Mountain Democrat sta Gold Country Wildlife Rescue shared happy news Monday. The sickly, once hairless black bear cub found in Coloma in early December 2024 has a flu y coat and is almost ready to head o to his forever sanctuary home.
Black Bear Cub 24-3926 will receive his final exam and vaccination regimen soon, the rescue announced on its Facebook page. The cub came to GCWR on Dec. 9, 2024. He was severely dehydrated, anemic, su ering from serious ear infections in both ears and an obvious skin infection
PITCH PERFECT
Resident’s tail-wagging tunes land her on the River Cats mound
Sel Richard Mountain Democrat correspondent “I’m very nervous and excited,” said local veterinarian Leslie Silva, thrilled to be throwing the first pitch at the upcoming May 18 Sacramento River Cats game. “What started out as a fun way to learn the guitar and writing songs about dogs has evolved into a very proud moment for me.” Her musical journey began a mere eight years ago while traveling in Africa when she was moved by a fellow veterinarian who had taken up the violin late in life. Silva came home, bought a ukulele and enrolled in group lessons, quickly progressing to private lessons and expanding into guitar. When encouraged to try songwriting, Silva wasn’t sure what to
A Natural partnership
Eldorado National Forest Interpretive Association Members care for the land and serve the people
Shelly Thorene Sta writer
Get in touch with nature through journaling or perhaps a lakeside al fresco watercolor workshop. Both activities, and much more, are available thanks to the Eldorado National Forest Interpretive Association. ENFIA collaborates with the Eldorado National Forest to provide educational and interpretive opportunities for the visiting public and its members. The organization began more than 30 years ago when a group of like-minded folks came together with a common purpose: to aid the understa ed and underfunded U.S. Forest Service in El Dorado County.
ENFIA members have volunteered 70,000plus hours in service, providing the public with educational materials, activities and information through locations in ranger districts including Carson Pass and Crystal information stations, the Georgetown Ranger District, the Eldorado National
Courtesy photo ENFIA member Kellie Trevena joins a group at Frog Lake for a watercolor hike with her dog, Jake. ENFIA sponsors geology hikes to Frog Lake a Devil’s Ladder history walk, wildflower hikes and family scavenger hunts along with many other interpretive activities at various locations in the Eldorado National Forest.
LESLIE SILVA & MUSHU POO
Forest Supervisor’s O ce in Placerville and the Placerville Ranger Station in Camino.
“Our Story,” a publication put
together by the ENFIA 30th anniversary committee of Dawn King, Karen Finlayson, Kathie Piaszk and Kathy Lewin, chronicles
the history of the group beginning when ENFIA opened a center in 1984 in Camino to
Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene
Visitor Information Service Assistant Xiomara Herman holds a book written by local author Frank Totorich Jr. — one piece of merchandise provided by ENFIA at the U.S. Forest Service office on Forni Road in Placerville.
The Carson Pass Information Center located on Highway 88, 60 miles east of Jackson in Alpine County, was one of the first projects initiated by the Eldorado National Forest Interpretive Association. It sits at an elevation of 8,574 feet and is a popular rest stop for hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Photo by Carl Gwynn
ESSENTIALS
Claudia Vukovich
June 9, 1958 – March 14, 2025
Claudia Vukovich, aged 66, passed away peacefully at her home in Sacramento after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. A Shingle Springs native, she attended Buckeye School; Ponderosa High School and then continued her education at Sierra College.
After a 40 year career as a Respiratory Therapist, she retired from UC Davis Medical Center. Claudia enjoyed her work at the hospital and developed many cherished friendships with her colleagues. Her interests were many. Over the years, she enjoyed Skydiving, completing over 500 jumps; Classic Movies and she was looking forward to traveling the world with her husband, Arturo. As a lifelong music enthusiast, she even performed as an amateur vocalist in her brief retirement. Claudia’s enthusiasm for life was indomitable and her family always marveled at the wild child and free sprit she was and continued to be until the end.
The second of five children, Claudia is survived by her husband, Arturo Paredes, sister Aimee Vukovich, brothers Milan and Troy Vukovich, brother in law Tim Burkhart and sister in laws Carissa and Donene Vukovich. Claudia adored her Jackson cousins, and the Serbian Community, who were such a big part of her life. She was also a wonderful aunt to nieces and nephews: Alexa, Demetria, Roman and Preston Vukovich. Claudia was predeceased by parents Mel and Ayriane and her younger brother, Gregory.
Claudia’s absence has left a huge hole in the hearts of her family and friends. A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at St. Sava Serbian Church Hall located at 7245 N Main St. Jackson CA 95642 from Noon – 3pm Saturday May 31, 2025. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Snowline Hospice.
Frank Edward Elliott
June 22, 1936 – April 30, 2025
Frank Edward Elliott, age 88, of Surprise, Arizona, formerly of Diamond Springs, California, passed away on April 30, 2025. Born June 22, 1936, in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, to William and Ruth Elliott, Frank dedicated his life to service and family. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy for 24 years as a submariner, retiring as a Petty O cer First Class, and later worked for 21 years at Pacific Gas and Electric. Frank is survived by his loving wife, Byrnece; his daughters, Kelly (Dan Shipp, Megan, Logan) and Kathleen; stepchildren Theresa (Wayne McAdams, Jarrett, Jamie) and James (Tara Morgan, Jonathan). He will be fondly remembered for his storytelling, love of travel with Byrnece, and the strong bonds he maintained with his fellow submarine veterans. Frank’s life was one marked by service, love and a zest for life’s adventures. He will be greatly missed. Interment: 2:00pm, May 20, 2025, National Cemetery of Arizona.
Bonnie Joan Cruickshank
Oct 20, 1947 – April 27, 2025
Bonnie Joan Cruickshank (Needham) was the first of four children born to Harold and Joan Needham in Sacramento, California on October 20, 1947. Bonnie graduated from Highlands High School in North Highlands and Sacramento State where she proudly earned her B.A. in Home Economics and her teaching credential. “Mrs. C.” taught her entire 39-year career at Charles Brown Elementary School in El Dorado, mostly Kindergarten, with a few years in 1st grade in the beginning and 2nd grade at the end. In her own words “I feel like I have made a di erence and that is what I wanted to do.” She touched many young lives in El Dorado County and in her last years, many of her former students or their family members were involved in her care. A true full circle moment for her.
She gracefully fought her battle with Parkinson’s to her final “exhale” on April 27, 2025 in Placerville, California at the age of 77 with family by her side. Survived by her loving husband of 54 years, William (Bill) Cruickshank, Jr.; children Amanda (Brian), Tom (Amy), and Katie (Kile); and grandchildren, Creighton, Abigail, Alexander, Natalie, and Matthew. Left to carry on the Needham Legacy, siblings Sherri (John), Patti (Lanny), and Kent (Cindy); along with nieces and nephews, Troy (Camille), Amber (Dave), Jamie (Paul), Sara (Jacob), Kim (Josh), Jenny (Je ), and Emily (Ryan). Also survived by Sasek family members, Liz, Cathy (Bill), Susan, Danny, Ryan, Laura, and Michael. Preceded in death by her beloved family members: parents Joan & Harold Needham, parent-in-laws Anne & William Cruickshank, Sr., and cousin-in-law Joseph Sasek.
Our entire family sends a heartfelt thank you to the sta at Sunshine Manor in Placerville, the team at Suncrest Hospice, and Dr. Samuel Ceridon for their loving care in the last part of her journey. Celebration of life services will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 10:30 am, East Lawn Memorial Park Chapel, 4300 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95819. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local elementary school or local library in her name.
Elizabeth Irene Bridges
Oct 9, 1926 – April 29, 2025
Elizabeth (aka Betty) went home to the Lord peacefully and comfortably from her earthly home on April 29th. Betty was born on October 9, 1926 in Camden, NJ, to Eliza and Gustav Weber. She grew up in Camden. She met Frank Bridges (her future Hubby) at the soda fountain where she worked. Soon after, they fell in love and married on February 14th, 1945. They moved to Sacramento to start their family the same year. In 1959, they moved to Placerville to raise their family in the country. She found joy in the country life.
She was a loving and beautiful mother, wife, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother (five generations in all). Betty devoted her life to God’s work (she was a member of the legion of Mary and was a volunteer for many groups within the church) and to her family and friends, they meant everything to her. She took such good care of us all and made each one of us feel special. Betty enjoyed all aspects of country homemaking. She loved camping, riding motorcycles, and she especially enjoyed fishing (she always had a fish on). She always would do her work happily, quickly and with the utmost love and care. Her food was delicious and made with so much love.
She will be dearly missed by all of her family, friends and all who have been blessed to have known her. Through Jesus, she brought love and light in all that she did in life.
“I am just a little pencil in the hand of a writing God, who is sending a love letter to the world.”
The funeral, a celebration of her life, will be held on Wednesday, May 14th at 11:00am (Rosary at 10:30am) at St. Patrick Church in Placerville. Her family would be honored for those who have known Betty to join them at the mass and to share stories and food afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Patrick Church or Mother Teresa’s Maternity Home.
Timothy Miller
Dec. 4, 1953 – April 28, 2025
Tim gently passed away in the loving arms of his partner of 29 years, Carol Bowden. Tim was preceded in death by his mother and father, Barbara and Edward Miller and survived by his sister Susie (Miller) and David Herman, his daughters Charlotte (Miller) and Beau Clinton and Alicia (Miller) and Craig Schenck as well as grandchildren Carter, Elliot, Owen, Ethan and Kaylee and many cousins and nieces and nephews. Tim was the sole owner of the Miller fruit farm and bakery in Apple Hill Camino. Farming was Tim’s true passion, and after moving to Plymouth, he worked in maintenance at the 49er village and retired at age 65. Tim had a heart of gold, Tim never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was often described as a very special person who loved life to the fullest. Tim valued and loved all of his friends, who were many. Tim will be truly missed. Services will be held at the Amador County Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at noon. Potluck, drinks will be provided. We hope to see you all there.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting danerimortuary.com.
Joey Dearle Beach
April 19, 1944 – April 30, 2025
Joey Dearle Beach, born April 19, 1944, went to his eternal home April 30, 2025. He was born in Bakersfield, California, and was raised in Cortez, Colorado. As a young adult, he moved to San Jose, California where he resided with his family for many years. They enjoyed time there riding motorcycles, bowling, golfing, and fishing. He then retired to his beautiful mountain home in Placerville, California where his grandchildren came to see grandpa, ride with him on his quad, and then go to his favorite restaurants.
Joey is survived by his partner of 25 years Sue Wright, siblings Gerry (wife Henrietta), Timmy, and Bobby Carol (husband Tony). His legacy is carried on by: Todd (wife Lisa, children Breeanna, Justin, Brandon, and Jordan), by Laurie (husband Ed, child, Caleb); and 3 great grandchildren: Dahlia, Luna, and Maeve, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
Joey was a hard working man with a strong work ethic. He served in the army in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968, and was a recipient of the purple heart. After his time in the military, he worked as a tile setter; then moved into the Auto Reconditioning industry where he began his own successful Auto Reconditioning business. He passed his love of cars and working with his hands onto his children and grandchildren.
During his retired years in Placerville he had time to truly enjoy his hobbies, friends, and family. One of his hobbies was woodworking. In his woodworking shop he created whirligigs that blew in the breeze in the yards of his many friends and family. He and his partner Sue, and their close group of friends, had great fun square dancing as well.
There will be a military service at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road in Dixon on May 14th at 10:30. There will not be a reception following.
Rex Smith
Oct. 6, 1935 – Dec. 10, 2019
June Smith
Sept. 19, 1938 – Aug. 10, 2024
Shirley White
Jan. 16, 1966 – Sept. 11, 2022
Family and friends are invited to attend an interment gathering to remember and honor Rex and June Smith and their beloved daughter, Shirley White. There will be a brief ceremony at the graveside and a time for sharing. Please bring flowers to decorate the space where they will be laid to rest together. We will gather at Westwood Hills, 2720 Cold Springs Road in Placerville on May 17, 2025 at 11 am.
Audrey Mary Sease
March 21, 1928 – March 26, 2025
Audrey Mary Sease passed away peacefully in her sleep at age 97 on March 26, 2025 at Belhaven Senior Care in Orangevale, CA. Audrey was born on March 21, 1928 to John R and Mildred M Stranko (nee Heinen) in Scranton, PA. She grew up in Scranton and as a teen graduated from Scranton Technical High School, specializing in business arts, which at the time included learning shorthand and typing on a manual typewriter (on which she could type 60-80 words a minute!)
In her young adult years Audrey sacrificed her dream of becoming an airline stewardess by using her secretarial skills to contribute to her family’s living expenses. When she met John Ernest Sease (“Jack”) on a blind date, they both recognized related interests in aviation: she the joy of caring for passengers, and he the thrill of piloting. Audrey married Jack in Scranton on September 2, 1950 and they celebrated 69 years of life together before Jack passed away on December 13, 2019.
After they were married they moved to Philadelphia and its suburb Hatboro-Horsham, and began growing their family through their four daughters:
-Janet Christine, grandchildren Joann and Jeremy, and great-grandchildren Noah H and Asher R Phillips, Jessica K, Jonathan L, and Joshua J Cookson;
-Carol Anne, grandchildren Desi and James, and great-grandchildren Raven R and River M Buchanan;
-Jean Marie, grandchildren Benjamin, James, and Andrew, and great-grandchildren Evelyn M, Abigail J and Isla K Rozak;
-Nancy Elizabeth, grandchildren Amanda and Joseph, and great-grandchildren Emily G and John A Fowell.
Having borne four daughters, she had a particular soft spot in her heart for young men: babies, grandsons, and even for encouraging young adult health aides in her final years.
Through the years Audrey worked part-time as a secretary at Jack’s o ce, Holiday Finance in Mountain View after they moved the family to the California Bay Area in 1964, and eventually she became an administrative assistant at Ames Research, organizing and coordinating aeronautical engineers until retirement. Audrey and Jack enjoyed aviation through Jack’s piloting them all over northern California in their private plane and flying into the Sierra for mini-vacations many weekends.
When Audrey and Jack moved from the Bay Area to Placerville in 1986 she jumped into the community as a volunteer at St. Patrick Catholic Church, as a pink lady in Marshall Hospital’s Ladies’ Auxiliary, and as an active member of the Diamond Dolls chapter of the Red Hats, TOPS, Christian Women’s Club, and Bible Study Fellowship International.
People energized Audrey! Her engaging smile and positive attitude despite hardships lavished love on all who were around her. She was quick to encourage and help family and neighbors in need. How we’ll all miss her! Audrey tenaciously overcame hardships by clinging to her faith, choosing to see the good in life and refusing to feel sorry for herself. She was our “steel magnolia,” beautifully strong.
A funeral mass will be celebrated for her at 1 PM on Saturday, May 17 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Placerville. Her family would be honored for those who knew Audrey to join them at this mass. Instead of flowers, donations can be made in Audrey’s name to Suncrest HospiceSacramento, to reflect her delight in practically helping others. Audrey will be interred in the columbarium at Westwood Hills Memorial Park, Placerville.
County addresses concerns about road work and jail safety
Jo Carrerow
Mountain Democrat correspondent
The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors recently approved responses to Grand Jury regarding road maintenance and jail conditions in South Lake Tahoe.
Where rubber meets the road
The Department of Transportation portion of the Grand Jury Report is mainly with regard to the reporting system for road maintenance issues.
It cites that the Board of Supervisors had identified road maintenance as a necessary priority in 2024-25 but the road maintenance/projects division of DOT currently does not track or update public road complaints, identification of work to be done, repair times and costs.
“They cannot report these details to the BOS or any other public agency, which is shocking for a previously identified priority,” the report states.
The current procedure for complaints requires physical printing of documents received via emails, on the DOT website, phone calls or in-person complaints, then distributing them to the correct departments, the report continues.
Software has been outdated since a July 2024 update was installed.
“Many residents are unaware of how or where to report issues, leading to an underreporting of hazards. Resulting delays in addressing road safety concerns increase accident risks and road deterioration,” the report states.
The Grand Jury recommended DOT correct issues with software and implement a formal written procedure for receiving, processing and responding to public requests for road repairs, and that the board of supervisors develop a system for reporting the public complaints. Also recommended is DOT Maintenance Division staff raise public awareness about how to submit concerns about road issues.
Recommendations include: Adopt and deploy a software package that
will assist staff in fully electronic processing of roadway complaints by Jan. 1, 2026; and adopt a formal, written procedure to receive, track and respond to residents’ requests for road repairs by July 31, 2025. The second recommendation had already been implemented, according to board documents.
Three additional recommendations for tracking and reporting, as well as direction on increasing public input, will not be implemented because they are no longer warranted, according to the board’s response.
The agenda item was met with criticism by residents unhappy with the type of paving material used in their neighborhoods, in one case causing potholes.
Tara McCann of El Dorado Hills said paving used in the Governors Village subdivision rapidly deteriorated and the work was below par. As a former civil engineer, she said she would have had the paving ripped out as “it did not meet standard geometric standards for paving.”
She told the board she sent pictures to DOT “when slurry went out over the concrete curb and gutter.”
McCann noted new development approved in the county. “But you can’t support the maintenance for the community regions or the development you’ve already got in place,” she added.
El Dorado County Director of Transportation Rafael Martinez said on May 20 there will be discussions regarding the paving program.
“We are going to be presenting to the board our annual surface treatment SB1 projects, maintenance projects, for the entire county,” he said, adding that these are projects that utilize the gas tax.
He said that would be the appropriate time to discuss neighborhood projects.
“I think the primary outcome of the Grand Jury report is that they want to know when the Board of Supervisors and or the Department of Transportation is informing the public of when these projects
are coming about,” he clarified, explaining that projects come before the board three times and are discussed at subcommittee meetings as well. Information is also publicized, he added.
“Details on specific projects will be at a May 20 meeting, and an update of completed projects before the board of supervisors at the end of the year,” he said.
Information is also available on the DOT website, Facebook page, hot line and maintenance email, according to Martinez.
“But there’s always room for improvements,” he admitted, adding that they’re looking into a new automated system.
Doing time
The jail inspections, in reference to the sheriff’s response to the Grand Jury, were given a thumbs up for cleanliness, maintenance and daily operations, with the only issues being a lack of fire/emergency drills and staff shortages.
The Grand Jury recommended state-required fire safety drills be scheduled as soon as practical.
The South Lake Tahoe Jail, built in 1973 and modified in the 1980s, has had no fire/emergency drills held since 2021, according to the report, and there had been no emergency fire drills held at the Placerville Jail in 2024.
The Board of Supervisors’ response is to “develop and implement a plan to resume annual multi-hazard practice drills, including fire drills at each jail by Sept. 1, 2025.”
Another problem cited was lack of staff.
The South Lake Tahoe Jail has a maximum capacity of 158 inmates, and on the date of inspection, Oct. 9, 2024, it housed 96 inmates, 95 males and one female. Daily staffing includes one commander, five sergeants and 27 officers on the floor, about 50% of allocated staff positions.
“Existing staff work significant overtime to meet schedule demands,” the Grand Jury report states.
April 30
1:27 p.m. Officers booked into jail a person suspected of violating probation and trespassing. They were listed in custody in lieu of $10,000 bail.
1:49 p.m. Burglary was reported at a car wash on Turner Street.
2:07 p.m. Officers booked into jail a person suspected of violating parole and petty theft with two or more priors. They were listed in custody.
4:18 p.m. Officers booked into jail a person suspected of possession of a controlled substance with two or more priors, possession of unlawful paraphernalia, carrying a concealed dagger and violating probation. They were listed in custody in lieu of $35,000 bail.
5:22 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a pharmacy on Broadway.
8:22 p.m. Burglary was reported on Francis Avenue.
May 1
7:56 a.m. Battery was reported at a closed mini mart on Broadway.
8:15 a.m. Vandalism was reported at a pharmacy on Broadway. An arrest was made.
12:44 p.m. Vandalism was reported at a shoe repair shop on Main Street.
2:04 p.m. Battery was reported on Placerville Drive.
5:38 p.m. Indecent exposure was reported at the library on Fair Lane.
6:08 p.m. Battery was reported at a gas station on Forni Road. An arrest was made.
May 2
The primary reason for the staffing shortage, according to the report “is because jails in surrounding counties pay higher wages.”
Female inmates are frequently transferred to the Placerville Jail because of lack of the required female correctional officers 24/7.
The Placerville Jail, built in 1988, on the date of inspection, Oct. 2, 2024, had shown signs of aging but was clean and well maintained.
The maximum capacity is 303 inmates. At the time of inspection it housed 157 males and 42 females. With a total of 85 staff positions, only 64 position were filled, also requiring overtime for current staff. Most of the staff shortages are related to in-house health and mental health services.
“Again the main reason given is lower pay than in surrounding counties,” the report states.
Addressing the aging building, the report states, “A $25 million grant provided under California Senate Bill 844 has allocated funds for the jail’s expansion. The expansion includes a separate housing unit for female inmates, a new medical wing increasing bed capacity and providing more mental health services, construction of several ADA-compliant cells, and a computer lab. There will not be an increase in the number of inmates the facility will be able to house. The site is adjacent to the current facility, and the land has been cleared. The construction project is pending various approvals.”
A motion was made by Supervisor Brian Veerkamp, seconded by Supervisor Lori Parlin to approve the reports as the final reports and authorize the chief administrative officer to submit them to the presiding judge. All five supervisors, Veerkamp, Parlin, George Turnboo, Greg Ferrero and Brook Laine voted yes.
Full copies of the Grand Jury reports and Board of Supervisors’ responses can be viewed online at eldoradocounty.ca.gov and search Grand Jury.
apartment complex on Coloma Court.
5:03 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a business on Conrad Court.
5:34 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a grocery store on Broadway.
May 3
3:39 p.m. Petty theft was reported at the post office on Sacramento Street.
8:25 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a grocery store on Placerville Drive.
May 5
2:12 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a shelter on Fair Lane.
10:42 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a grocery store on Placerville Drive.
11:05 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Ray Lawyer Drive/Placerville Drive.
May 6
2:12 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Coloma Street.
12:50 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a grocery store on Placerville Drive.
4:52 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Fairlane Court.
5:40 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a school on Broadway.
May 7
8:57 a.m. Battery was reported at a gas station on Forni Road.
9:29 a.m. Petty theft was reported at a senior living facility on Clay Street.
11:27 a.m. Petty theft was reported at a storage facility on Locust Avenue.
8:58 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a hardware store on Placerville Drive.
10:06 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a restaurant on Forni Road.
May 9
12:39 a.m. Trespassing was reported at a gas station on Forni Road.
3:26
May 8
9:26 a.m. Battery was reported on Blairs Lane.
1:46 p.m. Battery was reported at an
8:47 p.m. Battery was reported at a county jail on Forni Road.
provide permits and information to forest visitors. The publication states that in 1986, through the efforts of Nord Whited, a retired Forest Service Visitor Information Services program leader, and Art Edwards, a retiree and docent for California State Parks at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, it expanded to provide more supplemental educational and interpretive materials to visitors. Whited and Edwards met with Frank Mosbacher, USFS public affairs officer; Hatch Graham, research officer; Dana Supernowicz, historian; Karen Finlayson, information center director; and Eric Holst, assistant information center director, to figure out how to obtain funding and insurance. Formal approval of the association by the secretary of state was granted May 8, 1987.
ENFIA grew from a small band of volunteers into an agency with a board of directors, grant writers and a publicist.
ENFIA’S mission is to assist visitors in gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for the national forest’s cultural and natural heritage and the USFS’s conservation mission. The group gained favor with Forest Service administrators by guaranteeing a share of profits from book sales and project funding. Map sales played a big role in ENFIA’S district support. USFS maps are government property and every Forest Service employee is accountable for maps assigned to them. ENFIA helped
with inventory and accounting when they agreed to buy a supply of maps and sell them at cost to the public. The organization went on to sell books with author Dick Brock donating all the rights to his book, “Hiking in the Carson Pass Area,” and giving all the profits to ENFIA. The Carson Pass Information Station was one of ENFIA’s first projects, conceived of in 1991 when it was decided that the current visitors center, located in a converted outhouse, wasn’t the right image to present to the public. Janice Gordon applied for a challenge grant for the project and won $12,000 in seed money for a log cabin kit provided by the USFS. It was ENFIA’s job to put it up. The project began in the summer of 1991 but a whole host of problems delayed construction, including the lack of directions for assembly and missing hardware. The building became usable in late
1994. In 2014, the Forest Walker program began on the Highway 50 corridor. This yearround volunteer program provides visitor education, trail monitoring and maintenance on the 350 miles of trails in the Eldorado National Forest. Trail walkers are responsible for early season trail checks with light trail maintenance and report heavier needs to the USFS. Forest Walkers also provide aid and information to hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches from Mexico to Canada. Stan Trevena, current president of ENFIA, said the group, which has 153 active members, is being called upon now to add additional support to trail maintenance due to the recent USFS staffing cuts. He said many forest service employees were offered and took early retirement or transferred to other
jobs. Two ENFIA members have volunteered to help with the trail surveys which encompass several hundred square miles. Both the Georgetown Ranger District office and the Crystal Basin office have closed due to cuts; ENFIA volunteers had to remove all the organization’s materials. Trevena said the Carson Pass center should remain unaffected as it is entirely run by ENFIA. He listed several new events for the upcoming 2025 season, including nature journaling and a free watercolor hike to Frog Lake. It is a one mile hike to the lake and materials will be provided. ENFIA provides funds for Eldorado National Forest projects that are of an historical, scientific or interpretive nature. Past events include geology hikes to Frog Lake, Devil’s Ladder history walks, wildflower hikes and family scavenger hunts.
ENFIA also offers Starlink internet service at Carson Pass available one hour before the center opens until one hour after it closes. The service is valuable to hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail who wish to check weather conditions in the area and conditions further up the trail.
Kathy Jacobs, Placerville Rangers Station visitors services lead for the Eldorado National Forest, said their office sees around 12,000 visitors in a year for permits and information and she’s grateful for ENFIA volunteers’ help.
“They’re always there for us,” she said, noting items provided by ENFIA include rental bear canisters, maps and even awnings for the picnic tables at the
visitors center. She also noted her appreciation of the group’s trail walkers, who check visitors’ permits along the trails and also provide important signage, and added the Pacific Trail hikers are especially grateful for the snacks and water ENFIA provides.
ENFIA memberships help to pay for the group’s expenses. Rates are $25 for an individual and $40 for a family membership. As a member, one can become an active volunteer in the docent program. Members also receive a 20% discount on merchandise in visitors centers. Meetings are open to the public on Zoom and the schedule and newsletter, The Interpreter, are available online at Enfia.org.
Courtesy photo
ENFIA member Carl Gwyn, far left, takes guests on a geology hike in the Eldorado National Forest.
Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene Visitors Services Lead Kathy Jacobs stands near a poster created by ENFIA at the Placerville Rangers Station in Camino. Education is part of the organization’s mission.
OPINION
California Matters
State’s fourthranked economy is also tops in unemployment, poverty, deficits
California’s economic output has surpassed $4 trillion a year and in doing so slipped past Japan to become, were it a nation, the globe’s fourth largest economy, surpassed only by the United States, China and Germany.
The news was an opportunity for Gov. Gavin Newsom to exercise his penchant for braggadocio.
“California isn’t just keeping pace with the world — we’re setting the pace,” Newsom declared. “Our economy is thriving because we invest in people, prioritize sustainability and believe in the power of innovation.”
It was also an opportunity for Newsom to take another shot at President Donald Trump, saying, “While we celebrate this success, we recognize that our progress is threatened by the reckless tari policies of the current federal administration. California’s economy powers the nation and it must be protected.” If California’s economy is booming, as Newsom boasts, one might wonder why the state’s unemployment rate is the third highest in the nation, with more than a million jobless workers, and why its poverty rate is the nation’s highest.
One might also wonder why, if California’s economy is so healthy, the state budget is experiencing chronic multi-billion-dollar deficits.
Newsom must tell the Legislature this month how he would alter the 2025-26 budget he proposed in January, touching o the annual whirlwind of negotiations to produce a more-or-less final version for adoption by June 15.
The January budget proposed at least $11 billion in short-term fixes, including o -the-books borrowing, dips into the state’s budget reserves and accounting gimmicks to close the gap between projected income and the spending dictated by current law.
Tax revenues are running a bit ahead of expectations so far this year, but not nearly enough to close the deficit, which has widened due to spending on Medi-Cal, California’s healthcare system for the poor that’s far exceeding the level of the 2024-25 budget enacted last June.
Overall, Medi-Cal expenditures are over $6 billion higher than expectations, with a major chunk caused by higher-than-expected enrollment of undocumented immigrants.
Therefore the May revise, as it’s dubbed, is likely to contain even more expedient fixes that may postpone the day of fiscal reckoning until Newsom’s governorship ends two years hence but will continue to plague his successor and the Legislature.
The Medi-Cal situation exemplifies the underlying reason why California’s budget is unhealthy while the state’s economy continues to grow, albeit
■ See WALTERS, page A7
Letters
to the Editor
BOS throws seniors under the bus
EDITOR:
Our El Dorado County Board of Supervisors voted recently to close a portion of the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, a portion used to provide respite relief for caregivers of family members with dementia.
Twenty years ago, residents of El Dorado Hills worked with then Supervisor Mikulaco to free up funds from the Gilmore Estate to establish a respite center for caregivers of family members with dementia. This center soon became a huge success, serving a capacity number of seniors with dementia. Music, arts and craft programs and companionships greeted the seniors who participated.
COVID forced the closure of the program and the county, through incompetence and neglect, never worked to restore it.
Caregivers are now informed that they can take their family members to Placerville, a long and costly trip to a facility that is long past its prime. How does this serve our seniors and their caregivers?
Our El Dorado County supervisors have
approved huge 55 and older housing developments in El Dorado Hills. However, they have neglected to provide any services for these residents. More than neglect, they have taken away such services like the El Dorado Hills respite center.
We as a community must fight to get this valuable resource back.
Oppose EATS Act
EDITOR: I’m extremely concerned that the dangerous EATS Act was reintroduced in Congress. This horrific legislation allows animal welfare to be thrown aside in favor of corporate profits and production. Here’s what the EATS Act looks like in practice: Pigs are forced into tiny, metal gestation crates, unable to turn around, exhibit essential natural behaviors or interact with other animals. In similarly minuscule crates, they are expected to
The Balancing Act
Tariffs are needed to rebuild the United States’ industry
It has been said the United States has become a service economy. We don’t make anything anymore. It’s all made o shore where labor rates are half or less of the U.S. While that is an exaggeration to some degree, compared to 60 years ago it feels that way.
Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto said what he said after Pearl Harbor because he had studied at Harvard and traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and saw our massive industrial might. That’s why he said after Japan’s dastardly sneak attack on Pearl Harbor without a declaration of war, “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.” He knew our industrial power would destroy Japan.
The United States produced planes and ships at a rate never seen by the world. We built more than 2,700 Liberty ship freighters (with 15,000-ton displacements) from 1941 to 1945, a rate of three ships every two days. The Ford Motor Company’s plant at Willow Run alone built about 9,000 B-24 Liberator heavy bombers of the 18,188 built. Boeing and other factories built 12,731 B-17 Flying Fortresses (from August 1943 until the war’s end, less than two years later, a total of 8,680 B-17s were built). Then you must think of all the complex radial engines that had to be built. For the B-24, Pratt and Whitney built nearly 175,000, 14-cylinder, 1,200 hp engines. The DC-3, C-47 used the
As anyone can see, most of our trading partners do not want fair and/or free trade. It’s one-sided and we have gone too long at this disadvantage …
same engine. The United States was the world’s industrial powerhouse, just as predicted by Yamamoto, and we did it with a population of less than 150 million people. This is why we study history, and our President Donald Trump has. He knows that we have been diminished in our industrial might. He wants more American steel and aluminum production. We need more American manufacturing. Whether it be automobiles, washing machines or televisions, they need to be made here. We need our pharmaceuticals produced here instead of most of them being produced overseas (China), some saying as much as 90%. The United States used to make most of its electronics; now they are imported.
Why aren’t we building these goods? Tari s will help this situation. Tari s will balance the playing (and manufacturing) field.
And while Democrats say the economy grew during the Biden administration, it was a misleading statement as most of the jobs created in the last four years were either direct new government employees (federal, state and local) and or healthcare workers who are e ectively paid for by the government (Medicare and other government programs). Manufacturing jobs declined. And here is the real rub. Trump did not do reciprocal tari s. He was actually nice to our trading partners
JOHN RASLEAR
El Dorado Hills
LARRY WEITZMAN
DAN WALTERS
without producing many new jobs.
The pertinent data is to be found in a recent publication by the Legislature’s budget analyst, Gabe Petek, called CalFacts 2024.
It reveals that since Newsom became governor in 2019, state spending has increased, on average, by 9% a year while annual revenues have grown by just 6%. The difference between those two numbers constitutes what budget mavens call a “structural deficit,” meaning that spending baked into law far exceeds what the current revenue system can generate.
Letters
Continued from A6 give birth and nurse their piglets, despite their increased stress and the weakened bones they’ve developed as a result of their confinement.
Chickens are held in long rows of small wire cages, deprived of their capacities to forage or nest, so long as they are meeting their quota for egg production. Those chickens are often later plagued with metabolic disorders and foot lesions.
I urge my lawmakers, Representative Tom McClintock and Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, to oppose the EATS Act, also known as the Food Security and Farm Protection Act (S.1326), and any similar efforts that would allow cruelty to flourish. Such inhumane treatment of animals cannot prevail.
KAREN SAMBOY El Dorado Hills
The underlying discrepancy between income and outgo is important to remember, because when Newsom unveils his revised budget he’s likely to cite the Los Angeles wildfires and Trump’s tariffs as factors in the budget’s gap.
Both of those events are likely to increase the deficit, but they didn’t cause it. The deficit exists because Newsom and the Legislature have chronically spent more than the revenue system produces, even though Californians have one of the
Ideology versus fact
EDITOR:
The recent letter titled “Clearing a Few Things Up” in the May 2 edition certainly gives it a shot — but mostly delivers a confident mix of misinformation and oversimplification that begs for correction.
Let’s start with Mahmoud Khalil, described by the letter writer as a Syrian promoter of “Jewish hatred” who can be deported “at will.” In reality, Khalil is a Columbia graduate and legal U.S. permanent resident. He was arrested by ICE in March and remains in detention, with the government seeking to deport him over alleged visa violations tied to his participation in campus protests.
He hasn’t been charged with a crime. His legal team argues the arrest was retaliatory and a federal
nation’s highest state and local tax burdens, relative to the state’s economy.
Moreover, by tapping into reserves meant to cushion the impact of recessions or other emergency situations, Newsom and legislators have weakened the state’s ability to cope with genuine economic setbacks or disasters, such as the wildfires.
Dan Walters is a journalist and author who writes for CALmatters.org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.
judge has allowed the case to proceed. So, no, deportation isn’t like being kicked out of a dinner party. It requires evidence, legal justification and a hearing. We still have a Constitution, remember?
Next comes the claim that Palestinians in Gaza and Hamas are “one and the same.” That’s a convenient line if you want to erase the lives and views of 2 million people, but it doesn’t hold up. Yes, Hamas won the 2006 election. No, that doesn’t make every Palestinian in Gaza a Hamas supporter. In fact, many are trapped under Hamas rule without elections, freedom of expression or escape. Equating all Palestinians with Hamas isn’t “clearing things up” — it’s clearing out nuance for the sake of propaganda.
Then we get the perennial favorite: “There never was a Palestinian state.” That’s technically true, in the same way there wasn’t a United States before 1776 or an Israel before 1948. Does that mean those countries shouldn’t exist either? Nation-states are historical creations, not ancient birthrights.
Palestinians have lived in the region for generations, including under Ottoman and British rule, and they developed a national identity — just as any people do. The absence of a flag or UN seat in 1920 doesn’t erase their presence or their rights today.
What this letter really clears up is how easily some people substitute indignation for information. Painting all Palestinians as terrorists, all student protesters as criminals and all immigration enforcement as righteous might be emotionally satisfying, but it doesn’t make any of it true. If we want to discuss policy, protest or the future of the Middle East, let’s start with reality — not ideology dressed up as fact.
2970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot.com
AMERICAN ASSOC. OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN Foothills of EDC Branch. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science and Math Camp Scholarships, programs & interest groups. Leave voicemail for Laurel (530) 417-7737 or Sara (530) 4177138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net
AMERICAN LEGION POST 119 welcomes Veterans and guests to attend our monthly membership dinner and meeting the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM. Legionpost119.org
CAMERON PARK NEWCOMERS
CLUB meets the first Wednesday of each month at 10:30 at the Light of the Hills Lutheran Church, 3100 Rodeo Rd., CP, 95682. New and current local community members are welcome for fun and games throughout the month. For further information contact Jill Butler at 530-295-7448.
El DORADO COUNTY AMATEUR
RADIO CLUB Dedicated to all aspects of ham radio. Meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at the El Dorado Sheriff’s office, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net
PLAY CRIBBAGE Join the Gold Country Cribbers 916-212-2465 or 916-768-4452. We Play - We Teach - We Have Fun. Wednesdays 4:00 PM. Gilmore Senior Center 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA Struggling with life? CELEBRATE RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/ DEMOCRATS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Call (530)391-6414 or see
edcdems.org for more information. GOLD RUSH CHORUS now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing four-part harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or Kent (530) 651-3575 HANGTOWN WOMEN’S TENNIS CLUB. Come play tennis for fun and friendship. Meet at El Dorado High School, Acacia Street, Placerville, Wed 9 AM – 11 AM. (June - Aug 8 AM –10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Monica 530-306-7066. MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players
MARI MORRIS Placerville
write about. “I like to river raft and I hike. But nothing.”
As a joke, she wrote about her dog. “Mushu Taco Tortellini” is a song about the food her Japanese Chin likes to eat. “It just worked. I’m not a deeply emotive person so love seems out of the question. But a dog I could write about all day.”
After that came “Big Booty Bubba,” a song about her boyfriend’s dog. Soon she was taking pictures of dogs during her travels. “I was in baggage claim and there was this dog in a bag that was majestic,” Silva said. “Her name was Fifi and I wrote ‘Fifi Falafel’ about a dog traveling the world.”
Then Silva wrote one special song about Seven, a dog adopted from a shelter by a friend who had driven through multiple counties to meet the black Labrador mix. Because he planned to name the dog Seven, the shelter was suspicious that he was referencing the crime thriller movie “Se7en.” He quickly reassured them Mickey Mantle was his favorite player and seven is his retired number.
“What about if a dog wanted to play ball and they got this one shot to get on the field and play ball,” Silva mused. “This would be the way Seven would walk into the stadium.”
“Seven” ended up on her first EP, “Moody Boots: A Dog’s Life.” It occurred to her one afternoon at a San Francisco Giants Dog Days event that the song could be playing during the dog parade. Silva queried several venues and although she received no response from the Giants, the Sacramento River Cats welcomed Silva for their inaugural Bark in the Park day. “I never thought in a million years that it would end up in any ballpark anywhere” said Silva.
“People write about love and loss but not a lot write about their pets. They’re such a huge part of our lives,” explained Silva. Her own dog Mushu Poo, nicknamed Moody Boots, had been surrendered for euthanasia at four months due to multiple health problems. Reluctant at first, Silva took her on, despite the prognosis that she would not make it much past two years. Nine years later she is healthy,
Cub Continued from A1
vibrant and accompanies Silva to work daily.
“She has a whole personality that you would never guess because she looks so docile and she’s always napping,” Silva said with a laugh.
Silva’s song themes range from her own grief over losing a dog, to a champion dock jumper who contracted Wobbler’s disease, to a border collie who dreams of all the things he doesn’t actually do. “It’s really random. I’ve tried to force it, but for the most part I don’t know what will strike me,” she said.
Silva has lived in El Dorado Hills for the last 16 years while working at several hospitals before her current position as co-medical director of Grant Line Veterinary Hospital in Elk Grove along with Dr. Erin Catching. She and Catching have recently opened a home euthanasia and hospice business called A Rainbow Road.
“The biggest thing in my life is helping people with their pets at home to pass and celebrate their life,”
Silva said.
“I’ve euthanized thousands of animals in a hospital setting and it’s traumatic for people,” she shared. “They don’t want to be in a white room with bright lights, walk through the lobby after their pets are gone and see other people with their pets or go out the back door and drive home with an empty carrier. There’s a special process that happens when you come into someone’s home and you help them with a peaceful goodbye. It’s magical.”
In addition, Silva has several projects in the works, including a possible animation of one of her songs and a new EP, soon to be released on Spotify. She is looking forward to the River Cats event where she will be introduced as the singer/songwriter of “Moody Boots” and featured music.
Describing herself as shy and introverted, she is working with a high school student to help her with her pitch. “It’s been an adventure,” she shared. “I like to think it was my dog who inspired me.”
and severely underweight at just 20 pounds.
GCWR’s expert care team, including Dr. Jamie Peyton and Dr. Eric Johnson, addressed these myriad health issues and the cub began to thrive. The nonprofit rescue organization announced in April it was decided the little bear would live in a sanctuary rather than go back into the wild.
“We understand this news may be disappointing to some, and we share the bittersweet feeling that comes with it,” officials state in a social media post. “At Gold Country Wildlife Rescue, our mission is always to return animals to their natural habitat whenever possible — but in rare cases like this one, release is simply not in the animal’s best interest. That doesn’t mean his story ends here.
“Thanks to this decision, Cub 24-3926 will have the opportunity to live out his life in a permanent sanctuary, where he’ll receive ongoing enrichment, expert care and a safe, secure environment,” the post continues. “While it’s not the wild, it is a second chance — a chance at a good life.”
Weitzman
Continued from A6
by imposing U.S. import tariffs at half of the export tariffs. For example, China has a 67% tariff on U.S. imports and President Trump only imposed 34% tariffs on Chinese imports. Japan has a 46% tariff on U.S. goods and we have imposed a 24% tariff on Japanese goods. India has a 52% tariff on U.S. goods and the new U.S. tariff on Indian goods is 26%. The European Union has a 39% tariff on U.S. products while our new tariff is 20%. Southeast Asian trading partners are even worse. Thailand’s tariff on our goods is 72%. Vietnam has a 90% tariff. And one of our biggest trading partners, Taiwan, has a 64% tariff on our goods. President Trump has only imposed a 50% reciprocal tariff as of now. But that is getting the attention of our trading partners.
As anyone can see, most of our trading partners do not want fair and/or free trade. It’s one-sided and we have gone too long at this disadvantage and in the meantime diminished our manufacturing base to our detriment. We need to manufacture the goods we manufactured in the 1950s and 1960s. For most of that manufacturing, we manufactured the raw materials and parts vendors were U.S. manufacturers. Those types of jobs paid skilled employees a decent living wage. My dad was a master machinist/
COMICS
leadman for Douglas Aircraft and we owned a three-bedroom home and had two cars. My parents put both me and my brother through four-year state universities and private graduate schools.
Service economies, which is more than half of the U.S. economy, don’t make or build anything; they push paper and keep mostly worthless records. A large portion of that economy is medical care as we are living longer, much due to better medicine.
About the only manufacturing industry that has shown some growth is construction, which keeps Caterpillar and John Deere in business.
President Trump is correct. Tariffs will level the playing field. Manufacturing will return to the United States and we will see a real renewal of our country.
And as to the impact on the U.S. economy, imports are only about one-eighth of our GDP. At 25%, most economists realize that the total inflationary impact will be less than 3%, which is relatively insignificant and that won’t happen as Trump renegotiates for fairer trade for the U.S. — some of which will happen by the time you read this column.
Larry Weitzman is a former El Dorado County resident.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your strongest bonds won’t be built on shared interests but on shared rhythm. You may not have the same taste or passions, but you have a similar way of moving through the world -- easy does it.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). When people are afraid to speak up, the silence leads to flawed outcomes, because valuable insight is being suppressed. Today’s environment is hierarchical and full of unspoken rules. It will take courage, but talk anyway.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The truth is you are intense. You are funny. You are busy. You’ll feel most at home with people who are serious like you are. If they don’t bring wit, clarity or fire, they don’t get to sit in your front row.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). You won’t get special treatment today, but just remember: Those who receive better treatment and premium opportunities may excel in the short term, but the long game is anyone’s to win. Strength, cleverness, skill, strategy -- these are all things developed in adversity.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Don’t let anxiety make your choices for you. With your nervous system pushing you to your “safest” option, pause to ask something higher than the fear whether an option would be right for you if you had no fear.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Gratitude rushes in for your full and complex life. You give care, you create, handle logistics, celebrate and yes, you grieve, too. You’ve loved deeply and known all sides of that love, including the bliss and the pain of loss.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your social talents move the action today. You’ve a keen instinct for connecting people who will benefit from knowing one another. The vibes where you are make people feel comfortable and like you really care, and you do.
SCORPIO
n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly
n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter
n RUBES by Leigh Rubin
n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly
by Holiday Mathis
SUDOKU
NEWS, IN THE KNOW
May 15
The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce will host a Business Luncheon with guest speaker Lydia Richards, CEO Teamworks, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at Koto Buffet at Red Hawk Casino. For more information visit eldoradocounty.org.
May 16
The Sierra Renaissance Society presents “How to Get More Out of Art and Life” by Deborah Pond-Hindle, 1-2:30 p.m. at the Mother Lode Lions Hall, 4701 Missouri Flat Road. Admission free for members; public invited to attend two meetings for free. The Sierra Renaissance Society of El Dorado County is dedicated to lifelong learning and hosts presentations and workshops throughout the year. For more information visit srsedc. org. The Stage at Burke Junction presents Friday Night Comedy with Dejan Tyler, Cookie Williams and Dorian Foster at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.
May 17
The El Dorado Hills Community Services District will host The Youth Fishing Derby; 1: 8-9:30 a.m.; 2: 10:15-11:45 a.m. Registration is required for this free event. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.
Placerville Arts Association will host the Used Arts Supply Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 5500 Silver Lode
The Pleasant Valley Middle School auditorium came alive with laughter, teamwork and meaningful dialogue in April as middle and high school students came together to enhance the school experience through games, relays and interactive learning stations. This dynamic assembly was the result of a collaborative effort led by Union Mine High School’s peer advocacy class, marking its inaugural junior high partnership event focused on preventing school harassment and violence through the assembly Diamondback Bound.
This innovative initiative fostered peer-to-peer learning, cultivating authentic connections between preteens and teens.
The Union Mine High School student advocates facilitated critical conversations on the dynamics of bullying, empowering younger students with practical strategies and a shared sense of responsibility to create a safe, inclusive school environment.
Brijette Bergman, Union Mine High School teacher and peer advocacy class
facilitator emphasized the significance of the event for both high school mentors and middle school participants through the Diamondback Bound initiative.
“Union Mine peer advocates are honored to be a part of this collaboration with Pleasant Valley that addresses harassment and mistreatment on campus. Advocates have worked for months to plan, prepare for, and practice this training,” said Bergman. “It fills my heart to see all their hard work come to fruition today. I’m very proud of them and the work they’ve produced.”
This assembly represents a powerful step forward in studentled advocacy. High school students modeled empathy and leadership, while middle schoolers learned that their voices and actions matter.
Growing into one’s potential is a complex process that requires time, intentionality and a strong support network. This partnership between Pleasant Valley Middle School and Union Mine High School reflects a strategic commitment to fostering resilience, empathy and leadership among students. The hope is that this first assembly will serve
as a model for future collaborations that prioritize student development and a culture of belonging across all school campuses.
For more information on Pleasant Valley Middle School visit gousd.k12. ca.us/District/ Department/10Pleasant-Valley-MiddleSchool. For more information on Union Mine High School visit umhs.eduhsd.k12.ca.us.
Courtesy photos
The initiative, Diamondback Bound represents a step forward in student led advocacy.
Experience a Rogation Day service and procession in Coloma
n Sunday, May 25 members of the Church of Our Saviour will celebrate the church’s connection with the surrounding community with a Rogation Procession in Coloma beginning at the Gold Discovery Museum at 9 a.m. The procession will walk down Main Street, Coloma, stopping to say a blessing at various sites along the way. A worship service will follow at the Emmanuel Church at 10 a.m. All members of the community are welcome to join the procession, and/or the worship service, irrespective of faith tradition. Over a century and a half ago, a remarkable young priest named Caleb Peirce arrived in Gold Rush-era Placerville to take charge of a parish called St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. He was never able to locate that church, however, so he
began conducting Sunday services in the county courthouse. During each week he also traveled on foot to conduct services at several other churches in the area, including Emmanuel Church in Coloma. A few years later, in 1865, he oversaw construction of the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour in Placerville, where he served as rector until his death in 1903.
Well over a century after Rev. Peirce’s death, the Church of Our Saviour remains a vital and vibrant part of the greater Placerville area, and is the oldest continuously-operating church building in El Dorado County. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Church is now part of Coloma’s Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park and has been recently restored to its mid-19th-century glory. Together, the two historical church buildings are among the most authentic, well-preserved parts of the region’s Gold Rush-era history.
The 10 a.m. service at Emmanuel Church
Get to know community nonprofits
Chris Ringnes
El Dorado Community Foundation
Join the El Dorado Community Foundation for these networking and collaborative events. These functions offer the opportunity for “flights” of nonprofit organizations serving El Dorado County to present in front of an audience of El Dorado Community Foundation donors, their nonprofit peers and the community at large for 60-90 seconds describing their mission, programs and greatest needs.
This year, the Foundation is spicing things up and will have undercover judges in the audience scoring different aspects of each presentation. The organization with the highest overall score will win $500.
After the nonprofit presentations, all attendees will have a chance to mingle and network. Food and drinks will be available for purchase with some light snacks provided by El Dorado Community Foundation.
Let’s get moovin’ and groovin’
County Fairs, a tradition deeply rooted in American agricultural communities like ours, have been part of our cultural fabric for over 200 years. They provided commoners, who labored from dawn to dusk, a muchneeded break, a chance to visit with neighbors and friends and an opportunity to celebrate a bountiful harvest. Like modern fairs, those of the Middle Ages featured music, dance and magical displays. And of course, the beloved livestock and produce competitions remain the highlight of many county fairs across the United States. The first recorded El Dorado County Fair was held in Coloma in 1859. Coloma also hosted the fairs of 1860 and 1864. Until 1939, the fair was held at various locations including Placerville and Diamond Springs. In 1939, El Dorado County purchased land from Lawrence Forni, and this land became a significant portion of today’s El Dorado County Fairgrounds.
These events are open to anyone in the community for free. Nonprofits that are interested in presenting must register at bit.ly/ on-tap-2025. Spaces are limited, so don’t wait. Join the Foundation for one or both events. This is a wonderful way to learn more about the nonprofits of the community and the critical impacts they are providing, all while enjoying craft beverages from some of your favorite local breweries. There are two events coming in June.
South Lake Tahoe
Thursday, June 5 from 5-7 p.m. at The Hangar Lake Tahoe. *Parking is limited, biking and carpooling are encouraged.
The Western Slope
Thursday, June 12 from 5-7 p.m. at Jack Russell Farm Brewery.
Community members do not need to register for these free events.
Cody Snyder UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County
The Floriculture building on the Fairgrounds has housed, for many years, the UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County and the floral competition area. We encourage county residents to share their gardening talents with our community by completing the Fair Entry Form at tinyurl. com/3d5vxnf9. There are so many categories and prizes for ornamental plants and flowers, home grown crops, floral arrangements and children’s dish gardens. All the categories can be seen at tinyurl. com/3r2ewrny. A visit to the Floriculture Building will not disappoint. It contains vibrant displays of the county’s
best gardens from cut flowers, glorious floral arrangements, cute little fairy gardens and mass displays of plants. Flower farmers from all over El Dorado County entered an amazing display last year, and it is with great anticipation that we look forward to even more participation this year. Maybe you can even get inspiration from one of the exhibits for your home garden. Master Gardeners will be staffing the Floriculture building to answer any questions you may have about gardening in El Dorado County.
The tradition of county fairs is important for many reasons: They provide significant economic impact in their local communities. They help to preserve a rural lifestyle that is integrated into our culture. Participation in county fairs teaches lifelong skills like hard work, dedication, friendship, pride, perseverance, work ethic, leadership, putting the needs of others ahead of your own and how to win or lose with grace and dignity.
ON DUTY
Shingle Springs native earns Military Excellence Award
Marc A. Lindsay Recruit Training Command Public Affairs
GREAT LAKES, Ill. — Seaman Apprentice Zachary Zimmerman, a native of Shingle Springs, graduated as the top sailor from Recruit Training Command, earning the Military Excellence Award on May 8.
The Navy Club of the United States MEA is the top award presented to the recruit who best exemplifies the qualities
conducted by the Rev. Deborah Sabino, Rector of Placerville’s Church of Our Saviour will employ the historical prayer book and liturgy that Caleb Peirce followed in the 19th Century.
Importantly, the two churches will once again be connected through this special Rogation Day service. Rogation Day is an ancient spring tradition among Anglican and Episcopal churches, in which congregations ask for God’s blessing on the harvest and give thanks for the bounty of the earth. In modern times Rogation celebrations often extend to uplifting everyone who works in agriculture, farmers markets, restaurants, public-safety workers, government, military workers and places of healing. All are welcome at this special service at the Emmanuel Church. All are also welcome to attend any of the regular, weekly worship services at the Church of Our Saviour in Placerville. For further information visit oursaviourplacerville.org.
Dust Off your best boots
News release
All About Equine Animal Rescue Inc. will host its 12th annual Boots and Bling fundraising event on Saturday, May 17 at the Cameron Park Community Services District Gym. The event festivities will include a barbeque dinner by Smoque House 33, a live dessert auction, a silent (virtual) auction, entertainment and a no-host beer and wine bar. The event raises funds to support AAE’s horses and operations. AAE is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization that typically cares for 50-60 horses at any given
time. AAE has rescued and rehabilitated over 415 horses since its founding in 2009; more than 320 horses have been adopted into loving forever homes. Support horses-in-need by attending this fun and exciting evening. All About Equine Animal Rescue Inc. is located in Pilot Hill. Its mission is to rescue and rehabilitate horses and other animals, restore them to good health and find each one a forever home.
The event will start at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 17 at 2502 Country Club Drive, Cameron Park. For more information or to purchase tickets visit allaboutequine. org/events.
There will not be a shortage of things to do this year. Each day will feature musical entertainment, carnival rides and on Friday evening there will be Hot Rod Truck and Tractor Pulls; on Saturday the worldfamous annual, since 1939, Studebaker Wheelbarrow Races will take place; and, on Sunday, the Rubicon Jeep Jamboree Challenge will put both rigs and their drivers to the test.
County fairs are a
of enthusiasm, devotion to duty, military bearing and teamwork. The award places him at the pinnacle of today’s newest sailors. Zimmerman is awarded a flag letter of commendation as part of his recognition.
The award, according to Zimmerman, is the best possible first step to begin his naval career.
“Being recognized is an honor and a privilege,” Zimmerman said. “Because I didn’t have a lot of expectations, I was happy when I found out I’d been nominated. To even be considered is something I was really grateful for. To know I’ve made my family proud is something I can carry with me for
slice of Americana and a place where memories are made. This year’s El Dorado County Fair has many events planned to get you moovin’ and groovin.’ So, gather family and friends and come out and enjoy this year’s El Dorado County Fair. The Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open, weather permitting, on Fridays and Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon. First Saturday tour starts promptly at 9 a.m. Check the website for further information about activities. Master Gardener classes are offered monthly throughout the county. You can find a schedule at mgeldorado. ucanr.edu/Calendar and recorded classes on many gardening topics here: mgeldorado.ucanr. edu/Public_Education/ Classes. Master Gardeners are working hard to answer your questions. Use the Ask a Master Gardener option on mgeldorado. ucanr.edu/Ask_a_ Master_Gardener or call (530) 621-5512.
Courtesy photo
The Floriculture building houses the Master Gardeners and the floral competition area.
Courtest photo
Seaman Apprentice Zachary Zimmerman earned
Drive, Placerville. For more information visit placervillearts. com.
Pleasant Valley Grange will host a Craft and Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 4765 Pleasant Valley Grange Road, Placerville. Vendors wanted, call (530) 6441602 for information.
American River Conservancy invites the community to visit Wakamatsu Farm for its free and family-friendly Open Farm Day
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join All About Equine Animal Rescue for its 12th annual Boots and Bling at 4 p.m. including barbecue dinner, live, silent and virtual auctions, entertainment and a no-host bar. Boots and Bling raises funds to support AAE’s horses and operations. For more information visit allaboutequine.org/events.
Join the El Dorado Roses for the El Dorado Rose Ball with
Master of Ceremonies Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil at the American Legion Post 119 in Placerville at 5:30 p.m. For more information call (530) 409-2094.
A collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families and the Department of Defense, the Blue Star Museums program provides free admission to all activeduty, National Guard and
Reserve military personnel and up to 5 family members beginning Saturday, May 17, Armed Forces Day, through Sunday, Sept. 1 at the California Museum. Learn more or purchase tickets at californiamuseum.org/ bluestarmuseums.
Voices of California presents Singin’ and Swingin’ at 3 p.m. at Rosemont High School in Sacramento. Visit
HELP WANTED
TK/K Instructional Aide Latrobe Elementary School 6 hrs/day 7:30-2:00 M-F, 185 day school year, starting salary range $21.35-$24.03/hr + med/dental/vision/PERS. Apply online edjoin.org/latrobeschool. Contact Tracy 530-677-0260 x301. Open until filled.
BURIAL PLOTS
voicesofcalifornia.org for more information.
Symphony d’Oro in Rancho Cordova presents Beethoven’s Best at 4 p.m. For tickets or more information visit symphonydoro. org.
“I’ve noticed some changes, and care about your well-being...”
Knowing When it’s Time to Discuss Assisted Living
e goal is always maintaining independence and a quality lifestyle. The following are signs it could be time to consider Assisted Living.
❏ Di culty with Daily Tasks: Struggling with cooking, cleaning, shopping, or managing household chores.
❏ Safety Concerns: Experiencing frequent falls, accidents, or feeling unsafe at home.
❏ Health & Medication Management: Having trouble keeping track of medications or scheduling doctor appointments.
❏ Declining Physical Abilities: Noticeable decreases in strength, mobility, or endurance that make everyday activities challenging.
❏ Cognitive Changes: Increased forgetfulness, confusion, or di culty making decisions.
❏ Social Isolation: Feeling lonely, isolated, or experiencing a decline in social interactions and engagement.
❏ Family Concerns: Loved ones expressing worry about safety, health, or overall well-being.
❏ Maintenance Challenges: Struggling to keep up with home maintenance, nances, or daily self-care routines.
If you have questions or it’s time to take the next step, Ponté Palmero is here to help.
