Kiley bill curbs gas car ban
■ Congressman also addresses privacy issues, high-speed rail in media call
Chris Woodard
Sta writer
California’s 3rd
District Representative
Kevin Kiley spoke to members of the media via Zoom on May 6 to discuss reversing the gas car ban, a recent investigation into Covered California and more.
Rep. Kiley’s district includes Pollock Pines, South Lake Tahoe and Folsom, and extends to the Nevada border and down to Death Valley.
The House of Representatives passed a resolution introduced by Kiley on May 1 that repeals Gov. Gavin Newsom’s California Advanced Clean Cars Waiver, which aims to ban the sale of gaspowered vehicles in the state by 2035. “I’ve always believed that this was completely
Lake Tahoe boating season kicks off with stronger protections
Jeff Cowen Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
LAKE TAHOE — Lake Tahoe watercraft inspection stations, boat launches, and marinas are opening for the 2025 boating season and aquatic invasive species management agencies are encouraging boaters and paddlers to stay up to date with strengthened procedures to protect the lake from the spread of aquatic invasive species. Changes this year include mandatory decontaminations and additional processing
time for motorized boats traveling from other areas, as well as more roving non-motorized inspectors at popular recreation areas.
As of May 3, all three regional watercraft inspection stations, at Meyers, Spooner Summit, Nev., and Alpine Meadows are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Due to longer inspection times, boaters are encouraged to take advantage of the optional appointment system at TahoeBoatInspections. com/appt. Walk-ins and appointments are accepted until 4:30 p.m. to allow adequate time for decontamination.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Tahoe Resource Conservation District, which manage the Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Program, have enacted the mandatory decontaminations in response to the discovery of invasive golden mussels in the SacramentoSan Joaquin Delta of California, just a few hours from Lake Tahoe.
The discovery last
Hands-on Ag experience
CONGRESSMAN KEVIN KILEY
Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene
A total of 1,319 local students from 13 elementary schools learned about soil, cultivation, food cycles, animals, nutrition, natural resources and stewardship of the land at Farm Day at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds on May 6. Above, Jimena Zambrano, a Clarksville Charter School student, center, places her painted hand on Hobbit, a 2-year-old Hampshire ram as Ponderosa FFA student Lindsay Zweber of Diamond Springs looks on. The hands-on exhibit was designed to teach children basic sheep anatomy. Below, Indian Creek Elementary School third-grade teacher Amy Gutierrez, left, waves to the photographer as she and her students pose for a photo with an International Cub Long Boy tractor at a display hosted by Union Mine High School Farm Power team students at Farm Day.
Camden Todd, 9, of El Dorado Hills, at left, successfully ropes the bull by the horns during one of the many Farm Day activities. Above, Children reach through the pen to pet Sultan, a 12-year-old Aztec stud while FFA student Amber Tyler, 17, of Grizzly Flat keeps him steady.
TREASURES GALORE
Distressed kayakers rescued on Folsom Lake
Mountain Democrat sta
Two kayakers got more than they bargained for while enjoying Folsom Lake’s waters on the evening of May 5. Strong winds created choppy conditions and the kayakers needed help reaching the shore. First responders with the El Dorado County Sheri ’s Department and El Dorado Hills Fire Department teamed up for the rescue. EDSO’s Echo 1
helicopter located the pair and EDH Fire’s Water Rescue Team 84 brought them to safety.
“Always have a plan and be safe when you get out to enjoy all that El Dorado County has to o er,” EDSO o cials posted on its Facebook page after the successful rescue. “The conditions can change rapidly at a moments notice. We are glad that everyone was able to be brought safely to shore.”
Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and may also lead to serious balance problems. This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet. If not properly treated this lack of blood flow may
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!
LAKE TAHOE — On the morning of Saturday, May 10, volunteers will fan out across the Truckee River watershed to collect and test water samples from creeks, streams, smaller lakes and Lake
to
a “snapshot” of water quality at a single moment in time for this important source of drinking water and outdoor recreation.
Keep Tahoe Blue is coordinating volunteer teams to sample sites along Lake Tahoe’s South Shore, from
Meeks Bay to Zephyr Cove, and up to the headwaters of the Upper Truckee River.
Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are invited to become citizen scientists for the day, get outside and experience beautiful and rarely visited sites. They will sample and test the water for things like dissolved oxygen, pH, nutrients and more. Volunteers can sign up and be placed on a team, create a team of their own with family and friends. Register to be a general volunteer at keeptahoeblue.org/ssd2025.
“My feet hurt so bad after sitting I could barely take the first 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 order to effectively treat your neuropathy 3 factors must be determined.
The treatment to increase blood flow utilizes a specialized low-level light therapy (not to be confused with laser therapy) using light emitting diode technology. This technology was originally developed by NASA to assist in increasing blow flow.
The low level light therapy is like watering a tree. The light therapy will allow the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients to heal 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.
Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene
Shoppers above look over a wide variety of items, including clothing, household, tools, toys and linens, at the Placerville Shakespeare Club Giant Rummage Sale held May 2 & 3 at the clubhouse. Below left, Shakespeare Club members Kem Pence of Placerville, right, and
Photo courtesy of EDH Fire
responders
shore after the successful rescue of two kayakers on Folsom Lake.
Commission Continued from A4
wasting disease cases in Zone D7 as it is one area where the disease has been detected. A new archeryonly tule elk hunt of 30 tags was added, and changes to tag quotas for bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope and tule elk were also adopted.
As emergency regulations mandating chronic wasting disease testing have expired, CDFW has developed adaptive CWD management zones based on proximity of CWD detections.
“One of the things we wanted to be able to do is that as we are finding CWD cases in other areas, we would have a flexible way of being able to turn on and turn off testing,” said CDFW Game Conservation and Wildlife Connectivity Program Manager Mario Klip.
Commissioners voted unanimously to name morro manzanita a candidate for endangered species status under the California Endangered Species Act . Endemic to San Luis Obispo County, the species will now undertake a one-year status review before the commission can make a final decision on its CESA listing.
The commission adopted amendments to regulations governing the commercial sea urchin fishery. The amendments remove the Friday fishing prohibition in the northern fishery for June through October, remove a portion of the South Caspar Point sea urchin closure and allow commercial fishermen to assist sea urchin divers, among other changes. The amendments were
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year of golden mussels in California is the first known occurrence of the new invader in North America. The small, yellowish-brown shellfish can reproduce rapidly in a range of habitats. If introduced, golden mussels would irreversibly harm Lake Tahoe’s recreation, water quality and native ecosystem. Boaters should also be aware of varying restrictions throughout California waterways.
The Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Program is unique in the nation because inspections of motorized watercraft have been mandatory since the program began in 2008. Decontaminations have only been required for vessels coming from high-risk waterbodies or those that did not arrive clean, drained and dry with mud, water or invasive species onboard.
“We know the Lake Tahoe inspection program works and the move to mandatory decontaminations is a critical step to continue protecting the waters of the Tahoe region for all to enjoy,” TRPA Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager Thomas Boos said.
proposed in a petition submitted by the California Sea Urchin Commission that aims to clarify and improve regulation efficiency. Regulations were also amended for commercial harvest of kelp and edible seaweed, such as sea palm, to improve management of kelp and seaweed populations while also making regulations more enforceable. Amended regulations define sea palm harvest methods, restrict incidental take of marine invertebrates when harvesting sea palm and prohibit sea palm harvest from Pigeon Point to the U.S.-Mexico border.
Commissioners adopted a 90-day extension of emergency regulations to retain invasive golden mussel on the list of animals restricted from live importation, transportation and possession. Find more information about the invasive golden mussel on CDFW’s website. The commission put emergency regulations into effect in December 2024 and those regulations would have expired June 18 unless readopted.
Commission President Erika Zavaleta, Vice President Samantha Murray and Commissioner Eric Sklar were in attendance for both days of the April meeting.
Commissioner Darius Anderson was present for the first day of the meeting and Commissioner Jacque Hostler-Carmesin was absent both days. The complete agenda for this meeting, along with supporting information, is available on fgc.ca.gov/Meetings/2025.
“With the support of boaters and paddlers, we have kept Lake Tahoe safe from many invasive species, but golden mussel biology and their proximity to Tahoe make them a greater threat than other aquatic invasive species.”
Save time & money
In addition to standard Tahoe AIS sticker fees, boaters can expect a minimum decontamination fee of $30 for all visiting motorized watercraft. Arriving clean, drained and dry can limit time at the inspection station and help avoid increased decontamination fees.
As always, boats that have an intact Tahoe inspection seal from the last time they were hauled out of Lake Tahoe can launch again without re-inspection.
Fallen Leaf Lake and Echo Lakes have similar requirements and boats traveling from Lake Tahoe to those lakes will be subject to re-inspection and decontamination fees.
Tips for boaters
• Estimate the cost for inspection and decontamination at
Kiley Continued from A1
unworkable; it violates the rights of Californians to drive a car of their choice and it should have been voted on at the very least by the Legislature, if not the people,” Kiley said.
H.J. Resolution 88 passed with 211 votes from House Republicans and 35 votes from House Democrats. Kiley said he’s confident the Senate will take up the vote on the Clean Cars Waiver, predicting, “It will pass with bipartisan support.”
On another pressing issue, Kiley shared that he sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on May 5 calling on his department to look into an alleged improper transmission of Californians’ personal data. The investigation was conducted by CalMatters and claims California’s Affordable Care Act website, Covered California, has been sending sensitive information to LinkedIn; a classaction lawsuit has been filed since the investigation broke on April 28. “I think it quite likely violated
Archived video of past commission meetings is also available online. A teleconference meeting of the California Fish and Game Commission is scheduled for May 14, followed by its June 11-12 meeting. The June meeting will be held at the East End Complex Auditorium, 1500 Capitol Ave., Sacramento. Participants can attend in person with options for Zoom or by phone.
Potential regulation changes
The commission approved notifying the public regarding proposed regulation changes for the commercial market squid fishery along with draft amendments to the California Market Squid Fishery Management Plan. This is the first amendment to a California fishery management plan ever considered. The commercial market squid fishery is California’s largest in both volume and value. The changes will be discussed at the commission’s June 11-12 meeting in Sacramento and are scheduled for potential adoption at the Aug. 13-14 meeting.
Additional upcoming potential regulation changes to the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, include:
• Amendments to sections 670 and 703, regarding falconry regulations
• Amendments to sections 29.80, 29.85, 195 and 701 related to recreational crab fishing gear and commercial passenger fishing vessel trap validations
tahoeboatinspections. com/stickers-and-fees.
• Arrive clean, drained and dry to minimize fees and time spent at the station.
• Make an appointment at TahoeBoatInspections. com/appt to get on the water faster.
• Stay abreast of California-wide restrictions at dbw. parks.ca.gov/ inspections.
• Download the free Tahoe Boating App at tahoeboating.org for an interactive map that shows location relative to the New Zealand mudsnail infestation, as well as no-wake zones, area attractions, bathrooms and more.
Tips for kayakers, paddleboarders, anglers and beachgoers
• Be vigilant about clean, drain, dry protocol.
• Learn how to selfinspect your gear and become a Tahoe Keeper. Visit TahoeKeepers.org to watch the training video and get certified. New and existing registered Tahoe Keepers can opt in to the 2025 Eyes on the Lake x Tahoe Keepers
privacy laws including HIPAA and, for that reason, I’ve written a letter to HHS asking for an investigation looking at any violations of the law that occurred to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again and, if necessary, bringing some accountability for those who are responsible for this,” Kiley said.
Lastly, Kiley said he has introduced legislation to “terminate all future funding for California High Speed Rail.” The California High Speed Rail project is currently under review by the U.S. Department of Transportation and Kiley has called upon FBI Director Kash Patel to launch an investigation.
“I know the federal government will not be providing any more money for this project during this administration and my goal is to make it so the transportation dollars that California gets go toward things that will actually improve the quality of life for Californians,” Kiley said.
“I’m looking forward to the outcomes of those investigations.”
Chance to Win.
• Bring your nonmotorized gear to the inspection stations for free, expedited inspection and decontamination after paddling in infested waters.
• Utilize mobile, solar-powered CD3 cleaning stations for
kayaks, paddleboards and canoes at popular recreation sites around the Tahoe Basin, provided by the League to Save Lake Tahoe and Nevada Division of State Lands.
• Chat with roving inspectors at popular beaches and launch ramps this summer,
funded by the Tahoe Fund and TRPA. For access to boating information, the appointment system, fees or clean, drain, dry protocols visit TahoeBoatInspections. com. For
and
Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene
Piper Bennett, 15, of El Dorado, above, shows a translucent glove in which vegetable seeds are placed with a damp paper towel to allow them to sprout. The experiment allows students to see germination firsthand. Below, Farm Day students race around parachutes in a physical education activity hosted by EDC Health and Human Services.
Coupal
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where Prop. 5 failed, nine were held by Republicans and five were held by Democrats. In fact, more Republicans abstained from voting on ACA 10 (nine) than voted No (eight).
• In the California Senate, Prop. 5 failed in 32 (80%) of the 40 Senate districts (2020 districts) in California. (For the Senate, data is unreliable because district lines have been altered. However, we can
Letters Continued from A6
senator to vote No on the Safe Act and protect voting rights in El Dorado County. Democracy depends on it.
ELIZABETH LESLIE-GASSAWAY
President, League of Women Voters of EDC
Restricting access to Lake Tahoe
EDITOR:
Iread the article on April 17 regarding the TRPA “vision” of a connected transport system. The “vision” sounds relatively benign, but then I read the 536-page report mentioned in the article to find out that the 25-year plan is to restrict almost all personal car and light truck access on every major highway in and out of the Tahoe area — including Highway 50, Highway 89, Highway 267 and Kingsbury grade.
My family and I are frequent visitors to Lake Tahoe and want to keep it clean and beautiful, but restricting access and making travel awkward
say with high confidence that Prop. 5 failed in the overwhelming percentage of Senate districts where the representative voted to place ACA 10 on the ballot).
Make no mistake, the defeat of Prop. 5 by a 10-point margin in November was a huge victory for taxpayers. It is even more impressive given that the proponents outspent the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers
and slow shouldn’t be the goal of the TRPA. These current open roads, according to the report, would become “constrained” — a fancy word to mean cars and light trucks would not be allowed, only buses. Or, at other times, the roads would be “unconstrained to micro-transit” — like electric scooters, small electric cars, walking or bicycling.
There is zero mention of light trucks with boats, recreational vehicles, vehicle camping areas or areas that allow off-road vehicle access and support. Those types of recreation are not part of the vision. They will be restricted and permit use only — if allowed at all in certain areas around Lake Tahoe.
So, friends and neighbors, enjoy Lake Tahoe now before it becomes like European lake destinations like Lake Majorie in Italy that is a limited traffic zone — prohibiting all cars and trucks except for the wealthy lake-side owners.
Too bad TRPA views conservation as restricting access. A true vision would not create barriers of entry. A true vision would allow open access to
Association (the only funder of the opposition campaign) by a 10-to-1 margin. But it remains disappointing that a supermajority of legislators in both the Assembly and Senate have so little regard for their taxpaying constituents.
For them, we have some advice: Get a clue. Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.
Lake Tahoe. If TRPA is really pursuing a goal of returning Lake Tahoe to a time where there was little man-made impact, then fund enforcement to make polluting and littering a serious felony. Fund enforcement and prosecution to jail those that clearly pollute the environment and scoff at the law.
MATT SILVEIRA
Placerville
rented for a particular issue one time or even leased. For example, if you live in Florida, you may want to engage a personal weather forecaster just for hurricane season.
Or say you need to book a flight from L.A. to Chicago. These days you can’t count on an air traffic controller being available either at LAX or the O’Hare end.
The ATC department will find a way to ease your mind one-way or roundtrip. Some of these professionals trained in premiere airports with the highest traffic congestion like New Delhi, Beijing, London and Atlanta. And Dark Alley shoppers love the enticing travel posters at the ATC stalls. The wiliest travelers, of course, get the best talent at the best price. It’s fun to watch a savvy business flier duke it out with a veteran ATC. There are alleys you want to avoid. I call them the “Flim Flam Alleys,” where you may
be tempted by partially reconditioned hearing aids, faux aluminum siding, mystery meat bologna and a variety of scary looking breakfast cereals. The drones show more than you want to know. So, ’nuff said! My film merely hints at one potential result of President Pavlov’s creations. Not saying it will come to pass, but trust when he says, “Anything can happen.” Coming up in late summer, my next project is (working title “Mom Pirates”). A gang of young mothers preys on shipping coming out of China, plundering dolls, holiday supplies, onesies and pacifiers, not to mention millions of games and toys. Occasionally they’ll ransom the crews for youth sports equipment and other specialty items. Great entertainment for the whole family. Watch this space. Chris Daley is a biweekly columnist for the Mountain Democrat.
Announcements
AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 3342970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot.com
AMERICAN ASSOC. OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN Foothills of EDC Branch. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science and Math Camp Scholarships, programs & interest groups. Leave voicemail for Laurel (530) 417-7737 or Sara (530) 4177138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net
AMERICAN LEGION POST 119 welcomes Veterans and guests to attend our monthly membership dinner and meeting the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM. Legionpost119.org
CAMERON PARK NEWCOMERS
CLUB meets the first Wednesday of each month at 10:30 at the Light of the Hills Lutheran Church, 3100 Rodeo Rd., CP, 95682. New and current local community members are welcome for fun and games throughout the month. For further information contact Jill Butler at 530-295-7448.
El DORADO COUNTY AMATEUR
RADIO CLUB Dedicated to all aspects of ham radio. Meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at the El Dorado Sheriff’s office, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net
PLAY CRIBBAGE Join the Gold Country Cribbers 916-212-2465 or 916-768-4452. We Play - We Teach - We Have Fun. Wednesdays 4:00 PM. Gilmore Senior Center 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA Struggling with life? CELEBRATE RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/ DEMOCRATS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Call (530)391-6414 or see
edcdems.org for more information. GOLD RUSH CHORUS now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing four-part harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or Kent (530) 651-3575
HANGTOWN WOMEN’S TENNIS CLUB. Come play tennis for fun and friendship. Meet at El Dorado High School, Acacia Street, Placerville, Wed 9 AM – 11 AM. (June - Aug 8 AM –10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Monica 530-306-7066. MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant on Fair Lane in Placerville at 10:00 am. Addiction or Relationship problem? Call 530 231-7728 our free counseling can help you. Positive Realism, 3430 Robin Ln., Cameron Park. Meet
SENIOR PEER COUNSELING Seniors 55 and over who are grieving, depressed or having issues related to aging can meet one-on-one with a caring senior, professionally supervised and trained to listen and encourage. Call (530)621-6304 to leave a message and get started.
TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION OF EL DORADO COUNTY Our mission is to educate the public on tax issues that affect them. Our meetings are held every Monday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at Denny’s Restaurant, Fair Lane Drive, Placerville. Meetings are open to the public. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a non-partisan organization.
UM senior earns top CIF honors
Special to the Mountain Democrat
In a state with more than 800,000 studentathletes, Union Mine High School senior Brock Buak III has achieved an extraordinary trifecta: three prestigious honors from the California Interscholastic Federation.
1. 2025 CIF Spirit of Sport Male Winter Athlete Award statewide winner — Brock was selected as the only male athlete statewide to receive this prestigious award for the winter season. Each year, just six student-athletes across California — three boys and three girls, one per season are chosen for this honor, which recognizes those who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship, leadership and service to their school and community.
2. 2025 CIF Sac Joaquin Section A. Dale Lacky & Clarke Coover Scholarship Award — This highly selective award recognizes the top student-athletes in the Sac Joaquin Section who excel academically, athletically and in service to their schools and communities.
3. 2025 CIF “Pursuing Victory with Honor”
Championship season fires back up at Placerville Speedway
Gary Thomas Placerville Speedway
The Berco Redwood championship campaign marches on at Placerville Speedway this Saturday when the quarter mile plays host to Anrak Night at the Races.
A four-division program rumbles into the El Dorado County Fairgrounds on Mother’s Day Weekend with the Thompson’s Dealerships Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Red Hawk Resort + Casino Pure Stocks, the Kings Meats Ltd. Late Models and BCRA Lightning Sprints.
All moms attending the show will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a Mother’s Day gift basket loaded with items. Fans also have a unique opportunity to take photos with Mini Donkeys during the night.
The Thompson’s Winged Sprints Cars are primed to contest their first point race in over a month during Anrak Night. Ten-time track champion Andy Forsberg leads the way into this Saturday’s show. The Auburn veteran captured victory at the opener and backed that up with a runner up effort on April 5.
Young Austin Wood has been extremely impressive in this early season and goes into Saturday having tallied finishes of fourth or better in every Placerville race this season. Wood will be gunning for his second career Placerville victory this weekend. Suisun City’s Chance Grasty, Redding’s Max Mittry and Lincoln’s Tanner Carrick round out the top five in points heading into Saturday.
The Red Hawk Resort + Casino Pure Stocks are coming off a thrilling main event at their most recent outing on April 12. Rio Linda’s Ryan Peter has captured the last two events and will be hoping to make it three in a row come Saturday.
“We had a great Nor*Cal Posse Shootout last weekend and are looking forward to Anrak Night this Saturday,” said promoter Scott Russell. “Anrak Corp. has been an amazing partner here at Placerville Speedway over the last several years. After this show we also take a couple weeks off, so hopefully the fans will come and pack the stands on Saturday. Make sure and bring mom out as well to create some special memories at the racetrack.”
Anrak Corporation, specializing in all types of milling, is proud to celebrate nearly 50 years of business, which continues to be owned and operated as a family business.
Six-time track titlist Nick Baldwin sits atop the standings after three events and looks to get back to his winning ways at Sutter’s Ridge Night presented by Williams Homes. Diamond Springs’ Kevin Jinkerson, Placerville’s Tyler Lightfoot, Sacramento’s Jason Palmer and others will also be searching to punch their ticket to victory lane.
The Kings Meats Ltd. Late
Schools invited to apply CDFW archery equipment grant
California Department of Fish and Wildlife News release
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife National Archery in the Schools Program is excited to announce the 2025-26 grant cycle is now open. The CalNASP Equipment Grant provides schools across California with full archery equipment kits, teacher training and curriculum support to help start in-school target archery programs.
CalNASP is a program designed for credentialed teachers to teach and integrate target archery into physical education or elective curriculum for grades 4-12. The program offers
a unique opportunity for students to connect through a sport that welcomes all participants, regardless of skill level or ability.
Each year, CDFW grants 10-12 schools a full start-up archery kit that includes all necessary equipment to begin the program, around $3,800 in value. To ensure the program is implemented correctly, teachers participate in a comprehensive hands-on teacher training through CDFW prior to instructing students. “There are many benefits of incorporating CalNASP into your school’s curriculum,” said CalNASP Coordinator Grace Vierra. “Students
Photo courtesy of Tim Holland
Courtesy photo
Brock Buak, left, holds his CIF awards with Marty Bitter, CIF Central Section past president and director of Athletics for Madera USD.
Photo courtesy of CalNASP
for students have until Aug. 31 to apply for
e spacious Independent Living townhomes at Ponté Palmero mean you can continue your independent lifestyle with room to entertain friends and access to all the life-enriching community services and amenities we o er.
Floor plans up to 1,482 square feet | Private, attached garage | Full kitchen | In-suite laundry
You can continue to cook and entertain in your own home, or enjoy our chef-prepared meals in the community dining room with friends. We take away the worry of housekeeping and home maintenance, and provide social opportunities all month long. You can relax and spend your days with friends and family, and doing the things you enjoy most.
INDEPENDENT LIVING HOMES FEATURES
• Kitchen with full-size appliances and granite counters
• Private patio
• Attached garage
• In-home washer and dryer
• High ceilings
• Housekeeping, laundry, and trash service
• Basic cable and utilities included
• Pets welcome
COMMUNITY SERVICES & AMENITIES
• Restaurant-style dining
• Swimming pool, hot tub, and outdoor grills
• Clubhouse and tness center
• Library and full-service beauty salon
• Activities, clubs, outings, and celebrations
• Transportation services
• 24-hour emergency maintenance
• Gated electronic entrance
We also o er Assisted Living Villas & Memory Care apartments for a full continuum of care.
PROSPECTING
IN THE KNOW
May 9
El Dorado Musical Theatre Presents “Legally Blonde” at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom, May 9-17. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
May 10
Save the Graves will host the Women of Placerville Union Cemetery walking tour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free but registration is required. For more information or to register visit savethegraveseldorado.org.
The Camino Fire Safe Council will host a Community Rummage Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Camino Community Church, 4205 Carson Road. Camino. Proceeds will support the Camino Fire Safe Council. Email caminofsc@gmail.com for any questions.
The Stage at Burke Junction presents “Waiting for Godot” through June 1. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.
The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce will host Heart of the Hills Blues Blast at 1-6 p.m. at Overland District Church in El Dorado Hills. For more information visit eldoradohillschamber.org.
Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “The Reluctant Dragon” at 1 p.m. and running through
n See KNOW, page B4
Featured artists glitter
D. Lee Reyes Gold Country Artists Gallery
Gold Country Artists Gallery, an award-winning artists’ cooperative in Placerville, is featuring the works of Jean Stiles, Lorrene Baum-Davis and Barbie Smith.
Stiles was walking along Main Street in historical downtown Placerville when a window filled with artwork caught her eye. She opened the door to a gallery filled with wonderful art created by dozens of local artists. She always wanted to join an art gallery, and Gold Country Artists Gallery seemed a perfect fit for her. Her passion for art has been a constant companion, feeding her broad artistic interests.
While she is a very skilled oil painter, she favors watercolor, and pastels even more so. She is a master pastel artist who describes her style as both representational and impressionistic. Design is a strong element of her work, she explained,
delighting in the little things she must figure out to create a cohesive artwork. She said she loves pastels because of the intense colors and varied textures that pastels can provide, particularly enjoying the challenge of capturing the light and shadow of landscapes. Pastels are pigments with binders to the colors, she said, and over the years she developed her preferred technique.
“I lay a foundational base with darker watercolor to establish light and dark patterns, and go over it with layers of pastel, leaving some of the underpainting showing through,” Stiles said. “This creates depth and vibrancy in my pastel paintings.”
Her vast collection of photographs is a rich resource in which she finds endless inspiration from the many places she visits and memorializes, including her travels to the Provence region in the south of France. Set in a medieval town, her “Road to Minerve” and “Church in Minerve”
exquisitely capture the impressionistic style she favors, and communicates her love for these scenes of living history. Her palette captures the rustic
feel of the buildings, and her use of perspective guides the viewer down the narrow streets clinging to steep cliff sides, conveying a feeling of a town both
lovely in its setting, and treacherous to the unwary. She found another rustic building scene to capture, only
Trek Sinclair, Agent
“Villa Agave” by Jean Stiles
“Arch Rock, Point Lobos” by Barbie Smith “Ocean Deep” by Lorrene Baum-Davis
B6
Andrew Vonderschmitt
Features editor
The Mountain Democrat has been in constant operation since 1851. In that time the organization has had many offices, many identities and many ... doors. One such door is now an entrance to Placerville Hardware on Main Street.
The offices were originally on Coloma Street before it moved to the south side of Main Street in 1879. In 1889 a move to a space next to Placerville hardware made way for an undertaker and furniture maker to take up residence near the Cary House. The Democrat offices remained next to the hardware store until 1991.
It is unclear when the front entrance was walled up in those 102 years, but when Placerville Hardware took over the space in ‘91 the owners only discovered the door when a wall was demolished during a remodel according to third generation owner, Albert Fausel who called father Dave to ask about the expansion of the store.
“He said the floors were coated in oil from the printing press,” relayed Albert. “They were pulling down walls, when they found the door.”
The door Dave was referring to over the phone is the eastern entrance to the store today. It has had a curious label on it since they opened it to the public, “Democrat Offices.”
“We kept it that way,” said Albert.
Recently Albert was approached by Jordan Robinson of Roby Signs about doing gold leafing print on the picturesque windows that face Main Street.
Gold leafing is a technique that dates back more than 5,000 years in which a piece or nugget of gold is flattened using various methods until it is essentially an ultra-thin piece of foil. That foil is then used to gild items. Water gilding, what Robinson does is one of the more time consuming and labor intensive methods. It is becoming somewhat a lost art according to Robinson.
“People don’t know it exists,” he said. “They want to compare it to vinyl, but all of this is handdrawn.”
“He has such a steady hand,” said Mellissa Fausel. “He does such a great job.
“It just has a look and feel to it that you can never catch with vinyl,” added Robinson. “You can just see a human did it.”
Placerville Hardware also sports some impressive new lettering on the other windows. These were hand painted and gilded with different colors of gold and abalone. Head to Main Street to see it in person then visit RobySigns.com.
PATRIOT PROFILE
James Hunter
Service: Colonel Lincoln County MA Regiment
Residence: Topsham Twp York Co ME District MA
Born: 15 April 1735 Topsham Twp York Co ME District MA
Died: Feb 1809 Topsham Twp York Co ME District MA
James Hunter was born in the Maine District of MA in 1735. In 1757, he married Abigail Williams. James service was in the distinguished Lincoln County MA Regiment, where he served as a Colonel under Brigadier General Samuel McCobb. e Lincoln County Regiment joined General George Washington for the battle of Cambridge, and later o ered signi cant support at the Battle of King’s Mountain.
Proud Descendant: Jeannette Barrett
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!
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
Mountain Democrat file photo
The lettering can just be seen over the two bespectled men’s shoulders. Circa 1920s
Mountain Democrat photos by Andrew Vonderschmitt
The windows are first hand painted before the many layers of foil is applied. The letters are finally cleaned up.
Pianist Thomas Pandolfi returns to the IOOF
Lynn Schardt
Music On The Divide
After seven years, Music On The Divide brings back celebrated American pianist Thomas Pandolfi to the Georgetown IOOF Hall stage on May 18.
Pandolfi will give two concerts, one on Sunday at 3 p.m. for the public and a second on May 19 for the kindergarten through sixth-grade students of Georgetown and Northside schools. Both concerts will be held in the historical Georgetown IOOF Hall at 6240 Main St., Georgetown.
Pandolfi is an exciting virtuoso who, with each passing season, is becoming more and more sought after by audiences worldwide and showered with superlatives by critics for his passionate artistry and amazing technique. His performances of Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Chopin, Liszt and Gershwin have captured the hearts of listeners across the globe and made him a popular and much beloved concerto soloist. An outstanding cross-over artist as well, Pandolfi’s virtuoso transcriptions of the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Leonard Bernstein and Marvin Hamlisch are much in demand.
One of the leading pianists of the time,
Pandolfi was early hailed a ‘’phenomenon.’’ He began his career early on while at The Juilliard School, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music. Since then he has been an audience favorite, selling out the world’s most prestigious stages, including Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, Strathmore, The Kennedy Center, Kiev Opera House, Bucharest’s Athenaeum and London’s Cadogan Hall.
Pandolfi is a Steinway Artist, and his latest recording is the world premiere of Polo Piatti’s Bohemian Concerto for Piano and Orchestra with The National Symphony Orchestra of London conducted by John Andrews.
Tickets to the public event on May 18 are available on eventbrite.com, and as space allows, will be on sale at the door for $25 for adults, $5 for students, children 5 and younger get in free. Doors will open at 2 p.m. to Music On The Divide members and online ticket holders. Public ticket sales and entry will start at 2:30 p.m. The music will run 3-5 p.m., with a 15-minute intermission. Refreshments and homemade treats will be available during the intermission. Only cash or checks accepted. For more information go to MusicOnTheDivide.org or Facebook.
Get in on the kids showcase
Lisa Bond-Torgerson
The Golden Road Gathering will host a second year of the Kids Showcase during the festival. Video submissions are due May 9. Following last year’s very successful Kids Showcase, youngsters throughout El Dorado County have been preparing for their video submissions to compete to perform in this year’s Golden Road Gathering.
“Supporting our future talent is a great addition to The Golden Road Gathering,” said Justin Boyd, an original founder of the festival and El Dorado County local. “Encouraging youth and building confidence is a positive way to give back to
the community.” The project is the idea of local music teacher and member of Red Dirt Ruckus, Lisa Bond. Bond is inspired to provide performance opportunities to youth that want to share their talent. “Performing builds confidence, discipline in preparation and joy in sharing your talent,” she said. The opportunity is open to ages 7-9, 10-12, 13-15 and 16-18. Solos, duos, trios and full bands are encouraged. Parent permission is required with a completed application. The top three submissions in each category will have an opportunity to perform at the festival. Video submissions are due May 9. For details and to register visit goldenroadgathering.com/ kidsmusic.
Dr. Randy Davey, D.D.S.
Dr. Davey and the team at Cameron Park Dental Care are thrilled to welcome you. We want you to feel comfortable and confident in your choice of dentist. Our friendly, knowledgeable and dedicated staff provides the highest quality of care, utilizing the latest technology in a warm and inviting environment. Your well being is our priority, and we look forward to seeing you. New patients welcome!
• Dental Implants
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There is no time like the present!
Your beautiful smiles starts today! Call or visit
Know
June 8. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
B Street Theatre in Sacramento presents “The First Adventures of the Hardy Boys” at 1 p.m. and running through May 25 at The Sofia in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.
The Grass Valley Center for the Arts presents Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience at 3 p.m. For tickets and more information visit thecenterforthearts.org.
Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “Old Tyme Radio” at 4 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
The Sacramento Guitar Society presents Guitar Masterpieces with Johnnie Basch at 7 p.m. at The Music Exchange in Sacramento. For more information visit sacguitarsociety. org.
May 11
Join Gwinllan Estates Vineyard for an exquisite Mother’s Day brunch experience at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. For more information visit gwinllanestate. com.
Miraflores Winery will host a Mother’s Day Brunch with two
seatings at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
To reserve space email info@ mirafloreswinery.com.
Shadow Ranch Vineyards in Fairplay presents Jesse Hendricks playing Spanish Guitar from 1-4 p.m. For more information visit shadowranch. com.
The El Dorado Hills Town Center will host the Mother’s Day Charity Concert & Dance Celebration with the Spazmatics from 4-6 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.
Cantare Chorale presents Broadway Lights and Movie Nights at the Placerville Shakespeare Club at 7 p.m. For more information visit cantarechorale.com.
FLC Youth Chamber Orchestra presents its Spring Concert at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
Auburn Symphony presents i Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2” at 3 p.m. at the Mondavi Center in Davis. For more information visit mondaviarts. org.
May 12
Music in the Mountains in
collaboration with the Auburn Symphony presents Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection” at the Mondavi Center at 3 p.m. For tickets and more information visit musicinthemountains.org.
Join Herbert Green Middle School for the unveiling of the Student Run Garden with a ribbon cutting from 5:30-6 p.m. and an open house from 6-7 p.m. The public is invited.
May 13
Vitalant will hold an El Dorado Hills community blood drive, 11:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. The Bloodmobile bus will be parked near the baseball fields at EDH Community Park, 1021 Harvard Way. Make an appointment at donors.vitalant.org and enter blood drive code SMFM019 or call (877) 258-4825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows.
Vitalant will hold a Georgetown community blood drive, 1:30-5:15 p.m. at the Oddfellows Hall, 6240 Main St. Make an appointment at donors.vitalant. org and enter blood drive code SMFM028 or call (877) 258-4825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows.
Finding Bomb Boogie, A Daughter’s Search to
Continued from B1 n See KNOW, page B5
Photo by Larry Sabo
The Kids Showcase will be a showstopper at the Golden Road Gathering.
Courtesy photo
Thomas Pandolfi will perform two local shows this month.
Rediscover her Father is the El Dorado Hills Genealogical Society’s Zoom presentation at 6 p.m. Society members and guests will learn from Maureen Buick, California author and family historian, how to use resources available to those looking for clues about family members who were World War II veterans and POWs. Her book is full of ideas and life changing events. Everyone is welcome to join the Zoom presentation by emailing Pat Kriz at patkriz@earthlink.net by Monday, May 12.
Music in the Mountains presents “The Music in the Mountains Youth Orchestra MIMYO Spring Concert” at 7 p.m. at Sierra College. For tickets and more information visit musicinthemountains.org.
May 15
The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce will host a Business Luncheon with guest speaker Lydia Richards, CEO Teamworks from 1:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at Koto Buffet at Red Hawk Casino. For more information visit eldoradocounty.org.
May 16
The Sierra Renaissance Society presents “How to Get More Out of Art and Life” by Deborah Pond-Hindle, 1-2:30 p.m. at the Mother Lode Lions Hall, 4701 Missouri Flat Road. Admission free for members; public invited to attend two meetings for free. The Sierra Renaissance Society of El Dorado County is dedicated to lifelong learning and hosts presentations and workshops throughout the year. For more information visit srsedc.org.
The Stage at Burke Junction presents Friday Night Comedy with Dejan Tyler, Cookie Williams and Dorian Foster at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.
May 17
The El Dorado Hills Community Services District will host The Youth Fishing Derby; 1: 8-9:30 a.m.; 2: 10:15-11:45 a.m. Registration is required for this free event. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd. org.
Placerville Arts Association will host the Used Arts Supply Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 5500 Silver Lode Drive, Placerville. For more information visit placervillearts.com.
Pleasant Valley Grange will host a Craft and Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 4765 Pleasant Valley Grange Rd., Placerville. Vendors wanted, call (530) 644-1602 for information.
American River Conservancy invites the community to visit Wakamatsu Farm for its free and family-friendly Open Farm Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join All About Equine Animal Rescue for its 12th annual Boots and Bling at 4 p.m. including barbecue dinner, live, silent and virtual auctions, entertainment and a no-host bar. Boots and Bling raises funds to support AAE’s horses and operations. For more information visit allaboutequine.org/events.
Join the El Dorado Roses for the El Dorado Rose Ball with Master of Ceremonies Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil at the American Legion Post 119 in Placerville at 5:30 p.m. For more information call (530) 4092094.
A collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families and the Department of Defense, the Blue Star Museums program provides free admission to all active-duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel and up to 5 family members beginning Saturday, May 17, Armed Forces Day, through Sunday, Sept. 1 at the California Museum. Learn more or purchase tickets at californiamuseum.org/bluestarmuseums.
Voices of California presents Singin’ and Swingin’ at 3 p.m. at Rosemont High School in Sacramento. Visit voicesofcalifornia.org for more information.
Symphony d’Oro in Rancho Cordova presents Beethoven’s Best at 4 p.m. For tickets or more information visit symphonydoro.org.
Lydia Pence and Cold Blood will perform at 7 p.m. at Sutter Creek Theatre in Sutter Creek. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheatre.com.
The Grass Valley Center for the Arts presents Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information visit thecenterforthearts. org.
Enjoy an Italian Family-Style Dinner at the beautiful Murer House gardens from 5-7 p.m. Back by popular demand, the Bambini Dancers will be performing. Call (916) 413-9231 or email infomurerhouse@ gmail.com for reservations.
Now
R25 Theater Company presents “Play It Straight” through May 11 at California Stage in Sacramento. For tickets and more information visit r25-theater-group.square.site.
B Street Theatre in Sacramento presents “Nosotros la Gente (We the People)” at The Sofia in Sacramento through May 18. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.
Booth reservations are available for the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce’s Business Showcase and I LOVE Film Mixer on June 27. For more information visit eldoradocounty.org.
Registration is now open for the 42nd Bob West Drive for Marshall on Friday, June 20, at Cold Springs Golf & Country Club. For more information visit marshallfound.org/golf-registration/?blm_ aid=30898.
Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento presents Marvin Lipofsky — Blows Glass Collection 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.
National Alliance on Mental Illness El Dorado County offers free, in-person family support groups 6-7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month in Placerville. For more information visit namieldoradocounty. org.
The Sons in Retirement – Gold Country branch meets the second Wednesday of the month at the Cameron Park Country Club. Check out the club and be a guest for a complimentary lunch. Contact Branch 95’s membership chairman at SIRBranch95@gmail.com for more details. Monday Club Bridge seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant on Fair Lane in Placerville at 10 a.m. For more information call (530) 622-1180. The Master Gardener public office is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon at 311 Fair Lane, Placerville. Have a gardening question or problem? Come in and chat. Bring a cutting or insect in a baggie or a picture. Can’t come in person? Call (530) 621-5512 and or email mgeldorado@ucanr.edu.
Sherwood Demonstration Garden on the Folsom Lake College – El Dorado Center campus in Placerville is open 9 a.m. every Friday and Saturday for open garden days. Take a leisurely stroll through all 16 themed gardens. Docents are on site to answer questions. The garden may be closed for inclement weather or poor air quality. Check before visiting: ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_Master_Gardeners/Demonstration_ Garden. Parking permits required; purchase a $2 permit at any kiosk. Marshall Hospital Auxiliary is looking for volunteers. Help people and make new friends. Interviews are held monthly. For more information call Norma at (530) 676-1844 or email grizzyq98@gmail. com.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2680 in El Dorado County invites veterans of World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War as well as those seeing action in Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries during the war on terror plus those serving peace-keeping missions throughout the globe to become VFW members. Member benefits are plenty and there is no fee for the first year. For more information call (530) 499-2950.
The Murer House Foundation continues its Italian language classes at the Murer House Learning Center in old Folsom. Students can learn Italian in small and supportive classes contact with the teacher. For more information and to enroll visit murerhousefoundation.org.
These boys bring the sunshine
Allen Schmeltz
Sutter Street Theatre
FOLSOM — Sutter Street Theatre presents “The Sunshine Boys” by Neil Simon for a fourweek run starting May 9. Al and Willie were top-billed vaudevillians for over forty years. Now they aren’t even speaking. When CBS requests them for a “History of Comedy” retrospective, a grudging reunion brings the two back together, along with a flood of memories, miseries and laughs. The story follows the attempt
by a young theatrical agent to reunite his elderly uncle, a former vaudevillian great, with his long-time stage partner for a TV reunion. Despite their celebrated reputation, the two old men have not spoken in twelve years. Besides remastering their sketch, the two men have numerous issues to work out before they are ready to return to the public eye. The show runs May 9 through June 1 Friday, Saturday and Sundays. For more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
Mike Jimena, Anthony DePage and Joaquin Calderon, left to right, will bring Neil Simon’s classic curmudgeon comedy to life at Sutter Street Theatre.
Photo by Allen Schmeltz