, right, plants a redwood tree with her student Cody Sharratt, 17, who uses his heel to tamp down the soil, in a learning experience on the regeneration tour stop, part of the WoodED Pathways Blodgett Forest and Sierra Cascade Logging Conference Forestry visit for local high school students. Left, Sierra Pacific Industries Community Relations Manager Mark Luster gives a presentation on the different types of career paths available in the forest industry to students on the WoodED Pathways tour at the Blodgett

welcome others with a degree,” Luster said. “There are different pathways for you to get there, including the university system and trade schools.”

Luster showed a slide listing 14 schools and programs which support the trade: Humboldt State University in Arcata; University of California, Berkeley; Cal Poly San Luis Obispo; Oregon State University (Corvallis, Ore.); University of Nevada, Reno; Shasta College, Redding; Reedley College; Bakersfield College; Sierra College; Columbia College, College of the Redwoods; Associated California Loggers; Shasta College California Registered Apprenticeship Forest Training; and Sierra Pacific Industries.

In a question and answer session, one student asked which job area had the highest need. Luster replied, “Pretty much everywhere. We need skilled workers

future; both of them are mothers raising children in El Dorado County and have families with ties to the county. Hernandez built her career in public policy, working with state legislatures and as a public policy consultant.

Boeger comes from a farming family and brings expertise in agriculture, land management and local government. Her family started one of the first commercial wineries in El Dorado County, Boeger Winery.

Boeger added, “We have skin in the game ourselves here, and it’s a struggle, but we want to be able to create a world where our kids can have opportunity, housing and live and feel engaged in a future there.”

Our EGG will focus on leveraging the county’s natural assets, such as water and recreation, and leveraging the existing workforce.

“Our watershed is our No. 1 economic driver,” Boeger said. “There’s incredible value to downstream users, the state and even all of the western states that not just the water serves, but the clean air that comes from it.”

The organization has already begun

characterized by a progressive decline in lung function, the disease scars the lung tissue and leads to a worsening shortness of breath. More common in men age 50 and older, it’s thought to be due to environmental and occupational factors, with cigarette smoking increasing the risk.

This resulted in the then 62-yearold to undergo a successful double lung transplant.

“I wasn’t going to let this disease dictate my life,” Abercrombie said.

The procedure knocked him out of action for about six months. He said he’s grateful to the University of California, San Francisco medical system and its doctors for his successful outcome and encourages people to donate their organs for transplant.

“I found out first hand how important it is,” Abercrombie shared. “I’m very thankful and am reminded of it every day.”

Asked about his proudest accomplishment while with EID, Abercrombie credited the employees

Daley Continued from A6

for inside our facilities. We need folks who can do maintenance and operate equipment but we also need folks on the professional side, too — foresters, biologists, hydrologists. There are also opportunities to operate in many different regions if someone wants to relocate.”

Sierra Pacific Early Workforce coordinator Jacqueline Early also spoke to students in the classroom, touting a Bureau of Labor Statistics study that listed wood products as being the most satisfying career.

“You’ve probably heard people over and over talk about how much they love their job. It’s true,” she said. “Those of us in the industry really love what we do. We get to make a difference in our community.

“A lot of companies will invest in you so that you can earn while you learn,” Early added. “There’s not always one way to find a successful career.”

work on specific initiatives like Rooted to Rise, which “envisions a diverse and symbiotic multi-conomy that brings outdoor recreation, agriculture, connected trails systems, experience economy, gathering venues, rural lodging and other sustainable compatible uses that preserve our beloved land and watershed while providing critical revenue to the county and it’s rural working people,” according to the Our EGG website. Economic consultant Dave Spaur, who serves on county committees, noted El Dorado County has an opportunity for economic growth.

“El Dorado County has always been ripe for economic development. It’s just they’ve gone up and down,” Spaur said. “There has never been strong financial support for an organization to lead in El Dorado County.”

Our EGG plans to host community conversations in the coming months to shape its priorities and projects.

“We need to get everyone in the same room,” said Hernandez. “As a community, what do we want? That’s really the key.”

For more information visit ouregg.org.

he oversaw for the past 16 years.

“I have a ton of respect for all the people who work here,” he said. “Their philosophy ... is to not look away from a problem, but like Green Bay Packer great Vince Lombardi stated, you run and tackle it.”

During his tenure Abercrombie stressed he has tried to foster a culture of respect for the individuals, making sure the work environment is safe and that everyone remains productive.

Although he and his family — three kids and six grandchildren — will remain El Dorado County residents and he will be available to the district in a consulting capacity, Abercrombie has another goal in mind. “There are around 63 national parks in this country and I’ve visited 20. That leaves me about 43.”

Abercrombie’s also looking forward to EID’s centennial celebration.

“The district was formed 100 years ago to benefit agriculture and now it benefits everyone,” he said. “I’m sure it’ll go on for another 100 years.”

Abercrombie Continued from A1

Forest Research Station.

Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene

Coors Light Big Trophy Night ignites big summer at Placerville Speedway

Gary Thomas Placerville Speedway

A four division program rumbles into Placerville Speedway for Coors Light Big Trophy Night this Saturday, June 7.

It marks the first Berco Redwood/ Hoosier Tires championship point race in nearly a month and features all four of the track regulars in competition.

It doesn’t get better than grabbing an ice-cold Coors Light at the Cold Zone, hanging with your closest racing friends in the stands and watching the famed Placerville red clay shoot through the air during hot laps.

Main event winners on Saturday go home with the perpetual 6-foot-tall trophies as is tradition on Coors Light Big Trophy Night.

Competition Carburetion Fast Lap Awards will also be handed out with the limited late models and pure stocks. The drivers with the fastest lap in the pure stock and limited late model feature events will receive $100 and be entered into the November grand prize drawing of $500!

The Thompsons Family of Dealerships Winged 360 Sprint Cars return to action for the first time since May 10. Auburn’s Andy Forsberg leads the standings on the strength of two wins in three races and has committed to going for another track title.

Suisun City’s Chance Grasty, Sacramento’s Austin Wood, Modesto’s Tony Gomes and Marysville’s Josh Young complete the top five in the standings. Gomes captured Coors Light Big Trophy Night last season with the Winged Sprints.

The Kings Meats Ltd. Late Models are set to contest their third event of the season on Coors Light Big Trophy Night. Placerville’s own Tyler Lightfoot claimed the win last time out and leads the standings over Matt Micheli, Rod Oliver, round one winner Ray Trimble and Chris McGinnis.

Six-time track champion Nick Baldwin leads the Red Hawk Resort + Casino Pure Stock standings going into Saturday. Rio Linda’s Ryan Peter has been the man so far this season however when it comes to winning main events. Peter has snagged three of the four races held and looks to add another on Coors Light Big Trophy Night.

Diamond Springs’ Kevin Jinkerson, Tyler Lightfoot and Jason Palmer round out the top five in Pure Stock points. Baldwin is the defending Big Trophy Night victor.

The Mountain Democrat Mini

Trucks have had just two events so far and are geared up to hold race No. 3 on Saturday. Rookie driver Noah Lapoint has shown speed and holds down P1 in the standings narrowly over defending Coors Light Big Trophy winner Austin Struthers.

Tickets & details

Grandstand seating during Coors Light Big Trophy Night will be General Admission on Saturday, June 7, except for the reserved seats allocated to season ticket holders that are marked.

Adult tickets cost $18, while seniors 62 and older, military and juniors 12-17 will be $16. Kids 6-11 cost $8 and those 5 and younger get in free. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online via eventsprout.com/event/psr060725.

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.

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, June 21: Fan

Appreciation Night presented by Thompsons Family of Dealerships featuring winged 360 sprint cars, pure stocks, limited late models and BCRA lightning sprints

Saturday, June 28: Half Price

Burger Night presented by Kings

Meats featuring winged 360 sprint cars, pure stocks, mini trucks and Hunt Magnetos Wingless Tour

Tahoe Games Mountain Sports Festival launches this fall

Tahoe Daily Tribune

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — A new celebration of outdoor adventure is coming to South Lake Tahoe this fall. The Tahoe Games Mountain Sports Festival, presented by Visit Lake Tahoe and On Course Events, will debut Sept. 27-28, transforming the Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre at Caesars Republic into a high-energy hub of mountain culture, community and action-packed entertainment.

This free, all-ages festival celebrates the best of Tahoe’s mountain lifestyle with live music, a vendor village, outdoor activities and the weekend’s centerpiece event: a mountain bike big air competition.

COMICS

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

“We’re creating something that’s highenergy, community-driven and uniquely Tahoe,” said Rob Giustina. “This festival is over 20 years in the making; it’s going to be an unforgettable weekend.”

Local nonprofit The Smaine Fund is among the event partners, helping spotlight mentorship and safety in mountain sports. Current sponsors include Visit Lake Tahoe, Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness, STIO and more to be announced.

Vendor applications are open now for outdoor brands, adventure gear and lifestyle partners. For vendor info, partnership opportunities or to get involved visit OnCourseEvents.com or connect with @tahoegames on Instagram.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Release old identities. Practice

introducing yourself — even to yourself — as someone who creates relationships of reciprocity and makes money from service, not sacrifice. More friends don’t require less you. More income doesn’t require more force. Both require more truth.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Learning people is a way of respecting them and maybe even loving them. As you stay aware of how a person behaves, pay attention to what they don’t do as well. The latter focus will give you the most information.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Here comes the improvement you wished for, powered by your ideas and helped along by the experts of your choice. You’re right to believe your trajectory, your taste, your vision, so keep going. You have the goods.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). People may not always be able to name what it is about you that moves them, but they feel it. Your presence carries energy — a mix of warmth and intensity — and your creative sensibility shows up in everything you do. You are the art.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Sometimes you feel lonely for a certain kind of attention — the kind you so freely give to others. Is it impossible to receive that in return? Not at all. Your match exists because you do. Love is on the way, so open to what’s already moving toward you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). This is a slow-burning emergence. You’re standing in the middle of the truth, and it’s brilliantly clear and hard at the same time. You are special. You

Recent El Dorado High School graduate Cruz Lopez had always found motivation and had been passionate about swimming since the age of 6. He started his love for the sport at the Dry Diggins Swim Team and continued his journey by joining the Aquasol swim team at the age of 13. Ranked 54th in California, Cruz set many school records and continues to go beyond his personal best with his best times being his 100-yard breaststroke: 55.67; 100-yard butterﬂy: 53.14; and 200-yard breaststroke: 2.02.63.

After years of strenuous work and dedication, Cruz was awarded a Division 1 scholarship to swim at University of the Paciﬁc in Stockton. Staying close to home, Cruz plans to study marketing and carry on his swim career and be the best version of himself in and out of the pool.

EDHS grad Annabelle Gould started her water polo career in high school and was captain her junior and senior year. Swimming throughout her childhood for teams such as West Florida Lightening Aquatics in 2014, then for the West Sacramento Dolphins, 2015-18, provided her the skills to be an advanced water polo player. Only having four years of

Crime log Continued from A2

12:22 p.m. Vandalism was reported at an RV campground on Wentworth Springs in Georgetown.

3:47 p.m. Burglary was reported on Grizzly Flat Road in Grizzly Flat.

4:09 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Runnymeade Drive in Placerville.

10:55 p.m. Battery was reported at the county jail on Forni Road in Placerville. An arrest was made.

May 16

10:42 a.m. Trespassing was reported at a restaurant on Town Center Boulevard

2:08

experience playing water polo, Annabelle received a scholarship to play Division 2 water polo for Azusa Paciﬁc University in Southern California. During her freshman year, she earned the Most Coachable Award, in her sophomore year she received Best Defensive Player, in junior year she was named Best Defensive Player in addition to all league MVP and she repeated these feats her senior year.

Annabelle helped her team improve overall, having an 8-0 record in league her senior year. These accolades and experience have been a testament to Annabelle’s past and soon-to-be future success.

6:17 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a vineyard on Perry Creek Road in Somerset.

10 p.m. Burglary was reported at a store on Sunset Lane in Shingle Springs. An arrest was made.

10:06 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Powers Drive in El Dorado Hills.

May 17

12:26 a.m. Trespassing was reported at an apartment complex on Village Center Drive in El Dorado Hills.

8:41 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Wyknott Road in El Dorado.

10:34 a.m. Burglary was reported on Cambridge Road in Cameron Park.

12:29 p.m. Battery was reported at a restaurant on Golden Center Drive in Placerville.

12:34 p.m. Battery was reported on Park Woods Drive in Pollock Pines.

12:43 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Petri Lane in Placerville.

7:15 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a person suspected of violating probation on Somerset Loop in Somerset. They were listed in custody.

8:03 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a person suspected of possessing a rearm as a prohibited person and violating probation on Perks Court in Diamond Springs. They were listed in custody.

Courtesy photo

Prior to their graduation last month, El Dorado High School seniors Cruz Lopez, left, and Annabelle Gould made commitments to play sports in college.

Kasandra Gould Special to the Mountain Democrat

Stellar students Congratulations to Sherri Kneebone of Cameron Park, who was recently named to the Missouri State University’s Dean’s List. Congratulations to Monica Joy, of Shingle Springs, who was recently inducted into the University of California Davis Medical SChool’s Gold Humanism Honor Society.

June 6

The Hwy 50 Association’s 76th annual Wagon Train will stop in Pollock Pines for the Pollock Pines Community Center Celebration from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information visit pollockpinesca.org.

The Rescue Community Center will host Friday Night Out, a fun evening of food, music and drinks at the Rescue Community Center from 5-9 p.m. For tickets and more information visit rescuecommunitycenter.com.

Ed Wilson will play at the Smith Flat House from 6-9p.m.

The Olde Coloma Theatre presents “Liars, Lawyers & Laughingstocks” ... or ... “Putting Coloma Back on the Map” at 7 p.m. and running through July 6. For tickets and more information, go to oldecolomatheatre.com.

The Cameron Park Community Services District will host Cannonball Cinemas featuring “The

A summer of comedy Main Street Theatre Works

News release

ACKSON — Main Street Theatre

JWorks in Jackson will open its 21st summer season at the Kennedy Mine Amphitheatre with a comedy about art, relationships and death opening in June. The company follows up with a delightful, feel-good romantic comedy in August.

The company’s mission is to bring professional and community theater artists together to produce classical and contemporary plays and strive for a balance that stimulates both artists and audiences to contribute to the community’s cultural, educational and economic growth.

June 20-July 19

“Artifice” by Anne Flanagan.

Maggie La Rue and her art gallery manager Richard are rushing to put the finishing touches on their private showing, and hopefully sale, of paintings by Maggie’s late husband Payne. His work largely ignored in life seems to have accrued considerable value with his passing, hopefully enough to pay off the sizable debts the artist left behind. So, in a near-blinding snowstorm, Maggie and Richard prepare to host high-profile guests, with connections and lots of money. But the evening isn’t going quite as planned, as guests are snowed in including a wealthy real estate developer, the editor of the Daily News, a humorless art critic, a handsome but clueless soap opera star, a bartender who knows little about serving at a classy event plus an unexpected guest whose timing couldn’t be worse. There’s plenty of intrigue, and plenty of laughs, leaving the audience to decide, “what’s art and what’s artifice.”

The cast for “Artifice” includes the talents

Courtesy photos

MSTW has staged such diverse productions as Steve Martin’s adaptation of the satirical “The Underpants,” above, Lawrence Roman’s delightfully witty “Alone Together,” below left, and Jeff Daniels’ uproarious comedy

“Escanaba in da Moonlight,” below right, at the Kennedy Mine Amphitheatre over the past 21 years.

Midtown Sacramento offers weekend activations and more

Traci Rockefeller Cusack News release

SACRAMENTO — The Midtown Association is proud to celebrate Pride weekend during Midtown Second Saturday and The Sunday Following on June 14-15. Sutter Health’s Midtown Second Saturday district-wide programming is presented by the Midtown Association, Five Star Bank, SKK Developments, Visit Sacramento and the city of Sacramento. The community is encouraged to ‘make it a weekend’ with plenty of The Sunday Following activations extending on Sundays as well.

Expected to draw more than 12,000 visitors to Midtown each month, Midtown Second Saturday programming starts early in the day at the Midtown Farmers Market and continues well into the evening hours and beyond. Highlighted by a key community event and a curated Art Walk, the monthly activations are designed to celebrate Midtown’s thriving arts and culture scene along with the individuals who bring it to life. Attendees can enjoy an all-day/ evening celebration of local artists and artistry, entertaining music, dance and theater performances, culinary arts and food and drink specials at popular Midtown bars and restaurants.

Midtown Second Saturday Programming for Saturday, June 14

• Market mornings — the crowdfavorite Midtown Farmers Market is open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. with art experiences at 20th & K streets highlighted by special giveaways of Pride enamel pins (while supplies last), free STEM children’s activities presented by SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC) and live chalk art by Omero Rangel and Amanda Maurer.

• Afternoon artistry and engaging evenings — The afternoon and early evening is filled with vibrant activations highlighted by a curated Midtown Second Saturday Art Walk that is available with stops at galleries, studios, restaurants, bars and multifamily properties and includes pop-up art experiences. With a celebratory “Pride in Art” theme, highlights of the curated art walk include:

• The Press at Midtown Quarter

Apartments located at 1714 21st St. will have “Art by Yhoshua” on display from 2-5 p.m. Yhoshua Gutierrez is a Mexican American artist with indigenous roots whose work spans a range of styles and media. Entertaining music by DJ Sanz and snacks/refreshments will also be provided.

• Lavender Library at 1414 21st St. will offer a unique collection of queer literature, films, historical documents and zines at Sacramento’s volunteerrun library from 3-6 p.m. along with a Second Saturday poster-making activity where visitors are invited to make a poster in support of LGBTQ+ rights.

• Midtown Art Retail Restaurant Scene located at 1050 20th St. (on the second floor) will present handcollage pieces that explore the known and unknown parts of the human mind by Sacramento-based artist Donco Tolomanoski from 2-8 p.m.

• Midtown Second Saturday Block Party by LowBrau will take place at 20th and K from 4-8 p.m. where attendees can enjoy family-friendly live entertainment and artistry, along with food and drinks. KZZO 100.5 FM will be on-site to add to the lively and fun atmosphere.

• Sacramento LGBT Community Center at 1015 20th St. will display artwork from June’s featured artist and Black and Filipina activist Shawntay Gorman from 4-8 p.m. Inspired by bright colors and the stark juxtaposition of light and dark in the avant-garde pop art movement, Gorman’s work connects art to music and culture, while infusing messages that highlight social justice issues that directly impact Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities.

• Grounded Real Estate at 915 20th St. will present art and a live painting by artist Caroline Dale from 5-8 p.m.

• Streets Pub and Grub at 1804 J St. will offer the musical stylings of The Backburners, led by queer woman of color, Devoney Dean, from 5-7 p.m. with art on display by a local artist Teddy Moy from 4-7 p.m. and MIX96 FM will be on-site from 4-6 p.m.

• I Heart Mac & Cheese at 1631 K St. will display obscure and abstract art by queer artist “Discovering Mars” Mars Perkins from 5-8 p.m. accompanied by live music performed by Viv & the Vibes.

• Anchor & Tree will feature art by Penny Booze throughout the month of June for Pride Month and will be

open until 4 p.m.

• Better Days Tattoos at 3100 O St., will present artwork by six local artists from 2-5 p.m. along with an art market filled with over 14 vendors highlighting LGBTQIA+ art and artists. Also, attendees can enjoy live poetry, a book release, tattoos, toothgems and permanent jewelry. Plus, DJ Juno Nives will also be spinning tunes from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at Better Days Tattoos. More detailed Art Walk information is available at exploremidtown.org/ artwalk.

Mike’s Camera, Photography Contest

• Images from Mike’s Camera’s recent “Life in Midtown” photography contest will be on display for an engaging gallery evening from 5-6:30 p.m. with photography from four local photographers, opportunities to mingle with the photographers and light refreshments.

More busking/art

• Live music performed by Rumba Flamenco Jazz Guitarist David Perry Molina will be available at Hyatt House from 6-8 p.m.

• DJ Rklz Abandon will be playing with Donco at MARRS from 4-7 p.m.

• Second Saturday attendees are invited to enjoy live music “busking” at three participating businesses in the Handle District from 6-8 p.m.

• Live chalk art at Der Biergarten by Omero Rangel from noon to 6 p.m.

Energized After Parties

• Five pre-approved e-permit holders will host Midtown Second Saturday After Parties with enhanced art experiences such as live performances, comedy and dance. Official After Party locations include Der Biergarten, Faces Nightclub, LowBrau, Mango’s and The Golden Bear. Live music at LowBrau will kick off at 9 p.m.

Activations at your own pace

• In addition, there are plenty of ways Midtown Sacramento guests and residents can stroll on their own schedule and at their own pace to experience what the district has to offer on Midtown Second Saturday.

• Galleries, studios and theater

EDC native singer releases new song

News release

Singer-songwriter Suzanne Todd, known by her artist name Chief Suz, officially released her new single, “California Gold,” May 28. Written, produced and performed by Chief Suz, the track showcases a fresh take on country and Americana music, blending roots influences with uptempo country. The song was recorded at Beaird Music Group in Nashville.

“California Gold” captures the spirit of dreamers chasing a better life — just like the fortune seekers of the Gold Rush. But in today’s world, what does “gold” really mean? This song is a reflection on how times have changed and a call to reevaluate what truly matters in the pursuit of happiness. The song was inspired by growing up in El Dorado County, and living and working as a firefighter in the state for decades.

“It’s one of the most beautiful and diverse places on planet Earth,” said Chief Suz, “and one of the most challenging.” Chief Suz fronted The Random Strangers band in Northern California for several years and is

now finding her footing as a songwriter and avid collaborator.

“California Gold” is available on all major music streaming services. To learn more about Chief Suz visit chiefsuzmusic.com.

activations may include special performances and receptions, “meet the artist” opportunities and behindthe-scenes studio tours.

• Midtown mural self-guided walk map is available at exploremidtown. org/map/second-saturday-map.

•Food and drink specials and culinary art in action at Midtown bars and restaurants.

The Sunday Following – June 15

For those interested in extending the fun to the whole weekend, brunch specials and live music are available at participating Midtown Sutter Restaurants including entertaining music by JAS Music at Cafe Bernardo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Plus, discounted stays are being offered by Midtown’s boutique hotels — Fort Sutter Hotel and Hyatt House — as part of a new The Sunday Following effort that coincides with enhanced programming at participating Midtown Sutter restaurants every Sunday following Second Saturday. Visitors staying into the evening are invited to try the new dinner menu at The Lock & Key Tapas + Bar featuring octopus and Diablo wings tossed in garlic brava sauce with a creamy cilantro drizzle.

Sutter Health’s Midtown Second Saturday is presented by the Midtown Association, Five Star Bank, SKK Developments, Visit Sacramento and the city of Sacramento with support from 16 Powerhouse, 19J Apartments, The Press at Midtown Quarter Apartments, 17Central Apartments and Long Drink.

In addition to offering numerous public transportation options, Midtown Sacramento is walkable and bike/scooter/car-share friendly with plenty of parking available in nearby garages plus various lots throughout Midtown. For more information about Midtown Sacramento in general, special events and activities, and the Midtown Association visit exploremidtown.org or follow on social media.

The mission of the Midtown Association is to create a center for culture, creativity and vibrancy in Sacramento’s urban core. For more information call (916) 442-1500 or visit exploremidtown.org. For more information about Sutter Health’s Midtown Second Saturday visit midtownsecondsaturday.com.

Come for the magic, stay for the ice cream

News release

SACRAMENTO — Shakespeare’s popular fairy-themed comedic play comes to life at Fairytale Town, along with all-you-can-eat Crystal Creamery ice cream, at “A Midsummer Night’s Dream & Crystal Ice Cream Fantasy” on Saturday, June 21 from 5-9 p.m.

Set against the backdrop of Fairytale Town’s playful storybook park, this annual event features live entertainment, fanciful arts and crafts activities, Pixie Tribe face painting, fun with the Pirates of Sacramento, an enchanted marketplace and all the Crystal Creamery ice cream you can eat. Renaissance or fairy-themed costumes for the whole family are encouraged.

Discounted advance tickets are available through Friday, June 20 at 11:59 p.m., with day-of tickets available at the door. Children aged 1 and under are free. For more information visit fairytaletown.org.

InConcert Sierra’s season finale offers classical music at its very peak

GRASS VALLEY — InConcert Sierra wraps up its spectacular 2024-25 season with a return visit from one of the most celebrated chamber

music ensembles in the world — the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. The concert will feature four musical superstars, Wu Han, piano; Chad Hoopes, violin; Matt Lipman, viola; and Nicholas Canellakis, cello, on

Friday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m.

The dazzling program of masterworks spans centuries and styles — from Beethoven’s bold and spirited “Piano Trio” to Jean Françaix’s witty and colorful “String Trio,” culminating in the lush, emotional sweep of Dvořák’s “Piano Quartet.” Together, these works showcase the full power and poetry of the chamber music

repertoire. Beethoven’s “Piano Trio in E-flat Major, Op. 1, No. 1” is more than just a lively opener — it’s a landmark. This piece helped redefine what a piano trio could be and paved the way for Romanticera composers like Schubert, Mendelssohn, Brahms and Dvořák. Jean Françaix’s “Trio for Violin, Viola, and Cello” is an energetic

and witty piece from the 20th-century French composer known for his sparkling textures and playful charm. The program concludes with Dvořák’s “Quartet in E-flat Major for Piano, Violin, Viola, and Cello,” a work that weaves Czech folkinspired melodies with the rich lyricism and vitality of Romanticism, ending the program on a joyous, radiant note.

Han is not only a virtuosic pianist, but also the dynamic co-artistic director of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, a prominent presence in the classical world and a passionate advocate for chamber music. Her vibrant playing and magnetic presence have captivated audiences worldwide.

The audience can expect the same from this ensemble. This performance is part of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Residency Series, a bold new collaboration.

“We’re incredibly proud to be one of only 12 CMS residencies in the entire country — and the only one in California,” said Artistic Director Ken Hardin.

“To build a sustainable future for InConcert Sierra, we are fortunate to be partnering with world-class, nationally acclaimed classical music organizations such as CMS, while continuing to celebrate the remarkable talent in our own local community.” For more information visit

Courtesy photo

“California Gold,” inspired by Chief Suz’s youth in El Dorado County is available now on major streaming platforms.

These ‘Little Women’ will warm audience hearts

Allen Schmeltz Sutter Street Theatre

FOLSOM — Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “Little Women the Musical” by Allan Knee, Jason Howland and Mindi Dickstein based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott originally published in two volumes, in 1868 and 1869. The show opens on June 13 at 7 :30 p.m.

Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life, “Little Women” follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested — her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America.

The show is recommended for the whole family. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. through July 13. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

Tribute to Rod Stewart set to captivate

SUTTER CREEK — Get ready for an electrifying journey through the timeless hits of one of rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest legends with “Never a Dull Moment — A Tribute to Rod Stewart” at Sutter Creek Theatre on July 11.

This tribute band is set to take audiences on a musical adventure not easily forgotten. With every strut and every note, Rod The Mod embodies the spirit and energy of the rock icon, Rod Stewart himself. From his raspy vocals to his signature moves, you’ll be convinced you’re witnessing the real thing right before your eyes.

“Never a Dull Moment” is not just a tribute show; it’s an immersive experience that transports you back to the heyday of rock ‘n’ roll. Feel the excitement as the band launches into Stewart’s greatest hits, from the early classics that defined an era like “Maggie May” and “You Wear It Well,” to the sing-along anthems that still rock stadiums today, such as “Forever Young” and “Hot Legs.”

The award winning Sutter Creek Theatre is an intimate 215 seat former silent film theater with superb sound.

The show will take place on July 11 at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information visit suttercreektheater.com.

Photo by Allen Schmeltz

Jo (Rachel Dwyer), center, shares some of her writing with, left to right, Marmee (Rikki Pratt), Amy (Summer Smith), Beth (Audrey Arnold) and Meg (Emily Meyers) in Sutter Street Theatre’s production of “Little Women the Musical” opening June 13.

Courtesy photo

Never a Dull Moment will play at Sutter Creek Theatre on July 11.

Sandlot” at the Cameron Park CSD Pool from 7-10 p.m. For more information visit cameronpark.org.

Lynsey’s Prime Country will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 8-10 p.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino. com.

Showroom entertainment at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe presents Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit tinyurl. com/9c3db54t.

Big Idea Theatre in Sacramento presents “The Grown Ups” at 7 p.m. and running through June 28. For tickets and more

information visit bigideatheatre. org.

June 7

The DeCelle Memorial Lake Tahoe Relay tests athletes as teams of seven people each run approximately 8-12 miles counterclockwise around Lake Tahoe, starting/finishing from

Lakeview Commons, two miles from the state line. There are options for running solo or as a pair in a 72-mile ultra marathon. The event begins at 7 a.m. For more information visit laketahoerelay.com.

The Shingle Springs/Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce will host Thunder in the Park Car

& Motorcycle Show from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cameron Park Lake. For more information call (530) 677-8000 or visit sscpchamber. org.

The Shingle Springs Community Center will host a Community Breakfast from 8-11 a.m. at the Shingle Springs Community Center. For more information visit shinglespringscommunitycenter. org.

Sew4Vets is participating in a Neighborhood Yard Sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 3166 Collingswood Drive, El Dorado Hills. Gorgeous quilts at discounted prices and other handmade items will be available available.

The Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 512, will host its Famous Pancake Breakfast from 8-11 a.m. at the Placerville Airport, 3501 Airport Road. Come 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 will host a free public tour of the Sherwood Demonstration Garden at 9 a.m. After the tour guests can wander around the 16 individual gardens at their own pace and ask docents for help or more information. May be closed for inclement weather, high temperatures, or poor air quality – check before visiting: tinyurl. com/4ern2jmk.

UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County will host the Integrated Pest Management class with Pat Trimble from 9 a.m. to noon at the Cameron PArk Community Center. Pre register at tinyurl.com/mt5hj4bx.

Join the Assistance League of the Sierra Foothills for the Gardens of the Hills garden tour and fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 7 & 8. For tickets and more information visit assistanceleague.org/sierrafoothills.

Country Western Line & Swing Dance with Jake Eno sponsored by Merchants on Main will take place, noon to 3 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Aug. 8-Sept. 6

The Hwy 50 Association’s 76th annual Wagon Train will stop in Placerville around 3 p.m. at the Bell Tower. For more information visit hwy50wagontrain.com.

The Placerville Speedway at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds presents Points Race 7: 360, Pure Stocks, Ltd. Late Models, Mini Trucks | Big Trophy Night at 5 p.m. For more information visit placervillespeedway.com.

Join Images of Hope El Dorado for its annual Picnic in the Orchard at 4 p.m. at the scenic Rainbow Orchards. Enjoy an idyllic Spring evening with great food, local wines, live music with The Audities+, live and silent auctions, door prizes and a sneak peek at the 2025 Banners on Parade. For tickets and more information visit imagesofhopeeldorado.com.

Geoffrey Miller Band Wagon Train Celebration will perform at 3:30 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom. com.

Join the El Dorado County Republican Party at 6 p.m. for the Summer Under the Stars Party at Mohanna Family Ranch. For more information call (530) 417-0807.

Showroom entertainment at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe presents Donnell Rawlings at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit tinyurl.com/9c3db54t. Architera + DJ Zephyr will perform, 8-10 p.m. at The

the Auburn Oddfellows Hall at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information visit LateNiteProductions.com.

“The Affections of May” by Norm Foster. May and her husband, Brian, have decided to move to the country for a quieter, less stressful life, by purchasing a Bed and Breakfast in a small resort town. The trouble is, Brian doesn’t like the country life and is eager to return to another woman back in the city. May is left alone in a small town, where everyone knows everyone’s affairs, to continue running the business. Word is quickly out about a new “single” woman in town and suitors soon appear at her door. There’s Quinn, a down on his luck handyman, looking to work for room and board after his trailer burnt down. Then there’s Hank, a lonely loan officer, and a bit of a loser when it comes to love. His only passions are collecting coffee mugs and playing Scrabble, but that all changes when he meets May. As the two men get to know May, long buried secrets about the two of them are revealed and lives are changed, including May’s. There are plenty of laughs and mystery in this heart-warming story.

Marking its 30th anniversary of live theater in Amador County, MSTW began its journey in 1995 at the Sutter Creek Theatre, its venue for seven years. Following a change in ownership which led to its displacement, the company adapted by staging dinner theater across various local spots while searching for a permanent location. A pivotal partnership with the Kennedy Mine Foundation in 2004 resulted in the construction of the Kennedy Mine Amphitheatre on North Main Street in Jackson. Driven by extensive volunteer efforts throughout the spring, the amphitheatre’s completion came in time for the debut performance of “Much Ado About Nothing.” In its 21st season at the amphitheatre and its 30th year overall, the company continues to thrive.

Performances are Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m. The venue opens at 6:30 p.m. and patrons are encouraged to come early with a picnic dinner, a beverage of choice, chairs, blankets and a jacket. The Kennedy Mine Amphitheatre is located at 1127 N. Main St. in Jackson. Only certified service dogs are allowed inside the venue. Tickets are available online and at the door prior to show times. For tickets and more information about Main Street Theatre Works visit mstw.org. Comedy Continued from B1

of Julie Anchor, Scott Adams, Dennis Curry, Jody Klemens, Stephanie Dyan, Josie Morales, Margarita Perez and Mark Androvich.

Enjoy some wine and learn art

News release

Enjoy a fun and relaxing afternoon at Oakstone Winery while learning the beautiful art of watercolor painting on June 8.

The in-person 2-hour course is perfect for beginners who want to learn the basics of watercolor painting, but can certainly be beneficial to those with some art background.

As a science illustrator, Becky Duncan, will go over the basics of outlining and sketching the form of the subject, recognizing light and shadow areas, using color theory and how to perform basic watercolor techniques and washes.

Class includes your choice of a glass of red, white or sparkling wine.

The event will take place at Oakstone Winery from 1-3 p.m. For more information visit oakstonewinery.com.

Continued from B4

PATRIOT PROFILE

William Price

Service: He was a Private in the Continental Army. He served in NC under Captains Child and Bacot Residence: North Carolina

Born: c 1760 in North Carolina

Died: April 21, 1833 in Carter County TN

William Price served through almost all of the Revolutionary War, ghting in many battles in the Southern Campaign including the Battle of Brandywine and the Battle of Germantown.

William received a land bounty and raised a large family, including William Price Jr., who, along with his sons, valiantly opposed the dissolution of the Union and the Civil War.

June 8

Join the El Dorado Hills CSD for the Certified Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Community Park. Enjoy a vibrant selection of locally raised meats, farm-fresh produce, fresh-baked goods and handcrafted items from talented local artisans. UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County will be available to answer your gardening questions from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Smith Flat House will host live music with Back Porch Swing at 5 p.m. For more information visit smithflathouse.com.

June 10

Live music, sponsored by Encanto Cocina & Tequila Bar comes to the Theater Plaza at the El Dorado Hills Town Center from 7-9 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.

Smith Flat House will host live music with Bryan Lemley at 6 p.m. For more information visit smithflathouse.com.

June 11

Association presents the Father’s Day Bluegrass festival at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing daily through June 15. For tickets and more information visit fathersdayfestival.com.

June 13

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce will host the HWY 50 Corridor Power Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Buckhorn BBQ & Grill. For more information visit eldoradohillschamber.org.

The Bumgarner Camino Tasting Room will host a Friday Night Pizza Night with live music from the Jessica Malone Duo from 5:30-8 p.m. For tickets or more information visit bumgarnerwinery.com.

Audioboxx will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 8-10 p.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.

Revolver + Here Come the Bastards will perform 8-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

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

The Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series presents Rod Stewart from 8-10 p.m. For more information visit tinyurl.com/ yfvbt3xz.

Clive Carroll will perform at the Side Door in Sacramento at 7 p.m. For more information visit thesidedoor.net.

Now

Watercolor Artists of Sacramento Horizons welcomes all watermedia artists over age 18 to enter its annual open exhibition “Go With the Flow 2025.” Submissions accepted through June 21 at 5 p.m. For more information visit sacramentowatercolor.org.

Proud Descendant: Kimm Richwine

e National Society of e Daughters of the American Revolution is committed to historic preservation, education and patriotism

Your local Daughters of e American Revolution Chapter is excited to be a part of the America250!

Join the El Dorado Community Foundation for its Amplify Good; Brown Bag Lunch and Learn event from noon to 1 p.m. at Cowork Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe. For more information visit eldoradocf.org.

Smith Flat House will host Trivia Night at 7:15 p.m. Fun for the whole family. For more information visit smithflathouse. com.

America250’s mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to re ect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation.

You are invited to learn more about your local El Dorado DAR Chapter please contact regent@eldorado.californiadar.org

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

June 12

The El Dorado County Fair is Moovin’ n’ Groovin’ June 12-15 on the fairgrounds in Placerville. Enjoy carnival rides and games, great food, live music, animals and much more. For a complete list of events visit eldoradocountyfair.org.

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce will host a Free Educational AARP Workshop at The Pavilion From 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information visit eldoradohillschamber.org.

Join the El Dorado Community Foundation for Philanthropy on Tap, an evening of nonprofit networking and collaboration from 5-7 p.m. at Jack Russell Brewery in Camino. For more information visit eldoradocf.org.

Smith Flat House will host live music with Hugh Hoeger and Friends at 6 p.m. For more information visit smithflathouse. com.

West Coast Turnaround will perform, 7-9 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom. com.

Britain’s Finest — the complete Beatles experience will perform at 8 p.m. at Sutter Creek Theatre in Sutter Creek. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheatre.com.

June 14

The El Dorado County Certified Farmer’s Market will take place at the Regal Cinema parking lot in Placerville from 8 a.m. to noon. Enjoy a vibrant selection of locally raised meats, farm-fresh produce, fresh-baked goods and handcrafted items from talented local artisans.

UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County will be available to answer gardening questions or just chat about gardening at from 8 a.m. to noon.

Mellowood Vineyard in Somerset will host Shauna Lea and Hired Guns Band from 2-6 p.m. Visit mellowoodvineyard.com for more information.

The Heavenly Village Brewfest returns from 1-4 p.m. with beer, kombucha and soda tastings paired with live music. A portion of the proceeds supports Christmas Cheer, a local nonprofit that offers an emergency food pantry for individuals in need. For more information visit tinyurl.com/3chr2pmm.

The Stage at Burke Junction presents “For the Love of Dog” at 1 p.m. and through July 6. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.

Celebrate Father’s Day with a free VIP tasting experience in the Atrium Gallery and explore Pinstripes and Pistons Father’s Day Art Exhibit, a stunning collection of art that celebrates the spirit of Father’s Day at the El Dorado Hills Town Center from 4-8 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.

Smith Flat House will host Line Dancing Lessons at 6 p.m. All skill levels are welcome. For more information visit smithflathouse. com.

Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “The Reluctant Dragon” through June 8. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

Capital Stage in Sacramento presents “Unseen” through June 8. For tickets and more information call (916) 995-5464 or visit capstage.org.

Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento presents Marvin Lipofsky Blows Glass through Aug. 17; Black & Gold – Traditional and Contemporary Japanese and Chinese Ceramics through Dec. 31, 2025; and Pueblo Pottery – Native American Pottery and Sculpture through Dec. 31, 2030. For more information visit crockerart.org.

Registration is now open for the 42nd Bob West Drive for Marshall. The event is Friday, June 20, at Cold Springs Golf & Country Club. For more information or to register visit marshallfound.org/golfregistration/?blm_aid=30898. Booth reservations are now available for the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce’s Business Showcase and I LOVE Film Mixer on June 27. For more information or to register your business visit eldoradocounty. org.

El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for its Leadership El Dorado Class of 2025-26 For more information visit eldoradocounty.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.

Island of Black and White will perform at the Live on the Boulevard Summer Concert Series at the El Dorado Hills Town Center from 7-9 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter. com.

The California Bluegrass

El Dorado Musical Theatre presents “High Voltage - Best of Broadway” at 7 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

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 Beginners Line Dancing from 6:30-9 p.m. To learn more visit pollockpinesca.org.

Courtesy photo

Artist Becky Duncan will teach the Intro to Watercolors, Learn to Paint Irises class focusing on the fundementals of the medium on June 8 at Oakstone Winery.

Genre-bending guitarist promises a

Cletis Carr News release

SACRAMENTO

— Celebrated English guitar

virtuoso Clive Carroll will perform at The Side Door in Sacramento on June 19. Carroll’s unique tone, versatility and unmistakable voice as a composer, have seen him become one of the world’s premier acoustic guitar players.

Carroll made his musical debut at age 2 as a banjo-strumming cowboy singing nursery rhymes. His parents had a passion for Irish, American country and old-time music, and it wasn’t long before he was playing in the family band on a homemade banjo. By his early teens, guitar in hand, Carroll was traversing the worlds of soul, pop, funk and traditional Irish music, balancing his affinity for Slayer with the

etudes of Tárrega. This breadth of musical curiosity was to become one of his strengths; even as a child Carroll was as comfortable accompanying a group of folk singers as he was jamming along to Nirvana or performing on banjo and guitar in the orchestral pits for musicals.

Carroll went on to earn a first class honors degree in composition and guitar from the famed Trinity College of Music in London, all the while balancing his classical work with forays into the world of the steel-string guitar. By the time he graduated, Carroll had not only penned orchestral works, he had written an album’s worth of solo acoustic guitar music. A chance meeting with English guitar legend John Renbourn proved the catalyst for Carroll’s debut album, “Sixth Sense,” which Renbourn

deemed, “a milestone in the journey of the steel-string guitar.” He subsequently took Carroll on the road with him and the pair toured North America and Europe together, launching Carroll’s solo performing career. Tours across Europe, North America, Australia, the Middle East and China, have seen Carroll garner praise for his breathtaking, genre-bending live performances. Lauded guitarist Tommy Emmanuel has brought Carroll on tour across three continents, and he also appears on Emmanuel’s album “Accomplice One,” flanked on the track listing by the likes of Rodney Crowell and Mark Knopfler. Carroll has also toured and collaborated with guitar greats such as John Williams, D’Gary, Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Xuefei Yang and Ralph

Towner.

In addition to Carroll’s four solo albums he has written music for television and film. He notably collaborated with John Renbourn to score the film “Driving Lessons,” which features Julie Walters and

Rupert Grint. 2023 saw the release of a monumental project, “The Abbot - Clive Carroll plays the music of John Renbourn,” a doublealbum of solo works alongside ensemble interpretations,