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Supreme Court passes on fee case

Lance Armstrong

Sta writer

A local man’s decade-long legal dispute against El Dorado County’s $23,420 Tra c Impact Fee he was required to pay for the construction of a home near Placerville has come to an end.

Sheetz v. County of El Dorado was considered by the U.S. Supreme Court for the second time on June 11. Four days later, it was announced the Court had denied the petition to review the case.

George Sheetz, the man at the center, called the Supreme Court’s latest decision “very depressing” during an interview with the Mountain Democrat.

“I understand the country comes ﬁrst rather than a local case,” said Sheetz, a 74-year-old retired contractor. “I understand that, but it’s sad we couldn’t follow through somehow and come to a resolution.”

“... it’s sad we couldn’t follow through somehow and come to a resolution.”

— George Sheetz

Sheetz recalled his frustrations began in 2016, shortly after he applied for a building permit through the county to have his 1,854-squarefoot retirement home erected on a 10-acre rural property on Fort Jim Road, between Placerville and Somerset.

“It’s a manufactured home, (and) it’s already built, already been inspected by the state inspectors,” he said. “All they’re doing is coming in and setting it up on my property, and I got a bill (from the county). It was an enormous amount of money, and part of that fee was a ($23,420) Tra c Impact Fee. And I said, ‘I’ve never heard of such a thing in my life.’”

The county collects the TIF and uses the funds for transportation improvements needed to accommodate growth anticipated by the El Dorado

County’s road project plan gets an update

Noel Stack Editor

Road projects on El Dorado County’s west end dominated discussion related to the latest Department of Transportation Capital Improvement Program unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors on June 16.

“The CIP is a longrange planning document that the department utilizes to analyze and estimate costs, schedules and funding for all of transportation’s projects … that are planned out from the current year all the way out to the 20-year horizon,” explained DOT Director Rafael Martinez.

The CIP is reviewed every year with major updates done every ﬁve years. This year’s annual update includes

PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE

A RACE TO REMEMBER

Studebaker Wheelbarrow Races thrill the El Dorado County Fair crowd

Shelly Thorene Sta writer

Competitors charged through the course during the 82nd John M. Studebaker Wheelbarrow Races at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds Saturday, entertaining spectators with a fast-paced tradition that honors Placerville’s Gold-Rush era wheelbarrow maker John M. Studebaker.

two signiﬁcant program changes, both in El Dorado Hills:

1. Inclusion of intersection improvements at Appian Way and Silva Valley Parkway.

2. Transfer of the surface treatment project on El Dorado Hills Boulevard from Saratoga Way to Harvard Way into the DOT maintenance program.

The Appian Way project raised some eyebrows as the board later in the day was set to discuss a Serrano subdivision project that could potentially beneﬁt from that road improvement. In that later agenda item the board voted to continue the matter to no later than Sept. 29 to allow sta to work with the applicant to complete a supplemental tra c engineering analysis.

Martinez called the two items on the same agenda a coincidence.

“That had been brought to our attention from several tra c studies that were done … that illustrated that intersection, without any future improvements … (is) going to be needing a signalized intersection, like I said, without any additional tra c volume,” Martinez explained. “And because we had had two concurrent tra c

Each year, the race is organized by the Placerville Kiwanis Club and this year the men’s race was dedicated to and renamed the Davey “Doc” Wiser Men’s Championship Race. Doc competed in 33 races in his career and came in third in the Men’s Championship in 2005, won the Old Timer’s Race in 2010 and came in second 2011-13 and third in 2017. His wheelbarrow was positioned near the entrance to the grandstand for all to see as they took their seats.

There were 44 volunteers helping with the event and before the races began, some led each group of participants around the course to show them their route. Racers were reminded they had to retain all of their equipment (gold pan, sack of ore and wheelbarrow) until the ﬁnish and needed to meet or exceed the amount of ore required in their category. Youth girls and boys each competed with 10 pounds

Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene

Walker Stanwood, 3, shed some tears before mustering up the courage to compete in the 82nd John M. Studebaker Wheelbarrow Races at the El Dorado County Fair on June 20. Eventually, he made his way over to the starting line and

Teen Girls first place finisher Lucia Smith, 15, of El Dorado makes her way around Rattlesnake Gulch.

Kiwanian Ray Woods, right, celebrates with exhausted Youth Boys Race finisher Braxton Berg, 10, of El Dorado Hills at the finish line. Having only decided to compete in the race an hour before the event began, Berg won an award for being the “Most Inspirational” competitor.

ESSENTIALS

OBITUARIES

Gregory Albert Post

Sept. 13, 1953 – June 19, 2026

Gregory Albert Post passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026 at The Pines in Placerville. He made El Dorado County his home for the past 37 years and was very proud of the Foothills of the Sierra. He’s probably o ﬁring canons into the sunset and causing ruckus on the other side by now. Greg’s contributions to the community include decades as a businessman, serving in the Central Republican Committee, weekends with the Mormon Battalion, and what he enjoyed most as a scoutmaster, passing on to young men what he learned becoming an Eagle Scout. Greg is survived by his wife and 5 children, and many friends who loved and laughed with him over the years.

Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Cameron Park on Saturday, June 27th at 11:00am. In lieu of ﬂowers, please donate to CASA or El Dorado County Search and Rescue in his name.

John (Jack) Conrad Olsson

Oct. 25, 1951 – Dec. 18, 2025

Judith A (Cunning) Olsson

July 28, 1944 – March 29, 2026

John (Jack) Olsson of Hayward, CA died in Kingman, AZ on December 18, 2025 while waiting on a hip replacement at the age of 74. Judith A Olsson born in Glendale, CA died in Kingman, AZ on March 29, 2026 at the age of 81.

Jack was the ﬁrst of four children born to Gloria Mayer and Conrad Olsson. He attended San Lorenzo High School where he was an avid swimmer. He went on to study Transportation Management and spent his careers a truck driver, and a dedicated member of the teamsters union.

Judy was the youngest of two daughters born to Charles and Virginia Langhauser. She graduated from Arroyo High School where she enjoyed ﬂag twirling. After high school she went on to beauty school. She did that so she could help people feel better by having a good hair cut and still have time to raise the children she planned on having.

Judy was active in the many years she lived in Placerville. She played softball and her kids played baseball, softball and they had a small farm and her kids were in 4H. It was the second marriage for both of them, they met when Jack came in for a haircut, they got married in South Lake Tahoe. They would always ﬁnd ways to return to Tahoe for one thing or another. They referred to it as Gods Country. They moved a few times in California from Chico to Janesville, but decided to spend their ﬁnal years in a small town called Kingman, AZ. Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years Judy Olsson. And his daughter and step-daughter Erika Reed and Jennifer Cunning O’Hara and his sister Kerri Olsson. Judy survived Jack, her beloved husband, by about 100 days. Her stepdaughter Erika Reed and her daughter and son Jennifer Cunning O’Hara and Je rey S. Cunning. Also her sister Donna, 2 grandchildren and a niece and nephew, and numerous grand nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

A family memorial for both will be held at a later date.

Ethel Mae Wunschel

Dec. 12, 1938 – June 9, 2026

Ethel Mae Wunschel passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, at the age of 87 in Placerville, California.

Born on December 12, 1938, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, to Stanley Morrison Lloyd and Thelma Madeline (Miller) Lloyd, Ethel moved as a young girl with her family to Camino, California, where her father helped open Michigan-Cal Lumber Company. She graduated from El Dorado High School in Placerville in 1956. Through her father’s work at Michigan-Cal, Ethel met the love of her life, John Charles “Jay” Wunschel. They were married on July 21, 1956, and together built a life centered on family, hard work, and love. Ethel spent the remainder of her life in El Dorado County, where she established deep roots in the community she loved.

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.

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.

Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Jay Wunschel; her four sisters, Delsie, Elsie, Thelma, and Helen; and her grandson, John Charles “JC” Wunschel III. She is survived by her daughter, Julia Baker and her husband, Carry Baker. Also surviving are her son, John Wunschel; her cherished former daughter-in-law, JoLynda (Wunschel) Mills; her grandchildren, Kristi Setzer, Sean Baker, and Jason Wunschel and his husband, Nick Shireman; three great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many extended family members and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Westwood Hills Memorial Park, 2720 Cold Springs Road, Placerville, California. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at the Placerville Gathering Place (Masonic Hall), 2820 Cold Springs Road, Placerville. All who knew and loved Ethel are welcome to attend.

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.

Donald & Beverly Fields

Donald Wayne Fields

June 3, 1934 – April 18, 2024

Donald Fields, 89. In his early life he was in the Navy in San Diego, earned a BA in Engineering at CA State-Sacramento, employed at Aerojet, Xerox, Bushnell Gardens, served as the business manager at Sunset Christian Church for several years and an assistant to son-in-law in home construction and demo. In his early life he enjoyed camping, competition spearﬁshing and trail bike riding. He enjoyed the retirement life where he loved abalone diving and playing senior softball until his mid80s, playing on multiple teams in the SacramentoPlacerville area and playing for the Seniors USA Team multiple years.

Beverly Ann Fields

March 11, 1940 – April 18, 2026

Beverly Fields, 86. In her early life Beverly was an at-home babysitter for several kids while her children were young and a bookkeeper. Later she became a watercolor artist and instructor. Her love of nature and her magical enthusiastic spirit had students coming back for more. Beverly taught at Sacramento Fine Arts for nearly 40 years and her home studio along with workshops in Mendocino, Hope Valley, and Russian River. She also worked at Estee Lauder as a sales and make-up artist; including helping people with visible scars and with burn victims to help them feel good about themselves. She was a shining light.

Together and truly in love, respectful and supportive of each other for 68 years, Donald and Beverly Fields, were residents of Placerville, CA for several decades. Their fondness of each other and music shined brightly throughout their lives together; often times stopping what they were doing when they heard their songs to meet in the middle and begin to dance in each others arms. Their faith and church were very important to them; they, for many years, conducted a care group in their home. Don often times had a calling to be at bedside of people who were terminally ill to help them transition. They made a di erence to so many. Family was everything to them; They are survived by Beverly’s sister, Gail Ford Pester (Oklahoma), daughter Sandy Brown (Fort Bragg, CA) and son Greg Fields (Fallbrook, CA) along with their son in-law Dave Brown and daughter in-law Brenda Fields. Their grandchildren Scotty Davis (Charlotte, NC) and Alycia Madden (Dallas, TX) along with their loving spouses Mary Davis and Bryan Madden and their great grandchildren Ramona and Walker Davis, Brock, Clark, and Peter Madden who they supported, adored and loved immeasurably.

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.

Betty V. Day

March 26, 1927 – May 23, 2026

Betty passed away at home in Cameron Park, CA at 99 years of age. She was born in Litchfield, IL to Mondo Martini and Margherita O’Berto Martini on March 26, 1927. She graduated from Gillespie HS in 1945 and later received an AA Degree at West Valley College in Saratoga, CA at 50 years of age. She married Paul H. King in 1945; they had 2 children, divorced in 1955. She and the children moved to San Jose, CA. In 1957 she married Charles W. Day, they had 4 children and were married for 53 yrs prior to his death in 2010. She previously lived in Bullhead City, AZ, Silver Springs, NV and San Jose, CA. She had several careers during her lifetime; for 10

Dr. Little’s Dental News

Presented by Jeffery Little, D.D.S.

PRESERVING KNOCKED-OUT TEETH

About one out of every four schoolage children either breaks or damages a tooth at some point. Unless a child has other injuries that require immediate medical attention, parents should perform first aid for a tooth injury and proceed immediately to the dentist. If the injury involves a chip off an adult tooth, the broken piece should be saved in anticipation of the dentist being able to reattach it. A tooth that has been displaced but remains in its socket can often be moved back to its original position by the dentist. Otherwise, if an adult tooth is completely knocked out (root and crown), parents should pick it up by the crown, rinse it (without scrubbing), and replant it immediately.

Was today’s column helpful? When you visit with us your smile is our top priority. Our entire team is dedicated to providing you with the personal-

ized, gentle care that you deserve. We believe every patient should always be fully in charge of his or her own dental health, and we are here to help. Our commitment includes providing information that helps you to make more informed decisions about your oral health needs. Your dental health is our number one priority. Please call us to schedule an appointment for gentle dental care. We are currently accepting new patients. We offer “Tooth Print,” which is an impression of a child’s full mouth. About the size of a small wafer, the impression is given to the parent/ guardian for the family album or for ID for a missing child.

P.S. If a child’s knocked-out adult tooth cannot be replaced back in the socket, it should be put in a small cup containing milk or saline solution and brought with the patient to the dentist.

Accepting New Patients - Pain Free Dentistry

Dr. Little provides quality family and cosmetic dentistry.

His office is located at 344 Placerville Dr., Suite 19, Placerville. (530) 626-9127 Visit us at: www.jefflittledds.com

yrs she worked at Lockheed Missiles & Space in Sunnyvale, CA supporting the engineers working on the Space Shuttle Program and the team that developed the Air Bus ‘Twister’. After moving to Nevada she was the Executive Assistant for 13 years to the Lyon County Commissioners Board in Yerington, NV. Following that she worked for the State of NV for 5 legislative sessions, 1987-1995 as the executive assistant to the Speaker of the House Assembly, Joseph Dini and as a grant writer in between the house sessions. She received numerous accolades and certificates of commendations throughout her careers. She was amazing! All the while being a wife, mother, friend, supporting and working in the family welding business and keeping a spotless house. She was preceeded in death by her late husband Charles, son Mark P. King and sister Loretta Marmon. She is survived by her daughter, Laura King McGreevy and her partner Roger Conkey, son Michael Day and his wife Linda Day, daughter Therese Koll and her husband Vince Koll, son Robert Day and his wife Kathy Day, Son Todd Day, 15 grandchildren, 21 greatgrandchildren and 1 great-great grandson along with extended family and friends. Services and burial were held in Carson City, NV on June 12, 2026.

of ore, teenage girls, 15 pounds, teenage boys, 20 pounds, The High School Challenge two-person relay team competed with 50 pounds, Women’s Championship Race required 30 pounds and Men’s Championship Race, 50 pounds of ore.

The opening event featured a Kids Race for children younger that 10. Kids dashed down the track with lightweight yellow plastic wheelbarrows to pick up bags of candy and raced back with smiling faces to the starting line. Walker Stanwood, 3, of Placerville decided to compete in the race but as he made his way on to the course he had a sudden, momentary change of heart. He spotted the line-up of nine little yellow wheel barrows and saw that they had all been taken. He burst into tears. Eventually, he was coaxed to the starting line and competed in the second heat of the race. Afterward, he smiled ear to ear as he ran back to the stands clutching his bag of candy.

wheelbarrow. The final obstacle on the course included two ponds or mud pits and proved to be the most daunting of all challenges as racers could lose their footing in the slippery conditions and the drenched sand increased the weight of the load.

The obstacle course featured a fallen tree, trestles, a log jam, a mine shaft and other challenges. Contestants were allowed to pick up their wheelbarrow and carry it over the obstacles, no easy feat with the combined weight of the ore and the wooden

Women’s Race first place finisher Makenzie Snyder, 36, of San Clemente, began competing in the race in 2008 and Saturday’s win was her ninth. Snyder said one year both she and her twin brother Dylan were first place winners and their dad also competed in the race. This was the first year the Women’s Championship had a trophy and all past champions’ names are engraved on it.

Men’s Race contestants Nate Zavaleta, 37, of Placerville and Zachary Schnetz, 26, of Shingle Springs ran neck in neck throughout the course with Schnetz having a slight advantage until the lunge in the mud pit. As both men struggled to emerge from the pond with their soaking-wet bag of ore,

Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene High School Relay team member Max Esteve, 17, of El Dorado, above, makes his way through the mud pit. He and teammate Jerret Carlson of Union Mine High School were the first place winners. Women’s Championship contestant Makenzie Snyder, 36, of San Clemente, below, carries her wheelbarrow as she makes her way through the log jam. Snyder finished first, making her a nine-time champion.

Race Continued from A1

Teen Boys Race contestants No. 2 Liam Trifiro, right, and No. 3 James Alterton, left, work to free their wheelbarrows and ore from the mud pit.

Men’s Race top three finishers No. 20, Nate Zavaleta, 37, of Placerville, right; Zachary Schnetz, 26, of Shingle Springs, center; and No. 8 David Ross, standing, rest on the sidelines after the race.

Ecological forest thinning under way in American River Watershed

American River Conservancy

American River Conservancy is excited to share progress being made on the South

Fork of the American River Restoration project — a 1,943acre ecological forest thinning project that spans four ARC-owned properties in El Dorado County: Salmon Falls

•

Ranch, Lewis Ranch, Elliot Pond and Wakamatsu Farm.

The SOFAR project is being funded and implemented in partnership with Cal Fire under the California Climate Investments Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Forest Health Program Grant.

The SOFAR project focuses on improving forest health and resilience through ecological forest management practices designed to restore more natural forest conditions. Many forests throughout California have become increasingly dense due to decades of fire suppression and prior management decisions. Through carefully planned restoration activities, ARC and its contractors are helping create healthier forests that are better able to withstand wildfire, drought, insects and disease.

Project treatments include selective removal of understory and mid-story vegetation, often followed by pile burning to remove the biomass and prescribed grazing to maintain the initial treatments. These restoration techniques help reestablish more balanced forest conditions that mimic historic disturbance regimes in California. These treatments are intended to support healthier watersheds, improve wildlife habitat, promote long-term carbon storage and reduce the likelihood of severe wildfire impacts to our communities.

Since implementation began in May 2025, the project has achieved significant milestones, including:

• More than 588 acres of forest thinning treatments completed

• 216 acres of piles burned (approximately 7,000 piles)

• 148 acres treated through prescribed grazing

If you would like to see the forest thinning

work of ARC, visit Salmon Falls Ranch and walk the Acorn Creek trail. Hand thinning, piling and pile burning were completed along the trail last winter. Visitors can observe how these treatments are helping create more resilient forest conditions while maintaining the area’s natural beauty and recreational values. For more information about the SOFAR project reach out to Project Manager Autumn Gronborg at autumn@ arconservancy.org.

Motorcyclist

dies in head-on crash near South Lake Tahoe

Tahoe Daily Tribune

News release

SACRAMENTO —

After an eight-day trial, a federal jury on June 18 returned a guilty verdict against Daniel Chartraw, 53, formerly of South Lake Tahoe and Lodi, finding him responsible for a wide-ranging series of fraudulent schemes involving cryptocurrency companies, sham business ventures and false investment guarantees that caused substantial financial losses to numerous victims across the country, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

“This verdict sends a clear message: individuals who exploit the trust of others and steal through deception will be held

oncoming lane and collided head-on with an SUV traveling west, CHP officials shared. Despite life-saving measures, the motorcycle rider, identified as a man from Lincoln, died at the scene. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the wreck, noting at this time it is unclear whether drugs or alcohol were a factor.

accountable,” Grant said. “The defendant lied to investors and caused serious financial and emotional harm. Our office will continue to pursue those who use emerging technologies, including cryptocurrency, as vehicles for fraud.”

According to evidence presented at trial, between March 2021 and February 2022, Chartraw and an associate controlled multiple companies, including Crypto - Pal LLC and TDA Global LLC. Chartraw, and individuals acting on his behalf represented that Crypto - Pal was a web - based cryptocurrency trading company that guaranteed high returns with no risk. At various points, Chartraw also claimed that TDA Global was engaged in supplying jet fuel to airlines or operated its own cryptocurrency trading platform.

Chartraw communicated with potential and existing investors through phone calls, text messages, email and virtual meetings using platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Although he was directing operations, Chartraw frequently used aliases such as “Leonard” or “Leon,” telling associates that he needed to conceal his identity because of a prior fraud conviction. Despite this, many

investors ultimately learned that Chartraw — not “Leonard” — was controlling the businesses and their accounts.

Even though Chartraw was not a signatory on the Crypto - Pal business bank account, he repeatedly accessed it to withdraw cash, make purchases and transfer investor funds to accounts he personally controlled.

Chartraw also cultivated trust through personal and professional relationships, using fabricated account statements, false assurances of growth and repeated misrepresentations to persuade victims to invest additional funds. When investors attempted to recover their money or questioned delays, he provided excuses, deflected responsibility or stopped communicating altogether.

In several cases, individuals were referred to him through friends or family and were convinced to transfer cryptocurrency or cash, based on promises that their money would be actively traded. None of these funds were ever invested as represented. Across all schemes, investors received neither returns nor the return of their principal. The total loss to investors

Photo courtesy of ARC

Piles of gathered debris burn as part of the SOFAR project designed to make property more fire resilient.

A MASSIVE WIN

Rehabilitated black bears thriving after fall releases

Peter Tira

CDFW Communications

Five orphaned black bear cubs that were rehabilitated and released into northern California in November 2025 successfully hibernated through the winter and returned to the landscape this spring healthy and active, according to recent data reviewed by California Department of Fish and Wildlife scientists.

The effort included one male cub reported to CDFW as abandoned in South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County in July 2025. The cub was captured and taken to Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue for rehabilitation then returned to suitable habitat in El Dorado County.

These bears were part of an experimental effort led by the department’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Program, in coordination with CDFW’s Game Conservation Program and North Central Region, to test the viability of releasing rehabilitated juvenile black bears back in the wild in the fall versus the typical spring release. This practice — which can be helpful in mitigating human-wildlife conflict — has been successful in other states but had yet to be tested in California.

All five bears were ear-tagged, microchipped and fitted with GPS collars for scientific study and individual identification. Based on collar data, all five bears successfully established dens, hibernated during the winter, and reemerged this spring back on the landscape.

“This is a massive win. These bears spent their first winter hibernating

Race Continued from A3

Zavaleta surged ahead and made it to the finish moments ahead of Schnetz, only to be disqualified at the weigh-in for being under the weight limit at 45.25 pounds. Schnetz said he had a hard time lifting his ore bag out of the pit and into the wheelbarrow and no wonder! The sack weighed in on the official scale at 81.5 pounds. Schnetz said he trained regularly for the race by wearing 20-pound weights and running up Mt. Murphy in Coloma, an elevation of 1,932 feet.

El Dorado Disposal was this year’s main race sponsor. Other sponsors included Mountain F Enterprises (Kids Race), Joe Vicini (Youth Girls Race), High Sierra Industries (Youth Boys Race), Thompsons Family of Dealerships (Teenage girls Race), Parker Development (Teenage Boys Race), Sierra Pacific Industries (High School Challenge), J.A. Snyder Pacific West (Women’s Championship Race), El Dorado Disposal (Mens Championship Race.)

All finishers received a T-shirt and youth girls and boys first, second and third place finishers received medals. Teen boys and girls first place finishers received $100, second place $50 and third place received a medal. The high school challenge team first place winners received $200, $50 for second place and a medal for third place. Men’s and Women’s first place winners received a $1,000 prize, a belt buckle and their name on the historical trophy, second place $300, $200 for third place and $100 for fourth place finishers.

Continued from A4

was nearly $1 million. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Delaney and J. Douglas Harman are prosecuting the case. Chartraw is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb on Sept. 28. Chartraw faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

naturally in the wild as opposed to staying overwinter in a facility, which can be costly and difficult to do. It means less time in rehabilitation and less opportunity to get comfortable around humans,” said Dr. Heather Perry, CDFW’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Program coordinator. “We were able to work together to release these healthy young animals back to the wild where they belong. It highlights the important and unique role of wildlife rehabilitators — and wildlife rehabilitation by its very definition — in the conservation of California’s native wildlife.”

The releases were made possible by CDFW’s wildlife rehabilitation partners with support from the CDFW Wildlife Health Lab and veterinary staff who provided health assessments prior to release. CDFW decided to test the fall bear releases after noting the success of fall releases in other western states, specifically Nevada and Washington.

“Bears are incredibly resilient. They have an innate behavior to find shelter when snow starts to accumulate on the ground,” said Alexia Ronning, CDFW Environmental Scientist and Tahoe bear specialist. “They teach us all the time that we need to trust their ability to survive on the landscape.”

CDFW provides year-round education, outreach and community support on living responsibly with black bears and recreating in bear country through its affiliations with the Tahoe Interagency Bear Team and BearWise. Preventing black bears from accessing trash, human food sources and other attractants is key to preventing humanbear conflicts.

Race Results

Youth Girls Race

1. Allyanna Carroll

2. Emilie Newman

3. Katrina Vaughn

Youth Boys Race

1. Luke Chamberlain 2. Giovanni Robles

3. Knox Smith

Teen Girls Race

1. Lucia Smith

2. Cora Alterton

3. Merrwyn Padovan

Teen Boys Race

1. Tucker Hoel

2. Dean Anderson

3. William Newman

High School Relay

1. Maxim Esteve and Jeret Carlson

(Union Mine High School)

2. Dylan Kelley and Nolan Maier

(Oak Ridge High School)

3. Jacob Arthur and Liam Trifiro

(Ponderosa High School)

Women’s Championship Race

1. Makenzie Snyder

2. Hannah Rothman

3. Miriam Wickham

4. Mila Olson

Men’s Championship Race

1. Zachary Schnetz

2. David Ross

3. Evan Vaughn

4. Andrel Marinez

Announcements

AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 334-2970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot.com

PLAY CRIBBAGE – 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.

Grief support: Green Valley Community Church provides caring support through: • Grief share classes • Suicide loss support group • Memorials year round, Visit our website: www.greenvalley.church/outreach or call 530-622-3231.

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.

Do you have an announcement that you would like to include here?

Contact Elizabeth Hansen (530) 344-5028 or ehansen@mtdemocrat.net

COMICS

ARIES (March 21-April 19).You’ve traversed this territory

long enough to understand two things at once: Having goals and direction is helpful, but obsessing over the result can make you miss the enjoyment and the opportunity to learn from what’s happening along the way.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). In the same way a certain smell can unlock a forgotten room in your memory, today’s encounter will reconnect you to a part of yourself you have not visited in years. All that you carry inside you has a purpose and a reason.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’ll experience a relationship with unusual magnetism. Attraction thrives in mystery. Enjoy the electricity without rushing to conclusions. This one needs time to develop. Time will tell what’s real and what stays in the realm of fantasy.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Wins and losses are just temporary circumstances, but character is the thread through all of it. The moves you make today are for the win, not because they will strategically guarantee a prize but because they reflect your stellar soul.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). It’s not arrogant to recognize what makes you special. Because you understand your own uniqueness, you’re able to see and acknowledge the uniqueness in others. Today, you’re careful to see people as individuals instead of lumping them into categories or types.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Maybe there are no past mistakes, only past ways of doing things that turned out to be suboptimal. You’re doing it better because you know better, and tomorrow you’ll know even more, thanks to your stellar attitude and forward motion.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Considering the daily bombardment of messages telling us what we should want, it’s easy to give into societies strong suggestions. For your true wants, turn inward, noticing what fascinates, delights, intrigues and satisfies you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Around certain people, you hardly have to explain yourself. This easy compatibility is among your favorite blessings. You’ve been around enough difficult people to realize the value and possibility that comes from relationships that fit your life well.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Pause, reassess and reorder priorities. It’s all part of setting yourself up for success. It takes time but doesn’t waste time. Every preparation, each rehearsal and all the reps you do to practice will pay off when it’s go time.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your imagination is always collaborating with reality. Today, your creative gears will lock in and turn an ordinary event into something much more promising — maybe even epic. At the very least, you’ll create a compelling story.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’re starting with the end in mind today. You’ll make sure you have the resources and permissions needed to finish a project before you ever start it.

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

SUDOKU

OPINION

California Matters

The downside of using minimum wage hikes to offset the state’s high living costs

There are three immutable aspects of economic life in California today.

No. 1, Californians face the nation’s highest cost of living. It is 11% higher than the national average, according to the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis, including rents 53% higher than average and utilities 63% higher. It’s why California also has the nation’s highest poverty rate.

No. 2, the high cost of living, especially for housing, is the most important factor in the out-migration of Californians to other states. It has led to a net loss of 900,000 people since 2015, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

No. 3, California’s unemployment rate, currently 5.3% of its labor force, has been among the highest of any state for the last half-decade, with more than a million jobless workers. It rises to 10.1% when it’s broadened to discouraged job seekers and those who work part-time but want full employment. This alternative measure is also the nation’s highest.

The response to these economic conditions from the state’s mostly Democratic politicians has been an amalgam of high-concept policy changes, one-time or short-term allocations of relief money and micro-managing wages.

This may be a circular economic ring squad. Higher wages can lead to higher consumer costs, which increases pressure for higher wages …

Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature, for example, have enacted dozens of laws and administrative directives aimed at making it easier to build new housing, especially for low- and moderate-income families and, in theory, tempering housing costs.

However, the actual rate of new housing construction of all kinds has been stuck at about 100,000 units a year. Newsom’s latest state budget projects only fractional gains, to about 115,000 units, through 2030.

When the budget’s revenues allow — or at least appear to allow — the state has appropriated funds for direct relief to Californians mired in poverty,

■ See WALTERS, page A7

The Rural Life

Letter to the Editor

Thanks to the community

EDITOR:

On behalf of the members of the Georgetown Friends of the Library, I would like to thank local voters for passing Measure C with an extraordinary 71% vote. Measure C puts in place a basic funding stream for library services for the next 20 years, assuring citizens on the Georgetown Divide that the library will remain a vibrant part of our

community. Thank you for your wholehearted generosity in looking toward the future and providing the gift of literacy to generations yet to come.

President, Georgetown Friends of the Library

When a smart dog’s actions make you feel a bit dumb

In most ways, I do believe I’m smarter than my dog. But sometimes I have to wonder.

The other day, I was headed to my home o ce in the morning, walking down the hallway that leads to the o ce door. As usual, my good dog Gia (a border collie/blue heeler mix I’ve written about before) was bounding down the hallway in front of me.

JENNIFER FORSBERG MEYER

Then, not as usual, she hit the brakes and began backing up. I looked on the ﬂoor to see what might’ve spooked her. (She’s a timid soul. A large ﬂy buzzing around can unnerve her.)

“There’s nothing there, silly,” I told her. “C’mon.”

She gave me an unhappy look and shifted her weight backward, clearly signaling “uh-uh.”

This really IS silly, I thought. To coax her forward, I opened the door into the o ce, turned to face her and began backing up into the o ce, trying to draw her toward me. Still she signaled “No way!” At

that point my thinking brain ﬁnally kicked in: This is a smart dog. She wouldn’t be doing this for no reason. So I stopped backing up and turned around. And there, right on the o ce ﬂoor, inches away from where my bare heel had just been, was a baby rattlesnake. It apparently had slipped in under a di erent door that leads to the outside.

Regular readers of this column may recall that Gia participated in a rattlesnake-aversion clinic a few years ago. An experienced trainer led her past live rattlesnakes wearing tiny muzzles, then past a burlap bag containing rattlesnake skins. At the closest point to each, Gia received a zap from the electric collar she’d been ﬁtted with.

Though not horrible, the zap was uncomfortable enough to convince any dog that the sight, sound and scent of a rattlesnake are to be avoided at all costs.

At the time, the trainer told us that rattlesnakes have a distinctive odor that dogs can distinguish from all other reptiles. This must be true,

Our goal in having Gia “snake trained” in the rst place was to keep her safe. Rattlesnake bites are among the most painful and potentially deadly of the estimated 150,000 venomous snake bites su ered by pets each year in the U.S.

because Gia ﬁnds her joy in life by chasing and barking at lizards, then sni ng where they’ve just been (she’s never caught one). Without that aversion training, when she scented the rattler in my o ce, she might’ve thought, Hmmm … this smells interesting. Is this another crawly critter I can have fun chasing?

I know it was scent that alerted her because, as you’ll recall, the door to the o ce was shut when she started backing away, so she couldn’t have seen the snake. But a ﬂoor fan was blowing in the o ce, wafting the snake’s scent to her from under the door.

Our goal in having Gia “snake trained” in the ﬁrst place was to keep her safe. Rattlesnake bites are among the most painful and potentially deadly of the estimated 150,000 venomous snake bites su ered by pets each year in the U.S. Thus the unpleasantness of the aversion training can potentially save a dog from much, much greater anguish

later on.

So I knew the training would help her avoid a snake bite, but I never thought that advantage might extend to me as well. I researched this possible side beneﬁt and the experts agreed on their response, which was, basically, “sometimes, maybe, it depends.”

“We’re not necessarily creating rattlesnake detection dogs,” reports the website for Rattlesnake Ready, a professional snake-aversion training facility in Cave Creek, Ariz. It notes that trained dogs do sometimes inadvertently alert their owners to snakes (especially if, unlike me, the owners are paying thoughtful attention to their dog’s behavior), but it’s not something you can rely on.

“Rattlesnakes are extremely cryptic animals that are good at eluding potential predators, including your dog,” cautions Rattlesnake Ready. “Even the best trained dog

■ See FORSBERG MEYER, page A7

DAN WALTERS

Walters Continued from A6

Increasingly, state and local officials also have responded to ever-increasing costs of living by increasing minimum wages.

A new report from the Virginia-based Employment Policies Institute reveals that California is the most active state in setting new and higher wages for specific economic sectors. It has eight of the nation’s 10 largest local minimum wage increases taking in effect in July.

When California, after much political angst, decreed a $20 minimum wage for fast food workers three years ago and created an agency to oversee that industry’s employment conditions, it ignited a debate over impact that’s still raging.

Proponents have ginned up studies that purport to prove that the higher wages had little or no negative effects on employment and consumer prices. Critics have countered with studies saying that $20 wages forced fast food operators to raise prices and reduce their staffs.

Newsom and the Legislature also set higher wages for healthcare industry employees. Local city and county officials have decreed new wage levels for particular economic segments, such as the hotel industry in Los Angeles and amusement parks in San Diego.

The Los Angeles City Council set a $30 minimum wage for hotel and airport workers

Meyer Continued from A6

can completely miss a well-hidden snake when the wind isn’t in their favor and the snake isn’t rattling.”

Duly noted. I’m glad the “wind” was in our favor that day, and you can bet I’ll think twice before pooh-poohing my dog’s “silly” behavior in the future.

NOTE: For information on rattlesnake-aversion training in our area, contact the Hangtown Kennel Club at its website, hangtownkc.org.

Jennifer Forsberg Meyer is a columnist with the Mountain Democrat and the author of “Friends With Four Legs.” Leave a comment for her online or, for a reply, reach her at jfmfeedback@gmail. com.

Grapes & Ivy

on the theory that travelers from elsewhere would bear the costs, but last month postponed implementation until after the 2028 Olympics. In return, the business community canceled a ballot measure to eliminate the city’s gross receipts tax, a major city revenue source.

The tactic of raising minimum wages to offset rising living costs shows no signs of abating. Currently, for example, the Service Employees International Union is sponsoring legislation, Senate Bill 1203, that would increase the training requirements for private security guards but also

empower the state Industrial Welfare Commission to set new and presumably higher minimum wages for such guards.

This may be a circular economic firing squad. Higher wages can lead to higher consumer costs, which increases pressure for higher wages and pushes those caught in the middle, trying to survive, to lower-cost states.

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

Forsberg

County General Plan, assuming development will increase traffic. Improvements funded through this program include roadway widening, roadway intersection improvements and transit.

“I said, ‘I’m trying to retire; I don’t have that kind of money to just give to you willy-nilly,’” Sheetz said of his initial interaction with county officials. “But I was already into the property, already into the project and they kind of had me. So, I said, ‘OK.’ And then I was advised to pay it and sign a protest letter, and that’s what I did.”

Sheetz sued the county, claiming the fee violates the state’s Mitigation Fee Act, which regulates how local agencies impose fees on development to cover the costs of public facilities‚ including roadways and transportation improvements — related to new developments.

He additionally alleged the fee violates U.S. Supreme Court property issue rulings that declare that excessive fees can be a type of extortion. It was ruled in both the California Supreme Court and the California Court of Appeals that Sheetz did not have his property rights violated.

Those courts cited a state law that notes local governments are permitted to charge fees to developers to address the “increased demand for public facilities reasonably related to the development project in order to (1) refurbish existing facilities to maintain the existing level of service or (2) achieve an adopted level of service that is consistent with the general plan.”

The Pacific Legal Foundation, a Sacramentobased nonprofit public interest law firm, ultimately took Sheetz’s case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Despite a unanimous decision by that court in favor of Sheetz’s case in 2024, the California courts’ conflicting rulings left the issue unresolved.

With the latest petition to the U.S. Supreme Court having been denied, Sheetz’s attorney Brian Hodges agreed to share his thoughts on the case with the

Mountain Democrat.

“Typically, traffic impact fees in California are about $5,000 to $7,000, (and) nationally, about $3,000,” Hodges said. “And the way they’re usually calculated is you look at the number of estimated trips generated by the proposed use, and then they calculate from that (point). A single-family home, they estimate seven to nine trips a day.

“So, you have a modest contribution required based on the estimated use to maintain or upgrade the roads. Well, when Mr. Sheetz pulled his permit, they demanded $23,420, which at the time, back in 2016, was one of the largest traffic fees in the entire nation, and significantly higher than the average in California,” he continued. “Even neighboring Sacramento was only $7,000 at that time.”

Through Sheetz’s lawsuit, it was discovered why this fee was so high in El Dorado County, the attorney added.

“It winds up that the reason they were charging so much money was because the (El Dorado County) Board of Supervisors had made a couple of decisions,” he explained. “One of them was the traffic plan would be funded by new development rather than a blend of development fees and taxes, which is the way that most governments operate.

“And two, once the Board of Supervisors saw what that decision would wind up costing new commercial development, they were stunned, and they had to figure out a way to lighten the load on new commercial development.”

Hodges stressed that the TIF is not proportionately applied in El Dorado County.

“A little office building would generate several hundred trips a day, upward of 1,000 trips a day, where George Sheetz generates only like seven to nine trips a day,” he said. “You do the math.”

These conditions are unconstitutional, Hodges alleged.

“Sheetz was effectively required to pay his share

of traffic generated by, say, a new Starbucks drivethru, a new grocery store, a new bank in the town, a town over anywhere in the county, in order to get his home,” he maintained. “Well, there’s a doctrine called the (unconstitutional conditions doctrine). It says that government can’t use building permits as an opportunity to extract public benefits.”

With the announcement that the petition for the U.S. Supreme Court to hear Sheetz’s case was denied, it is unknown whether his case would have ultimately been successful.

Hodges expressed disappointment with the outcome.

“(Sheetz’s) right to build a home was successfully manipulated to extract that money from him to subsidize new commercial development,” he said. “But, worse yet, the decision in California is a big nothing because the order to depublish the opinion means that it can’t be cited, that it doesn’t constitute law.

“So, we have a big question mark, that the questions that the Supreme Court sent back for the California courts to resolve are still in need of somebody to address.”

Further complicating the matter, Hodges noted, is a separate case, Alliance for Responsible Planning v. County of El Dorado, which he stated challenged the same traffic fee program, and was declared unconstitutional.

“You’ve got these conflicting opinions between Sheetz and the Alliance for Responsible Planning, so it really leaves California law up in the air,” he said. “On the one hand, you had the court affirm this massive reallocation — and we’re talking hundreds of millions of dollars being taken off of commercial development and placed on individuals like George (Sheetz) — and then another case saying you can’t do it.

“So, it’s not good for developers and it’s not good for planners or citizens, because nobody knows what the state of the law is.”

As for Sheetz, he told the newspaper he was surprised to be involved with the case after it was reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court two years ago.

“I thought this (case) was over in 2024, when we won 9-0 at the (U.S.) Supreme Court,” he said. “Come back to California, and we go before the three Democratic judges, who had already made up their mind. And Brian (Hodges) did his best spiel, but they had already made their decision prior.

“It was just a waste of time and money, but they weren’t going to go along with it. So, anyway, we said, ‘OK, well, let’s go ahead and petition the (U.S.) Supreme Court again.’”

Sheetz, who resides in his Placerville area home with his wife Michelle, expressed his desire to move on from the legal battle and enjoy their remaining years.

“It’s just myself and my wife, and we just want to go gambling in Reno, and go vacation when we want, where we want, go on a cruise, whatever,” he said. “We just want to try to enjoy the time we have left, because you never know when your number is up.”

El Dorado County officials did not respond to the Mountain Democrat’s request for comment as of press time.

Officials warn of rising elder fraud

IRS Criminal Investigation Office of Communication News release

OAKLAND — Protecting older Americans remains a top priority for IRS Criminal Investigation, and within the last two years, the agency has seen an increase in fraudulent activity targeting the elderly. In fiscal year 2025 alone, IRS‑CI initiated 97 new elder fraud investigations and halfway into the current fiscal year, investigators have opened an additional 64 cases.

From FY 2021 through FY 2026, the agency launched 255 elder fraud investigations with alleged fraud totaling $885.86 million. $736.82 million in alleged fraud is tied to cases initiated within the last two years. Nearly 97% of IRS CI’s prosecuted cases resulted in convictions, with defendants receiving federal prison sentences averaging almost four years.

An ongoing investigation from the IRS CI Oakland Field Office is Operation Silver Shores — Criminals posing as attorneys and government officials targeted timeshare owners, many of whom were older adults, by falsely telling them they were eligible for settlement payments and then pressuring them to send money. The group moved the stolen funds through layers of shell companies and financial accounts to hide the origin of the money and shift the proceeds across the United States and abroad. Investigators have identified more than 372 victims and more than $30 million in losses, and arrests have been made as authorities continue working to recover additional assets.

Common elder fraud schemes

Criminals continue to use deceptive tactics to steal money and personal information from older adults. The most common schemes include:

• Government impersonation scams: Scammers pose as IRS or other government officials, threatening arrest unless immediate payment is made.

• Emergency scams: Fraudsters claim that a loved one is in danger and urgently needs financial help.

• Romance scams: Criminals build online relationships under false pretenses to solicit money.

• Lottery and sweepstakes fraud: Victims are told they’ve won a prize but must first pay taxes or fees.

• Investment fraud: Scammers promise high‑return, low‑risk opportunities, including Ponzi schemes and cryptocurrency scams.

• Charity scams: Fake nonprofits solicit donations, often after major disasters or tragedies.

Roads Continued from A1

analysis reports that illustrated that, the Department of Transportation felt it would be conservative to … include that into our CIP.”

El Dorado Hills resident Linda Campbell said she’d like to see the traffic studies that confirm the need for intersection improvements.

“With the analysis details and opportunity for public review, we would have a chance to question what only installing a signal at that intersection would do to surrounding traffic,” Campbell maintained. “Would it create potentially significant queuing on the Green Valley Road during peak periods? What would it do to Appian Way? Would Silva Valley being four lanes be better?”

District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin asked if DOT staff had considered a roundabout at the Appian Way/Silva Valley Parkway intersection.

“For simplicity reasons, we made the item a signalized intersection because that’s the way it was analyzed in all of the reports,” Martinez responded. “But as part of the CEQA and possibly NEPA process, once we start getting closer … that will be part of the analysis … whether it’s stop sign control only or signalized or roundabouts or any other mechanism.” Including the project now does not mean it will be immediately constructed or displace another project, the DOT director stressed; it just means the county can start collecting funds for it.

“As we have been informed by several … supervisors, citizens, stakeholders, they’d rather have the Department of Transportation include these projects so we can start collecting for them now, earlier, as opposed to waiting until five years, 10 years — just before the project is needed,” he added.

“I think that that’s something the board’s been asking for for years — to start collecting fees as soon as possible … so that we don’t come up short when it’s go time,” Parlin said. “So thank you for that.”

District 4 Supervisor George Turnboo, participating in the meeting remotely, agreed with Parlin, noting it’s also important to keep a close eye on

Red flags

IRS‑CI encourages the public to be aware. Schemes often include:

• Pressure to act immediately or keep the matter secret.

• Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency or cash.

• Unsolicited phone calls, emails, or text messages.

• Requests for sensitive personal information.

• Threats of arrest, legal action or deportation.

Protect yourself

• Hang up if someone claims to be from a government agency and asks for payment or personal information. Contact the agency directly using information from its official website.

• Slow down and verify the situation; scammers create false urgency to push victims into quick decisions.

• Protect your personal and financial information, especially in response to unsolicited messages.

• Consult a trusted family member, financial advisor, or attorney before sending money or making major financial decisions.

• Monitor financial accounts regularly and report suspicious activity immediately.

• Be cautious of new online acquaintances and verify identities before engaging further.

If you or someone you know has been victimized

Don’t be embarrassed about falling victim to a scam; these schemes have grown increasingly sophisticated.

Victims should:

• Cease contact with the scammer immediately.

• Notify their financial institution if money or account details were shared.

• Report the incident to local law enforcement or an IRS‑CI field office.

• Preserve all records, including emails, screenshots and phone numbers.

Help prevent elder fraud

Family members can play a vital role in preventing elder fraud.

• Discuss common scams openly.

• Establish trusted contacts with financial institutions.

• Watch for unusual withdrawals, sudden secrecy or new online “friends.”

• Consider power of attorney arrangements in cases of cognitive decline.

For more information or to report elder fraud contact the local IRS Criminal Investigation field office or visit IRS.gov/CI.

construction costs.

“I do want to mention, since March asphalt costs have almost doubled,” Martinez shared. “Because, as you know, it’s an oil product. So, yes, that’s why a lot of our cost estimates have gone up in our projects.”

Regarding the El Dorado Hills Boulevard overlay project, Martinez told supervisors and the public its inclusion in the CIP was related to efforts to secure federal grant funding.

“But those (grants) never came to fruition,” she said. “The Department of Transportation’s Maintenance Division had been allocating funds for the region, and we felt now was the appropriate time to bring that forward and transfer it over from our CIP into our Maintenance Division.”

Construction is planned in 2027.

“I always thought it was weird that a maintenance project was in the CIP,” Parlin noted. “So you’re saying that now it’s going to be done with SB1 funds, which is totally appropriate.”

Supervisors and the public also asked about and discussed projects on Bass Lake Road, Country Club Drive, Sly Park Road and the Tahoe Basin. The full 2026 CIP can be found attached to the June 16 board agenda, item No. 39. Visit eldorado.legistar.com/ Calendar.aspx and select 2026 Board of Supervisors.

Martinez emphasized that the county’s CIP is a dynamic program, not static.

“It changes year to year,” he said. “It depends on various conditions — conditions sometimes that we foresee, sometimes we didn’t foresee — neighboring agencies, projects that decided to come in sooner or come in later. Because it is a dynamic fluid entity, it is very critical that the Department of Transportation come in and inform the board of where it has gone since the last time we were here … and the fluidity of where it’s going.”

Traffic Impact Fees are an important funding source for the CIP. Also at the June 16 meeting, Supervisors Brooke Laine, Greg Ferrero, Brian Veerkamp, Parlin and Turnboo supported the TIF schedule’s annual update.

...to our

NEWSPAPERS IN EDUCATION sponsors

...And to our generous subscribers who donate their vacation credits to the fund.

Adco Driveline and Custom Exhaust

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El Dorado Irrigation District

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Frank’s Body Shop, Inc.

HFW Enterprises, LLC

Lake Oaks Mobile Home Community

Mattress by Appointment Placerville

Mountain Roofing Systems

Sierra Valley Enterprises, LLC

Triangle Well Drilling

Western Sign Co., Inc.

The Mountain Democrat’s Newspapers in Education program (NIE) was established in 2002 to provide and educational service arm for the newspaper.

NIE’s goal is to assist schools, teachers and parents in developing future readers who can use the newspaper to enrich their own lives and participate responsibly in their community, state and nation.

Not only does the Mountain Democrat provide valuable information on a wide range of topics daily, it also can be used as a resource for teaching numerous skills to various age groups and in many different disciplines. It helps students connect classroom lessons to the real world around them and develop a positive and

relevant lifetime reading habit. A study released by the Newspaper Association of America Foundation shows data indicating students in NIE programs do 10 percent better on standardized tests and that significant increases in student performances occur, especially in middle schools.

Donations from our sponsors allow our educators to order the newspaper for their classrooms free of charge. These sponsorships contribute to literacy and allow thousands of teachers and students in El Dorado County to learn from a living textbook, the Mountain Democrat, and develop a life-long reading habit that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Please show these sponsors your support for the program by patronizing their businesses.

Rodeo stars in the making

photos by Shelly Thorene

Waylon Burns, 6, left, and Jarret Kargl, 7, left photo,

the Pee Wee Rodeo on June 18. Junior Miss El Dorado Delani Bauer, 13, of Camino, middle photo, watches

Josie Kent, 7, of Shingle Springs as she hoists a hay bale into a wagon. Other events in the Pee Wee Rodeo included Dummy Roping, Goat Milking, Stick Horse Barrel Racing and a Flag Race. Alden Stover, 4, of Placerville, right photo, practices his roping skills in the Pee Wee Rodeo before the contest with help from dad Shawn, left.

Doctors even tell us that laughter can help sick people heal more quickly. All in all, a smile is very powerful.

Cut out the word balloons below and paste them in the correct order on the comic strip above.

In a pot there are two kinds of food. What is it?

There are jokes from all over the world. What can you learn about people by reading their jokes? Draw your own comic strip using this joke from Martinique.

I have built my house without any door. What is it?

How many silly things can you circle in this picture?

Why does a crane raise one leg when he stands in the water?

Put the words in the right order to discover the answer to this joke from Poland.

How many smiles can you find on this page?

With a friend, take turns doing each of the activities below. How long can you hold a serious expression without laughing as your friend does one of these? Then switch and see if they can keep from smiling or laughing as you

What is a small, white chest that all know how to open and nobody knows how to close?

What is more useful when it is broken?

What is an entire little house without a door?

These jokes are from all over the world and the answer to each joke is the same thing. Can you guess what it is?

or as you perform the activity

In a bowl of china fixed, two liquids with colors unmixed. What is it?

Have you figured out the answer? If not, color all the boxes with odd numbers. Read the letters that are left and you will know the answer.

Superlative Fun

Look through the newspaper for three happy pictures. Label one “Happy,” one “Happier,” and one “Happiest.” Repeat this game with other words.

We all want the best for our aging parents. When we start to notice changes in their daily routines, like di culty with household tasks, missing meals, or becoming increasingly isolated, it may be time to start talking about Assisted Living.

Tips for talking with your loved ones about Assisted Living: Choose the right moment | Be honest and empathetic | Listen actively Provide information | Reassure their independence

Most importantly, take it step-by-step. Frame the conversation as the beginning of an ongoing discussion, rather than a nal decision. is allows time for adjustment and further exploration together.

NEWS, IN THE KNOW

El Dorado Rose crowned for 2026

— A rose is sweet by any name —

or visit harriscenter.net.

June 25

Senior Helpers, Cameron Park will host the Caregiver and Person Living with Dementia Support Group, 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Gilmore Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills. The El Dorado

Andrew Vonderschmitt Features editor

Averitable bouquet of Roses and Rose enthusiasts gathered on Thursday evening inside the Imagination Theater on the opening day of the El Dorado County Fair for the annual El Dorado Rose Pageant. A tradition that has endured for 50 years since the sobriquet, “El Dorado Rose” ﬁrst came out of founder Dottie Ingram-Williams’ mouth.

Celebrating its Golden Jubilee, the pageant had some added glitz, pomp and, of course, circumstance this year. Ingram-Williams took to the stage lauding those who had continued the tradition and predicting many years to come.

Gavin Prophet + The Numinous + Bad to Worse + Mammoth Motel + Dwight Anthony will perform, 6:30-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com. Historical Murer House in Folsom presents its Learning Center Fundraising Dinner at Bacchus House Wine Bar & Bistro at 6 p.m. For more information visit murerhousefoundation.org.

June 26

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.

■ See KNOW, page B5

The pageant, however, had more business to attend to — the crowning of the 2026 El Dorado Rose. Three ladies were up for the top spot and each took a moment to take the stage in a promenade welcoming friends, family and fans.

Current Rose Court member, Gail Butler; Enchanted Forest sponsee, Nancy Ehrlich; and American Legion sponsee, Pamela Henderson each took a stroll and told the audience a little about themselves.

Sponsored by the American Sewing Guild, Butler is a longtime volunteer with organizations including the El Dorado County Master Gardeners, Placerville Garden Club and local historical groups. She hopes to use her marketing background to promote the Rose program and county history.

Ehrlich, sponsored by Enchanted Forest, has volunteered with schools, veterans organizations and numerous community groups during her

Mountain Democrat photos by Andrew Vonderschmitt

Three little roses: Gail Butler, Pamela Henderson and Nancy Erlich, from left, await the judges' tally.

Above, The 2026 El Dorado Rose, Gail Butler greets her fans during her celebratory promenade. Middle left, 2013 Rose Dolores Wadsworth embodies Dolly Parton and serenades El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf. Middle right, El Dorado Rose Founder,

Dottie Ingram-Williams, delivers remarks at the 2026 pageant. Below, Choral Conductor Kent Miller, center, and the Gold Rush

Chorus take the audience on a musical journey ending with “America the Beautiful.”

County Chamber of Commerce gets new board members

The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce welcomes incoming Board of Directors members Siri Nelson, Kim Stoll and Dan Stricklin.

Siri Nelson

Nelson is president and chief executive officer of Marshall, an independent nonprofit health care provider serving El Dorado County. A seasoned health care executive with more than 30

years of experience in rural health care, Nelson is known for her commitment to strengthening community health systems and advancing patient-centered care. Nelson is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and earned a Master of Health Administration from the University of Southern California. Prior to joining Marshall, she served as CEO of Renown South Meadows Medical Center in Reno, Nevada, and as chief administrative officer for

Sutter Lakeside Hospital in Lakeport. Nelson has held numerous leadership roles at the state and national levels, including serving as chair of the California Hospital Association, chair of the American Hospital Association’s Rural Health Services Committee and chair of the Hospital Council of Northern and Central California. She is an active member of the Women’s Fund El Dorado and a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts of America.

Kim Stoll

Stoll is an accomplished marketing professional with more than a decade of experience as director of marketing and communication for the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. Early in her career, Stoll served in executive positions in the hotel-casino industry. She also served as director of marketing for a hospital in the Reno-Sparks area. Stoll currently serves on the Marshall Hospital Board. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in political science from the University of Nevada.

Dan Stricklin

Stricklin, P.E., serves as manager of hydro assets for Sacramento Municipal Utility District, where he oversees a hydroelectric portfolio generating nearly 700 megawatts of renewable energy, supplying approximately 20% of Sacramento’s electric load. With 19 years of experience at SMUD, Stricklin leads critical areas including hydro dam safety, engineering maintenance, hydro licensing and recreational compliance requirements. His leadership supports the reliable operation and long-term sustainability

of SMUD’s hydroelectric infrastructure. Stricklin earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from California State University, Sacramento, and is a licensed professional engineer. The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce extends its appreciation to Dolly Wager for her long-term service as she leaves the Board of Directors. Joining the board in 1999, Wager holds the distinction of being the longestserving member of the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Learn more about the chamber at eldoradocounty.org.

Free State Park historian pass available

SACRAMENTO — In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a special edition of the California State Parks Historian Passport, available free to download through July 6. The Historian Passport can be used for free admission at more than 30 historical state parks throughout California for the remainder of the calendar year.

“California State Parks help us understand the history of California, the United States and the ongoing work of building a more inclusive democracy,” said Rachel Norton, executive director of California State Parks Foundation. “The special edition Historian Passport is a great opportunity to explore state parks for free. We hope access to the Historian Passport encourages more Californians to visit a historic state park and learn about and reflect on our shared history.”

The free pass, typically $50, is made possible by California State Parks Foundation and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation. California State Parks Foundation said the effort is intended to help ensure cost is not a barrier to connecting people with these historical sites. While park fees remain an important part of supporting the park system, programs like this aim to create broader public access.

Through July 6, Californians can download the pass free and use it for unlimited visits to participating state parks through Dec. 31. An account with ReserveCalifornia. com, California State Parks’ official reservation service, is required to download the pass. The pass allows admission for up to four people.

has supported similar access initiatives, including a free-admission day at more than 200 state parks on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The organization also supports the California State Library Parks Pass, which provides free vehicle access to more than 200 state parks for library cardholders.

“Initiatives like the special edition Historian Passport, free entry on MLK Day and the Library Parks Pass help ensure cost is never a barrier to experiencing California’s state parks,” Norton said. “We will continue to support efforts that expand access to these public spaces.”

The participating parks highlight California’s cultural, political and social history, from Gold Rush-era communities to military landmarks, missions and museums. They include: Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park in northeastern Los Angeles County offers exhibits focused on Native peoples of the Great Basin and highlights Indigenous communities along a historic trade corridor.

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park in the Central Valley preserves the legacy of a town founded, financed and governed by Black Americans in the early 20th century.

Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park in the Sierra Nevada foothills east of Jackson contains the largest collection of bedrock mortars in North America and features the Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum.

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma west of Sacramento reflects on the Gold Rush and its impact on California, including the displacement of the Nisenan and Foothill Miwok peoples and the arrival of more than 300,000 settlers and miners.

“California’s state historic parks preserve some of our nation’s most powerful and meaningful stories, and I’m proud to live in a state that celebrates diversity and connects more people with those stories through this limited-time free pass,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “I hope the free Historian Passport introduces more Californians to the state’s historic gems and sparks curiosity that leads to return visits. I thank Gov. Newsom and the First Partner for their support of State Parks, and I thank our partners, California State Parks Foundation and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, for supporting this effort.” California State Parks Foundation

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown southeast of Sacramento preserves the historical Jamestown Shops and Roundhouse, an operational steam locomotive repair facility dating to 1897.

To download the pass, visit ReserveCalifornia.com/passes/ advancepasses.

California State Parks Foundation, an independent, member-supported nonprofit with more than 50 years of history, works to protect and preserve California’s state park system. The organization partners with park staff, policymakers and communities to support access and long-term stewardship of parks. Learn more at calparks.org.

grooming and care and have the opportunity to try sports such as agility, rally and scent work. The camp also includes a craft session where children learn to make toys and treats for their dogs. For families with more children than dogs, Competition K9 has a limited number of loaner dogs available so everyone can participate. For more information call (530) 620-3000 or visit compk9.net/events.

Siri Nelson Kim Stoll

Dolly Wager

News release

Ann Chambers

Placerville Shakespeare Club

The Placerville Shakespeare Club recently hosted its annual scholarship tea, celebrating this year’s local scholarship recipients with their families and friends.

To qualify for the competitive awards, applicants from local high schools must meet rigorous academic standards, demonstrate strong citizenship and show active involvement in school and community activities. Each student also submits an essay outlining future academic and career goals.

Scholarship recipients

• Carringham Wycko — Paciﬁc Coast Academy

• Ashley Garcia — El Dorado High School

• Paige Fletcher — Ponderosa High School

• Maggie McGaughey — El Dorado High School

• Victoria Biseno — El Dorado High School

• Jasmoor Khaira — Oak Ridge High School

• Elliana Escobar — Ponderosa High School

• Grace Xu — Ponderosa High School

• Joleen Berendi — Oak Ridge High School

• Josselyn DiazBrambila — Union Mine High School

Karen Baker — El Dorado High School

• Olivia Beckett — El Dorado High School

• Raygen Mo ett El Dorado High School

Scholarship Chairwoman Betty Ackley highlighted the historical nature of this year’s awards and the community support that made them possible.

“Through the generosity of our members, the Shakespeare Club was able to fund 13 scholarships of $2,000 each for local students,” Ackley said. “This is the largest amount donated in our history to assist these exceptional, talented and deserving young women as they continue their education.”

The ambitions of this year’s recipients reﬂect a strong commitment to service. The students plan to pursue careers in nursing, teaching, medicine and criminology, including future service with the FBI.

Placerville Shakespeare Club

Founded in 1897, the Shakespeare Club is one of California’s oldest continuously operating women’s clubs. The organization has a long tradition of supporting higher education, awarding its ﬁrst youth scholarship in 1929.

The scholarship program is named in honor of Mary Elizabeth “Mollie” Hurd, a pioneering social worker and early supporter of the Shakespeare Club. Today, the program continues through member donations, an annual fundraiser and legacy gifts. Learn more about the Placerville Shakespeare Club at placervilleshakespeare.com.

California, 95619 Application Process:

Since 1981, we have been leading the way in affordable rental housing with one goal: to create stable, vibrant, and healthy communities.

This new multifamily housing community will include 65 affordable rental apartments for families, with 15 homes reserved for veterans and formerly homeless individuals. The community will include 20 one-bedroom, 27 two-bedroom, and 18 three-bedroom apartments with rents affordable to households with incomes ranging from 30% to 60% of the Area Median Income.

Amenities & Services:

• Playground

• Indoor lounge

• Laundry center

• Courtyard

• Community space

Application Process:

• On-site parking

Pre-Applicatio ns period begins 9 a. m.,

• Resident services

• On-site property management

in the order received, foll o wing all l ottery applican ts. Pre-Applicati ons can be obtained in p erson from our t e mporary leasing office, locate d at White Rock Village, 2 20 0 Valley View Parkway, El Dorad o H i lls, 95762,

Pre-Applicatio ns period begins 9 a. m., May 14, 2 026 and ends 1p.m., May 2 9, 2026. Pre-Appl ications received after the lottery dead l ine of 1:00 p.m. o n Friday, May 29, w ill be p l aced on the wai tlist in the order received, foll o wing all l ottery applican ts. Pre-Applicati ons can be obtained in p erson from our t e mporary

office, locate d at White Rock Village, 2 20 0 Valley View

El Dorad o H i lls, CA,

Courtesy photo

Scholarship recipients gather during the Placerville Shakespeare Club’s annual scholarship tea. Front row, from left, are Karen Baker, Ashley Garcia, Josselyn Diaz-Brambila and Paige Fletcher. Back row, from left, are Olivia Beckett, Maggie McGaughey, Elliana Escobar, Raygen Moffett and Joleen Berendi.

Houseplant care

Gardeners like the color green. Green gardens filled with flowers and vegetables, or splashes of green from houseplants, can bring tranquility to a hectic day.

Most houseplants have a tropical heritage and thrive when provided the right location and care. Selecting the right plant for

your home depends on the plant’s needs. Houseplants might be small when purchased, but like babies, they will continue to grow. Locate a plant in an area spacious enough for it to grow and mature. Each houseplant has five basic needs, and providing correct lighting, temperature, humidity, water and fertilization will help keep it healthy. Correct lighting for

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

houseplants is very important. Plant species have different light requirements. Light ranges are low, medium, high and direct. A houseplant with a low-light requirement should be 15 to 20 feet away from a window, while another plant might tolerate direct window exposure. In the home, daylight changes seasonally, and at times a plant’s location might need to be adjusted.

Adjusting the heater or air conditioner provides us comfort. Houseplants prefer a consistent temperature. Plant variety determines temperature-range tolerance. Cool ranges from 40 to 50 degrees, intermediate from 60 to 70 degrees and warm 75 degrees or higher. Houseplants should

not be located near an air vent because of their sensitivity to temperature fluctuations.

Heating and cooling can decrease the home’s humidity level. Low humidity levels can harm tropical houseplants. A few adjustments can be made to provide houseplants with additional humidity. Placing plants on a tray with pebbles and water can increase humidity. Grouping plants together keeps moisture levels a bit higher. Finally, periodically spraying plants with a fine water mist adds moisture. Cacti and succulents are good houseplant choices for very dry areas.

Houseplant water needs vary. Too much or too little water can kill plants or cause erratic growth. Adhering to a set watering schedule is difficult because of variations in plant needs. A good rule to follow is to water a plant when 1 inch of soil at the top of the pot dries out. Don’t allow water

to pool in the saucer. Keep plant “feet” dry; otherwise, the plant might succumb to root rot.

Houseplants need periodic fertilization to remain healthy. Soil nutrients are lost from potted plants more quickly than from in-ground plants. Use fertilizers made for indoor plants and always follow label directions. Fertilize plants with new growth, and don’t fertilize when a plant is resting in winter. Periodic deep watering will help wash away salt deposits that build up from fertilizers. Place the pot in the sink and allow water to gently flow through the soil.

Houseplants are not immune to dust in the home. Leaves should be carefully washed a few times each year by spraying them with water. African violets can’t tolerate wet leaves and need to be gently dusted with a soft brush.

Check your plants regularly for pests and disease. Remove dead leaves and dried flowers. Some houseplants are toxic to pets, and the internet is a useful tool for checking the toxicity of a specific houseplant. 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) 621-5512.

For more information about UC Master Food Preserver classes, events and food preserving resources visit ucanr. edu/site/ucce-masterfood-preservers-centralsierra.

Stage Nine unveils The Paperworks

SACRAMENTO — Stage Nine

Entertainment will officially unveil The Paperworks, a newly renovated mixed-use building at the Old Sacramento Waterfront, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for 11 a.m. June 26 at 1115 Front St.

The building, formerly the historical Blake, Moffitt & Towne Paper Company building, has been transformed into a 26,000-squarefoot destination dedicated to craft, culture and hands-on experiences. The opening celebration will also introduce “Death by Natural Causes,” the first touring exhibition presented in the space, which opens to the public June 27.

“At Stage Nine, our creative and dedicated exhibits crew is constantly exploring what is possible and looking for incredible and immersive concepts from all over the world to introduce here at the Old Sacramento Waterfront,” said Stage Nine founder Troy Carlson. “With so much momentum happening here in the district, The Paperworks building filled with local merchants and our new exhibition space add even more energy that elevate the visitor experience to entirely new levels of engagement.”

Located adjacent to the Stage Nine family of specialty retail stores, The Paperworks combines workshops, specialty retail, curated events and traveling exhibitions while preserving the building’s historic character.

The building is home to several local businesses, many owned by first-time entrepreneurs. Businesses located in The

Paperworks include the Back Door Lounge on the underground level, accessible through Firehouse Alley, which is now open. On the street level, with entrances on Front Street, Big VIP Clothing, DearSisa Boutique and Wanderland Gift Shop are open, while The Paperworks Shop opened June 22. EcoPress Sacramento, Panopoly Fine Art and Wild Sisters Book Co. are scheduled to open June 27, followed by Carnal Flora on Aug. 2. The upper level will feature the exhibition “Death by Natural Causes,” opening June 27.

Created by the Houston Museum of Natural Science and Stage 9 Exhibits, “Death by Natural Causes” explores some of the natural world’s most surprising and misunderstood dangers through authentic specimens, immersive graphics and interactive displays.

The family-friendly exhibition examines poisonous, venomous and toxic organisms and materials, while separating scientific fact from common myths and urban legends. Visitors will encounter specimens ranging from mushrooms, snakes and spiders to familiar foods and plants, learning how seemingly harmless elements of the natural world can pose risks.

The exhibition is organized into five themed zones and is designed to support STEM education, natural history learning and family engagement.

Open daily and recommended for ages 8 and older, the exhibition will remain on display through Jan. 3, 2027.

For more information about The Paperworks, visit thepaperworksoldsac.com.

Photo by Anne Bettencourt

Splashes of green from houseplants, can bring tranquility to a hectic day.

Anne Bettencourt UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County

Traci Rockefeller Cusack News release

California’s first wine and how it almost disappeared

Mission Angelica is an exclusive, bornin-California fortiﬁed wine with deep roots in early California history, particularly the Gold Rush era. Some historians credit its wide popularity during the Gold Rush with helping usher in California’s wine industry, one of the most admired wineproducing regions in the world.

The mission grape, which is the base of Angelica, was introduced to California by Franciscan padres in the 1700s as they built a mission network that snaked north from the San Diego area to the Bay Area. Until a few years after the discovery of gold, there were no roads, just wagon tracks, horse trails and footpaths. A journey from San Diego to Monterey could take weeks on horseback, and that would be the fastest “vehicle.” Wine made from mission grapes spoiled easily in these conditions, and that’s why Angelica was created. It preserved the wine.

The angelica recipe

To keep mission grape wine from spoiling, it was fortiﬁed with brandy. The recipe called for 3 gallons of unfermented grape juice to 1 gallon of 180-proof brandy, then left to age in a barrel. The result was a practical, sweet wine that could travel well, age gracefully and possess about an 18% alcohol level. Most production was limited to sacramental use as there wasn’t much of a market until gold was discovered and triggered the largest mass migration in history.

In the years between 1848 and 1855, California’s population went from about 7,500 to well over 300,000, a 3,900% increase. During this time, mission angelica, the ﬁrst true wine in California, was celebrated everywhere by all social levels. By the late 1800s, European immigrants brought in grapes

possessing superior structure, nuance and mutability. By now, wines could be stored in wine caves and the greatly increased population density meant shorter delivery distances. The mission grape did not compare to the likes of cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel and chardonnay, grapes that needed no fortiﬁcation. Although angelica was commonly seen in elegant decanters in parlors and stout brown bottles on the shelves of bars and cabin kitchens, wines made from European grapes became the overwhelming style and the mission grape market declined. During the early 20th century, most of the mission vineyards disappeared, but the mission vine is extremely hardy and it never completely went away. Today, a small community of vintners in the Sierra foothills and Amador County have brought back the mission grape and recreated Mission Angelica, keeping it authentic to the original recipe while also upgrading it to modern standards. They preserve this important piece of California history because it is really the story of the beginning of California wine. The local producers I know about are Skinner Vineyards & Winery, Toogood Estate, Miraﬂores Winery, Everhart Cellars and Cappelli Wine in downtown Placerville. Does it age well?

According to the Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo, in 1968 an 83-year-old bottle of Mission Angelica was discovered, tasted and declared a superb dessert wine. Eric Costa relates a similar story when an 1875 bottle of Angelica was opened

Know Continued from B1

CASA El Dorado will host its second annual Summer Soiree, Celebrating Brighter

Tomorrows at Riva Grill in South Lake Tahoe at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit casaeldorado.

org.

Art on Center, the Center for Native, Latino and Indigenous Art at 3182 Center St. in Placerville will host a Closing Reception for Jaime Briseño’s exhibit Internally Speaking at 6 p.m. To learn more email artoncenteredc@gmail.com.

Myka Estates, 3405 Carson Court in Placerville, is having Wine Bingo from 5-7 p.m. Think you know a lot about wine? Play

Pageant

in 1977. Costa noted, “It was found to have developed a deep amber color and very intensely ﬂavored.”

Does Mission Angelica hold up to modern tastes? It won “Best of Class” in the San Francisco Wine Competition fortiﬁed/ dessert wine category for Carey and Mike Skinner in 2024 and again in 2026.

I must confess that I never cared for sweet dessert wines until Marco Cappelli, owner of the Cappelli Wine in downtown Placerville, sat me down with his version of angelica. Cappelli is a passionate evangelist for angelica and has a long pedigree in the wine industry, beginning at UC Davis with a degree in fermentation, then apprenticing in Italian and French wineries before spending years in Napa making wine. He eventually established himself in El Dorado County as a winemaker, shop owner and winery consultant.

The ﬁrst thing I noticed was the neck of the bottle catching a rich amber tone in the shop’s window that deepened as it gathered in the glass, revealing a deep redwood forest sunset. Cappelli poured me a glass and all those brown and red tones lit up. It looks gorgeous, but how would it taste?

With my ﬁrst sip I knew I was in another country: plank boardwalks, stone hearths, old smoke, cowboy co ee, caramel and just a wisp of sarsaparilla. The mild sweetness danced

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 di erent 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 to play go to mykaestates.com/ reservation/type/wine-bingo.

Four Barrel will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 8 p.m. to midnight. For more

Continued from B1

information visit redhawkcasino. com.

The DeadBeats — Grateful Dead recreation will perform, 8-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom. com.

MoonPay X Games will take place at Cal Expo Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information visit calexpo.com.

through it all. Then I took a bite of almond biscotti and it was such a perfect pairing it almost caught ﬁre. I know it is just my imagination, but I could feel what it must have been like to sit down after a long, aching day of hard labor, dirt, rocks, bad weather and never-enough-done and sip something that came straight out of the beauty in the world.

If you want to pair food more in step with the California mission era, I’d recommend pecan pie, ﬁg tart, crème brûlée or dark chocolate. I’ll meet you back at the river.

Peter Mead was an award-winning strategic copywriter in Los Angeles for decades. When he moved to El Dorado County four years ago with his two cats, he fell in love with the foothill wine culture. He continues on a journey of wine discovery in the region.

went to Butler and Henderson before the big moment. First Court went to Erlich while second court went to Henderson and Butler was named 2026 El Dorado Rose.

Butler and her court can be seen at ribbon cuttings, historical events and anywhere the community gathers throughout El Dorado County over the next year.

The So a in Sacramento presents IN A NUTSHELL: Storytelling Series at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 443■ See KNOW, page B7 Stay

Photo by Peter Mead

Mission Angelica in bottles and a tasting at Cappelli wine.

We’ve launched a new digital

If you’re not loving your current

In the Shasta-Trinity National Forest near McCloud, California, you’ll find Fowlers Campground, nestled beside the McCloud River Trail. This scenic route features three stunning waterfalls — Lower, Middle and Upper Falls. Each can be accessed directly via parking lots and dayuse areas, or you can choose one and enjoy a beautiful day hike connecting all three. Since spring wasn’t quite giving way to summer, I extended the waterfall season with a drive to Siskiyou County. Highway 89 is a lovely route, with open meadows and mountain views. I began at Lower Falls, parking at the spacious day-use area, which includes restrooms, picnic tables, and plenty of parking. I chose this starting point so the return trip would be downhill.

Lower Falls in the wet season is a spectacular sight. A stone observation deck and bench overlook the wide cascade. After taking more than enough photos, I stood on the edge of the volcanic rock—formed by eruptions from Mount Shasta, the most recent about 200 years ago.

Beyond Lower Falls, a paved path follows the river past campsites with interpretive signs and additional restrooms. At the end of the campground, a sign marks the half-mile hike to Middle Falls.

Leave the pavement and continue along the river.

In May, the dogwoods were in full bloom, and birds provided a full chorus of song along the way.

You might glimpse Middle Falls through the trees as you approach. During heavy runoff, these falls are breathtaking. Mist billows into the forest, thick with pine and ever-present dogwood.

Once you tear yourself away, the trail climbs a switchback to a viewpoint above the falls. A nearby parking lot offers easy access for those starting at the top. It’s hard not to linger— but even more awaits.

Upper Falls forms a white ribbon of rushing water, squeezed between boulders. Another large, paved parking lot is located here. If logistics allow, consider leaving one car at Upper Falls and another at Lower Falls to cut your hike in half. Or embrace the full experience—descending again and enjoying all three waterfalls anew. Spring flowers are abundant, and the trees are impressive if you can take your eyes off the river.

The return trip feels quicker. Before you

know it, you’re climbing the stone steps back to the Lower Falls day-use area. The full out-andback trail covers about 8 miles, with only a 330foot elevation change— first up, then down. To get there, take I-5 North for the fastest route. If you have time, consider CA 89-N.

From McCloud’s main intersection, drive east on Highway 89 for 5.5 miles. Turn right at the signed McCloud River Loop, continue 0.7 miles, and stay right at the first intersection (left leads to Middle and Upper Falls). Pass Fowlers Campground and turn left into the signed parking lot for Lower Falls. On the way home, take CA 89-N and stop at Burney Falls in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. You practically park in front of the falls. My Poppy Pass was accepted here. Not quite a day hike — but if you love waterfalls, it’s a must. Mary West is author of the book series Day Hiker – Gold Country Trail Guide I, II and III (second edition available on Amazon). The books are a collection of the Day Hiker columns where West shares her longtime love of the outdoors, favorite hikes in Northern California’s Gold Country and beyond. West was the recipient of the 2017 and 2019 Craft Award for Best Outdoor Column and the 2020 Craft Award for her second book in the Day Hiker series by the Outdoor Writers of California. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

McCloud River Falls Trail

DAY HIKER

Photos by Mary West

McCloud River Falls Trail offers many distinctive views of the Lower, Middle and Upper Falls. .

Mary West Outdoor columnist

5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

June 27

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.

El Dorado County Historical Society and Fountain and Tallman Museum presents Mid Century El Dorado: Architectural Walking Tour in El Dorado Hills, 9-10:30 a.m. A walking history tour of 1950s and 60s early modern architecture, led by Dana Supernowicz. For more information visit edchs.org.

Mastroserio Winery in Fairplay will host Improvisation Jazz with Ruggero and Mastroserio Winery Jazz Band from noon to 4 p.m. For more information visit mastroseriowinery.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.

The Cameron Park Community Services District will host its Summer Spectacular, a day of fun, food and festivities capped with a dazzling fireworks show at 5 p.m. at the Cameron Park Lake. Residents can purchase wristbands at the Cameron Park Community Center, 2502 Country Club Drive, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; at Forklift, 3333 Coach Lane, through the customer service desk; at Bel Air, 3510 Palmer Drive; and at Grocery Outlet, 3040 Green Valley Road. For more information visit cameronpark. org.

Hangtown Thrash presents: Cemetery Legacy + On Water + Decimation + Serpentera will perform, 6-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

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

Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents Lydia Pense & Cold Blood at 7 p.m. For tickets and

more information call (916) 3531001 or visit sutterstreettheatre. com.

June 28

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District will host Yoga in the Park at 9 a.m. at Promontory Park. For more information and preregistration visit eldoradohillscsd.org.

Marshall Gold Discovery Park Association will host Voices of the Pioneer Cemetery, a theatrical performance at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 376 Church St. in Coloma at 11:30 a.m. 1 and 2 p.m. For more information visit golddiscoveryparkassociation. org.

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

Join American River Conservancy for Intro to Pottery & Wheel Throwing from 6-8 p.m. For more information visit arconservancy.org.

Irish Set Dance Workshop & Céilí with Colúr Band will take place, 2-7 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom. com.

The El Dorado Hills Arts Association will host its Membership Show, Perspectives at the El Dorado Hills Town Center Atrium Gallery through Aug. 20. For more information visit eldoradohillsarts.com.

Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento presents Suzanne Adan — I’m No Spring Chicken through Oct. 11. For more information visit crockerart. org.

Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento presents Mercado de Las Flores: A Free Family Festival from noon to 4 p.m. For tickets and more information visit crockerart.org.

Now Registration is open for Competition K9’s free Kid’z Kamp that meets Sundays from 2-4 p.m. July 12 through Aug. 2. For more information call (530) 620-3000 or visit CompK9.net/ Events.

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 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.

The Atrium Gallery at El Dorado Hills Town Center will host Botanical Brushstrokes through July 19. For more information visit edhtowncenter. com.

Arts and Culture El Dorado will host Rubicon Rising through Aug. 16. at the Switchboard Gallery, 525 Main St. in Placerville. For more information visit artsandcultureeldorado.org.

Explore Boeger Winery’s history on the Stories in the Cellar Guided Tour, a walking tour through historic sites and cellar spaces at Boeger Winery in Placerville, followed by a seated wine tasting with small bites in the historic cellar. The tours are offered Friday through Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., require reservations, and are limited to a group size of five. For more information and to make reservations, visit boegerwinery. com.

Cantiga Wineworks, 5980 Meyers Land in Somerset, is having Happy Hour with Fritz on Fridays from 3-6 p.m. Come for the wine, stay for the games, conversation and community. For more information call (530) 621-1696.

Miraflores Winery, 2120 Four Springs Trail in Placerville, is having Sparkling Sundays one day of the week where two fabulous sparklers are poured. Try a complimentary tasting of Blanc de Noirs and Brut. Both are crafted with organically grown grapes from Sonoma County and created in the traditional Methode Champenoise style. Call (530) 647-8505 or email info@ mirafloreswinery.com for more information.

Forum” through June 28. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

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

The Gallery at 48 Natoma presents Sombremesa, ceramic

works and paintings by Alejandra and Luis Magaña of ALMa Design Studio through July 1 with an artist reception from 6-8 p.m. For more information call (916) 461-6601 or visit folsom.ca.us/ government/parks-recreation/ facilities/gallery-at-48-natoma.

Folsom History Museum presents Ride ‘Em Cowboy – the Folsom Rodeo Exhibition through Jan. 4, 2027. Learn more at folsomhistory.org.

Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento presents Rebels with La Causa — Royal Chicano Air Force Art and Activism, 1970–1990 through June 28; and Pueblo Pottery –Native American Pottery and Sculpture through Dec. 31, 2030; For more information visit crockerart.org.

The Georgetown Library hosts Thursdays at Two Poetry Group every first and third Thursday.

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.

Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the

completion of the Detailed Scope of Work. A separate Job Order will be issued for each project. Extra work, credits, and deletions will be contained in additional Job Order Change Orders. The County selected The Gordian Group’s (Gordian) Job Order Contracting (JOC) Solution for their JOC program. The Gordian JOC Solution™ includes Gordian’s

such Addenda as the County in its discretion considers necessary in response to questions arising and information presented at the Pre-Bid Meeting. Oral statements shall not be relied upon and will not be binding or legally effective. Addenda issued as a result of the Pre-Bid

rejected. Thereafter, as projects are identified the Contractor will jointly scope the work with the Project Manager. The Project Manager will prepare a Detailed Scope of Work and issue a Request for Proposal to the Contractor. The Contractor will then prepare a Proposal for the project including a Job Order Price Proposal, Schedule, Sketches or Drawings, a list of subcontractors, and other requested documentation. If the Proposal is found to be reasonable, a Job Order may be issued. A Job Order will reference the Detailed Scope of Work and set forth the Job Order Completion Time, and

for

The County will post on the Quest website

responses concerning the content of the Plans and Contract Documents shall not be relied upon and will not be binding or legally effective. Addenda will be uploaded in PDF format to Quest’s website. To receive notification of addenda, interested bidders must be included on the planholders list. OBTAINING