Well-wishes and thank yous brought departing El Dorado County Chief Administrative Officer Tiffany Schmid to tears on July 22, shortly after she announced her resignation. Her last day will be Aug. 15.
Speakers lined up at that El Dorado County Board of Supervisors meeting to share their thoughts on her tenure and exit after two years as CAO.
“Tiffany has always been honest and transparent and fair — trying to be fair to everybody,” shared Auditor-Controller Joe Harn. “She made a distasteful budget recommendation, which was not very popular, but that’s what CAOs do when the financial horizon indicates there’s going to be problems.
“I admire her for the guts it took to make that recommendation,” he continued. “Tiffany was a pretty good CAO.”
Sheriff Jeff Leikauf expressed his gratitude for Schmid’s ability to bring departments together as well as her professional demeanor, leadership and positive impacts.
MARSHALL EDH ready to mend on the
Shelly Thorene Staff writer
“I wish everyone could see how much heart and soul there is in
the people who work for the county,” —
Tiffany
Schmid
“Her effectiveness in fostering teamwork among diverse agencies led to tangible, well-balanced solutions to some of our county’s most pressing challenges,” Leikauf said. “Equally impressive has been her direct and transparent communication with department heads, particularly when navigating the complexities of a tight county budget. Tiffany never shied away from difficult conversations and concisely focused on building budgets that were both realistic and
Marshall acquired a 50,000square-foot former Blue Cross office building at 4201 Town Center Blvd. two years ago with the intent of expanding medical services to a growing westward population.
The project is nearly complete and Marshall El Dorado Hills, the new 25,000-squarefoot healthcare facility, is slated to open Aug. 25. The clinic will be open to all residents of El Dorado County and offers sameday primary care appointments and, in the case of a broken bone or fracture, is an
county’s west end
alternative to seeking care at an emergency room.
“The roots of
is changing and shifting farther
Supervisors stub out county tobacco ordinances
under
Jo Carrerow Mountain Democrat correspondent
Facing a potential loss of hundreds of thousands in county sales tax revenue resulting from two current tobacco retail ordinances, El Dorado County Board of Supervisors last week voted to rescind both ordinances and develop a new regulations
targeting smoke shops and setbacks from schools.
“If the ordinance drives tobacco sales to other jurisdictions, sales and use tax revenue from service stations could decline $865,000 a year,” Planning and Building Department Director Karen Garner said.
In 2024, service stations alone generated
more than $2.6 million, per sales and use tax reports, Garner said.
“And that is almost 14% of the county’s total sales and use tax in 2024,” Garner said. “Service stations are a huge economic generator for our county in terms of sales tax.”
Other considerations were the livelihoods of service station owners and employees,
customer satisfaction and locality to schools.
At the July 29 board meeting, Garner discussed local economic impacts since ordinance implementation after studies were done on two gas station/ convenience stores.
“(We) estimated that those losses, based solely on products that are currently prohibited
month and the second location is losing about $1,600
month,” Garner said. Additional losses due to prohibiting coupons and discount programs come in higher,
Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorenes
Marshall executives stand at the reception desk at the new Marshall El Dorado Hills clinic in the old Blue Cross building on Town Center Boulevard. The facility will open Aug. 25. On the left, Jonathan Russell, chief ambulatory officer. On the right, back to
front, Derek Bogaard, executive director of Facilities and Support Services; Leann Hadgis, vice president of Ambulatory Clinical Operations; and Fernando Diaz, Marshall public information officer.
Marshall Hospital are in Placerville but the county
west. Our longstanding mission is
The Center for Sports Medicine and Active Living at the new Marshall EDH clinic has an orthopedic staff who will treat patients with sports injuries, stroke victims and people who have had joint replacements.
ESSENTIALS
John Allen York
Aug 4, 1935 – July 27, 2025
John Allen York passed away 7/27/2025 from kidney failure. He was 89 years old, 8 days away from his 90th birthday. John worked 34 years for the California Highway Patrol, and was a 50-year resident of El Dorado County. He is survived by his wife, Anita Gastaldi York, daughter Sandra von Herrmann (Joe), granddaughters Anna (Abanezio) and Tara, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his brother Joseph York and his parents Jesse and Eva(Woods) York.
There will be a memorial mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Placerville, 3109 Sacramento Street, on Monday 8/18/25 at 11:00 AM.
John Clingan
Nov 10, 1952 – June 17, 2025
John was an amazing person. We lost him very quickly. He is survived by his long time partner Laura Foss, 2 children and 9 grandchildren. He will be sorely missed.
Marcie Lynn Sanz
June 22, 1951 – June 13, 2025
Born June 22, 1951, in Placerville, CA and she passed in her home, with her daughter holding her hand on June 13, 2025. Marcie will be greatly missed by her family including her children Branden Sanz and Lindsay Foerstler (Sanz), son-inlaw Stephen Foerstler, brother Steven Hord, nieces, nephews, great nephews, and grandsons.
Marcie graduated from El Dorado High School. She worked as a real estate agent, top Breeder of Champion Akitas, and provided in Home Support Services for multiple families who loved her dearly. Marcie enjoyed playing cards, loved animals, her pets, feeding the birds, coin collecting, going to garage sales, antiques, and good movies. She respected the Constitution, God, and morality. Marcie loved visiting with her family, finding thoughtful gifts for them, and writing cards to the children in our family.
Marcie moved with her daughter and son-inlaw to their home in Victor Montana in 2021. She loved the quiet, the mountains, and nature of the Bitterroot Valley. Her ashes will be buried in her family cemetery, next to her siblings, parents, and grandparents. A service will be held in El Dorado County to remember her life, for those who loved her the most.
Ellen Ray Springer-Maxey
Ellen Ray Springer-Maxey (AKA Comanche) passed away in her sleep on Friday July 18, 2025. She was born on Friday October 13, 1944 at the Placerville Sanitorium hospital on Coloma Street. Born to parents Leo Ray and Dixie Corinne Springer, she was the second born of 6 children. At the family home in Pleasant Valley, horseback riding, fishing, and other outdoor activities were abundant. Ellen loved horses from a young age. She trained and competed with them, along with riding her horse to work at the Cash Mercantile store.
Ellen was the last graduate from the one-room Pleasant Valley schoolhouse (also referred to as Gutenberger’s school). She graduated from El Dorado High School. She supported the Alumni Association throughout her lifetime. Ellen was a runner, earning many trophies for her performances over the years, including marathons.
In 1975, Ellen began a great adventure when she bought a 1975 Honda 400 motorcycle. She took that motorcycle, rode to Fort Hood, Texas, and joined the Army. She served 24 years, initially working her way to the rank of Sargent in the motor pool. She was a wrecker operator and mechanic. Her tour of duty included stations overseas (Germany was a favorite. She served in Iraq, with assignments in both Desert Shield and Desert Storm. By retirement, she achieved the rank of Master Sargent E-8.
After retirement, she was very active in the American Legion, both in Texas and after returning home to California. She served in various capacities, and was a mainstay with the Legion Riders motorcycle group 119. She was involved in its establishment, member recruitment, and coordination of activities.
Ellen was every bit of 4 feet 11 inches tall. She was filled with toughness that would not quit. Determined to succeed, she found her path forward to a fulfilling life. Her family, especially daughter Glenda, are very proud of her lifetime of accomplishments.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Dixie; sister Connie Bondietti; brother Richard Springer; son Lance Ritter. She is survived by her daughter Glenda Ritter-Brown (Karl), grandson Anthony Hatfield (Cami), brother Leo “Butch” Springer (Denise), Sister Jeannette Luna (Carl), Brother Brian Springer (Leslie), and many cousins, nieces and nephews. No services have been planned at this time.
Bruce Edward Gray
Nov 28, 1940 – Jan 14, 2025
An honest, kind, gentle, loving person, Bruce was a devoted husband, step-father and grandfather. A ectionately called ‘St. Bruce’ by his family because he truly was saint like in his ability to be loving and forgiving at all times. In fact, the last words he spoke were, “I love you” and that is so fitting.
Bruce was born in 1940 in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. He eventually relocated to Los Angeles County, were he started his 33-year long career in the Los Angeles County Sheri ’s department as a warehouse supervisor, making sure the jails were always stocked with the needed supplies while balancing the budget accordingly. He excelled in this role, as he was an honest man and hard worker. Having before vacationed at Lake Tahoe, when it came time to retire, Bruce knew about the beautiful place that is El Dorado County. Cameron Park was coined, “a special place to live” and Bruce and his first wife Janice bought a brand new home in a new development near the Cameron Park Skate Park in 1996.
Bruce became a widower and eventually found Christian companionship with his beloved wife Carol Esther. They met at Carrow’s in Placerville for their first date. This was a divine appointment to be sure. They hit it o and were married. Bruce was a loyal husband and best friend to Carol, and the two of them would often go on outings together to shop and eat. Bruce was always immaculately dressed in his classic khaki pants and tucked in collared shirt, with his sensible New Balance tennis shoes. Everyone who knew Bruce knows this was his go-to outfit, yet one was impressed with Bruce not for his outward appearance, but his kind and gentle nature. He truly embodied the fruits of the spirit! He was a loving father to Carol’s two daughters, Andrea Lynn Abrams and Alison Kate Gennai. Bruce was a father figure who loved genuinely and unconditionally. He was also a loving grandpa to Alison’s children Laake J Gennai, Cameron Paul Gennai, Mary Kate Gennai, and Ireland Esther Gennai. Even after developing dementia, Bruce was still so nice and loving, enjoying the company of his grandchildren, daughters and wife. Bruce has touched our family’s lives forever in such a positive way. He was a model of what it means to be a Christ-like man. We will always cherish our memories of Bruce. He died surrounded by family in the ICU of Marshal Hospital, after becoming seriously ill unexpectedly with pneumonia shortly after the new year. We are going to miss him deeply, but we take great comfort knowing he is safe in the arms of Jesus. Although this is a very painful loss, we know this isn’t goodbye forever, just goodbye for now.
Terry Tenley
Feb. 7, 1951 – July 16. 2025
Terry Tenley, 74, passed away on July 16th at his residence. He was the husband of Nancy Tenley, and they shared 54 years together. For 42 years Terry and his family have called El Dorado County home. He was employed with the U.S. Forest Service for 37 years. He had a passion for woodworking and making wine with friends. He will also be remembered for his gift for gab. He is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy Tenley, his children: Nickie Johnny and Jason Tenley, his grandchildren: Alica Washington, Cameron Tenley, Cary Washington and Amanda Tenley, and sisters Virginia McKinney and Cynthia Vickory. He is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews and extended family members. The Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, August 13th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Cold Springs Golf and Country Club, 6500 Club House Drive, Placerville, California.
CONTACT US
Of ce Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (530) 622-1255 / Fax: (530) 622-7894 Toll-Free from El Dorado Hills: (888) 622-1255 Chief Operating Officer T. Burt McNaughton (530) 344-5055 tbmcnaughton@mtdemocrat.net
Public Notices (530) 344-5086 / legals@mtdemocrat.net VACATION HOLDS
If you would
EDITORIAL STAFF
Noel Stack Editor
530-344-5073 / nstack@mtdemocrat.net Mimi Escabar Special Sections Editor 530-344-5070 / mescabar@mtdemocrat.net Andrew Vonderschmitt Features Editor 530-344-5058 / andrewv@mtdemocrat.net
Click “Staff Directory” at the bottom of mtdemocrat.com for full staff directory
Carol Esther Petersen-Gray
Oct 29, 1946 – March 21, 2025
Beloved wife & mother, Carol Esther PetersenGray was an extraordinary person who always tried to encourage others to keep on going and not give up. Throughout her time being a mother, she taught her daughters and grandchildren a lot about perseverance and resilience, and she found this resilience in her faith in Jesus Christ, an advocate and source of strength, where help comes from.
Carol was born in Denver, Colorado to Wendell Fredrick Petersen and Mary Delcie Mackish Petersen. The family soon moved out to California, joining up with Carol’s beloved grandmother, Wendell’s mother, Kate and a few uncles who had already come out to California. They had a farm in Fair Oaks, when it was not the city it is now but actually a farming area. Carol had fond memories of this time, as she loved animals and here she was able to have various animals growing up, including a cow, dogs, and a horse.
Being very beautiful, Carol was asked to participate in the Ms. Fair Oaks pageant as a young lady. Although she didn’t participate, being invited was an honor and after her daughter Alison heard this story, she would always encourage her mom to “show us that Ms. Fair Oaks smile!”, even when times were hard. When Carol would break open that incredible smile of hers, she and everyone around would always feel better in the moment, whatever the circumstances.
Carol moved to Placerville after earning her bachelor’s degree from Sacramento State, having married her first husband Jon Rohrke who had family ties in Placerville. Here she made it her life’s work to be a mom, and she always strived to be a good, loving, devoted mom. She had Andrea Lynn in 1978 and Alison Kate in 1980. Although she taught Kindergarten for a year in Placerville, she quickly came to recognize her calling to be a stay-at-home mom. Some of her daughters’ greatest memories of their beautiful mother are of her in this role.
Carol was a loving, generous, forgiving mother who loved her two daughters and her four grandchildren very much. She always wanted the best for them, and always took the time to encourage them in the various ways she was gifted in, like writing notes & letters and saving items & gifts for her loved ones that they would personally appreciate.
Carol responded to Bruce’s add in the Mt. Democrat in 2000, after being divorced and finding herself single and living in the Placerville apartments. When she met Bruce for their first date at Carrows restaurant downtown, she had met the love of her life! They happily shared each other’s company, inseparable even up to the end with Carol’s cancer diagnosis in 2024 and Bruce’s ongoing dementia. As long as they had each other, things were good and they were content. They both loved Jesus and enjoyed attending church and listening to 88.1 FM KEBR Family Christian Radio. Carol passed away at home surrounded by family after bravely fighting stage IV cancer for over a year. Carol was laid to rest at East Lawn Memorial Park, 4300 Folsom Blvd. in Sacramento, the same cemetery where her mom, beloved father and grandmother are as well. Carol was interred on March 31, which happened to be her and Bruce’s 24th wedding Anniversary. They now share a grave under a tree here on earth, and through Jesus Christ they have already experienced a glorious reunion and are basking in each other’s fellowship again, this time with no problems whatsoever Carol is preceded in death by her father Wendell Petersen, mother Mary Keele (Mackish), husband Bruce Gray, aunts Ruth Branch (Mackish) & Rosalie Elks (Mackish) and Uncles Raymond Mackish & Robert Mackish. Carol is survived by her two daughters, Andrea Lynn Abrams( Rohrke) and Alison Kate Gennai (Rohrke); four grandchildren: Laake J Gennai, Cameron Paul Gennai, Mary Kate Gennai and Ireland Esther Vaughn Gennai; her Aunt Martha Massing (Mackish) & numerous cherished cousins including first cousins Barbara Branch (Mackish), Donna Massing, Gloria Sachen (Massing), Ted Massing and Debra Petty (Mackish). Until that anticipated day when we all are reunited, we take comfort knowing Carol is now safe in the arms of Jesus.
LEGISLATORS’ ADDRESSES
PLACERVILLE CITY COUNCIL Placerville City Hall 3101 Center St., Placerville (530) 642-5200
Mayor John Clerici jclerici@cityofplacerville.org
Vice Mayor Nicole Gotberg ngotberg@cityofplacerville.org
Ryan Carter rcarter@cityofplacerville.org
Jackie Neau jneau@cityofplacerville.org
Beverly Nairne Parry
March 12, 1935 – June 7, 2025
Beverly “Bev” Parry passed peacefully in her sleep at her home in Surprise, Arizona, on June 7th at the age of 90. She was born in Los Angeles, California, to Kenneth Archibald and Katherine Alexander (nee Podhraski) Nairne.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother (Douglas D. Nairne), and stepdaughter (Melissa Check Graff). Bev is survived by her soulmate of over 45 years, Thomas Check; daughters Wendy S. Hunter and Kim A. Zappala (Joe); stepdaughter Leslie Check Wells (Dave); grandsons Joshua D. Wilson (Britini), Shawn R. Bryson, and Zachary B. Hunter; and greatgrandchildren Aiden J., Hunter B., and Kinley G. Wilson.
Bev graduated from Point Loma High School in 1953 and Stanford University (B.A. 1957) and (M.A. 1958) with degrees in physical education and teaching. She participated in many sports at Stanford, well before women were formally recognized as athletes. In 1995, Stanford finally acknowledged their former women athletes, and she was awarded the coveted ‘Block S’ for outstanding athletic participation and achievement.
She started her professional career as a physical education teacher at three high schools in California (Newport Harbor in Newport Beach, Hamilton in Los Angeles, and Westminster in Huntington Beach). One memory she shared was of a day when she had a class outside on the volleyball court, and an earthquake struck. The asphalt could be seen rolling in waves, causing quite a panic among her students. She resigned from teaching in 1962 to embrace motherhood.
During the 1970s, she lived on a 15-acre ranch on Tanglewood Drive in Placerville, California, with many animals (cows, pigs, goats, chickens, rabbits, horses, dogs, and cats), which required everyone to pitch in on chores. The back cow pasture was a dreaded assignment because Beulah lived there. Beulah was a black, white-faced cow who was just plain mean. She had us girls up a tree or stuck hiding in the well house on many occasions. My mother carried a long stick when she went out there and told us not to show fear, otherwise Beulah would chase us. One day, Beulah ignored the stick my mother carried and pinned her against a fence. A few months later, when we were eating dinner, my mother proclaimed that “Beulah burgers” were the best burgers she had ever tasted.
Also in the back pasture was Bigshot, a huge rooster, who presided over his harem of hens. Bigshot resembled the cartoon character Foghorn Leghorn, but that was where the resemblance ended. Foghorn Leghorn was a lot of bluster but harmless. Not Bigshot. One day, my mother came back from that pasture with shredded boots because he too didn’t respect the stick she carried and attacked her. A few weeks later, we had ‘Bigshot and dumplings’ for dinner. Although we all agreed that the meat was tough (and why wouldn’t it be), it was still the best chicken meal we ever had. We joked in later years to never get on the wrong side of our mother, otherwise we might end up on the dinner table.
She spent every December from the 1980s to 2022 at her condo at Surfside, Kihei, Maui. She loved her daily walks on the beach, snorkeling, golfing, celebrating sunset, and hosting their infamous ‘fizz’ Christmas Day party.
Bev reentered the workforce in 1978 as a real estate agent in Cameron Park, California, and became a broker. For a few years, she was part of the managing owner team of ABC Brokers before ending her career with ReMax Gold. She loved her work (“It’s not work if you love what you do”) and helping people find their dream homes. She had many repeat clients whom she helped buy their first home, then a larger home as their families grew, and finally, a downsized home when their children left them and they became empty nesters. Bev was frequently found on the coveted real estate list of Top Achievers within the county and nationally.
Beverly retired after more than 31 years and moved to Surprise, Arizona. Because Arizona summers were a bit too hot, she bought a home in Graeagle, California, where she and Tom had rented a condo every summer for over 30 years. Golf and snow determined their schedule, arriving in Graeagle in May to play in the Mother’s Day golf tournament and departing in October with the first snowfall.
Her retirement was filled with traveling, golfing, hiking, kayaking, attending or hosting parties, and making new friends. She and Tom traveled the world and filled three passports that document where their adventures took them. They golfed and danced their way across multiple countries and continents, always sharing their adventures and experiences through postcards and picture albums.
Her last few years were spent in their new community of the Colonnade, also in Surprise, Arizona. She loved the activities, beautiful pool, walking trails, and enjoyed having three restaurants to choose from when she didn’t feel like cooking. She maintained her independence in her own home, which was so important to her, until her last day.
Thank you to everyone who reached out to us after her passing, and to the Colonnade and Sun Health at Home staff for ensuring her last years were lived with independence and incredible care. A private family memorial will be held at a future date.
Beverly’s family welcomes stories about how you knew her and your adventures with her, which can be sent via email to: rememberingbeverly@ yahoo.com.
Taxpayers’ rights hearing set
News release
Robert W. (Bob) Campbell
Dec. 11,1945 – June 23, 2025
Bob passed away June 23, 2025, after more than a decade-long journey with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Throughout his illness, Bob never lost his zest for life or his sense of humor. He brought joy and laughter to those around him, especially his family and the compassionate staff at Overland Court Memory Care with his playful spirit.
Bob leaves behind his beloved wife of 38 years, Peg; his children, Jennifer Posey (Larry Schellang), Ryan Campbell (Tiffany Harward), and stepson, Ron Coit (Elvia McDaniel); along with his grandchildren Emma Posey, Makenzie Campbell, and Sean Coit.
Bob was born in Rochester, Minnesota, on December 11, 1945, to Belva and Robert W. Campbell Sr., Bob was their only child. He graduated from Carleton College with a master’s degree in geology, where he was a member of the National Science Honor Society and served as president of the Geology Club. He pursued graduate studies at Stanford University on a full scholarship, earning his MS and nearly completing his PhD before answering the call to serve his country. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard where he served with distinction as a Lieutenant from 1970 to 1975, stationed in Washington, D.C.
Following his military service, Bob embarked on a global career with an international development company, working in locations around the world. He embraced every opportunity to explore new cultures and landscapes, always with his camera in hand to capture the beauty he encountered.
Bob’s passions were as deep as they were diverse. A geologist and a photographer at heart, he spent countless hours on rock-hounding trips across California and Nevada. He was also a gourmet cook and an exceptional baker, known for mastering any subject that piqued his curiosity. One of his proudest personal achievements was designing his dream home—so well thought out that only minor adjustments were needed to meet building codes. Bob was a remarkable man—intelligent, kind, curious, and endlessly creative. His legacy lives on in the memories he created the laughter he inspired, and the love he shared.
There will be a Memorial for Bob at the Green Valley Community Church, 3500 Missouri Flat Rd., Placerville, CA 95667 on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to your local hospice organization in Bob’s memory.
PLACERVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT’S CRIME LOG
The following information was taken from PPD reports:
July 21
2:29 p.m. Vandalism was reported at
July
12:20
4:46
July 24
bail.
Dr. Little’s Dental News
Presented by Jeffery Little, D.D.S.
COSMETIC TREATMENT
The State Board of Equalization will hold its 2025 Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights hearing on Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. The hearing provides an opportunity for taxpayers, county assessors and other local agency representatives to provide comments on items discussed in the most recent Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate’s annual report; as well as present ideas, concerns and input on the quality of the agency’s service related to the BOE’s administration of its programs. At the hearing anyone can comment on the property tax programs administered by the BOE or local county agencies statewide as well as present ideas on legislation for the Alcoholic Beverage Tax as described above. The hearing provides a venue for parties to identify ways to resolve any problems identified in the Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate’s current annual report available online at boe.ca.gov/tra/ tra2324.pdf. Participate in person or mail comments at the May Lee State Office Complex Auditorium, 651 Bannon St., Sacramento, by telephone at (916) 2743400 or visit boe.ca.gov/ tra.
Do you have an interesting story to share?
If you visit the dermatologist to clear up acne or would consider plastic surgery to fix a crooked nose, why not visit the dentist to address problems that prevent you from smiling? Dentists have many means at their disposal to correct chipped, crooked, or discolored teeth that make people so self-conscious that they are embarrassed to smile. Some of these cosmetic procedures are quite fast, simple, and relatively low-cost. For instance, in-office tooth whitening or using trays with professional strength gel at home can often whiten teeth several shades. One-visit tooth bonding involves application of a tooth-colored resin to fill in chips. These are but two of the cosmetic treatments that can bring a smile to your face. The aesthetic of a bright white smile
has entered societal consciousness with a vengeance - making teeth whitening one of the most requested cosmetic dentistry procedures. We want to provide you with the best dental care possible. We genuinely want to help you achieve dental greatness. We use the most modern techniques and equipment. Call us today for the professional attention that will make a difference in your oral health care regimen. We offer “Tooth Print,” which is an impression of a child’s full mouth. About the size of a small wafer, the impression is given to the parent/guardian for the family album or for ID for a missing child.
P.S. Porcelain crowns and veneers are used to replace or cover damaged teeth with a material that provides the most durable and natural-looking results.
12:33 p.m. Battery was reported at a restaurant on Main Street. July 25
10:15 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Woodridge Court. 11:03 a.m. Petty theft was reported on Clay Street. 2:59 p.m. Battery was reported at a bank on Main Street.
July 26
10:37 a.m. Petty theft was reported at a store on Main Street.
12:47 p.m. Vandalism was reported
Tahoe Daily Tribune
LAKE TAHOE — Keep Tahoe Blue has announced, Jean-Michel Cousteau, a world renowned oceanographer, is set to headline the first event in the environmental nonprofit’s 2025 Speaker Series, taking place at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe’s Wayne L. Prim Campus on Saturday, Aug. 23.
Keep Tahoe Blue’s 2025 Speaker Series will feature innovators, pioneers and changemakers in the fields of science, conservation and sustainability at three events in the late summer and early fall. The speakers were selected to fascinate, inspire and motivate people from all walks of life to better understand — then protect — not just Lake Tahoe, but treasured outdoor places around the globe.
The first keynote speaker is an explorer, diplomat, environmentalist, educator, film producer, author, architect and diver. For over six decades, Cousteau has dedicated himself to inspiring people of all generations and nations to act responsibly by protecting the ocean and the planet’s water ecosystems, which are so intricately connected to the survival of all life.
Cousteau’s reputation and vast experience across 80 years of diving and exploration began a generation ago with his father, Jacques Cousteau, aboard the famed ocean research vessels Calypso and Alcyone. Jean-
Michel founded Ocean Futures Society in 1999 as a “Voice for the Ocean,” reaching millions of people globally with his inspirational films, programs, projects and live multimedia presentations. An impassioned global humanitarian, he inspires young people, families, community decision-makers, governments and industry, energizing alliances for positive change to protect the planet through wise, sustainable environmental policy.
In a landmark collaboration, Jean-Michel and Keep Tahoe Blue will unite on Saturday, Aug. 23, to celebrate their shared commitment to water protection. Individual tickets and group packages to the family-friendly event — Jean-Michel Cousteau x Keep Tahoe Blue: A Legacy of Protecting Our Waters — in Incline Village are available for purchase now at keeptahoeblue.org/ cousteau.
As summer turns to fall, additional Speaker Series events will feature famed Lake Tahoe scientist Dr. Charles Goldman, widely regarded as the “Godfather of limnology,” as well as Sierra Sustainable Builders, Fireclay Tile and other key partners who designed, sourced and constructed Tahoe’s first LEEDcertified office building, now the new home of Keep Tahoe Blue’s Spurlock/ Evers Environment & Education Center. More information is available at keeptahoeblue.org/events.
CDFW completes waterfowl breeding population survey
&
Melanie Weaver
Peter Tira CDFW
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has completed its 2025 waterfowl breeding population survey. The results of the survey show both mallard and total duck species have increased this year.
The breeding population of mallards increased from 177,828 to 265,640 (a 49% increase) and total ducks (all species combined) increased from 373,864 to 474,495 (a 27% increase). Mallards remain below the long-term average by 16%.
“The survey indicated an increase in mallard abundance, and habitat conditions were good in Northern California so we expect average to above-average production for all waterfowl species,” said CDFW Waterfowl Program biologist Melanie Weaver.
Since 1948, CDFW biologists and wardenpilots have conducted this survey annually using fixed-wing aircraft. The population estimates are for those areas where the vast majority of waterfowl nesting occurs in California, including wetland and agricultural areas in northeastern California, throughout the Central Valley, the Suisun Marsh and some coastal valleys.
The complete 2025 California Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey Report is available at the CDFW website. The majority of California’s wintering duck population originates from breeding areas surveyed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Alaska and Canada, and these results should be available by late August. CDFW survey information, along with similar data from other Pacific Flyway states, is used by the USFWS and the Pacific Flyway Council when setting hunting regulations for the Pacific Flyway states, including California.
Carrie Vonderhaar Photography
Jean-Michel Cousteau swims with a Hawksbill turtle in Papua New Guinea. Hear him speak in the Tahoe area later this month.
Photo by Travis VanZant / CDFW Duck populations are on the rise, according to a new report.
responsible.”
District Attorney Vern Pierson followed the sheriff, saying Schmid has done an outstanding job “trying to navigate the various … directions the county gets pulled in having to comply with the state of California.”
Undersheriff Bryan Golmitz echoed the sheriff’s and DA’s statements, adding he’s enjoyed working with Schmid over the years. “She’s very easy to work with, She listens. She has come to us with unique ideas on how to solve some of our problems,” Golmitz told the board. “I haven’t noticed that before dealing with other people.”
Other speakers commended Schmid’s openness and responsiveness though not all were complimentary, citing budget difficulties and purported efforts to exclude public input.
El Dorado Hills resident Kelley Nalewaja said she wants to see someone new in the position who’s “a corporate thinker” and can rein in spending. “Look outside the bubble of El Dorado County,” Nalewaja recommended. “Hopefully we’ll find somebody new and vibrant and ready to help this county out of some of the messes we’re in.”
But Placerville resident and former District 3 Supervisor Wendy Thomas noted Schmid’s leadership had significantly improved county culture.
“The question that nags at my mind is why does Tiffany feel she has no other option but to resign
$1,800 and $3,000 a month.
“There is also a relationship between the tobacco sales and the gas sales,” Garner said. “People like to onestop shop as much as possible, so rather than going to two stores they like to get gas and their tobacco products.”
While one store owner estimated a loss of $1,750 in gas tax per month, the other estimated $4,900 in gas tax losses.
“One retailer reported similar restrictions in other jurisdictions reduced tobacco sales by 65%-75%,” the report notes. “Another retailer reported that tobacco sales account for 31%44% of sales with 46%-63% of tobacco sales including other purchases.”
Garner said many people stopping for gas along Highway 50 are tourists heading up to Lake Tahoe and Reno, who may choose to stop in Folsom or Sacramento County.
“If they can’t get the tobacco, they’re also not gonna buy the gas. They’re not gonna buy the sodas; they’re not gonna buy whatever else they’re getting at that time,” she said.
Tobacco ordinance discussions started around 2022 due to concerns expressed by community members related to a “planned development of a tobacco retail location across the street from Herbert Green Middle School and a family’s struggle regarding their son’s exposure to vape smoke on the school campus,” explained Kyle Fliflet, acting director of Public Health, Health and Human Services Agency.
By November of that year, he said the impacts of vaping on the youth town hall was explored. This led the supervisors in January 2024 to approve Urgency Ordinance 5192, a temporary moratorium on new tobacco retailer applications. This was extended in March 2024 for another 10 months. That October the board approved Zoning Ordinance modifications and in November final passage of the tobacco retail license ordinance, Ordinance
when her leadership is so valued by county offices, by our staff and by our community?” Thomas asked.
“This just doesn’t make sense. I do not say this lightly, but it seems that there may be a member or two of this board that are acting in an underhanded manner to sabotage Tiffany’s leadership, to drive a false narrative and to try to make decisions, significant decisions, for the majority of this board. I implore this board to get to the bottom of the matter.”
District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin acknowledged Thomas’ comments. “We’ve seen some great strides in certain areas. Others we’re still working on, obviously,” Parlin shared. “And we will always be working on these things.”
“I was absolutely floored when I learned that Tiffany was resigning from her position,” shared District 5 Supervisor Brooke Laine, noting that in her years she has worked with many city and county leaders, and Schmid ranks in the top three.
“I also have grave concerns about how this came to be because it was that shocking,” Laine added. “We have done a lot of very difficult things in this county and we’ve worked through some disagreements on the board. But our CAO has just been a stellar strength for us. She cares about the employees. She cares about the county.”
“We wish her well as she moves forward,” said District 3 Supervisor Brian Veerkamp.
5211, was approved. It was designed to provide local oversight, the county’s retention of revenue generated from permits and penalties and to make sure there were inspections done at least annually.
Through January 2025, county staff visited tobacco retailers in El Dorado County in person and provided them with information on the new ordinance, for which enforcement would begin on April 1.
By March, additional public and board feedback led staff to recommend ordinance modifications such as differentiating the number of licenses between gas stations and smoke shops and discussing potential economic impacts of implementing the ordinance. Supervisors voted 5-0 on March 25 to review the ordinance. At the same time, Ordinance 5210
Tobacco Retail Land Use Ordinance, which imposes a limit of 1,500 feet from sensitive sites such as childcare and youth-oriented facilities, was approved.
The county has 142 tobacco retailers, 97 of them in unincorporated areas, according to Fliflet. Of the 97, 10 are smoke shops, eight are pharmacies and 79 are in other retail locations like convenience stores and gas stations.
Fliflet said research shows all tobacco retailers conduct some amount of illegal sales to minors.
Although the state is required to enforce tobacco laws, it is largely left to local jurisdictions, according to Fliflet, who added that as of October 2024, 237 jurisdictions in California have adopted a tobacco retailer licensing ordinance.
Four ordinance options were presented to the board and regardless of which was adopted, staff would need to return to the board for formal approval.
Option A was to repeal both Ordinance 5210 and 5211.
“The benefits would be no additional burden on businesses and no impact to sales and use tax,” Fliflet said, naming the disadvantages as less
“You’ve been nothing but great,” shared District 1 Supervisor Greg Ferrero. “You’re very well-versed in pretty much everything that’s going on in the county …. You will be missed.”
Board President George Turnboo called Schmid “a rockstar” and thanked her for her support and efforts to get things done.
“The department heads were out of control with the last CAO. The last CAO was basically micromanaging the departments,” the District 2 supervisor explained. “Tiffany brought all the departments together so we could (do) good for this county, for the future of this county.”
A “humbled” Schmid wipes tears away after comments ended, sharing, “I’m the lucky one and anything that I’ve done has not been my doing; it’s this amazing team.”
Schmid later spoke with the Mountain Democrat about her decision. “It’s just the right time,” she said, noting (though not specifying) a “number of factors” that led to her resignation.
The CAO said she’s most proud of “promoting a respectful, collaborative, solution-oriented culture where employees feel valued and motivated to provide the best service possible. It’s not any more complex than that.”
Because of this, Schmid said the county has experienced a reduced vacancy rate and worked through fiscal challenges to build a 2025-26 balanced budget “that at the outset seemed impossible to develop.”
local control of retailers who are violating state and federal laws and no limit on the number of tobacco retailers or smoke shops.
Option B was to repeal just Ordinance 5211, and update Zoning Ordinance 5210 to only apply to smoke shops.
Option C was to simplify the Tobacco Retail License Ordinance 5211 and Tobacco Zoning Ordinance 5210 to reduce restrictions on businesses. Changes that would be reviewed by the planning commission would include decreasing sensitive and same use setbacks to 1,000 feet, and amending restrictions to sell flavored tobacco and e-cigarettes, product pricing and packaging, revise density restrictions of one per 15,000 to only include smoke shops, once again allow for new licenses to be issued when a business is sold and grandfather in development applications received prior to Jan. 30, 2024.
Option D was also to simplify Ordinance 5211 to reduce the same restrictions on businesses as Option C, but adding limits on all tobacco retailers of one per 1,500 residents in addition to the limit on smoke shops of one per 15,000 residents.
Supervisor Greg Ferrero asked if there is grant funding for either education or enforcement.
Fliflet said some grant funding comes from the Department of Justice “to conduct youth decoy activities that the sheriff’s office would do in which we can identify illegal activity, particularly related to minors.”
The funding can also be used for retailer education and support inspections, he said.
Supervisor Brooke Laine asked Garner if there is documentation from other areas to corroborate local retailers’ claims that shoppers wouldn’t frequent their stores to buy gas if tobacco isn’t available.
“We talked about the fact that, as an example, around Lake Tahoe where you’ve got people
traveling back and forth regularly between the Nevada side and the California side and that after a couple of times, if they realize, oh, I can get this over in Nevada what I can’t get in California, then they start making that a habit to do the same,” Garner said.
But she agreed not everybody is going to automatically stop going to tobacco-restricted gas stations, and thought about 25% of people would change stations.
“That was only achievable because of the mutual respect between county department heads,” she maintained. That budget includes raises for many county employees, set aside funding in reserves and includes some funding for the county’s next major capital project — a Health and Human Services facility in Placerville — “all without eliminating any county services.”
Looking back, Schmid said she wouldn’t change any decisions as she made them at the time with the best information available. Offering direction to the next CAO, Schmid advised, “Prioritize the people who provide the services to our county” and “Do what is right for the county — even if it is difficult or unpopular.”
On July 29, supervisors unanimously appointed Sue Hennike the acting CAO effective Aug. 16. Recruitment for a permanent CAO will begin soon.
Growing up in El Dorado County and later leading its government has given Schmid insight to many sides of the community — where she intends to stay even though a new job with the state takes her down the hill — and she said she credits her successes to the people. “I wish everyone could see how much heart and soul there is in the people who work for the county,” she concluded. “They care so much and work so hard, and it often goes unnoticed.”
Supervisor Lori Parlin said she wanted to get back to why this ordinance was crafted.
“I don’t want to forget that the bottom line for this is public health,” Parlin said. “Tobacco use among youth is on the rise again.”
Parlin suggested differentiating between rural areas where tobacco use is more prevalent vs. urban areas regarding setbacks from schools and sensitive uses. Garner said she
thought they could. Parlin said she would like no transferability for smoke shops.
“So that when one closes, we have fewer and we get to zero smoke shops,” she said. In public comment, several gas station and convenience store owners thanked county staff and the board for working with them. Leticia Ramirez with the law firm Thatch and Hooper in Sacramento,
OPINION
Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill is a step ahead for America
PLetters to the Editor Guest Column
resident Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill is the latest political victory in an action-packed first six months in office. The bill restores some good governance that protects taxpayers and citizens and is a huge boost to working families and entrepreneurs. The bill should increase prosperity and start to slow our unsustainable growth in government spending.
If you listened only to legacy media, you might think the bill does nothing more than kick widows and orphans off government health care. There is a reason why trust in media is at an all-time low and the hysterical misrepresentations regarding the BBB (and all things Trump, really) are Exhibit A. The bill does nothing of the sort.
The BBB does require working-age adults to work or volunteer 20 hours a week, or be enrolled in school, to continue to receive their taxpayer-funded health care. Anyone disabled, caring for a child younger than 14 or pregnant is exempted from these requirements. Still, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that nearly five million people currently receiving government health insurance will not take even that modest step toward independence and self-sufficiency and will lose coverage as a result.
The BBB respects work, individual autonomy, families, entrepreneurship and prosperity. It keeps a safety net woven tightly underneath the truly needy ...
That also means that five million people are currently accepting benefits that don’t meet these loose standards. Charity is one thing, but why should healthy, working adults pay for the health care of healthy, working-age adults who refuse to work or take any responsibility for their own care?
Work is superior to permanent welfare, as citizens gain control over their lives and build toward prosperity. The BBB is wholly right to promote employment.
The BBB also requires states to use federal databases to verify Medicaid eligibility to check citizenship status, trying to ensure that illegal immigrants are not using the program for nonemergency care, and increasing oversight to cut down on waste and fraud in the system. This could save taxpayers billions every year.
Even with these long-overdue, common-sense measures, the Medicaid budget is still expected to increase over the next decade, but the BBB changes can slow the growth to a manageable level. As recently reported by the Wall Street Journal, Medicaid spending has risen 60% since 2019 — far beyond growth in personal incomes or government revenues. That must stop or we are headed for fiscal
n See GAINES, page A7
The economics of national security
EDITOR:
On June 25 the USA bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities. That strike, along with Israel’s strikes, has probably delayed Iran’s ability to produce a nuclear weapon by several years.
You would think that would get full support from the Democrats, but it didn’t. The west has been threatened by Iran since 1979 when the radical Muslim leader, the Ayatollah Khomeini, became supreme leader creating the terrorist state of Iran. Seven American administrations have deferred to Iran in fear for 46 years until President Trump called its bluff.
Why would they be afraid to confront a country whose gross domestic product (GDP) is less than the state of Minnesota’s? Why did we allow the Ayatollahs to export terror around the world and especially in the Middle East?
America’s GDP is about $30 trillion. Iran’s GDP is about $340 billion, which is about one third of what we spend on defense. North Korea’s GDP is about $18 billion and Russia’s is about $2.4 trillion, which is smaller than California at $4.1 trillion. Yet
we are afraid of these countries too.
These are pygmy countries that threaten the west just as the Lilliputians tied Gulliver down in Gulliver’s travels. George Washington and Alexander Hamilton understood that economics was important in 1789 when they created the financial system to finance a standing army to protect the United States, which Jefferson opposed. Yet Democratic presidents from Carter to Biden have strived to reduce military readiness by cutting funding to finance their social agenda.
What happened in World War II?
The outcome of WWII was very dependent on the ability of the Allies to outproduce the Axis powers in the production of military hardware. In 1945, the Allies had a GDP of $2.4 trillion in 1990 prices and the Axis had $466 billion of GDP or a 5.1:1 ratio. America’s GDP was $1.5 trillion or 62% of the Allied total.
The USA produced seven times more trucks than Germany did in WWII due to the efforts of private industrialists like Henry Kaiser of Kaiser Steel, William Knudsen of GM and Charles Sorensen
The Balancing Act
One Democratic presidential hopeful is woefully unqualified
In the race for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, there are several contenders — Gavin “all hands” Newsom, perhaps AOC (which could stand for “Always Overtly Communistic”), Kamala “word salad” Harris and Pete “do nothing” Buttigieg. It’s the bicycle-riding Pete Buttigieg we are going to discuss. PB has little time in elective office, being the mayor of the relatively small town of South Bend, Ind., (population 103,453 and that’s with Notre Dame’s 20,000 students and staff) where the potholes rule the streets. After eight years in office, they were still there. Maybe he got re-elected on a sympathy vote. PB could stand for “Pothole Buttigieg.” After eight years in the Naval Reserve
as an “intelligence” officer (now there is an oxymoron) he rose to the rank of lieutenant. His only other “command” was being chosen by thenPresident Joe Biden (or whoever was running the White House) as secretary of Transportation. In his effort to show his environmental chops, Buttigieg often carried a bicycle in the rear of his gas guzzling Suburban and was photographed by crafty reporters removing the bicycle a mile or so from his intended destination so he could be seen arriving at events or meetings riding his bike. Maybe PB means “Phony Baloney.”
PB was worried about streets being racist and airplanes causing climate change more than being
concerned about the United States transportation system and its safety. Our Air Traffic Control system is 50-60 years old. Its radars, its communications, our airports and our air traffic control centers are woefully out of date. Many controllers still use handwritten slips of paper for each aircraft, moving and arranging them by hand on a board. And Buttigieg spent nothing to update the system. Instead, over his four years he spent $80 billion in over 400 grants for DEI. The Justice40 program spent nearly $80 billion in “disadvantaged communities” through an executive order signed by Biden. Under Buttigieg, another $5 billion was spent for seven EV charging outlets, not the 500,000 promised. Upgrading our ATC, practically zero, though a
few billion was spent on maintaining a failing system.
One airline executive called this spending “woke nonsense,” as key Carter era “safety systems” were left as is. Another industry executive told the New York Post that Buttigieg wasn’t concerned about fixing the nation’s outdated ATC system as it would allow more airliners to fly and that doesn’t work well for the climate.
I’m not going to blame the Reagan National Airport disaster that killed 67 people on Buttigieg — the actual fault lies with the pilot of the Black Hawk who broke an altitude restriction — but it is believed that a more modern system would have detected the impending collision and
LARRY WEITZMAN
Buttigieg is more about looking good and branding than he is about solving problems …
TED GAINES
crisis. The BBB also makes permanent many of the pro-taxpayer, pro-family, pro-business changes from Trump’s 2018 tax reform, and even improves on some of those consequential changes from his first term.
The standard deduction for both single filers and married couples is increased under the BBB, letting families
keep more of their income and simplifying tax returns for millions. The annual child tax credit, one of the most important to working families, has been expanded by 10% to $2,200 per child.
Seniors 65 and older with income under $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers) will get an extra $6,000 deduction on top of the standard deduction and any
Continued from A6
given controllers more warning. Let’s understand something, DEI is discrimination based on physical characteristics and not on meritocracy, which is the foundation of America. Discrimination is the antithesis of America.
Buttigieg presided over the supply chain crisis, shipping delays, flight cancellations and the East Palestine train derailment. He took a two-month paternity leave during the height of the supply chain crisis and was mostly unavailable.
Buttigieg is more about looking good and branding than he is about solving problems, or his method of solving problems is to eliminate or reduce the activity he can’t control, such as the
other senior-specific credits or deductions. Millions of workers will benefit from the BBB’s partial exemptions on tips and overtime, as well. Businesses of every size will be motivated to invest, expand and hire more workers from provisions such as the “bonus depreciation,” which lets companies accelerate tax write-offs for
qualified equipment.
As with Trump’s first round of tax policy changes, the BBB will boost middle-class bottom lines and strengthen businesses.
The BBB respects work, individual autonomy, families, entrepreneurship and prosperity. It keeps a safety net woven tightly underneath the truly needy without promoting endless welfare for
ATC and airline system. If it is overloaded and the current system can’t do its job, then cut down the size of the airline system or, in other words, cut down the number of flights. What would that do? Destroy the travel and leisure business and business itself. And worse is the limiting of airline seats will raise the prices of those seats, cost job growth and myriad of other problems like increased use of automobiles.
That is not the solution. The solution is modernization and increased air traffic capacity.
Buttigieg left the problems of the air transportation system to Sean Duffy, the new secretary of Transportation, who in less than six
healthy, working-age adults. The Big Beautiful Bill sets up America for a big, beautiful future.
Sen. Ted Gaines (ret.) was elected to represent the Board of Equalization’s 1st District with nearly 10 million constituents in 34 counties of Northern, Eastern and Southern California. For more information visit boe.ca.gov/ Gaines.
months’ time not only created a comprehensive plan to improve safety and capacity, but had it funded as well in the BBB to the tune of $12.5 billion. This money will initiate the complete overhaul, which may require about another $20 billion. What is sickening is that $12.5 billion is a far cry from the $80 billion in DEI grants that did absolutely nothing to fix the ATC system. In fact, it may have held back its modernization by creating DEI roadblocks. Let’s hope not. And PB wants to be President Buttigieg?
Larry Weitzman is a former El Dorado County resident.
Letters
Continued from A6
of Ford. In just four years the USA produced 250,000 artillery pieces, 2.4 million trucks, 2.4 million machine guns and over 40 billion rounds of ammunitions. It also produced 807 cruisers, destroyers and destroyer escorts, 203 submarines, 151 carriers, eight battleships and over 50 tons of merchant shipping and 300,000 aircraft. The Axis powers only produced about 260,000 aircraft. The moral of the story: WWII was won by the countries that made more stuff vs. those that killed more people (courtesy of Victor Davis Hanson “The World Wars”). Thus it will always be.
President Trump has said, “Peace through strength.” This has been true since 1789 and we ignore it at our peril. America and its allies can put the Iranian terrorist genie back in the bottle. They only need to use their willpower and vast military and financial resources.
DARWIN THRONE El Dorado Hills
WANT TO SEE YOUR LETTER IN THE NEWSPAPER? Log on to our website and share your opinion
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
SENIOR
COUNSELING
TAXPAYERS
Weitzman
Lightfoot, Slaney, Jinkerson and Barnes claim Carnett Clash wins
Gary Thomas Placerville Speedway
The Carnett Clash brought a pair of first-time winners on Saturday night at Placerville Speedway.
Tyler Lightfoot snagged his first-ever Pure Stock victory, while 14-year-old Jett Barnes won his initial Winged 360 Sprint Car main event. Anthony Slaney claimed the Ltd. Late Model win during the Carnett Clash, with Kevin Jinkerson winning the Mini Truck feature.
Placerville Speedway
returns to action this Saturday, Aug. 9, with Red Hawk Casino Night.
Former Navy SEAL organizes endurance race to support veterans
Katelyn Welsh
Tahoe Daily Tribune
LAKE TAHOE — In less than a month, a former Navy SEAL and 11 other highly trained veterans will embark on a 220-mile endurance race across Sierra Nevada mountains, including the Tahoe Rim Trail loop to cultivate awareness around the daily number of veteran
event begins Aug. 22, involving veterans racing 22 miles 10 times over, with a 22-pound pack — symbolizing carrying the burden of those 22 veterans who commit suicide every single day.
But each racer won’t be doing it alone. Carrying the 22-pound pack will involve teams of four. “Because it takes a team to save a
will finish the final leg together.
It’s projected to be one of America’s most difficult endurance races, but for the racers it’s much more.
“We’ve all lost brothers and sisters in the military community,” Cogan expressed.
The team members come from a variety of different backgrounds — SEALS, Marines, Navy
would have received a monthly housing allowance from the VA while using his GI Bill. This would have made his life much easier for him and his family.
“I was floored. No one had informed me, not the VA, not my Veteran Services officer, not the school administration, not the campus veterans representative,” he said.
The resource not only offers free videos, articles and guides, but ensures veterans have someone to talk to with veteran impact officers.
Cogan explained the officers save five veterans every month and guide them through a five-year transition.
hour or two, recording 4-17 miles depending on the terrain. That’s on top of a weekly extra challenging run, hiking with a 60-pound ruck, and half-hour to an hour of regular gym exercise throughout the week.
With all the training under their belts, the 12 take off Aug. 22 and intend to cross the finish line five to six days later. Members of the SEAL Future Foundation Reno Chapter and the Reno Fire Department will be supporting the run with IVs, food, foot care, beds, emergency aid coordination and other support.
A celebration will follow the accomplishment at McP’s Taphouse in South Lake Tahoe on Aug. 29. The ticketed fundraiser is open to the public and will host an evening of live music, silent and live auctions and powerful testimonials with many of the racers speaking.
To learn more about the race, 3Bravo or to find tickets to the Tahoe fundraiser visit 3bravo.org/event/20mountain-220.
“I was completely on my Also a master trainer while in the military with a passion for mentoring new members, Cogan carried this forward into his nonprofit with the goal of curbing these post service challenges for 3Bravo aims to make VA benefits more accessible and prevent veteran suicides with critical services like benefits navigation, mental health support, and transition guidance.
“We only hire veterans for the role because each vet needs someone they not only trust but truly relate to.”
Trust and relation will go a long way among team members in the upcoming multi-day race. Cogan described training for the race as both difficult and simple.
“It’s simple because all you need to do is run, run, run,” he said.
“However, there is a lot I do to prevent injury.”
Training requires developing endurance not only in the lungs, but also the feet. Cogan runs each day for an
Courtesy photos
Left. Jett Barnes, 14, celebrates his first Winged 360 Sprint Car main event win at Placerville Speedway. Right, Anthony Slaney took home the Ltd. Late Model trophy at the Aug. 2 Carnett Clash.
Courtesy photo
Liam Cogan, seen here with wife Laura, is bringing his efforts to
to provide care for the community and this westward expansion represents a continuation of our mission,” explained Marshall’s Chief Ambulatory Officer Jonathan Russell. “There’s a perception as we expand west that it means we’re neglecting Placerville but we’re not. There won’t be a decrease in services. This expansion gives us more providers and access to quality care throughout the community especially supporting the schools and people with an active lifestyle.”
The clinic has an in-house blood draw and lab, 25 universal exam rooms, a cardiology department, an onsite orthopedic specialist, on-call orthopedic surgeon and X-ray equipment plus a large space for physical therapy. There are two procedure rooms and four dedicated isolation room for patients with contagious illnesses such as measles.
“We had to retrofit rooms with low pressure and build it into the HVAC system,” Marshall’s Executive Director of Facilities Derek Bogaard said regarding the construction of isolation rooms.
A state of the art X-ray machine, the General Electric Definium XR/f, offers care providers a lot of flexibility for patient height, size and varying degrees of mobility. The machine is more flexible so the provider doesn’t have to do as much patient positioning.
The brightly lit entryway and reception area features a purple wall and interior design features represent the Marshall brand. The reception desk is centralized for all the departments and streamlines the check-in process. A walk-in clinic features five exam rooms and two procedure rooms which are big enough to accommodate any specialty.
“The clinic is set up to treat sports injuries and bone fractures reducing the need for trips to the emergency room.” Bogaard explained.
“We will have to re-educate the community that you don’t have to go to the ER,” he continued. “It will be much faster and much cheaper to be seen at the walk-in clinic.”
The 25 universal exam rooms on the
Ordinances Continued from A5
representing Tooley Oil, Strauch & Company and Cameron Park Petroleum, said they support options A and B to repeal the ordinances because they do not believe gas stations are the “culprits” in youth tobacco use. She said they would also support C and D if changes were made.
“We do not support density and setback restrictions,” Ramirez emphasized.
She said sales of tobacco products account for 30% of her clients’ in-store sales.
David Tooley, whose family owns 16 gas stations in the Sacramento area, including one in El Dorado Hills, said the issue is flavored vapes.
“I don’t want to sell tobacco to minors. Honestly, I know where the problem is. All the problem is vape; we all see it,” Tooley said. “Ironically, the state of California has banned flavored vapes.”
Adult consumers upset with inflated prices for cigarettes are going down to Folsom, he said, adding that the ordinance should be simplified and not get into prices and packaging.
Mark Strauch, who along with his brother, owns three AM/PMs in the county, said, “I believe that the ordinance will limit future growth investment in El Dorado County.” Strauch had two new locations in
orthopedic side of the facility and the procedure rooms are big enough to accommodate any medical specialty down the road, Bogaard added.
Other specialty services provided on-site are cardiology, podiatry and a large comprehensive physical therapy room with private changing rooms and showers. The physical therapy room is a large space with multiple beds, balance bars, PT table, modifiable stationary bicycles, treadmills, a universal weight machine, medicine balls and free weights.
Plans are in place to install a ZeroG 3D Gait and Balance System, a robotic body weight support system that automatically tracks patients as they move in any direction. It helps the patient perform movements in a safe way which will also make it safer for the physical therapist working with them. A charitable donor recently gave $300,000 for the acquisition and Marshall will have the distinction of having the only Zero-G system west of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Marshall Public Information Officer Fernando Diaz said of the soon to open facility, “We’ve been hiring people over the last several months and staff are being trained on the day to day logistics.”
A large room dedicated to the staff features adjustable desks adjacent to a large bank of windows which let in natural light. Colorful paint breaks up a very long central hallway and art from local artists will soon grace the walls.
Future plans are being made for an outdoor mobility station which will feature a variable terrain to help people recovering from surgery or injury to practice their mobility. The clinic has room to expand later on down the road with another 25,000 square feet of space on the second floor. The new facility will complement Marshall Hospital in Placerville, which has 111 licensed beds, as well as Marshall outpatient facilities in Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills and Georgetown. The nonprofit healthcare system employs around 1,500 people. For more information visit marshallmedical.org.
development, with $3 million already invested, when the tobacco ordinances passed in November 2024.
“The Ordinance 5210 created a setback that would make it so I could not sell tobacco, and therefore we would not be able to build the locations,” Strauch told supervisors.
Ferrero pointed out that tobacco ordinances aren’t necessary since law enforcement already enforces state laws.
But, Parlin said a local ordinance is needed to see what’s behind the counters in smoke shops.
Supervisor Brian Veerkamp moved to repeal both tobacco ordinances and start over with a new ordinance.
Ferrero seconded it.
Supervisors discussed a new ordinance solely to address smoke shops and incorporating setbacks from schools.
Chair George Turnboo suggested staff look into it.
The motion passed 3-2, with Laine and Parlin voting no.
The board approved repealing both tobacco ordinances; directed staff to return to the board with data and analysis regarding creating setbacks between schools and tobacco retailers; and directed staff to report back to the board with information regarding smoke shop operations and their compliance with applicable state laws.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your confidence is evident as you speak softly, move slowly and do very little. Everyone is leaning in to listen to you. Respect can’t be demanded — it has to be commanded, and you’re the evidence.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your path won’t follow a typical pattern — no problem. Life doesn’t have to make immediate sense. Let the chaos self-organize. In this universe, the rule of disorder is temporary and will settle into harmony of one kind or another.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Though relationships can be messy, you have more power over them than you might think. Spot and heed red flags early. You will create stronger boundaries and set yourself up for better, more supportive experiences.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’ve developed a baseline of healthy routines that are now so natural to you, you barely think about them. But someone close to you is still struggling — a reminder of how far you’ve come and an opportunity to offer compassion.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). It’s a busy time — so many events — but you don’t have to participate in all of them. Wherever you go, you’ll make something interesting happen. Just remember that not every interesting thing should happen. Be choosy.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your mindset has shifted. Your emotional energy has changed. Because of this, the world looks different to you. It’s evidence that reflects the work you’ve done internally.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). It is the natural way to act on what matters most to you, whether or not that happens to match your idealized self-concept. The real challenge isn’t prioritizing values, it’s admitting which ones are actually driving you. Discomfort leads to growth.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Few things frustrate you more than waste, especially when you know exactly who could benefit. You notice the imbalance and take part in a subtle redistribution today, shifting the goods, energy or attention to where it actually belongs.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Don’t second-guess the good stuff you’ve earned. Let yourself feel proud. Let yourself enjoy it. And when you hit a place where you don’t love what you’re getting, change what you give. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Though you usually come prepared, today brings opportunity that requires a slightly different version of you to show up. Raise your level, and your voice and your confidence will grow to meet that level.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Ideas pop
SHOE
n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter
n RUBES by Leigh Rubin
SUDOKU
NEWS, IN THE KNOW
Stellar Students
Congratulations to Guang Bai , Chandreyi Chakraborty and Nitya Haswani of El Dorado Hills who graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology.
Aug. 6
The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce will host the Business Connections Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hills Church in El Dorado Hills For more information visit eldoradohillschamber.org.
The Valhalla Tahoe boathouse theatre and outdoor lawn presents Anais Reno from 7:30-10 p.m. For more information visit valhallatahoe.com.
Aug. 7
Jackpot + Sarah Bethe Nelson + Golden Shoulders will perform, 7-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Nathan Owens Motown & Soul Revue 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 Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series presents Hozier from 7:30-10 p.m. and the same time on Aug 8. For more information visit tinyurl.com/yfvbt3xz.
Aug. 8
The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce will host the HWY 50 Corridor Power Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. location TDB. For more information visit eldoradohillschamber.org.
Join Apple Hill Growers for Apple Hill Job Fairs to meet its farms, discover job openings, apply and maybe even interview, all in one day. 2-5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon at Grandpa’s Cellar, 2360 Cable Road, Camino.
El Dorado Hills Community Services District will host National Night Out at Community Park from 6-8 p.m. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.
Ed Wilson will play at The Vine in El Dorado Hills from 6-8 p.m.
Imagination Theatre at the El Dorado Fairgrounds presents the Storytellers and Scripts production of “The Outsiders” at 7 p.m. continuing through Aug. 17. For tickets and more information visit itplacerville. org.
Jackpot + Rusty & Ruby + Robby Dean will perform, 7-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom presents Ben Folds and a piano at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.
Aug. 9
Join American River Conservancy for Wild movement and yoga from 9-10 a.m. For more information or to register visit arconservancy.org/event.
Save the Graves will host a headstone cleaning at Greenwood Pioneer Cemetery from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information visit savethegraveseldorado.org.
■ See KNOW, page B5
Community Observatory seeks junior docents
'Let us help you to reach for the stars'
Mountain Democrat sta
The Community Observatory in Placerville is looking for Junior Docents to fill its ranks. The Observatory welcomes all high school and college students who are looking for a career in STEM fields or the aerospace industry to apply to become a Junior Docent.
Anyone interested in astronomy and enjoys sharing their knowledge with the public is perfect for the role of a docent. Junior Docents are also eligible to earn scholarships toward a college education.
Junior Docents are under the direct supervision of well trained docents, many of whom currently are or have had careers in the aerospace field.
The Junior Docent program comes with many benefits beyond the potential scholarships.
“One obvious benefit is learning so much about the galaxy we live in and other objects millions of light years away,” said Scholarship Chair Stephanie Gabler. “That said, you will learn better public speaking skills, how to properly use and care for equipment and get to work with people who currently work in or have retired from careers in aerospace, engineering, computer sciences and so much more.”
Junior Docents also gain valuable skills while working in the observatory
“I have personally witnessed several (junior) docents who were quiet, shy and uncomfortable speaking in public become fully comfortable and confident in their speaking skills,” said Gabler. “That alone is life changing.”
Opened in 2006, the Community Observatory is sta ed entirely by volunteers and o ers free viewing opportunities with its array of telescopes, including 17-inch and 14-inch reflecting telescopes.
The Community Observatory was a Centennial Project of the Rotary Club of Cameron Park, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Rotary International. Members of the Rotary Club of Cameron Park spearheaded fundraising e orts and contributed their time and materials to construct the observatory on land provided by the El Dorado County O ce of Education, adjacent to the El Dorado Center of Folsom Lake College.
In 2011, the Rotary Club of Cameron Park further enhanced the observatory by building
the G. Arthur Cort Sky Theater. This outdoor space provides visitors with reclining seating for constellation viewing or guided sky tours led by docents.
In addition to nighttime viewing, the Community Observatory provides free and safe solar viewing on the first Saturday of every month. It also provides safe solar viewing to many schools, clubs, and organizations.
The Community Observatory is getting ready to celebrate 20 years of service and education to the community. Visiting the
observatory remains free, (the college does charge a $2 parking fee).
“I can say from personal experience that being a part of the Junior Docent program can change lives,” added Gabler. “Our daughter went on to graduate with a degree in applied physics with a minor in astronomy and currently works in the aerospace industry. My hope is that the new Junior Docent scholarship program will help others achieve their dream in a
Photo by Stephanie Gabler
Elizabeth Gabler was a Junior Docent from freshman to senior years while attending El Dorado High School. She has since gone in to the aerospace industry.
Courtesy photo The Observatory is free to the public and offers nighttime viewings as well as solar viewings
ORHS team creates colorful school garden mural
Special to the Mountain Democrat
When students return to Oak Ridge High School on Aug. 6, they’ll be greeted by a vibrant new mural located at the heart of the school’s newly developed garden.
Designed by rising senior Kate Woodley, the mural features bold colors and nature-inspired motifs that tie it to the garden. The mural marks the first project from the Campus Improvement Team, a student-led initiative aimed at enhancing the school environment and adding lasting value to the campus.
For Kate, the garden mural was a unique opportunity to think beyond her usual artistic process. “Normally, when I’m creating art, it’s something personal, something that speaks to me. But with this mural, I had to think about the bigger picture,” Kate explained. “I had to factor in approvals, funding, timing and so many little things I had no idea about before we started the project.”
The mural was a true team effort that brought together a diverse group of students, faculty and community members. Kate took on the challenge of designing and organizing the mural project — creating the CIT club, meeting with administration, writing grants and recruiting volunteers.
Kate worked alongside Samantha Liu, a rising freshman at UC Berkeley, who led the One Green Step chapter responsible for spearheading the garden. Together, they secured a $10,000 grant from the Oak Ridge
Foundation to fund both the mural and the garden. They also submitted grant applications to Raley’s and Sprouts Market.
Throughout the process, Kate had the guidance and mentorship of local muralist Lora Watts, a graphic designer with years of experience creating school murals throughout the region. Watts helped Kate navigate the technical aspects of the mural and shared invaluable advice, from choosing the right materials to ensuring the project had a professional finish.
"I couldn’t have done this without Lora’s help,” Kate said. “She’s been an amazing mentor, sharing so many tricks of the trade. I’ve learned so much from her and I’m so grateful for her support every step of the way.”
Kate also credits the many volunteers who helped bring the mural to life. “During meetings and even while we were working on grants, the mural was just an idea. Seeing volunteers show up on that first day of painting, I was like this is really going to happen," she shared. "It was kind of emotional seeing people show up who cared about art and wanted to make this project a reality.”
The mural is now a permanent part of Oak Ridge’s landscape, and it’s just the start of what Kate hopes the CIT club can accomplish. “We’ve already had teachers reaching out to us for future projects, and hopefully, this is just the beginning of making our campus a more visually appealing
Rescue Union School District schools get summer spruce up
Rescue Union School District
News release
This summer, the Rescue Union School District continued its commitment to maintaining clean, safe and modern learning environments with a wide range of facility upgrades across the district. These projects
reflect RUSD’s role as a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars and its continued focus on creating the best possible conditions for student learning and staff success.
Districtwide improvements include the launch of solar energy projects at multiple sites to promote long-term energy savings and
sustainability. Every school also underwent extensive deep cleaning, including the stripping and resurfacing of all multipurpose and gym floors, ensuring campuses are refreshed and ready for the return of students and staff.
Site-specific highlights include:
Lake Forest
Elementary
• Complete parking lot replacement and striping
• New carpet installed in multiple classrooms
• Floor repairs in select areas
• Several portable siding repairs and paint
Rescue Elementary
• New multipurpose room scoreboard, complementing last year’s full remodel of the MP room, kitchen and performing arts stage
• New carpet installed in multiple classrooms
Marina Village
Middle School
• New window and stage curtains
• Exterior stucco repairs to the MultiPurpose Room
• New kitchen flooring
Pleasant Grove
Middle School
• New pickleball/ tennis courts
• Significant field improvements
• Repaired exterior of the school library
Green Valley Elementary
• Extensive field
Based in Camino, El Dorado County Cancer Warriors is a new nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting cancer patients, their families and the organizations that serve them on the western slope of El Dorado County. Founded in 2024, the organization is driven by a passionate group of individuals committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.
Mission and community impact
The mission of EDC Cancer Warriors is to provide financial and emotional support to cancer patients and their families, as well
improvements
• Upgraded classroom lighting in one wing
• New kitchen flooring
• New carpet in the Extended Day program area
Jackson Elementary
• New carpet in multiple classrooms
• New fencing around the kindergarten play area
• New gutters installed on seven portable classrooms
Lakeview Elementary
• Roof repair and
as to collaborate with local organizations that offer services to this community. By focusing on the western slope of El Dorado County, the organization ensures that its efforts directly benefit the local population. A key partnership is with Images of Hope El Dorado, a local organization whose mission is to to provide healing arts to support all people on the western slope of El Dorado County affected by cancer or other traumas.
Fundraising initiatives
The premier fundraising event for EDC Cancer Warriors will be the Bowl for the Cure, to be held every October at The Apex
improvements
• Repairs to the A building
District office
• New carpet and paint in the board room
“ These projects represent our ongoing promise to invest in learning environments where students and staff can thrive,” said Superintendent Jim Shoemake. “Thanks to careful planning and community support, we’ve made meaningful progress this summer in
at Red Hawk Casino. This event aims to raise funds and bring the community together in solidarity with cancer patients and their families.
The 2024 Bowl for the Cure was its first fundraising event and the organization would like to thank all of the vendors that donated raffle prizes. A special thanks goes out to the Apple Hill Growers for their generous donations. Partnering with them continues to be rewarding as the event is in the heart of Apple Hill season. The 2025 Bowl for the Cure is in honor of Melissa, a dedicated cancer warrior who played a significant role in fundraising efforts before her passing in December of 2024 To learn more visit edccancerwarriors.org.
Courtesy photos
Above, ORHS senior Kate Woodley, left, had help from local muralist Lora Watts, right, when creating the Oak Ridge school garden mural. Below, Volunteers work on their parts of the new mural on the Oak Ridge High School campus.
Courtesy photo
Lake Forest Elementary School in El Dorado Hills got a new solar-covered parking area, among other improvements. RUSD upgraded its campuses over the summer; now it’s back to school.
Summit Lake Trail
A scenic and refreshing hike perfect for a summer day
Summit Lake Trail o ers more than just a chance to stretch your legs — this 4.7-mile trail showcases a variety of terrains and stunning views, making it one of my favorite summer hikes. Mostly level and easygoing, it’s an ideal trail for a leisurely adventure. Have you hiked Summit Lake Trail before? Share your experiences using #DayHikerCA!
Preparing for the trail
Pack your supplies generously. With flowerfilled meadows and an alpine lake awaiting you at the end, you’ll want to linger and enjoy the serene surroundings. Don’t forget bug repellent — mosquitoes love the damp meadow areas. On my last visit, my dog was bitten, and I couldn’t tell if it was a horsefly or a bee, so be prepared for the buzzing insects that thrive in these environments.
Getting to the trailhead
• Take Interstate 80 to the Boreal/Castle Peak exit.
• You can park on either side of the freeway:
• Boreal side: Park at the sno-park parking area.
• Castle Peak side: Park at the trailhead that also leads to Castle
Peak.
Both trailheads are less than half a mile up the road. Large maps are available at each trailhead — make sure you’re on the right path toward Summit Lake.
I prefer to start on the Castle Peak side, as it o ers an additional meadow to enjoy. From this trailhead, head up the hill and keep right at the split.
The trail experience Hiking in July, I was greeted by a display of blooming flowers. The elevation keeps temperatures cool, and the grasses remain green and lush throughout the summer. When the trail splits again, stay to the right and enjoy a walk through the meadow. When was the last time you strolled through a mountain meadow? It’s an experience that belongs on every hiker’s bucket list. The seasonal runo over the trail is easy to cross this time of year.
As you continue, a small lake and the sound of the nearby Interstate will come into play. This is the back of a rest area — just one exit up from where you parked. Note that
parking for the hike is not permitted here. A brief climb up into the forest brings you away from the highway noise and into a peaceful realm filled with bird calls and the soothing rustle of the pine trees. The scent of a sun-warmed forest is one of my favorites — clean, fresh and rejuvenating.
Finding your way
As you hike, you’ll start to see signs for the Donner Lake Rim Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail and Summit Lake. Follow the signs as you exit the forest and reach the edge of the mountain’s exposed granite. The views are stunning — just look beyond the glimpse of Interstate 80. You’re almost at the lake.
The trail guides you back into the trees for an easy walk to Summit Lake. Choose a spot along the shoreline, sit back and soak in the tranquility of this alpine oasis.
The return journey
This is an out-andback trail, and I believe every trail o ers a di erent perspective on the way back. Summit Lake Trail is no exception. Whether it’s the way the light filters through the trees or the changing angles of the landscape, this hike is just as enjoyable on the return trip.
Tips for your hike
• Bug protection: Pack bug spray — mosquitoes and other insects can be active in the meadows.
EDH artist’s piece flies into anthology
Special to the Mountain Democrat
Former Rolling Hills Middle School student Valentina Cheng, daughter of Yongping Liang, created a beautiful submission for the Celebrating Art contest open to student artists throughout the United States.
Valentina’s “Goldfinch” was selected from thousands of entires as one of the 10 best in her grade division (eighth at the time of submission). Art pieces are selected for the creativity, originality, self-expression, craftsmanship and skill. Cheng joins other Top 10 artists receiving special recognition in the anthology.
• Essentials: Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks and a blanket for a comfortable rest at the lake. A hat and sunblock are also recommended for protection on the exposed sections of the trail.
• Have you experienced Summit Lake Trail’s meadows or enjoyed a picnic by the lake? Share your stories and tag @ MaryWestHikes!
Directions recap
• Head up Interstate 80 to the Boreal/Castle Peak Exit.
• Park on either side of the freeway, at the sno-park or trailhead parking area and follow the marked trail toward Summit Lake.
Mary West is author of the book series Day Hiker – Gold Country Trail Guide I, II and III (second edition available on Amazon). The books are a collection of the
Day Hiker columns where West shares her longtime love of the outdoors, favorite hikes in Northern California’s Gold Country and beyond. West was the recipient of the 2017 and 2019 Craft Award for
and
her second book in the Day Hiker series by the Outdoor Writers of California. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
Best Outdoor Column
the 2020 Craft Award for
Mary West Outdoor columnist
Photos by Mary West
The hike reveals stunning views. Once you arrive sit back and enjoy the tranquility of the alpine oasis that is Summit Lake.
Main Street Theatre Works to open heartwarming comedy
News release
JACKSON — Main Street Theatre Works will open its second summer show “The A ections of May” by Norm Foster and directed by Julie Anchor on Aug. 8 at the Kennedy Mine Amphitheater. May (Vannah Nettel) and her husband, Brian (Scotty Beatty), have moved 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 get back to the city, leaving May alone in a small town, where everyone knows everyone’s a airs. As word quickly spreads about a new “single” woman in town, suitors appear at her door. There’s Quinn (Jim Last), a down on his luck handyman, looking
to work for room and board after his trailer burnt down, and Hank (Earl Victorine), a lonely loan o cer and a bit of a loser when it comes to love. His only passions are collecting co ee mugs and playing Scrabble, but that all changes when he meets May. As the two men get to know May, long buried secrets are revealed and lives are changed, including May’s. “The A ections of May” is both a romance and a rowdy comedy that guarantees you’ll never look at a Scrabble board the same way. Main Street Theatre Works is a professionally oriented regional theatre company, performing in the heart of Amador County. Now entering its 30th season, and its 21st summer season at the Kennedy Mine Amphitheatre in Jackson, MSTW continues its dedication to professional quality theater that stimulates both artists and audiences.
The setting for the amphitheater is truly spectacular. Located on the Kennedy Gold Mine property in Jackson, patrons walk past an old tailing wheel (used when the mine was in operation), across an old bridge, into a grasscovered, terraced bowl that is surrounded by majestic oaks. There the stage is set for picnicking and enjoying the company of friends and family.
Performances are Friday and Saturday nights, with gates opening at 6:30 p.m. The show starts at 8:00pm. Patrons are encouraged to come early with picnic dinners, a beverage of choice, camp chairs and jackets. The Kennedy Mine Amphitheatre is located at 1127 N. Main St. in Jackson. Tickets are available at the gate, cash or check only. For tickets and more information about Main Street Theatre Works visit mstw.org.
El Dorado Community Foundation reports midyear philanthropic impact
Chris Ringnes
El Dorado Community Foundation
Each year, the El Dorado Community Foundation facilitates 11 competitive grant cycles and two competitive letter of inquiry cycles. At this time of the year, eight of those competitive grant cycles and both letter of inquiry cycles have distributed funding to nonprofits that have been chosen by the various committees that administer the di erent grants. The various community-based committees consider the nonprofit applicants and make their decisions about who
GROW FOR IT!
Peaches!
Have you noticed that fresh peaches have more fuzz than peaches in grocery stores? Before peaches are sold in grocery stores, some of the fuzz is removed to make it more appealing. It is thought that too much fuzz on a peach might look like mold to consumers. Why do peaches have fuzz? It is believed that the fuzz repels extra moisture outside of the fruit and helps trap moisture inside the fruit, keeping it from drying out. While one might think of the state of Georgia as the peach state, California is the largest producer of peaches in the country. Living so close to peach orchards in the Placerville area, it’s easy to over-purchase, coming home with more fresh fruit than can be
will receive funding in di erent ways, but the result is that hundreds of thousands of dollars in impact is distributed to fund the most critical needs faced by our community. These dollars fund programs for children, animals, veterans, the elderly, the unhoused and so much more.
So far this year, competitive grant funding has been distributed by El Dorado Hills Area Foundation, Women’s Fund El Dorado, Tahoe Women’s Community Fund, Endow El Dorado, Friends of Seniors, Hearts & Minds Educational Technology Foundation, GIVE Tahoe, Veteran’s TOT, and the two letter of inquiry
eaten right away. Don’t fight the urge. Just can up some peaches in syrup, freeze some for pies this winter or make the recipe below. This recipe comes from “The All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving,” 2023. This would be delicious as a glaze over a grilled or roasted meat or on some fresh out-of-theoven English mu ns.
Peach-ginger
butter
Makes about six halfpint jars
10 cups coarsely
chopped fresh peaches (about 12 medium)*
½ cup water ½ cup finely chopped crystallized ginger
2 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoon bottled lemon juice
3 cups sugar
Combine the first five ingredients in a six-quart stainless steel pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring often. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 15 minutes or until peaches are tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Pulse peach mixture, in batches, in a food processor until almost smooth. Pour each batch into a large bowl.
Return peach puree to a stainless steel pot; stir in sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cook stirring constantly, 25-30 minutes or until mixture thickens and holds its shape on a spoon.
Meanwhile, prepare a boiling-water canner
cycles, Pay It Forward Project and Sierra Nevada Foundation. The combined total of this impact in 2025 is over $771,000. The El Dorado Community Foundation is honored to facilitate these grant processes that generate so much impact for the community, but the real stars of the show are the countless community volunteers making up the various committees and memberships of these competitive granting funds under the umbrella of the Foundation.
El Dorado Community Foundation houses over 300 di erent funds under its umbrella, and they all generate community impact in di erent ways.
or atmospheric steam canner. Heat cleaned jars in canner until ready to use, do not boil (simmering water at 180 degrees F). Wash lids in warm soapy water and set aside with bands.
Ladle peach puree into a hot jar, leaving one quarter-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary. Clean jar rim. Center lid on jar. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to fingertip tight. Place the jar in the canner. Repeat until all jars are filled.
Water must cover jars by one inch in boiling water canner or come to the base of the rack in a steam canner. Adjust heat to mediumhigh, cover canner and bring water to a rolling boil in a boiling-water canner or until there’s a steady stream of steam coming from the steam canner. Start timing and process half-pint jars: 10 minutes at 0 – 1,000 feet elevation, 15 minutes at 1,001 –3,000 feet, 20 minutes 3,001 – 6,000 feet, 25
News release
TRUCKEE — The Terrapin Roadshow is coming to the Salty Gebhardt/Truckee Amphitheater for its final performance on Aug. 17.
Organizers are excited to unveil the lineup for the final stop of the Terrapin Roadshow Northern California concert series. Nicki Bluhm and Jackie Greene will join this special late afternoon/evening of music alongside Grahame Lesh, Jeremy Hoenig, Ross James, Adam MacDougall and JP McLean. Opening the show is Broken Compass, an up-andcoming string band that’s quickly making a name for itself.
The Terrapin Roadshow is a traveling concert series celebrating the spirit, energy and community of Phil and Jill Lesh’s Terrapin Crossroads, bringing world-class music to three of Northern California’s most scenic and intimate outdoor
The funds highlighted here are only a small handful of those, but their combined impact each year is enormous, and allows our nonprofit community to continue serving the needs of some of El Dorado County’s most vulnerable populations.
El Dorado Community Foundation is dedicated to strengthening our community both now and for future generations. Facilitating these granting cycles is one of many ways it fulfills that mission and amplifies good in El Dorado County. The next grant cycles at the Foundation are opening on Aug. 28. For more information visit eldoradocf.org.
minutes 6,001 – 8,000 feet.
Turn o heat. For boiling water canner, remove lid and let jars stand for five minutes. For atmospheric steam canner, let canner sit undisturbed for three to five minutes, then remove lid. Remove jars and cool on a toweled surface for 12-24 hours. Check lids for seals. Label, date and store in a cool dark place.
*Note: Should not use white-flesh peaches, as
the pH of these are not acidic enough for safe canning. The UC Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County are a great resource for answers to your food safety and preserving questions. Email them at edmfp@ ucanr.edu. For more information about the program, events and recipes visit ucanr. edu/sites/mfp_of_cs/. Find them on Facebook, UCCE Master Food Preservers of El Dorado
venues. The music is deeply rooted in the Grateful Dead songbook and style while allowing space for exploration and improvisation. Expect to hear your favorite songs from the ‘60s through today performed by world-class musicians in stunning settings.
“This series is a beautiful way to honor the incredible community that grew around the music of the Grateful Dead,” said Grahame Lesh, event co-producer and son of Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh. “It’s so special to see the spirit of their music passed down, bringing people together in the same way Terrapin Crossroads did for so many years. We can’t wait to see Terrapin Nation again.”
The event will take place at the Truckee’s Salty Gebhardt Amphitheater, 10500 Brockway Road, Truckee on Sunday, Aug. 17, doors will open at 2 p.m., with the show beginning at 3:30 p.m. For tickets and full event details visit terrapincrossroads.net.
Lewis UCCE Master Food Preserver of El
Know Continued from B1
Ed Wilson will play at Fenton Herriott Vineyards in Placerville from 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Mira ores Winery, 2120 Four Springs Trail in the Pleasant Valley area, is serving its acclaimed Pairings Lunches on the Vineyard Terrace on Saturdays and Sundays with seatings from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2-4 p.m. Pairings 2025 combines a chef’s creativity with the beautifully crafted Mira ores wines. Diners will be able to talk to the chef du jour about the wine and food experience. On Aug. 9 and 10 chef Liz Freeland is preparing a Comfort Food Edition. Call (530) 647-8505 or email info@ mira oreswinery.com to make a reservation.
Jimbo Scott and Grover Anderson will perform, 4-6 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Join Gwinllan Estate Vineyard and Winery in Somerset for Cool o in the Cave Winemaker Dinner from at 6 p.m. For more information gwinllanestate.com.
DJ Tripp 80s vs 90s MTV Style Video
Party will take place, 8-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom will host Halau Ka Waikahe Lani Malie & Halau Kahulaliwai presenting Hū Mai Ke Aloha No Ka Āina at 6 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.
Aug. 10
Golden Road Youth Artist Showcase will perform, noon to 2 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
The Aloha Initiative and CASA El Dorado host Hula for Hope: a luau-themed fundraiser, 2-5 p.m. at The Boardwalk in Orangevale. This festive evening will feature authentic Hawaiian food, cocktails, live hula performances and an interactive hula lesson plus ra es, entertainment and a meaningful program — all in support of children and
youth in El Dorado County’s foster care and juvenile justice systems. For tickets and more information visit rocktheboardwalk.com/ events.
Jazz Gitan will perform, 5-8 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
The Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series presents Creed from 7-10 p.m. For more information visit tinyurl.com/yfvbt3xz.
Aug. 12
Vitalant will host a Georgetown community blood drive, 1:30-5:30 p.m. at the Oddfellows Hall, 6240 Main St. Make an appointment at donors.vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFM028 or call (877) 258-4825. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows.
Placerville Family Search Center will host the class Find your Family in Newspapers — the stories of their
The students at Yale University loved William Frisbie’s pies. They even loved his pie tins!
Tossing empty pie tins became a favorite way to pass time between classes. A firm flick of the wrist and the tin floated through the air.
But the metal pie tins hurt when they hit someone. As a safety measure, students started yelling, “Frisbie!” to alert others that they were tossing a tin to a pal.
Flying Disc Games
Many games are now played with a flying disc.
Here is a list of some of them. How do you think each game is played? Look them up and find out if you guessed correctly.
In 1948,Walter Frederick Morrison and Warren Franscioni created a plastic disc that could fly with better accuracy than a tin pie plate.
When Morrison sold the rights to Wham-O in 1957, the company named the disc the Frisbee® (pronounced FRIZ'-bee).
Today, the fifty-year-old Frisbee® is owned by Mattel Toy Manufacturers, only one of at least sixty manufacturers of flying discs.
New Combos
Look through the newspaper for two items that don’t seem to go together. Think of as many ways as you can to invent something new by combining those two things. For example, what could you make with a combination of a camera and sunglasses?
Flying Disc Golf
Make a course of six or eight “holes” by setting up a series of objects or sites to try and hit with a Frisbee.® Tie a brightly colored ribbon on a tree or pole as a good place to start. An empty bucket or laundry basket also makes a good “hole.”
WTC presents Murder on the Nile @ 2pm / $21.05-$23.18 Class, money, and reputation
on
waves in
theft, and murder
River cruise
suspenseful Agatha Christie whodunit full of mystery and drama. Winters Opera House home of the Winters Theatre Com‐pany, 13 Main Street, Winters. win terstheatre@gmail.com
The Hiwatters: Hiwatters Inner Sunset Farmer Market @ 2pm Inner Sunset Farmers' Market, 1315 8th Ave, San Francisco
Thomas
8:30pm
Theater, 2200 Clement St, San Francisco
Tiger and Woods @ 9pm Monarch, 101 6th St, San Fran‐cisco
normcore, Promethean, The Revelator @ 9pm Brick and Mortar Music Hall, San Francisco
Genix @ 10pm Halcyon SF, 314 11th St, San Fran‐cisco
The Sunset Shipwrecks @ 2:30pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
Delbert Anderson Quartet @ 7pm Black Cat, 400 Eddy St, San Fran‐cisco
Sweet Undertow @ 7pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
St. Francis & the Wolf @ 7pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
Wed 8/13
Jenerator at the Golden Gate Park Bandshell @ 4pm
Friday Aug 15th
Easy Crier performing at Outside Lands @ 1pm Outside Lands, 501 Stanyan St, San Francisco Winters Second Saturday Art & Wine Stroll @ 2pm Discover art and commu‐nity at the Winters Second Saturday Art Stroll! Meet local artists, view art in downtown businesses, and enjoy drink specials along Main Street and Railroad Avenue. Main Street and Railroad Av‐enue, Main Street, Winters Tantra Speed Date® - San Francisco! Meet Singles Speed Dating @ 5:30pm / $45-$150 Join the speed dating revolution with a 94% connection rate! Meet singles & ignite connections through fun, chemistry-building games! Yoga Studio, 1694 Union Street, San Francisco. help@ tantrany.com
Bexo's Melodic State Of Mind W/ Yoni + Special Guests ? @ 7pm Harlow's, 2708 J St, Sacramento
Liam Miller Band
@ 7pm Make-Out Room, 3225 22nd St, San Francisco
Rotary Club of Davis Weekly Lunch & Program
@ 12pm See website for details. ro‐taryclubofdavis.com Davis Com‐munity Church, 421 D Street, Davis. spshoe@mac.com
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel
@ 12pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel
@ 12:30pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel
@ 12:45pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel
@ 3:45pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Zee Machine
@ 7pm Cafe Du Nord, 2174 Market St, San Francisco
Bentley Robles
@ 7pm Cafe Du Nord, 2174 Market St, San Francisco
Angel Band
Mostafa @ 6pm Adobe Books & Arts Cooperative, 3130 24th St, San Francisco
Humbletown Live at Luigi's @ 6:30pm Luigi's Deli and Market, 537 Main St, Martinez
Candlelight: A Tribute to Adele @ 6:30pm / $34.50 California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento. fever@ eventvesta.com
WTC presents Murder on the Nile @ 7:30pm / $21.05-$23.18 Class, money, and reputation are at stake on a Nile River cruise where deceit, theft, and murder make waves in this suspenseful Agatha Christie whodunit full of mystery and drama. Winters Opera House home of the Winters Theatre Com‐pany, 13 Main Street, Winters. win terstheatre@gmail.com
3kelves @ 10pm Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell St, San Francisco
Dylan C. Greene @ 10pm Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell St, San Francisco
Lost World (1925) w/ LIVE Orchestra!
@ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
The Heart Wants
@ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
Bentley Robles & ZEE
MACHINE Present: TEARS & GEARZ with LEXXE, and The Fell Swoop
@ 8pm Cafe Du Nord, San Francisco
Stick to Your Guns @ 6pm August Hall, 420 Mason St, San Francisco
Gates to Hell @ 6pm August Hall, 420 Mason St, San Francisco
Billy Allen and The Pollies
@ 7pm Cafe Du Nord, 2174 Market St, San Francisco
molly santana @ 8pm The Independent, 628 Divisadero St, San Francisco
Molly Santana @ 8pm The Independent, San Francisco
Lamont Landers at Cafe Du Nord - San Francisco, CA @ 8pm Cafe Du Nord, 2174 Market St, San Francisco
Keshi
Kat
707-819-2403
Manny Maldonado - Live Comedy @ 7pm / $29 Aug 15th - Aug 16th Funny, Energetic, those are some of the words to best describe funny man Manny Maldonado! Manny was born in Modesto Cali‐fornia, and raised in an even smaller town called Ceres Ca. Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge, 1207 Front Street, Sacramento. laughsunlimited@ gmail.com, 916-446-8128
Austin Lucas @ 7pm The Press Club, 2030 P St, Sacra‐mento
David Parker: Green Valley Country Club w/Locked-nLoaded @ 7:30pm Green Valley Country Club, 35 Country Club Dr, Fair�eld Comedy Spot double feature: two great improv shows for less than $20! Third Fridays all summer! @ 7:30pm / $19 The best comedy twin bill in Sac — two great shows, one amazing price! Get tix for Murder, You Wrote *and* Nibling Rivalry for less than $20! Sacramento Comedy Spot, 1050 20th Street, Sacramento. mickey@saccomedyspot.com, 916-444-3137
New Moon On Monday: Open for Super Diamond! @ 8pm Bimbo's 365 Club, 1025 Columbus Ave, San Francisco LAZWELL @ Whiskey Dicks @ 9pm Whiskey Dicks, 2660 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe
Manny Maldonado - Live Comedy @ 9:30pm / $29 Aug 15th - Aug 16th Funny, Energetic, those are some of the words to best describe funny man Manny Maldonado! Manny was born in Modesto Cali‐fornia, and raised in an even smaller town called Ceres Ca. Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge, 1207 Front Street, Sacramento. laughsunlimited@ gmail.com, 916-446-8128
Adrian West Band @ 2:30pm Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Matt Jaffe @ 6pm Mare Island Brewing Co. – Ferry Taproom, 289
