Mountain Democrat: Wednesday, June 17, 2026

ALL REVVED UP

The Shingle Springs/ Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce hosted the 11th Thunder in the Park classic car and motorcycle show and fundraiser at Cameron Park Lake on Saturday, June 13. The community event brought together car enthusiasts and admirers while raising money for the chamber’s philanthropic programs. Above, Larry Hansen of Placerville polishes the hood of his 1973 Mustang convertible at the show. Hansen’s second show vehicle, a 1968 Mustang Mach I muscle car, is on the right. Scott and Gina Herold of Cameron Park

El Dorado County fugitive Cacconie caught in Arizona

Lance Armstrong Sta writer

Carl W. Cacconie, who was convicted of child molestation in El Dorado County last year and had spent the past 10 months as a fugitive, was captured in Arizona, according to a joint press release issued on June 13 by the El Dorado County District Attorney’s O ce and the FBI’s Sacramento field o ce.

Cacconie was convicted last July for having committed six counts of lewd acts upon a child who was younger than 14. Following that conviction, an El Dorado County deputy district attorney requested Cacconie be held in custody while he awaited his sentencing, which was scheduled for Aug. 25, 2025.

That request was denied, and Caccoine was instead kept out of custody on bail, which was set at $1 million. As part of his bail arrangement, Caccoine was fitted with a monitoring device and surrendered his passport.

Water clarity at Lake Tahoe continues to hold steady

Kat Kerlin

UC Davis

Staring into the depths of Lake Tahoe, you might think the view goes on forever. But researchers at the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center have been tracking precisely how far a person can see through the famed lake’s waters for nearly 60 years and sharing the results in the annual Lake Tahoe Clarity Report.

The recently released 2025 Lake Tahoe Clarity Report shows that the annual average clarity remains at a plateau, neither significantly improving nor declining compared to previous years. The annual average was 69.2 feet in 2025. That is 7 feet clearer than last year’s average of 62.3 feet, but not statistically different from recent years, mostly due to a continuing trend of relatively low clarity during summer.

Clarity is measured as the depth to which a 10-inch white disk, called a Secchi disk,

Cacconie

Photo by Brandon Berry / UC Davis TERC

Picturesque Lake Tahoe has maintained its clarity over the past year, researchers report. More work is being done to improve the water quality.

peek in the window to get a good look at the passenger in a purple 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline Areosedan owned by Carl Robinson.

Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene

MISS

ESSENTIALS

OBITUARIES

Salvatore John Gigante

Jan. 24, 1925 – May 31, 2026

Salvatore Giovanni Gigante, 101 years old, died peacefully at his home in Garden Valley on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

He was born in Alameda California on January 24, 1925, to Martha and Angelo Gigante. He will be deeply missed by his daughters, Carla Marie, Katherine Ann, Mary Rose and Tina Marie. He leaves behind his wife, Veronica Gigante, proceeded in death was his beloved first wife, Katherine Gigante. He was blessed with 12 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 11 greatgreat grandchildren.

As a WWII Army Veteran, he was very involved in many community events such as the DAV and the American Legion in Placerville. In addition, his lifelong passion was building and driving his hot rods and of course his doll houses, which he would enter in the local Fair.

Chapel of the Pines in Placerville has been entrusted with arrangements which have been scheduled for June 27, 2026, at 12:00 pm with reception to follow.

Richard “Uncle Fuzzy”

Dorman Mason

April 14, 1946 – May 11, 2026

Richard “Uncle Fuzzy”

Dorman Mason, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and community fixture, was born on April 14, 1946, to Edmund and Lydia Mason. He grew up in Redwood City, California, carrying with him a lifelong pride as a fourth-generation Californian.

Richard served his country as a member of the United States Air Force, and later earned his degree in Business from Cal State Hayward (now Cal State East Bay). He built a long and respected career as an Enrolled Agent, serving his community for nearly 50 years, and also held a real estate broker’s license. But beyond his professional accomplishments, it was Richard’s personality, generosity, and unmistakable presence that made him truly unforgettable.

Known fondly as “Uncle Fuzzy” for his thick white beard and warm spirit, Richard brought magic wherever he went—convincing countless El Dorado County children that Santa Claus might just spend the o -season teaching gold panning. He was a familiar and cherished figure at local schools, fairs, and the Veterans Hall, where he enthusiastically shared his love of history and hands-on learning.

Richard gave deeply of himself to others. For over four decades, he touched countless lives as a devoted sponsor in Alcoholics Anonymous, o ering steady support, encouragement, and compassion. His kindness and authenticity left a lasting impact on many who crossed his path.

Together with his wife, Joyce Mason, Richard traveled the world competing in gold panning championships, forming lasting friendships along the way. He was proud to help bring the 2016 World Gold Panning Championship to El Dorado County, further reflecting his passion for both community and adventure.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Mason; his children Nikki Bowe, Michael Bowe, Tanya Bowe, Dyana Mason, and Amy Davidson; and his grandchildren Thea and Heather Davidson, Zach Norman, and Lucas and Teo Mason-McGinnis. His legacy of warmth, humor, and generosity lives on through all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Green Valley Community Church on Thursday, July 16th at 1:00 PM.

Glenn Wilson

Sept. 27, 1941 – May 5, 2026

Glenn Wilson, 84, passed away May 5, 2026.

Born Sept. 27, 1941, in Fort Scott, Kansas, to Joseph and Dorothy Wilson, he lived a life marked by service to his family, profession, and community. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Geraldine Wilson of Camino; son and daughter-inlaw Travis and Carson Wilson of South Lake Tahoe; daughter and son-in-law Rebecca and John Stuckert of Folsom; granddaughters Emma and Hannah Stuckert; sister Carol Ann Ray of Troy, Missouri; two nieces; five great-nieces; and three great-nephews.

A graduate of San Juan High School, he served in the U.S. Air Force before beginning a career in information technology. He served the State of California in the Departments of General Services and Motor Vehicles and retired as Deputy Director of Information Technology.

After retirement, Glenn and his wife settled in Camino, where he remained active in the community. He served as a court-appointed mentor for youth and volunteered in classrooms at Louisiana Schnell and Sierra Elementary schools in Placerville. He enjoyed blacksmithing, machining, sailing, fishing, and volunteered with the California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento Southern Railroad, and Sacramento Valley Live Steamers and helped preserve local history through work at State Parks in Coloma and the historic Knight Foundry in Sutter Creek. Always engaged in new projects, Glenn will be remembered for his steady service, curiosity, and generosity.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 27, at 10 a.m. at the Live Steamers Railroad at Hagan Park in Rancho Cordova.

Stanley Lee Wood

Feb. 13, 1944 – June 9, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Stanley Lee Wood on June 9, 2026. Born February 13, 1944, in Winnemucca, Nevada, Stan was the cherished son of the late Martin and Nina Wood. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend whose love and example touched countless lives.

Stan was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Irene, brothers Ernest and Edward, and stepsons Je rey and Bruce Thorsen. He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Cindi, whose devoted care and companionship meant so much to him. He also leaves behind his children: Yvette (John Bedford), Yvonne (Mark Howder), Jared (Tricia) and Jacille (Chad Wilson), along with 17 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren who will forever cherish his love and guidance.

A lifelong entrepreneur, Stan attended college and barber school and owned a successful barber shop in Old Hangtown Placerville, California, for 18 years. He later worked in insurance, water filtration, and with Herbalife International.

Stan was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and Cindi served an 18-month mission in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 2012 to 2014, teaching English and sharing their faith.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Stan’s memory by extending a helping hand to someone in need.

A memorial service will be held on June 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2110 California Circle, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742.

Brian Rees Smith

Jan. 8, 1946 – July 20, 2024

Brian Rees Smith was born in Bakersfield, California on January 8th, 1946, to Eleanor Viola Rees of Goldfield, Nevada & George William Smith of London, England. He received a Bachelors of Social Work from Hayward State, then a Masters of Social Work from Sacramento State. He went on to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, assisting many individuals, couples, and families navigate this wild life.

Brian met his beloved wife Lee on a train in Mexico and sparks flew! They were married in a small ceremony in Van Nuys, living briefly in Santa Barbara before moving to Placerville. Brian worked for the El Dorado County Mental Health Department as Outpatient Director and as Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF) Director. He also worked for the courts and Marshall Hospital, simultaneously establishing a thriving private practice. He and Lee welcomed three children during this time.

Brian loved sailing. He kept several small boats at Folsom Lake, namely his spunky little Santana 20, TWILIGHT ZONE. He and Lee built several houses around town, and Brian was immensely knowledgeable about home improvement, cars, and guns. He would often regale his children with stories about growing up in the ‘50s in Bakersfield: working in the oil fields, the very “American Gra ti” hot rod culture of those days (which he called “hijinks”) and making milkshakes and “chews” candy at the soda fountain Dewars, which is still there! He had an amazingly dry sense of humor, and never failed to provide for his loving family.

Always one to work hard and stay busy, he did not retire until age 70. But sadly, not long after, Brian was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He was tended for several years by his loving wife, and passed peacefully at home at age 78.

Brian is survived by his beloved wife Lee, his two daughters, five grandchildren, and his brothers Je & Randall and their families.

“It has been a long and mostly positive experience, and my life with Lee has been wonderful.”

Brian was the kind of man you don’t see every day. Strong but tender, protective and loving, funny and charming. He was a true asset to this town and an irreplaceable pillar within his family. He will be greatly and deeply missed.

Graham Smith

Feb. 23, 1976 – June 2, 2026

Graham was born in Placerville in 1976 to talented artist Lee Fitzgerrell Smith and widely respected local social worker and therapist Brian Smith. He graduated from Ponderosa High School, class of ‘93. He was briefly married and lived in Reno, then Sebastopol, before returning to Placerville to live for his remaining years.

Graham was a cinephile with a love for classic science fiction and a fierce reader, focusing on war and crime fiction. He was a gun enthusiast, animal lover, and once dreamed of becoming a writer or director, but sadly, mental illness dominated the majority of his life and prevented him from actualizing such dreams. He is survived by his mother and his two younger sisters.

No services will be held. If you knew Graham, please light a candle for his journey into the stars. He struggled profoundly with depression, and it is the hope of his living family that he be free now and no longer su ering in this world. “Earthborne Ranger”, ascend and be at peace, beyond stratosphere, beyond the stellar wind and into the endless spacetime you dreamed about. You were loved, though sometimes, even that is not enough.

Maureen (Sweeney) Carter

June 3, 1947 – May 20, 2026

Maureen Carter, 78, passed away on the evening of Wednesday, May 20, 2026 surrounded by her family and favorite dog Rooby after a very brave and hard-fought battle with cancer. Maureen was born in 1947 in Oakland, Ca to Frank and Regina Sweeney. The family later moved to San Leandro, CA where Maureen grew up, along with her older brother Mike.

She graduated from Pacific High School in San Leandro in 1965 and upon graduation she moved to live in Hawaii. She later returned to the Bay Area and began working at the Kaiser Engineering Firm out of Oakland. She then became a stewardess for Trans International Airlines out of Oakland from about 1967-1970. During this time, she had the opportunity to see many international destinations overseas that she wouldn’t have otherwise likely traveled to.

In 1969 she met the love of her life, Jim Carter. They married in 1972 in El Cerrito, Ca. and Maureen welcomed Jim’s daughters Patty and Cathleen into the family. At that time, she worked at Container Stevedoring and Jim worked in construction. In 1976 they welcomed their first child together, a daughter, Ti any, and later moved into their first house they built together in Walnut Creek, Ca.

By 1979 they relocated from the Bay Area where they had both been born and raised and moved to Placerville, Ca. Jim’s parents had already moved to Placerville in the years prior, Maureen’s cousin Judy and her husband Skip Kelly had been living in Placerville for some time and Maureen’s parents Frank and Reggie had left the Bay Area and moved to Pine Grove, Ca. in Amador County. Once settled in Placerville, Jim and Maureen welcomed their second child together, a daughter, Sarah, in 1980.

In 1979 Jim and Maureen became business partners with Judy and Skip Kelly to form their commercial construction company Carter/Kelly, Inc. The company’s first job of recognizable size was the Town Hall located on Main Street in Placerville. Over the years, Carter/Kelly, Inc. worked on projects ranging from restaurants and commercial o ce spaces, with the primary emphasis on Hospital and School construction. In the early 2000s the Kellys retired and focused on enjoying time with family. Maureen and Jim continued as the owners of Carter/Kelly, Inc. and enjoyed developing many wonderful working relationships with various industry friends throughout the years. As owner/ corporate secretary of the company, Maureen played a vital role in the oversight of operations.

Maureen’s non-profit involvement started in the early years with Soroptimist, El Dorado County Fair Junior Livestock Auction Committee Treasurer (30 + years), started an annual coat give away known as Koats-4-Kids with family friends. She was past board president of the El Dorado Community Foundation, past board president and founding cabinet member of the El Dorado Women’s Fund. She took great pride along with Jim in their continuous leadership support of the Boys and Girls Club El Dorado County Western Slope.

Maureen was an avid Oakland A’s baseball fan and loved the Oakland Raiders. She loved to play her piano at home and playing the calliope on the Vicini Family Fire Truck for many community parades and events also brought her great joy. She took any opportunity to travel, and she was the best at planning each trip in great detail.

Maureen is preceded in death by her parents Frank and Regina Sweeney, in-laws Lennard and Emogene Carter, and stepdaughter Patricia Diaz. She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years Jim Carter, daughter Ti any Carter, daughter Sarah Carter, stepdaughter Cathleen (Mark) Morton, grandchildren Erica Oceguera, Alicia Kitchens, Jessica Oceguera, Madison Diaz and James Conlin, brother Michael (Leslie) Sweeney and brother in-law Peter (Angela) Carter along with several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville (Forni Building). In Lieu of flowers, in keeping with Maureen’s philanthropic spirit, contributions can be made to the non-profit of your choosing.

/ sthorene@mtdemocrat.net

/ lance@mtdemocrat.com

EID board amends contracts, delays revisions to financial policies

Jack Carrerow Mountain Democrat correspondent

The El Dorado Irrigation District Board of Directors approved a contract change order on June 8 to Mozingo Construction Inc., in the notto-exceed amount of $608,696.40, for additional excavation, pipe diameter increase, additional appurtenances, and pavement restoration for the Strolling Hills Pipeline Improvements Project.

The presentation of the project was given by EID Senior Civil Engineer Patrick Wilson, who pointed out the necessity of changing out PVC pipe to the longer-lasting HDPE pipe.

The change order was approved 5-0.

Also awarded was a contract to Lumos & Associates in the not-to-exceed amount of $231,734 for a basis of design report for the Pleasant Oak Transmission Main and Diamond Springs transmission main upgrade project.

Division 5 Director Alan Day requested that the board continue discussions on budget policies and revisions.

“I just feel that we should have more time to study these items,” Day said. “We only got this Thursday. I think we need more study.”

He suggested the board put off any decision or action until August or September.

But EID General Manager Pravani Vandeyar was concerned that any long delay might cause

difficulties.

“We have to set targets in terms of what we need to accomplish for the stability of the district,” she told Day.

“I’m just uncomfortable putting out policies, without understanding the context,” he responded. “ I think this is a stand alone item that should be addressed, maybe after a workshop to help me understand better what we’re trying to do here.”

Pravani suggested moving the item to the next meeting, instead of holding off until August would be a good compromise.

Day agreed and the board voted 5-0 to continue the discussions at the next meeting before taking any action.

Board members also unanimously approved the 2026 temporary water purchase and sale agreement with Westlands Water District, which authorizes the general manager to execute the agreement and any related documents necessary to complete the water transfer.

There was also a discussion of the Gateway/El Dorado Management Plan, a 97.74 acre mixeduse real estate development project within the El Dorado Hills Business Park in El Dorado Hills that will include residential as well as retail and business sites.

At the next board meeting on June 22 items tentatively scheduled include: a

contract amendment for the Sly Park Intertie Improvements Project, a contract for Pinecone and Sly Park recreation areas restroom replacement projects, a public hearing concerning the California Environmental Quality Act negative declaration for the 2026 reservoir re-operation water transfer project, an informational item about the Capital Improvement Plan mid-year update, and board members could possibly receive and file the district’s investment report for the quarter that ended on May 31.

Also on the tentative agenda is a consent item to receive the 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, an action item to adopt the 2025 Facilities Capacity Charge Report, a resolution in recognition of Jennifer Sullivan’s public service as a district employee, and board members could consider extending the general counsel’s employment contract.

Other possible consent calendar items include a contract for the Camp 5 Hydroelectric Facility Paving Services Project, a contract for water and wastewater chemical supplies, and a resolution authorizing the filing of a grant application for the Cal Fire Wildfire Prevention Program.

Information may also be presented on a final 2026 water supply update, as well as an update regarding Caldor Fire restoration activities by the U.S. Forest Service in the Tahoe Basin.

Youngsters hooked on fun

Mountain Democrat staff

Young anglers baited their hooks for the seventh annual Youth Fishing Derby at the Village Green Park pond in El Dorado Hills on Saturday, June 6. Youngsters hoping to catch the “big one” and have a fish tale to tell enjoyed two fishing sessions hosted by the El Dorado Hills Community Services District in partnership with the El Dorado County Fish & Game Commission and the Serrano Homeowners Association. Families brought their poles and their enthusiasm, netting many fish that earned prizes for the kids. All the fish caught were quickly measured and then released back into the water.

Session 1: Ages 3-9

1st place (30 centimeters): Memphis L., Tyler BB. 2nd place (29 centimeters): Nathan B., Ella N., Allie T,, Makena F., Cole A., K. Verdu 3rd place (28 centimeters): Magnolia L., Levi F., Hazel B., Landon C., Elias P.

Session 1: Ages 10-15

1st place (37 centimeters): Owen G. 2nd place (32 centimeters): Zane K. 3rd place (31 centimeters): Eva D.

Session 2: Ages 3-9

1st place (30 centimeters): Carter F., Sierra C. 2nd place (29 centimeters): Marco B., Stetson B., Baylor S., Widler L., Nolan W.

3rd place (28 centimeters): Jaxon P., Bhodi W., Colt M., Logan V.

Session 2: Ages 10-15

1st place (29 centimeters): Azalaya G., Reagan G., Grayson H.

2nd place (28 centimeters): Jack M. 3rd place (27 centimeters): Connor G., Benjamin A., Austin E., Jaide H., Briggs G.

Photos courtesy of the EDHCSD

Youngster line up along Village Green Pond and cast their lines during the fishing derby.

Hoping to snag the big one, a little fisherman keeps ahold of his fishing pole and patiently waits on the shore of Village Green Park’s pond.

Two happy fishermen show off a catch at the Saturday event.

EDHCSD board names McGann Jantzen GM

Noel Stack Editor

After several months sporting the “interim” title, Stephanie McGann Jantzen has o cially become the El Dorado Hills Community Services District’s general manager.

The EDHCSD Board of Directors unanimously supported a three-year contract with the new GM, setting her gross base salary as $181,000 per year. The agreement began June 12, with automatic one-year renewals after the initial three-year period absent timely written notice of non-renewal.

“I’m really honored. We’ve been through a lot in a very short time,” McGann Jantzen told the board after the vote. “I appreciate your supporting me. I appreciate your trust in me, and I’m going to work very hard to live up to the high level of expectations that our community has.”

Speakers at the June 11 board meeting shared high praise for McGann Jantzen’s e orts since she took on the leadership role last year.

EDH resident Kelley Nalewaja commended the new GM’s e orts to clean up “other people’s messes” and rebuild public trust. “I so appreciate it that you’ve done that with integrity and with honesty and with willingness to interact with the public,” she said.

Former EDHCSD general manager Mark Hornstra, who now serves as the Cameron Park Community Services District GM, called McGann Jantzen a professional of “high character.”

“I look forward to working with Stephanie on how we can

collaborate with the two districts,” Hornstra said. “We share a border. We should share much more than that.”

EDH resident Ben Glickman thanked McGann Jantzen for her responsiveness and her composure when handling the crises of the past year.

“I think she would admit that this is a firehose she’s been drinking from the last year and a half ... and it will continue to be as such,” Glickman noted, adding that it’s up to the board to ensure she has clear direction and goals to get the CSD moving forward.

“I think it’s incumbent on the board to be more active ... to guide Stephanie ... giving her concrete objectives to accomplish,” he continued. “I have no doubt she’ll be able to accomplish that.”

“Stephanie has gone above and beyond in terms of conceptualizing ... how do you participate, how can we communicate?”

EDH resident John Davey added. “And I’m grateful because the meetings are better. The processes are improving.”

“I would agree with public comment,” Director Gary Kinghorn shared before making the motion to approve the GM’s contract. “Changing the perception of the district and engaging the public, and being a great avenue of communication (and) transparency, I think that’s been very, very commendable. And I can say she’s almost certainly responsive to any requests that I make.”

“I will go ahead and also say that you have done a great job of everything that’s been placed in front of you,” Director Mike

Martinelli added before seconding the motion. “Hopefully we can ... keep guiding you, providing some support necessary to take you to that next level.”

Board President Noelle Mattock also shared positive comments, thanking McGann Jantzen for her commitment to the betterment of the district and the community they all love and call home.

“I just want to say, yes, there’s been a marked di erence in the tone and tenor of our meetings, (with) the

folks who are showing up to our meetings,” Mattock said. “I think it’s a testament to the work that you’ve done.”

Directors Mattock, Kinghorn, Martinelli, Stephen Ferry and Heidi Hannaman all voted yes on the employment contract.

Begins June 17, 2026 Join the Gold Country Cribbers We Play - We Teach - We Have Fun Wednesdays 11:30 AM – Summer Play Steve’s Pizza – 3941 Park Dr #100, El Dorado Hills, CA 916-212-2465 or 916-202-1762

HANGTOWN WOMEN’S TENNIS CLUB: Come play tennis for fitness, fun & friendship. Meet at El Dorado HS tennis courts on Acacia St., Placerville, Wednesdays 9-11 except June -August, hours 9-11. Social activities & monthly tennis clinics. Some tennis ability required. Call Trisha 530-651-8121.

Come and enjoy a paid lunch with the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA), for the CalPERS retirees and spouses. The meetings are held at 11:30 AM on March 16, May 18, July 20, September 21, and November 16, 2026. The location is at the Denny’s Restaurant, 3446 Coach Lane in Cameron Park. Call 530 919 7515 for information and programs.

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) 503-7400 or see edcdems.org for more information.

California Matters

State has a top-ranked economy. It’s also one of the nation’s

most unequal

California’s next governor — most likely former Attorney General Xavier Becerra — will inherit a raft of knotty, unresolved issues.

Some, such as the high rate of homelessness and very high cost of living, predate current Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Others, such as the chronic multibilliondollar budget deficit and stubbornly high unemployment rate, arose more recently.

A perennial question about such issues is whether they are unique to or more pronounced in California than other states. Comparisons are di cult because definitions vary and comparable data are di cult to track down.

By coincidence, however, two recent academic studies shed light on how California stands vis-a-vis the nation’s 49 other states.

One is called “State of the States,” an o shoot of a “State of the Nation” research project sponsored by Tulane University’s Murphy Institute that aims to cut through partisan chatter and define the nation’s most cogent issues.

One of the widest disparities is residents’ satisfaction with their current lives. Texas ranks near the top while California is well below median in that category.

The study found “California ranks higher, on average, on the topics of Economy (1), Trust (3), Mental Health (3), and Children and Families (3), but lower on Work and Labor Force (48), Inequality (49), and Environment (50). California also outperforms its West neighbors in 3 of the 14 topics and is improving over time on 9 of the 31 measures.”

Although California’s political figures, most notably Newsom, like to depict the state as a leader on socioeconomic equity and environmental protection, it’s at or near the bottom on both issues. It’s also close to the bottom on educational achievement, volunteerism and freedom of the press.

Texas, one of the states often compared to California, generally does better on the issues where California has fallen behind, such as freedom of the press. However, it too, has some glaring deficiencies, such as environment and voter participation.

■ See WALTERS, page A7

Letter to the Editor

Thank goodness for immigrants

EDITOR:

On a recent Sunday, my wife and I were traveling on Highway 50 when, suddenly, the driver’s side front tire blew out. With great e ort and stress, we pulled o on the right side of the freeway near Stockton Boulevard.

CHP came and ordered us to exit on Stockton Boulevard and park, as it was too dangerous to stay where we were. We found a nice neighborhood to park in, but the tire was shredded.

AAA showed up and put the spare on. Under no circumstances were we to drive more than 50 miles.

But not to worry. The neighborhood was filled with immigrant-run tire shops open on Sundays. No big chain stores open on Sunday. But the locals were ready. Quickly we found one shop. The shredded tire defeated them, but they recommended another shop down the street that would have the right

equipment.

Oh, and no charge for their time.

The next shop was dubious that they could get the tire o , and thought about replacing the wheel and tire. But they kept trying and we were soon good to go. Total cost $100.

Monday, we will have the work double checked to make sure the alignment is OK and see how much life is in the tire, which I think is used.

We got back home safely and the car handled beautifully.

Thinking about it, I am guessing the community was heavily Moslem, which would explain the comfort with working on Sundays. A steady clientele of ethnically diverse people came through both shops while we were there. Lots of people needed essential services on Sundays.

Thank goodness for immigrants.

DAVID ZELINSKY

Mike Pence’s important new book about the United States

Former Vice President Mike Pence is now promoting his new book, “What Conservatives Believe: Rediscovering the American Conscience.”

Distinct from most stu appearing now for the nation’s 250th birthday, Pence’s book is targeted not at the nation as whole, but at the Republican Party in particular.

Pence’s op-ed in the Wall Street Journal discussing the book is headlined, “A Republican Time for Choosing.”

He uses the title of Ronald Reagan’s famous speech delivered Oct. 27, 1964, at the Republican National Convention, which put Reagan on the national stage, and was his initial salvo in his struggle to establish the conservative agenda as the agenda of the Republican Party.

Pence is taking on a similar mission.

“The Republican Party faces a momentous choice: Will we remain a party of conservative beliefs, or we follow the siren song of populism?” he writes. What troubles Pence about populism? It is “progressivism in disguise,” he says. Basically, as the left — liberals and progressives — choose to use government activism to advance their agenda in the framework of the Democratic Party, so populists, per Pence, choose to use government activism to advance their agenda in the framework of the Republican Party.

Particulars that trouble Pence are the federal government taking ownership in private companies, use of tari s and protectionism to interfere with free trade, and price controls in areas such as prescription

We cannot claim what happens outside of our borders is none of our business. Practically speaking, our rst responsibilities are at home. But this does not negate our universal responsibilities.

drugs and credit cards.

Other departures from the traditional conservative agenda that trouble Pence, which fit less neatly under the heading of government activism, are weakened federal government support for traditional family values and against abortion. He is also troubled by the inclination of populists to want the country to withdraw as a global leader to promote the ideals of freedom and limited government.

Several weeks ago, I wrote about the speech given by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas at the University of Texas Austin celebrating the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

In that speech, Thomas articulated practically the identical agenda that Pence is talking about: individual

freedom, limited government, free markets.

He talked about the Declaration, the principles which it articulates — all men are created equal, with Godgiven rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Thomas presented these as American principles, the principles that define what the United States of America is uniquely about. He defined them as American as opposed to conservative.

He discussed how progressives intentionally rejected these principles in exchange for a belief in ideas of government activism and management imported from Europe. The entitlements that consume 40% of our federal budget today

Placerville

Guest Column

DAN WALTERS

STAR PARKER

The following information was taken from PPD reports:

May 24

12:15 a.m. A noise disturbance from a party was reported on Bennett Drive.

6:56 a.m. A noise disturbance was reported on Norman Street.

8:04 a.m. Trespassing was reported on Orchard Lane.

12:19 p.m. Battery was reported on Marshall Way.

2:53 p.m. A noise disturbance was reported on Main Street.

3:12 p.m. A noise disturbance was reported at Superior Court on Main Street.

3:53 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a business on Placerville Drive.

6:01 p.m. Petty theft was reported at Station 25 on Sacramento Street.

9:51 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a business on Broadway Drive.

10:46 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a business on Placerville Drive.

May 25

2:10 a.m. A verbal disturbance was reported and an

— Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid — are the results of this progressivism and what Thomas and Pence would call departure from the principles of our Declaration of Independence.

Thomas also brought in the critically important perspective of race. Bringing race into the picture takes on the progressives.

Progressives bring up the history of slavery to reject the principled founding of the country, to portray the nation as founded in bigotry.

Thomas argues importantly not so.

“The slaveholders used the power of government to deny the fundamental natural rights of slaves; the segregationists used the state to oppress the freed men and women -including my ancestors.”

Regarding America’s global leadership, the Declaration of Independence is a universal

Letters Continued from A6

Strange bedfellows

EDITOR:

When you boil down Les Francis’ letter to its core, it’s basically the usual Democrat mantra of vote for us and democracy lives, vote for the Republicans and democracy dies. During the Biden years the left took advantage of people wanting to be not too hard on the doddering old fool while the Democrats with their open border policy were sowing the seeds for one-party control of the country. Surprisingly AOC provided a glimpse of the real Democratic Party when she lifted the curtain on how they really felt and their true motives. This happened when a reporter was asking her about Graham Platner, the Democrat candidate for Senate from Maine. Remember how disagreeing with the Democrats gets you called their favorite expletive, a fascist?

Ironically, it’s the Democrats who are running a real fascist, Nazi tattoo and all, for U.S. Senate. AOC’s response to the reporter on this was that the point was winning. So now the lid has been blown off all those high-sounding platitudes that the left likes to use and it exposes the fact that they are meaningless and they will

Walters Continued from A6

One of the widest disparities is residents’ satisfaction with their current lives. Texas ranks near the top while California is well below median in that category.

The second study comes from the Berkeley Economy & Society Initiative, a project at UC Berkeley backed by the Hewlett Foundation. It issued two in a series of reports on California’s high cost of living.

The first report declares “California is less affordable and poorer than it should be given the strength of our economy,” and “is systematically more expensive” than other places with similar median incomes.

“Unaffordability doesn’t just create and worsen poverty,” it noted. “People are voting against California’s high costs with their feet. Throughout its history, California has been a magnet for migrants from other states chasing opportunity. Not any longer.

“Since the 2008 recession, California has experienced sustained domestic out-migration. The trend has accelerated in more recent years. Between 2020 and 2024, California had the second-lowest net migration to/from other states, as a percentage of the population, following only New York. We present evidence indicating that unaffordability is a primary cause of California’s migration inversion.”

arrest was made on Clay Street.

8:43 a.m. A verbal disturbance was reported on Clay Street.

12:20 p.m. Battery was reported at a business on Main Street.

1:06 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a business on Placerville Drive.

4:47 p.m. A verbal disturbance was reported on Main and Sacramento Street.

10:03 p.m. A bear siting was reported on Bedford Avenue.

May 26

10:47 a.m. Petty theft was reported on Fair lane.

1:19 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Marshall Way.

7:08 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a business on Broadway Drive.

May 27

2:18 p.m. Loitering was reported at a business on Main Street.

statement about rights — it talks about the rights of “all men” — not just Americans. So, if we choose to claim these universal rights, we must equally bear universal responsibilities. We cannot claim what happens outside of our borders is none of our business. Practically speaking, our first responsibilities are at home. But this does not negate our universal responsibilities.

Mike Pence has written an important and courageous book. However, its message is for all Americans, not just Republicans. Today almost half the country, 45%, identify as independents.

He must reach everyone.

Star Parker is founder of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education and author of “Necessary Noise, How Donald Trump Inflames the Culture War and Why this is Good News for America,” (Hachette 2019).

crawl in bed with whomever they have to to win. If that requires supporting a Nazi-tattooed fascist to win, so be it.

GEORGE ALGER Placerville

Not worth the cost

EDITOR: L

awmakers are now investigating toxic gas emissions from animal farming, including ammonia pollution that threatens nearby communities (The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, Feb. 17, 2026). For residents living near these facilities, this isn’t new — it’s daily life.

We often talk about factory farming in terms of animals or climate, but the human cost is just as real. Families are breathing contaminated air so the rest of us can consume cheap meat and dairy.

This raises an uncomfortable question: how cheap is “cheap” if others are paying with their health? If we value clean air and public health, we must confront the true cost of industrial animal agriculture, and start supporting food systems that don’t harm communities in the process.

PERCY

MAILLOT Placerville

The project’s second report delves into the causes of unaffordability, declaring, “In our analysis, the foremost driver of high costs in California is a policy regime that makes it difficult to build the physical infrastructure we need to deliver housing, energy, water, and other essentials.

“Growth restrictions drive unaffordability primarily by reducing housing supply and increasing housing costs. They also contribute to high energy and transportation costs by increasing the price tag on critical public infrastructure — creating downstream costs for consumers.”

The report also lists a series of steps California could take to attack unaffordability, including embracing factory-built housing and innovative financing models to spur affordable housing the state needs.

This is just a brief overview of what the two research projects have to say about California’s issues compared to other states. If the next governor and legislators are serious about improving the state’s standing, they should dive into the details.

Dan Walters is a journalist and author who writes for CALmatters. org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.

COMICS

THUNDEROUS FUN

The Thunder in the Park classic car and motorcycle show is the Shingle Springs/ Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce’s biggest and only fundraiser of the year. There were 46 raffle prizes valued at $25-$500 each available to lucky ticket holders, above. Chamber President Colette Thiel said cars came from all over and she was “grateful for the community support, including the volunteers, the CPCSD board and the chamber ambassadors.” There were 104 cars and trucks in the show and one motorcycle. Kevin Seslar of Placerville, left, stands next to “Faye,” his 2014 Ural, a Russian-made motorcycle complete with sidecar. Seslar said he enjoys taking the motorcycle on the backroads “to take in the scenery” and through his business, Golden State Sidecar Tours, he “connects with veterans and others with PTSD and gives them a taste of the freedom riding a motorcycle provides. Seslar’s Ural was the only motorcycle entry in the show. A 1961 Miner Traveler owner George Lehr, below, proudly displays the vehicle’s multiple awards as well as a cheeky message.

Continued from A1

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Shared humor creates intimacy faster than many serious conversations. You’ll laugh with people and get to know them, because laughter has a way of inviting truth to the surface where it can be shared and accepted.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You may not always show up in bubbly ways, but people feel your positivity through your sense of humor — especially the subtle or dry kind. The feeling people get around you: safe, comfortable, understood, relaxed.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’re the lantern. Your warmth draws people toward you, especially those wandering in the dark. Like travelers seeking light, they gratefully find you, follow your lead and lay their service and talents at your feet.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). It’s all about mutual appreciation and connections. The best friendships are between people who don’t need each other at all but simply like each other. Paper and pen will help you concentrate, comprehend and express your truest self. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Like a perfumer turning many flowers into a single beautiful scent, you take inspiration from different people, experiences and ideas, then blend and balance them all into an expression that is uniquely your own.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). There’s nobility in how you choose to place your focus. You have already decided what matters to you, and that’s half the battle. Today, you’ll tend to what matters and let nothing shake you from your purpose.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Friendship is a creative endeavor built by two. Each is aware of their own side of the build. Think of a way to learn more about what the other person is experiencing, and you’ll work better together from here on out.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Someone who hates mornings may dream of becoming a 5 a.m. gym person, but if their natural rhythm is nighttime creativity, the habit won’t stick. Work with the patterns that exist. What doesn’t fit into the established order won’t last.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The real reason people give you their attention today? You’ve proven that you’re respectful of it. You don’t overpromise and you don’t bore. You either sense what they are expecting or you find it out, then deliver with a twist.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You do not put your blanket trust in a person. Rather, you trust them to behave in the ways they’ve shown you are typical of them. Fundamentally, trust is a prediction. You’re getting better at predicting.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). One way you show your love is to roll with the way the other person is feeling. You don’t expect, demand or even want them to behave inauthentically. You’re willing to take the high and low moods in stride.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ll sail through the task

taught you what works. Stick with it.

Eight days before Caccoine was to appear in court for his sentencing, transmission from his monitoring device suddenly stopped, and, the press release notes, on the day of Caccoine’s scheduled sentencing his family contacted the court to report that he was missing, sharing he had left behind a suicide note, his cellphone and wallet.

To assist in efforts to locate Caccoine, last month a federal arrest warrant was issued for him in California’s eastern district for unlawful flight to avoid confinement.

After a large-scale joint investigation, Cacconie was ultimately discovered in Scottsdale, Ariz., and was apprehended without incident by the FBI Phoenix Desert Hawk Fugitive Task Force. That unit consists of FBI special agents,

Crime Log Continued from A7

May 28

3:15 a.m. A noise disturbance was reported on Mallard Lane. 9:05 a.m. Trespassing was reported at a business on Forni Road.

12:08 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Broadway Drive. 1:31 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a business on Fair

May

May 30

2:01 p.m. A verbal disturbance was reported on Orchard Way.

2:36 p.m. A verbal disturbance was reported on Orchard Way.

5:21 p.m. Battery was reported on Country Club Drive. 9:44 p.m. Noise from a party was reported on New Jersey Way.

U.S. Border Patrol agents and deputies from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

Caccoine will be extradited back to California for his much-delayed sentencing.

“We never stopped fighting for justice in this case,” El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson affirmed in a statement following the task force’s capture of Cacconie. “We are deeply grateful to our federal partners, whose collaboration was invaluable in locating and apprehending Cacconie.

“While nothing can erase the harm caused, we hope today’s outcome offers a measure of peace to Cacconie’s survivor and family, knowing that he will now finally be held accountable and sentenced for his crimes,” The DA added.

10:01 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a business on Placerville Drive.

May 31

12:59 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a construction site on Middletown Road.

1:18 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a business on Fair Lane.

6:43 p.m. Brandishing was reported at a business on Main Street.

7:51 p.m. A verbal disturbance was reported at a business on Forni Road.

11:03 p.m. A noise from a party was reported on Woodridge Court.

June 1

3:38 a.m. Battery was reported on Tunnel Street. 10:09 a.m. Trespassing was reported on Winesap Circle. 11:16 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Clay Street.

2:50 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a business on Broadway Drive.

3:17 p.m. A verbal disturbance was reported on Tunnel Street.

7:45 p.m. A verbal disturbance was reported on Tunnel Street.

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

Captured

Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene

Cal Fire offers additional wildfire prevention grant funding

Fire News release

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is advancing the state’s ongoing wildfire and forest resilience efforts by announcing the availability of up to $70 million in funding for communityfocused wildfire prevention and resilience projects. These grants support locally led efforts that reduce wildfire risk, strengthen preparedness and help protect lives, property and critical infrastructure.

Grant applications are now open. Completed applications must be submitted by 3 p.m. on July 8.

Cal Fire’s Wildfire Prevention Grants Program provides financial support for projects that reduce the potential for destructive wildfire in and around communities. Eligible activities include hazardous fuels reduction, wildfire prevention planning and wildfire prevention education aimed at increasing readiness and reducing wildfire ignition potential. Projects that also deliver carbon-reduction benefits will receive additional consideration.

“These grants empower communities to reduce hazardous fuels, strengthen evacuation readiness, and protect the places Californians live, work, and recreate,” said Frank Bigelow, deputy director of Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation. “By investing in locally driven prevention projects, we are reducing risks today while building long term resilience for future generations.”

Last year, Cal Fire’s 2025-26 Wildfire Prevention Grant awards funded high-impact resilience projects across California.

The Wildfire Prevention Grants Program will host office hours to assist with various steps in the Wildfire Prevention Grants process, including answering questions. Check the Wildfire Prevention Grants webpage for exact dates, times and locations for each office hour event. A recording of each will also be made available on the Wildfire Prevention Grants webpage. At least 40 percent of available grant funding will support projects that deliver direct and meaningful benefits to disadvantaged communities.

“California’s strength lies in the layers of resilience we build together. As we face a changing wildfire environment, the state remains steadfast in supporting communities with the resources and partnerships needed to safeguard our future,” said California State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant. “Our commitment is clear: we understand the challenge and we are fully dedicated to creating a safer, more

resilient California for generations to come.”

For more information about Cal Fire’s Wildfire Prevention Grants, including previously awarded projects and application details visit fire.ca.gov/ what-we-do/grants.

Climate Bond finding

Cal Fire has made up to $30 million available through a new Regional Wildfire and Landscape Resilience Grant Program funded by the voterapproved Climate Bond (Proposition 4).

Cal Fire is soliciting applications from regional collaboratives prepared to implement projects identified through transparent, data-informed prioritization processes that incorporate practitioner expertise and community input. The program aims to accelerate landscape-scale, regionally appropriate activities that are consistent with the Climate Bond’s goals to strengthen local capacity, improve landscape health and resilience and reduce wildfire risk to communities.

By anchoring funding in a local context, these grants encourage regions to move beyond one-sizefits-all solutions and instead tailor strategies to unique challenges and opportunities. Priority will be given to projects that leverage funding from multiple sources to maximize public benefits, build regional capacity to develop and deliver future resilience projects and reflect broad stakeholder engagement, including meaningful tribal participation.

“These collaboratives are uniquely positioned to identify the wildfire and landscape resilience needs within their regions,” said Cal Fire Deputy Director for Natural Resource Management Eric Huff. “Regional grants empower these partnerships to implement projects at scale.”

Eligible activities include landscape resilience treatments in forested and non-forested areas, community hazardous fuels reduction, prescribed and cultural fire, pest management, reforestation and revegetation, biomass utilization and maintenance of prior resilience efforts. Planning and workforce education and training aligned with project goals are also eligible.

“These Cal Fire grants will support investments where they matter most,” said Patrick Wright, director of the Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force. “They deliver on the Task Force’s commitment to address California’s highest risk areas at a regional scale.”

The program will follow a two-

phase application process, with concept proposals due by 3 p.m. on June 30. Selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals. Additional information, including

a virtual workshop on program requirements, will be available at fire. ca.gov/What-We-Do/Grants/RegionalGrants. Questions may be directed to RegionalGrants@fire.ca.gov.

Burn permit suspension began Monday

Cal Fire News release

Warming temperatures, dry winds, and abundant annual grass growth are rapidly increasing fire danger across the region. In response, the Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit suspended all burn permits for outdoor residential debris burning within the State Responsibility Areas of Alpine, Amador, El Dorado, Sacramento and San Joaquin counties. This suspension took effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, June 15, and prohibits all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris such as branches and leaves.

“Although debris burning is useful to reduce flammable vegetation, the conditions in Amador-El Dorado Unit have reached the point where debris burning poses an unacceptable risk of starting a wildfire and it is no longer safe for the public to perform these types of burns,” said AEU Chief David Wood.

While outdoor burning of landscape debris by homeowners is no longer allowed, Cal Fire is asking residents to take that extra time to ensure that they are prepared for wildfires by maintaining a minimum of 100 feet of defensible space around every home and buildings on their property and being prepared to evacuate if the time

comes.

Here are some tips to help prepare homes and property:

• Clear all dead and or dying vegetation 100 feet from around all structures.

• Landscape with fire resistant plants and non-flammable ground cover.

• Find alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris like chipping or hauling it to a biomass energy or green waste facility.

The department may issue restricted temporary burning permits if there is an essential reason due to public health and safety. Agriculture, land management, fire training, and other industrial-type burning may proceed if a Cal Fire official inspects the burn site and issues a special permit.

The suspension of burn permits for residential landscape debris does not apply to campfires within organized campgrounds or on private property. Campfires may be permitted if it is maintained in such a manner as to prevent its spread to the wildland. A campfire permit can be obtained at readyforwildfire.org/permits/ campfire-permit.

For additional information on how to create defensible space, on how to be prepared for wildfires, as well as tips to prevent wildfires, visit readyforwildfire.org.

Courtesy photo

Apply now for grant funding to cover hazardous fuels reduction, wildfire prevention planning and wildfire prevention education.

Report Continued from A1

remains visible when lowered into the water. Under the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program, the states of California and Nevada, along with more than 80 public and private organizations, are actively working to restore lake clarity to its historic 97.4 feet, which was the average level recorded between 1967 and 1971.

“Water clarity rapidly declined through the late 1990s and then leveled off to what we see today,” said Stephanie Hampton, director of TERC and a UC Davis professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy. “I know it is tempting to feel hopeful about an average annual 2025 depth that is slightly deeper than last year, but it is not time to celebrate yet. Statistical analysis shows us that this year was not significantly different from last year, and lake clarity has not substantially improved for decades. We are working with our partners across the basin and employing new lines of inquiry and scientific tools to better understand the dynamics at play in this complex, beloved watershed.”

In 2025, UC Davis scientists took

Continued from A3

as the final step in our hiring process. A candidate could make it through every interview and evaluation, and still not be hired if a bird declined to work with them,” he continued.

“The birds told us who they would work with — not the other way around. That same standard applies to every guest. Adults are warmly welcomed. Well-mannered, curious children are warmly welcomed under attentive parental supervision, one adult per two children.” Some encounters are observation only. Private contact encounters occur only when Joe or Stephanie, reading the behavior of the birds, the guests and the moment itself, determine that conditions are right. Trust between bird and guest is never assumed. It is always earned. The birds let them know. All waivers must be signed no less than 48 hours prior to any booked event.

Praising parrots

First Heaven Private Sanctuary is celebrating International Parrothead Day on June 28 and no ambassador embodies that spirit quite like Stymie, an Eleonora (Medium) Sulphurcrested Cockatoo with a story worth telling. During a private VIP tour at Jungle Island Miami, Stymie charmed none other than Jimmy Buffett.

Stymie is one of many parrot species at home in the sanctuary, as well as macaws, cockatoos, amazons, eclectus and sun conures. Each has a story. Future issues of the Mountain Democat will introduce them to the community, one by one.

To book a VIP experience, inquire about the locals’ discount, or follow

20 readings at Lake Tahoe’s longterm index station and 12 readings from the mid-lake index station.

Expanding clarity research

Past research indicates that fine particles in the upper waters are the main factor governing lake clarity. As in previous years, water clarity in 2025 correlated with a seasonal peak of fine particles. In 2025, TERC researchers began lining up decades of data on the potential drivers of clarity, alongside Secchi depth, to better examine which drivers of water clarity may shift from year to year. These drivers could include sediment and debris entering the lake from streams or the atmosphere, as well as the complex interplay of phytoplankton and tiny picoplankton that may cloud the water.

“Over the past several decades, water clarity has plateaued rather than improved,” Hampton said. “Why isn’t clarity improving more? To really answer that question and find out what is currently driving water clarity, examining the nature of the particles is a key research priority.”

upcoming ambassador features and sanctuary celebrations visit feather edambassadorsand friends.org (currently under construction, but intentionally live) or email info@feather edambassadorsand friends.org.

Love takes flight

Between Joe and Stephanie, more than a century of combined experience with birds, live productions and animal husbandry lives within the boundaries of First Heaven Private Sanctuary.

Joe’s journey began at age 5 with a parakeet named Pepito. He loved his bird. He loved riding his bike. So naturally, he taught Pepito to ride on the handlebars. He said that intersection of love and ingenuity never left him. By his early 20s, Joe was running the Bird Bath Car Wash in Fremont, bringing his birds to local schools on rainy days. It was the true beginning of his life’s calling. In 1979, a celebrated appearance on “The Gong Show” caught the attention of Knott’s Berry Farm. What began as a single weekend engagement grew into a full summer residency, until an unforeseen fire tragically took his entire flock. Heartbroken, Joe vowed to leave the bird world behind. It was the children of the community who brought him back. They launched a “Pennies for Polly” fundraiser and presented Joe with handmade cards and their own savings to help him start over. That profound gesture of love fueled something deeper than optimism; it affirmed what Joe already knew in his bones: the birds meant something to the children. Just as they had meant something to him as a child. That sacred moment when

In 2026, researchers will use new techniques to investigate the role of phytoplankton, including their tiniest component — the picoplankton — as well as the lake’s physical dynamics. They will deploy new imaging technology to visualize particle aggregation in unprecedented detail. These approaches aim to combine new science and engineering perspectives to understand the interconnected system of Lake Tahoe and help shape the future of clarity research at the lake.

Moments of clarity

UC Davis has been measuring clarity and other health indicators at Lake Tahoe since 1968. While clarity is just one measure of the health of the watershed, TERC’s documentation of clarity loss in the 1950s and 1960s became central to efforts to protect the watershed from pollution and unplanned development.

UC Davis works with the Tahoe Science Advisory Council and partners across the Tahoe Basin to help inform policymakers and the community on strategies to protect

two souls recognize each other across the divide of species, became the lifeblood of everything Joe and Stephanie would build together.

In 1986, Joe met Stephanie and together they built something extraordinary. Their bird family performed at SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa, Jungle Island Miami and Port Aventura Spain, among other locations. Animal expert Jack Hanna has called Joe one of the best bird trainers in the world and in 2001 Joe earned the IAATE Behavior of the Year Award for pioneering free-flight work with species rarely attempted in the industry, including Andean condors, Marabou storks and hornbills. Behind the scenes, Stephanie authored the operational systems that held it all together, managing nine independent contracts across the U.S. and internationally at the height of their career.

Every bird in their family has been hatched and cared for in the care of humankind, trained exclusively through positive reinforcement and bonded to their trainer through a relationship based on love and respect.

The free-flight and flock flying that Garden Valley residents witness overhead? That’s not a performance. That’s just Tuesday.

A new home

After years in the Bay Area, Joe and Stephanie chose to move to the country. Joe went exploring, climbed a hill in Garden Valley and crawled through dense underbrush to find the view of the Coloma Valley he’d imagined waiting on the other side. As with so many who have moved to the Divide, it wasn’t a decision they made but a

decision almost made for them. They knew when they reached the end of the trail, it was actually the beginning.

In 2002, during early development of the property, a stubborn rock resisted every piece of equipment they had. Joe was ready to dynamite it, until the next morning, reading from the Bible Stephanie had given him, he came to Psalm 61:1-4. He and his grader Jeff both knew. The rock would stay. Joe has called it God’s Rock since, because, he explained, on that ground, beneath the shelter of His wings, a sanctuary was born.

As Carvalho’s Friends of a Feather Inc. grew, so did the distance

the lake and stabilize the decline in clarity that occurred following the mid-20th century development boom.

Partly in response to TERC’s early findings on Lake Tahoe’s clarity loss, Nevada and California created the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) through a unique bi-state compact in 1969 to lead the collaborative effort to protect and restore Lake Tahoe.

“Lake Tahoe’s greatest conservation achievements have come from collaborative implementation of science-based solutions,” TRPA Executive Director Julie Regan said. “This clarity report clearly documents progress as well as the challenges we currently face. With more than 80 public and private partners working together, we will continue advancing the restoration of Lake Tahoe’s spectacular environment.”

TRPA funds the Lake Tahoe Clarity Report and continues to look to the Tahoe Science Advisory Council and member institutions to help prioritize restoration projects and guide the region toward a clear, sustainable future.

between them and what they loved most. What grew was the operation. What narrowed was the moment — that irreplaceable instant when a bird chose to trust a stranger and a stranger’s life quietly changed.

No longer translating their love through layers of staff and

contracts and scripts, First Heaven brings Joe and Stephanie back to where it all began — living it directly, the way it started, with pure love and passion for the precious creatures they share their lives with. The community is invited into their pure and unfiltered world to experience it firsthand.

HELPER WANTED

Young person with 6-cylinder truck or SUV, able to lift approx. 50-lb wheelchair. Elderly handicapped male needs someone to drive him to run errands. 1 day/week, approx. 6 hours. $25/hr plus gas money. Please email: bejacharlie@gmail.com

At Eskaton Village Placerville, every living option comes with the assurance of professional support along with a friendly community built around belonging.

From the nutritious meals to the compassionate support and vibrant activities, you will see that our community not only cares, but understands.

The highly sought-after independent living cottages at Eskaton Village Placerville have some rare openings! The private cottages on campus offer maintenance-free independence with all the convenience of a

Community Spotlight Event Wednesday, June 17 from 2 - 4 p.m.

Learn about the various living options within Eskaton

NEWS, IN THE KNOW

Stellar Students

Congratulations Georgia Newquist of El Dorado Hills who was recently named to Samford University’s Dean’s List.

June 17

Senior Helpers, Cameron Park will host Caregiver Support and Activity Enrichment Group, 1-2:30 p.m. at Town Square of Folsom 9580 Oak Avenue Pkwy, Suite 4B, Folsom.

The Town Center Connect mixer runs 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Boring Rose Brewing Company, 4363 Town Center Blvd., Suite 110, El Dorado Hills. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.

The El Dorado Community Foundation will host Philanthropy On Tap from 5-7 p.m. at Jack Russell Brewery, 2880 Larson Drive in Camino. For more information visit eldoradocf.org.

Mary Scholz will perform 6-8 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

B Street Theatre in Sacramento presents Working for Crumbs” through July 12 at The So a in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

June 18

The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce will host its Business Luncheon from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Koto Bu et at Red Hawk Casino with guest speaker Executive Director of the Marshall Foundation for Community Health, Dr. Mindy Danovaro. For more information visit eldoradocounty.org.

The El Dorado Hills Town Center will host Live on the BLVD with AKA Live at 7 p.m. with gates open at 5:30 p.m. at the Marshall Amphitheater. For more information or to register on the online waitlist visit edhtowncenter.com.

Arts and Culture El Dorado will host an Opening Reception for Rubicon Rising from 6-8 p.m. with the exhibition on display through Aug. 16. at the Switchboard Gallery, 525 Main St. in Placerville. For more information visit artsandcultureeldorado.org.

The El Dorado Community Foundation will host Philanthropy On Tap from 5-7 p.m. at The Hanger in South Lake Tahoe. For more information visit eldoradocf. org.

The El Dorado Rose Pageant will take place during the El Dorado County Fair inside Imagination Theater at 7 p.m. During the festivities the 2026 El Dorado Rose will be crowned. The Gold Rush Chorus will sing “America the Beautiful” and Dolly Parton — portrayed by 2013 Rose Dolores

Founding Rose to be honored

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the El Dorado Rose Pageant and its founder, Dorothy (Dottie) Ingram-Williams, 85, of El Dorado Hills will receive special honors at the 2026 El Dorado Rose Pageant on June 18 at 7 p.m. in Imagination Theater.

Dorothy (Dottie) IngramWilliams founded the El Dorado Rose Pageant to celebrate the beauty, confidence and accomplishments of women age 60 and older, creating a unique opportunity for senior women to shine and inspire their community. Her inspiration for the Rose Pageant came to her during a stint as the public information o cer for the El Dorado County Fair in 1976.

“As a journalist, it was right up my alley,” she said. “It was a seasonal position and I thought it would be fun.”

With investigative experience, Dottie took a job at the Sacramento Bee which allowed her great access to the whole foothill region. After becoming the PIO for the fair, she used her experience to coordinate all the press releases about county fair activities, including the Miss El Dorado Pageant.

“At the Miss El Dorado Pageant out on the lawn, I arranged the best seating for the press and watched as those beautiful women went across the stage in their evening gowns and bathing suits,” she recalled. “They were lovely, smart and sweet.”

Dottie was given a golf cart to use to get to and from events around the fair and said her two boys thought it was “so cool!” After the Miss El Dorado Pageant concluded, she drove her golf cart over to the senior citizens party in the theater and saw how much fun they were having.

“They were having a ball! I danced, too,” she shared. “The ladies were all dressed to party;

it was so much fun.”

About a week after the fair, Dottie was at lunch with a friend and told her something was on her mind.

After watching the young Miss El Dorado contestants she wondered why did the conception of beauty have to stop with age 19, 20, 25? She asked her friend why there wasn’t a beauty pageant for older ladies.

Her friend asked, “What would you call it? Mrs. El Dorado?”

Dottie told her friend she thought it should reflect the county, “like El Dorado ... Rose!”

“It just came out of my mouth,” she said.

That night, Dottie jotted down requirements for the Rose candidates. She wrote: Age, older than 60, must have lived in the county more than 10 years, must have knowledge about this county and its history, must be prepared to represent the county at public functions and, lastly, must have a history of volunteer service to the community.

Dottie admitted she was nervous about going to the El Dorado County Fair Board of Directors to ask them to add El Dorado Rose to their events.

“There was a little pushback, but they agreed! Then we had to find sponsors,” she explained. “After months of visiting service clubs, small businesses and politicians, we found sponsors!”

A publicity campaign was launched long before the next fair and the hunt for contestants began. Dottie said the response was overwhelming. “We had so many! It was quite an adventure.”

She mused, “To me, life is an adventure. At 85, I still can’t wait to see what the day will bring. Having a sense of humor makes the hard times easier,” she laughed. “I have done a lot of volunteering and community events but nothing has made me prouder than the El Dorado Rose.”

Exhibition Celebrates the Rubicon Trail

Culture El Dorado

Arts and Culture El Dorado has announced the next o ering in its 2026 Switchboard Gallery exhibition series — Rubicon Rising, an exhibition exploring the history and cultural significance of the Rubicon Trail, one of the most famous o -road routes in the world. The exhibition opens Thursday, June 18, with a free public reception at 6 p.m. Visitors will have an opportunity to meet experienced wheelers from around the region and hear their stories. Many have lent personal items for the exhibition. Through vintage and contemporary photographs, maps, gear, apparel, memorabilia, documents, posters, films and even toys, Rubicon Rising tells the story of how generations of adventurers, local communities and conservation e orts have shaped the rugged and majestic Sierra Nevada landscape.

“The Rubicon Trail is one of El Dorado County’s greatest treasures, drawing adventurers from around the world to experience its unmatched natural beauty,” said Zachary Perras, parks manager for the El Dorado County Parks and Trails Division. “It is a way of life for many of our residents, woven deeply into the fabric of our community. Thanks to the dedication of both our volunteers and county sta , the trail is carefully maintained so its legacy can be enjoyed for generations.”

A full-color exhibition catalog and 2026 Rubicon Trail bandana will be available free to gallery visitors. A special Rubicon movie night is also planned for mid-July.

“The idea for an exhibition on the Rubicon Trail really took hold last year, when county parks asked us to design the 2025 Rubicon bandana,” said Arts and Culture Executive Director Terry LeMoncheck.

“We renewed the bandana project for 2026, and are adding the exhibition. All the folks at County Parks have

been wonderful to work with, and it has been an amazing partnership.” county parks also contributed historical photographs and documents for the exhibition.

Experienced trail enthusiasts, Jeep owners, history bu s, nature lovers and anyone

interested in learning more about the trail’s beauty, history and ongoing conservation e orts will find something to enjoy in Rubicon Rising. The exhibition runs through Aug. 16. Learn more at

Shelly Thorene Sta writer

Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene

Dottie Ingram-Williams holds a bouquet of roses from her garden at her home in El Dorado Hills.

Loren Christofferson Arts and

Photo by Mike Gerondakis

Rubicon Rising, the upcoming exhibition at the Switchboard Gallery in Placerville opens Jun 18 with a public reception at 6 p.m.

Black Oak Mine celebrates this year’s retirees

News release

The Black Oak Mine Unified School District

bids a fond and grateful farewell to seven exceptional staff members who are retiring this year. Together, these individuals represent well over a century of collective service dedicated to the students, families and operations of the Divide community.

Leading the wave of retirees are three beloved teachers who have shaped countless

young minds over the decades: Suzanne Chaves, who caps off an incredible 31-year teaching career that began at Creekside, transitioned to Georgetown School and ended at Northside; Stacey Spencer, celebrating 25 years teaching math at Golden Sierra; and Jodi Lamparter, who wraps up 10 years of dedicated service to students at Georgetown School.

The district’s vital support staff is also seeing the departure of several key figures who have kept school sites

» New

running smoothly. Judy Bailey is retiring after 24 years of keeping things organized and welcoming as the Golden Sierra High School secretary. Barb Cann, the Facilities, Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation secretary, is stepping down after 20 years of ensuring district operations ran seamlessly behind the scenes.

Rounding out this year's honored retirees are Kip Steward, who provided 23 years of essential service in the Maintenance and Custodial department, and Juliette Knight, who served for eight years as the Primary Intervention Program coordinator, providing critical early support for the district's youngest learners.

"These individuals have been the backbone of our schools and our district," said

Superintendent Carrie Arnett. "Their dedication, hard work, and care for our students have left an indelible mark on Black Oak Mine Unified.

While we will miss them immensely, we wish them the absolute best in their well-deserved retirement."

Please join the entire BOMUSD community

in thanking these outstanding educators and staff members for their years of service and dedication.

Placerville Friends of Tibet to host Buddhist study and meditation gatherings

Placerville Friends of Tibet invites community members to participate in Tushita Sangha, a dharma community that offers teachings, meditation and support for those drawn to the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

The sangha shares Buddhist teachings, meditation practices and discussion opportunities while fostering a supportive spiritual community. Members are guided by the wisdom of their lamas and dharma teachers, including Geshe Phuntsho, who has served as an honorary teacher for many years. Geshe Phuntsho named the group Tushita Sangha, meaning “Joyful Land Sangha.”

Gatherings feature study and discussion of Buddhist teachings and readings, meditation and

contemplation inspired by the topic of study, and occasional in-person or online teachings from venerable monks and lamas as opportunities arise. The group also provides resources to support learning, contemplation and meditation.

People of all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome to attend, with participants bringing diverse perspectives that enrich the sangha experience.

Tushita Sangha meets in person on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 5:30-6:45 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room at the El Dorado County Library main branch, 345 Fair Lane in Placerville.

The organization has also updated its website containing new information and resources.

For more information email tushitasangha@ gmail.com.

IN THE NIGHT SKY

Planets — bright, but not stars

The solar system’s brightest planets, Venus and Jupiter, are very prominent in the June night sky. For those interested in casual backyard viewing or even celestial photography, these planets offer plenty of opportunities. Their visibility in the sky progresses based on their positions in their orbital paths around the Sun.

Photography

Because Venus’ orbit is inside Earth’s, it is not seen very far from the Sun in our sky. It transitions from being visible westward before sunrise, and eastward after Sunset. It is primarily visible during sunrise or sunset when the Sun’s glare is at a minimum. Since Jupiter’s orbit is outside Earth’s, it is visible for much more of the year. Unlike stars, both planets look like steady points of light in the sky that are easy to see even with moderate light pollution. Another consequence of Venus’ orbit being inside Earth’s is that it also displays phases similar to the Moon, transitioning from a small crescent to a full circle when viewed from Earth. Due to a combination of its proximity to earth and atmospheric composition, Venus is the brightest natural object in the night sky after the Moon. Its atmosphere is composed of mostly bright white clouds that reflect much more sunlight back into space. Under

the right combination of dark skies, a bright background and Venus at its maximum brightness, it can even cast shadows on Earth.

Orbits and visibility

Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, is the next brightest object after Venus. Because of its massive size, it reflects much more sunlight than other planets. Even with a basic pair of binoculars or a small telescope, Jupiter is easily visible in the sky with its four largest moons: Ganymede, Io, Callisto and Europa. These moons are known as the Galilean moons, Unlike Venus, which stays close to the horizon because its orbit is inside Earth’s, Jupiter orbits outside of Earth.

This results in a position called opposition, where Earth lies directly in between Jupiter and the Sun. During opposition, Jupiter rises at sunset, stays visible all night and sets and sunrise. This offers the best conditions for observing Jupiter as it is also when Earth and Jupiter are at their closest, making its signature parallel cloud bands and Great Red Spot much easier to see.

For those interested in photography, capturing Venus and Jupiter requires a different approach than the Moon because both planets appear much smaller in the night sky. Instead of standard camera lenses, a common technique uses digital single-lens reflex cameras mounted to the telescope’s focuser to achieve clear, steady photos. However, because Earth’s atmosphere often blurs single exposure photos, the preferred method for taking photos is called “lucky imaging.” Rather than taking a single photo, the camera takes a high framerate video. The timing of these videos is essential — if taken for too long, the planet itself may rotate and blur its own features. Afterwards, only the sharpest frames from these videos are used and combined into a single high-quality image.

Without a telescope, Jupiter and Venus are visible as points of light in the sky, and it is unlikely that any surface detail will be captured. However, the four Galilean moons of Jupiter are still easily visible with the right exposure. Using a sturdy tripod and manual focus ensures that they remain as pinpoints of light rather than blurry streaks.

Harmehel Singh is a junior at Pacific Crest Academy with a passion for stargazing and all things celestial. Singh’s interest has grown into writing about related topics.

Harmehel Singh Mountain Democrat contributor

Courtesy photo

Barb Cann, Judy Bailey, Jodi Lamparter and Suzanne Chaves, from left, are some of the BOMUSD staff members transitioning to retirement.

News release

GROW FOR IT!

Fun tidbits for the gardener at the El Dorado County Fair

As a gardener, there are many must-see areas at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds' "Good Ol' Fashioned Fun" that you don't want to miss. The county fair runs June 18-21 this year. Even while the family insists on riding the carnival rides and listening to the bands,

you should have your turn to enlighten them and take them with you to see some interesting gardening delights. First on the list should be the Horticulture Building, where you can see the winners of the potted plants, fresh arrangements, fruits, vegetables and herb entries. While strolling to view these best-ofthe-best gardening specialties, you can

stop to say hello to UC Master Gardeners staffing the building, who will help if you have gardening questions. If they need to research your question, they will take down your contact information and get back to you.

The UC Master Food Preservers will be at the Marshall Building with the winners of the canning and dried foods entries. These delectables are the result of the best gardening skills and expertise, with the ingredients transformed into yummy food and herb products.

Another unique program sponsored by the El Dorado County Fairgrounds is Adopt-aSpot, which was the idea of Al Wolterbeek in 1981 when he was president of the El Dorado County Fair Association. He oversaw transforming the grounds from mostly dirt, mud and unpaved walkways into attractive paved pathways. He also planned to transform the dirt areas surrounded by borders into beautiful gardens, but at the time, the fair was running low on funds.

Wolterbeek came up with the Adopt-a-Spot

UCCE Master Gardener of El

program. It became an asset to the El Dorado County Fair and Event Center because it gave organizations such as the Shakespeare Club and The El Dorado Roses, as well as individuals, families, clubs and classrooms, the opportunity to adopt a particular spot and plan, design, plant and create a garden. Most spaces are relatively small but manageable, and the program provides great exposure for the participating organization or family. The organization places a sign on the spot for recognition and credit, gardening enthusiasts have the opportunity to beautify the area and the fairgrounds benefit as well — a win-win for all.

As with other county

fair entries, Adopt-aSpot participants can submit their gardens for judging. The gardens are evaluated on the best use of the fair theme, most appealing garden, outstanding garden and outstanding year-round garden. What an honor it is to be a first-place winner in the Adopt-a-Spot category.

Check out the spots while visiting the county fair June 18-21, Father's Day weekend, and see how beautifully they enhance the fairgrounds.

PHILANTHROPY WITH PURPOSE

Since January, the El Dorado Community Foundation has shared a series of community outreach articles illustrating the important role

community foundations play in strengthening local philanthropy. The Foundation has highlighted how it serves as a trusted steward of charitable giving, how donor funds are managed and protected, and why so many individuals, families, businesses and organizations choose to hold their charitable funds locally with the Foundation.

In this third article, the focus turns to what that local generosity ultimately makes possible: meaningful and lasting impact throughout El Dorado County.

Since 1991, the El Dorado Community Foundation has served as a trusted partner in local philanthropy, helping transform generosity into meaningful and lasting community impact. What began through the vision and generosity of its founders has grown into a permanent charitable resource dedicated to strengthening El Dorado County for generations to come.

Over the past 35 years, the Foundation has awarded more than $40 million in grants benefiting the community. It distributes an average of approximately $3 million annually to nonprofit organizations doing extraordinary work throughout the region. These grants are made possible through the generosity and vision of donors who choose to invest in the future of the community they love.

Every dollar granted tells a story. It represents a donor passionate about making a difference and a nonprofit organization working tirelessly to meet important community needs. Together, these partnerships create meaningful impacts that reach every corner of El Dorado County.

Foundation grants support organizations serving youth, seniors, veterans, families,

animals, arts and culture, education, health and wellness, environmental stewardship, food security and countless other community priorities. These investments help nonprofits expand programs, respond during times of crisis, provide essential services and continue the everyday work that strengthens the fabric of the community.

The impact of local philanthropy extends far beyond a single grant cycle. It creates opportunities for children to learn and grow. It provides dignity, care and connection for seniors. It protects animals and preserves natural spaces that make the region special. It helps families access critical resources during difficult times.

It strengthens nonprofit organizations that serve as the heartbeat of the county.

At the El Dorado Community Foundation, staff members have the privilege of seeing firsthand how generosity changes communities. They see nonprofits working tirelessly to serve neighbors in need. They see donors quietly investing in causes they care deeply about. They see collaboration forming among organizations, volunteers, businesses and residents who share a common goal of building a stronger future.

Community foundations hold a unique role because philanthropy stays rooted locally. The dollars entrusted to

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 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) 6215512.

the Foundation remain connected to the people, organizations and causes that help El Dorado County thrive. Through careful stewardship, thoughtful grantmaking and long-term investment, charitable resources continue creating impact not only for today’s needs but for future generations as well.

The Foundation believes the community is elevated with each gift. Every act of generosity creates ripple effects that extend far beyond what any one person may ever fully see. The collective impact of local giving continues to shape a more resilient, compassionate and connected community.

As the Foundation looks ahead to the next 35 years and beyond, it invites others to join in building lasting local impact. Establishing a fund at the El Dorado Community Foundation allows individuals, families, businesses and organizations to create a permanent charitable legacy rooted in El Dorado County. Together, local donors and community partners can continue strengthening the community they call home today and for generations to come. The El Dorado Community Foundation is dedicated to strengthening the community now and for future generations. The foundation fulfills this mission by encouraging private giving for the good of the communities of El DoradoCounty, building and maintaining a community resource fund to respond to community need during disasters, providing a flexible tax-exempt vehicle for donors with varied charitable interests and abilities to give and serving as a catalyst, convener and partner in shaping effective responses to community problems and opportunities. Learn more at eldoradocf.org.

Diane Lehr

Dorado County

Photo by Pauline Atkins

A unique program at the fair is Adopt-a-Spot.

Amy Pooley

El Dorado Community Foundation

Rotary of Cameron Park awards academic scholarships

Laurie Edwards News release

On April 23, the Rotary Club of Cameron Park presented six academic scholarships to distinguished students from Ponderosa High School in recognition of their academic achievement, leadership, community engagement and dedication to service. Recipients were selected through a comprehensive evaluation process that considered academic performance, involvement in school and community activities, volunteer service and demonstrated financial need. Each student received a $2,000 scholarship, distributed in two annual installments beginning this fall. The scholarship is renewable for a second year, contingent upon continued fulfillment of eligibility requirements.

The recipients

Emmett Clark

With a 4.30 GPA, Emmett plans to study electrical engineering at either the University of California, Berkeley or California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

At Ponderosa High School, he was a member of the Rotarysponsored Interact Club, the California Scholarship Federation and the school soccer team. Emmett also demonstrated a commitment to community service, volunteering more than 20 hours annually.

Grace Xu

With a 4.41 GPA, Grace will attend the University of California, San Diego, where she plans to major in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience while pursuing a premed track. Her goal is to attend medical school and become an anesthesiologist.

As a junior, she was selected by the Rotary Club of Cameron Park to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program. At

Ponderosa High School, Grace participated in speech and debate, served as an o cer in Key Club and was active in the California Scholarship Federation. She also competed in Math Steeplechase, attended the National Student Leadership Conference in the neuroscience cohort, participated in mock trial and volunteered extensively at Mercy Hospital of Folsom.

Kyle Reagan

With a 4.29 GPA, Kyle plans to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design, where he will study visual e ects and filmmaking. He brings strong technical skills and is also an accomplished piano soloist.

At Ponderosa High School, Kyle played tennis for four years and demonstrated leadership and initiative by founding the "BruinCast" podcast, providing a platform to share news, stories and events from the school community.

Lily Henkle

With a 4.20 GPA, Lily will attend New York University, where she plans to study history.

At Ponderosa High School, Lily was involved in Associated Student Body leadership for four years and

ABOUT FAITH

Free from pain

I’m not talking about physical pain. I’m talking about emotional pain.

Many people cover up their pain with other things — drinking, drugs, shopping, eating and more. But I want to give you another option that works without side e ects. Is that worth something to you? And it’s free.

Recently, I was thinking about a few individuals who I know may have a grievance against me. You know what I mean. You can feel it. You can tell when you are around them that there is a wall between you. We aren’t even sure what we did, but we must have done something. So we start thinking about it and looking at it from every angle. It occupies our minds and causes us to lose our peace. Instead of being on the defensive, be on the o ensive. Take the lead in making a di erence. Instead of pointing out things that went wrong

managed the student store for two years. In addition to her leadership activities, she is an accomplished piano soloist and volunteered through the Hands4Hope youth service organization, demonstrating a strong commitment to serving her community.

Zachary Pfeifer

With a 3.80 GPA, Zachary will attend Oregon State University, where he plans to study environmental science.

A self-taught guitarist, Zachary has developed his musical talents to the point of performing with his own band.

At Ponderosa High School, he served as president of the Rotarysponsored Interact Club and contributed numerous volunteer hours through Interact and the California Scholarship Federation, demonstrating leadership and a strong commitment to community service.

Gabriella Leal Gabriella was unable to attend the scholarship ceremony because of a cheerleading competition. With a 4.10 GPA, she plans to attend Vanguard University of Southern California, where she will pursue a degree in nursing with the goal of becoming a registered nurse.

At Ponderosa High

School, Gabriella was active in the Future Farmers of America program and participated in cheerleading for four years. She also served on the Link Crew, helping welcome, mentor and support incoming freshmen as they transitioned to high school.

The Rotary Club of Cameron Park extends its congratulations to these outstanding students for their achievements and wishes them continued success in their academic pursuits. Through its scholarship program, the club remains committed to supporting local students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership and a strong commitment to community service.

I gave her a gift. She clung to me like glue, and we became fast friends. She said, “No one has ever given me anything before.” She just needed a hug.

Linda Lange Mountain Democrat contributor

and dwelling on them, make things right. In other words, look for something good that can come from the situation. One thing I am choosing to do is forgive. Then, from that place, give a little something to that person so they feel special. It could even be a kind word. Sometimes people act horribly because of their own pain. Instead of adding more pain, let’s help lessen it by adding something good. Good outweighs bad.

I had an experience with a waitress. I hated sitting in her section because she was rude and mean. One day,

The Bible says something like this: “Love those who hurt you, pray for those who mistreat you and do good to those who are not good to you.” There is a reason those words are there. God knew we would get hurt and become o ended. Sometimes the people who are supposed to love us are the very ones who hurt us the most.

It is interesting that the people closest to us are often the ones who wound us. Scripture acknowledges this reality. In Zechariah 13:6, it says, “I was wounded in the house of my friends.”

Linda Lange is a Christian minister and author of over 30 books. She has been a speaker, teacher and life coach since 1996. She lives in Mount Aukum with Tom, her husband of 35 years.

Courtesy photo Emmett Clark, Grace Xu, Kyle Reagan, Lily Hinkle, and Zachary Pfeifer, from left, and not pictured, Gabriella Leal all earned awards from Cameron Park Rotary this year.

A Walk for Redemption to support a safe home for women

Mountain Democrat sta

Community members gathered in downtown Placerville on May 30 for the Walk for Redemption, a fundraising event aimed at helping New Beginnings reopen a safe home for women in crisis.

The 2.5-mile walk began and ended at New Beginnings on Main, 414 Main St., and drew participants from across the region.

Organizers said the event was created in response to increasing calls from women seeking a safe place to start over.

In addition to the walk, supporters contributed through donations and sponsorships to help fund the e ort.

New Beginnings thanked walkers, volunteers and sponsors for their support, saying the community’s participation will help provide healing, stability and new beginnings for women facing crisis situations.

New Beginnings on Main owner Emma Burns said around 60 people showed up for the event and they had raised more than $6,000.

Learn more about New Beginnings Gold Country at newbeginnings goldcountry.org.

Cameron Park Rotary earns award

Laurie Edwards News release

The Rotary Club of Cameron Park received Rotary District 5190's RAVE (Recognizing Achievement in Vocational Excellence) award during the district conference held May 1-3 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nev.

The honor is especially significant because District 5190 is one of the largest Rotary districts in the world, encompassing approximately 60 clubs across more than 96,000 square miles of Eastern California and Northern Nevada.

The award recognized the Rotary Club of Cameron Park Community Foundation and its commitment to helping students and adults pursue educational and career opportunities through two grant programs funded by proceeds from the Darol Rasmussen Endowment Fund.

The foundation's primary program is the Rasmussen Vocational Grant Program, which provides approximately $20,000 annually to graduating seniors and adult applicants throughout the West Slope of El Dorado County. To qualify, applicants must have lived on the West Slope for at least two years, demonstrate financial need and be pursuing vocational education, training or retraining.

The grants help recipients gain a head start on careers in a variety of fields, including nursing, farm management, automotive technology, electrical trades, culinary arts, cosmetology, emergency medical services, law enforcement and other skilled professions.

The foundation also o ers a Perseverance Grant, a major award exceeding $10,000 that is presented to a graduating student whose financial or living circumstances might otherwise prevent them from continuing their education after high school. The grant is designed to assist students who have overcome significant obstacles and

Below, New Beginnings Administrator Emma Burns, left, gives instructions to walkers before the walk on Saturday. Sherry Candito, second from left, spoke about supporting the cause and Summer Reid, second from right, and Jennifer Chappelle, right, spoke about their journey in recovery.

hardships while demonstrating the determination and ability to succeed in higher education. Because of the size of the award, the Perseverance Grant is o ered every other year.

These grant programs reflect the vision of the late Darol Rasmussen, whose endowment continues to help individuals build brighter futures through vocational education and training. Rasmussen believed success should not be measured solely by grades but also by determination, character, financial need and a willingness to work toward a meaningful career. Through his generosity, students and adults are given opportunities to develop valuable skills, pursue rewarding professions and improve their lives.

The Rotary Club of Cameron Park is honored to receive this district recognition and appreciates Rotary District 5190 for acknowledging the club's e orts to support local students as they pursue their educational and career goals. The award serves as a reminder of the lasting impact vocational education can have on individuals, families and the community.

Courtesy photo

Larry Harvey 2025-26 District Governor from the Rotary Club of Sparks, left, greets Cameron Park Rotary Director of Youth Service and Area 6 (Cameron Park, Placerville, Pollock PinesCamino and Georgetown) Governor Don Fuller, right, at the district conference in May.

Awards Continued from B1 and accounting.

Rebecca Del Rio Gonzalez, a first-generation college student and co-captain of the LTCC women’s soccer team, will transfer to California State University, Sacramento with plans to become a teacher and return to South Lake Tahoe.

Delos Moore, a participant in LTCC’s Rising Scholars Program, has been accepted to California Polytechnic State University, Humboldt to study forestry. Moore

Know Continued from B1

Wadsworth, assisted by Jeif and Jenny Leikauf — will pay attendees a visit. Open to the public.

Carl & Wes will perform 6-8 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

June 19

Sherwood Demonstration Garden, 6699 Campus Drive, Placerville, is open 9 a.m. to noon, for Open Garden Days Take a leisurely stroll through all 16 themed gardens. Docents are on-site to assist you with any questions regarding the Sherwood Demonstration Garden or your personal gardens. May be closed for inclement weather or poor air quality, check before visiting at tinyurl.com/pszsfdhf.

The Jamokes will perform at 5 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/livemusic.

Myka Estates, 3405 Carson Court in Placerville, is having Wine Bingo on Friday evenings in June from 5-7 p.m. Think you know a lot about wine? Play Wine Bingo and test your wine knowledge. Arrive by 5:30 p.m. to get your table. Bingo will start by 5:45 p.m. Game rules: one or two people can play a bingo card, our team will give facts about different wine varieties and you have to guess what variety we are talking about and mark your bingo card accordingly. It takes two bingos to win the game. Winners get to spin the prize wheel. There is no looking at your phone. Call (530) 497-0143 or go

also serves as a peer mentor and member of the LTCC Student Senate.

Silvia Rebecca Valdivia Guzman, known as Becky, balances a full academic workload while working at the college’s Child Development Center. She plans to transfer to California State University, Sacramento, to study early childhood education and eventually return to South Lake Tahoe as an educator.

The luncheon also recognized recipients of the President’s Service

to mykaestates.com/reservation/ type/wine-bingo.

Bumgarner Winery’s tasting room in Camino will host Live Music & Pizza with Patrick Walsh at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit bumgarnerwinery.com.

Born & Raised + Face Down will perform 7-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District will host its Summer Concert Series at Community Park, 1021 Harvard Way from 7-9:30 p.m. with Kirk Basquez. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.

Thunder Cover will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 8 p.m. to midnight. For more information visit redhawkcasino. com.

Broadway at Music Circus presents “Disney’s Frozen” through June 28 at the UC Davis Health pavilion in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 557-1999 or visit broadwaysacramento.com.

June 20

Sherwood Demonstration Garden, 6699 Campus Drive, Placerville, is open 9 a.m. to noon, for Open Garden Days Take a leisurely stroll through all 16 themed gardens. Docents are on-site to assist you with any questions regarding the Sherwood Demonstration Garden or your personal gardens. May be closed for inclement weather or poor air quality, check before visiting at tinyurl.com/pszsfdhf.

Join American River Conservancy for Wakamatsu Open Fam Day at 10 a.m. For more information visit arconservancy.org.

A Live Sound Bath hosted by Misty Scholz and Matt Phillips will take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon and Cosmic Pudding Project — live music for Third Saturdays on Main & featured artist opening will take place 3-5 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

The Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park will host Intro to Improv for Real Life with Luminous Linda from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.

Vino Noceto in Plymouth will host Summer Sessions: Live DJ + Food Truck Series from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Darin Sexton’s Record Plant spinning the vinyls and food for purchase from ZAZU Crêpes & Coffee and Father’s Day tacos from noon to 4 p.m. Learn more at noceto.com.

Toogood Winery Tasting Room in Fairplay will host Summer Barbecue and Sangria from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information visit toogoodwinery.com.

Findleton Estate Winery in Camino will celebrate National Ice Cream Float day with Sparkling Wine Floats, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and artist Pamela Findleton presenting a live demonstration of Encaustic Artwork from 1-3:30 p.m. Learn more at finzinwines.com.

Nello Olivo Winery in Camino will

Public Notices 

and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).) This statement filed with the county clerk of El Dorado County on 05/21/2026 NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, 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

Award, supported by the Pipkin Family Foundation. Established in 2020, the award honors students who demonstrate exceptional service to the college community.

This year’s recipients were Hudson Conners, who has served in athletics, student leadership and student housing programs while also serving as student trustee, and Sofia Marroquin, president of the Student Senate and vice chair for Region II of the Student Senate for California

host its fourth annual Pig Roast from noon to 4 p.m. For more information visit nelloolivo.com.

Gwinllan Estate Vineyard and Winery in Fairplay will host Paella on the Patio at 6 p.m. Kick off the summer with an authentic Spanish feast with a selection of Spanish meats and cheeses as light appetizers, Paella and a traditional tres leches cake for dessert. For more information visit gwinllanestate.com.

False Rhythms + Dirty Hairy and the Freaky Daddies will perform 8-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom. com.

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

June 21

Art on Center, the Center for Native, Latino and Indigenous Art at 3182 Center St. in Placerville will host a Clay Tile Workshop with artist Matthew Flores from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. To learn more email artoncenteredc@gmail. com.

Mimosas & Mascara Drag Brunch will take place from 10:30 to noon and 12:30-2 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Shadow Ranch in Somerset will host Live Music and WoodFired Pizzas with West Coast Turnaround at 1 p.m. For more information visit shadowranch. com.

Community Colleges. Conners will transfer to San Francisco State University, while Marroquin will continue her education at California State University, Chico. College officials expressed gratitude to the Pipkin family, scholarship donors, family foundations, businesses and community organizations whose contributions continue to expand educational opportunities for LTCC students and graduates.

studebakerwheelbarrowraces. com.

Clive Carroll + Grayson Howard will perform, 6-8 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

June 22

Join American River Conservancy for Nature Camp 2026 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for kids entering second through sixth grades. For more information visit arconservancy.org.

All ages Open Mic Night hosted by Grayson Howard will take place 6-10 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

California Museum in Sacramento presents California Time Traveler Camp through July 10. For more information visit californiamuseum.org.

Now

Balls are available for The Marshall Foundation for Community Health’ Golf Ball Drop to take place during its sold out Drive for Marshall Golf Tournament on June 26. Sheriff Jeff Leikauf will bring out the department’s ECHO 1 helicopter to drop balls on the green. Those who have the ball closest to the hole wins. For more information visit marshallfound.org.

Registration is live for the 2026 Wheelbarrow Races to take place Saturday June 20 from 5-8 p.m. at the El Dorado County Fair. For more information or to register visit

• E-mail your public notice to legals@mtdemocrat.net

• Be sure to include

NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, 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) 5/27, 6/3, 6/10, 6/17 16213

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. FB2026-0462

The following person(s) is/are doing

WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK DRAWN ON A STATE OR NATIONAL BANK, A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, OR A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, OR SAVINGS BANK SPECIFIED IN SECTION 5102 OF THE FINANCIAL CODE AND AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN THIS STATE; Outside the Main Street entrance to the County Courthouse located at 495 Main Street, Placerville, CA 95667 all right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State described as: MORE ACCURATELY DESCRIBED

Registration is now open for Gold Discovery Park Association’s Junior Ranger Summer Day Camp — Four-day outdoor camp for youth featuring hands-on activities in nature, including ecology, geology, fire safety and crafts. Sessions are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Session One (ages 7-9): June 29-July 2. Session Two (ages 10-12): July 20-23. Snacks provided; bring lunch. Learn more at golddiscoveryparkassociation. org.

The Olde Coloma Theatre presents “Looters, Loopholes & Legacies” or “Under The Ground And Over The Top” through June 28. For tickets and more information, go to oldecolomatheatre.com.

Art on Center, the Center for Native, Latino and Indigenous Art at 3182 Center St. in Placerville will host Internally Speaking featuring artwork by JaimEfrain BrisenOchoa through June 28. To learn more email artoncenteredc@gmail.com. The Atrium Gallery at El Dorado Hills Town Center will host Botanical Brushstrokes through July 19. For more information visit edhtowncenter. com.

The El Dorado Hills Arts Association will host a display of Fine Art at the Teaspoon Gallery in El Dorado Hills Town Center through July 15. For more information visit eldoradohillsarts.com.

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