Wagons home!
Shelly Thorene Sta writer
After 42 years in service to the community at Mother Lode Rehabilitation Enterprises Inc., MORE CEO Susie Davies, 78, is ready to pass the torch. Davies confidently hands over the leadership role to MORE Director of Finance and Fund Development Kelli Nuttall, saying the change is perfectly timed with other changes coming to the nonprofit organization that empowers individuals with disabilities and enhances their quality of life. Starting in 2001, Nuttall, 44, has a total of 18 years experience at MORE, 12 consecutive. She was first employed as a direct support professional in the Lifeskills Community Access Program and, Nuttall said, even after she left the job her heart was still there.
PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE
“Susie would run into me at times out in the community, at the grocery store and say, ‘You’ll be back one day,’” Nuttall recalled with a chuckle. “You don’t say no to Susie.” Davies expressed her gratitude for the community’s continual support of her e orts, MORE’s mission and its clients.
“Susie’s one of those rare people who makes you want to show up and do your best every day,”
— Kelli Nuttall, incoming MORE CEO
“This community has welcomed our folks. El Dorado County is unique in that we look to work together,” she shared, noting the nonprofit’s mission and vision is to create full inclusion for all people. “We have eliminated the word ‘disabled.’” MORE clients praised Davies’ e orts. Lorena F., MORE client for 28 years, has worked at Marshall Hospital through the Supported
The clip-clop of hooves echoed on Main Street in historical downtown Placerville on June 7 as the 76th annual Highway 50 Wagon Train came to town. This tribute to the great Westward Expansion follows pioneers’ footsteps, horses’ hoof prints and wagon wheel tracks from Round Hill, Nev., to Placerville. The moving living history exhibit began this year on May 31. Above, Hangtown Marshal J Sterling, right, keeps an eye on the crowd for their safety as the Highway 50 Association Wagon Train lead hitch driven by Mark Matson and Deborah Lehr, working the brakes, makes its way down Main Street on Saturday afternoon. Right, dance troupe Sarpika performs for the crowd waiting for the Wagon Train to roll through downtown Saturday afternoon. See more photos A9 Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene
Dina Gentry Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra is proud to announce the appointment of Florence Parks as its new chief executive o cer. With more than 25 years of experience in the mentoring field and a legacy of leadership at both the local and state levels, Parks brings deep expertise, vision and heart to the organization’s mission of igniting the power and promise of youth. Parks’ career is rooted in service and transformation.
She has held leadership roles with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of the North Coast, Sierra Forever Families’ Wonder Mentoring Program and the faith-based Shoulder to Shoulder initiative. Her experience includes everything from supervising sta and program specialists to designing statewide mentor certification processes. Parks has also served as Chair of the BBBS State Association and has been an active voice in the California Mentoring
Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene
Kelli Nuttall, left, takes on the CEO role held by Susie Davies, right, at Mother Lode Rehabilitation Enterprises.
Courtesy photo
Florence Parks joins the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra team as its new CEO.
ESSENTIALS
Patricia Ruth McErlane
Feb 21, 1928 – Jan 14, 2025
Patricia (Pat) Ruth McErlane passed peacefully on the eve of January 14. She was born in Alameda, California to Reuben and Ruth Lund. Pat graduated from Alameda High School in June 1945. Pat was preceded in death by her husband of 25 years, James (Jim) Edward McErlane in 2021, her parents, her younger brother Jack (who died at the age of 3), her step-mother Alice Lund, and infant granddaughter Riley Jocoy.
When recently asked of her greatest achievement, she simply stated, “Being a mother.” Pat is survived by her 5 children. Suzanne Pronk (John), Michael Jocoy, Scott Jocoy, Daniel Jocoy (Wendi), and Mark Jocoy. She also has a total of 10 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, and one step-great-grandchild. She is also survived by (ex) daughters-in-law Catherine Casso and Poravy Lim and step-daughter Laura McErlane and step-son Matthew McErlane (Angela) (and daughter Loren). Pat also left behind her wonderful half-sister Martha Patton (Douglas) and their 5 children (plus spouses) and 10 great nieces and nephews.
Her very first trip as an infant was to visit her maternal grandparents Zach and Nellie Moorman in Placerville. Due to Pat’s love of Placerville, she finally moved here in 1975 after spending 10 years in Pacifica, California. Prior to that she spent almost 15 years in San Diego County. Most of her earlier work years were spent in the insurance industry until 1984 when she joined the El Dorado County Sheri ’s Department as a clerk until retiring in 1993.
She had a very active social life until about 2021. She loved birthdays and holidays especially when with family. She loved her Bridge (card) gatherings, going to Placerville Newcomers Club, the Sierra Club, Volunteering with The Center (for Nonviolent Relationships) just to name a few. She had a soft spot in her heart for her Golden Retrievers she raised over the years. Her love of walking and gardening kept her in good physical health and her mental health was strong until the end. She loved all her family and friends. She was a strong, slightly tough, supportive, loving mother. She was well loved by many.
“To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die,” Thomas Campbell (1777-1844)
Pat and Jim’s final resting place will be in the Rowlands family plot at the Union Cemetery in Placerville.
Joyce Ella Smith (Seavers)
June 25, 1930 – May 23, 2025
Joyce was the beloved child of Chris & Mabel Seavers. She graduated from San Jose HS in 1948. When she met Marnell Smith they began a marriage that lasted almost 70 years. They were devoted to one other. They made their happy home in San Jose to raise children, Sue Moore, Peggy Fitzgerald (Michael), Dane Smith (Darlene), Darryl Smith (Donna), There are 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. The Smith house was always filled with good food and laughter. Joy was a kind and loving person of faith. She volunteered as a room mother, Cub Scout leader, played the piano for the children’s choir, and was always ready to help others. Her home was warm and welcoming. As a mom, she was the best. After retiring from work as a school secretary she volunteered at a hospital and later at Snowline Hospice.
Verna Jean Sly
Feb 2, 1938 – April 18, 2025
Verna Jean Sly died peacefully on April 18, 2025 in Paso Robles, California surrounded by loved ones. She was born on February 2, 1938 to Walter and Charline Le el in Inkster, Michigan and spent most of her youth in Wayne, Michigan. Upon graduating from Wayne Memorial High School in 1956, she was awarded the Detroit Edison Scholarship and attended Olivet College. In 1958 she married her high school classmate and friend, Donald Sly, and they enjoyed 53 years of wonderful marriage before he preceded her in death in 2011.
Verna devoted her life to caring for her family. They moved to Placerville, California in the early 1960s where she raised her three children and was a devoted grandmother. She loved music, was a talented pianist and singer, and taught piano lessons for many years. She served Calvary Bible Church in many capacities: librarian, Sunday School teacher, played the organ and the piano for church services and oversaw the youth group musical programs. Later in life she was a Sunday School teacher and Awana leader at Pollock Pines Community Church. Verna was an avid reader and loved baking and tending to her flower garden. Her generosity, sense of humor, and kind and loving spirit will be remembered by her family and friends. Verna is survived by her three children: Je ery Sly and wife Ann, Gregory Sly and wife Michelle, Holly Phillips and husband Chris; her seven grandchildren: Brittney Amoruso and husband Anthony, Breanna Perez, Kimberley Sly and wife Kayla, Joshua Perez, Blake Sly, Ashley Perez, Derek Hamlin; and her two great-grandchildren: Aiden Amoruso and Ava Amoruso. Verna is also survived by her sister Linda Montgomery and partner Jerry, her brother Neal Le el and wife Delores, her sister Patti Burns, and many nieces, nephews, greatnieces, and great-nephews.
At Verna’s request there will be no public memorial service. In memory of her life, the family asks that gifts be made to Pollock Pines Community Church, P.O. Box 59, Pollock Pines, CA 95726. Arrangements entrusted to Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home in Paso Robles, California. Friends may sign a guestbook and leave condolences at https://www. dignitymemorial.com
John (Jack) Robert Krahn Sr.
April 12, 1941 – May 16, 2025
After retiring, Joy & Marnell traveled for 2 years all over the US before building a home in Pollock Pines. They later moved to Diamond Springs. Joy’s name was reflected in the joy she had for life.
LEGISLATORS’ ADDRESSES
John was born in San Francisco on April 12 1941 to Anita Babb and John A. Krahn. After graduation from San Mateo High School in 1959, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in South Korea near the DMZ. In a letter John sent home he asked that in lieu of Christmas gifts for him that family and friends send clothing to the orphans he was seeing near the camp. As a result of this letter, over 4 tons of clothing was sent by his hometown community, The first 15 boxes arrived on Christmas Eve. Upon returning home, John married his High School sweetheart, Ann King. They were blessed with three children. Kathleen, John Jr. (Rob) and Scott. After John and Ann divorced, John met and eventually married Joyan Schwarting Howe. They were married 54 years until his death. John worked many years as a truck driver and then as a Deputy Sheri in San Mateo County, John & Joy moved to El Dorado County in 1996 to enjoy a much simpler retirement. Among Johns many interests were Military History and Miniatures, HO Model Railroading and Classic Cars. John was proud to a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and the American Legion Post 119 in Placerville. John was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Anita Anderson and Michael Krahn and his daughter Kathlern Carreiro.
A special thank you goes to his wonderful caregiver, Patty. He enjoyed your company, You were an asset to our family. John died peacefully in his sleep.
A military service will be held at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon on June 17, 2025. The family asks, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.
T. Burt McNaughton (530) 344-5055 tbmcnaughton@mtdemocrat.net
EDITORIAL STAFF Noel Stack Editor 530-344-5073 / nstack@mtdemocrat.net
Mimi Escabar Special Sections Editor 530-344-5070 / mescabar@mtdemocrat.net Andrew Vonderschmitt Features Editor 530-344-5058 / andrewv@mtdemocrat.net Shelly Thorene Staff writer
/ sthorene@mtdemocrat.net Chris Woodard Staff writer chrisw@mtdemocrat.com
Bejarano-Carvajal
appropriate gear.
Tahoe teen dies after collision
Tahoe Daily Tribune
A South Lake Tahoe Middle School student died after she was hit by a car while riding her bike, the Lake Tahoe Unified School District confirmed.
“It is with deep sadness that I share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Giada Lancellotti, one of our South Tahoe Middle School students, who tragically lost her life in a bicycle accident on Saturday, June 7,” reads a statement from the district. “This is a profound loss that has deeply a ected many members of our sta , our students, and the broader LTUSD community.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with her family and all who are impacted by this tragedy,” the message continues. “In times like these, the strength of our community is found in the kindness and compassion we extend to one another. Let us continue to stand together as we navigate this loss.”
The 13-year-old was riding her E-bike at the crosswalk intersection of Lake Tahoe Boulevard and Sawmill Road at around 7:50 a.m. Saturday and while crossing Lake Tahoe Boulevard she was struck by an Acura MDX, according to a California Highway Patrol report. Upon impact, the child was propelled into the air and hit a snow-paddle-marker and su ered severe injuries. On-scene fire personnel transported the victim to Barton Memorial Hospital, where she later died.
The crash is currently under investigation. Any witnesses who were not interviewed on scene are asked to call O cer M. Renk, at the CHP –South Lake Tahoe area o ce at (530) 539-9500.
The following information was taken from PPD reports:
May 19
8:32 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Fair Lane.
10:23 a.m. Petty theft was reported at a senior living center on Clay Street.
3:27 p.m. Narcotics report was made on Broadway.
5:26 p.m. Petty theft was reported on Placerville Drive.
6:25 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a grocery store on Placerville Drive. An arrest was made.
8:03 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a grocery store on Placerville Drive.
11:01 p.m. Burglary was reported at an apartment building on Coloma Court.
May 20
10:23 a.m. Burglary was reported on Paci c Street.
4:12 p.m. Battery was reported at a restaurant on Forni Road.
May 22
6:52 a.m. Petty theft was reported on Conrad Street.
8:09 p.m. Petty theft was reported on Barrett Drive.
May 23
10:24 a.m. Grand theft was reported at a bank on Broadway.
3:14 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a parking garage on Center Street.
8:39 p.m. Vandalism was reported at a car wash on Turner Street.
May 24
8:57 a.m. Petty theft was reported at a rental car center on Placerville Drive.
11:49 a.m. Petty theft was reported at a senior living center on Clay Street.
1:01 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Woodridge Court.
4:50 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Baco Drive.
11:29 p.m. Vandalism was reported at an apartment building on Woodridge Court.
11:31 p.m. Battery was reported on Ridgecrest Court.
11:34 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Paci c Street.
May 25
7:31 a.m. Vandalism was reported at a bank on Broadway.
Photo courtesy of EDSO
Did you feel the thunder?
The 10th annual Thunder in the Park presented
its engine at
Camino truck
Park Lake
and the restoration process took nine years. The couple’s
Steve
get the car cleaned and polished for the show and said the vehicle “handles like a
Fair shuttle gives free rides
El Dorado Transit will provide free shuttle service with free parking for the 2025 El Dorado County Fair from Thursday, June 12, through Sunday, June 15. Shuttle buses will operate from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Thursday and Friday; 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Saturday and from 11:30a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Sunday. Shuttles will be available from the following parking locations:
• The El Dorado County Library and Government Center (Ray Lawyer Drive and Fair Lane). The bus will pick-up and drop-off on Ray Lawyer Drive near the library.
•The Ray Lawyer Drive Park and Ride (Ray Lawyer Drive and Forni Road). The bus will pick-up and dropoff at the bus stop on Forni Road. The fair shuttle is funded by a grant from the El Dorado County Air Quality Management District
with AB 2766 funds, and with support from the El Dorado County Fair Association. El Dorado Transit would also like to acknowledge its community partners at the El Dorado
County Library and Government Center for support in providing parking for shuttle riders. For more details visit eldoradotransit.com or call (530) 642-5383.
MAKING TEETH WHOLE
look of a brand new tooth, which makes for considerable aesthetic improvement as well. We feel that cosmetic dentistry cannot only change the way other people see you, but it can also greatly improve
the way you see yourself. We are currently accepting new patients. We offer you a full range of dental services including crowns. If you know of anyone in need of quality dental care we would appreciate your referrals. Our purpose is to help people reach and commit to the highest level of dental health personally appropriate to them. Please call us to schedule an appointment. 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.
PS Because “bruxism” (nightly tooth grinding) can wear a crown away prematurely, it should be addressed with the wearing of a night guard specially fabricated by the dentist.
Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene
by the Shingle Springs/Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce revved
Cameron
Saturday, June 7. Frankenstein’s monster is the mascot for a 1966 Chevrolet El
owned by James Birdsen, above. The vehicle has a 383 stroker engine with 408-horsepower and a 350 Turbo monster transmission. At left, Robert Stoddard, 83, and his wife, Joyce, 82 of Lincoln stand next to their 1929 Ford Sedan hot rod, the oldest vehicle at the event. Joyce said her husband purchased the “bucket of rust” for $2,000
nephew,
Stoddard of Jackson, helped
dream.”
Chris Britton, 51, of Cameron Park and his daughters, Nellie, 10, and Nina, 5, above left, check
Britton said he now regrets selling the vehicle but he still may
Above right, sisters Jackie Wildblood, 54 of Shingle Springs, left, and Julie Marabella, 52, of Oroville take a selfie near the classic cars. The annual event supports the chamber’s mission to serve the local business community. This year’s Thunder in the Park showcased 108 vehicles and featured 23 vendor booths and 55 raffle prizes. Below, the perfect passenger pup sits in a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro owned by Andrea Fabiani.
summer sessions at Lake Tahoe
Hype of Being North America’s Oldest Lake, with Dr. Winnie Kortemeier
• Session 3 (optional), Friday, June 27
Overview of the TERC Docent Program Tahoe Science Center Exhibit Insights
Hands-on Exhibit Rotations
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center invites science enthusiasts, lifelong learners and curious minds to become Lake Tahoe experts through its immersive 2025 summer sessions at Lake Tahoe. This unique, multiday educational experience takes participants behind the scenes of cutting-edge research and the natural wonders of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
The four-day program, led by worldclass researchers and educators, runs June 24-30 at TERC’s Tahoe City and Incline Village facilities.
Session agenda:
• Session 1, Tuesday, June 24
Welcome and Introductions Lake Tahoe 101
Everything Else You Wanted to Know About Lake Tahoe Ongoing Research Projects Lab Tours and Meet the Scientists The History of Research and Stories of Limnology with Dr. Charles Goldman
• Session 2, Thursday, June 26
Lake Ecology, with Dr. Stephanie Hampton Geology of the Lake Tahoe Basin Lake Tahoe: The Science and the
• Session 4, Monday, June 30 Research Vessel Excursions on Lake Tahoe
Presentation by UC Davis TERC Boat Captain Participants will gain a deep understanding of Lake Tahoe’s ecology, geology, environmental challenges, and the legacy of scientific discovery, all while experiencing the region’s beauty firsthand. The sessions are a perfect blend of classroom learning, field exploration and oneof-a-kind access to UC Davis research experts.
Whether you’re a teacher, student, community member or science lover, this is your opportunity to connect with Tahoe’s environment in a meaningful and memorable way. For information on registration, session locations or program fees visit tahoe.ucdavis.edu/events or contact tercinfo@ucdavis.edu.
Cal Fire grants promote commitment to forest health and resiliency
Cal Fire
SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has awarded nearly $72 million to support landscape-scale, regionally based land management projects that will restore forest health and resilience throughout California, while enhancing long-term carbon storage.
Through its Forest Health Program, Cal Fire has awarded 12 grants (details of which are available on the Forest Health Program website) to local and regional partners carrying out projects on state, local, tribal, federal and private lands. Designed to address critical forest health needs, these initiatives will reduce wildfire risk, improve ecosystem resilience and enhance carbon sequestration across California’s diverse landscapes.
Fire. “These grants will provide our partners around the state with funds to complete projects that support local economies, protect watersheds, increase public safety and sequester carbon.”
The projects will employ a wide array of forest management strategies, with goals of wildfire resilience, watershed protection, habitat conservation for endangered species, recovery of fire-scarred and drought-impacted forests and the reintroduction of fire as a natural ecological process.
Forest Health grant projects must focus on large, landscape-scale forestlands that are composed of one or more landowners and may cover multiple jurisdictions. Landscapescale forestlands are no less than 800 acres in size and usually include watersheds, firesheds or larger logical management units. Grant-funded activities must be applied across large landscapes to achieve regional forest resilience, and projects that implement a mix of activities with multiple, experienced partners are given priority.
“Cal Fire is proud to award Forest Health grants that will increase the wildfire resilience of California’s landscapes and communities and help restore ecosystems following wildfire,” said Alan Talhelm, assistant deputy director of Climate and Energy at Cal
The Dogwood Project lead by the Upper Mokelumne River Watershed Authority proposes fuels reduction treatments on 1,288 acres within the Eldorado National Forest, reducing the risk of high-intensity, large-scale wildfires, protecting communities, improving forest resilience and enhancing wildlife habitat within the upper Mokelumne River watershed. The proposed mastication and hand thinning treatments will reduce excess surface fuels in strategic locations along ridge tops and upper slopes that connect with past treatments.
Several of the funded projects also include community outreach and long-term strategic planning through the California Vegetation Treatment Program. CalVTP enables efficiencies in the CEQA process that can reduce review timelines from multiple years to just months, reducing redundancies without sacrificing environmental quality by allowing project sponsors to build on known and verified environmental analysis as they begin their site-specific environmental review for individual projects. These
Employment Program for 25 years.
She said she’s very proud to be the vice president of MORE’s Client Counsel and “loves attending Aktion Club with Susie” since they are both social butterflies.
Karen R. has been at MORE and known Susie for 33 years. Her favorite classes are music and choir. She said she has “loved knowing Susie over the years,” noting at times when she was sad and having a hard time, Susie helped so much. Karen R. told the Mountain Democrat she will miss Davies, but knows she will be around because “she won’t let her get away easy.”
Davies’ idea to help people with special needs integrate into the community and develop job skills became a lifelong passion more than 40 years ago when she created one of the first Workability programs in the state. She joined MORE, which celebrates its 55th year of service, and said through the years she benefitted from leadership training from the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce and the tutelage of then El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vicki Barber, who created one of the first special needs programs in the area.
“I also learned when you hire someone, look at their potential for 15 years,” Davies noted, adding that having Nuttall step up into her position will be a smooth and strong transition, given her experience at the agency and the fact that she started out working directly with the clients. “She’s already more qualified than I
Grants Continued from A4
efforts are designed to promote lasting forest health, provide support for disadvantaged communities and build on previous treatment efforts to ensure continuity and long-term effectiveness.
Three-fourths of the awarded projects will benefit disadvantaged or low-income communities. In addition to the environmental and safety benefits of forest management, such as reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfires, protecting nearby communities, improving water quality and wildlife habitat and contributing to climate change mitigation, these projects also present valuable economic opportunities.
The Northern Mendocino County Forest Health Collaborative — Phase II project with the Redwood Forest Foundation Inc. is located in Northern Mendocino County, a rural county with a small-dispersed, low-income population. At 867
Parks Continued from A1
Partnership and MENTOR, the national mentoring network.
“I am honored to join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra at such a pivotal time for youth mentoring in our region,” said Parks. “I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact a caring adult can have on a young person’s life. I’m committed to strengthening and expanding this work so even more children have the opportunity to thrive.”
BBBSNS Board President Stephanie Carlson shared her enthusiasm about the appointment, noting, “We are proud to welcome Florence as the new CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra. Her lifelong commitment to mentoring youth and her strong track record of statewide leadership make her an ideal choice to guide the organization into its next phase of growth. Florence brings both vision and passion to the role, and we are confident she will strengthen our mission of igniting the potential of every young person we serve.”
Brenda Frachiseur has been the BBBSNS CEO for the last 12 years
was at the start (of MORE.)”
Davies said MORE’s Board of Directors is “strong and diverse” and supports the transition.
Nuttall said stepping into this role “is both humbling and exciting.
“I’m beyond grateful for the trust and support of Susie, the board and our incredible team,” she shared.
“I look forward to building on the strong foundation Susie has created and continuing to find new opportunities and ways to support
acres of forest fuel treatment, this project will provide over 80 forestry jobs for local community members, including jobs for thinning crews, equipment operators, fire crews, cultural management crews and reforestation crews. Trail work with the California Conservation Corps will provide additional jobs and learning opportunities for large crews of young adults.
The majority of Cal Fire’s Forest Health grants are funded through the Timber Regulation and Forest Restoration Fund, with additional support provided by California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that directs billions of cap-and-trade dollars toward achieving the state’s climate goals. CCI prioritizes investments that strengthen the economy, improve public health and enhance the environment — especially in the state’s most vulnerable communities.
and will retire at the end of June.
“I have complete faith in Florence who brings with her a wealth of experience — over 25 years in the mentoring and positive youth development field, including the past six years at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the North Coast,” Frachiseur shared. “She has a deep passion for mentorship and a visionary outlook that will guide this organization into its next chapter. I believe, without a doubt, that under her leadership, BBBS of Northern Sierra will soar to new heights.”
As CEO, Parks will lead BBBSNS’s efforts to grow community-based and school-based mentoring programs across El Dorado, Nevada and Placer counties. Her strategic priorities will include expanding access for youth in foster care, building new partnerships and ensuring the agency remains a strong, inclusive force for mentorship in the Sierra region. Her official start date is Monday, June 16.
For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra visit bbbsns.org.
the people we serve.”
When asked if she was anxious about having “big shoes to fill,” Nuttall responded, “People give me good advice. Don’t (try to) be Susie. Just be yourself.
“Susie’s one of those rare people who makes you want to show up and do your best every day,” she added.
“She’s been an incredible mentor and always pushes us to grow and think bigger — for ourselves and for the people we serve. I’ve learned so much from her and I’m really grateful for all the years we’ve worked together.” At present, MORE serves 78 clients but has the capacity for 250. Some programs are one on one and for others the staff to client ratio is 1:4. MORE clients can be seen working at Raley’s, Safeway and Cold Springs Golf Course and volunteering at Snowline Hospice thanks to Davies and her dedicated staff of 44 at MORE. The agency lost many staff members due to the pandemic.
“Some of our workers were close to retirement age and missed working directly with the clients and so they moved on,” Davies explained. At this time, the agency is looking to hire employees in every department except administration. For more information visit morerehab.org.
As for the soon-to-be-Former CEO, Davies assured she isn’t going to bow out completely but plans to stay on three days a week as a consultant and volunteer onsite with the Feeding The Foothills food distribution service.
Her husband Bill retired in 2019 and Davies said there are plans for travel and spending more time with her favorite daughter and favorite son-inlaw. She said she will miss spending time with MORE clients, explaining, “They made me better.”
Davies Continued from A1
Mountain Democrat file photos
2015 Hangtown Christmas Parade Grand Marshal Susie Davies, above left, dressed as Joy from Pixar’s film “Inside Out.” She led the annual Placerville event from Gordon Vicini’s antique fire engine. At right, Davies holds up a Mountain Democrat Readers’ Choice award she and her staff received in 2015. MORE has earned many accolades over the years.
Susie Davies, seen here promoting the very popular Art & Wine with Something MORE annual fundraiser has dedicated more than four decades to the nonprofit. She plans to volunteer and travel during her retirement.
OPINION
California Matters
Our economy is just limping. Why is Newsom boasting?
Gavin Newsom loves to boast about the state he governs, claiming that California is No.1 in some category or that the state is leading in some economic or cultural activity.
Sometimes his boasts crumble in the face of reality, such as his 2022 declaration that the state budget had a $97.5 billion surplus and “no other state in American history has ever experienced a surplus as large as this.”
It was later revealed that the surplus claim was based on revenue estimates that were wrong by $165 billion over four years, leading to multibilliondollar budget deficits.
Undeterred, Newsom has continued his boastful ways. A few weeks ago bragged that California, were it a nation, now has the world’s fourth-largest economy at $4.1 trillion, edging out Japan.
“California isn’t just keeping pace with the world — we’re setting the pace,” Newsom cheered. “Our economy is thriving because we invest in people, prioritize sustainability and believe in the power of innovation.”
Actually, California’s edge over Japan is more the result of currency exchange calculations rather than productivity, but $4.1 trillion is still a big number. Unfortunately, its size masks the darker reality that, by many measures, California is doing no better than treading water.
As the Legislature’s budget analyst, Gabe Petek, said in a report on California’s budget situation late last year, “California’s economy has been in an extended slowdown for the better part of two years, characterized by a soft labor market and weak consumer spending.
“While this slowdown has been gradual and the severity milder than a recession, a look at recent economic data paints a picture of a sluggish economy. Outside of government and health care, the state has added no jobs in a year and a half.”
What Petek described six months ago is still true, as recent employment data indicate. In April, the state’s unemployment rate, 5.3%, was higher than all but two other states, Michigan and Nevada, and it’s been stuck at that elevated relative position for several years.
“Since February 2020, the state’s labor force has grown by just 126,100 workers, a 0.6% increase,” Beacon Economics said in an analysis of the April data, adding, “This slower growth is being driven largely by the state’s chronic housing shortage and the retirement of aging workers.”
Justin Niakamal, Beacon’s research manager, noted, “It’s di cult to see how California will be able to break out of its slow-growth cycle when there has been virtually no increase in housing production. This is an elemental problem that is
Letters to the Editor
Questions for county leaders
EDITOR:
Where in El Dorado County is anyone creating new wealth? We need to create new wealth through timber management and agriculture, mining plus additional water storage. The county should support industrial zoning so new wealth can be created.
Government is only transferring the existing wealth through taxes, fees, fines and penalties, and that gravy train should be over; all you bureaucratic/administrators, step down and get out of the way.
The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors needs to create a budget based on creating new wealth. We used to have a timber tax and that money went to schools and/or roads. The tax was based on board feet sold. Water is calculated by acre-feet (1 acre-foot is approximately 326,000 gallons of water). We need to start thinking how we can do better economically with what we have.
ELLEN DAY El Dorado
One thing missing
EDITOR: C ongrats to El Dorado County for the completion of both the Old Depot Bike Park and the beautiful new El Dorado Trail bridge across Missouri Flat Road. Now, if only they had thought to supply the users of those places a place to park.
People power on display
EDITOR: D id you hear us, finally, Congressman McClintock? Ninety of your constituents lined Bass Lake Road near your June 7 pay-for-access dinner with your donors. Remind you of anyone?
The VIP Bourbon and Chocolate Party sounded tasty, and Summer Under the Stars guests included exclusive time with community leaders
The Balancing Act
President Trump’s touted
Art La er, noted President Reagan economist, said decades ago “If you want more of something, tax it less and if you want less of something, you tax it more.”
Proving that point was the Reagan tax cuts of 1982. In those tax cuts the highest marginal rate of income tax was reduced from 70% to 28%. By taxing something less not only did incomes go up over double, but so did tax revenue. Unemployment went down and incomes rose so much so that government income tax revenues doubled in about eight years, with most of that growth coming from high-income earners in the top brackets. If you tax income less, the result is more income and more income, even though taxed at a lower rate, produces more income tax revenue.
As the country produces more in an era of less taxes, Gross Domestic Product also grows and that GDP growth means more tax revenues. That GDP growth is not reflected in the Congressional Budge O ce calculations of the national debt in the scoring of President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, which the House of Representatives recently passed. This BBB will not only make permanent the 2017 Trump tax cuts, but will eliminate most taxes on tips and overtime and reduce seniors’ taxes on Social Security. As to those tax reductions above, no tax on tips is limited to $25,000 in actual tips and is limited to those making an income of less than $160,000. But for most of those employed in service industries where a substantial portion of their income is earned through tips, those
limitations will be hard to exceed.
As with tips, the overtime pay tax exemption would also have limitations. It would be capped at 20% of gross income, not exceeding $100,000 ($200,000 for joint filers). In plain language, if you earn $80,000 in regular pay and in addition, $20,000 in overtime pay (time and a half or more), the $20,000 would not be taxable for income tax purposes, but still may require Social Security and Medicare tax.
As to no taxes on Social Security, that benefit didn’t quite make it all the way. Social Security is already e ectively nontaxable up to a certain amount of income. The BBB adds $4,000 to your standard deduction if you are older than 65 ($8,000) for joint senior filers.
As an example, if you are joint senior filers earning $50,000 in
Social Security benefits and additional $25,000 in interest from savings accounts, your taxable Social Security benefits are just $11,100, your taxable income would be $36,100 and with a standard deduction of $29,200 taxable income would be reduced to $6,900. With the new standard deduction of an additional $8,000 for seniors, you would have no taxable income and therefore no tax. This new Trump tax benefit would certainly help those low- to moderate-income seniors. Social Security is taxed currently on a sliding scale up to 85% of the benefit paid. For example, if you earned $62,000 in interest income, you would be taxed on $42,500 (85%) of the Social Security income. Some GOP senators want more cuts to spending. And that would be good.
STU GRAHAM
El Dorado
■ See WALTERS, page A7
Let’s see the GOP senators take a knife to unnecessary government spending. Let’s take it back to pre-COVID government spending.
LARRY WEITZMAN
DAN WALTERS
impacting the state’s ability to grow its population, industry and economy.”
A major indication of California’s relatively moribund economy is what has been happening in the San Francisco Bay Area’s technology industry, a sector that, in essence, has been propping up the entire state in recent years.
Having expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic to serve those confined to their homes and working remotely, the industry has been shedding jobs
Letters Continued from A6
for just $75. Cheaper than Trump access but payfor-play nevertheless.
But for no cost, you must have seen our energy. Young people joined the group, raising their voices. There were older folks with canes and a baby in its mama’s carrier (a future constituent). Our signs proved we know how you’ve voted; they covered a broad range of concerns, from My e-book has more spine than Congress to tax billionaires, protect cancer research, protect public lands, protect Medicaid and Medicare and, especially for you, McClintock, stop voting to hurt us.
Now we wait to hear how you’ll protect our health care, how you’ll work to protect local businesses from tari -caused shutdowns and how you’ll work to kill a budget that will hamstring our children for decades and address an overblown deficit that befits the ultra-wealthy. When Garamendi subbed for your town hall, he listened. When Swalwell subbed
month by month.
While Newsom cited numbers from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics in claiming that California now had the globe’s fourth-largest economy, he didn’t trumpet a recent bureau study that underscores the state’s poor employment picture. California has more than a million unemployed workers. The new bureau report reveals that the ratio of jobless workers to job openings is the highest of any state, 1.6 jobseekers
for Kiley’s town hall, he listened. When will you listen to the concerns of working families?
We haven’t given up. Optimism reigned with determination. Nicole, from El Dorado Hills, who has engaged her children in civic activities, said the rally “energizes me, gives me hope.” Another, waving a large flag, said, “This is for everybody. We’re taking it back.”
Indivisible El Dorado and El Dorado Progressives joined forces to help get out our messages. And this was neither the first nor the last time.
MARGO LANDRUM Placerville
Gotta love it
EDITOR:
Mari Morris says that while there never was a Palestinian state there was a de facto Palestinian state because people
for every one open job.
To put that data point another way, if every job opening in California were to be filled, we’d still have hundreds of thousands of Californians on the unemployment rolls.
That’s nothing to brag about.
Dan Walters is a journalist and author who writes for CALmatters.org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.
identifying as Palestinian lived there. She says that as there was no United States before 1776 there was no Israel before 1948. The Arabs in 1948 created a Palestinian state where there was none in hopes of preventing an Israeli state.
The interesting thing here is that the Arabs can’t stand the Palestinians and throughout history have kept them out of their countries and just used them as pawns against Israel. The result of the 1948 war was an Israeli state and a Palestinian state. Between then and 1967 the Palestinian state even controlled half of Jerusalem.
In 1967 the Arabs still using the Palestinians as pawns talked them into joining in a war that would eliminate Israel. Unfortunately for the Palestinians in that ill conceived war, they lost what they had and their state disappeared. If you doubt what I said about the Arabs not liking the Palestinians, just see what happens if a Palestinian tries to cross into Egypt.
One of the craziest points Ms. Morris made claims just because the Palestinians elected Hamas as their leader, not all Palestinians voted for them and therefore they should not be attacked. Think about that for a second. In World War II would Ms. Morris have us dodging bullets and bombs to go door to door and only attack those that voted for the Reich? People are not individual countries. When a country declares war that a ects the entire country, not just the people that supported the declaration. One would think that would be obvious but apparently not.
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Announcements
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 rst Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM. Legionpost119.org
CAMERON PARK NEWCOMERS
CLUB meets the rst 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 Sheri ’s o ce, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net
PLAY CRIBBAGE Join the Gold Country Cribbers 916-212-2465 or 916-768-4452. We Play - We Teach - We Have Fun. Wednesdays 4:00 PM. Gilmore Senior Center 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA Struggling with life? CELEBRATE RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/ DEMOCRATS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Call (530)391-6414 or see
edcdems.org for more information. GOLD RUSH CHORUS now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing four-part harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or Kent (530) 651-3575 HANGTOWN WOMEN’S TENNIS CLUB. Come play tennis for fun and friendship. Meet at El Dorado High School, Acacia Street, Placerville, Wed 9 AM – 11 AM. (June - Aug 8 AM –10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Monica 530-306-7066. MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join.
GEORGE ALGER
Placerville
Gomes wins second straight Big Trophy Night victory
Gary Thomas Placerville Speedway
For the second consecutive season on Coors Light Big Trophy Night it was Tony Gomes and C&M Motorsports standing tall in victory lane with the Thompson’s Winged Sprint Cars.
Fellow winners taking home the 6-foot-tall perpetual trophies at Placerville Speedway include Rod Oliver with the Kings Meats Ltd. Late Models, Nick Baldwin with the Red Hawk Resort + Casino Pure Stocks and Michael Barreno with the Mountain Democrat Mini Trucks.
Gomes jumped out front at the waving of the Darin Stahl green flag in the Thompson’s Family of Dealerships Winged 360 Sprint Car feature. The Modesto driver had his way with things as drivers looked to find the premium line around the quarter mile.
After the race began to develop things heated up behind Gomes with racers battling high and low on the red clay. On lap 11 Placerville’s Shane Hopkins took over second as he looked for a season best finish.
The final 10 laps featured some of the best racing of the evening between the drivers running second through seventh. The intense action saw Austin Wood slide back under Hopkins to take over P2 with just a few circuits left. By that point however, Gomes was in another ZIP code and raced away to snag his seventh career Winged 360 triumph at Placerville, tying Tim Clauson for
24th on the all-time win list.
Wood came home second followed by Chance Grasty, Hopkins and Jodie Robinson in the top five. Rounding out the top 10 were Andy Forsberg, Justyn Cox, Cole Schoeder, Seth Standley and Jake Haulot. A total of 26 Sprint Cars competed on Big Trophy Night with Forsberg earning the ADCO Driveline Fast Time Award to begin the evening. Yuba City’s Oliver assumed the lead at the start of the Kings Meats Ltd. Late Model main event and never looked back. He went on to claim his second career Placerville Speedway win ahead of Matt Micheli, Tyler Lightfoot,
Ray Trimble and Chris Mcginnis.
After losing out on a few close races this year Oakley’s Baldwin found redemption on Saturday, making a close pass to record his 34th career Pure Stock victory at the track. By doing so, he matched Tom Tilford on the all-time Stock Car win list.
Rio Linda’s Ryan Peter was searching to make it four wins in a row and would lead the opening three circuits, until Kevin Jinkerson moved past to take over the point. Baldwin then grabbed second and began to hound the leader.
The Red Hawk Resort + Casino Pure Stocks have put on some fantastic shows this
season and Saturday night was no different. Jinkerson, Baldwin and Peter ran extremely close for the duration of the feature. With things going down to the wire Baldwin finally had the opening he needed with a few laps left. Baldwin cut to the inside and made the winning move on lap 22 en route to the triumph. Jinkerson, Peter, Wayne Trimble and Tyler Lightfoot completed the top five.
Camino resident Barreno captured the Mountain Democrat Mini Truck win on Saturday, and it came with a little drama toward the end. With Barreno out front Mike Miller was making a charge to the inside with
a few laps remaining.
The two ended up coming together, Barreno’s truck did everything but tip over yet somehow, he made a miraculous save. Miller’s truck sustained enough damage causing him to slow. Barreno went on to take the checkered flag and the 6-foot-tall perpetual trophy.
Noah LaPoint, Brycen Bragg, Tyler Goggin and Luke Costa filled out the remainder of the top five.
Placerville Speedway returns to action on Saturday, June 21, with Thompson’s Fan Appreciation Night. Grandstand tickets cost just $5 for the event and can be purchased via placervillespeedway. com.
Results Winged sprint cars 1. 7C-Tony Gomes; 2. 2A-Austin Wood; 3. X1-Chance Grasty; 4. 21-Shane Hopkins; 5. 14W-Jodie Robinson; 6. 92-Andy Forsberg; 7. 42X-Justyn Cox; 8. 3-Cole Schroeder; 9. 25-Seth Standley; 10. 7H-Jake Haulot; 11. 31-Kyle Beilman; 12. 02-Tyler Walker; 13. 81-Steven Kent; 14. 5-Kenny Wanderstadt; 15. 24K-Koa Crane; 16. 1-Connor Grasty; 17. 56-Taylor Hall; 18. 17-Anthony Snow; 19. 9-Adrianna DeMartini; 20. (DNF) 93-Stephen Ingraham.
Ltd. late models 1. 57-Rod Oliver; 2. 96M-Matt Micheli; 3. 23J-Tyler Lightfoot; 4. 37-Ray Trimble; 5. 22-Chris Mcginnis; 6. 22G-Paul Gugliomoni; 7. 7R-Thomas Reynolds; 8. (DNS) 54-Matt Davis.
Pure stocks
1. 17-Nick Baldwin; 2. 30-Kevin Jinkerson; 3. 83-Ryan Peter; 4. 86-Wayne Trimble; 5. 23-Tyler Lightfoot; 6. 22K-Jason Palmer; 7. 47-Michael Murphy; 8. 16-Tommy Sturgeon; 9. 10-Ted Ahart; 10. 54-Anthony Vigna; 11. 48-John Evans; 12. 48S-Shaun Bennion; 13. 74-Russell Murphy.
Mini trucks 1. 24K-Michael Barreno; 2. 92N-Noah LaPoint; 3. 75-Brycen Bragg; 4. 07-Tyler Goggin; 5. 17-Luke Costa; 6. 26-Paizlee Miller; 7. 28-Howard Miller; 8. 16-Mike Miller; 9. 33-Gaige Popejoy; 10. 22-Nick Perkins; 11. 03-Bobby Clark; 12. (DNF) 70-Austin Struthers.
Feeling lucky? Support nonprofit’s helicopter golf ball drop
Marshall Foundation for Community Health
News release
On June 20, as part of the Bob West Drive for Marshall Golf Tournament, the Marshall Foundation for Community Health will present a unique and thrilling fundraising event — the Golf Ball Drop. Thanks to the generous support of Sheriff Jeff Leikauf and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, the department’s Echo 1 helicopter will drop numbered golf balls from the sky over a designated hole at the golf course. The ball that lands closest to the pin will win a cash prize of up to $3,000, assuming all balls are sold.
Golf balls are $25 each or 10 for $200, and proceeds support vital programs through
MFCH that improve access to care, enhance patient services, and promote community health throughout El Dorado County.
How it works:
• Each purchased golf ball is uniquely numbered and entered into the drop.
• On June 20 the helicopter will release all the balls over a designated hole.
• The ball that lands closest to the pin wins
• You do not need to be present to win, it will even be live-streamed on Facebook so you can watch the action from anywhere
“This event will be fun and thrilling to watch and gives El Dorado County residents a chance to support their community’s health,” said Tanya Moran, philanthropy operations coordinator for MFCH. “From behavioral health initiatives to
cutting-edge physical therapy equipment and support for vulnerable populations, every golf ball dropped helps fund programs that change lives.” To purchase golf balls call the Marshall Foundation for Community Health at (530) 6429984.
About MFCH
The Marshall Foundation for Community Health is dedicated to advancing the health of the Western Slope of El Dorado County by raising funds for Marshall and community health initiatives. Through generous community support, the Foundation helps expand access to care and improve outcomes for individuals and families across the region.
TrailCon set to debut in Olympic Valley, aims to unite trail runners
Tahoe Daily Tribune
OLYMPIC VALLEY — Trail running is about to get its own industry-defining gathering. TrailCon, a new two-day festival dedicated to celebrating the sport’s culture, is launching June 24–25 at Palisades Tahoe. The free event will feature educational panels, brand activations, movement sessions and networking opportunities for everyone from elite athletes to everyday trail enthusiasts. “There is a void in our industry in terms of a gathering for all stakeholders of the sport,” said Brendan Madigan, TrailCon co-founder, Broken Arrow Skyrace race director and owner of Alpenglow Sports. “There’s nothing where the industry and the general public, who support all aspects of trail running, can gather for education, inspiration and general connectivity.”
Backed by presenting sponsor On, TrailCon is tapping into the heart of trail running culture. The weekend will feature more than 20 panels with top voices in the sport, a 60-plus brand vendor village, and numerous demo events. Highlights include a live
podcast recording with trail legend
Kilian Jornet, the debut of On’s new trail shoe line — celebrated with summit DJ sets — and the TrailCon Hall of Fame Awards, supported by Nike.
Panel topics range from the timely and technical to the deeply cultural, with sessions on public lands access, sustainability in the sport, contemporary endurance nutrition and more. Some confirmed discussions include The Rise of Athlete Representation, The Intersection of Trail Running & the Creator Economy, State of the Trail Market and The Future of Trail Races. A full list is available at trailconference. com/2025-schedule-rev.
the last runners over the line. In a day and age of disconnectedness, trail running culture exemplifies the best aspects of humanity — empathy, support, acceptance.”
That ethos is central to TrailCon’s mission. Madigan said he hopes to build a space that reflects the trail community’s inclusive spirit, while also advancing vital conversations about the sport’s future.
“In a day and age of disconnectedness, trail running culture exemplifies the best aspects of humanity — empathy, support, acceptance.”
— Brendan Madigan, TrailCon co-founder
“At its core, trail running is all about community,” Madigan said. “There is no other sport where recreational runners can line up next to their heroes or where the winners remain at the finish line to regularly welcome
The vendor village will feature top outdoor brands including Nike ACG, Birkenstock, Keen, Brooks Running, Leki, Lowa, Craft, Fractel and Precision Hydration. A full list of sponsors and exhibitors can be found at trailconference. com/sponsors and trailconference.com/exhibitors.
Also on the schedule: the TrailCon 100-Meter Dash, sponsored by Precision Fuel and Hydration, and the Freetrail Runner of the Year Awards, honoring standout athletes in the sport.
TrailCon lands between two of trail running’s biggest events: the Broken Arrow Skyrace and the Western States Endurance Run. By bridging the energy of these premier races, TrailCon aims to turn Olympic Valley into the “Trail Running Capital of the World” for 10 days each June.
“Amidst the rapid growth and global reach of trail running, we’re proud to introduce a groundbreaking event that celebrates the spirit of unity, innovation and collective progress for our beloved sport,” Madigan said. “Whether you represent a brand, are a marketing professional, agent, professional athlete or merely a general fan of the sport, TrailCon is for you.”
Founded by three trail running and event industry leaders — Dylan Bowman (professional runner and CEO of Freetrail), Douglas Emslie (owner of the Boston Run Show and Boston Outdoor Show), and Madigan — TrailCon is set to become a cornerstone of the global trail running calendar.
For more information and to register visit trailconference.com.
Photo by Tim Holland
Tony Gomes, center, celebrates his big win on Big Trophy Night at Placerville Speedway.
Historical highlight
Weitzman Continued from A6
Oz, administrator for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, just uncovered another $14 billion in fraud, waste and abuse.
The BBB raises work requirements for those “able-bodied” recipients on Medicaid which is nothing more than a multibillion-dollar welfare program created by big government liberals after Medicare. And you wonder why Medicare is going broke? As with Social Security, the use of these funds expands to new groups that receive SSA benefits never intended in the original FICA bill. That’s why Social Security is also going broke. Let’s see the GOP senators take a knife to unnecessary government spending. Let’s take it back to preCOVID government spending. What could easily be done is the repeal of the Biden Inflation Reduction Act, which included nearly $1 trillion for the Green New Deal. This BBB does eliminate EV energy credits and other
COMICS
n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly
“green” credits. The Biden Inflation Reduction Act (which should have been titled the “Inflation Creation Act”) also had hundreds of billions in additional health and welfare spending. None of this spending was paid for and, as a result, inflation hit higher than 9% in the middle of the Biden Administration.
The BBB has many other small benefits such as an increases in the child tax credit and standard deduction and for some larger wage earners the SALT (state and local income tax) deduction goes from a maximum of $10,000 to now $40,000, but is limited to $500,000 in income, so million-dollar earners in blue states don’t benefit. This BBB should grow the economy by 3% annually — the biggest benefit of all to everyone. Larry Weitzman is a former El Dorado County resident.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Not every goal is one you have to climb to. There are some goals you can coast to. They might be treasures you missed when you were rushing to the top. Point your nose down the path and let the momentum roll you to the gold.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Don’t waste time wishing emotions away. Use them. They’re not just feelings — they’re currents you can channel into something productive or meaningful. Emotion is energy, and energy is power.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your curiosity is naturally self-reinforcing, so your learning has momentum. The more you know, the more you want to know. Because you pursue your interest deeply and consistently, it will evolve into mastery, then wealth.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). The stronger move is often the softer one. It takes real fortitude to forgive, and true confidence to show compassion. Those who feel weak may lash out, but you see the fear beneath that. You see your own, too, and step forward anyway.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You respect the complexity of a situation and tune into social nuance. All you witness is alive with narrative and motive. Your curious mind will rush to fill in blanks and leap to predict people’s next moves.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Anger can motivate a mission, or it can explode and burn a bridge. Fear can keep you safe and sound, or it can shut down an opportunity to grow. Feelings aren’t inherently good or bad. It’s what you do with them that matters.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’re bursting with creativity, which can make it challenging to focus on mundane work. The charge of creativity is so powerful, it seems as though small projects could be blown up by the wattage. And you could be right about that.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). There’s nothing wrong with wanting ease. You’re allowed to leave something not because it’s unbearable but because it’s not right. You deserve a context — a person, a
stories a spin you can feel good about. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Don’t let fear, scarcity or your past identity impose limits. Make decisions from a place of abundance, not because you have endless resources but because you have what’s even more powerful: hope and clarity of vision.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Everyone is a mystery, but some of the people around you hold mysteries that are better left unexplored. Where should you aim your curious mind today? Focus it inside yourself. Put your energy into understanding
n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter
n RUBES by Leigh Rubin
n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly
SUDOKU
Above, 2016 El Dorado
Rose Mary Meder, right, is all smiles as she and 2024
Rose Sandra Hand, left, watch Siena Saltzen and her friend Nicolaus from Austria dance to the live music played by Bronco Charlie in front of Placerville News during the 76th annual Highway 50 Wagon Train Association event on June 7. Below, Cowboy Wayne, 65 of Placerville, right, asks Delilah Bist of Folsom and her daughter, Willow, 4 if they want either a silver or gold nugget in Placerville Hardware. Mom and daughter did a little shopping while waiting for the Wagon Train.
Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene
Left, Bronco Charlie (Mark Pennington of El Dorado Hills) entertains the crowd with Gold Rush Era tunes while they await the arrival of the Wagon Train in Placerville. Right, With GoPro in hand, Suzi Southwick, 73, of El Dorado Hills beams from ear to ear as the Wagon Train leaves Main Street. Southwick rode on the Wagon Train on Sunday and Monday for the first time and said next year she’ll attempt the full ride.
Cecilia Smith waves to onlookers as she drives a wagon with her grandson through downtown. The Wagon Train’s trail ended at the Placerville Cinema parking lot on Placerville Drive.
Dr.
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Spacious oor plans | Beautiful landscaped grounds Caring, local sta | Activities, clubs, outings, and celebrations | Transportation services Restaurant-style dining | Multiple levels of care on one campus
NEWS, IN THE KNOW
Stellar students
Congratulations to Brittney Boling of Shingle Springs, who was recently named to Ohio University’s Spring Provost’s List.
Congratulations to Samuel Oshita of El Dorado Hills, who graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelor of science in commerce and business administration.
June 11
Join the El Dorado Community Foundation for its Amplify Good; Brown Bag Lunch and Learn event from noon to 1 p.m. at Cowork Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe. For more information visit eldoradocf.org.
Smith Flat House will host Trivia Night at 7:15 p.m. Fun for the whole family. For more information visit smithflathouse.com.
The Valhalla Tahoe boathouse theatre and outdoor lawn presents Alice Wallace from 7:30-10 p.m. For more information visit valhallatahoe.com.
June 12
The El Dorado County Fair is Moovin’ n’ Groovin’ June 12-15 on the fairgrounds in Placerville. Enjoy carnival rides and games, great food, live music, animals and much more. For a complete list of events visit eldoradocountyfair.org.
The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce will host a Free Educational AARP Workshop at The Pavilion From 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information visit eldoradohillschamber.org.
Join the El Dorado Community Foundation for Philanthropy on Tap, an evening of nonprofit networking and collaboration from 5-7 p.m. at Jack Russell Brewery in Camino. For more information visit eldoradocf. org.
Smith Flat House will host live music with Hugh Hoeger and Friends at 6 p.m. For more information visit smithflathouse.com.
West Coast Turnaround will perform, 7-9 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Island of Black and White will perform at the Live on the Boulevard Summer Concert Series at the El Dorado Hills Town Center from 7-9 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.
The California Bluegrass Association presents the Father’s Day Bluegrass festival at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing daily through June 15. For tickets and more information visit fathersdayfestival.com.
June 13
The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce will host the HWY 50 Corridor Power Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Buckhorn BBQ & Grill. For more information visit eldoradohillschamber.org.
The Bumgarner Camino Tasting Room will host a Friday Night Pizza Night with live music from the Jessica Malone Duo from 5:30-8 p.m. For tickets or more information visit bumgarnerwinery.com.
Audioboxx will perform at the Red Hawk Casino
n See KNOW, page B5
Roses bloom at the fair
Mimi Escabar Special sections editor
Three amazing women are joining the El Dorado Rose Court this year with one to be named 2025 El Dorado Rose at the El Dorado County Fair on Thursday, June 12. See the 2024 El Dorado Rose Sandra Hand present the winner with her sash at the pageant in Imagination Theater at 7 p.m. The pageant is free with fair admission.
Candidates
Cora Motak
Cora Motak is sponsored by her husband of 41 years Jerry Motak. The Placerville resident was born in the Philippines as a U.S. citizen on April 1, 1949 and grew up in San Francisco. She sees this period in her life as a perfect time to be a Rose. “This is a new chapter of my life as a wiser and wellseasoned lady,” she said. “I have made many friends over the years who became El Dorado Roses and Rose Court ladies and now I want to spend time with these wonderful ladies.”
With a bachelor of arts in sociology she worked at the UC Medical Center in the mobility lab and with dozens of doctors on the staff.
Her volunteer service includes: SF General Hospital Family Home Visitor Volunteer, Toastmaster/ Toastmistress club for many years and Special Olympics fundraising volunteer.
Motak served the Hangtown Grange No. 464 as an officer and liaison to resolve some grange legal issues, helped organize El Dorado Rose receptions for four different Roses and Rose Court Ladies, helped host the Grange Jamboree supporting New Morning Youth Home and worked at the Grange dances monthly supporting college scholarships for El Dorado High School seniors.
She also did painting, clearing, landscape projects and big maintenance projects at the Grange, participated in Neighborhood Watch, hosted August Neighborhood Nite Out events and taught neighborhood girls how to cook lumpia and helped them sew their historical costumes for school projects. When there is some spare time Motak does photography, likes traveling the world, playing piano, sewing, cooking and going to dances. Her current new project is designing and building a custom tree house in the shape of an “Extraterrestrial” Flying Saucer Spaceship.
Kimm Richwine
Kimm Richwine is sponsored by Save the Graves. The El Dorado Hills resident was born in Orange. The mother of five children spent quite a bit of time volunteering in school related activities. She currently works with the Sons of the American Revolution in their School Guard program giving presentations to fifth-grade classes on the American Revolution while dressed in colonial attire.
Active in Girl Scouts she served in various roles with the Tierra del Oro Girl Scout Council. While serving the Girl Scouts she was recognized as Leader of the Year in 1998 and 2000. She participated with NorCal Bully Breed Rescue and was a Foster Fur Parent, specializing in medical fosters.
The active community member belongs to the American Red Cross, Daughters of the American Revolution, Rolling Hills Blue Star Moms, Save the Graves and National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century, She has volunteered in the El Dorado Hills community at various events from a Veterans Bridge Dedication to community clean ups and has participated in a cemetery census of all the headstones of Low Country South Carolina. In 2018 she was awarded Outstanding Volunteer. She was also with the El Dorado County Cemetery Advisory Committee and served until the committee was disbanded.
An interest in history and genealogical research and learning more about her family’s history occupies her spare time. Additionally she likes to do quilting, needlework, work in the garden with her husband Kent and travel all over the world to spend time with her family.
A desire to be Rose comes from her enjoyment of living in El Dorado County. “El Dorado County has provided a wealth of history to love, learn and share. From sitting on the side of the road with a picnic to wait for the Pony Express to ride by, to adopting the Mormon Island
Relocation Cemetery with my DAR chapter, I continue to learn about the individuals that built this county and I am grateful,” she said. “As a Rose I would aspire to embody the values the Roses hold dear: community spirit, compassion and a commitment to making a positive impact. I will continue to serve, learn and contribute to the place I am proud to call home.”
Sweet Louise Sweet is sponsored by the
Louise
Placerville Emblem Club No. 287. She takes great pride in being born at the Placerville
Sanitorium (the only hospital at the time).
Cora Motak
n See ROSES, page B5
Kimm Richwine
Louise Sweet
Jackson Elementary recognized
ACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Tony Thurmond announced in May that 336 elementary schools have been selected for the prestigious 2025 California Distinguished Schools Program, California’s school recognition program that recognizes two categories of exceptional schools: those closing the achievement gap and those demonstrating exceptional student performance. Jackson Elementary of the Rescue Union School District was the only elementary from El Dorado County recognized.
Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the state’s most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers and classified employees for their innovation, talent and success in supporting students.
“It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these 336 elementary schools for their efforts to provide exemplary public education to all students. Excellent elementary schools play a critical role in the life outcomes of our young people,” Thurmond said. “This year’s California Distinguished Schools celebration provides us with an opportunity to recognize the
Fresh Herb Jelly!
Our food dishes would be bland indeed without the use of herbs to give them a punch of unique flavor, taking us on a delightful tour of other cultures through cooking. Let’s begin with defining herbs versus spices. Herbs are the fresh and dried leaves of plants. Spices are the flowers, fruit, seeds, bark, and roots of plants.
This savory jelly comes from the Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving, 2024. Try putting this over a block of cream cheese, as a glaze over BBQ chicken, or mix a bit with some olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a unique salad dressing.
Fresh Herb Jelly
Makes about five 8-ounce jars
• 2 cups loosely packed coarsely chopped
hard work of our elementary educators and school staff who help our students discover passions and experiences that will propel them.”
The exceptional elementary schools recognized this year are illustrative of the persistence and promise of California’s students, educators and schools. To select California Distinguished Schools, the California Department of Education uses multiple measures to identify eligible schools based on their performance on the state indicators as specified on the California School Dashboard.
Specifically, schools were selected by analyzing data reported through the 2024 Dashboard, with a focus on demonstrating excellence and growth in academic achievement and ensuring a positive school climate.
The California Distinguished Schools program annually recognizes schools for excellent work in one of two categories: closing the achievement gap and achieving exceptional student performance.
Elementary schools and middle and high schools are recognized in alternate years.
To learn more about the California School Dashboard visit cde.ca.gov/ta/ ac/cm/index.asp. To learn more about California Distinguished Schools visit cde. ca.gov/nr/ne/yr25/yr25rel18.asp.
fresh herbs*
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened apple juice
OR dry white wine
•1 cup water
•1 cup white wine vinegar (at least 5% acidity)
•6 Tbsp powdered pectin
•5 ¼ cups granulated sugar
In a large stainlesssteel saucepan, combine herbs, apple juice, water, and vinegar. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 15 minutes. Stir well, pressing herbs to extract flavor.
Transfer herb mixture to a dampened jelly bag or a strainer lined with several layers of dampened cheesecloth set over a deep bowl. Let drip, undisturbed, for 30 minutes. Measure 3 ¼ cups of herbed juice. Meanwhile, prepare boiling-water canner 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. Transfer herb juice to a clean large, deep stainless-steel saucepan. Whisk in pectin until dissolved. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently. Add sugar all at once and return to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Boil hard, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Remove from heat and quickly skim off foam, if necessary. Ladle hot jelly into a hot jar, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Remove
About the speakers
Tee-time benefits CASA
News release
Join Child Advocates of El Dorado for a day of golf, fun and giving back at the 5th annual Charity Golf Tournament on June 27 at the stunning Apple Mountain Golf Resort in Camino. This exciting event will raise funds to support Child Advocates of El Dorado, an organization dedicated to providing support, empowerment and a voice for abused, neglected and at-risk youth in our community.
This event offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy a day on the green while supporting a cause that has a lasting impact on the lives of local foster youth.
Child Advocates of El Dorado works tirelessly to advocate for the best interests and brighter futures of foster youth in the community. This tournament aims to raise essential funds to continue its vital programs and help ensure that these young individuals receive the care and support they deserve.
“We are so grateful for Chris
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 jar in 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 minutes 6,001 – 8,000 feet.
Turn off heat. For boiling water canner, remove lid and let jars stand five minutes. For atmospheric steam canner, let canner sit
Calderwood is a predominately self-taught artist living and working in San Francisco for 15 years. Though they studied printmaking at Fresno City College, they flunked out and continued their arts education through binge watching of PBS art documentaries and a rigorous studio practice. Calderwood has been the recipient of several awards including the Eureka Fellowship, and was an artist in residence at Recology. Calderwood completed a large-scale mural commission in San Francisco International Airport’s Terminal 1 with the San Francisco Arts Commission and Precita
Lyle is a Los Angeles-based artist whose installation and 2D works explore place and identity by reconstructing surrounding architecture, interior space and natural environment. Lyle received a BA in environmental studies from Oberlin College, a BFA in printmaking from California College of Arts and an MFA in painting from Hunter College. Her works have been shown at institutions, including Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, Oakland Museum of California and Orange County Museum of Art. Cybele is represented by Et al. in San
Stonebraker and the amazing group of supporters who make this event possible for not only CASA but all the other nonprofits it has benefited over the years,” said Director of Child Advocates of El Dorado Natalie Moore. “It is an honor to work alongside people like Chris who stand behind us so powerfully. His dedication and the generosity of everyone involved have an incredible impact on the lives of the children we serve. We couldn’t do this work without such passionate, community-driven support.”
The event will take place on June 27 beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Apple Mountain Golf Resort in Camino. A group picture will be taken at 8:30 a.m. The first round of play will begin at 9 a.m, with a banquet at 3 p.m. to celebrate the day’s accomplishments.
To register contact Chris Stonebraker at (530) 3133204 or chris.stonebraker@ playonsports.com. To learn more about CASA visit casaeldorado.org.
undisturbed for three to five minutes, then remove lid. Remove jars and cool on a toweled surface for 12-24 hours. Check lids for seal (they should not flex when center is pressed). Label, date, and store in a cool dark place.
*Use fresh parsley, basil, thyme and/or dill for this jelly. Reduce quantity to 1 cup for stronger herbs such as rosemary and savory. Clean herbs under running water. Use a salad spinner or dry
Ramekon O’Arwisters
towel to remove excess water. The UC Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County are a great resource for answers to your food safety and preserving questions. Email us at edmfp@ ucanr.edu. For more information about our program, events, and recipes, visit our website at https://ucanr.edu/ sites/mfp_of_cs/. Find us on Facebook, too (UCCE Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County).
Rooted in traditional textile and craft practices, sculptor O’Arwisters reflects his experiences as a Black and queer male in the United States. Growing up in the de facto segregated South of the 1960-’70s and later moving to San Francisco during the pivotal 1990s — a transformative era for LGBTQ rights — O’Arwisters anchors his complex sculpture and socially engaged work in material and object politics, drawing from cultural, familial and personal histories. Through found objects and craft techniques, O’Arwisters investigates gender, race and queer identity.
Terry Berlier
Berlier is an interdisciplinary artist exploring the evolution of human interaction with queerness and ecologies. She has exhibited internationally, including at the Marc Chagall National Museum, France and EMPAC at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Her work has received grants including the Creative Work Fund and is featured in Seeing Gertrude Stein (UC Press) and the Slant Step Book. Berlier is a professor of art and director of graduate studies at Stanford University and has served on the Recology Artist in Residence Advisory Board since 2012.
The free event will take place June 14 at 1 p.m. in the Koret Auditorium at the de Young in Golden Gate Park. The doors will open at 12:30 p.m. For more information visit famsf.org.
National Garden Railway model train show coming
ACRAMENTO — The 40th National Garden Railway Convention is coming to Sacramento June 18-22, and will be sponsoring a special model train show on Friday and Saturday, June 20-21, at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center for everyone to partake in a special model train event and experience all of the exciting and rewarding aspects model railroading has to offer.
The special event will include spectacular model train activities featuring operating model train layouts, displays, merchandise and free for kids make-and takeworkshops. Sacramento Valley Garden Railway Society, the local member of NGRC, will be hosting the model train show. SVGRS was established in 1989 to help promote and share the outdoor/ indoor hobby of G-scale, garden railroading. With over 100 member families and growing,
the society is reaching model railroaders living in 7 counties in the greater Sacramento area. The event will take place from 1-5 p.m. on June 20 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 21. Tickets are available at the door.
For more information about the National Garden Railway Convention and to register visit ngrc2025.org.
For more information about the Sacramento Valley Garden Railway Society or to purchase tickets visit svgrs.org.
Pixabay photo
Fresh herbs make for a savory jelly.
Photographers capture candid California creatures
ore California Watchable Wildlife photo contest winners have been announced. The photo judges spent a long time deciding on the winning images. With so many incredible photos in March-April, it was difficult.
From north to south. Mountains, ocean and marshlands. Photo contest photographers continue to share the best of California’s wildlife and landscapes with our followers.
Winners for March and April
Dan Stevens
Black bear with cubs, Washoe Meadows State Park — When I saw this beautiful mom and her three cubs at the edge of Washoe Meadows, I was blessed to be able to capture this shot of them together.
Canon R5, Canon 100-500mm lens, 324mm, f8.0, ISO 1250, 1/160.
Sam Norris
Harbor Seal, the Mad River near McKinleyville — This one photo in a series of a female harbor seal catching, wrestling and eating a Pacific Lamprey at the mouth of the Mad River near McKinleyville. A juvenile male was incoming to see if he could get in on the action. Sony a-7r3 Sony.
Lee Greengrass,
Great Egret, Coyote Hills Regional Park — This Great Egret cast its bill into the water, spear-like, in an attempt to snag a fish.
Canon EOS 5DS w/EF500mm f/4L IS II USM lens, 1.4x III extender, photographed at 1/2500 sec., aperture f/5.6 with 320 ISO.
Thank you to all our sponsors for supporting our school and helping provide a safe environment for the students in our community.
UMHS/EDHS Sober Grad Boosters Club greatly appreciates the community’s support.
Lee Greengrass
“Great Egret” at Coyote Hills National Park.
Dan Stevens
“Black bear with cubs” at Washoe Meadows State Park.
Sam Norris
“Harbor Seal” at The Mad River near McKinleyville.
Losing Streak @ 8pm Neck Of the Woods, 406 Clement St, San Francisco
Jelly�sh Method/ Love Letter/ Odder/ Eclypso/ Losing Streak @ 8pm Neck of the Woods, San Francisco
Tai Chi Classes for Beginners @ 8:50am
Beginning tai chi classes offered at eh Woodland Community & Senior Center Woodland Community & Senior Center, 2001 East Street, Woodland. tina�tness68@ gmail.com
Join the speed dating revolution with a 94% connection rate! Meet singles & ignite connections through fun, chemistry-building games! Yoga Shala Sacramento, 2030 H Street, Sacramento. help@ tantrany.com
Greg in Good Company (Solo) @ Gather Dogpatch Wine Lounge @ 7:30pm Gather Wine Lounge - Dogpatch, 2490 3rd St, San Francisco
Gavin Prophet at The Press Club @ 7:30pm The Press Club, 2030 P St, Sacra‐mento
Zephyr @ 8pm The Green Room So‐cial Club, 251 Main St, Plac‐
San Francisco
Comedy Allstars - in the Callback Bar @ 9:15pm Punch Line Sacramento Callback Bar, Sacramento
Build a Bouquet Workshop @ 11am / $25 Create your unique expression of the season at The HIVE’s Build a Bouquet workshop! The HIVE Tast‐ing Room + Kitchen, 1221 Harter Avenue, Woodland. thehive@zspe cialtyfood.com, 530-668-0660
Deborah Winters @ 1:30pm Fior d'Italia, 2237 Mason St, San Francisco
Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra and Chorus @ 2pm
Dance Fitness Classes at Woodland Senior Center @ 10:15am Low-impact aerobic exercise choreographed to contemporary music. Super fun! Woodland Com‐munity & Senior Center, 2001 East Street, Woodland. tina�tness68@ gmail.com
Balloon Museum | Emotion Air - Art you can feel @ 12pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Vagabond Empire: 100 Days of Music on Ellis @ 12pm
Boeddeker Parklet, 353 Ellis St., San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel @ 12:15pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel @ 12:30pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Children's Dance Classes After School at the Davis Arts Center @ 4pm Tina Fitness offers children's Dance classes after school at the Davis Arts Center. Davis Arts Cen‐ter, 1919 F Street, Davis. tina�t ness68@gmail.com
Carter Vail & Slow Coast @ The Independent @ 7:30pm The Independent, 628 Divisadero St, San Francisco Wiz Khalifa @ 8pm Ace of Spades, 1417 R Street, Sacramento
Beginning + Intermediate Tai Chi @ 10am Tai chi classes for beginning and intermediate practitioners at the Davis Arts Center Davis Arts Cen‐ter, 1919 F Street, Davis. tina�t ness68@gmail.com
Quick Pickles Class @ 6pm Join us for a fun hands-on classon the basics of quick pickling. Leave with your own jar of pickled radishes! Fair�eld Cordelia Library, 5050 Business Center Drive, Fair‐�eld. Ldetomaso@ solanocounty.com
Bridging the Years with Music - A concert by DHS Symphonic Band and Yolo Community Band - June 10 @ 7pm Davis Senior High School Symphonic Band and Yolo Community Band will share the stage for a free concert at the Richard Brunelle Performance Hall. Richard Brunelle Perfor‐mance Hall, 315 West 14th Street, Davis. yolocommu nityband@gmail.com
Dave Ricketts Music: Dave Ricketts & Friends at The Sea Star @ 7pm The Sea Star, 2289 3rd St, San Francisco
Alex Ramon "Magic" @ 7:30pm The Cabaret at Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe, Stateline Daniel Saint Black @ 8pm Brick & Mortar Music Hall, 1710 Mission Street, San Francisco
Phillip
Aaron Foster | "Mostly Jokes" Stand Up Comedy @ 8pm / $15 Comedian
CAFE, 3150 Jefferson Blvd, West Sacramento World Series of Comedy @ 7pm / $18 Jun 11th - Jun 12th The World Series of Comedy is North America's largest touring comedy festival. The WSOC pro‐duces 13 events per year in cities across the country, culminating in the year-end Finals, The Main Event. Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge, 1207 Front Street, Sacramento. laughsunlim ited@gmail.com, 916-446-8128
UltraBomb @ 7pm Harlow's, 2708 J St, Sacramento Pictoria Vark x Jacob Miller @ Kilowatt @ 7pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
Maggie Gently @ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
Jenks @ 8pm Harlow's, 2708 J St, Sacramento
Beginning + Intermediate Tai Chi @ 10am
Tai chi classes for beginners and intermediates at the Davis Arts Center Davis Arts Center, 1919 F Street, Davis. tina�tness68@ gmail.com
The Cires: Cole valley night market 2025 @ 4pm La Boulangerie de San Francisco, Cole Valley, 1000 Cole St, San Francisco
Valencia LIVE! | June 12th
@ 5pm See you in the streets for Valencia LIVE! A FREE, all-ages monthly neighborhood celebration spot‐lighting local businesses, live mu‐sic, and art. On Valencia Street be‐tween 16th and 19th Streets—in the Valencia Street & 16th Street, San Francisco. maro@in tothestreetssf.com, 415-226-9289
Majik Ninja Entertainment: Suga Free wsg G-Mo Skee @ 7pm Harlow's, 2708 J St, Sacramento
Suga Free wsg G-Mo
13 at noon at the DCC Live Second Friday Free Noon Concert Series at the Davis Community Church. Davis Community Church, Davis. lu annhiggs@gmail.com, 916-6008872
Decades In @ 3rd 'N Army @ 3:30pm 3rd & Army, San Francisco
2nd Friday ArtAbout & Night Market at the Pence Gallery @ 6pm Visit the Pence for our free art reception & pop-up Night Market! Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis. pencesocialmedia@ gmail.com, 530-758-3370
World Series of Comedy @ 7pm / $29 Jun 13th - Jun 14th The World Series of Comedy is North America's largest touring comedy festival. The WSOC pro‐duces 13 events per year in cities across the country, culminating in the year-end Finals, The Main Event. Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge, 1207 Front Street, Sacramento. laughsunlim ited@gmail.com, 916-446-8128
Cosmic QT: Kimmortal, Bobby Sanchez, Window @ 7pm Bindlestiff Studio, 185 6th St, San Francisco
Comedian Eric Schwartz! @ 8pm Blu Nightclub @ Bally's Lake Tahoe, 55 US-50, Stateline
Sonny & the Sunsets @ 8:30pm Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell Street, San Francisco
World Series of Comedy @ 9:30pm / $29 Jun 13th - Jun 14th
The World Series of Comedy is
GROW FOR IT!
Summer in the Children’s Garden
Welcome to the joyous month of June. It’s summertime and the kids are out of school. Are you looking for a free, fun outdoor activity for you and the children? Open Friday and Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon, the Sherwood Demonstration Garden at 6699 Campus Drive, behind Folsom Lake College, El Dorado Center is just the spot to see gardens brimming with new life. The oneand-a-half-acre site is staffed by helpful UC Master Gardeners and showcases 16 imaginatively themed gardens, including an engaging Children’s Garden.
Here you’ll find an environment rich with opportunities for exploration, observation and playfulness.
Captivating and inviting, the garden welcomes us in and provides a space where children can get off the path and explore. It is the only garden that allows visitors to deviate from the pathways.
Whimsical structures and storybook characters encourage
Sara Elledge
UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County
interaction and play. On either side of the children’s garden entrance, large, friendly, topiary caterpillars and snakes made of painted rocks watch over the garden. There is even a topiary sea serpent. Alphabet letter steppingstones invite us to a round of hopscotch. A teepee trellis awash with Morning Glories, Ipomoea purpurea, and Sunflowers, Helianthus spp., becomes a little lookout area. Interactive murals, a music wall and garden gnomes capture our imaginations. Everywhere you look there’s an element that sparks a sense of wonder.
A riot of color from brilliant splashes of California poppies, Eschscholzia californica, fuzzy leaved Lamb’s Ear, Stachys byzantine and crisp, aromatic mint and
Know Continued from B1
Stage Bar, 8-10 p.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino. com.
Britain’s Finest — the complete Beatles experience will perform at 8 p.m. at Sutter Creek Theatre in Sutter Creek. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheatre.com.
June 14
The El Dorado County Certified Farmer’s Market will take place at the Regal Cinema parking lot in Placerville from 8 a.m. to noon. Enjoy a vibrant selection of locally raised meats, farm-fresh produce, fresh-baked goods and handcrafted items from talented local artisans. UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County will be available to answer gardening questions or just chat about gardening at from 8 a.m. to noon.
Mellowood Vineyard in Somerset will host Shauna Lea and Hired Guns Band from 2-6 p.m. Visit mellowoodvineyard. com for more information.
The Heavenly Village Brewfest returns from 1-4 p.m. with beer, kombucha and soda tastings paired with live music. A portion of the proceeds supports Christmas Cheer, a local nonprofit that offers an emergency food pantry for individuals in need. For more information visit tinyurl. com/3chr2pmm.
The Stage at Burke Junction presents “For the Love of Dog” at 1 p.m. and through July 6. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.
Celebrate Father’s Day with a free VIP tasting experience in the Atrium Gallery and explore Pinstripes and Pistons Father’s Day Art Exhibit, a stunning collection of art that celebrates the spirit of Father’s Day at the El Dorado Hills Town Center from 4-8 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter. com.
Smith Flat House will host Line Dancing Lessons at 6 p.m. All skill levels are welcome. For more information visit smithflathouse.com.
El Dorado Musical Theatre presents “High Voltage - Best of Broadway” at 7 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.
sage, offer interesting textures, vibrant colors and fragrances to entice all of our senses. Fresh blueberries, strawberries and cherry tomatoes offer a delicious taste experience. Notice the Showy Milkweed, Asclepias speciosa? Are there any monarch caterpillars on the leaves? Do you see any ladybugs, lizards or butterflies? How tall are the sunflowers? Can you hear the symphony of birds chirping,
Revolver + Here Come the Bastards will perform 8-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Audioboxx will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino. com.
The Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series presents Rod Stewart from 8-10 p.m. For more information visit tinyurl.com/ yfvbt3xz.
June 15
The El Dorado Hills Community Services District will host Yoga in the Park at 9 a.m. at Saratoga Park. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.
Join Shadow Ranch in Somerset for a Father’s Day celebration at 1 p.m. with live music from West Coast Turnaround and wood fired pizza. For more information visit shadowranch. com.
Clive Carroll will perform, 4-6 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Smith Flat House will host Back Porch Swing at 5 p.m. For more information visit smithflathouse. com.
The Valhalla Tahoe boathouse theatre presents Bread and Butter Band from 7:30-10 p.m. For more information visit valhallatahoe.com.
Join Railtown 1897 for ‘Day of the Dad’ excursion train rides at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. For tickets and more information visit railtown1897.org.
June 17
Powell’s Steamer Company and Pub, 425 Main St., presents Eric Hill and Jonny Mojo for Taco Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. Stop by for some good food and good tunes. For more information call (530) 626-1091.
CJ Washington, sponsored by The Mimosa House, will perform at the Theater Plaza at the El Dorado Hills Town Center from 7-9 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter. com.
Smith Flat House will host live music with James Drips at 6
p.m. For more information visit smithflathouse.com.
Paula Fong + Mary Scholz will perform, 7-9 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
June 19
Join the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce for the Chamber Champions luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Smith Flat House in Placerville. For more information visit eldoradocounty.org.
Placerville Family Search Center will host How to Discover your German ancestors — proven steps presented and explained from 1-2 p.m. at 3275 Cedar Ravine, Placerville. The class will give a comprehensive outline, resources, links, books, articles and websites for each step. For more information call (916) 290-4395.
Smith Flat House will host live music with Left of Cool at 6 p.m. For more information visit smithflathouse.com.
Twist on Taylor – Tribute to Taylor Swift 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.
AlpenGlow Band + The Human Will will perform, 7-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Live at Lakeview Summer Music Series jams into its 12th season with free live music, art, local merchants and food vendors, every Thursday night, from 4:30-8:30 p.m. continuing through Aug. 28 at Lakeview Commons, 1.5 miles from the Nevada state line. Embraced by local residents and visitors alike, the vibe is authentically pure. For more information visit tinyurl.com/432w3esz.
Clive Carroll will perform at the Side Door in Sacramento at 7 p.m. For more information visit thesidedoor.net.
Now
Watercolor Artists of Sacramento Horizons welcomes all watermedia artists over age 18 to enter its annual open exhibition “Go With n See KNOW, page B7
hummingbird wings whirring and bees buzzing as pollinators dart from bloom to blossom? There’s so much going on to connect children to the natural world. While the entrance to the Sherwood Demonstration Garden is free there is a $2 parking fee. Come celebrate summer with us.
The El Dorado County Fair begins June 12. Come visit
Roses
the El Dorado Master Gardeners in the Floriculture Building this weekend through Sunday, June 15. Bring any gardening questions you may have, and we’ll try to get you answers.
For more information about UC Master Gardener classes, events and garden resources visit mgeldorado.ucanr. edu.
For garden hours and activity information for the Sherwood Demonstration
Continued from B1
The active 89 year old grew up around the Caldor Lumber Co. She played in the lumber piles, ran around in the pear orchards and swam in Pavey’s pond.
“I was born in this county in a time that many will never know,” she said. “Running wild in bare feet in summer time, walking on the frozen ditches in the winter, climbing lumber piles at Caldor Mill. I went to Diamond Springs school when there was only 12 in a class. My parents built this house out of a 1920’s house for Caldor employees, an old gold assay office and a giveaway fire place. I may have lived in other places over the years but my heart never left El Dorado and Placerville. I have thought of running for Rose for years and now with the support of the Placerville Emblem Club No. 287, I would be honored to serve El Dorado County as Rose.”
She and husband Lee Sweet, a local boy from Camino, had three children so time was spent being a Scout den mother, PTA volunteer and volunteer high school monitor. The couple moved out of the area for awhile but came back to the house her father had built in El Dorado.
On their return her husband joined the Elks and she became a member of the Ladies of the Elks, opening
up many volunteer opportunities. She was Past Exulted Ruler of the Elks working in veterans affairs and setting up a stand down for homeless veterans. She also supported fund raising, scholarships, community service grants, veterans services and drug awareness programs.
She has served as president of the Lions Auxiliary.
As a 30 year member of Placerville Emblem Club No.287 her interests have included scholarships, backs packs, drug awareness, Guide Dogs for the Blind and educating
Garden visit ucanr. edu/sites/EDC_ Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden. Have a gardening question? Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website or leave a message at (530) 621-5512. For more information about UC Master Food Preserver classes, events and food preserving resources visit ucanr. edu/site/ucce-masterfood-preservers-centralsierra.
teachers for the blind. She is Emblem Club chair for making and delivering Christmas and Thanksgiving baskets and helped raise $25,000 for the Brooks brothers. She was an officer for the California Nevada Hawaii State Association of Emblem Clubs doing volunteer work throughout the state.
Sweet was presented with the Jeannen Swaggerty Americanism Award for work on the Placerville Old City Cemetery Restoration. The Placerville native likes to garden, fund plan, cook, fish and “I love to camp out.”
Photo by S Brasuel
The Children's Garden offers a hands-on, off-trail, sensory-filled experience for kids to explore.
Marshall Gold Discovery Park brings history to life
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Courtesy photos
The cooper at Marshall Gold Discovery Park can teach anyone how to make a bucket.
It's time to celebrate at Sacramento Pride
SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento LGBT Community Center will present Sacramento Pride weekend June 14 and 15 with a two day festival, a parade and myriad of amusements celebrating diversity, advocacy, LGBTQ+ culture and community building in the Sacramento region, providing an incredible and safe opportunity for visibility and action. With live performances on two stages, a food truck festival, the Artists’ Pavilion, the Kids and Family Zone sponsored by Sacramento Children’s Museum, Club 55 seniors lounge, Q-Spot youth area (24 and under), Leather Pride area (18 and over) and a VIP Lounge (21 and over) the festival has a wide array of amenities throughout the Capital Mall on Saturday, noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. The Pride March and Parade will commence at 11 a.m. on Sunday at Southside Park and end at the festival entrance. The parade is free to attend. For more information and for presale tickets visit sacramentopride.org.
the Flow 2025.” Submissions accepted through June 21 at 5 p.m. For more information visit sacramentowatercolor.org.
Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “The Reluctant Dragon” through June 8. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
Capital Stage in Sacramento presents “Unseen” through June 8. For tickets and more information call (916) 995-5464 or visit capstage.org.
Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento presents Marvin Lipofsky Blows Glass through Aug. 17; Black &
Gold – Traditional and Contemporary Japanese and Chinese Ceramics through Dec. 31, 2025; and Pueblo Pottery – Native American Pottery and Sculpture through Dec. 31, 2030. For more information visit crockerart.org.
Registration is now open for the 42nd Bob West Drive for Marshall. The event is Friday, June 20, at Cold Springs Golf & Country Club. For more information or to register visit marshallfound.org/golfregistration/?blm_aid=30898. Booth reservations are now available for the El Dorado County Chamber
House Cleaning Available for weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, & one time cleaning. Reliable, honest, and has over 20 years of experience. margaritalherrera@icloud.com
of Commerce’s Business Showcase and I LOVE Film Mixer on June 27. For more information or to register your business visit eldoradocounty. org.
El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for its Leadership El Dorado Class of 2025-26 For more information visit eldoradocounty.org.
The Heavenly Village Summer
Concert Series presents live music on the main stage every Friday and Saturday (plus additional weekdays) evenings from 5:45-9:15 p.m. through Labor Day. For more information visit tinyurl.com/3h88rmpb.
The Pollock Pines Community Center will host a Yoga Class Mondays at 10:30 a.m, Bingo Night Tuesdays at 5 p.m. and Line Dancing Wednesdays, 6:30-9 p.m. To learn more visit pollockpinesca.org.
VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code) 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11 14604 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. FB2025-0452 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CAUGHTU INVESTIGATIONS, located at 2681 Cameron Park Drive, Cameron Park, CA 95682/Mailing Address: PO Box 2285, Shingle Springs, CA 95682 Registrant’s Name & Mailing Address: Robert Sylvia, PO Box 2285, Shingle Springs, CA 95682 This business is conducted by an Individual The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 05/01/2013 Signature of Registrant:
EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code) 5/28, 6/4, 6/11,
Sacramento Pride will take over the Capital Mall on June 14 and 15 with two stages, food trucks and
